review

HDBeauty – The Skincare Boutique

Last week my thirty-five-year-old face got just what it was craving, a facial! But it wasn’t just any facial, because I have had several facials. This facial done by, Melanie Trehan owner and expert esthetician of HDBeauty – The Skincare Boutique, was customized to what my skin needed. I entered her darling boutique in Rancho Bernardo (which by the way, is so convenient and close to my house) she greeted me with a friendly smile and we soon got to talking about my skin. My skin has become drier than normal, I have several age/sun spots and I have to be honest here, I am always super self-conscious about my face. Melanie made me feel at home and soon I was in her treatment room laying on the warm bed, listening to soothing music which helped calm my nerves.

When she started the facial she knew exactly what my face needed. She started out by cleansing my face, then moved onto to the DermaSweep microdermabrasion which helps improve circulation and oxygenation to promote healthy skin and to boost collagen. Collagen gives our skin its strength and structure, and also plays a role in the replacement of dead skin cells. The rest of my facial consisted of the following:

Vitamin C and Pumpkin treatment
Steam and mild extraction
Oxygen treatment
LED Photofacial for 10 minutes with a mask
Massage
Moisturizer with SPF

Melanie is dedicated and passionate about skin health. Nationally recognized Master Esthetician with NCEA, she prioritizes education and continually grows to be at the forefront of the profession. As she was performing my facial, she explained every step and why it was beneficial for my skin. I really enjoyed this because most estheticians don’t educate. I wanted to leave my experience at HD Beauty feeling knowledgeable about how to be proactive with my skin as I am aging.

After my facial, I was relaxed and we all know that we can all use some serious relaxation this time of year! Not only was I relaxed, but I felt radiant. I text a few friends right away because I couldn’t wait for them to hear my experience with Melanie. My skin almost a week later is noticeably brighter, tighter and I am glowing because I feel better about my skin. Melanie sent me home with the HD revitalize C-serum 7 in 1 Rejuvenator. I am using this product along with my normal skin regimen. I can already see a difference and I am eager to try other products.

If you are looking for a last minute gift for someone you love or if you just need some personal time, you should really consider purchasing a gift certificate to HDBeauty – The Skincare Boutique. You can purchase directly from her website or in person.

Do you want to plan a spa day? Go to the HDBeauty website to schedule your appointment today!

HD Beauty Skincare Boutique
16486 Bernardo Center Dr. STE 120-C
San Diego, CA 92128

Follow along socially at: Instagram and Facebook

Grocery Outlet Organics + a GIVEAWAY!

[Read more…]

tiny prints holiday cards {giveaway}

The holiday season is rapidly approaching. It already feels like November is half way through yet it’s only the first week of the month. I am usually one who likes to stick with the rule that holiday decorations do not go up until after Thanksgiving but this year I might be bending that rule. I am already feeling the spirit of the season and find myself stressing about being able to fit everything in. The one thing I hate to stress about is our holiday cards. I learned four years ago that the earlier you get started the better and that begins with a gorgeous photograph. Once you have your “money shot” it should be showcased on gorgeous paper for your friends and family to see and with that I always choose Tiny Prints. This year, Tiny Prints has Premium DoubleThick™ Matte Paper, their most luxurious card stock yet!

I have used Tiny Prints for baby showers, thank you cards, holiday cards and just simple hello cards for friends. I always receive the best compliments about my cards and honestly I love receiving cards from Tiny Prints as well. I can always trust their quality and even better the turnaround time.

When choosing your Christmas Cards it’s best to know which photo(s) you’re going to use first. The great thing about Tiny Prints is that there are so many photo card options, from unique shapes to tri-folds it’s so easy to find something you’re bound to love! I love deciding on our holiday card and I know you will to with the ease of Tiny Prints.

Here are the designs that caught me eye right away:

Once you use Tiny Prints for your holiday cards, you will never look back!

Check out the Tiny Prints Special Offers page, where you will find discounts that are sure to brighten the season. Be sure to follow Tiny Prints on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for their latest updates and new designs.

