Archive for August 4th, 2009

Calling all low-budget lushes!

August 4th, 2009 by Catherine

No matter how bad the economy gets or how tight our wallets become,  having fun and enjoying life to its fullest should always be first priority. Nothing beats going out for a drink or two (or three) with friends after a long day, but the bar tab can quickly add up – especially in a city like New York. True, you can certainly BYO and save a wad of dough, but sometimes it’s just nice to have a drink poured for you.

Well, what if I told you I had everyday access to the best drink specials and open bars in some of the major cities in the US? MyOpenBar.com is “your guide to free booze.” The site lists all the daily open bar specials and fun events they can find, and currently has listings for NY, L.A., San Francisco, Chicago, and Honolulu, but is looking to expand to other major cities. You can also sign up to get the weekly newsletter sent right to your inbox. Leave the VISA at home and drink up!

Cheers!

Tags: , ,
Posted in Chic Peas | No Comments »

Swatch this!

August 4th, 2009 by Catherine

_5708928An old friend of mine always looks super chic, but has confessed to me many a time that she spend an absolute fortune on her wardrobe. When we first met, I assumed her Prada handbag was on loan from Bag, Borrow or Steal, but quickly learned that there’s no borrowing or stealing in her life. No, no. This girl is an owner-a-plenty.

She recently showed up for brunch wearing an incredible gold watch I instantly assumed would be a Rolex. “What do you think?” she asked me, holding up her wrist. “It’s really nice!” I replied just as she blurted out “I got it at Swatch!”.

Huh? Swatch? As in the land of bright, plastic watches?

No kidding.

A far cry from the watches I wore (3 or more on the same wrist, natch), this one screamed sophistication and class. Perfectly oversized, the watch instantly upgrades an outfit from snooze-y to swanky. Add a gold bracelet for a little flair to call it a day!

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

A night with Lauren Luke.

August 4th, 2009 by Ruth

As much as I love getting “all dolled up,” putting together a whole makeup look can be difficult and pricey. Between the eye shadows, blushes, and glosses, a hot face can quickly turn into a hot mess. But now even makeup novices can get a full makeover for under $35 with “Looks by Lauren Luke,” a brand new collection designed by the U.K.’s 27 year old single mom and YouTube celebrity, Lauren Luke.

Lauren’s just-launched line offers 5 different kits, all complete with two shadow primers, three eye shadow shades, a blush, eye liner, and two lip colors – a complete face. Even better, Lauren has how-to video tutorials for each of the looks uploaded on her website, so you’ll never have to wonder how to use what where.

july09 017a

I was lucky enough to try out one of Lauren’s kits at the opening of the brand new Sephora in Times Square and was amazed at how easy and fabulous the kit was. In fact, I went out later that night and my friends couldn’t believe how smoky-eye savvy I had become.

For more information on Lauren Luke’s fairy tale rise to makeup fame or to check out her kits visit www.bylaurenluke.com. If you’re in the New York area, be sure to check out the brand spankin’ new Sephora store right in the middle of Times Square.

Posted in Chic Appeal | No Comments »

Cookie monster.

August 4th, 2009 by Catherine

When is a cookie not just a cookie? I’ve had my fair share of confectionary delights over the years (and probably have a few not-the-cute-kind of dimples to prove it) and like much of what I eat. Occasionally, I’ll have a freak out moment over one variety in particular, but the bar was set pretty high as a kid growing up with a friend whose mother was like Betty Crocker reincarnated. There was always a jar filled with sweets, which was probably part of the reason I became such close friends with her.

Now that I’m older, I like to keep my own friends stocked up with goodies. There’s one cookie in particular that takes me right back to the simpler days of riding bikes and climbing trees. Dubbed “the yummiest sandwich cookie ever” by fellow cookie aficionados, these oatmeal/chocolate/coconut delights are easy-peasy to make and super affordable to boot. Make with caution, though. They are highly addictive…

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoonsalt
  • 2 cups quick-cooking rolled oats
  • 2 cups crushed cornflakes 
  • 1 cup flaked coconut
  • 2 packages (3 ounces each) cream cheese
  • 1 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
  • 2 cups (12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Directions: Cream together butter and sugars. Add and beat in eggs and vanilla. Combine separately and add flour, baking soda and salt. Stir in rolled oats, cornflakes and coconut.Shape into 1 inch ball and place 2 inches apart on a greased cookie sheet. (Consistant size is very important for these cookies, they need to have a mate.) Flatten with a glass dipped in flour. Bake 350 F for 8-10 minutes. To make filling, beat together cream cheese and confectioner’s sugar. Melt and add chocolate chips. Put some filling on one of a pair of completely cooled cookies and sandwich together. Keep refrigerated at all times and eat often.

    • Posted in Chic Peas | No Comments »