Red Velvet Everything

Posted on February 17, 2016 by BeautyFrosting

R E D. V E L V E T. E V E R Y T H I N G. ❤️ When my friend Ning and I decided it was time for one of our dine & dish affairs to properly catch up, she immediately thought of the red velvet pancakes at her neighborhood fave, Larchmont Bungalow.

I was a little skeptical…but highly intrigued. And, now that I don’t have to fit in 14 dresses for Grammys weekend, today was our day to get our red velvet indulgence on.

A full-on tasting of their red velvet pancakes with sweet cream cheese filling, red velvet waffles with crème anglaise and fresh blackberries, the Jambalaya omelet, their latkes with lox, poached egg, and their take on the traditional potato pancake accoutrements of sour cream, apples and chives made for one very filling fix of a brunch.

The best part was that Ning and I got to chat more than the normal 10 minutes we get at most events we attend, and made future plans. Now, to pay the price at Pure Barre Beverly Hills at noon.

Parting (and reality) is such sweet sorrow…

Take a hike..seriously: You’ve Got A World Out There To Discover

Posted on January 19, 2016 by BeautyFrosting

Take a hike..seriously: You’ve Got A World To Discover Out There

Tony Orlando and…you guessed it.

Yesterday, I took a day just for me, and hit the Arclight in Hollywood, to see Brie Larson & Jacob Trembly in the movie, Room.

Talk about a film with heart! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a movie that captures the intimacy of mother and child so perfectly. So much heart. See it.

But I digress.

Before the film started, I had an hour to kill, so I took an impromptu walk in the heart of Hollywood.

So many of us dread working out, and feel terrible when we don’t do it, and yet I see us treating movement as such a precious thing. While it is a gift to be able to move, it is SO easy to add it into your day. I’m loving this @Fitbit my brother got me for Christmas because it’s making me more mindful of everyday movement, rather than just spinning and barre class. Just because I didn’t make it to the studio, doesn’t mean I can’t get that heart rate up!

Yesterday was the perfect lesson in how therapeutic and inspiring impromptu walks can be. If you have even 10 minutes today, take a hike. Literally. You’ve got a world out there to discover, that you’ll never find within the walls of a gym. Enjoy the view…

I’M SO EXCITED, I CAN’T HIDE IT ABOUT…NutriBullet!

Posted on July 23, 2014 by BeautyFrosting

If you follow me on social media, you know that I’m right smack-dab in the middle of 15 Days of Fitness. It’s going SO great, I actually have something exciting in store for you guys in August. More on that later.

But now, what am I soooooo excited about that I had to start a new column called “SO EXCITED, I CAN’T HIDE IT ABOUT…”? Well, dear readers, that would be the NutriBullet.

The NutriBullet does my #15DaysofFitness right!

Now, I know we’ve all heard of this and thought about trying it but I, for one, had never had the pleasure. Then, I tried my friend’s the other day and fell in love. It quickly became my new kitchen favorite! After using it a few times, I was in love!

This guy not only whips up delicious smoothies and juices in no time flat but it also actually works as an extractor. What on earth does that mean? Well, it actually extracts all of the deliciousness and nutritiousness in fruits and vegetables, making it easier for your body to absorb them. Could anything be more appropriate for my #15DaysofFitness ? I think not….which is why I had to get one for myself. After all, my latest goal is to have a juice or smoothie chock-full of a variety of fruits and veggies every day!

And I, my friends, am in good company. Duchess Kate Middleton herself is a fan – as is another one of my girl crushes, Olivia Munn and my FabFitFun girl, Giuliana Rancic.

I’ve included two of my favorite summer recipes, using the NutriBullet, below. But I have even MORE exciting news!
On Friday, I am hosting a Twitter giveaway giving one of you guys your own NutriBullet.

Just follow me on Twitter and reply to a few tweets throughout the day and you’re entered to win. Share the giveaway now by tweeting today:
“@beautyfrosting is giving away @thenutribullet on Fri 7/25 at 12 pm. Join the party!! #15daysoffitness ”

Ginger Pineapple Limeade Blast – Limeade AND pineapple? Yes, please.

With an amazing immune-boosting citrus kick and a chunk of ginger to rev up your digestive fire, this mouth-watering blast will leave you feeling fresh, sweet and perfectly green — especially on those hot summer days.

