The color for 2013? Pantone the color guru has chosen Emerald green. This bold, exciting color will be all the rage for 2013. From nails and makeup to dresses and accessories, this color will find it’s way into wardrobes way past St Patrick’s Day. You will see Emerald green being incorporated into decorating as well. Maybe some bold new pillows for your sofa or really go for it and paint an accent wall in your home.
The land of Oz and Emerald Green
The perfect brow (part 2)
After trying many different places to shape my sometimes unruly brows, I think I just struck gold! Benefit Brow Bar is my new go to place to get my eyebrows waxed. I’ve tried both waxing and threading and I have to say I really prefer waxing. In NYC, the brow bar is set up within the makeup counters at Bloomingdales. This was a little strange to me at first, but after I sat down and put my trust into my aesthetician Heidi, I kind of liked that I got to do a little people watching as well! At first I thought it was going to be a rushed, in and out experience. Not so, Heidi took such patience applying the wax and shaping my brow that it was actually relaxing (and didn’t hurt at all!) The girls here seem to take pride in their work and make it a fun and relaxing environment. Who would’ve known that I would go to Bloomingdales to get my eyebrows done? Heidi is my go to girl! http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/brand/boutiqueoverview/browbars
Now I’ve seen it all!
I thought I had seen it all, but alas, my good friend Cheryl sent this over to me. It’s a sippy cup for wine called Vino2Go. Now as you all know, I consider myself a professional wine drinker, but this one just throws me for a loop. I was thinking of all different uses (at the beach, maybe a “to go cup”?) and to be honest, the only one I could think of is if you were on a boat cruising. Even then, drinking wine out of a sippy cup just seems, well…wrong. I think this busy girl will keep it classy and stick with my solo cup when times get rough, but then again, never say never!!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
There’s a great quote “love isn’t something you find, it’s something that finds you”. I hope everyone has a great Valentine’s Day. Remember, whether you’re in a relationship or not loving yourself and being happy with yourself is always most important. Only when you do will love find it’s way.
How I got to take my vitamins (at over 40!!)
I never took to taking vitamins. I don’t know why. Maybe I’m a late bloomer? I just never saw myself taking a pill (or pills) religiously every day forever. But alas, that changed! Someone introduced me to vitamin gummies. Yes gummies. No they’re not shaped like bears, but usually shaped and taste like fruit and they’re the same as taking hard pills, just more fun! My fav? Naturemade Adult Gummies http://www.naturemade.com/products/multivitamins/multi-adult-gummies
Tips on dealing with everyday stress
ahhhh, if this was only true 
Unfortunately, stress plays a part in our everyday lives. You may think that you deal with it well and at the end of the day, it doesn’t really affect you. Not true. Did you know that people that are stressed experience headaches, fatigue, problems sleeping, irritability and anxiety. There are ways to reduce stress that you should incorporate into your life:
1) Exercise – Physical activity pumps up your endorphins and improves your mood. Walking, biking or hitting the gym will make you help relieve your stress
2) Yoga/Mediate – When doing yoga or meditating, you’re focusing your attention and installing a sense of calm and peace and eliminating all the thoughts in your mind that are causing your stress.
3) Engage – If you’re super stressed, you might want to just curl up on your couch, wrap yourself in a blanket and close yourself off to the world. That’s probably the first thought for most, but actually engaging with others can be a great distraction from stress. Or better yet, volunteer!
4) Laugh – Yep, laugh. Did you know laughing lowers your blood pressure and reduces stress hormones. So find that friend who is just plain hysterical or pop in your favorite comedy movie!
Healthy (& really easy) Chicken Marsala
This is a simple version of Chicken Marsala that is light and good for you. It’s so easy to prepare and makes for great leftovers. I usually make with a side of asparagus and always plenty of mushrooms. I found this receipe on Cooking Light and make it every couple of weeks.
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves pounded thin (I just buy the thin cut from the market)
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup presliced mushrooms (or as many as you like!)
1/2 cup Marsala wine
1/2 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Sprinkle both sides of chicken evenly with salt and pepper. Place flour in a shallow dish. Dredge chicken in flour, turning to coat; shake off excess flour.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 3 minutes on each side or until browned. Remove chicken from pan; keep warm. Add mushrooms, wine, broth, and juice to pan; reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes or until mixture is reduced to 2/3 cup. Return chicken to pan, turning to coat well. Cover and cook 5 minutes or until chicken is done. Sprinkle with parsley. Enjoy!
Quick polish tip for girls on the go
Don’t have time to go to the nail salon? Then do it yourself and save time with quick dry top coat. But what happens if you don’t even have 5 minutes to spare? I often find I do my nails and then wait, wishing I could do my hair or makeup in the meantime, but don’t dare for fear I smudge my polish. Here’s a quick way to get those nails dry in no time! After about a minute of applying the quick drying top coat place your fingertips in ice water. The ice water seals and hardens your nails, basically freeze drying the polish. After about a minute, dry your hands and your done!
At home tightening mask
I’m a huge fan of homemade all natural masks. Don’t get me wrong, I love getting pampered at a spa and getting a professional facial, but it’s costly and time consuming. This is a simple make at home mask that takes 10 minutes.
Tablespoon of honey
Coffee grounds.
Yep, that’s it. Honey makes your face glow and coffee is an all natural skin tightener. Just take equal parts of both and stir together in a bowl until you come up with a thick paste. Apply to your face and let harden for about 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. Enjoy!
