July 2013: In a Nutshell.

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I had the pleasure of catching an acoustic set from Frank Turner the other afternoon for Radio BDC at the Boston Globe studios. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my lunch hour. Frank was fantastic (as always) and the whole performance was such a treat. Thanks so much to the good folks over at BDC for the invitation. I really appreciate it!

Well, August has arrived! Just one more month (well, a month and a couple of weeks, if we’re getting technical,) left of Summer- and I’m determined to cram in as many warm-weather activities as I can before Autumn shows up. July was lovely, and for the first time in a long time, the month didn’t seem to fly by so quickly that it made my head spin. Whether it be because of the week-long heatwave we got slammed with here in the Northeast that seemed to briefly melt the space-time continuum, my lazy days in the picturesque White Mountains and Ipswich, or just because I made it a point to force my usually busy self to pump the brakes and really take it all in- July was slow and steady- and I enjoyed every minute of it.

On a more somber note, this past month marked one year since my father passed away, and while the actual day of the anniversary was indeed a sad one with more than a few tears shed, it wasn’t without it’s good moments. I spent most of the day reflecting on my dad’s life- my memories of the time we spent together, his unyielding humor that he carried with him up until the mere minutes before he passed- and all the lessons I learned from him in he 20-something years I was fortunate enough to have him.

It also gave me a chance to really reflect on myself, as well- how I’ve grown and changed and how much stronger I’ve become in his absence. There have been bumps along the way, of course, but I have yet to let them stop me. I do my best to keep my head up and keep moving forward, and I hope wherever my dad is, he’s proud of me and all that I’ve accomplished so far.

August, as I said at the beginning of this post, is crunch-time for end-of-the-Summer fun. I’m in the midst of planning the last days of digging my toes into the sand at the beach, and the last nights of making s’mores by a bonfire- as well as a couple of other adventures.

I’m just hoping August will take it’s time and ease on by slowly the same way July did.

xox

“With love in her eyes and flowers in her hair…”

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On Thursday night, in a last minute and unprecedented gesture of the utmost coolness, my boss invited both my co-worker and I to come see Robert Plant perform at the Bank of America Pavilion with him and some of his family after work. I’m a big Zeppelin fan, and although I’ve always been more of a Jimmy Page kind-of-girl myself, I jumped at the chance to see The Golden God up close.

My seat was incredible, and I had a wonderful view of Robert as he belted his heart out to some of his solo work, some blues songs, and a handful of Led Zeppelin favorites. He may not have been able to hit the high notes the way he used to, but it still sounded good. My only gripe, and it’s just a tiny one, was that during a few of the Zeppelin songs, Robert would sort of trail off in the middle of them and he and the Sensational Space Shifters would proceed to have a sort of jam band session while the crowd was anxiously waiting for the rest of the song. The most noticeable offense was during “Whole Lotta’ Love,” when the song seemed to have an intermission while he and the band improvised for entirely too long before finally bringing it back around and completing the classic.

Thankfully, “Going to California,” a song I treasure, was unscathed- and was probably my favorite moment of the night.

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If seeing Robert Plant wasn’t enough of a blast from the 60’s/70’s, then the “Hippie Chic” exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts definitely did the trick. I headed over today to see the collection, which is on display through November 11th. Between the music (I walked in just as The Beatles “With a Little Help from My Friends” started playing), the shag carpeting, and the wide array of vibrant colors and patterns- the exhibit was a sensory overload- in a good way, of course. I had a ball (and more than a couple of laughs) looking at the ensembles- some of which looked eerily similar to things I’d seen my parents wearing in photographs from back when they were my age.

For the most part, though, I wanted a majority of the pieces for my own closet.

I love the MFA, and strongly recommend those visiting the Boston area to check it out anyway- but this exhibit is a really nice addition.

Sephora Haul.

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Earlier this week, after running so low on one of my favorite lipsticks that even frantically scraping at the bottom of the tube with a Q-tip didn’t work, I went rummaging through my makeup drawer to see if I had anything that looked similar. What I found was seven years worth of skin care and near-empty makeup containers that I hadn’t realized I’d been absent-mindedly collecting. As most women know, makeup is only considered “good”-meaning safe to use without the risk of causing a reaction or getting any kind of infection-for so long- and the majority of what I found was waaaaaay past it’s prime. I sat down, went through all of my blushes, eye shadows, mascaras, lipsticks, etc., and tossed what was either empty or expired- which, when I was done- left me with the bare minimum and not much else to choose from.

