Lifestyle Blog Archives | My Life on and off the Guest List

Everyday Holiday Stocking Stuffers Every Woman Will Want and Need

December 9, 2018/0 Comments/in Beauty, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Shopping /by Glasgow Skinner

While you are buying holiday gifts, don’t forget the ones that should be “hanging by the fireplace with care”. We’re talking about holiday stocking stuffers of course. The good thing about gifting everyday holiday stocking stuffers is that it can be anything. Whether you gift candy, beauty essentials, or fun little games, you can’t go wrong. Today we’re concentrating on great everyday products you can add to her holiday stocking.

1. Lifetherapy’s Mini Collection Gift Set, $39.00 – Start your journey of scent and mood here with this best selling gift set which includes travel-ready mini hydrating lotions and mini body wash & bubbling bath in all 5 of Lifetherapy’s signature fragrances. The gift box includes 1 oz. hydrating body lotion and 1 oz. body wash & bubbling bath in five Lifetherapy signature fragrances: Grounded, Energized, Inspired, Loved, and Transformed.
2. Nubian Heritage Abyssinian & Chia Bath Bombs, $14.99 – Immerse yourself in a luxurious bath experience with these naturally effervescent bath bombs. Made with Amaranth and Ginseng, these luxurious bath bombs are infused with refined Chia Seeds. Relax as the rich, woody, floral fragrance envelops your senses while the transformed water cleanses and softens your skin. You’ll love how delicately scented your skin is left.
3. Tweezerman Brow Basics Limited Edition Gift Set, $45.00 – All your favorite brow essentials are perfectly packaged together for complete brow grooming. Boasting award-winning and professional quality, this set is all you need to create the perfect brow. Includes the Classic Slant Tweezer, Brow Shaping Scissors & Spoolie, Precision Folding Brow Razor, and a Headband, all in a faux-leather cosmetic bag.
4. ybf beauty Colour Intensity Lipstick, $34.00 for set/$12.00 each – This new collection of lipsticks are ultra-intense, rich colors that leave the lips moisturize and soft with a luminous finish! Its formula wears evenly throughout the day and includes Vitamin E and Jojoba seed oil, leaving lips conditioned. The collection includes four gorgeous colors – Striking (gorgeous red), Brilliant (brown nude), Strength (nude), and Vivacious (burgundy wine).
5. 4ever Magic Cosmetics Double Shade Eyebrow Gels, $35.00 – Velvety smooth, long-lasting eyebrow gels that instantly adheres to hair and skin, transforming sparse brows into full-looking brows. Available in 4 double shades, the lighter-to-darker shade duos mimic the gradual look of natural brows. The angled brush tip/spoolie brush makes for an easy guided application. They are enriched with Castor Oil, water-resistant, smudge-proof, and boast high pigmentation.
6. Dr.Plotka’s Mouthwatchers, $4.99 – This breakthrough toothbrush that boasts revolutionary, antimicrobial dual layer flossing bristles. These bristles reach deep into teeth grooves and the periodontal pockets (the area between tooth and gum) for superior cleaning. Your teeth and gums are left feeling just as clean as after a professional dental cleaning. It eliminates 99.9% of bacteria that builds up on bristles in 6 hours due to its proprietary silver bristle technology.

Wouldn’t you love to find these everyday holiday stocking stuffers in your Christmas stockings this year?

SmoothSkin IPL Hair Removal Devices: Game Changers in Hair Removal

December 9, 2018/0 Comments/in Beauty, Lifestyle, Skincare, Technology /by Glasgow Skinner

A few years ago, we were introduced to a hair removal device that uses light-based technology (IPL or Intense Pulsed Light). This light technology hinders the growth of unwanted hair, but alas that device was not made for darker skin tones. That was then and now there is a hair removal brand that is a bit more inclusive. We’re here to introduce you to two SmoothSkin IPL Hair Removal Devices, SmoothSkin Gold and SmoothSkin Bare. Say goodbye to shaving and waxing!

SmoothSkin is the only global expert brand dedicated solely to the design, development, and manufacturing of IPL hair removal devices. You won’t find any other consumer electronics such as toasters or vacuum cleaners in their wheelhouse, they are strictly dedicated to making only IPL devices. As you can imagine, these early pioneers of light-based technology are unmatched in the advancement of light-based beauty products and skin science. So how do these SmoothSkin IPL hair removal devices work? They are designed to help break the cycle of hair growth by targeting the hair root or follicle.

