Dream A Little Dream: The Golden Globes Luncheon Honoring Miss Golden Globe, Greer Grammer

'Tis the golden season!

‘Tis the season! Not that season. AWARD SEASON!

A sea of gold

And as an LA lady, I can tell you that award season is one of the most exciting times of the year here in Tinsel Town.

This year, The 72nd Annual Golden Globes Awards kicks the season off. And to kick off this year’s Golden Globes, I had the honor of attending a glam Golden Globes lunch with Moët at The Beverly Hilton yesterday, honoring Miss Golden Globe, Greer Grammer.

Here's Greer presenting a Golden Globe to me. Ok, I didn't get to keep it..but give it time.

I got prepped for the event, thanks to Danielle with GlamSquad, who gave me some fabulous retro-inspired curls that lasted all night long. I love GlamSquad because they come right to your home so you can get all primped and prettied, while sitting in your favorite chair, listening to your favorite tunes, sipping a flute of champagne or a cup of hot tea.

Getting glammed for the annual Golden Globes Luncheon by Danielle of GlamSquad

I headed over to The Beverly Hilton, but had to do something I NEVER do and snap an elevator selfie of my golden, Old Hollywood-inspired outfit for the luncheon, ℅ Nordstrom. (Top: Tildon short sleeve sequin top $58 and Skirt: Tildon Gold Glitter Skirt $48)

Gold in an elevator. Livin' it up while I'm goin' down.

We started with a sneak preview of one of the signature Golden Globes cocktails, The Sunset Starlet – created by Elettra Wiedemann of Impatient Foodie – which will be enjoyed by the guests on Sunday. *Recipe will be up tomorrow right here!

The Moët Sunset Starlet by Elettra Wiedemann of Impatient Foodie

Following our cocktails, we enjoyed a delicious lunch, which was followed by the delectable pastries that the pastry chef at The Beverly Hilton is famous for.

Sweet!

And we were delighted to take some magical Moët goodies home with us!

Standing next to a tower of champagne. Not too bad for a Thursday.

Afterwards, I headed out to the balcony of the famed Beverly Hilton and reflected upon all of the stars whose dreams would be at long last coming true on Sunday. And I couldn’t help but be thankful for my own dreams coming true…and for the dreams I harbor that will one day come true.

Dream a little dream...

xoxo,
BF
BF Asks: Who are you most excited to see on Sunday? 

McCoy’s Me-Cations: The Parker Palm Springs – The Ultimate Luxurious California Escape

Yesterday, I shared with you the announcement of my new series, McCoy’s Me-Cations – posts that encourage you, my readers, (and myself) to take more mini vacations on your own. Why? Because as Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

I don’t wanna miss it. And I don’t want you to either. Taking little holidays alone, away from the hustle and bustle of life – and even those we love, sometimes – can helps us relax, unwind and further discover the riches that lie within us as individuals. I share with you now my first official McCoy Me-Cation. May it inspire you to follow suit.

***

Where: The Parker Palm Springs
When:  July 1st-3rd, 2014  

What: Golden age of glamour + Rat pack resort = The ultimate luxurious California escape

Special thanks to Marisa Zafran & The Parker Palm Springs, Nicole Myden, George Duchannes (photography), Gabby Castro (hair), Sabrina Ginsburg (makeup), Isha Takomaki (hair assistant) and jewelry ℅ AV Max, Liv Haley, Heather Gardner and Rachel Meis Communications

Upon entering The Parker Palm Springs, there is one thing that everyone agrees upon – it feels enchanted. Haunted almost, if you will. But it’s not haunted by ghosts – but by the golden age of glamour.

Welcome to The Parker Palm Springs.

From the eager-to-please valets to the customer service kings and queens they call concierges, the swanky limestone Mini Bar to the egg swing chairs and croquet lawn, everything about it reminds you of a playland where Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Angie Dickinson would have played. It almost feels like how the fictional Overlook Hotel might have felt in its peak season pre-Shining era. But don’t let that scare you. I mean it in the best possible way.

The Jonathan Adler designed lobby. It's not that you take drugs at The Parker, it's that you feel like you're on them while there because you're just so darned blissed out. *Photo by George Duchannes

I left on a Tuesday, and the drive was a breeze at just over two hours.

Color me one happy girl. Caffeine in my hand, wind in my hair and Otis Redding on the stereo. Parker Palm Springs Me-Cation, here we go!

I LOVE this place. I can’t emphasize that enough. I went in the dead heat of early July and people thought I was crazy. “Palm Springs is an oven in the summer!” 

But they were the crazy ones.

I arrived at around 6 pm and was led by a super sweet valet to my estate room with a lanai, looking out onto the north pool.

Paint the door red. Standing in front of the door to my poolside estate room *Photo by George Duchannes

I was greeted with a fresh fruit plate and handwritten welcome card that immediately made me feel at home.

