A Scentsational Journey: Fleur Japonais by Shalini Parfum

What better way to kick-off Spring than to treat yourself with a sensual, transcendent and heavenly perfume? Shalini Parfum just launched their new scent, Fleur Japonais, a gentle and soft scent of a fresh bouquet of Cherry Blossoms, inspired by the Sakura and Samurai of Japan. 

Just in time for NYC to emerge with clouds of pink, Cherry Blossoms bring such an exuberance of joy and fresh energy to release the winter blues. This perfume is the only spiritual fragrance created by the contemporary French perfumer, Maurice Roucel. This is the seventh parfum in a series created by Shalini and Maurice. The collection of the seven parfums reflects the changing moods and passions for the soul. This perfume was inspired by Nirvana, the final stage of life where we reach the understanding of our destiny and journey of life. The delicate pink flowers are part of the Buddhist themes of mindfulness and living in the present, a timeless metaphor for human existence.

This enchanting scent is sure to brighten your day with just one spray. Fleur Japonais reaches for the heavens as the pink flowers merge with the ethereal smoke from the woods and resins. The parfum is a heavenly composition of ephemeral Cherry blossoms, intoxicating Magnolia flowers, Frankincense, Labdanum and Sandalwood. Magnolia flowers bring a nobility and dignity to the parfum. The violet pink of the flower complements the pink of Sakura. Frankincense is the purest incense, considered to be more valuable than gold in biblical times. Labdanum creates an amber, leathery note in the parfum. Sandalwood, the most sacred of woods, is floral, woody and balsamic. It creates a feeling of relaxation and positive energy. 

Sakura is revered in Japan for their beauty, grace and transient nature of life. The “Sakura” season is a celebration of life as the pink flowers embrace the temples of Kyoto. Their beautiful fleeting lives remind us to appreciate each moment of ours. The Sakura and the Samurai have a special connection: the flower and the Japanese man. They are both admired for their fleeting beautiful lives. It is believed that the soul of the Samurai lives in the Sakura. 

Not only does this luxurious perfume feel and smell heavenly, but the product itself is also simply stunning. The parfum is presented in a beautiful Crystal Flacon and a collection of French glass bottles. Also featuring an elegant white lacquer and 18k gold-plated Travel Spray. 

Behind this modern masterpiece is Shalini, herself, who I had the honor of meeting at the Fleur launch event at The Pierre. Since her Parfum Collection launch in 2004, Shalini looks to perfumes for their healing and prayer, the spiritual element, not merely for beauty. She embraces her love for pure, natural perfumes and essences of being surrounded by flowers and essential oils. Fleur perfectly encompasses the healing element through the natural scent which coexists with feeling beautiful and fresh yet is delivered through a luxurious product. Fleur is the reflection of luxurious couture and infused with the essence of luxury, created with the most precious oils, florals and notes of the natural world. Shalini Parfums are listed amongst the top ten most luxurious fragrances in the world.

Fleur Japonais and Shalini’s other perfumes can be purchased at Bergdorf Goodman. To learn more click here.

Momma Needs a Break! Self-Care this Mother's Day with Babbleboxx

This post is sponsored by Babbleboxx, all opinions are my own.

As a mother of three, I am always on the lookout for great self-care products. This Mother’s Day, I am celebrating with some amazing brands and I can’t wait to share all the details!

As a mom to three rapidly growing kids (one is almost a teenager!!) I am starting to take on new challenges… and with homeschooling, stress and quarantine over this past year and a half, this mom (like all of us) needs a BREAK!

I am always looking for ways to find calm in the day, even if it’s just a few minutes at the end of the day to unwind and really focus on… ME!

I love finding brands that I can turn to and make part of my beauty routine. Here are a few new ones that I am loving…

Fruit Smoothie Lip Gloss from Erin’s Faces

I am super into clean beauty and this fruit smoothie gloss has actual strawberries and smells so delicious. Erin’s Faces was founded by a NYC Makeup Artist named Erin Williams and she focuses on conscious clean beauty with a mission of empowering women of all sizes and shades!

I love that this product is vegan and organic because I know my daughter will be borrowing it from me! And I can find comfort knowing she is putting quality ingredients onto her body. It feels like a lip balm but also is glossy so it really looks pretty on but is super hydrating too. NOT STICKY! It comes in 5 shades, I am wearing Sonata, from sheers to vibrant pinks and the coolest part is the glass vial it comes in is recyclable!!

