A sneak peek at the new collections from GLITTERRINGS and Jill Zarin

Lucky Duck enjoys a private viewing of the beautiful new collection from GLITTERRINGS.

During Fashion Week in February, I got introduced to GLITTERRINGS and Jill Zarin, and I was impressed right away. The jewelry is beautiful, and I love that you get such a high quality piece at such a reasonable price.

Inside the GLITTERRINGS showroom

This week, I received a very special invitation to the GLITTERRINGS showroom on 5th Avenue in New York City. Karen Webster, GLITTERRINGS President and Co-Founder, personally gave me a tour of the stunning new collections, which are sure to fly off display racks this Summer, Fall, and Holiday Season.

A bright light on Jill Zarin’s new collections

As I walked into the gorgeous and sparkly showroom, I was taken aback by the beauty of everything on the table to my left. I was greeted with such kindness and was offered a Bellini and a Baked By Melissa cupcake. Karen walked me through each new collection out on display.

	The Hamptons Collection The Hamptons Collection, available Summer 2013, represents the beachy summer months. You’ll find summery pinks, creams, and grays built out in shimmery resin stone, sand opal crystals, and white opal crystals. Prices range from $30.00-$135.00.
	The Moroccan Collection The Moroccan Collection, available Summer 2013, was inspired by Jill’s trip to Morocco. You’ll find that the colors, textures, and architecture in the line represent Moroccan craftsmanship and marketplaces. The collection has a worn metal look and uses metallic jet hematite stone accents with pops of turquois blues and deep reds. Prices range from $18.00-$88.00.
	The Baroque Collection The Baroque Collection, available August 1st, includes a parade of brocade, combined with enamel and intricate metal detailing. The rich, luxe look and feel can be found in pendants, chokers, button and chandelier earrings. Prices range from $25.00-$50.00.
	The Holiday Collection The Holiday Collection, available October 1st, is a chic, vintage inspired collection of black and white crystals. The shimmery designs will give you the elegance to impress at your holiday parties. Prices range from $18.00-$175.00.

More from GLITTERRINGS

I was excited to see the beautiful Heather Rock Envy snake print ring that I was gifted at Fashion Week on the table! Of course I was wearing Heather to the showroom with my matching snake print Vince Camuto Allia shoes that my mom bought me for my birthday!

Here is a look at the dazzling GLITTERRINGS family. You can get it right away!

Blue: Rock Envy

Red: Great Gatsby

Green: Inspirational

Purple: Tribal

It’s impossible to pick just one thing

This time, I picked Ashley from the Rock Envy Collection. In fact, I wore this stunning piece to The CLIO Awards this week! I’ve gotten a ton of compliments on it, just as I do my Heather ring.

Follow, Like, and Participate

GLITTERRINGS:
www.facebook.com/glitterrings
@glitterrings

JillZarinJewelry.com
www.facebook.com/jillzarinjewelry
@jzjewelry

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@goluckyduck

About GLITTERRINGS

GLITTERRINGS a leading manufacturer of fine fashion jewelry, specializing in fashion rings. Known for its outstanding design, quality, and workmanship, GLITTERRINGS has become the brand of choice for the discriminating woman who desires “faux real” jewelry that is not only fashionable but beautifully designed and affordable. GLITTERRINGS brands include the GLITTERRINGS Collection available online at www. glitterrings.com. The Jill Zarin Jewelry Collection available at www.jillzarinjewelry.com, Debbie Merle Designs available at www.debbiemerledesigns.com, the ARIELLA Collection available exclusively at Nordstrom, the Michela Durrone Collection available exclusively at Lord & Taylor, and the Carolina Amato Jewelry Collection available at Lord & Taylor and online at www.carolinaamatojewelry.com. GLITTERRINGS also develops and manufactures a host of private label collections for leading brands and HSN.

NeriumAD Experiment: Day One

Lucky Duck gets to try NeriumAD.

It’s such a great opportunity to try this product – thank you, NeriumAD for the free bottle! As with all things, reviews are mixed, and I am so excited to try this out and see what happens. In a perfect world, the lines on my forehead would go away and pores would shrink… time will tell.

