Wishing You A Joyous Holiday!!

HOLISTIC BEAUTY

I enjoy talking about skincare and beauty.  If you surveyed 100 individuals they would all define beauty differently.  That would be great.  There is no one definition to describe beauty or to achieving it. 

Dr. Shirley Madhere's  holistic approach to beauty is helping her patients find their own beauty.  I like this approach because it brings all of the individual front and center. 

Read her interview with Lifestyle Mirror.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WEEKLY CLICKS: Holiday Gift Guide--The Gifts That Keeps On Giving

If you are having a hard time deciding what to get those on your Christmas list, I might have  a few suggestions. Check my weekly clicks.


Caudalie' Paris Organic Grape Water refreshes, tones and soothes the skin from both the hot days of summer and the cold, bitter days of winter. 

Zero Gravity iPhone Case is a perfect gift for the uptown girls. I am on this!

I am a sucker for safe, non-toxic products.  I like to keep it as close to real deal as possible and  Herbivore is great for those who enjoy natural products.

Maybelline's The Nudes Palette is lovely for all skin hues.

Blissful Balance Spa Gift Baskets are amazing. Bath & Body Spa products of the highest quality.

Giovanni Purifying Facial Mask is the best facial mask I've ever used.  I was sold the first time I used it!  Love it.

For the product junkie in your life, Birchbox is the way to go.

Love Style Life by Garance Dore. You will love it!

I love beautiful custom framed art and photos. Framebridge creates every frame to perfection. 

Happy shopping!

WELLNESS: Tenaya Lodge Hosts 3rd Annual Yosemite Wellness & Spa Retreat

Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite  hosts the 3rd Yosemite Wellness Retreat January 15-18 2016.

I 'm planning two spa vacations in 2016 and I do believe I've found what I have been looking for.  I am a sucker for lots of pampering. I enjoy the Zen-inspired ambiance at Ascent Spa and it would be nice to preempt the long, cold winter with a little relaxation. 

I'll see you there!

I'm Dreaming Of A White Christmas...

Narciso Rodriguez





Caeden Headphones

 

Vitruvi Face & Body Mist

Shankara

 



WEEKEND: Feel Good Friday

Getting up at 4 o'clock in the morning can over time make demands on the body that are not so forgiving.  Just bending over sent me into orbit.

Even so, I love getting a few yoga stances in before I hit the shower. This holiday season I’ve plan on doing a little self-gifting and will purchase 100 Yoga Poses by Anna Smith.  Yoga help me increase my flexibility.  I should be doing a little better than I’ve been doing and I plan to do just that.

Having to rise at 4:00 a.m. breakfast is often on the form of a smoothie. 
Superfood Smoothies by Julie Morris is my go to book for great recipes.  I don’t make a habit of drinking my breakfast, but when I am in a pinch my Kale, Ginger and Broccoli smoothie does the trick. ­­­

Take a moment this weekend to do one thing that will improve your mind or body or both.  Grab your BFF and head to a juice bar, learn new yoga positions or try Reiki, mediation, get that gym membership that you've put off.

Check out this article. If you are going to make change in your life to improve your health what would it be?

Whatever you do this weekend dig a little more to experience a deeper you.

Enjoy your weekend!

 

 

 

 

 

SKINCARE: Western Anti-Aging & Eastern Ayurveda Brings Shankara Skincare

In Sanskrit ‘Shankara’ means, pure beauty.  When western anti-aging breakthroughs meet eastern Ayurveda the results are remarkable.  Ayurveda enriches health by building a balance of mind, body and spirit.  Ayurveda is known for incredible massages that boosts energy and circulation to improve our sense of well-being.  

Western anti-aging science is circling the globe to bring the best science and nature has to offer.  Next time you're  planning your Ayurveda spa getaway try Skankara at Canyon Ranch Resort & Spa in Las Vegas or The Art of Living Retreat Center

We all have our beauty ritual routines that uplift our spirits and create moments of sheer serenity.  What I wouldn't do for a facial massage right now.  I adore Ayurveda treatments and I can't wait until I can again experience
Shankara. 

 

WEEKLY CLICKS: Few Of My Favorite Things

Keeping in Touch…

I love beautiful stationery, desk collections and planners. Sugar Paper upscale and chic social stationery is sheer perfection.   Great gift for those of us who still love the fine art of writing…

Home Sweet Home

Antica Farmacista is the go to place for home ambience. Luxury home fragrances for those who love style and an appreciation for finer things. You are going to love it!

