Light and easy

Jap Chae, Korean Glass Noodles

 

Ingredients

12-14 ounce package Korean vermicelli (see photo of package below so you know what to look for in the Korean market)
2 large bunches of spinach
2 large onions, halved and sliced lengthwise
2 large carrots, julienned
3 scallions, green parts only, cut into 1½-inch pieces
12 ounces fresh small shiitake mushrooms (or regular mushrooms), stems removed, julienned
¼ cup sesame oil
¼ cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon salt (more to taste)
pepper to taste
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

 

Directions

 

Cook the Noodles:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook noodles until soft, about 10 minutes (or whatever the recommended time on package). Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside in a large bowl.

 

Cook the Spinach:

Start a large pot of water on the stove to bring to a boil.

Trim root ends off spinach. You can also trim the stems off completely to use only spinach leaves, but for some reason, we like the fibers of the stems. It makes us feel healthier.

Wash spinach thoroughly. Then wash again because three times the first time probably wasn’t enough to get all the dirt off.

Then wash the spinach again. We’re not kidding.

Dunk spinach in boiling water for 30 seconds, then drain, rinse with cold water, and squeeze out all water. Set aside.

 

Cook the Onions, Carrots, Scallions and Mushrooms:

Heat about 2 tablespoons canola oil in large wok over medium-low heat (a very large saute pan will work, too). Add onions and cook until just soft. Turn down heat to medium-low, add carrots, scallions and mushrooms and cook until everything is soft and fragrant. If the wok looks dry, add more oil.

Add cooked spinach, onions, carrots, scallions and mushrooms to the large bowl with the vermicelli. Drizzle sesame oil, soy sauce, and salt, then toss everything in the bowl together.

The easiest way to incorporate everything is to use your hands. If you’re afraid of getting your hands dirty, use tongs for this, the very last time you will ever be in the kitchen because who doesn’t get their hands dirty in the kitchen?!

Taste and adjust with soy sauce, salt, and pepper. To be honest, we know we used a lot more soy sauce and salt, but that’s just because we’re salt freaks.

Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving.

This dish can be served hot or room temperature. Store in refrigerator. It reheats like a dream in the microwave oven. That is, if you actually have any leftover.


[Source : TASTESPOTTING the blog]

Lady Gaga’s ‘Born This Way’ Makeup

Courtesy of Gaga Daily

Today, Lady Gaga premiered her new single “Born This Way“! The image for her new track is as intense as the song (shown), as Gaga appears with protruding horns, voluminous hair, and black winged eyeliner. The singer’s longtime stylist Nicola Formichetti styled the shoot, Sam McKnight whipped her strands, and makeup artist Val Garland prepped her face. “A bold decisive liner suits Gaga,” Garland told InStyle of the look. (Garland often works for MAC, the same company that does Lady Gaga’s Viva Glam campaign!) “She definitely has the personality to pull it off.” Agreed! Now we just can’t wait to see the video. In the meantime, listen to the new song on LadyGaga.com.

[Source : InStyle]

Deconstruct it and twist it

Frozen Banana Bombs

By Michael Lewicki

 

Bananas dipped in melted Nutella, rolled in shredded coconut and crushed peanuts and ginger. Once frozen it took on the taste and characteristics of the banana split. Only it was better.

 This is the perfect summer escape and it's simple and quick to make. It starts with slicing a banana in half and dipping it in melted chocolate, done so in a double boiler. I then throw some peanuts and ginger cookies in a bag and crush them with a rolling pin, going back and forth until smooth. I mix those up with shredded coconut and place them on a baking pan lined with a sheet of parchment paper. Dip the banana into the chocolate and roll it into the mixture of your favourite toppings. Cover it with another layer of parchment paper and place in the freezer for an hour. 

From my kitchen to yours, happy eating!

[Source : Verses from my Kitchen]

2011 Beauty Trends Guide

Swap autumn/winter looks for these big new spring/summer 2011 beauty trends 

DELETE - Tawny, earth-toned blush, eye and lip colours.

AS SEEN AT - Christian Dior autumn/winter 2010-11. 

