Beautiful, rich saturated colors for lips, eyes and cheeks are individually selected to make up your palette of choice. The freedom system, as it is known, is available in compacts from 2 to 15 different shades. I love it because I only need to travel with one compact instead of a whole case of make up.

Inglot is available around the world in over 300 locations, but fairly new to retailers in the US. In addition to free standing stores in New York City, Los Angeles and Miami,
Inglot is also available in select Macy’s stores.

Every once in a while I get daring and experiment with a new cocktail, especially when a cocktail list has an assortment of libations such as the Peacock Inn. Here, I tried something spicy and refreshing all at once, the Spicy Cucumber Martini.

While I have had other cucumber martinis, The Mark Hotel in New York makes one of the best, I loved the perfect balance of spice from the Jalapeno Vodka and the fresh taste of the cilantro and cucumber. To top it off the Balsamic glazed rim added another layer of sweet and tangy taste.

Spicy Cucumber Martini
Stoli Jalapeno, St. Germain, Smashed Cucumber, Jalapeno & Cilantro, Prosecco, Fresh Lemon Juice, Balsamic Glazed Rim

For the full list of cocktail at the Peacock Inn, visit their website www.peacockinn.com

Goorin Brothers have been making hats since 1895 and their shops are all across the country. If your not familiar with this wonderful place from the past, I highly suggest you visit their website for their history, store locations and great assortment of hats for men and women.

www.goorin.com

I found these great organizers at the Container Store that were the perfect size and fit all of my make up in little compartments. You can get them in larger trays with several compartments or individual little boxes to custom fit your drawer.

Now when I want a black eye liner pencil I don’t have to dig in a make up bag or shuffle through the drawer. I just go to the little compartment that houses pencils or lipstick, or whatever and viola!

A pretty assortment of Vintage Table Linens found at Flea Markets and Thrift Shops.

Share a cooking class together at The Institute of Culinary Education in New York City.

A custom box of See’s Chocolate Candies is an old world favorite and my Mom’s favorite treat.

Make-Up make over with Eve Pearl at her New York studio.

Guerlain Meteorites Illuminating Pressed Powder for the perfect youthful glow.

A donation in my Mother’s honor to her favorite charity St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Bliss Two Turtle Gloves Hand Treatment is the perfect pampering gift for soft, smooth hands.

100% all-natural Dirty Cow Freshening Hand Wash and Cow Pat Moisturizing Hand Cream in an oak holder from the glamorous Cowshed Spa at the Soho House will give mom a bit of luxury at the sink.

Subscription to
More Magazine so Mom can keep up with style, trends and information for us gals over 40!

Louis Vuitton wallet is a luxurious piece that will get used everyday.

Estee Lauder Nude Nail Enamel are all perfect shades that are elegant and complement every outfit.

Simple Stunning Parties at Home will not only give Mom great hosting ideas, but is a beautiful collectable as well.

Ingredients

5 cups whole milk
1/4 teaspoon coarsely crumbled saffron threads
Fine sea salt
1 cup Arborio rice
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup confectioners sugar
1/3 cup blanched almonds, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon unsalted butter plus more for greasing cake pan
1 tablespoon Sambuca or other anise-flavored liqueur
Freshly grated zest of 1 lemon
5 large eggs, separated

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT: a 9-inch springform pan

Directions

In a medium saucepan, combine milk, saffron and pinch salt; bring just to a boil, then stir in rice. Reduce to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until milk is fully absorbed and rice is tender and creamy, about 45 minutes.
Transfer rice to a large bowl; stir in 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and confectioners sugar, almonds, butter, Sambuca and zest. Let cool completely, about 30 minutes.

Heat oven to 400º with rack in middle. Grease bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with butter.

In a bowl, vigorously whisk together remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar and egg yolks until thick and pale, about 2 minutes; stir into rice mixture. In a clean bowl, using a clean, dry whisk, beat egg whites to soft peaks, then gently fold into rice mixture.

Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly with a spatula. Bake, rotating once halfway through, until dark golden and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Cool 15 minutes in pan on wire rack.