Special Offer/Discount

Use code SPRINGLIPS for 10% off through June 15, 2021.

The Woman with the Blue Star by Pam Jenoff from Park Row Books

Who doesn’t love to cozy up with a good book and what better time than this Mother’s Day. From the same author as the New York Times bestselling book, The Lost Girls of Paris and The Orphan’s Tale, author Pam Jenoff is back again with The Woman with the Blue Star. A story about the power of friendship and the extraordinary strength of the human will to survive. Get lost in this story and escape for a moment. You won’t want to put this down, and the surprise ending leaves you feeling uplifted.

Hair Care By Roux

Weightless Precious Oils Luminous Shampoo, Softening Conditioner and Precious Oils Restorative Hair Masque

My hair routine has really had to get kicked up a notch! From coloring at home to not being able to get a hair cut to stress related hair loss, I have had to really focus on getting my hair back in shape. Roux®, a trusted hair care and color brand from Revlon® Professional not only smells so good and is affordable but is super hydrating, lightweight and cleanses impurities and removes product build-up without added sulfates, silicones or mineral oil.

Roux has been beautifying women for more than 85 years and has a variety of amazing products. Like Fanci-FullTM instant Hair Color, Fanci-FullTM Instant Color Mousse, ’Tween Time® Instant Root Concealer, Clean Touch® Stain Remover and now, the new Weightless Precious Oils Collection which is used by professional hair stylists and consumers alike! You can learn more about Roux’s problem-solvers at RouxBeauty.com and to purchase products, head over to Sally Beauty stores, sallybeauty.com and Amazon.

Here are direct links to my favorite new products!

Roux® Weightless Precious Oils Restorative Hair Masque - Is an intensive, vitamin-infused formula that helps hydrate dry, damaged, thick and coarse hair. The formula helps strengthen hair, helps hair resist future damage and smooths split ends to help control frizz. Eight precious oils—argan, avocado, castor, coconut, jojoba, olive, sunflower seed and sweet almond oils—plus vitamins E and B5 help restore essential moisture and help control frizz without weighing hair down.

Weightless Shampoo & Conditioner- The Shampoo Cleanses Impurities and Removes Product Build-Up, Restores Essential Moisture, Adds Shine and Controls Frizz, Moisturizing Formula Transforms Into a Rich Lather, Formulated Without Adding Sulfates, Silicones or Mineral Oil* and Suitable for Color-Treated Hair

The Conditioner Boosts Moisture and Adds Shine, Melts Into Hair for Touchable Softness, Detangles, Controls Frizz, Formulated without adding Mineral Oil and is Suitable for Color-Treated Hair.

LiftActiv Supreme H.A. Wrinkle Corrector from Vichy

I have been a fan of Vichy for years and I am so excited to use this new product, the LiftActiv Supreme H.A. Wrinkle Corrector! Vichy is doctor-developed French brand and is the #1 anti-aging brand in European pharmacies and #3 skincare brand recommended by dermatologists worldwide.

LiftActiv Supreme H.A. Wrinkle Corrector is an anti-aging face and eye serum with 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid to plump skin for a visible filling effect. I totally need this these days! Plus, it’s formulated with Vitamin C and Vichy Volcanic Water. This face serum is clinically proven to deliver visible results of -47% wrinkles and -60 fine lines in six weeks. So I am sticking with this new skin care routine!!

Also, if you have sensitive skin like me, you’ll love that it’s fragrance-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic and safe for all skin types, even sensitive skin.

A Loyal Society -

Botanical Bath Soaking Salts, Flower Water Facial Mists and Floral Bath Rose & Lavender Soaking Salts Pack With Reusable Sachet

Treat yourself this Mother’s Day with a little soothing self-care! It’s good vibes only with this special treat from A Loyal Society. Sometimes it’s the little things and I am in love with this clean wellness lifestyle brand that is centered on all-natural self care products. They even offer virtual self care coaching to help uplift all of us (moms included!) during this challenging time.

The Botanical Bath Soaking Salts are a simple and luxurious way to add relaxing vibes to your bath-time routine. They are handcrafted with Celtic Sea Salt, pure Essential Oils, and Flower Petals, making way for the healing benefits of botanicals and aromatherapy with each bath. Also, comes in different scents including Lavender and Jasmine fragrances.

