Hello Beauties!

The season of giving is almost over, and for all you last minute-rs out there, be sure to check out all of our handy gift guides!  More importantly, if you haven’t already booked a blowout for New Year’s Eve, or if your favorite stylist is closed on Christmas, we have an even handier HAIR GUIDE.

We’ve tapped Paul Lebreque for four easy styles that you can do at home.

And as an added holiday bonus, I’ve got a hot product alert that won’t break the (already broke) bank.

Goody has done something GREAT-Y and has come out with a line called Simple Styles to help you achieve a doable holiday ‘do!

The star of the line in my opinion is the Spin Pin, which is a “twist” on a regular bobby pin.

Just TWO of these does the work of 20 regular bobbies, and for just a few bucks  you can create that messy chignon you’ve been dying to try without a costly trip to the salon.  The best part is that they won’t fall out while you’re dancing the night away.

THIS COULD BE YOU!

So ladies, here’s my Christmas gift to you.  Run to the nearest drugstore and snatch these up.  And be sure to check out our slideshow on creating four hot holiday looks, or our video on an even more glammed up version of that chignon rocked all across the red carpets.

“On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me … a partridge in a pear tree.“

~The 12 Days of Christmas, (published c. 1780)

I’m sure in the 1700s this would have been a lovely gift, perhaps to grow outside on the plantation near the veranda.  Skip ahead 230 years and the shipping costs alone of such a ginormous gift makes me shudder.  So what can you bring to that special someone that won’t break the bank?  Here’s my 12 days ’til Christmas gift list for all you last minute givers.

For the Hostess:

Since you’ll probably be merry-making and attending some awesome soirees, why not give a gift that’ll spark some great conversation, and help your hostess de-stress post-party.  The Once a Year massage bar from Lush, $9, will certainly make her giggle with its cocktail fragrance and cheeky mustache.

For Mom:

Whether she’s working hard in the kitchen, tirelessly shopping or reaching strenuous heights to hang decorations, holiday preparations can be tough on Mom’s hands. But you can help her stay soft with this Hand and Nail Favorites collection, $13.50, from H2O Plus.  These travel-sized treats are a perfect way to say “Thanks” without breaking the bank.

For Dad:

Help him transform from Santa back to dad with this Complete Grooming System from Remington. This comes with everything he’ll need to trim his facial fur, even in those less than desirable places (like his nose and ears).  Best part?  It’s a great gift under $20!

For Mr. Right (or Mr. Right Now):

Convincing him to whisk you away has never been easier.  The Performance Ready Set, $20, from Jack Black is perfect for that adventure on the slopes or in the sun.  The lip balm will keep him kissably soft, and the sun block will protect his skin on either the beach or the slopes.  The energizing wash and Dragon Ice recovery balm are perfect to sooth his muscles after an action-packed day.

For more great holiday gift ideas, click here.

“The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word ‘crisis.’ One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger – but recognize the opportunity.”

~  Richard M. Nixon (37th US President (1969-74), 1913-1994)

I wonder if Nixon was aware of the morning crisis that occurs when trying to apply eyeshadow without the proper tools.  Luckily, I recognized this opportunity to share with you my favorite brushes that I use each and every morning to apply my own face.  You only need a few, and if you invest in a good set now, they will last you ten times as long as their cheaper counterparts. Like any good presidential reform … spend now to hopefully save later.

FOR EYELINER AND BROWS: A SLANTED EYELINER BRUSH

This is a great two-in-one brush for applying powdered eyeliner and also brow powder to enhance sparse or uneven eyebrows.  The slanted edge will help create clean, thin lines along the eyelid.  For a more defined line, wet the brush before dipping it into the powder.  For a smoky look, use a dry brush and blend outwards.

FOR ALL OVER LID: EYE SHADOW BRUSH

Find a smaller brush with a rounded edge to apply your main eye shadow colors.  Look for a brush that will allow you to “press” color in. Using a light tapping motion to apply colors, instead of rubbing a brush across your lid, will deposit a richer color.

TO BLEND OUT: A BLENDING BRUSH

A soft fluffy brush that’s tapered and rounded at the tip can be used to gently shade and blend the crease line with shadow powder.

FOR DRAMATIC LOOKS:  A DEFINING BRUSH

Use this pointed brush to define the eye crease with a darker shade of eye shadow.

You too can create art for your eyes … all you need are the right tools.  And check out our  amazing step-by-step demonstrations of how to create a smoky eye, play up a fun fuchsia or use bright colors this holiday season.

Traveling and maybe vaca..ing during the holidays can seem crazy for some and perfect for others, but either way comes with its ups and downs.

As far as I’m concerned, there’s never a bad time to take a trip no matter the time of year or how last-minute you are booking. However, lack of planning can cost more money and aggravation. There are ways to accommodate your budget, timing and need for a break. Here are my tips to traveling right during the holidays.

