Try this tasty salad!

Try this tasty warm salad for the Winter! If you're a brussel sprout fan you will adore it!

1. Chop brussel sprouts and saute in pan with olive oil & pinch of salt and pepper.

2. Once they are browned throw in handful of dried cranberries and chopped nuts. (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)

3. Drizzle a bit of honey, toss and continue to warm for a few minutes in pan.

4. Serve warm or at room temperature for a delicious healthy salad!

Ooh la la, Rue La La!

Rue La La is a members only private club of sales on your favorite fashion brands, home decor, even resorts and spas! Each boutique's sale lasts 2-3 days a week. Shop boutiques like Ben Sherman, Calvin Klein, Kate Spade, Via Spiga, Lela Rose, Pillow Play, Baccarat, Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, and Twenty Seven Degrees Tuscan Villas! To join it's free, but you either have to be invited by an existing member (me!) or put your name on a waiting list and let Rue La La contact you when there's an opening. Once you're a member, you can invite your friends and even score $10 in Rue La La credit when they make their first purchase! Go on and enjoy a life of style!

(Message me to get a personal invite!)

Ladies, take your multivitamins

Although we try to eat healthy foods, it is very likely that most of us aren't getting all the vitamins we need on a daily basis from our food. A multivitamin will provide you with much needed vitamins and minerals. Calcium is a vitamin that many women do not get enough of. Calcium helps to prevent osteoporosis and helps maintain healthy bones and teeth. It is also important for women of child bearing age to take a multivitamin containing folic acid. Folic acid can help prevent birth defects of the baby's brain and spine even if taken before you are pregnant. It also keeps your blood healthy by aiding in the production of red blood cells. Ladies, take your multivitamin and stay healthy!

Classy ways to wear mesh on your dress!

Sheer mesh is HOT right now in evening wear! If you're not careful though you could end up looking trashy instead of classy. Here are the correct styles you should look for when going for a sexy evening look!

Sheer sleeves on a little black dress is super seductive.


Embellishments make even a sheer bottom look elegant.


Less mesh is better with bright colors.


A sheer shoulder is super sexy. Nude lining under a long sheer skirt is exquisite.


Small inlays of mesh on the side look hot without showing too much skin.

Red Wine for the Holidays!

Opt for red wine over sugary cocktails this holiday season! You will save calories in the drink department and feel less guilty about eating your favorite holiday foods! Not to mention red wine has many health benefits and has even been linked to slowing down age related health issues. Go on and pour yourself a glass....or two...or three...

Gifts for the Young at Heart

These gifts will make even the biggest kids jump for joy!


Carnival-Style Cotton Candy Maker



Who doesn't love cotton candy?! This gift will undoubtedly be a hit! Just pour the sugar in and spin!

$29.99 at Kmart


Jumpin Jammerz Footed Pajamas



Such a warm and cozy gift for the Winter! These PJ's will surely get a few laughs too!

$44.99-$54.00 on Jumpinjammerz.com


Soul Pancake



A witty book written by Rainn Wilson of "The Office" intended to provoke the mind about life's big questions. List 5 things you would literally chop off your little toe for...or...If you had one hour left to live, how would you spend it? So creative and fun!

$11.99 at Borders


DIY Shower Curtain





This environmentally friendly shower curtain is a blank canvas for patterns, scenes, messages and more. Comes with 3 markers and 12 grommets.

$38.00 at uncommongoods.com


80's T-shirts





Choose from great 80's vintage print tees like Pacman, Wonder Woman, Transformers, My Little Pony, Batman, and Nintendo.

$20.00-$24.00 on 80stees.com

Holiday Party Dresses under $50

As the holidays are upon us > so are the holiday parties!!! Hit up all the great sales to find your perfect holiday party dress!


Kensie Dress, Long Sleeve Sequin at Macy's SALE $48.99 (originally $88)




Elementz Dress, Sleeveless Lace at Macy's SALE $29.99 (originally $48)




Elementz Dress, Three Quarter Sleeve Velvet at Macy's SALE $39.99 (originally $64)




Robbie Bee Floral Brocade Dress Ribbon Belt at Belk SALE $29.99 (originally $100)




Taylor Bow Front Jacquard Print Sleeveless Dress at Belk SALE $46.00 (originally $155)




Maggy London Spaghetti Strap Taffeta Wrap Bow at Belk SALE $47.00 (originally $158)




Asymmetrical Ruffle Sleeveless Taffeta Dress at JcPenny SALE $44.99 (originally $90)




Strapless Taffeta Dress w/ Bow Waist at JcPenny SALE $49.99 (originally $100)




Allen B. Crystal Studded Shoulder Dress at JcPenny SALE $20.99 (originally $70)

Fun for Kids!!!

