Monday, July 19, 2010

It! Interview: Face Time Beauty Concierge


Name: Juli Stein

Profession: Makeup artist, Face Time Beauty Concierge

What she's obsessed with: Make-Up Forever HD foundation! It is simply amazing! You can either use a small amount for light coverage or more for a flawless photo ready finish. I love their color palate - there is a shade for every complexion.

What is so 2009: Overdone 80’s makeup is so last year! As an artist, I love to experiment with color but prefer to use it in a much more subtle and personalized manner.

What kinds of cosmetics do you use? I never leave for a job without a few key products, like the Make-Up Forever HD foundation, MAC Lipglass and Urban Decay eyeliners. Additionally, to compliment these old standbys, I have created my own line, Red Cosmetics, with my own personal touches. This line will enhance other major brands and was created based upon my personal favorites with all complexions and color tones in mind.

How do you feel about airbrushing? I have mixed feeling about airbrushing. For younger skin, it is amazing, with extreme lasting power and a flawless look. However, airbushing tends to dry out more mature skin and cake in any fine lines on the face, which is the exact opposite effect you are generally trying to achieve. A makeup artist should be well trained in airbrushing and be able to explain to a client what is best for that particular skin type before application.

How does a bride determine her signature look for the evening? Every bride should have a make-up consultation prior to her wedding date. At the consultation, the bride and artist should collaborate on the look desired. The artist should help the bride determine if she wants to look like an enhanced version of her natural look or, if she is more of a risk taker, whether she should be a little more dramatic and try a red lip or sexy smoky eye. A bride should NEVER go into a wedding feeling uncomfortable with her choices or her makeup artist!

Should she go all out, or stay within her comfort zone? I have personally seen too many make-up artists push their “signature look” on a bride, only to have the bride later look at pictures and realize that they unhappy with the finished product. As an artist, I want every bride to feel their absolute best, in the look that is right for them.

What is the best way to keep makeup looking fresh throughout a long wedding ceremony, reception and afterglow? The absolute best way to ensure your makeup stays flawless all day is to keep your makeup artist on hand to do touch ups whenever needed. However, if that isn’t in the budget, I recommend that every bride have her own “fluffing bag” complete with blotting papers, powder, blush and lip gloss. Let your maid of honor carry it for you, and don’t leave her or it out of your sight!! Last but not least, no wedding is complete without waterproof mascara -- an absolute MUST for every member of the wedding party!!!!


Sunday, July 18, 2010

Belle & Maxwell's expands, adds open kitchen and dinner menu


Belle & Maxwell’s, a popular restaurant located on the famed Antique Row in West Palm Beach, underwent a complete expansion and renovation in early July 2010, doubling to 1,800 square feet to seat up to 70 guests.

An oft-selected venue for celebrations such as birthday parties, ladies’ luncheons and baby and bridal showers, the restaurant is available for private parties and catering. All of its coffees, specialty teas, scented soaps, jewelry made by local designers, cookbooks and hostess gifts are for sale. Its signature pies and cakes can be also purchased for parties and holidays.

A new open kitchen, a coffee and wine bar and two new restrooms complete the expansion. And beginning Aug. 17, Belle & Maxwell’s will also be open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday. In September, Sunday breakfast and brunch menus will be added.

“The focus has always been on using the freshest produce and ingredients,” said Executive Chef Michael Hackman.

Named for the original owner’s two dogs, Belle & Maxwell’s began as a traditional teahouse and cafe in 1995, offering an assortment of special teas from around the world and mostly vegan breakfast and lunch menus. In 2004, when proprietor Michelle Taylor assumed ownership, she added non-vegetarian items to the already successful repertoire of homemade soups, salads, quiches, chef-made sandwiches and desserts.

