1.30.2014

Favorites Fridays - Mane n' Tail


Mane n' Tail isn't just for horses! I have used this on and off for years and years. I used it on my daughter when she was a kid and I of course have used it over the last 20 years because it really smells wonderful and makes my hair soft and smooth.

I sometimes forget about how fabulous it really is and then I see it at the store and buy it again. I have gone about 5 or so years without using it, mainly because I have so much hair product at home, and then I use it again and its like two real friends reconnecting - it's like nothing has changed over the years you have been apart. I love the scent and how my hair feels after washing it with their shampoo and conditioner. You really can't go wrong with Mane n' Tail!

It can be purchased at Target, Walgreens or any drugstore. Yes you can also purchase it at your local pet store as well. It is the original "horse to human crossover shampoo that provides fuller, stronger, longer and healthier hair" and has been around since 1970! 

If you color your hair then you might want to check out their shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair. They have a few different shampoos and conditioners to suit your hair needs!




1.24.2014

Favorites Fridays - Bath & Body Works Wallflowers

some of the wallplugs
I love having the Bath & Body Works Wallflowers in my house because the scents are subtle, hardly visible, there is no open flame.

The wallflowers are very reasonably priced (and they always have sales and deals throughout the year), they come in a wide variety of scents and also come in a decent variety of wall plugs. I have two or three in my house that I keep plugged in all the time (unless I am going out of town - why waste it when no one is there to enjoy the wonderful scent) and they give enough scent that you can smell it, but not too much so that you can hardly breathe when you walk by it. 

I do not normally enjoy room sprays, candles or anything similar because they are usually way too strong, and they make me sick. When I stumbled upon these wallflowers I tried them out and found them to be just right. Obviously, if you put one in a small area (a bathroom or closet) it might be too much, but they work great in the entry way and bedroom.

Visit your nearest Bath & Body Works or Bath & Body Works online to order! If you don't like it - take it back! Enjoy!

PS - I prefer the Japanese Cherry Blossom and my daughter prefers the Lavender Vanilla!

To get started you need a wallplug. 
Then, pick out a scented bulb.
All you have to do after is plug it in! 


1.16.2014

Billy Hill & The Hillbillies

The Billys (photo taken from their website)
This week my favorite is not a beauty product, but a wonderful group of talented and hilarious men. I
know Fridays on my blog were supposed to be dedicated to beauty products, but I just simply cannot let another week go by without writing about this fabulous band.


On Monday, January 6th, my daughter, son-in-law and I played hooky and went to Disneyland for the day. It was the last day of Christmas at The Happiest Place On Earth, and we had to go one more time before all the beautiful Christmas and holiday decor was put away. However, there was also another reason why we had to go: it was Billy Hill and The Hillbillies' very last show at Disneyland. I took my daughter to Disneyland when she was a month old, and because we were local and had annual passes, we visited the park very often and always made it a point to see The Billys and enjoy their fabulous bluegrass music. 

We made it to three of their final shows, including the very last one - which were all standing room only. There must have been 1500 or more people at the last show and not a dry eye in the place. Mickey, Minnie and some of their friends even joined in the hillbilly fun; clapping, and dancing along to Hillbilly favorites: "Ghost Riders In The Sky", "Barefoot Nellie", "The Train Thing", "The Rock N' Roll Quiz", "The Orange Blossom Special" and more. It was incredible to see that people came from all over to be apart of this bittersweet concert.

Everyone had their video cameras and smart phones recording the final performance. I guess you can say it's a good thing that we have the technology to be able to record such a wonderful show and that we have ability to post it on Youtube for all to see. Here are some clips from The Billy Hill and The Hillbillies last shows on January 6th at Big Thunder Ranch. 

Don't be sad about the fact that they are no longer at Disneyland... Pick up your boots and say "Yeeehaw" because the Billys have a new gig at Knott's Berry Farm! They are now called Krazy Kirk & The Hillbillies. This truly is Disneyland's loss and we will always cherish the never-ending laughs, smiles and talent at the Golden Horseshoe Saloon and Big Thunder Ranch. 