Booking Flights and Hotels – Whether you are going to visit family or are going to “holiday” over the holidays, it is best to book earlier than you normally would since everyone is doing the same thing as you. That said, I sometimes do not take my own advice and either pay more than I should or spend way too much time finding something in my budget. This year however, I was 50 percent better than my usual track record. For the week between Christmas and New Years (Happy 2011!!), I am headed to Tulum, Mexico with a group of four adults and two children. We booked in July, used miles and secured great rates at the hotel. The trick is to leave after Christmas and return a couple of days AFTER the New Year if you can.

Airports/Transfers – The airports WILL be crowded. You can’t get around that. Just leave yourself enough time so you can just “take it as it comes” peacefully, especially if the check-in and screening lines are out of control. I usually just find a taxi when I arrive at my destination. And even though you are going to approach your trip relaxed, without letting hassles bother you, booking as much as you can ahead of time can save you a lot of irritation.

Luggage – I’m not a light packer. I like my special things when I have special travel experiences. That said, during the holidays, so much luggage is going through the systems, so I’ll try to go lighter (easier if it’s a beach destination). Having trouble paring down your packing? Check out some of my packing tips and luggage shipping options.
How to Pack a Carry-On
Packing Alternative: Ship Your Luggage

Security- Security checkpoints, scans and pat downs are all the rage… literally some people are in a rage! I say the overall goal is something positive. And while the FDA may have to get the kinks out to perfect the system, I believe it will work for all in the end and intended for our safety, so roll with it.

My biggest tip is to just try to relax and take it as it comes. You can’t control everything, so roll with the ups and downs and enjoy the adventure.

Now you can enjoy the season. Give thanks and experience what the world has to offer with your friends and family in tow as you “take it as it comes”. Happy Holidays from … wherever I am!!

The Big Island

A Crazy Climate

The Big Island of Hawaii is crazy … It feels like you’ve traveled to four different places in four different areas of the world in one week. Why? There are 13 different climates in the world and The Big Island “Kona” has 10 of them. You can be on the beach one minute then jump in a jeep to travel to Mauna Kea, an extinct volcano 16,000 feet above sea level, where it is freezing. The Japanese tourists seemed to be prepared in their big orange parkas. Me? I had on a couple of thin layers and a blazer and shivered through the entire sunset. Even so, it was an amazing place and not to be missed on your visit to Kona. Do keep in mind, the last 20 minutes of the drive up the mountain are not for the faint at heart. You can take a tour if you prefer. Personally though, I’m not a fan of tours.

Top Picks

Sites: Try the Pololu Valley for a fairly tough but short hike down to a beautiful valley with mountains on one side, a lake in the middle and a mostly deserted beach on the other end. Those in-the-know stack stones of various sizes as an offering to Pele. This place is a spiritual hideaway.

Or just taking a drive for a few hours where you can pass through a rain forest, ranch land and beach is enjoyable!

Eats: The Big Island has gone from a place where most food was brought onto the island to one where farms now produce almost everything necessary to eat gourmet. Merriman’s is a tasty place for fresh farm-to- table cuisine with friendly but casual service in a nice, simple room setting. We could see the herb garden out the window when we had lunch. Special!

There are many good restaurants at the resorts as well. I really liked the Beach Tree at the Four Seasons. It’s a casual experience on a deck overlooking the beach with farm fresh Mediterranean food … perfect!

Kauai

Where the Big Island is literally the biggest island, Kauai is the second smallest. The main road travels most of the perimeter of the island except the northern region. The airport is in the middle of the island near the south end and it is one and a half to two hours to either end from the airport. There are various small towns, each with its own inhabitants – surfers, organic yogis, tourists and resort and condo dwellers.
There are many beaches, waterfalls, pools and tropical hikes. You can choose to exhaust yourself trying to see it all or pick a few things and just enjoy the relaxation of Hawaii. All of the places are beautiful pieces of nature.

My Favorite Spots:

The Kalalau Trail starts where the driving road ends at the northern most point of the island and is perfect for those who like an adventure. The day we hiked it was very muddy and slippery from the previous day’s rain. (It rained while we were on our hike as well, but that’s another story). The trail is two miles (one and a half to two hours) and ends at the Hanakapi’ai Beach. This two mile hike is lots of ups and down and switchbacks and rock climbing. If you choose to continue, it is another two miles to get to the Hanakapi’ai Falls. From there, if you want to cover the next seven to eight miles … you need a permit to hike further and camp overnight.

If you are traveling with a group and some prefer to beach bum it (not a bad choice … ), the start of the Kalalau Trail is at Ke’e Beach. This is a beautiful spot where tree trunk roots and roosters serve as a backdrop. Relaxing visitors can enjoy the water and the views.

