Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Mischa Barton Shops Rubin&Chapelle Malibu

The secret is out…Mischa Barton loves Rubin&Chapelle!  With the aid of her pooches, Ziggy and Charlie, Ms. Barton picked out some very classy pieces.

Mischa and Ziggy admire the Damia dress while wearing Naan Top in white with a classic Sade Skirt and Morris Belt:

Mischa Barton 1

Mischa fell in love with the Arcade Top and walked out of the store wearing it:

Mischa Barton 2

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Love your Locks with this Reader Giveaway!

We might be enjoying the sun and temps, but summer can do a negative-number on our hair.  Heat, humidity, chlorinated-infused water and all the other outdoor elements we love, can also be extremely damaging, leaving behind ho-hum hair-do’s.

For frizz-prone hair longing for moisture, try Twisted Sista’s De-Frizz Conditioner.  Made with Panthenol to nourish and fortify, the newly formulated conditioner instantly detangles and hydrates (what else would expect from an ingredient like honey???), boosts shine and contains a UV filter.  $4.99 at Wal-Greens.

How do you fix dull lifeless locks?  Easy dolls…get yourself nuNAAT’s Brazilian Keratin Intensive Hair Mask.  Nothing short of amazing, the mask miraculously fills in cracks in hair fibers for renewed life and shine.  Bonus!  It’s also 100% Formaldehyde and Sodium Chloride free!  Use it weekly to eliminate frizz and make hair sleek and manageable.  $5.99 at Wal-Greens.

Want to score some hair therapy of your own?  Two 24-7 Style readers will get both the Twisted Sista De-Frizz Conditioner and Brazilian Keratin Intensive Hair Mask from nuNAAT!  All you have to do is comment on this post letting us know what your number one summer hair dilemma is.  Entries accepted through Wednesday, June 6th and two winners will be chosen at random.  U.S. residents only. 

Earn an extra entry by tweeting the following: Enter to win nuNAAT and Twisted Sista hair products during the @247style Love Your Locks giveaway!  http://tiny.cc/3pg3ew

Twisted Sista

nuNAAT

Friday, May 25, 2012

5 O’ Clock Friday: Fruity Deliciousness!

Fruit is even better in the summer and Valerie Aikman-Smith, author of Juicy Drinks, has come up with perfect ways to incorporate them into your drinks…making them practically dessert!  Enjoy!

Honeydew-Kiwi Frappe
1/2 honeydew melon
4 kiwis
1 lime 1/2 teaspoon agave nectar, plus more if needed
4 cups of ice cubes
Kiwi slices for garnish

Peel and seed the melon and cut into chunks.  Peel, quarter and seed the lime.  Put the melon, kiwis, lime and agave, and ice into a blender and process until smooth. Taste for sweetness and add a little more agave if needed.

Pineapple-Lavender Juice
1 pineapple
1 tablespoon fresh pesticide free lavender blossoms
crushed ice
lavender sprigs for garnish

Peel and core the pineapple and cut into spears. In an extractor, juice the lavender followed by the pineapple.

Make it a Martini…
Ice cubes
1/2 cup gin
1 teaspoon dry vermouth
1/3 cup pineapple lavender juice
lavender sprig

Fill cocktail shaker with ice and pour in gin, vermouth and pineapple-lavender juice. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled glass.  Garnish with a lavender sprig and serve.

5 O’ Clock Friday: Healthy Girl Strawberry Daiquiri or Margarita

Healthy Girl MargaritaLooking for a low-sugar alternative to celebrate the long weekend with?  Try this Healthy Girl Strawberry Daiquiri or Margarita from Chef Kirsten of  Mesa de Vida…Table of Life.  Cheers!!!

Healthy Girl Strawberry Daiquiri or Margarita

1 cup coconut water
1/4 cup raw honey
1 packet Stevia
4 shots rum (daiquiri) or tequila (margarita)
Juice from 1 juicy lemon
Juice from 1 juicy lime
6 fresh strawberries
1 cup ice

Blend until frothy and serve!

Serves 4-5

5 O’ Clock Friday is Family Friendly with Fruity White Sangria

Fruity White SangriaThis 5 O’ Clock Friday post is “family friendly” thanks to the minds at eMeals!  eMeals is an online meal planning service that specializes in helping families save money on groceries.  Below is there White Sangria…perfect for a Memorial Day party with family and friends!

