Monday, November 29, 2010

November 2010


Check out Googles-Boutiques.com-Create your own Boutique


Whoopie Red Velvet




Black Friday has arrived !  I am fearful of going anywhere near
the mall on wild shopping days.  I found this traditional sterling silver piggy bank.
Thinking of keeping it simple this year, possibly buying a piggy and
attaching a gift card and filling it with lots of change. Its very old fashion but
it never breaks and works for years!
Happy Shopping keep it simple! 



Walnut Fudge
My favorite walnut Fudge
Happy Thanksgiving

Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2cups white sugar
1(5ounce can evaporated milk
10 large marshmellows
1cup chopped walnut

Directions
1. Butter an 8x8 inch dish
2. Place butter, chocolate chips and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Set aside
3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat. combine sugar.milk and  marshmellows,
bring to boil stirring frequently.  Reduce heat to low and cook 6 minutes more.
stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
4. Pour marshmallow mixture over contents of mixing bowl. beat entire mixture until
it thickens and loses its gloss.  Quickly fold in nuts and pour into prepared pan.
refrigerate several hours until firm











Scarlett Johansson Deputs new
short bob!  I like it!


Ferragamo Villa
When you think of Ferragamo you may think of beautiful shoes, handbags and clothing.  Think again with real estate, the family restored an entire town in Tuscany 30 miles southeast of Florence.  The Ferragamo family appropriately appointed the partriach's namesake and grandson, 29 year old Salvatore,  schooled in New York and has a business degree from New York University to  oversee  the project . The family purchased 1,700 acres filled with olive trees, chianti grapes,  and  horse stables, with run down turn of the century villas. The family created their own winery. As well as ten buildings and a 56 room villa for the family.  This magnificent accomplishment deserves more attention.   I will be making a trip to Tuscany in June and will be sure to make a visit to this paradise   

Fashion Ferragamo

Il Borro




Villa Ferragamo



Pool Outside each Villa





Old Structure on the Ferragamo property





Ferragamo Wine



Happy Thanksgiving 
Wishing everyone a joy filled day with a festive
gathering of family and friends 
Festive November!
It really is a glorious time of year! The atmosphere is filled with an avalanche of beautiful colors!The preparation for yummy thanksgiving is around the corner ! Fall wardrobes are finding there way in to our closets! Holiday decorating and table settings are showing up in your favorite shops! NYC comes alive with displays and holiday shopping! My blog beginning this month will update each week with news and updates, recipes, events and lots more! Spend some time absorbing the beauty of the season!


                                                      

                                                                        

The Ice Box Cake
This recipe only uses chocolate wafers and whip cream

Add Strawberry or coconut to the top!


                                                                                





                                            
                                             Future Princess of Monaco                                     
With her classic good looks, blonde chignon hairstyle and immaculate style, the poised model photographed amid the splendour of the Palace Princier in Monaco could easily be mistaken for its most famous former resident, Grace Kelly, the Hollywood actress who became Princess Grace of Monaco.n fact, it is Charlene Wittstock, a former Olympic swimmer, who is set to become the next Princess of Monaco when she marries the late Princess Grace's son, Prince Albert. The couple met 10 years ago at a swimming competition in Monte Carlo!
In her first interview since the royal wedding was announced earlier this year, the South African sporting champion has spoken of the challenges she has faced making the transition from the life of an athlete to that of a future royal bride. A July 2011 wedding is planned for Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock 


San Francisco's Most Stylish Address
Open November 4-21st
renovated 4,500 square foot home
For Information on Elle Showhouse


A Private Wine Cellar Designed by Kruis
`

A Private Cellar in Flanders

The Belgian interiors firm Bourgondisch Kruis excels at designing rustic-looking wine cellars with state-of-the-art storage technology. The vaulted walls of this cellar, built for a private Flanders residence in 2004, are made from reclaimed limestone; the cabinets were built with 17th-century oak.http://www.bourgondisch-kruis.be/
                                       
 Donna Hay is one of my favorites!  I love her style and food creation hints !  Her softness appears on her magazine pages and in her books displaying style and dream foods !  When preparing a simple meal,
 I glance through the pages  of her magazine, it helps  me dream up something special...

