Foodie Friday: Danke BierBeisl!

Posted on April 12, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

Welcome to BierBeisl!

Dear BierBeisl,

Heading out on Saturday night with a couple of friends for a fancy dinner in Beverly Hills, I had no idea what we were in for. Thanks to you we had the best time! A night out with the girls for beers and sausage in Beverly Hills, who knew! I’ve never been a beer drinker but three little words from your bartender changed all that, StieglAdlerGrapefruit: half beer half organic grapefruit soda. How have I never had this before? I loved it! So thirst-quenching and the perfect suggestion for this lightweight.

Forgetting momentarily that I hadn’t come just for the beer, your amazing staff warmly navigated us through your authentic Austrian menu. Next destination? The perfect food companion to our beer – Kasekrainer! WOW, this Swiss cheese infused sausage was AMAZING! So juicy and delicious, the pretzel bread accompaniment took it over the top and we gladly devoured every bite! I kept thinking it doesn’t get better than this but you managed to changed my mind with the arrival of each dish. Our Austrian feast was both refined and comforting.

Home Cured Char ($15) with heirloom beets, pickled red onion, cucumbers, horseradish crème fraiche, tossed herb salad.

Marinated Duck Breast ($19) with white asparagus, kumquat compote and wild arugula, toasted pine nuts, broken balsamic vinegar. Beautiful dish!

Kasekrainer Sausage ($11) swiss cheese infused, light peppery, similar to “polish.” Tarragon mustard and fresh horseradish. My FAVORITE! So juicy every bite was a burst of flavor.

Original Vienna Schnitzel ($29) garnished with lemon and lingon berries, with potato salad. Razor thin with a light breading. Perfect with the sweet lingon berries and tart potato salad.

Asparagus Risotto ($28) with sauteed veal sweetbreads, meyer lemon, Parmesan, veal jus and tossed herb salad.

Creamy Veal Gulasch ($32) with homemade spatzle. sour cream, chives. The veal couldn’t have been more tender. This was SO RICH, I loved it.

Apfelstrudel ($9) with homemade vanilla ice cream. Flaky and delicious, not too sweet.

Stiegl Radler Grapefruit ($8) half Goldbrau/half all natural organic grapefruit soda, ideal thirst quencher and low on alcohol and calories. I couldn’t stop drinking this. Turns out I AM a beer drinker!

From the moment we stepped in the front door we were treated to your hospitality. The staff was attentive and accommodating. They really made our night out special. The space is intimate and embracing and the modern rustic décor is cozy. I would dare say the kitchen is drastically smaller than most kitchens in this zip code. Still we were amazed at the attention to detail in every dish and the incredible flavors that were coming out of the tiny open kitchen.

To Chef Bernhard Mairinger, your passion for Austrian food combined with your extraordinary talent in the kitchen made for an unforgettable experience. Thank you for my introduction to Austrian cuisine. I left your establishment with a giddiness small children find in a toy store. Kasekrainer sausage and Stiegl Radler Grapefruit! I’m telling absolutely everyone how fun it was to discover BierBiesl!

Auf Wiedersehen, until we meet again!

With Love and Gratitude,
Rebecca

BierBeisl

9669 S. Santa Monica Boulevard

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

310-271-7274

http://www.bierbeisl-la.com/

$$$

High-Low: A WEEK OF WONDERFUL WOMEN IN MY WORLD!

Posted on March 4, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

Wow, wow, wow!!! What an amazing week filled with oodles of fun with friends and wonderful women in my world!

The week started off with…The Oscars! I had a strange feeling that this might be my last opportunity to sit at home and watch (party invites, etc.) so I decided to take advantage of it. I had brunch and bottomless mimosas with my best friend, Suzanne Karotkin, who was visiting from Dallas and then came home, slipped on my favorite Jessie Steele cupcake pajamas and settled in for the evening with some Village Pizza and vino.

Super indulgent - Oscars Sunday in pjs with pizza!

