Tuesday, September 19, 2023

One Of My Many Jobs Was Front Desk Concierge At The Bridge Hotel In Boca Raton, Florida

*This post is dedicated to you, Bijoux, because I know how much you love sunshine and warmth!

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If I ever made a list of all the jobs (and careers) I've had in my life, it would be as long as the book 'Gone With the Wind' by Margaret Mitchell (1037 pages). And I could probably produce a one-hour 10-episode mini-series from all my jobs.

What can I say? I'm a Libra. And Libra's thrive on learning new things. We like to "dabble" in different occupations because we find so many occupations interesting. Libra is an "air" sign, so we need mental stimulation or we get bored. The only reason I'm still in the self-care beauty industry is because it is continually changing. Therefore, I'm always training and learning something new.

It's kind of like when I was an actor for over 30 years. As an actor, you are continually challenged with different roles, plays, musicals, and the "craft" itself. And even though as a stage actor you repeat the same show eight times a week, it's not the same show because each audience is different, so you have to adjust to the audience. Therefore, it's a different show every performance.

One of these days, when I have time, I'll try to think of every job I've had throughout my life so far and post the list on my blog, just so you can read it.

But for now, I'd like to share a time in my life when I worked in the hotel/hospitality industry in South Florida.

At that time, I was living in Boca Raton. If anyone has never heard of Boca Raton (or just "Boca" for short), it's the southernmost city in Palm Beach County. Boca truly has the most stunning tropical beaches - white, soft, meticulous sand, and tri-colored blue water that is crystal clear.

Once you live in South Florida, you get spoiled when it comes to beaches.

And although I'm beyond happy to be living back in the Northeast, I'm also beyond happy for the 20 years I spent living in Florida. Particularly my time at the beach, roasting in the sunshine. I know this is hard to believe, but I used to be a big-time beach bunny, always working on my tan. However, now, I'm the color of a marshmallow, forever working on repairing those 20 years of sun damage. LOL!

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One of my jobs was front desk concierge at a gorgeous hotel in Boca, along the intercoastal waterway. Back when I worked there (early 80s), it was called, The Boca Raton Bridge Hotel (opened in 1976), which is located next to the bridge that leads you across the intercoastal waterway to State Road A1A and the beach.

Originally, the hotel was privately owned by an Italian gentleman (Richard Dinallo) who was from New Jersey. But then in 2014, Hilton purchased it and changed the name to Waterstone Resort & Marina.

I clearly remember Mr. Dinallo being a man of few words. Yet, I could tell he had a very kind heart. He just didn't like to talk much. He had a stunning home (mansion) directly on the Boca beach but also had a room (suite) in the hotel. I can still recall his gruffy cigarette voice whenever he walked through the lobby and passed my desk. For some reason, he liked to call me Ronnie.

He: "Ronnie, do I have any messages?"

Me: "No, Mr. Dinallo. No messages."

He: "Thank you, Ronnie!"

And then up to his room, he would go.

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I would like to interject here and give you some history of how I got this concierge job, which is rather personal. So, shhhhhhh, please don't tell anyone, okay?

I had been working at a different hotel as a concierge when one day the manager of The Bridge Hotel came in to inquire if we could accommodate an overbooking at his hotel. He asked if we had available rooms for the next three days. Which we did. So I booked them. He thanked me and left.

About an hour later the front desk phone rang, so I picked it up. And guess what? It was the manager of The Bridge Hotel who thanked me for the accommodations and then asked me if I would be interested in coming to work for him at his hotel.

Two things:

1) I knew he was sincere about the job offer, which made me extremely happy because it would mean a step up in my hotel career.

2) I also sensed that he wanted to get to *know me better* because he was very flirty with me while he was at my hotel. But in all honesty, I was flirty with him too.

To make a long story short, I took the job, which eventually turned into the two of us dating and working together. I was apprehensive at first because I knew you shouldn't mix business with pleasure. However, we never allowed our dating to interfere with our working relationship.

Eventually, we both moved on to different jobs and amicably parted ways.

Later on in my job journey, I once again tried dating someone I worked with. But unfortunately, that didn't work out quite as amicably as the hotel manager.

It taught me a lesson though.

I NEVER dated anyone I worked with EVER again.

