All About The Pretty

Estee Lauder Summer Bronze Goddess Collection

Estee Lauder Summer Bronze Goddess Collection is rich with deep bronze shimmer goodness.  Let’s start with the EauFraiche Skinscent.  It has the summer, summer, summertime feeling in every spritz.  I  have been liberally applying it as a precursor to my weekends.  I wish it came in a roller ball as well which would make it perfect for a beach bag.  (EL I hope this is a good hint) 

The collection also includes the Sand and Sea EyeShadow Palette, Aqua Teal Duo Tone Eye Pencil, Pure Color Gloss Stick in Pop Pink, Wild Plum, Nude Almond, and Orange Poppy.  A highlight of the collection is the Luminous Liquid Bronzer.  It’s no secret that I love to be bronze and with this I add just a drop in my daily moisturizer.  The bronze perfection of my skin is amazing. 

MAC Cosmetics Naked Honey Collection

Where has MAC Honey Salve been all my life.  I've been waiting on such a product as this and oh my goodness how delicious this is.  My only problem with this is that I need a huge tub of this salve.  The tin is perfect for travel (you know me I’m always thinking of a getaway).  MAC, I need you to make something bigger and larger.  Plus, this is a solid product and I don’t have to worry about the clear plastic bag.  The collection is definitely - HOT!  Here's what's happening in the rest of the collection.

Lipglass

• She's A Star Light Neutral Gold
• Queen Bee Mid-Tone Apricot W/ Multi-Dimensional Pearl
• Buzz Dark Copper Brown W/ Multi-Dimensional Pearl

Eye Shadow

• Creme de Miel Frosty Light Yellow Gold
• Pollinator Mid-Tone Warm Reddened Peach W/ Pearl
• Buckwheat Dark Copper Brown W/ Multi-Dimensional Pearl

Other Phenomenal Products in the Lineup

• High-Light Powder
• Naked Honey Skin Salve (My Absolute Favorite)
• Naked Honey Hand And Body Cream
• Naked Honey Body Wash
• Creations: Naked Honey
• Creations: Africanimal

One&Only Red Nail Polish

I love this One&Only Red Nail Polish created by uber pedicurist podiatrist Bastien Gonzalez.  This color makes me want to completely change my current hotel reservations in Cape Town for next years' World Cup.  I have my travel agent working on switching as I type this. 

This color can only be purchased through the resort and I'm in love at the exclusivity of it all.  The color was created by butter LONDON.  I have loved every butter LONDON color that I have ever tried and I can't wait to add this one to the rotation.

Julia's Beach Bag Beauty: Week 1

I'm finally home for this first weekend of June. It's been so nice and despite the rain the sun has appeared.  I decided to start a summer series based on my love of the beach.  Here you will find what I love about summer, sand, and the beach and a few of the very pretty things that make my summer hot!

The LL Bean Zip Top Boat & Tote.  My favorite color is the deep fuchsia and I love how you can pack this bag with so much stuff.  I love the monogram and it makes a perfect gift for a wedding party - all you have to do is add goodies.

Beach Bag Beauty:

True Blue Spa - 29 and Holding SPF 29 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Lotion.  Every beach bag will have a sunscreen.  Why? Should you ask? Everyone needs to wear sunscreen to protect them from the sun's harmful rays.  Yes, the sun does give us Vitamin D, but if you are like me and when you hit the beach you are out there for a few hours you need sunscreen.  Enough said.

Borghese Radiante Brightening Hand Creme with SPF 30.  I can't say enough about this hand creme.  Always remember that hands tell the true age.  This SPF 30 hand creme will protect your hands in the car and on the beach.

Davines Nounou Kit.  The Nounou is a life saver to beach hair.  The kit contains two different shampoos - The Dede Shampoo for moisture and The Nounou Shampoo to help your color stay.    The Nounou Pak mask with restore your beached whip hair to city girl hair quickly or until your next beach trip.

