VITAMIN SEA BEAUTY IS CALLING YOU

Have you had your Vitamin Sea today? Are you ready for a dose of beauty?  The Sea is calling you! On Wednesday, July 26th at 10 am CST  (8 am PST) and 7 pm CST (5 pm PST)  I'll be live on EVINE,  an American cable, satellite, and broadcast television network. I hope you can join me for the premiere launch of Vitamin Sea Beauty, developed by Mark Freeman; from Freeman Cosmetics, Mark is a true native Southern California, born and raised and comes from three generations of beauty professionals. Now Mark brings us these rich & luxurious masks and face scrub.  Vitamin Sea Beauty was created last year while on a family vacation and Mark noticed how fresh and rejuvenated his skin felt, just from being in the sea. He thought, why not take the powers of the Sea and develop the most innovative skin care with the latest technologies and natural ingredients. Vitamin Sea Beauty, promotes that same healthy, youthful skin, just like you are stepping out of the sea. 

WHY THE SEA?

The sea’s abundance of natural and pure beauty benefiting resources help revitalize, nourish, and retain moisture in our skin. Sea plants are rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, and amino acids...all things we need for proper body balance & function. These plants provide hydration, healing, detoxifying, and restorative properties, while defending against aging, protecting against UV lights, and helping to prevent acne. Naturally occurring in and around our great bodies of water, the ingredients in our VitaminSea.beauty line promote healthy, youthful skin

Who doesn't love the way the skin feels when we're by the Sea? We look and feel hydrated, moisturized and even rejuvenated. I personally long for that feeling all year round. These masks are clean and simple, use three to four times a week for eight to ten minutes a day and you'll begin to see a brightness with your complexion, and you'll feel great for taking time for yourself, and your skin will thank you.

Sea Salt & Coconut Brightening Face Scrub; Sea Salt is a natural exfoliator and the added coconut oil helps to lock in the moisture. I have thin and sometimes sensitive skin, this scrub is not abrasive at all. My teenage son is using this on his face for blackheads and it's working! Plus it's hard to resist the light fragrance of coconuts. Thumbs up review for the men and the teenagers in the home.  

Sea Kelp & Cucumber -Soothing & Smoothing Mask;  Cucumber is a natural toner, just mention cucumbers and I'm daydreaming about the spa. Sea Kelp is loaded with calcium, fluoride, and magnesium, along with being rich in antioxidants. Sea plants are resilient and constantly adapting to our often-changing environment.  Cucumbers are great for reducing those dark circles under the eyes along with reducing swelling and puffiness. Your skin will feel and look hydrated. That's what we lose so much of after we hit forty and over. Having dry skin leads to a dull appearance, and that leads to aging skin.  Masks are a simple and proactive way to get your skin healthy looking again.

Black Sea Mud & Charcoal- Cooling & Antioxidant Face Mask -  Black Sea Mud increases circulation in your skin, helping bring vital nutrients to your cells and you can begin to say "bye-bye" to toxins. Charcoal's natural detoxifying abilities draw out impurities, and mask's high concentration of essential minerals will nourish, soften, and dramatically improve your skin's tone & texture. My husband used this mask and said "his skin looked healthy & clean, along with, he felt good for taking a little time to care for his skin"  This is also a fun gift idea for your girlfriends or teenagers. Give the gift of a return to the Sea. I just love that Vitamin Sea Beauty is for the whole family...families that "masks" together stays together...

Blue Sea Kale & Grapefruit - Deep Pore Exfoliating Mask - If you're more on the oily side you'll love this mask. The first thing I noticed when I rinsed off this mask, my skin was brighter. The Vitamin C from the grapefruit along with Vitamin A, C, K from the Sea Kale is another excellent way to wake up your skin. I also have age spots that appeared a little lighter.  I just love that Vitamin Sea Beauty is for the whole family...families that "masks" together stays together...Or I could just be glowing from the reflection of the family member starring at me...

EVIVE LIVE...Here we come!

