Dine & Dish with Dawn: Society Bakery in Dallas – It’s Not Just Their Desserts That Make Them Sweet!

Life might not be a cake walk, but don’t tell Society Bakery that.

The oven is always on at Society Bakery in Dallas, where they bake as much sweetness as they add to the world around them!

The oven is always on at Society Bakery in Dallas, where they bake as much sweetness as they add to the world around them!

A bakery whose motto is “Be good to your sweet tooth, be good to society,” Society makes it its mission to sweeten the world, while giving back.

And, I’m not the only one who’s noticed. Ellen Degeneres and AOL have named them one of the Top Ten Cupcakes in America, and People Country Magazine listed Society Bakery as one of “Four top bakeries in L.A., Dallas, Birmingham, and N.Y.C.”.

Society Bakery founder, Roshi Muns and I established a friendship last December when I was referred to Society when I needed a last minute cake for an impromptu holiday tea party with my girlfriends. I tasted the cake (delicious!), and met Roshi (the sweetest!), and it was friendship at first sight! We’ve followed each other on social media since then, so when Roshi saw I was headed home to Dallas, she told me she wanted to “roll out the red carpet” for me and my family and friends, and host a tasting brunch for us.

Knowing I would need some help from other discerning tastebuds to taste such delectable treats, I invited my mom, my fabulous Dallas blogger friend Lee Cordon of DoSayGive, my best friend Jenny Harris, her son Shepherd, Jenny’s sister Dr. Sally Falwell, and her daughter, Evie.

Lots of love at the table with my tasting crew by my side!

Lots of love at the table with my tasting crew by my side – and that’s Roshi right behind me!

And oh my, were we ever treated!

We started out with Pimento Cheese on toast with hardboiled egg, bacon, lettuce and tomato.

Society Bakery's homemade pimento cheese on toast, with hardboiled eggs, bacon, lettuce and tomato

Society Bakery’s homemade pimento cheese on toast, with hardboiled eggs, bacon, lettuce and tomato

Then, came out the chicken salad on croissant, tuna salad on wheat, grilled cheese and pasta salad with tomato and mozzarella.

Chicken salad on croissant, truna salad, grilled cheese and pasta salad  at Society Bakery - delicious!

Chicken salad on croissant, truna salad, grilled cheese and pasta salad at Society Bakery – delicious!

The next course was ricotta with fresh peaches and strawberries, served with a side of some of the most delicious homemade peach jam I’ve ever enjoyed.

Ricotta with fresh peaches and strawberries with a side of scrumptious homemade peach jam by Chef Erin

Ricotta with fresh peaches and strawberries with a side of scrumptious homemade peach jam by Chef Erin

After all that, came the…DESSERTS!!
And, I do mean desserts plural!

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Life really is a cake walk at Society Bakery (details of desserts in this pic below)

We were treated to the following dessert smorgasbord (as pictured above clockwise witht the brownie, standing in for 12 o’clock): Brownie, Frosted Sugar Cookie, Red Velvet Cupcake with Cream Cheese Frosting, Jessie Jessup Cupcake (vanilla cake with buttercream frosting & my FAVE!), Strawberry Cupcake, Coconut Cupcake, Salted Caramel Cupcake with Salted Caramel Filling, vanilla Cupcake, White Petits Fours with filling, Monster Chocolate Chip Cookie, Bread Pudding Whoopie Pie, Apple Pie, another Whoopie Pie, Monster M&M Cookie, and their signature Chocolate Cake in the center.

Here’s a closeup of some of that deliciousness.

FullSizeRender-8

Sugar Heaven at Society Bakery with cupcakes, cookies, petits four, pies, brownies and whoopie pies!

As delicious as the food and “sweet treats” (as Sally & Evie call them) are, Roshi’s mission is even sweeter. Society Bakery is active in giving back to the local community of Dallas, by giving thousands of cupcakes away in exchange for items that local charities need. Society Bakery also donates throughout the year to over 100 different charities, schools and non-profit organizations, refraining from taking tax write-offs for donations because Roshi and her team believe that a business can be profitable and charitable at the same time. Sounds like someone else I know!

