A Gift Giving Guide ( ie Santa, This Is My List)

 

In no particular order or organization, here are things I’d want the big man up North to bring me…if I were me and you were me, too…

DRY BAR

Why? Nothing is better than having someone blow dry your hair for you. And making it look good, too…and Dry Bar always delivers. 

1a. DRY BAR GIFT CERTIFICATE ($40 + tip)

1b. WET HAIR BRUSH AND DRY SHAMPOO

Why? The wet hair brush actually works and won’t rip out your hair. And dry shampoo is how I go just one more day without a shower (shhh). 

2a. DRY BAR BAR TAB (varying prices)

2b. DRY BAR BLOWDRYER ($190)

Yeah, so it’s pricy but it does dry your hair quickly. 

PICKY BARS 

1. PICKY BARS 10 BOX ($22.99)

2. PICKY BARS PICKY CLUB MEMBERSHIP ($37/month x #of months you give)

Why? Because this is the gift that will keep on giving! Each month, your recipient will get 18 bars delivered to their door and they’ll remember, “Man, ____ is really an awesome person.” 

3. PICKY BAR SWEATSHIRT ($48)

This should be reserved for the Picky addict in your life (raises hand) to enhance their #pickylife. 

OISELLE

1. RUNFINITY SCARF ($24)

Why? Scarf is functional, soft, and goes with just about everything. I wore mine (ok, I have two) every day last winter.

2. STRIPEY LONG SLEEVE SCOOP NECK ($44)

Why? Another fan favorite. This one is even Mom (my mom, that is) approved. Perfect for travel and for running around the city — its fashionable and holds up for any workout to boot. 

3. LUX LAYER ($76)

Why? This is my favorite weight long sleeve tee that Oiselle sells. The fabric is like butter and the weight is perfect alone for those first cold days of the year and a great layering piece. 

4. LUX LAYER ($76) + DISTANCE SHORTS ($39)

This gift says: I really care about your running. 

Distance shorts in action!

BAUBLE BAR

1. PAVE POP STUDS ($26)

I’d go with the turquoise ones but that’s just me. 

2. ACRYLIC SCRIPT MONOGRAM NECKLACE ($58)

A twist on a classic. 

3. CLASSIC SCRIPT MONOGRAM NECKLACE ($100)

Why? Because Blair on Atlantic-Pacific has one and she always looks well put together. 

SOUL CYCLE:

1. SOUL CYCLE CLASS ($34)

2. SOUL CYCLE 5 CLASS PACK ($165)

3. SOUL CYCLE 5 CLASS PACK + GRAPEFRUIT CANDLE (!!!) ($165+$42)

4. SOUL CYCLE ATHLETE HOODIE ($125)  (I think I just like this because it says athlete on it.)

You have absolutely no idea how happy a grapefruit candle can make someone until you give a SoulCycle addict a grapefruit candle. I only burn mine on times when I really need that grapefruit scent. And I searched high and low last year for comparable grapefruit scents to the Jonathan Adler one (the one SC uses) and the Nest version is close if you need a back up candle choice. [I did my grapefruit candle research.]

RUNNER BUNDLE:

PICK TWO to FOUR (DEPENDING ON SANTA’S BUDGET) AMONGST THE FOLLOWING THINGS AND BOOM! WELL THOUGHT OUT GIFT (IF I DO SAY SO MYSELF)

– NUUN TUBE ($6.50) OR 4 PACK  ($22)              – OISELLE DUDS (price will vary)

– PICKY BARS SAMPLER PACK ($12.50)              – BELIEVE I AM TRAINING JOURNAL ($19.99)

– ERICA SARA BLING (price will vary)                   – SPARKLY HEAD BAND ($15)

NYC FITNESS FANATIC:

1. FITIST GIFT CERTIFICATE (varying prices)

2. JUICE PRESS GIFT CERTIFICATE (varying prices)

Odds are if the person lives in NYC and is into fitness, they’re probably also into juices right now. Correlation, not causation. 

