Eyes: Ardell Wispies

 Ardell 'Wispies' false lashes really helps glam up the eyes.

 Remember to cut your falsies to fit your eyes!  If they're too long they don't help open up your eyes, they actually make them look more droopy and closed off...and we don't want that look.

This is my eye makeup for a friend's wedding this past Saturday.

MUFE White eyeliner pencil in the inner corners.

L'Oreal Voluminous Black Mascara

MUFE Black Gel Eyeliner

Lancome Art Liner Black

Urban Decay Naked Palette Eyeshadows: Virgin, Naked, Gunmetal

Urban Decay Naked2 Palette Eyeshadows: Pistol, Tease

I really like the UD Naked Palettes because all the eye shadows are so easy to blend.

They make great gifts for your girlfriends too, super easy to wrap!

My 2012 Wish List

I have cut back on my shopping habit, but that doesn't mean I have to cut down the length of my wish list!  I linked everything for you if you fancy. ;)

Chan Luu Wrap Bracelet -Golden Shadow

"Golden Shadow Mix Crystal Wrap Bracelet on Natural Brown Leather" $240
I've been waiting for the perfect one Chan Luu, and what's more me than a bracelet with Swarovski Crystals! :D

Chan Luu Wrap Bracelet -AB
"Crystal AB Wrap Bracelet on Natural Brown Leather" $240
I can't decide between the two bracelets!  What do you think? Crystal AB or the Golden Shadow Mix Crystal bracelet? :D

Custom Strassed (Swarovski) KitchenAid Mixer, $2000 
It's $1700 if you provide the mixer lol

Over 10,000 Swarovski Crystals were applied. I read that it took the woman behind "Bling Diva Designs" 22 hours of labor. It would be a very expensive DIY project for sure.  

Sniffany & Co Dog Bed, $120
I would never pay this much for a doggie bed, but it's just so cute!  My boys would totally destroy it.  But I think it's the cutest bed for a sweet, well behaved little girl dog. :)  Did you know they have Koko Chewnel dog toys too? haha

 

Sam Edelman 'Garisson' Sandal, Rose Gold $129.95
I first saw these sandals online and then went to Nordstrom to check them out.  They're really cute in person!  It looks very well made, and I also read really great reviews about them.  I have the 'Gigi' sandals which shares the same sole, and they are pretty darn comfy.  I have several pairs of Sam Edelman shoes and they all have been very true to size. I didn't take them home yesterday and that is why they're still on my wish list. :)  I like the Rose Gold color, but they also come in Silver.  I super love the style, very Greek Goddess like!  But I like wedge sandals because they are more flattering to wear in the warm months.  I'm trying to be more ladylike. ^_^ 

Kate Spade New York "Aubrey" Wrap Dress, $438
This is such a gorgeous silk wrap dress!  The print and the color is right up my alley.  I love purple. :)  Wrap dresses are very figure flattering as well! I would love to own a DVF wrap dress someday too.

Cellula Chandelier, $2,730

It's made with Swarovski Crystals!  I've wanted this for a few years now, and have probably blogged about it several times. lol  I swear the price keeps going up!  I've seen it in person more than once at Design Within Reach, and have seen it on sale once in the past.  I'm pretty sure I can make something like this for a fraction of the price with some help.  It looks so good!  I definitely envision this chandelier in my dream closet and bathroom. :)  A girl can dream, can't she?
What did you like more? The Swarovski KitchenAid Mixer or Swarovski Chandelier? :D  

Le Creuset Signature 10-Piece Cookware Set, $999.95-$1250
I have no idea what color to get yet, but I still have a lot of time before I make that decision. :)
I've been spending a lot more time in the kitchen now, and I really want to teach myself how to be a decent cook.  I look forward to splurging on some cookware someday.  I currently have a 3 year old standards set of pots and pans from Costco.  I like my set, but I accidentally burnt the bottom of one of my pots. : /  Never leave the stove unattended!  I learned the hard way.