On Monday, my amazing Mom celebrated her birthday so I did what I could from afar. I prettily packaged her favorite coconut cupcakes from Joan’s on 3rd, shipped them to her in Dallas and then posted a few collages on Facebook so she knew I was thinking of her on her special day! I have the most beautiful mother in the world and I’m lucky that I get to consider her my very best friend and talk to her usually twice a day.

My beautiful Mom!

Mom - the center of our universe.

I was thrilled to welcome my new intern, Maddi – a student at UCLA, to my BeautyFrosting team! I was so excited that I organized one of my favorite Martha Stewart notebooks for her replete with a nametag. Yep, I’m kind of a nerd! I am so excited for the energy, organization, talents, ideas and creativity she is already bringing to the BF team!

Welcome Maddi!!

I was super excited to get to be one of the first to try the all new Dermalogica UltraSmoothing Eye Serum at their flagship store in Santa Monica. It was a lovely evening of pampering, cocktails & eats and treats! Stay tuned for more details on this awesome new eye treatment!

Experiencing the Dermalogica difference in Santa Monica

And this past weekend was a weekend filled with wonderful women that I adore!! Between dinner at Frida in Beverly Hills, wine & tapas at Covell in Silverlake and brunch at Duplex on 3rd, my weekend was packed with fabulous friends!

A wonderful weekend with some of my favorite women!

Then last night, I had the pleasure of trying out the fabulous Flemings SteakHouse in Beverly Hills. As a Texan-turned-Angeleno, I had been craving a steak like nobody’s business, so when the offer to try out this sensational steakhouse presented itself, I felt like the steak gods were in my corner! More on this deliciousness later!

With fun friends At Fleming's Steakhouse in Beverly Hills

After all this, I need a vacation from my weekend!!!! While there was much delicious food this weekend and even more delicious cups of laughter and dishing than glasses of wine, I am in need of a break from all of the social activity.

However, that won’t be happening this week! Too much going on to even mention!

LOWS

My sweet Mom’s birthday was a little tainted by someone being selfish. That made me a little angry, shall we say, as her #1 biggest fan!

And unfortunately, there was a second low. And ohhhhhh-was it low! My beloved, sweet pup Miss Ellie has developed a barking problem since we moved into the place we live now. It has come to a head because she’s barking for hours on end when I leave. I am meeting with a dog trainer who told me that I need to crate-train and stop letting her sleep with me. That hurt. She’s 8 1/2, y’all. I actually cried when she told me that so the trainer probably thinks I need a therapist myself! But I started doing what she told me to do and I’m hoping to see gradual results soon.

I’m really feeling for all of you parents out there. I mean, if this is hard for me, I can only imagine how difficult saying no as a parent will be for me one day! Wish me luck with this little challenge!

Miss Ellie's new "house" -

xoxo,

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

GBK 2013 Annual Pre-Oscars Luxury Lounge at the Sofitel Hotel in Beverly Hills

Posted on February 25, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

This past Saturday, I had the distinct - and delicious – pleasure of attending the GBK 2013 Annual Pre-Oscars Luxury Lounge at the Sofitel Hotel in Beverly Hills.

An Oscars Cake! Photo by Amy Opoka

Besides being introduced to some amazing new-to-me products and walking away with a glam gift bag filled with products we couldn’t wait to try here at BeautyFrosting, I got to meet some of my favorite all-time male celebs!

It was such a treat and SO much fun!

And there was a SLEW of celebs! Just a few included: Penny Marshall, Chris Tucker, Steven Weber, Joey Lawrence, Camilla Luddington, Ashley Williams, Evan Handler, Chazz Palminteri and Tempest Bledsoe. Not to mention Jesse Williams and Richard Kind! Stayed tuned for those photos! I’m a little partial to ‘em!

Celebs enjoying the GBK Academy Awards Gift Lounge

First, I walked the red carpet.

GBK Academy Awards Gift Lounge 2013, Photograph by Amy Opoka

Then I ran into the legendary Sugar Ray Leonard! He was there to support The Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation – whose mission it is to raise funds for research and awareness towards a cure for Juvenile Diabetes.

