Life is like an escalator…

Posted on October 6, 2015 by BeautyFrosting

Oh, just me on the escalator of life…

Life really is like an escalator. You ride it up and down and back up again, stepping out onto different floors, to take in all the options, only to sometimes find yourself back on the same floor you started on, looking at a whole different season of options, through a different pair of rose-colored sunglasses.
That’s how I feel about Nordstrom.

My first job in LA was at Nordstrom. I worked as a Trish McEvoy makeup artist at Westside Pavillion and Topanga Canyon. What I remember most is how I so terribly yearned for the day when I would “make it”… meaning that I would be working as a full-time creative, with no one to answer to.

Funny thing, life. Tonight, as I toasted the grand opening celebration of the grand new Nordstrom Del Amo – as a guest this timeout Nordstrom & the charity, Walk With Sally – I could feel that girlish spirit alive and radiating through me. I recalled such fond memories of kind customers, comedic quips of my counter co-horts, jotting down my dreams in my journal at lunch, calling casting directors on breaks, and just biding my time, yearning for the day when those days would be but a memory.

Well, now they are. And, I miss that girl. A lot. But the one thing I’ve learned in this cyclical little life of mine is to not be so busy looking for what’s up ahead, that you miss what’s right there in front of you. Look at each step on the escalator you’re on, even as you’re climbing on to the next one.

And, here’s a little hint: You ALWAYS have someone to answer to, not least of all…yourself. And, I’ve found that that chick is the toughest boss of all.

Thank you for a beautiful night, Nordstrom and Walk With Sally. My heart is grateful for our memories then, our present now, and out future ahead.

xoxo,
Dawn

Worktime is Playtime

Posted on October 1, 2015 by BeautyFrosting

Worktime is Playtime

Just had such a fun audition, where I got to talk, interact, be me, and just PLAY!

It was the most fun I’ve had in ages!

Sometimes, we creatives understandably take our work so seriously because it’s how we make our living, but we’ve gotta remember what made us seek a creative life in the first place – that is to have fun, create, share our gifts and revel in the gifts of others.

When work time is play time, everyone wins – the people who are creating, and the viewers you’re creating the content for.

It just seemed right while feeling all childlike to pick up my favorite childhood treat of a 711 Slurpee.

Indulging in a favorite treat from your childhood is a super sweet way to tap into that inner child, who can help you create most authentically.

Now, speaking of childhood, it’s @DuranDuran at the @hollywoodbowl prep time, people.

xoxo,

Dawn

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

Posted on September 8, 2015 by BeautyFrosting

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!

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 – 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

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!

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

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.

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!

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

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

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

Posted on March 10, 2015 by BeautyFrosting

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?

You’re So Vain, You Probably Think This Post Is About You: Personalizing Your Vanity

Posted on March 3, 2015 by BeautyFrosting

A few days ago, I shared with you my lifelong love affair with my vanity.

No – not that kind of vanity. I mean, the love affair I have with my dressing table.

Today, I’m bringing you a few of my design tips that have made my boudoir one of my favorite places in my home.

To personalize my antique white vanity I have now, and to offset its stark neutral tone, I like to add some delicate elements of color.

My neutralish, antique white dressing table with delicate splashes of color and metallics. The antique red velvet chair in this photo has now been replaced by a beautiful, french blue velvet chair with an ashy gray-stained wood frame, which I found at HomeGoods this past fall.

One of the best opportunities to add color and whimsy, to a small space such as this, is to look at what utilitarian purposes you can maximize to dress the space up a bit.

Instead of junking up your happy place, choose must-have pieces that can both serve a function and delight the senses

In this case, I used this prime (and pretty) opportunity to do this with my makeup brush holders. Why not give those expensive investments, called brushes, a lovely home? I opted for julep cups and blue sea glass cups and votives.

I also mindfully choose what sits out on my vanity.

Pretty products on display are key. They set you up to feel luxurious as you primp for a night out!

I like to display the prettiest products, and pieces that delight me most on top, where you- and everyone else – can see them. You can’t go wrong with products with pretty packaging, and laying out your favorite, colorful, eye-catching pieces of jewelry on display. Here, I have my favorite vintage 50s pastel, french colonial, floral necklace on my vanity, Tarte amazonian clay eyeliner (in a cute turquoise and gold pot), and my beloved Crème de La Mer.

Julep cups for brushes and lovely vintage necklaces make for a pleasant primping place

As for practicality? I keep my most often-used products on top or in the top drawers for easy access.

Over the vanity, hangs a soft, powdery pink chandelier to add some warm lighting, which aids in makeup application.

A chandelier spilling warm light lights the way to feeling your beautiful best every day

Whatever your aesthetic, just be authentic to yourself. Think about what delights you, what inspires you, and what will make you feel most beautiful as you sit down for a few moments to become your most beautiful self each day.

