Mirabella Beauty launches a new makeup collection for the holidays

Mirabella Beauty Launches Faerie For Holiday

Mirabella Beauty releases Faerie, a luxurious limited edition four-piece collection that includes a long-lasting eyeshadow, a mineral-based highlighter and two high-shine lip gloss shades to create a romantic, ethereal, shimmery look for the holiday season.

“The holidays are a time when women embrace a more glamorous look,” says Amber Bowen, Mirabella Creative Director. “When the four Faerie products are paired together the result is a soft, beautiful look that’s universally flattering. Faerie features a neutral palette of pinks and browns that is accentuated with subtle shimmer and sheen for eyes, face and lips to create a youthful glow. Plus, the colors and formulas were developed with those hectic days of work, shopping and holiday parties in mind. They are long-lasting for day to night wear.”

Myth Visionary Long-wearing Eyeshadow features a bronze hue with reddish brown undertones that flatters all skin tones. Its creamy, silky texture sets to a satin matte powder finish for easy application and rich, buildable color. Formulated with a high volatile elastomer gel network, Myth Visionary Long-wearing Eyeshadow moisturizes while absorbing excess oils to keep eyes looking flawless all day long. High elastomeric powders help mask wrinkles with an optical blurring effect.

Back by popular demand, Mirabella Beauty is relaunching Swirling Pearl Brilliant, a mineral-based highlighter with Prismatech technology -- combining all the best features of baked, fluid and cream products for a soft, long-lasting texture that gives skin the perfect highlight. Two new Colour Luxe Lip Gloss shades Gossamer (soft pink) and Luminosity (clear sparkle) offer three-dimensional, light reflecting pearls and a moisturizing, vitamin-enriched formula with anti-aging peptides.

Faerie will be available at professional salons and on mirabellabeauty.com beginning November 2014.  Myth Visionary Long-wearing Eyeshadow retails for $29, Swirling Pearl Brilliant for $40 and Color Luxe Lip Gloss in Gossamer and Luminosity for $26 each.

Mirabella Beauty is the leading line of cosmetics used by salon and spa professionals, offering high-quality, mineral-based prestige cosmetics that are talc-free and paraben-free. With over 200 contemporary products for face, eyes and lips, as well as professional tools, Mirabella Beauty is best known for its wide range of shades with modern colors, quality formulas, the use of innovative technology, and a strong emphasis on education.  Mirabella Beauty defines makeup as the power to transform. For women who wake up feeling girly one day and glam the next, Mirabella truly offers makeup with personality.

For more information, please visit www.mirabellabeauty.com. Follow Mirabella Beauty on Twitter and Instagram @MirabellaBeauty and become a Facebook fan!

Community Plates - Food For All 2014 Benefit

The Darien Community Association was the setting for the 2014 Community Plates Fairfield County benefit fundraiser.

The Community Plates Food For All 2014 (#FoodForAll2014) benefit supports the direct-transfer food rescue organization dedicated to ending food insecurity in America. Featuring some of Fairfield County’s newest and best restaurants and the area's top bartenders, this is the showcase benefit to support the fight to end hunger

The event highlights the organization’s goals for the coming year and is their signature fundraising event. as well as the perfect venue for celebrating the year's accomplishments.

Attendees had the opportunity to learn more about Community Plates and their newly developed GoRescue application, the organization’s award-winning web and smartphone enabled interactive food rescue scheduling tool which connects food-service organizations that gather and donate food that would otherwise be wasted; to food runners, who give of their time to pick-up and deliver food donations; to the receiving agencies that ensure donated food gets to those in need throughout the community.

From the moment we arrived to the Darien Community Association and were greeted by Match Restaurant's resident mixologist Adam Patrick, we knew we were in for a fabulous evening

Adam Patrick - Match Restaurant

And, the evening only got better, as we sampled some of the finest wines, cocktails, and small bites from the area's restaurants and food purveyors. Beginning with srichia deviled eggs from the Granola bar to a happy ending with an organic dark roast coffee at Shearwater Coffee Roasters, the benefit was the perfect way to spend an early fall evening under the moon and stars raising money for a worthy cause.

