In-office manis aren’t just for the CEO! CC&NP digs Manicube!

/ BethonBeauty / Leave a comment

Today I FINALLY tried Manicube…this has been a long time coming for me. Let’s start with…

What is Manicube? (straight from their website):

  • If you dread running beauty errands on lunch breaks and weekends, you are in for a treat. Manicube liaises with your office to come to YOU to provide manicures desk-side or in a conference room. Our manicures are quick without compromising quality so you stay professionally polished. We currently offer services in the New York City and Boston area markets.
  • Manicube’s mission: The mission of Manicube is to make working women’s lives easier.
    • Manicube provides women with confidence by offering manicures at their place of work. We hope to make their lives just a little bit easier while adding a bit of color and delight to their workdays! CC&NP LOVES THIS!

Manicube came to my previous company, Hill Holliday and also comes to Digitas where I now work in Boston.

Manicube set up shop on the 8th floor @ Digitas

Manicube set up shop on the 8th floor @ Digitas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How much is it?:

  • I did the Everyday Mani for $15 not including tip (costs go up for other mani options – detailed below)
Manicube options

Manicube’s options

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why I love it:

  • I just love the business idea. I mean, how cool?! It is so smart to me – just knowing how it is being in a busy industry and that getting out of the office for a manicure isn’t usually in the cards. The concept of the mani coming to you is lovely. Also, that your company is essentially saying ‘hey, it’s ok to take a few minutes to yourself to get this done.’ Everyone needs a break once in a while. And we all know (as shallow as it may sound) there is something to “keeping up your appearance” in the professional world . I don’t know about you – but when my nails are all gaggly, I tend to hide my hands! – so hey, treat yourself!
  • You book online – pay with a cc and can include tip up front so all the $$ stuff is out of the way
  • They have a fair cancellation policy. I booked a couple of weeks back and had to cancel last minute. I logged on, cancelled, and they applied a credit to a next visit. I thought that was great. I mean, it happens, sh*t pops up at the last minute so at least you don’t lose your money!

My experience:

  • Today, I went down to the 8th floor where Manicube set up in one of the empty offices

a lot of colors to choose from!

a lot of colors to choose from!

  • My nail tech today was Dina and she was AWESOME. Super friendly and I learned that she also keeps a blog called: DinaDazStyleNInk.blogspot.com. She loves beauty, fashion, and tattoo design. LOVE IT.
  • They had a bunch of different polishes to choose from (pic above). I went with “La Vie En Rose”/pastel petal pink by Deborah Lippman. I was pleasantly surprised to find they carried this brand. It’s on the pricier side – but its good polish and doesn’t include formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, dbp (dibutyl phthlate), or camphor, and are not tested on animals. No parabens, or sulfates

look at that pretty polish!

look at that pretty polish! La Vie En Rose by Deborah Lippman

  • It was a nice service – quick, friendly, and relaxing. Within 15 minutes I was done. Dina applied a couple drops of nail-dry oil. And I was out the door with an added spring in my step

love my new manicure - thanks, Dina!

love my new manicure – thanks, Dina!

Seriously, 15 minutes and I was feeling good. I think it’s an excellent idea for companies to offer this type of service. Either because people don’t always have time to get out of the office/fit these things in OR because it’s a nice, simple treat during a hard working day in the corporate world.

Link to Manicube: manicube.com. You can also email them to see if they could come to your office or corporate event @  info@manicube.com

A random post about hand cream…and a long lunch hour

/ BethonBeauty / Leave a comment
Image

I’m loving roses lately…this is a funky pic I took of a rose on Valentines Day – artsy, right? 😉

Today…wait for it…I got a lunch hr…a legit lunch break for the first time in a long time. I.got.to.leave.the.building. WOW! (welcome to the life & times of an ad agency, folks).

I decided to really live it up so I spent my time at the Neimans beauty counter…where else would I spend it? Seriously. For me, it’s therapeutic to walk around the store…testing, examining, and smelling all the products. I rarely feel pressured to buy anything but often walk away with a lipgloss…my one serious beauty “vice.” I have pouches, drawers, and purses full of em…but whatever, they’re typically less than $20 so I go for it. There are worse things, right?!

