Let's Get Physical..Physical!

   With over 30 locations in the New York City area, New York Sports Club is the premier fitness center in the city. The doors open at 5:30am in most locations, and close between 3pm and 10pm varying on the day of the week. No one else could beat such fatastic club hours! Having been a few times with family members who are always present in the gym. I have found that there are multiple opportunities of fitness, each catering to individual goals of the person. The staff members strive everyday to assist clients with their goals, maintain cleanliness facilities, and even provide a child care program! It's not every day that you can walk in to a gym and have a babysitter for the little ones.
   The one thing that is probably going through everyone's mind is, "What is the cost? Is it worth the money to join this particular gym?" The answer is that there are multiple type of memberships to benefit you and your budget. Some of the memberships include $30 for 30 days, which is limited to one per customer per year. This might sound crazy, but it is considered a trial offer. There are other offers that circulate the company that are exclusive to educators, students, and even some city employers based on industry. The average cost for one month at New York Sports Club is $80, but the membership is good at all New York locations. If you have a Passport Membership, the memberships are valid at all Boston, Washington, and Philadelphia locations!
    A great workout not only is based on the environment, but also how one feels when in a specific area. New York Sports Club provides individual exercise space, as well as group training or classes, and highly experienced personal trainers. NYSC also provides a 10-day money back guarantee if the member does not feel right about the gym and the services provided. In my mind, this is a great deal because no matter which route is decided, it's a win-win situation. Not everything is right for everyone and not everyone knows that at first. My aunt has been a member of NYSC for about two or more years that I know of and she absolutely loves it. Let's just say she practically lives in the gym near her office in Manhattan, as well as the one close to her home.
   Being active for at least an hour a day is a great way to start getting into shape. It does not matter the size or weight, but the size of determination. Eating right and working out are the two major things anyone can do to start a healthy lifestyle, but it's not the last. Men and women of all ages have the opportunity to begin a new life, so why not begin with a trial membership at NYSC?

For more information, please feel free to visit New York Sports Club on the web

My Secret to the Perfect Tan!

  When I was younger, I always thought tanning salons were the worst places to go. Having always gotten relatively dark in the natural sun, there was no need in paying someone to turn a bed full of light bulbs on for 20min. In my high school, about 1 out of 5 females either worked in a tanning salon, or used the facilities, and yes, I was one of them. During my senior year came, I had seized going into any salons, but after a huge medical issue that impacted my life, I decided it was time to start going back. I noticed how weak I was in comparison to the other females around me. After I moved out of the house and began college, I decided to venture into the local town, which would probably have so many new experiences waiting for me.
   "You have an invent invite from Zuma Beach Tan," is what notifications on Facebook would read. After putting tanning off for so long, I decided to find out where the salon was. To my surprise, I found what I like to call one of my other homes. Zuma Beach Tan, located in the heart of Pleasantville, NY, is not only the cleanest salon I have ever been to, but the staff still is phenomenal. After filling out all legal paperwork for the salon and the state, the owner showed me around the salon to each bed and explained the levels and uniqueness. Never in my life had I also received a skin analysis to help me decide which level or bed type to begin with, and which lotion would be ideal for my first few sessions.
    Zuma Beach Tan provides bed types, all starting from a Level 3 and up! My personal favorite is the Matrix. It took a while for the staff to let me try it, but I knew they were the professionals and I was a client. They just want the best for each client and their specific situation. There are about eight beds in total, one being a stand-up (Sun Capsule), and one being an upper-body bed (Ergoline Upper Body). Oh, and the lotions that are provided for sale are amazing depending on the bed. I guess one could say that the better quality the lotion, the better the bed, the better results are seen.
   Lotions are probably the key element to the perfect tan. Individual packets are offered, as well as lotion pumps so that clients can sample any lotion they would like without knowing how their skin will react to it. Then, there are bottles. No one is pressuring anyone to buy a bottle, especially since everyone's body is different, but some lotions have GREAT specials! Oh, and for those of who want a dark, mature look, Tini-Shots are the way to go. I mix them with my lotion whenever I want a dark look fairly quick and the results are amazing.
   In addition to the traditional tanning expierence, Zuma Beach Tan offers a tanning alternative, a Spray Tan. For those who wish to have a nice, sleek tan faster, a natural Norvell Spray Tan is the way to go. I know the first thing that went through my mind was "Eh, I'll pass on being called an Oompa Loompa." To my surprise, when I would sit in the salon waiting for a bed, clients would walk out with a perfect tan to compliment their natural skin color. Asking what the secret was, I was told there was NO  machine! Every female I know that has gotten a spray tan used a booth and came out looking like they belonged in a cartoon. All airbrushing was done by hand with fresh coloring which left no orange tint. I caved in and decided to try it. After my session, I looked neat and streak-free. The process is fairly quick and easy, the only advice I will give you is to shower very well before going in.
   A recent discovery at Zuma Beach Tan was the introduction of UV-Teeth Whitening. A process that would cost hundreds of dollars in a dental office can be done at Zuma Beach Tan for less than $60! All anyone has to do is purchase the whitening serum and sit down and relax in a tanning bed of his or her choice. I've tried it and experienced results within two weeks. Zuma Beach Tan has clearly found ways to make everything a bout a person unique and cost effective.
   Zuma Beach Tan is by far the most amazing place anyone can venture into. The equipment, products, services, employees, and environment are simply fantastic. I would highly recommend Zuma Beach before any other salon that I, or any of my friends have ever been into.Oh, and before I forget, Zuma Beach Tan is also a recent winner of the Norvell Spray Tan Contest!
   For more information, check out the salon's Facebook page out by Zuma Beach Tan or calling for information at 914-769-8267!

