weekend recap

We did our have ourselves one festive little NYC weekend.  Here's what we were up to...

First of all, thanks for all the birthday wishes from everyone! I'm thinking that 29 will be good to me. Birthdays are always good for Miss Mayo, though. She gets a Sprinkles doggie cupcake for her birthday, Al's birthday, and my birthday.

Al was away Wednesday and Thursday so we celebrated my birthday Friday night. Usually I opt for a fancy dinner somewhere, but this year I wanted something low key and "cool". We settled on the duck dinner at Decoy - the small space tucked underneath Red Farm in the West Village. The place only seats 25 or so and serves mostly one thing - a peking duck dinner served with pancakes and fixings + fried rice and your choice of two small plates. We were STUFFED. And had a great time chatting with the bartender and eating lots and lots of duck. 

^^ Made us stop in front of this festive little street corner for a photo on the way to dinner.

Saturday I was up early running errands and wrapping gifts in anticipation of my holiday gift exchange with my girlfriends (aka "The Rubies"). It's not a party without my homemade cinnamon rolls. 

After what might have been the worst attempt at getting across town ever - I ran into the million man march AND drunk Santas for Stantacon while walking six avenues because all the streets were shut down, I made it to the party! Our secret santa gift exchange theme this year was "odd, but useful" which proved to be a challenging yet very very good theme! I got a tangle teaser and a cute journal. I gifted a strawberry corer and this fun mug. I think the best though was these grilled cheese toaster bags (!!!!).

The girls were so sweet and got me Momofuku Milk Bar cake truffles for my birthday! I forgot how fun it is to blow out candles!

A painful cab ride home (more protestors, even drunker Santas) and a quick outfit change and Al and I were off to Lincoln Center for The Nutcracker. We've gone the past five years with the same group of friends - it's such a fun tradition and even the guys don't seem to mind spending two hours at the ballet (we promise them copious amounts of food and drink post-show). There really is nothing like witnessing George Balanchine's beautiful version in the gorgeous setting that is Lincoln Center. Goosebumps.

Sunday was full of holiday fun at home.  I baked a TON of pfeffernusse cookies (little German anise flavored cookies) to give out to our neighbors and my team at work. I joked on instagram that no one knows what pfeffernusse are except for my family. Turns out there are a few others out there who know of them. I have such fond memories of my mom making them every holiday season and I took such delight in having that familiar smell fill our apartment. Although, I'm pretty sure my mom is the master, mine never turn out as well as hers. 

^^ All wrapped up and ready for gifting. Cellophane bags and butchers twine are a MUST for holiday baking.

Meanwhile (and because I made quite a mess while baking), we decided to open my Christmas gift from Al a few days early. Yes, that's correct - Al got me a vacuum for Christmas. So romantic! In his defense, I really really really wanted this and it does make me love him more - no more dog hair on my floors! Lily had to scope out her new frenemy, the Roomba. We had to let it charge overnight so they haven't had their first encounter yet, but I'm sure it will be momentous. She hates our stand-up vacuum, I can't imagine this one won't freak her out any less.

And to end things on a truly random note, I lost my new Armani lip stain on Friday night (the one I mentioned here). In a jam, I grabbed something from Duane Reade on Saturday and I'm in love! And it was $10 and not $30! Boots No. 7 Stay Perfect Lip Stain in color "Seduce". Stayed on my lips all day long and didn't dry them out. I'm in love, I'm in love, and I don't care who knows it!

And that's it! Ending this post with a lip gloss rant. My high school English teacher would dock me points for having no conclusion. Hope your weekend was filled with holiday fun and ruby red lips! ;) 

T-minus five days until we're back home in Kansas with a week off of work! Woop!

new beauty buys

I found myself at Sephora the other evening gobbling up a ton of new products I had read about (and pinned).  I immediately went home and tried them all out and later, when Face Timing with my mom, she remarked at how nice my eye makeup looked. I started raving rambling about why the new products I got work so well and that's when I knew I had to tell y'all too. 

Here are five new buys I'm so glad I bought (which cannot be said for all late-night, hangry Sephora purchases). 

