Must Have Beauty Tool: A Foundation Brush

This post may contain affiliate links.

Are you using a little foam wedge to apply your foundation? Or worse, your fingers? For years I used those little wedge sponges to apply my foundation, because I didn't know any better! But several years ago, a make-up artist with Prescriptives showed me the magic that is a Foundation Brush.

How To Find the Right Shampoo for Your Hair

Have you shopped for shampoo lately? The number of choices can be so overwhelming! Target has nearly two aisles of hair care products. How can a person choose the best shampoo and product for their hair? According to WebMD, the easiest way to find the right shampoo is to look for words on the label that match your hair type, such as "dry," "oily," "fine," etc.

I have been blessed with good hair. It's thick and wavy (much to my chagrin - I'd prefer straight OR curly), and I try to take good care of it. I only wash it every 2-3 days, and limit the heat appliances I use. If I had to describe my hair type I would probably say "dry" and of course I am also in the middle years of my life, which can affect hair growth and density.

How To Give Yourself an Easy DIY Pedicure

Now that the warm weather is finally here, I start to fret about my feet and toes. Spring and summer weather means shedding your boots and baring your feet in flip flops and sandals. Are your feet ready for that? If not, I have some great ideas for a little DIY Pedicure you can do right from home, with salon-quality results!

I love a great spa pedicure, and the place near me uses hot stones to massage your feet and calves and it's just heavenly. But heavenly doesn't always mean practical, and sometimes you need spa-like results from home.

My 7 Favorite Beauty Products to Try Right Now

If you are like me, you may be suffering a little from the winter blahs. It's been grey and cold here, there's snow/ice on the ground, you need so many layers to go outside, it's not even worth the effort. I'm over it. But when I took a long look in the mirror the other day (yikes!), I noticed that my hair and my skin look like they are over it as well, and that's not good.

So I took a long look at the products I was using, and am sharing some of my favorites, that are giving me great results right now and getting my hair and skin through this awful winter weather. (Some links you see may be affiliate links, so thanks for clicking!)

Shampoo and Conditioner - Winter weather can be really hard on your hair. I recently had a great cut (long overdue) and I love the way my hair feels so silky after a new hair cut. A while ago, I had the opportunity to sample some Shea Butter Shampoo and Conditioner from Fekkai and I fell in love! When I use it, my hair looks like I just went to the salon - no lie. It's pricy, but I only wash my hair every 2-3 days, so it goes a long way.



 

Frankincense - I have been incorporating essential oils into my daily life for the last several months. Part of that incorporation, includes exploring ways to use them in my everyday beauty routines. This little miracle bottle is fantastic for your skin. Once a week, I mix a drop or 2 with some coconut oil, and use that in place of my regular nighttime moisturizer. It's made a difference in the tone and clarity of my skin.







Blush - Banish your dull skin once and for all! I'm not a fan of "blush", ever since I discovered this shimmer brick from Bobbi Brown. First of all, you can use it all over your face - not just along your cheekbones. Secondly, it has just a bit of shimmer to add some light and a healthy glow to your skin. It lasts a long time, and has made a world of difference in my daily beauty routine. I even wear it year-round!

Lip Balm - Do your lips feel like they may crack and flake right off your mouth? I hate that feeling! But what I hate worse is waxy or gloppy lip goo. You can taste and smell it, so I get really particular about what I use. My friend Jessica, from Eat.Sleep.Be made this AMAZING lip balm as a giveaway at one of her essential oil classes. I LOVED it. I used every single bit of it from the little pot and then I needed to make my own. What - make your own lip balm?? Yes AND it's totally easy!







Brush - I know, a brush may not seem like an important beauty product, but discovering this brush has been life-changing. I am blessed with thick hair. But that blessing comes with the curse of a long blow-dry time. To cut down on my blow drying, I use this brush to remove extra moisture, thus not drying out my hair as much. Sometimes it really is the simple things!