Release cake from pan. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Just like you clean your home for the new coming of spring, you also need to spring clean your locks for bright and bouncy hair. The world we live in is full of harmful elements that can greatly affect your hair such as wind, water, pollution, sun, as well as too much styling product and the improper use of hot tools. Salons offer a variety of clarifying treatment products to remove all of chlorine, mineral and product deposits from your hair. The Malibu treatment is one that I like best and will take approximately a half hour in the salon while you kick back and relax under a warm hood dryer before your haircut or color service. I would also recommend that you ask your stylist to recommend a clarifying shampoo that you can take home to keep up the same shiny healthy hair at home. Search for a clarifying shampoo that is color safe and is a PH balancer, such as Soma Clarifying Shampoo. It will leave your hair spotless and smelling like cherry licorice.

Spring cleaning doesn’t stop with just spotless hair, it also includes eliminating split ends. Before blow-drying and hot tools, it is necessary to apply a thermal protestant. My absolute favorite is Brocato’s Hotshapes. This lovely purple solution will protect your hair from any hot tool and will never be crunchy or dull. It also contains wheat protein, which will help strengthen your hair and will leave it in great condition. I also recommend to use Sojourn’s Serum Smooth, this serum has a bit more to it than Moroccan Oil and will leave it with the wonderful sent of roses, not to mention it is the least expensive.

The use of sunscreen on your locks is also important to use everyday when the summer months come around, for those of you whom are luck to live in warm climate, or if you enjoy the outdoors on a regular basis. The use of sunscreen in your hair will extend the life of your color and will protect your scalp from unwanted rays. I recommend picking up Sexy Hair’s Healthy Sexy Hair Reinvent Color Care Conditioner for Damaged hair. It has powerful sunscreen that will protect you from the sun’s harmful rays without weighing your hair down.
There are also a couple of tips to keep your lock in the best condition possible while swimming in the summer months. You will need to pack in your beach bag with, your favorite bottle of leave in conditioner, wide tooth comb or pick, and a bottle of your favorite styling lotion.

If you have never explored the world of styling lotions you have been missing out. I recommend picking up a tube of Bumble and Bumble’s Grooming Cream. This product will give your locks control without drying them out or looking wet like mousse or gel. It will also control frizz for those of you with naturally curly hair and add volume to those of you with fine limp hair. I also recommend trying Bed Head’s Superstar Volumizing Leave In Conditioner for a soft, shiny finish that smells like candy!!!

When you are ready for your dip, completely wet your hair first, then apply your leave in conditioner. This will fill your hair strands so that there is no more room for the chlorine to damage your hair. When you are done and ready to lie in the sun, take out your leave in conditioner, pick and styling lotion. First rinse your hair, towel blot, spray in your leave in conditioner, comb through with patience and then apply your styling lotion.

Enjoy your gorgeous locks in the beautiful new season.

Good hair day,

Annabelle DeMars
Hairstylist to the stars @ ShopNBC ;)

Annabelle DeMars has been in the beauty industry for over 12 years, she has studied at MCHD, Bumble and Bumble University NYC, Rocco Altobelli MPLS. She has worked for many well known clients including: Bumble and Bumble, Calvin Klein, LOX, Peter Coppola, Eve Pearl, Jonathan Antin, Carson Kressley, Olivia Blois Sharpe, numerous Broadway performers and dearest of all Luciene Salomone. Through the years she has continually educated herself to be up on the latest trends and continues to push the envelope of editorial hair styling. Now the lead hair stylist on the nationwide television network ShopNBC, Annabelle continues to educate and reinforce the “every” woman to go out and feel beautiful about themselves in and out.

I decided that it was time to have a bedroom that I could really love, but promised myself (and my husband) that I would not go overboard and work with what I had in way of furniture. The major items, such as my Ralph Lauren Bed, English chest of drawers and antique hope chest would stay. I also wanted to keep the fruit wood caned back bench and Chippendale style mirror I got while I was working at Bergdorf Goodman.

