A Beautiful Adventurous Journey

On the journey of life, things never go as planned.  But after every adventure, new visions, ideas and challenges have a way of changing us for the better.  After returning from and reflecting upon my recent vacation, I can truly say that this journey was comparatively and ultimately, life changing.

I took a lovely and adventurous vacation to Italy with over 70+ other women. During this vacation, my body–both physically and spiritually, was pushed to limits I never expected.  I laughed until my head hurt, ate until my stomach hurt, observed and heard things that made me emotionally hurt and walked until my feet hurt!  However through all of that hurt, I’ve never felt so much joy!  Joy to be surrounded by and learn from other beautiful, strong and positive women.  Joy to be able to lay my eyes upon monuments and sites which I once only read about.   Joy in knowing that blessings comes in many forms, as well as in abundance! The lessons I learned was more than any book, classroom or television program could have taught me.  I learned about life.  The art of living, trusting, giving, learning, experiencing and seeing the true essence of others, as well as myself.  Gaining self-confidence, awareness and learning how to navigate the journey of life through the eyes of others, is an unforgettable lesson. Forming new friendships based upon one’s inner and not outer self and letting down your guard with strangers while teaching and learning about life, is a beautiful thing.

So this journey, as well as the beautiful souls I met along the way, gave me memories that will last a lifetime.  Along with everything I’ve learned from them, I can only hope that they were able to learn something from me as well.

 

Published in: on September 21, 2011 at 12:59 pm  Comments (5)  

Get Ready To Be Transformed

Tom Ford will introduce his first full range beauty collection for Fall 2011.   Londoners and New Yorkers will have the first chance to indulge in Mr. Ford’s beauty line in September, everyone else must wait until October.  The wait will be so worth it, but thank God I live in New York!

Being involved with every stage of the production process, Mr. Ford used one word to describe this collection: “Sensuous for me is one of the most important words I would use to describe my cosmetics collection.  Beauty that is sensuous, is touchable and powerful. Every [fashion] collection that I have designed, makeup and hair were one of the first things I thought about.”

Mr. Ford believes that his new beauty collection can be used as ‘powerful tools of transformation’.  He states that “…they have the potential to enable a real woman to become as glamorous and as inspirational as she can possibly be. The ultimate goal of these products is to enable any woman, no matter her age or features, to create a complete look in which her individual beauty is amplified and she appears to radiate from within.”

And with his background in architecture, Mr. Ford knows a thing or two about transformation.  His architectural background played a key factor when it came down to understanding how make-up should appear once it’s properly applied.  He understood that by using the right make-up and the proper beauty tools, the transformation can both be and appear effortless.  Tom Ford Beauty President, Caroline Geerlings, explained how his architectural knowledge was used by Mr. Ford to create the Tom Ford Cheek Colors, the Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick, the Illuminating Highlight Pen, the Illuminating Powder and the Translucent Finishing Powder:  “…. the whole idea of shadows and light is something he really is very comfortable with and he can actually create cheek bones which appear to be exactly the same even though they are totally crooked, just by using shadow and light.”

Mr. Ford has a philosophy concerning the application of make-up: “In order to achieve beauty I think first of all you need to understand your face. Symmetry in our culture is the thing we respond to as human beings. That is our beauty standard, a symmetrical face.”  One of the most important factors for Ford and his team is application.  He stresses that the make-up ritual should include the proper brush application: “Our brushes are absolutely the best brushes you could buy, and I think all makeup should be applied with a brush. With your fingers, you can’t get a flawless surface.”  Therefore, twelve makeup brushes for the face, eyes, cheeks and lips are an essential component of the collection.  To Mr. Ford’s specifications these exquisite tools are said to be combined with white horse hair, super goat hair and synthetic fibers according to the specific needs of each product.

And no beauty line would be complete without skin care treatments.  Mr. Ford emphasizes that a beautiful face begins with skin that ‘appears energized, clear and radiant.’  The skin care treatment collection will include the following:
The Tom Ford Purifying Complex, which  ‘frees skin of dulling and damaging toxins by combining a European plant extract with Chinese herbs to promote purification and reduce irritating environmental pollutants’.

The Tom Ford Infusing Complex, which will ‘infuse the skin with a potent combination of specially selected nutrients that help skin stimulate its natural repair mechanisms’.

The Tom Ford Purifying Gelée Cleanser and the Tom Ford Purifying Crème Cleanser, which will naturally clean and detoxify skin of dulling and damaging impurities. The result is a ‘luminous face that is noticeably soft and energized’.

The Tom Ford Intensive Infusion Daily Moisturizer, a ‘lightweight, exquisitely textured lotion that actively infuses cells to rejuvenate skin’s vitality and resilience’. Hydrating agents and nutrients ‘drench the skin with moisture and help achieve a younger, brighter appearance’.

The Tom Ford Intensive Infusion Ultra Rich Moisturizer, a richer moisturizer than the Infusion Daily. The ultra rich cream with a ‘supple, whipped formula helps skin stimulate its natural repair mechanisms, by prompting cells to replenish themselves’.

Tom Ford Intensive Infusion Concentrate Extreme, a ‘luxurious and deeply penetrating oil-based serum that contains the most precious and concentrated form of the Tom Ford Infusing Complex. This product, Mr. Ford says will be an ‘integral component to create the perfect canvas for flawless skin.’

Other skin care treatments in the collection will include Tom Ford Makeup Remover, Tom Ford Intensive Infusion Eye Treatment, and Tom Ford Illuminating Protective Primer SPF 12.

If this line is everything I think it will be, my skin regimen and make-up bag will definitely become a transformation to be envied. Thank you Mr. Ford for always giving me life!!!

