Cat Chat :: Boston Mints

Top :: Go Sox!, Minuteman, Scarlet Letter, Rose Wharf, Newberry Street

Despite growing up just outside of Boston, I have always been a Bostonian. I was born in the city and even went to college and graduate school here. I know. I know. Can I be more Boston?! For the record, I have traveled outside of the city, the state and even the country on numerous occasion. I promise.

I guess you could say I have a love affair with Boston. I mean I even own a t-shirt proudly proclaiming: The Best Girls Are From Boston. And nothing could be further from the truth -- we're loyal, loving, temperamental and tenacious. Boston girls are other things too (insert laughter). The Hub is home to many things -- the Boston Red Sox, Boston Ballet and Boston Common. But I bet you haven't met the city's minty mate, Boston Mints.

Joanne Ilacqua, owner of Adamo Day Spa, is the brains behind the luscious lipgloss line. Ilacqua has been an estitician for more than two decades. She opened her Cohasset spa with dreams of one day starting a cosmetics line. After building a beauty business, establishing a respected clientele and gathering a feel for the cosmetics market, Ilacqua launched Boston Mints in 2011.

"Word of mouth has really carried it (Boston Mints)," Ilacqua said. "It's a perfect item for boutiques." In addition to selling the glosses at Adamo, Ilacqua has partnered with several local retailers such as Flock in the South End and Salon Capri locations. Infused with vitamins C and E, the formula not only gives lips intense moisture, but also adds peppermint to the pout. Just ask Mr. Chat -- he hasn't been able to keep his whiskers away.

As a south shore native (and Bostonian), Ilacqua was inspired by Boston history and culture when naming all 12 iconic shades; although she did add her own creative twist to names such as Newberry Street, T Party and Rose Wharf. As for her favorite color, Ilacqua is a fan of Minuteman because of its shimmer, shine and neutral tone against her olive skin.

Personally, I'm in love with the soft intensity of Go Sox! and Bean Towne. Both shades pack a punch of color yet are subtle enough for day wear. Rose Wharf is pretty too and pairs perfectly with a dramatic eye. So pucker up with a little Plum Island Sand or P-Town Pink and start blowing Boston Mint kisses in the wind. And be on the lookout for a new color that's perfect for summer on Nantucket.

{bottom photos courtesy of Boston Mints}

Beauty and the Bath :: Frank Webb's Bath Center

With May coming to an end in just a few days, so is National Home Improvement Month. If you weren't aware of the 31-day fete dedicated to facelifts for your home, do not fret. If you ask me, any day is a good day to repair and restore all that is rusted and in need of retirement in and around your humble abode.

One of my favorite rooms in a home is the bathroom. Although I love my master bath, my fantasy oasis is an ultra-luxe, spa-inspired space flaunting an expansive marble vanity, Japanese soaking tub and heated tile shower with cascading rainfall. And accessories for added ambience -- think scented candles, soft jazz, a glass of rosé and Calgone to take me (and my troubles) away. Pure bliss, I tell you.

For a look into what's trending in the world of bathrooms, I spoke with Deb Dumel, manager and design consultant at Frank Webb's Bath Center. With more than a thirty locations in the northeast and a stunning showroom in South Boston, the luxury retailer can turn bubble bath dreams (like mine) into a reality.

According to Dumel, consumers who walk into Frank Webb are looking for their dream bathroom -- a vision that often leads them to designing a resort-style retreat. "A majority of people get their inspiration from hotels and want build the same bathroom in their home," Dumel said.

With 15 years of design experience under her belt, Dumel offers consumers expert advice on anything from flooring and fixtures to lightening and limestone. A top trend she is witnessing in bath remodels this season is the transition from a dual bath and shower stall to a standing tile shower. With tile adding to a bathroom's décor aesthetic and a standing shower adding square footage to an often petite space, there's much to be envied. Consumers, Dumel added, are also installing luxury amenities to their shower such as steam.

