Stress Less Tips!

In a hurricane , tropical storm or just life now… we NEED comforting.

Here are some of my personal tips to help!

❤️ Take a warm comforting bath before the storm or you lose electricity. Or if the storm passes you or just any day chill out in a bath 🛀 even if you are a shower person. IT will make you feel better!

Add a few flowers 🌸 or rose 🌹 petals & it’s pure bliss!

I like to use Epsom salt and a few dashes of essential oil. Rose, lavender or lemon. I like to add shower gel to the tub for bubbles.

(Not crafters oil fragrance) The real thing!

❤️ This is NOT the time to go on a diet! Eat and drink things that comfort you. Bake some cookies from scratch. Make a pot of cozy hot chocolate or Chai tea.

Yum!
Rest up!

❤️ Try taking a nap or at least try and get a good nights sleep. It really helps with stress! It also is so good for your health!

❤️ Or give each other a massage. The scalp, shoulders, hands or feet. Even the family can get in on the fun.

Massage oil from your kitchen!

Practice a bit of meditation. Or start yoga. I have not been doing it for many years but I have added it to my life. It makes such a big difference.

❤️ Meditation 🧘‍♀️ calms the mind. If you don’t what to do. Just be still and quiet. Surround yourself with a salt lamp or a faux candle. Illuminate your space.

Soothe your spirits!

❤️ I’m not a doctor but my massage therapist and doctors over the years suggested I take one magnesium supplement at night. They say it relaxes the body and acts like a muscle relaxant. I practice that and it is quite effective. Sweet Dreams!

❤️ Spray your sheets or towels with lavender oil or peppermint oil. One calms and the peppermint lifts spirits.

❤️ Still feeling stress ? Chew gum or enjoy a hard candy. I love a candy brand called Jolly Ranchers!

❤️ Keep hydrated! Drinking Water 💦 is your body’s best friend. But a little Prosecco helps too. Or whatever floats your boat!

If you have a tip that you’d like to share with me. I’d love to hear from you.

I hope a few of these tips help and comfort you! Hurricane if not. We ALL need to take comfort.

All the Feels of Fall

Spice It Up …Fall has arrived even though we don’t feel it in Florida. The temperatures in the 90’s this week! Wow. Today on TV I shared these with our TV viewers on a lifestyle morning show on River City Live… on WJXT-4.

But it is going to feel like the chill of fall before we know it. Let’s get in the mood and spice your life up with something new. Perhaps something or some place you never tried before! 

  • A great way to do this is with a new sweater or better yet buy a pair of cozy socks! Say goodbye to boring black,white or blue and color your world too! I just discovered this awesome brand called JOHN’S CRAZY SOCKS! So many sock styles to choose from for guys, gals and kids too. The fun socks I purchased are so ME with luscious lips all over them.

Check out …
Browse: www.johnscrazysocks.com Feel even better about your purchase knowing you are supporting a small business owner who just happens to be born with Down Syndrome.  His company donates a portion of your purchase to  Special Olympics. The holidays are coming. Great gift idea too.   

Adding fall decorative touches in your home is nice. But how about adding some spice to your kitchen by trying out new and exotic spices like Vietnamese cinnamon and or French Lavender for your culinary adventures. I have had a party in my kitchen with these spices and herbs.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Love sipping coffee? Tea? Smoothies Or Hot Chocolate? Me too. 

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Bitty and Beau’s Coffee Shop is coming soon to San Marco in Jacksonville Fl. But you can also find this coffee shop around the country. The brainchild started by a mom Amy Wright who is co-owner and named the coffee shop after her two children Bitty & Beau who were born with Down Syndrome. Why not stop in when they open their doors here and enjoy a NEW place to sip your coffee and enjoy a delicious treat too. They employ amazing people with disabilities. Now that’s something to brag about! Guests love the vibe and coffee too!

Try a new autumn inspired self-care treat like Honey Heel glaze and or hand and body lotion like Honey Chai. Men love this scent and products too. Self care never smelled or felt so good!

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

A new lipstick can change your life! Really. The trending hues for fashion and lipstick are cinnamon and metallic and earthy colors. But still think about PINK to brighten up your face to go with the new fall fashions.

Let’s celebrate the beauty of fall 🍂 and all it has to offer us.

Photo by Maksim Goncharenok on Pexels.com

Spring and all it’s beauty is here! 🌺

Wanna spruce up your look, fashion and home decor? TRY a few of these.

Makeup is still in but softer and baking and contouring and the cake face is NOT in.

Doing your makeup doesn’t have to be a chore and take hours to do. Before you consider buying all things NEW go over what you own and throw out what is old, smells bad or the mirror cracked. These are all things you do not need. I also recommend you wipe & clean your products down and wash those makeup brushes too.