My heart was so full getting to share both my love for what I do, and my love of food, with some of the people I love best in my own hometown of Dallas.

What it takes to capture those delicious food pics y'all love looking at! My friend Jenny was praying I didn't fall off that step ladder!

What it takes to capture those delicious food pics y’all love looking at! My friend Jenny was praying I didn’t fall off that step ladder!

 

My dear friend (of 21 years), Jenny Harris Crandall and I cakewalking at Society Bakery

My dear friend (of 21 years), Jenny Harris Crandall and I cakewalking at Society Bakery

 

With my friend - and fellow influencer & blogger - Lee Cordon, of the fabulous blog, DoSayGive

With my friend – and fellow influencer & blogger – Lee Cordon, of the fabulous blog, DoSayGive

 

So, when in Dallas, head on over to Society Bakery, where the oven’s always on – and the place, where when you buy sweetness, you also add sweetness to the world around you!

xoxo,
Dawn

Friday Favorites: High-Fiving My Dream Team, Good Carma Studio

Celebrating a High-Five circle with the best team ever (Good Carma Studio) at The District in LA, after the No Kid Hungry Influencers Brunch I hosted.

Celebrating a High-Five circle with my dream team – and the best team ever (Chrissy and Melissa of Good Carma Studio) – at The District in LA, after the No Kid Hungry Influencers Brunch I hosted.

Today’s fave? A picture that was captured as I was high-fiving my dream team, also known as Good Carma Studio, after our No Kid Hungry Influencers Brunch on Wednesday. (*Please Note: Blog post to come)

While it was a truly stunningly beautiful affair, I am even more proud that it was an event – full of heart – that accomplished what we set out to do: get out the word about childhood hunger and breakfast in our schools.

I am so thankful to have a team that works as hard as I do. Trust is EVERYTHING to me and I trust these women implicitly.

Chrissy Kling & Melissa Wallace, you are gifts—and you produce the best events to boot!!!

Again, special thanks to our sponsors Tyson Foods, Kellog’s and Citi for all you do to help eradicate childhood hunger in America.

xoxo,
Dawn

The D Train Premiere

At The D Train premiere at the Arclight Hollywood last night

Last night, I was honored to attend the premiere of The D Train, starring Jack Black, James Marsden and Kathryn Hahn.

HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 27: (L-R) Actors James Marsden, Kathryn Hahn, and Jack Black attend the Los Angeles premiere of IFC Films' "THE D TRAIN" presented by Banana Boat at ArcLight Hollywood on April 27, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/WireImage)

Hosted by another co-star of the film, Banana Boat, the Arclight theater was filled with A-listers, while at the same time feeling like an intimate gathering amongst friends.

HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 27: (L-R) Writer/director Jarrad Paul, actors James Marsden, Kathryn Hahn, and Jack Black, and writer/director Andrew Mogel attend Banana Boat Presents The Los Angeles Premiere Of IFC Films' "THE D TRAIN" at ArcLight Hollywood on April 27, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/WireImage)

The after-party at St. Felix was just as fun!

Girls' date! At The D Train after-party with Lindsey Vaerst

And, talk about product placement! Banana Boat sunscreen was an integral player in the film, as their ad is a connecting force between two of the characters.

Who knew a sunscreen could be a star?

I won’t give away anything else, but be sure to check out The D Train, in theaters, on May 8th!

HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 27: (L-R) Actors James Marsden, Kathryn Hahn, and Jack Black attend Banana Boat Presents The Los Angeles Premiere Of IFC Films' "THE D TRAIN" at ArcLight Hollywood on April 27, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/WireImage)

And don’t forget to wear your Banana Boat sunscreen this summer…

 

xoxo,
Dawn

Celeb Beauty Collection Curator Corner: Classic BeautyFrosting Faves Sure To Make Any Woman Feel More Feminine

Look what I've got in store for you! My Classic Product Picks at Beauty Collection this month!