CHARITABLE:

1. ALL THE GOOD COOKIES COOKBOOK (benefitting Cookies For Kids’ Cancer)

2. EVERY MOTHER COUNTS GEAR FROM OISELLE (benefitting Every Mother Counts)

GYMNASTICS GURU OR TRACK ADDICT

1. ACCOUNT FOR GYMNASTIKE GOLD OR FLOTRACK PRO ($150.00/YEAR or $20/MONTH)

I watch more Gymnastike Gold videos (particularly “Beyond the Routine” series than I care to admit. I don’t have Flotrack Pro, but imagine it’s just as good. Both generally have great interviews and profiles on athletes and Gymnastike has done a stellar job with their docu-series. 

FOR YOUR FAVORITE INTERN/RESIDENT:

STARBUCKS CARD (varying) + SPECK PHONE CASE/CARD HOLDER ($35) + SPARKLY LANYARD FOR ID (varying)

I have yet to land a blinged out lanyard for my ID. I mean, my cotton NYU one is holding up ok and I’ve added some pizazz to the scrubs with handbands, but we can always keep improving.

FINAL MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF VARYING PRICES:

1. BEADED HEADBAND FROM ANTRHO (~$20-30 dollars)

Why? They’re pretty and can dress up boring outfits…like scrubs. 

2. MAY BOOKS PERSONALIZED NOTEBOOK

For your favorite paper prince or princess. 

3. KILLING LINCOLN BY BILL O’REILLY AND MARTIN DUGARD ($19.59 on Amazon)

Its a good read for your favorite history buff. 

4. GRAIN BRAIN BY DAVID PERLMUTTER, MD ($15.16 on Amazon)

This might be a great addition to a gift for your fitness addict friend whose into juicing who probably also eats semi-gluten free or thinks gluten might be killing us (raises hand here…but still eating gluten). 

5. BRACELET FROM KIEL JAMES PATRICK

For your favorite preppy friend who you think may need to branch out from Vineyard Vines and Sperry’s.

Happy Thanksgiving…Happy Holidays!

TELL ME: YOUR HOLIDAY WISH LIST?

[PS: Winner of 10 box of Picky Bars announced Sunday – you still have time to enter!]

The Better to See You With, My Dear…

…and other Public Service Announcements…

1. Warby Parker

I’m in love with my new frames. For $95 I was able to get new frames with lenses. LensCrafters was going to charge me $330 just for lenses to put in my own frames.

Bonus: For every pair purchased, Warby Parker gives a pair to someone in need.

2.. Raglan Slub Top from Oiselle

This is the perfect basic tee and it is super comfortable. Looks great at the track or on the street (I’ve paired mine with statement necklaces for an added punch).

You get more bang for your buck. Two birds with one stone. Win-win situation.

3. DoDo Cases

Build an awesome bookbound case for your tablet.

Plus, plenty of other cool paper products for any fellow paper princesses (or princes) out there!

TELL ME: PRODUCTS YOU ARE INTO LATELY? IF I WRITE ABOUT INTERN YEAR, WHAT DO YOU WANT TO KNOW?

Until next time…

Game Day Shorts Winner

…and the lucky person is…

Number 33!

Kathleen!

Come on down! Cue that “Price Is Right” music…

Email me at mbsthinks@gmail.com so you can get rocking and rolling in those Game Day shorts.

If you haven’t gone back to read all of the comments, some are really funny.

Thanks to everyone for entering!

Until next time…

Fabulous Flats

My search for the perfect, all purpose, walking friendly flats (ie can take at least 2 miles of NYC walking without discomfort) has proved elusive (other than Toms). I’ve ended up doctoring up more pairs of shoes than I can count. Such a high price we women pay for beauty [and thank God for moleskin]!

I’ve found two pairs of flats at opposite ends of the price and fashion spectrum that I’m in love with. I even biked around Long Island yesterday in a pair with no problems.

NEW BALANCE WELL2GO 115 – $54.99:

That’s right. New Balance makes flats. Its like walking around in your running shoes all day. I’ve actually gotten tons of compliments on my “cute flats.” You can hardly tell their made by a running shoe company.

Well2Go by New Balance

I took a bike tour in these bad boys around vineyards in Long Island with no problems (about 13 miles or so).

I like them so much I might get another pair as I think they will be great for the hospital and running errands around NYC.

Reasonable price point. Comfortable, stylish shoes. I’d run to grab some if I were you.

