Fashion.Food.Passion.
I wanted to share with you guys some pictures and a tutorial by one of my beautiful friends, LaLa Banks. She loves makeup and the makeup definitely loves her. She uses a lot of wonderful colors bring so much definition and fun to her eyes! Check out her videos! More to come as she continues to share some of her makeup adventures with you!
World Book Night U.S. is an ambitious campaign to personally give out thousands of free, specially printed books across America. Volunteer book lovers like myself will help promote reading by going into our communities and handing out free copies of a book we love to new or light readers, reaching them especially in underserved places – and even some fun spots. Volunteers will be picking up the books at a local bookstore or library in order to go out and share them in locations as diverse as VA hospitals, nursing homes, ballparks, mass transit, diners, and more. From Kodiak, Alaska, to Key West, Florida, in 6,000 towns and cities across America, 25,000 volunteers will give away half a million free books on.
I am very proud to be a part of the first World Book Night in the U.S., following the impressive launch of this campaign in the UK and Ireland last year.
My chosen book is “I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings” by Maya Angelou. It’s a book I read for the first time when I was younger that just stuck with me. It’s a 1969 autobiography about the early years of African-American writer and poet Maya Angelou. The first in a six-volume series, it is a coming-of-age story that illustrates how strength of character and a love of literature can help overcome racism and trauma. The book begins when three-year-old Maya and her older brother are sent to Stamps, Arkansas, to live with their grandmother and ends when Maya becomes a mother at the age of 17. In the course of Caged Bird, Maya transforms from a victim of racism with an inferiority complex into a self-possessed, dignified young woman capable of responding to prejudice.
Would like a free copy of the book??? Leave a comment letting me know your favorite Maya Angelou Poem!!!! Winner will be Selected
*Please include email address and name.
Share your favorite books with someone today!
Thanks to Walgreens for underwriting this post. I was paid as a member of the Clever Girls Collective, but the content is all mine. Visit http://www.discoverbeautywithin.com/
The great thing about being a lady is that we have so many options for our personal beautification projects from different colors, foundations to cleansers and more. It’s so much to decide on and make good decisions about. Sometimes (such as me) we may not have the luxury of time to browse for hours online and in stores for products. We need something now and preferably for the right price (code for cheap). Let’s say your boss told you today at 5:30pm, he needs you to represent that company at a fun event at 6:00pm. There is no time to make it home and no product but foundation and lipstick in your purse, so what do you do? You need more than those two products and this is when you need your quick solution. *Whispers* your local drugstore will come to the rescue, yes you heard me right. Hidden in your local drugstore (well not hidden, but outside of the pharmacy section) you can find many products to create a quick quality look for the right price.
For me, my go to drug store is Walgreens! What I love about Walgreens there is a whole section of beauty finds usually on sale. I recently visited Walgreens to create two great event looks on the run! I walked out with four items! Wet N’ Wild Color Icon Eye Trio- I Got Good Jeans, Rimmel London Glam Eyes HD Quad Eye Shadow- Purple Reign, Wet n’Wild Color Icon Brow & Eye Liner Pencil- Taupe, Wet N’ Wild Silk Finish Lipstick. These products came to approximately $10, which with these sets you can create numerous combinations of looks.
First Look
For this look I wanted to lighten Helen’s eyes, so I went with the Wet N’ Wild Color Eye Palette which comes with three colors: silver, blue, and gold. For those women needing a little more help it even tells you which color goes on each section of the eye.
Fun Outdoor Special Events
Second Look
After Work Networking Event
For this look I decided to do something quick that complimented my outfit color and just create a new blended color that I could do in the bathroom at work if needed. For this look, I used the Rimmel palette to bring out my purple dress.
Cascading skirts is definitely something you will see a lot of this year, if you decide to get you one do something a little upbeat that matches your personality, not just usual ones you find. For me the Cynthia Rowley Bow skirt would be perfect because Im all about pearls and bows. You can also purchase reasonably priced skirts and alter. For example I could find a cascading skirt and actually sew or purchase clip on bow and add it to the front. For me the skirt is already a bit much so I would like to bring it down a notch with a simple statement t-shirt because that’s just how I roll.
This dress was really calling my name. Its just so gorgeous and I’m having a love affair with stripes right now so it definitely had to make a appearance on the website! These Casadei or similar pumps would be a great edition to this short dress, grow the legs as I like to call it!
Hendrick’s Gin will bring it’s own unusual twist to the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival in New Orleans, LA fromWednesday March 21st through Sunday March 25th. Known the world over for its most unusual nature, Hendrick¹s will pay tribute to the legendary Tennessee Williams (our full activity schedule can be viewed below the fold).
Tennessee was a man with a wildly creative mind and refined taste, but also an unshakable lover of gin. Whether it was a martini or his beloved Crescent City classic, the Ramos Gin Fizz, Tennessee is remembered by many locals and historians who knew him as a man who enjoyed many an evening (or perhaps an early morning) tipple.
In honor of toasting two New Orleans originals, Hendrick¹s offers up the below libation:
The Hendrick¹s Ramos Gin Fizz
v 1.5 parts Hendrick¹s Gin
v .5 part fresh strained lemon juice
v .25 part fresh strained lime juice
v .75 parts simple syrup
v 1 egg white
v 1 part heavy cream
v .25 part whole milk (optional)
v 3 drops of orange flower water
§ Combine all ingredients in cocktail shaker without ice, seal and ³dry shake² for approximately 60-90 seconds, to whip egg whites and gain correct consistency.
§ Then, re-open shaker adding ice, seal and shake vigorously until contents are well chilled.
§ Strain contents into Delmonico Cocktail Glass, top with soda water and lemon garnish.
