Brunch Anyone?

I recently sat down with Brunch Critic's Hailey Tully and discussed probably one of my favorite pastimes in NYC. I love this website, because it really is the best way to find a new and great place whether you are looking for a $$$$ or an all-inclusive brunch for $, they have recommendations for it all. I don't know about most of you, but there are some Saturday nights where I will just stay home, so I can be in full form for the most important meal of the day. Read on to find out how I do brunch...Also, let me know what your favorite places are! I'm always open for suggestions...

Redken Real Control Conditioner

There are a few things that I am very protective about when it comes to beauty and my hair happens to be at the top of that list. My whole life I've done nothing but wash, round brush blow dry, and maybe straighten a few unruly hairs. However, two significant changes have happened in my life in the past year and I'm not happy about them, but am learning to deal.


1. Greys. Yes, I have them at the age of 26 and they are completely noticeably.
2. New York City. Probably the driest place I have ever lived, far from the 100% humidity of Memphis.


I've struggled over the past year trying to find the perfect shampoo and conditioner for my thick, processed, dry hair. Can I tell you how hard it is to find something that doesn't weight it down, but gives it enough moisture? Well right before I left for Africa in Jan. I ran into a salon across the street, because I needed a new conditioner, and it happened to be a REDKEN salon. I've tried a few of their products and it's not really my first choice, but I was desperate and leaving in 4 hours for the airport. I told the stylist my dilemma, and he recommended the REDKEN Real Control conditioner.


I hardly buy the same shampoo/conditioner twice but am now on my second bottle. This conditioner leaves my hair silky smooth and works better than any moisture mask I have used, while never weighting it down. I feel it working immediately in the shower and it never leaves a tangle. Go ahead and give it a try, because for around $16 you will be extremely happy with the results.

Grouper Sinks Its Hook

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been avoiding online dating like the plague. I truly have a not-so irrational fear of filling out all those surveys then relying on a computer to match you with your not-so soulmate. Then the actual date where you may or not be sitting across from Norman Bates. I might be the only one out there who hasn’t tried it, but call me old-fashion, I just believe in good ole’ organic dating. 
On the other hand though, after several months of complaining about no dates and endless dead end bar number exchanges, a friend convinced me to try Grouper, an online group dating source through Facebook. The only reason I consented was because, thank the lord, it was a 3-on-3 date. 


Here are the basics:

• You sign up through Facebook by basically becoming Grouper’s friend. And no, it doesn’t show in your feed and, yes, it’s secure.
• Apparently, they take your information from your Facebook profile and match you with a group of guys you might be keen on. Honestly, I believed they chose at random, but I think I was mistaken. 
• We waited about 2 weeks before we received an email confirming our date. I almost forgot we had done it! My guess is that either they are really lacking in guys or there is a huge waiting list?
• You then get to choose the two friends you want to take, and everyone pays $22($2 tip) for the first round of drinks at a bar that Grouper predetermines. Hence, how Grouper makes its money. 

Now for the date story...


Obviously everyone’s experience is different, but I honestly had a great time. Coincidently, or not, one of the guys was from my hometown, and we actually went to middle school together. We had never met before, but my other friend's mother had been trying to connect them. Could Grouper be collaborating with our mothers to play matchmaker? 


We met at NYC’s Orient Express, a smaller specialty drink bar, which I believe was a good choice for 6 people trying to get to know each other. We all got along fabulously and after several glasses of wine, a chinese fortune teller, and a great discussion on Tebowing, we wrapped it up around 1:30 and headed home with what all 3 girls hope are some new friendships. 


All-in-all, I recommend Grouper, but keep your expectations realistic and an open mind, and at the least you will walk away with some new pals. (I’ll keep you updated if any love connections come out of it though...)