Springtime Refreshments: Belvoir Fruit Farms Lemonades

With the change in season, I'm always excited to try tasty new drinks that I can kick back and cool off with during the warmer months.   

I had the chance to sample a few flavors of Belvoir Lemonades from Belvoir Fruit Farms.  Made in the UK, each bottle packs a punch of flavor and contains a special ingredient; hand picked, fresh Elderflower.  All flavors are 100% Organic, Gluten Free, Non GMO, no added sugar and dairy free, making them ideal alternatives to soda.  Each is made from a blend of fresh flowers, real pressed fruit juice, freshly cooked spices, and sparkling Belvoir spring water. 

 

 

 

 

The most innovative part of these is that they offer fun options.  If drank chilled and on their own, they're refreshing sparkling waters.  Or, take advantage of their recommended drink recipes and use them as mix to create a yummy cocktail.  They're great to have on hand for summer parties and barbecues.   

 

 

I tried the Ginger Beer first and boy did this wake me up!  Made with Ginger root, Organic lemon juice and sparkling spring water, this one packed a wallop.  The ginger was very evident and my taste buds definitely felt a fiery snap.  The ginger was as evident in the scent as it was in the taste.  If you are not a fan of ginger it may be a bit strong for you, but if you love it, this liquid version will have your mouth watering.    

 

 

The Organic Elderflower Lemonade was my favorite.  I tasted the lemon, but it wasn't as sour as I expected.  Instead it was on the sweeter side and had a fresh, flowery scent.  It contained fresh picked Elderflowers, organic lemon juice, and Belvoir sparkling water.  It's a fun twist on traditional lemonade and each sip gave my tongue a little tingle. I can't wait to try it as a mix in the Elderflower Mojito!  

 

 

The Elderflower and Rose Lemonade was similar to the Organic Elderflower Lemonade, but had a subtle fruity/champagne- like aftertaste.  It's ingredients included Elderflowers, lemon juice, Belvoir sparkling water and a hint of Rose petal extract, which I presume provided the aftertaste.  For a moment it reminded me of the classic strawberries and champagne combination. When I flipped over the drink recipe card, I was not surprised to see it was recommended for mixing with champagne, peach juice, and peach puree to create the delicious sounding Elderflower & Rose Bellini. 

 

 

Belvoir Lemonades are also a celeb favorite by those stopping by Caravan Stylist Studio in Manhattan for their glam sessions! 

 

Belvoir drinks are available here

 

 

Have you ever tried Belvoir? 

 

 

Beauty Box 5: April Reveal

Hello darlings, I'm about to share with you this month's BeautyBox5 reveal!  For those of you that don't know, BeautyBox5 is a monthly subscription that selects five beauty industry favorites and sends them straight to your door.  There are various subscription options to chose from, but my lucky self receives a complimentary box each month in exchange for my thoughts :)

 

 

 

Each box is centered around a theme and this month's was appropriately titled "bloom".

 

"Sure, April showers bring May flowers- but why should those petals have all the fun?  Break out of your winter dry spell early with a blossoming attitude and flourish all month long!  Whether it's scheduling a much- needed mani date with a bestie, helping someone less fortunate than yourself or just committing to washing off your make up every single night, baby steps towards blooming into a better you are always beautiful"- BB5.

 

 

I have to say that this month was definitely one of the better boxes.  Everything in it is something I will use at one point or another and I was excited to see there some new brands to try out.  

 

 

Let's check out April's goodies...

 

 

 

Incoco Nail Polish Applique Set  

Retail: $8.99

This was my favorite the second I saw it.  I get easily so I love changing my nail color as a way to switch up my look.  Appliques are soo easy and even faster then polish.  I love that these are pink and black lace- one of my favorite color combos.. BB5, it's like you knew ;) 

 First Aid Beauty Facial Cleanser 

Retail: $20.00 5 oz.

These samples will be good come this summer when people start traveling and going on vacation.  They're easy to pack and this cleanser is great for everyday uses like make up removal and surface oils.  They're advertised as safe for sensitive skin and are free of parabans.

