Reviews

Manicure + champagne?…I’ll take it!

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Having my nails done is always a priority for me. Whenever I don’t have them done I get an an uncomfortable feeling that people are always staring at my (1) chipped nail…although in reality people are probably not even looking at them. Regardless, I tend to get my nails done at least once a week for 2 reasons: cleanness and my slight case of OCD.

For any type of grooming, I am usually very loyal and tend to always go to the same place where I know I’ll get top-notch service. However, with my job I tend to get taken out to various places where I get to experience good (and bad) services. Most recently, my team and I went to Paintbox in Soho– which has now become one of my favorites spots to get my nails done…when the wallet allows me to.

Paintbox is a modern nail salon that hasn’t even been open for a year yet. It features different looks depending on the season consisting of foils, matte, and even diamond styles. When you first walk into Paintbox you are greeted with a very sleek and chic ambiance paired with some good vibing music and a friendly hostess. Like any nail salon it’s good to call ahead to make an appointment since they are known to have services that last about an hour. Since we were meeting clients we were able to chat over some sushi & champagne (which we brought) but they do provide champagne, wine, water, and tea for their customers which is a plus! After we finished our manicurist came over to take each of us to their station to begin our services.

Luckily, we had time to look over the Fall/Winter 2014 looks to decide what design we wanted and to also pick out colors.  There were a million colors so this obviously was a hard choice for me but I decided to go with Essie’s Chinchilly and the design I chose was Femme Fatale. My manicurist was very polite and professional and proceeded to take my old polish off the “correct way” by placing a cotton ball of nail polish remover individually on each of my nails. After going through some of the same steps as a regular manicure she proceeded to begin the design.

Let me tell you- the amount of detail and precision that these ladies paid attention to was insane. Every minute detail was carefully crafted using an actual nail polish/brush along with other tools to perfect the design.

Now you’re probably wondering how much all of this cost– and because it is a nail salon in NYC the price is already bumped higher but you do pay for what you get to say the least. You are not only paying for the service but you are also paying for the experience of having champagne, a cool environment, friendly workers, and a professional manicurist. Overall not bad especially if you are taking out clients.

Be sure to visit their website and book your appointment today 🙂 http://paint-box.com/

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Lifestyle, Relationships

An Open Letter to the bad texters of the world

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One of the most frustrating things to do in society today is texting. The mere act of picking up your phone and typing out a message to someone will take you a good minute…or two if you have stubby fingers and are over the age of 50. What ever happened to picking up the phone and calling someone? Or better yet driving over to their house to actually see them in person and interact. I’ll tell you what happened- it’s gone and the virtual world of texting has taken over exponentially.

There are many problems that come with texting that honestly annoy the hell out of me but I continue to engage in this activity. Why?– Yea I’m not sure either.

But really what goes through one’s head when they receive a text and don’t answer until hours later. Are you really THAT busy or did you just “not” see it until another text was sent? Let’s get real you’re trying to engage in the whole “playing hard to get” scenario and are failing miserably.

Now, don’t get me wrong there are exceptions to every scenario but for someone to be that bad at texting just do us all a favor and retire the phone. This day in age many young adults are almost always attached to their phone whether they are snapping pictures, checking emails, or playing games. It has become another necessary accessory to many of us and we almost never leave the house without it. So to the bad texters of the world what exactly is the problem? Why don’t you answer texts? Do you simply do not see it or do not wish to see you– let us know.

Sincerely,

Eager twenty something year-olds

 

 

 

 

 

 
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Lifestyle

Make your promise

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End of year thoughts consist of nostalgia, bitterness, and a hint of joy. When you ask someone to reflect on his or her year they often reminisce about what they’ve gained, lost, and hope for. For many it may be a goal they have been striving for or a new beginning in his or her life. It’s a mixture of happy thoughts and sad thoughts and sometimes thoughts that you wish to never think about. It forces us to reflect on the person we were and the person we’ve become. It really makes us think about what kind of person we truly are.

