1. No Joke
On April 1, consider making the classic English dessert known as a fool. This concoction gets its name from the French foulé, meaning pressed or crushed. In the fool, that refers to crushed fruit. The simple dish incorporates fruit (often berries, but not necessarily; rhubarb is also good) and thick cream. Creative cooks interpret this sweet in a wide variety of ways. Think chopped walnuts, white chocolate, and plain yogurt in place of the cream. Present it to guests with a cheery “April Fool.” Click here for the Rhubarb Fool recipe.
2. Def Glam
Digital broadcast technology is prompting changes in the cosmetics industry. Magnified TV images have spurred the development of high-def foundation, which offers flawless coverage without the look and feel of a heavy product, says Birmingham makeup artist Jon Lieckfelt. Several companies are going high-def, including Mac, which launches its Prep + Prime products this month. Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation, $28, at Mac stores and cosmetic counters; maccosmetics.com.
3. Rabbit Is Rich
This Easter (April 12), give your honey a sophisticated bunny. For a limited time, Champagne Chocolates in Mount Clemens and Birmingham will be making white-chocolate bunny-shaped truffles filled with dark-chocolate ganache. $3 each, available beginning two weeks before Easter; champagnechocolates.com.
4. Penny Wise
Penny loafers may conjure up nostalgic preppy images, but like everything in fashion, the casual kicks are stepping back into style for guys. A contemporary take on the classic look is the comfy driving moc. The Cole Haan Howland Penny Loafer seen here is handsewn and made of soft pebbled calfskin. You can put your two cents in for fashion — and they won’t end up costing you a pretty penny. $145, at area Macy’s stores; macys.com.
5. Three Scents
For fashionistas, any collaboration that pairs Saks Fifth Avenue with Giorgio Armani is a match made in heaven. That includes Onde, Armani’s new fragrance trio for women, available exclusively at Saks. The three scents include Mystere, which evokes Moroccan rosebuds and vanilla; Vertige, with frangipani and jasmine notes; and Extase, a blend of Egyptian jasmine and pink pepper. $95 each at Saks Fifth Avenue, Somerset Collection South, Troy.
6. Global Glow
To celebrate Earth Day, reduce your electrical consumption by swapping incandescent bulbs with candlelight — if the candle is eco-friendly, that is. Aveda’s limited-edition 30th Anniversary Earth Month candle is made of certified organic ingredients, including lavender, lavandin, and clary sage from the south of France. Proceeds support the Global Greengrants Fund. $10, at Aveda locations.
7. Rustic Redux
This spring, fashionable women will be flaunting pretty peasant tops — appropriate garb for a time when shrinking 401(k)s have us all feeling a bit like feudal serfs. The re-emerged peasant look is more sophisticated than its last iteration, thanks to tighter fits, sheer fabrics, and sexy off-the-shoulder draping. Look for vivid patterns that go beyond floral to include geometrics (like the spring 2009 collection of Detroit native Anna Sui). This time around, the peasant look is more Soho, less boho. $78, at area Parisian stores; belk.com.
|
|
|
