Best Buy makes planning your wedding registry fun with these top five picks

Some think that picking out the engagement ring is tough – and in some cases it is. The right “size, shape, color”, is it new or something that is a family heirloom. When it comes to picking out your registry, you can breathe a sign of relief because Best Buy wedding registry takes all the stress out of your wedding planning with home goods that you’ll both enjoy. These are my top five picks from Best Buy to help any engaged couples new life together the best.

1 – TV anyone? This is awesome for gathering around for date night, simple movies and let’s not forget all the sports that your spouse (and possibly you too) will love to watch with family and friends.2 – Technology is key in the 21^st century. How about new matching mobile devices, music players or laptops? This makes staying in touch and getting those thank you notes off to your guests easier.  They also have an awesome “Geek Squad”, that can help you with any of your computer related questions.

3 – New appliances may be needed in your new home and how about that washer, drier or stainless steel wine fridge you’ve had your eye on. While these may seem big-ticket items, they are great for “Group Gifting”. What’s that you ask? It allows gift-givers to give any amount they want, so couples can ask for the gifts you really want and not worry about price point. Great for your officemates or bridal party who want to pool funds for your gift.

4 – It’s party time and a new stereo and/or speakers will set your party off right! Music systems will help with amazing surround sound for parties both in and out of your home. Placing your speakers near or via blue tooth, will have your guests enjoying every moment.

5 – I don’t know about you but nothing makes for a great party but awesome food and cocktails. That’s why a microwave, toaster, blender or coffee maker must be on your registry. Fun food just completes your new home and cocktails  or coffee make everything meal perfect all year round.

Best Buy has a great choice of gifts that will fit any registry request. Remember that all items $199 and over can be considered for their “group gifting” option. This allows you to ask for what you really want, without asking your guests to spend more than they are comfortable with—so dream big. Remember Best Buy Wedding Registry has Free Shipping, No Minimum.  So whatever your “Top Five” products, big or small, expensive or affordable, all ship for free saving your guests money.

So check out Best Buy and take the stress out of your registry planning. Now back to finding the perfect dress….

While a huge Best Buy fan, this is a sponsored post and I’ve been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

On a hot Labor Day think cool Cocktails from Snow Leopard Vodka

Can you believe it’s ALREADY Labor Day?! During these last hot days of summer, there is no better cocktail to help celebrate than Snow Leopard Vodka. It’s cool, refreshing and these cocktails will go down oh-so-refreshingly smooth. Are you planning your engagement party this weekend? Why not make one of these your signature cocktail. If you’re not feeling like cooking or are looking for a fun evening out, then you really have to try either Trattoria Il Mulino (36 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003) or Pergola (36 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001) where you can experience the SnowHound and Bright Lotus respectfully there and then re-create it at home.

If you are a vodka lover (like I am) you will truly enjoy Snow Leopard Vodka. So be cool, think cool and have a “snow” kind of Labor Day.

Remember…drink responsibly.

SnowHound
Trattoria Il Mulino (36 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003)
Snow Leopard Vodka
Grapefruit Cordial
Fresh Lemon

Bright Lotus
by Scott Fitzgerald at Pergola (36 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001)
2 oz. Snow Leopard
.75 oz. Passionfruit Puree
.75 oz. Simple Syrup
.5 oz. Lime Juice
3 drops Creme de Cassis

Snow Leopard Garden

Created by John Christie
1.5 oz. Snow Leopard Vodka
2 oz. fresh watermelon juice
.5 oz. lemon juice
.5 oz. agave nectar
.25 oz. elderflower cordial

Glassware: Coupe,  Garnish: Frozen Watermelon Ball

Sparrow Swizzle
Created by Garrett Mikell at Eveleigh in Los Angeles, CA
1.5 oz Snow Leopard
1.5 oz Lavender Lemonade
Build in a collins glass, add crushed ice, swizzle and a lemon twist

Jewel of Asia
1.25oz Snow Leopard Vodka
1oz Lychee Liqueur
1oz Lime Juice
0.5oz Pomegranate Syrup
Top with Champagne
Add ingredients into a rocks glass fill with cubed ice and swizzle garnish with pink grapefruit and serve

Himalayan Spritz
1oz Snow leopard Vodka
1oz Aperol
1oz Cherry Brandy OR Maraschino
Top with chilled Prosecco
Add ingredients into a rocks glass fill with cubed ice and stir. Garnish with lemon wheel and cherry then serve.

