Bliss World, LLC

Thirsty Thursday: The Perfect Mint Julep



In honor of the 135th Kentucky Derby this weekend (May 2), I suggest you whip up a batch of these as you watch the races with friends and family.

The Perfect Mint Julep
recipe courtesy of Bill Samuels via foodnetwork.com
serves 12

Ingredients

  • 4 cups bourbon
  • 2 bunches fresh spearmint
  • 1 cup distilled water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • Powdered sugar

Directions

To prepare mint extract, remove about 40 small mint leaves. Wash and place in a small bowl. Cover with 3 ounces bourbon. Allow the leaves to soak for 15 minutes. Then gather the leaves in paper toweling. Thoroughly wring the mint over the bowl of whisky. Dip the bundle again and repeat the process several times.

To prepare simple syrup, mix 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of distilled water in a small saucepan. Heat to dissolve sugar. Stir constantly so the sugar does not burn. Set aside to cool.

To prepare mint julep mixture, pour 3 1/2 cups of bourbon into a large glass bowl or glass pitcher. Add 1 cup of the simple syrup to the bourbon.

Now begin adding the mint extract 1 tablespoon at a time to the julep mixture. Each batch of mint extract is different, so you must taste and smell after each tablespoon is added. You are looking for a soft mint aroma and taste-generally about 3 tablespoons. When you think it's right, pour the whole mixture back into the empty liter bottle and refrigerate it for at least 24 hours to "marry" the flavors.

To serve the julep, fill each glass (preferably a silver mint julep cup) 1/2 full with shaved ice. Insert a spring of mint and then pack in more ice to about 1-inch over the top of the cup. Then, insert a straw that has been cut to 1-inch above the top of the cup so the nose is forced close to the mint when sipping the julep.

When frost forms on the cup, pour the refrigerated julep mixture over the ice and add a sprinkle of powdered sugar to the top of the ice. Serve immediately.




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Bath & Body Works Spring VIP Tote

Available online NOW and in stores on May 8, the Bath & Body Works Spring VIP tote (valued at over $100) is your for just $15 with any $40 or more purchase. The super cute pink bag with yellow accents measures measures 13" x 4 1/2" x 11 1/2"  and includes 8 oz. Signature Collection Body Lotion and Fragrance Mist in Butterfly Flower, 0.5 oz. Patricia Wexler M.D. Dermatology MMPi•20™ Skin Regenerating Serum, 10 oz. Aromatherapy Body Wash in Lavender Chamomile, 2.5 oz. True Blue® Spa Look Ma, New Hands! Softening Hand Lotion with Paraffin, 4 oz. True Blue® Spa Shea It Isn't So™ The Original Shea Butter Foot Cream, a Luxury Manicure/Pedicure Kit and a gauze sponge. Get yours while supplies last!
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Prescriptives Exhilarating Collection: New For Summer 2009

This summer, Prescriptives urges you to invigorate your senses with their new summer collection, Exhilarating.  A vivid palette reminiscent of exotic fruits intermingles with refreshing aromas like guava, mango, passionfruit and lily to reveal new Lip Glosses, Lip Sticks and even a Fragrance!




Calyx Sheer Exhilaration – LIMITED EDITION
This limited edition all-over fragrance is a light, refreshing form of the original Calyx. With notes of passion fruit, mango, guava, lily, jasmine sandalwood and vetiver, this formula is delicate and invigorating. Spray on this mix of exotic fruits, lush flowers and smooth woods for a cool, sparkling and instant exhilaration.
Price: $38.50


Prescriptives Exhilarating Lipcolor – LIMITED EDITION
Lips will love this luminous, lightweight formula that gives lips a pop of color and leaves them shiny and comfortable. Packaged in an eye-catching Calyx green case, this lipcolor delivers sheer to medium coverage in bold and bright shades.
Price: $17.50

Prescriptives Calyx Exhilarating Lip Gloss – LIMITED EDITION
Get sheer coverage that is ultra-glossy and non-sticky with these guava flavored glosses. The lightweight, sheer, comfortable formula is packaged in the classic Calyx graffiti and comes in three limited edition shades inspired by Calyx’s citrus notes.
Price: $14.50


All will be available beginning in May at Prescriptives counters and online at prescriptives.com
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Sneak Peek: Mac Colour Craft Marbelized Lip Glass in Miss Marble


How gorgeous is this gloss??? July 9 seems so far away...!

