Present yourself with Confidence and Authority

Next time when traveling look for XpresSpa... I found them located inside of the Orlando International Airport, Terminal 3

2011-10-02T16:23:00.000-07:00

Last week, coming back from a business trip, I found myself standing in front of the XpresSpa at the United Terminal 3 at the Orlando Int'l Airport. I had 2 hours before my flight...so I opted for : Stress reducer, eyebrow wax and mini massage. Great Guest Service and such a beautiful spa. Try it next time you have extra time before boarding. this was my 2nd visit, since I had already tried the service at the Vancouver International Airport in May.

http://www.xpresspa.com

Spa Services Menu

Massages

Melt away the stress and tension of traveling with one of the exclusive XpresSpa relaxing massage treatments available below:

Foot Massage 10/15/20/30 min.

Instant relief for your tired feet and your entire body! Using the ancient techniques of reflexology, our signature foot massage relieves stress, reduces fatigue and improves general well-being.
Neck & Back Massage 10/15/20/30 min.

Perk yourself up! The XpresSpa energizing Neck & Back Massage relieves stress and improves posture by loosening stiff muscles and leaving you feeling refreshed and renewed. Your spine will thank you.
Stress & Tension Eliminator 15/25 min.

The perfect pre-flight spa treatment! Sit back and relax while being treated to a relaxing neck, head, and facial massage to relieve upper-body tension and sinus pressure. Moving on to an energizing neck and shoulder massage, this massage concludes with a soothing arm and hand rub.

Footwear, shoes, heel height, leaving shoes at the door....

2011-09-10T21:11:00.000-07:00

S H O E S

Leaving shoes at the door.....did you know according to research that everyday we track all sorts of pollutants into our homes, including lawn pesticides, coal tar from asphalt surfaces, lead, and even e. coli. Taking off your shoes when you get in is an easy way to keep those toxins out.
Also if we alternate your heel height each day we are actually helping out ourselves.

High heels put up to 26% more pressure on your knees and up to 76% more pressure on the balls of your feet, wearing hem everyday can stiffen your Achilles tendons and permanently damage the muscles in your legs and joints in your feet. Doctors say we should lessen those effects by alternating heels of varying heights.

So how come those heels look so good on us, Ladies?
What's your secret for your aching feet, do you wear flats or heels or a combination of both. Would love to hear your comments and suggestions. Unfortunately most of us cannot wear flip flops or tennis shoes to work, although its nice to ponder that thought.

In love with Kauai

2011-09-04T13:07:00.000-07:00

My husband and I visit Kauai at least twice a year, to us its the most beautiful place on earth. For many reasons we love Kauai, but the biggest reason is that we were married on the island of Kauai in 2003.

Some of our favorite areas include Hanalei beach, Na Pali Coast, Waimea Canyon and Kalalau Valley.
Princeville Golf Course - Makai is our favorite golf course on the island. Although I am just a vacation golfer, my husband actually gets quite a workout playing the Princeville golf courses. We will play best ball and usually get two other vacationers to join us on the "Makai" course. I learned early on in our marriage to always say "yes" to golf with the hubby.

The Kilauea Lighthouse is a must to see, Kilauea Lighthouse
just off of Hwy 56 it is a beautiful view and a little piece of history since it was built in 1936.

Lydgate Beach Park

Lydgate Beach Park
Typically calm and clear, Lydgate Beach pools are a favorite for young swimmers and beginning snorklers. Shade trees and grassy areas also make for an ideal picnic spot.

Take Highway 56 south toward Kapaa for 22 miles. Just past the Wailua Bridge turn left toward the Aloha Beach Resort and continue on toward Lydgate Beach Park.

The best part of any vacations is spending is with life long friends ! There are always so many things to do and see in Hawaii, especially Kauai, the crown jewel of the hawaiian islands.

A quick trip over to Oahu to see our good friends the Yoshidas.

Whoever says there are no good get-away-from-it all nature excursions on Oahu? Behind me in the background is the famous "Diamond Head".

Queen's Bath on Kauai

the secret falls at Waimea

Smart dressing for Fall 2011

2011-09-03T22:55:00.000-07:00

Fashion should not be about what is "in season", getting dressed is much more enjoyable when you are satisfying yourself.....

Focus on Outerwear - Invest in a piece that elevates your status
Mix it up- don't get caught copying your best friends, be unique
Go casual for evening affairs - You don't have to show all of the goods....you don't have to show cleavage to be sexy
Rethink the pencil skirt - its not for just work meetings anymore
High waisted Garbo pants are a huge hit this fall
Make mornings a no brainers - by nailing the basics

Touching Lives

2011-08-18T21:28:00.000-07:00

There are so few jobs and careers that give an individual the opportunity to meet people on the threshold of their dreams. Disney Cast Members have this indulgence every day.

