Sunday, August 2, 2026

Things to do in LA: Vintage Grocers and a Picnic at Zuma Beach

PSA (Unaffiliated Links)

If you are looking to spend a wonderful summer day in Malibu, and want a peaceful drive down Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), also known as Highway 1, then one of my favorite things to do is to pick up lunch at Vintage Grocers, and then drive across the street to have a picnic at Zuma Beach. However, if you prefer not to eat on the beach, then Vintage Grocers has a big patio with plenty of seating. They have a wonderful full-service deli, and delicious food to eat.

Zuma is a wonderful place to enjoy the beach in Malibu, and you can often watch a fun Beach Volleyball game while you are there.

Vintage Grocers: 30745 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265-3647

Zuma Beach: 30000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265

Saturday, August 1, 2026

The Beauty & Style Spotlight Team Greets August

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog just discovered the TIRTIR Matcha PDRN Calming Cream. Not only is it soothing and calming for sensitive and irritated skin, but it is also a great choice for anyone after exfoliating the skin.

Nancy from Nancy's Fashion Style never wears orange, but we all have something blue in our closet. A blue monochrome look is what Nancy is wearing. And check out those glitter sneakers!

Terri from Our Good Life discusses the timeless beauty and symbolism of pearl engagement rings, has practical advice for choosing and caring for one, and she explores why pearls are becoming a unique and elegant choice for modern couples.

Angie from Your True Self Blog found style inspiration for women who would like to look their best at home even if no one is going to see you. How about upgrading your loungewear as if you were having a pajama party for one?

Friday, July 31, 2026

July 2026 Empties for the Face, Body & Hair

Purchased & Press Samples (Affiliate Links)

I managed to use up 7 items in July, and I would use all of them again and again. Of the 7 products used, 4 were full-size and 3 were deluxe samples. I really enjoyed using all of them, but that is always the case since I don't tend to continue using products that I don't like or love– life is just too short!

Anua Rice + Ceramide Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder ($18.00 for 1.41 oz. from YesStyle and Amazon): This is another winning skincare product from Anua, and it is so easy to use. This high quality K-Beauty brand not only makes exceptional products, but they are actually affordable. This rice bran-infused cleansing powder is activated with water, and once you have a paste of your desired consistency you gently massage it into the skin. It deeply cleans, without stripping the skin, and leaves it clean, hydrated, soft, smooth and luminous. If you need a deeper cleaning, it can be used as a mask to clean congested pores. That it is a powder makes it ideal for travel. Purchase Again? I would definitely use this again, but I have so many facial cleansers to use first.

ANUA Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil Mild (Currently on sale for $17.00 (regularly $19.90) for 6.75 oz. from Anua's Amazon Store): This cleansing oil is ideal for sensitive skin, and it offers a fragrance-free formula that is light in texture, offering less irritation when rolling and emulsifying.

The Mild version is non-comedogenic and it only contains only 11 ingredients, and ANUA increased the amount of heartleaf extract (20,000ppb) to soothe the skin. The Original formula, which has 22 ingredients, includes half the amount of heartleaf extract (10,000 ppb). Other key ingredients include sunflower seed oil to moisture and hydrate and rosemary leaf oil to control and balance sebum.

This cleansing oil is appropriate for all skin types, including very sensitive skin. It emulsifies when in contact with water, and if effectively removes dirt, makeup and it helps to eliminate blackheads and whiteheads. Purchase Again? I would happily use it again, but I currently have several other cleansing oils that I need to use before I get more!

Chantecaille Pure Rosewater Face Mist ($88.00 for 3.4 oz. and $45.00 for 1.5 oz. from Chantecaille, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue & Bluemercury): This is the most refreshing and uplifting facial mist that I have used. It is formulated with the rare extract of the Rose de Mai, and this antioxidant-rich formula really perks up skin and hydrates it. The rosewater aroma is absolutely gorgeous. Purchase Again? If I can find it on sale, then I will! It's amazing!

Dr. BRID C Moisture Basic Serum ($22.90 for 1.01 oz. from Dr. BRID C and their Amazon Store): This is a wonderful antioxidant-rich serum that offers the skin serious, and sustained, hydration and protection from free-radical damage. It boasts a blend of novel peptides that help boost collagen production, and the result is the appearance of firmer skin and plumped fine lines. Their antioxidant formula, which is infused with Niacinamide, Bisabolol and Citric Acid, helps to brighten the skin and fade hyperpigmentation. The serum is mid-weight, fast absorbing, non-sticky and fragrance-free, and it leaves my skin soft, supple, smooth and incredibly luminous. This K-Beauty brand is Cruelty-Free, effective and affordable. Purchase Again? Absolutely!

