Polka Dots and Moonbeams

September 19, 2011 by  
Filed under Reviews

The name itself evokes a dreamy, blissful state.  While shopping for fashionable clothing and eye-catching jewelry may not make all our dreams come true, it can help!!   Finding that perfect dress or blouse or accessory actually can be a step to reaching goals, to building a confidence-enhancing wardrobe, and to creating special occasions! Create the occasion for the dress!” declares my savvy sis-in-law.  This could be the motto for this popular Los Angeles boutique.  I’ve been to Polka Dots and Moonbeams, located on 3rd Street in West Hollywood, a few times this year since my sis-in-law re-introduced me. Each time, I came out completely satisfied with my unique finds, and I can’t wait to pay another visit very soon!!! See just how satisfied I was last time.  Two bags full!!  ➔➔➔

Thank you to fashion savvy Polka Dot girl Lorin for her expertise in finding these items for me!!

The Polka Dots and Moonbeams concept is to bring the latest, newest designer collections together under one (adorably adorned) roof.  It’s a one-stop-shop!  Polka Dots & Moonbeams buyers stay on top of the trends, carrying such brands as Hudson Jeans, Milly, Hale Bob, Tarte, and Bailey 44 to name a few.  The boutique carries a perfect mix of well-known designers as well as less mainstream brands.  I am confident when I walk into Polka Dots and Moonbeams that when I walk out, I will leave with pieces I won’t dismayingly spot on others.  Not only does the boutique carry just one item in each size, but the clothing itself is not what one can find at the local mall by any means. As cited on their website, “Our customers come in whether they are looking for the special piece or the whole outfit.”  That’s true for me – I paid a visit at the beginning of summer looking for any ‘new and exciting summer pieces’ as well as later in the summer for a first date outfit. 🙂  On both of these visits, my finds were fulfilled thanks to Polka Dot’s expert shopper, Lorin.  Lorin is one of the fashion savvy people who just look at you and know what will look good on your body-type.  Lorin now knows me by name, knows my likes and dislikes, and knows me!!!  It’s to the point where I simply walk in the door, excitedly chat with Lorin and mosey around while Lorin briskly picks up piece-upon-piece for me.  It makes me feel so . . . . Hollywood!!!  I completely trust her judgment as I find pieces waiting for me in the dressing room that I would never pick up myself but look surprisingly flattering on. Check out me modeling a sampling of my purchases below ➔➔➔

One of my purchases I wear again & again – Viereck dress

A Bailey 44 dress discovery!

Grading Girl gives Polka Dots and Moonbeams an A+ for fabulously unique, fashion-forward finds, expert, friendly fun fashion advice, and reachable prices. Whether you need one eye-popping necklace or a dress for that wedding next Friday, you will find what you’re looking for at this trendy boutique in the heart of West Hollywood.  Ask for Lorin and tell her Grading Girl sent you.  🙂 Bonus . . . Julia Roberts, Demi Moore, Drew Barrymore, Eva Mendes, Reese Witherspoon . . . to name a few . . . have all been spotted shopping here!!    

Power Up with Power Foods

September 4, 2011 by  
Filed under Cookbooks, Reviews

Some unique recipes!!

power foods – 150 delicious recipes with the 38 healthiest ingredients

I purchased this book at the beginning of the summer and experimented in the kitchen throughout the season.  Whether you’re a fresh market foodie, a dining diva, or someone who walks the other way when the phrase “eat clean” is mentioned . . . . there’s something in these recipes for even the pickiest of eaters.

The premise of this book is simply the truth:  the foods we eat have a GINORMOUS impact on our health, our well being and our mood.  Food has incredible power and that’s what makes it so interesting!  The editors of the book (also editors of Whole Living magazine) placed 10 “golden rules” at the very beginning of the book (i.e. choose a wide variety of natural, unprocessed foods) that are logical and easy enough to manage on a daily basis.  Next the book is organized by the categories I have listed below.  Each recipe contains one or more of the “38 healthiest ingredients.”  After making and eating these, I’m here to tell you these are the types of recipes that don’t taste as healthful as they are, you know what I mean?  If you buy just one new cookbook this season, make it this one and, I promise you, it won’t simply sit on your shelf.

Here are the “38 healthiest ingredients” and how they are divided in the cookbook~

Vegetables:  Artihokes, Asparagus, Avocados, Beets, Bell Peppers, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Kale, Mushrooms, Spinach, Sweet Potatoes, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, Winter Squash
Fruits:  Apricots, Berries, Citrus, Kiwifruits, Papayas, Pears
Grains & Legumes:  Brown rice, Oats, Quinoa, Dried Beans, Green Peas, Soybeans (Edamame)

Eggs, Yogurt, & Fish:  Eggs, Yogurt, Sablefish, Rainbow Trout, Wild Alaskan Salmon

Sample Delectable Dishes I Tried and WILL Repeat!:

~ Pecan Pancakes with Mixed Berries (Scrumptious and unique flavor for morning magic!)
~ Sweet Potato Hummus (Addicting hummus!!)
~ Kiwifruit Summer Roll (Surprisingly refreshing!)
~ Quinoa and Corn Salad with Pumpkin Seeds (Satisfying!)
~ Soba Noodle, Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry (Alternative pasta!)
~ Edamame Succotash (Unique use of edamame!)

~ Lemon Cream with Blueberries (This gliiiides down your throat!)

Grading Girl gives power foods 150 delicious recipes with the 38 healthiest ingredients an A+ for downright delicious dishes!!!

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