House of Harlow 1960 Abalone Stations Necklace/Two Tone $150-$225
I have the black leather version and I love it!  It's one of my favorite statement necklaces.  I really want to see the Abalone version in person, but it's been really hard to find in stores. 

ghd Purple Peacock Spring/Summer 2012 
I already own the limited edition pink & white ghd flat iron from a few years ago. But the new Purple Peacock edition has black and purple which are my favorite colors! I want to trade it in! I recently made a custom "Peacock" themed DSK Everything Bracelet for a customer too.  Vannie and I also saw a Peacock run across the street in Vancouver, WA last month!  It's fate!! jk

I love the little shiny black dot details on the styler and the purple plate! I've never seen the plate guard.  Mine didn't come with that, but it did come in a similar box and travel case.  If you have been waiting to get a ghd, consider one from the Peacock Collection.  ghd has won the InStyle Best Hair Straightener Beauty Buy award for nine years running, after all. ;)

Minh asked me if it's the Cadillac of flat irons?  I said, it's from the UK so it's more like the Aston Martin of flat irons. I actually did a little research on this and ghd is heralded as the "Aston Martin of Haircare." ^_^ Go me!

"Make A Statement This Season with Peacock"
Available in three colourways – deep amethyst purple, rich emerald green and dazzling sapphire blue – each Peacock collection features a ghd Gold Classic styler with coloured plates and accents and a protective plate guard, along with a luxe storage bag and roll mat. Embellished with tonal Peacock embroidery and trimmed with sleek silver hardware, this heat-resistant satin roll bag protects your styler when not in use, while the heat mat provides a safe resting place during styling. This Peacock Purple limited edition features the ghd Gold Classic styler with purple plates and accents and a co-ordinating purple roll bag and heat mat.
 
I have been very into haircare these days, but I wish I was naturally good at styling my hair.  My only hair skills include curling or straightening. I have many styling tools as most of you already know, but I do treasure my ghd the most because it really is one of the best out in there market (and the investment was a pretty penny). They do come with a 2 year manufacturers guarantee.  Cheers for everyday high end haircare. ;D

You can find the ghd Peacock Collection at ghdhair.com, Sephora, and Nordstrom. 

I Made Macarons!

Can you believe I made these macarons?!  I'm still super happy about it! :)

I have loved macarons every since I had my very first one from La Panier in Downtown Seattle's Pike Place Market.  I discovered the delicious macarons at Bakery Noveau in West Seattle not too long after.  They had a much larger selection, and I was hooked!  Minh and I used to make special trips over the bridge to West Seattle to get our Bakery Noveau macarons. ^_^ However, I noticed the bakeries started to make their $1.50 macaron smaller and smaller. :( Some days were hit and miss in freshness and taste. 

A couple months ago I decided to look up recipes online, and watched a couple Youtube videos.  It looked a little bit complicated because most of the videos were actually pastry chefs with their industrial strength mixers and ovens.  It seemed like everyone had their own recipe!  I had no idea which one to follow so I just sat on it. I got even more discouraged when I read comments about failed attempts, and how "hard" it is to make the perfect macaron.

A few days ago I saw Chef John from Food Wishes post his macaron recipe and I was so happy!  Chef John is freaking awesome at simplifying cooking and baking recipes, directions, and instructions. Plus, he has a really great sense of humor.  Minh and I really enjoyed watching his videos for his personality.  You never actually see him in the videos, but you hear his voice as he shows you step by step on how to cook and bake. I got inspired and I built up the confidence to attempt my macarons with Chef John's blog post and Youtube video recipe. :)

The most important part about making macarons is to make sure you measure out all your ingredients exactly, and to sift all of your dry ingredients apart from the granulated sugar which is used in the meringue.  From what I've read, you will fail miserably if you do not follow the directions exactly!  I had to go buy a $5 scale from Target (to measure the dry ingredients), and a new $8 baking sheet from TJ Maxx just because I was so scared from all the comments I read about failed macarons because the measurements were off. lol  Even Chef John did a few things wrong in his video recipe which he later identifies in his blog entry. This is why you should do your "homework" and research a couple other techniques on how to make them before you try.  It's all about patience, and carefully following the instructions.

The macaron template was a life saver! Be sure to slide them out, and remove them before baking!

 In this blog post I will tell you my experience gathering and making the ingredients. ;)

The recipe I followed, which can be found HERE.  Do note that Chef John did a few things wrong such as the way he piped out the batter, and how he rotated the maracrons in the oven.  Those were no no's in the making macaron making world. 

Macarons - A macaron (French spelling) or macaroon (English spelling) is a sweet meringue-based confectionery.

What tools you will need:

-Macaron template you can find and print this off online. Search for "macaron template."  Print two to fit the size of your baking sheet. Remember to remove them from under the parchment paper before you bake the macaron shells!

