From the garden to your glass!

I love to make fresh water prettier and taste it too by using awesome herbs and or flowers.

I prepare them in a pitcher, serve it by the glass in old time jars (from an antique mall) or in a gorgeous goblet. Today my recipe is with rosemary, mint and flowers.Organic or home grown is best. I rinse the herbs first and clip what I want to add to the water.It is so fun and refreshing too. I don’t use ice. I use fresh bottled water that is room temperature. I allow the herbs to mesh with the water and infuse it with the aroma and flavor. My fave’s are mint,rosemary,peppermint,fruits,veggies and flowers. If you want to use ice in it once this is infused and prepared of course you can do so.

As for flowers I buy  flowers that are edible and I buy them at Whole Foods Market just for decoration no infusion needed but they do make a lovely addition. Most of the box mix contain marigolds and pansies. So colorful!

And the best part? YOU can actually eat them.

If you’re looking for a fun thing to or to do with your family or sweetie this summer…this is a wonderful thing to do together and tasty too.

PS

I also like to place them in an ice cube tray one flower per cube space and freeze. Pop on in your next drink or add flower cubes to your festive summer punch bowls. So FUN to do and pretty to look at while you sip away. Please note: these flowers are edible. read the box from the store. AND I do not eat the rosemary etc. only the flowers that are edible. Or you can just look at them and enjoy the colorful sight in your glass or pitcher.

 

 

TAKE IT OFF!

I lOVE to play in my kitchen either trying out new recipes or whipping up some fun with beauty products and make my own creations. Over the summer holidays and partying we tend to forget about removing our makeup and crash out. But please don’t do that!  Your skin needs to be cleansed at night even if you didn’t wear makeup that day.

So, if you are looking for a little fun today or tonight and D.I.Y. try this easy step skin recipe.

3 tablespoons Aloe Vera gel ( I prefer it from a fresh plant)

1 tablespoon of Jojoba ( The brand Aura Cacia makes an awesome one)

1 tablespoon of organic coconut oil (I LOVE the Whole Foods brand)

• Now here we go. I warm a small amount of jojoba in a pan on low heat. This will happen in seconds.
• Next, I add the coconut oil and stir some more. A add the aloe vera gel. Turn off the stove top.
• Stir these ingredients well and pour in a round (big mouth jar) preferably a  glass jar or mini bowl.

Enjoy! Refrigerate any leftovers to keep the cleanser preserved until next time you use it.

Like everything this has a shelf life so use it up quick!

This recipe makes a Gentle Makeup Remover that softens your skin and removes makeup at the same time. Use a mini scoop or mini spatula to apply it to your palms and remove your makeup. Then wash your face with your fave gel soap cleanser  or soap bar made for the complexion. Not a deodorant bar. Your face deserves the best! The deodorant bars are meant for your under arms and other body parts. Your face deserves TLC attention with the right stuff.

Please note: if you are allergic to any of the ingredients don’t use it in this recipe.

Your skin will love you… If you’re into natural beauty this plant based complexion treat is for YOU!

By the way, if you’d like to make this with a touch of fragrance try adding a sprinkle of your fave’ essential oil. My go to and fave is lovely relaxing lavender…especially before bed.

Sweet dreams and prettier healthy looking skin!

 

See you there Jacksonville?

 

The day is almost here…actually 4 glorious days October 19,20,21,22 for the ladies of Jacksonville to enjoy the one and only Southern Women’s Show. I’ll be there whipping up some beauty on the Cooking Stage.

Thursday October 19th at 1:30

I will be featuring skin care and beauty ideas for HEALTHIER looking skin!

Friday October 20th at 1:30

How to Make a few seasonal D.I.Y.’s in your kitchen. Ideas for hostess gifts and gifts on the cheap… But oh so tres chic!

Because it is the shows 30th year. I am donating some awesome giveaways along with Whole Foods Market Jacksonville Florida!

Laurie Hernandez Olympic Gymnast will be making a guest appearance too!

If you live in Jacksonville Florida…come see me!

The SWS  show is always filled with food,fashion and fun!

 

Give Your Man Some LOVE!

It is almost that time to celebrate DAD…And with that comes the pressure to buy that perfect gift! Just remember it isn’t all about a material gift.

Sometimes its all about the little things.

Kisses are FREE !

All you have to do is pucker up and start kissing him.Head to toe…let him know how much you care.

Treat dad to breakfast in bed. Call me crazy but I do this almost daily (depending on my schedule) for my husband.  I bought a bed tray years ago from PIER 1 and it was the best money I ever spent and I got it on sale too!

Go to the drug store,grocery store or the always awesome Whole Foods Market.

Fill a tote or a basket with all things you know he will love and within your budget. They have all you need for that eco-friendly health enthusiast in your life. (My new fave brand for men is OLIVINA MEN). From wine,beer,food to shaving lotion to lip conditioner…this store has what you need.

Get him a shirt he will LOVE…Magna Ready is a unique shirt company you’ve gotta see!

