Orgasm. In Multiple. Thank you, Secret Santa.

Back to the daily grind finally.

Finally? Yeah, I think I missed my "working-self." I was surprised to find myself looking forward to the dreaded early morning, the mid-day lunch break, and the anticipated end of the workday. I definitely LOVE what I do for living, although as with anything you love, my work does have its challenges. Maybe it's the challenges that I crave for? I don't know.

Now, here's what I know for sure. I am a girl who takes pleasure in simple things. I love minimizing complications. Maximizing pleasures. Multitasking is a key vocabulary word for me.

Enter simplifying, uncomplicated, multitasking products. Ah- now, you got me!

I'd like to introduce you to my new addition to my morning-routine: NARS Multiple in Orgasm. I think I first met this stick either in a Space.NK or Sephora catalogue. It's a miracle tube wrapped in a chic little black tube (looks suspiciously like a pocket rocket- not that there's anything wrong with that- just an observation). Acts as a subtle gloss-on blush, eye shadow, and with a little help of some lip balm, a lip gloss. I absolutely love it. And I have my Secret Santa to thank for it.

Apparently, there's a whole story behind the "Multiple"- which makes it a little more charming:

" In 1996 Harper's Bazaar did a story featuring six of the top makeup artists of the time. The direction for each was to pick their favorite model, pick their favorite look and the magazine would credit every product used.

Carolyn Murphy was the choice of François Nars. François was inspired to showcase beautiful, translucent looking skin - a departure from the heavily matted skin in fashion at the time. François choose to use a single lipstick on eyes, cheeks and lips to add a touch of color and a healthy glow. Nothing else was added.
NARS was credited with exactly the one product. The caption read: “NARS Brown Out - Tangier Lipstick on eyes, face and lips”

Soon customers started buying lipstick for eyes, face and lips to re-create the beautiful skin they'd seen in Harper's Bazaar, but we all know that lipstick is not the best for face and eyes. This led François to create a universal texture - The Multiple was born. A revolutionary stick for the entire face in a cream-to-powder formula that was oil-free.

The single image which transformed an industry."

From NARS website: http://www.narscosmetics.com/the_multiple.htm

Sweet.

Seems like the whole beauty industry is on the "multitasker" bandwagon. The New York Times reviewed several, what they called "Beauty Care’s Swiss Army Knives," products that save money, time and energy, just this past Sunday. Even the ever-so-high-and-mighty Vogue spent some web bytes on Winter 2008 beauty bargains, under "splurge OR SAVE." Recommended reads if you're thinking of replacing your old products with new, more pocket-efficient ones.

Simplify. Now there's a new year's resolution I can keep...

Mastic, Mastiha,... It's about Childhood Memories...

I have already professed my love to Korres, an all-natural brand that promotes the whole goodness of many things that I grew up with... The yogurt my Grandmother smeared on me after a sunburn, Korres has it in its moisturizers, body lotions, face masks,... You name it! Now, they've entered another territory, one that whooshes back so many memories, my mind is running faster than my fingers can type...

Spending time with my Grandparents in the summertime, we would make a summer pilgrimage to Cesme, a seaside resort that's now so huge, I don't even recognize my antiquated version. In Cesme, two things entered my life to remain forever: Kumru (buttery bread, often served with a slice of cheese, tomato and a green pepper for breakfast), and Mastiha or Mastic Pudding.

In the mornings, we would run over to the bakery and buy a few of the kumru's and then impatiently wait until I could bite into it with some Kashkaval cheese (feta cheese was not a "friend" until about my late-teens) and a tall glass of Coke. Sitting on the balcony, enjoying the salty breeze, and stream of "hello" and "good morning"s with walking-by neighbors were all part of the daily ritual. People asked about you and you wondered about the people who, one day, did not show up at their expected locations. I like to believe that Cesme retained some part of its charm today. In the mornings, we'd look over at the water, wax and wane about the direction of the wind and the tides as we planned for the day.

