Have a Bubbly Weekend

How is it possible for a short week to feel so long? It's been hectic and exciting, but I'm ready to relax! What are you getting into? We are making our annual pilgrimage to the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic for an afternoon of champagne, finger sandwiches and stomping of divots.

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A round-up of finds from around the web:

Adidas will print your favorite instagram on a pair of shoes.

Pet brands target owners that make their pet's food themselves.

New York: This isn't Paris.

Canada would like your start-up on their territory.

A charming Brooklyn home.

While on the subject of Brooklyn real estate, I love this 145-year-old church converted into a home!

Adorable ice cream cones.

The everlasting ridiculousness of the state of Utah.

Love this sexy little skirt.

These are making me hungry!




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Beautycon NYC 2014

Beautycon NYC took over Pier 36 in lower Manhattan last weekend and I am excited to share that I snagged a ticket! I opted for the PRO (allows you to slip to the "head" of the line and take home a tote bag filled with cosmetics, snacks and lifestyle products). 

I rolled out of a cab a little after nine and tucked myself into the line (wait, line? I paid a premium to skip the line, right?). After about an hour, I was in the doors of the event, thankful that the grey, ready to shower sky spared me.

Let's keep this simple and break down the event in bullet points!

Perks: 

• Awesome goody bag packed with new-to and not-yet released drugstore cosmetic products.
• Open bar (wine and bottled cocktails) and snacks (pop chips and boom chica pop) in the VIP lounge.
• Fun networking and positive energy.

Cons: 

• Loooong lines that moved at a glacial pace.
• Few healthy snack or lunch options (a girl needs her energy to power through!)

Included in my freebies:

I spent time with the  majority of the brand-hosted booths, which were a mix of retail and sample/activations. 

The Tarte booth hooked me! It's so hard to resist Tarte! I purchased an under-eye concealer, facial tanning serum Brazilliance self-tanner:

In a nut shell...

Did I enjoy it? Yes. Did I stay for the full day of events? No. Would I do it again next year? Probably not.

Discoveries: May Birchbox

June is lurking around the corner, which means it's time to talk about my May Birchbox! Themed "Freewheeling," the Springy box included a few samples worthy of tucking in my weekender and a bonus $25 gift card to Kate Spade Saturday (with $75 minimum purchase).

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Included in my box:

Caldrea Body Wash in tea tree & olive and  Body Lotion in coconut fig leaf | Full Size $18-22
Featured in my April Glossybox and Special Edition Mother's Day Glossybox, I was already familiar with Caldrea. Thanks for the travel-sized spares!

GIVESCENT Signature Fragrance | Full Size $48
With notes of citrus, almond oil and vanilla, this sweet scent reminds me of the complimentary limoncello served after dinner while traveling in Roma! Albeit laced with nostalgia, it's not a fragrance I'd personally invest in. I will however pour myself a small, chilled glass  of limoncello after a delicious slice of pizza!

No. 4 Hair Care High Performance Hair Care Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner

Oh my goodness, this botanical rich shampoo is heavenly! As you lather, your bathroom fills with the gorgeous scent of freshly cut flowers. I find myself consistently impressed with No. 4 hair care products!

Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm in Coral Crush | Full Size $8 Included!
Albeit a drugstore product (higher price-point  cosmetics at Target), I was pleased to find a coral-hued Pixi lip balm in my Birchbox! The color is well-pigmented, which I would feel more confident wearing at night or at derby party than everyday.

Supergoop! Everyday SPF 30 with Cellular Response Technology | Full Size $19
Sunscreen is something I take much more seriously these days! I love Supergoop! skincare and am so excited to toss this deluxe sample in my tote this weekend before heading to the Veuve Clicquot polo match. It smells like a relaxing weekend with friends!

Not yet a Birchbox subscriber? Sign-up here!

Sea Life Charm Necklace

Summer weekends are approaching! Why not swap your go-to nautical accessories for this Sea Life Charm Necklace from Stella & Dot? It's the perfect accent to a low-key night of drinks in a tank, maxi-dress and sandals.  

