If you are a gal who tries to extend the life of a pedicure as long as possible, then you probably know the first thing that usually needs attention in between pedicures are your heels. I mean really, who has time to get pedicures weekly or even every Read more
With May being Skin Cancer/Melanoma Awareness month, now seems like the perfect time if any to talk sunscreen! As you may have read earlier this month, I was diagnosed with Melanoma just a couple of years ago. Life after Melanoma requires a lot more preparation when spending time Read more
Moroccan Oil is all the rage for the benefits of argan oil on both skin and hair. Suave's Moroccan Infusion line of hair care products aim to deliver incredible shine, softness and conditioning to your hair. I had the opportunity to try the new Moroccan Argan Styling Oil from Read more
As I get older I notice the collagen making a prompt exit from my lips leaving them looking lifeless and thin. The best way to combat thinning lips (or if you have thin lips to begin with) is to keep them hydrated and to use a lip plumper. When Read more
Can I use face oil if I have combination skin? Of course you can, simply avoid pore-clogging oils and use only the ones intended to moisturize your face.
L.A. Christine's No3 Berry Face Oil is comprised of Lingonberry, raspberry and acai berry, yet smells of an herbally sweet concoction. High Read more
One of the best spas in the Poconos is The Lodge at Woodloch. It is not only a favorite local spot for me, it is highly rated as one of the best destination spas in the country. I feel very lucky to have it right here only minutes away.
As Spring is not too far off, that means it’s also time change up skin care products and treatments to meet the seasonal needs of your skin. I asked The Lodge at Woodloch’s Spa Treatment Manager, Amanda Clabaugh, for some tips:
Since your skin changes throughout the seasons, it is best to “switch up” some of your skin care products to maintain a healthy, glowing complexion! As the cold days of the winter are soon to be behind us, skin may be less dry, so switching to a lighter moisturizer will keep your skin balanced.
Remember to continue to drink plenty of water to maintain hydration and use a topical vitamin C product to boost collagen! Read more
It’s no secret that the Poconos has an amazing destination spa tucked away in the hills of Hawley, PA: The Lodge at Woodloch. I’ve been to The Lodge at Woodloch several times and have had the pleasure of experiencing a facial, massage, pedicure, enjoying a weekend getaway with my boyfriend golfing and kayaking, makeup consultation with Christopher Drummond in their boutique and last week for the launch of their renovated Lotus Salon, along with the newest addition of Master Stylist Christine Lafferty, I headed up for a much needed hair color and cut.
First of all, while the spa may tend to be on the pricey side (it is a luxury spa after all) the Lotus Salon’s prices fall in line with what most hair salons in the area charge. So if you’ve been hesitant to try them out, put your wallet woes to rest. Lotus Salon uses Wella hair care products for color, which I have had a very good experience with in the past when I previously went to Salon L’Etoile in Jenkintown, PA. Christine used a demi-permanent color on me with a color lock. They also use Alterna (the LOVE of my life) and Moroccanoil (love their anti-frizz and hairspray) hair products.
Christine is amazing. She listens to what you want, skillfully cuts your hair all while engaging with you like you’ve been lifelong friends. And there’s nothing fake about it–Christine is super personable and it makes you want to hang out with her. But I’ve found that of most of the staff at The Lodge; just real, down to earth people (which essentially is what the Poconos is about–a truly hometown feel.) Christine previously had an upscale salon in Boston, but came back to Northeast PA when a family member was dying from ovarian cancer. Since then, she decided to remain in the area and landed at The Lodge at Woodloch (they are lucky to have her!)
Loved the outcome of my hair! Have you experienced the Lotus Salon, or any of the spa treatments, at The Lodge at Woodloch? To view all of their offerings see their website at www.thelodgeatwoodloch.com.
Today I was on PA Live again on WBRE. It was my second television appearance, and can I tell you that I LOVE being on TV? What to talk about was no problem, as I love shopping and since it is the holidays I knew shopping apps would make a great topic–but what to wear? All I knew was the necklace I’d be wearing (provided by Delicate Raymond) and not much else. So here’s what I decided on:
Fashion:
Dress:The Limited Black Jacket:The Limited Boots: Franco Sarto Upton Boots from Macy’s Necklace:Vintage Monogram Necklace from Delicate Raymond (use code SPA30 to get 30% off their jewelry!) Bracelet:BeadForLife Sanyu Bangle Ring: Leela Bijou Sahara Ring in Olivine Green Earrings: From my aunt when I was 13 (awww!)
