Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Monday, February 15, 2016

Winter Florida Getaway: Islamorada and Sarasota

Oh, the satisfying anticipation of heading to warmer weather when the city is a frozen mess. It's this annoying thing we do here : Bye New Yorkers, enjoy the frostbite!

image via naoligo.com
Then we come right back and join the misery. Ha ha. 

 Andrew had work in Sarasota, and we decided that a) I'd tag along- free lodging! and b) we would go earlier and check out the Keys. Well, our smug little happy dance got checked when we saw the 80 degree temps the day before our departure dipping to 50-60 degree welcome weather for our arrival. 

Friday, February 12, 2016

Skincare Empties and Reviews


This post is heavy on Ole Henriksen products.  My cousin Linda loves her beauty and skincare, and she generously gives away her extras to the family. And she had some Ole Henriksen extras. A perfect opportunity for me to try out the line!

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Life in Pics: Rooney Mara, Tacos, and the Best Shabu Shabu Ever

Yes, we had a blizzard! I'm sure your social media timeline was assaulted with billions of snow photos.  I thought it was beautiful!

Hello, Ansonia.


And if you read my past post, you know that I got to reap some of the benefits of getting snowed in.  A free stay at The Palace Hotel.  

View outside the window


I wish all of my girlfriends could have joined me in the hotel room. We could have reenacted the sleepover scene from 13 Going on 30.  "Love is a battlefield!"
image via hollywoodjesus.com

Monday, February 1, 2016

My 2 Years with ClassPass! One Fee, Various Studios

Here's my fitness background. I did not have regularly scheduled workouts until 2014. Yes, that means that most of my adult life was spent NOT being active.  Eek.

I had gym memberships, but my money was basically a donation since I hardly ever went.  Gyms were boring so I would try out a fun studio here and there, but my budget would only allow for a class or two. These NYC prices are pretty steep! We are talking on average $25-35/class. Even if you buy a package deal, it can be an investment. For example, Barry's Boot Camp is $35/class. The 10-pack is still $320. And that's without taxes, my friends.

Then came ClassPass with its monthly membership fee which includes access to a huge network of fitness studios worldwide.  The fee is $79-$125 depending on your location. 

You can take a class at any of the hundreds of participating studios. Try them all if you want! You can visit a specific studio up to 3 times per monthly cycle. And if you decide that you want to attend more than 3 classes at a studio, you can buy the extra classes through ClassPass at a preferred rate. 


This meant I could do Barry's Boot Camp for less. Yes! 
(You guys, it's a crazy good workout.)

Sunday, January 31, 2016

A Look Inside Korean Beauty Store Tony Moly

When I was younger, I used to watch in amazement (and a bit of incredulity) as my mom went through her nightly skincare routine.  She'd slather on layer after layer of lotions and essences. If you are confused about that term essence, I understand.  I used to think it was some Korean English-sounding skincare line.  For clarification, here is an awesome guide to the difference between toner, serum, essence, and ampoules.  

Anyway, that weird word essence got reintroduced into my life with the recent Korean beauty craze.  And I got bitten by the bug.  Yes, I follow the 10-step Korean skincare routine! <---must read

So I was jumping up with joy when I saw that Tony Moly opened up a store in the city. This brand sells insanely cute products at affordable prices. I love Sephora's description of the items as "criminally cute"! See for yourselves!


Friday, January 29, 2016

Eggs-ellent recipes!

I didn't realize until recently how much I really enjoy eating eggs.  It started out as the easy go-to boiled eggs for meals and snacks. Then I began ordering egg dishes when I went out to restaurants.


Kimchi Deviled Egg from Sobban, which unfortunately closed.



Duck egg, cheese, and bacon sandwich from Graze



Eggs Benedict at City Crab Shack






Slow-poached eggs with quinoa, parmesan, and asparagus from The NoMad.



My first Scotch egg at The Breslin
Instructions on how to make them here. It's #4.


  
We even prepared eggs in fun ways for breakfast.




This is called Eggs with Soldiers. Our friend made this for us, and the yolk was perfect for dipping! Recipe here.

I even ate balut--yes, developing duck embryo.  Remember that

I will leave you with additional links to explore the beauty of eggs.



What are your favorite egg dishes? I'm hungry!

xo,

Erica