Georgia NY Boutique is On My Mind

A few weeks ago while in New York I explored a new beauty boutique wonderland on the recommendation of Mischo Beauty.  I don't mean just another beauty boutique.  This is the beauty boutique that I would create if I opened a boutique.  As a shopper I always shop high and low.  I go from Bergdorf, Neimans, and Saks to Duane Reade, CVS, Right Aid and Walgreens.  Georgia NY Boutique encompasses them all.  The store carries Davines, Jane Carter Hair Solution,Tocca (in love with all their candles), Mane & Tail, Mizani and many more. 

They also carry another favorite item - beautiful and exquisite lingerie which adds to making me feel like a lady.  It was created by two lovely women and how they wanted to shop.  Now, Georgia is bringing their concept to the masses.  Georgia might carry other lines, but it's there in house line that is surely not to be missed.  A wonderful grapefruit body wash is just the summer pickup me up after a challenging morning yoga practice, but it's the Luxury Skin Cream that takes me beyond.  The store also has a salon so you can get a blowout and a new beauty treat.

The in store shampoo bowl in a heart shape is this beauty junkie's idea of love.

The inspiration wall of women who create and maintain the pretty was inspired by their family.

Every time I think of Georgia NY, I think of Mr. Ray Charles.  It's only fitting. 

Georgia, Georgia,
The whole day through
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind.

Zoya Matte Velvet Nail Polish - Fall 2009

When this photo came in my mailbox the only thing I could do is drool. I'm happy that summer is here, but love the anticipation of wearing these in a few months.

Zoya Fall 2009 - Truth or Dare Collection

Zoya's Fall 2009 Collection Truth or Dare collection brought thoughts of Madonna and her documentary of the same name.  I am not big on playing truth or dare because I've learned that the truth can hurt - big time.  Until then I will stick with the beauty of not having to decide such crazy questions - but focus on what color I'm daring to wear this fall. The collection will be available July 16 here.

Zoya Truth Collection - Classic

 

Penny - copper gold metallic

Kalmia - rose copper metallic

Salma - scarlet red metallic

Isla - venetian red metallic

Anaka - fuchsia metallic glimmer

Drew - mauve rose metallic

Zoya Dare Collection - Edgy and Dark

Vanessa - blue red cream

Ciara - burgundy plum cream

Demi - purple auve cream

Pinta - inky violet cream

Envy - gleaming Jade green

Ibiza - gleaming Sapphire blue with shimmer

*To compliment the look, there will also be six glossy lip balms from Zoya Hot Lips.              

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Bobbi Brown's Illuminating Bronze Collection

I had to check my computer screen numerous times when I saw Bobbi's Illuminating Bronze Collection.  Then I saw the collection in person.  I was hooked.  I mean the type of hooked that started planning trips to the beach, pool, and the lake just so I can use the Shimmer Brick for Body. 

It's no secret that I love Bobbi's Shimmer Brick (please bring back Brownie - please, please, please).  But when I took the brush and applied it on my arm it was as if heaven sent this shimmer love down for me. 

• Limited-edition Shimmer Brick for Body
• Limited-edition All Over Body Brush
• Illuminating Bronzing Powder
• All Over Bronzing Gel SPF 15 in Golden Sun – a gel-based bronzer

Nubar Parisian Collection Nail Color for Summer 2009

I am not going to make it to Paris this summer.  I've come to the conclusion that I really need to figure out a way to live there part of the year.  This desire has not left since I first visited and it's getting worse.  I need the markets, the pate, the slower pace, the wine, the saucisson, and my beauty fix.  Until then, I will use Nubar's Parisian Collection for Summer to satiate my situation. 

The colors remind of Laduree and their famous macaroons.  It's the perfect collection to wear as you stroll the Seine, promenade down Rue du Faubourgr, and perhaps catch a glimpse of Karl Lagerfeld as Erika and I did last October. 

