I love you Chicago again and again!

I traveled to Chicago recently but it wasn’t long enough! Although I travel ✈️ there often. I never get tired of exploring new places and visiting some of my fave places too.

Here are a few highlights from my trip.

I love staying at the W hotel on the lake and I also love to stay at the iconic Palmer House. But this time I stayed with my husband at the Residence Inn 700 in the Loop. What a beautiful stay! Such cozy Suites with fabulous beddings and a kitchen with a dishwasher, huge refrigerator and mini loft bing room space area.

I discovered a beautiful church around the in corner in a section they call the Loop. I fell 😍 love! I attended several masses and services. A gem 💎 in the heart of downtown. Run by Franciscan friars.

I love shopping the magnificent Michigan Avenue. AKA the Miracle Mile …

So many shops so little time! One of my fave fashion shops is called Akira. Also since I love 💕 all things fun I shop at Riley Rose!

Food glorious food is another thrill in Chicago! I never get tired of their hot dogs, donuts and dim sum in Chinatown! Oh and this time I discovered a real chocolate filled bao delight! Warm and fluffy and so delicious.

I so wanted to go for a spa day but after doing everything else no time left.

Have you been to Chicago? Lately? Do share.

Las Vegas IS always fabulous!

Been so busy since I came back from Las Vegas I finally had a moment to tell you about my beauty filled and foodie trip. I got to go with my sweetie so that’s always good. It wasn’t as hot this year as it usally is in the 100 degree and more mark. I never get tired of Las Vegas and go a few times a year.

I guest spoke at the International Esthetics Cosmetics and Spa Conference.

My class went well and I love the eager to learn audience of makeup artists,estheticans,plastic surgeons and Boss Babes.

I enjoyed and sat in on some other classes TO LEARN too but my fave part of any beauty conference is always  discovering what is on the show floor! Shopped til I dropped. I discovered a few new brands and tools I will share with you in the next few blog posts too.

Healthier Looking SKIN is still in! And so are all kinds of beauty devices and facial tools for anti-aging but they are sold to beauty professionals in the spa or plastic surgeons and dermatologists offices. Where they need to be. I think sometimes these at home machines and pro devices are best used by the PROFESSIONAL. Putting the wrong device in the consumers hands can harm you especially if you don’t know what you are doing.

💄 Makeup is sparkling with all things glam and glitter.

Photo by Anderson Guerra on Pexels.com

Lash and hair extensions reign supreme.

Photo by George Sistonen on Pexels.com

Nails 💅are so colorful and blinged out with crystals and some are in varying shapes including very pointy.

Photo by Lisa Fotios on Pexels.com

I enjoyed my usual foodie spots for food away from the strip where the locals like to go. And at the top of that food list is the infamous In & Out Burger and animal fries too!

I stayed on an extra day to RELAX  and to join Las Vegas Now’s  host Courtney Perna again. So happy to join her again as she’s always fun to work with and quite a show host… loaded with personality! This time my segment was  Asian Beauty Secrets Revealed. Having just been to Korea and China I had a few unique things to share with their TV viewers. The best part of the segment was rolling an Asian Skin Smoothing and Relaxing face roller with her for fun on Boomerang.

This cool little tool is still on a roll in China and now the USA. Using it is so cool and refreshing and the beauty benefits surely beats a face lift… any day!

Asian Royalty used it for centuries now it has made it to main stream from China. Great for those of you who love all things anti-aging. Revs up circulation and they do so much.

Have you ever seen unusual fruit at an Asian market and wondered what they are?

Dragon fruit and Durian are delightful to eat or add in a smoothie for younger looking skin and overall good health. Don’t be afraid to explore what’s not familiar to you and taste what you never tried before.

Asian women I interviewed on the streets of Hong Kong also shared with me that infamous Pearl Powder. Sold by the box in little vials you almost think you are buying something white powdery and illegal. But it is not. It is a powder when mixed with water makes an amazing skin brightening and tightening face mask. The women use this beauty find that is handed down from generations.

