Chocolate Fix

This morning I woke up craving NOT coffee but chocolate! I love to play in the kitchen.

Did you know that Cacao nibs are a natural way to get a chocolate fix?

2 cups of coconut milk (from the milk section)

1 teaspoon of cocoa powder

1  frozen banana

sprinkle of Chia seeds (Cause it wouldn’t hurt to add them)

sprinkle of cocoa nibs to taste

a drizzle of organic honey

Blend in a blender and you have a sweet sensation that’s not too sweet.

A quick chocolate CRAVING fix!

*Oh and for a shot for my skin I added a spoonful of  NeoCell Super Collagen powder…for hair,skin nails,bones, joints and more! To get my glow on and to be a Glow Getter.

 

 

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!

 

 

 

Schools Out! What can you do with…

…Your daughter or granddaughters?

Summer is still here and your daughters and grand daughters are still out of school.

Here are a few fun things to do with them this summer!

Today I shared on TV what you can do and how much fun it can be!

• Bonding time:Do a little makeup at home day. Show them how to apply a little lipstick or gloss,a blush,nail polish and or a bit of glitter. A little goes a long way.

• Show them how to take care of their hair or braid the hair …Barbie Hair conditioner for detangling works wonders!
• Teach them that SUNSCREEN is a best kept beauty secret! Protecting their face and body from the sun is very important.Use dolls as demo’s.
• Enjoy making or serving yummy refreshments like fruit infused water,pretty pink lemonade,candy,Pez and or yummy  pink cupcakes.Make it like a beauty party!
• Another fun idea is:To show them how they can write a story book and they are the main character.All they need is an empty unlined notebook and some markers  or crayons. Encourage them to be creative.
• Princess Patch Parties is  a local company if you’re lucky enough to live in Jacksonville Florida in the Murray Hill section of town that offers birthday and mini spa parties with facials and a little mani & pedi outing. Pink and frilly place where glitter rules! www.princesspatchgirlsspa.com      
  
• Lip gloss D.I.Y. with you and or their friends with a MINI bar of Hershey’s chocolate or some crushed up candy mixed with a  dash of OrganIc coconut oil from Whole Foods Market. You will need to assist children with this in the microwave for a few minutes. What you’ll have is a shiny,lip softening lip gloss.No it won’t last you’ll watch them lick it off and laugh the afternoon away.
• I will share these ideas and more on the video from the segment. JUST A CLICK AWAY! http://www.firstcoastnews.com on The Chat
•  ENJOY watching and hope you will try some of my outside the box ideas!

 

What I saw,ate and did in Las Vegas!

I love Las Vegas. It is a beautiful and fun city. And the best part like New York it has so much FREE eye candy for you to enjoy. You don’t have to spend all your time on the Strip either!

My last post I told you I was going there to guest speak at the International Esthetics Cosmetics and Spa conference. This year the show was better than ever!Alongside the show is a full pavilion called the International Beauty Show. Both are shows if you are in the business of beauty and a licensed beauty professional you do not want to miss. This year we got an extra bonus…The Comic Con show was there. I saw all kinds of characters. From devils to Winnie the Poo to sexy sirens.In 113 to 117 degrees I admired the passion for the world of comic books.

Trends come and go but the biggest trend I continue to see and grow is the look of healthy skin and  the care of the skin.I tried all kinds of lotions,potions,hydrated by a new sheet mask  by the ever popular Image Skincare and skin feeling softer and loved.The ever popular Savvy Sleepers pillowcase rocks your skin with anti-aging smooth benefits. Protects your skin from more wrinkles and saves your hair and extends expensive blowouts all while you sleep. Especially from the aromatherapy spa product aisle. The smell of lavender,peppermint and more filled the show floor.

 

Another trend that continues to rise is COLOR.It was everywhere on the faces of makeup artists in my classes and on the show floor and at makeup booths. HAIR was colorful too. I saw all the colors of the rainbow kinda hair. It was AMAZING. My fave’ were the luscious world of lipsticks and glosses. Aqua,pink,coral,yellow,purple lipsticks are so on trend and sure to make you happy hues.Let’s not forget that nail polish continues to be in all shades to tempt you. I LOVE the fact that our world has become so color filled. Remember when our beauty world only offered safe colors like soft pink,pearly white and beige. How about when our blow dryers only came in boring gray? Well no more.

My classrooms were filled with eager to learn beauty professionals,spa and salon owners.I love what I do and travel too. After the show I was STARVING and needed to hydrate up and had to stop to my fave place for a for a burger and fries. Smothered in yum and made in the kitchen with LOVE. And a sip one of their shakes…Pink Strawberry. You know how I love pink!

