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Book Club Monday

posted on : October 23, 2017 posted by : nicolesteinthal 0 Comment

I absolutely love this week’s Book Club Monday choice, The Party by Elizabeth Day.  This psychological thriller is just what we need to add to our Fall reading list.  The story goes like this:

A taut psychological tale of obsession and betrayal set over the course of a dinner party, THE PARTY tells the story of two married couples who, in a single evening, will come to question everything they thought they knew about each other, as the long-buried secret at the heart of their friendship comes to the surface, culminating in an explosive act of violence.



Ben, who hails from old money, and Martin, who grew up poor but is slowly carving out a successful career as an art critic, have been inseparable since childhood. Ben’s wife Serena likes to jokingly refer to Martin as Ben’s dutiful Little Shadow.


Lucy is a devoted wife to Martin, even as she knows she’ll always be second best to his sacred friendship. When Ben throws a lavish 40th birthday party as his new palatial country home, Martin and Lucy attend, mixing with the very upper echelons of London society.



But why, the next morning, is Martin in a police station being interviewed about the events of last night? Why is Lucy being forced to answer questions about his husband and his past? What exactly happened at the party? And what has bound these two very different men together for so many years?



A cleverly built tour of intrigue, THE PARTY reads like a novelistic board game of Clue, taking us through the various half-truths and lies its characters weave, as the past and present collide in a way that its protagonists could never have anticipated. – Amazon.com



For more information or to purchase this book, click HERE.

image amazon.com

General

My Adventure with Microblading

posted on : October 20, 2017 posted by : nicolesteinthal 0 Comment
I have been noticing a trend with eyebrows…Everyone seems to have these perfectly shaped brows.  I mean perfect arch, not a hair out of place, full natural looking eyebrows.  I had to investigate.  I met Leila, the eyebrow expert.  She told me about a procedure that she does called Mircoblading, for perfect semi-permanent eyebrows.  The only maintenance, once it is done, is to come see her once a year for a “touch up”.  Here is what I researched about the microblading process:

You can have the most natural look with semi permanent makeup, the procedure is done using a cosmetic microblading process, creating hair like strokes that look completely natural using finest cosmetic pigments, customized with a variety of colors to suit any client. 

This technique is a process that may be used to improve or create eyebrow definition, to cover gaps , scars or may be used as a full reconstruction if the brows have little/no hair. 



So off I went to my appointment with Leila.  She was quite impressive and really knew her stuff.  I have to admit I was not 100% sure what I was getting my self into.  Once the numbing cream when on, I did start to panic.  However, Leila was perfect..REALLY, she talked me through each of the steps so I knew what to expect.  Basically she draws the desired shape and exact measurement of your “new” perfect brows according to the shape your face and facial bone structure.  She then draws hair strokes or “feathers” inside the brow line and inserts micropigments to compliment your hair and skin color. Overall the pain was minimal and the results were fabulous. The first couple of days, my eyebrows were dark but that is the pigment settling into your skin and during the healing process (about 10 days) they fade to the natural color.  The aftercare is really important but Lela will talk you though it!!!!  The next step is my 6 week follow up and so far I am in LOVE!!!!  Here are some of Leila’s before and after photos, feel free to contact her at leila.namin@gmail.com for your own consultation in her Rye or White Plains location and hear about her UPCOMING SPECIAL OFFERS FOR THE HOLIDAYS!!!






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Cauliflower Truffle Risotto

posted on : October 19, 2017 posted by : nicolesteinthal 0 Comment

Yesterday my friend Kim and I had the best lunch.  We went to Lafayette NY in New York City.   It is a grand French bakery and cafe in the heart of NOHO.  I had the absolute best dish…Cauliflower Truffle Risotto.  I found a very similar recipe that I had to share with you.  I am making it this weekend.  Also if you happened to be in New York City, you HAVE to try Lafayette NY.  It is definitely a see and be seen spot with the most amazing menus (the breakfast menu is incredible too).

image italian food forever



Cauliflower Truffle Risotto
(adapted from simplyhealthycooking.com)