From there, I headed to the cosmetics Promised Land, Sephora, to do a major splurge to replenish and update my products. I shop at Sephora every couple of months, usually to buy more facial cleanser or moisturizer when I run out, but this trip was a full-blown haul. I went all out and really treated myself with products to get me through the end of the Summer and into the beginning of the Fall.

Here’s what I purchased (from left to right):

1. Clinique Superbalanced Makeup in “Breeze” ($23): I love my BB cream. I really do, but lately I feel I need a bit more coverage. I have combination skin in the Summertime, and this foundation, the only one that truly matches my skin type perfectly, gives me the coverage I need without feeling heavy on my skin or clogging my pores. The long-lasting formula is designed to absorb excess oil in my t-zone, while supplying hydration to my drier areas along my cheeks.

2. Too Faced “Better Than Sex” Mascara ($23): I was reaching for a tube of my usual Diorshow Black Out mascara when this sleek pink container with the provocative name caught my eye. One of the two sweetheart saleswomen who assisted me during my trip was wearing it, and her eyelashes looked amazing. I decided to be bold and try something new, and even though I’ve only been using this mascara for a couple of days- and I’m still getting the hang of the larger brush- I love the results so far.  It’s not clumpy, gives a good amount of volume, and is really, really dark- which is the look I love.

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3. Laura Mercier Bronzing Powder in “Golden Bronze” ($32): This is one of the few bronzers I’ve tried over the years that doesn’t make me look orange! This pressed powder bronzer, which has a hint of pink in it, contours nicely with my cheekbones, and gives me a natural sun-kissed glow that doesn’t look overwhelming on my fair complexion.

4. Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté Lipstick in “Extreme Coral” ($34): I love the rich, creamy texture of this lipstick, which applies more like a balm. It hydrates and softens my lips while giving a gorgeous pop of color. All the shades of this particular line were lovely, but I decided to go with this coral, described as being on the reddish side- but looks more pink/peach on me- for the remainder of the Summer.

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5. Benefit World Famous Neutrals – Most Glamorous Nudes Ever Eye Shadow Palette ($30): For the remainder of the Summer, I wanted to keep my makeup as light and natural as possible, and wait until the colder months to start using darker, more dramatic eye shadows and lip colors to better match my Fall/Winter wardrobe which tends to be on the deeper side of the color spectrum. I saw this nude palette, which includes four powders and two cream shadows, and snatched it up. I love the colors- which are light and can be mixed and matched in a variety of ways and still look great. This palette is perfect for the final weeks of the season.

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6. Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray ($25): This product made my Summer essentials list this year. The more I use it, the more I love it. It just softens my curls and gives my hair those effortless, “just back from the beach” waves I covet so much.

7.  Philosophy’s “Hope in a Jar” Moisturizer ($40): When my daily moisturizer, an oil-free, shine-controlling gel, left my skin feeling a little parched, I turned to Philosophy to help give me a moisture boost without causing breakouts. This moisturizer, which feels so light and fluffy and absorbs into the skin quickly, left my skin hydrated, soft, and glowing. So far there hasn’t been any unexpected bumps or blemishes as a result of using it every day- so I think it’s safe to say it’s a keeper!

8. GlamGlow Super-Mud Clearing Treatment Mask ($69): I’ve been in the market for a mask that would help clear out my pores of any deeply-settled makeup, dust, dirt, grime, etc. that my exfoliators and cleansers couldn’t reach, and my prayers were answered with this mud mask. Shortly after I applied this product for the very first time, I could actually see it sinking into my skin. I left it on for a long time, maybe forty minutes or so, and when I finally rinsed it off, small imperfections under my skin had been pulled to the surface where I was able to buff them away with my facial scrub. My face felt cleaner and more refreshed, and my pores looked visibly smaller.

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9. NARS Illuminator Stick in “Orgasm” ($39): I swear by “Orgasm” (which sounds funnier than what I intended.) It’s one of NARS best-selling shades of blush, and for good reason- it’s beautiful. A shimmery peachy/pink color that compliments all skin tones, I love to put a little along my cheekbones and brow bone as a highlighter. This conveniently packaged stick applies like a dream and blends easily. It’s by far one of my favorite products.