I have my eye on Notre Dame Nude, La Seine Shimmer, and Eiffel Tower Sparkle.  All I know is that December I return home, but it is not getting here fast enough.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and joie de vivre filled weekend.  One of the phenomenal people on Twitter I follow asked the question "What inspires and moves you?"  I couldn't help but reply with the following below.  I hope you find something to inspire you this weekend.  A bientot!

1. Family
2. Beauty
3. Travel
4. Food
5. Wine
6. Magazines
7. Books
8. The arts
9. People
10. Kindness
11. Authenticity
12. Passion

Carol's Daughter Gelee de Soleil SPF 15 Browning Oil

I'm home this weekend and it's so nice to catch up with friends and family. It's a short jaunt, but jammed pack with things to do.  I plan to place a huge delivery order from Central Market and have of all that Southern goodness of things I can't get shipped to DC.  It's been margarita sipping, delicious cheap Tex-Mex, spicy crawfish, and real BBQ.  Oh yeah, hanging out with family and friends is great.  But, lord do I miss the food and southern hospitality. 

What I didn't leave behind is my Carol's Daughter Gelee Browning Oil.  This oil is all I need to protect my skin from the sun's rays. I use it over a higher SPF and my skin turns out such a luscious shade of brown gorgeousness.  I have a crawfish boil outside later today where I will wear my big floppy happy and lots of gelee.  Have a safe, happy, sun-protected, and gelee-filled Memorial Day.

Laissez les bontemps roulez.  (Let the good times roll and that's what I'm doing).  Summer is here - Mwah!

China Glaze Kicks Nail Color Collection

I am a product of the 80s - big hair, big bands, and bright colors. I am so happy to see bright nail colors that I have to remind myself of what kind of day job I have.  I usually do a week of brights, a week of neutrals, and so forth.  When I saw the China Glaze Kicks Collection I knew every color was hot.  I decided to cull together my top three colors.  It was so hard, but did it. 

Sneakerhead- this lovely hot fuchsia pink is what I had on my toes for the beach.

Breakin' - who wouldn't love this delicious sunny color.  I envision an all white ensemble, gold flats, diamond studs, and a straw bag as I tool around Georgetown shopping and eating.  (Tool=walking around in Southern speak)

Paper Chasing- is the color that has replaced CG's Turned Up Turquoise which I wore out last year.  This bright green color makes me want to sit outside and sip a mojito. 

You want these summer colors on your hands and toes ASAP.

W Hotel and Bliss Spa - Washington, DC - Bliss Hiring Spree

Bliss Spa is coming to DC.  The spa is in the soon-to-be opened W Hotel here in DC.  I just received word that Bliss is having a hiring spree Sunday, May 3-Tuesday, May 5. 

 

Here’s the information.

 

What: Bliss Spa Hiring Spree at the W Hotel Talent Center

When: Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, May 3-5, 10-6 pm each day

Where: W Hotel Talent Center, 3307 M Street NW in Georgetown (the former Staples space).  The W Talent Center, designed to look (and even smell!) exactly like the W, is the hiring center for the W Hotel, Bliss Spa and Jean-George restaurant, J&G Steakhouse, that will all be opening this summer at 515 15th Street, NW; the new W will be the closest hotel to the White House.

How: The talent team will be hiring for 30+ Bliss Spa jobs including licensed estheticians, massage therapists and nail technicians as well as guest service associates and spa attendants.  Applicants must have valid license with them for positions that require (all but spa reception); on the spot interviews will be conducted!

 

This hiring program is in addition to the 200+ jobs that the W is hiring for the hotel and restaurant, ranging from mid-level “talent coaches”, Welcome and Whatever/Whenever and several F&B positions for J&G and destination rooftop bar, wine bar,  and living room bar and banquets.  Applicants that bring significant Wow with them need apply.

