Minty Facial Steam

I was looking for a refreshing recipe and felt in the mood for mint. So I went to my personal recipe box for food, beauty and fun. I made a yummy cool Mint Julep drink with fresh mint. I also prepared a fresh facial steam.

Mint Juleps … are so 🍃 refreshing!

I wanted to detox my pores a bit and give them a breather from makeup, pollution and more.

What you will need for this recipe:

1 bunch of fresh peppermint or spearmint leaves

1 gallon bottle of water poured into a pasta pot (pretend you’re making pasta)

1 glass Pyrex like bowl

Bring water to a boil and allow it to cool a bit. Pour this water into a bowl.

Crush up some great mint in your hands to let the aromatics come out.

Place the leaves on top of the water.

Place a tea towel over your head allowing your face to be uncovered.

Keeping a safe distance allow the steam 💦 to reach your face.

You’ll start to notice a bit of moisture to your facial skin and feel like you’ve been “working out”. That’s good!

Your pores are getting a workout,dead skin will slough off a bit and your your skin will love you for it all.

You can enjoy this facial steam once a week. I like to do it for at least 10 mins. until the water cools to lukewarm and your face is glows & dewy.

*

Do not put your pretty face in the steamy water. Just near it and allow the steam to rise and meet your face.

Have you ever tried a recipe like this?

Enjoy!

I had a Dermaplane Facial and…

I discovered a skin care place on Instagram in the town I live in and wanted to get a facial.

I usually get my facials all over when I travel in and out of the states. Some people tour museums I tour and enjoy spas and different cultures for beauty,customs and food. I so LONGED for one. I have not had a facial since days before the pandemic arrived. I chose this facial place not from reviews but because of the name Happy Face Skin Care. How cute! And since happiness is my happy place as I choose the sunny 🌞 side of life I decided this is where I wanted to go.

I do have a daily beauty and skincare regime and also give myself at home facials but they are NOT the same as seeing a PRO. If you’ve gone for facials you know what i mean.

Once I arrived and got cozy in the esthetician and owners facial bed I was told that by her that facials were TREATMENT based facials not perse relaxing spa type facials.

I never went to a spa that did that. She examined my skin a bit and got to cleansing and double cleansing and made sure my skin was very very clean.

She prepped my skin meticulously. She asked me questions of a personal nature and saw I was open to chatting and not falling asleep during the facial. Good thing to know a true beauty PRO does not kiss and tell. Your privacy and what you say in that room and your skin is very important to them. They respect your privacy.

By the way, I have never fell sleep myself but like a massage some people DO fall asleep in the middle of the treatment. This facial and place was not that type of facial. She had a nice gentle touch but the facial was not the usual facial experience you think of.

No shoulder massage. No hand and foot massage and placed in heated mittens and booties. Just an aromatic candle and her skilled hands. Because the owner had troubled skin growing up she developed a passion for skin care and decided this was the career she wanted. Angie Pablo really loves what she does and it shows!

While I know about Dermaplaning I do not do this service. Again you always want to see a PRO.

Here’s what I discovered.

Dermaplaning is safe and painless. It is a cosmetic/facial procedure that removes the top layers of your skin to hopefully reveal a brighter,smooth youthful look. The results they say last only a few weeks.

Dermaplaning does NOT remove wrinkles and years of sun damage.

You will not leave with a red inflammed face from it or any of her extractions. Sometimes the esthetician may knick your skin but that heals fast from it sort of is like when a man shaves.

Have you ever had a facial or a Dermaplaning Facial? Do tell and share your thoughts!

I liked my Dermaplaning Facial treatment and am happy I tried it. I look forward to going back to this happy calming place again.

PS

If you have sensitive or very sensitive skin,active acne, rosacea and psoriasis it can worsen these conditions.

Life!

Trying to hang in there? I am too.

These days into months have not been easy for us. I’ve been keeping busy with my work and lost in our pandemic life. (Sorry I have not posted a blog lately.)

But we’ve got to keep moving, keep going, keep working,keep dreaming and keep taking care of each other and our families.

And above all continue to take care of ourselves even if it is doing it ourselves until we can see a PRO and visit the spa or salon again. I have been able to see my stylist for my haircuts unlike many of you across the country and globe. Wonderful!

Nothing like a fresh haircut and someone else shampooing your hair.

Am I right?

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

TRY A New mani & pedi nail color!

Missing a trip to the SPAaah!

I long for a real mani & pedi!!

I so want a facial! (And not one I do myself)

I want to fly ANYWHERE or travel out of the country again!

