Coral Chic | 2019 Pantone Color Of The Year

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I get commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post.

Not Sponsored: Coral is a SHADE OF ORANGE (source). Well this explains all the variations I came across when putting this shopping guide together. The coral color spectrum goes from light peachy orange shades to dark orange shades (that border on red). Whenever I thought about the color coral in the past, SUMMER would immediately come to mind! I've changed my thinking! As I was picking products, I know now that coral also looks great in the Fall & Winter months. I had fun putting together these selections. I've included an assortment of possibilities for you below.

 

1. Heartloom Jax Blazer Nordstrom Heartloom Piper Shorts Nordstrom 2. Fresh Sugar Coral Tinted Lip Treatment SPF15 Harrods Neiman Marcus Sephora 3. Panacea Stone Three Row Necklace Nordstrom 4. Ambella Zanna Chair Horchow Neiman Marcus 5. Nudestix Nudies All Over Face Color Matte Blush in Sunkissed Sephora 6. Kevyn Aucoin The Neo Blush in Sunset Net A Porter Barneys New York Bloomingdales Sephora Space NK 7. Nudestix Nudies All Over Face Color Matte Blush in Sunset Strip Sephora

8. Paolo Casalini Full Length Jacket in Coral Yoox 9. Dooney & Bourke Alto Mini Tassel Crossbody Dooney & Bourke 10. Christian Dior Lip Glow To The Max Hydrating Color Reviver Lip Balm in Coral Glow Nordstrom Saks Fifth Avenue Neiman Marcus Sephora 11. Echo Luxe Asymmetric Poncho in Coral Bloomingdales 12. Guerlain Lunar New Year Kiss Kiss Creamy Shaping Lipstick in Sexy Coral Bloomingdales Saks Fifth Avenue Neiman Marcus Sephora Selfridges QVC 13. Dior Addict Lip Maximizer Plumping Gloss in Coral Sephora Saks Fifth Avenue Neiman Marcus Dillards

14. Beach Riot Leila Bikini Top Free People Beach Riot Leila Bikini Bottom Free People 15. Becca Ultimate Lipstick Love in Poppy Revolve QVC Sephora 16. Sugarpill Liquid Lip Color in Cubby ULTA 17. VIX by Paula Hermanny Coral Sara Caftan ShopBop VIX Paula Hermanny Saks Fifth Avenue 18. mar Y sol Mia Pouch Bloomingdales 19. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Collection in Incandescent Electra Net A Porter Barneys New York Sephora SpaceNK Nordstrom Selfridges

20. Free People Love Me Set in Coral Free People 21. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour Stick Harrods Chanel Fragrance and Beauty 22. Butter London Pantone Coral Nail Lacquer ULTA 23. Cinq A Sept Imogen Wrap Dress in Hot Coral Saks Fifth Avenue 24. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Collection in Incandescent Electra Net A Porter Barneys New York Sephora SpaceNK Nordstrom Selfridges 25. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Platform Sneaker in Desert Peach Zappos Nordstrom

10 Reasons Why You Should Join Nextdoor

Not Sponsored: Do you have the Nextdoor app? Nextdoor is an app that keeps you informed about what is going on in your neighborhood. I just downloaded it a couple of months ago and I love it. Nextdoor is not new. From Wikipedia, it started in 2008 and launched in the United States in 2011. It's not just in the United States, but also in Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom. It's been really useful. Let me share why.

1. Crime & Safety - I live in New Orleans. We have great food, festivals and lots of fun times. But we also have crime. Unfortunately, crimes such as car break-ins, stealing packages off porches and robberies have spilled over into neighborhoods (mine included). I haven't been affected, but a couple of my neighbors have been affected. I purchased outdoor cameras about three years ago, they have paid for themselves and have helped in so many ways. You will be surprised at what goes on while inside your home. I have been able to give footage to my local police and insurance companies. I have helped a neighbor find out what happened to a missing package. More and more people are getting cameras, they are posting their footage on Nextdoor and people are grouping their footage to solve crimes. People are posting their crime stories on Nextdoor. Because Nextdoor covers YOUR entire neighborhood AREA, you recognize street names. This makes you aware of what is going on around you. What's nice is that your local police taps into Nextdoor. It keeps them abreast of problems in the area. They even set up community meetings with area residents.

