Happy Holidays!

December is always my favorite time of the year - holiday get togethers, getting in touch with old and new friends and being with family.

I wish everyone a wonderful and safe holiday season and a Happy New Year!

Last Picks of the Year - Please Enjoy!

Ultra-shine lip gloss in a wide range of beautifully bright shades. Moisturizing and conditioning formula infused with Vitamin C, Vitamin E and peppermint leaves lips hydrated and refreshed. Paraben-free. Net Wt.: 7.4 g/0.26 US oz

Mirabella Beauty

BCBG

$248

Pretty shoes shown above and the two below!

Manolo Blahnik

Rainbow-Crystal Sandal

 

                               

Crystal & Napa Slingback

                                                                                                 

BCBG

I could never pull off this color but I love the dress and the shoes! 

BCBG

HERE ARE A FEW TIPS FOR PLANNING AN OUTDOOR WEDDING

Consider the comfort of your guests, we like to recommend the following:

- checking the weather 10 days out to make sure you have enough heaters;

- provide umbrellas or parasols if your ceremony will take place in the sun;

- fill baskets or beautiful trays with blankets or wraps in case it gets chilly.

- at the end of the evening, you can have the valet place beautifully wrapped cookies and bottles of water in each car along with a thank you note from you and your new husband.

The last tip can apply anywhere!

Yours truly,

Getting engaged and finding the right diamond

Happy Holidays!  This is the time of the year when  couples get engaged.  I have known David Marcus and his lovely wife Karen for a very long time.  My mother and I met Karen when I was 16 years old in the lobby of the Beverly Hills Hotel and we have been friends ever since.

Marcus Diamonds is an importer of fine diamonds and a prime manufacturer of jewelry on their premises.  They are located in downtown Los Angeles in the jewelry district. Marcus Diamonds offers first class customer service, the best selection of rings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants and their specialty is custom made orders.  I had the unique opportunity to speak with David Marcus, owner of this reputable jewelry business, who gave me  the inside scoop on his company. David was President of Diamond Club West Coast from 2000 until 2010.

GP - How long have you been in the diamond business?

DM - Since 1960.

GP - How did you get your start in the diamond business?

DM- I grew up working for my Uncle in Israel.  I learned every aspect of the business from polishing diamonds, then when I got older, I learned trading and cutting from the best in the business.

GP - When someone is ready to pop the question, what is the best way to propose with the engagement ring? Since most guys don't know what their fiance will like (unless she shows them) and would rather avoid buying the wrong setting (like my sweet husband did - yes, I just admitted that), what do you advise?

DM- We can sell the diamond and place it in a simple setting that will cost $200-300.  After the couple becomes engaged, they make an appointment to come into our office and choose the setting. We will credit the price paid for the band towards the new setting.

GP - When selecting a diamond and the clients have a budget, but still want quality and something nice, what do you suggest?

DM- Since diamonds come in all different shapes, sizes and clarity, I would meet with them and see what is most important to them, then let them make the decision.

GP - Who determines the value of diamonds?

DM - Supply and demand.  The prices start to jump as you exceed one carat. In the 1960's, the Marquis diamond was popular and in demand, now it is the least popular and the price has dropped. Again, supply and demand.

GP - Please explain about reputable certification. Who is the most prestigious?

DM - I would list the most reputable labs as such:

GIA - Gemological Institute of America is the most prestigious

then, EGL - European Gemological Laboratory,

and third is IGI - International Gemological Institute (largest laboratory in the world).

GP - What is the most expensive cut today?

DM - The round is the most expensive cut.

GP - What are the different cuts?

DM -Emerald, round, princess, cushion (between square and round), square, oval, pear, heart and radiant.

GP - How does someone choose the right jeweler?

DM - The client should establish a rapport with the jeweler. Even though someone can read volumes on how to buy a diamond, they need a jeweler that they can trust.  If they don't have trust, they need to move on and find someone else whom they will trust.

GP -What are the four C's?

DM - cut (shape), color (D-Z), Clarity (imperfections - Flawless (best) to Internally Flawless which ranges from VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, I1, I2 (eye visible) and then there is SI3 (which is in between SI2 and I1) and carat - size.

GP - Tell me an interesting fact about diamonds?

DM - Diamonds are like finger prints, there are no two alike.

GP - What are your hours?

Monday through Friday from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Appointments are preferred.

Thank you David for helping me to better understand the process.

Marcus Diamonds

Member Diamond Club West Coast

550 South Hill Street

Suite 1640

Los Angeles, CA 90013

213-625-8888

http://www.sammandlerjewelry.com/

Holiday picks of the week!

Vera Wang

Price $275.00
Sexy lavender pumps!

Donna Morgan

Price $158.00
This dress would make a pretty bridesmaid dress and double as a cocktail dress if you like the color amethyst.

Sue Wong

Price $545.00
New Years cocktail dress!

Prada

Price $620.00

These earrings are gorgeous and would be perfect with the Sue Wong cocktail dress and Prada shoes, but they cost $8800. We are always on the hunt to find costume jewelry that looks similar to the what we are trying to match for our clients, but without the hefty price tag.  We recommend checking out TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack....you never know.


Wishing you and yours a safe and Happy Holiday! 

Yours truly,

Happy Holidays!

Hello Everyone!  One of my nicest clients just introduced me to a great web site.  Their posts change all the time, so it is always evolving.  www.pinterest.com

Use a coffee table as a bench at your next event.