(photo from their website)
My daughter had a decent view for the show and got some great video. My daughter and son-in-law stood the entire time we were there (for all three shows) and were so thoughtful to find me a place to sit.  I had a great view too, but I let her take the pictures and videos. Below are some of the clips she took, as well as the entire last show which was captured by someone else. Thank you to all four of the Billys - you are missed! Can't wait to see you at Knotts! 

ENJOY THE VIDEO CLIPS:



Here are some photos from our day at DisneylandYou can also see photos on my Instagram






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1.13.2014

Guest Blogger: Sharrie Williams author of The Maybelline Book

Sharrie Williams
I am so very excited and honored to have my second guest blogger (the first was my daughter Krysten)! Sharrie Williams is the author of The Maybelline Story. She is the heir to the Maybelline legacy, is Tom Lyle William's great-niece and the granddaughter of Evelyn Boecher Williams. I am so excited to have the beautiful and wonderful Sharrie on my blog this week and I know you will enjoy every word below - I surely did! 
__________________

As a blogger yourself, what advice can you give others and myself about the blogging world?

I find it incredible how a blog grows organically just by showing up at the computer everyday and posting good material.  Three years ago I was excited to receive 66 hits my first month.  Now I can't believe I have over 35,000 hits a month.   Of course adding Twitter followers has been a big boost and Facebook expanded my online presence as well.   

Like Mabel in the book that burnt off her eyelashes on a hot stove, can you share some of your makeup secrets?

After I finish putting on my eye shadow I dab the tiniest bit of eye cream on my lids. This is an old Hollywood Movie Star secret I learned from my grandmother.  Another favorite trick of mine is, once I have my face make up and powder on, I buff it with a terrycloth washrag so it doesn't look thick and dull.  I also blot the oil during the day with rice paper or sometimes even a piece of a toilet seat cover in a public restroom.  Try it you'll be amazed. 

What is your must have Maybelline product?

I still use Great Lash mascara. The number one mascara in the world and I like Maybelline mineral Power make-up. (It looks great after being buffed.)

What inspired you to write this book?

It's been a long process.  My grandmother began telling me the Maybelline story when I was a young girl and the seed was planted.  After her untimely death I was determined to finish it.  I knew that if I didn’t tell the story it would be lost forever and that would be a shame.  The Maybelline Story is a thread in the fabric of American history and a big part of vintage Hollywood glamor.  I also wanted my great uncle, Tom Lyle Williams, the founder of the Maybelline Company to be remembered for his tremendous contribution to the Cosmetic industry as well.  

What is the best benefit to you being the heir of the Maybelline dynasty?

Growing up with a great uncle who made my life so magical.  It wasn't about the money; the money only complicated matters and destroyed us in the end.  It was about being so close with my cousins and the fun of sharing our excitement as the Maybelline grew into a global giant.  Now as an older woman I hope to give back some of the wisdom and strength I gained ridding this roller coaster experience.

Growing up did you understand your family dynamics and who your great uncle was and how he contributed to the world of beauty?

My grandmother, Evelyn Williams was married to Tom Lyle's brother Preston, my grandfather.  After Preston's death, at only 37 years of age, she and my 12-year-old father followed Tom Lyle from Chicago to California.  The three of them remained extremely close and loved to talk about the good old days when Maybelline was a little mail order business sold through the classifieds in Movie magazines.  I was so fascinated by their stories as a little girl that all I wanted to do was hear more, as often as possible.  Soon I became my grandmother’s little protégé and eventually her little clone.  So yes I was indoctrinated at an early age with the rules of the game, the family dynamics and I did know and appreciate the tremendous contribution Tom Lyle bestowed on women and the world of beauty. 

Original Maybelline 1916
What advice can you give others who want to follow in your uncle’s shoes? For the underdogs.

