Throwback Thursday (With a New Video, Too): Once a Piano Player, Always a Piano Player

I started playing piano when I was 7 years old. Well, actually, I probably started tinkering around with the piano when I was 2 or 3 -- but my mom waited until I was 7 for me to start taking piano lessons. I was so excited when I finally began learning how to play for REAL. (I wasn't always the best at practicing, but that's another story.)

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Inspired by Vogue's 73 Questions with Sarah Jessica Parker

Last night, I watched the video interview Vogue did called 73 Questions with Sarah Jessica Parker (above). I absolutely loved every second of it, and not just because Sex and the City is my favorite show of all time (although that certainly didn't hurt). This was such a refreshing celebrity interview, from seeing inside her beautiful home to hearing her off the cuff but real and honest answers. And her look when asked whether she prefers flats or heels? Priceless.

I was inspired to think about some of the questions and how I might answer them. So, I hope you'll indulge me as I take a stab at not all 73, but a fair chunk. See which questions I chose to answer after the jump.

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Merry (Almost) Christmas: Watch My Brother and Me in Our Video of Wonderful Christmastime!

I've always loved Christmas. And yes, I'm aware that I'm a Jew. But I can't help it -- it just gets me in the holiday spirit! I'm especially fond of Christmas songs, and one that's played in my house on repeat during every holiday season is Wonderful Christmastime by Paul McCartney & Wings.

Well ... just in time for Christmas, my brother, Evan Sanders, and I made a music video of that very song! Here it is:



We'd been talking about doing this since last Christmas, but didn't pull it together until the past few days. Evan worked tirelessly on this video throughout the week before I showed up at his apartment to record my vocals and do the video this weekend -- and then he worked for another 30+ hours to put everything together. Our friend (and Evan's bandmate) Jesse played drums and provided some vocals as well.

Everything about this video was just so fun to do, from the singing of many different parts (even through a sore throat and cold) to the various fashion choices I decided upon:

Rachel Zoe Minelli Sequined Top in Black (no longer available)
Forever 21 Cropped Sequined Leggings ($22.80 at forever21.com)
Diana von Furstenberg New Hanky Top in Teal (that color is sold out; similar colors available for $198-$285 here)
Forever 21 sequined black tee (no longer available)
American Apparel Shiny Legging in Gold ($46 at americanapparel.net)

I really hope you enjoy our rendition of the song -- leave me a comment and let me know what you think, and be sure to like the video on YouTube as well!

My Travel Beauty Regimen: Check Out the Video!

It had been embarrassingly long since I made a video for all of you. I figured what better reason than to show you my (pared down) travel beauty regimen? Check out what I'm using on the road this week!



The products seen in the video are:
Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-Step Facial Cleansing Cloths ($15 at sephora.com)
Tweezerman Pink Tweezer Set
Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream for Dry Skin
Forever 21 Ponytail Holder Set
Lancome Genifique Eye ($60 at nordstrom.com)
SK-II Whitening Source Derm Revival Mask ($160 at nordstrom.com)

Review of Brookline's Beauty and Style and Nail Polish Haul

While in Boston visiting my best friend last weekend, I had the chance to visit a very fabulous beauty store in the Coolidge Corner neighborhood of Brookline called Beauty and Style. Now, I'd probably walked by this store at least 50 times in the past few years, as it's around the corner from my brother's apartment. But on this occasion, I actually went in -- and, lo and behold, a new favorite store was born! Watch my video below for my review and check out everything I bought while there.



Seen in this video:
Zoya Remove+
CND Stickey
Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
Essie Lapis of Luxury
Essie Love & Acceptance
Essie Who Is The Boss
OPI I Have A Herring Problem
OPI I Don't Give A Rotterdam!
China Glaze For Audrey

My Pittsburgh Beauty Regimen: Check Out My Video!

It's been quite awhile since I made a video for you! I'm working in Pittsburgh this week and wanted to give you a little peek into my beauty regimen. Check out my video below to see what products made the cut!



Seen in this video:

Biore Makeup Removing Towelettes with Green Tea
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hydra-Pure Firming Serum
La Mer The Moisturizing Gel Cream
Darphin Anti-Fatigue Smoothing Eye Gel
M.A.C Wonder Woman Defiance Eye Shadow Palette
Stila Jewel Eyeshadow Palette
M.A.C Haute & Naughty Lash
Smashbox O-GLOSS Intuitive Lip Gloss

Video Review: Tocca Delicato da Viaggio Laundry Travel Set

Admittedly, doing laundry isn't my favorite thing in the world. But with the Tocca Delicato da Viaggio Laundry Travel Set by my side, it certainly becomes a lot more pleasurable! Check out my video to learn more about this fabulous set.



