All this talk about Corned Beef and Bread Pudding has got me in the St. Patrick’s Day mood. And where’s the best place to go to further the excitement with some crafty and affordable buys? I think you know the answer. So, join me in this Ode to the Irish, Etsy style!
How better to recognize a patron saint than with lots and lots of beer? Especially if it’s in these dignified Mustache Pilsner glasses. Sold in a set of 4, the artist can even monogram them for you. And the glasses hold a whopping 19 oz, so you’ll be well prepared to really honor St. Patrick! $40
Speaking of honoring, I’d like to add this Shamrock Hot Fudge BrownieCake into my feast! This is a dark chocolate brownie, made in a giant 8 oz cupcake mold, then topped with a layer of hot fudge, swirls of vanilla buttercream frosting and sprinkled with green Shamrock candy sprinkles. Check out their other flavors too, like Peanut Butter Cheesecake and Grasshopper Creme de Menthe. Erin go Yum! $5
As a kid, I used to spend hours laying in the grass looking for four-leaf clovers. These days, who has the time to dreamily laze about on the lawn? This Four leaf clover necklace will assure you’ll have some luck and look rather good at the same time. $25
I don’t have any kids, but am considering it specifically so that I can dress them up in holiday themed costumes! (My dogs would be very happy to have someone to share the duties with.) And they don’t get much cuter than a lil’ leprechaun. This Luck of the Irish Hat and bowtie can be ordered in any size from newborn to 5T, to assure many years of photo opportunities. $38
With St. Paddy’s Day just around the corner, I’d like to share with you how I celebrate the day; with a meal that is truly a feast!
This recipe has been in my family for 18 years and came to be through from my Irish Father. Way back then, he referred me to his friend and the owner of Cryan’s Beef and Ale located in South Orange NJ. I gathered the nerve to call him at the restaurant (this was before the days of internet) and since my Dad practically used to live there, he happily shared it with me.
I recommend getting a jump start top of the morning. It is super easy but will take several hours to simmer this to perfection. That is the key word, simmer. It is vital to sustain a slow simmer after you bring it to it’s first hard boil. Trust me, it will be incredibly delicious and will practically melt in your mouth.
For sandwiches that are just as good as the main meal, be sure to have a loaf of Rye bread, some quality stone ground mustard, horseradish and mayonnaise. (I love a good Reuben, so I’m going to add to that list sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Russian dressing ~Stef)
For dessert, make sure to check out the Irish Bread pudding recipe (you won’t be sorry!)
Corned Beef and Cabbage recipe
Ingredients:
2-3 pounds (flat cut) corned beef brisket with spice packet
1 bay leaf
2 to 3 rutabagas, cut in chunks
1 pound carrots, or about 8 to 10, trimmed, and left whole
10-15 small red potatoes
8 small whole onions, peeled
1-2 large head cabbage, cut into wedges
Directions:
1. Place corned beef in large pot or Dutch oven and cover with water. Add the spice packet that came with the corned beef and 1 bay leaf and onions. Cover pot and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Skim off foam. Simmer on low approximately 50 minutes per pound or until fork tender.
2. Add whole potatoes, rutabagas and carrots, and cook until the vegetables are almost tender. Add cabbage and cook for 15 more minutes. Remove meat and let rest 15 minutes.
3. Place vegetables in a bowl and cover. Add as much broth (cooking liquid reserved in the Dutch oven or large pot) as you want. Slice meat across the grain. Serve corned beef surrounded with vegetables.
Now, I’m inclined to believe that the tendency and passion for bargain-hunting is genetic. Here’s why: As young girl, I always had a love for shopping. For new clothes, shoes, makeup and such. (Hence my rabid amour for we heart this!) But I never really understood that prices are but merely a suggestion. Why my mother should think things were too expensive was beyond me – the price was the price – and if you wanted something that’s what you had to pay, right? Well eventually my bargain-hunting genes blossomed and I daresay I am a better one today than my mother ever was! However, I believe the skill can be taught – we can all train ourselves to search for the best price out there. So I want to share with you some of my favorite tricks for finding good deals.
My basic, big-three tips for the bargain hunter are as follows:
• Research, research, research.
