Baseball Season: Support Your Team While Looking Cute

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

meeshme.com

Baseball season is here whether you like it or not. Whether you are a baseball fan yourself, or attending games to please your boyfriend, there isn’t a reason why you can’t look cute. Just because you’re a sports fan doesn’t mean you can’t look feminine. Gone are the days where over-sized jerseys are your only option. Victoria Secret offers an MLB line with plenty of flirty fun pieces to choose from. As a Dodgers fan, I am partial to the white and blue. Below you will find some cute options for female baseball fans. Click on the image to be redirected to the Victoria Secret page where you can get additional information, or purchase these items. GO DODGERS!!

Summer Hot Buy: Sea Salt Spray

Posted on April 9, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

Moisturizing is arguably the most important thing you can do for your skin. Our skin looks better, more youthful, when we moisturize. Many of us hit the gym hard before swimsuit season, working hard to look good in a swimsuit, but we forget to take care of our skin. When your body needs hydration you feel thirsty, but it’s harder to tell when our skin needs hydration. One sign of skin dehydration is ashy, dull looking skin. It is your skin’s way of screaming, “I’m thirsty!” You can tan or spray tan, but a good tan isn’t good unless it’s glowing.

You can make tons of excuses for why you don’t moisturize, but I have found a product that provides hassle-free moisture and shine. While window shopping this last weekend I came across this H2o Plus product. The Sea Salt Hydrating Body Gloss provides multiple benefits. This spray not only moisturizes your skin effortlessly, but also provides a glossy sheen. The scent is mild and not overpowering. The subtle scent of the sea will follow you around, reminding you that summer is near.

This spray goes on relatively dry, so you can spray and go. Unlike body splashes and other sprays, the H2o Sea Salt moisturizing body gloss won’t drip or run down your body. It’s perfect for before, during and after a beach/pool day. This H2o product costs about $15. Get a bottle or learn more here.

Spa Review: Spa Pura

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

I am always looking for great spa deals. Let’s face it no matter how amazing a facial or massage may be, we don’t always feel great spending $150 for a one time service. My go-to spa has always been Burke Williams, but I recently received a spa deal I couldn’t pass up.

While walking around Montrose, CA I passed by Spa Pura. Montrose is located by the 2 Freeway North of Glendale. It’s the closest thing to a small town you will find in Los Angeles. With small shops and whole in the wall restaurants, Montrose is a charming little get away from busy L.A. Spa Pura fits in well with it’s surroundings. A small intimate spa in a town known for it’s hidden gems.

Special Deals

I decided to sign up for the mailing list on the website in hopes that a great offer would come my way. Last week it finally came. Right now Spa Pura is offering a Spring special, $119 for a 60 minute service and 30 minute service package. I enjoy facials more than a massage, so I opted for the 60 minute facial and 30 minute massage. You might be thinking that $119 isn’t cheap, and yes there are spas that offer services for $60 or less, but you have to consider overall experience. For $119 I was able to use the spa facilities which included a jacuzzi, steam room, and dry sauna. The spa also offers showers for before and after use.

Couples

Every purchased a couples spa package? Having a spa day with your significant other is a great experience, but it often leads to regret. The increased price per service doesn’t always seem worth it. At Spa Pura there is a common room for both men and women to enjoy. There are comfortable chairs where you can sit and relax together. The spa offers cucumber/lemon water, coffee, tea, and champagne to enjoy on weekends. They also offer crackers, cheese, and veggies for snacking.

Lounge Area

There are three levels to the spa, and the bottom floor is by far the best. Dimly lit with candles, this room is pure relaxation. Comfortable chairs, beautifully decorated, and ready for you to enjoy. It is the perfect location for a bachelorette party or girls spa day. Notify the spa of your special event ahead of time, and they will accommodate you.

Services

Spa Pura offers a wide range of services. At Spa Pura you can upgrade to an advanced facial. These facials decrease scars, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. To get the full list of spa services visit here. I recently enjoyed the 60 minute European Deep Cleansing Facial. The exfoliation really worked to remove dull skin. My skin felt totally refreshed afterwards. I could feel the citrus peels working to clean more pores, and I have never had a better head and neck massage than the one I received with my facial this past weekend. My 30 minute massage was great as well. The masseur used hot oils and lotions while she worked out my tense muscles. She incorporated hot stones as well.

I would definitely recommend Spa Pura to anyone. Make sure to sign up for their mailing list in order to receive special offers and savings. See an informational video here.