10. NARS Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder ($34): To seal in my makeup and give me a nice, polished, matte finish, I turn to this translucent powder from NARS. A little goes a long way, so a light dusting will keep your face looking flawless for hours.

11. COVER FX Mattifying Primer with Anti-Acne Treatment ($38): After my moisturizer and before my foundation, I needed a primer that would protect my pores from getting clogged but that would also keep my makeup in place. One of the saleswomen who helped me recommended this product from COVER FX for my skin type and concerns. This primer feels sensationally silky, doesn’t leave any sort of greasy residue on my skin, keeps my makeup in place, and helps to both treat active breakouts while preventing future ones with it’s built in acne-fighting medication. It’s been working really well for me so far.

And there it is! Overall, I’m very happy with the products I selected and have been using- some familiar, and some new to me. I think if I hadn’t done the massive clean-out of my makeup drawer, this purchase probably would have seemed frivolous and unnecessary (even to me), but after going through all of my skin care and cosmetics, and assessing what I had and what I needed, I feel each product I picked up will not only be used (instead of stored and forgotten about,) but are also up-to-date with my current skin tone, type, and complexion- and won’t cause any kind of allergic reaction or infection that some of the older products I threw out could have possibly done.

“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”

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By all accounts from friends and colleagues who were there, San Diego Comic-Con was outstanding this year, and although my current workload at my job prevented me from attending the festivities this time around, I’ve really enjoyed seeing everyone’s live-updates, photos, videos, and blog posts over the course of the weekend. I may have only been there in spirit this year, but next year I’ll be there- in body AND soul- to geek out with my fellow nerdy brethren!

That’s not to say my weekend was a total loss. I had mentioned in yesterday’s quickie recipe post that I was updating while taking a break from preparing to go to a themed lawn party at Castle Hill in Ipswich, and what a party it was! The Crane Estate threw a 1920s/”Great Gatsby” themed fundraiser at their gorgeous, sprawling property, complete with an area designated for croquet and horseshoe games, Charleston lessons, live jazz bands, a costume contest, vintage vendor booths, a winery tent, and a cafe (that had the most delicious cornbread I’ve ever tasted in my life). I attended with Sean, and most of the afternoon was spent walking the grounds marveling at the scenery and everyone’s beautiful outfits.

I couldn’t find a decent flapper-style dress before the event, and opted for a fitted navy & white polka dotted Betsey Johnson number I picked up a few weeks ago (which, unfortunately, is a size or two too big on me and needs to be taken in just a little bit to fit properly) with some comfortable white, jeweled sandals and a pop of bright red lipstick.

Sean ended up winning a raffle near the end of the night for two tickets to a tour of the estate, including the interior of the mansion. We’re already plotting a day to head up and check it out.

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On Saturday, one of my dearest longtime friends, Sam, came home from her new residence across the country in Portland, Oregon, for a visit for the first time in a year. I spent the day with her and her family in New Hampshire catching up before we hopped in my car and hit the coast for a nice long drive alongside the beach. For the better part of ten years, Sam has been my partner in crime and my confidant- and it was so good to have her back- even it was just for a day. I love her and I’ve missed her so much. I really have to try to head out to Portland before the end of the year to spend a weekend or something with her.

xx

Quick Eats: Baked Seafood Casserole

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Good afternoon!

I’m currently sitting at my desk waiting for my hair to dry and trying to accessorize for a themed lawn party I’m attending later on this afternoon at Castle Hill.

‘Til then, I thought I’d share a recipe for one of my all-time favorite dishes that I whipped up the other night for dinner. If you’re not a fan of seafood, then this isn’t the meal for you, but if you love it as much as I do- this won’t disappoint. My serving size was for four people, so the amount of ingredients and measurements may vary depending on how many portions you’re looking to cook.

Also, my apologies for not taking photos as I was cooking the casserole. I was in a bit of a rush and only had time to snap a couple of pictures of the finished product before I proceeded to stuff my face.

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YOU WILL NEED:

* 1 baking dish.

* 4 Individual tinfoil serving trays.

* 1 1/3 Tablespoons of butter.

