Your Chinese New Year Celebration - Asian Flavors and Style

Peking Duck House & Ping restaurants on Mott Street in Lower Manhattan

This year Chinese New Year is February 19th! The Year of the Sheep, I really like the way Asian style and flavor permeates everything. Just like fashion, cooking is an art form so it is no small surprise to see Chinese restaurants and markets mingled in along side dress shops nearly the whole length of Mott Street in Chinatown. The two just compliment each other so take a cue for Your Chinese New Year Celebration!

Panda Clothing Shop at 24 Mott Street selling beautiful Mandarin style jackets

Your Chinese New Year Celebration

So this Chinese New Year, try immersing yourself in the culture with a beautiful satin or silk top/dress, something jade and an array of delicious Asian foods for yourself and your party guests.

 I'm wearing this lovely Black Cranes dress by Joseph Altuzarra for Chinese New Year

The Black Cranes Dress by Joseph Altuzarra has four flying cranes embroidered in gold thread. The dress has satin tuxedo lapels and a gold zipper up the side. Joseph is known for his plunging necklines and high leg slits so this dress does not disappoint there! The belt shown in the photo is not included so try a wide banded wrap style to replicate this look. Part of his capsule collection for Target, this structured black dress is my choice to celebrate Chinese New Year.

Structured Black Cranes Dress by Joseph Altuzarra for Target.  PHOTO: c/o Target

Try new flavors and textures! Steamed dumplings with an array of traditional Asian Sauces.

Hosting your own Chinese New Year Party can be as simple or as ambitious as you like. You can make some delicious heat and eat: steamed dumplings, egg rolls, pork ribs, hot wings, chicken fried rice and more. All of these are available in the frozen food section of most grocery stores.

You can also go the other route and simply order Chinese takeout or do a combination of both! There are no rules here, just go with what you like and is easiest for you. As an example, my college friend Jean Chen taught me how to make Egg Foo Young using a Wok. Her family owned a Chinese Restaurant near Princeton, NJ so she knew her stuff! So certain Asian style dishes I can make on my own and others I prefer to order out.

Spice is Nice!
Whether you decide to make it from scratch or order takeout, you'll always want to have a few traditional Asian spices and sauces on hand to take that meal over the top. This will give your Chinese dishes an authentic flavor and delicious complexity. I like Lee Kum Kee of Hong Hong's array of fantastic, restaurant quality sauces and condiments. If you are just starting off, these four sauces should be in every cook's kitchen who wants to cook Asian style:

My Four Essential Sauces and Spices to enjoy authentic Asian cuisine.

Garlic Hoisin Sauce (thicker and more complex than plain soy sauce)
Minced Ginger can also be used in a marinade
Plum Sauce which goes so well on crispy egg rolls, chicken and pork
Shrimp Paste of which a little goes a long way. Very concentrated but essential to many seafood dishes

Some Like it Hot
If you want to add a little kick to your menu, you've got to try this new Sriracha Chile Ketchup. It is SO delicious without being overly spicy and hot. Just enough kick for: Hot Wings, Ribs, Shrimp, Pork. See the entire line of restaurant quality sauces from Lee Kum Kee online.

NEW! Sriracha Chili Ketchup

So bring it all together for Chinese New Year. It's like getting a restart on 2015. You can learn to prepare some new dishes and try different cooking techniques such as steaming using bamboo baskets. A great way to prepare vegetables, stuffed dumplings and fish that's low in fat but big on flavor. Eating with chopsticks also slows you down, helping you to eat less. Try it!

Bamboo Steamer Dumplings: (L-R) Plum Sauce, Shrimp Paste, Minced Ginger and Garlic Hoisin Sauce

Joseph Altuzarra Black Cranes Dress - Mine
Asian Sauces c/o Lee Kum Kee

Holiday Entertaining Made Easy - Christmas and New Year's Brunch

Cedar Lane Omelet with Smoked  Alaskan Salmon

Holiday Entertaining need not be a lavish affair but you can make it extra special by serving your guests a lovely Christmas or New Year's Day Brunch. I can remember when I was growing up in Northern New Jersey, my parents and I were always invited to the most beautiful holiday brunches.
The host would appear sipping coffee in her silk robe and pajamas...now that's MY kind of entertaining!