You have to know what makes a bargain and what does not! True story: two days ago I was in TJ Maxx for some payday fun. I was poring through the clearance racks (you can find some real gems there). They had a whole bunch of designer jeans in the clearance rack (think J. Brand, Joe’s Jeans, Rock & Republic), all priced between $50-$70. Two women nearby were exclaiming how $60 for a pair of jeans was ludicrous! I wanted to yell, “But $60 for a pair of jeans that would cost you $174 at Nordstrom IS a bargain!”
These shoppers didn’t care or know the difference; which is what I urge of you! Be aware of the good quality, big name brands and the latest trends to watch for in the racks. And know that a great name (or the latest cuts/styles/colors) doesn’t always work on everybody. However, if you know which line of jeans makes your butt look like a million bucks, then you know when to grab a great priced pair of demin. Same goes for well made, timeless pieces (even out of season) in hues that always flatter you; get it while you can, you will wear it later. As for seasonal trends, just be aware of their limited time appeal and budget accordingly (meaning the trendier pieces should be the smallest portion of your shopping budget).
Also, buy off season. Have your heart set on a collection of Christmas decorations or table setting? There are some unique finds to be had in January and February! Same idea if your looking for a cashmere sweater (buy in late spring) or patio furniture (early fall) – snap up big savings by buying just when the item goes out of season – stores need to clear their shelves for new arrivals and you will pocket the savings!
There is just something about the sea—its healing powers are mythological; its calming effect on the psyche is profound. The sea refreshes, rejuvenates and transforms. Happiness assaults the senses with the first breath of clean, salty ocean air. A swim in its waters can refresh the body and the mind. The sound of its waves lapping the shore can lull a full-grown man to sleep like a lullaby to a baby. Yes, the sea is a perfect place.
And, of all the seas, the Dead Sea is known as the most transformative and perfect of all. The unique chemical composition and greater concentration of minerals has been known for it’s curative abilities since ancient times. It’s not a stretch, then, to think that skincare products of the sea, particularly the Dead Sea, should have this same perfection, this same ability to refresh, rejuvenate and transform. Many Dead Sea products try to capture this perfection, and one does it exceptionally well. Erno Laszlo’s Sea-Mud Soap really harnesses Poseidon’s potential.
Erno Laszlo himself was a dermatological visionary with a colorful history. Way back in 1927 in his native Hungary, Laszlo caused a commotion by introducing a skincare ritual involving splashing with soap and water instead of the here-to-then accepted use of cold cream to cleanse the skin. It was practically scandalous, but he healed the skin of Belgium’s Princess Stephanie and opened his first Institute of Scientific Cosmetology. Later, a move to the U.S. had Dr. Laszlo an early Hollywood hero with clients from Greta Garbo to—years later—Marilyn Monroe. He soon opened a U.S. Institute on Fifth Avenue in New York City with an elite, referral-only clientele including Jackie Kennedy. It wasn’t until 1962 that the famous Dr. Laszlo had a retail line.
Erno Laszlo created a “ritual” which begins with a water wash technique where splashing the face with “comfortably-hot” water is meant to deep cleanse, exfoliate, flush out toxins, strengthen and soften the skin, stimulate production of collagen, and allow for the better absorption of a moisturizer. It is with this ritual that I first used my Sea Mud Soap.
At some point, everyone has imagined themselves as a rock star; jumping on the bed and belting songs into a hairbrush, playing to thousands of adoring fans (or was that just me?) Maybe fantasizing the fabulous parties, amazing clothes and your own personal beauty stylist? While we may not have become the next Joan Jett, we can at least feel like an edgy glam-rocker or a ferocious sexpot with Armour Beauty lip gloss.
Armour Beauty is the brilliant creation of model/former Lunachicks front woman, Theo Kogan and makeup artist/handbag designer, Allison Burns. For the moment, they concentrate on bringing you the best glosses possible (the only product in their line), with shades available in both opaque and shimmer glosses. Armour Beauty is the brand that out rocks other glosses on the market. Inspired by rock and roll days gone by, the designers cleverly paid homage to some of their favorite songs, night clubs and female legends by giving their various shades names like Barracuda and Cat Club.
As a major Debbie Harry fan, I was thrilled to receive my sleek lucite tube of Dreaming, a sparkling, supple shade of rosy mauve from the shimmer collection and named for the Blondie song. Paraben free and with no animal testing ever, these glosses contain Vitamin E, grape seed and avocado oils, as well as mango and shea butters. Meaning your lips will look great, smell warm and slightly fruity and feel deliciously moisturized and kissable, while you’ll feel guilt free!
