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
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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
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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…)
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5 Souvenirs Actually Worth Bringing Back From Ireland

Chewy Post Cyber Monday Sale!


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

12.14.2012
The Vegas Itch…

It’s chilly weeks like this that make me really want to go to Vegas.  Seriously, I just love it there and funny enough, I haven’t even really done much gambling the last few times I went…but that really needs to change.  Here’s what’s on my to-do list for my next trip to the big L-V:

Stay at the Cosmo: obviously, it’s the girliest hotel on the strip but it’s also the NICEST.  I could honestly live in their hotel rooms and die one very happy lady.  The rooms are spacious and all have chic bathrooms and modern electronics, which I can never figure out how to use, but still love. It’s all about the options.

See a good comedian: The first time I ever went to Vegas, I was lucky enough to see George Carlin, one of the funniest comedians ever.  Vegas gets all the best comics, including Jerry Seinfeld, who’s on my bucket list of people to see ASAP.  You should also always check what concerts are happening before you go…No Doubt JUST played Vegas and I’m sure that would’ve been an amazing show.

Dine at Milos: It’s also in the Cosmo, go figure, but they have the best Greek/Mediterranean cuisine and the view from the restaurant is just stunning.  My friend Ashley and I were obsessed with the “Milos Special”- lightly fried zucchini and eggplant with tzatziki and kefalograviera cheese. It’s a-mazing.

Ugh, just writing this post is making me want to hop on a plane right now.  In the meantime, I was recently introduced to a fun gambling site – don’t judge me.  PartyCasino.com is a UK-based site and you don’t need to download anything weird that will mess up your computer (hello, Napster) and they have more than 160 casino games online, which I love.  If you need me, I’ll be playing Black Jack until my next trip to the desert.  Thanks.

Photo: One of my recent trip to Vegas- Nadine and I were on TV during the Miss America pageant…yes, yes, I know.

 

FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post but all opinions are my own, as per usual.  And I really do LOVE Vegas and gambling.

12.13.2012
The Most Fun Christmas Ornaments!


Ok, so yeah, I don’t have a tree up this year (or really since maybe 2007) but that doesn’t mean that I don’t like Christmas ornaments. I grew up with a mish mosh tree that had a variety of my grandmother’s antique ornaments, ornaments I made in school (presumably out of construction paper and popsicle sticks) and random ornaments that my mother bought me at Disney World and other assorted gift shops.  Not that I don’t love a good family-style tree, I do, but there’s something elegant and fun about a tree with a theme.  Here are three fun theme picks:

1. Cupcakes: WHO doesn’t love a good cupcake?  A tree full of scrumptious snacks sounds like fun to me.
2. Leopard (and other assorted animal prints): It’s girly and fun, just make sure you don’t go all Jersey Shore with it. Keep it simple.
3. PANTONE: I lovvvve love PANTONE anything, as you know, so obviously having an entire tree full of the assorted shades  would just be the coolest thing ever.

12.13.2012
Coterie.com launches PHYTO Silky Straight Blow Dry Sets!

Coterie.com, the new online shopping experience designed for the ultra-busy woman, introduces three exclusive limited time only offers by renowned botanical hair care brand, PHYTO.  And guys, if you know me AT ALL, you know that I love…actually, make that LIVE FOR, a good blow out so you know I was excited when I heard about the easy PHYTO systems for a perfectly silky straight blow out.  Now, using PHYTO takes me back…waaaay back to 2009 when I visited the PHYTO Universe Natural Beauty Oasis in New York City.  They took photographs of my scalp and magnified it up to see how healthy (or not healthy) my scalp really was.  The verdict?  A healthy scalp.  I could breath a sigh of relief and then go home and immediately wash my hair with my new PHYTO products.

Back to the blow dry sets…I love the PHYTO tagline “blow out before you go out” cause it’s just so true.  When you have good hair, you’re going to have a good night, simple as that, and PHYTO and Coterie are giving you THREE options to help you get that perfect hair.  My favorite?  Option 1: Phytolisse shampoo and Phytolisse mask, since I have fine hair.

PHYTO Silky Straight Blow Dry Sets:

Option 1. Phytolisse shampoo and Phytolisse mask- $49 (valued at $62)

Option 2. Phytodefrisant and Phytolisse serum- $45 (valued at $56)

Option 3. Phytolisse shampoo, Phytolisse mask, Phytodefrisant botanical relaxing balm, Phytolisse shine serum combo- $80 (valued at $118)

Also, if you’re not already familiar, you need to check out Coterie.  They pretty much make discovering and purchasing prestige beauty products informational and effortless by curating and editorializing peer-influenced limited time only exclusive offers (while also offering full-price items).  And, they have some great brands (Stila, Perricone, Urban Decay, etc.) so I’m pretty into it.

FTC Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Coterie.com but all opinions are my own, as per usual.


12.12.2012
POPSUGAR and P&G Beauty Holiday Gift Q&A with Jamie Stone


You probably saw my post from last week where I shared the link for POPSUGAR’s live holiday gift guide, where yours truly was featured as the “commercial break.” Yes, yes, it’s true.  Apparently I’m doing commercials now. Ha.  Jokes aside, I had a blast filming this P&G Beauty-sponsored holiday gifting video and hopefully there are many more to come!  And, if you haven’t already, make sure you check out the Olay and Old Spice gift sets I feature in the video- they’re awesome!

12.12.2012
Sample Sale Alert: STILA Cosmetics in LA!

STILA WAREHOUSE SALE
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 15th and Sunday, Dec. 16th
WHERE: The Doll Factory at 1910 West Temple Street (Los Angeles, CA 90026)
WHAT: Shop hundreds of Stila items at up to 80% off


You know I love STILA so I’ll obviously be stopping by their LA warehouse sale to stock up on all my favorites, which you can see HERE. Make sure you pop in if you’re in the area this Saturday!

12.11.2012
Holiday Gift Guide: what I’m getting mom


Canvas Pop: The hardest part about this is deciding WHICH photo to choose.  This site takes your Instagram pics and turns them into a gorgeous canvas, perfect for anyone, really…

Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier: I got my mom the brown version of this bag for her birthday a few years ago and she became obsessed.  I love the maroon (e.g. super trendy oxblood) for an update on the bag…and I’m sure she still won’t let my sister borrow it.

LATHER Survive & Thrive Holiday Survival Kit: As you know, LATHER makes some pretty amazing products, so clearly, I wasn’t surprised when they came out with the perfect anti-stress kit just in time for the most stressful time of the year.  And who gets more stressed out than mom?  Muscle pain relievers, Clear Head Balancing Balm (which I adore), an aromatherapy calendar and some calming facial mist…LOVE.

12.11.2012
Tuesday Web Candy

Super cute holiday gifts that give backStripes & Sequins

Christine knows the way to wow your holiday party guests…custom cocktailsCourt & Hudson

Pantone announced the color of the year: Emerald green!InStyle

Pizza Hut perfume. Really? – Beauty Blogging Junkie

Don’t be fooled…Tammy Taylor (oh you know her as the mom from Friday Night Lights) has NEVER worn extensions. So cute for her – People StyleWatch

So Boy Meets World is coming back (as Boy Meets GIRL) and Danielle Fishel dishes on her beauty must-havesAllure

The cutest DIY sequin ornamentGlitter N Glue

18 things you’ll ONLY see in New York City…and I love every one of them – Buzzfeed

I’m loving this DIY animal bookendNatalMe

The lazy girl’s (e.g. ME) detox planRefinery29