• New York,  WorldWide

    Best of NYC: Drinks

    After you’ve gorged on some of the food mention in my last blog post, you might want to grab a drink afterwards…

    I’m usually content with getting some beers in K-Town on a typical Friday night (read: pocha side dishes, BBQ, or cheesy ramen as “chasers”). However, if you want to go somewhere with the girls or with a date, I recommend a cocktail bar in Fi-Di called The Dead Rabbit. As soon as the friendly host greets you at the door of the two-story place, you will feel as if you have stepped back in time. This 1940’s style bar has already won several awards for their unique and delectable cocktails (I also recommend their fries). The drinks are a bit pricey but the experience is truly original and delightful.

    rabbitSource: The Dead Rabbit

    One night I met up with some of my  old classmates and we passed by a sleek, crowded bar in Alphabet City called The Summit. We decided that we simply had to go in and see what it was like. The place is small, the crowd is young, and the cocktails are strong. Their house special is The Governor but I ordered a delicious drink called The Governess. One of their special customers also gave me a free glass of wine from behind the bar so, of course,  I only have positive things to say about this place!

     summitt

    Source: The Summit

    After hitting up The Summit, we went to a renowned cocktail bar called Pouring Ribbons. We ordered several refreshing cocktails as well as a prosciutto and cheese plate. The place is surprisingly spacious and the interior has an old world sort of charm. The owner, Joaquín Simó, is a former academic who was named as the American Bartender of The Year, so you can be sure that the staff knows what they are doing!

    pouringSource: Pouring Ribbons

  • Los Angeles,  New York

    THE PAW PROJECT COMES TO NEW YORK & LOS ANGELES

    THE PAW PROJECT is the inspiring film that follows the David and Goliath story of a grassroots movement led by one woman. It is a mission to change laws and protect cats, both large and small, from the cruelty of declawing. THE PAW PROJECT shows how the movement began, how it continues to prevail despite the efforts of well-funded professional veterinary associations.

    Declawing is the amputation of the last bone in a cat’s toes. In the United States today, approximately 25% of domesticated cats are declawed. Despite the physical and behavioral harm inflicted on cats who are declawed, many veterinarians continue to recommend the procedure, which costs upwards of $1,200. per hour – even for very young kittens.

    THE PAW PROJECT takes us inside the issue of declawing. Sharing testimony from industry professionals and pet-owners alike, THE PAW PROJECT examines the emotional and physical cost that a cat pays when declawed; and reveals the profit that the procedure generates for veterinary doctors across the nation. Despite the physical and behavioral harm inflicted on cats that are declawed, many veterinarians continue to recommend the procedure, which costs upwards of $1,200.00 per hour – even for very young kittens.  Veterinarian Dr. Jennifer Conrad wants it stop. While it often puts her at odds with many in her professional field, she continues to lead the struggle. 

    “I had to reach wider audiences, with this new tool that uncovered truths about declawing. That’s when I decided to make the film.” says Conrad.

    Step by step, the film follows Conrad as she refutes representatives from the American Veterinary Association (AVMA), all in her effort to protect the well-being of these felines.  THE PAW PROJECT chronicles her journey from pet examinations to legislative hearings, where she urges elected officials to ban declawing in their cities.  

    THE PAW PROJECT is a documentary written, directed and produced by Dr. Jennifer Conrad. It is her added effort to ensure that everyone is of the dangers of declawing. She hopes that THE PAW PROJECT will be used as a tool to change the nation.

    “When people watch this film, I want them to walk out of that theater feeling inspired that they can help end this horrible practice. I want them to feel motivated and capable.” says Conrad.

    THE PAW PROJECT will be theatrical released in Fall 2013. It will open in New York on September 27th; special 1 week engagement at the IFC Center. It will open in Los Angeles on October 18th, a 1 week engagement in at the Pasadena Playhouse 7. Additional afternoon screenings will run at Laemmle Santa Monica, scheduled for October 18th and 19th.  

     

    THE PAW PROJECT a documentary directed by Jennifer Conrad.

    http://www.pawprojectmovie.com/

     

    THEATRICAL SCREENING INFO.:

    September 27- October 3: New York (IFC Center)

    October 18 – 25: Los Angeles (Pasadena Playhouse 7)

    October 19 & 20: Santa Monica (Laemmle Monica)

  • New York,  WorldWide

    Fall In Love With Tammy Fender!

    If you haven’t experienced the beautiful skincare range of Tammy Fender, you better go check it out—right now!

    Simply put, the Tammy Fender range combines holistic skincare with custom blended formulations in a range of nourishing lotions, oils, cleansers and more that have physical benefits, as well as emotional and spiritual benefits (and goodness knows I need help with the latter!). It’s not like any other skincare line out there, nowhere near.

