My dear readers,

There won't be any reviews for a few days and well, there haven't been for a week because my grandfather is dying. What should have been a routine surgery two weeks ago, went tragically wrong and he has been in and out of a coma. Although he was awake for 8 hours yesterday, he suddenly crashed and now it appears there is no hope left. His wishes were not to be on life support, so I hop a plane to Florida in a few hours to tell the one person in my life that I love with all my heart--goodbye. Tomorrow my grandmother will take him off of life support with most of us by his side.

How do you prepare yourself to watch the person you love take their final breath? I'm not sure, but it is killing me to know that is just what I am going to do.

UPDATE: Thank you so much for the comments, emails and cards! I arrived in Florida and my grandfather had come back out of his coma. He is not doing well at all (still cannot breathe without the respirator and still requires the feeding tube) but he does awake and will shake his head yes and no. It was quite an emotional weekend.

I promise I will be back to posting reviews soon--I certainly have quite a long list of products just waiting for their review to be written--so stay tuned!

An electric guitar, a microphone from a McDonald's Happy Meal and a LeapFrog Drum--all the workings needed for a homemade band.

Ps. The drummer quit shortly after this video as he wanted to be the singer thus dashing the hopes for a worldwide tour.

Even better still--these are MY kids. :)

Everyone who knows me, knows I am a big Old Navy fan. Old Navy has repositioned itself for a comeback and it looks like they are really on the ball since WWD just broke the news that Todd Oldham will be their new creative director come October 1st. Love Todd Oldham.

For me, Todd is really the designer that started the "...For Target" trend of high profile designers creating wearables and home decor for the average person. Now that he will be lending his talents to Old Navy, I have no doubt that they will continue their runway to store trend, keeping the brand looking fresh.

I had recently written about Dr. Bragi's Age Management Marine Enzyme on Beauty Pro. I've been very intrigued by it and finally had the opportunity to try the product out for myself. I don't want to reiterate what I've written before, but I do want to share with you what I thought after testing it out for a few weeks.

The marine enzyme is a serum that is odorless and colorless. You need to use only a pea-sized amount at the most--and honestly even a pea-sized amount was too much product for my skin. When I first gave it a try, my skin felt tacky and slick. I knew that I applied too much, despite the small amount I smoothed over my face. It's pretty amazing how little you need. Once I figured out the right amount for my skin type (which is combination), then I couldn't physically feel it on my face anymore.

There definitely was a noticeable difference in my skin's appearance (fresher looking) and that it seemed to keep my skin well-hydrated. Dr. Bragi actually recommends that you keep the product in your refrigerator, as heat is what activates it.

This is a super product--and now that I am done testing it out on its own, I'm currently testing it out with a handy little device called the Baby Quasar (review to be posted soon) with amazing results.

Dr. Bragi's Marine Enzyme is available at Bliss Spa's nationwide & online and for my UK readers, at Boutique Unique London.

Tags: beauty, dr. bragi, skin care

To enter today's contest:

*Find the Splendid fragrance post. When you find the post written today that mentions ”splendid fragrance”, post a comment on that blog that you have found it.

*Then come back to the Splendicity blog, and post in the comments section that you found it – but don’t mention the name of the blog that you found it on or you will be disqualified.

*All commenters that complete the process will be entered into a drawing to win.



Today's prize is the fabulous fragrance Ralph Rocks, from Ralph Lauren.

Ralph Rocks has top notes of passion fruit, kiwi, and citrus, middle notes of freesia, orange blossom, hyacinth, and palm leaves, and base notes of bleached wood, sandalwood, and amber. Awesome!

Thank you to Ralph Lauren Fragrances for sponsoring today's contest.

Please read the contest rules before entering. Thank You!

Westin Hotels & Resorts today announced a new in-room spa program that will bring the personalized luxury and comfort of a full-service spa to the privacy of the hotel room. The hotel industry’s first global in-room spa program, the experience was developed by Westin's spa team and includes a luxurious yet portable spa bed and a spa basket filled with sensory items to be enjoyed before, during and after the massage.

