May 1, 2013

The 50 Best Restaurants in the World!

The San Pellegrino annual list of the best restaurants in the world has come out.

Check out the Top 50 list here:
1) El Celler de Can Roca (Girona, Spain)
2) Noma (Copenhagen, Denmark)
3) Osteria Francescana (Modena, Italy)
4) Mugaritz (Errenteria, Spain)
5) Eleven Madison Park (New York)
6) D.O.M. (São Paulo, Brazil)
7) Dinner by Heston Blumenthal (London, England)
8) Arzak (San Sebastián, Spain)
9) Steirereck (Vienna, Austria)
10) Vendôme (Bergisch Gladbach, Germany)
11) Per Se (New York)
12) Frantzén/Lindeberg (Stockholm, Sweden)
13) The Ledbury (London, England)
14) Astrid y Gastón (Lima, Perú)
15) Alinea (Chicago, Illinois)
16) L'Arpege (Paris, France)
17) Pujol (Mexico City, Mexico)
18) Le Chateaubriand (Paris, France)
19) Le Bernardin (New York)
20) Narisawa (Tokyo, Japan)
21) Attica (Melbourne, Australia)
22) Nihonryori RyuGin (Tokyo, Japan)
23) L'Astrance (Paris, France)
24) L'Atelier Saint-Germain de Joël Robuchon (Paris, France)
25) Hof van Cleve (Kruishoutem, Belgium)
26) Quique Dacosta (Denia, Spain)
27) Le Calandre (Rubano, Italy)
28) Mirazur (Menton, France)
29) Daniel (New York)
30) Aqua (Wolfsburg, Germany)
31) Biko (Mexico City, Mexico)
32) Nahm (Bangkok, Thailand)
33) The Fat Duck (Bray, England)
34) Fäviken Magasinet (Järpen, Sweden)
35) Oud Sluis (Sluis, Netherlands)
36) Amber (Hong Kong, China)
37) Vila Joya (Albufeira, Portugal)
38) Restaurant Andre (Singapore)
39) 8 1/2 Otto E Mezzo Bombana (Hong Kong, China)
40) Combal.Zero (Rivoli, Italy)
41) Piazza Duomo (Alba, Italy)
42) Schloss Schauenstein (Fürstenau, Switzerland)
43) Mr & Mrs Bund (Shanghai, China)
44) Asador Etxebarri (Atxondo-Bizkaia, Spain)
45) Geranium (Copenhagen, Denmark)
46) Maní (São Paulo, Brazil)
47) The French Laundry (Yountville, California)
48) Quay (Sydney, Australia)
49) Septime (Paris, France)
50) Central (Lima, Peru)

                                                                                                                                                                                                              
Source: http://www.theworlds50best.com/list/1-50-winners/#t1-10

Apr 22, 2013

Happy Earth Day from Origins!

Happy Earth Day friends! This big blue planet has been pretty good to us over the years, wouldn't you say?

Origins skincare is celebrating Earth Month with four new, limited edition skincare prep products. In addition, Origins will plant a tree for each limited edition product purchased from April 21st through 28th, 2013.

Here are the fab. new finds:

Clear Improvement: An active charcoal mask to clear pores

Checks and Balances: A frothy face wash

Modern Friction: A gentle dermabrasion

Drink Up Intensive: A hydrating overnight mask

Origins has always been my go-to skincare line and I grew up using their Night A Mins face cream. This sweet smelling formula was a revelation because of how soft my skin felt after using it. The delicate mandarin-orange smell of the lotion is also one of the most recognizable parts of the product because of its clean, refreshing scent.

These fabulous new Earth day products conjure up the same skin sentiments and with the change in season, my poor winter skin is thanking me. With spring here to stay, it's important to detoxify your skin and start fresh to welcome the change in climate. These products are the perfect solution to help clear your skin, scrub away dead skin, rejuvenate your dehydrated skin, and brighten your dull skin. And of course, like any good Origins product, these skincare solutions smell delicious.

Great new products, for a great cause, with a great smell-I don't think I could ask for more!


P.S. Order now and enter promo code EARTH at checkout to receive $10 off your $25 online purchase.



