Spring & Summer Must Haves!

I get a lot of questions about certain products around this time of year, so in order to give some good suggestions/reviews, I'm FORCED to go out and by them (I know, as if I wouldn't buy them anyway).

First product we'll review are self tanners.  Now that we're past the pasty-white look we had to bear through winter, self tanning is a must before you even get into a bikini and get out into the real rays.  I've been using Neutrogena Micro-Mist Sunless Tan for years.  It gives you just enough color and depending on how much you use, you can create your own shade.  The only downside to it is that when you spray it, you have to put a towel down and make sure you're not hitting any walls or doors with the spray (it's sticky and stains).  Other than that, its quick, simple, and doesn't make you look orange.  You can find it at any drugstore for around $8-$12.

While at a routine trip to Sephora, I stumbled along some other products that had some good reviews.  There's a line they sell there called St. Tropez.  They have all different types, spray, mousse, lotion...I opted to try the Self Tan Bronzing Mousse ($42) for a change.  I didn't buy the mit ($6.50), but ended up finding one at Ulta and got 2 for 1!  (Must get a mit or your hands will turn dark immediately!)  The application is really easy and you don't have to worry about it getting on anything else like the spray, which also leads me to believe that you get more of the product because you're not wasting any of it.  This particular bronzing mousse just gives you a little color (depending on how much you use), but it doesn't give you the gradual tan like one of their lotions does.  So, they recommend that you apply it a couple of times a week.  So far, I really like it, it's a good alternative if you don't want to have to go get an actual airbrush tan from a tanning salon, especially since those cost anywhere from $35-$45.  Those do seem to last longer (they say 7-10 days, I felt like it was more like 5 days). www.sephora.com



Victoria's Secret makes a good self tanner too!  Beach Sexy Self Tanning Tinted Lotion, $15 at www.victoriassecret.com.  I actually like this one better than the St. Tropez foam.  Gives you a little bit more color and smells more beachy than tanning lotion-like.  It's good for getting that color you need and if you apply it a couple of times a week, it stays on pretty well.  Plus, it doesn't come off onto things (clothes, sheets, etc.) as much as some of the others.  Definitely one I'd buy again.

Another good drugstore product that I've just started using again (Thanks to my friend Jill!), is the Jergans Natural Glow gradual tan lotion.  It has a new and improved formula where they took out the "tanning" smell.  The new smell is MUCH better and less detectable.  I bought the firming one, of course.  It's a nice, light lotion that you could even wear during the day without feeling sticky or smelly!  This is definitely going to be one of my new MUST HAVE spring/summer products!  I got it at Walgreens for $11.99 www.walgreens.com



So, depending on what you want the tanning for, whether its just to give yourself a little bit of color for the weekend, or if you have a special occasion coming up, there are many options (just make sure you immediately wash your hands after you use any of them).  I wouldn't recommend the booth spray tanning.  I've gone to those in the past and always seem to come out blotchy and noticeably orange.


Hair products...most people's hair starts to dry out once the weather gets warmer and they're

in the sun more often, plus with all of the products and heat tools we all use, a good, moisturizing shampoo helps keep the hair hydrated and repairs any damage you may already have.  I get regular Brazilian Blowout treatments, so I have to use special shampoo and conditioner to protect the treatment, while still adding moisture to my hair.  I have tried A LOT of different S&C and I absolutely LOVE the Moroccan Oil line.  They have a few different types, depending on what your hair needs (Hydration, Moisture, Repair, Volume).  It smells really good too :)  You can find the Moroccan Oil products at Stella Luca salon in Winter Park www.stellaluca.com.



Now to my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE product for spring/summer... Oribe Apres Beach Wave and LOOOOOOVE this stuff!  If you want that beachy look for summer, this is the product to use!  It gives you those beachy waves and smells delicious!!!  It's not cheap, but worth it.  The large can is 8.5 oz. for $37 and they also have a purse size which is 2.2 oz. for $17.50.  You can order it online at their web site www.oribe.com .  I promise you'll LOVE it!  If not, let me know and I'll buy the bottle from you :)
Shine Spray.