2. Missing Pets - With the Nextdoor app, I have helped a neighbor (using my cameras) locate their dog. One morning I spotted a dog walking past my house (he didn't look familiar) and he found his way to another lady's house blocks & blocks away. I went on Nextdoor and a picture that lady posted matched the dog my cameras captured earlier that morning. Through her and others we located the owner of the dog. People post their LOST PETS on Nextdoor and I'm happy to say 95% of the time it turns into a FOUND PET story. Also, when you fill out your profile you can list your pet as a family member. You can include your pets name and picture.

3. Suggestions, Recommendations and Solutions - I live in a University area. Tulane and Loyola University are just around the corner from me. So many are on Nextdoor looking for babysitting jobs etc.? Parents can find great babysitters with references. Many neighbors recommend lawn care, plumbers, electricians, housekeepers etc. People that have worked for them and that they recommend. Word of mouth is always great. There are also people that log onto Nextdoor that may have a problem at their house. Someone with expertise in that area logs on, reads their problem and is able to solve their problem. It's really cool to read.

4. For Sale, Free Stuff & Garage Sales - Have you ever put something out on the curb on trash day and someone takes it. It's a great feeling. Someone can use it! I put a lamp out one time and the driver of the garbage truck told the hoppers to hand it to her. I was happy because she wanted it and could get it fixed. Well on this app, you can post (along with a picture and the words CURB ALERT) that you're about to put something out on the curb. You can post things you want to sell along with the price. One man's trash is another's treasure! Also, some things are not "trash" by any means. Remember in my post from yesterday "Activities To Beat The Winter Blues", I mentioned attending a broadway show or concert. Well your nearby neighbors may have tickets they can't use and are willing to sell to you! They're nearby! Pay them and pick them up :) People post garage sales, sell baby clothes, plants, couches etc. So Nextdoor is another great resource to find a treasure close to your heart.

5. Interests - You can choose from an assortment of interests on Nextdoor. This may be book clubs, exercise groups, travel, the performing arts etc. The great thing is all of these events are posted by people from your neighborhood and hosted in your area (nearby or city). They will let you know about things going on in your area.

6. Puzzling Events - Have you ever been in your house, hear something and wonder what that was? Just log on to Nextdoor. I bet someone has posted about it. I've learned that the University nearby was shooting fireworks, military airplane practices, a car accident around the corner etc. You no longer have to wonder, because people are now speaking up and posting about it.

7. Lost & Found - Besides pets, neighbors are finding wallets, identification cards, keys, packages left at the wrong address or street, earrings, rings etc. They are posting about them on Nextdoor. Not the picture of them, but just enough that if you're missing the item you will be able to tell them enough as to identify them as yours (only you and the person that found the item would know). In the past, you would've probably lost that item FOREVER! Now there is a possibility you can find it again.

8. Public Announcements - The City of New Orleans Activated A Freeze Plan last night. This was posted on the Nextdoor App. It outlined when rain would be moving in. If there would be sleet. Precautions to take with your home, pipes and animals, shelter for the homeless etc. Other announcements include meetings your local police are having and want you to attend. Fire Departments. Special Events. Traffic Advisories & Street Closures. So if you're going to be impacted in your area or surrounding areas, they will let you know. It's very handy!

9. Holiday Time - This app is so good for the holidays! Do you plan on handing out treats for Halloween? You can note your home as a Trick or Treat stop! The app will put a picture of a Halloween pumpkin on your house (on the app). Not only that, but you can say if you're passing out regular treats and/or allergy friendly treats. Also if you will have decorations. For Christmas, if you plan to have decorations you want all to see, it will let others know.