Photo by Chevanon Photography on Pexels.com

I want to work again on the road and continue to spread beauty and love all around the country again! I want to pamper my clients and wrap my arms around them again.

Photo by Kaboompics .com on Pexels.com

I long to eat at some of my fave local places and around the country safely again!

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

I want to see the faces of my sisters and feels their hugs and LOVE in person again! There is nothing like A HEALTHY dose of love from your family.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

How about you?

What are you doing to take care of you?

How are you?

What are you looking forward to once the world heals better soon?

You said “Yes to the DRESS!”

So you’re engaged… How wonderful!

When you plan your wedding large or small you need to put your hair,makeup and skincare close to the top of that list of things to do too. You want to look your best. Don’t you?

Your Skin

Several months before the big day you need to get your skin ready and for it to look the best it can be. If you don’t already do it get a Deep Cleansing Facial. Getting a facial is like getting your teeth professionally cleaned by the dental hygienist but for your skin. The photographs you take on your special day and leading up to your wedding day last a lifetime.

The esthetician at a spa or clinic analyzes your skin and makes a plan so your skin  will look its absolute healthiest.

She or he will spend time exfoliating, toning, hydrating and skin tightening your face with various products and devices. Whatever they think your skin needs. Times have changed and technology is so advanced. So many wonderful things available to us now than ever before.

The skin therapist will set up a skin care routine and products for you to do at home as well. She may just become your new best friend!

If you don’t have an esthetician  ask a friend or do a Google search. There is nothing like your friends referral. Right?

Your Hair

If you would like to try someone else rather than your regular hairstylist …DO IT. Especially if you need someone to do some up dos and elaborate hair styling. There are stylists who cut hair, color hair and some who specialize in … just doing brides!

It all depends on the LOOK you are looking for. “Country Charm, Snow Princess or Earth Angel”. I know you have a vision. Let them know what it is. Book a consultation  first to see their work and ask to see their look book. 

They usually have photographs of their work on their website or on Instagram. Many celebrities work with fashion stylists,hair stylists,makeup artists that not only do great work they select ones who they FEEL comfortable with. Not just your regular haircuts and trims but by a hair treatment so your hair will not look dull, lifeless,split ends and frizzy.  The stylist will recommend professionally a hair product plan for you to use at home too. Think of this routine like they are like a gym for your hair. Get your hair in the best shape it can be.

Your Makeup

Lastly, you will need to find a makeup artist. Time to decide if you want one for your wedding day or do you want to do your own makeup the day of your wedding. A makeup artist can make you look your best in person and in photographs by a photographer or iPhone camera.

You don’t want your skin to look shiny, blemished, your eyes look tired or your blush obviously overdone. It is all in the details.

If you typically don’t wear false eyelashes or don’t like them.Don’t do it. If you are not comfortable in them or they are not your style it is best to stay away from them. Same is true of makeup. You don’t want your makeup to be over the top. You have to let the hairstylist and makeup artist know what you want. Bring them photos from bridal magazines or from photos and looks you like online. This will help them to help you.

Next time I will share with you and we will explore the …

Must Have Beauty Essentials & more for your wedding day.

Don’t let this pandemic get in your way. Make plans for your beautiful day!

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Can’t get enough of this drink!

I am so in love with coconut and pineapple juice. I use coconut flakes to exfoliate my lips with a dash of coconut oil.

I also love the refreshing thrill of 🥥 coconut water!

Pineapple 🍍 juice and fresh slices (Which I love to give myself a facial with). Float my boat!

So, now I am sharing a yummy tropical 🌴 like drink (not boozed up) with you that you can serve to your family too.

All you need is a large can of Dole pineapple juice.

And a bottle of Coconut Sparkling soda down the grocery store aisle.

I like to serve it in a fresh coconut shell. But you can serve it in a glass.

Makes a delightful PUNCH!

Treat yo’self,make this (so cheap) delightful drink 🍹 and have an awesome weekend!

 PS

Add dark rum and you have another delicious 😋 boozy delight!

Photo by Lisa Fotios on Pexels.com

Photo by Craig Adderley on Pexels.com

The New beauty kid on the block!

AGATE is the new gemstone facial roller DARLING!  I love the way it feels even though it is like the JADE roller it feels a bit different and is larger too. I discovered this trend in Hong Kong on my trip in the Spring. I can’t wait to go back!

Agate is known for its grounding and balancing properties as well as aids in digestion. Great to use with other gemstones.

People are asking me lately how to really use a roller the right way. And they want to know are there any other rollers that I use besides jade? 

