Origins RitualiTea Collection Launch

Back on September 22nd, Origins celebrated the launch of their new wholly-tea based collection, RitualiTea. Attendees enjoyed a flat-lay work shop to create beautiful designs, custom tea cocktails, tea readings at the RitualiTea House by Origins at Fort Gansevoort. 

This has been the first time in years since Origins has launched a major product line, and as a fan of the brans as long as I can remember, this was incredibly exciting!

The Origins RitualiTea Collection includes powder face masks and cleansing body masks made with antioxidant-rich teas, plus natural ingredients such as Rose, Citrus & Spices. There are four different blends: Feeling Rosy (comforting blend of Rooibos tea & Rose), Mind Over Maté (invigorating blend of Yerba Maté & Citrus), Matcha Madness (revitalizing blend of Japanese Matcha & Green Tea), Oolong-La (purifying blend of Oolong black tea & Chai spices). 

The Matcha Madness & Mind Over Maté powder face masks are for all skin types, which works best for me since I have combination skin. For the powder masks, you just mix 2 teaspoons of powder with 2 teaspoons of warm water in a bowl until its smooth and creamy, and apply and leave on for 10 minutes. 

This takes a little bit more effort and patience than I am used to, so I prefer to do this when I'm not in a rush or when I have time for a spa night at home. you can use a spatula to apply, but I prefer to use a foundation brush. Note that it is a messy process - I get tiny tea flecks on the brush and on my face, and although it doesn't bother my eye area, the mask does drip down onto my lips and under my chin. It also has a strong matcha scent especially when applied on your face so make sure you are okay with that! Make sure you use a face cloth or cotton pads to wipe off all the flecks. I follow it up with a face serum/oil and then a night cream to off set that matcha odor and to help my skin feel moisturized. I use it twice a week, and it does make my skin feel rejuvenated and smooth. 

I am also happy with the body mask, which can be used two ways - massage onto wet skin and use as an exfoliator or step away from the shower stream and leave it on for a few minutes to use it as a mask. I usually just use it as an exfoliator since I'm usually in a rush. I would definitely run the tube under warm water when you are ready to use it. Otherwise it's really hard to squeeze the body mask out of the tube. 

The RitualiTea Collection would make a great stocking stuffer for anyone who loves both tea and skin care products. 

This was a lot of fun creating my own canvas!

I'm going to have to try these recipes at home! The perfect cozy, wintery drink - vodka + hot tea!

I couldn't get enough of these MatchBar Tea Brownies (Matcha green tea white chocolate brownies) and Beignets (buttermilk beignets with matcha tea powder). I was also hooked on MatchBar Iced Green Tea, especially the white peach and hint of honey teas. 

- Kim Weling

Holiday Beauty with Nanette Lepore for Origins

One of my beauty favorites this season is the Nanette Lepore for Origins limited edition collaboration. Origins' first fashion designer partnership with Nanette Lepore features embellishments and print designs inspired from Nanette's passion for travel and discovering local customs. Origins also takes inspiration from the world, constantly scouring the Earth for natural ingredients and preserving the planet in the process. Mirroring both brands' sustainable practices, The Nanette Lepore for Origins cosmetic bag is made with 100% recycled cotton. This cosmetic bag is great for throwing in my tote bag and great!

During the launch we previewed Origins favorites and must-haves this holiday season, including A Perfect World antioxidant cleanser with White Tea, Modern Friction gentle exfoliator, Clear Improvement active charcoal mask for clearing pores, Drink Up-Intensive overnight mask, Ginger Souffle whipped body cream, Make a Difference rejuvenating hand treatment, GinZing brightening mascara, Drink Up Sugars hydrating lip balm, Ojon Rare Blend Oil and Ojon Rare Blend Tamer. 

Here's a look at what you'll find in my bag! For beauty essentials, hand cream, lip balm and mascara are all a must! One of my savior products this season is Ojon Rare Blend Tamer, which I've tried for the first time.  It instantly takes care of flyaway hair and frizz, easily applying with the mascara wand.

- Kim Weling

L'OCCITANE and Origins Holiday Favorites

Still deciding on those last minute gifts? L'OCCITANE and Origins has amazing holiday sets featuring their best-selling products. Three of my top favorite L'OCCITANE scents and collections include Almond, Cherry Blossom and Lavender. The Almond Enchantment Set ($68) will keep your skin soft all winter long, featuring Almond Shower Oil (16.9 oz), Almond Milk Concentrate (3.5 oz), Almond Delicious Soap (1.7 oz), a mini Almond Shower Oil (1.18 oz) and Almond Delicious Hands (1 oz). 