Me with Sugar Ray Leonard! I was so excited! This pic is obviously by me & my iPhone

Just after that, I was tempted with the luscious libations of Viva Diva Wines, one of the fastest growing Moscato brands in the United States.

Luckily, by this point, my amazing photographer Amy Opoka had arrived! So before the “work” really started, she got a quick touch-up by the fabulous Robby of NVEY ECO. His catchphrase that I love? “Don’t panic! It’s organic!” Love that guy!

Robby touching up our amazing photographer, Amy Opoka, with NVEY ECO products!

And then we saw the super handsome and charming Jesse Williams, of Grey’s Anatomy, and his sweet & lovely wife, Aryn! Of course, we had to snap a pic with our fave Doc from Seattle Grace Mercy West.

Paging Dr.Avery! With Jesse Williams of Grey's Anatomy, Photo by Amy Opoka

Next it was time for a little chocolate. Thank the goodie gods for a mini sampling of Zoe’s Chocolate Company!

Being tempted by Zoe's Chocolate Company, Photo by Amy Opoka

And as if chocolate wasn’t enough? Next, Cookie Daddy tempted us with their delicious gourmet cookies!

David Costabile checking out Cookie Daddy

One of my favorite new-to-me lines was The Artisan Group – an elite, beautiful band of talented and innovative artists. I had the pleasure of receiving some gorgeous jewelry, hair accessories, photos and bath goodies that I simply cannot wait to try! And it’s the ultimate example of supporting small business & vendors!

The Artisan Group, Photo by Amy Opoka

Some of our finds at The Artisan Group! Photo by Amy Opoka

And my faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaavorite find of the day!!!!!!!

Soapy Bliss bakery-inspired products Photo by Amy Opoka

Can you tell how much I loved?

A match made in heaven! Photo by Amy Opoka

I loved chatting with the ladies from Viavo! So sweet and such great-smelling avocado oil enriched bath & body products that I can’t wait to try!

Smelling Viavo body scrub! Photo by Amy Opoka

I enjoyed talking with Dr.Ted Eisenberg about his new book, “The Scoop on Breasts: A Plastic Surgeon Busts of Myths”.

Photo by Amy Opoka

I stopped by EcoGenics Active Botanical Skincare and got the scoop on this paraben free skincare system.

EcoGenics, Photo by Amy Opoka

Next? A little social lubrication was in order so I sipped a Skinny Girl cocktail. I left with a few of their Skinny Girl wines to try! Skinny and wine? Two of my favorite things.

Cheers to Skinny Girl cocktails! Photo by Amy Opoka

And as we left, I ran smack-dab into the talented and hilarious Richard Kind who could not have been more gracious.

Richard Kind lives up to his name! Photo by Amy Opoka

And then, we unpacked all of the goodies in the gift bag!

What a wonderful day to live in LA! I already can’t wait for next Award season!

xoxo,

BF Asks: Which is your favorite Awards show?

Saturday Social Hour: Angeleno Magazine Red Carpet Ready

Posted on February 16, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

Life has been so busy and my social schedule has been so packed that this is the first Saturday Social Hour I’ve done in a while.

I loooove being busy and having events to attend but I really miss sharing them with you guys!

This past week, I was delighted to attend Angeleno Magazine’s Red Carpet Ready event at the Montage Beverly Hills.

Angeleno Red Carpet Ready event

I sipped Nicolas Feuillatte champagne, caught up with friends, ate delicious nibbles provided by Montage Beverly Hills (including a veggie spread straight from the gods), was introduced to some new beauty brands and, most importantly, was pampered!

I met a new handbag line, Joseph Nicola, that I immediately fell in love with. As gorgeous as it is on the outside, the interior is even more exquisite.

Joseph Nicola handbag

I was delighted to try the new Acqua di Parma fragrance, Magnolia. Being the southern girl that I am, I was utterly delighted and giddy with glee!

I had a pr meeting in Beverly Hills right beforehand and no time for a touch up so thank goodness the beautiful babes of Blushington were on hand to polish me up!

