To start off, dips dips dips.  Staples are guacamole, onion, cream cheese, and blue cheese dips. But if you really want to impress your friends, this one is for you: Buffalo Chicken Dip.  Perfect with vegetable sticks and chips, this will give you the delicious and healthier equivalent to buffalo wings without the greasy sticky fingers…

Ingredients:
2 (10 ounce) cans of chunk chicken
2 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened
1 cup ranch dressing
3/4 cup of hot sauce of your choice
1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or blue cheese

1. Heat chicken and hot sauce in a skillet over medium heat, until heated through.
2. Stir in cream cheese and ranch dressing.
3. Cook, stirring well until blended and warm.
4. Mix in half of shredded cheese, and transfer the mixture to a slow cooker.
5. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, over, and cook on low heat until hot and bubbly.
6. Serve with vegetable sticks, chips, crackers, and enjoy ♥

Moving on, finger foods are also a must at an NBA  finals party. From experience, the Mini Beef and Pepperoni Pizza Rolls are the first ones to disappear off the plate.

Ingredients:
1 (15 ounce) of your favorite tomato sauce, preferably seasoned with herbs and/or cheese
1/2 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
1/4 cup diced pepperoni
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 (8 ounce) packages of refrigerated crescent rolls (like Pillsbury’s)

Makes 36 mini rolls

1. Preheat oven to 350 °F. Lightly grease baking sheet.
2. Combine sauce, beef, pepperoni an cheese in medium bowl.
3. Separate crescent roll dough into 12 rectangles and press seams together. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling onto dough along the length of each rectangle. Roll the dough lengthwise.  Cut each roll into 3 pieces.
4. Bake for 12-15 mins or until hot and golden brown.
5. Let stand for 3 mins, serve, and enjoy ♥

Everyone has a sweet tooth they need to satisfy.  Chocolate Peanut Butter Pop Corn will do just that!

Ingredients:
12 cups of popped corn
1 (12 ounce) can of salted peanuts
1 3/4 cups of milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup of peanut butter

1. Heat on low the chocolate chips and peanut butter in a pan until smooth.
2. Turn off the heat, add peanuts and popcorn, and stir gently.
3. Spread over a baking sheet and let cool, serve, and enjoy ♥

I’m sure many of you already know about the devastating British Petrol oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. As noted in The New York Times, “even the frantic preparations to protect the most vulnerable coastlines likely will not prevent devastating harm to key species as the Gulf of Mexico oil spill hits shore at the worst possible time for migration and breeding.” The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said the oil spill could affect up to 20 national wildlife refuges, and four covering more than 70,000 acres are in immediate concern.  The most effected and endangered animals include browned pelicans, migrating and nesting shore birds, dolphins, whales, shellfish, crabs, fish (including the North Atlantic Bluegin Tuna), and Sea Turtles. New information on the size of the spill, destruction already caused and projected to cause on wildlife and the economy, and how BP is (or is not) taking responsibility along with the federal government is pouring in every day.

Although we are hearing more about officials containing the oil spill, which has already spread to reach the coast of New Orleans, and of  burning the oil, as with all topical news, the coverage of the oil spill in the media is diminishing as the days go by.  We must not forget that the wildlife that used to exist in the expansive body of the Gulf is now utterly destroyed, which, needless to say, will have long term effects on the eco-system of the world.  To the wildlife affected by the oil spill, this is still very much a real disaster, and we must react to this devastation as we would react to any catastrophe, and give.

One amazing cause is an effort led by P&G  Dawn.  They have sent 1,000 bottles of dish soap to the Gulf Coast to rescue and clean oiled animals affected by this incident, and plan to send 1,000 more by the end of the week.  And the cherry on top ♥, they have pledged to give $1 per every bottle they sell to the important wildlife conservation efforts of the Marine Mammal Center and The International Bird Rescue Research Center.  But you MUST go to their site and enter their code to activate your donation. You can follow Dawn’s efforts on Facebook; they will give you updates on what birds and animals they helped rescue and clean up.

So if you are shopping for dish soap, you might as well buy Dawn (and go to their site to enter the code and activate the donation) and give a dollar to help the efforts of these amazing organizations– and buy in bulk!

