Women of all ages and Martha Stewart??? Weeks after she appeared on the cover of the latest issue of Sports Illustrated I continue to hear comments about her and her photograph. Many people behind the comments are not so kind … Continue reading →
In Florida that is. I realize some of you are still going through a bit of a chill but before you buy a new pair of sandals or put on your favorite flips flops… think again! Your feet have been … Continue reading →
I love ❤️ to eat! Especially foods that not only nourish my body and fill me up but that are great for my skin. Today let’s chat sweet potatoes! Sweet potatoes 🍠 are filled with antioxidants, selenium minerals like copper … Continue reading →
If you’re in beauty and a licensed beauty PRO or student in beauty school you need to know about and attend this amazing long standing show! Or if you’re a spa, medi-spa and plastic surgeon you should be attending this … Continue reading →
In a rush, in a pinch and for travel I do tend to use them too. So, I wanted to share a “beauty hack” I love to do. I didn’t always do it. But once Covid hit and things were on limited supply I started to do this.
Use the makeup towelette. Follow up with soaps water washing your face!
When it’s time to remove my makeup I take the towelette wipe out of the package. Next I grab a pair of scissors, fully open the wipe and CUT it in half. I then I wipe away the makeup and the long day away!
The half wipe towelette removes makeup just as efficient (unless you’re wearing theatrical or lots of makeup.) Then since I am also a soap and water girl I follow up and wash my face with a dash of Dove cleansing soap bar. Or use your favorite face wash.
Doing this step after using the makeup wipe makes MY face feel cleaner.
Doing this makeup wipe beauty hack saves you money$$$
It’s better for the 🌎 planet.
And you’ll feel good 😍 too!
Let’s celebrate Earth Day every single day and save money too one step at a time!
PS
Using makeup wipes on your face is not great for the skin on a daily basis. Rubbing that paper like cloth can scratch your face. Over time too tough on the skin. So,use and choose them wisely!
My nails have been so brittle, thin and peel a bit. When I get a manicure & pedicure they look lovely BUT I wanted a bit more length again. I’m not into press on nails, faux nails 💅 or gel nails but they do look good on most women.
So I had CVS monies. You know the money $ you earn from shopping there. I cruised down the dietary supplements and vitamin aisles. I picked up a bottle of the CVS Health brand for Hair, Skin & Nails. 80 assorted gummies in fruit flavors. Not too sweet and a serving is 2 a day.
I’ve been on them a half a month and I’m in love ❤️!
My nails are stronger, longer, not peeling, healthier looking and I’m happier too!
So to keep the self care rolling I’m doing my bi-monthly at home nail treatment too!
All you need is:
1 1/2 Tbs. of Jojoba
3 drops of tea tree or lavender essential oil
Pour both in a small glass bowl. Both have anti-bacterial properties.
Then I like to put on cotton gloves I only use for hand treatments. I leave on for 20 minutes or overnight is even better.
Your nails are hydrated and your cuticles will look so much better. You can do this treatment to your feet too. Just rub it in like above too. But do your nails, heels and soles of your feet too!
*If you need to add more Jojoba add it.
But if you are allergic or do not like one of the above oils…Please skip my tip!
I hope you’ll try my professional recommendation. Your nails, hair and nails will look better!
It’s not just about wearing a lip gloss or a tube of Burt’s Bees clear lip balm. This spring 2023 it’s all about healthy skin and a bolder lipstick. Sometimes it’s all you need. Oh and a pair of sunglasses when you’re out and about town.
The color of the year is Magenta otherwise known as Fuchsia. it’s time to step outside your comfort zone. Try something new! Even if it’s just on your lips!
A fabulous fuchsia shade has both cool and warm undertones. It’s flattering on almost every skin tone.
34th Street Herald Square is the center if it all. Macy’s where I used to work early on in my beauty & fashion career is THE place to stop. It is their flagship store where it all began. You know it from the Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade.
