The Jennifer Beautiful Me Show.

My Sister, the Star

jmanos — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 04:44:26 +0000

My sister’s boyfriend is moving to L.A. in search of a job as a music producer. In order to prove he has the technical knowledge to get hired, he made the below video.

My sister seems to have a leading role in his video – doesn’t she look darling?

I am kinda obsessed with this video – he’s obviously super talented and I love the song he chose.

So here you have it, ladies and gents:

In living color

jmanos — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 05:02:25 +0000

Several readers expressed concern about my new Cole Haan riding boots. Perhaps they weren’t photogenic?

So, to allay your troubled minds – here they are in all their glory.

I think they’re adorable…thoughts?

The shoe Gods were smiling yesterday

jmanos — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:14:02 +0000

Like most women, I love shoes. In fact, I’ve devoted many posts to my love of heels. However, my feet seemed to be conspiring against me when a year ago they randomly grew a half size. Not only did I no longer fit into about 1/2 the pairs of shoes in my closet (believe me, there were almost tears…) but they grew to an obscene size 10.5 – a size nearly impossible to find.

You can imagine my horror, then, when I quickly realized that walking into a shoe store and leaving with a couple pairs of shoes was a thing of the past. Most brands do not carry sizes higher than 10 and others carry 11′s, which are (luckily) still too big. Even online shopping, a favorite sport of mine, has failed to produce favorable results.

But yesterday my luck – at least in the shoe department – changed. Nordstrom Rack must have taken pity on me for my quest of 10.5′s. I found four (yes, FOUR) perfect pairs of shoes in varying prices. Obviously I bought them all. Its not everyday that you can find “plus size shoes” that are actually decent looking.

What do you think?

Bandolino

Note the shorter heel, which is a new look for me.

Stuart Weitzman

The most expensive shoe of the four – but they look hot on and they’ll be perfect for summer weddings/events.

Enzo Angiolini

These were on sale for $23 – how could I say no? Plus, I love the color of these shoes – it’s a new look for my collection

Cole Haan Flat Leather Riding Boots

Seriously comfortable and effortlessly chic – the photo doesn’t do them justice.

It must be said that I have the world’s most wonderful husband. Upon arriving home with the aforementioned pair of shoes (and who am I kidding, a few additional odds and ends) Will was happy that I had found cute shoes to “fit my flippers” (his words, not mine, I was not amused!) I am so glad that I am not one of “those women” that must hide purchases from her spouse. You know me, it wouldn’t happen anyway!

Concerning? I think so!

jmanos — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 05:07:48 +0000

Occasionally I check my WordPress Blog Stats to see which search terms lead people to my blog. What I discovered today was concerning to say the least. The term “diddling my little sister” not only led to Jennifer Beautiful Me Show, but it found its way to this post – She’s not so little anymore.

Sick, sick people.

That’s all.

Quest for the Perfect Spring Fragrance

jmanos — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 06:41:09 +0000

I’m feeling a bit sick of my current fragrance choices. I tend to like spicier flavors with a hint of gardenia or similar scent. Some of my current selections include Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy, Dolce & Gabbana Rose The One, Michael Kors Michael and Flora by Gucci.

Have any of you tried anything new and different that you’re loving right now? Help please – your suggestions are welcomed (and encouraged!)

Image courtesy of TeamSugar.com

I’m Back With a Recap – RSAC

jmanos — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:34:03 +0000

Things have been mighty quiet here at Jennifer Beautiful Me Show. If you follow me on Twitter, then you likely know the reason, but for those of you that don’t I’ll spell it out – RSA Conference. Each year, the brightest minds in IT security meet up for a week of sessions, booth expos and debauchery. I’ve been quoted several times likening RSA Conference to Christmas (those of you that know my love of the IT security industry realize I’m being genuine) and this year didn’t let me down.

As most of you know, I was on the official PR team for the Conference this year which meant I lived at Moscone Center for the entire week. Despite the long hours (or maybe because of them) I had the most incredible week. I got to see some of my favorite reporters, finally met some of my Twitter “friends” and had a hilarious time with my SHIFT team.

