Wearing heels in NYC is a toughie.  Now don’t get me wrong, at 5’3 heels are my saviors in this tall, tall world.  However, my feet will not allow me to meander around the city or work all day in them (I’m usually running around).  Unless I’m a. being driven or b. carry flats with me, my heels take a back seat (very annoying).  The problem is I HATE buying flats, heels are so much more fun to buy…they elongate you, make you feel good about yourself and totally sexify your legs.  My flat vs. heel ratio in my closet is like 20 to 1 so I’m trying to bump up the cute flats in my shoe collection, without breaking the bank.

Of course, JCrew has come to the rescue in that department (thank you Jenna). They have created a whole Ballet Boutique that makes shopping for flats fun! I mean this is a SERIOUS one stop shop.  They have every color, pattern, fabrication conceivable and the site is really fun to peruse. Feast your eyes.

I highly recommend you check it out if you are in the market for some comfy cute flats.  I opted for the poppy red in the classic style to liven up my mostly dark/neutral wardrobe. I can’t wait to wear them!

Pics to follow (when I feel cute).

xoxo

I am really into health and fitness, why I haven’t posted anything in that vein on this blog is beyond me.  So, I decided the first “fitness” geared post should be about juicing.  I’m a HUGE fan of juicing.  I know a lot of people get their juices from their local juice shop aka Health King or Juice Generation, but as we all know those can get ‘spensive.  If you’re on a budget, but want to start juicing at home,  the juicer I totally recommend is the Breville Compact juicer.  It’s pretty maj and will look cute on your counter top, another plus.  If you’ve been looking to invest in your body, this one is on sale at the moment from Crate and Barrel for $99!  Which is an uh-mazing deal considering juicers can cost into the hundreds.  I’ve done a TON of research and the Breville Juicers take the cake, they have easy clean up and powerful motors.

So if you haven’t gotten into juicing you’re probably asking why juice?  Can’t I just go to the store and BUY the apple juice or the orange juice from the grocery store?  Answer: no.  Why?  So many additional chemicals, preservatives and sugars are added to the juice that you are damaging your body rather than replenishing.  Fresh juices provide you with all the vitamins and minerals that your body CRAVES, plus the fact you are in control of what veggies you are juicing and you know exactly what has gone into that glass of juice.

You’ll find that with a glass of fresh juice daily, increased energy, glowing skin, a stronger immune system and feel what my friend Alex and I like to call “A-Bloom” (translation: gorgeous from so many major vitamins flowing through your system).

My favorite juice?  Carrot, Apple, Ginger, lemon, celery…yum!

My favorite a-bloom drink

If you still can’t afford the $99 juicer, I suggest you beg, borrow or ask for this on your next gift receiving day ie. birthday, wedding, christmas whatever.  Your body will thank you.

ITS THIS

be still my beating heart

THIS

I think I'm having a heart attack (clutching heart)

and worst of all THIS!

Call 911

Yuck, yuck and more yuck.  Yes, that’s the only word I can accurately describe this scenario with.  This is the kitchen scene at work.  It pains me to a. see people using these products with their food and b. each item being used ONCE and thrown out like yesterday’s news.

It’s 2012 people, could we please be a LITTLE less wasteful?  (oh and might I add there is in fact a dishwasher of which I’m the only person that uses it).

one more time to why we shouldn’t even be using this in the first place: IT WILL NEVER EVER FULLY DEGRADE.

Stephan Becker, founder of Beautiful Oceans, studies the plastic pollution in our oceans says it best “Plastic is particularly damaging because it is not biodegradable and plastic particles, although invisible, remain unmoving in the water and eventually become part of the food chain.”  IN FACT it already is.  He has found in gyres (areas of oceans where the currents are strong and create a horrid “soup” of garbage) “..there is five times more plastic than zooplankton. The plankton have plastic debris in their bodies, which means plastic has entered the food chain, since zooplankton are at the core of the marine food chain.”

(Marine Science Today)

Hello people, we are going to have particles of PLASTIC running through our veins.  If that alone isn’t enough to give you cancer then I don’t know what is.  Furthermore, most of the plastic cutlery is made from polystyrene which is made from oil.  A chemical called Benzene is used to manufacture them which causes cancers specifically leukemia.  Mommies, take note, you’re probably buying plastic utensils for your kids next bday party.

What saddens me is that the corporate world could have a HUGE positive impact on our planet with a few simple green steps that would not only help our Earth but also save the company $$.  I found a post about this company in Singapore called Capital Land who has given these little goodies to their employees in an effort to reduce the waste.

Great Idea!

My goals for a greener kitchen at work:

• ELIMINATE plastic cups, we have glasses.
• Give people the option of real silverware, if we must use plastics replace them with biodegradable options (I talked to the facilities guy and he said spends $80 a week per floor just for the utensils alone!)
• Get rid of all the plastic plates and bowls etc replace with real dishes and actually use the dishwasher available.

