Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Get Moving Tips for Women on the Go from Fitness Expert Kristin McGee


Kristin McGee courtesy of KristinMcGee.com

That's you, right? A woman on the go?  Sure is.  If you're like me, you scold yourself repeatedly throughout the day for not getting more movement in for the good of the ole bod.  Help has arrived!

Celebrity yoga and fitness instructor Kristin McGee shares quick tips for sneaking movement into your day this summer.  Google her, you'll see this lass knows her stuff.  Always happy to learn new, inspired ways to tender my body more healthy, I am so appreciative for these quick tips-on-the-go.

  • Rise and shine each morning with a set of high knee lifts
  • Carry, don't cart, your grocery bags and use their weight to do a few quick bicep curls to tone your arms
  • Take the stairs two at a time to sneak walking lunges into your daily routine (no elevators, girls)
  • Do 20 jumping jacks to get your heart rate up and blood pumping (fresh oxygen, please, feels great)



Here's another little tip for summer, ladies.  Degree Women launched a new wetness protection in March designed to start working before you even need it.  Degree Women motionSENSE is activated by motion first and is proved to help women stay ahead of perspiration.  It's currently my anti-perspirant/deodorant of choice - love the Fresh Energy scent - and is keeping me dry and comfy even in the sizzling hot, humid heat of down south New Orleans. That's a feat! Degree Women motionSENSE is available in drugstores nationwide and retails for approximately $4.69.


Vera Sweeney, Kristin McGee and Audrey McClelland

Want more?  You've got it!  Check out this quick 2 minute vid from Degree with Kristin giving more movement tips to two expert blogging angels (love them!), Vera Sweeney of I'm Not Obsessed and  Lady & the Blog and Audrey McClelland of Mom Generations.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Cool Down on Memorial Day with Caudalie Vinotherapie Spas



Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa at The Plaza is revamping its menus! Both their wine and spa treatment menus are getting a refresher for summer. 

Mathilde Thomas, Caudalie's Founder, hand selected the newest addition to the French Paradox Wine Lounge in the vibrant Wolffer Estate Rose'. Calling it "summer in a bottle," the rose' complements the current collection of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte vintages and adds a sparkling twist perfect for the warmer months ahead. The rose' is filled with fresh fruit aromas of peach and pear, with hints of rose petal and bursts of crisp acidity.  You may partake of a glass of this sumptuous wine for $10 a glass.


And if that's not reason enough to visit them, here's yet another.  Wanting to cater to clients seeking beach body readiness, a new signature treatment has been designed to instantly refresh the body and ensure a flawless glow.  The Refreshing Body Polish treatment features the Caudalie Merlot Scrub massaged into the body, while the Vichy Shower rains down on the skin followed by a heated towel wrap.  Those unfamiliar with the scrub will be surprisingly delighted by this freshly made treatment using brown sugar, grape seed oil, essential oils of peppermint, sweet mint and lemon, body lotion and the Caudalie Firming Concentrate.  This treatment is perfect for firming, exfoliating and nourishing body skin. Magnifique!

The treatment is just 20 minutes, thus perfect for clients-on-the-go or as an add-on to any of the other spa treatments.  The ideal pre self-tanning treatment is a great way to beat the heat as the Body Polish has a cooling effect that leaves skin refreshed.

Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa is located on the 4th floor of The Plaza located at One West 58th Street in New York.  To book an appointment, you make call 212-265-3182.  Happy Memorial Day, gorgeous angels! xo

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Kevin Kramp.

Inspired the other day by the fabulously talented Kevin Kramp, an extremely talented Men's Knitwear Designer who just happens to be from my home state (Minnesota, if you don't already know). I was turned on to him by a few other Minnesotans in the Big Apple and was instantly captivated by his exquisite use of shape and texture. A truly unique perspective. You can also see his work in motion in this music video by Minneapolis band (yes, I know, my state pride is obnoxious) Dearling Physique:

We Are On A Break

adidas tracksuit and top, white all stars
My last semester at the University has been such a messy period of time, working in public schools, spending much time in front of the computer screen, going up and down the city, writing essays every day. Busy as it may seem, those were some of the most creative months of my life. Thank God I had the most lovable partner in the world that made all these hours seem like A LOT OF fun! I still wonder whether I could make it without my control freak Olga, who brought on surface my Virgo self and supressed my fuzzy Gemini personality! 