Since I love my master bath so much, I decided to carry a black white and grey theme forward for a very dramatic and glamorous look in my room. I found this great black and white wallpaper and painted the wood trim a dark grey. I changed the rug to white wool with little black specks. Certainly not the most practical, but I’d go for pretty over practical any day.

The light fixtures are more contemporary pieces as are the side tables, silk window treatments and bedding. The fruit wood bench and mirror were painted black to add some contrast to all the brown wood of the other furniture in the room. I love mixing things up, so the modern edge was a perfect complement to my very traditional bedroom pieces.

My method of decorating has always been to first buy things I love, then to figure out where they look best. I don’t buy specific furniture or art for a specific room because, to me it should all be interchangeable. If I tire of something, I will repaint or re-upholster it and move it to another space. In the case of my bedroom, I really was able to breath new life into my old pieces.

Swing arm lights are perfect for reading in bed

A grey silk quilt and pillow shams, an Italian cotton coverlet and sheep skin pillows all add a luxe texture to my bed.

My glass and iron side tables hold a shagreen box and mercury glass water pitcher and glass.

The alcove next to my bed looks much larger with the bold print wallpaper.

The contemporary chrome light fixture breaths new life into my traditional room.

The dark grey woodwork looks warm and sleek with the printed wallpaper.

Simple accessories and my Candle Light portrait complete the look on my chest of drawers.

Matching silk Dupione fabric on my window treatments and bench cushion.

My fruit wood bench and Chippendale mirror that I painted black look new and sleek.

In order to get in as much as possible I like to tackle Paris one Arrondissement at a time. For those who have never been, there are 20 main sections or Arrondissements that are unique neighborhoods unto themselves and located in a spiral starting at the very center with the First Arrondissement. We stayed at The Westin Paris – Vendôme in the 1st Arrondissement, which is one of the original and main sections of the city. I loved this hotel because of the service, accommodations and that it is centrally located. The Louvre was a short walk down the Rue de Rivoli, Place Vendome and Place de la Concorde were around the corner as well as all the elegant shops on rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore and rue Cambon. Not to mention, our room overlooked the the Tuileries Garden with a view of the Eiffel Tower.

While there are lots of guides to Paris, I wanted to share the places I discovered in each Arrondissement.

1e (Musee du Louvre/Les Halles)

Eat

Cafe Castiglione – The best petit déjeuner
Angelina – Best Tea Time and Sweets
Le Grand Véfour – Oldest formal restaurant in Paris and a favorite of Victor Hugo
Spring- Exquisite tasting menu
Kinugawa – Japanese by way of Paris
Le First – Chic Art Deco restaurant in The Westin Hotel
Souffle – A charming little spot that serves the most delicious savory and sweet souffles

Shop

Colette – Unique and fabulous boutique
WK Accessories – An incredible assortment of vintage clothes and accessories
APC – Chic and understated with the best jeans
Astier de Villatte – Gorgeous ceramics and housewares
Cadolle – Unbelievable lingerie
Dalloyau- Sweet Treats
Jean-Paul Hévin- Chocolate
Laurence Bossion- Incredible hats
Marché aux Fleurs et aux Oiseaux – Flower Market
Michel Vivien – After designing for YSL and Givenchy, Michel opened his own boutique
Didier Ludot – Unbelievable Vintage

Do

Acadamie Nationale de Musique
Musee du Louvre
Jardin des Tuileries
Musee de L’Orangerie
Hotel Ritz – Although closed for a massive 2 year renovation, will be a future must see if not for dinner, then cocktails in the Hemmingway Bar
Le Meurice Hotel – Salvador Dali inspired decor appoints the Restaurant le Dali has the best Lobster Club Sandwich

The welcoming flowers in the lobby of the Westin Hotel

Going to dinner at Le First in The Westin Hotel

The view from our balony

Dan and Giuliana outside the Acadamie Nationale de Musique

Cafe au Lait at Le Castaglione

Outside the Louvre

Inside the Louvre

The view from the cafe at the Louvre

La Cure Gourmande has the most delicious cookies in pretty tin boxes

Giuliana listening to some tunes while shopping at Collette

A passion fruit tart at Angelina\'s

2e (La Bourse)

