happy hour with WerYoo.

If you couldn’t already tell from my blog and social media outlets, I love sharing things with other people. Lucky for me, there are so many apps now that allow you to connect with people in so many different ways!

So when I was offered to give WerYoo a try, I was more than happy to.

Weryoo

WerYoo is a fun new app that connects people and pictures using locations. I liken it a bit to Instagram meets FourSquare. The features I like most about WerYoo are the photo editing options, and also that you can find people/photos in your location in real time. Pretty cool! You can download WerYoo here.

I used WerYoo to capture a recent happy hour with my girl friends. Earlier in the week we enjoyed food and drinks at Flatiron Hall – a great new beer hall and brew pub in the Flatiron District.

Flatiron Hall

Flatiron Hall

Flatiron Hall

Flatiron Hall

Flatiron Hall

Flatiron Hall

Please note I was compensated to cover our food/drink and try out the WerYoo app, but opinions herein are my own.

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What’s your favorite app? Find any good new ones lately?

{endless love} valentine’s day playlist.

This post is sponsored by Universal Pictures.

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, the gloom of winter is starting to be overcome by all things cute, heart-shaped, and romantic.

Even on the years that I haven’t had a special someone to share the holiday with, I’ve always enjoyed Valentine’s Day because of how much it celebrates my favorite thing – LOVE!

One of my favorite things to do on or around Valentine’s Day (or any time of the year, for that matter) is go to the movies with my guy or my girl friends. And this year, a new love story is coming out at the perfect time.

ENDLESS LOVE will be released on February 14th – Valentine’s Day. The film stars Alex Pettyfer (Magic Mike) and Gabriella Wilde (The Three Musketeers) in the story of a privileged girl and a charismatic boy whose instant desire sparks a love affair made only more reckless by parents trying to keep them apart. Check out the trailer:

I’m a sucker for a good love story, so I can’t wait to see Endless Love. In the meantime, though, I got some of my girl friends so share their favorite love songs for a fun little Valentine’s Day Playlist to get you in that romantic spirit before February 14th.

Endless Love Valentine’s Day Playlist

Visit all of the #EndlessLove websites:

Please note that I have been compensated for this post.

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What’s your favorite love song?

3 thoughtful {personalized} gift ideas.

Even though the holidays are over, I’m constantly thinking of thoughtful and unique ways to give gifts to my loved ones. I have a handful of birthdays coming up, and I’m sick of getting the same old gifts for everyone!

Here are a couple of fun gift ideas that are unique, thoughtful, can be personalized, and also won’t break the bank.

1. for your best friend - a personalized journal.

This is something Jessi actually got me a few years ago, and it made me feel so special. I know I’ll have that journal forever, so went from being a great gift to something that will hold memories.

There are a handful of website that make custom journals, but I especially love the options Minted.com has.

2. for your family - professional photographs.

Especially if you’re a 20-something like me who no longer lives at home – you probably know how much your parents and grandparents ask for photos of you.

It can seem a little conceited to send someone a photo of yourself as a gift, but it really will mean a lot to your family who misses you! There are some really affordable photo studios (and here are even more photo coupons), so even one great photo with a pretty frame can be really meaningful.

Wherever you may be in life – starting a new job, engaged, pregnant – capture the moment for your family members to feel like they’re a part of it.

3. for anyone – a custom phone cover.

I did a review of RuMe custom iPhone covers last year, and I still use mine today. Our phones have become our number one accessory, so why not surprise someone with a phone cover that is uniquely theirs?

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How do you come up with gift ideas? What’s your go-to gift for loved ones?

fairytale in new york.

It has been said before, and will be said again, that living in New York can often feel like living in a film. As being in Paris can be like wandering through the pages of a romantic novel, so in the City that Never Sleeps, under the skyscrapers and amongst the steam and yellow cabs, sometimes it can be a struggle to view it all as real.

Never is this more true than during the holidays when the city is imbued with a glistening and magical quality. Each street corner and view from the cab window is like a scene from a festive classic of the Silver Screen, whether it be the traditional It’s A Wonderful Life or the cheeky Elf. Passing the fabulous shop window displays of Barneys or Macy’s you may think you see Kris Kringle being arrested as in Miracle on 34th Street, or Kevin McCallister with bobble-hat and backpack, running through the icy streets.

