CORNZAPOPPIN COUPON

Hey Chic Readers,

If you’d like to order some of that DELICIOUS pop corn you saw this morning on KTLA Morning News, then head over to the Cornzapoppin Website and enter the promo code: KTLA and the first 100 Chic Readers will receive 10% off your entire order!!!

I know, we can’t believe it either. It’s like Christmas came early this year!

Silpat Liners

I found my first Silpat at one of those fancy kitchen stores that make you drool over every miniature ramekin and specialty slotted spoon. I had a gift certificate, so I was apt to buy some new products and test them out. I’d seen the silpat on cooking shows (which means it MUST be good, right?) so I gave it a whirl.

First of all, it’s an instant non-stick surface for your cookie sheet. That means no foil, no wax paper, no grease, no butter. You just drop this little sheet in and voila, clean up just got a whole lot simpler. Secondly, I don’t know if it’s the fiber glass inside the silicone mat, or just some kind of French voodoo but I swear baked goods come out PERFECTLY cooked, and perfectly crispy on bottom.

Secondly, I use it for everything! Cookies, biscuits, sweet potato fries… if I’m baking it, I’m using my Silpat! If you haven’t ever used one I swear you will not be disappointed, and since they start at a measly $13 at The Chic Boutique you have so little to lose and only baking prowess to gain!

Fruit Filled Hat Boxes

I found the charming little place five years ago on my first trip to Europe. I had day dreamed about visiting Paris my entire life and worried during the flight over that the city couldn’t possibly live up to the ideals in my head. In truth, it didn’t meet my expectations, it surpassed them. Paris is like a dream. It’s so beautiful, so elegant, so, well, fancy. It makes you want to have better posture, wear nicer clothes and start eating Pâté. The perfect example of this fanciness is Hediard. It sells food, but to call it a grocery store would be an insult. It’s basically the most beautiful chocolatier, delicatessen, wine store, tea house, and fruit stand you’ve ever seen in your life. Everything is packaged beautifully and displayed opulently and I could spend hours there just looking at all their wares. I found out on my last visit that it’s been around since 1854, which only makes it more romantic. I highly encourage you to visit when you’re next in town, and in the meantime, you can buy their products online. I know it wont be quite the same as visiting in person, but maybe a red tin of jasmine tea will hold you over until your next voyage.

Thanks for reading my European travel diary… if you want to see more pictures of the trip please join our facebook page!

The Break Up

For Christmas I gave my husband a short list of random things… jewelry cleaner, aviator sunglasses, and an item I haven’t purchased (let alone asked for) since I was in my teens.

I wanted the Break Up CD from Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson because I’d heard one of the fabulously jazzy numbers at a friends house and totally dug it. Usually I’m an iTunes worshipper and buy all my music in 99 cent intervals… but I actually liked the sound of that one song so much I was willing to commit to the whole album. Chic Readers, it’s so good. PERFECT for winter; and feels bluesy without making you depressed.

If you’re not ready to commit, go to iTunes and give Relator a listen. It makes me love Scar-Jo even though I normally hate her for her perfect lips/body/hair/boobs/husband. Damn it, why must she be SO amazing at EVERYTHING?!?!

We decided to brainstorm ideas and decided that shopping for a man can be really tough. They’re not easily wooed by bags, don’t melt over fragrances, and probably don’t care if the jeans you buy them are “IN”.  Men are pretty basic for the most part and don’t really focus on themselves the way women do. I think Christmas is a perfect time to introduce some luxury and style into your guys’ life without making him feel alienated.

Dear Chic Readers, here are some xmas gift ideas as per Erika and I;

1) This is something that most men don’t even think twice about.  A bathrobe.  Seriously, a nice soft bathrobe can make such a difference… not only are they comfortable, but they can really keep a guy warm when getting out of the shower on those chilly mornings.  I personally love a white cotton bathrobe. And if you want to make it extra special, go ahead and add his initials.

The men's line comes in blue

2) Skincare! I think this is crucial for men.  Most men don’t even think twice about their skin; they shave with soap, they sweat, they don’t protect it from the sun.  There are several products that I have personally used that honestly make a world of difference. I would say my favorite product line is Kielh’s for men.  Their facial fuel (moisturizer) leaves the skin feeling super soft and their shaving cream is unparalleled. Every Christmas, Kielh’s puts out gift sets so it’s a great way to introduce the product line. I’ve also used (and really like) Baxter of California. Target even has the Jack Every Man collection which works nicely as well.

3) Can I just say that I love jeans. I think every man in the world owns a pair of jeans, and if they don’t they should. Jeans are a great gift for any guy, specifically Levi’s. Not only are they affordable, but they come in tons of fits, washes, and are forever fashionable. They can be dressed up, dressed down, torn, dragged, and they age amazingly. I personally like the 511 (skinny), but one model you can’t go wrong with is the classic 501. Better yet, you don’t have to deal with those sparkly-gross atrocities that Christian Audigier puts out. Barf.

