I had been hearing whispers and rumors for about a year now that Las Vegas would be getting The Container Store.  When I found out the rumors were true I began a joyful countdown to its opening which just so happens to be today!  Saturday May 12 9am at Town Square.

Those of you that know me, know that I am a bit of an organization junkie.  Yes I admit it, my books are all on the shelves in alphabetical order, my closet is organized by color/season and my medicine cabinet is sorted by type and frequency of use.  So to say that I was excited about The Container Store opening is an understatement!

Last  Thursday I was one of a select group of Las Vegas Bloggers to receive a tour of the yet then un-opened Container Store.  Wow AND we were the first ones in the store- even before the media. So with my Blog-tographer Jamie in tow we set out to Contain Ourselves.

Although the entire store is amazing, for the purposes of my blog  I wanted to focus on the Closet and Fashion related organization!

The Elfa System is one of The Container Stores biggest sellers.  It is a modular shelving and drawer system that can be customized to your need and space.  It can be used in any room including the closet, pantry or office!  You can design your own or sit down with the experts at The Container Store who will help determine your needs and the best way to maximize your space.

Not up for a entire closet redo?  Well The Container Store has plenty of other ways to get you organized.  Everything from shoe storage to scarf /belt hangers and jewelry storage solutions!  Hallelujah!

One of the most interesting things I learned on this tour is that The Container Store doesn’t necessarily look for employees with retail experience, they look for people that are problem solvers.  Their goal is for a customer to come into the store with  an organization dilemma and they solve it!  I love that!

Did you know that 80% of the products in The Container store sell for under $20?

Did you know about the click and pick up service?  Just go online, click what you want, let them know when you’ll be there and they will bring it out to your car!  Heaven.

At the exclusive preview event I attended, all of the bloggers were given AMAZING gift bags from The Container Store..this week 1 lucky reader will received one of those bags!  Yes some VIP Swag and its really good swag!

To Enter:

First, if you haven’t already, either subscribe VIA email to this blog or LIKE us on Facebook.  Links to both are in the upper right side of sidebar.

Then, leave a comment on this post between May 12 and May 19th telling me what you need to organize!

Good Luck and Thanks For Reading!

Last week’s Lucky winner is Natalie! Congrats!

Don’t forget to use the buttons below to Share on Facebook and Twitter!

Ok so yeah, Earth Month is over but I won’t let that stop me on my quest for all that is Eco and Chic.

As I have said many times before eco-conscious fashions/accessories have come a long way in the past few years!  I get really excited when I find out that something I loved simply because it was beautiful is also a piece that is both sustainable and earth friendly.  Let’s face it folks, for me it has to be chic…I don’t see myself wearing anything that would be sold at a stand at a Grateful Dead or the back of a VW Bus at a Phish concert.

A few months ago while prepping for a swimwear shoot I was introduced to Mango Tree Fitted Bangles – beautiful eco-fab jewels inspired by the creators travels around the globe.

These exotic bangles are not only chic and perfect for wearing all summer, they incorporate two standout features that make them a fashion must- have!

First, the bangles are made from Organic Mango Trees in Thailand that can no longer bear fruit- hand made and hand painted each one is a unique piece of art.

PLUS

Never wear a baggy bangle again…how many times do you find a bangle that you love but its either too small or too large!  Mango Tree bangles actually come in different sizes!  (Small, medium. large and XL)  Hooray!

The bangles come in 3 different styles as well-slim, samba and bold- and in over 50 colors  retailing  for $21-$27 at www.mangotreebangles.com

So slip into your favorite  maxi-dress and stack on the Mango Tree Fitted  Bangles.. unique, sustainable, affordable and the perfect addition to your summer fashion repertoire.

Get ready folks, this is a good one!  

1 lucky winner will receive 2 fabulous Mango Tree Fitted Bangles in the style, color and size of their choice!

To ENTER:

First, if you haven’t already either “LIKE” us on facebook or subscribe VIA EMAIL- links to both are in the right side of the sidebar.

