This summer-y watermelon cocktail from Sunset Magazine sounds just delicious!  So simple, yet so festive…..here’s the how-to:

Whirl chunks of watermelon in a food processor until blended, then strain. Rub the rim of a martini glass with a cut lemon wedge, then dip rim in a shallow plate of sugar. Pour 3 tbsp. watermelon juice, 2 tbsp. brandy, 1 tbsp. lemon juice, and 2 tbsp. Cointreau into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake thoroughly, then strain into glass. Garnish with watermelon wedges.  YUM, right?!

This chop salad caught my eye for a couple of reasons: 1) it just looks so darn pretty!  I love the presentation!  2) the fresh ingredients used are sure to be tasty and 3) I love that it is a full meal, but only one dish (less to clean up, less to prepare!).

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Enjoying the last few weekends of summer, the lovely times spent with friends and family.  When I found this yummy summer cocktail, I wanted to share it with you.  Watermelon season is almost over, so we’re just in time.

Last Friday I spent the day at the Spa, oh how I wish it were today!  Holding back from making the call to repeat the day today!  : )

What are your plan this weekend?  I’d love to know!!!

Hoping your weekend is FABULOUS, remember the beautiful you everytime you look in the mirror.

Bella XoX

party pics via ThePartyDress

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Today is all about daydreaming, sometimes life throws you way too many curve-balls, some so difficult all you can do is dream.    It amazes me how much I can get lost in photos, especially ones as beautiful as these!

For anyone feeling any strife today, know you are not alone, you are special, cared for and BEAUTIFUL!

Bella XoX

images via {glamour UK, this is glamorous}





I’m obsessed with everything lavender lately, love the combination of the yellow and lavender flowers in the first pic, it was my inspiration for this post.

Happy Weekend … Bella

pics via {flicker}

These bedrooms ALMOST  make me want to have another baby!  The designs are spectacular and I always want to inspire your creativeness … Hope these do

For the Little Guys

pics via {diggsdig}

“Using food as a seduction tool has been around forever but I think the act of cooking has recently been elevated to a form of entertainment, and more guys want to get in on the fun.”

I  believe  modern men are also attracted to the “growing arsenal of cooking toys.”

Attraction to men with mad skills in the kitchen also goes beyond what ends up on the plate, .

“Self-confidence is the greatest aphrodisiac,”    ”If a guy has the instincts to transform a set of ingredients into a great meal, he is exposing a sensitive side of himself.”

“If he has the (cojones) to prepare it in front of a date, without slicing his finger off, he is making a bold statement.”

For kitchen neophytes,  ”Find a recipe or a cookbook you are comfortable with and start by mastering a single dish,”

“Have a signature dish,” and keep it simple. Pasta is a good place to start!

And practice, practice, practice!!!!

Otherwise, the seduction dance of the modern Metrosexual can quickly transform into something entirely unsexy, and fast.

Note:  ”Even the most unattractive man, is Hot when he smells fabulous”! Oooops did I just say that!….

One common factor in every photo … beautiful mirrors, glass, florals and dreamy fabrics

Lovely Lavender Inspirations

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pics via decor pad

Shabby Chic is oh so glam, I hope you love these photos as much as I do!  Ultra feminine …

White on White Bedding is the Standard …

Over the top nursery … snuggle time

Shabby Chic Bathroom Vanity (Old Dresser)

Shabby Chic Headboard Idea

Shabby Chic Meets Beach

Awesome Headboard Idea (Mirrors)

via SheKnows

Altamoda presents a stunning living room interior design that is eye-catching.   This design combines  both classic and modern in order to produce an attractive space and luxury to impress.   The furniture elements and decorative items are all so sparkling, that you really don’t know where to look first.

Take notice of the fireplace, looks perfectly tufted, my eyes were then drawn to the oh so glamorous candelabra next to the fireplace.  Looks as if it is draped in crystals and feathers, such a feminine touch!  Don’t you think?

Better angle of the fireplace …. Oh my … love this so much!

Where do I even begin with this picture?  The fur ottoman, the feathered pillows everything is stunningly perfect!

This view from the dinning room shows the look was carried through, notice the dining room chairs match the tufted fireplace.  The to die for chandelier over the table and  the table runner is fabulous!

As I always state, use this as INSPIRATION …. if you have a beautiful ottoman, just recover it yourself! Make some fabulous pillows, buy glamorous throws, add crystal and Voila …. you’ll have a gorgeous room to call your own …

Happy Decorating

pics via Altamoda

Perfect Inspirations for decorating your table for the 4th of July!