SWAP FOR - A sun-kissed Seventies glow.

INSPIRED BY - Michael Kors spring/summer 2011.

 DELETE - Deep berry lip shades.

AS SEEN AT - Proenza Schouler autumn/winter 2010-11.

 SWAP FOR - Perfectly painted red lips.

INSPIRED BY - Freja Beha Erichsen at Gucci spring/summer 2011.

DELETE - Heavily kohl-rimmed eyes.

AS SEEN AT - Gucci autumn/winter 2010-11.

 SWAP FOR - Bright pastel eyeshadow colours with a chalky finish.

INSPIRED BY - Derek Lam spring/summer 2011.

 DELETE - Grungy, wet-look hair.

AS SEEN AT - Vera Wang autumn/winter 2010-11.

 SWAP FOR - Big, blown-out Seventies frizz.

INSPIRED BY - Marc by Marc Jacobs spring/summer 2011.

DELETE - Understated, minimalist skin.

AS SEEN AT - Matthew Williamson autumn/winter 2010-11.

SWAP FOR - Beautifully natural skin that really glows.

INSPIRED BY - Lindsey Wixson at Versace for spring/summer 2011.

DELETE - Squoval (square and oval) nail shapes painted in dark colours with a matte finish.

AS SEEN AT - Rag&Bone autumn/winter 2010-11.

 SWAP FOR - Perfectly manicured, loval (long and oval) nail shapes lacquered in an eye-popping colour.

INSPIRED BY - Christian Dior spring/summer 2011.

 DELETE - Defiantly bold and bushy eyebrows.

AS SEEN AT - Prada autumn/winter 2010-11.

 SWAP FOR - Strong but groomed brows.

INSPIRED BY - Vera Wang spring/summer 2011.

 DELETE - Sleek, perfect ponytails.

AS SEEN AT - Louis Vuitton autumn/winter 2010-11.

 SWAP FOR - Soft, feminine hair rolls with a carefree, flyaway texture.

INSPIRED BY - Donna Karan spring/summer 2011.

DELETE - Alice bands.

AS SEEN AT - Erdem autumn/winter 2010-11.

 SWAP FOR - Chunky, decorative hair barrettes.

INSPIRED BY - Rodarte spring/summer 2011.

[Source : VOGUE.com]

Whistles SS11 preview

Get a preview look at Whistles stunning SS11 collection

[Source : InStyle.co.uk]

Nameless Potatoes

Accordion Potatoes

Serves 4
Adapted from Laura Calder’s French Taste: Elegant Everyday Eating, published by HarperCollins.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds medium baking potatoes
• Bay leaves
• Fresh thyme sprigs
• Salt (kosher works well)
• Fresh black pepper
• 2 Tbsp olive or cold-pressed canola oil
• 2 Tbsp melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2.  
3. With the potato lying on its side, make vertical cuts no wider than your baby finger into the potato from the top to about 3/4 of the way down. Do not cut all the way through the potato. (If, like me, you do cut all the way through, just pin the pieces together with a tooth pick.)
4.  
5. Slip bay leaves and sprigs of thyme between a few of the slices in each of the potatoes.
6.  
7. Place the potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet ensuring they don’t touch each other.
8.  
9. Combine the oil and melted butter. Drizzle them mixture over the potatoes.
10.  
11. Sprinkle  the tops with salt and fresh cracked black pepper.
12.  
13. Bake for 45 to 60  minutes or until the potatoes are cooked and the skin is crisp and golden. Baking time varies with the size of the potato and the thickness of the slices, so keep an eye on them after the 45 minute mark.

[Source : Christie's Corner]

Hair Look of the Day Round Up

Chanel Iman's Glamorous Updo

THE STYLE A curly, asymmetrical coif that's tucked up in back and falling down in front

WHERE A Victoria's Secret Valentine's Day promotion in Toronto

WHY WE LOVE IT Model Chanel Iman caught our attention with her rosy cheeks, vampy lashes, and shiny red lips. But it was her soft but structured updo that completed the look. One part Old Hollywood glamour, one part modern It Girl, and 100 percent gorgeous. 

