DC Cupcake Season Finale –Katherine and Ben Get Engaged!

Cupcake Engagement Ring!

This month reality TV series DC Cupcakes premiered the season finale of their 2nd season. The show, which is centered around two sisters, Katherine and Sophie, who traded their corporate jobs to open the cupcake bakery, Georgetown Cupcake.

The finale, labeled “Katherine’s Surprise”, follows Sophie as she attempts to plan and surprise her sister with an engagement party for her and fiancé, Ben. Funny enough, I was there for the party and taping of the episode (random, right?). Although until the finale aired I wasn’t able to talk about it –I signed a waiver.

Enjoying my amazing cupcakes gift box! Dress: Nicole Miller

Ben and I share a very close mutual friend who asked me to be his date to the event. I’m not sure what I was expecting out of a surprise engagement party –maybe a huge crowd and an even larger cake? Frankly I didn’t care. It was filmed in mid-January, back when I was recovering from a partially collapsed lung (and you thought you had a bad week), and needed out of NY. Any excuse to get out of bed, void of take-out and sweats and put on a form fitting dress (ahem Nicole Miller) sounded like a dream.

The party was hosted in a private room at contemporary Asia-French fusion restaurant, OYA. I walked in and was surprised to see it was an intimate gathering of close friends and family of maybe 25 people…and uh, me!

Ben and Katherine walked in and we’re both glowing, as the crowd yelled surprise. I would like to take a moment to appreciate the ginormous cupcake engagement ring Sophie made! It was unreal!

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Kiehl’s Partners with Michael C. Hall and Chloë Sevigny

It seems like skincare brand, Kiehl’s Since 1851 is always up to some cool, philanthropic initiative –probably because they generally are! This year in celebration of their 160th anniversary (go Kiehl’s!), they are collaborating with Michael C. Hall and Chloë Sevigny to help clean up both our waterways and our skin!

In their latest charitable and environmental endeavor, Michael C. Hall and Chloë Sevigny have designed a special limited edition label for one of my favorite Kiehl’s products, their Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque ($23). Kiehl’s will be donating 100% of the net proceeds (up to $100k) of this Limited Edition Label Art Series to the Waterkeeper Alliance, a grassroots advocacy organization that works to protect and preserve our waterways.

I am addicted to this mask—err masque! It’s formulated with fairly traded Amazonian White Clay that helps detoxify skin and extract all of the dirt and oils out of pores and helps minimize their appearance. I use it after the shower on days I have big events and it evens out my complexion and makes my skin glow. My makeup even goes on better after using it.

For more information visit Kiehls.com

Lara’s Latest Skincare Obsessions

Woowzer! There are some great new skincare products on the market. I’m constantly amazed by all of the new technology and natural resources brands are discovering (and testing!) to keep our skin looking vibrant and youthful. Here’s what I’m currently obsessing over!

1. KORRES Quercetin & Oak Antiageing Antiwrinkle Eye Cream – $42

An instant-lift eye cream that is clinically proven to fights wrinkles, increase elasticity, and reduce puffiness and dark circles. I feel much more awake after application and love the texture and feel –it soaks right into my skin! Plus it’s rich in antioxidants and free of parabens and sulfates.

2. Kiehl’s Rosa Arctica Youth Regenerating Cream – $60

This hydrating cream is formulated with a rare “Resurrection Flower” which re-awakens cellular activity and reduces lines and wrinkles while improving firmness. At first I didn’t understand what all the hype was all about, the unusual texture (it’s a little waxy) through me off. Then I got a tip to rub the product in between my finger prior to patting it only skin and now I’m loving the absorption and results.

3. La Mer The Regenerating Serum – $250

This anti-aging, lightweight elixir harnesses skins natural production of collagen, elastin and reduces the appearance of pores, lines and wrinkles. It smells divine, quickly absorbs onto skin and is not the least bit tacky. My skin

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Jo Malone Collector’s Edition David Hicks Candles

David Hicks for Jo Malone Decorated Home Candles

How AMAZING are these candles? I’m already a Jo Malone fiend (especially for her candles); but now I’m positively obsessing over their partnership with David Hicks to create the Decorated Home Candles collection.

Known for his eclectic mix of old and new, David Hicks was one of the most influential British designers of the late twentieth century. His son, Ashley Hicks (also a designer), explored his father’s archive to reinterpret three classic geo-patterns, each reflecting a modern scent of Jo Malone.

The three scents chosen for the Decorated Home Candles are some of my favorites from the Jo Malone collection; Lime Basil & Mandarin, Pomegranate Noir, and Red Roses. The patterns paired for each candle are reminiscent of David Hicks work through his son’s eyes.

“The lively Riviera pattern, matched with Lime Basil & Mandarin, transports me to summers spent in the Mediterranean, while the shade for Hicksonian, pared with Red Roses, is

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