27 March 2014

Have a Peachy Weekend

What are you getting into this weekend? My mum is flying into the city tonight to take care of Pilgrim, while we're soaking up sun and sipping fruity cocktails in Puerto Rico! I can't wait to take in the lush rain forest and beaches!

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A round-up of finds from around the web:


Bill Murray's Golf Pants.

And while we're on the subject of Bill Murry- the secrets of drinking champagne.

North America's Nine Nations.

So many wags!

This salmon recipe looks amazing!

Ghost Ship Legends...wow!

Love this Navajo bracelet.

Would you go on a date to see an astrologer? It sounds fun!

There is something subtly sexy about this sweatshirt.

A bevy of cowboys and a Pug? Oh, I like those apples.




Image: Pinterest.

Mountain Landscape Whiskey Flask

Do you tote a flask up the mountain when you go skiing? The gentlemen in our crowd certainly do. I'll admit I've shared a glass of red with a girlfriend before heading up the slopes! I'm in love with this Mountain Landscape  flask from etsy shop LiquidCourage. Wouldn't be a fun (and stylish!) gift for the man in your life?

Nice Sandals


Palm tree-laced vacations make-up for the Winters that linger. A great pair of comfy versatile sandals are a staple in my suitcase. I recently invested in a pair of Nice sandals from Joie in shimmery gold. I packed them for schlepping around Los Angeles last weekend and can't wait to tuck them into my carry-on for Puerto Rico this weekend! 


Paired with shorts for shopping during the day or with a maxi-skirt for dinner, these cozy gems are pitch-perfect. I'm tempted to purchase them in another color. Perhaps the minty-green? Check out the collection at Joie.

Origami Temporary Tattoos

Can you be too old to enjoy a temporary tattoo? From Wee Gallery, these adorable origami designs come in packs of (12) with four each of the cranes, foxes and fish for $5. Wouldn't they make fantastic party favors? All you'll need is a sushi platter and a few carafes of sake.


Image: Wee Gallery.

26 March 2014

Discoveries: March GLOSSYBOX


As April is approaching with chilly air lingering, I couldn't be more excited to pamper my body with the amazing items in my March Glossybox. Packed with skin nourishing elements and a pop of color, I have everything I need...

Alex & Ani Scent 7 Soap Bar Full Size $14 Included!
Shea butter is good for skin, but unrefined shea butter is mac daddy of moisturizers. This is precisely why this soap is so amazing. Blended with coconut oil,  spicy  herbs and floral undertones, the bar is designed with the goal of "harmonizing one's chi." It definitely perks me up in the morning!

Alterna Hair Care BAMBOO Volume Plumping Strand Expand | Full Size $22
The BAMBOO line from Alterna continues to impress me with their light, gorgeous formulas. This cream has a gentle scent and a little goes a long way to make your locks sing. A pea-sized squeeze blended into my hair blew dry with modest, sexy volume.

Etre Belle Cosmetics Liplift Peel | Full Size $17.80 Included!
Do you enjoy red wine? I do. I've also been know to wakeup after a night out with girlfriends with a red wine-stained lip. While it's probably not the purpose, this gentle lip peel is a little miracle worker in exfoliating away last night's good time.

Nails Inc Nail Lacquer in Brook Street  Full Size $9.50
I'm indebted to Glossybox for my introduction to Nails Inc. These polishes are amazing! Although they apply thin and dry quickly, they tend to be more chip-resistant than your average joe.  Tip: Invest in the Caviar Top Coat to best compliment the formula.

Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Masque | Full Size $158
Sisley products are so decadent! Sourced from plant extracts, the vitamin rich formula delivers amazing anti-aging affects by nourishing with vitamins and trace elements.

Bonus Item!
Alex & Ani Charm Bangle  Full Size $28 Included!
Who doesn't love the little bonus' in life? This pretty charm bracelet traveled with my to LA last weekend and I found myself twirling it, admiring it...swoon.

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Vintage Arrows


Have you ever used a bow and arrow? It's a bit tricky! I learned in summer camps as a kiddo! Wouldn't these vintage arrows be a fun decor focus in your home or office? And you'd be squared away should the zombie apocalypse become a thing. Purchase in sets of (5) at GallivantingGirls' etsy shop.

20 March 2014

Have a Sunny Weekend!

We're headed to Los Angeles for a long weekend! We'll be traveling north to wine country for a wedding, then circling back to Hollywood for some touristy fun and dinner at Sur. What are you getting into?
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A round-up of finds from around the web...