* 1 1/3 Tablespoons of olive oil.

* 1 Can (18 2/3 ounces) of cream of mushroom soup.

* 2/3 lbs. of peeled shrimp.

* 2/3 lbs. of peeled scallops.

* 2/3 lbs. of cooked lobster meat.

* 1/3 Cup of chopped onion.

* 1 2/3 Cups of Ritz Cracker crumbs.

* 1 Lemon.

* Salt & pepper for flavoring.

Please note, I know some people like to add rice, mushrooms, celery, and different types of cheeses to their seafood casserole, and you absolutely can if you wish- but this recipe is more my personal preference.

OKAY, HERE’S WHAT YOU DO:

1. Melt the 1 1/3 tablespoons of butter in a frying pan, and then add the 1 1/3 tablespoons of olive oil.

2. Add 1/3 cup of chopped onion to the mixture and saute.

3.  Once onions are lightly sauteed, add the can of mushroom soup. Stir thoroughly.

4. When soup & onions are mixed evenly, remove from heat.

5. After buttering the baking dish, throw in the shrimp, scallops, and lobster meat. Feel free to mix them around so that they are spread out around the dish and not just lumped together in the middle.

6. Add your soup & onion mixture to the baking dish.

7. Sprinkle the Ritz Cracker crumbs on top.

8. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45 minutes.

9. Scoop the portions of your seafood casserole into the individual tinfoil serving trays to keep them warm and mess-free.

10. Cutting the lemon into four wedges, garnish each dish with a slice- and add salt & pepper for a bit of extra flavoring.

11. DIG IN!

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xx

Quick Eats: Turkey Reubens

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I’m not a big meat eater. That’s not to say I consider myself a vegetarian or a vegan. I’ve tried both lifestyles in the past and I admire the dedication it takes to stay diligent with it. Unfortunately, it’s not something I can keep up with on a daily or permanent basis.  When it comes to being a carnivore, my usual preferences are seafood and the occasional serving of poultry. I don’t particularly like the taste of beef or pork, so these reubens (which I suppose could also be considered a fancier alternative to a simple grilled cheese sandwich, depending on how you look at it), made with freshly sliced turkey, are a nice substitute to corned beef. They’re quick and easy to make- and they taste delicious.

YOU WILL NEED:

* A griddle or frying pan.

* A spatula

* Challah bread (or rye, depending on personal preference.)

* Butter

* Thousand island dressing

* Sliced turkey (the amount may vary depending on how many people you’re serving/reubens you’re making. I had bought a half pound and still had plenty left over to last me for the next couple of days.)

* Sliced cheddar cheese.

* Coleslaw (or sauerkraut. Again, it depends on personal preference.)

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OKAY, HERE’S WHAT YOU DO:

1. As your griddle/frying pan is warming up, butter one side of your sliced bread of choice, placing it buttered-side down to gradually grill. On the dry side of your bread, spread a little (or a lot of. Nobody’s judging you for it,) thousand island dressing around.

2. After you’ve got your thousand island dressing spread, layer a slice of cheddar cheese (you can do more than one, but I didn’t want it to taste too much like cheddar since there’s so many other flavors going on at once) and pile on your sliced turkey.

*NOTE* Per request, a couple of the sandwiches were made with sliced ham, instead- which explains the differences in color and texture in the meat pictured. I wasn’t using uncooked/expired/radioactive turkey or anything.

3. Once the desired cheese and meat amounts have been achieved, spoon a helping of coleslaw on top. You can use sauerkraut if you want, since that’s what typically goes on reubens, but personally I’m not a fan of the stuff, and I feel coleslaw gives the sandwich the tangy kick it needs- but with no weird aftertaste.

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4. Grabbing another slice of bread, spread a little more butter on one side for even grilling. On the other side, spread more thousand island dressing. From there, press the bread- thousand island dressing-side down- on top of your coleslaw, meat, and cheese to sandwich everything together.

5. Using your spatula, continually press down and flip the sandwich on the griddle/frying pan until both sides are grilled to a crisp golden-brown. You want your slice of cheddar cheese to melt without getting too watery.

6. Remove the sandwich from the griddle/frying pan, let cool, and enjoy!

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Typically I serve these reubens with a cup of soup or a small side salad. Fresh out of ingredients for either one at the time, however- I served them to some company with lightly salted, crisped potato wedges, instead.