I am also loving the refreshing Flower Water Facial Mist with hints of pure Rose or Lavender essential oils combined with distilled water. If you really want a nice morning or post workout refresh keep in the refrigerator! Can also be used as a restful pillow and sheet spray. Comes in Lavender or Rose fragrances.

After a long day this helps to uplift your mood while soothing your muscles, especially as a busy mom. Add an all-natural luxurious boost to your bath or shower with their Floral Bath Rose & Lavender Soaking Salts Pack With Reusable Sachet! *Also, a great gift idea for mom! Handcrafted with soothing rose petals, calming lavender buds and pure essential oils, to create a beyond relaxing vibe for your bath or shower routine while the healing properties of the sea salt and floral botanicals uplift your mood.

Use code CELEBRATE15 for 15% off through May 9th, 2021.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula is A Stretch Mark Superstar!

No one said pregnancy was easy but now you'll have one less thing to worry about! Say good bye to unwanted stretch marks with Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula's new line featuring an updated version of the ever popular Tummy Butter, a new Massage Lotion and a concentrated Massage Cream. I was so lucky to recenty attend their beautiful launch event at Maman in Tribeca with the wonderful Palmer's team and a whole bunch of gorgeous mommas and mommas to-be!

I love beauty products and taking care of my skin. It's just something I have always done, lotioning up morning and night. And with all of my pregnancies, my go-to was Palmer's Tummy Butter. The smell alone brings back so many heart felt memories! Their Tummy Butter is great for nighttime use and the new formula offers a rich treatment for maximum hydration to the tummy area. The soothing scent helps promote relaxation. Plus it's the No.1 stretch mark brand in the U.S. so of course I was going to use it to help prevent stretch marks from forming on my ever growing belly... but don't stop there! I would recommend Palmer's for all those growing areas; hips, bum, breasts just to name a few. 

And for that they have created Massage Cream for Stretch Marks. The tummy is not the only thing growing during pregnancy and this concentrated formula is ideal for all those stretch mark prone areas. It keeps skin moisturized for 48 hours and helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks. This formula is also perfect to use after pregnancy while your body is fluctuating and adjusting. 

Need a lightweight daily formula? The Massage Lotion is perfect for that. It's non-greasy and helps improve the skins elasticity and helps to reduce the appearance of stretch marks during and after pregnancy. This product is great for all over use and is infused with natural butters, pure oils and antioxidants. Keeping skin hydrated for up to 48 hours and supple for stretching more easily!

During pregnancy your skin stretches and becomes delicate.  Pregnancy hormones can also weaken the collagen and elastin in your skin but the new Palmer's formula was designed to battle that. Plus, they have made it even more natural!! The new enhanced formulas not only combat stretch marks but create a soft suppleness that all moms-to-be are craving!

Now more than ever, I am noticing myself checking out ingredients and looking for more natural options. I was so excited to hear that this new line is free from mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, phenoxyethanol and synthetic dyes. Which you don't want for yourself or your new little baby growing inside. 

You may need to stock up on your next trip to the drug store and all products in this line retail for $8 and less. AMAZING! 

Beauty Holiday Gift Guide

Here are some of my F A V O R I T E things. Add them to your holiday wishlist or pick them up for friends or family!

1. Klorane Smoothing & Relaxing Eye Patches

2. MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Creme D'Nude

3. LIVING PROOFPerfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo

4. MAC Lip Pencil in Hip n Happy

5. Miss Spa Glitter Eye Mask

6. Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom and Honey Cologne

7. Kiss My Face All Natural Deodorant

8. No7 Vitamin C Youthful Essence

9. La Mer Genaissance Lotion

Summer Skin Must Haves

I love all types of skin care products but these are my top faves! They are SO perfect for summer and will have your skin glowing from head to toe!

For the delicate skin on my face I am a little pickier than normal on trying new things. I try not to overdo it on moisturizers and find that less is sometimes more when it comes to applying them.  
That's why I just love these products by No7 Makeup. They have covered every necessity for keeping your skin beautiful all summer long!

What's behind door number 1 you ask?!! Checkout this fun summer necessity kit that No7 just sent over! I have been using these products for the last few weeks and they are amazing. Check out all the details below.