 

 

Lasting Smiles Passion Fruit Mango Organic Lip Balm 

Retail: $4.99 .15oz

I'll admit my Carmex addiction is still pretty real, but it's always good to have extra balms on hand.  Plus, Lasting Smiles is a special brand because not only does it contain organic ingredients, but it supports fairtrade global farmers and helps fund cleft surgeries for children.

 

Dancin' Goat Hula Bliss Body Lotion 

Retail: $17.99 8 oz.

The name here is super cute.  Made with goat's milk, coconut oil, lavender, eucalyptus and rosemary, Hula Bliss soothes dry skin and treats it with massive hydration.  The scent is so relaxing, and a small amount goes a long way.

 Style Essentials TwinGloss

Retail: $2.50 .03 oz.

I thought I was crazy the first couple times I glanced at the Twin Gloss.  The scent is extremely sweet, almost like swiping a layer of frosting to your lips.  But the bubble gum pink and grape purple shades apply much more sheer then I expected, with a gold shimmer.    

 

 

 

 

 

Do you receive any monthly beauty boxes?  Are you interested in BeautyBox5?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mother's Day Specials at Trifecta Med Spa

There's still time to snag the perfect Mother's Day gift, or schedule her for a day of pampering and Me Time.  I recently had the opportunity to check out the newest location of Trifecta Med Spa and get the scoop on some awesome Mother's Day specials.  Trifecta Med Spa offers several types of treatments and they're all 20% off the original price starting Monday May 4th- Sunday May 10th.  You can check them out below:

 

Receive 20% off Below Services

Service	Description	Original Price
Botox	A natural protein that relaxes over tightened muscles; the perfect solution designed to eliminate frown lines, forehead lines, crow’s feet and generally to give a more youthful appearance.	$12/unit
Environ Cool Peels	Chemical peel treatment; uses a chemical solution to smooth the texture of your skin by removing the damaged outer layers.	$175
Fillers	Belotero, Dysport, Juvederm, Juvederm VOLUMA, Perlane, Radiesse, Restylane, Xeomin	$650 - $900
Hydrafacial	Non-invasive, multi-step treatment that delivers real results with no downtime or irritation; a relatively gentler form of achieving a more youthful look, as well as being extremely effective at treating a variety of skin conditions and disorders.	$175
Ultherapy	A new FDA approved Skin Lift that does not require surgery or downtime. Just one Ultherapy treatment helps to lift and tighten skin not just on the neck, but under the chin and on the brow as well.	$1,500 – $4,000
Venus Freeze	An FDA approved treatment for cellulite reduction and skin tightening, all without the need for a surgeon’s scalpel; Non-invasive, distinctly lacking in side effects, and hugely effective, Venue Freeze offers firmer, more youthful skin, with the added bonus of cellulite reduction and skin contouring.	$300

Locations:

 

Trifecta Med Spa Downtown

115 Broadway, Suite 1305

Mew York, NY 10006

212-600-4112

 

Trifecta 57 Med Spa Central Park South  

200 West 57 Street, Suite 1107

New York, NY 10019

212-247-4148

 

Trifecta Med Spa Long Island

1453 Broadway

Hewlett, NY 11557

516-792-0800

 

  

Get info on other Trifecta Med Spa specials here

 

 

Have you decided what you're getting mom for her special day?

It's GlossyHour in NYC!

Recently, I attended the swanky #GlossyHour event, hosted by the fabulous creators of none other then industry favorite: GlossyBox.  Guests were treated to a delicious buffet dinner courtesy of The Meatball Shop and chatted with fellow industry folk while sipping on yummy, signature cocktails.  

 

Now, I know some of you will cringe as I admit this is the first GlossyBox to enter my possession, but the good news is, I'm totally in love with it.

 

  

Fast facts; 

GlossyBox is a monthly beauty box subscription that picks out five of beauty industry's must haves, wraps them up in this amazing, glamorous looking box, and deliver them straight to your door.  I think my heart skipped a beat when I saw their list of brands and realized the possibility of receiving products from brands like OPI, By Terry, ReVive fresh, and tarte was very real.   

 

Check out April's box below!