Beauty Collection asked me to pick my favorites as their first Celebrity Beauty Curator. But how did I decide?

Pick my beauty FAVORITES, Beauty Collection? How's a girl to decide?

It was no easy feat. After all, I have a slew of favorite beauty products I’ve accrued over the years, as a former makeup artist, celeb shopper, entertainer and beauty junkie. I decided to choose my crop of “Classic Favorites” by narrowing the scope down to the shades that correspond to my BeautyFrosting signature colors: candy pink and mint green.

Classic Faves. Pink and green. Feminine and Serene

These products are among my faves already for the sheer product quality and efficacy, but add in the beautiful packaging, and they’ve earned a lifelong favorite status in my heart, on my face…and on my vanity.

1) Darphin 8-Flower Nectar Elixir ($150): No time for a facial? Keep this guy around. I know, I know. It’s not cheap. But an oil this luxurious just can’t be cheap! From one of my favorite French beauty companies – Darphin – who never does me wrong, this oil is worth every cent. A rich elixir that revitalizes dull skin, while smoothing, firming and renewing it – it does it all while imparting a deep natural glow.  For my dry skin, I like to put a few drops on every night, prior to applying my eye cream and a rich night cream.

2) Fusion Beauty – Lip Fusion Infatuation – La Lip Jolie ($29): My favorite lipgloss of all time. Yes, seriously. This gloss plumps, fattens and moisturizes lips, all while leaving you with a sexy, supple, Victoria’s Secret model-like, baby pink-meets-nude pout. As for that dreadful tingle that most plumping glosses torture us with? Not this pretty thing. All you’re left with is a mild pepperminty tingle, that goes right along with the peppermint taste. Don’t wanna get kissed? Don’t wear this gloss, then. I’m afraid that your guy will want to kiss you, guaranteed. This is the only gloss you ever need. Oh, you might want other ones, but this one? You need.

3) Creed – Spring Flower ($175-$290):  Romance in a bottle. Rumor has it, that this fragrance was created for the enchanting Audrey Hepburn. So, it’s no surprise I love it! I have a pink-on-pink, Warhol-style painting of her hanging on my foyer wall at home. But let’s talk about that scent. This little lady is unapologetically feminine. Celebrating all that is fun about being a girl, the prominent notes of peach, melon, apple and jasmine, let you leave the house feeling like a strong and beautiful woman, as you prepare to take on the world. On the days I spray it on my pulse points, I always hear Peggy Lee’s “I’m A Woman” play in my head as I walk down the street. Coincidence? I think not.

4) Philosophy Pink Frosted Animal Cracker 3-in-1 Bath Gel ($18): Remember those pink-frosted animal cookies from your preschool years? I sure do. They had a spicy molasses shortbread with sweet, candied frosting on top. As much as I love them – and the nostalgia they elicit – alas, my 37-year-old figure doesn’t love them, quite as much. So thank goodness for Philosophy for bringing my taboo treats to tubtime! This 3-in-1 product gives you shampoo, body wash and bubble bath, all in one. So why not splurge a little? A “Dawn Do?” This makes an EXCELLENT choice for wedding or baby shower favors, without breaking the bank.

5) Voluspa – Maison Blanc 2 wick Candle in Pink Citron ($16): I love this candle because it smells like my favorite brunch cocktail – the pamplemosa. What’s a “pamplemosa?” Well, it’s my recipe for equal parts fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice and champagne. And it’s exactly the scent you get here, housed in this beautiful tin. Another “Dawn Do?” I love gifting this oh-so-chic, pink and gold-packaged candle to my friends, as housewarming and birthday gifts. It’s a sweet steal at only $16 as it has a burn time of over 50 hours! It’s the ultimate luxe gift for less.

