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With a long laundry list of tasks to do each day, taking a few minutes for myself often gets pushed aside and regretfully forgotten. Recently, I have been trying to make a conscious effort to pamper myself. After all, it is summer break (break being the key word). My newest means of hassle free TLC is Sothys Energizing Bath Essences.

Drop just one of these bath pebbles into your tub after a hard day at work for a completely revitalizing experience. Made from a blend of essential oils like eucalyptus, nutmeg, and red thyme, this bath bead not only hydrates your skin, but creates a light energizing scent that sticks around even after bath time is over. As the bath pebble fizzes away, so does your stress (until recently I had forgotten just how therapeutic a good long bath could be). As a plus, Sothys bath essences come in individually wrapped packs, so throwing one in your bag is always a cinch. Now at the end of each day, I make sure to put a few extra minutes aside for me, my bath, and Sothys.

To check out the full collection, head to Sothys-Usa.com or order via Amazon.com.

As soon as I finished finals in May, I set out to create a big list of summer reading. I have always loved to read, but sadly, my favorite hobby was put on the back burner during second semester due to the large quantities of schoolwork filling up my plate. Since May, I have read quite a few novels, but none of them made any lasting impression on me until I read Kafka on the Shore. This gripping novel, a blend of reality and fantasy, takes you on a wild ride not soon to be forgotten or put down! Written in 2002 by Haruki Murakami and translated to English in 2005, Kafka on the Shore quickly became a New York Times 10 Best Books of 2005 and for good reason.

I have to confess, I was a little apprehensive about opening the book. The back summary speaks of talking cats and fish raining from the sky. I am usually a realistic fiction fan, hardly ever choosing fantasy, so this tidbit of info was a little off-putting for me.  Luckily, Kafka on the Shore delivers just the right amount of reality and fantasy to appeal to both camps of readers. (more…)

I am not necessarily the biggest makeup junkie. That being said, I am hopelessly addicted to chapstick. If I had to pick one beauty item to use for the rest of my life, chapstick would win no contest necessary. I am compulsively applying some form of lip-geared product hourly, up to the point of insanity really. Of course, for a chapstick-aholic like myself, I do play favorites. Each month or two I am in love with a certain product before I move onto my next addiction. This month Green Tea Goods Ultra Caring Lip Balm is my obsession.

This unbelievably effective all-natural lip balm soothes your lips and smells delicious. Made from a blend of coconut oil,  sweet almond oil, beeswax, vitamin E and of course, the star ingredient, green tea extract, you can be sure your lips will feel instantly kissable. The lovely scent of this balm is completely natural, as no fragrance is added. Green tea extract, an ingredient used in traditional Chinese medicine, contains vital antioxidants and antiseptic properties that will leave your lips moisturized and refreshed long after application. The lip balm has instantly become a constant in my daily beauty routine. For just $5, you can afford to give into the green tea craze, and believe me, you (and your lips) won’t be sorry!

Let me just start off by confessing that up until last week, I had never had a bikini wax. A few weeks back TDO editor Carolyn recommended I give Shobha a try. Because I will be going back to Nashville in a few weeks, where summer life seems to involve wearing a bathing suit constantly, I decided it was time to give the waxing gig a shot.  So I put away my razor and shaving cream and tried to pump myself up for the big day.

Prior to the referral to Shobha, I had always justified why I didn’t wax.

1. Pain - The thought of having that hair violently ripped out was enough to make me run the other way. Of my friends who had the procedure done, only one girl went back. The others said it hurt so bad they actually cried.

2. Embarrassment - Does anyone really like to be completely naked in front of a stranger? This factor coupled with the pain percentage was more than off-putting for a girl like me.

3. Hygiene - I had heard about so many spas that practiced shoddy hygiene. Wax not stored properly, double dipping, unsanitary spa conditions, and more sufficiently scared me away.

4. Cost - An old fashioned razor could do the trick at half the cost, never mind the unsightly side effects. (more…)

Something about summer just makes me crave sweet treats constantly. Perhaps it’s all the walking around town or the heat that makes my stomach grumble, or maybe it’s just the overabundance of desirable snacks at my fingertips. If you’re like me, then you’ll know that a sweet tooth is inescapable!  So why not stop fighting it and just embrace it?

With coffee shops, tea rooms, ice cream stands, and cafés on every street corner, grabbing a quick afternoon snack is a piece of cake. Here are my recommendations for the perfect summer snacks awaiting you in the city: (more…)

Picture this: It is a balmy Saturday night in the city. You have been invited to a chic rooftop party sure to be frequented by some high profile guests, so you need to look your absolute best. You pick out the perfect little black dress, pair it with some bold jewelry and gorgeous heels. You then spend the next few hours styling your locks and applying an elegant palette of makeup. You grab your clutch and head out the door, turning heads as you strut down the sidewalk. You head down the subway steps only to be greeted by a hot cloud of sticky air. You shake it off. You look too good tonight to let anything get in your way. As you await your train, you begin to sweat. Your perfect smoky eyes begin to drip down your cheeks. Your beautiful curls turn into a frizzy mess atop your perspiring scalp. The perfect look has somehow gone all wrong!

