Spruce Up Your Makeup Routine - Lisa Eldridge

I’ve often fantasized about what life would be like if I could just roll out of bed and land right into the capable hands of a professional makeup artist. While this lofty goal might take a little bit of time, I have stumbled upon the most wonderful of treasures…the free online tutorials of Lisa Eldridge - an incredibly talented and celebrated makeup artist out of the UK. 

Ms. Eldridge’s advice, product recommendations and detailed how-to’s simply can’t be missed.  She is very much at the top of her game, having worked with the most beloved fashion brands on commercial shoots and runway shows, as well as with the likes of Cameron Diaz, Liz Hurley, Kate Moss, Heidi Klum, Cate Blanchet, Demi Moore and countless other beauties.  Her marvelous tutorials are inviting, easy to follow and so helpful. 

I recommend watching the videos before bed, so you can drift into a slumber of beauty, creativity, English accents, and glamour and wake up the next morning inspired to discover an even more spectacular you.

Click here for Lisa Eldridge’s tutorials concerning basic topics like applying flawless foundation, concealer and covering acne.  You'll also find videos showing you how to create lovely daytime, dramatic, classic glamour and edgy looks.  Even if you're a makeup snob, I promise Ms. Eldridge will become your makeup guru and mentor too.   I couldn’t recommend these videos more.

Mario Batali's Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce

If you’re looking for a quick way to spruce up a basic pasta dinner, then try Mario Batali’s Tomato Basil sauce. This light sauce is absolutely delicious and is made with only a handful of the finest whole ingredients.  My friend recently paid this sauce the highest compliment by saying that it reminded her of her late Italian Grandmother’s “gravy.”

Mario Batali Tomato Basil Sauce is sold at Whole Foods and fine grocery stores nationwide. Typically retails for $7.50.

Halloween Nails

In honor of our spookiest holiday, why not polish off your Halloween spirit by decorating your nails in the most appropriate Chanel hues?

  

(Le Vernis Orange Fizz, $23)

Stick with orange or black for a bold statement, or alternate the two for a more festive appearance.

(Le Vernis Black Velvet, $25 - LIMITED EDITION...the best black polish on the market)

If glamour is what you’re after, then treat yourself to a vintage-inspired half moon manicure (even black and white looks killer).

(Try a quality white polish like Essie's Blanc, $8)

If you’re like me and always need a touch of glitz, then add one or two coats of the most beautiful sparkles of Le Vernes Illusion D’or on top of two coats of Le Vernes Black Velvet – simply enchanting!

(Le Vernis Illusion D’or, $25 - LIMITED EDITION) 

Written by: Kaisa Talaga

Just Chill....with Sky Bar Wine Chill Drops

We all have little dilemmas in life, but it’s truly comforting to know that not all of our problems have to result in stress or agony.  Enter Sky Bar Wine Chill Drops.  Simply place one of these stylish contraptions into a glass of your favorite wine or Champagne when you want an immediate chill. 

These exceptionally clever Chill Drops cool up to twenty times faster than your refrigerator can cool a whole bottle.  You know what that means? It means that you’ll be able to drink your beloved beverage that much sooner without sacrificing the character or integrity (or temperature!) of your drink.  Don’t you just love when you can cross things off of life’s list of worries?

Sky Bar Wine Chill Drops, Set of Two retail for $49.99 and are available directly from Sky Bar's website or at fine retail stores (like Williams Sonoma) nationwide.

Spruce Approved: Carrot and Ginger Soup

I recently ventured into the exciting (yet admittedly intimidating) world of cooking and baking.  I quickly tricked those around me into thinking that I was born with a true gift of soup making after I prepared the following Carrot and Ginger Soup.  This soup is mouth-watering good!  

The smooth consistency, delicious taste, and fall-appropriate color palette all make this the soup of the season.  My Great Aunt (practically a five-star chef in her own right) passed this simple and scrumptious recipe down to me, so I shall now pass it down to my dear Spruce readers.  As I continue on my culinary journey, please look for future posts on some of the best gadgets and savory recipes intended to help spruce up your kitchen and meals.  