The Cherry Blossom Set ($78) features one of my favorite products of all  - Cherry Blossom Bath and Shower Gel. The Lavender Spa Gift Set ($68) will help you relax and unwind, with a light, refreshing lavender scent. 

Great for multiple stocking stuffers is Origins Surprise Twist (now $25, originally $47 with a $59 value), which includes 6 surprise holiday crackers each stuffed with 2-15 ml products, headband and holiday tip. The surprise items include Clear Imrpovement Active charcoal mask, Modern Friction Nature's gentle dermabrasion, Make a Difference Rejuvenating hand treatment, Make a Difference Rejuvenating treatment, Drink Up Intensive overnight mask, Ginger Burst and Ginger Souffle Whipped body cream. 

Origins Greats ($60 with a $134 value) six best sellers include Plantscription Youth-renewing night cream, Plantscription Anti-aging serum, No Puffery Cooling roll-on for puffy eyes, Checks and Balances Frothy face wash, Ginger Souffle Whipped body cream and Ginger Burst Savory body wash.

For some age-fighting favorites, gift the Perfect Protectors set ($55 for an $89 value) including A Perfect World Age defense guardian with White Tea, A Perfect World Antioxidant moisturizer with White Tea, A Perfect World Antioxidant cleanser with White Tea and A Perfect World Intensely hydrating body cream. 

- Kim Weling

Celebrate Earth Day with Free Origins

Celebrate Earth Day with Origins! On April 22nd, Origins will be giving away FREE moisturizers in exchange for used containers of skincare (any brand). Choose from a full-size Origins Starting Over moisturizer or A Perfect World moisturizer. This free offer pertains to any Origins retail store or department store beauty counter. One per person while supplies last. Don't forget to print this offer here!

Sephora is also participating in the Origins Earth Day trade-in event! See flyer below.

- Kim Weling

Must-Have Skincare Products to Kickoff the New Year

Here are some of my favorite skincare products that I recommend starting off the new year, keeping your skin clean, moisturized and ready for the winter season!

1) Dr.Hauschka Radiant You ($11.95) comes in a trial size kit, including a cleansing cream, lavender bath, clarifying toner and rejuvenating mask, perfect for your next trip. Available for normal/dry or oily/combination skin. Visit drhauschka.com/pressandroll to learn about Dr.Hauschka's signature "Press and Roll" cleansing technique.

2) Dr.Hauschka Aromatherapy Bath Kit ($19.95) features five pure essential oils - lemon, lavender, rosemary, spruce and sage to energize, relax or soothe. Add a few drops to a basin for a face wash or in bath water. Perfect for travel.

3) Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Full Strength ($45) is a potent alpha and beta hydroxy acid complex from organic apple, lemon, grape raw cane sugar and willow bark. Reveals a brighter complexion while firming the skin and eliminating the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Exfoliate once a week by applying to face and neck.

4) Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Repair Moisturizer ($65) has a proprietary blend of fruit stem cells that deeply penetrates the skin to repair DNA damage and encourages new cell growth to aggressively firm and eliminate wrinkles. Antioxidant-rich fruit juices, fat-soluble Vitamin C and plant oils hydrate and improve elasticity for lasting, advanced age defy results.

5) Origins Plantscription™ ($55) anti-aging serum with Anogeissu reduces wrinkle length and depth, smooths uneven skin texture, visibly lifts sagging contours and revives youthful "bounce" and firmness in just 4 weeks, without irritation. Skin is clinically firmer, smoother and more lifted-looking. To be applied morning and night.

6) The Body Shop Body Butter will leave skin soft and super smooth. It is available for four different skin types: normal, normal to dry, dry to very dry and all skin types. The Body Shop Almond Body Butter ($18) for normal to dry skin is my favorite, with the Mango Body Butter, for dry to very dry skin easily my second favorite scent.

- Kim Weling

Support Breast Cancer Awareness with Aveda and Origins

Breast Cancer Awareness Month isn't over yet - you can still show your support with these Origins and Aveda products. I happened to stop over at Origins and Aveda during the Garden State Plaza Westfield Style Tour this past weekend. They are both two of my favorite brands!

