Inspiration in a Bottle: Verbena Infusion

A Scent Can Change Someone's Spirit

Today began like every other summer day so far. I took a look at the cell: only 9:00 am. Thankfully, there was tons more time and my son was still slumbering. That's always a good thing. A few minutes to throw things together around my manic style of orchestration. Truly being a female is a finer art in how to balance each objective. Sometimes I flawlessly execute each task without even considering the option of failing; sometimes failing is the only option to fear...Plus, my Tyler is autistic, so I wrap myself into unreal expectations, only hoping to come in 3rd place. (3rd actually wins a prize, like on the televised pageants!)

Truly, I didn't know that today would have a special moment in store. This little serendipity in a bottle happened to be Laura Mercier's Verbena Infusion. I decided to take "me" time, at least enough to wash my olive complexioned face and get a slow "running: start... Then something clicked. I told myself that I really needed to spray the new bottle of Verbena Infusion. Certainly, there was a precious blend of happiness in this well crafted EDT.

My spirit was automatically lifted; nothing else was required to make me smile. Notes dance on my nose and extend through my soul. The fresh citrus and spearmint accord plays well with the white amber and cedarwood. Lightness prevails, allowing the beauty of each ingredient to waft throughout space.  The pretty elegance of the bottle adds a "je ne sais quoi" to any vanity. There is an echo of this fragrance that stays with you, even after hours have passed.

This is by far "the scent" of my summer. This will be my soundtrack to life as I know it even after the sunny days fade. Certain adjectives spill out after spraying Verbena Infusion, settling into my conscience.  My own personal cheering section will be a fragrance! Yeah! Cheerful, ambitious, free, colorful, energetic, exuberant, chic, substantial, open... Those words establish my place in the perennial sun.

Laura Mercier is a world renowned celebrity makeup artist and has a talent for creating some of the most beautiful and compelling looks. Her bath and body line, along with the fine fragrances are the understated wonders of her cosmetics empire. Luxurious experiences rest in the scent selections which include the Verbena Infusion range of products. Please take a moment to visit the website to experience your own magical voyage.

This line is easy to become a fan of. (Possibly a fanatic?) But Verbena Infusion did so much more for me today than just make me smell better. It made my soul connect to the world in a more inspired way. Powerful statement, but it shows that cosmetics and beauty is not just a "skin deep" realm, but a far more complex experience.

Stephanie-
"The Marley Owl"

More Than Skin Deep: Summer Skincare

Summer's Finally Here

Well for most of us, school's out. Kids are happy. Time for vacations and more relaxed days (well deserved...) ahead. Take this time to add some skincare with substance to protect yourself from the sun's harsh rays.  Skin is the largest organ of the body. Aging skin can be contributed to the harmful effects of sun exposure. Although the sun is beautiful and warm, it also wreaks havoc gradually on youthful complexions. This is a reason to purchase products inclusive of SPF even in skin care regimens. Protecting the face and body is part of a self loving skin ritual. Products should deliver just what the user needs plus much more for the money.

 The beauty regimen followed will yield overall healthy skin and the benefit of lessening the chance of contracting skin cancer (or melanoma) Summer can be a very dehydrating time for the skin, so adding something back to it truly makes a difference.  I, too, have found products with SPF to make my beauty routine much more than skin deep.

Some great products that make sun care beautiful:

ReVive Firmitif Hand Renewal Cream

This subtly rose scented cream strengthens the thin skin of the hands while providing TLC and hydration. This cream has an SPF of 15. I have had the pleasure of using this and I even slather it on my feet. Simply a mani and pedi's BFF! Luxury that truly does double duty and protects those digits.

Nyakio Hydrating Face Lotion with Kola Nut, Broad Sprectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen

Smartly packaged in a travel friendly pump, Nyakio packs this light lotion with tons of beneficial ingredients, such as Ivory coast Kola Nut, Marula Oil, and Rooibos Tea. The powerful antioxidants coupled with an SPF of 20 truly soften and nurture the skin. I especially love the hint of lemongrass fragrance. This is as refreshing as a walk through a rain forest, a nod to what natural product can do for us.