In the Princeville area, a much shorter hike (five to ten minutes) is the Queen’s Bath where natural pools formed in the lava. It’s a great spot to experience and just take it all in. The pools did seem very dangerous to swim in because the surf crashed over the lava, filling the pools with a massive thunder. That and the hand-carved signs ticking off the number of drownings. Be warned!

Hungry? Always…

For breakfast, hit the Wake Up Café where the surfers go at 5:00 a.m.! You can enjoy big plates of food in a very casual “Mel’s diner” meets “surf shack” atmosphere.

For dinner, BarAcuda is another farm-to-table spot with tapas size plates from San Francisco transplant chef Jim Moffat. The restaurant has a great vibe and the salad I had included the freshest greens I ever remember eating. Yes, I said salad – it was so good, the cheese with the Kauai honeycomb will enlighten your soul!!

Postcards Cafe is also a sweet place. You’ll love the cottage setting with fresh, organic food seafood lovers and vegetarians will enjoy.

Lastly for a splurge and a memorable evening, Jean-Georges brings you Kauai Grill. You’ll enjoy fantastic food and service in a beautiful room at the St Regis. Beware of taste explosions!

Living six months in Hawaii and six months in New York City is now the answer, or I should say the dream. Aloha!!

The Hawaii Hotel search has finally come to  a close!

After going through my file of notes and tear sheets and my usual go-to sites (tablethotels.com is my número uno) – I was still going back and forth on a place to stay. Whenever I told someone I was headed to Hawaii and showed my list of options, (after the nasty glare of jealously faded), most people suggested the Four Seasons on the Big Island and the St. Regis in Kauai. Well yeah, these are both super, stellar resorts but the prices will be super, stellar as well! But after some back and forth and calling in some favors, we are in. Splurging without adding a second mortgage…

I bought two guides and will read them on the plane and plan activities (or not) and meals as we go. Is a lounge chair, a book and a glass of wine officially an activity yet????

I’ll let you know how it goes! Bon voyage.

Although I try to travel as often as possible, with a busy life balancing work, family friends and myself, most of my trips are usually long weekends, which are great!  But at least once a year a long week to 10 days of relaxing to recharge is what I need.

September is normally a great time to get away to Europe and I had it on the schedule – SPAIN!!! Tapas, Barcelona, the Costa….yes please! But once again, work demands pushed the trip back to late October.  The problem with late October in Europe is that it is getting maybe just a bit more cool than my companion and I would like.  So we decided to go somewhere else, it happens.

In exploring areas of the Caribbean and South America, we realized October is not the best travel month in many places as it is either much cooler with fall-like weather, rainy or like the early parts of a New York spring.  All fine unless you want to explore and mainly relax in beautiful sunny weather.   Okay, maybe Fiji or Hawaii or Tahiti.  That area of the world always has perfect weather.  But, Tahiti – been there …  Fiji – haven’t been there but maybe not up to such a long haul this trip …  Hawaii – also been there twice, but it is so great!

The first time I went to Hawaii I was not overly excited. I thought it was the land of the honeymooners – and I’m not talking Ralph and Alice.  There are definitely weddings and mooners around, but the lush lands with waterfalls and green, green greenery, healthy fresh tropical food, amazing weather and great hotels and resorts make it a special soul filling holiday.  That first trip was to Maui.  It was so nice I decided to do it again – Maui and Honolulu the second time.  Planning my third visit I’m considering Kauai and  have been hearing a lot about the Big Island (aka Kona) as being the most undeveloped. So I checked on how I can fly there.

Okay – as this is only a few weeks away and fares are on the high side these days, I’ve decided to cash in some miles.  I have an extra airport connection but in general the flights are good and I don’t have to give up my life savings of miles to get there.  That’s what the miles are there for anyway, right?.  I am a bit O.C.D –  I check all the carriers who fly there against my miles programs direct through each airline plus the ones who partner with Amex. While this is timely, getting the best deal takes some good investigating! Some airlines allow you to book a one-way reward ticket and others do not.  So although a one-way on American and return trip with Continental would have been the best flights, I decided on American because Continental’s policy is that you must book round-trip reward ticket.  Leaving on Wednesday, October 20th!!!

Now for hotels.  The Big Island is a volcanic island and not as lush as the other islands, although the resorts have recreated the lush landscape. People keep telling me that outside of the resorts it feels like you are on the moon when you are driving on the hardened lava.  There are very few resorts and after some back and forth on rates we are fortunately able to stay at the Four Seasons Hualalai.  The resort sounds and looks amazing from the pictures – snorkeling, catering spa, great service, food, several pools … I’m in.

After four days there, we will take a short early morning flight (paying cash for this flight, less than $150 pp) to Kauai, which is much smaller and remote and very lush. Again some back and forth on rates and promotions and we are booked at the St. Regis Princeville.  More of the same services and activities to get to that zoned, relaxed state! I can’t wait.