Donna Hay Style Ice Cream served in array of cups
Modern Classics (Book 

Wrap Deserts to take home Donna Hay Style
The Instant Cook




                                            



 

Now in its 38th year, the Kips Bay Decorator House gives decorators from around the country an opportunity to display their talents in an elegant townhouse setting on New York’s Upper East Side. We’ve highlighted some of the spectacular spaces created for this year’s event, but if you have the chance, check it out for yourself. Tickets are $30, and all proceeds go to a great cause, the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club.38th Annual Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse, 106 East 71st Street., through November 11,2010 ; kipsbay.org      Here is the informat


          

                     92 Lafayette Gallery Opening
Gallery Opening Suffern NY
"72 Layafette"



               The paintings you see here can be viewed at the new gallery!

              
                                                     Fashion The Skirt

Pencil Skirts with colored tights




Boot shoe J Crew
Ruffled skirt with Boot Shoe
JCrew

Shopping
To order olivewood bead bracelets
$10.00 for 2 bracelets





Arm Warmers SaleCable Knit Arm Warmer Fingerless Long Gloves Gray





Chanel or Gap!  Buy the Chanel for $1200.00 or the Gap for $29.00.  I couldn't pass up this gap bag!  Its has a wonderful nylon look and  resembles the Chanel bag! 

Chanel Bag
                                
Gap Bag



Pomegranates grow wild from Iran to northern India, but they are cultivated throughout India, the Middle East, southern Europe and California. Scientists in Israel have been conducting research on the health benefits of pomegranates and pomegranate juice for years, and now others have joined in.
What are pomegranates good for? Researchers report that they are rich in antioxidants that can keep bad LDL cholesterol from oxidizing (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, May 2000). This degradation of LDL seems to be an initial step in the development of atherosclerosis. In addition, pomegranate juice, like aspirin, can help keep blood platelets from clumping together to form unwanted clots.
Does this make any difference clinically? More recent research has found that eight ounces of pomegranate juice daily for three months improved the amount of oxygen getting to the heart muscle of patients with coronary heart disease (American Journal of the College of Cardiology, Sept. 2005). Other researchers report that long-term consumption of pomegranate juice may help combat erectile dysfunction (Journal of Urology, July 2005).
Investigators are also excited about the possibility that pomegranate compounds might prevent prostate cancer or slow its growth. In mice, treatment with pomegranate extract delayed the development of tumors and improved survival (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Sept. 26, 2005). Other research reports suggest that pomegranate juice might help reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Benefits of Fennel: 
Anemia-Iron and histidine, an amino acid found in fennel are helpful in treatment of anemia.
Indigestion: reduces inflammation of stomach and intestines and facilitates proper absorption of nutrients
Constipation: roughage helps clearance of bowels whereas the stimulating effect helps maintain the proper peristaltic motion of the intestines, thereby helping proper excretion.
Diarrhea: Fennel is helpful in curing diarrhea if caused by bacterial action.
Eye Care:  While using fennel in food it helps protect eyes from inflammation, discorders related to aging, macular degeneration etc.
the presence of vitamin-C, amino acid like arginine which is very beneficial for rejuvenation of tissues and prevention of aging. The juice of fennel leaves can be externally applied on the eyes to reduce  irritation and fatigue of the eyes..


Health Benefits of Chestnuts

  • Chestnut is a good body builder food and recommended in cases of emaciation (wasting away of body tissues).
  • Chestnut aids in the care of the teeth and treatment of pyorrhea.
  • The leaves are used as remedy in fever.
  • Chestnut is use in convulsive cough such as whooping cough and in other condition of the respiratory organ
  • Chestnut can help repair microscopic holes and leaks in blood vessels and capillaries; it can also help  make the vein wall elactic therfore preventing swelling and damage       





Friday, October 1, 2010

October Madness 2010

Boo! 
Hello my  beauties!  Welcome to October!  Pick out a Pumpkin and be creative, carve away send a photo to madisoncreativeservice@gmail.com  The winner will receive $50.00. Please include 
your e-mail address.  Practice carving at Spookathon   E-mail Me