Gorgeous sandals I couldn't resist buying for my Spring holidays.

Your nose, knows.

These 3D drawings are fantastic.

Do you live Gluten Free? Something to consider...

A mouth watering sandwich.

This is the best gentle facial cleanser that I've tried.

Your doggy remembers your scent like you remember the scent of your mum's cookies.

I can't put The Goldfinch down

Long live tequila.





19 March 2014

Rabbit Tissue Holder

Wipe away your sniffles with this cute pink bunny's tissue dispensing derriere! Purchase at shopSparklyPony's etsy shop. March bonus: $10 off with promo "MARCH26."

18 March 2014

Discoveries: March Ipsy Glam Bag

It's as if Ipsy knew I was jet setting to warmer climates throughout the end of March. The Destination Beauty-themed Glam Bag arrived just in time to pack for Los Angeles and Puerto Rico!

The low-down...

bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Get Ready | Full Size $18
Bright lipstick hues are the ultimate indicator of confidence. Paired with a nice pair of sandals and a maxi skirt, you're set for dinner with this gorgeous pink-rouge lipstick. To boot, bareMinerales delivers consistently velvety and gentle color to your pucker-upper.

Nicole by OPI Roughles in On What Grounds? | Full Size $9 Included!
I have a love/hate (mostly loving) relationship with textured nail lacquers. While they tend to apply with ease and dry quickly (true story for Roughles), they also tend to chip more aggressively and resist nail polish remover. Putting that aside, I'm really into Nicole by OPI's formula. The color pay-off is gorgeous and I was chip-free for four days!

Be a Bombshell Eye Shadow Quad in  Bora Bora | Full Size $16 Included!
Eye shadow is one of those products that I cannot seem to accumulate too many varieties of. It's a problem. A problem that I openly embrace! I was so thrilled to discover the Bora Bora quad in my Glam Bag this month. The vibrant, build-able colors are stunning and pitch-perfect for vacation looks. Bonus: 40% off and free fuchsia lip pen w/ promo "ISPY40"

Mini Pixi Beauty Flawless Beauty Primer | Full Size $9 Included!
Just as my favorite primer ran dry, my supply was replenished with Pixi! The formula is gentle and versatile for use with powder or BB cream formulas. At a lower price point that other products in my rotation, it just might be my new go-to.
Bonus: 25% off your purchase w/ promo "FlawlessPixi"


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T.Hanks Cards

Splash. Turner & Hooch. Big. You've Got Mail. Need I go on? Tom Hanks is amazing. Blue Barn House has a fantastic set of Thank You cards with this clever T.Hanks print. Do you send Thank You cards? I'm a huge fan of the extra love that comes with snail mail gratitude.


Myth Understood Mug

This mug made me laugh! It's sage advice and well, adorable. Designed by David Olenick, you can purchase yours at Society6. Suggested extra credit: keep up with Nessie and remember to believe in yourself:)

TILO Dogs Wearing Ties Scarf

Regardless of the season, I always keep a scarf in tote. From TILO, you can can bow wow others with this modal/cashmere blend scarf featuring distinguished doggies w/ colored ties. Woof.

Discoveries: March Birchbox

Oh Birchbox. You made me smile this month when my Spring Forward March box arrived!

The lowdown on the goodies...


Air Repair Rescue Balm | Full Size $12
This is the one item I was hoping to find in my March box! With four flights coming in the next few weeks, it will come in handy to replenish my lips, cuticles, elbows and knees!

Gilchrist & Soames London Collection Body Lotion | Full Size $16
It's not my first rodeo with Gilchrist & Soames. I've stayed in hotels across Europe that stock their bathrooms with the fast absorbing lotion. It stirs up memories of loafing around Venice and hiking up to a Fortress in Montenegro! The scent is mild, slightly earthy and the formula is suited for Spring and Summer weather.

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Advanced Serum | Full Size $54
Jurlique products are so good (and I received two this month!). Crafted for the most sensitive of skin types, this serum is packed with natural antioxidants to prevent the signs of aging.  If you're not loyal to a serum yet, I would absolutely consider adding this to your regiment.

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Night Cream | Full Size $51
I'm a work in progress when it comes to washing my make-up off before bed and applying night cream! It's amazing how much better you feel when you do it (kind of like going to the gym!) Any who, this sample excited me enough to dedicate the first night it arrived to sample it. The rich formula is completely gorgeous with a pleasant rose scent and I woke up glowing.

