I wish I were writing about somebody – anybody – else this week.

Anthony Williams was, by far, my favorite designer on Project Runway: All Stars. He’s witty and charming, and of course, incredibly talented. I always felt like his designs were the most wear-able and well constructed. He was thoughtful and interesting, and I was sad to see him go.

It seems I wasn’t the only one – the sentiment was the same across the board when Anthony chatted with myself and other reporters after his exit from the show:

What made you come back for another season of Project Runway?
“I had worked on Single Ladies on VH1 and made some money and I wanted to take the summer off. Then I got the call and I thought, ‘Oh, I don’t have anything else to do, so why not?’”

You ended up getting a lot of fabric from the street and then not using much of it. Did you think you were taking a risk by going in that direction?
“To be perfectly honest, I know that people don’t see this through the power of editing but that challenge changed so many times. At the beginning, it was that 50% of your look on the runway had to use 50 % of your fabric, and then it was Joanna was saying that it was aboutdesigning streetwear clothing, which it wasn’t. It was just supposed to be inspired by the clothes you found from people off the street. I know that Kenley used less than 50% of her materials, but when the girls left the runway, the writing was on the wall. It was just a perfect TV moment, how convenient that all the girls were safe.”

Do you think there were others who deserved to go over you?
“I think that the foundation of the show is fashion design. So I think beyond anything, at the end of the day, it was a fashion design challenge. Most definitely, there should have been someone else eliminated in that process. Michael Costello – I didn’t think what he created was amazing, you know? But it’s all about perspective. From my house and my friend’s home, they thought someone else should have gone home but if you had been Jerell’s friends, they probably would have thought I deserved to go home.”

Is there anyone you’re supporting now that you’re gone?
“That’s a good question. I want everyone to succeed but if I had to name someone to win, I’d say Rami. Being in the experience, everyone is edited to be a certain way but being there in person, he was one of the most genuine people and he actually was a fighter. I’ve been watching the show and some people come off really weird this time around. To know how hard it is and how badly he wanted it and to see him put the time and work in and not just coasting by, I think he definitely deserves to win.”

What did you think about Kenley helping Kara on her design in the workroom?
“I don’t thinkthat anything is wrong with that. You know, I think it’s a sad day when reality TV has convinced the world that the only way to be competitive is to be conniving and creating alliances against other people. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with people helping each other. The reality is that no matter who wins that show, you can’t do whatever it is you think you want to do after winning, you’ll need a team of individuals to help you do it. Someone you knew before may be your boss one day. The reality of it is, we all have to have help. I didn’t think anything was wrong with it and I thought it was weird that other people were so catty and bitter about them helping each other when in all honesty, it’s none of their damn business.”

Do you think they were being so catty and bitter on camera to keep themselves around?
“You know what it came across as very strategic. The way Mila lifts up her face and she’s all gorgeous and painted perfectly and Michael Costello is leaning over her shoulder, but if it were me in that situation I would be more concerned with the fact that my fellow competitor is distracting me trying to tell me what somebody else was doing.

What can we expect to see from you next?
“I really figured it out – my journey through Project Runway was not about making clothes. It’s kind of like, going on the show was me finding out that I’m a good designer but I can be even better. What helps me is my personality – I love designing clothes and it’s fun, but my strength is in working with people and I think I would be featured best in a host capacity. I don’t have to have people tell me what to say, I’ve studied people long enough and can relate to them well enough that all I need is a cameraman and the lights, a director, a producer and we can go. I’d like to pursue possibly having my own show, but not a show that celebrates me, a show that uses me as a catalyst to celebrate other people.

“At the moment I’m working as a stylist on Single Ladies and believe it not, I’m reading a script – you’ll see me doing a walk-on role as myself in a sitcom coming up very soon. I still travel as one of the fashion directors at Macy’s, so my life is very full. I have a lot to get over in this whole process, but it wasn’t about me. Project Runway and All Stars go into the TV history vault. It’s just another television show, successful or not. But it was the human experience and what we all learned through it that’s important.”