There's a spark when a thoughtful action, an extra effort, or a kind word creates a life-altering moment for that Guest.

I have known since my first day as a Cast member in 1975 that I was ..."walking in Walt's footsteps". I am so proud to be able to spread the Disney magic each and everyday.

Summer Trends 101 - or what works for the office/work

2011-07-25T22:04:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I am having a hard time figuring out what to spend my money on - when it comes to clothes for the office. How to economize and not be totally obsessed without having bought things that are at full price. So this blog is dedicated to the females in the world trying to find something to wear to work. Gone are days of worrying about family vacations, trying to kick your Starbucks habit or even giving to charity. Here are my top FIVE must haves for Summer Trends, that you can wear !

Ann Taylor

Perfect Kitten Heel - Liz

color - pumice stone

#182308

If the shoe fits - love it, this shoe is incredible and so comfortable that it can take you from the office to the romantic dinner with your guy

the must have for spring & summer

The belted half trench safari jacket

Found at Macy's, J.C. Penny's or Talbots

Instead of a suit, try a skirt and blouse. You have been all buttoned up all winter, switch up your rotation with a cotton blouse that still means business and a lovely gray skirt.

Give your hefty leather bag the summer off !

Try this little, lightweight yet durable canvas bag, you can load up beautifully.

A classic revival, tradition with a twist

Jacket made from rayon, polyester, cotton and nylon

wear with pants or skirts, perfect fit for office or after

build your summer wardrobe with the great sales going on or for a switch .....

My friends and I get together twice a year for a clothing swap. It encourages us all to go through our closets and weed out those things that no longer fit well, and we always go home feeling as if we've had a full day of shopping without spending a dime. Our old clothes, get a new life, and those pieces that don't find a home go to charity.

Photo memories for a lifetime

2011-07-02T19:21:00.000-07:00

One of the defining memories of my childhood was a Kodak commercial that ran on television constantly.
The sentimental lyrics were paired with a melody that still brings back memories to this day. The theme of the commercial was that you better photograph your children as they are now because, before you know it you can turn around and they will be grown and out the door and you may have lost the moment. Today as I look at my photo albums today I know my parents and my family took that message pretty much to heart. There we are my brothers, my parents, my grandparents, my aunts and uncles all looking back at me in the albums. As we grew older the flurry of photos seemed to diminished, but by then I had taken my own camera and continued the trail of memories with my own children's pictures.

These days as I look at my pictures of the family, I long for the days of sitting with my children over Fourth of July weekend at the beach or the park, or a neighbor's yard. Just like the song from the Kodak commercials is true..."Turn around, turn around". We raise our children to leave the nest not to be mama's boys.

IMAGINE

2011-06-04T22:11:00.000-07:00

Life is a big canvas--
Imagine, coming to work every single day and being creative. Inspiring, motivation and above all celebrating everyday

We lost two well known Disney legends yesterday and today.
Wally Boag and Betty Taylor - they were two extraordinary people whose knack to entertain left us wondering how they do those astonishing things.

Disney Legend Wally Boag Dies At Age 90

(CNS) Posted Saturday June 4, 2011 – 10am

The man hired by Walt Disney to perform as Pecos Bill in Disneyland's Golden Horseshoe Revue, and who went on to headline nearly 40,000 stage shows, died Friday. Wally Boag was 90, it was reported today.

Boag's feat was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest running stage production in show business, Disney officials said.

"The world's stage has experienced a great loss in the passing of Disney legend Wally Boag," said George Kalodridis, president of Disneyland Resort. "Wally was instrumental in the development of live entertainment during the early years of both Disneyland Park and the Walt Disney World Resort."

Boag also was the voice of Jose in the Enchanted Tiki Room at the theme park.

Wallace Vincent Boag was born Sept. 13, 1920 in Portland, Ore. Disney Legend Wally Boag Dies At Age 90.

Beauty "thought for today" Clinique the iconic brand

2011-05-29T15:05:00.000-07:00

"Cherish the past, but invent the future"

Clinique was the first brand that I started using as a teenager in California.

My best friend, Sue Clark introduced to me to the whole line of skin care in 1972.

Sue came from a family of beautiful women, and all of them had their beauty secrets.

Clinique the 43 year old skin care brand recently propelled themselves into the industry's leading power player. Back in 2006, the parent company Estee Lauder cosmetics began to take equity of the brand and modernize it.

New products were rolled out with much success.