 
Roasting pumpkin seeds

1)  Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Rinse pumpkin seeds in a colander. Spread out on paper towel and pat dry.
2) Coat a large baking sheet with  small amount of vegetable oil..spread the pumpkin seeds out.  Spray oil on the top of the seed and sprinkle old bay seafood seasoning on top.
3) Bake for 30 minutes in  preheated oven. Make sure they are dry and roasted.
Benefits of pumpkin seeds:  Pumpkin seeds have mainly been used to treat bladder problems and prostate . they have also been know to help with depression and learning disabilities. They contain most of the B vitamins along with C, D,and E.


Gourds for  accents: An entire bowl of gourds cost less than $10.00 at your supermarket.  They will brighten your table and  look very festive without costing a bundle.. Will last until Thanksgiving...
Gourds for jewelry: Take one hard shell snake gourd,  clean and dry. Cut the gourd into 1-inch or wider bands us a ex-acto knife. If the edges are rough use a piece of sandpaper to smooth them.













Gourds for the birds: Make a carved birdhouses.
The gourds can be carved out and either can be painted or
left natural. Drill a small hole at the top for cord to attach to tree.
Be careful using sharp tools.






















Coalition for homeless ticket information


Fashion Update
Hope you enjoyed fashion week.  Even if you didn't catch any of the new fashions. 
http://www.style.com/














                                         














Here is a list of favorite shopping and fashion web sites
www.wwd.com
www.nationaljeancompany.com
www.shopmanhattanite.com
www.ladylicorice.com
www.vogue.com
                                                     
J.Crew MacAlister Wedge



         Fall Trends 2010
  •  Slimming skirts just below the knee
  •  Camel coats and jackets
  •  Menswear jackets worn with    simple    white shirts
  •  Vests
  •  Military jackets 
  •  Everything Belted  such as jackets, dresses, sweaters, medium to thin width   belts            
  •  Boots over the Knee
  •  Desert wedge boot ( see photo)


Luca Luca





































    NATIRAR
    SOMERSET COUNTY  491-acre ESTATE OPEN TO PUBLIC
    The Natirar was once the home of the King  of Morocco.  The 1912 home stood silent for 20 years after a lifetime of industry and frailty within its elegant walls. But no longer does it wait for merriment and life Plans are in the making and people are in a scurry to fling open its great doors for all to come and enjoy its offerings, a spa, restaurant, cooking and wine school, hiking, horses and fishing outdoors, events, exhibition and concerts, a museum and interpretive center.
     The Proud new owner is Somerset County Park Commission. The commission bought the 491- acre estate for $22 million with the intent to preserve this crown jewel as open space The mansion, two cottages, carriage house and greenhouse stand on 88 acres. The county plans to lease to Sir Richard Branson, owner of Virgin Airlines. The house will continue on as a retreat facility, with full service spa, conference center and restaurant that will open to the public. The estate will be open in December 2010.
    THE CLUB AT NATIRARwww.theclubatnatirar.com

    October Calendar of Events
    • Matisse Exhibit at Moma,NYC until October 11th
    • Union Square Street Fair/ Saturday Oct 9th from 23rd St to 33rd St.
    • Food Network NYC Wine and food Festival 9am to 1pm West 15th st between 10th Ave
    • Greenwich Village Halloween Parade Sunday October 31st. at 7:00PMon 6th Avenue , South of Spring St and north of Canal St.   Watch on WPIX Channel 11-7PM to 10PM
    • NYC Oktoberfest- Lexington Ave. From 42nd to 57th st. Sunday October 3rd.
    PXCWRV3TMGAT







    Food for Thought:
    Pumpkin Mousse Parfaits:  Yummy!