The one and only Macy’s 34th Street
Macy’s has so much to offer from beauty, to fashion to fabulous food and drinks! There is something for everyone!
They evdd we n have their own Merch shop as well as I Love ❤️ NY gifts and fun finds.
Seventh Avenue and around the corners is Fashion Ave. You’ll see all kinds of businesses and racks of fresh made clothing and boxes of handbags and shoes zipping in and out of the street into the buildings. This is where a lot of the fast fashions are made! It also where up and coming designers get discovered.
If you are a creative spirit and like to make things and see… on these streets by Macy’s you’ll see the Garment districts novelty suppliers. They will even sell to you if you have the money. From sequins, glitter, to decorative ribbons and the most amazing and unique buttons and more! You just have to explore!
This district and shopping in the different neighborhood boutiques and stores in Soho, the Village and other shops in downtown NY. You’ll have a ball! Just give yourself time to explore!
Uptown is yet another Mecca of shopping and fashionable fun. There’s even a thrift store that is filled with designer clothing and accessories. NYC has the most amazing shopping.
This area of NY is where you might even bump into Sarah Jessica Parker as Sex and the City shoots there and she lives in the area.
A trip uptown cannot be complete without a stop at Bloomingdales Dept. store where I worked in the cosmetics department. You never know who you might see visiting the store. I’ll never forget seeing one of my first celebrities. Actor Sylvester Stallone of boxing 🥊 movie fame stopped to shop my cosmetic counter and had a few haircare questions. It was pretty exciting.
Chinatown is yet another section of NYC you need to visit. Send Chinatown some ❤️ LOVE. They need your business. It is “lit” right now with so many new eateries, bakeries, drink spots and delicious street vendors.
No one does dumplings 🥟 like Chinatown!
Chinatown gift shops, decor and more is yet another reason to shop there. So many unique things.
By the way, actors George Clooney and Brad Pitt have been there in Chinatown shooting a movie! I’m a fan!
The “Hells Kitchen” area is home to some awesome places to shop and eat. One of my favorites in the area is The legendary Little Pie Company bakery. Never disappoints.
As you can see I always fit in time to taste and enjoy all the city has to offer when I guest speak at spa bad wellness shows. The International Esthetics Cosmetics and Spa conference was even more wonderful this year!
Pack a travel journal,a pen and wear comfortable shoes and clothes to explore all that New York City has to offer.It’s showtime! The IECSC spa show
It was so great to not only educate but also reconnect with my beauty community. The show is EXCLUSIVE to beauty professionals, estheticians, makeup artists, massage therapists,nail techs, spas, salons and beauty business owners.
The fashion & beauty forecast I saw was Color IS Going strong in fashion. And Makeup is either bold or minimal. SKIN continues to be IN. Healthy looking pretty skin!
I love to entertain and makeup! One of the rituals I love to serve my guests in my business or at home is this.
I discovered an amazing flower tea. It’s a brand named The Qi.
Here’s one of the recipes I love to relax with & sip!
Warming Honey 🍯 Lemon Rose Tea
1 The Qi Tea flower 🌹 Shangri-la Rose
11 ozs. of boiling water
2 teaspoons of honey to taste (I use locally made honey)
2 teaspoons of fresh lemon 🍋 juice
Pour hot water OVER the rose in a glass mug.
Allow it to steep for 3-5 minutes
Then add honey and lemon
Stir to mix well
Sip 👄slowly and enjoy its delightful taste and rosy aroma.
Shangri-la Rose Tea
Sip flowers stay well!
This tea:
Helps to reduce stress and anxiety, helps with digestion, restful sleep and best of all helps your skin and hair by giving you a more radiant complexion and hair.
Organically grown, Non GMO, filled with antioxidants, vegan, zero calories. And naturally caffeine free!
You can also use these tea 🌺 flowers in making mocktails, lattes and facial steams.
