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.

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Lash and hair extensions reign supreme.

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

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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!

Hong Kong PART 2

I so loved all the amazing tea shops and small business owners selling all kinds of cups of tea! Known as CHA.

But my absolute fav’ place was for tea was at The Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong 🇭🇰 .The Peninula’s legendary Afternoon Tea is they say a ritual routed in British Custom with the Duchess of Bedford originally bringing afternoon 🍵 in vogue in 1830. Today the Grande Dame of Hong Kong honors this general tradition by elevating the art of Afternoon Tea in the legendary surrounds of the huge and grand lobby.

Here warm,buttery scones are accompanied by organic jam and clotted cream served on tiered, silver cake stands, alongside gourmet finger sandwiches and fine pastries.

My husband and I enjoyed the most delicious hot tea, warm scones, tea pastries, macarons, mini decadent chocolates ended the tea time.

Tea choices served were Assam, Darjeeling,Earl grey, Peninsula Breakfast Tea and Peninsula blend.

You could also select from: Almond, Caramel,Cinnamon, 🥭 Passionfruit, 🍑 Peach, Raspberry and 🌹 Rose teas.

The extra special topping was a glass of 🥂 Deutz Peninsula Brut 🍾 champagne.

It was so delightful and decadent! The grandeur of the hotel itself was quite the experience. Being in Hong King made it even better!

I glanced over at my husband mid-way of our feast and his eyes were glazed and I have not seen him so content in a long time. He like I am is almost always working. He told me he was so relaxed and found the process of enjoying Afternoon Tea very very relaxing. It was so nice to see!

I have been to High Teas in Europe and all over the US but have NEVER had a high Tea experience like in Hong Kong. The staff was wondeful too.

If you ever have to go to China on business or travel for pleasure. Try and take the time to have tea at the HK Peninsula Hotel. Well worth the luxurious and delightful trip!

 

I left my heart in Hong Kong!

I’ve been traveling throughout China and fell in LOVE with the one and only Hong Kong. I am back in the US but still on a travel high!  However, jet lag is REAL! I had forgotten how long those international flights feel and how hard it is to get back to reality.

I fly lots. But especially on international flights! It has taken me a week and half already and am now just starting to feel like myself again.

Long flights but so worth every minute and penny!

While I didn’t know what to expect really I was pleasantly surprised. with what I found. Rich in history and so many fascinating places to visit! Hong Kong has so much to explore!

Do you know what HONG Kong means?

Fragrant Harbour or Port. Wherever you go in the city there are different scents. Food being the BEST!

I so loved the people…so friendly,kind and peaceful. The lights,exotic signs,sights,the sounds of the different Chinese dialects being spoken and the scent in the air of the different foods.

I also enjoyed my view of  Kowloon from my Renaissance Hotel  with an amazing harbour view. It was so relaxing to view and to wake up every morning too.This hotel is a MUST if you ever want to or need to go to the city. The hotel is amazing! The staff  speaks English and Chinese and are an extraordinary team of professionals from the bellmen to housekeeping. The hotel has a great quick cafe with American and Chinese delights. The restaurants in the hotel serve Asian and American meals.

I traveled with my usual skin care and my jade and rose quartz roller. Just in case my stomach acts up or complexion isn’t perfection I bring Probiotics with me. My fave is Belle+Bella. I also travel with sheets masks and eye gel pads. And I made sure to drink PLENTY of bottled water. And hot green Asian tea!

I highly recommend and enjoyed the Star Ferry which took us from the Hong Kong side across the harbour to the other side to Kowloon. Only .50 cents in Hong Kong money for a lovely 8 minute ride.

I also adored riding on and the sound of the rail cars they use and the city affectionately calls the DING DING! So cute.

Shopping in Hong Kong is off the chain fabulous!

FOODIES

The Bakeries were so DELICIOUS and the different sweet breads too.

Chinese egg tarts are a must!

Cool yourself off  with a glass of sugar cane juice.

TEA of all kinds and tea shops are evrywhere. My fave’ is Jasmine tea but also Hong Kong style tea made with milk and sweetened to perfection.

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Warm cashew soup anyone?

The most delightful light and creamy soup I have ever had!!! If you love NUTS especially cashews this is a MUST to find and discover the taste on your palette.

 

I loved this soup so much I had two bowls!

 

There is also something else you smell in the air. Incense. Sandalwood scented to be exact. They burn it outside thier business doors,homes temples and more. Praising  thier Gods. I do it in the states too but it was so nice to smell it in the air and enjoy it too.