Monday, October 24th, was a pretty busy day. Then about 9pm it hit me…something amazing happened on this date 6 years ago. I opened a Blogger account and launched A Girl’s Gotta Spa! (<–This link takes you to the old site.) I sat back in my chair and welled up with tears. Do most people cry when celebrating longevity in their career? Maybe not, but when it is one that has changed your life and the path you were on, I think it’s reasonable to say it’s OK to cry. Happy tears of course.
Six years ago (if you are mathematically disabled like me–that is back in 2005) I just wanted to connect with other like-minded women from my home in rural PA (otherwise known as the Poconos.) I was still new to the area I was living in and didn’t know many people. A Girl’s Gotta Spa! gave me the ability to talk about my passion (beauty) while doing something I always wanted to do (write) and then hear from complete strangers from all around the world. I’ll never forget the day 2 years after launching when an editor for the Finnish magazine Trendi emailed me to tell me my blog was popular in Finland and they wanted to feature me in a story. I was like: holy smokes, someone in Finland knows who I am? That was mind blowing.
This blog, and my readers, have seen me through good times and bad–babies being born (Duncan and Brody), a divorce, a new happy and healthy relationship with an awesome guy, downsizing in a job, creating my own career for myself, being on the verge of broke to recovering and being financially stable…it has been one heck of a ride.
So I thought it would be appropriate to hold a giveaway. I know that is rare for this blog, I never want to be known for just constantly giving away stuff because I want your eyes for learning and connecting, not freebies. But amongst my pile of beauty overload, I have a bunch of products from MAC Cosmetics Wonder Woman collection. Fitting, no? Many of my friends and colleagues have referred to me as Wonder Woman (and Superwoman) so I thought it would make for an exciting giveaway.
(Image is not representative of all of the products listed, just some of them.)
Here’s what you’ll get (retail value of $600):
Wonder Woman Invincible Mirror
Utility Belt Face Brush Set
Bulletproof Blue Makeup Bag
2 Powder Blushes– Mighty Aphrodite and Amazon Princess
3 Lipglass–Athena’s Kiss, Secret Identity and Wonder Woman
2 Eye shadow quads–Valiant and Lady Justice4 lipsticks–Marquise d’, Russian Red, Heroine and Spitfire
2 Nail Lacquers–Obey Me and Spirit of Truth
4 Opulash Mascara–Victorious, Army of Amazons, Themyscira and Bad, Bad Black
2 Pigments–Marine Ultra and Bright Fuchsia
2 Reflects–Reflects Pearl and Reflects Bronze
2 Mineralize Skin Finish–Golden Lariat and Pink Powder
What you have to do:
Follow me on Twitter
Like me on Facebook
Subscribe to my blog
The rules (I’m a mom and all moms have rules.)
Must 18 years of age or older, you can only enter 1 time (I track IP addresses so don’t cheat or you will be disqualified), products are as is (although they are brand new and unused), products cannot be exchanged for cash, no product substitutes and I have the right to cancel this giveaway at any time with or without cause. And yes, this giveaway is open to everyone–even if you don’t live in the US.
Contest begins today, October 25, 2011 and ends November 2nd at 12:01am EST. I’ll announce the winner on November 3rd.
Good luck my pretties and thank you for 6 great years!
xo Shannon
Contest is over. Winner is Jennifer B. and she was notified–congrats Jen!
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Monica Madeja from my local NBC affiliate station, WBRE. First of all, let me tell you that she has the kind of personality that draws you in, not to mention that she is always smiling. Maybe it’s because we’re small town USA over here in the Scranton area, but she is completely approachable and was happy to answer my Beauty Q & A.
Shannon: At what age did you first start wearing makeup?
Monica: Probably when I was about 12, very minimal of course. I have been in love with chapstick and lip gloss since I can remember though!
