SHOP on,Gorgeous!

Last weekend was Shop Small Saturday all across the country started by American Express. I participated in it proudly again this year. And here are a few takeaways of what girls bought for their  besties or themselves.

Stocking Stuffers or token gifts…

Remember it is the thought that counts not the price OR how much you buy for that person! And you know what the real reason for the season is!

Makeup Brushes by the set are a coveted gift a girl struggles to get for herself. So many to choose from and it can be overwhelming. Buying ala carte is not the best thing to do unless that is your budget. It is cheaper and chicer to buy a set. And you don’t have to spend a fortune for them. Remember the $ dollar $ quality is not the same as a boutique.

Wine,rose,champagne  wine holders  chic and so versatile. Use them for booze, décor and or to rest your bling and baubles on. They say wine is most gals best friend over any other libation. Add a few gourmet or edible delights like below and you have a gift that won’t be forgotten!

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Lipsticks are always in style and putting together a set of a variety of them for your mom or bestie can be so much fun! Add a gloss or balm and they love you forever.

*Add a lip brush and you’re all set. Yes, they are still in.

Bath and Body Treats are so lovely! And SO NEEDED. When you shop you can get a lot of little pieces. Aromatic and hydrating are best for the skin. And aromatherapy is so relaxing and mood lifting and calming.

Candles are always a good idea!

Palo Santo,Sage and herb plants are both unique and practical too.

Fragrance is a very personal thing. So, I usually only give it in bath and body lotions not necessarily by the bottle. Unless you know the exact fragrance they love.

 

 

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I hope I got your juices and creativity going for finding that perfect token gift or stocking stuffer.

Have fun and happy Shopping,Gorgeous!

 

 

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Panera Bread Mac & Cheese — In Dianes Kitchen

Can’t wait to try this recipe this weekend. In Dianes Kitchen never disappoints!

 

What a delicious copycat recipe of Panera Bread Mac & Cheese that is full of white cheddar and white American cheese. This is easy to make and it is made completely on top of the stove. This was very, very good and it takes less than 30 minutes to make. Source: Six Sisters’ Stuff Copycat […]

via Panera Bread Mac & Cheese — In Dianes Kitchen

Energy!

Looking for a natural boost from plants 🌱 that you can enjoy after a long day of of holiday shopping 🛍 , or at your home 🏡 or your office?

The holiday season can be a very stressful and hectic time.

But Mother Nature to the rescue!

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Plant or grow a potted plant at your desk or in a sunny 🌞 window. Basil and peppermint work wonders!

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

 

When you need an aromatic energizing lift!  All you do is take a piece of the plant and rub the leaves between your fingers to release their scent! Smell your fingers and the plants. Breathe in deeply and ENJOY!

 

So aromatic and uplifting.

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.

The Beauty in TEA Time!

There’s so much beauty in sipping a cup of TEA. The process alone is so relaxing and calming…especially when I have time for it. Not just a quick cup of it in the morning.

How about you do you like coffee or tea or both?

A few weeks ago I had a flight delayed in Atlanta and instead of going to the Delta Sky Club we chose to go to P.F.Chang’s. Stressed from running from one Terminal to another. Tired because the day had been very long and just wanted a cozy spot to compose and chill. Their tea is delightful iced or hot. But my fave is hot served in this pot. This is the way they serve it. By the time we had a few potstickers and two pots of tea we were so chilled out for our next hour flight home with a midnight arrival. Look for them on your next trip via Atlanta.

If you’re not traveling and at home. Save the tea bag or tea leaves from your tea and enjoy a facial steam with the leftovers. I like chamomile flowers found at your local fancy market. Lavender buds are also another great choice and both are calming. All you do is add the flowers or buds to a bowl of hot or very warm water you boiled from your tea pot. Place a lightweight towel over your head and go near the bowl for the steam to hit your face. Be careful. Do this for at least 10 minutes.Double-duty beauty! Inside and out.

So next time you’re stressed,rushed or just plain need a few minutes to yourself.

Skip the wine and have some tea time!

 

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.

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!

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.

Photo by Valeria Boltneva on Pexels.com

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.

Photo by NIKOLAY OSMACHKO on Pexels.com

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.

Photo by Tommy Huang on Pexels.com

 

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.