2007 - Redness solutions
2008- Lash Power mascara
2009 - Even Better Makeup SPF 15
2010 - Even Better Clinical dark spot corrector
2011 - Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour balm

Going forward, Clinique will continue to play in the dermatological concerns arena. In April, Pore Refining Correcting Serum launched, claiming to visibly reduce the appearance of pores by 58 percent in two weeks. Its numbers like that keep attracting new followers to this market.
I love all of the Clinique products - even now in my fifties its my "go to beauty corrector and damage corrector". One of my most favorite products is the "Moisture Surge tinted Moisturizer" like wearing makeup that's not really makeup, its light and fresh and feels like you are only wearing moisturizer.

Etiquette still has a place in the office: creating order and helping others get along

2011-05-27T20:01:00.000-07:00

Etiquette

Today there seems to be a generational divide regarding etiquette, the complaint being that young people lack manners.

Why is etiquette important?

Etiquette is about being considerate. It doesn't matter what fork one uses, what really matters is being kind and considerate and paying attention to other people you're dining with, not the fork.

Today it doesn't matter if you are on the golf course, in the board room, or out dining with friends. Good manners are always in fashion and are always needed. In today's world we build relationships, we build friendships, it doesn't matter the location, we should always be kind to one another.

How you relate to people is very important. Your appearance, your words and the actions you take are going to affect how people respond to you. Being comfortable and being confident with what you're doing is key.

Most of us today work on a computer at our work location, it tends to isolate us and sometimes we are not dealing face to face with others. By being isolated, we tend to use technology without thinking of how its going to interrupt. Computers, iPhones etc have made us an instantaneous society, so people are now expecting things right away. It's in that kind of environment that people sometimes don't stop and say hello to each other. They forget some of the niceties.

So here are some memory joggers

It takes 5 seconds to "make an impression"
21 days to start a pattern
100 days to become automatic
30 days a message is forgotten
60% of a message is forgotten in 24 hours
when 90% of a message is retained for 30 days with 8 days of constant reminding

Put new skills to work right away. Research proves that the sooner you implement a new behavior, the better your chances of making it a permanent part of your daily life.....

Make your dreams come true.....

2011-05-11T18:02:00.000-07:00

Inaugural Alaskan Voyage

Disney Wonder

This past week I traveled on board the Disney Wonder cruise ship to Alaska on a business trip, it was magnificent !! I don't consider myself a nature person or even a pioneer, but the sights and sounds in Alaska from the four ports is something I will never forget. The weather was in the mid 40's it was crisp, clear and blue skies for the most part. My work partner and I flew to Vancouver, Canada to board the DCL Disney Wonder for the Inaugural Alaskan Voyage.

Tracy Arm - Our first stop on the cruise was Tracy Arm fjord which is located in the Inside Passage approximately 45 miles south of Juneau. Cruise ships wind their way through the fjord which is located in the Tongass National Forest. The surrounding mountains are approximately 7,000 feet high and numerous waterfalls, created by melting snowcaps, can be seen along the route.

Skagway - We reached Skagway on Friday, it is located at the northernmost point on the Inside Passage in Southeast Alaska. Skagway still retains the feel of those Gold Rush days with their historic downtown being restored to its roots, complete with false fronted buildings and wooden sidewalks.
Juneau - Saturday we arrived in Juneau, the largest capital in the USA (by land size), Juneau is 3,248 square miles. Alaska is the only state whose capital city is accessible only via ship or air. No roads connect to Juneau to the rest of the state.
Ketchikan - We arrived in Ketchikan on Sunday, Mother's Day. Originally established as a fishing camp back in 1883, when salmon saltery was built by a man named Snow. The city became an important mining supply center following the discovery of gold and copper in the region.

Ketchikan - The Salmon Capital of the World, the city is located in the Southeast Alaska, on Revillagigedo Island along the Tongrass Narrows at the foot of 3,000 foot Deer Mountain. Ketchikan is only accessible by boat or plane.

Ketchikan

Everyday eyes --

2011-04-23T20:12:00.000-07:00

You want your makeup to be simple - but your eyes can still stand out. A shadow, pencil, mascara and dab of blush (yes, its okay) are all it takes to look alert and polished.

The attach link is a you tube video on everyday eyes:
http://youtu.be/RoVTnN4Oga4

Once a upon a time in 1976, I went to England on a Rotary Youth Exchange

2011-04-19T21:19:00.000-07:00

When I was 18 years old and a freshman in junior college, I left home and study abroad for a year in England on a Rotary Youth Exchange. The experience was my first real opportunity to study outside of the United States. My father was a member of the local Rotary Club and he was insistent that all of his children spend time outside of the U.S., I went to England in 1976 and my brother Drew also spent a summer in Northern England. My dad's advice as it turned out was extraordinarily 100% correct. After several weeks in Blackpool/St. Anne in Lancashire - I was realizing a dream. Sometimes we don't always see the the important quest for education and how our parents want us to live better than they had lived. My Mom & Dad were very proud of my trip to England and I was proud of myself to venture outside of my comfort level and learn to live with a new family and study abroad.