Eat

Drouant- Elegant setting with sophisticated French cuisine
Le Belmont – Sleek, New York inspired interior with incredible small plates of delicious comfort food
L’Hedoniste – Rustic french food and decor with a great wine list
Bistro Volnay – Wonderful cheese and wine
Passage 53- Hidden chic restaurant with modern French Menu

Shop

Legrand Filles et Fils- Old Fashion Wine shop
Suncoo- Pretty shop with great dresses
Stohrer – One of the oldest patisseries in Paris, dating back to 1730
American Retro- French brand adored by young Parisian women.

Do

Les Etoiles du Rex – Largest cinema in Europe, built in 1932 on the Grands Boulevards in Paris.

One of the many beautiful flower shops

Giuliana and me at Dourant for dinner

Eglise de la Madeleine Church

Giuliana and me at The Belmont for dinner

Dan enjoying dessert at The Belmont

3e (La Marais)

Eat

Glou – Owned by Marion Cotillard
Cafe Charlot – Best Coffee ever
L’Ami Louis- Opened in 1924 and known for their Foie Gras de Landes
Derriere – Cafe with amazing croissants

Shop

Aesop – A Beauty emporium where everything smells heavenly
Pretty Box – Great vintage
Pring – Amazing Shoes
Yves Andrieux Vincent Jalbert – Unique clothes made from vintage fabric
Merci Merci- A chic emporium of clothing, accessories and home furnishings
Comptoir de l’Image- my favorite book store in Paris
Hoses- The best mix of shoes and bags

Do

Musee Picasso
Musee Carnavalet

A street musician in Marais

Dan and Giuliana buying Easter Chocolates in Marais

4e (Ile de la Cite/Ile St. Louise)

Eat

Chez Julien – My favorite restaurant in Paris
Georges – Roof of the Pompidou Center amazing crispy duck
Nos Ancetres Les Gaulois – Rustic tavern with guitar music and all inclusive menu
Berthillon – The best Ice Cream

Shop

Free’P’Star- Reasonable 70s and 80s vintage
La Vaissellerie – For anyone who entertains, this is a must see place
Village St.-Paul – Located on Rue St.-Paul, near the rue de Rivoli and just behind the St.-Paul Church, this area can be fun for a bit of antiquing.
Paule Ka – High End and Very French
Mélodies Graphiques – Exquisite stationary and paper
BHV – Huge department store

Do

Village St.-Paul – Located on Rue St.-Paul, near the rue de Rivoli and just behind the St.-Paul Church, this area can be fun for a bit of antiquing
Notre Dame
Sainte-Chapelle
Victor Hugo Home – Place des Vosges
Centre Pompidou
Hotel De Ville
Yachts de Paris – Private boat rides up and down the Seine

Giuliana and I walking along the cobblestone streets of the 4e.

Dan stops along the Seine to browse at some books.

Giuliana and I in front of the Haute Couture exhibit at the Hotel de Ville.

A modern day Galliano.

Vintage velvet dress from Elsa Schiaparelli

19th Century Shoes.

The front of the Hotel de Ville

The back of the Hotel de Ville

Giuliana and I at Chez Julien for a fabulous lunch.

My green curry shrimp salad

Loin of pork with chorizo and lentils.

The bust of Victor Hugo in the museum that was once his home.

The ornate dining room in the Victor Hugo Museum.

Across the Seine by Notre Dame Cathedral.

Dan and I at Notre Dame Cathedral

One of the many stain glass windows in Notre Dame.

