May 2, 2012

A letter to Hippie Ashton

Dear Hippie Ashton (aka “Nigel”),

A few weeks ago, I signed up to be a part of an A-list celebrity campaign though I didn’t know who the celebrity in question was. I tried to rack my brain and think of all the available men in Hollywood, but since I had you pegged as “in a relationship” with a certain Ms. Kunis, I kept you out of the running.

And then last night I’m told it’s you. And you are seeking HIGHER planes of consciousness. *giggle*

And you’re dressed as a hippie.

*swoon*

I totally get what you’re saying. It’s a freak show out there. But as someone who has been on more dates than I care to remember with more weirdos than I care to think about, it’s refreshing to see someone approach it all with a sense of humor. I wish you all the best in your dating endeavors on World Wide Lovers and think you’ll have much success.

Some advice: Fall for someone who is much more than just a pretty face. Don’t wait too long to text/call her back if you like her. And for God’s sake, please pick up the tab on the first date.

So tell me, do I have an innie or an outie?

This post is sponsored by PopChips.

Posted at: 7:40 pm by |Filed Under: dating | sponsored post | , 13 Comments
April 23, 2012

The Ah Ring

We’ve all been there before: gathered around a table in a new, chic restaurant surrounded by our closest girlfriends and celebrating in the news. One of your own is now engaged. You smile, you order another round of drinks for the ladies, and you think back to what seemed like just yesterday when your friend announced she had met someone new who made her swoon.

And now, one by one, the girls turn their attention to the ring itself, examining the cut, style, and diamond, while expressing words of adoration.

If you’re like me, you don’t know the first thing when it comes to engagement rings and you may find yourself feeling slightly uncomfortable when placed in this situation. “Sparkly!” doesn’t seem to fit the bill, even when accompanied by an expression of wide-eyed wonder. I also have the tendency to throw together random engagement ring-type words to form the most awkward sentences imaginable. “So, what is that? A solitaire diamond princess cut carat?”

In an effort to appear like less of a bonehead, I realized I didn’t have to wait until I was confronted by such a strange predicament. I could educate myself on fine rings by purchasing one that holds great meaning. For myself.

Enter The Ah Ring, the first and only diamond ring made exclusively for single women. Designed to be worn on the pinkie, this ring celebrates being available (“A”) and happy (“h”), and it’s an elegant piece of jewelry any girl would love. Featured in O, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, The Ah Ring has been worn by such A-list celebrities as Tyra Banks, Kate Hudson, and Anne Hathaway to name a few. What makes this ring special are the eleven round full-cut diamonds, totaling .21 points, set in a beautiful modern 14K white gold band. (See? I learned a thing or two about jewelry after all).

What I love above all else is that this is a gift I would be happy to buy for myself (and really, why wait for a man to do the picking?). Called the “sexiest thing since the stiletto,” The Ah Ring is a way for single women to celebrate their independence. It’s also perfect for women who are not single and consider themselves “Attached” and “happy.”

Finally. An affordable ring we can wear around town that we purchased for ourselves. Because sometimes it’s nice to wear something sparkly instead of staring at someone else’s finger for a change.

Interested in learning about The Ah Ring? Go to Divine Diamonds to find out more!

Posted at: 10:52 am by |Filed Under: dating | product review | sponsored post | 12 Comments
March 30, 2012

[sponsored post] Count phone numbers, not calories!

I have been a vegetarian for 15 years now. I suppose you could say that I had 15 years to perfect my diet; to iron out all the kinks and ensure I was getting enough protein, iron, and essential nutrients. To get portion sizes just so and maintain an active lifestyle and ideal weight in the process.

I thought I had it all figured out.

So what if I ate cheese three times a day? Or that I could easily tear through a bag of tortillas and a bowl of guacamole in a sitting? And who wouldn’t think it’s impressive that I could sling back margaritas with the best of them?

But one day it all caught up with me. My body started rejecting foods I had always loved and I found I could no longer digest cheese products. And then it waged a war when I ate gluten. I went through months of trial and error to come up with a Plan B because 15 years were no longer a trusted science for me anymore.