Wishing  I were back in the Orient I had a craving for Dim Sum (Chinese Brunch) that is in some places served all day. I adore the owner,staff and food at Orchids Garden. So, authentic and delightful! About 8 MINUTES from the Las Vegas strip. They serve it on hot oven carts. So delicious and you won’t break the bank.

Shopping in Las Vegas is always fun. You can shop on the strip or go out and drive half an hour to an outlet mall called in Prim. They have a Tommy Bahama Outlet my husband so loves. I enjoy the H & M outlet and other discount shops.

By the airport there is also fabulous shopping experience (not just on the strip) and since I am addicted to all things containers and tidying up… The Container Store is also there! I don’t have one in my city so I try and shop one when I travel. After you’re done stop at the center and have a cocktail or go to grab a bite at The Lazy Dog restaurant. The first time I ever had sweet potato tater tots. Everything made from scratch and from the farm! Food …so fresh.

And by the way, if you’re into cannabis. They have licensed recreational dispensaries there now. It is legal.

Next time you travel ✈️ to Las Vegas check out some of these spots. You don’t need a ton of money or gamble to enjoy Las Vegas. I can’t wait to go back in a few months.

I’ve always had a beautiful experience!

I LOVE NEW YORK…let me share the ways!

I went to New York City last week on a quick business trip shortened by the recent Nor’Easter…but when I go back home I always want to see what’s NEW! So, since my time was short I grabbed a limo and enjoyed the city…quickly before my meetings and a beauty event that night.

The view out my hotel room window was stunning. I never get tired of looking at the Empire State Building. I love the Empire State Bar and Grill.

I had breakfast at Tiffanys with an awesome Danish and gourmet coffee uptown.Next was so ready to visit my Dim Sum Brunch spot in Chinatown NYC. This street is where many movies are shot and fashionable photo shoots for magazines too. Some of the cast from Saturday Night Live eat here. This is is a historic and unique place.

Nom Wah Tea Parlor.

Do you see the glitter and sparkles? Those are the celebration remains of the  Chinese New Year Parade.

I have a sweet tooth so I had to go to  the newest sensation Eggloo…a hot bubble waffle with your choice of exotic and familiar fav’ ice creams. Toppings to make your lips sing and in the above I got fresh strawberries and Asian cookie sticks. It will set you back $$$ so I’ve warned you. The entire experience was delicious fun and I loved watching them make the bubble waffles from scratch. I only wish I owned the waffle maker.

Next stop to a few new boutiques and then Macy’s in Herald Square. If you have never been this store is HUGE and a shopping mecca. Macy’s has had a makeover the past few years and keeps on getting better.

The only traces of it’s old school decor that is left are these iconic wooden escalator stairs. I hope they never change these. I remember when I worked in Macy’s where I started my NEW YORK beauty career…how MANY TIMES I went up and down these stairs to powder my nose and use the rest room or grab a bite at lunch. I was always afraid my high heels would get caught in those wooden slots…but they never did.

I shopped FAST and had to run on to my next beauty business event!

After cocktails,chocolates,cupcakes,gourmet Truffle Chips from Italia,photo opps, seeing my beauty executive friends again and making new ones. I then played in makeup,fragrance and skin care and more.

I craved one thing more before the night was over!!! A NYC style thin crust ooozing with cheese PIZZA. I soon discovered my fav’ place had changed names. I took a chance to see in the pouring rain (I might add) and see if the pizza recipe was the same. It was. This photo of my slice on a paper plate does not do it justice. It was AMAZZZZING! The place is called Bravo Pizza on Seventh Ave. minutes from Madison Square Garden and Penn Station.

I hoped you enjoyed the sneak peek into my day BEFORE the Nor’Easter snow and cold.

Unfortunately, it snowed like cotton balls were flying from the sky and got even colder. I hate March (Jan. and Feb too) in NYC the WEATHER is so unpredictable! Flew back to the palm trees of FLORIDA WISHING I could have done so much more.

#foodie #travel #workandplay  #noreenyoung  #MUA  #skinexpert #nyc #blogger #iloveny #speaker

What I saw,ate and did in Las Vegas!

