Summer Luvin’ No. 8

All photos Steven Drescher

My favorite luxury body cream is Estée Lauder’s White Linen. Launched back in 1978 this floral and fresh scent is described as cool, clean & crisp.

The Fan Scallop seashell on the porcelain jar captures the essence of Florida’s Gulf Coast.

The top notes contain lemon and peach. The middle: orchid and hyacinth among others. The fragrance, created by Sophia Grosjman ends with honey, Tonka bean and oakmoss.

A seven ounce jar featuring the seashell sells for fifty-five dollars. If a jar can be located. This item sold out across the board before anyone could mark Memorial Day.

The elements capture the purity of white linen dried in the sun.

Summer Luvin’ No. 9

All photos Steven Drescher

I am counting down my favorite gear for Summer 2019. Number Nine on my list is this Kate Spade Pink and White Weekender Tote.

If summer sunshine could be captured in the essence of a bag, this piece manages to make the magic happen.

I’m able to fit four large beach towels inside with one on top.

Add a Pelican Case for the phone, cash and keys; plus, a favorite koozie and boom – beach day vogue.
Idyllic in color and pattern this carryall is a fragrance freebie.

Summer Luvin’ on these Lux Goods

All photos Steven Drescher

Summer is well underway and I know we’re all either lovin’ on the summer sunshine if we reside on the North Coast, or trying to escape the tropical heat for a climate more tepid if in the South Florida region.
I’ve been out and about and as always unplugged, even forgetting, to bring one of my iPhone 7 Pluses along with me.

But, I did my homework. I shopped. I scoured Dillard’s Department store and am toting around these luxury goods to create a summer full of unparalleled products. Once I release these, I’ll release some social media photos to remind everyone exactly what Paradise is.

Here’s Number Ten. The Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Radiant UV Base containing a Broad Spectrum SPF 50.

This is the caviar of face sunscreens on the market. The Re-Nutriv brand is a brand within the Lauder brand. Introduced in 1956 the line contained (and still does) rare and precious ingredients. At the time those were Turtle and Shark Oil plus Royal Jelly. Though those aren’t any longer politically correct ingredients, here is what the product does contain and why I recommend this to anyone and everyone who needs a face sunscreen.

  • “Rock of Life” Algae. This ancient life form has survived and thrived for over three billion years. The precious fossils are found in Shark Bay Australia, South Africa’s Umbilo River and the Red Sea. The repair and protective benefits are all yours.
  • EGT. A supercharged amino acid and anti-oxidant recharges skin’s energy to build on the reserves of vitality.
  • Silketare. Comes from an incomparable sea plant only harvested a few times per year. This remarkable extract helps skin to restore its natural ability to product energy and encourages optimum cell performance.

This UV Base can be worn daily over a serum and/or moisturizer and under makeup. The soft focus optics produces a luminous look give a burst of glowing vitality.

One ounce sells for seventy-five dollars.

Non-acegenic, this is the one tube to tote all year. I always toss on a Panama Jack hat and my polarized Costa Gannetts for a day at the beach or the pool and that, ladies and gentlemen, is what I call face sun protection.

A Father’s Day Escape Everglades City's Rod and Gun Club

There was a time during history, my retired father put on his cushy white New Balance sport shoes, khaki shorts and Florida Fishermen’s cotton t-shirt and placed me and my four-year old nephew into the back seat of a 2012 Ford Edge. We drove the two-lane stretch of US One out of Marathon and the isles of Islamorada and into Florida’s swampland for a weekend getaway of my dad’s dreams. 

My nephew and I, both being Florida-born, Florida Crackers enjoyed the endless tourism experiences the Sunshine State has to offer.

I sat in the back seat staring out of the window. I had always suffered motion sickness and this trip marked a year out of the ocean from diving the Florida Keys Wreck Trek for assignment. Even though I appeared a poster child for fitness my nervous system was shredded. 

My Dad and the family Ford station wagon

This escape to this antiquated, isolated hotel applauded on the website as “a stay for the adventured and the cultured,” (cultured to the likes of former guest Ernest Hemingway) I had already made the voyage to twice and knew my Dad would relish in the natural surroundings.

The 1800s era hostel is so hidden and reclusive city slickers are urged not to bother making reservations because they simply will not be impressed.

