g is for grapeseed oil

This is the multi-purpose moisturizing beauty product that all beauty product junkies need. You can find it at any health store (i.e. Trader Joe’s, Mustard Seed, Whole Foods) in the beauty aisle. This oil is all about the moisturizing, and all about not being greasy. Here are a few ways to use it.

• Hair 1. Heat it up in the microwave for a deep conditioning scalp treatment. 2. Or dab a little on the ends before styling it. (People with straight hair should use it after they style it.)
• Skin 1. This is great for a little under the eye treatment before you go to bed. My skin feels so soft the next morning. 2. This is great for a post shave or a post sun pick me up. The oil is kind of “thick” so it rubs on really nicely and you will have a glowing sheen on your body. VaVaVoom!
• Hands and Feet 1. Slather this on your tootsies and put some socks on- instant cure for the dry feet! 2. Rub this on your cuticles while you are watching tv at night. Your hands will be so soft the next morning!

With one bottle of grapeseed oil, you will replace lotion, foot cream, hand cream, hair oil treatments, hair masques, hair moisturizing products, split end treatments and eye cream.

G is for grapeseed oil, but it is also for go get it now!

-ani

Here's the skinny

Let's face it, most women aren't skinny or rich. However, I found a way with the Forever 21 Lindsey Skinny Jeans. These jeans are GREAT for gals who are "fat-bottomed" (which I am). Oh, did I mention that these are $12.50? Yeah, they are. I debut-ed these jeans in Manhattan with a really cute pewter blouse and hoops. I looked skinny and had a ton more cash in my pocket to buy other things with!

-ani

Putting Java and Jive back together

Coffee drinkers are very fickle creatures. I know, because I am one of those “coffee people”. So, when you are brewing some Joe for guests or yourself, what coffee do you use? I'll tell you what to use- go to your local Starbucks and pick up a 1 lb. bag of Café Verona. This will please the most fickle coffee drinkers, and the laid back coffee drinkers will sing for joy. (Okay, they might not do that but you get the point!)

* For those who need decaf, try Decaf Café Verona!

Bottoms up!

-ani

Nectar from the gods

I have been asked numerous times- how do you make the best cup of coffee? Easy. Here are 4 simple steps that have been adapted from my years as a barista.

1. Water: Only used filtered or bottled water. Bad water=bad coffee.
2. Grind: Have Starbucks grind the coffee to match what kind of coffee filter you have.
3. Fresh: Keep your coffee beans OUT OF THE FREEZER/FRIDGE. Put it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
4. Portion: Use 1 {level} TBSP per 1 cup. (Starbucks recommends 2 TBSP per 6 oz. but it just doesn’t work like that at home)

People will rave about your glorious java skills and will come back for more!

And you will thank me for it.

-ani

iTunes iLove

This is the "Year of the Vampire", but Shakira took a different route and went for lycanthropy. (I can only assume she read the Twilight series and is “Team Jacob”) Her new single She Wolf/Loba is seriously addictive. I really like the Spanish version, but opted for the English version so I could sing along to it. (For those who are bi-lingual, you will appreciate Loba.) It has that Thriller feel when she howls and I swear she sounds like Deloros O’Riordan from the Cranberries in some parts. To sum it up: fun song with a fun summer beat-which has earned its spot on my iTunes “25 Most Played”.

-ani

Web Gem of the Week

This juicy little nugget came my way and I cannot get enough! www.thelaundress.com is as addictive as its name. I am obsessed with how my clothes are laundered and I truly thought I was alone. WRONG! This company is more compulsive about their laundry and they can prove it! They have amazing products (They have a product for every kind of fabric) and crazy tips for your threads.

You will never want to dry clean again.

-ani

Branded and Labeled

Retailers are becoming extremely savvy about providing the consumer with private labels (aka “off brands”). They sometimes are cheaper or better than the leading manufacturers. Let me tell you---- there is nothing “off brand” about these 5 fabulous retailers.

1. Nordstrom: They offer a wide variety of private label brands including: J.Nordstrom, Brass Plum and Nordstrom (jewelry). I bought some lovely earrings that I sport with out the guilt of spending too much. (My awesome earrings are pictures above!)
   
2. Costco: This mega store offers the best of the best brands. The secret? Have other manufacturers give Costco their product and Costco will slap on their private label, Kirkland. Starbucks, Newman’s Own and Sealy are several brand giants who provide their products to Costco but under the name of Kirkland. Genius.
3. Target: Target walks the walk and talks the talk. They provide us with fashion favorites like Isaac Mizrahi, Converse, and Sonia Kashuk! However, Target’s brands are just as outrageously great as the fashion brands. I love my Target HOME 600 count cotton sheets. Believe it, they are just as good as my 900 count Egyptian cotton sheets from Macy’s.
4. Heinens: This local grocery store has the finest private label that food can offer. Two Brothers offers a variety of products like their Spice (wildly popular at my household), chipotle roasted chicken and more. Go to www. Heinens.com to find a store nearest you! You will not regret this trip.
5. Sephora: I was introduced to their brand about 9 years ago. I love their eye shadow selection and they cost a fraction of my beloved M.A.C. eye paint. Whenever I want to try a color, I find Sephora’s brand is the way to do it. Plus, I don’t get buyers remorse.

-ani