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About The Boca Raton Bridge Hotel -

Note: Boca Raton comes from the Spanish word boca, or mouth, which often describes an inlet, while Raton means literally, mouse. The term "mouse mouth" appeared on early maps, referring to hidden sharp-pointed rocks that gnawed or fretted ships' cables.

Odd name for such a beautiful place, hu?

Here is a photo of the Boca Raton inlet. Notice The Bridge Hotel to the left of the bridge. That's where I worked...

*(a view from the other side)

As I look at these photographs, a smile comes to my face because I recall just how much I loved living in Florida all those years...

Pool area...

Twilight view...

Dining room...

Rooms...

And because I love all things vintage, I would like to conclude this post with some Boca Raton vintage images...

Have a terrific rest of your week, everyone!

💗

*all photos found online

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Visiting Chinatown, K-Beauty Outlet, and Purchasing Snail Mucin

*This is not a sponsored review

As you know, I've been in the beauty industry (makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance) for over 35 years, so I'm used to hearing dramatic false claims about what a product promises. To be honest, most of those claims are B.S. That's why when I first heard about a skincare product that was made from snail mucin, not only did I almost throw up, I immediately thought to myself, "Oh, here we go again with another bullshit product."

And now, with social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, there is so much bullshit out there paying people to post 5-star reviews about a product, which makes me doubt product claims so much more. And trust me, I have people (primarily kids) coming into my store all day long, sticking their cell phones in my face and asking, "DO YOU CARRY THIS PRODUCT? I SAW IT ON TIKTOK."

One time I assisted a young girl (14 years old) who wanted me to show her where a specific retinol product was located in the store because she wanted to start using RETINOL. I said to her, "Sorry, but I won't sell you retinol, you're much too young to start using that product." And do you know what she did? She took the product off the shelf and purchased it anyway because a TikTok "influencer" told her she needed it.

Don't get me wrong, there are many positive things about social media. However, today you need to be extremely discerning about everything you are fed. I do a TON of research before I purchase something online. Particularly personal care products because that's my business.

So, after hearing about snail mucin for the past year and a half, I decided to seek some professional feedback from a dermatologist I follow on YouTube to see what he had to say.

I was shocked....he LOVED it and had nothing but great things to say. And since I respect his opinion, I chose to purchase the product and see for myself.

After Googling where I could purchase it here in Philadelphia, I found it in two different places. And since I hadn't been to Chinatown in years, I decided to take a walk over to the K-Beauty Outlet (which stands for Korean Beauty) and pick up a bottle of snail mucin. Which, by the way, was incredibly inexpensive ($25.00 for 3.38 ounces). I mean, even if I ended up hating it, the price was not anything I'd regret.

Most of you will be shocked to read this, but I've spent much more money on certain skincare products. There is one product I use that has a price tag of $180.00 for 1 ounce. However, I do get my employee discount, which is quite generous. I don't purchase a lot of skincare, but the things I do purchase are pricey because they are multitasking products. Besides, taking care of my skin (face and body) has always been important to me because I was at one time a licensed esthetician.

Okay, so let's talk about snail mucin.

Here is a photo I took of the bottle I purchased...

What is Snail Mucin? -

Quite literally, snail mucin is a snail’s secretion. You may also see it referred to as “snail secretion filtrate” (SSF) on the ingredient list of skin-care products.

Snail mucin is a complex mixture of proteins, enzymes, hyaluronic acid, copper peptides, antimicrobial peptides, iron, zinc, and proteoglycans.

And no, mucin doesn’t involve killing snails. Mucin is extracted from Giant African Land Snails which can grow up to 4cm long. They have been tested to make sure they are safe for humans. The snails are farmed rather than wild for quality purposes. Snail mucin is collected by keeping snails in a dark room and having them slide along a surface that can collect their slime, such as glass or mesh.

Yes, I know, that sounds gross. However, think about it, some people eat snails. Ewwwwwwww!

Skin Benefits of Snail Mucin -

Snail mucin contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hydrating, and wound-healing properties. There's even some early evidence to suggest that it could fight certain types of skin cancer.

- Fades dark spots and scars

- Improves skin texture

- Soothes damaged skin

- Intense hydration

- Promotes collagen production

- Aids in skin regeneration.

- Excellent for eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea

Safety -

- Snail mucin does not react with other ingredients.

