03.05.2013
You’ve Heard of Revenge Sex…But How About Revenge Beauty?

After getting dumped (or generally just treated like crap), everyone will react differently; some girls will eat tons of junk food, others go shopping and splurge on beauty treatments.  The latter is THIS GIRL right here.  For the amount of money that I’ve spent pampering myself out of depression over the past few years, I could seriously buy a townhouse in SoHo.  I wish I were kidding…but here it is, sometimes (ok, most of the time) treating myself just makes me FEEL BETTER and there’s nothing wrong with that.  So basically, I take the whole “treat yo self” from Parks and Recreation thing to a whole other level after some douchebag decides that he’s “just not that into me” or stops calling.  Here’s a breakdown of what I do for my revenge beauty treatment:

Step 1: Book a massage appointment somewhere fancy, and with a male masseuse.

I don’t really have to explain why massages are awesome.  For one, it’ll help you relax and you’ll start thinking about how that asshole didn’t know how to give a proper massage and how much hotter your male masseuse is, compared to that dick you now hate.  And here’s a tip, if they ask you what area you want to focus on, say you feel tension in your lower back…this means that you’ll probably end up getting your butt massaged which, I can’t lie, feels pretty amazing.

Step 2: Buy that really expensive beauty product that you previously said “I can’t. It’s too much for what it is” to.  I don’t know what it is about face masks but I just can’t bring myself to buy them.  I read about Boscia’s Luminizing Black Mask in a few magazines but when I realized that the mask costs $34, I didn’t buy it.  It’s actually not THAT much money, in beauty terms, but I’ve always held strong when it comes to face masks since I don’t feel like they actually ever DO anything to my face.  But when you’re in beauty revenge mode, you buy that shit right this minute.  And here I am…black face mask and all my beauty revenge glory:


Step 3: Drink.  It’s a simple one but drink those high-calorie drinks that you normally pass up for a vodka soda.  Mimosas!  Margaritas!  Hell, even go for a Strawberry Daiquiri if that’s your deal.  And, if you’re in New York City, I can even do you one better.  The wine-based skincare line Caudalie has a spa at the Plaza Hotel where they actually do wine-based treatments and even serve wine in the relaxation/waiting area.  I’ve been.  And it’s glorious, trust me.  You can kill two birds with one stone (steps 1 and 3, and maybe even step 2) just by going there.  The Dry Body Fresh Grape Massage is amazing, though very sticky, and you can pretty much get wasted before and after the massage actually takes place.

Step 4: Get a blow out.  Nothing, I repeat NOTHING will make you feel better than having good hair.  Put on your favorite yoga pants and tank top (you don’t even need to get dressed, really) and get your hair blown out at a fancy salon or blow dry bar.  I promise you, you’ll instantly feel chic and put together.


Step 5: Buy a ridiculously frivolous piece of “fine leather goods.”  Parks and Recreation said it right.  Men don’t understand why we buy pointless small leather shit so NOW is the time to buy that weird Gucci heart-shaped coin purse (who carries a coin purse?) or that Tory Burch shoe key chain, just because those infamous ballet flats make you remember your college glory days.  DO IT.  Enjoy your coin purse and shoe key chain.  The next guy will appreciate them, too…but probably not really.

02.06.2012
The Monday Rundown

S’Mores: I’ve always loved S’mores and guys, sometimes I make them in my apartment.  In my gas fire place.  Don’t tell anyone.

West Elm Zigzag Floor Pouf: I clearly have a thing for black and white…and lately, also anything chevron.  I love this floor pouf.

NUANCE Salma Hayak Hydrating Balm Rose Petal: I love a good all-purpose balm.  This one, by Salma Hayak, has shea butter and primrose, both good stuff for your skin and amazing for hydration.

Tory Burch Woven Rope Bracelet: I saw this bracelet the other day while I was returning something to the Robertson Blvd. store.  I had already decided on a new wallet but I’ve now got this fab bracelet on my mind…the photo doesn’t even do it justice!  The blue is an amazing cobalt shade and it’s patent material.  LOVE.

05.19.2011
Graduation Gifts

Ah, graduation.  I just got back from a quick weekend trip to New York and during my visit, I visited my friend Vanessa at Hofstra, my alma mater.  Vanessa lives in an apartment on campus as a professional resident director which, in my opinon, is totally bitter sweet.  I would’ve killed to be able to stay in college and live that lifestyle for a few extra years but at this point, at 28 (or 29 for V), she’s started calling the students “the kids” and says she feels like an old woman around them.  I totally get it. And, I digress.  It was nice to visit Hofstra, a place that I still consider to be the happiest four years of my adult life, but I’ve definitely moved past that point and I think I’ve finally let go a bit and realized that my memories there are mine and they’ll last forever or as long as I want them to.