Kérastase Discipline Bain Fluidealiste Sulfate-Free Shampoo ($46.00 for 8.5 oz. from Kérastase, Sephora, Target & Amazon): The sulfate-free formula is absolute perfection for chemically treated hair. It is such a wonderfully emollient shampoo that it makes hair so smooth and soft, and tangle free. I can actually get a comb through my hair after using this shampoo, and before even using a conditioner! It is perfect for frizzy hair, and it has no real lather, and it never strips the hair. It is wonderful for naturally curly hair like mine! Purchase Again? I will happily splurge on this shampoo once I use up a few more bottles of shampoo that are cluttering my shower!

Tory Burch Electric Sky Eau de Parfum ($155.00 for 3oz. from Tory Burch, Bloomingdale's & JOMASHOP): This was a deluxe sample that I received as a gift with purchase from somewhere. I actually didn't think that I would like it, but I popped it in my travel bag and actually used it, and thoroughly enjoyed it. According to Tory Burch, "Electric Sky captures the essence of freedom. Vibrant and rapturous, like the energy after a storm, it is an unexpected mix of refreshing cactus flower, lavender and wood. Saltwater lends a mineral quality to the fragrance, blended with blue sage and a Palo Santo accord for warmth and positivity." I would say that it is a salty floral aroma that feels like summer. Purchase Again? I am swimming in perfumes, and am not looking to purchase more, but I would definitely use this if I had more!

Maison Margiela Paris Replica Bubble Bath Eau de Toilette ($89.00 for 1.05 oz. from Maison Margiela, Amazon, Sephora & JOMASHOP): This is yet another deluxe sample I received as a gift with purchase, and that I also had in my travel bag. I used every single drop and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is described as, "The relaxing memory of a me time moment in the bubbles of a hot scented bath. Sweet memories of relaxing moments enjoying a hot bubble bath....This gentle floral fragrance is a bubble of comfort and freshness. The soothing notes of coconut milk blended with the clean freshness of the soap bubble accord recreate the relaxing feeling of a hot foaming bath....This cocooning sensation is brought by enveloping notes of white musks and delicate floral notes of Rose Superessence." It is a musky floral that is surprisingly easy to wear, and quite fetching. Purchase Again? As noted above, I am swimming in perfumes right now, and I have no plans to purchase more, but I would definitely continue wearing it if I had more left.

Overall Assessment: I really enjoyed using these products, and would happily use them all again, but I have so many open products to use before purchasing more. What did you finish up, toss out, give away or return in July? Did you discover any amazing products or over-hyped duds?

Purchased & Press Samples (Affiliate Links). All views expressed are categorically my own.

Thursday, July 30, 2026

TIRTIR Milk Skin Toner: The Hydrating Perfect Skin Pick-Me-Up for Summer

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

TIRTIR Milk Skin Toner is a hydrating toner that I have been using for quite some time, and I am quite fond of it! This toner brightens the skin and leaves it soft and supple. Rather than drying the skin, as many toners do, it enhances the hydration of your serums and moisturizers. It has no detectable aroma, and therefore should not be of concern to people who avoid fragranced skincare. TIRTIR is an incredible K-Beauty brand that makes effective and affordable products, and it is a brand that I use regularly and trust.

According to TIRTIR,

Discover the power of TIRTIR Milk Skin Toner, a moisturizing toner designed to hydrate, brighten, and strengthen your skin. Infused with 2% Niacinamide, Rice Bran Extract, Ceramide, and Panthenol, this vegan formula delivers long-lasting hydration while enhancing your skin’s natural glow and fortifying its protective barrier.

The TIRTIR Milk Skin Toner is more than a hydrating toner—it’s a multitasking skincare essential that hydrates, brightens, and protects your skin. Its lightweight, fast-absorbing formula ensures deep nourishment without feeling heavy or sticky. Whether you’re looking to calm irritation, boost radiance, or improve your skin barrier, this toner is your go-to solution for healthy, glowing skin.

Key Features and Benefits:

Deeply Hydrating Toner: Delivers intense, long-lasting moisture to leave your skin feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed.

