Stocking Stuffers for Men

If you’re like me, you haven’t finished your holiday shopping yet. Normally I wait until the very last moment to do my shopping, especially stocking stuffers or small items for friends and co-workers. But, this year since I’m heading up to Vermont tomorrow to kick off vacation with my family, I wanted to be done with shopping in advance.

Yesterday I spent almost an hour perusing the shelves of Sephora and then the internet in search of the perfect gifts for co-workers, friends, and family members. Here are a few of the my favorite gifts that I discovered yesterday for the fellas on my list! Even better is that all of these ideas are under $15!

jackblackPocket Ref 4th Edition

Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm with SPF: This tube delivers a conditioning lip balm in a manly form. Bonus points for the fact that you’ll love it just as much as he will!

The Art of Shaving Styptic Pen: Every guy nicks himself shaving and next time he’ll think of you as he stops the bleeding with this handy, unscented alum block. In case you’ve never heard of it, alum is a natural antiseptic mineral with amazing healing powers. If your guy uses a electric razor it can be used ahead of time to prep the skin!

The Pocket Ref 4th Edition: This is the perfect gift for the guy who thinks or wants to know everything. It is filled with random facts ranging from battery sizes and characteristics, sports rules, to how to treat a burn!

In addition to these items, here are a few other thins you can pick up and add to any gift!

  • Mini bottles of his favorite liquor
  • Lottery tickets
  • Gift cards to his favorite coffee shop
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June Favorites

I can’t believe we’re almost half way through June! It’s been a whirlwind month and I don’t expect the craziness to stop anytime soon. Between amazing blog opportunities and work things have been nonstop! In order to unwind and relax tonight, I’m putting my list of blog topics (Seattle and San Fran restaurant reviews, UPLIFT studios review, and more!)  on the back burner and going with one of my favorite things to do: favorites!

One of my favorite posts to write are ones that share some of my favorite things with you guys. The format is light on text and heavy on what we term, “SARA” in my company. Everything is something that you can share and reapply whether it’s an item to purchase, a website to try out, or a restaurant to add to your list.

So without further adieu, here are the things I’m loving now!

Calvin Klein Dress, Ruffled Asymmetrical Sheath: Every time I wear this dress I receive no less than 10 compliments during the day. I am no fashionista but I know that ruffles and peplum styles are in this season and this answers both without going overboard. While the dress comes in both black and cobalt blue, I’d challenge you to choose the bright color. For $89.98 the dress is an amazing deal when you consider that you can throw a blazer over it for work or pair it with beautiful accessories and strappy heels for a gala or wedding. Keep an eye out on the website for coupon codes, One Day Sales, or Friends and Family specials so you can snag it on sale!

Media

ASAP Utilities  Okay, nerd alert here, but this is the coolest thing since sliced bread if you spend hours a day on Excel! I only discovered the plug-in this week during an Excel training and already I’ve used it multiple times even without a formal training or journey through the instruction and help section. It basically allows you to do things in Excel that were once tedious and complicated in a faster, more efficient manner. Even better, you can download a FREE trial to see if it’s worth investing you or your company’s money.

Garnier BB Cream Okay, I could burn in hell for this one considering that I work within a division of P&G Beauty, but this product has changed my life. I get ready within a 15-20 minute time period each morning beginning as soon as I step out of the steamy shower. I’ve battled with moisturizers in the past which leave my face too moist for makeup to adhere, leave a residue or melt off as soon as I apply it due to the bathroom humidity or locker room heat.  This product has in fact replaced my old moisturizer and my foundation. It provides the perfect amount of coverage for me while also evening my skin tone, moisturizing and dulling the post workout redness. I add a little bit of powder and bronzer/blush over it but nothing more. It seems to help keep my powder in place and my face looking fresh longer. My one word of warning is that a little bit goes a long way due to the thickness of the product. I bought my tube at CVS over a month ago and have barely made a dent in it! It comes in too color variants, fair to medium and medium to dark. Due to the fact that I tan easily in the summer months due to running outside I went with the medium to dark. I ended up buying the lighter one to use during weeks and periods when I’m not fresh from the beach. For only $8.99-$11.99 a tube, it is affordable enough to keep in my makeup bag!