Terzan Galaxy Wall Hanging

Vancouver-based anewalldecor crafts made to order wall prints from ink, canvas, vinyl, paper, fabric and roland. I'm completely in love with the Terzan Galaxy print. I'd love to incorporate it into our main room. Details at etsy.  #wishlisted

Palm Tree Lurex Skirt

Has this season of MadMen inspired you to get a little vintage in your closet? I certainly have the itch! I'm in love with this Palm Tree Lurex Skirt. With pops of orange and pretty palm trees, it's a perfect creative office to happy-hour or weekend brunch piece. Check it out at TOPSHOP.

Multi-Function USB Charger Cable Adapter

So many devices, so many chargers? I feel you. Feel Gift has folks like us covered with their Multi-Function USB Cable Adapter. At a low $21, it's a sound investment! Details and purchase here.

Have a Gilded Weekend!

Three. Day. Weekend. Need I say more? What are you getting into? We are hosting BBQs (yes, plural!), going to see Rocky the Musical on Broadway and I'm spending a day at Beautycon!

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A round-up of finds from around the web:

What your home state googles more than any other state is hilarious.

A job opening for aspiring panda nannies.

NASA's Earth Day Selfie is pretty cool.

Awesome headline of the week: LASAGNA WAS EVERYWHERE.

This makes me smile.

Mice enjoy a run, too.

When and where Manhattan works.

Siri's sense of humor is clever.

Is Dallas the new Silicon Valley? I've been curious about moving to Texas...

Wow. This robe is sexy.





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Golden Palm Clutch

Miami or Charleston-bound? I love this pretty Golden Palm Leather Clutch for a night out down South. Tuck your coral lipstick, cash and iPhone in and you'll head out in style. Details at Kertis.

Manatea Infuser

Who doesn't love an adorable manatee smiling at you as it steeps your tea to perfection? I know it would make my morning cup of tea a little more pleasant! Purchase at Kitchen Kapers.

Haute Habitat Doormat

Every lake house needs a bear shaped doormat, no? I love this rustic design from Haute Habitat. Check it out at Modcloth.


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Ice Cream Sandwich Pool Float

Bob around deliciously in your pool with this ice cream sandwich float! From Big Mouth Brands, you can purchase at Nordstrom.


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Healthy Chocolate Pudding

Are you a dessert person? I tend to prefer a cheese plate to sweets, but stumbled upon a recipe for healthy chocolate pudding when googling, "things to do with bananas that are going bad." With all of the ingredients in my pantry, it was destined!

Recipe:
2- Six oz containers fat-free Greek yogurt
1/3 cup honey (I only had truffled honey, so I cut it w/ Agave nectar)
3/4 cup dutch cocoa
3/4 cup peanut butter
1 tbsp vanilla extract
3 bananas
2 avocados


Add all ingredients to blender and puree until smooth.

Add to single serve containers and refrigerate for 4-6 hours.

In a word: decadent. 

Protein rich and packed with healthy fats, this is a recipe you can feel good about. I may add flax seeds or cinnamon to my pudding the next round, to change it up a bit!

John Frieda Hot Air Brush

If you're like me, a brush and hair dryer is one too many items to create a perfect self-blowout. I recently discovered the 1.5" hot air brush from John Frieda (kudos to A Cup of Jo) and it has completely changed my life! The product adds volume and curls with precision. It's the best $35 investment a working gal can make! Purchase at Amazon Smile.




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Have a Refreshing Weekend!

Are you as pumped as I am to kick-off the weekend? I'm definitely need to recharge and get my sweat on! What are you getting into? With the husband heading to Maryland for some sort of beer and bacon festival, I plan to plant some veggies to grow on our terrace, take extra long trips to the park with Pilgrim and tote him along to brunch.

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A round-up of finds from around the web:

This man is my hero. So inspiring.

The 44 hottest presidents in US history.

Things Parisians do that amaze New Yorkers.

To my bald friends visiting Japan: I have a restaurant suggestion.

Whiskey flavored pig.

It pays to be overconfident.

A pretty statement necklace.

Missed Connections.

Maddie always makes me smile.









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Marimekko Nanuk Mouse Pad

I started a new job this week! It's been an amazing transition laced with exciting changes. My teeny tiny thing that I've been struggling with, is working on a lap top rather than a PC with multiple screens. I set myself up with a wireless mouse, but have been needing to use my notebook as a mouse pad. In other words, I'm in the market for a mouse pad! I love this Polar Bear cutie design from Marimekko. On sale at Crate & Barrel for $7, it's time to click "add to cart," no?