10. Connect - The great thing about the Nextdoor app (overall goal) is to CONNECT with not only neighbors on your block but with people in your surrounding area. Besides my immediate neighborhood, it keeps me abreast of the other 18 nearby neighborhoods. If you're worried about your safety & security, don't be. You do have to post your real name, but you don't have to use your face as a profile picture. You can block out your address. It will say what street you are on. In my area, people are very vocal and opinionated. I'm happy to see that. It's meant to be a helpful app. Some abuse it by trying to put others down. It's funny because when that happens, someone jumps in and gives that person a piece of their mind. Offer advice. Help those in need. Be courteous. I've learned a lot from others (good & bad) since being on the app. I've also helped others, which feels good. One lady wrote me in private and said Kim, by you posting that link it really helped me. She's not on social media, so that little gesture helped her. So little things can help others. JOIN!
Introducing Nextdoor from Nextdoor on Vimeo.

Activities To Beat The Winter Blues

The Winter Blues! We get so excited for Fall & Winter, only to tire of it all by January. In New Orleans, our weather has not been consistent. We have warm weather one day. Cold & rainy weather the next day. These fluctuations (20 to 30 degree temperature drops) have made it hard for me (both body & mind) to adjust and achieve any kind of balance. I thought I would put together a list of activities you can do to help temper the winter blues. They're really helping me.

Plan A Day Trip, Staycation, Mini-Getaway Or Vacation 

I've been keeping a travel journal of all the places I want to go (both near & far). For each place, I've outlined specific points of interests that I would like to see and things I would like to do in that area. That way when I do visit that city, I already have a list of things I want to do and see. It's great to have wanderlust, but jot those travel wishes down on paper. Map out what you want to do!

Update Your Makeup & Wardrobe 

So you've Marie Kondo'd your closet & drawers? Everything is in order? If not, get rid of any and everything that doesn't work. Sell it (ebay), Donate it or Throw it away. Now is the time to think about your wardrobe. Is it ready for Spring & Summer? Do you need tees, blouses, skirts, dresses, pants, shoes etc? Now is a great time to evaluate what you have and what you need. That way you know what to shop for and make your wardrobe complete. Same for makeup! Throw out what has expired. Take inventory of the colors you do have and this will tell you what you need & don't need. Spring makeup has already started coming out! It's a little slower this year, so I expect more to roll out next month. Don't waste money on what you don't need. That's why it is important to know what you have.

Sign Up For A Class or Workshop

Life is about learning & growing. What about a cooking class? Want to learn photography? How about painting for fun? Join a book club? Do you like to dance? Yoga and fitness classes? Learn to play an instrument? This is not only a great way to cultivate and develop an interest, but to connect with others who have the same interests. There are also computer and online classes where you can learn lots of things, like a foreign language. Check with local universities.

Schedule A Visit To A Spa And UP Your Spa Game

Let someone take care of you for a change. The winter months can be harsh on skin. Instead of just a manicure or pedicure, get a paraffin or mask manicure. It really softens the hands & feet. Want a massage? Try a treatment massage (mud, honey, sea salt, seaweed etc.) to give your body that extra benefit. It will make you FEEL GOOD. Splurge!

Visualize Future Home Improvement Projects

Have you thought about remodeling a bathroom, bedroom, living room, kitchen or home office? Now is the time to look at that room and jot down ideas. What color would you like the walls? What furniture is needed? How about art work or wall decor? Fixtures? Jot down your DREAMS for that room. Pin ideas to your Pinterest account. Set a budget and time-frame.

Attend A Concert

Music does something to the soul. It can really cheer you up and get you going. Not only is music therapeutic, but the energy from the surrounding crowd can also get you going. Check out websites like Ticketmaster, Live Nation, Stub Hub and local venues to see who will be playing in your area. Summer concerts are already being announced. Check venues in neighboring states and make a weekend getaway of it. Treat yourself to a really good time.

Attend A Broadway Show 

Broadway shows whether in New York or your city can be expensive, but they don't have to be. Outline shows you would like to see. If they are coming to your city, check websites 1-3 weeks prior to the date of the event (website of the venue and also reputable sites like StubHub). Usually there are tickets that haven't sold or seasonal ticket holders (with superb seats) that can't make the show and will sell there tickets at a huge discount. Take advantage of that!

Go To The Movies

This is a classic, but going to see a movie will make you feel really good. Movie theaters now have passes/clubs to join, where you can see up to 3 movies a week (i.e. AMC Theatres). There are also a lot more food options at movie theaters. Support your local theaters both big & small. Visit a variety of them. Movies can transport your mind to some wonderful places.

