Fabulous Fridays: A Tribute To Friendship, Cleopatra and SATC2

Last night I attended the premiere of Sex and the City 2 at New York's famous Ziegfeld Theater.

I'm not going to delve into a full out review, I'll save that for others. But I will say that the movie was FABULOUS!!!! You'll laugh your asses off and leave with a smile. In between all the humor and the guilty pleasures, the movie did address several modern day topics like couples who are childless, the importance of intimacy in a marriage, rearing children and working under a tyrant troll boss. Of course, the movie was full of fierce fashions and the strong bond of the dynamic foursome. That's the premise of Sex and The City, the brilliance of friendship and how each day our friends step up and show us what's possible.

Part of the joy of going to see the movie is getting dressed up in something fabulous and getting your girlfriends together. Tina of The Occasional Cook, Stacy of Taffeta Darlings, Alyssa, myself and a few others had an extra reason to be dazzled with the movie. Our shining star of the evening, our friend, the amazing Miss Wendy Brandes has one of her truly unique and beautiful pieces of jewelry in the movie. Samantha (Kim Cattrall) wears the dramatic gold and diamond Cleopatra earrings from Wendy's own jewelry line. During the scene when the earrings made their film debut, we all burst with pride for our friend and applauded. After all, for a designer it doesn't get better than having it appear in SATC. It's like having a line on Broadway.

We celebrated while drinking some Prosecco while Wendy lent each of her friends a pair of Cleopatra earrings of our own to wear during the movie. We were on our way for some fun!

I really loved the movie. I laughed the entire time. For me, the best part of the movie clearly was looking around and seeing my friends wearing the Cleopatra necklaces and earrings along with Miss Samantha. It just made the whole movie night feel more special. And obviously the worst part of the night was giving the earrings back. I mean, on hold.

Stacy, me and Wendy wearing the Cleopatra earrings last night at the premiere of SATC2.

Stacy and Wendy getting ready for their close-up.

The whole beautiful gang. Can you see the earrings on everyone?

If you want to take home a little bit of the movie, you will certainly enjoy Samantha's earrings. These shoulder-grazing beauties are truly very lovely and they certainly did look fabulous on everyone last night. Short or long hair, these earrings made everyone feel and look simply spectacular. Click here for the gold pair and here for the silver pair.

Samantha wearing Wendy's Cleopatra earrings

Here's a close up of the gold Cleopatra earrings...

...and the silver version.

I had a such a blast last night basking in the brilliance of my friendships, both new and old. Hope you have a happy and safe weekend. Anyone make any special plans? If your plans include SATC2, make sure look for Samantha wearing Wendy's earrings.

Summer Style: Does Your Hair Make The Cut?

Holy hotness!

Summer is all about those hot, sultry days of summer and what could be better than a short, sexy hair style?

I was trying to let it grow long, but I just couldn't stand how it was looking. Long hair is great to have, but I just can't deal with it most of the time. So last weekend I paid a visit to my friend and hair architect Rodney at Roy Teeluck Salon to cut off my locks I love sitting in Rodney's chair. He is such a perfectionist and really knows how to give a gal a great style. Keeping my hair short is super easy to take care of and it's a lot more fun.

Marianne, me and my new shorter look and Alexandria

If you are looking to change up your look or jut would like an amazing haircut from Rodney, I have three discount cards for Roy Teeluck Salon for 25 percent off the services you receive on your first visit. It's a relaxing, full-service salon that offers amazing beauty boosts. Let me know if you or a friend would like one and I'll happily put one in the mail for you.

Have a fabulous hump day!

Pink To Make 'Em Wink

As a New York gal who loves fashion and beauty, I'm so excited for Sex and the City 2.

So in honor of last night's premiere of the long-awaited sequel, I'm liking this hot pink slingbackfrom Manolo Blahnik this morning.

