All About The Pretty

Apple Picking + Wine Tasting = Perfect Fall Weekend in Virginia

The temperature has dropped in the DMV, but last weekend I did something for the very first time.  I went apple picking.  Yes, you read that correctly.  My friend Olga of the fabulous food blog Mango & Tomato wanted to go and I told her "I'll drive."  This is why I love a food partner in crime. 

So, we headed to Stribling Orchard lauging and talking all the way.  After a simple lunch of hot dogs, chips, and enjoying the weather we decided to go in search of a vineyard for wine tasting.  We settled on Philip Carter Vineyards and it's lovely grounds to sip, swirl, taste, and finish a perfect foodie weekend.  I found a new favorite Chardonnay in the process.  Have a great weekend!

{The poles were easy to maneuver.  We just had to avoid the falling apples}

{Look at all this deliciousness}

{Philip Carter Vineyards}

Bobbi Brown's Beauty Rules Book

Beauty Rules is the book I wish was on my beauty shelf as a teen.  It has all the makings a future Bobbi junkie.  But, what makes this book different is that it also features life lessons that will be beneficial as a teen and a young adult.  My favorite Bobbi Basic Life Rules are Be Nice, Be on Time, and Work Hard.  She also talks about beauty from the inside out which is pivotal to looking and feeling good.  It also has great makeup tips on looking pretty without over doing it and focusing on skin care. 

Because Bobbi is so fab she also created a palette to correspond with the book.  How cute is this palette.  It makes me want to grab a vibrant velvet jacket and head to a cafe with my Kindle based on these swatches from Elle Decor.

Destination Pretty: Yoga for Foodies with Dave Romanelli at Mii Amo Destination Spa Resort

I have been fortunate to practice yoga with some great teachers.  I've had a blast attending Dave Romanelli's Yoga for Foodies and Yoga + Wine Workshops.  Dave is now leading retreats at the "can I stay there forever" Mii Amo at Enchantment Destination Spa Resort in Sedona, Arizona.  Dave has great sequencing in his classes which means each pose flows to another pose.  Dave also chooses great music to go with his classes. I always check his site for his play lists.  After class the retreat moves to the kitchen to take the senses on a culinary journey.  The resort has been recognized by travel magazines as one a great destination to regroup and connect to oneself.  Mii Amo is on the list to visit with the girls. 

{Hello Mii Amo. I can't wait to meet you}

{Feeling relaxed just looking at this pool}

 

{I never met a spa I didn't like}

Anthropologie Accessories Opens in the Washington, DC Area

Anthropologie always puts me in a shopping frenzy every time I look at their jewelry online or in their stores.  I received the email that they are opening an accessory store in D.C. and I am going bananas over what accessory delights I will find. I love mixing accessories that I find all over with what I pick up on my travels.  Anthropologie Accessories: You Complete Me!

 

Kiehl's Whipped Creme de Corps Body Butter

I must be loved in heaven, because for years I have wished my beloved Creme de Corps would morph into a luxurious body butter and make it's way into my life.  My prayers have been answered.  Kiehl's Whipped Creme de Corps Body Butter has launched and all I can say is "Hallelujah!"  I've been a winter devotee of the lotion and now I'm ready to put the body butter to the test. 

DayNa Decker Botanika Essence Moisturizer

DayNa Decker has brought the fabulous of her candle line to a body care line with natural ingredients such as argan and marula oil with her Botanika Essence Moisturizers.  Her candles have always rocked my home scent world and now her line of body products will be doing the same in the beauty arsenal.

 

Ilume Modern Naturals Home Fragrance Collection

Illume candles are the perfect accoutrement to spending a weekend day lounging on the sofa reading a good thriller and plotting a trip to Paris.  I hope the strikes stop because I need to take my hubby home to meet the other side of my family - Mariage Freres, Printemps, Maille, Laduree, L'Avant Comptoir, and La Grande Epicerie.

Persimmon & Spice is my favorite scent from the Modern Naturals Home Fragrance Collection.  Illume is making me a real happy girl.  Happy weekend and Bisous!

