Be Sugar & Swank

Spa Mercer Island - Facials, Waxing, Ear Piercing

2010-05-25T10:07:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a spa on Mercer Island? A place to rest? A calm retreat where you'll be cared for and pampered? Visit Sugar & Swank Skincare Spa, Bellevue and Seattle's best kept spa secret. We are just 7 minutes from both downtown Bellevue and downtown Seattle and have convenient and free parking!

What's more, Jennifer Muscatel and Natalie Sample, both licensed estheticians, will soothe you with the most relaxing treatments. Treatments that provide long-lasting and effective results.

Here is Sugar & Swank's most updated spa menu:

Facials:

The needs of the skin change daily which is why Sugar & Swank will diagnose your skin at each appointment in order to target just exactly what it needs. Sometimes the goal may be the same, sometimes different. Whatever the case, you can count on getting a facial
especially customized for your skin at every visit.

Teen Facial - $75
Teen Facial with Peel - $90
Customized Facial - $90
Customized Peel - $90
The Big Event Facial - $110
Includes a Customized Peel

Packages:
6 Facials - $420
6 Peels - $420
3 Teen Facials - $195

Waxing

Brow - $20
Series of 12 - $15/each
Lip - $15
Series of 12 - $10/each
Brow & Lip - $30
Brow Tweezing - $25
Lash Tinting - $30
Brow Tinting - $20
Lash & Brow Tinting - $45
Nostrils - $15
Ears - $15
Chin or Jaw Line - $20
Cheeks or Sideburns - $25
Full Face - $50
Bikini - $40
Extended Bikini - $55
Brazilian - $70
Tushie - $35
Half-Leg - $45
Full-Leg - $75
Half-Arm - $30
Full-Arm - $60
Hand/Fingers - $20
Feet/Toes - $20
Men’s Back Wax - $50
Men’s Chest/Abdomen - $50
Men’s Bikini - $40
Men’s Brazilian - $75

Make-Up

Make-Up Application - $50
(Fee Can be put toward product)
Make-Up Lesson - $50
(Fee Can be put toward product)
Teenage Make-Up Application - $35
Custom Blended Mineral Foundation - $60
Eye Shadow - $15
Blush - $20
Lip Gloss - $18
Mascara - $18
Brow Gel - $18
Brow Powder - $15
Large Kabuki Brush - $30
Baby Buki - $20
Flip Brush - $25
Angle Brush - $20
Other Brushes Available - Prices Vary

Ear Piercing - $50

Living Social

2010-05-25T09:57:00.000-07:00

Mercer Island's Sugar & Swank Skincare Spa is being featured today on Living Social!

Visit: www.livingsocial.com to purchase your deal. See below for the details!

Sugar and Swank
60-Minute Facial

$45 BUY!
50% savings
You know the rhyme: sugar and spice and everything nice. As for sugar and swank? You can take that to the bank -- especially thanks to today’s deal. Get a one-hour facial for just $45 (that’s a $90 value) at Sugar and Swank, Mercer Island's best skincare spa. (One Citysearch reviewer calls owner Jennifer Muscatel the “Teen Whisperer,” saying her angst-ridden teenagers “arrive sulking and full of zits and leave giddy with clear skin.”) But no matter your age, your face will beam thanks to Muscatel’s handiwork: each facial includes cleansing, restoration of the skin’s pH; exfoliation; hydration; an extensive massage of the face, neck, and décolleté; and a sugary foot soak sprinkled with flower petals. Just think of a Sugar and Swank facial like chugging Gatorade after an intense workout -- or, er, the morning after a long night -- for your thirsty skin.

Welcome to Natalie Sample

2010-05-25T09:49:00.001-07:00

Mercer Island's Sugar & Swank Skincare spa - the Eastside's best kept secret for facials, waxing and ear piercing - has a new employee!

Meet Natalie Sample!
Like me, Natalie is also a graduate of The European Institute of Skincare. I invited her to join Sugar & Swank because of her natural ability to effectively diagnose skin and her excellent approach to caring for clients. Natalie has struggled with acne in the past and chose this profession in hopes of assisting others with their skincare battles. She strongly recommends her clients follow a good homecare regime, in addition to getting regular facials, in order to achieve and maintain a flawless complexion. Waxing is a passion of Natalie's, so if you're hoping to get your legs smooth, your bikini bare or your brows arched, Natalie is amazing.

City Search Video

2009-11-10T18:31:00.001-08:00

A Surreal Moment on the 520 Bridge

2009-10-08T09:52:00.001-07:00

Last week I was driving across the 520 bridge from Seattle to Bellevue. The wind was unreal. You could feel its pressure on the car and the lake looked like an ocean during a storm. Sloshing white caps were flinging spray onto windshields.

Up ahead, maybe 5 cars, a ladder suddenly blew off the top of a truck and landed perpindicular to the roadway. Drivers had to make a split second decision and were choosing to swerve around the ladder in order to avoid an accident. But how long could this go on before someone got hurt?

I checked my rearview mirror and saw I had some room between me and the car behind me. I slowed to a stop and the woman behind slowed as well. I got out of my car (on 520!) and motioned for the other lane of traffic to stop. Once it did I hurried to pick up the ladder and carry it off to the side. I had to go back a few more times to collect smaller pieces that had broken off in the fall.

Someone yelled out a thank you and when I looked back I could see rows and rows of cars lined up on the bridge waiting for me to finish. It was such a surreal moment.

I don't want to toot my own horn because if you read my "Dear Anne" blog below you'll learn that I once got in trouble for tooting my horn. But on the other hand, I am pretty proud of myself! Hopefully I helped save someone from either an accident or just an expensive bill from Les Schwab.

Samurai is Strong

2009-10-08T09:39:00.000-07:00

It is time for me to write a few blogs, but tongue in cheek thoughts regarding all the waxing, facials, anti-aging and acne treatments that can be found at some spa on Mercer Island seem just a little unimportant after reading my friend's blog about her son Sam's fight against cancer.

I've known my friend, Jodilyn Owen, since we were babies and have watched her turn into a remarkable woman. Her dedication to her children, husband, extended family and friends is truly beyond compare. She, along with her amazing husband, Benjy, has been fighting for her son's life in a way you only hope you would if, heaven forbid, it was happening to you. And now, when it is most bleak and she's hoping for a miracle, she is demonstrating such grace. And gratefulness for the time she's had with Sam and the time she still has with him.

And talk about grace. Sam is a wonder! An example to all of us. He's a samurai. He's Samurai Strong!

I wish them a miracle. I wish them a miracle. I wish them a miracle. Wish them one too, please.

Goodbye Uncle Stanley

2009-08-31T17:49:00.001-07:00

I haven't written a blog in awhile. I haven't been feeling very Sugary or Swanky. My uncle was diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer in early July and the family has devoted the past two months to his comfort and care. Sadly, he lost the fight on August 21st. I'm not quite back to myself yet, but I will be soon. Thanks to everyone for their love and support.

Dear Anne

2009-08-31T16:59:00.000-07:00

Today as my son and I drove down Bellevue way in my well-marked Sugar & Swank Mobile we watched a car abruptly change lanes and cut off another driver, almost causing an accident. Moments later the same car suddenly slowed to well below the speed limit. The driver behind (the same driver who was cut off just moments before) had to think quickly so as not to rear end Nutty Driver. Unfortunately, his best choice was to veer into my lane, almost running into me. I honked once at Nutty Driver. Then, as she (at this point I saw Nutty Driver was female) pulled into the Bellevue Park & Ride, I honked again. I was scared, shaken and shocked at her neglectful driving behavior. She almost caused three major accidents within seconds.

Then I got this e-mail:

Comments: If you hope to promote your business in a positive way, perhaps you should use better judgement whilst driving around in your logoed van. Honking your horn once to show annoyance is a gracious plenty! You scared me by laying on the horn to a driver, then you did it again as you passed the car. I was in the middle of changing lanes and felt like blaring my horn at you! You write in your blog about how you so selflessly go to hospitals for others' cancer treatments. I was headed in for mine and already stressed enough. Please be a sugar and show a little restraint in the future.

The essential message in this email is honest and makes sense. In honking at someone who was frightening me I in turn frightened someone else. But the writer suffocated this important lesson under oozing, toxic, judgmental, mean-spirited sarcasm, causing me to focus less on her message and more on how unkind she is.

Too bad she didn't have all the facts. Too bad, as well, she didn't provide an email address so that I could apologize and explain. If she reads my blog again maybe she'll see this and know that, even though it was buried under hate, I did get her message. Of course, she twisted me going to visit friends and family at the hospital into something bad (That part just makes me want to cry - especially since we laid my uncle to rest exactly one week ago today.) so she's likely to misinterpret me again.

In any case, next time she's upset with someone I would suggest skipping the hurtful words and just saying, clearly, what she means. It is a lot more effective.

A Sugar & Swank History Lesson

2009-08-07T20:20:00.000-07:00

While married I was happily able to live my dream of being a stay-at-home mom. But once I got divorced in 2001, staying home with my son was no longer possible. Out into the workforce I went, leaving my sweet baby boy in the care of others. I actually didn't mind working - I enjoyed using my brain. But I absolutely hated the fact that my son and I had gone from spending all day together to being apart for the majority of it.

For several years there was no way around it - I had to work and that meant working for others. I always felt I did neither my professional job nor my mommy job well enough because I could never give either 100%. My boss would say, "I need you here right at 8 am. I consider 8:05 late." Or, "Isn't there someone else who can stay home with your son when he's sick?" And my favorite: "Jennifer, you're not detail oriented."

I wanted to say, "I leave my sleeping son with a nanny at 7:15 am, before he's even awake, and fight horrible traffic to get here by 8. So it might be 8:05. Nope, there's no one else he can stay with when he's sick. And you would literally topple over if you had to balance the details I successfully manage on a regular basis. I'm just much better at managing said details when they benefit me rather than you." But I didn't fight back until 2006.

That's when I had enough and decided it was time to work for myself. My biggest goal in doing so was to have the ability to drive my son to and from school on my own. And I'm happy to say that by creating Sugar & Swank Skincare I consistently meet this goal. Even more, I also get to volunteer in my son's classroom, help out in the school's office, go on field trips and drive the carpool.

So what else do I strive for with regards to my career? In addition to offering the most effective treatments possible, Sugar & Swank strives to be a place where women can take a break for a moment and have their chance to be nurtured.

But after being a single mom for such a long time I know firsthand how hard it is to get to the spa. So if your son is in the hospital with cancer and you want a brow wax I'll bring the wax to you. If you can't drive due to a fall I'll come over to custom blend make-up right in your kitchen. I've done facials on women while they've breastfed and have fed and rocked babies while massaging their mom's shoulders. Today while I gave his mom a bikini wax a four-year-old watched Spongebob on my I-Pod and played with the toys I stash under my spa bed. It was the only "me time" she was going to get, so we made it work!

I always admire those who perservere in times of difficulty. I always wonder how I'd handle those times, and in writing this blog I see that I was actually faced with such challenges and pushed through until I created a new and better situation. Not just a situation, but a lifestyle. I am not just being. I am being Sugar & Swank.

You can do it too. Go after your dreams, my friends. Make it happen. I know you can.

And in the meantime, take care . . . of yourself.

