Christina's Winter Hair Tip: Bumble & Bumble's Quenching Hair Masque

Winter can be hard on your hair. Christina offers a professional tip to help keep your hair perfectly moisturized without weighing your hair down like other products can.

Product: Bumble & Bumble's Quenching Hair Masque

After shampooing hair, squeeze out excess water and apply masque to hair from ears down only. Clip your hair up for the duration of your shower; the heat will allow for the product to penetrate better.

Have a question for Christina? Send it to sugarlipslifestyletips@gmail.com

You can find this product and other Bumble & Bumble products at 1688 A Hair Studio.

Today Only! Exclusive Deals For Cyber Monday

Hey Sugardollies,

These are for you! Don't forget to enter the PROMO CODES.

Fashion
Luello: I love this site. Get up to 80% off designer brands. Click on the banner below.



Ann Taylor is offering 40% off your entire order and FREE shipping Promo Code: MONDAY Click Here. 

Beauty


Stila Cosmetics: Click the box on the right for 40% off.
Aveda: Choose 5 free samples. get a FREE organic cotton bag and FREE shipping on all orders over $25! Promo Code: UPICK5 Additional offers as well. Click Here.
Bobbi Brown Cosmetics: FREE 3 deluxe mini samples plus FREE shipping. Promo Code: HAPPY11 Click Here.

Fragrance
The Perfume Spot: This a one of my favorite sites. They carry almost every scent imaginable and are deeply discounted. Today they are offering an additional 10% off. FREE shipping on all orders over $79. Promo Code: CYBER Click Here.

For the Love of Cooking: Sunday Supper - Cornish Game Hens over Red Pepper and Spicy Sausage Risotto

When I originally began this segment, one of the intentions was to gather friends and families around the table to share stories and laughs over a fresh home cooked meal. Another was to embrace the art of cooking as it can be very calming and often times soothing. I recognize that this is not always the case and cooking is not for everyone; however; there is always room for you in the kitchen. Cook or not the kitchen is where we all tend to gather and share love. It is amazing what you will learn in the kitchen.

I watched a movie over the holiday weekend that was analyzing various relationships, commitment and monogamy. The flick was based in the kitchen and each character was trying to cook for their lovers. The cooking skills of each character paralleled with how they defined themselves and their current and past relationships. Towards the end of the movie, the question "Who is it that you want to be in the kitchen with?" was posed and it got me thinking. All things beautiful happen in our kitchen. We laugh, share, love and learn building traditions that will last for generations to come.

Sunday Supper was created with that environment in mind. I invite you to create your own gathering place where everyone takes part in one way or another. My family has always shown love through sharing food and this is an extension of that love from me to you; for every Sunday, you are in my kitchen. Enjoy!

Cornish Game Hens over Red Pepper and Spicy Sausage Risotto 


What you will need
2 Cornish game hens halved (4 servings)
1 garlic cloves
4 sprigs of fresh thyme
1 1/2 c. arborio risotto rice
4 c. chicken stock
3 oz. of cubed pancetta
1 T. butter
5 T. olive oil
1 link spicy italian sausage (casing removed)
4 button mushrooms sliced
1 red pepper
1 small yellow onion
parsley
1 c. dry white wine
salt & pepper
Parmesan cheese ( preferably Parmigiano Reggiano) 

What to do
Remove Cornish game hens and rinse. Pat dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper. Set aside. In a medium sauce pan, heat chicken broth over low heat and allow to simmer until ready to use. Begin making risotto by adding 1 Tb. of butter and 3 T. olive oil to a risotto pan or large sauce pan over medium heat. Add cubed pancetta and spicy Italian sausage and cook for about 5 minutes or until brown stirring often and scraping the brown bits form the bottom of the pan. Add onion, bell pepper and mushrooms and saute until soft approximately 6-8 minutes. Add your risotto rice and stir into the mix making sure that the rice is well mixed and thoroughly coated. Slowly start adding the wine and warm chicken stock in alternating increments allowing each addition to absorb before adding more. This process will take approximately 30 minutes so be patient.

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees. After the risotto has been cooking for about 15 minutes, begin preparing the game hens. In a large frying pan, add 2 Tb. of olive oil over medium high heat. When your pan comes to temp, pan sear the hens skin side down for a few minutes. Cut your garlic clove in quarters and stuff with thyme sprigs into the cavity of each bird. Flip and cook a few more minutes. Add 1/4 of chicken broth and 1/4c white wine to the pan and place in oven at 325 degrees for 7-10 minutes.