Fruity White Sangria

8 c white grape juice, 64 oz.
2 c fresh squeezed orange juice 2 fresh squeezed lemons
6 c Sprite
Fresh fruit:
2 oranges
1 carton strawberries
2 lemons
2 limes
Mint to garnish

In a large pitcher or container, combine white grape juice, orange juice, sprite and fresh squeezed lemon. Slice fresh fruit and add to juice mix. Refrigerate for a least 2 hours. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh mint if desired.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Label to Love: Chicago’s Stix and Roses

Chicago might be best known for the wind and deep dish pizza, but “The Chi” is definitely emerging as a top fashion locale as well.  Proof: Sararose Krenger’s Stix and Roses line.  Why you should love it?  It’s fabulously amazing of course, but also each piece is handmade right in Chicago!  The 2010 Chicago Reader Chicago Fashion Designer of the Year’s modern-retro bikinis are perfect for the season and the entire line is a flawless mix of edgy, wearable style.  Visit StixAndRoses.com to learn more and view the entire line.

Stix and Roses Bikini

Swarovski Crystal Encrusted Halter Bandeau, $65 and Classic Highwaisted Bikini Bottoms, $60

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stix and Roses Open to Love Top

Open to Love Top, $65 (made with Organic bamboo lycra knits)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stix and Roses Love Me Dress

Love Me Lace Dress, $150

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Stars Love Citizens and GOLDSIGN!

Citizens-Goldsign May

1.  Chloe Moretz displayed her casual-chic youthful self wearing GOLDSIGN “Lure” Skinny Jeans in Position ($240) while out with older brother May 16th in L.A.
2. January Jones and adorable son, Xander, were headed to lunch in L.A. when she was spotted in these Citizens of Humanity “Thompson” midrise ankle length skinny jeans in Wheat Grass ($194).
3. I love a man that can keep up with the ladies in regards to fashion!  Edward Norton sported his Citizens of Humanity  “Sid” straight leg jeans in Ultimate ($172) while attending the “Moonrise Kingdom” Photocall during the 65th annual Cannes Film Festival May 16th, in Cannes, France.
4. Looking so put together at LAX May 16th, Rachel Bilson wore GOLDSIGN “Jenny” high rise, selvage, slim leg, cuffed jeans in Debut ($288).
5. Miley Cyrus and pooch pal were also seen in LAX with Miley donning Citizens of Humanity “Avedon” ($209) ultra skinny jeans in Satellite May 14th.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Win a People Style Watch Subscription from 24-7 Style!

We love People Style Watch and the celebrity styles they show us each month.  From the clothes, shoes and accessories to the makeup and hair, they easily help us decipher what’s hot and what’s not.  For anyone who isn’t already a subscriber, lucky you…we’re giving you four chances to win a People Style Watch subscription!  Here’s what to do:

1) Visit our e-commerce site, 24-7 Style, and tell us what accessories or vintage items you covet most!
2) Earn an additional entry by telling us which celeb would look good in which of our items.
3) Earn an additional entry by following @247style on Twitter
4) Earn a final entry by Tweeting the following: I just entered the @247style People Style Watch Giveaway!  http://tiny.cc/ckopew

Good luck!  One entry will be chosen at random.  US residents only.  Entries must be received by May 29th!

Monday, May 21, 2012

How to Rock a Floral Print

We love florals, but if you’re more edgy than sweet, you might think about forgoing this trend.  Think again!  Easily rock it with the below selections…instead of a goody-goody you’ll feel your inner bad-girl is quietly smiling with the ability to amp-up a floral print.

Flower Print Favorite Tank Top, Eddie Bauer - $24.95; Simply Vera Vera Wang Skinny Ankle Jeans, Kohl’s – $29.99; Mei Vintage Dumpling Satchel, 24-7 Style – $156.00; Twisted Silver Swiss Army Ring, 24-7 Style – $40.00; Love Me Stud Earrings, 24-7 Style – $5.00; Nine West Actout Sandals, Nine West – $69.00

Blog Pics12

Friday, May 18, 2012

5 O’ Clock Friday: Péché’s Italian Root Beer Float

Italian Root Beer Float5 O’ Clock Friday winds down exactly the way you want a hot day in May to come to a close…with a sweet libation that is sure to bring out the nostalgic side in all of us!  Péché, Austin’s pre-Prohibition era-inspired bar that specializes in craft cocktails with homemade ingredients, serves this amazing Italian Root Beer Float and they’re sharing the how-to’s with us.  TGIF dolls!

