Favorite End of Summer Mani Trend-Nude/Sparkle Nail(s):

Dear Margaret,

That dinner looked so delicious and romantic! Congats again.. can't wait to see pics!

So, my favorite nail trend right now is to have nude/peach/pinkish nails with either one token sparkle nail.. or a little hint of shimmer all over:) It's super easy to do at home..especially because Essie and other brands make a sparkle (any metallic) top coat that you can put on once you've finished your manicure. My favorite peachy color is "a crewed interest" by Essie! I hate doing my own nails though so I like to have my nail lady do a gel polish (lasts so much longer) in a nude shade and then just sparkle out one random.. fun transition into fall:)

xoxo,

Kara

Essie "a crewed interest"

Essie "luxeffects" sparkle top coat.. many colors



Best Dinner Ever!

Kara,

I love all those "Wedding Looks", I should have the pictures back in a few weeks. But in the meantime I wanted to tell you all about our wedding dinner at Per Se. This dinner was hands down the best meal, wine and champagne I have ever had. Per Se is Thomas Keller's brainchild and opened in 2004 in the Time Warner Center overlooking Central Park. Zagat rates their decor the best in the city. Keller also owns French Laundry (Napa Valley), Bouchon Bistro (Napa, Vegas, & LA), Bouchon Bakery (Napa, Vegas, LA & NYC) and Ad Hoc (Napa).

We did a nine course chef tasting menu, which changes nightly, and it lasted over 3 hours! We had an intimate booth at the top tier of the restaurant that overlooked all the tables and the view of the park. The spot was the best in the house and made for some amazing people watching.

Chef's Tasting Menu...

"Oysters and Pearls"
*This was my favorite of the night. The dish is described as "Sabayon" of pearl tapioca with Island Creek Oysters and Sterling White Sturgeon Caviar.

"Slow Poached Elevages Perigord Moulard Duck Foie Gras"
Sour cherry "Rocher," toasted pistachios, young turnips, lobster mushroom and arugula.
*This dish was served with 8 different salts from around the world. One was even a black salt.

"Pave of Corned Mediterranean Turbot"
Wrapped in savoy cabbage, sweetbread farce, "Pommes Boulangeres" and whole grain mustard "Beurre Blanc"
*Turbot is a dense and meaty fish and not the least bit fishy. Even non-fish lovers would enjoy this fish.

"Butter Poached Nova Scotia Lobster"
"Gnocchi Parisienne en Glacage," petite radishes, upland cress and black truffle coulis.
*This was out of this world and was my 2nd favorite dish of the meal.

"Oat-Crusted Diamond H Ranch Quail Breast"
"Jambonnette," black mission figs, cauliflower "Flourettes," glazed pearl onions, flowering watercress and bitter chocolate jus
*The Diamond H Ranch is in Ingram, Texas!

"Elysian Fields Farm's Selle D'Agneau Rotie Entiere"
"Ragout" of Brentwood corn kernels, chanterelle mushrooms, haricots verts and bernaise reduction sauce
*This was yummy lamb.

"Garrotxa"
San Marzano Tomato bread pudding, English cucumbers, ice lettuce and basil ravigote
*This dish I didn't care for.

"Chamomile Lemonade"
Lemon puree, shortbread crumble and goosenberry sorbet

"Junior Mint"
Chocolate "Bavarois," uniper ganache and peppermint ice cream

"Mignardises"
caramels, truffles, chocolates, and macaroons.

To drink I had a glass of rose champagne that was amazing and then we had a bottle of vintage Kissler Chardonnay that was the yummiest white wine ever.

In a nutshell we were in foodie heaven. This is a must for every foodie and worth every penny. (But warning this is a $$$$$ meal)

xoxoxoxoxo
Margaret

Notice the Congratulations to Margaret & Michael- So cute!

