It’s a secret!

Can you keep a secret?

I tried but it was tough. Last month my husband and I went to a place that had the most amazing vibe. It is located in sunny Florida 🌴 but they asked me to not say a word on the address. They want YOU to find it if you want to go.

You need to make a reservation online. Your reservation will only be for an hour and a half. It’s a popular coveted place! And by the way, reservations are really hard to get! So be flexible.

You’ll be given a secret password just for you that day.

They suggest you dress with an island 🏝 vibe. flowered shirt or dress, Hawaiian vibe and maybe wear a lei flower necklace. 🌺 You know … get into the mood. So I did. My husband did not play. But at least he wore a peach Tommy Bahama top.

When we arrived a beautiful girl greeted us. She told us the story of this magical place. She gave off great energy.

The lighting is dark and mysterious. Unique decor intimate settings are all over. Some of the tables have old school paintings of Asian and Hawaiian women back in the day. Really pretty!

A large TV screen is at the bar that plays non-stop old time movies with an Island twist.

This bar and the staff …so awesome. Old school Hawaiian drinks 🍹 with mini umbrellas of course!

Everywhere you turn there is more exotic decor and a mix of lighting, flowers, Tiki, skulls, cool red lighting and novelty lamp lighting illuminated and filled the room.

Mysterious Lighting!
I never tasted Spam before I ate this!
So delicious! White Rice 🍚 is so yesterday.
Secret Tiki Happy Hour drinks 🥤 & dumplings 🥟 and more!

Worth exploring and stepping into their 🚪 doors! A 😎 place indeed. Perhaps I’ll see you there sometime by chance if you go. Explore beyond your door.

Aloha! 🌺

SUGAR Please!

Happy 1st day of summer!

As the summer begins you want to EXFOLIATE your skin. Dead skin cells mount up on your hands,feet and body and your skin needs a bit of TLC attention. This will also help you get a better even tan. I love doing this before I apply my sunless tanner. Your skin will be smoother and tan faster and more efficiently.

It really WORKS!

Sugar & CITRUS Scrub

2 tablespoons of  white or brown sugar

1 orange zest

1 tablespoon of lemon juice

2 tablespoons of sunflower oil or apricot kernel oil

Mix all of these in a small bowl and on a clean body. I like my body to be slightly damp. Rub in circular motions and slough off your tired looking winter skin. Your skin will turn a little pink and have a flushed look. That’s a good thing. You are bringing blood to the surface and helping circulation.

Rinse well with luke warm washcloth. Next, apply your fave body lotion.

Lemon Love Water

Follow this D.I.Y. treatment by drinking  a half a gallon of water with a slice or two of lemons. Drinking this will eliminate toxins and flush and clean you from the inside.

Sip it throughout your day.

I hope you will enjoy this refreshing skin loving treat,be more hydrated and kiss your dull skin…GOODBYE!

Sugar,Sugar

bakery baking blur close up

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

 

LEMON LOVE!

sliced of citrus lemons

Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com

It will cast a spell on you!

Nola Blog Cafe Du Monde photo 2017.JPGI’m back from New Orleans AKA Nola and it feels so good…especially in the month of Halloween my fav’ time of year! The city was all  decked out in bewitching hues and decor. Halloween in New Orleans is awesome. I wanted to go on a Ghost or Cemetary tour but ran out of time this trip.

I worked and played. And as always want to take you there! Even if you’ve been or never been there. Here are a few highlights of my adventures.

Cafe du Monde was at the top of my gotta go back and eat a beignet and have that famous New Orleans coffee. So,after checking into the hotel  I devoured a few and walked the streets too.

The smell of  Pralines fills the streets and air with sweetness. You have to try one! This trip I discovered some new ones in Cafe au lait and Bananas Foster flavors. So delightful!

I haven’t been there for a few years and needed to reacquaint myself with the city. My have things grown and some things have stayed the same! If only those building and sidewalks could talk to us. What would they say? Lots I am sure.

The weather was super humid and hot for October… I did not glisten like most southern women say they do. I sweat as usual! No powder or makeup setting spray saved my face. However, the last few days the weather turned into fall like. SO….Heavenly!

Since I love food,beauty,fashion and I love to explore…here is list of the best to see!

Acme Oyster Bar has the freshest and delicious oysters. If you don’t mind waiting in lines this is a great place. Not fancy and pricey.

Monteleone Hotel my fav’ hotel in the city and is an elegant charming place.It is located in the French Quarter downtown.

Carousel  Bar is inside the hotel above. It is an actual OLD carousel and it moves and so do you every 15 minutes. You gotta see this place and feel it to believe it.Drinks are delicious and appetizers too.Not your normal bar food. 

Feeling lucky! In the mood to gamble? Visit Harrah’s Casino.

Irene’s is an Italian eatery with a New Orleans twist. Dinner was amazing and the pasta is made fresh daily.

Papier Plume if you are into all things stationery,REAL pens, journals and wax seals this is the place for you.

