Balsamic Beauty

Beautiful and deliciously simple- a favorite of mine that will always be is a classic heirloom tomato and balsamic vinegar salad. Fancied up or just simple- it is absolutely divine and a must.

Heirloom tomatoes are wonderful- you know them, they are the tomatoes with the bright yellow and green colors in a variety of shapes and sizes. Combined with a few cherry tomatoes or those of your choice and then drizzled in an aged balsamic vinegar and you are in pure heaven.

Fancy it up a bit with some goat cheese or even a gruyere, some fresh basil leaves, and then maybe a few fresh slices of prosciutto-Mmmmmmmmmmm…. so rich!

If you want more of the salad feel, try some arugula or endive- make it your own and play around with the options but keep it simple with fresh ingredients.

Balsamic vinegar alone can be an experiment, with so many available and of different ages- find one you like if not a few. A different balsamic will make a completely different result every time.

Great by itself or wonderful paired up with other appetizers. The heirloom tomato & aged balsamic salad is a luxury too simple to avoid.

Luxury of Spa V

Living in a world where luxury knows no bounds, a true gem and loving favorite of mine remains in Spa V of the Hotel Victor Miami. It is an underground world of serene luxury. Indulge in the eucalyptus steam room or simply melt away in the appropriately titled cool down room. STRETCH ME is a particular favorite of mine, consisting of a mix of anything from Thai massage to deep tissue- they construct the massage to your needs and desires. It is a must, not to mention the many treatments they offer to combine with it.

Pool and parking is complimentary to guests of the Spa and Hotel and are to be taken advantage of, especially as the beaches can become quite crowded and parking on a sunny day impossible.

Another indulgence I would recommend is having a bite or drink from the Vix- service is welcomed in the cool down room for a bite before or afterwards, meaning you need not move an inch for luxury. They’re menu is as beautiful as it is delicious; with so many playful drinks it is hard to decide. Though I must admit, when detoxing after a massage- drink plenty of water and avoid the tempting alcohol.

Make a day of it instead- arrive early and enjoy the pool with some lunch and a drink. Unwind in the cool down room and prepare yourself by relaxing in the steam room. It is a beautiful way to end the massage as well.

Find a time earlier in the day or week and you will often find the spa to yourself- another luxury.

Gourmet Glamour

The sandwich is everywhere and in as many styles as the imagination allows. However, why limit such a delicious and simple creation to only the restaurants about town? The best consist of a few simple choice ingredients and are made with a little love.

There’s nothing to be afraid of, and use your creativity and taste to make one that speaks to you. Its great for parties and luncheons- invite some friends over to enjoy your new style, perhaps personalize some to them as well.

The simplest thing is to pick a fresh bread that you like, maybe a brioche from the bakery. Experiment with your greens, red cabbage or arugula are a few of my own favorites. Texture and color are fun- a soft bread with a crisp cabbage and maybe a melty cheese- mmm.. I adore gruyere or goat cheese myself. Maybe some balsamic and cherry tomatoes, too. It doesn’t have to be perfectly neat- a little mess can be pretty appetizing as well.

Here’s a star from Eric Greenspan’s restaurant in LA that needless to say looks quite delicious. So experiment in the restaurants and coffee shops and then bring the inspiration home for you and your loved ones. Make every day a little more special with just a touch of detail.

Here’s to more inspiring bites.

Honey, Honey

Mmmmm… so delicious and yes, actually- so very good for you. Especially local honey that has been unfiltered. Nothing clears up the sinuses like a spoon of local honey- it naturally helps your body adapt and adjust to the regions air and pollen. It is beneficial remedy to fatigue, stress, pain and asthma and even known to ease a hangover.

Honey is naturally loaded with vitamins and minerals and is easy to digest as it has been previously digested by the bees. That means no work for your body, only accepting the beautiful nutrients it has to offer-including lots of antioxidants.

Yummy- absolutely yummy. It also holds potassium, and as bacteria cannot survive in it- it will never go bad.

And for your skin- it both attracts and retains moisture vital to healthy skin; think of it as a natural toner. Its also a natural anti-irritant which means avoiding the worries chemicals bring. In fact, the natural healing qualities are beneficial to scars and burns.

Two tablespoons a day will do wonders for you, I encourage it in both taste and health. Its too delicious to pass up.

Remember, it isn’t for babies but great for adults.

Lovely So Lovely Lashes

With this mascara on alone, I feel like a beautiful doll and so thankful for it.

