The Royal Wedding Ceremony April 2011

European Fashion Trend Spring 2011

Looking for the Top Spring Fashion Trends for 2011?....Well, the Spring 2011 runways were filled with bright color, bold stripes, wild prints, ruffles, fringe, caftan dresses, boho tops, one-piece swimsuits and trouser jeans. 

Not only has color made a huge comeback, but so have wacky and colorful prints. Designers this season really stepped out of the box with fearless combinations of bright colors in bold prints, featured on everything from dresses to swimwear to handbags. 

Will you add some bold, colorful pieces to your wardrobe for this Spring 2011? As someone who normally favors black, I'm really excited to brighten up my wardrobe this Spring!

THE BODY SHOP FAVORITES

My Body Shop Favorites!

I absolutely loooove these products from The Body Shop! I can't get enough of them and I just have to share them with you!

 First off, the Almond Spray Milk. It's creamy, it's light, and it's perfect for your whole body when coming out of the shower/bath, or a refresh during the day... I also use it right after shaving!  It's especially great for Normal/Dry skin.  

It's made with Pass!on. 

Not only is Community Trade babassu oil a fantastic moisturizer, it also helps enable families in remote north eastern Brazil to send their children to school. Which is why The Body Shop has added a good dollop to this feel-good body milk!

Easily Abosrbed, instantly nourishing all-over moisture with soothing almond oil, Community Trade babassu oil and almond milk to help replenish skin lipids and keep the skin looking firm and supple.

Click to buy at The Body Shop!

                                                                         Almond Milk

I use the Banana conditioner before or after my shampoo. It's light, it smells great and it's very moisturizing, without leaving any residue in the hair.

 Go banana-rama for this geogeously fruity conditioner! It leaves the hair super soft with Community Trade banana puree.  

I also found out that the bottle of conditioner itself is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic.  It doesn't end there. The Body Shop's aim is to make all their PET bottoles from this plastic; a staggering 30 million bottles a year!!  

Helping to save natural resources and reducing their impact on the planet.  

So not only does The Body Shop have efficient and fun products, but they take their time to help save the earth!

Click to buy at The Body Shop!

Banana Conditioner

Delicious and Innovative Grilled-Cheese Recipes

Grilled cheese is a simple concept, yet the many, varied ways to craft the ever popular sandwich are enough to keep you occupied in the kitchen with fun, and innovative new concepts. This month, choose some bread and your favorite Wisconsin Cheese, and join the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board in celebrating National Grilled Cheese Month.

The WMMB is joining forces with grilled cheese expert and author Laura Werlin. Werlin’s newly available cookbook Grilled Cheese, Please features 50 new recipes—from basic to creative, from nostalgic to modern, from ethnic to all-American, and from savory to sweet. So get your spatula ready for flipping, and test out her new, fresh-from-the-skillet, grilled cheese creations…

The Guacamole-and-Chips Grilled Cheese
Ingredients: 8 slices bacon; 8 large tortilla chips (about 2 ounces); 4 tablespoons butter, at room temperature; 8 slices sourdough bread; 1/2 cup guacamole; 2 tablespoons peeled, seeded, finely diced Roma tomato; 4 ounces Wisconsin Colby Cheese, coarsely grated; 4 ounces Wisconsin Monterey Jack Cheese, coarsely grated; and 4 ounces goat cheese

Line a plate with paper towels. In a large nonstick skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until very crisp. 

Drain the bacon on the paper towels. 

Remove the bacon fat from the pan and wipe the pan with a paper towel, but do not wash it. 

Set aside.

To make the tortilla chip butter, put the chips in the bowl of a food processor and process until the texture is very fine, similar to sand. Alternatively, place the chips in a sturdy plastic bag. 

Using a meat mallet or other heavy object, pound the chips until they are the texture of sand.

Put the butter in a medium bowl and add the ground chips. 

Using a fork, work the chip “sand” and butter together until well mixed. 

The mixture will be somewhat stiff.