ReVive Sensitif Renewal Cream

Poweful technology is a hallmark of the ReVive Skincare line.  Sensitif Renewal Cream protects and treats throughout busy summer days and beyond. The SPF 30 cream provides soothing relief and a barrier for the most sensitive of us. Dullness and the look of fine lines seem to disappear with this multi tasker. Plus on the ReVive website, any order $300 and up receives four (yes, 4) deluxe samples of this luxury lines other amazing offerings.


In the fight against aging and sun exposure, coverage and just the right products are key to a beautiful and resilient complexion. No matter the season, it's wise to add an SPF to your skincare routine. 

Happy Summer!! Look for more posts and gorgeous tips for living well.

Stephanie (The Marley Owl)

From My Holistic Perspective: Whole Foods Black Forest Bacon...Must Try!

From a holistic diva's view: Where does bacon fit in?

Why does just the thought of eating pork drive me crazy with fear? I mean, I do absolutely love doing good things for my body and taking care of this temple in which I live and breathe daily is habitual. Adding organic foods to my lifestyle has been a work in progress that I have cherished. Taking a walk through the local Whole Foods Store Jackson is a joyful privilege. I strolled an ethereal brisk trot about five days ago through this crazy good organic lifestyle giant. 

I spoke to an amazing member of the Whole Foods team. He is a butcher in the meat department. We discussed the fun times I had standing in line at the Grand Opening Celebration several months earlier. It was winter and I froze myself silly. Perhaps listening to the Southern Komfort Brass Band was a brilliant way to start my Whole Foods journey. A little New Orleans Jazz never hurt anybody. And it just sat well with my eclectic nature. This affable team member felt the incredible energy and wild crowd.  Anyone present could almost touch the excitement and love the Metro Jackson Area showered on the team members and corporate entities opening this gorgeous market. 

In this brief introduction, the butcher told me all about how healthy the bacon is at Whole Foods. This really intrigued me. I thought of healthy bacon... Nice thought. He explained that there are no nitrates in it.  He told me about the fan favorite bacon of the store, black forest bacon, dry rubbed. Sounded like a delicacy to me. I in no way could have imagined what that would possibly taste like.

I explained that I was a blogger and loved living the organic lifestyle.  He fixed up a package with loving care of a sample of the golden standard Whole Foods Dry Rubbed Black Forest Bacon and extolled that I would absolutely love it. 

What This Black Forest Bacon Did ( and didn't do) Was Phenomenal 

Trying out products is what I do best. I waited about a day to break open my wrapper and put the bacon to the taste test. With my pan oiled gently with Organic Italian Olive Oil, I brought the heat up a tad too high. This is probably fairly standard for a Southern girl getting prepared for bacon. That sizzle is what makes the bacon better, maybe? Well, it also burns it occasionally if unprepared for the important turn of the spatula. So, at any rate, I put in my bacon. These slices are cut beautifully thick and long. No shrinkage here. Usually I try frying certain things with my trusty olive oil for those heart healthy benefits, because if you had to fry it, why not be somewhat healthy? But the pairing of normal bacon and olive oil seemed to fall very flat. I wanted this to work to keep the good fats locked into my diet.

The bacon just smelled delectable. Not normal, where you smell the scent of the oil or some really strong pork scent. The olive oil actually complemented the bacon. It didn't get grease logged, as the typical bacon does. These slices held their own shape. Some bacon falls apart or breaks. Not the Whole Foods' Black Forest bacon. Was this super bacon or what? I kind of joked that this bacon was said to be the most delicious bacon on the planet to my cashier. You know if it is Whole Foods that this was not bragging but a total truth. 

The Chef Waits Long Enough. The Public Couldn't Be Wrong. 

Time to eat this truly yummy looking slice of heavenly pork. The chef always waits for the reward of dining. My Black Forest Bacon touched my palate. And this was a sinfully indulgent sensory pleasure.  I smiled, laughed, omg'd, and repeated the process through each of my three delectable slices of candy bacon. Why candy bacon? It is just as sweet as candy. And the flavor is simply a melt in the mouth finish. This is no ordinary hog. Eating this alone would have been just fine. I paired my beautiful slices with Whole Foods' 365 Organic Whole Wheat pancakes. This was the result of quality and a real effort to bring farm to table ingredients to the consumer. Plus this is not a price point out of reach, as the cost of any bacon product is hovering around $6.99 a package plus. A comparable mass market thick cut bacon would be at least $17.00. The dry rubbed black forest bacon is $7.99 a pound and there is enough bacon to go around for a family of three if you purchased one and a half pounds. 