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Frugal Friday: Sales, Coupons, Codes and Deals!!


Prescriptives: 
Enjoy the weekend with FREE STANDARD SHIPPING + FREE DELUXE SAMPLE of Quick Remover for Eye Makeup (a $9 value) with any purchase! Simply enter code WEEKEND at checkout. Offer valid through 4/26/09 at 11:59PM ET. 

Kohl's:
Get $10 for every $50 you spend now through April 26. Online & In Stores

Bath & Body Works:
Free Lip item (up to $12 value) now through April 26. Leave a comment to receive this coupon!
Signature Collection ON sale: Buy 3, get 3 FREE!!
Free Shipping on $65 or more purchase. Code: FREESHIP65

NARS: 
Free shipping on orders $50+

Bobbi Brown: 
Free shipping & Gift Wrapping n order $60 now through Mother's Day (May 10). Order byh April 29 and receive a complimentary Powder Brush on orders $100+. Code: LOVEMOM

Benefit: 
Get a free Color Plump in "yoo hoo" with your $35 purchase. NO code. Free shipping with $50 order. Code: PRETTY50.
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Thirsty Thursday: Spicy Yubari Margarita



SPICY YUBARI MARGARITA

1 oz Midori® Melon Liqueur

1 ½ oz Cabo Wabo ™ Reposado Tequila

5 slices fresh organic Cucumber peeled and seeded

2-3 slices fresh organic Jalapeño (to taste)

1 oz freshly squeezed organic Lime Juice


Method: Muddle Lime Juice, Cucumber and Jalapeño slices in a shaker.  Add ice and remaining ingredients and shake.  Strain and serve in an ice-filled chilled rocks glass


--recipe courtesy of Mixologist Victoria D’Amato Moran

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Three Custom Color Specialists: The Seychelles Collection


Said to have inspired the story of the Garden of Eden, The Seychelles are islands of utmost allure and legendary beauty. Each of the Shades in this collection, which includes an eye shadow, lip stick and lip gloss, celebrate the natural beauty and vibrant colors of some of the rarest species of flora on earth. 

Coco De Mer Eye Shadow ($22.50) – A rich, medium brown with a playful dose of green shimmer for added dimension, inspired by the round, suggestively-shaped nut that can be found only in the prehistoric Vallee De Mai forest of the Seychelles. Use wet as a subtle liner or dry to create a sultry smokiness around the eye.

Frangipani Sheer Lipstick ($21.50) – Vivid fuchsia with gold sparkle that can be worn soft or bold. The award-winning sheer lipstick formula delivers buildable coverage and rich moisture in a smooth, balm-like texture.

Peacock Flower Lip Gloss ($21.50) – A pinky, peach shade with light-catching violet opalescence, inspired by the rare and dazzling Peacock Flower. Our moist and creamy lip gloss formulation is a makeup artist favorite – smooth and shiny, but never sticky.


The entire Seychelles Collection is also available for purchase in a value set for $50 at threecustom.com



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Estee Lauder Introduces The Sensuous Anniversary Collection

In celebration of  the first anniversary of the launch of Sensuous, a scent that “every woman wears her way,” Estée Lauder unveils six new ways to wear the woody amber fragrance. The Collection will be available for a limited time beginning July/August 2009 at Estée Lauder counters nationwide and www.esteelauder.com. 

Sensuous Velvet Body Creme

6.7 fl. oz /200 ml $49.50 (available July 2009)

The Velvet Body Creme is drenched in decadence.  The delectable potion is rich with moisturizers and conditioners that will leave the body hydrated and seductively perfumed.  To heighten the experience, massage in everywhere, especially décolletage, arms, legs, heels and elbows.

