shine on

I was already in love with argan oil when I discovered Josie Maran Argan Oil at Sephora, but Organix Penetrating Moroccan Argan Oil for Hair is a fantastic and economic alternative to the higher-priced Sephora brand.

Josie Maran Argan Oil is perfect for break out prone, dry, and sensitive skin.  I use the oil as a lotion substitute in the summer when I want something light because it does not leave your skin oily or greasy and it wears well in humidity.  It's also fantastic for dry cuticles and you can add a few drops to your hair before you blow dry.  This versatile, all-purpose oil is perfect if you need one hydrating product for traveling, and it comes in a travel size if you want to give it a try before making a big investment.  (.5oz 14-, 1.7oz 48-).

If you love argan oil for your hair but want a cheaper and equally effective product, I suggest Organix Moroccan Argan Oil for Hair.  With the winter dryness, I have had dry and staticy hair.  A few drops of this oil in damp hair before you style leaves your hair silky smooth, incredibly shiny, static-free, hydrated and protected from heat styling.  I can't get enough! (I love it so much I keep making my friends feel my hair... they're not complaining.)  And you can find it at any drug store for 8-.

holiday mixology

When it's chilly outside, my tummy yearns for comfort food and warm drinks.  (Yes, it has a mind of its own).  Naturally I sought to cure its cravings by securing an "alpine," a popular and delicious West Coast drink made simply by combining hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps, with some girlfriends.  However, on my mission to find an alpine, I discovered that you can't get EVERYTHING in New York.... at least, not without some serious searching.  Determined to share this wonderful holiday drink with my friends, I scoured the city for a bar that could make an alpine and ended up enjoying other holiday drinks and creating some of my own.

• The Alpine 

 Simply delicious.  To make, add peppermint schnapps to your hot chocolate.  To find in NYC, go to French Roast on 6th Ave. and 11th St.

• Raspberry Hot Chocolate 

 If you prefer something fruitier, try adding raspberry infused vodka to your hot chocolate!

• Hot Buttered Yum

I do not like rum, but the Harry Potter-esque name of this drink required a tasting.  Joseph Leonard in the West Village makes a fantastic Hot Buttered Rum based on the recipe of one of their frequent patrons.  Definitely worth the visit.

• Sugar Pear Fairy

A dear friend of mine knows how much I love making new concoctions, and she gifted me an array of special flavored vodkas so I could work my creative magic.  The Sugar Pear Fairy was created as a result, and it's a must-try.

To make: Combine Honey Vodka, 1/3 part pear nectar, 2/3 part club soda and a splash of fresh lemon juice.

If you like this one, there will be more to come! 

stocking stuffer guide

Yesterday I realized that it was December and I had not yet purchased one gift!  I dislike last minute Christmas shopping, and usually buy little things throughout the year, because I find holiday shopping to be a bit stressful even without the rush.  I am also really picky about buying things that have meaning or feel really special, (you will receive no gift cards from me!) and that is difficult to do in a crunch.  So, I decided to meander through one of my favorite stores in the West Village - C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries - to see if I could find any sweet little presents for my grandma, mom, and sister.  I was in luck!

I could spend hours in C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries because I love searching for new bath products.  The shop carries many amazing brands - including popular lines like Nars, Clarins, Bumble and Bumble, Fresh, and Tocca, and smaller, more obscure European lines like Mistral, Blanc Lila and Spuma de Sciampagna.  After marveling at the shelves and shelves of aromatic treats, I settled on a few well priced stocking stuffers.

• Dream Time Amethyst Sachets: When I was little, my mother would occasionally give me little rose scented sachets or bundles of lavender to place in my drawers.  I remember loving the way it would lightly fragrance my clothes and how special it made me feel.  I decided to return the love by sending her some of these little lavender and ylang-ylang scented sachets.  At 5- a packet, they're a wonderful little indulgence.
• Tocca Baci Lip Gloss: As a die hard Tocca lover, I immediately fell in love with this lip gloss.  It's basically the adult version of the thick, roll-on Strawberry flavored Smackers Gloss that I used in grade school, but filled with hydrating ingredients that your lips will love (including aloe, shea butter, vitamin e, and olive oil).  The gloss wears for a long time and has a gentle vanilla flavor.  It's so lovely I had to buy two!  One for myself...  (14-)
• Mistral Mer de Sud Bath Salts: Another little luxury my mother always encouraged was a nice hot bath infused with sea salts.  This little mineral-rich sachet is certain to please.  (5-).
• Blanc Lila Petite White Lilac Soap Set:  Lilacs remind me of my Grandma's house in the summer.  As a child, I would pluck a bunch off the bush and suck the pollen out of each little blossom.  As an "adult," I bury my nose in a bunch every chance I get.  I love the scent and thought, why not enjoy the lovely fragrance in the winter too?! (12-)

For more fun options, I would also suggest:

• Tocca mini-candles: My favorite scents areYma (guava, red-current) and Cleopatra (grapefruit, cucumber) (16-) 
• Tocca Laundry Delicate: Stella (blood orange) and Touch (pomegranite, tiare flower) will leave your underthings smelling seductively delightful.  I like to use the delicate when washing bedding as well.  (15-)
• C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve: Amazing for cuticles, lips, and chapped skin. (5.50-)
• Marvis Jasmine Mint Toothpaste: A specialty Italian toothpaste that freshens your breath and tastes like tea!  Delicious. (6-)

http://www.bigelowchemists.com/