The scariest part of it is you can’t stop it. Our minds constantly think about what to do next. What’s our next step? What’s our next job? When’s my next love? Or where will I be in 6 months? These unanswered questions are what scare me the most. 2015 is going to be an exciting year but also a very scary one. For the first time in my life I don’t have a track path to follow. There is no correct step in my next stage of life. There is no definite step like- there was a year ago when I was still in college. The unknown is scary and I’m okay to admit that.

Sometimes life is better when it is unexpected. When it is unclear and unknown. It gives me a sense of freedom to do whatever I want whenever I want and to not second guess myself…which is the worst part.

So here’s to a great 2014 filled with ups and downs. I’ve completed milestone events in my life such as graduating college and landing my first full time job. I met some of the greatest people who have shaped my life in such a short amount of time, gotten closer to existing friends in a way that is unimaginable, and let go of some people who saw life differently.

To be honest I don’t know what 2015 has in store for me. I don’t know where I will be, what my job will be, or who will be by my side. But I have come to terms that all of this is okay and it is what it is.

I only have one promise for this year and it is to do what I want for me and no one else..selfish? hell yes.

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Reviews

Quick & Easy–Gift Guide!

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The worst part about the holidays is finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Whether it’s for the men in your life or your darling BFF- I’ve got the solution for you!

1. Kate Spade Stacy Wallet

Source: Kate Spade

http://www.katespade.com/cedar-street-patent-stacy/PWRU4045,en_US,pd.html?dwvar_PWRU4045_color=439&cgid=ks-accessories-wallets#start=12&cgid=ks-accessories-wallets

2. Oversized Plaid Scarf

Source: Zara

http://www.zara.com/us/en/woman/accessories/scarves/checked-scarf-c271013p2386011.html

3. Naked3 Urban Decay Palette

Source: Urban Decay

http://www.urbandecay.com/naked-3-palette-by-urban-decay/409.html#start=2&cgid=12

4. Mantra Bracelets

Source: Mantra Bracelets

http://www.mantraband.com/

5. Lambswool Marled Glen Plaid Hat

Source: J Crew

https://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/accessories/scarvesandhats/PRDOVR~B4130/B4130.jsp

6. Fit BIt- Flex Wireless

Source: Dicks Sporting Goods

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=21560736&cp=4406646.4413986.11399954

7. Burberry Leather Card Case

Source: Nordstrom

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/burberry-leather-card-case/3829839?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=342&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-browseresults-_-1_2_C

8. Monogram Jewelry Box

Source: C Wonder

http://www.cwonder.com/Categories/Home-and-Gift/Decorative-Accessories/Monogram-Jewelry-Box/product/CW-H-F14-HD-DA-120.html

9. Ugg Australia Quilted Tech Fabric Gloves

Source: Bloomingdales

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/ugg-australia-quilted-tech-fabric-gloves?ID=1177550&CategoryID=21485#fn=spp%3D34%26ppp%3D96%26sp%3D1%26rid%3D%26spc%3D154

10. Ultra-Thin Battery Power Cord

Source: Urban Outfitters

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=33425885&parentid=A_MEDIA_TECH#/

Happy Shopping 🙂

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Lifestyle

‘Cause you’re too sexy, beautiful And everybody wants a taste”

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Jealousy a feeling that cannot be escaped or ignored no matter what you say or do. It can be triggered by the slightest thing and sometimes you don’t even know that you are jealous until you look at it from a different angle. And then you realize it….damn.

It is in our nature and by “our” I mean a girl’s nature to be reassured about things that have to do with relationships, whether its about friends or boys. Although everyone may pretend they don’t care and are indifferent about certain situations that is not the case. AND it’s not just getting jealous about a guy- you can also get jealous of your girlfriends if they start hanging out with other friends. (Yes we are a little bit psychotic, but who isn’t?)

Let’s put this into perspective.

If we see a girl all over you- whether you’re our boyfriend, hookup buddy, best friend, or some guy we made out with last week, we will get salty and be standoffish. Sure we will act like we don’t care at first but you should know that we are looking and the blood is probably bubbling. What’s the automatic solution? Retaliate and do the same thing.

