It Takes A Lot of Work to Look This Good

One of the many perks to this blog has been the events we have gotten to attend. I love to get in a fancy dress, have my hair and nails done, and just look like i rolled off the red carpet. I have the hope that one day that will happen. In the meantime, I am sharing some of the events and things that were part of this night.

Just like Viola Davis on HTGWM here is the real me. No make up and in the chair to take care of my hair. I try to take care of my hair when that nasty color shows up. The lovely girls at Swerve took really good care of me.

Elle did my color and cut and relaxed me. Anessa told me about Swerve and the new make up line that was launching. I will be telling you about it soon.

It is also important to get the perfect polish shade for the dress. This was from Essie Swing Velvet just like my dress.

Here are some of the products that I used for the night that I love

This Chicago weather plays havoc on your skin making it dry . Wearing a spaghetti strap dress , this product was a dream in the shower. Plus the scent uplifted my mood with the citrus scent.

https;//wwwlevelnaturals.com/products

I just found these marvelous skin care products from a great California gal, Laurie Hermann. I was really excited when she told me this was the same products that Laurie Hermann used on Courteney Cox. They made my face feels so soft and actually removed a few creases around my eyes

https;//lauriehermann.com

I can ‘t stop bragging about this product. It is the perfect cover up and the perfect match up with it is the Nena CC Creme under it. I love it because it works so well in photographs giving the perfect coverage

http://www.nenabrands.com

The Impulse collection from Macy’s certainly added to the look. With 20 eye shadows,  3 blushes, and bronzers , took me from cold Chiberia to Hollywood. Great especially for achieving that Red Carpet smoky eye look as well.

http://www.Macyscom/

I was thrilled beyond belief when I received the Besame lip stick sample. This shade is the same they use on the ABC series “Agent Carter.” I was a little skeptical of going this dark and red. I was pleasantly surprised when I got a compliment in the bathroom that the shade was perfect for me. Big plus, it didn’t come off after cocktails or dinner.

http://www.besamecosmetics.com/

The look is finished off with  new Wet and Wild mascara for that dramatic look . This is important for me because of my deep set eyes that have a small appearance

The dress has to have the right accessories. Until I can borrow some goodies from Harry Winston, some good friends sent me gorgeous pieces that I will treasure

This bracelet started many conversations last night. People were enchanted enough that it was a beautiful piece of jewelry, what was cool to say was that the bracelet told a story. It is from Opera Bracelets. They specialize in making these one of kind bracelets that use beads to tell the story of the world’s greatest operas.

http://www.operabracelets.com/

I felt like a star with this beautiful piece of jewelry around my neck. Its the lovely only heart necklace . It sparkles with the beauty of Swarovski crystals and a rhodium heart.

http;//www.myonlyheart.com/

 

We finish off the look with these sparkly shoes from Qupid . They were comfortable enough to let me boogie on the dance floor all night.

http://www.qupidshoes.com

 

 

Pura D Or Makes Magic For Your Hair

Recently we got the chance to try the newest formula of Pura D Or . It is formulated to aid in helping hair loss. We proved to be the perfect subjects for this shampoo and  conditioner . Jen’s hair is thin fine and straight. Mine on the other hand, is thick and naturally curly. With two types of hair, we were anxious to try this pair. Love the smell of the conditioner with its lavender vanilla scent. It smells heavenly and aids with taking some of the frizz away from my hair. Static is not my friend. It repairs damage and it gives healthy vitamins to the hair. Best part is that it is so concentrated, that you only need a little bit to get up a lather. With the argan oil.it is the perfect shampoo and conditioner for the arctic weather we encounter here in the Windy City.

“Food Is An Art at Whisk”

Food isn’t just something you eat, it’s a form  of expression. That is something that I feel strongly about. You can either eat something that you thaw and throw in the microwave or you can truly enjoy food. Through these tastings, I have learned to enjoy eating again and we got the chance to try some truly awesome dishes at the bistro in Wicker Park known as “Whisk.”

“Whisk” has made the news quite a bit recently. They have come in third in a field of forty in the “Wing Fest.” The bistro will also be featured on an episode of “Chicago’s Best” for their brunch treat “Snickers French Toast.” If you look at their brunch menu, you will gain ten pounds just from reading the menu. This time around, we came to try some of the dishes that are popular on the dinner menu.

Rick and Scott gave us their best smiles and told us about their favorites. The meal started off with a scrumptious dry soda that was rhubarb flavored. It was fruity and fun. Whisk features a variety of sodas. It was nice to drink something different than my usual Diet Coke. I just had to try these award winning wings. The sauce we had was a combination BBQ and spicy. It has just enough of a kick. Jen usually doesn’t eat wings,  but these were so good , she chowed on them. The added feature was the homemade ranch sauce that came on the side. Whisk is known for its burgers, so we opted for Rick’s fave the “House Burger.” It is a burger that is huge (8 oz) and covered with all sorts of goodies, Chihuahua cheese, guac, chipotle mayo and tortilla strips. Pair that with the loaded pepper jack cheese fries and jalapenos and you have a meal. In the sandwich dept  , we tried the southern style chicken sandwich Moist and tasty , it was the best of the country with a kick.