Each day a new beginning - 30 words you'll never misspell again

2011-04-17T16:50:00.000-07:00

Handy guide to hang near your desk

a lot
allege
amateur
apparent
believe
caffeine
committed
conscious
conscience
definitely
embarrass
exceed
gauge
grateful
hierarchy
humorous
liaison
maneuver
mischievous
privilege
queue
receive
recommend
rhythm
separate
sergeant
supersede
transferred
vacuum
weird

The Story of the Coco Palms Hotel

2011-04-03T18:06:00.000-07:00

Once in a lifetime experience.....

As a child and also a teenager, my parents took our family to Hawaii many times. We vacationed on Kauai and stayed at the world famous COCO PALMS HOTEL at the Wailua river. The Hotel was famous and had been in many Hollywood movies such as South Pacific, Blue Hawaii and many more. the Coco Palms Resort Hotel was within walking distance to the beautiful Pacific Ocean and the Wailua Beach. Each evening the Lagoon Dining room would fill with families and it was like going back in time to a simpler time. During the holidays in 1973 my Dad took us for Thanksgiving and our family was able to see the famous tree planting ceremony for those of us who were lucky enough to be there at that time period. That ceremony left an impression on me and established a love for the hotel and lodging industry. The pride of the Hawaiians, and the pride of the hard work was especially gratifying for me to see.

Fast forward to 2003, my husband and I were married on the beautiful island of Kauai. The Coco Palms Hotel has been closed since 1992 when the Hurricane Iniki damaged the resort with winds and rain. Through a long time friend, Joe Kauo my husband and I had the good fortune to meet the original Hotel Manager of the Coco Palms, his name is "Big John Kauo" in 2009. Big John started out as a waiter and worked his way up to Hotel Manager. He tells the story of doing almost every job at the Hotel from dishwasher to panty manager to managing the bellman.

Elizabeth Taylor's Birthday Party at DISNEYLAND (1992)

2011-03-27T07:46:00.000-07:00

This past week with losing a beloved Academy award winning actress Elizabeth Taylor at age 79, it has made me reflect on 1992. I had the honor of working her 60th Birthday party at Disneyland, and also was able to assist with planning of her special party including helping load the "Goodie Bag" that was handed out to all of the special Guests. The goodie bag contained the following gifts: Liz Taylor Coffee Mug with her picture on it, an oversized white Tee shirt with Liz's picture portrayed 4 times, and bottle of her famous signature fragrance.

Looking back, it was kind of a crazy evening - Everybody who was anyone associated with the show business industry had been invited to this special one of a kind birthday party! I was lucky enough to be working red carpet at the entrance to Disneyland and welcoming our Guests for the evening.

Transform your face, eyes, brows, nose and lips with a safe natural technique

2011-03-16T20:50:00.000-07:00

From Publishers Weekly

Designed for the woman who is unhappy with an aspect of her face or body but who "either cannot afford plastic surgery or does not want to risk its very real potential side effects," Pearl's guide to makeup techniques is a friendly, affordable alternative to the doctor's office. As a makeup artist to celebrities such as Barbara Walters, Brooke Shields, Mira Sorvino and Kelly Ripa, Pearl has blue ribbon credentials among the rich and famous. This book, however, leaves starry glamour aside and focuses on the common problems of ordinary women everywhere: dark circles under the eyes, blotchy complexion, unwanted freckles and double chins. Pearl uses normal-looking people, including her own family members and herself, as the models for her before and after demonstrations, which makes her results seem both more doable and more believable. (Several of the models are African-American.) For example, in the section titled "Bye-Bye Crow's-Feet and Laugh Lines" she shows how concealer and foundation can be used in a "two-step process of spackling and painting" that fills in and covers signs of aging. Other sections cover techniques like contouring and setting. Some readers may wish that more time had been spent explaining basic techniques like blending foundation. But for readers who already have some experience using makeup, and are satisfied with a transformation that can be washed off at the end of the evening, Pearl's how-to book should be just the trick.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

'Eve is not only a make-up artist, she is a magician who reveals the tricks of the trade' - Kelly Ripa

