blog.foodmeetsfashion.com

THOMAS KELLER

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:44:11 GMT

I was lucky enough to be invited to Napa Valley for a private tour and tasting of Bouchon Bistro, Bouchon Bakery and The French Laundry early this spring.

As a little girl growing up with a four-star chef for a grandfather trained in French cuisine, my international palate started early. Traveling through France as a model, at the young age of 17 is where I first was truly inspired not just by fashion but also by the art and flavors of French cooking. There is nothing like bread in France, it’s just not the same French bread that you buy in your local market. I think this was where my journey for culinary perfection began. When I returned home from France nothing tasted quite the same again.

There are thousands of reviews about the world-renowned Thomas Keller. His restaurants have won numerous awards, including the 2009 Ivy Award, and he is the only one with two restaurants with three-star ratings from the prestigious Michelin Guide. You may already know that American chef Thomas Keller is acknowledged to be one of the greatest in America. Everyone seems to write about the same thing it seems, typically reporting their take on Keller’s creations and the finished product. More importantly, what were these people wearing?

What can I say that hasn’t already been said…? What about the inspirations and the detail of what you see and what it takes on a daily basis to create such perfection? I just love it when I can use that word, “perfection” It makes me ridiculously happy.

BOUCHON BISTRO

When I first walked into the elegantly designed room wearing my Vanessa Bruno dress and my Yves Saint Laurent Cage boot in patent leather, I knew I had chosen the perfect outfit! It seems the French were calling my name from my closet that morning. As I looked up, the staff was not only smiling, but seemed genuinely happy. Weird, I thought to myself. I don’t think I visited one restaurant this last year in Los Angeles where I actually got a real smile. I wasn’t expecting it; I giggled. There is a vibe in the air that screams confidence, elegance and was accessorized with a hint of mystery. I simply looked around and understood. All of the articles and photos I have seen over the years about Thomas Keller all came together and made sense.

Keller enlisted renowned designer Adam D. Tihany to create Bouchon’s interior. The restaurant features a French zinc bar, a vibrant mosaic floor and antique light fixtures. Tihany and Keller also collaborated and created the Christofle, hollowware used in all of the restaurants as well as sold on line. You may have seen Adam’s interior design at Fred Leighton Rare Collectible Jewels, an intimate Madison Avenue boutique. Feast your eyes on the sophisticated and innovative works of French artist Paulin Paris adorning the Bouchon Walls. His expansive, hand-painted mural features a shoe and hat no less. Food definitely meets fashion and, in this case, art. Paulin is well known for his interior design, fabrics and wallpaper, furniture, canvas paintings, sculptures and murals. To see the work of these two artists is a joy in itself.

The service was impeccable from start to finish. The presentation of the dishes was beautiful, perfection. There I go smiling again. Let’s just say Keller is to food as Luis Vuitton is to fashion. I could have eaten just the bread alone and I would have been thrilled. The fresh lobster from my salad had obviously just come out of the ocean, and you can’t get much fresher than that. I suggest the steak frites, pan-seared flat iron steak served with maitre d’ hotel butter and French fries. As I bit into my steak I suddenly felt like Anton Ego in Ratatouille. I think my life actually flashed before my eyes. I was 17 again. Like Mr. Ego, “ If I don’t love it, I don’t swallow.”

Bouchon has obviously been left in capable hands. As Chef de Cuisine Philip Tessier walked me through the busy kitchen, the first thing I noticed was there is no pass-over with heat lamps. I love it! I wanted to break out in song and dance and probably would have if I weren’t wearing four-inch heels! Why? Food should be served when it’s hot. What a concept! There was no yelling or people running around bumping into each other. Was I really in a restaurant kitchen? I have worked in many kitchens and have never seen such organization and calmness in my life. How refreshing! To see the execution, love, care and attention to detail in both ingredients and presentation was enlightening.

