Lily Lemontree

What She Said.....Audrey Hepburn

2012-02-09T10:13:00.000-05:00

"The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides."

Audrey Hepburn

1929-1993

The Lovely Ones: Lana Turner

2012-02-08T10:16:00.000-05:00

Lana Turner

(Julia Jean Turner)

1921-1995

Did you know....

1. She was born on February 8, 1921 in Wallace, Idaho

2. She was nicknamed 'The Sweater Girl' due to the form fitting garments she wore in films showcasing her famous curves.

3. She was 'discovered' at 16 sipping a Coke at a drug store on Sunset Boulevard, The Top Hat Cafe by the publisher of The Hollywood Reporter.

4. In 1958, she was involved in a very high profile scandal when her daughter, Cheryl Crane stabbed to death her then-boyfriend Johnny Stompanato in the midst of a violent fight between Lana and Johnny. Cheryl believed her mother to be in danger and grabbed a kitchen knife before running up to Lana's bedroom to save her. The murder was deemed a 'justifiable homicide' by a coroner's inquest although many theories have continued to circulate as to what really happened that night.

5. She was married 8 times to 7 different husbands and never stayed married for longer than 5 years.

Chic this Week: Best in Show for January 29-February 4, 2012

2012-02-06T01:22:00.001-05:00

Who is your choice for best dressed?

Don't forget to scroll below and vote!

Emily Blunt
In Oscar de la Renta
(sandals by Jimmy Choo, clutch by Swarovski)
At the 2012 Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles, California

Keira Knightley
In Burberry Prorsum
(ring and clutch by Chanel)
At the 'A Dangerous Method' premiere in London, England

Emmy Rossum
At the Lucky Magazine Party at Soho House in West Hollywood, California

Rachel McAdams
(ring by H. Stern, pumps by Jimmy Choo)
At the Journey 2: The Mysterious Island premiere in Los Angeles, California

Dianna Agron
In Carolina Herrera
(sandals by Jimmy Choo, jewellery by Fred Leighton)
At the 2012 Screen Actors Guild Awards in Hollywood, California

Emma Stone
In Alexander McQueen
(peep-toes heels and clutch by Alexander McQueen)
At the 2012 Screen Actors Guild Awards in Hollywood, California

Cate Blanchett
In Alexander McQueen
At the 2012 AACTA Awards in Sydney, Australia

Naomi Watts
In Stella McCartney
(clutch and sandals by Stella McCartney)
At a 'Jacobs Creek' Cool Harvest wine promotion in Sidney, Australia

Rooney Mara
In Louis Vuitton
(sandals by Giambattista Valli)
At the 27th Annual Santa Barbara Film Festival in Santa Baraba, California

In the Charming Kitchen: Baked Jalapeno Poppers

2012-02-04T16:47:00.000-05:00

Excitement for the Super Bowl this weekend has hit just about everyone I know and although I am not the biggest football fan, I can't escape the sporting hoopla. Mr. Lemontree and his friends will be gathering at our home on Sunday to cheer on their team and he has so kindly given me carte blanche with the menu and party prep! Truth be told, it's not like he would have needed to ask me twice, I love Super Bowl parties! It's easy peasy entertaining at its finest. A simple menu, minimal decorations, buffet-style set-up, add are a few avid football fans and voila, you are ready to roll.
Jalapeno poppers happen to be one of my Super Bowl party specialities. I was reprimanded one year when I had left them off the menu in exchange for a new dish and I have never been so foolish as to leave them out again.

Baked Jalapeno Poppers

1/3 cup whipped cream cheese

1/3 cup part-skim ricotta cheese

1/2 cup (packed) grated Monterey Jack Cheese (2 ounces)

2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

12 medium fresh jalapeño peppers, halved lengthwise, seeded and de-veined

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt, divided

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided

1 large egg

2 tablespoons water

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

pinch cayenne pepper
4 slices whole-wheat sandwich bread (for breadcrumb mixture)

You can use store bought bread crumbs if you are so inclined but I like to prepare them myself like the recipe suggests with the sliced sandwich bread ends that usually get tossed anyways.
Place the 4 slices of bread in a food processor and process until fine crumbs form, 25 to 30 seconds. Place the crumbs on a baking sheet, spreading them evenly. Bake until golden brown in a pre-heated 350 degree F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes.

