Kardashian Kolors Spring Collection

The famous Kardashian Kolors Holiday Collection launched on November 25th, 2011. I have been busy with my wedding preparation and couldn't have time to get my hands on them. Not to mention, all the good colors were sold out most of time. If I wanted them badly, I could have ordered them online from like Amazon, for over 10 bucks. I didn't think it was all that necessary. I recently just spotted the colors I want at Walmart and of course, they have the best prices on cosmetics (comparable to Harmons). I quickly grabbed Kim-Pletely in Love and Wear Something Spar-Kylie. In terms of other colors, I already have something similar, so I gently gave them the "passed" for NOW.

Kardashian family certainly knows their business strategy and quickly launched their Spring 2012 Collection in store February 2012 to keep the good momentum. Nicole by OPI announces seven new Kardashian Kolor shades this time to be exclusively sold at CVS.



Kardashian Kolors Spring 2012 Collection

I recently just purchased One Big Happy Fame-ily (I love purple nail polish). Although I do like other colors from the collection as well, but I don't plan to own every single one of them. It's still on the pricey side for me to spend on a nail polish, I would prefer to stay under $5 range . As for the seasonal colors, I would be even happier to spend under $3.

I am always the fan of shiny and glittery color nail polish. It looks like a cream based purple color from the bottle, but it's actually a shimmery lavender (just enough shine). It goes on smoothly and sheerly, so you do need 3 thin coats from this color to have your nails completely covered (I think some of other colors need only 2 coats)



One Big Happy Fame-ily

with two coats



with three coats

Overall, this color looks really nice on fair skin color (which is what I have). It stays on nicely for a good week (with base and top coat). I also picked up couple other Revlon spring colors that I will do swatch and review soon.

Happy reading!!

Spinach Penne with Lobster, Shrimp and Bacon

This is probably one of my favorite pasta dish. Who doesn't love it? It has BACON in it. The recipe is originally from the Food Network courtesy Giada De Laurentiis (my favorite celebrity chef), but I tweaked it to fit our tastes. Give it a try and let me know how you like it.

Total Time: 50 min (this is not gonna happen the first time you are cooking this)

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Level: Intermediate

Ingredients

• Kosher salt
• One 4-ounce lobster tails
• 1 pound spinach penne pasta
• Half pound thick-cut bacon, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-wide strips (about 2 1/2 cups)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• One 14 1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes (you can utilize the one that already has basil, garlic and oregano to give more flavor)
• 3/4 cup clam juice (I sometimes skip it if I don't have it in my pantry, no biggie, just use vegetable stock)
• 3/4 cup heavy cream (can be substituted by low fat milk, but the sauce will be less creamy)
• 1 cup chopped fresh basil (I used the dried herb since my herb garden is not alive during the winter time here on east coast)
• Freshly ground pepper
• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lobster tail and cook until they begin to curl, 5 to 7 minutes. Using tongs, remove the lobster tail and set aside until cool enough to handle. Add the pasta to the boiling water (I used the water from cooking that lobster tail) and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender but still firm to the bite, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain and place in a large serving bowl.

Using kitchen scissors or a heavy knife, cut along the underside of the lobster tails and remove the meat. Chop the meat into 3/4-inch chunks. Set aside. (please don't cut yourself)

In a large nonstick skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until brown and crispy, about 10 minutes. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels.

In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes (and juices), clam juice, cream, 1/2 cup basil, 2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.

Add the shrimp and cook, stirring occasionally, until just cooked through, about 3 minutes. Add the lobster and bacon. Simmer until warmed through, 1 to 2 minutes.

Pour the tomato mixture over the cooked pasta and toss until coated. Garnish with the remaining 1/2 cup basil and season with salt and pepper.

Enjoy cooking!!

The new beginning

Welcome to Beautiful Living, where I share my passion for living a beautiful life.

About me
As my wedding planning winds down, I just realized how much I have learned through the process. It all started with my fiance's unique taste and high standard (well, I am sorta a perfectionist myself). We looked all over the web to find that perfect wedding invitation, but nothing suits our taste (bilingual + Asian flair). I did find couple sites that offer bilingual printing and it's super pricey, not to mention the design is not even what I was looking for. After all my searches have failed, I decided to become crafty and make it myself. One thing leads to another, I started making pretty much EVERYTHING for my upcoming wedding (except the reception food, gowns and suits). I couldn't stop myself from taking new and beautiful ideas  I came across online or something I saw on the street randomly that ignited my creativity. I certainly enjoyed of making those beautiful things. I even got into the makeup field, simply because I couldn't find a good and available MUA in my area for my wedding day. I have realized how many beautiful things can be created by my two hands if I am willing to learn. I want to continue to explore. 

About my blog
I share my love of beauty/fashion, cooking (food and wine) and crafting on this blog. Hopefully, people can be inspired by my personal experiences and find the way to create their own beautiful living. The projects are not that difficult as you think but they truly can become the beautiful touches to your life. Perhaps I can learn something from you as well. Let's share the secrets of Beautiful Living.

Happy reading!!