Friday, June 26, 2015

How To Do Charotte Tilbury's Miss 1975 Look ~ Makeup Tutorial

Makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury has re-created Jerry Hall's makeup look from her first Vogue cover, which was shot by legendary photographer Norman Parkinson in Montego Bay Jamaica in 1975.

Charlotte-Tilbury-Makeup-Tutorial-Jerry-Hall-Norman-Parkinson-Vogue-Cover-1975
Miss 1975 makeup look
This is the perfect, summer-sexy makeup look, that radiates light and pops off a fun, sunset red lip.

Charlotte Tilbury Looks Campaign

Start the look with Charlotte's world famous Magic Cream, and prep the lips with her Lip Care to make them soft, supple and ready to take on a sunset red lipstick.
Use Wonderglow primer to soft focus your complexion and make you look like you've been lit from within.
On the eyes start with Eyes To Mesmerize in Veruschka  then line them with Charlotte's Classic Powder Pencil in Audrey, followed by multiple coats of her gorgeous Full Fat Lashes mascara.
Create a sunkissed movie star glow with Filmstar Bronze and Glow
then finish the look with Lip Cheat pencil in Kiss and Tell  paired with Matte Revolution lipstick in 1975 Red.

Check out the video tutorial below




Charlotte Tilbury Looks Campaign

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Break For The Border ~ Down Mexico Way

We made a run for the border and didn't stop until we hit the coast.



One of the truly fantastic things about living in Arizona is being so close to the beautiful Mexican resort town of Puerto Penasco.
From Phoenix it's an easy 2 1/2 hour drive to the border followed by an hour to the coast.

I hadn't been to Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point) in years, and now I can't remember why I ever stopped going? This fishing-village-turned-resort-town is just fabulous.

The drive from the border to Sandy Beach is a straight shot on a perfectly maintained highway. Almost every car you see on the highway has either Arizona or California license plates. I was actually surprised at how many California plates we saw! Anyone who drives from Arizona to Southern California with any regularity will appreciate how bad the condition of the highway is once you cross into California, so I couldn't help but wonder if the Californians noticed how pristine the Mexican highway is?


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We have always stayed in an area called Sandy Beach, on a kid friendly stretch of the coast that is populated with gated resorts.


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Sandy Beach, Rocky Point, Mexico

The resorts are comprised of privately owned condos, all of which have balconies facing the ocean. We normally stay at the Sonoran Sun, with it's array of pools and swim up bar just steps from the beach, but this time we stayed next door at the beautiful and luxurious Bella Sirena.

Our condo was absolutely gorgeous. It was 1400 square feet, with 2 bedrooms (each of which has an ocean view) and 2 bathrooms, a huge kitchen with an open plan dining and living area. 


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the master bedroom 

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room with a view

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the living room looked out over the ocean

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the ceiling lit up at night

Beautifully decorated and fully appointed with everything you could possibly need, and with a huge patio from which the views were just breathtaking. 
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breakfast view from our patio

We ate every meal on the patio, also the loveliest spot to enjoy morning coffee and to take in the sunset with a glass of wine. 


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the sun sets over the Sea of Cortez while we watch from our balcony

Nights in Phoenix are now paralyzingly hot, so the balmy, ocean breeze filled evenings spent on the patio felt heaven sent.


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It was 113 degrees in Phoenix...

The Bella Sirena property itself is beautiful. 


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The gardens and foliage lined walkways are lovely.


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There are multiple swimming pools including one with a swim up bar, 


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hammocks to stretch out on, grassy areas and of course, it's own stretch of beach.


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The Bella Sirena offers the choice of different sized condos as well as villas with roof patios for rent.


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Villa at Bella Sirena

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beach villa at Bella Sirena

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Normally I like to rent a condo on one of the higher floors for the unimpeded view. This time we were only on the 2nd floor but still had a glorious view.

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Our mini vacation was made possible by Home and Away
Rent the condo we stayed in here

All images are from my iPhone and may not be used without my written permission.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Let The Ocean Heal You

I am a huge believer in the healing power of the ocean.

Puerto-Penasco
Puerto Penasco, Mexico



In life, when it all gets too tough, and you are separated from your tribe half a world away, the best thing you can do is make a run to the coast.

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Puerto Penasco
When the lines get blurred and you grasp for clarity, there is nothing better than diving into the blue, fighting the sea as you knife your way across the powerful current, then turn toward the horizon and swim as hard and as fast and as far as you can. Somewhere beyond the boundaries of where you have a right to be, when your lungs are on fire and your heart pounds so hard you think it will explode, your body just stops and won't let you swim any more.

You flip onto your back, look up at the sky and tell yourself you are floating on top of her, but then you understand that's not quite true. The ocean is holding you up, rocking you in her swell. 
As clarity sets in you begin to know your backbone is straight because you choose to hold it that way. 
You realize just how powerful your thighs are, you appreciate the breadth and strength of your shoulders. 
For a half hour you tread water, far far out in the deep, just because you can. 
Then with life's contemplation complete for today at least, you take the easy route and let her guide you back to shore, floating more than swimming. 
And you emerge back onto the beach knowing "I got this".

