A Month Of Miracles – Celebrating 16 years of Philosophy on QVC

When Philosophy invited me to celebrate their 16th anniversary on QVC, I was beside myself!

Getting in on the Philosophy & QVC 16th  anniversary fun!

Getting in on the Philosophy & QVC 16th anniversary fun!

 

Happy 16th Philosophy & QVC!

See, I’ve been a fan of Philosophy for as long as I can remember – so much so that I feel like I grew up with Philosophy. In fact, I can mark milestones in my life, based on the Philosophy products I was using at the time.

My first introduction to the line was when I was 21 and a senior at the University of Texas at Austin, when I treated myself to one of their darling dessert-themed all-in-one bath & shower gels, Apricots & Cream, that satiated my sweet tooth without the calories, as I showered in the Kappa house. Today, I still bathe with the sweet stuff.

One staple I always have in my bath? Philosophy 3-in-1 bath & shower gels. Here's one of my all-time faves:  Apricots & Cream. Not just because it smells heavenly, but also because it matches my peach bathroom!

One staple I always have in my bath? Philosophy bath & shower gels. Here’s one of my all-time faves: Apricots & Cream. Not just because it smells heavenly, but also because it matches my peach bathroom!

 

Later, at 25, I fell in love all over again with Philosophy, when I couldn’t get enough of their Falling In Love fragrance and Falling In Love bath & shower gel, as I was falling in love, myself, with a new boyfriend.

25 & falling in love…and not just with the fragrance...

25 & falling in love…and not just with the fragrance…

 

Then, at 30, as I started seeking the perfect skincare regimen for my thirtysomething skin, I fell in love once more with Philosophy, when I tried their Hope In A Jar (most famous for being Oprah’s favorite moisturizer).

Hope is all we need.

Hope is all we need.

 

Now, at 37, I fell in love yet again, when I attended their QVC Month of Miracles anniversary party, where the guest of honor was bestselling author, Spirit Junkie, miraclemaker, and Philosophy ambassador, Gabby Bernstein.

Grace, Gabby, and miracles galore at the #QVCMonthOfMiracles party at the Sunset Marquis.

Grace, Gabby, and miracles galore at the #QVCMonthOfMiracles party at the Sunset Marquis.

I am as big a fan of Gabby – and her latest book, May Cause Miracles – as I am of Philosophy, so the joining of the two was almost too much for this heart to take! (Editor’s note: Interview with Gabby coming sooooon). It’s a beautiful marriage because Gabby is all about miracles and Philosophy’s motto is to believe in miracles, as Philosophy is a company founded on science, as well as inspiration.

We celebrated Philosophy’s 16 years on QVC, by watching the live show on QVC, trying new products, ordering products, tweeting up a storm, nibbling delicious mediterranean fare, and listening to Gabby share her “Miracle Moments.”

Amazing grace, indeed.

Amazing grace – how sweet the sound, sight and smell.

A miraculous day that none of us will soon forget.

 

Gabby, me and miracles galore.

Gabby, me and miracles galore.

 

Not only is Gabby a Philosophy ambassador,  but she’s also on the steering committee of Philosophy’s Hope & Grace Initiative, a cause near and dear to my heart.

Hope & Grace Initiative

Hope & Grace Initiative

The Hope & Grace Initiative touches hearts to heal minds, by donating 1% of any and all net product sales to support community-based mental health efforts. 1 in 4 adults experiences mental illness in a given year, and Philosophy’s Hope & Grace Initiative provides over 100 community-based mental health organizations each year, with up to $50,000 in support. July 15th also marked the charity’s 1-year anniversary. A month of miracles, indeed!

That’s why I feel good giving Philosophy products as gifts, whether it be a Sweet Treats Discovery collection ($28.42) to a friend for her birthday, the blushing Philosophy Celebrates Miracles 5-piece collection ($69.98) to my bride buddies, or divvying up the Mega Miracles 8-piece collection ($229.86) amongst my best friends on Friendsgiving as favors.

Not only am I giving those I love a gift that they’ll love, but I also know that a portion of my money will be used to help a cause I love.

What could be more miraculous than that?

Happy, happy 16th anniversary Philosophy and QVC! To many, many more milestones together…and candles.

To many, many more candles on the cake...

