My Most Recent Visitors, Em & Twan

My college roommate (Em) and high school buddy (Anthony or Twan) came to stay with me this past weekend. The weather was finally perfect in the good old concrete jungle I live in. The temperature was in the mid 80's, the sun was out, Subways weren't scorching hot and zero rain fell. We had been planning this trip for months and it's hard to believe it came and went so fast. I'm still tired from the late nights spent touring the city so I've decided to just list a few of our highlights below. Playing tour guide for the weekend wasn't too bad... I even managed to experience a few new things with them!

And for any of you who know Em and I, you know there has to be at least one blonde moment along the way. So here it goes! We had purchased our tickets to go to the top of the Empire State building (something I hadn't done yet) and it was our turn to go through security. Em breezed on through with no problems. However, I did not. After three attempts and stripping me of all my jewelry and my belt Em decided she'd offer her 2 cents and help security. "Abby, I bet it's the water bottle in your hands." After her remark I think the security guard realized that with both our brains combined we'd still be unable to plot anything horrific and let me through despite the alarm still sounding. As we were walking away he crossed his arms and looked to Em and said, "Ma,am, this is a metal detector." We both had tears in our eyes from laughing so hard.

Highlights from our weekend include (but definitely not limited to):

• Standing at the top of Empire State to get one of the best views of the city ever
• Our security story from Empire State (hope Em doesn't yell at me for sharing)
• Frying Pan at Chelsea Piers for buckets and buckets and buckets of beer and burgers
• Statue of Liberty
• Stone St. for amazing Pizza
• Ray's Pizza for more pizza
• Yankee Stadium
• The Today Show and Katy Perry Concert on Friday
• Serendipity for Frozen Hot Chocolate
• Sleeping arrangements in a tiny bedroom
• Underbar at the W Hotel

MY OH MY the list could go on. Anyways, it's time for bed because on Friday I get my next round of company!! It just happens to be my little sister Jenna who I have only seen once since Christmas. Hope NYC is ready for what's headed its way.

Check back tomorrow for a great beauty tip about eyebrows and enhancing your look.

Xo from New York

My August Update

Hi, everyone! I'm still without Internet and going crazy... which is why I've been MIA. Since my post about Target a lot has happened.

Mom visited New York the weekend of her 50th birthday. It was a perfect mix of loving the city and the beauty it has to offer. We went to a Yankee's game Friday night. My wish finally came true (my 1st rain delay in the stadium) so that I could spend some extra time exploring (and maybe drinking the beer and eating pretzels). I was happy to be wearing La Base Pro under my makeup because I was soaked and yet my makeup stayed in place. Kaitlyn, if you're reading, I would highly recommend you and your friends wear this under your makeup for your friends wedding. Mom and I also made it to Serendipity for dessert and Stone St. for my favorite pizza. I was lucky enough to have her around to help me shop for a dress for the Eat, Pray, Love screening I attended last week. We explored the dress floors at SAKS Fifth Avenue, it was by far one of my favorite memories from living here so far. If you ask mom what her favorite moment of her trip was, she'd probably tell you meeting the Lancome PR team. She was given a sneak peek into the "beauty closet" and went home with a few of Lancome goodies. Her favorite Lancome product is Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate and mine is Genifique Cream Serum.It layers well under makeup! We also made it to Rock of Ages on Broadway.

I've had a really busy last week. As you probably know, Julia Roberts is now a Lancome ambassadress and is the star of Eat, Pray, Love. Lancome held a private screening for makeup artists. The interns were a huge help preparing for the event, see picture above.

Last night I attended the premeire of Nany McPhee Returns starring Maggie Gyllenhaal and Emma Thompson. I have to say it was the most surreal moment sitting in my seat at the movie theater and knowing the stars of the film were only two rows behind me. Lancome donated product for the goody bags and I was lucky enough to attend.

And to my cousin Ben, there is no way you are 9 months old today!! Stop growing, please. I need to get home and see you!!

How is everyone's Summer going? As quick as mine?