Brightens and Evens Skin Tone: Enriched with 2% Niacinamide and Rice Bran Extract to improve radiance and reduce the appearance of dark spots.

Strengthens the Skin Barrier: Ceramide and Panthenol work together to fortify your skin’s natural defense, locking in hydration and protecting against external stressors.

Soothes and Calms Irritation: Infused with Cica and Witch Hazel to reduce redness and irritation, making it perfect for sensitive or stressed skin.

Vegan and Suitable for All Skin Types: This gentle yet effective formula is cruelty-free and designed to work for every skin type, from dry to oily.

Overall Assessment: If you like to use a hydrating toner, then this K-Beauty treat may just be what you are looking for! It is perfect for the warm weather, and therefore is summer perfect, since it adds hydration to skin that is often rendered dehydrated this time of year.

$25.00 for 5.07 oz. from TIRTIR, Nordstrom, Ulta, Amazon, YesStyle and iHerb (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

T is for Tame Taming Spray for Unruly Hair Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

T is for Tame was created to keep the unruly hair of babies and toddlers manageable by their parents. Becky, who founded T is for Tame, struggled to find a natural solution for her children's unruly hair, and decided to create those products. Her whole range of products makes hair manageable during humidity, days spent at the pool, and while traveling. Her products offer a practical solution for dealing with tangles, frizz, fly-aways and sensitive scalps during the summer months.

While this range of products was created for babies and toddlers, I must emphatically state, as a person with naturally curly hair, that T is for Tame products are miraculous on my hair. Therefore, I think that these products are perfect for anyone who has hair that is prone to frizz, fly-aways, tangling and that is clearly impacted by humid weather.

T is for Tame Taming Spray is a very easy to use detangling and frizz-fighting spray that has a wonderful vanilla aroma. Simply shake the bottle, and then spray it directly onto wet or dry hair, and you can either brush it, or scrunch it. I scrunch my hair when I apply it to dry hair, and I brush it when I apply it to wet, freshly shampooed hair. It immediately detangles and moisturizes the hair without leaving it sticky or greasy, and it immediately makes hair manageable and frizz free. It also works wonders as a curl cream– enhancing gorgeous glossy locks!

According to T is for Tame,

TAME, DETANGLE & GO — EVERY DAY: Make this gentle, natural spray part of your child’s daily hair routine. It smooths frizz, tames flyaways, reduces static, and detangles knots—leaving hair soft, manageable, and ready to style. Perfect for everyday use to keep hair healthy and calm without sticky gels or harsh chemicals.

FOR ALL HAIR TYPES: The conditioning detangler spray is best for straight, wavy, or loose curls. Our detangling spray has an alcohol-free formula making it gentler on hair. Simply brush the lightweight formula into hair, and the natural coconut oil will absorb, calm, and smooth tresses. It may appear thicker because we use raw coconut oil instead of alcohol In our formula.

GENTLE FOR AGES 0 & UP: Clinically and dermatologically tested, our natural hair detangler is safe for babies but used by the whole family. We say no to chemicals, dyes, parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. We are a cruelty-free, vegan product.

MADE IN THE USA: Buy with confidence knowing our products are manufactured locally in Pennsylvania with natural ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba oil, tapioca starch, and vanilla fragrance oil.

Directions: Spray onto wet or dry hair and brush or scrunch.

Ingredients: See below.

Overall Assessment: Once again, while this was created for babies and toddlers, it works wonders on my naturally curly hair.

$12.99 for 4.2 oz from T is for Tame and their Amazon Store (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

T is for Tame Taming Cream Wand for Unruly Hair Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

T is for Tame Taming Cream Wand is the perfect way to tame frizz and flyaways when you are on the go. When the weather gets at all humid, my curly hair kinks up and I get frizz and fly-aways, and this wonderful cream can be brushed directly from the tube onto the impacted parts of the hair, and hair is left moisturized, nourished and tame. I carry it in my purse so that I have it wherever I go, and whenever I need it. Additionally, it has a wonderful vanilla scent that is a treat to the senses.

According to T is for Tame,

Silky, Frizz-Free Hair: This hair smoothing stick is ideal for hair flyaways, baby hairs, all little wispy hairs, and static. It's a fun and easy hair styling tool to help make your toddlers' hair sleek with just one quick swipe and also leaves a sweet vanilla scent.

Easy to Use: With a non-sticky formula, it provides smoothness and control without leaving hair greasy. Comes with a mascara-like brush, helps get rid of frizz and lay crazy baby hairs, fly aways, and keeps everything in place.

