Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Tap the Rockies

I'm backkkk....4 1/2 days sans laptop is a record for me! Lots of catching up to do. Teddy and I flew out to Denver last Friday morning and made a pit stop as we headed toward Vail in Golden, Colorado. 

via Instagram

My golden ticket to the factory tour. I was really impressed with the sustainability throughout the brewing process. Did you know that Coors invented the recyclable aluminum can? That one may come in handy for you in a future trivia game.


Halfway through the tour we had a sample to hold us over.


There were fresh flowers throughout the factory, a tradition started by Mrs. Coors that continues today. At the end of the tour we sampled a few beers, including the Blue Moon Spring Blonde Wheat Ale pictured. Ted's favorite was Colorado Native, which surprise surprise is only available in Colorado!

We went straight from the airport to the factory. (Actually, we stopped at the Colorado Mills Mall first because Teddy forgot one of his bags. Leave it to me to find the mall immediately.)  I always feel so "icky" after a flight. Before I left, I happened to read How to Look Your Best After a Flight in the March issue of Allure and found the simple tips really helpful. This time, I dabbed some Vaseline over my moisturizer to keep my skin hydrated and skipped the eye makeup until after I landed. (I love wearing huge shades inside at the airport.) I'm not a huge fan of Vaseline but made an exception. More pics tomorrow!
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Friday, February 24, 2012

My bags are packed...

via Instagram
I'm off to Vail with Teddy through Tuesday!

Packing always stresses me out. I try really hard not to check my luggage for fear of it being lost but carry on isn't an option with my ski gear on this trip. If I'm going to be devastated about losing something (shoes/hair straightener/bags/makeup) it's in the Vera and stays with me! That duffel has to be one of the most popular travel bags out there - I bring it everywhere.


Before I go, I must wish Lindsay a Happy Belated Birthday! Here we are at her amazing wedding last May in New Orleans - more here. She provides so much inspiration for my blog with her impeccable taste and I'm so lucky to have her as a friend! xo
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Wednesday, February 22, 2012

What I'm Loving...

Hello, yellow. I'm absolutely loving this dress from ASOS. Perfect to wear to a wedding.


Thank God for this bag. I have it in black and can't tell you how much I love it. I'm currently packing for Vail, more on that tomorrow if time allows.


It's no secret I love to brunch... lobster benedict at Essex over President's Day weekend. 


With Teddy at The Standard Biergarten... I love hefeweizen. Cheers!

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Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Natural Deodorant

My friend Lindsay H. is back with more natural skincare tips! Before I published this piece I figured I should give natural deodorant a try. I will be honest that I do think my previous "chemical laden" (as Linds would say) deodorant may be more effective, but I'm willing to try a few before turning back. Recently I read Why You Need to Switch Deodorants tweeted by Rodale, which made me feel better about my switch. I hope you read both and think twice about what products you use.

By now you must know that I am extremely aware of the ingredients in products that I slather all over my body and hair since the contents are directly absorbed into your blood stream. We don’t definitely know what this can lead to in the long term. I once heard someone say that you should treat your body like a temple and this motto is something that I try to live by every day, including the products I use and the food I ingest.

You may or may not use moisturizer often but deodorant is something that most people apply on a daily basis. The scary part is that most of the deodorizing ingredients come in the form of aluminum compounds including Aluminum Chlorohydrate and Aluminum Zirconium Tetrachlorohydrex Gly , which are absorbed into your skin and blood stream. The reason I have stopped using many mainstream drugstore brand deodorants is that most of them contain those aluminum compounds that have been linked to Alzeimer’s disease, allergic reactions and breast cancer. I don’t believe it’s a coincidence that popular deodorant brands used to make my armpits itchy and irritated. There are many natural and aluminum-free alternatives that you can find in the organic section of your local grocer or at Whole Foods Market.


Face Naturals Organic Peppermint and Tea Tree Deodorant Stick $10.95
Face Naturals offers a few different varieties of organic deodorants in stick and cream form. I prefer the peppermint and tea tree as tea tree provides extra antiseptic and deodorizing properties. However, I will warn you that tea tree can be a little drying. If you have dry skin, you may want to choose the cream form since it is more moisturizing although not as convenient to apply. Face Naturals is a newer brand and currently can only be purchased online through their website.

Lavanila Laboratories The Healthy Deodorant $18
This is the next natural deodorant that I am eager to try because I am a huge fan of their fragrance oils. Has anyone tried their deodorant line? It’s a little pricier and stocked at Sephora so I am going to try it once my Face Naturals supply runs out. 


Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Deodorant
This deodorant is extremely effective while economical and can be purchased at Whole Foods as well as the organic section of many grocery stores. The formulation contains tea tree and neem oil which are natural deodorizers that do exactly what they claim to do. The only complaint I have about this product is that it contains Propylene Glycol, although some websites advertise this product as Propylene Glycol free. Minus this ingredient, it would have my seal of approval.

Secret Natural Mineral Antiperspirant/Deodorant
How is this deodorant natural since it contains aluminum compounds? While it is paraben free and incorporates some natural ingredients, it still contains aluminum. This belongs in the same category as their other chemical laden sticks. In both my opinion and many other reviewers, the “Natural Mineral” in the name of the product is deceptive advertising. This product definitely does not get my recommendation!

More information on Aluminum in deodorants:
Global Healing Center - New Research Indicates Aluminum in Deodorant Linked To Breast Cancer
National Cancer Institute - Antiperspirants/Deodorants and Breast Cancer
Dr. Christine H. Farlow - Deodorant - Top 7 Ingredients To Avoid

Disclaimer: I think it goes without saying that neither Lindsay nor myself are doctors or clinical researchers. If you have concerns, talk to your physician. It will be interesting to see what their opinion is. I will be asking on my next visit.
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Friday, February 17, 2012

Friday Five

via Instagram
1. I said YES! Can't wait to be in one of my one of best friend's wedding on the Cape in September. Could the package be any cuter?


2. I quickly went through a large sample of this primer after a rec from a friend. It's AMAZING and best of all formulated without all the nasty stuff (parabens).


3. Valentine's Day pressies! Two dozen roses definitely cheered up my boring desk. They didn't arrive until almost 4PM, so I had given up hope at that point. Teddy asked if I had received a package literally just as the mailman was walking across the floor toward my desk.



4. I can't even begin to tell you how much I want this clutch from Shopbop for summer! It would pair perfectly with Lilly, don't you think?

Pottery Barn Bunny Cupcake Stand

5. Moving on to the next holiday. This adorable stand is now sold out online, but you can probably find in stores. I bought one for my mom to add another tier on her glass cake stand. Mini carrot cupcakes?!

Have a great weekend! xo
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Thursday, February 16, 2012

Favorite Freebie

Teddy and I went to Macelleria, an Italian steakhouse in the Meatpacking District, for our Valentine's Day dinner. I immediately eyed the matches upon arrival. The hostess was seating someone so I quickly snapped a pic before putting at handful in my purse. Standard procedure...


I don't smoke, just want to light candles and primarily fill a huge jar like this!
(I don't need eight... one will do.)

Ginger Jar Matches $9.50/3 boxes
Both by ANNECHOVIE

So I might be a little crazy if I actually went out and bought myself matches but don't put it past me.
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C. Wonder Super Sale

Pattern Sphere, Small Was $38 Sale $12.99 $7.79

Elephant Ceramic Box, Square Was $24 Sale $12.99 $7.79

Back in October I blogged about the opening of C. Wonder. Since then I have visited the store and their online site is open for business. As much as I loved many of the items I thought they were a little overpriced. Well....now through Monday take 40% all sale items with FAB40. Problem solved! Looking forward to blue, white and elephants arriving to my doorstep. I have a feeling things may sell out fast...
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Westminster Dog Show

Did you watch the Westminster Dog Show on Monday and Tuesday? I went to the first night of competition at Madison Square Garden with a few of my favorite colleagues... get ready for picture overload!


We spent about an hour in the benching and grooming area before the televised show began. I loved that I spotted a few Mason Pearson brushes - nothing but the best for these pups! (I carry the pocket size in my bag.) As pictured in the bottom right, many of the dogs were exhausted from their full day of competition.


Meet Conner, one of our favorites but not a winner. Martha Stewart's Chow Chow, Genghis Khan, won Best in Breed. She tweeted a great picture of him at the Plaza Hotel where he slept the night before the competition. 


Fashion behind the scenes... don't even get me started. 

Check out the New York Times for all the coverage.
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Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Cap-Toe

via Instagram
When I saw these ASOS platform pumps on Mo Pie, Please I had to have them. I absolutely love shoes with a cap-toe and ASOS has some great price points and frequent promotions, which certainly helps. They only run in whole sizes - I wear a half size (7.5) so I took a chance and sized up (US 8) and they fit perfectly.

via Google Images

Kirsten Dunst's Chanel cap-toe pumps added the perfect touch to this outfit she wore last year to Good Morning America.


Here are a few everyday options in the classic color combo. Staple!

PS - Old Navy is offering 14% off with code ONLOVE today, 2/14!
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Whale You Be My Valentine?

Edgartown, Summer '11
Love you Teddy!