My Visit to the First Manhattan Target Store

Being a loyal Target fan from the Midwest I have been lost without my frequent shopping visits. In fact, when I look back on my internship last year in New York, I went the entire time without stepping foot in a Target. So when I heard rumors a few weeks ago that a new Target store was to open in Manhattan, I went through the roof. It was over mom's visit to the city that I realized all the ads for the new store opening. They covered the entire length of Subway cars, splashed billboards in Times Square and made the front cover of daily New York papers. Last Thursday, I was walking down Bleecker Street when I noticed a tote from the new Target. It was love at first sight.

I made it my mission on Saturday to check out the new location. I shopped like I had never stepped foot in one. I was able to find a couple summer dresses, casual tanks and tees. I think the thing I was most excited about was the grocery section. I don't remember the last time I saw a box of cereal for less than $5.99... let me repeat, $5.99 for one box! Let's just say I stocked up on my Honey Nut Cheerios and granola bars, what a delicious price it was.

Perhaps the only dangerous part about Target being in Manhattan is how simple it was to get there. I hopped on the 6 train and got off in East Harlem where a Target shuttle bus dropped me off at the front door and took me back to the train. Way too convenient! Anyways, tonight's blog is about simple pleasures. In college I can remember weeks where we'd go to Target several times for cheap food and clothes, not anymore.

I'll make sure to post pics from mom's visit soon. We were blasted by thunderstorms at the game Friday night and listened to great music at Rock of Ages on Sunday night. She was also treated to Serendipity for dessert which always tastes amazing!

Happy 50th Birthday, Mom!

Guess who turned 50 today? That's right, my mom!! She has joined several friends at this beautiful age. The fun started yesterday when her morning "workout crews" surprised her with a large selection of birds (no, not real ones). Mom HATES birds. To poke a little more fun, last night at golf they presented her with a custom piece of fashion... a t-shirt covered in feathers. With all pranks aside, she told me last night she had a really good time. So first off, thank you to all of her friends for taking care of her birthday festivities back home.

More importantly, I get to extend the celebration with her starting tomorrow. Mom is flying to New York City for a weekend of fun, shopping, great food and hopefully a Broadway show. I have tickets for an event Friday night, but I'm afraid she'll read this post tonight and the surprise will be ruined. We're also hoping to hit up a few flea markets. I think we're both after vintage jewelry!

I just have to add, I have one of the coolest mom's ever. I can only hope that I look half as good or act half as cool as she does at 50. Here's to 50 more amazing and blessed years, mom!

I promise to put up pictues and keep you posted on our finds and fun this weekend.

I Know You Love Her Makeup Tutorials

Lancome wants your beauty opinion! This week Lancome video makeup artist Michelle Phan made her first trip to Paris. Michelle's fans have been able to follow her adventures via Facebook for the past couple of days. Among places she's been able to gather inspiration from for her next video include: The Tresor Bridge, shopping in St. Germain, Rodin Museum, Eiffel Tower and The Louvre.

Michelle also offered traveling advice on Facebook. When taking long flights it's essential to keep your skin hydrated. She recommended two Lancome favorites of mine to keep your skin healthy, Eau Fraiche Douceur Cleansing Water and Genifique Cream Serum. I have to have Genifique Cream Serum on my face before I apply any makeup.

NOW FOR THE BEST PART! Lancome and Michelle invite followers to vote on the next theme for her video inspired from her trip.

I voted for Natural Beauty, what's yours? Follow this link to vote now! http://apps.facebook.com/michellephaninparis/

Image above is from the Lancome Facebook page.

The Start to My Summer Goes Something Like This

Hi everyone, I finally moved!! Which is why I haven't been on here for quite a while. We do not have Internet yet, and in some respect it has been kind of nice. I thought I'd give you a quick update before I leave the office.

My new place (95 Wall St.) has everything I need to be comfortable and successful AND MORE! I've posted a picture above of the kitchen. Let's be real, I'm not much of a cook. But the chandelier is gorgeous and makes me feel like I no longer live in a cramped apartment in NYC.