P.S. When tanning, keep hydrated! Drink water everyday, before and after tanning to replenish the body!

My personal favorite, the Matrix!

The Best Thing Since Mineral Make-up

 Finding the perfect moisturizer is something that takes up the most time when it comes to creating a personal beauty kit. Luckily, Sephora shops carry a massive amount of products that cater to each skin type. Beauty experts in each store are trained to analyze skin and determine the right fit for each person. Personally, I have combination skin and most products stop working after about a month or so on my skin.
  At Sephora, Korres Wild Rose 24-Hour Moisturizer with SPF 6 was introduced to me and works wonders. After cleansing my skin, I apply just a small amount (the moisturizer spreads rather easy), and if it is the beginning of the day, wait five minutes to any cosmetics in the morning. Korres Wild Rose makes the face appear smoother instantly! Korres also has various products that correspond with the moisturizer. No one truly knows what does or doesn't work for their skin or what is too much. It never hurts to try a couple products by the same company at the same time. 
  If you don't have a Sephora close to home, always think about checking online by a simple click of the mouse to Sephora.com and HSN.com. 

Small Town Spa, Big Time Difference

  My momma always said that small towns have some of the best restaurants, boutiques, and salons. It seems that she forgot to mention spas! After moving into the dorms in Westchester County, I noticed an abundance of small towns that were so small that if you blinked, everything was missed! Located in Pleasantville, NY, Spa Alessi provides various services to cater to practically every need.
   Spa Alessi, owned and run by Briana Alessi, provides not only a professional atmosphere, but a personal one at that. From the first time I stepped into the building, Mrs. Alessi was nothing but helpful and supportive in any decisions or questions that came up. Mrs. Alessi has over 10 years of experience as a makeup artist, working from Las Vegas to 5th Ave. She is also a licensed esthetician. As always, it is a must that each client receives an informative and comfortable  experience. Serving clients in any type of business is always her top priority
   Spa Alessi provides eight DIFFERENT facials, Microdermabrasion, Dermaplaning, Chemical peels, and 13 waxing services (amazing eyebrows!). Having always been picky about my eyebrows and always letting different technicians wax them, I didn't feel Mrs. Alessi do them would be any different. I was mistaken and fell in love. Instead of going every 2-3 weeks for a wax, I am able to go 3-4 weeks before getting them re-waxed, something I've never been able to do. Truly fabulous I'll say!
   In addition to spa services, Makeup Lessons and sessions, as well as False Eyelashes are available upon request. For those of you who are worried about wrinkles, there has been talk about Restalyn and Botox being added to the menu of services. The experiences and results that come from Spa Alessi are truly breath taking. 
   Remember the personal atmosphere that was mentioned? Well, if not, you should! Being in the spa makes it seem as if there is a family present. Even though I am off for the summer and no where near the area, I still converse with Briana Alessi! The spa is like another home where you never know what will happen. 

