Author Archives: ShortcutsEditor

Shortcut to Fabulous Cruelty Free Make Up Brushes

8-brush-set

I have felt these brushes with my own two hands and let me tell you that they are soft, smooth, plush and high quality. They don’t feel like synthetic brushes at all. Two make-up artists created this line called Antonym that features all natural make up and brushes. The brushes are made out of bamboo, aluminum ferules (no plastic!) and use top quality synthetic bristles that are comparable in softness and pickup make-up like the best of animal hair bristles. Their make-up is made with all natural ingredient and comes in earth friendly bamboo packaging that is really pretty! Right now their 8 piece brush set is on sale for $65…that is a $20 dollar savings! Brush set includes: Powder, contour, foundation, large eye shader, medium angled shading, small eye shader, small angled, mascara/brow. Click here to get them. This is a small make-up line worth trying!!

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Shortcut to Fabulous Way to Slim Down

pilates

You know you’ve fallen off the exercise wagon when you get a friendly email from the owner of the pilates studio you are SUPPOSED to go to three times a week letting you know they extended the expiration date of your classes and “hope” to see you soon. I guess back on the exercise wagon I go…at least with pilates you get to exercise on a “bed”…and for those of you who just thought os something else get your minds out of the gutter…don’t you see the photo I posted. Anyway, I say all of this to say that bathing suit season is fast approaching and if you are like me and you hate exercise more than a pair of ill fitting jeans that give you muffin top, give pilates a try. It really is the ONLY exercise I do, unless you count the walk to my favorite cupcake shop. I have been going to IM=X pilates in Coral Gables and also in NYC for several years and I really like their machines and method. Click here for the Coral Gables location. Google IM=X pilates and your city to find a location near you.

 

PS- IM=X didn’t pay me to post this, but there was a little emotional blackmail/guilt involved as a result of the “where you been…are you alive….do you weigh 500 pounds yet” email

PPS- The email from IM=X was actually very lovely and in no way referenced weight gain, etc. It was actually just a really nice email to say high and bend the rules for me to extend the expiration date of classes I purchased. This is one of the many reasons I LOVE my studio and all of the instructors there. Thanks Grace, Carlos, Michal, Samantha and Ryan.

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Shortcut to Fabulous Fringe Skirt

zara fringe skirt

I have a huge flapper crush on this skirt from Zara and it is under $50. Click here to take a closer look. I forget that Zara now has an e-commerce site for Americans, but are really worth a looksey…did you know that Zara puts out a new collection every two weeks. They are literally the most trend responsive brand in the world…must be all that Jamon Serrano that makes them so genius, fab and fast!

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Shortcut to Fabulous Figure Friendly Sweet Treats

ca-hc-mc

I am a cupcake and all-things-sweet addict. There. I said it. They say admitting you have a problem is the first step toward recovery, but since there are no cupcakes anonymous meetinsg in my city, I think I will be falling off the wagon in about 45 minutes (I have a meeting in Starbucks and they have those fun cake pops there…yes I plan my sweet fixes). Unfortunately, the more stressed I get, the more cupcakes and sweet treats I need and now I can’t even begin to zip up my skinny jeans…right before bikini season…ahhhhh!!!! So, I am have been on a search for some sweet treats that will satisfy my cravings, but reduce my sizable bum. I have three favorites and here they are in no particular order:

1. Skinny Cow Heavenly Crisp. Delicate wafers layered with delicious chocolate crème and covered in a milk chocolatey coating. These things are freakin’ fabulous. I love ‘em and buy them by the box. You can find them in the candy aisle in the grocery store. Each bar weighs in at 110 calories. I don’t need a regular chocolate bar when I have these…this is the closest thing I’ve come to kicking my Kit Kat-a-day habit.

2. Diana’s Baby Bananas in dark chocolate. These frozen mini bananas are dipped in dark chocolate and placed on a stick making the most decadent frozen treat.Who doesn’t love eating something on a stick (I just got a craving for a corndog and it is only 7 in the morning…eeek..I have a problem..but I digress). Weighing in at 130 calories, this wont break the calorie bank. Plus, you are getting a serving of fruits and veggies out of the banana! Click here to see what stores in your area carry Diana’s Bananas.

 

3. Dark Chocolate Pomegranate VitaBrownies. I know the name sounds a little crazy, but they are delish. VitaBrownies have real cocoa, pomegranate, whole wheat & organic sugar. Natural Brownies are 100 calories, low fat with 6g fiber.The fiber is what really makes these things special because they fake out the weight watcher points system!! Click here to get them.

 

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Shortcut to Fabulous Swarovski Splurge

lips bangle

I know you love my budget posts. I know that the idea of paying $180 for a bracelet that is not vintage, Chanel or dripping in Gold is about as appealing as a make-out session with Sammy from the Shahs of Sunset, but ladies this is Swarovski. Now, normally my splurges are limited to classic pieces that will stand the test of time, but I think this bracelet has the potential to become an iconic vintage piece in 15 years. It is $180 smackers (no pun intended…who I am kidding…of course I think I am adorable for coming up with this cute quip) and you can get it here.

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Shortcut to Fabulous New Nail Trend

ciate_caviar_manicure_pink

Textured 3-D nails is the new spring nail trend. Dipping wet nails in micro-beads will get the look, but starting Wednesday, you can buy a fab kit from Sephora that will get you a multi-dimensional nail look with ease. The kit is called Caviar Nails and it is made by a British company called Ciate and sells for $25. It comes with everything you need for a fun manicure, complete with a tray to catch excess beads and funnel to put unused beads back in the container.

I have a strange feeling these kits are going to sell out fast once available stateside (they are sold out on the Ciate website online), so get your alarm clock ready and high-tail it to Sephora on April 10th!

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Miami Monday…Shortcut to Fabulous Fashion and Art

district factory

Two fab events this week that happen to both be hosted by two fab friends of mine who have two fab blogs.

Up first, Ginger Harris of Electric Blogarella and Annie Vazquez of The Fashion Poet will be hosting an Alexis Bittar appearance at  the Bal Habour Neiman Marcus from 2 pm to  4 pm. I know the timing isn’t exactly perfect for a working gal, but fake some female problems and high tail it over for a chance to win a $250 gift card.

 

Annie has a supercharged weekend ahead because the Fashion Poet is hosting another event this Saturday  as a nod to Andy Warhol’s famed studio “The Factory”, The District Factory, an evening shopping event & mash-up. Items available for sale include art, jewelry, apparel, reconstructed vintage and more. Location: 3900 NE 1st Avenue from 7 to 10 pm during Art Walk.

 

 

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