Lemon Water - Drinking water throughout the day is good for us. We all know that, but few of us actually drink enough. Water can help improve the look and health of our skin and our hair. It can also help suppress our appetites if we're trying to maintain or even lose a little weight. I confess, I do not drink enough water. One way I can encourage myself to drink more water, is to set up a glass pitcher each morning, and add four drops of my favorite citrus essential oil. You can use Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Orange . . .whatever may suit your tastes.







Hand Cream - This is one of my favorite products, and after looking at my hands, I've determined that I need to get back in the habit of using it! It has a wonderful scent, doesn't leave your hands greasy, and takes years off the skin on the backs of your hands. Your face and body can look fantastic, so don't let your hands give away your age!






So there you have it. My 7 must-haves right now for keeping my skin and hair looking great!

What is your favorite beauty product right now?

catch you soon -
Please note that essential oils are not regulated by the FDA. Because they are not evaluated by the FDA, essential oils are not regulated to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. 

5 Secrets to Winter Hair Care

Winter weather is here and one of the first places that shows it is your hair. From static electricity to hat head, harsh winter weather and changing temperatures can be hard on your hair. Even if you don't spend much time outdoors, winter weather can still have a not so great effect on your hair.

What can we do to keep our locks looking their best? You have to take both preventative AND replenishing steps to get your hair into condition. Are you ready?

1.  Use a thick, rich, moisturizing conditioner regularly. Choose a product based on your hair type, and apply it beginning about two inches from your scalp, and pull it through your hair to the ends.I am currently crushing on a couple of VO5 products to keep my hair supple this winter.

2.  Use a natural boar bristle hairbrush with a wooden handle to reduce static. Prices vary so try shopping around and don't forget about places like Sephora and Ulta for inexpensive options. Believe it or not, you can also rub your hair gently with a dryer sheet.

3.  Consider switching your gel for a styling cream. The key is to avoid high alcohol content products, which can be drying to your hair. You can re-activate the cream product with a bit of water to revive any hat head flatness.

4.  Limit your time under the blow dryer. Heat can be damaging to hair anytime, but in winter it can be even worse. One way I'm reducing my drying time this winter is with Goody's new QUICKSTYLE™ absorbent, anti-microbial, microfiber brush. This brush is amazing on my thick hair and dramatically reduces the time it takes me to blow-dry.

5.  Avoid Hat Hair. To battle hat hair, try pulling long hair into a high ponytail or pulling shorter hair straight back before putting on your hat.

So let the winds blow and the snow fall. Armed with these 5 tips, we can still have beautiful, manageable and healthy hair all winter long!

What's your favorite winter hair care tip?

catch you soon -
Thanks to Goody for sending me a QUICKSTYLE™brush to review and share with my readers.

How To Use Heat Rollers

I am blessed with good hair. While it's no longer the gorgeous strawberry-blonde of my youth, when I'm in the sun, there are more reddish highlights than grey, and for that I very grateful. Besides decent color, I have "good hair" - I can curl it, straighten it, braid it, pull it in a topknot or any other hairstyle I can master. But it does take some work.

The last few weeks, I've gone back to curling my hair - believe it or not - it's easier. My secret weapon? Old-school Jersey Heat Rollers. I KNOW RIGHT? But listen, you can multi-task once they're in. If I'm going to use heat rollers - I'll typically let my hair air-dry so I'm not using too many heat products. You can use whatever curl boosting product you prefer, sometimes I use Mousse.

I have a large set, and here's what I do:

• I plug them in and wait for them to heat up. I use the 6 largest rollers on the very top of my head for volume and lift.
• Then I use the medium sized rollers for the rest of my hair.
• If there is still some left, I use the tiniest rollers on the hair around the nape of my neck.
• Once they're in - I either get dressed or put on my 8 minute face.
• After they cool, I unroll them and finger comb my waves into place.
• Before during or after, I use a damp round brush for my bangs (until the grow out again).

