DryBy - Blow Dry and Nail Bar in Central London Review

Candyce Ross
@nailberry manicures @drybylondon via @agirlsgottaspa DryBy is a blow dry and nail bar conveniently located in Central London just off Regent Street. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I love the nail bar cross blow dry salon concept, as it is a great ‘one stop’ for busy professionals or those that want to fit in a workout, manicure, blowdry, lunch and afternoon coffee catch-up all in one day! DryBy has a unique ambience - it’s the kind of place where they have absolutely nailed (excuse the pun…) the mix between gritty and pretty. Large glass windows invite you into a scarcely clad, almost Scandinavian interior, decorated first floor where hairstylists busily transform clients’ hair in minutes. Manicure @drybylondon via @agirlsgottaspa Located right next to Psycle (highly recommended if you have not already checked this out!), one gets the impression that this is where those in the know hang out. It’s the kind of place that you come to after you’ve sweated it out to Beyoncé on the bikes next door and are ready to spruce up your nails or treat yourself to a blowdry. Review of @drybylondon via @agirlsgottaspa Downstairs, is what looks like a basement that has been renovated into a stylish glamour station where feet and hands are pampered. This is the gritty that I’m talking about – dark with brick walls, but painted white with luxurious heavy velvet looking black curtains and clean cut furniture and décor. Clientele sip on prosecco and relax in a haven away from the light and noise of outside busy London. @drybylondon review @agirlsgottaspa I was booked in for a shellac manicure and enjoyed a green tea whilst my therapist carefully filed, buffed and polished my nails. When I say carefully, I mean really, carefully. I was so impressed with the care, eye for detail and concentration that the therapists paid each client. It was if they wouldn’t let you leave until they were completely happy with the finished product. Cuticles were removed, nails buffed, hands massaged and nails lacquered into a perfectly square shape. @drybylondon pedicures via @agirlsgottaspa The staff were also very friendly and made sure that clients were happy at all times, coming around often to top up drinks and find out if there was anything else they could do and hugging locals that were popping in for their regular manicures. Relaxing manis and pedis @drybylondon via @agirlsgottaspa A great Saturday afternoon catch-up venue for girlfriends or a lunchtime ‘pick me up’! Have you been there yourself? Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

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Balance x Birchbox #Cravefreely #BalanceBirchboxWinner

Shannon Smyth

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Balance. All opinions are my own. (But these bars have quickly disappeared into my belly.)

Delicious, smart snacking with @balancebar via @agirlsgottaspa #sponsored Now this is certainly an easy post to write - I've long loved (and eaten) Balance bars and I've forever been obsessed with beauty products. So it's the best of both worlds with Balance treating their fans with a limited-time on-pack promotion to win a yearlong subscription to Birchbox! Beginning in February, Balance packaging will feature a "golden ticket" with a unique code to enter online at Balance.com/BirchBoxWinner for a chance to win. Twenty lucky fans will win the year-long subscription to Birchbox.@balancebar and @birchbox team up! Delicious x beauty! via @agirlsgottaspa #sponsored If you're not familiar with Balance, these bars are a scrumptious treat that are nutritionally balanced. Balance recently introduced 4 new delicious flavors with each bar only being about 200 calories or less. Each bar contains 5-7 grams of protein and 5-6 grams of fiber, depending on flavor. For me, 2017 is all about being more mindful about what I eat and snack on. Balance bars are a smart snack option with an ideal balance of great taste and energizing ingredients. When it comes to Balance, you don’t need to make any sacrifices! Balance bars provide the nutrition you need along with the sweetness you crave. And let me tell you, I seriously have a sweet tooth! (FYI, their original Cookie Dough bar is DELISH!!!) Win a year's worth of @birchbox from @balancebar via @agirlsgottaspa #sponsored If you haven't yet dove into beauty box subscriptions, Birchbox contains five samples tailored to your skin, hair, and style. For this month's box, I received Acure Organics Purifying Fruit Peel, pur~lisse lip comfort daily lip nourisher, Bumble and Bumble Bb Repair Blow Dry, PBJ Smoothie Stick and Clean Perfume Terra Woods. All things I would normally use, so to win a year's worth of Birchbox would be amazing! Learn how you can win a year of @birchbox with @balancebar via @agirlsgottaspa #sponsored So head to any Walmart, Kroger, CVS, Rite Aid, or Walgreens to grab a promotional Balance bar. You can also order them via Amazon Dash. You may just be rewarded for snacking smarter! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