 Shonda Rules

Shonda Rhimes the most powerful woman in television book hits the stand. We all  know her as creator of such shows as Scandal, Grey’s Anatomy and How to Get Away with Murder.  Year of Yes…fascinating

 Molton Brown

Add a little luxury to your day with Molton Brown London’s Bath Collection.




Image: Pin

WEEKEND: Celebrate Victories

Here I am at the close of another week.  I love Fridays! I enjoy looking back over the week to see where I’ve had victories.

Yes, I count those times when I’ve gained.  It doesn’t matter what the victories are, be it refraining from having that last donut to save yourself a few calories or scoring a large account for the company you work or losing that last five pounds.

Victories are meant to be celebrated.

I got to share with a friend who was looking for a natural fragrance for herself.

I, on the other hand treated myself to one of my favorite soy candles.  I am a sucker for lowering the lights at home after a long week at work.  

This weekend I’ll send time at a Wellness Seminar and watching the FoodNetwork’s Trisha Southern Kitchen.  

Girl got to eat!




Image-Pin

 

WELLNESS: 7th Annual Living Fit Expo January 30th, 2016 at Plaza Frontenac

Yoga & Spa Magazine is a lifestyle publication that focuses on spa and beauty, health, fitness, wellness and luxury.

Excellent health is not something that just happens, it takes discipline and a conscience effort to live well. Healthy lifestyle changes every day can add up to a vibrant life!

Enjoy the 7th Annual Living Fit Expo 2016.

Weekly Clicks: 5 Things You Should Do This Season.

Countdown To Christmas
This is the time of year that I look forward to the most.  Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas has started and I am excited.  Twelve new holiday original shows. Pull up a seat and join me!

Give To A Charity
Gifting to a Charity is common during the holiday season. Deciding whom should be the recipient of your donation can be challenging. Charity Navigator can take the hassle out of holiday giving.

Don't Rush
Enjoy the holidays! It's a season to celebrate with family and friends.

Reflect
Reflect on the things you should be grateful for and remember what the season is really about.

Pamper Yourself
Spend a day at the spa.

Fashion: High Stepping

Images:Pin









 












Wellness: Meditation for Healing....

 

Make TODAY a day to capture small blessings. Be intentional about what you focus on. Each day brings new beginnings. You can began again TODAY.  Things that caused you worry, let it go TODAY.

Position yourself to live out TODAY in all of its beauty. TODAY is yours! You have made it through another challenging week and you are standing in TODAY,  not tomorrow or next week, TODAY.

Whatever set you back yesterday, you have TODAY.

Enjoy Today!

 XOXO





Image: Pinterest

Skin Care: Love The Skin You're In....

I love great finds! I love them even more when they deliver. I enjoy natural products that brings a sense of healing and calm to my skin. Products that tones, boost hydration, circulation and elasticity are always winners.

 Mature skin requires a little more care and ingredients counts when you want radiant and healthy skin. I dig the smell too!

Yum Gourmet Skincare is a vegan line that I fell in love with.  I have a few obsessions and I think I just found another.  I love my skin again.

Turning Illness Into Wellness Should Be Our Mission

There haven't been a day over the last year that my health was not on my mind.  When you are faced with cancer your life takes a remarkably different turn, my story is no different. There are those who make their life's mission to spread the message of health and wellness.

 No person more so than Belgin Aksoy, founder of Global Wellness Day. Global Wellness Day is held June 13 of each year.

One woman's mission to celebrate healthy living around the world. The transformative power that one day can change your life. 

International Skincare Secrets of Gorgeous Women From Around the Globe

Many of us have our skincare routines down to a science.  Women are skilled in the DIY recipes that we've handed down for generations.  I have a few of my own. In America we obsessed with anti-aging products and preventative regimes as early as in our 20s.

The approach for skincare is different in almost all parts of the globe.  From Paris to Brazil to South Africa skincare secrets from beautiful women will interest you.

Images: Just Luxe

First-Ever Wellness Retreat at Amangiri, Utah

Looking for a little rest and relaxation?  I am! The southwest will inspire you and AMANGIRI will energize you. Take a peek…

Beauty: Fifty Shades of......