Ain't No Party Like a Gatsby Party

This tee shirt made me laugh! I could read (and watch the Baz Lurhmann movie) The Great Gatsby over and over...and over again. Details on the tee shirt at Thug Life.

Hale Midlength Puff Skirt

Set-aside your perception of lawn flamingos as tacky to fall in love with this playful skirt from Alice & Olivia. Leggy flamingos, leggy you? Genius! Purchase here.

Discoveries: GLOSSYBOX Limited Edition Mother's Day Box

Glossybox curated a stunning Limited Edition box for Mothers Day! Clad in coral and pink flowers, the luminous grey box was priced at $40 and valued at $230! These gems sell out fast! It's important to snatch them up the moment the email announcement pops up in your inbox!

Included in the box:

Bellapierre Mineral Lipstick in Envy | Full Size $20 Included!
A universally flattering nude pink hue in a silky, moisturizing formula? Heavenly. If you haven't sampled Bellapierre products, it's time. I haven't encountered a cheek or lip product that didn't immediately declare love for.

Skin Inc Custom Blended Serum  | Full Size $135 Included!
The concept of a customizable serum is deeply fascinating to me. Skin Inc offers a range of award-winning formulas tailored to consumers' specific needs. The cocktail in this bottle includes Vitamin A, chlorella and Hyaluronic Acid to nurture dullness and tiredness in skin. My sensitive skin has been so happy with a few drops lightly applied before my regular moisturizing regiment.

Caldrea Body Lotion in Tea Olive Lime  | Full Size $22 Included!
So many gorgeous scents hail from Caldrea! This lotion is among the front runners with  hydrating shea butter,  skin rebuilding chia seed  and  free radical fighting omega powers. I love the light, earthy scent, which is mild enough to wear a spicy perfume.

ModelCo Fibre Lashxtend Mascara  | Full Size $24 Included!
My long, dark lashes pop with this clump free formula! ModelCo is designed with smudge-resistant inbuilt lash fibers for a false lash effect. The results have been consistently good and the product removes easily with gentle make-up removing cleansers. I love this mascara for long-haul flights.

Pureology Fresh Approach Dry Condition | Full Size $24
The summer humidity has been heaving itself upon New York, which has made Pureology Dry Condition a staple in my hand bag. The spray lightly restores shine and manages frizz.

REDKEN Pillow Proof Blow Dry Express Primer | Full Size $22 Included!
Is there anything Redken can't do? This all-in-one primer reduces blow dry time, protects against breakage and from heat up to from heat up to 450 degrees!  The smell is a little funky to me, but not overwhelmingly so. I've been alternating this spray between other products.

Not yet a Glossybox subscriber? Sign-up here!

Guacamole Tote

I'd be pretty content if I could enjoy a jalapeno margarita and chips with luscious guacamole daily. I'm digging this graphic tote with the perfect recipe for my go-to snack. Purchase at Nachos NY.

Harry Wire Chair

Is it just me, or does this pretty lilac Harry Wire chair remind you of pretty, potted plant covered terraces in Rome? I'd like a pair or three for my terrace, please. Details at Industry West.

Have a Beautiful Weekend!

Kick off your pumps and pour yourself a glass of wine: the weekend is here! What are you getting into? We're excited to get a few good workouts in, visit friends' two week old baby and hopefully grill on our terrace.

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

This airline puts an all new meaning to First Class.

Wet dogs.

Simple, delicious sandwiches.

Video: A tiny hamster eating a tiny piece of pizza.

NYC is converting 7,000 payphones into a large, free wifi network!

You, me, oui.

The linguistics nerd in me loves this.

The Museum of the City of New York is getting an amazing photo series from 1960's Coney Island.

A fascinating article about Polar Bears.

Hot tub cinema, anyone?



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Birchbox and Joie Event

Oh my goodness, Birchbox has the most amazing events. They fill up quickly, ergo, I was excited to have snagged an invite to their collaborative evening with Joie and Davines yesterday!

Bubbly, decadent macaroons, hair stylists on site and a cool 20% discount laced the evening.

