Monday, April 23, 2012
One Sexy Shoe
The oddest thing you should know about me is that although I am a lover of many things, this doesn't include shoes. To most women this may seem sacrilegious, but shoes aren't 'my thing. With that being said, I am thankful for my stylish friends who do guide me in the right direction.
My latest purchase is from the Jessica Simpson collection. The style name is Beijo, Cork patent.
I purchased this gorgeous shoe from amazon.com (also the source of the photos )for $69.99.
It has a 5 inch heel but is remarkably comfortable; usually a stretch of the imagination with my flat feet. There is sufficient padding in the sole of the shoe and the platform gives the feel for it being less of a heel in height than it actually is.
I've read reviews on Jessica Simpson shoes not being comfortable, we'll this shoe is quite the opposite.
Cheers and here's to my little slice of color block in my closet.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Don't be Duped!
I saw what was supposed to be a bargin, 2 gorgeous supposedly MAC quad plettes of eyeshadows.
I paid $38 for them and on attempting to swatch the colors, some of which previously owned the authentic MAC eyeshadows: tada, right color is a light film and under it the ugliest terracotta powder.
Not all deals turn out to be deals. Thanks to Paypal I got a refund.
Buyers be aware that there fakes out there.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Daylight Saving Time
What I would really like to know is: who exactly is benefiting from this? As a child, I cringed at the mere thought of DST because we got up at 6 a.m. to get ready for school. Living in rural Jamaica didn't help much with how dark it was either.
I was so happy when Jamaica abandoned DST but unfortunately have moved to a society that hasn't. So is with much regret that I have lost an hour of sleep. My trusty BlackBerry updated the time automatically and the alarm went off as it was supposed to. Unfortunately though, technically it was an hour earlier.
It is great that we will have longer days and the children will like the BlackBerry adjust their bedtime from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Children are on spring break which will hopefully help them to adjust to the time change. The rest of us just have to deal with it.
Spring Forward!
I was so happy when Jamaica abandoned DST but unfortunately have moved to a society that hasn't. So is with much regret that I have lost an hour of sleep. My trusty BlackBerry updated the time automatically and the alarm went off as it was supposed to. Unfortunately though, technically it was an hour earlier.
It is great that we will have longer days and the children will like the BlackBerry adjust their bedtime from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Children are on spring break which will hopefully help them to adjust to the time change. The rest of us just have to deal with it.
Spring Forward!
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Contouring
The purpose of contouring your face serves to recede features or to give them depth. This is done at the hollows of the cheeks (under your cheekbone), at the side of the nose, at the chin and at the jawbone.
Please note that in contouring these areas you are placing a shadow on them.
Almost any type of product can be used to do this: powder, cream or liquid. It all depends on what you are comfortable working with.
Highlighting works in opposition, as it puts emphasis on features. Areas to highlight are the bridge of the nose , above the eyebrows, the top of your cheekbone and the Cupid's bow.
Just remember not to contour with products that contain shimmer, matte should be what you are looking for.
Also, please. do not use products with frost or shimmer on the 'tip' of your nose, unless you are trying to get a glow similar to that of Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer.
Please note that in contouring these areas you are placing a shadow on them.
Almost any type of product can be used to do this: powder, cream or liquid. It all depends on what you are comfortable working with.
Highlighting works in opposition, as it puts emphasis on features. Areas to highlight are the bridge of the nose , above the eyebrows, the top of your cheekbone and the Cupid's bow.
Just remember not to contour with products that contain shimmer, matte should be what you are looking for.
Also, please. do not use products with frost or shimmer on the 'tip' of your nose, unless you are trying to get a glow similar to that of Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Wearable Eye Make Up For Spring
'Wearable', in my opinion is not being too 'high fashion' and can be utilized by us 'mere mortals' in our everyday life.
On doing some research I saw some metallic green and blue eye makeup that would make a butterfly blush as it would be bland in comparison. Definitely not wearable, the amount of eye shadow used lends to it being as highly pigmented as the makeup suited to the stage or a photoshoot and not the office.
Color blocking is a trend that is present in everything from clothing to interiors and makeup.
Those of us fortunate enough to have had formal training in color theory will quickly and lovingly embrace this trend.
Simply, and not to bore anyone with color theory: color blocking is the use of complimentary or analogous colors.
A complimentary color on a color wheel is the color that is opposite to it. These colors make each other 'pop' when placed beside each other. Examples of complimentary colors are red and green, yellow andviolet and blue and orange.
Analogous colors are those that are directly beside each other on the color wheel. Using such combinations in color result in harmonious, visual pleasing compositions. Examples of analogous colors are green and yellow, red and violet and blue and violet.