Best Buy has a wedding registry with your name on it.

With so many things to do before your big day, how about making life a little easier when it comes to your wedding registry? Did you know that Best Buy now has a wedding registry?!? I KNOW!!

I’m a real fan of Best Buy. It’s been a long time since a store has the latest products that fit my lifestyle and me. I have a feeling it’s the same for you. So when you and your partner start to build your registry, think about what you really need and your lifestyle. Best Buy really has the best selection of things you may need for you home and if you need help setting up your new device, the geek squad is always available. Now that’s service!

So why Best Buy? Look, do you really need another set of sheets or dishes? I didn’t think so. Giving your guests your registry from Best Buy will assure you that you get what you want and need to continue to build your home. You will also get the items you are truly excited to receive. That great new camera (to use on your honeymoon), perhaps that fitness tracker (to help keep you fitness goals on track) and my personal favorite Bluetooth speakers so you can play your favorite tunes on beach days or outdoors.

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One of the key benefits to this registry vs others is “group gifting”. This means your guests will spend what they want, and you’ll get what you want. There is free shipping, which is an added bonus so no gift, no matter how big or small will get to you AND there is NO minimum PURCHASE required. That’s a win-win for everyone.

So when you’re looking for the best in products, best in sales staff, the best for you, look no further than…Best Buy!

 

Disclaimer: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

Wine Wednesday celebrates Reds and Grilled Porterhouse with Chimichurri Sauce

Hello!!  I’m waving to you!

I know it’s been a while and I’m sorry.  You know – life! There are tons of new things that are happening and there is going to be a new “addition” to what you’ve seen here in the past.  It’s a little more raw…a little more vulnerable…open..and truthful. I’ve been working on it for a while and lately feel like it’s time to take you on a ride with me.  Do you want to come??  I hope so.  But since the summer winding down (where did it go?!?), I thought a wonderful steak would be a great thing to share – along with what became my favorite wine this summer.

First – what a lucky girl am I?? My boyfriend (are they still called that when you’re over 30?) took me to the South of France for holiday. I KNOW!! It was all his planning (which means I wasn’t working on a review of a property), with the perfect house rented, with pool and nothing on the agenda but having wine, cheese and fun.

Upon our arrival we went looking for the house, sort of found, it but had to wait for the owner to come to give us the keys.  Starving from our travels we finally found a place that prepared our first meal of steak, fries and served some amazing wine. I mean we’re in France…there is no such thing as bad wine in France.  Domanie du Coulet Rouge a beautiful medium-bodied red quickly became our favorite and I dare say one we both wish we could bring cases of back home.  This is a easy drinking wine that pairs well with a firm cheese, figs or in this case would be perfect with steak. 

This is us on our property in France…during our Wine Wednesday walk through the lavender

Now, this PorterHouse is pretty easy to make and the Chimichurri Sauce can be as spicy as you want it to be, just use some of the jalapeno seeds.  To have a wine like the Domanie is a perfect compliment because the steak doesn’t overpower the flavor.  So I’ll tell you more about the wines we fell in love with in France next time.  I’ll also be sharing some of the adventures and people we met.  It was an amazing time to be with someone I truly love.

Happy Eating and Happy Wine Wednesday – Cheers!

This take on the classic Argentinean condiment includes a little heat in the form of a jalapeño; it’s a perfect pairing for a big, beefy porterhouse steak.

• 1 (2-inch-thick) porterhouse steak (about 2-3/4 lb.)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1-1/2 cups coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
• 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, more as needed
• 1 Tbs. sherry vinegar, more as needed
• 2 medium cloves garlic

1 small jalapeño

Season the steak well with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour or refrigerate uncovered for up to 48 hours. Meanwhile, make the chimichurri: In a blender, purée the parsley, cilantro, oil, vinegar, garlic, jalapeño, 1 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp.  pepper, adding more oil as needed. Transfer to a small bowl and season to taste with more salt and vinegar, if needed.