One last thing...I found a great lip gloss!  Korres Lip Gloss (yum, I tried the Cherry and it tastes like those screwballs that you used to get from the ice cream truck!).  It's a high shine color lip gloss formulated with hydrating cherry oil.  There are 10 shades in the line.  You can find it at Sephora (of course!) for $17.  I'm almost ready for my second tube!  www.sephora.com

Now go out and try these products!  And as always, let me know if you come across some great finds!  I love hearing about any and all new (or old) products!!!  Here's to a happy, tan, summer :)

Jenny's Back!

Here it is!  The new and improved Jenny From the BLOG!  Thank you, friends, for taking the time to visit my blog, and I hope to make it worth your while.  Over the past couple of months, I’ve held back on updating because I just felt like it was missing something.  So, I made the decision not to update it until I did a complete design overhaul and with that, I was able to buy a ton of new products (yes, another excuse for that) that I’m ready to review.  Again, it is my hope that I can help give you all ideas for different products.  I myself am CONSTANTLY looking for the next best thing, though some products just become staples because I can’t seem to find anything better.  You don’t have to break the bank to get good products that actually work.  Some of my favorite products EVER I can usually get almost for free with the right coupon (thank you, CVS extra bucks).  We’re all willing to spend a little more on certain things, but the BEAUTY of it, is you can usually save somewhere else.  With that said, here is a list of my newest, favorite products, my personal experience with them and where you can find them!  As always, please feel free to share with me any products that you’ve found to be the best of the best and knowing me, I’ll be out within a day or two buying them.

Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System

Okay, I had heard OVER and OVER about this thing from numerous people, to the point where it was like, “okay, this is so overrated!”  But something happened for me on Christmas Day.  Well, let’s rewind to a few weeks prior.  My sister asks me every year what I want for Christmas.  Which to me, it’s so ridiculous to TELL someone what to get for you as a gift, but that’s beside the point.  So, I usually end up with a gift card from her because she claims that I already buy everything for myself and I’m the hardest person to shop for (which is partially true).  But this year, I was actually kind of excited to tell her something specific that I wanted.  And again, I normally wouldn’t do that, but after a friend told me that they were 20 percent off on Cyber Monday, I decided to ignore that whole “telling someone what to get you theory” and told her I MUST have the Clarisonic (I even went as so far to tell her which color I wanted…I opted for the limited edition Island Coral).  I wish I would have known that you are supposed to charge it for 24-hours before it’s first use, because like a 5-year-old little girl getting a Barbie Dreamhouse and having to stare at it in the box, I was counting down the hours until I could wash my face before bed. 

The Mia is the smaller version of the original Clarisonic system.  The differences:  one-button, one-speed, a variety of colors, and $30.  There’s a technique to use when washing because once the system turns on, it runs for 60-seconds (20-seconds on forehead, 20-seconds on nose/chin, and 10-seconds on each cheek).  I’m pretty sure it won’t self-combust if you use it longer on certain areas…just saying. 

Bottom Line:  I LOVE this thing and absolutely recommend it to everyone and anyone!  Within just a couple of weeks I was getting compliments on my complexion (which never happens)!  My skin feels smoother, looks clearer and ALWAYS feels so clean!  Since one of my New Year’s resolutions was to take better care of my skin, I feel like I’ve already accomplished something!  The Mia comes with the sensitive skin brush head, but I’m thinking of trying the deep pore brush head next (and the acne one that my friend Kerri so generously gave me).  This seriously is the BEST product I’ve used in a long time and no matter what type of skin you have, you’ll benefit from it.  The Mia system is $119, which in my opinion is a STEAL!  Go to www.clarisonic.com for more information.  You can also find it at specialty beauty stores like www.sephora.com 

Beauty Sample Boxes

Other than going out and literally buying every new product you hear about (which I often do), your next best bet is to subscribe to beauty sample boxes.  There are several to choose from, all at varying prices and with a combination of all types of beauty products.  The point is, obviously, the companies that provide these beauty samples, help the companies promote their products, and hopefully acquire new customers.  And, customers get to test out products by using the samples, so they don’t have to buy a whole product they may potentially not even use…simple, and smart concept.  I did a little online research to decide which ones I wanted to subscribe to and settled on a few; ipsy, New Beauty, and Birchbox. 

