currently craving: metallic tattoos

I remember a time when the thought of wearing anything gold repulsed me. I swore up and down that I was a silver girl through and through, putting away all of the gold jewelry that I owned and vowed never to wear it again. now, you'll be hard pressed to find me in anything silver (besides my Dennis bracelets that I never take off). I saw pictures from Coachella of a few ladies rocking metallic tattoos, and I became obsessed, scouring the internet trying to find them. I loved the look of the bright gold against tan skin, and knew that I had to have them. at the time, companies were few and far between (and super expensive). but now, there are tons that are making these temporary metallic jewels at a variety of different price points. working at a jewelry studio, my bosses and I are always trying to find cool new things to add to the boutique, and these are perfect. between the three of us, we've rocked arm bands, bracelets, anklets, and midi-rings.  if you love the look of dainty bracelets, or are looking for something a little more bold, there are plenty of designs to choose from- sucha fun touch for summer.

lulu dk Tattoos (the brand we currently carry) / Flash Tattoos 

 Lena Metallic Temporary Tattoos / Dripped in Gold Tattoos

what about you- are you more of a gold, or a silver gal?

xx, marissa

essentials: hair care

besides my love of makeup, nail polish and beautiful things- I consider myself to be a pretty low-maintenance girl when it comes to hair. as someone who has had insanely thick hair pretty much since birth, the idea of spending hours everyday taming this mane just isn't my idea of a good time. I try and take good care of my hair (not exposing it to heat as much as possible, only washing it every couple days, and never dying it #virginhair), and have rounded up the products that I use to keep it in tip top shape.

1. & 2. Organix Brazilian Keratin Therapy Shampoo & Conditioner: these two products have been my favorite for years. I love that it leaves my hair smooth, without weighing it down with too much product. I also love that they're available at the drugstore, so much easier than having to schlep out to the salon to buy product.

3. Pssssst Instant Dry Shampoo & 4. batiste Dry Shampoo: I switch back and forth between these two products, and can't be sure which one I love more. after trying what seemed like a million different options that always left my hair looking and feeling worse than it started (how frustrating is that?!), these two soak up oil, add volume, and leave your hair looking and smelling clean. I love that the batiste version is colored, it makes it easier to load up on product without looking like an extra from Marie Antoinette.

5. Paul Mitchell Awapuhi Wild Ginger Styling Oil: since my hair is curly, super thick and prone to frizziness, I always use an oil product when it's wet to tame it down. this oil is amazing because it leaves your hair silky and frizz free, without making it look greasy or weighed down. a stylist that has been cutting my hair since I was a little girl recommended it, and I've never looked back since.

6. Aussie 3 Minute Miracle: this is my go-to product if I've been in chlorine, salt water, or have been using a blow dryer a bit too much. it leaves your hair super silky and soft, without looking like you're dunked your head in lotion. it's also a great product to use during the winter when the cold, dry hair has zapped your poor strands of all of their moisture. super inexpensive, and available at the drug store- win, win!

how do you keep your tresses in tip top shape?

xx, marissa

bye bye la la land

getting back to LA after a four day bender in Vegas was amazing. it was great to unwind with nikki's family (since she had to head right back to work)- having lunch with her mom and her sister, sharing stories from our time together at college, getting to know them better, and taking my final stroll around Rodeo. we decided to spend the late afternoon/early evening before my flight just the two of us, and (of course) she knew the perfect spot.

I had been yammering on about how I wanted to visit the Beverly Hills Hotel, see the quintessential palm leaf wall paper, and have a drink at the Polo Lounge basically forever, but after hearing some appalling information about the owner of the hotel (the Sultan of Brunei- yes, seriously), it didn't seem to high up on my to-do list. instead we opted for the retro Avalon Hotel that is everything I could have ever dreamed of. the 60's have been one of my favorite decades for as long as I can remember, and it was like going back in time stepping into the Avalon. the decor was a mix of graphic prints, white and mint with gold accents and minimalist everything. the cabanas around the pool were perfect little bungalows, and since the hotel doesn't have a roof over the pool, we were able to soak up the last bit of Cali sunshine before my red-eye, munch on incredible pizza (which I was told is a good example of a "california pizza", as opposed to east coast pizza) and sip on pretty cocktails. it was beyond amazing to be able to spend a birthday with one of my best friends, finally be able to meet her family after hearing about them (and basically knowing them) for seven years, and have the perfect Beverly Hills/Vegas experience.

