BeautyFrosting Holiday Hosting Guide 2014

It’s not just the magic of the season that makes the holidays so special. It’s also simple psychology.
Families rely on happy holiday traditions for consistency in inconsistent lives.
Here are a few of my tips for fun, festive and efficient ways to host and celebrate the season this year!
Low-key can be lovely. My family loves to do a low-key Christmas Eve. We play board games and Mom puts out an assortment of appetizers. As a professor, she always received those delicious Hickory Farms cheese and sausage trays, so she’ll put those out on her beautiful crystal serving dishes along with some spicy mustard, sweet and dill pickles, creamy brie cheese and crackers, veggies and dip, spicy cheddar biscuits and her homemade shrimp ball (my fave).
Serve with some Cabernet Sauvignon and Scrabble and we’re one happy family!

The McCoy sibling holiday celebratin' in style

Casseroles are key. For Thanksgiving, Christmas, and – really all – holiday weekends, casseroles can be a lifesaver. With the relatives visiting and friends stopping by, I’ve always found having a pre-homemade casserole in the freezer a must-have. Keep a breakfast casserole and you’re good to go! And for the day after a big holiday, such as Christmas, make it easy on yourself, and make a casserole with all of those delicious, hearty leftovers. Get creative with that cranberry sauce. Who knows? It might become one of your family’s favorite recipes! Serve casserole with a salad and it’s the perfect, post-holiday meal!

Serve a signature cocktail or punch. Be sure to make the base of your cocktail in the autumnal spirit – whether it be apple, cranberry, pear or pumpkin, you can’t go wrong with a winner that whets the whistle. Two of my favorite recipes? My Charlotte’s Applejack Brandy Cider

Charlotte's Applejack Brandy Cider

and my Brandywine Punch which I created for this past Thanksgiving.

Brandywine Punch

Tailor-make your tablescape. For instance, I love this turkey.

Let one piece of decor guide the rest of your tablescape planning

I love her so much that I tend to design everything around her – from the flowers to the dishes to the table runner aand tablecloths, Brandwywine sets the mood. Oh, did I forget to mention that I also named her? Yep. Her name is Brandywine. For instance this year, I designed a rose and gold table setting with a chalboard butcher paper runner down the center and, naturally, called it Brandywine Rustic.

One single Thankgiving decor element dictated my whole theme this year

Plan ahead to save your head. To make for a happy – and peaceful – holiday, about 2-4 weeks before the big day, ask all family members to submit their favorite recipes that they’d like you to cook. Also, ask what they’d like to contribute. This is a two-fold brilliant and sneaky strategy – a) it reminds everyone that they should contribute something and b) you can see overlap when it comes to the traditional family faves you cook, so you won’t overcook.  Sometimes the family favorites that we think our loved ones love aren’t the true loves. This also helps us see their changing tastes and plan the menu accordingly each year.

What would Beyonce do? She would plan ahead and make that menu!

Be an smart shopper. I realize how bossy that sounds, so let me explain. I like to (but don’t always) buy my canned goods, sugar, flour, etc. the week before Thanksgiving. That way the pumpkin isn’t sold out and I’m not carrying in 20 loads of groceries up my stairs. Because a Thanksgiving hernia isn’t as romantic as it sounds. Then, about 2-3 days before, I buy the dairy, eggs and produce. I save the uber fresh stuff, including flowers, for the last day. This means less hassle and running all over town with all of those other last minute shoppers. You’ve got this handled.

Save the best for last!

Sass up the standards. Really wanna venture out? Ditch the pumpkin pie and bake some pumpkin creme brûlée. Keep the family faves but add in some new dishes to create new traditions. Every Thanksgiving, I bake pumpkin croissant bread pudding with cranberries and moonshine sauce. I love pumpkin pie, but I wanted to create my own tradition. Now, it’s a family favorite. I’d highly encourage you to do the same. Whether it’s turning up your turkey, making your dressing more daring, or spicing up a side, try updating those classic faves. If you – or your family – doesn’t like it, you can always go back to the traditional recipe the next year.

Pumpkin Croissant Bread Pudding with Eggnog Moonshine Sauce

Cook up some soups or beef organ yo I had let Matt Marr did for our Christmas dinner that he made me need a few days ahead of time to save time and it actually tasted better cause the flavors had time to marinate why they were frozen.
Ornament Originality. Have each person bring an ornament to share with the family tree each year. This year, I am taking my mom a french cruller donut that I found at Dylan’s Candy Shop because I grew up with her eating a dunkin’ donut on many a morning when we would drive to school. Sweet memories. And isn’t that what the holiday season is all about?
xoxo,
BFBF Asks: What are some of your family’s holiday traditions?

