After spending a day at the beach I love the way my hair gets these tousled messy waves. I'm not quite sure if it's the sand, the sun, the ocean water, or a combination of all but it's a look that I love and have tried to recreate, sometimes with success sometimes not so much.  After trying a few drug store brands and not being completely satisfied I decided to spend a little extra and go for a higher end product. At Sephora I found a couple of options, I asked a few questions, and decided to go with the Bumble & bumble surf spray ($24).

After washing my hair I combed out any knots and sprayed Bb surf spray all over, with a blow dryer I began drying my hair in sections. With the exception of my bangs (which I used a round brush on) I began scrunching and twirling my hair as I dried it. It was pretty easy and dried quickly. For extra volume, when my hair was almost completely dried I flipped it upside down and dried some more. When I was done I sprayed a little more Bb spray and just twirled some hair pieces here & there.  In the end I was satisfied with the look, happy with the amount of time it took to achieve, and glad I spent the extra cash, because for me it was worth it.

I recently cut off a hefty length of my hair but I do think this would look great on long layered hair as well. This was an easy look for those days when you just don't want to bother with the styling, flat ironing, curling iron, etc. Wear it messy as is, add a hair barrette on one side, wear a head band, or even create a messy ponytail, and GO!

So yesterday was Superbowl Sunday but it was also MY BIRTHDAY!!!! Yay!

My friends make fun of me because I start counting down the days way way in advance (like around Thanksgiving) and some even question why I or anyone for that matter would like (love) their birthday so much and come to think about it I really can't explain it. I mean yeah it's nice to be acknowledged on your big day, get treated like a princess (no cooking for me), and not to mention presents, who doesn't like presents Duh. All I know is that the thought of my birthday nearing just makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. I love it, I love celebrating it, and my hope is that the people around me, celebrating with me are having a great time too.

So I finally treated myself to a professional eyebrow shaping! I really wish I had done this a long time ago but the fact that I could walk into a nail/hair salon and get my brows done within walking distance or a very short ride from home just made it all too easy to do otherwise. I happen to be at Bloomingdale's this weekend and there it was "Benefit's Brow Bar" so NO excuses, I mean it was right there starring at me.

The very lovely Raquel helped me. She was friendly, easy to talk to, answered all my questions, and best of all she was not pushing products on me which I really appreciate. At the Brow Bar unlike other salons she did my brows while I was sitting upright and facing her, this was a first for me I'm usually lying down or sitting way back in a reclining chair. I don't know if that was the reason they came out so nice, all I can say is that I was very happy with the results and I actually got compliments at another store I went into.

At my request Raquel matched me up with the perfect eyebrow pencil and showed me how to fill in my brows without looking too dramatic but more natural. I loved the look and it was so easy to apply.

While having my brows done at The Brow Bar ($23) is more than what I pay at my local salon, it was worth every penny!

Everywhere I look I see tangerine and I couldn't be more excited! Magazines, retail shops, celebs, fashion blogs, the color tangerine is all over the place. You'll see it in bright shades as well as muted tones, prints, and solids, the best part is, this color looks great on all skin tones. I cannot wait to sport a little tangerine myself! For those of you who don't want to commit or just want to ease into it, try an accessory in tangerine. A purse, a scarf, lipstick, some jewelry, are just a few examples of how you can incorporate this color into your wardrobe. But if you are gonna go for it don't wear it head to toe. If you're wearing a tangerine mini you might want to pair it up with a nude platform shoe, or you could try black tights with black shoes or booties. You could also do the classic blue jeans and white button down with a tangerine shoe, purse, or accessorize with a statement necklace or ring in this fabulous color. Like all trends don't over do it, sometimes a little really does go a long way.

