So as you know, I spent this past weekend in my hometown, New York City, courtesy of Degree for Women. It was a whirlwind trip- my friend Robin and I flew out at 7AM on Saturday morning and returned to LA Monday night around 9PM…fast but totally worth it. We even got to meet up with our good friend, Nadine Jolie, who was also in town for a John Frieda event! Luckily for us, the usually unpredictable New York City weather was absolutely gorgeous on Saturday and Sunday but then, naturally, it rained on Monday. So New York, you gotta love it. Anyhow, the whole reason Degree so generously flew me across the country was because of their newest launch- Degree Natureffects. You’ve probably seen my other posts – the whole idea behind this line is to have women become empowered and inspired by nature, something that many of us often forget to include in our daily lives, myself included. The daily grind makes it tough for women to get the touch of nature they crave, but it’s important to look for small ways to release their “outdoorphins” and incorporate nature into every day.
According to a study that Degree conducted, 86 percent of women agree that just by taking their lunch outside, they improve their productivity. So true! And, just in case you were wondering, the Natureffects line really DOES smell divine and like nature. World-renowned fragrance expert Ann Gottlieb designed the nature-inspired scents and combined them with ingredients known to fight odor. The line features three vibrant scents: Honeysuckle & Tea Tree Oil, Olive Leaf & Pink Pepper and Orange Flower & Cranberry…and they all smell amazing, trust.
We stayed at the W Times Square and we were both really impressed with our room and the look and feel of the hotel- it was totally a chic space in the middle of the cluster that is Times Square.
Robin and I enjoyed 30 minute massages at the amazing bliss Spa in midtown.
We then headed back to the W Times Square for dinner at Blue Fin. Luckily, Robin and I like the same kinds of food so we split oysters, a spicy lobster roll, crabcakes, two yummy chocolate desserts and, of course, wine.
Monday morning- finally! We were both super excited to see the infamous Mary J. Blige! We were in the VIP section- 2nd row and had an AMAZING view as the singer sang one of my all-time favorite songs, “Real Love.” (check back later for my video)
We had time for a quick lunch after Mary J. finished so I decided to sow Robin one of my favorite lunch spots (that is nearly impossible to get into on the weekends, btw)- Penelope! Totally worth the trip across town to Murray Hill! And yes, I was as tired as I look in this picture.
(Photos courtesy of Robin Phelps and her amazing HD camera)
So as you know, I spent this past weekend in my hometown, New York City, courtesy of Degree for Women. It was a whirlwind trip- my friend Robin and I flew out at 7AM on Saturday morning and returned to LA Monday night around 9PM…fast but totally worth it. We even got to meet up with our good friend, Nadine Jolie, who was also in town for a John Frieda event! Luckily for us, the usually unpredictable New York City weather was absolutely gorgeous on Saturday and Sunday but then, naturally, it rained on Monday. So New York, you gotta love it. Anyhow, the whole reason Degree so generously flew me across the country was because of their newest launch- Degree Natureffects. You’ve probably seen my other posts – the whole idea behind this line is to have women become empowered and inspired by nature, something that many of us often forget to include in our daily lives, myself included. The daily grind makes it tough for women to get the touch of nature they crave, but it’s important to look for small ways to release their “outdoorphins” and incorporate nature into every day.
According to a study that Degree conducted, 86 percent of women agree that just by taking their lunch outside, they improve their productivity. So true! And, just in case you were wondering, the Natureffects line really DOES smell divine and like nature. World-renowned fragrance expert Ann Gottlieb designed the nature-inspired scents and combined them with ingredients known to fight odor. The line features three vibrant scents: Honeysuckle & Tea Tree Oil, Olive Leaf & Pink Pepper and Orange Flower & Cranberry…and they all smell amazing, trust.
We stayed at the W Times Square and we were both really impressed with our room and the look and feel of the hotel- it was totally a chic space in the middle of the cluster that is Times Square.
Robin and I enjoyed 30 minute massages at the amazing bliss Spa in midtown.
We then headed back to the W Times Square for dinner at Blue Fin. Luckily, Robin and I like the same kinds of food so we split oysters, a spicy lobster roll, crabcakes, two yummy chocolate desserts and, of course, wine.
Monday morning- finally! We were both super excited to see the infamous Mary J. Blige! We were in the VIP section- 2nd row and had an AMAZING view as the singer sang one of my all-time favorite songs, “Real Love.” (check back later for my video)
We had time for a quick lunch after Mary J. finished so I decided to sow Robin one of my favorite lunch spots (that is nearly impossible to get into on the weekends, btw)- Penelope! Totally worth the trip across town to Murray Hill! And yes, I was as tired as I look in this picture.
(Photos courtesy of Robin Phelps and her amazing HD camera)
So I have absolutely no idea why but I’ve been seriously breaking out for the last week. Ok, maybe not seriously breaking out…but two large cystic pimples are now on the right side of my face and I don’t like it one bit. It’s been so long since I’ve even had a real break out that I had to dig into my old arsenal to find my standard go-to, Renee Rouleau Anti Cyst Treatment. This stuff is the real deal…this non-drying gel is specifically formulated for this particular kind of acne, as you really can’t treat cystic acne the same way you’d treat a blackhead or whitehead. Lactic Acid helps to dissolve the cells that are blocking your pores as well as purifying within the pore…basically it speeds up the healing process since cystic acne can sometimes take WEEKS to heal. Oy. But I love this stuff.
So since I moved to LA in September, I’ve definitely been spending much more time in the sun than ever. Relax, I always wear SPF but I’m still concerned about two things- my hair and my scalp. I’ve pretty much always had thin hair and I remember getting some pretty bad scalp burns in high school…which end up looking like dandruff when it heals- very attractive. Anyway, I recently received Redken’s Color Extend Sun Solar Screen SPF 12 ($16 at salons) and I’m obsessed. It’s the perfect spray product to protect my scalp from getting burned in the sun AND it also guards my blonde highlights from fading to that god awful brassy orange color. Yuck. It’s really a great multi-tasker…Redken’s exclusive Interbond Conditioning System and the advanced Hydra-Shield Complex deliver strengthening Ceramide and moisture-rich Mango Oil to dry strands to resurface the cuticle, repair damaged areas and replenish lost moisture in your hair. I’ll be carrying this around me all summer, especially since I’ve decided to really learn how to surf this year. 😉 Stay tuned for updates. I sense this product will get “life changing” status.
So I have to give it up to mark, as in Avon’s mark, because they really do have amazing jewelry at really affordable prices. Right now I’m loving the mark Ironclad Ring that you have to admit, looks super chic and expensive but retails for only $14! And since I’m not one to wear really expensive jewelry, I knew this ring was the perfect statement ring to add to my collection. Who needs to spend a ton of money on accessories that won’t even be in style 8 months from now? Not me. mark has had quite a few pieces that I’ve really enjoyed over the past few years- way to go, mark.
So every year more and more of my friends are getting engaged and I’ll admit- I loathe this. But what can you do? If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em, right? Might as well have a little fun with the situation. Here are my top three party favor ideas…and no, none of them have anything to do with a plastic penis.
FingerVibe – It’s teeny tiny and super quiet…the ultimate party favor for any bachelorette.
Booty Parlor Kissaholic Kissing Kit -An aphrodisiac plumping lip gloss and breathe mist, this duo (which comes in a naughty box shaped like a box of cigs) is really all you need for a night out.
Boobie Tassels -Admittedly, I really only think these are funny because the packaging actually says “Boobie Tassels.”