Around Town

Yesterday I took part in the Hinsdale Farmer's Market, which takes place every Monday during the summer from 7am-1pm just north of the Hinsdale train tracks.  I held an Arbonne table and split the tent with a friend of mine, Rachel Cantore, who owns her own business.  


It was a lot of fun!  Despite the early morning rain and cold weather, the day turned out to be sunny and mid 70s, which encouraged passers-by to stop and meander through the varying venders.  And the two of us had a really great response!  


For those of you who don't know Arbonne, it's a 31-year old skincare and wellness company that focuses on taking care of the entire person from baby to baby-boomer.  They're only sold via consultants like me (sdcaprini@yahoo.com), and they're the best alternative to what you're already using.  They have no mineral oil, no gluten, are certified vegan, no parabens or artificial chemicals or flavors, and the company not only lets you Shop and Save, but also Shop Save and Earn.  If you have more questions, let me know!

My friend, Rachel Cantore, is the owner of Rachel's Fusion, a personal company of hers which promotes healthy living through the combination of food and fitness.  She's a personal trainer, health coach, cooking teacher, and runs everything from her home in Burr Ridge, although she regularly also visits clients at their homes or gyms of choice as well.  Currently, she's focused on teaching cooking classes to men or kids and teens, showing them great alternatives to their current favs, Mac & Cheese or Burgers anyone?  And she also shows you how to do it on your own...and men, maybe even impress the ladies??


So, next time you need a caterer, want to learn how to cook with a healthy twist, or just want help getting back in shape, call her, then call me, and we'll talk how to keep all of the healthy choices your making stick with your skincare and vitamin choices!  

The Hair Loft - A Hair Experience

Thanks to Facebook, I recently discovered a new salon in Chicago that is innovative and changing the experience between salon stylists and end consumers: Us.  It's called The Hair Loft ltd.  It's a salon based in downtown Chicago on Huron near Ed Debevic's.  But for all of you still wondering, here is what makes it so unique:  Monday night Lab night.


Yes, that's right, "Lab Night".  And no, for all you science drop outs out there, or those who were terrified of mixing chemicals and dissecting frogs, it's nothing like that.  There are no white lab coats nor protective goggles that need wearing.  In fact, it's quite the opposite.  If you like free wine and hors d'oeuvres, a night with your friends, and a free hair lesson on "how to" with your own hair styles, then this is perfect for you!  On Monday nights from 6:30-8:30, the Lab is open to guests who wish to come in and learn just how to do all their favorite styles at home on themselves.  No more, "It always looks so much better in the salon," complaints!  And the best part:  FREE!  


Otherwise, they're right in price line with any other nice, higher-end salon, but their selection of services is based on "menu" options.  They really have taken the whole ordering experience to another level!  It's fun and flirty - just what they intended - and they even have Spa services too.  Aaaah, okay, time to grab the phone and find some other friends who like free things!  See you at "The Lab" soon!

Burlesque Bachelorettes

This weekend was the infamous bachelorette party for a friend of mine.  Bachelorette parties are a time honored tradition and a right of passage of sorts.  Every girl looks forward to hers or to when her friend will have hers, and this weekend was no different.  And, of course, it had parts.  There's the "pre-outing" part, where gifts and jokes are exchanged, and then the outing itself.  Outings can range from bar hopping to wine tasting, Vegas getaways to spa retreats, and so on. 


Ours, as it so happened, had a little of everything.  There was the traditional gifts and gags, the dancing and the music, and then a little something extra.  We ventured off to Studio L'amour for group burlesque dancing lessons!  Ours included a gift for the bride and an hour and a half long class to "Fever" with boas.  It was a fun way to get in touch with your hips and girlish flirt, and love your curves all over again.  Plus it's a great workout.


Did you know the origin of burlesque reaches back to the 1800s?  It originally started as a form of comedy and the "risque" came in as a factor because women were allowed to perform, and that was unheard of before.  That, alone, was a scandal!  It was from there the dance form progressed to the teasing, suggestive, humorous dance it is today.  Do not be mistaken, it is not stripping.  It is suggestion, it is fun, it is comedic, and it honors the beauty and movement of the female body.  Performers today include women ranging all the way into their 80s!  And these women still flaunt their 1950s costumes and routines.  Love the enthusiasm.  Love the history.  Love the reminder to us women that we are, in fact and as we currently exist, beautiful.

10 Minute Home Spa Vacation

Once upon a Sunday, there was a girl who needed a vacation.

Ok...so maybe life isn't a fairytale, but every now and again a little personal vacation is needed. A getaway. A reminder to take time for ourselves because we're worth it. Now, I don't have money for a spa visit or hours of self-indulgence, so anything that makes me feel like $100 in 10 minutes, for less than $100, is fair game. Plus, I have extremely sensitive skin, so when I find a product that works, I keep it around.

What are my two top skincare picks? Shiseido's White Lucent Intensive Brightening Mask and Borghese's Fango Active Mud mask for face and body. I use Shiseido's mask in the winter to turn my dull skin into luminous skin and the Borghese mask in the summer to help unclog my pores and recharge my face.

Shiseido's Brightening masks runs about $68 for a pack of 6, although I tend to buy mine off eBay if I can find it cheaper. Additionally, they recommend using it once weekly, but I find that once a month produces good results as well. Then they last me all winter!

Borghese's Active mud mask is thick and cool to the touch. It creates a tingling sensation which lets you know it's working. Because it's so thick I recommend washing it off with a sponge or in the shower. It can be a little messy, but it's wonderful. It runs you about $61, but lasts forever.

Enjoy your personal spa day. Here's to feeling beautiful all year for a fraction of the spa costs.