We are so excited for our premier launch here at Evine  this Wednesday, July 26th at 10 am CST (8 am PST) & 7 pm CST (5 pm PST) Please join us and call in! Be one of the FIRST to purchase Vitamin Sea's Mask collection. Here is the link for your local channel or Watch us live right here on Evine Live  

Clare V Leopard Tote - Diane Von Furstenberg Dress

If you're  someone on the go, all you'll need is eight to ten minutes, three times a week, and you will begin to see fine lines diminish, age spots will lighten and your skin will feel rejuvenated and hydrated. Vitamin Sea's not replacing your regular routine, they're  just adding to it. Here's to feeling beautiful and refreshed at any age and bringing the tranquil feeling of the Sea to your own home. Thanks, Vitamin Sea, for bringing us a little closer to paradise.  

" By the Sea By the Sea...By the Beautiful Sea...You & Me, You & Me...Oh, How Happy We'll Be...

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SUMMER SANDALS - ITALIAN STYLE

Summer's still here and so is my never-ending search for sandals. I've spent most of my sunny days in Eddy Daniele and Carmen Sol, both from Italy. Having great sandals makes packing a lot easier, and simplifies your wardrobe. Here are a few of my favorite sandals that keep me skipping along colorful and carefree.

Travel Tote Jade Tribe

Happy Feet - Eddy Daniele - Once again Made in Italy, I love the uniqueness and elegance in how they combine the stones with the leather and the pearls. You can shop the post below.

Ripley Rader matching pants and top - Encircle NYC necklace with Eddy Daniele navy blue sandals and the perfect accessory... Buster

JadeTribe Tote

These Carmen Sol's took me everywhere. We went hiking one afternoon, not really knowing the trail would be as challenging as it was, and these babies held up great!  They're made in Italy...that explains it, love Italian anything...  Carmen Sol is a Jelly Accessories Brand focused on the Resort Lifestyle and inspired by the owners ten years experience in managing retail stores inside resorts in the Caribbean, and yes the hike was in  the Caribbean in St. Barth's. The collection includes shoes, handbags, accessories, and swimwear all made 100% in Italy.

Valentino Rock-Stud Sandal

Valentino Rock Stud Slide

Gucci Floral Slide

Gucci "every girl needs pearls" even on her feet.

Carmen Sol colors that keep your Summer styles going strong. Here's just a few of my favorite colors.

All products are made of non-toxic Jelly Material (Italian PVC) and are Prop 65 compliant. All packaging for the Carmen Sol bags and shoes are made of an eco-friendly and recyclable material, including dust bag and shoe box.

Carmen Sol started in 2006 as the leading luxury retailer in the Caribbean and currently has several stores in the Best Resorts including Casa de Campo and Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana.  Owners Carmen Sol Espejo, a New York native and retail empress with over 20 years' experience and Sebastiano Di Bari, an Italian brand builder and former CEO of Italian Fashion companies, created their own brand together in 2016.

No worries if you spill anything or get caught in a tropical rain storm,  just dip your tote or sandals in the deep blue sea and you're good to go. 

How about a clutch that fits in the tote that fits in the suitcase with ease.

Belmond Cap Juluca

If you can't make it to Italy anytime soon, why not treat your feet to a little Italian flair. I look forward to walking a mile in my Italian sandals in search of that feeling of an endless summer. What are your favorite sandals? Do you have a brand you continue to add to your collection?

What are your favorite sandals? Do you have a brand you continue to add to your collection?  

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“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.”      F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
 

WELCOME TO HOTEL LE TOINY - ST. BARTH'S

Planning our family vacations are one of our favorite topics. We look forward to pulling out a big calendar, the kind you buy at Office Depot, a map, and the conversation begins. It usually starts with discussing our bucket list, along with places we'd love to return to. Several years ago we visited St. Barth's only for the day and the conversation always came back to, "we've got to get back to St. Barth's" Excited to return to this charming Caribbean island, we booked our flights, our ferries, The Hotel Le Toiny  and little did we know we would fall so in love with this laissez- fare Caribbean paradise.  Make one trip, and you’ll find yourself immediately hooked. Hotel Le Toiny has now been ranked among the best hotels in the world for 2017 by Condé Nast Traveler (the 2017 Hot List) and Travel + Leisure. 