don't worry LA, i'll be back before you know it ;)

xx, marissa

viva las vegas!

for a true Vegas experience, I was told we had to drive through the desert. which as a desert lover, I didn't mind one bit. we headed out at around 9am with nikki's older brother and younger sister in tow; giving me a mini downtown LA guide as we drove through different neighborhoods and headed onto the freeway. the entire vacation was full of movie references, and with the free way all I could think about was Clueless and the scene were Dionne accidentally get's onto the freeway- luckily nikki's brother is a better driver. we stopped in barstow for lunch where I experienced the heaven that is In-N-Out. as a hamburger hater (I tried a bite of a slider last summer and thought it was fine, but nothing to write home about) this was a huge moment for me. the combination of super skinny burger patties, special sauce, and super fresh ingredients made it incredible- definitely worth the hype!

we rounded out the rest of our desert trek and made it to Vegas with just enough time to enjoy a drink at the hotel before our room was ready. every. single. detail. of the hotel was amazingly gorgeous. word to the wise- if you're not staying at the Wynn without kids/parents/families, head to the topless pool (hardly any topless people) around the corner from the regular pool for a fun club vibe during the day. and of course, a birthday isn't official until you've blown out a candle and made a wish, so we headed to the Venetian for a birthday dinner with friends that were also in town.

the next few days were a blur of amazing food, hardly any sleep, amazing clubs and kick ass DJs (ZEDD happened to be performing at the club we were at- no big deal). since we were in the company of some Vegas VIPS, we hit the hot spots and (thankfully) didn't have to deal with lines, cover, or anything. spots worth mentioning- Drai's (inside the Cromwell), Drai's after hours (if you're still looking to party well into the wee hours of the morning), XS (nikki's favorite spot in Vegas- and for good reason), and the Encore Beach Club (for the most stereo-typically amazing Vegas experience).

we packed up, and headed back into the desert and home to LA after more than enough time in the insanity that is Vegas. next time, I'd love to see a show (Beatles LOVE Show is at the top of my list), and explore some of the other hotels and pools.

have you ever been to Vegas? what are some of your favorite hotels/attractions?

xx, marissa

california here we come

back from a bit of a blog hiatus, but traveling across the country and spending 4 days in one of the biggest party destinations will do that to ya! to say that California was amazing would be an understatement. even to say it was one of the best weeks of my life wouldn't quite do it, so lets just say I fell in love, and leave it at that.

what would a trip anywhere be without the standard cloud and wing pic? flying over all of the desert between boston and LA was amazing- I love deserts. but nothing compared to the palm trees that were waiting for me in La La land. everywhere I looked it was like a postcard. since it was a standard work week for nikki (I got there around noon on wednesday), i entertained myself for couple hours before we met up for lunch. my first stop in any city? cupcakes, of course. since sprinkles claims to be the original cupcake bakery, I knew the true cupcake connoisseur in me had to try them, and it was on my LA bucket list. tasted the chocolate marshmallow and the salted caramel, and let me tell you, HOLY YUM. the chocolate marshmallow was the best cupcake I have ever eaten, hands down. and isn't the cupcake ATM the cutest?! we spent the rest of the day exploring Beverly Hills, doing a bit of shopping for a much needed California accessory and enjoying the gorgeous sunshine before jet lag set in and I needed rest.

Beverly Hills was my playground for day two; window shopping on rodeo drive, popping into cute boutiques, and ducking into hotels and out of the sun for pretty drinks. as a self respecting julia roberts fan, I knew I had to make a stop at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and have my own Pretty Woman fan girl moment. the Blvd Lounge was the perfect place to rest my feet, sip on a pretty cocktail (the 20th Century Fox was my go-to), and people watch. after meeting up with nikki after work, we went to the Honor Bar for their amazing chicken sandwich, since we both have a chicken sandwich obsession.

that night we headed up the hills into Hollywood (which side note- those hills are HUGE!) to kick off the birthday celebration with margaritas and nachos with one of nikki's best friends from high school and ending up at Saddle Ranch. cotton candy at the bar (which we carved into faces as the night progressed), a scandalous bull to ride and Israeli men buying us roses- the perfect way to wrap up part one of LA. next stop, Vegas.