The specially designed in-room spa bed, the Heavenly Spa Nova, was inspired by the iconic all-white ten layer Westin Heavenly Bed. Designed to provide the ultimate in-room spa experience, the luxurious all-white spa bed is 31 inches wide - larger than typical portable massage tables - and is outfitted with heated AeroCel padding topped by plush double fleecing and Westin's signature Heavenly Bed linens. A fully padded face cradle completes the feeling of full-body comfort. Just below the face rest, Westin installed a small shelf, designed to hold a bowl of flowers and soothing aromatherapy oil. The Heavenly Spa Nova is adjustable and includes a special trolley for easy handling and was designed by Westin's spa team in partnership with leading manufacturer Oakworks.

The Westin in-room spa experience is customized from start to finish—beginning with booking, when a staff member collects information about the guest's history and preferences. Approximately 40 minutes before the massage appointment, Westin staff delivers a spa basket holding water, a flower, a CD containing customized relaxation music, a healthful treat such as dark chocolate and a letter explaining what to expect from the treatment along with tips for ultimate relaxation and enjoyment. The basket also contains a selection of plant-based aromatherapy oils and room sprays, allowing the guest to choose a scent for the treatment.

"We designed our new in-room spa experience to appeal to the growing segment of travelers who expect uncompromised luxury, but may prefer the comfort and privacy of their room over a communal spa," said Sue Brush, senior vice president of Westin Hotels & Resorts. "This program is also ideal for business travelers, who often have a small window of time for relaxation and pampering."

"Historically, hotels offering in-room massage have used equipment and methods that were designed for function, not comfort," added Jeremy McCarthy, director of spa development, operations and marketing for Starwood Hotels & Resorts. "The new Westin initiative brings the spa experience to the guest room by incorporating all five senses—the bowl of flowers, for example, helps guests focus and unwind in an organic way."

Westin's in-room spa experience is currently available at 64 properties and continues to be rolled out worldwide. The Heavenly Spa Nova and custom in-room spa services join a host of initiatives aimed at personal renewal recently introduced by the company. The Westin Renewal Council, a panel of six lifestyle experts—including trainer to the stars David Kirsch and renowned psychologist Dr. Dale V. Atkins—dispense lifestyle advice via a newly launched website, www.findrenewal.com. Additionally, Westin properties across the globe host Unwind evening rituals—mini lessons, tastings and art installments that help guests connect with each other and the culture of their surroundings.

This is my first time experiencing the Yes To Carrots line. I'm a big "mud" fan and wanted to give their Facial Mud Peeling Cleanser a spin.

"Formulated with Dead Sea Mud, carrot juice and natural apricot scrubbing particles, C is for Clean activates micro-circulation, removes dead skin cells and promotes the dispersion of fine lines."

Don't expect to find actual thick mud to slather your face in, this was more of a lotion-type cleanser with dead sea mud (that you can't see) and ultra-fine apricot particles--the feeling and texture is very similar to Cosmedicine's Medi-Morphosis. I'm not sure how this is a "peeling cleanser" as I had assumed it would be like Freeman's Cucumber & Ginseng Peel-Off Masque. I think the name of the product is a little confusing, however it is a really good cleanser. The fine apricot particles really polish your skin and when you rinse it off, you really feel squeaky clean.

I hear that the rest of the Yes To Carrots line of products are really good. Have you tried them?

Before I headed up to New York last weekend, I made a trip to Apple Day Spa in Honesdale PA for a pedicure. I know I'm the biggest hypocrite in the world, since I've told you to be careful about getting pedicures done at a salon/spa, but I paid close attention to make sure everything was cleaned properly. I usually take care of pampering my feet at home, but I was in some dire need of alone time and there's only so many pedicures I can give myself with the baby on my lap and my other 3 sons constantly vying for my attention.