Childish? Hell yes, but it’s reality. At the same time being a little jealous is also reassuring. If a guy isn’t jealous when a girl does something a little risky or playful to another guy then it shows us that you don’t care and aren’t willing to fight. Yes there are exceptions when it’s better for the guy to lay back and chill out but at times it nice to see our man fight for us and get bothered when they aren’t the center of attention.

So what’s the end thought about all of this? Well, I’m still trying to figure that out. Jealousy is a sneaky feeling that comes around when we least expect it. Many of us are scared of it because it may reveal what we are truly feeling– which is honestly the scariest part.

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Relationships

He liked me more than I liked him…we all know how that works out

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Friday night…11pm, you’re already deep into the three drinks that were obviously purchased by a random guy at the bar. Words, laughs, glances, and numbers were exchanged–

 

Fast forward to the next morning.

 

You wake up in an unknown place with an unfamiliar scent with an unfamiliar body next to you.

 

You run.

 

Two weeks past and you’ve started a texting chain and have gone out with this man once more. You start to develop some feelings and then it hits you like a pile of bricks. You’re dating, hooking up, seeing each other, whatever you want to call it and he’s falling faster and harder for you.  You can’t even keep up. He likes you more than you like him and that’s when the doors start shutting and wheels start turning- the other way that is.

 

Why is it that us ladies find it such a turn off when guys show interest? Shouldn’t we be happy and grateful that someone is actually putting in effort and showing us the positive attention we deserve? Instead we run the opposite direction and use excuses like “he’s too nice this is weird, or he definitely has some other intentions in mind”. Now for all the guys that are reading, don’t get me wrong, we love men who can wine and dine us and treat us like a princess.  However, when a guy acts “too nice” and “too into it” we back away. If one person in the relationship likes the other person more, it never ends well. So stop before it even gets to that point, right? Feelings should be mutual to an extent, but once one party starts to dominate in the feelings arena it gives them the upper hand. It’s never good to let someone else have the upper hand, especially if it’s not you.

 

I think it stems from women wanting something exciting and challenging. You guys think that it’s only you who like a challenge, but you’re wrong. Don’t hand yourself over on a silver platter to me… make me actually work for it. Like anything, the result is so much more rewarding if hard work and dedication is put into it.  So today’s lesson is: Don’t be overjoyful, don’t try too hard, and don’t seem like you’re way into it or else you will and I guarantee it – be fucked-no pun intended.

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Relationships

Are you twins or are you dating? What happens when your brother is your best friend

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This is something everyone who has a sibling realizes… you can’t choose ‘em.  You’re stuck for better or for worse, through sickness and in health – basically you’re married (Weird?).  But in all seriousness, your sibling is a built in frienemy.  You love them and hate them and love them again.  For most people with siblings, the relationship is unique and dynamic.  For me, my brother is one of my closest friends. We share two goofy parents, a hometown, and a love of food, beer, and sports…put the latter three together for optimal results.  To this day, many friends find the closeness of our relationship one of two things: real weird, or real awesome.  I choose real awesome, and I know that to be the truth because I’ve never cared about another human more.  We’ve grown up as each other’s play partner, secret keeper, and number one fan.  We’ve developed into crazy different people who sometimes get asked if they’re twins…or dating.  If you met the both of us separately, you may not make the connection that we are in fact spawns of the same parents.  Yet, in the end, we are the best of friends.  Somehow it just works.  If you understand what I’m putting down right now, here is what you also know about what it’s like to be best friends with your brother:

1.  As a child you switched between bossing him around playing house, and making him play the dad or the dog (is there a difference? LOL, I joke) OR he tied you to his bicycle while you rollerbladed down the street and both subsequently went to school the next morning with 100 disgusting scabs after crashing and burning on the curb.  CHECK.

2.  You both have memories of events that never really happened.  This is probably the result of your active childhood imagination or a dream that one of you convinced the other is real.  You’re both still going with it. CHECK.

3.  Your fights did not usually involve much yelling or name calling, rather violent chases, punching, and the occasional chokehold.  CHECK.