What's your current hairstyle?

catch you soon-

Summer Skincare with Biore

Summer can wreak havoc with your skin. And between sweat and humidity, who wants your pores all clogged up with dirt and oil - right?

I recently received two products from Biore to try out and see what I thought.

First up is the Biore Daily Makeup Removing Towelettes. These towelettes instantly dissolve pore-clogging cosmetics.  You can fight build up with these gentle wipes that effectively remove your make-up, even waterproof mascara. These are perfect for on the go and easy to carry in your carry-on or gym bag!  

The second product is the Biore Detoxifying Foam Cleanser. This light cleanser is infused with eucalyptus extract. The cleanser is self-foaming and detoxifies your skin and pores by removing surface toxins.

I put together a little video to show you how easy they are to use, and what great results you get. (yes - I went on camera with NO make-up on, just for you)



The results are in - after using these products, I'm left with healthier-looking and refreshed skin!

What's your go-to summer skincare product right now?

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This post is linked up with #BeautyBuzz hostesses:  Mom Trends, Mama in Heels, Sassy Moms in the City and Musings of a Housewife

Practical Tips for Finding the Right Hair Stylist

Hair. Many of us have it in one form or another - straight, curly, thick or thin, and dealing with it is part of our daily beauty routine. We can make our hair easier to manage by finding the right hair stylist, but how do we do that?

Honestly, one of the easiest ways I've found to find a new hair stylist is to ask women with hair you love. Even if it's a stranger - ask that lady in line ahead of you in Starbucks, "Excuse me, I love your hair - do you mind if I ask who your stylist is??" Most likely, she will be flattered and happy to share.

Another great way to find the right stylist is to visit area salons and talk to stylists. This may be a bit of challenge, but many salons have consultation appointments available for a minimal fee (if any). If they don't have consultations, book a blow-out rather than a cut. A good stylist will ask about your time commitments for your hair as well as your level of comfort with products and tools.

When you've found a stylist you want to try, book an appointment and bring some pictures. Pinterest can be a great place to find hair styles and ideas that you like. But be sure to talk about what your hair is REALLY like and will realistically do. A good stylist will not tell you that you can have long full curls if you can't. 

A hair stylist/client bond, can be a long-term commitment and a real win for both the stylist and the client. Like any great relationship, you need good communication. But finding a new stylist can be scary. I recently had the opportunity to visit Salon L, a local salon and talk with their stylists. I even had the opportunity to speak with the owner and get a feel for his philosophy. I happened to introduce myself and speak with one of the stylists, Michele, and we hit it off. She seemed to understand me and my hair, so I jumped in and scheduled an appointment.

It had been almost a year since my last haircut, and the change in how healthy my hair looked, was amazing. Before taking out her scissors, Michelle asked me a lot of questions about what I wanted my hair to do, what it's done in the past and how it behaves. I didn't get a radical style change, my previous stylist did a great job, just shortening the length, thinning out my thick hair and some other style tweaks.

Finding a new hair stylist can be a daunting and sometimes scary thing. But put a little time and thought into it, and you'll end up with results you love! What are some of your tips for finding the right hair stylist?

catch you soon -

7 Tips to Update Your Beauty Routine for Spring

While many of us are busy spring cleaning our houses and garages, don't forget about your make-up drawer. Spring is a great time to check expiration dates, update colors and lighten up your beauty routine with some new trends. This post includes affiliate links to some of my favorite products.

7 Tips to Update Your Beauty Routine

• Pull out all your current make-up products.  Throw away any that you no longer love, that are broken, discolored or past their prime.  Typically, mascara lasts about 3 months after opening, liquid eyeliner about 6 months, and most other liquids and creams last about 12 months or longer.

• Clean up your tools. Now is a great time to wash your make-up brushes with a little baby shampoo. You can also wipe down your compacts, bottles and tubes.