Mar 26, 2013

Mar 24, 2013

A lovely Saturday brunch


 I've become a regular French Macaron connoisseur and all the tasty treats are delicious my favorite right now are from Kafe Leopold. I couldn't resist grabbing a few after a yummy brunch this weekend. The macarons are light, fluffy and slightly chewy and the filling is delicate and filled with flavor. My favorite flavors include the Blueberry Olive Oil, Green Apple Coriander, Lemon and Basil, and Chocolate. Sooo yummy!   




We also had one of my favorite breakfasts in the city with my absolute favorite meal: 15-year aged Serrano Ham in thinly sliced flakes, a perfectly fried egg, scallions and divine truffle grits. This is perfection! Not a bad way to spend a sunny Saturday in the city.

How did you spend your weekend??






Mar 14, 2013

A Charming and Rustic New England Wedding Affair

My dear friend's Pete and Emily got married recently in the picturesque New England town of Booth Bay Harbor, ME over the Fourth of July weekend. The venue was absolutely stunning and all the personalized details and rustic chic decor made the whole weekend unforgettable. Check out some of the photos from this magazine-ready affair:





























Mar 13, 2013

These are a few of my favorite things...

Hope you could hear Julie Andrews trapsing down a lush hillside singing as you read the title of this post!

Here's a look at some of my favorite new finds right now:

A cute little baby giraffe

A little bling from J.Crew
A little Mumford and Sons in concert

A little Zara (shoes and pants) to round out a dinner and drinks outfit
A little long lasting lipstain from Revlon

A pretty little lavender-scented package




Mar 11, 2013

Wedding Makeup by The Beauty Buff!



I recently did makeup for my college friend, Deb's wedding. The wedding was last fall at The Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C. It was so much fun to work together and Deb was a beautiful bride! To compliment the silver sheen in her dress we used a shimmery silver shadow on the lids with a neutral taupe in the crease. I then outlined her eyes on the top and bottom with black liner and added half a strip of fake lashes. I added contour and definition to her cheeks with a mixture of bronze and a bright pink blush and then added a pink/plum shade to emphasize her lips. To create a clean, even palette for her face, I airbrushed a primer and foundation using Luminess Air. Deb looked spectacular and I was so happy to help her create her perfect look for her special day! 

A special thanks to Procopio Photography for the beautiful photographs!

For more information on my makeup services, please feel free to click here


Jan 10, 2013

Save the Date – DC-Area Bridal Showcase

DC-Area Brides-to-be: Check out this special Bridal Showcase Event brought to you by Margo Fischer of Bright Occasions Wedding Planning. The event will feature some amazing wedding vendors for a variety of bridal needs at Balance Studio in Bethesda. As a featured vendor, I will be offering special bridal makeup discounts and tips. If you're in the planning process in the DC-area, join us to help make the process easier and more fun!
 
 

Save the Date – January 25, 2013 – 6-8pm

 
 
12-75 BALANCE poster 11x17 FINAL FB
 

Here is the list of participating vendors.  Additional area businesses will be offering great raffle prizes:

  • Arbonne Skincare Products
  • Avantika Wagle Fraser, Makeup Artist and Beauty Blogger of The Beauty Buff
  • Balance, Your Pilates, Yoga & Gyrotonic Studio
  • Booth-O-Rama Photobooths
  • Chris Laich Music Services
  • Chouquette Chocolates and Confections
  • Edge Flowers
  • Hulala Fitness
  • Paperwhite Events Boutique Dessert Tables
  • Paul’s Wines & Spirits
  • Peter Pawlak Dance Instructions
  • Rene Kauder, Independent Stylist for Stella & Dot Jewelry
  • Spilled Milk Catering
  • Sweet Tea Photography by Lisa Marie
  • Tabibi Designs, Invitation and Paper Elements
  • The Bright Occasions, Wedding Planning & Coordination
Questions?  Email me anytime - thebeautybuffblog@gmail.com-www.thebeautybuffblog.com or Margo Fischer - thebrightoccasions@gmail.com –www.thebrightoccasions.com
 
Hope to see you there!
 

 
 

Jan 3, 2013

Macaroon Inspiration!

 
 
How adorable are these French Macaroons made to look like colorful yo-yo's!?