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Late Nights? How to Look Well-Rested #spon

Shannon Smyth

Disclosure: Thanks to RoC® MULTI CORREXION® 5 in 1 Eye Cream I can fake 8 hours of well-rested sleep. This is a sponsored post for Socialstars #WomenWhoRoC, but all opinions, and sleepless nights, are my own.

Late nights? How to look well-rested. via @agirlsgottaspa #WomenWhoRoC #spon Whether you have a baby in your 20s, or you are still expanding your family into your 40s, the image of sleepless nights all look the same. Under-eye puffiness, dark circles and looking like you could be an extra on The Walking Dead... But there is also a big difference in that 20 year gap. In your 40s you're also dealing with wrinkles and mature skin (dryness and dullness.) So basically, yay me. Close friends and family know that my sweet baby boy is not much of a sleeper. At 7 months old, he still wakes up a few times a night. Throw in teething, and well... let's not talk about that. The bottom line is that I lead an incredibly active lifestyle due to my family of 8. With having such a large family, comes lots of appointments and activities. I'd rather look put-together when out and about than like I could use a nap. Late nights? How to look well-rested via @agirlsgottaspa #WomenWhoRoC #spon Whether you're a mom like me and lacking sleep, or you have had one too many late nights, there's a way to fake looking well-rested. You may be feeling sleep deprived on the inside, but you'll look like you've slept 8 glorious hours on the outside. So here's what you'll need: Eye cream (RoC® MULTI CORREXION® 5 in 1 Eye cream) Flesh colored eye pencil Brow highlighter Brown pen Eyeliner Eyeshadow that complements your eye color Eye primer Mascara Late nights? How to look well-rested via @agirlsgottaspa #WomenWhoRoC #spon Step 1: Using your pinky finger, gently pat RoC® MULTI CORREXION® 5 in 1 Eye Cream on the skin under and surrounding your eyes.  RoC®'s 5 in 1 Eye cream improves the look of dark circles, puffiness, dryness, dull tone and wrinkles with breakthrough HEXINOL® technology. With consistent use, you shouldn't need a concealer. Step 2: Apply your favorite eye primer to keep your eyeshadow intact without creasing. Step 3: Using short strokes, apply your favorite brow pen throughout your brow hair, following the natural shape of your brow. Be sure to blend. Step 4: Along your brow bone under your brow, apply a thin line of brow highlighting pencil, then blend. This will create the illusion of lift to the eye. Step 5: Using a flesh toned eye pencil, line your waterline. Pat with your pinky finger to blend it. This will conceal the redness and make your eyes look bigger and more wide awake. Step 6: Apply and blend your favorite eyeshadow that enhances your eye color. I like to use hues of purples and rose for my hazel eyes. This will make your eye color pop and detract from any look of tiredness. Step 7: With your eyeliner, create a cat eye. This winged style also gives the eye the look of being uplifted and wide eyed. Step 8: Apply mascara - voluminous or for length, whichever your lashes need most. me and e That's my little rascal who only allowed me 4 hours of sleep when this picture was taken. Even if you don't have kids, these tips can work for you, too. Have anything to add? Leave a comment and let me know! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

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Customize Your Skin Care Routine with Paula's Choice

Shannon Smyth
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for Paula's Choice.  All opinions expressed in this post are my own. Customize your skin care routine with @PaulasChoice - full review on @agirlsgottaspa #PaulasChoiceSkinCare Who can resist Paula's Choice in their skin care routine? Sorry, I couldn't help but make that joke, although I have to say that now that I've tried this skin care line, I'm pretty much hooked. Prior to this review, I hadn't tried any of Paula's Choice skin care, although I am very much aware of Paula Begoun, the founder, as the Cosmetics Cop who is all about truth in beauty, skin care, ingredients and proven research. In fact, I had the chance to interview her when Beautypedia launched several years ago. Her website has a full encyclopedia of advice for every type of skin care concern. She is a wealth of information! I am a true skin care junkie. I absolutely believe that it doesn't matter how much contouring and concealing you do or how much makeup you wear - if your skin is a mess, there is no hiding that! Besides, the better you treat your skin, the less makeup you'll have to invest in to fix your flaws. Customize your skin care routine with @PaulasChoice - full review on @agirlsgottaspa #PaulasChoiceSkinCare

