Celeb Crush- Sarah Jessica Parker

Friday, September 28, 2012


I love how Sarah Jessica Parker because she is always understatedly sexy and effortless!  She changes up her gorgeous locks often and I dig it!  
"I'm looking for love.
 Real love. 
Ridiculous, inconvienent, consuming, can't- live- without -eachother love."
Carrie Bradshaw-Sex and the City

Cauliflower Pizza

Thursday, September 27, 2012






This pizza is amazing!!!!!!  You will totally get that "pizza indulgence" feel without the guilt!  We all attacked it like wolverines!!!!  

Cauliflower Crust Pizza
Serves 2; Adapted from Your Lighter Side.
ingredients:
1 cup cooked, riced cauliflower
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp crushed garlic
1/2 tsp garlic salt
olive oil (optional)
pizza sauce, shredded cheese and your choice of toppings*


directions:
To "Rice" the Cauliflower:
Take 1 large head of fresh cauliflower, remove stems and leaves, and chop the florets into chunks. Add to food processor and pulse until it looks like grain. Do not over-do pulse or you will puree it. (If you don't have a food processor, you can grate the whole head with a cheese grater). Place the riced cauliflower into a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 8 minutes (some microwaves are more powerful than others, so you may need to reduce this cooking time). There is no need to add water, as the natural moisture in the cauliflower is enough to cook itself.
One large head should produce approximately 3 cups of riced cauliflower. The remainder can be used to make additional pizza crusts immediately, or can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
To Make the Pizza Crust:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, stir together 1 cup cauliflower, egg and mozzarella. Add oregano, crushed garlic and garlic salt, stir. Transfer to the cookie sheet, and using your hands, pat out into a 9" round. Optional: Brush olive oil over top of mixture to help with browning.
Bake at 450 degrees for 15 minutes.
Remove from oven. To the crust, add sauce, toppings and cheese. Place under a broiler at high heat just until cheese is melted (approximately 3-4 minutes).


Enjoy!
*Note that toppings need to be precooked since you are only broiling for a few minutes.


I topped with veggies we had on hand... red, green and yellow peppers, spinach, olives, mushrooms and I grilled up some onions!  DELISH!!!

Keeping it cute while camping!

My hunny's big milestone birthday is this year so to celebrate we took a big glamping trip kidless!!!  It was amazing!!!  Even though our trip was  a bit more luxurious than the roughing it in the woods with just your sleeping bag, it still took a little thinking through to keep cute on this trip!!  Here is my list of "Keeping it Cute while Camping" essentials!

Beauty:


1.  Bobby pins- for those little braids you add into your pony when you hair is a little dirty
2.  Ole Henriksen Facial wipes- for any easy face cleansing
3.  Laura Mericer tinted Moisturizer with SPF - for your sunscreen and a little coverage
4.  Fresh Tinted Lip Balm with SPF- your lip protector with a little color
5.  Sparkly headband-for when your hair gets really dirty
6.  Elastic hair ties- for a fashionable and breakproof pony

Fashion:


1.  Sunnies- to cover any dark circles and lack of mascara
2.  Scarf-for morning breakfast and chilly nights
3.  Sweater- for all occasions that need a little snuggling
4.  White tank- to layer under everything
5.  Denim button up- to layer or wear alone
6.  Shorts- for warm days
7.  Skinnies- Dark wash to slim and skinny to fit in boots
8.  Boots- the essential in our trip and a great addition to yours







A day in the life...Alexandra and Anthony Engaged!

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Warm yummy breakfast smells on a snuggly rainy day!  Alexandra of Alexandra Works dreamt up this sweet "Day in the life" concept and I am giddy for it!  Not only are Anthony and Alexandra beyond good looking they are sweet and their home exudes love and warmth!  I was soooo excited to be part of their engagement shoot with the one and only Braedon Flynn! She wanted something fresh and clean with a little sass for hair and makeup!  I mean, really!!!!  You can't make the girl look bad if you tried your hardest!!






 Their adorable shoot was featured on Inspired by This earlier this year! 

 Now go make something yummy and snuggle in with your hunny!



Skin Series: Night Creams

Tuesday, September 25, 2012


It's inevitable that after I slather on my night cream my hubby gives me that come hither look.  I swear he know's night creams are a pretty penny and just wants to ruffle my feathers.  Anyway, TMI!!!!  Once I've put on my night cream I'm done for the night!!!  I am big fan of night creams and feel like they are the powerhouses and sealants of our nighttime routine!  Whatever your needs are, I've compiled a little list below of the best of the best.  I have become used to a little heavier night cream but in the hot summer months I like something light and love the the more sheer options like the little Arcona number below.  Nighty Night gorgeous!!!!


