KISS Nail Dress Nail Stickers

Nail stickers are all the rage right now, especially for girls on the go who don’t have time to paint their nails and let them dry. A smudged manicure is the worst! 

Kiss Nails came out with a line of nail decals that are wild and fun. I was tried the Chemise stickers, which come with two different designs. One is a black background with gold and silver studs and the other is a gold and silver design. Since these contain a lot of ‘bling,’ I was hesitant to do an entire set on a workweek, so instead did just my right hand ring finger and paired it with a deep green (almost black) nail polish. 

The stickers are extremely easy to put on. Just match up the sticker size to the right finger, peel back the backing, and apply (slowly!). You can then use the nail file included to file off the access sticker. Voila, instant manicure with no dry time!

Each kit comes with 28 stickers, so I still have a full manicure left in my kit. I’m waiting for a girls night out to use a full bling set :)

Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.

Clean Eating Blueberry-Banana Protein Crepes

For the past few years I've called myself a 'clean eater,' but lately, I've been super serious about it. Making my own snacks, prepping meals for the week, down to making my own granola. The all natural, organic kind at the grocery store still contain processed junk!

The past few weekends I've been making Clean Eating Blueberry-Banana Protein Crepes for our post workout meal and they have been phenomenal. I started with a recipe I found in Oxygen Magazine, but made a few moderations....

Ingredients
4 egg whites
1 scoop of vanilla protein
1 tsp of cocoa powder (optional...can also use cinnamon)
3 tablespoons of almond butter
1/2 cup blueberries
1 banana

Whisk together the egg whites and vanilla protein. Less lumps the better. I used my new Cuisinart hand blender and it worked it into a really smooth batter. If yours a little thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to it.

Spray a non-stick pan with olive oil spray and pour a 1/3 of the batter into the pan over med-low heat. Once the sides start to cook (probably after 1-2 minutes) add 1 tablespoon almond butter to half of the crepe, along with some blueberries and banana slices. Fold over (like in the picture of above) and let cook a few more minutes. Repeat for the other 2 crepes.

Serving size is one crepe. This recipe makes about 3. Enjoy!

Bargain Boutique Hotel in NYC

This past weekend my husband and I spent some time in our old NYC neighborhood, the Upper West Side. I miss the city life…a lot! The weather was unreal this past weekend. High 50s in mid-January? I’ll take it!

We stayed at On the Avenue New York Hotel on the Upper West Side. This is hotel is a BARGAIN for NYC. It’s cute boutique hotel, located at W 77th & Broadway. It’s tucked away in a corner and doesn’t stand out. We paid an average of $80/night at this hotel for a Friday-Sunday stay...unreal for NYC!

The rooms were clean, service was friendly, and they have all the standard amenities (shampoo, conditioner, soaps, lotions, hair dryer, coffee, etc.). They have wireless internet in the rooms but you have to pay for it. There is also a small workout room with a few treadmills, elliptical, weight bench and hand weights.

If you want to do NYC on the cheap, I highly recommend this hotel. I know the Upper West Side isn’t in the center of the action, but at this hotel, you are only a few subway stops from being downtown.

Some of our favorite spots on the Upper West Side:
Edgar's Cafe, Amsterdam & W 92nd - Favorite spot for breakfast after a good weekend workout. Jerry Stiller is also a fan of this restaurant (love letter from him framed on the wall!)
Mermaid Inn, Amsterdam & W 88th St. - Great brunch, steak & eggs recommended by my hubby
Good Enough to Eat, Amsterdam & W 83rd St. - Long line, but worth the wait. Creative breakfasts you won't find anywhere else
Pomodoro, Columbus & W 71st - Welcoming Italian restaurant. You feel like family when you're there!
The Dead Poet, Amsterdam & W 82nd - Love this bar, owned by Michigan natives. Total mixed bag on any night, from college students to UWS locals. I recommend the whiskey flight...enough for 2 to share!