Smell Delicious on a Dime: Degree’s New Fine Fragrance Collection

By Felicia C. Sullivan

Times are tough, and the fanciful lobster and crawfish dinners and dizzying shopping sprees have wisely been replaced with Food Network fare and clothing swaps. We still crave our comforts, but we’ve become clever; we’re cost-cutting artisans, getting the most mileage out of every dollar earned. We download coupons, we brown bag it, and we’ve redefined wardrobe reinvention. Make no mistake, we still love our everyday indulgences; we wouldn’t dare leave the house without our foundation, nails buffed, donning our signature scent. But mind you – the foundation comes courtesy of our local drugstore, our nails are DIY, and our fragrance, well here’s a little secret…

Degree, the brand behind fragrant, long-lasting women’s deodorant, has commissioned world-renowned fragrance expert, Ann Gottlieb – “the nose” behind the haute fragrances you’ve likely coveted at the upscale shops, to create three distinct scents (Delicious Bliss, Sexy Intrigue, and Classic Romance) for their new fine fragrance collection. Each deodorant is paired with a body mist to yield a long-lasting natural fragrance while providing the ultimate in odor protection. While we usually spend upwards of $75 a year on perfume purchases, opting for a sophisticated, yet affordable scent ($4.99!!) allows an infusion of luxury into our lives without panic-inducing checking account statements.

And I have to say that the line is delicious for the price-point. My personal favorite is the flirty Delicious Bliss, and with magnolia, jasmine, hyacinth, muguet, apple, peach, and raspberry, as top and middle notes, you’ll have the smell of rolling around the Botanical Gardens without knocking out your coworkers with that ubiquitous perfume scent. What I adore most about the collection is the fact that none of the fragrances are overpowering and you’re left with a natural, clean scent, because I’m the kind of girl who loves to smell like soap and shampoo. But don’t take my word for it, check out the line for yourself!

• Delicious Bliss

• Sexy Intrigue

• Classic Romance 

Degree has recently partnered with actress and fashion guru, Lindsay Price. Forget Lipstick Jungle (kidding!), for I loved her as Janet Sosna on vintage 90210. Believe me when I say that I nearly had to choke down my shameless adoration and rehashing of Steve/Janet/little Maddie plotlines. Lindsay was unbelievably charming, self-deprecating, and you actually believe that she got those shoes – the Fendi sandals I wanted to jack off her feet – for half off.

Me! Bath Shower Sherbet, Body Wash, and Body Icing in Papaya Nectar

Every morning before I could relax by the pool and the beach in Playa, I had to have breakfast.  I am a breakfast girl - I love breakfast. I have never understood how people skip it it. I definitely believe it sets my day on course.  I digress - sorry.  Every morning I had the sweetest papaya. 

I have always liked papaya, but never ate it every day. It was so delicious that I came back on a papaya hunt. Imagine my delight to find the Me! Bath Shower Sherbetin Papaya Nectar.  This body exfoliant is such a decadent product for my body that I had to get the body wash and body icing. 

The Me! Bath Body Icing in Papaya Nectarshould be in every beauty junkie's arsenal. I love the consistency of this icing.  It's thick enough to hydrate the skin, but it's not so heavy that you can't wear it in the spring.  Well, maybe it's summer since yesterday we were in the 90s here in DC. 

 

Space NK Spa Aroma De-Stress Shower Gel

Stressed. I am so not stressed at the moment. How can I be when I'm boarding a plan to Mexico in a few hours for a girlfriend getaway.  But, when I realized the car service will be at my house at 3:30am - well, that gave the kid something to really think about.  I love sleep.  Sleep is a high priority on my list and the thought of not going to sleep or only getting a few hours is not my thing. 

What gets me going early in the morning?  Space NK De-Stress Shower Gel.  This luxurious gel wakes me up before the java or tea.  The scent is heavenly and just a whiff of it can give me just the boost I need.  It has essential oils of rose, clary sage, jasmine & bergamot which lift my spirits and provide just the boost I need to start my day - even at 3:00am.

Au revoir.