A Festive Fête Full of Heart: Cocktails With Caravents at Mr. C Beverly Hills

Is there any gift more rewarding than the gift of giving back?
Not in my book.

Photobooth fun at Mr. C Beverly Hills

So I was delighted a few weeks ago when Caravents invited me to their #CocktailsWithCaravents holiday party (co-hosted by Sazan Barzani and Sheryl Luke) benefitting Dress For Success.

The co-hosts of the evening Photo Credit: @paigejonesphoto for #Caravents

Not only was it a meaningful night, but it was a beautiful one to boot, thanks to the delicate details that Caravents is famous for.

Mingling and merriment occurred. Photo Credit: @paigejonesphoto for #Caravents

To welcome us at the exquisite Mr.C Beverly Hills, we were greeted with mulled wine and roasted chestnuts.

Chestnuts roasting by..a brass punchbowl of mulled wine? I'll take it.

 

Then, there was – of course  - photobooth fun.

Photobooth fun at #CocktailsWithCaravents

Another round of cocktails by Mr. C Beverly Hills, featuring ​Abso​lot​ Elyx - the oh-so-delicious cranberry ​”H​oliday​-Thyme”​ cocktails that we couldn’t stop staring at and sipping.

Holiday Thyme. Photo Credit: @paigejonesphoto for #Caravents

And, as if the evening wasn’t gift itself on its own, we were given luxe, overflowing Gift Bags By Rachael.

Gift Bags by Rachael Photo Credit: @paigejonesphoto for #Caravents

To cap things off? How about cookies and milk and mini ice cream cones?

Sweets as nightcaps Photo Credit: @paigejonesphoto for #Caravents

The sweetest of all though was that, thanks to the generosity of all the guests, they collected over 250 pieces of clothing, accessories and beauty products to donate to Dress For Success, helping disadvantaged women gain the skills, confidence and attire needed to gain economic independence.

The collection of all that was donated in the lobby of Mr.C Beverly Hills Photo Credit: @paigejonesphoto for #Caravents

And it is such a gift to all of us who attended that we were able to use the power of our voices for good by properly kicking off the holiday season! We even raised awareness for Dress For Success by making over 2 million social media impressions over the course of the evening.

Thanks for hosting such a festive holiday fête, full of heart, Caravents!
xoxo,
BF
BF Asks: How will you give back this season? 

Pay It Forward: #GivingTuesday with No Kid Hungry

This past Thursday, we spent all day giving thanks and eating delicious food.

This Tuesday – tomorrow – let’s pay it forward.

Pay it forward with No Kid Hungry

Every $1 donated to No Kid Hungry can help connect a hungry child with up to 10 meals. This year, if you donate tomorrow, on Giving Tuesday, all donations will be matched up to $50,000! 

That means we have the opportunity to help kids connect with up to ONE MILLION MEALS!

So, skip a latte this week and donate that $5 to No Kid Hungry. And if you can, donate more.
There’s no greater gift than the gift of feeding a hungry child.

xoxo,
BF

 

BF Asks: How will donating to No Kid Hungry make you feel? 

My BF Holiday Wish List 2013

Okay, with Christmas right – and I mean, riiiiiight – around the corner, I am hoping that Santa is done making his list, has checked it twice and that I am on there with little stars next to my name. But just in case he needs a friendly reminder (I say batting my eyelashes), here is My BF Holiday Wish List 2013!
BF Holiday Wish List 2013

1) Tasty treats from Tarte.  Tarte Cosmetics’ Holiday Collection always tops my list for Santa. They have the cutest, sweetest and most adorably packaged gifts – which just so happen to have pretty, pretty highly-pigmented products encased in them. Plus they’re cruelty-free which we loooooove! And with their 30 Gifts Under $30, I’m just sure that Santa can swing a few!

#1 on my Wish List? The Tarte Holiday Collection! (ranging from $19 to $217)

 

2) My heart belongs to Jessie Steele. It’s not news to anyone that my heart eternally belongs to Jessie Steele. Her pretty products are after my own heart and she is forever on my wish list with her gorgeous, girly, cupcake-meets-coquette aesthetic. Whenever I don a Jessie Steele original, I am not only complimented by folks but I can’t wipe that silly smile off my face! p.s. Right now, You can get 50% off holiday aprons with this code: JINGLE50 upon checkout!!

It's not enough that I'm wearing the Jessie Steele Holiday Cookies Josephine Apron in this pic but please also note the phone case. Yep, Jessie Steele, as well! Ha! I'm obsessed!

 

Love of my life: Jessie Steele Cherry Cupcake series - pictured here, the EVA-coated Cherry Cupcakes apron ($36) & the Scalloped Pot-Mit ($6.50)

3) Nordstrom Knows What’s Up. Listen, Santa. I get it. You had all of those kids to shop for and you forgot about little ole, beauty-product-loving me. Well, never fret my frosty-living, furry-faced friend. Nordstrom has everything you need and more.

