Sunday, November 11, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Skincare 101 !
Skincare, boy is that a maze! So, I will say that I'm in my forties and I have sensitive,dry to combination skin. However, most of what I use can be for oily skin as well. I read way to much information, but it's been helpful. I will also add review to products from time to time and update you on my current regime.
Washing your face, make sure you do it every night to take off your makeup and every morning to balance the pH of your skin. For my p.m. routine I use philosophy purity face wash ( 5yrs), for my serum I use Nature's Pearl Muscadine 20 (www.grapes4life.com) and for a moisturizer I make my own face oil, I will make a new posting with the recipe. Now, I absolutely love Philosophy Retinol product, which I use 2 night a week. I have heard ROC is good, but so far the Philosophy hasn't irritated my sensitive skin.
A.M. - Wash with Avalon Vitamin C facewash, follow with NP grape seed extract and face oil. I swear by strivectin eye cream, this stuff is amazing!!! I've been using it about 10 years, just unbelievable results!
Now for foundation, I love Bare minerals, but when I feel dry I use Clinique Redness solutions foundation.
Once a week or more, I give myself a real facial. I open my pores with a facial steamer I bought at Sally's beauty supply with a drop of lavender oil. I then use Avon's re-texturizing pads (glycol peel) - follow with a moisture mask from replechage or a clay mask from dead sea. After I'm done ( 15mins tops) I feel and look like I have new skin!
Washing your face, make sure you do it every night to take off your makeup and every morning to balance the pH of your skin. For my p.m. routine I use philosophy purity face wash ( 5yrs), for my serum I use Nature's Pearl Muscadine 20 (www.grapes4life.com) and for a moisturizer I make my own face oil, I will make a new posting with the recipe. Now, I absolutely love Philosophy Retinol product, which I use 2 night a week. I have heard ROC is good, but so far the Philosophy hasn't irritated my sensitive skin.
A.M. - Wash with Avalon Vitamin C facewash, follow with NP grape seed extract and face oil. I swear by strivectin eye cream, this stuff is amazing!!! I've been using it about 10 years, just unbelievable results!
Now for foundation, I love Bare minerals, but when I feel dry I use Clinique Redness solutions foundation.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
HAIR
Hair or lack there of. I have fine, thin, stick straight hair with a tiny little cowlick at my front part. In my early years and teens, I permed that hair, picked that hair, LOVED that hair!
Fast forward to hair in your 40's - yuck.....smell scalp and workout head.
I have a trial and error complex going on, more trial than anything. To make this a short and sweet explanation of what is working, see pictures below.
1. shampoo- alternate mint shampoo and volumizng shampoo (yes, I wash every day)
2. conditioner - Aveda / other days Amika oil
3. smooth infusion style prep
4. Amika blow up spray
5. thickening cream
6. finishing spray
Blow dryer from Amika, styler from Amika
2 round brushes, 1 wide tooth comb
Hair cut - every 8 weeks at Pure Aveda Salon Spa and partial highlight every 24 weeks
Fast forward to hair in your 40's - yuck.....smell scalp and workout head.
I have a trial and error complex going on, more trial than anything. To make this a short and sweet explanation of what is working, see pictures below.
1. shampoo- alternate mint shampoo and volumizng shampoo (yes, I wash every day)
2. conditioner - Aveda / other days Amika oil
3. smooth infusion style prep
4. Amika blow up spray
5. thickening cream
6. finishing spray
Blow dryer from Amika, styler from Amika
2 round brushes, 1 wide tooth comb
Hair cut - every 8 weeks at Pure Aveda Salon Spa and partial highlight every 24 weeks
Spring and Summer Shopping in NYC
Frommer's NYC Free and Dirt Cheap (Frommer's Free & Dirt Cheap)
Frommer's New York City 2010 (Frommer's Colour Complete Guides)New York (Eyewitness Travel Guides)
Ohhh, Manhattan. New York City beckons me several times a year, for many different reasons. First and foremost, my oldest daughter lives in NYC in Gramercy Park ( I need to see her face every few months). Second- big city lights -museums, culture.........Third - SHOPPING....
