Meow, Nails That Roar and Purr

Inspired by the Louboutin Manicure, I am not patient enough to simply wait for my nails to grow. (Nor do I wish to have acrylics at the moment).

So I decided to dabble a bit with some colors and created a design to fit my playfulness- and I am quite delighted with my results.

A clear coat to begin- a few rather large dots of a tan or copper coating, and then finished off with some well placed black dots: you have leopard print nails that roar. Kitten has been a long time nickname of mine, and so it is only appropriate to make the move.

I love it, and its really rather simple (this is my first attempt and I think it came out rather well, especially as that is my right hand pictured just above). I played around a bit with the tan and copper- I think I like the copper better as it stands out more.

The nude underneath makes it more subtle I think. Another great option would be to put a brilliant red shade as the first coat and then the spots on top of it.

A white base would be fun too- or perhaps keep the clear base and make the tan/copper spots white spots instead- for that snowy look.

Even a royal blue may be a fun base for the daring and playful, for the special occasion of course. It will look great with a cocktail, not to mention those fun cocktail rings.

I think next time I may even add a pink flirtatious flair and have pale pink spots surrounded by the little black ones.

I will have to explore the rest of the animal kingdom as well- there have been a few giraffe print shoes and handbags I have been eying and I think matching it to the nails is just the thing.

So have a little fun and expand it to your liking- or keep it simple and see the attention you receive.

Here’s to pretty nails.

Louboutin Redefines Manicures For Nails

Louboutin is constantly finding new ways to be involved in my fashion world. And this time, from an unexpected source.

Miss Zoe Pocock of the exclusive Daniel Galvin Salon in London has introduced us to the Louboutin Manicure- simple, elegant, and sultry.

Pictured here from Grazia Magazine is the classic red beneath the shoe we all adore translated to the nails by being painted underneath. The top of the nails are black to match the shoe, though truly it can be done in any color to match whichever of Christian Louboutin’s shoes you may be wearing. So long as the red is in place you are ready to go.

I am anxious to try it myself, just as soon as my nails grow to a decent length again. In the meantime I am feeling quite inspired to play with some colors a bit on my own.

Kir Royal, A Luxurious Delight

I love my cocktails- I really do. One that I particularly cherish is the Kir Royal.

That bubbly black currant combination always brings a smile to my face- how can you not be happy and relaxed?

There’s something delightful about having a late breakfast on a Saturday or Sunday and pairing it with this beautiful drink.

I love to sit at a French Bistro and watch the world go by, nibbling on some rich appetizers and sipping my Kir Royal.

Its lovely in the evenings, too- of course. Any beverage is, but there is just something special about it in the day that I cannot help but indulge in.

Prepared quite simply and not to be fussed with:

Creme de Cassis … and

Champagne

Garnished as you like, though little is needed for this delightful drink. Who needs an excuse to enjoy a little champagne anyway? Make your own little celebration for your pretty self.

Glamorous Gourmet Bites At Home

Devilishly delicious and oh so simple to prepare-I love to incorporate it in any of my meals. Phyllo Dough or Puff Pastry Dough ads the extra bit of glamor to any bite you may desire.

I’ve made it on my own many times though I must say there is nothing wrong with the store bought- its prepared and ready and simple to use, not to mention less time consuming.

It is so easy to use that shapes and designs are simple and the results are lavish-you’ll look like a master of special reserved skill. Also its fun to let your creativity roam and be admired as well as enjoyed.

I adore to make my pizzas with phyllo dough- it ads that buttery crisp flakey balance to the creamy rich cheese. I tend to use goat cheese and gruyere on mine- topped with fresh tomatoes, pancetta and basil leaves. Yum.

On a day to day basis, I cannot help but prepare my favorite- a spinach pouchette. I keep it simple with spinach, gruyere, and garlic. Simple, easy, quick- and so wonderful.

The variations are endless and delicious. Experiment with the different styles, too- whether it is flat, in a triangle, rolled up, in a pouch, or in a creation of your own.

Dessert is just as easy as well-and as sweet as you care to make it

A Rose Tres Tres Belle of Pinot

Lovely, beautiful, and incredibly scrumptious. I dare you to find something as divine; this is truly a gem to be treasured and enjoyed. I adore pinot noir and my love only grows stronger here.

Don’t let its adorable color frighten you- it is like no other blanc you may have had before. It has the character and taste of Pinot Noir with that Je Ne Sais Quoi that will keep you happily returning for more. Its priced at about $25 which is perfect, the most delicious pinots are usually priced above $20. Below that price point it becomes a bit of a miss for the most part in my experience, and I much prefer to enjoy my beverages.

Belle Glos Pinot Noir Blanc Rose is a must- MUST, must must must have. It honestly is that many musts.

Look for the wax dipped bottle or simply the pink gleaming in the light, and purchase a bottle (or two I would recommend) to share with friends and loved ones.

This is a dear treat I enjoy for myself or for friends- I love watching their reaction as they taste it for the first time. It is an instant love affair.

Beauty in the Mud

When it comes to luxury and gorgeous skin, I find when a little pampering at home is involved- it is truly never a bad thing. Borghese Fango Active Mud for Face and Body is just the thing. Now, I’ve been using this particular product for years and have enjoyed the many rewards. Its not just the nutrients and cleansing that I love though- its the feeling experienced from usage. What I mean is taking the time to just relax and take care of the little details and melt away any horrors or stresses of the day.