Trashy Diva is a clothing store that for the name alone you need to pop in.

Perfume there are two old world perfume shops rich in history and have signature fragrances too I will share more on this in my next blog.

Fifi Mahoney’s is where you’ll find makeup,glitter,wigs and more! They are the company behind some of the faces on floats for Mardi Gras.

New Orleans COOKING school I’ve taken a cooking class with a Cajun twist before. It never disappoints.If you’re a foodie like me…you’d love these classes.

Steamboat Natchez cruise is always a good idea!It is an old time steam boat that takes you around the Mississippi River.

The French Market is located in the Jackson Square area and is filled with shops and pop up vendors from all over the world. You can find art,fashion,old time lace umbrellas,artisan candles and soaps,voodoo dolls and so much more.

I love worshipping and visiting church and the the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis King of France is a beauty you don’t want to miss.

Did you know New Orleans has Voodoo shops,Witchery shops and Vampire shops? Worth exploring.Nola blog Witchery photo.JPG

Window Shopping is the BEST shopping. Since may last trip so many new places have opened.

 

Fun fact…the second day I was there. I was eating a snow ball ice  in the French Market and while sitting on a bench I noticed a float and a police car blocking the street. I ate and kept there waiting to see what might be happening. After ten minutes I was curious what this was all about. So,I walked across the street and who did I bump into on the sidewalk but Katy Perry all dolled up in an adorable so New Orleans fun feather dress. Next, I see Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. The float I now noticed had the logo of American Idol on it. So, what was about to go down was a marching band,people in costumes and a float they shot for TV to welcome the tryouts for American idol at the convention center.Nola American Idol photo

It was so fun. They were so fun! They threw Mardi Gras beads to all of us and we were part of the party. They invited us to follow the float down the streets of Nola but I chose not to. This was such an unexpected treat to my trip! I wish you could hear this video!

You never know who or what you will find in this city. My business went well and my belly was content. I continue to encourage you to explore beyond your front door.

Till my next adventure …have a beauty filled day.

PS

Pictures to come. I have been up to my lips with work since I returned. Tonight I am a guest on a panel for Fashion Group International in NE Florida. So, I have to prep for that.

Beyonce drinks this …you’ll crave it too!

Whole_Foods_Market_logo.svgWTRMLN WTR is my latest DELICIOUS obsession. It’s also Beyonce’s new investment in the companies healthy drink addition to grocery stores like Whole Foods Market.

Its a watermelon water made with everything but the skin and no water added.I know the name is a bit weird but the flavor is not.

Here are the ingredients and hydrating benefits:

COLD PRESSED DRINK

NON GMO

POTASSIUM RICH

l-CITRULLINE (workout friendly)

Packed with VITAMIN C and LYCOPENE

Makes your muscles rejoice! Your body hydrated.

#hydrated+happiness

 

This summer don’t just eat some watermelon …drink it too. It is oh so good and good for you too.

If you are a fan of Bey…go get some at WFM.

Water for Gorgeous Skin!

photo lemons and tumeric

The sun came out in Florida today and I was so HAPPY. The weather hasn’t been so fabulous. Like the rest of the country we have had our share of crazy weather.Lots of rain and gray days!

So, at my makeup & skin studio I decided I had to make some awesome infused water. A touch of the spa if you will. Yesterday on TV I shared a recipe that the viewers of The Chat TV show loved… I wanted to share the simple recipe with you.You can watch it at http://www.firstcoastnews.com click on The Chat on the left side search bar. ENJOY!

After a long winter YOUR skin and mine is dry and thirsty!

To hydrate your skin you need WATER not soda,sugary drinks or sweet iced tea. I know what you’re going to say. You think drinking water is boring or you don’t like drinking water. Well get over it my darlings. If you want prettier skin and a healthier hydrated body you need water as part of your beauty regime.

I am sipping this  water as I write this blog and in a gorgeous goblet like it is a glass of wine.Make it part of your daily ritual too.

Here is the recipe I showed on TV:

1 fresh organic kiwi

1 fresh organic lemon

*sprinkle in a few berries like raspberries or blueberries for more fun!

1 pitcher of fresh spring or drinking water (room temperature is best) NOT hot and don’t add a ton of ice.

Slice the fruit and place into the pitcher of water.This fruit infused mix water will hydrate and much healthier than soda or iced tea.(I love them too…But)

Let the water rest on the counter before serving for at least one hour for the fruit to dance with each other and infuse the water.

This infused water contains vitamin A and C and is really tasty if you like these fruits.

Take care of yourself! Be good to yourself! Your skin will love you for it.

Countdown to all things SPA & BEAUTY in NYC!

photo IECSC show photo 2015

Looking forward to guest speaking in NYC. I am honored to be invited and so in  LOVE with teaching beauty pro’s all I have learned in the beauty and spa business. Packing my luggage and boxes…as much as I travel and guest speak packing is still an exciting chore.