Belle & Maxwell’s is located at 3700 South Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Palm Beach party destination: Omphoy Ocean Resort

When we're looking for a quick getaway with gorgeous water views, sexy latin cuisine and amazing cocktails, we head to the Michelle Bernstein Terrace at the Omphoy Ocean Resort around sunset for ceviche and a strawberry-jalapeno mojito.
Enjoy a warm ocean breeze on Sunday nights with 2 for 1 house drinks and wines and a 10% discount on the Tapas menu. Stay for dinner at Michelle Bernstein Restaurant and receive 10% off your entrée selections.
Call ahead for outdoor reservation seating 561.540.6450 www.omphoy.com.

xo
Aime

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Wedding & Corporate Event Destination: North Carolina


Whether it be in inspirational Asheville or lakeside in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, the Carolinas offer endless destination wedding options. A recent trip revealed our favorites: the Biltmore Estate in Asheville and The Greystone Inn on Lake Toxaway.

On 8,000 acres, the Biltmore Estate represents timeless luxury. The Stable Courtyard and Gardens, the Inn on Biltmore Estate, the Barn in Antler Hill Village and the Champagne Cellar at the Winery are just a few of the many unique spots for a welcome cocktail reception, rehearsal dinner, wedding ceremony and reception, or a bon voyage brunch. Corporate clients will also enjoy this unique venue for meetings and special events.

Name your desire, and the helpful and courteous staff will find the perfect proprietary location! For more information, visit www.Biltmore.com.


The Greystone Inn on Lake Toxaway is the ideal destination wedding venue for an intimate affair. Rent out the entire 33-room historic mountain inn for a private weekend, or host a more private affair and book just a few rooms. Meadow Ridge, a clearing atop Toxaway Mountain, is ideal for an al fresco rehearsal dinner, while the Presidential Suite offers a more formal aesthetic with a stately view.

We love the boathouse deck for wedding ceremonies with pristine water views, and the Lake Toxaway Country Club's lawn overlooking the golf course, which is replete with wildflowers, sing-song birds and pure mountain air.

It! Weddings & Events is your hassle-free destination manager for weddings, corporate gatherings social events and more. For more information on these properties, log on to www.GreystoneInn.com and www.LakeToxaway.com and contact us to put the wheels in motion!

xo
Kelly

Monday, July 12, 2010

Trend: The Sparty Baby Shower


Looking for a fun baby shower theme? Host a sparty for the mommy to be and her best girlfriends at one of these luxury spas!

There's nothing more indulgent and rejuvenating than a day at the spa with your best girlfriends. For her baby shower, why not kidnap the guest of honor and whisk her away for a day of pampering with her nearest and dearest? Monogrammed waffle robes and slippers make memorable — and comfortable! — favors for guests to wear while sipping champagne and nibbling spa fare in between facials, manicures/pedicures and other luxuries.

Prenatal or pregnancy massages are usually recommended after the first trimester. Better believe that these custom treatments can bring more serenity than any pint of Ben & Jerry’s! Be sure to book one of these soothing prenatal treatments for the mommy to be:

Four Seasons Palm Beach

Mother-to-be

Designed to soothe the expectant mother, this massage relieves some of the physical stresses that are experienced during pregnancy. Our specially trained therapists deliver rest and relaxation with every stroke. Performed only after the first trimester.

50 minutes

The Breakers Palm Beach

Prenatal Massage

For the mother-to-be after the first trimester. Designed to assist with relieving pregnancy-related discomforts.

50 minutes

Prenatal Bliss Package

Especially designed for the mother-to-be after her first trimester. Enjoy a Prenatal Massage, Classic Facial, Solar Pedicure, Classic Manicure, and spa lunch.

3 1/2 hours of services

Anushka Spa

Pre-Natal Massage

This deeply soothing massage is specifically designed for the special needs of expectant mothers. Relaxation ensues while improving circulation, reducing swelling in the feet and hands and releasing tension in the lower back, neck and shoulders. This therapy is not recommended in the first trimester. 1 hour of service.

For pre and post massage party pampering and planning, It! Wedding and Events can make the day even more relaxing. Check out It! Weddings and Events at www.itweddingsandevents.com or call 561.801.0767.

xo

Danette