When your risotto is firm but tender, it is done. Stir in Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, plate and top with game hens.

Celebrate Small Business Saturday: Support Your Local Businesses

Small Business Saturday
American Express celebrates small businesses by dedicating a full day of shopping to them. Help support your local businesses by finding the perfect hostess gift, gifts for yourself or that unique gift for your special someone. Here are a few of my local favorites:

Heliotrope: Everybody loves to smell good and feel good and this local small business is perfect for everyone on your list. Forget the big name brands (B&BW) that are loaded with synthetic ingredients. This SF based company has natural, locally source body & skin care and customized aromatherapy blends. They also have personal health products and decorative accessories. Their packaging is beautiful and can be presented in various ways. Shop online and have your products shipped directly to the recipient or to your door! 

Pacific Bay Roasting Company: Nothing beats a perfectly brewed cup of joe on a cold winter day. Get micro-brewed delicious coffee for the coffee lover on your list. Pair it with a new mug or get creative and send a new bean every month. Don't forget to try their Holiday Blend.

1688 A Hair Studio: Whether you are seeking a stocking stuffer or an up-do, this is the time of year to look your best! Go see Christina Keenan and get your hair done for your holiday party. She specializes in up-dos and color. Buy gift cards or product packages there too!

Bonne Nuit: Beautiful lingerie and soft luxurious pajamas are a holiday must. Wrap yourself in something sensual this holiday. Located on Main Street in downtown Walnut Creek.

Sasa: Sasa is another small plate experience with the best sushi this side of Oakland. Not into raw? Not a problem. They offer numerous cooked dishes that are equally as amazing. Everyone over eats during the holidays, a gift card to Sasa is a healthy alternative.

Residual Sugar Wine Bar: With a library of wines and Sommelier for an owner, you can't go wrong. Need a hostess gift? Grab a bottle of wine. What to get the wine lover who has everything a gift? Join their wine club. Not sure what to serve with your holiday dinner? They can pair every dish on your menu.

Fashion Friday With Kimberlee: Shoe Dazzle

As my girlfriends will exuberantly attest to, there are times when even I become an opinion seeker for my wardrobe purchases.  I can spot an amazing cashmere sweater or a show-stopping pump at 50 paces, but there are occasions when even my heart starts to panic, my mind over analyzes the pro’s and con’s, and pulling the rip cord on which pieces to actually take home with me requires a minimum of 1 – 5 educated (on the mysterious mind workings of Kimberlee) opinions.  Enter my new team of educated minds on call to offer me their opinions about my next pieces of foot candy:  Kim Kardashian, Anya Sarre, Toni Ferrara, Melis Kuris, Provi Fulp, Heather Zweigel, Michael Bassolino, Jamie Crowley, Camille Jumelle, Merika Rock, and Elizabeth French. 

Shoe Dazzle, a group of celebrity stylists partnered with the always beautiful co-owner of couture retailer “Dash” Ms. Kim Kardashian, offers up their customized selections of shoes, handbags, and jewelry each month based on the results of a style profile quiz.  It’s kind of awesome.  You begin by completing a registration which includes a click through series of “do you like this look better or this?” questions, and within days your personalized virtual showroom is filled with a handful of shoe, handbag, and jewelry selections chosen specifically for your style personality type.  Each piece in the showroom is $39.95, flat fee, no shipping or “extra” charges.  Magical! 

What happens if you are not completely in shoe love with any of the shoes in your first round of suggestions?  Not a problem, simply request alternates, and a new round of hand picked choices will appear in your showroom.  (Sugar Tip:  If you even THINK you might want a pair from your first group of selections, add them to your shopping cart before requesting the alternates.  Once the first group is gone from your showroom, they’re gone.  You can always delete them before purchasing, but this will save you from losing out if you change your mind later.)  But the real appeal to this decadently indulgent service, is that it is 100% FREE to join, you can cancel your membership at any time 100% FREE of charge,  and you always have the first 5 days of each month to select “Skip this Month” to do just that, skip this month’s purchase.  Should you become overwhelmingly preoccupied and find that you have forgotten to either make a purchase or select the skip option, you will be charged the monthly purchase price of $39.95, but it will apply as a credit to your account toward any Shoe Dazzle purchase. 

