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German Chocolate Cake with VOGA Moscato | June 22, 2011

Wine is no longer limited to the first courses. With chocolates, try a sweet, Muscat-based wine like VOGA Moscato to enhance your final dining experience.

German Chocolate Cake

Ingredients:

1/2 cup water

4 (1 ounce) squares German sweet chocolate

1 cup butter, softened

2 cups white sugar

4 egg yolks

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup buttermilk

2 1/2 cups cake flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 egg whites

1 cup white sugar

1 cup evaporated milk

1/2 cup butter

3 egg yolks, beaten

1 1/3 cups flaked coconut

1 cup chopped pecans

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon shortening

1 (1 ounce) square semisweet chocolate

Method:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour 3 – … Read More »


 

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Sausha Knott
 
 
 
 

Protect your face, Rejuvenate your skin, Your best summer self | June 21, 2011

Christine Walter, President Of Rich Girl Cosmetics, is a celebrity and high fashion make up artist in South Beach Miami. Christine Walter has been a leading professional for makeup and skin care tips for over 22 years. Christine Walter gives tips about rejuvenating your skin, taking back time, and protection for your best face!

The most important ways to fight free radicals is to, of course, stay out of the sun and a dry environment with heat and pollution. Creating a barrier between you and nature can be done in several ways. If you plan on being in direct sun, wear … Read More »


 

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Beth Newman
 
 
 
 

Nice Girls Finish First! | June 21, 2011

Over the course of the last few days, I’ve had the same conversation with parents regarding this mean girl epidemic that, evidently, isn’t going away anytime soon. One parent expressed his concerns, asking if he should encourage his daughter to blaze a mean girl path for herself because, ‘she’s just not making as many strides academically or socially as the girls who are more aggressive.’ One mom told me she’s all but given up, and has expressed to her daughter the old ‘if you can’t beat them, join’ them cliché.

Quite disheartened, I pondered this for a good long … Read More »


 

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Jennifer Hicks
 
 
 
 

A Day In The Life Of a Diva | June 21, 2011

You thought you were going to be following Beyonce, didn’t you? Its okay, I know I’m not exactly reaching the  Twitter fan base (or daily salary) of Lady Gaga  but I do get asked about my day a lot. And the reality is far from what one may think. As a beginner design student my head swirled around visions of me with an assistant at my side, surrounded by luxurious fabrics and sketches of walk-in closets the size of most peoples’ kitchens. I needed little hands-on experience to realize that was probably not going to be a daily occurance. And I’m still waiting on that … Read More »


 

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Grilled Pepper Steak with VOGA Merlot | June 21, 2011

With basic beef dishes, wine choices are plentiful. Look for a wine like VOGA Merlot, big enough to compete with the beef’s full taste and flavorful enough to balance the fats and spices in this grilled pepper steak.

Grilled Pepper Steak

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons cracked peppercorns

1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon garlic salt

1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil

6 beef T-bone or rib eye steaks, 3/4 to 1 inch thick (about 3 pounds)

3 medium onions, cut into 1/2-inch slices

2 tablespoons honey

Method:

Heat coals or gas grill for direct heat. Mix all spices ingredient. Lightly brush half of the oil on both … Read More »


 

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Shoe Heaven on the Highstreet | June 20, 2011

Depending on your outlook, shoe shopping can either be a dream…or a nightmare. If you have a healthy budget and an open mind, it can be easy to walk into a shoe shop, try something on, and walk out the proud owner of a new pair of heels. However, if your budget is limited and you have a clear idea of what you want, the whole experience of shopping can become a headache you want to avoid. There are alternatives to the stress. If you venture into high street shops like New Look, check their shoes for easy guides to … Read More »


 

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Marie Denee
 
 
 
 

The Clique to Know- the plus size sample sale site | June 20, 2011

Have you ever imagined a Sample Sale site dedicated SOLELY to Plus Sizes? Not a special section, but a site FULL ON in plus size contemporary and high end designers in PLUS SIZES!

Imagine the likes of  Rachel Pally White Label, Arnold Zimberg, Earnest Sewn, Z from Zenobia, Jag Jeans, T-Bags, Rani Zakhem, Kay Unger, Phoebe Couture,Taylor Dresses and Lafayette148 and  Charles David catering to YOU and PLUS SIZE FASHION!

Imagine no more!

Introducing Clique to Know:

Clique To Know is a new members-only flash sales site dedicated to women’s designer fashion, from size 10 and up, at discounted prices. This new sample sale site will sell end-of-season and excess stock from your favorite plus size designers deep discounts- between 50 – … Read More »


 

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Summer Meals: Spiced Butternut Squash | June 20, 2011

 

Photo courtesy of Two Lazy Gourmets

Spiced Butternut Squash

By Robin Donovan and Juliana Gallin, authors of The Lazy Gourmet: Magnificent Meals Made Easy

INGREDIENTS:

2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 – ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon sugar
4 cups (about 1½ pounds) peeled and cubed butternut squash
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Preheat oven to 400°F.