 

 

 

Contents:

1.) Marrakesh Endz: Split End Mender & Preventer ($5.99) 1 oz.

2.) Aerin: Waterlily Sun Eau de Parfum Spray ($110.00) 1.7 oz.

3.) Obsessive Compilsive Cosmetics: Stained Gloss ($18.00) .33 fl oz.

4.) Estee Lauder: Enlighten Dark Spot Correcting Night Serum ($62.00) 1 oz.

5.) Julep: Gel Eye Glider ($16.00) .04 oz.

6.) And a sassy GlossyBox pouch to boot! :D

 

 

 

The Glossy Wall

 

 

The GlossyHour signature Strawberry Mojito!

 

 

 

 The evening was such a blast, and I can't wait to see what's in next month's GlossyBox!!  Do you currently subscribe to GlossyBox?  Are you interested?

 

 

Follow them on: 

Twitter

Facebook

Pinterest

Instagram

 

 

 View GlossyBox subscription options here 

 

 

Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Mother's Day is coming up and that means it's time to start racking our brains for a gift Mom is gonna love.  This year, instead of a keepsake, I was trying to think of something special to treat her to, but that she could also get some use out of.   

  

Between all her time spent plugging away at the computer and washing dishes, her nails can always use a pick me up.   

Retail: $50.00 ($66.00 value)

 

  Dermelect Cosmeceuticals is launching a new Rescue ‘ME’ Natural Nail Treatment Kit  that includes their favorite treatment products, and promises to successfully grow natural nails longer, stronger, and healthier.   It is an anit- aging nail regimen that is the first to utilize protein- peptide technology to hydrate, protect and strengthen.  And note, this fab set is of course, DBP, Toluene and Formaldehyde free.  This is great for the mom whose nails have become brittle and  need some TLC. 

 

Kit includes:

The Immaculate Nail Cleanse Prep acts as a primer to cleanse nails of oils and invisible impurities extending the life of the manicure.

The Launchpad Nail Strengthener is a peptide-infused base coat that strengthens nails.

High Maintenance Instant Nail Thickener thickens thin, brittle nails, while Rejuvenail Fortifying Nail & Cuticle Treatment restores nails to their natural strength.

  

 

Retail: $129.00

1 oz.

 

We only get one set of skin in life, and since my mom is a woman on the go, she doesn't have a lot of time to fuss over it.  GOLDFADEN MD  Fleuressence  is a perfect option because of its rejuvenating properties and easy application.  As a native botanical cell oil, this anti-aging, non-greasy, golden elixir treatment replenishes hydration, improves skin color, tone and boosts radiance.  Just two drops in the morning and again at night pack a punch of ingredients like Omega fatty acids, Vitamins A,C, & E to diminish fine lines, while Kalahari and Mongongo Oils protect skin against tons of environmental stressors.   Mom can mix it with her moisturizer, or apply it solo.  It's fast, easy and effective.  Most moms' favorite combo!      

 

 

 

Whether she knows it or not, my mom's makeup bag is always in need of updating.  Thus, La Bella Donna to the rescue!  

 

La Bella Donna’s Precious & Passion Gift Sets *Mother’s Day Special have the perfect go-to Spring colors.   The Precious gift set is complete with Vision of Mineral Lights, Naturale and a Love Lip Crayon to give a daring hot pink pout while.  Or, opt for the Vision of Mineral Lights Naturale compact to give mom's skin a luminous glow. For a lighter lip, try the Passion Love Lips gift set with Vision of Mineral Lights Sunset. The tangerine/coral lip shades beautifully compliment the sun kissed glow achieved by our Vision of Mineral Lights. Each gift set includes a LBD Powder Brush & Sharpener.

 

 

 

Palladio Beauty

 

My mom has pretty nice lashes, but like most of us, they itch for a little extra oomph.  Palladio Beauty’s Lash Obsessed Mascara is the mascara for true lash lovers that crave amplified volume, lavish length, and lash fullness.  This ultra, lash-defining formula contains Bamboo and Rice Wax for protection and consistency (no clumps here!), Olive Wax and Carnauba Wax for conditioning, and film-forming Polymers provide exceptional lash definition and rich, luscious length.