My first purchase, recommended for me by Jamie Crowley (who incidentally has the distinct pleasure of noting Kanye West and Paris Hilton, among other greats, on her resume as having styled), was a pair of out of control black micro suede peep toe booties with black zebra like brushstrokes adding notice me detail to the white fold-over shaft.  And the pies de resistance?   Shiny as a candied apple red patent platform and stiletto heel.  Seriously?  So my style, so my fit, so my favorite shoe.  Love!!!  The quality is sincerely higher than that of a $39.95 shoe, not quite that of Manolo Blahnik, but definitely a quality pair of pumps.  Color palette is brilliant, stitching is in line and concealed, insole is standard, all points seem to meet up with my standards check.  And dare I even mention that these bad boys are actually COMFORTABLE?  Not to say every pair will be, but these feel better than amazing to my tired tootsies.

So I would like to offer a sincere thank you to the efforts of my new styling team, I look forward to what your next batch of brilliant creativity will deliver to my doorstep in December. 

Sugar Note*** This week we are starting our GIVE LOVE campaign on our Facebook fan page. We will be posting different products and companies that share the love by donating a portion of the sales and proceeds to specified charities. Shoe Dazzle has partnered with Soles4Souls, the Nashville-based shoe charity that has donated more than 12 million pairs of shoes worldwide, and In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, ShoeDazzle raised $25,000 for Susan G. Komen for the Cure® through sales of three powerful pink products: the Beth bootie, the Hope handbag and the Baila scarf-and-pin set—all inspired by ShoeDazzle clients.
GIVE LOVE and have great shoes!  

Happy Thanksgiving: Turducken Videos and a Story of Turkey Hunting

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend!

Yesterday we made a turducken for the first time. I had never tried it before so I was really excited to help make this multi-bird-thing. The flavors were a nice combination and the duck was the star. As you will see in the video below, the chicken is inside of the duck and they are inside of the turkey.

It was another fun family holiday that rivaled the first holiday that I spent here shooting live turkeys. Five years ago today, I came into this family and was introduced to 32 family members all at once. Aside from trying to remember their names, I also had to figure out how to use a shotgun. Every year, there is an event of some extreme sorts and this year was turkey hunting.  No, this was not the hunting where you would dress yourself in camouflage, it was the kind where you are handed a shot gun and you take your best shot. Needless to say, it was a bonding experience and was the most fun I had ever had at Thanksgiving.

Here are some photos and videos for you of the turducken experience. Enjoy!

Cherish your time today and reflect on what is important. I am thankful for all of you and grateful for your support. Enjoy your day with your families and friends. Turn off the TV (except for football, of course) unplug your cells and walk away from your laptop, iPads etc. These are the days that are most important as you never know if this will be the last time you see one another. Hug each other tightly, say what you need to say and remember that you are loved.

With Sugar,
Cyn

Tips for Surviving Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday

I went to Target yesterday afternoon and was surrounded by the madness of the holiday. It was only a glimpse of what will happen this Friday. Here are a few tips to keep your sanity and your pocketbook in check. Being in the retail industry, I am appreciative of the Kohls and Targets for starting their shopping season immediately after Halloween and others even before that. It gives people the opportunity to plan their holiday season without overspending. Black Friday can be tricky and with proper preparation, you will survive and maybe even thrive. 

Survival Tips

1) Drink lots of water and bring a water bottle with you. The heat will be cranking, you will be running around and you don't want death breath. Bring at least a liter with you.

2) Plan your attack. Get organized by doing your research and finding out what deals are where and a back up plan in the event the item is sold out by the time you get there.

3) If it is a hot item and you HAVE to have it, buy it ahead of time. Who says that you have to wait for Black Friday. Is it worth saving $20 when you have to see the disappointment on your kids face because it sold out? No. Go online and pre-order.

4) Bring snacks so you avoid eating fast food and other high calorie foods. Pack a peanut butter and honey sandwich, almonds and an apple. They don't need refrigeration and travel easily. The protein from the  nuts will sustain your energy and the sugar from the fruit and honey will give you the immediate energy.

It is easy to get caught up in the moment and buy things just because they are on sale or because someone else wants it and you don't want to be left out. It is also easy to eat fast food for three days straight. Be smart, plan ahead and be kind. Remember that the person next to you is someones mommy, sister, love and friend. Go easy and be nice. Start the holiday season off right with extra kindness.