    Mousse Parfaits
    RECIPE LINK:
    Barefoot Contessa Pumpkin Parfaits:













     WGPAX43ZYZ74

    Wednesday, September 1, 2010

    September 2010




    September has arrived!! Hello my lovelies! What a glorious time of year! Did you know: Autumn is derived from the latin word "Autumnus" and before the 16th century the season was refered to as "Harvest". The Autumn season lasts from August until November. Enjoy each day, absorb the colors that await you.






    Bring your camera along on your fall walks

    Send them over!
    Will be posted here
    In October!



    Here is a list of events for your calendar
    • The San Gennaro Feast in Little Italy NYC for zeppole lovers running from September 16th through the 26th
    • Fashion Nite Out September 10th - NYC Fashion Retail stores running sales and designer appearances and fashion shows in NYC. Check out fashionnightout.com this site is selling tee shirts for fashion week to benefit Aids.

    • QVC is getting in on Fashion Nite Out . Sept 10th- 15th Starts at 9pm , including designer Isaac Mizrahi, Rachel Zoe. Filming live from Rochefeller Center.
    • Fashion Week Prelude on September 7th at Lincoln center the new home of the New York fashion week, will be the venue for a major runway show that is open to all. There will be Two hundred models wearing new designs from top designers, Its FREE
    • Hoboken Italian Festival Sept. 6th through the 12th. oldies but goodies "The Jersey is Sound" is playing on Sunday the 12th
    • Ridgewood and Cresskill Street Fairs Sept 9 through the 11th. Great shopping!
    • Botanical Gardens- Edible Gardens and Old Stone Mill has been renovated and ready for tours. Go to nyby.org for schedules


    FASHION WEEK is around the corner and Lincoln Center will be the new home for the tents. May be impossible to get front row seats,
    so try going to Style.com or chanel.com and watch the fashion
    shows on line.. Something about the fall energy and autumn breezes STIMULATES fashion and creativity. The kids are back to school and college semesters have begun. Football season is ready with pre season games, so try to enjoy the beautiful season and fall fashion .





    Just in case you have some spare time.
    This is a favorite!
    "A million Miles In a Thousand Years" by Donald Miller.
    If you read the book please let me know your thoughts.





    Here is a list of events for your calendar
    • The San Gennaro Feast in Little Italy NYC for zeppole lovers running from September 16th through the 26th
    • Fashion Nite Out September 10th - NYC Fashion Retail stores running sales and designer appearances and fashion shows in NYC. Check out fashionnightout.com this site is selling tee shirts for fashion week to benefit Aids.

    • QVC is getting in on Fashion Nite Out . Sept 10th- 15th Starts at 9pm , including designer Isaac Mizrahi, Rachel Zoe. Filming live from Rochefeller Center.
    • Fashion Week Prelude on September 7th at Lincoln center the new home of the New York fashion week, will be the venue for a major runway show that is open to all. There will be Two hundred models wearing new designs from top designers, Its FREE
    • Hoboken Italian Festival Sept. 6th through the 12th. oldies but goodies "The Jersey is Sound" is playing on Sunday the 12th
    • Ridgewood and Cresskill Street Fairs Sept 9 through the 11th. Great shopping!
    • Botanical Gardens- Edible Gardens and Old Stone Mill has been renovated and ready for tours. Go to nyby.org for schedules

    Honey And Benefits!
    Aside fron being a tasty snack or used in tea, honey can be used for home and health applications as well. With it's natural formulation it is used as treatment for some illnesses and a vitamin supplement . It also known to mositurize and disinfect the skin making it an unconventional moisturizer, antiseptic and antibacterial solution. Here's the rewards of bee's healthy by product:
    1) Facial Mask: Honey mixed with egg whites and lemon is wonderful skin tightener and moisturzer. Mix four tablespoons of honey with 2 egg whitse and 2 tablespoons of lemon
    mix well, apply to face and neck and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse
    2) Energy Booster- Mix 2 tablesoons of honey into a glass of water and a squeeze of lemon. Honey's glucose content will be absorbed by the brain and into the bloodstream reducing fatigue in the process.
    3) Sore Throat relief: create a sore throat relieving serum, by squeezing the juice from a lemon and mix it with honey. Drink the solution and see the improvement.
    4)Relaxant for Anxiety and nervousness. Anxiety and nervousness are enemies of a healthy mind. Take honey added to simple foods to relax. In a bowl of cereal add 3 tablespoons of honey. Also In a hot cup of tea add honey for a good nights sleep. Honey is terrific also as
    a dipping sauce for vegetable and meats.
    5)Remedy for burns: By applying honey to a minor burn the hydrogen peroxide released cleans the wound and soothes the inflammation.
    6)Acne Remover: Apply a small amount of honey on the pimple regions of the face. Honey also helps in preventing scaring since it acts also as a moisturizer
    7) Colon Damage Prevention: Honey can help strengthen and improve the resistance of the colon. By adding honey to simple foods you can minimize the effects of colitis..


