Green Beans with Sesame Vinaigrette

As promised earlier this week, here is the recipe for green beans that I made for a recent dinner party.  This recipe was super easy to make, fast, and pretty darn good.  I include here a couple tweaks I made, but here is a link to the original as well.

• 1 1/2 lb green beans, trimmed
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon white-wine vinegar
• 3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted

Stir fry beans with 1 tbsp of cooking oil over medium-high heat until beans turn a bright green and are at your desired level of crispiness. Whisk together oils, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until combined well, then add beans and sesame seeds and toss to coat.

I should also warn that since this is a vinaigrette, the sauce will tend to sink to the bottom of your dish, so it's recommended to continually toss the beans whenever someone wishes a serving.  I added an extra tsp of mustard and maybe I'd add more vinegar too in order to get a more "zingy" taste.  Happy eating!

Lust of the Week: Lorena Sarbu S/S 2011

As per usual, I am continually inspired by Gossip Girl.  The stylists for that show are amazing!  What a dream it would be to dress like that for even a day.  I wonder if people on the Upper East Side really do live such glam lives, where wearing gowns and cocktail dresses is a normal, daily thing.

This week's Lust features two designs by a designer who I think would be right at home in that upper crust neighborhood.  Romanian designer Lorena Sarbu's S/S 2011 line brings to mind a picture of elegance, sophistication, and glamour, but with a youthful touch.  Shades of blush, nude, and coral mingle together with lace, sequins and silk to create a harmonious beauty.  While perusing the collection, I could not bring myself to choose between the two lovely cocktail gowns below:

If you're looking for unique details, then this dress is for you.  The seemingly simple silhouette boasts some major edge with its asymmetrical bat-wing sleeve (asymmetrical + bat-wing = major MizzJ weakness).  The cinched, yet slouchy waist line also modernizes this dress by giving the wearer shape, while creating a comfortable looseness that won't have you body conscious.  An above-the-knee hemline shows off your gams, and the alternating silk and lace panels make for interesting visual details.

If you're looking for straight up glam though, then this number should have your vote.  Orange and coral tones are hot for summer and this dress is a perfect example of how to wear this too neglected shade.  I love how this dress resembles a Herve Leger bandage dress' tightness, but the diagonal ruching is much more forgiving.  Also check out how sparkly this dress is!  Plus it has what appears to be a neat little tail or embellishment in the back that just makes this dress even more fun to look at!

Seriously, it's a classic tug of war between classic and flirty.  Almost as hard as choosing between Nate and Chuck.  Which would you choose?

Product Review: Revlon Beyond Natural False Eyelashes

The Product

This review was a result as to the power of the Internet.  In two previous reviews (here and here), I and a guest blogger had reviewed two different sets of Revlon's false eyelash line: the self-adhesive lashes and the regular false lashes.  Both sets received middling results.  It seems like someone at Revlon was listening (or reading) because they contacted me asking me if I'd give them another chance to redeem themselves!  Of course, I am always open to giving a 2nd chance, so I accepted.  A couple weeks later, I received a nice fat parcel containing boxes of their latest falsie line, the Beyond Natural eyelashes.

There are four types in the Beyond Natural line, depending upon the look you may desire: Intensifying, Dramatic 3x volume, Defining, and Long Voluminzing.  In today's review, I will talk about the Defining pair.


Price & Packaging

I am not entirely sure about the price point for these lashes, as they were sent to me, but I believe them to be around the $5 mark.  Truly affordable!  I am still not thrilled with how these lashes are packaged.  It is still annoying trying to remove, or insert, the lash case back into its plastic box - the lid is one of those annoyingly stiff plastic flaps similar to the ones that cookies come in.  Super cheap packaging.  I think this product would appear higher end if they could only improve the packaging to have an actual plastic case rather than this irritating one.


Effectiveness

Compared to the previous two sets, the Beyond Natural line is amazing!  These lashes gave me long, flirty lashes and totally blended in well with my natural ones, giving me a boost of volume that wasn't overt.  I wore these on two occasions and nobody noted at all that I was wearing falsies.  These lashes could totally be wearable during the day with just a thin swipe of eyeliner and a red lip for a classic look.
 

Buy or Ditch?

