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My Facialist’s Recommendations

Tonight, after a crazier than expected start to my week, I enjoyed a spur of the moment indulgence on a facial, thanks to a birthday gift certificate. I love Equinox for their wonderful personal trainers, quality gym classes, and their spa. I have been especially pleased with the spa at their 54th and 2nd location, managed by Schuyler Manhattan. Now, while I can’t confirm whether that is the spa manager’s birth name, I can confirm that he has taken this spa and turned into an amazing beauty and wellness destination for Midtown Manhattan.

011This evening I took advantage of their winter special, the 50 minute facial for $90 versus the usual $110. My facialist, Shelly, was very friendly and more than happy to provide suggestions for my blog readers. Since I realize a facial isn’t something that can fit in everyone’s budget, especially during this time of year, I wanted to provide you with some inexpensive tips and tricks to keep your skin glowing all winter long.

0131. Remember that water’s primary purpose and role is to flush toxins out of the body and support organs. While your skin is an organ, it gains very little moisture from the water you drink daily. Therefore, a serum and daily moisturizer routine is crucial during the harsh winter months.

2. A serum will penetrate your skin better than a moisturizer due to the molecule size. I did some research while trying to understand the difference between these two products and it’s pretty interesting.

  • Serums give added moisturizer and allows nutrients to penetrate into your skin in a way that moisturizers can’t due to the molecule size. For this same reason, many serums can offer anti-aging and brightening affects that moisturizers can’t. Always apply a serum before a moisturizer!
  • Due to moisturizers larger molecule sizes, it can’t penetrate the skin as far as a serum will. While serums deposit nutrients, moisturizers are meant to hydrate your skin and create a barrier from the elements. 3. Serums nor moisturizers need to be expensive in order to be affective. Below are her top recommendations for both drugstore and department store brands.

Serum Pick:

Olay Regenerist Moisturizing Serum

    Drug Store Moisturizer Picks:
        Department Store or Beauty Boutique Moisturizer Picks:
        4. Your hands and body require very different hydration than your face due to the difference in skin texture and thickness. Therefore, a glycerin based moisturizer is better for your hands, especially areas which become extremely rough and chapped during the winter months.  My facialist recommends Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion. 

            I hope these tips and tricks help you keep your skin glowing all season long! Feel free to leave a comment with questions for Shelly as she’s more than happy to help by answering your questions.

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            ashleyd /

            Oven Beer Can Chicken

            First of all, thank you so much for the sweet comments, emails, and notes about the changes taking place right now in our world.

            It was definitely unusual waking up alone this morning for my workout. I’m accustomed to having a gym and commute buddy each day so it was a bit lonely. To avoid hitting the snooze button since I don’t have anyone to hold me accountable, I may have set my phone alarm for 5:40, 5:42, and 5:45. Success!

            IMG_3349 (480x640)Due to a change in schedule with my trainer, I did my 3 mile run and spin today. There wasn’t a class that worked with my schedule so I just hopped on a spin bike and did my own thing for 20 minutes.

            My legs felt a bit tight this morning after the workout so I spent a few minutes icing with vegetables because I’m classy like that.

            IMG_3350 (478x640) The rest of my day was uneventful, other than the fact that I captured a picture of EVERYTHING I ate for the first time in ages. A few readers have requested that I make my daily food a more regular feature on the blog. I’m going to give it a try for a few days and see how I feel. I’m also definitely open to feedback.

            IMG_3188 (478x640) Breakfast included oatmeal, banana, cinnamon, and 1/2 scoop of vanilla protein powder. I also enjoyed a cool and refreshing iced green tea on the side. Did you know that if you save your cup and you have a Gold Card, you get free refills at Starbucks?

            My stomach was growling 30 minutes before we stepped out for lunch so I enjoyed my homemade fruit cup of strawberries and grapefruit.

            IMG_3365 (640x478)

            I tried a new salad combination today at lunch and loved the heartiness, flavor, and variety.

            IMG_3367 (640x478) IMG_3369 (640x478) Today’s mix included grilled chicken, beets, baby spinach, 1/2 portion blue cheese, red onions, chopped tomatoes, celery, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. On the side I enjoyed Baked Ruffles.

            I knew Bo and I would be eating dinner later tonight since I had an after work appointment, so I bit into a juicy peach around 4!

            IMG_3368 (640x478)  My after work appointment was a facial!

            IMG_3370 (640x478) IMG_3376 (480x640) IMG_3377 (640x478) Melissa makes fun of my spa obsessions but appointments like this are a great way to relax. Also, I wouldn’t say getting a massage once a month makes me an addict, but if it does, I’m okay with that.  I only get a facial once or twice a year so it’s a relaxing treat that also has wonderful side affects. In full disclosure, I’m working with Equinox to put together a special promotion for local New Yorkers but will also be doing a more in depth post regarding skin care and some of the things I learned today. The good news is a lot of the tips and tricks were free or very inexpensive!

            The best part of the day though, was walking through the door to the smell of grilled chicken! Holy goodness! Who knew you could make beer can chicken in your oven?! IMG_3392 (640x478)

            Tonight’s dinner included:

            • Butter lettuce salad with chopped tomatoes, red onion, salt, pepper, and Trader Joes Parmesan Ranch dressing
            • Beer Can Chicken made in the oven using our cast iron pan
            • Grilled squash and zucchini

            IMG_3388 (640x478) IMG_3386 (640x478) IMG_3387 (640x478) IMG_3390 (640x478) Clearly it was a delicious dinner enjoyed by both of us.

            Last but not least, a portion controlled dessert to answer my screaming sweet tooth.

            IMG_3393 (478x640) Question: Do you enjoy the more thorough food pictures which document everything I eat?

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