The Perfect Day in Red Hook, Brooklyn

One of the coolest things about living in New York City is that with the swipe of a MetroCard, you can immerse yourself in a different culture or neighborhood. An area of New York that’s quickly become one of my favorites to explore is Red Hook, Brooklyn. I spent a day in this quiet neighborhood recently and had the most amazing time. Read on to see some of my favorite spots!

I’ll be honest, getting to Red Hook is a bit of a trek. There’s not a convenient subway or bus from the city but there is a ferry. It’s free on weekends and drops you off at a fairly central location in Red Hook. Plus, you can take in some great views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty from the ferry.

After the trek from Manhattan to Red Hook, it was time for a snack. Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pies serves pies made from real key limes. Steve has been making these pies in Red Hook for 23 years and people visit from all over the world to sample these delicious treats. Their personal sized tarts are the perfect size for snacking.

Just around the corner from Steve’s is the Louis Valentino Jr. Park and Pier. This charming park offers plenty of grass and shady trees to relax under. Be sure to walk along the pier for a great view of the Statue of Liberty and all the sail boats and water taxis floating by.

After taking in the gorgeous lower Manhattan skyline from the park, it was time for a refreshing beverage. Brooklyn Crab is a short walk away and offers three levels of dining, drinking and outdoor games like corn hole and mini golf. It’s got a beachy, laid back feel and is the perfect place to take a break and refuel for the rest of the day.

If you want to check out some local shops and art galleries, head up Van Burnt Street from Brooklyn Crab. You’ll find shops like Pioneer Books, Kentler International Drawing Space, Golden Anvil Sculptures, and Baked, the perfect shop to pop into for a sweet treat or iced coffee.

To work off the day’s snacks, wander over to Van Brunt Stillhouse, a small whiskey distillery that offers refreshing cocktails, whiskey flights, and tours of the facility. My drink pick was the Moongarita, a margarita made from moonshine and it was delicious.

After consuming a couple adult beverages, it was time to act like a kid at Shipwrecked, an amazing indoor mini golf experience. It can be a bit tricky to find Shipwrecked, but once you’re inside you’ll be happy you made the journey. If it’s your first time, be sure to purchase the special tokens for additional special effects and entertainment.

18 holes of mini golf certainly worked up an appetite so it was time to head to my favorite Red Hook spot for dinner: Hometown Bar B Que. Depending on what time you arrive at this popular spot you may have to stand in line for quite a while. However, the wait is definitely worth it. My favorite menu item is the pulled pork paired with the queso mac and cheese.

While this certainly isn’t everything there is to do in Red Hook, it made for a great day outside the city. I’m looking forward to my next trip to Red Hook and can’t wait to continue exploring!

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Style Crush: Meghan Markle

If you’re anything like me, you’ve totally caught Royal Wedding fever and have developed an unhealthy obsession with the Duchess of Sussex.

Much like my last Style Crush feature, Markle’s style is classic and minimalistic with a modern twist here and there to keep things interesting. This classic style was on display  when she wed Prince Harry and I could not have loved her bridal look more.

Below are a few of my favorite fashion moments from Meghan. Which look do you love the most?

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March Favorites

Happy Spring! Or, if you’re like me, you’re still waiting for spring and wondering if it will ever stop snowing.

While I wait for the sun to come out, I’ve taken some time to try out a few new products and go back to an old favorite. Read on to see what I was loving during the month of March!

1. Glossier Solution – It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Glossier. However, I was skeptical about Solution when my roommate purchased it and had a bad reaction. She let me try it out and I’m happy to report I’ve been using it for about a month with no issues. I use the toner every night and my skin feels smoother and I haven’t had a single breakout.
2. Zoya Nail Polish in Kennedy – I discovered this color while treating myself to a manicure months ago. I loved it so much I had to purchase it for at-home manicures and have been using it religiously ever since. This shade is a beautiful nude that always makes me feel a bit more put together.
3. OLEHENRIKSEN Transforming Walnut Scrub – One of my favorite skin care treatments is scrubs. This particular one was included in a recent Sephora gift-with-purchase and I’ve really enjoyed using it. It contains walnut powder and is gentle enough to be used several times a week.
4. Olay Regenerist Microsculpting Cream – I grew up watching my mom apply her Olay products every day so it’s no surprise that I now use them (and occasionally borrow hers when I’m home!). I’ve tried many high end facial creams but continue going back to this affordable option. I use it every night and wake up with soft, hydrated skin.