You can de-stress with Origins Peace of Mind® On-the-Spot Relief. You can feel the tension and tightness leave your body as you apply this to the back of your neck, temples and earlobes, leaving you with a soothing, tingling feeling.

Throughout October, Origins will donate $35,000 to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. On-the-spot relief will not impact the amount of the Origins donation. This contribution supports the research dedicated to preventing breast cancer and finding a cure in our lifetime.

When you purchase Pink Ribbon Hand ReliefTM, $4 goes to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. It's the perfect moisture treatment for soothing dry, chapped hands, leaving them softer and smoother.

Westfield Style Tour at Garden State Plaza with Stacy London

Yesterday, October 23rd, was a long, fun-filled day at Garden State Plaza in Paramus, NJ for the Westfield Style Tour. I can't believe I spent 7 1/2 hours at the mall! Half of the day was participating in events and the second half of the day was lots of shopping! I was excited to meet Stacy London from TLC's What Not to Wear.

I was surprised and thrilled when I found out a few days ago that I was the winner of the 'Claim It and Win' contest through Garden State Plaza's facebook page. They had several prizes you can enter to win daily. I won the $150 gift card to Nine West. I bought the Trinity Flat Leather Riding Boots for $159.99 (thank you to Leena and Rosa for their help at the Nine West store!), so I literally paid $10 after using my gift card!

When I checked in at noon at the Neiman Marcus Court, I started with a makeover touchup from Clinique. 'Claim It and Win' winners and participated in free beauty treatments and consultations with professional stylists.

After my makeover, I headed over to the Lord and Taylor Court for the fashion show
hosted by Stacy London. Fashion Editor Heather Zwain of 201 Magazine kicked off the show by introducing Stacy.

Heather Zwain, 201 Magazine


Stacy London from TLC's What Not to Wear

The show was all about showcasing the latest fall trends:

Camel coats - if you are not used to wearing as light of a color as camel, you can always wear it with a dress color you are comfortable with - black, navy, or red

Nude colored shoes - it's not all about black anymore

Plaid is in, but if you are over 30 you shouldn't be wearing a skirt this short. Looks like a look you would see on Gossip Girl, either on Blair Waldorf or one of her minions during their high school years. Sporting a knit blazer is also in. I love the boots! I'm looking for a low boot/heel for fall, especially for walking around the city and pairing with jeans or a skirt!

I have my BB Dakota faux fur vest for the fall, but a flair jean and clogs is not really my style. I'd rather pair my vest with a pair of denim leggings and high heeled booties or long black leather boots. Or even with a dress! It all depends on your personal style! So many different ways to style with a faux fur vest.

This is my favorite look - military inspired look with black lace leggings and cinching the waist with a belt.

I think with heels the right jumpsuit would actually elongate my frame, but that would definitely require tailoring.

Some other trends for fall are gold dresses, tweed suiting, belted handkerchief hem sweaters (which I can't pull off because it would literally look like I am wearing a blanket - too much fabrics for my petite frame), strapless dresses (a strapless silhouette never goes out of style!) and knit handbags (during the show I had just remembered I have a blue tweed Missoni bag at the bottom of my closet somewhere that I have never even worn - I must dig it out and wear it this fall!

After the fashion show, the 'Claim It and Win' winners met with Stacy in groups of 5 to ask her some personal style questions. I was happy to hear she liked my Charlotte Ronson silk blouse with the sequin shoulders and cut out arms that I got at Lucky Shops last November.

I had tried my luck at the texting contest Virgin Mobile was holding - the fastest texter wins a $1,000 shopping spree. I am horrible at texting on a keyboard. I gave up halfway while trying to text the Snookie phrase that was given. Ever since I switched to touch screen I can no longer press keys! Touch screen is so much faster for me now!

Then it was off to shopping! Along with my Nine West boots I bought a pair of Petite Black Coated Leggings from LOFT, and a basic long sleeve crew from Gap Body. Specific retailers were participating in offering special sales for the Westfield Style Tour weekend.

Also, when you spent $200 or more (which I did) you were eligible to receive a $10 Westfield Gift Card and a $20 card to be used at Aveda.