Wishing you all a Happy Valentine's Day!
xo
Linds
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Monday, February 13, 2012

Weekend Update

via Instagram
Joining Ashley of  a {little dash of ash} for her Instagram Link Party...

Cheese plate from a Saju Bistro, a delightful French restaurant in Times Square.
The elephant door knocker that welcomed me to a friend's apartment.
Trying new wines...this Verdicchio was light and fruity.
Hello, Twirl. Nice to add you to my collection!

Jacket: Joie (similar here). Dress: Everly. Scarf: My mom's closet. Bag: Rebecca Minkoff
Tights: Hue. Shoes: Kelsi Dagger

I finally broke out the leather jacket I got for Christmas. I ended up wearing a very similar outfit the next night, just a different shift dress and scarf. Once I find an outfit that "works" I swap in different colors and patterns.


I haven't read many articles on New York Fashion Week yet but did check in on Twitter for breaking news - Olivia Palermo and Hanneli Mustaparta were both wearing the same striped peplum jacket front row at Tibi. Yikes!

One last thing... tomorrow is Valentine's Day! I'm going to send some of these e-cards from Kate Spade and cocodot. Cute and free! :)
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Friday, February 10, 2012

Friday's Fancies: Red & Pink


Linking up with {av} for this week's Red & Pink Friday's Fancies. What's not to love? I added the Bond #9 fragrance as an ode to New York Fashion Week. I can't wait to see all the coverage and possibly linger around Lincoln Center for style watching. Tonight I'll be meeting some of my favorite fashion bloggers at the CurrentlyObsessed.me Top Influencers of 2011 party... sooo excited. Happy weekending!

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Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Novel Idea


Love the idea of a book clutch but don't want to spend $$$? For just $, here's a DIY Book Clutch from Runway DIY. I'm always amazed by her creative ideas. 

via // via // via // via

Just how much is $$$? The tutorial was inspired by French designer Olympia Le-Tan's embroidered book clutches that start around $1,300. I would love a "copy" of The Great Gatsby!


For $$ you can pick up a Kate Spade "book-of-the-month" version.

via Instagram
Barnes and Noble Leatherbound Classic Series
Pride and Prejudice (Found in store ~ $12 ) // Sense and Sensibility $10.80

I think I will go for the $ version. Step 1 complete. I couldn't decide on just one. Plus I have a backup in case anything goes wrong. (I feel like I should read them before they are gutted.)


Which book to choose? "50 Classic Matchbook Girl Novels" from the latest issue of Matchbook Magazine is a great resource.

PS - Elizabeth McKay is on Rue La La today!
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Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Post Super Bowl

I watched the big game in Hoboken, New Jersey - home of Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning! We went to the bar after the game for a celebratory drink (or three).

via Instagram

I'm not much of a tweeter but did share my nails (@msslindsay)... I will save these colors for Memorial Day.

via Instagram

My jersey didn't look right with jeans so I just went for the sporty look with spandex and sneakers. These are the first pair of NIKEiDs I ever made and they did NOT turn out as planned - I had intended for a metallic silver. I think they are ugly but haven't been able to part with them. (I'm unable to use "Lindsay" anymore because it's copyrighted - here is a pair that turned out better.)


So where was Teddy? In Boston with his fellow Patriot fans. I missed him but think it was best he wasn't around. Here we are in happier times...


Thankfully I was into the game because I wasn't really impressed with the commercials or halftime. L-U-V Madonna? What did you think? I loved Gisele's scarf - the only win in that pic!

PS - Erin Condren is on One Kings Lane today, here's an invite. I'm thinking about getting the contact cards!
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Saturday, February 4, 2012

Winter Blues

via InStyle // Esprit Block Stripe Sweater $99.50 $49.99
Lots of blue this weekend! Thanks to a tip from Stripes and Sequins I picked up this sweater for a great price at Esprit. Most sizes are sold out online, but you may have some luck in store. Not only am I obsessed with just about everything Olivia Palermo wears, I am going to Vail in a couple weeks and wanted a few new things for the trip.


I also bought this blouse. It's currently 50% off online through 2/7, free shipping and returns.  I used to shop here a long time ago, new appreciation! I also saw a few great pieces for work, but wasn't in the mood to try much on. I'll probably go back, especially since almost everything in the store is 60% off.


I wish I could say I also got these, but I am just drooling over them. I definitely spend more time window shopping online this time of year. Instead, I am wearing these David Yurman inspired earrings from QVC a few years ago. I much prefer a stud/post/DY, but these will have to do.


Finally, I also bought these cheapo nail polishes from Forever 21 (Multi, Dark Blue) for the game tomorrow. GO BIG BLUE!
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