4) Leather goods. You can never go wrong with anything leather. Anything as simple as a messenger bag gets an instant upgrade once it’s done in leather.

5) Fragrance. I know this is a tough one and I generally don’t like to buy fragrances for anyone. It’s such a personal thing that I’m always afraid of gifting it because they might hate it. I do, however, own a ton of cologne and these are just some of my personal favorites.  You’re probably going to laugh, but Paris Hilton’s Paris for Men cologne honestly smells amazing. All these recommendations are nicely balanced so none of these colognes are too fruity or spicy. Here are others that I HIGHLY recommend: Calvin Klein Intense, Dolce & Gabbana The One, Banana Republic Black Walnut, Channel Homme Allure Sport.

Dolce & Gabbana's The One

The good thing about gifts like these is that you can go fancy or affordable. There is a ton of variation in between so choose accordingly. Hope you have fun shopping!!!

Tomorrow, Wednesday the 16th I’ll be freezing my buns off in Utah on a walkthrough for Sundance, but you know where you’ll be?? Sneaking away on your lunch break to your local Macy’s store to save mad money on your last minute shopping!!

As usual, the staff at Chic Events has differing opinions on what to wear to Thanksgiving dinner… hopefully our holiday outfits will inspire what you wear to grandma’s house tomorrow!!

Sleek and Casual

Erika Says: “I’m all about comfort and stretch for Thanksgiving Day. Leggings are a must! I definitely don’t want a constricting waistband while I’m shoveling stuffing. Boots and a big ole sweater will keep me looking pulled together and cute without trying too hard. The best part… if I go in to a food coma from turkey overload, I can just kick off my boots and crawl into bed. zzZZzZZZZZzzz…

Preppy and Perfect

Ivan says: “I love nothing more than to get dressed up for an event! Here’s how I plan on getting spiffed up for the holiday… understated yet fashionable Levi 511′s, a great pair of boots or some pointy oxfords, and a colorful luxurious sweater (a necessary splurge!)

Damsel in Denim

Rachel says: “I tend to be a little more casual when I’m spending the holiday with my own family… after all, my mom is happy to see me regardless of what I’ve got on… but that’s not to say I don’t still want to wear something pretty. I’m a denim fiend, so I start with a base of jeans and pumps (to dress it up a bit) and then I pair it with a great blouse like this one from Tucker. It’s so flowy and pretty (so it’s feminine AND it hides the post-turkey tummy) and if I top it off with a scarf I’ll be just warm enough for the “frigid” LA weather.

Ann + Heidi = 4 Ever

Oh Ann, you tease…

Today I walked out of my house to find a fancy black parcel on my front doorstep. This could only mean one thing… Ann Taylor is spoiling me again! Instantly, I filled with glee in the hopes that perhaps they’d sent me something from the holiday jewelry line that H Klum has been showing off, but what I found was far better! So fantastic in fact, that I’m not sure if I’m even supposed to talk about it.

I got the “Perfect Card.” That’s not a euphemism, it’s actually called The Perfect Card. It’s silver and shiny and gets me 30% off any full priced purchase at the AT stores. Readers, I don’t know what I did exactly to garner all this love and attention from Ann Taylor, but I’m totally grateful!

Stay tuned for a full report on exactly how badly I bruise my bank account with this new little incentive… I’m no fortune teller, but I see cashmere in my future!!

Pump it Up!

It doesn’t really matter what you think of Jessica Simpson…

“she lost the best man she’ll ever have!”

“I was so sad when that coyote ate her dog”

“she should never have worn high waisted jeans with her booty!”

“she’s a cheesy pop singer who peaked in 2002″

“her abs are the best part of Dukes of Hazard”

Regardless of what you’ve said or not, one thing remains true… that girl makes a damn good pump.

Now, I’m not naive enough to believe that Jess holes up in some cottage cobbling together these beauties; in fact I’d be willing to wager that her name on the product is the closest she ever gets to some of these numbers, but the fact remains for around (and sometimes under) $100 you can get a gorgeous pair of pumps, flats or boots, that are fashionable and sexy and make you feel fantastic without the guilt of dropping a few Benjamins on something that might be out of style next week. Upon further inspection of the Jessica Simpson Line I found that like any good celebrity lifestyle brand, she’s also offering bags, belts, lingerie, and just about anything you can imagine. All of which are reasonably priced and pretty cute.

So silence that voice in your head that says you’d never be a shoe sellout, because you’ll totally jump on the bandwagon when you realize you can get all the fashion for half the price!

Help is on the Way

Being an event planner is somewhat like being a Boy Scout, you should always be prepared.

But just because you’re ready for every near miss and possible disaster, doesn’t mean your Worst Case Scenario Kit should be dull. Chic Readers, I give you Help I Need Help. A ton of “fixes” provided in a simple/fun carrying case. And at only $3.99 a pop you could buy them all, use them as stocking stuffers, gift them to employees, hand them out to people on the Metro… whatever, they’re only $4 and they’re adorable!