Category Archives: Reviews

A Glamorous Dining Experience: Le Train Bleu

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The next time you find yourself in Paris, France, dining at Le Train Bleu is a must!

This unique Parisian restaurant is nestled at the top of the stairs inside Gare de Lyon, yes the train station! It was a bit tricky for my friends and I to find (especially when our Uber driver dropped us off down the street) BUT, once inside…..

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An immediate feeling of luxury. The ceiling is filled with exquisite paintings, gold gilding and booth seating modeled after the dark blue sleeping cars from its namesake. There are a total of 41 paintings throughout the various rooms of the restaurant.

The menu lists a variety of traditional French dishes including duck foie gras, the leg of lamb and the Tartare beef seasoned to your taste and delivered table side on a silver serving trolley.

 

Dinner is a bit on the expensive side but, the atmosphere, the food and the wine are well worth the money spent!

 

72nd Annual Golden Globes: Fashion Recap

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This past week while I was watching the NFL Playoffs, I’m sure many of y’all were tuned into the 72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards.

For those who don’t know, the Golden Globe Awards are given to recognize those hard working Hollywood folks for excellence in film and television. While I enjoy award shows, I watch for the FASHION and the ladies on the red carpet looked amazing this year!

Kate Hudson in Versace

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Now I LIVE for an amazing white gown so, I’m quite critical of any white dress I come across. Kate Hudson STUNNED in the figure hugging Versace ensemble with side cutouts and jeweled straps. She decided to go with sleek hair and no fuss makeup and the mother of two looked absolutely amazing. Best Dressed. Hands down.

Lorde in Narciso Rodriguez

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Lorde is a funky, cool kinda girl so, her custom suit and crop top was almost predictable but, nonetheless gorgeous. She opted for less dramatic makeup and even pulled out the red lipstick paired with beautiful Neil Lane diamonds, she definitely earns a spot on the best dressed list.

Kate Beckinsale in Elie Saab Couture

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Kate, a presenter for the night, wowed in a sparkly Elie Saab Fall 2013 Couture Collection piece. The sparkly bodice with flowing skirt was complimented by a high bun and beautifully minimal makeup. It’s a gorgeous dress but, the styling and Kate’s gorgeous smile is what earned her a spot on the best dressed list.

As many stunning ensembles as there were on the red carpet, there were also some tragedies. I will not highlight them all but, one gown stood out to me. Keira Knightley in Chanel. When Knightley spoke to Ryan Seacrest, she was quoted saying, “Apparently, it took 30 people to make this dress in a week.” Now, for a dress by Chanel, made by 30 people in a week, how is this an acceptable finished product? The floor length dress has layers of white lace around the hem and the neckline and the middle of the dress is printed with butterflies and bugs. Being pregnant is not an excuse to wear this dress out in public. Try again.

 

 

* I do not own any of the pictures on this post. Please click the photos for original source.*

Hey Ms. Bartender

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Bartending is one of those trades that looks simple but, it is a whole lot more than just slanging drinks and collecting a tip. Since I’ve been going through a bit of a transition lately, I decided to go to the Professional Bartending School in Arlington, Virginia. I have to say, it was a great experience and they are fully committed to making all their students amazing, KNOWLEDGEABLE bartenders.

I walked into the Professional Bartending School one Friday and signed up that afternoon. The first thing I saw was a student conducting her speed test. It was awesome, and slightly intimidating, to see her move so quickly behind the bar and she ended up with an amazing time! The convincing factor was the amazing testimonies I received from the students who were around. Some were practicing, others were waiting for the next class to start but, they all said they were learning so much and having more fun than they imagined. To hear first hand how great current and former students felt the program was really helped convince me that the Professional Bartending School was for me.

I learned to make a variety classic cocktails and a variety of drinks that I didn’t even know existed. Once we completed the lecture part of class, we were able to practice and perfect making each and every drink. Once you complete the course, you have to take a written test and a speed test. I have photographic memory so, I wasn’t too worried about studying for the written test but, as the speed test got closer and closer, I got nervous. Although I practiced every day and studied as much as possible, I couldn’t shake the nerves. I took the written test to calm myself down and it worked! I did well on the speed test and even did it in a faster time than I had even hoped for!

If you or someone you know is considering bartending school or just want some more information, check out their website or feel free to contact me.