Travel & Beauty Tips

As we are getting out of the house more for a day, a mini vacay or a business trip. I like to pack as light as I can (which is not easy to do) but I don’t want to forget my health and beauty essentials. And once I get to my hotel there are a few things I like to do on my stay.

Don’t stop taking your vitamins and beauty essentials.
Removing your makeup…

Don’t remove your makeup with their pristine and clean white washcloths. This costs the hotel lots of money. Makeup… especially mascara and foundation can really destroy washcloth and towels quick. Be mindful. While I don’t recommend using makeup wipes to remove your makeup daily. They can really be convenient when on the go.

Nothing like a bath! 🛀

I don’t forget to pack some bath and shower essentials! Spongelle has great aromatic and skin softening sponges you can enjoy in a shower or in a bath. So luxurious! When I’m done I pack it in a baggie and take home to reuse on my next trip or at home.

I also like to pack Epsom salts and bath bombs. Last trip I packed a CBD bath bomb and it was THE BOMB! If you don’t usually take a bath and are a shower person. Live a little indulge in a bubble bath! Your body will love ❤️ you for it!

Is multipurpose!

Body wash or shower gel in your hotel room is not only great for the body in a shower it can give you a relaxing aromatherapy bath!

Sink washing machine!

And that same body wash is great to rinse your lingerie if you need to. You gotta think outside the box.

These are just a few things and hacks I do. I hope you enjoyed them too!

It is time to sparkle!

In ❤️with this!

Now that this pandemic is slowing down for most of us in different states across the US and other countries. It is time to glam it a bit a bit. I’m not talking to pile on and wear lots of makeup I mean to add some fun to your beauty routine.

CHI the hair care brand has come out with special edition hair styling tool that you just have to know about. This hair styling iron heats up so fast (425F) you don’t have to wait long. Unlike others.I was amaze and impressed.It is covered in 3,000 genuine crystals so gorgeous! It features CHI’S award winning 1″ LAVA Ceramic floating plates. Easy on and off. The special technology plates produce less damage to the hair and offers smooth SHINY results.

Photo by Ali Pazani on Pexels.com

Now I will admit I may not use it every day. But I definitely will NOT be putting it away and hiding it in a drawer. IT looks so stunning and sparkles with the most beautiful crystals. By the way it even comes with a mini packet along with the instruction booklet filled with extra crystals if you happen to need them. Even cooler. Right?

If it’s made by CHI it is for me. I have never been disappointed by the companies hair care or tools.

If you are looking for curl give the Spin N Curl tool give it a whirl.

If you’re looking for some soothing light and aromatherapy the tabletop lamp may just be for you. I filled the lamp with Egyptian rose essential oil and my bedroom smells so good it also purifies your air and space.

Add a little extra glam to your everyday styling experience!

*This month they are offering a FREE gift with every order. ONLY at CHI.com.

Day 18 of MY Beauty Secrets

To give your face a pick me up in the middle of your day I find you need this!

Rosewater

It is an old Victorian beauty secret but I’m sure Cleopatra used it at some point if we look back in cosmetic history. There are several not many on the market right now. In the winter ❄️ I use it to hydrate with its mist. In the summer I keep a bottle on ice or in the fridge and spray that cool rosy mist.

OR I use it at night! Some come in a spray bottle which I prefer.

And I have seen one in a pour out bottle to use on a cotton pad. Spray is easier to use.

It gives your spirits a lift as most of us like rose 🌹 scented things. And it gives a gentle mist hydrating your skin glow. You can use it over foundation. on bare skin or after a long day and you’ve washed your face and ready to go to bed.

Many women say it calms them down.

And under a face mask with a few touch ups a day. It really can be what your skin needs.

Have you ever tried it?

D.I.Y. Christmas Eve Aromatherapy

Happy Christmas eve!

Fill the room with Christmas LOVE and aromatherapy!

These are a few of my fragrant faves!

Holiday Diffuser Delight

Fill the diffuser like you normally do with water. For every oz. of water, add 3 drops of Peppermint essential oil. The room will smell amazing and clears your air and helps you breathe better too! Another simple delight is using Cinnamon essential oil.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

Hand and body treat! Mix 4 oz. or more of unscented hand and body lotion with 2 drops of peppermint oil. Let it set a few hours. Stir well. Slather up. Enjoy this uplifting scent!

Fill a saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Toss in a few star anise or cloves and maybe a few cinnamon sticks depending on your desire. Turn down heat to simmer.Enjoy this stove top scent in your home.

Photo by Nadi Lindsay on Pexels.com

Play with other essential oils and add a few candles to set the aromatic mood. It is so easy to create your own aromatic elixirs and smells divine too. Add a little creative fun to your day! Your home will smell amazing and your body will too!

