Not brand necessarily but your absolute favorite product? One that makes a big difference on your face. One that makes you filled with joy when you put it on?
And WHY?
Lipstick?
Blush?
Foundation?
Eyeshadow?
Mascara?
Eyeliner?
Lipliner?
Face powder?
Do tell? I want to know.
You don’t have to be Asian to celebrate the Chinese or Lunar New Year. I LOVE celebrating every day I am alive!
The beauty of the lunar new year is it is rich in traditions and delicious fun!
Here are 10 Ways You Can Do It:
Let’s get this party started! If you want to celebrate send an invitation by MAIL. Yes, snail mail (I am not fond of that description) is the BEST mail. We are bombarded with IPHONE and computer emails and nothing seems special anymore! This invite can be to be with your BAE, bestie, family and friends.
*Did you know that the US POSTAL service sells beautiful forever stamps every year? This year it is all about the Year of the Tiger.
*You can easily celebrate with your own family by ordering TAKE OUT and supporting the sweet small businesses in your community. We small business owners ALL need your business. Don’t be afraid to order food that’s new to you. And don’t forget to order the noodle dishes…they represent LONG life in the new year.
*Brew and serve a pot of hot green or jasmine tea and serve a fortune cookie or Asian cake. I also recommend serving oranges or kumquats. IF you want to explore and serve slices of DRAGON FRUIT which is known to help gut health, your immune system and your skin look its best.
*Set the table with plates and bowls or just find Chinese Take Out containers to serve in. Not much clean up!
*Be authentic and set the table with chopsticks. Make them LEARN how to use them. It just may be quite amusing. The Asian grocery stores even have chopsticks for children and adults so many gorgeous styles and patterns to choose from.
Decorate with red and gold. Lanterns and more. Maybe you can find a Tiger 🐅 figurine.
*Make party favors so everyone gets a treat to go home with. I love to use small decorative take out boxes or organza bags to put the token gift in.
*If you’re feeling adventurous have a FORTUNE COOKIE making party! They are easy and so fun to make!
If you’re looking for a great gift for your Valentine ❤️ this year. Perhaps you might consider giving a gift of food and drink for the kitchen. Or a bamboo steamer filled with Asian beauty products.
Whatever you do you’ve got 15 days to celebrate 🎊 it with your family and friends too!
I forgot to tell you!
I have been dipping my makeup brushes in the social media giant Tik Tok. Its only been a few months… BUT I’m in the game. I’m still learning and have much more to learn. But I am being One and only ME! Not someone else. All with an a la Noreen twist!
I hope you’ll give me some love ❤️, watch some videos and learn something NEW.
Have some fun with me! I am sharing beauty, skincare,lifestyle,foodie and my wellness, beauty and travel ✈️ adventures!
IF there is something you’d like me to cover or share. Let me know. It’s kinda strange for me to feel comfortable on top of the camera video taping but I’m trying to ween into it and lean in.
If you are on Tik Tok let me know…I’ll follow you too!
They say “You are what you eat” and it is so true!
This week on TV on River City Live I featured some ideas for snacking,face and body masking and for GLOWING skin! I hope you will enjoy them too.
I try and eat the right stuff and love most fruits and veggies. But sometimes I am looking for a little cheat drink that gives me energy and can help give my skin a boost over time. I discovered an easy recipe that actress Reese Whiterspoon shared on Instagram last year. I am kinda addicted and make and drink this recipe weekly. IF you have not tried it its worth looking into. Even my husband enjoys it.
All you need is:
2 HEADS OF ROMAN LETTUCE
1/2 CUP OF SPINACH
1/2 CUP OF COCONUT WATER
1 WHOLE BANANA
1 WHOLE APPLE
1 WHOLE PEAR
1 WHOLE LEMON
SCOOP OF ALMOND BUTTER (optional)
Mix all of the above to a Vitamix type blender for easy blending.