Back to the destination: Everglades City. During every north coast winter storm, this South Florida City will show up as the sunniest and hottest place in the nation. This charming mark is home to the Rod and Gun Club, a hotel so historic, guests are not allowed to stay inside due to fear of fire. The rooms are not up-to-code for guests to stay in.

Nearly half a dozen presidents have wintered at this gem of a getaway. Check-in is allowed only with cash at the jaws of an ancient alligator.

Old alligator skins decorate the walls to set the ambiance for the adventure that lies ahead.

Guests sleep in modern cabins equipped with air-conditioning and private porches that surround the remarkable original hotel.

My nephew outside of Cabins forty-six and forty-seven that we stayed in.

These units are for rest only.

My Dad outside of one of the modern cabins.

Regardless of the in-ground pool and pool table amenities which make most resorts extremely attractive to any child age twelve or under, an adventure of another kind awaits.

The surrounding swamp is home to exotic Florida wildlife.

Wildlife which can all be witnessed from aboard one of two modes of transport.

Airboats and The Swamp Buggy.

Airboats and ear muffs take the place of the roller coasters and Mikey Mouse ears found farther north in the state at Disney World’s Orlando theme park. Here, there aren’t any crowds and barely any pavement exists.

Piggy Back rides are the chosen mode of transport in this territory where overpriced soda, souvenirs and popsicles aren’t an issue.

Any exhaustion from alligator viewing is met with a welcome nap just like Grandpa encourages, teaches and often shows by example.

Precisely what Father’s Day is all about. Escaping the daily grind to spend time with your family making memories that last a lifetime. In this instance, we hope they cause room for adventure, followed by a good meal and much deserved nap.

Lashes Deserve Love

“See the difference between the right eye and the left. This one has the Lash Primer (Plus) underneath the mascara,” Estee Lauder Beauty Adviser Paula McAdam explained to a bride-to-be gaining some necessary big day tips.

The brunette accountant for Marathon, set to say her vows this October, noticed the difference in lash length. So did her mom.

The Lash Primer Plus boosts the effects of mascara. Simply place the white conditioner on lashes and add any Estee Lauder, MAC, Smashbox, or Clinique mascara and boom lashes grow to extremes.

Some of the big players in the market such as Lauder’s Sumptuous Extreme impacts with Prismatic Pearls to intensify pigment and luster.

This particular mascara creates an audacious false lash effect, especially when paired with the Lash Primer Plus. There isn’t a need for costly extensions or eyelash glue that won’t come off — or worse which causes an allergic reaction.

“Mascara is a must-have,” stressed Adams who has twenty-five years in the lux cosmetics industry working for every line including Chanel and MAC.

An event for makeup and mascara enthusiasts is set for this upcoming weekend.

All brands *with the exclusion of Chanel are included.

Buy any two, customers can mix and match across the luxury brands, and the third is a gift from the store.

This truly is the perfect way for women to treat themselves as we celebrate the dads, granddads, fathers, and brothers in our lives. For up-to-date bold brows click here to meet the Brow Boss Kyle Ricker.

Order through me 419-862-7143 North Coast 305-395-8890 S Fla

a Quick note — I have already seen and studied the new Fall 2019 wardrobe of new colors, products and even a new scent, a version of this one. Plus includes a new Sumptuous Rebel Length + Lift Mascara. We’re all going to love this product because it’s washable.

Naveaux for Chanel

There is a familiar and ultra-glamorous face on the Coastal Ohio Trail who has entered the arena of luxury cosmetics. Her name is Leah Naveaux, a native of Huron who moved later in life to the Toledo bedroom community of Perrysburg. Her vivacious personality, talent and artistry has earned her the title of Resident Make-up Artist for Chanel.

Lipstick, Lumiere and Leah

I sat down with the polished pro to trade trade secrets about skincare, makeup, hair and the upcoming VIP Event all women should attend with their husband’s credit card, Scentsational.

The event is set for Saturday, May 4 at Dillard’s Franklin Park location in Northwest Ohio.

All the major brands in beauty will be represented. Leah and other makeup artists will be on hand to perform complete applications. This is the day and age where everyone is on camera, online all of the time. This is the perfect opportunity to learn tips from the pros and possibly walk away with some of the five-thousand dollars in raffle prizes up for taking.

Call 419-473-9600 to make an appointment with Leah or any of the other major brands owning this industry listed in the event flyer.




