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Halloween season is finally here!

And I’m excited to debut the newest addition to my collection of seasonal decor. My rose gold skull cookie jar from #homegoods for $14.99. Now is the time to purchase new pieces as they are already up to 50% off. Shopping retailers are ready for Christmas and the sooner u buy their pre-Christmas merchandise the better. Another important shopping tip. Extend your reach to Dollar Tree, Rite Aid, Osh and Pier One. My dining table center piece is a collection of all the above and together it makes for an eclectic mix of the Halloween season. Tis' the season to shop smart and always save. Next up? Decorative pumpkins 🎃 that I keep whole so they last through Thanksgiving - yes the other "holiday" retailers race through to get to Christmas. 😊

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#roséallyearlong

On a gorgeous fall day like today, funny how inspiration strikes for another way to enjoy your rosé. Because for some as the seasons change, so does your wine selection. But today I was excited to see these beautiful rose colored glass tumbler cups at #cb2 for $2.95 each. What a steal and better yet GORGEOUS way to enjoy your rosé all year round. Cheers!

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Bellinis For All! For anyone that has enjoyed a refreshing Bellini at Cipriani's in NYC, Harry's Bar in Venice or Il Cielo in Beverly Hills you know it's something that is seasonal and to look forward to. Kind of like Rosé when it starts to warm up early spring. Well thanks to the always surprising and resourceful Trader Joe's everyone can toast a great Bellini in a bottle for the ridiculous price of $3.99 while supplies last. I discovered the row of gorgeous pink blush Secco Peach Bellini on the top shelf of my local TJ's Friday and decided to toast my daughter's entry to a new daycare that evening with some friends. I took out some vintage flutes I got from the Melrose Flea over the holiday and voila the bottle was gone within 15 minutes. So good, I have been texting friends all weekend about it and knew it was something to share with all of you. Andiamo a Trader Joe's Stat! Cheers!

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Must Have All Year Round! Happiness happens when an amazing product makes life blissful. In this case, from my beloved nail place, #luxenailboutique, the introduction of their new Luxe Cuticle Oil. Not only does this product work upon application, it softens and conditions my winter dry nail beds and brings them back to life. I use this product on my entire family. The scent is clean and the modern light texture of the oil allows it to soak in quickly and provide immediate satisfaction. This product has been used only for only Luxe clients to date and now it's available for the masses. Forget about CND Solar Oil, the size and quality of this cuticle miracle in a bottle, far exceeds any product on the market. Run over to #luxenailboutique and grab this product and treat yourself to the best gel manicure in LA.

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Rosé in a can. Brilliant. I love this research project. #unionwinecompany #yeswayrose #TGIF #Love

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​The Winning Combo That Shaved 12 Minutes Off My AM Commute to Work!

This pre-made Starbucks Iced Coffee (lightly sweetened) along with Blue Diamond Almond Milk with a touch of Honey has saved me time. Every morning. It tastes BETTER than what they serve each morning fresh at the buck.

Available at Ralph's in the chilled beverages section.

Along with my $1 reusable grande cup, I'm green friendly while drinking my coffee every and seeing more green in my wallet. This bottle at 48 FL OZ lasts me through Saturday each week, costs $5.99. Do the math versus what you spend at Starbucks. Brilliant.

Try and you will see why I'm so excited about this combo.

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Guaranteed! If you get your nails done every 2 weeks, you have seen this line of AMAZING nail polish colors. If not, you need to ask your favorite nail place why they don’t carry them.

RGB Cosmetics is a vegan nail color line with some of the most beautiful shades I have ever seen.  I had to ask my favorite nail place, Luxe Nail Spa Boutique to order for me since I could not find it at any beauty supply place in LA COUNTY. And yes I checked.

When New York Magazine (I’m a subscriber!) quotes that their nail color Cobalt “….it makes you feel really put together in that sexy-chic Carine Roitfeld kinda way..” you need to listen. She is officially my new girl crush after watching her documentary, "Mademoiselle C." She is one of the most chic, well-dressed woman in the world. Literally. 

My colors du jour:

Crimson (featured above)

Oxblood

Cobalt

Deep 

I’m taking a break from my beloved gel manicure (my nails need a Nailtiques break) and rocking Crimson right now which given my day to day is doing very well thus far.  To imagine how RGB would change the game by going gel…which will not happen, but at least I can rock amazing color on my toes year round and when on break from gel on my nails. 

Schedule an appointment at @luxenailboutique in my beloved Miracle Mile and check out the array of RGB colors they have. Best in LA!

