Food & Fun finds from my trip to NYC!

34th Street Herald Square is the center if it all. Macy’s where I used to work early on in my beauty & fashion career is THE place to stop. It is their flagship store where it all began. You know it from the Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade.

The one and only Macy’s 34th Street

Macy’s has so much to offer from beauty, to fashion to fabulous food and drinks! There is something for everyone!

They evdd we n have their own Merch shop as well as I Love ❤️ NY gifts and fun finds.

Seventh Avenue and around the corners is Fashion Ave. You’ll see all kinds of businesses and racks of fresh made clothing and boxes of handbags and shoes zipping in and out of the street into the buildings. This is where a lot of the fast fashions are made! It also where up and coming designers get discovered.

If you are a creative spirit and like to make things and see… on these streets by Macy’s you’ll see the Garment districts novelty suppliers. They will even sell to you if you have the money. From sequins, glitter, to decorative ribbons and the most amazing and unique buttons and more! You just have to explore!

This district and shopping in the different neighborhood boutiques and stores in Soho, the Village and other shops in downtown NY. You’ll have a ball! Just give yourself time to explore!

Uptown is yet another Mecca of shopping and fashionable fun. There’s even a thrift store that is filled with designer clothing and accessories. NYC has the most amazing shopping.

This area of NY is where you might even bump into Sarah Jessica Parker as Sex and the City shoots there and she lives in the area.

A trip uptown cannot be complete without a stop at Bloomingdales Dept. store where I worked in the cosmetics department. You never know who you might see visiting the store. I’ll never forget seeing one of my first celebrities. Actor Sylvester Stallone of boxing 🥊 movie fame stopped to shop my cosmetic counter and had a few haircare questions. It was pretty exciting.

Chinatown is yet another section of NYC you need to visit. Send Chinatown some ❤️ LOVE. They need your business. It is “lit” right now with so many new eateries, bakeries, drink spots and delicious street vendors.

No one does dumplings 🥟 like Chinatown!

Chinatown gift shops, decor and more is yet another reason to shop there. So many unique things.

By the way, actors George Clooney and Brad Pitt have been there in Chinatown shooting a movie! I’m a fan!

The “Hells Kitchen” area is home to some awesome places to shop and eat. One of my favorites in the area is The legendary Little Pie Company bakery. Never disappoints.

As you can see I always fit in time to taste and enjoy all the city has to offer when I guest speak at spa bad wellness shows. The International Esthetics Cosmetics and Spa conference was even more wonderful this year!

Pack a travel journal,a pen and wear comfortable shoes and clothes to explore all that New York City has to offer.

It’s showtime! The IECSC spa show

It was so great to not only educate but also reconnect with my beauty community. The show is EXCLUSIVE to beauty professionals, estheticians, makeup artists, massage therapists,nail techs, spas, salons and beauty business owners.

The fashion & beauty forecast I saw was Color IS Going strong in fashion. And Makeup is either bold or minimal. SKIN continues to be IN. Healthy looking pretty skin!

Words of Asian Wisdom

I discovered a tall Tea cup on a shelf in a store in Asia. I purchased it in my travels to the Orient. ✈️ . What’s so interesting it has words across it not a design with an Asian theme. I love ❤️ sipping from this unique cup. Especially with my flower 🌺 tea.

As it’s Chinese 🧨 New🎉 Year 🧧 which is a fifteen day celebration I thought I’d share what it reads.

Ten Ways to Good Health

Less alcohol … More tea

Less meat … More vegetables

Less salt… More vinegar

Less sugar … More fruit

Less eating .., More chewing

Less words .. More action

Less greed … More Giving

Less worry … More sleep

Less driving … More walking

Less anger… More laughter

Aren’t these words awesome?

Simple words yet so true and how I try to live my life.

Do you like this as much as I fo?

Gotta get some rest I’m on TV 📺 in the morning on River City Live TV here in sunny but very cold Jacksonville Florida.

Green Smoothie for Shopping 🛍 !

