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According to Fisher-Price, “two-year-olds are full of energy, enthusiasm, exploration and growing independence,” which sounds just about right for our group of ladies, and a gentleman, who have helped BeautyNewsNYC.com into its second birthday. The night was celebrated in style with fun giveaways, awards, and what else, but free drinks? How could we go wrong?

BeautyNewsNYC.com has expanded from articles about lip gloss and where to get the best massage to Metro Mama, Metrosexual, and Travel sections just to name a few of our newbies in the last year. Launched in June 2003 by Editor-in-Chief, Kimberly McDonald, the look of the site also got an overhaul this past March, which demonstrated the determination of everyone involved to up the stakes. Heads are turning and doors are opening which only means more insider info for you, our readers.

49 Grove in the West Village set the scene and provided a wonderful location for the festivities. The candle lit lounge allowed for intimate conversations as well as a fair amount of mingling. Bacardi had the bar rockin with their flavoured rum concoctions and the wait staff at 49 Grove kept people sated with tasty spring rolls, spinach pies, and other delicious goodies.

If you weren’t able to come, you missed comedian Erin Foley raffling off the following prizes:

*Susan Ciminelli Spa Gift Certificate–aren’t you jealous?

*Bond No. 9: TWO Amazing Fragrance Gifts.

*DDF Skin Care Gift Basket to help achieve the best skin care a girl can get.

*Ghost: A stunning eyelet poncho AND a beautiful long wrap.

*New York Sports Club 3-month membership.

*Lippman Nail Care Gift Basket full of things to make your hands and feet look perfect.

*Sexy Vestal Watch with a bad-ass Von Deutch Hat to match.

*Sue Devitt Makeup – Fall 2005 Collection.

*Warren Tricomi Salon Gift Certificate for a cut & color.

*Bacardi Gift Baskets…shakers, Bacardi Big Apple, Glasses…the works!

*Pevonia Skin Care Gift Basket full of amazing products.

*Gift Certificate for Cut and Color to the Cutler Salon along with Redken Products

*A three night stay at the fabulous Warwick Hotel in Paris.

The event also served as a great opportunity to support Dress For Success, a charity organization that helps disadvantaged women who are entering or reentering the work force (dressforsuccess.org). There were two raffle items…a chic black handbag from Bulgari and a gorgeous pair of diamond studs, set in an antique-style white gold mounting. Proceeds from these two raffle items were donated to Dress for Success and everyone who purchased a ticket got to pick from a bag full of products donated by Christian Dior and DKNY.

Kate Smith, the first Beauty News NYC Mama of the year, looked radiant as she accepted her award.

The fabulous book “How to Live BIG in Manhattan Without Going Broke” by Josh Silberstein was put into every person’s hands and the Beauty News NYC crew made the rounds meeting readers and chatting up industry friends.

It was a night of celebration and success, and we’ll see you next year when (according to Fisher-Price) we will “often play at being someone else and dress up.” Excellent!

Even if it’s super hot out, you can still look ultra cool with a complimentary makeover from pixi – a makeup line for women with the desire to look radiant, healthy and refreshed, yet still sexy and alluring – at Sephora’s 5th Avenue location. Sara, one of pixi’s founders and makeup artists, will be personally peforming applications on every eager customer yearning to learn the top beauty trends to take note of now. The celeb sun goddess glow will definitely be covered so be sure stop by the store to start your transformation. The event takes place Friday July 1 and Saturday July 2 from 12PM to 7PM. Sephora 5th Avenue is located at 597 5th Avenue between East 48th and 49th Streets. For more details, dial (212) 980-6534.

Instead of getting a mega buzz at happy hour in the humidity over some cocktails this week, why not do something more beautifully beneficial and head to Shobha Soho and Shobha Madison instead? They are extending their hours this weekend so that all the lovely ladies of NYC can take care of any pre-vacation, pre-beach or even pre-barbecue hair removal needs! The new hours are as follows: Friday July 1 10AM to 7PM and Saturday July 2 10AM to 6PM. They will be closed Sunday July 3. Shobha SoHo is located 594 Broadway, Suite 403, between Houston and Prince; Shobha Madison is located at 41 East 57th Street, Suite 1403 (at Madison Avenue). For more details, dial (212) 931-8363.

