Day 3 Gift Idea for HIM!

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Last year I bought my husband a variety of small herb plants and an ivy and placed them in plant pots.  He works on the computer hours at a time. He also likes to cook when he is in the mood. So, my ploy to get him in the kitchen worked for me all year.He not only made us some spa water with fresh rosemary and lemons. He also uses the basil with Italian dishes and pretends be talian. The plants have grown into these eco healthy plants that purify the air from bad things that get in our home and keeps him healthy from all that computer blue light and what rays our tech tools give off.

Bonus they are so beautiful to look at and aromatic too.

So, I highly recommmend if you have’t purchashed a gift for him yet…

Give him a few plants in a beautiful basket,wrap in a cookbook and a small kitchen utensil and spoon or whisk…

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You now have a thoughtful healthy and creative gift.

If he is a foodie even better. Remember it is truly the thought that count!

 

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Say Goodbye to …

Straws!

We really need to KISS them goodbye.

I also have mentioned before and think they are aging our lip area  faster by the pursing gesture as we sip and suck on the straw. Don’t you agree?

I know some restaurants have stopped serving plastic straws with drinks and that’s a great step! But I read an article over the weekend that mentioned how the plastic straw we sip our drinks with and all things plastic and what they are doing to the planet. It really really got me thinking.

Personally I don’t use straws very often BUT with that said…I am going to use the last few plastic straws in my kitchen and really make an attempt to protect Mother Earth and do my share and be more eco-friendly. How about you? Have  you already stopped using them or gone to paper or the new reusable straws?

I’d rather see my lip imprint on a glass of iced tea and not choke an animal in the sea!!! Let me know your thoughts.

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Wanna feel …cool as a cucumber?

So do I.

The temperatures are soaring across the country on my trip to Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago it was in the 100’s most days. In Florida we are so HUMID and in the 90’s. Los Angeles 112? It is a melting pot of hot. So, here is a way I like to keep cool with the cheapest vegetable around…the cucumber!

Did you know? It is composed of 95% water,but also contains,vitamins B1,B2,B3 and B12? hese vitamins help soothe the skin from any irritations,reduce swelling,and prevent water retention.It also contains ascorbic acid ,folic acid and polysaccharides (a hero in hydrating your skin) and has super powers.

Today it is going to be another hot one!!! So, I am going to make cut them up in a few small chunks and fill an ice cube tray with them and make “cuke cubes” my cool and refreshing version of ice cubes. I like to sprinkle a smidge of sea salt on top. Once frozen I like to pop one in a glass of seltzer water and or Perrier or Pellegrino water. So refreshing and when the ice cube melts enjoy that lovely cumber.

Yes, you can also enjoy them like a cracker alone. Or embelish with some yumminess on top. I also like to make those cool cucumber eye pads out of them simply by cutting a slice and lay one on each eye for at least 10 mins. and let it’s beauty benefits soak in and calm those tired peepers!

I also highly recommend doing a Cool Cucumber Facial!  All you need is to scoop out the inside pulp of the cucumber and place that on a freshly cleaned face with a fan brush or baby spatula. This is mask is  really an awesome feeling skin treat. I leave the mask on at least 15 minutes and lay down.

Cucumbers are not only great for a tray of crudites at your next party but great for sunburned skin,help plump your skin,tightens the pores,helps with elasticity of the skin that leads to skin sagging.It also balances the PH level of the skin and gently lightens thus brightens and gently exfoliates the skin.

This pulp mask on a clean face is a wonderful…NO chemical skin care! And FYI other skin therapists/estheticians like me use this mask on their clientele too.

So now you see you can enjoy the cucumber in your salad,in a drink and on your face and neck!

 

 

 

Give the Earth some love today!

Today is the day… Earth Day.  Time to start to be more green or continue our quest.

Plant a tree! I am on the hunt for a lemon tree.

Plant and grow your own herbs. It doesn’t have to be big start small. My new pretty crop outside my kitchen door is filled with basil,parsley,peppermint,rosemary and spearmint.

Try reusing your small plastic and paper bags from shopping and line your garbage bags with them. Grab another for your car to tidy up your car after the day.

Save and recycle those extra hangers you may have from the dry cleaners.Next time you have clothes to be dropped off for dry cleaning again give them to the cleaners for reuse.

Need an instant lip conditioner and don’t have any or want a quick fix?

