Nomaterra Scavenger Hunt Los Angeles Clue #3 Posted on 22 Mar 12:21 , 0 comments

If you find yourself near Melissa Akkaway's B-named boutique, then you're hot on the heels of the Nomaterra LA Scavenger Hunt! Be sure to stop in and ask for Heather to win your own bottle of Nomaterra's classic East Hampton fragrance!

Nomaterra Scavenger Hunt LA: Clue #2 Posted on 21 Mar 22:32 , 0 comments

Nomaterra Scavenger Hunt Los Angeles Clue #2: find a free bottle of our East Hampton fragrance at this gorgeous luxury clothing and accessories store that has locations in both Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Favorite Travel Memories: Founder Edition Posted on 18 Mar 12:10 , 0 comments

While I’ve had my fair share of “road trips,” from riding a debilitated bus for 3 days from Poland to Greece with 10-hour border checks to being stopped by guerrilla fighters in Ecuador en route to a local village, nothing compares to the classic Americana West Coast road trip. One of my most memorable childhood experiences was just that, a 14-day, back-to-back site-seeing extravaganza. The trip started in the neon mecca of the nation, Las Vegas, where as a kid, I got to play a bit in the casino, and actually won my parents $300 at roulette—I’ve never forgot that exciting moment. Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon followed, and then a long drive to Death Valley, where the temperature got to be 115 degrees, and our rented Toyota Corolla was struggling desperately to cool the inside of the car, even though the AC was set at max. The particles of heat felt so dense against your skin, as if it would momentarily envelope you into a black hole. There was also a port-a-potty located right smack tab in the middle of this dessert, and surprisingly was immaculately clean, as my mother vividly remembers it. We then headed to the land of the stars, and I got a snapshot with my favorite Walk of Fame Hollywood star, Michael Jackson. I remember thoroughly enjoying the Warner Bros. tour, especially seeing the setting for the show, ER. We basically hit up all the tourist-y spots….hey, you gotta see them once in your life. Departing the iconic Beverly Hills hotel, we made our way along the winding and breathtakingly scenic Route 1, first making a detour at Hearst Castle, and then heading up to Carmel. This deemed to be one of our favorites towns—understated art galleries, the beach, and cute ocean-side restaurants, what more could you ask for. Being the avid nature lovers that we are, we couldn’t miss Sequoia National Park and Yosemite. Sequoia was so impressive—gigantic tree trunks that created this mystical boundless paradise. We got some great photos with General Sherman, the largest tree in the world. In comparison to Yosemite, Sequoia posed to be much cleaner and more natural. We made our way to Lake Tahoe, and then Napa Valley (where we experienced a small earthquake, my parents utterly frightened, while I slept right through it) and finally San Francisco. I loved everything about San Francisco, the narrow, hilly streets, the cable cars, the artsy and foodie culture, Lombard Street, all of it. One evening we ventured into the landmark, The Stinking Rose, which my dad and I had heard about over the radio a few weeks back. Every dish was based on garlic, garnished with loads of garlic, and even dessert contained garlic. It was kitschy, but also great fun. I wonder if that place still exists. I recall this venture with great fondness, and so I look forward to embarking on this new West Coast adventure, starting today. I hope to discover new off-the-beaten spots and return to some oldies but goodies. Looking forward to reporting back, so keep checking in daily. We will also be doing a Nomaterra scavenger hunt with our fragrances, so follow us on twitter and facebook to find out where we’ve hidden product in each of the cities. Happy Adventuring, Aggie

Nomaterra’s On the Road! Posted on 13 Mar 13:10 , 0 comments

Next Tuesday, March 19th, Nomaterra founders Ben and Aggie are hitting the road and heading west for our first Nomaterra road trip! The Nomaterra-mobile will be making stops all along the Pacific coast. Our trip will start in Los Angeles, CA and we’ll wrap up in Seattle, WA. The best part? Giveaways! In each town we stop in we’ll leave one of our travel sprays hidden, and will post clues on our Facebook and Twitter pages to lead followers to the product! Once the product is found, the winner can take a victory photo with their trophy and send it to us so we can post their victory online! As we make our way up the coast, we'll also be checking out restaurants, sites, and more and posting reviews right here on our blog for all of you lovely people. For those of you on the West Coast, we'd love to hear your recommendations! Where should we go, what should we eat, where should Nomaterra be? Let us know in the comments!

