Blank Slate

A Lifestyle Blog, Beauty, Decor, Travel, Food

Archives for January 2015

Ahhhhh The Weekend

Happy Saturday DMV,
What’s your favorite thing about a weekend? Sleeping in? Lazy afternoons? Brunches with friends? I’m in love even just the dream of breakfast in bed. It’s kinda the best thing ever, right?  It’s one of the things I love about traveling and staying in a nice hotel.  Top on my list of favorites is the room service breakfast at any of the  +The Ritz-Carlton properties.  I stay in one of their wonderful robes and wait for my beautiful cart carrying my delicious Eggs Benedict, Fresh OJ, Fruit and Coffee or Tea.  I feel so pampered and elegant with the silver service and all the linens sometimes there is even a flower on my cart – hmmmm how lovely. I don’t think I have ever really had a bad experience at a Ritz.  My best stay was at their Laguna Beach, Niguel CA the spa fantastic – room spectacular – the bed – the beautiful bathroom with marble everywhere – but what happened was the epitome of service.

The Stunning Bathroom – I didn’t want to leave – felt so glamorous 
Spa +The Ritz-Carlton 

 I left my new iPod mini that my kids bought me for Xmas in my spa robe – called the laundry mgr and explained my children saved and bought it for me etc… they looked & looked but to no avail – OH Well – right?  Nope – a knock to my door later that day with the laundry mgr handing me a brand new iPod – I was like wow thank you – what do I owe you?  Let me get my check book – he shook his head and said “no Miss Tauraso your a lovely guest and we saw how distraught you were about losing it – this is on us”  Whaaat -too wonderful and caring for words.  I will always remember that and that 7 day stay there.  


I am trying to convince my husband for night away at the VA Ritz Carlton for dinner, movies and of course Breakfast in bed!

I mean there’s nothing more fun than breakfast in bathrobes, still bundled under covers, while taking a break from all the deadlines before you, no?  While that might not be in the cards this weekend, here are a few other fantastical things to enjoy at a nice leisurely pace.

I hope you’re running off to do something that makes you blissfully joyful this weekend luvies.


BLOG YA LATER,
XOXO LORI

Fall Nail Trends & Great Colors From OPI & Essie

Good Morning,
With the crushing winds and blankets of snow on the ground up and down the east coast this weekend my transition to a winter wardrobe is clearly official. Weather I wanted it or not.  Swapping out light, cute fall jackets and sexy ankle boots for sweaters, long johns, @northface and +Patagonia , skull caps, gloves and knee high boots is an obvious move, but don’t forget to change the color scheme of your nails! Neon and pastel nails just won’t complement your burgundy cable-knit sweater or navy corduroy pants. Especially for your cozy Apres Ski afternoons.  This year’s lineup of both Essie and O.P.I.’s fall collections are sure to please. Darken those nails and show them off while holding a cup of warm hot cocoa! Click on these links for OPI these are always a good choice – OPI color classics as well as these from Essie And Their Nail Color Chart

lori tauraso, lori ann tauraso, pinterest, frederick maryland, downtown frederick, shopping , nails, trends, winter, anti aging, fall colors, beauty, spa, gel nails,
oxblood nail color just plain “rocks” +OPI Products +essie nails 

nail trends, opi, shopping, spas, nails, manicure, anti aging, lori tauraso, lori ann tauraso, urablankslate, blank slate, frederick maryland, nova, dmv, washington dc, candle day spa, pedicure, nail lacquer, pale pink, gray, grey, holidays, winter, snow, super bowl
Adore these +OPI Products colors

urablankslate, blankslate blank slate, lori tauraso, lori ann tauraso, frederick maryland, frederick, downtownfrederick, nova, dmv, shopping nail trends, spas , beauty, health, fitness, anti aging
Easy color transitions for Winter

OK kittens, hitting the treadmill, showers than off to +Candle Day Spa for mani and pedi – so way over due – these dogs are a barking’ LOL
HUGS – THANKS FOR STOPPING BY – HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND AND BUNDLE UP!
XOXO LORI




CLEAN DINNER SALMON & ASIAN SLAW

Hey There To All My Peeps,

This is a day or so late – got side tracked with one of our restaurants The Tasting Room Est. 2001 remodel.  See new bar below and the fantastic Cruvinet Wine machine – Whoooooo yeah!  Anyway