Plastic Surgery Without the Surgery: The Miracle of Makeup Techniques

See all Editorial Reviews

Quote of the day - Happy February 1st, 2011

2011-02-01T19:48:00.000-08:00

"we can learn to use makeup to emphasize our eyes or downplay a feature. But, self-assurance involves learning to live with (and treasure) those fundamental things we cannot change: the very features that make each of us beautiful and unlike anyone else."
- Bobbi Brown

9 pieces of advice to get through a terrible day

2011-02-01T19:21:00.000-08:00

9 Pieces of advice to Get you through a Terrible Day

do something for somebody else - it will help you feel a bit better.
Rent a movie - perhaps a romance comedy
find yourself a friend, shrink or a stranger to talk to.
forget about what you cannot do
meet an old friend for lunch and listen to her woes
step away from the ice cream, lasagna etc - don't lose the ability to tuck in your shirt.
Do something for - yourself- anything, I promise it will make you feel better.
go to church, mass, temple or wherever you worship
buy a new tube of lipstick or gloss - may I suggest Sephora it will always make you feel better.

Dress for the body you are today - not what you want to be or what you were in High School.

2011-01-28T14:58:00.000-08:00

Dress for the body you are today

Not what you want to be

Or what you were in High School

How to Work with your Curves

A dress with a belt will cinch you in, focusing attention on your small waist
Keep necklines open
A deep V neck or scoop neck lengthens your neck
Don't cover big curves
Big clothes on big bodies only make you look bigger
Dress from inside out - a well fitting Bra and Shapewear will camouflage all lumps and bumps.
Clothes should skim your body, not cling to it like a sausage casing. Think high waist, wide trousers and A-line or flared skirts.
Shorter, fitted jackets will also flatter your legs - and waist.
Skirts should end just before or under kneecap. Your legs will look longer.

10 Basic Women's wardrobe pieces - must haves for 2011

2011-01-22T22:52:00.000-08:00

With the right basics - you can look fresh and fabulous

a basic dress -- wrap dresses or knit dresses are great
a great coat - invest in a piece that you love....
a great white blouse - it goes with everything
turtlenecks - not too dressy and not too casual -wear them with suits and jeans
black pants - need I say anything more?
accessories -- don't forget thrift stores and consignment stores for great deals
cardigans - don't forget the neutral colors
tee shirts -- great for layering
denim -- so important for everyone....all ages
the navy blue blazer - for business or casual as a key piece for the season.

SPANX -- my favorite way to whittle the middle and have great Legs!

2011-01-16T21:03:00.000-08:00

Spanx has got to be the greatest invention known to mankind.

Makes our legs look glamorous
Invisible to most
Wear as underwear to avoid VPL (visible Panty Lines)
Mega compression zones minimize love handles
Comfortable waistband stays in place all day long, thank you.
High waisted shaping sheers with super tummy control
Helps us get into our skinny jeans - thank you Sara Blakely for helping us look Beautiful.

Also Spanx is now featuring:

Camisoles
Bras
biking shorts

for 2011 - this is my new favorite product !!

How to greet the Queen of England

2011-01-11T20:01:00.000-08:00

Yes, she is royalty, but unless you're a citizen of Great Britain, don't curtsy or bow to the queen.

Over the weekend.....my husband and I saw a great movie and got me thinking about royalty. We saw the King's Speech and what a delightful true story, we both loved it. Listed below are a few bullet

points for all of you, just in case you are in a situation where you're able to meet a royal.

Address all correspondence to the " The Private Secretary of Her Majesty the Queen," not the queen herself. Request the correspondence be communicated to her royal person.

Contact the queen at the following address: Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA, England

Greet the queen as "your majesty" initially. Use Madame thereafter
Accept the queen's offer of a handshake, and of course, a bit of conversation if she's willing.
Don't show the queen your back, if you're following tradition, and leave the room only after the queen does. Keep in mind that times have changed and formalities have eased.
If you have gloves on, remove them.

Self Confidence and Self Esteem - Life's not a dress rehearsal

2011-01-04T19:45:00.000-08:00

Self Confidence and Self Esteem

"life is not a dress rehearsal"

How many times do we tell ourselves there is no reason to dress up or put makeup when we are home alone? With the New Year upon us we closely examine the quality of our real lives. It does take extra effort to put out the good china, and it does take more effort to fix our hair and put on some makeup. But, we all feel better when we do take those extra minutes to blow out our hair or put lipstick on. We definitely act different when we are put together. Just like every good actress knows the magic power of props and costumes to create special moods both onstage and off.

So here is to the New Year ! Let's tap into the excitement of real life and be the leading ladies in our own lives.

The Sephora-to-Go App: Take a tour

2011-01-02T11:54:00.000-08:00