Let The Ocean Heal You

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Home Remedies For Sunburn

Sunburn is misery.

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

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

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.

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.

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 

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.



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!

This list came from Everything But Water

Weddings In Venice

Last year when I was in Italy leading the Corinna B's World Glam Italia Tour we spent a day in Venice.

Venice never, ever disappoints

I always think you need at least a week in Venice, but there was only time for one day. I would like to stay there for a month but I can never find a spare month to run away in.

While we were there we spotted two weddings happening.
Venice would be a very romantic place to get married, don't you think?

 We loved the bride's dress.

The guests were very chic. I loved this lady's white dress. Perfect with the beige jacket and nude heels

We were wondering if the veil was old or new?
It was just beautiful.

I also loved the short celery trench coat on the guest/family member in the background. and those legs!

The most fun was watching these two little boys who could care less about the pomp and circumstance surrounding them.
They were doing some good running and jumping instead.

A few minutes later we sat on the steps of another church eating lunch, when along came another wedding. They just swung by for photos though.
They looked so sweet and lovely, just the two of them on their destination wedding in Venice.

I would love to go out there and do some weddings...

I loved these two. They escaped the rain, taking shelter under the walkway along the Doges palace. All glamorous in a long dress and a suit, and made use of their free time with a little canoodling.
Perfect.

How To Do Perfect Makeup For Summer ~ Beauty Tip Of The Week #17

Have you noticed that in summer your makeup doesn't look quite so good? 
Maybe your foundation looks super slimy or maybe it looks too dry, your eye shadow turns into greasy pools in the creases of your eyelids, nothing stays where its supposed to, and you look nothing like the fresh faced models in the magazines?

Here are 6 tricks to make your summer makeup work

1. Less is absolutely more in the summer.
The biggest mistake you can make is piling on too much makeup. Summer is all about looking fresh faced and healthy, which doesn't work when you're wearing mask-like makeup.
Aim for a gorgeous complexion. Start with a lighter weight moisturizer, next apply a dry finish facial SPF, and finally a really good primer to even out the texture of your skin. 
If you need some help evening out your color, opt for a BB cream rather than a foundation.

2. Down play your eyes.
Big smokey, bold eye makeup looks stupid in the summer time. Choose a lighter, more nude look, and accent it with loads of mascara. To avoid smudgy mascara use a water resistant formula, and only ever use waterproof mascara if you're planning on swimming or sobbing - waterproofs are so damaging to your lashes and can be difficult to remove.

3. Go easy on the bronzer.
Find a formulation that works with both your skin and your climate (pressed powder/cream/liquid), and then apply it where the sun would kiss your face if you were out and about all afternoon.
Bronzer does not take the place of blush, and regardless of what the you tubers tell you, it is not for contouring with.
Don't make the mistake of trying to color your face in with bronzer - you will look muddy, not tanned.

4. Accent your brows.
Use your brows to add a little structure and polish to your look.
Without going overboard, (as in don't do the brows you see all over Instagram) give your brows a little definition and a hint of color with a waterproof/water resistant brow product. It will frame your eyes and keep your look nicely balanced.

5. Focus on the lip
Add a pop of color to your look with a bright summer lip. If your overall look is glowy try wearing a bold matte lip. If your skin is looking a little dry, liven your look up with a fun colorful gloss.

6. A little highlight goes a long way.
If you are transitioning from day to night, or if your look feels a little flat, adding a tiny amount of highlight to your upper cheek bones, under the eye if your eyes look tired, maybe a hint to the bridge of your nose if you need it, can lighten and brighten your complexion.
Just don't overdo it. There's a big difference between brightening your look and making yourself look glittery-shiny.