Tom Lyle Williams was the biggest underdog of all, of course.  That's what the Maybelline Story is all about.  He started out with nothing more than a good idea, lots of determination and a $500 loan from his brother and turned it into a worldwide brand.  It's all about building your brand and your reputation.  Brands come and go if it's not built on integrity.  Like doing a blog...It takes about three years before you really see results and during that time, you develop discipline and determination, or you give up and never see the results of your labor.  As my great uncle would say... It's easy to be excited and happy when it's new and easy... the true test of success, is keeping the momentum going during the down cycles.  If you believe in your project, you have to keep going even though it might take years.  It took me 20 years to get published and I wanted to give up and burn my manuscript all the time.  When I least expected it, the miracle happened and now the energy I put forth building that momentum is expanding the blog and my voice into the world - Because I never gave up.

What is this book about? Is there anything in this book that you did not publish? Care to share?

The Maybelline story is about a young 19-year-old entrepreneur who rides the ups and downs of life while building a little company called Maybelline. It’s also about his incredible sister-in-law, Evelyn Williams, (my grandmother) who is so deeply affected by vanity it leads to ultimate destruction.  In the midst of all the drama I grow up trying to sort out what's real and what has real value.  The book is a rags to riches story with an interesting morale in the end you won't forget.


Will there be a second part to your story?

There definitely should be, because everyone is asking me what happened to all the people they either loved or hated.  I do have a 350-page manuscript that is ready to go when the time comes.  But for now a movie or HBO series would be my next goal.

Who are your greatest influences and why?

My father Bill Williams was Tom Lyle's nephew and godson.   He grew up at the Villa Valentino in Hollywood where he learned the secrets to his uncle’s great success.  My father was an extremely talented interior designer and builder.  When my home burned down in the 1993 Laguna Beach, California Firestorm I lost everything because I wasn't home.  I wanted to give up and die, but it was my father who held me together and helped me get back on my feet.  I thrived because of his determination to see me overcome my doubts and succeed.  He designed and helped me rebuild my home, than helped me research and write my book.  I learned so much from him and now carry that spirit of “Yes I can!” with me to pass onto the next generation.  

What will readers take from this great read?

They will be inspired to make their dreams come true and believe anything is possible if they just keep going and never give up. 

What was the best advice your uncle or mother gave you about beauty?

My mother believed that beauty was an inside job.  That who you are n the inside is reflected on your face.  You see beautiful young girls turn into nasty middle-aged women and bitter old ladies.  All the Maybelline in the world can't cover up the truth of who you are inside.  If a woman doesn't grow, change and accept life she will remain a spoiled unattractive child in an aging body.  All women must work on their attitude and mature within, to keep their youthful effervescent beauty into old age.   Like the saying goes, Maybe She's born with it... Maybe it's Maybelline.

Describe your best achievement with your family name and without?

My best achievement with the Maybelline name so far, is writing my book and becoming a positive role model for women who want to achieve their goals.  It's not about make-up for me anymore; it's way beyond make-up.   Without the Maybelline name, my biggest achievement is being Mom and Nana and a positive role model for my family I grow into old age.  

Evelyn Williams (Nana), Bill Williams (my dad), Sharrie Williams (me)
& Tom Lyle Williams (my great uncle) 1965
What was your favorite childhood memory?

Going up to my great uncle's home in Bel Air California with my family and playing with him in the pool.  I remember he was such an unassuming man that he'd actually wear swim trunks pinned at the waist because the elastic had stretched out.  Here was a man who could afford the best and yet was so comfortable with himself around his family; he didn't need to show off.  On the other hand he was so generous hat he gave millions to them after the sale of the Maybelline Company in December of 1967.

How old were you when you learned about Permanent Makeup? Did your grandmother or anyone in the Maybelline family know about Permanent Makeup or have any?

I know permanent makeup has been around since the 1930's if not before, but I don't remember anyone in my family ever talking about it.  Probably because Maybelline was designed for women with light brows and lashes, so it never seemed necessary to have it done until now.

What are your current thoughts on cosmetic tattooing & permanent makeup?