Which Tiny Prints card is your favorite?

Win It!

One lucky MY PB+J reader will receive a $50 Gift Certificate, good towards your order total.
(Note: does not include shipping and you cannot combine it with other promos)

Rules:
This giveaway will begin on Wednesday, November 7th and will end on Tuesday, November 14th at 12:01 am EST.Open to the US only, ages 18+

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I received a gift card and/or product to review for the purpose of this review. Regardless, I only recommend products that I personally use or believe my readers would enjoy. The opinion is 100% my own.

Mia Francesca {restaurant review}

I love being able to try new San Diego restaurants and when they’re kid-friendly it’s a plus. Luckily for us, our oldest is not very picky and tends to eat whatever we’ve ordered. There are times though that she gets to order her own meal and when she does, we like to ensure that it’s something healthy and balanced.

Yesterday we were invited to try San Diego’s newest Mia Francesca restaurant along with several other San Diego mommy bloggers. We all sat family style which was great because I got to put a face to a name with women I have only virtually met.

We were quickly served a few appetizers consisting of two varieties of bruschetta and crispy fried calamari. The first, bruschetta all romano, was packed with garlic and creamy mozzarella cheese and the second, bruschetta all toscana, was topped with shaved cheese and creamy avocado. While calamari isn’t my favorite Payton enjoyed it and the robust marinara tasted amazing on my warm crusty bread.

After enjoying the appetizers we took in the patio ambiance, sipped some pinot grigio and our entrees soon arrived. I was amazed by the kids portion. Payton requested noodles with broccoli, her go-to meal. The broccoli was perfectly steamed, so much that Brayden was able to eat his big boy pieces vs. pureed. I actually think he ate more than she did because she was too busy playing with her friends.

For my entree, I chose the Pollo Arrosto alla Romana, or simply, roasted chicken with garlic, shallots, fresh rosemary and roasted potatoes. It was delish and surprisingly light. Considering how hot it was outside I did not leave feeling uncomfortably full. I think next time I will try one of their pizzas or a pasta dish.

I loved the ambiance of the restaurant and cannot wait to take the hubby there if we ever get out on a date night to Cineapolis.

If you’re looking for a great kid-friendly restaurant to meet girlfriends or just with the family make sure to visit Mia Francesca for a relaxing meal.

Check out Mia Francesca

Facebook | Twitter | Online

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary lunch at Mia Francesca. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be good for my readers.

A Delivery from the North Pole {Merry Mailbox Review}

Do you love receiving mail? Do your kids love receiving mail? If you answered yes to either then you need to keep reading! If you are looking for something extra special to light up your child’s eyes this holiday season then you need to visit the Merry Mailbox. The Merry Mailbox specializes in letters from the holly jolly man himself sent all the way from the North Pole! Each letter is beautifully written and includes special details about your child, because as we all know Santa watches us all year long to make sure we have been good little boys and girls. Each letter comes addressed to your child, post marked from the North Pole and includes a holiday bookmark or stickers. Your childs eyes are sure to light up when they start to read their personalized letter!

Once you have ordered your letter and given all the details you will have an envelope sitting in your mailbox addressed to you. Within the envelope is another envelope addressed to your child.

Inside the envelope is the letter on beautiful holiday paper. I loved reading Payton her letter from Santa, with special details about her development in her second year like: learning the alphabet, her numbers, shapes and introducing Team Umizoomi to her new baby brother. Payton was so happy to see her letter and made ooh’s and ahh’s as we explained it was from Santa.

As I read Brayden’s letter tears fell from my eyes as soon as, “Every time a new baby comes into the world, a new snowflake appears”. The special details in this letter make me so excited for this season and while he will not remember his first Christmas this letter will serve as a keepsake memory.

See how happy she is? If a letter from Santa made her this happy I cannot wait for all of the other holiday cheer that will fill her heart with joy this holiday season!

To purchase a letter for your little one visit: Merry Mailbox on Etsy

Find Merry Mailbox on:

Facebook | Twitter

* I was provided with two letters to review. All thoughts are based on my own opinions about this product.