I 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!!!

 

 

Jet setting for Beauty & Food

I am ready to share my recent finds in WONDERFUL Chicago. Guest speaking at the International Esthetics Cosmetics and Spa show is always an honor and my pleasure. But playing in a city I travel to is always a JOY. I love to discover new hot spots and to visit my fave places I continue to go back to.

Welcome to Donut Heaven! Stan’s Donuts is an awesome donut place I fell in love with. While I love Do-Rite donuts and will never stop. Stan’s Donuts and staff  was the best! For almost 50 years Stan has crafted some of the world’s best donuts and started in Los Angeles. So many choices so little time!!! And they are ginormous!Don’t let the name fool you they have bagels and so many other yummies too.Including a Dirty Chai Tea! I love the name. Don’t you?

Next I had to stop at Ming Hin in Chinatown for DIM SUM …I ordered an array of fabulous delights from dumplings, to shrimp to Chow Fun. I did not order the tough bird staring at me on the menu. Although it was tempting to TRY.

I

I always go back to Merz Apothecary for old time pharmacy and beauty finds and for a drink at the Palmer House.So tres chic.

I adore shopping the Magnificent Mile with all the amazing stores but  I love to go downtown on State Street that great street with mom and pop shops and eateries. I love a store called Agaci for fashionable finds.Nordstrom Racks there too.

The beauty show was filled with energy and mystical crystals. I got a Chakra reading by the master Linda Bertaut. She said I am SUPER-CHARGED with lots of energy!!! But warned me to watch out for burn out.I guess it is all about moderation isn’t it? Visit: http://www.chakralicious.com for more info.

Korean beauty is still trending and there is beauty from the sea with Repechage skin care.

I discovered some more fun beauty things. Stay tuned for my posts.

Oh and its almost time for MY Spring Beauty Giveaway! Come back and see how you might win and score.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dim Sum …tiny bites of exotic deliciousness!

If you are looking for an exotic brunch in NYC this is it! Your new spot to dine!

It is called Joy Luck Palace and it is on 98 Mott Street in NYC.

Chicken feet,Beef short ribs,shrimp dumplings,pork steamed dumplings,taro root,Chinese like potatoes and more oh my. I had to try almost one of everything!

Ladies push metal carts around filled with tiny bites of exotic delights…including sweets.I’ll never forget the first time my husband experienced it. You should have seen the look on his face. If you haven’t been you point to what you want to try and eat and they serve it to you.Most do not speak English or speak broken English and it is hard to know what they are saying in Chinese.

Oh what a fabulous time I had (they seat you with other people not your own table) I was seated with women who were around 80 years young doing what we do best… Girl Talk but spoken all in Chinese.I don’t speak Chinese I speak English and Polish. They sipped hot tea like it was a great glass of wine!

After the meal they nodded goodbye and went on their merry way fed and happy.

It was a lovely sight to see…I will be there one day.

If you are ever in NYC look them up. they are fairly new and this location used to be The Grand Harmony but now has been renovated,new chefs and new and even better dim sum…which I did not even think was possible!

As I have told you before I love to cook,eat out and makeup! EAT up what the world has to offer and explore beyond your door,your town,your country.Life is a beautiful buffet of people,places,cultures and glorious things! Don’t you agree?

TOP 12 List to Visit in Chicago oh my!

Have I got a lot to share with you from my all things beauty and yummy stops! 

Looking for a beautiful blowout bar? Blowtique IS the go to place. They offer several styles The Chicago,The New York  The LA and more!

Thread Away is a salon for the ancient ritual. Threading is another form of hair removal for face or brows.

Mud Facial Bar is the new hot spot for cleaning your face.The specialty is MUD.

If you are looking for an elegant place where the whose who of Chicago goes to get their hair done and more. Book an appointment at George the Salon

Besides the Magnificent Mile of Michigan Avenue.

Glamour Closet offers designer and other brand bridal gowns at awesome prices.