Manolo Blahnik's hot pink slingbacks

My gorgeous friend and jewelry queen Miss Wendy made her film debut last night. Her breath-taking gold and diamond Cleopatra earrings she designed are worn by Samantha (Kim Cattrall) in Sex and the City 2.

You can purchase the actually earrings from the movie by clicking here or the silver version by clicking here.

Photo courtesy of AP

Kristin Davis was my favorite. She went for a stunning vintage couture gown in silk chiffon from Decades Inc. It's hard to see in the photo, but it has this amazing diagonally ruched detail. This show-stopping column dress was finished with a lovely draped detail at the wait. The actress brought in fabulous accessories for modern appeal, including Fred Leighton jewelry, a Judith Leiber clutch and Christian Louboutin heels.

Who do you think looks the most fashionable? Let me know in the comments

Eye on Lilac

May is one of most favorite months. The weather is perfect. We celebrate Cinco de Mayo. All the pretty flowers are in full bloom. This is also the time my favorite flowers - the lilac - graces every sidewalk in New York City with their captivating fragrance. Each spring I look forward to seeing them and even though it's only in season a short while, they fill me with such joy as they always brings back so many happy memories.

When I was a child, we had not one, but two lilac trees in our yard and my parents would cut a few of the purple flowers to enjoy inside the house. My love of all things purple color did not wane through my teen years. My entire room was a rainbow of lilacs and lavenders - from the walls to the carpet and all the hanging pillows in between. During my teen years, I would love to wear these colors as eye shadows. Now that I'm grown, I had given up wearing them for more earthy colors. But the color is back in a huge way this Spring and I couldn't be more thrilled.

Arbonne's lilac eyeshadow is mineral-infused and long wearing. Click here to purchase this fabulous eyeshadow.

Purple has been a hot color in fashion the past two seasons. So why not incorporate this pretty hue in your makeup? I'm loving lilac as an eyeshadow. I love the way it compliments my hazel eyes. It's making them appear more bright, more green. And what's more is it's versatile enough color to wear if you have brown eyes as well. If you're a blue-eyed beauty and want to use the lilac eyeshadow, just be sure to keep the rest of your makeup clean and simple. And to my redhead readers, lilac will be amazing on you. Lilac is also great on all skin tones. It just the perfect happy color to have in your collection.

In addition to it's looking great on everyone, it's an easy way to change up your look in the warmer weather. Just add lots of mascara as well as a soft and pretty pink blush and gloss to keep the focus on your eyes.

Are you ready to wear lilac eyeshadow?

Don't Get Burned: Summertime Sun Protection

May is skin cancer awareness month.

It’s a great reminder how important it is for all of us to take care of our skin when we’re out in the sun.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, affecting one in five Americans during their lifetime. There are more than two million people in this country who develop non-melanoma skin cancers ever year, according to a study in the Archives of Dermatology, which is more than a 350 percent increase in skin cancer incidence since 1994, when rates were last estimated. And, recent studies show that people over 40 have the highest annual exposure to the harmful UV rays.

Don’t get burned! Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day, even with the sun isn’t shining.

I have a complete line of the very best sun protection products for the face, body and hair. It will leave you and your whole family protected from the harmful, damaging rays. And, since 90 percent of the visible signs of aging is due to sun exposure, all of my products are formulated with anti-aging elements and key botanicals like calming chamomille extract, linden extract and moisturizing rosemary that will support your skin before the damage is done.

Before Sun Damage Control Set

I want to share with you my favorites:

The Glow With It After Sun Lotion. I simply love this. You put it on after you get out of the sun and it will give you that nice sheen.

I also love the To The Rescue Hair Protectant. Since hair is an appendage of your skin and we need to protect our hair just as much as our skin.

If sitting out in the sun isn't your thing, but you want to look like you just had a Mediterranean vacation, be sure to pick up Made In The Shade Self-Tanner Sunscreen with SPF15. Say good bye to your self-tanners that give you an that orangey glow the Oompa-Loompa's made famous in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

I also have a fabulous Damage Control Water-Resistant Sunscreen SPF 30 and Lip Saver Sunscreen SPF 30, perfect to toss in your beach bag.