Visit Your Local and Specialty Museums

Museum visits don't have to be boring! When was the last time you checked the website of your museum? Look to see what exhibits are coming to your area. There may be something that interests you! Go, walk around (great exercise for both body & mind) plus you'll be surprised at how much you'll learn and take with you. Museums now have great cafes and restaurants. After viewing the exhibit, sit down for lunch and don't forget to visit the gift shop.

Great Valentine’s Day Gifts for the Man in your Life

Image Source: Pexels

The annual celebration of love which we call Valentine’s Day is almost upon us once more, and if you have yet to acquire a suitable gift for your man, all is not yet lost. There’s still time to find a great gift, especially if you search for online jewellers, who stock a wide range of men’s bracelets and necklaces at affordable prices. If your man has everything, finding the right gift can be a challenge, and with that in mind, here are a few gift ideas to inspire.

• Men’s Gold Bullet Bracelet – If you want a necklace with charm and style, the ChloBo golden beaded bracelet is the ideal choice, and with next day delivery, you can still make it in time for the coming Valentine’s Day. There are three sizes, small, medium and large, which guarantees a perfect fit and as far as style goes, your man will certainly fall in love with this unique gift.

• Men’s Premier Stack Charm Bracelet – Featuring sterling silver mini discs, an attractive piece will please him so much. There are pieces that go with his rugged look and comes in three sizes, small, medium and large. You can also check out the bracelet that has the ChloBo international peace sign and is made up of silver cubes and black horn beads.

Image Source: Pixabay

• Men’s Tiger Eyeball Bracelet – A favourite with men from all walks of life, the stunning bracelet is a mixture of tiger eye and gold-plated bullet beads, which contrast well. The bracelet comes in a single 20cm length, which is suitable for most men and the stunning arrangement of tiger eye beads send out a strong message of being close to nature.

• Men’s Zodiac Necklace – A gold-plated necklace on 925 silver that comes in all 12 zodiac signs is guaranteed to please him. A handcrafted silver chain and a zodiac pendant are the perfect combination for the outdoor lifestyle, and whether he’s a Taurus or Virgo, his sign is currently in stock. If you would like to know more about the origins of Valentine’s Day, there are informative articles you can refer to.

• Inscribed Cross with Chain – If he is a Christian, he will surely appreciate this stunning cross that is inscribed with something that means “Child of Paradise”. The great thing about buying jewellery online is that you have a wide selection of stunning items and they are usually cheaper than if you buy from a traditional jewellery store.

Image Source: Unsplash

If you are still unsure about what to buy your man this Valentine’s Day, sterling silver jewellery is always warmly received, and if you buy from an online supplier, you can expect delivery within a couple of days.  The above are just a few of the items that can be found at an online jewellery retail outlet, with many more great items that might be suitable. The timeless look of sterling silver is never out of fashion and regardless of his style, there is something for every man.

If you want to give him something special, why not have the item engraved with a special message? This is possible with an online jeweller, as there is a personalised message window, where you simply type your message and the item will be engraved.

Carols Daughter Almond Cookie Softening Body Wash, Frappe Body Lotion and Shea Souffle Review

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I get commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post.

Not Sponsored: I've always wanted to try the brand Carols Daughter. Carols Daughter started off as an Indie Brand (small independently owned). Lisa Price is the founder. She started Carols Daughter in 1993. She made hair and body products out of her kitchen in Brooklyn, New York. Her mother's name is Carol. She initially sold her products at local flea markets and festivals. She opened her first store in 1999. She appeared on the Oprah Show in 2002. Her products started selling on HSN in 2008. Then they were made available at Target 2014. Carols Daughter is now part of the L'Oreal Family. I thought I would start by trying her Almond Cookie Collection. Love the name PLUS the website states it's great for DRY SKIN. That would be me! The website goes on to say, it was "Created in 1996, and our number-one scent for well over a decade—Almond Cookie is new again with a fresh look and 2 new additions. Blended with Almond Oil and carefully selected ingredients, these recipes are made with love for dry skin. Gently cleanse, moisturize and soften your body with the loving aroma of sweet marzipan, tonka bean and warm vanilla." I purchased the Carols Daughter Almond Cookie Softening Body Wash (HSN, Target), Frappe Body Lotion (HSN, Target) and Shea Souffle (HSN, Target). I've been using these since December and I'm ready to share my thoughts with you.

Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet

supersweet(run & buy it) sweet(really good,buy it) bittersweet(ok, issues)not sweet(not good,don't buy this stuff)

Carols Daughter Almond Cookie Softening Body Wash - Sweet

You will LOVE this scent! You will not smell like a cookie. It's not a sickening sweet scent. It's clean. It's almond. It's marzipan. You will feel fresh! I thought it was interesting that they said this was a softening body wash. It truly is. When you apply this to your washcloth and then apply it to your skin, you will feel it sink into your skin. It feels so good. It doesn't lather much, but a little goes a long way. Very silky on the skin. I always clean with soap first and then body wash. This does a great job with cleaning and softening of the skin. It doesn't provide long-term moisture, but it leaves your skin smelling heavenly and soft. I really like it and would definitely purchase it again. Carols Daughter website also says it is, "Blended with Almond Oil and carefully selected ingredients, this creamy, sulfate-free body wash gently cleanses and nourishes. Made with love, it leaves skin soft to the touch for up to 24 hours." Also, "No Sulfates. No Parabens. No Petrolatum. No Artificial Colors."

Carols Daughter Frappe Body Lotion - Sweet

You'll want to purchase BOTH the body wash & Frappe Body Lotion! It's creamy & dreamy! It has the same great scent. The lotion is so creamy and feels great on the skin. It's moisturizing, but not heavy, greasy etc. It really moisturizes the skin but without those other factors. Love this and it definitely compliments the body wash! I also love the pump for this body lotion. It's so easy to dispense. I wish all lotions had this pump. Plus the label and overall coloring of the packaging really compliments the whole almond cookie theme. The website goes on to say it is, "Blended with Almond Oil and carefully selected ingredients, this nutrient-rich frappé comforts and hydrates. Made with love, it leaves skin healthy looking and soft for up to 24 hours." Also, "No Sulfates. No Parabens. No Petrolatum. No Artificial Colors."

Carols Daughter Shea Souffle - Sweet

Out of curiosity, I also purchased the souffle lotion. I wanted to see how it compared to the lotion. It is fluffy like a mousse! It feels so light & heavenly. Same great scent. The souffle is for really dry skin. That would be me, but honestly I prefer the body lotion. It feels creamier on the skin. The souffle was just a little heavier for me. Maybe I'm not dry enough? LOL I will say it's not sticky, greasy, etc. If you have super dry skin, then you will love it. The website goes on to say it is, "Blended with Almond Oil and carefully selected ingredients, this comforting shea soufflé restores softness for up to 24 hours. Its cushiony texture melts into the skin, without leaving behind a greasy or sticky feel." Also, "No Silicones. No Parabens. No Petrolatum. No Mineral Oil. No Artificial Colors."

So overall, I was REALLY IMPRESSED with these. I definitely want to try more products from this brand.

Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean and Gum Detoxify Gentle Whitening Toothpaste Review

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I get commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post.

Not Sponsored: Crest came out with an impressive looking toothpaste last year, it's called GUM DETOXIFY. Their commercials show the toothpaste foam surrounding your gums, foaming up and removing "most" of the plaque & tartar laying on the gum line. Plus, their use of the word DETOXIFY is very current with what people are doing with their closets and lives. Well, I wanted to see if this toothpaste worked and tried two versions of it. I tried both Gum Detoxify Deep Clean and Gum Detoxify Gentle Whitening. I purchased mine from Target. I started this test the end of last year and I just finished the last tube. Let me share my thoughts with you.