“Respect for food is a respect for life, for who we are and what we do.” THOMAS KELLER

BOUCHON BAKERY

Inspired by the boulangeries of France , the original Bouchon Bakery was originally built to bake bread for Keller’s nearby restaurants before later opening to the community and expanding to Las Vegas and New York. After walking through Bouchon Bakery and receiving my goody bag of treats, I fell in love all over again. Meet my new BFF: the TKO. It looks like a giant Oreo cookie, but it is nothing of the sort. Nothing against the classic Oreo, but this is the Thomas Keller Oreo, AKA, TKO. Chocolate cookie on the outside, creamy on the inside. I would travel thousands of miles just for those cookies. From breads, viennoiserie, pastries, muffins, tarts, cookies, chocolates, soups, salads, quiche, packaged specialties, pet treats and now doughnuts, make this stop a must.

THE FRENCH LAUNDRY

A few steps down the road is where you will find Corey Lee, Chef de Cuisine of The French Laundry preparing for the evening service. Being that it is an old steam laundry, which is how it got its name, there are many different little rooms. Each room is designated for one purpose; whether it be a prep room or wine storage, supply room, etc… The organization excited me just a little bit too much. As I looked over the kitchen, the staff was prepping and creating. Corey explained each individual room and it’s purpose, it was obvious that he is passionate about what he does. When seated in the upstairs dining room, wearing your little black Channel dress, you will feel like you are eating in a small quaint home. There is a sense of comfort as the doors open to the balcony where you can sip on wine and overlook the courtyard below or culinary gardens across the street, which supplies specialty produce to all of the restaurants. Keller is committed to sustaining the economic viability of local farming, as well as taking a unique and progressive approach to ensure his restaurants are moving toward more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly systems.

Nordaq FRESH®, a Swedish-based, water purification process has been installed in several of Chef Keller’s restaurants. In addition, Keller’s flagship, The French Laundry, utilizes the Ground-Source Heat Pump, a unique geothermal heating system to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels to heat and cool the entire restaurant.

Bouchon Bistro and Bakery, Beverly Hills is set to open in Fall 2009. The restaurant will be in the city of Beverly Hills' Garden Building between Beverly and Canon drives, just north of Wilshire, next to the new Montage hotel and of course Hermès, Valentino and Christian Dior. Chef Rory Herrmann, previously at Per Se in New York City, currently divides his time between the kitchens of Bouchon in both Yountville and Las Vegas in preparation for the Beverly Hills opening. Do I recommend visiting a Keller restaurant? If you get the opportunity, consider yourself lucky not only to be a part of perfection, but a part of history and something much more than just a meal.

http://www.bouchonbistro.com/

http://www.bouchonbakery.com/

http://www.frenchlaundry.com/

OIL OF OLAY Professional

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:38:02 GMT

Now that you are 30+ it's about time to feed that aging skin. I remember my grandmother rubbing that soft pink, highly fragrant OLAY night cream on her face when I was a little girl. Although that smell brings fond memories of her, it was as bad as bad can be. She was also Greek and rubbed olive oil all over her body to sun tan, which I thought was a brilliant idea, but I'm not going to run out and do that either. We love our grannies, but today’s woman knows that isn't safe, although it is as natural as it gets. Well, after trying OLAY Professional products, I can say it’s out with the old and in with the new! However, there is some good news and some bad news. The unfortunate side is some of these products do contain Propylparaben. Most of your beauty products have them. It’s a carcinogen that is still commonly used in a wealth of beauty products that relates to breast cancer. It’s the price we pay for younger and beautiful skin ladies.

