Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Cook Like A Chef - Roman-style Chicken and Potatoes



Roman-style Chicken with Potatoes and Onions

This is one of my favorite chicken recipes that I got from Giada De Laurentiis, but I changed a bit. It is very simple to make and tastes incredible. The best part about it is that the leftovers, in my opinion, taste better for days to come.
Enjoy!










  INGREDIENTS:

4-6 boneless chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon salt (plus 1 tsp)
1/2 teaspoon pepper (plus 1 tsp)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 red bell pepper (sliced)
1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
3 ounces prosciutto (choppped, * This is equivalent to a 1/4 of a pound- You can get this in slices at your butcher or deli)
2 garlic cloves (chopped)
1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes (14.8 ounces if just fine)
1/2 cup white wine (of your choice)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon fresh oregano leaves
1/2 cup chicken stock
2 tablespoons capers (optional)
1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley (optional)

Making sure the chicken is completely defrosted, lightly season each breast with a 1/2 teaspoon of salt and a 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Heat 1/4 cup olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken on each side; about 4 minutes per side. (Don't worry about it being cooked all the way through quite yet, just brown the sides. Remove the breasts and set aside.

Keeping the same skillet over large heat, add peppers and prosciutto and cook until crisp and brown; about five minutes. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, wine, and herbs (thyme and oregano) and scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon, mixing everything together. Return the chicken to the skillet and add the chicken stock, turning the heat up to high, bringing the mixture to a boil.

Reduce the heat to a simmer (medium-low to low) and cover, letting the chicken cook thoroughly for about 30 minutes. Add the capers the last five minutes, and when ready to serve, add parsley and slices of french bread. (optional)

SERVES 6; Calories: 266; Total Fat 13 grams; Saturated Fat: 2 grams; Protein: 28 grams; Total carbohydrates: 8 grams; Sugar: 4 grams; Fiber 1.5 grams; Cholesterol: 76 milligrams; Sodium: 1,307 milligrams

Potatoes and Onions

 INGREDIENTS:

2 pounds new potatoes (white, red, or Yukon gold), scrubbed and halved
1 pound cippolini onions, peeled
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons dried rosemary
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper


Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.


In a large bowl, toss together all of the ingredients. Spread the mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake until the potatoes and onions are golden brown and cooked through, about 40 minutes. Serve immediately.

[*Note: To see all blogs, click 'Kimtervention' title at the top of the page]

Friday, May 25, 2012

Bienvenido a Miami

I love, love, LOVE Miami. Here, I have created two hot looks for girl and guy!

 Girl:
Gucci Sunglasses: sunglass hut
Jules Smith Hoop Earrings 3": Shopbop
Square Case Golden Watch: Michael Kors
Sandal: Aldo

Top: Hot Miami Styles
Shorts: Flirt Catalog

Bag: On Sale at your nearest Michael Kors Store
Pave Disc Golden Necklace: Michael Kors
Astor Stud Golden Ring: Michael Kors
House of Harlow Ring: Piperlime



Guy:
Polo Ralph Lauren Solid Linen Sport Shirt: Bloomingdales
Boss Black Baxter Belt: Bloomingdales
John Varvatos Star Linen Pants: Bloomingdales


Ray Ban Sunglasses: www.sunglasshut.com
Nixon Watch: Nordstrom
Salvatore Ferragamo Damiano Sandal: Bloomingdales
Black Diamond Shield Necklace: David Yurman

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Eighties, Baby!

OH, I LOVE THE EIGHTIES! But, I especially love, love, LOVE Eighties Movies. You may recognize and have seen some of the listed movies above, but I hope to have introduced a few that I love and you have yet to see.