Now onto the poppers!

This particular recipe which I spied on Recipe Girl (the original recipe can be found in a delightful book aptly named Comfort Food Fix by Ellie Krieger ) suggests halving the jalapenos and working with the halved pieces. On some occasions I have also cut the tops off, de-seed the peppers, filled them with the mixture squeezed through a piping bag and re-attached the tops using a little bit of the filling mixture as a form of glue before breading them but I suggest if this is your first go at Poppers to follow the instructions below.

image via Recipe Girl

Prepare the jalapenos by splitting them vertically and removing all seeds and tiny membranes, if any. (I will add a word of caution here since working with peppers can be a little tricky. I like to wear surgical gloves when I am touching anything this hot. I have learned my lesson after a few too many instances of touching my face and eyes with what I thought were clean hands and practically burning my retinas!)

Spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray. In a small bowl, stir together the cheeses and parsley. Fill each jalapeño half with 2 teaspoons of the cheese mixture.

On a plate, combine the flour, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of the black pepper. In a small bowl, beat together the egg and the water together to make an egg wash. On another plate, combine 1 cup of the bread crumbs, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, the remaining 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, the paprika, garlic powder and cayenne pepper.

Dip each jalapeño half in the flour mix, shaking off the excess, then in the egg wash, and finally in the bread crumb mixture, shaking off the excess again.

Place the coated jalapeños, cut-side-up, onto the prepared baking sheet and spray lightly to coat with cooking spray. Bake until golden brown and crisp and the cheese has melted, about 30 minutes.

(original recipe via Comfort Food Fix by Ellie Krieger)

Do you have a signature dish you reserve for Super Bowl parties or tailgates?
We would love to hear what you have cooking for this weekend!

Profiles In Style With.....Jill MacLachlan (Tea With The Vintage Baroness)

2012-02-03T07:33:00.002-05:00

It's no secret that I am a lover of all things vintage so it should come as no surprise that I was instantly smitten with the lovely Jill MacLachlan, ardent vintage fashion blogger and her delightful blog, Tea With The Vintage Baroness.

While vintage dressing is not part of my daily routine as it is for Jill (who has definitely mastered the art of dressing vintage like a sophisticated belle of another era), I find I am endlessly inspired by the fab outfits she models for her readers on a daily basis. If rousing the vintage lover in all of us wasn't enough, she also happens to be the chic proprietress of Adeline’s Attic Vintage, an online vintage clothing shop on Etsy, a definite must-visit for anyone who loves to uncover stunning vintage treasures!

I have always been fascinated with ladies and gents who walk the chic line of dressing vintage with such finesse so you can imagine how tickled pink I was when Jill agreed to share a few of her style secrets with us!

Click on any of the links above to connect with Jill and follow along on Twitter and Tumblr!

How do you describe your personal style: To borrow from the title of the 1938 Ginger Rogers movie I’m a Vintage loving “Vivacious Lady”: I like well tailored, high quality garments that are elegant but with whimsical or charmingly cute details, like bows, dots, and plaid.

Style Icon(s): I must say that, these days, my style icons all hail from the 1930s. I think the anonymous women in 30s knitting pattern books, fashion magazines, pattern illustrations exude an effortless grace and elegance that I admire. As for specific icons, Jean Harlow is one of my favourites. She looked just as fantastic in casual wear as her famous "painted on" gowns. Myrna Loy’s style on-screen and off in the 30s also inspires me and I have a perpetual style crush on Renee Perle, photographic muse of Jacques Henri Lartigue. Of course, I’m constantly inspired by the innovative styles of my fellow vintage fashion bloggers, too!

Modern day style crush: Carey Mulligan!

Go-to outfit: When I want to feel my snazziest self, I put on my favourite red 30s crepe rayon dress with cream ruffle flourish. I love that I can slip it on in a wink, and feel instantly, effortlessly chic and unique.

Accessory you can’t live without: Sunglasses!

Current Weekend Uniform: If I’m lounging about the house, I’m usually wearing one of my early 30s lounging pajama sets. Otherwise, I’m pretty physically active on the weekends, so I often wear Lululemon active wear when I’m on the trails hiking or walking the dog.