Back garden at the Darien Community Association

Here's just a small view of some of the items we sampled:

The Granola Bar

Back 40 Farm Kitchen

Craft 260

Rizzuto's

Bravo NY Delicatessen

Cask Republic

Chef Geoff Lazlo

Gastro Bar Restaurant and Wine Bar

Hana Tokyo

Little Barn

Local Beer Bar

Mama's Boy

Walrus + Carpenter

Shearwater Organic Coffee Roasters

For more photos of the event visit the Home Place facebook page HERE and while you're there - don't forget to "like" us!


And I would be remiss, if I didn't mention the many  fine people who offered their services for this wonderful event!

Azuca Bistro Latino - Stamford
Back40 Kitchen - Greenwich
Bravo - Stamford
Brick + Wood – Fairfield
Chef Geoff Lazlo - Greenwich
Craft 260 – Fairfield
Gastro Bar – Stamford
Geronimo – Fairfield
Hana Tokyo - Fairfield
Johnny Utah's - Norwalk
Little Barn - Westport
Little Pub - Greenwich
Local Kitchen + Beer Bar – Norwalk/Fairfield
Rizzuto’s Sports Bar + Grill - Stamford
Shearwater Organic Coffee Roasters - Trumbull
Sign of the Whale - Stamford
The Granola Bar - Westport
Walrus & Carpenter - Fairfield
Washington Prime - Norwalk


Marcia Selden Catering - Stamford

Craft Cocktail Bars:
Bailey’s Backyard
Cask Republic
Match
Mama’s Boy


Maximum Exposure Public Relations

Event Venue:
Darien Community Association
274 Middlesex Rd, Darien, CT 06820

If you missed the event - you can still help Click HERE to join the efforts to end hunger!

Contact Info:

Community Plates

165 New Canaan Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06850

Phone: 800•280•329

www.communityplates.org/FFA14 

Join the effort here: http://communityplates.org/join-us/

More information on Community Plates
Community Plates is committed to ending food insecurity in America.  Recognizing the problem as a matter of logistics, not a lack of food, the organization established a volunteer-driven, technology fueled method for transferring surplus food to those in need.  The simple process includes food donors (e.g., grocery stores, restaurants, caterers, bakeries and other food-service establishments), food runners (individuals who pick-up and deliver donated food) and receiving agencies (e.g., soup kitchens, pantries, etc.).  Scheduling is made easy with the web and smartphone enabled Community Plates’ GoRescue technology powered by WhenToManage, which received the 2013 Computerworld Honors Program 21st Century Achievement Award for human services.  Since Community Plates was founded in 2011, more than 700 volunteers have rescued food that equates to 4.9 million meals to date.  Launched and headquartered in Fairfield County, CT, Community Plates also operates in New Haven, CT, Albuquerque, NM and Columbus, OH with plans to expand to four more markets in 2014.  For more information or to get involved visit:  http://communityplates.org.

Halloween Costumes for Couples #Ad

It's that time of year again!

Time to shop for Halloween costumes!

I remember the first Halloween that the cowboy and I spent as a couple. We dressed up as Little Red Riding Hood (me) and the Big Bad Wolf (him).  (Just thought I'd clarify! - LOL)

I wish I had a picture to share - but suffice it to say, we did the DIY version of it and although it was fun - it certainly wasn't pretty!

Luckily, costume designs have come a long way since then - and with a click of a button - you can find some fun Halloween Couples Costumes online!

What better way to spend a night with your other half than at a fun Halloween Party!

Here's a few fun couples costumes that I think you'll enjoy

Many of these costumes are ONLY available online, an easier place to shop for this type of celebration.

Happy Halloween Shopping!

.

Reader Comment Disclaimer: Comments submitted may be displayed on other websites owned by the sponsoring brand.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Boombox Network . This post contains affiliate links.  Click HERE to learn more about affiliate links

Greenwich Wine+Food Festival 2014 Recap - #GWFF2014

The 4th Annual Greenwich Food+Wine Festival featured a stellar line up of Celebrity Chefs, Food Demonstrations and Competitions, and, of course, their usual line up of amazing vendors, sponsors, and entertainment.

Welcome to the Greenwich Wine+Food Festival!

Presented by Serendipity Magazine and Unger Publishing in support of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, this year's event drew over 5000 culinary enthusiasts, and close to 200 vendors featuring wine, beer, beverage and food tastings, and culinary related merchandise. The Greenwich Food+Wine Festival is the ultimate three day foodie adventure!

Over the course of the weekend participants experienced specialty dining events, competitions, and extravaganzas, such as oyster night, innovative chefs gala (hosted by Geoffrey Zakarian and John Georges) and tostadas and tequila pairing dinner  (hosted by Aaron Sanchez) and more!