I love the set up of their pedicure room. You don't sit in a chair, it's actually this very long bench that spans the wall with curtains on either side of you (each with its own sink) that you can pull out for privacy (as it looks like 10 other women can be getting pedicures at the same time). You are perched up on the wall above the sink. On this bench are fluffy pillows and a padded seat. You basically feel like you are lounging in bed as you soak your feet in the swirling water.

The music was so relaxing, at one point I almost fell asleep and asked Stephanie how she stays awake all day. This was so what I needed after endless days and nights of being "mom" 24/7. Plus getting to have girl talk with Stephanie was such a nice change from the non-stop conversation about Yo Gabba Gabba and Tak and the Power of Juju in my house. (Seriously!)

I opted to get a French Manicure (which looks fabulous) and noticed Cuccio Naturale's Aqua Leaves on the tool cart. You can create themed pedicures with these and they come in 3 fragrances: Papaya Green Tea, Milk & Honey and Tuscan Citrus Herb. It sounded fabulous and I may have to indulge myself with one next time I am there. This time around a 50 minute pedicure is all I needed to revitalize myself.

Overall, the service was great, the atmosphere was relaxing and soothing and Stephanie was fabulous about listening to me ramble on about my super cool career as a beauty blogger. If you happen to live in Northeast PA or plan to visit, make sure to put Apple Day Spa on your list for some pampering. www.appledayspa.com

Tags: apple day spa, spa, pedicure

Warm, inviting, sexy, glamorous, classy...all of these things describe Coco Mademoiselle by Chanel.

Upon opening the bottle, the fragrance was very sharp and strong--almost overwhelmingly so. A few dabs on my wrists and several minutes later, the scent seemed to mellow.


Top Notes: Orange, Bergamot, Grapefruit

Middle Notes: Litchi, Rose, Italian Jasmine

Base Notes: Indonesian Patchouli, Haitian Vetiver, Bourbon Vanilla, White Musk

I'm honestly not a fan of patchouli, but somehow combined with the other fragrances it seems to work for me in this perfume. Throughout the day, each fragrance seemed to emerge and make itself known. Citrus one minute, floral the next, then warm and spicy. Coco Mademoiselle is meant to capture youth, which I can feel when I wear it.

You feel elegant, sophisticated--young.

Have you tried it? What did you think?

Tags: beauty, chanel, coco mademoiselle

A Girl's Gotta Spa! is now a member of Splendicity--your site for Splendid Style (and beauty!) All throughout September there are contests running for you to win FREE stuff!

The Splendicity contest for today, September 14th:



To enter to win a collection of MAC Cosmetics makeup, you must do the following:

*Visit 5 Splendid Member blogs that are listed in our BEAUTY category, post a comment saying hello. You can also view the Splendicity member list right at the homepage: Splendicity.com where our member list is broken down into categories.

*Go back to Splendicity.com and report the Splendid Member BEAUTY blogs that you commented on in today’s Splendicity blog contest post.

All readers that complete the process are entered into the drawing to win today's prize.

Thank you to MAC Cosmetics for sponsoring today's contest! (We heart MAC!)

It seems I am not the only one who loves Herbal Essences All That Shine! Herbal Essences expert Ashley Javier designed the hair "look" of the models for the Behnaz Sarafpour SS08 fashion show at New York Fashion Week– a Bridget Bardot-inspired mane, with long, subtle curls. To compliment the matte makeup and fashion trends, Ashley ensured the model’s hair was illuminated with luscious shine. (She also used Herbal Essences Set Me Up Max Hold Hair Spray to lock in those waves.)

Tags: hair care, herbal essences, behnaz sarafpour

Stress--everybody's got it but nobody wants it. Someone came up with a fabulous idea to start "No Stress Day" and it'll take place on September 29th for the very first time.

Spa's, Yoga studio's and various companies that focus on taking the stress out of life across the country are participating by offering discounts if you use their services on 9/29.

A sampling of some of the great companies participating:

Aspen Club, Aspen, CO - 25% off all spa services and 10% off all salon services.

