To Eat or To Wear Your Fruits and Veggies

I have a pretty sensitive nose and can pick up a stench a mile away, so I greatly appreciate the smell of clean. It makes me wonder with all the types of scents out there, from sweet to savory what about the idea of just smelling fresh and clean?

I feel very strongly and highly recommend that with body washes and lotions you keep a a natural fresh scent. My recommendation for a great clean start each day is:

1. Step 1: Start with a moisturizing and gentle maybe warm scented body wash (i.e. Oil of Olay Ultra Moisture with Shea Butter body wash or SoftSoap Ultra Rich Shea Butter body wash.
2. Step 2: Make sure your lotion isn't too strong in a fragrance leaving room for your perfume to do her job. I really love and recommend Nivea Origianl Moisture and Jergens Original Scent - Cherry Almond

Remember people are around you all day and you want to smell according to how you want others to interact with you; do you want them energized (maybe something with Ginseng or Eucalyptus) or feel really comfortable in your presence (linen, fresh cotton scent).

Enjoy and remember to be mindful on how you layer on your scents from body wash to lotion to perfume.

- KC

Online Beauty Appts Finally - YES!!

Most of you are probably familiar with OpenTable.com. The site that allows you to make restaurant reservations online, even for the top notch hard-to get-a-table venues.

Well if you do and you are like me, online bookings are a blessing. You don' have to worry about talking to someone that will mess up your requests AND you get a confirmation number to say yes I do have an appt/reservation.

The fabulous news is not only can you pay bills ; book trips and score a table for dinner on line, BUT now you can make all your beauty needs appts too at Lifebooker New York City Whoo Hoo.

For any of you that are busy during the day and no time to chat for nosey colleagues to be in your business. With a few click voila you can book an appt at Acqua Beauty Bar and others in minutes.

Beauty Tip - For Happy Feet

With summer fun comes summer beauty maintenance.

Now, we all may have something we want to change about our feet. One of the main changes many will like to make is the removal of that little friend on top of the toe that is obvious because it's like 3 shades lighter than you. (I will assume you know what I mean..hmmm)

A very quick and easy fix to that is your handy dandy concealer. Yes, I said it, dab concealer on that bad boy and Voila! it practically disappears and you and the people across the train car are all happy!

The purchase process:

• Try a creamy stick foundation. Black Opal works pretty well regardless of your complexion.
• This should be a cheap purchase at your local Duane Reade or CVS.
• Get one about a share or two darker than you. Remember if you select one as you select for your face it's not going to cover. Unlike your face you want to go darker or exact shade to your feet.
• This is a great way to use that old concealer that was just not working for you months ago
• Get a small size so you can carry around
• Last, be mindful of the adjustment you made and don't put your feet up in some one's white couch.

Happy walking!

Stack'Em Up

Summer stated like a month ago, but for you ladies in NYC with 20+ days of rain it didn't quite feel so.

But if you hesitated to get a jump start on your summer foot wear don't take too long. A huge hit right now are the stack heel shoes. These somewhat platform like 3" heels are a super plus for our concrete jungle.

• The fat heels don't fall victim to the sidewalk cracks, and
• They are super comfortable to take you from subway to work and then play

One designer who got it right and super super comfortable is Kenneth Cole Reaction. His stack sandals feel like sneakers (I admittedly have 2 pairs).

You can find at Shoegasm or Macys (where you can apply extra coupons).

Alert - A True Fabulous Find

While checking out Forever 21 with friends this past weekend ( I haven't been to this store in a while - I can take it small doses), I stumbled across one of their "Fabulous Finds" and it was quite fab! Me and my friends all scored a pair of skinny jeans for $12.50. We all vary in sizes and heights and it was a nice fit for everyone because of the stretch. These will be my tunic wear or sexy club going jeans.


Check it out on line here too!
Make sure to not shy away from their accessories. While you are cutting back on buying clothes because of economic conditions you can do affordable accessories to spice up what you already own...there are a ton of pearl like designs (necklaces and bracelets) that give that sexy lady feel.

Enjoy! (I made my purchase at the Union Sqaure location - oh and there is a new fitting room on the 2nd floor to the far right that is less crowded in the new Heritage section)

Fool-Proof DIY Networking

When the word networking comes up, sometimes the first reaction is the same as being told can you give a presentation to 100 people on XYZ - people get nervous and think of it as a chore they know they have to do but don't always want to do.

Worry no more because there is a great way to network within the comfort of friends and soon-to-be friends, here is our recipe to success:

• Whether it is you alone or with a friend, think of no more than 10 people you would like to bring together. They may have professional and personal interests in common and then again they may not.
• If you host a get together with a friend, each of you should be responsible for half of the invites.
  
• It is extremely beneficial if the invitees don't know each other or may be familiar but not that well . This is not girlfriend outing time and no one person should feel like the new kid on the block, everyone should feel new to each other.
  
• Balance your invites with your outgoing and your introvert/shy associates. For the friend you have been trying to get out to events or who expresses displeasure of networking this will be a great and safe environment to get them started.
  
• Pick a tea house or brunch venue to have the event. There are many inexpensive brunch venues on the weekends and tea houses just have a natural good environment for conversations.
• Oh and yes have it on the weekend vs. after work so everyone can be clear minded and rested.
• Work with the venue to establish a pre-fix menu if they don't have . Many restaurants that have a brunch menu have a set price and tea houses usually have a scone, finger sandwich and cookies/dessert platter. The last thing you want to think about after a good chat is diving the bill. Provide the group with the cost that will factor in tax and tip prior to the event. Example: At Alice Teacup we did the Mad Hatters and it worked out to about $22 including tax and tip and all invitees were made aware that was the food setting being order, but of course can choose their types of sandwiches, scones, etc.
• Be a superb host. Have everyone introduce themselves, but don't be shy about gluing them together. Tell them why they were invited and what you knew they had in common with others - be the connector!
  
• Secret to success: Is that its a small manageable group where real conversations can be had. It is personal and there is nothing like receiving a personal invite

With the weather clearing up, go out there and plan a networking brunch/tea house event. Below are some suggestions based on experience:

• Alice's Tea Cup: There are several locations now. I found success at the 64th street & Lexington one because its bigger
• Franchia: This is a vegetarian Korean tea house. Great for your a group that is particularly health conscious and includes vegans/vegetarians. Not for meat lovers.
• Coco Rocco: Two locations in Brooklyn, a darn good cheap and tasty brunch $9.95. You will love it.
• Libations: I just had brunch here today for such an event. Never knew they served food...lol. Delicious brunch means for $19. (I can speak for the steak and eggs - yummy)
• Tea Map: This is a GREAT resource to find local area tea houses. I used it many times.
• Google these venues and sites. There were errors in linking the sites to the page. Thank you