Nobody seemed to mind. These sandwiches were a hit.

Queen of the Mountain.

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Sean approached me a few weeks ago and asked if I’d be interested in making a trip to the White Mountains in New Hampshire with him and his boyfriend, Paulo, for a day. The only thing he’d planned was a scenic train ride/lunch in the afternoon, but the rest of the day was entirely up to us. I haven’t been to the White Mountains since I was a kid, and so I jumped at the chance to get some fresh air and take in the scenery. It’s been a long time since I’ve been up that way, and I’d all but forgotten that it’s almost intimidating how breathtaking it is there. Every direction you look, for miles and miles, is like something out of a painting or a postcard. I spent most of the drive just staring out my window with my jaw dropped in awe.

We headed out early yesterday morning to get to North Conway in time to catch our train, and although the ride wasn’t as scenic as I had thought it would be, the food was decent and it was still a nice way to pass an hour. I love train rides.

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After we arrived back at the station, the three of us decided to keep heading North. While we drove around the curved and winding roads through the valleys- passing hiking trails, cabins, and campgrounds- we saw a group of cars parked by a river, and decided to check it out.

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I think our stop at the river may have been my favorite part of the day. It was so hot outside yesterday, but the water was so clean, clear, and cold. There were a few other people there swimming around the quieter areas or riding inflatable tubes through the faster moving water, and we ended up spending a couple of hours there just relaxing on the rocks and going for the occasional refreshing wade (or in Sean’s case, a full-blown swim) in the water.

When we eventually left the river, we once again headed North, towards Mount Washington. We were looking for someplace to grab a coffee and a snack, since we were starting to get a little tired and needed an energy boost, but instead, we found a stream, and proceeded to muster up the strength to scale the side of one of the mountains to get to the waterfall where it was coming from. I had worn a flowy tulle skirt and some flats for the day, (as I hadn’t been expecting to participate in any sort of hiking or rock-climbing), which made getting up to the top of the rocky incline more than a little difficult, but it was worth it for the view alone- even if my shoes got soaked in the process.

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We had wanted to keep pushing North, to see how far we could get and what else we could find, but we were losing the daylight and hadn’t exactly come equipped with food, water, fresh clothes, bug spray (I’ve got a couple of mosquito bites that are driving me nuts at the moment)- or even a tent to camp out in, and we reluctantly decided to head back towards Boston.

Overall, it was a really good day. On the ride up, I saw a lot of abandoned buildings I want to go back to and photograph, especially with the natural, picturesque backdrop the mountains and valleys provide, and I’d love more than anything to go for another hike or another swim (with the proper attire, of course) before the Summer is over.

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xx

GLOSSYBOX: June 2013 Review.

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I’ve just recently finished trying the products in my June GlossyBox, and what a box it was! Last month, the service collaborated with fashion illustrator, Dallas Shaw, to put together a collection of some of her favorite products ranging from hair care to fragrance to nails. I was so impressed that I received not one, but two full-sized products- and the quality of each of the samples was superb. Not only that, but Dallas designed a special illustration for the cover of the box as well, which was absolutely adorable.

This is exactly the kind of effort and originality that I look for in a beauty box service.

What I Received:

Phillip B. African Shea Butter Shampoo

Tarte Complexion-Enhancing Lipstick (*FULL SIZE*)

c.Booth Honey Almond Nourishing Dry Oil Mist

Oscar de la Renta “Essential Luxuries” Fragrance Collection (includes a sample of each of the six perfumes)

SpaRitual Nail Polish in “Spice of Life” (*FULL SIZE*)

Product #1: Phillip B. African Shea Butter Shampoo ($8 – $90)

Ah, yes. Another shampoo sample. I was starting to wonder if the higher powers of beauty box subscriptions were trying to subtly tell me something with all the hair cleansing products they offer me, but paranoia that my hair looked/smelled bad aside, I tried this nourishing, fragrance-free, and color-safe shampoo regardless- and I was very pleased with the results. Not only did the lather thoroughly and gently cleanse my hair without stripping it of moisture, but it also de-tangled and softened my curls while adding a bit of shine to them- which cuts my conditioner costs in half. I loved the way my hair felt after my shower, and the feeling lasted all day.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! This product was lovely- a breath of fresh air compared to other shampoo samples I’ve received in the past. A couple of drops (about a nickel-sized amount) was enough to wash all of my hair and left me with great, long-lasting results. Best of all? It’s safe for my color-treated red hair, and isn’t loaded with fragrances or chemicals- so my hair felt light and not weighed down.