**Also contact your senators, congresspeople, and governors to protest against offshore drilling (like Arnold Sschwarzenegger did– good job Arnie!).  Drill, baby, drill has been blatantly demonstrated that it not the smartest method of creating energy. Isn’t it obvious now? Duh?**

Pantone annouced 2010′s color of the year Turquoise, and with that in mind, and of course with in the spirit of wooing the warm weather into regulation, I’ve decided to varnish my nails a very similar color (as actually finding turquoise nail polish is hard):

This is Blue 2, from the Urban Outfitters nail polish collection.  They have a wide variety of adorable colors, all of which will make your nails look like candy– high polish finish.  The bottles are super cute with neat designs on the side.  The only down side with their line is that you’ll need a couple of coats for a finished look.  I had to layer 3-4 coats to get the right opacity, so some patience and diligence is required.

And the cherry on top ♥: They’re only $5 a pop, and if you buy two, you can get them for $8.  Great deal!

Stefanie Weiss has written a compelling book, Eco-Sex, out just in time for Earth Week. She talks about the numerous ways to reduce your sexual carbon footprint, from the aphrodisiac food you eat to the mattresses you sleep on (latex is best).

Did you even know that fair trade condoms and rechargeable vibrators existed? Using products that are good for the planet, such as chemically free lube will not only be healthier for you and your partner, but also allow you to have carefree, ethical sex– which, needless to say, is a priceless cherry on top ♥. This book will give you pointers on how you can become more eco-conscious in the bedroom.

Whatever your kissing style is– an intense kisser, a soft kisser, or a pecker– some skin hanging off your lips or chapped lips are HUGE no-nos.  Spring is on its way, and women everywhere starts to exfoliate their bodies for warmer weather.  Remember to exfoliate your lips as well!  For irresistibly kissable puckers:

1. Wet your lips with warm water.

2. Take a pinch of sugar and rub gently on your lips.

3. Rinse lips with warm water.

4. Moisturize lips.

This is a simple way to gently exfoliate your lips! It’ll leave your puckers smooth and soft.  Not to mention the cherry on top ♥: sweet lips!

Everyone is talking about Lady Gaga’s recently premiered video “Telephone”, featuring Beyonce.  It is absolutely fabulous, mind-bending, and also revealing of what the two ladies love and endorse.  This 9:32 minutes of video is saturated with blatant product placement.  So here are some products they nod to:

♥ Lady Gaga Heartbeats In-Ear Headphones in Bright Chrome ($99.95 excluding tax and shipping)

Seen around 1:34 in the video on one of the inmates.
These high definition headphones claims to accurately replicate the sound of aprofessional recording studio, that precisely captures clear vocals, deep full bass, punchy drums, and the natural harmonics of each musical instrument.  Developed by Jimmy Lovine and Dr. Dre, these headphones are a little pricey, but definitely worth the investment, especially if you’re an avid music listener.  The Lady Gaga twist to these headphones are a plus, and are bound to turn heads and attract admirers.  Comes in Rose Red, Dark Chrome, and Bright Chrome.

♥ Rumor 2 by Virgin Mobile (reduced price at $99.99)

Seen around 2:06 and 4:16 first in Gaga’s pants, and then being used as Gaga and dancers prance in the jail halls.
Full keyboard phone.

♥ Chanel sunglasses

Seen around 2:17.
This pair was probably custom made.  I cannot find a source, but if any of you readers know, please contact me!

♥ Diet Coke

Seen around 2:17 onwards.
Lady Gaga wears them as curlers in her hair!

♥ Gorgeous studded jacket with Doom and G.I.S.M. patches

Seen from 2:51 as Gaga walks up and picks up the phone to talk to Beyonce.
Doom is a crust punk band from Birmingham, England, that thrived in the late 80′s.  G.I.S.M. (Guerilla Incendiary Sabotage Mutineer) is a Japanese cult punk band from Tokyo, Japan, that also thrived in the 80′s.

♥ HP Envy 15 Beats Limited Edition Laptop (starting price listed at $1699)

Seen around 4:24 as Gaga is being freed from Jail.
Again, this was born with the collaboration with Jimmy Lovine, Dr. Dre, and HP.  It features audio hardware tuned by Dr. Dre himself as well as Pharrell, Timbaland, and Will.I.Am.

♥ PlentyOfFish.com

Seen around 4:28.
A free online dating website.