Definitely buy!  I have yet to try the others in the line, but I think for its price point, these lashes do a great job of enhancing one's natural set of lashes.  Revlon, you have much improved, but you still get points docked for packaging.

Final Verdict: B+

So innocent, you can tell by the clothes

Tee: Forever21

Striped Tank: from Malaysia

Skirt: Winners

Tights: Urban Outfitters

Sapphire bracelet: ICE.com

Just a comfy, lazy outfit today peeps!  After a packed weekend, I think I deserve some rest.  On Saturday, I got up way too early to head to a music video shoot for a local hip-hop group that my friend was producing.  I was to work as a stylist and I was hyped to dress some ladies up in sexy, club gear.  When I arrived the crew was getting ready and we all made our hellos and waited.  And waited. And waited some more for the models to show.  Unbelievably 0 out of 5 models booked for the shoot showed!! Incredibly unprofessional.  I almost want to quote the names of the models here so that nobody in town will book them if they read this post, but I'm a believer in karma, so I don't want to bring that bad luck upon myself.  Even though the gig was not paid, if you're a beginner in the business you should really be eager to please regardless of whether you get a paycheque in the end.  Everyone knows someone in Vancouver and behaviour like that is not going to impress.  At least I met some cool people though!  

The afternoon fared better with the Strike a Pose fashion show.  All the models were made up beautifully and it was truly a happy atmosphere.  Volunteer work is definitely more rewarding to you than perhaps to the people you are helping, and that day makes me feel like I should try to squeeze in more giving back to my community.  Here's some photos from that day from backstage, including some shots of the lovely clothes donated by Body Politik and Nicole Bridger for the show:

Sunday I turned my attention to the stove as I had my sister, brother-in-law, and Mr. Artist over for dinner.  I made some steamed fish (see recipe) and a yummy green beans with sesame/mustard vinegarette.  I'll be sure to post the recipe for that soon!

Finally, I'd like to announce the winner of the Apothica gift card!  Thank you to everyone who entered!  Without further ado, the winner is:

Tanya

Please contact me asap to collect your prize!  Don't worry everyone, I'll be having another giveaway in the next couple weeks that you won't want to miss!

Well, that was my weekend! I'd love to hear how was yours?

Product Review: Born Pretty Nail Art

Recently I was sent some free samples of nail stickers care of nail art seller Born Pretty.  Besides selling a wide variety of nail art stickers, Born Pretty also sells tons of false eyelashes, makeup tools, and beauty products.  Since I was intrigued by my first experience with nail art awhile ago, I was eager to see how these ones would turn out.

Below are some shots of the various sheets I received:

Compared to the price for the Haute 3D stickers, the combined price of all these sheets above cost $4.31!  However, price doesn't necessarily align with quality and I found these stickers to be of much lower quality than the Haute 3D ones.  The Born Pretty ones looked kinda cheap close up and I found the sticker choices to be a bit juvenile for someone my age, but if you're a teenager these are a perfect option! 

The stickers were easy to apply and lasted about 5 days, during which I did reapply 2 layers of topcoat after the first couple days. 

Mr. Artist remarked that they looked pretty cute, so I suppose they are a success.  I think I'll have to play around with the other sheets and my nail colors to find a way to make them a bit more grown-up.  I have to admit that the flowers above did grow on me after a couple days and overall I liked the effect they gave my hands.

Born Pretty also offers a wide array of nail decorations, like gems and dangling jewels, but I was too timid to try putting on these.  If someone does try them though, I'd love to hear your experience!  From now until March 31, 2011, Born Pretty is also offering BHMnB readers a 10% discount on their purchases!  Just type in coupon code MIZZJK31 at checkout to collect.  Happy shopping!

Lust of the Week: Foley + Corinna drawstring bag

via Shopbop, $445

With an eye on spring and summer, one has to start thinking of that perfect spring/summer bag.  This gorgeous number from Foley + Corinna may just fit the bill. I was immediately drawn in by the easygoing vibe of this piece.  The delectable looking leather just begs to be touched and the rich cognac color is perfect for spring's lighter color palette in a way that is much more natural than stark black.  The tassels and drawstring closure server to further this bag's light, bohemian attitude, but the zippered and separated compartments within are all business.  You may think this bag to be plain, but I think its simplicity is its greatest strength, allowing it to merge seamlessly into a multitude of outfits: jean jackets with floral dresses, denim capris and white button-downs, a dark maxi dress with cool shades and a wide-brimmed hat, you get the picture. 

