10 things i’ve learned living in new york city

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Alyssa Longobucco

939f490bf7172a4fa94758c8c6eb63e2 10 things ive learned living in new york city

To be honest, I had a totally different post planned today–one about finding and living in your first apartment–that I don’t have time to make as good as I’d like because I’m currently packing to move to my second apartment tomorrow (yikes, I’m not even close to ready!). While that post will now be coming soon (promise!), I figured I’d leave you with a (semi-related) video.

It’s been a little over a year since I’ve moved to New York City, and within that year, I’ve learned a lot. I mean, a LOT. Some of it humorous, some of it obvious, some of it introspective–there’s nothing like a big, bad city to teach a little Connecticut girl about herself. So, in honor of my first year as a kind-of-sort-of-call-me-maybe-New-Yorker, I’m talking through the 10 things I’ve learned since moving out of the ‘rents–and starting to pay rent.

I’d love to hear from you guys–if you’ve made a big move recently, what did you learn? And most importantly, does anyone else get sidewalk road rage, or am I alone in this? Anybody?

teriyaki drumsticks with strawberry mango salsa

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Alyssa Longobucco

Today I have a special treat–the uber talented ladies from Lynn + Lou are teaming up with me for a foodie blog swap, where they’ll be posting a recipe on The Glossy Life today, and I’ll be posting a recipe on their pretty site tomorrow. I have to admit, when I first saw this recipe, my mouth instantly started watering. It’s a must-try in my book, and I have a feeling you’re going to agree. Take it away, gals!

Hello, The Glossy Life Readers! We are so excited to be guest posting today to share a little bit of our love for food with all of you. Last week the Mr. and I made a delicious meal that I simply had to share, Teriyaki Drumsticks with Strawberry Mango Salsa.

TreiyakiDrumsticks 1 teriyaki drumsticks with strawberry mango salsa

Ingredients:
5-6 Drumsticks
Teriyaki Marinade
Brown Rice
1 Cup diced Strawberries
1 Cup Diced Mango

Directions:
1. Put fresh/thawed drumsticks in a large Ziploc bag and cover them with 2-3 cups of Marinade.
2. Let them marinade for at least 1-2 hours (but you can have them sitting all day if you have time) in the refrigerator.

TreiyakiDrumsticks 5 teriyaki drumsticks with strawberry mango salsa

3. Chop up your Mango and Strawberries. Mix them in a bowl and let them sit in the refrigerator while the chicken is marinating and cooking.
4. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

TreiyakiDrumsticks 4 teriyaki drumsticks with strawberry mango salsa

5. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and top it with a cooling rack.
6. Line the drumsticks on the cooling rack and cook them in the oven for 25 minutes.

TreiyakiDrumsticks 3 teriyaki drumsticks with strawberry mango salsa

7. Layer the drumsticks with another layer of the marinade and cook them for another 10-15 minutes or until the inside temperature is 160 degrees.
8. Cook the Brown Rice according to the package.
9. Top the Brown Rice with Drumsticks and Salsa.

This recipe is a new favorite at our house. I love experimenting with things that I have never tried before, and drumsticks fell in that category. I will definitely be experimenting more often.

Recipes like this one, crafts, tutorials and our fashion finds can all be found at Lynn + Lou. You can follow us on Bloglovin, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (lynnandloublog) for even more inspiration. We can’t wait to have you over!
Cheers! Lou!

trending: deep parts

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Alyssa Longobucco

deeppart trending: deep parts

I’m all about mixing up my hair and makeup routine–give me a new product to try out, I’m all in. I’ll even change up my cut and color fairly frequently–I’m definitely not someone who is afraid of a chop or change.

One thing I don’t mix up? My part! I actually never really noticed it until I was looking through old Facebook photos from high school and college (word to the wise: don’t do this if you want keep some of your self-respect intact) and realized I had a small side part in every. single. one. Not a middle part or anything different in sight. Boooorrrinnnnngggg!

This dull hair revelation is why I’ve suddenly become so taken by the look of a deep side part, like above. Not only is it a great way to mix up your natural part (which in turn, totally changes your face!), but it’s at once sexy and romantic looking. This style would be perfect for a date night or special party occasion–or really any time you just want to mix it up a bit. What do you guys think–are you into the look of deep side parts? I’m thinking of trying it out once my hair gets a bit longer!

p.s. If you’re looking to discover what face shape you have (and great tips to go along with it), check out this guide by The Beauty Department. It’s a totally awesome resource!

a glossy charming twist: faux flower monograms

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Alyssa Longobucco

floralmonogram5 a glossy charming twist: faux flower monograms

It’s no secret that I love crafting up DIYs, so when the fab Emily from Isn’t That Charming suggested we pull together a monthy DIY-off (that’s now a thing, by the way) with Brynn from Chartreuse & a Twist, I was so game. Each month will have a theme and a budge–May’s theme was flowers, naturally!