POP Beauty In Liner In Black | Full Size $16 Included!
In liners scare me a little bit, albeit a safe formula! I'm working up the courage! If I don't sample this in the next few weeks, I'll pass it on to a girl friend.


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14 March 2014

Have a Playful Weekend


Hello weekend! What are you getting into? A trunk full of biscuits, perhaps? I'll be hitting up Battery Park with Pilgrim, shopping in SoHo for my Dad, getting a few productive workouts in and hopefully noshing on some delicious tacos.

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A round-up of finds from our the web...

These Lego paintings are pretty.

An inventory of all of the wigs worn on The Americans.

Sephora has unveiled their Pantone Color of the Year collection.

Rub kissing hedge hogs all over your body.

Good news, my fellow Oyster lovers.

A clever swimming pool.

Happy Pi Day!







Image: Maddie on Things.

13 March 2014

C&C California Open Back Dress

As a long-term fan girl of C&C California's cozy tanks and tees, I'm a wee bit overly excited about this sexy tank dress with a little peek-a-boo in the back. Purchase here.


Image.

A Blue Room

Would you ever consider a deep blue room? Do you have one? Our accent walls are creamy grey (kitchen), deep red (main room) and curry (bathroom). I'm kind of obsessing over this blue room with warm amber furniture. It literally glows! Check out more blue rooms at Apartment Therapy.



Image: Apartment therapy.

Thai Lettuce Wraps

Thai lettuce wraps are on my list of go-to delivery dishes when I don't have the time (or energy! I'll keep it honest here!) to prepare a meal at home. As it turns out, they're simple to make and  the Tone It Up camp recently offered a healthy twist on the savory dish:


Ingredients
  • 1 lb lean ground turkey (97% lean)
  • 1 Tbs grapeseed oil
  • Vegetarian option: 1 lb Tempeh in place of turkey meat
  • 1/2 small onion, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green pepper, diced
  • iceberg lettuce, washed & laid flat to dry
  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce if you are gluten-free, use GF Tamari)
  • 1/3 cup hoisin sauce (if you are gluten-free, use GF hoisin sauce)
  • sea salt, ground black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to taste
Directions
Heat oil over low-to-medium heat, add diced onion and peppers; cook for 2-4 minutes (or until onions are translucent). Add lean ground turkey, season to taste, and cook until turkey and juices are well browned. Turn off stove top, and set mixture aside to cool slightly (about 5 minutes). Meanwhile, line a tray with flat, washed pieces of iceberg lettuce. Wraps can be small or large, depending on the size of your lettuce leaves. Each “portion” should contain about 4 ounces of ground turkey. This dish pairs well with dark leafy green veggies like bok choy, kale, broccoli and spinach!

Chopping the veggies absorbed the lion's share of the prep-time. I had some extra celery in my veggie drawer, which I decided to modify the recipe for a little extra crunch.


The results are so yummy! The robust flavors from the Paprika, luscious peppers and soy sauce satisfy your hunger, without making you succumb to a food coma. I love the idea of serving these in smaller portions as appetizers (perhaps substitute smaller Spinach leaves) to your party guests.

07 March 2014

Have a Delicious Weekend.

What do you have on tap for the weekend? I'm lacing mine with yoga, margaritas and trips to Battery Park with Pilgrim (Have you liked him on Facebook?).

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A round-up of things from around the web...

The shadowing of Don Draper's face in the Mad Men teaser gave me a chill (English major nerd!).

"A bacon awakening beyond your wildest imagination."

A pretty cuff.

Bedazzle your walls.

I've heard a beer is good for you after a workout.

Beautiful images of deserted rural homes and barns.

A podcast on the George Washington Bridge.

Wouldn't you love to get you productive on in this space?

Chocolate chip cookie shots are about to be a thing.

Oh my gah! Gertie is too cute.






Image: Apartment Therapy.


06 March 2014

Freedom Tower View

When I moved to New York, construction workers were removing debris from the hole where Freedom Tower now stands as the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. Watching the slow and steady progress over the years has been pretty amazing. TIME has created a stunning site with gorgeous 360 views from the top of the building. Check out The Top of America here.

04 March 2014

Color Changing Umbrella

Grey, rainy days deserve a pop of color! Sara Glove feels me on this by way of their color-changing Umbrella. The black and white print morphs to a colorful bouquet when showered with rain. Who doesn't love that? Purchase one or a case (for your friends!) here.