Sunscreen Extreme

2009-08-07T13:22:00.000-07:00

The two pictures above speak louder than any words I could ever write. Maybe, just maybe, I used to like laying out in the sun a little bit too much. I was never the girl slathering on baby oil while lying atop a reflective beach blanket. Nope, no Crisco and foil for me. I thought I was much smarter to catch the sun's love while floating in the ocean (um, also reflective) from a comfy raft while wearing absolutely no sunscreen at all. Oh, and then maintaining my natural tan with daily fake-n-bake visits to the tanning salon.

If going to skin care school and learning about the damage the sun can cause the skin didn't cure me of my sun-tanning addiction I'd say getting diagnosed with pre-melanoma on my left shin - two different times - nipped any residual desire in the bud. Yeah, you can look at that picture too. What a pretty shin I have now.

These days you won't find me in the sun at all. In fact, now you'll find me in a pleasant spot in the shade, lathered in sunscreen, wearing a light sweater and a floppy hat.

The recent warm weather in Seattle plus a recent trip to Hawaii has made me even more of a sunscreen expert. So in addition to staying well-shaded and covered up, let me share a couple personally tested tips.

Sunless Spray Tanning - Get the suntanned look without the sun. Wendy Smith of Divine Tan comes right to your home to spray you with the most natural, even, odor-free, sunless spray tan imaginable. Plus she's a freak about chemicals so she uses the most organic products she can find. www.divinetan.com

Super Duper Sunscreen - I use Dermaware's Screenplay on a daily basis. It is an SPF 30, contains zinc and titanium dioxide which absorb the sun's rays and reflect them like a mirror, and lasts all day!

Custom Blended Mineral Make-Up - Sugar & Swank's custom blended mineral make-up has a natural SPF 26 and literally reflects the sun away from the skin like a mirror. Not only does it last all day, but it gets more and more creamy and dewy the longer you wear it. It isn't 100% waterproof, but it lasts well in the water as long as you don't directly rub it off with your hands or a towel.

Before 10 and After 4
Let's face it, staying entirely outside of the sun isn't much fun. Experts say that before 10 am and after 4 pm are the safest hours to be outside, so simply try get things done in the early morning or late afternoon. Even more important, skip noontime outdoor activities that put you directly in the sun.

Post-Sun Peel Party - Don't worry if you got too much sun. Just come into Sugar & Swank for a peel at the end of summer to help eliminate the damage. Look at the difference in my skin after I started peeling regularly. (Plus an "after" picture of me which shows what a difference the custom blended minerals make.)

Follow Up to Lifestyle Managment Lesson 1

2009-08-06T17:10:00.000-07:00

Just a little follow-up to my previous blog:

There will be no snuggling with my son while watching movies. He came home tired, just had a mini-fit and was sent to his room. But part of being Sugar & Swank is being OK with drawing lines with our kids. Be firm and strong! Positive Discipline will make them into better adults.

Have a good evening!

Lifestyle Management Lesson 1

2009-08-06T14:50:00.000-07:00

OK. So in my blog below I mention wanting to help people who are so spread thin from giving to others they have no time for themselves. One of the first things I'd recommend to them is actually carving out and scheduling downtime. No excuses. For some this might be harder than for others, but even if you can only sneak in five minutes once a day you gotta do it. Sometimes guilt might stop you, as though time away will make you a bad parent, spouse, friend, family member or employee. But the truth is, time off will make you better at any role you take on.

As Sugar & Swank's representative I need to model the same, right? What kind of hypocrite would I be if I went around caring continually for others with no time for myself? Plus, if I don't get a break I get really crabby. And no surprise, I'm way more present and agreeable upon my return.

I don't have a problem taking time for myself. My problem is that I tend to take it about three minutes and twenty seconds after blowing a gasket. So I've been working on taking it earlier rather than "Oops. Too late!"

This new approach to preserving my mental sanity has been really importantl as of late because I have some very sick relatives I'm trying to care for while still being a good wife, mom and business owner. So today, instead of using my free time to visit Grandma at her nursing home I took care of immediate responsibilities (making breakfast for my dog and son, feeding and showering myself, getting my son to camp)and then got back in bed to watch TV.

To me, a day in bed catching up on Tivo is a total luxury. And I knew I needed it when the thought of seeing a Chick Flick or getting a spa treatment for myself seemed like too much.

Camp's almost over now, which means my day in bed is almost over too. Who knows, I might be able to extend my lazy day by talking my son into cuddling up to watch a movie for a bit once he's home.

Either way, I won't just be. I'll be Sugar & Swank.

Back to the Not-So-Basics

2009-08-06T14:00:00.001-07:00

Back in October, 2006, when I launched my business I decided to call it Sugar & Swank Lifestyle Management. I felt I could offer my clients more than just help with their skin and wanted to teach them how to live a Sugar & Swank lifestyle. My tagline was, "Don't Just Be. Be Sugar & Swank." (That's how my website became www.BEsugarandswank.com, not just www.sugarandswank.com.) Basically this meant teaching my clients ways to love, respect and care for themselves better.

Sugar & Swank's philosophy has never changed. But as Sugar & Swank's evolved over the years I've come to market "lifestyle management" less and skincare more:

Custom Blended Make-Up
Waxing
Facials
Body Scrubs
Ear Piercing

And oh how I love these aspects of my Sugar & Swank. I mean it! I get to care for others while listening to soothing music in a cozy, yummy smelling room filled with my favorite decor.

But it is time to go back to the basics. Well, the no-so-basic-basics. I'm tired of people believing they are not good enough. I'm tired of people believing they are somehow failing someone or something in their lives. I'm tired of people believing they aren't worthy of love or respect. I want to care for people who are so spread thin giving to others they can't find a moment for themselves. I want to tell people to stop hating how they look. I want to tell people to stop hating their bodies - how can you hate your body when your heart pumps and your lungs expand and contract? And getting old is beautiful! Embrace it! In fact, embrace whatever it is that your hung-up on!

But I know it isn't so easy. And I hope I can help with the process by offering bits of advice and from spilling the beans on my own struggles.

From here on out you will notice my blogs once again reflecting the Sugar & Swank lifestyle.

In the meantime, take care . . . of yourself. And Don't Just Be. Be Sugar & Swank.

Sick of City SearchI

2009-06-19T09:25:00.000-07:00

How many people use City Search to, um, well . . . search their city? I don't. I use Google. But City Search statistics show a lot of people use City Search. I know, big shocker. But truth be told, often when I Google something I wind up on a City Search review. And in my process to get Sugar & Swank better placement on Google (see my previous blog) I did a lot of googling and saw a lot of spas were on City Search. I figured it was time for Sugar & Swank to have a page, as well.

My first meeting with City Search was on May 12th. At first it was rush, rush, rush. We'll have your page up in no time if you get us this and get us that! So I did. But then nothing happened.

"Oh, we're sorry, the new girl keyed your information in wrong."
"Oh, we're sorry, this never happens but they lost all your pictures."
"Oh, we're sorry, but because of the holiday weekend (MEMORIAL DAY!) things are backed up."

You get the point.

Finally everything was a go! Emails from City Search rolled in to let me know the good news . . . I could find Sugar & Swank on their site! They weren't lying. There I was. But they chose the wrong main picture. Instead of using one that showed off the calming spa atmosphere they chose the pdf of the banner hanging in the window of Sugar & Swank. And it wasn't even the whole picture, it was cut off so you couldn't read any of it.

OK. So fine. The picture was a bad choice. I could get over that. But when I clicked on it, instead of going to the Sugar & Swank profile page with reviews and descriptions it simply went to my website. Also fine because I like my website! But why pay for someone to go to my website? I already pay Google to send people to my website.

At this point I gave up. I was so aggravated that I had to just stop. But today I decided to go look and guess what? Nope. Not a happy ending. I'm not even on their site anymore! Not even kidding! Sugar & Swank's gone from it!

More phone calls. More emails. More text messages. They say they decided to start over. To re-enroll me.

So the bottom line is that I'm sick of City Search.

Movin On Up!

2009-06-19T09:01:00.000-07:00

I've been working my butt off to get Sugar & Swank top placement on Google and it seems as though my work's payin off. I'm "Movin On Up" to the top of the list!

In the past whenever we were looking for a business to hire we'd use the Yellow Pages. Companies believed potential clients would start at the top of the list and work their way down so alphabetical was key. Think A-1 Plumbers. But now most of us only use the internet to search so catchy key words that attract Google and other search engines are the the key to getting a good ranking.

What do I mean? Here are some examples:

Spa Mercer Island
Mercer Island's Best Spa
Hair Removal Mercer Island
Waxing Mercer Island
Make Up Artistry Mercer Island
Facials Mercer Island or
Waxy Waxy Facial Clean Your Skin Here Ear Piercing Day Spa Spa

In any case, blogging and Google ad words is working! If you type any of the above phrases into Google, Sugar & Swank - Mercer Island's best kept spa secret - pops up toward the top of the list.

This makes me happy!

Brow Waxing for My 3rd Grader

2009-06-07T11:32:00.001-07:00

Last year this stinkin little bully made fun of my son's unibrow. My son's teacher, who happens to also be our cousin, handled it well. She called the kid in, pointed out HIS unibrow and asked how it felt to be made fun of for something God given.

God given or not, my son wasn't too impressed with his unibrow after that. As luck would have it, my son has an esthetician for a mother. His unibrow's gone. Not as lucky for the bully. He still has a unibrow. (And, I kid you not, he also gets his hairlighted. He's NINE! I think he should be made fun of for that, don't you?) And while I may not offer my services to him I'm happy to offer them to you. And really, if my 3rd-grader's getting a brow arch, don't you think it is time you got one too?

You can get almost anything waxed at the Sugar & Swank Skincare Spa. Expert brow shaping, removal of other unwanted facial hair, armpit waxing, arm waxing, leg waxing, belly waxing, chest waxing, bikini waxing . . . you name it! Let me know what you need - especially as the sun begins to shine on areas where the sun hasn't shined since October.

Yes, waxing can hurt. Come on! I'm using wax to rip hairs from your follicles! No, it certainly isn't as lovely as getting a facial. But I try to make it as pain free as possible via pleasant music, a hypnotic blend of soothing oils and a calming approach before and after I actually pull the wax.

So make an appointment. When you're lounging pool or beach side in your swimsuit you'll be glad you did.

206-351-3213
jennifer@besugarandswank.com

A Spa with Soul

2009-06-07T10:21:00.000-07:00

I once worked at the spa that appeared oh so grand to those on the outside looking in. It boasted beautiful decor, a ton of amenities and a fantastic location. But for those of us on the inside, we knew the truth. The grand facade was just that, a facade. In all reality, management was mean, greedy and unpredictable and employees were anxious and unhappy. As pretty as it appeared, the spa was really just an ugly eyesore. So I left.

But I didn't know from where to facial and wax after that. I wanted to make sure the next spa I chose had heart. That its focus would be on caring for clients in the most positive manner rather than putting so much value on outward appearances.

For a long time the only place I could find that fit such a description was my home. (Hey, rent was cheap and the commute was short!) But it was a challenge for us to always keep things in that "company's coming over" condition. And my husband, son and dog would have to find a place to hide during evening appointments - especially when I was doing a bikini or brazilian wax.

Something needed to change, but the right opportunity hadn't yet presented itself.