Cheesy rant aside, this got me thinking about graduation gifts.  Of course, money will always be the number one gift of choice but I’ve also come up with a few more creative gifts that any grad would be thrilled to receive.

“Do what you love, love what you do” pillow: This is an excellent motto for any optimistic graduate.

David’s Cookies Cookie of the Month Club: Um, I can’t think of anything more exciting than getting a new batch of delicious cookies mailed to me every month.  In fact, I’m thinking about gifting this to myself.

Wine Grape Bosai Tree: This is both a challenge and entertainment.  I’ve always had a hard time keeping plants alive and since this plant actually grows wine grapes, it would be fun to see if I can get the grapes to actually grow.

“Thrilled For You!” Wine: No card necessary.  I love that the bottle expresses exactly what you want to say…and what college graduate doesn’t love wine?

Tory Burch business card holder: Getting a little profesh here.  I love Tory’s business card holders and if any entry-level candidate whipped out one of these on an interview, I’d be super impressed.

10.18.2010
Tory Burch Foundation for National Women’s Business Week

So today is the start of National Women’s Business Week, which is something every woman should know about.  Tory Burch has partnered with ACCION USA, the nation’s largest microfinance provider, and launched the Tory Burch Foundation, an organization that offers economic opportunities for women and their families in the United States.

It only takes $5,000 to $10,000 to start a new business but more than 10 million micro-entrepreneurs can’t access the capital they need so every little bit helps since single mothers are at the highest risk of poverty and are the most likely to be self-employeed entrepreneurs.

Please donate if you can and also make sure to check out the Tory Burch Foundation line of merchandise, which all showcase the sunflower logo, which is Tory’s favorite flower and symbolizes a pendant her father once gave her mother as a gift.

CONTEST: In honor of National Women’s Business Week and the Tory Burch Foundation, I’m giving away one copy of the Tory Burch Foundation CD.  You may have already read my post on the CD but if not, I’ll tell you…it’s a GREAT CD so just leave a comment and email me to win!  Contest ends Monday, October 25, 2010.

06.07.2010
Tory Burch Foundation CD

So one of my favorite New York designers, Tory Burch, recently put out an A-MAZING music CD last month- it’s her second limited edition compilation CD and it features some of Tory’s favorite songs of all time.  Did you know music is a big passion of hers?  The best part is that 100%, yes I said 100%, of the proceeds benefit the Tory Burch Foundation’s microfinance partner Accion USA.  I’m especially loving “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” by Wyclef Jean, “Bigmouth Strikes Again” by The Smiths and “Sideways” by Santana and Citizen Cope.  Pick one up here, get some music and do some good.  Oh, and while you’re at it, check out my interview with Tory from back in January.

 

05.20.2010
Inspired by Vegas poolside

So I’ve had Vegas on the brain lately and once my friend, Nadine Jolie, revealed that she wants to spend her upcoming 30th birthday poolside sipping Vegas cocktails, I’ve been on the prowl for the ultimate Vegas bikini and pool attire.  When it comes to Las Vegas, I believe in the phrase “go hard or go home” so why not go all out and play up the bling?

Frederick’s of Hollywood Limited Edition Rhinestone Rings bikini set – I actually have a similar bikini that doesn’t quite have the same”bling factor.”  This a good cut on me (and most women) and I love the circle details that make it a little different.

Tory Burch Oversized Round Sunglasses with Buckle Details – Very Jackie O.  They’re big to block out the Vegas sun and also hide the bags that will form under my eyes as a result of not sleeping for days at a time.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Cedar Springs wedge – These wedges are fab because they’ll take you from day to night plus they match literally eveything in your closet.


05.20.2010
Inspired by Vegas poolside

So I’ve had Vegas on the brain lately and once my friend, Nadine Jolie, revealed that she wants to spend her upcoming 30th birthday poolside sipping Vegas cocktails, I’ve been on the prowl for the ultimate Vegas bikini and pool attire.  When it comes to Las Vegas, I believe in the phrase “go hard or go home” so why not go all out and play up the bling?

Frederick’s of Hollywood Limited Edition Rhinestone Rings bikini set – I actually have a similar bikini that doesn’t quite have the same”bling factor.”  This a good cut on me (and most women) and I love the circle details that make it a little different.

Tory Burch Oversized Round Sunglasses with Buckle Details – Very Jackie O.  They’re big to block out the Vegas sun and also hide the bags that will form under my eyes as a result of not sleeping for days at a time.

Kenneth Cole Reaction Cedar Springs wedge – These wedges are fab because they’ll take you from day to night plus they match literally eveything in your closet.