The good news is vitamin B3, retinol and other key ingredients make up the recipe for younger-looking skin. I have to admit that from day two of using these products, I had a noticeable change in my skin and the appearance of my fine lines. I love the bright red and lucite packaging, absolutely a step up from the old stuff. Oil Of Olay suggests that after 28 days you will see noticeable results and reduction in wrinkles. Yeah right, right? I am here to tell you it's true! The texture of my skin has changed and is firmer, softer and hydrated. The lines around my eyes did not diminish, but they are notably decreased. Let’s be honest here. Father time comes knocking and unless you are getting Botox or going under the knife, there are very few products that are affordable to the average woman that actually make a noticeable difference in lines. If you are looking for a non-irritating, line-reducing everyday skin regimen and don't want to pay the price, OLAY PRO X is for you, although it's not cheap. The Age Repair lotion SPF 30 is emoilent and shields your skin from harmful UVA and UVB exposure during the day. Pro-X Deep Wrinkle Treatment is designed and professionally tested for the deepest wrinkles. It penetrates deep into your skin's surface, hydrating to combat the appearance of wrinkles and can be used day and night. Pro-X Wrinkle Smoothing Cream is designed and professionally tested to smooth uneven textures with moisture, combating the look of fine lines and wrinkles. These three products come together in a beautiful package for you to try, with full-size products sold separately.

http://www.olay.com/

VIVA LA JUICY Eau de Parfum

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:30:38 GMT

VIVA LA JUICY Eau de Parfum
Viva the scent of couture.

• Wild berries and juicy mandarin.
• Honeysuckle, gardenia, and jasmine.
• Amber, caramel, vanilla, sandalwood, and praline.

Boldly bottled with juicy charms and rocked in fuchsia wrap.

Wearable food, what more can I say?

http://www.juicycouture.com/shoponline/fragrancebeauty/pg1

SUBSCRIBE to FOOD MEETS FASHION and Enter to WIN !

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 17:56:39 GMT

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Roberto Cavalli Vodka

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:24:48 GMT

I’m not the only one who believes food and fashion set the style for luxury. Just ask Roberto Cavalli and he'll tell you...

"Fashion,travel,food and music...there all the same thing…." R.C.

I attended a party a couple of years ago featuring Roberto Cavalli vodka. I couldn't believe my eyes. I fell in love with the bottle design and then with the taste. It's crisp and clean with a tasty style all its own. The sleek-designed opaque glass bottle with a serpent wrapped around it was designed by Cavalli himself. Produced in line with the Italian tradition, made with the purist Monte Rosa water and the finest quality grains grown in the south-western Alps equals...FOOD MEETS FASHION Roberto Cavalli style. Four columns for the first distillation phase, filtered through flakes of Carrara Marble and carefully distilled until it reaches the perfect taste, is the only way to achieve absolute purity. Cavalli is the first vodka made entirely in italy, inspired and dedicated to the sexy woman of today. Cavalli style is always elegant and for the sophisticated palate.

http://www.robertocavallivodka.com/

Anna Herrington

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:20:19 GMT

"People are always asking me what my inspiration is for my jewelry, it is simply life, outdoors, fashion and people! I totally love old-school Hollywood, which I think reflects in my work. I like to make pieces that make me happy." Anna Herrington

I guess everything old, is new again! It is no wonder that celebrities everywhere are inspired to feature Anna's intriguing pieces. Just to name a few, you’ll see Britney Spears on her latest Circus Album and on just about every bus and billboard in town, Vanessa Hodgens, Usher and Christina Hendrix from Madmen are all wearing Anna's bold designs. Born in Gary, Indiana, her love for jewelry first started as a young girl and came as a result from playing dress up in her granny's closet and watching her grandfather, a steel mill worker, solder her grandma’s jewelry.

Recently written up in Elle and 944 magazines, celebrity stylist and jewelry designer Anna Herrington is a force to be reckoned with. Each of her pieces are hand crafted personally by her and made from older, outdated jewelry that she recycles and turns into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. A vintage necklace and a royal blue brooch combined together to create the extraordinary, whimsical piece you see pictured below, and on Britney Spears, was later transformed and made into the elegant, romantic and timeless creation pictured above, Pearl Extravaganza. A 1950s pearl collar recycled from a cashmere sweater, more strands of pearls added, a vintage bow and rhinestone pin was the right combination to pull it all together. After meeting Anna, I would describe her as a sip of sexy, a shot of spunk, a pinch of elegance and as refined as sugar! The world is her oyster and she's definitely got the recipe for style. A combination of old-school jewelry and current pieces make her designs hip, fashionable, sustainable and fun to wear. You can find Anna’s designs at Lure boutique in Beverly Hills, House of Love & Luck on La Cienega Blvd. in L.A. or online at www.annaherrington.etsy.com. Contact Anna directly if you have a family heirloom, vintage or brand new piece laying around and she will turn it into a one-of–a-kind piece of eye candy especially for you.

