Sandal 🩴 Season is here!

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 hidden in shoes, high heels or sneakers and I think you know what to do. Give yourself a DIY pedicure at home or book an appointment for a PRO to get you in top top shape for the season. Get a pedicure! Guys you need to treat yourself to a pedi too! My husband never used to get one before I met him but once I moved from the concrete jungle to Florida I gifted him a mani & pedi and he never stopped getting them. In fact we go together! It’s actually bonding ❤️ and more fun!

One thing I notice almost everytime we go for this service is how some people both gals & guys go unprepared. Their feet look awful. Crusty, scaly,dry and dehydrated skin. Some even have an unpleasant scent. The toe nails are out of control.

All my nail tech friends and beauty/spa business owners have a message they recommend going with CLEAN not smelly and poor hygiene feet! They realize that this service will be done and why you’re going to them but they simply want to remind you to be kind and go for a pedicure … with clean feet! 🦶

If you are getting older and more mature and your toe nails or your fingernails 💅 have grown thicker they are harder to clip. Even while grooming at home. So here’s a good DIY mini recipe to prep those feet for grooming.

I highly recommend after you take that shower or bath before your appointment rub or brush a little olive 🫒oil or almond oil on the nails themselves. It will soften those toe nails and makes them easier to clip and groom. Doing this also nourishes the nail bed and moisturizes them too.

It works like a charm!

Once you get home from a spa service… RELAX. Just pour yourself a bit if bubbly drink or a cup of coffee or tea and give in to “ME time”.

Lastly… Apply a simple little DIY and give yourself the white cotton sock treatment! I like to apply jojoba or coconut oil straight from the jar and rub it in gently on the soles and tops of my feet and a bit between the toes too. It will soften your heels even more! A little goes a long way.

After a pedicure or manicure you won’t be able to stop looking at your good looking HAPPY feet!

Give your feet 🦶 the love and TLC attention they deserve . You’re so worth it! Aren’t you?

Tickle your fancy and pick an exciting toe nail polish hue too!

Foodies!

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!

Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

Sweet potatoes 🍠 are filled with antioxidants, selenium minerals like copper and super rich in vitamin C.

Eating them can actually help with dry skin and wrinkles. Vitamin C creates collagen which helps to keep your skin firm, plump and reduces the appearance of dry skin. Doctors say they can even give your skin a healthy tint. Just by eating them regularly.

You can also enjoy them as a face mask. Yes, I’ve tried it! I do it too.

What you will need for this food recipe:

1 boiled sweet potato

1 cup of plain Greek yogurt (not sweetened)

Whip or mash the two together. Cool. And apply this simple mask on your face. Keep away from the eyes. Leave on at least 15 minutes.

Yogurt exfoliates the skin and the sweet potato softens the skin. I love this mask after a day at the beach or at the pool. It really feels good!

Rinse well with a warm washcloth and follow up with your favorite moisturizer.

If you’re looking for a light lunch, snack or a side dish for any meal… here’s an awesome recipe all my guests enjoy!

Creamy Sweet Potatoes with an Asian Twist

What you will need for this food recipe is:

6 large sweet potatoes 🍠 Peeled and cut into large chunks

1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg

1 Can of coconut 🥥 milk (14 ounces)

Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper

In a small saucepan, simmer the coconut milk until reduced by one quarter.

In a large pot of water that has been lightly salted boil the potatoes until very tender. Drain and transfer to a food processor or mixer. Add coconut milk, nutmeg and mix together.

You’re done! No butter needed. Really!

However, if you’d like to add a few pats of butter go for it! And or a dusting of cinnamon sugar. Beyond yum!

A cozy comfort food ANY time of year.

This makes a casserole dish full and feeds quite a few people or you’ll have leftovers. That’s good too. So delicious!

Enjoy!

Please note: if you are allergic or can’t eat sweet potatoes skip these recipes.

Attn: Boss Babes in Beauty!

Meet you in Las Vegas?

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 IECSC show in the one and only Las Vegas this June!

I so enjoy sharing my expertise and inspiring others ! I hope you’ll register or have a member from your team to attend my fun and educational class.

Photo by monicore on Pexels.com

Thousands of estheticians, makeup artists , spa and salon owners will travel from around the globe!

It is THE place to be June 25th and 26th! The show floor is massive and so exhilarating. So much to explore and see!

It’s time to think about doing something for YOU and your solo practice or spa business. Be the best at what you do and see new trends and learn something NEW.

See you there?! ✈️

*If this show is new to you think about joining us and register for my class too.

Read more about all the show has to offer:

http://www.IECSC.com #LVSpaShow

The Bold & the Beautiful

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.

Photo by Bestbe Models on Pexels.com

I bet most of you might be in a lipstick rut. Try a brand new color and you’ll be so glad you did! Your lips will 💗 you and your complexion will glow.

Honey You Need This!

Are you a person who only takes showers?

Think about switching it up and start something new this Spring.

How about a sweet bath?

All you need is a tub filled with water 💧 and a bottle or jar of local honey. Scoop a 1/4 cup spoonful of fresh (I prefer local) honey.

You can use it for just skin softening honey or sprinkle in a handful of relaxing and detoxifying Epsom salts.

Oh the beauty of a honey 🍯 bath!

Another thing you can do is add a smidge on your lips. Leave on 3-5 minutes and rinse. Your lips 👄 will be kissable and softer!

* If you happen to be allergic to bees and honey. Pass on this bath 🛁 and lip care recipe.

Otherwise enjoy the sweetness of honey! Maybe even sip a cup of tea to go with it all.

Food & Fun finds from my trip to NYC!

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!

Healthy Hair and Glowing 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.

Worth a look!

http://www.drinktheqi.com

Do you like to DIY?

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!

❤️Love that store.

Lip Blushing!

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 on the 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.

Is The Weather Wreaking Havoc on Your Skin?

Here are 3 ways to make your skin look better when it’s so cold 🥶 outside.

To start with you have to exfoliate and I am in love with a gentle exfoliant found on Amazon. It is called Cure Natural Aqua Gel It works wonders FAST and is so gentle! It can even be used around the eye area to kiss the driest skin cells “Bye Bye!” If you don’t own it. You need to. It comes from Japan and I discovered it in my travels.

Another alternative to the above product is to try this method. Use a luke warm wet with water washcloth “pressed” against the face. I like to work in sections. Doing this gently lifts up the tight, dry and flakey skin cells.

Work in circular motions.

When you are washing your face. Don’t use a deodorant bar use a creamy soap. face wash or oil cleanser. Work in circular motions as doing this will help lift up dirt, oil, pollution and dry patch skin.

Another quick fix is a sheet mask. You know those little wonders found almost everywhere and originated from Korea. There are so many to choose from!

I am in love ❤️ with them and so is my skin!

Make sure you leave them on as long as you can. Not just 10 minutes. I find the longer the better! 20 Minutes will do! They will soothe the driest parched skin.

I hope these skin care tips help you. And. while you’re at it invite your sweetie to join in on the fun too!

Use up every bit of the masks juicy hydrating goodness!