Friday Favorites: High-Fiving My Dream Team, Good Carma Studio

Celebrating a High-Five circle with the best team ever (Good Carma Studio) at The District in LA, after the No Kid Hungry Influencers Brunch I hosted.

Celebrating a High-Five circle with my dream team – and the best team ever (Chrissy and Melissa of Good Carma Studio) – at The District in LA, after the No Kid Hungry Influencers Brunch I hosted.

Today’s fave? A picture that was captured as I was high-fiving my dream team, also known as Good Carma Studio, after our No Kid Hungry Influencers Brunch on Wednesday. (*Please Note: Blog post to come)

While it was a truly stunningly beautiful affair, I am even more proud that it was an event – full of heart – that accomplished what we set out to do: get out the word about childhood hunger and breakfast in our schools.

I am so thankful to have a team that works as hard as I do. Trust is EVERYTHING to me and I trust these women implicitly.

Chrissy Kling & Melissa Wallace, you are gifts—and you produce the best events to boot!!!

Again, special thanks to our sponsors Tyson Foods, Kellog’s and Citi for all you do to help eradicate childhood hunger in America.

xoxo,
Dawn

The Ultimate Host/Hostess Gift: A Pretty Party In A Basket

Talk about a party in a basket!

My friends, Christopher and David, are always the most lovely hosts, when I stay at their house in Palm Springs. And, lovely hosts deserve lovely host gifts!

The ultimate host gift, picked up at Joan's On Third

The ultimate host gift, picked up at Joan’s On Third

So, for the past few visits, I’ve swung by my favorite neighborhood market, Joan’s On Third, to pick up some tasty sundries.

I picked up some of Joan’s famous spiced pecans, assorted cheeses (a sharp cheddar, Humboldt Fog, sheep’s milk, and creamy goat), quince jam, a baguette, and some gluten-free crackers. I added in a few bottles of my own Club W vino from home, and carried it all car-friendly in a retro wooden crate from Marshall’s.

Tasty sundries galore...

Tasty sundries galore…

The crate is customizable with a chalkboard panel – perfect for a note of gratitude to the best hosts ever.

A customizable chalkboard makes the gift extra personalized!

A customizable chalkboard makes the gift extra personalized!

Good thing I brought this party in a basket…because we ended up hosting quite the impromptu July 4th fête!

Where Foodies Meet Fundraising: No Kid Hungry Taste Of The Nation LA in Culver City

This tree could just have easily have read, "DM hearts NKH"

This tree could just have easily have read, “DM hearts NKH”

Today, I’m feeling miiiiiiiighty grateful, because yesterday, I got to eat so that kids can be fed.

I know. This sounds like a dichotomy. How can eating actually feed others?

Well, if I know anything from my collaborations with No Kid Hungry, it’s that with these guys, anything is possible.

Linds & I at Taste Of The Nation LA, benefitting my beloved No Kid Hungry

Linds & I at Taste Of The Nation LA, benefitting my beloved No Kid Hungry

No Kid Hungry’s Taste Of The Nation events do just that. Food-loving patrons pay for a ticket to get the opportunity to try bites from a bevy of the best chefs in their city, and 100% of the profits earned go to No Kid Hungry programs. That certainly fills me up more than any pizza could.

So, yesterday, I headed to Media Park in Culver City for Taste of The Nation LA, with my friend, Lindsey, and we ate and drank to our hearts’ content.

Gearing ourselves up to be stuffed silly!

Gearing ourselves up to be stuffed silly!

Among the hundreds of options, there were…

Delicious scallops…

Scallops and ravioli goodness from Maru in the VIP lounge

Scallops and ravioli goodness from Maru in the VIP lounge

and peach tarts from Maru in the VIP lounge.

Peach tarts, served with ice cream from Maru. This is what you get when bread pudding and peach cobbler have a baby.

Peach tarts, served with ice cream from Maru. This is what you get when bread pudding and peach cobbler have a baby.

 

Deconstructed Philly cheese rolls with the melted cheese INSIDE from The Bazaar by José Andrés at SLS.

All I can say is…YUMMMMMM.

All I can say is…YUMMMMMM.

 

One of my favorite lunch spots, Mainland Poke, served up some fresh goodness to balance out the decadence.

Mainland Poke is one of my favorite lunch spots!

Mainland Poke is one of my favorite lunch spots!

Chile Con Corny from Dog Haus: Masa-Battered Smoked Queso Sausage, Haus-Made Pepper Jack Sauce & Crushed Corn Chips. Holy heck.

Chile Con Corny, from Dog Haus

Chile Con Corny, from Dog Haus

Plan Check burgers with cheese crostini, sunnyside up egg, bacon two ways (why yes, there WAS bacon jam), melted cheddar and dehydrated ketchup (think fruit leather). Amazeballs, y’all.