floralmonogram2 a glossy charming twist: faux flower monograms

I’m really into decorative monograms lately, and I wanted to create a bright, summer-y option that varied from the usual tin ones. This project is super simple, and easy to customize–you could do the letters in all one shade or flower (white would be super pretty for a wedding or party!). Simply buy cardboard 3D letters and cut off the tops using a exacto knife (but please, be careful with your fingers!). You can paint the other sides of the letters if you’d like, or leave them the brown cardboard shade.

floralmonogram3 a glossy charming twist: faux flower monograms

Purchase a large block of floral foam, and cut pieces to fit within the letters–you might need to trim some of the thickness as well, because you don’t want the foam showing above the end of the cardboard.

floralmonogram4 a glossy charming twist: faux flower monograms

Do your best to fill all spaces of the letter–you’re going to want to make it as snug as possible! It should stay in letter by itself, but if not, you can use a little hot glue gun action to attached the foam to the inside of the letter.

floralmonogram1 a glossy charming twist: faux flower monograms

Next up? Grab your big bushel of flowers! Obviously, you’ll want them to be faux–fresh ones will not last more than a day. Pull or cut each bloom off of their stems–you’re going to want to leave about a half an inch of stem below the bloom to stick into the foam. Spreading out the flowers, poke each into the floral foam until the letters are completely filled.

floralmonogram6 a glossy charming twist: faux flower monograms

These make me so happy every time I look at them–so fun, right?

Check out Emily’s project here, and Brynn’s here! These ladies are so creative, you know you want to!

p.s. The sweet Luci featured me on her blog this past weekend. Pay her a visit and check it out!

steal her style: kerry washington

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Alyssa Longobucco

kerryopen steal her style: kerry washington

Guys. We really need to talk. I am 100% officially addicted to Scandal. Warning: if you aren’t watching it, I might be judging you right now. WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?! Turn on your television now and catch up!

OK–now that I’ve composed myself, I can tell you all the reasons why I love it–mainly, because the gorgeous Kerry Washington is so. freakin. fabulous (oh, and there’s an amazingly addicting storyline). She plays Olivia Pope, a Washington D.C. “fixer” with a killer wardrobe and slightly famous boyfriend. Kerry’s style is flawless on-screen, but also off–this past year, she’s completely morphed in to the red carpet gal to watch, rocking everything from Vera Wang to Miu Miu. I swear every time I see shots of her, I do a little “sista killed it” shout. No judgements. Naturally, I’d love to be anything remotely like her (yes, I’m aware I’m creepily swooning over a girl crush. It’s Friday, let it happen.), so I’ve rounded up a few ways you can rock her style below.

outfit1 steal her style: kerry washington

pants | jacket | tank | flats | ring

outfit2 steal her style: kerry washington

kerrymakeup1 steal her style: kerry washington

undone berry cake

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Alyssa Longobucco

bcake5 undone berry cake

Once spring and summer hit, I opt for lighter desserts with lots and lots of fruit. Everything is so delicious and fresh between May and September, it’s a shame to not take advantage of it. A recent trip to the farmers market left me with boxes of fresh berries, and after snacking on them for a few days, I knew a cake was the perfect way to make use of the rest.

bcake2 undone berry cake

I actually used a from-scratch recipe for this cake but I wanted to let you guys in on one of my favorite baking secrets–did you know if you simply add 1/4 of a cup of sour cream to boxed cake mix, it comes out ten times better? Seriously–try it next time, you’ll notice the difference!

For this cake, you’ll need:

one box of white cake mix, plus ingredients listed (eggs, oil, etc.)
1/4 cup sour cream
1 pint blackberries
2 pints raspberries
1 pint strawberries, sliced thin
2 pints heavy whipping cream, chilled
1 cup granulated sugar

bcake1 undone berry cake

Bake the boxed cake according to directions in two round pans, adding the 1/4 cup of sour cream while mixing. Once cooled, level the top of the cake by skimming it gently with a knife.

bcake3 undone berry cake

Place the heavy whipping cream in the bowl of a mixer that’s been chilled. Whip on high until the cream becomes light, fluffy and forms stiff peaks. Gently fold in the granulated sugar with a spatula until combined.

