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.
I have been back at it and traveling for work and it is truly a new trying frontier. If you haven’t flown lately, since the pandemic or ever here are some things to expect … maybe!
Recently my flight got cancelled while I was still in the air traveling from Las Vegas to Atlanta. I did not learn of this news until I was able to turn my iphone as we landed and headed toward the gate. WOW! I was NOT ready for that. Atlanta to Jacksonville Fl is a quick 30-45 minute flight and the sun 🌞 was shining and the skies were the most gorgeous shade of blue!
My husband and I had no luggage,no toiletries,no fresh clothes and no night clothes to go to sleep in.
I usually travel on board with a just in case kit but accidentally packed it in my luggage. We were so not ready for this news but tried to go with the flow. When we walked over to the the ticket counter for Delta there were many others in our shoes so we felt a bit better.
Come to find out we had NO PILOT and no flight crew to take us to Jacksonville Fl that is why our flight was cancelled not due to weather or airplane troubles. You hear and see scenarios on the news BUT when it happens to YOU …is another story. I felt so lost even though I knew it would happen eventually.
Here are some stress relieving ideas for taking on board the plane with you.Create a compact bag for each of you filled with the “Bare Necessities” you may need.
Think small sizes!
Only decide what you really really WANT and need. PSP
For the MEN:
A bag of travel sized shave cream, a razor, toothbrush,toothpaste. A shirt for the next day and a fresh pair of underwear.
For the Women:
A bag filled with makeup remover towelettes, moisturizer and your favorite makeup items. Keep it simple. A tinted moisturizer OR choose a double-duty beauty like powder compact to even out skin tone and tone down shine.Lipstick can be used as blush in a pinch. Eyeliner to define the eyes in place of a tube of mascara. A nightgown or nightshirt,and a fresh pair of underwear.
Have children with you? YOU know best on what to pack for them and amuse them too.
Travel size toiletries and more you both can share:
Deodorant,a unisex fragrance, package of Q-TIPS,tissues,small hairbrush and comb,hand and body lotion. Usually the hotel supplies shampoo and conditioner.
Bring your RX prescriptions on the plane. Pack something for upset stomach,headaches and anything else you use. An eye mask or a roll on essential oil to keep calm.
Pack a lightweight empty bottle for water for yourselves that you can refill at the airport and save money and keep hydrated.
SNACKS are a must! I have learned to pack a combination of healthy and yummy options.Think comfort food.
MINI bags of dried fruit like cranberries,an apple, small cookies,crackers,gummy bears,potato chips, chocolate bars,gum,mints. Pack a bit of what you love!
Bringing a book or two or some magazines is ALWAYS a good idea.
All of the above are just in case your flight is cancelled and you may have to stay at a hotel overnight. Please note you don’t know what the hotel may have in the way of toiletries in the room. So, its best to pack your own. OR your plane does not take off in a timely manner and you are stuck on the plane as that can happen too. Most times they serve no drinks or snacks while you wait. These days you never know.
Getting away for an overnight this Labor day weekend or making it a long weekend. Be prepared…it will make your life so much easier.
I hope you do have a safe and fabulous flight and get where you want to go.
Snacks and an empty water bottle are a good idea too. I love to pack a combination of healthy and yummy options. Comfort food. Dried fruits, cookies, gummy bears, mini chocolate bars, cheese crackers or peanut butter crackers. All of these JUST IN CASE. Cause these days you never know.
Getting away for an over night trip or a long Labor Day weekend. Be prepared. It makes life so much easier!
PS
Don’t forget when you go from your hotel that the airline may put you up in you will have to go through Security AGAIN when you enter the airport for your new flight.
This week on TV on River City Live I featured some ideas for snacking,face and body masking and for GLOWING skin! I hope you will enjoy them too.
I try and eat the right stuff and love most fruits and veggies. But sometimes I am looking for a little cheat drink that gives me energy and can help give my skin a boost over time. I discovered an easy recipe that actress Reese Whiterspoon shared on Instagram last year. I am kinda addicted and make and drink this recipe weekly. IF you have not tried it its worth looking into. Even my husband enjoys it.
Mix all of the above to a Vitamix type blender for easy blending.
