High-Low 11/4/13: Snow White & silver, stinging linings

This week was a busy one. Wait, I’ve become a broken record player. But it’s true. It was yet another busy week here for BF at The Cupcake Palace and, y’all, it just doesn’t look like it’s letting up.

HIGH: Getting to be Snow White for the week

Oh, Halloween!! The only day – or, in this case, week – where it’s totally acceptable to dress up and act like a kid again. Of course, I kind of do this a bit all year round but it’s nice to get to go all out, get into character and pretend to be someone else for a bit.
So who did I decide to transform into this year? Why, none other than Snow White.
Complete with apple, red bow headband and all.

I had a party last Saturday hosted by my neighbor-friends so I opted for the classic Snow White with a faux bob hairstyle.

Faux: Snow White with a faux bob, apple and all

Then, I had the Maroon 5 party with friends on Thursday at Sportsmen’s Lodge.

High: Snow White Night #2 at the Maroon 5 party at Sportsmen's Lodge

It was AMAZING. The theme? Stephen King’s The Shining. Redrum, indeed. There was even a Jack Torrance tap-tap-tapping away on a typewriter all night.

Trying to tempt the always-typing Jack with an apple & some Snow White goodness

AMAAAAAZING.

LOW: Silver – stinging –  linings

Low: Silver - stinging - linings

I had a suuuuper busy day planned on Friday what with a meeting with my agents, an audition, writing and lots of wardrobe pulling for a shoot I was hosting – and posing for – on Sunday here at my house. But sometimes our bodies have other ideas for us.

Mine had the idea that I should lie in bed and do nothing except take a bath every hour or so because it felt like there were knives being plunged into the base of neck and head. Ouchiwawa. It was miserable. I have never really been a migraine sufferer and didn’t really understand all the fuss until this one. It was debilitating.

Luckily, my best friend Chris came over – thinking he’d have to take me to the hospital – and instead just sat and rubbed my neck and head until I went to sleep. Thus proving once again that even the lowest points of our weeks have a bit of silver lining to them! I tip my hat to Chris this week for being there for me on a very dark night and seeing me through the pain to a bright morning.

xoxo,

BF 


BF Asks: What was your High-Low this week? What did you do for Halloween? Did you dress up?

*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!

– See more at: http://www.beautyfrosting.com/high-low-102813-dallas-moments-5-out-of-10-and-laughing-stars#sthash.1CXcR24t.dpuf

High-Low 10/7/13: Libra Love & Learning To Say No

 HIGH

This week was FILLED with birthday celebrations of good friends! I don’t think I realized how many of my good friends are Libras until my social calendar was spilling over with celebrations for them. Each party was beyond fun and memorable – just like the friends for whom they were thrown. And it was yet another reminder for me that I am amazingly blessed in the friend and fun departments. Happy Birthday Jose, Whitney and Jessa! Thanks for a week that was over-the-top fun!

At Jose’s Birthday at Blind Barber in Culver City…

Kisses for the captain...Captain Jose (the birthday boy), that is.

Whitney of hoopLA‘s pre-birthday celebration at the AMI Clubwear Pre-Halloween Bash at Blushington

With birthday girl Whitney Lader (center) and Jennifer Chan at the AMI Clubwear Pre-Halloween Bash at Blushington

and at Jessa & Matty’s Return To The Forest Birthday Party at a secret, undisclosed location in West Hollywood…

Happy Birthday Jessa! Best performance of "What Does The Fox Say" EVER!!!

 

May your year ahead be as magical as you are!

 

 

LOW

Keep calm...and Just Say No (Slowly, I'm learning this...)

As a double whammy of being both a people pleaser and a southerner, I am not the best at saying no to things. Cue that song – “I’m Just A Girl Who Can’t Say No”. No, wait, this post just took on a whole other meaning. Scratch that.

Anyway, sometimes this means that I tend to overextend myself when it comes to commitments. This past week, I felt like I let a pr contact down because I couldn’t meet a deadline for a story covering an event they had invited me to. In actuality, the past few months have been so busy that originally I didn’t even think I could attend the said event. But I overreached, went to the event (my third of the day) and then wasn’t able to post a story that fit within their timeline. A deadline, by the way, that I didn’t even know existed until a day before. Yikesy.

