Bottega Louie

For many LA locals, downtown is an area that is not ventured very often...which is kind of a shame since it is home to a fabulous gourmet market/patisserie/restaurant/café/bar...all in one. Bottega Louie offers European charm and elegance without trying too hard or feeling stuffy.
Make sure to check out the colorful macaroons, specialty food items like the canned octopus (which my husband says is the best he’s ever had) and an array of gourmet pasta sauces.

700 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(213) 802-1470
http://www.bottegalouie.com

photos courtesy of the Bottega Louie blog:

Cupcake Pops

Cupcakes. Who doesn't love them?  They're big enough to satisfy a cake craving and small enough to not cause a health guilt trip (in moderation, of course).  And with bakeries like Sprinkles, Magnolia and Crumbs becoming the craze over the past few years, cupcakes are finally getting the street cred they deserve.

This recipe for Cupcake Pops would be great for showers, birthdays or party favors.  Have any readers tried them?  If so, I would love to hear your results and any tips to make them better.  Enjoy!

Ingredients

Makes about 50

• 9-by-13-inch Chocolate Cake for Cupcake Pops
• 2 cups Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting
• 1 package chocolate coating bark
• 1 package white coating bark or pink candy melts
• Sprinkles, for garnish
• Candy-coated chocolates, such as M&M's, for garnish

Directions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Trim about 1/2 inch from the perimeter of the cake. Working in batches, crumble cake into the bowl of a food processor; process until fine crumbs form. Transfer to a large bowl and add frosting; blend together using the back of a spoon, until well combined, 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Roll mixture into 1 1/4- to 1 1/2-inch balls; transfer to prepared baking sheet. Cover with parchment-paper-lined aluminum foil. Transfer to refrigerator until chilled, about 2 hours or to a freezer for about 10 minutes.
3. Begin to shape balls into cupcakes by rolling balls first into logs. Fit logs into a 1 1/4-by-3/4-inch flower-shaped cookie cutter. Push cake mixture into the cutter halfway so that some of the cake mixture extends beyond the top of the cutter. Shape extended cake mixture into a cupcake-shaped top. Push cake from cutter to remove. Transfer to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Transfer to freezer until chilled, 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, melt chocolate in heatproof bowl set over (but not touching) simmering water. Line another baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Remove cupcakes from freezer and dip the bottom of each cupcake into the chocolate; transfer, bottom-side up, to prepared baking sheet. To make lollipops, insert a lollipop stick into the bottom of each cupcake. Let chocolate set, 15 to 20 minutes.
5. Melt white chocolate or pink candy melts in heatproof bowl set over (but not touching) simmering water. Dip the tops of the cupcakes into the chocolate and place right-side up on prepared baking sheet or stick lollipop sticks into a Styrofoam square. Place a candy-coated chocolate in the center of each and top with sprinkles. Let dry completely.

From The Martha Stewart Show, April 2008

Savvy Skin Care

If you have been contemplating picking up a Clarisonic Cleansing System but have a hard time justifying the price, look no further...

Courtesy of Clarisonic.com:

Clarisonic developed the sonic technology proven to gently yet effectively loosen dirt and oil to clear your pores. The Sonic Skin Cleansing System uses a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to clean, soften and smooth your skin. In just 60 seconds a day, the micro-massage action cleans more than twice as effectively as manual cleansing.

Clarisonic Sonic Cleansing Benefits

• Removes 6x more makeup than manual cleansing
• Leaves skin feeling and looking smoother
• Cleanses so well that products absorb better
• Gentle enough for twice daily use
• Helps reduce oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes
• Helps reduce the appearance of visible pores

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"Ok", you think...but $200 -- is it worth it?  The answer is yes, but before you spring, check out Pretika's version available on Drugstore.com ($41 and change plus shipping costs).  Pretika Sonic Dermabrasion offers Sonic technology (similar to a Sonicare toothbrush) for a fraction of the price.  

Clarisonic Classic ($195)

Pretika ($42)

Runner up goes to Sally Beauty Supply's version, the i-Skin ($29).  Don't let it's hip name fool you though.  While does help to exfoliate your skin, it lacks sonic technology.

Still not sure?  Try an at home aspirin mask by mixing 4-5 regular aspirin with a few drops of water until fully dissolved.  Add a bit of honey to the mixture so that it sticks to your skin.

Apply to a clean, dry face with fingertips and allow to dry (about 15 minutes).

Rinse with warm water, pat dry, moisturize and relish in brighter skin.

Repeat once a week.

Good for acne, redness, and a more even tone. 

Patent Leather Pumps, Oh My!

Once a Nordstrom exclusive, these gorgeous patent leather pumps made by BCBG, regularly retail for $79.98.  They can now be found on SmartBargains for $29 so order pronto!  Chai Tan Patent, a sleek nude color, and Red Patent are favorites.   

 

Approx. heel height: 3 3/4"      Leather upper/synthetic lining and sole

Goldfish Condo

Featured in Daily Candy, this modern-style fish condo created by a college student, is a great way to offer a trendy new home to your aquatic friends. 

Find them here for $25.

Pearl River Market

While in New York's SoHo neighborhood last week, I took a stroll into Pearl River Market.  I had heard about it, and seen it (it's across from the only U.S. Top Shop store - a personal fave) but never made it inside until now.  From Mandarin dresses and beaded velvet slippers to Chinese teapots, Asian candy and offbeat knick knacks, Pearl River boasts a hefty size lot with lots of...STUFF.

Having an obsession with cupcakes, this fun little gadget caught my eye.  A silicone bake and serve cupcake mold set that comes with 4 cups and 4 saucers for around $17.  The best part was the website it lead me to - Fred & Friends.  Similar to the site Uncommon Goods, they have all sorts of eclectic and novelty gifts.

Fred & Friends website doesn't appear to let you order online, so if you can't make it to NY's Pearl River, you can find these cupcake holders on Amazon.
 

Tote This

Nothing like being chic and kind to the earth.  These adorable eco friendly totes are perfect for groceries, the beach, school or work and come in various patterns.  Find one that suits your style on BlueQ.com for only $11.99.

Made of 95% recycled woven polypropylene    Size:  15.75"w x 15.35"h x 5.9"d      
Available at Blue Q