Ipsy Glam Bag

I received my first sampling from ipsy, the January 2013 Glam Bag within weeks of subscribing.  I was so anxious to open it and see what was in there and couldn’t wait to try out the products.  Honestly, I was a tad bit disappointed, mostly at the cheap, plastic bag the products came in, then again by the crushed boxes the products were in.  This month’s Glam Bag included a nail polish, eyeliner brush, Josie Maran moisturizer (probably the best product in the bag), a lotion/body butter, and a hair spray sample.  Not to be harsh, but I HATED the hair spray sample, so I definitely won’t be buying that anytime soon (Sexy Hair Spray - way too hard and sticky, yuck!), and the other products were just “eh”.  Not too impressed, but for $10/month, I’ll probably keep my subscription and see what they send me in the next few months.

www.ipsy.com/theglambag

Cost: $10/month

New Beauty Test Tube

New Beauty is a magazine, which is published quarterly and is pretty much a bible for beauty product lovers.  If you've never bought a copy, but love learning about new products, PLEASE go buy this immediately!  With much excitement, I received my first Test Tube the other day and was over the moon when I saw the products they included (as well as the latest issue of the magazine).  They have, in my opinion, the BEST product sampling.  For a quarterly cost of $29.95, you get a sampling of some GREAT products, in addition to the magazine, which costs $9.95 on it’s own.  A FULL tube of facial cleanser, a FULL Tarte blush, and some great samples of eye creams, hair relaxing balm, facial cleansing wipes and a tanning glove (can’t wait to try that one).  All quality products that I will actually use!  And they include a booklet that explains each product, what they’re good for, and where you can find them…very informational.  Only drawback, you only get it quarterly.  Though if you had to choose only one, I’d choose this one (so far). 

www.newbeauty.com/testtube

Cost: $29.95/quarterly

Birchbox

So, I haven’t even received this one yet, so I’m probably giving it an unfair review, but I’ll tell you what I know about it thus far, and why I chose to subscribe to it.  Considered to be the “OG” of beauty sample boxes, this one has been around the longest and probably has the most subscribers.  I’ve heard mixed reviews from people I know who are subscribers, but I decided to try it out myself to give it a fair shot.  Apparently you get a mixture of high-end, middle market, and emerging niche brands, which I think is pretty cool.  I’ve even read that previous boxes even included some non-beauty products like granola bars and stationary!  Again, I can’t really comment on the quality or variety of the products yet, because I won’t receive it for a couple of weeks, but for $10/month, I’m willing to give this one a chance.  I promise to send an update once I receive.

www.birchbox.com

Cost: $10/month

Other beauty sample boxes out there:

Sample Society by Beautybar.com with Allure (www.beautybar.com), Cost $15/mth 

Glossybox (www.glossybox.com), Cost $21/month

BeautyArmy (www.beautyarmy.com), Cost $12/month (bonus: you get to choose from a list of products)

Total Beauty Collection (www.totalbeauty.com), Cost $15/kit (no subscription)

BEAUTYFIX (www.beautyfix.com), Cost $49.99/kit quarterly (customized to your needs)

Beauty Box 5 (www.beautybox5.com), Cost $12/month, $30/3-months, $100/year (customized to your needs)

