Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Summer Salad Series: Seafood Salad



Here's today's salad choice......





 Ingredients
       6 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 pound cleaned squid
  • 1/2 pound medium shrimp, peeled and de-veined
  • 1/2 pound bay scallops
  • 1/2 pound cleaned octopus
  • 1/2 pound cooked lobster meat, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 3 tails)
  • 1/2 pound lump crab meat, drained and shell pieces removed
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Lemon wedges (optional)
  • Parsley sprigs (optional)

Preparation

  1. Bring 6 cups water and salt to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add squid; cook 3 minutes or until squid is just tender. Remove squid from pan with a slotted spoon. Plunge squid into ice water; drain. Cut squid into 1-inch pieces. Place squid in a large bowl.
  2. Add shrimp to boiling water; cook 3 minutes or until done. Remove shrimp from pan with a slotted spoon. Plunge shrimp into ice water; drain. Add shrimp to bowl with squid.
  3. Place a vegetable steamer in pan. Reduce heat to medium-low. Arrange scallops in steamer; cook over simmering water 6 minutes or until done. Plunge scallops into ice water; drain. Add scallops to bowl. Cover scallop mixture; chill.
  4. Remove steamer from pan. Add octopus to simmering water; cover and simmer 2 to 2 1/2 hours or until fork-tender (add additional water, if necessary, to cover octopus.) Plunge octopus into ice water; drain. Rub off skin. Cut octopus into 1-inch pieces. Add octopus, lobster, and crab meat to scallop mixture. Add juice and next 4 ingredients (through garlic); toss gently to combine. Chill for at least 2 hours. Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley sprigs, if desired.

A Glimpse into Monsieur Christian Louboutin French House Shoe Closet



Ever wonder what the shoe closet of Christian Louboutin looks like?  Behold! And take a glimpse into a shoe haven's dream.




Christian Louboutin's French house shoe closet holds a staggering 8,000 pairs of shoes, spanning 20 years in his shoe archive.  Now, I wonder who got the privilege of organizing this closet?


 



I covet your comments!

Sincerely,

The Covet LifeStyle

Saturday, August 25, 2012

RiP Baby Girl: One in a Million


RIP Aaliyah.......




.......We Miss You! Forever in our hearts......






Sincerely,

The Covet LifeStyle

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Do We Love it? Alicia Keys Album Cover: Girl on Fire



Do you love it? 




Let me know what you think?  I covet your comments.


Sincerely,

The Covet LifeStyle

Summer Salad Series: Avocado & Corn Salad



You should try this........






Ingredients:
 
1/2 head Romaine lettuce
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups kernel corn, preferably fresh
1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and cubed
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1/4 tsp chili powder
Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper



Instructions:
 
Step 1: Chop Romaine lettuce into 1/2" strips; place in bowl with cherry tomatoes and corn.
Step 2: Add 3/4 of the avocado cubes to bowl. In blender, purée remaining avocado with 1/3 cup water, the lime juice and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Pour mixture over salad, toss gently and serve.


Let me know what you think. I covet your comments!


Sincerely,

The Covet LifeStyle

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Dolling Enterprises: Dolling Extensions


I whip my hair back and forth.....


(L) Brittney (R) Sasha

I've been receiving a lot of questions about where do I buy my hair from. I wanted to keep it a secret because I enjoyed being envied but not all secrets should be kept.  Therefore, I freely and confidently tell people how I've become a Doll.  What do I mean by a doll?
Dolling Extensions, where I buy my hair is the entrepreneurial spirit of Sasha and Brittney. Like most people who have dreamt of being their own bosses these two brainstormed and researched of possible entrepreneurial ideas.  It was during Sasha's pitch of weaves to Brittney (Brittney didn't wear extensions at the time) that it dawned on them that selling hair should be the product.  With in depth research and careful selection of a distributor they both agreed upon, birthed Dolling Enterprises. Like all businesses they created a mission statement, and set 2 important criteria:
1. A product that they could believe in 
2. The business can be functional from anywhere in the world.