I know we are all under pressure to manage our TO DO list this month. Wether holiday shopping or simply doing what you need to get done. We need energy. And not sugary things. Sip your fruit and veggies.

So I wanted to share one of my many smoothie recipes that I enjoy with you.

What you will need for this recipe:

1 cup of frozen pineapple

3 handfuls of fresh spinach

1 frozen banana

1 cup of coconut water

A few pieces of fresh mint leaves

1 squeeze of fresh lemon

1/2 cup of water (optional)

Place all your liquids in the blender. Add your green 🍃 leafy veggies, blend for at least 25-30 seconds. Lastly add fruit and herbs. Blend until smooth.

Pour into a tall glass and enjoy. It is even more delicious when you share it with those you ❤️ love!

I like to play with this creamy refreshing recipe! If you don’t have one fruit or veggie substitute with another. It’s so much fun and better than buying them. Do it yourself and know what’s in it!

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.

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•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!

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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.

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Beet it!

I love make-up & fresh squeezed juice. So many benefits from it! Did you know since ancient times people dried beets and used it for making lipstick?

Recently someone asked me what do I do if I ever forgot my lipstick at home? Here is my answer to think quick on your feet and on the go One day I was meeting someone for an important meeting and forgot my lipstick 💄 tube. I have a studio and warehouse filled with lipsticks and no lipstick on me. That was crazy! Since they were meeting me for coffee and I was early I decided to treat myself to a lite lunch. So, I ordered a fresh salad 🥗 with beets. I took one of the beets into on the fork and rubbed my lips gently. Viola! My lips 👄 got a rosy glow!

The beets stained and actually tinted my lips!

Beets to the rescue!

Also since I am mad about juicing and love to save $ and do it at home. Here’s a recipe I learned from a spa in the UK. It is delicious and so good for us.

3 granny smith apples

2 cups of blueberries

10 1/oz. raw beetroot

You simply process these ingredients through your juicer. It tastes it’s best when freshly made that day. Energizing way to start the day and so colorful! This serves 2 but I like to serve in a shot glass and enjoy throughout the day.

Enjoy!

For Peeps sake…

Why can’t I stop eating those iconic marshmallow Peeps chicks 🐣 and bunnies 🐰??? I am not picky about the color either. “Hello,yellow, mint,purple and blue”… it doesn’t matter what color it is I LOVE them ALL !!!

I know better and my skin and body do too!

I am a twin and I think one side of me 💕loves sweet and delightful on the tongue. The other side of me 💕 loves, broccoli, green peppers, celery,sweet potatoes, mixed salad greens,corn,apples,bananas and more!

For Peeps sake… do you have this sweet and squishy marshmallow obsession?

Let me know. Let’s chat 💬 Peeps!

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. 👄

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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!

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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!

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

Purify and detox that air in your space.

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

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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!

Oscar Time! 🎥

It happens once a year. The time is here!

My husbands not into watching the Oscars from year to year. But I like to watch the show. So, prepare a mini feast of delights for myself on a silver tray. Yes, just for ME.

As I mentioned before I think every single day is a reason to celebrate! 🎉

Champagne or a “virgin” mocktail cocktail is always a good idea! Right?

Everything is better with a cherry 🍒 on top or the bottom! Isn’t it?

Did you know some mixologists place a sugar cube in a glass of champagne? They say when the champagne 🍾 hits the sugar cube at the bottom of the glass it creates an ongoing fountain of bodacious looking bubbly!

A luxurious dip is delish! Especially while watching the Oscars. This recipe is from a client. I’ve used it for years. It is like a meal in itself. Of course if you’d like to make a charcuterie board or other delights… do that.

What you will need for this Artichoke Casserole recipe:

1 6oz jar of marinated artichokes

1 8oz package of cream cheese

2 packs of chopped frozen spinach

1 tsp 🍋 lemon juice

1/4 lb of real butter

Fresh Parmesan cheese shavings or sprinkled on top.

Cook spinach and be sure to drain it well.

Next add butter & cream cheese into the hot spinach.

Stir cheese but not too much. As lumps are ok.