Sometimes I like to make a smoothie/ drink what I call “Everything but the kitchen sink” I simply pull out whatever leftover vegetables and fruits I have on hand and put it in a blender with a juice I might have leftover or some bottled water. It usually turns out quite delicious!
If you are really pressed for time, Dole makes some delicious options in the freezer aisle of a mix of fruits and greens blend. One of favorites is made with mango.banana,apple,pineapple and spinach.
Stay hydrated for plump happy skin for face and body. If you are not a water drinker snack on cucumbers or drink coconut water. Add a cherry in the glass or an umbrella and make it a fun ritual. you look forward to.
Celebrities just like I love using produce for prettier vibrant skin and a healthier body. Like a strawberry face mask with fresh strawberries or they use it as a teeth whitening treat.
Avocado masks are also good for your hair or face and neck. So nourishing.
Spinach is a rock star for skin and body! My friend Victoria Evelyn founder of the Chocolate Skincare Factory brand happens to be both a pharmacist and an esthetician recommended to me another way to get my greens for my on the go lifestyle! Simply keep on hand fresh bag of spinach in your fridge and pop a handful as a quick snack. I even take a mini snack bag with me on the road or on the run. Be like POPEYE and eat spinach.
I love baby tomatoes! I pop them like candy. Really! There is a magical ingredient in tomatoes that research shows may protect our skin from UV damage from sunburn. Naturally I have to protect my skin with a SUNSCREEN from a tube but I also eat these and also make Italian dishes with tomato paste which is loaded with lycopene. Since I have had a bad sunburn before I really never want to feel that again.
I also love a banana mask for dry elbows and knees. All you do is mash a banana and put it on those dry dull areas for the body. Or you can use it as a soothing hydrating face mask too.
If you crave a little crunch…mini baby carrots are a great go too instead of potato chips! Although I really love a bag of Kettle Chips! Your eyes and skin will love you too.
Grapes are hydrating bites of love that keep your skin looking good too.
Nuts and dried fruits are good for you snack too! You haven’t lived until you have tried dried cherries! I love them as a sweet treat alone or in a salad.
Have fun in the kitchen and whip up some face and body care. I featured these recipes on TV 📺 yesterday on River City Live on http://www.News4Jax.com
Check out the video clip.
FYI
If you are allergic to any other the ingredients below. Please skip that ingredient. If you have very sensitive skin do a patch test on your inner wrist.
I have super sensitive skin. I do not have any problems with any of these delightful DIY treats. 😍
Coconut 🥥 milk by the can is so softening and gives you a healthier sheen. Use it before you shampoo and then pour a cup on your ends and rub a comb through your hair. Leave on at least 15 minutes.
Women from exotic countries love this hair trick!
Canned Coconut milk or coconut oil both work!
Hi 🍯 Honey! Face Mask Recipe
Local honey makes a skin softening and soothing face mask for women or men. Yes, it’s a bit messy and you might want to eat it and lick 😋 the leftovers. but it is a quick wonderful mask. Apply on clean face and leave on at least 10 minutes. I also like to do this mask on my neck.
A little honey goes a long way!
Rice 🍚 Water Face Mask for uneven skin tone
Raw White rice for your skin? Yes, please! Oats for your bath? Why not?
Milk & Oat Bath Body Recipe
Fill a bathtub with warm water. Place a sachet (muslin or organza bag both work)
Filled with a cup or two of raw oats and some powdered milk.
* You can substitute the powdered milk for a small bottle of water.
Soak your cares away, dry skin and itchy skin away! Soak in the bath until the water 💦 cools. Your skin will feel amazing.
Nail & Cuticle Hand Bath
All you need is some olive 🫒 oil, avocado 🥑 oil or other favorite oil. I like to soak my hands in this oil bath. Do this for at least 10 minutes.
* Rub the extra oil on your toe nails and feet.
Instant mani & pedi fix !
End these spa like treats from your kitchen with a martini 🍸 or a glass of bubbly Prosecco or champagne 🍾
My husband likes to join in on the pampering self care fun too!
I recently had a chance to chat with a nail artist. In my interview I asked her what are her Top 5 Tips for the Nails.
With all the hand washing we are doing and it all taking a toll on our cuticles and finger nails I know you will enjoy her fabulous tips for healthy nails! Hope you put her trade secrets and personal fav’s to work this long holiday weekend.