4.  You have both spent more time than you like to admit cross-dressing. Oh. CHECK.

5.  Neither of you want to admit how many sleepovers you’ve had in the basement of your house.  Also, we know you put blankets across the couches and chairs and slept in a “tent”, we’ve been there.  CHECK.

6.  He can call you and tell you every detail of his relationship and hookup problems, but one word of yours and you’re hearing a dial tone.  Every prospective partner is immediately unworthy and completely dead to him.  CHECK.

7.  He is very resistant to talk on the phone unless it’s “an emergency” (a.k.a. he’s drunk), but when you do catch him, you talk for an hour.  This may also include him announcing that he is currently pooping as you talk.  You’ve learned to ignore the flushing toilet.  CHECK.

8.  When you’re in trouble, the other is the first one to know. AND it’s an unspoken rule: don’t ask, don’t tell when it comes to the parentals (Sorry Mom).  CHECK.

9.  You both expect the best of one another.  You are each other’s biggest supporters and toughest critics, whether that is in backyard football games, grades, or career paths.  CHECK.

10.  You know that he realizes his sister is way tougher than people give her credit for, and you know your brother is way more sensitive than he shows other people.  No matter what, there are many characteristics you each quietly admire and wish to emulate about the other.  CHECK.

If you take nothing else from my sappy, quirky rant about sibling-ship, know that if you don’t have a sibling to call your bestie, I’m sorry and you’re invited to our Thanksgiving.  I hope you recognize now that all of life’s simple joys you have enjoyed in each other’s company are just the beginning of a long list of memories.  Cherish them and take nothing for granted, because we only have this one life.

Love ya bro!

Breezy

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Relationships

Drake said it best…

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In most relationships, your significant other is supposed to be your other half, your rock, your missing piece. So does this mean that they are supposed to know everything and anything about you? Where and when do you cross the line for your significant other? What exactly is the difference between secrecy and privacy?- if there even is one?

We’ve grown up in a world where trust can make or break a relationship, household, or even a person. It is one of the most powerful beliefs that one can live by. Without trust how do relationships exist, survive, and grow? Pause.

We’re twenty something year olds living in a messed up world where girls constantly check their man’s text messages, Instagram, Twitter , Facebook, etc. Having access to all of these social media platforms has made our generation certified FBI’s…well the ladies at least.

It’s like a game, a girl feels inclined to find out if their man is cheating on them almost to the point where they are hoping to find something but at the same time scared shit-less of what they may actually find. *cue Drake’s song*

“She gon’ be upset if she keep scrollin’ to the left, dawg, She gon’ see some shit “that she don’t wanna see”

But really, the best way to find out what is actually going on in the heads of females and males when it comes to this issue is to flat-out ask them.

1. In your own words, define privacy and secrecy in terms of relationships and dating.
“Privacy is about personal matters that you may or may not share with your significant other. Everyone has a personal and private life, it could be something personal about your own body or something about your immediate family that you can choose not to share in your relationship, nor should you have to. Secrecy has a more negative connotation. It’s more like something bad you might have done that you intentionally keep from your boyfriend or girlfriend”- Female, 22.
 
“Privacy is essential for any two people who are dating or even on the verge of dating. Privacy is just an acknowledgment of knowing not to indulge ones self any further in the other parties business….In terms of secrets, your girl or gf shouldn’t have to question you on secrets. If a girl is with a “real 1″ they wont have a secrecy issue. That’s because you guys keep it real with each other…”- Male, 23.
2. What is your view on letting your significant other go through your phone. Why or why not would you let them do it.
“If you’re in a trusting, mutually beneficial relationship,. what are you hiding? Go through my phone, you won’t find anything”- Female, 22.
 
“…if you keep it real with the person in your life and they happen to snoop through your phone.. It wont be a big deal, you keep it real with her remember. Anything in there should be acceptable or explainable. Its happened to me before.. You can’t fault the person for going through your phone, its understandable in some cases. Some people are insecure about things”- Male, 23.
3. What are your thoughts on ignorance is bliss? Do you agree with it ?
“Ignorance is bliss might be the worst phrase ever created. Nothing should be ignored…Always talk it out, nothing bad will come from it”- Female, 23.
 