AGACI (in downtown Chicago) is a great place to shop and enjoy THE LATEST and greatest in all things accessories and fashion.And the PRICE is right!

LOVE FOOD? Me too!

Check out the many YUMMY FOOD TOURS…Chocolate Tour,ChinaTown tour and more!

Eat, walk and be merry.

One of the companies is:

http://www.chicagofoodplanet.com

Pierogi Heaven in the LOOP area downtown Chicago. I AM POLISH so this place really rocks my lips and heart.

Off The Tracks Grill for quick breakfast and or lunch only. AWESOME Chicago style hot dogs!

EATALY is all the rage in NYC and has now arrived in Chicago.If you love all things Italian you will love this shopping and dining mecca. They even have a Nutella Bar.

Chinatown has some awesome bakeries,bubble tea spots and DIM SUM. My
absolute fave is Ming Hin Cuisine.

This is just a taste of what I love and explored. I love visiting this beautiful,friendly, chic city!

Hot Spots in Las Vegas you’ll dine and LOVE!

As some of you who read my blog know I love to work,play,SPA and shop in Las Vegas this year was no exception.After my work day guest speaking at the IECSC spa and beauty conference… Inbetween my I DON’T GAMBLE…I play the .5 cent slot machines and stop after losing $5.00 or $10.00 dollars.I’d rather spend my money on dining and shopping.
I promised I’d share with you highlights you might enjoy.

Hot Spots I HIGHLY recommend:

Shopping at any of the hotel resorts is so much  fun and it seems to be better and feel more fun in Las Vegas! I enjoy the Forum Shops at Caesers Palace and a the entire dining experience and shops at Caesars.
Next, I like a place called Fashion Mall. Outside decor reminds me of a space ship….inside are a variety of the chain nationwide big box stores however they are mixed with wonderful stores I am not familiar with. You might even be lucky enough to see a live runway fashion show like I have.
The other beautiful hotels have shopping areas where you will find Chanel and other designer brands. But I love more bang for my buck and don’t need a designer LABEL to make me happy!!!

*Fashion Alert! It was a steamy 105 degrees and we know in our down time about town to DRESS accordingly and comfortably. Wear sensible not sex kitten high shoes.Bring a pashmina in case you get cold from air conditioning.

Looking for a delicious awesome Sunday Brunch?

Craving PIZZA like NEW YORK City?

Stop at the Cosmopolitan hotel for a fresh,cheesy hot and fabulous slice or a whole PIZZA pie!

Look no further the Bellagio Buffet with champagne mimosas is a delightful staff and yummy food place.Crab legs cut special to devour quickly,Kobe beef,sushi,gourmet assorted mini pizza slices,salads with kale.Just to name a few.The desserts to die for! While you’re there you might just be in time to see the fountain water show outside or out your hotel window that is set to the most goose bump creating music your ears and spirit will LOVE!

The Stratosphere Hotel has the most AMAZING VIEW and bar too.You can’t miss this view from the top.It is named the Top of the World restaurant. You see this building as soon as you land.I recommend you go to lunch there too. The food will fill you, the price is right and you do not have to get all dressed up.Also the place revolves on top and you will enjoy ever corner of LV and the strip.You can even bungee jump from the top of here.

Wanna take a nice road trip away from the strip?

Less than an hour is Mt. Charleston and my husband LOVES this place. It is often fifteen to twenty degrees cooler than in the city Of Las Vegas,it has mountains and what a gorgeous peaceful view!!!

Want to cool off from the heat?

Go to Serendipity 3 for a refreshing lunch or FROZEN HOT CHOCOLATE.It is a chocolate tease! So COOL and delicious.YOU haven’t lived until you had one of these drinks!!!

Almost any spa on the strip is fabulous! They really know how to SPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH. I love many of the spas on the strip.

Looking for Chinese food and don’t want to pay a fortune at some she she, fifi place on the strip….that is OUT OF THIS WORLD? Take a ride over to Orchids Garden.
It has ALL DAY DIM SUM and yummy dining. The service is fabulous and the food is so delicious.If you haven’t tried Dim Sum this is a must. YOU’LL FEEL like you JUST traveled to HONG KONG.WORTH THE TRIP! Even if it is by cab.