1 // Anastasia Brow Genius Kit - I've been growing my eyebrows out for the past month and it's been brutal, let me tell you. But now that I'm starting to get the fuller shape I want, I have some patches that need filling in. This kit has everything all in one little box. A pigmented waterproof gel and complimentary brush, plus a waterproof sealer to keep those pesky hairs in their place. Can't say enough great things about it. The brush especially makes applying the gel easy and gives a natural look. $24

2 // Benefit "They're Real!" Push-Up Liner - I've had my eye on this liner ever since it came out about a month ago. Testing it out in the store was the final selling point after reading such great things about it. I literally played with it for a good five minutes! The applicator tip is firm, but flexible, allowing it to slide nicely along your lash line. It's not a magic marker/pen like some liquid liners. It's a gel. It's like combining those tubs of gel eyeliner with the ease of a pen. I'm hooked. Oh, and did I mention it doesn't budge? $24

3 // BeautyBlender - I feel like I see this little egg-shaped sponge in every beauty blog and magazine. Before it, I applied my liquid foundation with a stippling brush, and while I still like the coverage the brush gives me, I was seeing brush marks around my nose and eyes. BeautyBlender to the rescue! It's pointed tip is perfect for smoothing out those hard to reach areas. I find I like using it best with my under eye concealer as keeps the make up on top of, and not in between, those little wrinkles. Okay, I see why this is written about everywhere. I'm a believer now. $20

4 // Benefit "They're Real!" Mascara - I'll be honest, I thought I wasn't going to like this mascara. But I was sold by what the packaging claims it would do - volumize, lengthen, curl, lift, and separate. And, always a sucker for a display, it was right next to the They're Real Push-Up Liner, so I thought I'd give it a try too. I'm usually not a fan of these spiky kind of brushes, but this one really does a good job of separating my lashes while still giving volume. My lashes do look better! See, this is why you should fall for in-store advertising people! $23

5 // OPI Nail Lacquer in "Privacy Please" - My new go-to neutral pink. It's pinker than most natural colors and less sheer. It's enough color to feel like it's worth getting a manicure (how annoying is when you pay $15 for a manicure that looks like you didn't get your nails painted?). I get a ton of compliments on it and it will definitely be on my digits all year round. Future brides - this color is perfect for your big day. $10

I always try to make these beauty posts short and then find myself writing long paragraphs about each product. But it is stuff you NEED to know! If I'm going to spend $23 dollars one a one beauty product, it better work. Right? I do it all for you guys. Rose Record tested and approved. Go forth and purchase!

friday finds

Happy Friday! This week just blew by! But in a really strong and gusty blow by - as in I think have week whip lash. A relaxing weekend together sounds just about perfect. Not too many plans, hopes of catching up with friends and exercising a lot (please refer to last weekend's recap and all the food we ate. yikes!). I'm in one of those blissful moods where I don't care what we do, I'm just happy that it's the weekend and spring time and we're in New York City.

Finds I'm liking this week:

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Loving Kate's Australian style.

Sprinkle's Ice Cream makes its NYC debut today!

Made me laugh.

As you know, I am a huge fan of Madewell's denim. Snatching up this destroyed denim pair this weekend.

I download NPR podcasts for my commute. Loved this amazing interview I listened to this morning.

I thought about love letters this week.

Two new cookbook announcements:
     1.) Ina has a new book coming out in October!
     2.) Lidia will be in NYC on May 10th signing her new book.

Awesome map of NYC bars.

My latest girl crush is Chrissy Teigen. She's gorgeous, funny, down to earth, and has a frenchie! And apparently, she, too, as an affinity for Taco Bell. ☺

The SELF Beauty Awards are out. Just in time; I need to restock a bunch of products.

The trailer for the Season 2 of Orange is the New Black is out.

Making this cake for a dinner party we're attending Saturday. <Drool>

Funny because it's sort of true.

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Have a blissful weekend!

xo,

K

{photo of Lily Mayo © The Rose Record}

spring refresh

Despite the fact that I've had to wear tights the past two days, spring is technically here. I'm feeling a big need to refresh everything, from home decor, to my wardrobe, to my beauty routine. Spring is when I start thinking differently about my skin and beauty routines - opting for products that brighten my face, make-up that feels light, and colors that wake me up. 

Like I've said before, I always get a very clear sense of when I need write about products when I find myself telling everyone me about them. I held court Saturday night for a good ten minutes raving about these new favorites. Each of these checks the box for a spring essential. Give them a try and you'll fee fresh faced and ready to take on this glorious spring (whenever it arrives...).

Rodan + Fields Micro-Dermabrasion Paste // You guys. This stuff. Oh goodness. I want to rub it all over my body. The best way to slough off all those dry, dead winter skin cells and make way for what feels like new skin! Just a little bit massaged into dry or damp skin twice a week and your face is velvety soft. I felt better after using this than I do after some facials. My friend Lindsey who is a consultant for Rodan + Fields (the same team behind Proactive) sent me a sample of the micro-dermabrasion paste, along with R+F's Night Renewing Serum and Lip Renewing Serum. The three of them combined made my skin feel smoother, younger, and my lips finally stopped doing that flaky thing. I can't wait to try more of their products and you can bet that the full size micro-dermabrasion paste is in my next order. 