“There is nothing blissful about being ignorant in a relationship or in life…be an informed adult and take responsibility for your thoughts, and actions, and hold people accountable”- Female, 22.
4. Do you think it is too much for your significant other to have your social media passwords? If yes- why? do you have anything to hide? If not why not
“It’s entirely too much to change passwords…if you need to go that far you don’t need to date and you clearly don’t trust your partner”- Male, 23.
 
“I’m torn on this question. I don’t think it’s too much, but I don’t think it’s necessary. I think if you’re in a point in your relationship where you know the other person isn’t going to use your password to log into your Facebook, for example, and snoop around then I don’t see why they can’t have the password”- Female, 23.
5. Is it okay to snoop just a little? Why or why not.
“Been there, done that, regrettable”- Female, 22.
 
“I think its fine to let your girl snoop a bit. Guys shouldn’t really be snooping like that. If you peep a social network profile or something that’s ok at times i guess. Guys gotta do better. Let your girl breathe! But beware your girl snooping here and there can later turn into a mock FBI search investigation. I personally don’t care, snoop if your want. Id probably tell you in person all about it”-Male 23.
6. Should the past be kept in the past and not used against a person in the future Why/why not.
“This one is tricky. The past holds some insight into the present and the future, and everyone has one so there shouldn’t be any judgment there. At the same time, there are certain things that a person may have done in the past that makes you question if they fit the moral character standards you hold yourself and loved ones to…it’s less about the actual action than it is about the underlying implications and standards”-Female, 22.
 
“If a certain situation between two people was spoken about then it should never be brought back up but if something bad from your past comes back and you hid from your partner then that could potentially become a big issue”-Male, 23.
 
xxRae
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Relationships

Magic Number

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Double Standard (n):

A rule or principle that is unfairly applied in different ways to different people or groups.

In our generation today there are many different instances and situations where a double standard applies. Whether it’s a group of girls talking about how cute a guy’s butt, eyes, hair, or body is  versus guys checking out a girl and all of her attributes. One group is viewed as  perfectly acceptable, fine and even sometimes encouraged. However, the other group is labeled as pigs who have disgusting minds who view women as a piece of meat. In reality, it’s the same thing whether you are a guy or girl gawking and cat calling at the opposite sex.

One of the most controversial topics that is always considered a double standard is a guy or girl’s number. Or in lament terms the amount of people a man or woman has slept with. Let’s just call this their “magic number”. Now, if you ask a woman what her magic number is and she replies with a double digit number…red flags are immediately raised. However, if you ask a man his magic number- most likely it is almost expected. Yes, I may be a little biased because I am a female but lets get real here. If you actually take a minute to look back and see the bigger picture you will realize that that number is in fact just a number. And if you take a step even further you will realize that if you are talking to someone who is in their 20s chances are a double digit number isn’t that bad…assuming they started their journey around 17 or 18.

I took the liberty of asking questions related to the magic number to a group of college/college grads compiled of both men and women. Needless to say some of the answers were a bit surprising.

1. Is your ‘magic number’ double digits or single digits?

  • Single: IIII
  • Double: II

2. When did you start this journey?

  • Sophomore year of HS, 15,16, 17, 17, 20

3. Do you think it’s okay for a woman to have a double digit magic number, why or why not?

  • “You can do whatever you want as a female but if your number is large of course you’d be judged and you know if you respect yourself you would try to keep the number as low as possible…”.- Male, 23
  • “Yes, you’re free to do whatever you want…”.-Will, 19
  • “Yea, I think our generation is different. The population of people that attend college is higher and I think people tend to experiment more in their college years….it’s just something to learn from and move forward”.- Female, 22
  • “I think it really depends on what your intentions are. As a woman living in a busy city (NYC), it’s pretty common to hear people enjoying some casual fun here and there. Everyone is more career oriented and live busy lives…It’s a little sad – but commitment is often a taboo topic to talk about. As long as you’re not infested with diseases and are careful, I think it’s okay for a woman to have a double digit magic number. Just don’t be stupid about it”.- Alinah,23