Signature Scent: Unfortunately, my scent choices are limited by allergies/sensitivity to strong perfumes. For special occasions, I do love to wear Chanel Allure: I have this special bottle my beloved grandfather bought for me over ten years ago and there’s still some left in it (shows you how sparingly I use scents)! Otherwise, I regularly wear Bobbi Brown’s “Beach.” It reminds me of time spent in Hawaii. I spritz that scent on all year long when I feel the winter blahs encroaching!

Most coveted item in your wardrobe: I’m not sure what other people covet of mine (maybe one of the pieces in my 30s knit/crochet wear collection, such as a crocheted evening gown?). I’m pretty in love with this amazing 30s plaid coat I bought last fall.

Must-have beauty/grooming essential: Bobbi Brown’s lip balm. This stuff even works wonders on cracked cuticles or pesky flyaway hairs in a pinch!

Best beauty/grooming advice you have ever heard: Don’t obsess about the size numbers on a garment’s tags. Worry about ideal fit, not squeezing into a particular dress size. Clothing that is too small will rarely look as good on you as clothing that is the right size for YOU.

You can never have too many: 1930s dresses!!!

Style “Don’t”/Pet Peeve: I really don’t like that people tend not to dress differently (or appropriately) to suit different contexts or occasions. A morbid example: I passed a group of mourners outside the local funeral home recently and admit I was mortified to see a majority of wearers in bright coloured miniskirts, Lycra yoga pants, and shorts. The scene just seemed “wrong” somehow. In general, I find really short skirts and shorts to be “don’ts” in most contexts (outside nightclubs or the beach), but I’m probably a fuddy-duddy that way.

Favourite style era: 1930s!!!!

Trend you could do without: I’m not a fan of the recent tendency towards dress hemlines well above the knee, but I particularly dislike the fact that most garments now labelled as “dresses” are a length I consider to be more akin to the length of a tunic top. I just don’t find that length to be particularly flattering or functional on a majority of women.

What will never go out of style: Dressing to suit your own body, lifestyle, and tastes.

East coast or West coast: Well, I lived on the West Coast of Canada for a decade, and now I live in “Eastern Canada,” outside Toronto, so I think both have a lot to offer, but, in the end, I must concede I love the East coast more. I love having four seasons, not only because autumnal scenes with vibrant falling leaves are my favourite, but such seasons give one the opportunity to wear awesome tweed and plaid outerwear that one just can’t wear most of the time on the soggy Canadian West Coast.

Currently obsessed with: berets: sweater coats, red plaid dresses in The Portland Collection for Pendleton

Favorite night out: Casa Loma’s Big Band Dance nights or dinner on the patio at the Palais Royale during the summer.

Favorite city/vacation destination: Paris will always hold my heart and imagination, but I’ve fallen deeply in love with Toronto and savour every minute of weekend jaunts there. I still dream of doing a foodie tour across Italy, though.

Never travel without: Your own functioning earbuds/headphones

Favorite websites: Etsy, eBay, L’Officiel online archives.

Favorite film: The Thin Man, due to the fashions, the witty banter, William Powell

Favorite quote: “Life is not a having and a getting, but a being and a becoming.” Myrna Loy

Always searching for the perfect: black trousers and dark jeans (so hard to find ones with the perfect rise and leg width/cut)

Greatest extravagance hanging in your closet/wardrobe: 1930s bias cut gown with sequined capelet collar. Swoon!

Never leave home without: looking in a full length mirror!!

Signature cocktail: A gin + grapefruit juice cocktail known as a Greyhound

Go-to gift: a nice bottle of wine (esp. from a local winery) or home-baked goodies (I make some pretty great cupcakes and apple crumble)

On my iPod: Al Bowlly, Austra, Janet Klein, Florence + the Machine and most things in between!

Currently reading: Harlow in Hollywood; Anthony Bourdain’s Medium Raw

Ultimate luxury splurge: A trip to LA for the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles’s weekender on the Queen Mary

Describe your home in one word: historical

Dream dinner guest: Amelia Earhart

What inspires you: 1930s black and white fashion photography, particularly the work of George Hoyningen-Huene depicting early 30s fashions of the likes of Jean Patou, Chanel, Lucien Lelong, etc.; time spent at the lake or in the mountains; knowing people who, despite advancing age and/or tragedy and/or hardship, continually embrace life with optimism, vitality, and open hearts and minds.