The Italian Root Beer Float (from Péché owner and “soothsayer” bartender Rob Pate
2 oz. Galliano
4 oz. Mexican Coca-Cola
0.5 oz. heavy cream
Stir and serve on rocks

Photo courtesy Tasting Table.

5 O’ Clock Friday–Tea Time!

Tea drinkers, get excited!  James Labe, the nation’s first tea sommelier, shares with us his exquisite concoctions for 5 O’ Clock Friday, featuring Numi Organic Tea, a premium organic tea purveyor offering Unique Fair Trade products. 

Green Iced Tea, high-resGreen Iced Tea
Created by James Labe

1 Numi Decaf Ginger Lemon Tea Bag
3 oz. fresh Cucumber Juice
1 ½ oz. Tequila
Splash of Lemon Juice

Infuse one tea bag in Tequila for thirty minutes, then remove bag, squeezing
out excess.  Combine and stir ingredients.  Serve on the rocks.  Garnish with Lime Wedge.

 

CANTALOUPE TEA DAIQUIRI- high res 2Cantaloupe Tea Daiquiri
Created by James Labe

1 ½ oz. Numi Emperor’s Puerh Tea
1 ½ oz. Van Gogh BLUE Vodka
3 oz. Frozen Cubed Cantaloupe
1 oz. Coconut Milk
Splash of Lemon Juice

Steep tea at 4X normal strength for 2 minutes, then remove tea bag and chill liquid for later use. Combine and blend ingredients in blender, adding a splash of lemon for each serving.  Serve on the rocks, garnish with Lemon Wedge.



GREY RUSSIAN- high resGrey Russian
Created by James Labe

1 ½ oz. prepared Numi Earl Grey Tea
1 ½ oz. Van Gogh Oranje Vodka

Steep tea at 4X normal strength for 2 minutes, then remove tea bag and chill liquid for later use. Combine and stir ingredients. Serve on the rocks, garnish with Lemon Wedge.

5 O’ Clock Friday: Restaurant Style

We love those fab nights out with friends but re-creating our favorite cocktails was next to impossible…until now!  For your next girl’s night in, three restaurant favorites are below!

HavannaHavanna Cocktail served at The Dutch Miami - Created by Robert Ferrara
.75oz fresh lemon juice
1.5oz home made grape jam
3 tarragon leave
2oz *Russian Standard Vodka*

Combine all ingredients to a mixing glass, add ice and shake for 20
seconds. Pour contents into stemless wine glass and top with sparkling
wine. Garnish with a mint sprig and some fresh cut grapes. Cheers!

 

Cali MojitoCali Mojito cocktail served at Whiskey Park NYC– Created by Michel Dozois
2 oz Caliche Rum
1oz Fresh Lime Juice
¾ oz Agave Nectar (less calories than simple syrup)
8 Mint Leaves
Crushed ice on top
Optional Garnish: Mint Sprig

In a mixing glass, lightly muddle the mint. Add the remaining ingredients
fill with ice and shake until well chilled, strain into an ice filled
highball glass, top with the crushed ice, and garnish.

 

Chu-ChumberChu-cumber served at SUSHISAMBA restaurants – Created by Drew Peterson

2 slices of cucumber
1/2 of bar spoon of agave syrup
2 oz shochu
1/2 oz St. Germain elderflower liqueur
1 oz lime juice

Mix together and shake thoroughly in a martini shaker, and then strain thoroughly.Garnish with a cucumber. 

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Go Wrinkle Free with Wei East and HSN!

Wei EastWanting to find the newest, most natural way to work out any wrinkles that have set in?  Check out Wei Brian, founder of the largest Chinese herbal skincare company in the U.S. this Sunday on HSN as she shares another miracle-worker in her repertoire, Wei East’s Sichuan Holly Wrinkle Away Face Serum. 

Using a combination of Sichuan Holly, Silver Grass and White Rose Root, wrinkles are smoothed and the appearance of expression lines improved.  For more information, including before-and-after's, visit WeiEast.com or HSN.com.

Better yet, watch HSN this upcoming Sunday, May 20th at 6:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m. or 4:00 p.m. (Eastern) for the debut of Sichuan Holly Wrinkle Away Face Cream!

Sayonara wrinkles!

British Brands you’ll Love Now Available in the US!