My Dream List for Holiday 2010

Every year my Mom asks me to make a wish list for the holiday and this year was extra fun. Usually I am opposed to a wish list because it is an easy way for the gift giver to lack in creativity and not invest very much time or thought into the recipient. I feel that if you know me, you will know what I like right? Well, that is not always true. How can someone know what you really want if you never tell them?

This year, I made a serious wish list and pin pointed exactly what I wanted and in some ways it felt liberating. I usually give a vague list with general guidelines and hope that the giver chooses well. This year is different, I have been working on saying what I want and choosing gifts that I really want but wouldn't necessarily buy for myself.

After two hours of research and linking, I complied a small list of specific items and sent it off. Then I just got carried away which is what lead to this post. The list below is a list that I could only dream of. Realistically, I am not Kim Kardashian and Bruce Jenner is not funding the little elves that bring me gifts. BUT if that were the case, here are a few things I would want Santa to bring me. A girl can dream right?

J's Dream List

A new jewelry box with a few gems inside including:
This seriously gorgeous Victoria ring
A new Diamond Bangle on right
An extra long strand of freshwater pearls 80" or 96"
A beautiful pair of round brilliant cut diamond studs
from Tiffany & Co.

This year, I would like to travel to Europe again and these would be the perfect accessories for that trip. My dream is to visit the Eiffel Tower and tour Italy. A new travel companion from Louis Vuitton: The 2011 European Cities Guide and the Keepall in the monogram canvas with the shoulder strap.

A new 15" or 17" MacBook Pro with all of the bells and whistles. In college I studied graphic design and haven't practiced in almost 5 years. This year, I would like a new Mac with all of the design software in one bundle: Adobe Creative Suite 5.  I can't wait to get back into it. I have dreams to create!

My dream list is complete. These are the items that I dream about year after year. Somebody pinch me...

Double Duty Must Haves: 5 Beauty Products You Can't Travel Without

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, many people are planning to travel. Here are a few must haves that can be used for double duty when packing light. 

Lip Balm: Keep your kisser soft and moisturize dry cuticles. You can also add a tiny bit to your fingertips and tame fly-away hair or unruly brows. 

Hand cream: Not only will this ward off dry skin and chapped hands, it is a great way to reduce or eliminate static cling in a bind. During the holidays, homes are warm and toasty making them drier and static cling is inevitable. Use a small amount of body lotion directly on your skin where the clingy fabric is touching or directly onto your nylons/tights.

Conditioner: Everyone wants soft flowing locks for the holidays. Double your conditioner as a shaving balm. It will keep your legs soft and prevent razor burn without having to pack shaving cream.

Blush/Bronzer: Add a healthy glow to your look with Nars Highlighting Bronzing Blush Duo blush and bronzer in one.

Mascara/Brow Brush: Sonia Kashuk makes a mascara and brow brush in one from her Lashify Mascara Collection.   It's a great way to tame unruly brows.

Photos from Aveda.com and Sephora.com click photos for links.

Sunday Supper: Bone-In Porkchops with Spicy Apple Chutney and Homemade Spaetzle

Saturday nights in our house are always fantastic. We usually have some friends over to share a few laughs, a plate of something extraordinary and of course great wine. This week the mission was to buy two or three bottles of wine and blind taste them before dinner.  We enjoyed three different cheeses and a charcuterie plate with house cured olives and freshly baked bread while we expanded our palates with a few new wine varietals.

There was an impromptu course as well after trying the second varietal. B had picked up a few gems at the Rockridge Marketplace including a duck Crepinette.  He took the fresh bread, fried it in bacon grease until it was perfectly crisp and full flavor then topped each piece with a sliver of pan seared medium rare duck crepenette.  It was finished with a drizzle of bacon infused sweet Madeira glaze. It was unbelievable and could rival any menu. I wish that the picture did it justice.

I have never had spaetzle before last night. I have seen it on menus but have never tried it. It is a German dish that is similar to a dumpling in texture and taste but also like pasta. That is a loose interpretation but my opinion none the less. It's kind of plain looking so you may want to sprinkle with parsley for color.

What you need
Get yourself some serious bone-in pork chops that are thick and well marbled. Pork fat is your friend here so use it well.