6. Caudalie Beauty Elixir ($18-$49): This has long been a celebrity makeup artist favorite! I’m not a big fan of toners, but I love using this in lieu of a toner. It wakes up the skin, while tightening pores and giving a spritz of radiance and glow to the complexion. With its star ingredients of rosemary & peppermint, I love using it when I’m not quite awake in the morning, or after I’ve been writing all day and need to pep up for a busy social night ahead of hosting or entertaining. A “Dawn Do?” Apply it after applying makeup to set makeup, keep skin perfectly dewy, stay fresh and keep you revitalized!

Hope y’all have a great week! And I’ll be back next week with my trendy product picks!

What-oh-what will my favorite trending Beauty Collection products be next week?

 

Xoxo,
Dawn

BF Asks: What are your top 5 all-time classic beauty favorites?

Primping with…Molly Sims: Going Big with The Everyday Supermodel

Years ago, I met a mother when I worked at Woo Skincare & Cosmetics in Nashville. This woman was gorgeous and funny and looked a little familiar to me and just raved about her daughter. That mother’s daughter? The everyday supermodel herself, Molly Sims.

The beautiful Molly Sims whose tips in her new book, The Everyday Supermodel, are as golden as her locks *Photo by Jeff Vespa/Contour by Getty Images

So when I had the chance to chat with Molly (now a mom herself) at the launch of her new book The Everyday Supermodel — I had to share this story. The very things I saw in Molly’s mom that cemented that memory in my mind are the same things that make Molly the beautiful (inside and out), fun, smart, hilarious, and generous woman that she is today. While I had the chance, I got Molly to spill her favorite spots, products, advice, tips from her book, and the food she won’t touch with a 10-foot pole.

With the unsinkable Molly Sims

Since we just chatted about your mama, let’s start with this. What is the best advice she ever gave you?
Dare to be different. Don’t be afraid of change and mix things [up] and always try different things.

As a native southern girl who now calls Los Angeles home, what are some of your favorite spots in LA right now?
I love Sweet Lady Jane because I love my cake, I love those brownies, and I love their salted chocolate chip cookies. I love Gjelina in Venice. It’s great! And I’m dying to try Connie and Ted’s and Maude and The Nice Guy. I’m taking a bunch of girls to The Nice Guy tomorrow. And I love Drybar! I wish I could have invented it. You feel better about yourself after spending $40. And I love their Triple Sec dry shampoo because it’s more than a dry shampoo.

Speaking of beauty products, what are Molly’s makeup musts?
Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge cream blush in Pale Pink and Milk Chocolate — don’t ask me why, but it works. Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer, the new white one, mixed with a little Wonder Glow from Charlotte Tilbury.

I love Charlotte Tilbury!
I love her! I love her Magic Cream. Also, NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Santa Monica Blvd (a white eyeliner for the inner rim), Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Raven — the best stay-on lipcolor ever, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette — the highlighter is amazing. Almond Oil, I live by! I love Laura Mercier pressed translucent powder, Jouer Cosmetics Crème Eyeshadow in Cashmere on the eye and I love doing lipsticks on the eyes to make it dewy. Love the Crystal pink really light shimmer powder from MAC that you can only dab a little bit on and I love the Tom Ford Eye Quad in Golden Mink.

Catching up with Molly at Drybar with Georgetown Cupcakes

What are a few of your favorite tips from your new book?
1. You will drink more water if you use a straw.
2. Pack your necklaces safely for travel by looping the necklaces through a straw to prevent tangling.
3. Layer clothing and jewelry.
4. Invest in core wardrobe pieces.
5. One day a week, eat plant-based.
6. Get dressed up even if you have nowhere to go. Look good to feel good.
7. Be the best you you can be. Challenge yourself. Respect yourself. Go big or go home!

Tell us your theme song. Don’t be shy.
(singing) R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

What do you want your kids to be when they’re grown up?
I want my kids to be empathetic. It can be innate, but I want my children to be empathetic. I know it sounds weird, but I want my kids to have compassion and empathy and know how lucky they are.

What’s a food that you absolutely can’t live without?
Biscuits! Chicken and dumplins’. I’m very southern – I’ve never met a bread basket I didn’t like, but I mean, I can’t.

What’s the food you won’t touch?
Lamb.