Forget hightailing it up the side of the Alps, girls. The Swiss Masai company offers Masai Barefoot Technology (mBT). Your very own stairmaste inside a pair of shoes. You’ve heard of the anti-cellulite sneakers, no doubt. If you haven’t tried a pair, you’re missing something amazing.

First of all, they come in sneakers, sandals and high-top boot styles…so none of that “sneakers don’t go with this” crap. When I got mine, I strapped them on and was immediately impressed with how comfortable they were. They feel a bit like a platform shoe within a sneaker, but who minds being another inch and a half taller? Not me.

Instantaneously I could feel my posture change. As advised, I practiced walking in them around my apartment, making sure I would avoid any surprises that would land me face-first on a Manhattan sidewalk. I was surprised at how natural it felt to be wearing them, so I headed out. I spent the better part of a Saturday in the shoes, not knowing if they were doing anything special or whether I was just on some sort of high (being taller than usual and wearing expensive footwear can sometimes give a girl a burst of energy).

The next morning I got my answer. The back of my calves felt taught and slightly tender, as if I’d been doing calf raises, and the rest of my backside followed suit. The shoes were definitely having an effect. Over the next few weeks I wore the shoes intermittently. One of the best things that has come out of having them (I think it’ll take a bit more time to notice any reduction in cellulite) is that my posture is much different when wearing the shoes and that carries over, little by little, to how I walk without them…or when wearing other shoes.

The design of the shoe is intended to utilize muscles that form your posture, while also increasing shock absorption on joints and discs (not as glam as anti-cellulite, but way more important to your long term health). The back and joints are strengthened and circulation is increased (this is the part that helps reduce the appearance of cellulite AND varicose veins).

Be good to your lower half and get yourself a pair of mBTs. You’ll be glad you did, and your legs will be singing their own “Yodel-leh-hee-hoooooooo”!

Available at http://www.swissmasaius.com or at any Bliss location.

Madonna, you trendsetter, you. You’re always on the fashion forefront, acting as a visionary for the rest of us, the less-inspired masses of America. When was it – early 90s – ahhh yes, Google confirms that in 1990 on your “I’m Breathless” album, you claimed to “Just Wanna Hanky Panky.” And it only took 15 years for us to understand exactly what you meant. Well, now we get it and we salute you in 2005 Madonna, for making our lingerie choices a touch more sultry.

Hanky Panky has hit the jackpot. The sexy undergarment company has managed to create the ultimate set of thong panties, making the butts, hips and thighs of all-shaped/all-sized women everywhere look good – a nearly impossible feat. Analogically speaking, what Seven for All Mankind did for jeans, Hanky Panky has done for underwear.

Featuring a low-rise fit, the stretchiest lace possible and available in the same shades of a rainbow found in a Skittles pack, I have turned into an addict and keep finding reasons to purchase yet another pair (“I’ll quit tomorrow!”). At anywhere from $18-$22 a pop, this has turned into an expensive habit to endure, but I derive such Hanky Panky Happiness when I swagger down the street in a pair, showing no VPL (visible panty lines) and as comfy as if I were in Grannies.

Hanky Panky – I’d like to offer some Thanky!

http://www.hankypanky.com

So I spent my weekend doing some “summer cleaning,” ridding myself of superfluous items such as the 99% dead Ficus plant I was hoping would resurrect itself (wishful thinking) and the gosh fake-crystal vase my cousin gave me that looks like it was purchased in a Jack’s $.099 store (probably was). Also, lots of clothes I have come to accept are never going to be back in style (piece of advice: patchwork blazers = R.I.P. forever) and nope, I’m probably never going to wear a size 2 skirt. Waifs: Take delight in the never-before worn Catherine Malandrino you will see on sale at Housing Works, starting Monday morning.