Beauty Blogazon Weekly Roundup

• Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Destany swatches (and swoons over) two gorgeous Pure Ice polishes!
• Makeup Demon: A few tips that will help you to choose a good quality makeup brushes.
• The Convenient Beauty: Warm-skin toned ladies and even non-glitter wearers must check out Tom Ford Cognac Sable!!
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Burberry Light Glow Natural Blushes in Misty, Cameo & Peony are among the highest quality powder blushes that Lola's Secret Beauty Blog has encountered! Find out why!
• Midnight Manicures: Find out about Jeanie's must have skin care treatment for 2013, Reviva Labs Non-Chemical Skin Peel to the rescue!
• TheFabZilla: Got pimples? Evologie may have the answer for you!
• Never Gonna Give You Up: Kara swatches and reviews Kelara Lacquers' I Love Lamp. Ready for a photo bomb?
• Liesl Loves Pretty Things: Liesl fulfills a huge fragrance lemming with Chanel No.5 and shares the journey it sent her on.
• Pinked Polish: A Collection by the fabulous Vivid Lacquer!!!!
• Lacquer Buzz: Experimenting with a new technique can be difficult. Check out my first cloud manicure!
• Lipgloss Break: Enter to win a Julep Maven box with nail polish to match your style!
• Beauty by Arielle: Ever wonder about signing up for Birchbox? Here's all the info you need from a year subscriber.
• Beauty Professor: The Beauty Professor has found a way to cut down on the time it takes to blow dry her hair with Blowout Beauty!
• Beauty by Miss L: Find out which was Miss L´s favorite body lotion with those very cold winter days when skin gets unpleasantly dry.
• Emily Hudspeth, hair design and makeup artist: Try this Quick & Easy trick to create the look of False Lashes with only mascara.
• Mama Fashionista: Has the cold weather left your skin in need of some TLC? Quinn has some great rec's from Lumene that may be just what you need!
• Polarbelle: Swatches of the new OPI Mariah Carey Collection Plus a Giveaway.
• Lisa's Nail Obsession: I thought it was blue? Go On Green!
• Sincerely Stephanie: Sincerely Stephanie takes on some colourful street art!
• Rachel's Makeup and Skincare: Rachel almost finds her new HG foundation, find out why it didn't pass.

Beauty Blogger Coalition Weekly Roundup

Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Destany swatches (and swoons over) two gorgeous Pure Ice polishes!

BeautyTidbits: Harshleen looks back on her favorite skincare products from 2012.

BlushingNoir: See why the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette should be your (and everyones!) must have for 2013!

TheFabZilla: TheFabZilla shares the highs and lows of Buxom Big & Health Lipstick & Amplified Lash Mascara

Emily Hudspeth, hair design and makeup artist: Ask me anything! Post your questions on the Facebook page or Twitter about makeup/hair/working as a makeup artist and I will answer with a YouTube video or blog post (or both!)

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: DermOrganic Argan Oil Infused Haircare Cleansing, Conditioning & Treatment products are so amazing that Lola's Secret Beauty Blog wants the world to know about this phenomenal line!

Fabulous Awesomeness: Mina Slater shares swatches and a review of CoverGirl Blast Flipstick shades Minx, Stunner and Vixen.

datyorkLOVES: datyorkLOVES Weekly is back! Catch up on mani's, reviews and a blog sale with FREE shipping!

Advice Sisters Web Site: Argan oil is a super-trendy ingredient. It has many benefits and uses in beauty products. Alison of the Advice Sisters reports on a bunch of hair care and beauty products featuing argan oil. Which one will be your favorite?

The Lacquered Lady: The Lacquered Lady shows of her favorite polish from the China Glaze Cirque du Soleil collection.

Lipgloss Break: Enter to win a Julep Maven box with nail polish to match your style!

Beauty Professor: Can titanium really make a difference in a hair straightener? The Beauty Professor tries the Blowout Beauty 1" Titanium Straightener and discovers the answer!

Beauty by Miss L: Miss L tried another natural, vegan & cruelty free eye makeup remover.

Mama Fashionista: Julep is starting the year of (b)right with their Resort Collection! Check out what Quinn received in her Julep Maven It Girl box this month.

Polarbelle: Polarbelle found the perfect all around palette in the Too Faced Return of Sexy palette set. 

The Beauty Delicacy: How to keep your peepers pretty + hydrated this season with Ahava

Peek & Ponder: Ashley from Peek & Ponder reflects on her most popular beauty posts of 2012

Pammy Blogs Beauty: Do you have any New Year's Beauty Resolutions? Pammy Blogs Beauty shares hers here!