Please note, IPL is NOT a laser. Light energy is transferred through the skin’s surface and is absorbed by the melanin present in the hair shaft. The absorbed light energy is converted to heat energy (below the surface of the skin), which then disables the hair follicle preventing further growth. With the use of these SmoothSkin IPL hair removal devices, treated hairs naturally fall out over the course of a few days to 1-2 weeks.

IPL differs from laser hair removal by using a much broader spectrum of light in various colors and wavelengths, whereas laser uses a single spectrum of concentrated light in one single color and wavelength. Both methods target the melanin in the hair follicle and can provide long-lasting results. Because laser treatment focuses light into the follicle and not the skin, it is often recommended for darker skin tones which may not be suited to IPL treatment. Due to the way the technology works, IPL isn’t suitable for the darkest skin tones, or Fitzpatrick skin tone 6.

IPL is also not recommended for use on red, grey or very light (blonde) hair. All SmoothSkin devices feature a unique sensor that checks to see if your skin tone is suitable before treatment. SmoothSkin Gold features the latest in IPL technology, which automatically selects the right setting for you giving a personalized treatment for maximum results.

SmoothSkin Gold, $349.00

Being the most powerful at-home IPL device on the market, SmoothSkin Gold checks your skin tone with every flash and delivers powerful treatment specifically suited to you. They recommend you use it once a week for 12 weeks to capture your three hair cycles of growth. Once these have been treated, your hair will stop growing back and you’ll only have to do a few sessions every few weeks. The SmoothSkin Gold boasts a gentle mode which reduces its power; this makes it perfect to use on sensitive areas such as underarms or bikini line. The treatment should take a maximum of 20 mins for your whole body and can be used pretty much everywhere.

We just started using the SmoothSkin Gold as we are in the Fitzpatrick skin tone 5 range. Something we couldn’t say a few years ago as this technology wasn’t available to our skin tone. It will take a few uses to see the full results, but we can say the device is easy to use, and we haven’t experienced any skin irritations or discomfort.

SmoothSkin Bare, $349.00

The SmoothSkin Bare is the IPL game changer offering incredibly fast, permanent hair reduction. Being the fastest at-home hair removal device on the market, SmoothSkin Bare uses an Ultrafast Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). With 100 flashes per minute, you can treat the whole body in only 10 minutes. Thanks to the latest technology, SmoothSkin Bare offers unlimited flashes, so you don’t have to worry about running out. By using Bare once a week, you will see results from 4 weeks with best results around week 12.

Both devices offer dual-mode treatments making it quick and easy, the Stamp, and Glide modes. The Glide mode is for larger areas such as the legs or arms. You simply hold down the button and the device will keep flashing as you glide it across your skin. The Stamp mode works perfectly for smaller areas such as your underarms or bikini line. SmoothSkin conducts several clinical studies; their in-house clinical team makes sure their products are both effective and safe.

SmoothSkin Gold and SmoothSkin Bare hair removal devices are both available now on www.smoothskin.com.

Sexual Fraud: Should It Be Illegal To Lie On Your Tinder Profile?

December 7, 2018/0 Comments/in Frontpage Article, Lifestyle /by Contributing Writer

By Marley DeRosia

If you lie on your Tinder profile, you might be in for a nasty shock — professor Irina D. Manta has announced a call for legal action against lying in your online dating profile.

It’s common for individuals to lie about their height or weight. In fact, nearly 80% of people will tell lies on their dating profile, with most of these claims being innocuous white lies.

dating online concept: online dating website on a laptop screen. Screen graphics are made up.

But more insidious profiles can result in serious damage to another person. Sexual fraud has become a serious transgression in the world of online dating but there is very little to stop this from happening in the first place.

Professor Irina D. Manta hopes to change this.

In her article published by The Washington Post, she highlights more serious circumstances where people were put at risk because of lies orchestrated by another user. One woman even fell in love with a businessman only to discover he was married. Worse yet? He was doing this to countless other women with the help of online dating.