Where my makeup free face is at today

I take good care of my skin (Check out my blog post on skin; it’s full of great tips), but there’s room for improvement. I’m excited to see how I feel and look three weeks from now, after Nerium has had a chance to work its way into my skin.

Here’s a quick self assessment of what needs to improve (i.e.: The forehead lines; why do I have to scrunch!?)

What is it? And what does Nerium AD do?

Here’s what the Nerium website says:

NeriumAD Age-Defying Treatment is a night cream developed from the patent-pending extract of the Nerium Oleander plant. NeriumAD contains the most effective age-defying ingredients, chosen for both their individual and synergistic benefits. These premium ingredients are blended at optimum levels to nourish your skin and provide real results, as seen in Nerium product reviews. These kinds of results are exclusive to Nerium International, as we are the only company to ever harness the power of the Nerium oleander plant for high-performance skincare and NeriumAD treatment.

How to use it

It is extremely important to understand how to use a product before you get started. (See more about this in one of my favorite blog posts I’ve written, here.) If you don’t follow a product’s instructions, it won’t work the way it should. And at that point, you’ve wasted your time and money, and you’re left feeling disappointed. Please, take a moment to read the package.

Nerium, for example, requires that you cleanse your face at night, and leave it wet. Then you apply 2-3 pumps to damp skin.

Let the experiment begin!

A product needs 3-4 weeks to start showing results, and I plan to track my skin’s progress over the next month to determine how NeriumAD works. I will continue to leave my ego at the door and zoom in on my lines, large pores, pimples, and makeup free face – all in the name of blog integrity, of course. :-)

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465 Easy Eating Tips will help you shed the Winter weight and stay thin for life

Lucky Duck is reading 465 Easy Eating Tips and having a blast learning new ways to be a skinny duck.

What a very cool read! If you’re like me, you’re ready to beat the Winter blues, and you’re thinking about Summer: sunshine, vacation, BBQs, the beach… ugh, oh yeah, that. :-/ I’ve been running out on the West Side Highway in NYC, trying to shed the Winter weight, but to be honest, it’s not quite enough.

What you eat, or not eat, is key

I was a little chubster through most of my 20’s. I’m not lying. Take a look at this photo of me on my 25th birthday! I found a way to lose over 30 pounds by the time I turned 28, and I’ve been able to keep it off for the last six years. (Please don’t do the math!)

Before:	After:

Recently, I came across a brilliant new e-book, and I wanted to share my story and back this awesome book, which is chuck-full of effective tips to help you lose weight, and even more importantly, keep it off. And what I love about the book is that it’s FUN.

For example:

#364: Never go on a diet, but never go off one either
#414: Good posture is the quickest way to look 5 lbs thinner

And my personal favorite, “Eat anything you want, just don’t eat ALL of anything." As I’m trying to get in shape for Summer, this is a great reminder for me, and I’m finding that these tips totally model what I did to lose the weight six years ago.

Buy the book

465 Easy Eating Tips From People Who Eat Whatever They Want And Stay Thin for Life

 

How to get it: Do you have $2.99? Good!

• Buy it through Amazon for your Kindle
• Buy it through kobo

Stay thin for life for under 3 bucks and by reading a book?

YES! As you can see by the description, you’ll learn how to think about eating in a new way.

Almost 65% of Americans are overweight – which means close to 35% are not! What exactly do those who manage their weight do – that others do not? “465 Easy Eating Tips From People Who Eat Whatever They Want and Stay Thin for Life” reveals the most basic behaviors and insights of “The Thinking Thin.” These are NOT the lucky ones – the naturally thin! – but those who make “mental checks” at each eating opportunity, so they can enjoy all foods, without guilt or weight gain – for their lifetime! “The Thinking Thin never go on a diet, but never go off one either.” List of points and lively cartoons instruct readers on this simple ability that is within anyone’s reach! “Listen-in” on the decision-making process of those who never seem to struggle with weight – use daily in order to enjoy a "Lifetime of Thinness.” And why most readers ask, “Why didn’t someone tell us this before?”

Meet the author and take a quick peek inside

The author, Louise Masano, spent years studying real people’s weight behaviors and patterns. As a successful advertising executive in New York City, she created commercials for one of the largest weight-loss products in the world – how lucky are we that she decided to share her findings in such a cool format!?