So, here are my tips on how and why use them.

How to use an Asian Skin Smoothing Facial Roller

• Begin with a clean face.
• Wash and pat your skin dry.
• Next, apply a few drops of a facial oil or face serum.
• Use large end of the roller in upward strokes on your cheeks,across the forehead and chin. Then I prefer to move the roller down my face and around. Back up again.
• Use small end in single strokes around your eyes and by the nose. I also roll around the lips and skin around the lips.
• Neck and shoulder massage too!

Always remember roll when you have time. Don’t roll too fast or you may have issues with a roller falling out of the hinge. So, be gentle.

 These Asian rollers may be used daily or a few times a week.

Relax, chill out and above all … Enjoy!

Sunnies,Vitamin SEA and Me!

I have just come back from a much needed early winter getaway!

When I arrived the palm tree lined streets home of Ringling Brothers (yes, the circus creator) I knew I was headed  to some place special!!!

Yes I live in Florida now. But I live closer to Atlanta and now was clear across the state.When I got to the sunny resorts door  I smelled a scent I recognized but was not sure of.  I got to my room and jumped for joy! I went to open the  curtain to the balcony I discovered I was just steps from the ocean. Finally, it dawned on me I work so hard and spend lots of time in my makeup studio,TV and at airports …I didn’t realize that scent was the beautiful salty ocean air! Oh how I EMBRACED and gave in to that awesome air.

 

A Tropical drink is ALWAYS a good idea. Even if it isn’t filled with alcohol. But this one was a tease of it on my tongue. Just what I needed.

 

(I decorated the table with some of my sea finds)

A heart healthy walk and an exfoliating facial for my feet and soles was next. My feet and calve muscles loved me too!

I rinsed my hair in the sunlight and salt water detoxing my hair of any oil and product buildup. And although I did NOT sunbathe at practice what I preach…I managed to get a little kiss of color and VITAMIN SEA.

I loved the hotel balcony I hated to leave it.I shopped and window shopped,dined in some yummy places and had an amazzzing relaxing time. UNTIL my iphone had plans for me!

It died  … I mean really died totally black screen would not fire up! For days!

I hated being less than 8 hours there and no phone. No connection to my beauty business. No blog posts,no social media. It was so STRANGE!  I hated the feeling of being so attached with my phone and all of it’s trappings.

Long story short. I had to drive to get it checked  on and perhaps get a replacement. I have only had the phone a few months. But did you know if you live out of town you cannot and they will not just give you a replacement from the Apple store? You have to go back home to where you bought it and work on getting it checked and perhaps a replacement there. Oh and it takes another week to get a new phone replacement. The diagnostics said my phone was from a bad batch that was recalled. But I was not informed. Quite a phone adventure I did not plan for.

Perhaps my phone was trying to tell me something along with the salty sea kissed air. SLOW DOWN…enjoy the beauty that surrounds you. Unplug. What do you think?

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Men… Want to feel & look good too!

KEEP CALM and MASSAGE ON!Don’t  MEN  want to feel and look good too?

Today on River City Live on TV in sunny Jacksonville Florida I shared easy steps in JUST for HIM. It is so important for self confidence and looking good too. Guys need to take care,use skin care and get a facial and massage too. There’s NOTHING like a massage and a deep cleansing facial!  While there are many spas and places you can get a massage and now facials…I love to go to ME… Massage Envy Spa. The therapists help you feel amazing and care for the health of your body.

My husband and I have a membership and love the way they make us feel. We go monthly! However on a daily basis  a guy needs a MANLY beauty ritual…just for his skin.

Cole Skin Care for MEN has an amazing 3-IN-1 Foaming Cleanser: It cleans,exfoliates and preps the skin.Celebrities love this line.

Cleaning Facial Pads:Deeply cleans,gently exfoliates and evens out skin tone and hydrates without alcohol.

Moisture Balm for MEN:Contains vitamins,licorice,root and coconut water. May even be used in the eye area to hydrate that skin.

A concealer in a tube is a good idea for tired looking eyes.It isn’t just for the ladies!

Got shine? Florida is so steamy now. And summer is almost here.Try blotting papers for instant cool face!

Lips need LOVE too! Hello Handsome is a lip balm just for him!

Just a few easy steps and pieces and he’s all set.

So, if you are looking for a Father’s Day treat for the man in your life or for his B-DAY think about these as gifts. Alongside making a home-made greeting card and or baking his fav’ muffins or cake.