To many, many more candles on the cake…

xoxo,

Dawn

Be A Superhero: Vote Today!

Today, you can be a superhero!

Be a superhero! Vote today!

Doesn’t matter how you vote, just get out there and do it!

#Bf30DaysofGratitude Day 4 – SO thankful that I live in this nation where I have the right to vote. Where we ALL have the right to vote.

 

xoxo,
BF

 

BF Asks: Did YOU vote today? 

I’M LOVING…Just Be Your F’ing Self by Studio Mucci

I don’t curse a lot. But as with all things in life, I believe in moderation.
That’s why I’m proud to feature this pretty profanity of a shirt – even with a big ole curse word on it.

Shut my mouth! I don't curse a lot…but I'll curse for a cause.

My friend, Amina, of Studio Mucci (one of my favorite online shops on the planet) sent me this “Just Be Your F’ing Self” pink tee, along with a sweet pink card detailing the struggles she’s had in life with insecurity and body acceptance. She decided to design this shirt to celebrate this place of acceptance where she now lives.

#JBYFS by Studio Mucci

It really struck a chord with me because I, too, – as well as so many of you – have had those same struggles. In fact, I’ve found that the blogs you guys seem to respond to the most are the blogs where I talk about those struggles. I hope it’s because you can learn a little from my regrets and lessons learned from these posts and apply them to your own lives. The whole reason I do this is so we can all feel just the tiniest bit happier.

Laugh a little. With others. With yourself. At yourself. #JBYFS

I wish more than anything that I could go back in time and shake myself by the shoulders and tell myself the following things. But I can’t; so I find healing and peace in sharing them with you.

You’re enough. Just as you are. In this moment.

Don’t walk in anyone else’s shadow – you’ll only be left in the dark.

Enjoy the way you look now – it’s the only time you’ll look exactly like that.

Appreciate the beauty of the moment. 

Don’t just accept the things that make you different. Celebrate them.

Less fearful. MORE fearless.


I spent so much time in fear and not enough time in the fun and frivolity of the moment. I wish I had been less fearful and MORE fearless.
So now I try to live like that every day.
I live like I wish that kid had lived and I consider it my personal charge to help others not make the same mistake.
That’s why I love this shirt.

I hope you’ll be part of the #JBYFS movement, as well. Right now, you can buy one of these beauties for just $25. Wear it proudly and tag your pic with the #JBYFS hashtag. Let’s spread the self-love movement.
It’s the best reason to curse that you’ve ever had.

 

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What struggles have you had? How did you overcome them?

 

 

Daily Delights: My New Years Tradition

Happy New Year, my friends! I just got back from the best New Years Eve I’ve ever had – more on that later – but for now, I have to share my annual New Years tradition with you guys.
Even with a well-earned hangover, I had to make this happen today.
Hope your 2014 is off to a  beautiful start!
Me? I’m just eatin’ my blackeyed peas, chilling out, watching some movies and catching up on some tv. I’m long overdue for a little R & R.
As a southern girl, I fervently believe in the power of blackeyed peas…and I don’t mean the band.

My annual New Years tradition: Blackeyed Peas with jalapeños, bacon, a crescent roll and champagne!

Every year I cook a big pot of blackeyed peas with bacon, jalapeños, jalapeño juice, salt, pepper and a bit of butter and then top ’em with a dollop of Daisy sour cream and sharp cheddar. I serve em to my friends with crescent rolls or biscuits and champagne and, in honor of my Papaw, I always have a bit of buttermilk with em too. They are delicious and southern folklore says it grants you prosperity. Each year gets better and better so it must be workin’. Bring it on, my little blackeyed friends!! And may 2014 bring YOU prosperity!!!
xoxo,
BF
BF Asks: What is your New Years tradition?

My Birthday Party 2013: Come As You Were…or WISH You Were In High School

The gang! Photos by Takahiro Watanabe Photography & Guerrero Photography

 

Oh, how I love me a theme party! I have one every year for my birthday and it always fills me with such joy. I mean what could be more fun than dressing up like someone – or something – else, being surrounded by friends, sipping champagne, eating delicious eats, polishing off some cake and dancing until the sun comes up? I’ll tell ya – not much. Previous birthday party themes of mine have included Dallas (the 80s show), 80s, 70s, Toddlers & Tiaras and more.

