day off beauty rituals...

Got a snow day or a lazy Sunday on your hands? Marinate in your favorite conditioner, body creams and oils, face masks and moisturizers:

HAIR
* give your tresses extra attention with a deep conditioning mask left in for hours...bonus points for wrapping your hair in a warm towel to give it a boost....double bonus points if you start with an in home glossing treatment prior to the mask.


BODY
* before soaking in a warm (not hot) tub of aromatic salts slather your heels, elbows, knees and any other craggy area with a super moisturizing balm or salve. Rub the product in a bit more during your bath.


* scrub your skin with a loofah and shower gel or body scrub to ensure your follow up moisturizing treatments penetrate deeply. Use deep, circular strokes all over the body for a mini massage effect.


* post bath/shower apply a pure oil such as sesame or jojoba to your skin, paying attention to dry cuticles on fingers and toes. Then follow up with a cream, especially for chronically dry areas.


FACE
* use an appropriate mask for your particular skin issue: moisturizing cream mask for dry or aging skin, clay based mask for clogged pores, papaya or pumpkin mask for dull skin...bonus points for applying a collagen eye mask to any of the above for extra anti aging benefits.


* post mask apply an eye cream and a nickel sized amount of a chemical free face oil, such as argan oil. You'll be a bit shiny but what do you care if you're just chilling at home? Follow up with a thin layer of your face cream to keep the hydration going.


We don't often have time to take these extra steps (especially all at once) so really savor the experience by sipping herbal tea, playing relaxing music, burning your favorite candle...you get the idea...


posted on the move!

home bar...

There are few things better than fixing a well crafted and no doubt much deserved drink upon returning home after a busy day.  A well stocked bar is key to throwing a fabulous party as well as an impromptu toast, should an occasion arise...Below are the essentials, in our estimation:

the basics:
shaker...jigger...stirrer...ice bucket...rocks, all purpose wine (in case you don't have room for both red and white versions), highball and martini glasses...for a beyond basic mix don't buy all the glasses in the same style...look for a cohesive element such as metallic or etched accents or even colors...



the goods:
vodka...gin...vermouth...rum...scotch...a bottle of champagne at the ready...the very best you can afford (this is no place for "well")...bonus points for housing your spirits in pretty and personalized decanters...and don't forget the club soda (make your own?) and tonic as well as juices such as orange and tomato in a simple pitcher...


foodie stuffs:
nuts (almonds, cashews or a mix)...lemon twists...olives...lime wedges - all served in good looking vessels



stylish accessories:
monogrammed cloth cocktail napkins...small floral arrangement in a mercury glass vase...silver trays to keep categories grouped together...a glittering votive candle...a colorful or metallic runner spanning the length of your bar or designated table

double duty beauty...

NWS loves multi tasking products - a quick list of our faves:

* Burt's Bees Radiance Lip Shimmer - the minty and tingly peppermint oil perks up your lips while the shimmer gives a great sheen.  But the best part is that this can be used on your orbital bone to produce a glow on the skin.  Highlight the tops of your cheeks and sides of your forehead (blot in a C formation around the eyes).  Swipe a thin line down the bridge of your nose and blend well - this will make your nose appear straighter.


* Stila Convertible Color - this is lipstick and blush in one sleek compact.  Dab on and blend with fingers for the easiest and quickest natural looking flush.


* Josie Maran's Argan Oil - perfect for moisturizing skin, nails and cuticles, even your hair.  On towel dried hair apply the oil from mid shaft through the end, avoiding the roots.  On dry hair, use a teeny bit for the ends to impart shine.


* Paul Mitchell The Conditioner - use this fresh scented hair conditioner for shaving as well as moisturizing your body post shower (best on damp skin)!


* Dr. Bronner's liquid castile soap - you can basically clean anything with this product: dishes, clothing, toys, cars, skin...it's quite incredible.  Lavender, Baby (unscented) and Peppermint are NWS's top picks.