I am doing a Galentine’s Day (Valentine’s Day) Workshop at IKEA in sunny Jacksonville Florida 🌴 only problem is it’s NOT so sunny. It’s been storming and it’s 90% chance of rain ☔️ today. I hope the ladies come out and play with me and not let rain get in the way.
So excited to do a Workshop at IKEA ❤️
If you’re looking for a fun DIY gift 🎁 I like to give as gifts … you’re in luck. My workshop is all about self-care and made with love.
SPA in a Jar
Here’s what you will need to make this gift:
❤️1 medium or large glass jar with a lid and a large neck so you can fill it. Decorative ribbon and other touches to embellish it. Greenery and faux or even fresh cut flowers work too. This gives it a natural and pretty touch.
❤️Things you might want to use to fill your very own SPA in Jar are:
A headband,washcloth or eco friendly washable facial rounds,sheet masks, eye gel masks.
❤️ How about some bubble bath,epsom salts,shower gel,hand lotion, a body lotion and a luxurious soap and bath sponge.
❤️ Crystals, incense, sage,Palo Santo or a mini book.
❤️ A bottle of Prosecco, mini liquor, small beer can, (optional)
❤️ A small box of candy. An apple 🍎 as an apple a day keeps the doctor away.
Or you can create a mix of store bought and hand-made DIY recipes. Please note IF you are allergic to any of my recipe ingredients please do not try them.
Kiss Me Lip 👄 Polish
1 jar organic coconut oil
1 packet of sugar left in your purse from last coffee shop stop or 1/4 cup brown or white sugar. It all depends how many jars you want to make. Note: both sugars will work too.
Mix the two together with a spoon or spatula and place in a small microwave safe bowl. Warm the polish 5 seconds to melt a bit and stir again. Be careful. It will be hot. Let cool a bit.
Place mixture into a small glass or plastic jar of your choice. If you want a bigger batch double the recipe. Add a pretty lip stickers or custom label you make and it’s all set. Men and women love ❤️ thus recipe. Including my husband.
Kissable lips in minutes! This is a unisex recipe guys love it too!
❤️ Chamomile Flower Facial Steam Bath
Chamomile dried flowers- a small handful will do.
A pot of water 💦
This recipe is so easy and so gratifying. Your skin will love you back by the way it looks and feels. A relaxing detox facial steam!
Place some dried chamomile flowers in a bag and give it to the person you are gifting to. Add instructions with it. All they do is warm water to a light boil. .
Place the flowers in the water. Place a small towel over your head like a tent. Do NOT put your face in the hot water. You are simply allowing the steam to RISE up to your face. Do this for 3 or 5 minutes. If you have high blood pressure or a skin condition like Rosacea or acne please do not use this facial steam recipe.
Rose 🌹 Eye Mask
Cooling cucumbers 🥒 are refreshing and certainly you can still use them. They work! However, I love this simple aromatic eye mask. Asian Royalty and in many other times in history used them to look younger and refresh their eyes. Did you ever really feel a petal from the rose? It’s so soft and lovely to the touch. It’s known for its skin softening and feel good properties.
Pick me up … for the eyes.
1 fresh Rose rinsed please.
Rinse rose gently in water
Tear off one of the rose petals for an aromatic relaxing treat. They add a touch of moisture for your eye area.
Eyelid pillows are great but I love this nature based eye treatment.
Chill out & rest with a rose petal eye mask!
Laying down close the eyes. Place a rose 🌹 petal on each eyelid and rest the eyes. Listen to some relaxing music. Leave on your closed eyelids at least 6-10 minutes. That’s it!
I hope you enjoy these recipes! Please note…Store bought self-care products are great for your jar. However there’s nothing like a handmade and homemade creation.
Made with LOVE. ❤️
Oops! Forgot to post to my blog before I left. Update despite the rain I had an awesome crowd, workshop and morning at IKEA! Went crazy shopping in the stores food market. Had one of their awesome pretzels with their yummy dipping sauce and drove away smiling all day!