Or book and appointment with Nina! Her number is 904-234-7161 if you’re lucky enough to live local in Jacksonville Fl. 🌴
Here are her tips and is one of her latest nail creations. So fun! So pretty.
Hydrate- keeping the cuticle area hydrated with a cuticle oil. I prefer my own brand Cula, which consist of vitamin E, jojoba oil, and an essential oil.
Taking vitamins– taking vitamins working from the inside out helps promote healthy nail growth. Vitamins B is best.
Nail growth– Using a nail protein such as Nailtiques protein 2 plus helps train those nails from broken & brittle to healthy strong nails. I recommend polishing every other day for two weeks and evaluating your nail growth from there.
Manicures– keeping the nail plate clean and getting rid of old dead skin cells helps promote nail growth.
Nail tech– choosing the right nail tech that is knowledgeable and knows what there doing to help you take care of your nails.
Did you know the first nail polish originated in China as early as 3000 BC !
Yes it is a day! Made-Up in recent years but still another reason to celebrate LOVE and friendship with your gal pals,besties or even family.
Yesterday I featured on my beauty and lifestyle segment on TV ways to do just that. Grab a cup of coffee and tea and enjoy my blog with an easy D.I.Y. There is still time to throw a mini soiree. For two or for 12 besties. If you can’t do it today. You can always do it Valentine’s day or even a day over this weekend.
1. Invite friends you want to celebrate with via text,phone or email.
2.Create a theme. I like the beauty or pajama party type theme.Decorate accordingly or choose LOVE as your decor with hearts and more.
3.Think of the treats,food and drink you’d like to serve.Make a list and go get it. (Serve in disposable glassware,plates and silverware to keep it simple)
4.Examples Menu: Who doesn’t love chocolate? Get a box of chocolates or even a bag of Hershey’s Kisses. Add something sparkling.Maybe a mini cake,cheesecake or cupcakes sprinkled with lips or hearts. A pitcher of spa water:Try fresh mint and lemon water.
5.Pick up swag to giveaway. It doesn’t have to be expensive.I found the cutest mirrors with red lips at a local dollar store. Who doesn’t love a treat to take home?
6. I gather up a few ideas for conversation and to Kiss & MAKEUP. Lipsticks,eyeshadow,nail polish,fragrance or you can go as far as K Beauty sheet masks and lip scrubs.Share beauty secrets and beauty faux pas and laugh the afternoon or night away.
7. I also like a fun game. I pass around a framed piece that says” What the way YOU USE your Lipstick says about you”. Girls can’t wait to dig in their purse for their lipstick tubes to see what their tube says about them.
I hope I have given you some inspiration for a little gathering with friends and celebrate! I’d love to hear what you come up with. Talk to me. Share with me.
You don’t need a man to buy you a box of chocolates. TREAT YOURSELF!
SPREADING some LOVE JUST IN TIME for Galentine’s and Valentine’s day.
There’s a new edible beauty in town and it will help you achieve AGELESS skin!
It’s called Ageless Delight! And I’m on my third piece.Not too sweet,tastes just right and you can’t even tell that it has all these beautiful ageless benefits for your skin.
Ceramiracle has just introduced the first-ever, clean-label, sugar-free, AGELESS Beauty Chocolate Supplement — and it’s VEGAN, KETO, AND GLUTEN-FREE!
POWERFUL INGREDIENTS:
Made with 70% organic South American Dark Chocolate.
Fucoidan (RENEWS SKIN ELASTICITY): A super gut repairing antioxidant from seaweed that stimulates collagen production in your skin and protects your skin’s natural elasticity.
Polyphenols (RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS): Is naturally packed with antioxidants which aids in skin firming and rejuvenation.
Phytoceramides (IMPROVES MOISTURE RETENTION): Helps to recreate the protective skin layer that has been lost to time by binding the skin together and locking in moisture. It improves the skin’s density and restores elasticity.
I don’t know about you but I embrace age. It is a part of life. I don’t want to necessarily look younger and the word anti-aging is so over used. I want to look ageless and look my personal best. I also adore a good box of chocolates and these individually wrapped bites are simply DELIGHTFUL and taste heavenly!
