Top Chef Seattle Finale Tonight!

 

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i was ever so excited this past november to see that one of my fave shows top chef would be taking place in my hometown seattle! 

 

brandon and i have very different opinions on what constitutes good television, but both agree that top chef is definitely good television.  this season was fun to watch not only because of the beautiful backdrop of a city i love so much but also because the contestants were extra likable and talented. 

 

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we started the season a little differently with 21 chefs competing at each of the judges restaurants for a final 15 on top chef.  it was a fun twist and change to the show and the ended up with a good group of chefs. 

 

one of my favorite episodes was episode five.   they started off in the wee morning hours at pike place and prepared breakfast for all the vendors.  it was exciting to see them dash around and struggle to come up with a creation to please all the vendors.  the winning team of bart and (my favorite) sheldon were granted immunity due to their Green Forest Breakfast Sandwich (click for recipe).  immunity turned out to be key for this episode as their elimination challenge was to create a dish, by drawing knives, to feature an ingredient created by the vendors at Pike Place.

 

some of the options were unique and interesting and cj and tyler drew spicy dill pickles.  piece of cake right?  wrong!  the judges table that evening concluded that there would not be a winner for this challenge (shocker!) and the banter between cj and the judges table was comical. 

 

unfortunately for poor cj & tyler, their pork crumpet burger with fried spicy dill pickles just wouldn't cut it and so it was time for them to "please pack their knives and go".  cj was one of my favorites and while it was sad to see him go, he ended up doing pretty darn well in last chance kitchen. 

 

cj was the first chef eliminated that i really disagreed with by the judges but had agreed with the judges opinion for most of the season...that is until episode 11 - restaurant wars.

 

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i always love the restaurant wars episodes!  and this one ended up being boys vs. girls, even more fun! 

 

this episode killed me for many reasons.  chef stefan was the most entertaining with his front of the house antics.  diners enjoyed the food at sheldon's restaurant so much they wouldn't leave!  there are all these great soundbites of stefan trying to persuade diners to leave with booze and pats on the back, only for him to return to the kitchen to say "get them the f*ck out of here". 

 

the gorgeous chef kristen was the other chef with the winning concept and perhaps one of the most promising contestants of the season.  this episode is where things went all wrong and the person to blame is josie (and the judges quite frankly).  poor time management had plagued josie all season long and her dish ended up sending kristen home. 

 

this episode had the judges arguing like crazy and padma showing a side i've never seen before.  and so to the contestants surprise, as well as every viewer watching, kristen was sent home and josie was safe.  i tweeted that night (as did everyone else it seems) in outrage, but knew deep down inside we would be seeing kristen again. 

 

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Bravo.

 

and we do...in the finale, tonight.  that kick ass chef battled her way through last chance kitchen and returned to compete against chef brooke and sheldon for the final two spots of top chef. 

 

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and then there were three.

 

and a great and fitting and appropriate three they were.  while i was pleased to see kristen return to the kitchen, episode 16 was a sad one for me.  the sweet and smiley sheldon was sent packing and i was surprised by how sad i was to see him go.  i have a feeling however that he may end up winning fan favorite (which you can still vote for #chefsheldon). 

 

and so my friends the season ends tonight with these two very talented chefs.

 

 

and i have to admit, i was feeling a little torn on who i wanted to win.  and then the more i thought about it, the more i realized that duh, i want chef brooke to win. 

 

chef brooke is the co-owner and co-executive chef of the tripel (one of my neighborhood faves - get the sweet potato tater tots - they are incredible) and hudson house (dying to go after reading her review).  brooke has done an incredible job all season winning a lot of the challenges and creating innovative recipes and ideas.  her most creative concoction may have been her take on "surf & turf" with the winning Mussels & Frog Legs with Celery Root & Fennel Purée, Papadums & Shallot Chutney. 

 

and so while i am sad to see the season end, i think this season of top chef has been one of my favorites.  not only because of seattle, but also because i felt for a change, all the contestants really cared for and respected one another. 

 

don't forget to tune in tonight, February 27th 10/9c for the first ever live finale and to see who will be crowned top chef!  GO BROOKE! 

 

*this is a sponsored post by bravo but all opinions are my own*

'Tis the Season - Shopbop $100 Giveaway - Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent

 

i just love the holidays!  i always say that thanksgiving would be my favorite holiday if i didn't enjoy giving (and receiving) presents so much! 