• Lighten up. If you typically wear foundation, consider switching to a tinted moisturizer for spring and summer. Bobbi Brown makes one that I absolutely love and it has an SPF built right in.

• Check your skin-tone. In the summer, our skin may be a little darker, so make sure any tinted moisturizers, foundations and concealers are the right shades.

• Add some new fun colors. Coral is hot this spring, as are pastels.  Pretty neutrals are always a great choice for summer sun-kissed skin.

• Get glowing. If you haven't tried a "color brick" or one of the new bronzers, you may be pleasantly surprised. I've become a huge fan of the color brick and I love how the various shades make my skin look so vibrant and alive without those tacky circles of "blush."

• Finally, don't skimp on skin care. The secret to great make-up is great skin, so make sure your skin care routine is up to date too.

Got any tips or trends to share for spring beauty? Leave a comment and fill us in.

catch you soon -

Searching For the Fountain of Youth - Tips to Keep Your Skin Young-Looking

Every time you pick up a magazine, there's an ad for an anti-aging serum or cream claiming to make you look 10 years younger.  And seriously, unless you're 20, who doesn't want to look 10 years younger? But do they work? What is the secret to younger looking skin?

There are thousands of products out there, from department stores and drugstores to your favorite online or television shopping outlet. How do you choose? What about a procedure, like botox or a peel? All I can say is do your research before you try anything. I love to go to my favorite cosmetics counter and let them tell me about skincare and sample their products. I have found some great new things that way.

While much of how your skin ages has to do with your genes, there are some things I believe you can do to make what you were born with, look its best. Here are my best tips to maintain a youthful look:

• Stay out of the sun, and use sunscreen.
• Hydrate from the inside and make sure you drink plenty of water.
• Never go to bed with a dirty face.
• Treat your neck like you do your face.

What products you choose to use, are dependent on what works for your lifestyle and your skin type. I have just changed up to a creamier moisturizer for the colder and drier fall and winter months. I am currently using a mix of brands to meet my cleansing, toning, correcting and moisturizing needs, but you can stick with products from one line if they meet your needs.

What's your best skincare tip or product?

catch you soon - 

This post is linked up for Tuesday's #BestofBeauty

Don't Have Straight Hair? My Favorite Tools to Fake It.

I am one of those girls. . .I don't have curly hair . . .I don't have straight hair. . .it's sort of. . .well. . .wavy.

ugh

In the past, I have been known to stick as many heat rollers as I can fit on my head and go for that big bouncy curl 80's/Jersey Girl look. It's fun and it's easy, as my hair holds a curl well.

But then I get tired of that, and I try for a more straight look.  I've read all the posts and tips on blow drying and flat ironing and thought I had it down to a science (or at least as good as it was gonna get). Until I was the lucky winner of some Sarah Potema products at the recent Fall Fashion Forward conference.

WOW - what a difference the right (or better) tools can make. Her Paddle Brush and Titanium Flat Iron have taken every bend out of my hair and I am in love. They are well made and easy to manage. Plus, Sarah shares a LOT of tips, tricks and trends on her social media channels. (a girl can never have too many beauty tricks up her sleeve - right?)

So if you are struggling with your current hair style desire - I say try a different tool. Borrow a friend's flat iron if you can't make the investment right now. Ask stylists (online too) for advice and recommendations. I switched to a paddle brush for drying after a recent discussion on Instagram with TRESemme. You never know what you may learn.

What's your Up-to-the-Minute Fall Hairstyle?

This post is linked up at #BestofBeauty



catch you soon -

disclosure - I was the lucky winner of these fabulous items. I was not compensated for my time or to write this post, I share because I love (and I want you to have great hair). All opinions are, as always my very own.