-Kitchen scale, you don't need a digital fancy one.

-Spatula, you will need this to fold your ingredients

-Electric mixer, if you have a KitchenAid mixer, even better!  I have yet to find my perfect one.  I keep hoping they will update the model so I can buy it already.  You will use this to make the meringue.

-Vitamix Dry Blade Container, or food processor.  You need something powerful to make finely ground dry ingredients.

-Flour Sifter, this is soooo important!  You need to get all the clumps out of your dry ingredients, it is vital to getting a perfect macaron.

-Parchment Paper, use this to line your baking sheet.

-Pastry Pouch, I used a ziplock bag which I do not recommend!

-Teaspoon, you will use this to add the granulated sugar to the egg whites.


Chocolate Macaron "Shell" Recipe:
I made 30 shells total, so that's 15 macaron "cookies sandwiches"


*100 grams powder sugar 
I made my own powder sugar from granulated sugar with the amazing Vitamix dry blade container. I saw in one recipe the chef mixing all the dry ingredients in a food processor.

*50 grams almond meal = almond flour
I made my own with sliced almonds with the Vitamix.  Almond flour is not easy to find at the local grocery store.  It doesn't have a very long shelf life, but you may be able to find it at Whole Foods.  I'm just guessing.  Making your own seems easiest to me.

*25 grams unsweetened cocoa powder 
I used Ghiradelli unsweetened cocoa powder.

*These three dry ingredients go together, mixed and sifted

**2 large room temperature egg whites
They must be room temperature or else the meringue won't form. I learned the hard way when I tried to make it meringue with cold eggs.  Beating the eggs with the granulate sugar one teaspoon at a time until peaks form!  Do not over beat the egg whites and granulated sugar!

**65 grams granulated sugar
This is for the meringue, do not mix it with the other dry ingredients! I almost did that on accident.

**These two ingredients go together

I sifted the powder sugar, almond flour, and cocoa powder literally twice over because I did not want any clumps.  The "secret" to the perfect macaron shell (without any cracks on the surface) is to sift the most fine powder before you fold them in with the meringue.  You fold half the dry ingredients into the meringue at a time. Do not over fold!  Macarons are not hard to make, but it is time consuming.  You must be patience to make this correction.

Once you have folded in the dry ingredients, you move the batter into a pastry piping bag.  I didn't have piping bag so I used a freezer size ziplock bag and snipped one of the corners.  I do not recommend using a ziplock bag the way I did it because it made it a little bit harder to get perfect circles.  I asked my baking assistant Minh to print off some macaron templates off the internet for me. I placed the template under my parchment paper, and squeezed out my batter to fill the circles the best I could.  It was so hard to get them perfect with the freezer bag because I snipped the corner on an angle so it batter did not come out as easily as it could have if I had a pastry bag. I do have very fine hand-eye coordination and motor skills which I believe really helped me in making this dessert (hey, I was born this way.)  If you're a naturally clumsy person like Minh and Vannie, ask for help. lol (hey, they were born that way.) Bake for 12 minutes at 350F. Let cool completely before you touch!

Minh says he realized I'm like a Chef Ramsey in the kitchen when it comes to baking.  I barely ever bake so it's a side of me even I have never seen before!  I guess I just want everything to be perfect, which it should be when it comes to baking.  Maybe I have found my calling outside of jewelry making!

Ganache - a filling for pastries made from chocolate and cream.
Chocolate Ganache (the filling) Recipe:


1/3 cup hot heavy cream
I bought a carton of heavy whipping cream

4 oz dark chocolate chopped
I bought Lindt Swiss dark chocolate.

Pinch of salt
I used Trader Joe's pink salt because I didn't have any sea salt on hand, but next time I will use sea salt.

You mix the hot heavy cream with the chocolate, and salt to make the ganache.  The recipe said to let it cool before filling the cooled cookies.  I found refrigerating the ganache made it a lot easier to work with later.

Dark Chocolate Macarons brought to you by DSK Steph!

The edge of the cookie is is called the feet.  I think the goal is to get as big of feet on your cookie as possible. lol  They taste so so amazing!  The sweet shell is slightly crunch, and the inside is moist and chewy.  I used to think how do they do that?!  But now I know! : ) Who knew ground almond flour was a key ingredient in macarons?

I will try a different flavor next!  I want to be able to gift my friends and family with these fun little desserts soon!