Lands' End Women Motorcross Jacket

I'm in love with this Lands' End Women Motorcross Jacket.  This is from their Canvas collection and has a modern feel than tradiational LE stuff.  It's lightweight enough that I can layer cashmere tees underneath and still not feel like I'm suffocating from the heat.  Since the temperature has dropped in DC everyone thinks it's blizzard weather and blasting the heat.  I'm naturally hot natured so I have to dress in lightweight layers so I don't combust. This jacket will get me through the next few weeks and work for some jaunts to the west coast next year. 

Feasting Pretty: JAQK Wine Cellars

I have been having a love affair with wine over the past few years.  When I spent time in Paris a few years ago I really got bit by the wine bug and there is not a day that I don't have wine with dinner.  I've been blessed to have attended some great food festivals and visit Napa and Sonoma on the wine hunt.  But, these gorgeous designed wine bottles were not a part of my life until now.  I was perusing Oh Joy! and noticed the packagaing on these wine bottles by JAQK Cellars.  The wines were started by graphic designers and it's evident in the packaging.  I need to get my hands on a few bottles of the Soldiers of Fortune to make sure what's inside is as delightful as what's on the outside. 

Destination Pretty: One&Only Ocean Club + Phyisque 57 Partner for Weekend Fitness Retreats

 
I'm obsessed with fitness retreats right now. The idea that I can get a kick-butt workout in a beautiful destination has tickled my travel wanderlust.  The temperature is continuing to drop and the thought of escaping to warmth is adding happiness sparkles to my day.  The One&Only Ocean Club in the Bahamas has partnered with Physique 57 the butt-blasting and sweat inducing workout that many of my friends swear by.  I plan to take a wellness day in NY and head to the studio to experience the class for myself.  Until I get to the class I will dream of attending this retreat as a treat to myself.  

Boscia Luminizing Black Mask

The upside to working from home is performing all my sacred beauty rituals and worrying about being "discovered."  Now, I can do my body exfoliation and facial masks without worry of being discovered with stuff of my face - literally.  So, today while working I have Boscia Lumizing Black Mask shellacked on my face. 

I followed the directions and applied a thick layer all over my face.  I waited longer than the 15 minutes because it still seemed a little wet to me. When I was ready to take it off I made some ugly faces to get the mask to move.  It really sticks to your face.  I thought my freshly cleaned sink would not be happy but the mask peeled off easily and left no trace of it anywhere. My skin looked fresh and clean after using it.  I see why this product is so popular. 

The Tory Burch Foundation Celebrates National Business Womens Week

UPDATE: I've extended the contest until Monday, October 25.

I have a girl crush on Tory Burc.  It started with her ballet flats and then became a full-on obsession.   She is a travel junkie and many of her designs are inspired by her travels.  This week the fab Ms. Burch is celebrating National Business Women's Week which highlights the progress of female business owners in the U.S.  The Tory Burch Foundation also provides women with small business loans around the world to fight poverty and creat jobs.  She has a special collection that benefits the foundation and includes bracelets, flips, and a music CD with some of Tory's favorite tunes. 

The wonderful Tory Burch Foundation is giving one reader of All About the Pretty a Tory Burch Foundation CD.  Hopefully the music will inspire you to bless someone else because we are blessed to be a blessing.   I hope you fall in love with Michael Franti and Spearhead.  They are an awesome group.  Love them.  The contest will be available for 24 hours ending tomorrow.  The winner will be announced on Wednesday. 

 

Because It's the Weekend: Pommery POP Earth NV Champagne

I'm so happy that it's Friday.  I've completed the first week of working from home and it's been an adjustment.  I'm working on my time management and making sure that I organize my time accordingly.  It's been an interesting week getting my life in order, but it feels right.  Today the temperature has dipped, but that's not stopping me from counting my blessings with a few glasses of Pommery POP Earth NV Champagne.  POP earth is an eco-friendly champagne made using sustainable practices. 

This champagne is crisp and pairs well with my Friday night dinners from French Fridays with Dorie.