Paula's Choice Skin Care Consultation

My relationship with Paula's Choice began with a personalized skin care consultation. Paula’s Choice is committed to customer advocacy, education and helping people find the best products for their skin. In fact, everyone can receive a FREE personal skincare consultation by calling this number: 1-800-831-4088. I spoke with Moniqua, who asked me to briefly explain my skin and routine to her. She asked follow up questions to further clarify my skin type and changes I am seeing in my skin. Over the years my skin has changed a lot. In my youth (or back in the olden days, as my kids would say), my skin was oily. Throughout most of my adult years, it transitioned into combination (normal to oily.) When I moved to the Pocono Mountains in 2003, it became dry in the Fall and Winter and then back to combination for Spring and Summer. (Where you live can have a major impact on your skin.) However, during my recent pregnancy and post-partum AND now being considered to have "mature" (UGH) skin, it has again transitioned to normal to dry. Trying to find products that work well have been close to impossible. Trying to figure out the circus that is my skin has become incredibly frustrating, so I appreciated having a skin care expert to chat with to get a customized skin care regimen in place for me. Paula's Choice offers a 100% money back guarantee (within 60 days) - so I liked that safeguard when choosing products. Paula's Choice is also cruelty free and does not contain irritating dyes or fragrances. Their product line includes something for everyone, acne, rosacea, aging, pores. They treat it all. On their website, you can choose from a menu of skincare concerns you’d like to treat and for me that was sun damange (hyperpigmentation), uneven skin tone, balancing my skin so that it was not dry yet not oily, treating the occasional blemish, the always annoying blackheads and diminishing the signs of aging (fine lines, wrinkles.) You could say Moniqua had her work cut out for her to find me Paula's Choice products that could meet all of my needs. Customize your skin care routine with @PaulasChoice - full review on @agirlsgottaspa #PaulasChoiceSkinCare

Paula's Choice Skin Care for Mature Skin

The Paula's Choice skin care regimen that was suggested were products from the Resist line. One of the major standouts for me about this line is the texture. I am not a big fan of heavy creams and serums, and the Resist line is very lightweight. From the toner to the serum, BHA and moisturizer, I am thrilled at how each product applies and despite all of the layering, it doesn't feel that way. Customize your skin care routine with @PaulasChoice - full review on @agirlsgottaspa #PaulasChoiceSkinCare In total, my morning and night skin care routine contain 6 products: Resist Perfectly Balanced Foaming Cleanser, Resist Weightless Toner, Resist Daily Pore-Refining Treatment 2% BHA, Resist Moisture Renewal Oil Booster, Resist 25% Vitamin C Spot Treatment, Resist Daily Fluid SPF 50 (day), and Resist Anti-Aging Clear Skin Hydrator (night.) Once a week I swap out the 2% BHA for the Resist Weekly Retexturizing Foam 4% BHA. Right now I'm using the Oil Booster, but once my skin has finally balanced out, I plan to use the Resist Hyaluronic Acid Booster, which is for all skin types. Now you may ask, are all of those products really necessary? Here's my stance - most people will try to skip a product or two in order to save time and money, but then end up spending it on cosmetics to conceal whatever issue wasn't addressed. When those cosmetics aren't enough, they think it's the skin care products they're using and go onto try something else. By the time it's all said and done, you've spent more money than you've intended and more time trying to fix a problem that could've been easily solved to begin with. I encourage you to give Paula's Choice a try and set up a consultation so that you get the right products in your hands. www.paulaschoice.com Have you tried Paula's Choice? I'd love to hear about your experience in the comments. Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

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Cherry Blooms Fibre Mascara Review