Nordstrom knows what's up, Santa! Find all of the gifts you need for the beauty-lover like myself there!

For the lip gloss lover? Bare Minerals Show Me The Shimmer Set ($25)

Manicure queen? The adorable Glitter Mani Set ($13)

Bathing beauty? Philosophy Apricots and Cream Duo ($16.50)

Makeup Maven? Smashbox Wondervision Eye Kits ($32)

For the guy in your life? Jack Black Luxury Shave Set ($200)

And soooo much more!!

So Santa, look. I know I made a few mistakes this year. I’m sorry. But who hasn’t? If you could just get me 1 or 2 of the lovely little things on my list, I promise to be good.
Well…I’ll try.

 

BF Asks: What’s on your holiday wish list this year?

 

High-Low 12/9/13: High School Revisited, Home & Family & Addictions Like Sugar

This week was filled with the highest of highs! So many moments that just delighted me and filled me with glee that I can’t share them all on here without losing your attention because they say that people don’t read more than 400 words on a blog. See, look, I already lost ya! Kidding.
So I’ll pick two of ‘em and elaborate on each of them in later posts. And you know – as it is with life – there’s gotta be a low with those highs so ya might wanna check that out, too.

HIGHS: Hallmark Home & Family and My Birthday Party

1) I was honored to yet again be invited to be a guest on Hallmark Home & Family for Makeover Monday. I’ll be bringing you everything we did with our Makeover Monday girl, Susy G. from the Step Up Women’s Network on Wednesday but for now…here are a few pics.

The only thing better than being on Hallmark Home & Family? Being on Hallmark Home & Family during the Christmas season!

The family that IS Home & Family. I swear I just love every cast and crew member I meet on that show. What a warm set to be a part of!

 

2) My birthday party this past weekend was, well, my favorite to date. The theme? “Come As You Were Or Wish You Were in High School”. More on that one tomorrow but for now, here’s a highlight of the happiness!

Donning my Episcopal School of Dallas uniform - yep my REAL uniform from 1996! Photo by Guerrero Photography & Takahiro Watanabe Photography

 

Part of the gang who spent the night celebrating my birthday with me! Too much fun! Photo by Guerrero Photography & Takahiro Watanabe Photography

 

LOW: Addictions Like Sugar…

Much like sugar...

I’ve always known to avoid drugs and cigarettes and watch my alcohol intake because they can all lead to dangerous addictions.
But there are some kinds of addictions that are hidden and a bit unexpected. What about the people and behaviors that are bad for us that are also dangerously addictive to us? What about the things that we know we shouldn’t do and the people we know we shouldn’t care about or be around and yet we keep doing those things and caring for those people anyway?

Sometimes people and behaviors are even more addictive than the substances simply because of the adrenaline that gets rushing in your veins and the feelings that they evoke in you. See, I think we all know that I’m a passionate person. An excitable person. Oh, who are we kidding? I have the zeal and fervor of a 5-year-old.

Very often that excitement is a good thing but other times, well, it can work against me.
Whether it be a product, an event, a person, a restaurant, a book, a new business, a song or a movie, I pour all of my enthusiasm into things I’m excited about. I love singing its praises, shouting it from the rooftops and helping this thing or person get the attention and acclaim they deserve. That’s why blogging is second nature to me.
But the problem with being a passionate and excitable person is that sometimes you pour that energy into the wrong thing.
I was on my way some place to meet someone who has taken up much more energy in my life than they have exerted into mine. I took a car there and the driver said to me, “If you don’t mind me saying so, you have a lot of adrenaline pumping. It’s like you’re on your way to jump out of a plane. Can I ask what you’re on your way to?”
That’s when it hit me. This person was a bit of a bad thing and is very much like sugar. I like sugar – I think we know that – but sugar can either be very sweet and good or very toxic and bad. See, with sugar, it’s so good with that first taste that you want more. At first, you get all wired, hyper and amped up and it feels pretty darned good. But have too much of it – or not enough - and eventually, it’s gonna make you sick.
I guess my goal is to find the balance between my enthusiasm and passion and the gray area where it goes into something a little too rich for my blood.
To learn to only give that passionate energy and love of life to things – and people – who can accept it with gratitude and perhaps even give a little bit back.
Yep, this low is just a reminder, that I’m a work in progress.
Now, go have a cupcake or something.
xoxo,
BF
BF Asks: What’s your High-Low this week?

BF’s Holiday Gorgeous Gift-Giving Guide: Tarte’s Holiday 2012 PLUS Collection

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas…everywhere you go!