Travel Shot Tuesday: Sunset at El Matador State Park, CA Posted on 12 Mar 15:43 , 0 comments

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El Matador State Park at sunset[/caption] The beaches along the Pacific Coast Highway are generally amazing across the board, but the sunsets at the beaches in Malibu, CA, are some of the best we've seen. Be sure to check out El Matador State Park for some amazing beach shots of your own next time you're in the area! photo c/o Extra Medium

Island Getaway: What's in Your Carry-On? Posted on 11 Mar 12:14 , 0 comments

With winter still in full swing we've got island vacations on the brain, and with that in mind we want to share what we bring in our carry-on when we're beach bound. 1. Moisturizing Face Mask and Lip Balm - What better time to sit back and give your skin some r&r than when you're on the plane? We love bring sample packets of face masks to moisturize on the plane. Sheet masks are ideal for in-flight pampering without any messiness. We like SK-II's Facial Treatment Mask. We also need lots of extra moisture for our lips when we fly, and for that we love By Terry's Baume de Rose. It is super silky and moisturizing without being sticky. In other words, the perfect lip balm! Other moisturizing favorites are Avene Eau Thermale Thermal Spring Water and Korres Travel Sunscreen Face Cream Watermelon SPF 30. 2.Make-Up Removing Towelettes - Before you let your mask get to work, be sure to take off any makeup. We love Neutrogena's Night Calming Make-Up Removing Towelettes. They get all your make-up off, even tough mascara! And they have a soothing lavender and camomile scent, perfect for those of us with any airplane anxiety. 3. Mini Toothbrush and Toothpaste - After hours on a plane it's always nice to brush your teeth before you land. That way your smile will be ready for photos when you arrive! 4. Earplugs - A travel must for flights with screaming babies. 5. Cashmere Sweater or Shawl - This will be sure to keep you warm on the plane, a must to make sure you don't get sick! Ours is from Club Monaco. 6. Nomaterra Travel Spray or Travel Wipes: Miami or East Hampton are fantastic for island destinations, and both will be a breeze to get through security! 7. Moleskine notebook and pen - The perfect travel companion; Write out your travel itinerary, do some journaling, or start the great American novel on your flight or on the beach! 8. Sunglasses - an alternative to a sleep mask, and useful once you get to your sunny destination, too! Pick a pair with opaque lenses to keep out the glare from airplane windows and prevent other travelers from interrupting your beauty rest. 9. Change of Clothes - In case the airline loses your bag. Be sure to toss a bikini and a pair of sandals in, too! We're big fans of Sam Edelman's sandals. 10. Tablet - There used to be a time when we would pick up at least three of our favorite magazines before any flight, but now we make sure to get them all downloaded and ready to go on our tablets before any flight. And leave your watch behind, you're on island time now! What are you must haves for you carry-on?

Miami Weekend Guide Posted on 8 Mar 13:45 , 0 comments

Spring time is the best time to get down to Miami. It isn't too hot yet, but the weather is definitely beach friendly. If you're making your way to Miami anytime soon, be sure to check out our weekend guide for suggestions about where to stay, what to eat, and more!