Papertoys.com is a fun, free toy site for kids! Just print out the paper toys, cut, fold, and glue! Kids can even color them if they like! With so many fold-ups from a T-Rex to the Taj Mahal, these toys are sure to bring up educational conversations as well! Paper Toys features new models every month. They are perfect for rainy days and goodie bags too!

5 Travel Must Haves

This time of the year so many of us travel far and wide to see loved ones. Here are my top 5 travel must haves when flying high in the sky!

1. Blistex Lip Medex

Keep your lips chap-free with the best (in my opinion) Blistex formula! Moisturizes and cools to keep your pout pretty.



2. Aluminum Water Bottle

Fill up your reusable canteen after you get through security. It's important to stay hydrated at high altitudes on the plane. (Environmentally friendly too!)



3. Pashmina Scarf

A nice big soft scarf can also double as a blanket! Not to mention, it can be worn so many different ways that it's quite fashionable too!





4. Hand Lotion

The air gets super dry when you're up high. Make sure your hands stay properly moisturized with lotion. (3 oz or less of course!)



5. Fruit & Nut Mix

Always travel with a healthy snack! You can munch without guilt while getting a serving of fruit and protein!

World AIDS Day 2010

December 1st marks World AIDS Day 2010. Started on December 1st, 1988, World AIDS Day was created to raise money, increase awareness, improve knowledge, and stop prejudice. 2010's theme is "Universal Access and Human Rights". AVERT is an international AIDS charity with projects in parts of the world most severely affected by HIV and AIDS. Also aiming to help children that have been orphaned because of HIV/AIDS. For fundraising ideas and ways to donate go to AVERT's fundraising page.

If you're looking for a fashionable way to honor World AIDS Day as well as contribute, Piperlime.com has teamed up with Project Runway finalist Mondo Guerra. He has specially designed 2 limited edition tees only for sale on Piperlime.com. $20 from each tee will be donated to amfAR AIDS Research.




Tees: $50

No Kid Hungry: Take the Pledge

Join Food Network and Share Our Strength in the fight to end childhood hunger in America by 2015. More than 17 million children are affected. Together we can create happy, healthy lives for these children. No donation is too small! Even $1 can help provide 10 healthy meals. Take the pledge and make your holiday donation now.

Never pay more than $7 for sunglasses

Seriously > $7!!! Sunglasses so easily get lost or broken, so why spend a wad of cash?! Hit up stores with lower priced accessories such as Claire's, Wet Seal, Forever 21, Old Navy, Walmart, Target, drug stores, and other trendy low cost stores in your area. My personal favorite place to purchase shades? The street! Make a deal with your local street vendor and get 2 pairs for $14. Split with a friend and you gals will walk away with extra cash in your pocket and lookin' oh so stylish!

Edible Beauty!

Save hundreds of dollars by using items in your kitchen! Yolanda Banks -chef and lifestyle expert- raves about creating your own beauty products by using what's readily available in your kitchen! If it's not stocked in your home, a quick run to your local grocer will do! Here are 3 fun and fabulous recipes to make you beautiful:

Java Almond Body Scrub

2 cups coffee
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup salt
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup almond oil

Mix all ingredients in bowl. Use the mixture to scrub and exfoliate your skin. Rinse and there you have it, soft glowing skin! (Coffee also helps reduce to appearance of cellulite! Scrub those problem areas to make less noticeable!)


Sencha Green Tea Mask

2 egg whites
2 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons water
3 teaspoons dry green tea

Mix thoroughly. Apply to face and let sit for 15 mins. (Egg whites will lift and tighten your skin while honey detoxifies!) Store in a container and place in your refrigerator. Will last about a week.


Ginger Grapefruit Elixir

2 ounces vodka
1/2 cup grapefruit juice
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger

Throw all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake, shake, shake! Pour mixture into a spray bottle and spritz your face. Can be stored in your fridge for several days. This toner is happy hour friendly as well so go ahead and pour yourself a drink! (Vodka is a natural astringent which will help slough off dead skin cells, oils, and makeup; Grapefruit juice is high in vitamin c which replenishes cell turnover and gives radiance; Honey & ginger rid skin of impurities!)

Christian Siriano's Preview for Payless

Christian Siriano previewed his Spring 2011 Ready To Wear line at Fashion Week in NYC this week. The models also sported looks from his Spring 2011 Payless shoes line! Look how high fashion they are! Who would have thought this is what we have to look forward to at Payless! Thank you Christian for bringing couture into a store we can actually afford! Just LOVE him!

Give to a friend!