Next,  take a trip to the Mango Tree Fitted Bangle website www.mangotreebangles.com check out their bangles then leave a comment on this post between May 6 and May 12th telling me which is your favorite.

Good Luck and Thanks for Reading.

Please leave comments.  I appreciate each and every one of them.

Last Weeks Lucky winner is Wendy!  Congrats!

Don’t forget to use the buttons below to SHARE this post of Facebook and Twitter!

As Earth Month draws to a close I have one last post for you, actually its more of a challenge….do you accept?

One of the biggest problems facing global conservation efforts is water conservation and one of the biggest ways we can conserve water is in our daily beauty routines.

The average person takes about a 10 min. shower which uses around 25 gallons of water (about 2.51 gallons a minute). Whoa!  That’s alot of water just washing down the drain.

After hearing a sustainability expert speak on how the earth would be facing a water shortage problem in the not too distant future  the folks at Soap and Glory  (The British based line of beauty, body and bath products with a fearless and fun attitude) had a discussion in one of their morning meetings on what they could do to help.

Being that shower gels are one of their top selling products, the ladies decided to come up with a challenge for their customers.  After testing it out themselves in the office shower (yes these fantastic gals  have a shower at the office) and timing themselves, they realized that you could cut the average 10 min shower down to 2 concise minutes which saved around  20.08 gallons per shower and left you looking just as fabulous as a 10 minute shower and with loads of extra time to do other things!

So this week I’m dropping the gauntlet ladies and gents!  It’s time to limit your tap time!

Take the Soap and Glory 2 minute rinse challenge..2 minutes..set your timers.. …lets see if you can do it.

HERE’S HOW YOU DO IT:

Soap & Glory lovers, are you nodding? ARE YOU IN? Great. Then could you try it tomorrow morning? It goes like this:

1. 10 to 15 seconds of hot water to get wet.

2. Then TURN OFF THE TAP while you suds, scrub, shave and shampoo. (We would recommend shampooing last because soap in the eyes can sting, and that’s more likely to happen when your head is hanging down.)

3. RINSE for 20 to 30 seconds. (If it’s a conditioner day, rub on your conditioner. Wait the required amount of time, then take another 20 second rinse).

This should get you in and out of the shower without running more than 120 seconds of water. If you can do it, WE SALUTE YOU!

(Not only will you have saved water, you’ve saved time (which you can use to flat iron your hair, read The Financial Times, apply liquid eyeliner, whatever pastime you may fancy).

Remember Soap & Glory always suggests – whether you’re using Soap & Glory or other people’s products – shorter showers.

Proud purveyor of a fabulous full range of beauty, body and bath-stuffs, Soap & Glory recommends putting your products on with happiness and abandon, because they believe while beauty absolutely matters, it doesn’t matter absolutely.

 ”A Good Laugh Can Take off as many years as a good lift” -Marcia Kilgore founder Soap & Glory

To reward your efforts at water conservation this week Soap and Glory will give 1 lucky winner a Clean Girls Body Wash!

To ENTER:

First if you haven’t already either “LIKE” this blog on Facebook or Subscribe VIA email (Links to both are on the right side of sidebar)

Then, take the 2 minute rinse challenge- leave a comment on this post between April 29th and May 5th telling me how it all washed out for you.

Please leave comments! I appreciate each and every one!

Good Luck and Thanks for Reading.  

Last weeks Lucky winner is Stefanie!  Congrats!

INSIDER EVENT:

Friday May 4th

An Evening of Fashion, Pampering and Purpose

Gather your friends for an ultimate evening of pampering and fun at TEASE Boutique Salon to benefit Helping Hands Surgical Care.

Presented by TEASE Salon, Saks Fifth Avenue and Luxury Las Vegas

Friday, May 4, 2012. 5 to 9 p.m.
Model experience pass holders: 3:30 p.m.

