The TUCK ROOM TAVERN at iPic Theater Los Angeles

August 13, 2016

The TUCK ROOM TAVERN at iPic Theater Westwood for a super fun date night that feels like you’re on vacation!!

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You have probably driven past iPic Theater Los Angeles – the luxury theater known for its smaller screening rooms, comfy chairs, tables and complete food and beverage service, a million times. Now, right next door is the THE TUCK ROOM TAVERN, “a lively Prohibition
Era-esque atmosphere featuring unexpected takes on classic American dishes,” under the direction of James Beard-award winning Chef Sherry Yard.

Our male editor Christian and I went to check it out and see if it was cool for a date night. Let’s just say, we had a blast. The décor is whimsical and theatrical. The dining room takes unexpected turns, encircling an energetic bar, with checkered floors, tall leather and emerald velvet banquettes, striking crystal chandeliers and floor-to-ceiling painted bookshelves. It’s all very large scaled, fun and feels like you are visiting some place out of LA. Inside, a “parlor” awaits guests with shadow box tables and small family knickknacks. A cozy “den” invites guests into a more intimate nook, while the bar offers a playfully crafty ambience. There is also a patio called the “conservatory” if you feel like being outside.

The food and beverage offerings feature unexpected takes on classic American dishes and the cocktails are divine! They are all” liquid love letters to Los Angeles,” inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood, think social punch bowls, fresh locally brewed beers and a Sommelier-curated list of over 20 wines and Champagnes by the glass and half bottle.

The food and beverage offerings feature unexpected takes on classic American dishes and the cocktails are divine! They are all “liquid love letters to Los Angeles,” inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood, think social punch bowls, fresh locally brewed beers and a Sommelier-curated list of over 20 wines and Champagnes by the glass and half bottle.

Tuck Room Tavern’s culinary offerings deliver mouthwatering renditions of what Yard herself calls “craveable American Fare.” There are the New York-inspired Reuben Croquettes with crispy pastrami, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and “thousand island” sauce, and the Brioche-Crusted Crab Cakes with Old Bay remoulade, frisée and Polito Farms citrus salad, yuzu vinaigrette. Then, make your way to Yard’s main plates. Try the “Drunken Goat” Turkey Burger, made with Mediterranean spiced turkey, green Harissa, Greek yogurt dressing, pickled cucumber and wild arugula; or the Mango & Habanero BBQ Baby Back Ribs with spicy tangy coleslaw and honey-glazed cornbread topped with whipped goat cheese. A variety of salads make a fresh appearance on the menu too, including Roasted Chicken & Farro, and Grilled Gulf Shrimp & Beet.

We loved everything we tried, but honestly the deserts were super exciting to me. You can try the Millionaires Shortbread with coffee caramel, caramel cream and chocolate glaze; and Black n Blue Pot Pie with farmers market black and blueberries, flaky puff pastry and blackberry crumble swirl ice cream and you will lose your mind. 

Spirit aficionados will delight in Tuck Room Tavern’s creative menu of handcrafted cocktails developed by renowned Corporate Sommelier/Executive Bartender Adam Seger. Seger’s classically-inspired ‘Bespoke Cocktails’ pioneer the concept of personalized mixology at the bar and dining room.

The Tuck Room Tavern is also home to LA’s only ‘Ice DJ Booth’ where Seger’s premium bar masters elevate the art of the cocktail by hand-carving ice from a 45-pound block for guests to enjoy with their Old Fashioneds and Punch Bowls.

Skillfully crafted libations at Tuck Room Taven focus on the finest herbs and spices as well as house-made syrups, bitters and infusions. Here, mixology is about discovery. Social drinking enthusiasts will delight in Seger’s stunning liquid nitrogen bottle service, seasonal drink pitchers, social punch bowls, innovative bottled craft cocktails, along with a local-centric craft beer selection to perfectly complement Tuck’s range of dining flavors.

Happy Hour is available “all Tucking Thursday,” and includes $5 draft beers and cocktails, $7 Moscow Mules, $8 glasses of CIPI wine, $9 Old Fashioneds and $15 bottled cocktails (4 servings). Plus, add $1 Piper Heidsieck champagne floats to any punch bowl!

The Tuck Room Tavern is open Mon.-Thurs. 4 -11 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 4 p.m.-midnight.

The best part is you can go to a movie right next door!!

 The Tuck Room Tavern is tucked away inside iPic Theaters, located at 10850 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90024. For reservations visit, www.thetuckroom.com or call: (310) 307-7004.  

Some NYX Goodies we had to share!

August 12, 2016

I am loving NYX Cosmetics.  Originally a drug store only brand, NYX has developed a cult following among makeup pros and the everyday consumer.  The line is high quality, trendy, cruelty-free and very affordable.  In addition to finding it at Ulta and Target, free standing stores have been popping up all over the country.  One recently opened in my neighborhood and I went in  to explore this makeup wonderland. I went a little crazy and decided to share some of my top pics.  

Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk

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This pure white pencil is so smooth and stays put.  It’s perfect for highlighting in the corner of the eye and for brightening the eye’s waterline.  When applied to the lid as a base color, it  increases the intensity of shadows.

Soft Matte Lip Cream

Comes in 34 shades and feels great on your lips.  The pigmentation is true and intense.  Doesn’t dry out your lips and holds up to most eating and drinking throughout the day.  

Liquid Suede Cream

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The 24 colors are vibrant and have a striking matte finish. They glide on easily and are waterproof.  I like to wear the neutral, Teas & Cookies and Sandstorm colors to the gym for a natural, lasting look.  

Wonder Pencil:

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This eyeliner styled pencil is actually a concealer which is pretty much, in a word, wonderful.  Comes in 3 colors.  It’s a creamy, highly pigmented pencil that I like to use to clean above and below my brow area, as a highlighter down the center of my nose, and to camouflage blemishes, acne and freckles.  