Shannon Smyth
Cherry Blooms Fibre Mascara review via @agirlsgottaspa My lashes basically seem non-existent without mascara. They lack length and volume. I've tried so many mascaras in the pursuit of enviable lashes. Maybe you can relate..? False lashes have also made their way onto my vanity, and while I adore the *POW* they give my lashes (and I swear they make me look younger - yes, please!), I have to be honest and say that I am no pro when it comes to applying them. Not only does it take some skill to apply the lashes in a way that looks natural, you then need a steady hand to apply your eye liner in a way that doesn't look like you are trying to emulate that 70's disco vibe with a thick line. (Am I right??) cherry-blooms-fibre-mascara-review With the trend leaning towards fibre mascaras, Cherry Blooms piqued my interest. I've tried an all-in-one fibre mascara with Maybelline's The Falsies and did really like it, and I've also used Physicians Formula Eye Booster, which is similar to Cherry Blooms. But as we know, not all mascaras are created equal (or at least we tell ourselves that so that we can buy the latest and greatest new mascara.) Cherry Blooms Fibre Mascara review via @agirlsgottaspa Cherry Blooms is a two-step fibre mascara. The mascara and fibres come in two separate bottles, although there is some transference of the fibres into the mascara bottle after using it for a period of time. The mascara itself is not a thick or clumpy formula; it's actually pretty thin and made of high grade beeswax. After one application (which is about 20 strokes), you then gently brush on the fibres. I didn't find that the fibres fell off the applicator onto my face at all, it simply remained on the wand until it touched my lashes. A definite plus since no one wants to wind up with fibres in their eyes. The directions say to use 15 strokes to apply the fibres, but I didn't find that I needed that at all. I did about 5 per eye, then applied the Transplanting Mascara Gel a second time, applied the fibres for a second time and then sealed it all with one last coat of the gel. Of course, you can skip the second coat of fibre, but I wanted a voluminous look to my lashes, not just length. Cherry Blooms Fibre Mascara before and after, review via @agirlsgottaspa The difference is noticeable and I like how my lashes look natural, not fake-lashes-fake. You know what I mean? If I wanted a more date night dramatic look, I can always apply more coats of fibres and gel. And that's the best part - with a typical mascara you tend to get clumps the more you apply, but that's not the case with this buildable fibre mascara. Lastly, Cherry Blooms didn't smudge or rub off. Removal was easy and didn't take my natural lashes with it - I just used Herbacin Two-Phase Make-up Remover. I'd love to hear from you if you've tried this mascara! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! *Disclosure: Press sample

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How To: Cherry Blossom Nail Art

Shannon Smyth
Cherry Blossom Nail Art How To by @penelope9 via @agirlsgottaspa I'm loving all the rich Fall colors in the new Butter London x Allure collection!  I'm not yet ready for Fall, but I'm okay with winding down this hot, hot Summer.  So, let's do a mani of a typical Spring flower - the cherry blossom! What you'll need:
  • 4 polishes - in this case, I used all Butter Londons:  It's Vintage for the base, Lust or Must? for the branches, I'm On The List for the petals, and Disco Nap for the center of the flower.
  • A dotting tool or two
  • A thin striping brush
The first step is laying down your base coat if you use one, and then applying your color.  It's Vintage is a rich, rusty orange-leaning red that is retro and classy. Next, take a striping brush, and lay down some branches.  They don't have to be perfect - your blossoms can cover a lot of mistakes! I do like to make sure that there are branches in different sections of the nail, though, so that the blossoms have some place to go all over the nail.  Lust or Must? is like melted chocolate on your fingertips. For the petals, I put some of I'm On The List onto a small palette, and used one of my larger dotting tools to make a 4- or 5-dot circular pattern.  This rose gold metallic works great for this because it has a natural shimmer that gives the flowers some dimension.  Plus, it's opaque enough to cover the branches in one coat. For the center of the flowers, I used my smallest dotting tool and some Disco Nap to make 2 or 3 small dots.  The silver glitter helps it catch the light, but the base is dark enough to stand out against I'm On The List. Add some top coat to help blend the layers together and protect your nail art, and you're done! Thank you to Lit From Within for creating this great nail art tutorial! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! *Disclosure: affiliate links

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Bring the Salon and #Spa Home with Conair

Shannon Smyth

This is a product-provided, sponsored conversation that contains affiliate links. I received the Infiniti Pro by Conair 3Q Styling Tool and the True Glow by Conair Sonic Skincare Solution for my own personal use. All opinions, text and experiences are my own.