The Beauty of The Bacon Is A Natural Process

 This just didn't seem real. How can this "out of this world" bacon be so healthy? Because I had pretty much eliminated bacon out of my regular diet. That says a lot for a Mississippi girl, but times along with knowledge create a culture of responsibility. I know I have to be personally responsible for what I consume.Whole Foods also supports my desire for responsible living by treating their meats very well. The bacon has a natural curing process. There aren't any synthetic nitrates. There are no added hormones, so from hog to table, this is a well raised pig without harmful ingredients added to its diet. There also aren't any antibiotics or artificial ingredients. 

More Bacon Please...

I bought more bacon yesterday. Quipping with the assistant butcher, I said I had gotten addicted now.  It was truly such a delight to share this bacon with my son Tyler, who has autism. He held onto the bacon as long as possible. He usually eats it so quickly that it disappears. With the Black Forest Bacon, my son savored it. He reveled in the taste, the difference, the quality. As someone who embraces living a holistic and organic lifestyle, I search for ways to make it work in my everyday life. I support this quality product. It could have a place on any table in America that consumes bacon or wants a better bacon for their families. 

A Girl and Her Lipstick...A Love Story

 The beauty of beguiling lips...

and smooth pouts that make everyone around you smile because you just cannot stop smiling. Just the action of wearing makeup creates this aura, a strange lovely vision no less than blessed by the gods and goddesses of good cosmetics.  I have always been a beauty product nut and that love affair began back, well at the beginning...

Remembering lips of days past...

I guess like many young girls, I was a mall rat. That annoying girl with a ton of bags weighing her down. Happy, but never haughty. I so wanted to be a pretty popular one.As a Pre-internet and "totally radical" "80s on 8 " child, spending mega cash inside the shopping mall felt like heaven. I guess the pearly gates would have been equivalent to a cash register and a pair of Guess Jeans when I started using cosmetics during the early 90s. There was a wide eyed innocence and appreciation for the fine art of makeup application. It seemed as though my best swipes left me a victim of drugstore mass- market bad-lighting luck. Perhaps my mom felt very sorry for my brightest fuschia lips and decided that I truly needed an intervention. 

I was gingerly taken to a very different spot in my favorite department store by my loving mother. Somehow she knew that this day I discovered my new sanctuary and playground for my emerging woman. I started out as the chosen guinea pig of the beauty adviser for Fashion Fair Cosmetics. I, being a young lady of color had my challenges in shade selection: I  had this weird cafe au lait complexion that seemed to radiate a glowy yellowy tone. But just for kicks, I could turn beige without warning. Like I somehow was a radioactive matter. 

 Honestly, I hoped that this beautiful brown goddess with the perfect liner could make me into something better than I was, maybe a Hollywood starlet? There could be no lack of tricks of this trade with the brushes and blushers, liquid and creme compacts. How does someone keep it all straight? Plus how do I get my best look when we all are so different as the femme fatales of the world? At this point, this counter had all of my youthful naive concepts of makeup in its hands.

I needed answers. The makeup spoke to me and I loved the language. 

I was given some incredible skin care products and tips for how to keep my skin healthy and just fab. Plus, I carried home foundation in some Amber color, shadow, a bullet lipstick, and a blush. My mother didn't allow me to put all this stuff on in reckless abandon. First, a slow intro with the lipstick, and the other gear was for "special occasions". But eventually, there would be photos to take. If I couldn't at least pluck my crazily thick brows that Dad gifted me, could I wear some makeup please? My application was at least as good as paint with numbers, I'm sure. Neutral eyes, so I don't think I had any truly crazy photos. Mom should be so proud of me! 

I cheated on labels...