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Product #2: Tarte Complexion-Enhancing Lipstick ($29)

When I first opened this colorfully packaged lipstick, I was a little concerned. There are two variations of the product- one for fair skin, and one for medium & darker toned skin. It’s no secret that I’m on the pale side, but it seemed GlossyBox had sent me the medium/darker shade in error. A deep nude with a reddish-pink glossy core to add fullness and shine, I was worried it would appear too brown on my lips.

I applied sparingly, and was surprised by how bright the color actually looked. The picture above doesn’t really do it justice (shoddy lighting- my apologies), but the lipstick was a more rosy/fuchsia-tone than a nude or brown. I don’t know if it necessarily enhanced my complexion, but it was moisturizing and long-lasting, which was definitely a perk.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I have a lot of rosy/nude lipsticks and lip glosses, but this is a nice addition to my ever growing collection. I liked the built-in gloss core (very cool idea), the smooth and hydrating feeling of this product on my lips, and the fact that I didn’t have to frequently re-apply throughout the day.

Product #3: c.Booth Honey Almond Nourishing Dry Oil Mist ($7.99)

I own a couple of cooling aloe vera sprays for hot days or post-workout skin refreshment. For maximum results, I keep them stored in my refrigerator, but they can be used and still give relief without being chilled. When I saw this oil spray, I had assumed it was along the same lines, and last weekend I packed it in my purse when I headed to NYC.

Some of you may remember my mentioning that the temperatures were scorching in Manhattan, and at one point, when I had descended into the subway and was sweating bullets from the lack of air below ground, I whipped out this spray hoping for just a spritz of something cold on my face and neck.

To my dismay, this spray wasn’t intended to be cooling as I had originally thought, so I was still uncomfortably hot while I waited for the train. It was, however, so, so, SO moisturizing on my skin (without making it look shiny or leaving any of kind of greasy film on me), and smelled delicious. I may have not felt cooled down, but my face was touch-ably soft for the rest of the afternoon, even after my makeup had melted off.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I love my aloe vera sprays, and I’ll still use them, but this product is a wonderful treat on days when my skin needs a little pick-me-up or feels a little dry.

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Product #4: Oscar de la Renta “Essential Luxuries” Fragrance Collection ($150 per bottle)

When I first saw the Oscar de la Renta pouch in my box, I had expected one, maybe two samples of perfume at the most. When I realized I had a sample of each of the six perfumes in the “Essential Luxuries” collection, I was ecstatic and couldn’t wait to try them. I limited myself to one sample per day so I could evaluate how long each scent lasted, and whether or not I still enjoyed having it on me by the end of the day. In terms of longevity, the perfume lasted me from the early hours of the morning until late in the afternoon without having to be reapplied once, which is one of the most important things to me. For $150 a bottle, I wouldn’t want to run out of the fragrance so quickly because it doesn’t last.

In terms of the scents, each one was so different from the others, so unique- and they all smelled so good- that it was hard to pick a favorite out of the bunch:

Coralina: A lovely and light floral bouquet scent.

Oriental Lace: A rich, sweet chocolate scent.

Sargasso: A crisp ocean/beachy scent.

Mi Corazón: A clean, refreshing floral scent.

Santo Domingo: An intoxicating smoky, spicy scent.

Granada: An invigorating citrus, floral scent.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! Ideally, I would love to purchase every single one of these fragrances, because I enjoyed each of them immensely, but since that would get costly awfully quick, I’ve decided to add “Oriental Lace”, the sweet mocha-scent, to my must-have list for the next time I shop for perfume.

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Product #5: SpaRitual Nail Polish in “Spice of Life” ($12)

The first thing I spotted when I opened my June 2013 GlossyBox for the first time was this full-sized bottle of shimmery, candy apple red nail polish. After NYC last weekend, I was in need of some serious nail maintenance. My avocado-inspired polish had chipped and faded, so this arrived at the perfect time. Made without harsh chemicals, this lacquer gave amazing, vibrant color with just one coat (the pictures above were taken with two coats of the color and a clear top coat) and quickly dried to a beautiful shine.