Hobby/pastime you could not live without: vintage fashion blogging (and tweeting!)

It wouldn’t be ‘my’ party without: A multi-course meal (with as much of it prepped ahead as possible): Wine and Italian/Mediterranean antipasti and tapas platters, caprese salad, dolmades, a good crusty French baguette, olives, robust cheeses. Gnocchi, ravioli in browned butter w. basil and pinenuts, or a mushroom risotto. Gelato, cannolis, tiramisu, baklava. These are best enjoyed with some Edith Piaf, Django Reinhardt, Rat Pack in the background.

Life would be grand if I could start every day....in Jean Harlow-esque peignoirs, best worn in a boudoir like the one her character inhabits in the movie, Dinner at Eight!!

If I could bring back one thing it would be....HATS worn daily by men and women.

Stranded on a desert island, what 5 things could you not live without: the ability to connect to the Internet, the ability to listen to Al Bowlly music, my vintage clothing!!!!, my little kit with hair freshening powder, tweezers, moisturizers, my Fred & Ginger movie DVD box set (and ability to watch)

Why Don’t You...Face the music and DANCE! Seriously: signing up for ballroom dancing has been the best thing I’ve done in a long time.

1. Carey Mulligan 2. Jean Harlow in Dinner at Eight 3. Amelia Earhart

4. Harlow in Hollywood 5. Jacques Henri Lartigue and his muse Renee Perle

6. Paris, France 7. Astaire & Rogers Ultimate Collector's Edition 8. Palais Royale

9. Bobbi Brown's Beach 10. The Thin Man (William Powell and Myrna Loy) 11. the perfect Greyhound

On the Cover: Gwyneth Paltrow at Harper's Bazaar

2012-02-02T07:44:00.000-05:00

One of our favorite girl crushes around here, Gwyneth Paltrow, brought the glam to her recent cover shoot for Harper's Bazaar (March 2012).

Of course it wouldn't be right if Ms. Paltrow didn't impart some of her wisdom with us, her interview is not to be missed if you are a fan!

On aging and the Botox dilemma:

"I'll take my wrinkles," she says. "I don't like the Botox thing." But she does enjoy sunshine for the vitamin D, despite "my dermatologist yelling at me." (She admits to "little things, like lasers" and regular facials, often with the London-based Vaishaly Patel.)

On her seasonal 12 week detox routine:

"I have a lot of inflammation in my system, so I'm not having anything I'm allergic to—no gluten, no dairy, no sugar." The trigger for these seasonal detox sessions, she says, is recognizing her physical symptoms: "I'll wake up exhausted; I can feel my adrenal cortex being really high. When I get into bed, my heart will pound, my skin won't be good, I'll feel cranky, and then I'll just know it's time."

On her family taking priority over her career and some advice she recently gave a celebrity friend:

"I have little kids in school. I want to maintain my marriage and my family, so I have to be here when he comes home." Hence her recent advice to a girlfriend (who remains tantalizingly unnamed): "She is an actress and in a new relationship with someone else with a big career, and I said this may not be feminist, but you have to compromise. It's been all about you and you're a big deal. And if you want what you're saying you want—a family—you have to be a wife, and that is part of the equation. Gloria Steinem may string me up by my toes, but all I can do is my best, and I can do only what works for me and my family."

Pop over and visit with Harper's Bazaar for the full interview!

images via Harper's Bazaar UK (March 2012) and Terry Richardson

Notable Notes-02/01

2012-02-01T13:00:00.003-05:00

Grand Central Station, circa 1913

On this day in...

1896 - Puccini's opera "La Boheme" premiered in Turin.

1902 - Langston Hughes, the American poet and prominent figure of the Harlem Renaissance , was born

1913 - Grand Central Terminal (also known as Grand Central Station) opened in New York City, NY. It was the largest train station in the world.

1930 - The Times published its first crossword puzzle.

1956 - The Rock and Roll Ice Revue opened at the Roxy Theater in New York City.

1982 - "Late Night" with David Letterman premiered on NBC TV.

The Lovely Ones: Clark Gable

2012-02-01T07:36:00.001-05:00

William Clark Gable

1901-1960

Did You Know...

1. He was born on February 1, 1901 in Cadiz, Ohio.

2. He enlisted in the army in 1942, in honor of his late wife, Carole Lombard, who had been killed in a plane crash while on tour selling war bonds earlier that year.