They were defiant, cool, unapologetic, and barely out of middle school.
In the mid-1980s, my most prized possession was a vinyl copy of The Runaways 1976 self-titled debut album. The cover photo of glitter-clad Cherie Currie wielding a microphone was the most thrilling thing I’d ever seen. I propped it up on my desk and dreamed of someday being an iota as cool.
Even now, as far as I’m concerned, the most fabulous girls ever in rock ‘n’ roll were The Runaways, five California teenagers who played their own instruments, sang wildly scandalous songs, and made an art form out of trashy attire– way back in the mid-1970s. With 2010’s big-name bio-pic scheduled to be released on March 17th, the world will get a fresh look at these seriously-ahead-of-their-time geniuses– not just musical geniuses, but fashion geniuses, too.
Almost a decade before Madonna revolutionized fashion by performing in her underwear, fifteen-year-old Cherie Currie sported a full merry widow on stage while belting out classics like Cherry Bomb or my personal favorite Neon Angels (On the Road to Ruin). Sixteen-year-old Joan Jett was already sporting her trademark inky black shag haircut and I’ll-kick-your-ass grin. Sometimes the band wore matching t-shirts with The Runaways’ logo and their individual names, like some kind of reform school sorority. And let’s not forget the biggest platform boots, the tightest jumpsuits, and the most sparkly makeup in existence.
With Saint Patrick’s Day a little over a week away, we’re heading straight to dessert! Don’t worry, we’ll have some traditional main course recipes for you later in the week. This Green Monday we’re sharing a time-honored Irish favorite from L.A. based chef Geri Gilliland, Irish Bread Pudding With Caramel Whiskey Sauce.
To be honest, St. Paddy’s Day never really meant a whole lot to me prior to meeting Pam. It really just meant bad Irish accents on the radio and cheap green beer. But that all changed after trying the first bite of this Bread Pudding, a dish she makes every year at her annual St. Patrick’s Day party. The first time I attended she said a few words to me that I will pass on to the wht readers, “This is going to be one of the most delicious things you will ever eat.” No truer words have ever been spoken! It’s creamy, warm, sweet yet savory and insanely good.
If you ever find yourself in Santa Monica, you can stop by Finn McCool’s Irish Pub to try Gilliland’s Irish Bread Pudding first hand. Even better, Gilliland shared the recipe with the Los Angeles Times and just like Pam, you can make this incredible dessert at home to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day (or any time you need a little luck of the Irish).
Gilliland’s Irish Bread Pudding With Caramel Whiskey Sauce Image: Los Angeles Times
Pudding
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 12 (1/2-inch thick) white bread slices, crust removed
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/3 cup Irish whiskey, optional
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1 vanilla bean, slit lengthwise
• 8 eggs
• 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
–Soak raisins in Irish whiskey (if using whiskey, which you should!)
–Brush butter over bread and toast lightly on 1 side. Cube and set aside.
–Combine milk and cream in saucepan. Scoop black seeds from vanilla bean into milk and cream and add pod. Heat, remove pod and allow mixture to cool.
–Beat eggs with 1-cup sugar and add milk mixture. Stir in bread cubes and raisins, and allow to stand 15 minutes.
–Pour bread mixture into buttered glass baking dish. Dot with additional butter. Mix together remaining 1-tablespoon sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over to taste. Bake at 350 degrees until set, about 1 hour.
–Serve with Caramel Irish Whiskey Sauce, fresh fruit or as is.
Caramel Irish Whiskey Sauce
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, plus more if needed
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 cup Irish Whiskey
– Melt sugar in water over low heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Boil without stirring until caramelized, 15 to 20 minutes.
–In separate pan, warm whipping cream. Add butter and whipping cream to sugar mixture and cook until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Cool, and then add whiskey and more cream for desired consistency.
Happy weekend we heart this readers! Our Photo of the Week is an image culled from the amazing collection of the Life Magazine Photo Archive hosted by Google. Here, Elizabeth Taylor reacts to winning her first Academy Award for Best Actress in Butterfield 8. You can view many more, incredible images from Oscar ceremonies past in the Academy Awards section. Great fashion, old Hollywood stars and black & white photography? Sounds like a good way to kill a few hours this weekend!
• Speaking of the Oscars, I heard two bits of news that have me looking forward to this years ceremony. First, my imaginary gay boyfriend, Neil Patrick Harrismay be performing in the opening number (a rumor that has since been shot down, but I think they may be trying to keep the ceremony a secret – I’m hoping for a NPH cameo).