How-To: Get that Spa Feeling at Home

I recently received information about HERSHEY'S SIMPLE PLEASURES Milk Chocolate with Creamy Caramel products and items for the DIY Caramel Facial from The Hershey Company, and it got me thinking about a home spa experience. Have I ever mentioned that we live in a 1930's non-renovated Cape Cod with only one bathroom? Don't get me wrong, our house is full of charm, and even better than that, it's filled with love. But I do confess to some jealousy of those nice big new-construction homes with a master bathroom suite. I can just picture myself there. . .ahhhh.

I love spas, spa treatments and pampering, but find it challenging to re-create that feel in my own tiny bathroom. (not to mention the two loud running boys that live here as well) This past year, I bought bright colorful rugs for the bathroom, and it made a huge difference in how I felt each time I walked in there. So don't discount the small ways to make any space feel more special.

My top tips are:

• take out the clutter and clear off the surfaces 
• during annual white sales, stock up on fluffy towels in colors that make you feel happy and/or relaxed
• use an unscented candle and your favorite essential oils to provoke a "spa feeling" - something calming and relaxing.

To take your home spa experience to the next level, The Good Life Gurus over at Hershey's Moderation Nation suggest the following tips:

• Sweeten your beauty routine by creating a spa atmosphere with caramel scented-beauty products, such as a DIY caramel facial (see below) or a caramel bubble bath.
• Whip up a homemade Caramel Hair Treatment (see below) and relax while it sinks in.
• Apply shiny caramel nail polish or a creamy caramel eye color.
• Try warming up your wardrobe by pairing emerald or mint jeans with a white top and caramel-toned accessories.

The Hershey Company is letting me share the recipes for a Caramel Hair Treatment and Facial with all of my my scraps readers, so you can enjoy your own blissful spa routine at home.

The Chocolate Spa DIY Caramel Facial ~ Recipe provided by The Spa at The Hotel Hershey
 
Ingredients:
   
2 tbsp. Brown Sugar
1 tsp. Whole Milk
1 tsp. Honey
1 tsp. Plain Oatmeal

 Instructions:

1.      Mix all the ingredients together and apply to the face in circular motions to exfoliate the skin.
2.      Leave the mask on for 15 minutes then rinse with warm water.
3.      Follow with a mild cleanser.
  
Why it works:

• Brown sugar exfoliates and hydrates the skin.
• Honey prevents skin dehydration and is also a natural antiseptic.
• Oatmeal removes dirt and oil from the pores.
• Milk’s amino acids moisturize and smooth the skin.

Caramel Hair Treatment ~ Recipe provided by HowDoesShe

Ingredients:

6 tbsp. Honey

6 tbsp. Olive Oil   
2 overripe Bananas
3 tbsp. Molasses
1 tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar
1-2 tbsp. Cornstarch
1 tsp. Wheat Germ Oil
 
Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture through a strainer and into a saucepan. Place the pan on medium heat and stir constantly until the mixture forms a thick batter (you may need to add water during this process to get the consistency you want).
3. Let the mixture cool and divide your hair into 3-4 sections, each secured with a clip. Apply the cooled mixture to your hair, starting at the roots and then spreading down to the ends.
4. Once your hair is completely coated by the caramel treatment, cover it with a plastic hair cap and let it sit for 1-2 hours (or overnight for extra dry hair).
5. Wash, condition, and style your hair as usual. You can freeze the extra mixture for future use. Your hair will love its soft, gorgeous makeover. 

 Why not plan a girls night in and whip these up for some relaxing and pampering fun! A pitcher of chocolate martinis and a great movie, and you've got the makings of a perfect girls night in.

And for even more ways to feel beautiful, check out the Best of Beauty Tuesdays Linkup



catch you soon - 

Disclosure - I did not receive any product for this post nor compensation for my time. I did receive information that I thought my readers may find useful and permission to share it. 

Aging Gracefully

In February, I turned 40-something . . . what I consider to be "middle aged". Truth be told, in my mind, I am 32.

So what does it mean to me, to age gracefully? Does it mean I should let my wrinkles show, my hair turn grey, and accept life as it comes? I don't think so. . .