I was walking down Wall St. the other night to get home and noticed red carpet and a large crowd in front of Cipriani. Naturally, the tourist inside of me decided to stop and check it out. A fundraiser was being held and among guests I caught a glimpse of were JLO and Marc Anthony (I will put pictures up soon). I also snapped a quick shot of a guy I thought looked like Bernie Williams. Well, I realized later it was him. So much for getting my baseball (that's been in my purse & unsigned for more than a year now) signed. I'm pretty sure my Dad has lost all faith in getting an autograph from me...

I've also been able to get my beads back out and start designing some jewelry. From the necklaces pictured above, the one that has my favorite color in it (turqouise) was designed by Dad. He continues to WOW ME WITH HIS DESIGNS!! The brown necklace is a piece I made for my old roommate, Em. Stay tuned, because I'm working on some great pieces for Summer.

Speaking of Summer, if you're reading this and you don't live in NYC...don't be jealous. The Subways seem to be extra crowded now that it's super hot out. I also feel like some people have mistakenly forgotten to put deodorant on that day!!

Lastly, I have to give Iowa State a shout out today. An adviser from Iowa State visited and I learned that not only do we have roughly 30 students doing internships in New York, but some of the companies they are working for include: Ralph Lauren, L'Oreal, US Weekly and InStyle magazine. These are just to name a few, trust me...only a few. Go Cyclones! I also got a copy of the latest TREND issue and it is full of amazing fashion & beauty...congrats, TREND on a great issue!

My Crew Back Home

I just finished Skyping with my parents and cousin Austin. Today is his 10th birthday, Happy Birthday Austin!! All I have to say is time is going way too fast. And I'm extremely thankful for the technology we have available to us. How else would my sister have sent the adorable picture of Justin (the one w/chocolate cake all over his face above) on his 5th birthday, June 1? Happy Birthday, Justin!! And Happy Belated Birthday to Aunt Krisiti on June 7th!!

I'm thankful for such an amazing family back home. I miss you all terribly. I was suppose to be moving to my new place today, but now I'm told tomorrow. Anyways, thank you family & friends back home for all the support. A few have even offered to fly out here to help move my bed across Wall St. I'm truly blessed.

The cute little one in the green polo, plaid pants and sweet sandals, that's my little guy Benjamin. When I left he was only a month old and tiny. Now he's almost 7 months and beginning to move around and mess with mom's home decor.

Miss Olivia, I saw pictures from your Utah trip with your mom. It looks like you are having an amazing time. Call me again soon, you're the only one I can have "girl talk" with!

Last but not least, doesn't Jenna look fab in her picture from Austria? Sounds like she had such an amazing time she almost didn't return. Will another Mollenhauer leave the state of Iowa, I guess we'll have to wait and see.

And Grandpa O., you are an amazing man and I'm praying for you. Get well soon.

TO ALL MY BUDDIES BACK HOME, YOU ARE THE BEST SUPPORT SYSTEM EVER. I MISS YOU!! CALL ME SOON.

Austin, good luck at your game tomorrow. Hope you get the ice cream stain out of your new ISU shirt.

xo-

At Work in New York

I have said this many times I know, but working at Lancome is never dull. This afternoon, spokesmodel Arlenis Sosa stopped by for a quick visit. Her mother and aunt came as well. She was looking fabulous, like always. Who knew that a baggy pair of jeans, classy blazer and black top could look so chic?! And the heels she had on, I wish I would have asked where she bought them!

Arlenis became a part of the Lancome family in 2008. She has also appeared in magazines like Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Teen Vogue and made People Magazine's 100 Most Beautiful List. Of course, these are just to name a few. Arlenis has worked for some of the most highly known designers in the world. Fashion shows play a huge role in her career. She participated in the 2008 Victoria's Secret Show and has been in ads for David Yurman (still saving to buy a bracelet from this designer), Topshop and Gap.

Despite a quick rise to fame, Arlenis has a beautiful heart. When she arrived at the office she had a smile on her face and brought a fruit "pizza" for everyone to share. Before leaving she grabbed a couple of her favorite Juicy Tubes to throw in her purse and made sure the girls had a photo opportunity with her. We both love the shade Spring Fling!!

Enjoy the pictures above from our afternoon with Arlenis Sosa, a true beauty.

