Bar Cart Idea for your Apartment

A bar cart is a great addition to any apartment or space, becoming the go-to after work or the hotspot during a party. When it comes to a bar cart, look for something that matches the style or aesthetic of your space and has enough functionality to meet your bartending needs. If you are in an apartment, space is probably at a premium. What I like most about this bar cart is its tiny footprint yet big impact in terms of storage space.

If you are looking for a low-cost bar cart option that is very DIY, check out the Ikea Raskog Utility Cart. At $29.99, it is very affordable and the metal construction makes it sturdy enough to hold all your glassware. I liked the Raskog cart as it has a modern feel that matched the aesthetic of my space.  Additionally, the rolling wheels make it easy to move around during any events you may be hosting. 

Bar Cart Essentials:

-Your favorite libations: store them on the top shelf and arrange for an artful look

-Bar Tools: I recommend getting a strainer and jigger at minimum...so you are prepped for any cocktail recipe!

-Cocktail shaker

-Glassware

-Ice Bucket

I store my glassware on the lower shelves along with any miscellaneous items that I might use less frequently. Add fun towels to the cart that compliment your kitchen or space. Do you have a bar cart in your space? I would love to hear what you keep on yours in the comments below!

Refresh your Spring Workout Routine

I admire those that have a consistent, dedicated workout routine year round. If you are like me, you become less active in the winter, and feel the need to shed some of those pounds as soon as spring comes around...cliché? Perhaps.

Along with getting back into the warm weather exercise routine comes the not so fun part of aches and pains of sore muscles. Sometimes even finding the energy to workout each day can be challenging with the craziness of life happening around us.

I have added some natural products to my workout routine that have been great for soothing sore muscles after a workout or strenuous activity as well as staying energized. Whether you are the workout veteran, or the spring chicken, like myself, I think adding essential oils to your workout routine is worth a try!

Instead of using all those products filled with chemicals, I have been using two essential oils from Young Living, namely PanAway and Peppermint. I highly recommend the Young Living brand when it comes to essential oils for their premium quality. How do these oils come in to play for working out you may wonder?

PanAway Essential Oil:

PanAway oil has become my best friend, especially while my body gets back into shape. It is great for soothing sore muscle aches. It can be used typical and is great for a massage, or you can utilize it in a nice, hot bath which is what I like to do. PanAway has a stimulating aroma and is a popular and original combination of Wintergreen, Helichrysum, Clove, and Peppermint essential oils formulated by D. Gary Young.

If you are feeling the workout blues, try mixing 1/2 cup of epsom salts with 4-5 drops of the PanAway essential oil blend. Let the oil soak into the salts, and then add to a hot bath, soak, and enjoy! I find myself keeping it right at the edge of the tub. If you more of a massage person, keep a bottle in your gym bag to help your fatigued muscles as it can be applied topically right to the area of soreness.

I have also been focusing a lot on hydration, which is certainly important when it comes to working out. It can be difficult to consume a lot of water throughout the day, especially if you are one who likes a little flavor in a beverage. Drinking the proper amount of water is also a great way to flush out toxins from the body. Peppermint oil has been a great tool for me to focus on water consumption while feeling a boost of energy*. Try adding Peppermint essential oil to your water pre or during workout to keep alert and focused. Of course, post workout, staying hydrated is equally as important. Peppermint is a nice touch to a post workout beverage as it keeps you feeling energized and helps to avoid a post workout slump.*

Peppermint is actually a key ingredient in PanAway and can be used topically as well for a soothing experience! Fresh, nostalgic, and instantly recognizable, Peppermint essential oil’s scent invigorates the mind and senses, while inspiring a sense of peace. Used topically, Peppermint oil creates a cool, tingling sensation on the skin, making it a favorite for sports massage. 

Common Uses for Peppermint:

-After a tough workout, dilute a few drops of Peppermint in V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex, and use it in a refreshing post-workout massage.
-Create your own home spa. Add Peppermint and Eucalyptus Radiata to hot bath water and enjoy the relaxing, invigorating scent and aromatic steam.
-Peppermint is in the same family as both Lavender and Rosemary. Diffuse the oils of these powerful botanicals together for a fresh aroma that uplifts the spirit.

What is part of your workout routine. Share in the comments below as it is always good to share practices!

If you love essential oils like me, and find yourself on a path to natural living, consider joining Young Living as a wholesale member to enjoy a 24% discount on all products. 

*Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.

For Men: Bergdorf Goodman Hosting Spring Made-To-Measure Event

If you are in the city this weekend, checking out the dapper made-to-measure event at Goodman's men's store is a must...especially if you have been thinking about updating your sartorial looks this spring! The event will run through Sunday March 13th and also features renowned photographer, James Houston.