From now on, I am gonna enjoy my free time as much as possible. I am so excited about all these things that are just around the corner. Released and happy. That's me right now. 
Love you deeply,
Froso.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Have A Nice Weekend

mango necklace, h&m white tank, long grey skirt, gina tricot bag
I am seriously lacking time to be an effective blogger, I hate night photoshoots (the quality sucks), but I really loved how amazingly comfortable that outfit was, so I wanted to share it with you. Plus, I had the time of my life that night, with some amazing people that make me feel so lucky to have met them. I am preparing my suitcase in order to surprise my mum, who hasn't seen me for 3 weeks. Can't wait to be treated like a princess, at least for the next 2 days. Have a nice weekend everybody!
xoxo
Froso

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Late Night Painting Blues.

Painting in the quiet of night.

Flower crowns and summer hats.

Lyrics on the third piece from The Decemberists song Of Angels and Angles.

Queen of the Night

My contribution for the New York City Opera's fundraising event Divas Shop.

An illustrated version of The Queen of the Night from Mozart's opera The Magic Flute. I grew up listening to a version in english and loved the queen's aria, a very dark and powerful character, she seemed like the perfect candidate for an illustrated diva.

The piece was auctioned off at the event in the company of pieces by such illustrator and designer talent as Bil Donovan, Nicole Miller, Peter Som, Christian Siriano, ect.. At the opera in very good company!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Man by Mann (Lindsay Alicia Men's Knitwear)

Man by Mann
Inspired by my experiences working with Coogi, I've decided to dabble in Menswear. As I incorporate some details from Men's clothing already in my Women's knits, it seems to be an easy addition and has gotten a positive reaction already. My first project was a pair of mitten gloves that I made for a follower on Twitter. It was my very first pair and I knit them on a 7gg Brother machine. The second project was a sweater that I designed especially for my brother's recent birthday. While I plan to focus on knitwear accessories to start, I will eventually introduce my collection, "Man by Mann."




I know. The gloves are a little demented. First try, give me a break.



Saturday, May 14, 2011

Awesome Things

cardigan,top,leather jacket-vero moda, zara jeans, marc by marc jacobs purse, rollini shoes, dior shades, asos ring
I am a massive internet addict, as you may have figured out yourselves. I love searching for inspiration, new ideas and stuff, and the net world is the perfect place to do so, after a tiring day at work. Whenever I find something interesting, I immediately want to share it with my loved ones, so, my last discovery was a site named 1000awesomethings, where I spent much time smiling in front of my screen. These everyday details make everybody happy within seconds. Visit it as soon as possible, you will surely love it as much as I did. Here are some of my very favorite examples -the list is reeeeeally long-:
  1. Drinking anything besides wine out of a wine glass
  2. When little kids get really excited
  3. The smell of Play-Doh
  4. Finally finding the start of this stupid roll of tape
  5. Laughing in bed
  6. Catching someone you love admiring you from across the room
  7. The feeling of brushing your teeth with a new toothbrush
  8. Seeing your hometown skyline appear over the horizon
  9. Seeing old people holding hands
  10. Eating the first freshly baked cookie from the oven, even though it's way too hot
  11. Eating ridiculous things for breakfast
  12. Drawing on steamy mirrors with your finger
  13. The moment of anticipation just before the first kiss
  14. The moment on vacation when you forget what day of the week it is
  15. When a baby falls asleep on you
  16. Dancing when you are home alone
  17. Laughing so hard you start crying
  18. Letting the waves bury your feet at the beach
  19. The moment after you wake up from a nightmare and suddenly realize it was all just a dream
  20. The one person who laughs when you tell a really bad joke 
God, I could go on forever... Happiness is all around. You know I love you.
xoxo
Froso

