Signature Scent

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Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Recently, I went to a perfume-making class at Antsy Nancy and literally, I now have my own signature scent! The instructor, Miriam Vareldzis, led us through a fascinating history of scent and the skills necessary to become a master perfumer, which is honestly years and years of commitment. But with her help in one two-hour class, I was able to combine the top, middle and bottom notes of different scents to create an individual perfume I LOVE! And the best part? Not one other person in the world has it. If you haven’t checked out the classes at Antsy Nancy in Tucson, you are seriously missing out! Antsy Nancy gives you all the supplies you need to create a specific project you will take home, kids and adults alike! And the added benefit for adults is wine if you would like it!

Salt of the Desert

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Recently, a few very sweet friends told me they missed my blog posts (I will say alcohol was involved…), but I thought well, what the heck—I’ll just try again!

And I’m excited to brag about this fun Tucson company, Agave Pantry, which curates the best seasoning salts that make awesome gifts for your fave chef friends. Agave Pantry make a Chef’s Set ( with rosemary salt, piquant salt and cardamom salt) and also a Baker’s Set (cardamom rose salt, lavender salt and Sonoran desert salt). The company also makes delicious cookies, caramels and cakes, which I haven’t tried yet, but the pictures look amazing.

I’ve sent the salt sets to a few friends and the very best part is that they come with the cutest little clay spoon to get the spices out of the jar. Brilliant! Also, the packaging is very stylish and its nice to support a local T-town company!

The Wedding Sketcher

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Earlier this month, I had a cool opportunity to sketch guests at an elegant wedding at the Arizona Biltmore. It was such an honor and one of my favorite memories of late! While we were kind of in the dark and had to use our iPhone lights to see, my super-talented daughter and I had an incredible time illustrating the guests and then quietly handing the drawings out in gold-lined envelopes! We had so much fun!

Jennifer Aniston’s LolaVie

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So it was really awesome to hear at my last hair appointment that I have horrible split ends! There was actual concern in her voice too, so, yay, that was not amazing.

But, on the bright side, I ordered both of Jennifer Aniston’s new hair products from her line, LolaVie. She just launched two – Perfecting Leave-In and Glossing Detangler. I have mostly been using the latter and am truly loving it! I’m no scientist, but it does feel like my hair is doing better with it, it smells luxurious and honestly, I look forward to washing my hair now just so I get to use her products afterward. I have been to the drugstores here countless times and it’s pretty hard to find products that compare to these two. And this is just an honest first-person review. Not getting paid to recommend them–lol, like a Tucson blog would be a difference maker! But hey, if you want to shake your own routine up, give it a shot!

Tis the Season to Embellish

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If you have not been to La Plaza Shoppes lately, you need to check out the expanded new location of Embellish! Now, next to Desert Artisans Gallery and two doors over from Posh Boutique (which if you love designer resale, you should be checking out daily), is the new Embellish store and it’s the best place to buy luxe presents and hostess gifts right now! I’ve been to a few Santa gift exchanges of late with many a beautiful Embellish gift among the mix and high on the steal list.

Owner Dawn Scully is brilliant in choosing all of her offerings, including some of the best candles, jewelry and holiday decor in all of T-town. Also, with her expanded digs, there are numerous additions like designer-inspired bath sets and jewelry plates, and an entire room of culinary and home goods. Plus, you’ll always get an amazing smile and a welcome every time you come in. Last minute holiday gifts needed? You need to visit Embellish.

Shearling Booties at Costco!

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If you can navigate the million-plus people going to Costco each day this month, these shearling boots are a huge find! As much as I Iove Uggs, the price is a bit high for the amount of time they are worn here–mainly the three days of winter that Tucson has. I mean, I will look for them on discount at Nordstrom Rack always, but these little booties are $29.99 and would make a great gift for a bestie or relative. They are available in camel and black but they are running out though, so go survive the crowds if you like them!

Antsy Nancy – Your New Favorite Place

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My friend Heidi Yribar has officially opened her new venture, Antsy Nancy, at River Center today! The former mining exec, beauty queen and author–literally she is a bad ass– is hosting an Open House from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. today, so stop by if you are in the River and Craycroft neighborhood. Antsy Nancy, antsy-nancy.com, will be offering how-to skills classes and parties with all of the materials and know-how so you walk out of each class with a finished product–no stress! From charcuterie boards to hair bows to holiday decorating, this will seriously be a treasure for Tucson. Stop by if you can or check out her website!