 

 

 

Have you started your gift hunt yet?  Are you considering any of the above?

New Launches from Novex Hair Care

 

The other night I wined and dined on mouth watering Brazilian themed bites and cocktails at Manhattan's SingL Lounge in celebration of the latest launches from Novex.

 

 

 

Novex is a number one selling hair care treatment product line based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  I first learned about it last summer when I received a sample of the Brazilian Keratin collection in one of my BeautyBox5 boxes, and it was love at first rinse.    

 

 

Novex model Lauren Wood stopped by to join the festivities!

 

Novex is a deep conditioning system developed to treat hair and restore its shine and smoothness.  The brand puts forth several vitamin E enriched collections designed to accommodate all hair types;  Brazilian Keratin, My Curls, Argan Oil and Bamboo.  Each line includes a uniquely developed a shampoo, conditioner, deep mask, and a leave in conditioner.   

 

 

 

 

Brazilian Keratin 

Described as the Ultimate Keratin Replenishing System- Smoothing and Deep Repair.  I tried the deep conditioning treatment and my hair was practically begging for more.  The effects were immediate.  As soon as I rinsed it out, my typically dry hair felt nice and silky.  Once my hair dried, I saw a huge reduction in frizz. 

 

 

 

 

My Curls (New launch!)

This is the brand's newest launch and it's described as an Intense Hydration and Curls Memorizer.  Translation?  It is chalk full of moisturizers like; Olive Oil, Argan Oil, Monoi, Coconut, Shea Butter and Moringa Oils.  A surefire way to show thirsty hair the love it needs!  

 

 

 

Argan Oil 

Described as Extra Shine and Frizz Control this sounds pretty perfect for the summer months.  Especially considering the humidity can be brutal, this will make help make hair more manageable.

 

 

 

Bamboo 

Described as Hair Growth and Intensive Strength, it contains concentrated actives from Bamboo enriched with a mixture of amino acids, minerals and vitamins A, B, and C.   

 

 

 

Available at:

Rickysnyc.com

 

 

 

Have you tried Novex yet?  What did you think?

 

 

 

 

 

 

FreeBeautyEvents: April Giveaway

 

You darlings already know how much I love FreeBeautyEvents.com.  You've heard me rave about them being an awesome beauty resource and a great way to snag some killer free samples.  Their giveaways are always amazing and this month's is as fabulous as always.  It includes products from CoverGirl, Revlon, Suave, Lumene, SheaMoisture and more!  The Contest runs from The Contest runs from now through 4/30/15, winners will be chosen on 5/5/2015 and notified by 5/15/2015. To enter, just visit them on Facebook (don't forget to like them! :) or enter directly on their website.     

 

Besides the monthly giveaways, the site also offers great beauty advice and product reviews on their blog.  Like any of the products you read about?  Keep your eyes open for your chance to stock up!  Easy as 1-2-3, just enter your zip code into the site's search bar to find out which locations in your area might be handing out samples.  It's a helpful way to keep up to date with the beauty events happening in your town.      

 

Get more on FreeBeautyEvents.com :

 

Facebook 

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KISS Nails Demo Happening at Local Walmarts

 

 

A French manicure has always been one of my favorite nails looks and KISS Nails is bringing it back!  This weekend, head over to your local Walmart and get a #BetterThanSalon natural looking French manicure with the NEW KISS Salon Acrylic French .

 

There will be in-store demonstrations and applications from 12:00pm – 4:00pm, this Saturday April 11th, 2015.  It's a fast way get a professional looking mani without that nasty acrylic odor and having to pay double the price.  Not bad huh? 

 

 

 

 

FIND A WALMART STORE NEAR YOU

 

Make sure to snap a pic and post your sexy new KISS Salon Acrylic French nails during the in-store demonstration and tag it @KISSProducts and #BetterThanSalon to enter for a chance to be one of 100 winners to receive a $100 Walmart store gift card! 

 

Those of you who follow me know I'm a lover of KISS Nails (especially the press on mains), so this is me inviting you to become as addicted as I am :p

 

Come back and share your experience!