- Is safe to use during pregnancy

How To Use -

After cleansing and toning, apply a small amount on your entire face (AM and PM). Gently pat (don't rub) using fingertips to aid absorption, and then apply your moisturizer.

My Feedback -

True, it does have a slimy, gooey feel at first. But once you apply it to your skin, it gets absorbed quickly, leaving no stickiness. In fact, it feels invisible - weightless.

Results -

What I noticed immediately was how hydrated and plump my skin felt and looked. It also decreased the redness in my face. I have some broken capillaries, which faded after using this product only a few times. Having lived in Florida for 20 years, I acquired a lot of sun damage. After using this product for two weeks, I noticed a decrease in the hyperpigmentation caused by the sun. It also made my skin texture very smooth and gave me an overall glow.

So yes, I found the results of this product impressive. And for the price point and quantity, even more impressive.

Now that the seasons are changing to much cooler/colder temperatures, this product will be ideal for keeping my skin super hydrated throughout the fall and winter months.

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I would like to conclude this post by sharing a few photos of Chinatown and the K-Beauty Outlet. The people who work in the store were very helpful and friendly. I had a great time!

All the products were so well-organized and nicely displayed...

Oh, and I also purchased these foot masks, which were only $3.00 each (on sale). They're fabulous!

Hope you enjoyed this product review and found it interesting and helpful.

Have a great rest of your week, everyone! 💖

Links:

Cosrx Snail 96 Mucin Website

All About Snail Secretion And Its Skincare Benefits

Places to purchase Cosrx Snail 96 Mucin:

Wednesday, September 06, 2023

Reflection Photography

I hope everyone had a fantastic Labor Day weekend.

Mine was wonderfully quiet because practically everyone in Philadelphia goes out to the Jersey shore for one last summer hurrah on Labor Day, leaving the city sparsely populated.

As you all know, summer is my least favorite season; therefore, I'm always ecstatically happy when it concludes. However, I will say, that this summer flew by very fast and it was not nearly as hot and humid as past summers. Although, this week feels like I'm sitting in hell with Satan. Starting Monday, the temperature skyrocketed into the 90s with intense humidity. And it's supposed to be like that all this week. Today, (Wednesday) will be the hottest at 98. That's okay though because after this week, it drops back down into the low 70s.

Hallelujah, baby Jesus!

I can't wait to start making hearty autumn soups with warm bread, the taste of pumpkin butter, the smell and sound of fallen leaves beneath my feet, and wearing black turtlenecks.

*doing the happy autumn dance*

Anyhoo, today I would like to share a few photographs I took over the past three weeks. My focus was reflections.

I so enjoyed walking around the city looking up, down, and all around, capturing them.

Please enjoy!

I would like to conclude with some cat humor.

I spotted this photograph on Instagram. And being the cat lover I am, fell in love with that cute little furry face peeking through the leaves!

Later that same day (I kid you not), I spotted this graphic on my Bitmoji account and immediately thought, "OMG...this photo is identical!

Viola! A cat reflection.

Well, kinda sorta.

Personally, I think the cat is cuter...

Meow!

Wishing you a reflective week, folks!💖

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Our Seven Energy Chakras And How They Affect The Body, Mind, And Spirit

I became interested in the chakra system back in the mid-80s. I honestly can't remember how or why. But what I do know is that the minute I started reading about it, practicing it, and feeling the positive results, I knew it would be something I'd practice for the rest of my life. Which I do.

It's been such a valuable tool that has helped me not only through some pretty rough times in my life, but a practice that has given me a clearer understanding of just how much living my life involves energy, and how I use it.

Even as a small child, I was very sensitive to energy. So when I discovered the chakra system and how it worked, it instantly felt familiar to me.

I can always tell when one or more of my chakras are blocked because I feel it not only as a physical sensation but as a mental/emotional sensation as well. Something feels off. That's when I know I need to go within and do some chakra clearing.

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The Chakra System -

The word chakra (pronounced chaa-kruh) is Sanskrit meaning: "wheel" or "vortex" of energy.

Within the subtle energetic anatomy of the human body (pictured above), seven major chakras run from the crown of the head to the base of the spine. They each represent different aspects of our being.

Energy is the fuel of life. And it's all around us.

Example: Have you ever walked into a large group of people either at a party or restaurant and instantly felt the "vibe" of the place? Well, that's energy. It may be invisible to the eyes, yet it's very tangible to our energetic system.