Josie Maran Bronzing Argan Oil

My skin did a back flip of joy when I realized that Josie Maran Argan Oil, a beloved favorite of minefor over a year, now comes with a built in bronzer. Josie Maran Argan Oil has touched my bronzing heart.  Just the thought of the nourishing properties of argan with a built in bronzer for me - well I can't stand it.

I went through my last bottle of argan oil rather quickly last year.  Argan oil is a great moisturizer when applied to the ends of the hair. It repairs, heals, and corrects damage.  I want to mix this oil with water for a natural oil sheen for my hair this summer. I want this oil in my life.  Let me say it again.  I need this oil in my life.  Need in the beauty junkie sense of the word. 

Dazzle Dry Base Coat for Natural Nails

I'm speaking to my natural nail ladies.  Hear ye! Hear ye!  Dazzle Dry Base Coat has entered my life and now is my perfect base coat.  I apologize in advance if you wear tips, acrylics, and gels, but this review you can pass along to a friend.  Dazzle Dry has a complete system with a Nail Prep and a Top Coat, but the jewel of the crown is the base coat.   

It's no secret that I love to cook.  I usually have to choose between a vibrant or a sheer color because I cook so much.   If I get a manicure on Saturday - spend Sunday cooking - by Monday there's a chip even if I apply a top coat on Sunday.  I must admit with this Dazzle Dry Base Coat I didn't apply the top coat the next day and the color stayed.  My nail lady couldn't believe it when I told her.  We both agreed, it must be the base coat. 

Lippman Collection Summer Nail Colors

The Lippman Collection of summer shades are on their way to a store and/or a website near you.  The collection goes on pre-sale tomorrow and I can’t decide which color I will be applying first.  The Lippmann Collection colors contain Green Tea extracts and Biotin which strengthens nails.  Also, they are free of Formaldehyde, Toulene, and Dibutyl Phthalates - otherwise known as the big three in nail color. 

 

Call Me Irresponsible is a yummy, deep, and vibrant violet.  It was inspired by the flirty floral dresses on the runways at Diane Von Furstenberg and Badgley Mischka.  This color screams summer lunches with my girls and lots of Prosecco. 

It’s Raining Men is the other warm weather color.  This bold and vivid red screams Valentino, who is known for his signature color - red.  If you are planning a summer wardrobe of clothes please add a wardrobe of nail colors to the list.  I love being a girl!

Om Pretty: REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil

It's that time again ladies that I honor what is natural and organic as it relates to beauty (think "green").  Since yesterday was April Fools' Day I didn't want you to think something was wrong with the color. 

First up is REN's Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil.  REN, REN, wherefor art thou, REN? I have no idea why Romeo & Juliet comes to mind with this bath oil, but it just does.  It must be that the play is about love and I fell in love with an afternoon bath with this rose scented oil.  Big Girl Bath Time on Sunday was a treat for my body.  REN helped my body relax after Dave's intense yoga workshop - details below.  I was immediately transported to a relaxing place and after wards enjoyed a delicious nap which my body and mind was craving.

My friend Carol and I attended a Yoga + Chocolateworkshop this weekend with Dave Romanelli of Yeah Dave Yoga!  Yes, you read that correctly! Yoga and chocolate.  The class consisted of a regular vinyasa flow practice, but after wards Dave encouraged everyone to Live the Moment by embracing another form of meditation. The chocolates were supplied by Vosges Haut-Chocolatwhich is couture chocolate at it's best in the U.S.  Dave's new book Livin' the Moment is very evident in our time right now.  Do you remember what you did last week, last month?  This workshop was a wonderful jolt for me to remember to keep a balance. I live with email, blogging, twittering, Facebook, Linkedin, and all the other techie items out there that can throw me off balance at times. Dave helped to reinforce my motto "beauty is a lifestyle, not just a product."