TEASE Boutique Salon

9540 W Flamingo Rd # 160
Las Vegas, NV 89147

• Choose from a list of 30-minute salon services such as manicures, brow and lip waxing, blow-outs, organic spray tans, and men’s haircuts!
• Indulge in bites from Ferraro’s, cocktails courtesy of Southern Wine & Spirits, and dessert by Pick Your Poison Bake Shop
• Enjoy a fashion presentation by Saks Fifth Avenue
• Enjoy music stylings and After Party in our outdoor lounge by DJ No 1 Nose
• Enter to win fabulous raffle prizes – from designer handbags and beauty services to dining experiences, puppies, show tickets and more!

All guests will receive the “Helping Hands” signature hand treatment and the first 200 guests will receive a Kerastase “swag bag” valued at $80

Purchase your pass and RSVP!

All proceeds benefit Helping Hands Surgical Care, a non-profit that provides medically necessary surgeries at no charge to uninsured Southern Nevadans with no other options or an ability to pay for surgery.

For more information, visit call Tease Boutique Salon at (702) 489-4800.

Happy Earth Day!  

Continuing with my Earth Month Posts is a guest post from one of my personal favorite bloggers- Julie of Peanut Butter and Julie AND  Julie Anne’s Granola.  Julie is an amazing chef  and all around pretty cool gal, if you haven’t read her blog check it out she posts the most amazing recipes- I am severely addicted to her delicious Granola- which you can buy at Whole Foods.

Since what you put IN your body is as important as what you put ON your body I thought this would be the perfect time for Julie and I to join forces and for her to dish to you one of her delish and healthy recipes!  ENJOY!

 -Christie

Hi there!  I was so flattered that Christie asked me to do a guest post, not only because I am a big fan of this blog, but because I am also a big fan of Christie.  As someone who has, um, limited abilities in the styling arena, I am always in awe of Christie’s talents, and I learn so many valuable tips from her posts.

My abilities reside mostly in the culinary arena.  I write a food blog, Peanut Butter and Julie, and I own a granola company called Julie Anne’s.  While most of the creations on my blog are of the sweet and decadent variety, I tend to stick to a pretty healthy daily diet, and Christie asked that I share one of my figure-friendly recipes with you today, just in time for bikini season.  I’m also giving away one of my Julie Anne’s Five Flavor Variety Packs to one lucky reader. (details at end of post)

Call me crazy, but I love to eat soup year-round, even during the scorching Las Vegas summer.  Soup is a wonderfully easy way to make a healthy yet satisfying meal, and if you develop one of those horrible summer colds from going in and out of the air conditioning, they are the perfect remedy.

Thai food is a cuisine that hits most of your senses (you really don’t hear anything, which is why I say “most.”)  The colors are vibrant and plentiful, the aromas are enticing, there are many different textures, and the taste, well, just try this soup!  Broth-based soups are filling, and this one incorporates a bit of low-fat coconut milk, which adds a creamy texture.  The flavor is spicy, tangy, sweet, and salty, and there are plenty of veggies and lean protein as ingredients.  Besides, how often do you get to whip out that wok from the back of your cabinets and cook with it?  Here are my extra tips for preparing this healthy and flavorful soup:

• This soup is a great way to use up leftover roasted chicken or even turkey.  Instead of sautéing the chicken pieces with the shallots, simply add about 2 1/2 cups of shredded roasted chicken along with the coconut milk.  You could also make it vegetarian by using tofu.
• If you cannot find a package that specifically says “pad Thai noodles,” then just find some wide rice stick noodles in the Asian foods section of your grocery store.  You can also use glass noodles or soba noodles for this soup.
• This recipe reheats very well.  Keep it refrigerated, tightly covered, for up to three days.
• Instead of using sugar snap peas, you can use 8 ounces of trimmed snow pea pods.  I prefer sugar snaps for their added sweetness and texture.
• Warning: Asian fish sauce has a very pungent smell to it.  This does not translate to the recipe, and it really adds a nice distinct Thai flavor to dishes.  Keep the bottle refrigerated after opening.

Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

3 cups fresh baby spinach

8 ounces sugar snap peas, trimmed and halved crosswise

6 ounces pad Thai noodles

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 large shallots, thinly sliced

2 teaspoons red curry paste

1 teaspoon curry powder

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

3 cloves garlic, minced

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 (13.5 ounce) can light coconut milk

1/2 cup chopped scallions

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 tablespoons fish sauce

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

Salt and pepper to taste

Lime wedges for serving (optional)

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan.  Add the spinach and sugar snap peas to the saucepan and cook for 1 minute.  Drain the vegetables and rinse under very cold water to stop the cooking process.  Cook the pad Thai noodles according to the package directions; drain and set aside.

Heat the oil in a large deep skillet or wok.  Add the chicken and sauté for 1 minute.  Add the shallots, curry paste, curry powder, turmeric, coriander, red pepper flakes, and garlic to the pan and sauté for 1 minute more.  Add the chicken broth to the pan and bring the mixture to a boil.  Add the coconut milk to the pan; reduce the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes.

Add the scallions, brown sugar, and fish sauce to the pan; simmer for 2 minutes.  Add the reserved spinach, sugar snap peas, and noodles to the pan and simmer to warm through.  Stir in the cilantro.  Serve the soup hot with lime wedges (optional.)

Julie wants to keep you looking great on the outside by making sure you are taking care of your insides!

1 Lucky winner will receive a Five Flavor Variety pack from Julie Anne’s Granola! (It’s soooooo good!)

To ENTER:

First either LIKE Julie Anne’s Granola on Facebook OR Follow them on Twitter @JulieannesLV

THEN leave a comment on this post between April 22 and April 27th saying “I love Peanut Butter and Julie”!

Good Luck and Thanks for reading!

Last weeks lucky winner is: Calli!  Congrats!

Continuing with my Earth Month Posts is something new from my favorite Luxury Organic Brand Omorovicza!

BB Creams  have been causing quite a stir lately in the beauty industry as they make their way to the U.S. from Asian countries, where they are already all the rage.

……But what exactly are BB Creams and what do they do?

I sat down with  Margaret de Heinrich de Omorovicza, founder of Budapest-based luxury skincare line Omorovicza  (o-more-o-veet-sa) which is a natural, anti-aging skincare line that harnesses the ancient health and beauty traditon of Hungary’s mineral-rich thermal waters to discuss Omorovicza’s exciting new BB SPF 20 –the brand’s unique version of the Asian beauty craze  known as BB Cream.

Q: What is BB Cream?

MO: Think of it as the “swiss army knife of the beauty industry,” its a moisturizer, sunscreen, light foundation, concealer, and anti-aging cream all-in-one

Q: What does the BB stand for?

MO: There are a few definitions but typically it stands for either Blemish Balm or (as is the case for Omorovicza)             Beauty Balm.

Q: What exactly does it do?

MO:  It is a multi-tasker.  BB Cream heals damaged skin while improving tone and texture. Omorovicza’s BB SPF 20 features encapsulated micro-injected Hyaluronic Acidto plump and resurface fine lines and wrinkles as well as the skin correcting anti-oxidant Vitamin C, which works to illuminate, brighten, and restore the elasticity and firmness of the skin; revitalizing Lupin and Micro-Algae rich in 22 amino acids and Vitamin B to boost cell regeneration; and Ruby Crystals which provide a light reflecting, optical blurring of imperfections.

Q:  Where did it come from?

MO: It was originally developed in Germany by a doctor treating post-surgery patients but took off when a famous Asian actress starting using it and all her fans wanted to use whatever was making her skin look so beautiful.

Q:  What is the proper use for it?  Should you wear a face primer or moisturizer with it?

MO: I use it over my serum and moisturiser.  It is actually a primer (among other things) so no additional one is needed.

Q:  Who should wear it?  What type of skin/age is it best for?

MO: The advantage of the BB Cream is its’ simplicity and effect…It is ideal for any woman of any age with any skin type looking to simplify her beauty routine.

Q: Does it provide color like a foundation?

MO: The BB Cream story is not about color, it is about the improvement to the tone and texture to your skin. A BB Cream should provide a bit more coverage than a tinted moisturiser but not as much as a foundation.