Everything at Whisk is special but a few of their dishes exceeded expectations. Everyone knows how much I love salads. At almost every tasting, I have to try at least one. In this case, I can’t say enough about the Hawaiian style salad. It was served in a huge bowl that was just teeming with grilled shrimp, pineapple , granny smith apples and sprinkled with a balsamic vinegar . The romaine lettuce was flavored with pepitas and chimes. Tacos even are special here. The shells are made one by one which gives them a solid corn taste. They are filled with only the freshest ingredients. Normally the tacos boast veggies like sauteed bell peppers , guac, queso freso, onions,sour cream and cilantro. The added touch was raja tacos with chunks of steak. I was hooked.

Dessert was a special surprise. Rick promised we would like it. All of the deserts at Whisk are homemade. Our mouths dropped when he laid down in front of us what could only be described as a “Dream” dessert. They were chocolate waffles , topped with chocolate syrup and chocolate ice cream. It was a triple chocolate waffle sandwich and it is the kind of thing to serve two girls.

Whisk is BYOB and also works under GrubHub. That means that you can have any of the delicious dishes  delivered. Some of the brunch dishes go over to dinner. They open for brunch and then close for a few hours for dinner. Whisk is located at 2018 W Chicago Avenue.

The house burger can be paired with any kind of fries. These are the chimichurra ones, but we also tried the yummy pepper jack fries with jalapenos.

Filled with yummy  goodies, the Hawaiian style  salad is the perfect Lenten treat

It is pure heaven, chocolate , chocolate and more chocolate. The triple chocolate waffle sandwich

A Special Valentine from Heaven..courtesy of My Only Heart

I am a total romantic. My favorite romantic movie is “Gone With the Wind” and I ship Olivia and Fitz on “Scandal”. Sadly, I lost my husband in my twenties and have yet to find my only heart again. On a day that is usually filled with empty calories and wine , I received a special gift from heaven. It came in the mail that morning and I thought what a perfect day to receive this beautiful piece of jewelry. Some may think that I am making all of this up , but I am not.

Coming in a rich looking jewelry box that is comparable with the finest jewelry stores, the necklace is truly exquisite. It is a heart that is complimented with Swarovski crystals encrusted with sterling silver. It even comes with a polishing cloth to keep its rhodium plated shine. It gives the wearer a look of elegance with each outfit they wear it with.

I love the story that comes with the necklace. It guarantees that each necklace comes with an authorization code and is one of a kind. You can also enter a special message to the person that you give your heart to as well. They will see it when they check into the authorization page. The necklace came on  Valentines Day , but I can picture it for birthdays, engagements, anniversaries, and of course on that most special of days , wedding days.

This beautiful and touching sentiment can be purchased for 109.95 at http://www.myonlyheart.com

Take a Stroll Down the Red Carpet on February 28

It’s time to be glam! The Junior League of Chicago is proud to announce their annual gala. This year promises to be the biggest and best yet. Just days after the Oscars, attendees are encouraged to put on the ritz and get ready to walk the Red Carpet. Photographers will be lining the Red Carpet and there will also be a step and repeat.

Fitting in with this theme, the event will take place at the Museum of Broadcasting.The evening will feature an open bar and dining and desert stations. Patrons can also take part in an auction for some really great prizes. It all benefits the mission of the Junior League of Chicago . TV’2’s own Erin Kennedy will be the emcee. There are two levels of tickets individual and VIP. VIP includes preferred seating and specialty cocktails.

For info and to purchase tickets go to http://www.jlchicago.org

Erin Kennedy hosts the Junior League of Chicago’s Gala

Sweets for Your Sweety or Yourself

Valentines Day  is a day dedicated to showing love. Traditionally , it is the day to celebrate lovers. But sometimes , we have to just say ‘” screw it” and just show love and pamper ourselves. That is why we are showing gifts that allow a girl or a guy to indulge themselves. Treat yourself… my indulgence  is red wine, popcorn, and Fitz ..Jen’s is chocolate doughnuts and Diet Coke and “Castle”. Hope you enjoy our list of goodies…

the most indulgent thing that I think a woman can give herself is a diamond ring. We have found a beaut . It’s called the “Ah ring” It is 11 full cut diamonds in white gold. It just says confidence and is for the woman who is happy with her life. After all, other women have engagement and wedding rings, so a single girl should have one as well. It’s called the Ah ring because the A stands for available and the H stands for happy. The ring costs 350 dollars but don’t you think you deserve it?   http://www.divinediamonds.com/the-ah-ring/

