Product Spotlight:: Vineyard Hill Naturals Milk & Honey Body Collection

The combination of milk and honey evokes pure comfort.  I recently discovered the line Vineyard Hill Naturals and couldn't help but be instantly smitten with the pretty packaging and the lightly scented products.  My favorite is Milk & Honey, a delightful collection that includes products body lotion, body wash, soap and body butter.  This scent has the creaminess of milk and the sweetness of honey but with hints of nutty coconut.  Vineyard Hill Naturals can be purchased at Target.  

{Beauty Profile} Ultraluxe Enzyme Peeling Cream

Our wedding day is quickly approaching (about 2 months away!) and I have been diligent about keeping up with my skincare regime in order to have a 'bridal glow' come May.  In order to have a polished and luminous complexion it is important to slough-off dead skin cells either with a physical scrub (one that is infused with micro-granuals, salt or sugar) or a chemical scrub (one that has fruit enzymes or alpha hydroxy acids).  I like to incorporate both forms into my skincare routine and recently I have been using the Ultraluxe Enzyme Peeling Cream to keep my skin fresh.  This rinse-off cream is laced with pumpkin enzymes which acts as a natural 'chemical' exfoliator, in addition to cardamom and Beta Carotene extracts that help to eliminate blackheads, dead skin and unnecessary oils that can cause break outs.  After one use, my skin was incredibly supple and soft and considering the arctic temperatures that my complexion has been subjected to that was no easy task.  Using this Peeling Cream once or twice a week will allow for your moisturizer to work better and retain moisture.  If you are looking to incorporate a scrub that is less abrasive than physical scrubs I definitely recommend going this route.

Enzyme Peeling Cream c/o

Scenting the Home with Rewined Candles

Among the swaying Spanish moss, candy-colored homes and salty air in the southern town of Charleston, South Carolina exists a boutique candle company that has both heart and soul.  I love discovering brands that from start to finish create products that emulate luxury.  Rewined Candles does just that by crafting gorgeous candles that have scents inspired by fine wine.  Not only are these natural soy candles housed in repurposed wine bottles, you can see the process here, but they are handmade and hand-poured in Charleston. The Mimosa candle radiates like a burst of sunshine.  Inspired by the beloved brunch drink, this fragrance includes a sparkling champagne note blended with freshly squeezed orange creating an uplifting aroma. This brunch staple is of course inspired by the fragrant mimosa that is currently blooming in the South of France (I was lucky enough to pick up at the flower market).   The Pinot Noir candle eludes to a bit of mystery and omits an intriguing aroma of fig and cranberry that mixes with violet and leathery undertones just like that of the wine itself.  If you are looking for a new candle range, I definitely recommend Rewined.  

{Beauty Profile} Revlon x Marchesa

 Each Marchesa runway collection is fit to be called a work of art - the intricate detailing, the luxurious fabrics and the dream-like silhouettes are something you could only imagine in your mind, yet Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, the insanely talented designers behind the brand bring the fantasy to life.  It is only fitting that they would eventually make their foray into the beauty world to let the rest of us experience a little bit of their undying magic. Launching this month, Marchesa has partnered with Revlon to introduce a Limited-Edition Red Carpet collection that will not only make you feel glamorous but make you feel good at the same time since a portion of the proceeds will be given to Half the Sky: Turning Opression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, an organization that helps end oppression for girls and women world-wide.

Beauty Profile:: Ole Henricksen Nurture Me & Ultimate Lift Firming Serum

When temperatures reach the teens or even single digits there is one thing that you must do, layer - layer everything, your clothing and the oils, serums and creams that protect your skin from the elements.  I can say that my skin would be in complete disarray if it were not for these two Ole Henricksen products and their face oil (I wrote about it here)  - when combined they are a powerful trio that acts like armor during these excruciatingly cold months that can wreck havoc on your complexion (not to mention the chlorine from the pool at the gym).  Applying the Nurture Me Cream is like massaging a thick layer of pudding on your skin - it is luxurious, incredibly moisturizing and is laced with an addicting creamsicle aroma.  It is chock-full of powerful ingredients like Evening Primrose Oil and Vitamin A & C which help nourish and promote a uniform complexion while being extra gentle on sensitive skin.  If you are looking for a moisturizer that penetrate and moisturize thirsty skin I definitely recommend it.

