Best Buy makes planning your wedding registry fun with these top five picks

Some think that picking out the engagement ring is tough – and in some cases it is. The right “size, shape, color”, is it new or something that is a family heirloom. When it comes to picking out your registry, you can breathe a sign of relief because Best Buy wedding registry takes all the stress out of your wedding planning with home goods that you’ll both enjoy. These are my top five picks from Best Buy to help any engaged couples new life together the best.

1 – TV anyone? This is awesome for gathering around for date night, simple movies and let’s not forget all the sports that your spouse (and possibly you too) will love to watch with family and friends.2 – Technology is key in the 21^st century. How about new matching mobile devices, music players or laptops? This makes staying in touch and getting those thank you notes off to your guests easier.  They also have an awesome “Geek Squad”, that can help you with any of your computer related questions.

3 – New appliances may be needed in your new home and how about that washer, drier or stainless steel wine fridge you’ve had your eye on. While these may seem big-ticket items, they are great for “Group Gifting”. What’s that you ask? It allows gift-givers to give any amount they want, so couples can ask for the gifts you really want and not worry about price point. Great for your officemates or bridal party who want to pool funds for your gift.

4 – It’s party time and a new stereo and/or speakers will set your party off right! Music systems will help with amazing surround sound for parties both in and out of your home. Placing your speakers near or via blue tooth, will have your guests enjoying every moment.

5 – I don’t know about you but nothing makes for a great party but awesome food and cocktails. That’s why a microwave, toaster, blender or coffee maker must be on your registry. Fun food just completes your new home and cocktails  or coffee make everything meal perfect all year round.

Best Buy has a great choice of gifts that will fit any registry request. Remember that all items $199 and over can be considered for their “group gifting” option. This allows you to ask for what you really want, without asking your guests to spend more than they are comfortable with—so dream big. Remember Best Buy Wedding Registry has Free Shipping, No Minimum.  So whatever your “Top Five” products, big or small, expensive or affordable, all ship for free saving your guests money.

So check out Best Buy and take the stress out of your registry planning. Now back to finding the perfect dress….

While a huge Best Buy fan, this is a sponsored post and I’ve been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

On a hot Labor Day think cool Cocktails from Snow Leopard Vodka

Can you believe it’s ALREADY Labor Day?! During these last hot days of summer, there is no better cocktail to help celebrate than Snow Leopard Vodka. It’s cool, refreshing and these cocktails will go down oh-so-refreshingly smooth. Are you planning your engagement party this weekend? Why not make one of these your signature cocktail. If you’re not feeling like cooking or are looking for a fun evening out, then you really have to try either Trattoria Il Mulino (36 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003) or Pergola (36 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001) where you can experience the SnowHound and Bright Lotus respectfully there and then re-create it at home.

If you are a vodka lover (like I am) you will truly enjoy Snow Leopard Vodka. So be cool, think cool and have a “snow” kind of Labor Day.

Remember…drink responsibly.

SnowHound
Trattoria Il Mulino (36 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003)
Snow Leopard Vodka
Grapefruit Cordial
Fresh Lemon

Bright Lotus
by Scott Fitzgerald at Pergola (36 W 28th St, New York, NY 10001)
2 oz. Snow Leopard
.75 oz. Passionfruit Puree
.75 oz. Simple Syrup
.5 oz. Lime Juice
3 drops Creme de Cassis

Snow Leopard Garden

Created by John Christie
1.5 oz. Snow Leopard Vodka
2 oz. fresh watermelon juice
.5 oz. lemon juice
.5 oz. agave nectar
.25 oz. elderflower cordial

Glassware: Coupe,  Garnish: Frozen Watermelon Ball

Sparrow Swizzle
Created by Garrett Mikell at Eveleigh in Los Angeles, CA
1.5 oz Snow Leopard
1.5 oz Lavender Lemonade
Build in a collins glass, add crushed ice, swizzle and a lemon twist

Jewel of Asia
1.25oz Snow Leopard Vodka
1oz Lychee Liqueur
1oz Lime Juice
0.5oz Pomegranate Syrup
Top with Champagne
Add ingredients into a rocks glass fill with cubed ice and swizzle garnish with pink grapefruit and serve

Himalayan Spritz
1oz Snow leopard Vodka
1oz Aperol
1oz Cherry Brandy OR Maraschino
Top with chilled Prosecco
Add ingredients into a rocks glass fill with cubed ice and stir. Garnish with lemon wheel and cherry then serve.

