4 (super easy!) things you can do to help the planet


Because we all need to help save our planet, and these are four easy (and also fun) ways to do
Read More
4 (super easy!) things you can do to help the planet

Two Lip Products That You Need in Your Life


You guys know I’m picky about lip gloss, but I recently tried two new (to me) products and had to
Read More
Two Lip Products That You Need in Your Life

5 Souvenirs Actually Worth Bringing Back From Ireland


Because I know you want to shop (but not for touristy junk)... (more…)
Read More
5 Souvenirs Actually Worth Bringing Back From Ireland

Chewy Post Cyber Monday Sale!


Because you know I love my cats… (more…)
Read More
Chewy Post Cyber Monday Sale!

06.10.2013
Sponsored post: Picnic Essentials

The weather is finally starting to warm up, at least for most of the country. It’s funny because, here in LA, the weather is honestly heaven for most of the year, yet I hardly ever picnic.  This summer, I’m 100% dedicated to at least a few picnics, and I’ve found a few “essentials,” at least according to me.  No one wants to carry a ton, so I tried to keep this list to the bare minimum.

A picnic basket: For obvious reasons…you need something cute (and functional) to hold snacks, blankets, wine, etc.

Wine glass holders: I discovered these a few years back and guys, they are brilliant.  They work in grass and sand, so all your options are covered.

A picnic blanket: No one wants to sit in the grass so make sure to always have a lightweight blanket, which will also prevent grass stains.

Blackbox wine: Ok, so you may have seen my video a few weeks back where I RAVED about boxed wine or, more specifically, Blackbox wine.  Up until that point, I had actually never even had boxed wine before and I was shocked to find out how delicious (and convenient!) it is to drink wine from a box.  I put the box of white immediately in my fridge so it would stay chilled and just refilled as necessary.  What’s great is that they also have smaller versions, so you don’t have to carry a big box around for picnics.  I found a new summer obsession…

Available in ten delicious varietals and two sizes (3L and Tetra), Black Box Wine is pretty amazing; Black Box Wines is perfect for all your summer gatherings.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Black Box Wines. The opinions and text are all mine.

06.07.2013
#InstaMoments of the week

1Seeing that kids from my former high school are now open-minded enough to do this…just heart warming.

2

I hosted the first annual “New Yorkers in LA” dinner at Whisper Lounge at The Grove on Tuesday and it was SO much fun. More to come on this in a post next week!

252a87facdb811e2bf3522000a1f8ac6_7

I’m obsessed with my new lucite bar stools (and so is Gea).  More decor posts are in the works!  I’m finally going to finish decorating my apartment, lol.

4

Catching up with my good friend Sal, over margaritas (obviously)

06.06.2013
VIDEO: Under 5 Minute Makeup Routine

Here’s a weird fact: I really only started wearing makeup toward the end of college.  Ok, with the exception that I did, occasionally  wear the super classy white eyeliner on my eyelids during high school.  Oh yeah, I did that.  So sure…now that I actually DO have to wear makeup, my routine is usually under five minutes…mostly because I’m lazy and always running late.  In this video, I show you my not-so-secret under five minute routine (FOUR minutes, to be exact!) that will give you the bare minimum as far as coverage, and not looking like a beast.

In the video:

COVERGIRL and Olay Simply Ageless Serum

Clinique Even Better Foundation SPF 15

Urban Decay Naked Palette

Urban Decay 24-7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil

COVERGIRL Lash Blast Clump Crusher Mascara

Physician’s Formula Happy Boost Bronzer

 

Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel for a new video every Thursday!

06.05.2013
Obsessed: Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm

clarins-Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm

When I first saw this lip balm, I knew that I HAD to try it out.  Aside from the gorgeous packaging, you know I’m a sucker, Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm has pretty much everything that I look for in a lip product: a mild tint and moisture. In one easy word, this product is magical, and reminds me of being a kid…here’s why:

  • The “crystalline glaze,” aka the clear outside, plumps and accentuates lip contours and, let’s be honest, we all want plumper, fuller lips
  • The “pigmented core,” aka the juicy center (a la a Tootsie pop), is the actual thing that provides the color and the fact that you can see the differentiation is just FUN.

You need this for summer, enough said.

06.04.2013
The best sunscreens for summer

the best sunscreens

Best physical–SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50: Physical sunblock is one of the best options for sun protection and I really love this version from SkinCeuticals.  With SPF 50 and a little color-infused technology, the water-resistant block uses titanium and zinc oxide to protect you.  It’s good stuff, trust me.

Best for the beach–Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 70: I feel like so many of my friends hate putting on sunscreen once we’re already at the beach, so this is the PERFECT option for those picky few.  The spray form prevents sticky sand hands and the technology provides salt and water-resistant sun protection that’s also broad-spectrum.

Best for hydration–L’OREAL Sublime Sun Sheer Protect Sunscreen Oil Spray SPF 50+: At first glance, I thought this was tanning oil, the most insane product in existence.  But at second glance, I realized that L’OREAL had the foresight to create a sunscreen oil (e.g. NOT for tanning), which is actually quite genius.  You get all of the benefits of oil (the moisture, vitamins, etc.) but are also protected with SPF 50.  If only this existed when I was in high school…Also, for every Sublime Sun product sold in the U.S. (through the end of this year), L’OREAL will donate $1 to the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) for the L’OREAL Paris-MRA Team Science Award. Over the next three years, they will donate over $750K to the MRA.

Best for touch-ups–Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Targeted Protection Stick: It’s always good to keep a little SPF stick like this in your purse, for those “ooops, I forgot” times.  A stick like this is perfect for those tiny spots that are hard to cover like your ears, nose, cheek bones, etc.

Best for the face–Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream SPF 30: So this isn’t the traditional sunscreen, per say, but going with the fact that you should be wearing SPF every day (especially on your face), I really recommend this version from Kiehl’s.  It’s a powerful, skin fortifying anti-wrinkle cream that goes on nicely and doesn’t feel greasy.

Best high end–Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection SPF 50+: I’ve blogged about Shiseido sunscreen a few times before.  While a little pricey, yes, this is hands-down the most luxurious sunscreen that I’ve ever used. I hoard it.

Best natural–Yes to Cucumbers Natural Sunscreen SPF 30: Perfect for anyone who likes to do the natural skin care thing (OR has sensitive skin).  This mineral-based formula provides SPF and also contains soothing ingredients like aloe and cooling cucumber…plus you can use it on your face and body and won’t have any breakouts.

06.04.2013
Tuesday Web Candy

Tuesday Web Candy

Seven foods that will make me happier?  I’m in. – The Luxury Spot

OMG. Gwen has the cutest family EVER. – InStyle

Ke$ha looks like a complete crazy person in her new video…and I love it. – Into The Gloss

Small bathroom decorating ideas!  Yay! – A Fab Life

It’s getting super hot outside and here are three great tips so your makeup doesn’t melt off. – Allure

Four warning signs that you’re dating a jerk!  I’m taking notes… – Refinery29