Where to Stay:

The W Hotel in Miami is the crème de la crème of places to stay in Miami. The hotel has a cool and almost understated vibe, yet totally chic at the same time. Rooms all have gorgeous beach views, spacious penthouse options for groups, and a number of additional amenities in the hotel. The W features a Bliss Spa, a cute Wink boutique in the hotel, and the hotel is pet friendly! 2201 Collins Ave. Miami Beach, FL 33139, (305) 938-3000

photos c/o The W Hotel

photo c/o the traveler-online photo c/o belle vivir

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the main drag without sacrificing luxury or style, be sure to try The Standard Miami, located on Belle Isle. This place is bohemian Brooklyn turned tropical. 20 to 30-something year old musicians, artists, models, and the like walk around barefoot, lounge on the secluded hammocks, enjoy traditional Turkish hamams and practice yoga on the sunset yoga dock. This is a spa haven, and the treatment list is extensive. If you aren't feeling hip enough, stop into The Shop, carrying everything from retro shades to beauty products, and which features brands like DVF, Haute Hippie, and Melissa Shoes. Grab some small bites at the Lido for lunch. 40 Island Ave. Miami Beach, FL 33139, (305) 673-1717

Where to Shop:

Baseworld: Blurring the line between art and commerce, Baseworld is a totally unique and innovative lifestyle store. Music, candles, and everything in between, this is a place to shop if you're looking for highly curated items that are different. Located on Lincoln Road and in the Delano. BASE (Flagship), 939 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 531-4982; BASE Delano, 1685 Collins Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 672-2000

photo c/o The Alchemist photo c/o Vogue.com

The Alchemist: Located in the fifth floor of a parking garage, this ultra-modern boutique features a fantastically curated collection, and has featured brands such as Rodarte, Dries Van Noten, and Isabel Marant, in addition to an evergrowing niche fragrance collection. 1109 Lincoln Rd Miami Beach, FL 33139, (305) 531-4653

Guy and Girl Boutique: Located in the Shelborne Resort, this store is small but they carry an eclectic collection of beach essentials and home gifts. 1801 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, (305)341-1392

What to Eat & Drink: Michael's Genuine Food & Drink: Since opening in 2007, this place has been a hit for a reason. It's a bit far from central Collins Ave. in the Design District, about a 15-minute cab ride, but well worth it. Only the freshest local produce used at this cool and relaxing joint. Dishes are palette-raising, mouth-watering, and simply indulgent, without the pretentious attitude of many high-end restos. For dinner, we recommend the wood roasted double yolk farm egg, cobia ceviche, duck confit, stracciatella, pan-roasted 1/2 poulet rouge, and wood oven pizza. Desserts are created by award-winning pastry chef, Hedy Goldsmith, and are seriously out of this world. We recommend the strawberry shortcake and the famous lemon creamsicle pot de creme. It's a gastronomers heaven. 130 NE 40th St., Miami, FL 33137, (305) 573-5550 Daily Melt Miami: This new sandwich shop in midtown Miami is the perfect place to stop for a casual and delicious lunch. Gourmet grilled cheeses are the name of the game here; try the roasted turkey melt with provolone, spinach, and chipotle mayo; and a garden melt with portobello, Gouda, tomato, spinach, and basil pesto on whole wheat. Open daily 10 a.m.-9 p.m. at 3401 N. Miami Ave., ste. 123 (305-573-0101).

photo c/o Trip Advisor Hyde Beach: This ultra hip South Beach lounge should be your go to spot for a luxurious night out. Drinks are pricy but strong, and the vibe is both club-y indoors near the bar, and relaxing on the outside with plush wicker couches and lounge chairs by the pool. A great vibe overall, and kick-ass dj sets (our favorite was one by DJ Derek Walin) SLS Hotel South Beach, 1701 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139, 305.674.1701

photo c/o The Kiwi Collection Delano Beach Club: This elegant beach club is a fantastic place to grab drinks pre-dinner (we had freshly made French 75's). 1685 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139, Tel. 305 924 4071

Sights To See: Swim: For an alternative to the traditional Miami beaches, be sure to visit the Venetian Pool in Coral Gables. Built in 1923 out of a coral rock quarry. The pool is fed by an underground natural spring aquifer, and features caves and two waterfalls. For more information, call 305-460-5306. photo c/o Virtual Tourist

Snapshot: For the perfect photo location check out the McArthur Causeway, the bridge that links miami beach to mainland.

