Thirsty Thursday: The BeautyFrosting Sugared Peach Bellini

Posted on January 22, 2015 by BeautyFrosting

You saw it yesterday and you asked for the recipe…now you got it.
The perfect bottomless brunch beverage when a merry mimosa just seems mundane.

It will leave all of your brunch guests saying to you, “Well, now, aren’t YOU a peach!”

The BeautyFrosting Sugared Peach Bellini

The BeautyFrosting Sugared Peach Bellini

2 oz Powell & Mahoney Bellini Cocktail Mixer ($7.99)

3 oz Chilled champagne or prosecco

1 sliced yellow peach

Mint sprigs, washed and dried

Pour the bellini mixer into the glass and top with champagne. Take peach slices and wet with water. Roll peaches in granulated sugar. Top bellini with a sliced, sugared peach on the rim of the glass and a mint sprig in the glass.

Bottomless bellinis, anyone?

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What’s your favorite brunch beverage?

Easy Like Sunday Morning: Vanessa’s Ladies’ Long Beach Brunch

Posted on January 21, 2015 by BeautyFrosting

Easy like Sunday morning…in Long Beach

Upon graduating from college and announcing my move to Los Angeles, my mom had one piece of advice for me when it came to entertaining. “Entertain at home as often as you can. When we were young, we all did potluck dinners at each other’s houses and they’re some of my favorite memories to date.” I only wish I’d taken that to heart back then, when I was going into debt with bars and clubs and (ugh) parking in LA.

But better late than never, right? Lately, there’s been a huge surge in my social calendar of entertaining at home at friends’ houses – in backyards, at pool parties, porch parties and more. It’s truly a gift to me because when I’ve been asked what I like to do for fun, I always say that I forego the clubs and love doing dinners, happy hours and game nights at friends’ homes. It’s cheaper, warmer, cozier and just plain more fun.

This past Sunday, my former roomie (2002-2004), Vanessa hosted an impromptu ladies’ brunch at her beautiful mid-century home in Long Beach. Her husband was out of town and she just thought that a girls day was in order! And boy was it!

The best part? She taught me that a brunch doesn’t have to be extravagant or over-the-top to be a success.

Orange, Blue and White: Simple. Stylish. Sophisticated.

It can be simple, stylish and sophisticated with one focal dish and a few side dishes.

Brunch and Bellinis - a very happy partnership

I brought the Bellini fixins’, thanks to Powell and Mahoney Bellini Cocktail Mixer. (More on that recipe tomorrow)

Bellinis are the best!

Vanessa cooked a delicious egg casserole – and may I say that it was cooked perrrrfectly – and it was her first time making the recipe, to boot! As for the sides, she did like I do and combined homemade items with store or bakery bought items, which lends itself to ease and grace.

The pièce de résistance? CRONUTS. Yes, I ate 2. Don’t judge.

Cronuts. Enough said.

It was a day of laughter and libations, new friends and old friends and good old fashioned eating and entertaining in one of my best friend’s backyards.

More of that please, 2015.

Blissful brunch dress by Free People

Dawn Do? To keep your leftover champagne all bubbly, place a teaspoon in the bottle. In my experience, my champagne has stayed deliciously bubbly for between 2-5 days.Yes, really. It doesn’t matter the metal of the spoon, although I have had the best luck with silver or stainless shell. p.s. People say this is a myth, but all I know is it works.

Dawn Do? To keep champagne fresh, put a spoon in it!

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: How do you brunch all “Easy Like Sunday Morning?”

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?

Recipe Box Friday: Buttermilk Vanilla Pancakes with Buttermilk Vanilla Syrup

Posted on August 24, 2012 by BeautyFrosting

BeautyFrosting's Buttermilk Vanilla Pancakes with Buttermilk Vanilla Syrup

Whenever I think of buttermilk, I always think of buttermilk & cornbread with my Papaw and Wilbur’s buttermilk bath in Charlotte’s Web. Both are sweet memories of the tart stuff! And I LOOOOVE me some buttermilk! My fridge is never without it.

This past Saturday, I cooked up the most delicious breakfast I’ve ever made.

Oh dear God! It was so mouthwateringly delicious that I am getting hungry right now as I write this.

Making pancakes AND syrup might seem a little daunting but oh, honey, it’s not!

You’ll be thanking me!Homemade Buttermilk Vanilla pancakes! Homemade Buttermilk Vanilla Syrup! GO!!