It’s no wonder nearly 50% of marriages will end in divorce throughout the United States.

“For a woman in her late 30s or early 40s who wants to marry and have children, the opportunity cost of a fraudulent relationship can add another dimension to the pain in the form of diminished fertility,” Manta writes.

And the pervasion of lying doesn’t stop there. Countless fake accounts and bots work to trick users into paying exorbitant fees for businesses while others work under a different agenda. Twitter alone has removed or banned 70 million bot accounts since May of 2018.

digital love

One 69-year-old man hopes to elude lying on his profile through legal means, however. The aging Dutch senior wants to change his age to get more matches online and took it to court to alter his birthdate.

Born in 1949, Emile Ratelband wants to change his birth year to 1969. This would allow him to claim he is 20 years younger than his actual, measurable, biological age.

“If I put on Tinder that I am 69, I will not get a response…[As] 49, with that face of mine, then I’m rammed,” Ratelband said.

Of course, this act of lying could have serious repercussions on women hoping to meet a younger man. Whether due to issues in fertility, longevity, or lifestyle, there are countless reasons why women would not want to date someone who is 20 years older than they claim.

As Manta so succinctly states in her Washington Post article, “‘I won’t be able to get laid as easily’ is a poor argument for lying in the sexual setting. That line of thinking reflects an often misogynistic attitude of entitlement to sex that, in its more extreme forms, has been used to justify rape and has been embraced recently by the “involuntary celibacy,” or incel, movement.”

The scope of sexual fraud law may include online dating sooner than you think.

Holiday Sneak Preview: The 2018 Holiday Menu at Rosa Mexicano

December 5, 2018/0 Comments/in Drinks and Beverages, Food, Lifestyle, Restaurant Reviews /by Saucy Wallflower

Rosa Mexicano knows how to create a perfect celebration menu for each and every event in your life. Which is GREAT – because every month brings forth a new exciting reason to celebrate! December is flush with holidays with meals suited for gatherings of friends and family, and Rosa is fully prepared for you to leave the meal planning up to them this year! You may recall the beauty of their Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) menu we highlighted back in October. Those rich flavors! The aromas! The bright florals decorating every course of the meal! The deliciously spooky and flavor-packed punch! If you liked that menu, you will love that we were invited to a very first taste of their December Holiday Menu – at my very first and most-favorite Rosa Mexicano location – Lincoln Center!

I love the Lincoln Center location so much because it was my very first Rosa Mexicano experience. It was here that I first fell in love with Rosa Mexicano. The restaurant is beautifully and classically designed with a modern, colorful twist. Large portrait windows on both floors let the bright light of the Lincoln Center area in. Framed by a beautiful staircase connecting two floors with ceramic divers leaping from 30-foot iridescent water wall. The ambiance is absolutely everything when it comes to holiday dining experiences. We had the pleasure of meeting Rosa Mexicano’s Regional Executive Chef Joe Quintana whose holiday menu was a delight to enjoy.

The Rosa Mexicano 2018 Holiday Menu is designed to feature the authentic flavors of Mexico around holiday time. Pulling traditional Mexican meals from local areas, that will delight your guests whether they be friends in town or visiting family joining you for the holiday season in New York City.

This special menu begins with one of the best holiday punches I have had in some time. Ponche de Granada is an incredibly flavorful sangria-style punch that mixes smoky mezcal with pomegranate, a touch of vermouth, a generous dash of Campari for a citrusy note, and cava wine. The spotlight of this cocktail comes in the form of a glass generously rimmed with avocado leaf salt. Avocado leaf salt has so many interesting additional notes of citrus and exotic spices well-suited for the pomegranate and mezcal that the punch is a firework of flavor that carries you throughout every preceding dish offered on the menu.

Our first course – a zesty Pozole Rojo – features a delicious braised pork and Hominy soup in a clear tomato broth base, infused with chile, green herbs, and roasted garlic. The clear tomato broth is poured onto the hominy and pork after it’s placed at your table. For those not in the know, Hominy is a type of corn that I found was the perfect showcase item in this soup. As a hominy first -timer, I was pleased. It added a hearty level of comfort to the soup without taking away from the robust pork, chile, and tomato flavors.