· 2 handfuls spinach

· 1/2 cup pineapple

· 1 chunk ginger

· 3/4 cup lime juice

· 6 leaves cilantro

· 1 tablespoon honey (raw)

· Water to MAX LINE

· Ice cubes

*Add all ingredients to NutriBullet tall cup and extract until smooth.

Summer Sipper – Who knew LETTUCE could taste this good??!

Combine the season’s best produce in this delicious, refreshing and oh-so nutritious and healthy beverage.

· 1/4 tall cup arugula

· 1/4 tall cup romaine

· 2 leaves basil

· 1/2 cup cantaloupe

· 1/2 cup blueberries

· 1 cup cherries (pitted)

· 1 tablespoon chia seeds

· Coconut water to MAX LINE

*Add all ingredients to NutriBullet tall cup and extract until smooth.

Learn more about the NutriBullet at www.nutribullet.com and for more delicious, nutrient-rich recipes, go to www.nutribulletblog.com.

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What will you make in your nutribullet?

15 Days of Fitness: Degree Motionsense Deodorant

Posted on July 18, 2014 by BeautyFrosting

I am right in the heat of a personal challenge called 15 Days of Fitness.
It is no walk in the park getting in 15 workouts in 15 days but I am already feeling better, healthier, slimmer and more energized. But more on that later.

Know what deodorant is getting me through this challenge? Degree Motionsense. This deodorant takes me from my morning walk with my dog to my mid-morning workout to a quick change into my ensemble for nighttime wear. Yep, you read that right. Sometimes there is simply no time for a shower between workouts and meetings and events. I’m just being honest, folks.

So, thank goodness for Degree Motionsense saving the day!
Personally, as a southern girl, I’m loving Degree Motionsense Invisible Solid in Peach Burst!

Degree Motionsense Invisible Solid in Peach Burst at Walmart ($3.88)

Now, the good stuff.
Click here and you can get $1 off your purchase of Degree Motionsense at Walmart.

Want more?
Enter here and you can win 2 sticks of Degree Motionsense Deodorant AND a $10 Walmart gift card.
Whatcha’ waitin’ for?

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What’s your favorite deodorant to keep you fresh when you’re trying to get your fit on?

*This is a sponsored post by Lunchbox Media. While products or compensation were provided, the words and opinions are all my own.

Foodie Friday: Paleta Catering – A Marriage between Healthy & Sinful

Posted on May 2, 2014 by BeautyFrosting

Here’s the conundrum.

Picture it. My BeautyFrosting 2nd Bloggiversary. April 16th, 2014.

Just a few of the 70 fab-fashionista-fit-foodie bloggers at the shindig. What-oh what- to do? Photo by Drunken Pixel

You have 70 bloggers as guests. Fashionistas – who are foodies – who are fit – who are fabulous…who also have to be photograph-ready at all times. And you also have cocktails. And, um, cake.

So corndogs and pizza are definitely out of the question. But what you do when you have a houseful of nutritionally-minded mavens who are hungry but don’t want to blow their diets and want to be healthy but don’t want to sacrifice taste?

Well, there’s only one way to turn – my godsend – Paleta.

The Paleta spread: When Healthy Meets Sinful. Pacific Rim Chicken & Tofu Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce, Local & Imported Cheese Board, Crudite with Assorted Hummus and Greek Yogurt Dip and Paleta Power-Up Chewy Bites *Photo by Takahiro Watanabe

I’ve been a fan of Paleta for a while now – ever since I met Chef Kelly and learned about her passion for pleasing the palate while promoting health through healing. What sort of healing? The kind of healing that comes from eating farm-to-table fresh and filling your body with whole foods.

Paleta Crudité with Lemon Hummus, Sundried Hummus and Greek Yogurt Dip. Um, You know, "Taste the rainbow?" Well, this truly IS tasting the rainbow - but of farm fresh veggies rather than high fructose corn syrup. Photo by Takahiro Watanabe

My guests couldn’t stop gushing about the eats. I was shocked at how much these girls could put back. Sorry, y’all, just speaking the truth here. It was refreshing to see my fashionista friends ACTUALLY EATING at a party. It’s a rarity – like seeing Bigfoot or something. But, yep, that’s how good it was.