The point is that it should be a relaxed get together as most of your guests (and yourself) have most likely been up late the night before. Still there are a few essentials that make for a memorable holiday brunch. Here's my easy tips to help pull it off:

Cookware, Chef's Knife & Herbs
Eggs are pretty much a given for a brunch menu so you might want to invest in some non-stick cookware, a good Chef's Knife and a few garnishing herbs. I've been using a Kyocera 3 Piece Non-Stick Pan Set and Ceramic Chef's Knife to prepare my holiday meals this season. I like the generous size of the pan set which is perfect for cooking larger quantities for guests, especially something like scrambled eggs. Even the smallest pan in the set is VERY deep. Clean up is a snap!

Kyocera 3 Piece Non-Stick Pan Set

The Kyocera Ceramic Chef's Knife is another kitchen must have as it is essential to preparing evenly cut meats, fruits and vegetables. It will literally cut your kitchen time in half as you won't have to struggle through your food prep. See both at Kyocera.com

Kyocera Chef Knife, Pan Set and Creekside Farms French Herb Wreath

Decorative & Savory Herbs-Creekside Farms French Herb Wreath
This French Herb Wreath from Creekside Farms, CA can be a fragrant addition to your brunch buffet as it is a lovely artisan arrangement of: lavender, marjoram, sage, Santa Cruz oregano, thyme and bay. The wreath will last a year and the herbs can be used fresh or dry. The French Herb Wreath ships nationwide so visit Creekside Farms to see it and more holiday varieties.

Cedar Lane All Natural Egg White Omelettes

Cedar Lane All Natural Egg White Omelettes
Now one of the easiest ways to serve your guests is to do a whole pan of scrambled eggs. However if some of your guests are watching their fat intake, these Cedar Lane Egg White Omelettes are an all natural and very delicious alternative. In the lead photo is the Green Chile, Cheese and Ranchero Sauce variety served with Alaskan Smoked Salmon. Microwave these omelettes on high for only 4 minutes and serve. Check them out at your local Wegman's, A & P or Stop and Shop. See all of their healthy entrees at Cedar Lane Foods

Red's Burritos served with Hampton Creek's Just Mayo

Red's Natural Foods Burritos
Burritos make great breakfast and brunch foods as they are easy to serve and eat. Red's are made with natural beef and chicken raised without antibiotics and taste most like my homemade versions.
Shown here are: Steak & Cheese and Chicken & Cheese Burritos served with a little sour cream and Hampton Creek's Just Mayo Chipotle flavor mayonnaise which has no egg yolks. I found these burritos at my local Wegman's in the Finger Food section! See more varieties of Red's Burritos at RedsAllNatural.com. Check out the Hampton Creek's Just Mayo varieties HERE.

Red's Burritos topped  with delicious Just Mayo Chipotle Mayonnaise 

Coffee, Tea & Scones
Scottish Scones are relatively easy to make as they have only a handful of ingredients. Still, these Barista Baking Company scones are pre-made to "Break & Bake" so no one need know they came from a package. They will just see them coming from your oven! Delicious yet traditional flavors like Blueberry and Orange Cranberry were our favorites. Each flavor comes with an icing packet which adds a lovely touch. See more flavors at BaristaBakingCompany.com

Scones served on Cheeky Plates.

Coffee & Tea to Go
One of the sweet things about doing a brunch is it allows guests to walk around and chat with the other invitees. You can make it easy by serving them with these Cheeky Paper Drink Cups with Solo Lids. They match the Chevron design on the paper plates which are also very light to prop on your lap. Fashionable, microwaveable and soak-proof. Check out all the Cheeky paper goods available now at Target Stores or online a Target.com.

Cheeky Paper Goods for your holiday brunch.

Tasty Nibbles
Holiday Cookies and Candies round out your brunch with tasty treats your guests can enjoy after the main course.

Lance's Limited Edition Season Favorites in: Sprinkled Sugar with Sweet Creme Filling, Chocolate Nekot with Mint Filling and Pumpkin Cheesecake are perfect because packs of 6 sandwiches stay very fresh. Put them out or leave them in the package in a bowl. They will disappear. See all the varieties at Lance.com

Lance Sandwich Cookies

Alter Eco Organic Sea Salt Truffles

Alter Eco Organic Sea Salt Truffles
These are Dark Chocolate Truffles made with coconut oil. Again, pour some in a candy dish and watch them disappear! Visit AlterEcoFoods.com online.