Naked Princess was a new-to-me line and I am totally smitten. I can’t wait to try the products and let you guys know my thoughts! As a cruelty free & paraben free line, I have a feeling many of you are gonna be in love with this line. I swatted the gloss on my hand and was so happy to feel how comfortable and moisturizing it was.

Naked Princess

My favorite eco-friendly tanning line, Vani-T, was there on hand applying tans, and Lashfully was busy applying luscious lashes!

As you can tell, it was a busy and beautiful night. As much as I would have liked, I couldn’t make time to experience everything. Unfortunately, this means I missed Brasilian Blow Dry Bar, Spa Montage Beverly Hills “Oscar Glow” treatment, Le Mieux light exfoliation, Leonor Greyl hair conditioning, Luna D’Oro manicure, Votre Vu cosmetics and DNA EGF Renewal mini facials.

I guess that means I’ll just have to pamper myself another time. And know what?

I don’t mind a bit.

Thank you for a pretty, pampering evening, Angeleno!

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: Have you tried any of the lines that were pampering us at the Angeleno party?

Drugstore Cowgirl: L’Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain in Lilac Ever After

Posted on February 7, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

My-oh-my, do I have a treat for you today! L’Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain.

L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain in Lilac Ever After ($9.99)

One of the most perfect lip colors I have ever had the privilege of applying. Perfect when worn with a smoky eye, a full face of makeup – or best yet – all on its own on your naturally pretty face.

The best part? I wasn’t expecting this darling discovery. It came out of the clear, blue sky in a glorious gift bag at an HBO-L’Oreal party at the Four Seasons a few weeks ago after I had just gotten over that terrible flu.

The morning after the party, I had to run over to Anthropologie in Beverly Hills to pick up a dress. I grabbed this out of the gift bag and thought, “Why not try?”

L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain in Lilac Ever After ($9.99)

I mean, I had no makeup on, my hair in a ponytail, the flu was still holding my spirit captive a bit and I was pretty sure that nothing would make me feel prettier.

I was wrong. I applied with the wand applicator not exactly sure what this lip product was. It went on as a liquid but after it dried a second, it felt like a gloss! Interrresting.

Then, as I was driving, I looked up in my rear view mirror and – with the pretty lips catching me off-guard – literally said out loud, “That is gorgeous! Wow!”. As a beauty blogger, you don’t get surprised like that very often. But, oh, I did!

In my rearview mirror: Shine on!

Swatches of L'Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain in Lilac Ever After ($9.99)

Now, it has become my go-to for gorgeous before I head out the door. I’ve decided to keep a tube in my car for emergency glossing situations.

What?
It’s a thing.

Formulated with a blend of light hydrating oils, concentrated pigments and packed with 30% water, my lips stay moisturized and the glossy color wears on for hours.

Whenever I put it on, I can’t help but think of Jaclyn Smith. The lilac-influenced nude shade looks like my lips…only better. And oooooh-so-natural! This is what you want early in the morning, on that camping trip, in class with your crush, on that “casual” date where you want to radiate natural beauty without being totally au-naturel. You know? “Natural”.

I’m telling you now. You’re gonna thank me for turning you onto this one!

xoxo,

BF Asks: Have you tried L’Oreal Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain?

Fancy Friday: Barbie Rocks Launch Party

Posted on February 1, 2013 by BeautyFrosting

Ready for a slice of glam?

On December 16th, I had the prime pleasure of attending Any Sarre and Layna & Alan Friedman’s Barbie™ Rocks 6th Annual “Pinktastic” Party in Beverly Hills.

Along with my friend, RedCarpetRoxy and over 150 guests, we were treated to a pinkalicious shopping treat!

It started with pictures on the PINK (!!) carpet!

Hostess-with-the-Mostest, Anya Sarre and BF

Once inside, the little girl in me was delighted as I saw, in the center of the room, a towering4-foot-Barbie work-of-art cake by A Wish and a Whisk! I was plumb giddy!

Then to my left and right were cake stands filled with deliciously cute cupcakes by Lindsey Sinatra’s A Wish and a Whisk!