 

well guess what!  the nice people at shopbop have provided me with a $100 giftcard to reward to one lucky ybb reader! 

 

shopbop is my go to website to always browse all of the greatest items from all of my favorite designers!

 

one designer i have always enjoyed is twelfth st. by cynthia vincent.  i love her use of color, prints and most of all her dresses.  simple, clean and sexy. 

 

i currently loving the printed challis grocery bag twelfth for some grocery shopping and these wells gold trim riding boots are just beginning to be worn in the current rainy conditions in l.a.  the gathered strapless dress and pleated shirtdress would be perfect for the holiday season in that gorgeous shade of red.  best part - the boots and dresses are all part of the twelfth st. by cynthia vincent sale going on right now!

 

TO ENTER:

 

*leave a comment below telling me what you would treat yourself to from shopbop with the $100 winnings (be sure to leave your email as well)*

EXTRA ENTRIES:

*please leave a new comment for all of the additional entries*

1. become a follower of ybb via google friend connect at right

2. follow shopbop (@shopbop) on Twitter

3. tweet or retweet this giveaway and be sure to tag @lyndsylee

 

the contest closes on december 9, 2012 at 5:00 PM PST and i will announce the winner on december 10th! 

 

good luck and happy shopping!

 

*this is a sponsored post but all opinions are my own.

Desperately Seeking Sully ~ Work It Out

the nice people from brand about town and gap sent me an amazing box full of fitness goodness this past january and let me just say, i am loving every piece!  my favorite pieces that i wear all the time are the gfast capris, leggings, pima cotton tank and full-zip jacket. 

the capris are perfect for circuit works!  they go with everything, suck me in, prevent camel toe, and wash nicely.  the pima cotton tank is seriously AMAZING.  it doesn't cling to my body and is the perfect texture.  perhaps my fave and most used item that i received however is the full-zip jacket (in pretty blue) that i honestly wear every time i work out.  stylish, slimming and complete with thumb-holes (my favorite part), the jacket is a must-have in every single color (currently eyeing the peach, neon green and white - no joke!). 

the gapfit collection is quality products with much more affordable price points then say lululemon.  the items fulfill all my fitness needs and leave me feeling proud of the workout i just accomplished.  i highly recommend all of their products (i have numerous other tanks by them as well as other pants) and think even if you are a devoted fan of lululemon, you will be happy with the gapfit product. 

i can always be found browsing the sale racks at bloomingdales and one day happened upon a pair of the nike filament capri for around $20.  i figured the pants would do and didn't think much more of them.  turns out they are of excellent quality and allow me a lot of ease and function while working out.  i love them so much that i am constantly searching for additional pairs in different colors!  the brighter the better.  which is why these nike relay capris may just end up shipping to my home tomorrow i love the turquoise color so much. 

when i wear these pants i feel motivated and take on an attitude like the nike motto - just do it. 

don't you just love it when you find workout clothes that are totally affordable and actually work?

the answer is um yeah, duh! 

i have made it a point to check out old navy's active line at least twice a month as they are always marking items down at unbelievably low prices.  my all time favorite sports bras are from old navy!  the adjustable strap sports bra is available in a variety of colors and holds my little boobs in place rather well. 

i also picked up a pair of the active compression capris in all black and i just love them.  they keep me sucked in and feeling slim and wash really well, did i mention i got them for less than $20?  love a great deal! 

the item i have been eyeing for the past few weeks and waiting to go on sale is the active bubble tank that feels nice, doesn't cling to my waist and is stylish and cute.  i have been waiting for a while now for it to go on sale and think i may just have to purchase it already for full price i like it so much.

i think i may just be the only person who works out in my circuit works class that doesn't wear lululemon head to toe.  in fact the only lululemon item i own is a headband (that i love! read my review here).  it's not because i don't wan to...it's just that i can't really justify spending so much on workout clothes.

however, i think i am going to have to breakdown and buy either these awesome purple fast and free crops or these darling polka dot inspire crop ii.  my roommate swears by their pants, as does my girl christy.  i just hate spending so much!  however when i see how cute peoples butts look in them, i am not sure why i am delaying...

another brand that i have heard only good things about is zella from nordstrom. 

i am extremely picky with my tanks i work out in, but am crushing hard on this peekaboo tank.  love the stripes and the pink contrast at the bust.  keeping up with my love of pink and all things bright, my gapfit full zip jacket needs a companion so it can catch a break.  which makes me think this no 1 sport jacket needs to make its way home with me very soon. 

what's your workout style? what brands or items can you not live without?  do you think the more you spend the better quality? 