While I beat myself up over it quite a bit, I had a moment of clarity that I will carry with me. I must learn to say no. As much as I would like to, there is no possible way that I can attend every event or social engagement that I am invited to – or bake for every person’s birthday – or be everyone’s best friend every minute of every day – or give the perfect wedding gift every time. There is no way that I can meet everyone’s timeline when my own schedule is so busy. My life is full – and I am so grateful for this. So, of course, there are going to be times when I let people down.

And as someone who haaaaaates letting people down more than anything, this is a reality with which I m having to reckon. The upside? By saying “NO” to things occasionally, I can leave room for more of the things I want – and need – to say “YES” to. And that’s a lesson that’s never too late to learn…

 

xoxo,

BF

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

*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!

 

 

Saturday Social Hour: Master The Look Beauty Event at Saks Fifth Avenue Beverly Hills

This past Thursday, Saks 5th Avenue in Beverly Hills and Cadillac hosted an evening of beauty-themed treats from Food Ink, champagne, wine and a killer dj to benefit Lupus LA and kick off their fall Beauty Event.

 

With the cutest cookies there ever were…

The cutest cookies that ever were from Food Ink

 

The most kissable cupcakes I’ve ever seen…

 

Cute kissy lip-cupcakes from Food Ink!

Custom color consultations – to help you find your best color fit both in fashion and beauty – by Jill Kirsch

Custom color consultation from Jill Kirsch - the Guru of Hue

and lipstick reading by a lipstick reader, beauty tips from NARS, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior and Estee Lauder.

Everyone had a ball and I was in heaven as some of my fave folks were there – such as Whitney Lader from hoopLA, Roxy Manning from RedCarpetRoxy, Megan O’Brien from Meg’s Makeup and…

With Roxy & Whitney at the Saks Master The Look beauty event

my new buddy, Braylen Brooks from ScenesterTV!

With my new buddy Braylen...and one verrrrry cute waiter

 

A beautiful night, indeed!

xoxo,
BF

 

BF Asks: Which beauty look would you love to master?

 

Saturday Social Hour: BHLDN Launch Party at Anthropologie in Beverly Hills

I should be the poster child for Anthropologie. Really. It’s become a joke with my stylish, fashionista friends that they don’t even need to ask who I’m wearing because it’s either from Anthropologie or it’s vintage. So when I was invited to attend the launch party/open house event of BHLDN‘s (pronounced Beholden) first west coast wedding shop at Anthropologie in Beverly Hills, there was nothing that could have kept me away.

 

Hosted by Late Afternoon and Eat.Sleep.Wear, this party was done right.

Beautiful blush butterflies at BHLDN at Anthropologie Beverly Hills - such whimsical elegance

With free-flowing champagne…

Champagne flowing at BHLDN...

Photo fun…

And oodles of luxurious bridal fashion

BHLDN Beverly Hills

 

BHLDN Beverly Hills

BHLDN Beverly Hills

 

accessories…

 

BHLDN Beverly Hills

BHLDN Beverly Hills

 

and gifts…

 

Coveting this hanger at BHLDN Beverly Hills

The perfect wedding gift at BHLDN Beverly Hills - Mr. & Mrs. flatware!

 

I was in my element.

Plus, I got to see some good friends – and that is ALWAYS a plus!

My gorgeous friend, Roxy Limon in her to-die-for jumpsuit

BHLDN – with the style of sensibility of their Anthro days – is unique in that it scours the earth for fab finds that you might not find on your own. They travel the world in search of emerging designers, superior craftsmanship, and cultural significances which they find to be sublimely relevant. Choosing only products that delight and inspire them, their offerings include a thoughtfully edited collection of wedding dresses, bridesmaids’ frocks, accessories, sparkly baubles, meticulously crafted veils, show-stopping shoes and décor created for the bride who seeks something a bit different. Plus, their collection of party and event dresses is second to none. So float on over to BHLDN on the upper floor of Anthropologie Beverly Hills and see what slice of heaven you might find.

 

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What’s your favorite wedding gift to give?

