Style and Focus News Bites

** Style and Focus PR would like to send out late condolences to the families of: Lena Horne, Dixie Carter, John Forsythe, and Lynn Redgrave.

** Congratulations to CW actors Jensen Ackles and Danneel Harris on recently getting married. The couple wed in Dallas over the weekend. (People magazine).

** After 'Iron Man,' Marvel hopes its other characters are as successful. The comic book publisher is hoping that Tony Stark and his red and gold super suit — once unknown outside comic book circles — show how second-tier superheroes can become billion-dollar franchises. The big question surrounding Marvel since the acquisition has been how much value its library brings to mainstream audiences that have never heard of Namor the Sub-Mariner, Dr. Strange or Ant-Man.

Before the release of the first "Iron Man" in 2008, few people outside those who frequent comic book stores had heard of billionaire Tony Stark and his red and gold super suit. Now he has generated more than $1 billion in worldwide box office and is Marvel's bestselling consumer products property, exceeding even Spider-Man.

Now Disney is hoping that Iron Man provides Marvel a model for turning subprime superheroes from its 5,000-plus character library into investment-grade franchises.

Now that Iron Man is a bestselling brand with worldwide appeal, Philips said, Marvel intends to keep him that way with new waves of products that will continue to be released until "Iron Man 3" hits theaters. (LA Times)

Lack of posts due to Rain

Sorry about the lack of posts last week. The heavy rain knocked out my internet access and was finally repaired.

Event: Attend a Private Screening of Sex and the City 2 in Sydney, Australia

Live in Sydney, Australia, here is a lovely offer from the luxury Observatory Hotel:

What:

A Private Screening of Sex and the City 2 on June 2nd. Be one of the first in Sydney to see Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda on Opening Night. You will be joined by the fabulous team from the Day Spa of The Observatory Hotel.

How:

By purchasing a $95 gift voucher before June 1st, you will receive a double pass to the private screening which also includes French Duval-Leroy Champagne.

To contact the Day Spa more information:

Phone: 02 8248 5250
E-mail: dayspahlc@observatoryhotel.com.au


(click picture for a better view)

Last-Minute Mother's Day Gift Suggestions

You knew Mother's Day was coming but somehow you ended up waiting until the last minute to get mom a gift. To give you some ideas, I've provided a few suggestions to help you celebrate:

-- If your mom is the Sporty type: buy her a couple of tickets to her favorite baseball team. Let her know you will take her out for a pre or post game meal to go along with the gift.

-- If your mom loves Flowers: instead of buying mom the traditional roses (unless they're her favorite), opt for different blooms such as Lilac, Sweet Pea, Lilies, Tulips or Orchids. If your the DIY type you can make your own flower arrangements and give it to your mom in a beautiful vase.

-- Mom keeps eyeing your new Coffee Maker: buy her one. Make it special by including her favorite coffee and also a new coffee mug.

-- For a mom who loves a bit of Culture: surprise her with brunch and a day at the museum or you can buy her tickets to an upcoming play she's excited to see.

-- For a mom who really enjoys Relaxing: A book or DVD she's interested in, lounge or sleepwear, a scented candle and a box a dark chocolate.

-- For the Sentimental Type: give her a digital picture frame with uploaded pictures of you (and of your siblings, if you have any) or a traditional framed photo of the two of you. Maybe include a bouquet of flowers with a future invite for lunch or dinner.

-- Mom who's into Fashion: buy her something really chic (that's in your budget) like an amazing bag or really great top. You could also plan a shopping day with mom complete with lunch or dinner.

-- For the mom who Doesn't want you to buy them any gifts: invite her over for a home cooked meal and also give her a bouquet of flowers and a nice bottle of wine.

-- For the mom who loves to Garden: buy her a new garden tool set, gloves, a kneeling cushion (in a bright color) and a beautiful potted plant.


I hope these suggestions work. Got a last-minute gift idea to share? Leave me a comment or an e-mail at styleandfocuspr@yahoo.com

Cinco de Mayo Margarita Recipes

Enjoy Cinco de Mayo with the classic Margarita or if you're looking for something a little more chilled after a busy day of work try the frozen Margarita. The DIY type of girl here are two amazing and easy recipes from Cocktail Times (cocktailtimes.com).

Margarita

Ingredients:

- 2 oz silver tequila
- juice of half lime
- 1 oz orange curacao (or Cointreau)
Garnish: lime wedge
Rim: salt

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Pour into a margarita glass rimmed with salt and garnish with lime wedge.


Frozen Margarita

Ingredients:

- 2 oz tequila (silver)
- juice of one lime
- 1 oz orange curacao or triple sec
- 1 cup ice cubes
- salt (optional)
Garnish: lime wedge

Direction:

1. Rub the rim of a margarita glass and dip it into salt.
2. Mix tequila, lime juice, triple sec and ice in a blender.
3. Pour into a glass and garnish with a lime wedge.


Drink Responsibly and Don't Drink and Drive!!!

Latest Obsession: Spaghetti Strap Dresses

There's just something about the classic Spaghetti Strap Dress. It's understated yet sexy and it shows off your shoulders (which is great after all the hard work I put in exercising).

To me it's like the perfect summer dress. You can wear it casual and loose for the weekends, fitted for an evening date, or polished with a cardigan or jacket for work.



Country Flirt Dress $13.99 Forever21



T by Alexander Wang Tank Dress $92.00 Blue & Cream (blueandcream.com)



Fronds Print Woven Dress $22.90 Forever21



Ralph Lauren Cotton Tiered Ruffle Dress $98.00 rugby.com



Cross-Front Knit Dress $19.50 Old Navy



Crochet Strap Dress by Vintage Havana $54.00 National Jean Company (nationaljeancompany.com)



Babydoll Dress $26.00 Charlotte Russe



Garden Spaghetti Strap Dress $22.80 Forever21



Free People Tiered Jeweled dress $118.00 Shopbop.com



Ruffled Spaghetti Strap Dress $32.00 Charlotte Russe



McGinn Floral Print Dress $195.00 Nordstrom



ECI Scarf Print Charmeuse Babydoll Dress $98.00 Nordstrom

Nesting: Liberty of London Picture Frame

A recent Spring cleaning stint had me looking to update a few things like old picture frames. I have been searching for a pretty black and white picture frame and found this Liberty of London frame ($9.99) at Target. I love how it's pretty without being overly cutesy. I bought a couple to place on my bookshelf.