Photo by Mareefe on Pexels.com

Energy!

Looking for a natural boost from plants 🌱 that you can enjoy after a long day of of holiday shopping 🛍 , or at your home 🏡 or your office?

The holiday season can be a very stressful and hectic time.

But Mother Nature to the rescue!

green basil leaves

Photo by monicore on Pexels.com

Plant or grow a potted plant at your desk or in a sunny 🌞 window. Basil and peppermint work wonders!

close up freshness green growth

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

 

When you need an aromatic energizing lift!  All you do is take a piece of the plant and rub the leaves between your fingers to release their scent! Smell your fingers and the plants. Breathe in deeply and ENJOY!

 

So aromatic and uplifting.

Have you got a dirty little secret?

When was the last time you washed your… pillow ?

Every night you smoosh your face around and in the pillow. Picture this for months or a year or years! Not so pretty is it?

white bedding cover beside brown wooden side table

Photo by Donald Tong on Pexels.com

Did you know that is recommended for us to wash our bed PILLOWS on a regular basis?

Who knew I never did this as often either too. However, washing them on a regular basis will get rid of sweat,makeup,skincare and those nasty dead skin cells and God knows what else that got on the pillow itself.

Check the label and see if they are washable and come clean!

What you will need to clean them is:

1/2 cup of laundry detergent

4-5 drops of lavender,rose or lemon oil (IFyou have another fave you like use that oil instead)

This is enough and great for washing 2 pillows!

  • Use enough detergent as for a full load of laundry.
  • Add the laundry detergent as the water fills. Then add your fave essential oil to the water in the machine.
  • Balance the pillows evenly and place them in the washing machine.
  • Run on gentle cycle.
  • I like to air dry them in the sun!

If you are tired of waking up to a never washed or smelly pillow… And perhaps you have acne or prone to blemishes too.

Come clean and you’ll see what I mean! I’ve been doing this for a few years and my complexion and face shows it and skin loves me!

Makes my pillows fluffier and fresh as a daisy too!

 

 

Relaxing Gifts…

IMG_0188.JPGSometimes giving a gift means giving one to yourself!

I think self-care is so important especially this crazy but beautiful time of year. I love to support the makers. You know sweet and small companies who make things with their hands. Like me. I love to whip up many beautiful things.

Rosie’s Handmade Jax makes an Aromatherapy Hot Pack that may be used hot or cold for when you need to relax and chill out and say “Goodbye to the bad days.”

Natural pain relief made by a MOMMY  (FYI Rosie is her little daughter) in Jacksonville Florida!  Made with 100% premium cotton and well made at that!

Lovely lavender takes the cares and stress away.

Do you or anyone on your list get migraine headaches or simply exhausted from working at the computer all day? Rosie’s HandmadeJax has a pack for your eyes too.

Find them on Instagram and Facebook at:

rosies.handmadejax

I’ve so loved these two handmade relaxing & calming beauties the past few weeks and simply had to share! You just might fall in love with them too! Or to give as a gift this holiday season.

You don’t have to spend a fortune on gifts! It truly is the thought you put into  that gift counts.

Come back to my blog for more gifts to make the people in your life smile!

 

 

 

 

 

What I saw,ate and did in Las Vegas!

photo.JPG friesI love Las Vegas. It is a beautiful and fun city. And the best part like New York it has so much FREE eye candy for you to enjoy. You don’t have to spend all your time on the Strip either!

My last post I told you I was going there to guest speak at the International Esthetics Cosmetics and Spa conference. This year the show was better than ever!Alongside the show is a full pavilion called the International Beauty Show. Both are shows if you are in the business of beauty and a licensed beauty professional you do not want to miss. This year we got an extra bonus…The Comic Con show was there. I saw all kinds of characters. From devils to Winnie the Poo to sexy sirens.In 113 to 117 degrees I admired the passion for the world of comic books.

Trends come and go but the biggest trend I continue to see and grow is the look of healthy skin and  the care of the skin.I tried all kinds of lotions,potions,hydrated by a new sheet mask  by the ever popular Image Skincare and skin feeling softer and loved.The ever popular Savvy Sleepers pillowcase rocks your skin with anti-aging smooth benefits. Protects your skin from more wrinkles and saves your hair and extends expensive blowouts all while you sleep. Especially from the aromatherapy spa product aisle. The smell of lavender,peppermint and more filled the show floor.

 

Another trend that continues to rise is COLOR.It was everywhere on the faces of makeup artists in my classes and on the show floor and at makeup booths. HAIR was colorful too. I saw all the colors of the rainbow kinda hair. It was AMAZING. My fave’ were the luscious world of lipsticks and glosses. Aqua,pink,coral,yellow,purple lipsticks are so on trend and sure to make you happy hues.Let’s not forget that nail polish continues to be in all shades to tempt you. I LOVE the fact that our world has become so color filled. Remember when our beauty world only offered safe colors like soft pink,pearly white and beige. How about when our blow dryers only came in boring gray? Well no more.