So without further adieu, I present my top five moments from RSA Conference:

Kick-off Team Dinner – Monday evening the team went out to Annabelle’s for a night of many laughs and several cocktails. Luckily, we had a fantastic team assembled – the week wouldn’t have been nearly as fun without this amazing group of people.
The “Pig Incident” – While on the show floor, I ran into a large pig at a particular booth. I was somehow coerced into posing with said pig (see photographic evidence below) and then inquired if there was a person in the pig suit. When I was informed there was, I meant to see if there was a person beneath the fluffy folds, but was later accused of “attacking” the pig. I think we all know that doesn’t match up with my personality.
Codebreakers Bash – Every year the Conference holds a party and this year it took place at the Civic Center. One of the highlights of the evening was the hula hoop area and of course the team had to join in. I was clearly the worst and – after about ten unsuccessful tries – gave up, however the gentlemen in our group rivaled the professionals.
ABC7 – Vic Lee from ABC7 ended up covering the Conference and wanted show floor footage. Who showed him around and helped solicit soundbites from various IT security experts? That would be me. I don’t think I’ve ever received quite so many looks as I did that afternoon, wandering across the show floor with Vic and the cameraman traipsing closely behind.
Meeting iWoz – One of my favorite people, Steve Wozniak, participated in the closing keynote Friday afternoon. Not only did I get to watch it, but I got to MEET and TAKE A PICTURE with the Woz himself. Post-photo, I was told I resembled “a kid of Christmas morning” – to say I was excited was an understatement.

Images courtesy of Steve Maller Photography; Video courtesy of YouTube.com

I’ve been bitten by the travel bug

jmanos — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 02:41:25 +0000

This rainy afternoon, Will and I watched Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations – which we’ve both become obsessed with. This episode featured a trip to India.

During the episode, Anthony visited The Taj Lake Palace – also known as the location where Octopussy was filmed. After seeing the accommodations and the food, we’ve made our mind up. We will be taking a trip to Udaipur, India within the not-too distant future. This year we’re heading to Ireland so India will likely be a 2011 trip, but how amazing does this gorgeous hotel look?

Images courtesy of Travel and Leisure, Luxury Property, WeArePrivate.com

Lenten Promises

jmanos — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 05:23:57 +0000

It’s that time of the year again – Ash Wednesday is once again upon us. With Ash Wednesday comes Lent – and that means I have to give up something fabulous that is very near and dear to my heart.

Last year I gave up soda – and believe me, it was quite difficult – but this year I am giving something even harder, online shopping. As I might have shared a few times, I have a teensy little problem with Internet shopping.

Hopefully this will be a win-win – I’ll be giving up something difficult for 40 days and (hopefully) saving a bit of cash too. The happy husband is bonus, love it!

My Funny Valentine

jmanos — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 04:26:12 +0000

Hope everyone had a fabulous Valentine’s Day. At the House of Usher every day is Valentine’s Day – meaning I expect to be treated like a princess on a daily basis (tongue firmly planted in cheek), but we did plan a nice dinner to ring in the holiday.

As you may know, SF Strong Beer Week took place February 5-14. Since Will adores beer (especially the really strong ones) we decided to hit up Magnolia’s special 4-course Valentine’s Dinner, prepared by chef Matt Kerley. Here’s what we ate:

oyster, white bean, and olive oil soup with chervil
Kalifornia Kolsch
—
pork plate: kidney and liver terrine, potted rillette, crepenette
Sara’s Ruby Mild

****************

mascarpone gnocchi with rabbit sugo, and micro bulls blood greens
Cole Porter

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pan roasted scallops with turnip and parsnip soup,
chantrelle ragu, carrot jus
Saison de Lily
—
smoked duck breast with confit fingerlings, snow pea puree,
grilled chicories, duck jus
Blue Bell Bitter

***************

beer ice cream (imperial stout, quadruple, barley wine) & bread pudding
Smokestack Imperial Stout and Qaudruple

***************

Needless to say, the dinner was delicious and we left stuffed and a little bit buzzed.

I did have one disappointment, however. As many of you know, I have an unusual obsession with Brach’s conversation hearts. Last year I went a bit overboard enjoying this treat, but this year I couldn’t find even one bag. Not one! Every grocery/drug store I entered (of course searching for my favorite holiday treat) carried the wrong brand – Sweethearts. Oh well, hopefully I’ll have better luck next year.

Lusting for the perfect nude pump

jmanos — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:00:08 +0000

By now, most of you are aware of my fondness for my desktop Shopaholic’s Daily Calendar.

This time, one of my favorite shoe designers provided some fantastic advice on wallet-conscious shoe shopping tips.

If you’re going to buy just one pair, make it a neutral-color pump with nothing that imprisons the ankle.

- Christian Louboutin, on shoe shopping

Nude pumps are always at the top of my list for two reasons – they match with every outfit and they create the illusion of elongated legs. Really, what women doesn’t want that?!?

So, in the spirit of Christian Louboutin’s fashion rule, I’ve pulled some of my favorite lust-worthy options from the man himself. Happy dreaming, ladies…

Images courtesy of Saks.com