Meet the Maids - add a photo and how the bride knows each maid inside a cute frame.

Pretty hurricanes with water, candles and petals. Would love to widen the path and use this for the aisle.

 

Love these ideas!

Holiday tips and recipes

Easy Planning Tips:

• decide on your guest list with a few open dates, then check with family and friends and see what works
• plan your menu - will this be dinner or appetizers and cocktails 
• create your table with a beautiful linen, napkins and decor 
• if you don't have enough table setting quantities, call your favorite linen and rental house and place your order.

Entertaining ideas for the holidays

www.marthastewart.com

What a great treat for your guests on a chilly day!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces Irish whiskey or rum
• 1/2 ounce hazelnut liqueur, such as Frangelico
• 1/2 ounce Irish cream liqueur, such as Bailey's
• Hot coffee
• Dollop of Grand Marnier Whipped Cream

Directions

1. In a glass coffee mug, stir together whiskey, hazelnut liqueur, and Irish cream; top with coffee. Garnish cocktail with whipped cream and serve immediately.

Salmon Mousse

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin, (from a 1/4-ounce envelope)
• 4 ounces smoked salmon, coarsely chopped
• 1 1/4 cups sour cream
• 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• coarse salt
• fresh dill, for garnish (optional)
• crackers or baguette slices, for serving

Directions

1. Place 3 tablespoons cold water in a small saucepan, and sprinkle with gelatin; let soften, 5 minutes. Gently heat over low, stirring, just until gelatin dissolves; set aside.
2. In the bowl of a food processor, combine salmon, sour cream, and lemon juice. Puree until smooth; season with salt. With motor running, add slightly cooled gelatin mixture, and blend until combined.
3. Pour into two 8-ounce ramekins or bowls. Without touching surface, cover container with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm but spreadable, about 2 hours or up to overnight. Garnish mousse with dill, if desired, and serve with crackers or baguette slices.

Artichoke Puff Pastries

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large shallot, minced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (from 3 small cloves)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed
• 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken stock, warmed
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1 pound frozen artichoke hearts, thawed and chopped (3 cups)
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (1 ounce)
• 1/2 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese (1 ounce)
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
• 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 packages (14 ounces each) frozen puff pastry, thawed
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten for egg wash

Directions

1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook shallot and garlic for 1 minute. Add flour, and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Add wine, and cook until reduced by half, about 2 minutes. Whisk in milk and stock. Bring to a boil. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, some pepper, and the cayenne. Simmer until thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in artichoke hearts, cheeses, thyme, zest, and mustard. Let cool completely. Refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Roll out puff pastry to a 1/8-inch thickness on a lightly floured surface. Cut into forty 3-inch squares (you will have pastry left over).
3. Arrange 1 tablespoon artichoke mixture in center of each square. Brush 2 perpendicular edges with egg wash, and fold over to form a triangle with remaining edges, pressing to seal. Brush 1 corner of triangle with egg wash and join it to the opposite point. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Refrigerate or freeze until firm, 30 minutes to 1 hour.
4. Brush turnovers with egg wash. Bake until golden, about 20 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes. Serve immediately.

Warm Brie and Pecan Appetizer

Ingredients

• 1 small wheel of Brie or Camembert (about 9 ounces)
• 1/2 cup pecan pieces
• 3 tablespoons light-brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• crackers or sliced baguette, for serving

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place cheese on a rimmed baking sheet; bake until softened, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate; cool about 20 minutes.
2. While cheese cools, place nuts on a clean baking sheet; bake until toasted and fragrant, 7 to 10 minutes. Sprinkle nuts over cheese.
3. In a small saucepan, combine sugar and maple syrup. Bring to a boil over medium heat; simmer until foamy, 1 to 2 minutes. Drizzle warm sauce over slightly cooled cheese and nuts; serve with crackers or baguette.

Inspiration Board for Thanksgiving

We love Wildflower linens for all of our beautiful linen needs.

 or

www.wildflowerlinens.com

I can't help myself when it comes to flowers - here are some beautiful ideas from Empty Vase.

www.townandcountryeventrentals.com

Emily and Aaron's Wedding

Emily and Aaron were married on May 14, 2011 at Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu.

Here are some of my favorite shots from their beautiful wedding. 

This cool and talented couple thought about every detail - they brewed their own beer, created mustache straws for the Izzy sodas, created cute bags to hold fresh carrots, (approved by Saddlerock) so the guests could feed the horses, plus a cute cake topper with a bride and groom on snow boards (their favorite sport).

The guests dined under twinkle lights and chandeliers and after dinner they danced the night away. I wish this couple all the happiness in the world.

  

Location

Saddlerock Ranch

Band 

www.lounge-o-rama.com/meet_the_band

Rentals

www.kormangroup.com

Photographer

www.tauranphotography.com

Lighting

www.dyalproductions.com

Caterer

www.michaelcevents.com

Florist (groom's sister Carol - we loved her)

www.greenhillsflowershop.com

Gianna's Picks of the Week - 
Caution for those who are budget minded, I went a little wild on this week's blog.   Enjoy the pretty!

Vera Wang Lavender Elroy Jeweled d'Orsay

 $350

Monique Lhullier

Ombre Ruched Gown $5290

The ad states 'dry clean only'.
Can you imagine someone throwing this in the washer, then the dryer?

Judith Leiber

Beaded Slide Lock Clutch

$1995