1. No7 Facial Hydrating Water Spray - Pack this in your beach bag and use this throughout the day to help give your skin a boost of moisture and hydration. It is light and refreshing!
2. No7 Protect Perfect Intense Eye Cream - This will make your tired eyes pop and helps with fine lines and wrinkles.
3. No7 Airbrush Away Pore Minimizing Primer  - Can be worn alone or under your foundation. Help minimize shine and leaves skin looking picture perfect.
4. No7 Quick Thinking Wipes- The heat makes my makeup smudge and these have helped with removing unwanted mascara from under my eyes and is great at the end of the day to rid the skin of any leftover makeup or sunscreen. 
5. No7 Protect Perfect Intense Advanced Day Cream spf-30- The sun can leave skin dry and patchy but this product will leave you looking glowy and dewy all day long!
6. No7 Protect Perfect Intense Night Cream  - Apply this to the face and neck at night. I have noticed it has helped my skin look healthy and nourished in the morning!

Also, for the body I am just loving these products right now. They have that perfect summer fresh scent that you'll love plus they leave your feeling soft and supple.  Because we all know we are all showing off more skin these days!! 

1. Sun Bum Cool Down- Perfect to apply at night after being the sun all day. Has aloe to sootheskin.
2. Ogx Creamy Coconut Oil Lotion- My go-to night cream. It's not too thick or greasy but is super moisturizing. You will love the feeling and scent! 
3. Bath & Body Works At The Beach Sand & Sea Salt Scrub- Makes you feel like you are at the beach! Use in the shower to remove excess dry skin.
4. Bath & Body Works At The Beach 24 Hour Moisture-  I love this lotion for everyday use. It's light and fresh and makes you smell amazing!

My Spring Beauty Picks

Spring is in the air! The dry cold winter winds have changed to moist warmer Spring showers. I love a little humidity in the air. And with that is a change in skin and hair products I need to use. Here are my picks for the best of Spring beauty care!

The scent has a lot to do with how a product makes me feel. That is why I chose vibrant spring scents like citrus and florals. 

The winter air was harsh on my skin so I found this amazing Juice Beauty Antioxidant Serum that I've been using every morning and night as part of my skin care routine. It is a great burst of soothing serum that calms my skin and is packed with vitamins that nourishes my skin and smooths fine lines and wrinkles. I found that I loved using this product mostly on my under eyes to help wake up my tired eyes and also on my neck and chest. I don't use this all over my face like it recommends.

I started using one of my favorite hair products, the Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray. I normally use this in Summer but with the added humanity in the air from all the Spring showers, I found that this product works just as well in Spring as it does in Summer. The scent is so amazing and I love how it adds texture and shine back into my hair after it gets limp from the rain. I don't wash my hair everyday so I use this in-between washes to liven up my look.

The Caudalie Beauty Elixir Spray is perfect to help energize my skin and adds a light fresh floral scent. I have been using this for about a year and I found that I have been using most recently to boost radiance and it helps set makeup as well as tighten and tones your pores. It is a plant based formula that helps your complexion and who doesn't need that, right?!

Also, I just love the crisp citrus scents for Spring. That is why I am just loving this lotion from Fresh. My cousin and Beaut Editor for Town & Country Magazine recently gifted this to me and I can't thank her enough! It really wakes me up in the morning and the scent is not too strong or overpowering. It smells light and fresh and the texture of the cream is perfect for the Spring. It is not too heavy and absorbs quickly. I've also been using the body wash in the shower. This also has vitamins A & C which my skin is begging for after the long winter!

Ladies Who Lunch with The Moms, actress Jennifer Beals & Mederma

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I never pictured myself as a lady who lunches, but when I was invited to a beautiful luncheon hosted by The Moms at the iconic Kimberly Hotel in Midtown, NYC, I knew I couldn't pass up the opportunity to play the part. 

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I put on a pretty dress and dashed off for a nice afternoon with Jennifer Beals and a ton of other fashion savvy moms to chat about all things kids!

Being a mom doesn't always come easy. As Jennifer Beals explained, you have to have a lot of patience and I can totally relate. Raising three kids comes with a lot of bumps and bruises. Especially now that my baby is turning into a toddler (sad emoji face), I see him constantly falling as he navigates this world for the first time. 

That's why I rely on products that are there for you when you need them, like Mederma. A household favorite of mine for years. I used Mederma for the first time when my oldest son, now 8, was a toddler. I remember the day well, as the aftermath is forever ingrained in my memory. He fell face first into a metal bench. The bench left a large gash below is right eye and later turned into a pretty nasty looking shiner. My motherhood duty of protecting my baby was shattered. And I had to pick up the pieces. That's when I turned to the product that would help his baby skin heel. 