Carrot and Ginger Soup

Ingredients

6 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter

1 Large Yellow Onion (Chopped)

¼ Cup Ginger (Finely Chopped)

3 Cloves Garlic (Minced)

7 Cups Chicken Stock (Vegetable Stock May Also Be Used)

1 Cup Dry White Wine

1 ½ Pounds Carrots (Cut Into ½ Inch Pieces)

2 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice

A pinch of Curry Powder

Salt and Pepper to Taste

Chives and Parsley to Taste

Instructions

Melt the butter and then add onions, ginger and garlic. Sauté for approximately 15-20 Minutes.  Add the chicken stock, wine, and carrots.  Heat to boil and then simmer uncovered on medium for 45 minutes.  Puree the soup and season with lemon, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Enjoy!!

Spruce Up Your Dog - Tails in the City

Every dog secretly wants to be the bark of the town, so why not pamper your beloved pooch with the finest luxuries from Tails in the City, located in downtown Chicago. This adorable store offers designer pet accessories for your dog (and even items for your cat too!). With fall approaching and the cold weather just around the corner, now is the time to update your pet’s fashions for the upcoming season.

(Tailored Black Tuxedo, $125)

Don’t worry if you live far from Chicago, because Tails in the City has a lovely website that offers dog clothing, pet carriers, dog collars, gourmet dog treats, unique dogs toys, beds, bowls, grooming necessities, gifts for pet owners, and lots more. An added perk, they offer $5 ground shipping on all standard items.

(Status Toys [small], $12 each)

Tails in the City is located at One East Delaware Place (between State and Rush St.) in downtown Chicago. They are open Monday through Saturday - 10am to 6pm and Sunday -  12pm to 5pm. 1-800-266-1118.

(Happy Birthday Bon Bon Bone, $16)

Click below to view a selection of Spruce’s favorite items...

Plan Your Wedding With Mindy Weiss

If you or someone you know is planning a wedding, then I suggest you say I Do to Mindy Weiss’s The Wedding Book: The Big Book For Your Big Day.

I recently purchased this as a present for my dear friend who will be walking down the aisle next summer. While she’s used to throwing elaborate parties, and she has certainly been to her fair share of weddings over the past few years, she’s found this book to be incredibly resourceful.

Otherwise known as “The Wedding Bible,” Weiss’s book covers everything from your engagement, to your big day, to your honeymoon, to life after your wedding. If you’re worried about budget, wondering about proper protocol and etiquette, confused about what flowers to use, would like to smooth out bridesmaid drama, or are concerned about divorced family members at the wedding, Mindy will be there every step of the way. 

The book only retails for $19.95 (paperback) and $35 (hardcover) and can be purchased directly from the Mindy Weiss website or at most bookstores nationwide. Peruse her website to find other wedding planning goodies like emergency kits, wedding binders, and lovely stationary.

Spruce Up Your Airplane Seat

If you’re an avid traveler and somewhat of a control freak (it’s okay, you’re in good company!!), then you might just want to check out SeatGuru by TripAdvisor, the website that experienced travelers swear by, before you secure seats on your next flight.  Simply select your airline (and plane model) and the interior layout of the aiplane will appear on the page.  

You can see how many total seats there are on the plane, how many seats there are per row, and the dimensions of the seats in each cabin.  All seats are color-coated as “standard seats,” “good seats,” and “poor seats.”  

If you place your mouse over the “good” and “poor” seats, you will even see descriptions as to why they were singled out.  For example, on my last flight I avoided seat 10a (my first choice), because all seats in row 10 on that particular Boeing airplane on United Airlines customarily don't recline.  Instead, I opted for a "good seat" where my entire row had a few more inches of legroom than the standard seats.

All seats are not created equal, so check out this website before your next flight. Happy travels!

Spanx Swimwear

Spanx of all styles and colors have truly taken over my closet since they first came on the scene. I can’t tell you what a difference these body shapers can make in a girl's life. Plus, when Oprah tells you to wear something, then you do what you're told! You might therefore apprecaite my excitement when I heard that Spanx was to debut a swimwear line for summer.