Mattifying gels

…And the search continues.  I’m all about the fun of trying new/different products, but for ONCE, I’d like to find a mattifying product that actually works like no other.  I have spent so much time and money trying to find the best mattifying product for oily skin and I thought I had a real shot with this OC8 mattifying gel that I stumbled upon online since it claimed 8-hours of shine free wear, but no such luck.  I have REALLY oily skin, which I’m sure I won’t be complaining about when I’m older (they say people with oily skin have less wrinkles when they’re older), but for now, with living in the Florida heat, I don’t care if its January or July, I’m so sick of having to blot my t-zone!  I need the perfect mattifying gel and I still haven’t found it.  I’ve done a lot of research, searching for the best product, but none that I’ve tried have come close.  Actually, the best product I’ve used is a make up primer from Revlon (Revlon PhotoReady Perfecting Primer), which is only like $10.  But, it’s not an actual mattifyer.  So, if any of you out there know of a good one, please pass along.  Until then, the hunt continues…

I hope this information is helpful and I will continue to add new things on here and on my Facebook page (so make sure to like it, if you haven't already).  And as always, please let me in on any "must have" products that you use or know about!  

From the BLOG,

Jenny

Summer Selects

As we enter the last month of summer, I think back on the things that I wouldn't have been able to live without.  Besides water and my new found love of DanceTrance (more on that later), there are a few products that have definitely become staples in my beauty bag.

L'Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray

I apologize if I have blogged about another hairspray previously, because this is HANDS DOWN the BEST hairspray for the humid summer months.  Whether you have straight, curly or wavy hair, this hairspray is the best for all hair types.  It's micro-diffusion technology allows for a fine mist that leaves your hair shiny and provides a long-lasting hold.  The best part though is the humidity protection (we all know how important that is here in Florida).  Nothing is worse than spending time doing your hair, only to walk outside and have it ruined by the heat and humidity.  Most people say they don't use hairspray, but it really helps to control any flyaways and protect your style.  It's a bit pricier than your average drugstore hair product, with a price tag of $14.99 at most stores.  But I can't stress enough how worth it it is.  Trust me, you won't be disappointed!


Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish MINI (at home)

I've been getting the color gel manicures for a couple of years now.  First, it was the OPI AXXIUM, then I was introduced to CND's Shellac and next, Gelish.  I preferred the Shellac and Gelish much more than the OPI, because it was easier to get off, less harsh on your nails, and lasted longer.  I loved the Shellac, mostly because that's what they used at the salon I was going to, but preferred the Gelish because they had a larger selection of colors.  On a recent trip to Sally Beauty Supply, I was surprised and excited to see that they were carrying a new line of the Gelish product, Gelish MINI, that your average consumer could buy without having a license.  For under $100, I got a couple of colors, all of the needed products (pH bond, foundation and top coat), and the LED curing light...which I figured was a GREAT investment considering one gel manicure at a salon is at least $30.  Because I've always loved doing my own nails (and make up, and hair), this was a PERFECT solution for me!  I immediately brought it home to practice on myself and my first brave "client", my mom.  I was SO happy with the results and got so many compliments on it!  I gave myself a manicure AND a pedicure and both lasted just as long as they would have if I had gotten them done at a salon.  Last week I visited Sally's again and was thrilled to see they've added so many more colors!  I'm so excited for the fall and the new shades and playing nail tech with my friends.  It's a great option if you are able to do your own nails and so convenient to have in your home rather than having to make an appointment at a salon.  Go to www.sallybeauty.com to find products and prices.


Sephora inside JCPenney

That's right! If you haven't already heard (or seen), Sephora has moved into several JCPenney's across the nation. I know here in Orlando, I can speak for many people who absolutely dread having to go to the Florida Mall (aka tourist trap), just to get our beauty fix (sometimes ULTA just doesn't cut it). Luckily, now you can find Sephora in several JCPenney stores (Altamonte Mall, Seminole Town Center in Sanford, Daytona Beach Mall, Kissimmee @the Loop West, and in Clermont!). They are smaller versions than your typical Sephora, but to be able to find some of your favorite products in more places (i.e. NARS), is a huge deal!!!  Visit www.sephora.com to find a location near you!