Sadly enough, this a scenario we gals can all empathize with. There is nothing worse than spending hours getting ready to have your look ruined in an instant by the muggy subway platform. This terrible phenomenon that is sure to plague us as temperatures rise seems unbeatable. Luckily, TDO is here to help. We have sampled a wide range of products as well as caught up with Rachel Gangemi, a talented make-up artist at Valery Joseph Salon in New York City, to bring you a list of subway must haves and tips to help you fight the dreaded summer subway. (more…)

I had never really heard of Aldo Shoes until I moved to New York where there is seemingly an Aldo on every corner. Not too long ago, I wandered into one of their stores in Soho on a complete whim. Not looking for anything in particular, I browsed through the racks and ended up falling in love with at least four pairs of summer sandals. Isn’t it funny that when you aren’t looking, you find so many appealing buys?

My college budget kept me from snatching up any shoes at that moment (as I had just filled my shopping quota for the month) but I made a mental note of the pairs I liked most. Now, a few weeks later, I am ready to head back to Aldo to make my purchase. After careful thought and deliberation, I have decided to go with the Landero Sandal in black. A step above your average flip flop, these adorable black flats hit on many of this seasons trends without being too over the top or loud. This sandal is a more minimalist version of the gladiator faze and the hip patent leather finish adds a chic touch. I love the slim sole design that makes walking the streets in style a cinch. The sandals come in both a traditional black and fun summer purple. A major selling point of the Landeros is their versatility. These shoes could be dressed down with denim shorts and a solid tank for a casual park day, or be worn with a summer dress and fun jewelry for a more sophisticated evening look. The best part, though, is the price. For only $40, your feet will look phenomenal and your wallet will still have money left over for what else but shopping!

When I think of the white dress, I think of that girl with the sun-kissed glowing skin and wavy beach hair strolling along the shore barefoot. Her already alluring look is further set off by a crisp white dress that makes her tanned skin just pop. This iconic summer image is undoubtedly one we are all familiar with (and maybe a tad bit jealous of, too).  Of course, you don’t need to be a beach goddess to work the white dress though. No matter what your personal style or look may be, a white dress can easily fit into any wardrobe. With the wide range of styles and accessories available, the white dress can come across looking edgy, glam, sleek, preppy, or simple.  No matter how you choose to wear it though, the white dress always screams summer and is always sexy! Here are my favorite picks for the season ahead, all under $150 and guaranteed to transform you into the image of summer in no time.

The Kimchi Blue Tenerife Dress from Urban Outfitters is the perfect cotton summer dress. It hits above the knee to show off those tanned legs and has thin adjustable straps to showcase your bronzed shoulders. The empire waist creates a beautiful silhouette and the entire dress is trimmed with a crochet lace appliqué for a fun added touch.

I am such a fan of the Love YaYa Davis Dress for a different take on the white trend. This wide necked, flutter sleeved mini dress looks great with a pair of platforms or chunky heels. The cut makes accessorizing easy. I picture wearing it with a long necklace, a bold bangle and some high-heeled gladiators for a more edgy take on the white dress.

Banana Republic’s Linen Shift Dress delivers a version of the white dress in classic summer linen. The loose fitting style of this dress makes it perfect for muggy summer days. I absolutely love the floral appliqué designs that trim the open neck, drawing some attention in a tasteful way. This dress is perfect for a poolside party or night on the beach. Pair it with some colorful wedges and bold earrings for an adorable and versatile look.

Do you remember that pair of animal slippers you had as a kid? I sure do. Mine were purple and furry and shed like crazy but I loved them nonetheless. I would put them on every night as I bounced around the house, killing the final few minutes before bed. They left a trail of purple fuzz behind me that I’m sure my mother just loved but she let me wear them anyway. At some point I guess I outgrew them and they went in the basement never to be seen again.

I hadn’t really thought about those hairy slippers until recently when I received a pair of classic bunny slippers. These timeless slippers brought me back to the simpler days of nightgowns, bedtime stories, and getting tucked in. However, the bunny slippers also brought me more comfort than I was used to. These overstuffed house shoes actually make it feel as if you are walking on a cloud and you cannot help but smile at the goofy bunny face staring straight ahead as you take each step. Come bedtime, I look forward to slipping on my bunny shoes and going through the nightly routine. As a bonus, the slippers actually look adorable with a mini nightgown. Who says you can’t be stylish and comfortable at the same time? Now as I bounce around my dorm, killing the final few minutes before bed, I get a few laughs (and pets) from my friends who swear they all want a pair of bunny slippers. It must be the child in all of us.

Just under $30, order at bunnyslippers.com.

Who: Audra Senkus and Gabrielle Ophals, owners of Eve Salon

What: Watermelon Martini Mondays

Where: 55 West 8th Street (near 6th Avenue) New York, NY

When: Every Monday through the summer

Why: Watermelon just screams summer, right? I can remember numerous Sunday picnics with my family involving the huge green fruit. After feasting on cold cuts and potato chips, my father would pull the watermelon out of the cooler and begin to serve us. Seconds later, we were enjoying that ripe taste of summer, cool juice running down our chins and smiles on our faces. Of course, this summer I am staying in New York City meaning no family picnics and no watermelon…. (more…)