Offering a glimpse into the store’s vast array of Men’s fine tailoring and luxury pieces, Goodman’s Men’s Store 5th Avenue windows will showcase world-renowned photographer James Houston. The windows will feature four photographs of James Houston’s series titled HORSE. Each photograph has been enlarged to fill the back wall of each window; one image per window. The windows will be completed on Thursday, March 3.

From left to right: Brioni, Giorgio Armani

“For the Spring 2016 Made-To-Measure Event, I thought the minimal, yet strong image of a horse would work well with proportion, scale and strength being hallmarks of both fine, tailored clothing and champion horses,” says Shane Ruth, Visual Director, Men’s Store & Decorative Home. This initiative was inspired by James Houston Design’s, Co-Founder and Head of Sales Michael Dimopoulos, which continues to help raise funds and awareness for the various causes Houston supports such as Global Green USA.

During the event, Made-to-Measure fees will be waived and participating designers will be offering a range of exclusive fabrics, custom details with experts on site to provide personalized assistance.

Tom Ford

On the Main Floor, Bontoni will be hosting a Trunkshow from Friday, March 4 – Sunday March 6. For the first time, Bontoni will also be offering a selection of belts for Made-to-Measure. Tod’s will be offering a “Gommini” customization event from Friday, March 11 – Sunday, March 13.

Made-to-Measure Designers:
Cesare Attolini
Brioni
Belfast
Ermenegildo Zegna
Tom Ford
Isaiah
Kitten
Castangia
Gieves & Hawkes
Ralph Lauren
Giorgio Armani
Brunello Cucinelli
Goodman's Shirting Collection (Private Label)


Photos: Bergdorf Goodman

Suitsupply Launches Spring Summer '16 Toyboy Campaign

For me, Suitsupply ad campaigns are quite recognizable. They usually feature vibrant color combinations, and, of course, the dapper men in their awesome suits and sartorial looks. This season, Suitsupply has launched its SS '16 campaign which turns up the dial evermore for the attention grabbing aspect. 

Female models dressed in swimsuits with men all over them? I think the suits are already sold! The concept of this season's campaign is "Tomboys." It is based on the premise that, from a man's perspective, we live a in a world of beautiful, powerful, women that know what they want and are extremely powerful...so what are we to do? Sit back and have some fun!

In the words of the brand, they say: 

"So what's a guy to do? You're a modern gentleman, but the tables have turned. You have a certain way with the ladies...that is, until they have their way with you. You're a playboy, but what happens when the playboy becomes the plaything? 

Well, the water's warm, the women are beautiful, and the sky is drenched by the sun. And most importantly of all, you've got your best suit of armor on your back. Suddenly, it's obvious. There's nothing else to do. Simply sit back, and enjoy the ride."

I think the campaign is making a very strong, bold statement. It will be interesting to see the feedback and responses to the ads is they begin to circulate around the internet and social media world. I personally find it to be quite artistic, and thought the behind the scenes video gave some interesting insight into how the photos were developed.

Tropical beaches, bright colors, and beautiful suits....I think I like it! Here are some of the images from the new campaign.

What do you think?

Images, Video: Suitsupply

Spring Fever

Spring Fever is officially beginning to set in. With longer days, the clock change around the corner, and this week of warmer weather, I cannot help but daydream of sun, green trees, and summer a few months away.

It has certainly been a mild winter, so while I cannot complain in that regards, I am ready to ditch the wool sweaters and heavy coats in exchange for light jackets and cotton sweaters....and certainly brighter colors!

Depending on where you are located, spring is definitely about layering- a jacket is necessary in the morning but by the time the afternoon sun rolls around you are rolling up your sleeves...especially as we get into the later months of the season. I used the warmer weather here as an excuse to break out some brighter colors and lighten the mood around town.

It is certainly not time for linen or thin cotton fabrics, yet. With that in mind, I pulled a sport shirt that is crafted from a cotton/cashmere blend so it soft to the skin yet slightly heavier than traditional cotton. I paired it with go-to chinos. Note the use of cream instead of stark white...are you an avid believer in the no white before memorial day rule?

The center of this outfit was my Stubbs &  Wootton slippers. They make quite the statement and are such a classic style from the Palm Beach brand. I finished the look with a bracelet to tie back into the red of the shoes, a preppy belt, and simple aviators.

Shirt: Ralph Lauren Purple Label // Chinos: Jack Wills // Belt: Jack Spade // Bracelet: Miansai // Shoes: Stubbs & Wootton