Anyways, today was especially nice because it’s been awhile since I’ve walked the Neimans beauty/fragrance section. They have some unique brands to discover. I came across a (new to me) brand called Aerin. Aerin was started by Aerin Lauder, the granddaughter of the fabulous Estee Lauder. If you look Aerin up on Wikipedia – the first line is: “American billionaire and business woman.” Dang. I was intrigued by her beauty line…according to the Dailymail.com:

  • Aerin was launched in 2011, first as a beauty collection and then later branching out to offer home furnishings, decor, and accessories. 
  • The lifestyle label is said to have been established with the hope of encroaching on some of Tory Burch’s polished, feminine-ware-seeking clientele. If offers the same look, with a more understated, sophisticated feel. 
  • Aerin (Lauder) has been a longtime staple in the society pages of Vogue. She is so closely tied to the magazine that Anna Wintour helped provide guidance on her namesake label’s launch.
  • The company’s products are sold at premium retailers including Bergdorf Goodman, Saks, and Neiman Marcus. Many of its items are priced in the high-end range – like $950 jewelry boxes and $10,000 bookshelves. 
  • Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2509465/Estee-Lauders-heiresses-Aerin-Jane-officially-declared-billionaires.html#ixzz2v1kpF5YN 

So, I’m pretty sure I won’t be buying any of her furniture any time soon – but today, one of the products in her beauty line really grabbed me. Lately, I’ve been all about ROSE…the subtle smell…from rose lip balm to candles, I’m just loving it. Aerin makes a hand & body cream that has a nice subtle rose scent. Not overpowering. I put a little on my hands at the store and loved the texture…sunk right in, moisturized well, with no greasy after-feel. Although the tube goes for $40 (yowza), I pictured it on my desk at work. I pictured using it during the day and enjoying the nice rosey scent. And I’m always a fan of the tube because you can get every last drop out…and it’s travel friendly and more hygienic.

Image

Aerin rose hand & body cream…find it at Neimans or Nordstrom

So, cutting to the case, did I buy it? Actually, no. Maybe another day. But I wanted to share THE FIND. It’s a lovely product. I also think it’s a good idea to keep a hand cream at your desk, especially during the winter when hands can get really rough and dry. No, you don’t need to spend $40 on a tube of hand lotion, that’s for sure. But, if you’re looking for a nice tube…may I suggest the Rose Hand and Body Cream by Aerin…I don’t think it’d disappoint. My hope is…if I ever do get my hands on a tube…I’ll use it at my desk…and it’ll evoke daydreams of hour long lunches @ Neimans…and hanging out with billionaire business women who have unlimited access to beauty products and the halls of Vogue.

AaaaaCHOooo…winter cold? Read here for some remedies, treatments, and just plain treats

/ BethonBeauty / Leave a comment

I’ve been a little under the weather this week and it’s given my a lot of time to think…and try (although it’s against my always-on-the-go nature) to relax and rest so I can kick this cold. I’ve found myself making a list in my head of my favorite, some new and some old, cold treatments (or shall I say, cold accessories?). These aren’t your typical treatments or remedies…but I thought, since cold season seems to be in full swing, that I’d share:

A good lip scrub and hydrator

  • Coughing and sneezing leads to repeat tissue usage…I try to reach for the extra soft kind, but sometimes they’re not at arms reach. By the end of a long day, both my nose and lips are chapped and red from all the wiping and blowing. Sick. During my latest cold, it got so bad that my lips started to peel, yowza. I needed 2 things…1. Something that would get off the dead skin without hurting my lips more 2. Something that would smooth out my lips and take away the rough appearance. I’ve been using these 2 gems and totally recommend them for complete healing. Hey, you could even use them if your lips just need a good cold weather treatment:
      1. “The Lip Scrub” by Sara Happ: $24 @ Dermstore, I like Vanilla Bean. It’s simple to use, grab a dot from the tub, rub in light circular motions on lips (and I did a little buffing around my mouth too, since skin was chapped above my lips). Buff, buff, buff – then wipe gently with a tissue. On a side note, this stuff tastes lovely as it’s sugar based. This scrub buffs right off those dead skin pieces so you can create a smooth canvas for a good lip treatment!
        • PS: I actually got this scrub as a gift from my friend, Robyn – THANK YOU, BINNY!! Maaaarvelous find

          Sara Happ "the lip scrub" in brown sugar. comes in a bunch of different flavors!