I like the way Louise has organized her book to be so simple, straightforward, and genuine. I’m also in love with her illustrations that share quick, fun ways to think about food.

 

Check it out and let me know what you think

Again, all you need is 3 bucks, and you’re set. :-)

• Buy it through Amazon for your Kindle
• Buy it through kobo

I would love for you to buy the book and tell me what’s working for you. I’d also love for you to help keep me in check. Summer will be here before we know it!

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Consider The Atlantica for your big event

Luck Duck is all aboard!

On a sunny Sunday in New York City, you can’t beat Chelsea Piers along The Hudson River. Especially when The Atlantica is hosting an open boat for all to enjoy food, drinks, and tours of the beautiful event space.

Elegant and luxurious

I like the idea of having a wedding reception on a boat. Because you can’t just walk out the door (unless you’re a swimmer), you’re IN. Everyone on that boat is in the moment, and The Atlantica clearly does an incredible job hosting a great event.

But don’t just take my word for it. Meet a few of my friends, as we review The Atlantica and the lovely afternoon on The Hudson.

Interview #1 features the fabulous Elaine and Rashidi, new Lucky Duck fans. I pop in half way through. LOVE Rashidi’s “last words.” He’s funny!

Interview #2 features actor Michael Walker, who I last ran into at The Tag Heuer 50 Years of Carrera celebration. “We’re not getting married – yet!”

Ships Ahoy

Stylist Corey Parker was in attendance. We first met back at the Daily Front Row Style Lounge during Fashion Week. He and I didn’t plan to coordinate, but we were both nautically themed head to toe. I was excited to wear the new Tory Burch crocheted sweater and sailboat ring from my sister (www.blushphoto.net), and my anchor Moyna bag.

In this video, Corey is describing his ensemble, with some commentary on mine, too. Whew! I passed the Corey test! I pop in part way and offer a close-up of the sailboat ring and beaded Moyna anchor clutch.

Party favors

And like you would have at a wedding, party favors were in full swing. By the time Lucky Duck made it to the candy shoppe, it was in a frenzy. Who knew that folks would go so kookoo for Swedish Fish and Runts?

Lucky Duck takes the cake

The Atlantica makes it very easy for you to plan your big day. They can connect you with your DJ, cake maker, limo driver, chef, bartender, and photographer. Hassle free! I like it!

A beautiful day in NYC

This was one of the most beautiful Spring days, and I had a great time celebrating the sunshine out on The Atlantica with my friends. The staff onboard was friendly and top-notch. What a fantastic experience!

Contact The Atlantica

Here’s a great event listing that can help you get more info, including phone number, location, boat info, pricing, etc.

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Thank you, Rusk hair care: The Thermal Flat Iron Spray and Silver Glitter Hairspray rock

Lucky Duck thanks Rusk for the awesome sprays.

When I attended the lounge at Yotel during Fashion Week, I interviewed two executives from the Rusk line – Gretchen Shomo, Director Brand Development and Gerard Caruso, Rusk Artistic Director. While Gerard recommended the Rusk Thermal Flat Iron Spray, Gretchen recently sent it to my place, to try and review. She also included the Silver Glitter Hairspray.

I love the products

It is such a pleasure to get these products to try. I would definitely recommend using a thermal spray every time before you flat iron or curl your hair. It’s a great way to protect your hair from breakage, and it also acts as a hairspray and helps your style last longer. A two for one!

Thank you for the products, Rusk! I can’t wait to get my hands on the Gold Glitter hairspray coming out this holiday season.

 

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WatchTheDuck is headed to SXSW

Lucky Duck raps with WatchTheDuck in Times Square.

In the midst of a Nor’easter approaching Manhattan tonight, I took the C train up one stop to The Hammerstein Ballroom, the same spot where I attended the Diet Coke Red Dress Fashion Show. The wind and rain was not going to stop me from meeting WatchTheDuck! Here’s my latest Fireside Chat where I’m getting ready to head out.

You’ve gotta watch WatchTheDuck

When I heard that there was a band called WatchTheDuck, I knew that I wanted to be involved, so I quickly looked them up and learned that their sound kills.