Watch Chef John's Video Recipe for guidance, and good luck! 

I feel such a great sense of accomplishment and self improvement after conquering the macaron.  I can't wait to share them with my family and friends!  Thank you Chef John from Food Wishes, and thank you Youtube for teaching me how to be a better baker. :)

Random Fact: My dog Timmy still growls at his own reflection in the fireplace. lol

OPI: The Amazing Spider-Man Collection, "Number One Nemesis"

"Number One Nemesis"

Show your metal in this sparkling nickel

OPI The Amazing Spider-Man Collection, Summer 2012

 "Number One Nemesis" with flash.

Word in the nail blogger world is that this dark gunmetal green shimmer is very close to being "twinsies" with Chanel "Graphite."  If you missed out on the Chanel, get "Number One Nemesis" to fill the void.  What are the chances that 2/6 of The Amazing Spider-Man Collection has last season's Chanel twins?  The quality of both Chanel and OPI have always been wonderful.

OPI vs. Chanel

OPI "Number One Nemesis" = Chanel "Graphite"

OPI "Just Spotted the Lizard" = Chanel "Peridot"

$8 vs. $26

Revlon and Deborah Lippmann seem to have given creative "birth" to twin nail polish as well!

I was both excited and bummed out to find Revlon "Whimsical" on sale for $3 (regularly $4.99) at the drugstore only a week or two after buying Deborah Lippmann "Glitter in the Air" for $18.  I have both and I plan on taking some time for myself to analyze and compare the formulas.  I have mixed feelings on "dupes."

Revlon vs. Deborah Lippmann

Revlon "Whimsical" = Deborah Lippmann "Glitter in the Air"

Revlon "Facets of Fuschia" / renamed "Scandalous" = Deborah Lippmann "Bad Romance"

$5 vs. $18 

What are your thoughts on nail polish dupes?

It makes me wonder if they work together or are manufactured in the same facilities. Hmm...

Hello Kitty Brush Set

Vannie and I found this Hello Kitty LE Brush Set on sale at Sephora many months ago, and we snagged the last two in stock!
I had forgotten about this lovely brush set for quite some time until I was cleaning my room last week. I felt the need to share her on blog. :)

I'll let you know the quality of the HK brushes once I used them, but the packaging gets 5 stars in my book. =^_^=

Anyone watching the new Bachelorette with Emily Maynard?  I think this is going to be the best Bachelorette yet!  She seems like such a sweetheart!

Craving Deborah Lippmann "Sweet Dreams"

Happy Saturday!  I saw the two new Deborah Lippmann nail polishes in my e-mail. I wanted to see if I could create a color similar to the new "Sweet Dreams" with what I already had in my nail polish stash.  This is my first attempt with OPI "If You Moust You Moust" and Revlon's "Grape Fizz."

I realized I should have used my Essie Luxeffect "As Gold As It Gets," because of the holographic glitter flecks!

 

Essie Base Coat (This is great!  It prevents yellowing of the nails.)

OPI "If You Moust You Moust" (Vintage Minnie Mouse Collection)

Revlon "Grape Fizz"

Dior Top Coat (It's dries super fast, and it's also super thin for a top coat.)

 

"Sweet Dreams"

"Ray of Light"

"Sweet Dreams" and "Ray of Light" are the two new 3-D Holographic nail lacquers from Deborah Lippmann. 

You can find them at Deborah Lippmann online, and Nordstrom.

They retail for $18 each.

I'm trying to resist buying "Sweet Dreams" for now, and just drool over nail blogger swatches, and reviews. : )  Let me know if you picked it up and your thoughts on the polish!

Great Affordable Gift Ideas for Mother's Day!

Do any of you girls watch Bethenny Ever After on Bravo?  I've seen a few episodes recently, and I really like the show because it makes her seem so real, the way she has to balance work and life. I didn't get into her until after she got her own spinoff show and made the cover of Forbes.  That's when I really got interested in learning more about her, and her Skinnygirl brand.  Her appearances on Ellen were great too!  I just love the way she talks, and how she relates to the everyday woman even though she's so famous.  I admire that about her.  She's such a savvy business woman!  I haven't tried any of her famous Skinnygirl cocktails because I don't drink at home very often, but I do love getting sangria when I'm out somewhere! If it built her the 100-120 million dollar empire..Skinnygirl cocktails must be might tasty.  For now I will try her new body line. :)

Skinnygirl Face & Body offers five luxe gift sets:

Margarita Bath Kit ($15.00)
Sangria Bath Kit ($15.00)
Face Solution Kit ($14.97)
                        Body Solution Kit ($15.97) <-- What I got!
Mommy Kit ($12.88)

How clever is Bethenny?  Skinnygirl Mommy is a genius idea.