Suggested Reading: Top 100 Napkin Folds and 150 Best Dips & Salsas

If you are new to entertaining or have hosted parties for years, here are two books you might like to check out:

150 Best Dips & Salsas Plus Recipes for Chips, Flatbreads and More by Judith Finlayson and Jordan Wagman - Robert Rose
The title speaks for itself and this is by the authors of 750 Best Appetizers.  Crowd pleasing favorites like Spinach and Artichoke Dip and Roasted Onion Salsa are all laid out in a very straight-forward method. Easy to follow too.

Top 100 Step by Step Napkin Folds by Denise Vivaldo - Robert Rose
If you've ever wanted to WOW your guests with beautifully folded napkins at their place settings, this is the book for you. More than 1,000 photographs, this spiral bound notebook format allows you to prop it up at the table and follow along. Going from simple to elaborate there is something for everyone's table in this book.

Find both books online at www.RobertRose.ca

Bavarian China - Mine
Brunch Foods prepared and styled by me and provided by the respective companies listed herewith.

New Year's Eve in Altuzarra's Red Wrap Dress, Sam and Libby Over the Knee Boots

Red Wrap Dress by Joseph Altuzarra, Suede Boots by Sam & Libby

New Year's Eve in NYC in the area of Times Square is often called the biggest controlled riot on earth! I'm often in that area and there as always a current of pure electricity in the air. Whether you plan to join the crowd there to ring in the New Year or enjoy a toast at home with friends, you can look sensational doing it. Here are some style tips from top fashion designer, Joseph Altuzarra and shoe makers, Sam & Libby.

Lady in Red
Studies have shown that men are more attracted to women wearing the color red. Why not use that little factoid to your advantage?  Stop being a wall flower and take center stage by wearing: a red cap, scarf, top or go all the way in a RED DRESS!

Altuzarra Red Wrap Dress

Joseph Altuzarra's Red Wrap Dress
I picked up this dress from Altuzarra's Fall 2014 Capsule Collection for Target. If you look at his Fall 2014 runway show, you will see a similar but more complicated dress design in WHITE. As you can see, the fabric has a bit of sheen which makes you look somewhat like a gift wrapped present. There you go! This dress has a high empire waist and the included fringed belt is poetry in motion when you walk. Talk about fringe benefits.

All wrapped up...like a present.

This dress has a full zippered back

This dress has a full zipper in the back so it helps getting into it. The only thing I have an issue with is the wrap situation at the bust line. It will flop open on you so I would recommend putting a pin or jewelry there. Remember, Altuzarra is especially known for his high skirt slits! So this is what it looks like when you sit down.

Altuzarra Wrap Dress seated.

I am wearing Hanes Silk Reflections in Barely Black hosiery here but you can go with a bit more opacity for extra coverage. The back of the dress falls below the knee and hits the top of my boots. All things considered, I'm glad I got in on his capsule collection this season as this dress is a classic and very well made to dance the night away!

Sam & Libby Over the Knee Suede Boots
I wanted to contrast the shimmery sheen of the dress with the soft matte texture found with these Sam & Libby Boots. These are easily 5 inch heels and the rim of the sole is done in gold. The back has laces with gold grommets and tassel accents with a small zipper on the inside seem. This gives them a comfortable fit around the ankles.

Back Details on the Sam & Libby Boots

The back cuff of the boot is open which makes them easy to walk in. I've had a pair of thigh-high leather boots before and it was almost impossible to bend your knees in them! Not so with these. They fit amazingly for me as I wore them to lunch at Ruby Tuesday's. These are quality boots from Sam & Libby who are also known for their dress shoes.

Altuzarra dress and Sam & Libby boots.

JLo Tortoise Framed Rx Sunglasses-Mine
Dress & Boots-Mine

Stars & Stripes 4th of July Picnic Chic - Synergy, Horny Toad Organic Cottons

Stripes done right. Striped Tank Dress made of 100% Organic Cotton by Synergy, Santa Cruz, CA

Kick off the summer with a bit of picnic chic that is both comfortable and good for the environment (not to mention sexy)! I'm talking about organic cotton dresses which have come a long way from the beige burlap sacks I remember from years ago. Nowadays textures and hues go way beyond boring brown colorways.  Organic dresses are also expected to support an active, outdoorsy lifestyle many of us are taking to, so fit and ease of movement are going to be things to look for.

