Marvel's The Avengers - Go See It!

Marvel's The Avengers (in theaters and IMAX 3D on May 4th) is the superhero movie of the year, written and directed by one of my favorites - Joss Whedon. I have been looking forward to this screening for weeks and it didn't disappoint. I do highly recommend you watch all the movies leading up to The Avengers beforehand: Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Incredible Hulk, Thor, and Captain America. I haven't seen Iron Man 2 or Thor yet and I think it would have helped me understand the characters more and provide insight into their background.

Aside from being action-packed and entertaining, what I loved most about The Avengers is the characterer development and humor that Whedon ties in so well. You really see the contrast between their personalities, how their egos clash with one another and how they unite and put aside their differences to save the world. There are a lot of laugh out loud moments, but Tony Stark and The Hulk just crack me up.

You really see that Whedon-esque touch during the second half of the movie, which reminded me of so many of the battle scenes in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel and Serenity.

The characters really drew me in, and left me wanting to know more about them and their history with each other (yes, I immediately went home and went on marvel wikia and googled searched some tidibts), like the closeness and connection between Hawkeye and Black Widow, personality clash between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers or conflict between brothers Thor and Loki.

By now, I don't think I have to tell you to stay put while the credits are rolling. I already can't wait for The Avengers sequel, but before that happens we'll get to see Iron Man 3 (2013), Thor 2 (2013) and Captain America 2 (2014).

Check out The Avengers "ASSEMBLE" featurette


Clip of "Black Widow Interrogation"


Clip of "Captain America & Thor Battle"


- Kim Weling

Hello Kitty Hello Pretty Collection Summer 2012 Exclusively at Sephora

Hello Kitty beauty has launched the Hello Pretty Collection for Summer 2012, exclusively at Sephora. The fashionably chic collection is inspired by runway trends seen from New York to Milan, with hot pink, golden hues and classic black and white polka dots making a statement.

The limited-edition Hello Kitty Hello Pretty Limited Edition Collection includes:

- Hello Pretty Palette, $36 - a two-tiered eyeshadow palette including eight shades (pearlized golden cream, matte chocolate brown, glittery nude and pearlized soft blue, iridescent purple, glittery charcoal black, pearlized white and glittery soft pink) and a mirror housed in an iconic Hello Kitty-shaped compact.

- Bronzer, $28 - iconic Hello Kitty-shaped compact with a gorgeous pearl bronze shade

- Hello Pretty Compact Mirror, $19 - has a 1x magnification on one side and 3x on the other and decorated with a stylish polka dot print

- Hello Pretty Makeup Bag, $29 - classic ruffle bag featuring a black and white polka dot print topped with the iconic Hello Kitty head

- Retractable Kabuki Brush, $28 - choose from a silver or gold finish, with synthetic white bristles and pink tips and iconic Hello Kitty sitting pretty on the cap.

The Hello Kitty Big Pink Bow Fragrance has quickly become one of my new favorite fruity and floral scents, with a blend of juicy pineapple, pink honeysuckle, fresh gardenia, clean coconut and warm vanilla. The Hello Kitty Big Pink Bow Fragrance is available as a 50ml spray ($58), Rollergirl roller ball ($19) and solid perfume ring ($29). The ring is one size and too big for my fingers, but I would definitely opt to wear it as a necklace.

Check out these Hello Kitty cupcakes from the launch event! Too cute!

- Kim Weling

Introducing SEPHORA Fragrance Flight Bar: Experience Scent Like Never Before

Sephora invites you to a unique event experience, a one-of-a-kind fragrance lesson to transform how you think about fragrance at the fragrance flight bar. These capsule events are based on Sephora's pioneering Sensorium(tm) fragrance experience in New York City, produced in partnership with global fragrance powerhouse Firmenich, which allowed shoppers to sample scents categorized by "impressions" instead of traditional fragrance notes.

Similar to a wine tasting, you'll be able to sit at a table in front of scents classified by one of four impressions, Addictive, Playful, Casual or Chic. Each scent is unlabeled and presented in stem-less wine glasses, allowing you to experience how each fragrance makes them feel, without branding or preconceived notions.