Just when you thought you were running out of places to shop, three famed British brands are finally available all in one place!  Warehouse, Oasis and Coast London have launched a US based e-commerce platform with a shared cart (I LOOOOOVE shared carts!) at AndOtherBrands.com.  A few of our favorites are below…Cheerio mate!

Zip Side Shorts

Warehouse Zip Side Shorts, $68

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ombre Pleat Dress

Oasis Ombre Pleat Dress, $95

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marilla Dress

Coast London Marilla Dress, $390

These Clutches Work for Day or Night–Now in at 24-7 Style!

Tribal print is so hot right now and we have two new clutches tempt your wallet.  Plus, both are a part of Amy Kathryn’s My Bag is Her Bag Program with proceeds benefitting Gayaha Links and the Rwandan women who make the bags.

Daisy Waves

Amy Kathryn Daisy Waves Clutch, $49

 

 

 

Daisy Gray

Amy Kathryn Daisy Gray Clutch, $49

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Why I Love Milan this Summer

No not the city (although I’m sure it’s heavenly right now), the color!  Susan Posnick’s ColorEssential lipstick in Milan ($19) has become my go-to when I want to wear a bold lip.  There’s irony here for two reasons: 1) I’m not a lipstick girl, and 2) nude has always been my preference in lip color.  Regardless, the rich hue goes on smooth, moisturizes like a balm and lasts forever.  Milan is my big gesture of being dramatic with my makeup - AND, the perfect little magnetic cap, keeps it closed – so no worries about messes in my bag regardless of where I’m going.

Check out the line, in shades specifically developed in shades that flatter everyone, at SusanPosnick.com

Milan

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Must Read: I Never Promised You a Goodie Bag by Jennifer Gilbert

If you’re searching for your next good read, be sure to check out I NEVER PROMISED YOU A GOODIE BAG: A Memoir of a Life through Events – the Ones You Plan and the Ones You Don’t by NYC event planner Jennifer Gilbert.  The book (on sale today at places like Barnes & Noble and Amazon) recounts how the author battled back from a near-death brutal attack to become an award-winning, sought-after event planner, once again finding both her joy and laughter through her celebration of life itself.

Be sure to read the Marie Claire excerpt and check out Jennifer on the Today Show tomorrow morning during the 10 a.m. hour with Kathie Lee and Hoda!

GoodieBag

Friday, May 11, 2012

Last Call for 5 O’ Clock Friday: The Tomato Kiss

Tomato Kiss (1)In need of a summer cocktail to serve at your next get together?  With fresh Sweet 100 tomatoes the Tomato Kiss from Absinthe Brasserie and Bar’s Jeff Hollinger in San Francisco will be your go-to and have guests raving!  Cheers!!!

Tomato Kiss

3 to 4 'Sweet 100' tomatoes, halved
10 to 12 cilantro leaves
1/3 teaspoon kosher salt
1 slice habanero chile
1 ½ ounces silver tequila
¼ ounce Cointreau
¼ ounce fresh lime juice
2 'Sweet 100' tomatoes, skewered for garnish (optional)

In a mixing glass, muddle the tomatoes, cilantro, and salt into a paste. Top with ice and add the chile (if desired), tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice. Shake until cold and strain into a salt-rimmed cocktail glass. For a "cleaner" presentation, this drink can be strained through a fine-mesh sieve.

5 O’ Clock Friday with Favorites from Croft, Camus, Frangelico and Pinnacle!

The weekend is almost here and if you’re entertaining this weekend here are more drink ideas from brand favorites Croft, Camus, Frangelico and Pinnacle!

Croft SangriaCroft Sangria

24 oz Croft PINK Port
3 oz amber rum
6 oz fresh orange juice
3 oz fresh lemon juice
1.5 oz simple syrup

Place seasonal fruit in the bottom of a pitcher (lemons, oranges, apples, etc). Combine Croft PINK Port, amber rum, orange juice, lemon juice and simple syrup to the pitcher and stir. Serve over ice.

 

 

CAMUSritaCAMUSrita
2 oz CAMUS VS Elegance Cognac
1 oz sweet & sour Mix
1 oz Grand Marnier

Combine all in a shaker with ice; strain into a small rocks glass with salted rim. Garnish with a lime wedge.

 

chocolate_pretzel_shotChocolate Covered Pretzel Shot
Equal parts Frangelico and Pinnacle Whipped
Chill both ingredients with ice and strain into a shot glass. Lick salt off your hand and then shoot the chilled shot.