Well I hope you enjoyed the first few days of my trip and all to unfold before me!

Come back I have so much more to share! Have you ever traveled to HK or China? 

Prettier Skin & Yummy in a Glass!

Here’s what I just whipped up this morning for my sweetie and I before I head off to work at my makeup studio. Today being the day before Mother’s day is going to be a long busy day for me. So,in case I don’t get to have lunch this will keep me going along with a piece of fruit and lots of water today.

You can enjoy it anytime of day you’d like it.

1 frozen banana

4 small tangerines peeled or 1/3 cup of orange juice

1/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt or almond milk

1/2 cup more of ice

1 scoop of NeoCell Collagen powder

*You may add a dash of honey or agave nectar if you’d like!

Blend well and slay the day away!

I so ENJOY making all kinds of beauty infused kitchen concoctions.

Do you? Share a recipe with me and my followers …Pretty please!

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Ready,set,TV!

Just back from an amazing trip to So.Korea and China and featuring a few highlights from my trip I am featuring on TV on River City Live today in sunny Jacksonville Florida.

Asians are smart cookies and have a foodie lifestyle that is all about FRESH and they shop for on a daily basis.Green leaf vegetables and fresh exotic fruits are at the top of the list. Seafood,meat and poultry are the accessory!

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Tea is something they cherish drinking. They enjoy  it on a daily basis even for  quiet time in the afternoon. It is filled with anti-oxidants and so great for the body and skin.

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Sandalwood Incense fills the street air and in homes. It is burned to ward off evil spirits,bring good luck and calms the spirit and soul.

Women and Girls clamor for whimsical beauty products have to offer.Face masks are very very popular there. MEN love them too. Beauty tools and gadgets too. As well as face creams made with illuminating pearls.They covet clear no brown spot skin. They even use an umbrella even when uit is not raining to protect the skin.

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Pearl powder and pearl creams are the most popular ancient Chinese beauty secret. They give the face a brighter evened out look and temporarily tightens the skin.The powder is sold by the box and these mini beauty vials are rituals handed down from generations.

I have so much to share with you from my trip. I LOVE discovering what all cultures have to offer us. Please come back for more. Right now I am still trying to fight jet lag after this trip and LONG flights. Since my last trip to Scandanavia, I had forgotten how tough (but worth it) International flights can be.

 

Do you ever crave certain foods?

Of course you do!

Unfortunately most of  my other cravings are about crunchy chips of any kind,buttered popcorn,old-fashioned Circus peanut candy and salted pretzels. peanuts!

So today I am giving into my cravings and indulging in all things green!

Here is a simple but mighty powerful healthy recipe to enjoy.

• Steam some greens like spinach,kale or collard greens.
• Add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice over it.
• Don’t throw out the water from the greens you steamed.
• Drink and enjoy it like a cup of broth or soup.

Steaming veggies like this creates a mineral rich broth that is a great way to detox. Always think about your beauty from the inside. Nourish your body and give it what it needs.

Take care of yourself… Darlings.

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Blackheads are rearing their ugly heads…

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Once they come to the surface. That is why they call them blackheads the dreaded  clogged pore! 

Sometimes blackheads come from an over worked sebaceous gland. Not washing your face good enough at night and more.

Here is my go to D.I.Y. recipe for telling them goodbye!

2 teaspoons of cornmeal (I grind it fine in my coffee grinder)

1 teaspoon of Chinese or any other clay mask powder

1 teaspoon of lemon juice

2 teaspoons of plain yogurt (I prefer Greek)

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Mix all of the above in a bowl. Let it rest. The cornmeal will get creamy and the clay will soften together. Stir and apply the mix on a wet face that you FIRST splashed with water. Apply to your face with a clean MASK brush or your fingers. Stay away from your eye area. I like to focus my attention to the T-zone or wear there may be a stubborn blackhead. Rinse with warm water and your fav’ cleanser and rinse again.

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Your face will look better,skin tighter and the blackhead be gone (fingers crossed).

Do you have a mask or scrub you use that you’d like to share with me? I would LOVE to hear from you.

My beauty and lifestyle blog is a two sided relationship!

😍

PS

I like to keep all kinds of spices,sugars, flours and cormeal at my fingertips in my pantry for beauty.

Microwave “Bird in the Nest” Toast — In Dianes Kitchen

Sharing is caring!