    I was lucky enough to try out the Rose Geranium & Tangerine Body Lotion as well as the Bulgarian Rose Water.

    The Bulgarian Rose Water: I didn’t know it at the time of using this delightful and fragrant water, but a single drop of this stuff requires more than 7,000 petals. That’s a lot of flowers, people. And no wonder they go to great lengths extracting this stuff—it’s rejuvenating and refreshes the skin. And it smells divine, too. It’s made to “strengthen the center of one’s emotional being” while also strengthening and toning up the skin tissue. Grab some of this and dab it over your face and neck in the morning and evening—you’ll notice a difference almost immediately. Add in 20 minutes of meditation and you’re all set for a renewal like no other.

    Tammy+Fender+Bulgarian+Rose+Water

    The Rose Geranium & Tangerine Body Lotion: Here’s how the Tammy Fender website described this lotion—“The nourishing power of a crème with the delicacy of a lotion offering total ‘beauty & luxury in a bottle.’” And yep, that’s pretty much what this lotion is—nourishing power. The physical benefits of this sweet lotion include a boosting of the immune system, restoring moisture balance, and of course, leaving skin feeling soft, supple and nourished. Apply it to slightly damp skin in the morning of evening. Add it to your beauty routine after a soak in the tub and you’re laughing. Laughing with super soft and supple skin, that is.

    Tammy Fender

    Grab your own Tammy Fender goodies online and don’t forget to check out the blog for a touch of inspiration—it’s well worth a read.

  • New York

    Organic Cotton Sherpa Hat for Fall by @DotsonTots1

    September is Baby Safety Month and keeping baby safe and secure is a top concern.  Simple safety measures like protecting children’s ears and head can go a long way – studies show that the younger the child, the less resistant they are to infection and the more likely they are to catch colds, viruses and sickness.

    A healthy baby is a happy baby!

    Screen Shot 2013-09-17 at 11.33.11 PM

    I recently discovered the Dots on Tots, a handmade line of children’s hats created for children newborn through toddler stage with innovative designs to keep the skin, head and ears protected. There are a few different styles and all of the products truly get the parenting safety stamp of approval.

    100% certified organic soft baby cotton.
    Hat is double layered, seamless with soft Velcro (hook and loop) closure on the flaps.
    Sherpa fabric is a soft, versatile pile knit. it has a napped face and a soft smooth back.

    It’s derived from knit terry and shares the same properties as knit terry and velour. Sherpa is breathable and an excellent absorber.
    Fabrics and hats are made in the USA. Each hat is carefully wrapped in tissue paper with little thank you note and packed in our signature eco-friendly, recyclable pillow box.

    Screen Shot 2013-09-17 at 11.22.00 PM

    It is also my little cousin’s 2nd birthday!  Michael is the happiest baby ever and I asked for his expertise to review this hat.

    Screen Shot 2013-09-17 at 11.13.49 PMSo excited and loves the hat!

    Michael gives the 100% Organic Sherpa Hat two thumbs up!

    Screen Shot 2013-09-17 at 11.14.08 PM

    A huge thank you to the founder of Dots on Tots, Olivia Entin for creating this great hats! Excited for Fall?

    A mother of two from New York, Olivia Entin stumbled upon what would become the inspiration behind her flourishing business when she was searching for the ideal clothing for her children. Perusing sites, shopping malls and clothing aisles, Olivia noticed that missing among the numerous racks of clothing was a line of baby accessories that provided safety and optimal comfort for children as well as a fashion-forward appearance. As newborns and toddlers have sensitive skin and are vulnerable to ENT ( ear, nose and throat) complications, Olivia knew that she, as well as other new parents, needed a line of accessories that keep babies safe by covering their ears and at the same time not harming their sensitive skin. With her Master’s Degree in Fashion Design and Technology and an experienced mother, Olivia set forth with the support of her family to provide the children’s market with a niche product that would provide safety and comfort to children and began her small business, Dots on Tots.

    You can get the Sherpa Hat on http://www.dotsontots.com/for $34.99 and it comes in S, M, L

  • My Dog Jacob,  New York

    Doggie Time by @mochijolie from @uncommongoods

    If you are a fan of cutesy awesome products from SUCK UK or Fred Flare you have to check out my new discovery – Uncommon Goods. 

    I found this website while looking for a present for all my Virgo and Libra friends and for my husband who is on the cusp.  This site is extra cool!  They have a huge range of items are really are ‘uncommon’ and full on indie design options for everyday items. Need some accessories for your phone?Check it out here

    Already planning for Christmas? Get a head start on Stocking Stuffers here.