Throughout the day, we are bombarded with various energy levels of people who interact with us. This explains why when around certain people we feel really good and others not so good. Have you ever had a feeling about something in your "gut"? That too is energy.

For the most part, we unconsciously absorb energy without ever being discerning. All that energy becomes a part of our own system; either energizing or draining us.

Chakras are the portals through which energy is assimilated. Simply put, chakras are like spinning wheels that absorb, process, and then distribute the energy so that it may be used for the betterment of our health.

The human body has 114 chakras, but only seven of these are considered fundamental chakras. These chakras start at the base of our spine and go all the way to the top of our head. For a balanced person, these seven chakras provide the right amount of energy to the body, mind, and spirit. However, through illness, extreme stress, emotional trauma, and life experiences, our chakras may become imbalanced and blocked.

I believe that the body is a reflection of the mind, and that the mind is a reflection of the body. And that the mind and body are a reflection of the spirit. All three are intertwined.

The Seven Chakras

(7th) Crown Chakra

Function: Located at the top of the head, the crown chakra governs spirituality and consciousness. It is associated with the brain and our entire nervous system. It guides our communication with higher consciousness and inner awareness.

Color: Violet
Organ: Pineal gland

(6th) Third Eye Chakra

Function: Located on the forehead, between the eyebrows. The function of this chakra is driven by openness and imagination. The third eye chakra is also associated with intuition, foresight, intellect, and clairvoyance.

Color: Indigo
Organ: Pituitary gland

(5th) Throat Chakra

Function: Located at the center of the neck, it is the passage of energy between the lower parts of the body and the head. The throat chakra is associated with the principle of self-expression, truth, and communication.

*Example: Whenever I don't express myself clearly, or resist speaking my truth, my throat will very often become tight, congested, and sore. I know that my chakra is trying to get my attention to speak up. And once I do, my throat relaxes. When I was still doing theater and performing onstage, I'd focus (and breathe) specifically into this chakra because it would relax my throat before I had to sing.

Color: Blue
Organs: Throat, thyroid gland

(4th) Heart Chakra

Function: Located behind the center of the chest, the heart chakra makes us feel connected to the universe. It is also associated with love, compassion, wisdom, trust, forgiveness, generosity, and openness to others

Color: Green
Organs: Heart, thymus gland, lungs

(3rd) Solar Plexus Chakra

Function: Located in the upper part of our belly, the solar plexus chakra brings motion to our thoughts to realize personal desires and intentions in the world. It is associated with self-esteem, self-confidence, action, personal power, strength, and control.

Example: Think of a time when you felt nervous and out of control. You'll recall that you felt it directly within the solar plexus. That is what's known as "butterflies in my stomach".

Color: Yellow
Organs: Stomach, liver, pancreas, solar plexus

(2nd) Sacral Chakra

Function: Located three inches below the navel, the sacral chakra is the center of our feelings and emotions. It is associated with desire, procreation, sexuality, emotions, pleasure, and creativity.

Color: Orange
Organs: Reproductive organs, kidneys, legs

(1st) Root Chakra

Function: Located at the base of the spine, the root chakra is based on the earth element. It is associated with survival, financial independence, stability, and security.

Color: Red
Organs: Adrenal glands, bladder, genitals, spine, feet

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Each chakra is also correlated with various gemstones.

Take a look...

(right to left)

Crown: Amethyst

Third Eye: Sodalite

Throat: Amazonite

Heart: Green Fluorite

Solar Plexus: Tiger Eye

Sacral: Carnelian

Root: Garnet

I try to do a 15-minute chakra meditation 2-3 times a week to keep my chakras open and free-flowing. It truly makes a difference in how balanced I feel throughout the week.

Hope you found this post interesting and informative.

Wishing you a fabulous week, everyone!💖

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*Listed below are several websites where you can find out more about chakras and gemstones.

-A Beginner's Guide To The 7 Chakras + How To Unblock Them

-A Beginner’s Guide to the Chakras

-The Healing Power of Gemstones

Video: This video was created by actress, Shirley MacLaine, in which she explains the chakra system, and then takes you through a chakra meditation. This was the video (VHS tape) I used when starting out. It's excellent!

-Shirley MacLaine - Inner Workout Chakra Meditation

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