In Poppin’ Off below, you can hear a sound that reflects: rap, soul, electronic, dance, trap, booty, dubstep. Jesse Rankins focuses on vocals, Eddie Smith III on bass and Jonathan Wells on keyboard.

What’s with the name?

Sheer brilliance. Here’s a snippet from their site:

Eddie, Jesse and Jonathan had a phrase that had long before become a mantra of sorts: WatchTheDuck. “Everybody sees the duck traveling smoothly on top of the water,” Eddie says. “But nobody sees it kicking hard as hell under it, struggling to stay afloat. We would always say ‘WatchTheDuck’ whenever we were in certain industry scenarios, when everyone’s your friend and is trying to be of importance. We say it to each other to kind of lighten each other’s mood.”

Tour dates galore

If you’re going to SXSW this year, find these guys. Otherwise, here’s a look at their busy schedule that covers New York, Boston, Austin, Miami, Indiana, California, Wisconsin, and Ohio in March and April.

An awesome jam session

WatchTheDuck was a great host tonight – thank you! They welcomed Lucky Duck and asked me to tell them the story behind him. So I shared the bit about the leprechaun who put Lucky Duck in my pocket and then snapped a few pictures.

FollowTheDuck

Make sure you stay up to date on all WatchTheDuck shenanigans:

Like WatchTheDuck on Facebook

Follow WatchTheDuck on Twitter

Follow WatchTheDuck on Instagram

Watch WatchTheDuck on YouTube

Follow my duck too!

After you’ve followed WatchTheDuck, practice good karma and like Lucky Duck on Facebook!

Yoplait Greek 100 sponsors this blog post

Lucky Duck enjoys yummy, healthy Yoplait Greek 100.

I had the pleasure of learning about Yoplait Greek yogurt at The Daily Front Row Style Lounge during Fashion Week. Yoplait hosted an awesome table where you could pop open a yogurt, pick your mix-ins and have a snack that’s packed with protein.

Nicole Trunfio is a big fan of Yoplait Greek 100

Australian model Nicole Trunfio enjoys the Key Lime with coconut and chocolate chips – the same concoction I put together.

Greek with 100 calories

It was the perfect snack for Fashion Week. At only 100 calories and loaded with 14-17 grams of protein and 200 mg of calcium, per 6 oz. serving, it’s a tasty, healthy snack that will fill you up and cut your craving.

Greek Yogurt Tip #1: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt

I know it might sound weird, but I’m not suggesting Key Lime for your veggie chili. Original, plain Greek yogurt honestly tastes like sour cream, and a dollop will give you a dose of solid protein. In this picture, I’m showing a spicy veggie chili from Chelsea Market, with a couple spoonfuls of plain Greek yogurt, and a sprinkle of cheese. If I had chives, I would have added those. Yum.

Greek Yogurt Tip #2: Get it out of the plastic tub

I feel that plain yogurt works best for this one too. 1. Drizzle, sort of generously, into the bottom of a bowl, Light Agave Nectar (or honey). 2. Scoop in your yogurt, and cover the yogurt with granola. 3. Add your favorite fruit on top. 4. Lightly drizzle Agave Nectar over the fruit.

But here’s a link to the real recipes on Yoplait’s site: http://www.yoplait.com/recipes

A big thank you to Yoplait Greek 100

It was such a pleasure to try this yogurt again, in the comfort of my own kitchen, and I will definitely be a customer.

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Chanel Illusion Ombre, NARS Shadow Pencil, and the NARS 15×15 book at Book Marc in The West Village

Lucky Duck recommends Chanel and NARS eye makeup.

As The Oscars are unfolding on television tonight, the dresses and jewelry are causing quite a buzz – rightfully so. My favorite moment from The Red Carpet this year was seeing Queen Latifah in Badgley Mischka!

Lucky Duck is taking a different angle on beauty and fashion tonight and talking about makeup, again.

Let me establish credibility

I was a Spokesperson for Estee Lauder for years and would present at Macy’s department stores, all across Western Washington.

Beauty Fashion magazine quoted me in Downtown Seattle.

Chanel Illusion Ombre

My first makeup technique in my original makeup post from Seattle is:

1. Start your lid with an eye shadow base; it will help prevent your shadow from creasing and will bring out the color of your powder shadow.