Synergy's Tank Panel Dress works on your bike (with shorts underneath)!

What I wear under it all. These Terry Liner Shorts turn anything into bikewear!

Synergy Clothing makes all their 100% organic cotton dresses right in Santa Cruz, CA and offer a fresh take on west coast design. You can take this dress from your Fourth of July Picnic and bike ride to dinner at the club afterwards. Very versatile, flattering diagonal cut with straps wide enough to cover underthings. This is a stretchy cotton dress so you may want to order a size down.

Synergy Tank Panel Dress in Navy/White from Terry Bicycle's Catalog

Lead Photo:
Straw Fedora Tinsley & Daphne Scarf by Pistil Designs
Tank Panel Dresses C/O Synergy Clothing of CA
Gladiator Stiletto Sandals by Mossimo of CA for Target

Horny Toad Dizziness!
First the stripes and now the stars. This organic cotton number by Horny Toad is one of my season favorites.  The Dizzie Dress shown here in Nectar offers soft cotton comfort with a bit of posh sundress flair - perfect from the beach to a dinner date. This is active-wear that just looks beautiful and fresh with an airy fit and two sweet pockets. Adjustable straps and a ruched back make for a perfect fit around the bust-line. Add a little cotton 3/4 sleeve topper for the evening's breezes and the fireworks you'll be (making) watching.

Organic Cotton Dizzie Dress in nectar by Horny Toad

Raffia Sun Hat by Helen Kaminski - Australia
Dizzie Dress C/O Horny Toad 
See my full Dizzie Dress Review on Lucky
3/4 Sleeve Topper by Cotton On
Vista Calf Leather Wedges in Alpaca Available at Nordstrom

HornyToad Dizzy Dress in Lapis

Shore Pleasures: Carve Designs, Fossil Bags, Mossimo Heels CA Style

Shore Dress and Maddie Button Knit by Carve Designs

Beach glamour from California incorporates a laid back attitude with a real appreciation for the outdoors. They days are warm but as soon as the sun goes down, the party is just getting started. You can transition right from the beach to a local club or dinner with ease. That's why this outfit is so versatile from morning to evening. Here's what's up with this sweet California chic style:

Shore Pleasures - CA Style

Hat: Scala Collezione Cowry Shell Hat - Dorfman-Pacific of CA
Dress: Shore Dress in Orient Blue Carve Designs of CA
Top: Maddie Button Knit in White by Carve Designs of CA
Purse: Vintage Crossbody Bag by Fossil
Shoes: Mossimo Perl Cage High Heel Sandals - Target

 
Scala Collezion by Dorfman Pacific Hats of CA
A hat can be the perfect friend, keeping the sun off your face and hiding swim hair problems on the beach! I purchased this straw hat in a resort store at Harrods in Atlantic City, NJ. I have several Dorfman Pacific hats but this is the finest straw one I own. Beautifully crafted, it's a must for a day on the beach.

Dorfman-Pacific Hat - California Styling

Shore Dress by Carve Designs of CA
I like the loose, drop-waist look of the Shore Dress and the adjustable drawstring front allows you to pick the length of the spaghetti straps! The waist is likewise subject to your own ideas as it has built in ruching and elastic.  Add a wide belt or a statement necklace like this cloisonne perfume holder below and you can seriously dress it up for a night of clubbing.

Beautiful cloisonne perfume holder statement necklace with Carve Designs Bikini.

Maddie Button Knit
When the sun goes down on Malibu, you can be comfortable and warm. This cover is made of a light and airy knit and can be worn over your swimsuit, Shore Dress or your cut-offs heading out for some ice cream. 100% cotton knit, it has a snap front, two front pockets and fitted sleeves that can be pushed up.  It packs down extremely well so there's no reason to test the night air without cover when the temps dip.

Maddie Button Knit Cover

Crossbody Bag by Fossil
To transition from the shore to the club or dinner is simple by adding a sweet little crossbody bag like this black leather one from Fossil. Just enough room to hold your cell, keys, a few credit cards and a bit of cash, sling it over your Shore Dress and dance the night away!  Small but mighty, it has so many sections and pouches for it's tiny size. This is a vintage bag but the closest current Fossil Crossbody would be the Stanton Women's Traveler below.

