Book review: Simply Delicioso by Ingrid Hoffmann

This is a pretty book with good and simple recipes from Ingrid Hoffman, the host of the TV program of the same name on the Food Network.

Since I am mainly a vegetarian, I have problems with most cooking books. I read them because I like the photography and I prefer to adapt recipes from these books to vegetarian ingredients than the sometimes tasteless recipes in vegetarian books.

I found some easy recipes here, such as her enchiladas recipe. Enchiladas are difficult to make, but Ingrid has an easier version. The cheesecake flan is also good and you can get the recipe in her website

I like the photography and her new take on traditional Latin American cuisine. The book is about Ingrid's interpretation of some traditional recipes mixed with other exotic ingredients and simplified for the modern American kitchen.

My only negative comment is that she uses too many sweet ingredients. To me to mix sweet and savory can be not good for health and
digestion, besides calories and good skin.

Peptides Plus Derma e. Product review

I got a few samples of this cream in Whole Foods. I like the brand. I tried other products before and it always performs well. This cream was really good for my sensitive skin. It leaves the skin soft and not greasy and I think it worked well bringing softness and radiance to my complexion. It is an anti aging cream and it has good ingredients common in anti aging cosmetics. I do not have wrinkles (yet) but it doesn't hurt to fight them right now.

This is a cream I would definitely buy again. You can buy Derma e Peptides Plus Double-Action Wrinkle Reverse Creme, 2 oz (56 g) and it performs as well as more expensive creams.

Shakira will have her own fragrance

Following in the steps of other celebrities the Colombian born Shakira has signed a contract with the Puig group to launch a line of personal care products including a fragrance.

Shakira is a very busy 31 years old who is involved in many charities in Latin America, especially in Colombia. I love her music and her independent spirit. Let's wait for the fragrance; meanwhile, enjoy the music and move the hips to her rhythm.

Nabi by Victorya Hong

While the current season of Project Runway, I must confess that I never developed a liking for Victorya Hong. To me, she came across as overconfident, cocky, and difficult to work with. Having said that, I was almost always impressed by her work. Several of her designs were outstanding until she completely goofed up on the denim design. In some ways I was happy to see her go -- I simply couldn't stand her -- but I knew she would be just fine in the world of fashion even if she is not the greatest person to work with. And she did. Watch this video to see her collection shown at the New York Fashion Week.

How to buy clothes that you can wear throughout the year?

While retail therapy is, well, therapeutic, the reality is that vast majority of us do not have the resources to keep up with fashion each season. The secret to always looking fresh, modern, and current without filing for bankruptcy is to buy one or two "IT"items and then mixing them with what you have. That is why designers are increasingly offering clothing pieces that can be worn year round. Watch this video of designers like Oscar de la Renta and buyers from luxurious department stores like Neiman Marcus to learn how to pick clothes that you can wear any day of the year and still look current.

Yves Saint Laurent Spring 2008

The new YSL collection is called Pallete Pop. It is said to have been inspired by a romantic greeting card sketched by YSL. It is inspired by flowers and love.

I love the pink color for cheeks and lips; it looks fresh and romantic. The eye makeup is dramatic and it can be used to inspire your own looks.

Beauty products from the kitchen

While it is very convenient (and shopping is always fun and therapeutic) to simply buy personal care products from a shop, even when you are buying something with claims like all-natural, organic, no preservatives added, etc., you still are not sure what you are really buying.

In many cases, you have no choice but to buy products off the shelf and the key is to read the ingredients list carefully and buy only reputed brands. However, some personal care products can be made in your kitchen using products that are already in your pantry.

Gelila, a model, shows three different products in this video.

1. How to use olive oil (an antioxidant) as a moisturizer and to nourish your hair.
   
2. Use baking soda to make an exfoliant.
3. How to make a toner for oily skin using apple cider vinegar and garlic.
   

Pink is always in

It seems that almost all women like pink color but since pink has so many connotations these days we are sometimes afraid to wear it for the fear of appearing immature, girlish, or lacking in taste. In my opinion, pink (and various shades of pink) can be used by almost any woman (yes, even lawyers, bankers, and professors can wear it) provided they pick the right shade for their skin tone and dress for the occasion. In this video, Matthew Hunt of Ford Models 360 picks some of the best pink outfits worn by celebs including Rihanna, Liz Goldwyn, Mariah Carey, and Thandie Newton and designed by Rodarte and Christopher Kane.