Jasmine Tea

Hi My Darlings! 

May today's blog find you endoused in Happiness, Health and Love! Sometimes we need a quiet moment from the constant errands & busy life we lead. Our responsibilities are never ending. Work, Laundry, Cooking, Food Shopping, The kids on and on and on .....UGH.  When I need a moment of silence in my own head I make myself a nice hot tea.

 Green Tea with Jasmine :)

 My obsession for years, Jasmine tea adds a nice flavor and beautiful aroma to green tea. I enjoy it most with food, the jasmine brings out the flavor of my meal. The best part is it has 0 Calories, is full of Antioxidants which works towards fighting disease and help slow down the aging process in our skin. It also helps when dieting, Which soothes my stomach not making me as hungry.

An old friend of mine, Chimei ( pronounced Shimay) once taught me "One should never rush having tea." "One should stop -look- listen- smell- and taste what the tea has to offer." Wise woman, the beautiful things we learn from good friends. 29 yrs later I appreciate her tactic more than ever.  That's the beauty of getting older, I'm noticing the little things more each day.and enjoying them :)

I like to put the bag in a tea pot - 1 bag is potent enough to make 4 cups of tea.

I wait about 2 minutes for the tea bag to soak. That way the full flavor can be acquired and the beads in the tea bag can expand to it's potential.

I almost forgot! If you buy the jasmine tea at one The Coffee Bean Shops you get a free cup of any tea. They have an assortment of delicious flavors. So don't forget to ask :)

P.S click on the select button then click on 20 Tea Bags otherwise you will end up ordering the loose tea.

http://www.coffeebean.com/jasmine-dragon-phoenix-pearl-tea/d/1151_c_200_cl_465

Bronzer Blush and Brush

Hello My Beautiful Friends! 

Wednesday is here -Is it me or is the month of May flying by? I feel like it is LOL!

As you read this blog I hope it finds you Rejuvenated! Refreshed! Fantabulous and Feeling Fulfilled!

I was walking by a Family Dollar and decided to check out the goods. I love bargains! Anyway, so I had forgotten about this Bronzer by NYC for $2.15 at Family Dollar! Yes you read right, a whole $2.15! I grabbed it then I totally remembered my favorite drug store combo with this. Now I am going to share it.

This Bronzer has a Matte finish to it which is perfect for the blush I combine it with. Shimmer on top of Shimmer isn't good for any woman at any age. I always use matte bronzer then combine with a shimmery blush. I use the color 720 (Sunny). This to me is just as beautiful as the NARS Laguna Bronzer which is $40 a pop.

Nyc-smooth-skin-bronzing-powder-sunny - buy it here

Sonia Kashuk has been a favorite of many makeup artists that I know & Love.  This angled brush is perfect for applying bronzer. Good looking makeup begins with good brushes.

I don't use the same brushes for bronzer and blush. It's more flattering to separate the colors, and I can control how much of either I am putting on my face. 

As My Fabulous Friend KOKO from MAC used to tell me back in

 '97.

"Girl the key is to BLEND BLEND BLEND" I never forgot her/his advise. 

I Pick up some product with my brush (a light hand) TAP the brush to get the excess powder off then I apply. And Blend Blend Blend  KOKO style :)

Sonia Kashuk At Target

Another Oldie But Good is The Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso. After I blended my bronzer - I apply Luminoso lightly on top of my cheek bones.  I don't make that smiley face and apply on the apples of my cheeks.  I like to sweep it on top of the Bronzer.  It makes the face look defined not blush scattered all over the face. This is a beautiful color for the warmer days coming up. You can find Milani at any CVS, Duane Reade, Walgreen's.



Milani Luminoso Baked Blush At Walgreens - buy it here

This blush brush is a beautiful choice feels so soft on the skin. I like the No. 16 because sometimes I have a heavy hand ESP. when I am in a rush this is perfect it controls that.

Sonia Kashuk At Target

Super Easy Hair Removal done at Home

Happy Monday My Darlings!

Wishing beautiful things for all who read this. May you be blessed with Happiness, A Peace of Mind and Happy and Productive Day.

Spring Time is here! You know what that means Summer is around the corner.

On a sunny day in April I decided to go out and enjoy the weather -run some errands.

As I walked down the street and looked down AHHHH! YIKES!

Omg It was there...my legs had hair on them. In the winter I get lazy yes it happens who feels like shaving their damn legs when all we wear are winter clothes. Hell if there is one thing that drove me crazy is to shave every 4 days. I hate it to be honest.

But now as the weather gets warmer, the layers of clothing are become less and less. 

Here is what I use in the warmer weather days to come. Nair Brazilian Spa Clay.

I have to say this has been the easiest way of hair removal I can do both of my entire legs and in 2-3 minutes. I just jump in the shower and Poof no more hairy legs! YAY!