Looking for some cool spring finds, but don't want to bust the bank? Well, I have a couple of great options for you care of some fellow bloggers I know!  For designer discounts check out Fashion Forward Journal's online store, and for some truly unique finds, check out the handpainted designs by the very talented Emily of Yellow Scarf!

Really Rihanna?

Ok, I'll be the first to admit I'm like 2 weeks 2 late on this story, but really, everyone's coverage is just so sensationalist I felt compelled to say something!  To catch up those who right now are like "whaaa??" Rihanna's latest single, S&M, was deemed so raunchy as to be banned by a multitude of music stations and even Youtube!  Yes, Youtube has actually put an advisory on this video only allowing 18+ users to access.  What's all the fuss about?

In the song, Rihanna sings about how much she loves sex, and in particular kinky S&M style sex.  Well, kinda.  The video also features images of people wearing collars and whips - you know typical S&M stuff.  However, after watching this video, I give a big, giant, YAWN.  From what I've heard about S&M, it's kinda dark and twisted, whereas this video is pretty colorful and downright saucy.  Walking Perez Hilton around in your yard like a puppy doesn't qualify as a kinky dominatrix who punishes naughty men.  My disgust is only at how fake and artificial this whole situation is, from the hyper-sensitive banning of the song, to the fake skankiness on Rihanna's part.  I don't believe for one second that she actually likes anything that she sings about here.

Want to see a song that is truly twisted and deserving of its censoring?  This truly classic song and I have to say one of my favourites, is from Nine Inch Nails and is called Closer.  Just take a listen to the lyrics (except you minors!) and you'll get what I mean.  Rihanna would quickly drop her whips and cooing if she ever encountered Trent Reznor.  This video has some pretty twisted imagery that could be inappropriate for young'uns, and yet I was able to view it freely on Youtube. Go figure.

Exhibit A: Rihanna's S&M




Exhibit B: Nine Inch Nails' Closer





Which do you think is the more "out there" one?

Singing in the rain

Polka-dot top: Zara

Dress: Conversation Pieces

Leggings: Zara

Grey knee-socks: unknown

Boots: Hush Puppies

Or rather, drowning in it.  Yesterday was a day of drenching rain and wind that nearly made my umbrella blow its top (literally).  Walking in the rain definitely calls for boots, though frankly even I am getting tired of wearing boots everyday.  Spring, when will you be sprung?  My roommate has a pile of magazines lying around the apartment, perfect for flipping through on a cold day and full of bright, vibrant spring fashions.  This coming season I'm feeling an itch for lacy florals yet again (when will I ever not like these girly favourites?), orange and coral anything (particularly in lipstick) and all the multitude of ways that I will wear my coveted Michael Kors black leather clogs.  Has anyone in Vancouver checked out the new Michael Kors store downtown? I saw that it was open today while walking to work and a little quiver went down my spine.  I think I had better check it out to see if it's as good as the Oakridge location! 

What spring trends are you excited about this season?

Lust of the Week: Dolce & Gabbana Snowflake blouse as seen on Gossip Girl

via Dolce & Gabbana, $185 (sold out!)

Usually when I watch Gossip Girl, it's with 2 ears on the plot, 1 eye on the male hotties, and the other eye on the fashions.  What caught my eye this week was the lack of overt cleavage on our fav blondie, Serena.  Have they finally decided that yeah, maybe she should cover up a bit considering it's supposedly winter and FREEZING in NYC?!  I don't know if I can handle this much reality on GG and this episode's fashions were positively attainable for regular people like myself.  Take for example this admittedly designer chiffon sweater.  Serena made this sheer sweater look both sweet and sexy with its cute snowflake pattern and an oddly demure black camisole underneath.  What, all her super v-necks were in the wash? Either way, I'm smitten.

Thanks goes to Gossip Girl Fashion for their quick posting of the outfit!

Strike a Pose Fashion Show - Feb. 19, 2011!

