Style and Focus Weekend: A Leisurely Day for One

A day just for you. No interruptions, No phone calls. It's good to spend a little time alone and feel independent, right. What to do? Whatever you want.

Gardening, shopping or just lounging around at home. It's about taking time out for you. Why not stroll into an old fashion malt shop and get a homemade ice-cold chocolate milkshake. Go into stores you've never been in or grab a smoothie or a coffee before hitting the bookstore. Visit the museum or go shoe shopping. Take your dog for a stroll through the park or go and get a mani-pedi or give yourself one at home. Go out to lunch and if the weather is great ask for a table outside. Just do whatever you want. The possibilities are endless.

Home & Garden: No-Fuss Gardening for the Girl on the Go

No time to garden or don't have the luxury of a backyard you're in luck, Garden-in-a-Bag from Potting Shed Creations will be your new love. You have the option of not just growing beautiful flowers but also organic herbs, mini heirloom tomatoes and even strawberries. These can all be easily grown from your window sill.

They also make great eco-friendly gifts to give to family and friends. Prices range between $8-$14 and can be purchased from their website or selected on-line retailers.

Culture: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater @ BAM

A must see of summer performances. You will see why Alvin Ailey is one of the best. If you live in NYC this is a great time to venture out of Manhattan and see this absolutely unforgettable ballet show.

What: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)

Following its triumphant return to BAM last spring, Alvin Ailey® American Dance Theater comes back to Brooklyn with two new programs that celebrate the artistry, grace, and vitality that have distinguished the Ailey company for 50 years.

The "Best Of" program showcases selections from the Company's diverse repertory, including a new production of Judith Jamison’s award-winning tribute to Ailey entitled Hymn. In episodes ranging from quiet solos to explosive full company dances, Hymn reveals Ailey’s genius and humanity through narrative recollections from past and present dancers in text conceived, written and narrated by actor/playwright Anna Deavere Smith.

"Classic Ailey" features excerpts from many of Alvin Ailey's most popular and beloved ballets. Spanning every decade of his impressive career, this retrospective illustrates the range and resonance of one man’s legacy with rarely-seen gems and favorite works, including his quintessential masterpiece, Revelations, in its entirety.


When:
June 9-14

Program A: Best Of
Jun 9 & 11 at 7:30pm
Jun 13 at 2 & 7:30pm

Suite Otis – George Faison
Hymn – Judith Jamison
Revelations – Alvin Ailey


Program B: Classic Ailey
Jun 10 & 12 at 7:30pm
Jun 14 at 3 & 7:30pm

Blues Suite with live music – Alvin Ailey
Anniversary Highlights – Alvin Ailey
Revelations – Alvin Ailey


Where:
Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) Howard Gilman Opera House
30 Lafayette Avenue
Brooklyn, NY
11217-1486
718-636-4100

Prices:
Jun 9 & 10: $20-$70
Jun 11—14: $25-$85

Home & Garden: Retro Pitcher

I found this perfect summer pitcher at one of my favorite stores, Layla Grace. The classic black and white print pitcher has a vintage feel but it also feels glamorus. It's the perfect pitcher whether you're serving water to the kiddies or pouring cocktails for friends at your fun and festive summer soirees.

Macbeth Collection Pitcher in Elsa Black $68.00 Layla Grayce (laylagrayce.com)

Beauty Pick: Evian Face Spray

Despite my skin being a little oily it can be a little dry and I don't always want to plug in a humidifier especially during the summer but I do like to keep my face fresh and dewy without all the hassel. A quick spritz of Evian Facial Spray (10 oz. for $15.99, drugstores) and my skin feels refreshed without having to apply moisturizer. Plus, it's small enough to carry in my tote.

What to Wear for: Weekend Chic

During the weekend, you want to look and feel casual but still put together whether you're running errands or meeting mom for a pedicure. For that casual chic look, pair a roomy top with slim cuffed pants, it's a simple and easy going outfit. Accessorize the look with a tote and T-strap flat sandals or wedges. For chilly evenings add a cardigan or a shrunken blazer.


Eyelet Cami $54.50 Gap


AE Boyfriend Chino $44.50 American Eagle
with removable scarf belt

New Posts Tomorrow.

