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

GoLuckyDuck.com
www.facebook.com/goluckyduck
@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.

Lucky Duck celebrates the 2013 CLIO Awards in the Planetarium in New York City’s Museum of Natural History.

Tonight I did some things that I have always dreamed of doing. 1) I hung out at The American Museum of Natural History after hours! 2) I attended an awards ceremony after party! 3) I met Will.i.am!

The 2013 CLIO Awards

The CLIO Awards are the world’s most recognizable international advertising awards, presented annually to reward innovation and creative excellence in advertising, design, and communications.

A networking machine

My phone was completely dead by the time I arrived, and of course today was the day that I forgot my charger. That’s ok though – I used my skills in networking to gain all of these pictures and met some awesome, talented superstars. Guy, for example, personally won the two gold and one bronze awards above for his work on the Hot Wheels ads.

David Mellor was very cool to get involved in the shots I wanted of his silver! Congratulations!!

Flashing lights

I took a moment to grab one of the paparazzi and get a shot at the step and repeat.

Jamal, who is a stylist for Cesar Galindo, got me a shot of the night’s entertainment, Miguel (who actually asked me if I was having fun right before he went on!).

The house photographer grabbed a shot of Richard and me.

Stylist Corey Parker sent me our group shot.

This was not The CLIO Awards

Jamal and I started the night out at the wrong end of the Museum and accidentally crashed the Rainforest gala, which was taking place under the world famous Blue Whale. The Rainforest folks know how to party – the band was rocking, a silent auction was happening, and everybody was having a good time.

Congratulations to all the winners!

It was a gorgeous evening and an opportunity that I will never forget. I had such a great time and can’t wait to attend again next year.

Like Lucky Duck on Facebook!

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. :-)

Like Lucky Duck on Facebook!

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!

Like Lucky Duck on Facebook!

Lucky Duck enjoys some fresh air at The Hudson River Park.

Springtime in NYC is hard to beat. Today’s weather killed, and I had a couple of hours to play. So – I raided my kitchen, grabbing a big coconut water, an apple, and dates. Then I pocketed my fitbit (thank you again, Adele!) and hit the road. To complete my picnic basket (last used a year ago during our Memorial Day weekend trip when we met Sir Mix-A-Lot),  I stopped at Subway on the way through Meatpacking to get a bag of Sun Chips and a foot long BBQ chicken.

It was nice to picnic, read, and laze by the river. Not a bad way to spend a couple of hours and seven bucks. Hope you all had a wonderful Cinco de Mayo in this beautiful weather! Happy Spring.

Like Lucky Duck on Facebook!

Lucky Duck says, “Thank you!”

My first birthday in New York was fantastic, thanks to YOU. Thank you, so much, for wishing me the best during year 34. I appreciate your friendship and support more than you know!

The carriage didn’t turn into a pumpkin

I was invited behind the velvet ropes for a free bottle service birthday party at Tenjune. As the clock struck midnight, the fabulous Andrew brought out the sparklers to ring it in! Not a bad start to 34.

For the first time ever, I took my Fireside Chat on the road! Following Tenjune, Rob took me out for pizza at 2 am, where we debriefed on our amazing celebration.

After sleeping in until about noon

My sister is my rock. I love living so close to her. After the pizza party, she stayed with me in Chelsea and made me an amazing breakfast this morning, using the new chopper she bought me! We made salsa from scratch and migas style eggs!

I opened up a TON of gifts that came in the mail and fielded MANY wonderful messages.

Then we sauntered through the Street Fair on 8th Ave.

We shopped at one of my very favorite stores on 5th Ave – Henry Bendel!

And then, on our way back to the train, we met a lovely Italian man who treated us to a toast at Salon de Ning, on the rooftop of The Peninsula, New York!

On a whim, Kristen and I decided to try The Meatball Shop in my hood, and it was a fantastic choice.

My final recap

Again, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart.

Like Lucky Duck on Facebook!