I became aware of the process about 10 years ago, after a friend of mine had her brows, lips and eyeliner permanently applied.  She looked years younger and only needed Maybelline Mascara to complete her glamorous look.  My brows have faded to the point of being invisible and I'm seriously considering having permanent makeup done this year.  However, I would only trust the process to an artistic genius with years of experience and a talent for perfection.  Athena Karsant is the best in the business and would be my choice for sure.  Be sure to check out Athena Karsant's post on my Maybelline Book Blog…Click here to read Athena's guest blog!


Follow her blog: The Maybelline Story


Thank you Sharrie for sharing some of your incredible story! To learn more about Sharrie and The Maybelline Story, visit her blog. To learn more about Athena Karsant visit her website.

1.09.2014

Favorites Fridays - AmorePacific Hydration Spray

Happy Favorites Fridays! This week I have a wonderful favorite beauty product for you! I recently came across it at Sephora, and I use it quite often. 

"Favored for its concentrated, botanical-infused treatments, AMOREPACIFIC unites traditional Asian beauty secrets with modern innovation to delay the visible signs of aging. Packed with nutrient-rich, indigenous Asian ingredients like green tea, bamboo, and Korean red ginseng, the eight-hour time-released formulas penetrate to the skin's deepest layers to hydrate, nourish, and revitalize." 

I haven't tried everything from this line, but I do love their Moisture Bound Skin Energy Hydration Delivery System Spray. Okay I know that is a really long name, but it is very fabulous. I keep it by my jacuzzi tub in my bathroom and use it while my pores are open from the steam. The spray is free from Sulfates, Synthetic Dyes, Petro-Chemicals and Phthalates. It is oil free and water-free which immediately tones and energizes your skin. I have tried many, many similar sprays and nothing compare to AmorePacific. 

It can also be used before or after makeup, on the go, at home, or after a shower. It makes my skin feel so soft without feeling oily or greasy. 

Next time you are at Sephora, spray it on your face and you will immediately feel refreshed. It absorbs quickly and hydrates your skin wonderfully. 

1.07.2014

Athena Karsant Receives 2013 Best of Beverly Hills Award


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Athena Karsant Receives 2013 Best of Beverly Hills Award

Beverly Hills Award Program Honors the Achievement

BEVERLY HILLS December 4, 2013 -- Athena Karsant has been selected for the 2013 Best of Beverly Hills Award in the Tattooing category by the Beverly Hills Award Program.

Each year, the Beverly Hills Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Beverly Hills area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2013 Beverly Hills Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Beverly Hills Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About Beverly Hills Award Program

The Beverly Hills Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Beverly Hills area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Beverly Hills Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy.

SOURCE: Beverly Hills Award Program

CONTACT:
Beverly Hills Award Program
Email: PublicRelations@businessrecognition.org
URL: http://www.businessrecognition.org
###

_______________________


To contact Athena Karsant
Phone: 415.412.9700
Email: athenakarsant@mac.com

Athena Karsant Receives 2013 Best Of San Francisco Award


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Athena -Union Square Receives 2013 San Francisco Award

San Francisco Award Program Honors the Achievement

SAN FRANCISCO December 11, 2013 -- Athena -Union Square has been selected for the 2013 San Francisco Award in the Permanent Cosmetics category by the San Francisco Award Program.

Each year, the San Francisco Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the San Francisco area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2013 San Francisco Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the San Francisco Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About San Francisco Award Program

The San Francisco Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the San Francisco area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The San Francisco Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy.

SOURCE: San Francisco Award Program

CONTACT:
San Francisco Award Program
Email: PublicRelations@businessrecognition.org
URL: http://www.businessrecognition.org
###

_______________________
To contact Athena Karsant
Phone: 415.412.9700
Email: athenakarsant@mac.com

1.03.2014

Nipple Tattoo (Areola Repigmentation)

I have had many clients who consider areola regimentation after surviving breast cancer. 

Breast cancer is attacking the women in our country, and until we find a cure all we can do is pray, hope and love on those who are fighting this horrible disease. Twenty five years ago I began my business in Orange County and San Francisco. I of course did permanent makeup, corrective work and scar camouflaging; however, the other side of my work was helping breast cancer survivors gain confidence in themselves and their beautiful bodies through nipple tattooing. 