I used to stay in a hotel prior to the free digs my daughter has to offer. My personal favorite is the Warwick, it is a boutique luxury hotel at reasonable prices. Make sure you book direct online, it is always a better deal than a travel site. The Warwick is located in the best part of town - Mid-town 6th and 54th area. You are in walking distance to the theater, Central Park, 5th Ave shopping, and tons more. Second tip - Fly on Jet blue if you can, book directly on the website, they have great deals. I prefer to fly in and out of JFK - yes a taxi is more, but.... there are a lot more flights to choose from and Jet blue has a private terminal that is AMAZING!!!! Trust me, you will fall in love with flying again.
Now, even if you have been to NYC before, the double decker bus tour is the best way to see everything. Do the 48 hr with uptown-downtown and Brooklyn night tour. I love the subway and buses, get one of the books I have linked and you will have a good map for public transportation. I love the unlimited 7 days, you can use it on both. Cabs are great for getting somewhere in your fancy shoes or a quick ride to the play you are running late for.
Shopping......I know we all have different styles, habits and budgets, but expose yourself to new and different places while in the big apple. Don't go for the "usual" Gap-Abercrombie-Ann Taylor. You can get those at HOME! Take this list with you : Chelsea Market, China Town, Soho, Greenwich Village, 5th Avenue.
Here is my list that I always visit, ALWAYS....I will organize them by sections of town they are located. I will also throw in some eateries you cannot miss and won't waste shopping time. I try to get my major shopping all done in 1 day, then it's out of the way of CULTURE...lol
Downtown:
Century 21, China Town (short time), Pearl River, Anthropologie (1of2),Dean and Deluca for a coffee. Greenwich Village:_Street (Magnolia Bakery-
(Two Boots Pizza and Rice to Riches- lunch). ABC HOME(this is amazing - check out every floor), Union Square street artists, Loehmans, Daffy's, Macy's.
Uptown: These stores are for inspiration and maybe a cute shopping bag!
Bergdorf Goodman's, Tiffany's, Henry Bendel's, H&M, Zara, Anthropologie, Sephora, Bloomingdale's (Serendipity for dinner, make reservations)
Frommer's New York City 2010 (Frommer's Colour Complete Guides)New York (Eyewitness Travel Guides)Ohhh, Manhattan. New York City beckons me several times a year, for many different reasons. First and foremost, my oldest daughter lives in NYC in Gramercy Park ( I need to see her face every few months). Second- big city lights -museums, culture.........Third - SHOPPING....I used to stay in a hotel prior to the free digs my daughter has to offer. My personal favorite is the Warwick, it is a boutique luxury hotel at reasonable prices. Make sure you book direct online, it is always a better deal than a travel site. The Warwick is located in the best part of town - Mid-town 6th and 54th area. You are in walking distance to the theater, Central Park, 5th Ave shopping, and tons more. Second tip - Fly on Jet blue if you can, book directly on the website, they have great deals. I prefer to fly in and out of JFK - yes a taxi is more, but.... there are a lot more flights to choose from and Jet blue has a private terminal that is AMAZING!!!! Trust me, you will fall in love with flying again.
Now, even if you have been to NYC before, the double decker bus tour is the best way to see everything. Do the 48 hr with uptown-downtown and Brooklyn night tour. I love the subway and buses, get one of the books I have linked and you will have a good map for public transportation. I love the unlimited 7 days, you can use it on both. Cabs are great for getting somewhere in your fancy shoes or a quick ride to the play you are running late for.
Shopping......I know we all have different styles, habits and budgets, but expose yourself to new and different places while in the big apple. Don't go for the "usual" Gap-Abercrombie-Ann Taylor. You can get those at HOME! Take this list with you : Chelsea Market, China Town, Soho, Greenwich Village, 5th Avenue.