* TIPS Read the instructions before using.  Please don't leave it on for more than 2-3 minutes this stuff is strong and your skin can get irritated - please pay attention to timing it.  If you decide to use it as a bikini hair removal don't go crazy and apply it everywhere ( like inside your V area section) just because it says BRAZILIAN on the bottle. LOL! The front part of your bikini line is fine.  Leave that part for last after you have applied both legs for about 1 minute. No more than that.

Here is the link to Target:

http://www.target.com/p/nair-nourish-shower-power-hair-removal-lotion-13-0oz/-/A-13969190

Before I begin my ritual I always make sure to use Latex gloves. My reason is because its easier to apply the spa clay all over my legs in an even manner.  Making this pain in the butt production easier, AND less messy. I always use my gloves also since it leaves a weird slippery, waxy feel to my hands, making it safer when I get in the shower. I hate the texture of it on my bare hands. You prob will too.  Latex gloves are easy to find every where even in a 99cent store.  

I won't lie- I don't use the sponge it comes with- it becomes limp and slippery. I recommend using a small wash cloth. It's faster to get the product off and once again less messy. I get these at Walmart 18 washcloths for like $4 bucks Or I just run over to the 99. Cent store. These are cheap and work well since the fabric is a bit coarser. Save your self the hassle and don't ruin your nice towels. LOL.

Here is the link at Walmart:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-18-Pack-Washcloth-Collection/16610932

I found this pic from last summer and this very day I had used the Spa Clay- you ask how I remember? Because I felt confident enough to wear this short jumpsuit. Not one hair all gone. Don't forget to put some on your toes. Esp. your Big Toe. Remember we are growing older and hair is growing in unexpected places. You want a complete polished look. 

This Day before Brunch, I used the Spay Clay, then moisturized with the Ponds cream. 

 (  In my previous blog ) Leaves a nice shine to your legs and feet.

The Loofah

Happy Friday My Darlings!!!

My wishes for you today are to have a beautiful, amorous, productive, and fulfilled day :) 

Today's secret was actually my mother's daily ritual since she was a child.

Women & Men alike this one is for YOU!

A Caribbean and Latin American Favorite! The Loofah (Named La Pasta in Honduras or Mousou in The Dominican Republic). This plant comes from the cucumber family and is used as a body scrub.

I totally can't live without my loofah this makes you feel like you had a scrub down at the spa- and whats even better is you can do it in the comfort of your own shower.  Leaving your skin looking gorgeous and super smooth.

Left out in the scorching sun to dry up and peeled this is the final effect. The color reminds me of sand at the beach. It resembles a loaf of Italian Bread from a distance doesn't it? Well to make it easier we are going to pretend it is a loaf of bread! A Really hard dried up piece of bread LOL!

You can get a pair of scissors OR slice it down with a knife ( PLEASE BE CAREFUL) the way you would cut a loaf of bread.  I always make sure to cut it on a hard surface because the texture is pretty coarse.

This is what the center looks like - sometimes you will find a black seed or two don't be alarmed.

That's a good sign it's still organic and not processed.

Take your slice and cut it down the center again.

Once you cut as much as you can because of the rough texture it can be difficult - open up the loofah with your hands.

 (Again the way you would open your slice of Italian Bread to make a sandwich). This is what it should look like. This smoother side is what you will use for your body. Before using always run it under warmer water to soften the loofah. Pour body cleanser or rub your favorite soap on it. Do not scrub your skin. Use light circular motion. Round and round not up and down.

This is the inside which is where if you look closely those two black dots are seeds. Just pull them out. This side is fantastic for your feet. Again - Use a light circular hand and be careful when in the tub you don't want to slip :) Once you rinse off make your water a bit cooler to close your pores.

I know cold water??!! Do it fast and think of flawless skin- you will thank me later :)

*TIPS ~ Before you use your Loofah make sure to boil hot water and pour it on to sanitize. *When you are done bathing wash all the soap out and put it on a paper towel to dry.  This is GREAT for Men - Esp. their hands and their back where most are prone to pimples. 

Dewy and Smooth

Hello My Darlings! Thank you for coming back :)

I have to share this foundation because this right here is the BOMB!  Maybelline's FIT ME!

 Dewy + Smooth is the perfect definition of how this product works. I have been using FIT ME foundation for a few years now and this newer version is to me the ultimate answer to dull looking skin. 

The coverage is full cover - I have lots of sun spots, freckles and lots of other tragedies going on my face- BUT THIS oh yea baby! This covers it all without making me look cakey.

The color I use is 225 Medium Buff. I am Olive Skin with yellow undertone. So I've been told. 

http://www.target.com/p/maybelline-fit-me-dewy-smooth-foundation/-/A-13097306?ref=tgt_adv_XS000000&AFID=google_pla_df&CPNG=PLA_Health%2BBeauty%2BShopping&adgroup=SC_Health%2BBeauty&LID=700000001170770pgs&network=g&device=c&location=9004093&gclid=CjwKEAjwu6a5BRC53sW0w9677RcSJABoFn4sy9KEzd_hzIRsen1inwlaOUtnxqTXecCFYfP7cU1aERoCXhfw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

First I use a mild scrub before to start with a super clean canvas. I try not scrub every day because it scratches the skin's surface. I don't recommend it. I moisturize to help my skin look plump and refreshed. Don't forget to moisturize neck.  I always wash my hands before applying foundation leaving them a little moist making the foundation glide easier.