I am constantly trying to get rid of items in my closet and drawers. I seem to have an endless amount of well, everything! Although I love every piece of clothing and every accessory I own, there's a time when you must part with some of them. Because I do love each piece so much, I want to find them good homes. Then I realized some of my friends would really love specific things! After all, they would be new items to them! A leopard print cardigan for Kathryn, a unique tank top for Amanda, a mod dress for Corinne, and a scarf for Catherine. Now, I am not only cleaning out my closet but also sending a "thinking of you" gesture to my friends. If you have friends that aren't near > mail it! Who doesn't like getting mail?! (Well, the bills we all can do without!) In a world of e-mails and texting, it can be really refreshing to receive a package! As for the leftovers: you can sell, trade, or donate away!

I love you friends!!!

Fashion's Night Out!

It's that time of year again! Join the festivities for the 2nd annual Fashion's Night Out! On September 10, 2010 thousands of retail stores across the world will be participating in this global initiative to boost the industry's economy, create consumer confidence, and celebrate fashion! As Anna Wintour said, "Everyone is invited to the party!" Last year in NYC alone, over 800 retailers participated in the event! To find participating countries, cities, and stores near you go here. 40% of the proceeds from the sales of Fashion's Night Out t-shirts will be donated to the New York City AIDS Fund. Keep up-to-date with FNO on Facebook and Twitter.

Fashion's Night Out 2010 PSA from Fashion's Night Out on Vimeo.

Swirl loves you!

Sample sales aren't just for New Yorkers anymore!!! Swirl (by Daily Candy) is an online sample sale site that rewards you for spreading the word! For the first purchase of each friend you invite to join, you get $25 in credit! There is no limit to the amount you can earn! How do they get away with this?! Save up to 80% on your favorite brands and up-and-comers such as American Apparel, Lucky Brand, Carla Mancini, and CeCe Chin. But hurry, all sales have an end date with limited number of items! After all it is a sample sale!!!

Barneys Co-op

The latest Barneys Co-op is opening in Brooklyn! According to my new favorite website Brokelyn.com, Barneys Co-op isn't your average overstock merchandise store. Unlike Barneys the original, the co-op is staying true to showcasing new designers with a fresh look! With locations in many cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, and Houston (for list of all the cities go here), Brooklyn's Cobble Hill spot will surely create alot of buzz. Set to open in September at Atlantic Avenue and Court St.

Levi's Wear What Fits Event!

Levi's Wear What Fits Event is being held at Bryant Park in NYC at 10 AM on Friday, August 27th. Stop by Bryant Park and bring something that doesn't fit to donate to Goodwill. In exchange, you will walk away with a pair of jeans that do fit! The new Levi's® Curve ID jeans that are custom fit for women. What's better than free and original?!

Added bonus: Musician Janelle Monae will perform live and celebrity stylist Bobbie Thomas will be there to give you styling tips! Fab!

***Admission is free and jeans are first come first serve!***

FREE Store!

Yes, it's true! A FREE-store! The Brooklyn Free Store has just taken second hand to a whole new level! Everything is always 100% off! One person's trash is another person's treasure in this tarp-covered tent! People can find things for themselves, as well as donate things they no longer need. If you don't see something for yourself, maybe you'll spot an item a friend needs. The idea behind this 6 week store is to recycle and reuse. There are no store hours and it is always open! You can also find the Brooklyn Free Store on Facebook and Twitter. Location: 222 Walworth St., Brooklyn, NY.

Why not start a free store in your area?! The No Impact Man writes, "It saves resources, saves money, and builds community. What I like about this kind of thing is that any of us can start it anywhere at any time without going through any of the existing power structures--corporations, non-profits, government. It's pure citizen action that is both better for the people and better for the planet."

What a splendid idea!!!

Jazz up your updo!

Does your updo need a makeover in this heatwave?! Learn from the ladies who came before us!



Use a beautiful scarf to jazz up your 'do! The BEST place to find one-of-a-kind scarves? The thrift store! You'll hardly ever spend more than a couple of dollars on a scarf. So, why not pick up a few while you're there?! Hand wash, hang dry, and ready to wear! Here are some lady-like styles to show off!

Tousled half-ponytail look (tie scarf underneath)


Ponytail with longer scarf to flow behind you


Tie a side bow with loose bun



Don't be afraid to let bobby-pins show

(For super short hair take strands of hair and twist,
pin down each with bobby-pin until all hair is secure. It's
supposed to be a messy, casual look!)

Tie a knot on top


Bandanas are hot too


Tie bow in long flowy ponytail


And when you're not wearing your scarf on your head, you can always wear it around your neck or tie it to your purse as an accent!