….. but as promised from my FB post here is the 411 on my +Clean Program meal for the elimination portion of this cleanse.  I love, love, love salmon – so happy its on the “can have” side of the list.  I love it poached or blackened.  Now blacking doesn’t mean the traditional tons of salt and salty spices – its the process of cooking.  So I mix paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, curry powder, turmeric, garlic powder, and mix together ( make a good amount to keep on hand – just don’t dip you raw food in it – sprinkle on as to not cross contaminate) I cover both sides of the fish and place in a super hot cast iron skillet with olive oil and butter ( no butter now with clean program ).  Cook until done – depending on size and thickness this will change – but you want that “char on both sides”  it will smoke up the kitchen so turn on your vents baby!!!!  BTW – I love cast iron – took a while to get it really “seasoned” but so worth it.  If you’ve never used it – try it – game changer.  Just don’t put in dishwasher and after cleaning coat with oil and store away.  I love LODGE CAST IRON EST. 1896 camping supply stores carry this brand as well as +Walmart the prices is really reasonable and so many vessels to choose from – LOVE

urablankslate, blankslate, lori tauraso, lori ann tauraso, frederick maryland, downtown frederick, NOVA, DMV, healthy dinner, salmon, dinner, food, anti aging, clean program

urablankslate, lori tauraso, blank slate, frederick maryland, frederick, salmon, dinner, healthy food, exercise, clean program
Next my delicious (if I do say so myself) Asian Slaw.  You’ll need:
Cabbage 1/2 a head sliced very thin
Cucumber washed unpeeled and sliced length wise in about 1inch strips
scallions – washed ( can be sandy) and chopped using green and white parts
Rice wine vinegar ( find in Asian section of market )
Sesame Oil (ditto)
A little AJI – Mirin – sweet cooking rice seasoning (ditto)
If you like spicy add some heat – if not omit – me I love the spicy along with the crunch and cool of the cabbage
SAMBAL – fresh chili paste and/or PEPPER SA-TE SAUCE (like the chili&oil mix from Asian restaurants – HOT STUFF)
Sesame seeds toasted or not
Sliced almonds – no salt and UN-roasted – I will slice or chop my own – $$$money saver big time!
Toss all together S&P if you want I omit salt right now taste add more vinegar sesame oil etc to taste let set up in the fridge and enjoy – I top on my salmon, turkey burgers, eat by itself anything – LOVE
urablankslate, blank slate, lori ann tauraso, lori tauraso, frederick maryland, DMV, NOVA, shopping , asian cooking, spices, healthy, dinner, anti anging, clean program
Hope you enjoy – I know I did was sooooo yummy.  Try it and let me know how you like it!
lori tauraso, urablankslate, blank slate, blankslate, frederick maryland, healthy food, dinner, coleslaw , asain , home, food, clean program , dr. hunger
LORI’S ASIAN SLAW
lori tauraso, lori ann tauraso, frederick maryland , the tasting room, dinner, health, healthy eating, anti aging, frederick maryland, food, exercise, clean program, dr. junger, blogger, cooking at home, salmon, fish, seafood, whats for dinner, salad,
FINISHED AND DINNER IS SERVED – BLACKENED SALMON – ASIAN SLAW – CHINESE BROCCOLI
AND MIKE’S BROWN BUTTER TILE FISH MEDALLIONS WITH TARRAGON & WHITE WINE
Tomorrow MAKEUP REVIEW – START OF GIVEAWAY & BLACK BEAN BURGERS 
BON APPETIT!
XOXO LORI
BLANK SLATE, lori tauraso, lori ann tauraso, frederick maryland, the tasting room, cruvinet, NOVA, DMV, downtown frederick, makeup , healthy eating, dinner, lodge cast iron, salmon, blogging, blogger, asian cooking, anti aging

JOIN ME – I AM BEGINNING MY “CLEAN PROGRAM” PRE-CLEANSE BEFORE THE 21DAY CLEANSE

Good Morning All,

Well gang I am really gonna try and do this cleanse – I tried a few years ago and it was an epic fail.  This time I am doing the “elimination diet” first to ease into it umm….like they say to do)  – and I just ordered my kit and will follow it to the T for 21 days….. come along with me as I go through the up’s and downs – especially my sugar withdrawal – the tremendous digestive changes that are to come from this etc.. and come out on the other side hopefully feeling fantastic.  If you haven’t heard of CLEAN check out the links below and I’d love some company doing this – will be posting on my blog, FB, Twitter and Instagram.  My husband Mike (a chef) is really helping me.  Last night for dinner I had all things from the “can have” side of the list.  (posted the details on FB and Instagram see links on the side bar) and it was Fantastic & Delicious!  I made the soup and chickpea salad – he made the lamb with Asian spices and the green leafy salad.