You will be able to try any or all the impressions stations at your leisure. Once the Fragrance Flight Bar journey is complete a Sephora fragrance expert is on hand to reveal their preferences and can provide additional information about the scents, help select products, or provide samples for the client to further assess after wearing them on their skin. A scented guide book is also provided as a take away to continue the fragrance education, based on the four impressions.

Sephora's Fragrance Flight Bars will be available for three weekends only:
WHEN:
* April 28th and 29th
* May 5th and 6th
* May 12th and 13th

WHERE:
Sephora Times Square (New York, NY)
Sephora Powell Street (San Francisco, CA)
Sephora Soho (New York, NY)
Sephora Santa Monica (Santa Monica, CA)
Sephora 5th Avenue (New York, NY)
Sephora Valley Fair (Santa Clara, CA)
Sephora 34th Street (New York, NY)
Sephora South Coast Plaza (Costa Mesa, CA)
Sephora Union Square (New York, NY)
Sephora Prudential Center (Boston, MA)
Sephora 86th and Lexington (New York, NY)
Sephora Aventura (Aventura, FL)
Sephora 711 Lexington (New York, NY)
Sephora Ala Moana (Honolulu, HI)
Sephora Roosevelt Field (Garden City, NY)

A permanent fragrance flight bar will be opening in a New York City SEPHORA this June.

Win a Trip to NYC and a Makeover with Celebrity Hair Colorist Beth Minardi!

Win a trip to NYC and a makeover with celebrity hair colorist Beth Minardi! NYC colorist Beth Minardi is sought after by the biggest names in Hollywood, and now you have a chance to get your hair done by her too!

One first prize winner will get treated to a round-trip ticket to New York, and a haircut and hair color with Beth Minardi and her team of experts. Daily Makeover is also giving away 50 full size samples of her new Minardi Luxury Color Care collection, which is specifically created to care for different hair color processes. Go to Daily Makeover's Facebook page to enter to win.

Celebrate the Launch of The Promise Collection with Tommy Hilfiger & Glamour Magazine

Yogurt and Ice Cream Favorites

I've had the habit of skipping the most important meal of the day - breakfast. If you are like me and don't have time to make breakfast in the morning, why not opt for yogurt, which is easy enough to throw in your purse or keep a few in your refrigerator at work? In trying to maintain a healthy diet, making sure I eat something for breakfast is definitely on that list. I have included some of my favorite yogurts as well as ice cream. As soon as warmer weather hits, those ice cream cravings just kick in.

1) Chobani is at the top of my list, made with natural ingredients and real fruit, with twice the protein of regular yogurts and is gluten-free. Blueberry (love adding in fresh blueberries), Mango and Honey-Nana have been my favorite Chobani flavors, but I can't wait to try the newest additions - Apple Cinnamon, Blood Orange and Passion Fruit.

2) Yoplait ® has 2x the calcium of the leading yogurt, with 25 delicious flavors for Yoplait® Original. I would really like to try Yoplait® Light with Granola, available in Blueberry, Cherry, Peach and Strawberry and two new flavors for Yoplait ® Greek - Coconut and Cherry Pomegranate.

3) New to me is Ehrmann Bavarian Lowfat Yogurt, available in Cherry, my favorite, along with Strawberry, Peach, Blueberry and Blackberry Pomegranate. Currently Ehrmann All Natural Lowfat Yogurt is distributed in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island and upstate New York. I'm waiting for them to come to NYC/NJ!

4) Lifeway's Frozen Kefir is a creamy, nutritious and delicious dessert that packs 10 live and active probiotic cultures. It is all natural, high in protein and calcium, gluten-free, 99% lactose free and has 90 calories per serving. Mango is my favorite, but also available in pomegranate, original and strawberry.

5) Clemmy's all natural, sugar-free ice cream is also lactose-free and gluten-free. In lieu of sugar Clemmy's uses xylitol, a natural sweetener. Clemmy's All Natural Sorbet, Ice Cream Bars and All natural Low Fat Ice Cream Bars are a sweet way to add more fiber into your diet. Clemmy's ice cream is available in 13 varieties. I have only tried the Cherry Vanilla Bars once and am already addicted to them. I also look forward to trying the Toasted Almond and Coffee flavors.