Hôtel Le Toiny is committed to luxury. They first opened their doors on November 1, 1992, with 14 villas and In 2015, the hotel was acquired by current owners, Charlie and Mandie Vere Nicoll, who initiated a multi-million dollar renovation. 

Welcome to your tropical home away from home. Hôtel Le Toiny. Get ready to be wowed the minute you walk through the door.  It's always refreshing when you find those magical places that go the extra mile.  Le Toiny is a "must visit spot" and once you visit...you'll know why.  It's about a 20-25 minute drive (off season) from the alluring town Gustavia and navigating St. Barth’s can be a tad intimidating if you’ve never been. We chose to take the ferry from St. Maarten to St. Barth's which was quick and efficient, and soon as your boat hits the dock you're met by a driver from The Le Toiny, they offer complimentary airport and ferry transfers. We decided to rent a car and once again effortlessly our mini cooper arrived at Le Toiny shortly after we did. I highly recommend renting a convertible, it's a super fun island to explore.

Walking into Le Toiny will take your breath away. Sitting on the cliff it overlooks the sea, seems like you're floating on a cloud overlooking the Caribbean. The salon awaits your arrival, you're so charmed with the decor, there's no need to rush to your villa. December. 15th, 2017 just in time for the high season, eight new villas will open. The debut of the new villas coincides with the hotel’s 25th anniversary.

Lady Bee Osborn captures that St. Barth's vibe with effortless elegance.

Privacy and elegance define Hotel Le Toiny, situated in an area of the island referred to as the “Côte Sauvage.”  The villa suites are tucked away on a gentle slope overlooking the Bay and the beautiful sea. The hotel’s neutral color palette and understated decor feesl like you’re living in the pages of an interior design magazine. 

Every seating area is open-air for that outdoor living experience...a bit like a tree house. It's private, It's perfect, it's intoxicating. 

Knock-Knock you're home. The hotel completed a full redesign in 2015 by London-based Lady Bee Osborn, not only is it visually stunning, there is this aura of the ultimate escape on the entire property. You might become a bit weepy when it's time to check out.

Each one-bedroom villa includes a spacious master bedroom, separate sitting area, kitchenette and large terrace with a private infinity pool. One thing for sure... you'll wake up happy!  But first coffee.

A large bathroom featuring a soaking tub, shower overlooking the sea, vanity for two, along with a large walk-in closet. Plenty of space for the goodies you'll find from The Toiny Beach Club's boutique! If you find something you want to try on but feeling a bit sandy., no problem. It will be delivered to your room to try on at your convenience.

Wake up, dive in, start your day. Your personal paradise is right out your villa, along with this stunning view of  “Côte Sauvage"  

Cheers! Here's to gratitude and delicious coffee with the Le Toiny family, enjoying their gracious staff along with a fabulous breakfast.

Completely let go amongst the coconut trees

Get ready to unplug - The road to the beach club is still the natural terrain. Instead of modifying the road for its vehicles, Le Toiny adapted its vehicles to the road with two safari style customized Land Rover Defenders used as a shuttle to transfer guests to and from the hotel and the beach.

Who needs shoes...

The Le Toiny Beach Club is delish! Simple, elegant Meditteranean inspired cuisine. Enjoy a full beach service with loungers under the shade of Coconut palms. The Beach Club is full service, the menu arrives on a chalkboard and updated on a regular basis, and if it's not on the menu...no problem.  Bon Appétit!

Enjoy your extended meals under the palms with The Beach Club crew and your loved ones. 

Don't miss this charming boutique, perfectly curated by the owner.  A pair of historic 18th-century cottages sits amongst the coconut grove, tamarind field, garden, orchard and pineapple trees. Enjoy a glass of rosé while you shop. 