 Nicole Kidman's Long, Loose Layers

THE STYLE Below-the-chest strands with subtle, easy layers

WHERE The Just Go With It premiere in New York City

WHY WE LOVE IT A hairstyle doesn't have to be overworked to be downright gorgeous. Take Nicole Kidman's fluffy, un-fussed over look. Gentle bends around the face draw attention to her smile; touchable texture feels soft and approachable. 

 Hayden Panettiere's Swept Back Strands

THE STYLE Slick sides and sleek but soft pushed-back strands

WHERE The GQ, Cadillace, Lacoste and Patron Celebration of the Coolest Athletes and the Big Game in Dallas

WHY WE LOVE IT Hayden Panettiere's overgrown pixie is one of our favorite short cuts in Hollywood right now. The effortless, touchable texture keeps the exaggerated volume on top from feeling overdone. 

Kim Kardashian's Skinny Headband

THE STYLE A thin, nude headband topping off a high, messy updo

WHERE Launching her jewelery collection Belle Noel in West Hollywood

WHY WE LOVE IT There's just something romantic about a skinny headband, especially if you're Kim Kardashian and it's holding back a riotous mane of hair. The contrast of the headband's peachy tone against her deep espresso hair adds just the right amount of definition. 

 Jennifer Lopez's Voluminous Mane

THE STYLE Long, blown-out strands with tons of lift

WHERE A Gilette Venus event in New York City

WHAT SHE SAID "There’s two different ways I feel very beautiful and sexy," Jennifer Lopez told us at the event. "This first is a long big mane, like this. I’m a Leo, so I need my mane. But I also love the opposite, which is my hair pulled really tight and off my face. That probably represents the two sides of me." 

 Minka Kelly's Soft Layers

THE STYLE Long gradual layers with subtle bend at the ends

WHERE A NYLON magazine party in New York City

WHY WE LOVE IT Minka Kelly's touchable style, created by Mark Townsend, reminded us of a simple truth: No matter how good your haircut is, if your hair isn't styled well, no one will know. If you've got long layers—and most of us do—rather than blowing them out pin-straight, take a few extra minutes to add a slight curl on the ends. It flatters your face and gives a simple style welcome movement. 

 Gillian Jacobs's Brushed-Out Curls

THE STYLE Loose, combed-through curls swept back from the forehead

WHERE The Entertainment Weekly 2011 Pre-SAG Party in Los Angeles

WHY WE LOVE IT Community star Gillian Jacobs and her hairstylist Marcus Francis reminded us of a simple way to boost volume: Rather than parting your hair, push it straight back. Volume icons like Veruschka and Brigitte Bardot kept this trick near and dear—try it the next time your strands fall a bit flat. (A blast of hairspray will help your hair stay put.) 

 Dianna Agron's Knotty Bun

THE STYLE A low, messy twist and graphic, sideswept bangs

WHERE The 17th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards

INSIDE SCOOP "For Dianna Agron's look, we merged vintage and modern by doing a double knot in the back and sweeping the bangs to one side. That way, you get a glimpse of the effortlessly undone 'do from every angle,” said Suave Professionals hairstylist Jenny Cho. To literally knot Agron's strands, Cho split the hair down the center in two sections. "Tie the two sections like you're tying a bow and secure with pins. Then make another knot right under the first, and secure with more pins. Leave the ends out to give it the undone finish," she advises. 

[Source : InStyle]

Grammy Awards 2011 : The Hottest Hair in Music

Katy Perry

HIT SINGLE Katy Perry's Teenage Dream was nominated for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album. Her single "California Gurls" was nominated for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals
HIT STYLE: Long, voluminous waves parted on the side (not to mention the wild wigs she wears on stage!) 

 Rihanna

HIT SINGLE Rihanna's collaborative song with Eminem, "Love the Way You Lie," was nominated for Song of the Year, Record of the Year, and Best Rap Song
HIT COLOR: The singer debuted fire-engine red strands in June 2010 and never looked back.