You would think these would be easy things to change, but I seem to have encountered many bumps in the road because people can’t be bothered to change.  I did ask the person in charge of all facilities in the building that if they didn’t have time to implement change for the entire building I’d be happy to work on solely my floor first…… as a starting point, needless to say I haven’t heard back….yet.  LUCKILY, I found someone in the office willing to help and he suggests we go to her boss and request the change.  UNLUCKY for them, I’m a taurus, persistent and stubborn.  I will get change!  So, stay tuned for updates in the future. FINGERS CROSSED.

What does YOUR kitchen at work look like?

xoxo, Miss Smalls

I really wanted to have the time to sit and write this post, as I’m really excited to share it. Last Saturday I had the chance to go see Hilary Park’s new Spring 2012 Collection “Divination” in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  She showcased the collection in her store/workspace and it is gorgeous! Definitely worth checking out if you are in the hood.

94 S 1st St (between Wythe Ave & Berry St)

Hilary Park

I had a chance to speak with Hilary about her collection and learn a bit about her journey on becoming a jewelry designer/goldsmith.  Her story is like many, working a corporate job with financial security but your soul hungers for more.  After 13 years of working on Wall Street, losing her job in 2008, she decided to turn her passion into her career (I really admire this quality in people).

When I asked her what drew her to the goldsmith profession in particular, she stated,  ”I’m a fire sign, I like working with fire and heat” (as most of us know, there are four classic elements which make up the nature of the universe: earth, water, fire and air).  In addition to her handcrafted jewelry, Hilary offers Indian astrology readings and direction on the power of certain stones to help alleviate afflictions in your life whether it’s career, love or money.  As a result, this other passion reveals itself in her designs.  I could literally sit and talk to her for hours and pick her brain on her thoughts about my sign but I will have to return for that session.   She realizes not everyone believes “in the power of stones” but invites her clients to try them because although she can’t say “…why they work, THEY WORK.”  Honey, I’ll wear any rock that invites positivity and money (nyc livin’ ain’t cheap!).

Her designs are based on nature, travel and of course, the zodiac system.  Although most of the jewelry you see is in silver, she will create any piece in gold and welcomes custom designs.  I was especially drawn to the intricate cuffs hand-fabricated from a single sheet of metal!

I want to show more images but I don’t want to spoil all the fun! Check out her website to learn more about Hilary and her fabulous jewelry.  They are conversation starters and pieces you will have in your collection for life.  Plus, the benefit of possible amour, money, protection or whatever your heart desires is a definite INEEDITNOW moment.  Don’t forget to spread the word to your fellow jewelry lover friends! Who doesn’t love a bit of karma?

*Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it's not there

Unsure of origin of this image.  If you would like me to give credit please contact me.

Tada! My skin saviors!

I just started using Dr. Hauschka products a couple of months ago and I am now a fan/follower.  I have also converted my boyfriend and he is obsessed with the Melissa Day Cream.  So much so, I made him buy his own because he kept using mine! (I mean it’s not like it was super cheap).  However, when I find a product I like that actually works, not to mention all natural, I am willing to fork over the dough.

If you’re not familiar with Dr. Hauschka products, I will enlighten you.

In 1935 Dr. Hauschka and team founded their holistic pharmaceutical company called WALA which stands for Warmth Ash Light Ash. As their website states, this was “a revolutionary approach based on the understanding that beauty results from skin health. Dr.Hauschka Skin Care preparations and facial treatment methods are specifically formulated to restore beauty by working with the skin to support its own natural processes of renewal.”

So many weird ingredients are added to products without consumer knowledge, I strive to not only inform myself about what goes into my body but what gets slathered onto my largest organ.

Now what does it mean to be “holistic?”

By Webster definition : relating to or concerned with wholes or with complete systems rather than with the analysis of, treatment of, or dissection into parts.

This is all great but how does it apply to this product?

Firstly, their products are certified natural and they use the highest quality plants and minerals.  Secondly, they make sure every plant was sourced ethically and ecologically and finally the packaging is free of pollutants and preservatives.  This is where “holistic” is applied.  They take the time to ensure the product is not only amazing for your skin, but in conjunction, that they are not damaging the environment in the process.  This receives MAJUH two thumbs up.

I could go on and on but to find out more I highly recommend visiting their website.  You can find products for every skin type/problem.  My skin is combination but on the drier side during winter.  I like the Melissa Day Cream because it helps balance sensitive combination skin (my skin will get redness in the winter) reduces any blemishes but also controls any shine you may have while helping your skin retain moisture.  I know, this thing is too good to be true, but let me tell you, it’s AMAZING.

It soaks right into your skin, doesn’t leave a greasy feel and it has helped my skin tremendously.  You only need a small amount, a little goes a long way.

Here’s a picture of how much I use and I’m hoping it gives you an idea of the consistency.

Melissa Day Cream $39.95

If you’re looking for a great product for your skin I highly suggest trying this brand.  This website Pharmaca.com has Dr. Hauschka products for 20% off at the moment, so it’s a great way to try out the product if you don’t have access to a store which sells them OR you just want a little discount like I very much enjoy.