*the gapfit items were generously gifted to me, but the opinions above are completely my own - they really offer great, affordable workout gear at a fraction of the price - be sure to check out gapfit at your neighborhood gap* 

Shopbop $100 Giveaway Winner!

yippee skippy!  it's time to announce the winner of the shopbop $100 giveaway!  

i was so excited by the number of you who entered and am excited to announce that comment #50 was the winner!  and that winner is JOAT!

 (sorry for the terrible pictures, working on b's laptop and not sure how to print screen so i went with a camera phone pic of both items)

congrats jamie!  

thank you to everyone for entering!  i also want to thank the nice people at shopbop for hosting this fantastic giveaway!

be sure to check back again soon, as i have another giveaway in the works!

Shopbop $100 Giveaway - Tory Burch, Jeffrey Campbell & More!

happy monday! 

i am so excited to bring a fabulous giveaway to all of you readers courtesy of shopbop!  shopbop is my daily go to for all things trendy, lust-worthy and fantastic!  

shopbop carries a fabulous array of designers and i currently have my eyes on some tory burch sandals, and am obsessed with these jeffrey campbell sandals in coral (hot color for spring). 

 after seeing blake lively sport these theodora & callum espadrilles, i instantly desired their tribal take on fashion for myself (including the coral geometric scarf above).

and now one lucky reader will get to indulge in their own shopbop luxury with a $100 gift card to spend however you like!  be sure to +1 shopbop to always be in the know with the latest arrivals and newest trends. 

TO ENTER:

*leave a comment below telling me what you would treat yourself to from shopbop with the $100 winnings (be sure to leave your email as well)*

EXTRA ENTRIES:

*please leave a new comment for all of the additional entries*

1.  become a follower of ybb via google friend connect at right

2.  follow shopbop (@shopbop) on Twitter

3. tweet or retweet this giveaway and be sure to tag @lyndsylee

i'll announce the winner on april 12th!  good luck!!!

Gift Guide #3 ~ Give the Gift of Gap {GIVEAWAY}

Being the generous people we all are, every so often it is nice to treat yourself to a little holiday cheer!  And the nice folks over at Brand About Town and The Gap are helping make that possible with a free pair of Gap jeans! 

To enter leave a comment below with the item(s) you want most on your Gap Wishlist.  You will earn one entry for leaving a comment below (please include your email address) and a second entry for tweeting (@lyndsylee) about this giveaway (please be sure to leave a second comment that you tweeted for your extra entry).  The contest will close at 11:59 PM PST on December 18th!  Good Luck!

I have become a true believer in Gap jeans and can be found wearing mine every weekend!  In addition to their fantastic jeans, I basically want just about everything in the store every season.  My Gap Wishlist is below and I am hoping a certain Santa is taking note and making purchases...

faux fur coat - so soft and gorgeous!

1969 ponte five-pocket leggings - most comfortable pants ever!!

metallic blouse - love the leathery look

cozy squirrel socks - shout out to my AGD secret squirrels!

gFast capris - cause i could use some more workout pants for cw!

quilted knit bomber jacket - it makes me feel warm and cozy just looking at it!

heart print henley T - um...could this be any cuter?  i think not!

Good Luck Everyone!!

Recent Purchases ~ Apothica.com

The generous people over at Apothica provided me with $100 to spend on anything over at their site.  Talk about exciting stuff!  As many of you know, I am a bit of a beauty product junky and Apothica offers so many products I adore and use on a daily basis at affordable rates and free shipping on orders over $49! 

I immediately added the Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster to my basket as I had been eyeing it for over a year now.

The Truth Serum Collagen Booster smells absolutely delightful and provides a nice little pick me up to my morning routine.  The energizing tangerine scent instantly wakes up my sleepy face and gives a little perk to my drab skin.  It also creates a nice barrier between my face and LA's toxic air pollution.  My only regret with purchasing the truth serum is that I didn't buy the Three Little Wonders Box Set (as seen above) which I believe would have provided more dramatic results. 