03 March 2014

Mountain Post Earrings

The Pacific Northwest will always be in my heart, a trait which lends me to love these Mountain Post earrings from etsy shop The Angry Weather.  Crafted from silver/sterling silver, you can purchase a pair for yourself from the Montreal-based designer here.

02 March 2014

Discoveries: February Birchbox

You  may not be on the red-carpet this evening, but you can still bring-it to your Oscar party (even if it's just you, your husband and Pug). Birchbox collaborated with US Weekly to pull together their February box, which features celebrity favorites. The cute red box alone made me smile!

My monthly discoveries...

100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Mascara | Full Size $18
This all natural mascara tints lashes with black tea and fruit pigments. It took me a little while to warm up to the fruity scent, but the application is easy and not-too dramatic, lending it to day-looks.

Agave Healing Oil Treatment | Full Size  $40
When I think of Agave, I'm leaning towards a delicious tequila or healthy sweetener. Apparently, it's great for hair too! I tossed this sample into my bag for a long ski weekend in Vermont and instantly fell in love. The lightweight formula smooths hair and boasts a natural glossy appearance.  to boot, it smells incredible! I purchased a bottle last week.

Coola Tinted Matte SPF 30 for Face | Full Size $36
Sun protection is one of my key priorities in terms of skin care. I wear Coola's sun screen as a light moisturizer during the hot, humid summers. Unfamiliar to the Coola's extension into alphabet creams, I was thrilled to discover this tinted base! It feels so good and adds the extra measure of sun protection.

DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew | Full Size $42
Oil free and gentle, DFF moisturizing dew feels great as mid-day moisture refresh or smoothed over your neck in collarbones. If you're not familiar with this brand, it's definitely worth looking into. I haven't sampled a product from the line that didn't make my skin sing.

Harvey Prince Hello Fragrance | Full Size $55
Citrus and floral notes come together in a very nearly musky way to make this spray playful and versatile from day to night.

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An Adorable Four Year Old and Her Paper Dresses




Dubbed Mayhem by her mother Angie, this gorgeous little girl poses for Instagram (@2sisters_angie & #fashionbymayhem) in cleverly designed paper dresses. In the spirit of Oscars night, I've showcased a handful of her red carpet-inspired mockups. Will you be watching the Oscars tonight? I can't wait to see which celebrities little Mayhem mimics next! I've added Fashion by Mayhem to my feedly, perhaps you should too!

01 March 2014

Discoveries: February GLOSSYBOX

Glossybox dubbed February The Month of Love. This month's collection of goodies did not disappoint in terms of luxury and variation:

Anatomicals Puff The Eye Bag Slayer | Full Size $11 Included!
Forget the cucumbers, these gentle cooling eye patches from Anatomicals are the deal. The patches deliver intensive moisture to combat fine lines and restore elasticity. Tip from my camp: keep them in the fridge and pour yourself a glass of wine or cup of tea to sip when applying.

Pureology Serious Colour Care Colour Fanatic | Full Size $24
Branded as a multitasking hair beautifier for color-treated hair, I decided to pass this deluxe sample on to my 88 year old gran of whom still colors her hair. Bless. She loves the spray.

Lauren B. Beauty Nail Couture City of Angels | Full Size $18 Included!
I love receiving nail lacquers in monthly boxes! It feels like a total win! I schlepped Lauren B.'s gorgeously branded bottle to the nail salon this morning for a much needed manicure. The brush, according to the nail tech, is "not so good." I suggested she use another (which she did). She then asked me how much I paid for this polish (eesh, calm down I get it, you don't like a challenge!). Any who, let's put that aside. The chalky baby pink is pretty and will be just adventurous enough for those gals working the trading floor at a hedge fund without being risque.



Skin & Co Roma Truffle Therapy Serum Plus | Full Size $75
My experience with Skin & Co Roma has been limited to body products, which peaked my curiosity when I picked up the tube including two of my favorite things: decadent truffle mushrooms and ultra nourishing facial serum. The formula smells incredible (not like truffles we sprinkle over our eggs and pasta) and my skin slurps it up with enthusiasm.

Sumita Beauty Kala Color Intense Pencil | Full Size $15 Included!
I'm no stranger to Sumita eye pencils! These are the Cadillac of gentle application and lasting pigmentation. The formula is also safe to apply to your water line.


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