 

Sensuous Sheer Body Oil

3.4 fl. oz /100 ml $42.00 (available July 2009)

Sleek and sexy, the modern Sheer Body Oil is inspired by the unmistakable femininity of radiant skin.  This intensely moisturizing dry oil spray is absorbed by the natural warmth of the body, leaving skin glossy and accented with the memorable Sensuous fragrance.  Apply to the entire body, especially décolletage, arms, legs, heels and elbows.

    

Sensuous Touch-On Solid Perfume

0.09 oz / 2.6 g $120.00 (available July 2009)

Delicate, yet provocative, the Touch-On Solid Perfume is traditionally one of the most sensual ways to wear fragrance.  Applied directly to the pulse points, the unique, creamy texture responds to the most seductive parts of the body: the décolletage, wrists, behind the ears and the backs of the knees.  The scent is artfully encased in a jewel-like pendant necklace that reflects the passion and romance of the wearer.      

 

Sensuous Touch-On Fragrance

0.33 oz / 10 ml $39.50 (available July 2009)

Stroke it on pulse points and everywhere you want a sheer touch of sensuality. Warms on the skin to radiate the luxurious notes of Sensuous.

 

Sensuous Parfum

0.25 oz / 7 ml $95.00 (available July 2009)

Experience Sensuous in its most concentrated form – long-lasting and intriguingly sensual.

 

Sensuous 15 ml Eau de Parfum

0.5 oz / 15 ml $29.50 (available August 2009)

Now you can take Sensuous with you wherever you go.  The 15 ml bottle is priced just right for you or to give as a gift.  Keep it in your purse or carry on luggage so it’s handy at all times.

.  


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Elemental Herbology Beach Prep & Sun Kiss





















Summer is creeping closer every day, so start prepping your beach bod for bikini exposure with this dynamic duo by Elemental Herbology. Beach Prep ($34) is a 3-in-1 body polish that uses ingredients like Buruti Oil, Papaya Juice, Macadamia Nut Oil and Sea Salt to scrub away impurities and dead skin cells while brightening and balancing overall complexion.  Sun Kiss ($36) provides intensive hydration with the added benefit of an eco-certified self tanning agent derived from the sugar beet. It's a welcome alternative to those stinky, smelly & streaky chemical based self tanners. Available beginning May 2009 at Space NK stores, SpaceNK.com & select Bloomingdale's.
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New Launch News: Make Up For Ever HD Instant Hydrating Elixir


To celebrate the national Digital TV Transition, Make Up For Ever will release HD Instant Hydrating Elixir on June 12, 2009. The super unique product is neither oily nor sticky and features a gel texture that is instantly absorbed by the skin.  It can be applied to entire face or to dehydrated problem areas such as the eye orbital area. $38, Sephora

"Created specifically to instantly boost skin’s moisture to create a perfectly smooth palette for HD Complexion make up, HD Instant Hydrating Elixir is a unique hybrid serum that is part skincare and part make up.

 

Clinical tests proved that HD Instant Hydrating Elixir boosted skin’s moisture a whopping 520% after 15 minutes and continued to hold in moisture at 490% after 30 minutes and 430% after one hour. In addition to the instant surge of moisture, HD Instant Hydrating Elixir also restores skin’s radiance and erases signs of fatigue, actually firming and giving skin a smooth and soft texture."



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30% Off Beauty at Eluxury!!





Shop fast with 30% off beauty at Eluxury!!
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MAC Colour Craft

What to do, what to do??

As a respectable member of the print media, I have been asked NOT to share the super amazing and high resolution images of the post-summer "Colour Craft" collection online until 2 weeks before their expected release date of JULY 9, 2009, but I am starting to see them pop up everywhere.... 