Beauty Buzz: NARS Flagship Boutique in NYC

NARS Cosmetics have just announced a flagship boutique in NYC opening Spring 2011 for all their fab products and and exclusive items to this location only. 

Located in the West Village at 413 Bleecker Street. I will have this store on speed dial come Spring. 

 

Hair Fancy: Kinky Curly Products

I know I'm late to the Kinky Curly bandwagon.  I'm kicking myself for just now getting to these glorious products.  But as my grandmother would say "I didn't get here first, but I got here as fast as I could."  I'm obsessed with the Knot Today and the Curling Custard.  I'm so enjoying these products that they make me want to grow my hair out just to use more of them.  I vacillate between a short do and a large curly afro every day.  I can't make up my mind of how I want to wear my hair. 

It doesn't bother me that I have to put the product into travel sized containers.  That's the mark of a good product to me. 

 

Feasting Pretty: Oyamel Cucina [D.C.] - Day of the Dead Dining Menu

Oyamel is celebrating Day of the Dead with a curated menu.   If you don't know what the Day of the Dead means click the link.  Wiki has a great explanation. 

Here's the menu rundown:

Monday, October 25:  Mole Verde con Pierna de Puerco - Green mole made from pumpkin seeds, cilantro, epazote, and tomatillos and served with pork shank.
 
Tuesday, October 26:  Mole Manchamantel - The name of this mole means tablecloth stainer and it is made with ancho chile.  (Mole Verde con Pierna de Puerco will also be served).

Wednesday, October 27:  Mole Coloradito con Codoroniz - A brick red color mole made with ancho and pasilla or guajillo chiles, almonds, sesame seeds, tomatoes, garlic, oregano, cinnamon, banana, sugar and served with quail.  (Mole Manchamantel will also be served). 

Thursday, October 28:  Mole Almendrado - Almond mole.  (Mole Coloradito con Codoroniz will also be served).

Friday, October 29:  Mole Amarillo - Yellow mole made with ancho, costeño and guajillo chiles, tomatillos, onion, garlic, clove, cumin, black pepper, cilantro, chilcoxle and hoja santa or pitona.  (Mole Almendrado will also be served).

Saturday, October 30:  Mole Chichilo con Costilla de Res - Made with chilguacle negro, mulato and masilla chiles, tomatillos, tomatoes, cloves, black pepper, corn masa, avocado leaves served with beef ribs. (Mole Amarillo will also be served).

Sunday, October 31:  Mole Chichilo con Costilla de Res

Monday, November 1: Mole Negro con guajolote - Black mole is among the most complicated to make. It uses many different kinds of chile, chilguacle negro, mulatto, pasilla, ancho, guajillo, and chipotle as well as seeds, nuts, spices, herbs, citrus and chocolate and is traditionally paired with turkey.

Tuesday, November 2: Mole negro con guajolote

New Tacos will Debut:

Taco de Acelgas - Swiss chard and potato taco with crispy shallot and salsa chipotle

Taco de Menudo - Stewed beef tripe taco with sweet onion and salsa serrano

Dessert:  Flan de camote con salsa de tamarindo y helado de canela caramelizada.  Inspired by traditional Mexican Sweet potato flan served with tamarind sauce and caramelized cinnamon ice cream

CHANEL Gentle Hydrating Toner Lotion Doucer

I'm currently obsessed with CHANEL's Gentle Hydrating Toner.  I'm trying to limit the amount of alcohol I use on my face because for some reason I'm breaking out only in my forehead.  Therefore, I'm eliminating products to make sure that my skin isn't overloaded.  So far this toner has been working wonders and it's very moisturizing. 

Many dermatologists believe you don't need toner, but I like using a toner.  I don't feel my face is clean until I use a toner.  Weird I know, but that's what makes all of us unique. 

John Masters Organics Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Milk

My scent obsession has always focused on vanilla.  I love vanilla in all it's fragrance combinations and head over heels for the John Masters Organics Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Milk.  It's not just vanilla that makes this scent luscious it's the bourban vanilla scent that takes this lotion to an entire new level of love in my life.  This is a perfect transition to fall lotion.  It's lightweight and moisturizing which means it's perfect for warm weather jaunts I have in the next few months. I realized living on the east coast that I must fly south a few times for the winter. 