In addition, there were concerts in the evening featuring the Marshall Tucker Band and Alabama! But the highlight of the event each year is the Culinary Village where over 175 restaurants and beverage distributors, as well as culinary product distributors, showcase their wares.

Here's some sights and experiences from this year's Culinary Village event!

Chipolte Scallop Bisque - Parallel Post
Pictured above L-R: Kenny B and Chef de Cuisine Ali Goss

From Barcelona Wine Bar Greenwich
Clockwise L-R, Chef Lucente carves Mangalica, chick pea pancake, gazpacho

Cook and Craft - Old Greenwich CT

Fairfield Cheese Company

Harvest Vodka

MW Coastal Goods

One of the highlights of my day were the interviews in the CTbites lounge, which featured many of the celebrity and local chefs participating over the weekend. 

I honestly felt like I was transported to the Food Network studios as I met some of my favorites from Chopped (judges Aaron Sanchez and Geoffrey Zakarian), Anne Burrell from Secrets of a Restaurant Chef and Worst Cooks in America, as well as two contestants from the Next Food Network Star (season 10) Nicole Gaffney and Emma Frisch.

In addition there were also some local chefs and restaurant teams, as well as the Travel Channel's Adam Richman (Man V Food).

Anne Burrell discussed her joy of preparing food and spoke about her upcoming cookbook  Own Your Kitchen. Chef Burrell explains, "give someone joy with what you create with your own hands".

The interviews were conducted by Danielle Dubin Manion of Serendipity Magazine and Chef Matt Storch, owner and chef at South Norwalk's Match Restaurant.

Chef Anne Burrell
Interviewed by Danielle from Serendipity and Chef Storch from Match Restaurant.

Click the arrow below to hear a portion of Chef Burrell's interview.

Another favorite, Geoffrey Zakarian explained how his life path was changed by a summer vacation. He was on the track to acheive his MBA with an emphasis on economics when a trip to France changed his career path.

Geoffrey Zakarian with Chef Storch (L) and Danielle Manion (M)

Hear a portion of Chef Zakarian's interview with Adam Richman and Chef Matt Scorch of Match SoNo.
Click the arrow to play.

Adam Richman was another fun interview and began by talking about one of his favorite restaurants in New Haven, and one of mine as well, Bentara on Orange Street in my beloved 9th Square! His favorite menu item there?  Mee Soup Istimewa peanut based soup. My favorite too!

Adam Richman
Pictured with Matt Storch owner/chef of Match Restaurant and Danielle from Serendipity

In the mini-clip below Adam talks about his favorite spice Sirichia and some other favorite places to eat Bayo Hot Wings, Brasa Rotisserie, and the Pig and the Lady. Click the link below to hear more.

And another Food Network favorite, Aaron Sanchez joined us to talk about his new restaurant in Stamford CT, Paloma, the chefs who inspire him (starting with his mom!), and more! Unfortunately I wasn't able to capture any video of his interview - but suffice it to say he was such a humble 'regular' guy.

Aaron Sanchez
Interviewed by Danielle from Serendipity and Chef/Owner Storch of Match Restaurant in South Norwalk.

We also met up with the Next Food Network Star's competitors Nicole Gaffney and Emma Frisch! I kept looking around for TV cameras thinking they were still competing!!

Nicole Gaffney
Check out her blog Too Full for School - all about Coastal Cuisine!

Emma Frisch - bottom right Emma's Mom joins the interview
Read Emma's blog at Frish Kitchen - Did you know Emma is from CT?

Here, local celebrity chef Rafael Palomino shares his thoughts on favorite ingredients, social media reviewers, and how to deal with unhappy customers. Click the arrow below to hear more.

So much food to eat, wine to drink, cocktails to sample, and products to hear and learn about. The Greenwich Wine+Food Festival is a foodie paradise!

For more pictures of the event visit the Home Place facebook page HERE and while you're there, don't forget to "like" us!

The Greenwich Wine+Food Festival is a must for anyone who loves food. Be sure you put it on your calendar next fall!

Roger Sherman Baldwin Park
Site of the Greenwich Wine+Food Festival
Arch Street Greenwich CT

Greenwich Wine+Food Festival

Roger Sherman Baldwin Park‎

Arch St, Greenwich, CT 06830

On the Web: http://greenwichwineandfood.com/

Like them on facebook: Here

Follow them on twitter: @GWFOODandWINE

Special Thanks to Shelley from Splash PR for the opportunity to participate again this year!

