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The Grateful Gardenia is a blog dedicated to living a happy, healthy, stylish life at every age.
February is a great month for finding super deals on items you might have missed. Retailers are making room for the new spring arrivals and moving winter inventory is a priority so that means sales! Cheers to savvy shopping.
BB DAKOTA Mccoy Faux Fur Coat. This jacket is perfect for chilly L.A. evenings
Stuart Weitzman Boots On Sale Now!
"Fashion is what you buy, Style is what you do with it" Unknown
It makes perfect sense that Nicole Kidman and Neutrogena have teamed up for their new Rapid Wrinkle Repair Creams. Nicole is the Global Brand Ambassador for Neutrogena and why wouldn't you want Oscar winner, Emmy winner and an all-around fabulous female on your team.
Neutrogena puts on amazing events and their brand Ambassadors are always empowered and caring women. Nicole was beyond lovely, gracious and funny. It was truly a treat and always fun to have a little girl-talk about skincare. Nicole just turned 50 and we spoke about how freeing it is to understand that aging's a gift. We also spoke about how you begin to appreciate your time on a whole other level.
See Q & A with Nicole below
Rapid Wrinkle Repair - Neutrogena has developed a super-emollient cream that offers an option for dehydrated skin with the power of retinol. Dermatologist agrees that retinol stimulates the skin cells underneath the epidermis - not only on the top layer. Retinol is highly regarded as one of the best substances in fighting the signs of aging. It gives the healthy skin cells underneath the chance to become the epidermis, that's where dead skin cells are collecting. This is what gives aging skin that dull and tired look.
SHOP THE POST-
RAPID WRINKLE REPAIR MOISTURIZER DAY with sunscreen SPF 30 - Retinol SA helps with diminishing the look of age spots. the Hyaluronic Acid helps with plumping moisture to your skin for hydration.
RAPID WRINKLE REPAIR NIGHT MOISTURIZER - Retinol SA - Glucose Complex - Hyaluronic Acid -
WRAPID WRINKLE REPAIR EYE CREAM - Targeting those fine lines & crows feet. I find that dark circles are definitely reduced after one week of using the eye cream.
NEUTROGENA RAPID WRINKLE REPAIR REGENERATING CREAM - Apply twice daily, morning and night to face & neck. Joined together are hydrators with retinol so it's gentle enough for daily use. Retinol / Hyaluronic Acid / Glucose Complex
Nicole had been a fan of Neutrogena before joining the iconic brand. Her skin is fair and she said she regularly applied their sunscreen. During our interview, Nicole shared with Melissa Meyers and me that sunscreen is a must and she's consistent with making sure the whole family is protected from the rays with 100+ coverage.
Neutrogena sunscreen is SPF 100+ and water resistant up to 80 minutes and the #1 Dermatologist Recommended Suncare. Don't leave out your neck and your hands. I like to keep a tube in the car, living in sunny L.A. and spending much of my time in traffic I have more sun damage on the left side of my face, neck than the right side. Now I apply before I hit the road.
Try their Hydro Boost lip treatment with Hyaluronic Acid. Beautiful shades along with the perfect nude lip
Meet Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MDFAAD - If you live in Miami or NYC, lucky you! Melissa & I did our best to convince him to extend his practice here in L.A.
Beautiful setting by One Nine Design at Eric Buteraugh Gallery.
Thank you to Neutrogena for a special afternoon with Nicole Kidman and introducing us to Rapid Wrinkle Repair.
If your skin is sensitive to retinol you might want to try Neutrogena's HYDRO-BOOST
Cleansing Gel - This lightweight gel cleanser transforms into a silky lather that removes makeup and impurities. With hyaluronic acid - soap free, oil free, paraben free.
HYDRO-BOOST hydrating serum - Instantly absorbs to deliver hydration.
HYDRO-BOOST water gel - Hydrating oil-free moisturizer so you can wear alone or under makeup.
Neutrogena has focused on women's beauty for many years...since the 30's to be exact. There is a reason it's still a favorite of women from across the globe. We may not all walk the red carpet, but we sure want to feel like we do. Thank you to Neutrogena for an exciting afternoon with gracious Nicole Kidman and introducing us to Rapid Wrinkle Repair.
*If your skin is sensitive to retinol you will want to check with your doctor to see what works best for your skin type.
Here's to aging gracefully!
Q & A with Nicole
Q - How have your own personal views about aging changed?
A - When I was a teenager I never thought about it, not even in my thirties, it then becomes more about time. I want to look good, but it's about time. There are so many things I still want to do. It's more about time and being healthy
Q - Do you feel 50? or do you feel like age is just a number? What age do you feel inside?
