Call me a whine-o

So, I recently learned that how you take your coffee (cream, sugar, black) can predict wines that you’ll like.

As you know I received a package of wine from Bright Cellars last week before I went on vacation to Mexico. What I really find to be different about this monthly wine company is the matching they do – each wine that is sent to you is based on preferences you choose in the initial quiz – they are really good wines that you don’t see at the corner store.

I finally got to taste the wines that were sent to me last night! I must disclose I am no wine connoisseur and nor do I aspire to be, ill never be a wine snob and I don’t think ill ever like the super expensive labels – I just love to drink it….a lot!

Being a red wine LOVER and lets just say not a fan of white wine – I opted for “mostly reds but surprise me with a white” because I wanted to be open, maybe its just the wrong white wine I have been trying.

No surprise, my favorite was the Lost City Malbec, it reminded me of a red blend which I love – it was bold and had a bit of spice to it.

You can take the quiz and subscribe to for 50% off as one of my readers with this link.

-F

my weekend in review

I had a busy weekend that reminded me over and over again just how blessed I am.

Saturday morning I participated in the walk to end lupus with my 6 closest friends… We raised over $3,000 in a few weeks and can’t wait to make it an annual event. Stay tuned for more on this.

Then I jumped in the car and we drove to Mohegan Sun for the Eric Church concert to surprise one of my guy’s closest friends. Spending the weekend with people who adore him so much just reconfirms to me how lucky I am to have such a great guy.

We stopped at the Honeypot Hill Orchards in Stow for fresh apples, pears and some delicious cider donuts on the way home.

How did you spend your weekend?

-F

Packing Challenge: 3 days, 2 nights, 1 bag

1. BCBG Dress for the wedding, 2. Stella Dot Earrings, 3. Stella Dot Weekend Bag 4. Sunday Dress with Tights and Boots, similar here, 5. Frey Boots, 6. Beauty Counter Makeup Bag, 7. French Connection Pumps for the wedding, 8. Bare Minerals Makeup, 9. Philip Matignon Tights, 10. Bumble and Bumble Dry Shampoo

We spent last weekend in PA for a wedding and I challenged myself to pack everything into one small bag that I could carry onto the plane. Not only was I super successful but packing JUST what I needed for each day, I also realized the benefit in not having options – it significantly cuts down the time I need to get ready.

I’m also pretty sure that I will be forced to do this for all weekend getaways now that my guy knows it is possible. What are your must haves for a weekend away?

-F

Fan Favs Sale for Stella Dot!

Every few months Stella Dot lets Facebook fans vote for their fav items they want to see on sale. I am a little late to the party on posting this but you have till midnight to shop these!!

-F

Beauty Counter: Hydration for the Body, Food for the Mind

After the close of Bona Clara I have found it hard to find a line of products I like and actually WANT to put on my face. After spending SO much time with a skin expert you become very aware of what is in your products. I was introduced to Beauty Counter and had to dive in!! I still have a few things from Bona Clara so I started with my body when testing Beauty Counter. I love that their mission is about so much more than skin care – its about making people aware of what is in their products and forcing the US to pay more attention.

Lustro Oil: all over hydration – has a light sent of citrus – the box suggests using it all over after the shower or adding a few drops to their moisturizer called “Hydrate”.

Hydrate: every day body lotion – same citrus sent with a bit of mint – not only is this a hydrating mixture but it has Mongongo oil and Ximenia Americana seed which both encourage rejuvenation.

I like mixing the two together for a super hydrated and fresh smelling body lotion!

-F

Newport Babes Weekend: Handmade Soaps

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While in Newport RI last weekend (a few weekends ago now) with a few of the girls we stumbled into a Soap Shop on Thames street and had to pop in – I am SO glad we did!! Half of the space is a store front while the other half is the actual “lab” where the magic happens – not only can you watch but you can make your own!