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua // Confession, I actually already told you about this. But I stopped using it for a few months in the winter when I was slathering on my tinted moisturizer instead. This foundation has made its way back to the top of my makeup bag now that my skin is less dry and I'm ready for a lighter look and feel. The more I use it the more I love it. It's weightless. And doesn't feel tight or greasy. I actually do this weird thing after I put it on where I move my face all around and softly pat my cheeks, as if I'm surprised that I actually have make-up on. This one deserves its second shout out. It's top notch. (Bonus points for having SPF 15.)

Essie Nail Polish in Find Me An Oasis // I'm all about lighter nails this spring. I've seen many gals sporting straight white nail polish that looks so fresh. This icy blue color is a little less stark than plain white, and is a soft enough blue that it's not all "I HAVE BLUE NAILS!" (a constant issue for me since I work in a conservative business setting). Pairs nicely with all of spring's pastels and packs a nice pop of color against neon and bolder colors too.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner // I've tried almost as many liquid liners as I have mascaras. And that is to say all most all of them. Most pen-style liners dry out after a week or two, or they're not pigmented enough. But this? This is perfection. The pen itself has a nice little contraption where when you put the cap on, the felt tip clicks down and back into the vessel a little, meaning it stays nice and saturated and doesn't dry out. The pigment is fabulous - very black and not faint at all. And the tip is just the right amount of pointy for the precision of a winged-liner look. Lasts all day long (as it's name suggests) and comes off easily with eye make up remover.

Chanel Lip Gloss in #169 Jalousie // I'm cheating again here because I already mentioned this one to you too. But I received so many compliments in the past few weeks since I've been sporting it, it must be mentioned again. In lieu of a bold red lip, I've been opting for this pop of fuchsia and it makes all the black I wear feel less wintery and more springy. This is the first lip gloss I've ever tried from Chanel and I don't think I'll be switching brands ever again. The color is saturated, but not as bold as a lipstick. And the gloss, by some miraculous scientific invention, is not sticky in the slightest. It goes on easily, lasts a long time, and doesn't dry out my lips. I think I'm going to get the orangey color (#166 Amour) next! (Oh, and the photos online show a lot of sparkles, they're not really that sparkly in real life.)

Sonicare Flexcare Plus Toothbrush // This is my first real electric toothbrush. I've tried those battery operated kind from the drug store before, but I decided it was time to get a little more serious about my oral health. Al's always sworn by his Sonicare, but I never really got it. Until now. I have never been so excited to brush my teeth in my life. It's like a teeth cleaning from my dental hygienist every time I use it. Now that we're all coming down from our seasonal affective disorder, we'll be smiling a lot more. Time to make those teeth shine (and my dentist says my gums look better than ever!).

So slough off that dead skin, toss out the thick make up, tubes of red lipstick and dark polish, and shine up those pearly whites. It's springtime y'all!                                                                     

xoxo,

K

P.S. Other beauty favorites here, here, here, and here.

{graphic © the rose record}

weekend recap

Hi! How was your weekend? My trip home to Kansas City was absolutely perfect. I couldn't have imagined a more perfect trip. Here are the photos to prove it: 

Thursday night at the airport. Has anyone else seen the new terminal set up at Delta? They have ipads at the gate where you can order food and beverages. Wine (and entire pizza) while I wait right at my gate? Yes please.

My mom and I stayed at my sister Emily's darling apartment in Kansas City. She moved in a few weeks ago and it is already so cute.  See?  Obsessed with those pillows.

Em had to work on Friday so it was just me and mom. After building that floor lamp you see up there^^ for Em (it's from Target!), we headed to my most favorite places to shop - Nordstrom. Side note: I cannot wait until 2018 when NYC finally gets it's own Nordies. Aside from the well lit store, friendly customer service, and great brands, they also have Nordstrom Cafe.  My mouth is watering just thinking of that tomato soup...

Mom and I were very successful in our shopping trip. I picked up some great items - I'll share more on that later this week. After shopping we stopped by my Cousin Allison's home to play with the two cutest kids on the face of the Earth - Luke and Grace.  Grace is a total girl. When she wasn't in her ballet costume, she was painting my nails...  (#longtoes)

Luke on the other hand is all boy. Talks of legos, super heroes, and airplane tricks...

After shopping and playing, it was time for some drinks and dinner. Mom and I found a notepad with this on it sent a photo to Emily who was still at work. She didn't think it was all that cute.