Mastectomies are very intense and often require more than one surgery. Often women schedule and plan their breast reconstruction surgery at the same time. Sometimes it can take multiple breast surgeries just to perfect the enhancement. Sadly, many doctors are trying and failing to surgically rebuild nipples on their patients. That is where I come in.

Nipple Tattooing (also known as areola repigmentation) is what survivors are calling "Crossing the finish line" or the "last step in the healing process". Though more and more clients of mine (and women everywhere) are being taken over by breast cancer, the mortality rate has dropped - which is a blessing. While the world's best doctors and plastic surgeons are able to recreate the shape of a women's breast with implants, recreating the nipple is a science that few can truly understand. It is science and art combined to give an incredible illusion that even David Copperfield couldn't pull off or understand. 

I have had hundreds of clients with breast cancer in my chair for areola repigmentation. It is safe to say that while everyone's story or journey is different, there is a true and genuine smile on everyone's face after their procedure is completed. 

After a woman has had a mastectomy, they are left with nothing but two mounds on their chest. Doctors have been referring their patients to me for years to aid in the healing process. It all starts with a complimentary consultation, where paperwork is filled out, before photos are taken (for office use only) and areolas are hand-drawn on with lip pencils. Once a size and shape of an areola is perfected with lip pencil, pigments are carefully and strategically mixed per each individual client. Through shading I am able to create the appearance of a natural areola and a 3D nipple, which creates the never-ending smile on my clients' faces. 

The second part to many of these procedures is camouflaging the scars that they are left with after surgery. Using science, art (which is a big part of my job) and typically pigment, I have camouflaged too many scars to ever be able to count. Sometimes pigments are not used and medical needling takes place in which the body heals itself. (To learn more about medical needing click here).

While I have never experienced what these beautiful, brave women have gone through, I have been the ear that they have needed throughout the process. I have been called an artist and a therapist all in one. Because every client is different, each client has a story that is different and each nipple is different. Behind each tattooed nipple is the heart of a woman who has been yearning to smile and be proud of the body they once had. They have longed for the beautiful breasts that they once had, and, after their procedure has been completed, they proudly stand up in front of the mirror in my office, smile and feel like a woman again. 

I love my job. 

It saddens me that breast cancer is taking more and more women. We must fight this. We must fight for all the women who can't fight anymore. Get educated about breast cancer. Get checked out, and don't wait until you are in your forties to do it.


Below I have posted a few videos of my clients who are breast cancer survivors. I am posting these videos to celebrate them - not for marketing. I believe in them. I love them. They are to be celebrated always.

Written Testimonial

Dr. Caroline K. - As a breast cancer survivor, I am amazed by how much better I feel about myself since getting my nipples tattooed (after double mastectomy and implant reconstruction). Athena has done a phenomenal job and has been very caring and supportive.  When I look in the mirror I no longer see a sick person; I don't mourn my breasts. Now, I feel normal - it has truly helped heal my spirit. 



Video Testimonials


Favorites Fridays: Deodorant Towelette

Need a pick me up by mid-day? Do you feel like your deodorant isn't helping? Are you using the right deodorant? I have used Hibiclens red soap for years as well as the Rock deodorant from Crystal. Recently I purchased Crystal Deodorant Towelettes for on-the-go or traveling. They come wrapped in a thin and tiny foil package the size of a credit card. They discreetly fit in your wallet, purse or cocktail handbag and smell wonderful. 

Though I have only purchased the Lavendar and White Tea scented deodorant towelettes, I must say these babies are a must have for traveling or on the go, they aren't sticky and they will not leave white marks on your clothing or skin!

You can also purchase Crystal Deodorant in a roll-on form

You can purchase them online at Amazon

Crystal Deodorant Towelette Facts:
  • Hypoallergenic, & Dermatologist tested
  • Non-sticky, non-staining
  • leaves no white residue on skin
  • 100% biodegradable towelette