Give dad a a bath. Fill a tub with Epsom salts and add a few drops of  pure essential oil like eucalyptus or peppermint or rosemary. Refreshing. I love the brand called Aura Cacia.

If you can get a baby sitter.escape and take him on a date. Nothing nothing date night. Surprise him and drive to the secret location. A yummy ice cream parlor,a new bar you discovered and more.

Drop him off at Massage Envy after you have prearranged an appointment  for a relaxing and fabulous massage.

Take him out for or make him a tropical cocktail at home and give him a foot massage with olive oil from your kitchen at home while he sips away.

D.I.Y. Make him a beard and mustache oil  that is if he has a mustache or beard. Did you know that hair gets dry and the skin underneath of it needs attention too.

1 ounce of jojoba oil

1/2 ounce of grape seed oil

8 drops of sandalwood essential oil

Combine all of the above and funnel in and place in an antique or medicinal bottle with a dropper if possible.Go ahead and shake this up. Include instructions on a sheet of paper on how to use it.

Use your imagination to make it happen. These are just a few of my ideas to get you going. Oh and of course a hand-made card or a LOVE letter would also be a good idea from you and one from the kids.Times running out!

Spread some love and enjoy dad’s day!

The It Smoothie Shake

Here is a low calorie delight recipe I found from one of LA’s chef’s.Celebrities so LOVE this shake! You will too.

I am kinda addicted.

Blueberry Chocolate Antioxidant Shake

1/2 cup of blueberries

1 ripe banana

1 1/4 tablespoons of cacao powder

1/2 teaspoon goji berries

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 tablespoons of agave nectar

small pinch of sea salt

1/3 cup of water

2 1/2 cups of ice

Blend all these beauty filled antioxidants and ingredients except ice until smooth. Add ice and re-blend approximately 15 seconds for a thick shake.I love this as a breakfast or snack treat!

I also LOVE to take this NEOCELL  blueberry beauty supplement daily…Read the bottle for it’s goodness for your SKIN,joints,eyes and so much more!

Get going and glowing,Gorgeous! #glowgetter  #neocell

 

The Bag is here!

It is no secret I love shopping,beauty and eating clean!

I also enjoy the beauty of Whole Foods Market.Even though I am a beauty professional and own a candy shoppe of beauty …I still love shopping various places for all things,skin,bath and beauty.I love so much about the store from gourmet coffee,to breads to the awesome face and body soaps that WFM make.The time of year is here for you to snatch up while supplies last their BEAUTY WEEK bag filled to the brim! I was LUCKY enough to get a sneak peek preview of the bag.

Starting this Friday 3-24-2017 for $18.00 YOU too can own one and start enjoying the beauty in this eco- friendly cosmetic bag!!! LOVE THIS time of year when WFM is filled with all things fresh that shout spring! It is such a pretty and pretty healthy store!

The cosmetic swag is filled with facial and cosmetics curated and selected just for the WF guest/shopper and what she wants in beauty. Brands inside are: evanhealy,Trilogy,WFM,Mineral Infusion,derma e,Pacifica,Piece & Co,Andalou Naturals,Weleda,Juice beauty,Acure and Dr. Hauschka (A fabulous toner used by celebrities and me)

.Get going and shopping on Friday as the supply is limited and while they last!

Check with the store near you for more details.

Love me some WFM…Do you?

As we skip happily into the month of February which signifies LOVE I am excited! It is one of my fav’ months of the year. And this year it is even better because I have been asked to guest speak at Whole Foods Market again…in sunny JACKSONVILLE.

Next week if you happen to live in Northeast Florida GET YOUR TICKET for fun and join me for a Girls Night Out Beauty Workshop.904-288-1100

Even if you don’t have a Valentine (or want one) YOU can be your own Valentine! Treat your body and face well and take care of yourself.

• I’ll be sharing recipes for a few D.I.Y.’s for softer kissable lips treatments.
• Whip up a massage oil for face or body.
• I will show you makeup secrets to look and feeling sexier in seconds.
• You’ll learn how to make some cute gift cards and how to create a A GIFT OF LOVE package for your sweetie.
• Free sampling from NeoCell and Burts Bees
• Door Prizes
• Sip champagne and enjoy decadent treats while you make new friends.

ALL FOR A BEAUTIFUL CAUSE!

IF you don’t live here…I am sorry you can’t join us.

But you can still get your romantic on this month I will share a Countdown to Valentine’s day list of gift ideas! Come back for more.

Because you asked…MY Skin Care Rituals!

The most common question I get asked is what are  MY daily skin rituals?

So, because so many of you have asked I decided to share it with you.

#1 I take care of my skin!

NO secret there. I never go to sleep with the end of the days makeup on. No matter how tired I am or how much champagne I  might have enjoyed at a beauty event or at a party that evening.I always remove my makeup and wash my face well.

My main goal is to have healthy looking clear (blemish free skin) skin and also want to be healthy from within!

I love to spray my face with rosewater during the day.I also set my makeup with it.

