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!

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? 

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!

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

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.

 

Hello & Kisses 💋💋💋from Hong Kong!

I am alive and kicking and haven’t forgotten YOU and my blog. But it has been difficult being on a twelve hour time zone difference from the US, to Korea and then on HK time. ✈️ The struggle is real!

I am having the time of my life… in my high heels and Skechers!

Learning new cultural rituals,shopping 🛍and eating 🥟 my way from country 🍚 to country!  I’ll be posting my travel notes soon.

I can’t wait to share my exotic travel, beauty 💄 and foodie 🥢🥡 adventures with you! Come back for more!

IPhoto by Jimmy Chan on Pexels.com

Beauty Secrets from around the globe!

I’d like to share some simple beauty and skin care secrets from around the world!

Some are from my travels and some are from women I have met.

The women of Greece keep healthy  by eating that creamy and dreamy Greek yogurt we find readily available at stores.Since it contains so many health and beauty benefits.They are also avid users of skin care products made with olive oil. The women and men are mindful of what they eat and a Mediterranean diet is another beauty and lifestyle secret.

The women of China and Hong Kong clamor for pearl cream and sheet masks of all kinds.Examples: pearl,aloe,bamboo rose and more.They also eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. The latest and greatest that has made it to our US grocery stores is the Dragon fruit for it’s anti-aging properties.I love it in smoothies and acai bowls.

Egypt Cleopatra stated it all! The milk and honey bath and honey face masks.

France! Who doesn’t have a love affair with France. While there are many delectable pastries and breads the secret to their success is by eating small meals and just a taste of deserts. Not giant portions of them. Red wine is part of their daily evening meal.As you know it contains resveratrol and is really good for heart heath. The spas offer Vinotherapy which is a wine themed therapy all made with red wine. And wearing a luscious red lipstick and a pair of sunnies  go a long chic way!

Brazil  known for the infamous Brazilian butt lifts and Brazilian blowouts for flawless smooth hair.

I enjoy doing all of the above…minus the surgical butt lift and my hair does not need that type of treatment.

I hope you enjoy these beauty and skin secrets and experiment with them too!

 

Hot Spots in Las Vegas you’ll dine and LOVE!

As some of you who read my blog know I love to work,play,SPA and shop in Las Vegas this year was no exception.After my work day guest speaking at the IECSC spa and beauty conference… Inbetween my I DON’T GAMBLE…I play the .5 cent slot machines and stop after losing $5.00 or $10.00 dollars.I’d rather spend my money on dining and shopping.
I promised I’d share with you highlights you might enjoy.

Hot Spots I HIGHLY recommend:

Shopping at any of the hotel resorts is so much  fun and it seems to be better and feel more fun in Las Vegas! I enjoy the Forum Shops at Caesers Palace and a the entire dining experience and shops at Caesars.
Next, I like a place called Fashion Mall. Outside decor reminds me of a space ship….inside are a variety of the chain nationwide big box stores however they are mixed with wonderful stores I am not familiar with. You might even be lucky enough to see a live runway fashion show like I have.
The other beautiful hotels have shopping areas where you will find Chanel and other designer brands. But I love more bang for my buck and don’t need a designer LABEL to make me happy!!!

*Fashion Alert! It was a steamy 105 degrees and we know in our down time about town to DRESS accordingly and comfortably. Wear sensible not sex kitten high shoes.Bring a pashmina in case you get cold from air conditioning.

Looking for a delicious awesome Sunday Brunch?

Craving PIZZA like NEW YORK City?

Stop at the Cosmopolitan hotel for a fresh,cheesy hot and fabulous slice or a whole PIZZA pie!

Look no further the Bellagio Buffet with champagne mimosas is a delightful staff and yummy food place.Crab legs cut special to devour quickly,Kobe beef,sushi,gourmet assorted mini pizza slices,salads with kale.Just to name a few.The desserts to die for! While you’re there you might just be in time to see the fountain water show outside or out your hotel window that is set to the most goose bump creating music your ears and spirit will LOVE!

The Stratosphere Hotel has the most AMAZING VIEW and bar too.You can’t miss this view from the top.It is named the Top of the World restaurant. You see this building as soon as you land.I recommend you go to lunch there too. The food will fill you, the price is right and you do not have to get all dressed up.Also the place revolves on top and you will enjoy ever corner of LV and the strip.You can even bungee jump from the top of here.

Wanna take a nice road trip away from the strip?

Less than an hour is Mt. Charleston and my husband LOVES this place. It is often fifteen to twenty degrees cooler than in the city Of Las Vegas,it has mountains and what a gorgeous peaceful view!!!

Want to cool off from the heat?

Go to Serendipity 3 for a refreshing lunch or FROZEN HOT CHOCOLATE.It is a chocolate tease! So COOL and delicious.YOU haven’t lived until you had one of these drinks!!!

Almost any spa on the strip is fabulous! They really know how to SPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH. I love many of the spas on the strip.

Looking for Chinese food and don’t want to pay a fortune at some she she, fifi place on the strip….that is OUT OF THIS WORLD? Take a ride over to Orchids Garden.
It has ALL DAY DIM SUM and yummy dining. The service is fabulous and the food is so delicious.If you haven’t tried Dim Sum this is a must. YOU’LL FEEL like you JUST traveled to HONG KONG.WORTH THE TRIP! Even if it is by cab.

I know.I am still talking about food… BUT if you have never had one before a trip to IN & OUT Burger is a drive thru or east in MUST. It is very popular in NEVADA and Cali and the food is very fresh.They are minutes away from the airport when you arrive or when you depart.Lucky you!

I hope you enjoyed my latest trip fave’s and my regular spots to stop.

The beauty of Las Vegas is you don’t have to spend a fortune to have fun.
Have you booked your ticket yet? What are you waiting for?
I ALWAYS try to book some business with pleasure.Don’t you?
IF YOU DON’T maybe its time to start NOW!
Life is for the LIVING.
Explore beyond your door!