Q: What sets Omorovicza’s BB Cream apart from the rest?

MO:  Unlike other popular BB Creams on the market in the U.S. and overseas, Omorovicza’s is the only known BB Cream without silicone, an occlusive ingredient that coats the skin, trapping dirt and bacteria beneath it.  Like all Omorovicza products, BB SPF 20 is infused with Hungarian Healing Water and Omorovicza’s patented Mineral Cosmetology™ - elevating its soothing, healing and anti-aging properties to an unprecedented level.

My dish on BB Cream:

Although I am blessed with fairly good skin,  my skin does tend to look a bit blotchy and red.  What I have noticed with Omorovicza  BB Cream is that it  evens out the color in my skin and gives it a “photoshopped” like glow…..and I LOVE to be Photoshopped…don’t we all?

Since I have made the switch from foundation to BB Cream I have received endless comments on how great my skin looks..which makes me wonder how bad it looked before..LOL.

One thing you have to get used to is that the texture of BB Cream is a bit thicker than a foundation and you only need a small amount.  Don’t toss your concealers yet ladies:   I like to apply the BB Cream to get the overall glow effect then spot treat any areas that may need help with a concealer or a touch of foundation.

So to answer the title of this post: BB Cream: What is it and why do I need it?  BB Cream is a pretty amazing little  product that gives your skin a gorgeous glow with SPF protection, it combines the results of several products you are already using into one.  As for “Do I need it”?   I would say that for summer it is at the top of my Must-Have list.

Insider Info:   Samantha Kling,  Omorovicza Nation Aethetician will be at Neiman Marcus Las Vegas April 26-28th giving facials! Samantha is trained in the signature Hungarian facial treatment and massage which leaves your skin bright, lifted an refreshed.  This is a complementary service offered so that you can experience Omorovicza’s products up close.

For an appointment call  702.731.3636 ext. 2139 

This week One Lucky winner will recieve an amazing  BB Cream from Omorovicza!

To Enter:

First, if you haven’t already, either subscibe VIA EMAIL or “LIKE” us on Facebook.  (Links to both can be found on the right side of sidebar).

Then, leave a comment on this post between April 15th and April 21 telling me what kind of earth month personality you are:

a. Coachella Babe- a fashionable muse that loves the earth and music with a deep desire to have attended at Woodstock.

b. Green Gourmet- has a sophisticated palate for healthy and organic foods.  A veritable Foodie your favorite dish at Spago is something you order off the menu that only contains the finest organic ingredients.

c. Fitness Guru- you like to sweat it out at Bikram twice a day.  You run marathons and enjoy sipping on a protein shake while your yogi/swami advises you on your chakras . 

Good Luck and Thanks for reading!

Last weeks lucky winner is Kristen Mainor.  Congrats!

Continuing with my Earth Month posts is something new from a brand that is two of my favorite things: British AND Eco-concious!

butterLONDON

“butter LONDON was founded by She-Brit Sasha Muir.  On moving to the US she was shocked at the number of toxic ingredients in cosmetic products.  She saw the need for a new brand of  hand and nail-care products that combined high fashion and health, and set about building what is today, a premier British fashion brand.”

“London’s leading manicurist & nail trend spotter, Nonie Creme, joined butter LONDON and Sasha to help complete a complete range of hand and nail-care products without chemical nasties.”  All butter LONDON nail lacquers are 3 Free.

What is 3 Free? 3 Free means that  all the bad chemicals commonly used in nail lacquer that are toxic/carcinogenic- formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP have been removed.  butter LONDON lacquers are also Vegan and cruelty free.

Each season butter LONDON is backstage at Fashion Week collaborating with top designers and developing custom nail lacquer on the spot!  While backstage at Fashion week this  year butterLONDON discovered that one of the biggest trends for Spring Summer 2012 was a matchy, matchy manicure, pedicure and lips.

Enter butterLONDON’s LIPPY.  British slang for someone who makes impertinent or cheeky remarks- LIPPY is a range of long wearing lacquer-like lip glosses in shades to match butterLONDON’s  famous nail lacquers.