I CAN’T WAIT TO REPORT BACK TO YOU from the show floor and NYC. Please follow me on Twitter,Instagram and my blog.

I’ll share what’s hot, new and hope I WON’T get caught in any snow too.Don’t want it to slow me down.

After I guest speak at the show I will play with my beautiful sisters and the sweet and exciting streets of Manhattan!

Stay tuned to my adventures in spa,skin,beauty,travel food and above all SHOPPING!

You don’t have to be Chinese to Celebrate Chinese New Year!

Beauty Fortune Cookies

Let’s wok & roll and celebrate another year!!!

Yes, if the NEW year thus far did not start with a bang…YOU can start again. SHARE this holiday with your sweetie,family or a few friends.

Step 1.Search YOUR recipe books or look online for some easy stir-fry or dumpling dishes.OR buy Chinese Take Out.Keep it easy and simple.

Step 2.Put your hair up in chopsticks if its long enough and a silky robe.You’ll feel and look like a China Doll.(I always do)

Step 3. Wear some jade jewelry it is a good luck stone.Or put on your REAL gold for good luck in the New Year.

Step 4 .Buy anbd servve some HOT green or oolong Asian tea and some Lucky Beer! The bottle is shaped in a Buddha and it lucky shade of jade green.I like to rub tummy for good luck.

Step 5.Find some Take Out boxes and fill a little someting in each one for your sweetie or family.

Step 6. SERVE fortune cookies over your fave ICE CREAM.

MAKE tonight even more fun…Celebrate Chinese new year!

My fortune cookie above reads: “Want LUSCIOUS hydrated lips? Rub some organic honey over them”.

Chocolate SPA!

mask cocoaYesterday I featured on TV a few of my fave recipes for a Girls Night In or something fun to do with him! I created these recipes from Whole Foods ingredients my fave’ store!

Valentine’s day shoppers kept me busy at my studio…so here are the recipes to glow on with chocolate!

Here are a few of the recipes to enjoy!

Yummy Chocolate Balm 1 small plastic or glass jar 2 soup spoons of Coconut oil organic Microwave the above. Fill a jar  and let it harden a bit and add the following… 4 White or Dark chocolate drops like you use to make cookies Close the lid and it is ready to give or enjoy.

Cocoa Face Mask 2 tablespoons of Greek plain yogurt 1 tablespoon of organic cocoa powder unsweetened 1 generous drizzle of Agave nectar or honey Stir them all together and you’ll have a creamy and dreamy face mask! Apply on the face with a fan brush or with your fingers. Pretend you are icing a cupcake. Leave on 10 to 15 minutes. It will firm up gently on the skin. Rinse with luke warm water and a washcloth. Enjoy the luxurious feel and scent of fresh cocoa powder filled with antioxidants and your face will FEEL awesome. For MORE information on yummy things to do with cocoa,chocolate nibs ,chips and more! Visit: http://www.news4jax.com  and click on The Morning Show  Happy Valentine’s day!

There is nothing like THIS perfect ST. Valentine’s gift!

LETTER blogWhat about a hand-made card or better yet a LOVE letter to the one or ones you love. Your lover, your daughter,your son or your mom and dad. It doesn’t have to be a long one.Short and sweet is good too.It is  ALL about the little things,token gestures and gifts from your heart. It isn’t all about shopping and going crazy to find the right card and gift.

Pour your heart and soul out. Stir up your imagination. Get your romantic sexy side out. Whoever you want to say something to…get it out on paper too!

Love,hearts and kisses are dancing around the air today…I WISH EVERY DAY was St. Valentines day. Spread a little love today.

Here is a letter I am putting on the dinner table with a candle lit special yummy meal and cupid cocktail for my husband.The paper cost was .30 already kissed.It is so much fun to do and will make him so HAPPY too!

If you haven’t got a card or gift …get moving and write one like this.Let me know what happens.

Wanna share with me what you are going to do?

Chocolate Bliss he can’t resist~

Valentines15pc I LOVE TO BE ROMANTIC and do the unexpected…not only on Valentine’s Day but every day. I found these chocolates on line made with love by a charming chocolatier. As always I had to share them with you.

This Valentine’s day celebrate in a new way by serving your  handsome hunk of burning love Chinese take out in bed chopsticks included.

If you are celebrating with your sweetie why not wear a silky kimono and chopsticks in your hair (if your hair is long enough) Or think of another sexy way to shower your love in your own way.

Then relax,sip some champagne or wine. Kiss the night away and pull out this box of chocolates. WOW Chocolates are like a bag of Hershey’s KISSES (which I so love) ON STEROIDS!

Gorgeous gift boxes filled with beautiful bites of assorted gourmet chocolates and luscious lip joy in one box.

Live it up,Love it up. And if you don’t have someone special in your life… You can still celebrate V-DAY and treat yourself to this glorious box of chocolates and enjoy.  YOU are special! Love is in the air…I smell it.

http://www.wowchocolates.com