* Philosophy Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath -  a three in one product housed in a generously sized bottle.  And now Philosophy's website offers a coordinating pump which makes this a perfect shower staple.  We adore Amazing Grace and Strawberry Milkshake...delish!

emergency car (or office) kit...

One never knows when a sudden important meeting or social engagement could crop up - especially during the holidays.  In order to be prepared for such an event, just in case you are less than thrilled with your ensemble, keep this emergency kit stashed in the car or office:

* one pair of simple black ballet flats - they go with practically everything and are invaluable for relieving stiletto induced pain at the end of the day...especially great if you find you'll have to do some unexpected, long distance walking
* a clear hair elastic such as Blax and two bobby pins (loop the elastic through the pins to keep track of them)
* a naturally flattering lip stick that can double as blush in a pinch
* a thin tortoise or black headband to tame hair with classic style...use the clear hair elastic to create a bun for extra polish
* nail file for those nasty snags
* a small vial of beauty oil such as Josie Maran's argan oil or jojoba oil - you can literally use this type of pure oil for dry skin, split ends and ragged cuticles...a little goes a long way.
* plain black sunglasses as they hide tired eyes and can instantly glam up any look...buy an inexpensive pair and keep in your glovebox for emergency situations
* a jaunty printed scarf or wrap in a neutral color which can keep you warm, camoflage a less than stellar blouse or spice up a plain dress
* one statement piece of jewelry - a necklace or earrings are great but a giant cocktail ring might be most useful...pick whatever you feel most glamorous wearing
* a small spool of dental floss as well as gum or mints
* wet wipes (unscented or for sensitive skin) - use to clean virtually anything in hurry
* small package of tissues
* zip it all up in a slim pouch and thank the stars you've stashed it!

work it out...

It's super easy to throw on sweats, a sports bra and a ratty T shirt for your regular workouts. But why not dress with a bit more panache, not to mention technology?

APPAREL
Newer fabrics with spandex have the ability to retain their shape and performance while also allowing your skin to breathe which will keep you cooler and more comfortable for longer.

A great workout wardrobe should include three lengths of basic black (or other dark neutral) bottoms: full, cropped and knee length. These three will provide you with options for different seasons. Bold colors and prints seem a bit too fussy to NWS and simply arent as flattering as black, navy and gray. A cult favorite is the Groove Pant by Lululemon. These are so fabulous if you pair them with the right top and accessories you can easily wear them for non exercising pursuits pre and post gym!

A good sports bra is vital, especially if you are well endowed. Breathability is essential to prevent acne and skin irritation. Look for a variety of colors to spice up your basic black bottoms. A new style by Champion features a full coverage sports bra with an empire baby doll mid section rather than a tight fitting bodice.

ACCESSORIES AND GEAR
A headband that won't budge is key for keeping hair off your face. Goody Stay Put bands and elastics in black are the best in general form and function. A wide fabric bandeau is also a stylish way to tame hair during and post workout.

Sneakers, or trainers, have come along way in style - not to mention stability. Adidas, Puma and Nike offer great looking shoes with metallic accents that offers a fun yet sophisticated look to basic sport footwear. Trainers don't have to be bright pink to show off your feminine side.


For gym bags or yoga mat holders look to Stella McCartney for Adidas. Her design esthetic brings high end details and color palettes to an otherwise lackluster category.

A girl's gotta stay hydrated so grab a good looking reusable bottle that you'llbe happy to reach for time and again. BPA free versions abound - try Nalgene, Bobble (which filters as you drink), Kor or Kleen Kanteen.


BEAUTY
Refresh your skin post workout with a hydrating fine mist from an Evian atomizer for your face and a fragrant yet natural spritz of light body splash such as The Body Shop's Total Energy Uplifting Spritz.

Eos lip balm is da bomb (apologies) for organic moisture and the bright spheres are super easy to spot in the gym bag. The price allows you to stash multiples in strategic places like a gym locker, car and desk.

Now to actually work out...