Get Physically and Financially Healthy the John Hancock | Vitality Way

Its finally SPRING!! YIPPIE!!

Now is the time to get moving and even small steps will help you not only get fit, but lead a healthier and longer life. John Hancock teamed up with Chris O’Donnell, star of NCIS: Los Angeles to help us all recognize that getting healthy means physically, emotionally and financially. Even small steps are better than no steps right? Working in partnership with Vitality, John Hancock is offering an entirely new kind of life insurance that rewards you for living a healthier lifestyle.  What would you do with #5MoreNow?

The John Hancock | Vitality exclusive partnership is offering a new kind of life insurance that integrates wellness benefits with life insurance products. This means you will really save on your premiums. The more you save, the more you are rewarded. So how does it work? After you complete your life insurance process you take an online Vitality Health Review to help determine your “Vitality Age” (it just means your overall health). Then you receive a personalized goals assessment to help you on your way to a healthier lifestyle. To help you along, John Hancock will give you a free Fitbit to track your progress. SCORE!! As you gain in your “Vitality Status” you can earn even more savings and rewards. For example, Policyholders can earn travel, shopping, and entertainment-related rewards and discounts, including half-price Hyatt hotel nights, 20-50% off major brand cruise packages, and gift cards from leading retailers like Whole Foods, REI, iTunes, Starbucks, Fandango, and more.

This is a wonderful opportunity and truly important for you as a new couple. Life insurance isn’t something that one thinks about immediately or at all…until it’s too late. Honestly, it should be one of the first things you do together as a couple. Protect each other. Get healthy together and in the end you will save a lot of money on medical expenses.

You can find out much more by going to the John Hancock website http://www.jhrewardslife.com/ This is the best investment you can make for yourself and each other.

 

 

Breakups to Makeup and Sephora get married…well, sort of.

Breakups to Makeup, known for its unique accessories featuring quirky cosmetic-related slogans, has partnered with SEPHORA COLLECTION on a new accessories assortment, launching on Sephora.com and SEPHORA stores across the US and Canada starting today, April 10, 2015. You’ll be able to find “LOSING YOU HURT BUT LOSING MY MAKEUP BAG WOULD BE A TRAGEDY” and “I WOULD CRY BUT MY MASCARA IS DESIGNER”, as well as a SEPHORA COLLECTION exclusive clutch with the phrase “LIFE IS SHORT, WEAR MORE MAKEUP”.

“The goal of Breakups to Makeup has always been to encourage the artistic expression and empowerment that many makeup enthusiasts feel makeup has brought into their lives. We are beyond thrilled to become a part of the beauty wonderland that they have created.” – Angelique Velez, Founder, Breakups to Makeup

So no surprise that these two would come together all in the name of beauty.

Retailing at $24 USD, they can be used as a statement piece or a travel bag to fit easily inside of your kit or suitcase. Made with a natural colored canvas material and are screen-printed with different catchy quotes on the front, definitely not your usual makeup bag!

www.breakupstomakeup.com

Mindy Weiss and Wedding Paper Divas get you married in style

Getting her start in the industry working at a stationery store, Mindy Weiss has always had a passion for paper. As a style partner for Wedding Paper Divas and a go-to wedding trends expert, Mindy has also designed an exquisite new bridal stationery collection that is striking, yet affordable, and appeals to a broad range of styles.

