In case you haven't heard on the other social networking sites yet, I have become a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant! I decided this opportunity was too good to pass up and it compliments my yoga career and my passion for health and wellness.

I use Mary Kay products and love that they are made in the U.S.A., they are great for my skin, and they are cheaper than some other products I was using (and those of you that know me, you know I am always looking for ways to save money! :)

SO, with that being said I am promoting my official debut party (Sept. 30th @7pm--those of you that live in NY will get a special invitation to that) and you can come over and celebrate this new journey I'm taking with some of my homemade goodies..I'm thinking key lime pie is in order :)

Until then my website is up for orders and I'm giving you 10% off because I like you! :) Also, no shipping since I have too many friends that don't live in NY. If you would prefer an order in person I would be happy to do a facial or other product demonstration. Also, please don't forget Mary Kay sells Men's products and they're great! DON'T let your husband wash his face with bar soap! Replace it with MK facial soap made exclusively for men (and yes, its in bar form). Ok, I'll get off my soap box haha :)

Here's the website: www.MaryKay.com/ericamharris

Cortland's Best Beauty Supplies is at Best Way

I needed a new travel hairdryer for my trip to France.  I checked at Walmart and didn't find anything that would do.  Most were too large and bulky.  I started to drive home defeated, and wondering if I should make the 25 minute drive to ithaca when I noticed a quaint beauty supply store on route 281 (next to Friendly's).  The outside I had driven by many times, noting that there was a beauty supply store in Cortland, who knew?  I parked my car and walked up to the house-like building, with a wooden textured roof and fragrant garden to the left of the shop.  I was greeted by the store owner, Erika, (which is also my name) and immediately she was egger to help.  I ended up walking out with a cute purple, collapsable, travel blow dryer, and become a new frequent shopper.

Best Way Barber & Beauty Supplies has been in Cortland for over 40 years!  It has often been the 'go-to' place for local stylists and barbers.  However, it seems to be one of Cortland's gem stores that not many people know about.  With competitive prices, unique hair products and accessories, Best Way has everything! Upon walking in, one could feel a little overwhelmed by how many products are stuffed into this store--however, for any beauty enthusiast or just the average person, the selection is incomparable!  

Erika specializes in wig and extension designs.  Why pay hundreds of dollars for permanent extensions when you can clip in new length?  There are also some many wigs to choose from: real hair, synthetic hair...curly, straight, red, brown, black..well you get the point!

Stop by today and ask for Erika! She'll point you in the right direction for all of your beauty supply needs. Also, be sure to ask for this amazing hemp oil serum that completely changed the texture of my hair! Just a few drops made it silky smooth, shiny, and soft!

Check out Best Way on Facebook!

Matté Factor Ithaca, NY

Friendly service. I was greeted by a long-haired man named Andrew.  He had kind eyes that seemed to never look away.  After I placed my order he engaged me in conversation "where are you from," "what will you do today," "where did you graduate-what did you study," etc. etc. etc.  I sat down in my private wooden booth: its twisting logs and knotted lacquer table engulfed me.  Looking up: the ceiling was perfect molding but had an old colonial feel.  Large oak trees intertwined through the cafe (some fake, some real) and I felt as if I was in a tropical rain forrest.  Andrew served my hot lentil soup with virgin olive oil dripping on the steamy hot bread.  My chai was upgraded from a small to gigantic-in hopes I would return I'm assuming.  We engaged in another casual conversation and I was left alone to devour my tea.  I look forward to returning. 

Chai Latte: extra spicy, foamy, and smooth. Lacking the creaminess that some other cafe has but overall and very different cup of tea!

Maté Factor is just a short walk from Mighty Yoga studio.  So grab a chai before or after class or some of their well-known all natural fruit smoothies and juices.

Maté Factor

607) 256-2056

143 E State St 

Ithaca, NY 14850

matefactor.com

Eating my way through New York City 2009

Good friends, great times enjoying sushi!

Ok, so I've held on to these photos long enough..its time to share with the world.  Well, maybe not the world, but defiantly YOU if you're reading this.  My best friend and I welcomed a friend to the United States last april in NYC.  We seemed to have an asian fetish while we were there: going to China Town and eating sushi daily from local markets.  Here are my top picks:

First stop was IchiUmi Japanese and seafood buffet located on 6 E. 32nd St.  Upon walking in we soon discovered ourselves in a Japanese seafood heaven.  There was a (seemed like) 50 ft buffet of sushi, sashimi, and other seafood delicacies including whole soft shell crab and shrimp.  My favorite was the fresh clams and stuffed seafood mushrooms.  Also, the sushi was so fresh and presentation was a work of art.  We stayed there long enough to have 3 servings PLUS a meander at the dessert buffet.  The desserts were so small and each one made with delicate and delicious care.  Only come here if you love authentic japanese food/seafood and if you're hungry!

We tried another place close to Grand Central Station and 42 st. (the name escapes me for the time being).  This restaurant is high-class and fine Chinese cuisine. I sampled the traditional cantonese spicy soft crab shell.  The spices were savory and crab was succulent.  However, spicy can not be emphasized enough!  I would have enjoyed it more if they weren't out of lobster, but the crab had excellent flavor.  I hear that the roasted rabbit is their specialty dish but I will have to try it next time.

Next, I had the pleasure of trying my first udon noodle soup at a chic place called Gomen Kudasai in New Paltz, NY (about 1 hour outside of NYC). We had this restaurant all to ourselves--too bad more people do not know of this place!  Their beautiful boutique welcomes you as you enter: my best friend bought some Japanese traditional trimming shears and I bought some chopsticks (with holder).  The udon noodles were extra thick and tasted doughy.  The broth was delectable and I was disappointed when I neared the bottom of my tall bowl.  The restaurant also specializes in traditional Japanese pickling featuring pickles, cabbage, and beets.

Next, a night out with great friends at Oskini Japanese restaurant near Bard College.  This place had great presentation and atmosphere.  Great sushi and many different options that are reasonable in price.