
"For the side of you that likes a cup of tea"
I love to connect with people. Funny thing is, I never knew this about myself. I just discovered that I loved going out to lunch with people and taking friends out on "dates" just to connect with them. I love trying to help people become a better person. One of my favorite things in the world is to make sure that people that I love are constantly growing and bettering themselves. So this poses a very important question, what is one thing you should eliminate from your life because it's holding you back from reaching your full potential? So often we don't know how to cut out all the excess, the drama, the toxic waste from our lives...and let's just get to the bottom of it, it is not good for you! At the end of the day, it's just not healthy. We have friends, family members, books, habits, websites, drinks, etc. that don't provide POSITIVITY. I am all about the positivity. Now, I'm not saying go through your blackberry or your iPhone and click Delete Contact. I am in no way condoning burning bridges. On the other hand, toxic is toxic. Whether it's your boyfriend, childhood friend, or co-worker... how much of your time and energy do you allow them to have? Is there something or someone in your life who is holding you back from reaching your full potential? Over a cup of tea, you should decide.

"For the side of you that likes ice water with lemon"
Beauty Check:
I have always been a die hard try new beauty products all the time fan. Being the lucky girl that I am, I have stumbled upon some really really fantastic stuff.
Now, I was never really into having my WHOLE face made up (you know how when some people get close up they look completely different) but I do love when my eyes pop.
So #1 on my list is: Loreal Original Voluminous Mascara. I never really liked mascara. I didn't really think that it did that much but come to find out, it does wonders. I had always heard "cheap mascara is the best mascara" and evidently it's true. You can find this beauty fav at your local drug store for about $8 bucks. Cool huh?

Everyone who know me, knows that I adore taking baths. I love them. All of my friends know that if we're close, at some point in my life I will be on the phone with them
while taking a bath. (Side note: leave your comments at the door). LOL. So...that brings me to my next favorite product. #2
Perlier Honey Bath & Shower Cream (Ricette Naturali Perlier Body Honey Miel Crema Per Bagno & Doccia.)

I found this product in an Italian drugstore earlier this year while I was traveling in Italy. My product has the Italian name which I gave you in parentheses but I found out that this product is available in the USA and you can check it out at hsn.com to have it shipped straight to your door! The internet is a godsend. A-may-zing.
#3

I'm not a beauty editor at a fabulous fashion magazine nor am I some fashion guru BUT
I have declared the new fall OPI color Malaga Wine as the new HOT color. Screw all those purples, yellows, and pinks this sucker is "haute."
#4 One random fact about me is that I am allergic to random lipchaps (that's what I call them - I know I made the word up) such as blistex, chapstick, etc. It really sucks because no one wants to spend serious money on "lipchaps." Anywho, if you happen to have this same problem then maybe your lips are like my lips and they enjoy when I smudge Rosebud's Strawberry Lip Balm and moisturizer on them. Why oh, why are my lips high maintenance? Rosebud's to the rescue.
#5 Enjoy Sulfate-Free Hydrating Shampoo: Create unbelievably smooth and silky hair. Eliminate frizz. Moisturize and detangle without buildup. Color safe for all hair types. $15.95 for the 10.1 fl. oz. Sometimes I want to renew and freshen my look so...I color my hair. Coloring you hair is high maintenance. You have to add in that extra charge at the beauty salon for the "deep conditioner," you can't stay out in the sun too long or you come in looking blonder and last but not least you have to change shampoos that don't fade the color or damage your hair. This is when my new favorite product came waltzing into my life. I hope you Enjoy!
"For the side of you that likes a good martini"
I wanted to share with you 3 of my world class favorite places to "fine dine."
1. Prime 112, Miami, FL
EVERYTHING at Prime 112 is (as my waitress described) amazing. It was rather annoying when my guests and I were trying to choose what to eat when our lovely waitress continued to answer all of our questions with "oh, it is amazing." Yes, the Soy Marinated Sea Bass, Grilled Wild King Salmon, Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato & Vanilla Bean Mash and EVERY LITTLE SCRUMPTIADIDDLY (clearly made this word up) thing we ordered was AMAZING. If I could have met the chef, I would have kissed him because for the love of this man he can cook his arms off! Prime 112 made an impression of me that I will never forget.
2. Pesce, Houston, TX
If you go to Pesce, you will meet Chef Mark Holley. He is an extremely personable chef that comes around to your table to check on you for the evening. EVERY time that I have been there I have spoken with him. Mr. Mark Holley is not just someone you want to speak to...he is someone you want to climb in your pocket and take home with you. His Southern Shrimp & Grits and possibly anything else on that menu is to die for. When you go, please have a mojito on my behalf. The best in the country.
3. Crustaceans, Los Angeles, CA
Crustaceans is a dining experience. The Cracked Crab and Garlic Noodles are a must! You must have them both. Crustaceans is filled with celebrities and people in the know every time I go and all I'm thinking about is that Cracked Crab. This needs to be in that book 1,000 places to go before you die.
From a girl who loves a cup of tea, ice water with lemon and a good martini,
Lauren