Crunchy El Jefe Fish Tacos were the up next – a promised crowd favorite – Mini tacos featuring a White flake fish sprinkled with the most flavorful bits of bacon, tiny chunks sweet potato, topped with mildly pickled, not-too-intense red onion that adding sweetness and crunch to each bite. Perfection with a squeeze of lime.

As we continued to the third course, sampling of each entree, we were impressed with how distinct and delicious each was. Each complimented the next. You’ll want to try a bit of each yourself, and your friends and family will definitely want to share in the experience!

The first entree, Filete con Hongos, is a perfectly prepared Filet Mignon, served on a bed of mushrooms sauteed in a tequila cream sauce. Our knives sliced effortlessly through the filet with each bite; sizzling on the outside and a warm and rosy pink center.

If poultry is your preference, the Mexican style achiote rubbed half rotisserie chicken Medio Pollo Pibil is for you. Generously rubbed with smoked paprika and achiote, a red seasoning traditionally used in Mexico, throughout South America and the Caribbean. The results were so juicy and tender that I very boldly asked the chef for his secrets! Served with a side of A-MA-ZING paprika dusted roasted potatoes in a cream sauce, and an ample amount of habanero red onions for every bite of the meal, made this a hearty and flavorful option.

This final entree is a personal favorite because It reminds me of many family gatherings in seasoning and presentation. A delicious fish dish, Pescado a la Veracruzana. Featuring a generous amount of pan seared white fish, smothered in a classic sauce of tomato, fried capers, garlic, and roasted peppers. It is so good. Paired with grilled asparagus, this dish hits all the right notes of Old World, and New World – savory but not too heavy, with a bright snap of grilled greens and olive oil.

For dessert, Mexican Cookies and Milk; featuring traditional house baked Polvorones, traditional Mexican cookies in two flavors, Pomegranate and Chocolate, paired with chilled Horchata, a delicious nog-like Mexican drink sprinkled with cinnamon and vanilla!

Since we enjoyed the Ponche Granada so much, we had to pay our compliments to Courtenay Greenleaf, the Master Mezcalier who curated the exotic punch. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa or year’s end victory, Rosa Mexicano wants to put the ‘Feliz’ in your celebration. Happy Holidays Ahead!

The Rosa Mexicano 2018 holiday menu is available exclusively on December 24th and 25th, from 12-9pm.

EDITED BY GLASGOW SKINNER

Work And Play: 5 Tricks To Working Remotely While Traveling The World

December 4, 2018/0 Comments/in Lifestyle, Travel /by Contributing Writer

Every time you open Instagram it seems like all of your friends are jetting off on adventures around the world, and you’re always left wondering how they manage it with work responsibilities. The big secret is that many of these people have jobs that allow them to work remotely. Many millennials, a generation predicted to spend $1.4 trillion on travel every year by 2020, are working as freelancers, in contract positions, or at jobs that allow them to work remotely. This flexibility gives them the freedom to travel, but there are some key tricks to still getting the job done while having fun on the road.

Young man with glasses working on his notebook, with a fresh cup of coffee nice and early in the morning, getting the business out of the way nice and early in the day

Pick the right destination
The biggest amenity you need to account for when traveling and working is internet access. Remote working is only possible through being able to communicate digitally. While something like a cruise may be enticing because the ships provide entertainment and activities for all ages while taking you to seaside destinations, you may have to fight against spotty or limited Wi-Fi. Make sure that you’ll be able to get internet access wherever you go, and consider traveling to major cities like Los Angeles or Chicago, which can guarantee that you’ll have good service.
Find a comfortable place to stay
While hostels are a famously affordable lodging option for travelers, they aren’t the most comfortable or work-oriented. When you’re traveling and working, you’ll want to make sure that you have a set environment that is conducive to getting work done. Many people opt to find lodging through Airbnb or similar services, and others even rent or sublet apartments for longer stays. You’ll want to make sure the services and stores you like are nearby as well. With 54% of Americans over 18 years of age drinking coffee every day, convenient coffee shops are a necessity for many working travelers.
Establish a good remote workflow
Being in a new city, or even country presents many temptations to explore to your heart’s content and leave your work behind. However, to ensure that you keep your job you’ll need to set a routine and boundaries so that you are still productive in your nomadic environment. Make a clear schedule for yourself that includes work times and exploring times and stick to it. To stay on top of everything, be sure to factor in any time zone differences between you and your colleagues back home.
Budget for the extra and hidden costs
While you’ll still be making money because you’re working, you’ll need to be mindful of hidden expenses adding up. As previously mentioned, you’ll likely be renting or using Airbnb to stay comfortable, both of which can be more expensive than a traditional hotel or hostel. Other factors, like transportation costs, restaurant bills, and every coffee you order at the nearby shop, can add up quickly and leave you with less spending money than you anticipated.
Give yourself ample time to prepare
Before you adventure off to a new place with your laptop in hand, be sure that everything is in order. This is especially important for those taking extended trips. You’ll have to make sure that you’ve notified any supervisors and colleagues that you will be working remotely for a few months. You will also have to think about who is going to care for your home and any plants and pets you have there while you’re away. If you’re traveling internationally, make sure you’ve notified your bank, have a new SIM card for your phone, and that all of your documents for customs are in order.