Let's start with appearance. Because honestly, by the time you've hit middle age, you have realized, benefited from and come to terms with the fact that women are almost always judged on their looks first. But the great part of aging, is that you don't have be "cute" or even "pretty"to look good. Plenty of my friends have a great skin care routine, take regular yoga classes and treat themselves to a facial, mani or pedi once in a while. It shows. They radiate beauty from the inside out. And the aging gracefully part, is the confidence to let that beauty show.

To grey or not to grey? I have never been a big hair coloring advocate. . .I am blessed with good hair. While many a day I wish I had the strawberry-blonde hair of my youth, when the sun hits it these days, it still makes me feel pretty. I highlight maybe once a year, though I am noticing more of a dullness lately. I think aging gracefully is making the choice that's right for you. It's not really about whether your hair is blonde, grey or even pink. . .it's that it's cut to a flattering style for your face and lifestyle. So I say worry less about the color, and more about the style.

How about aging gracefully in the fashion arena? That one can be tough. . . it means admitting that you are not, in fact, 25 and that means no more mini skirts. It also means that only 20% of your wardrobe should come from somewhere hip and trendy like Forever 21 (it's not called forever 40) or H & M. Now having said that, I am not recommending giving up your flair for fashion or love of style. FAR FROM IT.

As a woman ages, I believe she grows into her personal style. You know what works for you and what is appropriate so embrace it. No mom jeans necessary - we are too smart for that! And if you ever see me in a nylon jogging suit . . .

The biggest factor in aging gracefully to me, is attitude. A comfort with the choices you've made, where you are, and what the future may hold. I made a big career change at 42 . . .it's been scary. . .but I'm so happy (even if I'm poorer) and I embrace what may be coming along.  I like to look at my life as there is still half to go. . .rather than half over. I will return to having time to spend with John, my children will grow and start their lives separate from mine. Those first 45 years were training. And sometimes they were tough. . .but they were necessary to get me here - to today.

What do you think "aging gracefully" means?

catch you soon -

Keeping Your Hair and Skin Moisturized | #BestofBeauty

Winter has definitely arrived here in the Philly Burbs this week. When I took Owen to the bus this morning, it was 21 degrees. . .and that's the high for the day. But don't let winter cramp your beauty routine.

We all know that winter weather can wreak havoc on our hair and skin. . .between the cold air outside and the dry heat indoors, our skin can feel tight and look flaky and our hair can really dry out too.

Here are some tips and my current favorite products to keep your skin and hair hydrated and looking their best all through winter:

• Use a humidifier indoors (optimum indoor humidity is 45% - 55%)
• Turn the heat down in your shower.  Hot water can strip your skin and hair of natural moisture.
• Use a rich moisturizer after your shower.  I've been a long-time fan of St. Ives Daily Hydrating Lotion.
• Keep you hands moisturized, especially around your cuticles to ward off hangnails.  I'm a fan of Burt's Bees Hand Salve.
• Wear a hat to protect your hair.
• Use a moisturizing product on your hair after you shower. I'm currently using Moisture Cure by Matrix.
• Try to limit your use of heat appliances.
• Drink plenty of water - it is the best hydrator even in winter.

What are your best winter weather beauty tips?

catch you soon -

I'm linking up with Whitney over at Mommies With Style for #BestofBeauty Tuesday.

#vlogmom | I Feel Pretty. . .Oh So Pretty

What are your must haves for putting on your face? Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but we all have our favorites!

This week's #vlogmom prompt is for Erica over at No Sleep 'til College.  Erica asked us, "Put on your face - what 3 products do you need to put on your face before you head out the door?"

Some of you may recall my 8 minute face video . . .today, I share my MUST HAVE products. . .I've been at this since I was 13, so trust me - there's been a lot of trial and error.