3. He was petrified of flying, and chose to take the train when he had to travel across America.

4. He was a voracious reader even though he was diagnosed dyslexic as a student.

5. In 1935, he fathered a daughter, actress Judy Lewis, during his affair with actress Loretta Young. Although, he knew Judy was his daughter (she looked exactly like him), he never publicly acknowledged that she was his daughter at the request of Loretta Young.

6. He married twice more after the death of Carole Lombard (five times in total) but at his request, was buried beside her, the one true love of his life, in the Great Mausoleum at Forest Lawn, Glendale, California.

The Wishlist: Paul & Joe's 'Galicie' top

2012-01-31T13:30:00.000-05:00

Spring and warmer weather is always on my mind at this time of the year and if this fab piece from Paul & Joe doesn't scream blue skies and fresh air, I don't know what does! The deliciously golden background caught my eye immediately but it was the flower print, reminiscent of a work of art, that stole my heart!

Have the new spring looks tickled your fancy yet or are you still cuddling up to your 'woolies' and fair isles??

Find it here!

images via Net-A-Porter

The Lovely Ones: Jean Simmons

2012-01-31T07:03:00.006-05:00

Jean Merilyn Simmons

1929-2010

Did you know...

1. She was born on January 31, 1929 in Crouch End, London, England.

2. She was made an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) for her acting service in the 2003 New Year Honours List.

3. Her father, Charles Simmons, was a gold medal winner in gymnastics for England at the 1912 Summer Olympics.

4. She appeared on the cover of Time magazine in 1948 after her stellar performance in 'Hamlet'(1948), starring opposite Sir Laurence Olivier.

5. She named her children, Tracy Granger and Kate Brooks, after two of her closest friends, Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn.

Chic this Week: Best in Show for January 22-28, 2012

2012-01-30T01:36:00.001-05:00

Who is your choice for best dressed this week?

Don't forget to scroll below and vote!

Diane Kruger

In Versace

(belt by Versace, strappy Mary Janes by Versus)

At the Versace Spring/Summer 2012 fashion show in Paris, France

Kirsten Dunst
In Roland Mouret
(fur-trimmed jacket by Derek Lam, clutch and ankle boots by Chloe)
At the Sundance Film Festival screening of 'Bachelorette' in Park City, Utah

Cameron Diaz

In Christian Dior

(sandals by Giuseppe Zanotti)

At the Christian Dior Haute Couture fashion show in Paris, France

Elizabeth Banks

In Emilio Pucci

(sandals by Christian Louboutin, clutch by Jimmy Choo)

At the 'Man On The Ledge' premiere in Los Angeles, California

Mandy Moore
In Lela Rose
(clutch by Kotur)
At the Gay and Lesbian Center Benefit Gala in Los Angeles, California

Berenice Bejo
At the 2012 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards in West Hollywood, California.

Cate Blanchett
In Louis Vuitton
(peep-toe platforms and pochette clutch by Louis Vuitton)
At the Maison Louis Vuitton Roma Etoile cocktail party in Rome, Italy

Links for a Life Well Lived-01/28

2012-01-28T07:46:00.001-05:00

The weekend couldn't have come soon enough!

Physical exhaustion after the extended holiday marathon, horribly grey and cold days this week and of course the realization that there are still at least 2 months left of winter and you can imagine the state I was in this afternoon.

Truth be told, I had even forgotten that it was Friday (not quite sure what day I thought it was for most of the afternoon!)

That was, until my husband came in after work with his 'end of the week' bouquet of fresh flowers for yours truly! Yes my friends, for the last 10 years my adorable significant other has never let a Friday go by without greeting the weekend, and me, with a shot of flowery delight.
One sniff of the charming posies and I shook off the January blahs in an instant!

Three cheers for the weekend!!

Planning my Sunday morning breakfast around these Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts ~ The Novice Chef

Wise words from the one and only Ines de la Fressange ~ Into The Gloss

Treat your Super Bowlers with these football brownies ~ The Party Dress

The ABC's of going 'au naturale' ~ Mrs. Lilien

A peek into Jennifer Aniston's new Bel Air home! ~ Hooked on Houses

The Lovely Ones: Charlene, Princess of Monaco

2012-01-25T07:23:00.002-05:00

(Charlene Lynette Wittstock)

Did you know....

