{Blogged after a bath and a root beer} As any new mother will tell you, along with the body changes and life changes and hormone changes they come with a new baby, there are so many emotional changes you experience that the simple things really do make a world of difference. Like this Irresistible Me Diamond styling iron. The little things like taking a shower and actually styling your hair can lift your spirits considerably. I got this iron in a fabulous red color, something I've never really done before. I always choose silver or black but this red is fun. I love so many things about this product. It heats up very quickly and it's ceramic and so lightweight. It also has an automatic shut off, which takes away that backing out of the driveway fear of "Wait, did I unplug it?" It doesn't matter! The plate is smooth and moves through your hair without pulling or damage. I have pretty straight hair to start with, but it has a tendency to be dry and frizzy on the ends. This flat iron completely eliminated that. It comes with instructions for suggested temperatures depending upon hair type. Since I have fine hair, I set the iron to low and ran this iron over my hair only one time most areas and it was great. I will do a follow up post and show some before and after pictures for you! If you are in the market for high quality styling products, go check out www.irresistibleme.com. Sweetly, Michelle
Beauty and Brains {Book}
So, if you know me, you know I am a reader. I love to read. Its like my favorite thing to do to relax. Take a bath, get in the jammies and read. I usually have 3 or 4 books going at once, too. I also buy kind of a lot of beauty items- I am constantly acquiring new nail polish, lip gloss, eye cream, etc. I was thinking that when I write to you all about my most recent product purchase, every once in a while, I will throw something in here for our brains. Maybe a book review, maybe a good website for current events. We are tip-toeing into 2016 and that's an election year. We need to do our best to weed through the mountains of stuff and learn about the real issues (I do anyway). I am both disgusted with and fascinated by politics. Plus, I am always looking for that one good place to get a quick dose of current events (because none of us has the time to leisurely flip through a few newspapers while sipping our lattes from a china cup and saucer- yeah right!) Maybe we will figure it out together. So here goes!
BEAUTY {Lush Cosmetics}
Beauty: Lush Cosmetic's Vanilla Dee-Lite Lotion and Vanilla Puff Powder. I had never used this before but a store opened in the mall close by me and I was drawn to it. The ingredients are all natural, handmade, not tested on animals (that is really important to me) and there are about fifty different scents! Plus, they have these bath ball things and you throw them into your bath and they fizz and turn colors and scent the water- soo fun! Its a great store to browse through. So far, the lotion smells great and isn't too heavy and the powder has a little subtle sheen! Go check them out at www.lush.com or at Fashion Island or the Shops at Mission Viejo! Brains: The Nightingale by Kristine Hannah. I just finished reading it and I loved it. I am sort of a World War buff and this story is set in France during the Nazi occupation and it tells the story of two sisters and what they went through during those terrible times. I've read a lot about the various battles in World War II and the atrocities that occurred but not too much about what happened to the citizens of occupied countries. It was brutal for them, because the people who were left behind were typically vulnerable and somewhat helpless--older people, women and children-- with the men being away, fighting. They were deprived of everything we take for granted-- food, water, blankets and their dignity. As terrible as the backdrop is, this story is about courage and compassion and selflessness and the lengths people will go to for those that that they love. It is about love in all different forms and with all different complexities, from that shared by the sisters, to that shared by best friends, by the love of a mother for her child and for the love of one's country. It was great. These kind of books stay with you long after you turn the last page and I love that. If you try it, let me know what you think. Or if you have a favorite book. Or, if you are thinking of buying a book and aren't sure- I've probably read it! :) Happy day, loves. Michelle
The City of Angel's Favorite Skin Care
Spa Manager Allison Marks (R) in Arcona's beautiful Los Angeles-based studio (being interviewed for pop sugar!)
Hello dear readers! Among other addictions (shoes, lip gloss, Swedish Fish), I am obsessed with beauty products. But especially products for my skin. I've never been one to wear foundation or powder and because of that, I need my skin as clear and nourished as possible. All skin care is not created equal and the key is to find that elusive product that actually does what it says it will do (and anyone with drawers full of failed lotions and masks knows how rare this is, right?) Fellow skin care lovers, let me introduce you to Los Angeles-based Arcona studio and to Allison Marks, Arcona's spa director, New York Fashion Week contributor (and my dear, treasured friend!) Allison introduced me to this line and I have used it faithfully for at least a few years and I love it. Seriously love it. I thought I'd corner Allison and ask her to share her wisdom with us!
GDSL- Hello beautiful Allison! Tell us what makes Arcona different?
AM- This entire line of products is made with pure, organic ingredients but each product is also backed by science. Inotherwords, they really work! Arcona understands the importance of putting ingredients on your skin that are good for you but also understands that its customers want to see results. These goals are perfectly understood by Arcona and our line really reflects this. We use active, cosmeceutical-grade ingredients that really pack a punch, in small batches to keep them fresh!
GDSL- What is your favorite Arcona product?
AM- I am in love with our Vitamin A and C serums. I think every woman should have these two products in their daily routine. I recommend both an AM and a PM serum under your moisturizer. Our Vitamin A Complex and Youth Serum are just amazing. They are the worker bees of the skin care line (really, all of our products are incredibly effective, especially if rotated seasonally) and they will produce results. Depending upon your skin's sensitivity, the Vitamin A should be used less frequently than the Vitamin C (which can be used everyday under your daily hydrator)
GDSL- What do you think is the most important thing a woman can do for her skin?
AM- I think there are a few things. First and foremost, wear sunscreen. It really is so important to protect your skin from future damage. Especially if you are treating your skin with these wonderful products, you want to make sure that you aren't canceling out that effort with sun damage. Reozone 40 is Arcona's tinted, oil-free sunscreen and it is literally amazing. So good for your skin. Also, make sure you completely remove your make-up at night before you go to sleep. Itβs a hassle when you are tired, I know, but it will allow these products to really work while you sleep. Finally, your Mom probably told you this, but get a good night's rest. Even if you can't get 8 hours (Editor's note: who can?) try to get as much as you can. Your face will love you!
GDSL- If a person wanted to jump right into the Arcona System, what would you recommend?
AM- Our Basic Five Regimen is the perfect place to start.
It is customized to your skin type and it includes in the AM: exfoliate/cleanse, hydrate, protect and in the PM: cleanse/tone and regenerate. You can add other products to this but these really give you a solid skin care foundation to build from.
Thank you so much beautiful Allison! Go check out these and other products at www.arcona.com or email Allison with any questions at allison@arcona.com. Happy day all and thanks so much for stopping by! xo Michelle
PS- I love the gommage scrubs (like grainy little pieces of sand, scrubbing away all of the bad stuff!) and the face masks (I use the scrubs and the masks in the shower each morning --Raspberry Resurfacing and Tea Tree are my favs--and I rotate through them ... oh my gosh! Does my husband just luuuvv all of the tubes and jars "we" have in the shower! :)) I just wear lotion and sunscreen on my face and I'm telling you! These products keep my face glowing! ... If anyone has any questions about what I use or what works- just ask!