photo c/o Virtual Tourist

photo c/o Virtual Tourist History Buff: If you're a fan of historical architecture, visit Coconut Grove, technically a suburb of Miami, to see the Plymouth Congregational. Built between 1916-1917, the gorgeous church is a fantastic example of Spanish Mission Architecture, with Spanish missions having been an important element of Florida's history. Art: If you happen to come across bad weather or just need an escape from the heat, the Miami Museum of Contemporary Art is a must see. The stunning structure which houses MOCA has over 12,000 square-feet of exhibition space consisting of a large main gallery with moveable walls, a separate art pavilion, a gift shop, an art storage and preparation area, and administrative offices. An outdoor courtyard is used for performances, evening film screenings and large art installations.

Travel Shot Tuesday - Arches National Park Posted on 5 Mar 12:52 , 0 comments

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Arches National Park in Utah[/caption] In a few weeks Nomaterra founders Ben and Aggie are heading west for a Nomaterra road trip. One of their many stops along the way will be at Arches National Park in Moab, Utah. We love the gorgeous red rock against bright blue skies, and there's nothing better than western sunsets or sunrises, if you can get up early enough. The park has over 2,000 natural stone arches, all made of gorgeous red rock. There are also lots of gorgeous trails and other fantastic sights to see. We can't wait to report on Nomaterra's favorite formations to check out when we go!

In My Bag: Nomaterra's Founder Aggie Burnett Posted on 4 Mar 15:05 , 0 comments

Here's a glimpse into Aggie's everyday carry-ons -- overflowing with travel, beauty, and Nomaterra essentials.

The Bag: Dior Saddle Bag: "I bought this bag in 2007 -- It was one of the first items that I purchased while working at Glamour Magazine."

Nivea Hand Cream: "I love this hand cream because it's really moisturizing for my super dry hands in the winter and it absorbs quickly."

Duri Rejuvacote: "This is a perfect product to use to touch up your nails right before an event, plus it makes your nails super strong and makes them grow quickly. And it's made in Brooklyn!"

Laura Mercier Travel Mascara: "This mascara makes my lashes voluminous and jet black on-the-go."

Laura Mercier Lip Glacé in Bellini: "This lip gloss is really special to me; I wore it on my wedding day!"

Benefit Benetint: "I've loved this since it first came out and I haven't stopped wearing it. It's great for lips and cheeks for a just-ran-outside flush."

Inglot Liquid Eyeliner in #25: "I will never wear any eyeliner but this one. It goes on perfectly, makes your eyes pop and never smears."

Nomaterra East Hampton Travel Spray: "With the coming of spring I'm starting to get in the mood with Nomaterra's East Hampton fragrance. It's clean, fresh, and how I want to smell now."

Travel & Leisure: "I love catching up on the newest and greatest spots to travel to while I'm on the subway."

Nomaterra Samples: "I always carry samples with me wherever I go to have people try our scents."

Nomaterra Fragrance Wipes: "I always carry a few of these in my bag for sampling or for personal use."

Tide To Go Pen: "This instantly removes any clothing stains that may happen throughout my busy day."

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat: "This makes me look completely rested even if I only slept three hours last night."

Nomaterra Business Cards: "These are essential."

Inglot Lip Pencil in #12: "I love this lip liner because it doubles as a lipstick and it doesn't smear."

Necklace: "My grandmother's diamond necklace. I carry it with me for good luck."

Hershey's Kisses: "I don't leave my apartment without a few Hershey's milk chocolate kisses. They give me an instant energy boost."

Sunglasses: "I love my $5 turquoise retro sunglasses. I never buy name brand glasses because I lose or break them too quickly."

Givenchy Card Holder: "I use this convenient little holder to store my ID, metro card, and other essentials."

Passports: "These get me to wherever I need to go in America, Europe and beyond."

Kindle: "Perfect for a quick read on the subway or during airport delays."

Cashmere Gloves: "These are great transitional gloves from winter to spring and they're special to me because I got them from my sister-in-law."

Nomaterra Post Cards: "These are great for when I want to share more information at an event or in a store."

What's in your day bag?

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