Woman swimming with inflatable donut on the beach in summer sunny day

It is entirely possible to have the best of both worlds and be able to work and play at the same time. With efficient planning and open communication, you will be able to join those you previously envied and post goal-worthy travel pictures on Instagram.

Give the Gift of Personalized Fashion With sts blue Denim Jackets

December 2, 2018/0 Comments/in Fashion, Lifestyle, Shopping /by Glasgow Skinner

In an age where expressing your individuality is very important, many people are stepping away from fast fashion. But how do you make a classic fashion item your own? Take, for instance, the classic denim or “jean jacket”; this iconic outerwear is simply a basic jacket with an all-denim construction. Although design details such as fringe, patches, and paint can be used to customize denim jackets, personalization is different. That’s why we were so excited to try the free personalization that is offered with sts blue Denim Jackets.

That’s right, when you order one of the sts blue Denim Jackets, you can have it personalized for free. Make your own or giftable sts blue denim jacket unique with custom embroidery. What better gift to give a loved one than their name, favorite phrase, hashtag, etc on their own jean jacket this holiday season. We’re a very proud owner of a personalized sts blue Oversize Boyfriend Denim Jacket which we highlighted in our sts blue Fall 2018 Collection highlight (see it below again).

All sts blue denim jackets are made with 100% cotton, boasts copper hardware, and are available in a variety of washes. The sts blue personalization is done with embroidery. You choose from 2 different fonts and a choice of 5 colors that are perfect to make your personalized monogram stand out. Each embroidery is placed on the back of the sts blue denim jackets and can fit up to 10 characters. You can choose something cute, funny, or outrageous. It’s your chance to make the statement you want to. Just make sure your jacket style, size and personalized design are correct at the time of ordering as custom, personalized items are final sale items.

sts blue has some terrific denim jackets available now. Along with the Oversize Boyfriend Denim Jacket we got, we’re loving their new Oversize Long Boyfriend Denim Jacket in Sand Canyon wash. This dark grey vintage wash jean jacket features a longer than usual body length, a shadow hemline, antique copper hardware, and deconstructive details.

No matter the jacket you get or gift, adding personalization adds a very special touch to it. You will love it and most importantly, they will love it. Do you know someone who would love to be gifted a personalized sts blue denim jacket this holiday season?

Ana Luisa Jewelry: Everyday Luxury Without the High-End Markup

December 1, 2018/0 Comments/in Accessories, Collection Previews, Shopping /by Glasgow Skinner

Is there anything better than getting the best for less? We love saving money but we know it’s only really worth it when what you’re saving on are exceptional pieces. This is the idea behind the Ana Luisa jewelry brand, who offers everyday luxury jewelry for women. Unlike most luxury jewelry brands, whose prices reflect costs to the wholesale distributor, sales agent, marketing and retail markup, Ana Luisa offers a direct-to-consumer approach. Their approach of in-house designers, responsible production practices, and an online selling method allows the luxury-loving woman to afford gorgeous, high-end jewelry without the high-end markup.

We couldn’t resist getting to know the Ana Luisa Jewelry and its beautiful jewelry options. Whether you’re looking for everyday essentials or statement pieces, this affordable luxury brand is what you’re looking for. Our introduction to Ana Luisa Jewelry began with three pieces: the Flower Stud Earrings in Iris Pink, the Tessa Friendship Bracelet in Pink, and the Mona Hoop Earrings.

