Thirsty Thursday: Pampelonne Rosé Lime

Thirsty Thursday: Pampelonne Rosé Lime

Well, I’m getting into the spirit of Palm Springs because I’m headed there TWICE in the next three weeks!
I was sent some Pampelonne Rosé Lime ($4.99/can) to try a while ago and just broke it out today because I thought it would be the ultimate spring cocktail…especially on this – the hottest of spring days.

Inspired by the spirit and sophistication of the French Riviera, this sparkling wine beverage is perfect for quenching your thirst while making you feel as bubbly as it is. A super-light Muscadet blend with notes of key lime, grapefruit and passion fruit, it’s refreshing as you sip poolside, enjoy after a long bike ride on the beach or enjoy on a romantic picnic for two. BF tip? Be sure to pair with a pretty paper straw. The cocktail becomes even cuter.

 

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What’s your choice of a cool beverage on a hot summer day? 

High-Low 4/22/14: Easter & Ouch

Yet again, it’s time for the most popular column on BeautyFrosting – my High-Low. *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 the sake of reflection 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…

***

HIGH-LOW 4/22/14

Easter? Yay!!! Face burns? No bueno.

This week was a doozy (aren’t they all?) as it contained my favorite holiday – for which I hosted a garden party – and my not-so-fave as, well, my face got burned! And it all happened in one day. See? Doozy.

As my old boss used to say, Oy vey.

Up first? The high, of course. Here we go, here we go, here we go.

HIGH: My 3rd Annual Classic Southern Easter Dinner

My Easter table surrounded by friends. My cup runneth over...both literally and figuratively

I love having a houseful of people. To be honest, I feel most alive and happy when I am hosting a soiree at my house – surrounded by friends, indulging in delicious, homemade food and drinking wine and laughing. Add in some board games and I’m having the time of my life. All of that just does my heart good. And it definitely does my heart good to look around me and see the folks I hold so dear looking plumb happy.

Which is why I ignored a friend’s advice when he told me to skip hosting my annual classic southern Easter dinner this year (although he’s usually quite wise). With all I have going on, it just didn’t seem like the smartest thing to do. But I am so glad I did it!

There were old friends, new friends and enough food, wine and spirited conversation to go around. And I really appreciate that my guests who have attended each year said that they so look forward to it and it’s one of their most beloved events of the year. It might be a hefty task to take on when things are busy and bustling but anything that makes me feel so good simply can’t be a bad thing.

The theme this year? Ricky Nelson-Garden Party style. In the backyard with the tasel garlands, puffs on trees, birds and the bees. Oh, you know what I mean...

The reason I love this tradition so much is because it marries the best of the old traditions precious to my family – which reminds me of my younger days – with the new traditions that I’m creating on my own with my friends and surrogate family out here in LA. It is such a beautiful thing – and isn’t that what life’s all about?

As with everything, it’s all in the delicate details – and the delicate details are what delight me. I used my Nanny’s silver, made her Jello lime salad in her vintage jello mold and served the salad on her white and gold cake stand. I always feel connected to her when I bake but when I actually use precious family treasures that she owned for years, I feel especially connected to her.

Marrying the old traditions with the new ones. Pictured here is my Nanny's silver and my favorite new washable linen napkins from Haute Hostess (Left) and Jessie Steele (right)

We started out the day with a DIY Mimosa bar from One Hope Wine that was a hit! Guests could custom-make their own mimosas featuring One Hope Sparkling wine and select from a bevy of juices, fruits and mint to muddle, mix and design to their heart’s content. More on the Mimosa Bar (and how you can order the One Hope Wine Mimosa Bar Set) on Thirsty Thursday this week!

DIY Mimosa Bar featuring One Hope Wine Mimosa Bar Set - this was a HIT!

 

What else was served for dinner? Well, we always have a HoneyBaked ham, my Cowboy Corn Casserole, my Paris, Texas Green Bean Casserole, my Southern Pea Salad, Matt Marr’s Prized Deviled Eggs, mac & Cheese, turkey, salads and SO much more!

 

The Spread: southern fare galore!

 

As for the best part? Dessert, of course! I baked my annual Easter Bunny Coconut Cake (this year her name was Bedelia – yes, seriously), my Chocolate Cream pie, my Blackberry Cream pie and my Nanny’s ‘Nana Pudding. Holy goodness, it was all delicious!

But even more delicious than the food was the company. Thank you to each and every one of you who came and celebrated a beautiful spring day in my backyard. The memories will live on long after the food is gone – and the memories were downright magical.

The memories will live on long after the food is gone...

LOW: Ouch!