Now let's talk wrinkles, or rather preventing them.  Since I first started working in the beauty industry at the age of fifteen I have been using anti-wrinkle creams - it might sound crazy but if there are two actions that can prevent premature aging is moisturizing and sunscreen.  Today there are so many amazing serums that can boost your moisturizers power like the Ole Henricksen Ultimate Lift Firming Serum.  This serum contains a cocktail of botanicals, hyaluronic acid, which plums and protects against moisture loss and Copper Tripeptide which fend-off free radical damage.

c/o Ole Henricksen

German Soft Pretzel Sticks

When the big Super Bowl game day rolls around what types of snacks will you be munching on? If I could make a suggestion it would be to whip up this delicious recipe for Soft German Pretzel Sticks, a delightfully soft and chewy snack and is perfect for the rowdiest of football fans.  This year, since the game is in New York it is even more of a reason to tune in, but I will be honest, football is my least favorite sport to watch - I am more of a basketball/baseball type of gal.  I do like to tune into the commercials though and of course the half-time show.  When it comes to pretzel pairings I love to combine either a sweet or savory dipping sauces like either dark chocolate or a good mustard, so when the kind folks at Maille Mustard sent me an array to choose from I opted for the latter.  This recipe paired perfectly with their Honey Dijon because the sweetness of the honey complimented the subtle sugary taste of the pretzels. So will you be tuning into the big game in a few weeks? 

{Le Week de Paris} Teatime with Le Palais des Thés & Madeleines

A few months back there was an article in the New York Times where author Steven Erlanger reflected on his five years spent in living and working in Paris. Amid his love and dismay for the city he referenced Walt Whitman who said, "Most visitors go away having found just enough of what they craved to develop a lifelong yearning to return", wow, yes, perfected stated.  

This week I am taking you to Paris, well, not technically (wouldn't that be just incroyable) but each post will be dedicated to my favorite city in the entire world.  It has been such a blessing that I was able to live there twice for an extended period of time.  I was swept off my feet by the magic, wonder and beauty of this European city that has captivated me like no other place has ever been able.  My passion runs so deeply that I cannot help but get a pang in my heart on just how much I miss it.  But in less than five months, I will be returning as a stop on our honeymoon. I have been dreaming about the warm baguettes, the moody skies, the architecture and the pristine gardens for far too long.  It is time to go back, I need to go back.  However, in order to satiate my yearning, this week is all about all things Parisian.  I hope you enjoy! 

Celebrating the Holidays:: Pomegranate Gin Fizz {I HAVE MOVED TO ROSE & IVY JOURNAL)

What else could be a better way to end a week filled with festive ideas and treats than with a holiday inspired cocktail? Even though I do not drink, I like to have a seasonal drink to greet company when they arrive.  This year I wanted to create a vibrant red cocktail that would brighten the season so I decided to make a Pomegranate Gin Fizz, a perfect way to incorporate my favorite fruit, the pomegranate. This cocktail is an infusion of freshly squeezed orange juice that is topped off with pomegranate juice and seeds and finished with sparkling water and gin -  I incorporated Martin Miller's Gin into this cocktail which rounded it out perfectly.  If you are looking for an easy drink this holiday season, I recommend it! And with that, I hope that everyone has a wonderful weekend! I will spend mine finishing my shopping list, putting up our tree (I was sick last weekend and sadly missed our annual tradition of cutting down the tree) and having a small holiday get together. Have a great one!  Continue for more...

For more recipes visit ROSE & IVY Journal 

Beauty Crush:: Skin Owl Beauty Oils {Plus a Giveaway}

I am a firm believer in the power of using oils on your skin year round, especially during the winter months, when brutal winter weather and dry heat can wreck havoc on any attempt to create a uniform and luminous complexion.  The key to maintaining skin health during this time of year is using the right products that moisturize and protect.  

Today I am thrilled to introduce you to Skin Owl, an organic skincare company founded by beauty entrepreneur Annie Tevelin. Her brand specializes in luxurious face oils formulated to help tackle your skincare needs, whether you have dry, combination or oily skin. All of the oils are infused with Argan oil, an antioxidant powerhouse that contains Vitamin E and linoleic acid, which aid in reducing inflammation and protects the skin from free-radical damage that can lead to premature aging.   Annie prides her company on selling products that not only make you look good, but products that also make you feel good - now that is a beauty philosophy that I love. 

These oils are amazing, after just four drops of the Geranium oil my skin immediately looked brighter.  I applied it right before bed and the aromatic aroma provided a relaxing scent that practically induced sleep.  I awoke the next morning with incredibly soft and glowing skin - winter ravaged skin, begone!  I want you to have the same experience, so I am partnering with Skin Owl to give away one full-sized oil of your choice!  Continue for more...