NYFW

A few weeks ago was easily one of the best days of my life, ever. As New York Fashion week was well under way, I attended the Badgley Mischka Spring/Summer 2014 show. The colors were light and the silhouettes were perfectly reminiscent of the classic beach glamour look, circa 1925. It’s one thing to see an empire waist dress on the hanger but it’s another thing completely to see it’s movement on a classically styled model. The beadwork was impeccable and the material gave way to the effortless glamour that hung in the air of this era. All in all when the show was over I couldn’t help but have the strongest desire to spend the summer with Jay Gatsby by the water. The first picture is the ever-so classic Fashion Week snapshot: 

The second picture is my ticket to the show:

The third picture is a panoramic view before the show:

Alexa

Sewing Class

As a young girl, there was nothing I loved more than sewing with my grandma.  My grandma was such a talented seamstress and I could spend hours watching her at work.  Last week I decided to tap into my inner seamstress and take a beginners sewing class at Fabricland in North Plainfield, NJ.  The class was 2 hours long and the knowledgeable instructor helped us to get familiar with our machine and reviewed the basics of sewing.  During the class we created our own tissue holders.  I’m pleased to share with you a picture of mine.  I’m looking forward to taking even more classes at Fabricland!

Alyssa

How To: Fishtail Braid

Thanks for watching!  A fishtail braid looks way more complicated than it actually is.  In order to make one, you will need a hair brush, two plastic hair bands and a pair of scissors.  Enjoy the video and please feel free to comment and suggest future hair tutorials.

Alyssa

Late Summer/Early Fall 2013 Haul

It is that time of year again!  You know, back to school!  Even though I am several years out of school, I still enjoy stocking up on fall essentials this time of year.  Enjoy the video!

Alyssa

OOTD

Alyssa and I are so incredibly sorry that we have not posted to our blog in a while.  Saying this summer has been busy would be an understatement.  But, please accept our sincerest apologies and a new video!  We are a little rusty, but I hope you guys like my Outfit of the Day!  All outfit details are listed in the YouTube description box.

Alexa

Blow

Last month I had the opportunity to attend my first bachelorette party celebration.  Being the girly girls that we are, we kicked off the festivities with blow outs from Blow in NYC.  The place was fantastic – full of professional and kind hairstylists, great music and champagne!  We each had the opportunity to have our hair blown out however we desired and we walked away with some great goodies.  I use the shower cap constantly but I haven’t tried the products yet.  A review will follow soon!

Alyssa

Day and Night Makeup Look -- Talk Through Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znPAUR9cWSo

This summer has been an exceptionally busy one, and most days I go directly from work or another day activity to dinner or an evening event. My hectic schedule calls for a versatile makeup look that is appropriate for both day and night.

My first ever talk through makeup video can be viewed by clicking the link above. I clearly need a little practice with the camera, but I hope you enjoy what I have filmed.

Alyssa

Babylon Rolling Book Review

When I was a senior in college, I had the pleasure of babysitting for a family that lived close to campus. The mother of the family worked for a publishing company and gave me a ton of her favorite books. One book in particular that she gave me, became my favorite – Pretty Little Dirty by Amanda Boyden. After I finished the book I immediately scoured the internet for other books written by the same author, but I quickly learned that she only had one book out.

Over the next few years I periodically researched Amanda Boyden and was super excited when I discovered she had written a second book, Babylon Rolling. I ordered the book online but wasn’t overly excited to read it as the summary sounded drastically different from my favorite book, Pretty Little Dirty.

It wasn’t until post Hurricane Sandy that I decided to actually read it as I knew the book took place in New Orleans around the time of Hurricane Katrina.

While to book was drastically different than Boyden’s first book, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. The book focused in on a group of diverse families that live on the same block in uptown New Orleans. Boyden does a fantastic job of developing each character and conveying their relationships with one another.

We learn about the issues that plague each family and how each neighbor works together to overcome obstacles and challenges. The book takes us through the false alarm of Hurricane Ivan, however the book leaves off before Hurricane Katrina hits, so we are left to imagine how the characters we have grown to care for will fair during the tragedy.