For her collection, Mindy combined years of experience in the wedding industry with her style and creativity to draw inspiration from all facets of life including fashion, art, nature and her forecasted trends for the year. From brilliant color blocking to delicate lace details, the collection features nine designs in a variety of bold and beautiful themes.

“I designed this stationery collection for Wedding Paper Divas to be versatile and elegant enough to match a wide variety of wedding themes and motifs,” said Mindy. “I can’t wait to help couples personalize these designs and add their own flair.”

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• Simple Allure – Color blocking is modernized and this time it’s all about full-bodied, jewel-toned colors.
• Modern Splendor – Inspired by watercolors, there is magic in the carefree flow of darks and lights, creating a vibrant yet peaceful ambiance.
• Floral Trellis – Emulating Chinoiserie’s whimsical style and Asian influences, the design adds a worldly and dignified statement.
• Lasting Lace – This design pays homage to the classic fairytale love story and all things romantic – and what says romance more than lace?
• Natural Lattice – “Let Love Live,” says Mindy, who believes elements of nature and green living walls will be the focus of many wedding celebrations this season.

 Not limited strictly to invitations, the suites also feature save the date cards, response cards, enclosure cards, thank you cards and more. Mindy’s bridal stationery collection is completely customizable, and available at www.weddingpaperdivas.com/mindyweiss

Best Buy has a wedding registry with your name on it.

With so many things to do before your big day, how about making life a little easier when it comes to your wedding registry? Did you know that Best Buy now has a wedding registry?!? I KNOW!!

I’m a real fan of Best Buy. It’s been a long time since a store has the latest products that fit my lifestyle and me. I have a feeling it’s the same for you. So when you and your partner start to build your registry, think about what you really need and your lifestyle. Best Buy really has the best selection of things you may need for you home and if you need help setting up your new device, the geek squad is always available. Now that’s service!

So why Best Buy? Look, do you really need another set of sheets or dishes? I didn’t think so. Giving your guests your registry from Best Buy will assure you that you get what you want and need to continue to build your home. You will also get the items you are truly excited to receive. That great new camera (to use on your honeymoon), perhaps that fitness tracker (to help keep you fitness goals on track) and my personal favorite Bluetooth speakers so you can play your favorite tunes on beach days or outdoors.

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One of the key benefits to this registry vs others is “group gifting”. This means your guests will spend what they want, and you’ll get what you want. There is free shipping, which is an added bonus so no gift, no matter how big or small will get to you AND there is NO minimum PURCHASE required. That’s a win-win for everyone.

So when you’re looking for the best in products, best in sales staff, the best for you, look no further than…Best Buy!

 

Disclaimer: The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

NYFW Beauty: Jay Manuel Beauty for Bibhu Mohapatra

The Inspiration

“It’s as though she stepped out of a painting from the 1920’s but there’s a hint of modernity.  She’s iconic, mysterious and a bit melancholy. Her mood is somber” – Jay Manuel

Team

Jay Manuel and Marla Belt for Jay Manuel Beauty

The Partnership

“I’m thrilled to collaborate with Bibhu Mohapatra and help realize his total vision for the woman of today. He’s a creative visionary whose use of architecture and ingenuity in his designs is not only a fresh but an innovative approach to his timeless and classic aesthetic.  His attention to geometric shapes, elevated patterns and colors schemes makes this partnership ideal for Jay Manuel Beauty.” – Jay Manuel

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Products Used:

Face

Jay Manuel Filter Finish Collection Skin Perfector Foundation, Luxe Powder, Bronzer in Sex on the Beach, Skin Face Lift in Platinum

Eyes

Jay Manuel Beauty Intense Color Eyeshadow Quad in Loud & Narcotic

Jay Manuel Beauty The Everything Pencil in Wicked; Mascara in Noir

Iman Cosmetics Perfect Eye Pencil in Jet Black

Lips

Jay Manuel Beauty The Ultimate Lip Gloss in Strip & Wet

Jay Manuel Beauty launches on HSN on March 26^th

Visit jaymanuelbeauty.com for more product information.