And your cocktail of choice?
Margarita.

I hear you. You’ve gotta try Mi Cocina in Dallas. Best margaritas on this here planet. What do you look like on a mundane Monday with no events to attend?
Hair pulled back in a ballerina bun with a boyfriend jacket, a tank, a pair of jeans, and flats.

What would you like your kids to say about you when they grow up?
That I was a great mom and that they love me. And they still call me!

If you could go back in time and give advice to 13-year-old you, what would you tell her?
Go big or go home.

Sounds like Molly’s mantra if you ask me. And one that’s served her pretty darned well. Kids, take note.

P.S. My favorite takeaway from meeting Molly? She was mindful enough to blow on the Sharpie marker message of every single autograph she did, making sure it was dry and it didn’t smudge. You can’t teach that kind of thoughtfulness, folks.

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: Which of Molly’s tips will you be trying?

Dream A Little Dream: The Golden Globes Luncheon Honoring Miss Golden Globe, Greer Grammer

'Tis the golden season!

‘Tis the season! Not that season. AWARD SEASON!

A sea of gold

And as an LA lady, I can tell you that award season is one of the most exciting times of the year here in Tinsel Town.

This year, The 72nd Annual Golden Globes Awards kicks the season off. And to kick off this year’s Golden Globes, I had the honor of attending a glam Golden Globes lunch with Moët at The Beverly Hilton yesterday, honoring Miss Golden Globe, Greer Grammer.

Here's Greer presenting a Golden Globe to me. Ok, I didn't get to keep it..but give it time.

I got prepped for the event, thanks to Danielle with GlamSquad, who gave me some fabulous retro-inspired curls that lasted all night long. I love GlamSquad because they come right to your home so you can get all primped and prettied, while sitting in your favorite chair, listening to your favorite tunes, sipping a flute of champagne or a cup of hot tea.

Getting glammed for the annual Golden Globes Luncheon by Danielle of GlamSquad

I headed over to The Beverly Hilton, but had to do something I NEVER do and snap an elevator selfie of my golden, Old Hollywood-inspired outfit for the luncheon, ℅ Nordstrom. (Top: Tildon short sleeve sequin top $58 and Skirt: Tildon Gold Glitter Skirt $48)

Gold in an elevator. Livin' it up while I'm goin' down.

We started with a sneak preview of one of the signature Golden Globes cocktails, The Sunset Starlet – created by Elettra Wiedemann of Impatient Foodie – which will be enjoyed by the guests on Sunday. *Recipe will be up tomorrow right here!

The Moët Sunset Starlet by Elettra Wiedemann of Impatient Foodie

Following our cocktails, we enjoyed a delicious lunch, which was followed by the delectable pastries that the pastry chef at The Beverly Hilton is famous for.

Sweet!

And we were delighted to take some magical Moët goodies home with us!

Standing next to a tower of champagne. Not too bad for a Thursday.

Afterwards, I headed out to the balcony of the famed Beverly Hilton and reflected upon all of the stars whose dreams would be at long last coming true on Sunday. And I couldn’t help but be thankful for my own dreams coming true…and for the dreams I harbor that will one day come true.

Dream a little dream...

xoxo,
BF
BF Asks: Who are you most excited to see on Sunday? 

McCoy’s MeCations: The Ways of San Jose

When I was invited to attend Oprah’s The Life You Want weekend in San Jose this past weekend, I decided to make a McCoy’s MeCation out of it, because well, that’s what I do.

On my way to Oprah, my most exciting McCoy's MeCation yet!

I’ve never been to San Jose before and I was so excited to navigate this bay area city on my own and, um, on Oprah’s terms.

It started with my check-in at The Fairmont San Jose. When Oprah’s having a party and your hotel is the most luxurious in town, they’re gonna be a little – shall we say – busy. Everyone was staying there – including, I was told, Oprah herself. Even though The Fairmont had over 850 guests check in this weekend on the last stop of the Oprah’s The Life You Want weekend, The Fairmont staff still managed to make me feel like a star during my stay.