There is something magical for me when I have relaxed with the mask (if only for a few moments) and then remove it with a wet towel or sponge- Instant Reviving my skin and my mood. It is like starting over every time- that feeling of ultra clean and something of royalty. Its beautiful.

About once every two weeks for my face has become my routine, and as I said previously for many years now with much reward. My skin is healthy, radiant, and glowing. Very nice save for the mornings when I must get up and go on an unexpected dash-little to no make up looks fine. More so, I feel great and that is really what counts.

Once a month or so I like to take a leisurely bath and reward the rest of my body with a little mud mask. There’s nothing like taking the time for yourself and for your skin.

The best part is your skin thanks you the rest of your week with a radiant healthy glow.

Do be warned though, a first time use can be a bit tingly as its rids of all the junk buried deep beneath. Afterwards you are great to go though and the experience can be much more enjoyed. Results are pretty instant but continued use for maintaining is recommended.

Never over do it, as with any product. Your skin needs time to create more dead cells and ‘trash’ for you to take away, if its done too often you may be taking more good than bad- after all you want to keep your skin in tact!

Balance is key. Drink plenty of water to rid the toxins and nourish the skin within.

Dark Knight Continues To Rise

Wow, wow. No spoilers are given if you are among those who have yet to see this gem. Be assured, you will not be dissapointed.

Dark, creepy and dirty the way I love it- no unnecessary dramas or cringing corny lines. Even the pictures I had seen prior to the film were new again when presented (context and watching things in action redefines them all and makes them so much more powerful).

As for the Joker, I could have not been more pleased with how Mr. Heath Ledger played the role- an absolute psychopathic killer and not the hum drum jester.

What appealed to me the most was how it was portrayed so real. The characters weren’t fantastic superhero cartoons, moreover they were carried out and reacted to as actual people behaving out in society.

For the man of his society to become the joker or the batman is what you see, not the man in tights dancing about and calling out lines. The city’s involvement and responses, too, further the reality of how such a spectacle would be applied to life. It is crime in the real sense, not of childish antics. The people’s fear is real and treated as real in their situation.

Harvey Dent’s character grows in the film, as any Batman Admirer would know or expect. Also not to disappoint I will leave my words of him there. Please note, you will not be disappointed here either.

[Yay]

Another viewing is in order for me, and I will also be seeing the film on IMAX. I am quite curious to see it from such a view. If you have yet to see it- WATCH IT though I am sure you certainly are; if you have already seen it, I would encourage you to watch it again, though you probably are.

Chateau Richard Bergerac Wine

Organically farmed and certified by ECOCERT, I was pleasantly surprised and happy to taste the Chateau Richard Beragerac Wine. Presented in a half bottle it has an appealing charm and comes with a pleasant reward.

Bergerac itself is a town in France East of Bordeaux and in the Dordogne departement. Its location at the Dordogne river offers excellence in its grapes and wines that are well known as among the best of the Bordeaux region. The Red wines of Bergerac are best for tasting when aged from 2-4 years, which makes the 2005 just right. Full of fruity flavor- particularly black cherry and plum and some hints of vanilla, it has a nice balance to the tannins and acidity of the wine.

Many times half bottles can be quite alarming with their price tags, though this one I found more welcoming at $15. Its a reasonable jump if its your first and you will not be disappointed.

Trying wines (both familiar of names and those perhaps strange at first) and finding what you like is what it is all about- and you do not know until you try.

Classic And Timeless Or “IT” Accessories

The Kelly, Hermes did it well and so the name is forever spoken with an immediate reaction of fashion awe. Chanel’s classic quilt design in its subtly and quality still brings a warm smile to my face. They are classics that will last a lifetime.

Zac Posen is constantly revealing beautiful and sophisticated designs that capture what we love of the past and bring it to a modern state with designs that reach us now. His Beatrice Bag pictured here is one I admire greatly. Its size shape and color are simple and beautiful to create a wonderful masterpiece.

When it comes closer to the it and now you see one of two things- either something comfortable and large with warm colors or something structured and bright with bold playful colors. Chloe’s designs are very comforting and warm, I always think of billowing dresses and the care-free attitude. Its appeal is functional as well and is a trend that runs long into the future. Its perfect or spring and for anyone one the go with much to tote around.

Marc Jacobs has fun and playful pretty colors that I cannot help but love. With fun classic shapes to more modern structured designs. His purse here just makes you instantly feel pretty and makes me want to throw a tea party. I love it.

Almost everyone makes their statement piece- whether its the Motorcycle Balenciaga Bag, The Ivory Horn or Muse YSL Bag, or what have you- its about finding something that speaks to you that you will love, use, and enjoy.

Have as many as you like; some comfortable ones to change out depending on circumstances, but I think it is important for everyone to have at least one bag that just makes them beam. One that makes them feel grand no matter what the day brings. Its costs can be high and vary from bag to bag- but that’s what makes it so grand, too. Have a success- achieve a goal and reward yourself. The bag will remind you of your success each time you wear it (and hopefully motivate you to do more of the same).