1. To assemble: Spread the butter mixture on one side of each slice of bread. 
2. Place 4 slices, butter-chip mixture side down, on your work surface. 
3. Spread 2 tablespoons of the guacamole on each slice of bread. Sprinkle the tomato on top of the guacamole, if using. 
4. Follow with the Colby and Monterey Jack Cheeses. 
5. Dot with small pieces of the goat cheese. 
6. Finish by placing two bacon pieces on each sandwich. 
7. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
8. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes. 
9. Put the sandwiches into the pan, cover, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the undersides are golden brown. 
10. Watch carefully because the chips in the butter can burn easily. 
11. Turn the sandwiches, pressing each one firmly with a spatula to compress the filling slightly. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until the undersides are well browned. 
12. Turn the sandwiches once more, press firmly with the spatula again, cook for 1 minute, and remove from the pan.
13.  Let cool 5 minutes. Cut in half and serve.

Creamy, Smoky, Cheesy Croissant
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 medium cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary; salt; 4 large croissants, cut in half lengthwise; 1/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped; 6 ounces Wisconsin Brie Cheese, rind removed; 6 ounces Wisconsin Swiss Cheese, coarsely grated; 4 (1-ounce) slices smoked turkey
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, mustard, garlic, and rosemary. Add a little salt to taste. Set aside for up to 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 1 day refrigerated.

1. To assemble: Place the bottom half of each croissant on your work surface, cut side up. 
2. Spread 2 tablespoons of the mayonnaise mixture on each croissant half followed by the sun-dried tomatoes.
3.  Lay the Brie slices on top, followed by the Swiss Cheese and turkey slices. 
4. Top with the remaining croissant halves, cut side down.
5. Heat a large nonstick skillet over a medium-low heat for 2 minutes. 
6. Put the sandwiches into the pan, cover, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden brown. 
7. Carefully turn the sandwiches, pressing each one with a spatula to compress the bread and filling. 
8. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until the undersides are golden brown.
9.  Turn the sandwiches once more, press with the spatula again, cook for 1 minute, and remove from the pan. 
10. Let cool 5 minutes. 
11. Cut in half and serve.

Double Cheddar & Tomato Jam
Ingredients: 12 ounces Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese; 4 tablespoons butter, at room temperature; 8 sandwich-size slices sourdough; 6 tablespoons; Tomato Jam (see recipe below)

Using the very small holes of a box grater or other similar-size grating device, finely grate 6 ounces of the Cheddar. Place the cheese in a small bowl. Add the butter and, using the back of a fork, mash the mixture until the cheese is well incorporated into the butter.

Using the large holes of a box grater or other similar-size grating device, grate the remaining cheese.

1. To assemble: Spread the Cheddar-butter mixture on one side of each of the bread slices.
2. Place 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, on your work surface.  
3. Spread 1½ tablespoons of jam on each slice. 
4. Distribute the cheese, and top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
5. Heat a large nonstick skillet over a medium heat for 2 minutes. 
6. Put the sandwiches into the pan, cover, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until golden brown. 
7. Turn the sandwiches, pressing each one firmly with a spatula to flatten slightly. 
8. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the undersides are well browned (watch carefully because the cheese on the outside of the bread can darken quickly). 
9. Turn the sandwiches once more, press firmly with the spatula again, cook for 1 minute, and remove from the pan. 
10. Let cool for 5 minutes. 
11. Cut in half and serve.
12. Tomato Jam

Ingredients: 6 large ripe tomatoes (about 1 ½ pounds) peeled, seeded and coarsely chopped; 1 clove garlic, finely chopped; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar;
2 1/2 tablespoons sugar; Salt

Place all the ingredients in a medium-size saucepan over medium-low heat. 

The mixture should bubble ever so slightly but not boil. 

Cook for about 1 hour, or until the jam has thickened and most of the liquid has evaporated. Let cool.

Mozzarella with Crispy Prosciutto and Broccoli Rabe Grilled Cheese

Ingredients: 8 thin slices prosciutto (about 4 ounces); 1/4 cup olive oil; 12 ounces broccoli rabe (about 1 bunch), tough stems removed and coarsely chopped; 1 teaspoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice; 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 8 sandwich-size slices Italian bread; 8 ounces Wisconsin Mozzarella, coarsely grated

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and line a plate with paper towels. Add the prosciutto slices (you may need to do this in batches), and cook until browned and crisp, about 2 minutes on each side. 