Alyssa

Almond Nail Obsession

[Picture from Mag for Women]

[Essie Watermelon] 

[Essie Fiji] 

[Revlon Porcelain]

As you probably figured out by now, based on our post about nail art and video about our polish collection, Alexa and I are both pretty into our nails.  Lately, however, I have been experimenting with nail shapes and I have grown very fond of the almond shape.  After watching a few YouTube videos on how to achieve this shape, I worked my magic with a nail file and before long I had a shape I really liked!  It does require a bit of upkeep, as the point tends to dull due to everyday activities, so a file here and there is necessary to keep the pointy tip.  However, I feel like ever since I switched from my square nails, they break less often.  I have shared pictures from my last 3 at home manicures.

Alyssa

Summer Clothing Haul!

Summer is in full force! So, of course I need new clothes to go with the warm weather. Check out my clothing haul to see my new purchases!

Alexa

Growing Up

A week ago I graduated from college.  While at times the experience seemed to drag on and  on, looking back it flew by.  I am excited for the chapter in my life and would like to share with you a few pictures from my special day.

Alexa

My Trip to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens

This past Saturday I took a day trip with Mike to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens.  It was so incredibly beautiful and such a peaceful experience for us to share together.  You can visit their website by clicking here to learn more about exhibits and visitor information.  I hope you enjoy some of the pictures I have shared.

Alyssa

Colors of the Rainbow Tag

Hi viewers!  A few days ago I filmed a 'Colors of the Rainbow' tag where I shared my favorite beauty products that are the different colors of the rainbow.  I hope you enjoy the video!

Alyssa

Purse Collection

I can't get enough bags and wanted to share with all of you some of my favorites.  For some reason I am having a hard time linking my YouTube video to this post.  Please be sure to check it out by clicking on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6oCsx67p6A  Enjoy!

Alexa

Vacation Overview

Earlier this month I went on vacation to Sandals Emerald Bay in Grand Exuma Bahamas.  The resort and grounds were beautiful and I highly recommend this resort to all of you.  I hope you enjoy the pictures I have shared from the trip.

Alyssa

Body Scrub

In the midst of the cold blustering winter, I purchased a body scrub in anticipation of wanting soft smooth skin for the summer months. I opted to purchase Bliss’s Lemon+Sage Velvety-soft skin polish because I always love the smell of Bliss products and it sounded like it would be less harsh than an exfoliater but more impactful than a simple lotion. After using this little gem a few times over the past weeks, I can confirm that that is exactly how this product is.

Before you take a shower, you scoop a generous handful out and scrub it into your skin, all over your body, for a minimum of 5 minutes. Then, hop in the shower and rinse it all off. After getting out of the shower and drying off, you will notice how much softer your skin is. I purchased my scrub at Sephora but I believe it is available at many different stores. Happy scrubbing!

Alyssa

First Impression - Revlon Lash Potion Mascara

This morning I tried Revlon's new Lash Potion Mascara for the first time.  Check out my newest video where I give my first impressions!

Alexa

Nail Invention

[Tiffany's inspired: Light blue nails with glitter on the bottom]

We wear clothes that cover our backside as well as our front side so why don’t we paint under our nails as well as the top? It’s a great way to make a statement, add a pop of color or simply complete the look. However, have you ever tried to paint under of your nails with the nail products currently on the market? It doesn’t work. The brushes are too thick and hold too much polish, which causes the polish to get all over your skin. Therefore, the invention I am proposing will fix this problem and allow you to paint the bottom of your nails with ease and no mess.

In order to ensure that polish evenly covers the inside/bottom of your nails and does not come in contact with your skin, I am proposing that we create a new brush to apply the polish. The new brush will have a short shaft which allows for maximum control. Rather than bristles, it will be more of a foam consistency that is short and small. The foam like bristles will only hold paint on the sides, not the bottom that comes in contact with your skin. Any nail polish that is currently on the market can be used, however the new brush will be created so that paint does not adhere to the bottom portion that comes in contact with skin.

 
So, fellow nail lovers, I ask that you please vote for my invention idea by visiting the following link and then clicking on 'Vote'

http://www.quirky.com/ideations/467025

Alyssa

Nail Art

If you couldn’t tell from our most recent video, we are obsessed with nails. This past weekend we decided to take that obsession to a whole new level and introduce 3-D nail art. We purchased a variety of different colored plastic bows from Claires and combined them with Kiss nail glue and our own polish and viola, we had unique nails!


Alexa used Essie’s Absolutely Shore and white bows with a short rounded nail finish. Alyssa used Essie’s Van D’Go and blue bows with an almond shaped nail finish.

Alyssa and Alexa

Nail Polish Collection

We hope you enjoy checking out our nail polish collection!  All color details are in the YouTube description box.