One of those summer days, I was introduced to Mastiha Pudding- a gum-my tasting pudding, sweet and pungent all at the same time. See, with the region's long history, the Greek and Turkish cultures intermingled, almost to a point that it was worthless to argue over which belonged to which tradition. It was (and I think it still is) commonly accepted that we had many crossovers, and may do the same things but with a slight twist in how we do them. Same went for food- a slightly different herb was used in stuffed grapes, or the size was altered a little- the bottom line was that both cultures enjoyed the bounty of the region.

Back to the Mastiha Pudding. I loved it so much that I asked for the recipe, and went ahead playing with it for many years to come. No one complained about my burning the bottom of the pan or adding too much mastiha, or making it too dense, or too soft- my family enjoyed my puddings in all shapes and forms.

So, when I was online ordering my favorite Korres yogurt face mask, I saw their line of Mastiha products, and like Emeril would say: Bam!, it flooded my nostrils with the smells of my childhood. I thought what a better way to start my morning but share my favorite recipe with you!

So, here it goes- it's so easy, so simple, yet the taste remains with you for a long time. I hope you enjoy it just the same. Play around with the ingredients, add a little more, a little less:

Ingredients
1 cup flour
6 cups 2% milk
2 tablespoons margarine or butter
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon gum mastic, crushed (Check out Mastihashop to purchase)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation
1. Heat the margarine/butter in a medium/large pot, making sure the heat is low so that you're not burning it.
2. Slowly add the flour with a whisk (similar to making of the Béchamel sauce), mixing it constantly.
3. Add the milk in small quantities and gradually so the flour does not get lumpy.
4. Add the sugar and mastic, and continue stirring until the gum has melted.
5. Stir all until the mixture, as my grandmother would say, gets the consistency of an earlobe.
6. Take away from heat, add the vanilla extract, and stir to make sure all is mixed in well.
7. Pour into a large rectangular serving dish or individual custard cups.
8. Let it cool completely outside, and then place in the refrigerator for some additional cooling time.

If you decide to use a large rectangular serving dish, you can cut the pudding into small squares/ rectangles when serving. Otherwise, single serving dishes are just fine.

If only life could be this simple again...

Banana Republic's Exciting New Partnership!

'Tis the season for partnerships: From Gap's (PRODUCT)Reds, to Target and Kohl's designer alliances, to the Wall Street's "partnerships" that come in form of takeovers, now we have another one to add to our list. Banana Republic.

Banana Republic is collaborating with the New Museum as a sponsor for the museum's "Live Forever: Elizabeth Peyton" exhibition, premiering in New York City on October 8, then moving on to Minneapolis, London, and the Netherlands.

Of course, as expected, this partnership comes in a very chic and eco-friendly package: for a membership at the New Museum, you can get a eco-chic tote with the exhibition catalogue. I was hoping for instant gratification and order my tote online, but they are not available until November 6th at select Banana Republic stores.

Is it November, yet?

Topshop is Coming!

It was Boots at Target, then SpaceNK in the City- later in Scarsdale- now it's Topshop! Can we say we're loving the British?

It's brilliant! With over 300 stores in the UK, and a third of that across the world, Topshop is finally coming to the US in October with a flagship store on Broadway & Broome in SoHo. And, it was about time!!!

The fashion trampoline- helped launched the careers of Alexander McQueen, Preen, Jonathan Saunders, Matthew Williamson, Giles Deacon, Christopher Kane and Marios Schwab- carries collections from Kate Moss, Celia Birtwell and Parisian lingerie designer Fifi Chachnil. Most recently, the London Fashion Week was an opportunity for Topshop to show its high-style pieces.

I casually visit their website to see what's up and coming in Europe, and I am happy to report that they have customized their website for the US. Now you can order online (they have the cutest oversized beaded clutch!), check out their McCarren Pool Parties series, download their Daily Fix widget and get style advice.

So, this City girl at heart will be catching the 6 train from GCT this Fall to head over to the new flagship. Then again, I have a feeling that Topshop will make its way to the 'burbs, and what's a better place to have a store than Westchester county? Mark my words...