I love the color, although I think it’d be more appropriate for the Fall or Winter.

Would I Purchase?: Yes! I’ve browsed some of the polish collections on SpaRitual’s website and I would love to try so many of them. Their metallics and highly pigmented colors are gorgeous.

I believe  this is the first beauty box I’ve received since I started reviewing them where I have loved, and would purchase a full-size of every product included. Major kudos to GlossyBox and to Dallas Shaw for this fun, well organized collaboration. It was fantastic.

xx

Closet Crushes: American Woman.

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AmericanWoman1Happy Independence Day to my fellow Americans! Where I am, the sun is shining and there’s only a few clouds in the sky- which bodes wonderfully for this afternoon’s planned cookout at my mom’s house with some of my family. There might also be a trip to the beach afterwards to see some fireworks, but I’ll see where the day takes me.

To celebrate July 4th, I wanted to show everyone this vest, which belonged to my father in the 1960s. It’s one of my most treasured pieces, not only because it was my dad’s, but because even after all these years it’s still in perfect condition. Created by the Great Northern Leather & Tea Co. (which I believe has since closed down. I did a search for the name and for the NYC address printed on the tag with no results), this fringed leather & suede Americana-inspired vest was so coveted by my father that he hitchhiked to New Hampshire to purchase it when he was in his teens.

While both of my parents were the epitome of flower children in that era- my father, who thankfully wasn’t drafted into the Vietnam War, who went to Woodstock and would tell me about waking up to Jimi Hendrix’s rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner”, and who had his fair share of bumping elbows with musicians who would later become rock n’ roll icons while he hitchhiked around the country getting into trouble with his friends (my favorite story that I used to make him tell over and over was the time Jimmy Page came into a bar my father was in after a show in NYC. Jimmy had his guitar on his back, and while he was making his way over to a corner of the bar to have a seat with Robert Plant and some groupies, he accidentally cracked my father in the back of the head with his guitar. My dad proceeded to call him a “fucking douchebag”, only to have Jimmy apologize profusely and buy him a couple of beers as a peace offering,)- my father had the same free spirit that I see in myself. He & I were/are so, so, similar.

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The vest is pretty heavy on me (and my dad was a beanpole when he was younger. I don’t know how he wore this thing everyday), so I paired it with some denim shorts and a thin black tank top underneath. I wore a couple of bead bracelets I’ve collected over the years, and for my hair, to keep up with the hippie-chic look I was going for, I wore a headband designed to look like a crown of daisies.

I kept my makeup simple- just some mascara and a little blush, but I couldn’t resist adding a pop of red to my lips to match the fringed part of the vest.

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Apart from inheriting my father’s free spirit, it seems I’ve also inherited his fashion sense, as well. I love this thing.

Closet Crushes: Boom! Bang! Ka-Pow!

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In my last post, I had briefly mentioned this comic-book-inspired dress I picked up in NYC this past weekend while at the Wizard World Comic Convention. When I saw it on display on a mannequin within one of the vendor booths, I knew immediately that I had to have it. The colors, the cut- it’s just so unique and the material fits me like a glove. I love wild and bold prints like this.

I had every intention of wearing this dress to work, but with the sides cut out in such a way that reveals way more than what can be considered an “office-appropriate” amount of skin, I opted to wear a thin white tank top underneath to keep myself covered without making the dress look frumpy or feel uncomfortable. For these photos, though, I wanted to show how it fit and looked on it’s own without any additional layers.

To accessorize, I wore simple black peep-toe heels, minimal jewelry, as well as minimal makeup (just a thin line of black eyeliner across my upper lids and some coral lip balm). I’m currently sporting a brightly colored manicure and pedicure that fit the color scheme of the print well, but I figured the dress was loud enough- I didn’t need to add to it and overdo it.

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Throughout the course of the day, I was stopped numerous times by people who also seemed to like the dress as much as I do and wanted to get a better look at it or take photographs of it with their cell phones. I almost wish I had worn a cape so I would have looked like a real comic book hero.

I just need a good superhero name. I’m not quite sure “The Amazing Ashley” cuts it.

xx