Kiehl’s Earth Day Celebration with Alanis Morissette & Zachary Quinto Benefitting Recycle Across America!

Kiehl's Santa Monica - EVENT PHOTOS BY John Shearer/Invision

 

I have been a fan of Kiehl’s for as long as I can remember. In fact, one of the first products I ever fell in love with was Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer. I was obsessed with it because I had read that it was on every celebrity’s and makeup artist’s must-have list. And anything that a celebrity had on their face, I had to have on mine, of course!

So imagine my inner 14-year-old’s giddy glee when I was invited to attend a Kiehl’s party last Thursday, April 17th! And the 14-year-old me just got even more excited to see Alanis Morissette as she walked in! But I was even more thrilled to be joining Kiehl’s for such an important moment in their company’s history.

The party was in honor of the release of Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream Limited Edition jars ($46.50 for 4.2 oz jar) with labels designed by celebrity do-gooders Alanis Morissette and Zachary Quinto just in time for Earth Day!

 

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream Jars designed by Zachary Quinto & Alanis Morissette

 

100% of the proceeds of the jars benefit Recycle Across America -an amazing charity – and $50,000 will be used to create 65,000 recycling labels for  select K-12 schools nationwide.

As many of you may know, Kiehl’s adopted their own recycling program years ago. For every empty Kiehl’s container you return, you get 1 stamp. When you reach 3 stamps, you receive their classic Lip Balm, 5 stamps – travel collection product and 10 stamps – a full size product (up to $25). I wish every beauty company would have the motivation to try a program like this!

Guests besides me and my fabulous photographer-for-the-day, BeautyFrosting visual designer and former roomie, Vanessa York, included…

 

Former roomies of 2 years match accidentally in our Earth Day-green!

 

Alanis Morissette, Zachary Quinto, AnnaSophia Robb, Robert Buckley, Gilles Marini, AshLee Frazier from The Bachelor, Lauren Scruggs and more!

 

Clockwise from top left: AnnaSophia Robb and Amy Smart, Zachary Quinto and Alanis Morissette, Robert Buckley & Chris Salgardo & friends and Giilles Marini & Chris Salgardo - EVENT PHOTOS BY John Shearer/Invision

 

I was thrilled to meet Alanis Morissette, Zachary Quinto and Kiehl’s President, Chris Salgardo…

Me with Zachary Quinto, Kiehl's President Chris Salgardo and Alanis Morissette

 

and AshLee Frazier (my favorite contestant from last season’s The Bachelor)!!

Just 2 Texas girls in Santa Monica: AshLee Frazier and me! She's a doll, y'all!

 

There was also a wonderful selection of photos from Eco Warrior Exhibit by photographer, Roger Moenks.

EcoWarrior Exhibit by Roger Moenks - EVENT PHOTOS BY John Shearer/Invision

Tito’s Vodka supplied the social libations and STK provided the delicious eats including truffle fries and sliders oh-my!

But even with all of the delicious drinks & eats and fabulous conversation and new friendships formed, the highlight of the evening was the presentation of the $50,000 check to Recycle Across America. The check was presented to Recycle Across America Founder & Executive Director Mitch Hedlund by by President of Kiehl’s North America, Chris Salgardo, and Alanis Morissette and Zachary Quinto.

While it was wonderful to see some familiar faces – and an even more familiar product to me, the real delight is all of the children who will benefit from a better tomorrow thanks to organizations – like Recycle Across America – and the people who believe in them, like Kiehl’s.

 

 

xoxo,

BF

 

BF Asks: How did you celebrate Earth Day?

Tarte Aqualillies Launch Party – The perfect sneak preview of Summer 2013!

I was giddy-with-glee a few weeks ago to be invited by Tarte Cosmetics to their Aqualillies Summer 2013 Sneak Preview at the oh-so-summery Annenberg Community Beach House.

Annenberg Community Beach House

 

Well, you know it’s gonna be a good party when you walk in and you realize that you match the decor! I literally looked like a casual bridesmaid. And, of course I did! I’m a Dallas girl, after all!

 

Color Coordinating with Tarte!