HENDRICK’S GIN AT THE TENNESSE WILLIAMS LITERARY FESTIVAL
ACTIVITY SCHEDULE: MARCH 21ST MARCH 25TH, 2012
Tom Sancton presents ³Song for My Fathers² at The Old U.S. Mint
Come view this unique multimedia exhibit as part of an intimate Hendrick¹s Gin cocktail reception before experiencing Sancton¹s guided musical tour in this critically acclaimed stage production that blurs the lines between personal journey and historic account. It¹s a history lesson that will have you dancing (and imbibing) in the aisles.
Date/Time: Wednesday, March 21st | 6:30 PM 9:00 PM
Location: The Old U. S. Mint, 400 Esplanade Avenue
Join Hendrick¹s Gin in Raising a Glass to ³Mendacity²
Imagine Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, A Streetcar Named Desire, and The Glass Menagerie, thrown into a blender to create a hilarious cocktail of Southern silliness. Featuring an all-star New Orleans cast, signature Hendrick¹s Gin cocktails, dessert, and a little southern decadence will sweeten the night at this don¹t-miss event.
Date/Time: Thursday, March 22nd | 6:30 PM 8:30 PM
Location: Hotel Monteleone, Queen Anne Ballroom
Talking Tennessee: A Conversation with Piper Laurie and Amanda Plummer
Piper and Amanda will reminisce about the challenges of their respective roles in The Glass Menagerie and their experiences in joining Tennessee¹s sorority of fabulous, flawed, unforgettable female characters. Tennessee Williams¹ surely beloved cocktail, the Ramos Gin Fizz, shall be served fresh courtesy of Hendrick¹s Gin. Huzzah!
Date/Time: Sunday, March 25th | 1:00 PM 2:15 PM
Location: Hotel Monteleone, Royal Ballroom
Stanley and Stella Shouting Contest
Contestants vie to rival Stanley Kowalski¹s shout for ³STELLAAAAA!!!² in the unforgettable scene from A Streetcar Named Desire. Female contestants are welcome to try a little role reversal and yell for ³Stanley². Hendrick¹s Gin will indeed award the worthy contest winners for their most vociferous efforts.
Date/Time: Sunday, March 25th | 4:15 PM 6:00 PM
Location: Jackson Square
Ever since I had the chance to dine at the famous Dooky Chase Restaurant with wonderful cuisine from the divine Chef Leah Chase, I haven’t been the same. Mostly I haven’t been the same about cobbler. The absolute thought of warm cobbler makes me want to do a happy food dance like a kid! I just had to try this wonderful dessert on my own! I decided to try out Paula Deen’s recipe for Peach Cobbler which was extremely easy, with the process taking a little under a hour for me to complete. You can check out the recipe here: Paul Deen’s Peach Cobbler
One of my favorite new soaps has to be the Softsoap Coconut Scrub Bar Soap. This soap first off smells delightful, it lingers on your skin leaving you smelling fruity lol. The coconut scrub bar is enriched with crushed coconut extracts leaving your skin smooth and yummy! This specific soap helps support natural moisture in your skin and is actually a good choice for the body as well as face. It works up a good lather and gives full coverage for your washing purposes. It’s very gentle and a good/safe choice for different types of skins.
Ingredients
Soap (Sodium Tallowate, Sodium Cocoate and/or Sodium Palm Kernelate and/or Sodium Laurate)
Water
Glycerin
Fragrance
Sodium Chloride
Citric Acid
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Pentasodium Pentetate
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract
Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil
Tetrasodium EDTA
Titanium Dioxide
Iron Oxides
*Received this product complimentary to test through Influenster’s VoxBox program*
I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Grand Opening of Bistreaux Metairie. A great restaurant led by the unbelievable Executive Chef Jason Schwartz. This establishment is a great place to get a yummy meal as well as enjoy club service in Metairie.
The new restaurant is located in the lakefront area at the beautiful Marriott Metairie at Lakeway. The theme that is followed completely here is “Inspired Comfort Food” with things such as the Truffle Mac & Cheese. This delightful restaurant made its first appearance at French Quarter’s historic Maison Dupuy Hotel under Executive Chef Michael Farrell, which was distinguished as “Best New Restaurant” this year by New Orleans Magazine. From this inspiration Bistreaux Metairie comes to life. This is definitely a place worth checking out!
While there I tried the Cajun Cuban Press which consisted of roast pork, shaved andouille, and tasso ham, with swiss cheese and pickles. This was a phenomenal sandwich that I could have all night if allowed to, it melts in your mouth. I also tried the Steak Frites which is a top sirloin with an amazing blue cheese butter. This is a great place to hang with friends or enjoy a nice meal with co-workers. Something about Bistreaux makes you just want to talk and have a good time.
It doesn’t hurt that they have Club Service, making wonderful cocktails right at your table . I will be visiting here again soon.
I recently had the chance to try the New York Color Liquid Lip Shine, which creates a 3-D gloss effect while feeding your lips nutrients such as Vitamin E. This lip shine is a great look with great moisture for those with dry lips. This pure pigment comes in creamy and soft texture, which helps it not to feel sticky like many glosses when putting on. New York Color Liquid Lip comes in ten shades ranging from neutral nude, to berries and fuchsias. The one I’m using is “Nude New York”, this is a perfect choice if you just want a nice shine on your lips or if you have plans to wear a lip stick, it helps give a great effect to your newly colorful lips. Another great thing about this product is the cost! It’s only $2.49. You can get all the colors and not set your pockets back in the process. There is also a whole line of great New York Color products for face, eyes, lips as well as my favorite nails (They have the best quick dry nail polish).
This is what I call a great purse product. When you on a run and need a quick touch up you can have a good look quickly from in your purse with this great lip shine that comes in great colors.
*Received this product complimentary to test through Influenster’s VoxBox program*
