Once You Go Matte... You Never Go Back.

Recently I got my nails done at Valley, where any girls manicure dreams can come true. They also have a full menu of Spa procedures and a cute little clothing shop in the front, making it a great place to have a girls day when in need of one. Now, I'm not one who's loved crazy nail art, but these ladies can make anything you want appear at your finger tips, literally. With books and books filled with different designs, boxes of different stones & studs and shelves filled with all sorts of colored polish, the craziest nails you thought could never happen - actually can! My choice? Black matte nail polish, two rhinestone skulls and silver studs on my pinky's. I was going for the motorcycle jacket inspiration. But besides that, it was my first experience using Knock Out's Flatte nail polish, and well... I fell in love. Go out and buy yourself one or five of these polish's, there's something so sexy to the no-shine colors and you'll definitely be the only one of your friends rocking this look. Just how you don't want your face to be shiny, start taking that approach with your nails too!

Caffeine Fix.

New York City's population relies on coffee on a day to day basis to get by in each working day. Here are a few places that serve up some of my favorite cups in this town, and are more than worthwhile to try.

1. Porto Rico Importing Co.

A cup of plain black coffee from Porto Rico will have you set and alert for the whole day, with the aroma of exotic beans lingering in your nose while sipping. Imported from all around the globe, each blend and roast is unique to taste and will have you remembering that plain old coffee is still delicious without whippy, frappy, chippy things added on top.
40 1/2 St. Marks
(b/w 1st and 2nd Ave.)
Mon - Sat: 9 am -8
Sun: 12 pm -7
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2. The Smile

A lot of people can say that a latte is a latte and tastes the same everywhere. I've discovered that this is in fact false. Many coffee shops can add too little milk or too much for that fact, diluting the actual taste of espresso that's in your drink. I don't know if it's the way they brew their coffee, or that they've concocted this perfect balance of milk and espresso, but The Smile definitely delivers one of the cities best lattes. Also be sure to check out the concept store in this little spot, where you can pick up anything from books, stationary and knitting wool, allowing you to sit, sip and knit!
26 Bond Street
(b/w Broadway and Lafayette)
Mon - Fri: 8 am-6
Sat - Sun: 10 am-6
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3. Mud Cafe

Many of you have probably seen the Mud trucks all around Manhattan, bringing a whole new meaning to coffee on the go. But in the East Village lies the actual cafe where I can find my favorite "treat-like" coffee, without all that whip cream non-sense taking over my drink. Mud Cafe's Maple Latte is so delicious without being too sweet that you feel like you might get a toothache. The maple flavor makes it unique, and exceptionally seasonal for this time of the year! So the next time you're walking by stop in, pick one up, and sit on their outside bench with a book, enjoying the fall weather.
307 East 9th Street
(b/w 1st and 2nd Ave.)
Mon - Fri: 8 am-Midnite
Sat- Sun: 9 am -Midnite

Live From New York...

After a two week break Saturday Night Live returns again this weekend with host AND musical performer Taylor Swift, who is without a doubt my biggest guilty pleasure. I love this adorable, 5' 11", 19 year old Pennsylvania girl, and how could you not? Without fail I think she'll be able to make up for this seasons past two female hosts, Drew Barrymore and Megan Fox, who - to put it nicely - both were the most boring component to each of their shows. Hopefully with Taylor Swift's quirky charm and musical fame we can also expect a new hilarious digital short from Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone, and Andy Samberg, also known as The Lonely Island. So to get you in the mood for Saturday's upcoming show here's a short that aired, on host Ryan Reynolds' episode, last month called, "On The Ground." If you haven't seen this, watch it now! The styling in this video is so key, taking a stab at some of the awful hats and leather trim jackets that can be seen in countless R&B videos from 1995 to present day.

What Girls Dreams Are Made Of.

If anybody would like to donate money into my Balmain Spring 2010 RTW jar, you're more than welcome. Images from each collection in the recent years has left my jaw dropped and my body screaming in need. I die - and it's death by military leather and skinny metallics, could you ask for a better way to die? I didn't think so. This is what I dream about at night, for the record.

Love Is In The Air

After a year, Lovely Day has finally reopened! Had my first lunch there today with the one and only Ian Bradley, where not much has changed in this favorite NoLita hideaway - and that's the way I'd like to keep it! So pop in, out of the chilly weather, for some Ginger Fried Chicken or even just a glass of wine, while enjoying a magazine or the close company of friends.

Holiday, Celebrate!

So Halloween has now passed, which means the season for Holiday parties is right around the corner. In New York City there are countless amenities at your fingers tips that make you capable to throw the perfect soiree for friends, co-workers and family. These next products are a few ideas I've stumbled upon and think can help you make your party the cutest in town!

1. Brownie Pops.

These little treats are not only adorable, but delicious as well. Having them on any serving platter or food table will have all your guests smiling. And for those with fashion savvy friends, they'll be happy too! They're less crumby and leave no chocolate leftover on your finger tips. They come in all different flavors, and seasons, to perfectly accompany what it is your celebrating! (Available at Brownie Pops)

2. Bubbles.

With 2010 not far away, you have to start figuring out your New Years Eve plans! These little party favors are so cute for when the clock strikes 12, and are bound to be even more fun once you and your friends have had some actual bubbly in you. (Available at Beau-Coup)

3. Super Bowl Party!


There's nothing I love more sometimes than Super Bowl Sunday. Good friends, cooking, laughing and the obvious... drinking. But why not this year make your party have a few extra touches to get your friends really excited for the game, and see the effort you've put into making it a great day for them. Plum Party has some great accessories to decorate your house, and also to serve your friends the drinks and grub they can't wait to get their hands on. This grass table cover and these football cups will definitely get the mood going right as you cheer for your team. (cough cough Giants cough)

4. Hot Cocoa and Cider.

When the weather starts to grow frigid, it's a nice to be able to treat your guests to something heartfelt and warm. William Sonoma has always been a favorite go to for me and my family when it comes to products that we keep in our kitchen. Their peppermint hot chocolate is always one that brings a smile to my face and the warm hearted feeling of the holidays to mind. Buy some of this mix and add with it some Peppermint Schnapps and you'll be sure to have some happy guests. Also a yummy winter drink to have people feeling the season is make some hot apple cider mixed with a little Jameson, trust me, it's delicious.