ATTILIO GUISTI LEOMBRUNI TOE CAP BALLET FLATS – $298.00:

So, these beauties are expensive. I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit on the internet how much I paid for these shoes.

AGL Toe Cap Ballet Flats

HOWEVER, I absolutely think that these shoes are worth the money if you work in a professional setting and are in the market for nice shoes. They are comfortable and durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of NYC walking (or whatever city you live in), but boast a clean, polished, and professional finish.

For those of you who can wear heels every day, I commend you. For you fellow flat wearers, check out these if you need some new shoes.

TELL ME: YOUR FAVORITE PAIR OF SHOES THAT WITHSTAND A LOT OF WALKING?

Until next time…

Beauty Bargains

The following post is written by my sister, Allison.

 

 

Its not hard to see which sister is better at applying make-up in the comparison photo…

In her words, “make-up is my passion like running is yours.” Apparently, there’s a wide world of “make-up YouTube users” out there that review products or post demos. So, when she’s not hitting the books in pharmacy school, my younger sis has been acquiring a wealth of cosmetic knowledge. She’s always been the more artistic minded sister – I’m attributing it to her left-handedness (and my lack thereof to being right handed).

And, on top of having the know-how, Ally mostly uses drug store or Target bought products. She’s talented and economical. Double trouble!

So, here are it is:

“ALLY’S TOP 10 DRUGSTORE BEAUTY PRODUCTS”

FACE:

1. Revlon Photoready Concealer: Retail Price – $9.99

Why? This concealer is super creamy and allows me to cover the redness and acne marks that are on my face.

Where to use? I use this concealer under my eyes, around my nose and over acne scars or new pimples. If I am in a hurry, I also use this concealer as a foundation and just apply it all over my chin, T-zone, eyes, and nose.

Bonus info? I heard about this concealer from one of my favorite Youtube beauty gurus and blogger, Emily Noel, aka, BeautyBroadcast. If you are interested in makeup or want to see makeup tutorials, or reviews on new products, check her out!]

2.Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette: Retail Price – $10.49

Why? This palette contains three different colors of concealers, and one powder that can be used over the concealers. A complete concealer package!

Where?  I love to use this concealer over my pimples and mix many of the tones together to get the perfect match to cover my redness.

Bonus info? I also love to use the powder over my concealer that I put underneath my eyes, because it makes me look more awake!

3. Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation: Retail Price – $9.99

Why? I did not wear foundation until very recently, because I thought that it made my face feel heavy and look cakey. I started to hear about this new foundation by Revlon, and had to give it a shot! Once I tried it, I fell in love with it and even like it better than my Clarins (VERY EXPENSIVE STUFF) foundation! It’s so lightweight and feels like you’ll feel like you aren’t wearing any product on your skin.

Where? This foundation is a light to medium coverage, and can be buildable to create a more full coverage. I use this product all over my face and apply it with a damp beauty blender or my E.L.F flat top powder brush.

 

Bonus info? This foundation also contains SPF 20, so I love the protection that it gives me from the sun! This foundation lasts me all day and I don’t ever have to reapply the foundation, just occasional touchups with powder over oily spots on my face.

4. Maybelline Dream Matte Powder: Retail Price – $7.99

Why? I am the type of person who cannot stand for my face to be oily. My T-zone tends to get very oily throughout the day, so I am always looking for a powder to get rid of that shiny look. I found this powder and decided to try it out one day, and love it!

Where? I apply this powder over my Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation and it gives my skin a great finish.

Bonus info? Not only does this powder get rid of my shiny T-zone, it also has great lasting power! I apply it once in the morning, and never have to reapply or touch up my powder, unless I am going out that night and want to freshen up my makeup look. This powder also does not cake up over my foundation and creates a very natural looking finish on the skin.

5. E.L.F. Blushes: Retail Price – $3.00

Why? I cannot say enough about E.L.F blushes. E.L.F offers a variety of shades for every skin tone, and they are a great product!

Bonus info? I love all of the E.L.F line, and had to recently visit the store, while  in NYC, as our E.L.F products are sparse at my local Target at home. These blushes are very very inexpensive, so you do not have to feel guilty if you buy the whole collection.

