Refresh Your Water with Essential Oils

We all know the importance of consumer a copious amount of water for various health reasons. I have heard many things from the golden rule of eight 8-ounce glasses a day to a half an ounce to one ounce for every pound you weigh. Lets face it, drinking this much water can be a challenge because we live in a world with so many choices. Why not an iced latte, diet coke, or a sports drink instead? Some times water just seems so boring.

Since joining Young Living , I have been learning about the benefits of essential oils and ways to incorporate them into my existing lifestyle. There are so many oils out there and so many ways to use them, which is why I love Young Living because there is such a great community of people to help you learn about them and share best practices. 

One way I have been using so of the most popular oils on a daily basis is by infusing my water with them. It is a great way to take dull, flat water and transform it into something uplifting and refreshing with the benefits of the essential oils. 

I like to always have my citrus trio on-hand, namely lemon, grapefruit, and citrus fresh. There are a lot of different oils that can be used in water, but I find the citrus ones to be the most uplifting and refreshing, and enjoy their benefits as well. 

I tend to start off my morning with a few drops of lemon in my water. Lemon is an energy booster and a great way to kickstart the metabolism for the day, not to mention is can promote healthy skin appearance  and function as a detoxor as well. Throughout the day I use grapefruit or citrus fresh in my water. Grapefruit tastes so fresh and is known to reduce sugar cravings and help with weight loss.* I also enjoy citrus fresh as it is a fusion of citrus and mint. 

Tip: Try adding them into sparkling water or seltzer for a very refreshing DIY flavored beverage without any added sugars or syrups. 

More About Young Living

The world of Young Living has so much to offer in terms of natural products and lifestyle. I joined a little over a year ago and have been enjoying the discounts that come with being a wholesale member. Learn more about becoming a wholesale member. Additionally, if you have any questions, please feel free to visit Enjoy Life Oils for more information or contact me.

 *Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.

Prepare Hair + Skin for Fall with American Crew

Perhaps it may not feel like fall just quite yet where you are- I know temperatures are going to be over 70 all week here; however, it is important to prepare you hair and skin for the dryness that comes with the fall and winter seasons.

 I am excited to share some great men's grooming tips provided by Patti Davenport, Shave Director at American Crew, that use a few key products from the American Crew line. I know my skin dries out from the hot air heat at home and at the office as well as the brutal temperatures that creep in during January and February.

Below are Patti's tips for getting your hair and skin ready for the dry season featuring three American Crew products that I use frequently, namely daily moisturizing shampoo, moisturizing shave cream, and molding clay.

Daily Moisturizing Shampoo:

"Start off with American Crew Daily Moisturizing Shampoo, which contains botanical ingredients that are suitable for all skin and scalp types to nourish, calm and prevent the skin from over drying. Additionally, this product is a great cleanser for the face/beard as well as the scalp/hair. Helping to cleanse dead skin cells, debris, oil and environmental pollution from the surface of the skin and beard without over drying."

I use this shampoo on a daily basis, starting in the fall and it leaves my hair soft and refreshed. The product has a nice, light scent featuring key ingredients such as Rosemary and Thyme extracts as well as Chamomile extract.

Moisturizing Shave Cream:

I switched to this shave cream about a year ago, and have been very pleased with it. A good shave cream is essential. American Crew's cream features powerful antioxidants that protect and moisturize the skin. I found the cream to be pleasant against my skin and allowed the razor to slide smoothly over the skin. I love the scent of the eucalyptus oil...it is very refreshing!

For added protection, Patti recommends using Post-Shave cooling lotion, saying "Once you jump out of the shower, apply American Crew Post-Shave Cooling Lotion to the face, beard and any skin that is regularly exposed... nape, ears, etc. The ingredients of this lightweight moisturizer help to nourish, prevent and treat any minor skin inflammations, as well as maintain the correct PH on the surface of the skin.”

Molding Clay:

Do you have a hairstyle that requires you to using styling clay daily or often? This may be the product you have been looking for. I found it to have a great hold and to not be too heavy like some other products I have used in the past.

