CELEB FASHION

I found that the SAG awards were lackluster in the fashion department, although there were a few women who got it right. Lots of beautiful, vibrant red gowns as well as dresses with cut-outs. I also couldn't resist throwing in a few photos of fabulous celebrity fashion off the red carpet.

Kyra Sedgewick in Emilio Pucci

Michelle Williams in Valentino

Amber Heard in Zac Posen

Diane Kruger in Chanel

Obsessed with this dress! Cameron Diaz in Valentino.

THE EASIEST, BEST SALMON RECIPE

I'm back! I took a little break from blogging due to lack of motivation and a busy work schedule. After dinner last night though, I had to post this recipe.

Whenever I watch Barefoot Contessa, if my husband's in the room, he'll always crack a joke about her soft, breathy voice. "She's talking about food, not sex." While she may not be as excited as Guy Fierreti, her recipes come out great every single time. This is the easiest, most delicious salmon recipe. Paired with a simple salad and Gwyneth's healthy fried rice, it's a perfect weeknight dinner. I make it all the time and it never fails.

step 1

step 2

Yum!

Source: Panko-Crusted Salmon, Barefoot Contessa How Easy Is That?

Ingredients

⅔ cup panko (Japanese dried bread flakes)

2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

1 teaspoon lemon zest

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons good olive oil

4 (6- to 8-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on

2 tablespoons Dijon

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

In a small bowl, mix together the panko, parsley, lemon zest, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Drizzle with the olive oil and stir until the crumbs are evenly coated. Set aside.

Place the salmon fillets, skin side down, on a board. Generously brush the top of the fillets with mustard and then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Press the panko mixture thickly on top of the mustard on each salmon fillet. The mustard will help the panko adhere.

Heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet or large heavy, ovenproof pan. When the oil is very hot, add the salmon fillets, skin side down, and sear for 3 to 4 minutes, without turning, to brown the skin.

Transfer the pan to the hot oven for 5 to 7 minutes until the salmon is almost cooked and the panko is browned. Remove from the oven, cover with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Serve the salmon hot or at room temperature with lemon wedges.

2012 GOLDEN GLOBES RECAP

I seriously live for award shows. And the Golden Globes is always the best one. The fashion is spectacular, the show moves quickly, and I love the old Hollywood feel. So let's talk the best part- what everyone was wearing!

HITS
Claire Danes in J. Mendel. Does she ever mess it up? I think she looks fresh and fabulous every year.

Julianna Margulies in Naeem Khan. While the style of this dress is nothing new, the color is lovely and I adore the unexpected pop of color with her dazzling green earrings.

Nicole Kidman in Versace. I love that she takes fashion risks and this one works. Not many women could pull this off, but she looks beautiful and her figure is just insane.

Charlize Theron in Dior Couture. I know some people are not going to get this, but I think she looks stunning and so high fashion. I would have maybe ditched the headband, though.

MISSES
Amanda Peet in Marc Jacobs. Oh Amanda, you are so gorgeous but this dress does nothing for you.

Sarah Michelle Gellar in Monique Lhuillier. As my friend Ryan would say, this look is tragic.

Jessica Biel in Elie Saab. She is such a knockout and this dress is Helen Mirren's. What happened? 

 

Madonna in Reem Acra. Madonna is my favorite celebrity in the world but this dress, necklace, the whole thing, is just awful.

Piper Perabo. Two words. Hot mess.

Emma Stone in Lanvin. She usually dresses so well, but this color and style do not flatter her. The look is a bit goth and too harsh for a young girl.

Michelle Williams in Jason Wu. I typically adore everything she wears, but her dress ages her. Yet, she had the best speech (I know it's not fashion-related, but almost made me cry).

BEST JEWELS
Julianne Moore's emerald tassel earrings

Freida Pinto's gold Chopard necklace

 Julianna Marguiles' green statement earrings

CELEBS WHO DON'T AGE
Rob Lowe

Elle MacPherson in Zac Posen

REGARDLESS OF WHAT THEY ARE WEARING, JUST SO DAMN PRETTY


Kate Beckinsale in Roberto Cavalli

George Clooney

Salma Hayek in Gucci

AND FINALLY, CUTEST NAILS. Yes, nails.
Zooey Deschanel

MONDAY MAKEUP TRICK

Another makeup trick to create standout eyes. Swipe Cargo EyeLighter or any white eyeshadow above your lid, just under your outer eyebrow. Then dab the EyeLighter or shadow on the inner corner of your eyes and on the outer corner of your eyes. Use your finger to blend in. The white shade will brighten your eyes and make them really pop.

Photo credit

NEW YEARS

How to throw a New Years Eve party for 34 people while working full-time:

1. Plan ahead.

2. Delegate friends to bring things.

3. Have a drink before everyone arrives.

I've spent the last few days baking and decorating. Rather than serve dinner, I decided to do only appetizers and desserts. That's what everyone likes best anyways, right? Plenty to drink, lots of food, good friends, and a few rounds of Left, Right, Center = A fabulous New Years Eve! Happy 2012!