 

La Mer's The Body Refiner

I have always believed that my body is a wonderland. It's healthy, it's taken me all over the world, and it's strong.  But it can always get better.  I don't mean the "I want to be stick thin" better - I mean the thought that my body needs to feel this way EVERY SINGLE DAY FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE!!!!  I had tested La Mer's The Body Refiner in Santa Fe at The Cos Bar store.  The Cos Bar is a beauty boutique in a lot of tourist destinations such as Vail, Aspen, and Atlantic City.  On my next trip to Atlantic City I will spend more time playing in this beauty boutique.  The Body Refiner is made of pure diamond powder and a lot of La Mer goodness. 

But this weekend I caved. I couldn't take it any longer. I just knew that my body needed it. All week it's been calling Julia, Oh Julia just like The Beatles.  

Alas, I tried it. "Lord, help the day!"  I applied it all over my body before getting in the shower.  Once I showered I noticed an immediate difference.  My body felt divine.  I usually apply an oil after showering, but this time I didn't.  I couldn't stop rubbing my arm.  My skin felt completely different.  I'm so glad that I bring my lunch to work because I can justify the cost.  When are they going to make something similar for the face? La Mer people are you listening?

Olay Body Wash Plus Tone Enriching Ribbons

I love browsing my local CVS when I am in desperate need of my "drugstore fix."  This happens quite often.  My latest fix are body washes.  For some reason unless I have 5 or 6 to choose from in the bath - I can't even think about having a happy shower.  Although it's been around for awhile to me it's new.  Which means it's the first time in the beauty arsenal, but definitely not the last. 

This time around Olay Body Wash Plus Tone Enriching Ribbons has given me the pick me up I need in the morning before I can get my hands on my Stumptown. What's great about this wash is that even the "manliest of men" won't be put off by by the scent.  Trust me they will never tell you, but you will find the quantity rapidly decreasing rather quickly and you realize that it is not just you using it.

Spa Week is Back - April 13-19, 2009

It's that time of year again.  Spa Weekis happening with a select number of spas and their fabulous $50 treatments.  This is a great budget-conscious way to enjoy the spa.  You may find a new hair stylist or facialist.  It's also perfect to test out a spa you've been wanting to try.  I've made my appointment now it's time for you to make yours.

Sally Hansen’s Quick Care Massaging Cuticle Treatment Pen

I have always been obsessed with my nails, but with all the pretty nail colors coming out it makes it easier to want to spend more time painting them myself.  I still go for my bi-weekly nail appointment, but I'm doing a really great job of maintaining my nails when I can't make it.  The New York Times had a recent article on how nails salons are feeling the tightening of ladies not making the weekly trek for a manicure.  I've been focusing a lot on my cuticles, which can become dry and brittle due to the weather.  On a weekly drugstore round up I came across Sally Hansen's Quick Care Massaging Cuticle Treatment Pen. It's easy, portable, and has saved my cuticles from a possible nail catastrophe. 

Barielle Beaches & Dreams Nail Polish

Barielle's Beaches & Dreams was on my hands as I packed my bags and headed to a long weekend in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.  It's part of their Sun Goddess Collection for Spring 2009 and that is definitely what I have become.  The polish is a creamy peach color that looked great on my bronzed hands.  It withheld numerous frolicks on the beach and water.  It also looked dazzling as I sipped my rum punch made with the island staple Cruzan Rum all weekend long.  I'm rested and relaxed - that is what the beach does for me.  

Valentine's Day Ideas: LaLicous Tahitian Flower Body Oil

I'm giving my love today to LaLicious Tahitian Flower Body Oil.  I didn't plan on giving it my love, but I was on the hunt for a splurge body oil to replace my daily baby oil.  I wanted to treat myself.  In walked LaLicious and it kicked that baby oil right out the bathroom for the moment.  The scent is so divine that I am taking it with me to St. Croix.  I'm going to use it as my daily moisturizer since I don't need anything heavy with 80 degree temps of sun, sand, and surf.  The next scent on my list is the Lily Mango.  LaLicious welcome to the beauty arsenal. 