5e (Latin Quarter) & 6e (St. Germanin)

Eat

Terroir Parisien- Very cool with outstanding food
La Pizza Chic – Delicious pizza in an incredibly cool atmosphere
Cafe de Flore-The legendary cafe of the Left Bank intellectuals
Alcazar – Contemporary French Fusion
Dave- Great Chinese
Cafe Charlot – 50s style cafe
Laperouse – Super chic restaurant/bar that was once a bordello in 1700s. Great for late night drinks
Bread and Roses – Organic Bakery
La Rotonde – One of the best Bistros in Paris

Shop

Kamille – Edgy and asymmetrical clothes from a wide range of European designers that are reasonably priced
The Kooples – The newly launched coed brand of androgynous black and gray ready-to-wear clothes that Parisians are going crazy over.
Victoire Classic- Classic French Mens and Womens Wear
Tara Jarmon -One of the most popular designers in France.
Petite Mendigote- Charming selection of feminine accessories, bags and jewelry by various small designers.
Librairie des Femmes- Visitors will find books written by women, about women and for women.
Les Trois Marches de Catherine B – Vintage handbags
La Tuile a Loup – French craft pottery and tableware

Do

Sorbonne
Pantheon
Jardin du Luxembourg
Antiquing along Rue de l’Université (which becomes Jacob), from Quai Voltaire to rue des Sts. Pères
Pont Neuf

7e (Eiffel Tower/Musee d’Orsay)

Eat

Jules Verne – Alain Ducasse Haute Cuisine in the Eiffle Tower
Bistro St. Dominique – Charming Bistro
Les Crocs De L’ogre – The best steak ever
Les Ombres – Glass Dome restaurant in the Musee du Quai Branly beneath Eiffle Tower serving Contemporary French fare.
Bistro St. Dominique – Beautiful and elegant bistro with a lovely terrace.

Shop

Bon Marche – Chic specialty and department store
Arthur et Fox – Local shop with great tailored pieces
Christian Liaigre – Home furnishings by the designer of the Montalembert Hotel in Paris and the Mercer Hotel in New York
Secco – A bakery that presents breads and pastries in an artistic setting with the original 100-year-old decor
Marie-Anne Cantin Since 1950, Cantin offers tastings of it’s over 450 different Cheeses
Hartwood – Glorious assortment or fine clothing and hats
Fairmount – Perfectly crafted, beautifully designed classic shoes and handbags to match
Debauve & Gallais – The oldest chocolate shop in Paris, with a stunning interior designed by Napoleon’s architect
Cyrillus -Like a Parisian J. Crew
Eric Bompard – Easy, affordable cashmere pieces

Do

Eiffel Tower
Hotel Des Invalides
Musee d’Orsay
Musee Rodin
Marché Saxe-Breteuil

A kiss in front of the Eiffel Tower

Posing for a family photo

Looking at the view close up

The breathtaking view of Paris from the Eiffel Tower

A windy photo of Giuliana and me

Dan and Giuliana sign the guest registry in the Eiffel Tower

8e (Champs-Elysees)

Eat

L’Avenue – One of my favorites in Paris
Laduree – Tea and the famous macaroons. Also serve dinner.
La Stresa- Yummy Italian
Cicchetti – Tapas in chic setting
114 Faubourg – Spectacular seafood
Cinq – Gourmet at The George V Four Seasons Hotel

Shop

Philippine Janssens – The first brand to design exclusive tailor made trousers for women in Paris.
Casoar – For fun and fabulous costume jewelry that won’t break the bank but will be the envy of your friends
Guerlain – The grand dame of French perfume since 1828—plus a spa on the Champs-Elysses
Daniel Cremieux – Classic french menswear
Lancel – Classic French Handbags
Zilli – Menswear

Do

Musee Maxim’s
Musee du Petit Palais
Champs-Elysees
Lido
Arc de Triomphe
Musee Jacquemart-Andre

Enjoying a late lunch at L\'Avenue

Lobster Spaghetti

Shrimp Risotto

Giuli and Dan after lunch at L\'Avenue

One of the prettiest shops on the Champs-Elysse

Rent-a-bikes all over Paris ensures Parisians transportation whenever needed.