With heavenly hues of coral and turquoise, I felt right at home. And when I caught a glimpse of the new Aqualillies collection, I wondered if Tarte didn’t have a hidden camera in my my home. My living room – as many of you know – is a pastel whimsical wonderland of peach, robin’s egg and cream. And my bathroom is peach too! Which made me especially excited when I took home a matching shower cap!

Tarte Aqualillies Shower Cap couldn't coordinate better with my peach bathroom!

Never has a collection fit so well in my home on my vanity (packaging-wise) or on my face so beautifully (product-wise)!

Tarte's new Aqualillies Summer 2013 Collection: Product prices range from $19 - $38. Between the makeup p

 

Now, I’m not exactly saying that Tarte has been bugging my home but I do think they have the vintage, pastel, days of yore-loving girl like me in mind when they came up with this charming collection. So, of course, I had to ask.

They told me they were inspired by the sweet & seductive syncronized swimteam, the Aqualillies, to come up with this waterproof wonderland of belle-of-the-ball beauty  products.

 

The amazing Aqualillies in action at Annenberg Community Beach House

Inspired by the Aqualillies’ signature lipcolor of choice – Coral – and their need for wearable waterproof makeup, it was a match made in heaven.

And, as with all Tarte products, everything is cruelty-free and planet-friendly.

So thanks to the mind-blowing entertainment by the aquatic goddesses – the Aqualillies, the tastebud-tantalizing catering & cocktails and the Summer 2013 collection, the Tarte event was one of my favorite all-time events.

 

The delicious summer cocktails & catering!

 

I’m just happy they matched the collection to my taste and loves! And I don’t even mind that they tapped my home when I get gorgeous looks like these thanks to the “girl-like-me-inspired” collection! Oh, and those adorable Aqualillies too, of course.

*Get your Tarte Aqualillies Summer 2013 Collection here!

And tune in Wednesday to see the collection in action!

 

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What are your signature summer colors?

 

 

 

Easter Perfect Punch: BeautyFrosting’s Blackberry Patch Punch

Yet again, it’s time for my favorite holiday!! EASTER!!!

Last year, my Blackberry Patch Punch was a HIT!!

BF & Blackberry Patch Punch - Easter 2012!

 

When I was preparing the menu for my Classic, Southern Easter dinner, I thought it would be so nice to have the perfect Easter punch. I looked online but there were no fitting recipes. See, when I think Easter, I think purple.
So I thought of blackberries and mint and, ta-dah, a new recipe was born.

 

 

Since I had adults, non-drinkers and children at my dinner, I kept it unspirited but added mixing options on the side. If you want a spirited version, I highly recommend making it a Bourbon Blackberry Patch Punch! Delish!

 

Tanya sipping her Blackberry Patch Punch

Try it and, as always, let me knw your results and thoughts!

xoxo,

BF

 

BeautyFrosting’s Blackberry Patch Punch 

64 oz. Trader Joes’ Blackberry Crush Juice

1 bottle Cost Plus World Market Blackberry Pomegranate Soda

1/2 gallon Limeade

2 – 2 Liter Ginger Ale

2 tbsp. Vanilla Extract

Blackberries & Mint Sprigs to garnish

Combine all in a punch bowl/pitcher/server.

Garnish mixed punch with mint and blackberries. Set aside some to garnish glasses.

Serve each glass with mint and blackberry

And, if a cocktail is desired, add a bottle of bourbon to the mix. Or, if entertaining all ages, put the bourbon, as an add-in, on the side.

Super easy, super lovely and super tasty in no time at all!

I’M LOVING…Moll Anderson’s Seductive Tables for Two

I’M LOVING… Seductive Tables For Two by Moll Anderson ($19.95)

I’ll warn you now. This is a love letter of a sort to Gracie Award-winning lifestyle & romance guru, Moll Anderson.

You may have seen her on The Doctors this past Thursday discussing how to brighten your home, brighten your mood and rev up your romantic life. But my Moll mania goes back a few years.

I originally found Moll while I was living in Nashville for 4 years. I was working at Woo Skincare & Cosmetics and every month would look forward to lobster mac & cheese for lunch while I would pore over Moll’s fabulous column in Nashville Lifestyles. Besides gaining a little weight with that indulgent lunch, I also gained some lifelong tips that I’ve never forgotten!