1. She was born on January 25, 1978 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

2. She was a member of the women's 4x100 medley South African swim team at the 2000 Summer Olympics.

3. She married the reigning Prince Albert of Monaco on July 1, 2011 and became Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco, a title last held by her late mother-in-law, Princess Grace.

4. In 2011, she became the global ambassador for the Special Olympics.
5. She was named on Vanity Fair's Best Dressed List in 2011.

Chic this Week: Best in Show for January 15-21, 2012

2012-01-23T01:41:00.000-05:00

Who is your choice for best dressed?

Don't forget to scroll below and vote!

Viola Davis

In Herve L. Leroux

At 2012 Producers Guild Awards in Beverly Hills, California

Kate Bosworth

In Antonio Berardi

(pumps by Casadei, clutch by JewelMint)

At 'Black Rock' premiere at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah

Charlize Theron

In Stella McCartney
(clutch by Bottega Veneta)

At the BAFTA Annual Awards Season Tea Party in Beverly Hills, California

Jessica Alba

In Chanel

(jewellery by Chanel)

At the Chanel “Numeros Prives” exhibition opening night at Wynn Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada

Kyra Sedgwick

In Reed Krakoff

(clutch and sandals by Reed Krakoff)

At the 'Man On A Ledge' premiere in NYC, New York

Ali Larter

In Valentino
(peep-toes by Christian Louboutin)

At W Magazine's 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards Celebration in Los Angeles, California

Ellie Kemper

In Martin Kemp

At the 2012 Producers Guild Awards in Beverly Hills, California

Michelle Williams

In Victoria Beckham

At the BAFTA Annual Awards Season Tea Party In Beverly Hills, California

Emmy Rossum
In Georges Hobeika
(pumps by Salvatore Ferragamo, earrings by Chopard)
At W Magazine's 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards Celebration in Los Angeles, California

The Lovely Ones: Ines de la Fressange

2012-01-21T07:44:00.005-05:00

Inès Marie Lætitia Églantine Isaelle de Seignard de La Fressange

Did you know...

1. She is best friends with Princess Caroline of Monaco

2. In the 1980's she was muse to Karl Lagerfeld

3. Grew up in an 18th century mill outside of Paris

4. Is of French and Argentinian descent

5. Was named to Vanity Fair's International Best Dressed List (Hall of Fame) in 1998

In the Charming Kitchen: Paula Deen's Southern Deviled Eggs

2012-01-19T13:50:00.000-05:00

Today's post was already scheduled for this week but was updated yesterday to include a little personal rant that hopefully you won't mind too much!

Why in the world has everyone pounced on Paula Deen all of a sudden?? Fans and detractors alike have torn into the southern lady like bees on honey and I am not sure why. Is it because we didn't know that all those foods Ms. Deen is famous for might not be the meals to base an entire diet on? Or is it that we have mistaken her for our doctors and our self-regulating instincts instead of who she is, a chef and an entertainer.
As an occasional viewer of her program, I am almost positive that she never once uttered the words 'eat like this morning, noon and night and you will be as healthy as a horse and live forever'. I have heard it said that 'she is on television and therefore is a role model for the people who watch her and emulate her, she is basically killing her viewers with her recipes'. Funny though that we seem to have so much less to say about the Snooki's, the Housewives of Whatever County and the rest of that ilk, who are also on television and their damaging roles in shaping our society but let's lash out at the lady who slips some extra butter into her biscuits.
No my friends, if we have anyone to blame for what befalls our health and well-being, it is ourselves and no one else. I believe that the key to good health and a life well lived, especially when we are talking culinary delights, is very simple- everything in balance and moderation. Let's take ownership and responsibility of our own bodies and stop blaming everyone else for what happens to us.

Okay I'm done, personal rant over.

Below is one of my go-to recipes for any get-together and they are definitely on tap for a little cocktail party I have planned for the weekend.

Simple to make and perfect to serve while your guests are mingling, deviled eggs are just the touch of retro any soiree could use!

Paula Deen's Southern Deviled Eggs

7 large eggs, hard boiled and peeled

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 1/2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish

1 teaspoon prepared mustard

Salt and pepper, for taste

Paprika, for garnishing

Sweet gherkin pickles sliced, for garnishing

Pimentos, for garnishing

Halve 7 eggs lengthwise. Remove yolks and place in a small bowl.