So dish - what are your top choices?

catch you soon -

How-To: Create a Skincare Routine

Skincare is such an important part of looking your best.  I remember as a teenager, going to the drugstore with my mom and purchasing an entire line of skincare products.  When I got a little older, she took me to the cosmetics counter at the department store. I loved listening to the skincare expert tell me about my skin and its needs.

I was in heaven.  From the first time I saw those jars lined up along the vanity, I was a lotions and potions girl.

I've tried a lot of brands and a lot of formulas over the years.  Most people will tell you it's more the act of taking care of your skin, than the actual product, but I believe it is a combination of both.

A few months ago, I received some Theraderm products from Therapon to review.  As I am into my 40s, my skin is changing, and I want a skincare line that will help me ward off the signs of aging as long as possible.

Within a month, I could see changes.  My monthly break-out sessions went from 1-3 large blemishes, to 1-2 small and hardly noticeable blemishes. . .some months with none at all.  It may be wishful thinking, but the lines between my eyebrows seem less noticeable as well.

The products are easy to use, have a pleasant light scent, and leave my skin feeling fantastic! Each night before bed, I go through the 4-step routine.  It takes about 5 minutes.  Once a week I include the NuPeel Natural Enzyme Peel, after I get out of the shower.

In the morning, I do a quick rinse, sometimes use the OPC Reparative Gel, and a light moisturizer with sunscreen, then on to my 8-minute face.

Here's a little video I put together about how to use the system.



So do you have a skincare routine? What products are your favorite right now?

catch you soon -

note - I received a skincare kit to facilitate my review.  As always, all opinions are my very own.

Taking a Little Time For Me

Since I work from home, it seems like I get a lot of "me" time. . .but that's not accurate.  It's accurate to say I spend a lot of time alone in the house. . .but 90% of that time is spent working and doing things for others.

Before I was a mom, (aka when I had more time and money of my own) I enjoyed pampering myself.  I still love a good Spa ritual and was tickled pink when I was invited to a Therapon Face 3 Face event at The Desmond Hotel in Malvern, courtesy of Theraderm and Jo-Lynne Shane from Musings of a Housewife.

Theraderm provided a mini facials suing their Skin Renewal System, as well as explaining to us a bit about the company.  The founder and CEO of Theraderm Skin Health, Dr. James Beckman, began the company in response to skin concerns voiced by his patients.  Dr. Beckman developed products to restore skin to its optimal health and enhance the effects of plastic surgery.

I have been a regular user of skin care products since I was a teenager.  I can recall my mom taking me first to Eckard Drugs to pick out the whole line of St. Ives products. . .then when I got older, we moved onto Estee Lauder.  I can't wait to try out the Therapon Skin Renewal System, now that I (and my skin) have reached a "certain age".

Besides the facials, we were treated to make-overs by Ulta and Manicures by Spring Nails in Paoli.  I love, love, love getting my make up done by someone else and I changed it up and had a nice cocoa color put on my nails.



It was a wonderful morning spent with good friends and a great time for me to spend a little time on something that was only for me.

Lovely Bloggers from Philly Social Media Moms and Christina from Therapon

When was the last time you did something just for you?  For more beauty inspiration, check out All Things Chic this week!

catch you soon -

note - I received a gift bag at the event; however, all opinions, as always are my very own.

Fashion Friday. . .Getting that Pan Am Look

who is in love with the new hit ABC show Pan-Am?

i'm not sure what beauty item I like the most - the eyeliner, the great hair or that sweet blue Pan-Am bag. . .but I know with some basic make-up techniques and a set of hot rollers. . .you too can be on your way to the Pan-Am Look.

last night while attending the Bloomingdale's Think Pink event hosted by All Things Chic, I talked with Barbara, the lovely make-up Consultant with Chanel.  I asked her about creating a "Pan-Am" Eye.  She said the trick is all in the liner - and that a gel or liquid liner is your best bet.  And don't forget the little "wing" on the outer corner.