Sometimes you just have to find your wave and ride it.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Just One Thing

Just One Thing.

I am so over the makeup that I see everywhere these days.
Everywhere as in America - I'm not seeing it on my travels.
But you know what I'm talking about. Heavy opaque foundation that kills any potential for real skin to breathe, plastered on thick so that girls can contour themselves like drag queens.
Heavy overdone eyebrows, plastered on over heavy eye makeup. It's as though everyone wants to be Kardashi-bots even if they're just running to the store for milk.

I prefer to see real skin. Healthy, radiant, well cared for skin. It makes you think there is a real human underneath.

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I like cheeks that glow as if kissed by the sun.
And right now I like to see just one thing.

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Be it a firm brow or a bold lip. Maybe a sleek eye.

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Creating a bare look that holds focus on just one thing is so fresh and powerful and modern.

Sunday, June 21, 2015

Home Remedies For Sunburn

Sunburn is misery.

Sunburn-Remedies

The only thing worse than you getting sunburned on vacation is your child getting sunburned on vacation. 

Sunburn Remedies
Can you even imagine how badly this must have hurt??

If you are heading to the sunshine this summer make sure you bring along some of the following items for a quick homemade sunburn remedy:

1. Cucumber

grated-cucumber
image via eatandrelish.com

Cucumbers provide instant relief to skin that is sun scorched, not just because they feel cooling but also because their antioxidant and analgesic properties promote healing great relief from discomfort.
Keep cucumbers in the fridge, and should you get sunburned or windburned, or even if your face just feels parched after a day at the beach, grate them and then smooth onto the affected area, leaving it to soak into the skin.
For a really bad burn liquefy the cucumbers in a blender and then make into a paste with cornstarch and aloe, apply to the area and leave it for as long as you can.

2. Plain, Live Cultured Yogurt.

Sunburn-Remedies-Yogurt

It must be plain, non flavored yogurt, not vanilla yogurt. Plain, live cultured yogurt is full of probiotics and enzymes that help heal the skin.
Apply a liberal coating to the affected area, leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes - it will feel wonderful and cooling. Then gently rinse it off with tepid to cool water.

3. Vinegar.

Sunburn-Remedy-Apple-Cider-Vinegar
image via cosmopolitan.com

People swear by this remedy, especially when using unfiltered apple cider vinegar.
Use about a cup of apple cider vinegar and a spray bottle. Have a cool shower first (avoid soaps as they will dry the skin out, making it worse), air dry or pat dry, and then spritz liberally with the apple cider vinegar.

4. Witch Hazel 

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Witch Hazel contains tannins which when applies directly to the skin reduce swelling, help repair damaged skin and ward off bacteria.
Soak cotton balls or gauze in witch hazel and gently apply to the burned area.

5. Aloe

Aloe-Plant-Sunburn-Remedy

The aloe plant is famous for its healing properties and for its ability to take the redness and the sting out of sunburn. Slice fat, juicy leaves along the middle, open them up and press them to the skin.
If you don't have fresh aloe, use an aloe gel and apply it liberally.

6. Baking Soda

Baking-Soda-Sunburn-Remedy

Baking soda can take out redness and diminish the pain of sunburn.
Either add some cool water and make it into a paste to apply to the area, or poor a cup of baking soda into a cool to tepid bath, and soak in it for as long as you can.

7. Oatmeal.

Oatmeal-Sunburn-Remedy

Oddly enough oatmeal is another great aid for troubled skin. 
Put 2 cups of any plain rolled oats into a tube sock, tying off the end. Add this to a cool or tepid bath, allowing it to soak for a few minutes, then squeezing it out. Repeat this a few times until the water looks cloudy, then soak in it for as long as you can. The polysaccharides in oatmeal will coat the skin, helping it heal.
Don't do a cold bath, as cold will close the pores and hold the heat in. Find a temperature that you can tolerate, somewhere between tepid and cool.
Don't stay in the bath too long as this will dry the skin out.

8. Potatoes

image via natashaskitchen.com

Potatoes are known to be pain relievers and work wonderfully on everything from insect bites to scratches to burns.
Wash the potatoes really well and then either grate them into a bowl or slice them and put them in the blender to liquefy them more. You don't need to peel them first. If necessary add a little cool water.
Apply grated raw potato to the skin, or if you've blended and added water, soak cotton balls or gauze in the mixture and lay on the skin.

9. Drink as much water as you can and stay out of the sun until your skin is healed. Avoid soaps and bubble baths as they will dry your skin out too much.
Make sure you apply full sun block and use hats, sunglasses and full cover lightweight fabrics to keep the sun off your skin.

Thursday, June 18, 2015

8 Random Things You Should Pack When You Travel

We all remember the usual things to pack when we travel - sunscreen, flipflops, a spare sweater. But what about the random things? From wardrobe malfunctions to luggage malfunctions to unexpected (and lengthy) airport layovers, check out these 8 items you would wish you had thought to bring with you.