I hope you begin a torrid, lifelong love affair with your vanity, as well.

xoxo,
Dawn

BF Asks: What does your vanity look like?

BeautyFrosting Beauty Rituals: The Vanity Of It All

Posted on February 28, 2015 by BeautyFrosting

Where you'll find me - at some point - every day. Sitting at my antique white vanity, drying my hair, putting on mascara or lipstick, or trying out a new beauty product for consideration for segments and blog posts.

My beauty regimen was born at the tender age of 4 – as the ultimate girly girl – when I was gifted a vanity for Christmas, by Santa.

Is there any wonder I'm who I am today? Here I am, at age 4, being gifted with a box of….vanity!

Me. 4 years old. Sitting at my first vanity. It would not be my last. p.s. Love my mom's reflection in the mirror! I still keep a picture of her on my vanity!

Anywhere I’ve ever lived, I’ve had a dressing table: in my childhood bedroom (a cherry wood vanity), at camp, my high school bedroom (a white wicker vanity), in my college dorm rooms (I would turn boring sinks into elaborate contact-paper-covered dressing tables with my mom’s help), at the Kappa Kappa Gamma house at the University of Texas (where I made my tiny blue and gold bedside table my vanity in a tiny room I shared with 2 other girls – PRIORITIES!) and every home I’ve ever lived in. Some of my favorite memories with friends have taken place sitting at my various vanities.

I love sitting down and really taking a moment to apply my makeup. It's a little slice of luxury every day!

The antique cottage white shabby chic vanity I have now, I’ve had since buying it in Santa Monica at Sutble Tones with my mom in 2000. I replaced the red velvet chair I’d had for 15 years, with a blue velvet chair this year. Such an early (earrrrly!!) ritual I’ve carried with me.

How much of a ritual? Well, ask me to blow dry my hair standing up, and I’m useless.

This is probably the last time I applied makeup while sitting on the carpet.

To me, it’s all about that moment of sitting down, taking some time out from the busy world, looking yourself in the eye, investing some time in yourself, and pampering yourself a bit daily.

Seems like no surprise to anyone, then, that I’ve been named Beauty Collection’s first Celebrity Beauty Curator! But more on that later…

xoxo,

Dawn (BF)

BF Asks: What’s one of your most beloved beauty rituals?

The Sweet Life with Dawn McCoy: A Magical Day at Magnolia Bakery

Posted on June 27, 2014 by BeautyFrosting

My heart belongs to Magnolia Bakery. So when I got the opportunity to visit one of my favorite places for a little frosting lesson and fun, I jumped at the chance. Find out how the frosting experts at Magnolia get that “signature swirl”, see if I can replicate it and see what other emotions their delicious treats stir up for me. A magical day at Magnolia, indeed. Join me for a taste…

Now, isn’t THAT the sweetest?
xoxo,
BF

High-Low 4/22/14: Easter & Ouch

Posted on April 22, 2014 by BeautyFrosting

Yet again, it’s time for the most popular column on BeautyFrosting – my High-Low. *So what exactly is a High-Low, you ask? High-Low is the BEST & WORST part of your day, week, month, etc. I started this tradition with friends & family after I discovered it through a movie decades ago. Not only is it useful for the sake of reflection but it is also an excellent way to communicate with your spouse, kids or friends over the dinner table. By introducing this tradition to folks, parents have told me that their kids have opened up more and friends have told me that their spouses have become more communicative. Try it for yourself and let me know what your experience is…

***

HIGH-LOW 4/22/14

Easter? Yay!!! Face burns? No bueno.

This week was a doozy (aren’t they all?) as it contained my favorite holiday – for which I hosted a garden party – and my not-so-fave as, well, my face got burned! And it all happened in one day. See? Doozy.

As my old boss used to say, Oy vey.

Up first? The high, of course. Here we go, here we go, here we go.

HIGH: My 3rd Annual Classic Southern Easter Dinner

My Easter table surrounded by friends. My cup runneth over...both literally and figuratively

I love having a houseful of people. To be honest, I feel most alive and happy when I am hosting a soiree at my house – surrounded by friends, indulging in delicious, homemade food and drinking wine and laughing. Add in some board games and I’m having the time of my life. All of that just does my heart good. And it definitely does my heart good to look around me and see the folks I hold so dear looking plumb happy.

Which is why I ignored a friend’s advice when he told me to skip hosting my annual classic southern Easter dinner this year (although he’s usually quite wise). With all I have going on, it just didn’t seem like the smartest thing to do. But I am so glad I did it!

There were old friends, new friends and enough food, wine and spirited conversation to go around. And I really appreciate that my guests who have attended each year said that they so look forward to it and it’s one of their most beloved events of the year. It might be a hefty task to take on when things are busy and bustling but anything that makes me feel so good simply can’t be a bad thing.

The theme this year? Ricky Nelson-Garden Party style. In the backyard with the tasel garlands, puffs on trees, birds and the bees. Oh, you know what I mean...