Valentine's Day Ideas: Karen Neuberger Shawl Collar Double Plush Robe

I know you might be thinking a robe for Valentine's Day, but yes a robe.  I love robes, especially super thick spa-like robes.  As soon as I get out of the shower, I pat my body dry and apply an oil and a thick robe for extra moisture.  This robe is super thick and much thicker than some of the ones that I've had before. 

I also have my own personal spa day.  I love those days where I do a deep exfoliation, steam, and moisturizing treatment for the face.  My spa day also includes a relaxing bath.  Baths on a spa day are a must.  Usually I stay in my robe for a nice nap on the couch while watching The Food Network.  I have my first spa day of the year scheduled for the last weekend of the month and I'm so looking forward to it.

Canyon Ranch Elasticity Body Balm

I have never been to Canyon Ranch Spa. I know that I will get there in the next few years and when I do I will enjoy all the beauty that the spa has. I will need to go to the Canyon Ranch in Tucson first before I visit the other lcations.

To accompany me on my spa journey will be my Aunt Peepsie.  This is a woman that knows how to relax.  As busy as she is - she always makes time to rest.  I can see us walking around the spa in our robes, going to our next appointment, and embracing our mother/daughter time.  (She's just like a mother to me and my mother would be bored in the first hour).

I want to embrace all that it has to offer. Until then I will slather my body with Canyon Ranch's Elasticity Body Balm.  The balm contains camelia, almond, and sunflower oils. As I anoint my body with this balm I speak positive thoughts on visiting Canyon Ranch.  "Canyon Ranch see you soon, Canyon Ranch see you soon."

AATP Interviews Jay-Z and Carol's Daughter Founder Lisa Price

DC is still enjoying the remnants of the inauguration. The city is buzzing with activity, hope, and chatter. Everywhere you go people are talking. Speaking of talking, I was able to interview Jay-Z and Carol's Daughter founder Lisa Price during that weekend. Most of you know that my favorite Carol's Daughter scent is Almond Cookie. I can't get enough of it. Groove is a close second, but I still haven't jumped on that train just yet, but I will. CD's Browning Gelee is coming with me to St. Croix next month.  It was very surreal to meet Jay-Z, rapper and business man. His energy was infectious and you can really see that he believes in the brand and it is just not an investment.  He's also coming out with a hotel and I can't wait to stay there.  It will definitely be part of my Destination Pretty series.

Hela Spa - Chevy Chase and Ted Gibson

If you ever get the chance to visit DC the first thing you realize is how close everything is to one another. You can be in the center of DC and 15 minutes later be in Maryland or Virginia. When I heard that Ted Gibson was partnering with Hela Spa to bring his wonderful New York fabulousness to the D/M/V I couldn't wait to see the collaboration.  I was fortunate to get a tour of the new spa and the hair salon during inauguration week. I can attest for the wonderful massage and facial services, but I will say it's a great treat to now be able to hit up Neiman Marcus, Border's, J. Crew, and visit Hela.

The spa is chock-full of great products and after realizing my love of Phyto products and the PhytoSpecific in general it's great to have them at Hela. The stylist Bill worked wonders on my hair with a Phyto analysis and I left with my hair soft and shiny. I will be visiting Bill after my vacay next month because the beach always wrecks havoc on my hair.

The PhytoSpecific Moisturizing Styling Balm is now a staple in the beauty closet per Bill.  

Here's a photo of Ted and I from Spring 2009 Fashion Week in NY.  He's definitely my hair boyfriend.

 

China Glaze Spring 2009 - Romantique

China Glaze Romantique nail collection for Spring 2009 has everything I need for fabulous spring nails.  The warm color collection is great for a warm spring night in a warm place (definitely not DC right now) and the cool will work as well. While I'm looking at both collections I can feel the warm collection pulling at my heart strings.

My favorite is the color Joy.  It's a metallic mauve shimmer.  I can see wearing that color to Playa in April, sipping a margarita, reading my kindle, and relaxing before my trial this summer.