 Lady Gaga

HIT SINGLE Lady Gaga's The Fame Monster was nominated for Album of the Year
HIT STYLE: Anything and everything! From bow-shaped updos to neon wigs, the sky's the limit for this trendsetter.

 Beyonce

HIT SINGLE Beyonce was nominated for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "Halo" and Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for "Telephone," which she created with Lady Gaga
HIT STYLE: Rapunzel-esque blonde locks that are straight, curly, glittery or matte, and always sexy.

 Adam Lambert

HIT SINGLE Adam Lambert was nominated for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for "Whataya Want from Me"
HIT STYLE: A Beatles-esque mop crop that's spiky and jet black.

 Hayley Williams

HIT SINGLE Hayley Williams and her band Paramore were nominated for Best Pop Performance by a Group or Duo with Vocals for "The Only Exception." Hayley was nominated for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for "Airplanes, Part II," a collaboration she did with Eminem and B.o.B.
HIT STYLE A punky shoulder-length shag in vibrant tangerine. 

 Justin Bieber

HIT SINGLE Justin Bieber was nominated for Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Album for My World 2.0
HIT STYLE: A smooth sweep of chestnut strands that hit just above the eyebrow and never slip out of place...even a little. 

The Glee Cast

HIT SINGLE Glee: The Music was nominated for Best Compilation Soundtrack Album, while the cast's rendition of "Don't Stop Believin'" was nominated for Best Pop Performance by a Group or Duo with Vocals
HIT STYLE: Perfectly-styled tresses that hit all the right notes.

 Esperanza Spalding

HIT SINGLE The Portland-born jazz singer was nominated for Best New Artist
HIT STYLE: A full-on 70's Afro that's out of this world.

 Janelle Monae

HIT SINGLE Janelle Monae was nominated for Best Contemporary R&B Album for The ArchAndroid
HIT STYLE: Closely shorn sides and an exaggerated, poufed up pompadour.

[Source : InStyle]

Cake in a jar

Apple and Pecan Spice Cake in a Jar

Ingredients

(makes 1 full mason jar)

1/2 cup chopped apples
1/2 cup pecans
1/6 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
3/4 cup flour
1/4 cup 1% milk
1/8 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Mix all of the dry ingredients in a medium sized bowl. 

In a small bowl, mix the wet ingredients (butter, egg). Stir the wet ingredients into the dry. 

Now add the chopped apples and pecans (or any other ingredient you choose) and mix well. 

Spray the jar well and fill the batter into the jar. 

Place on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 25-30 minutes. 

Let cool before serving.

Remember that the spray & your jar are best friends! If you forget this small step, you could have a disaster on your hands.

Fill the jar almost to the top with the batter.

After a short 30 minutes, you have a super cute and good dessert!

There are so many different recipes for cakes in jars! Feel free to adapt this one by adding your favorite ingredients. The next time you make these you may add some raisins, or chocolate somehow.

By Cait Jensen of a bicycle built for Two

VMAN 21 Model assembly line

VMAN 21 ASSEMBLY LINE from V Magazine on Vimeo.

VMAN 21: THE THRILL OF THE GAME ISSUE hits stands on Tuesday. Featuring cover star Kanye West photographed by Karl Lagerfeld, our Spring Issue raises the stakes by paying tribute to the adrenaline that keeps us at the top of our game. From the risk-taking Kanye West to one of the world’s most daring stuntmen, to Hollywood’s next action star, some of the world’s most aggressive athletes, and a 21-year-old model plucked from the front lines of war, V MAN 21 gives us a look inside ourselves to see what we’re really made of. No guts, no glory. No risk, no reward.


Video Eric Johanson
Model Assembly Workers Ford Smith (Ford), Petey Wright (Ford), and Monica Pedro (Women-Direct)

Venus de Mila

Mila  Kunis, Ukranian born star of "Black Swan" talks about coming to America - and why she'll never dance again.