Be You Lip Stain

And while I'm speaking of Sephora, I have to mention one of my new FAVORITE products from there, which I just found out is only $3.00 online!  (Marked down from $12.00).  From Sephora's own line, their Be You Lip Stain in Peach Gelee has been one of my summer staples that I will definitely carry over into the fall.  I chose to forego the typical sticky lip glosses for this sheer and smooth gloss.  The self-adjusting pigments give a light wash of color and give you that natural look, which is nice especially in the summer when you're going for that "just left the beach, but I still want to look good" look.  Check it out now while it's on sale!  www.sephora.com



Well, I'm off to an online trip to Sephora, so hopefully I'll have some cool new products for the upcoming fall season to talk about soon!  Keep sending me any ideas or suggestions!  Have a happy and safe Labor Day weekend!

-jenny

What's In My Bag?

I love this section that you'll find in EVERY issue of US Weekly.  At any given moment, I have the most random stuff in my purse, but here are a few essentials that I always have around (and I don't mean the Starbucks gift cards, chap stick, band-aids and 2 iPhones)

Neutrogena Oil-Free Pink Grapefruit Cleansing Wipes

These wipes are my new OBSESSION!!!  On another (daily) trip to CVS, I was collecting last minute items for a week-long business trip.  Since wipes are easier to travel with then an actual face wash, I scanned the shelf for the right ones.  I'm religious with my face washing regimen, but I sometimes worry that compared to a liquid face wash, cleansing wipes just don't get your face as "clean".  I'll admit, I think I decided to try these mainly because they are in a pink package, but also, they're for acne prone skin, so I knew they had salicylic acid in them, which is always a plus if you tend to have oily skin.  I'm not a huge grapefruit fan, but these smell AMAZING!!!  And my face felt SO clean after using them!!  I love these wipes and when you're too lazy to wash your face, these are the perfect alternative.  Only $7.99 for a 25-count package at CVS (even less if you have a CVS Extra Care Card and a coupon!) www.cvs.com.

bareMinerals READY SPF 15 Touch Up Veil

On the hunt for another compact powder that minimizes shine throughout the day and this is what I found...I have tried bareMinerals before and remember liking the mineral foundation, especially after they came out with the Matte version, so I'm not exactly sure why I switched from that!?!  I did always love the Mineral Veil too so when I saw it in Sephora in compact form, I decided to give it a try.  It's so lightweight and great for touch ups, it gives the perfect amount of powder to conceal any shine and give a flawless finish.  I opted for the translucent vs. the tinted, because I don't like to add color upon color because then you sometimes end up with that cakey look.  I've been using this for the past week and I'm EXTREMELY happy with the results!  So happy that I actually went back and bought the mineral foundation that I had used before.  

I got the compact at Sephora for $22.  www.sephora.com 

Revlon Photoready

Thanks to the "Buy One, Get One 50% Off" special at CVS, AND a $5.00 off coupon I had, I bought an item that I had never used before, just to try it and see.  I see all of these make up lines have primers, but the few ones I have tried in the past did nothing for me.  At this bargain price, I couldn't resist.  Revlon Photoready is a perfecting primer that smooths and softens skin to create the perfect canvas, while reducing the appearance of pores and fine lines.  It's so soft when you sweep it across your face, kind of feathery, I love it!  You can wear it alone, or as I do, under foundation.  I absolutely LOVE this stuff and will continue to buy it.  It just makes your skin look so even and it's perfect for under the bareMinerals foundation to help it set evenly.  Highly recommend this drug store gem :)  Only $12.99 (Look for the sales though!) at CVS www.cvs.com 

Fall Favorites

I've received so many requests to keep up the beauty product blog and well, with all of these products I continue to search for (and eventually buy), I thought...how can I NOT?   So, I'm back, just in time to announce my fall favorites, some of which I've been saving for a few months, and others I've recently purchased and have already FALLen in love with.