8 Random Things You Should Pack When You Travel.

Unusual-Things-To-Pack-When-You-Travel



A Small Power Strip
A small, lightweight power strip can be a lifesaver when you need to charge multiple devices during airport layovers. Especially the unexpected, multiple hour layovers that sneak up on you at O'Hare.
There is nothing quite like finding your phone battery and laptop/tablet are now in the red and every power socket is already being used.
No one minds if you pull out a mini power strip and co-opt the power socket they are using. 
Stateside a power strip can be really useful in hotel rooms and vacation rentals to power up multiple devices/hairdryer/curling irons etc at once, but be careful in Europe where you can power down an entire apartment by having to many electrical happening at once.
Try the Belkin 3-Outlet Mini Travel Swivel Charger Surge Protector with Dual USB Ports, 5 Charging Outlets Total (1 AMP / 5 Watt)

Duct Tape
Whether you are using it to lift lint or animal hair from your clothes or repairing exploding luggage like MacGuyver, it doesn't hurt to have a small roll of duct tape on hand.

Baby Wipes
Always have travel packs of baby wipes in your carry-on. Whether you are cleaning down the tray table in your airplane seat, cleaning your hands or having to do variations on a mini wash, baby wipes are a life saver.
Try La Fresh Travel Lite Baby Wipes

A Scarf
Scarves are good all rounders. From extra warmth on planes to makeshift pillows scarves are endlessly useful. In many countries you can't enter places of worship (temples, cathedrals, village churches ) with bare shoulders or short skirts. A scarf takes up no room in your day bag and can double up as head cover, shoulder cover, even a makeshift skirt.
If you've accidentally had too much sun, and have sunburnt shoulder or neck, a lightweight scarf can block more burn and save an otherwise ruined day.
Try this Modal Silk Blend Scarf from Nordstrom.com

Tote Bag 
A canvas or cotton tote bag can be incredibly handy to have around. In plenty of countries you will be charged for grocery bags, so you may want to bring your own bag. It can double up as a carry on bag for your return flight if you have over-shopped. It can be a picnic bag, work as a beach bag or even be a chic and useful bag to take to local farmers' markets.
Try this Tom's "One For One" Cotton Blend Tote from Nordtrom.com

Travel Water Bottle
Outside of America there's not a McDonald's on every corner, and disposable plastic water bottles are often frowned upon. Be environmentally friendly with a travel water bottle.
While you are en route to your destination use it to pack breakable items 
Try Mandukas's 25oz Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Safety Pins
From being an instant fix for wardrobe malfunctions such as broken zippers and popped buttons, to fastening hems; secure pant legs when walking through water (hello aqua alta in Venice!). A safety pin clasping zippers of your day pack together can be a deterrent to pickpockets, and you can even slip a safety pin into the seam of you slip or hem of a skirt or dress that has static cling - the metal has repelling properties.

Wisps
Food in your teeth, or mossy looking teeth are always unattractive. Keep your pertly whites sparkling and fresh while you are on your day trip or when you are stuck in an airport with these breath freshening, disposable toothbrushes that need no water.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

How To Choose The Perfect Swimsuit

Have you bought your new summer bikinis or swimsuits yet?
I haven't.
To make it worse trying to balance a super heavy work load with taking care of a chronically ill child has meant racing from one directly to the other, so I haven't been able to work out for 3 months, which means I'm starting summer in my worst shape ever. Ever.

So, as I venture bravely into the swimsuit store I need every trick under the sun to help me find something new to wear on the beach.
This year I'm more in the mood for a maillot. But I've said that many years and ended up buying bikinis, so who knows?




Tips-For-Buying-A-Swimsuit

How To Choose The Perfect Swimsuit (or bikini)


1. The best swimsuit fit is snug, with no gaping fabric.
Swimsuits do expand when wet, so if in doubt go a little smaller.

2. Show off your best assets with colors, prints and embellishments.
Downplay your other bits with solid, darker colors.

3. Shirring works magic! It hides bulges, hugs curves and defines the waist.

4. For extra boobie support look for underwire, bra style tops and halters with thicker ties. When tying your top, go tighter.

5. Tops fit when they cover your breast without it bulging under the underwire, or molded cup, or near the underarm.

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6. Monokinis, padded push up tops, Brazilian bottoms and embellishments like ruffles and bold colors create the illusion of curves.

7. To avoid tummy bulge look for tie side or banded bottoms. Both lie softly on the tummy. In a one piece look for surplus wraps and princess seams.

8. Asymmetrical silhouettes narrow the shoulders and highlight the beautiful line from a woman's neck to her collarbone. Pair it with a ponytail for a sleek look.

9. Create the illusion of legs thaat never end with high-cut, dark colored bottoms and a pair of wedge sandals. Use bronzer on your legs for a sculpted, even tone.

10.  Choose a swimsuit that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Try on several styles and don't become discouraged!


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This list came from Everything But Water