From The Beauty Desk, Keep On Being Beautiful

Seeking an exciting new eyeliner? Throw caution right out, sometimes what a girl really needs is a new beauty routine. A pencil that glides on just perfectly will make it into your favorite pile. Maybe even a night out.

The best beauty rituals are ones that derive from and reflect nature. Always take it back to the basics – Protect and hydrate your skin rather than just covering it up with useless chemicals. Keep looking beautiful while educating yourself on ingredients and company practices.

My recent beauty rituals include a new favorite, Sue Devitt. It infuses fun back into beauty with a gorgeous palette of colors and options for day or night. It’s easy to be on trend with beauty that cares and gives. 

Natural Beauty as inspired by Annie Hall

When we think of past beauty icons there are many which come to mind: Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot, Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren; the list goes on. Their on and off screen beauty will never loose luster and teaches us that certain trends stay around forever, you just have to know which to covet. For me this means natural and classic beauty. I like to emphasize the eyes with a cat eye like Bridgette Bardot but part my hair like Diane Keaton in Annie Hall.

Since the winter means more time staying in on occasion I like to enjoy an old classic movie. To me Annie Hall never gets old. I soak it all up; the quirkiness, the unintentional awkwardness, the fashion and yes Diane Keaton with her simple, smart yet gorgeous makeup and hair. There are special qualities about that movie which inspire me each time I see it.

Emphasize the natural look that channels your favorite icon with a little help from organic beauty: All anti aging, paraphen free and good for you

Coola SPF 20 rose mineral tint

Shield yourself from the winter sun with a sunscreen. Contains a natural tint for just a hint of color you can use alone or under your makeup. The results are flawless.

Votre Vu Snap Dragon beauty beverage

Your skin desires anti-oxidants as well as balance all year round. Snap Dragon is a private blend of powerful anti aging super fruits and botanicals to keep you looking beautiful both inside and out.

MyChelle hydrating Cactus Mask

Protect your skin from moisture loss. You can feel like yourself again after you use this soothing and strengthening mask, which is full of healthy anti-oxidants.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer pre-shampoo treatment

Tired of dry winter hair? Keep elasticity bounce and shine with this elasticizer created specifically for Audrey Hepburn. It is fragrance free and uses natural oils to lock in moisture.

Clark’s Botanicals Because I Love You Lip Tint

We want lips as soft and kissable as a movie actress on a TV screen. This Because I Love You lip tint creates a natural lip look with the help of shea butter, aloe leaf extract, jojoba and sweet almond oil.

Green Home Comforts, Storing and Leftovers

Yummy holiday left overs are everyone’s favorite but how do you keep them safe during travel? How does a mom make sure that those meals and snacks she worked on so lovingly stay in their place? Plastic containers can be so dull, most times they are the wrong size and especially not environmentally friendly. Introducing Wean Green. OK so I admit as an NYC girl I do not spend much time in my kitchen however I recently fell in love with these containers. Design is everything. Not only are they lock proof and perfectly sized, they are stylish. I can proudly display these on my kitchen counter, pack them my travel bag and even chose to take them to work without being self conscious about spills.

If you are a mom you can find these genius and chic containers at Pottery Barn Kids.

Designed by a mom

100% recyclable glass, which means reduction in landfill waste

Glass equals no plastic toxins

Designed to store, freeze, re-heat and serve

Wean Green donates to the planet

Inspirational Weekend Reads

Interesting covers and the stories inside are just the beginning. A book’s true value lies in it’s ability to inspire and move us.

Giulano Bortolomiol: Dreaming of Prosecco by Ettore Gobbato

When I attended the reading and tasting event for the Bortolomiol prosecco I had no idea how much heart and work goes into one. This book tells you the history of how the Bortolomiol family started and showcases the authenticity that they kept along the way. Their bubbly and tasteful prosecco is made on chemically untouched lands and they would like to keep it that way. An interesting and encouraging read for prosecco lovers as well as history buffs.

Kat Von D: The Tattoo Chronicles

If you know a little to nothing about this lady or her show LA Ink my choice might seems strange. Once I picked up this book and glanced inside the words got me hooked. I wanted to know more of her stories and uplifting but honest quotes. The book centers around a personal diary and her client’s tattoo choices. Each person that enters her shop has a story and they are all interesting. Although I have no tattoos and might never get one in the future, I do see the art that is tattooing and admire Kat’s artistic talents. Simply an inspirational book for anyone that has ever felt different and experienced NOT being accepted or judged.

MOJITOS 101 & other muddled drinks by Kim Haasarud

If you are trying to wrap your brain around your upcoming party drink this book just might be your answer. The staple that is a Mojito is no longer just a simple drink. The other muddled drinks and variations on the mojito this author presents are all so captivating your guests will be begging to know the ingredients. Kim believes that when it come to cocktails simplicity is the best, little or few fresh ingredients will take you far. Keep on your kitchen shelf for inspiration and unique drink ideas.

Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero by Michael Hingson

Although I have not started to read this just yet there is something about it that exudes positivity. It is not a book about 9/11 but about overcoming obstacles through friendships and courage. All the positive reviews are telling me I need to devour this one carefully. The heartwarming story of man and his trusting dog reminds me of my own beloved pet. It just might shed some light on the big questions in your life. You might never ask yourself “Why Me?” again.

Be Beautiful & Live Luxuriously

While it is true that a luxurious presentation and organic products do not have to mix, today smart companies are seeing a high demand for products with a little something extra. Take the messy chemicals out of the equations and I am talking about packaging and design. Organic ingredients, presentation and care are among the few key things I look for and most of the time expect from a beauty product; especially one with a higher price tag.  You should demand the same.

Get ready for a higher class of a beauty product that you can proudly put on display. Knowing that it is safe for you and your family makes it that much more special. Let’s face it, excellent design and decadence together make up a blissful bonus. Besides, when the love of beauty and natural ingredients are presented together in even the simplest but beautiful packaging, the quality is free to speaks for itself.

Relax with Kat Burki and their super chic selections. These scents are to die for; they are also excellent for creating a wonderfully fragrant smells for you and your home. Welcome to organic luxury that anyone can afford.