It's All About Taming the Hair: The Marilyn Brush

So you get the best coffee from your favorite shop of joe, you get the best school for your kid, you live in the best town for the recreation, you go to the best bar for killer mojitos, seek the best boots for the fall, and the list goes on... So, what do you do, when you have the best haircut ever (see my post on Lindsay hair), to highlight its features in the best way possible? I am talking about the gorgeous layers, the volume, and the shine.

Well, very simple: You get the best hairbrush possible!

Enter: The Marilyn Brush. Bristles made from 100% boar, these brushes come in many shapes and sizes, and you pick them depending on your need. The company offers ceramic brushes, made of a combination of plastic and ceramic, which allows the brush to heat for up to 10 minutes, thereby reducing time on-task with your blow-dryer and keeping your ends just spiffy without any heat damage! Now, that's not only a smart way to reduce your morning routine time but also a great way to go green at home. Now, here's a company that takes your hair seriously!

Recommended by my glamorous-haired friend (you're the best!), I purchased the one with the hour-glass barrel, size 3.5, to get more oomph and nip-tuck for my hair. (Ummm... Confession: I cannot wait until Nip Tuck's new season starts! Such a guilty pleasure, it's even on my mobile...)

I ordered mine online through the company's website- total instant gratification- you can also get it at Zitomer's Pharmacy; the closest one to GCT is at 40 W 57th St, between 5th & 6th Ave's.

Brush away those potential bad hair days!

SPACE.NK is here!

There are a few things I get excited about, and one of them is finding a beloved store in the City in my own backyard. To add to my excitement, this time it is a global favorite, and I am simply thrilled! I think the last time I felt this way was when Target partnered with Boots- a total "must-visit-when-in-the-UK" destination for me...

Space NK opened up its NYC flagship store on 99 Greene Street in Soho. I've made my pilgrimage, and opened up my wallet without a blink- I absolutely love the brands they carry as well as their own brand.

And now, they're in Scarsdale, right on Harwood Court- an ideal location for a boutique apothecary. Oh, I am getting goosebumps!!! It has a gorgeous layout- all white- and although some may not find the space large, I found it's pretty spacious for its location.

You know I love sharing my finds, so here are some faves from Space NK:

• Space NK Seaweed Body Polish- perfect way to exfoliate before that waxing appointment and pre-beach sunning session
• Philip B Travel Kit- a set of shampoo and conditioners small enough to put in your carry-on and large enough to have it last for that week in the summer cottage
• Space NK Foot File- very handy for in-between summer pedicures
• Go Smile Touch Up Mini Mint- a good excuse to run to the ladies room to get the red wine stain off your teeth

If you are not familiar with SpaceNK, then go online to their website (or, click here) and order their catalogue. It arrives at your mailbox in a handwritten envelope a couple of days after you click send.

Now, that's British sensibility!

Instant Gratification

What happened to "waiting"?

Before I add to my Fall/Winter wardrobe, I wait until the September issues of my fave magazines. Similarly, I do the same in March when planning what to purchase for the following Spring/Summer. I love these magazines' thickness, their juiciness- I devour them over a weekend or two, indulging post-its on potential candidates, chewing over my selections, taking a bite out of offerings,... I find beauty in my anticipation.

See, I learned all this from the best: My mother. With a cup of joe at her side, she would perform this ritual every March and September. When I replicate it today, without her physically by my side, I try to adhere to every little step. And then, I cannot wait to get on the phone with her and exchange our findings. Beyond the comparisons of what's hot/not in the US vs. Europe and our takes on the upcoming season, our conversations take many intimate turns. Sheer delight.

Am I so "yesterday"?

The New York Times Thursday Styles may claim so. (Ironic enough, I used to wait for Sunday Styles but now I've been indulged with a mid-week snack of Thursday Styles...) In today's article, "Where the Fashionistas Go for a Quick Fix", there's a review of online fashion magazines to quench a fashion lover's thirst for the newest available. As the article claims, these online magazine may not be able to replace the print counterparts, however, they're a growing clan and attracting viewers and advertisers. I smell money.

Here's a sampling of online magazines from the article:
hintmag.com
luxuryculture.com
unvogue.com
net-a-porter notes.com
gloss.com
fashion156.com
iconique.com

So, the City girl in me loves the speed of information- feed me, feed me! At the same time, I cannot help but feel threatened about losing the sense of anticipation and what that means to me.