          Sara Happ “the lip scrub” in brown sugar. comes in a bunch of different flavors!

      2. Derma/e Hydrating Lip Repair With Hyaluronic Acid: $14.50 @ Dermstore, also sold at Whole Foods. Seriously, nothing was working…even some heavier balms I had in my beauty drawer of tricks. So, I got this wonderous tube at Whole Foods. I like that I don’t have to reach my finger into a pot for this…and it’s travel friendly. I squeeze a bit of the white cream onto my finger and rub on my lips. It takes a moment or so to sink in. At first, I was skeptical that this was enough to really hydrate. But the hyaluronic acid really helps and seals in the moisture. I found that this REALLY WORKS. And I’ve only had to re-apply a couples times during the day, bravo!

        derma e hydrating lip repair with Hyaluronic acid - a lip saver!

        derma e hydrating lip repair with Hyaluronic acid – a lip saver

Intense face balm (that won’t do anything crazy to my skin)

Oh my red nose, it’s a dead give away that I’m sick. And then, it starts peeling and I look like something out Silence of the Lambs. Sick. I tried a few different things and it just.wasn’t.getting.better. Well, after a reco from someone at a Health Food store in nearby Quincy, MA, I bought a pot of Medicine Mama’s Sweet Bee Magic. I’ve heard of this stuff…I like that it has minimal ingredients. No petroleum. So I put it on. Rubbed it all over my nose and above my lip. It’s shiny, don’t get me wrong. But it sinks in. I’ve found that it moisturizes well – takes away the flakes, calms the redness. I’ve applied it a couple times a day. Ahhh relief…it is really a lovely product. And according to their site and many reviewers, it can be used daily and has many benefits including, healing very dry skin, soothing red/itchy/sunburnt skin, repairs minor cuts/scrapes/burns, and improves skin tone and texture.

  • Medicine Mama’s Sweet Bee Magic: $30 @ iHerb.com (note, I’ve never ordered from this site) or, you can find a some Whole Foods
    • Full list of ingredients: organic extra virgin olive oil, organic beeswax, organic honey, propolis extract, bee pollen, royal jelly
Medicine Mama's Sweet Bee Magic...working wonders on chapped skin

Medicine Mama’s Sweet Bee Magic…working wonders on chapped skin

Tea, and more tea

Of course pushing fluids is key when you’re under the weather…and tea is magic when you’re sick. It’s warm, comforting…the steam helps you breath easier. I’ve been rotating between a couple caffeine-free Yogi teas and this lovely bedtime tea by Pukka Herbs that I found at Whole Foods. I’ve found that my symptoms kick up at night – so this tea has helped me relax a bit and lull off to sleep. And yea, I’ve had to pee during the night, but it’s helped to go and feel like I’m flushing the system. I envision peeing out the sick…is that weird? Whatever makes you feel better, right?!

  • Pukka tea in Nighttime: ~$5 at Whole Foods
    • Ingredients: Oat flower (30%), licorice root, chamomile flower, lavender flower (14%), lime flower (10%), valerian root, tulsi leaf
Pukka night time tea...organic, yummy, makes you zzzz

Pukka night time tea…organic, yummy, makes you zzzz

 

Comfy PJs

I really think comfy PJs are an imperative. A couple times this past week, I came home from work and felt so sick I just wanted to fall asleep in my work clothes because it was easier than changing. Sad. Well, instead, I forced myself to take the 3 minutes and change out of my tight and layered work clothes, to comfy PJs. I’ve always loved Victoria’s Secret Afterhours Satin PJs. But, I’ve found a new brand that I’m in love with. A bit on the priceier side, but I splurged on a set over Christmas with some Christmas money I had. Wildfox pants and comfy top. Softest fabric ever. like nothing else I’ve felt. And they also look quite cute…I feel pretty damn fly in them even when my nose is peeling.

