Bronzing Beauty

For many of my high school years I was addicted to tanning beds. I wanted to be as bronzed as possible and didn't even think about the effects it may have had on my skin. As a natural redhead I am lucky to have skin that actually tans, but at the same time I am still a red head with freckles lets face it UV rays are not my best friend. As I grew older I began to understand and care about the effects tanning beds and sun tanning can have on my skin! I started to be more conscious of my exposure to sun and incorporated an SPF into my daily moisturizer. Don't get me wrong, I still like to lie out in the summer and hit up a tanning bed on the rare occasion. I am just more cautious about protection and exposure. More often than not I opt for a sunless bronze look and I have a few favorite products listed below:

Sun Laboratories overnight self tanner. I found this product through a beauty blog I love called Maskara: http://www.maskcara.com/maskcara/?s=sun+labs 

Cara, the writer of this blog swears by this product and she was 100% right! It gives you instant color (I personally mix it with my lotion so the color is not as drastic). It has minimal smell (it does not smell like a lot of other offensive self tanners) and is dark so you can see where you are applying it. http://www.amazon.com/Sun-Laboratories-Overnight-Tanning-Lotion/dp/B000IOFQWK

Sevin Nyne Spray Tan created by Lindsay Lohan herself. She maybe a bit of a whack job these days, but her spray tan is on point! Its harder to find (as Sephora no longer sells it), but you can purchase on amazon.  Instant color that you bronze you in minutes. I recommend applying in your shower or bronze spray with be covering your floors, walls- everywhere. I personally love it for my face, while I have used it for my whole body- its a bit sticky and has a smell. I prefer to use a lotion for my body and this for my face as it is an easy application.

http://www.amazon.com/Sevin-Nyne-Tanning-Mist/dp/B0020SQRZW/ref=sr_1_1?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1367593121&sr=1-1&keywords=sevin+nyne+tanning+mist


If you live in New York and want a professional spray tan I would highly recommend Brazil Bronze. Located in Soho this place is amazing at what they do!

What to expect: The person who is spray tanning you will ask what color you would like to be and will  make recommendations depending on your skin tone. You get behind a curtain and undress- you can go completely nude or wear a paper thong that they provide. Once undressed your sprayer will put Vaseline on your nails to save your manicure and pedicure. From there they will guide you through various stances as they spray you from head to toe- PS its cold! Once completed you will be instructed to stand in front of a fan for 5 minutes and then get dresses. You will have walked in as a pasty princess and emerge as a bronzed goddess!  I always feel healthier and happy with some color so for me this is a big boost of self confidence- I feel great after!

http://brazilbronze.com/

Keep In Mind:
1)They always have deals of Groupon or Gilt so look before you book your appointment you might be able to save around $20 bucks.
2) They book up rather quickly if you have a date in mind don't wait around to book.
3) Wear something that fits you loosely and is dark (ie a maxi black dress is perfect) you don't want to put a bra, a watch or anything else that rubs against your skin after being sprayed. Don't wear anything light because the color will rub off. After you shower the color will not run.
4) You can't shower for a least 8 hours after they spray tan you, so if you have a major event book the appointment the day before.
5) You will smell after so you will def want to shower before going anywhere!

Fat Kid Chronicles: Doritos Locos Tacos - Nacho Cheese vs Cool Ranch

I LOVE fast food, everyone probably knows this by now. So when Taco Bell came out with a taco incased in a Dorito they were speaking to my inner fat kid. I needed to try it ASAP! I was so excited to bite into a cheesy Dorito shell! With much anticipation I took my first bit and it tasted like the stale chip at the bottom of the bag without enough seasoning! I was pissed, but I got over it by the time I finished my Chalupa. I walked out having no hard feeling towards Taco Bell.

Confession: I was convinced there was some sort of mistake and I tried it again-  it still sucked! I wanted more cheese flavor! ; )

Life goes on and I start seeing commercials for a cool ranch taco! "F*%K off "were my immediate words, "I NEED to try this"!
After mucho drinking this past weekend I decided my hung-over meal of choice was going to be Taco Bell. I ordered a Cool Ranch Taco Supreme as well as a Chalupa, and a Beefy Nacho Griller (don't judge). Once I opened the Cool Ranch Taco I immediately noticed the shell was covered in Cool Ranch Dust- woot woot! It had a saltier flavor I think the nacho cheese one is missing. Overall it wasn't mind blowing, but the Cool Ranch Taco definitely wins my vote!

Fat Kid Chronicles: The Boil

My boyfriend is a seafoodaholic, he LOVES anything to do with lobster, shrimp, crab, etc. A couple months ago he saw a picture on instagram of some crab & shrimp cooked Cajun style and didn't stop talking about it for days! So, I made it my personal mission to find the best reviewed Cajun seafood spot in the city. My hunt lead to me to this little gem called "The Boil", while the name is kind of gross the food makes up for it I swear!