It is rare that I have been this happy. Thank you for the oh-so-warm welcome, Parker Palm Springs . Let's just call it love at first sight...or bite. *Photo by Dawn McCoy

My new home away from home! *Photo by George Duchannes

The location of my room allowed me to have solo swims with a glass of vino in the evening and early morning post-coffee dips.

Sipping coffee on the lanai of my estate room by the north pool

It was my favorite moment of the summer. And it was a moment that was stretched over 3 lavish days and 2 luxurious nights.

I spent my first evening, having a light, casual dinner of oysters and wine at the Mini Bar.

A light dinner of oysters and pinot noir at the Mini Bar, with my charming bartender, George

This place  – with its green marble walls and bar – is just luxe.

The Mini Bar - gorgeous green marble all around. *Photo by George Duchannes

The next morning, I had room service on my lanai, enjoying the delicious view of the pool and palm trees almost as much as I enjoyed my omelet.

Good morning, @parkerpalmsprings ! Day 2 of McCoy's MeCations is off to a delicious start. Enjoying this Denver-style omelet & fresh-squeezed juice on the lanai of my poolfront estate room. Heaven while fueling up for today's shoot. **p.s. Thanks @mollanderson for the tip on bringing touches of home on vacation with you to make it feel like home. I brought this lovely Vera tablecloth which just couldn't fit into the ambiance of the Parker more perfectly. *Photo by Dawn McCoy

Enjoying some oj in bed while catching up on emails before I turn the laptop off for the day! *Photo by George Duchannes

That afternoon, I spent some much-needed R&R, reading for a bit in the swinging egg chair in the lobby.

Just a swingin'. Photo by George Duchannes

Next up? Some spiked lemonade at the lemonade stand. This is when I really realized how much a mini me-cation can be as therapeutic as a long vacation.

Know what this picture says? Summer, y'all!! Come to the @parkerpalmsprings - it's the MOST fun! (Am I the only girl who still references Shag?) *Photo by Dawn McCoy

And I was plumb giddy about the lemon and vanilla-hued life-sized chess board!

Ain't life grand? Living la vida lemonade on the Parker's chessboard *Photo by George Duchannes

For dinner? Why, I had to find Mr.Parker’s, of course.

Looking for Mister Parker *Photo by George Duchannes

At Mister Parker’s, you get not only the most delectable food and top notch service, but there’s the bonus perk of the best 70s music mix ever made.

A slice of 70s. Yep. This In Bloom by Jonquil pj lounge set is what I wore to Mister Parker's for dinner. Don't judge. It just felt right. *Photo by George Duchannes

The soundtrack at Mister Parker’s is as if The Virgin Suicides was living and breathing on Spotify. Do yourself a favor and get the burrata salad. The lemon oil and champagne vinaigrette is one of the most scrumptious tastes I’ve ever tasted in my life.

That night, I got to enjoy my favorite thing in the world – nightswimming.

Nightswimming deserves a quiet night… *Photo by George Duchannes

It was just me in the pool, so I put in my earbuds, sipped some wine and listened to some Sam Cooke and Bill Withers. It was one of those moments when you nostalgize while actually in the moment, because you know it’s that good and that you’ll always remember the moment.

The next day, I hit Norma’s for breakfast, which is a must.

Norma's for Breakfast - a Palm Springs must!

Even people visiting Palm Springs, not staying at The Parker, hit Norma’s for brunch – because it’s that killing.

Just a bit of the naughtiness at Norma's. A breakfast of Norma's Benedict with a side helping of gratitude. Writing thank you notes to the incomparable concierge, John, and all the staff here at the@parkerpalmsprings . They just made this MeCation (and last minute photo shoot) a dream!*Photo by Dawn McCoy

Next up? I read for a bit in one of the hammocks.

Stop. Hammock time.

And then read some more on the lawn.

Nora Ephron + The Parker = HEAVEN *Photo by George Duchannes **Sunhat by Bungalow LA

And then visited with other Parker guests outside the lobby.

Comfy-cozy at The Parker. *Photo by George Duchannes

Then…it was spa time.

PSYC (yes, that's what it's called). I am so thankful for my life. Having said that, I would really like to be back at PSYC - the spa - at @parkerpalmsprings right now. A little slice of yacht club heaven from the Fitzgerald days. I want my house to look like this spa did. Swoon. (I swoon a lot at the Parker. Luckily, there are plenty of valets and bellboys to catch me). *Photo by Dawn McCoy

The Parker PSYC is a whole other experience to be had. A little slice of yacht club from the Fitzgerald days. The 90-minute massage took my bliss to the next level and the various baths and pools of the Parker were just what I needed to round out my trip, before heading back to LA.