My new mantra is minimalist chic. No more clutter. No more silly gadgets. No more sample sale $10 bin “It’s SUCH a deal” purchases. I feel lighter on my feet already. That WAS until I stumbled into the Urban Outfitters Redline Clearance sale, happening now at citywide locations. Caveat Emptor: If you have a hard time saying no, like me, this is not – I repeat NOT – a place to visit. In fact, I’d emphatically recommend sprinting in the opposite direction, before you get sucked in. A true pack-rat at heart, I walked out over an hour later with two huge shopping bags full of exactly everything I didn’t need.

Curious as to what you might find at this blowout bargain bonanza?? Here’s a little checklist of my thrifty purchases:

-1 Texas Hold ‘Em Set ($5) – Now the girls and I can play poker just like the guys…chips and all!

-1 Truth or Dare Card Game ($2) – Fun for weekends at the beach, in the woods, in the apartment. Alcohol not included.

-2 Oil-on-Canvas Paintings of a Hot Rod and Monster Truck ($7.50 ea) – Baaaaad Ass!

-1 Set of Tropical Flower Glass Tumblers ($5) – for summertime lemonade relief

-4 Tourist Guides to Barcelona, Paris, London and Amsterdam ($5 ea) – Gotta know where to go in case I visit any of these places for purchasing more unneeded items.

-1 Book on Tantric Sex ($3) – I was looking for a good read.

-1 Plastic Bubble Chandelier ($10) – Maybe a return present to vase-giving cousin?

-1 He Loves Me (Not) Picture Frame ($1) – Wait, I’m not even sure he LIKES me. Oh well.

And with a pre-established limit of no more than $50 to spend, I walked out with some awesome goods. I’ll keep some for myself and stash the rest for birthdays that creep up on me so I can play the part of dutiful friend. Anyway, it was a fun time and now, it’ll just be a change of seasons before the Hot Rod pic ends up as my tax-deductible donation for a local thrift store’s Fall inventory.

See, you can take the girl out of the shop, but you can’t take the shop(ping) out of the girl.

Urban Outfitters (Home Section):

162 Second Avenue
999 Third Avenue
374 Avenue of The Americas
526 Avenue of The Americas
628 Broadway
2081 Broadway

I have hair envy. Let me take you back to the seventh grade. The year was 1985. I had a mousy haircut and a muted color. Just like any other 14-year-old into experimenting, I decided to take a walk on the wild side and emulate my favorite role model at the time. She had an asymmetrical cut, golden blond highlights and I had more posters of her in my room than the Louvre does French Impressionist art.

She was Belinda Carlisle of The Go-Go’s and I wanted to be just like her. I pranced around my room wearing off-the-shoulders tees, big belts and leggings, doing my best impersonation of “We’ve Got the Beat” in the mirror.

After months of convincing, my mother consented to finally let me get my hair done in a similar fashion and soon enough, I walked out of the salon with a bouncy blond bob and proceeded to sing “Oooooh Heaven Is A Place on Earth” all the way home. (Think: annoyance factor similar to that of 100 Bottles of Beer On the Wall – sorry Mom!)

I was the envy of every friend at school on Monday. Even the popular girls gave me the thumbs up, and my life was forever changed. Not because I had an insta-boyfriend or because uber-cool Denise Thompson had started saying hello to me. Because once you color your hair, you can almost never go back.

Now, get back in your time machine and punch in the year 2005. It is May 6th and a fly on the wall will tell you that I’m desperately trying to get an appointment at the salon to touch up my roots and get those fried ends chopped. My hair is in a state of wild disarray and my frequent VO5 Hot Oil Treatment and Pantene Deep Conditioning regiment is doing little to salvage my lackluster locks. In the immortal words of Jerry Garcia, I need a miracle!

And lo and behold, the Hair Diety up above must have taken pity on me for she sent me just that: salvation in the form of the HairMax Laser Comb. I like to think of it as a “Hair Club for Women” with its promise to stimulate your scalp and produce a thicker, stronger, more lustrous mane. Of course, men can use it too and don’t think I don’t have all my male pals lining up for their turn to combat those receding hairlines. You only have to use the comb three times a week, brushing it through your hair for 10 minutes, which I think mathematically equates to the 100 strokes per day myth we always heard about growing up. I’m no scientist, so I can’t explain the technology behind the laser, but I can attest to the treatment being easy, pain and hassle-free and worth the investment of time and money.