Shannon: Do you remember what the very first beauty product that you coveted was?
Monica: Lip smackers lip gloss! That’s still a must-have to this day!
Shannon: If you were to walk into the perfume section of a department store at the Viewmont Mall and immediately thought of high school, which fragrance would bring that to mind?
Monica: Davidoff Cool Water or Ralph Lauren’s Polo.
Shannon: If you looked in your handbag right now, how many beauty products would there be?
Monica: Two lip balms with SPF and three lip glosses , maybe a compact.
Shannon: What are your 3 must-have beauty products that you absolutely can’t live without?
Monica: Mascara, moisturizer and of course, lip gloss!
If you are local in NEPA, you can see Monica at 4pm EST Mon-Fri on PA Live.
Today I was on PA Live on WBRE talking about the music app, Spotify, which is now a I can’t live without it music site for me. By day I am a social media consultant, which is why I was on the show. More importantly, so much prep went into what I was going to wear, from beauty to fashion, for my television debut. Each time I go on TV, I’ll be posting all the details here.
Pictured with me here is Ralphie Aversa, who I totally messed up tweeting by spelling his last name wrong. Sorry Ralphie. He’s a pretty cool guy and can be heard on 97.5BHT here in NEPA, Q105FM in Connecticut and also in my home state of Rhode Island on 92PRO FM. Ralphie–if you ever need anyone to talk beauty trends, I’m your girl.
Now here’s the lowdown on what I wore today:
Fashion:
Dress: Petal Sleeve Tweed 2-in-1 Dress from The Limited Boots: Franco Sarto Upton Boots from Macy’s Tights: No Nonsense Great Shapes, Shaping Tights in Espresso Earrings and Necklace: Sea of Change collection from DeAnna Cochran Ring: Peridot Green Crystal Ring Swarovski in Sterling Silver from Leela Bijoux (this was the one on my right hand, on my left was a ring my boyfriend’s mom gave me. I don’t know the brand.) Watch: Jewelry Design with Pearls from Skagen Denmark (make sure to Like their fan page!)
My photo editing software would not remove my red eyes! Hopefully you discover something new from this list of beauty and fashion brands. Crossing my fingers that PA Live will have me back again. I had such a blast! Here is the link to the video of my segment: Shannon Nelson on PA Live I’d love to hear what you thought of it!
That title feels weird talking in 3rd person like that, but I am excited to say that on Thursday, October 13 I will be appearing on PA Live. I know I’ve been talking a lot lately about PA Live, but that’s because back in August Michelle from NEPA Blogs alerted me that WBRE was launching a new show and was looking for local talent to appear on TV. So I contacted one of the hosts, Dave Kuharchik, and he had me do a phone interview, which turned into me going down to the station and doing a screen test. After my 3-minute test run, I was told I did great and could come back.
YES!
I won’t be talking about beauty though. I know, that makes me sad because I really want to be able to talk about beauty trends…BUT I will be talking about my second love, social media. So for that, I am very grateful! Those who know me know that it has been a goal of mine to be on TV, so I am excited that WBRE is giving me the chance to do that. Plus now my kids think I am a celebrity, but I had to remind them that it won’t get them out of doing homework no matter what.
My first topic will be something that is a passion of mine: music. I’ll be featuring Spotify, so if you want to learn about it or just want to support my first time on TV, please tune into PA Live between 4pm-5pmEST or you can watch the live stream from PAhomepage.com.
xx ~Shannon
Ps. This is me and Dave at the WBRE studio back in August.
98.5KRZ is one of the local radio stations I listen to here in Northeast PA (especially when I need some Adam Levine in my life.) She is the second (and prettier) half of The Jeff Walker Show (sorry Jeff, she is pretty!) and I thought Amanda would be a great candidate for a beauty Q & A, which she happily obliged. (Thanks Amanda!)
Shannon: At what age did you first start wearing makeup?
Amanda: Oh wow. I’m not proud of this, but when I was 12, I started wearing WHITE EYELINER! (Top lid only!) Soon after, I started swiping pink eyeshadow over it to create pink eyeliner. At the time, I thought I was quite the trendsetter!
