After my 3rd annual Professional Pretty Conference, I was SO ready for a recharge. Ralph and I decided to decompress and check into 21c Cincinnati Hotel. An extra perk is, right now they are waiving all their pet fees until 2021, so you can take your fur babies with you! I know, that hotels may be a scary notion right now - but rest assure, many hotels like 21c are taking great precautions to ensure the safety of every guest. In fact, when I checked in, they took my temperature and had plenty of hand sanitizer on deck. 21c Cincinnati also has many amenities such as a built in museum, spa and restaurant. Check it out below!

How dope is this artwork in the lobby - and it features a lot of artwork and installations that you will not find anywhere else. Ralph also got to check it out :) Artwork is throughout the entire hotel, so there is something new to explore. Due to the pandemic, art exhibits are only by appointment only. 

The Spa at 21c was JUST what I needed. I had an amazing massage that really made me escape from everything going on in the world. Not all of the services are being offered right now due to Covid, but there are many that you can still enjoy, safely! Make sure you book an appointment and check out their spa menu.

One word: YUM! I must admit, I've been sleeping on the Metropole restaurant at 21c and I'm sad about it. The menu is every innovative and different. I decided to have a charcuterie board (y'all know I love me some charcuterie), the crispy deviled eggs, brussel sprout salad and Fazzoletti - braised short rib bolognese, burrata, spicy greens. It was all SO GOOD! My favorite was definitely the pasta - it was filling yet not over indulgent. 

Overall, my stay at 21c Cincinnati was nothing short of amazing. It's located downtown, stones throw from a lot of great shopping options and sights to see. Again, I know times are crazy right now, but that is all the reason why you should take a day to recharge and focus on YOU. 21c Cincinnati is a great option to escape - if even for a little bit.

Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week!? Lucky for me, 21c Cincinnati has made my side dish I’ll be social distancing eating with my family. Thanksgiving may look really different this year, but food should still have that same comfort. If you’re in Cincinnati, 21c Cincinnati has made life easier with dine-in and carry-out options including this amazing Shaved Brussel sprout salad.

Here is the recipe to the Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad from Executive Chef Vanessa Miller:
​INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb brussel sprouts
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemons for juicing
• 1/2 lb red grapes, halved
• 4 oz salt roasted almonds
• aged Parmesan cheese (or if you’re feeling adventurous, an aged Gouda)
• salt + pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Start by shaving down the brussel sprouts. To do this, you’ll want to cut them in half long ways, leaving the stem and nub on, but split in half. Place the flat side down on your cutting board and carefully use your knife to thinly slice until you get down to the stem. This should look like tiny shredded cabbage. This will be a little time consuming, but I promise, it’s the only part of this recipe that is.
2. Combine your shredded sprouts, red grapes and nuts in a mixing bowl and mix until combined well.
3. Slowly add olive oil and lemon juice to your desired acidity/brightness level. Season with salt and pepper. Hint: raw vegetables need a lot of salt to coax out their flavor, add more than you think you need, then taste, then add some more.
4. Transfer salad to a serving bowl and crumble your cheese over top. Sprinkle with some whole parsley leaf if you’re feeling like a boss. Enjoy!

 It’s all about the skin for me

I’m super excited to let you know about ZO Skin Health offered at the The Christ Medspa - as you know I don’t play about my skin and I am always willing to invest and try different options that keep my skin healthy, happy and glowing!

ZO Skin Health is an innovative skincare line based on the latest advances in technology and exclusive formulations. You can grab these products at The Christ Medical Spa. I’m so happy to have found The Christ Medspa and Dr. Gina Maccarone to help me keep my skin game on point!

I’ve been using ZO Skin Health products for a month - and it has been amazing so far! Truth moment: I struggle with my skin not always being even - I am loving the ZO Skin Health, Bright Alive. It is a non-retinol skin brightener formulated to even skin tone, reduce dark spots and restore hydration, while calming and soothing irritated skin. The ZO Skin Health Gentle Cleanser has been awesome using, it’s for all skin types designed to remove impurities and leave the skin feeling refreshed, clean and hydrated. Lastly, I’ve been loving the ZO Skin Health exfoliating polish, it has magnesium crystals exfoliate dead skin cells to create a clear, smooth and even toned complexion.

Now, this is an investment but your skin is your first impression - why shouldn’t you make it a great one! Make sure you visit The Christ Medspa website and purchase or schedule an appointment at The Christ Hospital Medspa - word on the street has it you can get 20% off injectables and laser procedures until the end of November if you mention my name.

When you’re a Boss it’s never too early for a bossy cocktail with Smarties! Actually, Smarties + champagne + MAO is a sweet treat come true.  Who else loves Smarties!? I love how they help me celebrate closing a “sweet” deal. Thank you Smarties for supporting all the Boss Babes of all colors.