Eau Fraiche Douceur, Refreshing!

My beauty regimen was introduced to Eau Fraiche Douceur a little over a year ago. And it has never been the same! I feel so refreshed after using this product it's unbelievable. I always start by removing my makeup with BiFacil (only the best makeup remover on the market). Immediately following I dab a cotton pad with a few pumps of Eau Fraiche Douceur and wipe my face clean.

I would also recommend throwing a bottle of this product in your beach bag. Yesterday, I went to the beach with Maddy and was feeling really gritty when I got home. I was thinking it would have been nice to have this cleansing water along to wipe all the sunscreen and oil off my face before I had to sit on the train for 45 minutes feeling gross! PRODUCT BONUS, there is no need to rinse after!

Lastly, for those evenings you fall asleep before getting to wash your face or even take your shoes off (which I've done a few times this past week) it's nice to wake up in the morning and wipe off all the impurities before you shower or put on your makeup.

This product can be found on lancome-usa.com or Lancome counters nationwide, $34.50.

Challenges Mean One Thing, Strength

This past week has been extremely stressful. I've spent hours searching for apartments, toured some that might have come straight out of a scene from a horror film and put my $75 "holding fee" on a couple of places. I put quotes around "holding fee" because I'm not quite sure I trust the whole situation. But, signing a lease in New York City is what I would imagine it's like buying a home, well, back home. I'm also wondering how the hell am I going to move on my own? I don't have a car, any family remotely close, no burly boyfriend to carry my bed, etc. I'll be sure to tell you when I sign my papers and post pictures of me dragging my bed across Wall St. Ha Ha

I'm also a little nervous about my baby sis. See, today she left for Austria. I'm super excited for her, maybe a little jealous and wish I would have done this in college too! I made sure to tell her plenty of times to be safe. I have sent her two emails already!! I forgot she can't call so I have to say thank goodness for Facebook. (I can't believe I'm thanking something that has become my No. 1 procrastination device!) I made sure to ask her what she included in her "beauty bag." Be sure to check back and I'll keep you posted. Let's see if she took the advice her big sis gave her, pack a few key items and you'll be set. And as I was going through some of my favorite items in the Lancôme beauty closet one day, I noticed that several items are small enough to be a carry-on item!

I guess after writing this post it has me coming back to the "beauty" of one thing, friendship. And the strength friendship provides. Reason one, my old roommate Em called after work. Even though I was two weeks late in getting her gift in the mail, she absolutely loved it. I made her a necklace and earrings to go with a dress we both bought. I was in New York and she was in Iowa, neither of us had a clue. Reason two, my friend Jen has listened to me bitch and whine, debate and cry over what's my next step. And she's still answering my calls. Reason three, my mom and her group of friends like to spoil their children in nurturing ways. They gather monthly to make homemade cards. She sent one a little while ago that I read every morning before I leave for work. It says...

"Every experience God gives us, every person he brings into our lives, is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see." -Carrie tenBoom, Holocoust Survivor

Reason four, my mom (and our family) has a dear friend who is struggling with a parent in hospice. I was on the phone with my dad tonight sharing a few times I remember being around her. She is a great lady and I can't imagine what my mom's friend is feeling at the moment. Mom and another friend from the great "mother's group" went to visit their friends mom tonight. Before they left they reminded the mother they'd take care of her daughter. I guess it's true what they say, the beauty of a few great friends is more than words can explain.

So, I know it's only Monday. Some of us might have already experienced a long week. But try to remember that things could be worse. And maybe try reaching out to an old friend. Friendship is beauty, embrace it.

P.S. To all my girlfriends who remember our middle school years, I was in the supermarket last night and "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" came on. I don't think I need to say anymore.

Sweet dreams from NYC.

Sexy, Fuller Lashes Just in Time for Summer

It's no secret that Lancôme is the global lash expert. Lancôme's Definicils Mascara is the No. 1 luxury brand mascara on the market. I have used this formula religiously for the last year and make sure I always have a new tube on-hand.