White clay from the Paris Basin naturally heals and stimulates the scalp, making it good for men with sensitive skin and scalp. Other key ingredients include all-natural essential oils such as orange, peppermint, and spearmint.




All products available via American Crew

Plage Beau Rivage Nice

The South of France is filled with miles and miles of beaches. From large stones to fine sand, these beaches are simply beautiful and the choices can some times seem overwhelming. I have experienced the beaches of Nice multiple times now, both public and private. 

The public beaches of Nice are great, but be prepared for the large stones as they can be quite uncomfortable after a few hours. On a recent trip to Nice, I decided to experience one of the many private beach options along the Promenade des Anglais. I had heard great things about Plage Beau Rivage and had read great reviews about the beach as well. 

Let me just say that one trip to Beau Rivage turned into 4! If you are looking for the experience a private beach has to offer, I highly recommend trying Beau Rivage. The iconic blue and white strip umbrella and chairs line this section of the beach. I opted for front row chairs which do come at a premium over the other rows, but I do recommend the unobstructed view, especially during high season. 

Visting a private beach for the day will definitely be an expense, but the comfort of the chair, the available menu, the service, and amenities all make for a very enjoyable afternoon. A chair, towel, and umbrella will run about 25 euros per person. Full details and reservation are available online.

I recommend the Greek salad for a nice afternoon meal paired with a large bottle of rosé to enjoy throughout the day. You really cannot go wrong!

What to Pack for a Trip to Cote d'Azur

I am exciting to be jetting off to the South of France to hopefully enjoy some sunny days on the riviera. The Cote d'Azur is one of my favorite places in the world as it just exudes natural beauty and truly is how Slim Aaron's depicted it in his series of photographs.

It will be an exciting to be on the riviera with the 68th Festival du Cannes commencing, however, it is also a tricky time in terms of packing. The spring season will call for more than just shorts, sunglasses, and t-shirts as the temperatures will remain mild during the day and cool in the evening.

I am one for which packing is always a dreaded task despite traveling frequently. I recently took a trip to Paris, however, the Cote d'Azur calls for a much more vibrant color palette, one to match the azur blue waters of the Mediterranean. Below are my suggestions for stylish trip to the South of France.

Sandals: Ralph Lauren // Sunglasses: Armani // Wallet: Goyard // Trunks: Lilly Pulitzer & Ralph Lauren (similar) // T-Shirt: Hanes

If you are like me, the main appeal of going to the coast will be spending days lounging on the beach, at a beach lounge, or soaking up the sun in your favorite spot. With that being said, I recommend packing daywear that centers around statement swimwear (read my recent love for statement swimwear). Great swim trunks will be perfect for the beach, but when paired with a simple white v-neck and sandals, these trunks are the basis of a great casual outfit perfect for going from beach to cafe in town. 

Shirt: Ralph Lauren // Sunglasses: Saint Laurent // Bracelet: Miansai // Cargos: Ralph Lauren (similar) // Sandals: Ralph Lauren

When transitioning for the beach & day to evening, I selected pieces that were colorful and light. Since temperatures are slightly cooler at night, I recommend light weight chinos and cargo pants for a more modern look. Pair bright hues with white for a simple, classic look. Accessorize with great sunglasses, eyewear, and a bracelet. Be sure to pack pants that match a myriad of your tops, allowing you to pack less and save room in your suitcase for anything you might pick up during your visit. 

Passing a Day in Beverly Hills

Although its quite small, Beverly Hills is renowned around the world for its shopping, people, and luxury. It is always a must on a trip to LA. Considering its small size, there are quite a few options for passing a day in the 90210 zip code. Some of my favorite things to do are shop, dine, and people watch. 

I recently spent a few days in Beverly Hills so I was able to do quite a bit. Here are a few of my recommendations for things to do while soaking up the California sun in Beverly Hills.

Rodeo Drive:

One cannot visit Beverly Hills without strolling on the very famous Rodeo Drive. Whether shopping or window shopping, it is a must. Virtually every designer has a shop along the stretch of Rodeo. The best is to start at the bottom near Wilshire Boulevard and walk up towards little Santa Monica Boulevard and grab cupcakes at Sprinkles once you reach Santa Monica!