Bring the salon and spa home with Conair! Review of the Infiniti Pro by Conair® 3Q™ Styling Tool and True Glow  Sonic Skincare Solution via @agirlsgottaspa. @conairbeauty #spon It's not really a secret that I have a love affair with Conair hair products. Over the years I have really loved (and religiously used) styling tools from their Infiniti line, and the latest hair dryer, the Infiniti Pro by Conair® 3Q™ Styling Tool, is no different. 3Q™ stands for "Quick, Quiet and Quality," all of the hallmarks of this new brushless motor styling tool. It may not fit into the Q theme, but this dryer is also extremely light weight. I didn't feel like I was giving my biceps a workout while drying my hair. I absolutely adore how much quieter this dryer is - their patent pending noise reduction technology makes it up to 40% quieter (which is a huge plus when you have a large family like I do and don't want to wake anyone early in the a.m. or when you can only squeeze in a shower at 10pm after a long day of work and want to keep your beauties sleeping.) Review of the Infiniti Pro by Conair® 3Q™ Styling Tool via @agirlsgottaspa. @conairbeauty #spon The Infiniti Pro by Conair® 3Q™ Styling Tool has a brushless motor that will last 10x longer - up to 5,000 hours of life vs. 500 hours for an AC motor hair dryer. Something to consider when debating about if the $119.99 pricetag is worth it (I always say you get what you pay for.) What has drawn me to the Conair Infiniti series of styling tools over the years is the ionic and titanium ceramic technology they all have. This styling tool is no different. It promises enhanced shine, up to 75% less frizz and infrared heat to gently dry hair. Additionally with this dryer, the temperature it produces heat at is 70% lower to also minimize heat damage to your hair. I can tell you that I honestly noticed the heat was less, yet due to the faster airflow, my hair was drying quicker. My hair may not be very long, but when you are running a business, are 7 months pregnant and have a gaggle of children to take care of, every minute counts. Having a quality, yet quick beauty routine is something I strive for. Not to mention, that at a few months shy of turning 41, my hair is not like it used to be and heat damage is a big deal and very noticeable. So I appreciate the features of this new hair dryer.

Infiniti Pro by Conair 3Q Styling Tool review via @agirlsgottaspa @conairbeauty #spon(It's difficult to take a selfie while drying your hair!)

You can purchase the Infiniti Pro by Conair® 3Q™ Styling Tool at the majority of mass retail and drug chain stores. True Glow by Conair® True Glow Sonic Skincare Solution review via @agirlsgottaspa @conairbeauty #spon Of course, bringing the salon and spa home wouldn't be complete without a quality skin care tool. I'll be honest, I had no idea that Conair made a sonic cleansing brush, but I had the opportunity to try their True Glow Sonic Skincare Solution ($79.99.) The sonic technology powers of this high-performance cleansing brush are 300 oscillations per second. It includes two brush heads, one for face and one for body. The brushes are firm yet soft, so they aren't abrasive on your skin and gentle enough to use as part of your everyday cleansing regimen (it's also dermatologist tested.) I only used it on the lowest speed (it has 3) and that was just right for my skin without feeling over-exfoliated. True Glow by Conair® True Glow Sonic Skincare Solution review via @agirlsgottaspa @conairbeauty #spon I was impressed with how quickly this sonic cleansing brush charged and how simple it was to use. It does beep to indicate that you need to move to another area of your face, but it doesn't pause as you do so. I liked that feature because it meant I could just keep moving the brush around my face continuously. It's pretty much no frills, so if you've never used a sonic brush before, this would be a great tool to start with. Using a cleansing tool like the True Glow is also beneficial when it comes to getting the most out of your serum, toner and moisturizer as it preps the skin for better absorption. True Glow by Conair Sonic Skincare Solution review via @agirlsgottaspa @conairbeauty #spon Conair #DoItYourSELFIE Photo Sweeps: Beginning Monday, June 8th at 3 p.m. ET until Thursday, July 2nd at 12:00 p.m. ET, share your Conair-inspired hair selfie in the latest round of the #ConairDoItYourSELFIE sweeps! It’s super easy to enter and your selfie might win you the latest in Conair hair styling appliances and gift cards! Five winners will be randomly selected. Bookmark this link so that you can enter on the 8th! http://bit.ly/1EhfNeC This is the picture I'll be submitting of my skin and hair after using the Infiniti Pro by Conair® 3Q™ Styling Tool and True Glow by Conair® True Glow Sonic Skincare Solution. Note this is my hair 2 days after using the 3Q - no dry shampoo needed or anything! I was amazed that the style stayed intact and my hair wasn't even frizzy! #ConairDoItYourSelfie @agirlsgottaspa @conairbeauty #spon