EMINENCE MANGO NIGHT CREAM




Description: Super hydrating and rejuvenating

Skin Type: Normal to mature, dry, dehydrated or devitalized skin types

Key Ingredients:
Mango Juice:high in antioxidants and Vitamin A; moisturizes the skin without clogging pores
Shea Butter: moisturizer high in triglycerides and fatty acids; excellent emollient for skin; replenishes the skin moisture barrier
Coconut Milk: moisturizes and softens skin
Grape Seed Oil: antioxidant, emollient. Source of active bioflavanoids. Lubricates and rejuvenates the appearance of skin
Homeostatine® (Marine Algae, Tara Tree): helps to prevent dehydration, reduces the appearance of wrinkles
Biocomplex™: a booster of antioxidants, vitamins, Coenzyme Q10, and Alpha Lipoic Acid to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve the appearance of skin

CAN BE FOUND AT www.EminenceOrganics.com or retailers for around $64.00

ARCONA MAGIC WHITE ICE 


Daily hydrating gel moisturizes deep within the dermis without clogging pores, to protect against environmental damage and leave skin fresh and dewy. Moisturize skin with white cranberry complex, hyaluronic acid and mucopolysaccharides. Neutralize free radicals with proprietary mineral complex of beta-carotene, vitamins B-5, C and E. Clarify skin with anti-microbial totara extract and grapefruit complex.

CAN BE FOUND AT www.Arcona.com for $38.00

OLAY PRO X HYDRA FIRMING CREAM



Description
Pro-X Hydra Firming Cream by Olay is designed and professionally tested to help optimize elasticity and firmness by plumping and locking in moisture.

CAN BE FOUND AT TARGET AND MAJOR RETAILERS FOR AROUND $40.00



ESTEE LAUDER RESILIENCE LIFT NIGHT



Resilience Lift Night

You want it all—the lifted look, the firmer feeling and the radiance that reflects how beautiful you are. While you sleep, get the more lifted look, the firmer feeling and the radiance that reflects how beautiful you are.

The exclusive Nocturnal Lift Complex helps give skin the critical time it needs to boost its natural production of collagen and support proteins for a more intensive nighttime lift.

Wake up to skin that looks younger, more lifted, firmer and newly defined.

CAN BE FOUND AT MAJOR DEPARTMENT STORES FOR $80.00




My Top Emmy Beauties!

Monday, September 24, 2012

My Top 8 Countdown.....

8.  Hayden Panettiere 
Gorgeous upswept bun and glowing youthful makeup.  She always looks so fresh!

7.  Julianne Moore
I'm a sucker for a red head and Julianne Moore is one of the lovliest!  Adore how she paired her clean and simple eye with burst of lip color to accent her amazing yellow gown! 

6.  Amanda Peet
Amanda does the pearly pinks so well!  Her hair out her face is so lovely on her to keep her look simple and feminine!

5.  Zoey Deschanel
Man can that girl where some bangs!!!  I love her look always because she just has the sweetest sense of personal style!  She keeps it girly and flirty and I dig it!  Gorgeous effortless bangs with her bright lip! Perfect!

4.  Jessica Pane

Can't deal with how gorgeous this look is!  Super sexy and retro!  Just perfection with that red lip and flawless skin!  Not to mention her hair is just stunning!

3.  Heidi Klum
She just can do no wrong!  She just keeps getting better and better!  She always looks so effortlessly glam and put together!  Love her dewy, glowing skin and retro waves!

2.  Julianne Hough
I have never seen Julianne Hough look more gorgeous!!  She looks incredible!!!  I'm insane for her rosy smokey eyes and finger waves!  She looks like a million bucks!!  Way to go Ryan Secrest!!!

1.  Emily Vancamp
 I love Emily's look!  She is statuesque with a accessibility about her!  She just is regal to me!  I LOVE her show Revenge and die for her Emmy look!  She accencuates her flalwess skin with a fresh dewy look and keeps everything super fresh with a nude cheek and lip and a dark lash line!
 Her hair was fabulous in that it was soft and effortless around the face but still exuded a  classic Grace Kelly esque feeling with her undone chignon.

Her details were so soft and feminine against her greige (beige+grey) gown that just floated on her!  I love love love her super sweet bow bracelet, understated clutch and simple ring.   


Who to the cake for you last night in the beauty department??





Sarah and Chad- Green Gables Estate, San Diego

Even though I was already booked for Sarah's big day I had the pleasure of dolling her up a couple times before the big day including her engagement shoot!  I adore her!  She is so sweet and so full of life!  She adores Chad and he seems crazy about her! Isn't her simple beauty just stunning?!  









Photography: DnA Photography
Event desgin: Whit Mitt events
Hair and Makeup: Tera for Kacee Geoffroy Hair and Makeup

Skin Series: SPF and Light Moistuizers

Friday, September 21, 2012

Rise and shine morning glory!!!!  SPF is our best friend when it comes to our morning regimen!  We use all these amazing products to combat discoloration, wrinkles and acne and then we neglect our number one protector...our SUNSCREEN!  Here are some of my faves that aren't your typical sunblock smelling sunscreens.  I hate a yucky smelling SPF!  They are power packed,  multi-tasking and smell yummy!!!


DDF PROTECT AND CORRECT WITH SPF 15



What it is:
A skin-brightening facial moisturizer with SPF.