Cut artichokes into halves.

Grease a casserole dish and line with the artichokes only. None of the liquid.

Add the marinade from the jar and the lemon juice to the spinach mix.

Pour this over the artichokes.

You’re almost done.

Now sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Casserole will be creamy dreamy and delightful! Serve with sliced veggies or crackers of your choice. You’ll be licking the casserole dish. Add some fresh fruit and you’re good to go!

Saving the best for last I like to make something sweet. And popcorn 🍿 from my old vintage popcorn machine makes it even better. It is so cute and so fun!

While the popcorns still warm pour a melted chocolate 🍫drizzle on top. I found some pretty colorful pastel Easter M & M’s and sprinkled that on top! If you’re not into these toppings create something else.

Allow it to cool and harden.

OMG! Yum for one.

Happy Oscars.

Rescue that winter skin!

I am in Chicago and suffering from winter skin. My skin is usually combination and on the oily side but NOT here this time of year… it is so parched! Thirsty for attention.

The winter season has taken a toll on our skin. Dry,flaky and at times sand paper like skin. Winter weather accents our lines under our eyes and on our skin more. My hair to my toes needs a rescue!

How about yours?

First you need to remember is DON’T over wash your face OR SCRUB. You will only do it harm and deplete any natural oils that you have that make your skin glow. If you do it will be tight and dry and your makeup will NOT glide on like butter on warm toast. BE GENTLE.

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Next tip move into a cream cleanser or gentle NON-deodorant soap bar like DOVE or goat milk soap. They are so much kinder to your skin.

Rosewater makes and amazing skin refresher and won’t dry out your skin. I like to apply it on a flat cotton pad but I also love to carry a mini spray bottle filled with it and carry it in my purse to spritz throughout the day for a PICK ME UP.

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You can make your own rosewater with a D.I.Y. but I love to keep it simple on this one and buy a bottle of it. Did I mention the soft scent of rosewater is so calming to your mood and soothing to the skin.

Next tip is to try something called SLUGGING where you apply on clean skin a coat of Vaseline all over your face. Leave it on as long as you’d like but I prefer 15 minutes tops for myself. It will REALLY soften those dead skin cells and make your tight and dry skin happy again. Rinse with a warm washcloth and follow up with a dash of a soap like mentioned above. I like to remove any oily residue.

IF the thought of slugging turns you off…

NOT TO WORRY you can accomplish this with a rich jar of face cream.

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Another tip I like to do is apply a Gel or Paper SHEET mask. Oh my what a high I get from these masks. So luxe and soothing to the skin. They started in Korea and finally have made it to the USA now American cosmetic brands are copying these formulas and making them too. I use them around the eyes,on the hands,on the feet,on the hair. THEY truly are magic.

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Of course drinking water or coconut water is yet another way to help your body and skin look and feel its best!

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These tips should help you and your skin too for a quick rescue! Spring will be here before you know it.

It’s Creamy & DREAMY to the tongue!

Winter is finally really here in Florida. It is in the 30’s and the palm trees aren’t swaying they are freezing. And my least fav’ are the drizzly gray days before me!

So today I made HOT chocolate in the crock pot!

What made it such a big hit was….the dollop of FLUFF on top of each mug we drank and were not done. The day isn’t over yet. It is so cold!

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A spoonful or two of this creamy and dreamy Fluff adds just the right amount of yumminess. So dreamy your guests or family will notice!

If you happen to love marshmallows like me…go for two teaspoons of it and drop it in the  center of a cup of steamy hot chocolate.It will be LOVE at first sip and you’ll want to lick the cup and spoon too.

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What you will need to make this hot chocolate 🍫 is:

1 14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk

1 1/2 cups of heavy cream

2 cups of milk chocolate chips

5 or 6 cups of low fat milk

1 scoop of vanilla bean

Embellish as you wish: scoop of FLUFF marshmallow, cloves, cinnamon or a stick of it and or a chocolate candy stick.

I hope you’ll try this recipe soon.

Enjoy and keep warm my WP followers and new visitors to my blog…come back for more.