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Stila Pearl Shimmer Gloss in South Seas Coral

Formulated with genuine crushed pearl, Stila Pearl Shimmer Gloss glides on smoothly to give lips sheer color and a beautiful pearlescent finish. Coral is the IT color of summer 2009, and Stila's version is a sweet peach hue with pops of glimmer and shimmer. The soothing formula also contains emollient oils, esters, and vitamins A, C and E to leave lips feeling and looking healthy and revived. Enter to win your own,full size tube now! Entry deadline date: APRIL 20, 2009.



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Chanel N°5 Essential Bath Oils

Exclusive to Nordstrom beginning June 2009, Chanel presents special, limited edition, skin softening oils enhanced with the timeless N°5 fragrance. $75

"A luxurious new entry to the N°5 Collection, this elegant three-part harmony of pink-toned bath oils elevates every woman’s bathing ritual to a lavish experience. Rich moisturizers indulge skin with a feeling of supreme comfort, while Ylang-Ylang and sweet almond extract lend deeply relaxing properties. Skin is delicately scented with the now and forever fragrance."


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Frugal Friday: Sales, Samples & Coupon Codes!


Saks Fifth Avenue
: Save 25%. Code: SFAFAM11 Online only. Expires Sunday 4/19.
 

Sephora: Insiders 15% off. Code: BD2T9CB5

Sephora: Free Sample of Smashbox Photofinish Foundation Primer with online purchase. Code: Primer

Plus, it's Beauty Bonus Time at Bloomingdale's!

Bobbi Brown: Free Shipping. Code: Weekend5

Bobbi BrownFree Full Size Metallic Eye Shadow With $65 or More purchase. Code: Shadow3

Too Faced: get a free Mini Pinpoint Mascara with any purchase of $35 or more


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Congrats to our Olay Pro-X Contest Winner!!



Cinda from North Carolina won the Olay Pro-X Starter Kit! 

Thanks to everyone who entered!


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FREE Zoya Nail Polish!

Act Fast! 
From now until 3 p.m., get a Free bottle of  Zoya Nail Polish in "Midori" (medium green shimmer) by entering code ZG5 at www.zoya.com





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The Truth Behind The Stila Rumors!


Per the Stila Public Relations team TODAY: 

"The rumor isn’t true – Stila is having some internal issues right now, but should have some exciting news to share in the upcoming weeks."
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Sonya Dakar Skin Care Tax Break!

It's tax day and Sonya Dakar is offering FREE shipping on all purchases made today! Just enter the code: SHIPFREE409 at checkout.

Trying Sonya Dakar for the first time? Here are my top picks:

Cellular Patch Cream: For firm, elastic, luminous skin at the cellular level. $155



Berry Mask - Maintenance: helps calm skin while absorbing irritating impurities. $77



365 Sport Water Resistant Sunscreen: Healing lavender, calming chamomile extracts, and an advanced formula of UV protectors are combined to guard your skin both in and out of the water. $42




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Beauty Tip! Make Your Own Scrub

Now, I know skin care experts won't agree ... but if you're all out of face scrub, just add some table salt or sugar to your facial cleanser. Massage lightly on the skin in circular motions for a quick & easy buff! You can even use it on your body before self tanner application to ensure even color development.



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3 Super Hair Saviors

After a gorgeous South Florida weekend of surf, sand and sun, my tresses are seriously distressed, so I figured this would be a great time to share my favorite hair saviors:

1.  Phyto 7 Daily Hydrating Botanical Cream for Dry Hair Creamy and far from greasy, seven botanical extracts replenish dry, traumatized hair while working to maintain optimum moisture levels. Apply a small, pea sized amount to towel dried hair prior to heat styling, or use on already dry hair for a sleek, smooth & shiny finish. I love dabbing some on my ends after blow drying or flat ironing. $26, Sephora




2. Kerastase Resistance Substance Constructive Formulated to treat weakened hair like my processed locks,  the signature Vita-Ciment® Complex strengthens from within to improve overall health and combat breakage. I use a few dime-sized dollops on towel-dried hair from roots to tips twice a week. $26, Kerastase-USA.com 