Update 4/22/13: Four days in to the traumatic eye injury, I wanted to show a picture of where I’m at. I can’t prove that the Opal is speeding the recovery, but my face is very yellow, and the bruising is a brighter purple. I hear this means that I’m getting better!

Here’s a picture –http://wp.me/a1sbme-1EU

I have media coverage at The NFL Draft Classic tomorrow in New York City and will likely stay behind the camera lens. Although, I will make an effort with makeup and try to stay in the shadows at “the undisclosed location.” Or, I might take my friend’s suggestion and do the football player black strip under each eye. Just kidding… I would never do that, but I will make some jokes to play it off. Got any for me?

Lucky Duck is putting Clarisonic to a new use.

I’m not sure it will help, but at this point, it’s worth a shot. I literally gave myself a black eye two days ago, and the timing couldn’t be worse. It’s birthday week, and I’m following up on some meetings and such that require face time.

Maybe I should buy a steak, but I’ll try this

I had a date at an awesome table last night at STK in Meatpacking, too. The Clarisonic Opal breaks up the pooled blood under your eye that contributes to dark circles – let’s see if it will speed up the healing of a good old fashioned black eye. If this doesn’t work, I’ll go back to STK.

Here’s a new Fireside Chat to tell you about what happened.

A closer look at the products featured in Fireside Chat #14

One thing I will say is that my Lucky Duck dashboard shows time and time again that people are searching on “Clarisonic removing blackheads.” I wrote a blog post about this topic a while ago – it’s one of my favorite posts. I love the Clarisonic brush and believe that everyone should use one. It, in addition to Kate Somerville, is the blackhead fix.

Until now, I haven’t said much about the Clarisonic Opal, but now that I’m treating a black eye, I want to mention this product. I am quite pleased with it. I spend all this money on eye cream (You know how expensive eye cream is!), and the Opal makes it go further:

1. You can use less eye cream.
2. It penetrates your eye cream deeper, so that you see a greater result.

The concealer featured in Fireside Chat #14 is the Georgio Armani High Precision Retouch concealer, and it’s honestly an awesome product. It doesn’t crease on you at all.

Hoping for a speedy recovery

Send good vibes my way… I want to look my best on my birthday…

Like Lucky Duck on Facebook!

Lucky Duck extends his sympathies.

Today at 2:50 p.m. EST, the finish line at The Boston Marathon was shattered, and we all watched our televisions in horror and heartbreak.

Such a sad day

The day started out joyous. It’s “Marathon Monday,” Patriot’s Day, in a city that historically runs deep to our Nation’s core. The Boston Red Sox played ball at Fenway Park and won. Over 500,000 people gathered to celebrate The Boston Marathon. 24,500 qualified runners were proud to be in this important race, hoping for a personal best.

It should have been a wonderful day. I am so very, very sorry that it wasn’t. A little over four hours into the race, two explosions occurred at the finish line, a terrorist’s strategic placement for media coverage.

We’re still waiting for answers, but no amount of information will make us feel better. This is another tragedy in a recent list, it seems. I’m sick.

Kristen and I were just in Boston for Easter

I haven’t had a chance to blog about the trip Kristen and I took to Boston a couple of weeks ago. It is such a wonderful, friendly, beautiful place. We bought tickets for the Hop-on, Hop-off bus so that we could get the entire lay of the land in a short amount of time.

We saw the balcony where our founders read The Declaration of Independence.

We popped into the oldest restaurant and tavern in the country.

We saw where Samuel Adams and Paul Revere are buried. We shopped one of the top 10 most visited markets in the country. We shared a very special dinner at Mare, bought Easter chocolates, visited a magical shop, stayed at a beautiful hotel, and grabbed a drink at Cheers, the bar that inspired one of the best sitcoms of all time.

My deepest sympathies

Again, I am so sorry that this happened today. I wish that there was something I could do.

But I would encourage people to say something, if they see something. I would also ask you to be nice out there. The world is a hard place today.

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.

Like Lucky Duck on Facebook!

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.

Like Lucky Duck on Facebook!