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!

 

 

 

Fall in NYC and New Jersey

Fall in New York and New Jersey …there’s nothing like it. There’s the hustle and bustle of people everywhere.The scent of sugared nuts from pushcart vendors and the crisp cool air.
I went to guest speak and worked lots but I also love to add some pleasure after business!
I shopped till I dropped for some new fall/winter fashions.I love to window shop first and enjoy the view.I also like to see what’s IN and NEW.This helps me stay focused on what I want to ADD to my fashion wardrobe.I also am not a snob to street vendors. I love the fashionable finds I may find for $5.00 beautiful bucks to $25.00 it is so much fun! From perfume,to handbags,sunglasses and scarves they’ve got a rainbow of exciting products to make you happy and look good.Chasing that bargain.

I also love to eat and the Mac & Cheese Food truck was music to my ears or LIPS! I first heard the people chatting outside in front of the cart and how delicious the food was. Next,I had to try the creamy and dreamy looking food.So, I did and it was lip smacking good.

Macy’s Department store 34th Street the home of the MACY’S DAY THANKSGVING PARADE is the absolute best and largest dept.store in the world.Floors and floors to adore. They even had a makeover on the first floor since I visited a few months ago. The makeup,fragrance,jewelry and accessories departments have an awesome bright city lights new look.I had a great shopping trip.

Bloomingdale’s department store where I also got my start in beauty had expanded their beauty and fragrance departments and the entire first floor had a makeover too. I have many marvelous memories from my days working there and at Macy’s where I waited on countless celebrities and New York socialites.

Henri Bendel…a store to behold! One day I’d love to brave it and see if my products could be sold there.
It has always held a place in my heart.Mini boutiques inside a department store it is chic, class and charm all in one. You can always find the UNIQUE and fabulous finds.

A walk in Central Park and visiting my dear friend Joel Teron makeup artist at the Mac Store uptown across from ABC TV Studios was a fun highlight to my visit. I am so sad I missed Bette Midler, Whoopie Goldberg and Regis Philbin’s wife JOY who are frequent shopppers at the store.Joel showed me the new Rhianna collection and painted me pretty. Afterwards we had the best most unusual PIZZA.I must go back.

Dim Sum in Chinatown a Chinese brunch with mini plates was a MUST DO. I ate my way from the carts to the streets with tiny delights.The carts of vendors have Asian fruits and veggies…I bought fruit that looked like they were on stroids.Delicious bodacious delights.I missed the Dumpling Festival but there’s always next year.I found a uniqe Korean spa that was a place of peace I must go back to.

Short Hills Mall next stop on New Jersey…an elegant ala Rodeo Drive type Mall. I had not been there in awhile. Was it delightful!

The farm stands,pumpkins,apple orchards and gorgeous fall plants were so beautiful.Natures’s eye candy!

Dining and shopping with my sisters and family time was the best time…and the icing on my fall in New York cake.There’s no place like home and being with your family.Especially sisters!

I grew up here and although I live in Florida too I call this HOME.
I NEVER get tired of going up North.I love NEW YORK and NEW JERSEY. There’s so much to explore.If you haven’t been to visit up NORTH and the big city. Don’t even think about it. Hop on a plane and do it!
Life is too short to MISS out on the magic of this beautiful city.

A November to be …THANKFUL!

Thanking God that I can drive to work…not walk miles, wait on long lines and TRY and get on a bus to work.
Oh how I feel for the people who are on those long lines. My fellow New Yorker’s and New Jersey are AMAZING people. They do what they need to do. They band together. They CARE and love each other. I am one of them even though I live in Florida as well.

My heart is broken just like on 9/11 to watch them go through the motions. I am sad to see them suffer, cold,hungry and craving a warm shower or cozy bath.

By the way, my sisters have NO hot water, no heat and still no electricity and phone service. It’s only been over 3 days BUT it feels like forever. Praying.

I am truly THANKFUL for today and all I have. Are you?

I will truly miss the New Jersey shore

I can’t believe  it is gone. I have fond memories of visiting with my family. Especially with my twin. He loved the iconic beautiful old-time carousel. He loved going round and round and my mom and sisters wave to him as he passed by. I would choose the prettiest decorative horse to ride on. The beauty of the boardwalk, the summertime fabulous food. The cotton candy and candied apples. The tan I got on the beach with iodine and baby oil a recipe my sisters shared with me. I loved when my boyfriend half buried me and turned me into a beach mermaid made of sand. The games on the boardwalk where I won a giant cupcake cookie jar…that I still have years later. What fun~

I miss it and yet I had not been there in years….that’s what I get for being a workaholic. It was on my bucket list to take my husband there and to show him that and the Hampton’s my summertime playgrounds.

Those were the days…now overnight it is gone. If you’ve ever been there…you know what I mean. If you have never gone. I’m sorry you missed it. I know they will rebuild. But it will never be quite the same. Goodbye Sandy!

Thank you, Governor Christie…for all the love and heart you give to New Jersey…the Garden state.

PS

When I get a chance to find it…I will post a family photo postcard from my family visits.

A New Jersey dining GEM~

Manolo’s my new sweet dining retreat. I love to dine in NEW YORK CITY and New Jersey. There are so many delightful places to eat. Just five minutes from Newark Airport in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

 Recently my girlfriends made reservations at this fabulous fine dining restaurant. This place is located in a mix of Polish, Latin and Italian immigrants. The place makes you feel like you stepped into Europe. Not in the U.S.

The staff makes you feel like you are the only one in the restaurant. The food is divine. The bread is crunchy and cozy. The flan and cheese cake are to do 100 sit ups for! They have the most beautiful bar.

I love this place. You will too! If you ever find yourself out that way…it’s worth the drive.

Can you smell my yummy chicken and asparagus dish?