DIRECTIONS:

Mix cumin, coriander, black pepper, cayenne pepper, salt, and sugar in a small dish.

In a large bowl, toss squash with the oil and spice mix until coated. Arrange squash in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet.

Bake in preheated oven, … Read More »


 

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Sausha Knott
 
 
 
 

New Gap Site: Bargaining Online for Clothes | June 20, 2011

Say what you will about their suffering business model, but the Gap has been a leader when it comes to social media and e-commerce promos. In the past few months alone, the brand has launched its own style blog and offered mobile coupons with Visa and Groupon, check-in rewards with Foursquare, and an employee discount with Facebook.

They’ve also survived an aborted logo change, a controversial free jeans giveaway with Facebook Places, and the dismissal of Patrick Robinson, Gap’s creative director for the past four years. As much bad press as they’ve gotten for a strategy that seemingly involves throwing things up and hoping something sticks, there’s something … Read More »


 

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Pulled Pork Sliders with VOGA Pinot Grigio | June 20, 2011

With barbecue pork dishes, try a dry white wine like VOGA Pinot Grigio. It has enough sugar to offset the spiciness of these scrumptious pulled pork sliders.

Pulled Pork Sliders

Ingredients:

1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup ketchup
1/3 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 tbsp sweet paprika
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
3 tsp salt
1 1/4 tsp black pepper
2.5 lbs pork butt, cut into 2 pieces
12 slider buns

Method:

Combine all the ingredients (with the exception the pork butt and the buns) in a slow cooker and mix together with a spoon. Add the 2 pieces of pork and cover the slow cooker. Set for … Read More »


 

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Carol Brodie Presents June Anniversary Rarities Collection | June 17, 2011

Renowned jewelry connoisseur and luxury brand expert Carol Brodie presents Rarities: Fine Jewelry with Carol Brodie, a collection of new designs and reinterpretations of iconic classics that easily integrate into every woman’s wardrobe.

The June anniversary collection features the designs and gemstones that epitomize Rarities style… oversized cocktail rings, wonder woman inspired cuffs, talismans such as hamsa hands, evil eyes and very modern peace signs and a brand new limited edition Rarities diamond and stainless steel Swiss made timepiece, And of course, a new Queen of Diamonds collection featuring Indian Moghul dynasty inspired rings and earrings for women who LOVE the … Read More »


 

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Beth Anderson
 
 
 
 

Great Wines Under $20 | June 17, 2011

The wine market is no longer a confusing maze of bottles and labels thanks to this guided tour led by celebrity wine auctioneer Elyse Luray, who shares with you straightforward advice on selecting the perfect wine on a budget.

Not only will you discover the best white and red wines under $20, but you’ll also find a color-coded index that provides tips on food pairings including beef, chicken, fish, pasta and salad; tips from experts; and even the perfect wineglasses to use for your Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, Shiraz, etc.

Whether you’re browsing your local wine shop or ordering online, Great Wines for … Read More »


 

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Romantic Jewelry by Vatne Designs | June 17, 2011

“Vatne Designs is a unique collection of timeless, romantic jewelry and accessories – and my dream come true,” says designer Neallie Walvatne. “I feel so lucky to be a stay-at-home mom of two fantastic boys while creating sparkly delights for my amazing customers. I handcraft each piece in my home studio in Bellingham, Washington, using only the best materials including Swarovski crystals, rhinestones and pearls.  My jewelry creations have been featured in a dozen blogs over the past 6 months, including The Brides Cafe, Love and Lavender and Best Wedding Sites Magazine.”

“The casual elegance in my jewelry easily takes you … Read More »


 

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Summer Meals: Cold Asparagus and Shrimp Salad | June 17, 2011

 

Photo Courtesy of Two Lazy Gourmets

Cold Asparagus and Shrimp Salad

By: Robin Donovan and Juliana Gallin, authors of The Lazy Gourmet: Magnificent Meals Made Easy

INGREDIENTS:

¼ pounds asparagus, woody ends trimmed and spears sliced into 1½-inch lengths
3 tablespoons lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
¼–½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼–½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 to 2 teaspoons sugar, depending on the sweetness of your lemons
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons thinly sliced red onion
½ pound cooked shrimp
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
⅓ cup toasted pine nuts
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Put asparagus slices in a steamer basket placed inside a pot filled with about an inch of … Read More »


 

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Black & Blue Mojito | June 16, 2011

Black & Blue Mojito

by Kim Haasarud, author of 101 MOJITOS and Other Muddled Drinks

A great summer time Mojito made with Driscoll’s blackberries and blueberries.
2 oz 10 Cane Rum
1 oz lime juice
1 oz simple syrup
3 blackberries
10 blueberries
pinch of mint
Splash of soda water

In a mixing glass, muddle the berries and mint with the lime juice and simple syrup. Add the 10 Cane rum. Top with crushed ice. Add a splash of soda water and stir. Garnish with mint sprig and additional berries.

Kim Haasarud is a James Beard-honored mixologist, author, and beverage consultant.  She is … Read More »