I left The Fairmont feeling relaxed, recharged and inspired. What more could a girl ask for from a mecation?

From the personal recommendations on where to dine, to the turndown service, and Republic of Tea surprise nightcap, I truly felt pampered for my inspiring, Oprah-fueled San Jose mecation weekend.

A comfy robe and an unexpected Republic of Tea nightcap, served with simple syrup

The Executive King Suite in the main building

I started with a relaxing in-room light lunch to get my belly filled, my mind cleared and my body relaxed for what was up next on the mecation agenda. *Travel note: I always try to order the same first room service meal at every hotel I stay in: caesar salad and french onion soup. By using this as my common thread, I know what level of cuisine I’m in for once I taste it. This one indicated excellent food to come!

A happy girl right there. All it took was a bowl of french onion soup, caesar salad and a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon

Next, I headed down to the lobby to Tova Day Spa, where I was surprised by a most relaxing massage with Flurya and the best facial of my life (no exaggeration here) with owner, Tova. Tova is just a ray of light who takes great pride in her spa. And, I really appreciated the fact that she was so gentle with me since it was my first time getting a microdermabrasion facial.

Facial time with Tova. My first time having gentle microdermabrasion and truly the best facial of my life

In the sauna at Tova Day Spa, before returning to my Oprah weekend

Afterwards, my skin felt softer than it had in years – like that proverbial baby’s bottom we all crave – and my skin glowed and looked lit within.

My skin was the softest it had been in years! Still is, thanks to Tova

Walking through the city (which I love to do), I stumbled upon my hidden gem in San Jose…Satori Tea Company. This place might just be my new favorite tea house. If you’re in San Jose, do yourself a favor and head to this little treasure chest of a tea house that sits in an alley facing a parking lot. Unexpected surprises in the most unexpected of places, yet again! Isn’t that what travel is all about? *Stay tuned for more details about that experience!

My most favorite high tea experience in over a decade

For my last dinner, I indulged in the deliciousness at The Grill on The Alley, a traditional steakhouse, which was a comforting trip to the past in my weekend of new discoveries. *More on that later, too.

When it comes to dinner in San Jose? Stick to The Grill on the Alley - the best in town, and better yet, in the lobby of your hotel when you stay at The Fairmont

Overall, The Fairmont San Jose made for the best home away from home, married with a touch of an escape for a weekend that was all about bettering myself.

Relaxed, recharged, reinvigorated - and ready to take on the world! Thank you, San Jose.

I rested in their super luxurious beds with buttery soft sheets, I beautified and relaxed in their spa and I dined – oh, how I dined – at their restaurants. And the best part? I got to enjoy some of the best of what San Jose had to offer all in one beautiful building.

My San Jose MeCation Travel Takeaway?

  • 1) Fly into the San Jose International Airport.
  • 2) Splurge a bit and stay at The Fairmont.
  • 3) Order room service at least once.
  • 4) Enjoy The Fairmont breakfast buffet at The Fountain – only $25 – it is SO worth it.
  • 5) Pamper yourself with the best facial of your life at Tova Day Spa.
  • 6) Head over to Satori Tea Company for one of the best high teas you’ll ever have (and be sure to leave with a tin or two of tea and one of their vintage antique tea sets)
  • 7) Spend at least 30 minutes walking around the city (and any city you’re traveling in) so you can get a true feel of the beat of that city.

 

Thirsty Thursday: How2Girl Courtney Bingham-Sixx’s Signature Strawberry Mojito

I had the pinkest pleasure of attending How 2 Girl, Courtney Bingham-Sixx’s Think Pink Ladies Luncheon a few weeks ago at her & her husband, Nikki Sixx’s, gorgeous home in Westlake Village.

All the lovely ladies at How2Girl Courtney Bingham-Sixx's Think Pink Ladies Luncheon

The reason? To team up with Bright Pink Org and honor breast cancer awareness month by raising both awareness and money for breast cancer research.

She had pink cupcakes, a DIY Glam Your Ribbon station and more!