Aesthetically this may also be achieved by using neutral colors like beige, brown and espresso.
Paint swatches usually feature analogous colors and would be perfect free reference material.
On doing some research I saw some metallic green and blue eye makeup that would make a butterfly blush as it would be bland in comparison. Definitely not wearable, the amount of eye shadow used lends to it being as highly pigmented as the makeup suited to the stage or a photoshoot and not the office.
Color blocking is a trend that is present in everything from clothing to interiors and makeup.
Those of us fortunate enough to have had formal training in color theory will quickly and lovingly embrace this trend.
Simply, and not to bore anyone with color theory: color blocking is the use of complimentary or analogous colors.
A complimentary color on a color wheel is the color that is opposite to it. These colors make each other 'pop' when placed beside each other. Examples of complimentary colors are red and green, yellow andviolet and blue and orange.
Analogous colors are those that are directly beside each other on the color wheel. Using such combinations in color result in harmonious, visual pleasing compositions. Examples of analogous colors are green and yellow, red and violet and blue and violet.
Aesthetically this may also be achieved by using neutral colors like beige, brown and espresso.
Image source: www.dundeeunited.us/color/color_3.html
Image source: www.beautycareme.com/color-block-makeup
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Plantain Croissants
I love plantain tarts, I can, but who has the time to make dough from scratch. So refrigerated,ready-made dough has become my 'go to'.
The refrigerated dough makes eight croissants, which is enough for one ripe plantain.
For the filling I use one ripe plantian, which I crush into a paste-like consistency. The amount of sugar you use, I will leave that up to personal preference.
I use two or three tablespoons as I have a wicked sweet tooth'. Actually, the best thing to do is just taste the paste.
Add a teaspoon of vanilla, half a teaspoon grated nutmeg and a pinch of cinnamon.
The paste is now a sallow yellow, add a drop of red food coloring for more visual appeal.
You may also add raisins or currants to the filling.
Follow the directions on the canister of refrigerated dough for the desired temperature to preheat the oven
Open the canister of refrigerated dough, lay them flat on a baking sheet, use a little over a teaspoon of filling in each and roll into croissants.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
My Fruit Pizza
Absolute decadence is what this dessert is about. Creating it was so easy though.
I personally am very fond of symmetry in design. It is my belief that food IS to be visually appealing. I do 'eat' with my eyes first, unfortunately it is not all the time that this is a successful method. I've come across food that is visually appealing but fails to stimulate any sense of rapture with my taste buds.
Now back to the fruit pizza. On hearing the name, what is conjured up to most people is something that should be savory. No this is a dessert and it is sweet.
Any fruit may be used. This time I used mandarin oranges, bananas, strawberries, grapes and Asian pears.
What is great is that you can use a store bought prepared refrigerated sugar cookie dough for the crust, or make your own from scratch.
The filling is a concoction that I make with cream cheese, sugar and coconut flakes.
As mentioned before the topping is any fruit that you desire (but try to use seasonal fruit).
Bake and allow the cookie crust to cool. Prepare your topping and then arrange your fruit.
The final step is to create a glaze for the fruit. This is made with any jam, jelly and preserve that you choose, water and cornstarch. I chose a mixture of apricot, peach and strawberry preserves. Heat, allow to boil and reduce (thicken). Cool this mixture down as the heat would result in a disastrous effect with the cream cheese.
Spoon on the glaze liberally and allow it to form a gel-like consistency in your refrigerator. Serve within an hour for best results.
I personally am very fond of symmetry in design. It is my belief that food IS to be visually appealing. I do 'eat' with my eyes first, unfortunately it is not all the time that this is a successful method. I've come across food that is visually appealing but fails to stimulate any sense of rapture with my taste buds.
Now back to the fruit pizza. On hearing the name, what is conjured up to most people is something that should be savory. No this is a dessert and it is sweet.
Any fruit may be used. This time I used mandarin oranges, bananas, strawberries, grapes and Asian pears.
What is great is that you can use a store bought prepared refrigerated sugar cookie dough for the crust, or make your own from scratch.
The filling is a concoction that I make with cream cheese, sugar and coconut flakes.
As mentioned before the topping is any fruit that you desire (but try to use seasonal fruit).
Bake and allow the cookie crust to cool. Prepare your topping and then arrange your fruit.
The final step is to create a glaze for the fruit. This is made with any jam, jelly and preserve that you choose, water and cornstarch. I chose a mixture of apricot, peach and strawberry preserves. Heat, allow to boil and reduce (thicken). Cool this mixture down as the heat would result in a disastrous effect with the cream cheese.
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