Recognizing the competition within the hair extensions industry especially, in the virgin hair extensions market Sasha and Brittney personally inspect and care for (shampoo and condition) the hair they receive from there supplier before sending it to their customers aka "dolls" ensuring quality control.  These added personal touches that most customers are unaware of allow them to confidently provide their dolls with an exceptional customer experience. Dolling Enterprises envisions their brand expanding outside of the virgin hair market but only after careful research and planning. They will continue to service their dolls in the Indian Remy virgin hair market until a quality distributor for other virgin hair types i.e Brazilian, Malaysian and Peruvian has been sought out.  Why become a jack of all trades and a master of none?  I'm so excited for when they will be entering into other avenues.  I have so much confidence in their product selection. 

Thinking, how would you recommend caring for your Dolling Extensions?  Don't worry I got that covered it's suggested that you invest in a paddle brush.  Now, I own a Goody Ouchless Flamingo Pink brush and it's been the best hair tool that I have invested in. With your Dolling Extension or any weave in particular you should comb the hair from the ends to the roots.  This will help you to prevent excessive shedding of your weave and places less stress on your natural hair. Key is to be GENTLE!  For more tips check out their website www.dollingonline.com

When asked, what we don't know about Dolling Extensions? I was told they delight in the comments and pictures that their dolls take and send them. So, continue to send, send, send, as they like to share in your joy too!  As well, they whip their hair back and forth, there's just something about it after styling that makes you walk out the door ready.

I whip my hair back and forth because I'm a doll and I have confidence in the product I'm wearing. If you want to be a Doll too check out their website at www.dollingonline.com  Thank you Sasha and Brittney!  Let me know if you've become a doll too! I covet your comments.







Sincerely,


The Covet LifeStyle










What happens in Vegas......



What happens in Vegas....A glimpse of my Vegas weekend.



So two weekends ago I jetted out to Vegas and had an amazing time with my friends.  We stayed at the Aria Resort and Casino which  I would recommend if you are looking for a chic, modern, contemporary accommodations located in the middle of the Las Vegas Strip.  

We partied, partied some more, ate, then partied again, laid poolside sipping strawberry daiquiri's and did some target practice.  I do have to say going to the gun range was quite the experience.  I learned that I could have been a sniper, my aim is so on point.  Who knew the things you could learn about yourself while trying out new stuff? lol

I dined at some amazing restaurants my fave being STK inside The Cosmopolitan Hotel.  They had great food, beverages, service and music selection. 

Of course, I window shopped at The City Centre and made my way to the Fashion Show Mall which had a few stores I'm familiar with along with new ones that were great to peruse through. 


....stays in Vegas. 


Sincerely,


The Covet LifeStyle

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Summer Salad Series: Pan-Seared Salmon with Pea shoots and Watercress


Today's summer salad........



Ingredients:

For the dressing:

  • 1/3 cup fresh Meyer lemon or regular lemon juice
  • 3 shallots, minced
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
  • 2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 8 salmon fillets, each about 1/3 lb. and 1/2 inch thick, pin bones removed
  • 1 tsp. freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 8 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
  • 4 Tbs. water
  • 5 cups watercress leaves
  • 5 cups pea shoots

Directions:

To make the dressing, in a large bowl, combine the lemon juice, shallots, salt and pepper and whisk until the salt dissolves. Let stand for 30 minutes to allow the shallot flavor to mellow. Add the olive oil in a thin stream, whisking constantly until the dressing is well blended. Set aside.

Meanwhile, sprinkle the salt in a wide, heavy fry pan and place over medium-high heat until nearly smoking. Add the salmon fillets and sear for 2 minutes. Turn the fish over and sear for 1 minute on the other side. Sprinkle with the pepper. Reduce the heat to low, then pour in the wine and 2 Tbs. of the lemon juice. Cover and cook until the juices are nearly absorbed and the fish is halfway cooked, about 3 minutes. Uncover and pour in 2 Tbs. of the lemon juice and 3 Tbs. of the water. Cover and cook just until the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 3 minutes. Most of the pan juices will have been absorbed.