Sometimes I like to make a smoothie/ drink what I call “Everything but the kitchen sink” I simply pull out whatever leftover vegetables and fruits I have on hand and put it in a blender with a juice I might have leftover or some bottled water. It usually turns out quite delicious!
If you are really pressed for time, Dole makes some delicious options in the freezer aisle of a mix of fruits and greens blend. One of favorites is made with mango.banana,apple,pineapple and spinach.
Stay hydrated for plump happy skin for face and body. If you are not a water drinker snack on cucumbers or drink coconut water. Add a cherry in the glass or an umbrella and make it a fun ritual. you look forward to.
Celebrities just like I love using produce for prettier vibrant skin and a healthier body. Like a strawberry face mask with fresh strawberries or they use it as a teeth whitening treat.
Avocado masks are also good for your hair or face and neck. So nourishing.
Spinach is a rock star for skin and body! My friend Victoria Evelyn founder of the Chocolate Skincare Factory brand happens to be both a pharmacist and an esthetician recommended to me another way to get my greens for my on the go lifestyle! Simply keep on hand fresh bag of spinach in your fridge and pop a handful as a quick snack. I even take a mini snack bag with me on the road or on the run. Be like POPEYE and eat spinach.
I love baby tomatoes! I pop them like candy. Really! There is a magical ingredient in tomatoes that research shows may protect our skin from UV damage from sunburn. Naturally I have to protect my skin with a SUNSCREEN from a tube but I also eat these and also make Italian dishes with tomato paste which is loaded with lycopene. Since I have had a bad sunburn before I really never want to feel that again.
I also love a banana mask for dry elbows and knees. All you do is mash a banana and put it on those dry dull areas for the body. Or you can use it as a soothing hydrating face mask too.
If you crave a little crunch…mini baby carrots are a great go too instead of potato chips! Although I really love a bag of Kettle Chips! Your eyes and skin will love you too.
Grapes are hydrating bites of love that keep your skin looking good too.
Nuts and dried fruits are good for you snack too! You haven’t lived until you have tried dried cherries! I love them as a sweet treat alone or in a salad.
Whatever you do…always remember your health is #1.
And so should your skin be too!
I’m so blessed and I want to be a blessing to others. That is why I opened up a beauty & wellness brand & company. It is also the reason why I started this blog….
I have to admit it isn’t easy being “up” when the world all around us is crashing “down.” But I must. It’s in my DNA.
I simply wanted to take this time to say THANK YOU for following my blog, for your likes on my posts, for your kind words and for being there on the other side of the screen.
I try and give you a glimpse into my life, beauty,skincare, recipes and travels. ✈️
I also want to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving 🍁 for those who celebrate. I am thankful for YOU!
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 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.
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!
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!
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!
About now between the catastrophic 🌍 news on TV and horrific views this week along with COVID still with us. I still can’t believe this is happening. I too am feeling a little blue. How about you?
Let’s not allow the negativity and sadness to takeover our life. Our mental health depends on it. So, we need to listen out and hear something good and do something good for (ourselves) YOURSELF.
Light a candle! Burn some sage or aromatic incense! Meditate! Pray! 🙏
Do a few face and body exercises. Kiss that facial stress away!
Try a little yoga or stretching exercises. If the sun is shining your way enjoy its warmth on your face and body.
When you get out today or get out today and buy yourself something. Anything. It could simply be a $1.00 item from the dollar store. Go find a bargain!
Just treat yourself to something NEW.
Get an old fashioned 🍦 ice cream,gelato, mochi or popsicles at your fave place. I miss the ice cream trucks that drove thru the neighborhood and sold all kinds of ice cream delights!
Call a friend or family member spread some ❤️ love.
Write a letter or send a few cards out to people you love and that that you miss across the country!
Book an appointment for a massage! It may be last minute but you never know they might just have an opening for you!
Get a mani or pedi or polish change.
Visit a juice shop! You know where they make it fresh squeezed! So good for you and nothing like fresh fruit or veggie juice!