Since I didn't get to do a skincare treatment, Eric from Origins (thank you) directed me to the Origins store where they were doing free facials and makeovers. I'd like to thank Adrienne for providing a facial/makeover. I love Origins Modern Friction, and Adrienne introduced me to the Out of Trouble® 10 minute mask and VitaZing™ SPF 15 Energy-boosting moisturizer.

I was sure to stop over at Aveda, since my gift bag included a card that entitled me to free hair samples (look forward to trying the Pure AbundanceTM Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner), stress-relieving neck and shoulder massage and Aveda Comforting Tea with Godiva Chocolate. Thank you to Elysia for all her help! I will definitely visit her back at the Aveda store once I figure out what I want to spend with my $20 card! I was lucky I went to Aveda when I did because as I was leaving, a flock of customers entered the store!

I am grateful for having enjoyed such a fabulous shopping day filled with fun events. Thank you to Garden State Plaza and the WestField Style Tour team, Stacy London and all the people that work at the stores I visited and shopped in. Everyone was so friendly, helpful and nice! I'll be on the lookout for the Westfield Style Tour next year!

- Kim Weling

Summer Travel Essentials

I didn't get in as much writing as I would have liked in June, but for good reason - I took time off for a much needed vacation to the Amangiri Resort & Spa in Utah, also hitting Las Vegas and The Grand Canyon along the way.

I just wanted to share some of my favorite travel essentials that I was sure to pack:

Dermalogica UltraCalming™ Treatment Kit - I don't usually have sensitive skin, but I found my skin getting irritated by the change in weather and dry environment I found myself in. This travel-size kit helped combat any redness and irritations on my face. The kit includes the UltraCalming™ Cleanser, UltraCalming™ Mist, UltraCalming™ Serum Concentrate, UltraCalming™ Barrier Repair and UltraCalming™ Relief Masque. Retail: $40.

Dermalogica Daylight Daily Defense Kit has everything I need for sun protection. The kit includes:

Solar Defense Booster SPF 30 - can be mixed with your moisturizer or foundation or worn alone.

Multivitamin BodyBlock SPF 20, a body moisturizing sunscreen that protects from damaging UVA and UVB rays.

Solar Shield SPF 15 - Very water resistant (up to 80 minutes) and in the form of a stick, acts as a sunscreen and moisture shield for the lips, ears and nose.

After Sun Repair - a treatment balm that helps repair recent UV damage while instantly soothing overexposed skin. A blend of homeopathic herbs reduces irritations, redness and painful sunburn. I'm thinking I should keep this refrigerated when possible, for a more cooling effect. Retail price for the kit is $35.

Origins Modern Friction™ - this is a great exfoliator to use 2-3 times a week, leaving skin polished, smooth and luminous. I also love the aromas of Bergamot and Peppermint. Retail: $37.50.

Borghese Tinted Lip Plumper in Flamingo Gold - I always carry this lip plumper with me. It's non-sticky, has a refreshing tingling sensation and keeps my lips hydrated, smooth and full. It's the everyday lip plumper and gloss! Retail: $31.50.

Topricin Foot Therapy Cream - For the most part I was either wearing hiking sneakers or flip flops during my trip, but I did bring a pair of heels with me to wear to dinner or a night out in Vegas. I was told it is a good idea to apply the foot cream before and after putting on my heels and it worked its magic! I noticed I didn't get any foot cramps when I applied the cream. One night I forgot to apply it beforehand, and after I got foot cramps it immediately went away once I applied it. I was so glad I brought some travel size samples with me! Retail: $19.99.

WooLoot Wave Sport Watch - I highly recommend this watch for outdoor activities and sports. The soft feel natural rubber watch has an LCD screen and is water resistant 3 atm and ultralight at 10g. It comes in multiple colors (I have a green one) in various sizes (I have an XS, which is suitable for teens and petite women) and stretches to go over the hand. It was perfect to wear while hiking! Retail: $19.99.

Youth Tagori™ in Grill/Chili color - I had to buy a pair of hiking shoes, and it wasn't easy for shopping for a size 5. I was at Sports Authority and decided to go with a children's shoe size 3 (which is equivalent to a women's size 5). I absolutely loved the Columbia Sportswear pair I found. I like the lace-and-lock system for a secure fit and the nonmarking Omni-Grip® outsoles deliver a solid foundation for the foot. I love the design as well as the trail-specific tread. It was so easy to hike and hold my balance with these shoes on - the grip is amazing! Retail: $40.

- Kim Weling