LOW: Ouch! Too many irons in the fire and something might catch ON fire! (p.s. That white stuff on my face? It's Silver Sufudiazine which helps burns)

 

I’ll keep this short. I burned myself. While busily setting the table, cooking, baking and decorating for Easter dinner, I spotted a Diptyque candle on fire in my living room. Nope. Not stressful at all. A fire extinguisher would’ve made a mess for such a small fire so I (dumbly?) decided to blow it out. Well, the hot wax splashed up and hit my face. It actually didn’t really hurt – probably because I was so focused on putting out the fire!

I’m fine  – and it could have been much worse but I did receive 4 small burns on my face – one second degree that’s requiring a bit of attention so as to prevent scarring. But thanks to my dermatologist, I’ll be right as rain in no time. And, again, even though I’m calling it a low, I know that there is much, much worse than having a few burns on your face. A good reminder to yes, keep all those irons in the fire but to keep your eye out for things catching on fire with all we have going on every day.

xoxo,
BF

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

 

 

Thirsty Thursday: All You Need Is Love GLITTER Gift Set from One Hope Wine – VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL!!!

For Thirsty Thursday today, I am featuring the ULTIMATE Valentine’s Day gift for your love, lover or laugh-buddy. Y’all know I’m a big fan of One Hope Wine and One Hope at Home because they do good out there and make gooooood products.

But when you add in red glitter à la Dorothy? Baby-oh-baby, I’m OBSESSED!

Thirsty Thursday: One Hope Wine's All You Need Is Love GLITTER Gift Box Set ($129)

 

Benefitting the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign (with One Hope Wine donating half of the profits of every purchase), you can fill your heart with joy and help the hearts of women everywhere. The All You Need Is Love GLITTER gift box from One Hope Wine ($129) is filled with the things I love best  – and the things I DEFINITELY need as a single gal in the city on Valentine’s Day.

What’s that, you ask? Wine. Chocolate. Candles. Glitter. Specifically, One Hope Wine’s Limited Edition red glitter bottle of North Coast Reserve Pinot Noir, B.Toffee dark chocolate and an exquisite Voluspa candle with sensual scents of goji berry and ripe mango. And get ’em while you can cuz they’re only selling 100 of these beauties!!

Get em while you can - they're only selling 100 of these beauties!!!!

Right now, One Hope Wine is offering an All You Need is Love GLITTER gift set for for a limited time only for only $129. But, BUUUUUT, as a BeautyFrosting reader you can get 30% off TODAY ONLY with the code GORED! Get it for your lover, your friend or heck, yourself! That’s what I’m gonna do! Happppppy Vaaaaaaalentine’s to meeeee!

Some not-so-sweet stats:
Risk Factors
– 90% of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease
– While 1 in 31 women dies of breast cancer each year, 1 in 3 dies of heart disease
The Good News!
Tomorrow, Feb 7 is National Wear Red day.  Since the first wear red day 10 years ago, 21% fewer women are dying of heart disease, and 21% more are aware that it’s their number 1 health threat.  Planning a party with Hope at Home can help make a difference!

 

xoxo,

BF

 

BF Asks: What red frocks are you gonna don tomorrow for National Wear Red Day?

Thirsty Thursday: Sofia Blanc de Blancs 2012

Without fail – at every single birthday party I have – at least one friend brings me a bottle of my favorite, feminine bubbly, Sofia Blanc de Blancs by Coppola Winery ($19). So I thought it was about time I featured my favorite celebratory sparkly on Thirsty Thursday here on BeautyFrosting.

 

My favorite, feminine beautiful bubbly: Sofia Blanc de Blancs

 

 

 

With a pink cellophane wrapping styled to resemble a peony, my excitement over the bubbly treat begins with the first glance. I usually debate unwrapping it for weeks simply because I love how it looks in the cellophane.

Pretty like a peony - Sofia Blanc de Blancs in its pink cellophane

I also love the story behind it that when his daughter Sofia was a little girl, director Francis Ford Coppola promised her that he would one day make a sparkling wine named after her. And he did just that. Now, THAT’S how to be a good daddy!So the Sofia namesake sparkling wine that we get today is as pretty, girly and feminine as his little girl was then. Of course now Sofia Coppola is a super talented director so that inherently adds a bit of coolness to this bubbly, too.
Both sophisticated and a bit sweet, this bubbly treat features notes of honey-drenched apples and pears with a hint of citrus and vanilla bean. Perfect for drinking a glass before a night out on the town or for pairing with your favorite slice of birthday cake.