The Tocca Delicato da Viaggio Laundry Travel Set retails for $22 at Sephora stores and tocca.com.

Disclosure: This product was furnished by a PR representative for Tocca.

Haul of the Day: Rebecca Minkoff MAC Clutches!

In case you didn't already know, I am obsessed with Rebecca Minkoff. Before I stepped into her sample sale in NYC this past week, I already owned three of her bags -- the MAB Mini Mini, the Boyfriend Pouch and the Studded Devote Tote.

Well, guess what? I am now the proud owner of two Rebecca Minkoff MAC Clutches! Check out my video to see the newest additions to my growing Rebecca Minkoff arsenal!

Video Review: My Skincare Trifecta!

What skincare products do you use to look and feel your best? I decided to do a little video for you detailing My Skincare Trifecta. Take a look below!



The products seen in the video are:
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hydra-Pure Firming Serum
Lancome Genifique Eye
Lierac Creme Mesolift

Let me know your skincare essentials in the comments!

A Peek Inside My Travel Beauty Regimen

I'm traveling for work this week -- I'm in the glamorous city of Pittsburgh, PA -- and, as usual, half my carryon bag was filled with beauty products! Curious about what I decided to bring with me? Check out my video to find out!



Seen in this video:

Help Remedies I Can't Sleep and I've Cut Myself ($4 each at helpineedhelp.com)
Dr. Dennis Gross Intense Hydra Mask ($62 at mdskincare.com)
Maybelline Volum'Express One By One Mascara
Korres Lip Butter Glaze ($14 at sephora.com)
Pangea Organics Pyrenees Lavender with Cardamom Lip Balm ($12 at pangeaorganics.com)
YSL Gloss Volupte in Iced Lychee ($30 at yslbeautyus.com)
M.A.C Wonder Woman Eyeshadow x4: Defiance ($40 at maccosmetics.com)
Tweezerman Petite Tweezer Set ($25 at sephora.com)
Tweezerman Folding I-Lash Comb
Burberry Lip Mist in Feather Pink
Lierac Creme Mesolift ($54 at drugstore.com)
L'Occitane Ultra Rich Lip Balm
Physicians Formula Organic Wear Eye Makeup Remover Pads
Yes to Cucumbers Natural Glow Facial Towelettes ($5.99 at drugstore.com)
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel ($80 at mdskincare.com)
Dr. Dennis Gross Hydra-Pure Firming Serum ($95 at mdskincare.com)
Avon Advance Techniques Frizz Control Lotus Shield Anti-Frizz Treatment ($9.99 at avon.com)
La Mer The Eye Concentrate ($165 at cremedelamer.com)
GO SMiLE AM “Energy” and PM “Tranquility” Luxury Toothpaste Duo ($30 at gosmile.com)

BeautyChick Bests 2010: The Body Edition

Now that the year is coming to a close, I thought it only right that I bring you a roundup of my favorite products from the past year! So, without further ado ... introducing BeautyChick Bests! I'll be doing videos throughout the next week detailing all the launches this year that got my pulse racing.

So do you want to know what my favorite body products for the year were? Watch my video to find out!



Seen in this video:

Philosophy Candy Cane Foaming Bubble Bath and Shower Gel ($16)
Philosophy The Gingerbread Girl Shower Gel ($13)
Sara Happ The Body Scrub in Vanilla Bean, 10.1 oz ($46)
Balenciaga Black Body Scrub
L'Occitane Vineyard Rose Pure Shea Butter

BeautyChick Bests 2010: The Skincare Edition

Now that the year is coming to a close, I thought it only right that I bring you a roundup of my favorite products from the past year! So, without further ado ... introducing BeautyChick Bests! I'll be doing videos throughout the next week detailing all the launches this year that got my pulse racing.

So do you want to know what my favorite skincare products for the year were? Watch my video to find out!



Seen in this video:

Clinique All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage ($28)
M.A.C Fix+ Lavender
Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Intensive Smoothing Hand Creme
Tweezerman Betsey Johnson Slant Tweezer Collection Skulls ($25)
Clarins Bright Plus HP Intensive Brightening Smoothing Serum ($68)
Kiehl's Photo-Age Corrector High-Potency Spot Treatment
Super by Perricone Super Lush Lips with Coconut Oil 0.5 oz ($20)
Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Intensive Skin Repair Serum ($19.99)
Dermalogica AGE Reversal Eye Complex ($75)
Bulgari Source Defense Cellular Antioxidant Cream

BeautyChick Bests 2010: The Hair Edition

Now that the year is coming to a close, I thought it only right that I bring you a roundup of my favorite products from the past year! So, without further ado ... introducing BeautyChick Bests! I'll be doing videos throughout the next week detailing all the launches this year that got my pulse racing.