Chanel’s Illusion Ombre is my new favorite, preferred choice for a nice creamy shadow to pat on first. I’ve been using this product for three weeks and am very pleased. It doesn’t crease, and you can use the brush that comes with it to swipe on over your eyeliner for instant pop, shimmer, and shine.

Top row, left to right: Vision, Mirafique, Fantasme; Bottom row, left to row: Epatant, Apparence

The makeup is spongy to the touch and glides on nicely. The colors are sheer, which is nice for a casual look all by itself, or as a wonderful base to layer on your other stuff.

And because my second tip in my original technique blog post  is…

2. You can wear any color of eye shadow; you just have to find the right shade.

… I want to clarify the difference between Vision on the top left corner above and Apparence, in the bottom right corner, for you shimmery gold lovers out there. Vision is a bright gold (swatch on the far left on my hand below), and Apparence has more color density to it (far right, below). They are different enough to get both, especially when Vision is a Limited Edition.

NARS Soft Touch Shadow Pencil

I am in love with three of the NARS Soft Touch Shadow Pencils. Pictured below, top to bottom: Corcovado, Empire, and Aigle Noir.

Because tip #4 in my original post is…

4. Don’t miss seasonal products that are limited editions.

… I made sure to follow Chanel Vision suit and not miss the golden Corcovado Soft Touch Shadow Pencil that NARS put out for Spring this year. These pencils are not dry and painful to use. They glide on nicely as a smooth gel, and you really don’t have to sharpen it very often. I think I will have these FOREVER.

TIP: You can keep pencils longer in your kit because you sharpen them when they wear; they don’t just sit in the box growing bacteria.

My favorite technique with these products

I have been enjoying putting down the Chanel Vision or Apparence first, and penciling Aigle Noir on my lid. Then, I’ll take a light Clinique powder shadow in a beige-gold color and go over everything to smooth it out.

 

Francois NARS photographs his celeb canvases

And I was such a Lucky Duck today to have found NARS’ 15×15 book on Book Marc’s Sale table today in The West Village!! There are many reasons why this is cool:

• It is numbered copy 430 of 1500, so it’s a collector’s edition! And what’s more, my lucky number is 43.

• It has a price tag of 86 pounds (equivalent to almost $200 USD) inside, but I got it for only $10.00! Ten. Dollars.

• It is absolutely stunning, and Marc Jacobs is featured.

Book Marc is a Marc Jacobs store

I asked my sales person about the book shop, Book Marc (LOVE the clever name!), which sits diagonally from Marc Jacob’s’ clothing store. This location was historically an important book store in NYC, so when the space became available, Marc picked it up and began carrying books, since his clothing stores feature cool books anyway.

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Nolcha Fashion Week Fashion Lounge Presented by RUSK at Yotel

Lucky Duck meets talented people and leading brands at the Nolcha Fashion Lounge, presented by RUSK.

As Fashion Week in New York City comes to a close on Valentine’s Day, the fourth floor at Yotel was transformed into a high style party, celebrating the brands who made Nolcha Fashion Week happen. And I had the awesome chance to talk to them 1:1.

Gerard Caruso, Rusk Artistic Director, gives some styling tips and talks about his vision

In this video, meet Gerard Caruso, Rusk Artistic Director, the creative genius behind the hair styles that rocked Nolcha Fashion Week at Chelsea Piers. As I watched Gerard style Micki’s hair, his clear explanations and techniques really taught me a thing or two about how to curl my hair and protect it from heat.

Gretchen Shomo, Director Brand Development, describes the two signature looks on the runway

Hair plays a very important part in a designer’s presentation. The shapes and styles that the hair gurus create help make a successful show. In this interview, Gretchen describes the two signature looks that took indie models to the next level on the runway.

To see coverage from backstage at yesterday’s show, check out this blog post on modernsalon.com.

The RUSK product offering was out in travel sized bottles for us to try and take home – some of the best swag that I was gifted at Fashion Week.

Peter Harrison, Co-Founder & Head of Venue Relations for bright box, shows us how to stay plugged in

And this invention is life changing for the movers and shakers of New York City. We all know what it feels like to be out and about on our phones – tweeting, texting, mapping, Facebooking, listening to music, maybe even making a call – and running out of juice. It’s an awful situation. Here, Pete demonstrates how easy it is to charge up with bright box.

