Baby Lips

It seems like every time I turn the TV on, there is a new commercial for a makeup product claiming to make your lashes thicker, lips more moisturized and skin younger looking. I usually don’t focus in on these commercial as I assume the claims are usually false. However, a few months ago a Maybelline commercial made my ears perk up. Maybelline was advertising a new tinted chap stick called Baby Lips. The commercial was so fun and colorful that it made me immediately want to try it out. But, when I went to several retailers in the surrounding area, it was nowhere to be found. After weeks of searching, I gave up and accepted the fact that I was not meant to have this chap stick.

Then, last weekend my sister surprised me with the ‘Cherry Me’ chap stick! Alexa found it at our local Walmart. I have used it twice so far, and I can say that I am a fan! I like how it moisturizes my lips (especially after how gnarly they get when running outside in the wind) and it has a tint of red. Perfect for all day and evening occasions.

Alyssa

Fast Girls Have Good Times

I am pleased to report that I have just wrapped up week 4 of a 12 week half marathon training program.  I have decided to run a half marathon at the end of April and am full on in training mode.  While I ran competitively in high school and a tiny party of college, I have not followed a structured running program in years.  In order to prepare, I am following Hal Higdon’s novice training program.  I can’t say I love every minute of the work outs, but I am looking forward to half marathon day this spring (its right around the corner!).  More progress updates to come!

Alyssa

Trends

Hello all! Sorry for my recent absence, I’ve been scouring the globe for spring obsessions and I think that you’ll be pretty pleased with my findings! First is the thick crocheted lace trend. I know what your thinking, seen it, cropped it, done it! But my fellow fashion freaks, what you probably have yet to do is dye it neon!...I know I hate neon too, but in this case, the combo works (and this shirt isn't really neon). But any who that leads me to my next trend, neon, yikes. Despite my personal feelings about neon colors, it appears that they are here to say. Like any good slave to fashion I have been researching and stalking various websites to find the perfect neon item. After years and years of searching (two weeks) I have found the most amazing purse. But....you’ll just have to wait to see it, it hasn't arrived yet! In the mean time please enjoy an obnoxious neon shirt I bought impulsively and an amazing crocheted top I got for my birthday!

Alexa

Pop of color

My winter uniform tends to be black, black and more black.  However this year I’ve been making a conscious effort to switch things up a little bit.  The other day I embellished my long sleeved black shirt and black dress pants with a thin turquoise ring and turquoise necklace made up of several strands of beads.  This 70’s inspired look helped break up the normally drab work week and was a hit at the office!

Alyssa

At home cuticle treatment

There are many reasons why winter is my least favorite season – frigid temperatures, short days, dry skin and of course, unruly cuticles.  This winter my cuticles have been especially gnarly and were in need of a little TLC.  I took to a home remedy to fix them up.  In order to do so, combine equal parts lemon juice, water and vinegar.  Soak cuticles for 15 minutes and then rinse off.  Finally, vigorously rub cuticles with sugar.  And presto – 20 minutes later my cuticles were restored!

Alyssa

Happy Hearts Day!

Check out this adorable Valentine’s Day wishlist!  I think my favorite is number 8 ;)

Here are a few pictures from Valentine's Day:

(Beautiful surprise from Michael at work)

(Cheesy Valentine’s Day cards for my co-workers)

Alyssa

Bring on the cold!

This will probably be the first and last time you ever hear me say this, but I’m loving the cold weather!

I am convinced that I am destined to live on the equator, because I love warm weather. Actually, I love hot weather - the hotter the better! However, for Christmas I received a unique and extremely warm blanket that I haven’t been able to use yet due to the mild winter we’ve been having. That is, until now!

The blanket pictured above was under the Christmas tree in 2011, and turned out to be one of my favorite gifts. This distinctive piece has fur on one side (what kind, I don’t know) and the other side is suede with hand painted flowers and butterflies. I am enamored by the detail and the warmth it provides me with. I’m looking forward to a cold New York night tonight so I can wrap myself up!

Alyssa

Sister Weekend

Even though we cross paths multiple times a week, it is rare for us to spend more than a few hours together. However, this weekend we welcomed some long overdue sister time. After a sleep over on Friday night, we woke up early to enjoy a spa day in celebration of Alexa’s 21st birthday. Our mom joined us at Milagro Spa in Red Bank, NJ. Our first time to this little retreat was very enjoyable and hopefully it will be the first of many! Our spa session was then followed by a late birthday lunch with our parents.

Afterwards we relaxed and caught up a bit. We both share a mutual love for everything from the UK, and therefore we did some shopping from two of our favorite websites – Lipsy London and Miss Selfridge (can’t wait for our purchases to arrive!). Then we discovered a pop star that we are now slightly infatuated with – Tulisa Contostavlos.