We met Em and her boyfriend, Tanner for dinner at Port Fonda, a super cute Mexican spot in Kansas City's Westport. Despite a slight hold up with our reservation, the meal was wonderful. I think we have the only mother who orders tequila shots to start dinner. I will say, we were all a bit cranky and tired and they definitely got us in a better mood.

Love these girls with all my heart. I don't care how nerdy it is to say my best friends are my mom and sister. It's the truth. (Notice our matching fuchsia lip gloss - a score from our shopping day. We obviously bought a tube for each of us). 

Saturday it was up and at'em for more shopping.  But first, brunch.  Westport Cafe did well on the brunch scene - croque madame, pomme frites, and homemade mayo. Bonus points for tulips on the table and cute coupes for mimosas. 

After some shopping for goodies for Em's apartment, we obviously had to stop by J.Crew. We all have such similar taste and always end up pulling the same items to try on (remember this?).  More embarrassing is that we try the same item on at the same time... and then our mom takes photos. So awkward. (And yes, we both purchased the dress.)

We met Tanner and my step-dad, Carl for dinner that night at Brio on the Plaza. I ate, no joking, a pound of pasta. I was on vacation - calories don't count. It was so nice to see Carl and have everyone all together (we missed you, Al!).

Sunday morning Em and I were up early to make some cinnamon rolls and wait for my dad and step-mom, Melanie to stop by. Em mostly watched, while I did the work.

^ Awesome morning hair.

Our project with dad and Mel was to spray paint Emily's Ikea coffee table.  It required a lot of focus as you can see. (Dad might have taken over after a few sprays.)

^ Proper spray painting uniform: flannels + uggs

Looks pretty good, right?

I'll give you a full tutorial with photos soon.  I was there with Bernice to capture the steps. 

And then, sadly, it was time to go. Not without a stop at Winsteads for a burger and cherry limeade though. (I'm in detox mode now after eating all that yummy stuff all weekend. Yikes.)

And then I was home! Kisses from my sweet Lily girl.

And everything went back to normal. Al on a conference call, thai food, Lily begging, and me watching E!.

Thanks for an incredible trip Mom, Em, Tanner, Carl, Allison, Dad, and Melanie! It was the perfect mini spring-break for me. Feeling inspired and recharged.  Love you all!

xoxo,

K

And one more, because I just can't get over her hilarious face:

weekend recap

Happy Monday!  How was your weekend?  Mine was lovely - and Al was able to come home early from his business trip so we were able to spend most of Sunday together!  Here are a few photos...

I worked late Friday night and came home with just enough energy to eat and watch tv (lfive straight episodes of Good Eats).  I was laughing with my mom that we both usually eat cereal when our men our out of town.  If I didn't have Al I think I'd cook a whole lot less.  (And yes, Lily got to slurp the milk when I was finished.)

Saturday morning we were up bright and early.  Except Lily still wanted to lay awake in bed. I obliged for an hour or so.

Things I do when my husband is gone #165:  style my toast.

Spent the afternoon doing a little shopping.  I went to Gap with hopes of coming away with some good loot, and ended up leaving empty handed.  I just can't bring myself to buy another sweater.  I'm sick of sweaters.  I did snag a few things from H&M and Sephora. Just what I need - another sweatshirt and more liquid liner.  I am pretty in love with the under-eye concealer I bought.  Really brightens up my dark circles!  And also nabbed a new pair of tweezers since I think I've had mine since I first started plucking my eyebrows - so what, since I was 12? And the cute soft-pink peplum top is going to get a lot of use this spring.

Later watched some more Good Eats (I go on these huge Alton Brown kicks occasionally) while doing my nails and snacking.  I joked on instagram that these are all things girls like. It's pretty much what my desk looked like in my sorority. :) 

Saturday night I made myself a big bowl of cacio e pepe before going to meet my girlfriends. Apparently, I only eat sugar or carbs when Al is away.

Celebrated our friend Emily's birthday.  Love these girls.  (That's confetti in Em's hair, btw. ☺And of course, I'm holding Zoey, our friend's pooch.  We're in love, me and Zoey.)

Sunday Lily and I got the groceries.  And by "get the groceries" I mean haul them up from our lobby.  Tough work.  Such a little city pup riding the luggage cart.

And then Al came home!  He still had to work, but at least he was home.  Lily and I napped next to him and kept him company. 

Supper was turkey melts and  crock pot potato soup (with my frozen broccoli trick - add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking).

And today I'm totally feeling like this.  Just...can't...quite...make...it.  That's Monday for ya.

Hope you had a cheery weekend!

xoxo,

K