5 O’ Clock Friday: Summer Cocktails from Canard, Inc.!

Planning soirees for everyone from Valentino to Target might prove to be taxing for anyone else, but for the brilliant minds at Canard, Inc. it’s just another day at the office.  But what would a party be without a fabulous cocktail?  With that being said, not only is the New York catering company creating one-of-a-kind events but also one-of-a-kind drinks serve at their shin-digs.   No worries, if you haven’t been invited to one of their parties, we have the next best thing, three of their very best summer cocktails.  Enjoy!

Jalapeno-Spiced SangriaSummertime Jalapeno-Spiced Sangria
In a pitcher combine and stir:

1 bottle of white wine, such as Riesling, Albarino, Chablis, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc
4oz tequila
1Ž4 cup sugar
1-2 sliced jalapeño peppers
2 sliced plums
1 sliced peach
1 lemon (sliced)
1 lime (sliced)
4-5 whole cherries, pitted
3-4 cilantro twigs

Top with club soda, or for those with a sweeter tooth, try ginger ale or champagne.

Golden StateGolden State
1.5 oz of Vodka
1/2 oz St. Germain elderflower cordial
2 oz of fresh white grapefruit juice
1 oz of chilled ginger beer
Grapefruit twist garnish 

 

 

 

 

Hibiscus CoolerHibiscus Cooler
8 ounces of Vodka
2 - cups boiling water
1/2 - cup dried organic hibiscus flowers
3/4 -cup organic sugar
1/4 -cup freshly squeezed organic lime juice
4 -cups chilled water
Ice

In a medium bowl, pour the boiling water over the flowers and steep for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid into a pitcher and discard the flowers. Stir in the sugar and lime juice, add the water, add the vodka – stir again and serve the cooler over ice. 

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Shop Now, Save Big!

Now through the end of May, save $15 off of any order of $75 or more (enter code SAVE15 at checkout)!  And as always, free shipping on orders of $25 or more (no code needed).  Check out these customer favorites:

VPBS12-2TVintage Pendleton Blazer, just $30!  Also our most “Pinned” item!  Styled to perfection with these 24-7 Style accessories: Nugaard Designs Cotton Thread Wrap Bangle in Pink, Vintage 3-Chain Bracelet, Island Designs by Harry Haslett Multi-Bangle Cuff and Nugaard Designs Erica Necklace.

 

 

 

 

 

Classic Earrings

Twisted Silver Classic Earrings, $40.00.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ZSH4F11-2T

Zambos & Siega Peggy Clutch, now just $65 (originally $130)!

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Stars and their Jeans…it’s a Citizens and GOLDSIGN kind of World!

Goldsign and Citizens 5-9

Clockwise starting at left:

1. Even after Pilates, Miley Cyrus looks like a million bucks, as seen here April 26th in West Hollywood, wearing Citizens of Humanity “Avedon” ultra skinny jeans in Satellite ($209).
2. Mila Kunis looks cool and casual running errands May 5th in Los Feliz, CA wearing Citizens of Humanity “Thompson” midrise ankle length skinny jeans in True ($198).
3. Awww…Naomi Watts and her super-cute passenger were out over this past Cinco de Mayo weekend as Watts sported her GOLDSIGN “Jenny” high-rise selvage slim leg cuffed jeans in Debut ($288).
4. After rehearsing Saturday Night Live May 3rd, Rihanna left in a pair of Citizens of Humanity “Thompson” midrise ankle length skinny jeans in True ($198).
5. Emma Roberts was chic as ever wearing Citizens of Humanity “Avedon” ultra skinny jeans in Satellite while attending the Shops at Target Launch Party May 1st in NYC ($209).
6. Leaving her hotel in NYC April 24th, Rihanna channeled her sporty side wearing GOLDSIGN “Thrill” cropped jeans in in Divine ($178).
7. Not to be out-done by the ladies, Glee star Cory Monteith wore a pair of Citizens of Humanity “Core” slim leg jeans in Roger while attending the show’s Academy screening May 1st in Hollywood.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Pamper Mom Pretty with a Gift from Tocca this Mother’s Day!