Oompa-Loompa's

Arbonne's sun protection line has no mineral oil in any of them. I mention this because mineral oil is the second leading cause of aging, sun being the first, so when you're out in the sun with products with mineral oil, it's a double-edged sword. Click to read about how harmful using products with mineral oils can be here.

Remember, SPF is not an indication of how much time you can spend in the sun. Rather it's a filter that blocks out a percentage of the UVB rays (An SPF of 15 filters out about 93 percent, SPF 30 about 97 percent. In addition, the beneficial effects of sunscreen decreases over time, which means that during the first hour you get more protection than as time passes.

With the beautiful, sunny weekend we have in store for us this weekend, please remember your sunscreen! You will thank me for this later.

While you're pondering which sun products you need, click here to listen to my favorite summer song from The Boss.

Girls In Their Summer Clothes

To purchase any Arbonne beauty or wellness products or if you or a friend need more information, you can contact me directly at jennifer.weitzman15@gmail.com or visit my website, jenniferweitzman.myarbonne.com. The products can be shipped directly to you or anyone else.

Feel Good Fashion: Going Green

The fashion industry's job is to tell you what to wear. Fortunately, a steady drumbeat of fashion companies and designers are turning the world onto eco-fashion by making styles that are chic and sexy. And why not, it's better for the earth, better for us and it is certainly better for the animals. We are living in a society where we scrutinize what foods we put into our bodies and where in the world they come from, doesn't it make sense to you to want to know something about what you are putting on your body?

Case in point, T. Luxe, an eco-friendly lingerie company, is proving "beauty is sustainable." The Brooklyn-made line creates innovative designs using sustainable practices with the lowest impact on the environment. All of T-Luxe designs feature luxurious sustainable fabrics like helm and organic silks which are colored through a low-impact natural dye process. All of the energy used to produce T-Luxe designs is off-set through carbon off-set programs.

What is most remarkable to me about T-Luxe is that it's making earth-friendly fashion that breaks the mold. Eco-friendly fashion is just that. Fashion. It doesn't have to be akin to the potato sack - dowdy and beige to be fabulous. Rather, this line is all about being frilly, flirty and feminine. Think sweet but with an edge of spice.

You can purchase T-Luxe at Nimli Pop-up Store on Great Jones Street in NYC or Pretty Thing in Beverly Hills or by clicking here.

Wouldn't you love breakfast in bed. Why not in this adorable blouse made of organic silk.

In another example of beauty saving the world, check out Above Magazine, a new quarterly magazine distributed by Comag, a division of Conde Nast. The magazine's goal is to education us through beautiful photography and great journalism about the challenging times we face today protecting our planet's endangered natural resources. In this issue, the cover story, model Elettra Weidemann, daughter of Isabella Rossellini, talks of her commitment to the environment. There is also an amazing story about the Florida Everglades.

Above Magazine's Spring 2010 premier issue.

Michael and I visited the Everglades in April. We did a boat tour and actually got to see an alligator up close. It was really thrilling. The alligator came right up to the boat and we got these amazing photos.

Just your friendly alligator I found in the Everglades.

So tell me, what do you do to be more green in your life? Do you eat locally? Do you wear eco-friendly clothing? Do your beauty products have pure, safe ingredients? Let me know in the comments.

The Simple Pleasures of Life

The older you get, the more you realize how important good health and nutrition is to your overall well-being. I read food labels, eat organically when I can and make sure I take in a balance of nutrients in my diet. I also make exercising a part of my daily routine. In addition to eating well and working out which we all know is good for your health, I love using the pure, safe and beneficial products from Arbonne, especially their blockbuster RE9 skincare system, to keep my skin looking youthful.