Go from bland to bam with this must-attend industry event.

Magnum Opus of Outerwear

First Daughter Fashion

Pictures: Steven Drescher

I own two pieces of fashion with the First Daughter’s name, Ivanka Trump, sewn on the label.

The coat I wear to workouts, running errands, walking Lake Erie’s Lab Pup and to other ultra-casual outings, isn’t durable or fashionable to withstand the public’s eye or icebox elements.

I have a fear of falling on ice, and one of bruising a butt cheek (I did this years ago and the area is still holding on to a lot of pain). Factor in a fear of looking frumpy when the Great Lakes region shows its glacial beginnings.

The bottoms buttons and I can truly sit outside with the hood up content as a bunny rabbit without any of the gelid conditions getting into my South Florida-born bones.

Confidence in the cold.

Winter Blast: Boots to Wear

shoe statement in the snow

All pics: Steven Drescher

Some cold weather dernier cri can create as much drool from the mouths of aficionados of the arctic element fashion world as an icicle dripping from their home’s rain gutter.

That would be me when I laid eyes on the Ugg Valberg Fur-Cuffed Boots in the Dillard’s showroom.

I even picked up the phone, called, The Sole Man, John Brandolino on Duval Street in Key West, and told him, “I have to have these boots. I need a favor.”

So swankey, yet designed for the snow. Two pairs of heavy wool socks fit nicely inside the design.

Here is why:

  • Rich suede uppers with a plush Toscana sheepskin cuff at top
  • Features a fixed strap with hardware at top rear
  • Partial medial side zipper for an easy on-and-off
  • Soft and breathable leather linings
  • Soft and breathable, leather-lined PORON® and foam cushioned footbed for all-day comfort
  • Durable crepe-like rubber wedge and outsole

If one is going to live near the Great Lakes, one needs great outfits to take on the outdoors. Plus, there’s the matching gear to sharpen the style of this formidable and oh-so fashionable snow shoe.

Killer Kimono

Ladies love luxury loungewear.

Silk, satin, and spandex are materials designed to relax and recharge in because of the soft composition.

I own one pair of sweatpants. The kind all blogs warn against, the frumpy, old school kind with a drawstring tie at the top and elastic bands at the ankles.

They read “Guard” down the side in white atop of old red fabric.

Though vintage fashion at this juncture, unfit for consumption.

Even though a North Coast Winter was settling in and the Dillard’s loungewear department is loaded with the brand new Ugg Robes, blankets, socks, loungewear and leggings; my soul lies somewhere and anywhere South of Palm Beach.

I went straight for the skily, smooth texture and delicious feel of spandex and choose several of the kimonos by In Bloom by Jonquil.

I wear this one all of the time and was drawn to the black and white design so sleek for time in the city.

The sophisticated layout of the pattern puts me into work mode and the breathability of the fabric is on point for those ten to thirty minutes any woman spends with her hairdryer.


GLAMGLOW’s Galactic Jelly a celestial cleanse with charcoal

I have a new face cleanser in my stash of beauty essentials that leaves my skin as shiny and bright as all of the stars and moons on a dark, fall northcoast night.

Hollywood, California’s GLAMGLOW GALACTIC CLEANSE. 

This hydrating jelly balm cleanser,  brought to us by Estee Lauder Cos., melts away face makeup and deeply cleanses.

The true test for me is whether or not a makeup remover cleanser works is:

“Does take off my eye lash primer and three to four coats of Estee Lauder’s Sumptuous Extreme mascara?”

This cleanser does. Rub, add water, rinse and shine like the stars above.

My other two go-to face cleansers that remove long-wearing makeup and mascara:

  1. Advanced Night Micro Cleanser Balm
  2. Perfectly Clean Triple-Action Cleanser/Toner/Makeup Remover

Click here for the pre-holiday stock-up event at my favorite luxury department store, Dillard’s, for details on how to score more when you buy.

Robe my own. But – Dillard’s did just gift me a new cozy wardrobe, including a poncho, and robe from the new Ugg loungewear collection. Plush features this month as I’m at home cozying up with @lakerrieslabpup planning — and prepping — for an unforgettable Holiday 2018. Which leads me to one last, quick point: All I want in my stocking are VIP Tickets to Kid Rock for Bash on the Bay and… the #glittermask Gravity Mud for a firmed up face via Marshmallow Leaf.