Within a month, my hair had all the volume of a Beastie Boys concert and those ends were not splitting as fast as I do on a bad date. I even caught a glimpse of it cascading – I love that word – down my back like those fancy hair models in the Suave ads. I have another month to go to see full effects, so I might end up being a candidate for “Best Hair” class of ’85 were the yearbook to be updated. I love my laser comb. The hair envy is a thing of the past, now, if they’d just invent a Butt Blaster that actually worked, I think I could give Denise Thompson a run for her money, once and for all.

http://www.lasercomb.biz

Howdy Cowboys and Cowgirls -

It’s time for an old-fashioned roundup of some great promotions, sales and announcements. Can anyone say “Yippee Kay Yay?”

…Always Look Your Best
New Yorkers Who Love Salon A-K-S now have all the more reason to. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, receive a free blowout (great to beat those summer frizzies) when you book a special Asian Herbal or MD Skincare alpha/beta peel at the salon. The best part: This is an offer NOT limited to one per customer, you can keep going back for more and more sleek, straight hair – is 5 days a week too much? What? I have unruly summer locks! See you soon A-K-S. (212.888.0707)

Speaking of amazing deals, here’s one for the guys (and just when you were stumped on Father’s Day gift ideas): The prestigious Warren Tricomi Salon and Spa is offering a free manicure for him when you book a facial, massage or cut…that’s a 2-for-1 pampering deal…and we like that! No more “I’ve been working in the garage excuses” for your deal old dad…it’s time to get those hands in as good a condition as that new engine he just installed in the Mustang. (212.218.8650)

Upper West Siders: There’s some action in your hood! Be on the lookout for the new Clarins boutique soon to open in your neck of the woods! No more train treks for a great facial or massage. Pop into their new store to experience their amazing essential-oil based products and treatments. Have a few minutes to spare over lunch? They are also soothing tensed nerves with their express mini treatments such as five-minute hand massages – yum – delicious as that slice of Ray’s Original you just wolfed down. (212.362.0190)

…Blame It on Rio
Mark your calendars for this Tuesday night, where those of you who can’t afford the sky-high airfare to Brazil can still enjoy the experience of one of the most amazing cities in the world. Lotsa Caparainas, Live Samba music, Carnival Dancers and Churrascaria Fare make this evening at The Boat House in Central Park the place to do some vicarious living. Brazilians love to party way into the night, and so will you… (212.517.2233)

…Big Brother Is Watching
A new search engine allows you to dig up juicy tidbits of information on just about anyone you’re curious about. Check out zabasearch.com and see if they’ve got any dirt on you. Bad for private people, good for us curious cats!

That oughta do ya. High Ho Silver!

Tomboys of New York, listen up: It’s time to embrace your inner girly-girl! Pack up those Chuck Taylors and trash those worn-til-they’ve-torn denim cut-off’s. No more vintage (euphemism for ratty) tees and PUH-LEASE ditch your no-makeup-needed attitude once and for all – a little mascara never hurt…in fact, it could help!

Take it from a pink-lovin’, lipstick wearin’, self admittin’ diva who thinks girls rule and a woman owes it to herself and her gender to play up her assets in every way possible (keepin’ those men perpetually fascinated).

If I was to be reincarnated as a fashion designer, I would come back as purveyor of adorable dresses, skirts and all things divine, as in Nanette Lepore. I am an original fan, with an allegiance to her creations dating back almost a decade. I’ve been following her career and obsessing over her clothes long before she opened up her own swank bi-coastal boutiques in Soho and Beverly Hills (Vegas and Tokyo outposts to follow) before the word seeped to the streets and legions of fans were still enquiring about the secret to my fashion success.

I have a few authentic pieces still in my closet with the original old-school Nanette label before it got refurbished and since then, my collection has grown (at a slightly alarming rate), new label and all. I make sure to save up enough pennies (now you know what I’m doing on my rainy days) to splurge on at least two new designs a season, which I will no doubt cherish for years to come – as her clothing is hard to tire of. Like boyfriends, trends may come and go, but Nanette is forever.