Buttermilk Vanilla Pancakes

2 Eggs

2 C Buttermilk

1/2 tsp Pure Vanilla extract

1/4 C Melted Butter

2 C Flour

1 1/4 tsp. Baking Soda

3/4 tsp. Baking Powder

1 tsp. Salt

Ground Vanilla Bean (amount to your liking)

Mix flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt together. Add eggs, buttermilk, vanilla & melted butter and mix well.

OPTIONAL: Add desired amount of ground vanilla bean and mix well.

OPTIONAL: Chocolate Chips, Blueberries, Bananas, Pecans or Apples. Yummy!

Butter that skillet with, well, BUTTER!!

Cook each side until lightly golden. While cooking the rest of the pancakes, warm cooked pancakes in oven on the WARM setting.

And this lady likes a few of 'em with chocolate chips too!

Buttermilk Vanilla Syrup

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup butter

Ground Vanilla Bean (amount to your liking)

Boil buttermilk. Reduce heat to medium. Add sugar and butter and turn heat to high and let boil for one minute.

Next (Last step!), ADD:

1/2 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. baking soda=OPTIONAL

Cook, and stir consistently, for 2 minutes until smooth.

It may settle a little but no fear! Just taste and enjoy the goodness.

xoxo,

BF Asks: What’s your favorite add-in (chocolate chips, blueberries, bananas, nuts, peanut butter, nutella, apples) to put in pancakes?

High-Low 8

Posted on August 6, 2012 by BeautyFrosting

I can’t believe it’s been 2 weeks since my last High-Low!

I have been going, going, going, going, GOING nonstop…
but I always have time to be grateful.

So here’s my High-Low this week!

HIGHS

1) Neighborhood Yard Sale & Mimosas with good friends!

Yard Sale with good friends & mimosas!

2) Paleta Pressed Core Detox Juice Cleanse

Yum!! Paleta Pressed Core Detox Juice Cleanse

I lost a pound in a day drinking delicious & nutritious juices and my skin was GLOWING!!! Love.

*Full review coming soon!

3) On another note: New recipes that were met with rave (or ravenous) reviews!!

BBB Cupcakes: Banana Buttermilk Butterscotch Cupcakes with Butterscotch Buttercream

AND….

Nutella Mascarpone Frosting

BeautyFrosting's Nutella Mascarpone Frosting

4) Slumber Party time with girlfriends! Fun games, delicious snacks, good wine and LOTS of laughter made for a super fun and memorable evening!

Who says slumber parties are only for kiddos?

5) Nothing like a summer bbq at a friend’s house on a beautiful LA day…

6) Weekly Sunday Farmers Market Brunch with friends. On the menu this week? Shrimp cocktail, crepes (of course), curried seafood in a pineapple, L’Oteria, caramel popcorn and discussing our homegrown romantic relationship theories (my Passion Set Point Theory & Jose’s Relationship Bell Curve Theory).

7) My new bathtime companion! I’ve heard such great reviews about this mystery from former Entertainment Weekly writer, Gillian Flynn.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

8 ) Morning snuggles with my BFF, Miss Ellie

Morning snuggles with Miss Ellie

LOW

I realized I haven’t been to one movie alone this summer. One of my favorite summer things to do is to go see movies alone. It always feels terribly indulgent and fun! Actually, not just summer – it’s an anytime fun thing to do! I’ve been so busy with blogging and social commitments that I’ve not taken the crucial “me-time” necessary to do that. It’s a goal for August for sure!

xoxo,

BF Asks: What’s your High-Low this week? Seen any movies I should check out?

High-Low 5

Posted on July 2, 2012 by BeautyFrosting

Summer just isn’t stopping for me!

As much as I’d love to sit back and relax by the pool (or by the ocean) with a book, it just isn’t going to happen because I seem to keep getting busier and busier.

But that’s a good thing!!! No complaints here! I. AM. THANKFUL!!!

Here’s my High-Low this week for your enjoyment.

HIGHS

Well, I may not be reading poolside or oceanside. But there’s always bathside! My new bedtime book, Why You’re Not Married Yet provides needed inspiration (& laughter) during my bedtime baths. I know how the title sounds. I do. But whatever you’re thinking, it’s not. I swear. I looooooove Tracy McMillan! When I read her books, it’s like a wiser, enlightened, big sister-version-of-me is talking to myself. Sign of a brilliant, provocative and moving author. She always gives my pink highlighter quite a workout. And I’m proud to know, and read, her.

