ENCHANTÉ

If you've never been to New Mexico, you're missing out.

Dubbed "The Land Of Enchantment" this beautiful southwest spot definitely lives up to it's name, with gold and watermelon sunsets and a sky full of stars.

Not only does it sport the wonderful capital of Santa Fe, but there is a certain charm to Old Town in Albuquerque.

I had a chance to visit a few months ago, and was impressed by the galleries that it has to offer.

One that caught my interest was GhostWolf Gallery, where I  had the chance to meet with local artists.

Tucked into a cozy corner, one feels the ambiance of walking into a friend's home with speciality pieces made to make you immediately smile.

Usually, there is an art crawl or special event going on, a chance to do a little champagne or wine tasting, and mingle with the creators of copper, clay, and canvas works.

There's plenty to catch the eye as one strolls from room to room, and always a bright blue sky to gaze up at while meandering the patio outdoors.

I was able to chat with Amy M. Ditto, Owner about her work and the pieces that she is most proud of.Hearing her speak, you can really pick up on  the energy of her creations.

Amy's favorite work is her "Dia de los Moo-uertos" the poster, which to her surprise, won at the Rio Grande Arts & Crafts Festival. Another favorite piece (mine too) is "Meanwhile Back In Kansas" which depicts a very calm "Dorothy" during the raging storm.

This piece is printed on dye infused aluminum, and gets rave reviews from everyone. There are so many who see this as a symbol of strength.

The Gallery is open from 11am-6pm, and is closed on Tuesdays.

If you're traveling anytime through the southwest, be sure to put this on your "to do list". The memories and the warm atmosphere of friends gathering will last forever.

Until next time~
Hearts and Hugs
BellevueGrl

Photo Credits: Elaine Hamilton
All photos are property of the blog owner, and may not be used without permission.
BellevueGrl Productions, 2011.

" READY TO PAAARTY "

What's a birthday without a few glam presents, right?

Especially when the treats come from Tarte and Sephora! This years #BeautyInsider treat from Sephora was this fabulous duo.

Inside is a full size Amazonian Clay 12 hour blush in a limited edition shade "Paaarty" which is a peachy nude shade, teamed with a mini tarteist creamy lip paint in "Birthday Suit" a sweet confection of peach and beige.

This set is perfect for the gal on the go (like me!)

Grab yours at Sephora, and get ready to dazzle. #BeautyInsider membership is free, and you can earn points per purchase for all kinds of treasures.

"Paaarty on! "

Until next time~
Hearts and Hugs
BellevueGrl

Photo Credits:
All photos are property of the blog owner, and may not be used without permission.
BellevueGrl Productions, 2011.

"IT'S IN THE JEANS"

If you don't have a denim jacket as part of your wardrobe,grab one!
I adore the versatility of this Old Navy distressed denim jacket.


Shown here is New Medium Authentic for $36.94 view at:http://oldnavy.gap.com

This jacket will pair with anything for those cool,breezy days or evenings.Dress up or down,shorts,slacks,sundresses or even a little black knit dress ,add sneakers or your favorite sandals.

There's plenty of choices out there from Maurice's ($39.00) to Free People.
Try the Ex-Boyfriend Trucker Denim Jacket for $98.00  log onto www.freepeople.com for further information.

These styles are pack-able,toss-able,easy wearing! Grab your sunnies and go!

I feel a summer road trip coming on!

Until next time~
Hearts and Hugs
BellevueGrl

Photo Credits:
All photos are property of the blog owner, and may not be used without permission.
BellevueGrl Productions, 2011.

THESE LIFE LESSONS

I posted a portion of this the other day on Facebook,but knowing me,I had more to add to this story,and the writer in me simply had to expand on those ideas. It is a bit like an earworm,something just tells you to keep on writing.

On Life...

You never really know how precious and short life is until you are faced with almost losing it. People can tell you a million times,but unless you are forced to step into those shoes,we remain blind. Cherish those that you care for,tell them every day how much they mean to you. Find the words,the time,to let them know. Even if you feel silly.Don't waste a moment. Celebrate life,even if it's one small thing a day.Celebrate love,it returns what we give to it.Never take it for granted. Celebrate friends and family,because that is our greatest treasure.Take the time to "smell the roses" because you might not be here the next day to do so. Enjoy the wind in your hair,the sun on your face,the smell of the rain,the starlight after the clouds have passed. Find room in your heart to make others who are hurting smile,you never know whose life you may touch!