• Next, I’m hearing whispers that a John Hughes retrospective has been made for a special Oscar moment honoring the man that defined a generation (and I’ve got a little inside info on this one, it’s a go). Keep the tissues handy.
• Lots of our readers have been drooling over the collaboration between MAC and Liberty of London that will be released on March 11th. Check out our coverage of the collection, Give Me Liberty of London including the unveiling party and swatches for all the details.
• If you need more from this eclectic British line, you are in luck! My favorite shopping destination, Target will be releasing their own line of Liberty of London pieces, including housewares and clothing in 8 days. Hop on over to their site for a sneak preview of the items and prints in this collection. Then head to Facebook and take the Patternality Quiz to find the Target/Liberty of London pattern that matches your personality.
With Hollywood’s most glamorous event, the Oscars, in two days and Fashion Week just behind us, I thought it would be fun to play stylist for the day. Our 4 for Friday picks may not come not from Rodeo, Robertson or Fifth Avenue, but they would fit right in at Hollywood’s biggest fashion event (awards, shmards, we want to see the fashion). We may not all be able to afford haute couture, but we can look like we do by shopping the fashion forward designers of Etsy. Add some Hollywood glam to your life with these red carpet worthy dresses:
• Of course, to me, red carpet = red dress. I dream of being able to pull off a striking red dress like this Silk Rose Gown. Standing still, the long, lean line of this dress with the ruffled hem floating on the floor is so elegant – when walking the layers of silk chiffon move with astonishing volume. I love the gathered silk roses at the shoulders and the trailing black sash down the back of this dress. $495
• Not an obvious Oscar choice, but I fell head (make that hoodie) over heels for this Ruffled Hoodie Dress at the RedDoll shop. It would make a great dress for someone like Kristen Stewart, an actress not in the running for an award (she’ll be presenting with Taylor Lautner) so she can push the fashion envelope. People always want to see some skin at the Oscars and I like the idea of showing some leg for a change of pace. This black Gabardine dress is young and edgy with an air of sophistication sure to get her noticed. $145
• Here’s another beautiful gown for the women that wants to be covered without looking like her dress was pulled from the Mother of the Bride rack. Ironically, this Shirtdress Style Gown is a popular wedding style, but since I’ve never purchased a single bridal magazine I plead ignorance – I just heart the dress. While stars can afford to go to Carolina Herrera for Oscar night, lucky Etsy shoppers can purchase this homage to the fashion designer. $980
• I always think there is something so elegant about deep blue gowns. For some reason, there is normally only one or two per award show, which always surprises me. The right blue can be such a flattering and slimming color. This Charmeuse Elegant Evening Gown with a chiffon halter neck and rhinestone trim would look fab with a sweeping updo and a few select pieces of jewelry. Quick – someone invite me to a Costume Oscar Party! $85
For truly red carpet worthy lips, look no further than Julie Hewett. You couldn’t possibly be in better hands! Not only has she worked on some of the biggest stars and sets in Hollywood, she’s one of only 150 members of the exclusive Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in the Hair and Makeup Category. But perhaps most exciting to me (and other lip product lovers), Julie’s philosophy is to work from the lips up. The lips guiding and anchoring the rest of the look.
We’ve previously featured her stellar line of Red lipsticks (the Noir Collection, which she developed while working on the set of Pearl Harbor). Today, we’re going to take a look at a nude lip, as seen through Julie’s talented eyes. While red might be the obvious choice for a big event, nude lips can have just as much impact.
I’m constantly on the search for the perfect nude lip. It’s the obvious choice to pair with dramatic, smoky eyes, but I also like to wear a nude lip with bright, spring eyeshadows as well. The trick is to find the shade that works perfectly with your coloring. Personally, I need just a tiny touch of color in my nude to keep me from looking too ghostly, whether it be a peach or a pink. And of course, a shimmering gloss will always help to add dimension to a nude lip (even when you do end up with a shade that looks like you applied concealer to your lips!)
1976 self-titled debut album. The cover photo of glitter-clad Cherie Currie wielding a microphone was the most thrilling thing I’d ever seen. I propped it up on my desk and dreamed of someday being an iota as cool. 
a new book from Susannah Gora that’s getting rave reviews for her in-depth and well researched look at John Hughes and the Brat pack phenomenon (thanks for the tip 