3. Alterna CAVIAR Anti-Aging Blonde Leave-In Conditioner If you're a blonde, you know how hard it is to keep hair healthy and still retain the tone you spend so much time, energy and money on to achieve. Typically, too many products will leave blondes brassy in no time. Alterna has merged its top-selling caviar line with individual color needs, and created THE best stuff for blondes with three high performance products that help maintain and improve natural and artificial blonde tones. While I keep the shampoo and conditioner on heavy rotation, I am absolutely in love with the Leave-In. It detangles and nourishes while Optical Brighteners add depth and luminosity. Additionally, UVA/UVB protectants guard hair from color fade and the super-power formula is also Infused with Seasilk®, Age-Control Complex® and Color Hold™ to fight the aging process. $32, beautysak.com

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Frugal Friday: Sales, Coupons, Codes and Deals!!


Prescriptives: 


FREE DELUXE SAMPLE + FREE SHIPPING

With every purchase, enjoy FREE STANDARD SHIPPING + FREE SAMPLE of Here to Stay Mascara, our waterproof mascara that's the perfect solution for April showers. Simply enter code
APRILRAIN at checkout. This offer ends 4/11/09 at 11:59PM ET!

Plus, receive FREE GIFT WRAP** and select an ADDITIONAL FREE SAMPLE*** of your choice at checkout with every order!

Urban Decay: 

Friends & Family Sale! Save 30%. CODE: FNFS9

Sephora: 

Buy a Clinique Lash Power Set for $18.50 (valued at $49.50) and get a FREE deluxe sample of Long Last Glosswear in Fireberry. CODE: LASHPOWER

Victoria's Secret: 

$20 off orders of $100+. $30 off orders of $150. $75 off orders of $250. CODE: 09SPRING
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Day 4 of Summer Bridal Makeup from Estee Lauder's Rick DiCecca


Romantic:
 For the sweet romantic wedding look you’ve always dreamed of, use these tips to create soft features with romantic accents.



Step 1: Face

While your foundation is still wet, begin by applying Signature Satin Creme Blush in Nude Light along the area under cheekbones to contour and define. Using the middle of your ear and tip of your nose as a guideline, create a natural flush by dusting on Signature Silky Powder Blush in Fresh Plum. Layer Signature Silky Powder Blush in Pink Kiss to the apple of your cheeks to lift and brighten.

Step 2: Eyes

Apply PureColor Eyeshadow in Ivory Box on the browbone to highlight eyes. Starting at your lashline apply PureColor Eyeshadow in Tea Biscuit, blending up and over lid, buffing shadow into the brow. Apply and smudge Double Wear Eye Pencil in Coffee into the lashline. Finish by sweeping Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara in Black over top and bottom lashes.

Step 3: Lips

Line and fill in lips with Automatic Lip Liner in Spice. Layer with Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick in Burnished Bronze. Finish with High Gloss in Honey.



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Day 3 of Summer Bridal Makeup from Estee Lauder's Rick DiCecca


Dramatic: To achieve a beautifully dramatic look on your wedding day, follow these steps and all eyes will be on you.


Step 1: Face

While your foundation is still wet, use a foundation brush to apply Signature Satin Creme Blush in Berry Light along the area under cheekbones to contour and define your face. Using the middle of your ear and the tip of your nose as a guide, dust Signature Silky Powder Blush in Soft Plum onto cheeks and buff the color softly into the skin. Next, apply Signature Silky Powder Blush in Rose Nuance to the apple of your cheeks to lift and brighten.

Step 2: Eyes

Apply PureColor Eyeshadow in Pale Moon to your entire lid starting at lashline and blending up, buffing shadow in the brow. Line Double Wear Eye Pencil in Plum Black along upper and lower lashes. Apply Plum Pop PureColor Eyeshadow over liner to set and create soft definition. Sweep Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara in Black over upper and lower lashes.

Step 3: Lips

Create bold and sultry lips by starting with Automatic Lip Liner in Fig. Next, layer with Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick in Plum Frost. Finish with High Gloss in Pearl.

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