The wait staff is all very nice and helpful. Once you have placed your order someone will come over and tie a plastic bib on you and give you gloves (your hands will still stink but I suggest wearing the gloves). Your food arrives in plastic bags- weird I know, but it keeps the seafood soaking in the amazing sauce! From there get ready to work, everything comes in the shell with the head still attached so its not a glamorous experience. On numerous occasions I have pulled the head of a shrimp or cracked down on a crab leg and spicy boil sauce flung into my eye- not cute and slightly painful!

We have gone several times (my boyfriend is obsessed with this find) and tried a lot different things our favorites are:
Shrimp boil special mild
Lobster boil special mild
Snow Crab boil special spicy (the spicy sauce def has a kick to it and will make your nose run- I love spicy, but I also like to taste my food. I found ordering 1 spicy dish allows you to dip your "mild" seafood in the spicy bag which to us was a nice compromise).
Garlic bread is a must! You use them to soak up the delish sauce your seafood comes in.
Order the corn on the cob, it comes in the bag soaked in the garlic butter and is delicious!!!!!

The softshell crab appetizer was good (comes with Cajun fries), but nothing to die for.  The mac and cheese here is surprisingly tasty, but not necessary!

Things you should know:
1)Ladies put your hair up- if not it will be coated in garlic butter by the end of your meal.
2)Don't plan on going out after unless you don't mind reeking of garlic.
3) Don't wear white or light clothes its pretty much inevitable you will get splatter on you from cracking the lobster, crab etc.
4) Yelper's talk about the waits.... blah blah blah. Go after work around 6:30 you should be fine. You can also eat at the bar, weekends are definitely busier.
5) I would stay away from the crawfish, so much work for so little reward.


The Boil
139 Chrystie St
(between Broome St & Delancy St)
http://www.theboilny.com/

My Online Shopping Habit: The Home Edition

Whether you are looking to spruce up your current apartment or you are moving into a new space I believe decorating is a never ending feat! For some many of us New Yorker's we live pay check to paycheck. Our apartments consist of 400 square feet because we simply can't afford a big, lux pad with closet space let alone views!  We intern  have no choice but to make the best of what we've got. Simply adding a new duvet cover, glassware, or storage system can really help add something to our small spaces. I often fantasize about having a apartment with a kitchen that has a counter tops (which is a luxury in NY), some windows that allow direct sunlight and cell phone reception throughout my whole apartment! I dream of how I would decorate it and dedicate hours on pinterest designing every detail from coasters to bedside tables. While I don't have the means to get it now putting it out in the universe is half the battle! And as I cant afford the restoration hardware tufted headboard I die for at this moment, I can afford two gold pillows that will dress up my space and add a little spring in my step!

I have collected a list of websites that I LOVE for home décor. A lot of these pieces are not in my budget, but I enjoy looking!  A key tip I continually read is "only buy what you love"! That being said I truly believe in investment pieces, buy what you love and build on that. If you do find yourself splurging on an item make sure it is something you can see in your house down the road.

http://projectdecor.com/

Project Décor offers a range of contemporary designers such as Knoll, Jonathan Adler & World's Away.  This website encourages you to create your own virtual room & discover what other design pros are creating. The website is super user friendly, once I discovered it I spent hours pinning furniture I loved!


http://www.restorationhardware.com/

Restoration Hardware provides luxury furniture, lighting, textiles, bath, décor, outdoor and garden, as well as baby & child products. While most things tend to be pricy they are beautiful and offer a range of selection. You can shop online or in the store at 935 Broadway.

https://www.onekingslane.com/

One Kings Lane launches several new sales everyday. You have to be a member to shop (don't worry it's free). They offer a range of products, and styles. Most sales last 3 days and quantities are limited!

https://www.jossandmain.com/

Joss and Main is comparable to a gilt group of home décor. You have to be a member to shop (also free). Their events usually last just 3 days and exhibit designs and trends with a common theme.


http://www.caitlinwilsontextiles.com/?home

Caitlin Wilson Textiles has gorgeous colorful pillows in classic gold scallop print or chic chevron- add flair to your existing space!


http://www.shopfurbish.com/servlet/StoreFront

Furbish offers a collection of fabulous finds for the home, including unique pieces of furniture, both old and new, lighting, & modern artwork. The online store carries bold textiles for bedding, rugs & pillows. Great hostess gift ideas that are sure to spark conversation at your next dinner party- check out the Mr. & Mrs. cocktail glasses & gold playing cards!


http://www.thedecorista.com/

Ashlina Kaposta aka "The Decorista" is a New York City based interior designer, & writer of this blog. She posts beautiful glamorous spaces, DYI, tips & tricks of the trade. She also offers her services for those in the NYC area & an E-Decorating package for those who don't. One of these days I plan on having her make a home visit!