 This is before concealer and bronzer -just eyes and brows done. Now to match my face with my neck and Body. I am all about the glow. I will show you how. Stay tuned.

http://www.target.com/p/garnier-clean-invigorating-daily-scrub-for-normal-skin-5-fl-oz/-/A-14969784

No Botox- No Fillers. ( not yet anyways lol)

But for now- Just working with what I have at this moment and fighting the good fight.

The battle rich, poor, gay or straight are facing

AGE.

P.S.

Your wondering why my body is a different color ?

That's coming soon :)

5 Minutes of Relaxation and Pampering

Hello My Beautiful Friends and New Friends!

I hope you had a refreshing and peaceful weekend!

Step 1

 I want to share an oldie but goodie! Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser! Yes, can you believe it? This has been one of my favorite go to makeup remover that is easy on the skin, doesn't dry or make my face feel like it's been stripped. I like to put an even generous layer over my face and neck every night and leave it on for about 2 minutes. Why? Because your body heat will make the cream melt and absorb into your pores making it easier to dig up any makeup and dirt. Sit for those two minutes unwind- close your eyes, take a few deep breaths. Grab a tissue or two and wipe off lightly in upward strokes. Go easy- Remember your face is yours to keep.  Afterwards wash face. I love that it's affordable about $5.00- the larger one is about $8.00 dollars. 

Step 2

After I wash off the cold cream cleanser, and pat my face dry - I follow up with the amazing and luxurious Pond's Dry Skin Cream. I love this stuff! This cream is rich and thick which helps my hydrated skin so much!  Apply a thin layer starting from your chest area - concentrate on your cleavage. Going up to your collarbone, neck, and face (in upward strokes- we are going against gravity teach your daughters, they will thank you later). Any residue I end up using it all over my hands ( another dead give away on how old a woman is ) and elbows.

Remember your neck gives away age -please make sure to apply your day cream all over neck as well in the AM whether you decide on makeup or not. 

Now - Wait a few minutes before you hit the sheets so your skin can drink up this good stuff. In the AM you will feel like butter! 

I usually buy mine at target - here is the link:

http://www.target.com/p/pond-s-dry-skin-cream-6-5-oz/-/A-10993800

Who I am

One day I woke up and it was there- staring right back at me. My age. It had creeped up on me like a stalker in the night ( yes a stalker! that's another long story years ago lol). It came at me with silence, and all the challenges behind it - some I wasn't ready to face.  My waist was no longer, My weight up and down, a number 11 stamped between my forehead. My hair thinning out. My skin changing, dryness, ashy skin, sun spots and age spots lurking like a thief in the night stealing me of my youth. 

Devastating challenges that come whether you want them or not. You can't run from age.  Trust me I ran from it once, tried to anyway -when I turned 40. I got on a plane to Miami to hide under my best friend's covers. Hoping it would go away- Only to come back to NYC and face the reality of birthdays to come... Years later I still can't run away -But my solution lately is to learn to run along side it gracefully!

Here is my reason for starting this blog. To be as honest and normal as I possibly can about the years coming at us and riding out those tsunami waves together. I won't knock others but in my experience sometimes I didn't feel the connection when I searched - the OH WOW! The relief of something - Anything in common! Sometimes they were too young OR mature. Some wanted you to spend hundreds of dollars on that serum because behind it all they work at a Dermatologist or Plastic surgery office. I end up feeling left out, disappointed and pissed that it was all a marketing plan and they weren't really looking out for me and my endless search for the fountain of youth. Others made a certain look seem easy when really it was a production and I don't have 2 hours to spend on my face. 

We are living the midlife. We aren't neither young or mature yet. We are lost and being pulled in a tug of war. The struggle is real! LOL!

 I want to blog about real topics- not pretending to be doll perfect and give out advise like I am doing you a favor.  Not who I am-  I want to grow with you- like friends do when they share new found secrets. Anyone who knows me can tell you I have always loved to help my friends when it came to applying makeup ( the little bit I learned on my own) and beauty secrets that have worked for me. I am that friend that won't let you go out on the town without sitting you down first and doing your makeup or telling you whether that top your not sure about compliments you. It's just who I have always been.

 I truly have loved sharing my new founds, and secrets within my circle. Why not make it bigger and reach out to you beautiful souls I may not see or speak to every day?

Today I welcome you with open arms- new friends and old ones alike :) 

Our Ultimate and Inspiring Goal~ To feel like a Goddess, Look like one from the Inside of our Core being All the way to The Outside- Shining, illuminating,Fulfilled, Fascinating and Fierce! 

Together we can and will :)

Love & Happiness!

Anais