(28 weeks pregnant here!)

Follow Conair on these social channels: http://instagram.com/conair www.pinterest.com/ConairBeauty www.Facebook.com/ConairBeauty http://twitter.com/ConairBeauty Have you used either of these tools from Conair? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments! Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

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Nine Things I've Learned in Nine Years of Beauty Blogging

Shannon Smyth
Nine things I've learned in nine years of beauty blogging via @agirlsgottaspa #bblogger #beautyblog A lot has happened since 2005. A Girl's Gotta Spa! began as a beauty blog intended to help other women, short on time, discover meaningful reviews and tips that they could incorporate into their daily lives. It was also a way for me to connect socially with women in my season of life beyond the 4 walls of my house. (Working from home has many benefits, but socializing is not one of them.) October marks nine years that I've been blogging. (Insert gif of me doing the robot dance here. No, there'll be no image, but just know that I am indeed jamming out.) Thinking back to the October 26, 2005 version of me sitting in front of my chunky computer monitor on a dial-up internet connection, I was full of excitement and anticipation. I had zero html skills and zero design skills, but I was happy to figure it out as I went. There weren't many beauty blogs at the time, and the ones I was reading (Scentzilla, Beautiful Makeup Search, The Scented Salamander, Beauty Addict, Bag Snob, e-Beauty Daily) all had their unique spin on the beauty and fashion world - I knew I needed to discover mine. (Lest I forget to mention that I read Amalah every single day, as well.) For lack of doing a yawn-worthy post, I've decided to compile 9 things I've learned in 9 years of beauty blogging - this is going to be long: 1. Beauty blogging is hard work and sometimes it's exhausting making you become a hypocrite to your own tagline. When I initially launched A Girl's Gotta Spa! the tagline I chose was "because we all deserve a little pampering." I, for one, knew this well. However, over 9 years, 4 children, 2 miscarriages, a divorce and re-marriage, I can honestly tell you I often forgot about myself, my needs and that I deserved to take time for myself. Coming to this realization, which I guess you could say was like an epiphany, is what led me to launch A Girl's Gotta Spa! bath and body line. How many other women out there are like me, I wondered, the friend who can give the great advice but can't seem to apply it to her own life? I now take time for myself each day without guilt or regret. 2. Sometimes at the beginning of your journey you think you can see a clear path, but often that path has twists and turns you never saw coming, both good and bad. In 2005, the only two goals I had, as stated above, were to be a help to other women and to have that connection with others. I recall that within 9 months of launching the blog, I was contacted to potentially write for an online magazine. I was beside myself (although it never panned out.) A month after that I was interviewed and extended the opportunity to join b5media (now defunct) and launch another blog called, Makeup Minute (anyone remember it?) Then a month after that a well-known NYC PR firm hired me to be their "Chief Blogger." Within 6 months of that I was doing social media consulting with beauty brands. Suddenly, I had a new career on my hands. It was never my intention, and I still marvel over this stream of events that took place that has led me to where I am now. This path, although incredible and at times almost unbelievable, hasn't always been easy, but I am so beyond grateful for how this path essentially changed my life. 3. Just like anything in life, you will meet some really great people and you will meet some people who, for lack of a better word, suck. I can truly say that my intended goal of connecting with other people has been a success. There are so many people I have met in person and virtually connected with (due to distance) over the years that have really made an impact on me, both positive and negative. Just like the soap opera of life, some have betrayed me and left me in tears, while others have brought me so much joy, that they inspire me daily. I've witnessed random acts of kindness from acquaintances to punch-you-in-the-gut careless words being said by people I've considered my friends. Just for the record, I read all of your comments and emails. Some make me smile and some make me crinkle my nose. I prefer the ones that make me smile because crinkling my nose leads to wrinkles. 4. No one will understand what you do, like ever. I don't even think this one needs to be explained because my fellow bloggers will simply nod in agreement from that sentence alone. 5. Evolution is a guarantee. I can say this with confidence. Blogging has evolved as a platform, and many of us who began so long ago have evolved and branched out. I am so very proud of my blogging friends who have now launched product lines and wrote books like Kitiya of Mischo Beauty, Tina of Bag Snob, Elizabeth of Beauty Bets, and Nadine of Nadine Jolie Courtney, to name a few. In 9 years, A Girl's Gotta Spa!'s tagline has evolved too. Because we all deserve a little pampering has now become You Deserve to Be Pampered. It feels more empowering. 6. Opportunity will knock in expected and unexpected ways, be ready for both. The one thing I like about laying my head down at night and waking the next day (besides still living to see another day) is that each morning is like a clean slate. It is always open to new possibilities. To be honest, I can't really think of any more. This is what happens when you turn 40. Your brain effectively nose-dives into ADD behavior and mush. You know what would be funny? Is if you share this post with the statement, "Points 7, 8 and 9 are the most profound!" Then everyone will be confused and feel duped. Which I guess is point 7 - have a sense of humor. And point 8 - don't believe everything you hear on the internet. And finally point 9, be forever grateful for the gifts God has given you and appreciative to how far down the path they can take you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sticking with me for 9 years and I hope you'll stick around for many more. xo - Shannon Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