More bonus info? E.L.F blushes have often been compared to the ever so popular NARS blushes. The NARS blush in the color “Orgasm,” is one of the most popular blush colors that Sephora sells. I believe that the E.L.F blush in Twinkle Pink or Candid Coral looks almost identical to the NARS blush. I love to mix up my blush everyday, and these blushes are the perfect way to play up your makeup look and cheeks.

6. N.Y.C. Sun to Sun Bronzing Powder: Retail Price – $4.99

Why and Bonus info? I have tried many high-end bronzers, including ones by Stila and Urban Decay, and I believe that this bronzer can give the high-end bronzers a run for their money. If someone asks me to recommend a drugstore bronzer, I always tell them this one. It is very inexpensive, and has two color options, a lighter golden shade and a darker bronze. You can use these shades individually, or you can mix the two together to give your cheeks a nice tan glow.

[Meggie’s note: I have this bronzer and I love it.]

I really should start paying more attention when she applies her make-up…

EYES:

7. E.L.F. Eyelid Primer: Retail Price – $1.00

Why? This eyelid primer helps your eyeshadow stay on for long periods of time, without smudging. I always rave about this eyeshadow primer, and so one of my girlfriends decided to give it a try and could not believe how long her eyeshadow and eyeliner stayed on her eyes. It is a miracle product, and I use it everyday.

Bonus Info? This is the most amazing eyelid primer every invented. And, better yet, it is ONE DOLLAR. Yes, I repeat, ONE DOLLAR.

8. L’Oreal Voluminous Volume Building Mascara: Retail Price – $7.99

Why? This is my favorite drugstore mascara of all time. It makes my eyelashes so full and voluminous, it almost looks like I am wearing false eyelashes. This mascara is a very wet mascara and clings to your lashes enhancing the thickness, volume, and length. If I am in a hurry I just swipe some of this on my eyelashes and my eyes already look 100 times better.

Bonus Info? Drugstore mascara is just as good as high-end brands. John Stossel did an expose of sorts on the make-up industry when he was at ABC and often did a segment called “Give Me a Break!” He showed that many drugstore and high end brands are made in same factories. So, try it out!

I’m not a make-up guru, but I can “vogue” for you if you want…[just maybe not very well].

LIPS:

9. Maybelline Babylips: Retail Price – $3.99

Why? My lips always seem to be dry, and every time I apply lipstick the color will stick to the dry skin and look gross. I found my solution with Maybelline BabyLips. This product is a chapstick and lip color all in one. I love them and always throw one in my purse on the way out of the house. Babylips comes in a variety of shades for every skin tone, and even have fun colors such as a hot pink, light red, and peachy coral.

Bonus info? Not only does this product come in great colors, they also smell fantastic and have SPF20 to protect your lips from the harsh sun!

10. Revlon Lip Butters: Retail Price – $5.99

Why? These lipsticks are the holy grail of all drugstore lipsticks. If I could buy the entire collection, I would in a second. These lip butters are super creamy and glide on the lips to create a glossy finish. They come in a variety of colors and can be put on the lips once for a light glossy look, or built up to create a bold color.

Bonus Info? I bought this lip product for both my mom and sister, and both love the product. [<–Meggie’s note: true story]

But, no one always wears make-up, even the make-up queen, herself!

All 10 of these products together costs $65.42, which is probably about what 2-3 high end products at Sephora would cost you. Score!

Thanks, Ally, for giving insight into your make-up world! I’m going to go figure out what “build up” your foundation means now.

TELL ME: FAVORITE DRUGSTORE BEAUTY FINDS? USE ANYTHING ON THIS LIST?

Until next time..

Mio Mesh Day to Night #flystyle

Two of my favorite aspects of Oiselle are the following:

1. Most if not all items are TUMBLE DRY LOW! [In a tiny NYC apartment, place to hang dry clothes is at a premium.]

2. Not only great for running, but also for REAL LIFE! [More bang for your buck.]

 

I wore the Oiselle Mio Mesh tank in sky both to spin this morning and to dinner tonight. Don’t worry, today was a laundry day!

Now if only I could get them to create scrubs lined in lux fabric…

TELL ME: ANYTHING FROM YOUR RUNNING WARDROBE YOU WEAR TO WORK? TO DINNER? TO, WELL, NOT WORK OUT?