We also know that as you age, your life becomes richer and sweeter. This could mean luxuriating in the experience of the simple pleasures of life. For instance, getting to spend a warm afternoon with an old friend, reading the Sunday New York Times with a big cup of coffee or sinking your toes into the sand. There are also those guilty pleasures of life. Whether it's reality TV, desserts or Christian Louboutin shoes, let's face it, we all have them.

This past week brought out a whole lot of decadence in my life. Last week, I went to my first Yankee game of the season. It was a warm, beautiful night in the Bronx. No, that's not the guilty pleasure. It's the Lobel's steak sandwich. This hefty sandwich will throw you back $15, but the freshly sliced, finely cut meat is worth every bite. Since the Yankees won the World Series last year and we enjoyed a Lobel's for each game we attended, I guess I'm going to have to stick with tradition and get another one at tomorrow night's game.

Eating a Lobel's steak sandwich at Yankee Stadium. Photo credit: Lisa Kilmnick Motz

The other guilty pleasure took place on Saturday at Conrads Ice Cream Parlor & Luncheonette in Westwood, New Jersey. After gulping down an amazing peanut butter shake and a tasty sandwich, I set my eyes on a fancy pair of shoes - made of milk chocolate of course made at this classic 90-year old candy and ice cream mecca.

Chocolate pumps at Conrad's...

...are topped with red non-pareils and a cloth bow. The red non-pareils can be placed on the bottom to replicate Christian Louboutins for a slightly higher cost.

How was everyone's weekend? Did you get to enjoy a simple pleasure or were you more decadent? Let me know in the comments.

Are You Swimsuit Ready?

I know it doesn't feel like it in the Northeast, but summer is just around the corner. I moved my bright, sunny clothes to the front of my closet and brought the bikes up from the basement. But it wasn't until my swimsuit came into view that I realized I still had some work to do in some areas. Yikes. I looked at my calendar and came to the scary reality that summer is only 51/2 weeks away.

After a long, cold winter, I'm feeling my midsection isn't as toned as I would like it to be. There were plenty of nights of digging into comfort foods and drinking too much red wine. I need to take my workouts up another notch if I want to get into my bikini.

One way for you to tone your abs and help you feel comfortable in your swimsuit is by working with a medicine ball. The addition of a medicine ball is an easy way to get fabulous abs as well as a total body workout. Originally used by boxers, medicine balls are not only fun to use, but also provide a more efficient workout that really focus on your abs. Also, you don't have to perform a huge number of crunches when you use a medicine ball because it adds resistance and intensity to your basic ab routine.

Shape magazine has an incredible medicine ball. It has a unique grip that makes it easier to handle and use. They come in multiple sizes (6 pound, 8 pound, 10 pound and 12 pound weight increments), so there is one for everyone. You can order your medicine ball from The Shape Store here.

The fingergrip ball from Shape Magazine

Of course, you shouldn't only rely on ab work to get into your bikini. A proper healthy diet and a cardio exercise program should also be part of your game plan.

So, who is ready to strut their stuff this summer? Who is ready to show off their hard work this winter in a bikini? Are you ready to join me in a four-week abs challenge? Let me know in the comments.

Are Your Feet Ready For Sandal Season?

It's sandal season. Hooray!!! Are your feet ready to make their debut?

Get ready to make your feet happy by sinking them into Arbonne's amazing Herbal Foot Cream.

The truth is, it's so much more than just a foot cream! It's a fabulous foot cream. It's natural and very moisturizing. You'll walk away feeling refreshed. It's stimulating and soothing, and the rich, non-greasy herbal formula will make your feet feel amazing. Its blended with alpha hydroxy acids to prevent rough skin from forming and keep your feet feeling soft and supple. You'll love putting this on at night after a long day or right after a shower. The refreshing peppermint scent is addictive and the cooling sensation will blow you away. It's also great on other dry patches like your elbow and knees.

The Intelligence Herbal Foot Cream is available in a 4.3 oz. tube for $16 or 1.8 oz 5-pack travel size tubes for $24.50.