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Mederma is best known for their scar cream. I remember rubbing the purplish colored ointment on him ritually for weeks making sure not to miss a day. His scar is not very obvious now and I do think this product helped with that. 

But Mederma doesn't just have scar cream and I was lucky enough to try some of the other products. My favorite is the Advanced Dry Skin Therapy Body Wash. The harsh winter air has dried out my skin and soaps can irritate it even worse. I like the gentle cleansing this product provides.

Thanks to The Moms and the Kimberly Hotel for the yummy lunch and Jennifer Beals for sharing your motherhood stories with me. I think your daughter is pretty lucky to have such a loving and caring mother like you! 

Check her out in her new television show Taken, and movie titled Before I Fall. 

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Beauty Counter: Their Mission is to get safer products into the hands of everyone

My friend, Catherine Moore, (who is currently our Featured Mom!) and I were out one day for lunch! It was amazing, we were both able to pull away from the daily grind to meet up and spend some much needed time catching up. I remember asking her to borrow chapstick or lip gloss because I'm an addict to lip moisture and I immediately fell in love her this soothing glossy balm that she let me use. The natural color was beautiful and something I would definitely wear myself but it was the nice conditioning texture that I really loved. 

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She started telling me about the company called Beauty Counter, where she is currently a Beauty Consultant. I love that the products are natural and what the label reads is really what is in the product. I love makeup and making it a healthy option, totally sold me! 

So, now I'm an addict to the Peppermint Lip Conditioner but there are so many more products that Catherine has told me about. Here are some of her favorites... and mine too! 
 

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What kid wouldn't love these bright colored bottles. Beauty Counter even has a Kid and Baby Line. And the kids line is a must have in Catherine's house. Her son and daughter just love the yummy scents and what parent doesn't want there kids to be "Super Duper Clean"... and I right?!!

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But for Catherine herself, she is drawn to the eye care line... best sellers!! It's light weight and blends super well with the eye concealer. BTW the mascara is AWARD winning. So, that will probably be my next addiction. I love finding a great mascara!

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The line also features tons of amazing serums and a whole line of makeup from lipsticks to foundations to eye shadows. There's something for everyone on your list this year. Check out Catherine's site for all the details.

Looking for a job where you could work from home and manage to get the kids to all their after school activities? Well, this could be a great opportunity for you to join their team. Email Catherine for more detail on becoming a consultant yourself. She'd be happy to answer any questions! Click on her picture (top left) and you can email her directly. 

Dyson, Supersonic Hair Dryer

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Dyson Hair Dryer

Dyson has officially come out with a hair dryer! Why not, right? They are experts at creating amazingly lightweight and technologically advanced vacuums so I guess it seems logical to veer off into hair care?!! 

Well, my friend and professional hair stylist, Maddison Cave, has filled me in on this amazing product!

It's called the Supersonic Hair Dryer and it's not only cute and stylish looking but it also is one of the smartest hairdryers ever created. It has won the Best of Beauty Award by Allure The Beauty Expert for 2016. It is super lightweight, has 3 heat settings and the attachments are all magnetic so they don't go flying off while you are drying your hair. It doesn't seem super powerful but it gets your hair dried super quick. And it has super heat sensors that make sure it doesn't damage your hair. Can it really get any better than this guys? The only downfall is the $$$ price tag. It retails at $399!! Well, maybe Santa will treat me to one this year?? It's definitely on my holiday wish list. What's on yours?

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Top 3 Perfectly Light and Fresh Scents

I love perfume but wearing it all day is hard for me because the scents are sometimes too strong and bother me after a while. I have tried a million scents and these are my TOP 3 PICKS!

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These are all light and crisp. They smell clean and fresh. Easy to wear all day long.

Oribe Perfume - Côte d'Azur- This smells like the Oribe hair products and is my ultimate favorite right now!

Bobbie Brown - Beach- I've been wearing this for a while now and I still love it. It's very light and reminds me of the beach. I've even heard it smells like sun block hence the name "Beach"!!!

Aerin - Mediterranean Honeysuckle - This is a new scent and may be hard to find. I have wanted to try it since I saw the ad's in the magazines over the summer. I recently was able to find it at the new Aerin counter at the Saks downtown in NYC. I love it and it's so light with a hint of sweetness. 