(* = Please do yourself a favor and watch these movies in surround sound) 

1.  Less Than Zero * (1987) Picture Robert Downey Jr. on a serious drug binge, add a sexually corrupt brat pack and you have one of my favorite eighties movies of all time. Trailer
2. Risky Business (1983) Hot damn, Tom Cruise is one sexy son of a bitch in this movie. This is the movie that set Kelly Kapowski's love interest for life. And, ooh la la, do we love that porsche in the movie! Trailer
3. The Lost Boys * (1987) Ok, Ok, so Corey Haim annoys the living shit out of me in this, but this movie is a classic! Vampires plus the two Corey's is borderline incredible. Trailer
4. Lucas (1986) You can't help but to love this movie. As young girls, we have all had boys that have fallen in love with us, but we were completely out of their league. This movie has managed to put Corey Haim, Winona Ryder, and Charlie Sheen into one atmosphere prior to destroying their lives. Incredible! Trailer
5. Nine and a Half Weeks * (1986) By far, the sexiest eighties movie alive that then makes you want to kill yourself. You will never believe how beautiful Kim Basinger and Mickey Rourke use to be. Trailer
6. Flashdance * (1983) Legwarmers plus incredible eighties dance music, 'nuff said. Trailer
7. Rain Man (1988) Dustin Hoffman's riveting performance in this movie makes you 100% believe that he is full blown retarded. Trailer
8. Big (1988) Tom Hanks is fantastic. He exudes his talent in this movie, pretending to be a big kid. I love, love, LOVE this movie. It teaches you to never grow up too fast.  Trailer
9. Stand By Me (1986) 'Lard Ass!' Remember those summers, when you were fourteen, and you decided to go on a quest with your friends to find a dead body? Then, you will absolutely love this movie! Trailer
10. Cocktail (1988) Every girl loves a good bartender, but when you add tricks to the bartender and a vacation get-a-way, you get Tom Cruise in this! Trailer
11. The Terminator * (1984) As corny as this movie may be, I love it! I always love to turn it on late night. Arnold Schwarzenegger still scares the living shit out of me in this movie as a futuristic robot. Trailer
12. Scarface * (1983) 'The World is yours' Ah, I love my Cuban drug dealer that literally snorts a bus full of cocaine towards the end. This movie is bitter-sweet and Michelle Pfeiffer looks incredible in this. Trailer
13. Pretty in Pink (1986) This was one of my mother's favorites that soon became mine. We all wish we had a best friend like Ducky! Trailer
14. Beetlejuice (1988) Say 'BeetleJuice' three times and you will get an undead comedic zombie who likes to hang out at whore-houses. Trailer
15. Weird Science (1985) When the geeks get the girls, by building the woman of their dreams through a computer with underwear on their heads. Trailer

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Botox, and Juvederm, and Restylane, oh my!

Ahhh! A sigh of relief overcomes me when I see this flyer.  Mick, my esthetician, is in Chicago from Miami June 1st - June 4th. He is amazing and takes his work very seriously and very passionately. He does procedures such as, Juvederm, Botox, Latisse, and much more. Stop the aging process now dead in its tracks!

This also applies to men! Male Skincare is a fast growing market and such products as these can also be used on men to either reverse or stop the aging process.

Mick is very subtle with his work and hardly allows me to come as much as I want to! I promise you will not look like 'Big Ang' or 'Mickey Rourke,' unless you want to, of course.

Psst! Did I mention his prices are crazy affordable?


E-mail Mick:  Aestheticx.MD@gmail.com

Friday, May 18, 2012

Hello Colorful Summer

   I love taking a white palette and splashing color all over it. This outfit can take you from day to night.  The white twist cutout body icon dress looks fab with a tan and gold jewelry. Add a teal platform suede pump with a medium blue clutch and you're ready for lunch and dinner. Add on a Ray Ban Aviator to block out those UV Rays. Simple and Chic!
Dress (Topshop) 
Teal Pump (Aldo)
Clutch (Aldo)
Jewelry (Topshop)
Sunglasses (Sunglass Hut

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Track Me

So you want a tracksuit for summer, but you're not sure which brand to buy from. My best advice is to choose the brand that you have your heart set on, but when your heart is unsure, that is when I come in. Here, I present three different brands of terry tracksuits, in a similar color, with close to similar prices.