Whisk the dressing to recombine. Add the watercress and pea shoots to the dressing and toss gently to coat, then divide the greens among individual plates. Place a salmon fillet on each mound of greens.

Increase the heat under the fry pan to high, add the remaining 4 Tbs. lemon juice and 1 Tbs. water, and stir to scrape up any browned bits from the pan bottom. Pour the pan juices evenly over the fish and serve immediately. Serves 8.

Recipe from Williams-Sonoma Salad of the Day


Enjoy!  I covet your comments.

Sincerely,

The Covet LifeStyle

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

2012 Fall:Nicholas Kirkwood

2012 Fall in Love..........

Ruffle-Trimmed Suede Pumps

Velvet and Hammered Metallic Leather Ankle Boots

Geometric Heel Printed Silk Covered Leather Ankle Boots

Fringed Suede Sandals

Suede and Elaphes Slingback Sandals


Enough said! Which ones do you like? I covet your comments.


Sincerely,

The Covet LifeStyle

Addicted: Google Doodle London Olympics mini-games

It's official I'm addicted to these games......August 8, 2012 is basketball and my personal best is 13 *embarrassedface*

Try it out here https://www.google.com/doodles/basketball-2012
 
What's your score?  I covet your comments.

Sincerely,

The CovetLifeStyle

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Summer Salad Series: Barbeque Chicken Salad

Today's Summer Salad...


The chicken can be hot off the grill or barbecued ahead of time and used cold. Marinate chicken overnight for best results.
Yield:
4 servings
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh coriander or cilantro
1 tbsp minced ginger root
2 cloves garlic
1/2 tsp crushed red chili pepper flakes
2 large yellow peppers
3 tbsp rice vinegar
5-1/2 cups mixed salad greens
1/4 tsp salt


Instructions:
Step 1: Mince fresh coriander or cilantro. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, half of the oil, coriander, ginger and garlic. Add chicken breasts and toss to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to one day.
Step 2: Meanwhile, cut peppers into quarters. Preheat grill using medium-high heat. Grill peppers for about 15 minutes until they just start to blacken. Remove to plate. Place chicken breasts on greased grill over medium-high heat and grill for 10-15 minutes per side or until a thermometer inserted into the breast reads 165°F.
Step 3: Chop the warm grilled peppers and chicken into 1/2" wide strips. In large salad bowl, toss chicken and peppers with greens and remaining oil, vinegar and salt.
Tip: For a great portable meal, serve this salad in whole wheat pita bread.

Recipe courtesy of Chicken Farmers of Canada


Enjoy! I covet your comments.

Sincerely,

The Covet LifeStyle

Some Google Fun


In celebration of the London Olympic Games 2012 Google has created a mini-game. 

The latest of the Google Doodle is a playable hurdle game. 

Click on the link below and participate in the Google Doodle hurdles. 



 
 
 
My time was 21.9s.  Post your time in the comments I covet comments.
 
Sincerely,
 
The Covet LifeStyle

Thursday, August 2, 2012

MEN: 5 Luxury High Top Sneakers

Dress them up, dress them down these 5 luxury high top sneakers are bound to make you stand out.

Pierre Hardy Metallic High Top Leather Sneakers

Rick Owens High Top Leather Sneakers

Balenciaga Cambure Panelled Leather High Top Sneakers

Christian Louboutin Flat Navy Python

Jimmy Choo Belgravia Crocodile Embossed Leather High Top Sneakers


Which ones do you like?  I covet your comments!


Sincerely,

The Covet LifeStyle

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Video: Rick Ross feat.Dr. Dre, Jay-Z in 3 Kings

Check out 3 Kings....




Have to say that the visuals are great, some unseen footages of B too!

Let me know what you think, I covet your comments!

Sincerely,

The Covet LifeStyle