LIPPY products do not contain parabens, petroleum, phthalates, sulphates or bismuth and like their lacquer cousins are Vegan and cruelty free.

LIPPY launches this month in shades to match 5 of butterLONDON’s hautest lacquer colors  all named with butterLONDON’s signature use of cheeky British slang: 

Primrose Hill Picnic- a happy, punchy, tropical, fushia pink.

Definition: Primrose Hill is a famous park in North west London frequented by Rock stars, yummy mummies, actors and paparazzi.

Snog- a bright, happy, hot pink.

Definition: To Snog is to kiss passionately or “make out”.

Teddy Girl- a pale retro, bubblegum pink.

Definition: “Teddy Girls and Boys” were a youth culture movement in Britain typified by teens, fighting, drinking, shagging and then fighting some more.

Trout Pout- an opaque shade of cantaloupe.

Definition: Cruel slang for a woman who has “over done” the collagen in her lips, leaving her with a rather fishy face.

Yummy Mummy- A medium beige color that is stunning on every skin color.

Definition: Brit slang for impossibly slim, beautiful “stay at home moms” the Brit equivlent to U.S. MILFs

butterLONDON wants you to get Lippy this Season!

One lucky winner will receive a Lippy Gloss and Matching Nail Lacquer!

To Enter:

First, if you haven’t already, either “LIKE” us on Facebook or subscribe VIA EMAIL (links to both can be found on the top right side of sidebar).

Then, leave a comment on this post between April 8 and April 14th telling me your favorite LIPPY remark (what you say when you are feeling exceptionally cheeky).

 Good Luck and Thanks for Reading.

For additional entries use the button below to “SHARE” on Facebook and Twitter.

Last weeks lucky winners are: Saks Gift Basket: Alex K and Stila Solar Mirror: Courtney Juarez.  Congrats!

Yesterday I spent a glamorous afternoon sipping champagne, eating chocolate covered strawberries and trying on shoes- every girl’s dream!  The event at Saks Fifth Avenue gave me an exclusive first peek preview of the  pre-fall collection from B by Brian Atwood before it actually hits stores.

For those of you not familiar with the label, designer Brian Atwood has held such prestigious positions as Head Designer for Versace (the first American ever hired by the great Italian Designer) and Creative Director for Bally before beginning his own line.

In 2001, he debuted the very first Brian Atwood collection. A mix of come-hither heels and magnetic style made his freshman collection immediately successful. Atwood gained notoriety not only for his exceptionally crafted footwear but also for his inventive manner of presenting them, including a memorable peep-show locale and once using back-bending contortionists as shoe models.

In Fall 2011, Atwood launched his contemporary footwear collection B Brian Atwood. “The contemporary line is A mix of Upper East Side Poshness, Downtown cool, along with a Parisian sophistication; Inspired by the globe trotting fashionista. Each design incorporates sexy and aggressive silhouettes.”

The pre-fall collection encompasses everything Atwood is known for, sky-scraping heels, intricate detailing, hand placed European crystals and glamorous embellishments.

For me what makes this collection stand out from the rest is the fastidious attention to detailing in the heels and soles of the shoes from metal studs, to metallic fabrics, animal textures and candy like glitters that will make everyone stand up and take  notice you as you walk away!

The B by Brian Atwood Pre-Fall collection will be available at Saks Fifth Avenue stores mid April.

This week one lucky winner will received and HUGE BOUNTIFUL Gift Basket from Saks Fifth Avenue’s Cosmetics department with goodies from brand such as Kiehl’s, Carolina Herrera Perfume, Bobbi Brown and Sumita PLUS much much more!

To Enter:

First, if you haven’t already, subscribe VIA EMAIL or “LIKE” this blog on Facebook. (Links to both are in the right hand side of sidebar).

Then, leave a comment on this post between April 1 and April 7th telling me which B by Brian Atwood pre-fall style stands out for you.

Good Luck and Thanks for Reading!

For additional entries use the buttons below to “share” on Facebook and Twitter.