Paleta Pacific Rim Thai Chicken & Tofu Satay with Spicy Peanut Sauce *Photo by Takahiro Watanabe

I did have one complaint though. My guests ate ALL the satay and I never got a taste!!! I was craving it so much after hearing everyone rave about it that I actually just ate a spoonful of the spicy peanut sauce. Oh, don’t you judge.

Next up for me? After a month of Coachella, trips to Palm Springs and events galore (see aforementioned cake and cocktails), I’m gonna give Paleta Home Meal Delivery a try. At the very least, I’ll be giving myself the gift of health and at best, I may lose a few pounds so I can be a swimmie siren this summer. Lofty goals, I know, but I really do think Paleta can help me get there!

Thanks so much, Chef Kelly and Paleta for being a BIG part of my very special day!

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: Which Paleta delicacy are you most craving now?

Fitness Friday: Flywheel Highland Park in Dallas

Posted on January 10, 2014 by BeautyFrosting

Oh, how I love the tex-mex food at Mi Cocina in Dallas. I know you’ve heard me wax nostalgic over my favorite family haunt in a few of these blogs so you know what I mean. But here’s the thing. I have been spinning and working out regularly here in LA and knowing I was going to be home for 12 days, I knew if I was going to be enjoying that oh-so-yummy queso and those delicious chips and tasty margaritas, I was going to have to come up with a Dallas fitness plan to keep in shape.

Naturally, I took to social media to find out where to go and the answer was unanimous: Flywheel Highland Park. When I asked my Facebook friends about it, I received dozens of comments with suggestions for Flywheel instructors they loved and even a super sweet big ole Texas welcome on Facebook from instructors, Mark S., Cristin C. and Kelly M.

How could I not love this place?

Well, love it I did. And Troy Aikman is also my biggest fitness inspiration…but more on that later…

First impressions. My first impression of FlyWheel Highland Park was clean, clean, CLEAN! With streamlined lockers, elegance to spare and my beloved Bliss products in the bathroom, it felt more like a spa than your standard spin studio. And for a beauty blogger like myself, that is a MAJOR plus. I mean luxury and losing weight? Yeah, I can do that. Plus, they supply the spin shoes for free (many studios don’t) so that’s worth its weight in gold right there.

The water is even a little luxe...

Bliss products at my spin studio? Heck, YEAH!!!

Instructors. I ended up going to classes for 8 of the 10 full days I was there. Yep. It was that good. My family was impressed. My friends couldn’t believe it, “But you’re on vacaaaaaation!” My mom actually went with me the first day for our class with Missy Q who was just as adorable and energetic as they come. Great music, great energy and super supportive to boot! She was especially supportive of my 67-year-old mom who was attending her first spin class! Go Mom!! I ended up attending a few of Missy’s classes and left each time feeling amazing! Another favorite instructor was Mark S. Mark was full of happy, encouraging energy and had a powerful playlist both times I went to his classes. Overall, there wasn’t one instructor that I wouldn’t go back to.

The Studio...

What Makes It Different. At Flywheel, they really emphasize the importance of using your resistance or – as they call it – torq. This was a new approach to me. At my regular spin studio in LA, we sweat it out more with speed. But I loved getting this different take on it. And it obviously worked – as I’d lost 2 lbs when I got home! And remember, y’all, this was over the HOLIDAYS. Mission accomplished. Many folks who are more competitive than me also enjoy that they keep a digital “TorqBoard” in class so you can see how you compare to your fellow riders. It wasn’t for me but then again I’ve never been the competitive sort. I’m the cheerleader sort. But I talked to a few fellow classmates and they swear it is the edge that propels them forward in every class. I also loooooove that you can view your stats, calories burned, average RPM and see how you compete with your fellow Flywheel classmates privately by looking at the “My Performance” tab on your online account. I wish every studio did this! Not only is it helpful to know these details as you’re getting in shape but it also inspires and encourages you every step of the way.

The TORQ-MASTER…bahahaha…okay, that's just what I call it. Nevermind.

Bonus? I’ll just say this: If I was able to ride next to Troy Aikman EVERY day of my life, I would be in the BEST shape of my life. Yep, Troy was my FlyWheel buddy for two days. Ahhhh, memories.

Well, hey there! It's my spinning buddy, Troy Aikman!