 

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January Favorites

AND WE BACK!

After taking quite a long hiatus while I got settled in a new city, started a new job, left said job for an even better job, moved into a new apartment, made some amazing friends and had a few excellent travel adventures, I’m back to blogging!

I thought my first post back would be a great way to share a few things I’ve been loving over the last month and I can’t wait to share even more in 2018.

1. Soap & Glory Heel Genius Foot Cream: As I’ve adjusted to living in a colder climate, I’ve taken moisturizing much more seriously. This foot cream is amazing for keeping my soles soft and smooth throughout New York City’s harsh winters.
2. Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Gel Mask Extreme Detoxifying Hydrator: My skin has definitely taken a while to get used to colder weather and this mask has been a great addition to my skincare routine. It’s cooling and soothing and leaves my skin with an extra dose of hydration any time of the year. (P.S. Check out this kit to try out this mask plus a few other products at a great price!)
3. New York Color Smooth Skin Bronzing Powder: As someone who loves to look sun-kissed but doesn’t enjoy the effects of the sun, bronzer is always in my beauty arsenal. This bronzer from New York Color is totally budget friendly and provides a beautiful wash of natural looking color.
4. OPI Lincoln Park After Dark Nail Polish: No matter where I am, I always end up with the classic OPI shade on my nails. I can’t get enough of the rich, almost-black-but-not-quite-black hue and it goes with any outfit.
5. Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah: One of my New Year’s resolutions this year is to read more. I started out 2018 by reading Trevor Noah’s book and I highly recommend it. From eye-opening stories about his life in South Africa to heart-warming anecdotes about his mother, this book has something for everyone.

My Top Picks from Tarte’s Flash Sale

Have you heard?

Tarte Cosmetics, one of my favorite beauty brands, is offering a two-day flash sale on many of their cult products. But before you whip out your smartphone and start filling your virtual shopping cart, check out my top product picks below.

Skin Twinkle Lighting Palette – Does packaging get more beautiful than this? I think not. Plus, the three highlighter shades inside this palette are stunning. Featuring a matte setting powder and two shimmer shades, you’ll be glowing to perfection with this set.

Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush – There’s a reason Tarte’s Amazonian Clay blushes are such a hit. They come in a range of flattering shades, deliver amazing pigmentation and last on the skin for hours. This particular shade is perfect for summer and will keep you looking fresh during even the hottest days.

@grav3yardgirl tarteist™ creamy matte lip paint in Texas Toast – It’s safe to say that the matte lip craze isn’t going anywhere. And while I may be more of a ChapStick and gloss girl, even I can’t resist this mauvey nude lip color. From the packaging to the applicator to the color, everything about this matte lip paint is perfection.

Don’t Quit Your Daydream Eye Shadow Palette – If I could design my perfect eye shadow palette, it would look like this one. I love the warm shades offered in this set and there are enough matte and shimmer colors to create anything from a subtle day look to a glam smoky eye.

 

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May Favorites

Is it just me or did the month of May completely fly by? Now that summer is officially here, I’m looking forward to warmer temperatures and soaking up some sun.

If you want to know what products I’ve been loving the past month just keep reading! Don’t forget to tell me what you’ve been loving in the Comments section.

 

1.Glossier Boy Brow – If you saw my Glossier review (and this post about my trip to the Glossier showroom) then this favorite is no surprise. Boy Brow is one of those rare products that’s quick and easy to use and actually delivers on its promise of giving you enviable brows. I have the shade Brown but it also comes in Blond, Black and Clear.

