January 12:
Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
The random house College Dictionary defines enthusiasm as “Lively, absorbing interest, excited involvement.”
Assignment: Today, develop an absorbing interest in where or not you have a tendency to curb your enthusiasm. If you do have that tendency, enthusiastically drop it, thereby achieving something great.
Have a fantastic day 
xoxo,
Jb
1. Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser: I’m obsessed with this cleanser! it has tiny crushed up tourmaline, which is a gem, that locks moisture into your skin and increases radiance. It’s infused with jojoba beads and creamy mango butter. I use it every morning and it makes your skin GLOW! You can get it at any Jean Madeline or Adolf Biecker Salons or get it on the Aveda website.
2. Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream: I love my seaweed night cream by Mario Badescu. It’s an oil free non-greasy night cream enriched with seaweed and collagen. It’s super hydrating and you’ll wake up with your skin feeling velvety soft! Use it at night after cleansing. Get it at your local ULTA store!
3. RapidLash: I will never be able to live with my RapidLash. It’s a lash enhancing serum that speeds up lash growth to give you the long lashes you. You can also use it on your brows to make them fuller! It’s the best, i’ve never gotten so many compliments on my lashes! They sell them at my salon Adolf Biecker or i’ve seen them in Bed Bath & Beyond.
4.Aveda Smooth Infusion Style Prep: I use this product every time after I shower. I have frizzy hair and this product offers a 12 hour humidity defense and tames your frizz. It’s amazing! Run it through your damp hair and style as desired, you’ll love it!
5. HOT TOOLS Curling Iron: I would never be able to live without my HOT TOOLS Curling iron. I use the 1 1/2 inch iron.
6. Girl Meets Pearl: I’m obsessed with my Girl Meets Pearl illuminator from Benefit. It brightens your face and I love the glow it gives me. I use in under my eyes and on the top of my nose. You can get your Girl Meets Pearl at any Sephora or Benefit stand.
7. “HELLO FLAWLESS!”: This is one of my favorite things. This pressed powder gives you the smoothest look and hides all your flaws! I use the beige shade. Get it at Sephora today!
8. Maybelline FALSIES: This is the BEST mascara ever! I’ve tried so many mascaras and have never been happier than with this one. Get it at any CVS or drugstore! It’s so cheap and worth it!
9. Rosebud Strawberry Lip Balm: LOVE my rosebuds lip balm! it hydrates your lips so much and smells amazing too! Sold at all Sephora’s!
10. Aquolina Pink Sugar: This is my all time FAVORITE perfume ever! It smells like cotton candy and I never get tired of it. I get so many compliments on the smell i’m sure you’ll love it too! Get it at your Sephora today! Or if you live in the Bucks County area go to BLC in newtown! It’s an amazing store and you’ll love everything you see! You’ll leave with your new favorite things
XO
Neka
1.Fresh Sugar lip treatment: I never leave my house this and I will never use another chap-stick again. It hydrates the lips while exfoliating, protecting (SPF15) and plumping! It comes in two colors as well, but I like the original so I can layer on a color of my choice.
2. Alexander Wang Diego Bag: Mine is in a beautiful chestnut color, but this is such an amazing bag. The leather is beautiful, thick and pebbled. The studs are such a unique touch, you will always get a compliment when wearing this bag (it goes with everything!).
3. LAVANILA pure vanilla perfume. This has been my scent for years. It is all natural and made with fresh Madagascar Vanilla, soft patchouli and pure tonka bean. It is such a clean sweet smell, I LOVE.
4. Benefit SIlky - Finish Lipstick in breathless: This is my everyday any time lip color. It is almost a lipstick, sheer and glossy and the more you layer it on the darker it gets. It can go from a sheer pink to a dark plum, perfect for day or night.
5. Alexander Wang Dakota Bootie: I wish I didn’t love these so much! I want them to last forever. I literally can wear these shoes with everything in my closet. They are about five inches tall, but so incredibly comfortable. I love the contrast of leather and interesting cut out heel.
6. David Learner Basic Leggings: These are seriously the perfect leggings. They are thick, but at the same time so lightweight. I have a few pairs of his different styles, but I’m convinced they last forever. Mine still look brand new (no fading or pilling) and don’t have any holes. So worth the money they will last twice as long as other brands.
7. Splendid fold over maxi skirt: I live in maxi skirts and this skirt by Splendid is one of my favorites. It is the perfect length and so comfortable. It fits slim around the hips and then falls more loosely, very flattering. I call this skirt my sweatpants.