A - No, you never feel 50, I know that I have children who are 9 & 6 and I want to be able to be there for them. I have a mother in Australia and I want to be there for her. At this particular age, you have children and you've got parents and you have to take care of everyone including yourself.
Q - Do you use the sunscreen?
A - Yes! I use the 100+ and I use it on my kids too, It doesn't sting their eyes, and it doesn't break you out. When Neutrogena came to me, I said yes. This retinol really works, if I use a straight retina a cream I break out and get really dry. The combination of the retinol and the moisturizer, I can use every night and feel like it's really helping my skin.
Q - What do you do with your skin when you're not working?
A - I moisturize and I don't wear a lot of makeup, I love hydration. I tend to be dry, and I love hydrated lips. I love the peachy lip balm.
Q - What are your favorite Neutrogena products?
A - The Rapid Wrinkle Regenerating Cream & the Ultra Sheer Sunscreen. When Neutrogena came to me, I said Yes!. This retinol really works. If I use a straight retina A cream I break out and get really dry. The combination of the retinol and the moisturizer, I can use every night and feel like it's really helping my skin.
Is she that tall? Yes! Is she that beautiful? Yes! and she's that Gracious!
A Note From Jes...
When it comes to decompressing, I am all about fun road trips. One of my favorite places to unwind and relax for a weekend is non other than Palm Springs! You can check out some of my posts about this desert oasis here, here, and here.
About two hours east of Los Angeles, this city offers pretty much everything that I 'a must' when vacationing. From great hotels with a buzzing pool scene, to delicious restaurants, and unique finds -- Palm Springs has it all going on!
I escape here as often as I can, and have made quite a few great memories. Some of my favorites involve a very special and beautiful Parker Palm Springs.
The former Gene Autry Estate is now a Jonathan Adler-designed property that boasts chic and comfy rooms, three pools, a spa that feels like a Nantucket country club, a Trina Turk boutique on the weekends, two delicious restaurants, and ample outdoor space complete with a fire pit, a giant chess board, bicycles, a lemonade stand, and games.
Upon entering the property, guests are greeted with an eclectic lobby filled with old-world rugs and modern, colorful geometric design. My favorite details include the white walls adorned with colorful lanterns, playful seating areas, and quirky art.
The rooms are worthy of a five-star snooze! Spacious, with a beautiful mid-century modern feel, and incredibly comfortable beds, the only reasons to get out are breakfast and the pools. Some of the luxe toiletries they offer include Hermes soaps and Penhaligon's shampoos and conditioners -- perfect for a night of pampering and well-deserved R&R. They also have villas perfect for group outings or a girls' weekend.
The grounds have several gardens, including a shaded croquet court, a playful oversized chessboard and a sunny spot with hammocks where you can bask in the sunlight. Grab a cold beverage and be sure to enjoy these amenities during your stay.
If brunch is what you crave, Norma’s is the place to enjoy a delectable fare. The staff is incredibly friendly, and your meal will begin with a smoothie of the day sample. Last time I visited, I ordered their chocolate French Toast, and it's TO DIE FOR! It's so rich and decadent, but worth every bite -- call it a 'cheat day must have,' if you please! Other delicious staples include their burgers, salads, and huevos rancheros.
The hotel has three pools, two outdoors, and one in the spa - which is a must-try. The outdoor pools have, about halfway in between them, a bar called Lemonade, with delicious treats and perfectly chilled drinks for those hot desert days. Only one of these pools is kid-friendly, so plan accordingly.
Once you set foot at the spa, you may not want to leave! They offer relaxing treatments such a hot stone massages, exfoliating body srubs, facials, waxing, and spray tanning. They even have special packages for baby moons, and other special occasions. If working out is what you desire, then their fitness center, group yoga classes, and outdoor tennis courts will do the trick.
Before you book your adventure -- here are a few 'good to know' tidbits:
-The weekends are incredibly busy, especially during the Summer months. If possible, go on a weekday, and you will most likely have the place to yourself!
-Ask for a room upgrade: Everyone at the property is very helpful, and they will try to accommodate your requests. If available they will honor an upgrade, so don't be afraid to ask (the worst they will say is 'no')
So excited for my next Palm Springs visit, because it's going to be another one for the books! Tell Janet and I, what are some of your favorite places to escape for the weekend?
Janet and I during a fun adventure in Downtown Los Angeles in 2015. I am so grateful for the friendship we've developed over the past few years!