Sunday, May 8, 2011

The Dorothy Shoes

mango jean jacket, balenciaga purse, top & jeggings hm, zara studded flats
Hello sunshines! I just came home after 4 days of absence and I am preparing my files for work (thrilling, isn't it?), it is raining all day long and I feel so freakin' sleepy. The past weeks seem so full and stifling, I really do not have anything interesting to talk about, I really miss meeting my loved ones, having fun and going out until the morning, but I am sure it is just a crappy workaholic phase, that Murphy's law made even worse with some unfair incidents. Never mind sweethearts, there is a fairy within me at all times, problems are automatically vanished.
Have fun and enjoy yourselves,
Froso.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Mother's Day Gifts of Beauty



One of the things I love about gifting with beauty is it truly is a gift that keeps on giving.  And each time the recipient uses that item, it reminds them of the one who gave it.  I find that's especially true when the giver takes the likes and desires of the recipient in mind.  What I mean by that, for instance, is if your mom has been complaining about itchy, dry, rough skin on her upper arms and you know she also enjoys citrus, a verbena scented body scrub would make such a special gift. Right? Of course, right.

With that in mind, here are a few products I can recommend to you for gifting, each with its own special properties.


POMEGA5 ROSE SYSTEM
Have a mom who loves flowers, perhaps even the traditional and lovely fragrance of roses?  I promise you, you cannot go wrong with Pomega5's Rose System.  Readers already know Pomega5 is one of my absolute most favorite skincare brand out there.  Based on using the highly coveted pomegranate seed oil, this is a family run company that takes time to create high quality, gorgeous, effective products, often receiving inspiration for their products from their extensive home garden.  There's not been a single item I've been even the slightest bit disappointed in. Everything I've tried I've loved, cherished and delighted in. Each product contains its very own special properties and each smells so delicious you can't wait to use them. I truly believe in this brand!

While 60% of us buy flowers for our moms every year, this year we can give her roses through the sure-to-make-her-feel-good Rose System that’s actually good for her. Pomega5’s Rose System makes you feel calm and refreshed, and the pure, organic ingredients will help regenerate skin to its youthful and bright complexion. Available exclusively direct from Pomega5.  $135 for the set.

Includes:
Bulgarian Rose Moisturizing Beauty Bar (120 g)
Daily Revitalizing Concentrate (30 ampoules)
Bois de Rose Velvet Hydrating Cream (50 ml)


AMALA HYDRATE SPA VALISE
Amala Hydrate Spa Valise Set replenishes and sustains skin'­s moisture level with organic Egyptian Jasmine, renowned for its nourishing, smoothing and antioxidant benefits for skin. Amala's certified organic Jasmine is cultivated and custom distilled in Egypt by their own fair trade farm partner.  Your skin feels so refreshed, soothed and pampered. This is the gift of responsible, results-driven skincare. Rich in organic whole plants, the conveniently packaged, proven-effective treatments beautify the skin and benefit the earth.  Eco-luxe organic hemp and woven paper valise.  Available at Spirit Beauty Lounge.   $102 for the set.

Includes:
Hydrating cream cleanser 1.7 oz.
Hydrating toner 1.7 oz.
Hydrating face cream 1 oz.


ELEMENTAL HERBOLOGY D.I.Y. FACIAL RITUAL GIFT SET
Offering innovative prescriptive skincare, Elemental Herbology products address the changes that occur in the skin as a result of seasonal, lifestyle and hormonal change. Formulated to help restore equilibrium, the brand is committed to helping their customers achieve healthy and radiant skin. They are performance focused, yielding that ‘feel good factor’, their products combine clinically-tested bio-actives with over one hundred unique plant, mineral and marine extracts and pure delicately scented flower oils.

This is the perfect introduction kit to give you a wonderful discovery of this fabulous skincare brand. Love, love, love Elemental Herbology.  I can't believe this kit is only $55.  Available at Beauty Bar.