Until next time…

 

 

 

#WeRunNYC Update and FAQs!

Hey Hey Hey!

We are so looking forward to seeing friendly faces – new and old – at #WeRunNYC this Saturday, June 1st at 8:30. Bright and early to beat the heat!

Here are the deets in case you forgot.

WHAT: Fun Run (4 mile and 8 mile options)

WHEN: Saturday, June 1st, 8:30 am (trying to beat the heat!)

WHERE: Greatist HQ – 18 W 27th Street, 8th floor

FREE TICKETS: GET THEM HERE!

SPONSORS: @oiselle, @pickybars, @nuunhydration

HOSTS: @greatist

RUN EXPERT: Josh of Gotham City Runners

HASHTAG: #weRUNnyc <– because if it didn’t happen on instagram or twitter, then it didn’t really happen, right?

Here are a few updates and FAQs on the run, prizes, AND a special online raffle so those who aren’t in NYC can participate (tear, we wish you could be here!).

1. BAG CHECK: Yes! You can leave your bags in the designated bag check room at Greatist HQ. One of the Greatist employees will be staying behind so your stuff will be a-ok while you run.

2. OISELLE CLOTHES TO TRY ON: Jocelyn and I are going to bring some of our Oiselle clothes for people to try on for sizing purposes as I know many people often have questions on the sizing. Boom! Here’s your chance to try on. Don’t worry, all clothes will be clean! 🙂

3. PRIZES: Oh yeah. Get excited. This is the real reason you’re going to want to come.

NUUN: New Flavor Mixed 4 Pack AND a water bottle, similar to the ones Kara Goucher used in Boston

PICKY BARS: 10-bar pack and wrist band

I know you remember this guy…

 OISELLE: 1 women’s 50/50 “Fly” tee

2 men’s 50/50 “London Calling” tees

1 pair of women’s Game Day shorts in poppy

3 pack of Rundies

GREATIST: Trigger Point The Grid Foam Roller 

Greatist T-shirts

And, the piece de resistance…drumroll please…

AN ELITE OISELLE SINGLET SIGNED BY LAUREN FLESHMAN!

Because we believe this last one is so special and because we love Every Mother Counts, we’re making this one both an online and in person raffle for charity. The other prizes are in person raffle only and the run and are free.

Enter to win an elite Oiselle singlet signed by pro runner and Oiselle business partner, Lauren Fleshman! Lauren is a 5x NCAA champ, 15x All-American, and 2x US 5K Champ! Online entries can be done at our crowdrise page:

——> http://www.crowdrise.com/teamemc/fundraiser/werunnyc <——

ONLINE ENTRIES: $2 for 1 raffle ticket

IN PERSON ENTRIES: $1 for 1 raffle ticket, cash only at #WeRunNYC on 6/1/13

WHAT YOUR DONATION SUPPORTS:

Every Mother Counts (EMC) is an advocacy and mobilization campaign founded by Christy Turlington Burns that seeks to increase education and support for maternal mortality reduction globally. More simply stated, EMC helps to make pregnancy and childbirth safe for all mothers.

$3 (just a few raffle tickets!) can ensure a pregnant woman can get a ride to a clinic when she goes into labor.

$500 can provide 50 women with safe motherhood kits with basic supplies for delivery and postnatal care.

$3600 can train a midwife in Haiti who will, on average, attend to at least 100 births over the course of her career.

Raffle winner will be drawn on June 2nd and announced on Monday, June 3rd.

Didn’t win?! You can be stylish and philanthropic by purchasing Oiselle’s exclusive collection for Every Mother Counts! Forty percent of all purchases go directly to EMC. I kid you not, that EMC sweatshirt is one of the softest sweatshirts I’ve ever owned.

Find out more about EMC here: http://www.everymothercounts.org/

 

Find out more about Oiselle for EMC here: http://www.oiselle.com/shop/the-collective/every-mother-counts

 

Find out more about Lauren here: asklaurenfleshman.com

TELL ME: WHO’S COMING? WHAT DO YOU WANT TO WIN? DONATING? FAVE NUUN FLAVOR? FAVE PICKY BAR FLAVOR? FAVE OISELLE PIECE? FAVE CHARITY?

See you Saturday!

Until next time…