  Click here to check Spa Alessi out on Facebook or call (914) 449-6720!

Mrs. Alessi's Self-makeup Magic

Eyebrow Magic!

Viva La Cosmetics

  Pressed powder, matte, powder to cream, loose powder, mineral, and liquid are all different types of concealer, foundation, blush, and bronzing . Each type has a different purpose and works different for each person. From all the different brands that are out in the market, I personally represent MAC Cosmetics and L'Oreal Cosmetics. Not trying to play any favorites, but the feeling from both lines make the perfect face.
  Since I was 12 years old, I have always used a pressed powder for overall coverage, but when mineral makeup became available by my favorite companies, my choices changed. Mineral makeup by L'Oreal comes in almost every shade and leaves a flawless base. As for bronzer, which can be used instead of foundation , MAC provides a pressed powder. Bronzing Powder by MAC comes in four shades that blend into the skin to create the perfect look.Oh, did I forget to mention Sephora's Lorac TANtalizer? For a deeper, tanner look, try TANtalizer by Lorac. It feels like a cream, but it is a powder. This comes in 2-3 shades to cater to the desired look. For a sophisticated, darker, more mature look, TANtalizer is the road to go!

*For any powder foundation or bronzer, I recommend using a Kabuki brush, or any larger powder brush.

Finding The Perfect Simple Look

• Apply a light coat of foundation to be followed by bronzing powder or blush
• Using a natural eyeliner (brown or black), line the bottom eyelid twice, once in each direction
• Apply a light coat of clear or a natural mascara
• Apply a single layer of desired "Surf, Baby!" lip gloss
• Grab sandals or heels and you're ready to go!

L'Oreal Bare Naturals

MAC Bronzer

MAC Surf, Baby! Lip Glass

Lorac TANtalizer

Kabuki Brushes

LUSHiously Breathtaking

  Okay so there's this store called "Lush" right? Well, I have been looking for a new cleanser and beauty products, so I finally decided to go in the store. First off, the employees were FANTASTIC! They were very helpful and provided a chance to test certain products. LUSH cosmetics and beauty products are 100% Non-Animal tested and Vegetarian/Vegan, environmental friendly, handmade, produced in Canada with natural grown elements with no preservatives, and anyone can use them (just ask your associate in case you are allergic to something)!
    So, last week when I walked into LUSH, the associate who assisted me made my day as easy as possible. Looking for a cleanser to help with dead skin from sun damage and any scaring, she recommended "Ocean Salt", a cleanser made of Ocean Salt, Vodka infused lime, and avocado. Only to be used 2-3 times a week in place of the typical cleanser,  I have already seen a difference on my entire body! After trying the Ocean Salt, I knew that a great cleaner needed to be followed by a mask at some point during the week. "Mask of Magnaminty" is a deep (and I mean deep) cleansing mask that truly does the job. It can be used pretty much anywhere on the human body and really does leave the skin glowing after the first few uses. I have never used a mask that brightened and tightened my face as much as Magnaminty.
   Entering LUSH was probably the best choice I made and never regret. Over the internet, I purchased solid Body Butters for a couple family members and they use it sparingly because they are amazing! LUSH has so many amazing products that when you enter the store, the thoughts of where to begin are endless. Employees are consistently demonstrating the products for curious customers, as well as answering any question someone might have. The only downfall of the store is that if you know for a fact that money is an issue, check online for promotion. Products can range from roughly $4 to $90 (mostly kits). The one fantastic thing about the products is that you get what you pay for. Just think of everything as an investment and soon, things will fall into place.
   If any questions arise, contact the store nearest you or consult the website. I promise, you will not be disappointed!

http://www.lushusa.com/shop/