Includes:
Facial Glow Radiance Peel - Vitamin C/Papaya/Manuka Honey
This radiance peel is infused with a tropical cocktail of vitamins, enzymes and skin-brightening botanicals, to help exfoliate dead surface cells, stimulate cell metabolism and harmonise the skin tone to create a radiant and glowing complexion.
Facial Detox Puifying Mask - Malachite/Kaolin/Manuka Honey
Mineral rich organic Amazonian Clay helps eliminate toxins from the surface of the skin while gently exfoliating and softening. Although it has astringent properties it is not as dehydrating as conventional clays, leaving the skin soft, humidified and glowing.
Biodynamic Facial Souffle' - Rose Damask/Marine Collagen/Calendula
Rich in amino acids, collagen and reparative botanicals, this luxurious treatment mask helps soothe, plump, hydrate and repair parched skin to reveal a dewy, fresh and vibrant complexion.


CLARISONIC MIA
If your mom doesn't own a Clarisonic yet, this is the p-e-r-f-e-c-t occasion to treat her to one. From the Clarisonic family of sonic skin-cleansing products, the one-button, one-speed, one-minute Mia is perfect for those wanting a convenient, less costly (from the traditional Clarisonic system), yet effective way to cleanse while traveling--or anytime. This award-winning waterproof, rechargeable, professional-caliber brush uses gentle sonic micro-massage action to cleanse deeply. It works so well, it helps other skin-care products absorb better. It cleans pores--loosening dirt, makeup, and oil as it reduces the appearance of pores and wrinkles. It's proven to remove six times more makeup than traditional superficial cleansing, allowing serums and moisturizers to absorb better. Skin is left soft, pampered, radiant, and younger-looking--without harsh abrasion or chemicals. It's so gentle, you can use it twice a day.

Clarisonic Mia Systems retail between $124 - $150 and are available worldwide.  I recommend purchasing from b-glowing (looove them! great customer service and they include fabulous samples) and QVC (sometimes available with easy pay options).


JABONERIA MARIANELLA SOAPS
Handmade soaps, each with its own distinctive artistic flair and a childhood memory attached.  That's what Venezuelan-born Marianella Febres-Cordero has created with her gorgeous and luxurious line of soaps.  This is one of my very favorite places to shop when I have a gift to buy!  Each bar smells luscious and creates such a beautiful focal point, wherever you place it.  You just can't help but be transported to another place and time through the stories Marianella tells for each soap inspiration. Each bar is infused with its own special essential and fragrance oils. It's a sensual experience through and through. Truly lovely!

Current bars include:
Aranciata (my favorite) - Orange, Teakwood and Rosemary
Aura Elena (close 2nd) - Oak Moss, Coconut and Mulberry
Coqueta - Baby Powder, Vanilla and Grapefruit
Dama de la Noche - Lemon, Apple and the exotic Dama de la Noche flower
Desert Gardenia - Gardenia, Honey and Oak Moss
Lemonwood - Bois de Rose, Litsea Cubeba and Bergamot
Parchita - Passion Fruit, Polyantha Rose and Litsea Cubeba
Poncha Crema - Vanilla, Fig and Cinnamon
Sugar Cane Tea - Sugar Cane, Plum and Litsea Cubeba
Violet Fields - Violet, Bergamot and a hint of Menthol

Jaboneria Marianella bars (there's a men's line too) are available directly through them. $14


THIS WORKS "CRACKERS"
I love these ... and so unique. Love Lip Cracker contains a nourishing preservative-free balm that's been designed to melt at body temperature so it is easily absorbed into skin. With a rich formula packed with the earth's most moisturizing ingredients and an exotic blend of Monoi Oil, Rose Oil and Cocoa Butter, the balm hydrates lips, soothes and protects skin. Peace Eye Cracker contains a lovely little eye serum/cream that has garnered rave reviews for dark circle reduction and improvement in lines and undereye bags. The soothing blend of serum brightens and refreshes eyes using a fusion of regenerating and moisturizing glycerin, arnica, aloe vera and cucumber. Both are available at Beautyhabit. $14 each.