When I left The Parker, I was naturally sad to leave.

Don't tear me away! *Photo by George Duchannes

But I was surprised at how rested, relaxed and revitalized I felt. And I knew my first time wouldn’t be my last. I now consider myself to be a true Parker devotee.

It's like the sun is chasing me. This is how I feel after 3 days and 2 nights@parkerpalmsprings . What's that word again? Oh, yes. HAPPY. Yep. That's the word. *Photo by Dawn McCoy

A little piece of The Parker. The talismans I brought back from my @parkerpalmsprings MeCation - hopefully, they'll bring a bit of magic back to LA with me. These are the goodies you find on your toiletries tray when you stay at the Parker. Divine.@penhaligons_uk @penhaligonsltd @hermes @bulgariofficial @loccitane

 

Your takeaway? If you want to escape the modern age and go back in time to the Gatsby era meets 70s Rat Pack days, The Parker Palm Springs is where it’s at. The resort must be how the Dirty Dancing resort felt to Baby.The accommodations, the service, the taste level, and, well, the tastes will make you want to return as often as you can. It’s like home…only elevated.

Some glamour at the glamorous Parker

**Dawn Do: I often visit The Parker Palm Springs site is the Deals section. They’re sent as they become available to my inbox – and I recommend you sign up, as well. They offer GREAT deals, including those for spa junkies and foodies – both of which I think we know I am. What kind of deals? Well, when you pay $249/night (during the week or $299/weekend), you receive a $250 credit in spa or dining amenities.  I don’t know what could be more inviting than that!

 

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: Where should I take my NEXT McCoy’s Me-Cation? 

A New Series: McCoy’s Me-Cations – Wish You Were Here

My first official Me-Cation at The Parker. Come on inside and join me for my getaway, tomorrow! *Photo by George Duchannes

The french know best when it comes to many things. And they especially know how to holiday. How to close one door and open another, to get away from it all.
That’s why I decided to say, “Oui” to treating myself to mini me-cations on a more regular basis.
After all, I’m single, have steady income and heck, I think we all deserve a little escapism every now and then.
That’s what inspired me to create, “McCoy’s MeCations.”
The first one will go live tomorrow and I encourage you to take the trip with me to the legendary and luxurious Le Parker Meridien in Palm Springs.
And after you take the vicarious trip, I encourage you to take the real one.
I am so looking forward to exploring this new column this year in cities across America and right here at home in LA for some staycations.
**If you’re interested in us taking a McCoy’s Me-Cation to your city, hotel, bed & breakfast, resort or restaurant, please contact me at [email protected].
Bon voyage, y’all!
xoxo,
BFBF Asks: Have you ever taken a me-cation? 

Wet n Wild More Kisses Event at Walgreen’s Hollywood

A few weeks ago, I had one heckuva crazy busy day – 2 interviews and seven events in one single day! Yep. Crazy. But I’m so happy that to start that crazy day off, I got to attend the Wet n Wild More Kisses event at the Walgreen’s flagship store here in Hollywood.

Fergie and me at the Wet n Wild More Kisses event at Walgreen's in Hollywood, benefitting American Cancer Society - the official sponsor of birthdays

It was a celebration to promote the partnership of Wet n Wild and Walgreens as the official sponsors of the “More Kisses” campaign to benefit the American Cancer Society, the official sponsor of birthdays.

25 cents of every sale of Wet n Wild’s Think Pink lipstick (pictured below) will be contributed to this inspiring cause.

Wet n Wild Think Pink lipstick

Using the iconic portrait, “Kissing The War Goodbye,” featuring an image of a nurse and sailor kissing outside the Walgreens location in Times Square as inspiration, the event repeatedly recreated that iconic kiss by inviting all guests in attendance to kiss their loved ones outside the Hollywood Walgreens.

At the Wet n Wild More Kisses event at the Walgreen's Hollywood flagship store. 25 cents of every sale of their Think Pink lipstick will be donated to the American Cancer Society

Wet n Wild’s global beauty ambassador, Fergie, acted as the Grand Marshal of the Kiss, counting down the event amongst guests, press, and celebrity friends. It was like New Years in August!

Fergie at the Wet n Wild More Kisses event

Not only did I get to see my old friend, Fergie again (looking glamorous per usual) but I also had the pleasure of getting to sit down and visit with a new friend, Italia Ricci of ABC Family’s Chasing Life as she donned her pretty pink in honor of the big event.
 Check out the next post for the interview with Italia!
BF Asks: Ummm…how cute is that photo booth?!

BF Beauty Recipe: Dangerous Dame lipcolor

Warning!!! Danger Ahead!!!!

What's the Beauty Recipe today, BF? Oh, just a daaaaangerous situation...that's all

See, you’re gonna wanna buy this lip combo, honey. And I gotta warn ya…it can be DANGEROUS. Yep, just like that Big Data song.