Lynn Hirschberg: In Black Swan, you play the wild-child devil girl. You’re both seductive and scary. Had you danced before you took the part?
Mila Kunis: I had never danced in my life. I trained for four months, seven days a week, five hours a day. I had one day off on my birthday. I lost 20 pounds. I tore a ligament. I dislocated my shoulder. I have two scars on my back. And it was worth every minute.
But I will never dance again. I’m a strong believer in mind over matter, but I didn’t fully understand what that meant until this production. I was like, Well—I wear heels; I can do this. I was wrong: Christian Louboutins are uncomfortable, but I screamed the first time I put on a pointed shoe. 


You have previously been known for comedy. Do you think it’s difficult for women to be considered both beautiful and funny in Hollywood?
I was never raised to think that I was pretty. It’s not that I was raised to think I was unattractive, but it was just never something that was pointed out to me by my family. They would point out personality traits—“Our daughter is really quirky”—versus what I look like, because inevitably, looks go, so it makes no difference. 


Your family is Ukrainian. How old were you when you moved to America?
I was seven and a half when we moved to the States. We came straight to Los Angeles. 


What was the first thing you remember seeing of America?
A black man. It was at the American embassy [in Moscow], and all I had known were Caucasian people with blond hair, brunette hair, and sometimes red hair. You’re never really taught about anything else. I think I was frightened. And the beautiful thing was, the man spoke Russian. He explained to me that there are people in this world who are of different color. Being seven and a half, I asked him, “Does that mean there are purple people in this world?” 


Shortly after arriving in L.A., you began acting. Did you always long to be an actress?
No. I started acting when I was nine as a hobby because it was fun, and it allowed me to get out of school. The first thing I did was a Barbie commercial, and I got to keep the Barbie. That’s all a kid wants.
From nine to 14, I did close to 15 commercials, and I guest starred on just about every television show. I was on Baywatch twice. The second time, I played a blind girl who’s lost in the forest next to the beach and needs to be saved. It was absurd: There’s a fire, I get saved, and then I go boogie-boarding. I remember thinking, Well, if I’m blind, how am I boogie-boarding? No one ever gave me an answer. 

Was there a moment when you decided to be more discerning and selective in your roles?
I didn’t really think of acting as a career. I’m the first person in my family to not be a college graduate. I always associate careers with college diplomas. When I was 22, my contract with That ’70s Show ended, and I had to make a conscious decision about what I wanted to do with my life. During the show, I had attempted to go to college, but I realized that the traffic in L.A. made it too difficult for me to go to school at 6 a.m. and be back at work at 10 a.m. I asked my parents if it was okay if I dropped out. They said okay, you can defer until after your contract with That ’70s Show ends.

And then it ended. I realized for the first time that I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. So I had to make acting a career—to make smart choices instead of choices made for fun. 

When you watch your performance in Black Swan, do you find it strange—as if it was another life, another person?
Before I started, I couldn’t even lift my arm properly. I literally had no posture, so, yeah, the first time I saw the movie, my jaw dropped. I was like, Oh, my God—I don’t suck. And it’s great that the performance has been captured on film, because I will never put on those pointed shoes.

 

By Lynn Hirschberg
Photographs by Craig McDean
Styled by Alex White

Blogshop : c h a r l i e .

c h a r l i e .

Dresses are a girl's best friend and c h a r l i e . is one best friend you might want for yourself.

Unique and handpicked, the blog owners cheah and lee admit that the pieces they offer can also be found hung up in their closets. So browsing through their blogshop may well be similar to raiding their own closets :)

At affordable prices, you're sure to find something to suit your style.

Velours Mag's Picks

 Round collar dress with short sleeves at RM55 

(from RM62! - last few pieces in beige)

 Round collar lace layer SJP dress at RM52 

(available in navy blue, champagne and grey)

Stripey tube dress at RM52 (still available in purple, red and green)

They also have plenty of girly tops, perfect for both work and pleasure!

 Sleeveless ruffle top at RM40 (from RM42! - still available in black and grey)

 Frilly top at RM35 (from RM43! - still available in black, olive and greyish blue)

 Satin ribbon collared top at RM35 

(from RM42! still available in black,light brown, navy blue and fuchsia)

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