Detox before you Retox- The Juicing Fad

It seems like everyone and their Grandma is into juicing these days. Even my non-health conscious boyfriend is becoming keen on grabbing a fresh pressed juice! I have the mind set that if I can get at least 2 of these fresh pressed juices in my system once a week I am doing my body a BIG favor. Packed with nutrients I probably don't get from my "fatkid" eating regime, I always feel good about getting in a green juice or replacing a meal with a smoothie. For me drinking these juices plays a balancing act in my life e.g.: plan on drinking yourself into oblivion this evening? Grab a juice and detox before you retox! Ate a huge almond croissant and full fat latte for breakfast this am? Don't beat yourself up about it grab a fresh pressed juice & some raw nuts for lunch.  

 

I know I may have a backwards look on the whole juicing situation, but it works for me in & my lifestyle.

My Experience With A 3 Day Juice Cleanse

My 3 day juice cleanse was a eye opening experience for me. I bought the cooler cleanse (which is all organic)I picked up my 18 juices from Juice Generation and I was feeling really good about my decision to not eat food for three days. They say you should get your body ready by not consuming caffenine, alcohol and eating raw clean foods a few days prior to starting the cleanse. The day prior I happen to be hung over in bed eating cheeze-its and sipping on a iced coffee- so clearly I was not "winning" from the get.

Day 1:
Sweet green juice to start, I already want coffee but opt for green tea instead. I make sure to drink plenty of water in-between my juices and overall I am not mad at how they taste. The day passes on and it's time to crack open my 5th juice, I have a pounding headache and feel like I could throw up. This "essential Red" beet juice is not going down easily. I board the subway home and pray not to become a "sick passenger". I make it through my apartment door and I am immediately ill. My body was going through some heavy withdrawals. This really showed me I eat way too many processed foods and my caffeine intake might be a bit high (like I said BIG eye opener). Its 7PM I lay in bed and pass out for an hour. My bestie who is also doing the cleanse has just finished a Soul Cycle spin class and comes into check on me. She is a much healthier eater than I and feels fine. After my nap I am feeling better we crack open our almond, vanilla bean, & date milk -it is heaven in our mouths.

Day 2
 I feel better today other than wanting to jump over my desk and grab the coffee out of my bosses hands. Day proceeds on a I  loving my watermelon lime juice and I am feeling good about myself. One guy from the office wont stop talking about how he cant believe I am not eating for 3 days, I want to punch him in the face.

Day 3
I am hungry, I make it through my day at work with no eventful stories. My bestie and I decided to take our almond nut milk and go to the movies. BIG MISTAKE. The smell of popcorn, the rustling of peanut M&M's, everywhere I turn there a twizzlers. We feel as though we are being taunted and almost run out to get a snack. Neither of enjoyed the movie we just wanted food.

I can honestly say I completed the 3 day juice cleanse without cheating which was a HUGE accomplishment for me. The next day I tried to eat clean- salads, egg whites I think that lasted until lunch.

Next time I would do a few thing differently:
1) I would try and incorporate eating raw "clean foods" starting two days prior.
2) I would drink coffee with almond milk. (I drink coffee everyday and that will never change so I feel the need to out coffee in my cleanse).
 

 

While I have only completed one juice cleanse, I have four spots throughout the city where I purchase my juice or smoothies from (listed below).
 

My top four juice places in NYC in no particular order:

1) Juice Generation http://juicegeneration.com/ (which offers the cooler cleanse) http://coolercleanse.com/

2) Organic Avenue http://www.organicavenue.com/

3) Juice Press http://juicepress.com/

4) Blue Print Cleansehttp://blueprintcleanse.com/  (sold at Dean & Deluca)

All of the links offer different types of cleanse options.

 

 

 

Soul Cycle....Something Like A Phenomenon

Soul Cycle has become somewhat of a cult obsession in NYC. My best friend became beyond obsessed about 3 years ago and never looked back! With over 300 spins under her belt I consider her a Soul Cycle Connoisseur. She stalks instructors to the point where she might be able to tell you their blood type, she knows who's spinning when and where, she attends the free community rides during her lunch break; now that is love & not to mention commitment! She adamantly refuses to go to just any instructors class (that being said she gives them all a fair shot - if she is not impressed after two rides your out) at $34 a pop I cant blame her! Once you've committed to a class at Soul Cycle plan on adding another $3 for shoe rental. Oh, and if you forgot your water add $3 more cause you will need it! VOILA you have spent a cool $40 dollars before you have even put your ass on a bike!