I don’t wear lots of foundation.I apply it where I need it. I am not fond of looking at a couple of  sunspots I got from sunbathing when I first moved to Florida.I like an even looking  complexion.

I am a “water girl”…I drink tons of it!!!

I drink bottled water and also enjoy drinking a special water called All Beauty Water. I rarely drink soda or other sweet drinks.

After I wake up I drink a cup of hot water with a squeeze of lemon.This is my go to!!!

My mother taught me this since I was a little girl.She drank this daily. Then I drink either coffee or aromatic jasmine tea. Sometimes depending how my day is going to be I drink  Italian coffee with a pot I bought in Italy I got addicted to it on trips to Italy.

I take Belle + Bella   Probiology  capsule probiotic daily.It really helps me to maintain healthy skin from within…the gut~

I also love to drink my collagen and wear it too with NeoCell‘s new collagen supplement in powder form and my standby Beauty Infusion powder skin supplements by NeoCell too. Just add them to water,sip and go! My skin LOVES it and it shows.

Since moving from NYC/NJ to sunny  Florida for my husband I have gotten smarter and learned to love adding a sunscreen to my beauty skin routine.After meeting countless women with weathered sun damaged skin,I simply had to.

I also learned a good pair of sunglasses “sunnies” are a healthy addition to my fashion/SKINcare wardrobe.”They protect your eyes as well as the skin around your eyes where squinting wrinkles form.

I love to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. I buy them almost on a daily basis.Fresh is BEST! They do wonders for your skin.I love to visit Asian market and stores and farmers markets or shop at Whole Foods Market or Trader Joe’s.

I love supporting small biz farmers vegetable and fruit stands when I travel too! This weekend I am going to enjoy steamed veggies,yummy salads with edible flowers,I’ll make some blueberry sangria and a bit of naughty.Not sure what that naughty will be.

When I want to eat candy I love Sweet Pete’s in Jacksonville Florida or shop Dylan’s Candy Bar in NYC or pop in the Sugar Factory in LV…but since  sweets age your skin faster I put myself on pause and eat a Beauty Burst by NeoCell.It is like candy for your skin. It has wonderful bonuses  for skin,nails and my hair and tastes like a StarBurst’s chewy candy.Taking vitamins never tasted or feels so good.

Since I LOVE natural I am going to make my skin a treat! I use this mask before I put on makeup. I vary using different fresh recipes I have created through the years.

An Oatmeal & Coconut Milk Face Mask

Try this recipe if you like to D.I.Y.face mask:

3 ounces of ground oats

1 1/2 ounces of coconut milk

Optional: Grind a small vanilla bean into the oats.It will smell amazing!

Mix dry with the wet ingredients and add a dash of fresh whole milk if it is not moist enough.

Apply to a clean face and leave on about 10-15 minutes.

The Beauty Benefits?

Great for all skin types including sensitive skin. It adds moisture to your complexion and gently exfoliates dry flaky skin too. I prefer to leave it on 10 minutes or so. Rinse mask off with  warm water and a washcloth. Add any one of the  moisturizer’s on my shelf and apply Young Eyes eye gel.

I also will slice some cold cucumbers and place one of each on my eye lids and rest my eyes. I truly think music is healting to the soul and calms the spirit.My fav’ is listening to the beautiful music of George Skaroulis “Sanctuary or David Young’s “Bliss”. If you don’t know their music you need to!

Hope you enjoyed a peek inside my skin care rituals.

I embrace my not so perfect lovely face. Do you?  What do you do?

*Due to your requests and inspired by the site Into The Gloss too. I hope you enjoyed the rituals I do.More on my skin rituals to come .

 

Beauty Night Out

If you happen to live in the area…

Please join me in Jacksonville,Florida at Whole Foods Market.I smell lots of fun and an evening getaway with your BFF!

HELLO, Beauty!

The Easter bunny is coming early and hopping your way with these awesome beauty samples and finds! As a makeup artist and skin care therapist I can never get enough beauty!How about you?

BEAUTY HAPPENING…A BEAUTY EVENT week and a beauty bag.

A limited-edition Hello Beauty cotton cosmetic bag – An incredible retail value of $80+ will be sold in Whole Foods Market locations for a scrumptious price of ONLY $15 –

It will be filled with some NEW… …spring essentials you need, including:

• Hauschka Soothing Cleansing Milk .34 oz
• dermae Purifying 2-in-1 Charcoal Mask .5 oz
• Acure Pore Minimizing Facial Scrub 1 oz
• evanhealy Rose Geranium Facial Toner HydroSoul 1 oz
• Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant + 10 ml
• MyChelle Perfect C Serum .17 oz
• Mineral Fusion Lash Curling Mineral Mascara (Gravity) .57 oz
• Burt’s Bees Sunset Cruise Lip Stick .12 oz
• Weleda Skin Food .34 oz

Just a heads up girls…they won’t last until  the weekend…

They are while supplies last!

It is going to be a beautiful week once you own yours!

Who doesn’t love an awesome deal and save money too~