Ok, this woman holding the bottle of esente above is not only the founder of the company but can you believe she is a 50 year old grandmother! Her name is Victoria Nash and if her youthful look is the result of using the esente line of skin care products we all need to give them a try.  

The esente line was created to be both preventative as well as restorative, offering many benefits that are referred to as the “e” factor - eliminating imperfections, enhancing cell function, extracting impurity, exfoliating and many others. 

Science, of course is behind the Physioceutical collection.  Pharmaceutical grade ingredients combined with ocean derived Oligo elements, peptides and other natural ingredients offer tremendous long term benefits to keeping skin beautiful, youthful and radiant. For more information visit esente.com and for your chance to win a free esente sampler just click here to enter. 

Ah, the joy of pregnancy and then the long awaited arrival of so much unconditional love.  It’s no wonder we want only the best for both moms and their babies and so does Otopia Organics.  Only 100% natural and organic ingredients are used in Otopia’s extensive line of moisturizers, lotions, toners and washes.  For mum smooth and rich moisturizers and lotions that nourish and protect skin while hydrating to enhance skin’s elasticity and tone and helping to minimize the appearance of stretch marks.  Other products include massage oils and breast balms. Each of their products offering something specific and necessary that the skin needs during this 9 month period and after.

Otopia takes great care in their newborn and baby products with specifically formulated extra gentle hair and body washes, lotions, massage oils and spray mists.  No aromos and no added essential oils here.  Only the purest ingredients for babies soft skin. 

Otopia Organics products are also available in travel sizes and a wonderful gift idea for any expectant mum.

Visit www.otopiaorganics.com for their full line of mum and baby products.

Diamonds… they seem to have a language all their own and nothing speaks love clearer then a sparkling gem from one of the finest jewelers in the world, Abazias.

Their latest creation is magnificence. What better way to say “I Love You” then with The Couples Diamond, possibly the highest quality diamond available. Cut to absolute perfection the Hearts and Arrows diamond shimmers with amazing brilliance.

Abazias jewelers offers unmatched quality on a grand selection of over 100,000 stunning diamonds! From sophisticated to trendy to designer their choice collection of watches, wedding rings, earrings, bracelets to fashion jewelry is endless.

If you can’t find the perfect ring for that someone special Abazias allows you to create your own by building the ring of your dreams. What your mind can conceive they can deliver.

For any style, occasion and budget, Abazias is your choice for exquisite diamonds and jewelry. Visit them at www.abazias.com

Got a new tattoo or looking for a great gift idea for that biker in your life?  Check out the unique skincare line at www.bikerskincare.com.  The Biker skincare line is targeting aftercare for freshly added tattoos as well as keeping old tattoos from fading.  Great Father’s day gift idea for the biker man in your life.

Mother’s Day is coming up in a few weeks but that still gives you plenty of time to find something special to give her to show how much you care.  Bath and Body Works is a great place to start.  They have recently introduced a limited signature collection of delicious fine fragrances that make you feel and smell like spring time.

The Moonlight Path fragrance sends you off on a romantic journey to a far away place. There is just the right blend of lavender, roses and violets with purple orchid and mandarin leaf.

Sweet Pea is more of a playful scent that will bring out the young girl in her. Pink sweet pea petals and sparkling violets with plum wood, red apple and bergamot are the delightful mix here. 

Moonlight Path and Sweet Pea are also available in a Luxe Body Crème infused with the Eau de Parfum and Shea butter for total body indulgence.  She is sure to love either one! 

Visit http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/

So the other day i walked into my regular nail salon Qticles in Pacific Beach and noticed the girl at the front desk swinging around in this chair.  At quick glance i thought it was a stool but as soon as she stood up i realized it was this really cool workout chair.  She told me this was a Hula Chair where you are basically doing similar motions to using a hula hoop which helps to ease stiffness in your lower back and also works the middle portion of your body helping to shape, tone and lose weight.  A great gift idea for yourself or anyone who spends alot of time sitting at their job.

Products that deliver results and don’t cost a fortune… this is what Boots is all about. The famous UK brand that carry’s the ever popular No. 7 cosmetic and skincare line that stars like Madonna, Keira Knightley and Terri Hatcher are big fans of.  Good news for us No. 7 and some of Boots other lines like Botanics, a botanical skin, bath and bodycare line as well as Time Dimensions, their result oriented anti-aging line are making their way to the US this spring and being offered exclusively at Target and CVS stores around the country. 

Boots sets it’s standards high and only brings you products that are derived of healthy, organic ingredients as is seen in their Mediterranean bath and bodycare line.  These luscious moisturizers include fruits, herbs and other wholesome ingredients that will nourish and replenish your dry skin and at the same time make you feel like you are touring the countryside.

Boots is so popular in the UK that it holds a Royal Warrant which means the Royal Family indulges in their products as well.  Just think we will now have something in common with them! 

Next time you are at Target or CVS don’t forget to buy some Boots!  Also check them out online at www.boots.com and if you need some skincare advice try out their Skincare Analysis Wheel - sometimes we just need a little help.

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner we are on the look out for some fun gift ideas and things to do.  Frank’s Chop Shop and the Valley both located on the lower east side of Manhattan, New York offer something both are sure to enjoy.

For him there’s Frank’s Chop Shop a full-service traditional barbershop and in their words “an innovative enivronment for gentlemen“.  A place of leisure for the hip and contemporary gentleman, where he will be able to read the latest issues of the Frank Book and chop it up with friends and associates. He’ll receive a high-quality cut in one of three original 1930’s barber chairs and pick up custom products on his way out.

For her there’s the Valley - a one-stop-shopping experience where she’ll indulge on a “facial for her nails” by nail techs who will work closely with her to create then produce unique nail art designs. A bikini wax using South American waxing techniques will leave her skin glowing and smooth. Lastly, she’ll enjoy a bowl of Acai which will give her the energy kick she needs to pick out an outfit to match her fabulous nails!After an afternoon of relaxation and primping both will be ready to meet up and enjoy a romantic night out on the town!

Can’t come in, not a problem gift certificates are always a great way to go! 

For more information please visit Frank’s Chop Chop – 19 Essex Street www.frankschopshop.com and Valley - 48 Orchard Street www.valleynyc.com.

Gift certificates are available at both locations!

With the holidays just around the corner there is no better time to start your gift buying.  The one thing everyone loves are spa gifts especially handmade ones.  Maryam’s Soak Nook offers a wide selection of soaps, scrubs, lotions, hydrating mists… the list goes on.  All are a wonderful blend of natural ingredients and delicious flavors that moisture and nourish the skin.  The whipped Shea Monoi Body Butter is a like a dessert souffle and looks good enough to eat!  Light & fluffy it absorbs into the skin and the clean fresh scent stays with you all day long. My favorite is the Luxury Body Mist.  It’s a light and fragrant hydrater.  Great in the morning after a shower or anytime you want a little lift. Whatever the occassion Maryam’s Soap Nook products make a wonderful gift or a personal treat.

Philosophy has some really great theme inspired gift sets, all which include an ultra rich 3 in 1 shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath,  a body souffle and lip shine.  The Party House is inspired with melon daiquiri.   The Guest House includes yummy powered sugar treats. The Pool House offers refreshing lemonade treats. 

I think my favorite might be the Ski House only available at Sephora.  The ultimate pampering treat, Double Rich Hot Cocoa ultra rich 3-in-1 shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath, a Marshmallow Body Souffle, and Kiss Me Pink peppermint lip balm. This set is only a limited edition so get it while you can.  All sets run $35 and make a perfect gift.