Dry lips can be smooth in seconds. Just got to your kitchen closet and grab some organic coconut oil. Swipe a 1/2 teaspoon or less into a mini bowl and apply on your lips. Any extra can be rubbed on your cuticles to soften them up.

Make fruit or veggie infused water daily. Fill it in a to go bottle and enjoy on the go all day. Or just have a pitcher handy with a fun yummy mix. So much better for you than a sweet tea,iced coffee or soft drink!

Oily skin or hot flashing?  Start using Asian Powder papers. 70 sheets of joy to a booklet that fits in your purse for on the go refreshment and touch ups.

Did you know there are bamboo and other eco-friendly and vegan loving makeup brushes? Give them a whirl.

Shop with using reusable totes.

Say Bye Bye to plastic straws…they not only cause wrinkles around your lips they are bad for the earth.

So enjoy a little green in your life and do some good too!

Take time to smell the daisies,herbs and grass today.

De-tubing your luscious Lipsticks!

I think some people call it depotting I call it de-tubing as we are taking remains from a lipstick tube and placing them into a container like a plastic pill box  (We makeup artists have done this for a long time and it was our beauty secret on set) But as the beauty world continues to grow and explode we now have all kinds of containers to place them in like the one above!

Why do you want to detube? Well if your fav’ lipstick is:

• Discontinued and you want to savour the last lipstick drop?
• Melted
• Broke
• Got smooshed in the cap because you forgot to roll it down all the way before capping.

 

12 spaces hold your discontinued,tired,oldie but goodie,melted and broken  lipsticks. Or you can actually scoop out a brand new lipstick into an empty container like this.

Step.1 Buy a container or pill pack

Step 2. Get a mini cocktail knife,mini spatula or artists palette ready and at hand.

Step 3.Line up the lipsticks you want to fill the kit with

Step 4. Wash your hands with soap and warm water or put plastic gloves on.It can get messy and you want to keep it clean and sanitary too.

Step 5.Scoop out or cut slices of your lipstick into the empty container or pill box.

Step 6. Press and pat down with your fingers or spatula each color filled space you fill.

Step 7. Place a piece of saran wrap on top and pat down some more on the saran wrap.

Step 8. Optional:Take a cheap blow dryer (not high watt) and blow across the top of the kit moving quickly and across once.This sets your lipsticks in the Lip Motel.

Remember…you don’t have to fill them all at once. A few at a time is fine.

You are all set and ready to mix and match the hues with your lip brush.The best and most fun part?

You can make NEW lipstick shades out of all these bits and pieces.

Optional Tip:

I like to FREEZE my kit in the freezer for approximately 1/2 hour or more if you’d like. Doing this will firm the lipsticks up and harden them up a bit.

*HAPPY to say my Lip Motel was featured in Jacksonville magazine July issue!

 

 

Got Lipstick?

Today is National Lipstick day!

I thought a great way to start the day is with a few beauty secrets for your lips! Here are my answers to some commonly asked questions.

 

“What can I do to save a lipstick that melted slightly in my car or purse?”

 All you need to do is gently smoosh (if there is a word) it together with your fingers and freeze them overnight. This will make them harden and you may have to use a lip brush to use it but at least you can still use it.Handle with care and you will still have at quite a few more wearings.

 

“I heard you create lipsticks and lipstain is your specialty!”

 

Yes, I created the first Lipstain years ago. I love the look of a China doll with that flawless skin and rosy pink lips. I also wanted my lipstick to stay on longer.I sought out beauty laboratories to have a chemist make my request. It wasn’t easy. After many testings,samples,swipe and hard work. We finally nailed it. Brides requested a longer lasting rosy lipstick. Bridal magazines started to notice and my Lipstain collection soared. I love the lips and they are my favorite part of the face to makeup on a woman.

So, lipstick and gloss line had to happen!!!

“My lipstick changes color no matter what color or brand I use. What can I do?”

Give Perfect Day Lip Base a whirl. It is like foundation for your lips and is made just for the lips. One coat underneath any lipstick makes your lip color stay on better, remain true and helps keep it from feathering outside the lines too. Typically, it is your body chemistry that makes a color change happen. I know it can be frustrating but you can manage it.

You got this girl!

 

My lipstick or lip-gloss runs down and off my lips. HELP!

 You can use a basic pigmented lip liner but another suggestion I have is to use a clear lip pencil.

Yes, this transparent lip liner works wonders on the lips and locks in color!