Watch Video for more of Anna's designs:
http://www.popcrunch.com/britney-spears-circus-album-commercial-promo/

http://www.annaherrington.com/

Lucca

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:15:56 GMT

"I fermented anything I could get my hands on. I was — and still am — intrigued by the whole process." — Bill Mosby

Just under the grand oak trees in the scenic Santa Barbara wine country, on the west side of the Santa Ynez Valley, lies the beautiful California-Italian vineyards of Mosby. When walking through the Italian-themed grounds you will feel like you actually are in Italy. Bill’s winemaking interests began during his early college wrestling days in Oregon, almost 50 years ago. If you've visited the winery, then you’ve tasted his award-winning wines. If you haven’t, I suggest you go immediately.

Mosby Winery's red table wine, Lucca, is a blend of mostly estate-grown Sangiovese with some Dolcetto and is every bit as good as many Chianti Classicos. Perfect for everyday meals, Lucca is one of the best wine values in the Santa Ynez Valley. Named after a picturesque village in Tuscany, this dry, red table wine has classic flavors of dark cherry and light oak with a bright, balanced acidity and smooth finish. Lucca pairs easily with a wide variety of casual fare such as pasta dishes, hamburgers, grilled chicken, bbq, pizza, and of course, your favorite pair of designer jeans! Salude!

http://www.mosbywines.com/

Salsalito Taco Shop

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:30:24 GMT

With a population of only 8,000, just off the northeastern end of the Golden Gate Bridge, lies the picture-perfect little town of Sausalito. I always feel more like I am in St. Tropez on the French Rivera, but with a slight bohemian vibe, rather than in a small town in Northern California. Sausalito is not only known for the beautiful scenery and spectacular views, but on a clear day the view of Alcatraz Island is a site to see. If you can tear your eyes away from the views for a moment, directly across the street on Bridgeway is a little touch of Mexico. Okay, so it's not a place to make a fashion statement, that is for sure. (Although I still had my Mui Mui sandles and matching clutch.) I waited about 15 minutes to be seated. That's about all I will wait anywhere! The food coming from the kitchen looked pretty tasty so I decided it might be worth it. There's nothing like the breathtaking view of the ocean, especially when you’re sipping on margaritas. And Salsalito makes a strong one, Mucho Fuerte! I think I felt tipsy after two sips, Cha cha cha! The margaritas made me forget that there are far too many tables and it's really quite cramped. I like space when I am eating and it's not an easy place to maneuver getting the kids in and out. The server was pleasant, informative and attentive. I had a steak taco, mole chicken enchilada and a cheese quesadilla. The steak taco was okay, I would have preferred the steak to be a little browned and wished it had a bit more flavor. It definitely needed salt. However, all of the ingredients tasted fresh and flavorful. The quesadilla cheese was perfectly melted and the tortilla was flaky and yummy. The pico de gayo, salsas and guacamole were delicious, and all tasted different from the next, which gave me a vast variety of flavor. The biggest surprise EVER was the chicken mole enchilada, Perfección! If you can’t get to Puebla, Oaxaca, Mexico or El Compadre in Hollywood, Salsalito will feed your mole craving. There is no doubt you will see me and my Mui Mui’s again eating mole and margaritas at Salsalito in Sausalito!