Transfer to the paper towels to drain. 

The prosciutto will become crisper as it cools.

Add enough oil to make 2 tablespoons fat in the pan over medium-high heat for 1 minute. 

Add the broccoli rabe. 

Cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, tender, and bright green yet caramelized around a few of the edges, 5 to 7 minutes. 

(Add water to the pan if it seems dry). 

Add the lemon juice, pepper flakes and salt and toss to coat. 

Transfer the broccoli rabe to a plate.

Wipe out the skillet but don’t wash it.

1. To assemble: Brush the remaining oil on one side of each slice of bread.
2.  Place 4 slices of bread, oil side down, on your work surface. 
3. Distribute the broccoli rabe and follow with the prosciutto. 
4. Pile the cheese on top, compressing it with your hand if necessary, and top with the remaining bread slices, oil side up.
5. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes. 
6. Put the sandwiches into the pan, cover, and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the undersides are golden brown. 
7. Turn the sandwiches, pressing each one firmly with a spatula to flatten slightly. 
8. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until the undersides are well browned. 
9. Remove the cover, turn the sandwiches once more and press firmly with the spatula once again. 
10. Cook for 1 minute or until the cheese has melted completely. 
11. Remove from the pan and let cool 2 to 3 minutes. 
12. Cut in half and serve.

The Wisconsonite

Ingredients: 1/4 cup cranberry sauce; 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature; 8 sandwich-size slices dark rye or marble bread;8 ounces Wisconsin Colby Cheese; 2 ounces Wisconsin Blue Cheese, coarsely crumbled

In a small bowl, mix the cranberry sauce and mustard together.

1. To assemble: Spread the butter on one side of each slice of bread. 
2. Place 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, on your work surface. 
3. Spread the cranberry mixture on the bread. Distribute the Colby and crumble the Blue Cheese over the Colby. 
4. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
5. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes. 
6. Put the sandwiches into the pan, cover, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until the undersides are have darkened and become crisp. 
7. Turn the sandwiches, pressing each one firmly with a spatula to flatten slightly. 
8. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the undersides are crisp. 
9. Remove the cover, turn the sandwiches once more and press firmly with the spatula once again. 
10. Cook for 1 minute, or until the cheese has melted completely. (You might have to peek inside to make sure). 
11. Remove from the pan and let cool 5 minutes. 
12. Cut in half and serve.

LINDSAY LOHAN IN VICTORIA GOTTI ROLE NOT A DONE DEAL, PRODUCER SAYS

Although reports claim Lindsay Lohan is close to signing on as Victoria in the upcoming movie Gotti: Three Generations, executive producer Marc Fiore says "99% of the casting rumors are false."

Fiore tells X17online exclusively:

"I will be announcing the cast of our Gotti film on April 12. You'll see that many of the names supposedly connected to the film are not involved. I also want to clear up that Victoria Gotti is not a producer on the film, and for that reason, she has no say on the production or who is getting cast in various roles."

As for the film itself, Fiore wouldn't confirm whether Travolta will be playing John Gotti, however the superstar will be present for the big casting announcement next week. Fiore adds:

"We have the story of the modern day Godfather. This is the first story ever told by the Gotti family themselves. We bought the rights from the family to tell their story. This will be a true and accurate account. Let me tell you, there are some bone-chilling stories to tell."

As for Lindsay, turns out her connection with the Gotti family goes way back to 1989. A family source tells X17online exclusively:

"Michael and Dina took Lindsay and son Michael Jr. to the San Gennaro festival in 1989 and they ended up sitting at the Gotti's booth. Ever since then the families have been tight."

In case you aren't familiar with the San Gennaro Festival, it's an annual Feast that brings more than one million people to the streets of Little Italy, NYC in the annual salute to the Patron Saint of Naples.

As for Lilo's chances of being cast in the role of Victoria Gotti, find out what our source told us ... after the jump.

The source adds:

"There's no doubt Lindsay will get the part. Victoria has already hand-picked her. No one can nail that role like Lindsay."