Now, what does that make me?

Rethinking Eileen Fisher

An older gentleman- oh, about 80 or so- stepped off the pedicure chair as I squished my body in the empty chair, in between two older ladies who were in a deep conversation. Feet soaked into the warm bubbly water, I pulled out my book and tried to concentrate on the lines that I found myself reading over and over. Their conversation jumped from Bat Mitzvahs to Weddings to Whole Foods as did their talking arms jumped from the sides of their seats into mine. I was about to pull out my iPod when the lady on my left started talking about shopping from Eileen Fisher since she's put on the post-menopause pounds. Hmm... I had never associated Eileen Fisher's clothing with plus-size, then again, lately I've noticed that brands have started stretching their range of sizes from 00- to 20+...

I got acquainted with Eileen Fisher about a year or two ago from an article in Westchester Magazine, I think it was about her home. Ms. Fisher lives in Irvington, over commanding views of the Hudson River. I remember looking at the pictures and noticing the simplicity, elegance and harmony of colors in her home- and later, I found out that she started off as an interior designer. When you read her bio on her website, it really does not do justice to many contributions she has made to women in business, including her support for Powerful Voices.

In terms of price/value relationship, Eileen Fisher delivers- especially when they're on sale. Her clothing has clean lines- reminiscent of 1980s Calvin Klein-, contemporary feel without being overly-trendy (which is a big no-no for me), and incorporates very luxurious textures. You want to keep rubbing your hand on her cotton tanks, cashmere shawls, and silk wraps. Well, at least until a sales associates meets you eye-to-eye!!

Recently, I came across a couple of fall pieces that I plan to add to my wardrobe:

Fair Trade Short Cardigan in Organic Cotton Crimp Ladder, amazingly soft with modern lines.

I also love the Short-Sleeve Dolman Cardigan in Natural Cashmere. You can definitely stretch wearing this cardigan way into winter. To me, it's a timeless piece.

Overall, I think Eileen Fisher offers a life style to women- simple, modern and luxurious. I don't think I'm going to wait until my post-menopausal stage to start investing in Eileen Fisher; a piece here and a piece there, I can build my wardrobe staples.

Oh, back to the pedicure scene- deciding not to put on the iPod was sage. Sometimes I think we don't listen to the older generations enough, even if they're completely unrelated to us- their stories and wisdom just pass us by. Well, I learned that you can use olive oil to get rid of the paint stuck to your hair... Who knew?

And the gentleman whose spot I replaced on the chair, was actually 92 years old...

Botkier

Right up there with Tory Burch, I admire Monica Botkier. She's a native City girl who has an eye and penchant for clean design with a modern twist.

This is how I was introduced to Botkier, I will never forget it: I think it was Fall of 2006, I was on the 4 line on my way from Jeniette back to GCT to catch the train back to the 'burbs. Usually buried in a magazine, my eyes caught a glorious deep burnt orange bag- with fringes and all- standing in front me on the arm of a girl. It was not only calling my name but also winking at me. Cheater. I admired the worn soft supple leather against the backdrop of heavy-duty metals of multiple zippers, the western-inspired fringes, the "I don't care if I don't look all put together, but you know I really am" look... Such classic lines with the modern tweaks... I wanted it. No, I needed it. The ride was short, and I needed to know who created such a beauty. And that's how I met her.

Over the past years, I've been stalking Botkier. Yes, stalking. I missed the 2007 sample sale, and then I missed this summer's sample sale. Needless to say, I was devastated. Until today...

I was having a breakfast of pecan-honey buns (frozen, reheated at 325F for 25 min.s) and Tassimo Starbucks House Coffee on my patio and browsing through InStyle's August issue when I saw that Botkier has collaborated with Target for an inexpensive line! Oh, my- could it be true??? I rushed to my computer, googled "botkier and target" and there it was!