4. How about for men?

  • “It’s a double standard for men but it should be the same thing for male and female. Sex has lost it’s value over the years and now having sex is just basically a hobby or something to do”.- Male, 23
  • “For men…yes and no. It sucks because women get the double standard and men don’t, but I think its normal for a guy to have double digits rather than a girl (I swear I’m not being sexist!)”.- Female, 22

5. What do you think it says about a woman who has a high magic number?

  • “I mean a woman with a high number I’d probably judge off the back. Sounds horrible but more than 20 and I’m thinking you’re a slut (sorry)”. – Steph, 19
  • “She either just gets around a lot, hasn’t found someone special that she wants to be with, or has commitment issues”.- Male, 19
  • “​Let’s be straight forward here. You’re an animal. A freak in the sheets. But hey – that’s alright. Some people really dig that and find it super sexy. Then we’ve got people who might go Dr. Phil on you and suggest you get checked into ‘Sex Rehab’. I think that as long as you’re smart about it – it’s cool. But if it truly is an addiction – I’d probably go with the crowd and tell you to go check yourself into a special place”.- Alinah, 23

6. What about men?

  • “Same with guys…high magic number=man whore and such a big turn off…who knows what diseases your carry :)”.- Steph, 19.
  • “Yea, I think they are some what of man whores and took advantage of the fact that they are guys and think they can do ‘whatever'”.-Female, 22
  • Again – my answer above applies to men. But speaking for myself – I prefer a man who does not have a high magic number. Yes, I want my man to be experienced – however, I don’t want to feel like a piece of meat or yet another number. A high number doesn’t necessarily mean that he’s amazing in bed either. Honestly speaking, if I met a guy and discovered his number is way up there -it would most definitely turn me off and I’d probably be very skeptical from the start of what his intentions are. But that’s just me. That’s not the kind of man I’m looking for”.- Alinah, 23

So what do you think? Is it normal for a 20 something year old guy to have a high magic number almost to the point where it is expected or viewed as “cool”? Or how about for a 20 something year old woman? I think it may be an issue of that woman’s number and her answers/views reflecting it in a positive way. I think that one’s magic number is something that he/she should be proud about whether it’s little or big- at the end of the day it happened, it’s in the past, and that’s that. Plus what are your twenties for anyway? 😉

 

xxRae

 

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Lifestyle

Yoga: What’s the hype?

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When a girl says she “just loves doing yoga”, what are the first thoughts that come to mind? Be honest with me here… (Basic bitch. Am I right, maybe a little?) Let’s get one thing straight first, in my opinion, the adjective basic is completely asinine and a reflection of cultural and societal norms that make both the person doing the name calling and the person being gossiped about look stupid. Do yourself a favor, up your class and remove it from your vocabulary. Now that that’s handled, let’s talk yoga. Yoga is centuries old and finds origins in Hinduism and Buddhism. Yoga is a practice that enables individuals to engage in attentiveness to one’s own breath, strength, and body positioning through a series of poses and flows. The unison of movement and breath culminate in an innate awareness of the body, mind, and soul connection. Being flexible and doing handstands is not yoga. Practicing a mindful existence in your day to day routine, finding non-attachment to extraneous materialism, and embracing your true self is yoga. The practice of yoga happens both within and outside of the studio. There are many different schools of yoga one can practice – you learn something new every day! Go ahead and pull up a Google search to check out what Hatha, Vinyasa, Bikram, Moksha, etc. yoga practices have to offer… each is unique and harbors both benefits and drawbacks. Each individual must find the practice that best serves them. The “hype” is about the many benefits any practice can offer. Research has shown that yoga helps to decrease stress, increase strength, flexibility, balance, and posture; as well as increase attention and focus, and develop self-love and cultivate gratitude, all of which contribute to general health and wellness. Need I say more? Each day you find yourself on your mat is another day you dedicate to your greatest state of being in the world. Namaste.

 

-Breezy

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