This lip liner pencil is used just like you use a pigmented one. It’s like magic.

“My fave lipsticks been discontinued, some broke and some melted in my car! What can I do?”

 A travel or beside pill box will work or a Lip Motel to the rescue!

There are several slots usually in the pill container and you can fill them all with your melted,tired and poor bits of lip beauty. Or you can use this one. Mix and matching has never so much fun.

A Lipstick Motel is a long empty compact with mini compartments will hold your lipsticks or lip balms. Simply scoop your leftover lip products with the mini spatula into the empty spaces and save them to mix and match shades and enjoy. Eco chic and fabulous. Be your own makeup artist and use the cool stuff we use too. Both of these are a  makeup artist’s and model secret!  

• Dehydrated lips need some LOVE…here is my recipe for kissable softer lips!

 

Sugar Me Up Lip Scrub

 I love a natural approach to beauty. So, naturally I love to make my own sometime.

What you will need:

1 teaspoon of white granulated sugar

1 teaspoon of Organic coconut oil (I LOVE the Whole Foods Everyday 365 Value brand)

*1 teaspoon of agave nectar

Stir the above up and enjoy as a lip exfoliating treatment weekly.

FYI

Sometimes certain medications will dry out your lips. Not drinking enough water can dry your lips out too. Even the brand of  your lipsticks can dry out your lips!

Step 1. Next,stir and place the ingredients above into a small plastic jar or mini empty jam jar.

Step 2. Apply with your finger or a mini firm brush on clean naked lips. Leave on at least 5 minutes. Rub back and forth with your finger.

Step 3. Rinse off with luke warm water and a washcloth. It will last a couple of weeks in a closed container.

I like to put mine in the refrigerator. The coconut oil softens the skin on your lips and the brown sugar gently exfoliates. Adding honey if you are not allergic to it will aid in softer luscious hydrated lips.

Your lips will LOVE you back and your LIPSTICK and or gloss will glide on like butter!

If this recipe is too much of a fuss for you swipe on one of these…

 I always kiss my lips goodnight with one of these lip treats! If you want to be kissable you need this!

Tealicious a green tea lip conditioner  in a lipstick tube.If you love anything green tea you will love this lip treatment!!!

OR a TLC vitamin E lip balm…I used to use a vitamin E  vitamin pill, take a pin and make a tiny hole and squirt around on the lip area to soften lips and and any lines around the lips.

But no more!  I recommend you give a try to TLC vitamin E in a lipstick tube.

I keep them at my bedside. My husband uses them too. Not just at bedtime they can also be used at the beach, riding your bike or running errands.

Gotta question? Just ask I am here to help!

And remember my mantra and slogan…

“ A woman without lipstick is like a day without sunshine”.

 

 

 

 

 

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!

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!

D.I.Y. water

I love making my own fruit infused and other waters. It is so green and eco- friendly. My fave alongside the ones above is a mix of watermelon and fresh mint. Buy yourself a bottle like this and you will have fresh water on the go or in your home bliss!

Do you have a WATER recipe you’d like to share with me? I’d love to hear from you and get to enjoy it too.

As we head towards Earth Day I wanted to share this bottle that and remind you to make your own flavored water.As seen on Shark Tank. Buy Buy plastic bottles!

Love Mother Earth! Recycle,repurpose, reLOVE!

Don’t forget this weekend I am doing a giveaway for a beauty bag…Sunday!

A spoon you don’t eat with?

Beauty spoon makes me swoon…

If you can’t get to it…Beauty Spoon It!

I love cool useful kitchen gadgets and also adore them even more so when it comes to all things beauty!This COOL  smart beauty tool helps you scoop out the last of your face mask,serums,moisturizers,foundation,cream blush,eye gel  and more!

Ergonomic handle design with an innovative flex design. Contoured for max product retrieval!

If there is a Beauty Bucket List in your life…you gotta have and need this!

They come in two fabulous sizes.

http://www.beautyspoon.com

 

Gifts for the Celebrity Obsessed!

You know girls these days it seems almost every gal is looking for the magic beauty potion celebrities love.Shop on line or in your area to find this skincare product…and fill her stocking with this! Madonna uses it & other celeb’s like Jennifer Lopez do too.http://www.dr.hauschka.com

 

Sorry I have not posted an update this weekend to my Holiday Gift Guide. Painting pouts pretty …my work got in the way.