Mirror Mirror on the wall who’s the most eco-savvy fashionista of all?  I am!  I am!

In honor of April being Earth Month each week I am going to introduce you to some of my TOP Eco-friendly and sustainable fashion finds!

At the top if my list is a collaboration from Stila and E Live from the Red Carpet: the Solar Illuminated Refillable Compact and Powder Duo!

The first of it’s kind this innovative beauty is made from recycled plastic, the energy-efficient palette comprises a mini- photovoltaic panel that charges up to 1,000 times for roughly five years of preening.

Plus, it’s refillable, which means less packaging waste ends up moldering in the landfill.

Super easy to use  the glass solar cell panel  can be charged in direct sunlight or ambient room light and a tiny green star will light up on the cover indicating that the compact is charged and ready to go.

Since it can be charged from indirect sunlight, it becomes the perfect purse companion for last minute touch-ups and is a eco-conscious conversation piece!

Bonus: You friends will be “Green” with envy at your stylish way of staying sustainable!

Can you believe it? A solar powered compact!  Thats just Amazeballs!  Technology.  Now I’m just waiting for the George Jetson automated device to be developed that will eject me from my bed and propell me to the bathroom where the robotic arms of the Dress’O'Matic will shower, comb, dress me and apply my makeup.  Hey, a girl can dream!

Get your own Stila Solar Powered Compact  by clicking on the image below.

This week One Lucky eco-licious winner will receive a Stila E Live From the Red Carpet Solar Powered Compact!

To Enter:

First, if you haven’t already, either subscribe VIA EMAIL or “LIKE” this blog on Facebook (links to both can be found in the right side of the sidebar).

Then, leave a comment on this post between April 1 and April 7th telling me what you will do during April to celebrate Earth Month!

For additional entries use the buttons below to “Share” on facebook and twitter.

Last Week’s Lucky winners are Sarah B and Stefanie!  Congrats!

A few weeks ago I did the BluePrintCleanse, one of the best decisions I have made this year-  if you haven’t tried it yet order it now, seriously you will feel amazing!

During the cleanse BP suggests you drink alot of green tea, before the cleanse I hadn’t really been  much of a green tea drinker except for the occasional cup when out for sushi to wash down a sake bomb..lol.

I have since developed a taste for green tea-  a cup at night is the perfect way to unwind from the day.  I have also learned the difference between high and low quality green teas and yes, I have now become a tea snob.

I really enjoy loose tea- the kind that doesn’t come in a tea bag- its usually higher in quality, flavor and  freshness and less processed but it  really can be a mess to deal with and really inconvenient for a person on the go. Picture me on set in a rush, pulling out my  messy infuser, a tea cup and a bag of tea then spilling it all over the place trying to pour the leaves into the infuser whilst cursing and swearing and everyone staring- not very relaxing.

Enter the “Tipcup”.  This stunning elegant, functional cup made by Magisso called the “Tipcup”  is an infuser and teacup all in one!  I pull that beauty out on set and everyone asks “what is that” and “where can I get one”?

Always a fan of cool design I was drawn to this “tipcup” because of its sleek appearance.

Available in Snow White or Pure Black this no mess teacup is super easy to use:  tip one side to brew tea (with the strainer positioned underwater), and then tip the other way to drink (when the strainer is positioned out of the water, the tea leaves are no longer being steeped).

Love it!  Easy to take with you where ever you go- a revolutionary new way to enjoy a cuppa tea at home or anywhere.

My favorite pairing is the Tipcup with D’Adamo’s Mr. Itaru’s Special Green Tea Blend .

The blend is a “Gen Mai Cha” or brown rice tea. It is a traditional favorite in Japan and combines toasted brown rice with the finest premium green tea leaves.  The brown rice adds an amazing flavor to the tea with a delicious roasted aroma and full body flavor- a perfect healthy substitute for those trying to break their coffee addition!

Tea Fact:  Did you know that green tea gives you powerful antioxidants 100 times more powerful than Vitamin C and 25 times stronger than Vitamin E (not that it replaces these essential nutrients). The best green teas will boost immunity and help fight or prevent cancer. Green  tea also promotes healthy bacteria in the intestines and normalize the workings of the cardiovascular system. 