Crest Gum Detoxify Deep Clean

This is the first toothpaste I tried. Crest states it's a fluoride toothpaste that neutralizes plaque bacteria around the gum line. I was impressed with this toothpaste. It's a thick white toothpaste that foams up. It really leaves your mouth feeling CLEAN. Your teeth both look and feel clean. Does it remove plaque/tartar buildup? It removes new and light build up. If you have older buildup, it will require a dentist to remove. Crest states this toothpaste neutralizes harmful plaque bacteria, even around the gum line. The activated foam seeks out bacteria in hard to reach places. It gently cools gums druing and after brushing. This toothpaste is much better than your regular toothpaste. So I feel it is worth it. I would definitely purchase it again. I really liked it. It has a very nice minty taste. It's also non-irritating.

Crest Gum Detoxify Gentle Whitening

I was less than impressed with Crest's Gum Detoxify Gentle Whitening. It didn't have the same punch as the Deep Clean. It seemed weaker. I don't know if it was because of the whitening added or what. My mouth & teeth didn't feel as clean. My teeth didn't seem any whiter. Crest claims it's suppose to do everything above plus whiten GENTLY. Well, it's a little too gentle in my opinion. I would skip this :P People often wonder about products. I wanted to share my thoughts with you after trying these. I hope it helps you with your decision making and shopping.

Some of the Many Ways Tea Is Great for Your Health

Quick, name a beverage that tastes great, may help to alleviate a number of health issues and can also be used in your beauty routine.

If you answered “tea!” give yourself five gold stars.

As it turns out, tea is pretty darn amazing — from specific types of herbal teas that can have health-inducing properties to black tea and its ability to make us feel and even look better, you might want to make this popular beverage part of your daily routine.

Relax with chamomile
For centuries, people have used the chamomile plant to help relieve upset stomachs, ease anxiety, alleviate insomnia and more. Many people find that brewing chamomile tea, which is found in the herbal tea section of most grocery stores, can help with all of these issues. Chamomile is delicious when served hot with a dab of honey. Since it’s naturally caffeine-free, you can sip it at night before bed to help you head off to the land of nod.

Ease a headache with peppermint
Another delicious herbal tea that may help with a number of health issues is peppermint. Drinks made from the minty leaves have been used for many decades to help soothe a rumbling stomach or ease the pain of a headache. Peppermint tea also tastes great, either with or without sugar or honey. When it’s poured over ice on a hot day and garnished with some peppermint leaves, you might find that it will take away the pain of a headache as quickly as over the counter medications.

De-puff your eyes
If you hit the chips and salsa bar a bit too hard last night and are noticing sodium-induced puffy eyes this morning, turn to black tea bags. As Food.NDTV.com notes, the tannin content found naturally in the tea can help to reduce puffiness. As a bonus, the caffeine in the black tea may help to eliminate dark circles under your eyes. To get the benefits that tea has to offer the areas around your peepers, simply run two black tea bags under cool water to get them wet, wring them out slightly so you don’t end up with tea streaming down your cheeks, and place them on your eyes for five to 10 minutes. As a side note, if you run out of your toner, you can use tea in a pinch; its natural astringent properties will help to clean your face and remove oil and dirt. Simply wipe a damp tea bag over your face and then follow up with a clean towel — you might be so pleased with the results, you may never go back to your original toner.

Celebrate the goodness of tea with a beautiful tea set
Regardless of whether you have been drinking tea for years or want to give the beverage a try, there is something special about preparing and serving it in a beautiful pot and cups. If you have never treated yourself to a lovely tea set, now is a great time to do so as there are many styles available. For example, you may have fond memories of your grandma serving tea in the Old Country Roses teapot set — the best-selling dinnerware pattern in the world is perfect on the teapot and accompanying sugar bowl and cream jug. If you like a more modern and clean look, you may love the Gaughan Personal Six-Piece Glass Tea Set with a teapot warmer, four cups and teapot all in clear glass.

Enjoy that tasty and healthful beverage
It’s always a wonderful thing when a delicious beverage turns out to be good for us. Give a new-to-you herbal tea a try, use it in your daily beauty routines and by all means, buy a gorgeous tea set that will celebrate your love of tea and all of the ways it can help your health and well-being. Remember, though, as wonderful as tea is, and as healthy as it can make us, it can never be a substitute for healthcare from a professional, especially when you are being treated for any diagnosed condition or need to undergo any procedures such as colon cancer screening. Tea can help you feel good, but a doctor will help you live.