Don't stress. Just let me know what beauty delights you would like and make your feet happy. To purchase any Arbonne beauty or wellness product or if you need more information or want to have a spa party, you can contact me directly at jennifer.weitzman15@gmail.com or visit my web site jenniferweitzman.myarbonne.com. The products can be shipped directly to you or make a fabulous gift.

Fabulous Fridays: To The Moms We Love

Being a working mother and juggling today's contemporary lifestyle must not be an easy task. Corporate culture and being a mom are both demanding in of itself. Put them together and you'll find an amazing woman. This woman has learned to carefully balance her time between managing her career and family life.

To honor all the sacrifices Moms do, The National Mother's Day Committee, held a lovely luncheon at The Pierre in New York City on Thursday afternoon where a mix of hard-working career mom and media came together to attend the 32nd annual Outstanding Mother Awards.

I was so inspired by all the hardworking moms in the room. I could feel the motherly love in the air. Soledad O'Brien, the CNN Anchor and Special Correspondent served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Dr. Holly Atkinson, chief medical officer with HealthiNation, Maureen Chiquet, the global chief of Chanel, Mindy Grossman, the chief of HSN, Victoria Reggie Kennedy, a lawyer and advocate and Alfre Woodard, the award-winning actress and activist were all honored for demonstrating strong family values and job leadership.

What all these successful women, all from various backgrounds and career paths, had in common was having a strong mother in her corner, rooting for her and instilling in each of them the gift of self-confidence and a firm belief they could do whatever they wanted in life.

Laurie Dowley, Dr. Holly Atkinson, Mindy Grossman, Maureen Chiquet, Mark Shriver, Victoria Kennedy, Alfre Woodard, Stuart Goldblatt at the Outstanding Mother Awards. Photo courtesy of Berns Communications Group.

These leading women shared stories of their own mothers and offered their own tips on how to juggle a demanding career while raising a child.

When asked how to raise a child with good character, Dr. Atkinson said you need to set an example. "It's the only thing to influence a child," this human right advocate and educator said. "It's about being present in the mist of love." Dr. Atkinson got a chuckle from the sold-out crowd when she recalled her one sacrifice she made when she became a step-mother to Zoe. "I gave up a Jaguar when I got together with my husband. She explained that his daughter Zoe complained about the backseat of the luxury car being the size of a Chanel bag and Dr. Atkinson had to sell the car. Today Zoe now appreciate the merits of a Jaguar and now complains about not having one.

Maureen Chiquet, who was decked out in a lovely cream Chanel suit, told the audience that despite having a permanent first class seat on Air France, she is happiest when her children are happy and they are doing things they love. "That's when I feel the most successful," she said.

Victoria Reggie Kennedy reflected on words her grandmother and mother whispered to her: "You could be anything you want to be," her family told her.

Alfre Woodward told the crowd: "All of these children belong to us and I ask you to step up as big chiefs," she said.

But there was not a single dry eye when Mindy Grossman spoke so eloquently about her family. Two weeks ago, Mindy lost both her mom and dad within 72 hours of each other. Choking back tears, she said her parents always told her she was special and she could do anything. "I had the unconditional love and it has made me who I am today," she said.

The proceeds from the luncheon will benefits Save the Children's U.S. programs. If you want to donate to Save the Children, click here.

Later that night, I went to a special dinner in Westchester in honor of Lisa Gjelaj, who works with me at Arbonne and who is a mother of six children, all under 8 years old. Lisa was rewarded for her hard work and dedication with a brand new white Mercedes. This dynamite woman has successfully lead a huge team while raising her own army and has done it with such grace and class. When I talk to her on the phone about starting my Arbonne business, it sounds a little crazy in the background, but Lisa has always made the time for me.