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Google Chromecast is a Game Changer!

Literally this Google device has changed my world.  As a working mom of two beautiful babies (2 years and 7.5 months), I rarely get a chance to catchup on our DVR or even watch real time TV.  

Before these kids arrived, I used to watch documentaries on fashion, design, even occasionally rent a movie from RedBox that I missed at the theaters. We use the OnDemand purchase option through DirecTV for movies but when you add up over $20 in fees for these rentals, it just seems ridiculous.  

Over the holiday, my good friend told me about Google Chromecast and how she purchased it for all the assistants in her office. Her fiance takes it with him on the road and it’s just convenience on the go. 

So I purchased from Best Buy, activated a NetFlix DVD and streaming trial and within the first 2 weeks of ownership, I have maybe watched more programming than I would have EVER. From the ease of "casting" from my iPhone to watch on our living room TV or from the iPad or laptop, it’s effortless. Great titles! Documentaries: Mademoiselle C, Jiro Dreams of Sushi, Chef, this list goes on. Also compatible with Hulu, Amazon Streaming video among other streaming options.  I finally feel like I’m back to life having time to watch quality programming from different devices. At $34 this is a game changer!

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My Sexy Winter Candle Pick 2015!

Eventhough I love spring and summer, there are some great perks to Winter. Cozy evenings with really good red wine, netflix movies at home with candles permeating the air.

My new sexy addition to this winter season is by way of Archipelago's Cotes Du Rhone candle! In a word, warm. It's like wrapping up your immediate surroundings in a luxurious cashmere throw, swishing around really good red wine in a stemless Reidel glass and taking it all in. 

I absolutely love this candle and have been gifting it to friends and family since before the holidays.

It burns very well and is also cost friendly where you can buy 2-3 at a time.

Time to stock up before Valentine's Day! 

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The Most Delicious 20 Minute Lobster Pasta!

When it comes to food, there are some things that must go together. In the case of my delicious 20 Minute Lobster Pasta it's as follows:

Grilled Lobster Tails

Unsalted Butter

Good Olive Oil

Fresh Lemon juice

Kosher Salt 

Coarse Ground Black Pepper

Pasta Water

Fresh Italian Parsley

Crushed red peppers

Good Dry White Wine

White Alfredo Sauce

Fresh linguine pasta

Here is my recipe below on putting these magical ingredients together. This is a great romantic dinner recipe for two or an even more decadent family dinner (especially for my 2 year old toddler, charli who LOVES crustaceans).

Enjoy!

Alexis' 20 Minute Lobster Pasta

Clean two lobster tails, boil for 5-7 minutes until red. Remove from water and put aside to cool before grilling.

While lobster is cooking, heat one stick of unsalted good butter. This will be used to season lobster on grill along with base for pasta sauce.  

Hold lobster boil water to side to use for cooking linguine for 8 minutes (it will finish cooking in the saute pan.

Once cooled, use a sharp knife or pair of kitchen scissors to cut each lobster tail in half.

Heat grill pan a few minutes before use so its sizzling hot to grill.

In a large size saute pan, add the following ingredients:

Zest of one lemon

juice of 1/2 lemon (keep other 1/2 reserved for later)

1/2 of melted butter + additional stick

coarse black pepper to taste

kosher salt (be conservative since we are layering flavors)

one cup of the lobster boiled / pasta cooked water

dash of crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 cup of olive oil

1/2 cup of Fettucini Alfredo Sauce in a jar

1/2 cup of good dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc)

Cook adding above items in order over medium heat until it boils and then bring down to a simmer

Drizzle lobster tails with other 1/2 of melted stick of butter and grill on pan for 2 - 3 minutes per side (you will get grill marks)

When complete, take grilled lobster meat out of shells and chop into ample bite size pieces

Add to saute pan with other ingredients

Immediately add linguine to saute pan and continue to cook for 2 -3 minutes

Sprinke pasta with chopped Italian parsley and add remaining juice of 1/2 lemon

Serve with a crisp white wine or be festive and pop some brut rose champagne and serve immediately. With seafood pastas, it's best to eat right when they are ready.

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Glowing Skin for 2015

Happy New Year!

It's been a while since I my last post but was very much inspired to post today as I have something fabulous to suggest for your most important asset - your skin.