I have made this Microwave “Bird in the Nest” Toast for years! Kids love to cook and this way they don’t have to use the stove to cook the egg. The toast can be made ahead of time as it will warm up in the microwave. Make the toast and let the kids go at […]

via Microwave “Bird in the Nest” Toast — In Dianes Kitchen

Ya’ll are gonna love this!

I am not a southern girl but I sure appreciate any tips and tricks from their kitchen or their beauty routines. So I simply had to share.

Here is a skin softening recipe for your feet. Give yourself an exfoliating skin softening treat in your home without going for a pedicure. Instant gratification.

You’ll kick up and off  your heels for this recipe!

What you’ll need is:

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1 cup cooked cornmeal

1 cup of sea salt

1 cup of epsom salt

1 cup of almond or sunflower oil

Mix all of the above and put in a bowl to use or store in a wide mouth glass jar. This delightful scrub can be used right away and enjoy it warm. You can also scoop as needed and put in microwave 10 minutes when you have time to treat your feet! Rinse well after massaging on the feet and heels. But leave on at least 10 minutes. Follow up with your fave’ body lotion.

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SANDAL season is on the way. Get going and glowing skin!

 

Cold & Flu Season Beauty🤧

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I woke up the other day and felt awful…like a Mack truck ran over me. I was clammy,runny nose,sore throat and had laryngitis.

I was forced by my body to stay in bed several days. I hadn’t felt like this in a year. What I know for sure is when you’re sick at home and stuck in bed… you need to really rest and take care of yourself! And do something nice for yourself.

And if you don’t have energy to even take a quick shower or bath 🛀 just do a few things to make yourself FEEL better.

Here are a few tips…

Don’t get dehydrated. Drink plenty of liquids.

*Fresh squeezed juice is a nice bonus. If you can’t juice 🥤 your own. Try and keep a store bought one in your freezer or refrigerator.

Refresh your skin with a cozy hot towel soaked with a dash of Vick’s vapor rub. Place over your nose and on your chest. Help those nasal passages & chest congestion.

Light a flameless 🕯 candle. Or better yet purify the air by lighting a Himalayan salt stone lamp. They light 💡 up the room with such a pretty, peaceful, ambience. And nowadays are cheap but bring so much joy!

Place your feet 🦶 in white cotton socks with your fave hand 🖐 & body lotion. Or another tip is to slather on a coat of Vick’s Vapo rub. Then place those tired feet in fresh white socks. Feels 😊 so good! Really helps with softening the feet and they say helps your cold leave faster. It also makes your feet feel good and skin softer too.

Turn on a white noise machine or listen to music in your chair or bed.

Open the curtains and let the SUN 🌞Shine in! Let the sunlight warm you up. The light will lift your spirits too.

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Put on a 💄 lipstick, gloss or lip conditioner and you’ll be feeling better before you know it.

Guys you need a lip balm too! When you have a cold or the flu your lips will get dry. Very dry. Maybe even peel and flake.

Keep the skin on your face moist with a beauty oil or moisturizer. Sneezing, wiping, or blowing your nose can make your nose,face and cheeks red and raw. And dry! Keep that skin soft!

This might be a good time to put on a sunless tanner…while you’re stranded at home.It might even make you feel better. It def will make you look better.

Spray your pillow cases and sheets with a mix of 95 distilled or tap water and a few drops of lavender or Tea Tree oil.

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A hydrating KBeauty sheet mask is another good thing you could do to make yourself feel better.

If you have a fever… straighten the bed. Fluff up the pillows and sprinkle your fave body powder on the sheets.

Brush your hair with a dry 🧴 shampoo. Keep it handy at your bedside.

Place your journal,prayer book,a good book,magazines or adult coloring book 📚 near you. Place a mini notepad 📝 and pen by you too . You may think of things you need to buy or to do once you’re up to it.

Keep things close so you don’t have to get up and down from the 🛌 bed.

Chicken soup or Chinese hot and sour soup work wonders.

Feel hot and clammy? Got a fever? I love to make DIY Gatorade Ice cubes. Make ice cubes and suck on them! Cooling soothing electrolytes and they keep you from dehydrating too.

Ice cream 🍨 or an ice cream float is cool and soothing on sore throat! This is no time to diet. Indulge!

You know even if you get the flu shot it does not prevent you from getting a severe cold and more.

I’m just glad it’s over for me and I’m starting to feel like myself again. Something is going around. Get ready! Take care of yourself. I hope my blog post helps.