Material is 47% polyester, 47% rayon, 6% spandex.

Technically not ‘PJs’ – you can wear them out and about, running errands, to the gym, as a beach cover up etc. Just a few ways to justify the cost. But damn, I can’t dress enough how comfy they are.

big fan of this brand - especially their quirky tops and t's that have fun sayings on the front

big fan of this brand – especially their quirky tops and t’s that have fun sayings on the front

All-natural meds

Another recommendation I got – and I’ve popped a couple a day is for KOLD KARE. I can’t vouch for ingredients. It’s all herbal. But I can say, I’ve used it for the alst 2 days and I’ve noticed improvement in my symptoms. Worth a try.

no frills cold care by Kold Kare

no frills cold care by Kold Kare

A treat

With my appetite all over the place and my temp a’ rising…for some reason, I just wanted a cool treat. My tum doesn’t always appreciate ice cream – so instead, my husband and I opted for the frozen hot chocolate at Coffee Break in Quincy, MA. If there isn’t a place near you that makes this treat – below is a recipe so you can make at home! I opted for soy milk vs. dairy milk in mine. If I made at home, I’d probably use almond milk. Yes, this treat isn’t low in sugar – but dang, it made me feel better. And I wanted a cool treat (even though its cool outside) between my headache and sweats, it was SOOOOTHING

 

Those are just a couple of my out of the box rememdies. Do you have anything good?? Please share!

Top websites of 2013 according to Cupcakes&Nailpolish

/ BethonBeauty / Leave a comment

Like many people, I spend allotta’ time online. More than I’d like to between working a desk job and having a smartphone glued to my hand at almost all points of the day. I’m not saying I’m proud of it – but I can say that I’ve done a lot of searching…googling…and have found a handful of great websites. The below sites aren’t necessarily ‘secret’ but I’ve come to use them quite often over the last year or so. Maybe you’ll find them helpful (or already do?!) What websites do you “swear by”? Please share!

dermstore-dermstore_logoDermstore: not sure how or when I found this website – but what I love about it is, Dermstore has all the harder to find skincare and haircare brands. I’m able to find brands that are typically sold at smaller boutiques or spas through this site. And, I can usually find a coupon or discount through RetailMeNot (obviously on this list as well!) or from one of Dermstore’s emails. If you ever looking for a harder to find beauty brand, check out Dermstore – they have quick shipping and smooth returns too!

retailmenot logoRetailMeNot: I’ve long sung the praises of RetailMeNot. This site is my go-to for an online deal. I don’t make any purchase online without checking here first. This site often surprises me with the exclusive deals it gets access to. RetailMeNot also has a great iPhone app that is great to check when you’re on the go – because it also has in-store coupons/deals

makeupalley-logoMakeUpAlley: I love to review products – but where does one go when you want to read someone else’s review? And I don’t mean just one review – but a place to really understand how a product ranks with real people. MakeUpAlley is just the site. It is a user generated review site for all things beauty – make up, face care products, hair care etc. I’ve even downloaded the iPhone app so I can read reviews on the go. It’s a great resource when you’re in the market for something new

UnknownAModelRecommends: AMR is technically a blog – by model, Ruth Crilly. She does a lot of different beauty/product reviews…I find her super charming and fun to read and watch (she does video blogs/vlogs as well!) her site is beautiful. And she’s definitely taken it to another level because some of her posts are sponsored by big brands. Overall, I think she’s a great resource and I love to see what she’s testing.  Although she’s a model with a beautiful complexion and killer photos, she’s relateable! She posts informative reviews and cute pictures of her chubby marmalade cat…oh and, she’s British – rocks a great accent!l

drugstore com logoDrugstore: rather than brave the lines at Target, I opt for Drugstore.com now when it comes to everyday beauty items (think swisspers, Q-tips, makeup remover, toothpaste etc.) A couple of the things I love about Drugstore – you can usually find a great discount, the site often has better-than-store prices, and shipping is super fast. Literally, get your stuff in 2 days. It is an easy site to search. Also, it is linked to Beauty.com that has a lot of dept store/higher end beauty and skincare brands…one shopping cart for both sites

abes-logoAbe’s Market: This last site is NEW to me and I have my friend Cristin to thank for introducing me to it. Abe’s Market is an awesome site that specializes in natural products. They have an amazing selection of natural beauty products…literally all the brands I’ve become familair with. They offer free shipping and seem to have regular discounts. This site seems like a ‘go to’ for any person who wants to buy their natural/organic products online and potentially avoid the craziness that can be Whole Foods on the weekend!