In this case, Dr. Hauschka's Rose Day Cream.  It's transformed my skin from dull to glowing overnight.  I am one of those people that pays attention to people with beautiful skin. Jennifer Lopez was asked in an TV interview around the holidays what products she used. She always has an ethereal look to her with full brows that also make her look so young, never hard. ITome, she is the fountain of youth. When she mentioned a rose day cream she has been using for years, I did some further research. Found out it was Dr. Hauschka's online and purchased it. 

It goes on somewhat thick but easily absorbs into the skin. For others, there is a light version of this cream. Within a few days, I started feeling an obvious difference in the moisture retention in my skin and felt like my make-up was applying better and no need for afternoon check-ins to see if I needed a touch up.  I could go from day to post work get togethers with confidence

Dr. Hauschka's Rose Day Cream covers normal, dry and sensitive skin. Which for me, depending on the season, all three of those apply to me.

After using it for more than 1.5 months, I felt it was time to pass this gem along to those looking to change their routine in 2015.

It's available online and at your local Whole Foods market.

Here's to the fountain of youth and gorgeous skin!

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Ode to My Love Gel Mani While getting my gel mani at my favorite nail shop #luxenailboutique on Wilshire this week, I decided to do something extra. I added my boyfriend's nickname to my thumb. AD. I loved surprising him with it and knowing no one else knew it was a reminder to me about how much he means to me. When I told some friends who will remain nameless they loved the idea but with their OWN initials. I love a monogram. When my daughter was born I had custom blankets, bibs and even robes with "charli" embossed and love that one day other than me telling her these were her baby blankets, it's personalized forever. A gel mani with custom initials is a short term commitment to show the one u love some amore and then decide on what color u will rock for another 2 plus weeks. :)

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My Office Terrarium!

I HEART my self made succulent glass terrarium! I wanted to decorate my new office with a beautiful succulent arrangement enclosed to look like a piece of art. New office, new energy, new memories to be made!

My $30 project looks like it cost a lot more and I’m so excited to share this fun activity.

First, go to Home Goods and choose a beautiful glass vase. I went the slightly difficult route choosing a very narrow opening. $12.99

Second, go to Dollar Tree and purchase some decorative rocks. These rocks / pebbles are the base for creating an optimal atmosphere for succulents to grow. I got a nice size bag for a dollar and have some leftover for another project to come. I chose not to use white rocks to take away from the beauty of the succulents. $1.09

Third, go to Home Depot and pick out some mini succulents. I chose 4 to start and wanted an array of different textures to feature. I had potting soil already but if u need some, get small bag. Also pick up a small bag of activated charcoal. Funny that I will be blogging on the health benefits of activated charcoal for the body but it’s necessary for terrariums to prevent mold. $11

Four, hit the beach! Yes I went back to my old Playa Del Rey stomping grounds and dug up about a 1.5 lbs of sand. This will be mixed with potting soil for the succulents to be planted in. FREE

When assembling, I created my piece in the kitchen but outside is also fine. To note these terrariums cannot be exposed to too much light. I cleaned out the vase and dries it. Then placed 1 inch thick level of my dollar tree rocks / pebbles. Then added 1.5 inch layer of charcoal on top.

Combine equal parts of the sand and potting soil. Add a 1.5” layer of this combo to the vase.

Now time to add the succulents! Feature the largest succulent in the middle and build out to the sides with smaller succulents. It’s good to use a kitchen knife to create a hole for each succulent to be placed.

When complete, add one more layered of charcoal 1/2” thick on top of the succulents. This is a decorative touch but also to help again prevent mold.

I used my hands to gently pour water on the arrangement to set it. It’s suggested to use a spray bottle but honestly who wants water spots inside your beautiful glass terrarium arrangement??

Now I have a beautiful piece of art to showcase in my office. And potentially a nice gift to give for the holidays!

Voila!

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Three Kitchen Gadgets To Add in Fall 2014!

I always think it's fun to purchase a few new items to refresh your interest in  the kitchen.  Especially as the seasons change.  After all, how are amazing meals created without feeling like your surroundings are comfortable to you. For me, fall is about dinner parties, good wine and even better cocktails.  It's getting a little colder (well just a tad in LA) and it's nice to entertain at home.

But with a busy work schedule, two kids under the age of 2 and making my relationship a romantic priority week to week, I can get into the take out rut which gets pricey.  But after making a few "refresh" purchases in the last week, I have to say I'm ready to cook some good meals for my family this weekend and get some lunches ready for at least two days.  