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A Girl's Gotta Spa! - My Aha Moment

Shannon Smyth

Shannon Smyth, CEO of A Girl's Gotta Spa! Watch the video of #myAhamoment #beauty #entrepreneur #startup I'm very grateful for the opportunity Mutual of Omaha gave me to put #myahamoment on video. I'm also very grateful for all of you that have continued to support the concept of You Deserve to Be Pampered by purchasing A Girl's Gotta Spa! natural bath and body products.

I hope the video helps you to get to know who I am better and how my goal has, and always will be, to help you. You can also read in more detail the full story behind launching A Girl's Gotta Spa! bath and body products. Watch the video and let me know what you think in the comments! 

A Girl's Gotta Spa!'s, Shannon Smyth, #myahamoment video #beauty #bathandbody

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Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! beauty blog. Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle tooShannon on G+

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Bloggers' Must Have Beauty Products When Traveling

Shannon Smyth

Bloggers' Must-Have #Beauty Products While Traveling

Believe it or not, a blogger's makeup bag is not always overflowing with products when we travel. Most of us have a handful of products we are loyal to simply because they get the job done while home or away. I recently spent some time in Atlantic City and asked fellow bloggers Kelly Augustine from www.KellyAugustine.com and Lyuba from www.WillCookForSmiles.com what their must have beauty products were while traveling. Watch the video to hear about our favorite beauty products and then find the links to all of them below: Lyuba's Travel Beauty: Yes To Grapefruit Facial Scrub Yes To Grapefruit Even Skin Tone Moisturizer Rimmel ScandalEyes Retro Glam Mascara Rimmel Scandaleyes Thin Eyeliner Rimmel ScandalEyes Kohl Liner Kelly's Travel Beauty: Wet n Wild Color Icon Collection Bronzer SPF 15 Wet n Wild Color Icon Blusher MAC Cosmetics Heroine Wet n Wild MegaSlicks Balm Stain Moisturizing Lip Color, A Stiff Pink Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Body Lotion Shannon's Travel Beauty: Urban Decay Brightening & Tightening Complexion Primer Potion bareMinerals bareSKIN Pure Brightening Serum Foundation with SPF 20 DermOrganic Pure Argan Oil Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle tooShannon on G+ Disclosure

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