Garnier - Miracle Skin Perfector - Light/Medium

Victoria’s Secret Ruffle Slip Okay, if you happen to be my in-laws, brother, or father reading this post, please skip to another post or just click the x button in your upper right hand corner. All joking aside, I can’t write a favorite things post without giving a shout out to my new pajamas. As background, Bo and I have been together for 8.5 years and married for 2.5. In all those years, he’s seen me primarily in a rotation of 3 pairs of 15 years old Jockey boxers paired with a race or sorority t-shirt. It isn’t exactly the sexiest of sleep clothing but damn they are comfortable. I’ve never been one to really give into the idea of sleeping in a sexy little Victoria Secret number because I have no desire to have a piece of fabric giving me a wedgie while I sleep or itchy material keeping me awake. Enter this lovely number which is the answer to all my prayers. It is comfortable due to the soft cotton material and it comes in lots of beautiful colors both in their stores and on the website. My collection has gone from one to four in just three months and I’ve never paid more than the sale price, $29.50, which isn’t horrible considering it brings together the best of both worlds: comfortable and cute.

Challenged Athletes Foundation Every now and then we are touched by a cause that ignites our passion to serve or donate our time and money. Last night, thanks to Team Refuel, I was able to attend the Challenged Athletes Foundation Gala and spend the evening celebrating the Challenged Athletes Foundation and the many people they support, serve, and help each year. While some of the Real Housewives of NYC may have made an appearance, the real stars were the people who fight through their adversity each day to not only push themselves harder but to help others who are affected in a like manner. If you haven’t read the story of these women and men I hope you’ll take time to click through and gain some inspiration from their stories. I know that running 4.5 miles in Central Park yesterday morning on tired legs was a hundred times easier due to the inspiration of Sarah and her journey. In fact, I was so inspired by last night’s event that I’m working with CAF and Team Refuel to put together a team of volunteers/cheerleaders at Mile 17 of the 2012 Ironman US Championships in NYC where there will be athletes of all shapes and sizes competing.  If you’re interested, let me know via comments!

(L-R) Haven Shepherd, Kaela Cruz, Sarah Reinertsen and Cody McCasland celebrate the unveiling of Sarah Reinertsen's new REFUEL | got chocolate milk? 'my After' ad at the Challenged Athletes Foundation's Annual Heroes, Heart & Hope Gala at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel on June 13, 2012 in New York City.

Sarah Reinersten

Scout Bassett

Anthony Robles

What things are you loving this June?

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My Facialist’s Recommendations

Tonight, after a crazier than expected start to my week, I enjoyed a spur of the moment indulgence on a facial, thanks to a birthday gift certificate. I love Equinox for their wonderful personal trainers, quality gym classes, and their spa. I have been especially pleased with the spa at their 54th and 2nd location, managed by Schuyler Manhattan. Now, while I can’t confirm whether that is the spa manager’s birth name, I can confirm that he has taken this spa and turned into an amazing beauty and wellness destination for Midtown Manhattan.

011This evening I took advantage of their winter special, the 50 minute facial for $90 versus the usual $110. My facialist, Shelly, was very friendly and more than happy to provide suggestions for my blog readers. Since I realize a facial isn’t something that can fit in everyone’s budget, especially during this time of year, I wanted to provide you with some inexpensive tips and tricks to keep your skin glowing all winter long.

0131. Remember that water’s primary purpose and role is to flush toxins out of the body and support organs. While your skin is an organ, it gains very little moisture from the water you drink daily. Therefore, a serum and daily moisturizer routine is crucial during the harsh winter months.

2. A serum will penetrate your skin better than a moisturizer due to the molecule size. I did some research while trying to understand the difference between these two products and it’s pretty interesting.

  • Serums give added moisturizer and allows nutrients to penetrate into your skin in a way that moisturizers can’t due to the molecule size. For this same reason, many serums can offer anti-aging and brightening affects that moisturizers can’t. Always apply a serum before a moisturizer!
  • Due to moisturizers larger molecule sizes, it can’t penetrate the skin as far as a serum will. While serums deposit nutrients, moisturizers are meant to hydrate your skin and create a barrier from the elements. 3. Serums nor moisturizers need to be expensive in order to be affective. Below are her top recommendations for both drugstore and department store brands.

Serum Pick:

Olay Regenerist Moisturizing Serum

    Drug Store Moisturizer Picks:
        Department Store or Beauty Boutique Moisturizer Picks:
        4. Your hands and body require very different hydration than your face due to the difference in skin texture and thickness. Therefore, a glycerin based moisturizer is better for your hands, especially areas which become extremely rough and chapped during the winter months.  My facialist recommends Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion

            I hope these tips and tricks help you keep your skin glowing all season long! Feel free to leave a comment with questions for Shelly as she’s more than happy to help by answering your questions.

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