Follow these simple steps to make your own sweet bossy cocktail. Cheers 🥂 
1. Get your favorite sparkling wine/champagne (I love Prosecco)
2. Pour it up - in a glass 
3. Drop a Smarties Lollipop and watch it Bubble!
4. Enjoy like a Boss

The weather is finally looking like Fall here in Cincinnati, that means it's time to transition your skincare routine or add on some other skincare trends. 

That's right, you can take care of your skin in your sleep! This triple threat I would do before bedtime which includes: an overnight facial peel, night serum capsules and 24 hour moisturizer. During the Fall months it is so important to retain moisture to your skin to keep it healthy and glowing. These are perfect mini products that you can try out without investing too much money before you commit to a new overnight skin routine. 
Products:

• Versed, The Shortcut Overnight Facial Peel 
• ROC, Retinol Correxion Night Serum Capsules
• Pond's 24 Hour Moisturizer 

You can find all these products at Target

Let's not forget about your lips! We don't want chapped lips in any season, try this amazing lip mask (plump and repair). All you have to do is place mask onto clean lips and let sit for 10-15 mins, remove the mask and massage any remaining serum in and around the lip area. 

Here are two skincare items you can add into your daily skincare routine. Vitamins and Jojoba Oil. Wake up and take these Beauty vitamins that helps your hair, skin and nails flourish. Try adding this Jojoba Oil from Hollywood Beauty Products into your daily routine. This oil is just not meant for your hair, but your body and skin too. 

Jojoba oil has a variety of healing properties that may make it effective in treating skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. You can enjoy its benefits by using it as a cleanser, moisturizer, or spot treatment. 

Cooking up my holiday body.
 
And its, going to be amazing with help from Profile By Sanford! Listen, I know some of you are apprehensive to invest right now with everything going on, I’m so happy Profile by Sanford launched a new 7-Day Trial! You get some many of my favorite foods such as the chocolate almond protein bar, pizza crust and mocha shake. They have also included a recipe book - which is very helpful in mixing thing up so you stay on track. Eating better doesn’t mean it has to be boring or flavorless - you’d be surprised on all the great offerings Profile By Sanford supplies! Use this link and code to try! 25SEVEN
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Especially with eating pizza! Check out this recipe:
•           1 Profile Pizza Crust
•           ½ cup Profile Red Pepper Sauce
•           3 slices of tomatoes
•           Basil leaves as desired
•           Minced garlic as desired
•           1 ½ tbsp. Parmesan cheese
•           Profile Rosemary Balsamic Vinaigrette if desired
 
INSTRUCTIONS
•           Spread red pepper sauce onto pizza crust

•           Sprinkle parmesan cheese onto pizza crust

•           Slice a medium-sized red tomato and add 3 slices to the pizza

•           Finely mince one clove of garlic and sprinkle on the pizza

•           Top your pizza off with a few leaves of basil for garnish

•           Cook pizza according to package

•           Drizzle with Profile Rosemary Balsamic Vinaigrette if desired.

•           Cut and enjoy!

Halloween may look different this year, but have no fear - I have some awesome at home Halloween themed lifestyle ideas that you can do at home with your family, friends or yourself! Treat Yo Self - see what I did there?

How amazing is this!? I took the traditional charcuterie board and Halloween the mess out of it. You can really add anything you like on it! To make this board I used:

• -Halloween Cookies
• -Chocolate covered pretzels
• -Chocolate covered pretzel rods
• -Monster Crunch popcorn mix
• -Pumpkin Candies
• -Yogurt Covered Raisins (someone always hands out those raisins)
• -Gummy Worms

I hit up the dollar store and Target and found these cute eyes, spiders and Fall placemat to make my Halloween Charcuterie board pop. 

Why not start your day off with a healthy treat - because let's face it the rest of the day is blown with sweets. This was a simple and easy Halloween smoothie thats both good for you and great to try. This is what you'll need:

• 1 Frozen Banana
• 2 tbsp Canned Pumpkin
• 1/2 tsp Honey
• 1/8 tsp Cinnamon
• 1 pinch Nutmeg
• 2 tbsp Greek Yogurt, Plain
• 5 tbsp Milk (You can sub out whatever milk you use)
• 1/4 cup Ice

Blend and serve - I decorated it with some eyes and of course a side of worms.

First of all, who does not like Smarties!? You're Halloween candy haul is completely wasted if there are no classic Smarties in your bag. I've taken Smarties and took it to the next level with a cocktail. All you need is your favorite sparkling wine, drop a classic Smarties lollipop in the glass and enjoy the magic!

Why not "treat" yourself this Halloween to some Candy flavored and Glitter Bath Bombs? That sounds pretty sweet to me. Indulge in a night time bath with bath bombs that dissolve with sweet flavors but sweet for your skin. Also, there's a treat inside each once they dissolve! I got these amazing bombs from Ulta - perfect ending to a great Halloween night in.