If you’ve been doing the Tracy Anderson Method religiously, then you might prefer more skimpy suits.  However, if you’d like to worry more about the number of Bellinis you’re sipping and less about how much energy and attention sucking in your stomach can take, then sneak a peak at my favorite styles from this new supportive swimwear line. (Added Bonus: The suits are now on major sale, so grab a couple while they’re still available!)

The Spanx Structured One Piece looks unique and fashionble. You can also count on the supportive shaping fabric to tone your stomach and back in a matter of seconds. ($119, was $198)

If you're in the mood for something flirty with the asymmetrical trend, then try this One Shoulder One Piece with an adorable ruffle. ($107, was $178)

Who said that you have to wear a bikini to turn heads? Prepare to get noticed in this hourglass-flattering suit.  This Deep V One Piece red swimsuit is a show-stopper with a vintage feel, covering and highlighting all the right areas. ($107, was $178)

If you like having options, then why not try the the Convertible One Piece.  This suit can be tied around the neck (as shown) or around the chest (see alternate views here), giving you a few ways to strut your stuff in style. ($107, was $178)

To view all styles from the Spanx Swimsuits, click here.

Spruce Up Your Ice Cream

Does the hot and humid weather have you feeling frizzy and zapped of energy? I’ve found that sometimes all you need is a little spoonful of ice cream bliss to spruce up an otherwise drab (and hotter than Hades!!) day. While there certainly is a time and a place for a plain McDonalds vanilla ice cream cone (am I right?!), everyone knows that Sprucers appreciate their ice cream gourmet and top-notch. If you haven’t already tasted  Homer's Ice Cream, a Chicago-area treasure, then it’s about time that you indulge.

In 1935, Gus Poulos premiered his first batch of homemade ice creams and it didn’t take long for most of Chicago to hear about his rich creations. Rumor has it that even Al Capone became a loyal customer.

Today, Gus’ sons, Steve and Dean, natives of Wilmette, Illinois, continue to delight with the finest quality ice creams and toppings. Their creations are still made from scratch and are thick, heavy and utterly delectable. Bon Appetit Magazine named their ice creams “Top Ten in the Country” and the American Tasting Institute even declared them “Finest in the Nation.” 

To learn more, click below...

Turn Your Photos Into Pieces of Art

We’ve all been there – it’s late at night and you find yourself wandering from store-to-store in search of just the right gift for someone special in your life, but everything you come across just falls short. Even if you have extra money to burn, it’s so difficult to find gifts with heart. I am therefore delighted to have found a brilliant company called CanvasPop that can turn regular photographs into high-quality canvas prints.

Whether you choose to use portraits of your children, vintage photos of your family, artsy images taken over the years, or beautiful photos from a recent adventure, you’re sure to find something special to give as a gift or to spruce up your own home or office.

CanvasPop handles almost everything for you, including framing and gift wrapping, so all you have to do is pick the photo you wish to use. Everyone from regular consumers looking for meaningful gifts, to digital artists, to photographers, to interior designers have become loyal fans of CanvasPop’s creations.

Once you have chosen which image you would like to convert (they accept .TIFF, .JPEG and .PNG formats in preferably high resolution, but they say they can work with almost any resolution), then you can choose if you want a single panel, diptych (2 panels), triptych (3 panels), or quad (4 panels). You can also choose from standard sizes ranging from 8 x 10 to 24 x 72, or you can specify a custom width and height.

With prices ranging from $30-420, you are given the creative and financial flexibility to create something truly special. CanvasPop guarantees 100 % satisfaction with your canvas. If you are not happy with the finished product, they offer to reprint for free, or they will give you your money back. They also offer a lifetime guarantee against cracking, fading and bubbling. If you order more than one canvas at a time, they even offer free shipping!

CanvasPop giclee prints are handmade by staff in a North America-based studio and they carefully ship from facilities in the U.S., Canada and the UK. If you are interested in turning your pictures into works of art, then call their live chat at 1-866-619-9574 or click here to order online.

