more reading in 2018

I am going to set a "cheat" New Years Resolution.  Part of it is just going with the flow.  You know how sometimes in your life things come in, then they go out, then they come back in?  That is what happened with me and reading.

I have always been an avid reader.  Ask anyone who knows me well-I used to never watch TV and read tons of books.  For some reason the last few years I've been reading less.  I blamed it a bit on the job - I am in front of the computer more than ever and I just don't feel like reading at the end of the day.  A few times I pushed myself to get back into it, but it didn't last.

Then something happened in December.  I started reading again.  It just happened naturally.  It has continued, so I am going to make this my "cheat" New Years Resolution.  If you have something you're just starting anyways, and want to continue - I highly encourage adopting this as a new years resolution - you already have a head start!

What types of books?  I like having a variety.  I love the fluff/vacation/not important literature books.  Think Sex & the City.  Easy reads, no need to totally focus, an escape.  I also get sucked into life advice/self help type books.  Whether for business or personal or spiritual - always trying to learn and grow.  Finally, I mix in some "real" books.  Those that actually win important awards.  Those that book club may have a serious discussion about.  Those you could mention on an interview, etc.

So, as I am reading more, I'll share with you.  

What books have you read recently that you love?  Thanks for advice!

Image above is from Simon Breitbard Fine Arts and is in a St. Helena home.  Photo realism oil painting by Jeanne Vadeboncoeur.

beauty secret: hydrafacial

HydraFacial: better than a facial, less downtime than a laser or peel.  Do you pay $200 for a facial?  If so, it may be worth considering paying $250 for a HydraFacial, a special facial you can get from your dermatologist.  This photo above shows clear glowy skin the day after my HydraFacial.

The HydraFacial is a bit like an electric toothbrush mixed with a vacuum cleaner.  The machine has different steps with different attachments.  The process takes about 30 minutes with zero downtime.

Side note-I have tried a Hydrafacial somewhere other than my dermatologist and did not experience as good of results.  Lesson.....I wouldn't just go anywhere that has the machine.  I go to Dr. Welsh & Dr. Hui in SF.

Painless with immediate results, your glowy look will last about a week.  They suggest a treatment every 6-12 weeks.  The results will not be as dramatic as a peel or a laser, but the zero downtime is really nice.    

immediately after hydrafacial

in elevator leaving dr office

next morning, zero makeup

a few hours after hydrafacial with makeup

hanging single flowers

How nice are these hanging single flowers?  So girly and romantic.    What a whimsical backdrop for a wedding.

This is another example of hanging florals, referenced in an earlier blog post.  I think this trend is here to stay!

palm springs vacation house

We found a wonderful vacation house in Palm Springs to celebrate my friend Jed's 40th birthday.

The home has 6 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, an awesome pool & backyard, and great Palm Springs style.

our photos

If you are looking for a house in Palm Springs for a group trip, this one is recommended!

(one note, there were a lot of rules about noise outside at night.  Thankfully, as we are 40, we were not throwing raging parties until 4am......if you are looking for that type of weekend, this may not be your house).

The best time to visit Palm Springs is January-April.  Our trip was in June, and it was 116 degrees.  I love the heat, so it was fine with me, but most people enjoy Palm Springs in the Spring.

Make sure to get a festive group photo at the pool like we did to commemorate the weekend!

professional photos

our group photo