Philosophy Purity Made Simple - One-step facial cleanser

This is one of those amazing products that works for ALL skin types.  Trust me, it's true!  I personally have oily skin and was suffering from some breakouts and dry spots and was a little skeptical about trying a product that isn't intended solely for problem/acne prone skin.  But, after using this cleanser as part of my daily regimen for about a month, I became a believer.  Not only does it do a great job of removing make up, but it also conditions your skin and makes it feel clean, but not dry.  It gets down deep in your pores and removes all of the impurities, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and looking flawless!  I LOVE this product (thanks Jules ;)
Retails for $20 for 8 oz. at Sephora (www.sephora.com)



Brazilian Blowout

Not to be confused with the BKT (or any other brand of keratin treatment, for that matter).  Yes, this is the actual name of the brand... 'Brazilian Blowout' (www.brazilianblowout.com).  I heard about this specific treatment earlier this year, but after having done the other keratin treatments a couple of times, I wasn't convinced that I was ready to try any of them again.  Then, after having daily battles with my hair and the heat and humidity, I started doing a little more research about the 'BB'.  Nicole Richie is said to be a huge fan of the treatment and after reading her blog, I was fully convinced.  I took the plunge and my first treatment was amazing/life changing.  I could take a shower at night, sleep on my wet hair, and wake up with bed-tousled waves that I just had to touch up with the quick twist of a flat iron.  And when I wanted to wear my hair straight, it dropped my drying time down to like 10 minutes max, a HUGE difference from the 30 minutes it was taking me prior to the treatment.  The only drawback I could come up with... The 'BB' doesn't seem to last quite as long as the other keratin treatments.  It lasted a good 8 weeks before a substantial amount of my curl came back, but I actually liked how it was more of a beachy-wavy look, rather than my natural spiral curls (ewww).  I had heard the more you do the treatment, the better it works over time, so after 12 weeks I went back for my second treatment.   It's been a week since the last treatment and I do LOVE how my hair is unaffected by the humidity, shows NO signs of frizz and just has that totally smooth, tame look to it.  If you want the benefits of lesser drying time, eliminating frizz, relaxing curls/waves for a smooth look, then I HIGHLY recommend this treatment.  I just don't see how people live without it!  They do the Brazilian Blowout at several salons and the cost can be anywhere between $200-$250.  Thanks to my AMAZING stylist, Carley at Matthew Michaels Salon located in the Audubon Park Garden District,(www.matthewmichaels.com) for a lovely job.  She never disappoints!



Chanel Perfection Lumiere

Still on the search for the PERFECT foundation and while I'm still not totally convinced I've found "the one", I think this one comes pretty darn close.  The newest addition to Chanel's foundation line, the Perfection Lumiere is a long-wear flawless fluid foundation with SPF 10.  You all know I'm not loyal to any specific brand, but I will say, I've been totally impressed with every Chanel product I've ever bought over the years.  I kept seeing advertisements for this new foundation (so all the money they spend on those things must really work) so on a recent trip to the Florida Mall, I wandered over to the Chanel counter at Saks (full well knowing I probably wasn't going to get out of there without so much as a mini-makeover).  Let me just say, it was well worth it!  After the make up artist applied the foundation with a foundation brush (I still haven't found one better than Sephora's Pro Foundation Airbrush #55 - A MUST have), I was immediately aware that I would be splurging on this item.  Maybe it was the mirrors, or the lighting, or maybe my skin is actually in really good shape right now...whatever it was, I had never seen such a flawless finish from ANY foundation.  With a $55 price tag (www.saksfifthavenue.com), I'm pretty sure this is one of those "you get what you pay for" items.  We'll see if it lives up to it's expectations (yes, I'll be counting compliments as a good measure).

Welcome Back!

