Little Bar in Hoboken: Hot Spot for Craft Cocktails and Small Plates

Little Bar is a new hot spot that just opened up this month in Uptown Hoboken at 1401 Hudson Street. This new restaurant and bar is a collaboration of partners Weng Lee, Chef Seadon Shouse and Michael Barry, serving up craft cocktails and small bites with a speakeasy vibe. The Euro-style restaurant really is a little bar, at 500 square feet and a capacity of 25 people so I do recommend making a reservation. The intimate setting makes it easy to have a conversation, so it's a great spot for a date night or catching up with a friend. 

I really enjoyed the She's-So Lim-n Lychee specialty cocktail and the small plates served as boards were so delectable and perfect for sharing. My favorite dish was the Duck Liver Pate, which I will definitely be coming back for! I also loved the Kaluga Caviar served with house made potato chips and crème fraiche and the House Made Maple Smoked Salmon. I always have a sweet tooth, so the Chocolate Pot du Crème with Espresso Crumble was the perfect way to end my night. 

Above Photos by Joshua McHugh

Here's a look at the small plates from my culinary experience:

Keluga Caviar with house made potato chips and créme fraiche

Duck Liver Pate

House Made Maple Smoked Salmon

Panna Cotta with Blueberry Jam

Chocolate Pot du Crème with Espresso Crumble

- Kim Weling

Speakeasy Dining with Chef Simon at Loft 29

LEIBZIGER ALLERLEI P crab/oyster mushroom/edamame/carrots/asparagus/alba truffle sauce Bürgerspital, FRANKEN, Würzburger Pfaffenberg Silvaner 

If you are looking for a unique, dining experience, you'll want to make your next reservation at Loft 29 hosted by Chef Simon Cordes. This speakeasy restaurant indulges guests with elevated, modern German cuisine in an intimate dinner setting. Chef Simon prepares a curated 5-course tasting menu and wine pairing (wines provided by Wunderwein) that changes weekly. The historic, restored space is in a private loft with wood accents and exposed brick walls. 

Having traveled to Germany for the first time last summer/fall, I recently started to miss German food and this experience just brought it all back for me! The herring and apple strudel were my favorite dishes of the evening, and sincce I love sweet wines the dessert wine was my favorite!

WHITE ASPARAGUS GF, VT saffron aioli/speck crumble/chives/ marinated radish Freiherr Von Gleichenstein, BADEN, Grauer Burgunder Gutswein trocken 

HERRING P, GF housewife sauce/rösti/pickled onions/dill/trout roe Gut Hermannsberg, NAHE Riesling Sekt Brut 

SAUERBRATEN RHINELAND STYLE GF chive-mashed potato/glazed pearl onions/braised red cabbage/demi-glace Battenfeld-Spanier, RHEINHESSEN, Spätburgunder 

APPLE STRUDEL cinnamon whipped cream/raspberry coulis Bürgerspital, FRANKEN, Würzburger Rieslaner 

This is a great way to spend an evening among friends or for a date night out. For reservations, visit www.chef-simon.com.

- Kim Weling

iPhone Accessories Holiday Gift Guide 2023

With every new iPhone launch also comes new accessories! I used to have dozens of cases that I used to switch to match my outfits or my mood, but these days I'd rather have fewer cases that I can call my favorites. Check out my round up of phone cases for this season!

Kate Spade Morgan Colorblocked 

iPhone 14 Pro / Pro Max Cardholder Case, $60

I always seem to buy a new iPhone right before the new model comes out. Last time it was because my battery kept dying, this time it's because I lost my phone. While many people are looking for iPhone 15 cases, I have my eyes set on ones for the iPhone 14 Pro. This case is great for anyone that loves earth tones and neutrals. This one comes in Saffiano leather, with a back case that opens up to reveal two card slots. 

Case-Mate Brilliance Chandelier

iPhone 14 Plus, $40

If you happen to have an iPhone 14 Plus, then you are in luck! Instead of $40 you can find this for $14.99 at Target. The 14 Pro can be found on Amazon for $34.49. This case has a gold glitz and glamour feel with an art deco vibe, inspired by a sparkling chandelier.

Burga Emerald Pool 

Elegant iPhone Case, $34.95

These Burga cases are definitely on my gifting list (for myself lol). I love the designs, especially this marble one, and they look sturdy too. They also come in all different sized cases. 

Moschino Teddy Bear AirPods Case, $130

I'm still shocked I don't own AirPods yet, but this would be my case of choice! I love the Moschino bear! I wish there was a phone case in the shape of the bear. 

