So many scarves...

Organize your scarves by looping them over a hanger.  They won't slip off and will be neatly displayed in your closet. Just drape the middle around the hanger, pull the ends through, and tighten it snugly around the bottom.

 

My collection of scarves.

 I have been getting a lot of compliments on my leopard scarf.  (I have always loved leopard print, and will definitely be the old lady in head-to-toe leopard at the bingo hall.) This season in particular I feel leopard print has become so versatile and has worked its way into becoming a neutral. 

As you can see I stick mainly with solid colors for my scarves, but there are a few whimsical prints and the ever fashionable leopard. When shopping, remember, it can be hard to match a print to an outfit.  If you are going to go with a printed scarf be sure it is versatile enough to match a lot of items in your closet.  Also, I think the bigger the scarf the better! I tend to look for scarves that are around 44" W and 88" L (or more) to have that bulk and ability to drape. 

Birch Box

My first Birch Box.

Samples with a little package in the middle.

Samples.

Zoya Nail Lacquer in Noel.

Thymes 1.5 fl oz eucalyptus body lotion.

miNeRALoGie 2g eye concealer in U2.

Eau Thermale Avene Cleanance Gel 1.69 fl oz.

Thymes Kimono Rose Body lotion packette.

TWO PAPER DOLLS letterpress & design coasters.

I have to say for my very first Birch Box I am all smiles about the contents.  I didn't quite know what to expect for a $10/mo. subscription.  This little box is full of fun new cosmetics to try, in fact I have never tried any of these brands with the exception of a distant Zoya manicure.  Watch for reviews on these little treats soon! (Click here to learn how to sign up for your very own monthly stash of treats)

LUSH

LUSH is back in town and re-opened in my favorite (and very nearby) mall!  I popped in on Sunday to check out all my old favorites.  This place smells as amazing as I remembered, with a huge selection of body products.  I had forgotten about the fresh bar where they mix up fresh face masks daily, and keep them on ice. The newly opened store was packed full of people so I didn't get to peruse as much as I like.  Even so, I still walked away with the Dream Cream and the Golden Slumbers Bath Bomb.

I have big plans for this bath bomb. 

This bath bomb is coming with me on vacation next week and going to be used in the huge jetted tub in our room at Caesar's Palace.  It promises lavender sprigs and lavender oil to soothe away stress and ease tension.  Combined with a glass of champagne, I think it will be amazing.

The Dream Cream also has lavender oil, with chamomile.  Both ingredients are supposed to soothe redness, which is why I snatched it up.  My right hand has started to grow a patch of lizard scales that are so red and irritated, that nothing seems to work on.  I have been at a loss these days, all my tricks that once worked, have ceased to alleviate my skin woes.  I am really hoping this cream does the trick.

I will be attending the Grand Opening Party on December 3rd, 2011 1-6 PM at Lush in Washington Square.  The first 100 RSVP's get a Golden Wonder Bath Bomb.  The party promises complimentary in-store face treatments, bubbly, cupcakes, DJ and Prize wheel.  There are also some VIP gift offers.  Hope to see you there!

NARS

Limited Edition NARS Danmari Pallette

I went to the Sephora V.I.B. event last week and had to have this NARS pallette.  It has a highlighter, bronzer, and four blushes.  What I love about the NARS brand is that they have a very strong pigment, and a little goes a long way.  I had a NARS blush last me over a year, with frequent use. 

Not only did I score this awesome find but I had a lot of fun!  The V.I.B. event was packed and I had a great co-pilot with me.  There is something awesome about a large group of women all buzzing around happily shopping for make-up.  The night had great energy, awesome limited edition products, and 20% your entire purchase (and you know I love a good deal)!

Zuppa Toscana

I followed a recipe for the copycat version of Olive Gardens 'Zuppa Toscana' tonight and it turned out exactly like the real thing.  Here is the recipe (I made a half batch which resulted in about 5 full bowls).  Serve with crusty bread!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb ground Italian sausage
• 1½ tsp crushed red peppers
• 1 large diced white onion
• 4 Tbsp bacon pieces
• 2 tsp garlic puree
• 10 cups water
• 5 cubes of chicken bouillon
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 lb sliced Russet potatoes, or about 3 large potatoes
• ¼ of a bunch of kale

1. Sauté Italian sausage and crushed red pepper in a large pot. Drain excess fat, refrigerate while you prepare other ingredients.
2. In the same pan, sauté bacon, onions and garlic over low-medium heat for approximately 15 mins. or until the onions are soft.
3. Add chicken bouillon and water to the pot and heat until it starts to boil.
4. Add the sliced potatoes and cook until soft, about half an hour.
5. Add the heavy cream and just cook until thoroughly heated.
6. Stir in the sausage and the kale, let all heat through and serve. Delicious!

I was in the dressing room at American Eagle a few days ago when I overheard a conversation that got made me raise an eyebrow.  A customer had asked the salesgirl ‘Where is H&M?’ which prompted the following statement.  “Oh, you don’t want to go to H&M, their clothing is only one-time wear”.  Huh?  If, at the time, I hadn’t been undressed down to one floppy sock and my skivvies I would have politely interjected and told the lady the following:

H&M is not one time wear…while it isn’t the HIGHEST of quality clothing, if you are selective and take good care of the clothes, you should be able to get AT LEAST a seasons wear out of them.  Which got me thinking; maybe people just need to know how to better handle these clothes so that they get more value out of them.

So, here are my tips to getting the most out of the items you get at places like H&M and Forever 21.

1)      NEVER put your items in the dryer.  Most of my items from these stores get washed in a color appropriate machine cycle and then hung up on hangers to dry. Once the clothes have air dried, I throw them on a warm spin through the dryer (with dryer sheet) just to fluff them and get the wrinkles out.  15 minutes tops.

You loved that sweater the way it fit when you tried it on in the store, didn’t you?  If you dry it, unless you just had a 6 week bout of Montezuma’s revenge, it’s not going to fit you the same afterwards.  If you MUST dry these items, either buy it a size up, or count on it fitting like a sausage casing once it comes out.

2)      Know your fabrics.  Polyester and Rayon blends (sometimes with some spandex in the mix) are the least likely to wash well.  These fabrics tend to rip and fray easily.  Take these items to the dry cleaner.  If you must wash, put them in a laundry bag and wash on delicate.  Don’t dry these items, not even for a fluff cycle, just hang them up to dry and put them away. 

3)      Consider if you even need to wash the item every time you wear it.  We are girls, we know we are clean, just hang that baby back up when you get home.  If you can wear an item a couple of times in between washes, you will get a lot more life out of it.

4)      Don’t buy a knit sweater in black.  It is going to pill up, and when it does, it is going to look dingy and old.  For knit sweaters, look for greys, browns, taupes, or colors.   And really, as a general rule, if you buy an item in black it is going to fade out pretty quickly.  Just go into that relationship knowing it’s not going to be a lifetime commitment.

These are the most basic tips.  I am sure most of you already know this, and maybe even have your own secrets.  Feel free to leave a comment below to add to this list. 

And on that note...Here is the laundry room I WISH I was doing my laundry in.  A girl can dream.

The First

This (obviously) is my first blog post.  I have been lingering over doing this for a while.  I've considered I should produce something meaningful to the start of this journey.  But there isn't anything better, or more clear to post here, other than this is me jumping into something new.

I am hoping that an evolution will occur with my posting, and as I continue to post, things will naturally just get better and better. Here is to hoping that this blog becomes something awesome...and meaningful...and if it can't meet those criteria at least it will be a good time-killer while I am at work.

So... Let's just get this thing started...shall we?