Bartender... Man Straight Up!™ I'm a single girl who's tried it all. These days, I'm hitting up NYC's best bartenders for dating advice and testing it out all over town (and beyond).
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Can you believe Memorial Day weekend is here? It was definitely a long, hard winter and we’re all ready for a little fun in the sun! Of course that fun comes along with lots and lots of sunscreen—but that doesn’t mean I’m going to be pale. Self-tanner (and the occasional splurge on a professional spray tan) is a must for me come summer, and here are my picks for getting a gorgeous golden faux glow.

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About a month ago, the beauty world was abuzz about Josie Maran’s Self-Tanning Body Wash—and the fact that is was only available for one day on QVC. Well, the sense of urgency got to us and we bought it. And it’s amazing. (Try to find it on eBay.)

As the weather starts to warm up, I like to get darker gradually as opposed to being pasty one day and a bronzed goddess the next. Xen-Tan Transform Luxe delivers subtle color over the course of a week (and it smells delicious!). Then I use it every few days to maintain my faux color.

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I actually just ordered Vita Liberata pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse because I have to see if it really lasts 2-3 weeks. The thought of not having to worry about my color for that long could be major.

OK, Moroccanoil Shimmering Body Oil isn’t a self-tanner, but it’s great for when my legs need an instant boost. It’s not too heavy or too shimmery, it simply does the trick when I’m wearing shorts or a skirt.

Let’s face it, I’m not a self-tanning professional so every now and then I find a few streaks. (Or a random spot on my arm that I have no idea how it happened.) The Bronze Buffer is a cute little sponge that wipes away my mistakes with just a little water. It’s a total self-tanner lifesaver. 

Next weekend kicks off yet another summer of travel… I’ll be headed to Florida (three times), Los Angeles and Mexico—all within two months. While I’m definitely excited for all these trips, my goal is to pack as few things as possible, including those that can easily go from day to night or pool to cocktails. I think I nailed it with these… 
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(Top row, left to right) 
I have a slight obsession with Calypso St. Barth’s, and this scarf will come in handy on planes and while dining al fresco.
I discovered this dress by Surf Bazaar last summer in Montauk. Its perfect with flip flops for the beach or with wedges for sunset cocktails. 
When it comes to sunglasses, size definitely matters. The oversized “Emely” by Oliver Peoples are a must to take me from Ocean Drive to Rodeo Drive. 
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It’s a bag. It’s an iPad case. And it’s super-cute. I love this Clare Vivier clutch because it can easily go from a lunch meeting to night on the town. 
Every girl needs a cute ring, and this Jennifer Meyer ring makes me happy. It’s not too much for lounging at the beach and it’s the perfect accessory for a client event. 
I never leave home without a fun hat. I spend too much time (and money) trying to stay young-looking, and I don’t want the sun to mess things up. This J. Crew Panama hat is perfect to wear with a maxidress, jeans and a tank, or while I’m sipping a pina colada in Cancun. 

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I love a good glass of wine (as we know) but in the spring and summer, I love making a pitcher of sangria to enjoy with my friends. Last night I met my friend Zach for one of our quick drink catchup sessions. The sun was out and rather than getting my usual glass of wine, I got a glass of white sangria. It made me happy and got me all excited for summer.

I thought I’d share my two go-to recipes that are a hit every time I make them. Check out Martha Stewart Red Sangria and Michael Chiarello Sparkling Sangria… I hope you enjoy these as much as I do!

Cheers!

Now that spring has officially sprung, this can only mean one thing: New shoes! I’ve stowed my sweaters and heavy coats and my warm-weather wardrobe is front and center in in my closet, but naturally I could use a little accessory update. Here, the shoes I’m coveting for the new season…

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1. Every gal needs a good wedge, and this feminine, floral lace espadrille by Steve Madden works with everything from dresses to jeans. 

2. These strappy J. Crew flats toe the line between fancy and edgy—which is why I love them so much.

3. These Jimmy Choo booties are so hot to trot, I can’t control myself. (And I didn’t, which is why they are now living in my closet.)

4. I’ve been to “visit” these Chanel espadrilles a few times over the past few weeks, and every time there are at least 5 women like me asking for the same shoe. Good luck finding them! Thanks to an inside connection of mine, these will probably be the next shoes I bring home!

5. Hot pink and studs and sky-high heels, oh my! I’m beyond in love with these Valentino pumps.

What’s your spring “sole” mate? Do tell!

My latest from Club W was Chispas Garnacha Tempranillo 2010. This amazing rosé was perfect for sipping this past weekend when the weather was nice out. A Spanish rosé, it was wonderful with the roasted almonds I have in a candy dish—and was even better when I kicked things up for dinner.

Rosé goes well with a variety of foods, especially spicy shellfish. I made a quick shrimp fra diavolo with sautéed broccoli and just relaxed at home with this beautiful bottle. The mix of heat from the shrimp with the cool rosé was a perfect pairing.  Only one more bottle left to try in my wine box and then we’ll get next month’s! Happy Wine Day! Cheers!

The temperatures are warming up, and New York was in full bloom this weekend. I finally felt comfortable putting my winter coat away and moving my spring coats forward. Yesterday, I celebrated spring’s arrival with my favorite Sunday breakfast: A bagel, lox and cream cheese with an iced tea and then I wandered through Central Park. Here are a few pictures of New York through my eyes.

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I needed a low key night after last night’s food and wine coma from Taste of Hope. My perfect way to unwind—movie night. Garden State, like a fine wine, gets better with age.

I was recently at a party and the hostess busted out this fun game called Tabletopics. I thought it would be fun to randomly pull 10 questions and share my answers with you. Here goes…

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Tonight is my favorite event of the year, the American Cancer Society’s Taste of Hope. The event combines three things near and dear to my heart… Food, wine and raising money for cancer.

Figuring out what to wear to this event is always a challenge… Why you ask? Because I need to find something loose (after all, there are about 60+ restaurants doing tastings) that’s still sexy (there are about 500+ people and a huge chunk are men).

So, as of right now my thoughts are Alice and Olivia’s Andrew Wwb Skinny Pant and a flowy top/kaftan in a bright color. These hot nude Choos are just the icing on the cake (and an excuse to pick up another pair).

I think this mix will be perfect! What about you?

I truly love my wine of the month club. Why I never did this sooner is beyond me. Last night, I popped open the 2011 Arete Sauvignon Blanc. (I had contemplated the rosé but I’m saving that for next week when it’s hopefully warmer outside.)

This white was awesome. Its crisp fruity taste was the perfect pairing for the sushi I had for dinner. It’s also a nice wine to enjoy while relaxing at home and watching The Voice.

Cheers!