My friends Leslie and Adrienne Rubenstein kept suggesting I rent a room at Harmony Day Spa, but the owner, Fawn, didn't have space available. But sure enough, a room there suddenly opened and in went The Sugar & Swank Skincare Spa.

Are either Harmony Day Spa or Sugar & Swank really spas? Maybe not in the traditional sense. We don't have a jacuzzi tub in which you can soak. We don't even have a shower. The building, built in the 1930's, is old and quirky. When it is hot I get there early to cool it down, when it is cold I get there early to warm it up. We don't have a receptionist. We don't have a quiet room.

But we do have soul. And most importantly, we have expertise. Knowledge. Training. Experience. Intuitiveness. So the building's old. It is also charming, clean and harmonious. And I would much rather get my money's worth in a funky old building that's filled with some of the best in the business than take my chances in a fancier joint.

And by the way, this is not to say that you won't relax with us. I've been to those appointments that are all business, no pleasure. That's no fun! We have candles. We have spa music. We have yummy smells. We'll pamper you til you feel like jello! But if you're looking to sip lemon water in a robe while sitting next to a zenned out fountain as you wait for your treatment - which may or may not be good - we aren't your answer.

So call Fawn Harmon at Harmony Day Spa at 206-232-3291 if you'd like to book a really, really good massage. She's been in the business for over 16 years and has clients that have been with her that long. They won't go anywhere else!

If you want a really, really good manicure or pedicure call Tanya at 206-355-4675. Her clients are just as loyal!

And for a super-relaxing facial (I give a 20 minute massage) with dramatically positive results call me, Jennifer Muscatel, at the Sugar & Swank Skincare Spa. 206-351-3213. As you probably know by now, not only do I do facials but I also wax, pierce ears, do body scrubs and am a make-up artist that specializes in custom blended mineral make-up.

jennifer@besugarandswank.com
www.besugarandswank.com

Facials, Peels, Waxing . . . Oh My!

2009-06-07T08:42:00.000-07:00

Recently I've been taking photos to show off my newly grown, long, thick Revitalash eyelashes. To help me see how long they've actually gotten I've been looking at old pictures to compare with the new ones. (You'll see some attached.) There's no doubt my lashes are ridiculously long! The difference is amazing! But even more noticeable is the dramatic change in the appearance of my skin.

I guess it shouldn't surprise me. I've been diligently peeling my skin once a week for a couple of months. It should look smoother, wrinkles should be diminished and noticeable damage from the sun should be lessened. It just took me by surprise to see the improvements so plainly.

What is peeling? A peel is usually a liquid emulsion of vitamins, acids and other ingredients that work together to target problem areas of the skin. One might fight signs of aging, another might be better at fighting acne.

Peels are different than facials as facials typically replenish and balance the skin while peels are usually harsh and are meant to knock the skin off balance When the skin's pH gets thrown off due to a peel it'll have to rebalance itself and that's when the magic happens.

A good dermatologist or esthetician will always follow a peel with a soothing, calming, nourishing mask that tells the skin, "Sorry. I know that was mean, but you'll thank me for it later. Just take a deep breath and rest for now."

Speaking of good estheticians, I can diagnose your skin to determine if a peel is right for you, and if so, what kind would be best. Call or email me anytime for a consultation. In the meantime, here's a list of peels I offer at Mercer Island's Sugar & Swank Skincare Spa.

(Or visit http://www.besugarandswank.com/bepampered/index.html#exfoliate for even more information.)

The Blemish Banishing Peel: The lactic, salicylic and alpha hydroxy acids in this peel help heal and reduce acne in several important ways. First the acids cleans out the pores. Then they sit in them so no other bacteria can. They also help rejuvenate the skin cells to help with scarring. While these acids may be naturally harsh, the Blemish Banishing Peel is stocked with anti-irritants that soothe the skin, as well.

The Peel Off the Sun Damage Peel: This Vitamin C infused peel directly targets skin that's showing signs of sun damage. Freckling, wrinkles, patchy discoloration. You know what I'm talking about.

The Good Ole Glycolic Peel: Probably one of the most common peels, glycolic acid does a really good job of keeping acne at bay, diminishing fine lines and wrinkles and even getting rid of sun spots.

The Genesis Peel: This non-acid peel doesn't sting, but is still chock full of amazing ingredients that effectively resurface the skin and transform the skin's texture.

The Enzyme Peel: A simple, mild peel that eats away all the bad stuff and leaves all the good stuff.

You'll notice the results of a peel right away. Your skin will glow. Then, over the next couple of days, your skin may peel. (A-Ha! That's why its called a peel!) The bad stuff will literally slough off and that's when you'll really see results! During this period the skin will need your help in getting it to rebalance. You must slather on tons of moisturizer (and sunscreen because you'll be extra sensitive to the sun) to replenish what its lost.

I suggest doing a series of peels. After the 3rd you'll really start to see dramatic results that last. Sugar & Swank offers a peel package - a series of 6 for $330. The price is the same as the price of a facial package so that the peels can be interchanged with a facial if we decide your skin needs a break.

Oh - don't schedule any facial waxing when you're planning a peel. Bad idea! Obviously any other body waxing - bikini, arms or legs - would be fine.

Hope to see you soon! And when you come in remind me to do a before and after picture so you can see the results for yourself. It really is mindblowing!

Lengthen Your Lashes!

2009-06-03T09:30:00.000-07:00

Mercer Island's Sugar & Swank Skincare Spa has had some pretty good offers in the past.

In fact, you can still get a $90 facial for just $55 if you buy 6 in advance.
That's $330 instead of $540.

Or a $10 brow wax, instead of $20, if you buy 12 in advance.
That's $120 instead of $240.

But now I'm going to offer you the chance to grow your lashes LONGER, THICKER and FULLER. Seriously. And for a really good price too.

Have you seen Brooke Shields on commercials and in magazines lately talking about Latisse, a prescription medication that treats "hypotrichosis."

"Hypotrichosis?" you ask. Yes, according to the Latisse website, hypotrichosis is, "Another name for having inadequate or not enough eyelashes."

Really? Come on! Sure we'd all love to have Hollywood lashes, but in most cases "inadequate eyelashes" is not a debilitating, life threatening condition needing a prescription.

And that's exactly what the insurance companies are saying. If you can get a prescription from your doctor (Out of curiosity I tried. My doctor's really cool and she almost wouldn't do it.) it is likely your insurance company won't pay for it.

Sure enough, mine wouldn't pay for it, so out-of-pocket a one month's supply would cost me $129.

$129 per month? What? That's a lot of money these days. Of course if you're ailing from "not enough eyelashes" it might be worth it.

In any case, I didn't buy it because I already have the most amazingly long, thick and full eyelashes. Yes, it is true. Look at the pictures above and see for yourself. But I wasn't born with them. I grew them with Revitalash - a similar type of product. And while people have balked in the past about the price of Revitalash - $150 for a six-month supply - it probably won't seem as steep anymore!

I'm not sure if Latisse works because I've never used it, (I should hope it does for the price!) but I KNOW that Revitalash REALLY WORKS! My lashes get so long I have to trim them and my brows have never been more full! And I'm not the only one - my clients are having the same success with Revitalash.

How does it work. Even the Latisse website says no one really knows! Here's my suggestion - do a little research at www.latisse.com and www.revitalash.com. Both sites have a lot of information.

Then, if you're interested in purchasing Revitalash from me let me know and I'll sell it to you for $129 - what the insurance company would have charged me for a month's supply of Latisse.

And, as usual, The Sugar & Swank Skincare Spa is always available to provide the Mercer Island community and surrounding areas with facials, waxing, body scrubs, makeovers, custom blended mineral make-up and ear piercing.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Mercer Island Spa! Waxing! Facials! Make-Up!

2009-05-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

They might sit on your porch. They might be sitting in your garage. If they're still outside in the plastic bags in which they were delivered I'm guessing they've gathered some rain. Likely they only make it indoors when someone little comes over for dinner and needs a booster seat at the dinner table. One thing is for sure, over a year's time you'll get no less than 6 delivered to your home and you'll use no more than 1. Or none. And to what am I referring? Why the Yellow Pages, of course! With so much information right at our fingertips most of us just don't have the need or patience to flip through them anymore.

Before watching last night's American Idol Results Show (where the sweet Danny Gokey got kicked off) I was doing some work in the living room on my laptop. Once the show started I signed off and closed the computer. A few minutes into the show my husband asked Paula Abdul's age. I flipped the computer open and found the answer in seconds (She turned 47 in February.) then closed the computer again. Too soon, because then we wanted to figure out the name of Katy Perry's second hit song. Not "I Kissed a Girl." The other one. So I opened the computer back up. 5 seconds later we had our answer: "Hot N Cold." We watched the video during a commercial break then closed the computer again. I should have just left it open.

"What time do we leave for Palm Springs next week?" my husband asked. Computer back open. Found the answer in just under a minute.

Sure these aren't questions with which you'd search the Yellow Pages. But for answers to true Yellow Page questions . . . you can find them even faster! And with more specifics and detail.

www.google.com
Best Local Dry Cleaner on Mercer Island: Corry's

www.google.com
Best Florist on Mercer Island: Mercer Island Florist

www.google.com
Restaurants on Mercer Island: You get a whole list with addresses and phone numbers

www.google.com
Best Facial on Mercer Island: Um. Wait. Sugar & Swank's not on the list. Uh oh.

If I'm right about people not using the Yellow Pages anymore - if I'm right that they Google instead - I need to quickly fix the fact that Sugar & Swank isn't coming up under Best Facial on Mercer Island. But how?

It turns out to impress Google I'd have been a lot smarter to name my business something like, "Spa Spa Spa Mercer Island," or "Facial Waxing Spa Mercer Island," or "Hair Removal Mercer Island." Lame.

When I chose to name my business Sugar & Swank I thought it was fun and catchy. And to feel Sugary and Swanky - what a great combination, right? When you work with me it is a sweet experience - one that leaves you feeling light, happy and yummy. And my treatments are swanky - luxurious, top of the line. You leave feeling updated, modern, hip and posh.

How could I have named it something boring like, "Brazilian Wax Here," or "Ear Piercing," or "Make Up Artistry?"

I couldn't have. So Sugar & Swank it stays. (Sometimes Sugar & Swank Skincare Spa or sometimes Sugar & Swank Day Spa.) And so begins my fight to get "The Sugar & Swank Skincare Day Spa Spa" higher billing on a Google search.

Hopefully in the next few weeks you'll see Sugar & Swank creep up in the listings. It is crucial because the truth is I'm right. Right that these days people use online search engines to find what they need. And no one wants to even "flip" an internet page, so if Sugar & Swank's not right up at the top, or at least on the first page of listings, I won't get the business. And that is a shame because I really do give the best facial on Mercer Island.

In fact, one client said, "Jennifer, I've been to spas all over the world and this is the very best facial I've ever had."

What makes my facials so much better than another is that when I treat you, everything you experience is centered around making you feel comfortable and relaxed. But everything I'm treating you with is centered around making positive and dramatic changes in your skin. So you leave feeling spoiled, indulged and pampered! But when you look in the mirror, sometimes right after, sometimes a few days later, you think, "WOW!"

