Monday, December 15, 2014

When the Cypress Whispers/Yvette Manessis Corporon

Another new author for me, Yvette M Corporon has written a beautiful book. The description of Erikousa, an island off the coast of Greece, with the sun and the white washed houses..the breezes through the cypress and about love and family....perfection.
Daphne has a successful restaurant, has flown to this island with her daughter Evie, to marry again...to Stephen a wealthy man.  Her yia yia lives on this island, and
Daphne is overwhelmed with memories from summers spent here, in this small community, on these beautiful beaches. You would think that all was just right with the world,,except it isn't quite. Daphne's first husband was killed in an accident, had she truly healed from that? Was she in love with Stephen or looking for a safe haven? How would her yia yia help her through all this...and what about the grandmother herself. New secrets of quite a different life on Erikousa start trickling out.

"On a beautiful Greek island, myths, magic, and a colorful cast of characters come together in When the Cypress Whispers, Yvette Manessis Corporon’s lushly atmospheric story about past and present, family and fate, love and dreams that poignantly captures the deep bond between an American woman and her Greek grandmother.
The daughter of Greek immigrants, Daphne aspires to the American Dream, yet feels as if she’s been sleepwalking through life. Caught between her family’s old-world traditions and the demands of a modern career, she cannot seem to find her place.
Only her beloved grandmother on Erikousa, a magical island off the coast of Greece, knows her heart. Daphne’s fondest memories are of times spent in the kitchen with Yia-yia, cooking and learning about the ancient myths. It was the thought of Yia-yia that consoled Daphne in the wake of her husband’s unexpected death.
After years of struggling to raise her child and pay the bills, Daphne now has a successful restaurant, a growing reputation as a chef, and a wealthy fiancĂ©—everything she’s ever wanted. But across the ocean, Yia-yia can see through the storybook perfection of Daphne’s new life— and now she is calling her back to Erikousa. She has secrets about the past to share with her granddaughter— stories from the war, of loyalty and bravery in the face of death. She also has one last lesson to teach her: that security is not love, and that her life can be filled with meaning again. "

Sounds luscious doesn't it? Now that winter has arrived, it is time to pick a novel with warm breezes and sunshine as part of the story..so well described by author Corporon. Visit your local bookstore and pick up a copy and settle in with a cup of hot tea and some baklava, maybe:)

Friday, December 12, 2014

Marini Holiday Exfoliator

Another great product from the Jan Marini skincare line. A cranberry orange  scented exfoliator, just in time for the holidays (although it would be awesome any time of year) 
Uniquely designed spherical dissolving beads. proteolytic enzymes and glycolic acid eliminate harsh abrasives ( the reason I am very careful about exfoliators). JM's Holiday Exfoliator resurfaces your skin and leaves it polished. And I love that look and the feel..smooth.. What a canvas for applying make up. Moisturizers get absorbed right into your skin, and they work better. Loaded with antioxidents. enzymes from green unripened papaya (long known for it's skin care properties), and glycolic acid ..nothing could be better for that Holiday Glow!
Go to janmarini.com and browse all products and to order your Holiday Exfoliator now!

Friday, December 5, 2014

Topganic Hair Care Products

 



Love my new favorite shampoo and will be heading to Topganic.com to order conditioner. Right now I am using the Argon oil version for dry and color treated hair.
Argon oil is something I have been wanting to try , I have been hearing about how lovely  it is  for skin and hair. Not only does this shampoo contain argon oil, but also vitamin E and Dead Sea minerals, perfect for winter dry hair.
I can actually shampoo, towel dry and put a comb right through my hair. It is silky and shiny. Love it.

Go to Topganic facebook page for great giveaway,,,,,#giveaway #haircare #deadsea 
 













Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Phyto-C B-5 Gel

Looking for one product to make a big difference ? Look no further. Phyto-CB-5 Gel is that product.
It's all about moisture with this gel, with three key ingredients: vitamin B-5, sodium hyaluronate, phenoxyethenol. These ingredients help bind moisture to your skin, making it look and feel younger. This I can attest to.. Applied morning and evening , it is absorbed very quickly and acts instantly. I love the soft feel of my skin after applying. Great base for mineral make up because it diminishes fine lines and wrinkles.
Phyto -C  B-5 Gel has quickly become my night time skin care regimen of choice. Will be ordering the eye products next ..phyto-c.com

Friday, October 31, 2014

Le Mieux Face & Eye Masks

 Probably  don't need to tell you that the holidays are coming and winter along with it. The furnaces are coming on one by one and with that  is dry, itchy flaky skin. The drier your skin, the more those little lines and wrinkles show :( Not too many of us can afford a day at the spa, but LeMieux Cosmetics have the next best thing..a moisture mask for the face, and firming mask for the eyes.
The Moisture Infusion face mask , is the coolest thing. And I mean that literally. Peel off the top layer of the sheet/mask and press onto your face and leave it there for about 15-20 mins. It has a lovely cooling sensation. It is also loaded with peptides, Vitamin C and botanical extracts. Just like a spa treatment ! I suggest you do this on a snow day..in your robe & slippers, hair up in a towel and with soothing music & a cup of tea.
The Firming Eye Mask is another treat, with potent peptides to tighten and firm  the skin around the eye. Follow the directions, there is a right and left eye mask.
Both of these treatments are "leave-on", so after removing the masks you can massage the treatment right into your skin.
Love, love, love these products.
Go to lemieuxcosmetics.com for more information. They have some great products.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Yu-Be Foaming Skin Polish


Yu-Be Foaming Skin Polish is another great skin care product from Japan. Love their lip balm..call me crazy but I love the smell of camphor:) Camphor stimulates blood circulation and gives me rosy cheeks. This skin polish is for face & body and when I get in the shower, I use it on elbows and knees and ankles..anywhere I have rough, dry skin. It has very fine grains of rice bran, with bamboo and walnut shell powder, very fine but effective for sloughing away dead skin cells. Extracts of ginger root and ginseng tone & balance the skin, improves elasticity. Green tea is rich in antioxidants &  geranium oil to soothe and refresh. ..and plenty of glycerin for moisturizing. It is great for the morning shower and then slather on your favorite body lotion and you are all set against winter-y dry air.
Look for Yu-Be products in Sephora, Nordstroms, Whole Foods or on- line at yu-be.com, dermstore.com and beauty.com

John Paul Selects/Marula Cleansing Lotion

First and foremost, we have to get over the idea that a product with oil in it will not work for our face. It has taken me quite a while, I am always skeptical. Marula oil, harvested in Africa, has a 50% higher omega 6 & 9 content than argon oil.  Added ingredient alpha hydroxyl acid complex, derived from natural sugars and fruit extracts, helps improve cell turnover and glycan technology with a natural peptide, helps promote collagen production. This all adds up to  a powerful, yet gentle cleanser, that leaves skin soft and glowing.
Love this cleanser, sets my skin up for absorbing my serum before bed.
John Paul Selects is a line new to me, but the developer's face is not. It is none other than John Paul DeJoria, the man behind our beloved Paul Mitchell Products.
Go to www.marula.com to see and order all products. Read the great story behind the products, too.