Selena Gomez’s New Movie ‘Monte Carlo’ Trailer (Video)

Monte Carlo tells the story of three girlfriends who take a less than stellar trip to Paris, France. They get the worst room in the city, take the most horrible tours etc..

Until Grace (Gomez) gets mistaken for a British heiress while hiding out from a rainstorm in the lobby of a 5-star hotel.

Their trip takes a turn for the insane as they are treated to the good life, followed by the paparazzi and all!

Rounding out the cast are Katie Cassidy (Melrose Place, Supernatural), Leighton Meester, and Cory Monteith. With a cast of so many young up and comers, there is no doubt that this film will be a hit with the 15 and under crowd.

I’m even considering taking in this one… it just looks SOOOO cute!

Sidenote: Another MAJOR reason that Gomez is growing on me, is that she is just pissing of Justin Bieber fans left and right. I guess they just can’t handle their idol dating a cutie pie? HA!

New! Marc Jacobs Splash- Cranberry

While shopping at a nearby mall, and I discovered a new Marc Jacobs fragrance!

This summer, take a break, relax, and get away for some fun. Inspired by the first sip of a cool, sweet cocktail on a sun-soaked summer day, Marc Jacobs introduces a refreshing scent that’s vibrant in color and crisp to the senses. Indulge in the simple pleasures of summer.

Notes:
Pink Grapefruit, Cranberry Pulp (The one I tried), Bergamot, Tangerine, Ginger Flower, Honeysuckle, Ozonic Accord, Red Currant, Vetiver, Icy Musk, Precious Woods, Exotic Woods.
Style:
Fruity. Citrus. Refreshing
Price: $68-80

5 Ways to Rock The Ponytail This Spring

Who doesn't love a good comeback? Though it's usually the stuff of last-minute hair fixes, the ponytail is officially back on the spring hairstyle roster and making a bid for MVP status. 
But what exactly is it about the the pony that champions other 'dos?
 Besides it being simply the easiest and fastest way to way to pull your hair back (and ideal for beating the heat), ponytail hairstyles are seriously versatile—a fact proven most recently at the the fall shows: 
From the ultra-sleek to messy-chic, the pony ruled the runways. And while the style may seem more routine than renegade, just a few simple switch ups and your ponytail gets a marked makeover.


 So what's the key to keeping it all in place? 


The right ponytail holder is all in the band—I recommend Blax Hair Elastics. Droopy ponytails are usually caused by worn out elastics, so make sure you use one that's good quality and snag-free. Here's to ponying up this spring!

Here are some Tips I recommend:




Soft and Low—The low ponytail looks best when it's a little loose and romantic. 
1. Starting with a volumizing gel or texturizing spray, blow dry the hair straight and create a center part.
2. Keep volume at the crown for a little bit of a '60s vibe, and pull the hair back into a low ponytail at the nape.
3. Wrap a piece of hair around the elastic and secure underneath with a bobby pin. 
*If you're starting with dry hair, tap some volumizing powder or spray dry shampoo into the roots at the crown, then pull hair back into a low pony.

John Frieda Luxurious Volume Anytime Refresher, $5.99, available at Target; 

Redken Velvet Gelatine 07 cushioning blow-dry gel, $17 (Also Available at Salon Heaven. 1505 S. Michigan ave. Chicago, IL 60605)

Blax Hair Elastics, $3.50

Sleek and High— This ponytail definitely reminds me of Madonna in her '90s-dominatrix day, but it's also an easily achieved, night-out look. The straighter, the better, 

1.Flat iron your hair first.

2.Add a shine serum. 

3.Start with sculpting gel (depending on how sleek you want to go) and finish with hairspray. 

*For a super-straight ponytail, flat iron the ponytail itself, too.

John Frieda Full Repair Touch-Up Flyaway Tamer, $8.99, available at Target; 

 Amika Ceramic Styler, $115, available at Sephora;

Redken Forceful 23 Super Strength Finishing Spray, $16.50 (Also available at Salon Heaven 1505 S Michigan ave Chicago, IL 60605)

 Got2b Rockin' It Gel (not pictured), $5.99, available at Ulta.