Color choice is also important as it pulls a room together. Consumers are forgoing the once popular Earth tones for sleek grays, metallics and whites when picking paint and tile. Chrome faucets and glass shower doors are also gaining momentum as both offer a contemporary look and are easy to maintain.

Frank Webb's Bath Center has multiple locations and also specializes in kitchen remodels. For ideas and inspiration, visit Deb Dumel and her design team at 307 Dorchester Avenue in South Boston.

{images courtesy of Frank Webb's Bath Center}

And the Liebster Award goes to...

A huge thank you goes to my fellow Boston blogger, Lindsey of L's Fashion Dish, who recently nominated me for a Liebster Award. A quick Google search about the accolade reveals that the award is given to your favorite bloggers and/or bloggers who have less than 200 followers. This nomination is a nice way to get to know fun facts about one another. I look forward to hearing from my nominees.

1.) Why did you start blogging?

I have been a creative writer since I was in elementary school. After graduating from Northeastern University with a degree in journalism, I freelanced for a major newspaper for two years before reluctantly taking an advertising sales position in television. Au revoir creative spirit. Although the job was not the right fit for for me, used the time to strengthen my relationships in the media and pursue my master's degree in corporate communication.

Shortly after grad school, I took a position in creative sponsorship at a neighboring television station and began writing again. My career then took a 180 degree turn into a completely different industry. While remaining true to myself and desire to write, I launched Rue Le Chat as a way to channel my creativity, pen my passions and network with like-minded individuals. I have never regretted a moment and am loving every minute. 

2.) What kind of blog do you have?

Rue Le Chat is a lifestyle blog featuring style, beauty, home décor and social events. I also write about my cat, Manolo.

3.) What is your favorite thing about blogging?

I love using my creativity to paint a vivid picture; whether it's sampling the newest trend or dinning at the hottest restaurant. I believe creativity is the key to enticing your audience and allowing them to share in your experiences.

4.) If you had a super power, what would it be?

I would definitely want to be invisible and discover what others really think, say and do about anything and everything. 

5.) What are your five favorite songs at the moment?

As a person who regularly listens to radio news programs, it was a challenge to answer this question.

"Sweet Nothing" by Calvin Harris

"Feel the Moment" by Pitbull

"Don’t You Worry Child" by Swedish House Mafia

“Started from the Bottom” by Drake

“Stay” by Rihanna

6.) Do you prefer the city or country?

I’m a city girl through and through. I would, however, consider the country if it was oceanside...gotta love being by the ocean. 

7.) Where would you most like to visit?

I’m torn between Greece and the California coast {wine country to San Diego}.

8.) What are three of your goals for 2013?

As a writer, I would like to contribute to a lifestyle magazine. As a budding entrepreneur, I would like to collaborate with a lifestyle brand. As a philanthropist, I would like to work with the Animal Rescue League of Boston, the Ellie Fund and Belle of the Ball.

9.) Who is your style icon?

Jacqueline KennedyOnassis, Audrey Hepburn and Kate Middleton. I crush on classic beauty and style. 

10.) What are the two best books you've recently read?

Lady Almina and the real Downton Abbey by Lady Fiona Carnarvon
A Woman Named Jackie by C. David Heymann

  

11.) What are your favorite beauty products and why?

Hair: Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Shine Spray for glistening tresses

Body: Nivea Soft Moisturizing Cream for an ultra-soft body

Fragrance: Prada Candy Eau de Parfum for an intoxicating scent

Moisturizer: CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion for a quality product at a pharmacy price

Cosmetics: MAC Studio Tech for flawless face coverage 

12.) Who are your favorite local bloggers?

{for the record, there are too many to name}

Pop & Circumstance
Creative Soul Spectrum
so anthro

Style Wire
Those Graces
Prim and Propah
The Boston Fashionista

Fashion is Freedom

La vie...J'aime
Notes on Lifestyle by Georgina

13.) List 11 random facts about yourself.

I'm an only child.

I have family in Hawaii.

Pasta is my favorite food.

I was a dancer for 18 years.