Prices. The prices are a little cheaper than my studio here in LA. And yet the amenities are amaaaazing. I mean, the Bliss products alone!! It’s 1 class for $25, 5 classes for $117.50, 10 classes for $225 or 20 classes for $400. If I were living in Dallas though, I’d DEFINITELY-without-a-doubt opt for the $180/month unlimited special. It’s a deal, y’all!

Overall. I HIGHLY recommend Flywheel Highland Park if you’re relocating to Dallas or just visiting there like I was. Like me, you will love the clean and luxe facilities, super comfy bikes (seriously, I’ve never felt a more comfortable bike seat in my life of spinning) and the sweet and accommodating staff who specialize in customer care. Also, for you new riders, there is a super helpful staff member there at the beginning of every class to help you get all set up and feel comfortable while doing it. Love that!

And I love the fact that now whenever I go home, I also have a home studio that I can call mine. Thanks, Flywheel!

Thanks, FlyWheel HP!

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What’s your favorite way to get in shape?

High-Low 10-21-13: Urban Remedy Daycation & Letting Go of What Does Not Serve Me

Posted on October 21, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

HIGH: Urban Remedy Daycation with my fellow bloggers & tastemakers in Malibu

Last Tuesday, I had one of the most amazing days I’ve ever had. And it was all thanks to Urban Remedy and my friend – and fellow blogger – Jamie Stone of Queen Of The Quarter Life Crisis.

Jamie & Urban Remedy invited a host of bloggers and tastemakers to a mecca in Malibu- that was beyond divine – for a “Daycation”.

With my fellow bloggers, Roxy Manning of RedCarpetRoxy, Jamie Stone of Queen of The Quarter Life Crisis, Sydne Summer of SydneStyle and Rachel Dickhute of EverythingHauler

What did our “daycation” consist of?

Well, it started with being picked up at my house at 8:45 am and the ride along the coast – thanks to my driver – was perfection.

8:45 am pickup - courtesy of Urban Remedy - started the day off right!

Champagne-sipping while sitting in a swing chair was next…

Just a swingin'...and a-sippin'....

followed by more swinging…

I couldn't get enough of swinging...it took me right back to my childhood and I felt like I was in NeverNeverLand!

…cohorting with chickens – especially the fuzzy-Yeti-chicken with whom we were all obsessed and…

Sipping some chia with chickens - not your normal LA day...

(my favorite!) sitting in a teepee with my fellow guests, getting to know – and support – one another through an ancient ritual known as “circling”.

Teepee time - I never knew circlng could be filled with healing and self-discovery

We all agreed that the experience profoundly affected us and that we felt forever connected to one another because of this rare, self-celebrating and self-healing day.

With my fellow bloggers & tastemakers in the teepee

It was not your normal blogger event and I could not be more grateful to have been a part of it. So – again – thank you, Urban Remedy & Jamie!

A bonus? The next day, I enjoyed my Urban Remedy juice while baking pumpkin cupcakes. The perfect breakfast to feed my body after feeding my soul the day before.

Urban Remedy Soothe No. 4 juice - with celery, cucumber, apple, ginger, parsley, lemon & more!

LOW: Letting Go – “Let go of anything that’s with you and not serving you.”

LOW: I am ready to let go of...

While this wasn’t a typical low, it qualifies as a low as it brought some pain before it brought some deeper discovery for me. In our circle in the teepee, we were each asked to write down on a piece of paper something we were ready to let go of. In fact the direction was, “Let go of anything that’s with you and not serving you.”

Yikes. This was a doozy. And for me, up came a lot of insecurity and fear that I needed – I should say, NEED – to let go of. So I wrote down all of the things that don’t serve me, tore it up into pieces and let it go to literally be burned. Andrea of The Art of Circling – our circling guide – let us know that there was great power with the full moon that would come a few days later. So letting go of this baggage felt blessed in a way. And I feel a little lighter now as a result. I also promised myself to counter every negative thought I have or say about myself with a positive one. Folks, that one is a bit trickier. But I’m trying. I have been made aware of my weaknesses and I am trying to turn them into strengths every day. It’s really all we can do in this thing called life.

xoxo,

BF Asks: What was your High-Low this week? And what are you ready to let go of? What’s not serving you?

*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 reflection sake 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!