This is the best kind of chocolate , its has no calories but when you smell it, you will want to eat it. Our old friends at FarmHouse Fresh came up with this luscious treat for your face. It has a decadent chocolate feel. But surprise its a facial to put on and then wash off. The best part it makes your skin feel great and makes you look younger. www.farmhousefreshgoods.com/sundae-best-chocolate-mask.htm

Nothing could be more romantic than chocolate and this one is really special. The people from Perugina have special little Baci chocolates from Italy. Italian is the language of romance, and there is nothing more romantic than saying I love you in different languages. Each piece has an inner wrapping with special foreign romantic phrases. They are available at http://www.premiumchocolatesoutlet.com/perugina-valentines.htm

Another special gift is perfume. It makes you feel feminine and it can also help you get that men so you won’t be alone any more. One of my favorites is this one from the singer Rihanna . It’s called Rogue Love. It has a woodsy , floral smell that reminds me of rose buds. It also has a citrusy essence . It is available at stores like Macy’s .

Want a goodie that will be included in the gift bags for the Oscars this year? These dosha pops are perfect for the health nut and yoga fanatic. They are made with natural ingredients with flavors like Inner Glow and Head Over Hibiscus. They are made with the basis of ayurvedic , healthy doshic energy and contribute to good health. The Hibiscus is so sweet and yummy. Best part is that it is candy that makes you feel good.

https://doshapops.com/

These are the most decadent and delicious brownies that I have had for quite a while. After all if you are going to cheat, it should be something that is worth the cheat. Fairytale brownies are chocolatey chunks of heaven. Love the purple gift box too.

http://www.brownies.com/

Chocolates are always winners and these ones are delicious. Fannie May has chocolate making down to an art. I actually got the chance yesterday to see a chocolatier make these tasty chocolate strawberries at the Fannie May located in downtown Chicago. They are made with the biggest California strawberies and then dipped in chocolate. Pair them with a champagne like Piper -Heidsieck for a romantic evening.

Finally we come to these adorable oreos from Lorioscookies . They come all dressed up and in this specially decorated box . They taste as good as they look. Lori Bailey is the one who makes and sells these tasty treats. You can email her at   lorioscookies@gmail.com or 201-394-2723

Cohiba Means Delicious in Any Language

I love trying new foreign cuisines. They are just like traveling around the world. This time we came across a great Cuban place that is located right in Lincoln Park.It I have to admit that the only previous exposure to Cuban food was when it was referenced on reruns of “I Love Lucy.”  I think everyone remembers Ricky talking about arroz con pollo on the show. Well this was my chance to eat authentic Cuban food.

It seems that Cuban chefs like to use meat and seafood a lot and that suited me just fine.  We started out our excursion by getting a sampler of some very popular Cuban appetizers. My favorite were the croquetas de jamon. Anything with ham is a okay in my book and with the sauce it was perfection. Jen couldn’t get enough of the papa rellena. It was the marriage of mashed potatoes and meat and she thought it was very inventive and yummy. We both enjoyed the empanadas and were pleased to find out that you can put anything in the little pockets. We got a chance to try the meat ones and the dessert one as well. The desert empanada was filled with fruit and cream cheese and reminded me of pastry.  The meal was topped off with some good old plaintains with garlic sauce . It was a great mixture of fried and fruit . Delicioso.

Then it came time for the main courses. We selected a sandwich and then an entree. I washed down my meal with a delicious Caribbean soda called Jupina . It has a Malibu rum taste to it because it was a pineapple soda. Jen had a regional favorite called the San Jacoba . I loved it because it paired two things I love ham and cheese on a coconut crusted bread. I have to order it next time cause I fell in love with it. The sandwich came with papas fritas or french fries. I chose the churrasco which is a steak prepared with herbs and garlic , paired with green onions. The meat dish was tender and served with black beans and rice. There was no spiciness here, only good taste with lots of flavor.

Our meal ended the way it always ended , with dessert. I had already mentioned the empanada with fruit and cheese. The other dessert we picked was the flan de coco. The flan had a coconut flavor that pleased. I love trying new desserts. Don’t you guys?

Cohiba also is open for brunch on the weekends as well. The weekend menu includes yummy drinks like mimosas, mojitos, and sangria in pitchers. When the weather breaks, count me in for that. Cohiba is located at 3132 N Broadway in Chicago. Enjoy

 Just a sampler of the goodies you can have to start with at Cohiba. Loved the croqueta de jamon and sauce

The San Jacobo was everything you could want and more with fritas

The churrasco had the right amount of spices, and wasnt that hot