Sorry about the lack of posts. I haven't had the chance to post since two weeks ago but starting tomorrow I will have a three new posts. As with everyone else, things have been a little busy.

Affordable Mascara for Evening Eyes

Sexy, radiant evening eyes don't have to come with a huge price tag, your local drugstore will have what you need for luscious eyelashes. Be it Maximum volume or fullness whatever you want for enviable eyes.

L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara $7.99 drugstores



Maybelline Lash Stilletto Ultimate Length Mascara $7.99 drugstores



Boots No7 Longer Lashes Mascara $7.99 Target



Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express Mascara $5.99 drugstores



Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara $5.99 drugstores

Are Beauty Pageants Still Relevant?

by A. Brooks
Style and Focus Lifestyle PR

No, because beauty pageant were once seen as a way for young women to get more opportunities in life as well as provide the winner with a scholarship towards college. The pageant was a way for accomplished or well-rounded young women to showcase their talents in a wholesome format. Now beauty pageant are just that beauty pageants, they hold no real value. Young women no longer need to enter pageants to showcase how talented, smart, poised and socially conscious they are. There is a plethora of opportunities out there for young women to achieve their goals in our modern society. As well as the popularity of these pageants has continue to decease over the years with TV viewers.

In the past, the contestants were seen as role models for young girls and women but now many of the young contestants are dogged by so many controversies and scandals instead of promoting goodwill that it's hard for them to be seen as best and brightest. Are there still high moral standards associated with these beauty pageants? They seem to be slipping.

What do you think, "Are Beauty Pageant Still Relevant?"

Cinco de Mayo Happy Hour Drink: Cinco Herradura Cocktail

After work I'm meeting some friends for authentic Mexican food (we made reservations just to be on the safe side that we will get seated). But, before I get too busy to post here's a Cinco de Mayo cocktail from Cocktail Times. The Cinco Herradura seems like a fun drink and while everyone else is ordering Margaritas you can be a little different and order this little delight.

Cinco Herradura Cocktail

Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 oz Tequila Herradura silver
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 2 oz cranberry juice
- Splash of lemon-lime soda
Garnish: fresh lime wedge, green, red and white sugar for rimming

Directions:

1. Stir the tequila, fruit juices and soda together in a tall glass.
2. Garnish with a fresh lime.
3. Rim a third of a tumbler with lime and dip in green sugar. Rim the adjoining third of the glass with lime and dip in white sugar; rim the last third and drip in red sugar.

Home & Garden: Colorful Spring Glasses

These Springtime Glasses are so adorable (six 8oz dishwasher-safe glasses for $70.00, Museum of Modern Art Store, momastore.org) and are an easy alternative to disposable plastic cups. They could brighten up any casual summer party, a children's birthday party or an evening cocktail party.

Style and Focus Weekend: Spring Cleaning

Unless you're a clean freak the last thing you want to do is spend a weekend cleaning. But as much as you hate to admit it, your place is starting to look a little less than fabulous. As an adult it's your responsiblity to clean your place, no more Mom to the cleaning rescue (this goes for those who moved back in with your parents).

Not sure what to do. Before you get started create a chore list that will help keep you on track with your task be it big or small. This also gives you a chance to check your cleaning supplies to see if you have everything you need.

Next, pick a task and get started. The hardest part is getting started.

Still not psych for Spring Cleaning why not give yourself a reward for completing the task. The reward could be something like a day of rest or a night out at your favorite restaurant. There are so many benefits for having a clean home such as not being afraid if guest unexpectedly stop by, all the extra closet space, and the extra money you'll save because you won't have to re-purchase items that you've misplaced.

New to the cleaning thing, don't drive yourself crazy trying to do it all in one day. Just do a little bit a time.

Work Chic: Wearing a Sundress to Work

The sundress has long been a favorite style to wear for spring and summer but can you wear it to the office. Of course, but keep it office-appropriate by pairing this easy breezy dress with a light weight blazer or a cardigan with sling-backs or pumps.

Just make sure to stay away from styles that are too casual (reserve those for the weekend).

James Perse Empire Sundress $125.00 shopbop.com


Pleated Empire-waist Dress $130.00 Banana Republic


A-line Pintuck Dress (can be worn with or without straps) $59.50 Gap