Victoria's Secret Pink Beach Terry Zip Hoodie & Beach Terry University Pant: (Shorts are also available) I love this tracksuit and I own a few of them.  They are extremely comfortable and wear in well. The pants are not as tight and fitting as I would like them to be, but they make great lounge wear. Also, the price is right and there is always sales!
(Victoria's Secret Pink)

Juicy Couture Original Terry Hoodie & Original Terry Drawstring Pant: A bit on the more pricier side, this tracksuit is my favorite. I love the fit and the feel of it and there are so many colors to choose from. The drawstring pants fit the booty better than Juicy's Snap Pocket Pant. This is an investment that will last you a long time. I wear my Juicy Couture tracksuit almost every day.
 ( Juicy Couture)

Bebe Logo Terry Dolman Hoodie and Short: I have to say that I do not own a Bebe tracksuit, but I have heard from men that they love the way it fits on a woman's booty. However, this is the only terry tracksuit I have found on Bebe's website and it is not available in pants.  I love the bright color, but I am still undecided about the three-quarter dolman sleeve. You be the judge!
(Bebe


Wednesday, May 16, 2012

NATO Summit - Everything You Want to Know

What is NATO:  NATO stands for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which is an intergovernmental military alliance based on the North Atlantic Treaty that was signed on April 4, 1949.

The Organization constitutes a system of Collective Defence whereby its member states agree to a mutual defense in response to an attack by an external party. NATO's headquarters are in Brussels, Belgium.

There are 28 member states (dark blue) across North America and Europe that make up NATO.

Leaders from around the world are gathering in Chicago this weekend for an important diplomatic summit hosted by President Barack Obama. The meetings will be held May 20-21. This will be the first time an American city other than Washington has hosted a NATO summit.

NATO host committee has organized lectures on foreign affairs, contests for students, special dining programs and much more.

What is a NATO Summit? A NATO summit is a summit meeting that is regarded as a periodic opportunity for Heads of State and Heads of Government of NATO member countries to evaluate and provide strategic direction for Alliance activities.

Chicago has never hosted anything like this meeting, which starts on Sunday. It will draw representatives from 50 countries, including leaders of the 28 members of the military alliance. The two-day summit will also draw protestors from around the United States and beyond. Most stand to protest against the NATO-led war in Afghanistan and economic equality. This will be a test for for Chicago and the national Occupy movement.

What will the NATO Summit discuss? They are expected to discuss plans for the war in Afghanistan and to announce the completion of the first phase of a Europe-based missile-defense system.

Are We Safe? In addition to members of the Secret Service, Chicago has about 1,000 active duty U.S. troops and 2,000 National Guard Members that will be providing logistical support. The 12,500 Chicago officer department will commit about a third of its force to the event and the protestors.  There will also be additional officers from other states helping out.

About $1 million worth of new riot gear, consisting of gas masks, tear gas, helmets, and face shields, armor for police horses, have been ordered.  Also, there is always a risk of terrorism when there is a gathering of world leaders. However, Chicago has been preparing for nearly a year to take the right precautions.

(http://news.yahoo.com/chicago-braces-violence-nato-summit-021854168--finance.html)
(http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303505504577404680135088936.html)

Monday, May 14, 2012

Store and Display

Some people collect handbags and some people collect shoes.  I collect makeup.  At one point, I had so much that I could not store it in a simple makeup bag or even a travel box. If you find yourself having the same problem, I would recommend a heavy duty drawer storage system. Kim Kardashian uses the same system, only she uses expensive acrylic drawers that could run you anywhere from $150-$300.  Fuck that.