I am personally notorious for hating exercise- it is a FACT amongst everyone who knows me. After begging and pleading my bestie convinced me to attend a class with her. For those of you who haven't experienced the phenomenon yet, let me paint you the picture: You walk into a dimly lit studio chalked full of soul cycle bikes. If you feel like everyone knows what they are doing except you, you're right! Girls are already propped up on their bikes and spinning prior to the class beginning- meanwhile I am still trying to figure out how to sit on this foreign bike and get my spin shoes to snap into the pedals! The instructor is going to be an incredibly fit and fab guy or woman with banging body. The instructors ride in front of the class. The are propped up on a pedestal (that is lit up like something holy) and facing you. There is a lightly scented Jonathan Adler candle burning in the background, NO fans, NO AC and NO clock. The class starts and everyone spins at a beat - that's right there is spin class swagger (I have yet to master). As were spinning into song two and I am out of breath and dripping sweat. I start envisioning what might happen if I pass out- will I loose all my teeth? Will someone stop and help? I think most likely I will loose all my teeth and everyone is so involved and focused in on this class that no one will help me- so I tell myself passing out is not an option and spin on. The class continues with dance party music, light shows, and lots of sweat being flung around. When I find out were in the last song I get a whole new burst of energy! I am so overwhelmed with joy that this class is almost over I spin so hard I might ride this bike right out the door! It's cool down time and I can't get my feet out of the fucking pedals! I am over it and I pull my feet from the shoes. I have successfully completed my 1st class! My face is purple, but I didn't die- hallelujah!

I like to compare these classes to getting a Brazilian wax -it hurts like hell while your in there and you wonder what prompted you to do this. You ask yourself "why the fuck am I you paying for such pain"? Answer: because once its done you feel like a million bucks! While it took me awhile to return after my first "ride" I have been going a bit more lately. I am far from an expert or even a "regular" but as jaded as I am towards exercise I cannot deny there is an element of fun to it and it is sure to kick you ass!

A couple more things you should know:
1) Sign up is promptly at 12pm on Monday! If you hangout and wait till 12:01 to try an get into a popular instructor's class (say Danny) your screwed!
2) If you make in on the waitlist early enough  (e.g: 12:05PM that Monday) stalk the studio the day of your class and you are likely to get in -especially if the class is later in the week.
3) Your crotch will KILL the next day! Gel seat cover or not it will feel bruised and hurt to touch.

https://www.soul-cycle.com/.  

Fat Kid Chronicles: Artichoke Pizza

Let me start off my saying I LOVE TO EAT FATKID FOOD. One of my favorite fatkid spots in the city is Artichoke pizza.  It is literally pizza smothered in spinach and artichoke dip with glops of melted mozzarella & a thick doughy crust. It is fatkid heaven!

Once upon a time you could only purchase this slice in the East Village, but over the years they have expanded and have locations in Chelsea & the Greenwich Village. This spot is perfect for when you have been all night drinking and need a late night greasy fatty bite, as the East Village and Chelsea locations are open to 4 AM. Don't be fooled by the margarita & crab pizza here- yes it is delicious, but pales in comparison to the one and only artichoke slice.  You should know that sitting down is not an option at any of these restaurants except for Chelsea, and you most likely will encounter a line, but it tends to move quickly! Also, you will NOT walk away clean after eating here- expect to take whatever it is your wearing to the drycleaner, especially if enjoying after boozing all night long!

Artichoke pizza is like crack- when you have it once it haunts your cravings! I have been known to buy two slices  and if I don't drunkly eat them all in one sitting I will heat it up the extra slice for a lovely hungover breaky. So naturally when I found out they were selling Artichoke Pizza "in your grocer's freezer" I ran to the grocery store to purchase. I invited another Artichoke Pizza lover over and we patiently waited by the oven for it to be ready. Sad to say we were majorly disappointed! No gloppy cheese, lackluster flavor & thin crust - it just had us craving for the real thing!

Lastly, this pizza has to be like 10,000,000 calories and its worth every bite. One slice is enough, but I won't judge you if you have two or three ; )

http://www.artichokepizza.com/

Miracle in a Tube: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

I came across this miracle in a tube completely by accident! My Mom bought a Sephora gift set one Christmas that contained this little lifesaver (even she had no idea what she had discovered). I didn't know what my beauty routine had been lacking until I came across this product and now I cant live without it! Take a small dot onto your finger and smear evenly all over your eyelid. Let it dry for a minute or two then apply your shadow and NEVER see a crease again!!!! Before this product came into my life I always had major creases half way through the day. This product will save you the annoyance of reapplying your eye shadow and looking like you have greasy eyelids! 1 tube lasts me 9 months! Totally worth the $20 if you ask me. This product prompted me to try other primers (Nars and MAC included) as I wanted to know what I had been missing all these years, but honestly I found this one is the best!

On a final note there are options on finishes:
nude sheer (original), champagne, matte tawny & gold. I prefer the original, but to each there own! Happy Priming!

You can buy it here: http://www.sephora.com/eyeshadow-primer-potion-tube-original-P284716