  • 1 large head cauliflower, chopped into florets
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • ½ yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp fresh ground pepper
  • 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (or Pecorino Romano)
  • ⅓ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
  • 1 Tbsp truffle oil (more or less to taste)
  • In a blender (or food processor) add approx. 1 cup of the cauliflower florets and process for approx 15 sec. until the cauliflower is the consistence of rice. Transfer to a large bowl and repeat until the remaining cauliflower is processed.( It’s important to work in small batches when making the cauliflower rice to get even “rice” size pieces).
  • Add olive oil to a large sauce pan (with tight fitting lid) and heat on medium-low (or spray pan with cooking spray). Add onions , stirring frequently, cook until onions are soft.  Add garlic, salt and pepper and continue to cook for an additional minute. Add lemon juice and increase heat to medium-high. Continue cooking and stirring until almost all the liquid has evaporated.
  • Stir in the cauliflower “rice” . Reduce heat to medium, cover the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until cauliflower is tender (approx. 8-10 min.).
  • Uncover the pan and reduce heat to low. Add the cheese and stir until combined. Turn off the heat and stir in parsley. Divide Risotto among serving bowls and drizzle with truffle oil . Top with additional cheese and parsley if desired.
General

Jewelry Storage

posted on : October 18, 2017 posted by : nicolesteinthal 0 Comment
I will admit it, I am a fashion jewelry junkie!!!  I love bold necklaces and bracelets, earrings and rings…Over the years I have collected so many amazing pieces.  And I have to say, I do wear everything I have.  A big problem is, and a lot of my fellow jewelry junkies email me, how to store your treasures??!!!!  Here are some photos of my favorite ways.  I had my closet redone after a lighting fixture caught fire ( I know NIGHTMARE).  I had a bunch of hooks installed so I could hang my necklaces.  My rings I keep in a decorative box on a shelf and my bracelets, I like to keep on a bar (like the one below) stacked next to one another.  My mom bought me a lucite cube like the one in the last photo one year for Christmas.  It holds a ton of earrings, all sizes and styles from the smallest studs to the largest chandeliers.
This is how I love to store my bracelets.
I am going to copy this idea.  I really love it!!!
My friend Cricket stores her jewelry in a chest.  I love this too!!  I’d love to get my hands on this collection!!! 

Here is Cricket’s Closet, notice the necklaces on hooks and PS I also copied her and hand my handbags on drapery tie backs!!!!  Brilliant Ideas!!!

This jewelry chest is simply gorgeous!!!

OMG!! What an amazing collection!!!
Drawer dividers are another great way to store bracelets!!!!  Wow awesome is this collection?

Another great idea..Perfect way to use all those silver trays and small dishes you have lying around!!!!
I also love displaying some of my larger necklaces on decorative objects..LOVE this necklace and LOVE this mirror!!!!

More Hooks

This has to be the best earring holder EVER.  My mom got mine at the antique center in Stamford but I am sure you can google it and find one or something similar!!!!
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Are You Party Ready?

posted on : October 17, 2017 posted by : nicolesteinthal 0 Comment

Did you know that there are only 10 more Mondays until Christmas?  Have you started to think about your Holiday Entertaining?  Well, think no more!!  Our incredible sponsor Watson’s Catering and Events has you covered.  Watson’s has been THE CATERER for Fairfield and Westchester counties for the past 25 Years!!!!  They have won the best caterer in Greenwich for 7 years.  Who better to help fete your family and friends this Holiday Season?  Watson’s designs creative and delicious menus that can encompass the foods and the mood that you are envisioning.  How about a cocktail party or buffet, or a demi dinner or dinner buffet, OR even a sit-down dinner, Watson’s does it all and then some.  They will arrange all rentals, menus, the staff, and even top it off with a festive signature cocktail.   To discuss a possible upcoming event please contact, Susan Scully, the President of Watson’s HERE.  Hurry, her calendar is filling up!!! Tis the Season!!!!











General

Book Club Monday

posted on : October 17, 2017 posted by : nicolesteinthal 0 Comment

You NEED to put this week’s Book Club Monday choice on your list STAT, Martha Stewart’s Slow Cooker: 110 Recipes for Flavorful, Foolproof Dishes (including dessert), Plus Test Kitchen Tips and Strategies.  This book is incredible and going to be an amazing holiday gift this year as well.

Leave it to the experts at Martha Stewart to figure out the best ways to use this favorite appliance. The 110 recipes in this book make the most of the slow cooker’s assets (low heat, hands-off cooking), while also uncovering its hidden potential. Readers will find that they can not only braise cuts of meat until meltingly tender and let soups and stews simmer away untended, but also gently poach fish, cook up creamy scalloped potatoes, and bake a perfect cheesecake. This book has everything home cooks need to maximize flavor andmake life a whole lot easier. – Amazon.com


To purchase this book, click HERE.