8. Donald J. Pliner Gita Boots: I just got these and am in love! The ideal combat boot. Such nice leather and so comfortable. They are the height and heel I have been searching for in a combat boot. I love the stitching and clean finish. They also come in black (mine!). I highly recommend
9. Carrera Sunglasses: My newest sunglass purchase. Perfect color, perfect shape, perfect price.
10. J Crew honey comb sweater: I always love a good chunky crew neck sweater. I was so happy when I saw them in for winter, it is a more modern approach to the classic cable knit. Great for layering in the winter months and it comes in many colors. Best of all they are now on sale on the J Crews website, its never too late to buy!
xo,
Jb
Instead of of stopping for that third cup of coffee, take a few minutes to make yourself a refreshing energizing salad. Pick up the most fresh and in season vegetables your local market has to offer. Use the vegetables within a few days while they still have their highest nutritional value. Always add some type of protein to your salad to keep you satisfied until dinner time. A light dressing is best, such as olive oil and vinegar or lemon juice.
Today I used arugula and spinach, hearts of palm, roasted red peppers, a small avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a left over turkey burger from last night. If you like artichokes you will LOVE hearts of palm, they have a similar taste and texture. Hearts of Palm are actually from the center of a palm tree, different and delicious!
Salsa Turkey Burgers (so easy!)
1 Package of 99% fat free ground turkey, 1/2 jar of mild chunky salsa, 1/4 cup bread crumbs, 1/2 cup of reduced fat shredded cheese of your choice (I used mozzarella), salt and pepper to taste.
Combine all ingredients and form into patties. Cook until no longer pink in the middle either on the grill, baked in the oven, or pan seared in a non – stick frying pan. Enjoy
xoxo,
Jb
January 10:
The words “I am…” are potent words; be careful what you hitch them to. The thing you’re claiming has a way of reaching back and claiming you.
- A.K. Kitselman
A simple example of this is the difference between ” I am _____ (your name),” and ” My name is ______.”
Assignment: Today, notice what you have unconsciously claimed and the hold that claim has on you.
Ombre hair color is super in right now. Everyone’s getting it, so be DIFFERENT! COLOR.BUG is hair shadow created by famous hairstylist Kevin Murphy, who has worked with tons of celebrities including Vanessa Hudgens and Miranda Kerr. It’s so fun and so easy to use.
Coming in Pink Purple and Orange, you can use these pastel hair shadows to change up your look whenever you want. COLOR.BUG is wipe on wipe off color. Drape a towel around your shoulders to protect your clothing and then add a little product to wherever you want the color to make sure it sticks. Finish it off by adding some hairspray to lock the color and then you’re done! Rinse it out when you want it to come off, it’s so simple.
Try fun things with it like peek-a-boo highlights, ombre or even the tie dye look in the picture above. Check and see if your local salons carry COLOR.BUG and try it out!
Learn more about Kevin Murphy through his website and follow his amazing blog <3
Be creative!
xoxo
Neka
What I am loving right now are these amazing reinvented vintage levi shorts. Each pair is uniquely designed by Christian Yasser Massuh under the Australian label Runway Dreamz. Each pair is made by hand, giving them a one of a kind even more vintage-y feel. The company is able to give these iconic jeans even more character.
The shorts are a year round piece, which makes them even better! Wear them with sheer black tights, combat/ankle boots, and a loose fitting v- neck sweater and/or a tailored blazer for the colder months. In the summer, wear em’ proud with platform wedges and a simple lightweight tank.
Fred & Sibel Sweater, Aritzia blazer, Rag & Bone booties, Nixon watch, House of Harlow cuff
You can get a pair on their website, but I believe they do have limited quantities of each style. They also vary in size because they are vintage and have been washed many times. I would recommend ordering your size and a size up in two different styles, you can always return (or keep) one of the pairs.
A really amazing boutique, Luna Chick, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania have them as well. They carry a wide variety of brands and is perfect for all ages, such a cute store! Check out their Facebook Page.
xoxo,
Jb
Egocentric:
1) Dwellling upon one’s self or upon one’s own personal interests almost to the exclusion of everythiing else; viewing everything in relation to oneself; self – centered.
2) In Philosophy, existing only as conceived in the individual mind.
- Webster’s New Universal Unbridged Dictionary
Assignment: Today, be aware of some of the ways conditioning results in egocentricity. Remember that conditioning and egocentricity is universal and not to be taken personally.
After crossing over the New Hope bridge into Lambertville, New Jersey I always would admire the gorgeous floral oil paintings in the window of a local artist’s gallery on bridge street. This little gallery is less then 15 minutes away from my hometown, but I have never taken the time to actually step foot in the gallery or learn more about the artist. Tony LaSalle uses thick brush strokes and vibrant colors to expose his interpretation of wild gardens, florals, and landscape. The painted flowers create a texture as they overtake the canvas, so energetic but at the same time calming and beautiful. Above are a few of my personal favorites !
xoxo
Jb
