Luxe Life NYC - Part 16

Jelly Belly: You Bet Your Beans That They’re As Delish And As Fun As Ever!

September 6, 2017

I have had an obsession with Jelly Belly for over 30 years now and have always been intrigued how (unlike most other brands of jelly beans) they are not overly sweet or possessing of that rough, sugary outer shell that puts the kibosh on me trying other brands! I have these every Easter and I am impressed with the hundreds…read more

Lifestyle

Chowing Down On The Carnival Sunshine (And Lovin’ The Wow Factor)!

August 30, 2017

I was lucky enough to be invited to a press luncheon for 35 journalists on the Carnival Cruise Lines' Sunshine when it was docked at the Carnival Terminal on the West Side recently. I have not been on a Carnival ship in over five years, so I was thrilled to take in all the sites on a private tour before…read more

Beauty

What’s New From Phyto? The Anti-Aging Phytodensia Line, That’s What!

August 28, 2017

I had the pleasure of having breakfast with members of the Phyto team recently--including one of their new team stylists, Janet St. Paul Paul of the Austin salon that bears her name. Janet is so in-demand that she travels to New York once a month to cut and style the hair of prominent New Yorkers who can't live without her…read more

Beauty

It Cosmetics For Fall 2017: They’re Always The “It” Brand With Cutting Edge Ideas!

August 24, 2017

I have always loved It Cosmetics--their aesthetic is one of sophistication but at the same time their items and packaging are simple and always easy to understand while others have gone off the deep end! I loved their extravagant launch of the fall line which included a presentation by CEO Jamie Kern on media night as well as a special…read more

Lifestyle

Cucina & Amore’s Quinoa Meals On The Go: I’ll Be Back For More!

August 15, 2017

Which food vendor at the recent press event called Snack Attack wowed me the most? It was none other than Cucina & Amore's quinoa meals on the go. Quinoa has gotten a rep for being boring but trust me that these mix and eat meals are anything but! The quinoa is cooked to perfection and placed in a sealed plastic…read more

Beauty

Jane Iredale For Fall 2017: Skincare Supplements, Red & Wine Plumping Lip Colors And Blusher With Staying Power!

August 15, 2017

I was thrilled to go to Jane Iredale's recent press event on the rooftop of the legendary Gramercy Park Hotel to launch be at the launch of her Fall 2017 line. This classy beauty business leader has a lot of new things up her sleeve ad she addressed the beauty blogger crowd about how she started her company and her…read more

Lifestyle

Chefs & Champagne 2017: The Hamptons’ Ultimate Foodie Event Only Gets Better

August 13, 2017

I was lucky enough to attend the 27th Annual James Beard Foundation's Annual Chefs & Champagne event at the Wolffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack on July 29th. Legendary James Beard Foundation Award–winning chef, author and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson was toasted by more than 1,000 guests, who grazed from table to table of 35 NYC area chefs' greatest creations--many which were…read more

Lifestyle

Super Saturday 2017: I Shopped (And Ate) ‘Til I Dropped

August 13, 2017

I love Super Saturday. I am not a Hamptonite per se but this highly-publicized event is always a favorite of mine since I love luxury shopping at a discount (and that is something that is hard to come by unless you enjoy perusing the racks at consignment shops). At Super Saturday, which benefits ovarian cancer research, the best of the…read more

Lifestyle

Jill Zarin’s Luxury Ladies Lunch 2017: Still One Of The Hamptons’ Stellar Events

August 13, 2017

Why do I enjoy going to Jill Zarin's Luxury LadiesLunch every year? Besides the proceeds going to thyroid cancer research (a subject that has really hit home for Jill and her longtime husband, fabric king Bobby Zarin, who Skyped in from his hospital bed to great guests), the event gives guests the opportunity to network with experts in beauty, fashion…read more

Lifestyle

BFLORAL: New York’s Most Original Florist Teaches A Few Tricks To Bloggers!

August 8, 2017

I was lucky enough to attend BFloral's Summer Media Event on Saks Fifth Avenue's 2nd Floor--which is now set up with all sorts of mini boutiques arranged in a circle! I have not had much experience attending floral events although it has been a trend at press events to let guests create their own bouquets. The folks at BFloral along…read more

Beauty

Lora Condon: This “Beauty Buster” Is A Legend In The Skincare Game!

August 7, 2017

I was so lucky to be able to get a facial that was much, much more than just getting "steamed" and then a couple of masks. Lora goes above and beyond the call of duty--her facials include extractions, a foot rub, shoulder and neck massages, callous removal with a gentle pumice stone and more. While she owns a popular salon…read more

Lifestyle

Circle Line: The Way To Rock On The River With Specially Themed Cruises!

July 29, 2017

There is magic on Pier 83 (42nd Street and 12th Avenue)--and we are not just talking about the legendary daily harbor cruises with the classic Circle Line. These days, The Circle Line has special Happy Hour cruises with a special theme each week. I was lucky enough to go on the BBQ & Brews Happy Hour cruise recently and fell…read more

Beauty

SPARITUAL: Nail And Hand Care For Those Who Like Quality On The Go!