Home Alone: Lost in New York is perhaps one of the most iconic Christmas / New York collaborations. When arriving into the city by plane, it is tempting to forego the yellow cab – and with the White Christmas settling in no-one will blame you for not hanging around in the queue – and instead jump into a chauffeured limousine, presenting the best view of the majestic skyline as you glide into the city. (In true Kevin McCalister style, it is recommended that you order your very own cheese pizza, put on The Grinch and then indulge yourself in a few lavish toyshops.)

If this is not your style then there is ice skating in Central Park, or perhaps a trip to see the New York City’s The Nutcracker. Failing this, it is more than enough to simply stroll through the city, savouring the smells of mulled wine with cinnamon, and roasting chestnuts from the street stalls.

But always more like a film than a pretty picture, it is still the same old city under the glistening snow. People are still staying up all night, and breaking out in brawls in the street - including this one here. Involving ten bad Santas and an elf. That’s a wrap.

5 ways to accessorize your look this winter.

It’s getting a little chilly out there, isn’t it? You’ve probably pushed aside those summer clothes, organized the fall fashion, and are getting ready to change it up with your winter look. This is always the hardest season because you’re somewhat restricted since you’re so bundled up. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t look good even when it’s freezing cold outside. Here are some great ideas and suggestions for bringing out your unique style by way of accessorizing your look during the winter time.

1. find balance and symmetry

Go for a mirrored look between the left and right. Consider purchasing double of your accessories so you can create symmetry in your fashion. Try using a color picker tool to understand complementary colors, or do some homework into color harmonies. It’s subtle, but creating symmetry and a bit of balance is extremely pleasing to the eyes (since the human mind generally looks for these types of features in nature and with people). The key with color balance is making sure not to overdo it, as it can easily become too distracting.

2. go old school

Do it up like Macklemore and head on down to the thrift shop. You can find a ton of accessories for great prices – not to mention that vintage pieces are always “in.” Plus you don’t have to worry that you’re going to match every other girl when you’re out and about. You could probably even piece together a whole wardrobe for less than what you’d spend on a few pair of jeans at the mall. Going old school will definitely have you looking unique and keep that hard earned money in your purse.

3. show some color

Switch out those tired earrings for something new and colorful. Try matching your fashion choices with colored diamond earrings (hint, hint, a great Christmas gift) or mixing it up with a combination of antique and modern jewelry. Better yet – why not change up your hair color to match these accessories? It’s the winter and it’s almost New Year’s. Why not go ahead and start a new trend before the year begins? I’ve actually been considering a hair color change recently, but we’ll see…

4. find a love for scarves

There’s no denying that scarves are probably the fashion accessory when you’re all bundled up in a coat. Not only is a scarf practical, but it can be quite fashionable if you take some time to learn all the different ways to wear them. I’d suggest picking up a few different scarfs in various colors, and try out some of the different ways to wear them. And if you’re feeling DIY, maybe even pick up knitting and make one on your own – it’s a great way to pass the time when you’re snowed in.

5. bear it out

Hot blooded and able to stand the cold? Why not go against the grain and wear some of your summer clothes during the winter time? While everyone’s wearing browns and blacks you could be rocking the bright yellows and pinks. You’ll definitely stand out, but isn’t that goal when it comes to fashion and accessories? Throw in some of your summer jewelry or mix in a scarf and see what you can come up with…as long as you’re not too cold.

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What’s your favorite way to accessorize your look during the winter?

the benefits of juicing {infographic}.

I had noticed juicing becoming quite popular over the past couple of years, but for a while I wondered if it was just another health trend. Recently, though, I started getting fresh-made juices from my local health market. And…well…I totally get it now.

I’ve grown to love juice for a few reasons. First of all, drinking a fresh-made juice (especially in the morning) gives me a huge burst of energy.

Secondly, juice gives a great bang for you buck – squeezing in so many servings of fruits and vegetables at once. This is especially good for days where I’m running around the city and can’t necessarily sit down and eat a salad for lunch.

Still unsure what juicing is all about? Check out this helpful infographic that helps explain how and why juicing - especially home juicing - is so beneficial (and why getting a juicer of my own is on the top of my wish list)!

The Benefits of Home Juicing Infographic by Macy’s

This post is sponsored by Macy’s. I was invited to this opportunity by Blue Polo Interactive and received a Macy’s gift card for my time. All opinions expressed in this post are my own.

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Do you own a juicer? What’s your favorite homemade juice?