6) Coconut Bliss all-organic ice cream is soy-free, dairy-free, cholesterol-free, gluten-free and cane sugar-free, using ingredients such as coconut milk and agave syrup. The ice cream comes in 14 flavors including Ginger Cookie Caramel, Chocolate Walnut Brownie, Mocha Maca Crunch and Lunaberry Swirl, which launched in 2011.

- Kim Weling

1st Annual Choice Streets 2012 - Sold Out

The anticipated Village Voice's Choice Streets Food Truck Tasting Event is sold out! Hope you got your tickets! Choice Streets 2012 will take place on Tuesday, April 24th from 7-10pm on Pier 86 of The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Complex.

Attendees will enjoy complimentary tastings from 20+ food trucks, complimentary beverages, and entertainment. I can't wait to see NYC Healthy Bites again, and I've been wanting to try Korilla BBQ, Wafles and Dinges and Red Hook Lobster Pound, as well as looking forward to some food trucks I'm not yet familiar with.

- Kim Weling

GUAM Beauty Mud "April Pop Over" Beauty Sale

GUAM Beauty Mud is having their first NYC beauty sale at the Roger Smith Hotel Pop Up Shop. Everything in the store will be 50% off! The April Pop Over special beauty sale is on Wednesday, April 25th, from 6-8pm. Pop on by and enjoy signature Guam-tinis too. GUAM Beauty Mud will only be at the Roger Smith Hotel Pop Up Shop until April 30th so be sure to stop by!

I was first introduced to GUAM Beauty Mud during the pop up shop opening on April 4th, which was sponsored by Wines by Wives, Popchips and Dressbarn.

GUAM is the #1 brand of anti-cellulite products in Italy. GUAM Beauty Mud uses all-natural ingredients, including seaweed and algae, resulting in skin firming, tightening, and visible reduction of cellulite after just one treatment.

- Kim Weling

Celebrate Earth Day with Free Origins

Celebrate Earth Day with Origins! On April 22nd, Origins will be giving away FREE moisturizers in exchange for used containers of skincare (any brand). Choose from a full-size Origins Starting Over moisturizer or A Perfect World moisturizer. This free offer pertains to any Origins retail store or department store beauty counter. One per person while supplies last. Don't forget to print this offer here!

Sephora is also participating in the Origins Earth Day trade-in event! See flyer below.

- Kim Weling

Sunkist "Peel Off the Weight and Feel Great" Healthy Recipe Calendar

I've been trying to add more fresh fruit and less sweets into my diet for a healthier lifestyle, starting with two of my favorites - Sunkist® oranges and grapefruit, and look forward to trying red Cara Cara navel oranges.

Last month Sunkist® rolled out the “Peel Off the Weight and Feel Great” Healthy Recipe Calendar. The 31-day calendar provides a delicious citrus recipe for every day of the month to make it easier to incorporate fruit into your daily diet. Each recipe has calorie information and a link to the full recipe. The calendar includes amazing recipes such as Orange Caprese Bites and Citrus Yogurt Sundae. You can download the Sunkist calendar here.

Go to sunkist.com to sign up for the Sunkist® monthly recipe email newsletter, featuring delicious citrus recipes and tips, as well as what’s in season. You'll be automatically entered to win one of ten $100 gift certificates to a grocery retailer of your choice between now and October 2012.

- Kim Weling

#DReadeLOOK Tweetup at the Duane Reade LOOK Boutique

On Friday, April 13th, I met up with fellow bloggers at the Duane Reade LOOK boutique located at 40 Wall Street. During the #DReadeLOOK tweetup, I indulged in a unique beauty experience while exploring all the brands the LOOK boutique offers.

I couldn't think of a better way to spend my Friday evening, first starting out with a shampoo, blow out and styling with natural, loose waves, using Phyto hair care products - Thank you Tania, my hair looked amazing! Next I got my nails polished at the nail bar with essie's Too Too Hot. Thank you Carmen! For my last beauty treatment I headed over to the makeup station for a touchup - many thanks Asha! The LOOK boutique also offers eyebrow shaping, eyelash extension applications and skincare analysis consultations.

I know I'll be back to shop the plethora of beauty brands at the LOOK boutique, including Blow hair care, Vichy Laboratoires skincare, Pop Beauty, Borghese and Becca Cosmetics.

