Back In The Blog Saddle Again!

After going dark for many weeks now it is time for me to get back in the saddle and post something for the blog. And what a perfect day to do a bath post being that it is National Bubble Bath Day! I swear the only reason I even know this is because of Instagram. I am not sure how certain things get a day dedicated to them, but for me this one comes at the most opportune time since I wasn’t quite sure how to get back in the swing of things. It’s not that I don’t have anything to share, in fact I have some very exciting news that I am saving for another post… SQUIRREL!

The above paragraph was written a week ago and was my first attempt of a post after a long hiatus during the holidays. I have huge distraction issues and focusing problems that I am working to solve. Lately, the only thing that I have been able to complete from start to finish, without chasing a squirrel in the middle of the task, is cooking. I have been on a huge culinary campaign and loving every minute of it! Most days I cook and bake all day long. One day my husband Shannon came home from work and I had one dinner in the crockpot, one in the oven, and one on the stove! We were set for days, but that didn’t stop me from making something else the very next day.

Needless to say, I missed the opportunity to share a bath post with you on National Bubble Bath Day so I will talk about my new favorite cookbook. The Skinnytaste Cookbook has been my go to now since I purchased it for myself as a Christmas gift in the middle of December. I was looking for a low calorie cookbook that didn’t sacrifice on taste and Gina Homolka totally delivers! I have made over forty of the recipes from the cookbook and my family has been totally impressed and satisfied with each and every one. Every recipe is full of flavor and so easy to follow and did I mention low in calories?! I feel so good feeding these meals to my family knowing that they are so good for us. I know the luxury of being at home now is a huge factor on why my family is served a home cooked meal every night, but even if I was still working I know that Gina’s recipes are quick and easy enough that I would have been able to incorporate them in my nightly routine after work.



If you are looking for cooking inspiration I totally recommend that you pick up The Skinnytaste Cookbook. The pictures are beautiful and she also has invaluable tips throughout the book that are essential for cooking low fat/low calorie meals. If you would like to try out some of Gina’s recipes before you buy the book visit her blog Skinnytaste. She even has a contest going on right now where you could win her book. :)

Happy Eating!

Phew... I did it, I actually completed a whole post! I will do my best to keep up the momentum. Like I said before, I have some very exciting news to write about and I hope to get it out by next week. Thank you so much for reading.

I'm Not A Lexus Or Mercedes - Eyelash Extensions Review

I shudder to think that I could be labeled high maintenance. The term seems to have a very negative connotation associated to it and when it is used to describe a person I picture a spoiled brat kicking and screaming on the floor because she didn’t get the Louis Vuitton bag that she yearns to possess. Designer brands are quite desirable to me, but it is not necessary for me to own all high designer products. I don’t want to be taken to the city for an expensive dinner with dancing or to exotic expensive locations for vacation. I don’t want a lot of fine jewelry that I will more than likely lose or break. And I don’t require somebody to wait on me hand and foot (even though I have a husband willing to do it).

What makes me think that others could perceive me as high maintenance? It really has everything to do with my beauty regimen and upkeep. I enjoy getting manicures and pedicures, my hair colored and cut, massages, and facials on a regular basis. I have a toolbox full of make-up and a cupboard full of quality skin & hair care products. I take luxurious baths everyday using body scrubs and facial masques. These are not life essentials, I know, but they make me feel better about myself and in some ways fulfilled. Oh man, now I sound shallow! Oh well (shrugging my shoulders), to each his own.

I love the look of false eyelashes, but applying them everyday is just not practical. Figuring out the exact amount of glue to use and trying to get them as close to my lash line as possible so that they look natural is beyond my capabilities and talents. Even if I do manage to get them on, keeping them in place is a whole other issue. It is only time before my fake eyelashes start to slowly peel away from my skin and the corners come unglued causing them to flop around, which in turn becomes a huge distraction to anybody making eye contact with me. I stand in awe of women that can successfully apply fake eyelashes and make them look beautiful. For me, I end up looking like a homeless Vegas showgirl.
After admiring a salesgirl at the mall with the most beautiful eyelash extensions I took the plunge to try them myself… and fell instantly in love! My favorite part is that my eyes always look bright and awake without any makeup on them at all. Eye shadow, eye liner, and mascara need not be applied daily, since now my naked eyes are adorned with the most perfectly long and curled eyelashes meticulously applied by one of my new favorite people, Mike Vaudrin from Le Chat Noir Salon in Tacoma, WA.

Mike is an Aveda trained Cosmetologist licensed in the State of Washington and Certified in Novalash Eyelash Extensions. I trust Mike greatly while working so precariously close to my eyes. He has the steadiest hands and works quickly while being cautious and meticulous. I look forward to my appointments with Mike for he has such a sweet and caring demeanor and is genuinely interested in my family and me. The appointment is filled with casual and humorous conversation and every time I visit him he has another great idea for a post on my blog.

With the beautiful length and thickness that eyelash extensions create I am so satisfied with my decision. I found an extremely knowledgeable certified cosmetologist to apply them and I couldn't be happier with my choice. There are so many places that I could go for eyelash extensions, but I would never stray from Mike Vaudrin. If I have stoked your curiosity into trying eyelash extensions please give Mike a call. You won’t regret it and I won't call you high maintenance. Let's leave that to when we are describing cars!

Photo Credit: Thank you, Delaney Vanderford

What's your beauty service that you never want to give up?

