Halloween in May

Now is the perfect time to start thinking about Halloween. You can find many great Halloween stuff on sale online. Also, You can find things in stores now that would fit nicely in your Halloween decor that might not be sold come October. The other day I found a plastic

puma (looks more like a cat) that is going to go perfect with my witch theme. If I would have waited until October to look for a black cat I would have probably ended up with a stuff animal. Currently, I am working on a witch shoe. I will show the progress as I make it.

Demi Moore's Beauty Secrets

One of my favorite ladies in hollywood for being naturally beautiful and absolutely time-less is Demi Moore. After doing some digging, I had no luck finding articles where Demi Moore revealed her beauty secrets. Maybe it's because her biggest secret to looking forever young is her gorgeous husband.

I found one article by Allure Daily Beauty Reporter, where Demi Moore said,
"My skin is very sensitive, so I use only fragrance-free, simple, pure products. And I moisturize, moisturize, moisturize—that’s the most important lesson my mother passed on to me, and I say it to my daughters all the time. No matter how late of a night it is, when I get home, I take the time to clean and moisturize my face. I'm a big believer in that if you focus on good skin care, your skin will be balanced, and then you really won't need a lot of makeup."

I was able to find a great article by NewBeauty Magazine, where Demi Moore revealed three products she cannot live without. The first is Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System, $250, clarisonic.com. The second is The Organic Pharmacy Carrot Butter Cleanser, $64, theorganicpharmacy.com. Finally, RMS Beauty, rmsbeauty.com.

I did the research, so you don't have to. According to their website, Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion is designed to help build skin's resilience over time and prevent future damage around the eyes. By gently tapping the skin around your eye at 125 sonic movements per second, the Opal dispenses specially formulated Anti-Aging Sea Serum, maximizing absorption in a way that's not possible with your finger alone. Skin appears brighter, looks younger, and feels refreshed, energize and immediate reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Carrot Butter Cleanser dissolves grime, dirt, pollution, make up (including eye makeup) in one easy step. Antioxidant Carrot is blended with skin softening Shea and Cocoa Butter to leave the skin incredibly soft and smooth. Chamomile, Rosemary and Lavender soothe and decongest the skin. Warning the product is sold in the UK so shipping will be pricey.

The magazine article did not specify which product Demi Moore uses from RMS Beauty, but according to the website their products are made with organic ingredients. I must research this company more, natural/organic is my beauty philosophy.

The Sparkbook

If you have never heard of a Sparkbook, you are not alone. I've only just recently discovered what it is and I want to share it with all my readers. A Sparkbook helps you keep all your ideas together in one place and organized.

Step 1:
Choose a scrapbook, journal, sketch pad, notebook.

Step 2:
Decorate the book cover and pages by adding fabric, magazine cut-outs, photos, ribbons and stickers.

Step 3:
Create your own tags, if the books isn't already divided into sections. Title the sections, such as Food, Holiday, Party, Crafts, Home Decor, Wedding, etc. Use fabric and glue it to the sides of the pages, write section titles on the fabric. Or use your favorite book markers to divide the sections.

Step 4:
Decorate the pages with your ideas. Keep favorite party recipes, guest lists, scribble down ideas, print ideas from the internet, get ideas from friends or tv, include contact information from your favorite party supply stores.

Step 5:
Keep the sparkbook handy in order to add to it when an idea comes to mind. Use the ideas when needed. Lend the sparkbook to friends when they need ideas for their next party. It is that simple and fun.

Green Beans with Garlic

If I was asked to make a Thanksgiving dinner for my family, my guest would not be happy with the outcome. All I know how to make (that is a traditional Thanksgiving recipe) is mashed potatoes. Just regular butter mashed potatoes. I found a wonderful book called "Thanksgiving Entertaining" by Williams-Sonoma. The book has yummy traditional Thanksgiving recipes.

GREEN BEANS WITH GARLIC (serves 10-12)

Ingredients:
Salt
2 lb (1kg) small, slender green beans, stem ends trimmed
4 tablespoons (2 oz/60 g) unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons minced fresh tarragon, or 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
Freshly ground pepper
3 oz (90-g) piece Parmesan or Grana Padano cheese cut into shavings with a vegetable peeler (about 3/4 cup)

Trim the stem ends of the beans in advance and have the beans ready for quick cooking. You may also blanch the beans ahead and saute them with the garlic just before serving. Parmesan curls add a nutty flavor.

Have ready a large bowl of ice water. Bring a large pot 3/4 full of water to a boil. Salt the water, add the green beans, and cook them until tender-crisp, 4-5 minutes. Drain the beans, transfer immediately to the ice water, and let cool for 1 minute. Drain again and pat dry.

In a large frying pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, just until pale gold 2-3 minutes. Add the beans and tarragon and toss to coat with the garlic butter. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover partially and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beans are heated through, 3-4 minutes. Top with Parmesan shavings just before serving. Serve hot.

Lilly Pulitzer Bridal Shower

I can't get enough of Lilly Pulitzer so there is no surprise that when I saw this LP themed bridal shower I was instantly in love. You can check out the beautiful photos at www.creatingcoutureparties.com.

Summer Read

I found a great summer book that I wanted to share with everyone. If you love reading chick lit and you absolutely love cupcakes than you will love The Icing on the Cupcake. The story is beautifully written and very entertaining. The book has a few different great delicious cupcake recipes inside. For example, one cupcake recipe is called Going Nuts for Coconut. If I wasn't currently moving and all my baking supplies weren't packed I would make the cupcakes as I read the book. Great delicious book worth reading.

Doggie Art

Ever thought about having a portrait made of your dog? Pet art is becoming very popular, I see it everywhere now. I have been into dog paintings for years now. I particularly follow local artists. There was one particular artist who's dog paintings I use to love because her art is very unique. However, now that more and more artist are painting our furry friends my taste has evolved. I use to love cartoonish doggie art but now I am more into realistic doggie paintings.

I found a local artist who's paintings are beautiful and colorful. She sells prints of dogs she has already painted or she can paint your dog upon request. Visit her website and see her art, I am sure you will love her paintings.

www.tiffanybeasi.com