Natural Ingredients: T is for Tame baby hair products are made with kid-friendly ingredients like tapioca starch, coconut oil, and jojoba oil to nourish and strengthen all hair types, leaving it smooth and conditioned.

Compact Convenience: Perfectly sized for travel or quick touch-ups. Our hair styling wand easily fits into your handbag, making it the ideal tool for keeping your kids' hair neat whether after playing or napping.

Baby Safe Hair Care: Made by a mom of twins and manufactured in the United States, it is formulated with gentle, vegan, and cruelty-free materials that are sulfate-free and paraben-free. This anti-frizz hair mascara styling stick is suitable for girls and boys babies, toddlers, and kids of all ages.

Directions: Paint evenly on baby hairs, flyaways or frizz. Reapply as needed.

Ingredients: Purified Water, Jojoba Oil, Stearic Acid, Coconut Oil, 1,3-Propanediol, Glyceryl Stearate, Tapioca Starch, Panthenol, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Gluconolactone (and) Sodium Benzoate, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Vanilla Fragrance Oil, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide.

T is for Tame is a Cruelty-Free and Vegan brand that is made in the USA.

Overall Assessment: Whether you have children with unruly hair that is prone to frizz, or you are an adult fighting frizz, then this handy little portable magic wand is for you. It works so well for my hair, and definitely think that it is worthy of your consideration. A+

$11.99 for 0.51 oz. from T is for Tame and their Amazon Store (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Monday, July 27, 2026

TIRTIR Matcha PDRN Dual Serum Review

Press Sample (Affiliate Links)

TIRTIR Matcha PDRN Dual Serum is another wonderful product from TIRTIR's Matcha Collection, and it is an intensive calming serum that soothes sensitive skin that becomes irritated, red and inflamed. It also offers serious hydration, and it has a cooling effect on the skin. Simply shake the serum to activate all of the ingredients, and then massage into the face, neck and décolleté. It is a thin and watery serum that immediately soaks into the skin and leaves it calm, soft, smooth and hydrated. When my skin gets irritated, this works wonders to restore it back to a calm state prior to the irritation. My skin can be finicky and rather sensitive, but it is mostly a result of testing skincare products that irritate my skin, or after I exfoliate and my skin is left a little bit red.

According to TIRTIR,

Powered by the dual synergy of Matcha PDRN and 5% Niacinamide, TIRTIR Matcha Dual Serum targets redness and delivers intensive soothing care for a clearer, more even skin tone.

Features & Claims:

Rich Hydration with Dual-Brew Tech™: A high-density dual-layer formula with an optimal 2:8 cream-to-ampoule ratio, delivering the lightweight freshness of an ampoule and the rich density of a cream in perfect balance.

Anti-Redness: Helps visibly calm redness and balance excess oil with ACZERO™.

Sebum Control: Helps refine the look of pores and control excess oil with the Pore Laser Complex.

Calming: Soothes sensitive skin with Super Centella.

Cooling: Delivers a refreshing, non-irritating cooling effect with a naturally derived cooling complex.

Directions: Shake to Activate: Shake well before use to blend the formula. During the essence step, apply a moderate amount evenly to the face and gently press with your palms for better absorption.

Key Ingredients:

2% Jeju Matcha PDRN: Protects the skin from external irritations, and helps soothe the skin.
5% Niacinamide: Improves skin barrier and reduces redness.

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Triethylhexanoin, Methylpropanediol, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Trilaureth-4 Phosphate, Glycerin, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Dextrin, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Madecassoside, Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract, Hydrolyzed Malt Extract, Hydrolyzed Viola Tricolor Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Colloidal Sulfur, Decyl Glucoside, Squalane, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (20ppm), Sodium DNA, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Hesperidin, Succinic Acid, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Gluconolactone, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, Potassium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Asiatic Acid, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid.

Directions: Shake to Activate: Shake well before use to blend the formula. During the essence step, apply a moderate amount evenly to the face and gently press with your palms for better absorption.

Overall Assessment: This is such a nice hydrating and calming serum, and the whole TIRTIR Matcha Collection is quite wonderful, and affordable. This is a really wonderful K-Beauty brand that is worthy of your consideration.

$29.00 for 1.69 oz. from TIRTIR, Amazon, Ulta, StyleVana, YesStyle & StyleKorean (Affiliate Links). Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.