How 2 Girl's DIY Glam Ribbon Station

While the cause was one I’m proud to support and the company was just the sweetest, the cocktails were a sight to behold!

Thirsty Thursday: How2Girl Signature Strawberry Mojito

Thirsty Thursday: How2Girl Courtney Bingham-Sixx's Signature Strawberry Mojito

Here is Courtney’s How2Girl Signature Strawberry Mojito. Courtney says, “This refreshing combo of fresh fruit and fizz will have you feeling like you are at a spa on a tropical vacation, without having to leave the house.”

Here’s what you’ll need:

 

2 c SodaStream Strawberry Soda

6 strawberries quartered

1/2 bunch mint leaves

3 large limes

1 c white sugar

1 c rum

8 c crushed ice

raspberries for garnish

How2Girl’s Directions:

  1. Pour 1/4 to 1/2 inch of sugar onto a small, shallow plate. Run one of the lime quarters around the rim of each cocktail glass, then dip the glasses into the sugar to rim; set aside.
  2. Whip out your SodaStream, and make yourself a batch of Strawberry Soda.
  3. Squeeze all of the lime quarters into a sturdy glass pitcher. Toss the juiced limes into the pitcher along with the mint, strawberries, and 1 cup of sugar. Crush the fruits together with a muddler, to release the juices from the strawberries and the oil from the mint leaves. Stir in the rum and Strawberry Soda until the sugar has dissolved. Pour into the sugared glasses over ice cubes, add in a raspberry and enjoy!

xoxo,
BF
BF Asks: What’s your current favorite cocktail? 

Ladies Who Lunch: Kissing Up with Italia Ricci of Chasing Life

What? Ladies Who Lunch Interview with Italia Ricci
When? August 14, 2014

Where? At the Wet n Wild More Kisses event at the Walgreen’s Hollywood Flagship Store

Who? Italia Ricci of ABC Family’s Chasing Life

Not only did I get to see my old friend, Fergie again (looking glamorous per usual) at the Wet n Wild More Kisses event at Walgreen’s a few weeks ago, but I also had the pleasure of getting to sit down and visit with a new friend, Italia Ricci of ABC Family’s Chasing Life as she donned her pretty pink in honor of the big event.

Fergie and Italia Ricci at the Wet n Wild More Kisses event at Walgreen's in Hollywood

Channeling Jackie O and laughing with her then-boyfriend, now fiancé (!!!) Robbie Amell  (of CW’s The Flash), I learned about her no-nonsense style, her color in a box (for real) and her intense gratitude for her fans. And let me tell you, the kissing going on outside wasn’t the only romance in the air. These guys are c-u-u-u-u-u-t-e! See for yourself.

DM: Well, hey Italia! Ok. Let’s start with the basics. When people ask you what you do for a living, what do you say?

Italia: I pretend.

DM: Got any nicknames ya wanna share?

Italia: Mom I get from a lot of my friends because I’m a mom. My boyfriend calls me Fatty because I eat like I’m a 9-year-old boy.

DM: I love it. What do you always carry in your purse?

Italia: I carry everything. Literally, if you were stranded on a desert island, you would want my purse. If someone’s like, “I’ve got a stain!” Don’t worry. Italia’s got Shout wipes. Shout wipes are very important. I’ve got a little leather bag with every single emergency pharmaceutical you would ever need. Antihistamine. Aspirin.

DM: So you ARE a mom. You really are.

Italia: Oh yeah. I’ve got the little bags in a giant tote – I’ve got my pharmacy one with like band-aids and everything you’d ever need – even blister covers! Then I’ve got the little sewing one with like tweezers and ear plugs, in case you need it. Eye drops. I literally have everything.

DM: Do you have makeup anywhere in there?

Italia: I mean, I didn’t do this today but I really only wear lipgloss and maybe mascara. But as a little kid, I was always obsessed with Wet n Wild clear lipgloss that tasted like watermelon. It was my very favorite.

DM: What is the best beauty advice you’ve ever received?

Italia: Less is more.