Wow. I discovered this really cool thing called a GWP, or Gift With Purchase. And maybe Estee Lauder had one. Then Clinique had it, too. "How can they give these away and still make money"?, I wondered. So, my trusted glam hands changed up too. I had a glorious green compact with a powder foundation now. So who needs the peach one? Call it confusion or a momentary lapse of judgement, but I needed that little brown bottle with the gold cap for what at age 17? But I collected them. And the pretty pouches. Had to have the silver bullet lipstick. And who didn't have a pot of Black Honey Different Lip Gloss? The yellow moisturizer was mine, too. "Dramatic difference" from the old me? I thought it yes. If you give me a red lipstick,  I was equally as gorgeous as Halle Berry (and even slightly delusional.)...

I found my guilty pleasure. Tried many. Loved them all. Left some in the dust. Threw a few out with the trash. Kept some faves. Discovered the store with the black and white stripes... (oh you naughty stripes, how you tempted me)

I am loyal to none, fall in love with all...

 Beautiful shades. In my world of freelance beauty writer, I observe cosmetics with a keen laser eye. I take a breath, find the latest shades and dive into the trends to find the proper fit. Some things are timeless, like red lipstick in your shade. Some are just fun time go-to's. My new shade of choice is just like that crazy good wearable anytime anywhere pair of shoes (with that heel that starts making a clacking sound because the tap came off). This one will be used to the very last trace in the tube and quickly reordered.

I met a "Temptation."...Gel Lip Colour-Laura Mercier

Just look at this deep purple shade in the tube. Looks scary.  But the sheerness of this berry shade is delightful as it is moisturizing. It may be glossy, but doesn't disappear for hours.  Plus, the summer ready limited edition color is edible. Hello! A sweet vanilla flavor makes this lipstick extra gratifying. Temptation was the right name for the New Attitude Summer 2014 lip shade. Its sister shade is Heartbreaker, a bubble gum pink. Try out Temptation and find a comfortable everyday shade that fits a neutral to a bright palette. 

Laura Mercier-Temptation Gel Lip Colour

For My Son...Putting the Puzzle Together: World Autism Awareness Day

For My Son...Putting the Puzzle Together: World Autism Awareness Day

This day matters for more than 1 in 68: 4/2/14

Today is World Autism Awareness Day. Think 1 in 68. World Nightly News recently aired a segment on the staggering statistics of the diagnosis of children with autism and the sharp increase. Where are all the new cases coming from? This is one of the most puzzling disorders out there, and as a parent of a child with Autism, I am a part of the gigantic jigsaw. There is no doubt that the need for autism research is critical. So many families are affected and now someone has to know another human being on the spectrum. 

On a day like today, the rest of the world can take a moment to focus on Autism and the benefit of reaching out to those who live with challenges and are simply some of the bravest spirits on the planet. Imagine going years without communication. Without saying a word. Or those who lost their smiles. The mysterious nature of Autism is no mystery when you are 1 in 68 or part of the village that adores them.

Why is it so difficult to find adequate dedicated funding to research a neurological disorder that has been around far longer than the current lifetimes of several generations of people? There is nothing new about the experience of persons struggling to find their unique voices; these were the unseen and thrown away castoffs of a previous heartless confused society. It takes more than doubt to understand the beauty inside of quiet souls of those with Autism. Instead, parents were informed that their children were not strong enough to function in society and needed to be institutionalized. Those who are placed behind closed doors never get to see the light... Times have changed for the better, though not without struggles as those who provide loving care for our Autistic children.

So, perhaps limited opportunities for research existed in my father's WW2 generations or worse yet, my grandmother's post Civil War era. So, no one called this curious disorder by any name. Due to this, many of us possibly experienced autism in vague ways. Maybe having a relative who just didn't communicate in a "regular" way, or who had "quirks". (Then again, who doesn't have those?) The word Autism just didn't exist then. And perhaps not the exact stigmatizing effect of the disorder to those who have not been touched yet through the life altering experience of knowing a person on the spectrum.

 I had a 1st Cousin who I loved dearly with some form of autism, as I know it today. He gave me kisses on the cheek and had a speech impediment. I saw the love and affection in him, and I felt the adoration that my favorite Aunt Etta had for him. She took him everywhere she went, even as a man in his 30's through the year she passed away, my first year as a teacher, 1998. He was passionate about his family, his mom, and being a part of his routine. He loved singing in church choir, which Aunt Etta greatly championed. Plus, she ensured his weekly trips to the barber. These seem such simple things. But these events without proper socialization opportunities were everything to my cousin. I found him kind, gentle, happy, and well mannered. His mother made sure he was well groomed, too. He above all of the things I saw him as, was more than anything material. He was loved by someone. This for someone with Autism is what gives them faith in the world. We allow them to touch the sky if we believe they deserve every chance to.