I don’t know about y’all but my sweet Mom has been calling me asking which delectable dishes of hers I would most love to enjoy for the holidays. Mmmmmm…

She gave me scrumptious choices – as her food is the only food that tempts me all the way down to my heart and tastebuds. Some of my options? Italian Cream Cake, German Chocolate Cake, Strawberry Cake, Bread Pudding, Christmas Pie, Orange Slice cake, Sausage Balls, Shrimp Ball, Pumpkin Bread, Robert Redford Delight, her signature Blueberry Crepes, her classic EggNog and many, many more. See why one of my favorite pastimes is cooking? I inherited it from the best of the best – my Mom!

While I looooove food, I cannot indulge nearly as much as I would like to. So sweet gift choices must satiate my sweet tooth! Lucky for me, Tarte has a bevy of them this year.

 

Tarte's Holiday Collection plus some classic gift faves (prices range from $16 to $60 -- GREAT deals!)

 

Feeding into our signature sweet tooth is Tarte’s never-fail holiday collection. Give the gifts as a whole set or – do what I do – and split them up between stockings.

Between their smoky eyeliners, Maracuja miracle makeup, chubby lip crayons (with the perfect amount of color), beauty travel bag filled with their gorgeous shades or a jewelry box with Tarte essentials, you are sure to find the perfect gift for your pretty ones!

And for those of us on a budget, I love getting Tarte’s holiday collections and making multiple gifts out of them!Personalizing each gift to each person’s personality and skin tone makes these gifts pretty, personalized and pocketbook-friendly! I feel like Santa!

How sweet indeed!!

xoxo,
BF

 

BF Asks: Which family recipes are your tastebuds jonesing for this holiday season? Spill it and share the sweetness!

Thirsty Thursday: Holiday Cocktail

Craving a perfect Christmas cocktail that isn’t the standard eggnog or hot toddy recipe? How about this Holiday Cocktail? It’s chilled and fizzy and oh-so-Christmas-y!

Holiday Cocktail: Apple, Cranberry, Vodka & Ginger ale - yummy!

Holiday Cocktail
1 Cup  Apple Cider or Juice
1 Cup Cranberry Juice
1/2 Cup – 1 Cup Vodka
1 Cup Ginger Ale
Ice
Pour ingredients into blender and whizz until light pink and frothy.
Pour into large jug and top with 1 cup of Ginger Ale and a good handful of ice.
Serves 4
BF Asks: What’s your holiday cocktail of choice this year?

Recipe Box: BeautyFrosting’s Perfect Pistachio Cupcakes

BeautyFrosting's Perfect Pistachio Cupcakes

 

 

Want a sure-fire cupcake hit for your party or function?
Here you go, beauties.
I came up with this for my BeautyFrosting Cupcakes & Cocktails Debut Party and they were the most-loved cupcakes I’ve ever met.
I think it might be my favorite cupcake recipe thus far.
And soooo easy!
And beautiful!
Perfect for Easter, St.Patrick’s Day, Christmas, showers, birthday parties (where green is the color of choice) and more!
And now it’s yours. Just one catch…
If you try it, please let me know your results and remarks!

BeautyFrosting's Perfect Pistachio Cupcakes

BeautyFrosting’s Perfect Pistachio Cupcakes 
(can be amended for Pistachio cake)1 pkg. Yellow Cake mix
1 pkg. (3.5 oz) Pistachio Instant Pudding mix
3 eggs
1 c. Sprite or (Lemon-Lime soda)
1/2 c. oil
1 tsp. Almond, or Pistachio, extractMix oil, water and eggs first until it foams to the top of the bowl.
Add cake mix and mix until smooth.
Pour into 24 cupcake tins and bake at 18-24 minutes at 350 degrees.
Let cool.

BeautyFrosting’s Perfect Pistachio Buttercream Frosting
1 c. Butter-flavored Crisco (room temp)
1 c. Unsalted Butter (room temp)
8 cups confectioner’s sugar
1 pkg. (3.5 oz) Pistachio Instant Pudding Mix
1/2 tsp Salt
1 Tbsp Vanilla
1 c. Heavy Whipping Cream (add until desired texture is met)
Cream butter and sugar until well-blended.
Add confectioners sugar cup by cup.  Add pistachio instant pudding. Add vanilla and salt.
Add heavy cream as needed, as you go, until fluffy, creamy buttercream is achieved.
This recipe makes an abundance of frosting. But just store it securely in your fridge and next week, I’ll bring my Pistachio Thumbprint Cookie recipe to you so you can use the rest of it! Efficient, non?
Frost cupcakes and top with any of the following: maraschino cherry, mint sprig, pistachio, decoration.
Indulge, beauties! These are worth it!
xoxo,
BF
BF Asks: Are you gonna try this recipe? Have you tried it? Results? Remarks?