♥ SS 502

Seen from 4:45 as the Pussy Wagon.
Anybody know anything more about this car? Please comment…

♥ Honey Buns

Seen from 4:56 as Beyonce and Gaga takes bites and Beyonce throws the rest out of her car window.

♥ Double Breasted Drive Thru

Seen around 5:14 on a paper cup in Beyonce’s Pussy Wagon.
This drive thru does not exist, but it is a reference to FunnyOrDie.com’s “Double D’s Drive-Thru”:

♥ Polaroid

Seen around 5:45 as Gaga takes pictures of Beyonce in the Pussy Wagon with a classic Polaroid and at 8:32, you see a Polaroid booth as they drive away from the Diner.
Although Polaroid had been discontinued for a while, it is coming back! Furthermore, Lady Gaga has been announced to become the creative director for a specialty line of Polaroid Imaging products.

♥ Wonder Bread Classic White

Seen from 5:35 as Gaga makes a sandwich.

♥ Kraft Miracle Whip

Seen from 5:35 as Gaga makes a sandwich, specifically at 6:42.

That’s everything I see! I guess they needed that much to sponsor this à la Michael Jackson video.

If you see anything I’ve missed, please comment!

Filed under: misc. ]]> http://prettypleasewithacherryontop.wordpress.com/2010/03/16/telephone-product-placemen/feed/ 1 ppwacot Lady Gaga headphones Beats Laptop http://prettypleasewithacherryontop.wordpress.com/2010/02/22/tips-to-bigger-lashes/ http://prettypleasewithacherryontop.wordpress.com/2010/02/22/tips-to-bigger-lashes/#comments Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:35:12 +0000 ppwacot http://prettypleasewithacherryontop.wordpress.com/?p=133 ]]>

Our eye lashes are our weapons of flirtation. For that sideways look, locking eyes across the bar, and of course for batting them to get our way. But clumpy, messy lashes or panda eyes is just not the way to go. So here are some tips to beautiful butterfly eye lashes…

1. Use an eye lash curler to clamp the base of the lashes and clamp two more times moving outwards.  

My all-time favorite curler, that is definitely worth the investment ($19 at Sephora and $24 for a 24K Gold limited edition one) is the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler [pictured right].  Sephora describes it as:

“Perfectly measured and finely balanced, the new shu uemura Eyelash Curler is designed to ensure superior functionality and performance. The upgraded silicone pad in a new “mushroom” shape provides a protective, stay-put edge for improved safety and optimum curl. The new, patented hinge is specifically engineered to apply the perfect amount of pressure on eyelashes. The calculated shape, size of frame length and ergonomic handles ensure stability and control, while the curved angle suits all eye shapes.”

Basically, this thing is the queen of eyelash curlers. Don’t miss out ♥

2. Apply mascara starting from the base to the tip, wiggling the mascara brush left and right gently at the base and twist the brush as you move out to the tip of the lashes.

3. Let first coat dry for 2 minutes. Apply extra layers, dry, and repeat until the volume you desire is reached.

4. Take an eye lash comb and brush through the tip of the lashes. This would remove the excess clumps, so as to create the fluttery lash look that isn’t weighed down by mascara.

I like this folding eyelash comb by Tweezerman [pictured left], because of its precisely placed teeth that will separate your lashes perfectly.

For ladies on the go, I like Sephora’s Eyelash Curler and Comb Duo [pictured right], which has the curler on one end, and the eyelash comb and eyebrow brush on the other.  And the cherry on top ♥ it that it fits right in your itty bitty purse!

And voilà! Gorgeous, flirtatious lashes in seconds!

No more spidery lashes! You’ll only need fake lashes for special occasions with this technique.

Go on! Work ‘em, ladies!

What is in your shampoo and conditioner missy?  Are you treating your hair with the care and respect that it deserves?  Or are you getting your hair drunk without knowing it?