If the steak is refrigerated, let it come to room temperature before grilling. For a charcoal grill, light a chimney starter full of charcoal and bank the coals against one side of the grill. For a gas grill, start with all burners on medium high and then turn off one or more of the burners to create a hot zone and a cool zone.

Pat the steak dry and grill over the hottest part of the grill, rotating it occasionally to create a crust, until well browned on one side, 2 to 4 minutes. Flip and sear the other side.

Move the steak to the cooler part of the grill, cover, and cook to your desired doneness (about 14 to 18 minutes for medium-rare). Let rest 5 to 10 minutes before serving with the chimichurri sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

The sauce will keep in the fridge for 1 week.

SINFULCOLORS INTRODUCES SILK + SATIN & FULL THROTTLE FOR SUMMER 2014

Slip into summer with this sinfully luxurious new nail polish collection from SinfulColors.  This NEW demi-matte silk texture in summer brights is a must have fashion accessory. In rich matte shades and lustrous textures, they’re guaranteed to add a little sunshine to your summer style.  The collection features sultry blues, pale banana yellow, fruity coral, even soft silver.  And, for a glamorous twist, add SinfulColors Clear Topcoat on tips, or in creative designs to add a satin shine to these stunning silk shades.

The six silky hues from the Silk + Satin SinfulColors collection clearly indicates a bright summer forecast ahead!

Matte About Blue: A matte-nificent cornflower blue

Pipaya: A soft flash of coral

Prime Purple: A delicate dose of lilac

Real Teal: A quiet mermaid green

Silver Solution: A gentle, shimmering silver

Solar Flux: A subtle touch of yellow

 

FULL THROTTLE

Racy Shades for Summer

Pedal to the medal nail polish ranks big this summer. Think racy shades in rubberized textures.  SinfulColors introduces its Full Throttle collection this summer with a starting lineup of five smoking hot hues that’ll put your nails into overdrive.  The ramped-up texturized shades range from radiant red to a powerful punch of purple to fiery orange.

Here, these five race-iest colors are guaranteed to make you look like a champion, on and off the tracks!

Rain Rubber: A brilliant burnout blue

Burn Rubber: A fiery-fueled orange

Race Rubber: A powerful punch of purple

Rubber Ball: A passionate pit stop pink

Red Tired: A racy, radiant red

SinfulColors Full Throttle, $1.99 at Rite Aid in July 2014 and Walgreens for August 2014.

 

 

 

 

Better Bridal Beauty during Acne Awareness Month

Nearly 85 percent of all people have acne at some point in their lives and it is the most common skin disorder in the United States, affecting over 40 million Americans, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. In honor of Acne Awareness Month, we’ve compiled a list of effective acne-fighters with innovative ingredients that reduce oil production, unclog pores and kill acne causing bacteria in order to banish breakouts. Let’s face it, no bride wants a breakout on her wedding day.

Sublime Beauty’s Blemish Terminator Blemish Serum
This serum combines 2% salicylic acid with 2% glycolic acid. The combination of alpha and beta hydroxy acids exfoliates dead skin cells to unclog pores and absorbs deeper into the skin targeting hyperpigmentation and dark marks leftover from previous flare ups.

$35 via www.sublimebeautyshop.com.

Apothederm Acne Clarifying Treatment

This two-in-one problem solver helps to eliminate breakouts and minimize pore size. Salicylic acid acts as an anti-inflammatory, exfoliating dead skin cells to help reduce pore size and sebum build up. Oligopeptide-10, a patented SmartPeptide® with skin calming properties, has been shown to help bind cellular toxins and kill acne-causing bacteria.

$32.50 at spas and online via www.apothederm.com and www.dermstore.com.

Jan Marini Skin Research Bioclear Lotion

A powerful combination of acids – glycolic acid, salicylic acid and  azelaic acid – that addresses a variety of skin concerns including the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, acne, rosacea, acne scarring, large follicles and porous skin texture. Bioclear drastically resurfaces skin while lessening the appearance of aging and sun damage. Skin will appear dramatically softer, smoother, more luminous and hydrated.

$60 at spas, physicians’ offices and www.janmarini.com.