: My Bedtime Read: Why You’re Not Married Yet

Farmers Market Brunch with friends. My first few years in L.A., a group of us would gather at the Farmers Market at the Grove every Sunday. They were so much fun I call these times lost days – just eating, drinking and catching up with friends. Such a luxury of youth!
With my brother in town, I decided to resurrect those luxurious, lost days and invited some of my favorite people. I think we just may have started a new, repurposed tradition!

A New Old Tradition: Farmers Market Sunday Brunch with Friends

Getting to have a Girls Night Out at “A Night of Beauty” at The Viceroy Santa Monica with my favorite photographer – and – one of my favorite people, Amy Opoka.

We were treated to mini massages from Burke Williams - aaaaaaahhhhh

Poolside Shoe-Shoppin' at The Viceroy "A Night of Beauty"

Coming up with a new recipe: Oreo Surprise Cupcakes

A new discovery for the Recipe Box: Oreo Surprise Cupcakes

Surprise! The surprise inside my Oreo Surprise Cupcakes

This new giftwrapping collection I spotted at Target.

Spotted: Giftbag Collection at Target

This reminds me of someone!!

This reminds me a little of someone - hmmm...

A fun summer ‘do: Cascading Half-Up

A Fun Summer 'Do: Cascading Half UpDo

Getting some poolside cocktails with precious friends from my years with Barbra. Sweet summer memories!

Poolside Cocktails with Friends from my days with Barbra

A friend’s Texas-themed party in beautiful Topanga Canyon. Between the band and the views, it was sheer bliss!

A fun band called The Wind & The Rain & an amazing view

And, lastly, I spotted this at Sephora last week. I can hardly wait to get it! It smells just like camp & summer romance. Coveting this right now.

Coveting: Clinique Happy Summer Spray at Sephora ($60)

LOWS

There’s just one but it’s a big one.

Nora Ephron

I’m a big Nora Ephron fan. Have been ever since I saw Heartburn. Man, talk about a good, empowering breakup movie! And then, I read the book the movie was based on.

Heartburn by Nora Ephron

Wow. I fell in love with Nora – like so many did. Her honesty, humor and belief in the power of women was palpable. And her passing simply cannot be taken lightly. Heaven may have gained a sweet, sassy angel but we have lost a dear heart and a once-in-a-lifetime talent.

xoxo,

BF Asks: What was your favorite Nora Ephron work?

Thirsty Thursday: Arnold Palmer

Posted on May 24, 2012 by BeautyFrosting

I was at a restaurant the other day, here in Dallas, and asked for an Arnold Palmer.

I received a blank stare.

They didn’t know what it was.

So I realized that a lot of you, out there, may not know what it is either.

And you really, really should as it is the ultimate in refreshing summer beverages!

In Los Angeles, Arnold Palmers are big-non-alcoholic brunch drinks.

Not too sweet and not too tart, it’s the perfect, hydrating, sweet-tart bev!

Refreshing and light, it is a super popular drink named after the famed golfer, Arnold Palmer. It’s said to be his favorite beverage!

And now, may it be one of yours!

It can also be served at lunches, picnics and showers as a great alternative to too-sweet punch!

Thirsty Thursday: Arnold Palmer

Arnold Palmer

1/2 c. Lemonade

1/2 c. Iced Tea

Mix together. Serve over ice. Garnish with a lemon wedge and/or a mint sprig.

xoxo,

BF Asks: What’s your favorite refreshing beverage?

Thirsty Thursday: Mother’s Day Dixie Peach-Champagne Punch

Posted on May 10, 2012 by BeautyFrosting

Does Mom love punch with a citrus kick?

What could be more lovely than a sweet-tart punch for your sweetheart?

Stir up a batch for your magnificent Mom this Mother’s Day!

Mother's Day Dixie Peach Champagne Punch

Mother’s Day Peach-Champagne Punch

3 (11.5 ounce) cans peach nectar (or I love Trader Joe’s Dixie Peach punch!)
1 (6 ounce) can frozen orange juice concentrate
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup peach brandy
1/4 cup grenadine syrup
1 (32 fluid ounce) bottle carbonated water
3 (750 milliliter) bottles champagne

DIRECTIONS
Chill all ingredients.
In a large punch bowl combine peach nectar, concentrated orange juice, lemon juice, brandy and grenadine. Mix well and pour in the carbonated water and champagne.

Enjoy with the fabulous women in your life!

xoxo,