These divine little Plan Check burgers had the longest line by far: too much, and just enough all at the same time. Just decadent.

These divine little Plan Check burgers had the longest line by far: too much, and just enough all at the same time. Just decadent.

As for dessert? Oh, a little Moët Chandon bubbly certainly never hurt anything.

Champagne, anyone?

Champagne, anyone?

And did I mention SNOW CONE cocktails from Davey Wayne’s? Oh, I didn’t. Well, I did now. Summer in a basket, my friends.

Nothin' says summer like snow cone cocktails!

Nothin’ says summer like snow cone cocktails!

So, whatever city you’re in, do your darndest to get yourself to a Taste Of The Nation this year. I’ve been to two now, and it’s just one of the best – and most rewarding – culinary experiences you’ll ever have.

Upcoming No Kid Hungry events:  The No Kid Hungry Chef’s Cycle is coming up THIS WEEKEND! (http://chefscycle.org/) Nearly 50 chefs and restaurant industry professionals are riding bikes 300 miles to raise funds and awareness for No Kid Hungry.  The East Coast ride takes place June 7-9 and the West Coast ride happens June 14-16. 

Roll me away…

 

xoxo,
Dawn

 

The D Train Premiere

At The D Train premiere at the Arclight Hollywood last night

Last night, I was honored to attend the premiere of The D Train, starring Jack Black, James Marsden and Kathryn Hahn.

HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 27: (L-R) Actors James Marsden, Kathryn Hahn, and Jack Black attend the Los Angeles premiere of IFC Films' "THE D TRAIN" presented by Banana Boat at ArcLight Hollywood on April 27, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/WireImage)

Hosted by another co-star of the film, Banana Boat, the Arclight theater was filled with A-listers, while at the same time feeling like an intimate gathering amongst friends.

HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 27: (L-R) Writer/director Jarrad Paul, actors James Marsden, Kathryn Hahn, and Jack Black, and writer/director Andrew Mogel attend Banana Boat Presents The Los Angeles Premiere Of IFC Films' "THE D TRAIN" at ArcLight Hollywood on April 27, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/WireImage)

The after-party at St. Felix was just as fun!

Girls' date! At The D Train after-party with Lindsey Vaerst

And, talk about product placement! Banana Boat sunscreen was an integral player in the film, as their ad is a connecting force between two of the characters.

Who knew a sunscreen could be a star?

I won’t give away anything else, but be sure to check out The D Train, in theaters, on May 8th!

HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 27: (L-R) Actors James Marsden, Kathryn Hahn, and Jack Black attend Banana Boat Presents The Los Angeles Premiere Of IFC Films' "THE D TRAIN" at ArcLight Hollywood on April 27, 2015 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Kovac/WireImage)

And don’t forget to wear your Banana Boat sunscreen this summer…

 

xoxo,
Dawn

Lulu DK For Clinique Launch Luncheon

Spring in a basket.

Spring in a basket. The Lulu DK for Clinique Launch Luncheon

Yep, that’s what Clinique is giving us with the new launch of their Lulu DK collaboration.

I was lucky enough attend an influencers’ lunch at the home of Lulu DK designer, Lulu deKwiatkowski, celebrating the seasonal collab. Inspired by the Bahamian flowers that adorned her straw tote as a child, Lulu’s free-spirited and playful design shines through on the cosmetics bag and clutch, drenched in sunny yellow with bursts of bright pink.

The Lulu DK for Clinique cosmetics bag and clutch

With catering by Joan’s on 3rd, a freely-flowing bar and comely companions, it was the perfect kickoff for spring.

Oh, Joan's on 3rd…you NEVER disappoint!

 

The girls with Lulu, celebrating the loveliest of launches

To bring the spirit of that perfect spring day home, head to Macy’s (where it’s exclusively sold) and pick up the limited edition cosmetics bag and mini clutch, compliments of Clinique, with any Clinique purchase of $27 or more.

 After making the difficult decision of palette (pinks or nudes?), look inside to see it filled with your favorites from Clinique. Which ones? Oh, how about Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief, High Impact Mascara, Clinique Colour Compact, Dual-ended Long Last Glosswear and Different Lipstick, and Lulu’s favorite product, Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion.  Lulu says of the cult classic, “This is the first moisturizer I ever bought. My mother introduced me to it. I still carry it around everywhere.” 

The situation for spring. Get it while you still can!

And it’s all yours, compliments of Clinique (with $27 purchase).

So, go get your spring on, girls!