clean, dinner, lori tauraso, urablankslate, blank slate, frederick maryland, lori ann tauraso, frederick maryland, downtown frederick, soup, salad, healthy eating, health, digestive issues

In just the past few days that I have begun to make subtle changes my tummy already feels better!
FYI – The Clean 21 day Kit cost $425 sounds like a lot but works out to being less than $20 bucks a day!!!!!!  So worth it for your health don’t ya think……

http://www.cleanprogram.com/media/files/cleanse-manual.pdf

Next watch this video for some detailed explanations – tons more videos on YouTube – some of the older videos of Dr. Junger are so great – gotta admit have a little crush on him – the accent and earlier videos had his dress shirt on – unbuttoned a wee bit (very European – LOL)  LOVE – anywho…..

Stay tuned will be posting my own video clips – food recipe’s – shopping – progress etc…. I am so excited.  Mike said for me to think of “what I can have” instead of “what I can’t”  good advice babe!  He does surprise me sometimes – even if he was cooking for me while eating pasta and smoking and having ice cream last night – OH WELL sometimes it’s do as I say – not as I do right?  Besides this is about me and my health and the changes I’ve wanted to make for years!
So follow along with me for this adventure all while I will still be doing my decor posts, shopping, makeup etc….  TR restaurant re-model updates, Black Hog videos’s, newsletters, interviews & posts on following sites.
TRRestaurant/ aka The Tasting Room – Frederick, MD
Black-Hog-BBQ-Bar/ 3 locations Frederick, MD more to come….
Order your clean kit here –  I get nothing from this just wanting to share with my friends & loved ones!   http://www.cleanprogram.com/more-products
HUGS – THANKS FOR STOPPING BY 
LORI

 

 

Love Skin Ceuticals

Good Morning Dahhhhling,

skinceuticals, lori tauraso, lori ann tauraso, urablankslate, blank slate, fredercik maryland, frederick , downtown frederick, skin care, anti aging, health, serums, shopping, beauty, makeup

Happy to have replenished my +SkinCeuticals – I love to try new products as you all well know – however I always use my +Clinique 3 step – and have for years (I’m a #3) and just love it.  Cleans and tones my skin beautifully without irritating it and the Clinique price is always right on time.  The other note is I am going back to +SkinCeuticals ….

No matter what I try this line is the best.  I see the results quickly – I’ll admit it is not cheap but they do last a long time.  My favorites are the CE FERULIC  – its  a great antioxidant – building up collagen and providing protection against environmental aging.  Next would be PLORETIN CF – has vitamin C and Ferulic acid to help with photdamage and boost cell turnover – giving me a more uniform glowing face!  Along with that I use at the RETEXURING ACTIVATOR – its a terrific exfoliate – VISIBLY diminished lines and wrinkles from the surface and makes my skin just beam! I use it all over – even close to my eyes (this is a personal choice not a recommendation by the company – just saying my skin seems to tolerate it) if I don’t have my EYE RENEWAL GEL – its a serum gel to use around the eye to exfoliate !  WHAAATTTT finally someone answers my dreams.  Helps with the creepiness and dryness like no other and than eye cream/gel works even better able to go deeper and not have that yucky dry area to push through.

lori tauraso, lori ann tauraso, skinceuticals, skin care, anti aging, urablankslate, shopping , skin care health , frederick maryland, frederick, shop local, DMV, NOVA
There is a spa in Brooklyn that uses SKINCEUTICALS  and does a “scraping” or “dermaplaning” facial see video below.  I am trying to find someone around the DC area that does it – if not NYC here I come.  Twist my arm right?….. Again can’t say enough about the whole +SkinCeuticals line.  Really worth the money – you will see results.  Enjoy the video!
Well gang gonna run (literally on treadmill) – Day 2 of 30 day workout challenge and beginning of the “elimination” part of the +Clean Program with hopes to get my kits this week and really do the 21days…
HUGS – THANKS FOR STOPPING BY,
XOXO LORI

NYC Apt.’s And Places I Adore…. Ahhh NYC

Good Morning All,
I am in a New York state of mind.  I really missed not going this year for the Holidays.  Mike and I had gone two years in a row and done the windows and the shopping (yippie) and the FOOD……  New York, New York. What a magical city. It’s the mecca for the entertainment and fashion elite, New York City is full of stylish celebs in all neighborhoods and boroughs. I love each and everyone of them. The chance to see how the other half live is always a love of mine, but there are a handful of celebrity apartments in NYC that have also truly inspired. 