I received an email about The Fresh Diet somewhere in the middle of all this hair-pulling and I reluctantly agreed to give a new diet a go. They offered vegetarian meals and they had dairy-, lactose-, and gluten-free items to choose from. I drooled when I saw the pictures and read over the menu options. Besides, this gourmet food program would save me the frustration of a week’s worth of meal prep and dishes. It was worth a shot, right?

That Monday, I read over the specs for The Fresh Diet. Meals were freshly prepared, nutritionally balanced (I feel this is essential to mention), and delivered straight to my door. The calorie-controlled meals help women lose an average of 1 to 3 pounds a week which is truly amazing when you consider the portion sizes. Each morning I received a cute package containing breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and two snacks. My coworkers came around to watch as I unwrapped each delicately packaged item and I was sad when my week came to an end.

I used this meal plan to not only eat better, but to trust foods again. Grocery shopping with detailed shopping lists and reading every single ingredient became tiresome and this was a wonderful way to trust that all meals were healthy, balanced, and “safe” (meaning they catered to my food restrictions).

Somewhere along this perplexing food journey, I realized something. Just because I am a vegetarian, doesn’t mean I have it figured out after all. I have since reintroduced small amounts of cheese and gluten and I’ve learned the importance of keeping a well-balanced diet.

Just don’t ask me to give up my margaritas.

Interested in The Fresh Diet? All My Pixie Blog readers are eligible to receive 3 days free with the purchase of a 31 day plan at $29.99 per day. Just enter promo code “singlmar29” to redeem this offer at checkout.

All opinions expressed herein are entirely my own. This post was sponsored by The Fresh Diet.

Posted at: 9:16 am by |Filed Under: product review | sponsored post | 5 Comments
March 22, 2012

[sponsored post] Why buy when you can rent?

Anyone who has ever ventured into my bedroom knows about my obsession with jewelry. Why? Because it’s everywhere. I once had a friend come into my apartment and snap photos of the overstuffed 80-pocket jewelry organizer that hangs conveniently over my doorframe. He said he’d never seen anything like it and I told him if he ever showed the photo to anyone, I’d kill him.

So I guess you could say I own a lot of the stuff. But I should also add that none of it is extravagant or expensive. If I’m on line at H&M and the line is moving slowly, I’ll trace my fingers across a necklace or pair of earrings and start to envision which outfits they would look cute with. And then I’ll quickly throw them on top of a dress or top and think nothing of it. An $8 necklace I can afford. Sometimes during lunch, I’ll head over to the many jewelry stores along 5th and browse, occasionally reaching for a basket to fill.

I know, I know. I have a problem.

Which is why it is with great excitement that I introduce my newest sponsor to you all. Jenna Logan is a new online subscription service that allows users to borrow luxury and fine diamonds on a monthly basis. For less than $1 a day, you can rent the hottest new looks without breaking your budget. I spent quite a few hours on the site yesterday to find a necklace that would look best with a bridesmaid dress I’ll be wearing to a wedding in June. You can choose from hundreds of selections (updated daily!) for special occasions, a night out on the town with your girls, or simply because you like to change your jewelry as often as you like to change your shoes (a girl after my own heart). Shipping and returns are free and there are no initiation or cancellation fees.

Enter to win! My Pixie Blog readers can register to win an exclusive jewelry giveaway. The prize is Blue and White Diamond Earring Paisleys set in Sterling Silver valued at $499.99. Click here to sign up!

Posted at: 9:36 am by |Filed Under: sponsored post | , , 1 Comment
March 20, 2012

[sponsored post] Return of the Om

As many of you already know, I have been a practicing yogi for several years but have given up going to my favorite Bikram studio recently due to overcrowding and a general feeling of unease when I walk in. I like a bit of personal space, and when this became an issue, I didn’t feel comfortable going any longer. I don’t like to feel trapped in a room with 70 other people, unable to breathe. There were several times when I would watch the sweat from my neighbor’s fingers drip slowly on my towel and I got a bit grossed out. Nothing personal, but if someone is going to sweat it out on my mat, it’s going to be me.

Months of stress and lack of exercise began to take their toll on my body, however; my muscles ached for a good stretching and I became unable to manage the everyday pressure of my 9-5. I was elated when I was contacted by My Yoga Online, an online yoga subscription service with hundreds of high-definition yoga, pilates, health, wellness, and meditation videos.