Mash yolks with a fork and stir in mayonnaise, pickle relish, and mustard. Add salt and pepper, to taste.

Fill egg whites evenly with yolk mixture. Garnish with paprika, pickles and pimentos. Store covered in refrigerator.

recipe via Paula Deen

What She Said.....Ida Scott Taylor

2012-01-18T07:44:00.002-05:00

“Do not look back and grieve over the past, for it is gone;

and do not be troubled about the future, for it has yet to come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering.”

Ida Scott Taylor

Chic this Week: Best in Show for January 8-14, 2012

2012-01-15T01:39:00.005-05:00

Who is your choice for best dressed this week?

Don't forget to scroll down and vote!

Emmy Rossum

In Ralph Lauren

(clutch and vintage jewellery by Ralph Lauren, strappy sandals by Jesilla)

At the 'Shameless' season 2 premiere in Los Angeles, California

Viola Davis
In Ports 1961
(clutch by Kara Ross, peep-toe pumps by Shana Davis, cuff by Alexis Bittar)
At the Golden Globes Week 2012 Kick Off party in

Michelle Williams
In Versace
At the InStyle Golden Globes event in Beverly Hills, California

Emily Blunt

In Marios Schwab

(clutch by Marchesa, jewellery by Dana Rebecca Designs, heels by Christian Louboutin)

At the 'Salmon Fishing In The Yemen' premiere at the Palm Springs International Film Festival in Palm Springs, California

Ginnifer Goodwin
In Roksanda Illincic
(heels by Jimmy Choo, earrings by Van Cleef & Arpels)
At the 2012 People's Choice Awards in Los Angeles, California

Charlize Theron

In Reed Krakoff
(strappy sandals by Christian Louboutin, clutch by Lanvin)

At the Palm Springs International Film Festival 'Indie Impact Award Brunch' in Palm Springs, California

Julie Bowen
In Naeem Khan
At the Audi And Martin Katz Kick Off Golden Globes Week 2012 in Hollywood, California

Jayma Mays
In Burberry Prorsum
(clutch by Ruthie Davis, strappy sandals by Burberry Prorsum)
At the 2012 Winter TCA Fox All Star Party

Claire Danes
In Donna Karan
(earrings by Pomellato)
At the 2012 AFI Awards in Los Angeles, California

Jennifer Morrison

In Bill Blass

At the TCA Winter Press Tour in Pasadena, California

The Lovely Ones: Sophia Loren

2012-01-14T00:14:00.013-05:00

Sophia Loren

(Sofia Villani Scicolone)

Style at the 2012 Critics' Choice Awards

2012-01-13T07:28:00.002-05:00

Who is your pick for best dressed at the 17th Annual Critics Choice Awards?

Berenice Bejo

In Elie Saab

Emma Stone

In Jason Wu

Elle Fanning

In Rodarte

Busy Phillips
In Antonio Berardi

Tilda Swinton

In Yves St. Laurent

Diane Kruger

In Prada

Jessica Chastain

In Balenciaga

Kirsten Dunst

In Christian Dior

Viola Davis

In Raoul

Shailene Woodley

In Calvin Klein

Evan Rachel Wood

In Valentino

(my personal favorite!)

Michelle Williams

In Chanel

Charlize Theron

In Azzedine Alaia

Melissa McCarthy

In David Meister

Elizabeth Olsen

In Pucci

Chloe Moretz

In Chanel

Let's Celebrate: A Belated National Hot Toddy Day!

2012-01-12T07:33:00.026-05:00

Yesterday was National Hot Toddy Day and while we had every intention of celebrating the day with a proper post, Blogger had other ideas. As of Tuesday morning, all of the blogs images (and I mean ALL!) had disappeared and the posts that were scheduled for this week joined them in a virtual abyss.

We are hot on the trail of our images and while many have been restored, there is a slew of pics (over 1000 to go!) that we must replace. You can understand why we just couldn't bring ourselves to entertain such a fun celebration yesterday.

But today is another day and it must be started properly!

To celebrate a belated National Hot Toddy Day, brew up your favorite version of the hot toddy, which happens to originally hail from Scotland (via India) and toast the day!