****************

Did you attend the Greenwich Wine and Food Festival?  

Who are your favorite chefs and what are your favorite dishes?

I'd love to hear about it in the comments below.

Gastro Bar - Fine Casual Dining in Stamford CT

Social Media Sampling

As the warm Connecticut nights are slowly dwindling with fall's arrival, we took the ride up to Gastro Bar in Stamford Connecticut.

Gastro Bar in Downtown Stamford

Gastro Bar is located in downtown Stamford directly in the Columbus Park neighborhood. Its open air concept offers both inside and outside dining along picturesque and bustling with activity West Park Street. Gastro Bar is quickly becoming the 'go-to' place for tapas, pasta, and a wide array of Mediterranean style dishes!

We started with some delicious cocktails, the Gastro Mule (Hendricks Gin • pineapple juice • triple sec • St. Germain • Rose wine), the Banana Mojito (Don Q Rum • mint • lime • banana), the West Park Tini (Curacao • Tanqueray • pineapple juice • lime juice • syrup), and the Slow and Low (Slow low & Low whiskey • muddled oranges & lemon • ginger beer).

Clockwise, L-R
The Gastro Mule, the Banana Mojito, the West Park Tini, the Slow and Low

As we sipped on our cocktails we started our sampling with some of Gastro Bar's delicious appetizers... Calamari, bruschetta, fried oysters, albondigus, salmon tartar, eggplant parmigiana, and brussel salad.

Fried Calamari with Smoked Aioli
Perfectly cooked and I loved that the dip sauce was hidden beneath the tender morsels

Brucshetta - Fresh tomato, shallots, garlic, basil, and parmigiano cheese
The cowboy's favorite!!!

Fried Oysters with Grapefruit and Avocado Puree
Tender Sweet Oysters - and beautifully presented

Albondigas - Lamb Meatballs with Pomodoro and Sauteed Baby Kale
Comfort food at its finest!

Salmon Tartar: With jalapenos, shallots, crispy potatoes, and cilantro

Eggplant Parmigiana - with prosciutto, marscapone and ricotto cheese
Tasted even better than it looked - and it looked GOOD!!!!

Brussell Salad: Shaved Brussell Sprouts, Truffle Oil,, Lemon Juice on a Crispy Polenta Cake
A creative and fun way to serve baby cabbages!

A delicious pasta dish!

Short Rib Cavatelli with a Black Truffle Cream Sauce
AMAZING & AMAZING * AMAZING

And a sample of Gastro Bar's wonderful artisan pizza!

Throughout the evening, Chef Fernando Gomez and owners Mario and Alejandro Lopez checked on our progress, and were gracious enough to pose with some items! Pictured below, Chef Fernando and Owner Mario serve up a FAB fig pizza!

Fig Pizza with 10 year Balsamic, Prosciutto, and Arugula
The perfect blend of flavors with the sweet figs, the tangy balsamic, the slightly salty prosciutto and the peppery arugula

...and the shining start of the evening!  A beautiful and delicious paella!

Paella - clams, shrimp, chicken, mussels, calamari, sweet peas, chorizo, saffron rice

Of course we saved room for dessert and sampled two of Gastro Bar's famous desserts!

Left: the Lava Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream
Right: New York Style Cheesecake with a medley of fresh berries

Our thanks to our wonderful hosts in the Lopez brothers (in blue) and the amazing Executive Chef Gomez, (in red) and Sous Chef Reyes in white)!

Left to Right
Owner Mario Lopez, Sous Chef Fernando Reyes, Executive Chef Fernando Gomez, Owner Alejandro Lopez

You simply must take the trip to Stamford CT and enjoy this beautiful new addition to the downtown area! You'll certainly be glad you did!

Gastro Bar

78 West Park Pl.

Stamford, CT ‎06901

Phone: 203-817-0392

On the Web: http://www.gastrobarstamford.com/index.php 

Like them on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/GastroBarStamford

Follow them on Twitter: https://twitter.com/GastroBar1

Follow them on Instagram: http://instagram.com/gastrobarstamford#

 

Disclaimer: We were invited to this menu sampling by members of Gastro Bar's public relations and management team. However, all opinions are our own.