PHONE: (415) 331-5595

Cargo Cosmetics

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:24:27 GMT

PLANT LOVE Botanical lipstick is the first-ever lipstick tube made entirely from an abundant and renewable resource, corn. Celebrity-designed shades and a box that grows wildflowers when planted make PlantLove™ a best seller! Smooth and silky, the innovative botanical formula is infused with Orchid Complex, meadowfoam seed oil, jojoba and shea butter. Plant Love is environmentally friendly, containing no mineral oils or petroleums and the outer carton is made of flower paper embedded with real flower seeds. Simply moisten, plant, and wait for a bouquet of wild flowers to grow! CARGO is donating two dollars from the sale of every shade to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The PlantLove seeds we sow today affect future generations so let's invest in the earth, our children and the future of our planet!

http://www.cargocosmetics.com/plantlove.html

Katsuya, Brentwood

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:15:23 GMT

2007 REVIEW/HARPER'S BAZAAR

The last thing California needs is another Japanese restaurant. Hasn’t the “fusion” chain thing been “well done”? During my many extensive stays in Japan modeling and researching food on my down time, I was lucky enough to experience authentic Japanese cuisine at it’s best. I’m a food snob, I admit, especially when it comes to Japanese restaurants in L.A.. Having gone down the fusion trail myself when I was still cooking, with a few exceptions, it’s time to put this trend in the trunk next to your favorite bell bottoms and red platform boots. With all the delays for the grand opening of Katsuya, Hollywood, I decided to visit Katsuya, Brentwood. I was curious to see after the buzz had dwindled, if the food was still up to Chef Uechi’s top notch standards. Fortunately, you can’t go wrong with atmosphere, created by Phillipe Stark and I must admit the fresh herb martini’s tantalize my taste buds. If rubbing elbows with celebs and fashionistas is what you crave, guaranteed. Prepare your palate for pure style served cold. If the Kiwi Scallop with Yuzu doesn’t make your mouth water the Spicy Albacore Sashimi with Crispy Onions will. Let’s see what happens in Hollywooood!

http://www.sbe.com/katsuya/

burt's bees

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:58:58 GMT

I really can't say enough about Burt's Bees. I use most of their products. Let’s chat about the Rosewater & Glycerin Toner for sensitive and mature skin. It's light and fresh and smells delightful! Rosewater and glycerin toner is traditional and has been used for centuries. It gently purifies and tones aging and delicate skin. Not only used as a toner, this product can be blotted onto your temples and forehead anytime for a cool, fresh, instant relief from hot, humid, polluted, stuffy and other stressful conditions. This toner sounds good enough to even drink! Water, vegetable glycerin and cornflower extract — yum! Although BB toners are not edible, they are 100% natural. I keep mine in a small spray bottle in my handbag for a quick refresher anytime!

http://www.burtsbees.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreView?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10051&WT.srch=1&mkwid=gglxxbbe0060014598aas&cid=2176583968

New Oil of Olay Pro X - Intensive Wrinkle Protocol

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:39:57 GMT

http://www.olay.com/

Heather Heron

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:36:13 GMT

Heather Heron takes a stab at high fashion and I say,“ it works if you work it!” Some might say you'd be stepping on some toes breathing the words hemp and high fashion in the same sentence. Every step of the way, Heather Heron oversees the production of her bags — from the selection of the most exquisite and sustainably produced materials to her choice of the masterful hands of skilled artisans in the Los Angeles area. Her use of Organic European Hemp is the main ingredient for all her pieces while adding another layer of beauty with contrast fabrics — unique, exceptional leathers, and hemp-silk charmeuse. The combination of high-intensive detailing with the stark, remote simplicity of hemp gives her pieces an austere, yet totally accessible, elegance. Heather's designs have always reflected what matters most to her and the outcome reflects the clarity and grace of her motivations. Expertly crafted, Heather Heron’s pieces have made a mark on this planet. Shown above, ASPEN in organic hemp with COGNAC leather. Cheers!