Now since she passed on, I carry the torch with my son. As she was a Leo, I have the lionhearted share of being a part of my son's great big beautiful world. He has a new perspective, colored lightly by Autism. But he is never limited. This year was the first time he mentioned having Autism. I am proud of his progress and of the champion's attitude he carries each day. He is much more than someone with Autism. He is smart, caring, loving, and filled with wisdom. Autism is a label and no defining brand. It fits behaviors, but there are great and beautiful things within a person with the Autism stamp. I am so blessed to have these moments to look underneath the surface and know it. The day I realized that Autism would never define us is the day I felt freedom from judgement or prejudices for my son. He is always going to be my brave little man...

Take today to show some kindness and love and do whatever honors the special families of those affected by Autism. The truth is that the autistic are truly awesome, non- judgemental, giant- hearted, talented gifts who just so happen to use Autism as a description of their disorder. Autism is with us, and will never disappear without more people doing something to increase the need for urgency , for grassroots efforts to join "Team Blue."  Trust me, families of children with Autism want your understanding today, through April's Autism Awareness Month, and for days when no one sees the struggles we face to share our courage for our children and to the world at large.

This Marley Owl has been a part of "Team Blue" for the past 12 years and an advocate for my Autistic son when he had no voice. I will forever be putting together the pieces along with the 1 in 68. We share this story, despite socioeconomic and cultural differences. We speak for them...we watch them grow and find words. We join our school system's Autism programs and watch the amazing Special Education Instructors and teams do their daily unsung work. 

Remember the 1 in 68 and families with loved ones on the Autism Spectrum...

A personal note of thanks and gratitude to everyone who shared my Autism moment and those who work with my son to make his world as typical as possible. Thank you today and every day...

The Marley Owl...

 

He lit my world in all colors...Today he wears blue for Autism Awareness. To my son and for all kids facing that uncertain Autism diagnosis: You absolutely matter and will change the world you live in for the better...

With Love,
Stephanie 

The Marley Owl...Is Crazy About Spring 2014 Fashion!

  The day I saw sunlight and temperatures in the mid 60's, I knew that I could put away those dark muted tones of winter and brighten up. How did we get through the Polar Vortex of 2013-14? Wild times, indeed.  Now hear the birds chirp and usher in our beloved Spring season.  Spring fever is ours to catch.  And I cannot wait to wear the fashion trends this year. So many looks, so little time!!

It would be easy to get lost in all of the fashion magazines and be confused about where to begin on your hunt for fresh, "Happy"trendy garb. (Pharell Williams is now as legendary as those little Minions.)Plus, the Spring has been out long before we could comfortably wear it. Runway and very willowy models have access to the trend before we ever see them. Finally, our turn has arrived...

What do I absolutely have to buy to be "in the know" this Spring?

Personally, I would recommend several key pieces. These have been touted by all of the best designers, celebs, stylists, and clothiers as the must haves for any woman's wardrobe. Plus, these have such potential for after- season. Too many trendy looks just sit in your closet and collect dust because of a lack of versatility. 

Consider purchasing these amazingly wearable looks at Belk Department Store. Belk has a number of wearable looks for daytime to cocktail hour.  Plus the lines that you have grown to love can be found all under one roof.

                                                           

                                                              The Sleeveless Jacket

This Willow and Clay jacket has just the right amount of attitude and ease to go from work to dinner. Chic and graphic.

Chunky Block Heels

These Michael Michael Kors Maribella Sandals are super versatile and cute, with tortoise shell block heels and in black.

Soft Pant

Romeo and Julie geometric print pants are right in step with the printed bottom and loose fitting leg pant trend. Think comfy and flowy and you have a winner!

The New Maxi

This Sunny Leigh tribal print maxi skirt has everything going for it... Black and white, stretchy and flowy, plus flattering for any height and shape!

The Updated Jacket

This awesome Cloth and Stone baseball jacket has the sporty elements and ease that Spring 2014 is all about. Perfectly charming in chambray denim.