My friend – and fellow blogger – Nami donned it at our tea party last week and I just had to know what it was so I could wear it in Palm Springs last weekend.
Why so covetable? Because it’s the perfect tomato red that can go orange crush with an orange liner (which is how Nami rocked it) or retro red with a true red liner (which is what I was coveting). Yep, this lippy is the perfect color for spring and summer, I do declare.

So, here’s my BF beauty recipe for the Dangerous Dame lip below.

MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Lady Danger ($16)  + MAC Cosmetics Lip Liner in Cherry ($15) =

One Dangerous Dame!!!

I might look sweet...but danger lurks beneath.

Go on and get it…and see what kinda danger you can drum up!

 

xoxo,
BF
BF Asks: What lipcolor makes you feel dangerous?

BF Mani Recipe: Elvis’s Thunderbird

Whatcha’ get when you take a dash of pink and an edge of black?

BeautyFrosting's Mani Monday Recipe: Elvis's Thunderbird

You get my Mani Monday. Here’s the Mani Recipe for the week:

Elvis’s Thunderbird

2 coats of Essie French Affair

2 coats of Essie Licorice

Essie French Affair + Essie Licorice = Elvis' Thunderbird

 

xoxo,

BF

BF Asks: What would you have named this BF Mani Recipe? 

I’m Featured on @LaurieBStyle today: What Style Makes Me Confident?

Finding our confidence as women is never easy.

I often feel like I was more confident at 6 than 36.

But I have really found my confidence in the last two years.

That’s why it’s such an honor and delight to be featured on Laurie Brucker Image Consultant & Stylist‘s LaurieBStyle.com today where I dished about what makes me confident. Here’s the rundown:

What makes me confident? Simply getting to enjoy being a girl - er - I mean lady. *Photograph by the uber-talented Dan Velazquez of Brown Rabbit Photography

Laurie: “Meet the delicious Dawn of BeautyFrosting! What makes her confident?”
Dawn: “There’s nothing more I love than being a girl. A lady. As such, I love wearing feminine frocks that call on my girly tendencies, pay homage to my southern roots and tip my hat to my 1950s-centered aesthetic. Plus, I love to throw in a little unexpected sexy 60s/70s bombshell when people least expect it. My mom always jokes that my life is one big game of dress-up and I wouldn’t have it any other way.” 


Thanks so much, Laurie B Style!

 

xoxo,
BF

 

BF Asks: What style makes you feel confident? 

My Current Crush: Mini Cupcakes in Anthropologie Egg Cartons

Valentine’s Day is coming quickly upon us! So if you need a little inspiration, here you go!
Hope you love My Current Crush as much as I do..

My favorite way to display mini cupcakes for Valentine’s Day, other holidays and parties?

My Current Crush: Displaying my mini cupcakes in an Anthropologie ceramic egg carton!

 

In egg cartons from Anthropologie! So cute!
And so multi-purpose! When I’m not using my Anthro ceramic egg cartons to display cupcakes, I use them for – well – eggs!

 

xoxo,
BF

Thirsty Thursday: BeautyFrosting’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake Champagne Cocktail

Last Thursday, I had a photo shoot here at The Cupcake Palace and, well, I wanted to socially lubricate myself a bit with a mid-day cocktail for the shoot. Don’t judge. I only had one and I must say it did make me feel a bit more photogenic.

I looked in the fridge for inspiration and inspiration found me: Dole Pineapple Juice, One Hope California Brut Sparkling Wine ($19.99) and Ole Smoky Moonshine Cherries. Add a little splash of vanilla extract (which chronic bakers like me always have on hand) and thus, this week’s Thirsty Thursday concoction was born.

So here is my little Pineapple Upside Down Cake Champagne Cocktail for you to enjoy – before a photo shoot, a fun-filled day or maybe even just while soaking in a foam-filled tub.

 

BeautyFrosting’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake Champagne Cocktail

Thirsty Thursday: Pineapple Upside Down Cake Champagne Cocktail (and I love these "Simply stunning…" napkins my Mom got me for Christmas from Homegoods - soooo fun!!)

4 ozs ONEHOPE California Brut Sparkling Wine 

4 ozs Dole Pineapple Juice

2 Ole Smoky Moonshine Cherries 

1 splash Vanilla Extract

Grab your favorite champagne flute (or, I suppose, a regular cocktail glass will do). Drop in a moonshine cherry at the bottom. Fill with 4 ozs pineapple juice and top with 4 ozs champagne. Add a splashStab a cherry with a party pic and place on top or rest on side of glass. Pineapple Upside Down Cake Champagne Cocktail in a glass.

Party for one, please.

xoxo,
BF

 

BF Asks: What was your favorite drink or punch this week? 

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?