I am very proud to be a part of this event being put on by the BC Paraplegic Association. Every year, the association hosts a tea party for its female members and their families, but this year they're going all out with a stylish fashion show featuring designs by local fashion designer, Nicole Bridger! If you know anything about Vancouver fashion, then you'll know that Nicole Bridger is one of our local superstars of design with her eco-friendly clothes.  Come out and support this great event to see some great clothes and hear some amazing stories.  You could also win some cool raffle prizes and get a mini-makeover care of the on-site makeup artists!  I'll be there as well volunteering backstage, so if you're in the Vancouver area, come out on the 19th and say hi!

To learn more about the BC Paraplegic Association and their work, visit their website.

Don't wait for Prince Charming, treat yourself

I don't know about you, but I've always been a sucker for charm bracelets.  There is just something so cool and well, charming, about a bracelet swinging with a multitude of charms dangling off one's wrist, with each charm having it own story.  A charm bracelet is like the jewelry form of a scrapbook, as it encapsulates life's little moments in a perfectly formed symbol.  Screw the cheesy Valentine gift guides; a charm bracelet is the perfect way for YOU as an independent woman to give to yourself this year and start your own collection of memories.  We modern woman know that we don't need to wait for a man to buy us shiny things!

Here are a few that I'd like to add to my own charm bracelet:

CharmCo Classic stiletto heel charm, $125

Of course any fashion lover would love a charm like this one.  It may not have the red sole of a Loubie, but this 14K gold charm still has that timeless heeled silhouette.

CharmCo Classic "I Love U" heart spinner, $195

Since it is Valentines Day coming up, the sap in me just had to put this charm on the list.  The little spinner just caught my eye as such a unique and quirky detail.  This little charm just makes me want to reach out and give that spinner a whirl!

CharmCo Classic diamond & gold handbag, $295

Lastly, this charm is at the pricey end of the scale, but just look at how cute it is!  Doesn't this remind you of a purse you'd see a classic Old Hollywood heroine (or Blair Waldorf) carrying down a busy city street?

While each of these charms does cost quite a bit, I think that they are a worthy investment in terms of keepsakes.  Charm bracelets are a piece that I would imagine handing down to my own daughter one day, and telling her the story of each.  Choose your charms wisely and you'll have memories to share forever.

Lust of the Week: Rebecca Minkoff Circle Quilted Affair purse

via Rebecca Minkoff, $325

Ever since I wrote my Killahbeez article the other week about Rebecca Minkoff, I have become obsessed with her Circle Quilted Affair purse.  Yes, it's a typical quilted purse, but check out that quilting! It's not your typical Chanel wannabe - it's got an original spherical quilting that is all its own.  There are now so many quilted handbags with leather & chain straps out there now, that it can no longer be said to be unique.  I can definitely see why this design is so copied by designer after designer; there is something so young and chic about a playful leather chain encased in gold links, yet the weight of that strap and the uniformity of the quilting lends it a very grown-up air.  Its size is just big enough to hold  essentials while discouraging excess.  Oh my, such a strict lover this purse would be.  It teases me with its very attainable price tag.  Does it tantalize you as well?

Happy Chinese New Year!

Happy New Year to everyone! As well, Happy Lunar New Year to those people who are not Chinese, but who also celebrate this day.  Eat, be merry, and have good luck over the next year!

Every year my family eats the same foods on CNY eve and each food is said to have an auspicious meaning.  This year, since my parents were out of town, my sister and I celebrated together, which was a nice switch-up from the norm.  Traditionally, there are also certain treats that are only seen during CNY, and this year I am contemplating making some myself.  Store-bought is never as good as homemade, and these tasty treats bring back memories of my great-grandmother who made the best Chinese snacks.  These deep-fried delights below were always one of my favourites, and surprisingly they look rather simple to make!  Wish me luck and I'll let you know how it goes readers!

 

PS. For those of you who were wondering, this week's Lust of the Week will feature tomorrow!

Apothica Giveaway + Dear MizzJ: just what the heck is a kabuki brush??

Today's reader question comes from the lovely Elisse.  She always has the best reader questions!  Today, Elisse asked:

I was wondering if you could do a post on kabuki brushes - when and why do i use it, and in your opinion what's brushes would you consider a splurge or a steal?