Can my love for a great tube of mascara get any stronger? Thanks to Lancômes latest lash discovery, Definicils Precious Cells, it can! Definicils Precious Cells is the first mascara from Lancôme to regenerate the condition of lashes and deliver lash by lash fullness. Lancôme's newest ambassadress Julia Roberts is the face of Definicils Precious Cells. Now we're talking serious beauty.

Ingredients found in "DPC" working to create healthier lashes include:

• Swiss apple extract: will restore the environment of the epidermal stem cells in vitro.
• Madecassoside: derived from centella asiatica, a healing plant from Madagascar, will help to strengthen and thicken lashes.
• Arginine: amino acid with conditioning properties.

The formula is creamy and defines your lashes beautifully, while also creating a fuller look. Plus, for those of you who struggle with weak lashes that fall out easily, this mascara is easy to remove. It even reduces the chance of lash loss!

According to Lancôme, after four weeks, a panel of 101 women raved about the new mascara. More than half of the women perceived their lashes to be in better condition and reported a reduced loss of lashes during makeup removal.

I have to tell you, I have never purchased or worn fake lashes. Nor have I tried any products to make my lashes longer. I will tell you, I'm a fan of this new mascara. My lashes appear fuller, longer and healthier. And I've only been using it for a few weeks. The price is unbeatable too, $29.

Definicils Precious Cells will be available August 2010 at all Lancôme counters nationwide and on lancome-usa.com. Pre-order on lancome-usa.com now to make sure you are one of the first to try!

Image courtesy of lancome-usa.com.

Since We Last Talked...

Hi, all! Wow!! I can't believe it's been a few weeks since I've blogged. After today's post, I'm sure you'll understand why. Between events for work, designing jewelry, apartment searching and going "back to school" I've hardly had time to sit back and relax.

First, we've had a couple events at Lancôme recently. We visited with editors from respected beauty and fashion publications in the magazine industry. This event was held at Jerome Dreyfuss in SoHo. (Click on the link to see pictures of the studio and the amazing handbags) The weather was perfect, the sun was out and I was able to take some time during my day to explore all SoHo has to offer. I had lunch alone on a park bench along the cobble-stone streets, and it was nice. As soon as I can tell you about Lancôme goodies we discussed, I'll let you know. What I can say is this, if you like Lancôme's Tresor you'll "be in love" with the aroma of what's next.

Yesterday, Lancôme hosted an event for bloggers and vloggers at The Lancôme Boutique on the Upper West Side in Manhattan. Legendary makeup artist Sandy Linter was on-site offering makeup tips and answering all your makeup question needs! It was a lovely afternoon and there were plenty of Magnolia cupakes to go around. Plus, everyone who attended the event was matched for their personal shade of Lancome's new Fresh Wear Foundation. I can't get enough of this product. I'll be sure to share more details about the event and Fresh Wear later.

I have started designing jewelry again. My dad has made too many great pieces lately so I guess you could say I felt intimidated and needed to step-up my game. I'll be sure to show you my first "collection" once I'm finished. I get so lost in the bead stores that hours will pass and I don't even notice.

And, I went back to school? That's right. It's been a really tough and stressful past month. Iowa State decided to call and tell me after what I like to call "my first graduation" in December that I was 1.5 credits short. I was ordered to take another two credits and had to write a 20-30 page research paper. There is one lesson I learned from this experience that I'd like to share with everyone. Document everything!! I wish I had.

Lastly, I have to move. I learned that while I decided to visit home for Alumni Weekend my room was not unoccupied while I was away. A couple items have since gone missing. And there's way too many bodies in one tiny area for any privacy whatsoever. So the search is on! I'll keep you posted. I'd love for visitors this Summer.

Don't forget to read my blog tomorrow. I'm going to share how I got longer, fuller lashes in less than a month by using a new Lancôme mascara. Don't worry, it's affordable and you can too!!

I want to start giveaways soon. Write me, please. Ask me anything you want to know about makeup, beauty and skincare. If I can't provide the best answer I will ask an expert who can. What products would you most like to see in a giveaway? What's something you've been anxious to try and learn about?

Enjoy your Sunday afternoon. The pictures above are from my day in SoHo, the event at The Lancôme Boutique and a couple others in Manhattan.