But this year’s had to have been my favorite thus far! I decided last year at my birthday that the theme would be “Come As You Were…or Wish You Were In High School.” So when I was home in Dallas in October, I broke out my Episcopal School of Dallas private school uniform (the skirt still fit! Yay!) and my cheerleading uniform (the top didn’t fit because I grabbed my JV uniform my mistake – oops!) and decided it was ON!

One of my best friends – and my former roomie and uber-talented BeautyFrosting graphic designer – Vanessa York of Shindig Shoppe designed the adorable invite drawing on the colors of my home, varsity lettering and, of course, pom-poms.

The oh-so-cute invitation designed by Vanessa York of Shindig Shoppe

 

Next, my dear hairstylist & friend, Robby LaRiviere, whipped my hair up into some pretty darned precious pigtails, I picked up some saddle shoes at Shelly’s Dance (my FAVE for costumes & alterations in LA!!!) and I donned Outfit #1. Oh, honey, you KNOW there was gonna be a wardrobe change!

THE FASHION

Outfit #1: My Episcopal School of Dallas uniform from 1996:

Donning my Episcopal School of Dallas original uniform! The fact that it still fit is cause alone for celebration! Photo by Guerrero Photography & Photobooth by Takahiro Watanabe Photography, Custom Tassel Garland by Studio Mucci

 

And with glasses, of course!

And I had to wear glasses for a few, of course! Glasses by Ivory Mason, Photo by Guerrero Photography & Photobooth by Takahiro Watanabe Photography, Tassel Garland by Studio Mucci

Outfit #2:
My Episcopal School of Dallas Cheerleading Uniform from 1993 (GO EAGLES!!!) – I grabbed by JV – and not my Varsity uniform – by mistake so Shelly’s had to let out the chest a bit. I was 15 when I last wore this one!

Donning my ESD Junior Varsity Cheerleading Uniform, American Apparel knee socks & saddle shoes from Shelly's; Photography by Guerrero Photography and Photobooth by Takahiro Watanabe Photography; Custom Tassel Garland by Studio Mucci

 THE DECOR

I love that my birthday is so close to Christmas because I can decorate my house for Christmas and let it serve as deco for my birthday party. With my Studio Mucci custom tassel garlands, Shabby Chic decorations, pastel lights and vintage finds from Uptown Country Home that I’ve bought over the years, I love creating a Whimsical Winter Wonderland. Add some wintry pink & blue balloons and my high school yearbooks and you’ve got a party!

The living room...

 

Kids love those balloons...

More deco...

THE LIBATIONS

I remember that Queer Eye For The Straight Guy said it best once. “The right cocktails keep your guests socially lubricated.” When you’re mixing together over 50 of your closest friends – some who know one another but many who don’t – you want to keep the cocktails flowing. I decided to keep it simple by supplying a wine bar. Lucky for me, One Hope Wine and Hope at Home were eager to help.

One Hope Wine tantalized my guests' tastebuds with 4 of their wine varietals and a signature cocktail that we'll be debuting on Thursday on Thirsty Thursday this week!

With a signature cocktail, BeautyFrosting’s Spiced Rum Apple Cider Mimosa (catch the recipe this Thursday on BF on Thirsty Thursday), Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Pinot Noir 2011, Chardonnay 2012, Sauvignon Blanc 2012 and their new California Brut Sparkling Wine (All wines are $18.99), my guests were totally socially lubricated. Everyone raved about my wine selection from One Hope – and my bartender & party hostess, Kristin – but the California Brut Sparkling Wine was the first to go! People were literally asking me how they could get some One Hope of their own!

A bucket full of hope on ice! Photo by Guerrero Photography

But my favorite thing about One Hope – besides the way it tastes – is the charity component that makes them who they are. With every bottle of One Hope wine sold, an impact is made as 50% of  the proceeds goes to a variety of good causes including: AIDS, Alzheimers, Autism, Breast Cancer, Childhood Hunger, Veterans and more. I’ll be featuring One Hope every Thursday for the next 6 Thirsty Thursdays so you’ll see lots more of them – and the love I have for everything that they’re about!