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Dressing for Success

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

Dressing for the workplace can be stifling, especially when you work in a corporate environment. Just because you have a serious job, doesn’t mean you can’t look seriously stylish. There are so many options for today’s working woman, that there’s no reason why you can’t brighten up the drab notion of work-ware. I attend quite a few tradeshows a year, and it’s always shocking to me how many women show up in black and white. Don’t be afraid to stand out ladies! Wearing color doesn’t mean you won’t be taken seriously, but wearing black can prevent you from standing out against your competition.

That being said here is my favorite professional look of the month. The pencil skirt is from Victoriasecret.com and the peplum top is from the current Spring line in Express stores now.

Happy Easter & Sizdah Bedar

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

I hope that everyone enjoyed their Easter holiday this weekend. Easter means different things to different people. To many it is a very religious holiday, and Sunday morning is spent at Mass. For others it’s about decorating Easter eggs, and time spent with family. For many children, it’s about finding the most eggs or getting the biggest basket.

For my family Sunday was a celebration of two holidays. For Persians, Sunday was the celebration of the coming of Spring. The Persian New Year is actually 13 days long, and ends with a celebration in the park called Sizdah Bedar. Sizdah is the Persian word for 13. Friends and family gather together at the park with tons of food and music. One major destination for Sizdah Bedar is in Orange County. Learn more about the festivities here.

My family and I abstained from visiting one of the overcrowded parks, and instead opted to stay local. Of course my aunts still made kabob in the park, but we hunted for Easter eggs as well. I think one of the most amazing things about my family is how they were able to keep their cultural traditions while embracing American culture. It has given me an extra identity, instead of a lost one. I am very appreciative to be able to take part in wonderful traditions from both cultures.

No matter how you celebrated, I hope that you celebrated with loved ones! Happy Easter and Happy Spring!

Hot Spring Buys

Posted on March 30, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

March may be coming to an end, but there are still a few more weeks of Spring time to enjoy before you have to get into a bikini. Spring time is always a beautiful time for nature. Everywhere I go I see trees blossoming, with beautiful flowers of pink and purple. It’s also causing my allergies to go haywire. Always remember to take some type of allergy medication (Claritin, Zertec, etc) before heading out to enjoy the natural beauty of Spring.

Spring time is also a lovely time for fashion. Pretty floral prints are abundant, and pastel colors are in. Walk into any store during Spring, and you will find items in mint, soft pink, and pastel purple all around. The weather begins to warm up, so you can ditch your heavy coats, and show some leg. Trouble with that is, your legs might not be in the best shape after a winter of comfort foods.

That is why some of my hot buys for this Spring included items that will help me get in shape for the summer months. Here are my hot buys for Spring 2013:

: Elliptical for at home

: Nike Fuel Band for motivation

: Flattering swimsuit

: Floral Flirty Dress

: Embrace Spring Colors

: OPI Pastel Nail Polish

The Birthday Dress

Posted on March 27, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

You have to stand out on your birthday, it is a must! Last year I wore a full length silver and gold sequin dress. Crazy right? Not for me. I don’t believe that just because I’m not a movie star I don’t deserve to look glamorous. The dress was amazing, and I felt great in it, even though everyone else was in normal club attire. Many of my friends abide by fashion rules, and worry about what everyone else is wearing. Not me. I would always rather be over dressed than under dressed for an occasion. So when I saw that sparkling dress I knew it had to be my bday dress.

This year I was celebrating my birthday at Carthay Circle, a restaurant modeled after the 1920’s theater where Walt Disney premiered Snow White. I was looking for a dress that had old Hollywood glamour, that I could wear at a restaurant without feeling too over the top. My search seemed endless, and I was out of luck. I decided to visit my mother’s closet, which I have done throughout the years much to her dismay. I found a dress she wore back in the 80s, that I had always liked. The gold and white sequins and beading reminded me of the theme of the restaurant. I removed the 1980s shoulder pads, and I had my birthday dress.

I paired the dress with a pair of hot pink Steve Maddens, which have the most delicious jeweled heel. The shoes gave the outfit the pop of color it was missing. I decided not to wear jewelry, since the dress was so amazingly embellished. I had an amazing birthday, and felt like a Hollywood star for the evening. Remember it’s your birthday, dress to feel good about yourself. If you want to look glamorous do it! If you rather be in a T-shirt and jeans, it’s your special day.