For the Spaetzle
1 cup of flour
1/4 c milk
1 tsp salt
1/2 t. nutmeg
pinch of pepper
2 eggs
4 cups chicken stock
2 T. butter to saute in
For the Chutney
3 green apples
1/2 red onion
1/2 golden raisins
1/2 stick of butter
2 cups of apple cider
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 T apple cider vinegar
a pinch of garlic powder
a pinch of onion powder
a pinch of salt
a pinch of cayenne and red pepper flakes
1 T. honey optional adding honey can balance out the heat if it gets too spicy

What to do
Start by making your chutney first. A good chutney takes an hour to two hours to make. Time is crucial or your chutney will be thin and disconnected. You are going for a thick, chunky chutney. Peel the apples and cube them evenly. Dice your onion. Add butter, apples, onions and raisins to a pot and saute over medium high heat for 20 minutes, until aromatic. Add the vinegar, cider, brown sugar and spice. Continue to cook over medium high heat until boiling and reduce heat to low heat and allow to cook for an hour or two.

***SUGAR TIP: You can add cinnamon or clove or any other spices that you may like. Have fun with it. This is a great base for any apple chutney. 

While the chutney is simmering, begin preparing the spaetzle. The spaetzle can be made ahead of time and finished off just before serving. On the stove top, bring your chicken stock to a boil over medium high heat. Meanwhile, sift flour salt, and pepper into a dish. Add the nutmeg. In a second dish, beat eggs well and mix with the milk. Slowly incorporate the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients until it is smooth and consistent but be careful to not over mix. Add the batter to a piping bag and pipe into the boiling chicken stock in small batches in a circular motion. Allow to cook for 5-8 minutes. Remove from heat and drain well. Refrigerate until later.

Season your chops with salt and pepper. Pan sear on medium-high heat for 4 minutes on each side and then finish off in the oven for 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove from oven, place on chopping block and allow to rest for a few minutes. Meanwhile, in a saute pan, add two tablespoons of butter. Melt over medium high heat and add the spaetzle and saute until hot. Serve with a German Riesling, preferably a Kabinett.

Luxe-uriously Fashionable: Kimberlee's Trunk Show Gems

Perhaps it was the sunshine and guava infused mimosa’s, or perhaps it was the warm California breeze kissed with the scent of  agave, whatever the driving force behind my shopping experience last weekend my spirit has been revitalized and delivered to the fashionably outstretched arms of Spring 2011. 

In the comfort of my Wisconsin home, I am enveloped by sweater after sweater during the months of November through February…and even into March most years.  I love sweaters dearly for their warmth and comfort and have nurtured a particularly strong fondness for stylishly buckled boots, the weather that serves as their backdrop however, I am NOT a fan of.  When late fall/early winter approaches, I start my annual “wish it away” process, dreaming of warmer climates and delicately draped angelic wardrobes sent straight from fashion heaven.  This year, as the weather in the Midwest began to turn seasonably chilly (2 weeks ago), I was lucky enough to take a weekend escapade with my husband to the West Coast…just long enough to dip our toes in the sunshine.  The weather and scenery were lovely, the people of the city were beautiful, and the femininity that draped every woman I encountered giving them each a personal style with an ethereal twist was hypnotizing.  In this California state of mind, the racks of playfully enticing couture before me in attention seeking color palettes, eye catching patterns, and alluring feminine fabrics opened up like an oyster sacrificing it’s precious pearl.

Luxe Boutique brought the show to the audience last Saturday night and I had the great privilege of playing a grown up game of dress up with my girlfriends.  Captured in a shopping flurry, I believe I came away from our make-shift dressing room with about 8 pieces in hand that I was truly in LOVE with, but left San Francisco with only 4.  The commonality between them all is that each piece is strikingly reminiscent of something I have seen gliding down the runways in the Spring 2011 collections.  Clearly, my mind has left the building and moved to the land of warmer temperatures.  I suppose that’s why God gave us tights, so we can wear what we love all year long. 

The artistic brushstroke pattern of the multi-color silk sleeveless top from Pure Sugar 

 takes me straight to everything I am obsessed with about the 2011 Resort Collection by Chanel.  The brilliant use of rich bold colors, the skin grazing float of sumptuous silk, and the ease of the pleated design are all key elements used in the Chanel Resort 2011 line-up.  I adore the added imagination of the keyhole back design, and the feminine flavor from the ruffle of the black shoulder straps.  Perfect for the Midwest with a jacket or cardi for now, amazing when worn solo in warmer weather.  Absolute stunner. 