TALLULAH JANE NATURAL PERFUMES
Blended with botanical essences, resins and balsams, Tallulah Jane scents are an ever-evolving olfactory experience. No two vintages are exactly alike so your Tallulah Jane scent is always unique; designed my nature - especially for you. Tallulah, their signature scent, is the most fabulous jasmine scent I've ever tried. Creamy jasmine notes and heady tuberose combine for a scent that is timeless yet so ultra cool! And be on the look out soon for a feature on their newest creation, Hope. I can't wait to tell you more about it and the company's generous collaboration with the American Cancer Society for their Pink & Black Tie Gala. Tallulah Jane perfumes are available at Spirit Beauty Lounge. $48 - $58


LOVE + TOAST and TOKYO MILK CURIOSITIES
Such whimsical packaging, gorgeous formulas and sweet, decadent aromas are yours with a little purchase of Love + Toast or Tokyo Milk products. They feature an assortment of perfumes, soaps, lip balms and hand creams that are unlike any you've tried before. Experience scent combinations like mandarin tea, honey coconut, lemon mint, citrus gin blossom, or tantalize with a sophisticated blend of fresh greens, cassis, white iris and bronzed musk crushed and distilled to perfection. Love + Toast and Tokyo Milk and Tokyo Milk Dark are by beauty entrepreneur Margot Elena Wells, who also brought us Lollia. Her natural beauty line will be released soon, nectar + pollen - can't wait! Love + Toast and Tokyo Milk products are available at b-glowing and Beautyhabit. $6 - $28


Candles & Home Fragrance
Continue the heavenly scents experience for mom with a beautifully packaged candle or unique home fragrance idea.  Nothing warms the mood of a room or the essence of a soul quite like the candlelight.

AEDES DE VENUSTAS GLOW BOX
Presented in their signature black Aedes gift box the Glow Box contains their popular Lime Coconut Sea Salt Exfoliator, Claus Porto's Tuberose soap and a L'Artisan Parfumeur votive candle.  Available at Aedes. $80


L'ARTISAN PARFUMEUR PARIS VOTIVES COFFRETS
The exclusive and limited edition gift coffret contains three L'Artisan Parfumeur votives.  Les Best is composed of Orangers en Fleurs, Intérieur Figuier and Mûre Sauvage; Les Orientales is composed of Ambre, Thé et Pain d’Epices and Ile Bourbon. Available at Aedes. $60 (each set)

SLATKIN & CO.
Flower Shop is a delightful scent of fresh-cut spring flowers - sweet lilac, pink freesia and hyacinth layered with cooling greens.  This 14.5 oz, 3-wick candle has a burn life of 40 - 65 hours and is available at Bath & Body Works. Fresh Bamboo is another fabulous scent - very clean smelling. Special Sale Price: 2 candles for $30 any assortment of scents (reg. $19.95 each).

AVENUE CANDLE COLLECTION
Years of traversing the globe searching for extraordinary fragrances is the inspiration for Avenue Candle Collection; each unique candle brings the characteristics and mood of some of the most famous streets in Avenue's favorite cities into our homes.  Avenue's Regent Street highlights notes of Earl Grey Tea and Violet.  Bergamot Citrus and Black Tea leaves are married with a hint of honey and neroli for a deeply rich fragrance.  Available  at LAFCO New York. Burn time: 75 - 85 hours.  $48


SANTA MARIA NOVELLA SCENTED TABLETS
Here's a divinely unique idea.  Santa Maria Novella Scented Tablets are 100% organic and natural essential oils mixed with beeswax from the fertile Tuscan fields and bee farms of Santa Maria Novella. Too beautiful to be hidden, tablets can be placed in drawers, hung in closets (ribbon is already attached) or simply left out in the open on a tray to freshen and scent the surrounding space. Tablets are completely safe and organic and will not stain clothing or fabrics, however wax will become malleable at very high room temperatures (85+ degrees F).  Lavender and rose oils, lavender blossoms and rose buds for a fresh romantic scent. Available at LAFCO New York, and also available in the scents of Orange/Cinnamon and Potpourri. $30

Wishing you and your mothers a most fabulous Mother's Day weekend!  xo

Back On Track

Vero Moda Jeans and Cardi, Monki Belt, Balenciaga Purse, Grey Ballerinas
Good morning lovelies! This month I am gonna work as a primary school teacher as a part of a university programme and I couldn't be more excited! They all look so cute, small and fragile, I wanna pinch their cheeks. I just wore my jeans, had my ponytail done, put on my All Stars and I am ready to go.
Have a nice day everybody,
Froso.