On Love:

Often,we are too afraid to accept love,as if we are afraid that the real thing would be our un-doing.We are afraid of the cost,of hurting someone,when instead we should be embracing that connection,that welcoming smile,the comfort in knowing that someone else will stand beside you through thick and thin,have your back,see you through your visions,and help you achieve your dreams. That uncanny connection is there for a reason.Trust it! If they haven't walked away through the tough times,they arent going to. They are a foundation,a sounding board,and a forever friend. When something is right,no distance,time,no amount of good times or bad will change that.


On Our Heart:

We are so used to rejection, so used to having people take advantage,that we almost accept that as a norm,that when we find acceptance,we are scared of it. What we dont see is that that person,or those people are brought into our lives for that very purpose of re-connecting our souls,our hearts back to the universe,bringing joy,laughter and purpose into our lives,inspiring us to think,often to think beyond ourselves,and to reach out to others in turn. At least the right person should do that,inspire us to become better versions of ourselves.

Compassion is always in fashion!

Until next time~
Hearts and Hugs
BellevueGrl

Photo Credits:
All photos are property of the blog owner, and may not be used without permission.
BellevueGrl Productions, 2011.

"YOU GLO GIRL"

Get ready for the warmer months ahead with these no-sun tips for a healthy glow ...

Start by Faking It! Use a self tanner for a few nights before you go to sleep to wake up with a fresh,hint of color.

Apply loose powder makeup two levels darker than your usual shade to give a healthy "spent the day at the beach" look.

Shown here, Laura Geller in Golden Rose and Honeysuckle ,and Baked Blush-N-Brighten in Tropical Hues.

Try adding a peach or rosy blush to your makeup,sweep a highlighter just slightly above your cheekbones,and brush over shoulders and collar-bone.

 Extend the life of your natural tan by applying a tiny bit of Tantalizer by LORAC to your temple,forehead,cheekbones,and bridge of nose. Think where the sun would naturally "hit",blend well.

 What are you waiting for? Get "Glowing!"

Until next time~
Hearts and Hugs
BellevueGrl

Photo Credits:
All photos are property of the blog owner, and may not be used without permission.
BellevueGrl Productions, 2011.

HAND IN HAND

I absolutely fell in love with this hand cream! Everything from the lovely packaging to the incredible smell,even the paper insert inside the box smelled  heavenly.

I was asked to review this product by the folks over at Beautystat.com,and couldn't have been happier with the results.


I have used this for over a week now,and my hands feel soft,and comfortable. I really adore the surge of moisture that it gives my hands at the end of the day. I keep this one in my bag so that whenever I need a little lift I can reach for it!

I didn't expect this to smell so wonderful! The Prickly Pear and Moringa go hand in hand so well! The price for such a large tube is so affordable, you will want to keep more than one ready for use.
($24.00 at https://www.ahava.com/mineral-hand-cream-prickly-pear-moringa )

For all things beautiful,stop by Beautystat.com

Until next time~
Hearts and Hugs
BellevueGrl

*** Disclaimer***
This was a sponsored post by Beautystat.com. All opinions are my own.
Photo Credits:
All photos are property of the blog owner, and may not be used without permission.
BellevueGrl Productions, 2011.

YOU KEEP "LIFTING" ME

Leave it again to the great plant power of AHAVA!

I was asked to review this product from Ahava,courtesy of the folks over at Beautystat.I was simply delighted with the results!

 I love the non-sticky formula! It left my skin feeling soft and smooth,even with just one application,after a few days of use,my skin did feel a little more "lifted".

The scent was floral,not overpowering,just fresh and light,and the consistency of the cream was fluffy and generous! It felt luxurious slipping on,and I could get dressed right away,no waiting for the cream to sink in. No harsh chemical smell, great for my super sensitive skin!

 I would definitely purchase this product again! Oh,and the tube size is huge,this will last a long time! (Firming Body Cream $42.00)

For more information,please go tohttps://www.ahava.com/firming-body-cream  and for all things beauty,hop over to Beautystat.com


Until next time~
Hearts and Hugs
BellevueGrl

*** Disclaimer***
This was a sponsored post by Beautystat.com. All opinions are my own.
Photo Credits:
All photos are property of the blog owner, and may not be used without permission.
BellevueGrl Productions, 2011.