The delicate shimmer of the silvery sage belted tunic/dress from Ya Los Angeles (currently sold in stores only) is out of control flattering to most skin tones, and immediately conjures up images of the 2011 Spring Ready to Wear lines by both Ralph Lauren and BCBG.  The statement worthy embellishment detail on the bodice gives an unexpected but spot on edge to the sheen of the material, enhancing its feminine charm.  Belted at the waist, the curve accentuation is wildly sexy, yet completely appropriate in form.  This dress is perfect with tights and a leather moto jacket for now, and breezy beautiful with cognac leather wedges during the highly anticipated summer months.

To add an optional sleeve to either of my two light and breezy new styles, I opted to pick up a mid-thigh grazing boyfriend-esque cardigan in a cool coral tone by Beulah (currently sold only in stores).  The hue is amazing on most skin tones, and surprisingly versatile. 

And heaven knows I cannot walk away from any shopping trip without at least one statement accessory.  I was immediately taken by a semi-sheer silk scarf in corner to corner animal print, which has already added a touch of glamour to at least 3 of my looks in the 6 days I have owned it.  Gorgeous, heavenly, and soft as…well…silk.

Winter may be upon us, but I definitely have a heat wave in my heart.  Thank You Luxe, for catapulting me out of my cold weather wardrobe staples and into a luxurious fashionable paradise.

Jeans Under $50 That Will Lengthen and Lean- A Comparison

I am in the market for new jeans and being so close to the holiday season, I am seeking a great look that won't break the bank. I found some great styles below that fit my budget and are designed to flatter. I created a comparison of similar styles and why the jeans on the left are slightly more slimming than the jeans on the right. I have included shopping tips as well to reduce the amount of time in the dressing room. Click on the pictures to get more info on each style.













Bootleg 101
The jeans on the left ($41.90) have a narrower bootcut making the lower leg appear to be longer whereas the jeans on the right ($44.90) tend to bunch shortening the calf area. Secondly, the length is about an inch too long for the model which is also making the ankle bunch. By purchasing a pair with a narrower boot cut with the correct inseam or having them tailored, you have lengthened your leg by shortening your pants. Funny how that works!














Skinny is as Skinny Does
Not all Skinny jeans are created equally. There are a few rules when buying skinny jeans.
1) a dark wash, on left ($44.90), will make you appear "skinnier" than a light wash, on right ($34.90).
2) If you buy a wash, it is best to choose one that is lighter in the center of the thigh and darker on the edges. Imagine a string running from the top of your knee cap to the top of your thigh. That area should be the lightest and the sides, outer thigh and inner thigh, should have a darker wash. This makes your thighs look thinner.
3) Just because it's a trend, doesn't mean that you should by them.













Flare Over There
This is a great example of not having enough length on the right ($49.90), They are about an 1-1.5" too short making the ankle really flare and shortening her legs. The jean on the left ($44.90) is a perfect length elongating her legs. I also recommend buying a fitting pair but not tight. The jeans on the left are not as tight as the ones on the right and it creates the illusion that the leg is longer and leaner. I would not recommend this style jean for people who have "saddlebags"; this style will only accentuate that.

SFFAMA's Interview with Jacyn Siebert, Creator of Sugar Lips Lifestyle Tips

To My Readers, 

For the past year I have been fairly private keeping my name and face off of the blog for numerous reasons, the greatest being personal security. After giving it careful consideration, I decided to open up the lines of communication and share with you a few thoughts about who I am and my view points through the interview below. Many of you already know what I believe in just from reading the blog and hopefully you have found these tips and posts helpful, entertaining and most of all fun. I truly value the relationships that have blossomed as a result of becoming a blogger and I look forward to meeting more friends and creating new networks. 

As we wind down 2010 and gear up for a new year, I want to take a moment to share with you a recent interview that I had with Owen Geronimo, the founder of  San Francisco Fashion and Merchant's Alliance. I have already started creating my goals and business plan for 2011 and part of that involves becoming more of a presence in the SF fashion scene and becoming more involved with SFFAMA. Enjoy the interview below and as always, please feel free to contact me at anytime: sugarlipslifestyletips@gmail.com

Sincerely,

Jacyn Siebert
 

SFFAMA: Tell us about yourself and what you do.

