We’re all “Irish” on St. Patrick’s Day. We wouldn’t be surprised if you spotted folks sporting hand-drawn shamrocks on their cheeks and sporting green streaks in their hair. Some cities like Chicago go all out and dye the entire Chicago River green just to mark the big day! But the Irish didn’t always look so kindly on donning the color green. Irish folklore considered the color unlucky as it was the favorite shade of the Good People – leprechauns. Those who wore too much of the color – especially children – could be stolen away. Some cynics may tell you there are no such things as leprechauns, but there are those who beg to differ. True believers will swear that if you take a stroll along a quiet country lane in Ireland, you can actually hear the mischievous leprechauns giggling by the side of the road.

Want to learn more about St. Patty’s Day myths, facts, and celebrations around the world?  Click HERE and have a Happy St. Patty’s Day!

I’ve never been a big beer drinker but these frothy cupcakes sure do look delicious… In celebration of St. Patty’s Day, Hostess With the Mostess is featuring a few recipes for fun and festive cupcakes. I’d rather reach for one of these tasty treats than a pint of foamy green liquid… Ick. Check out the Irish-inspired ideas HERE.

Damask Design

Twiggy Design

Carnivale Design

Twister Stripe Design

Bali Design

Espirit Design

Kitchen Habitat Dry-Erase Calendar Design

Prices range from approximately $12 for a pack of four decorative dots to $29.99 for a wall art kit. To see more designs and find a store near your that sells Wall Pops, go HERE.

]]> http://blogs.glam.com/glamnest/2010/03/15/wall-pops-diy-home-decor/feed/ 5 http://blogs.glam.com/glamnest/2010/03/12/create-the-luxe-look-at-home/ http://blogs.glam.com/glamnest/2010/03/12/create-the-luxe-look-at-home/#comments Fri, 12 Mar 2010 21:45:55 +0000 Lauren Barth http://blogs.glam.com/glamnest/?p=7400 A few months ago I was lucky enough to stay at the magnificent May Fair hotel in London. And the experience was unforgettable. Everything about the posh property was pure perfection. The location, service, dining, facilities, and suites all earned high marks in my book.

My room was a sanctuary –large, cozy, and full of luxurious little touches. And the bed – oh the bed!… It was decadently delicious. But more than that, it was gorgeous. In fact, it was so pretty, that I felt the need to make the bed in the morning immediately upon waking. I couldn’t even wait an extra hour for housekeeping to do the job. I wanted to admire it while I primped and prepped. Full of rich velvet accents, the bed exuded opulence. It was fit for a queen – which makes sense since the historical hotel was opened in 1927 by King George V.

I’ve often wondered if I could recreate the look of that bed in my home. I would need to find a boldly colored bedspread. And I’d need velvet!  And could I really make velvet work on my own? Overusing the luxe fabric can backfire and look tacky… I wouldn’t want to risk that! So I was pleased to find this article explaining how to decorate your boudoir (and the rest of your home!) with velvet without going overboard. Lovely!… It’s almost like The May Fair has crossed the pond. Check out the article HERE.

And see more photos of The May Fair on Glam.com.

Okay. So granted the New York forecast is looking pretty grim for the weekend. (A flood watch? Really?!?) Nevertheless, I’m keeping my freshly polished toes crossed that the weather will defy the odds, and this delicious taste of spring will continue on for a few more blissful days… Make that months.

We’ll see! I was hoping to join the NYC Cupcake Crawl this Sunday… Once you’ve reached my age, you swap out “BAR” crawls for “BAkeRy” crawls. (A sugar hangover beats the alternative.) It starts at 11 a.m. (AKA brunch time!) at Cupcake Café in Chelsea. This was the first official cupcake shop to open in Manhattan, and it pretty much started a dessert revolution. Next the tasty tour moves on to Aunt Butchie’s, where participants can bite into an original Cookie Dough cupcake. Third stop is at Billy’s Bakery – where the frosting is like sugar that’s been whipped into heaven. And finally, the trip ends at Amy’s Bread in Chelsea Market.

The absolute best part is that crawlers (yes, by the time they’ve eaten a fourth cupcake, they will literally be crawling) can remain guilt-free despite the caloric splurge. The $5 suggested ticket price will be donated to Food Bank for New York. And a good deed deserves a reward. Or four. Cupcake purchases at each stop are optional.

If you want to join the tour, look for the guide with the red baseball cap that says “Walking Tours Manhattan” on Sunday, March 14 at 11 a.m. at Cupcake Café (18 W. 18th Street)… Oh, and bring an umbrella!

Do you know what this big and bright item is? I’ll give you a hint…Japanese fashion designer Kenzo Takada exercised his right to give this piece of equipment a major makeover. (I know, I’m really bad at the hint game.) It’s a Power Plate, the vibrating training machine that’s supposed to help you get fit and fab super-duper fast.

Without the fancy paint job, the Power Plate costs a hefty $4,500… but after it’s been primped, painted, and prettified, it goes for an even heftier $14,300. Ah, the price of beauty!

Source

But I just saw these little guys (Hi, little guys!) and my heart went pitter-patter. And this time it wasn’t the gooey inside or the delicate white-chocolate shell that had me swooning. It was – dare I blog it – the “awww” factor. These fudge brownie farm animals are just precious! I don’t know that I could pig out (get it?) on these itty-bitty baby bites without feeling guilty (and I’m not talking about my ever-failing diet). They really might be too cute to eat.

Gift Box Available at Williams-Sonoma, $29.50.

I’m feeling pretty exhausted and out of it today. I think yesterday’s shopping spree took a lot out of me. (I know, I know… Poor Lauren.) In any event, I can’t wait to get home and cuddle up to my dog. A nap sounds delicious right about now. Just thought I’d share some sleepy (almost) 3 p.m. cuteness with you… xo.

1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 egg yolks
1 egg
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 teaspoons all purpose flour
2 Perugina Baci chocolate candies
Confectioners’ sugar, as garish, optional

-Butter two 3/4-cup ramekins or custard cups.
-With an electric hand mixer, beat the sugar and butter in a bowl until smooth and creamy.  Beat in the yolks, egg, cocoa powder, and flour until combined.
-Divide the batter between the two prepared ramekins. Press one Baci, nut side down, in the center of each ramekin. (If you like, at this point, you can refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.)
-Preheat oven to 350°F.
-Bake the cakes uncovered until edges are firm, about 18 minutes.
-Cut around the cakes with a butter knife to loosen them, then turn out onto plates.
-Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar, if using.

Recipe Courtesy Francine Segan for www.DolceItalia.com.