Travel Beauty Chronicles – Part 1

It’s new adventures for AGT as I finalize plans to cross off more destinations on my travel list. In 2 weeks I’ll be heading to Europe, making stops in Germany, Paris, and Rome. Then it’s Chicago and DC in November, Mexico in January, and Orlando for the Disney Princess Half Marathon in February. I’ve been looking for more ways to make traveling easier and packing lighter. And the things that will definitely help to make my suitcases lighter are less hair, make-up, and jewelry products, so I’m switching things up a bit. I’ve decided it’s time for a new hairstyle that I won’t have to worry about too much. When I travel I just want to focus on making memories; being active, trying new things, and immersing myself in activities and I don’t want to be worried about what’s going on with my hair, plus beauty products tend to weigh my bags down.  I’ve been rockin my current hair style for almost a year now. Road-trips, jet-setting around the US and Caribbean, work, gym-time, half-marathons, charity events, fashion shows, and just hanging out – it’s been a good run.

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As much as I love my long, straight locks fussing with hair, worrying about whether or not my hair looks crazy, dragging along a flat iron, curl wand, and hair products – and feeling stressed out about my hair in anyway is not something that I want to deal with. It’s the ‘plain jane’ and the ‘get up and go’ girl inside me ready to break free – So I’m trading it in for a new style, but I wanted to share with you my hair experience. I purchased 2 bundles of Envy Me Remy Indian Straight in 18inches in December 2012 and had it installed in the same month. I liked the 2 bundles with some “leave out” on the top and sides to have a more natural look, and I like to wear hats so I didn’t want it to be too thick. I am a very low maintenance hair person, and really a hair newbie so to speak. I don’t style my hair daily and washing feels like a daunting task so I usually go to the salon. I like getting my hair washed by someone else it eases my day and feels therapeutic.

I wore the 2 bundles and took care of it just like my own hair, getting it washed, conditioned, and styled at the salon every two weeks. There was no shedding and I didn’t have any issues with the hair at all, not even after I dyed it and tried out an ombre look.  I didn’t do anything extra to it like sealing the weft either. The hair is still soft and manageable, in fact I can and will use it again at some point, but with all the travel plans I have coming up I want to switch to a style that I don’t have to do any extra work. I just want to get up and hit the ground running figuratively and literally speaking.

Behind the Brand:

Of course I would find the hair company that loves to travel too :) Envy Me Remy is a by product of LDJ Premium Hair Importers. Formed in 2012, they have one immediate goal in mind: To provide the women of today with the highest quality virgin hair available. They actually travel to various regions of the world to ensure they are providing consumers with the best of the best. One of the first trips they took was to India to visit the temples, see and feel the hair, understand the rituals, and to gain a better understanding of the process. I thought this was pretty awesome that they traveled all the way to India and learned about the hair and the process that it goes through. Check out this video on their of their trip to India last September – http://www.envymeremy.com/index.php/gallery/8-generalcat – video

Have you ever tried virgin remy hair to change up your look or to create a fuller look using sewn-in extensions or clip-ins? Come back for Part 2 of the Travel Beauty Chronicles Trilogy next Thursday! AGT is getting transformed :)

Wishing you safe and happy travels! -xo AGT

*Note* – This is a not a sponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own. If you have any questions I’m more than happy to answer them via email or in the comments below

What’s Hot in 2013!

Sweet treats, skin care, health care, books, jewelry, and more! A couple of weeks ago, I attended an event hosted by Bridget O’Brien PR and Events to introduce some hot new products for 2013. These were some of my favorites that picked to share with you :)

Arbonne, a swedish based company developed in 1975 by when one man, Petter Mørck, together with a group of leading bio-chemists, biologists and herbalists. This year they introduced their new 5 Step Anti-Aging skin care line.

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The skin in the largest organ of the body, and takes the most abuse from the sun, your everyday environment, and skin care products. It’s important to use products that are going to nurture your skin inside and out. Arbonne products are pure, safe, not tested on animals, and guarantees results or your money back. This was my first time hearing about Arbonne and I love when a company stands behind their product. Have you ever used their products before?

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 Visit www.angelachristou.myarbonne.com to learn more.

DCS Chocolates (Dipped, Covered, and Smothered) introduces their AMAZING salted caramel cups made with their homemade caramel recipe, yummy milk chocolate, and sprinkled with the perfect amount of sea salt.

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This mother/daughter duo can make anything to your liking, whether its for a special occasion or “just because”. Their motto is “You think it, we dip it”. Everything is made to order and can even be delivered right you your front door.

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Just pick out your sweet treats, or order an assorted market tray to sample everything, and the shipping is free! I am still thinking about the yummy salted caramel cups and the mouth watering chocolate covered strawberries I devoured lol. Visit www.dcschocolates.com to order sweet treats for that special someone or for your next party today!

Lady Kismet – is a unique, fine jewelry line handmade in India. The company was started a little over a year ago by Shana who lives in NYC. All of the pieces are influenced by her love for NYC and her Indian culture.

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In Hindi, Lady Kismet means “Lady Luck”, and each piece is designed with semi precious stones and is a representation of her life experiences. Each piece and each name has a meaning and can tell a story.