Welcome back friends!  You’ve probably (hopefully) noticed that I have been on hiatus from Jenny from the BLOG for a couple of months now.  Assuming you give a $hit, I got my tonsils out and all that I could concentrate on at the time, was the food I was unable to eat (TORTURE, for those of you who know me well).  Then, when finally given the green light to EAT, I kept my focus on food, trying more and more new places around town and some old faves, which helped me come to a conclusion…all I really want to write about is food.  Pumped and ready for Jenny From the BLOG 2.0 and what happens?  My MacBook CRASHES!!!   After finally getting my computer repaired, I was given an empty shell (yes, everything was GONE).  Devastating you may think, but no, what was devastating was them asking me to pay $1,600 for them to “attempt” to recover my data.  I politely declined and am now insisting on telling everyone I know to NEVER PURCHASE ANYTHING AT BEST BUY EVER AGAIN!  But I’m back and ready to talk about what I love and know best, FOOD!  I’ve found some great spots around Orlando (mostly downtown), that I’d love to share with all of you!  But don’t worry, my love/obsession for beauty products still exists, so if I come across a cool new product, I’ll find a way to sneak it in.

Saturdays and Tan Bones…

I spend most Saturdays with two of my very good friends.  It’s a routine that we rarely stray from.  Breakfast or lunch (depending on our mood) from Virgin Olive Market followed by tanning our bones (that’s for you CC & BT) at the Uptown Place pool, and ending the fabulous day with an authentic NOLA style sno-cone/shaved ice from Rainbow Sno-Cones AND a cupcake from the Blue Bird Bake Shop on Corrine Drive.  

If you’ve ever been to VOM, then it’s easy to see why I return every weekend for one of their fabulous and unique sandwiches (the Breakfast BLT is my fave $5.95).  Be it breakfast or lunch, it always manages to satisfy my palate.  And their grits…DIE!  A must try if you want a change from the generous portion of tater tots that usually come with the breakfast sandwich.  I have yet to try the waffle-wich, eyeing it every week, tempted, but never letting myself actually order it.  With our full bellies, we lay poolside, soaking in the sun, listening to Pandora and having a serious discussion about which flavor(s) sno-cones and cupcakes we’re going to get later that day.  About the time we think we can actually feel the cancer creeping into our skin, we head over to the Audubon Park area for our sweet treats.  

An indulgence I remember first having on Daytona Beach when I was about eight years old, shaved ice doused in a bright, sugary syrup is the perfect way to cool off after a day in the hot Florida sun.  At Rainbow Sno-Cones there’s always a short line, which moves pretty quickly, even though the owner has time to pass out snowballs to kids to throw at each other in between making the snow cones.  I try to get a different flavor every week, but I can’t resist the banana, and the pina-colada comes in a close second.  For about $2.00, you ALMOST get the sugar rush you need about that time of day…that’s where the Blue Bird Bake Shop comes in.  

Nestled in and old shopping strip in what the owner told me is known as the Audubon Park Garden District, this budding business specializes in delicious and too-cute-to-eat cupcakes.  My personal fave is the strawberry cupcake (strawberry cake with a to-die-for strawberry buttercream icing).  They have roughly eight standing flavors, and each day they have a feature cupcake (or two, if you’re lucky).  I’m DYING to try the PB&J, Orange Creamsicle and Lemon…but can’t seem to catch them on the right day!?  The shop’s décor is marvelous, as well.  Clean and decorative, just like their cupcakes.  And probably my favorite thing is the cute little brown boxes they package your cupcakes in.  They even have a box for one single cupcake, which I think is just adorable.  But be aware, they bake all of their cupcakes from scratch each day, so it is possible for them to run out from time to time.  And just in case you were wondering, if you’re planning a party or special event, you can call ahead and place a special order.  You can also find their cupcakes at Pom Pom’s Tea & Sandwicheria and hopefully at more of our local faves soon! 