2. Wet n Wild Photo Focus Foundation—After hearing rave reviews on this foundation, I finally picked one up and there’s definitely a reason this foundation has amassed so many positive reviews. It gives full coverage but doesn’t look heavy, it has great staying power, and it’s completely affordable.

3. Glossier Cloud Paint in Dusk—Are we surprised that another Glossier product made it into my May Favorites? This cream blush is another gem I picked up during my trip to the Glossier showroom and I can’t stop using it. It blends easily into the skin and the color is a beautiful bronzey, mauvey shade that works with any look. Needless to say, I’m completely obsessed with it.

4. Vans Sk8-Hi Slim Cutout DX shoes—Let’s get one thing straight—when it comes to fashion, I’m all about comfort. When I’m running around the city, the last thing I want to be worried about is whether my footwear is comfortable. These high-top Vans are super comfy and they work with any outfit. If you’re looking for a good summer sneaker, I highly recommend picking up a pair of Vans!

 

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Glossier Haul + Mini Reviews

In my last post, I gave you a peek inside the Glossier showroom in New York City. Today, I’m sharing more about what I picked up during that excursion and my thoughts on each product.

The one Glossier product I was dying to try was the Perfecting Skin Tint. This tint offers sheer but build able coverage and I picked mine up in the shade Medium. It evens out my skin tone but I don’t look like I have a ton of makeup caked on my face.

Another hyped up Glossier product is Boy Brow and it definitely lives up to the hype. It subtly fills, shapes and grooms brows in one easy step. The shade I use is Brown but it also comes in Blond, Black and Clear. If you want a quick, simple way to make your brows look a bit more polished, you need this product in your life.

Generation G is a sheer matte lip color I spied at the showroom and ended up going home with a tube in the shade Cake. I’m more of a gloss girl so this product isn’t my favorite but I’m still glad I gave it a try. If you’re after a natural looking lip color, Generation G is for you.

Glossier’s newest addition is Cloud Paint, a gel-cream blush available in four sheer shades. I bought one in Dusk, a warm bronzey color. You can apply this product with a brush, sponge or your fingers and it lasts all day long!

Have you tried any Glossier products? Tell me your favorites in the Comments section so I can try them too!

 

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Visiting the Glossier Showroom

One of the things I love about living in New York City is that there’s always something cool to experience. If you’re makeup-obsessed like me, one thing you have to do is visit the Glossier showroom.

I’ve followed Glossier for a while and have always wanted to try their products. So, one Sunday I took a trip down to their showroom to try out a few of their products.

Once inside the Glossier building (located at 123 Lafayette Street in Manhattan), you’ll take the elevator up to the penthouse where you’re greeted by the most Instagram-worthy space imaginable.

From skin care to makeup, the Glossier showroom has it all. I tried out quite a few of their products including the Milky Jelly Cleanser, Priming Moisturizer, Stretch Concealer, Boy Brow and Generation G. It was so great (and fun) to try everything before making a purchase, which you know I had to do!

I ended up going home with the Perfecting Skin Tint, Boy Brow, Generation G, and Cloud Paint. Stay tuned for a review on these products and definitely stop by the Glossier showroom if you’re in the NYC area!

 

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I Moved!

Things have been so crazy for me the last month or so and I haven’t had any time to share my big announcement with all of you: I moved to New York City!

After wanting to make this move for quite a few years, I am happy to say that I accepted a job in Manhattan and moved to the city this week. I’m still adjusting to my new life and settling in, but I’m so excited to see where this adventure takes me.

In order to share a little bit more of my new NYC life with all of you, I’ve created a new blog, C & The City. My new blog will be a chance to share my experiences in a less structured, more casual space.

If you have any favorite New York City spots I should check out, please let me know in the Comments section!

 

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Life Lately: 2016

Let’s be honest – 2016 was rough. It was full of ups-and-downs and I can’t wait to throw on something sparkly and kiss this year goodbye on New Year’s Eve.

Although 2016 wasn’t the best, I thought I would take a moment to look back on some of the positive things that happened in my life. Read on to see some of my favorite moments from the year we all can’t wait to forget.

What was your favorite part of 2016?

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