Come in and see for yourself. In fact, if you mention this blog I'll give you $20 off a $90 facial. Or a free anti-aging or acne peel add-on ($20 value) to go with your $90 facial.

I hope to see you at Mercer Island Spa Spa Spa. Or should I call it Mercer Island Facial Facial Facial? Of course Mercer Island Wax Wax Wax has a certain ring to it. Wait, I got it! Mercer Island Facial Waxing Make-Up and Ear Piercing Day Spa.

Check Your Boobies!

2009-05-11T09:32:00.000-07:00

The other night my son stayed home with a babysitter while my husband and I went to Heike Malakoff's Check Your Boobies fundraiser. My son is a pretty easy-going kid . . . when he's not tired. But when he's tired, um, well . . . I'm not saying he's always going to be a bear. Sometimes he even gets into that slap-happy mode and he's pretty funny. But if something should frustrate him, such as his Legos falling apart, watch out. Sadly for the sitter, the Lego creation he was building around 10 pm did, indeed, fall apart.

I know what you're thinking because I was thinking it too. Why was he playing Legos at 10 pm? But that's neither here nor there. I'm just laying out the facts, and the facts are that at 10 pm his Legos fell apart and, as I said before, the kid's pretty easy-going until he's tired and his Legos fall apart. So guess what happened? Apparently he had a big doozie of a tantrum.

When we got home an hour later he was laying on our bed under a blanket. Awake. And as fragile as ever. His eyes, as big as saucers, welled up with tears when he saw us.

"Mom," he sobbed. "I totally froaked."

(Huh?)

"You froaked? What does that mean?"

"You know, I got upset and I froaked," he explained.

"I'm still not understanding."

"I was building my Lego Aqua Blaster and I was almost done and then the whole thing broke and I started freaking out. I froaked."

A-ha!

So now I ask you, beauty-wise, have you ever froaked? Over a pimple? Wrinkles? Some very hairy brows that need to be waxed? At Mercer Island's Sugar & Swank Skincare Spa it is my job to help ensure you have no reason to ever froak again. Because at the Sugar & Swank Skincare Spa I work hard to meet all your skincare needs. You can expect a relaxing, calming experience and amazing results.

OK. I take it back. You may froak again. But only because you're so dang happy with how you feel and with the way your skin looks after visiting Sugar & Swank.

I will wax you anywhere you need to be waxed at the Sugar & Swank Day Spa. You name it! Brow Waxing. Facial Waxing. Ear Waxing. Nose Waxing. Chin Waxing. Chest Waxing. Tummy Waxing. Bikini Waxing. Brazilian Waxing. Leg Waxing. Arm Waxing. Toe Waxing.

The Sugar & Swank Spa can also help you get any pimple/acne situation under control with some super-effective acne facial treatments.

Worried about wrinkles? Visit the Sugar & Swank Day Spa for an age fighting peel or facial.

And Sugar & Swank is the only spa in Seattle that has the ultimate key to the most even complexion you can imagine. Custom-Blended Mineral Make-Up. I'm not kidding. Your skin will look Hollywood Starlet healthy and smooth, but you don't even feel like you're wearing make-up. And the best part is that you get to look fantastic while the minerals feed your skin nutrients, reflect the sun away from your skin and help fight skin cancer.

How bout some take-home treatments. Sugar & Swank sells Dermaware, a dramatically effective skincare line that can help you achieve and/or maintain amazing skincare results at home.

The point is, with Sugar & Swank around you'll never have to say you froaked when you looked in the mirror!

And while we're on the subject of not froaking. Heike Malakoff is working tremendously hard to raise money to help prevent and cure breast cancer around the world. To hear you or someone you love has cancer is, in all seriousness, a time one would really have reason to froak. Heike is taking great measures to make sure as few people as possible ever have to face that kind of news. If you're interested in joining Heike book a Check Your Boobies party for your friends and family. Or donate to help the cause. To learn more visit www.checkyourboobies.org.

Sugar & Swank Spa Join Forces with Harmony Day Spa

2009-05-04T21:12:00.001-07:00

Sugar & Swank Skincare Spa joined forces with Harmony Day Spa in February of 2009. It is truly a harmonious home for the Sugar & Swank Skincare Day Spa. Nestled inside the little green house in the middle of First Hill on Mercer Island, Sugar & Swank has a cozy room from which Sugar & Swank's owner, Jennifer Muscatel, can wax, facial and perform all sorts of other skincare treatments.

Look for the purple Sugar & Swank signs at 7418 SE 24th, Mercer Island.

Visit www.besugarandswank.com for more information on products and services offered.

Ordering Dermaware

2009-05-04T20:52:00.001-07:00

Years ago before I worked in the skincare industry I would go to Gene Juarez for facials. I absolutely fell in love with Dermaware, a product line they used to carry. No matter the Dermaware product I used I noticed the most positively dramatic results in the appearance of my skin. So when it came time to choose a product line for my business I didn't think twice. Dermaware it was. Gene Juarez no longer carries Dermaware, but their clients call on me to supply them with the good stuff! In fact, I receive orders on a daily basis from people all over the country who have run out of their favorite Dermaware products, can't go without and need me to ship them more.

Speaking of ordering and shipping Dermaware product, my general shipping turnaround on orders is same or next day. If you live nearby you're likely get your product 24-hours after ordering it! You can also expect your package to arrive neatly and professionally packed.

Anyway, back to the Dermaware. You can check the Sugar & Swank Skincare Spa website for product information and to order. http://www.besugarandswank.com/orderproduct/skincare/index.html. You can also read below.

Facial Cleansers
Anti-Oxidant Cleanser - Age Control
Skin Type: Safe and effective for all. Will not cause breakout. Does not overcleanse.
A gentle, thorough oil and soap free cleanser that contains anti-oxidant vitamins A, C and E to help fight the free radicals that cause our skin to age. Also contains Lactic Acid, a natural exfoliant which encourages dead cells to slough off so newer, fresher cells can emerge.
$30 |

Deep & Clear Cleanser - Supports Oily or Acneic Skin
Skin Type: Treats skin prone to regular breakout
A deep and exfoliating cleanser containing Witch Hazel, Tea Tree and Lactic Acid - all of which cleanse deep in the poors to clear and prevent acne. While this cleanser is anti-septic, conditioning glucans soften the skin, balancing any harsh reactions.
$31 |

Foaming Creme Cleanser Shine Control
Skin Type: All skin types. Helps maintain skin which suffers from mild or occasional breakout but is most often clear.
A very gentle yet effective cleansers that contains Salicylic Acid, vanilla and raspberry which thoroughly cleanse pores. Sensitive enough for daily use.
$31 |

Heavy Cream Cleanser Hydration Control
Skin Type: Dehydrated and Mature
This thick, rich and creamy anti-oxidant cleanser contains natural hydrators such as Elder Flower, Chamomile, Lavender and olive emollients. Also contains soothing and healing anti-irritants such as Allantoin, Calendula, Comfrey and Azulene. Not only does this cleanser thoroughly clean the skin, but it also feeds and protects it.
$31 |

Pure & Gentle Cleanser
Skin Type: Sensitive or Maintaining
Perfect cleanser for teens or for those sensitive to "too much." Gentle, pure and refreshing ingredients effectively cleanse the skin while soothing Chamomile, Elder Flower, Cucumber, Comfrey and Aloe soothe and protect it.
$27 |

Toners
Delicate Balance Toning Hydrating Firming
Skin Type: All
The skin needs to maintain a pH between 4.5 and 5.5 in order to stay balanced. This toner perfectly equilibrates the skin via hydrating and plumping Glycerine, Hyaluronic Acid, Allantoin, and Borage Phospholipids. At the same time, Elder Flower, Chamomile, Comfrey and Calendula soothe and calm. This ideal toner also provides anti-oxidant protection and boosts the skin's natural repair mechanism.
Can be used as a moisturizer for those who prefer light, non-creamy moisturizers or as a cool, moisturizing post-shaving gel for men.
$29 |

Oil Balance Toner
Skin Type: Oily or Acneic
Dermaware combined anti-bacterial agents such as Witch Hazel and Salicylic Acid with soothing Azulene and Allantoin to create a cooling, purifying gel that effectively cleanses pores and removes excess oils and impurities. Good for those with oily or acneic skin or for cleansing the face after extractions.
$29 |

Moisturizers
Anti-Oxidant Moisturizer Daily Hydration - Regular or Oil Free
Skin Type: Ideal for all
Sugar & Swank's top selling moisturizer and Jennifer's personal favorite.
This moisturizer is chock full of Anti-Oxidant Vitamins A,B,C,D,E which fight free radicals and help skin cells regenerate. Rich, emollient ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Borage and Evening Primrose Oil provide amazing hydration while anti-irritants such as Chamomile and Alpha-Bisabolol calm and soothe the skin. Want more? This moisturizer is also filled with regeneration activators like Sea Algae that tell new cells to hurry up and show off how plump and hydrated they are - good health that's reflected right on the surface of your skin.
$38

Extreme Creme
Skin Type: Mature or dehydrated skin
This thick, rich, emollient, butter-like cream seals in natural moisture while sealing out environmental extremes that cause skin to dehydrate. It delivers anti-oxidants, fights free radicals, stabilizes hormones and nourishes the skin in an extremely positive way. Some of the fabuous ingredients: Co-Enzyme Q-10, Copper, Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Vitamins A, E adn B5, Green Tea, Soy, Hemp, Squalene, Borage, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Elder Flower and Chamomile.
$50 |

Perfect Fit Hydrator
Skin Type: Those maintaining healthy, balanced skin
A light, simple daily gel-like moisturizer that stimulates collagen production and provides plumping youth peptides and anti-oxidant vitamins. While this hydrator allows skin to appear healthy, rejuvenated and hydrated it is best suited for teens. Mature skin would do better with a heavier dose of the more extreme ingredients found in some of the other moisturizers.
$44

Wrinkle Recovery Moisturizer
Skin Type: Mature or severely dehydrated skin
Dehydrated skin is one of the most common reasons our skin ages because there's simply less hydration to plump up and fill out the wrinkles. The fix to this problem is actually an easy one - just hydrate the skin! Drinking more fluids, intaking free fatty acids and using a heavy moisturizer like this one are the first steps on your road to Wrinkle Recovery. And this is one seriously rich and emollient cream - the thickest, most hydrating Dermware offers. Olive, Squalene, Hyaluronic Acid, Peach and tons of nourishing vitamins work together to replenish severely dehydrated skin.
$50 |

Screenplay SPF 30 Sunscreen
Skin Type: All. And I mean all! Because we all need to be using sunscreen.
There are two types of sunscreens, chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreens absorb the sun's rays while physical sunscreens effectively reflect the sun's rays away from the skin like a mirror. Newer research shows chemical sunscreens, which we most commonly use, are actually helping skin cells generate copious amounts of free radicals. Free radicals confuse cells, causing them to mutate. Mutating, confused cells turn into cancerous cell. This is exactly why we need to be using physical sunscreens - and thankfully Dermware provides one. Better yet, Screenplay not only protects the skin from the sun but nourishes and hydrates it - via Plant Glucans, Cucumber, Green Tea, Chamomile, Vitamin C and several Natural Humectants - at the same time.
$44 |

VITal C Intensive Cream
Skin Type: Mature, Dehydrated and Sun Damaged Skin
Dermware's top selling moisturizer - people swear by it! Where to begin? This cream:
Reduces discoloration and blotchiness due to sun damage, age or misuse of AHA's
Evens out skin tone
Tightens and tones collagen and elastin
Provides extreme hydration
Provides anti-oxidant protection against free radicals
Supplies a glow!
$75 |

Anti-Aging Lip Balm
Contains Retinol, Vitamin C and Vitamin A
Lessens lines around lips
Soothes, hydrates and nourishes lips
$20 |

Eye C Eye Care Eye Cream - Vitamin C Plus
Skin Type: All
Worried about dark circles under your eyes? How bout puffiness or bags? This eye cream targets both via soothing, anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating ingredients such as Allantoin, Comfrey, Cucumber, Chamomile, Calendula, Elder Flower, Vitamins C, A and E, Borage, Evening Primrose and Witch Hazel. Great for use on lips too.
$40 |

Exfoliating Tools
You've gotta exfoliate your skin! Exfoliating encourages dead skin cells to slough off sooner so newer, healthier cells are able emerge more quickly. This allows the plump, glowing skin hiding inside to finally come out.