What it is formulated to do:
Reclaim the natural radiance of even-toned, youthful skin while helping to prevent future discoloration with DDF Protect and Correct™ UV Moisturizer SPF 15. This facial moisturizer contains a potent micro-radiance complex™ that diminishes the look of discoloration for translucent, healthy-looking skin. It also contains SPF 15 to help protect from UVA/UVB damage and future hyperpigmentation.

CAN BE FOUND AT www.Amazon.com for around $40.00




OLAY REGENERIST SPF 30

This anti-aging formula hydrates to help rebuild cellular surface structure and restore firmness, regenerating a more youthful appearance. It helps block direct DNA damaging rays to help protect skin and maintain collagen's structural integrity. Powerful anti-oxidants help protect the skin's surface from free radical damage.

CAN BE FOUND AT TARGET AND MAJOR RETAILERS FOR AROUND $30.00



EMINENCE TROPICAL VANILLA SUN CREAM SPF 32

This incredible formula is clinically proven to increase the skin's moisture content by 250% in only 7 days! It revitalizes and hydrates with shea butter while soothing vanilla offers a light, sweet fragrance. It shields against UVA, UVB and UVC rays with an SPF of 32, thereby helping to prevent age spots, sunburn and other signs of sun damage. This lush, tropical moisturizer is suitable for all skin types.

CAN BE FOUND AT www.EminenceOrganics.com   for around $68.00

Skin Series: Eye Creams

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

I don't know about you, but this crow's feet business is not cool!!!!  My hubby's eye wrinkles make him look more handsome and I just look wrinkly!!  What the heck?!  Eye creams have been the bane of my existence for a while now.  I personally hate heavy feeling creams yet want to get the job done! I know that in order to really diminish the appearance of those fine lines I would potentially need some injections and I'm personally not into that route so  Crow's feet must either go away or stay the same from here on out!  After a couple years of good trial and error here are my faves......

OLE HENRIKSEN TRUTH IS IN THE EYES

What it is:
A peel concentrate for the under eye area that offers a natural, gentle antidote to dark circles and fine lines.

What it is formulated to do:
Created by Ole Henriksen (skin guru to the stars) to address the specific needs of the eye region—specifically signs of fatigue and age—this exfoliating formula will revolutionize skincare for the under eye region. Because the tissue around the eye is so fragile, it is often recommended NOT to exfoliate that area. This groundbreaking blend represents a new realm of possibility for more youthful skin around the eyes.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan


ROC RETINOL CORRECTION EYE CREAM


INNOVATION:
RoC® RETINOL CORREXION® Eye Cream is clinically proven to reduce the signs of aging around your eyes. This non-greasy, moisturizing cream is especially formulated for use around the delicate eye area. The skin around your eyes will feel healthier and look younger. 

RESULTS:
Visibly reduces wrinkles around the eyes and crow's feet in 12 weeks. In addition, it evens out dark circles and reduces puffiness in 4 weeks.
CAN BE FOUND AT ANY DRUGSTORE  FOR AROUND $22.00


AMORE PACIFIC MOISTURE BOUND

A unique gel-cream formula that treats the delicate eye area. Formulated to hydrate, fill-in fine lines, while reducing puffiness and dark circles.  Works to maintain a youthful, rested appearance.

Benefits :

 Improves skin texture around the eyes by diminishing fine lines and wrinkles
Stimulates skin’s own production of anti-oxidants, fighting free radical damage which lead to skin aging
Improves circulation to get rid of dark circles and the look of being tired
Provides immediate as well as long term restoration of the skin’s protective barrier – which is the skin’s natural self defense against aging
24 Hour Time-release
Paraben Free

Ingredients and technology : 
Exclusive Radiance Eye Complex™ – increases circulation around the eye to reduce dark circles and puffiness.
Bamboo Sap – increases cellular turnover and regeneration, improving skin thickness and radiance

Exclusive 5 Hydra Complex™  includes : 
HPED Bamboo Leaf Extract and Cactus Fruit- repairs inter-cellular bonds and restores the lipid barrier from the inside, preventing excess moisture loss
HPED Green tea – stimulates the body’s own anti-oxidants to fight free-radical damage which delays aging from lifestyle and environmental factors
Wild Soybean-increases hyaluronic acid production, dramatically improving the skin’s ability to hold moisture, as a result, also improving collagen production improving firmness, reducing lines and wrinkles
Water Lily – evenly circulates moisture where it’s needed deep under the skin’s surface

CAN BE FOUND AT www.Amorepacific.com or www.Sephora.com for around $85.00






Nina and Chris-San Gabriel Mission

Monday, September 17, 2012

I first met Nina and her mom at her trial run a week before the big day!  She was so full of love and excitement!  It was so infectious! They added so many fun details to their big day and I adored their use of bright summer pinks and purples!  Congrats to the gorgeous Nina and Chris!  
To see more of their big day check out the lovely Love Ala photography!







Photography: Love Ala
Coordinator: So So Fab events 
Hair and makeup: Kacee Geoffroy