Skoah Skintastic

I did not get my very first facial until I was in my late thirties and the only reason I took the plunge was because I had just started a job in a medical spa where facials were on the menu. Even in my thirties I was still dealing with acne that made me very self conscience. I was promised that with monthly facials and routine maintenance from a trained esthetician and quality products my skin would improve and look fabulous over time. I should have been getting facials years before because they were absolutely correct, but why?

 
Unique Skincare gives ten reasons on her blog on why monthly facials are beneficial and promotes healthy skin and I think she is spot on. 

1)  Facials allow you to relax. They feel great and are healing to the soul. The power of touch, massage, proper technique, and professional products can heal. I call facials “relaxing with benefits”. Stress relief and beautiful glowing skin? YES, PLEASE!

2)  Facials increase circulation of the blood under the skin allowing the skin optimal health to facilitate the renewal skin cells.

3)  Facials decrease waste underneath the skin that can cause puffiness, ruddiness, and fluid accumulation by manipulating the lymphatic system that lies just under the skin. Facials also aids in detoxification.

4)  A good facial (and facial massage) can help smooth fine lines and promote collagen production, which is the building block of the skin (to prevent premature aging, wrinkles, and sagging).

5)  A facial will cleanse the pores on a much deeper level. Similar to a good dental cleaning, this is what a facial can do for the skin/pores. Even non-acne skin can use a good deep cleanse. Extractions/cleaning out the pores can help to maintain clear skin, stop acne formation, as well as can help to change the size of pores. Often times left unchecked, pores can start to stretch and widen with the accumulation of oil and debris. (Please do not attempt to extract or pick at your own skin unless you are a professional and know how to do it properly - you could be at risk of scarring and infection).

6)  Facials provide deeper exfoliation than you can achieve at home. Exfoliation smooths skin, allows for great penetration of products (i.e. moisturizers or serums), unclogs pores, improves skin ability to retain hydration, and evens skin tone to just name a few benefits.

7)  Allows a professionally trained aesthetician to counsel you on the proper products you should be using at home. This alone is worth the investment as the skincare industry can be a difficult (and expensive) area to navigate.

8)  Can help even skin tone and lighten dark spots. Dark spots age our skins’ appearance visibly. Again a gentle reminder- sunscreen is still a necessity no matter how great the facial. (:

9)  Facials slow the aging process. They allow your skin to feel healthier, smoother, and look more radiant. Facials reduce fine lines, age spots, and relieve dehydrated skin. With these benefits, facials make us feel better about our skin. With the use of exfoliation, massage, and the penetration of nutrients and antioxidants, facials also fight to reverse aging. We will all age, but we can do it more slowly with glowing, firm, and hydrated skin.

10) Facials are not a miracle in an hour but they do give you a fresh start to a healthier and balanced complexion. Regular facials will help you maintain optimal skin health.


Now that you know that facials are an essential part of your skincare regimen where should you go? I recently had a fabulous experience at a spa in the Seattle area on Capitol Hill called Skoah (see history of Skoah below written by an employee). Skoah is a warm, inviting, esthetically pleasing, and extremely clean spa that specializes in skin care. The treatment rooms are huge so you do not feel claustrophobic and the esthetician that performed my facial was very knowledgeable and skilled in her profession. The treatment was relaxing and therapeutic. My skin glowed for several days and felt tighter, more youthful. The overall experience of my time at Skoah was satisfying and elating.

After my treatment the esthetician recommended a home regimen for my skin type and issues. Do not be turned off by this, they are not high pressure. It is their job as a skin care trainer to ensure that you are properly taking care of your skin between facials and they genuinely have your best interest in mind. The Skoah products are priced competitively and sometimes even below other high end spas. If you do not have a current home routine take advantage of this opportunity to have a professional customize one that would be a perfect fit for your skin type. If you already have products that you trust and love, like me, consider to add one or two Skoah products. I bought Skoah's Turbo Tonik (toner), an anti-aging serum called Gold Serum, and their Hydradew Mask that the esthetician told me to use as a moisturizer under my favorite daytime and nighttime moisturizers. I have only been using the products for a couple of weeks and am completely satisfied.

History of Skoah:
A little over a decade ago, Skoah, “The Skin Gym”, was born. Skoah is founded by Chris and Andrea Scott, who vow to make products that deliver what they claim as well as fit into even the busiest of lifestyles. Aside from running Skoah, the Scott’s have 4 children, so they know what it’s like to always be on the go! The Skoah products are a blend of nature and science, making them gentle yet effective for addressing all kinds of skin concerns. While the company started with just 5 items in 2002, they now offer over 60 different face and body products across 6 customizable “Skin Type” lines. Skoah’s estheticians, (or as they prefer to be called, Skin Care Trainers!) provide relaxing and educational facials to help clients meet their skin care goals and maintain healthy skin over time. As if you need another reason to love this company...Skoah products are never tested on animals! In fact, they carry a K9 line specifically for your 4 legged friends. Skoah now inhabits 15 stores across Canada and the United States, three of which are located in the Seattle area.

If you live in the Seattle area I would highly recommend you stopping by at one of Skoah's three locations or giving them a call to schedule a treatment. You will not be disappointed! 

Photo Credit: Thank you, Delaney Vanderford



Do you live in the South End and are not willing to make that drive into Seattle? I will highlight my favorite Tacoma spa in future posts. Look for it soon.