Here is my list that I always visit, ALWAYS....I will organize them by sections of town they are located. I will also throw in some eateries you cannot miss and won't waste shopping time. I try to get my major shopping all done in 1 day, then it's out of the way of CULTURE...lol
Downtown:
Century 21, China Town (short time), Pearl River, Anthropologie (1of2),Dean and Deluca for a coffee. Greenwich Village:_Street (Magnolia Bakery-
(Two Boots Pizza and Rice to Riches- lunch). ABC HOME(this is amazing - check out every floor), Union Square street artists, Loehmans, Daffy's, Macy's.
Uptown: These stores are for inspiration and maybe a cute shopping bag!
Bergdorf Goodman's, Tiffany's, Henry Bendel's, H&M, Zara, Anthropologie, Sephora, Bloomingdale's (Serendipity for dinner, make reservations)
All Things Mary - Top to Bottom
After retelling and explaining so many things to so many people, I am back to blogging! I figure if I write it down, put together the pictures and make a great presentation, I can refer people to my blog. All they have to do is read it and hopefully, I will not have to explain so much about my routines and regimes any more or any less. lol
I am going to go from top to bottom, literally from the top of my head to my toes. In between will be filled with funny ideas and cool things I come across (which is a lot). I will try not to run on and if you have a question or comment, I will try my best to answer in a timely manner.
So, sit back, relax and enjoy the blog : )
I am going to go from top to bottom, literally from the top of my head to my toes. In between will be filled with funny ideas and cool things I come across (which is a lot). I will try not to run on and if you have a question or comment, I will try my best to answer in a timely manner.
So, sit back, relax and enjoy the blog : )
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Missoni for Target Sold Out
O boy, I have been anticipating this launch of Missoni like other fashionistas for months! Every magazine, article and fashion blog has been talking about it....Well, it's simply gorgeous! I went to my local Tarjay and scored: silk scarves, poncho, cardigan, winter scarves and hats, the flats, rain boots and a lovely velvet throw!
I have loved Missoni forever and didn't know if the quality would be cheap like so many other designer launches at Target. Considering the average shopper can't even afford Missoni on sale, this well priced line will even be a bargin on Ebay, for most.
I have to say, I didn't get the dresses I wanted, but I am a happy camper. Of course by now you know the Target site crashed and almost everything is sold out. I have to laugh at the reporters, about restocking, have you ever tried to get designer goods at Target? Once it's gone, it's gone, so long suckers. I begged them to check for more plates, only 4 left not enough for me, I begged them to check for a few other items, nothing, nada, zip. Will you get more I pleaded? Nope, Sorry....Manager 1, 2 and 3 confirms.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Ideas on becoming a spend thrift
Time to share my money saving tips and tricks. Yes, I understand you have heard some of these before, implement some everyday, or don't care to work so hard to save money. I am writing this blog to all of my friends and family that think I spend a lot of money. What they don't realize, is how thrifty I am every day and able to leverage my cash and goods to even out in the wash.
1. Sell your old clothes, jewelry, purses, dolls, etc on Ebay or Etsy to pay for your next wardrobe. You can buy almost all of your designer goods at the Premium Outlets (sign up to get coupons online) and usually resell them at a profit when you are tired of them. Make sure you take extra good care of leather, hang all of your clothes instead of using a dryer and only by classics or limited edition styles that become collectible.
2. Pre-plan your trips and vacations! Spend some real time online researching where you are going and what there is to do and see. We usually take a 4-5 day vacation, which saves a lot of money, opposed to 7-10 days. I shop extensively for the best prices, sign up for deals and join frequently fliers email lists for sales. Buy discount tickets online, look for coupons you can use while on the trip and always have a budget. We usually have a garage sale to earn extra money to pay for our trip. We only take cash to pay for things, and keep a daily budget. Consider getting snacks, drinks and small meals from a local grocer for your room, it will save eating out 3 times a day.
3. Always look polished without breaking the bank! I do at home facials, give myself pedicures and manicures weekly. Once you buy your supplies, they will last 6-12 months.You can learn how to do these services online or from magazines and books. Get rid of tired, faded, old clothes! Freshen your wardrobe with tshirts and accessories from Walmart, Target, Forever 21, TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshall's and Sam's. Clean your shoes, yes, condition leather and clean off dirt on a regular basis - nothing looks more unkept than a person with dirty old shoes.....