We were sad to see the weekend come to end, but then today we met up in downtown Manhattan for another lunch. We have been so spoiled this weekend! We were having too much fun to take any pictures, but we’ll just have to take double next time ;)

Alyssa and Alexa

The Leftovers, by Tom Perrotta

In between catching up on some classical novels during football season, I threw in a fiction book that came out over the summer – The Leftovers by Tom Perrotta.  Besides reading a few books about the Holocaust, I had never actually read anything religious.  Not that I would say this book was based around religion, but it definitely touched on Catholicism.  The book was a light and fluffy fiction story about a topic that is anything but – the sudden and unexplainable departure of people all over the globe.  The story follows 4 members of a family who all remain in the town of Mapleton after the incident (or as some call it the ‘Rapture’) a year after it takes place.  All four family members are affected in a different way and we get to peak inside their lives.  Overall, I enjoyed the story as it was an interesting and easy read.

Alyssa

Gotta secret, can you keep it?

In my typical fashion I have fallen in love with a show two seasons into its life. The show is Pretty Little Liars and it is actually amazing. The show is about the lives of four girls in high school: Aria, Spencer, Emily and Hanna. Basically they had a best friend who was the queen bee and her name was Ali. Turns out Ali was pretty mean and she got murdered. Flash forward a few years and now the series focuses on a "person[s]" who is constantly sending the remaining four girls texts, letters, etc. anything to ruin their lives. Honestly the most addicting part is the fashion, each gal has her own ridiculously unique style and I love seeing how they accessorize. I know what your thinking, its a show, and they are dressed by a stylist, but who cares, its still amazing! But to be fair, the books came first and to be honest again, they are just as good! Ahh, happy watching/reading!

-A
(Alexa)

Pink Lemonade Pound Cake

In lieu of traditional Super Bowl foods like wings, chili and subs, I opted to make something a little more feminine with a Valentine’s Day feel. I decided to make a Pink Lemonade Pound cake. In order to do so, I followed the recipe below. This was the first time I made this recipe and I was expecting a bright pink cake to pop out of the oven, but I was wrong. At first, I was a little disappointed because I thought the cake was burnt. However, when I cut into it, it was pink and fluffy – perfection. The cake was delicious, however next time I make this I will definitely cook it less than 50 minutes, perhaps more like 40. Hopefully that will do the trick!

Ingredients:
1 (18.25 ounce) package lemon cake mix
1 (3 ounce) package instant lemon pudding mix
4 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cup pink lemonade concentrate
4 drops pink or red food color
½ cup white sugar

Cake Directions:
Preheat oven to 350. Grease and flour one 10-inch tube pan or bundt pan.

Combine the cake mix, lemon pudding mix, eggs, vegetable oil, 1/2 cup lemon concentrate and the milk. Mix until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Bake at 350 for 50 minutes to 1 hour (I suggest more like 40 minutes).

Remove from oven and prick cake all over with a fork.  Pour lemonade glaze over top of warm cake.

Glaze Directions:
Combine the remaining thawed frozen lemonade and the white sugar. Mix thoroughly and pour over still warm cake.


Alyssa

Happy Birthday Sister!

Happy 21st birthday to my one and only sister! Today Alexa celebrates the big 2-1, and unfortunately I can’t be with her to celebrate. However, we did enjoy a birthday lunch together yesterday in Union Square, and we are having a spa day next weekend.

Alexa, I am so proud of everything you have accomplished in your 21 years. I am lucky to be able to call you my sister. Cheers!

Alyssa

Is that a new pair of shoes?

Nope! Until yesterday, my motto was ‘if its broken, buy a new one’. However, I had three pairs of broken shoes that I was not willing to part with, nor was a willing to buy 3 new pairs. I took to the internet, and found a reputable shoe repair shop only a few blocks from my apartment – Mina’s Shoe Repair.

I was hesitant at first, because I didn’t even know what exactly to say when I dropped the shoes off, or what to expect. I am pleased to report that it could not have been easier! I handed the clerk the 3 pairs of shoes and he instantly diagnosed what was wrong – this one needs a polish, this one is in need of new heels, this one is chipped etc. After the diagnostic, he handed me a ticket and said they would be ready the next day!

This afternoon I picked them up and I am pleased with the results. Two pairs of shoes are on the cheaper side. They were fixed, but certainly do not look like new. I am satisfied that I will be able to wear them a few more times before they are officially retired, however, I don’t think I’ll bring cheapy shoes to a shoe repair again – it’s just not worth it. But, I am VERY satisfied with the final product of my favorite Stuart Weitzman peep toe heels. These wooden and canvas little gems have endured 3 seasons of abuse. The wood was chipped, the heels were shot, and the bottoms looked like it was stabbed with a fork multiple times (I’m kicking myself for not taking a ‘before’ picture). Ta-da, after only 24 hours they look almost like new. Going forward, I am certainly not going to be so quick to throw away shoes anymore!

Alyssa