DIFFA's Dining By Design

My friend, CJ, attended this event back in March.
This post is dedicated to those interior design junkies out there.

Happy Birthday to...me!

My Strawberry Shortcake themed birthday circa 1984.

Today is the start of my 'golden' year (turning 28 on the 28th). I feel like a child on Christmas morning. It's 7am and I am WIDE awake. I guess you can say I am very excited for what today has in store for me...

+ visiting April's psychic to see what the year has in store for me
+ a trip to Magnolia Bakery for a birthday cupcake (of course)
+ dinner at Sweetiepie
+ seeing Valentino's documentary

Some shopping in SoHo will be done in between those events to find the perfect birthday outfit for this weekend's celebration. Last minute? I know, so cross your fingers!

Mantra Monday

Do what you like.
Like what you do.

-Life Is Good

Track Star

Nine West has teamed up with New Balance to launch vintage nylons straight out of the 70's. Check out the four different styles at Nine West.

I am actually diggin' these bright colored souls.
For $89 , might just have to consider these.

Trash your toxins on Earth Day

This one is for you, Mother Earth...

A dedicated reader sent me this fantastic information about butter LONDON nail polish. They prides themselves on being 3 free.
No Formaldehyde. No Toluene. No DBP.

I have been browsing the site and found fun packs for $30-40 dollars.

(shown: Girls Night Out Pack)

My adventures in L.aLa land

And I'm back!

Last week I ventured to Marina del Ray, CA to visit friends & check out the L.A. scene. I love the constant sunshine and the beautiful sunsets on the West Coast. My friend happens to live very close to Venice Beach. Since I have been in NYC I have learned to appreciate great architecture. Immediately I fell in love with these homes along the Venice Beach walk way.

Besides laying on the beach, I spent most of my time at Fred Segal - both locations (Santa Monica & Melrose Ave). Pathetic, I know...but you can't get Fred Segal over here on the East Coast so I made sure I spent plenty of time soaking it all in. However, I made only one purchase! I must say NYC definitely meets all my shopping needs so when I venture out it's hard to impress me. They aren't kidding when they call the Big Apple "The Fashion Capital".

I am contemplating becoming bi-coastal in the future though.
(what?...the sunsets get me every time!)

Mantra Monday

"Life should not only be lived, it should be celebrated!"
-Osho

Mantra Monday

The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.

-St. Augustine

On that note, I am off to the West Coast for some sunshine & shopping.

Stay tuned for my adventures in the City of Angels.

Expensive vs. Inexpensive hair products

I recently paid a visit to my hair stylist, Katelyn Ryan (Steven's Salon Dartmouth, MA).

I am always questioning expensive vs. inexpensive hair products.

Katelyn informed me that as long as the product is not damaging your hair it's fine. She recommends taking the product and comparing the ingredients to your dish soap. If you find the same ingredients you need to ditch it ASAP!

Katelyn also suggest staying away from heavily perfumed shampoos & conditioners because those contain more alcohol which is not good on your locks.

UNIQLO, where have you been all my life?

This past weekend, my best friend and I ventured to Soho for a perfect Saturday. Starting with brunch at Baltazhar's and then hitting up the shops in the area. Soho is one of my favorite neighborhood's to shop in.

I'll admit I have passed by UNIQLO on Broadway hundreds of times but never went in. I finally stepped inside and was in heaven! I mentioned before I was doing some "spring" cleaning and I need to start back with the basics. UNIQLO is definitely the place. So many colors and styles I was in heaven!! And, the best part - the prices are reasonable!

For instance, light cotton/casmire blend V-neck sweaters in every color imaginable is going for $20. I left the store with an olive cardigan, stripe cotton scarf, long sleeve T and these adorable boy shorts (on sale at the store for $2.99). Damage...only $68.

The bad part? UNIQLO only has one store in the US. If you are in the city or making your way to the city, check out UNIQLO. It's my new fave. The quality is great. I wore my long sleeve T to yoga and it was soft & comfortable, without being baggy and big. Plus the price is so low who cares if you get pit stains!

M.A.C.+ cupcakes = a little bit of heaven

Red Velvet, Lemon Chiffon, Peppermint Patti…oh my!

M.A.C. is introducing there spring/summer collection SUGARSWEET. This collection looks good enough to eat. I want to try the Tricolour Lipglass, a colourwave of three stacked shades with varying pearl combinations in one Lipglass vial.


Here are some of the delicious flavors they come in...
(Consume Me, Triple-Yum, Simply Delicious, Just Dessert, Tasty)

Amy Sedaris shares recipe

I found this recipe for chocolate cupcakes on M.A.C.'s page on Facebook. Being the cupcake fanatic that I am, I just had to share.






Amy Sedaris' RICH CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES

In a bowl combine 3/4 cup of boiling water, 3/4 cup of cocoa, 1 cup buttermilk and mix together until smooth and then set aside. In a mixer, beat 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter and 1 3/4 cups sugar until fluffy. Add 4 eggs, beating after each one. Add 2 teaspoons vanilla, 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon salt, and combine this with the chocolate mixture. Pour into cupcake pan. Bake at 350°F for about 25 minutes.

Frosting:
6 tablespoons of cocoa, 1 cup of sugar, 2 cups of whipping cream, 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir well and chill for an hour or two. Then whip in chilled bowl using chilled beaters. Frost your cupcakes.

Going, going...

...back, back to Cali, Cali!

I am frantically packing for my travels to the West Coast.
Readers, I would love any insider shopping info in L.A.
(of course I will be venturing to Fred Segal).

Valentino: The Last Emperor

You know I only go to the movies to see the fashion.
Valentino's documentary is definitely on my must-see list.

Chapped Lips? Vitamin E to the rescue

Vitamin E is great for chapped lips because sometimes chapstick is just too waxy.

All you have to do is puncture the capsule and apply it to your lips. BONUS: use the remainder on your cuticles!

Mantra Monday

Every day that you are on this planet is a day
for you to get better at something,
as well as becoming a better you.

Audrey Hepburn with UNICEF.
Not just a fashion inspiration, but a true role model.

Ok, I just can't get enough

Word has it Kelly K. Bensimon is selling her Hampton digs.
I came across pictures of her summer home on The Real Estalker.
Wish I had the $10 million to buy it...ahh, some day.

Time to REVAMP

Today starts Day 1 of spring cleaning. I am dedicating my entire weekend to revamping. As the saying goes, out with the old in the with new! I definitely could use a change of scenery so I am starting with my closets. Ok, I'll admit - organizing is one of my favorite past times. My pet peeve? CLUTTER.

Here are my goals to get done before summer arrives...
+ wallpaper inside of closet
+ frame art work & pictures
+ hunt for a new desk chair

REVIEW: Maybelline's Lash Stiletto Mascara

The reviews are in and the critics give Maybelline's Lash Stiletto 9 out of 10.

Personally, I love this mascara. It definitely maximizes your lashes and gives your eyes a look that can carry over from to day to night. The brush allows you to really get close to your lash line and create the illusion of eye liner. For under $10 you can't go wrong ladies. The mascara is available at drug stores.