Here’s a side by side of my mother and I in the dress:

Travel: Bare Necessities

Posted on March 26, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

When I tell people I travel for work they always say, “You’re so lucky!” Having a job that required travel was always a dream of mine, so when I heard that my current position would mean traveling several times a year I was ecstatic. Since working at this company I have traveled to Vegas, New York, Chicago, Denver, Seattle, and next month New Orleans. While I have loved getting to experience new cities and states, I have to say there are certain elements of traveling for work that can ware on you.

Airport security is one element of travel that deflates my excitement bubble. The long lines, the need to remove practically everything you’re wearing, the pat downs in private places. Then there is the boarding process. I always have to remember to check in as soon as possible to ensure that my bag gets on the plane. One lost bag is all it takes to make you never want to check your luggage again.

Since travel is such a big part of my life, taking trips on the weekends in addition to my continuous work trips, I have learned to pack lightly. I titled this blog “Bare Necessities”, because I have learned to only pack only the things I absolutely need, things that have multiple uses, and items that meet airport regulations. It’s much easier to lift that big, and fit it in the overhead compartment of the plane if it’s light. Traveling light can be hard for women, what with all of our shoe options, but it’s a necessity when you travel frequently.

I have mastered the art of packing light, and made traveling much more convenient. When I pack for a trip I consider how many days I will be there, how much time I will be spending on my feet, and weather conditions. It’s a lot easier to pack light during the warmer months. Here is a list of my travel bare necessities:

Conditioner

While I can make use of hotel shampoo, my hair is too dry for hotel conditioner. My strands need moisture and protection, so I always pack a travel size conditioner. You can find travel sized conditioner at your local pharmacy like CVS or Walgreens. Many super markets also sell travel sized options. My favorite travel conditioner right now is Nexxus Humectress. This conditioner makes even my dry and brittle hair soft. You can purchase it here for $4.99.

Flats

I have made the mistake of packing heels to conferences. I will take what is normally an incredibly comfortable pair of heels, knowing that I can last hours in them. Hours yes, days no. By the middle of the second day of a conference I am always wishing I had packed flats. Note that not all flats are more comfortable than heels. The wrong flat can be just as painful as your highest heel. It’s important to look for support in a flat, and to make sure it’s not fitting you tightly or rubbing against the skin of your feet. The last thing you need is a blister during a conference. My favorite pair of flats where actually purchased during a conference when I could stand my high heels no longer. I bought them for $99, but they are now on sale at Guess for $69. View them here.

Comfortable Work Dress

I like a pencil skirt just as much as the next girl, but packing all of those layers can take up space. Every conference going woman should have at least one conference dress. Sticking to basic colors will help you vary the look, and it won’t stand out enough to be remembered. If you like to stand out like me, pick a dress that can go from the office to dinner. Adding a blazer to a dress during the day can provide the professional look you’re looking for, while adding accessories and cute heels at night will dress up the look. Comfort is important as well. You should be able to travel in this dress, eat in the dress, and wear it for hours. There are plenty of places to purchase this type of dress, so it will depend on your personal style. Stores where you can find professional work attire include Ann Taylor where I found the dress pictured. You can get it here for $88.

Undergarments

We often pay more attention to what we wear on the outside than on what’s underneath, but this could be a big mistake. Wearing the wrong bra can either create too much cleavage or create a painful situation. A bra that’s too tight can create creases and indentations. The same is true for the wrong pair of stockings. Have an outfit that shows off every little imperfection? Don’t forget to pack shape wear. Dress liners, tummy hiders, and other shape wear can help you feel confident in any outfit. You never know when you’ll experience bloating or the after effects of a heavy meal. I always pack my Hanes Shapewear just in case. You can find them at Target between $15 and $30.

Before you pack for your next trip think about what items you really need. Pick items you can mix and match, items that you can wear day and night, and don’t pack too many pairs of high heels ladies!

Twenty Seven

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

I took quite a bit of time off from the blog recently to attend a work conference, and celebrate my twenty-seventh birthday. Why is it that life speeds up so much after high school? Before you turn twenty-one the days are endless, the weeks drag on, and summer vacation never seems to come. Now I blink, and I’m turning another year older. I can’t get used to saying one age, before it’s time to say another.