After you have done the above…Treat yourself to a NEW lip gloss,lip balm or lipstick. 👄

Photo by freestocks.org on Pexels.com

Lipstick adds a little bit of sunshine to your lips! It will make you feel so good. Don’t usually wear anything on your lips? Try it you might just like or LOVE it.

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BLUSH is popping this spring. It is front and center for brightening your face & complexion. Just don’t over do.

TIP: If you’re in a hurry or forgot your blush you can use an eye shadow in a pinch and go!

Photo by Sobia Akhtar on Pexels.com

ADD a new handbag and a pair of SUNNIES to your spring wardrobe for a new look. Or add a new pair of shoes! These always put a spring in your step.

Another idea is to SHOP your own closet and drawers. I recently discovered a gorgeous sweater and purse I forgot I bought. Now, I have two things new!

Photo by Amar Preciado on Pexels.com

Add some green 🍃 to your home decor scene. So pretty and healthy for you too!

Purify and detox that air in your space.

Photo by Dominika Roseclay on Pexels.com

TREAT yourself to a bouquet of colorful flowers. You know the ones that make YOU happy!

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

Buy a new mug ☕️ for your coffee or tea! oh and a tea cup set makes sipping tea even more special!

Make your warm drinks a special time for you! 💕

I hope you try a few new ideas for adding a bit of color to your world!

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.

George Clooney not included!

nespresso-photo

I’m serious about and appreciate and good cup of coffee.

And my passion for desert flavors is real too. So I simply had to bring to your attention the new limited edition flavors of Nespresso.

Think Banana bread,Pumpkin Spice Cake and Gingerbread…all yum on the tongue.These are the new coffee capsules the company added to the already finest bean coffee’s they make. My lips just can’t resist.

I am in love with this top of the line brand.The Vertuoline Evolou machine brews the best cup of coffee I ever had. Really! And the unique centrifusion technology makes it buzz with delight. This one cup delight brews a mean aromatic cup of coffee in approx 20 something seconds.It is EASY to use…and comes out FAST,FRESH and FABULOUS!

And the cherry on top is the cafe like quality on top which is called crema…a generous frothy layer of love. I don’t use sugar because I am sweet enough and quite frankly I like the taste of it without it. The coffee machine also makes a delightful cup of espresso. Just like I have enjoyed in  Italia.

So you know what to do…if you are looking for the perfect gift for HIM,for her or for yourself.This is so worth it.

You gotta trust me on this. And of course actors George Clooney and Danny Di Vito will say that too.We foodies have to stick together.

Try it …you’ll LOVE it.

Valentine’s Day gifts you don’t want to miss!

Counting down to the season of LOVE!

Almost everyone is addicted to getting a luxe cup of coffee. The lines are enormous for Starbucks in store or in the drive-thru. But at various prices a cup it can get costly!!!

You are in luck. I tested some new coffee units and this will make you say Bye Bye to  your coffee unit and stay at home and enjoy a luxurious cup of hot coffee!

Nespresso Evoluo in a Cherry Red shade of lipstick is the bomb!

Makes a frothy fabulous cup of coffee from full bodied to decaf. Coffee capsules from and India,Guatemala and Brazil  make it the most flavorful NOT watery cup of coffee.

Makes a cup of espresso too!

Centrifusion technology and code reading technology does it all at the push of a  button.

Makes your coffee in 20 seconds. Yes,only 20 SECONDS. And no trip to the drive-thru.

Shuts off safely for you in 9 minutes just in case you are like me and forget to shut off the unit too.Cherry Nespresso_VERTUO_Main_684x378

I really think it is the PERFECT gift for HIM or HER especially if they are a coffee lover.

Oh so LOVE mine!

George Clooney not included.

Stay tuned for more awesome gift ideas.

 

Bye, Bye, Cellulite!

coffee-grindsWomen keep on asking me about a natural way to help the appearance of cellulite now that bathing suit season approaches…especially the ladies of sunny Florida.

First off you can’t just get rid of cellulite.BUT you can help with way it looks on your thighs and more. I have a bit of it too. So, I decided to share an easy recipe with the viewers on The Chat TV show in Florida.

Here is the D.I.Y. Recipe fix:

1 cup coffee grounds from a pot of coffee you made 1/2 cup organic brown sugar *You can use white sugar of you do not have brown sugar! 1 cup of coconut oil Mix all of the above together in a glass or plastic bowl. Take a quick shower and get wet.Standing or sitting at the edge of the tub if you have one and start to apply this java,oil and sugary blend.

*Be careful it may be a bit slippery in the tub.