Never buy anything that doesn't make you look good! Know what colors and cuts look good on you. Make lists of what you need for updating your wardrobe, and never buy something just because it's cheap! It's better to shop for a bargain on something you need than buy something cheap you will never use or wear. Buy basics!!! You can wear basics for years with a few updates, belts, shoes, etc.
4. Cook your own food! Stop wasting money eating out several times a week. You should only dine out if it's a special occasion, or you have a gift card. Plan your meals and shop only once a week, using coupons from the newspaper, online and the store fliers. Stock up on sale items you use frequently, avoid buying the "deals" if you wouldn't normally buy it at full price. Stop wasting money on junk, pre-packaged and frozen meals. Make fresh meals from whole food, you will save a lot of money, have better health and lose weight. Budget your shopping, know how much a meal will cost, make sure to include several cheaper meals 3 or 4 days a week. Such as: soups, sandwiches, pasta, gourmet salads. I think if you can make a fresh meal for 4 under 10.00 you are a great cook! It's not hard, just do a little research on "the food network", they have amazing recipes.
Never buy bottled water, unless you are traveling or it's necessary. Buy a home distiller and make your own distilled water, carry your own bottled water with you. (I use a Waterwise 9000)
1. Sell your old clothes, jewelry, purses, dolls, etc on Ebay or Etsy to pay for your next wardrobe. You can buy almost all of your designer goods at the Premium Outlets (sign up to get coupons online) and usually resell them at a profit when you are tired of them. Make sure you take extra good care of leather, hang all of your clothes instead of using a dryer and only by classics or limited edition styles that become collectible.
2. Pre-plan your trips and vacations! Spend some real time online researching where you are going and what there is to do and see. We usually take a 4-5 day vacation, which saves a lot of money, opposed to 7-10 days. I shop extensively for the best prices, sign up for deals and join frequently fliers email lists for sales. Buy discount tickets online, look for coupons you can use while on the trip and always have a budget. We usually have a garage sale to earn extra money to pay for our trip. We only take cash to pay for things, and keep a daily budget. Consider getting snacks, drinks and small meals from a local grocer for your room, it will save eating out 3 times a day.
3. Always look polished without breaking the bank! I do at home facials, give myself pedicures and manicures weekly. Once you buy your supplies, they will last 6-12 months.You can learn how to do these services online or from magazines and books. Get rid of tired, faded, old clothes! Freshen your wardrobe with tshirts and accessories from Walmart, Target, Forever 21, TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshall's and Sam's. Clean your shoes, yes, condition leather and clean off dirt on a regular basis - nothing looks more unkept than a person with dirty old shoes.....
Never buy anything that doesn't make you look good! Know what colors and cuts look good on you. Make lists of what you need for updating your wardrobe, and never buy something just because it's cheap! It's better to shop for a bargain on something you need than buy something cheap you will never use or wear. Buy basics!!! You can wear basics for years with a few updates, belts, shoes, etc.
4. Cook your own food! Stop wasting money eating out several times a week. You should only dine out if it's a special occasion, or you have a gift card. Plan your meals and shop only once a week, using coupons from the newspaper, online and the store fliers. Stock up on sale items you use frequently, avoid buying the "deals" if you wouldn't normally buy it at full price. Stop wasting money on junk, pre-packaged and frozen meals. Make fresh meals from whole food, you will save a lot of money, have better health and lose weight. Budget your shopping, know how much a meal will cost, make sure to include several cheaper meals 3 or 4 days a week. Such as: soups, sandwiches, pasta, gourmet salads. I think if you can make a fresh meal for 4 under 10.00 you are a great cook! It's not hard, just do a little research on "the food network", they have amazing recipes.
Never buy bottled water, unless you are traveling or it's necessary. Buy a home distiller and make your own distilled water, carry your own bottled water with you. (I use a Waterwise 9000)
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