We were incredibly excited to receive our pieces and although we expected each item to be individually wrapped and placed in separate bags, we realize that it’s not a necessary need. The important thing is “how is the jewelry?” We will say Ana Luisa did not disappoint; let us tell you a bit about each piece first:

Flower Stud Earrings, $75.00 – a 14K Gold plated, delicate flower stud earrings with a natural pearl and an artistic enamel layer that is individually hand painted.

Tessa Friendship Bracelet, $59.00 – a 14k gold dipped friendship bracelet with a soft cotton ribbon braided with a delicate gold plated chain.

Mona Hoop Earrings, $69.00 – elegant, 14K gold-dipped studded hoop earrings with a textured ripple design.

Out of the three pieces, the Flower Stud Earrings were our favorite (it was love at first sight). We generally go for more statement earrings but there’s something about these graceful beauties that just stands out to us. They have a nice weight to them, they don’t pinch or weigh your lobs down, and they’re wonderfully chic. The first item we actually wore was the Mona Hoop Earrings; we love the idea of studded hoop earrings, it’s a great fusion of the two design details and we think a stylish addition to the earring category. Lastly, the Tessa Friendship Bracelet is a lovely and sophisticated version of the iconic childhood bracelet. Unfortunately, we need to get an extender because chubby wrists are a thing but once we get it, we’ll be gleefully wearing the Tessa.

This was our intro to Ana Luisa Jewelry and we can’t wait to share other favorite pieces with you. Learn more about Ana Luisa on their blog.

The First Reports Of Facebook Dating Are In: Is It Worth It?

November 30, 2018/0 Comments/in Lifestyle, Technology /by Contributing Writer

Facebook Dating has only been released in a select number of countries, but already we’re learning about the overall user experience. Now that the beta of Facebook’s dating app has hit Canada, the first Canadian users have begun to weigh in.

The verdict? It’s on par with other online dating apps, but a few bugs in the system make it difficult to use.

Journalist Ebony-Renee Baker details her interaction with the app in a recent Vice article. In true Vice fashion, she holds nothing back. She paints a vivid picture of lovelorn Millennials love-hate relationship with dating apps. Baker says Facebook Dating needs to fix the bugs to make it more usable, which is typical when tech companies are testing a new app.

Woman using dating app and swiping user photos

“When I select my distance preference to be within 40 km, age range from 26 to 35, and height within a solid 5’11 to 7 … feet tall, half of my suggested matches are basically the opposite of that. Instead, I’m getting dudes like 44-year-old Stephane from small-town Ontario, and wee Peter at 5’5″ even though I asked for them not to be there — no offence, guys,” Baker reports.

On top of that, Facebook Dating forces the user to send messages immediately to those you have tapped “interested” in. This means that you don’t match with someone to begin talking to them — as soon as you hit “interested,” a user can message whomever they want.

While this might open the door for people you may not have considered, this is inherently different from the match-to-talk options already proffered by more popular dating apps.

Countless people use online dating to find matches in real life. In fact, over one-third of married couples in the U.S. met through a dating site or app. Among those who identify as LGBTQ+ couples, almost 70% of them met online.

But that doesn’t mean those couples had to filter through plenty of bad dates, bot accounts, and creepy messages to get there.

Despite Ebony’s lackluster opinion on Facebook Dating, she did manage to go on one date with a man who lived down the street from her. Of course, it didn’t work out, but at least he wasn’t one of the 70 million bots Twitter has gotten rid of this year.

This is a stark contrast to the way couples met in the 1990s. In fact, more than 40% of couples met their partner through friends, followed by 20% of people who met in bars. But then again, the average cost of a honeymoon wasn’t more than $4,000 either.

It’s apparent that online dating isn’t going anywhere. But the final judgment on Facebook Dating? It seems like it’s too soon to count it out just yet.

Once the app fixes its bugs and spreads to more countries, the best thing we can do is try it for ourselves and form our own opinions. And write about it for the benefit of the rest of the world.

Posts

By Marley DeRosia

EDITED BY GLASGOW SKINNER