Coat the base of the cake with a decent dose of whipped cream frosting, then spread berries out evenly over the surface.

bcake4 undone berry cake

Place the other disk of cake on top and gently press down. Top with the additional whipped cream and top with more berries and a sprig of basil.

bcake7 undone berry cake

Serve with a glass of prosecco (because why not?!) and celebrate the start of spring and summer with a generous slice. The cake will keep for about four days in the fridge, but it’s best served fresh. Enjoy!

bcake6 undone berry cake

navy scallops

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Alyssa Longobucco

scallop1 navy scallops

Dress, J. Crew (on sale!) | Heels, DSW (sold out, similar) | Clutch, LOFT | Necklace, Anthropologie (old, similar) |

Without a doubt, scallops have become my favorite spring detail. I first spotted them on these shorts, proceeded to get this dress and snag these pretty yellow shorts. Ladies, I think it’s safe to say we have the makings of a full-blown obsession, and this navy J. Crew dress just added to that.

scallop2 navy scallops

I love how all possible edges are just covered in scallops–it’s a bit “sweeter” than I normally go, but I’m totally smitten with the detail, and dressing it up with bright coral shoes and a clutch made it fun for a dinner out–and less serious. I have a feeling I’m going to be playing favorites with this one all season.

scallop4 navy scallops

Also, I find it totally necessary to mention that during the making of these photos, I was photo-bombed by a ducky. I asked him to pose, but he refused. Psh.

napa bound

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Alyssa Longobucco

27faf879cbfd3779ac75e72cb5493f9d napa bound

Happy Friday, guys! I’m signing off a little early this week to head to Napa, California (I’ve never been!) for a work trip–with hopefully a few sips of wine included! Because I probably won’t be able to get to it on Sunday, I’ve included my “Sunday Edition” links from this week below–there was so much prettiness out there, it was hard to narrow down!

-I kid you not when I say I’ve been waiting for this day. The Chicago home of Danielle Moss is up on The Everygirl. And you guys: It. Is. Amazing.

-Living in Astoria for the past year and a half, I’ve fallen in love with Greek food. How genius is this no-bake Greek pizza?

-Last year for my joint birthday party, I attempted (key word) to make my friend and I an ombre cake (see here). It didn’t come out very good, and this one from House of Earnest is definitely showing me up.

-I can’t even handle how cute these sombrero cupcakes are–if I was doing something for Cinco de Mayo, I’d definitely make them!

-Amanda let us in on her beauty routine and some of her tips are serious gold. Pop on over to learn a thing or two!

-I wish this entire outfit was in my closet. The entire outfit. In my closet. Right this minute.

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend–whatcha got going on?!

jose eber hair curling wand [+] giveaway

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Alyssa Longobucco

jose eber hair curling wand [+] giveaway

If you caught my tutorial yesterday, you know that I’m pretty much obsessed with my Jose Eber curling wand. I’ve long wrestled with my naturally curly hair, and it wasn’t until I bought a Jose Eber wand about a year ago (in pink, naturally) that I really got my method for loose, undone waves down pat. The great thing about their newer tripple barrel iron (which I use now) is how straightforward and easy it is to create whatever style you want–beach waves, tight ringlets or loose curls. One styling session with this baby, and I promise you’ll never go back!

The crew over at Jose Eber is generous enough to give one lucky reader of The Glossy Life their very own Trio Clipless Curling Iron–simply enter for your chance to win in the rafflecopter below between now and May 8, 2013. Can’t wait that long? No worries! Head on over to their site and pick out a few goodies for yourself–everything is 15% off with the code GlossyLife15!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

short waves hair tutorial

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Alyssa Longobucco

Loose Waves Tutorial from Alyssa Longobucco on Vimeo.

As you can see from spending a little time around here, there’s a hairstyle I tend to stick to quite often, and that is loose, messy waves. Ever since I was little, I’ve had very curly hair, so styling it into smooth waves seems at once more polished and still true to myself.

I did a tutorial about a year back on how I did my hair when it was a bit longer, but my strategy is different after the big chop–as every short-haired gal knows, it’s important to conserve length when you can, so that’s my number one aim while curling my hair now, while still giving it body and texture.

My secret weapon? The Jose Eber curling wands. You guys, these things are no joke. I’m pretty sure every girl needs one in her beauty arsenal–they create lasting curls that look super natural, without damaging my hair. I’ve been a fan since my first tutorial (that bright pink baby was the best thing I’ve ever bought!) and the folks over at Jose Eber were kind enough to send me over another iron to try out, so that’s what I’m using here. The great thing is it comes with three different sized barrels, so achieving just the right wave for your style is pretty much a given.

I hope you guys enjoy the tutorial! I tried to make it as simple, helpful and least dorky as possible (not sure if I achieved that last one). Any questions about products you see or tips you hear, just let me know! And if you have a great tip you didn’t hear here, do share–I want to know!

Also, head on over this way and enter for a chance to win your own Jose Eber Curling Wand!

By the way, I’m using: Jose Eber Curling wand (℅) | Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo | Fekkai Coiff Defense | Fekkai Sheer Hold Hair Spray