Nitty Gritty Facial Scrub - All Skin Types, Oil Free
Nitty Gritty is a non-abrasive, non-drying scrub that leaves skin smooth, soft and hydrated.
$16 |

End of the Line AHA Gel or Lotion - Alpha & Beta Hydroxy Acids
Mild, Medium or Strong
Skin Type: Not appropriate for teenage skin
A little extra boost to help your skin better exfoliate. Helps diminish fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin's color, tone and texture and reduces appearance of damage caused by the sun. Put a little on before bed and let it go to work overnight.
$23
Gel |
Lotion |

Facial Masks
Clean Slate Mask with Purifying Sea Clay
Skin Type: Skin needing some purification.
Fighting congestion in your skin? Let this Sea Clay and Zinc laced mask draw out and remove excess oils and impurities while it detoxifies and refines your skin. No worries about harsh effects or overdrying because it is balanced with soothing, hydrating and softening ingredients like Aloe, Cucumber, Sea Algae, Chamomile, Comfrey and Elder Flower.
$27 |

Flower Power Mask
Skin Type: All
The perfect mask to comfort, calm, heal and nourish yourself while doing the same for your skin. Contains Chamomile, Azulene, Aloe, Bisabalol, Elder Flower and Cornflower.
$27 |

Body Cleansers
Inner Peace Bath & Shower Gel
A Sugar & Swank staple! The geranium, rose and lavender scent turns your bath or shower into a spa-like experience while leaving your skin soft, smoothe and refreshed. It seriously promotes inner peace!
$26 |

Skinny Dip Bath & Shower Gel
Grapefruit, cypress and juniper stimulate and detoxify while improving cellulitis.
$26 |

Body Moisturizers
Healing Powers - Oil Free
Packed full of rich, emollient goodies that moisturize and soothe dry skin. Not over-greasy, it penetrates quickly. Great for calming and hydrating skin after sun.
Scents: Unscented, French Lavender, Romance (Chocolate Raspberry)
$20
Unscented |
French Lavender |
Romance |

Body Scrubs
Sugar & Spice Hand and Body Scrub
So yummy! Try it after shaving - skin gets so smoothe! Contains Natural and Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Vanilla, Sandalwood Spices, Emollient Oils (Hemp, Soy, Wheat Germ), Chamomile and Shea Butter.
$26

Love Glow Body Scrub
OMG! Lavender, jasmine, ylang ylang makes this scrub smell so lovely! Sloughs dead skin and provides a healthy glow.
$32 |

Waxing on Mercer Island at The Sugar & Swank Skincare Spa

2009-05-04T20:27:00.000-07:00

Did you know you can find expert and precise waxing at the Sugar & Swank Skincare Spa on Mercer Island? Clients have found that after having their brows done regularly by the owner, Jennifer Muscatel, that even strangers are stopping them on the street to compliment their brows.

Treat yourself to a luxury spa experience that produces serious results.

Sugar & Swank Skincare Spa
7418 SE 24th
Mercer Island, WA
206-351-3213

Competition

2009-05-04T09:50:00.000-07:00

In addition to seeing Blue Man Group on our trip to NY (See blog post below for more information.) Jim and I wanted to be sure to see In the Heights and Avenue Q.

After blowing our theater budget on In the Heights (3rd row center, come on!) we wanted to see Avenue Q at a really, really good price. So we decided to try to win the Broadway lottery.

Here's how it works: Choose the show you want to see, show up at the theater between 5:30 and 6 pm to drop your name (specifying if you want 1 or 2 seats) in a hat, then stand and wait with the competition to see if you've won a $25 front row seat.

We were running really late and didn't get to the Avenue Q theater until 5:54 pm. 6 minutes to spare!

We made our way through the crowd of people waiting for the drawing to begin and ran inside to write our names on slips of paper, noting that we would want 2 seats should we win. We dropped our slips in right at 5:55 pm (Jim's lucky number is 5-5-5) then went outside to wait.

We could feel everyone's eyes on and could literally sense their angry thoughts. "We've been waiting forever and now these two show up! And at the last minute!"

"So is this the competition?" I questioned loudly to the crowd. Some people chuckled. Most just stared.

Well, guess who won? Jim did! We were stunned, thrilled and so excited to hear his name called! We were goin to see Avenue Q from the front row for just $25 a ticket! Plus it was pretty fun to beat the people who were staring us down - those who didn't want us to win.

But you know what else was really great? They called 5 other names, as well, and gave away 12 seats total. We got to know some of the other winners and were really happy for them. Because winning doesn't always mean that other people have to lose, right?

I'm noticing that on Mercer Island with regards to my business, Sugar & Swank. There's a lot of spa competition on this island. There's a lot of people who know how to wax. There's a lot of people who can give a facial. And to ensure Sugar & Swank wins doesn't mean that the competition has to lose. We can all win.

But let me tell you why, if I were you, I'd choose Sugar & Swank over the others. While I may not offer some of the fluff of a big spa, I most certainly offer the utmost in expert skincare.

I studied skin at the top holistic skincare academy in the world and graduated at the top of my class. (In fact I earned a 103% on my final exam!) The education I garnered went way beyond, "Here's how you give a facial. Here's how you wax."

I was taught expert technique. I was taught proper sanitary procedures. And most critically, I was taught how to diagnose and best care for the skin. The combination of my education with my instinctive ability to know, understand and treat the skin makes me a really powerful esthetician.

As the Sugar & Swank tag line states, "Indulge in Luxury. Experience Results." A Sugar & Swank treatment is luxurious and yes, includes fluff! You will be cared for, pampered and spoiled because let's face it, fluff's nice! But more importantly, when you leave Sugar & Swank your skin will absolutely reflect the positive results of your appointment.

Check out http://www.besugarandswank.com/bepampered/index.html to take a look at

I Love My Husband & He Loves Us

2009-05-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

My husband, Jim, and I recently took a trip to New York. An official honeymoon. It was the first trip since we'd met two and a half years earlier that we'd ever taken alone. It makes sense when you think about it. I'd been a single mom for five years by the time Jim came into the picture. Up until that point my son and I did everything together - just the two of us. I wasn't suddenly going to ditch him - leave him home with a sitter so I could do things with someone else that I used to do with him. And I couldn't imagine not sharing the experiences with him. He was even there when Jim proposed to me on the Prime Meridian in England and came with us to Hawaii right after our November wedding. Thankfully my thought process with regards to sharing life with my son - our son - makes sense to Jim. He gets it. He gets us.

So back to that trip we took alone. Our honeymoon. We were able to go alone because my son was going with his dad to visit family in Baltimore. It only made sense that if he was away we should take advantage of the opportunity. My dad had offered us a beautiful NY apartment in which we could stay free of charge, so we booked our tickets and started making plans. But how could I go to the Statue of Liberty without my son? Or the Empire State Building?

Enter Google. Did you know that Baltimore is only a 4-hour car ride from NY? And on the way there are a lot of great places, such as Philadelphia's Liberty Bell and the country's oldest jail, to stop?

The funny thing is I always said the man I married the second time around wouldn't mind if my son came with us on our honeymoon. Let me tell you what a good man Jim is. He not only didn't have a problem with my son coming, he didn't have a problem with my ex-husband and my ex-in-laws coming, as well! I know, I know. I'm a nut. But it wasn't for the entire time, just for about 36 hours!

Together we visited the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Eli was sick with a cold so I took him back to the apartment while my in-laws did their thing and my new husband and former husband toured Chelsea together. We all met up again that evening to see The Blue Man Group. Everyone loved it, but my son's a percussionist so it was especially exciting for him. We then shared a little post-theater dinner with the family, had a slumber party (with just my son) at our apartment, and got back together again the next morning for a visit to the Empire State Building. (Would you believe we ran into one of my son's classmates at the top?) We then went took a subway to Bleeker street, had lunch, then walked through SoHo. They left that evening and Jim and I returned to our official honeymoon.

So I love my husband. Because he loves us. And we all, my ex-husband and his family included, really love my son. We wouldn't hang out together if we didn't, right? But we all want to be around him and we all want to make his life easier, so we do.

Facial and Waxing Specials on Mercer Island

2009-05-01T07:42:00.000-07:00

Blah, blah, blah. The economy this and Swine Flu (finally a name worse than Irritable Bowel Syndrome) that. Whaddya say you put away the worries and focus on something really important . . . YOURSELF! That's right - I'm giving you permission to stop thinking about others for a minute and to start focusing on yourself instead. Trust me - remembering to practice Self Care is the secret key to positively navigating through these tough and stressful times.

Imagine taking a break from it all. You lay down in a cozy bed with candles flickering around you. Soft sounds of the ocean will soothe you into a deep sleep while you get your skin cleaned, your shoulders rubbed and your hands and arms massaged?

Now be careful here, friend. I'm transitioning to a new and not so relaxing topic, but a topic that needs to be discussed. Tell me, are you keeping up with your waxing? Brow waxing? Lip waxing? Bikini waxing? Brazilian Waxing? Leg Waxing? Arm Waxing? Underarm Waxing? What have you been putting off?

Sugar & Swank, right here on Mercer Island, wants you to relax! And Sugar & Swank, right here on Mercer Island, doesn't want you to get overly hairy! So Sugar & Swank has a proposition:

Buy 6 facials in advance and pay only $55 per facial instead of the regular price of $90. That means you'll get 6 facials for just $330 instead of for $540. Ask for the package for Mother's Day! Because this package means you're making a commitment to Self Care. It means that you're really going to start seeing a difference in your skin because consistency is what counts with regards to skincare. It means you're going to get to lay in that cozy bed at least 6 times in the near future.

Now for the waxing special. A regularly priced brow wax at Sugar & Swank is $20. You'll get 12 brow waxes for $10 each! That's 50% off! So book a brow wax a month (you come that often anyway) for $120 instead of $240! Lip waxes? $7.50 each when you buy 12 in advance. That's $90 for the year instead of $180. Do you regularly wax other areas of your body? Sugar & Swank will work out a waxing discount that makes sense for you.

In short, remember to remember yourself. Take (Self) Care!

Things to Remember in this Crazy Economy

2009-02-02T11:27:00.000-08:00

In this economy we are all trying to spend less and save more.