I have been using My Yoga Online for the past few weeks and am extremely happy with the videos I’ve found. It’s been wonderful to have this resource at my fingertips to practice yoga and meditate in my apartment whenever I like. This past weekend I greeted St. Patrick’s Day with a 27-minute Shanti Vinyasa Flow class taught by Shiva Rea. Her smooth voice gently guided me along and I melted into several poses I hadn’t practiced in months. Following this, I did a 13-minute Meditation and Mindful Living video. “When we live mindfully, we just live,” is a quote I have been repeating as a mantra to myself ever since. So simple and yet so poignant, isn’t it?

According to My Yoga Online, users are able to “…connect to our global community and experience yoga like never before. Our truly revolutionary concept helps us bring the physical, spiritual, and emotional benefits of our online classes to a global audience, improving quality of life for millions of people.” I especially enjoyed reading user reviews and saving select videos into a “favorites” folder to view later. It was interesting to see which yoga/meditation videos people gravitated towards, and to see the times of the day they preferred to try them.

Interested in trying a free two-week Premium unlimited membership to My Yoga Online? The first four people to express interest and comment here will receive a link to take advantage of this site. Additionally, My Yoga Online will award one lucky winner with a code for a one-year membership. Winner will be chosen at random; just leave your comment here.

I was compensated for this post and received a complimentary one-year Premium membership to My Yoga Online in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed herein are entirely my own. This post was sponsored by My Yoga Online.

Posted at: 11:46 am by |Filed Under: sponsored post | yoga | 12 Comments
February 2, 2012

[sponsored post] French-inspired whimsy to spruce up your V-Day

I’ve never been a fan of Valentine’s Day. There I said it. Regardless of whether or not I was in a relationship, I always hated the idea of applying so much pressure to one day alone. This, in effect, can only lead to one thing in the end: sheer disappointment. Either the guy doesn’t deliver in the romantic department or conveniently “forgets” about the holiday altogether or you find yourselves crammed in a restaurant with dozens of other bored couples only to be chased away by waiters just looking to turn tables.

One thing I always tried to keep in mind as a single lady is that it’s a day like any other. Sure, there will be the Facebook messages of love from couples who seemingly need an audience to profess their love. And you may pass a few girls in the office with bouquets of roses and teddy bears, but you know what? We create our own happy. I remember back in high school when I would send flowers to my friends in class; the single girls who also didn’t have a significant other on that day. This eventually progressed to going out and celebrating with the girls over a few captain and cokes many years later. But in the end, Valentine’s Day is always what we make of it.

I was contacted recently by a company interested in targeting the fabulous demographic of singles out there this Valentine’s Day. Started by two young men from France, Ode à la Rose is a different kind of flower delivery service. Their beautiful and authentic Parisian style fresh rose bouquets are not only affordable, but they also use only the highest quality roses ensuring long-lasting freshness. Flowers are hand-delivered the same day they are ordered in a signature gift box that is whimsical, romantic, and fun, and with a slogan that reads “Aren’t you the lucky one?” As if that’s not precious enough, a photo of the bouquet is taken before it leaves the workshop and emailed to the sender with the exact time of delivery. Isn’t that just the cutest thing? I envision a Santa’s workshop with adorable French men running around, but hey, that’s just my fantasy.

Ode à La Rose is offering a special 10% discount on all their products to My Pixie Blog readers this Valentine’s Day. To obtain the promo code, you’ll need to “like” them on Facebook.

This Valentine’s Day, why not treat yourself–or a special friend of yours–to a beautiful bouquet that will conjure up images of cobblestone streets, sidewalk bistros, baguettes, and glasses of red wine. Imagine. The streets of Paris delivered right on your doorstep in New York.

I guess I am a hopeless romantic after all.

This post was sponsored by Ode à la Rose.

Posted at: 9:26 am by |Filed Under: sponsored post | , , 5 Comments
January 11, 2012

Find a New B.F.F. with Gaiam TV: A Fitness Buddy at your Fingertips

It’s now been just over a week since I quit smoking so this week’s sponsor couldn’t have come at a better time. I needed something to fill the void and keep my mind preoccupied when all I wanted was to reach for another ciggy. Also I’m determined to work on a full mind/body transformation for 2012. It’s my unofficial resolution.