Shopping excursions south of the border (that’s 14th Street and below) should include a stop in Nanette Lepore, located conveniently across the way from the just-as-perilous Calypso empire on Broome Street. With dresses sexy enough to woo whole parties of groomsmen at upcoming wedding appearances to snazzy boardroom suits guaranteed to seal that deal, Nanette Lepore is one-stop-shopping at its best.

Go ahead and admit it: Until now, The Color Purple was a movie title…all of a sudden, it’s your fashion M.O. Thanks for the inspiration Nanette!

http://www.nanettelepore.com

Other than someone jumping into the ocean and finding the diamond that old lady threw over the Titanic for the sole purpose of presenting it to you personally, how could it get any better than Shop Well with You.

Celebrate cancer survivorship with designers like Chaiken, Nanette Lepore & Donna Karan.

Click here for more information

Like the overplayed Venga Boys song…WE LIKE TO PARTY!

Here at BeautyNewsNYC.com we’re always looking for a reason to celebrate and a second-year anniversary sounds like a perfect platform to raise our glasses in honor of a momentous occasion. Our baby is growing up fast! If you’ve been reading, you know that we’ve gone through some evolutionary changes – Darwin would be so proud! We’ve grown in outreach (thanks to you, our loyal readers), content (“thoroughly engrossing”) and design (bubbles, bubbles, everywhere!). We’ve explored new terrain, in the beauty world and beyond. Subsequently, we thought a big bash was in order! What’s that? Twist your arm? Are you crying for mercy yet?

Thursday, June 23rd is an evening not to be missed, so join us at 49 Grove (www.49grove.com, located on Grove Street between 7th and Bleecker) for an evening of music, celebration and great gifts!

We’re going to be holding a raffle. Buy a ticket to win a pair of diamond earrings and watch your money go to support Dress for Success. This not-for-profit organization helps women to advance their economic and social development and encourages self-sufficiency. All raffle proceeds will be donated to this very worthy cause. For more information, log on to www.dressforsuccess.org

As if that weren’t exciting enough…the mind reels, huh?…there will be several chances to win a great door prize, just for showing up. Perhaps a three-night stay at the Warwick Champs Elysee in Paris (www.warwickparis.com) or a cut-n-color by Warren Tricomi. There’s a great big basket of DDF Skin Care just waiting to be claimed, as well as a bad-ass Vestal watch. And there’s much, much more…but not being the type to burst your bubbles we’ll let you make your appearance to find out what!

Slip into your casual cocktail chic attire and get there early. Doors open at 7:00 pm and the Bacardi Big Apple martinis (and other delicious concoctions by our friends at Bacardi) will be flowing freely. You don’t want to miss it!

RSVP: rsvp@beautynewsnyc.com

If horseback riding with spectacular views of unfurling hills interests you, followed by a generous gourmet buffet, or scaling rocks in a cliff side labyrinth, relaxing in your own rowboat, or strolling through a garden maze, you’ll fall in love with America’s most elegant castle, the Mohonk Mountain House. Built in 1869 by twins Alfred and Albert Smiley, this seven-story, 251-room Victorian stone castle in New Paltz is an architectural gem that boasts enchanting turrets and stretches along Lake Mohonk. Just an hour and a half by car from Manhattan, Mohonk is perched high atop a mountain, so you slowly wind your way to the top to arrive. The payoff is astounding, as you’ll find jaw-dropping views in every direction. From the moment you pull up to this National Historic Landmark, you’re treated like one of the three presidents who have visited Mohonk since it’s inception in 1869. After your bags are whisked off with a smile and your car is parked, you’re treated to a welcoming gift basket filled to the brim with souvenirs in your room. If you stay in the Tower or Victorian rooms, you’ll enjoy a fireplace, a store of wood, and a magical view of the lake and cliff side, dotted with gazebos that are softly-lit at night.

Your only dilemma at Mohonk will be deciding what to do first and what to choose from the expansive buffets. A natural instinct will be to gape in awe at everything inside and outside of the castle, but instead visit the library, greenhouse, stables, movie room, game room, tennis courts, basketball courts, workout room, or the gift shop. Mid-afternoon, all guests are treated to tea and cookies (or coffee if you prefer), and many people take their tea out on one of the porches in a rocking chair along the lake. You might want to just wander around, exploring the grounds (chances are you’ll run into a bride and groom at some point), since Mohonk is situated in the heart of 26,000 acres of state park lands?which includes several hiking traills, both easy and rigorous. The inn provides hikers with a map of trails for explorations.