http://www.heatherheron.org/collections.html

Earth Day Every Day

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:11:47 GMT

PLANT A BILLION TREES

One Dollar . One Tree . One Planet

Let's celebrate the Earth! After all, we live here. It's the 40th anniversary of Earth Day and I am excited to be a part of it. No, I'm not jumping on the "trend" bandwagon and going out to buy a new Louis Vuitton just because they are donating a measly 15% of their proceeds for one day toward the cause. Hey, I'm not dissing Louis, and we appreciate all donations, but you still have to buy a bag and do it today! Although that's great marketing to sell bags and I would love to have one for myself, today is about doing something to make a difference EVERY DAY. This is serious and deserves your serious attention. Instead donate that $1,000 plus you were going to spend on the Vuitton and join PLANT A BILLION TREES in The Atlantic Forest of Brazil. We can all be part of the solution and help the Nature Conservancy reach this goal.

The Atlantic forest is considered to be one of the world’s most endangered tropical forests. Coastal development, urban expansion, agriculture, exotic plantations, ranching and illegal logging have all contributed to the degradation of this once vast landscape. Tropical forests are the lungs of our earth, storing enormous amounts of carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen in a never-ending cycle of life. The Atlantic forest is one of the biggest tropical forests in the world. With out it we could not regulate the atmosphere and stabilize global climate. The Atlantic forest alone provides clean water and hydro energy to over 120 million people in Brazil. The ecological and economical effects of the P.A.B.T campaign will be felt locally and globally by providing water, hydro power and jobs as part of this conservation effort. Please be a part of this great cause.

http://www.plantabillion.org/?kw=google&gclid=CPjY9tKFhZoCFRFWagod1xZuLA

IWood

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:16:21 GMT

Bubinga baby! Now you can create sexy, stylish, luxurious and exotic eco-consciousness. Why wouldn't you? Working for major brands such as Porche and Lacoste', designer Stephen McMenamin introduces his lengthy experience, expectations of superior quality and eco designs to the world. These quality frames are formed of some of the finest exotic woods such as Bubinga, Madagascar Ebony and Sepele Pommele. IWood frames are constructed from the unusable excess of an exotic veneer supplier in the USA and each wood panel is Forest Stewards Council certified and was harvested using sustainable methods.

Italian-made, high-quality temples and lenses are combined with wood frames to complete the IWood experience. With a combination of old world craftsmanship and sophisticated technology, all glasses are American made by high school students. Students earn college credits and receive a competitive wage while gaining experience with cutting edge technology. Pictured above: Bubinga 3B3W with a chocolate lens, 100% UVA/UVB protection. So, do what's best for your planet... IWood.

www.iwoodecodesign.com

Thai Ginger Bistro

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT

As I grabbed my Starbucks and jiggled my hips to the sound of live jazz, I contemplated getting a new tattoo at EYE SPY TATTOOs. Small, quaint and casual, tucked in the corner of Putnum Plaza in historic Petaluma, California, Thai Ginger Bistro offers indoor/outdoor seating and traditional Thai cuisine with a spot of modern style. White square plates show off their colorful, eye-catching dishes. The chef obviously takes his time to give each plate his special touch. I had the Basil Lover with coconut rice. Tender juicy chicken and crunchy, perfectly seasoned veggies accented my plate while the Thai chilies and sauce on the side added a bit of extra spice. My mouth is watering just writing about it! Although there is a small beer and wine list, a sake menu would have stepped it up! The Shrimp Pad Thai was the best I've had in quite a while. The shrimp was cooked to perfection and was beautifully plated. For dessert, fried banana medallions and locally grown strawberries was the show-stopper. The staff was not only friendly, but accommodating. A lovely and satisfying experience!