Here’s the full line up:

• Glenn – Bold berry red shimmer
• Rachel – Warm rich copper shimmer
• Meryl – The perfect neutral, sophisticated gray creme
• Marisa – Dark, rich cobalt blue shimmer
• Viola – Deepest dark purple creme
• Elizabeth – Midnight blue with a hint of shimmer
• Oscar – Sparkle like a star with this ultra chic, multi-dimensional gold glitter

According to Julep’s style quiz, I’m an American Beauty so the polishes selected for me this month were Glenn and, of course, Oscar.  I also received their cuticle oil which smells amazing.  The cuticle oil comes with a rollerball applicator which is pretty unique and genius if you ask me.  The other thing that just made me completely giddy was the Oscar shaped chocolate bar.  Julep is great about adding a fun surprise here and there.

My sister is American Beauty as well and she layered her Oscar over a pretty coral polish and it looked great.  There’s so much you can do with a great gold glitter polish.

If you haven’t checked out Julep yet, you can get your first box for only $5.00 with code XOXOTRINA.  And it’s not too late for the February Oscar box!

I could not possibly agree more!

So without further ado… Mariá!

How do you describe your style?
I call my style “Comfy Mamá Chic” I like my skinny comfy jeans, with cute flats instead of sneakers, blouses, blazers, striped shirts, etc. Anything that can take me from the playground to a coffee meeting or lunch without much change. Handbags,  jackets and blazers are my fave because they can dress up even the simplest of outfits.

When Old Navy‘s plus size division went strictly online the plus size community was in an uproar but Old Navy stuck to their guns and I have to admit they have done a great job with their plus size online shop. When you visit their site it is easy to find their plus size section which offers plus sizes from 16 to 30. What impresses me, beyond the bright colors, easy to find style selections, and fun every day styling is that there are so many items to choose from and that it really has become a one stop shop for affordable clothing options for women on a budget.

Casual Chic – Total Cost $116

Business Woman – Total Cost $130

Date Night – Total Cost $200

If you have not visited Old Navy because they do not carry your size in store I highly recommend you check out Old Navy‘s exclusive online plus size clothing store. You may be delightfully surprised in what you find.

United Styles is a new company that not only custom makes a dress for you – but YOU get to design it! FUN! I was so excited to try. Just go to their site and get started!

There are a zillion options. I decided to go with a wrap dress in a print. I chose long sleeves, so I can wear it now Within about a week, this package arrived on my doorstep:
It was my fitting dress! They make a sample dress for you to try on and make sure that your custom dress has a perfect fit!
How cute is it? I had to take a picture, despite my dirty mirror.
And this was just the test dress! I sent along my modifications – the fit was perfect, but I requested that it be two inches longer. One week later… TA-DA!!

I could not resist that fun print! Prices hover around $100 for a custom piece. So a little pricey for every day, but for a special occasion or for some where you really want to stand out and not be wearing the same thing as everyone else, its perfect! I was very impressed with the incredible quality of the workmanship and the fabrics. My mother-in-law is an fantastic seamstress (she made my sister-in-law’s wedding dress!) and she said that the dress was incredibly well-made. She couldn’t believe it was customized and fitted through the internet!

I highly recommend UnitedStyles! Follow them on Facebook and Twitter to keep updated on what they have going on!

What would YOU love to  try and design? A dress? Top? Jeans?

disclosure: i received a dress to facilitate this post. i was not compensated financially and, as always, all opinions are my own.

Apparently that’s the $50 question that some New Yorkers were faced with in this episode.  That and wondering if the exchange is entirely legal considering they had to walk home slightly nude in exchange for money.

Each designer was challenged to find a ‘muse’ on the streets and convince them to give their clothes to the cause.  The designers would have to create a new look using these clothing items.  After being turned loose it was clear that only Austin and Michael were the only ones actually looking towards what could be created rather than just going for whoever looked like they would take their clothes off.  Anthony appeared to be turning it into a game rather than a challenge.  Apparently he’s quite the smooth talker.

Back in the workroom some of the designers struggled with creating an outfit that incorporated the muse fabric/clothing.  And the resulting runway was evident of that.

[spoiler alert]

CHALLENGE WINNER: Mondo,who definitely stuck to his muse.  The skirt is interesting, although a tad short.  He had a great patterned maxi to work with so he was already ahead of the game.  I’m not crazy about the jacket with the skirt, it seems too busy for such a bold bottom.

PERSONAL FAVORITE: Mila.  I know the judges called it ‘NYU Grad Student Safe’ but I cannot get over those pants.  It’s like catwoman casual.  And that top is definitely along the lines of something you would see in Asos or TopShop.