This year I decided to take a break from the Vegas celebrations of the past, and spend time with family. Besides my cousins and my brother, my best friends Marta, Naty and Vlad are my family; as well as, my boyfriend Chris. The group of us spent the weekend at the Disneyland Resort. I’m not ready to grow up and face 30, so a weekend at Disneyland was my way of protesting twenty-seven.

We stayed at the Disneyland hotel, and had a blast. We enjoyed drinks at the Tiki Room inspired Trader Sams, went down the monorail themed water slides several times, and sun bathed. For dinner we ate at Carthay Circle and The Story Teller’s Cafe located inside Disney’s Grand Californian hotel. The weekend was full of laughs, good food, and good people. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate getting older, than to celebrate that I’m still young at heart.

Here are some pictures from my weekend of celebrating.

Skin Care Secrets

Posted on March 14, 2013 by Meshell McKinley

This month I’ve decided to spend a lot more time on my skin. I’ve never had a problem with acne or oily skin, so washing my face when in the shower was the most time I dedicated to it. Envious? Don’t be. When you’re not used to working to keep your skin clear, you can fall into the habit of neglecting it. Taking care of your skin is incredibly important, especially if you want to stay looking youthful.

Being a California native I’ve spent plenty of time sun bathing. Having an olive complication thanks to my Middle Eastern roots, I never worried about sun block. While others slathered on the sun screen, I laughed. That’s come back to bite me in the a$$. Sun screen is vital to the health of your skin. The sun’s rays don’t just make you more susceptible to skin cancer, they also cause your skin to lose its elasticity. Too much exposure to the sun can cause wrinkles, sagging, and freckling. To protect your skin, avoid sun bathing for multiple hours a day or hitting the tanning bed. Always put on sun screen. I remember putting on the lowest SPF sunscreen I could find, don’t! Make sure to purchase something with an SPF of 30 or higher. I hate rubbing in sunscreen, so I always opt for the spray-on versions like Coola organic sport sun screen. Purchase it here. Coola has enough SPF to provide protection without leaving your hands or legs white from residue. It also doesn’t seep out of your pores when it’s hot, like traditional lotions will do.

I never was addicted to the tanning bed, but I definitely made visits at least once a month in preparation for the summer. Who doesn’t appreciate the effect of a tan? It can hide those pesky imperfections like nothing else. I liked tanning not just for the look it gave me, but because it relaxed me. Laying down in that warm bed would put me to sleep. I’d listen to some music and just let go of everything going on in my head. While I do miss this experience, it isn’t worth putting myself at risk for skin cancer, nor is it worth even the perfect tan. I’ve never been a fan of spray tans, but there are other options. Jergens Natural Glow will slowly increase the pigment in your skin without making you look orange. Clinque also has a fabulous product for $23. Buy it here.

To help correct some of the sun damage on my face, I started researching moisturizers with SPF. My skin is naturally on the dry side, so applying a moisturizer after washing my face is mandatory. I read that ROC Multi Correxion 4 Zone daily moisturizer was rated by users as one of the top products for reversing sun damage and aging. The ROC moisturizer, “targets four key areas of the face to diminish the look of multiple signs of aging.” The moisturizer has an SPF of 30 which is higher than many make-up counter moisturizers. The moisturizer claims to target the four zones of the face. It claims to diminish the signs of lines and wrinkles from the forehead, decreases the appearance of crows feet from the eye area, removes brown spots and uneven skin tone from your cheeks, and improves elasticity of the jaw line. The ROC 4 zone moisturizer can be purchased at Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, and Target for around $25 a bottle. This may seem expensive for the size of the bottle, but it’s cheaper than many brand name moisturizers that claim to do the same thing.

To repair deep set wrinkles try L’OREAL’s Revitalift. Botox and similar services can be a scary experience and costly investment. I’ve never tried it myself, and horror stories keep me from making an appointment. I’ve known women who have had it, and I can’t say that I saw too much of a difference. If you do choose to invest in botox, make sure you don’t skimp on the cost in exchange for the right doctor. These days almost anyone can provide injections, so make sure you go to someone who knows what they’re doing. In the meantime Revitalift may provide you with the skin assistance you need. This wrinkle repair cream works overnight to bring elasticity back to your skin, and plumps up the gaps which create wrinkles and lines on your face. Users see results over time. I myself only started seeing results after a couple of months. Your wrinkles weren’t built in a day, so it won’t take a day or two to fix them. Dedicate the time every night and a.m. to taking care of your skin, and you’ll see the results. You can get Revitalift at CVS for just $15.99. Buy it here.