THE NIBBLES

Well, we know I’m a foodie and I love to bake but, um, sometimes I can go overkill when it comes to my parties. For this one, I relied on a few of my party faves – such as Southern Shrimp Ball, Bandito Black Bean dip, L’il Smokies, Texas Ranch House Queso, Red Velvet Dip and Pistachio Thumbprint and Eggnog Thumbprint Cookies that are always a hit. And then I hit up Whole Foods for a veggie tray and Trader Joe’s for cheese, charcuterie and crackers.

The spread…a foodie's dream!

And then there was the cake…Oh my…

The cake by Hansen's Cakes

Hansen’s Cakes was responsible for this deliciousness. Marble cake with butterchip filling and buttercream frosting. I’m still dreaming of it but had to give all leftovers away!

THE PHOTOS

As a photographer’s daughter – and a blogger, of course – photos are super important to me. So I asked my friends, Takahiro Watanabe Photography and Guerrero Photography to help me out for the evening.
The DIY Photobooth with Takahiro that I literally just put outside against a stucco wall was a hit. That’s gonna have to be a whole other post because EVERYONE can do this and it was sooooo much fun!

Here are just a few of the 267 photos from the Photobooth. For more, check out the entire album of fun (complete with my house pics, food pics and more) at: Dawn’s Birthday 2013: Come As You Were…or Wish You Were in High School on Facebook (yep, I made it public for your perusal & enjoyment).

Photobooth fun! Photos by Takahiro Watanabe Photography & Guerrero Photography

 

Photobooth fun! Photos by Takahiro Watanabe Photography & Guerrero Photography

Photobooth fun! Photos by Takahiro Watanabe Photography & Guerrero Photography

hotobooth fun! Photos by Takahiro Watanabe Photography & Guerrero Photography

Another group shot by Guerrero Photography:

The gang! Photos by Takahiro Watanabe Photography & Guerrero Photography

Thank you to all of my friends who came, drank, ate, danced til 4 am, showered me with gifts & love and took pics with me all night long! It was a magical night I will always remember!

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: How did you celebrate your birthday this year? 

 CREDITS

Wine & Cocktails by: One Hope Wine & Hope At Home

Blowout & Pigtails by: Robby LaRiviere

Photos by: Takahiro Watanabe Photography & Guerrero Photography

Tassel Garlands by: Studio Mucci

Party Set-up Assistant: Sarah of TaskRabbit

Bartender/Guest Hostess: Kristin of TaskRabbit

Cake: Hansen’s Cakes

Wardrobe Alterations & Shoes: Shelly’s Dance Supply

 

 

 

My Current Crush: Tassel Garlands by Studio Mucci

Kickin' my heels up with My Current Crush…Studio Mucci

 

Once upon a time, a girl stumbled upon a picture on Instagram and fell in love. In fact, it was love at first sight! And, yep, you guessed it…the girl was me.

I'm in love!!! With whom, you ask? Studio Mucci, of course!

 

So whose picture made me fall so head-over-heels in love that I contacted the instagram account owner asap?

Studio Mucci. Yep, that’s the name of my current crush. I heart her.

And what enchanted me about Studio Mucci? Um, can you say everything? Studio Mucci – and its delightful designer & owner, Amina – add a dash of whimsy to any fête or home with comely custom paper decor crafted out of high quality tissue paper.

Custom tassel garland by Studio Mucci (beginning at $35/garland)

Whether it’s for a birthday party, wedding, kid’s party or just to add a little whimsical elegance to your home, Studio Mucci steps up the color and coquettish factor with a side dish of wow and wonder.

And they’re the best at getting you what you want when you need it thanks to their various, more-than-accommodating shipping options.

I ordered Studio Mucci tassel garlands (beginning at $35/garland) for my boudoir shoot and they MADE our set.

Studio Mucci dazzled our dressing area on set...

Lucky for me, the set just happened to be my home so they are still hanging proudly where I can see them – and smile – every day.
And this isn’t the last collaboration between Studio Mucci and us here at BeautyFrosting. Next up? Holiday tassel garlands for the holidays and for my big birthday shindig…which is right around the corner.
Yep, this is just the beginning of a beautiful romance.

The beginning of a beautiful romance between BF & Studio Mucci

xoxo,
BF

 

BF Asks: How do you add dashes of whimsy & wonder to your home?