Sofia Blanc de Blancs - Pairs perfectly with cake

Just as I am a fan of both Francis Ford Coppola and Sofia Coppola, I will always be a giddy schoolgirl when it comes to my love of this pretty, pink bottle which always leaves me saying –
Perhaps just one more glass…

I'm all out. Perhaps just one more glass…

Thirsty Thursday: La Vieille Ferme Rosé 2012 – the official taste of Summer 2013

Before I bid summertime adieu, I must share with you my summer love… La Vielle Ferme Rosé ($9.99).

 

Thirsty Thursday: My taste of summer 2013 - La Vieille Ferme Rosé 2012

 

I have bought a bevy of bottles of this ravishing rosé this summer and have enjoyed every single, solitary one. Oh, don’t you judge – almost every bottle was shared with a friend, neighbor or passerby on the street. Kidding…well, about the passerby thing.

 

My brother-neighbor, Matty, & me enjoying a glass (or two) of La Vieille Ferme Rosé 2012 last Saturday while frosting cupcakes

However, I’m not kidding when I tell you that this vino will symbolize Summer 2013 for me forever. With its pretty, whimsical watermelon hue, its floral scent with hints of baked brown sugar and aniseed and its taste of southern flowers, bing cherries and fruit pastille candies, this dry – yet juicy – rosé just represents the taste of summer 2013 for me. And, for me, summer 2013 was filled with fun, new beginnings, farm-to-table-fresh food, music, travel, romance and lessons learned.
One glass of La Vieille Ferme Rosé is never enough, two is not too much and the conversations and memories enjoyed over 3 glasses of this wine will live on forever.

Lucky for me, I know there will be another vintage next year. So here’s – and cheers – to Summer 2014 with La Vieille Ferme Rosé 2012!!!

 

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: Do you have a favorite rosé? Spill it. 

 

Daily Delights: What’s Delighting Me Right Now 7/14/13

So what are daily delights? Daily delights are the little things that make life worth living. Things that inspire. Encourage. Make Me Smile. Make Me Laugh. Make Things Rosier.

The happy little things, people, events, products, places and pieces of art that make the world a happier place to live in.

Are these things mind-blowing? Earth-shattering? Life-changing. Not usually. But they’re things that make me smile and, thus, make me want to share with you.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed them.

(These are usually pictures I post on Instagram of things that I’m loving at that exact moment. So if you want to get my daily delights on a daily, moment-by-moment basis, follow me on Instagram at @beautyfrosting)

1. Be Your Best Self. While house-hunting, I saw this written on the resident’s door by the peephole. Nice reminder as you walk out into the world every day, huh?

Good to remember as you're heading out into the world every day - Be Your Best Self.

 

2. Baskin Robbins Clown Cones. The only clowns that don’t scare me. Pure nostalgia in a cup. Just the sight of these delight me so!

Bask Robbins Clown Cones - the only clowns that don't (really) scare me!

 

3. And speaking of nostalgia…a 70s Skate Night with Sydne Summer and Hello Glendale at Moonlight Rollerway. Fab fashionistas dressed in vintage 70s, free skate and an open snack bar. Ummm, heaven.

Can you say Rollergirl? 70s Skate Night hosted by Sydne Summer and Hello Glendale at Moonlight Rollerway

 

I got suuuuper into it! I felt a little like a hybrid of Janet AND Chrissy on Three’s Company. In fact, I couldn’t get the song out of my head!

Someone was enjoying the costume immensely...especially the shiny Solid Gold-dancer-style tights!

4. My neighbor-friends brought this back from Texas for me. Fancy, indeed. Whataburger Fancy Ketchup is the BEST ketchup on the planet.

Whataburger Fancy Ketchup. Fancy, indeed.

 

5. PioneerBaby!! Jennifer picked up this precious hat for Hope’s daughter, Isla and I am obsessed. Soooo Little House on The Prairie.

Pioneer Baby!!!

 

6. Nothin’ better post-spin class than Clover Juices. Best juices I’ve tasted! And reasonable to boot! I’m enjoying these so much that I’m gonna need a juicer at home!

Clover Juices - I'm a convert

 

7. Mid-week Wine Tasting with a bestie. Learn About Wine events are great for some quality friend time because they’re fun, casual, informative and…DELICIOUS! Lucky I got to spend Wednesday night with one of my besties, Vanessa York of Shindig Shoppe – who is responsible for all BeautyFrosting design elements!

At Learn About Wine tasting Marsatta chocolate and RiverBench wines

Why, yes, we will have another glass!

 

8. Saw this One Good Deed A Day Journal at Anthropologie and I was sold. Definitely on my wish list! Couldn’t we all use this happy little reminder to create daily delights for others?

On my Wish List? One Good Deed A Day Journal

That’s it for this week’s Daily Delights. May there be many more delights – for both you and me – in the week ahead!