Jen Atkin Hair Accessories from Chloe and Isabel

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I absolutely love these new hair accessories from Jen Atkin for Chloe and Isabel. Go to CleoNYC.com to see all the new products from Jen Atkin as well as shop the beautiful jewelry line by Chloe and Isabel. 

Check out how I styled my new bun cuff.  It's so fun and easy to wear. It works well to dress up even the simplest ponytail. And can make the super trendy half bun look even cooler.

There are so many great products that are really unique and stylish. I haven't seen anything like these and love being on the cutting edge of fashion! They are super chic and work on all hair types. 

See how your favorite celebs are wearing theirs!

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This Season's Lip Trend: Matte & Muted

I have been wanting to try the matte lip trend for a while but was worried that the dark muted shades would make me look washed out. Well, on my recent shopping spree to Sephora (I bought way too much makeup!), I decided I'd try out some popular brands and here's what I found.

I noticed that the trending colors are dark, purplish and muted. However, most makeup brands are now offering an assortment of more wearable colors in there palette for fall. I loved all the nude shades and have tried a ton so you don't have to!

Here's are my top 3 pick:

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1. Stila - Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Bellissima (pale pink) & Caramel (nude with brownish undertones)- This was by far my favorite matte lip product. I wound up getting it in two shades. One is more of a muted neutral tone and the other is perfect for everyday natural looking color. It dries totally matte and lasts all day. I recommend touching it up with chapstick or lip balm through out the day (otherwise you'll get dry chapped looking lips). And it still looks great for most of the day once applied in the morning. Oh and it smells a bit sweet like caramel. Here's the link. 
2. Tarte - Tartiest Lip Paint in Namaste (nude)- The smell is minty and fresh. This product is easy to wear and goes on like a gloss but dries matte. The color lasts for a few hours but needs to be reapplied. I love the shades and the texture. I also recommend touching up with some chapstick or balm through out the day to avoid drying out your lips. Here's the link. 
3. Milk - Matte Quad (nude palette)- This product offers a lot of versatility however, the colors are very muted and are better for eye shadow. Using them as lip color is hard for everyday. However, the texture of this palette is amazing. Its so silky smooth and I love playing around with the color and seeing what I can create. You just use your finger to apply. It's fun and trendy however, I don't think this is something I'll be using in a few months from now. I do love the quality of the product and will be trying out some other Milk products soon!  Here's the link. 

How To: 10 Steps to Looking Like You Just Got a Salon Blow Out!

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Here is a step by step guide on how to make your hair look like you just walked out of an expensive salon! Use these 10 simple steps to make you look and feel fabulous in just minutes. 

1. Wash and towel dry hair (Use a heat protecting cream) 

2. Section the bottom and blow dry straight

3. Take top portion and blow dry each side

4. *If hair is curly use a flat iron to take out any frizz

5. Section the back/bottom of hair into two sections.

6. Take the left side and curl hair back & away from the face. Do the same for the right side

7. Section the two sides (*leaving the crown/top of hair for last)

8. Take the left side and curl hair back & away from the face. Do the same for the right side.

9. Take the remaining hair down and make a part. Section into two parts.

10. Curl the left side back & away from the face. Finish with doing the same to the right side. 

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It really is that simple!!

I normally do this at night and let the curl sit for a while and then sleep with it up in two Princess Leia buns so you are all set for the next day. 

Leave any comments or questions below.

Summer Hair Must Have Products

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They work just as well as they smell.. and they smell AMAZING!!!

The smell may sell you on this product even before you use it but trust me you won't be disappointed with the results you will get. 

I love this Heat Protecting Balm because I always blow dry and then curl my hair. My ends were looking a little rough and I knew I needed something to help them out. It really works on my dry hair.

I knew I wouldn't be curling my hair most of the trip to the Dominican and honestly most of the summer I left my hair more natural but with the help of this amazing Oribe Beach Waves product I could dry my hair like I normally do and just spray. It would leave my hair so shiny and smells so good. It doesn't leave your hair sticky and doesn't add too much wave like other products selling the beach wave look. 

Keep your hair healthy and beautiful! 

What products do you like?

Braid It! From DAY to NIGHT

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I decided I would try this look because I was sick of having to do my hair again at night before dinner because after being out all day at the beach or just running around in the heat, my hair was a mess. And who has time to do their hair twice in one day?? NOT ME!!!

This look is really simple and can stand up to a hot beach day and last you all the way to a night out on the town. YES!! It's true... check out the easy step by step instructions below.