I grew up with a parrot named Polly.
I went to Catholic school for 12 years.
I detest sweet wine {except some port}.
I have been published in two newspapers.

Rhode Island will always be my second home.

My favorite color is gray {or grey if you live in the United Kingdom}.

Growing up, my mom and I would drive by the homes of New Kids on the Block.

West Elm Market :: Boston Grand Opening

West Elm welcomed their new concept shop with a grand opening celebration in April -- a month also dedicated to decorating and home décor. West Elm Market takes a rustic and raw approach to retail. Think farmer’s market meets urban-chic boutique. The purveyor of all that is pure and pretty specializes in locally grown provisions, handcrafted kitchen accouterments and unique garden gadgets. Market also sells specialty goods ranging from sauces to scrubs.

Décor devotees mingled about the organic-infused space sipping cocktails and relishing the earth tones and clean lines that give West Elm and Market a serene and spend-worthy setting. I felt right at home surrounded by an abundance of furnishings accented with soft grays, baby blues and sunny yellows. I must confess, the rooms in my home aspire to mimic the beauty found in each display.

If you don't know me by now, I’m a far cry from Martha Stewart and a bit of a hazard in the kitchen...just ask Mr. Chat. Seeing as Market was offering a demonstration with their Damascus Steel Knife, I decided to give it a go.

Sarah, a slicing superstar, spoke with me about the precision piece. “The knife is honed at a 16 degree edge so it’s very sharp and you can cut easily,” she said. Sarah was patient as I became familiar with the knife's high carbon stainless steel blade. "The steel is one piece to the back of the handle. It has a full tang so that you get a nice even balance on the blade,” she added.

The sleek handle, carved from olive wood, did most of the work, so only minimal pressure was needed. After a tutorial, or two, or three, I had finally mastered the movement and cut my carrot into petite portions perfect for a salad. Voilà!

West Elm Market is located at 160 Brookline Avenue in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood. No fingers were lost as a result of this story.

Thursday Thoughts :: A New Chapter

I rarely write journal-style entires on the blog. As a matter of fact, this could be my very first one. I'm not sure why since I grew up journaling {on paper} almost every single aspect of my life from elementary school to college. But my writing didn't consist of merely crushes on cute boys {who barely knew I was alive} and teachers I disliked. As a young girl, I would fill spiral notebook upon spiral notebook with fictional storylines and imaginative characters...and the occasional crazy doodle. Although I am not an artist by any means and couldn't possibly draw to save my life, this is likely why I still doodle on everything today.

My vivid imagination was {and still is} a result of being an only child. My childhood stories are top of mind today because while cleaning my childhood home a few days ago, I discovered a treasure trove of my spiral notebooks and a gorgeous Smith Corona Galaxie Twelve Typewriter -- an antique my father had been saving for his daughter, the aspiring author. I can't recall when my father purchased the piece, but I know it was something he had been saving for me. 

The past month has been filled with waves of emotion. In mid-April, I was unfortunately not feeling well and was forced to take time away from a majority of my extracurricular activities {writing, friends, social events}. I used the time to rest, rejuvenate and reevaluate. Often when your body says stop, you must listen. Manolo knows this very well and I have been taking a page from his book.

My mother was also near the final stages of selling our family home and closing on her dream "empty-nester" adobe. It has not been an easy time to say the least. Saying farewell to the American dream my parents worked so hard to build and the place we called home for 30 years, was {and continues to be} an emotional roller coaster. Although time heals all wounds, our memories will last forever.

I'm thankful that life is slowly inching back to normal and that I'm feeling inspired to write again. Sometimes you just need that mental and emotional disconnect to once again connect to your inner voice. And as much as I love writing about my favorite places, products and people, I hope to dedicate at least one post per month to my inner voice.

Lick Your Chops :: Boston Chops Grand Opening

Chef Christopher Coombs assists vampire vixens on stage

The grand opening of Boston Chops was quite a sight for sore eyes. As beautiful urbanites sipped craft cocktails, savored succulent oysters and sampled the likes of sliced beef tongue, scantily clad cowboys combed the crowds and vampire vixens brought venom to the scene.