Mailbox Monday: Sneak Preview of Giuliana Rancic’s FabFitFun VIP gift box!

Posted on March 11, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

As a FabFitFun featured blogger, I had the distinct honor (and giddy glee) of getting to experience a sneak preview of Giuliana Rancic’s new FabFitFun VIP box!

FabFitFun VIP box ($49.99 every 3 months) for a fab, fit & fun season!

I can never recommend beauty box programs highly enough! They’re such a treat for people who want to receive goodies – like a blogger – but don’t have the time or desire to write about them! It’s like Christmas, or your birthday, on a regular basis. Who doesn’t love that?

For a nominal fee ($49.99/every 3 months) with FabFitFun VIP, you get a seasonal box brimming with beauty, fitness & lifestyle booty. Estimated value of each box? Around $120. So you’re getting a deal here, beauties!

And with Giuliana and editor-in-chief, Katie Ann Rosen Kitchens, personally selecting the season’s hottest products themselves, you’re sure to add some gorgeous and glamour to your life. Plus, randomly selected winners will win super-fab bonus gifts! Like what? Like how about designer clothes, shoes and iPad minis?!

My first box arrived last week and I was delighted with the contents! DEEEEELIGHTED, I tell you!

What was in it?

Inside the VIP...

FabFitFun VIP Spring 2013 Contents:
MoroccanOil ($42.99 for 3.4 oz): This uber-nourishing formula transforms dull, dry, frizzy hair into the shiny, luxe locks you’ve always wanted! Packed with fatty acids, omega-3 oils, vitamin and antioxidants, this deluxe oil guards against spring weather and adds serious shine.

Moroccan oil retails normally for $42.99 for this 3.4 oz size. Niiiiiiiice.

Zoya Nail Polish by FabFitFun ($8): A longwearing, toxin-free pretty polish in FabFitFun Fuchsia!

Jouer Lip Gloss (mini): This glamorous, super kissable lip gloss is guaranteed to create the perfect pout. Loaded with vitamins, shea butter, jojoba oil and pomegranate seed oil, your lips will stay smooth and hydrated.

Think Thin Bar ($1.99): Get bikini body ready by snacking smarter this spring. We love this healthy, delish, nutritional bar. Mine was the creamy peanut butter flavor! Nummy.

Jewelmint Jewels: A gorgeous selection fit for me to be as fabulous as ever! While the jewels from Jewelmint vary from box to box, my cascading star necklace was perfect for me!

**Surprise Bonus Gifts: Now, here’s where it gets really fun, ladies! My surprise gifts included a Josie Maran Magic Marker Lip Stain with Argan Color Stick in Waltz ($21), Butter London nail polish in Wallis ($15) and a GO SMILE On The Go Teeth Whitening Pen ($22). WOWZA!! You had me at Josie Maran but then to get the rest of these goodies? I’m sold.

I’m already excited about what’s coming in next season’s box! And that Josie Maran magic marker ($21) is that sweet soft berry rose I can’t wait to rock this spring with a smoky eye.

Josie Maran Magic Marker Lip Stain & Argan Color Stick in Waltz ($21)

Also, you can expect the goodies to get a little better each season as they begin to customize each box based on your personal style and needs. So, let me get this straight. Basically it’s like Santa bringing you your wish list – or at least what our Beauty Santa thinks we should be wishing for. I love it!

So become a VIP today! Head on over to FabFitFun and let these seasonal boxes help you be your most FAB, FIT and FUN you ever!!

Have you checked out FabFitFun’s New Year New You challenge yet?

Posted on January 21, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

New Year, New You!
http://fabfitfun.com/newyearnewyou
As you know, I’m a regular contributing writer to Giuliana Rancic’s FabFitFun.

They have the coolest challenge going on right now and I have loved every second of inspiration it’s been giving me!

Each day, FabFitFun is revealing a new nutrition, fitness, beauty, or lifestyle tip to help you become your most fabulous YOU this year! Think everything from new workout routines to new haircuts to tips on finally getting that dream job! The monthlong challenge is actually an interactive competition with prizes given throughout the month. Readers are posting pics of themselves on Twitter to compete for an ultra-luxe seven-day cruise. We’ve been having a great time so far! Make sure to check it out!

Challenge yourself, beauty!