Here's how I did it:

1. Part hair in the middle
2. Brush hair into a sleek low ponytail
3. Tie the ponytail on the nape of the neck with an elastic band
4. Knot a long string around the elastic band to cover
5. Braid hair incorporating the string into one of the sections
6. Finish the braid with a neutral colored hair tie and wrap the remaining string around in a knot
7. Spray hair with Oribe Shine Spray

Tulum Treasures

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If you know me, you’d know I LOVE body cream. I always ask for it for birthdays and Christmas but this time its not cream that caught my eye. 

While on our Tulum trip I picked up a few amazing products I wanted to share. They aren’t just amazing they really are spectacular and unique. Check them out.. I even found the link so you can order yourself! 

Hotel Esencia creates their own toiletry products that are simply divine. The hair products are tricky for me because I have color treated hair so I use specific color treated shampoo and conditioner but I did use them on my daughters long hair and they smelled and worked great. But for body I am up to try anything. On the first day staying here… the kids got very sun burned. Either old sun block or just the strong Mexican sun. Either way their skin was torched. 

Not knowing where anything was we reached for the hotel Esencia body & hair oil. I rubbed the children down with it and immediately noticed the amazing smell and texture. It was so yummy and I couldn't wait to use it myself. The smells of avocado, aloe, lavender and eucalyptus made me feel exotic and the thick oil left my skin nourished from the drying suns rays and salty sea water. Its full of all natural ingredients. And has the most relaxing scent. You’ll feel like you just left the spa every time you use it.

I was so excited to find out that a larger bottle was available for sale at the hotels spa (which I heard was amazing and will definitely be checking out next time I visit this resort *fingers crossed!)

Next up was Banyan Tree. 

I also fell in love with their unique toiletries. They even have a bag full of goodies in every bathroom. Our villa had three bathrooms so we stocked up!

Its a cute little black and white printed bag filled with everything you’d need to pamper yourself. But what struck me the most was the bath milk that the kids used the first night there. I filled the bath mid way and left them to soak and clean as I unpacked (they were still in eye sight!). But when I went over to get them out I noticed a really foggy looking bath. Not knowing what they put in I wasn’t very pleased. But after getting them to bed and showering myself I noticed this sensuous bath milk. It has this super sexy smell called Thai Chamanard. So this bath milk is essentially an oil. However once it touches water or your wet skin it turns into a smooth white milky liquid. Its almost like a science experiment! 

Liven Up Those Tired Eyes In 5 Easy Steps

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Ever wonder how all those celebrities always look so wide eyed and awake? Well they have expert makeup artist that specialize in tricks to making them look that way. Don't be fooled.. they all wake up with dark circles just like all of us tired and overworked moms. Here are 5 SUPER quick and easy ways to make your eyes POP!

So grab your cup of joe and lets get started!

1. Visine: The most important step; don't let it scare you. Just get the basic redness reliever. A drop or two is all you need. Dab excess with a q-tip if necessary to dry the area.

2. White Eyeliner: Add a small gentle line along the lower water line of the eye. If you don't know where this is.. its the pink bit that separates the lashes and your eyeball. If you have never put eyeliner in this area, be brave and go for it. The results are worth it! I use Wet N'Wild.

3. Makeup Forever Full Coverage Concealer: Its amazing and really hides any dark circles or color irregularity. A small amount goes a long way. This concealer is the real deal. Add a dab to the top of your hand (the small area between your pointer and thumb). Take a small concealer brush and gentle brush it under your eyes and on your eye lids. Let dry for 30 seconds. Go back and blend adding more when necessary. You will begin to notice your eyes totally transforming. Here's what I use Makeup Forever.

4. White Shadow: Grab a medium blending eyeshadow brush (or if you are like most people any eyeshadow brush that you own will work just fine). Gently collect a small amount of the shadow on the brush. Start with the inner corners of the eye near your tear duct and work the product up toward the upper lid. Blending it on to the lid. Do this for both eyes. Then take your brush with the remaining eyeshadow on it and add a tiny bit of the white shadow to the outside lower lash line (think the area below the extended cat eye). Try this.

5. Mascara: For the fifth and final step add your favorite Mascara! Making sure to let dry and add at least two to three coats. This will help to really open the eyes and make them POP! SIZZLE! POP! 

*You can also choose to add a little dark liner along your top lash line.