So do you want to know what my favorite hair products for the year were? Watch my video to find out!



Seen in this video:

Philip B. Russian Amber Imperial Conditioning Creme
Pantene Medium-Thick Hair Solutions Silkening Detangler ($3.39)
Pantene Color Hair Solutions Color Preserve Shine Conditioner ($4.99)
Pantene Color Hair Solutions Color Preserve Shine Shampoo ($4.24)
Kerastase Elixir Ultime
T3 ManeTamer Unruly Hair Straightener ($200)
Living Proof Straight Making No Frizz Styling Cream for Medium to Thick Hair ($24)

BeautyChick Bests 2010: The Nail Polish Edition

Now that the year is coming to a close, I thought it only right that I bring you a roundup of my favorite products from the past year! So, without further ado ... introducing BeautyChick Bests! I'll be doing videos throughout the next week detailing all the launches this year that got my pulse racing.

So do you want to know what my favorite nail polishes for the year were? Watch my video to find out!



Seen in this video:

butter LONDON All Hail McQueen -- this is now All Hail The Queen, but was originally All Hail McQueen! ($14)
butter LONDON Victoriana ($14)
Chanel Nouvelle Vague
Chanel Illusion D'Or
Deborah Lippmann Bad Romance ($18)
Deborah Lippmann Boom Boom Pow ($20)
M.A.C So Rich, So Pretty
M.A.C Morning After
M.A.C Blue India
OPI Jade is the New Black
Dior Timeless Gold
YSL (no name on the bottle!)
China Glaze Party Hearty
Essie Winter Collection

BeautyChick Bests 2010: The Makeup Edition

Now that the year is coming to a close, I thought it only right that I bring you a roundup of my favorite products from the past year! So, without further ado ... introducing BeautyChick Bests! I'll be doing videos throughout the next week detailing all the launches this year that got my pulse racing.

So do you want to know what my favorite makeup products for the year were? Watch my video to find out!



Seen in this video:

M.A.C Tartan Tale Palette
M.A.C Venomous Villains DeVil Eyeshadow
M.A.C Venomous Villains Lipglass in Wicked Ways
M.A.C Venomous Villains Lipglass in Devlishly Stylish
M.A.C Venomous Villains My Dark Magic Mineralize Palette
M.A.C Haute & Naughty Lash Mascara
Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies Mascara ($7.50)
M.A.C Viva Glam Cyndi Lipglass
Physicians Formula Brown Eyes Custom Eye Enhancing Gel Cream Liner Trio
La Prairie Lip Color Effects in Quiet Fig
Bobbi Brown Black Velvet Eyeshadow (sold out, similar colors available here)
Urban Decay Little Sins Eyeshadow Primer Potion Set (no longer available, but full sizes available here)

Video Review: Davines Alchemic Red Shampoo and Conditioner

My red hair is looking totally amazing, thanks to Davines Alchemic Red Shampoo and Conditioner! Check out my video to see why.



The Alchemic Shampoo in Red is $24 and the Conditioner in Red is $28. Visit davines.com for salon and store information.

Haul of the Day: Amazing Forever 21 Clothing! Plus a Video!

I do love me some Forever 21. Yes, you have to scour the racks for hours to find a few items that will work ... but if you're dedicated, it really pays off! Check out what I scored in the video below!



Items featured in the video:

Multi-Color Sequins Top, $24.80 (sorry, in the video I said $27!)
Draped dress, $10.80 (not available online)

Find more fabulous Forever 21 items at forever21.com.

Video Review: Collective Wellbeing Products

I'm having a love affair with Collective Wellbeing. Check out my video to see why!


The retail prices for these products are as follows:

Charcoal Body Wash: $13
Foot Butter: $12.50
Dry Skin Relief: $13

All Collective Wellbeing products can be purchased at collectivewellbeing.com.

Disclosure: These products were furnished by a PR representative for Collective Wellbeing.

NEST Fragrances Project Art Candle in Tulip Garden: Plus a Video!

D-I-V-I-N-E. In a word, exactly what the new NEST Fragrances Project Art Candle in Tulip Garden says to me. Check out my video for my review!



Best of all, this candle is only $9.99! You can find it at select Bed Bath & Beyond and Hallmark stores.

My New Jewelry Acquisitions from Sorrelli and Sweetie Pie Jewelry: Plus a Video

I had the fortune of attending an accessories preview by Shine Media awhile back, and they graciously gifted me with two pairs of earrings that I've been wearing nonstop ever since! Check out my video to see even more.



The earrings mentioned in the video are:

Mimi by Sorrelli Frenchwire Earrings ($61.60)
Sweetie Pie Jewelry Savannah Earrings ($36)