Ombré Blush

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This 2 toned heavily pigmented light to dark blush is packed with color and subtle shimmer.  They’re vivid, bright and not too powdery.  It’s got great staying power too.  Because of their intensity I like to use a lighter touch.  The littler shimmer tone is great for highlighting right above cheek.  My favorite colors are Soft Flush Ombré and Sunset Spring.    

Makeup Setting Spray Matte

Two sprays of this over your makeup application is all it takes to keep makeup set and in place all day.  Because I tend to get a bit glowy throughout the day, I’ve found that this keeps the shine at bay. It doesn’t irritate or clog my skin.  I recently used this on a bride and her normally oily skin stayed picture perfect with minimal touch up required. Works really well in humidity too.  

Conceal, Correct, Contour Palette

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The contouring craze has been in full effect recently.  It can not only be intimidating but confusing and tricky.  With the right products it doesn’t have to be. This 6 shade palette comes in 3 tones, light, medium, and deep. I tried the deep.  The buildable colors are great alone or combined to conceal, correct, and cover imperfections.  It blends very easily and works on all skin types.  It requires a bit of practice and patience but is well worth it.  Experiment is key here.

Pro Brushes

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I am amazed at how much I LOVE these brushes.  OMG.  They feel soft on the skin, don’t shed, and are dense, fluffy and full.  Made of natural and synthetic hairs.  Eyeshadow and powder brushes are worth adding to your kit.   

Exceptional line for the beginner and seasoned professional.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

xoxo LD

Hey Brides to be! Here are Some Top Bridesmaid Dress Trends for 2016

pexels-photo-65038 wedding (Medium)Planning your perfect day takes time and effort. There is a lot to think about, from reception venues, food and wine, to guest lists and honeymoon destinations. One of the most difficult decisions you will have to make, however, is how to dress your bridesmaids.

Bride dresses are easy to find, but choosing bridesmaid dresses can be way trickier. When you go looking for a wedding dress, you only have yourself to please. Ok, ideally, your husband-to-be loves the dress too, but ultimately your decision is the one that counts. Bridesmaid dresses are more difficult to pick because you need to consider the wearer. No way can you expect a loyal friend to wear a dress that was seriously unflattering. If you are currently looking for the perfect bridesmaid dresses, here are the top trends for 2016!

Asymmetrical Dresses

Who says dresses should be a classic symmetrical design? The latest craze on the bridesmaid front is asymmetrical detailing. Strapless dresses or simple dresses with thin spaghetti straps remain popular, but if you want your bridal party to stand out this year, look for asymmetrical one-shoulder dresses. This is a seriously classy look, especially when the dresses are in muted, neutral colors.

Mismatched Dresses

It is rare to have a bridal party where all the girls are the same size. Life just isn’t like that, so one dress will not necessarily fit all parties. For this reason, a selection of mismatched dresses in matching colors or different hues of the same color will look absolutely fabulous. Each bridesmaid can choose a dress that flatters her figure rather than wearing a dress that does nothing for her.

50 Shades of Blue

Blue is the ‘in’ color this season. Midnight blue is very classy, especially when worn with brightly colored shoes. For a more bold and vibrant look, go for royal blue. Shades of teal and duck egg blue look super sophisticated, and for a romantic feel, a soft grey-blue is perfect.

Soft Pastels

Pastels never go out of fashion and for a spring wedding, pastel shades really hit the spot. Pale yellow is adorable, as is pale blush pink. If you want to mix and match your bridesmaids, let each girl choose their own perfect pastel shade and draw the dresses together with matching shoes and floral posies. Alternatively, choose mismatched dresses in the same color, or opt for variations on the same hue. Soft greys and blues are very in right now, but neutrals also look super chic.

Short but Sweet

If brides are wearing full-length wedding gowns, why not shake it up a little and go for short bridesmaid dresses? Bridesmaid dresses that are barely high mid-thigh work well for younger women. They look really cute and fun, especially when paired with strappy sandals. Another stylish option is to throw out the idea of a dress and go for a patterned skirt with a plain, white top. It’s fun and totally different.

Always consult with your bridesmaids before buying dresses!

Photo via Pexels

Pyle Introduces Doggy Fun – Automatic Dog Ball Launcher Ideal for Playing & Training Pets

The new Pyle Audio® Doggy Fun is an automatic dog ball launcher with ball return bin ideal, for playing and training pets. Doggy Fun will allow busy dog lovers and their animals to exercise, while training the fundamentals of playing fetch both indoors and out. I cannot wait to try this on my new pup!!

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WHAT:

Doggy Fun uses small (1.5 inches in diameter), soft tennis balls guarantees safety for your dog and are easy for any small to medium dog to fetch.

Doggy Fun can train your dog to retrieve balls and drop them into the funnel, which causes the machine to shoot them out again.

This provides the dog with endless amounts of independent play, regardless if the owner is home or free to play. The launcher has three different settings that launches the balls distances of up to 10, 20, or 30 feet.

“We developed this product for all the busy pet owners that wanted their dogs to have more play time but could not make it happen,” said Abe Brach, President of Pyle Audio. “We wanted to keep dogs active and entertained, even when alone.”

The plug and play Doggy Fun includes three mini tennis balls, and is available now for $99.99 at Pyleusa.com.

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About Pyle Audio:

With more than 40 years’ experience in the manufacturing of high-quality audio products, Pyle has established itself as a premier source for car audio, home audio and professional audio and musical instruments. Product lines include Pyle Pro, Pyle Car and Pyle Home. The company has recently expanded into outdoor recreational gear with its Pyle Sports line. For more information, please visit www.PyleUSA.com.