BUT DON'T FORGET:

To take care of yourself.

To remind others to take care of you.

That eyebrows and bikini lines get unruly without maintenance.

That the economy will turn around, and when it does you'll be glad you didn't neglect your skin and body.

Can you afford a $55 facial or $10 brow wax?

2009-02-02T11:26:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year from Jennifer Muscatel McLeod & Sugar & Swank!

2008 was a wonderful year, both personally and professionally.
In July, on the Prime Meridian, my boyfriend asked me to "spend the rest of time" with him. Surrounded by our three children, close family and friends, we married on Thanksgiving weekend in an intimate, romantic and meaningful ceremony.

I also found a harmonious home for Sugar & Swank at Harmony Day Spa on Mercer Island. I encourage you to visit. It is calm, quaint and cozy.

I hope 2009 proves to be as fruitful a year as 2008. I wish the same for you, as well! In fact, with that in mind, Sugar & Swank would like to introduce the Punchcard Promotion!

THE PUNCHCARD PROMOTION

Clients often jokingly ask me if I can magically make their wrinkles disappear. I have no magic wand, but you do. It is called consistency. You see, the more consistently you get facials or peels, the more dramatic and significant the results will be. However, since affordability often gets in the way of consistency, Sugar & Swank has a proposition.

BUY A SERIES OF 6 FACIALS OR PEELS AND PAY JUST $55 PER APPOINTMENT INSTEAD OF THE REGULAR $90 FEE

In other words, for just $330 instead of $540 you can finally give those wrinkles and lines a good fight. Or really focus on eliminating your acne. Not much to battle? Use this opportunity to nurture your skin and prevent future damage.

WAXING, YES! FACIALS NOT SO MUCH.

Are you less likely to facial and more likely to wax? If so, there's a promotion for you, as well. Buy a brow wax a month for a year for just $120. That's $10/wax instead of $20. Add a lip wax a month for $7/month instead of $15. Wax other areas of your body? Contact Sugar & Swank to discuss an individual pricing plan.

jennifer@besugarandswank.com
www.besugarandswank.com
206-351-3213

Brazilian Queen

2008-10-19T16:57:00.001-07:00

I'm not gonna lie, at first the idea of performing a Brazilian Wax on someone is kinda scary. I mean, come on! Things are delicate "down there." But the more I do, the more I absolutely love it! I've been told I make a painful situation rather pleasant. More importantly, I make it quick! And I am a perfectionist about making sure to get all the hairs. So if you are looking to get Brazilian and live near Seattle, Bellevue or Mercer Island, give me a call! I'd love to have the chance to take care of you!

Best results are found when the hair is at least 1/4 inch long. And if you're going somewhere tropical be sure to book your appointment a few days before leaving because it is not safe to swim in the ocean for about 3 days after waxing.

By the way, I wax all the other less tender regions, as well! Brows, lips, face, arms, legs, etc.

Check out my website for more information. www.besugarandswank.com.

Jennifer Muscatel
206-351-3213
jennifer@besugarandswank.com

I Hate My Hair!

2008-09-02T22:54:00.000-07:00

I hate my new haircut (see How Far Would You Go) but it isn't Holly's fault. It is mine. Instead of just letting her do her thing I made suggestions and requests. And she listened and followed them! And I got just exactly what I asked for! And I hate it.

So I'm challenging myself to not get a haircut again until my November 29th wedding. This might sound easy to some. OK, most. But it won't be easy for me. I get my haircut every 3 to 4 weeks!

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.

Mind Your Own Business

2008-08-29T16:26:00.000-07:00

Here's the FIRST THING that came up when I Googled Sarah Palin, McCain's running mate: "I am pro-life and I believe that marriage should only be between and man and a woman."

Just wondering . . . Are the choices people make with regards to their own bodies and homes any of her business?

I was Hungry Til she Said Amputation of the Foot

2008-08-28T13:07:00.000-07:00

The smell of fake doggy peanut butter Cheez Whiz smothering the bag full of $73 in doggy bones we had just purchased (see $73 in Dog Bones Later) must have awakened our appetites because suddenly my son and I are very hungry. We decide to eat at The Sawmill Cafe - a mix between Denny's and Applebee's. (Every time I would think, "I'd better not order the fish here!" I would see something, like the cozy stone fireplace, and change my mind - thus my combined Denny's/Applebee's official rating.)

Lucky for us we managed to hit The Early Bird Hour. Our presence forcefully plummeted the average mean age down about 60 years. "This is just like the dining room at Great-Grandma's retirement home!" my son exclaimed. Oh yes, lots and lots of walkers, oxygen tanks and hearing aids were out on display. No surprise though that said hearing aids weren't turned on. They never are. Just like walkers are usually carried rather than, well, walked with.

Neither of us mind dinner with the elderly. We are actually quite familiar with it due to, as my son pointed out, dinner at my grandma's. But the conversation at The Summit is usually fairly dignified whereas out at Mill Creek's Sawmill it seemed nothing but.

As I helped my son find hidden words in the word search puzzle provided by our adorable waitress, I started getting a headache listening to the woman at the table closest to us converse with her husband in the most grating, loud voice ever. And I use converse loosely because she was fully in charge of the discussion and he was allowed only a few grunts here and there.

You know that statistic everyone quotes these days about how women speak 20,000 words a day while men only speak 7,000? Turns out that statistic isn't true (See for yourself at http//itre.cis.upenn.edu/~myl/languagelog/archives/003420.html) but whomever came up with it must have been friends with or counseled this couple.

Anyway . . . Yes, she was bugging me. No, not to the point where I needed to complain. I wouldn't have turned down some Advil to dull the pain in my temples though. I couldn't help but listen to her drone on about Sally's "loser" son who really is "such a loser." Apparently he is living in Sally's basement because he lost his job, is getting divorced and he really has no choice ever since they AMPUTATED HIS FOOT.

Come on! It is a restaurant. Talking loudly about foot amputation is NOT ACCEPTABLE. I can handle a lot (Have you ever heard the story of how I met my tapeworm, Fettucini, face-to-face?) but that pushed even my limit.

Thankfully, after arguing over the check with the aforementioned adorable waitress (The issue was simple: She'd brought them the wrong check and they were insisting she void the erroneous charges from their card. "Gladly," she kept telling them. "But there's nothing to void as you haven't given me a credit card yet."
Did you read that clearly? She had had yet to see their credit card so what charges did they want her to remove?

Thankfully, they slowly but surely carried their walkers out to their Buick, threw them in the trunk and drove off - on the wrong side of the road for as far as my eye could see.

My food was really good - when I re-heated it the next day for lunch.

$73 in Dog Bones Later

2008-08-28T12:01:00.001-07:00

After getting my "Artichoke" (see "How Far Would You Go?") my son and I wandered into one of those new, chic pet boutiques. (That rhymes.) We have a puppy who prefers to chew on our hands over ANYTHING else, so we thought we'd see if we could find him some more appetizing options because our hands just can't take it anymore.

We bring our enormous selection of bones, chew toys and other nonsense up to the register. My son, trying to help, set a can of peanut butter flavored doggy Cheez Whiz on its side and it rolled off the counter and fell to the ground. Not a big deal, just a broken cap.

The clerk and I make eye contact. Its a draw. But being a polite person who takes responsiblity for her (or her son's) actions I say, "Sorry! We'll buy it anyway." I expect her (because polite business people take responsibility to make their customers - especially those about to spend a large sum of money on dog bones - feel comfortable) to say, "No problem. There's a new one sitting right here." Instead she says, "OK," and proceeds to put a stinky liquid item with a broken cap into my bag.

For any business owners out there, this was not a good response. And I told her so as I signed my $73 receipt.

I know what you're thinking: "Dummy! Why'd you still buy something?"

I know, I know. I could have easily exacted revenge by immediately returning my dog's chewable items, but that would have punished him and my family's hands. I chose to write a blog about their bad service and attitude instead.

So don't buy your pet any luxury supplies at the Mill Creek Town Center.

How Far Would You Go?

2008-08-28T07:57:00.000-07:00

How far would you go to get the Perfect Haircut? I, apparently, would go pretty far. And during peak traffic, no less.

My quest for the perfect haircut started the summer of 1992 after my freshman year at Scripps College. I was lucky enough to have a car on the Claremont, CA campus but I wanted to get it back to Seattle so I'd have something to drive over the summer. My dad wasn't crazy about us driving so far on our own but I worked him with, "Dad, I need a car if you want me to work.")

My best friend at the time, Beth, offered to fly down and drive back up the coast with me. We decided to make a pit stop at my parents' Rancho Mirage house (wait, isn't that the wrong direction?) before setting off. Due to temperatures over 100 degrees, we essentially spent ten days straight in the chlorinated pool on comfy little rafts, sipping iced tea and working on our tans.

After one brutal day of relaxation, I was in the bathroom drying my lovely locks. (I'm not saying my hair was ever really long. Certainly never thick. But for years upon years it had sat above my shoulders in a basic, good enough, bob.) I'd finished styling one side of my head and was trying to work on the other, but I couldn't seem to get a good grasp of hair in my hands. It was just stuck somewhere, right? I wasn't sure where. But it had to be stuck somewhere. Right? Right? Right?

I looked in the mirror for guidance, but (ha!) it looked as though a big clump was simply missing. I joked to Beth, "Look, some of my hair fell out!" then tried to unstick it by flipping it over. But nothing came unstuck.

Um, why wasn't it unsticking? Um, was it really gone? Um, yeah, it was.

Cut to my first short haircut. (Called The Artichoke.) And 16 years later I am on my 555th version of the very same cut. Oh sure, certain stylists have made modern touches to my hair. Color and highlights have also made a difference. But I'm not going to lie. My 19 year old hair compared to my 35 year old haircut is basically the same. And that's exactly why I would drive almost any length for the promise of a varied approach to styling it. That's also why I found myself schlepping my son into an entirely DIFFERENT COUNTY last night to get my hair cut!

Here's how it all came down: Last Saturday Jim and I went on a date night to Seattle's Edgewater Inn. We brought books and blankets and sat in front a cozy fire in their beautiful lobby reading and snuggling the night away. (Sounds like a typical August night, right?) Before we went home I stopped off at the bathroom where I saw a gal with a haircut and color so very similar to mine, but about 10 times more chic, hip and youthful.

Me: Do you live in the Seattle area?

Cute Hair: Yeah.

Me: Where do you get your hair done?

Cute Hair kinda smiles coyly. I catch on.

Me: You're in the business, huh? You do it yourself, right?

Cute Hair: Yeah.

Me: Well you have a new client! Where do you work? What's your name?

Cute Hair: I'm Genevieve and I work at Split Ends in Mill Creek.

Me: My Cabbage Patch's name was Genevieve!

Cute Hair: Oh.

Me: Anyway, where's Mill Creek?

Cute Hair: Not too far from here.

Me: Cool! Here's my card. Email me your information, OK?

Split Ends: Sure!

Jim: Did you make a new friend?

Me: Uh huh! Where's Mill Creek?

Jim: Oh no.

First thing Sunday I look up Split Ends' website. It looks like a chain - not such a great sign, although it doesn't mean Genevieve isn't a company stand-out. My friend Margaret gets her hair done by a sensational stylist who just happens to be a manager at SuperCuts, so you never know. And, hmmm . . . speaking of Genevieve, why can't I find her information under the "Staff Bios" link?