Shannon: Do you remember what the very first beauty product that you coveted was?
Amanda: MASCARA! I’m still obsessed. Every time a new kind comes out, I try it immediately and give a review on my blog at 985krz.com. Why should we ALL waste $10 on new mascara if it’s not going to work better than that trusty hot pink and green tube of $5 Maybelline mascara?!
Shannon: If you were to walk into the perfume section of a department store at the Viewmont Mall and immediately thought of high school, which fragrance would bring that to mind?
Amanda: Tommy Girl! The scent makes me sick now, but in high school it was my signature scent. I also loved Gap’s So Pink. (I graduated HS in 2003.)
Shannon: If you looked in your handbag right now, how many beauty products would there be?
Amanda: I only apply makeup in the morning, so my bag is full of only lip products and moisturizers. Lip stain and gloss. 2 stains and probably 6 glosses.
Shannon: What are your 3 must-have beauty products that you absolutely can’t live without?
Amanda: Burt’s Bees tinted lip balm (Pink Blossom is my fave!)Â Clinique twist-up eyeliner and of course mascara. I’m not brand loyal mascara-wise because I love trying all of the new ones.
You can also see Amanda on PA Live every Wednesday with Jeff. They usually answer dating questions on the show from their listening audience and wear clothes sponsored by Old Navy!
It’s an exciting week around here at A Girl’s Gotta Spa! This Tuesday between 4pm-5pm EST, NEPA Blogs‘ Harold Jenkins will be featuring A Girl’s Gotta Spa! on PA Live (check your local provider for channel.)
NEPA Blogs is a clearinghouse of blogs that are either about Northeast PA or are written by people who live in Northeast PA (that’s me!) PA Live is Northeast PA’s newest live lifestyle show and can be seen on WBRE (an NBC affiliate.) I’m so excited for my local area to get to know me and my passion for beauty (and people!) And it couldn’t come at a better time with the SHAPE Magazine Best Beauty Blogger Awards going on right now! (I really need your vote!)
“O.M.G…omg omg omg omg!” I shrilled in my most 12 year old voice ever when I accidently came upon an incoming link from SHAPE Magazine naming A Girl’s Gotta Spa! a Top 20 Best Beauty Blog. I practically hyperventilated, then I called my boyfriend and then I told my friends also mentioned on the list. An email into SHAPE confirmed that I indeed was put on their list after being named by some of their readers as their favorite beauty blog.
WOW and holy freakin cow.
And I am SUPER excited!
Because you know what?A Girl’s Gotta Spa! turns 6 on October 24th! What better way to celebrate than to be given this accolade! But it doesn’t stop there, SHAPE is asking that of the 20 of us mentioned, YOU vote for ONE as the BEST. I’d like to hope and pray that my readers would choose me. (And tell their friends to vote for me, who tell their friends to vote for me…and so on!)
I have some pretty stiff competition. I am among a really incredible bunch and let me even say that my friend Kathryn of The Budget Fashionista is in there. Can I even begin to tell you how BEYOND that is for me? To even be named in the same category of fabulousness as her? Stick a fork in me, I’m done! Holy smokes!
So here is what I need you to do: Click on the link to vote A Girl’s Gotta Spa! as Best Beauty Blog. Then click the link that says “Vote for this blog!” It will bring up a voting form and then just click A Girl’s Gotta Spa! And that’s it! No registration is needed and you can only vote once. Voting ends on Oct. 28th.
If I make it as one of the 6 finalists (there are 6 categories, not only beauty) then I would win a $100 American Express Gift Card (which honestly I don’t plan to keep if I win it, but will instead gift it to a needy family here in Northeast PA), but if I am selected as the grand prize winner of the 6, then I have the opportunity to shoot a paid video series to be launched on Shape.com. (DUDE I totally want that!)
Thanks in advance for voting for me and thank you to whoever the SHAPE readers were who nominated me to begin with!
One of the best spas in the Poconos is The Lodge at Woodloch. It is not only a favorite local spot for me, it is highly rated as one of the best destination spas in the country. I feel very lucky to have it right here only minutes away.
