My essentials for Gemma’s 15th birthday (and her cancer treatment)


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My essentials for Gemma’s 15th birthday (and her cancer treatment)

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

02.01.2012
Clicquot in the Snow Beauty Survival Kit

For the past two summers, my friends and I have attended the Veuve Clicquot polo match in LA (and loved it) so when I found out that Veuve partnered with Fresh skincare, I immediately thought “that’s pure genius.”  This survival kit has all your winter skincare needs – the Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15, the famous Soy Face Cleanser (!), Brown Sugar Hand Cream and a few other goodies that are best-sellers in the Fresh line.  The only downside is that it doesn’t come with a mini bottle of champagne!  Check it out starting today (February 1st) at Fresh.com.

 

01.30.2012
Inspired By: Pippa Middleton

First off, I have to say that I’m so not into the whole Royal Wedding thing.  However, since people basically style stalk Kate and Pippa, sometimes I’m forced into reading blog posts about them and sure, sometimes I like their outfits.  I’ve been in a bit of a fashion slump lately and feeling less than inspired…but when I saw this recent photo of Pippa Middleton, I was like “hey, that’s actually a really cute and easy outfit.”  Here’s how to get it:

MANGO Foulard scarf; $35

Bloomingdale’s Aqua blazer; $98

Sole Society Abby Wedge Bootie; $40

Express High-Waist Banded skirt; $60

01.23.2012
Currently Using (And Loving)

 

Moroccan Oil: This stuff has been a beauty industry staple, and I’ve had my bottle since the beginning.  But it’s only now that I’ve been consistantly using this stuff and guys, it is good.  Not only is the smell of this amazing (it is) but my ends are sleeker and easier to tame.

Lancome Flash Bronzer Anti-Age: I’ve blogged about this line before so I was elated when I found out they’re now making a face version that has SPF 15!  Lancome is just amazing and aside from the SPF, this self tanner doesn’t actually smell like a self tanner.  It has hints of jasmine and honey – two of my favorites.

Tarte Maracuja Blush & Glow: I’m a sucker for a two in one, always.  I love the way this tints my cheeks but here’s a secret – I also use it as a quick bronzer when I’m too lazy to use my Lancome (above).

 

01.23.2012
Gift Guide: What to get your 3 year old nephew

Today is my nephew Mark’s 3rd birthday.  I can’t imagine anything else bringing so much joy to my life; he is truly the best thing my sister has ever given me and, being that he’s the only little one in my life, I am constantly one-upping my sister and parents when it comes to giving him gifts.  Here’s what I went for this year, which, is especially awesome since he’s finally at an age where he really understands and appreciates his gifts.

Next up: a real life meet and greet with iCarly.  I’m not kidding…how LA am I right now?

Kiwi Crate: My friend Devon told me about this awesome company.  They create fun craft projects for kids and then mail them directly to each child.  My Markie loves getting mail AND loves art projects so I signed him up for a 3 month membership.

Dylan’s Candy Bar Sugar Free Candy Mix: What kid doesn’t love candy?  I decided to do my sister a favor and get the sugar-free version as to not send him off into a sugar high rage.

The Children’s Place Skull Socks: There are no words for how cute these are. Win.

The Children’s Place Canvas Fedora: My nephew is quite fashionable and so I know that he’ll love this canvas fedora, especially when it gets hot and the New York summer sun comes out.

01.18.2012
Quarter Life Crisis Hero: Emmy Rossum

I recently became obsessed with the Showtime TV show Shameless.  Yeah, I know, like I need yet another TV show to be obsessed with, right? Well I watched Emmy Rossum when she was a guest on Chelsea Lately and the show sounded um…a-mazing so I had to check it out.  I’m only on season 1 right now but guys, if you haven’t watched this show yet, you NEED to.  It’s so entertaining and grossly funny.  Like, in that you have to watch a car crash kinda way.  Get me?

I was excited to see that Emmy is on the cover of SELF magazine this month cause honestly, she is awesome and so is her Shameless character, Fiona.  My favorite quote was from this Shape.com interview from awhile back where Shape asks her how she gets ready for her naked scenes; she says:

I‘m lucky that my character isn’t a Serena Van der Woodsen (of Gossip Girl).  I don’t have to look like an Upper East Side girl; I can look like a real girl.  [My character] Fiona is not a member of Equinox so I don’t have to worry about looking perfect all the time.

01.18.2012
Black Beauty

Ever since I tested out Boscia’s black face mask, I’ve been obsessed with the idea of black beauty products.  I mean, how fun is it to use something that’s not white or clear, right?  I went on a quest for the next big things in black beauty and found two more amazing black beauty products, no pun intended.

Crabtree & Evelyn Black Sea Mud Seaweed Triple Milled Soap: This gentle, vegetable-based soap contains sea silt and conditioning red and brown algae, shea butter and some amazing primrose oils.  I mean, it’s black soap, guys.  Need I say more?

Elizabeth Grant Black Algae Anti-Aging Mask: Two things- black algae and black pearl extract.  Seriously.  If you didn’t already know, algae is rich in alginic acid, which heps to fight free radicals responsible for cellular aging.  And the pearl?  Well it helps to nourish the skin, supporting moisturization and protecting against environmental damage.  Plus, it’s really fun to put on a black face mask.

01.17.2012
DARPHIN Cleansing Milky Emulsion with Verbena

With all of the stress that I’ve been dealing with lately, my skin has been an utter wreck.  But you know when you have dry, sensitive skin like I do, you have to start with a good, clean base and yes, the cleanser you use is important.  I recently tried DARPHIN Cleansing Milky Emulsion with Verbena and it’s a-mazing.  The ultra-gentle cleanser is specifically designed for sensitive skin that’s prone to redness (hello, rosacea) and the fact that it’s creamy, not foamy, keeps skin soft and hydrated.  This is a winner, for sure.