• Jacyn: My name is Jacyn Siebert, also known as Cyn Sugar, and I am the force behind Sugar Lips Lifestyle Tips. 
  
  I like to think of myself as an everyday girl in an everyday world. I am a friend, a mentor, a sister, a daughter, a grand-daughter, a girlfriend, an artist, a designer, a hostess, a cook, a beauty product and make-up lover, and of course a fashionista. I am passionate about eating well and making sure the children of our future are fed well and taught good eating habits from day one.
  
  I created the blog in Nov. of 2009 as a way to help women across the world increase their confidence one tip at a time. I have been committed to helping women look and feel better about themselves through education, dedication and action for the past fourteen years. By providing women with simple everyday tips, we can help increase their confidence, achieve their image goals, and have fun while doing it. My blog is a way to make this information accessible to all at their leisure.  
  
  It is critical that my tips and products are accessible, approachable, easy and fun. I have a variety of interests that include, food and wine, health and wellness, travel, fashion, sustainability, make-up tips, imaging tips and numerous other girlie topics. Now that doesn't mean that you need to be a "girlie girl" to take advantage of these tips; they are meant to be fun and helpful.

 
SFFAMA: Where do you see fashion and technology heading?

• Jacyn: I believe that within a few years, everything will be virtual. We depend on our smart phones for everything and within a few years, shows, demos etc. will all be virtual. Of course there will still be some things that remain live including fashion week, fashion shows etc. but technology will make everything in absolute real time. Product launches and announcements will be documented as it's happening like we already see with the social networking. We will no longer have to wait for tomorrow's paper for today's news. We will have access to it the second it happens. 
  
  The downside to that is it will almost become information overload. How will we, as consumers and as marketers, control the amount of data that we have access to without becoming overwhelmed or viewing it as spam? What will be considered "front page news" when we are receiving feed of 68 tweets a minute? The fashion industry will have to create a social media strategy that reduces the overload and I feel that will be the greatest challenge ahead.

 

SFFAMA: Why is technology important in the fashion world?
 

• Jacyn: Access and reach. Technology informs the consumer and directs them where and how to buy. Gone are the days of being a new designer who hasn't had that breaking moment. Today's technology gives anyone access to a world-wide audience who, with one click of a button, can see, hear and experience your product and in turn purchase without ever meeting you or knowing anything about you. Technology is also inexpensive compared to traditional advertising. A billboard or TV ads are EXTREMELY expensive and has a very limited reach with a small ROI. Today's technology, specifically social media, is very cost effective and has a broader consumer reach. 

SFFAMA: What tech gadget can’t you live without? What do you use it for?

• Jacyn: My iPhone. What don't I use it for? I can take pictures, capture video, post to my blog, Facebook, Twitter, etc. send emails, view websites, get directions, post my current location via satellite.

 
SFFAMA: What fashion item can’t you live without, and why?

• Jacyn: Earrings. They can define one's personality. A well selected pair of earrings can take an outfit to the next level.

 

SFFAMA: Who do you think is the most influential personality in the fashion world, and why?

• Jacyn: Coco Chanel. Her designs are timeless, classic and are continually an influence on the runways. She is everything every woman wants to be: sexy, timeless, classic and adored. She was a strong woman who created something out of nothing proving to the world that women are powerful, strategic and smart. She is an influence today tomorrow and for generations to come.  

SFFAMA: What is different about San Francisco fashion compared to other metropolitan cities?

• Jacyn: I grew up near Chicago, lived near LA, spent time in Barcelona and Madrid, lived in Hawaii where the Japanese style and influence was strong, love NYC but the beauty about living in the Bay Area is that this community has it's own style. I feel that NYC fashion is extreme, harsh and strict. Madrid and Barcelona are traditional and modest, Japan is eccentric, and Chicago is conservative and reserved. SF is just right. People embrace individuality and personal beliefs and these aspects are reflected within their look. There is a strong sense of pride giving SF a "come as you are" approach that is welcoming and fun yet creative and energetic. We also aren't facing extreme weather changes and can be fashion forward all year round without a parka covering it all up. 

SFFAMA: What advice would you give to aspiring fashion entrepreneurs?

• Jacyn: Do it. Whatever it is that you envision, it can be done. With technology today, you have access to everything so get creative. I challenge you to figure out how it can be done without monetary investment. Put your thoughts down on paper, write a business plan and get to work. Everything you do from here on out is a stepping-stone to your future. Make it happen by taking a new step everyday toward your goal. Good luck and keep posted...I love to hear about your journey.