Karin Herzog Oxygen Face

The high concentration of oxygen, a natural antiseptic, penetrates deep into the skin to neutralize subcutaneous bacteria, eliminate accumulated toxins and clear surface acne. This light cream helps to enhance nutrient absorption, optimize skin functions and limit the formation of excess sebum, clogged pores and blemishes.

$65 via www.karinherzog.com.

Repêchage Hydra Medic Face Wash Foaming Gel Cleanser

Hydra Medic Face Wash is a soap-free formula that deep cleanses without causing dryness. Salicylic Acid neutralizes bacteria while gently exfoliating the skin. Infusion of antioxidant synergistic tea blend soothes inflamed skin, leaving it soft and smooth. Active ingredients include: Porprhyridium Micro-alga, Green Tea Extract, Rooibos Tea Extract, Salicylic Acid, Ylang Ylang Oil (Cananga Odorata Flower Oil), Basil and Lavender Oil

$30 via www.repechage.com

Miracle Skin Transformer Acne Control

A skin-perfecting tinted skin enhancer that creates a flawless finish as it moisturizes and treats acne prone skin, while fighting future breakouts. Long wear, natural coverage conceals imperfections instantly, helping to diminish the appearance of blemishes, pores, acne scars, and uneven skin tone for a smooth, matte, flawless finish.

$48 via www.miracleskintransformer.com.

 

Mia Beauty for beauitful brides

Bridal season is just around the corner and finding new ways to style your hair can be a challenge.  Mia Beauty has created some delightful styles for fashion week that can easily be converted for your wedding day.

Get the Look: Mia Beauty Tonytail

 

Forget twisting and pinning hair around a ponytail, Mia Beauty has the easiest way to achieve the Vivienne Tam look with the Tonytail. Simply pick a shade that matches your hair color and use as you would a typical hair tie.

 

$8.00 each – available at Walgreens, Harmon/Bed Bath & Beyond, ULTA and www.miabeauty.com

 

Get the Look: Mia Beauty Bun Ease

 

Jenny Packham took the traditional “sock bun” and made it even more chic. To get the look, pull a ponytail through the Mia Beauty Bun Ease, unroll and simply tuck ends under. One the bun is in place, use your fingers to gently pull hair loose to get a tousled bun.

 

$4.50 (Small), $5.00 (Medium), $6.00 (Large), $8.00 (Extra Large) – available at ULTA and www.miabeauty.com

 

 

Get the Look: Mia Beauty Clip-n-Color

 

Hervé Léger took a futuristic, Avatar-like inspiration quite literally when it came to hair. To get this forward-thinking hair look, use Mia Beauty ‘s Clip-n-Color in Electric Blue and pull hair back into a high ponytail.

 

$8.00 – available at Walgreens and www.miabeauty.com

 

Get the Look: Mia Beauty Tony Pony

 

At Kate Spade, models sported a super-high pony, wrapped with black fabric for a subtle, yet chic addition. Mia Beauty’s Tony Pony, available in multiple colors and styles, can be velcroed over any pony to get the look.

 

$8.00 – available at Harmon/Bed Bath & Beyond, ULTA and www.miabeauty.com

 

 Get the Look: Mia Beauty Frayed Bow

 

At the Nicole Miller show, models sported a faux-mohawk look braided with a black satin ribbon. With Mia Beauty’s Frayed Bow, ties can be woven through any braid and polished off with a bow.

 

$15.00 – available at ULTA and www.miabeauty.com 

 

 Get the Look: Mia Beauty EZ-Twist & Mia Beauty Bobby Pins in Clear Rhinestones

 

Lela Rose’s ladylike twisted hair is a modern take on the updo.  The Mia Beauty Ez-Twist assists in looping hair through from behind the ears to the nape of the neck. Use the Mia Beauty Bobby Pins in Clear Rhinestones to secure.

 

$7.00 – available at ULTA and www.miabeauty.com / $8.00 (set of 2) – available at www.miabeauty.com

 

 

 

Get the Look: Mia Beauty Tortoise Headband with Claws

 

A new twist on an old classic, use the Mia Beauty Tortoise Headband with Claws to achieve a similar look as models on the Helmut Lang runway. Wet hair and use a bit of gel to get the same piecey, pulled look.

 

$10.00 – available at www.miabeauty.com