Slick, Low, and Parted—Adding a defined side part will modernize and add a sporty vibe to a sleek, low ponytail. 

1. Apply texturizing spray or gel to damp hair and blow dry.

2. Create a deep side part and pull hair into a low ponytail 

3. finish with a shine spray.

Sally Hershberger Genius Spray Wax, $12.50, available atTarget

Suave Professionals Vibrant Shine Spray, $2.99, availble at drugstores nationwide.

The Lived-In Look—Mess things up a bit and embrace the deconstructed pony! 

1. Add a sea spray or texturizing gel to damp hair and rough dry. 

2. Next create a deep side part, and, creating a swoop in the front, pull the hair into a ponytail, covering the ears a bit. 

3. Tease hair at the crown for extra volume, and remember: the messier, the better, so pull pieces out of the front or in back for the perfectly tousled pony.

No. 14 Salt Primer, $24.50, visit Davines.com for salon locations

Bumble and bumble Bb.texture, $26, available at Bumble and bumble

This is my favorite ponytail.

Keep the Curls—Go for a loose, romantic pony; a side, over-the-shoulder pony; or add volume at the crown and secure it in the middle of the head. 

1. For naturally straight hair, take a cue from the loose waves at Band of Outsiders and allow damp, braided hair to dry overnight. 

2. Just tease hair at the crown, pull it into a ponytail in the morning, and you're set!

 Moroccanoil Curl Control Creme, $32.80, visit Moroccanoil 

Sweet News: Candy Lovers Are Surprisingly Thinner--Do You Heart Candy?

Eat candy, lose weight? I wish. But seriously, according to the latest news, candy lovers may be a slim bunch. Do you love candy? What's your favorite kind? Let's talk sweet stuff...

I've seen a lot of surprising weight loss news, but this really shocked me. According to Louisiana State University researchers, people who tend to eat candy and chocolate treats have smaller waistlines, lower BMIs and weigh less than those who tend to nix sweet splurges. On top of that, say the researchers, candy eaters had a 14 percent lower risk for high blood pressure.

What's going on here? There are two factors to point out: 

1.) This study asked people to recall what they ate, which is typically an unreliable method, and

2.) Candy or no candy, it all boils down to calories. A little candy eaten as a part of a low-calorie diet isn't going to make anyone pack on pounds.

I'm not really a candy fan, but chocolate, oh yeah. How about you?

Are you a candy eater? What's your favorite kind?

5 Of The Best Wedding Beauty Tips I've Ever Heard!

Tons of fancy hair and makeup pros have shared wedding beauty tips with us here on Save the Date. In case you've missed a few--or are new to the blog--here are some of the very best ones for you to have and to hold

.

1. Consider how your hair color will look in photos.

Adding some face-framing highlights is a great way to prevent brown hair from looking like one solid, dark mass in photos.  Brides should avoid anything too auburn, which tends to look "cartoonish" in pics.

2. Make sure your makeup is going to stay looking great.

Don't curl your lashes right after washing your face (the curl holds much better when lashes are dry); and skip cream blushes, eyeliners and eyeshadows, which tend to absorb into skin over time (powders last longer).

3. To avoid helmet-head, incorporate a hairspray alternative.

Use a good texturizing cream while your hair is damp to provide staying power for your hairstyle without stiffness or stickiness. You can still finish things off with a misting of hairspray, but you'll be able to use lots less (your new husband will thank you when he touches your hair!).

4. Not sure where to find a great wedding makeup artist? Try the mall.

Many of the makeup artists who work behind the beauty counters at department stores are available for hire for special events like weddings, and you can usually test out their services without the huge "makeup trial" price tag. Plus, you can try out a few in a row if you want to compare (just always be sure to leave a tip and perhaps buy a product to compensate each for her/his time).

5. There's a way to look radiant without looking shiny.

Boehmer also divulged this sneaky makeup-artist trick: If you concentrate translucent powder toward the center of your face (nose, chin, forehead) but avoid using it on your cheeks or eye area, you can get that elusive glowy-but-not-greasy look in photos. Keep blotting papers on hand for quick, mess-free T-zone touchups.

What's the best bridal beauty tip you have ever heard? Share, please!