Most hair products includes very high percentages of alcohol, which only dries out your hair and make it brittle.  When looking for a good shampoo and conditioner, make sure that you are looking at the back of the bottle, where the list of “ingredients” are.  The contents of the product is listed in the order of ingredients that there are most of to the least of.  ”Aqua” (or “water”) usually comes first in many products; but if “Alcohol” is first or high on the list, you may want to reconsider buying it.  Here are some healthier alternatives for your hair that contains little or no alcohol to nourish, protect, and of course, clean your hair…

Organix Shampoo and Conditioner has won many awards for its use or natural ingredients.  And the cherry on top ♥, their products are never tested on animals, their bottles are eco-friendly, and they even use environmental inks and decompostable labels! They come in delicious smells:

♥ nourishing coconut milk
My personal favorite: Coconut Milk Shampoo and Conditioner is an exclusive blend of organic coconut milk to nourish your hair, while ultra whipped egg white proteins add strength and elasticity, along with weightless coconut oils to add hydration and balance. The luxuriously creamy, foaming, hydrating formula leaves your hair feeling clean, glowing, softly scented and super soft.

♥ healing madarin and olive oil
Indulge your senses with this exotic blend of organic mandarin orange extracts and organic olive oil which heals and strengthens while the antioxidant rich vitamins and nutrients restores health and elasticity.

♥ cherry blossom ginseng [shown above]
This is new for 2010, and organix is pairing up with the upcoming movie “Alice in Wonderland” by Disney, starring Johnny Depp.  This sensual and alluring blend of cherry blossom extracts and Asian ginseng root helps rejuvenate the scalp and hair follicle to add volume at the root while nourishing your hair with replenishing rice milk and bamboo extract for hydration and shine.

Other magical varieties include:
♥ hydrating teatree mint ♥ smoothing shea butter ♥ soft and silky vanilla silk ♥ white tea grapeseed ♥ awakening mocha espresso ♥ instant repair cocoa butter ♥ cucumber yoghurt (also new 2010) ♥ revitalizing pomegranate green tea
♥ fortifying vanilla soy milk ♥ moisturizing grapefruit mango butter ♥ energizing passionfruit guava

Another great shampoo and conditioner with no alcohol content are Aussie products.  I especially like their 3 Minute Miracle DEEEEEP Conditioner, which is basically an intense treatment for frazzled and distressed tresses.  I recommend using this once or twice a week, or whenever you feel that your hair needs extra special care.  I used this throughout the summer, when my hair battled strong sunshine, UV rays, and chlorine, and my it remained vivacious, silky smooths, and smelling like heaven.

Both tresses-friendly products are available at all pharmacies.

You won’t be able to stop touching and smelling your hair… and neither will your man ♥

Ladies.  While TV commercials are reminding men that what women want are roses, teddy bears, and chocolate, and that “every kiss begins with Kay”, it is also reminding all the single ladies out there what is quite painful this time of year: that they have nobody to share a queen sized bed with.  Have no fear! I have the perfect solution to get rid of those blues and find a way to enjoy this couples-heralding hallmark holiday with some quality flicks and drinks to accompany it!

One of the major up-sides of playing this day solo is that you can watch whatever you want. Ladies that are coupled often go through the problem of being disabled in watching so-called chick flicks, but instead are subjugated to watching steroid saturated, iron pumping dick flicks.  So take this opportunity, oh free bird, to fulfill your quota of good films with some quality girlie movies that are considerate of your thirst for cocktails, wine, or beer…

If you are enrolled in Netflicks, then remember to add these to your queue in advance (to account for shipping);  if not, then survey the video rental aisles for these:

♥ Sex and the City & Cocktails

A staple.  Whether you choose the movie or a season, you cannot possibly go wrong.  This covers the daily qualms of modern women (although of course, dramatized), from swingers, gay, straight, cougars, the married, the divorced, singles, to those dating, in New York City.

The cherry on top ♥ would be to accompany your viewing pleasures with some great cocktails. For that, of course, prepare yourself with some quality liquors, juices, garnishes, and condiments of your choice, and a stylish cocktail shaker.

My favorite is this Zebra Striped Glass Cocktail Shaker [displayed right].  It is sexy, classy, and easy to use, for a great price.

Another useful and more practical shaker is this Boston Pro Recipe Cocktail Shaker [displayed below].  It has five drink recipes, including cosmopolitans and appletinis, written on its body so that you wouldn’t have to look them up each time! It’s also a great addition to a party you may have in the future; you’ll be the sexiest bar tender that knows five recipes at the top of her head!