1. Sterilite Wide 3 Drawer Clearview Storage Unit $54.89
(http://www.target.com/p/Sterilite-Wide-3-Drawer-Clearview-Storage-Unit/-/A-11861831)

2. (IF YOU MUST) Acrylic 7-Drawer Counter Top Makeup Organizer $99.99 (http://www.atomicmall.com/view.php?id=1466739&mba=0)

The Perfect Red Lip

MAC Lipstick Pencil in Cherry

MAC Lipstick in Lady Danger

MAC Lipstick in MAC Red

MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo

MAC Lipstick in Russian Red

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl

NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Full Bodied Red

Urban Decay Super-Saturated High Gloss Lip Color in Bright Red Cream

MAC 318 Retractable Lip Brush

MAC Clear Lipglass



Remember Christina Aguilera's red lips? All of these lip colors embody those perfect primped Hollywood glamor red lips. The secret to accomplishing them is to prime your lips with concealer, then to outline and color your lips in with a liner. (This will ensure a long-lasting color) Also, using a lip brush to apply your lipstick and gloss will keep the color inside the lines without making any mistakes. Want to make sure your lipstick does not land on your teeth? Use your finger in between your puckered lips to wipe away any inside residue.

(www.maccosmetics.com) (www.sephora.com)

Friday, May 11, 2012

My Sweet Little Lipstick Journal

Girl About Town Lipsick
Saint Germain Lipstick
Pink Nouveau Lipsick
Snob Lipstick
Creme Cup (Cremesheen)
(www.maccosmetics.com )

Nars Turkish Delight Lip
 (www.sephora.com)
Boy Bait Cremesheen Glass
Fashion Scoop Cremesheen Glass
(www.maccosmetics.com)
Nars Easy Lover
(www.sephora.com)

Stripdown Lip Pencil
Magenta Lip Pencil
(www.maccosmetics.com)



I love pink lips...obviously.  These colors in lipsticks, lip glosses, and lip pencils are my current obsession that I wear weekly! Enjoy.

(Note: I love pairing the Stripdown lip pencil with the Creme Cup lipstick, topping it off with Turkish Delight.  Also, line your lips with the Magenta lip pencil followed by Pink Nouveau, finishing with Easy Lover. You'll achieve the ultimate kissable lips, even though guys despise lip gloss. Too bad!)

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Note From the Editor

Why is it that so many women now-a-days are choosing men that are totally unstable and are completely unfit to withstand the graces of their lives? I, myself, have been a past victim of this. I have fallen for men that are either completely crazy to me or to themselves. Most of the time I just wanted to help them, but in the end, I learned that I could only help myself. At one point, I felt like I was reliving the movie 'Leaving Las Vegas,' only I was not the hooker.  Walking away can be one of the hardest things you will have to do in your life, but you must come to the strong realization that the aftermath of doing so will only better your life. Understanding that there are better people out there does not feel real until you finally meet them, but you will never come to this realization until you initiate the first step. A 'great love' does not have to always involve wild fights, endless tears, and heart break.  Believe it or not, it can be complete happiness. IT DOES EXIST! We must not forget that everything happens for a reason and each decision we've made has or will eventually lead us to our destination that was intended for us.

-Kim

My Favorite Dirty Little Secret

Amazon.com is my bitch. I am obsessed with online shopping and Amazon seems to always find everything I am looking for. It is secure and the layout of the website makes things extremely easy. It is not just about books anymore, it has EVERYTHING! Starting an account creates an organized list of all your orders, allowing you to view when you've purchased the order, track the shipment, and it supplies a date in which it is expected to arrive.  It is genius.  Amazon also allows you to create a wishlist to return to things that you are either saving up for or that you are indecisive about.

(www.amazon.com)

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

My Favorite Fragrance



I have always loved the smell of gardenia, the beach and coconut candy. Over the years, my friends and I have compiled an assortment of fragrances that I absolutely love.