Skintology Total Skin & Laser Spa, New York, NY - 15% off all Facials, Eyelash Extensions, and Laser Hair Removal.

Skin Haven Spa Studio, Los Angeles, CA - 20% discount on all 75 minute treatments on 9.29.07, please mention No Stress Day when you book your appointment.

Spa Blisstique, East Brunswick, NJ - FREE On-the-go facial with every 90 min. massage, a $35.00 value, or a 45 min. hot stone massage for only $50.00. ***You must mention the No Stress Day special at the time of booking.***

For a complete list of participating companies, please visit: www.nostressday.com

The gorgeous Keira Knightley in Coco Mademoiselle:

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Tags: chanel, keira knightley, coco mademoiselle

My head is still spinning from this weekend. What a heady adrenaline-filled time.

I arrived in the city with Elke meeting me at the Port Authority, we grabbed a cab and headed to the Marriot in Times Square where we met up with Erika. Got settled into my room and then Elke worked her magic on my eyebrows (which look fab). Julia and her friend Daphne arrived, then Ellen, Lianne and Elke's assistant Lindsay. As we got ready to head out to Bryant Park, I had the pleasure of Lianne doing my makeup (yay!)

(Ellen & Elke)

(Elke & Lindsay)

(Daphne & Julia)

(Lianne & Elke)

We got to Bryant Park and while we waited for Heather Park from MAC Cosmetics, photographers were snapping pictures of Lindsay (who is gorgeous by the way). We headed in and got exclusive access to the MAC area of the tent. People were watching us and snapping pictures, which we found amusing. We listened intently as Bianca from MAC gave us the scoop on Spring beauty trends and some behind the scenes stories on MAC. I got to chit chat with Lauren, meet Marina (who is amazingly gorgeous), meet up with Tina (the ring Tina my gawd!), Diane and Nichelle.

(Left to right: Erika, Tina, Lindsay, Ellen, Elke, Lianne, Shannon, Marina, Daphne, Bianca, and Erin)

(Me & Lauren)

As things began to wind down at the MAC booth, I noticed Phillip Bloch and Robert Verdi. I got crazy and asked them to take a picture with me. They were super nice guys let me tell you! Shortly after that I saw Nick Rhodes walk down the hall (but no picture sorry!) I also saw the mother-daughter Gastineau girls (remember that reality show?) I was super excited when I spotted Kristen and Rachel leaving the United Bamboo show.

(Kristen & Rachel)

(Me & Kristen)

As we left Bryant Park, we met up with Teri and headed over to Jack's for the best salad I have ever eaten! Plus, the atmosphere was awesome--they lit candles midway through our lunch and turned off the lights. Loved it!

(Teri & I)

Back to the hotel to relax for a few minutes and then off to Sephora! I picked up some products to review on Makeup Minute and then shortly afterwards met up with my co-worker at Pierce Mattie, Suzanne (another gorgeous girl!) I dragged her to Godiva for a delish Dark Chocolate Raspberry shake and some chocolates before she had to head back home.

Then we were all off to Arno's Ristorante for dinner with Erica from Lancome. I was lucky enough to get to sit right next to her and talk about beauty blogging and also PR's interaction with bloggers. Another great salad and the staff at Arno's was great! Leslie also ate with us and was fun to talk to.

(The gang at Arno's)

After Arno's we hung out at The W's Audrey Cafe & Lounge. However, this pesky Epstein Bar virus that I believe I have (thanks to my husband who has it) kind of took over and I had to take a cab back to the hotel around 1:30am.

Next morning I had breakfast with Elke at Henries Bakery and then over to Bryant Park where I saw plenty of models and the fabulous Jay Manuel.

Oh--and yes my friends--models DO eat.

On my way back home today, I just relived every moment this weekend. It was amazing meeting everyone I have talked to for the last two years and to be able to experience Fashion Week. I'm already thinking up ways to get myself back to NYC for Fashion Week in February; this is definitely something I want to do again and again.