The Victorian touches within Mohonk are brilliant and include carved woodwork, antique furnishings, fireplaces at every turn, and cheery artwork. Mohonk is great for people of all ages, and equally suitable for those with children as well as for those without. Children under age 4 stay free of charge, and parents will love Kids Club, a program for children to play, meet each other, and explore the grounds while parents savor “adult time.” Children will delight in pony rides, the rock and garden labyrinths, carriage rides, and feeding the fish in Lake Mohonk. Pint-size guests can also indulge in miniature golf on the grounds, theater-size movies, and a play room with video games, ping-pong, and pinball. Parents will also be happy to learn that they can do their own laundry, free of charge. There’s also a soda fountain and gift shop filled with the things kids like (and adults too). In the summer, there’s swimming on Mohonk’s stretch of beach, and in winter there’s ice skating in a charming pavilion, as well as cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing. Parents can request board games from the front desk (ideal for rainy days), and there’s a playground and tree house on the premises too, a child’s dream castle come true!

If you’re not sporty and don’t like riding horses, playing tennis, basketball, or hiking, you can always visit the new spa, yoga/motion room, solarium, outdoor mineral pool, and indoor swimming pool after they open in July. You could also visit the greenhouse and Barn Museum, massage center, art studio, stone summerhouse, granary, or simply read in the library. Rooms are equipped with balconies and comfortable rocking chairs for lounging, taking in fresh air and views, and reading al fresco. Wireless Internet access in all rooms means you can surf the web or work (if you must!).

If your visit is lengthy, and you’ll want it to be, you can drive to nearby New Paltz to check out historic Huguenot Street’s stone houses, some of which date back to 1680. The stables at Mohonk cater to seasoned horseback riders and novices alike. Even children can ride Charlie, the sweetest horse in New York. Guided trail rides are $32 per hour and require reservations. If you’d like to drive up and see Mohonk but return to the city at night, you can get a day pass at the inn’s gatehouse that will cover a meal and activities. You can hike up to the inn by trail if you don’t feel like using the inn’s shuttle from the gatehouse, and you’ll want to bring a camera to see why Mohonk was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986.

Three meals, gratuities, and afternoon tea are included in the price of rooms at Mohonk. The inn offers a Continental breakfast for those who rise early and eat light before hitting the trails, but the inn also offers a buffet breakfast of fruit, made-to-order omelets at chef stations, cereal, waffles, muffins, eggs, bacon, ham, turkey, sausage, oatmeal, bagels, potatoes, and pancakes. Lunch buffets include everything under the sun, with chef stations offering sliced meats and fish. Dinner is a formal affair that requires a suit jacket for men, and features a menu that rivals Manhattan’s best restaurants. Plates are garnished with juniper berries and other distinctive fare that reflects nature’s bounty on the grounds of Mohonk. Don’t worry if you’re not on the same meal schedule as the inn, because you can always order room service and all throughout the day various rooms in the inn are stocked with fruit and cookies.

Music Week at Mohonk runs from June 26 – July 1st, and a six-week Festival of the Arts series kicks off on July 8, showcasing drama, music, song and dance until August 19. July 4 weekend offers an incomparable fireworks display. August 28 – September 2nd marks a Garden Holiday, with an annual garden party extravaganza.

The Smiley brothers added landscaping touches that fuse design with the nature. Gazebos dot the hills, and comfortable wooden resting stations are found along hiking trails. The thoughtfulness put into amenities, guest comfort, and creating an organically beautiful environment is evident here, and the combination of nature’s splendor and the castle’s comfort renders the Mohonk Mountain Lodge one of the most memorable places on earth. The castle garnered the 2005 Star of the Industry Award in Guest Relations from the American Hotel & Lodging Association.

Visit www.Mohonk.com or call 1-800-772-6646 for rate information, availability, directions, special packages, and for more information about the property’s rich history.