I'm always in search for little treasures I can't find back home... special pieces that keep my vibe of St. Bath's going until my return. Poupette is a favorite brand of mine, and you'll find plenty of Poupette here, along with fabulous bathing suits, hats and island jewels. It's truly a treasure chest!

Take a journey to Shell Beach

Have lunch at Shellona

Seashells galore,  Make sure to visit Shell Beach for an incredible sunset, along with the sound of the shells washing onto the shore.

Another local favorite is Colombier, an isolated haven accessible only by boat or a exhilirating 30-minute hike. The downhill trail to get there is deceivingly easy. The way back . . . not so much. I suggest going in the early morning to avoid the afternoon heat. If you enjoy a good hike, don't miss out on this trail.

We loved our daily discovery in our Mini Cooper, but don't be gone too long, You'll find yourself wanting to return to your Le Toiny family.

Serenity Spa Cottage

Surrounded by lush vegetation with beautiful views of the ocean, the Serenity Spa Cottage features a wide range of Spa treatments. Technicians use Elemis an exclusive cosmetic line. Your skin, body and mind will thank you.

 There’s a treatment room that accommodates a single or couple’s treatments. The fitness center is a perfect size, Le Toiny’s new gym features all the equipment you need for a complete workout.

Unwind, relax, and rejuvenate your soul

Come rain or shine Hotel Le Toiny's got you covered 

Doorway to Heavan - If you forget your beach tote, no worries...your villa comes with one you won't want to leave behind.

Hotel Le Toiny creates magic, It's moment's like these that keep you and you and your loved ones returning to that special place time after time.

Pack your bags...We're going to St. Barth's... music to my ears. Thank you Le Toiny, We walked away with wonderful family memories, a few new friends, and a love for your Caribbean charm... Merci!

Shop The Post:

Please see Instagram for all clothing and accessories worn in St. Barth's.

Getting There
There are no direct flights to St. Barth’s . . . unless you charter your own plane. If a PJ isn’t a possibility, the next best option is flying to Princess Juliana International Airport on the Dutch side of St. Maarten, where, upon landing, you’ll have to choose your own adventure for the final leg: a 15-minute plane ride or a roughly 45-minute ferry crossing. Flying will get you to paradise quickly, but the flight itself—a 12 seat puddle-jumper—is not for the faint of heart. (The runway in St. Barth's also happened to be one of the shortest in commercial aviation, you can watch a few youtube videos to see the exciting landings! Book your flights in advance on either Winair or St Barth Commuter, the only commercial airlines that provide shuttle flights to and from the island. We chose the ferry: an incredibly efficient option for an effortless arrival. Buy your tickets in advance on either Great Bay Express or the Voyager to secure your seat.

The Beaches
St Barth's offers diverse beaches. There are sixteen of them in total, each with its own special touch. Saline Beach you can get lost in the white sand that feels like velvet. Saline, like most other beaches on St. Barth’s, is simple—no bars, no shops, no restaurants. If you prefer a more vibrant scene, St. Jean is where Eden Rock and Nikki Beach are located. Surfers like Le Toiny or Lorient and the snorkelers at Gouverneur or Petite Anse. Cheval Blanc is another beautiful beach area.

Restaurants

Our favorite spot for dinner in town was Bonita. Latin-French food along with the ambiance was just perfect. Diverse menu, a D.J. with that groovy beat, When the sun goes down St. Barth's comes alive in whatever way that fits your style. 

Isola -  For Italian food lovers L’Isola is renowned for its sophisticated Italian recipes, prepared using only the very finest ingredients imported directly from Italy. An elegant restaurant, a true culinary experience.  

La Gloriette  - Delicious pizza and seafood, a place where you can feel like a local. We loved this place. So casual but so French. The food Is fantastic. The staff is lovely and there's no shortage of flowing Rosé. No shoes needed here, toes in the sand, pizza & wine in hand... I'm in!