- Kim Weling

XGIMI MoGo 2 Pro Portable Projector

Earlier this year XGIMI launched the MoGo 2 Pro Portable Projector. It is the first smart portable projector, engineered to provide professional visual and sound experience in and around your home. I love the compact design, making it easy to move it to any room and stream on the wall, ceiling, or outside. It's also great to travel with. When I previewed the XGIMI next to a competitor brand, it was easy to see the crispness and clarity with the XGIMI, as well as incredible sound quality. 

The XGIMI MoGo 2 Pro also has fully automated uninterrupted image correction, intelligent obstacle avoidance (will automatically scale the image around objects in view) and intelligent screen alignment, automatically match the projected image with your projector screen, regardless of the size. 

More features of the XGIMI MOGO 2 Pro:

• Hollywood-Standard Visuals: With 400 ISO lumens, integrated D65 color temperature standard adopted by Hollywood, and a 90% DCI-P3 color gamut, all colors are restored in brilliant, lifelike detail. 
• Seamless Setup, Smart Projecting in a Snap: New ISA 2.0 technology ensures you never miss a moment of your favorite movies, TV shows, or games. 
• 8W Speakers with Dolby Audio: MoGo 2 Pro offers a deeply immersive and cinematic audio experience thanks to its built-in dual 8W speakers with Dolby Audio. 
• Smooth Android TV 11.0 and 3D Movies at Home: Decodes 4K video seamlessly and supports 3D content. Moreover, the upgraded Android TV 11.0 provides the ultimate user-friendly viewing experience. 
• Movies on the Go: Easily connect MoGo 2 Pro to your power bank, allowing you to move it to different rooms or take it on your next outdoor adventure.

- Kim Weling

Mother's Day Accessory Gift Guide 2023

Whether you are shopping for your mom for Mother's Day or are a mom looking for a gift to treat yourself, here are my top accessory gift picks! Thank you to the Accessories Council for all the gifting ideas and introducing me to these amazing brands and products!

Dune Jewelry Wave Necklace - Turquoise Gradient

Dune Jewelry allows you to customize your sterling silver jewelry piece by taking sand you got from the beach or other earth elements you've found, layered to a gem-like finish. If you don't have an element to send, you can select Old Silver Beach and one of their sand artists can handcraft a Wave necklace for you. It's also something to think about for the future - you can collect sand from an upcoming beach or hiking  trip with your mom or you can gift this as a hint of a future trip! It's a conversation piece that your mom can always cherish!

Alzerina Jewelry Cabo Verde Ana Bracelet

Alzerina Jewelry has various collections including the Cabo Verde collection, inspired by the Conta di Ojo bead that originated in Cabo Verde, Africa. Each handcrafted piece is made with authentic Conta di Ojo beads, widely known as a symbol of protection from the evil eye to bring anyone wearing it good luck and energy! You can choose from colorful crystals and beads to black and gold.

Naomi Cuff - 14K Gold Plated

Sophie Blake NY is a women-owned jewelry brand that has modern, architectural and textural cuff designs that really caught my eye. I have always loved cuff bracelets since they can adjust to fit any wrist.

DKNY Sunglasses 116 S Matte Black

DKNY sunglasses are a useful gift that everyone can use daily, whether you are driving to work, walking to the store or going on vacation! This particular pair is perfect for everyday wear and is comfortable and lightweight.

POP BAG USA Pebbled Leather Mini Crossbody

Pop Bag is a unique gift, as you can customize your bag by snapping on a different color or patterned leather panel. You can also choose from a small, medium or large size tote and even get additional leather panels in case you decide to color block your bag later or add a pop of color. For the mini crossbody bags, you can choose from saffiano, pebbled or croc-embossed leather. For the larger tote size, there are additional options such as PVC, clear or even a Swarovski crystals tote. I have the pebbled mini in pink and I love it! It's the perfect size to fit my essentials, love the gold chain strap and the option to wear it as a crossbody or carry it as a tote.

Daniel Med Everyday Leather Satchel Bag

If you are looking for a fashion-forward soft leather bag with multiple pockets and functional details, then you'll want to check out Hammit LA. I also love the additional rivets and reinforced hardware on these bags. Hammit LA has several options including clutch, crossbody, shoulder, satchel, tote and backpack styles. There are. also bold colors such as a bright red or palm green.

Luna Selene Jackie O. Houndstooth Ankle Bootie 2.0

Luna Selene handcrafted footwear invokes elegance with timeless femininity, mixing the glamour of the 1950s-60s with today's modern edge. These shoes are made in Italy, and can be dressed up or down. The Jackie O. Houndstooth Ankle Bootie 2.0 is definitely my favorite, with a contrast red heel but I also love the Monroe Red Suede Pumps.