My first instinct was put every single style in my shopping cart- and I did!!! Noticing my greed and need for instant gratification, I took a quick break and emailed my girlfriend who shares my addiction to Botkier; she responded immediately with an "OMG"! Indeed. We went back and forth reviewing the bags, complaining about the PVC (c'mon- even Marc Jacobs uses real leather for its inexpensive line!!!), debating over the color fuchsia, making the images larger, smaller,..., until only 3 styles remained in my shopping bag.

In order to avoid rash decision-making, I even took a break to take a shower (and a great excuse to use my absolute new fave body moisturizer: Vaseline Cocoa Butter Vitalizing Gel Body Oil). Checked to see if the mailman delivered. Tidied up the living room.

With a clearer head, I revised and pressed the "confirm order" button. Let's see, Botkier! Are you going to live up to your reputation?

Tory Burch in Greenwich

It was one of those Sunday mornings when hubby was at the Jets game that I ended up doing laundry all by myself. I dread doing laundry- I'd almost prefer doing, umm..., anything else!

So, on that day, I came across Town & Country's January issue with Tory Burch on the cover. I love Tory! This was definitely a sign: me doing laundry and coming across her cover. Well, a sign for what I still don't know but it made me happy nonetheless.

I love Tory for many reasons: She's an entrepreneur who found her niche among the many in the field. She knows how to do her PR and has a good sense of who her clientele is. Her work is stylish- perhaps, at times a little logo-heavy. Her tunics are summer staples. Her dresses fit well and shirts are simple, easy pieces. And despite all these successes, she gives the aura that she's a down-to-earth mother who appreciates all things well-made. Well, that speaks to me.

In the article, she mentions that she created her stores to resemble someone's home, so that you don't have that "I'm entering a store" feeling. Oh, I thought to myself, that's how it kind of felt like when I went to her store in Greenwich!

Her store is definitely plush- decorated with warm colors and textiles; it certainly has a luxurious feeling. Clothes are laid out on racks- not so far apart a la comme des garcons- close to each other, you can feel one fabric after another, quite easy on your eyes.

I went through the racks of clothes- all appealing. Of course, because her pieces are classics and because I am a lover of valuable bargains, I headed over to the lonely sales rack all the way at the back of the store, positioned like that solitary table all the way back by the kitchen. I fingered through the rack and the price tags. Not too shabby.

But I had a different mission. I was determined to locate a pair of her black quilted patent leather flats. I looked through the shoes and found a shiny gold pair. With one in my hand, I smiled at the sales person and asked if they had it in black. She was terribly sorry that they were completely sold-out. I asked if we could order from another store and/or from her website. Oh, she said, that was impossible, they were all sold-out. We exchanged smiles. I wonder if she was thinking that I did not know the meaning of "sold-out." I checked in with myself- of course, I was not a repeat client and certainly, this was my first time in this store; she did not know me, or my determination. But that initial feeling of plushness was escaping me in bits.

So, I raised my left eyebrow (something I naturally do when I am inching towards getting irritated), and with my plastered smile, asked her if I can at least try on the shiny gold pair for size. I heard a tiny sigh and she said sure. You bet! As I was waiting for my trial pair, another customer and I started chatting about the different pairs of leopard-print shoes she was trying. They looked adorable on her skinny feet- but naturally, they didn't have her size. Huh. Same story as I got minutes before: it was all sold-out!

Oh, my right eyebrow was about to go up but then I took the better road and whispered to her that I saw the same pair online, so she might want to check it out. Oh, she said looking pleased, she whispered back her thanks and said she'd try doing that.

I took my time trying on the shoes for size- oh, the size 6 was a bit too tight but 6.5 roomy. So, stared at my feet for a bit. Walked around, sat down, crossed my legs,... After deciding on my size, I gave my thanks to the salesperson, smiled and left. Not to ever come back?

In her article, Tory had it right. She aimed to create an atmosphere that left you feeling luxurious. It did in part. Perhaps, in Greenwich, that luxurious feeling was more closely associated with the store itself, and not the salespeople.

Bottom line: I got my shoes in my exact size from plaza too's website, ordered from the comfort of my home while sipping my Earl Grey with honey and milk. Their customer service representative, Michelle, was extremely helpful.

Now, how's that for luxury?