Behind me was sinfully (and yet sin-free, somehow) scrumptious eats by Root of All Food. The beet and goat cheese lollipops were my fave, of course! Just look at them! How great for a kids party, bridal shower or baby shower!

Then I had pink streaks applied to my mane which left me feeling verrrry Barbie & The Rockers. They showed up much more vibrantly on Roxy’s golden hair.

Celebrity guests at this invite-only-event included “The Insider” host Brooke Anderson, Diamond White from “X Factor”, Chudney Ross and many others!

We also loved taking fun, frilly, feathery, fuchsia-infused photos at Rony’s Photo Booth! And many girls, of all ages, were thrilled to get their makeup applied by Ferro Cosmetics.

The hot holiday gifts of the day were the Barbie™ sapphire silhouette in Rose Gold and Black Diamond Necklaces.

And then there were the Mud Pie gift bags filled with cotton candy, Sheila G’s Brownie Brittle, a delicious top by District and many, many more!

Barbie Rocks: BarbieTM Rocks by Layna & Alan Friedman was developed in 2006 and is the result of the close partnership between one of Beverly Hills premier jewelry designers and Mattel. This designer jewelry is the modern day embodiment of the Barbie® persona, with collection pieces to suit Barbie® fans of any age. 5% of every sale worldwide is donated to Keep A Child Alive. BarbieTM Rocks by Layna & Alan Friedman offers elegant styles featured in 18kt white, yellow and rose gold and the highest quality sterling silver. Premium pieces contain white, black & cognac diamonds and yellow & pink sapphires. A complete Sterling Collection is available ranging in price from $50 to $300. Sporty Barbie™ Dog Tags and Barbie™ Love Toggle Bracelets complete the collection. Custom pieces upon request. BARBIE and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned by, and used under license from, Mattel, Inc. ©2012 Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

For additional information, www.barbierocks.com www.alandiamonds.com or please visit the Alan Friedman showroom at 350 North Canon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210. For more info on Anya Sarre www.anyasarre.com

Anya Sarre & her verrrry handsome and charming date!

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: Were you a Barbie girl like me? Which one was your favorite?

Whatcha Wearin’ Wednesday? With Beth at the By Terry counter at Barneys New York

Posted on March 28, 2012 by BeautyFrosting

First of all, I simply adore our WWW girl today!
I met Beth at Barneys New York, in Beverly Hills, a few months ago. Sadly, it was on the day that Whitney Houston passed away.

Meeting Beth brought the sunshine, though, that sad day.

And when I went back recently for a Koh Gen Do facial event, there she was, looking oh-so-lovely, at the fabulous By Terry counter and, you knooooow I just had to ask:

BF: “Beth, whatcha wearin’?”

Beth at By Terry counter at Barneys New York Beverly Hills

Beth: “By Terry, of course!” (and she starts to show me the products as the sweet, amazing By Terry rep that she is).

Beth: “I have on Peach Loukoum Ombre Veloutee eye shadow on my lid and as a highlighting pop in the inner corner. Next, I have Ombre Blackstar Cream Shadow in Misty Rock in my crease and on my lid. Lastly on the eyes, I have Mascara Terrbly – Mascara Serum Haute Croissance in black.”

BF: “Ravishing. Simply ravishing. And so fresh! What are you wearing on your cheeks and lips? You look so fresh and dewy!”

By Terry Products on Beth

Beth: “Thank you! You’re a beauty junkie like me! I am wearing our signature Rose de Rose Sheer Liquid Blush in Fresh Rose…”

BF: “Now, those are the kind of roses that I want! Tres belle! I’m gonna have to have that…”

Beth (continuing): “And you should! It lasts forever! On my lips, I am wearing my standard color I love…Deep Volume Intense Shine gloss in Creamy Fig. It’s my favorite and it’s amazing!”

BF: “Thank you so much, Beth! I will be back to see you (and your creamy skin and dreamy makeup) soon!”

I have to say it again. Tres Belle!

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: Do you have a favorite French beauty product? I bought By Terry’s Rose de Rose that day and I am hooked!