here is me before. . .

and here is after. . .

with a close-up of the eye - I love that sparkle liner!

as for hair - kicky bobs were a sign of the times.  if you have medium length hair, stick in some hot rollers for volume.  if you are feeling really adventurous, do a little back-combing around your hairline for that "puffed up" look.  maybe even a vintage 60's hair piece to add to your look.

clothes? you have to go vintage. . .besides the eye-catching blue uniform, embroidered bag and white gloves, you can catch the ladies of Pan-Am in midi-length pencil skirts, fitted short-sleeved cardigans, and nude pumps.  A totally classic early-60's look.  And let's not forget the girdles and nude hose.

and those bags. . .

here's a black one you can get at Amazon:

so what do you think? will the Pan-Am style catch on like the Mad Men style did?

catch you soon -

fashion friday. . .new age shopping?

so have you heard of My Best Fit?

                                           picture courtesy of www.mybestfit.com

there has been one at the king of prussia mall for quite sometime now, and i've been scared to try it. . .i didn't want it to tell me i needed to go buy big clothes.

but a few bloggy friends have tried it out and built up my courage, so i went for it.  the lovely associate, Jung helped me out and was just so friendly and helpful (she even held my purse).

so what happens is you step in this "chamber" that reminds me of the transport station in Star Trek but with a door.  there are special instructions on where and how to stand and how to hold your arms - good posture is key to an accurate reading.

then the scanner goes around the perimeter of the chamber, taking your measurements.  the data gets fed into a computer, and a lovely color printed Shopping Guide Profile is printed for you.

my profile had 20 pairs of jeans - ranging in price from $29.50 to $189.00.  The profile tells you the manufacturer, the store, the size the color, and the MSRP.  there is also a fit arrow that show how well each style will fit you.  Jung told me that it doesn't give you anything below a 60%.

one limitation i see is that my best fit has to work with stores to get the information - that could provide only limited information.  hopefully, it gains popularity and expands it's selection.  the second limitation is right now it is only women's jeans; no other clothes, men's or children's.

so i did the scan, and i have my profile. . .you have to stay tuned for part 2 where I go try on these jeans and see how accurate the fit it.

catch you soon -

note - I was not compensated in any way, although I am open to review opportunities from my best fit or other companies.  As always, all opinions expressed on this blog are my very own.

confessions of a product junkie. . .

. . .in case you didn't know this about me. . .i'm a bit of a product junkie. 

i love the allure of what a new product can potentially do for you. . .perhaps even change your life (at the very least make your hair shinier)

so when my friend Pam asked if i would be interested in attending a Trish McEvoy Master Class at Neiman Marcus that she won at a silent auction - I jumped at the chance! (she knows me too well and was not the least bit surprised)

there was a small group of us - only three ladies in total at my table. . .this was the set up.  i love the workbook - the opportunity to write down what products you love, what looked amazing on you, techniques - everything.

our make-up artist was Sue - although Teresa led the group and freely handed out amazing advice and suggestions.

i had never tried Trish McEvoy before - though I was familiar with her name and sterling reputation.  Teresa started off showing us the 'planner system". . .i mean really - if i wasn't hooked right then and there - it wasn't gonna happen.

the planner system is a set of 3 bags - Sue told us to consider them our smartphone, laptop and desktop of make-up.  One you don't leave home without, one you travel with and one is your standby.  A brilliant idea - and Trish's make ups and brushes all fit in the various bags with their "sleeves" (YES they have rings like a paper planner)

since i am no longer pulling in an income, i restrained myself.  However, I loved the way my face looked so young and bright after the make-up lesson.  So I did pick out a few "must haves" to bring home.

this is my thrid make-up master class - third artist/company . . .each was different, and with each one I walked away with a feeling of a "new" and "better" me - and that's a great way to spend a few hours on a Saturday afternoon - not to mention champagne and hors d'ouvers.

catch you soon -