Eric Jenkins, designer and creator of The Art of EMJ, talks about his twist on the bow tie

The bow tie is sexy, and all of the stars are picking bow ties for the red carpet. Eric’s bow ties are sensational. He has innovated the bow tie and created a way to make them very wearable with jeans. In this interview, Eric describes his inspiration and the direction he is taking his designs in 2013.

We’re all Loco for Foco in the Nolcha Fashion Week Lounge

Coconut water has a lot of benefits and tastes great. But with so many options out there, which one do you pick? In this video, learn how Foco sets itself apart from the competition.

A fantastic event!

A great big thank you to all of the sponsors, and to Yotel for having us. It was an awesome day, and I had a great time. I can’t wait to come back in September!

Top Row, left to right: Guests enjoy Smart Water and snacks, Yotel noodles are delicious

Bottom Row, left to right: Michelle Pajak-Reynolds shows her beautiful pieces (www.michellepajakreynolds.com), Looking dapper in the RUSK lounge

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Stacy Igel of Boy Meets Girl shows at Fashion Week 2013. Exclusive interviews with Stacy and Rosario Dawson.

Lucky Duck absolutely loves Stacy Igel’s British-rock-inspired new line.

The Conair tent on W. 18th street was in a frenzy in anticipation of seeing Stacy Igel’s new line, as well as Leah Labelle perform live on the runway.

Stacy Igel debuts a new kids’ line

The show opened to Spice Girls, and cute kiddos in the coolest kid clothes came out strutting their stuff on the catwalk. Right away, I  knew that this would be a very interesting show! Gia Giudice, whose mom Teresa appears on The Real Housewives of New Jersey, owned her moment on the stage and did a great job selling us on the pink zip-up. Very cute!

Leah Labelle comes out British Invasion style to perform

As Leah Labelle performed live, models dazzled the audience in lots of reds, pinks, and blues. My personal favorite was the tights with the letter blocks strategically and artistically spelling out Boy Meets Girl.

Exclusive Interview with Stacy Igel

After the show, I had a chance to interview Stacy Igel and ask her to describe the inspiration for this new collection. She said that it’s a British-Punk inspired line, and she even picked music to accompany that vibe – Spice Girls, and the live British Invasion number by Leah. The collection defines living life and having fun, with pops of color and prints.

Exclusive Interview with Rosario Dawson

When I asked Rosario Dawson what her favorite piece was, she talked about the one with the drop crotch, as well as the tights that I loved.

Miss New York and Miss Teen New York are fans

I had a chance to talk with Joanne Nosuchinsky, Miss New York USA and Nikki Orlando, Miss New York Teen USA. They said that they love the comfy feel of Stacy’s line. And not only were they a fan of Stacy, but they became a fan of Lucky Duck and asked if they could pose with Lucky and make duck faces!

Brian Igel helps me video a recap of the Miss New Yorks

I wanted to make a video of the tent and talk about this photo, so I grabbed Stacy’s husband Brian, who was so kind to play cameraman for a quick moment. What a nice thing to do in the midst of Fashion Week chaos.

Teresa Giudice loves the new kids line

Teresa Giudice was clearly proud of Gia and a supporter of Stacy Igel’s new kids line. Teresa had on an amazing fur trimmed Winter jacket. Teresa is clearly a Fashionista, so I asked her what her favorite moment of fashion week was, and it was no surprise to hear that it was watching Gia walk the runway.

Conair makes it fun to wait for show time

When you walked in, Conair took photos of guests with hair driers. I grabbed a hot pink one, and Lucky Duck picked green, of course.

In this video, Alex from Dirty Sugar talks to me about how their booth works. I thought this was such an awesome idea. I felt special and had a blast picking my hair drier and signs. Thank you, Conair!!

Around the tent before and after show time

Join the crowd, and…

• Like Stacy Igel on Facebook
• Follow Stacy on Twitter
• Check out her website
• Find her on LinkedIn
• Watch her on YouTube
• Play with her on Google+

Oh, and also, you can like Lucky Duck on Facebook!