Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Mid-Week Music Moment

Allah Las - Tell Me (What's on Your Mind)

Saw this band at Union Pool in Brooklyn about a month ago and they put on an awesome show. Love the California harmonies. It being a great escape from the cold/dry weather of NYC, and just making you want to go lay on the hazy Venice Beach amongst the artists, musicians and freaks, right?


Tuesday, November 20, 2012

The best thing you can give is your TIME

There are a lot of things to be thankful for this week and I can't help be reminded of that every time I read something new about the devastation Sandy reaped on the NE not too long ago. I'm a huge believer in philanthropy and am ashamed to say that when I moved to NYC my volunteer log slowly depleted. I've used every NYer excuse possible when it came to justifying my lapse; I work too late, it takes too long to get anywhere, I paid to go to a charity dinner just the other week.

I decided it's time to stop going down that selfish path and dedicated last Thursday to helping victims of Sandy through New York Cares. I chose to go to Staten Island to a distribution center, and with 15 other people, sorted through 4 huge storage facilities of donations from all over the US. We then proceded to Cooney Island to serve hot meals to those who stil do not have electricity and pass out boxed food to those in need of Thanksgiving supplies. And just guess who they put in charge of of making sure people only came through the line once! Yes, me, the most empathetic person in the world... I had to buck up though and explain to too many that we only had enough food for people to go through the line once and that it was not very neighborly of them to take from others.. Did it work every time? Nope, but no matter what these people needed it.

After such a selfless day, I just wanted to suggest a couple agencies that our hosting volunteer days for Sandy victims for those who have no idea where to start!

1. New York Cares 
Great, because they provide transportation for those NYers who don't want to spend hours getting somewhere. Albeit, a huge yellow school bus, but that brought back a lot of memories!

2. Jersey Cares

3. The Huffington Post 
 Huff has put together an interactive map of all volunteer opportunities for post-Thanksgiving. It's pretty comprehensive, and they will even add events that you send them.


Thursday, July 5, 2012

Obsessed with OCC! Yea, you know me...

So, I've been a little delinquent on my posting, but I started a new job that I can't wait to tell everyone about, but first let's get down to the business of beauty. 


About 6 months ago my beauty expert mom asked me to go check out a line for her up here in NYC. She told me that someone had raved to her about this product called Lip Tar by Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, which neither of us had heard of. Fortunately, they have a flagship store way down in LES, and it seriously took me 6 months to get there, and oh how I wish I hadn't waited so long! 


The name Lip Tar really makes you think of some thick, tacky, gunky lip stain that might be too aggressive, but on contraire, it is a feather-weight, satin lip stain that lasts through Starbucks, lunch, mid-afternoon and then you may or may not need a touch up before happy hour. What I also love about it is that it doesn't dry your lips out like most other long-wear lipsticks, nor does it feather past the lips if you use the right amount. Did I mention that it is also 100% Vegan? 


The only negative is that I'm not crazy about the packaging. The names aren't on the tubes, so it's really hard to re-order the colors online that you've already bought. I wish they had an applicator tip, so you will have to apply with a lipstick brush. Caution, the tiniest dot goes a loooooong way. Feel free to put a clear gloss over it if you are more into the shiny look. You can also mix the many different colors to perfect your very own! 


Below are some of colors I have been experimenting with lately... Radiate, Demure, and Queen. 





They have some pretty bold colors, which ones would you try?

Monday, June 4, 2012

Hip Skin Care Lines for Daddy-O

Men, one of my favorite demographics to educate, because 99% have no clue how to take of their skin. That’s why they need the women in their life to take charge and put them on the right track! Most men will openly fight using skin care products, but ladies watch your face wash and moisturizer levels closely, somehow you are running out a little faster than anticipated, right? I think that giving skin care to men as a father's day gift is pretty sly, because if they know what’s best for them they will say “thank you!” with a big smile and kiss. Also, they secretly want to know what all the fuss is about! Here are my top picks of lines to ease your man into.
Aesop








One of my favorite men's lifestyle website, Mr. Porter, and Australian brand Aesop have made the perfect partnership in this gentleman's grooming kit. The line promotes plant-based ingredients with antioxidants that will keep 'em looking young. With scents from sandalwood, neroli flower, and bergamot, you'll be nested into you man's nook and never wanting to leave. Includes cleanser, moisturizer, shaving serum, spray-on moisturizer, and lip cream in a posh travel bag.