Fashion designer Mary-Kate Olsen and fiancé Olivier Sarkozy’s historic five-bedroom townhouse in Midtown East is fit for royalty with a portico, a private garden (with a fountain after the Medici fountain in Rome), a hall of mirrors, a double-height grand ballroom, a rooftop exercise pool, a built-in garage, an artist’s studio, and an elevator.  OMG – take a look

The next favorite of mine belongs to John Legend and Chrissy Teigen’s NoLIta Apartment With cozy, moody characteristics like exposed brick, dark ceilings I am in love with this kitchen!  The singer-model couple’s downtown apartment has a calming vibe. I am in love with this blue and the contrast with the cabinets its a cool & hip while still being comfortable.  Plus: check out those bar stools and pedants – One can wish can’t they?
Now as far as food – where do I begin…..  Balthazar just says quintessential NYC to me with the pate, the champagne, the steak frites…..YUM  just be warned everyone loves this place and the table are so close together you may take a bite from your neighbors plate by mistake ( wink wink )
Brooklyn calls and so does Peter Lugers Steak House.  Hands down the best steak we have ever had.  The restaurant only accepts cash unless your have their card and its very low key but soooooo worth the trek over the bridge.  Brooklyn is a spot I want to know better.
Now for Deli’s people will say Carnegie or Stage is the best but once you go to Katz’s Deli you will know what Pastrami Heaven is and nothing else will do – promise!  I have been to many Deli’s my friends – LOL
SHOPPING – the shopping is too much to even say – high end – low end – markets – Saks 5th Ave – where the hubby bought me my first and only (so far I hope) Louis Vuitton, my first Jimmy Choo’s Ahhhhh and China town is not to be missed either.  We had the best reflexology ever.  The shops are so neat – no idea what they were selling by neat just the same.  
Last but not least the theatre – enough said.  Anyway, I am dreaming of NYC these days.  A quick trip soon I hope.  With everything going on at home and with the restaurant remodel design consulting and a few makeup gigs it may have to wait til Spring.  Hey I can always do my Spring shopping there right.  These were just the tip of the iceberg naturally and if I had my wish I’d say in a loft apt. for a month and really get to know the city.  
If you have a favorite spots let me know.  Always looking for new places to see and things to do.
STAY CLASSY & THANKS FOR STOPPING BY,
XOXO LORI

Game Changers Of 2015 Series #1 Jan. 19th

People people listen…..
So we are off to the races it’s already Jan. 19th – Whaaaatttt.  I am playing catch up here after the flu but wanted to share a few products I received samples of and some I bought that are – “TOO DIE FOR” I will be sharing more each week.  BTW the John Frieda and the pomade by Redken are my 2 Fav’s – just sayin……..
Game Changers of 2015 Jan. 19th


John Freida Lux Volume 7 Day In Shower Treatment, YSL Lip Oil, Redken Metalic Pomade, Chanel Hydra Serum, Shiseido Ulta SPF 50

Stay tuned for more and tomorrow some great local spas and smoothie recipes I came across.

HUGS – THANKS FOR STOPPING BY,
XOXO LORI

HI ALL – BOY HAVE I MISSED YOU

HI ALL BOY HAVE I MISSED YOU

It sure has been a busy few weeks – along with the Holidays I came down with that horrible flu – was down for 8DAYS!  Kept thinking I was gonna get better but didn’t and finally my husband took me to our local hospital FMH Immediate Care – they tested me and sure enough I had the flu and received
2 IV’s worth of fluids.  This was the sickest I have ever been and was really scared!  They keep talking in the news how bad it is and I am here to tell you that It sure is.  So take precautions – wash hands more – spray down surfaces with Lysol – do what you can.  Take it seriously don’t wait as long as I did to seek a Dr.’s help – I pray none of you get!!!!

On a much happier note today was the first real day I ate and did a few things and did because its me I did some surfing and found the cutest little things I wanted to share with you.  I missed all of you….

How darn cute are these little things….. I am already planning who I can give these to for Valentines.

us.accessorize.com


Next – I am in love with this compact portable scanner – It so darn cool…..

vupoint scanner

And maybe because I am in a health state of mind look at this DLISH little beauty

http://ocoobeauty.com
Only 48 calories per bottle – you can drink your way to younger skin – it increases circulation in the body to nourish each cell and instill a healthy glow and stronger hair.
Anyway Kids I am still on the mend and gonna hit the hey.
Sweet Dreams – Take care of yourselves and we’ll chat soon!
XOXO Lori

Latest from Instagram

Copyright © 2018 · Theme by 17th Avenue