Black and White

So on trend and way too cute to stand... This Romeo and Julie contemporary jumpsuit has a great graphic print and couples the two biggest neutrals on a gorgeous shared spotlight. This works for any occasion. Just put on a jacket for work. This one ensures complements!

Ladylike Handbags

Pretty is...this amazing Michael Kors Selma satchel bag! This essential carry- all is feminine and modern. Very cosmopolitan and urban.

Layered Necklaces

The statement necklace is still going strong. So are delicate pieces that are worn together... These Vince Camuto pieces are beautiful and add just the right amount of panache to any simple blouse or dress.

Shift Dress

This Vince Camuto mesh inlay silk shantung dress is perfect to wear to any event or to make an event of anything! The sporty silhouette adds that breezy feel and the fabric eases this dress to a great night look. So mod, yet so current and Spring 2014 ready!

These pieces are perfect looks at any age and in any stage of career. Tailor the pieces to your personality and add more jewelry or accessories, such as an awe- inspiring shoe, to heighten the fashion forward quotient. Be fearless and free and express your inner diva!

Please visit my blog for more Spring forward fashion and beauty content! I am in love with the style of life...

Stephanie-The Marley Owl

  

The Oscars: Fashion Walks The Biggest Red Carpet

 The Marley Owl is also on Examiner.com...

As Stephanie Marley McMechan,
beauty examiner and budget fashion examiner

This article is a part of my Academy Awards coverage and is also on the examiner.com channel.


The Academy Awards this year was a fashionable affair to remember.  Hollywood's finest talent took the opportunity to astound and wow with fashion that captured the imagination. The Red Carpet turns for the evening were carefully cultivated by the best stylists in the industry with industrial strength jewels that cost a small fortune. Custom made frocks teased and surprised while oohs and ahhs circulated through the country's collective consciousness. Yes, the gowns make the night so much more than golden statuettes. The ladies who reigned on fashion's biggest night were strong yet delicate images of grace for the ages.

Considering the effort it takes to walk in some of these amazing gowns, it is incredible that more people don't trip. Jennifer Lawrence (or J Law) made her fall on the Red Carpet only a tiny stumbling block, remaining all smiles through the evening. She wore a Dior red column dress with a flattering peplum detail and glistened with Neil Lane jewels. Her hair was in a very posh updo that showed off her features superbly. This dress made her look ten feet tall at least.

Lupita Nyong'o was the winner of the Female Supporting Actress Award for 12 Years A Slave, but had been ahead of the crowd the entire award season in fashion. Every gown she wore was a smash hit. The Oscars solidified Lupita as a fashion ingénue and a natural model. Her lithe figure was highlighted by her sky blue pleated sensation of a ball gown. The deep V neck was punchy, allowing the starlet's unexpected headband and great golden bracelets to pop. Her hair is always on point, yet revealing of her spunky attitude. This will be remembered for some time to come and a dress that will be ordered by many a fashionista.

Kerry Washington is America's favorite "Scandal," leaving millions of viewers wondering what will come next. In fashion, the very best has been what has come from Kerry. With baby bump at the Oscars, her lovely Jason Wu strapless gown in lavender was a perfect way to accentuate the positive. Rouching and draping created a great shape.  A kick of leg from the side slit revealed toned gams.  Her wavy partial upsweep framed her face beautifully. She was truly a glowing mom to be!

Jada Pinkett Smith is Will Smith's wife, plus she is a powerhouse musician, mom, producer, and  force of nature. Petite women have the task of finding a dress that doesn't overwhelm them. Jada was dazzling in a peach Versace gown with halter neck and train. The floaty material along with a fitted silhouette was the best of both worlds. Jada's silky straight hair was the perfect foil for amazing eyes. She makes 40 something appear no more than 21. (Fierce!)

Other remarkable feature dressed actresses include:
Sandra Bullock in a gorgeous Alexander McQueen midnight blue strapless mermaid gown

Angelina Jolie in a nude illusion ombre Elie Saab creation

Cate Blanchett in a nude illusion bejeweled Armani number

Charlize Theron in a black Dior Haute Couture gown

The awards were phenomenal, "happy", and so haute!