Well Elisse, kabuki brushes are a cool name, for a fantastic tool.  Definitely it is essential for anyone to have a kabuki brush or something similar, in their makeup bag.  Kabuki brushes get their name from a style of Japanese classical theatre, which is known for its actors wearing heavy layers of stylized makeup.  Similar to its origins, kabuki brushes are used to apply powder foundation and blush to one's skin, but unlike its past, modern kabuki brushes are used mainly for obtaining a flawless, even, finish.

Kabuki brushes are characterised by their large, bulb-shaped brush, fine bristles, and stubby stem.  To use, simply tap out a bit of loose powder foundation, or blush, into the lid of your product, swirl the brush in it until coated, and apply.  The soft bristles and shape allow for even coverage, but it can also be used to create a strong flush of colour on your cheeks by concentrating colour on the apples and drawing a Nike swoosh shape up into your cheekbones.

Try to shop for brushes with soft, natural fibres and wash them gently with warm water and shampoo to ensure their longevity.  When shopping for quality makeup products, you should check out makeup and skin care site, Apothica.  Offering a huge range of beauty brands like GloMinerals, Clinique, Obaqi, and Yves Saint Laurent, Apothica seeks to only sell the highest quality products to its customers.  Check out these two great kabuki brushes I found off of Apothica:

Too Faced Kabuki Brush, $32

 

Hourglass Comestics Kabuki brush, $65

Want a chance to go on a shopping spree for kabuki brushes, skin care products, makeup and more?  Starting today, Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy and Apothica are proud to partner together and offer you a chance to win a $50 gift card redeemable at Apothica, SkincareRX, or SkinBotanica!  To enter, just do one, or more of the following things:

1. Write on Apothica's Facebook wall saying "I just visited Being High Maintenance, not Bitchy & I really like Apothica because ______" (Bonus entry if you sign up for their newsletter!)
2. Tweet @apothica:  "I just visited @mizzjblog & I really like Apothica because ______"
3. On Twitter RT "Tell @apothica what product you'd love to win & you could get a $150 gc from @mizzjblog!"
4.  Blog about a brand, or product you love on Apothica on your blog (provide me a link in the comments)

Whichever method you choose, be sure to leave a comment here telling me which methods you used to enter and your email otherwise you will not be counted!  This contest will run until 12 AM PST, February 16, 2011!  Good luck everyone!

Get inspired & vote in the Sally Hansen x Glamour Magazine's Best of You contest!

The other day I was pleased to receive a press release in my inbox that didn't have to do with the latest line of bust-enhancing lingerie, or new yoga pants promising a tighter ass, but was instead about the stories of women who were inspiring themselves and their community.  Glamour Magazine and Sally Hansen were once again sponsoring their "Best of You" contest, which honours women who make a difference in their communities through charitable actions.  Finalists were chosen from a pool of written entries where each woman wrote about how she used her best qualities to bring out the best in others.

Until February 7, you can vote on the final winner by visiting Glamour's contest page.  With each vote by you, Glamour will donate $1 to the Deutsche Knochenmarkspenderdatei Center, the world's largest bone marrow donor centre.  Help fight terrible diseases like leukemia and reward local heroes with a single click? Sounds like one of the best things you can do today!

Here are just a couple of the inspirational women that made it to the finals:

Christine Caserta, Chappaqua, NY
Christine is currently developing a nonprofit organization that sends doctors to Haiti to educate the health community while providing medical care to Haitians. Last year alone, Christine, along with her dedicated team of doctors and nurses, was able to secure $10,000 in services for Haiti and another $10,000 in medical supplies. From filing paperwork and researching grants to assisting in surgery and post-op, Christine is always ready to lend a helping hand. In 2011 she hopes to have this nonprofit, tentatively named Hands Up for Haiti, up and running, with about five trips on the schedule.


 Alison Hicks, Tualatin, OR 
A children’s cancer ward can be a very scary place, so Alison decided to make it more fun. Inspired by the memory of her daughter, Chelsea, who passed away from cancer at age five, she created Chelsea's Closet, a mobile closet filled with games, snacks and costumes for in-patient children in hospitals throughout the Northwest. Through monthly visits at these hospitals, Chelsea’s Closet always brings a smile to these children’s faces while making their day a little brighter.