Me at a party with the hubbs, wearing my tangerine

   
 

Just got back from my trip to Boston where I spent some time and money on Newbury Street ! What a unique shopping experience. Located in the Back Bay area of Boston, Newbury Street is lined with the most charming row homes. These townhouses/brownstones, one more beautiful than the next, have been renovated with stores on one or more levels. You can find anything from affordable to high end, independent boutiques to popular chain stores, and everything in between. After all that shopping you will definitely want to put your feet up and have a bite, right? Well no worries cause they've got you covered. There's tons of cafe's and restaurants, including a very charming bookstore cafe called Trident where you can have a meal or just hang with a great book and a cup of coffee. Just thinking about the breakfast menu is making me hungry! There's usually a wait but worth every minute. Another great place to eat is Sonsie, the ambiance is relaxing, the staff is friendly, and the food DELICIOUS, probably, no ABSOLUTELY the best Cuban Sandwich I've ever had! There's a lounge area with a comfy leather couch & chairs, and they've recently added a Wine Room. You can spend hours walking up & down, going in & out of every store and you will want to come back for more. Aside from shopping & eating you can also find Specialty Shops, Salons & Day Spa's, Pet Shops & Pet Services, Electronics, Perfumes, Chocolates, Luggage, Art Galleries, I mean I can go on and on.......Oh almost forgot there's several Parking Garages, which is great because this is a tourist & local destination so it can get quite busy especially around the Holidays. Don't know about you but I'm a city girl at heart and for the most part I typically don't like shopping malls so this type of shopping is more my style. Even if you're not shopping Newbury Street is a sight to see, In my opinion one of the prettiest streets I've been to so far. If you're planning on visiting Boston please stop by you won't be disappointed. I can't wait to go back!!!

When looking for an iPad cover the choices were overwhelming! In the end I wanted something that would protect the iPad in my purse without adding extra weight. The IntelliCase did that and more. It folds into 2 positions,  the flexible easy to grip cover protects the touch screen while the poly-carbonate hard shell protects the back. The cover is very easy to put on and take off without scratching the iPad. Thin, lightweight, and did not add any extra bulk. Simplicity at it's best!

Oh and did I tell you I got 15% off!!!

http://www.couponology.com/griffin-technology-coupons

Lucky Shops NYC is a three day shopping event featuring high end designers at up to 70% off retail,  held at the Highline Stages in the beautiful Meatpacking District of New York City. Many designers including Rachel Roy, Charlotte Ronson, MILLY, Foley + Corinna, Rebecca Minkoff, just to name a few. They didn't just stop at clothing there was plenty of designer shoes, handbags, lots & lots of beautiful jewelry including one of my favs Helen Ficalora, and others like Alex Woo, and Charm & Chain. For your enjoyment they offered complimentary cocktails during happy hour (for those 21 & over of course) and mini makeovers by Maybeline Color Studio. Keep in mind there were NO fitting rooms so if you're planning on shopping wear a tank top and leggings so you could try on over your clothing. Something else to consider, although everything is discounted most of the merchandise is high-end so its still pretty pricey. Overall a good time, a fun experience, and even better when shared with a good friend. Of course I walked away with a couple of goodies, I mean it is a shopping event!
     

I first learned of Shecky's Girls Night Out from a girlfriend early last year and have been a loyal attendee ever since. Shecky's is the ultimate socializing and shopping event for women over 21. Shecky's comes to my city several times a year, there's a Spring, Summer, Fall, and a Holiday event held in December and I haven't missed one yet! You will need to purchase a ticket through their website which includes a hefty goody bag full of samples. Be assured that you will find the latest trends, lots of booths with everything from clothing, makeup, jewelry, and much more which you can purchase at a Shecky's discount. My favorite part is there's always great music in the background provided by a DJ, drinks are free, and it's just a great place to get away with your best gals even if just for a night!

Checkout http://www.sheckys.com/

This time around I met some awesome girls who design & sell their own jewelry, check out my new friends at:

http://adornnewyork.com/ and

http://glsjewelry.bigcartel.com/

If you're looking for a casual friendly place to spend some time with friends while enjoying good food and drinks, look no further. Sweet Afton a local Astoria bar is positively a must. It's simply charming with it's exposed brick walls and reclaimed wood interior. The vibe is relaxed, somewhat hipster, casual and friendly. The menu is small but not small in taste. They pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients. HANDS DOWN the BEST Mac & Cheese I have ever had! Check out their website (here) for location and GO, hurry you can thank me later!