As you all may have gathered by now, I love hosting parties! So when I recently found this beautiful new book, through a fellow Moll fan & friend in Nashville, it quickly became my entertaining bible.

Why have I become such a Moll devotee? Moll delights in the decadent details and encourages her readers to work with what they’ve got – regardless of budget or time – to create magical moments. She even makes a coffee table an exotic escape! Whether you’re financially strapped or free to spend, Moll offers some clever suggestions about how to make the most of where you live and what you have, right now.

Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or married, you will be inspired by the tantalizing tablescapes, recipe rescues, terrific tips, and seductive suggestions.

While I’m a single gal at the moment, I have found her seductive taste, tips & tricks to be utterly lifesaving! And for those of you who are coupled out there, I love how Moll shows you how to make the most mundane Monday turn into a most romantic rendezvous.

 

From cover to cover, this book is filled with seductive tips!

From cover to cover, this book is filled with seductive tips!

 

Some of her top tips?

  • Creating a Decadent Details Guide, to always have on hand, with all of your favorite dishes, platters, table settings, recipes and more. It makes parties pretty in a pinch!
  • Keeping surprisingly fabulous, frozen croissants from Williams Sonoma in the fridge for impromptu breakfasts in bed
  • Her seductive recipes in the back with naughty & nice names!
  • Her Everyday to Gourmet section with some excellent “cheats” on how to take grocery store staples or takeout items and make them irresistibly delicious in no time!
  •  Her formal & casual table setting guides with where to put what when
  • Her super-helpful Stemware guide that shows you what glass is for what!
  • And much, much more…
Great for the graduate or a must-have for the soon-to-be-married, I can’t say enough good things about this go-to guide! I have gifted it thrice now and the recipients have just raved. Thanks for putting this into the world, Moll! You are my entertaining, lifestyle & romance fairy godmother!

 

xoxo,
BF

 

High-Low 17: New Year, New Opportunities

Well, now, it has been A WHILE since I’ve done a High-Low. My apologies for that, beauties. There have been a lot of changes – for the better – but I didn’t know that at the time.

So what all has happened since December? Well, I left my day job, gained 2 new writing clients, learned some hard lessons about boundaries and betrayal (ouch!), traveled to Dallas for Christmas and back, got the flu and recovered, finished 2 more books in The Cupcake Kid series, had 2 of my commercials air during The Grammys, had a super memorable show at The Hotel Cafe and more! Whew.

HIGHS

Christmas in Dallas was punctuated with breakfasts, dinners, drinks, shows and parties with friends, a myriad of Mi Cocina (my favorite restaurant visits) and LOTS of delicious food!! People often ask where I got the bug for baking and I always tell them from my Mom and her mother, my Nanny. Just look at the deliciousness I get spoiled with when I go home!

 

When I returned to L.A., I knew New Years was going to be a doozy. I had invitations to 3 parties all over the city. I went to the first one, at my friend Vanessa’s house and in the midst of it, realized I was sick. The flu hit me and I was out for almost 2 weeks!

When I healed, there were lots of events and meetings to attend so I was busy! But not too busy to bust out 2 more books in The Cupake Kid series!

My show at The Hotel Cafe, where I sing my signature bluesy country, was so much fun! I got to play with some of my favorite musicians, see tons of friends, bake Strawberry Milkshake cupcakes to share and top off the night with a dance party with friends at The Room. Goooood times!

Then, I was delighted to be called in to do 2 more Target voiceover commercial spots for Taylor Swift & Pink that aired during The Grammys! 12-year-old me was over the moon!

So far, I am a big fan of 2013!

LOW

If you’d asked me a month ago, I could have told you a low point.  I learned the powerful lesson that things really do happen for a reason and that while I might like for everyone to be my close friend, it’s better to keep work relationships separate sometimes.

But now, I realize that the perceived low point was a beautiful opportunity. It opened so many doors. I was amazed, once again, that life truly turns lemons into lemonade sometimes and that lemonade is sweeter than anything you could have imagined.

 

Fancy Friday: Barbie Rocks Launch Party

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?