I have had a blast getting acquainted with a handful of the more than 2,000 video clips at GaiamTV.com. Considered the Netflix for the health- and wellness-minded consumer, this collection of videos brings a virtual yoga studio right into your living room. I have been an avid Bikram yoga girl for many moons, but due to overcrowding at my studio this time of year, I try to avoid it like the plague. With Gaiam TV I was able to search from a wide assortment of yoga, Pilates, and cardio classes with some of the top professionals in the industry, including Rodney Yee, Seane Corn, Jillian Michaels, Mari Winsor, and Kathryn Budig.

Gaiam TV = 1. Hot, sweaty, overcrowded Bikram class = 0.

The site is also extremely user-friendly and fun to navigate. I kept stumbling upon one video after another that I wanted to try, and the nice thing is that I was able to add them to a playlist to view later. Programming is fully customizable for anyone interested in weight loss, total body sculpture, and increased energy, and users can further narrow down their options based on level, style, instructor, and workout time. Reviews are available for many of the videos, which helped me select PM DeStressor in the Yoga Now series with Rodney Yee after a hectic day in the office. This 12-minute light yoga practice hit the spot and was easy enough to fit in before pouring myself a tall glass of wine and preparing my dinner.

With Gaiam TV, users receive instant access 24/7, and they have the option of streaming to their computers, iPads, and smartphones.

This streaming video subscription also offers hard-to-find independent films, family-friendly movies, interesting documentaries (I’ve already bookmarked a few which I intend to watch later), and numerous meditation videos from Deepak Chopra and the Dalai Lama. Can you tell I’m slightly excited about this service?

Gaiam TV is now offering a Free 10-day Trial! Gaiam TV’s $9.95 per month subscription fee allows subscribers to stream unlimited content. The subscription to Gaiam TV is no strings attached; there is no commitment and members can cancel at anytime.

I received a complimentary trial to GaiamTV.com in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed herein are entirely my own. This post was sponsored by Gaiam.

Posted at: 9:20 am by |Filed Under: sponsored post | , 5 Comments
December 23, 2011

For Sandy


Several years ago when my beagle Linus was still alive and living with my parents in upstate NY, we would go on nice long walks around the neighborhood together. He’d stop to sniff around or do his business (always in someone’s yard) and I’d look at the many new houses and developments that kept popping up in the area. Though my parents have lived there approximately 15 years, they hadn’t really met anyone who lived on their street. It was a neighborhood of strangers. No one welcomed them with gift baskets of homemade treats when they moved in (does anyone do that anymore?) and there wasn’t anyone to to call on to bring in the newspapers if a trip took them to faraway places.

So I was shocked when a kind woman called out from her driveway as Linus and I walked past one day.

“I’m sorry… He gets distracted and likes to sniff around,” I smiled.

“Oh, I know… I have a lab here that does the same. Max!”

A beautiful black lab came out from behind the hedges. Tails wagged and Linus and Max became fast friends.

“My name is Sandy.” Her eyes sparkled as she reached out to shake my hand. “Been livin’ here 12 years and I’ve never met a neighbor.”

She instantly became a favorite. She invited me over to swim in her pool and I eventually met her boyfriend and daughter. On summer nights, we’d sit in her gazebo and listen to an orchestra of crickets. My visits were usually brief, but always sweet. Sandy was good peoples and I was happy to see her whenever I stopped by my parent’s house.

A few years ago, my father called to tell me Sandy had died of cancer and he read her obituary to me over the phone. My heart sank for her beautiful family and I mourned the loss of her free spirit.

Cancer isn’t a stranger in my family. We’ve had a few scares over the years and both my grandparents died from cancer-related illnesses. In a time of merry-making, tree decorating, indulging, and gift-giving, I think it’s important to stop and remember those who are sadly no longer with us. Please take a minute to watch the video. The message is an important one: imagine a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

Thanks, Sandy, for your friendship and I wish you a happy Hanukkah. If you see Linus, please give him a big kiss and tell my Oma and Opa that I love and miss them both dearly.

This post is sponsored by the American Cancer Society.

Posted at: 9:45 am by |Filed Under: sponsored post | , , 14 Comments