 

xoxo,
Dawn

Twitter Partytime: Hickory Farms Tradition Talk – Welcome Spring!

Join the party! The Hickory Farms Twitter party tomorrow, that is.

Y’all. This bountiful basket just arrived on my doorstep from Hickory Farms and I simply cannot wait to share it with my Easter guests this weekend!

Spring in a basket! Literally! You can win it (minus the wine)

It’s called theHickory Farms Bountiful Tastings basket ($100 value) and I am giving away a slew of them tomorrow Tues, 3/31 at 10am PST/12pm CST / 1 pm EST when I host another fun #TraditionTalk #twitterparty with Hickory Farms – (Editor’s note: wine pictured is not part of the gift).

Just follow me @Beautyfrosting & @HickoryFarms on twitter and use the hashtag #TraditionTalk to RSVP to be entered.

It’s gonna be a party y’all! Who’s in?

xoxo,

Dawn

Party for Pediatrics With MaxLove Brand & Me!

You are cordially invited to…

You're cordially invited to…The MaxLove Project BrandTrunk Show

Come join me for a very special MaxLove trunk show at Wood and Vine, on Wednesday, March 11th at 8 pm. Come enjoy the photo booth, get creative at the Brave Bead Bar, and more!

Come get creative at the bead bar!

Proceeds go to The MaxLove Project, which helps children fighting pediatric cancer and other life-threatening diseases, and their families, thrive.
*Fun (philanthropic) fact? The founder of the organization, Audra Wilford, was recently one of 4,000 women nominated for L’Oreal’s Women of Worth Award, and she was a top ten finalist! Below are some links:
Hope you can make it to make lives for these kiddos just a bit sweeter! Look forward to seeing you there.
xoxo,
Dawn

Meet Beauty Collection’s Inaugural Celebrity Beauty Curator…ME!

As we kick off a new month today with March, I kick off a new – and very exciting – chapter in my life. I am proud to announce that I have been asked to be Beauty Collection’s first-ever Celebrity Beauty Curator.

 

At the #CelebBeautyCurator Launch Party at Beauty Collection WeHo on February 18th

Yippee!!

Jumping for joy! So thankful for the opportunity to be Beauty Collection's Inaugural Celebrity Beauty Curator this month!

For the entire month of March, you’ll see my face in the window display of their West Hollywood store on Santa Monica Boulevard, along with my Classic and Trending product picks for the month.

Picking my favorite Beauty Collection product picks was no easy feat!

And, all month long, I’ll be Beauty Collection’s guest blogger each week, detailing my product picks, and giving y’all a little bit more intel on me and how I got to this place I’m in and the world of BeautyFrosting I’ve created.

So happy to live in the world that BeautyFrosting has created for me

I’m so thankful that scores of friends in the entertainment, beauty and blogger world came out to help me celebrate the launch at Beauty Collection WeHo, on Wednesday, February 18th.

With Shawn - who is the CEO of Beauty Collection - and so much fun!

With the girls of Gorgeous Cosmetics

Friends galore: Lindsey Vaerst, Leslie Durso, Lynn Chen, Dana Wald, Amy Davidson, Yvette Masterson, Chrissy Kling and Ashley Jones

With Kristen Conahan and Stacie Standifer

With Jenn Chan & Dana Wald

And we toasted with cupcakes and cocktails, naturally.

Cupcakes, of course, of course!

A good cocktail is just what a girl needs after a long, busy day!

Thanks to everyone who came out to toast the launch! And thank you, Beauty Collection, for choosing me to kick off this exciting series! Stay tuned as I share my story, product picks (& tips & suggestions) and more!

xoxo,

Dawn

BF Asks: What are some of your favorite classic beauty products?

Friday Funday: The Loverly First Look Event at The Washbow

Oh, how I LOVE surprises!

This is the one! Eva Franco for Loverly

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the most precious, pretty girls brunch with a first look preview of the new Eva Franco for Loverly Collection at The Washbow, hosted by Be Inspired PR.

Eva Franco For Loverly

These dresses! I mean…can spring just come already?

A rainbow of dresses to match the cake you'll see later...

Besides darling dresses for your bridesmaids, showers or award season, the party itself was a stunner!

With Valorie Darling of Skinny Fat Girl Diary

Charming party rentals with tons of personality like this pink bar from Archive Rentals!

Charming party rentals like this bar from Archive Rentals! (I WANT!! Too bad there's no room in my house!)

Champagne & mimosa bar from One Hope Wine:

One Hope Wine hosted a sparkling champagne & DIY mimosa bar

Glam bar from GlamSquad. Just look how glam we look!

Thanks for the glomming, Glam Squad!

Delicious bites from 24 Carrots Catering. Helllloooo, glazed donut hole – and chicken nugget – sandwiches!