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If you are looking for a unique, one of a kind piece of jewelry to add to your collection visit www.ladykismet.com

Shine, Confidence for Today’s Women – written by Meryl Hartstein

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A published author, speaker, and strategic life coach she is a force to be reckoned with. A survivor of abuse, divorce, cancer, and her daughter’s drug addiction she is empowered with know and experience, and has made it her mission in life to help women overcome challenges and bounce back. “Don’t label yourself a victim, instead be a warrior and watch the changes happen!” – MBH

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Her book will be on shelves in late April and she already has another amazing one in the works entitled “Bounce Back Women”. This one will tell the stories of amazing women, doing extraordinary things that have “bounced back” from life’s’ challenges”. Visit her website today to learn more www.bouncebackwomen.com

Cupcake A La Creme – after years of baking and getting requests from family, friends, and church fundraisers a dream became a reality. Started by LaLynnza Cash and operated in Brooklyn, NY these sweet treats are a must have for your next birthday party, office party, and any other celebratory event. All orders are made fresh and designed to cater to your wants and desires.

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For 2013, Cupcakes A La Creme is introducing their Super Pop Cupcake, delicious, light, fluffy, and filled with a sweet surprise its definitely a great addition for any special occasion. Free delivery is available in the the NYC area. Visit www.cupcakesalacreme.com to place your order today.

The Road That Leads to Home – written by Jaimie Hope is the first of a trilogy.

Targeted to a Young Adults, Jaimie is branching out from writing children’s books (The Adventures of Baby Jaimie Series) and capturing a new audience. Published in December 2012 this is a fiction book based on reality. Those are my favorites books to read after non-fiction. Jaimie dreamed of becoming a novelist when she first learned to write and published her first book, The Adventures of Baby Jaimie in 2006. Visit www.jaimiehope.com to learn more about Jaimie and how you can order books.

Recro, is a local company that creates travel accessories with you and the environment in mind. Their products are made with recycled materials from billboards and produced locally in Brooklyn, NY.

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Order unique totes, laptop sleeves, and iPad covers! Once you get your order in the mail, scan the barcode to find out where you product came from before it was recycled!

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Visit www.gorecro.com to find out more and place you order today

Little Sparrow Wellness – run by Jaime Wrobel, a Nutrition and Wellness Consultant certified by American Fitness Professionals and Associates, and a member of the Food and Nutrition Outreach Coalition. She focuses on designing holistic eating plans that deliver maximum nutrition within your diet parameters, whether pre/postnatal, vegan, raw, gluten-free, or just picky!

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Have you recently discovered a food allergy and had to change your diet, decided to become a vegetarian or vegan and need some tips, what to change your eating habits in the new year, or are simply looking for ways to improve your overall nutrition? When I first became a vegetarian years ago, I sought the help of a nutritionist to help me develop a healthy and balanced nutrition plan. Visit www.littlesparrowwellness.com for more information and to get in touch with Jaimie to discuss your dietary options.

2013 is the year of a healthier, stronger, and well accessorized YOU!

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Love AGT :)

Note: A Girl Travels is not being paid to promote or advertise these products.

Happy Birthday Fresh!

Recently I had the opportunity to help Fresh celebrate a milestone birthday. Industry and press gathered in Soho to help Fresh celebrate 21 years of success! The company has evolved over the years from amazingly fragrant soaps with beautiful wrapping to a full line of products for skincare, bodycare, haircare, and makeup. I love, love, love the Sugar Lip Treatment with SPF 15 and the Brown Sugar Body Polish.

Fresh products are created by “fusing natural ingredients and time-honored beauty rituals for a sensorial experience that is as indulgent as it is effective” Fresh.com. And they continued on the tradition as they celebrated their 21st birthday. 

No detail was overlooked –  from an herb infused juice wall where you sampled juices in glass beakers, and took your favorites to the bar to have them mixed and shaken with the best flavor of belvedere vodka to go with the juice blend you chose. I tried the cucumber basil and the rosemary infused grapefruit juice, and the cucumber basil was my absolute favorite. So refreshing and light, I would drink it even sans alcohol daily if I could.

Cucumber Basil Juice

Rosemary Infused Grapefruit Juice

Passed hors d’oeuvres  of house cured gravlax with a cucumber, champagne, and mustard sauce on pumpernickel toast, and fresh crab california temaki with avocado, cucumber, and black sesame seeds in a sriracha aioli, and golden polenta “fries” with truffle salt and parmesan cheese.

A tasting stations with lobster rolls, classic beef carpaccio and filet mignon, sesame noodles, and pierogi’s.

South Fork Lobster Roll

Classic Beef Carpaccio and Filet Mignon with Arugula and Parmesan Cheese

Cold Sesame Noodle Bundle with pulled chicken and fresh chili oil and cilantro

Purple Potato and farmer’s cheese pierogi with caramelized fennel, sour cream, and fennel fronds

Check out more pictures from the event below!

In honor of its 21st birthday, Fresh has partnered with artist and illustrator R. Nichols for a festive anniversary campaign and Oval Soap series. Nichols designed graphic representations that will be on vibrant metallic packaging for three Fresh iconic scents; Sugar, Patchouli, and Hesperides Grapefruit as well as sake-theme note cards.

The Fresh Turns 21 Oval Soaps and stationary will be available for a limited times at Fresh stores and Fresh.com in September. I can’t wait to pick some up! What are your favorite Fresh products?

Love AGT :)