hukkster-logo1-e1366915531618Hukkster: I can’t remember how I came across this site – but I just used it to ‘flag’ a Chloe bag that there is a ice cubes chance in hell of me ever getting. BUT, the beauty  of Hukkster is, it will alert me if/when this item goes on sale. Which means, I don’t have to keep going back to look. If it hits the % off that I’m looking for, Hukkster will send me an alert. Beyond me “Hukking” things I probably won’t buy, it is actually a great way to monitor products that you know go on sale regularly and typically wait to buy until they are. Like my favorite Hanky Panky thongs – sold at a lot of dept stores. Hukkster helps me keep track of good deals! Download it!

 

Hello Black Friday! 10 Holiday gift ideas

/ BethonBeauty / Leave a comment

In honor of Black Friday – I thought I’d round up some holiday gift ideas. Although I’m avoiding “real” Black Friday shopping (at least for now while I write this post, watch Mrs. Doubtfire, and eat candy corn in bed) – today is a good day to find a deal. And the beauty of modern day Black Friday is that you don’t have to leave your house to get a deal. Especially with so many retailers offering free shipping! To sniff out online deals, I always suggest checking out RetailMeNot.com prior to making any online purchase – 9 out of 10 times I find a deal through this site.

Below is a list of 10 gift ideas – for spouse, parent, friend, lover, you name it. Price points vary and I tried to put the full price below but I bet you can find a discount, especially this time of year! Hopefully, you catch some gift-spiration below!

  • Silk pillowcase(s) ($150.00 for a set of 2 @ Lovasilk.com). A full set of high quality silk sheets would be expensive – so why not give someone the gift of silk to lay their head on? Not only does silk feel divine to sleep on (ahhh, who doesn’t love a nice cool pillow?)…it also has functional benefits including being easier on your skin than regular fabrics, which can mean reduced facial lines. And, it is easier on your hair. I recommend Lovasilk for high quality (25mm) silk pillow cases. And to read more on the benefits of silk – click here. Perfect gift for the guy or gal who likes to be pampered.
Midge (momentarily) enjoying the silk pillowcase

Midge (momentarily) enjoying a snooze on the silk pillowcase

  • Clarisonic Mia – ($125.00 @ Sephora/but check Amazon too). Oh the Clarisonic (the “electric toothbrush for your face”) – this baby sits on my bathroom counter calling to me each night. This handy beauty tool is a staple in many spas as well. The Clarisonic has been around for some time now – and comes in a smaller travel size, which I love. The Mia is perfect for everyday. You replace the brush every 2-3 months. I go with the “delicate” brush. The Clarisonic does an amazing job cleaning your skin – removing make up and dead skin cells without irritating. It is a handy tool and you can use your normal face cleanser with it. It is also great to travel with and has a long battery life once charged up. Great for someone who likes to spice up their beauty routine OR visit the spa
The handy dandy Clarisonic Mia

The handy dandy Clarisonic Mia

  • Electric wine opener ($39.99 @ Macy’s) – we registered for this for our wedding. I never really knew how handy this baby is until I opened my first bottle of wine with it. It comes with a foil cutter which is super fast and easy. The actual wine opener part is FUN to use. It takes the cork out of the bottle in less than 30 seconds and spits the cork out. It makes getting into a bottle of wine easy & fast. Great hostess gift!
Waring Pro Electric wine opener. once-you-use-it-can't-live-without-it-bar-accessory

Waring Pro Electric wine opener. once-you-use-it-can’t-live-without-it-bar-accessory