Brewing the Perfect cup of Green Tea

D’Adamo advises that when making green tea it is not necessary or desirable to use boiling water. Moderately warm to hot water is best. If the water is too hot the delicate leaves may loose flavor. Tea leaves should be placed in the water for about 30 seconds (45 seconds at the longest) and removed. Superior quality green tea should look light green when prepared in this manner.

Green Tea for everyone!

This week 2 lucky winners will receive ”Tipcups” from Magisso.

To Enter:

First, if you haven’t already either subscribe VIA EMAIL to this blog OR “Like” us on Facebook. (links to both are in the upper right side of sidebar).

Then, leave a comment on this post between March 25 and March 31st,  telling me your favorite way to enjoy tea.

Good Luck and Thanks for Reading!

Last weeks lucky winner is: Elly Brown!  Congrats!

For additional entries use the buttons below to “Share” on Facebook and Twitter.

BONUS:

Please join me in Sat. March 31 from 2-5 to celebrate the  launch of Brian Atwoods new collection B by Brian Atwood  at Saks Fifth Ave. Fashion Show Mall.

I’ll be live tweeting from the event, invite below:

Spring is in the air and recently while perusing my favorite site (or should I say addiction) Pinterest I have noticed boards blooming and bursting with wedding ideas.  Tis the season for happily ever afters!

The Royal Wedding last year sent the wedding industry into a British trendsetting flurry which left women around the globe clamoring for one of Britain’s most fashionable wedding accessories: The Fascinator.

You may be curious yet nervous about Fascinators so I sat down with one of my favorite British imports Las Vegas Designer Claire Jane Vranian, creator and designer behind Inspired by Claire Jane, to get to the root of the Fascinator trend:

Q: What is a Fascinator?

CJ: A fascinator is a headpiece.  The word fascinator originally referred to a fine lacy head covering made from wool or lace but mostly feathers.  Today a Fascinator may be worn instead of a hat on occations where hats are traditionally worn- such as weddings- or as an evening accessory. Ranging in size but always bigger than a Barrett most modern fascinators are made with feathers, flowers or beads. They are particularly popular at hose racing events such as the Kentucky derby and many brides choose to wear them as an alternative to a veil.

Q: Why do the British wear them?

CJ: For us Brits the tradition dates back to the time when the Anglican Church required ladies to keep their heads covered in Church, much like other religions still do to today. Hats and Fascinators have been a very important British fashion statement since the time of Henry VIII.  The media coverage of the Royal wedding brought this British tradition front and center to audiences around the world who have embraced it.

Q: How does one properly wear a Fascinator?  Where should it be placed on the head?

CJ: I think they look amazing with a big updo and smaller ones with the hair down, or hair pulled back right off the face to show the fashion piece, these are a fashion statements so if you’re going to wear one make it count!  I always like to show them leaning towards the front and to the right side of the head.

Q: What is the best way to secure them to ensure they stay in place?

CJ: For your big wedding day have your hair stylist place it in and have it reinforced with extra clips, especially if you’re having an updo they can work it into it. Otherwise pick a style that works with your hair. I create my fascinators either with a Headband or Clip, or both so they can be interchanged to suit the individual.

Q: What is the proper Fascinator ediquette?  Do you take them off indoors, take them off in church or leave them on the entire evening?

CJ: I think it’s up to the individual at their event. At the Royal Wedding they all stayed on in the Church and at Reception!

Q: What is a good rule of thumb when selecting a Fascinator?  How you get the the WOW factor rather than the WTF factor? Size, style, etc.

CJ: Buy one from ME!!  Hair fascinators need to be worn with confidence and pick one that is suited with your outfit and your headsize and hair type.  If you’re not sure but want to wear one, start off with a small to medium fascinator with your favorite colors.  I love to create custom orders so if you want something special for a wedding, cocktail party etc please email me at inspiredbyclairejane@gmail.com  with a photograph of your outfit.