Donut hole and chicken nugget sandwiches! Say whaaa???

Rainbow cake from Beverly’s Best Bakery:

Pastel Rainbow Cake! And, y'all, it was one of the best cakes I've had in ages!!

Cakelet party favors from Beverly’s Best Bakery in assorted pastel rainbow colors:

The perfect take-home treat for a girl with a blog named BeautyFrosting

I got blue cake!

 

And LOTS of fun, laughter and good times with some of my favorite girlfriends!

Dawn and Jenn together again. Are y'all tired of pictures of us together yet?

 

Thanks for having us yesterday, Loverly & Leila Lewis!

 

xoxo,

BF

BF Asks: Which would have been your favorite part of the party – the fashion, the festive decor, the furniture, the food or the fun?

 

ISSE, ISSE, Baby: My ISSE 2015 Barbie Experience

This past weekend, I felt like Barbie when I had the opportunity to serve on the blogger panel at the Blogger Cafe at ISSE. Makeup and skincare and hair extensions, oh my.

Let’s start with the hair. I left with gorgeous hair extensions from Hair Art, Hair Couture and Halo Couture, and cannot tell you how much fun that was!

Clockwise L to R: Hair Art bangs, Hair Art bangs & H3000 Heat Brush Pro, Halo Couture 20-inch extensions, and Hair Couture 20-inch extensions

And then there were the products!! For all of you product junkies out there, this was Product. Junkie. HEAVEN!!

Not only did I get walked around the floor and get to see thousands of products, but I also held one-on-one meetings, where I got to learn, encourage, advise and inspire. I was so happy to meet all of these brilliant and forward-thinking brands, and now I can’t wait to share my faves with you! And the best part? I got to VOTE for my favorite products of the show!

**Note: To get a pic of all of these fab products, I needed to break it into two pics, and naturally, I did so, based on color of the packaging. Ha!

The Pastel Pretties

The Pastel Pretties: Clockwise from L to R: Halo Couture The Layered Halo 20-inch extensions ($580), Crown Beauty Pink Travel Brush Set ($19.95), Rock Your Hair Spray It Hard ($22), Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo ($21), Smooth 24/7 Premium Skin & Foot Therapy Balm ($17) and MoYou Kitty Set ($39.99)

1)  Halo Couture The Layered Halo 20-inch extensions ($580) – Heaven. Just heaven in a hair fall. 20-inches of virgin hair, that’s as shiny and strong as you could dream of. Totally made me feel like a Barbie.

2) Crown Beauty Pink Travel Brush Set ($19.95)

3) Rock Your Hair Spray It Hard ($22)

4) Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo ($21)

5) Smooth 24/7 Premium Skin & Foot Therapy Balm ($17)

6) MoYou Kitty Nail Stamping Set ($39.99) – I can’t help but wanna have a slumber party with this fun – and super easy – mani stamping kit!

7) Glycelene Rejuvenation Creme (pictured below)

Pastel Pretty - with Glycelene

 

The Black & Bronze Besties

The Black & Bronze Beauties (Clockwise L to R): H3000 Heat Brush Pro ($130), Ergo Ionic Polishing Paddle Brush ( $38.95), Eye Majic Swipe On Eyeshadow ($5), Norvell Dancing With Stars Endurance Color Boosting Skin Perfector, Föu Water, Brazilian Blowout Volume Shampoo ($34), KollagenX 24K Gold Collagen Mask ($140 for 4 masks), Gloss by KollagenX ($45) and Go2Brush ($28)

1) H3000 Heat Brush Pro by Ron King ($130): it’s what gave me that Jaclyn Smith/Charlie’s Angels hair up there!

2) Ergo Ionic Polishing Paddle Brush ( $38.95)

3) Eye Majic Swipe On Eyeshadow ($5) – swipe-on, brushless eyeshadow in one simple step? Say no more.

4) Norvell Dancing With Stars Endurance Color Boosting Skin Perfector

5) Föu Watergreat, healthy, beneficial alternative to toner (which we all know I am not the biggest fan of!)

6) Brazilian Blowout Volume Shampoo ($34)

7) KollagenX 24K Gold Collagen Mask ($140 for 4 masks) – you love to wear 24k gold, why shouldn’t your skin get the 24k treatment? 

8) Gloss by KollagenX  ($45)

9) Go2Brush ($28) – your new best friend! A homegrown small biz, dual-ended plastic “brush” that’s more like a tool; perfect for tight lining the waterline and applying lip color seamlessly, without the hassle and clean-up of brushes.
xoxo,
BF

 

BF Asks: Which products would have made your “Best Of ISSE” List? 


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