I know.I am still talking about food… BUT if you have never had one before a trip to IN & OUT Burger is a drive thru or east in MUST. It is very popular in NEVADA and Cali and the food is very fresh.They are minutes away from the airport when you arrive or when you depart.Lucky you!

I hope you enjoyed my latest trip fave’s and my regular spots to stop.

The beauty of Las Vegas is you don’t have to spend a fortune to have fun.
Have you booked your ticket yet? What are you waiting for?
I ALWAYS try to book some business with pleasure.Don’t you?
IF YOU DON’T maybe its time to start NOW!
Life is for the LIVING.
Explore beyond your door!

Fall in NYC and New Jersey

Fall in New York and New Jersey …there’s nothing like it. There’s the hustle and bustle of people everywhere.The scent of sugared nuts from pushcart vendors and the crisp cool air.
I went to guest speak and worked lots but I also love to add some pleasure after business!
I shopped till I dropped for some new fall/winter fashions.I love to window shop first and enjoy the view.I also like to see what’s IN and NEW.This helps me stay focused on what I want to ADD to my fashion wardrobe.I also am not a snob to street vendors. I love the fashionable finds I may find for $5.00 beautiful bucks to $25.00 it is so much fun! From perfume,to handbags,sunglasses and scarves they’ve got a rainbow of exciting products to make you happy and look good.Chasing that bargain.

I also love to eat and the Mac & Cheese Food truck was music to my ears or LIPS! I first heard the people chatting outside in front of the cart and how delicious the food was. Next,I had to try the creamy and dreamy looking food.So, I did and it was lip smacking good.

Macy’s Department store 34th Street the home of the MACY’S DAY THANKSGVING PARADE is the absolute best and largest dept.store in the world.Floors and floors to adore. They even had a makeover on the first floor since I visited a few months ago. The makeup,fragrance,jewelry and accessories departments have an awesome bright city lights new look.I had a great shopping trip.

Bloomingdale’s department store where I also got my start in beauty had expanded their beauty and fragrance departments and the entire first floor had a makeover too. I have many marvelous memories from my days working there and at Macy’s where I waited on countless celebrities and New York socialites.

Henri Bendel…a store to behold! One day I’d love to brave it and see if my products could be sold there.
It has always held a place in my heart.Mini boutiques inside a department store it is chic, class and charm all in one. You can always find the UNIQUE and fabulous finds.

A walk in Central Park and visiting my dear friend Joel Teron makeup artist at the Mac Store uptown across from ABC TV Studios was a fun highlight to my visit. I am so sad I missed Bette Midler, Whoopie Goldberg and Regis Philbin’s wife JOY who are frequent shopppers at the store.Joel showed me the new Rhianna collection and painted me pretty. Afterwards we had the best most unusual PIZZA.I must go back.

Dim Sum in Chinatown a Chinese brunch with mini plates was a MUST DO. I ate my way from the carts to the streets with tiny delights.The carts of vendors have Asian fruits and veggies…I bought fruit that looked like they were on stroids.Delicious bodacious delights.I missed the Dumpling Festival but there’s always next year.I found a uniqe Korean spa that was a place of peace I must go back to.

Short Hills Mall next stop on New Jersey…an elegant ala Rodeo Drive type Mall. I had not been there in awhile. Was it delightful!

The farm stands,pumpkins,apple orchards and gorgeous fall plants were so beautiful.Natures’s eye candy!

Dining and shopping with my sisters and family time was the best time…and the icing on my fall in New York cake.There’s no place like home and being with your family.Especially sisters!

I grew up here and although I live in Florida too I call this HOME.
I NEVER get tired of going up North.I love NEW YORK and NEW JERSEY. There’s so much to explore.If you haven’t been to visit up NORTH and the big city. Don’t even think about it. Hop on a plane and do it!
Life is too short to MISS out on the magic of this beautiful city.