As loyal and happy as Guerlain has always kept me, nothing compares to the outstanding results achieved from the le 2 Guerlain Mascara -magnificently luxurious. One simple brush does more than anything I have ever seen or used in my career even as a model, and adding coats emphasizes even more. The two brushes are brilliantly crafted to apply with such ease it is insane. Nothing was overlooked.

I am an addict for most anything Guerlain, they’ve never lead me wrong. I admit I have more besides their name in my collection, and mascara is one item I have always traveled around with- from Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, to Givenchy. I never found one that had such an instant wow factor until now, and I cannot tell you how satisfying it is. I feel like a beautiful doll now with nothing but mascara on. My lashes are so clean and pronounced in volume and length.

It is a beauty must- must for anyone.

A Wine To Love

This is one to be admired, shared, and enjoyed- once sought after and found. A friend turned me on to this most treasured jewel after living in Sonoma for two harvests. He became familiar with the wines and people of the region and returned with so much to share; I am very fortunate and especially thankful for this one.It is beyond the greatest of my expectations of the flavors of Sonoma Coast with an intense focus on the fruit. It is such a delicious true gem with an enormous audience in agreement. ZEPALTAS 2006 La Cruz Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is acknowledged by Wine Spectator with an outstanding 95 points! That’s not something that happens too often, and it is wonderful to see such a great wine to be correctly appreciated.

Its price tag is a friendly one at $47 as it comes only from Zepaltas Wines. I would recommend optioning for the Magnum and I think you would be pleased in doing so. Look for yourself at www.zepaltaswines.com for the latest. Zepaltas is getting recognized as well it should- be among the lucky first to enjoy this one with your closest friends.

Wonderland In Spring

It is a wonderland of pretty and perhaps one for the dreamworld for now; I cannot help but reflect upon Dior’s fantasy rings. The name alone says extravagant, and I cannot help but admire it.

The rings are quite expensive, and their materials warrant the price. It isn’t something I have at the moment, but that won’t stop me from acquiring similar ideas in my wardrobe. I love vintage as much as the new and I will be looking for broaches and pins with a floral and/or colored stone design to wear in my hair, on my scarf, on my purse, or even on my jewelry (maybe a broach holding together a strand of pearls around my neck or wrist). It is fun to experiment, and most of the time the results are pretty.

The Shoe

My love for Christian Louboutin knows no end; my heart skips a beat at its beautifully crafted shape and flash of the red beneath. This one in particular is a beautiful silver with a light tough of jewels to present an open toe. Open toe is everywhere, especially as it is playful spring. A color like this can go with A N Y T H I N G really, especially with bright colors (for those a bit too timid to reach out to the bright colored shoes to match). It makes a beautifully elegant statement that is simply divine.

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And for the twist on the classic black- still classic and refined with a bit of playfulness at the heel is another from my love of Louboutin. The shoe alone remakes any simple cocktail dress one might pair with it. It is a beauty to be admired from all angles. I will allow this one to speak for itself- but do take note as well as inspiration

Color Me Pretty

Its spring and the flowers outside my window are so vivid and rich in color I cannot help but wish the same. Looking at the latest trends you have bold rich color standing out- even pastels have been reinvented to a more decadent look.

It looks like an explosion of creativity and a wonderland of beauty- the couture may be excessive for actual life, but its statement is simply brilliant. I love the color, and I know I will be wearing it this season. Its too fun, and bold colored shoes with a simple and maybe cleverly shaped dress is also a must.

Much love and beautiful colors,

xx

Let’s Get What’s Obvious Out Of The Way

Let’s keep pretty a pretty thing- no shallowness, no enormous egos, no bad behavior. Its so important you may be overlooking the critical point which is how does this apply to you.

I want you to be pretty, and why shouldn’t you be given that opportunity. Being pretty involves being healthy, confident, radiant, successful, and happy. Starting by giving a little extra attention to yourself leads you to obtaining these qualities. We live in a world of first impressions, and how you carry and present yourself speaks volumes. Being pretty takes out the worries and stresses, suddenly allowing you to do whatever it is you do and do it well- if not have fun while doing it.

Simply, by doing so you’re taking time out for yourself, looking into the details, giving some thought to yourself, and preparing yourself for whatever may come your way. Someone who first takes the time to look and care for themselves is someone who does so in everything they do. You have to look out for you, its who you are after all. Start living the world the pretty way.