This Hinged iPhone case fits in the Fossil bag

Mossimo Perl Cage High Heel Sandals - Target
I picked these up at Target and really liked how great they felt when I first put them on. They are really comfortable for having a heel this high ("4 inch) but what I like is these are a bit edgy in a relaxed way.  The woven caning accents and the zipper in the back is super slick. Not just sexy but it makes getting in and out of the shoe super easy. These are nicely padded in the ball area and just look amazing for a night out. Expect the bouncers at the door to let you in wearing these!

Mossimo Perl Cage High Heel Sandal - Target

Similar to my vintage Fossil Cross Body Bag:

Fossil Stanton Women's Traveler Crossbody

Editor's Choice: Spray and Go Vaseline with Cocoa Butter Review

That's right, plain old Vaseline Petroleum Jelly but with a tropical twist.

I've always been somewhat ambivalent about body lotions. I mean every beauty editor out there (myself included), tells us to moisturize after our bath or shower.  Sounds simple enough but for years, I've not seen much benefit from doing that until now.

Sometimes we over-look the simple, (read inexpensive), options available even if they have been documented to work. I was watching a daytime talk show snip on YouTube. Dr. Oz was interviewing super models like Beverly Johnson who said she has used Petroleum Jelly since she was a child. When they tested her and the other model's skin, they found it was at least 10 years younger than their stated age!

They all spoke of using raw oils both inside and out but the Petroleum Jelly idea stuck with me. I decided to try the new Vaseline with pure cocoa butter and add it to my daily moisturizing routine. I later added up to about 50% pure, Nature's Approved organic extra virgin coconut butter to my jar of cocoa butter infused Vaseline.  Likewise you can enrich nearly any of your favorite products with pure, organic oils.
As Dr. Oz said, most of these raw oils, (used externally and internally), also have antioxidant properties which might explain their ability to help keep you young.

Organic Sweet Almond and Argan Oils via Natural Sourcing

The only change in my after-shower moisturizing routine is to apply my Vaseline-Cocoa Butter- Coconut Oil mixture over my favorite moisturizer. Vaseline in and of itself, seals in moisture, holding it in for many hours so it's like the icing on the cake over a good cream. Over the past few months, I've noticed my skin having a deep, rich glow and suppleness I haven't seen since I was 5! You don't have to do this every day either. If your feet and heels are dryer than the rest of your skin, apply moisturizer, some petroleum jelly and then cover with some wool socks over-night. You will wake up to softer, more dewy skin. Add a few drops of Organic Argan Oil and you have a deep conditioner for your hair. You can do some serious beauty multi-tasking here.

New Spray and Go Moisturizers from Vaseline

I really think they are onto something here, especially with their Cocoa Radiant formula.  Just think of all the hard to reach places you can spray for an all over moisturizing treatment. It actually absorbs very quickly so you can go ahead and get dressed.  The spray smells faintly of a sugar cookie. It's not greasy and offers multi-layer penetration. If you have time for an extra rich treat, top this off with the Vaseline Petroleum with Cocoa Butter. Yum! I also purchased the Vaseline Total Moisture Cocoa Radiant Lotion in the traditional pump bottle. Same basic formula as the Spray & Go which I think absorbs faster than the pumped cream.
 
The Cocoa Connection
Cocoa butter naturally contains antioxidants and theobromines which are close relatives to caffeine. This means products with real cocoa butter, (Theobroma cocao) will give your skin a bit of a lift and tightness. If you love chocolate, as I do, this is the moisturizer for you! I use these concoctions on my body, face and hair just like Beverly Johnson.  Obviously it's still working for her!

Cocoa is rich in antioxidants.  Here are cocoa supplements, a pod and beans in their natural state

Petroleum jelly is pretty inert and does not clog the pores despite it's oily rap. Marilyn Monroe was said to have gooped this stuff on before applying her makeup. I don't know about that but it is one of the best makeup REMOVERS I know of. Even when you add natural oils to the mix, PJ is still a lot less expensive yet more effective than many other moisturizing products.

Dr. Marie J. Miczak - Health & Fitness Author - Editor

The Secret of Staying Young
If you want skin like mine when you get to be, "ahem", 30 something, get started now.  If you'd like more tips on beauty, nutrition and fitness, check out my book, The Secret of Staying Young, Lotus Press on Amazon