Cole Haan ØriginalGrand Platform Wingtip Oxford

These Cole Haan ØriginalGrand Platform Wingtip Oxfords are sustainable, super lightweight and comfortable with a Sitchlite™ knit upper in 100% recycled PET knit yarn and Patented Flowerfoam™ sole made from a minimum of of 25% dandelion rubber. These oxfords come in a variety of fashionable colors including optic white-metallic silver, rose smoke, gold-ivory and pecan-ivory.

- Kim Weling

The Makeup Show NYC 2023

I had been anticipating the return of The Makeup Show NYC! This is one of my favorite shows to connect with brands and makeup artists and meet new people in the. beauty industry! It's also a great time to shop and stock up for your makeup kit or for yourself! I usually like to scope out what brands will be there ahead of time and also make a list what items I need, as you'll find product heavily discounted as much as 40-50% off. You can also learn so much about artistry from the educational sessions to speaking with makeup artists to learn some new tips and tricks. Here's are some highlights from walking the show floor at this year's show.

I love Danessa Myricks products and artistry! The shades, pigmentation and palettes are all amazing! Also, be sure to meet with Danessa herself! She is so inspirational and talented -  she is a huge part of The Makeup Show!

Francis Star Cosmetics

Neen Pretty Shady Pressed Pigment Eye Shadows

SeSpring vegan and cruelty-free Korean-inspired skincare

Katiely Beauty

1cm2 Art press-on nails - love the variety in designs and they also have options for shorter nails. They had 1 set for $15 or 2 for $20 at the show which was great discounted pricing!

Regen4D created through a patented process with 4D HA

Julie Mollo bags in fun and sparkly designs from clutches to cosmetic bags and totes

Lola's Lashes including magnetic lashes

Faace with skin solutions to help with stress, your period or tiredness

Minimalista featuring scrunchies infused with Hyaluronic Acid

Janet & Jo. nail lacquer in bold shades for summer including neons

Vike Beauty Makeup Melt makeup removal spray

Clinisoothe+ Skin Purifier

Around The World Beauty sharing culture through beauty & travel 

FACE Atelier

Mario Badescu is my go-to for facial sprays! Newest scents: Aloe, Adaptogens and Coconut Water and Aloe, Sage and Orance Blossom

Jones Road Beauty Lip Tints

Make Up For Ever products were all 50% off! Decided to try this lip color in Festive Fuchsia

MOB Beauty 

- Kim Weling

NAD IV Therapy at Fild Studio in NYC

Photo credit: Fild Studio

I recently received a NAD (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) IV Therapy treatment at the newly opened Fild Studio in NYC. This treatment specializes in anti-aging and hydration and can stimulate cell regeneration in your body. Dr. Randa Jaffar effortlessly and painlessly inserted the IV and then sat down with me during my treatment to answer any questions I may have. My IV drip took approximately one hour and then I was on my way! I felt an immediate difference, feeling hydrated, refreshed and energized. I recommend using the bathroom before the treatment and anticipate running to the bathroom more frequently for the next 1-2 days due to the increase in fluids that the drip provides. If you are constantly dehydrated, it may be a good idea for you to regularly get a NAD IV Therapy treatment on a regular basis, as Fild Studio accepts HSA for NAD IV Therapy.

As for the space itself, Fild Studio, located at 457 Broome Street in SoHo is really inviting and makes me feel like I'm at a lounge. I love the modern decor, with a bar / sitting area as well as a sofa and table seating passed the treatment rooms. There was also a mirror in my treatment room and a larger mirror by the entrance so you can take selfies during your treatment and after! 

NAD IV Therapy is just one of the treatments Dr. Jaffar offers at Fild Studio. Other treatments include Botox for upper (11 lines, forehead and crow's feet) and lower (lip, chin, TMJ and bunny lines) face, Botox for the neck, underarm Botox (makes you stop sweating for about 3 months, very popular around summertime), fillers (frown lines, undereye, cheeks, chin), laser facials such as radio frequency miicroneedling for skin resurfacing, tightening and fine lines, C02 laser for the top layer of the skin and gives you a glow and PRP, platelet-rich plasma (draw your blood, take out the platelets and inject it into your skin or joints for repairing/healing).

If you are interested in checking out Fild Studio, list me as a referral and instantly get $50 off your treatment!

Thank you again to Dr. Jaffar and Fild Studio for my NAD IV Therapy!

Photo credit: Fild Studio

Photo credit: Fild Studio

Photo credit: Fild Studio

- Kim Weling