First...For anyone handling raw chicken, fish or red meat, it's important to wash hands and keep clean. I found this cook friendly soap dispenser  "C-Pump" by Joseph Joseph that allows you to not spread salmonella or anything else while handling any type of meat or seafood because you use the back side of your hand to pump the soap. Brilliant! I bought from Marv N Stewart in Downtown Palm Springs a great home store on E. Tahquitz Way. 

Secondly, Sapadilla Rosemary & Mint Countertop Cleanser is the most pleasant smelling, effective countertop cleaner I have used since I started using Lysol's Hydrogen Peroxide Multi-Purpose Cleaner last year.  The company Sapadilla is self described as "the nicest little eco-cleaners on the planet," produce this $9 power punch.  It's a great way to clean up your mess in the kitchen and let you forget about how much you don't look forward to the clean-up. SO MUCH better than Method cleansers because the scent isn't synthetic; it's 100% organic. I have been using it everywhere just because the smell is AMAZING.

Last but not least, these great little lime and lemon savers are eco-friendly (no more plastic wrap) and actually extend the life of your citrus leftovers. By a few days. MAGIC.  Plus you will never forget what is inside of them as they are bright and cheery reminders for you every time you open your refrigerator.

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More SHEBANG for your buck!

When I find something I really like, I must have it.  In this case, a really good red wine blend that came into my life by accident.  We had planned to go to Sushi Itzakaya for date night and when told how long the wait would be, stumbled upon a cute restaurant next door called Goldie's.  With outside seating under the stars, I was sold. Great bites to share with someone special (pork ribs, homemade seaweed and crab pasta, mussels in a coconut curry sauce were so good along with berries in creme for dessert).  After a few rounds of their signature cocktails, I wanted to have a good red to accompany my dessert.

When he suggested Sherman & Hooker's SHEBANG, I was intrigued.  $12 glass of vino. Thank goodness most restaurants I frequent allow you to taste in advance.  In one word: Smooth. In two words to describe: Smooth and decadent. Jammy.  I was so taken with this red blend (think zinfandel, grenache, sangiovese and petit syrah in one) I started looking for it online before we finished our final course. Luckily....and I say luckily because a lot of wines at restaurants are not always available for mass consumption. But in this case, I found it at K&L Wine Merchants on Vine in Hollywood.  At the per bottle price of $11.99. Yes I paid one cent more to enjoy a single glass of this inviting Fall red wine on a beautiful open air patio. But the payoff is that I found a new red that I can share with you for free. priceless.

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Izanhour Design | Transforming Vintage Cabinet to Modern Bar Staple

I love the construction and quality of vintage furniture from flea markets, online emporiums like apartment therapy and thrift stores because I feel they are stellar in comparison to today’s furniture available to the masses.

In our first 8 years as a couple, my boyfriend Adrian and I started collecting really great vintage furniture pieces including cabinets, chairs, tables, frames to name a few. So much in fact that we had to put a lot of pieces in storage separately because we didn’t have enough room to do what we wanted to in time. Adrian’s company, Izanhour Design transforms home and office spaces with interior design services inclusive of furniture, custom paint color and creative floor plans.

When we moved into our new place this past winter, it was like Christmas morning going thru our pieces that we could now transform for use in our beautiful home. FINALLY!! First plan of action, creating our must-have bar cabinet.

On my way to work, Adrian asked me what color I wanted from a choice of blues and turquoise color cards. The following day post work, I came home to this gorgeous bar cabinet! Tulum, Mexico ocean inspired turquoise blue on 4 glossy white pedestal bases and shiny brass hardware that after some love and expertise now looks likes sculptural art against the bright color. 180 degree improvement!

I previously spotlighted Izanhour Design when I attempted to paint a gorgeous heavy oak dining table glossy white by myself in 2011 when we were just friends. The final piece is now in “our” dining room is a conversation piece. With the right professionals on your team, you can make your vintage finds a collector’s show stopper. Need I say more, the pictures speak volumes. Izanhourdesign.com | 323-839-5161.

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Bin Storage Is the Best Space Saver! These $1 bright blue storage bins from Dollar Tree have changed my world. Literally. Especially in the bathroom and kitchen. Now instead of looking for my essentials, they are organized by type (skin care, hair care, babies stuff...) and it makes my getting ready routine so streamlined. For the kitchen, I eliminate wasted space keeping my kids individually packed snacks in one place. These same space savers are sold at The Container Store for a lot more. I love the handles too. Easy to pull out. They are fabulous and come in an array of colors. Proper planning prevents poor performance. And these $1 bins will make u feel like u hired a custom closet organizer that charge a lot for this knowledge. Now they is something to smile about!