Skin Benefits: The caffeine in coffee can help soften the appearance of cellulite. Sugar softens and exfoliates. Of course you know I am a big fan of coconut oil and it hydrates and nourishes your skin too. Rub away and feel better about the appearance of your cellulite with this sweet coffee and sugar treat….without spending a fortune from a store shelf jar.

It is so much fun to D.I.Y. !!!

Coffee Anyone?

COFFE  ICE CUBES PHOTO

Happy weekend!  If you love coffee this recipe is for you!

I am about to make this recipe.

Recipe for YUMMY Coffee Freeze

1 cup of milk

1 cup of frozen whipped dairy topping (or you can make it yourself)

1 package of vanilla pudding mix

1 Tbsp instant coffee

In a 3 cup measuring cup,pour milk and enough ice ( I like to use  coffee ice cubes I make with leftover coffee) just to bring the liquid to 3 cups.

Pour into a blender.Add topping,pudding and coffee,blend until smooth.

Pour,sip  and ENJOY!

Have a delicious new year! Remember life is what you make it.Make things happen and make it yummy too.

UNIQUE Valentine’s Day gift ideas

car lashes_bmwOn TV today I am featuring a few FUN and unique ways to say I LOVE YOU!

Whether you have a sweetie or not or buying for your family or BFF…it is so much FUN to show how you feel.

NOT ALL GIFTS need to be expensive! Some of the best gifts come from the HEART!
Or hand-made or home-made.Bake him his favourite bread or meal. Or if you’re a busy working woman like I am or man and simply don’t have the time…here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing or to shop and do!Don’t stress.

I know a lot of men who LOVE Dunkin Donuts.They also love DD coffee and now the new hot chocolate and other drinks.Serving Breakfast in Bed or Midnight snack in bed on a tray can be exciting and simple fun! You can also create an I LOVE YOU bag or basket with his FAVE DD treats.
Add a note that says “I love you a latte” or other words you whip up makes it even more special and romantic too! What’s not to love about a really good coffee or hot chocolate and HEART shaped donuts to die for!Of course the ladies will love this idea too.

If the gal on your list LOVES makeup and can’t go anywhere without her lipstick…think of shopping for FUN lipsticks like lip stains or BOLD pigmented lipsticks that shout volumes.They also have a new formula lipstick by NYX are called Lip Butters. They melt on your lips and are so buttery smooth. Lip liners can say I love you for you too!
Go to your nearest local boutique,makeup studio or big box retailer and fill a lip bag from the dollar store with all things LIPS and lip,heart shaped and lipstick tube fashion accessories.Add a card and your gift is ready to give!She will be up to her lips with happiness.

If the lady or teen on your list loves LASHES and the one desert island beauty product she must have is her mascara…Why not get her some lashes for her car. She can bat her lashes for months with this new car bling sensation.Invented by a gentlemen with his supportive wife by his sound Robert & Dottie Small they created and founded a GREAT quality design that is sweeping the nation. You gotta see these lashes on my car to believe. So stinking CUTE! NOT just for teens the big girl in your life will swoon to the moon! They come in black,diamond lined and NOW HOT PINK carlashes.They even have a bling crystal eyeliner that sparkles in the sunlight.For more information check out:http://www.CarLashes.com A Turbo Style Products,LLC production.

If the teen in your house is wearing you out with a crush on makeup….A beauty filled makeup gift can be to buy her a monthly membership to IPSY the fun beauty club started by Michelle Phan YouTube video BEAUTY guru. Each month a fabulous kit gets shipped to her door to play with. The brands in each monthly bag are AMAZING and quality products from top brand names to new beauties on the block.

LOVE is in the air and its that time of year.Don’t go broke with your purchases.
Save some money and get creative.

Happy Valentine’s day everyone!To see my TV segment go to http://www.wjxt.com click on video for The Morning Show. We will post the link later this morning for you to enjoy!

Day 25 to beautiful skin

Become a Sleeping Beauty by sleeping. Guys or Gals we need a good night’s sleep.

Research shows if you TRY going to bed 15 minutes earlier,for four nights straight you’ll establish a pattern or routine where you get an extra hour of dark circle-zapping and not look so tired rest.
It is necessary to get at least eight hours of sleep.

Say no to coffee of caffeine drinks after 3:00pm and avoid exercise at least three hours before bedtime.

Get some zzzzzzzzzzzzz”s….IF you can’t fall asleep. Get out of bed and make some chamomile hot tea or drink a glass of milk. They really work~most of the time.
I travel lots and am often in different time zones.So, I know these drinks help. If they don’t do it for you try a short warm epsom salt and lavender bath before you go to bed.

SWEET DREAMS!