For video of today’s show go to:http://www.rivercitylivetv.com

Kitchen Beauty

Friday on a pop culture and entertainment show here in sunny Florida called River City Live TV I shared some of my signature beauty secrets from the kitchen or your own backyard. I thought you would enjoy them!

Make a facial steam bath…to open up your pores and sweat!

Your skin will love it. Make a pot of tea water…fill a glass bowl with some of that hot water.Rub herbs in palm of your hand a bit.Place sprigs of rosemary OR fresh spearmint inside the bowl of steamy water. Allow time for it to float and infuse the aromatics from the herb.  You can also try this D.I.Y. with other fresh herbs from your fridge or garden. Place your face near the bowl and let the steam (not water) hit your face.Do this for at least 5 minutes. Rinse your face well and use your fav’ face toner and a light moisturizer next.

In a pinch and don’t have any facial scrub at home?

Try using cornmeal from your pantry!

Take a spoonful and place in a little dish. Add some water. Make a little liquid  grain like paste. Apply on a clean face and work in gentle circular motions. Stay away from your eyes and lips. Leave on for a couple of minutes and rub again gently. I like to do this on my T-zone. Rinse well and follow up with your facial toner.This is not only great for the pores but also great for dry flaky skin as a natural exfoliant.

Got stress?

A kitchen rolling pin isn’t just for baking darlings…Get it out and have your sweetie release the stress on your back and or back of legs. Use with gentle strokes.It really does wonders. Use a dash of olive or sunflower oil for some massage oil slip (like massage therapists use). I like it better than on dry skin. When you can’t see your massage therapist this works!

Roses aren’t just good to decorate your house with they also make a floral delight for your eyes. In place of cucumbers a rose petal has soft hydrating properties. They say ancient Chinese royalty loved to do this. I prefer organic roses. All you do is take a petal and place one on each side. Rest your eyes and listen to some music or enjoy the quiet in the room.Now, remove the petals and enjoy softer skin.

I LOVE making fruit or vegetable infused water.…and drink it all day. Better than coffee or sodas and they quench your thirst and make your skin happy too. On TV I showed the viewers how to make a personal bottle of this water. I found an adorable glass with a straw built in and keep it on my desk or work area.

1 container or large pitcher of spring water

1 fresh organic kiwi sliced

1 sprig of  fresh mint

ANOTHER version simply add wedges of oranges.

Allow them to set in pitcher for at least an hour or more. This lets the above make love together and makes the water taste great. Enjoy!

*Drink at room temperature. That’s what a lot of doctors say is best to do. Not ice cold.

Remember my philosophy is not all things have to come from a store…making it yourself is fun and kinda therapeutic. I hope you’ll let me know of any ideas or recipes you like to do too! I LOVE hearing from you.

xoxo

 

 

Girls Just Wanna Have Sun!

Don’t you just LOVE a sunny day?

It really makes me happier,think better and I know more productive.

How about you? What does the sun do for you?While I live in Florida. I spent more time at the beaches of New York and New Jersey shore than I do now.Crazy huh?After getting stung by skin cancer I just can’t spend a lot of time out there. Being in the beauty and spa business I really have to practice what I preach.

BUT when I do go here are a few of my fave things to take and do to make your day in the sun more fun.

• At the top of my list I have to remind all you girls who are baking like cookies on the beach…to PROTECT yourself. Apply a shot glass size of sunscreen at least a half an hour before you leave.
• Freeze fresh grapes and blueberries overnight and pack in snack bags to enjoy a refreshing treat at the beach. Watermelon (do not freeze)cubes is another cool you down treat.
• Make your own fruit or vegetable infused water and put in a travel glass or bottle for sipping.

Examples: Kiwi and Strawberry slices or watermelon and mint. Get creative. But beware of citrus as it may interfere with your skin care and you can open the door to more sensitive skin in the sun = sun spots.

• Apply a quarter size of almond oil to your hair and comb it back and up away from your face. Your hair will condition while you spend your day at the beach.
• Give your feet  foot facial by taking a walk on the beach near the water. The WET sand is cheaper than any potion you can buy on the beauty store shelf.
• Rub in sunflower or almond oil on your cuticles (hand and feet) your skin will hydrate while you beach.
• Get some exercise and rev up that heart and walk or take a short run.
• Bring out you inner child and build a mini castle or sculpture …it will exfoliate rough fingers hands too.
• Hunt for seashells that might have a hole in them and create a necklace when you get home of it to remind you of your time. I have some from Hawaii and every time I wear or look at them I think of my awesome trip.Beautiful memories.

Have fun in the sun and protect that pretty face!