Published in: on September 1, 2011 at 1:29 pm  Comments (2)  

Celebrating Elizabeth

For all of us who loved the immaculate jewels of Elizabeth Taylor, we finally have the chance to see them up-close and personal.  Beginning September 5th, Christie’s will launch The Collection of Elizabeth Taylor Exhibition Tour.  This will be a worldwide event which will start in Moscow and end in New York.

For those who would like to bid on some of her valuable jewelry, an auction will be held at Christie’s of New York during December 13th-15th.  Fine and Decorative Art & Film Memorabilia, including costumes will be auctioned as well.

For more information, please visit http://www.christies.com

Published in: on August 29, 2011 at 12:36 pm  Leave a Comment  

A New Look for Fall

As the fall season begins to slowly approach, I am realizing that it’s time to slowly regenerate myself as well.

For anyone, who along with myself, is looking to revamp their image this fall, you must use  Vogue’s September issue as your guide.  Everything is covered for all who’s  ready to become new again.  From the pictorial of Kate Moss’ wedding to the article about Tom Ford’s Ten Beauty Commandments, there is  something that everyone wanting revitalization can relate to.

And for the true fashionistas out there, let’s not forget that this fall, Dontella Versace and H&M will collaborate to give the budget conscious,  an affordable yet dazzling, fashion line.  Another fall collaboration to get ready for consists of Missoni and Target.  The Missoni for Target fashion and home decor line will be in Target stores from September 13th – October 22nd.

Whoever thought Fall could be so fabulous?!

Published in: on August 25, 2011 at 12:53 pm  Leave a Comment  

Philly Legend Dead

Geno’s Steaks is a Philly staple.  The owner, Joey Vento, died Tuesday at the age of 71.  In November 2010, the owner underwent cancer surgery, but his death was caused by a heart-attack.

Joey started Geno’s Steaks in 1966 and since then, numerous celebrities, politicians and of course, all of Philadelphia became a fan.  And not just a fan of the famous cheese steaks, but a fan of Joey as well.  Mr. Vento was a well-liked and charismatic guy.  My uncle lived in South Philly and I’ve been to Geno’s many, many times and met Mr. Vento a few times.  His style, energy, jokes and that smile will be truly missed!

Published in: on August 24, 2011 at 4:38 pm  Comments (1)  

R.I.P. Nick Ashford

Nick Ashford passed away today at the age of 70.  One-half of the duo Ashford & Simpson, the iconic song-writing legend was battling throat cancer according to a former publicist. For over four decades, the duo has written hit songs, not only for themselves, but for many R&B legends.

Nick will be missed, but never forgotten.  Thank you for the beautiful songs!

 

 

 

Published in: on August 22, 2011 at 10:15 pm  Leave a Comment  

The London Bridge is Falling Down….

Not literally falling down, but with 3+ days of rioting, London is falling apart.

Some people are still wondering what sparked the riots in the first place.  Riots erupted following peaceful protests over, what some say, was an unjustified deadly shooting death by police of a local man, Mark Duggan.  The rioting which began in London’s Tottenham neighborhood, has now spread to other major British cities.  It has gotten so bad that the British police are considering the use of rubber bullets to bring calm to the mayhem that has unfolded.  So far 525 people have been arrested.  Let’s just hope that calmness and restoration occurs soon.  For more information, click here.

Published in: on August 9, 2011 at 11:15 am  Leave a Comment  

As of late, I’ve been engulfing myself with knowledge for the betterment of myself.  There are so many things I want to accomplish and I had to come up with a plan to do it–all!!  The problem was that there was too much mental clutter going on inside my head for me think clearly.  So what does a girl like me do?  Clutter my brain with self-help knowledge that would assist me with de-cluttering my brain with the unnecessary knowledge and the planted seeds of doubt, holding me back from reaching my goals.  It may sound crazy, but I’m now back on track!

The two books that have forever changed my way of thinking are listed below.  Please get a copy, so you to can get on track to your true journey, which we call life.

You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L. Hay  

 

 

 

 

 

Key to Living the Law of Attraction by Jack Canfield and D.D. Watkins

Published in: on July 26, 2011 at 3:53 pm  Leave a Comment  

Chris ‘Shut-It-Down’ Brown

“When Team Breezy do it, we do it big!”, is what I heard a young woman say as she was on her way to see Chris Brown in concert this morning.  And big was an understatement.

Chris Brown is the first mega star to shut down NYC in a long time.  As a matter of fact The Today Show stated that it was the biggest turnout in their summer concert history-ever!  For some however, this may come as a surprise, but for others it’s no surprise at all.   His latest album F.A.M.E. has yet to go platinum, but he can still bring out a crowd of 18,000+ fans for a free concert at Rockefeller Center.  Much of this has to do with his talent and amazing appeal, not only to teenagers, but to everyone.  Depending on who you are, Chris could be your son, brother, uncle, cousin, boyfriend, best friend, teenage crush, cougar crush or simply your next door neighbor.  Massive appeal and extraordinary talent can lead to ultimate success, regardless of mishaps along the way.

That was proven this morning as Chris Brown took to the stage in front of 18,000+ fans and onlookers, who didn’t care about past mishaps or misspoken words, but only cared about seeing a talented young man who is well deserving of all the success that’s coming his way.

Published in: on July 15, 2011 at 5:00 pm  Leave a Comment  

Joyeux Quatorze Juillet!

In celebration of Bastille Week taking place in NYC, I wanted to wish all of my French patrons a grand and marvelous celebration.  Click here for more info.

Published in: on July 15, 2011 at 4:04 pm  Leave a Comment  
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