My classrooms were filled with eager to learn beauty professionals,spa and salon owners.I love what I do and travel too. After the show I was STARVING and needed to hydrate up and had to stop to my fave place for a for a burger and fries. Smothered in yum and made in the kitchen with LOVE. And a sip one of their shakes…Pink Strawberry. You know how I love pink!

I like to venture away from the strip where the locals who live there go. Not all your meals have to be in swanky expensive  I enjoyed the ever fabulous In and Out Burger where I ordered off their secret menu…ANIMAL style Fries ( see photo)

I also enjoyed exotic  meals from Orchids Garden where they serve ALL DAY Dim Sum! If you haven’t had is Chinese Brunch. The food is so fresh and the staff there is so friendly. Save some room as you might also want to try the coconut bun which is dessert that is perfect with a hot cup of jasmine or green tea.

Who doesn’t LOVE to shop? While I like the SHOPPING on the strip I also like to head to PRIMM at the outlet mall. They have some fabulous shops like Tommy Bahama,Charlotte Rousse,Coach and more.

ALL at fabulous DISCOUNT $$$$$$ prices …You won’t find on the strip.

I bought some Tommy Bahama tops and bathing suit for my husband. Gorgeous bracelets for me,sandals,perfume and a few LV souvenir gifts all for $197.00

So, I hope you enjoyed a peek inside my classrooms,the beauty and the hair shows and see what’s on trend. If you haven’t been to Las Vegas add it to your list!

Travel and explore my darlings and eat up all that life has to offer!!!

 

 

Give Your Man Some LOVE!

It is almost that time to celebrate DAD…And with that comes the pressure to buy that perfect gift! Just remember it isn’t all about a material gift.

Sometimes its all about the little things.

Kisses are FREE !

All you have to do is pucker up and start kissing him.Head to toe…let him know how much you care.

Treat dad to breakfast in bed. Call me crazy but I do this almost daily (depending on my schedule) for my husband.  I bought a bed tray years ago from PIER 1 and it was the best money I ever spent and I got it on sale too!

Go to the drug store,grocery store or the always awesome Whole Foods Market.

Fill a tote or a basket with all things you know he will love and within your budget. They have all you need for that eco-friendly health enthusiast in your life. (My new fave brand for men is OLIVINA MEN). From wine,beer,food to shaving lotion to lip conditioner…this store has what you need.

Get him a shirt he will LOVE…Magna Ready is a unique shirt company you’ve gotta see!DSC_5895

Give dad a a bath. Fill a tub with Epsom salts and add a few drops of  pure essential oil like eucalyptus or peppermint or rosemary. Refreshing. I love the brand called Aura Cacia.

If you can get a baby sitter.escape and take him on a date. Nothing nothing date night. Surprise him and drive to the secret location. A yummy ice cream parlor,a new bar you discovered and more.

Drop him off at Massage Envy after you have prearranged an appointment  for a relaxing and fabulous massage.

Take him out for or make him a tropical cocktail at home and give him a foot massage with olive oil from your kitchen at home while he sips away.

D.I.Y. Make him a beard and mustache oil  that is if he has a mustache or beard. Did you know that hair gets dry and the skin underneath of it needs attention too.

1 ounce of jojoba oil

1/2 ounce of grape seed oil

8 drops of sandalwood essential oil

Combine all of the above and funnel in and place in an antique or medicinal bottle with a dropper if possible.Go ahead and shake this up. Include instructions on a sheet of paper on how to use it.

Use your imagination to make it happen. These are just a few of my ideas to get you going. Oh and of course a hand-made card or a LOVE letter would also be a good idea from you and one from the kids.Times running out!

Spread some love and enjoy dad’s day!

Showtime!

Premiere Show 2016

Tonight I leave for Orlando to guest speak at the Premiere HAIR Show and Day Spa show. Anyone who is anyone in the hair,beauty and nail industry will be there.

I will be whipping up some beauty and sharing all things D.I.Y. with a natural approach to beauty and sharing beauty secrets!

I can’t wait to connect with my fellow speakers,makeup artists,nail techs, estheticians,beauty salons,day spas and more!

I look forward to browzing the show floor and attending a few classes too!

The show floor and stages are filled with alot of music,models,makeovers,demo’s,free sampling and classes to learn trends and cutting edge skincare too.

The show floor is also filled with all things glam and new!

Stay tuned come back to me early next week. I will share the beauty I found!

#forprofessionalsonly

Not open to the public!

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