Trunk Show and Anniversary Recap and Pictures

What a weekend! Thank you to everyone who came out to support me on Saturday night at the one year anniversary and LUXE Boutique trunk show. We had a night of fun fashion and laughs. I am especially grateful to those who sent me emails, messages, cards, flowers and gifts honoring this milestone. You are what keeps me inspired and refreshed. Thank you!!

I was glad that our readers were able to meet Kim, our Fashion Director, and Christina, my personal stylist and Sugar Lips Hair Contributor.  Dee, of LUXE Boutique, had great buys priced from $20-80 and numerous accessories to complete any outfit. If I could do it all over again, I would have shopped for at least an hour before the party! Everyone tried things on and the girls even put on a fashion show modeling their choices. It was really fun.

Kimberlee and her husband, Chris, arrived for the event on Friday morning and spent the day in SF. Brian and I met them for dinner at Betelnut in North Beach. They stayed at Hotel Des Arts on Bush Street so it was a short cab ride to make out 9:30 reservation. We had had a night of food, drink and laughs. I think that Kim and Chris learned more about me at dinner than in they have in the last six months.

Kim, Chris, Brian, Nancy and I spent Saturday morning setting up for the event. We stuffed 50 goodie bags and set the ambiance at the Montecito. Thank you to the boys for moving the furniture and Nancy for being the star of the day!

On our way back, we stopped by to say hello to Cade, the GM of Pyramid Alehouse in Walnut Creek and thank him for his generous sponsorship. We grabbed a famous pyramid burger and beer and were on our way for a fun filled day. We had a few hang-ups that afternoon but all in all a very successful and special day.

It has been a long time since I have had one of my best friends over for a "get ready party". Kim has every eyeshadow and accessory that you can imagine; I was in heaven. When I got to the party, Patricia, of Anna Patricia Designs, put her custom designed hair piece in my hair for me.

The goodie bags and giveaways were a success. Stephanie M. won the "Rock Me" earrings in red ($25) and Christina K. won the "Rock Me" earrings in amber ($25) donated by Zahava Designs.

Erica S. won a beautiful opera length necklace designed with Swarovski crystals, cultured freshwater pearls, and sterling silver ($120). Kathey B. was our Facebook fan winner for referring the most new fans and she received a goodie bag as well. 1688 donated a Bumble and Bumble product package and Patricia S. got to take that home with her. Carol B. won the beautiful floral arrangement by Anna Patricia Designs.

The goodie bags, compliments of Zahava Designs, were stuffed full of little gems. Everyone took home a cookbook from Va de Vi Bistro and Wine Bar and was everyone's favorite gift.

To continue the food and wine aspects of Sugar Lips Lifestyle Tips, they also got a free appetizer from Pyramid and a Sugar Lips Sugar cookie in Dior Red or Lip Gloss pink. In honor of Sunday Supper and encouraging people to cook, I included a Sugar Lips Measuring Tips liquid/dry ingredient conversion chart to clip onto your cookbook.

The beauty goodies were skin care and perfume samples including Fresh scented soap and Fresh perfume samples, and SPONGE ladi avokanto serum sample. I also included my own Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice Sugar Scrub that was made with raw sugar, vanilla and cardamom for a sweet, warm aroma. Christina of 1688 included her business card with a price list and free haircut valued at $60 with any color service.

In line with our health and wellness segments, Sarah Evans of yogaworks donated chapstick, pens, and free passes for a week of yoga classes, and Kim's Trainer, Dustin Maher, included his "Got Core" DVD.  

The food was yummy and reminiscent of Sunday Supper. I served light appetizers and guava mimosas. There were three different kinds of flat breads: A prosciutto and pineapple with a simple spinach and goat cheese salad, the second was a green apple, caramelized onion and bleu cheese with a spinach, candied walnut salad drizzled with raspberry vinaigrette.  The third was brie, caramelized onion, cremini mushroom topped with an arugula salad. I also made a spicy two bean salsa. I served brownies, sugar cookies in the shape of lips, spiced apple cider and coffee for dessert.

The ambiance was just beautiful. There were fresh floral arrangements throughout the room, compliments of Anna Patricia Designs. Thank you, Patricia, for your generosity and beautiful gifts.