Oh well. I'll just give them a call.

Split Ends: Split Ends!

Me: Hi, I'd like to book a haircut with Genevieve.

Split Ends: Genevieve's a receptionist here. (Crap. My mood darkens.)

Me: Oh, then who does her hair?

Split Ends: Holly.

Me: OK. Can I get an appointment with Holly?

Split Ends: She's really busy and books out way in advance. (Hooray. Other people trusting her is a really good sign. Mood lightens.) I can get you in next week at 4:20 pm. (Next week? Good mood holding somewhere between dark and light.)

Me: I'll take it, but I'm driving over from Mercer Island so . . .

Split Ends: Woah! That's far.

Me: Yeah, I know. So if she gets any cancellations earlier in the day can you let me know? I don't want to get stuck in traffic.

Split Ends: Sure.

Me: Just how far is it?

Split Ends: Let's just say you should give yourself ample time.

Great.

I go back on the website to read Holly's bio. It goes like this:

I love doing all hair types. It's fun making people feel and look good about themselves and make new changes. I really enjoy color, foils, and perms. I have done advanced training with Joico and Paul Mitchell.

I have been licensed for 16 years.
I have been at THE SPLIT END SALONS for 1 years.

I like to spend time with my family, walk Greenlake or Alki, shop with friends and my Mom and to the movies.

I almost cancel.

But a week later, after a bowling playdate my son and I head out to meet this Holly. I can't complain because we didn't hit a lick of traffic and it really didn't take all that long to get there - maybe 40 or so minutes.

The salon was located in a shopping center larger than a strip mall but smaller than a mall mall and looked more Hair Masters than Gene Juarez. Clearly the owner was counting on a big portion retail sales income because products were displayed and stacked everywhere.

I almost cancel.

But once I saw Holly I relaxed. She had the cutest haircut (kind of a modern day Dorothy Hamill) and a warm, beautiful smile. She took a lot of time to listen to my hair angst and play with my hair - pushing it this way and that. And you know what? When she pushed it over my ears I magically lost about 10 pounds! So guess how she cut it. Exactly! And with tip it only cost me $40. That totally beats Fancy Salon's $60 rate.

And my son and I made the most of being in Mill Creek. We did a little shopping (See "$73 in Dog Bones Later"), had a nice dinner (See "I was Hungry Til she Said Amputation of the Foot") and got home by 7 pm.

So will I go back? Probably. Because even though it was yet another variation on the artichoke, I am really happy with it.

As for Miss Pass Herself Off as a Stylist, I'm still awaiting her email. I'll cut her some slack because she shares the same name as my Cabbage Patch Doll, but that can only get her so far.

You're Invited to a (Dog) Party!

2008-08-28T07:46:00.000-07:00

You're Invited!

Join 5 to 15 dogs as they chase each other, smell each other in naughty/icky places, growl, nip, run and smile

Every Night Around 8 pm
Mercerdale Park

Bring: Your Dog. (The gathering is really something to see, so you don't have to bring your dog. But you might have a little more fun if you do.)

Missing! White Mailbox ! Reward for Return!

2008-08-27T07:52:00.000-07:00

Missing! White mailbox. (No distinct markings.) Answers to 3418.

Missing since July, 2008. Likely being used as some sort of trophy in a local teen's bedroom.

Reward for Return! Well, actually probably not. Owner's have already moved on to a PO Box. 139, by the way.

Did you know that a 97% isn't good enough?

2008-08-26T17:30:00.000-07:00

Last year my son's school held a talent show and my sweet, shy child decided he just had to be a part of it. I'll admit I was surprised by how adamant he was about participating, but you better believe he had my full support.

He's a drummer so I figured he'd drum. But no, he decided he wanted to do a magic trick. He went online and found a trick he liked and left it at that.

Meanwhile, I was getting emails from the talent show coordinators asking about costumes, props, specifics with regards to the timing of each act.

"Performances can be no longer than two minutes," they wrote. Two minutes! Are you kidding? I didn't think my son's act would go longer than fifteen seconds.

As the rehearsal approached I encouraged him to come up with some sort of act or script. He resisted me at first, but finally came around. It went something like this:

Hi! I might look like a regular 2nd grader to you, but I actually have very magical powers. In fact, I have the ability to make cup floats in mid-air. Want to see? (At this point we're hoping the audience starts clapping in desire.) OK. Here goes. And then he does the trick.

We come up with a costume (jeans and a dress shirt, just like the magician online) and props (sparkles that will shoot out of the floating cup upon its magical take-off) and then practice the hell out of the act.

On the day of the rehearsal I can tell he's nervous, but he's also pumped up. When we get there they have him go backstage to wait his turn. I ask if he wants me to go with him but he says no, so I take a seat in the audience.

First up is one of my son's classmates. I actually know her pretty well because I had been reading with her once a week since the start of the schoolyear. Hmmm. I wonder what her talent is. (Probably not reading.)

Oh wow. I had no idea that she could hula-hoop while playing the violin.

OK. Start it off with a bang, right? Not everyone can be so, well . . . talented.

But the next kid (a third grader) sings opera . . . in SPANISH! ("We spent the summer in Barcelona," she explains.) Her younger brother (a kindergartner) comes out next and sings an ENTIRE European pop song. (Truth be told it got a little long. Plus, I watched their parents as this brother and sister act performed, mouthing the words and praying for a no mistake kinda night. Their angst was a little disgusting and I can't say I wasn't slightly nauseated by the sight. Yet their wee ones did not disappoint.)

At this point I'd started to see a pattern . . . it was a REAL TALENT show. Crap!

How was my son going to get up there with his rinky dink magic trick? But I couldn't stop him from trying - from taking this huge step to break out of his introverted shell.

They called his name and he came out on stage. His face was really, really red and I noticed he was literally shaking. He walked up to the microphone and said, "I'm in Mrs. Calvo's class." And then he just stood there. That's it! I swear to you!

I don't know why, but when things like this happen I start laughing. Uncontrollably. I heard the coordinator saying with panic, "Is his parent here? Where's his parent?" And I felt myself heading up to the stage to grab him, but tears of laughter are streaming down my face.

By this time his dad and my fiance had arrived so the three of us took our crying, shamed son out in the hall and tried to soothe him. My fiance asked, "How many kids tried out today?"

My son replied, "11."

"And how many kids are in your school?"

"600."

"So you were one of the 11 kids out of 600 brave enough to even try?"

(See why I'm marrying him?)

"I guess so," my son acquiesed.

The thing is, here on this fair island on which I chose to park my family, this kind of situation is not unusual. Kids here are talented. In fact, a 97% is not considered high enough for a child to be considered gifted. No, a Mercer Island child must score 98% or higher on whatever goofy gifted standardized test they are given (in 2nd grade!) in order to determine whether they are smart enough to qualify for the gifted program. That's a lot of performance pressure for 7-year olds! And I'm pretty sure that in other cities around the world those who only scored a measly 97% would still be considered gifted.

As the test date approached I worried about having my son tested. He is a July birthday so he's one of the youngest in his class so I wasn't sure if it'd be fair for him. Plus, for some reason the whole idea of the gifted program was leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. I called my mom to hash it out.

"All my friends were in the gifted classes in high school but I didn't get in. It was crushing," I whine.

"You did too get in," my mom counters.

"No I didn't. Mrs. Newman and Mrs. Kiaer didn't think I was good enough."

"That is so untrue! You were accepted and were taking the classes. But one day you came home from school and told me you'd quit! I called Mrs. Newman to get you back in but she wouldn't allow it."

"Really?" I'm totally shocked at this revelation. "I don't remember that at all. All these years I thought I just wasn't as smart as my friends."

"Jen, you were President of Eta Pi Epsilon (Syracuse's Women's Honor Society) and graduated Magna Cum Laude."

Good points.

I hang up with her and wonder why I quit. I know I gotta figure it out before it is time for my son to test.

Pros:
There's a real focus on learning
You're teamed with kids that are serious about school
You're encouraged to challenge yourself
It is cool to be smart
Kids in the program might also choose Lego building over a baseball game
(I'm sure there's lots of parents that could tell me lots of other pros but this is my list, dammit, and that's all I'm willing to name)

Cons:
You're with the same kids year after year
There's a lot of pressure to be "gifted" and not just a kid
There's also pressure to do more and learn more than is expected of the "regular population"
Homework is piled on - more work for my son = more work for ME
There's a lot of competition amongst classmates - this competitive spirit becomes habit and can stick with you until the day you die. And let's face it, it can be really unbecoming.

Clearly I wasn't excited about the whole deal, but I didn't want to shortchange my son. In an effort to keep my own prejudices from getting in my child's way I decided to leave the decision up to his teacher. She said, "Yes, he should absolutely take the test."

So I signed him up figuring the test was just a test - it certainly didn't mean we'd need to make a decision on the program.

Then I forgot to send him. (Oops. I was in skincare school at the time and more than a few balls got dropped.)

So on the "My Parents Flaked Out the First Time Day" he finally went in and took the test.

"How did it go?" I asked in the afternoon.

"It was fine, but the kid next to me kept spitting."

"Spitting?"

"Yeah."

"What do you mean."

"He was spitting everywhere."

"Did you complain to a teacher?"

"No. I asked him to stop but he kept doing it."

"Why was he spitting?"

"I think he had a cold and it was making him spit."

"Did it bother you? Were you able to concentrate?"

"Not really. Can I play Wii when I get home?"

Oy.

I just want my kid to be happy. To have fun. To fit in. To feel good about himself. To be able to relax when he gets home at the end of the day and not be a stressed out THIRD GRADER!

Good thing he only scored a 76%.

And no, he didn't perform in the talent show either.

Have You Lost?

2008-08-26T14:32:00.000-07:00

Following is a transcript from a recent phone call with my grandma:

"Grandma! Hi! I'm calling from London and wanted to tell you that Jim just proposed!"

"Have you lost?"

(Would you believe I actually know what she's getting at? But I'm shocked - especially given the news I've called to share and the fact that I'm calling from LONDON - that this is her out-the-door, first-thing-she-can-think-of-to-say, knee-jerk response. But even though I know what she's getting at I'm bothered by her passive-agressively beating around the bush so I decide to make her work a little harder. What'd you expect? I'm a feisty girl filled with hot Spanish blood.)

With the sweetest voice, "Lost what, Grandma?"

"You know, lost."

"No, I don't know. What are you asking, Grandma?"

"You know, how's your health?" Nice tactic, but she was unsuccessful at averting my focus. I'm still not giving in.

"My health's fine, Grandma. Did you hear what I said? Jim proposed."

"Have you seen a doctor lately?" She's working so darn hard to avoid directly asking what she wants to know, isn't she? It is making me mad. Or sad? Defeated? I guess all three. Mostly I'm fed up.

"Um, no. I'm on vacation in London and Jim just proposed. No need for a doctor."

"That's nice." She pauses, frustrated, I'm sure, that I'm as good at manipulating a conversation as she is. (She trained me well over the years.) Her only play left is to go for it.