Rainbow Sno-Cones

3116 Corrine Drive

Orlando, FL  32803

                            Virgin Olive Market

                            807 N. Orange Ave

                            Orlando, FL  32801

                www.virginolivemarket.com

Blue Bird Bake Shop

3122 Corinne Drive

Orlando, FL  32803

www.bluebirdbakeshop.com 

Per Your Requests...

Hola amigas (and amigos)!

Why the Spanish greeting you ask?  Because I have Mexican food on the mind…well, really all types of food as I am entering my last days of solid foods for the next couple of weeks due to a tonsillectomy (which yes, they still do on people over the age of ten).   And for those of you who know me, you know what a challenge this is going to be for me and the only plus to this beyond the absence of future bouts of tonsillitis is the inevitable weight loss.  Also, the possible increase of trips to the pharmacy for pain medication will most likely fuel my addiction to drugstore product purchasing.  Lucky for you guys!!

I’ve had a couple of requests from some of you about certain types of products, so I wanted to highlight some of those products that I’ve been asked about.  This is EXACTLY what this blog is about (as well as my random reviews on food, iPhone apps and other non-beauty products).

First stop:  Self-tanner

Let’s face it, living in Florida, it’s kinda our job to be tan.  Like a model is required to look anorexic, it’s just the way it is.  And due to the rapid increase in cancer cases, we all have not only put down our Parliament Lights, we’ve also made the decision to forego trips to the tanning beds, and put up our umbrellas at the beach.  While we’re still waiting for the pasty look to come back, we rely on a little thing that the Jersey Shore folks would call a staple…self-tanner.  My pick for BEST self-tanner:

Neutrogena MicroMist Tanning Sunless Spray

I’ve been using this stuff for years!  It gives you a nice glow in the winter months and is a great fix in-between trips to the pool or beach.  It’s probably not something you want to spray on yourself right before you go somewhere, but if you know you have something coming up or you’re just feeling a little pale, it’s best to do it the night before, after a shower on clean skin.  Then, after showering in the morning, you remove any of what’s left of the “self tanner scent” and you have a nice, fresh glow!  You can find it at most drug and grocery stores.   Only $9.94 at Target www.target.com

My pick for BEST Concealer:  Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat

I’ve been asked by several people, “what’s a good concealer?”  My answer: there’s not one perfect concealer, simply because there are so many different uses for concealer.  One might work great to cover dark circles, but doesn’t work so well at concealing a blemish.  But if you’re looking for that must-have product that is described as “8 hours of sleep in a pen – the one item no woman can be without”, than look no further.

YSL’s Touche Éclat is an award winning, take anywhere, instant highlighter that banishes shadows, erases signs of fatigue and leaves your skin looking radiant.  And trust me, it lives up to its promise.  My 60-year-old mother first started using it, and she recently gave me one of her pens when she got a new one…now, I’m OBSESSED with this thing!  It’s one of those “if you were stuck on a desert island and could only have one high end beauty product, what would you bring?” items.  It’s basically a miracle in a pen and now comes in 14 different shades to match your skin tone.  At $40 a pop, you won’t be disappointed.  Can be found wherever YSL products are sold (Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Sephora)

 The Starbucks Mobile Card App (Another non-beauty product review for all of you iPhoners)

If you have an iPhone and you’re a Starbucks fan, you most likely already have the Starbucks app (if not, download it).  However, if you’re a full-fledged addict like me, you MUST also download the Starbucks Mobile Card app.  For Starbucks Rewards Card members (meaning, you have registered your card, receive points for free drinks, get discounts, and the Baristas know your name and usual drink), you can actually have all that information available through the app!  It is by far my new FAVORITE app!  Not only does it allow the cashiers to scan your card right from your phone, it also keeps track of your reward points, updates your balance and most importantly, allows you to reload your card right from your phone!!!  Again, this FREE app is a MUST if you love Starbucks as much as I do.

I’m hoping to be blogging more frequently during my disabled state, so keep the requests and comments coming!  And as always, thanks for visiting!