I was raised by a working mom. My mom brought up my brother and I and at the same time received her Master's Degree and worked full time as a New York City school teacher. She would be home by 4 pm, drive us to our after-school activities, make dinner, help with our school projects, grade papers and if she was lucky, got a moment to herself. She always was there for us, made us feel loved and has always been my biggest supporter even though sometimes didn't deserve it.

Me and my Mom at the World Series in 2001.

My mom has given me the love of reading, knitting and she has certainly influenced my views of femininity and personal style which I'm very proud of. As I get older, I appreciate my mom more and more each day and I'm so glad I have so many of her wonderful traits. My mom is beautiful, strong and is full of compassion for all. A day doesn't go by without me placing a call to her and asking her opinion on everything I do. Now that I'm 40 and wanting a family of my own, I can only hope to be half as great as my Mom is to me. Thanks Mom for making me the woman I am today. I'm looking forward to celebrating with you this weekend.

Wishing all my fabulous friends and family members a very happy mother's. We wouldn't be the strong women we are today without your love.

Ole!

It's time to do the Mexican Hat Dance! It's Cinco de Mayo. Like the famous guacamole and margaritas made by my fabulous friend Tina at The Occasional Cook, nothing gets me in the mood for a good fiesta like fashion from south-of-the-border.

So to honor my love of all things and people from Mexico, here are my favorite picks for the perfect Mexican accent. And don't think you need to save these for a night with Don Julio. With the warm temperatures, these ethnic-inspired pieces are here to stay.

This festive, floor-sweeping cotton skirt from Roberto Cavalli oozes Mexico and of course I love it.

Mesh embroidered top from Topshop.

A woven cotton shirt with embroidered hemline from Forever 21.

Nothing speaks more of ethnic flair than Antik Batik and this colorful sheer silk kaftan would like at dinner or the beach.

Get ready to dance the night away in this silk dress in ethnic-inspired print with beads medallions from Nanette Lepore.

Finish off any look with this floral embroidered scarf.

I'm just left wondering if it's too early for a cocktail? Have a fabulous day everyone! Now that you know what to wear, what's everyone doing tonight to celebrate?

Olé!

Cycling Fun Day

I've been inspired by the amazing Kallie at Fit and Forty Something. You see Kallie is all about fitness, food and fun. She comes up with invigorating workouts, healthy meals that sound delicious and all the while living life to the fullest.

I try to live by that mantra everyday. And with the warm weather finally here, taking my workouts outside is getting easier. I recently put my gym membership on hold so I can do so. I especially want to do more outdoor bike riding. I love the freedom riding my bike gives me and seeing the pavement pass me by really gets me excited (more so than running, I feel like I'm really going someplace). Believe it or not, New York City is a a fabulous place to ride a bicycle. Over the past couple of years, the city has added hundred of miles of bike lands and paths, making it safer and more enjoyable. It's a great way to explore.

This past Saturday, Michael and I got our bikes out of the basement and finally took our maiden voyage. We went up the east side of the Isle of Manhattan, along the East River, across upper Manhattan and down the gorgeous West Side Greenway along the Hudson River to Battery Park.

Going for my first ride of the season along the Hudson River

It was a tough go for the first half of the ride. I struggled to keep up with Michael and couldn't even make it up a hill (something I usually can do well). But that was because the brake on my back wheel locked. Once I released it, I was able to ride the bike like it was meant to be. What a difference having two wheels spinning at the same time does for your ride.

I wanted to take more pictures of our tour, but I was too busy trying to keep up with Michael on the first half of the ride and wanting to get out of the sun along the second half. It was a great ride despite the crowds of people and I definitely want to go again.

After our ride, of course we were famished. After all, why bike ride if there isn't a meal involved? We headed back up to Harlem via the bus and train to Dinosaur Barbecue.

BBQ anyone?

Most of this ended up in my belly. Yum! But after our epic bike ride, it's well deserved. Don't you think?

So I'm just wondering, do you treat yourself to a big meal after a workout or do you workout the next day after a big meal?

Have a fabulous Monday!