Thanks for reading!!

xoxo Miss Smalls

Information from Dr. Hauschka website http://www.drhauschka.com

Here we are in 2012 and what have YOU decided this fine year to resolute?  Pick a goodie, because as we know, 2012, according to the Mayan’s it’s OVER this year.  Me? oh to blog more, bring my lunches to work and find my calling.  NBD.

ALRIGHTY, blog post #1 of 2012.  Lets talk hair removal, specifically hair waxing.  Yes, yes, I wish I could afford laser hair removal with the best of them but as an underpaid fashionista, I must go with the DIY.  As a Mexican-American I must admit leg hair has been enemy #1 since the age of 12..gross I know, but unless you’re a blessed European blonde you’re like me.

Ladies,  I wish I could show you the images of my first waxing circa 2007.  I got in trouble for shaving my legs at the tender age of 10 and so at 12 my mother decided I was ready for my first waxing (sorta looked like  this but more embarrassing…).

Yes that's how I felt....best way I could show you

Needless to say, WORST pain I’d experienced yet.  Greatest lesson: beauty IS pain because those few weeks of leg hairlessness were bliss.  Even greater lesson: it’s better when you’re over 21 and you can have a glass of wine before the torture.

wax on wax off

I decided to wax my legs in the new year to have 4 weeks of blissful hairlessness (crazy’s never learn).  On the right, we have the Sally Hansen Lavender wax kit that I’ve tried TWICE.  On the left, the wax kit I bought yesterday at Ricky’s.  Honey, if you are going to wax ANYTHING there is no comparison and I wish I would have known.  First off, the Sally Hansen is pretty good but I have to say for $12.99 you get the bare minimum (no pun intended).  It smells good, you get what you need but the wax does not take off the hairs like the GiGi does.  This =less pain more removal=genius!

For $16.00 at Ricky’s for the GiGi all Purpose Honee waxing kit you get the

• Pre-wax cleanser
• Wax off remover for the skin
• “Skin foundation” post wax concealer to calm and conceal redness
• Hair minimizer lotion

(this is obviously in addition to the wood spatulas and strips) so to me this alone is unmatched in deal.

I thought at first it was the muslin strips.  In the Sally Hansen kit they give you cloth strips.  However, I tried the lavender wax (Sally Hansen) with the muslin strips and it STILL was not as effective as the Honee wax.  I usually cry out in pain specifically around the ankle area where the skin is thinner, I’m telling you, the Honee wax not only was less painful but grabbed more hairs than the Lavender Sally Hansen wax.  Win Win.

Alright, I already feel I’ve written too much, I may have already lost you as a reader but TRUST, if you’re strapped on cash and need to remove the hair that guys believe was never there….go with the GiGi kit, you will thank Miss Smalls.

X

The previous post was about the knuckle rings from this super great store in Brooklyn called Catbird on Bedford Ave. My boyfriend definitely listened to my hint got me the knuckle ring and two threadbare rings the I LOVE.  I chose the gold color since that seems to fare the best with my skin tone.

How cute do they look?

I am also a huge fan of this nail color.  In case you are wondering what color it is..it is the perfect matte (I added a clear shine overcoat) red color by Deborah Lippmann called “It’s raining men.”  I swear nail polish companies come up with the best names.

"It's Raining Men"

Finally, here is moi with the great gift giver himself.

Wearing my favorite Merah earrings "The Sarah"

What was your favorite gift this Christmas?  Happy Holidays!!!!!!

xoxo, Miss Smalls

They come in gold, silver and rose gold. Catbird is such a great store for cute gifts but if you don’t have the ability to get yourself to Brooklyn, you luckily can order online.  You can visit their site here https://catbirdnyc.com/

Image from catbirdnyc.com

Rose Gold $58.00 (image from catbirdnyc.com)

Gold $58.00 (image from catbirdnyc.com)

Silver $28.00 (image from catbirdnyc.com)

I’ve been seeing them pop up in collections and I have now started to see people sport them as part of their “look.”  I decided to do some research on the Letterman jacket or “varsity jacket” as commonly known to find out a wee little bit of back history.

The idea of a Letterman jacket began at Harvard University in 1865 when their baseball teams began embroidering their uniforms with the “H.”  They gained popularity in the early part of the 20th century and by the 1930′s the wool letters began appearing on jackets with leather sleeves.

SO, if you’re ready to sport your very own Letterman jacket I found this amazing website that allows you customize every single little detail…..majuhhhh.  Or if you’re on a budget, scour your vintage stores…they typically aren’t very hard to find.

And now for some inspiration:

1ofafindvintage.blogspot.com

Pre-cursor to the jacket

Balmain- only $10,400 if you have access to that kind of mulah

Alexander Wang

cute paired with a sequin dress- love me some sparkle!

Street Style

Rag and Bone FW 2011

Phillip Lim

Bottega Venetta

Taylor Momsen

Liv Tyler at the Stella McCartney Show

Lady GaGa

References:

eAchievements

mountolympus.com

ehow.com