what's your must see spot whenever you're in LA?

xx, marissa

crave vs. save: bold brows

there's nothing better than being a part of a trend, without even having to really work for it. take the bold brow trend; I am lucky enough to have naturally strong, thick brows, and have had them pretty much since birth. in elementary school they bordered on scary thick (caterpillar brows anyone?), and then in junior high went down the scary thin path (who didn't go a little tweezer happy back then). i've since learned my lesson and now air on the "less is more" mentality and let 'em do what they want- tweezing stray hairs and trimming them back. but i've also learned that a little product can take them from good to great. there are plenty of eyebrow products from every cosmetic company out there- some budget friendly and some ridiculously expensive. here is a mix of both.

Crave:

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Gel: keeps unruly brows, and stray hairs under control (mascara wand allows you to sweep product over entire brow, or just in area where you need it)

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo : two different color powders to fill in any sparse areas and give your brows more definition (great for filling in areas where hair doesn't grow and for giving a fully definied bold brow look)

Anastasia Beverly Hills DIPBROW Pomade: gel-like product that allows you to cover sparse areas and create a super intense brow look (great for scars/places where hair won't grow)

Save:

e.l.f. Studio Eyebrow Kit: one side gel to create shape/define natural brows, and the other side powder to set or great a softer look (great product for killing two birds with one stone)

Milani Brow Shaping Clear Gel: locks brows in place, and keeps stray hairs from going every which way (small mascara style want allows you to control where product goes/force hair to go in one direction)

while the Anastasia products are great, I found the Brow Gel to be a bit too goopy, and left my brows feeling heavy and weighed down. the Powder Duo and DIPBROW Pomade are an amazing combo- but require you to purchase not one, but two expensive products. i've used the e.l.f. kit for years and always come back to it. it's easily accessible (I buy mine at Target!) and is one product for a complete look. the Milani gel is great for keeping the ends of my brows down, and doesn't feel heavy. I also love how small the wand it, so I can get up into the crease without getting product all over my lid.

have you tried any of these brow products? which ones are your favorite?

xx, marissa

cheap date: blast from the past

 

i am a huge fan of 90's alt rock- it's right up there with classic hip/hop in my book. and an even bigger fan of FREE music. tonight, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Hard Rock Cafe Boston (side note- it's the same age as me. weird), spin doctors will be playing a free concert in Government Center at City Hall Plaza. if you're looking for a cheap date/something to get you out of the house/an excuse to hear some classic throw back jams- get there tonight.

are you more of a "little miss can't be wrong" or "two princes" fan? can't choose- i love em both.

xx, marissa

currently craving: foods fit for the fourth

cook-outs, block parties, and other summer events can be tricky to navigate when you're trying to eat healthy and be conscious of what you're putting into your body. I've rounded up a few recipes for yummy and healthier alternatives, with some festive red, white and blue. everything from drinks, to apps, to side dishes, and deserts. hope everyone has a safe and happy fourth of july! I'm off to the cape for a long weekend of r&r, visiting with my best friend from high school, days spent at the beach, and nights at the tiki bar.

watermelon blueberry ice pops / grilled pizza with pesto, tomatoes & feta / red, white and blue potato salad

baked parmesan tomatoes / red, white & blue corn chip bites / pomegranate float

eatingwell flag cake / raspberry-almond crumb tart / spicy barbecued oysters

what are your plans for the fourth?

xx, marissa



all hail the queen

the day is finally here! my roommate and I (two self professed Beyoncé worshippers) bought tickets for the sold out On the Run tour MONTHS ago, and have been counting the weeks, days, and minutes until we would finally be able to breath the same air as the Queen (yes, I just went there). we missed her last year when she came to the Garden, and knew we weren't missing her this summer. and to top it off, to see Jay too! classic hip-hop is my favorite type of music so it's safe to say I'm pretty ecstatic. we'll be heading out to Gillette tonight to see the power couple perform, what a great way to kick off July. all I've ever heard is how amazing she is live, and now I'll finally get to see for myself!

are you a Bey/Jay fan? will you be all night dancin' to hit after hit?

xx, marissa