July 27, 2017

I was so thrilled to be able to get a mani with the one step SpaRitual Nourishing Vegan Color at the recent Organic Spa event held at The Conrad Hotel in Battery Park City. I was shocked when I saw how great the coverage was, how fast the polish dried and how long it lasted! This is like a dream…read more

Beauty

Schwarzkopf Does It Again–This Time With A Fab US Launch Of Their Gliss Line

July 27, 2017

Gliss has long been a famous brand of Schwarzkopf's in Europe--since 1959 as a matter of fact--but now it is being launched in the US and I was lucky enough to be at the celebratory event at Lightbox on West 38th Street in midtown. A lot of "hair education" happened! "Hair scientists" as I like to call them analyzed guests' hair…read more

Lifestyle

The Family That Crafts Together, Stays Together! A Look At The New Crafting Paints By Martha Stewart For Michael’s!

July 5, 2017

I recently went to the press launch party for the expanded new line of craft paints by Martha Stewart for Michael's and was amazed at all the different types. What was I most impressed with (besides the house exterior made of bottles of paint for Martha Stewart herself to pose in front of)? All I could do with the paints,…read more

Lifestyle

SUMMER FANCY FOOD SHOW 2017: I Tried New Things As Well As My Old Favorites

July 2, 2017

It's no secret that the first Fancy Foods Show booth that I go to is Bongiovi Brands! I love to chat with Jon Biongiovi, Sr. and his sons Anthony and Matthew about everything that's new as well as "classic" in their line. They are really going to start a thing with their new Classic Curry tomato sauce which really has…read more

Fashion

FitFlop: You Must Try This Line! They’re So Comfy That You Will Forget That You Are Wearing Them!

June 28, 2017

I never had heard of FlitFlops before I encountered them at a recent press preview in NYC and all I can say is WOW! I feel like their soles are almost contoured to my feet! They make soles that truly have give and support, and celebs such as Uma Thurman have stepped on board to sing their praises. Pictured to…read more

Beauty

Toppik: The Easiest Way To Hide Spots Created By Thinning Hair!

June 27, 2017

It's no secret that as men age, they loose their hair, but it is even more devastating for women in this position. Sure, there are wigs, headwraps and hats but they can get very hot in the summer or simply when you are indoors in a well-heated room. Toppik's powdery hair building fiber formula is something that you tap on…read more

Fashion

French Soles: Flat Is Where It’s At!

June 18, 2017

I always get excited when I walk past French Soles' three NYC stores on Lexington between 71st and 72nd--there are so many exciting and colorful styles to look out, and a day does not go by living on the Upper East Side when I do not see a stylish lady carrying a French Soles shopping bag. My deep love of…read more

Beauty

Havin’ A Blast At The Bollare Offices!

June 15, 2017

I have to admit I have never had such fun at a beauty event as I did at Bollare's recent summer preview. I was able to test new products from the likes of Kevyn Aucoin, get a makeover and hair restyling, and best of all, I got to use their rented carnival crane machine to my heart's content. It was…read more

Lifestyle

LUXE EATS: T-BAR IS T-RIFIC FOR SO MANY REASONS

June 15, 2017

My top choice for "the great neighborhood steakhouse" award is undoubtedly the UES' T-Bar. More specifically, I love it for "a meat and three sides"! They have a beautiful 8-ounce grilled Filet Mignon that they grill to perfection and world-class sides. They have a divine 40 ounce Porterhouse for two as well that I plan on getting next time I go.…read more

Lifestyle

BCRF’s “PINK OUT OF THE BOX” PRODUCTS! BE STYLISH AND CHARITABLE!

June 15, 2017

I was so excited to peruse the many brands that will be donating 15% of products especially designed to help the Breast Cancer Research Foundation at a special press preview recently! Not surprisingly, many of these items are pink, the official color of breast cancer awareness. So glad to see that my pals at Macy's are up at bat with…read more

Fashion

I’m Loving The Latest Crocs Sandals And Their “Come As You Are” Campaign! It Is Another Big Win For This Leader In The Comfort Footwear Field!

June 13, 2017

I love that Crocs not only has some of the greatest comfort styles for summer--well, they are a WORLD-CLASS leader in comfort footwear so that goes without saying. But now they have a campaign that encourages youngsters to be true to themselves and learning self-acceptance. The legendary Drew Barrymore and pal John Cena are at the helm of this campaign!…read more

Beauty

The Live Clean Baby Launch At Bouley Botanical: Flowers, Fun…And Lots Of Mommy Bloggers!

June 12, 2017

I was lucky enough to score an invite to the launch of Live Clean Baby products at Bouley Botanical in early February and it was one of the most cleverly "styled" and organized parties I have been to in a long time thanks to one of my favorite beauty pr firms CMMPR and Hain Naturals, which was the first-ever natural…read more

Lifestyle

Brasserie 8 1/2: I Rate It A 10 1/2!

June 10, 2017

Want a place where you know the food is consistently high-end and the service is perfect? Did I fail to mention that portions are generous? Well, Brasserie 8 1/2 is that place. A place this large, well-decorated and classy might seem like it is going to be outrageously expensive but they always have a $29 two-course lunch special and $38 dinner…read more

Lifestyle

I Went Back To The Capital Grille to Check Out Their Summer Wine Event–And It’s A Must For Wine Fanatics

June 8, 2017

I am more of a "foodie" than a wine enthusiast but I was lucky enough to attend a press tasting of the many fabulous wines being offered during The Generous Pour Event this summer at all 55 Capital Grille locations nationwide. Our event was guided by their master sommelier George Miliotes who picks the vino for all 55 locations. While my colleagues…read more