My liquids of the night :)

Michael & I (no flashes allowed in the restaurant)

Salmon tartare cones, delish! With this also came tiny friend cheese balls

Fois Gras (that dish right in front are the salts)

Turbot

Lobster

A Tribute to the Bride; All Time Favorite Bridal Looks:

Dear Margaret,

Happy Wedding Day! In your honor, I wanted to pay tribute with my all time favorite bridal looks. I hope you and Michael have such an amazing, intimate little ceremony for two today in the beautiful Central Park and I'm so sad I can't be there to cry my eyes out:) I know you'll be so gorgeous.. Love you so much and congrats!!!!

xoxo,
Kara

Kate Moss, wedding day

Kate Hudson, Harper's Bazaar

Diane Kruger in Chanel

Kate Hudson in Marc Jacobs circa 2003 W Magazine

Kate Hudson in Emporio Armani's silk dress
with Graff's yellow and white diamond bracelet

Kate Moss, W magazine 2005

Gisele,  Harper's Bazaar shoot styled by Karl Lagerfeld

Gisele in Valentino, Harper Bazaar shoot by Karl Lagerfeld

Kate Moss' gorgeous boho wedding party

Carolyn Bessette in Narcisco Rodriguez gown

Nicole Kidman in Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga

Rebecca Romijn in beaded lace Ralph Lauren

SJP in Vera Wang

Givenchy haute couture '97

simple, boho inspiration

60's chic

Bardot

gorgeous blush chiffon detailing

The famous McQueen dress

Kate in Marc Jacobs for  Louis Vuitton

Pucci

Beautiful lines

Stunner

Something blue.. romantic detailing

Valentino Spring 2006

Ralph Lauren Spring 2012

Best Strapless, Doesn't Budge

Dear Kara,

A few weeks ago I went bra shopping but before I started asking around what everyone's favorite bras were. A few people mentioned the brand Chantelle, because of the great fit and quality. Since then I have seen and heard the brand mentioned quite a bit. I bought three of their bras and I must say I love them and can see why they have such a following. The biggest winner is the strapless. The bra has the stay tape on the top and bottom and four rows of hook and eyes. The hook and eye part is key; you want to start on the last one and as it stretches out from wear you can move inwards and still keep it tight. I have worn this bra a good amount now and it's amazing; it doesn't move! I don't have to do any of the awkward pulling up of the bra. Plus this strapless is also a convertible so you can wear it lots of different ways depending on your needs.

XOXOXOXOXOXO
Margaret

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/chantelle-intimates-sublime-convertible-strapless-bra/3138080?origin=category&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=Nude&resultback=3136

5 Best Fat Fighting Foods:

Dear Margaret,

     Your "healthy summer gratin" looks amazing.. I'll have to order that cookbook stat!

     So, I want to share with you some valuable info I found from this Cooking Light article about top fat fighting foods (adding my two cents and additional research, of course:) Research shows that some foods make you feel full longer and raise the body's metabolism so you burn more calories though out the day. Here are the top 5 fat fighting foods and a little bit about them:

1.) Berries:

-Fiber rich and low calorie

-The most antioxidant rich foods you can eat

-Increase the production of hormone (adiponectin) that stimulates fat burning

*Bonus* The antioxidants in blueberries protect you from premature aging

-Tip: Buy organic whenever you can. Frozen is just as beneficial as fresh. So good over Noosa honey yogurt!

2.) Eggs:

-Help combat cravings and control hunger all day long (very important to eat a protein rich breakfast)

-6 grams of protein per large egg plus healthy fats

-only food naturally containing important nutrient Vitamin D

*Bonus* Promotes healthy hair and nails due to the high sulphur content

-Tip: Make a batch of hard boiled eggs at the beginning of the week so can take with you on the go. I like to have mine in the morning mashed up with a little butter, salt, and pepper and serve with my favorite gluten free millet bread.

3.) Greek Yogurt:

-2X as much protein and 1/2 the sugar as regular yogurt

-Contains priobiotics for digestive health and the much needed Calcium

*Bonus* Helps you lose total body weight when eaten regularly, but especially belly fat!

-Tip: I prefer Fage brand 2% and 0%. Can be served with fruit and cereal at breakfast, with salad at lunch, a yogurt smoothie as a snack, added to salad dressing at dinner, with honey and fruit for dessert.. the options are endless:)

4.) Green and Oolong Tea:

-Caffeine and catechins rev metabolism and boost fat burning

-Calorie free and antioxidant rich

-Been proven to help fight cancer, aid in depression, and relax the body/mind

*Bonus* Shown to help with wrinkles and signs of aging!