In any case, Ole Henriksen carries a variety of beauty products I am dying to try including this African Red Tea Glow To Go.

My next purchase was the Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day Liquid Eye Liner in Carbon Black.

I love the look of liquid eyeliner so much and I have concluded that my favorite type of liquid liner are "pen" style.  They glide on so much easier and create the perfect liquid line.  The Stay All Day Liquid Eye Liner is a wonderful beauty product.  It stays on all day as promised and lasts a really long time.  I used it at least 3-4 times a week and purchased it back in February and only just ran out of it this weekend.  For $20 you get a great quality product that lasts a long time.  FANTASTIC!

The third purchase was a little more difficult to select as I wanted so many things.  I however decided to share the wealth and purchase the Voluspa 3 Wick in Decorative Tin French Bourbon Vanille candle for B.

B had just moved into his new place and it needed a little accent that not only smelled "manly" but also matched his dark wood decor.  I am already a devoted fan of Voluspa candles and wanted to introduce B to my fave candle distributor.  While I enjoy almost every single scent they offer, I needed to find one for B that wasn't overly perfumey or in an ultra girly casing.  Check and Check. 

I have to say that I was over the moon for all my purchases from Apothica.  They shipped my items in a timely matter, and threw in some free samples to try.  A nice added touch was that a consulting rep from the site sent me an email to follow up on my purchases and product satisfaction.  Never had any of my other beauty sales rep follow up on an order, love their customer appreciation!

Since I have exhausted my last order officially, I have begun hunting for my next beauty purchases...currently in the lead are:

Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Glitter In The Air 

perfectly wispy - reminds me of cotton candy at the fair

Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in Across the Universe

loving the blue and green glitter combo - gets me excited for Seahawk football (fingers crossed)

Eminence Blueberry Soy Night Recovery Cream

I am still on the hunt for a good night cream and I am completely sold by the fact that the words "blueberry" and "recovery" are in the same product title.  I have read all the wonderful benefits of eating blueberries and figure, it must be good to place directly on your face as well, right?  Added bonus, the products is organic. 

I am pretty sure my shopping cart will be full to the brim once I finish looking at the website.  I highly recommend trying Apothica for your next beauty purchases, they have a great return policy as well and guarantee the lowest price. 

Get shopping my beauties and be sure to share what you buy or love!

Beauty Giveaway! Enter to win an Apothica $25 Gift Card!

Ever since I was little, I have always been obsessed with beauty products. I believe my mother played a big role in my obsession and she was also the one to introduce me to Smashbox Cosmetics.

I love Smashbox! Their products are high quality and always leave me feeling my most beautiful. Some of my favorite Smashbox staples are:

 Halo Hydrating Powder in Fair

It provides wonderful coverage and leaves my skin glowing and dewy. My favorite feature of this loose powder is that you just shave off a little every time you use it, eliminating the mess and waste often associated with loose powders.

 

Face and Body Brush #19

Most people are not aware that good brushes really make a big difference in make-up application. I use the Face and Body Brush #19 with the Halo Hydrating Powder and am left with almost perfect looking skin. The brush is oh so soft and provides the best coverage possible.

 

O-Glow Intuitive Cheek Color

I received this little gem from Mrs. Reynolds and I have to say it is a great little item to carry in your purse. Not only does it give your cheeks a beautiful healthy pink glow, but I use it on my lips and throw on a clear gloss and then I have pretty pink lips to match. Love items that you can get double duty out of.

To Enter:

Please leave a comment on YBB letting me know how you entered the contest (descriptions below)

and

what you would spend the $25 on.

For each task you complete you will receive one entry.

Please remember to leave a comment describing how you entered.

Option 1: Twitter

1. Visit Apothica.com and Tweet about Apothica on your own Twitter Account

Bonus Entry: Retweet Apothica’s tweet about @lyndsylee giveaway

Option 2: Blog

1. Visit Apothica.com and write on your blog about what you think of Apothica

*Please copy and paste a link to your blog post in your comment

The contest is open internationally, but Apothica does not ship to all countries.

You have until Sunday February 27th to enter, a Winner will be announced Wednesday March 2nd.

Good Luck my Loves!