  • Aromatherapy Diffuser (Sharper Image Aromatherapy Diffuser; $59.99 @ Sharper Image) don’t get me wrong, I love candles. This is a great gift for a candle lover. And the added bonus is it uses essential oils to fragrance the air. You can find great, all natural essential oils at Whole Foods – think eucalyptus, lavender, etc. A couple drops of an essentail oil and some water in this diffuser and the air will be smelling soothing and clean
Sharper Image Aromatherapy Diffuser

Sharper Image Aromatherapy Diffuser

  •  Satin Pajamas ($59.99 @ Victoria Secret) – I LOVE these satin PJs by VS. They are silky soft and although they cover you up, they are still cute. I wear them winter and summer…because they are loose fitting enough for warm weather (no need for sheets!) but also warm up nicely against my skin under the covers in the winter. VS has a lot of different colors and patterns. These might look familiar because The Kardashain’s often sport them on the show! Great for the gal who loves to lounge
Ahh I love this pic. These are my bridesmaids in their VS satin PJs. Love it!

Ahh I love this pic. These are my bridesmaids in their VS satin PJs. Love it!

  • French press (Bonjour Maximus 8-cup French press, $49.95 @ William Sonoma) – I always thought this thing would be too complicated to brew coffee in until we bought one at William Sonoma. A couple scoops of your favorite ground coffee, pour boiling water over, let sit, then drop in the lid/press and BAM delicious coffee. You can control the brew strength. Great gift for the coffee lover. Pair with some nice ground coffee such as Starbuck’s Christmas Blend (they’ll gorund the beans in store for you!)
my first experience with a french press was on our honeymoon. Pairs well with a chocolate croissant ;)

my first experience with a french press was on our honeymoon. Pairs well with a chocolate croissant 😉

  • Travel tea mug/infuser (Bodum Stainless Steal Travel Press/Mug, $34.50 @ DavidsTea) – I’m big into tea lately, the loose leaf kind. I feel like I’m conducting a mini science experiement when I pick out my tea, measure it into my mug, and let it seep to perfection. I try to replace my afternoon coffee with tea to avoid additional caffeine. Also, there are so many yummy tea flavors from fruity to floral…it’s a great treat with no calories. This mug travels well and keeps tea hot. Great for the commuter/tea lover!
Bodum travel tea mug @ DavidsTea

Bodum travel tea mug @ DavidsTea

  • Faux Fur throw blanket (Donna Salyer’s Fabulous Furs, Mahogany Mink Faux Fur Throw starts @ $329.00 – join the email list to get 20% off your first purchase!) – we were given this throw a couple winter’s ago, now, it is a couch staple. It is super soft and luxiorous. Perfect for cuddling under or falling aasleep with. It is such a nice, heavy, super soft blanket – a perfect couch accessory.
the cream of the throw blanket crop

the cream of the throw blanket crop

  • NutriBullet by Magic Bullet ($99.99 @ Macy’s) I first tried the bullet a couple years ago after getting sick of my full size blender which was a pain to clean. I love this small serving blender. I love that it makes the perfect smoothies and I can take the cup on the road. I throw my protein smoothie ingrendients in this and within 30 seconds, boom, its done and I’m out the door. Clean up is easy! Beyond smoothies, you can make dips, shakes, salsa etc. it’s a great appliance to have around and the size means it takes up minimal counter/cabinet space. Great for the gym-goer, or someone with a smaller kitchen who loves gadgets but might not have the space
Nutribullet by Magic Bullet

Nutribullet by Magic Bullet

  • TRX Home Suspension Training Kit ($199.95 full price) – TRX is a phenomal work out. Now, you can bring it into your house. When it gets cold and harder to get ot the gym – this baby will help give you a great work out without leaving the house. And there are so many YouTube videos showing you how to do different TRX work outs. You can get a true full body work out with this. And it takes up minimal space! Great for stretching as well. Great gift for the work out enthusiast or even someone who travels and wants to have a work out “in a bag” that they can do in their room
Binny and I TRXin' with more than enough space to spare!

Binny and I TRXin’ with more than enough space to spare!