Be good to yourself today. It’s been a tough week for the world!
Even though it may be hard to smile today…
Be good to yourself!
My summer beauty crush is a nail polish. I love getting a mani & pedi and enjoy touching my nails 💅 up between my manicure appointments so I can look my best.
While shopping 🛍 to pick up some milk and and a few other things I discovered of all places in The Dollar General an end cap display of nail lacquer. A few colors caught my eye.
I can’t wait to buy MORE!
They have 18 show stopping colors!
Maybe I needed a frost, no I needed a matte. So I chose Twisted 🌷 Tulip! Perhaps like my personality. It is Maybelline FAST gel nail lacquer. Yes, Maybelline every teen on a budgets dream.
It went on my nails smooth and looked flawless instantly. Best part besides this beautiful hue. It is so FAST drying! I am in love! And I almost forgot I’ve had two coats on for a week. Not a dent or chip. Color is shiny and still looks amazing.
And by the way, for years I have been able to only use OPI nail polish because I am allergic to other nail lacquers.
No your nail bed doesn’t break out nor do you necessarily get a rash. Your eye 👁 lids and under eyes can get itchy and irritated. And can even get raw red from scratching or rubbing.
Did you even know you can be allergic from the ingredients in some brand nail polish?
It’s not over. There’s still more summer left! Maybe it’s time you discover and try a few and play away!
You’ll most likely fall in love with it too!
Like the brands tube goes… Maybe It’s Maybelline!
Lately I’ve noticed women’s hands and feet. While waiting on lines, while grabbing a bite to eat or my clients at my beauty cottage.
Your hands go through sun 🌞 and environmental stressors not to mention using home cleaning products and hand sanitizer. Not just your face. So, they are dry and thirsty for attention.
Some of you who read my blog may know by now how much I ❤️ to make pretty potions!
So here’s one for you!
One of the mask DIY recipes I like to do is right out of the kitchen. Not a product from a store shelf. This mask gently moisturizes and is applied to the top of the hands.
Easy as 1,2,3.
1 tablespoon of oats
1 teaspoon of lemon juice
1 tablespoon of olive oil
Mix all of the above. Add water as needed. The mask will be like a paste consistency.
Apply the mask mixture to your hands with a face mask brush or a clean pastry brush.
Leave on at least 15 minutes.
Rub your hands together another minute.
Rinse well with in the sink with a washcloth.
If you have any left over. Save it for another time. Don’t save more than a couple of days. There are no preservatives.
Follow with your favorite hand or body lotion.
You’ll have happy,softer, brighter skin on your hands.
Hooray! It is NATIONAL LIPSTICK DAY!
I am addicted to lipstick and all things to do with the lips!
How about you?
Face masks on or not I have not given up on lipstick! Or wearing lipstick. It is a magic stick! It has super powers. It gives your face a lift! It makes you feel good with one swipe. It doesn’t matter what color you wear. ANY hue YOU love will make you feel fabulous and condition your lips too!
LIPSTICK Application to make your lipstick LAST and not run. 💄💋
Here are a few tips to make your lipstick look good and last longer:
👄Always prep your lips with a lip conditioner day and night a Vitamin E stick is my go to or Rosebud Salve. These two lip products are loved by professional makeup artists,celebrities and models. Even if you are not wearing a lipstick. Try these for kissable softer less lines on your lips!
👄Next apply a lipstick primer.
👄Lip liner isn’t gone forever! So, give your lips shape and definition with a lip liner. If you don’t want a line of color to show. Try an invisible lip liner instead. It works wonders.
👄Next apply your favorite lipstick or glossy color.
👄Once a week exfoliate your lips!! A quick go to DIY is 🥥 coconut oil and some mini coconut flake shavings. Mix the two in a jar and apply as needed. Leave on at least 10-15 minutes. You’ll be tempted to eat it but don’t.
Enjoy a prettier softer pout! 💋💄
