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?

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.

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?

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

Mr. Porter Dapper Gentleman Grooming Kit $150

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

Frankincense Revitalizing Night Cream $55

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

Recode Balancing Toner $65

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.

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!

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. 

Benefit Pocket Pal $20 

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 

       

Supracor SpaCell Facial Sponge 3 Pack $28 

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  

        

Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Powder SPF 45 $30

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

              

Nars The Multiple Make-Up Stick $39

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

Remington Style Solutions Ultimate Stylist Flat Iron and Curling Iron $32.99

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

Hat Coolibar Beach Comber Sun Hat $35.00

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! 

Weekly Concert

Headed to Webster Hall tonight to see JJ Grey and Mofro, one of my favorite jam bands! 

Festival Beauty Survival

As a music festival lover, I've compiled a list of beauty survival tactics to get my fellow skin care fanatics through 3 day bingers without completely neglecting their skin.

SUNSCREEN 
Very, very important. Believe me, on your second day, you don't want to be sunburned listening to your favorite band while thousands rub up against you. OUCH! Try Neutrogena's Fresh Cooling Sunblock, Body Mist, SPF 70. It's UVA/UVB protectant while it cools and revives skin contact. Also, sweat proof and no-rub, which will come in very handy if the temp is anywhere above 80 degrees. $8.79

Wide Brim Hat 
Stay cool, by looking cool. Protect your face from the sun with this Urban Outfitters hat! On sale for only $20 

Water Spray  
Need a spritz? Evian Water Spray is great for removing perspiration, harmful salts, and instantly soothes and rehydrates sun-burned or wind-chapped skin. $11 for the 5 oz travel size 

Cleansing Wipes
This is for the sake of just staying clean. Simple sensitive skin cleansing wipes are very effective in removing dirt, make-up, and even water-proof mascara. $5.99

Tip: Use them to clean EVERYWHERE, if you know what I mean. 

Nails
I like a bold color for festivals, just make sure to add that double coat at the last minute to make it last. Essie's Secret Story is my fav. $8

Bandana
You can pick up a bandana at pretty much any local sport store, and believe me it really comes in handy. 

Tip: Spray your favorite scent on it and use it to cover your nose/mouth while in the porter potty. Simple, but very effective. 


What are your tips? I'm always looking for new ones! 

On Spot Blemish Treatments

When I was in highschool I looked forward to the days where my skin would magically clear up and poof! there would be no more blemishes. Sadly, this has not been the case, and once a month I get a few that pop-up thanks to mother nature.  I am pretty lucky though compared to 50 percent of women that develop on-set adult acne. Unfortunately, this can be brought on by such wonderful things as hormones, stress and pore-clogging cosmetics.

Spot treatments are a good way to fight blemishes after they form and speed up the healing process. Since I have tried just about every spot treatment I thought I would list a few crowd pleasers. 

Minimum to Mild Acne
Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Serum - $29

I suggest this natural product for users who need gentle, but effective hydroxy acids. It includes CoQ10 so it moisturizes while exfoliating. Other great ingredients in it are aloe, Vitamin C, apple, lemon, and willow bark to helps unclog and soothe.

Tip: Look for a combination of treatment and soothing ingredients to help keep balance in the skin.

Moderate to Severe Ace
La Roche-Posay Effaclar DUO - $36.95

This 2011 Allure Best of Beauty Breakthrough Winner does not disappoint. It contains a patent-pending combination of 5.5% Micronized Benzoyl Peroxide and  .4% of Micro-exfoliating LHA.

Tip: Remember BP can be a very reactive ingredient, so if  your skin is becoming more irritated it can mean 1 of 2 things: the BP particle is too large and not penetrating your skin, or you are using too much and need to reduce amount and consistency. Definitely, take it easy with this product.

Organic Treatment - Severe Acne

Gunilla of Sweden Lerosett $34

I found this product in a specialty store and honestly have not found anything else like it out there. It is 100% free of benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, and sulfur but works as good as anything on the market. The best thing about it is that it can be used as a cleanser, mask, and spot treatment. Just remember though that it is VERY drying, so I would only recommend to the extremely oily and severe cases.

Tip: Use it to help get rid of ingrown hairs, too.

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...)

Beginnings

This first post is dedicated to the inspiration for the name of this blog, Ms. Marilyn Monroe. Her iconic beauty and devious ways made her the envy of generations to come. She believed everyone should live there life with a little beauty and madness, and, if so, you'll be the life of the party, center of every conversation, and most certainly leave an impact on every person you meet.


This blog will serve as source of all things that inspire to live life with with much needed beauty and madness. This shall include mostly beauty, but also a little fashion, culture, and my mad life thrown in there.