At the Lido for dinner and a show

9e (Opera Garnier/Pigalle)

Eat

Cafe de la Paix – Sunday Jazz Brunch
Bouillon Chartier – Good Classic French Fare
Hotel Amour- Drinks
Le Carmen – Beautiful old 19th Century Mansion for great Drinks

Shop

Galleries Lafyette – The most well known Parisian Department store
Printemps – The most exclusive Department store in Paris
Prudence Oliko – custom made shoes
Le Comptoirs De Durance – Fragrance from Provence

Do

Musee du Parfum
Musee Greven

Stopping for a little chocolate before going to Galleries Lafayette

The ornate ceiling of Galleries Lafayette

Buying some beauty treatments at Galleries Lafayette

The four beautiful buildings of Printemps

14e ( Montparnasse)

Eat

Le Ciel de Paris – On top of the Montparnasse Tower
La maison de la Bretagne – Amazing Crepes
Le Petit Journal Montparnasse – The place to go for excellent Jazz
Guy Martin Italian – Excellent Italian
Le Duc – Best Seafood
Les Brasseries de Montparnasse

Shop

Marché aux Puces de la Porte de Vanves – Two avenues of vendors sell antiques, textiles, books, magazines, religious objects, costume jewelry, toys and silverware at bargain prices

Do

Comedie Italienne Theatre Montparnasse
Montparnasse Cemetery

The beautiful interior of Ciel de Paris at the top of the Montparnasse Tower

Giuliana and I enjoying lunch at Ciel de Paris

A rice pudding treat

The view from the top of Montparnasse Tower

Some treasures at marché aux puces de la porte de vanves

18e(Montmartre)/20e(Pere-Lachaise Cemetery)

Eat

Ma Cocotte – Philip Starks new restaurant in the Marche aux Puces de Saint-Quen and the only place to have an excellent meal at the flea market

Shop

Marche aux Puces de Clignancourt
Marche Serpette and Marche Paul Bert – The largest Parisien Flea Market.

Do

Pere-Lachaise Cemetery

Giuliana and I on the hunt for some treasures at the Paul Bert Market

The view or the market from Ma Cocotte

Dan at Ma Cocotte for a delicious lunch break

Here was my Easter Sunday Menu:

Appetizers

Spanakopita Spinach and Feta Cheese in Filo Pastery
Beef, Chicken, Sausage and Zucchini Skewers
Eggplant Caponata
Salmon and Dill Spread with Sliced Whole Wheat Baguette
Sausage Bread and Cured Meats
An Assortment of Cheese with Fig Jam

First Course

Farfalle Primavera

Main Course

Roasted Leg of Lamb with White Wine
Sauteed Asparagus with Garlic and Olive Oil
Roasted Purple, Red and Yellow Potatoes with Garlic and Rosemary

Dessert

Ricotta Cakes
Chocolate Almond Torte
Pasteria Di Grano
Giuliana’s Sprouting Carrot Chocolate Cupcakes

My best friend Robert, my daughter and I posing for a glamour shot.

The appetizers are all ready for cocktail hour.

My beautiful daughter Giuliana and I getting ready to serve dinner.

My husband Dan with two of his four favorite girls.

Traditional Ricotta Cakes I bake during Easter Season.

Giuliana\'s chocolate cupcakes decorated with sprouting carrots.

My classic chocolate almond torte.

My front door planters have the perfect spring mix of Hyacinth and Pansies.

Some of the family heading out for the Egg Hunt.

To ensure your cashmere stays its softest, hand wash your sweaters in cold water with
The Laundress Wool and Cashmere Shampoo and lye them flat to dry. Do not ring them or hang them as the fine fibers will stretch and the sweater will loose it’s shape.

Your sweaters will be incredibly soft and smell fresh and clean without the chemical smell that dry cleaning solution leaves behind.

Visit www.thelaundress.com or J.Crew to order.

Shoe Obsession is more than just a display of 150 beautiful shoes,it examines our fascination with the shoe being to most important thing in a woman’s wardrobe and the most desirable accessory. We also, see how designer shoes have become every more popular and main stream, even though the cost is more than most can afford.

Now in addition to the shoe greats like Manolo Blahnik and Christian Louboutin, high end fashion designers include shoes as part of each collection and retailers have expanded shoe departments to take up large pieces of selling floor real estate.