Bethenny's Skinnygirl Mommy set would make a great gift for expecting or new mommies!
Speaking of new mommies, a big congratulations to our friends Shefali of Shefspantry.com and her husband on the arrival of their little girl!! ^_^

 The set I got is called the Body Solutions, which I remember Bethenny talking about on her show.

Skinnygirl Body Solution
-Lotion
-Body Shimmer
-Body Wash

 

The lotion has coconut oil!  I've heard so many great things about coconut oil.
You can use pure coconut oil like Vasaline from what I read. (You can also cook with coconut oil.)
The lotion smells like a mix between cranberry and grapes.  You really have to work the lotion into the skin, it's not one of those just quickly lather on and go kind of lotions.  Be sure to take some time for yourself and apply.

I used to be obsessed with finding the perfect body lotion.  I used to care so much about the little things like daily lotion (body wash, shampoo, condition, etc :) probably because I could only buy 1 and use it until I'm done.  Now-a-days, I have at least 10-15 body lotions that I try to rotate!
I love to try new beauty products because life is so short, and you never know when you will find something you absolutely love.

The packaging for the Body Solution line is great for the value.
(One of my summer jobs in college was feeding a giant machine with empty tubes (face up) for creams and lotions).
It was a pretty cool job!

These products won't magically make you into a Skinnygirl like Bethenny over night, but they're products that make you feel good because you're taking care of your skin. :)

Remember:
"There are no ugly women, only lazy ones." -Helena Rubinstein

Sometimes, I remind myself of that quote if I'm feeling the lazy bug!

The body wash smells like cranberries and grapes like the lotion.  It's not an overpowering smell at all.  It's a clear-ish gel that slightly foams up.  It doesn't leave any film after you wash it off.  To be honest, I never knew what Witch Hazel was for the longest time!  I guess it's what I get for growing up in an Asian household...
When I think of Witch Hazel..I think of the bad guy from X-Men! LOL
 

I really like that the body/bronze shimmer comes in a pump.  It's great to give your legs a little glow in the summer sun.  It contains Jojoba Oil and Olive Oil, which can only do good things for your skin. :) It reminds me of a product that you would find in Victoria Secret, but don't worry it won't make you sparkle like Edward Cullen in sunlight or anything like that.  I can't see any glitter on my skin, just a nice shimmery glow.

 Skinnygirl Face & Body was created by Bethenny Frankel – reality TV star, entrepreneurial powerhouse and mother – who stresses that the secret to balancing it all is to remember to take a little time out your day for you!

I think her products are a great alternative to Bath & Body Works products because you can't beat the price for a gift set, and the packaging is perfect for wrapping up.  If your mom or girlfriends follows Bethenny's career (like me) or enjoys watches her show, I think her bath sets would make a great gift especially if they don't know about it yet. : )

The sets are available at Walmart! Visit Skinnygirl Face and Body's Facebook page for more information on Bethenny's line.

 Bethenny is doing everything!  She's like the new Oprah, but instead of having her own magazine she writes novels. lol  

"Lucky is hard work meet opportunity."

I don't think people just "luck" out in life, they actually do something (work hard) to set themselves up for the perfect moment to achieve the fulfillment they were looking for in their personal or professional lives.

I look up to Bethenny as a business woman because she knows how to make the most of her platform.

She gained her fame and wealthy later in life, and that just shows you never know what tomorrow brings to your doorstep. : )  I believe life only gets better as we get older.  What a good deal, right?

 

 I'm a big fan of shopping at beauty supply stores because they have unique sets you don't see elsewhere.  I buy em when I see them because I know they will make great gifts for someone in my life. :) 

"Bare My Soul" & "Tickle My France-y"

 

The set comes with this cute little cosmetic pouch.

Keep your eyes out on these polish sets because they're a great value.

 

"Princess Rules!" & "Bubble Bath"

These two are big favorites from OPI.  I know many girls choose to wear Bubble Bath on their wedding day. :)
 
What are you getting your Mom for Mother's Day?