Don’t look now, but Mother’s Day is right around the corner and if you’re still searching for the just-right-gift to show your mom you love her, look no further than Tocca Beauty.  The line, ranging in price from $8 to $58 per individual item, is more lux than the traditional lotions-and-potions you find on every street corner and provide a more natural way to pamper-mom-pretty.  Two recommendations:

Tocca Body WashStella Bagno Profumato, Italian Blood Orange Body Wash ($18):  This paraben-free body wash offers a fresh invigorating summer scent that lathers to perfection.  Natural essences like olive oil, honey and calendula extracts leave your skin extra soft and I LOVE how easily it rinses…because unfortunately, not all body washes do!

 

 

 

Tocca Body LotionStella Crema da Corpo, Italian Blood Orange Body Lotion ($20).  Another paraben-free option that contains natural extracts from sweet almond, shea butter and honey all of which combine to moisturize and soothe sensitive skin.  The formula absorbs super quick and there’s none of that slippery greasy mess left behind… just your very own super-soft skin. 

 

 

 

The beauty line at Tocca not only offers great body washes and lotions, but also pretty soaps, lip gloss, candles and more.  Visit Tocca.com for more info or to find a store near you that carries the line.  Happy Mother’s Day to all celebrating (you can thank us later for the tip)!

**Sample provided for review purposes, but no worries dolls, all opinions are my own.

Friday, May 4, 2012

5 O’ Clock Friday: Tingle your Taste Buds with The Cilantro

CilantroOne more Cinco de Mayo drink for you to impress your friends with!  Below, The Cilantro, a signature cocktail from Chris Parke at Raphael Restaurant in Studio City, Calif.  Parke, mixologist for Raphael, is renowned for creating one-of-a-kind cocktails with the freshest of juices and herbs. Fresh cilantro, lime juice and jalapeno combine for a spicy, yet light and summery, kick.  Happy Cinco de Mayo amigas!

The Cilantro
Signature Raphael Cocktail by Chris Parke

2 oz. Karma Tequila
Fresh cilantro
1 oz. agave nectar
1 oz. fresh lime juice
2 slices jalapeño

Muddle jalapeño and a pinch of fresh cilantro in the bottom of a glass. Fill the glass with ice and pour in tequila, lime juice and agave nectar.  Shake well and strain over ice into a bucket glass. Garnish with a lime wheel and orange twist.

5 O’ Clock Friday: La Chica Margarita

La Chica MargaritaDid you know Cinco de Mayo is celebrated more in the U.S. than it is in Mexico (figures…we’re always looking for a reason to throw a party or get together with friends!).  The below recipe comes to us from Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, currently celebrating their 25th anniversary in 23 locations throughout New England!  Enjoy!

La Chica Margarita

2 oz Silver Tequila
1 oz Gran Marnier
1/2 oz Agave Nectar
2 oz Fresh Squeeze Lime Juice
1 each Lime Wedge
1 pinch Kosher Salt

Chill martini or margarita glass.  Place salt on a flat plate.  Wet rim with lime wheel, turn glass upside down and touch rim with the salt.  Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Use a shaker that has a strainer.  Add liquid ingredients; adding the agave nectar last.  Shake very well.  Pour over ice or serve straight up.

5 O’ Clock Friday…Mad Men Style!

Alright Mad Men fans, these drinks are for you!  These two treats are from The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook: Inside the Kitchen, Bars, and Restaurants of Mad Men which shares over 70 authentic recipes from the kitchens, restaurants and bars seen on Mad Men

21 Classic Minut Julep‘21’ Club Mint Julep
Courtesy of The ‘21’ Club New York, New York

Fresh mint leaves
1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
1 ounce Mint Simple Syrup (see recipe below)
2 ounces bourbon

1. In a Collins glass, muddle mint leaves in fresh lemon juice and Mint Simple Syrup.
2. Fill glass with crushed ice and add bourbon. Stir. Garnish with a bruised mint leaf.

Yield: 1 drink

Mint Simple Syrup

Bunch of fresh mint leaves
A bout 2 cups sugar
Boiling water

1. Crush a goodly bunch of mint leaves in a quart container.
Fill to halfway mark with sugar, then fill with boiling water. Stir well to dissolve sugar.
2. Let mint steep while syrup cools. Strain. Let the syrup cool to room temperature and spoon it into a jar. Seal tight and store in refrigerator for up to three weeks.

MaiTaiMai Tai
adapted from Trader Vic’s Rum Cookery and Drinkery
by Victor J. Bergeron (Doubleday , 1974)

Note: We prefer our Mai Tai with orange juice, which was not in the original version. We’ve included it here in case you prefer a fruitier drink.