    Its been a hot summer! Don't know about you, but I could use some repair on sun damaged hair.. There has been lots of talk about Coconut Oil. The polynisian women have been using it for centuries and are known for having strong shiny hair. The coconut oil strengthens and nourishes the hair shaft as well as the scalp. When shopping make sure you buy pure coconut oil. Use very little. Just rub it through your hair and scalp, try a plastic cap and cover with warm towel for 15 minutes and wash out. Wash well! Style your Healthy Hair!

    Clutch by Madison Design! If interested


    e-mail :madisoncreativeservices@gmail.com




    TMI!!!
    That's it for this month. Lots more to tell you! Be Back in October.. Enjoy AUTUMN!












    We know blogs, blogging and the online blog world.

    Blogging

    Sunday, August 1, 2010

    Madisons Blog/ August 2010



    Sizzling August


    Trying to keep cool this summer!
    Try your freezer!
    Bag a small hand towel, scarf or pillow case. Place in the freezer for 1 hour. Take to the beach, on the road or by your keep by your bedside. Keep a small spray bottle filled with ice water and mist during the day.

    Protect your hair and scalp. Use regular 25 SPF sunblock, spritz our hair and scalp. Protects
    against sun damage and discoloration.

    Just Grazing ! Big, potein-laden meals force your body to stoke its metabolic fires. The solution is to break up your eating into smaller, more frequent meals. You'll feel cooler!



    This month on Madison Blog : Believe or not we found 131 uses for vinegar! Below is a list of favorites. Wait for a sale and stock up!



    1)Vinegar can help to dissolve mineral deposits that collect in automatic drip coffee makers. Fill the reservoir with vinegar and run it through a brewing cycle. Rinse thoroughly with water when the cycle is finished.
    2) Clean the dishwasher by running a cup of vinegar through the whole cycle once a month to reduce soap and iron build up on the inner mechanisms.
    3) Freshen up washing machine. Once a month pour one cup of vinegar into an empty washing machine and run the machine through normal cycle.
    4) Relieve mosquito bite itching . Dab cotton ball soaked with straight vinegar and apply to bite.
    5) Removes warts: Apply daily to warts until they dissolve. Remove warts by applying a lotion of half cider vinegar and half glycerin. Found in drug stores
    6) Corrosion may be removed from showerhead or faucets by soaking them in diluted distilled vinegar over night. Another way would be to saturate a terry cloth towel in vinegar and wrap it around the shower head or faucet
    7) Illiminate weeds and grass on walk and driveways . Pour full strength on unwanted grass.
    8) Freshen cut flowers. Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar and 1 teaspoon of sugar for each quart of water..
    9) Deter ants and insects: Spray vinegar around door and window frames.
    10) Relieve cough by mixing one - half apple cider vinegar, one half cup of water, one teaspoon cayenne pepper and four teaspoons of honey. Take one tablespoon when cough acts up.
    11) Treat sinus infections and chest colds: add 1/4 cup or more of vinegar to the vaporizer.
    12) Clean stainless steel. by wiping with a vinegar dampened cloth.

    Don't forget your camera! Remember the end of the summer
    shots of white sand and gray drift wood along the sand dunes.
    The lighting is wonderful this time of the year season..
    Try the sand against a blue sky with kites flying in the air. Send us your favorites and we will post them next month!



    Enjoy the rest of your summer !