Florals, Gumballs and Carnations all perfectly put together to make any setting patriotic

The Party Dress always provide so many inspiring ideas

Red, White, and Blueberry Trifle

This dessert would be right at home at a Fourth of July barbecue. You can substitute sliced fresh strawberries for the raspberries, if you prefer.

Prep: 30 minutes
Total: 1 hour 30 minutes

Serves 6

• 1/4 cup plus 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 store-bought pound cake (12 ounces), cut into 3/4-inch-thick slices
• 1 bar (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups fresh blueberries (three 1/2-pint containers), rinsed and dried
• 3 cups fresh raspberries (two 6-ounce containers)

Recipe via Martha Stewart
Read more at Marthastewart.com: Red, White, and Blueberry Trifle and more delicious recipes, smart cooking tips, and video demonstrations on marthastewart.com

INGREDIENTS
12 to 24 raspberries, blueberries and/or sliced strawberries

1 cup Lipton® Sparkling Diet or Regular Green Tea with Strawberry Kiwi OR Lipton® Sparkling Green Tea with Berry

1/4 cup Skyy Infusions™ All Natural Ginger or Citrus Vodka

2 Tbsp. honey

PREPARATION
Place 1 to 2 pieces of fruit into each compartment in ice cube tray; fill with Lipton® Sparkling Diet Green Tea with Strawberry Kiwi and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.

Process 1/2 of the ice cube with vodka in blender until smooth. Add remaining iced tea cubes, one at a time, and process until smooth. With blender motor running, gradually pour in honey. Serve immediately.

Recipe & Pic  via Lipton

Sponsored by

And the winner is!     Janine Cairo   Congratulations !!!!!!

Please contact me Janine, so we can get your new headboard customized for you!

And Thank you to all for entering   …..  XoX

Hello, friends!    I’m looking forward to some new projects, concepts, ideas, and inspiration.    I want to warmly thank you so much for your support on Ciao Bella! It means so much to me to have your readership, to share in the love of FASHION and to know that I have caring friends all over this vast world ♥

As a Thank You gift, I’m so happy to offer this AMAZING GIVEAWAY!

To the right,   look to the right : ) … I have set up a link there.   The bed is so fabulous and dreamy!

Giveaway Ends June 30, 2010  …  Good Luck !!!

Elegance has never been so comfortable ….

simply close your eyes and believe it!

via  http://citified.blogspot.com/

I have to admit I love Chantal Thomass’ style and have for years!

This French designer has produced some of the most glamorous products I’ve ever seen. Parfums, lingerie, stationary, and umbrellas.  Her vast line of  products, never ceases to amaze me.  And now she is designing bathrooms, what could be more appropriate?  Below you will find a sampling of her creations, which personally I can’t seem to enough of!  Enjoy ….

Chantal Thomas tights

Yep, it’s a washing machine!  Can you imagine, I would only wash my LaPerla in these.  Only 300 were made.

Chantalls umbrellas

Cell Phone Covers …

These bottles are so fun, would make a great accent to your dressing table ….

And this is her exquisite designed bathroom!

And Victorias Secret has brought the images above and placed them in a bottle   …

The scents are heavenly

Life is Pink Wish Pink Eau de Parfum,$32. A romantic blend of peony and vanilla, Wish Pink is the ultimate girly girl. Addicted to love and lipstick. Always the center of attention. Collects pretty things. Finds excuses to dress in the frilliest frocks. Wears diamonds and pearls. Nails painted pink. Adores a scent that’s soft and romantic. Young hearts love free.

Life is Pink Live Pink Eau de Parfum, $32: A bright blend of passion fruit and raspberry nectar, Live Pink is uniquely creative. Independent thinker. Inspired by art and photography. Shops for vintage clothes. Listens to obscure bands. Takes risks. Craves culture. Passionate about changing the world. Likes a fragrance that’s bright and bold. Everything’s coming up daisies.

Life is Pink Hope Pink Eau de Parfum, $32: A fresh blend of strawberry and jasmine petals, Hope Pink is a natural beauty. Comfiest in a pair of worn jeans and a faded t-shirt. Lives in flip flops but prefers bare feet. Treasure hunts at the local flea markets. Writes poetry. Picks wild flowers. Always outdoors. Loves a fragrance that’s clean and fresh. Love in, peace out.

Available at www.victoriassecret.com