Today on River City Live TV I am sharing some of my favorite ideas to give as a Valentine’s Day gift. The show airs in Florida on WJXT4 .
Here’s one idea that does NOT cost much except your words, time, paper and seasonal embellishments. It is a beautiful way to tell anyone in your life you love or care for them. To your sweetie,your daughter, your son, your mom or even yourself!
What better way to say “I love you” than writing a love ❤️ letter!
A sImple way to say “I LOVE You”
It doesn’t have to be long. It can be short and sweet. You can mail it, leave it on a mirror in the house or under or on a pillow for your lover to discover when it’s time to go to bed.
Embellish with your “ sealed with kiss created with your actual lip print, a kiss 💋 rubber stamp, home-made label you make on your computer or decorative ribbons with lips or LOVE on it.
Whatever you want to do! Surely they will love the gesture too. Better than a greeting card or along with a card.
Add a Hershey’s Kiss chocolate or a flower 🌺 they will love even better!
So I hope you’ll consider this old school but beautiful gift. Handwritten and homemade and straight from your heart!
I recently had a chance to speak with Melannie Miller AKA … Mae Mae Ink on Instagram @MarMaeInk about her side hustle business as a tattoo artist.
This beauty so intrigued me! A mom of twins and two more. She is not only gorgeous she is quite artistic in many ways.
So I simply had to have her on my blog as a guest interview. One of the hottest services in beauty right now is a service called “Lip Blushing”. Since I am mad about lipstick 💄 and painting 👄 pouts I had to chat about it with her. Let’s learn about it together!
Melannie is a professional tattoo artist and I had to know what exactly is Lip Blushing?
It is a type of semi-permanent cosmetic procedure achieved by depositing pigments in your lips using small needles. Basically your natural lip shade but enhanced.
Tell us about the process?
We will first establish the color match and once we have our color I will prep the skin by cleaning your lips and the surrounding skin gently then I will apply a numbing cream then put cotton swabs in between your lips and teeth to make the canvas more firm for the procedure then I will line your lips with a lip pencil to establish an even shape that goes with your natural shape then from there I will begin depositing your color match ink into your lips.
How does somebody prepare for the service before they see you? Or is no prep needed?
We ask that you use a safe lip scrub 3-4 days out of your appointment and once more before coming in to remove any dead or dry skin.
How long does it take for someone to get their lips blushed? Or are there several visits.
It takes up to 2 hours for the whole procedure to insure an even tone and shape. This procedure will last up to 2 years.
What is the healing time?How will someone look afterwards? Is there a bit of a down time?
Is it painful?
It takes about a week to heal and you will go through a few peeling stages which is complete normal, when you leave it will be a bit red and you shouldn’t feel much discomfort due to the numbing cream we apply before. There isn’t any down time we just ask you keep them moisturized at all times during the healing process and to avoid spicy foods or heavily seasoned foods for the first 24 hours.
Is it a unisex art & service? Yes it is! Anyone can come in for any of our permanent make up services provided.
I hope you enjoyed my guest and all the information on this trending lip enhancing beauty service.You can find her onthe gram @maemaeink
If you happen to live in Jacksonville Fl and the metro area you’re in luck! You may reach her at:
Fantasy Tattoo in Orange Park Fl
To book an appointment 904-866-2330
Questions on her beauty enhancement services via email:maemaeink@gmail.com
Not sure and want to learn more? Give her a call to explore the pretty possibilities.
Sharing is caring… My Southern husband is going to LOVE this recipe when I make it.Thank you in Diane’s Kitchen!
Large Sweet Vidalia Onions cooked on top of the stove and mixed with eggs, milk, cheese and Ritz Crackers. They are baked in the oven then topped with even more buttery Ritz Crackers. This makes for a great side dish or meal. A few years back my husband and I vacationed in Savannah Georgia. After […]