Feasting Pretty: In Love With Alice Waters and Her Kitchen

The farm-to-table movement would not be happening the U.S. if it was not for Alice Waters.  The revival of farmers' markets, consumer supported agriculture co-ops (CSA); and eating locally is a direct reflection of the passion and tireless fight of Alice Waters.  As a child growing up in the South I thought chickens came from backyards and were fresh. Not dressed in plastic on a supermarket shelf.  Alice gets this.  I've been to Chez Panisse and it's a dining experience unlike anything else.  Everything is fresh.  You will not eat a tomato in December because they are not in season.  I was flipping through Vanity Fair and despite the ridiculous cover the highlight is Alice's kitchen.  J'adore this kitchen.  It's the perfect country kitchen that I dream of in our weekend home that we hope to purchase in the next few years.  I would prefer Deep Creek, Maryland and l'homme would prefer Annapolis. Check out this video from 60 Minutes of Alice.  This is one of my favorite meals, a simple tomato salsa (homemade), avocado, and an egg on bread. I drizzle a little balsamic vinegar on top.  Delicious.  Alice is a foodie rockstar. 

Jo Malone's Dark Amber and Ginger Lily Fragrance

The title of Jo Malone's Dark Amber and Ginger Lily fragrance brings two things to my mind.  One is the line "it was a dark and stormy night" from the book Paul Clifford and the second is the liquid libation "Dark and Stormy."  Jo Malone's fragrances are paired with her other scents to create another layer of fragrance, but I'm going to tell you that this scent is great on its own so no layering is needed. 

Feasting Pretty: Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar Opens in D.C.

Cuba Libra Restaurant and Rum Bar recently opened this month in D.C.  I've been to the one in Philadelphia and love the music, food, and art the restaurant has in preserving the Cuban Heritage. Thursday, October 28^th 100% of the food sales during dinner service will be donated to help restore America's Front Yard. I will definitely be there. 

Cuba Libre (two blocks from the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro)
801A 9th Street NW
Washington, DC
202.408.1600

 

 

Fall Transitions

I have finally bid adieu to summer and embracing what has become my favorite season - fall.  Don't get me wrong, I still wear my white jeans, but now I pair them with long sleeve cashmere tees and boots instead of sandals.  I do not want to even think about donning a North Face jacket, gloves, and hats.  I do love my new lightweight cardigan from Green Dragon I picked up in Hawaii, but that's about it.  I should have bought every single color.  I'm enjoying the  early mornings drinking coffee or tea on my patio and not feeling I was on fire. 

One of my favorite rituals is to sit and enjoy the silence in the early mornings reading a magazine.   In the evenings I sit on the patio enjoying a glass of red wine.  I've never been to the beach in the fall when it's crisp and you need a sweater to walk on the boardwalk, but my honey promised me he would take me this year.  It must be love because he's always cold.  Opposites attract don't they :)

I decided I'm going to rock a red lip after listening to Patrice and Felicia discuss it.  I haven't worn red during the day in forever, but why not start.  It's time to shake things up a bit on the beauty front and the perfect red lip product is going to be my first fall beauty purchase. I'm going to read Lipstick Queen to go along with my new red lipstick endeavor.

What are you looking forward to for Fall? Beauty, travel, life, and fashion wise. I would love to hear from you. 

This Time Last Week . . .

I added a wedding band to my left hand. Fall is a season of transition and for me it's been monumental.  I'm leaving my day job next week to work from home, for myself, and do what I love to do - write. It's scary, exciting, wonderful, and joyous all at the same time. “Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.”  Rumi

All Access Fashion at Tyson's Galleria (DMV)

All Access Fashion is back.  It's the closet thing DC has to fashion week and it's happening this weekend at Tyson's Galleria.  This year Patricia Field (yes, her of Sex and the City fame) will be a guest of honor tonight.  Saturday is the main event with fashion shows starting at 11:00 am and going all day.