My tips for booking flights and hotels … most airlines, hotels and resorts have detailed websites that allow you to dig in and look up availability on various award tickets, promotions and packages on various dates.  I usually start my investigation online and get an understanding of what is available. But then I give a call to hotels with the deals I think will work the best.  Many times I find the individual on the phone (an actual human!!) will access something that may not come up online or may know of a promotion that hasn’t been updated.  You can then make the decision to book online or over the phone.

Be back soon when I decide where I plan to feed my stomach …  I will be very hungry after all that relaxing …

It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.

~Albert Einstein

It’s Friday night.  You’re polished, styled, and dressed to kill.  You slip on your sexiest pumps and head out the door.  And it starts to rain.  Your hair immediately goes from adorable to atrocious.  So what do you?

Well , thanks to the Beautiful Vending Hair Styler, you’ve got on-location styling savers.  According to the company, the Styler consists of a self-sterilizing GHD Ceramic Hot Iron for hair touch ups on the go. They say these machines are being placed in trendy venues such as nightclubs, health and fitness centers, tanning salons, shopping malls, colleges, office buildings, airports and reception halls.

I have to be honest.  Not much in the vending world surprises me anymore.  I’ve bought iPod’s at the airport, and makeup at the movies.  I’ve even swiped my credit card for a can of soda.  And on a recent trip though Arizona, a friend spotted this:

Because sometimes you just need more than gas.

But I digress.

It’s clear to me that technology is paving the way to a future filled of instamatic  anything- you-need-anytime automatrons.  And these stylers are allegedly a huge success in 16 countries worldwide.

But a public hair styler?!?  I don’t like it when my boyfriend uses my hairbrush.

Then again … should a little frizz come between you and Mr. Right-now-at-the-end-of-the-bar?  So I’m asking you faithful fans … is it cool, or just creepy?

(I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!)

With enough butter, anything is good.

-Julia child

Jules and I have one thing in common and it’s not our kitchen skills.  We both looooooove butter.

She ate hers … I WEAR mine.

I’m not talking about a post-binge bulge.  I’m talking about Butter nail collection.  The polishes are rich and long lasting, (like a Mario Batali meal), but the soufflé of the line is the cuticle cream. You needn’t butcher your hands with cuticle cutters anymore.  Like a fine pastry chef, you can achieve palatable perfection with a bit of mise en place (that’s preparation)!  TJ Kelly, Butter’s Chef de Cuisine, gave us his recipe for success:

• Baste your cuticles with Melt Away Cuticle Solution.
• After kneading it in, take an orange stick and gently push back the cuticle.  No paring (cutting) necessary.
• Lastly, glaze those manicured nails.

Two of TJ’s Favorite colors are ”Marrow” a deep purple custom mixed for design duo Vena cava and “All hail McQueen” a tribute color to the late Alexander McQueen.  A pinch of polish and a dash of color, and you really can eat YOUR butter, and wear it too!

As Julia once said, “If you’re afraid of Butter, use [cuticle] cream.”

Life is an endless struggle full of frustrations and challenges, but eventually you find a hair stylist you like.  -Author Unknown

Not too long ago I whined about SHARED with you, my ongoing battle with my hair.  More specifically, my fight to battle frizz. It seemed pretty hopeless …

Until now.

You may remember our Mother’s Day makeovers, where two moms went in for a full day of beauty.  Each had a Keratin treatment, and raved about the results.  But both women had had ongoing battles of their own, dealing with course, over processed  hair. And since I’ve never really had “problem” hair, I didn’t think twice about getting Keratin myself.  And then August rolled in, and brought its evil stepsister “Humidity.”  This invasion called for emergency measures.  So I called in my special ops team to help me out.

Their secret weapon … a Keratin Complex treatment. And you know what?  It works!  My hair is still wavy, but NO FRIZZ.  Hanging out in the rain … no problem.  Subway car on a 90 degree day … it’s like a steam bath … but NO FRIZZ!  I swear, this is La Mer for your hair.

And just like the precious face cream, it’s not an inexpensive solution, but it should take me through the summer and save me tons of styling time.  However, there are a few other ways you can get this Keratin effect at home:

KERATIN BLOWOUT

Many salons are offering what they now call a Keratin blowout or Express Keratin treatment.  For a fraction of the cost of a full Keratin Complex treatment, you too can be frizz-free.  However, they only last a fraction of the time as well.  So after eight to ten shampoos you’ll be back to your old hair ways.

KERATIN PRODUCTS

There are a few products that are similar to the “express treatments” that you can do at home.  The Keratin Complex Intense Rx is a great way to maintain an existing treatment, or even reduce frizz in untreated hair.  The results will not be as long-lasting, but they will provide a temporary break from battling your ‘do.

Remember … when all else fails, grab a hat.  I’m sure you’ll look fedora-ble.