Ren


This 100% natural skin care line is a very gender neutral, no frills about it type of line. There is no use of synthetic fragrances, so each product smells of the delicious ingredients that it is made of. So for daddy, I've picked a product with frankincense that makes my eyes flutter every time I breathe it in that is said to "hydrate, recharge, and revitalize".

Cellure Stem Cell Skin Care


Men love technology, and this line is beeping pretty loudly on everyone's science radar. Coming from adult human stem cell technology, it's the latest in skin care formulation and I think guys just get it, right? The line is 6 products, but I like that it's numbered so there is no way they can mess it up. Or am I giving them too much credit? With aloe and chamomile, the Recode Balancing Toner is great for men to use after shaving to calm any redness or irritation.




Friday, May 25, 2012

Off On Holiday



Now this might not be the exact place that I am staying while in the Hampton's this summer, but a girl can dream right? I can just see myself lounging by the pool while my dear friends are playing croquet on the lawn. Does anyone really know how to play croquet? Anyways, have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and remember your SPF!

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Oh, The Places I Will Go... and the 2-in-1 Beauty Products That Are Coming With Me.


One of my favorite things right now, with everyone else on the planet, is Pinterest. My board of choice is “Oh, The Places I Will Go”. Basically, it captures every travel destination that I desire to go. Whether or not I will cross them all off my bucket list is still TBD. Even though, I still find it to be one of the most inspirational boards to get you through a really bad day, and I recommend that you start one if you haven’t already. Everyone needs a little hope, right? 
Since summer vacation is right around the corner, I’ve put together a list of my favorite beauty travel accessories that give your more bang for you buck. The perfect products to travel with are the ones that have multiple uses. 

Use this for the perfect natural lip/cheek stain and clear gloss. Just throw it in your purse and you have instant access at your finger tips to a natural, oh I just didn't get off the airplane, blush. Airplanes always tend to dry me out and the clear gloss is a great lip moisturizer, too. 
Lcoation: Tobago Cays, The Grenadines 


       

I use these little flexible fusion, bonded honeycomb facial sponges when I travel to wash my face and body, because I have a slight aversion to hotel wash clothes. It easily removes make-up and exfoliates your skin to making it squeaky-clean. There is a soft side for more sensitive skin and a harder side for tougher skin or your body. It’s naturally anti-fungal, antibacterial, allergen free, and dries extremely fast. Plus, they come in so many vibrant colors! 
Location: The Maldives  


        


I’ve found this product pretty convenient while traveling, because not only does it supply me with a quick application of SPF 45, but also it gives a light, matte finish to my complexion. Not that same as a full make-up reapplication, but when you are running through the airport and need a little something, it comes in pretty handy.

Location: Portugal

              



This all-in-one make-up stick adds just the perfect color to your eyes, lips, and cheeks. The only trouble is picking your favorite color! I personally like more neutral shades, because it can be used as a highlighter or bronzer. 

Location: Bora Bora







For those high maintenance hair divas, like myself, this tool is a godsend. Basically, every time I go somewhere my suitcase is half way full with just too large of hair styling tools, so this little gizmo not only saves me room, but honestly does a great job styling by straightening and curling. The concept is user friendly and here is youtube video to show you how it works. 


Location: Puglia's Cave Restaurant and Bar in Italy



I love BIG hats. I wish I could wear one every single day, and actually I probably should start. Coolibar is a neat brand that only makes clothes and accessories that are UPF 50+. So not only do you have a great new big hat to compliment your tinsy, winsy bikini, but you’ll be protecting your face from vicious UVA/UVB rays. 

Location: Waterfall Island, Alto Parana, Paraguay



Off to the Hampton's this weekend and you bet each of these are in my suitcase! Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!