Wednesday
Apr212010
Welcome to my new blog design!
April 21, 2010 I must apologize for not posting regularly. During the past two weeks I've been working hard on a new blog design with a dear friend, and it's been an incredible collaboration. It's a huge honor to have the lovely Delphine Doreau (of Non dairy Diary) lend an artistic hand, as I was in dire need of a website upgrade. I hope you like it!
Copyright 2009 Delphine Doreau & del4yo
Feel free to check out Delphine's incredibly adorable and whimsical blog. She also just started a new "Petit Pot de Creme" section, so do take a peek. You might be inspired to try a crafty project or two!
Merci beaucoup Delphine!
The other cool lip product I like is the L’Absolu Crème de Brillance Visibly Replenishing and Reshaping Lip Cream. A cross between a gloss and a balm, this creamy lip cream delivers up to 10 hours of intense hydration. The formula contains ingredients (Pro-Xylane™ and hyaluronic acid) that are typically used in skincare, so it's like a lip gloss and moisturizer, all in one tube.
I love the Exotic Orchid shade. It's absolutely perfect on me. Check out the Rose Mythique shade that Kate Winslet wore below. L’Absolu Rouge lipstick in the same shade was layered on for a sexy and bright red lip.
Color Design Matte Lipstick is currently a Macy’s exclusive - you can also get it at: 
His earlier books Room for Dessert and Ripe for Dessert are sadly out of print. Luckily for us, many of those recipes are updated and included in this new book. Standard and metric measurements are used, so you don't have to worry about conversion issues.
As a treat, here's a recipe for Chocolate Pots de Crème. Bon appétit!
Chocolate Pots de Crème
Makes 6 servings
7 ounces (200 g) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 cups (500 ml) half-and-half
3 tablespoons (45 g) sugar
1 teaspoon instant espresso or coffee powder (optional)
Pinch of salt
6 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Set six 4- to 6-ounce (125- to 180-ml) ramekins or custard cups in a roasting pan or deep baking dish.
Put the chocolate in a large heatproof bowl. In a medium saucepan, heat the half-and-half, sugar, instant espresso or coffee powder, if using, and salt until quite hot, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Pour the hot half-and-half mixture over the chocolate and whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Let cool until tepid, then whisk in the egg yolks and the vanilla. (If the mixture looks at all grainy, whisk well or purée in a blender until smooth.)
Transfer the custard mixture to a large measuring cup or pitcher and divide evenly among the ramekins.
Fill the roasting pan or baking dish with warm water to reach halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake until the perimeters of the custards are just set and the centers are still slightly jiggly, about 35 minutes.
Transfer the custards from the water bath to a wire rack and let cool.
Serving: Serve slightly warm or at room temperature, garnished with small mounds of whipped cream (page 239) and chocolate shavings (see page 8).
Storage: The custard mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before baking. Once baked, the custards can be chilled for up to 2 days (although they’re much better when they haven’t been refrigerated). Bring them to room temperature before serving.
Get the book on 
I also love the Moisturizing Emulsion. Its light, non-greasy texture is perfect for warmer weather but if your skin is on the dry side the Moisturizing Cream should do the trick. It's just a tad bit creamier than the emulsion so it's not heavy at all. If you lips need some love, the Moisturizing Lip Balm contains beeswax and macadamia oil to repair chapped lips. You can use this as an overnight lip mask. This also smells like a yummy piece of fruity candy.
For those who love their UV Under Base mousse, you should try the new UV Under Base Fluid SPF 20. Made with 35% depsea water, the super lightweight formula is slightly different with a fresh fluid texture. It did help reduce some of the redness I had on the cheeks and the finish is smooth and matte. It's also infused with pearl powders to give a light-reflective camouflage effect. You can wear this alone or with a foundation.
Available at 
The Teint D’Ailleurs Tinted Moisturizer SPF 10 contains a Tan Booster complex that will intensify and prolong your natural tan. For a radiant finish, the Terracotta Touch highlighter will erase shadows from the face, creating the perfect sun-kissed glow. I'm a brunette, but for some reason the shades are darker in this formula, so I ended up using the 01 Blondes shade. A few swipes is all you really need. This product also contains pure gold particles to bring extra radiance.
To make the rest of your features stand out, the Terracotta Gloss comes in six new shades (with SPF 15). I happen to love the #03 Grenade, an iridescent rosy pink shade. The texture is quite amazing, as it looks like a sticky gloss, but the feel is completely creamy and smooth. The ergonomic applicator also makes it easier to apply when you're in a rush.
As for the eyes, the new loose powder Terracotta Khol is a deep chocolate brown shade (06 Mirage). It comes with a thin wand applicator to ensure a precise eyeliner. You can also use a brush for the ultimate smoky eye. It can get a bit messy, so be careful. It stays put so you don't have to touch up during the day. It goes on beautifully with the Terracotta Fard Metal Eye Shadow & Liner in 01 Gold Rush. I love these smooth eyeliner pens - they can also double as an eyeshadow, giving you more bang for your buck.
During the entire month of April, Linnea’s Lights is generously donating 10% of all proceeds to Kyle’s Treehouse. Sixteen-year-old Kyle Westphal, Kyle’s Treehouse namesake, has also created hand screened T-shirts with artist Jessie Rose Vala.
For resources related to autism and to purchase a T-shirt, visit 
The neutral shades in the Ombres Duolumieres in # 27 Golden Pink/Precious Bronze gave a gentle, polished look to the eyes without being too strong. Paired with the sheer Gloss Volupte in # 6 Vanilla Pink, it's a basic look that's elegant and not over the top. I have to admit, the mango scent in the Gloss Volupte smells so luscious that I almost want to eat it.
I also got to try the famous Touche Eclat. I can now see what the fuss is about. My friend Kristen at 
For a limited time, you can use the checkout code FS10 for free shipping on all orders at 
Maya Silk Wrap Skirt in 100% silk shantung.
The hardest part is choosing which of the six colors to get. If only we can get all of them...It's also a one-size-fits-all (sizes 0-12) so you don't have to worry if you gain a few pounds from all the party nibbles.
The 
Morgan Bubble Dress in 100% silk.
See more fun designs at 
The Personalized Chocolate Egg from Victoria Pastry looks like a Fabergé egg doesn't it? Each handmade confection is made with premium Guittard bittersweet chocolate, making this an edible work of art. Looking at this gorgeous thing makes me wish every day was Easter. Get this online at 
I'm not sure if these 
For editorial consideration, a product sample was provided for this review.