My hair is rarely complicated (messy bun or loose), which made me feel so gorgeous getting a little professional styling!

 

In between the jars of monochromatic candies peppering the room, I found myself stacking a bevy of supple, slouchy, figure-flattering blouses and trousers over my arm. A sharp, sweet sales lady came to my aid (Joie staffers are amazing!).

I couldn't resist investing in three pieces: Rancher silk pocket tee in Picnic Pink, Alicia silk tank in Caviar and Vera Jane jacket in Silver Fox.

To boot, all guests received a Birchbox gift with hair, fragrance, skin care and nail lacquer. Swoon.

Not yet a Birchbox subscriber and feeling a hankering for getting in on these events? Sign-up here!

L'Oreal Le Pastille Polish

I'm completely in love with L'Oreal's Le Pastille from the Spring Les Blancs collection. The eclectic hue features a base nude with  slight grey undertones and  a mixed bag of black confetti shapes for a unique seasonal look. The lacquer layers well and drys quickly! Is it too bold to state that this is a bottle of polish I can empty? Probably, but I think it might actually happen.

Subway Parody

 That about sums it up :)

Champneys Mediterranean Bliss Body Hydrator

On a whim, I added Champney's Mediterranean Bliss Body Gelee to my Drugstore dot com cart. The mention of olive leaf, fig milk and green tomato peaked my curiosity. Green tomato? The spa quality cream has a light, pleasant scent that I can't quite put to words. It's not floral or spicy, a dash on the earthy side, perhaps. The formula is light and fast absorbing, leaving a dewy appearance to your skin. It's absolutely a cream you can use from head to toe. It's quickly become a favorite in my large collection of lotions!

Discoveries: Birchbox Limited Edition In Full Bloom Box

Birchbox rocked my socks off with their Limited Edition In Full Bloom Box! Although it's sold-out, you can purchase the products at Birchbox.

Included in the box:

The Soap and Paper Factory Shea Butter Hand Cream
This lovely cream blends into your skin with a velvety feel and features a heavenly floral scent. The packaging is so gorgeous, I love seeing it peeking out of my handbag.

Tocca Fragrance Roller Ball in Giulietta
Everything from Tocca smells so good! I'm a lover of the brand's hand creams and was excited to try the fragrances as well. Giulietta features soft floral notes with pink tulip, lilacs and lily of the valley. The scent is light enough to wear throughout the warmer seasons and in the office.

TokyoMilk Bon Bon Lip Balm in Rose Water
I love everything rose, and not just because I am a Rose! The flower provides amazing nourishing benefits to your skin. This lip balm is no exception with shea butter, aloe, subtle rose water flavor

Celia Wong Skin Care Anti-Aging Rose Serum Spray
Another rose! Featuring a beautiful rose-scented mist, the formula promises to plump fine lines, boost elasticity and restore dewiness. I haven't been using it long enough to speak to the plumping and elasticity, but the product does create a youthful dewy  appearance on my face. The one thing I had an issue with? The spritz or more of an aggressive squirt gun spray. It's possible it was a defect with my bottle, but it's not pleasant to spray in on your face. I've been applying with my palms.

Votivo Aromatic Travel Tin in Rush of Rose
A third rose! I cooed when I opened this travel-sized candle and took a breath. If you close your eyes, you'd think you were in a room full of freshly cut roses.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser Starter Kit
I already have this two-step ritual in my vanity, but was thrilled to procure a travel-sized bottle! With warm water, this purifying cleanser features chamomile and a muslin cloth to gently  polish skin. The consistency is incredibly luscious and leaves your skin feeling like you just stepped out of a spa.

Juara Tiare Jasmine Tea Bath & Shower Gel
Inspired by Indonesian beauty recipes, this sulfate free shower gel features a trio of antioxidant-rich teas. The scent is light, but fills your bathroom with with a lingering gentle scent of jasmine.

Tenoverten Nail Lacquer in Spring
Luxe, five-free and chip resistant? Yes please! I love this vibrant pink which owns up to its promises. After a few days of wear, I began to feel that I prefer it for a toe color, rather an hands to make coordinating outfits a bit easier.