Painted Ladies: Make Up For Ever's New Pro-Multi-Use Powder Foundation Has Entranced Sheila from Painted Ladies

Midnight Manicures: Midnight Manicures: Find out which Skin Care Treatment is one of Jeanie's must haves for 2013, Reviva Labs Non-Chemical Skin Peel to the rescue!

John Frieda Golden Globes Hair Styles

Photo credit: Tractenberg & Co.

Celebrity hairstylist Marcus Francis was inspired by Kerry Washington's sequined, structured gown. Here are the steps he took...

Step 1 – Prep
Spray Frizz-Ease 3-Day Straight Semi-Permanent Styling Spray ($9.99 at drugstores), throughout wet hair and comb through to distribute the product evenly

Step 2 – Style
Blowdry hair straight. Take a flat iron and straighten hair section by section--the heat of flat iron will activate 3-Day Straight, to ensure sleek style that lasts all night long.

Step 3 – Perfect
Smooth Frizz-Ease Secret Weapon Flawless Finishing Crème ($5.99) throughout hair to give a smooth, shiny finish.

Photo credit: abcnews.go.com

Celebrity hairstylist Peter Butler created Claire Danes' look. Taking inspiration from the Homeland actress' red-hot Versace gown, Butler gave Claire loose waves, likening her to a modern-day Jessica Rabbit. 

Step 1 – Prep

Blowdry hair with a large, round, boar bristle brush. Take a curling iron with a 1 1/2 inch barrel and start curling hair section by section. Set the curls with Frizz-Ease Moisture Barrier Firm-Hold Hairspray ($5.99 at drugstores).

 Step 2 – Style

To create the perfect wave, use a paddle brush to brush through curls. Apply Frizz-Ease Secret Weapon Flawless Finishing Crème ($5.99 at drugstores) throughout the hair--it will soften hair and add shine while leaving the curls chunky and intact.

Step 3 – Perfect

Finish by adding a fine mist of Frizz-Ease Moisture Barrier Firm Hold Hairspray to lock in the style.

Julep Maven Review & Giveaway

Sampling programs are all the rage. Personally, I love them. I think it's a great way to try new products and discover new brands. I especially like the ones that are tailored to your style preferences, like the Julep Maven program.
 
Before you can become a Julep Maven, you have take a style quiz to find your style profile, which are:
American Beauty – A grown up version of the All-American girl-next-door

Boho Glam – An eternal romantic with an appreciation of beauty on a deeper level.

Bombshell – Sexy and confident, this style is abundant with playful prints and saturated hues.

Classic with a Twist – This timeless, iconic look is marked by beautiful yet simple cuts and colors

It Girl – Edgy and bold, your statement-making look exemplifies the modern rock ‘n’ roll chic

With your monthly membership, you’ll receive 2-3 nail polishes and beauty products that compliment your style profile. Julep products are made up of highly curated fashion forward polishes so you don’t have to worry about polish being out of season.

I recently received an It Girl box and it was filled with 3 nail polishes I can totally rock to work and out at night, and 2 different nail glitters. Daphne is a sea foam green, Delauney is a creme, striking red, and Otte, a camel creme neutral.  Both Daluney and Otte are part of the Trina Turk Fall line. I'm looking forward to rocking the sea foam green on my toes this summer.

SPECIAL FOR LIPGLOSS READERS: If you sign up today, you can get your first box for a penny! Use code JULEPVIP at checkout! 

Julep is also all about sharing the love. Enter to win a box that matches your style profile! 

***Giveaway***

Enter to win a Julep Maven style box.

Fill out the form below to win! There are also several different ways you can get extra entries: sign up for my mailing list, post a link to this giveaway on your blog, follow my blog, follow me & retweet on Twitter , follow me on Pinterest, follow me on Instagram or become a fan on Facebook; just make sure to list the number of extra entries in the form below. Enter up to once a day!

This giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only. The contest will end on Friday, February 8th. I will randomly select one winner and announce them on Lipgloss Break, so keep checking to see if you're a winner - Good Luck!

Note: This review includes products that I received as samples, provided by the brand company or a PR rep. Please click here for more information regarding my disclaimer.