Also, if you happen to get thirsty or hungry while getting your beauty fix, there happens to be a sush and smoothie bar at this Duane Reade location. It really is one-stop shopping in here! Thank you Duane Reade for hosting the #DReadeLOOK tweetup!

My #DReade LOOK after shampoo/blow out and makeup touchup

LOOK boutique salon services: men's cut - $25, blow outs - $35 & up, hair treatments - $45 & up,

women's haircuts - $45 & up

Eyebrow shaping and eyelash extensions

Makeup station

LOOK boutique nail bar by essie | OPI: polish changes - $7, manicure - $10, OPI gel manicure - $30

Love these new Pop Beauty spring nail polish colors!

Smoothie bar

Sushi bar

- Kim Weling

Elie Tahari Spring 2012 Sample Sale

Mira Dress and Chelsea Mini Bag

Leather Mercer Jacket and Roni Flat

WOMEN'S
WAS / NOW
Leather Jackets
$998 / $279
Wool Dress Coats
$728 / $199
Luxury Fur / Shearling Jackets
$1498 / $499
Evening Dresses
$498 / $129
Day Dresses
$398-$498 / $99
Classic Knit Sweaters
$298-$398 / $49
Tailored Pants
$178-$198 / $59
Skirts
$248-$298 / $59
Knits
$98-$198 / $19-$29
Blouses
$168-$298 / $59

MEN'S
WAS / NOW
Leather Jackets
$1298 / $279
Cashmere Jackets
$398 / $199
Long Coats
$328 / $199
Short Coats
$648 / $149
Woven Jackets
$398 / $99
Pants
$198-$248 / $49

Sweaters
$248 / $69
Knit Shirts
$168 / $39-$19

SHOES
WAS / NOW
Ballet Flats
$198 / $79
Leather Pumps
$398 $99
Spring Sandals
$598 $199

HANDBAGS
WAS / NOW
Clutches
$448 / $79
Small Handbags
$398 / $139
Luxury Handbags
$598 / $199

Spa Week Media Party Spring 2012

On Wednesday, April 11th, guests celebrated the 16th season of Spa Week at the Spa Week Media Party, held at The Alman Building at 135 West 18th Street. From April 16th - 22nd, hundreds of spas, yoga and pilates studios, fitness centers and other health and wellness practices will offer up to three signature treatments for just $50 each. You can book see participating spas/services at SpaWeek.com.

Spa Week is the perfect time to try out a new spa/service or make an appointment with your favorite spa and treat yourself to that well deserved massage or facial.

During the media party, I visited with Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas, who were offering hand massages and Satin Smooth SmoothSculpt demonstrations - a skin rejuvenating process that removes cellulite, reduces wrinkles and releases built-up toxins.

During Spa Week, Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas will be offering the Spa Week Stress Melter Body Treatment (50 minutes) which includes a deep body exfoliation, relaxing aromatherapy body wrap and pressure point scalp massage. Also offered is The Spa Week Facial (50 minutes). The Diamond Tip & Organic Flower Peel Microdermabrasion or Oxygen Blast can be added to the facial for an additional $50 ($85 value). The last treatment offered is the Spa Week Magnolia Pedicure (60 minutes).

The five-star Red Door Spa Flagship has relocated to a new state-of-the-art facility at 663 Fifth Avenue. Schedule a treatment and check it out!

Spa Week's Exclusive Cosmetic Sponsor, Christopher Drummond Beauty, provided makeovers. Christopher Drummond Beauty offers natural, organic based and vegan products. I can't wait to try some of their products, including the Duo Phase Concealer, Veludo Velvet Foundation, Finale Finishing Powder and Saude Pele Radiance Booster.

The Exclusive Book Sponsor is Where We Belong by Emily Giffin. Emily is known for her first novel, Something Borrowed, which had sold three million copies and was adapted to a major motion film starring Kate Hudson. Attendees were able get an autographed copy of Giffin's new book, while enjoying hand massages.

Michelle Joni Lapidos (left) interviewing Emily Giffin (right)

So great to see Cindy Barshop and the Completely Bare team. Completely Bare's $50 services during Spa Week include Laser Hair Removal for Basic Bikini, Laser Hair Removal for Chin, and Laser Hair Removal for Lower Stomach Line.