Alora Ambience Isola Reed Diffuser: This is a home fragrance filled with gardenia, tuberose, and fig. It fills the entire room with elegance.

Suede by Michael Kors: A clean fragrance made up of gardenia, water lilies, cashmere wood, and more.  This is Michael Kors' newest fragrance that my friend Andrea picked out for me while reading Cosmopolitan magazine in the bathtub...

Victoria's Secret Pink's Eau De Toilette in Fresh & Clean: Love this!!! It smells clean with fresh apple and lily.

Bobbi Brown Beach Fragrance: I love the smell of the beach and suntan lotion. This fragrance evokes the beach in its entirety.

Michael Kors by Michael Kors: A creamy blend of florals and exotic spices. I have worn this fragrance for years and it is timeless.

Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Eau Gourmande: My friend Holli asked me what I wanted for my birthday one year and I told her a fragrance that smells like coconut candy. This is what she found! It smells like coconut candy combining the essence of almond, coconut milk, jasmine, vanilla, and more.

Achieving a Flawless Complexion



Here you have it, the exact products I use, every day, in achieving a flawless complexion.

A lot of people ask me what makeup I use on my face to achieve a flawless complexion. The answer to this question is A LOT and takes a bit of time to apply, but I love the final result.
1. MAC Studio Tech Foundation - I have tried a million and one foundations and this is by far is my favorite! It provides a natural matte finish with full coverage and it hydrates my skin.
2. MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer - I love how creamy this concealer is. I use this under my eyes and to cover any blemish or imperfection.
3. MAC Paint Pot - I use this in Painterly as a primer on my eye lids before I apply shadows.
4. Makeup Forever HD High Definition Powder - A little of this goes a long way. I apply a very small amount of this under my eyes to lock in the concealer and to prevent any fall out of eye shadow. After I apply eye shadow I brush away the powder.
5. MAC Select Sheer/Loose Powder - This powder is incredible! I apply a small amount of this all over my face to lock in the foundation. It creates a soft matte finish and minimizes shine.
6. MAC Bronzing Powder - I apply this to my cheeks to create a warm glow. USE A MATTE BRONZER, because you do not want to add extra unneeded shine to your face.
7. MAC Powder Blush - I contour my cheek bones with the color Blunt, which is a muted golden brown.  I also use this to contour my nose and as an eye shadow at time.
8. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish - I use this in Soft and Gentle, which is a peachy color, to highlight the top of my cheek bones, and sometimes under my eyes. I also use this under my cheek bones below the Blunt Powder Blush to add more contour.
9. MAC Powder Blush - Lastly, when I am in the mood, I apply blush in Peony Petal to the apples of my cheeks.
It is important to use excellent tools when applying your makeup or else you got nothing!
10. MAC 116 Blush Brush - I use this brush to apply all powders.
11. MAC 190 Foundation Brush - This brush is borderline incredible. The bristles do not fall out and the foundation glides on so effortlessly.
12. MAC 195 Concealer Brush - Perfect for applying your concealer precisely under your eyes as well as on imperfections. I also use this to apply paint pot on the lids of my eyes. LOVE IT!
13. Wedge Sponges - These are available at any drug stores.  I hardly ever touch my face with bare hands! These sponges are perfect for blending my concealer and foundation.  I, also, use them to apply the HD Powder and loose powder. I go through a pack of them in a week!

NOTE: Always wash your hands before applying makeup.  Also, Do not waste your money on any expensive brush cleansers.  Dawn Dish Soap does the job and, in my opinion, is better than any brush cleansers.
(www.maccosmetics.com, www.sephora.com)

MACnificent

O-M-G! MAC cosmetics has come out with, yet, another amazing collection. The Snob and Saint Germaine lipstick, lipglass, and nail lacquer or only two of the many sets that MAC has in their new worldly Fashion Sets. Get each set while they're still available! Love, love, LOVE!
