The reason I love this tradition so much is because it marries the best of the old traditions precious to my family – which reminds me of my younger days – with the new traditions that I’m creating on my own with my friends and surrogate family out here in LA. It is such a beautiful thing – and isn’t that what life’s all about?

As with everything, it’s all in the delicate details – and the delicate details are what delight me. I used my Nanny’s silver, made her Jello lime salad in her vintage jello mold and served the salad on her white and gold cake stand. I always feel connected to her when I bake but when I actually use precious family treasures that she owned for years, I feel especially connected to her.

Marrying the old traditions with the new ones. Pictured here is my Nanny's silver and my favorite new washable linen napkins from Haute Hostess (Left) and Jessie Steele (right)

We started out the day with a DIY Mimosa bar from One Hope Wine that was a hit! Guests could custom-make their own mimosas featuring One Hope Sparkling wine and select from a bevy of juices, fruits and mint to muddle, mix and design to their heart’s content. More on the Mimosa Bar (and how you can order the One Hope Wine Mimosa Bar Set) on Thirsty Thursday this week!

DIY Mimosa Bar featuring One Hope Wine Mimosa Bar Set - this was a HIT!

What else was served for dinner? Well, we always have a HoneyBaked ham, my Cowboy Corn Casserole, my Paris, Texas Green Bean Casserole, my Southern Pea Salad, Matt Marr’s Prized Deviled Eggs, mac & Cheese, turkey, salads and SO much more!

The Spread: southern fare galore!

As for the best part? Dessert, of course! I baked my annual Easter Bunny Coconut Cake (this year her name was Bedelia – yes, seriously), my Chocolate Cream pie, my Blackberry Cream pie and my Nanny’s ‘Nana Pudding. Holy goodness, it was all delicious!

But even more delicious than the food was the company. Thank you to each and every one of you who came and celebrated a beautiful spring day in my backyard. The memories will live on long after the food is gone – and the memories were downright magical.

The memories will live on long after the food is gone...

LOW: Ouch!

LOW: Ouch! Too many irons in the fire and something might catch ON fire! (p.s. That white stuff on my face? It's Silver Sufudiazine which helps burns)

I’ll keep this short. I burned myself. While busily setting the table, cooking, baking and decorating for Easter dinner, I spotted a Diptyque candle on fire in my living room. Nope. Not stressful at all. A fire extinguisher would’ve made a mess for such a small fire so I (dumbly?) decided to blow it out. Well, the hot wax splashed up and hit my face. It actually didn’t really hurt – probably because I was so focused on putting out the fire!

I’m fine – and it could have been much worse but I did receive 4 small burns on my face – one second degree that’s requiring a bit of attention so as to prevent scarring. But thanks to my dermatologist, I’ll be right as rain in no time. And, again, even though I’m calling it a low, I know that there is much, much worse than having a few burns on your face. A good reminder to yes, keep all those irons in the fire but to keep your eye out for things catching on fire with all we have going on every day.

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What was your High-Low this week?

Daily Delights: My New Years Tradition

Posted on January 1, 2014 by BeautyFrosting

Happy New Year, my friends! I just got back from the best New Years Eve I’ve ever had – more on that later – but for now, I have to share my annual New Years tradition with you guys.

Even with a well-earned hangover, I had to make this happen today.

Hope your 2014 is off to a beautiful start!
Me? I’m just eatin’ my blackeyed peas, chilling out, watching some movies and catching up on some tv. I’m long overdue for a little R & R.

As a southern girl, I fervently believe in the power of blackeyed peas…and I don’t mean the band.

My annual New Years tradition: Blackeyed Peas with jalapeños, bacon, a crescent roll and champagne!

Every year I cook a big pot of blackeyed peas with bacon, jalapeños, jalapeño juice, salt, pepper and a bit of butter and then top ’em with a dollop of Daisy sour cream and sharp cheddar. I serve em to my friends with crescent rolls or biscuits and champagne and, in honor of my Papaw, I always have a bit of buttermilk with em too. They are delicious and southern folklore says it grants you prosperity. Each year gets better and better so it must be workin’. Bring it on, my little blackeyed friends!! And may 2014 bring YOU prosperity!!!

xoxo,

BF Asks: What is your New Years tradition?

Holiday Delights: My Sugared Pink Holiday House from The Dotted Line in Nashville

Posted on December 18, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

Holiday Delights: My Sugared Pink Holiday House from The Dotted Line

I bought this “sugared”, sparkly holiday house at The Dotted Line in Nashville over 7 years ago and it is still one of my favorite holiday delights. It sits on top of my cream piano every Christmas and reminds me of my years spent in Nashville.

Isn’t that what Christmas is all about – recalling old memories and making new ones?

BF Asks: What decorative treasure recalls fond memories for you?

xoxo,
BF