Michelle Joni Lapidos interviewing Cindy Barshop, CEO of Completely Bare

Keri Glassman's Nutritious Life Meals delivers 3 freshly prepared gourmet means and 2 snacks to your doorstep daily. Meals include Goat Cheese Salad with Balsamic and Roasted Lamb with Red Wine Reduction.

- Kim Weling

Spa Week - April 16th - 22nd

Spa Week starts on Monday! Have you booked your appointment yet? Visit SpaWeek.com for a list of participating spas and $50 treatments.

Agent Provocateur 'Eau Provocateur' Launch - A Trio of New Fragrances

Launching next week is the Spring 2012 'Eau Provocateur' Collection from Agent Provocateur. I had a chance to preview this trio of fragrances during the launch party at the Agent Provocateur store at 675 Madison Avenue.

The 3 tantalizing day fragrances have a beautifully shaped, sensual bottle each with its own pretty soft shade to signify its distinct personality.

'Eau Provocateur' is light and feminine, a modern twist on the original Eau de Parfum, Maitresse and L'Agent.

Agent Provocateur 'Eau Provocateur' opens with citrus notes and red fruit. The heart of the fragrance reveals an array of fresh new florals such as muguet and orange flower. Gentle base notes of myrrh, vanilla and tonka bean add softness and sensuality.

Agent Provocateur L'Agent 'Eau Provocateur' is a fresh floral fragrance, opening with subtle citrus accords of bergamot, leaf accord (fresh cut green leaves), mandarin, apple, melon and peach, which gives way to a heart full of rose, jasmine, tuberose, magnolia, freesia and ylang. Base notes include musk, patchouli, sandalwood and amber crystals.

Agent Provocateur Maitresse 'Eau Provocateur' includes fragrant accords of rose, jasmin sambacand iris with delightfully light, green notes of Acacia (a thorny shrub). A green note of Granny Smith apples makes this a lingering scent so fresh and floral. The delectable base is made up of amber, sandalwood, tonka and gourmande elements.

Agent Provocateur 'Eau Provocateur' Collection will be available in selected department stores as of April 15th, 2012 at $70 for the 50ml Eau de Toilette Spray.









- Kim Weling

L.L.Bean Signature Spring 2012

Cotton madras print shirt (Men’s) $69, seersucker high waist short $59

I never pictured myself wearing L.L.Bean, but I quickly changed my mind during the L.L.Bean Signature spring 2012 preview. L.L.Bean Signature is actually a sub-brand of L.L.Bean that first launched March 2010. The clothing is both young and fresh, with a mix of neutrals, pops of color and fun prints.

The Spring collection features poplin dresses, cotton madras shirts and seersucker high waist shorts. L.L.Bean Signature also carries petite sizes starting at 0, so you know I'm happy about that! The last thing I need are more handbags of any kind, but the medium saltwash canvas totes, quilted bag, small sport canvas and small duffle bags are the perfect size if you're petite. The nylon purse looks great around the waist too!

I do like the woven-leather pumps, coral reef/hot coral sandals and suede open-toe wedge boots, but unfortunately for me shoe sizes start at a size 6.

Check out the behind the scenes video of the Spring lookbook shoot, styled by The Glamourai.

Shop the L.L.Bean Signature collection at llbean.com/llbeansignature.

Left: Poplin stripe dress $119, nylon purse $45, suede heel sandal $169

Right: Linen modal stripe tee $59, Blue Hill rib tee $34, seersucker high waist short $59

Left: Shawl collar print cardigan $139, cotton madras check shirt (Men’s) $69, boyfriend jean short $59, Bryant sandal $169

Right: Tie neck crepe dress $129, georgette skirt $159, stacked wedge $179, canvas & leather hobo bag $129

Left: Poplin print dress $119, Downeaster sport canvas small print duffle $69, stacked wedge $179

Right: Cotton madras dress $79, Hampton pullover $79, twill button front skirt $89, suede heel sandal $169

Above lookbook images provided by L.L.Bean Signature

Here are some photos I took at the L.L.Bean Signature Spring 2012 preview

Men's collection

- Kim Weling