Blogazon Weekly Roundup

• Pinked Polish: What I have learned this year in the wonderful world of Nail Blogging.
• Love At First Site!: Face Of The Day, New Year's Eve! Happy New Year!
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Lola's Secret Beauty Blog's Beauty Resolutions to Consider for 2013.
• Adore A Polish: Check out an in depth review on the Sally Hanson Insta Gel Strips.
• Polarbelle: Polarbelle wants you to consider the Anastasia Beverly Hills Kisses On My List lipgloss set while you still can!
• datyorkLOVES: Find out what the Top 10 Post of 2012 are for datyorkLOVES!
• Beauty by Arielle: ARIELLE'S TOP PRODUCTS OF 2012.
• TheFabZilla: Happy New Year! New Hair, New Resolutions? Check out TheFabZilla blog for deets.
• Cosmetics Aficionado: A new drugstore gel liner from L.A. Girl is on the beauty scene, but is it worth it?
• Never Gonna Give You Up: Kara showcases a nail polish favorite.
• Beauty by Miss L: Check out Miss L´s New Year´s Eve nails.
• Lacquer Buzz: Mihaela chose her favorite nail polishes of last year. Wanna see what made it on the list?
• Makeup Demon: Makeup Demons Top 5 posts of Year 2012!
• Ishah x Beauty: Gold Eyes, Oxblood Lips. My New Year's Day Look.
• Liesl Loves Pretty Things: Here's Liesl's personal Best Of 2012 list, Agree? Disagree? Check it out here.
• The Fabulous Mind of a Wacky Mama Bear: Ever wish your beauty subscription box gave full sizes? Then check out Starlooks, this is what I thought of my December 2012 Starbox.
• Mama Fashionista: Though she's no expert, Mama Fashionista loves the results of her first leopard mani! How do you think she did?
• Baking Beauty: Baking Beauty reviews the new Laura Mercier Free Spirit Palette.
• Rachel's Makeup and Skincare: Rachel reviews products from the new NARSskin line and finds she's impressed.
• Beauty Professor: The Beauty Professor reviews her top beauty products of 2012!
• My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog invites you to get ready with her!
• Lisa's Nail Obsession: Come on...you can think of something better for the alphabet challenge than "Q" for Queen. No? Then, All Hail The Queen!

Stay Motivated in the New Year

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a fun and healthy holiday.

New Year Resolutions have been set and I'm sure like previous years, one of the top trending resolutions is to get in shape. One of the main challenges with this goal is staying motivated. It's easy to buy a gym membership, but staying motivated and actually using that membership is a whole other challenge. Here are some of my tips and strategies to staying motivated and dedicated to working out....

Pump Up the Volume
Music is very important. A solid playlist and up beat music can really affect your mood and workout. I use to struggle with ear buds that fit my small ears, but finally found a set that stay in while I bounce around with my workouts (Sol Republic Amp In-Ear Headphones, below). And you don't need a fancy iPod to get you through a workout. Download the Pandora app to your phone (it's free!) to get rocking tunes to get you through a workout. This is also a great way to discover new songs.

Set Milestone Goals
Whether it's the first 5lbs lost or mastering a pull up (this is one of my goals!), set goals and 'rewards' along the way. I like to treat myself to pedicures or a massage when I meet one of my goals. It also helps to stick to these goals when you write them down. Get a cute notebook (I like the mini Moleskin, below) that you can carry with you in your purse or workout bag so you can jot down your progress.

Fit Fashionista
Treat yourself to some new workout clothes! Since this is such a popular time for people to get active, Marshall's and TJMaxx has a TON of gym gear on display. Name brand pieces at great prices. Invest in coordinating tops, bottoms, sports bras and headbands. If you feel good going to the gym, you'll have an even better workout. 

What's your New Year's Resolution? Please share how you plan on sticking to your goals!

Stay Motivated in the New Year by lipglossbreak

UnderArmour Shoes and Crop Pants / Sol Republic Amps HD In-Ear Headphones / Girls Gone Sporty "Sweat Sexy" Fitness Tank from ViewSport / Moleskin notebook

CND Shellac in Rubble

This is Rubble from CND Shellac's new color line. I LOVE it. I wore it on my last business trip as a neutral color that would go with everything. It's so hard to describe this color. It's like a grayish brown solid color, but has an opaqueness to it. This is a great new neutral color for the Shellac line! Check out my other CND Shellac swatches.