-Tip: try to drink either green or oolong tea throughout the day, iced or hot. Great with lemon and mint or with a splash of cream/almond milk/(any milk or substitute of choice).

5.) In-shell Pistachios:

-6 grams of protein per ounce, plus healthy fats to keep you satiated

-Study shows that eating in-shell pistachios resulted in eating 41% less calories compared to those who ate shelled nuts (shells trick the brain into thinking you've eaten more than actually have)

*Bonus* Contain vitamin E, which aids in healthy and beautiful skin!

-Tip: I buy the snack packs in bulk from Costco, Sams Club or Amazon.com from Wonderful brand.. that way they are already portioned out for me and I can take them anywhere! Great for a pre or  post workout snack with a piece of fruit.

xoxo,

Kara

Summer Vegetable Healthy Gratin:

Dear Kara,

Last night Michael and I discovered the best Summer Vegetable Gratin! Gratin's (potato, fennel, squash, etc...) can be north of 500 calories per serving! This recipe cuts in more than half coming in at 187 calories per serving. Plus by incorporating squash and eggplant the dish is high in fiber, minerals, vitamin C, A, calcium and iron. We had this as our main meal and were completely full. This dish would be a great substitute for when craving pasta. I had some of the leftovers today for lunch and they were even better the next day.

The recipe is right out of Thomas Keller's amazing cookbook, Ad Hoc At Home. This recipe is ridiculously easy, so there isn't any stress or "time sucking" involved.

Ingredients:
-3 Roma (plum) tomatoes 1 1/2-2" in diameter
-1 Medium yellow squash
-1 Medium zucchini
-1 Japanese eggplant (If not available at your store a small/narrow eggplant will do)
-Canola oil
-2 1/2 Cups of coarsely chopped onions
-2 Garlic cloves, finely grated or minced
-1 Tbsp plus 1 tspn chopped thyme
-1/4 Cup virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
-1/2 Cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
-1/2 Cup dried breadcrumbs (If carb conscious Livestrong recommends crumbled pork rinds)
-Pink Himalayan rock salt (or Kosher Salt)
-Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:
-Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and set a cooling rack on a baking sheet.
-Slice vegetables to end up with slices as close in size as possible. Cut tomatoes, zucchini, squash, and eggplant to be 1/4" inch thick. If needed cut on a slight diagonal.
-Heat some canola oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the onions and garlic, and season with salt. Cook without browning, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent, about 20 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon of thyme.
-Combine the yellow squash, zucchini, and eggplant in a large bowl, toss with the olive oil, and season with salt.
-Drizzle the slices of tomato with olive oil and season with salt.
-Combine the  Parmesan, bread crumbs, and remaining 1 teaspoon of thyme in a small bowl.
-Spread the onion mixture in the bottom of a 13 1/2 by 9 1/2 inch gratin dish or 13-inch round shallow baking dish. Layer the vegetables in the dish, working on the diagonal. Arrange a layer of overlapping slices of one-third of the zucchini around the outside edge of the dish. Sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture over the top. Make a row of overlapping slices of yellow squash slightly overlapping the zucchini and sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture over the top. Make a third row with overlapping slices of tomatoes, slightly overlapping the zucchini, and sprinkle with the cheese mixture. Make a fourth row with overlapping slices of eggplant, slightly overlapping the tomatoes, and sprinkle the cheese mixture over the top. Continue making overlapping rows of the remaining vegetables, and sprinkle the top with any remaining cheese mixture and a light sprinkling of salt.
-Bake for 1-1 1/2 hours until the vegetables are completely tender and offer no resistance when pierced with a knife. Remove from the oven and allow the gratin to rest for 10 minutes. Turn on the broiler.
-Just before serving, place the grating under the broiler to brown the top.

Clean Eating "Fried Rice"; Best Recipe Ever:

Dear Margaret,

Um, I love this new "clean plates" website.. I'm all over this.. thanks for the info!