707.778.6293

Eleni's NYC

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT

Only a catwalk away from the Meat Packing District, known as New York’s most fashionable neighborhoods, Chelsea Market possesses more than just a few of my favorite things. No, it’s not Stella McCartney, although it’s hard to drag me out of that store even for food. And no, it’s not meat! Although meat is definitely on my list. Besides being the home of the Food Network and Oxygen channel, Eleni's New York was built within the former Nabisco factory complex where the Oreo Cookie was invented and produced. How I love to pull apart those Oreo’s and eat the creamy middle first. Well, we have come a long way since Oreo’s. Eleni at Eleni’s N.Y. has dedicated herself to perfecting her mother’s recipe! In addition to her dazzling designs, Eleni revisits her childhood with a line of classic cookies made from the best, all-natural ingredients that draw big kids from blocks away. Now I can get my food and fashion fix all in one stop. Don't forget to check out cookies for all seasons and holidays!

http://www.elenis.com

Esplanade Homes

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT

In 1993 husband and wife team Matt and Tina Ford started their venture focusing on building and remodeling high-end custom homes. After the word spread, they had a year-long waiting list for this duo's services. They became very interested in green building methods and the environmental impact of their building designs. It's no surprise they began to incorporate and develop green technology and practices into their custom homes. With integrity and attention to detail, specializing in green multi-family projects, Shade House Development was created. Based in Houston, Shade House Development now Esplanade Homes creates compelling, modern, green spaces that integrate design, development and construction to help control costs while pushing the quality of design to new heights. This hybrid approach allows SHD to move rapidly and seamlessly from concept to field while employing the latest technologies. Matt and Tina feel that if you want an ordinary house, then have someone else build it! You can see more designs online.

http://www.esplanadehomes.com/default.html

Petite Green Planet...Delivering This Summer!

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT

PETITE GREEN PLANET

Delivering Summer 09...

Join Dominique Rooney, model, chef and food writer, mother and blogger. Dominique has personally hand picked organic, paraben/dye free, natural, sustainable, recycled, planet safe, educational, green and charitable products just for you.

See more of Dominique's PICKS at www.PetiteGreenPlanet.com

Coming Soon!

OLA Hawaii Cane Sugar Pineapple Scrub

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 07:00:00 GMT

Not only does it leave your body polished but the smell is so amazing, I really just want to spread it on toast.
This summer why not scrub and prepare your skin for your summer tan. OLA Cane Sugar Pineapple Scrub gently exfoliates, softens and rejuvenates. Pure AHA rich sugar cane soothes and heals, pineapple and papaya enzymes cleanse and bring out your skin's natural luster. This almost edible pineapple scrub will leave your skin soft, glowing and oh so sweetly refreshed. It's like a tasty dessert but for your skin! Renew your mind, body, heart and spirit using organic, natural healing methods from the Hawaiian Islands.

www.HawaiianBodyProducts.com

Spud Point Crab

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 07:00:00 GMT

Ahhh, there's nothing like fresh air and fresh North Bay seafood! This is one secret that I am willing to share. I discovered this little place while taking a drive with my family through beautiful Bodega Bay, California. The bay and marina viewsare breathtaking and the seafood is fresh, fresh, fresh! At Spuds the seating is all out doors, picnic style. Since crab is the best in the fall make sure to bring an extra cashmere sweatshirt in the trunk.

The Anello Family began their fishing history in Italy and now they have brought us Spud Point Crab. Commercial fishing is a traditional industry with a colorful history of adventure, independence and extremely hard work, which make my family feel lucky and excited for this eating experience every single time. From the fresh crab cakes and succulent shrimp cocktail to the home made tastes of the spicy red and creamy white clam chowder...you just won't go wrong with natural foods from mother earth. Take a peek at www.annapolisseafoodmarket.com/crabseasons.htm to find out the best time to get your fresh crab. A burried treasure you will shorely enjoy.

http://www.spudpointcrab.com/

Yummy Glass

Sat, 07 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT

This is Yummi at its yummiest! A playful mix of colors swirled together like candy? These lollies are truly eye candy.

Alison Overbeke has created a unique, exquisitely hand-crafted glass jewelry brand, named Yummi Glass, and sells it in the finest shops in the USA, Europe, and Japan. Simply delicious! You can also see this talented designer 's Heart collection, Safari collection, Klimt collection, Sea Life collection, Butterfly collection, Gold collection, Ribbon collection and her unique Faceted collection and more online.

http://www.yummiglass.com/store/

Got Juice?