I like to venture away from the strip where the locals who live there go. Not all your meals have to be in swanky expensive  I enjoyed the ever fabulous In and Out Burger where I ordered off their secret menu…ANIMAL style Fries ( see photo)

I also enjoyed exotic  meals from Orchids Garden where they serve ALL DAY Dim Sum! If you haven’t had is Chinese Brunch. The food is so fresh and the staff there is so friendly. Save some room as you might also want to try the coconut bun which is dessert that is perfect with a hot cup of jasmine or green tea.

Who doesn’t LOVE to shop? While I like the SHOPPING on the strip I also like to head to PRIMM at the outlet mall. They have some fabulous shops like Tommy Bahama,Charlotte Rousse,Coach and more.

ALL at fabulous DISCOUNT $$$$$$ prices …You won’t find on the strip.

I bought some Tommy Bahama tops and bathing suit for my husband. Gorgeous bracelets for me,sandals,perfume and a few LV souvenir gifts all for $197.00

So, I hope you enjoyed a peek inside my classrooms,the beauty and the hair shows and see what’s on trend. If you haven’t been to Las Vegas add it to your list!

Travel and explore my darlings and eat up all that life has to offer!!!

 

 

Vegas Baby!

I am so ready to paint the town pink!

It is that time of  year and I am so excited to guest speak again at the International Esthetics Cosmetics and Spa show in beautiful Las Vegas! It is not only a fun city it is home to so many of my fav’ foodie spots!

I will be working,exploring and shopping the show floor for the latest and greatest in beauty and skin! I love this show! It is THE BEST!

I also can’t wait to go to the strip and partake in some eye candy as these casinos offer so much. While I do not gamble I do love everything else!

It is going to be 117 average temperature and while they call it a dry heat. I call it HOT AS HELL heat just like Florida.I still sweat!

I might even take in one of the hot spas if I have time as these spots are so divine! So, I will be bringing you the best in beauty from one who craves all things beauty and who is a foodie.

I will miss my husband but so look forward to sharing with you my travel and fun finds!

 

 

 

 

Tweezers 101 & more!

Have you ever wondered about the shape of those tweezers you own or see while shopping? Me too!

Angled– are perfect for eyebrow grooming.

Flat-are great for removing multiple hairs.

Slanted-This shape helps you remove sensitive hair areas and precise grooming.

Pointed– Perfect for fine hairs and for ingrown hair.

I like to add the BEAUTY BEAM to my tweezers so I can light up and ……….see where I am working and removing hair.

I also like to own several sizes of tweezers from pricey to cheap. And the MINI ones are perfect for your cosmetic bag in your purse.

So there you have it. A little 101 on tweezers and more.

You will fall in love with the Beauty Beam once you try it. I use it on TV,photo shoots or when I do makeup in my studio or on location.

You never know when you need a little light on your face,brows,eye area and lips!

Barbie Beauty

Cruising the shelves of a Dollar store I was looking for more than I went  there for.You know you NEVER know what you are going to find when you take time and explore. Since I am in love with ALL things color and pink is at the top of that colorful l SAW a spray bottle down the beauty and health aisle.

Since my hair tangles so…I had to pick this bottle up and TAKE IT HOME for a test drive.

At first I thought it was strange to try this cotton candy scented  de-tangling spray but those thoughts soon went away. I am writing this post to tell you I LOVE it. I know I am not a kid but this woman is here to say IT WORKS!

Now, no the ingredients are not like my grown up expensive spray…but for $1.00 its a win win for me! Did you ever have your bottle of liquids when you travel and somehow magically open and half of it pour out and disappear?

Little girls LOVE Barbie and I do too!

There’s beauty in Chi Town…

Been so wildy busy…forgot to post this! But I’m still in Chicago and the weekend and show isn’t over.So here we go!

As a foodie who is in beauty…I can’t wait for this weekend to start.

Chicago is going to look a lot more beautiful with all the glowing skinned estheticians and makeup artists who are going to rock the city at the International Esthetics, Cosmetics and Spa conference.IF YOU are a spa owner or beauty professional I hope you’ll be there! I will be guest speaking both days.www.iecsc.com

Please come back to my blog after the show when I’m back and have a chance to post.Be in the know on what I see in Chicago this trip… from food,to spas,what’s trending in beauty, to shopping!!! I adore the city of Chicago!!!

I will not rest so I can bring it all back to you!

#chispashow #ilovechicago

Beauty,Beauty and more beauty in the Big Apple!

