Without taking an official poll, it does seem that DiorShow Iconic mascara enjoys a rabid, cult-like following second only to the pink and green tube. I’ve been a huge fan of Iconic for several years now. Every time I try to find a mascara that meets or exceeds my high expectations set by Iconic, it never works out. DiorShow Iconic lasts a long time, doesn’t flake, doesn’t clump, gives good lash separation, it’s highly pigmented, very layer-able, need I go on?
In my lifetime, I may have had hundreds of trips to nail salons, nail spas, salons and spas that offer nail services, cosmetology schools that teach nail services, etc. but I can honestly say that on New Year’s Eve, I had the best manicure and pedicure of my life! Let’s back up a little: A few weeks ago, I was actually able to have a latte “for here” at Ghostlight Coffee with my sister. As we were looking around at all the cool stuff to look at in Ghostlight, I found a card for an organic spa called Dual Expressions: an Organic Salon for Faces, Hands, and Feet. I was impressed that this spa offered any organic services at all but that they also perform nail services? I wasn’t expecting to ever see that on a card on a coffee shop community board – in Dayton. So I called and scheduled an appointment for a mani/pedi on New Year’s Eve before a big party my husband and I were throwing in hopes that I would look great for the evening and maybe get some me time to relax before the shindig.
Arriving at Dual Expressions, I met Kelly and some of her helpers and I was immediately struck by how well they had worked with a small space to create a calm and relaxing environment without making the customer feel claustrophobic. They accomplished this by utilizing smaller furniture and making the pedicure stations perpendicular to the front door. Speaking of the pedicure stations, Kelly made the bold decision to do away with the traditional ultra-shiny glitter, chrome, and plastic throne of most nail salons, opting instead for a lush wicker swing. Basically, rather than feeling like you’re getting your nails done, you end up feeling like you’re just enjoying a glass of wine on the veranda on a summer day. The services are personalized to you based on your preferences – I chose grapefruit oil for my pedicure to help get me energized for the party.
I left Dual Expressions feeling completely calm and relaxed and my nails looked amazing, I can’t wait to go back!
I apologize for the fuzzy iphone photos, I was trying to be stealthy. Except for the last one, I was trying to show how awesome the glitter looked for NYE.
Dual Expressions 931 A Shroyer Road Dayton, OH 45419 937-298-3825During my short time on the Vandalia Cultural Arts Committee, I met Guustie Alvarado, a glass artist living in Vandalia, Ohio. She makes beautiful glass jewelry and artwork and sells it at fairs and festivals around the Greater Dayton Area.
When I met Guustie, she was actually creating some new pieces by using a blow torch to heat colored glass rods she had previously made in her studio. When a bit dropped off, she would cut it loose and drop it into a special material to allow it to cool for several hours. The whole ordeal was hypnotic.
Here are some of the pieces that I wear several times a week – made by Guustie:
When asked about her jewelry, Guustie explains that what she creates is formed by heat and gravity – natural forces. Her one-of-a-kind pieces would make great gifts for fans of physics or anyone else for that matter.
This bracelet by A Little Hamster is the cutest bracelet I have ever seen! I wish I could justify spending any money whatsoever right now but unfortunately, I can’t :(
As soon as I get $41.34 of fun money, this little treasure belongs to me.
– one of my husband’s coworkers at DML18
So very true!
girl about town 