There are a slew of variations to the original hot toddy recipe including those with tea, coffee, cocoa and cider but I can never get enough of this bourbon infused delight which never leaves my side when I need a little heat!

Let's mix up one of these lovelies and enjoy!

Kentucky Toddy

1-1/2 ounces Kentucky Bourbon

1 slice lemon

1 lump sugar

4 ounces boiling water

ground nutmeg

ground cloves

cinnamon stick

Combine bourbon, lemon, sugar and boiling water in a mug.

Sprinkle with nutmeg and cloves; stir with cinnamon stick.

The Lovely Ones: Anita Ekberg

2012-01-07T07:45:00.001-05:00

Anita Ekberg

(Kerstin Anita Marianne Ekberg)

A Life Well Lived in January

2012-01-05T07:41:00.009-05:00

1. Enjoy all the outdoor wonders that winter has to offer (and work off the holiday pudge!) by sharpening up the figure skates and heading to your local rink or community centre for a few figure eights!

2. Winter hibernation is the perfect excuse to lay low and nestle into your favorite spot with a good book like Rules of Civility: A Novel or The Secret Lives of Dresses

3. With Christmas lights packed away for another year and the sun starting to set just before most of us leave from work, it's easy to find your home dark and dreary this month. Brighten up the dark spots in your home with bright white Calla Lilies, one of the official flowers for the month.

4. No need to forsake your chic self just to fight off winter's frigid grip! A warm sweater in a cheery color and a comfy pair of boyfriend jeans gets taken to the next level with fab accessories!

(Ralph Lauren Black Label Cashmere sweater, Sorel 'Joan of Arctic' snow boots, Topshop Cable beanie, ribbed fingerless gloves)

5. Nothing warms the body and soul like a kitchen buzzing with fudgey goodness! Lift your New Year's ban on sweet treats and spend the afternoon whipping up a batch of good old fashioned fudge with this simply delicious recipe.

6. It's never too late to say thank you but if you haven't already, you are coming pretty close! Gather up your 'appreciation' essentials (address lists, stamps, some pretty cards/stationery) and spend an afternoon saying thanks to anyone who made your holiday season extra special. Let your Aunt Becky know just how much you loved your Christmas/Hanukkah present or express your appreciation for a fabulous evening to your New Year's Eve hostess.

7. Winter's cold temperatures and dry air wreak havoc on your skin, especially your hands. Take the time every week to treat yourself to a soothing manicure (at home or at the salon) and while your at it, don't forget those tender tootsies. Feet get the raw end of the deal during the winter months, being hidden away in woollen socks and heavy snow boots, often left to their own devices until flip-flop season starts to rear its head. Treat them with a luxuriant moisturizer and brighten the toes with a deliciously bright polish!

The Cocktail Hour: Mexican Hot Chocolate

2012-01-04T07:47:00.004-05:00

A bit of a cold snap has blown through southern Ontario (to put it mildly!). They say it is just passing through but I will believe it when I see it and feel it! Until then I will keep myself toasty warm curled up by the fire with a trusty pair of softer than silk cashmere socks, a luxurious faux fur throw I happened to find under the Christmas tree last week and a mug of this kicked up hot chocolate sent straight from heaven!
Bring it on Mother Nature!

Mexican Hot Chocolate

2 cups reduced-fat evaporated milk

½ cup whole milk

½ cup chocolate liqueur

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ cup sugar

1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa

1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ tsp ancho chile powder (plus a few pinches for garnish)

2 cinnamon sticks

1 dried red chile

2 ½ oz. bittersweet chocolate, in pieces (plus shavings for garnish)

¼ cup heavy whipping cream

Whipped cream, for garnish

Whisk both milks, liqueur, vanilla, sugar, cocoa, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and chile powder in a heavy saucepan. Add 2 cinnamon sticks and chile, and heat until warm. Add chocolate, whisking until melted. Gently bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until liquid thickens and reduces slightly, whisking often, 10 minutes. Combine cream with remaining ½ teaspoon cinnamon; beat until peaks form. Ladle cocoa into cups (avoiding the cinnamon sticks and whole chile!). Top with whipped cream; garnish with chile powder and shavings.

A Grand Welcome to 2012!

2012-01-01T01:27:00.001-05:00

Wishing all our friends and readers a very Happy New Year!!

Lily Lemontree

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