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What were your Daily Delights this week? 

Foodie Friday: Del Frisco’s Grille in Dallas – First In My Heart

There are few things a Texan girl loves as much as her mama. Del Frisco’s steak is one of them.

Foodie Friday: Del Frisco's Grille in Dallas, Texas

After all, you always love your first. And while it may not have been my first steak, it’s the first steak I can remember as being utterly melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

I was raised on the stuff and it set a verrry high bar for a good steak. When you’re a Dallas Del Frisco’s girl, you expect a lot – and, unfortunately as a result, you are often disappointed at other steak-claiming establishments.

So I was thrilled to be invited to experience Del Frisco’s Grille in Dallas on McKinney. But being invited back to where my love of steak was born, I found myself a little nervous. Would it live up to the hype of my memory? Would the quality have suffered over the years? The answer? A resounding NO. In fact, if it’s possible, it even got BETTER.

Here’s what my tastebuds got to indulge in. And there wasn’t a below amazing taste among them.

CRAFTED COCKTAILS – TASTED, TRIED AND TRUE:

Del Frisco's Grile Crafted Cocktails: (clockwise from top right to left) Apt. 5D, Tennessee Peach and The VIP

TENNESSEE PEACH Jack Daniels, Fresh Peaches, Honey, Fresh Lime Juice – which tastes like the tastiest, spirited Peach Cobbler.

THE VIP Svedka Clementine Vodka Infused with Fresh Hawaiian Pineapple – reminiscent of a delicious pineapple sherbet from your youth.

APT. 5D Tito’s Vodka, Simple Syrup, Lemon Sour, Dash of Balsamic Vinegar, Muddled Strawberries  – straight up spirited strawberry jam.

*
THE WINE :

Bodega Inurrieta Navarra Cuatrocientos, CV ($55)

Excellent wine pairing for our steak: Bodega Inurrieta Navarra Cuatrocientos, CV ($55)

 

Now, this was a mighty fine wine. And I have the sommelier to thank for this gem. It was his recommendation based on my preferences and he was spot on!

FOOD TO FIGHT OVER:

Food To Fight Over: (clockwise from left to right) Deviled Eggs, Ahi Tuna Tacos, Cheesesteak Rolls and Pimento Rolls

CHEESESTEAK EGGROLLS Sweet & Spicy Chili Sauce, Honey Mustard 10 – holy cheesteaks, Batman! These are gold!! I’d heard rumors of how yummy they were but they beat my highest expectations. And they were my mom’s favorite thing on the menu!

PIMENTO CHEESE FRITTERS Chipotle Ranch Sauce 9 – I loooooved these. They were one of my top faves of the evening. Fried & breaded with cheesy, southern pimento goodness inside. Melt-in-your-mouth and maybe a bit on your hands and chin, as well!

AHI TACOS Tuna Tartare, Avocado, Spicy Citrus Mayo  – Delicious, light and crispy.

DEVILED EGGS Truffle-Chive Vinaigrette – Yummy!

*

RUFFAGE:

The Del Frisco's Classic Wedge Salad. A foodie must-try!

ICEBERG LETTUCE WEDGE Bacon, Tomato, Blue Cheese Dressing – I always think of Del Frisco’s whenever I enjoy a wedge salad. But few live up to my lettuce wedge first love. Happy to see it’s stayed the same over the years!

*

DEL FRISCO’S SIGNATURE STEAKS:

CHEF'S SELECTION - A TRIO OF STEAK FEATURE

CHEF’S SELECTION – A TRIO OF STEAK FEATURE  – This Chef’s selection was divine and lived up to every memory I have of Del Frisco’s sumptuous, juicy steaks. One with crabmeat, one with beurre blanc and one with a peppercorn sauce. How do you do it, Del? The outside “crust’ is just the teensiest bit crispy and the inside is buttery smooth, juicy and divine. This is why Del Frisco’s is where all steak-lovers go to heaven.

*

HAPPY ENDINGS:

Oh, you sweet temptress you, Del Frisco's Grille Java Roaster!

JAVA ROASTER – LIQUID DESSERT UV Coconut Vodka, Tres Leches, Esspresso Liqueur 6 – wheeeew boy! Got a nice, sweet little buzz with a jolt of java. And it’s a perfect dessert if you want just a bit of sweetness!

 

Del Frisco's Grille Coconut Cream Pie - a coconut cloud

COCONUT CREAM PIE with White Chocolate Shavings – a dreamy pillow of sweetness  – a cloud of coconut and white chocolate 

Yummylicious.

