Surfer Rosa

travel. beauty. life. style.

  • 27th September
    2011
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Daydream Destinations: Escape to Shape Cartegena


If I were the type of person that stuck to my guns when it comes to fitness, I’d (hopefully) look more toned and a whole lot less back fatty. So instead of waking at morning break to peddle to the sweet mash-up sounds of SoulCycle with my dear (and crazy!) friends, I’m focusing my energy on actually getting to a get-it-in-gear holiday away. (Good news: Husband said he’d help me pay for it!). This week I find myself wishing I could get on next month’s Escape to Shape excursion to Cartegena.

The week-long hosted program includes loads of functional fitness classes, some yoga sessions and all meals, plus cool cultural activities.

Of course, what really is tempting me is the opp. to replenish all my calories burned at the beautiful bars across the city. I kid. My meals will be the veggie-fresh versions of local favorites and I’ll spend all my downtime touring the colonial city. I may even paddle a board out into the pretty city bay.

[photos from Escape to Shape]

  • 27th September
    2011
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  • 25th September
    2011
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  • 24th September
    2011
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  • 23rd September
    2011
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Kate the Great: The Lipstick Collection


Last week while half of New York’s fashion folk was toasting to my dear friends at MJ Collection, a group of uber lucky beauty ed.s were en route to London. Those gals got to meet and greet with Kate the Great and learn all about her newest collab—a lipstick line with Rimmel. (Jalouse!) Having been the face of the low-cost beauty brand for a decade, she and the co. decided to celebrate with the intro of seven shades of ultra-hydrating lacquer. To say that I’m excited for these well-priced pieces of goodness is like saying Angelina is a MILF, or rather, the understatement of the century. I adore the brand’s mascara. It actually plumps my anemic lashes without doing that weirdo under eye run thing that so many other volumizers do. I’ve got a big event early next month, so I’m angling for the vibrant pink. I hear the formula stays put too.

[photo from Rimmel]

  • 22nd September
    2011
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  • 22nd September
    2011
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True story: I’m so plant challenged that I’ve killed bamboo. Who does that!?! Moi. Yep. I’m hopeless when it comes to tending to house plants. Problem is one of the things that makes one’s home look more, um, homey and less dormy is loads of greenery. Enter stage left: air plants. Technically called Epiphytes, air plants grow sans soil and gather their nutrients via dust. Bonus: They are also said to fight allergies.

  • 21st September
    2011
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Mason Blanket Sweater


Last week I went a little bananas with some Mason purchases. I got an uber drapey sweater top concoction that can be worn a bunch of different ways. And I also bought a—gasp—winter coat. It’s gray, has amazing lines, chunky buttons and a sweet oversize, slouchy hood. Short story: I’m in love. As is the case with most of my purchases-slash-life experiences (and this is especially true for movies), I google the bejeepers out of something. Et voila:


The Mason Blanket Sweater. I know, I know. I don’t have legs or a fatless back like that model, so it isn’t going to look nearly as hot on me. But I’m picturing myself at Dunton Springs in Colorado (and I may add, where I just got invited), sipping coffee by the fire. Later I’ll walk across a pretty flower-filled field and laugh as the sun hits my face in that RomCom perfect moment. Then when I head to Morocco in late October, I’ll use this as a blanket on the plane, the bus and wherever else I may need.

[photos from Blue Planet]

  • 20th September
    2011
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Daydream Destinations: La Maison Blanche

Since Countdown to Ibiza has concluded, I’ve hopped back on the daydreaming train. This week’s pick La Maison Blanche on Shelter Island in New York is a bit closer to home. The eight-room guest house, which is within walking distance to the island’s popular Cresent Beach, promises visitors a homey, yet luxurious stay. And I just I love visiting beach communities in the fall when the air is crisp, the water is moody and the beaches are empty.

Who wouldn’t want to take in that sunset from the perch of a giant porch?
But I’m most excited about the cozy, old-timey feel of the hotel that dates back to the 1800s.

[photos from La Maison Blanche]

  • 19th September
    2011
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  • 18th September
    2011
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  • 15th September
    2011
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  • 15th September
    2011
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No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.
 - Lin Yutang
  • 14th September
    2011
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  • 14th September
    2011
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