“We wanted to make a statement with the opening party,” Chef Christopher Coombs said in a recent interview. With a cheerful bartender chained to the ceiling, the extraordinary was far from ordinary even for the South End.

On a regular night, Boston Chops avoids the avant-garde; allowing the ambiance and plentiful provisions to speak for themselves. The dinning room's decor joins rich wood with exposed brick and has an industrial meets metropolitan feel. Ornate lighting hangs from an exposed beam ceiling and mimics the fixtures found in Clos de Vougeot in Burgundy, France.

Boston Chops is the latest collaboration between Coombs and business partner, Brian Piccini. The dynamic duo is also responsible for dbar in Dorchester and Deuxave in the Back Bay. The restaurateurs have built a serious steak selection to include cuts of hanger, flat iron, skirt, filet mignon, rib eye and New York strip. The beef is all-natural, free-range steer hailing from Nebraska and all are served with sauces made from scratch. 

Keeping quality and community at top of mind, Coombs works with small farmers and neighborhood co-ops to ensure freshness and a family feel. “When you walk in the door, you know you’re coming to a Chris Coombs steakhouse. [Boston Chops] has a local connection and a chef driven concept,” Coombs added. 

The meatless masses can also enjoy a meal at the urban steak bistro. From wild mushroom cavatelli with arugula to seared scallops with braised leeks, there’s a dish for every desire. Even patrons pining for poutine have hit a hot spot with their twice baked, gravy-infused potato side dish.

Boston Chops is located at 1375 Washington Street in Boston's South End.

{photos are a mix of my own images and shots courtesy of 451 Marketing}

Clarins Double Serum Launch at Bloomingdales

Back in February when the New England wind was whipping the air, the Boston snow was saturating the streets and the raw elements of winter were literally eating away at my delicate 30-something-year-old skin, I was convinced that spring and my once supple skin were nowhere in sight.

Lucky for me, as I applied yet another layer of moisturizer to my cracking crow’s feet and parched laugh lines, I was rescued by an invitation to the fountain of youth. Joining other beauty conscious Bostonians one evening, I headed to Clarins at Bloomingdales to dabble in something different; something refined; something known as Double Serum.

The new anti-aging treatment is a blend of 20 pure plant extracts and potent high-tech molecules that has been in the works for nearly 27 years. Double Serum joins hydric (water-based) and lipidic (oil-based) components in a dual chamber, one pump system to deliver an electrifying elixir that smoothes and tones skin while diminishing the appearance of fine lines. 

According to Clarins, this revolutionary concentrate is the only product on the market designed to reactivate skin’s five vital functions: hydration, nutrition, oxygenation, protection and regeneration. Natural ingredients including macadamia, kiwi and avocado make the miracle good enough to eat.

Jean Fayard, a beauty expert with the luxury cosmetics line, conducted skincare and makeup tutorials for the beauty-obsessed bunch. Fayard explained that one pump of Double Serum applied to the face is all that's needed to achieve lasting results. She stressed the importance of lightly patting the serum to the face rather than using a curricular motion which can cause harm to the skin's surface. 

For the last four weeks, I have incorporated Double Serum into my nightly skin regime and have been faithfully applying the formula to my face and neck. I have noticed a moderate difference in the appearance of my pesky fine lines (so far), but have witnessed a dramatic difference in my skin's overall texture. The oil-water ratio in Double Serum has served as a nice balance to my combination skin; adding moisture to my cheekbones and keeping my oily T-zone under control. 

Along with a dose of Double Serum to sample, Clarins' generous goodie bag included an array of lip colors from their Rouge Eclat collection and BB Skin Perfecting Creams. I have been enjoying my first experience using a BB cream and have found that the product's mix of moisture, protection and coverage is perfect for casual daywear. 

Do something special for your skin this weekend and visit Clarins to sample something new for spring.

Products were courtesy of Clarins.