MAKE Satin Finish Powder Blush in Geisha
MAKE's packaging is so cute, I've been eyeing the products for some time. The satin blush is stunning on pale skin as well as paired with a touch of matte bronzer. Every girl looks lovely with a little pink flush, no?  Birchbox is currently offering Dusk on their website, however, you can find the Geisha hue at Barneys.

Sole Society Picks

Sole Society has captured my heart! I was in the market to pick-up a few fun pieces to perk-up my investment banking-focused work wardrobe, before transitioning to my new role with a more creative firm next week (yay!).

I invested in a pair of  Karlene cut-out flats in silver sconce from the Julianne Hough collection. After dashing around in these for 14 hours yesterday,  I can confidently say that these are incredibly cozy and will treat your feet well. At $59, they are a steal. The leather is supple and the cut-out design mutli-tasks to keep your feet cool when dashing up and down the subway steps. I have been walking a few blocks to work (in 5" pumps) for years and need to begin integrating cute, cozy shoes for the new commute portions of my day. I'm considering  buying these in black too! My mother always says, "When you find something that works and makes you feel great, buy it in every color."

The moment I laid eyes on the Ainsley bag, I knew she'd be coming to live with me. The two-tone cobalt and black tote is crafted from soft, slouchy leather and features a removable leather pouch inside. Available in cream/orange and taupe/black as well, this bag has become a bit of an obsession for me. I'm tempted to buy one each for my mother and mother-in-law. On sale for an incredible $50 (marked down from an already low $100) this is the definition of luxury at an amazing price-point.


Create and account with Sole Society for great deals on gorgeous shoes, bags & accessories here.

Bonus: 15% off your full-priced purchase with code SUNNY15 and free 1-year subscription to Glamour (no code needed).


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Pineapple Wall Clock

There is something about pineapples. They always make me smile. My late gran had a pineapple theme in her sewing room, my favorite b&b on Long Island has pineapple hand towels in the bathroom and I have a pair of pineapple earrings that make me feel gorgeous on vacations.

I'm completely in love with this friendly pineapple clock designer sibylline. The print is available as a print, iPhone case, mug or throw pillow! Check it out at Society6.

Party Utensils

Hattan Home has so many adorable items to add flavor to your house party! I love these variety utensils for a summer BBQ or baby shower. Shop the collection here.

Discoveries: April GLOSSYBOX

Disclosure: I work at GLOSSYBOX.

I love opening my mailbox to find my monthly GLOSSYBOX waiting for me to dive into! April's box arrived just in time to enjoy the first few warm, sunny days of the season.

Included in the box:

Aqua Spa Relax Body Creme in Lavender + Chamomile | Full Size $10
Crafted from anti-aging Marine Youth Complex, calming lavender and chamomile, I've been reaching for this cream every night to give my feet some love before bed. The formula is tad too thick for legs and arms, but perfect for hands hands and paws. To boot, you can add the creme to your bath for a weekly all over nourishing soak.

Bellapierre Cosmetics Super Gloss in Vanilla Pink | Full Size $24.50 Included!
Jojoba, avocado and sunflower wax come together to nourish your kisser while adding a gorgeous glossy color to your lips. At first glance, I wasn't sure if the dark nude would work for my coloring, but it's absolutely stunning! Perfect for Sunday brunch or the office, it's been living in my purse.

Caldrea Body Wash in Coconut Fig Leaf | Full Size $18
Oh my goodness, this body wash smells so good! I emptied the sample in one shower session and feel a hankering to bring a full size bottle into my life. The formula includes free-radical fighting  angelica root and linden flower extracts to love your skin.

Ciate London Paint Pot in Beach Hut | Full Size $15 Included!
You had me at little black bow. This pretty nail polish proved chip resistant for four days! The auburn glitter with pink undertones applied for soft, glittery look and would be a gorgeous choice for Autumn with a third coat to add richness.

LASplash Cosmetics Eyeshadow Sealer/Base | Full Size $9 Included!
Intended for glitter or shimmer eyeshadows, this dual primer/base intensifies and extends the wear of your pigmentation. A little goes a long way in terms of primer. I'm a little hesitant to use it as a sealer, but have found the formula to increase the pop of my palettes.

Not yet a Glossybox subscriber? Sign-up here. May's box is a special collaboration with Bergdorf Goodman, inclusive of a $25 gift card and six luxury products.