 ($45 http://www.maccosmetics.com/picks/backstage.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CAT8788)

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Mama Mia


This mother's day you should take advantage of buying your mother an incredible arrangement of flowers.  Peonies, Lilies, roses, orchids, and daisies are my ultimate  favorite flower in the whole wide world and make the perfect flower to send to anyone who has taken the role of your mother in your life.

1. Spring Style Gerbera  Daisies (www.calyxflowers.com)
2. Powder Pink Peony Bouquet (www.calyxflowers.com)
3. Watercolor Roses (www.calyxflowers.com)
4. Hybrid Lilies and white traditional daisies (www.ftd.com)
5. Lush Pink Peonies and mini white calla lilies (MY FAV!) (www.chicagomarcelflorist.com)
6. Orchid Bouquet (www.calyxflowers.com)
7. Pink Roses and white calla lilies (www.ftd.com)

(Note: Fruit flower arrangements are just as incredible and tasty too! www.fruitflowers.com)

Be Your Best Beach Bitch

Some people argue that TOPSHOP is just a more expensive version of H&M....WRONG! Thank you to the UK for bringing us a another wonderfully colorful store. TOPSHOP has so much to offer and even has a department for men. Don't feel like browsing the store on Michigan Avenue? No problem, just visit their website!  (I paired a black and white striped sleeveless blouse to wear openly over a violet bikini.  Accessorize with turquoise bracelets, necklace, and sandals along with a grey beach bag!)

Healthy Skin for the Average Girl

You arrive home from a long night out with the girls; those patron shots lead you directly from your front door to your bed where you fall into a coma until the next morning. BIG MISTAKE! Forgetting to wash your makeup off your face from the night before deserves HUGE consequence, which is exactly what you will receive when you have to deal with dull and less than radiant skin. Here are a few tips of the products I use to achieve healthy, glowing, acne-free skin:
1. I start the day using the ProActiv system. (Have a bias opinion, if you may, but I have been using it for years and I love it) Exfoliation is key to remove dry rough skin. 
2. Following, I use Neutrogena's Acne Stress Control Cleanser.  I deal with tons of stress all the time and I find this works best in controlling my acne as a cleanser.
3. I tone my face with a simple cotton pad and the ProActiv toner.
4. I cover my t-zone areas and any blemishes with the ProActiv Repairing lotion...love love LOVE this!
5. I apply Origins GinZing eye cream. Now, I have gone through a few under eyes creams, and I find this works best, because it uses caffeine to brighten the eyes and dull dark circles.
6. MOST IMPORTANTLY, I finish the face with a good moisturizer that works for me.  I LOVE Cetaphil.  Trust me, I have used some of the most expensive moisturizers on the market, but I find Cetaphil to work the best for me, without clogging my pores.  It makes applying makeup very smoothly and effortlessly.
(Follow these same steps when the day is over.  However, if you wear makeup, be sure to use Neutrogena Makeup Wipes, they completely remove all makeup and dirt from the entirety of the day!)
These steps alone will not achieve beautiful skin.  I drink A LOT of water, which is the best mineral for your skin and I take vitamins such as Biotin and Zinc, along with a Women's one-a-day. 

Note:  Also, if you want to achieve a maximum deeper exfoliation, I recommend MD Formulations Serum. (Put this on before bed, instead of a repairing lotion)

Monday, May 7, 2012

Sparkle, baby, sparkle!





TOM'S Pink Women's Glitters $54 (http://www.toms.com/pink-women-s-glitters?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&gclid=CMWYhd3u768CFSWFQAodP2XFUg)

My girlfriend Linda wore these on a day we went to receive our monthly injections, and I, then, learned of the unbelievable price of these incredible shoes. Not only are they entirely too affordable, but they come in an assortment of glittery colors.  The best part about TOM'S shoes is that with every pair that you purchase, TOM's will donate a pair. Order your pair true to size. They are a bit snug at first, but wear in quite well!