Alyssa and Alexa

Mini Vacation Haul!

My latest video is an overview of some of the items that I purchased for vacation!  Thanks for watching and you can find information on each item in the YouTube description box.

Alyssa

April 2013 Outfit of the Day

Thanks for watching my latest OOTD video!  All outfit details are in the YouTube description box.

Alexa

March 2013 Favorties

Thanks for watching!  All products are listed in the YouTube description box.

Alexa

OOTD - Pre Spring 2013

It was perfect late winter/early spring weather this past weekend in the tri-state area, so I wanted to start incorporating some lighter pieces into my outfit selections. All outfit details are below in the description box on our YouTube channel.

Alyssa

Dry Shampoo Volume 2

As you may have read back in November of 2011, I am a big fan of dry shampoo in between washes. After misplacing the Keratin Complex brand that I have been so loyal to for the past year, I decided it was time to try a new brand. Therefore, about two months ago I purchased Oscar Blandi’s volumizing shampoo from Sephora. Unlike my previous product, this comes in a spray can. It is certainly a lot less messy than adding loose white powder with a brush to your scalp. Also, its clear! That means no residue left behind. And, as the name suggests – it adds volume! So, even if you don’t necessarily have greasy hair, this product is great for giving you that little extra umph!

The only drawback is that this is a onetime fix. While my Keratin Complex could be layered and added to, this one seems to only work for 8 hours or so. After that, if you add more dry shampoo you look even greasier than you did when you first put the product in earlier that day.

Alyssa

Fitness Tag!

Check out my latest YouTube video, a Fitness Tag!  The desctiption box contains more details.

Alyssa

PEZ Obsession

My Pez collection started around the age of 12 with one dispenser – Mickey Mouse. Since then it has grown to 100+. I’ve never really considered it an obsession, or even a hobby, just little trinkets I bought when they caught my eye. Every time I got a new dispenser, I added it to my growing collection on a shelf in my room. However two weekends ago I took my interest to a whole new level when I visited the Pez Museum in Orange, CT. When I walked in I felt like a kid in a candy store, literally. And I walked out with 17 new dispensers, a Pez display shelf and a renewed excitement about the fun candy treats!

Above you can see the transition of my collection from messy to organized. And below you can see a few pictures from my trip to the museum.

 

Alyssa

 

 

Running Vlog: Pre and Post Workout Routine

Thanks for watching my workout vlog, where I share some of my favorite pre and post workout products.  All product details can be found in the YouTube description box.

Alexa

Outfit of the Day | Februray 2013

Thank you for watching my first OOTD Video.  All outfit details can be found in description box below the YouTube video.

Alexa

January 2013 Favorites

Thanks for checking out my January favorites video!

Alexa

Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

A while back I went on a Pintrest binge and saved a ton of recipes that I planned to make one day. For the Super bowl I decided to dig out that word document filled with recipes and make something for the party I was attending. The recipe I selected was Oreo stuff chocolate chip cookies. The instructions I followed are below. I really liked everything about this recipe, however I must advise that it was very difficult to get the dough to stick around the Oreos.

Ingredients:
2 sticks (1 cup) softened butter
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon pure vanilla
3 ½ cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
10 oz. bag chocolate chips
1 package Oreo Cookies

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cream butter and sugars together with a mixer until well combined.
3. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
4. In a separate bowl mix the flour, salt and baking soda.
5. Slowly add to wet ingredients along with chocolate chips until just combined.
6. Using a cookie scoop take one scoop of cookie dough and place on top of an Oreo Cookie.
7. Take another scoop of dough and place on bottom of Oreo cookie.
8. Seal edges together by pressing and cupping in hand until Oreo cookie is enclosed with dough.
9. Place onto a parchment or silpat lined baking sheet and bake cookies 9-13 (for me, it was closer to 15) minutes or until golden brown.
10. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to cooling rack

Alyssa

The last 48 in Pictures

[Heart shaped champaign truffles and strawberry love bugs from Dylan's Candy Bar]

[Perk of becoming a Sephora VIB - free 45 minute makeover] 

 [Another view of the smokey eye look - thanks Jessenia at the Columbus Circle Mall]

[ Sharing a frozen hot chocolate with my love at Serendipity 3]

[Me and Mike at a christening]

[Valentines Day dish and Easter candy holder present from Williams Sonoma - thanks Mike!]

Alyssa