But just in case you don’t get this smart-chic cocktail shaker or you already have one of your own, here is a simple recipe for the Sex and the City essential Cosmopolitan cocktail:

Cosmopolitan: 1 1/4 oz. Vodka 1/2 oz. Triple Sec 1/2 oz. Cranberry juice 1 Lime Squeeze In Shaker mix ingredients with ice and strain into chilled martini glass.  Garnish with orange wedge or peel. Enjoy ♥

♥ Sideways & Wine

As a reviewer on Netflicks agreeably says, “Sideways is a smart, adult script about real people and realistic emotions.”  Some may say that it is a “buddy movie” simply because it is basically centered around two men going through a midlife crisis taking an excursion to the wine county of Santa Barbara.  But it is the development of their relationships with two women (Sandra Oh and Virginia Madsen) that makes it a great movie.  It is comedic but poignantly funny and dramatic but tastefully dramatic. This would be a grown-up’s pick.  Not to mention the academy awards win… and Sandra Oh from Grey’s Anatomy…

Of course the accompanying beverage for this movie is wine because the characters in this movie are constantly (and I mean constantly) sipping, drinking, tasting, and critiquing wine. So get a lot of different varieties and kinds of wine, and treat yourself to a wine tasting with this movie.  I will add, though, that Miles (Paul Giamatti), speaks fondly of Pinot Noir, while trashing Merlot throughout the film, so avoid Merlot to avoiding feeling bad.  Here is the full list of wines shown in Sideways, which may be helpful in creating your shopping list. And for beginners, here are the definitions and characterizations of all the different types of wine. Enjoy ♥

♥ 30 Rock & Beer

This hilarious comedy created by Tina Fey, starring her, Alec Baldwin, Jane Krakowski, and Tracy Morgan, has won several Emmy Awards including Outstanding Comedy Series.  Again, set in NYC, the quirky and witty writing and character development will get you giggling in no time.  The cherry on top ♥ with this series is Liz Lemon’s (character played by Tina Fey) non-existent love life, and the sarcastic humor in which she approaches it with her boss (played by Alec Baldwin).  In fact, here is the new 30 Rock episode “Anna Howard Shaw Day” (Season 4 Episode 13) that you could watch– Valentines Day version!!

The key drink to supplement this show is definitely beer. My favorite beer for an occasion like this is Blue Moon. This Belgian style wheat beer is full of flavor, but not too heavy.  I definitely recommend adding a wedge of orange to it to bring out the fruity flavor, which also makes it more accessible of a beer for women. Enjoy ♥

Whether you do this solo, with fellow anti-Valentines friends, or with family, enjoy your Valentines day with good entertainment and the cherry on top ♥ … drinks.  If you have any other good entertainment x drinks pairings, please let me know!

To complement the gifts that will probably leave you love birds in a dirty state on your Valentines night, sinking into a warm bath with each other for a relaxing time and washing off will be exactly what you need and deserve.  So plan ahead and make that experience the best you could possibly ask for.  Here are what you need:

♥ Set the mood
Get out the candles of your choice (I would recommend vanilla scented candles, which are thought to be aphrodisiacal scents) and light them a little in advance so that the smell permeates the bathroom.  A cherry on top ♥ would be purchasing some floating candles to put in your bath tub…

♥ Bubble your bath
Another must-have for your romantic evening: Bubble bath.  LUSH has the best products that smell absolutely scrumptious and simultaneously gentle on your skin– they never test their products on animals.  My favorites for the Valentines occasion are bathos, which features violets, but also includes rose and ylang ylang (which are aphrodisiacs), and amandopondo, which features roses, with lemon and orange oils.  Flirt, play footsie, and massage each other to your hearts’ content…

♥ The way to a man’s heart…
Make sure you have some cute nibbles on the side.  Staples include champagne and chocolate covered strawberries.  Well, no wonder, because all three are considered to be foods of love…

♥ the cherry on top
If the candles, bubbles, snacks, and your seductive touch throws your man back in the game to play for another round, you’re a lucky woman.  Prepare for that by making sure that you have proper lube to make your experience most pleasurable.  I recommend yes, which is a lubricant containing two rich organic butters, cocoa and shea, which impart smoothness and body; two emollient oils, organic sweet almond and sunflower, which confer a silky texture while also moisturising the skin; and, lastly, a little white organic bees’ wax and some vitamin E which, as well as benefiting the skin, acts as a preservative.  This lube is perfect for under water sex, and is incredibly gentle on your skin.

What more could you or your man ask for?

Have a wonderful Valentines evening, ladies ♥