Vitamix - Blender Extraordinaire

Since I have been on medical leave recovering from surgery, I decided to turn over a new leaf regarding my health and wellness. I haven't completely given up the burgers and fries, but I now consciously nourish myself with blended vegetable and fruit drinks. After a considerable amount of research, and talking with my doctors and health-nut friends, I purchased the Vitamix Professional Series 750.

This blender was freaking expensive - a whopping $649 at Williams Sonoma! I went to WS with the plan to buy the Pro 500 and decided that the quiter motor and the overall aesthetics of the 750 was worth the additional 50 dollars. I figured if I can drop the same amount for an iPad or a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes, I can make the investment in my health. For the last week, I have been making some really tasty drinks: Peach Cobbler Smoothie with Rolled Oats (from the Vitamix recipe book), spinach/strawberry/blueberry and spinach/apple/banana/pineapple smoothies. This morning, I thought i would get serious and make one with broccoli and bell pepper. I forced myself to drink it; the recipe needs work... I look forward to making ice cream, dips and soups with this machine. Perhaps it will make me look like a culinary expert!

Celebrity Brows - LAMIK Beauty

One Thursday night earlier this month, I met a few of my sorority sisters at The House of Essence, a fragrance boutique on Pratt Street in Downtown Hartford (a fabulous source of body creams, salt scrubs, and smell-goods, by the way).

The House of Essence featured, Kim Roxie, the creator of an eco-chic cosmetics line, LAMIK Beauty. LAMIK's profound slogan is Beauty is Revealed...not Applied. Kim showed a group of about 30 ladies how we can accentuate our natural beauty without covering our faces with gobs of make-up.

Just as I walked in the boutique, looking flustered after a long day at work, Kim selected me to demonstrate the Celebrity Brow transformation. After overcoming the initial shock, I sat in her chair to let her perform her magic.  

Me with Celebrity Brows

Kim was a ball of energy with southern charm.  She applied the Purdy Brown Define Powder to my brows. The crowd nodded and smiled as they watched my eyebrows become a work of art.  It had been a little while since my last wax treatment, so Kim used a brightening creme to further define my brow shape and cover up the "in-betweenies".

Considering how my work day ended, this quick eyebrow make over put a sincere smile on my face.  Thank you Kim.  I wish you great success with your beauty line!

Please visit the LAMIK Beauty website at www.lamik-beauty.com.

Kinky Curly Cutie

I've had an idea for a brand that I have kept in my proverbial pocket since 2004.  After a couple unsuccessful launch attempts, I finally decided to go public.

The brand is Kinky Curly Cutie - a brand of apparel and accessories for women and girls who wear their naturally curly hair with pride. 

Please review my first line of products at www.cafepress.com/kinkycurlycutie (site is also linked to my navigation bar).  I am completely open to feedback - please feel free to provide it!

Thank you in advance for your support!

chez lashay

Happy Saturday!

These shoes are absolutely hot! I love Christian Louboutin - I love wedges.  Check out the patent leather and lace versions. 

                             

These shoes would look fabulous with a fitted knee-length dress.

Blumarine boat neck dress
$835 - thecorner.com

Fitted dress
$340 - reissonline.com

Bright Spring Accessories

Happy Saturday!

In roughly 6 months, I moved from Connecticut to Florida, and back to Connecticut. While dealing with the chaos during my physical moves, I've also made a few spiritual and mental transitions in my life.

With that said,  chez lashay is back... and I am committed to living my truth and living out my passions.

Since moving back to Connecticut and to a smaller (yet swankier) place, I decided to wean myself off the shopping bottle. That decision lasted all of 2 months.  

My relapse began with my search for hot pink pumps and a bright orange handbag.

I like this Orlina pump by Joan and David Pump (nordstrom.com)

I also like this Tory Burch Robinson tote, also from Nordstrom.