(All pictures from CanvasPop's website)

By Kaisa Talaga

Spruce Up Your Body - Tracy Anderson

Have you ever longed for Gwyneth Paltrow’s toned legs, Madonna’s seemingly ageless rear-end, or Shakira’s amazing abs and arms? Well, the woman behind sculpting many of the entertainment industry’s elite female bodies has now revealed some of her secrets to the rest of the world through a series of DVD workouts.

Tracy Anderson

Tracy Anderson, a beautiful 5 ft. tall pint-sized blonde, has made quite the impact with her unique approach towards cardio and toning. Anderson, a trained dancer, found that her small frame quickly bulked up when engaged in traditional forms of fitness and weight training, so she developed her own fitness method. The Tracy Anderson Method comes from over ten years of testing and research to determine how to shape almost any body into a tiny, sexy, dancer’s body. Her own method came in especially handy for Anderson after she gained over fifty pounds during her pregnancy. Trust me, if you devote yourself to her principles and techniques (and this is by no means easy!), then you will see results you never thought possible!

“Make no mistake: getting rid of problem areas on your body is truly an art. Your muscles are completely manipulative and your body is a sculpture that you can design. Just be careful who you let sculpt you!” – Tracy Anderson

For detailed information about Tracy Anderson's method and her Mat Workout DVD, click on the link below...

Spruce Up Your Workout Playlist: Summer 2010

Since it’s officially the first day of summer, why not dust off your old workout playlist and spruce it up accordingly? There's really no better way to stay motivated and inspired while working out than to have an energizing playlist set the mood. I usually keep my tried and true favorites in constant rotation (see the original workout playlist post from January for some examples) but, in order to sustain my interest, it’s absolutely essential to update song selections quite often. Happy sweating!

Spruce helpful hint: Put your iPod on “shuffle,” so that you never know what's coming next. This will help keep your playlist feeling fresh even longer.

Click on the "read more" link below to find the full list.

(Most songs are available on iTunes. Please note that a few of the songs are not suitable for children. Please e-mail spruce.report@gmail.com with any questions)

Find Your Perfect Luxury Hotel In Any City

Do you enjoy staying at luxurious hotels with exceptional service? Does a room upgrade upon arrival sound like something you could get used to? Wouldn’t it be nice to have access to the world’s most sought-after hotels, exquisite boutique hotels, and even those hard-to-find hidden gems right at your fingertips? Enter Tablet Hotels, an internet-based company that only asks for your city of choice and then provides you with a list of only the best hotel options in your specified area.

Le Relais Saint-Jacques - Paris, France

Not only are you presented with basic information and a bevy of pictures of each hotel, but you can also read insightful detailed descriptions written by both Tablet's staff and its members. I often find myself punching in random cities and daydreaming about traveling to some of the world's most exciting locations.

Relais Residenza d'Arte - Tuscany, Italy

You can choose to book rooms directly through Tablet Hotels, or you can use their website as an excellent planning tool when organizing future trips. Tablet members are privy to a vast number of perks, including lower prices, potential room upgrades, Champagne upon arrival, special concierge services, and so much more. If you opt to become a member, then there is an annual fee of $195. This annual fee is quite the steal if you travel more than a few times a year.

The London West Hollywood - West Hollywood, California

Click here to go directly to Tablet’s website. It's truly an amazing resource.

By Kaisa Talaga

February 2010: Spruce Nail Polish Pick

Chanel "Particulière"

Particulière, Chanel's new nail polish color which was featured at Chanel's Spring/Summer 2010 runway show, is gearing up to be the latest nail color craze. It looks like a mix of milky coffee, mushroom, fawn and lavender; soft, subtle and understated. After enduring what seemed like eons of the glossy dark, nearly black, craze inspired by OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark, this more discreet shade is a completely welcome change of pace.  Months ago, Chanel was able to make its mint green shade, "Jade Green," a  fun spin on sophistication and style, and it seems they are set to repeat their success with this latest shade.  Some taupe colors, with Particulière leading the way, have already developed a celebrity following.  Don't wait to pick up your own precious bottle of Particulière ($23) here (or wherever Chanel makeup products are sold), because it will soon be impossible to find.

Written by Kaisa Talaga