Haute Couture Christmas Tree

I love Christmastime and the aromatic, emanating scent of pine from live Christmas trees punctuating the season. This year, I have seen so many attractive and interesting artificial trees that I have been tempted to purchase one. Check out these fabulous fakes at Hammacher Schlemmer for the Yuletide fashionista.

Brown Sugar Scrub

The weekend is here and it’s a good time to relax and take care of yourself before the holidays. Last night I made this quick easy brown sugar scrub from ingredients in my kitchen and my skin is smooth like butter. Using plant based ingredients is healthier for you and when you have made the scrub yourself, you know exactly what is in it.

1 cups of brown sugar (lightly packed)
½ cup of plant based oil (olive oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, coconut oil etc. whichever one you have available or prefer)
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Put sugar in a medium sized bowl – (it serves as the exfoliant)
Add the oil – (it will moisturize)
Add the vanilla – (it adds a touch of fragrance)
Stir to combine ingredients. You can adjust the ingredients for the consistency that you prefer for your skin type.

Scoop mixture into a container. It will fit nicely into a pint size container. This sugar scrub makes a great gift for the holidays. Store it in a Mason jar or other attractive container and tie with ribbon or raffia. You can always add a few drops of essential oil or kitchen spices for fragrance.

To use:
Stir before each use. Moisten your skin with warm water. Scoop out a bit of scrub with a spoon and work it gently in a circular motion into the skin. Leave it on for about 10 minutes and rinse off with warm water. The mixture stores easily and does not need to be refrigerated. Enjoy!

Restoring Weak Nails

I spend the summers experimenting with some of the most fabulous nail art that the salons have to offer. This may sound foreign to some, but many of you out there are familiar with the nail salon techniques for no fade and no chip color and design. Unfortunately, these flawless looks come with a price. When you abandon the wraps, the gels and the tips, your nails are often left weak, thin, split, lifeless and discolored. I use the fall to create a restorative regimen that will keep nails, nourished throughout the winter months. The most important nail product on the market is the “old trusty,” Sally Hansen Maximum Growth. For a few bucks and a 5 minute daily commitment, you will see your own nails grow and maintain their strength for months to come. File and shape your nails and apply one coat of this clear liquid silk protein daily. At the end of each week, use nail polish remover to take off the coating and begin the process again. Apply this regimen until the bottle is empty and I am positive that you will be happy with the results.

Beauty in the Storm

Much has happened since we last connected. This week, Hurricane Sandy swept in and destroyed many homes and devastated families. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you who have been tragically affected by the magnitude of the storm.

In the midst of it all, it is wonderful to see how people have mobilized to help one another, providing food, shelter and other necessities. This storm in our lives has allowed us to unveil the compassionate and gentle spirit that we share in the face adversity. What you hold in your heart is imperishable beauty and I expect nothing less than for you to show forth that Beautiful You! Many blessings.