I love nail polish. I believe it started when I was a child. Going to the local drugstore just to sample the many colors was a joy.  I could only afford one color in those days and I picked smartly.  Nail shades says a lot about your personality.

Pink suggests a girly side. The perfect shade of red signifies self-confidence and black or blue tells others that you are outgoing.

Whatever colors you decide, it will speak volumes about you: chic, sophisticated, conservative, playful, glamor girl, classic or girly.    I am an Essie fan from head to toe.  Here are a few are my favorites.

Source: Pinterest

Wellness: Quiet Times

I love quiet times.  Those moments that you can say to yourself, I deserve this. A great deal of research has been done on meditative practices to support our psychological well-being.  Quiet times help me to relax and refresh.

Learning to quiet the mind can help recharge you emotionally and physically. Find a place where you can experience aloneness to create a feeling of inner peace.   

 Perhaps I can get you started; Maldives Luxury Resort.  

Image: Pinterest

 

WORDLESS MONDAY: Somewhere Over the Rainbow....

Image: Pinterest

Makeup: Halloween

I have never been crazy about Halloween an yet I have this fascination with how individuals transform themselves into their favorite characters, images, pop stars and creatures. I’ve seen Halloween become less about ghosts and ghouls and more about lavish costumes, lots of makeup, both scary and chic. Tons of sweet treats that lasts literally for months. 

Makeup can make or break a costume. Halloween makeup can take hours or just a few minutes.  Adding a few brushstrokes and one is good to go.  When going with high end theatrical Halloween costumes your makeup must be compelling and authentic.

 

Happy Halloween! Be Safe!

Image: Pinterest-Halloween Ideas

Weekend: Rejuvenation

 

 The weekend is finally here and I am ready to slip into a nice pair of pajamas and watch the crisp fall leaves tumble pass my window while I finish the latest copy of SELF Magazine.  Friday nights are my time to cast aside the demands of work; both mentally and physically.   This weekend I plan to have a spa night at home.

Starting with my favorite TOCCA bath and body shower gel.  Florence Bagno Profumato lives up to its name for conjuring up memories of Paris.

Lighting a few of my Tocca candles that arrived just in time for me to pamper myself.  A little me time is just what I need. Weekends are made for rejuvenation and doing those things that uplifts the spirit, nurture the body and feed the soul.

Speaking of feeding the soul, the weekend would not be complete without taking to the kitchen to do a little baking.  Flipping through Tea Time Magazine, I ran across a recipe for Cashew Cookies.  Now if I could just find the Kitchen Aid mixer.

-Carpe diem – seize the day.




Image: Pinterest-Happiness Quotes

WELLNESS : Back to Basics

For the longest time I  have struggled with my weight.  My New Year’s resolutions were long gone two weeks into the year. Finally, I made 2015 the year to reward myself with a little perspiration. I fondly call it health equity.   Hitting it hard at the gym was great, but it wasn’t enough. I had to return to the basics; the food pyramid.  Yes, ancient Egypt does come to mind.  

 

I love food, but it's usually the wrong kinds of foods. I detested the word DIET, it suggests a temporary, short-term fix and I have sampled them all. For a month I studied my eating patterns.  When I was happy, I ate.  When I was sad, I ate.  When a diet failed, I ate more. 

 

Armed with determination, getting back on track is now paying off!

 

 The U.S Department of Agriculture released  The New Food Pyramid in 2005 that announced exercise as a part of the food pyramid and added personalized intake profiles. How considerate!

Healthy eating, exercise and sufficient rest are all lifestyles choices that will put one on the path to improved wellness.   Focus your attention on things you can control and it helps to be proactive about scheduling time to help balance your daily routines.

Here are a few tips for losing weight by utilizing of the food pyramid:

                *Avoid those foods rich in sugar and fat.  

               *Buy lean cuts of meat and limit the portion size to three ounces.

               *Use dairy products that are low in fat or no fat.

               *Consume at least three servings of fruits per day.

               *Incorporate whole grains and vegetables.

 

 

Wordless Monday: Today In Pictures

Images: Pinterest

Boots, Boots, Boots

Winter time is my least favorite time of the year. Upstate New York winters are merciless. The only saving grace is shopping for boots. Girl has to look good even in zero degrees. Take a look at a few of my selections.




Lord & Taylor

Aldo-$189