Thank you so much, Del Frisco’s Grille! The food was delicious and your staff was utterly delightful. I can’t wait to come back next time I’m in Dallas! And I CANNOT WAIT for the grand opening of the new Del Frisco’s Grille on the pier in Santa Monica. A little taste of home coming out to LA!! And you know what I say to that? Yeeeeehaaaaww!!!

*

Nothing better than being invited to sample one of your favorite restaurants in your hometown with your two favorite dates.

Me & My Two Favorite Dates - my big brother, David and my mom, Clarice - at Del Frisco's Grille in Dallas

 

Oh and by the way – the other things a Texan girl loves? Willie Nelson, her daddy, her dog, her sorority sisters, her cowboy boots, her grandaddy’s cowboy hat and her hairstylist.

But steak is first in her heart.

 

xoxo,
BF

 

BF Asks: What’s the best steak you’ve ever enjoyed? 

Thirsty Thursday: Singing Laurenz und Sophie Grüner Veltliner at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

As you know, I’m in my hometown of Dallas this week…which I love. And when in Rome – or, in this case, the capital of luxury – you do as the luxurious, decadent Dallasites do!

So what do I do when I need to get a little writing without the fun distractions of family? Why, go to The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, of course!

Writing & relaxing on a Sunday afternoon at The Mansion Bar

A historical, Dallas institution, I started coming here when I was 15-years-old with my best friend, Suzanne, and her mom, Jean. In high school, it was a magical, timeless, dark, adult-like place where we loved eating the bar snacks (nuts and potato chips in their finest form), sipping Shirley Temples and stealing a swig or two of fine champagne from our moms’ glasses. Delightful.

In college, it was where my big brother David, our friend, Dave Todd – a.k.a. “Hollywood” – and I drank Brandy Alexanders for hours and then attempted to steal a giant magnum of Dom Perignon – only to find out, rather sadly, that it was empty once we reached the car. I was worried that I wouldn’t be allowed back after that hilarious antic. Lucky for me, the doors of The Mansion Bar are still open to me.

Now, it’s still dark, still timeless and still an institution but I don’t have to steal sips! Still just as lovely as I remember, I sat in my russet mohair booth in the back and asked for a citrusy summer white for this balmy Dallas night. The answer? Laurenz und Sophie Singing Grüner Veltliner. Citrusy and crisp and tart like a green apple with a pinch of white pepper – it was a steal at $9 a glass, I thought!

As Laurenz und Sophie Singing Grüner Veltliner

So imagine my delight when the bill came and everything was half-off. Why, you ask? Because I’m a native Dallas daughter? No, no. Because wines are half-off at happy hour here. Happy, indeed. Improved nostalgia at its best.

 

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: Do you live in Dallas or have you visited? What’s your favorite bar? 

Thirsty Thursday: Andrew Lane 2009 Merlot, Sonoma County

Last Saturday, I went for an afternoon matinee showing of A Place Beyond The Pines. Well, as I was about to encounter both Ryan Gosling and Bradley Cooper, I thought a glass of wine was in order.

I told Alex D at The Landmark Wine Bar what I was looking for – something big & juicy and not too thin – and he didn’t hesitate at all before he suggested the Andrew Lane 2009 Merlot, Sonoma County.

 

Thirsty Thursday: Andrew Lane 2009 Merlot, Sonoma County

It was perfect! Alex D knows his wines!

With dark fruit and french oak, this wine drinks more like a Cabernet than a Merlot – and I mean that in the best possible way!

 

xoxo,

BF

BF Asks: What’s wine would you choose before seeing a Bradley Cooper & Ryan Gosling movie?

 

 

Thirsty Thursday: Bastianich Rosato di Refosco (2011)

After the Paris Photo exhibit a few weekends ago, my friend and fave photographer, Amy Opoka, and I were famished! So we decided to stop by Pizzeria Mozza for a little pizza, salad and…WINE, of course!!

We asked our bartender what would be a refreshing choice to pair with our pizza and he had a rosy answer for us.

Bostianich Rosato di Refosco - rosy & refreshing

At $39 a bottle, Bastianich Rosato di Refosco (2011) was on the pricier side for me so we opted for a glass. And I savored that glass with delicious glee. With a heavier weight than you might expect – more like a light red wine – this wine tickled my tastebuds.

With hints of juicy strawberries, zesty orange and floral aromas of rose petals and violets, this is not only a glass of wine but summertime in a glass. A happy compromise for the couple with both a white wine lover and a red wine lover, a bottle of this will keep you in each other’s good favor and keep summertime alive in your hearts – and mouths – all year long.

xoxo,
BF

 

BF Asks: What’s your favorite wine paired with pizza?