The Montage:

The Montage is a beautiful luxury hotel located on Canon Drive. The property also features private residences, so you are sure to see the driveway lined with Bentleys and Rolls Royces. The Montage is a great place to stop and relax in the gardens, grab afternoon tea, or a cocktail on the great rooftop bar.

Villa Blanca:

Yes- the restaurant owned by Real Housewife of Beverly Hills, Lisa Vanderpump. I must admit, it is quite the scene, however, the food is actually pretty good. There are more high-end places in Beverly Hills such as Mr. Chow, but it is fun to make at least one stop at Villa Blanca for the experience. 

Pressed Juice:

Juicing is very popular in New York with a lot of different options, but one of my favorites recently opened in Beverly Hills. Tucked away on Bedford Drive is a Pressed Juice. If you are looking for a light, healthy afternoon option, grab a green juice from Pressed while you stroll the streets.

Via Rodeo:

A little offshoot from Rodeo, this tiny passage is also lined with great shopping, but features some dining options as well. This street is home to the famous Versace and Tiffany & Co. stores. 

Downtown Happy Hour

Everybody loves a great happy hour with friends, and I love discovering and trying new restaurants in the city. I found a great place to have happy hour if you find yourself in the Greenwich Village area downtown. 

Hidden down a few steps from street level on 8th street is the 8th Street Wine Cellar. This place hosts an amazing happy hour weekdays from 5-7pm. The special menu includes $6 glasses and an array of bottles for only $18! The assortment includes choices of red, white, rosé, and sparkling. 

My favorite choice during the happy hour is the cava bottle. When you start to get a little hungry, there is a full menu of food that is also equally as good. The food menu includes small plates as well as panini s  and sandwiches.

Next time you are looking to grab a drink with friends, I definitely recommend 8th Street Wine Cellar.

Details

For me, details are everything. I am a very detailed oriented person whether it be fashion, work, or organization, I like to have everything looking great right down to the details. 

Small things, the details, can really make a good outfit stand out and be a great outfit. For men, details are things such as socks, pockets squares, and the stitching or lining of a suit. 

I think adding a colorful, contrasting pair of socks to an outfit is an easy way to pay attention to the details and make a subtle statement with your outfit. The red socks below contrast the dark hue of the blazer while coordinating with the pocket square. It truly makes the look standout for the standard navy blazer paired with an oxford.

Source: mensfashionworld.tumblr.com via Life Through Preppy Glasses on Pinterest

Pocket squares are another way to incorporate small details into an outfit. I believe they are a sign of a true gentleman, and in addition they come in an array of bright colors and prints- a perfect way to add some preppy flare to a dark blazer. 

Source: i983.photobucket.com via Life Through Preppy Glasses on Pinterest

How are you focusing on the details to add interest to your outfits and make them stand out?

Styled: The Hermes Kelly Bracelet

The Hermes Kelly collection is one of the most iconic collection in fashion. From the renowned Kelly bag to the wallets and bracelets, it is instantly recognizable. Here, I have taken a classic double wrap Kelly bracelet and styled it 3 different ways. 

1. On its Own- This bracelet deserves attention. Wearing it on its own will make a statement, and is an easy, simple look. Pick a bright colored leather to really make it stand out. Mine is grey because I find myself wearing a lot of neutrals, so it is easy to throw on with anything.

2. With a Timepiece- One of my favorite accessories is timepieces. There is nothing quite like a big, bold watch in my opinion. Match the color of the metal on your Kelly bracelet to the metal of your timepiece, and you will make quite the statement. 

3. Arm Party- "arm parties" are quite trendy now. What is an arm party? It's when you wear many bracelets on the same arm. The most trendy is the Cartier love bracelet paired with a Juste Un Clou, Hermes Clic Clac, and a David Yurman. Here, I have paired my Kelly bracelet with a matching Clic Clac for a tone-on-tone look, and added a bit of black with a braided leather bracelet.