SENT PACKING: Anthony.  Sure he didn’t even give a nod towards his muse, but compared to some of the other outfits, I was surprised he was given the boot.

PERSONAL WORST: Jerell.  Seriously?  How was he NOT sent home?  This look was absolutely atrocious.  Sean Avery said it best: “Lady Gaga and Gwen Stefani at Burning Man on acid.”  I’m not even sure which portion of it is the worst.

Who do you think should have won?  Been sent home?  Sound it out on Rate The Runway!

Missed our previous recaps? Catch them here: Episode 1  – Episode 2  -  Episode 3  -  Episode 4

The collection is whimsical, fun, colorful and feminine at the same time.

What do you think about this collection?  Do you have any favorites?  Mine are the lace dresses and the purple floral dress.  So pretty!

The icing on the cake:: You can get 15% off this new collection through this link.

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CoolSculpting takes about one hour per treated area and most patients are able to rest, check email or read while undergoing treatment. There is minimal discomfort with the treatment, no downtime and most patients can resume regular activity immediately after treatment.

Personally, I would love a tummy tuck. But those risks make me nervous and taking downtime to recover with three little kids is just not an option. Cool Sculpting is an amazing safe alternative – and significantly cheaper to boot!

WIN IT!

Cool Sculpting is giving away a treatment, valued at $1,500!

Be sure to follow Cool Sculpting on Facebook and Twitter for updates!

disclosure: we were compensated for our time in writing this post and promoting the giveaway.

Concord founded in 1635 is a chic, pretty little town 19 miles west of bustling Boston Common and is popular with city dwellers for a day out, biking, walking, sightseeing of shopping.

Concord was home not only to Alcott and her family but also to authors Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau and Walden Pond State Park, where the two friends lived, and made famous, is nearby. Salem born Nathaniel Hawthorne also lived in the town for two short periods.

Monument Square at the heart of the town is a great starting place as most of the attractions are within a 15-minute walk of this landmark. The square is dominated by its Civil War memorial obelisk and is lined by churches and the town hall.

Above the square, next to the Holy Family Catholic Church is Old Hill Burying Ground, the town’s first cemetery, peaceful and leafy with a view of the town. There are many interesting epitaphs here, including that of John Jack, an African American resident, written by Daniel Bliss, which starts “God wills us free, man wills us slaves. I will as God wills Gods will be done.”

There are 2 other cemeteries in town, Sleepy Hollow Cemetery where Alcott, Emerson and Thoreau are buried at Authors ridge and South Burial Ground, which contains among others, revolutionary war heroes. Concord’s North Bridge was the site for the first victory of the Revolution as the British were turned back towards Boston.

Orchard House, home to the Alcott family and where Louisa May wrote Little Women is just a mile from Monument Square on the Lexington Road. Tours are by guide only and tickets are on a first come first served basis. The Alcotts lived in Orchard house for 19 years and Louisa May wrote Little Women here in 1968 at a shelf desk her father made for her. The house is little changed since and many furnishings of the time are still there. Many visitors claim a tour is like a walk through the book itself. There is a store here to collect great Little Women merchandise and of course books.

Just to the east of the house is Wayside House, which was home to the Alcotts when Louisa was a teenager. The family later sold to Nathaniel Hawthorne. This is the house Louisa describes in Little Women, though is less atmospheric than Orchard House due to building alterations.

On the way back into town visitors will find the Concord Museum showing the history of the town and Emerson’s house where Ralph Waldo lived and died and is still owned by the Emerson family who have opened it as a museum.

Concord is full of cafes and restaurants to stop at and take stock of what you have seen so far on your visit to this ideal family destination.

This is a sponsored guest post. Linda is a freelance writer and bookseller who, following 19 years in IT for a large airline, loves to write about the places she has visited. She also adores her other job as a bookseller in a local bookstore.

But it is surprising that it’s taken me nine frigid,dry winters to discover nail brushes.

I keep it in my shower, and spend all of 30 seconds brushing my nails every day in the shower. My fingers are soft, cuticles are where they should be, and I haven’t seen a hangnail since I started.

The best part? At  most, you’ll pay about $5.

Is this news to anyone? Or am I the last person on this earth to figure out how surprisingly powerful these little nail brushes are?