Sat, 07 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT

PRADA/RALPH LAUREN/CHRISTIAN DIOR

Fall/Winter 2009 has proven to be the juiciest year ever! Orange you glad you didn't throw away your mom’s retro-wear? Hues of blueberries and bananas, champagne and caviar, and even cherries and chocolate, turned up the temperature on the runways this season. Check out what's hot and what's cold at one of my favorite fashion information stops online.

http://www.millionlooks.com/outfits/10-trendy-colours-for-winter-09/

Meaningful Beauty made me ugly!

Sat, 07 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT

I was very excited Cindy Crawford came out with this line and also very anxious to try it out. I am not a fan of anything that contains parabens or propylene, but I decided to give it a go anyway. After all, it has melon extract! How Food Meets Beauty! I love Cindy and now that she has become an industry in her own right, I was praying her products would have the answer to my aging skin. She has been in the beauty business forever! “Beautiful skin shouldn’t have to cost a fortune,” she says, “and every woman should feel that she is the best she can be, every day.”

Well, I am sad to say, Cindy and Dr. Sebagh, that these products are, unfortunately, not for everyone. To tell you the truth, I am horrified! So, let's keep the melon where it belongs —in your mouth!

To begin, I used the Meaningful Beauty Cleanse. It's supposed to be a non-irritating formula that won't strip your skin of essential oils. Then I moved on to Maintenance 1 Day Cream, along with the revitalizing Eye Cream. With in 15 minutes I could feel the softening of my skin. I was thrilled! Then all of a sudden I had an itching sensation in different areas of my face and neck. It wasn't too bad, but I knew something wasn't right. I continued in the evening with Maintenance 2 Night Fluide, the FREE with purchase Décolleté Neck Cream and Glowing Serum. At 3:00 a.m. I woke up with welts all over my face and neck, and itching like crazy! It continued to do this for two days until my face started peeling. My face was bright red and burned, my skin was sore and hurt when touched. In fact, it took a layer of my skin off. I have had small allergic reactions to beauty products here and there, but nothing like this! Use these products at your own risk.

Santa Barbara Green Private Residence

Sat, 07 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT

This 1960’s era Santa Barbara tract home was completely renovated and recycled into a new GREEN custom residence for a movie producer and his graphic designer wife by Michael Holiday. The small but sweet 1,800 SF home was completely transformed from the original “cottage” aesthetics and was carefully planned to fall below all City neighborhood and public review procedures requirements, saving months off the overall review and approval process. The home included a number of green and sustainable features including naturally daylit and passively ventilated living area, high fly ash concrete counters, LOW VOC paints & finishes, energy efficient lighting, and drought tolerant / fire resistive landscaping. How about that kitchen?

http://www.jmholliday.com/Modern_Green_Residence.html

Provecho

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT

There is one chef in Los Angeles that always captures my interest: Chef Gabriel Morales, original menu creator and executive chef of Balboa, now Boa, Bliss and Republic, has proven he's got what it takes. He is rockin’ L.A. with a Mexican fusion flare, if you will. I left L.A. to explore Northern California cuisine before Provecho opened. Recently, I read the L.A. Weekly review and I am even more excited to taste. I will be making a special trip to review this new hot spot for myself, and all of you, of course. If you live in the L.A. area, check it out!

http://www.provechorestaurant.com/

Save a Tree!

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT

Join Dominique ONLINE. As seen In Harper's Bazaar and Genlux magazines: See HAUTE DISH restaurant reviews and DOMINIQUE'S PICKS for the creme de la creme in food & wine, fashion & design, beauty, organic sustainability and more.

Time to Bring the Claws Out!

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT

Wow, 2008 was quite a year of food and fashion! After being on maternity leave for what seems like forever! I'm back in action ready to review food and drink,fashion and beauty,design,organic sustainability and more.

Join us on the web an check out "DOMINIQUE'S PICKS", and "HAUTE DISH" restaurant reviews 2009.

Welcome!

Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT

Welcome to my blog! Please check back soon for new entries!