VitamSave this for the day after or let's be honest - week after eating all that candy. Yes, I too like to indulge in some sweets around Halloween but it can be very bad for your skin - I think that could be the most terrifying thing. Make sure you do a great cleaners, hydrated mask like this Pumpkin 24k Gold Mask followed by a great moisturizer. I picked these up at Ulta as well, see below:

• Pumpkin 24k Gold Mask
• Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel
  
• Vitamin C Plump and Brightening Moisturizer

Halloween can still be a great and fun day - just with a new twist, which of these lifestyle ideas would you try this Halloween?

Hey guys! I know typically I am talking about all things luxe, but nothing is more luxurious than being safe in your own home! Did you know that October is Fire Prevention Month? This is a friendly reminder and some tips on how to ensure your home and family are ready for the unexpected by installing/checking your smoke and CO alarms and having a fire extinguisher. I’m getting ready to move into my new Condo and I want to make sure my safety is a priority.
 
Growing up, I only remember going over fire safety at school - never in the home. I think culturally, Black families don’t talk a lot about fire prevention, safety and having a plan to safely get out of the house. As a single woman who lives with just myself and my little dog Ralph, my safety and his means a lot to me. Especially when I have to leave my home and leave Ralph, who is my dog baby alone. I want to make sure I have the proper tools/resources to ensure he stays safe if something were ever to happen. However, it is really important to have the tools and resources ready just in case the unimaginable happens. Let me ask you these important questions:
 

1. How often do you test your alarms? Have the batteries been changed? (You can get First Alert’s Combination Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm with a 10-Year Sealed Battery which eliminates the need for battery replacements. 
   
2. Do you have smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed? Are they in every bedroom - on every level of the house?
   
3. Do you have an exit escape plan for your household? Have you practiced it at least twice a year?
   

 
If even one of these questions is a no, let’s get on it TODAY! Did you know, “3 out of 5 home fires deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.” (Source: National Fire Protection Association).
 
Now, I know I’m typically bringing the heat, so I also need to make sure I’m ready to put out a fire. I think still to this day, my parents do not have a fire extinguisher in their house - I’m going to make sure I fix that for them ASAP and get them one of these First Alert Kitchen Fire Extinguishers for their home. This is the first time that I’ll be owning my own fire extinguisher in my new home. Especially since right now, we are all spending more time at home and experimenting in the kitchen - did you know that the #1 cause of fires is due to unattended cooking?
 
This is why it’s so important to have an extinguisher within arm’s reach! Knowing that my house is set up for safety makes me sleep better at night but also during the day when I may need to leave, especially leaving Ralph at home by himself. Do you have a fire safety checklist? I didn't even know this was a thing, and I am almost 35 years old! However, there is no shame in implementing a plan at any time - even now. Make sure your fire safety checklist includes: when you are replacing alarms, when you are checking them, when to change your batteries in alarms and of course - your plan for a safe emergency exit!
 
Please make sure you develop, implement and review frequently your fire safety plans. If you need one of these amazing First Alert Kitchen Fire Extinguishers or Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms with a 10-Year Sealed Battery - you can head over to Lowe’s and purchase one! There is really no price on you or your family’s safety and well-being. If you can prevent something from happening, why wouldn’t you.

Oh yes, it is Pumpkin Spice Season! It's one of my favorite times of the year, and I hope it is for you too. Pumpkin spice to me just seems to kick off all things cozy and warm. I thought I'd put together a list of a couple of my favorite Pumpkin Spice products for all my fellow lovers.

Now, I know everyone does not share the same love of Pumpkin Spice as me - but I encourage you to maybe try something on the list that you wouldn't necessary try - you may be surprised! 

Pumpkin Pancakes

Who doesn't love a good pancake!? I love these seasonal pancakes from First Watch! They have just the right amount of pumpkin and spice in them. Head over to your local First Watch and try these before they are gone.

Pumpkin Coffee

Now, if you are a coffee lover - than you need to try this Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew from Starbucks. At first I did not think I would like it, but it is delicious! The pumpkin spice foam on top really makes it pop.

Pumpkin Body Soaps/Scrubs

Talk about luxe body care! My friends over at & Sundries knows what they are doing! They have these amazing Pumpkin spice candles, body lotion, body soaps and whipped soaps in stock right now. These smell and feel amazing - I suggest you hurry into their store to try one or all of these before the sell out - once they are gone, they are gone!

Pumpkin Kombucha

This is not your typical kombucha! Skinny Piggy has made an amazing pumpkin patch kombucha that is so refreshing! If you have never tried Skinny Piggy Kombucha, I suggest you do. There are so many great health benefits in Kombucha - I love how smooth theirs is. This is only available in Cincinnati and they are offering contactless delivery!