NYC Blows

Sometimes it's just easier for someone else to do it... that's exactly my mentality when it comes to the long and drawn out process that is prepping/blow drying/straightening/curling/etc. my hair. And doesn't it always end up looking the same anyway? Yes. Allow me to introduce you to three hair havens in the city who exist for the sole purpose of making your life easier and making others say, "I love your hair!" Drybar (4 West 16th Street and in Le Parker Meridien Hotel in Midown), Blow (342 W. 14th Street) and the John Barrett Braid Bar (574 Fifth Avenue) are here to save the day.

Drybar's tagline is "No cuts, no color, just blowouts." For $40 across the board (no matter your hair-type), Drybar's expert stylists will wash and blow dry your locks into perfection. They also do up-dos and home appointments if you're really in a time crunch. The best perk at Drybar is that if you make an appointment between 10AM-2PM on Saturday or Sunday, you can enjoy complimentary croissants and bagels during your service.

Blow offers everything Drybar does and also cut, color, manicures, makeup and waxing services. Their blowouts start at $40 and go up to $60 depending on your hair...if you ask me, you should just stick to Drybar where you know you're paying $40 no matter what. Also, Blow charges extra for straightening and any other "add ons."

My dreams came true when hair legend John Barrett opened up the John Barrett Braid Bar inside his existing midtown salon. Braids continue to be a trend and I, for one, am tired of standing in front of my mirror hopelessly attempting to copy the latest Jessica Alba braid that I love oh so much. The salon has a "menu" of braids to choose from - undone braided pigtails, whimsical milkmaid braids, fishtail-braided side ponytails, small french-braided updos and more are available. All braids are $45, and a shampoo + braids are $65. Not cheap, but a small price to pay for that perfect cocktail party braid you've been eyeing in InStyle magazine.

Fitness, Nutrition, Wellness, Beauty

One of my favorite daily email list serves, Vital Juice (http://vitaljuice.com/), has just gotten even better. With customized editions for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, "Everywhere", Moms, and soon to be San Francisco and Recipes, it's an easy go-to guide for that one great tip to put your mind (and body) at ease for the day. As if clever articles on fitness myths, stylish workout apparel, the best pilates studios, beauty tips and healthy recipes weren't enough, they've just teamed up with vitaminwater zero to release their Skinny Black Book for 2011. The Black Book is all about bringing you the latest, greatest and most buzzed about products/ideas in the areas of Fitness, Nutrition, Wellness and Beauty.

In "Fitness", celeb trainer Tracy Anderson is mentioned, as are the new Nike Free running shoes and a $1 yoga class passport.

"Nutrition" gives a shout out to Yum Universe as the best healthy recipe site and GoPicnic as the best on-the-go meal.

Skip down to "Wellness" to read about a radiation reducing cell phone case (Pong) and the 90-second secret to getting rid of headaches.

Finally, "Beauty" takes us from a new makeup of the month club called Birchbox to an intriguing and admittedly terrifying app called "In 20 Years" that shows you what you could look like after 20 years of aging. No thank you!

Click here for the full Skinny Black Book with more info and links. I can't wait to check out some of Vital Juice's tips for a healthy mind and body all year long.