Italia effortlessly walking through the crowd at the Wet n Wild More Kisses event at Walgreen's

DM: Do you have any daily rituals – or, as I call them “daily delights,” that just make the day a little happier?

Italia: Respond to fan mail. Every day.

DM: What’s the worst beauty sin you ever committed?

Italia: Oh GOD. I tried that mayonnaise hair mask once. It didn’t go over well for me. But I do dye my hair out of a box. I did it with Frost and Glow this week Just the blonde one – the highlighting kit. Everyone was like, “Don’t do this. It’s a mistake.” I had the cap on and was like Wheeee! Everybody can do it. It’s like $12.

DM: What beauty products can you not live without?

Italia: Toothpaste. Sunscreen. And a round brush.

DM: I like the no-nonsense…and certainly not in my house. Don’t see that very often in this town. What’s your typical workout routine?

Italia: I occasionally work out. I do Cardio Barre. It’s amazing. I feel like a dancer. You don’t realize what a difference it’s making in your body until you’re looking in the mirror and you’re like, “Hey, butt, heyyyy-yyy.”

Italia’s boyfriend, Robbie Amell, interjects: And we walk everywhere.

Italia: And, welcome my boyfriend, Robbie Amell. He’s on Flash on the CW.”

DM: Now, that’s a supportive girlfriend! Giving you a promo during her interview. Niiiiiice. What do you wish you could tell 13-year-old you?

Robbie (laughing): If you could see a picture of 13-year-old her….

Italia: Take the dreadlocks out and stop practicing witchcraft.

DM: Seriously? I think there’s a story there. But that’s for another time. What would 13-year-old you think of your life now?

Robbie (laughing): No way!!

Italia: That will NEVER be my life. I wish that could happen! Yeah, “no way” is a good one.

Italia Fergie and the retro-clad models at the Wet n Wild More Kisses event at Walgreen's, benefitting the American Cancer Society

DM: And, lastly, what would your theme song be?

Italia: Perfect Day by Hoku.

 

***

Ladies Who Lunch: Dawn McCoy of BeautyFrosting and Italia Ricci of ABC Family's Chasing Life

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What question do you WISH I’d ask Italia? 

 

 

Wet n Wild More Kisses Event at Walgreen’s Hollywood

A few weeks ago, I had one heckuva crazy busy day – 2 interviews and seven events in one single day! Yep. Crazy. But I’m so happy that to start that crazy day off, I got to attend the Wet n Wild More Kisses event at the Walgreen’s flagship store here in Hollywood.

Fergie and me at the Wet n Wild More Kisses event at Walgreen's in Hollywood, benefitting American Cancer Society - the official sponsor of birthdays

It was a celebration to promote the partnership of Wet n Wild and Walgreens as the official sponsors of the “More Kisses” campaign to benefit the American Cancer Society, the official sponsor of birthdays.

25 cents of every sale of Wet n Wild’s Think Pink lipstick (pictured below) will be contributed to this inspiring cause.

Wet n Wild Think Pink lipstick

Using the iconic portrait, “Kissing The War Goodbye,” featuring an image of a nurse and sailor kissing outside the Walgreens location in Times Square as inspiration, the event repeatedly recreated that iconic kiss by inviting all guests in attendance to kiss their loved ones outside the Hollywood Walgreens.

At the Wet n Wild More Kisses event at the Walgreen's Hollywood flagship store. 25 cents of every sale of their Think Pink lipstick will be donated to the American Cancer Society

Wet n Wild’s global beauty ambassador, Fergie, acted as the Grand Marshal of the Kiss, counting down the event amongst guests, press, and celebrity friends. It was like New Years in August!

Fergie at the Wet n Wild More Kisses event

Not only did I get to see my old friend, Fergie again (looking glamorous per usual) but I also had the pleasure of getting to sit down and visit with a new friend, Italia Ricci of ABC Family’s Chasing Life as she donned her pretty pink in honor of the big event.
 Check out the next post for the interview with Italia!
BF Asks: Ummm…how cute is that photo booth?!


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