    Going to a housewarming party? Birthday party? Just because?  Find an array of amazing items here !

    Their most Pinterest friendly item must be the shower squid. (Which I also want badly!)

    Uncommongoods have a great range of indie artist who create perfectly chic items that make great presents. The best part is that they have carefully curated content with really great prices. While I was going through the site, I discovered a LA based brand called Mochi and Jolie.  They create dog watches that have silhouettes of different breeds.

    Screen Shot 2013-09-17 at 5.12.15 PM

    “Time with your canine friend isn’t measured in dog years, but in walks, cuddles, ball catches, and treats. Now, with these playful watches, you can keep your puppy with you every minute of the day, even when you have to be apart. Each one features your choice of breed on its face, capturing those distinctive features in a profile silhouette on its face. The clear plastic wristband and housing make the watch easy to match with any outfit. It’s a perfectly fetching accessory for any dog lover. Japanese quartz movement. Watch battery included. Made in Hong Kong.”

    I think the Labrador one looks most like Jacob so I got this one!  The clear straps make it so fashionable and easy to wear and the design is beautiful! I got several compliments the first time I wore it. It is extremely lightweight and great for walking the dog and keeping track of time. I don’t want to take my phone with me everywhere but I still want to know what time it is. The face is totally numberless and the second hand is extremely quiet. The straps are clear with a slight purple on the edges which I love.  I also like that it is quite flat so it is easy to wear under long sleeve, jackets and sweaters.

    Best of all, it looks just like my dog Jacob!

    The Dog Watch is $65 and available on http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/dog-watches

    Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, UncommonGoods is an privately-owned retailer that endeavors to feature unique designs and handcrafted gifts created in harmony with the environment and without harm to animals or people. We run all our operations out of the historic Brooklyn Army Terminal, including our warehouse where the lowest-paid seasonal worker starts at 50% above the minimum wage. We make it our mission to support and provide a platform for artists and designers; in fact, half of what we sell is made by hand. Most of the products we carry are created right here in the USA, and about one-third of our entire collection incorporates recycled and/or upcycled materials. At the core of our company is a great respect for the integrity of the creative individual and the belief that it is our responsibility to use our business to impact the world in a positive way.

    Some cool facts…

    •  Design Challenges: Get your work out there and join our community by participating in our product design and art challenges.

    •  City Harvest strives to end hunger in communities throughout New York City through food rescue, distribution, and education.

     

    Small Business, Big Ideas

    In 2012 UncommonGoods CEO Dave Bolotsky joined representatives from 14 other privately-owned businesses at the White House to discuss the impact of President Obama’s economic policies on small businesses. Read more about Mr. Bolotsky’s trip to Washington on uncommongoods.com

  • New York,  WorldWide

    Get the @alice_olivia Runway Look with @TIGIHaircareUSA

    Two of my favorite brands came together during NYC’s Fashion Week: Alice + Olivia and CATWALK by TIGI.

    Stacey Bendet amazed us with her “preppy-meets-pretty” Spring 2014 Alice + Olivia collection that was inspired by the “American Girl.” It featured a true elegance, carefree spirit and of course, a romantic twist. I’m loving the pops of pastel and the sophisticated neutrals.

    I’ll take one of each!

    TIGI 2013 NYFW SS14 Alice&Olivia_ABH_8725sml

    To get the look just right, CATWALK by TIGI global creative director Nick Irwin came up with a complementary hairstyle that captured the true essence of the Alice + Olivia girl: the simple chignon.

    It’s an elegant look that adds a bit of edge to every outfit, and I’ve got the inside scoop on how you can achieve it at home with CATWALK by TIGI’s range of styling products:

    1.  Starting with a base of straight, dry hair, begin flat ironing small sections using the CATWALK® by TIGI® Your Highness Weightless Shine Spray
    2. Once hair is bone-straight, create a deep and defined side part over the left eyebrow and carefully brush hair into a low ponytail at the nape – being careful to smooth hair over (not behind!) the right ear. Secure with an elastic.
    3. Work CATWALK® by TIGI® Curlesque Strong Hold Mousse through the pony tail, applying heat with a blow dryer to eliminate fly always and provide hold
    4. After securing the bottom of the ponytail with another small elastic, gently twist the hair into a perfect chignon, tucking ends out of sight and securing with french pins
    5. Set the look with CATWALK® by TIGI® Session Series Finishing Spray
    6. Rock that look, honey!

    TIGI 2013 NYFW SS14 Alice&Olivia_ABH_8053sml

    tigi