1 lime
1 ounce Jamaican rum
1 ounce Martinique rum
2 ounces orange juice (optional)
½ ounce orange cura.ao
1/4 ounce orgeat syrup
1/4 ounce rock candy syrup (simple syrup)
Sprig of mint, for garnish
Fruit stick, for garnish

1. Cut lime in half. Squeeze juice over shaved ice in a cocktail shaker. Reserve one half of lime shell. Add rums, orangejuice if desired, orange curacao, orgeat syrup, and rockcandy syrup.
2. Hand-shake ingredients well and pour over shaved ice into Mai Tai (double Old Fashioned) glass. Decorate with the lime shell, fresh mint, and a fruit stick.

Yield: 1 drink

Get social with The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook: Inside the Kitchens, Bars, and Restaurants of Mad Men by Judy Gelman and Peter Zheutlin (Smart Pop, 2011):
https://www.facebook.com/unofficialmadmencookbook
https://twitter.com/#!/DineLikeDraper

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Top 10 Workout Songs for May

Fort Wayne, IN – May 2, 2012 – May's shaping up to be a big month for remixes.  LMFAO remixed Madonna and were, in-turn, remixed by Mord Fustang. Plus, Flo Rida and The Wanted saw their recent hits given an uptempo makeover.

On the rock front, Neon Trees and The Black Keys also made this month' top 10.  Americana Idol Judge/Movie Star/Fragrance Phenom/Singer (what did I miss?) Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull's latest collaboration was another gym favorite. And YouTube darlings Karmin made their transition from covering pop hits to writing pop hits look effortless.

Here's the full list, according to votes placed at Run Hundred--the web's most popular workout music blog.

The Black Keys - Lonely Boy - 165 BPM

Honor Society - Can't Box Me In - 137 BPM

Jennifer Lopez & Pitbull - Dance Again - 128 BPM

Neon Trees - Everybody Talks - 155 BPM

Karmin - Brokenhearted - 120 BPM

Swedish House Mafia - Greyhound - 125 BPM

LMFAO - Sexy and I Know It (Mord Fustang Remix) - 127 BPM

The Wanted - Glad You Came (Alex Gaudino Full Radio Vocal Remix) - 128 BPM

Flo Rida & Sia - Wild Ones (Project 46 Remix) - 126 BPM

Madonna, Nicki Minaj & LMFAO - Give Me All Your Luvin' (Party Rock Remix) - 132 BPM

To find more workout songs--and hear next month's contenders—check out the free database at RunHundred.com. Visitors can browse the song selections there by genre, tempo, and era—to find the music that best fits with their particular workout routine.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Sarah Shahi Shops Rubin&Chapelle Malibu

The gorgeous Sarah Shahi, star of Fairly Legal, was spotted in Rubin&Chapelle Malibu Monday, April 30th.  Falling in love with cream buffalo skin handmade leather boots, she walked out of the store wearing them.  Sarah is also starring in this summer’s action-thriller Bullet to the Head, with Sylvester Stallone and Christian Slater.

Sarah Shahi 1

Sarah Shahi 2

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Parting is Now Such Sweet Satisfaction Thanks to Wei East

Chestnut and Black Soy MasqueWrinkles?  Large pores?  Fine lines?  It’s ok to admit that you too suffer from one of those maladies, after all, what woman doesn’t?  If you’re looking for a skincare product that produces instant results to help you part with the lines, wrinkles or pores you despise, check out Chestnut & Black Soy Firming Masque from the brilliant minds at WEI EAST.  Using Chinese Chestnut (provides natural lifting and firming benefits) and Black Soy (for firming and rejuvenating) this easy-to-use 10 minute masque is sure to impress.

I was more than willing to allow the masque to try to minimize my pores since…welllll…I hate them.  They seem magnified even when I’m not looking in a magnifying mirror.  So with hopeful anticipation I slathered on the milk-chocolate colored masque and waited patiently playing my new solitaire Aces Up addiction.  And when I splashed away the masque, yes, the results were clear and instant.  Immediately firmer tighter skin left me smiling and smaller pores were present…ahhh….#HappyGirl.  And no, results are not as dramatic as Botox and it’s not a facelift a-la Joan Rivers.  It’s you just naturally improved with all of your dislikes suddenly less extreme. 

Chestnut & Black Soy Firming Masque is available at WeiEast.com for $28.

**Sample was provided for review purposes, but no worries, opinions are all my own.