Fondue To You!

For those of you that read my blog, you'll notice that every now and then it's not just about fashion. I enjoy throwing in a few stories about great places to dine,where to get a tasty meal along with a glass of wine for under 25.00,decorating tips, where to buy fabulous treats, etc. Such is the case with this post.


I recently moved,and while going through all of my kitchen appliances I found a very small crock pot,just right for making nachos,and dare I say it? yep. warming fondue. so, I began thinking of all the great stuff I could create.


I have a bit of a sweet tooth,and love baking, so I began to imagine chocolate orange, cheddar cheese with white wine ,and white chocolate raspberry fondue,along with dippers,like marshmallows,strawberries,apples,little bits of pound cake....
Now I know this all has been done before,but there is something amazing that happens when you are in the kitchen mixing and stirring and sampling your own little bits of heaven..the smell of rich dark chocolate melting,adding raspberry liqueur and creating the perfect blend too good to wait until you slice those apples.

I began searching stores looking for the most delightful dipping forks,and fondue sets,along with some recipes that you can try at home. Salute!

My quest began at Crate&Barrel in Bellevue, this is one of my favorite shops,and I have never been disappointed by the selection. I quickly found a great little set that includes serving dishes,dipping forks,and a serving tray with a wooden base.this is perfect and for just the right price. The set is sold separately. Tapas Fondue Pot $14.95 - Fondue Server $19.95 http://www.crateandbarrel.com/

If you don't mind shopping online Bed, Bath And Beyond has an amazing selection ranging from $14.99 and up. My visit to the store was a bit unproductive. I was able to find some dipping forks and one set for $19.99,but a stop at the website provided a much more positive result.http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/

Now for the goodies- Most stores and restaurants already carry do it yourself sauces made for fondue. The Melting Pot actually sells it own chocolate bars to melt in a double boiler ,also most gourmet cooking stores also carry dipping sauces and forks. A great place to visit is Le Gourmet Chef located in North Bend (Factory Outlet),also try C'est La Vie (The Landing in Renton).

Godiva Chocolate Fondu

Yield: 4 servings

Difficulty: *Easy

Preparation: 15 minutes, plus cooling time

Special Equipment: Fondue pot

4 Godiva Solid Dark Chocolate Bars

½ cup of Heavy Cream

½ teaspoon of vanilla
Heat heavy cream in a saucepan over low-medium heat until hot but not simmering.
Add chocolate and stir until melted.
Add vanilla and stir.
Transfer to fondue pot and serve with fresh fruit and pound cake.
Substitute vanilla with orange liqueur, kirsh or framboise for extra flare. Or use White Chocolate instead. (Godiva.Com)

Basic Cheese Fondue
Ingredients

2 cups milk

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons ground dry mustard

1 clove garlic, peeled and crushed

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

6 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

In a medium saucepan over low heat, mix together milk, Worcestershire sauce, ground dry mustard, garlic and flour. Heat until almost boiling. Gradually stir in Cheddar cheese. Continue heating until all the cheese has melted. Keep the mixture warm and melted in a fondue dish. (All Recipies.Com)
These recipies will make your friends and family " Fond" of you!

Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
BellevueGrl

Warm Weather Favorites

 Finally seeing some sunshine and some warmer weather here. It is so nice to feel the sunshine on your face,and to have some blue skies. Time to pull out the sandals and the sunglasses.

What says "Summer" to you? is it a favorite pair of shorts, is it those great flip flops,or like me, those Oakley shades that have been sitting in the dresser drawer.

Is it a flowery,floaty dress,those sky-high new stilettos,or a crisp white shirt?

Add something new, or something vintage to an already existing piece and give your wardrobe new life. An already fabulous dress can be made to come alive with a pop of color from a new scarf. or try adding an antique pin to a jacket for a great conversation piece.

A great look this spring is to tie a "pony-tail" scarf onto a handbag, to give it a fresh, feminine feel. visit coach.com for some great ideas. 

Another great look for spring is a floral jacket or blazer. This can look great with a solid pair of jeans or dress slacks,team with a belt for a tailored look see H&M for details
the new garden collection is pretty and affordable.http://www.hm.com/us/#/gardencollection/

Spring is a great time to try something new,and a great excuse to go shopping!

Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
BellevueGrl 

"White Out"

This One's For The Boys

 

Getting White Right-

A friend of mine recently posed a challenge on Twitter, so in reply, I decided to offer up some great fashion tips to the guys out there for an all white party. Summer is soon approaching and those parties will soon be in full swing.

One of the ever popular summer party themes is the all white party..where gusts are required to sport "all white" or mostly white attire including shoes. Ladies,we all know there are oodles of options for us, but often guys are left with no clue on what's available for them in the realm of fashion. 

 

My "challenge" was to see what type of guys options were out there especially shoes. so I decided to hit  a great guy friends closet. I remembered that he always wore some of the best shoes,and after browsing through some websites and visiting a few men's shops like Joseph A. Bank at Alderwood Mall, Nordstroms at Bellevue Square, Aldo at Bellevue Square,and Macys at Redmond Town Center, I found some great choices!

Try Cole Haan Air Colton Oxford 198.00n at colehaan.com or go "A La Diddy" and wear a perfect pair of white sneakers in either canvas or leather.(k swiss at www.kswiss.com)

Another option is Aldo Shoes "Ruzzo" cream leather dress lace up 110.00 at aldoshoes.com - Meke leather oxford 90.00-
 Ovard 80.00-Russaw leather loafer 74.98 There are also several different styles in white displayed that are on sale at the website...
No need to fret over white , Any guy can look like a knight !

Until next time~

Hugs and Hearts

BellevueGrl

 

Getting "Cheeky" Colors that will make you blush

Spring is all about color,and here are some great blush products that will put a little flush in your cheeks without washing out during your work day. 

I have fair skin, so often finding a product that is natural looking and long lasting can be a problem. Often the colors are too harsh or disappear into the skin after awhile. I loved "Score" by Urban Decay. This gave just a hint of a natural peach glow,and lasted all day without needing a touch up. The compact is just the right size to toss into a cosmetic bag or slip into a pocket.(17.00)

Another great product to try, and one of my everyday favorite brands is Stila Convertible Color.This got it's name because,as you guessed, it can be used as both a lip and cheek color. the sheer creamy texture is easy to work with to create a delicate wash of color to cheeks or lips. Two of my "go to" shades are Gerbera,and Lillium (25.00)

New on the market, is Tarina Tarantino Dollskin Cheek.This is a high definition powder blush that is very chic.Fine, buildable cover that is fade resistant and comes in a very girlie pink and silver compact that you will love pulling out of your handbag. My favorite? "Feather" a soft gilded peach (25.00)

Last, but not least.. it wouldn't be spring without the great famous shades of Nars blush. I found a great deal at Sephora for those addicted to their classic colors. A little trio of colors called "So Famous"  that includes Deep Throat Blush (cream),Bettina Velvet Lip Pencil,and of course Orgasm Blush packaged together for 44.00  Need I say more???

Go flirt,and make someone else blush!
Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
BellevueGrl 

"April Showers"

Drop the smoke and create a storm instead-
Flash those eyes in a different way by wearing a fresh new look for spring.


 Start with a shimmering soft pink base color like Stilas"Kitten" Eyeshadow (18.00 at stilacosmetics.com) or try Urban Decay Stardust Shadow in "Bobby Dazzle"  (20.00 at urbandecay.com)
Then layer varying shades of purple to create a beautiful "stormy" eye.  using the darkest shade for the crease.Finish with deep plum mascara . One to try is Urban Decays Big Fatty Colored Mascara in "Purple Haze" (17.00)  Rim eyes with a deep plum liner.

Another look to try is just a hint of Urban Decay eyeshadow in "Painkiller" over a soft silver or gray base.add to the outer corners of the eye and crease, line with a deep sapphire pencil and add deep blue mascara .Big Fatty Colored Mascara in" Indigo"( 17.00)and 24/7 eyeliner in "Deviant" (17.00)
Added plus.... If you have blue eyes this will make the color "pop"

"Create A Storm"
Until next time~
Hugs and Hearts
BellevueGrl