Sunday, July 26, 2026

Things to do in LA: The Los Angeles County Museum of Art This Summer

PSA (Unaffiliated Links)

If you either live in the LA area, or you are visiting this summer, you should consider visiting LACMA. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art has an incredible permanent collection, and they curate extraordinary exhibitions all year long. The new David Geffen Galleries are open, and there is just so much to see there. Not only are their BCAM and Resnick Pavilion Galleries open, but there is art on view outside as well. There is The Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Rodin Sculpture Garden, Chris Burden's Urban Light, Ai Weiwei's Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads and Michael Heizer's Levitated Mass.

The LACMA Pavilion for Japanese Art is set to reopen at some point in 2026, and it is also a wonderful place to explore, but I do not know whether it will reopen this summer.

The David Geffen Galleries cantilever across Wilshire Blvd., and you can watch from the floor to ceiling windows as cars drive under the museum. Erewhon at LACMA is conveniently located near a lovely plaza, and they have two wonderful gift stores (one in Resnick Pavilion, and the new large store in the David Geffen Galleries).

During the summer months, LACMA often has live music, and it is truly a treat to experience.

Additionally, The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is next door to LACMA, the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum is next door as well, and the Peterson Automotive Museum is directly across the street.

Saturday, July 25, 2026

The Beauty & Style Spotlight Team Beautiful Summer Week in Review

If you are seeking a waterproof carryall bag with a zipper top, and a built-in laptop sleeve, then the YETI Camino Zip 18L Tote Bag in Pace Purple is utter perfection! Lola's Secret Beauty Blog loves this shade of purple, but there are other colors from which to choose!

Summer means festivals, and Nancy from Nancy's Fashion Style goes every year to the same festival with friends. Although this year was a bit different. Read all about it on her blog, and while you are there, why not join the Fancy Friday linkup party.

A color chart is a fun tool to use as a starting point to create colorful outfits. Angie from Your True Self Blog offers three charts so that you can choose a piece of clothing in a basic color and see what colors go with it. You can consider yourself a work of art every day; age doesn’t matter.

Losing teeth can affect far more than your smile. In this article, Barbie from Barbie’s Beauty Bits shares how to rebuild your confidence after tooth loss.

Friday, July 24, 2026

Flexi Hose 50 ft. Expandable Garden Hose with 8 Function Nozzle Review

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

One of my very favorite things to do in the summer is work in, and enjoy my garden. I like to eat meals outside, watch the wildlife and tend to my plants. I had a hose on my backyard patio that became a nuisance because it tangled constantly, was too heavy and it constantly smashed into plants when I was watering all of the potted plants and the planting beds near the house. I moved it to the back of the yard– where it works perfectly– but I needed to replace the patio hose with something that would neither tangle nor press its considerable weight against the plants as I moved while watering. I knew that I wanted some sort of expandable hose that had a small footprint for storage and was made of a flexible softer material. After doing some research, I decided upon the Flexi Hose 50 ft. Expandable Garden Hose with 8 Function Nozzle, and it turned out to be a perfect choice for my patio.

This hose, at 50 ft., expands 3x when filled with water, and while it comes in 25ft, 50ft, 75ft.,100ft. and 150ft. lengths, I knew that I only needed the size that I purchased. It is long enough for me to water all of my pots, planters and beds, and the hose is soft and doesn't disrupt plants as it brushes against them.

It is very important to empty the hose of water after you turn off the spigot to release the pressure from the hose, and so that it can return to its smaller size for storage. I simply turn off the spigot and water the plants near the spigot until there is no water left in the hose.

According to Flexi Hose,

The Flexi Hose expandable garden hose automatically expands to the stated product length - roughly 3 times extension - with standard pressure when water is turned on and shortens to compact length when the water is turned off. Storing the Flexi Hose is a breeze!

Strong fittings for reliability! Solid 3/4 inch brass connectors ensure the expanding garden water pipe fits the typical outdoor garden taps in the US.

Expandable, lightweight construction without sacrificing quality! The 3750D elastic outer fabric with 4 layers of latex protects the inner tube effectively from thorns, punctures, and sharp corners.

Lightweight, yet durable for heavy duty use! Every Flexi Hose is endurance-tested to 2000 uses and can withstand water pressures up to 12 bar and temperatures between 41 and 113 degrees fahrenheit.

The included 8-pattern rotating hose spray nozzle is constructed out of durable ABS plastic and features an ergonomic, slip-resistant rubberized handle for comfort.