The company calls it soul food for the skin.
The pretty aqua blue packaging reminds me of the spa and being by the sea.
This photo is on the set behind the scenes with my model waiting to go on TV.
Pinch me!
I am so excited to show you my new must have find!
Even guys have to own one! This morning on TV I shared “What’s Trending” on social media,magazines and more with beauty editors,models,makeup artists and beauty bloggers…video link of today’s show available on http://www.news4jax.com on River City Live.
YOU are going to LOVE❤️ this mini delight! It IS all the rage with beauty editor’s like Allure magazine’s (THE Beauty Bible) Michele Lee. Besides the other beauty gems on the table above ….that pink petite and sweet fridge is everythingto me! I l LOVE IT!
MEET Cooluli a high-end mini cooling and warming system marvel!
Without the high end price!Cooluli is an American company born and based in Brooklyn, NY. Compact and oh so light!
It’s coolers/warmers utilizes advanced thermoelectric technology and are custom-manufacturedusing only top-quality materials. Sleek and chic, state-of-the-art coolers/warmers that are perfectly portable and 100% eco-friendly (Cooluli uses no compressors, cryogen, refrigerants, or Freons) Compact light and portable!
You can even use it in your car!
I love it for my beauty booty but here are some other ways you can Cooluli it up:
Food/Drinks/Snacks Cooluli is great for keeping food and drinks warm or cool, whether at home, at
work, on the road, and everywhere in between. From soup to sandwiches, energy drinks to coffee, Cooluli’s got you covered.
Skincare…I’ll share more on another blog.
Breastmilk/Formula Cooluli is ideal for moms/new parents with newborns—Cooluli is compact and stylish enough to put in the nursery for easy access for those 3AM feeding time
calls (or screams. It’s even perfect for those with toddlers who want a soothing
glass of milk at nighttime. It’s also perfect for working moms who pump at the
office and need to safely store their breast milk for the duration of the workday.
Towels
Great for keeping towels warm during a relaxing manicure or to open up your pores before treating your skin. The warmth is both soothing and effective!
Stock and store your instant film (and/or 35mm rolls) inside.
Medicine Perfect to keep insulin and other temperature-regulated medications, such as certain forms of birth control, topical ointments, etc. This makes them remainactive and effective and the convenience factor is a plus!
Also use Cooluli at:
Boss Babe desk or cubicle
Your She Shed or Man Cave! (Wink Wink)
JAGS football game Tailgating or whatever team you love.
Barbeques
Camping
Fishing
Road Trips + Vacations
Dorm Rooms
Bedrooms
Hotel Rooms
Gaming Rooms + Dens
Iwill share all I store in my fridge in another blog this weekend.
LashSavers™ are the ‘Elite Sleep Mask’, extending the life of your lash investment when you get lash extensions. Also great to use when use any other faux eyelashes.
Saves your make-up from smearing overnight and from getting all over the pillows
Even do make-up the night before and be ready with time to spare in the morning!
The New Deluxe Mask has a soft cushioning and pretty fringe
Washable
One size fits all
You’ll feel like Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s!
Protect those gorgeous new lashes or lash extensions Girls!
Sometimes giving a gift means giving one to yourself!
I think self-care is so important especially this crazy but beautiful time of year. I love to support the makers. You know sweet and small companies who make things with their hands. Like me. I love to whip up many beautiful things.
Rosie’s Handmade Jax makes an Aromatherapy Hot Pack that may be used hot or cold for when you need to relax and chill out and say “Goodbye to the bad days.”
Natural pain relief made by a MOMMY (FYI Rosie is her little daughter) in Jacksonville Florida! Made with 100% premium cotton and well made at that!
Lovely lavender takes the cares and stress away.
Do you or anyone on your list get migraine headaches or simply exhausted from working at the computer all day? Rosie’s HandmadeJax has a pack for your eyes too.
Find them on Instagram and Facebook at:
rosies.handmadejax
I’ve so loved these two handmade relaxing & calming beauties the past few weeks and simply had to share! You just might fall in love with them too! Or to give as a gift this holiday season.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on gifts! It truly is the thought you put into that gift counts.
Come back to my blog for more gifts to make the people in your life smile!
Sometimes giving a gift means giving one to yourself!