A week ago I escaped the blizzard and traveled to NYC for work and play. I was bound and determined not to let the cold weather get in my way.I arrived safe by Delta Airlines and landed almost an hour sooner than scheduled. The sun was shining gloriously and the weather was awesome in the 60’s. I checked in to my first hotel and quickly had attend to refresh and go to two planned beauty events. I  discovered new beauty products to show on my beauty and lifestyle segment on NBC12- TV. I also love to see what I would like to enjoy and add to my own beauty routine. My first stop was at a loft terrace in a sun-drenched  huge room. I sipped champagne,noshed on yummy treats and explored what’s hot a new.The best part besides the awesome products I saw. They served up COTTON CANDY fresh from an old time machine! How cool was that! I love cotton candy in its soft rainbow fluffy hues of sweetness.More to come in another post on the products I enjoyed and fell in love with.

Next stop I hustled in a cab to the event of the year. It happens once a year. NYC beauty editors,cosmetics executives and anyone who is anyone in beauty attend the Cosmetic Exec Women event. We sniff,touch,smell,play and test drive NEW beauty launches from the past 12 months.After we do this we vote after testing some more brands at home.There are many categories. Makeup,Hair,Skin,Nails,Fragrance,Male Grooming,Beauty Tools nail polish and so much more.It is a exciting packed party of wall to wall women.Each year is different. This year QVC was offering makeup applications and even gave us a cosmetic bag.Hair was being styled and more.And did I mention they had cupcakes and cocktails?

After the tabulations are all in brands receive an Academy award of beauty no not a gold statue but winning  is the most coveted accolade you want by a beauty brand. My swag weighed in at 12 lbs.Two fast and furious hours of a really packed pavilion.

The next day while the weather was still in the 60’s I had a few business meetings but made time to go downtown for Chinese Brunch called DIM SUM at one of my fav’ places in Chinatown section of NYC. The Joy Luck Palace. I was seated with two women and two of their nurses who took them o the city for an outing. They were from Hong Kong and 95 and 99 years young.So fun to watch the friendship between the two ladies. The older one was a fashionista dripping in jade jewelry.The two ladies did not speak English but I understood the language of their smiles,facial expressions,laughter and appearance.Women push carts filled with hot Chinese food from soup to dumplings to chicken feet.

My fave’ Dim Sum was 3  little piggies sitting in the bamboo steamer looking at me! They were meant for the end of the meal. A warm fluffy dough filled with a creme brulle kind of cream and it also reminded me of the yummiest vanilla pudding.The Chef’s  here make the best tiny bites of love.If you have never tried or enjoyed dim sum you must find a place to dine in your travels.

Did I mention I got caught in the first flurry of snow and slush and had not packed any boots? MY husband told me I wouldn’t need them.Note to self…never not pack your boots with all your other needed winter gear.

Window shopping is the best shopping! I window shopped all the hot stores like Bloomingdales,Macy’s and Bendel’s and more. I used to live here and really miss having this city at my feet on a daily basis.But I also shopped the fashion district too and discovered some amazing fabrics. So inspiring.Even stopping by candy stores and food stands gives me yummy inspiration since I so love candy and beauty too.

I took some time for at my fav’ places for a mani,pedi and facial too.And I discovered some more places to shop and play for K beauty too.

Oh and I went to the International Beauty Show and guest spoke at the International Esthetics,Cosmetics and Spa show. The show floor was filled with the latest and greatest in the world of beauty. Then came the SNOW.Thank goodness I was already booked on a flight the day before the storm.

Off on another beauty trip soon.Gotta unpack to pack.Stay tuned for more on my beauty adventures.

 

 

 

 

 

Biting into that juicy apple …NEW YORK,NEW YORK!

I LOVE NEW YORK….Don’t you?

Counting down to a fabulous time!

I’m so looking forward to guest speaking,shopping the show floor,seeing my beauty pro friends,meeting new people and more! It is such an honor to be asked to educate at this show! I have meetings with many VIPS and going to take in all the show has to offer. alongside this show is the International Hair Show…can’t wait to explore that show floor and sit in on some hair classes too.If you are a PRO and attending the show…come by my class and say “Hello!”

Before and after long show days will be spent to shop til I drop and eat my way through the city~ Don’t laugh but I cannot wait to bite into a hot bagel with cream cheese toasted,hot dog from a street vendor and devour street food in Chinatown and throughout NYC.I see there is a new yummy popcorn Food truck can’t wait to taste!

New York is the city that never sleeps and I will not rest much either.There is no place like being back home and working there too!

Biting into that big juicy apple.

Stay tuned…I will kiss and tell!