Before I had to leave NYC today, Elke and I decided to hang out by the backstage entrance to the tents at Bryant Park. Definitely worth sitting and waiting as I saw my "not so secret" crush Jay Manuel make his way to the backstage door. I spent too much time saying, "Oh.my.God." and not enough time trying to grab a picture with him. So the picture below is the best I could do as my hands were shaking!He is much taller than I thought he would be, but looked so gorgeous, even though he seemed to be channeling Prince by wearing those heeled boots.

Tags: jay manuel, fashion week

It is ridiculously hot and humid here--but I am having a blast! It was amazing to be in the hub of the tents and watch all of the commotion of New York Fashion Week. I finally got to meet so many beauty bloggers (and a few fashion bloggers) in person--pictures will be posted when I get home.

I wanted to share with you the picture that made my day:

Phillip Bloch, Shannon Nelson (me!) and Robert Verdi.

Planning a wedding and looking for advice on the best in beauty for your big day? The Wedding Planning Audio Cast is a great resource for that unbiased information. I know that when I was planning my wedding, everyone and their brother wanted to eagerly share their do's and don'ts and mishaps and misadventures with me. It got a little overwhelming and made me feel a little bridezilla-ish.

Many of the guests on The Wedding Planning Audio Cast are the top wedding industry leaders. There are several different show segments on various topics. Their beauty segment is called, "You Look Marvelous" which covers hair, makeup, and skincare. Some of the guests that have been on that show segment have been Martha Stewart's makeup artist Eva Scrivo, Sephora, Benefit Cosmetics, and Carmindy from the Learning Channel's #1 hit show What Not to Wear (and we all know I *love* Carmindy!). Recently my good friend Elke, of The Beauty Newsletter, was also a guest as she is also a Makeup Artist.

So put your bridezilla tendencies on the backburner, take a deep breath and check out this audio cast to get ready for your big day.

Tags: beauty, wedding, the wedding planning audio cast

A huge congrats to Danielle Flemming, owner of Danielle & Company, on winning in the Natural/Organic Category at the Ex*Tracts show in NYC!

Danielle and Company is an organic bath and body company that is local to me here in Northeast PA. Danielle's store is located in Clarks Summit, about 40 minutes from me.

To read more about Danielle & Company, LA-Story.com did a great write up!

Tags: beauty, Danielle & Company

I am so very excited to be heading back to NYC this Saturday! It's been a year since I was there and if there is one lesson I have learned, it's DO NOT wear high heeled shoes if you plan on walking everywhere or taking the subway! (It is all about dishing out the dough taking cabs to save your feet!)

My plans are to take the bus in (a 3 hour ride--yuck), head over to the hotel in Times Square where I'll be meeting up with my roommate for the night--the lovely Beauty Editor of The Makeup Bag. Shortly after that, a bunch of the gals from the Beauty Blog Network will be meeting up to have Elke, Beauty Blog Network Founder and expert eyebrow specialist, shape all of our eyebrows.

Then onto an invitation-only event held by MAC Cosmetics!

After that, we hit Sephora....and then a late night dinner with a PR rep. from a major beauty brand. I'm not sure if I can say who, but I can say I am very excited about it!

Who I get to hang out with:

The Beauty Newsletter
The Makeup Bag
All About The Pretty
Beautiful Makeup Search
Ms. New Beauty
Beauty Snob
Lipstick Powder n'Paint

What I won't be doing:

Wearing clothes with spit up on them as an accessory. Not fashionable. Not evah!
Making bottles constantly.
Being woken up at 3am for "Chocolate Cow Milky."
Breaking up fights among my boys.
Feeling like I am well on my way to the nuthouse.

What I look forward to:

Seeing my girlfriends, some I have known for a while but have never met in person and some are new friends.
Drinking Ice Coffee without being interrupted.
Sleeping through the night.
Being in Bryant Park among the excitement of Fashion Week.
Treating myself at Sephora.
Going to the MAC event.
Eating a late night dinner without worrying that its somebody's bedtime.

I can't wait!!!