The store featured everything from room spray with essential oils to foot scrubs, soaps, lotions, candles and more. They even had something for my man 🙂 Beard oil – to moisturize those prickly buggers that I LOVE but always seem to scratch me.

The ladies skin care section caught my eye – with all natural essential oil based products ( keep an eye out for a post on my newest obsession ) such as cleansers, toners, masks, scrubs and even bath soaks. I could read everything on the ingredients label and the prices were unreal!!

Not only did we all leave with full bags – most of us had to go back for seconds once we discovered other must have goodies like these aromatherapy shower balls – you put one on the side of the shower where it will be hit with moisture but not directly getting soaked + you are in a spa like zen in no time. She had ones for sore muscles, decongesting, relaxing and even one to help with a nasty hangover!

I am OBSESSED with small businesses and the creativity that goes into them… I have so much respect for entrepreneurs that are just killin it! Cant wait to come back with the girls for a soap making party – little wine, little soap, my best girls… sounds like a fun night!!

-F

End of Summer Sale

While I must admit, fall is my favorite season, especially in New England, I can’t believe Summer is over!! Every year I say it fly’s by faster and faster ( I feel old saying that). Labor day does mark the end of this beloved time for most, it also marks sales weekend!!!

Stella and Dot of course is doing one of their own – 25% off all SALE items!! Check out a few of my favs 🙂

Check out the rest of the sale items at www.stelladot.com/brandcheerleder .

-F

Mother, Daughter, Sister

Last week I attended Stella + Dots annual conference called Hoopla (more on how amazing that was later) Each year they partner with an organization to give back. This year they announced a new partnership with Christy Turlington Burns and her amazing organization Every Mother Counts! I was lucky enough to hear her speak with Jessica (the CEO) about the scary, unsafe and deadly conditions woman are giving birth in – and over 80% are EASILY preventable – its as simple (and inexpensive) as transportation to the hospital and am excited to sell one heck of a lot of these $39 beautiful Enlighten bracelets to help make pregnancy and child birth safe for every mother around the world!

I find it shocking and down right frighting that every two minutes, a woman dies in childbirth. Every Mother Counts is making a really positive impact, and 100% of the proceeds from the sale of these bracelets will go towards this fantastic cause!

You can purchase your bracelet here 🙂

Mexico: Meet Flipper

I was lucky enough to end my “stay at home roommate” streak with a fabulous trip to Cancun Mexico! We created a “bucket” list of things we wanted to do while we were there for a week – combining ocean, beach, pool, food and adventure time.

We decided on two of the (so many) excursion options, one was an all day event at a place called xplor (zip line, paddling and four wheeling) and swimming with dolphins!!!

We arrived at Doplphinus, home to one of the of the most beautiful views of the beach/ocean, and received a bit of instruction on how best to touch the human sized fishy, to rise off any SPF we had on (it hurts their eyes) and to not touch their blow hole. With in just a few minutes we were paired with another couple and one of the trainers and we were in the water.

I am not going to lie – I was scared at first, there were little fishes swimming around and algae growing on the grates but we didn’t waste any time getting to know each other. We actually hardly had a proper introduction before “flipper” kissed me on the lips and cheek (how bold, I know).

We spent the next hour learning all about Flipper (that wasn’t her name – I just like to think it is) and how they rescued her and she has had two babies and they actually spend 5 years with their babes before there separated – they even have a “kindergarten” pool where they start training the babies around one year old. I am so glad we were able to experience this together, I feel like its something you do once and its such a fun memory to look back on!

-F

Stella + Dot Engravables!!

I have been a part of Stella + Dot for 3 years and always wanted engravables in all way shapes and forms and its finally HERE!

We even have a little something personal for the men in your life!! I can’t wait for mine to come in for my man friend 🙂 There are so many combinations and ways to personalize and tell a story I can’t wait to see how people combine them.

You can only order through me or a trunk show so email me brand [email protected] for your custom order!

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Author: brandcheerleader