Speaking of eating clean, I made this healthy chicken "fried rice" the other night for Ryan and I and it was sooo amazing.. Ryan couldn't stop eating it (ok neither could I:) You don't even miss the "fried" part of a traditional Asian recipe. Also, you can customize it completely to your liking (veggies, proteins, sauces, etc). I found the original recipe from "The Naked Kitchen" blog, and the only addition I made was scallions/green onions. You and Michael will absolutely love it! 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (I used brown rice but arborio, jasmine or basmati work great too)
• 3-4 cups vegetables of your choice (if using frozen veggies make sure you warm and drain them first)
• 1 1/2 cups cooked protein of your choice  - optional (chicken and tofu work great as does lean beef)
• 2 eggs, scrambled – optional
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar

Preparation:

1. Add sesame oil to a large wok or fry pan over high heat.
2. In a small bowl mix together soy sauce, garlic and vinegar.
3. Drop a single piece of rice in the oil, if it sizzles the wok is ready.
4. Add rice, protein and any thicker vegetables that you are using.  Stir a couple of times and then add soy sauce mixture.  Stir frequently for about 3 minutes.
5. Add in any remaining vegetables and eggs (if using). Stir for 2 more minutes.
6. Serve immediately and ENJOY!

*Store leftover fried rice in the fridge for up to 5 days.

xoxo,

Kara

Clean Plates: Healthy Eating Site....

Dear Kara,

I love the make at home face products and they are all so easy.

So there is a cute little restaurant guide floating around the stores competing with Zagat. Unlike Zagat, the Clean Plates book recommends healthy restaurants only. The website is even better; you can search NYC, LA, and Austin restaurants. They also have a blog with awesome recipes, articles, and links to current events, studies and discoveries pertaining to food/diet/health. I haven't tried their app but it was rated in the top 10 "Food Apps for conscientious eaters". The latest article about cherries in season with recipes was great and the article about seaweed and its benefits was really informative.

Check it out....
http://www.cleanplates.com/

Top Facialist (Sonya Dakar) To The Stars' Home Recipe Alternatives:

Dear Margaret,

I love that you found a legit box wine haha.. you're right, what would we have done if we had this in college?! You have to let me know as soon as you try it what you think!

So, I'm a huge fan of Sonya Dakar (facialist to the stars, including: Gwyneth Paltrow, Fergie, Sofia Vergerra, Drew Barrymore, etc.) and her products, but they can get very pricey. Lucky for me and you, I found an interview where she offers some home alternatives! Here are the recipes:

Celebrity Favorite Product from Sonya: Drying Potion, $25

Home Recipe Alternative:

Sonya Dakar's Secret "Zit Zapper":

-1 package dry yeast

-water

*Pour yeast into a bowl and add water (one drop at a time), mixing well after each drop, until mixture becomes a medium paste. Dot on breakouts. Allow to dry (about 30 minutes) before hopping into bed.

(The yeast will kill the bacteria and dry out breakouts).

Celebrity Favorite Product from Sonya: Green Tea Mask, $65

Home Recipe Alternative:

Creamy Green Tea Mask:

-1 tea bag of green tea

-2 tablespoons of sour cream

-1 egg yolk

-1 teaspoon olive oil

-1 teaspoon honey

*Boil the green tea bag in 1/4 cup of water until it has boiled down to 1 tablespoon, then cool in fridge for 15 minutes. Mix all other ingredients for about 30-60 seconds, until well blended. Stir in cooled green tea concentrate. Spread mixture over cleansed and exfoliated skin and leave on for about 15 minutes. Note: this is a soft mask and will not dry.

Rinse well with warm water and follow with a natural toner, moisturizer, etc.

(With ingredients like soothing green tea, cooling sour cream, hydrating olive oil, and nourishing egg yolk, you sensitive skin will never be the same).

Celebrity Favorite Product from Sonya: Puffiness/Puffy Eyes Visulift Eye Cream, $105

Home Recipe Alternative:

Tea For You:

-2 potato slices

-Chamomile tea

-Aloe vera gel

*Slice one small piece off of a potato; soak in chamomile tea, and dip in aloe vera gel. Put one slice under each eye and leave them there for 20 minutes.

(Potatoes calm inflammation and help lighten circles. Aloe vera is a natural moisturizer, healer and skin soother that will help tighten and reduce puffiness. Chamomile tea has calming properties that also have a soothing effect when used on skin.)

**Just look at the skin of her beautiful clients.. I'm sold:)

xoxo,

Kara

Gwyneth

Fergie

Sofia

Drew-sans makeup