"I was just wondering if you'd lost any weight." Ooh. There it is. I glance at my brother's Blackberry I'm borrowing to shout out the glorious engagement news to friends and family in America. Let's see, it took her one minute and thirty-three seconds to rain down on my love parade. Not quite a record, but yo grandma, even in your eighties you still got mad skillz, playah.

Alas, times have changed, Grandma. I have graduated from tolerating comments such as these.

"You know what, Grandma, you don't get to ask me that question ever again. My weight is none of your business and it is inappropriate to ask."

She knows she's wrong but she can't say she's sorry. "How's Eli?"

"Eli's fine. I will talk to you when I get back to Seattle."

She's desperate to keep me on the line. "How's your mom?"

"I've gotta go, Grandma."

Good for me, right? Just two problems. The first is that I may have stood up for myself, but I still let her words bother me . . . for the rest of the day. And night. Not OK. I gotta work on that.

The second is that Grandma won't answer any of my phone calls. Well, let me rephrase that. She doesn't have caller ID so she actually does answers my calls in hopes that it is anyone except for me. But when she realizes it is me she comes up with excuses to immediately get off the phone.

Want an example? OK.

Ring. Ring.

"Hi Grandma!"

"Oh, hi."

"How are you?"

"I just got out of the shower. Can I call you back?"

"Sure!"

"OK. Bye."

No call back. For days. So I keep tryin.

Ring. Ring.

"Hi Grandma!"

"Oh, hi."

"I have been trying to reach you but it is a lot harder ever since Aunt L removed your answering machine."

"I was down at the nurse's station getting my medication."

"I don't just mean today, I've been trying to get you for a few days."

"The nurse is here, I have to go." (Hmmm. She used the nurse as an excuse twice in one call and I'm not buying it.)

"OK, then. Call me back."

No call back. Why do I care? She was mean to me for years, I took it lyin down, I finally stood up for myself and now she doesn't want to talk to me. It reminds me of the jerky men I dated before meeting Jim. Maybe I should re-read, "He's Just Not That Into You."

Change is A-Brewin Ms. Geneen Roth

2008-08-26T13:47:00.000-07:00

Hi Geneen,

No, we've never met. But yes, I love you! I'm guessing this isn't the first time a stranger has told you that!

About a month ago my therapist recommended I purchase your book, When Food is Love, and journal whatever came to mind as I read it. She said there was no hurry to read it, that it might take me weeks to get through depending on how much journaling was triggered. It worked out well because my son was in Brazil with my ex-husband at the time and my work schedule was light, so I hunkered down in my bed and read, wrote, got mad, got sad and cried until I started to feel some relief from it all. Since then I've picked up, Feeding the Hungry Heart, When You Eat at the Refrigerator, Pull Up a Chair, and Why Weight? and these days seem to go everywhere with one of your books and my journal.

Only once before have I kept a journal. My mom bought it for me when I was 12 and encouraged me to use it. So I did. But only when I was mad at my parents or when I liked a boy. And then she read it. And cried. So I never kept one again, just in case. But I have found that I love having this new, adult journal because painful feelings no longer have to grow in me, I can just let them out on paper as soon as they bug me and then they lose their power.

Funny Side-note: One day I was writing in said journal while reading your book and going potty. (As I mentioned, I go everywhere with the two.) When I was done I set them down on the side of the vanity and went on my merry way. Awhile later my fiance came in to shower and accidentally dropped the journal in the toilet. He brought the wet book to me, his face filled with guilt and fear was enough of a confession. "Was there anything in the toilet?" I accusingly questioned. Thankfully he answered, "No." I didn't see the humor in it at the time and declared, "I need a nap!" then huffed off to bed. But later on, the thought of how scared of me he probably was when it dropped in made me giggle uncontrollably! And as my therapist pointed out, "It is fitting because that journal is full of all the shit you're trying to get rid of. It belongs in the toilet!"

In any case, I am writing for two reasons. The first is to thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your experiences with such an open heart. The second is to tell you a funny experience I had while trying to incorporate the guidelines you suggest in your books.

So, for the first order of business: THANK YOU! Until I was introduced to you I always said the only eating disorder from which I suffered was from knowing way too much about food. My parents put my skinny butt on my first official diet (Diet Center) when I was about 8. (I look at my 8-year old son and think, "I couldn't have made him suck down hot water with lemon if I tried.) Ever since it has been one diet to the next. Whatever it was (counting fat and calories, eliminating sugar & gluten, focusing on green leafy vegetables, eating carbs and protein separately, etc) I knew all the rules and would follow them with perfection until I couldn't anymore. (Sound familiar?!)

I remember going to a celebrity nutritionist when I lived in Los Angeles in hopes of maintaining my post Phen/Fen body since the FDA had recently banned it from the marketplace. (What's a hole in the heart matter when you're thin!?) Plus, I'd gained about 10 pounds and my parents went nuts and were, once again, willing to pay any price for me to "fix" me. (Mind you I was 26 and already married at this point.) In any case, I religiously followed his crazy rules for six months. Then one day in December when I went in for my weekly check-up (where he'd look into my eyes and analyze my saliva in order to determine progress - huh?) I mentioned how hard it was not to cheat during the holiday season because there were treats everywhere I looked. He said, "You can cheat."

I replied with shock, "I can?"

"Sure, Cameron Diaz cheats all the time. She loves beer and pizza."

I left his office thinking, "Then hell yeah I'm gonna cheat!" Images of all the goodies I'd been missing came into my head. The idea of a day free of air popped popcorn - that at one point felt like decadence - seemed so enticing. The next thing I knew I was filling myself with green and red holiday wrapped Hershey Kisses. I'm not even sure if I liked them at the time, but I know I don't now. And that was that. I got pregnant a few months later, gained close to 100 pounds and really have never lost the weight. I just couldn't go on a diet again.

Which leads right back to my self-diagnosed eating disorder of Knowing Too Much. I'd open the cupboard or fridge and stare, literally not being able to choose something to eat due to all the conflicting philosophies I'd learned over the years banging up against one another in my head. I got in a habit of not eating until 3 and then, because I'd been so "disciplined" all day I'd splurge on whatever was easy, carb-loaded and close by. Obviously that didn't work out well for me.

Last year a wonderful nutritionist, Jennifer Adler of Realize Health, started to get me on the right track with regards to this dilemma. She explained that if I ate SOMETHING! ANYTHING! throughout the day (aka known as Avoid Starving Self) my blood sugar wouldn't drop so drastically and I wouldn't feel the need to binge in the afternoon. Around the same time my sweet endocrinologist, Matthew Davies, in an attempt to balance my glycemic index, said I don't care what you choose, just make sure to eat a carb and a protein for every meal. He then asked me to name a carb and a protein. You should have seen my twisted face as I tried to answer his EASY question. "Well, rice is a carb, but I know I shouldn't eat white rice because it turns to sugar in my body so I guess Kashi rice is . . . "

"Did I tell you to choose a fancy rice?" he bellowed. Well, maybe he didn't bellow, but he was kinda shocked and frustrated with how hard I was making it. "If you want white rice, then eat white rice."

Yet, my story still plows through some more sugar and gluten free days, a fast here and there, confusion, guilt and feelings of failure and even MORE WEIGHT GAIN until my therapist introduced me to you.

It takes some faith to trust in your process, but what you suggest and explain make so much sense. Especially when I watch my son's eating patterns. Guess what! He only eats when he's hungry! Huh? What? Why would he do that? And when he has a tantrum (some bigger, some smaller) he simply lets the anger, frustration or sadness out. Interesting approach!

With my November wedding approaching I admit I get a little anxious about suddenly experimenting with donuts, Pringles, Doritos, cookies, CHEESE, chocolate milk, etc! But more often than not I'm drawn to meals like arugula with tomatoes and olive oil or my famous roasted chicken and broccoli so I'm sure it'll all work out. Take yesterday as an example. For lunch we ate grilled steak, fresh corn, baked potatoes and a yummy salad. For dinner, on the flip side, my son and I sorted out a brand-new box of Lucky Charms into piles of "yum-yums" (marshmallows) and "yuck-yucks" (regular cereal) and ate only the yum-yums with no milk. We had so much fun analyzing the cereal situation and it was such a luxury to eat a handful of those delectable marshmallows at one time! (By the way, if you're ever in contact with General Mills please tell them we suggest a Pot of Charms which consists of only yum-yums, because no one really wants the yuck-yucks, right? Except maybe my nephew. Apparently he's just a yuck-yuck kinda guy.)

So, again, thank you from the bottom of my calmer, less conflicted heart. In just one month, because of your books, I am such a happier person.

Now, onto the funny story.

Last week after getting my haircut in downtown Seattle I was walking to pick up my car at the valet where I'd parked. I had only a few minutes to get over to another appointment but I was starving! I tell myself that you'd want me to eat just exactly what I want, but what to choose? It needed to be quick because I didn't have much time so I opted for an apple fritter (!) from the Nordstrom coffee cart. (I made a conscious choice not to get a latte though because I wasn't in the mood. Cool!) I can't say apple fritter choices come easily, but I'm getting better at it. I continued on my way to my car, holding the fritter in the little white baggy the barrista'd put it in, thinking about how hungry I was and how good the fritt would taste when I finally ate it ALONE. IN MY CAR. Ooh. I hadn't even realized I was a closet eater until this moment. Suddenly it occurred to me that I really only eat comfortably in front of my son and fiance but otherwise edit. (Maybe because so many of my friends and family have a habit of saying some variation of, "Did anyone notice that I chose not to order the bagel with my breakfast?" when we go out to eat. Even though I've always answered, "No, but I did take notice of what I ordered," I learned that many assume that others watch what they eat, leading me to believe they also watch what I eat. This makes the fat girl in me feel judged and uncomfortable.)

"OK, Jen," I tell myself as I wait for my car to be brought around. "I know it is a challenge but you've got to try to eat this fritter in public." I'm grossly aware of the strangers around me (4 valet clustered together, immersed in conversation. Two guys and a girl, smoking cigarettes ((Oops, look at me judging them!)) while waiting for their car. People walking in and out of the mall.) and amazingly, for some self-absorbed reason, I figure they actually care about me and my fritter. Still, I timidly pull the fritter out of the bag and pull off a sweet piece of crispy, fried goodness and take a bite. I tuck the fritter back into its baggy while I chew. "OK. Good girl. You did it! That wasn't so bad, right?"

And then thud. All eyes, including mine, turn to see what the loud noise was. And on the ground, surrounding my adorably clad feet, lay frosty bits of apple fritter because the little white baggy the flippin barrista had chosen to package my momentous meal had NO BOTTOM! Seriously?! Couldn't my first Eating Out in Public Party have gone off a little more discreetly? Are you wondering what I did? Can you guess?

With faked calm and indifference, I picked up the biggest chunk of the damn fritter still in tact, stuck it into the trick baggy, got into my car, drove off and ate it (in private, dammit) anyway. I was HUNGRY!

My fiance and I rolled with laughter as I told him the story. "Atta girl!" he shouted! Then he continuously re-enacted the scene with my character reaching guiltily down each time for the fritter while saying, "5 second rule! 5 second rule!"

Well, I will stop now! I wish you all the very, very best. You are an angel right here on earth, helping more people everyday than you probably even realize.

Best Wishes,

Quality Ear Piercing Right Here on Mercer Island

2008-07-01T14:50:00.000-07:00

Recently I was given the honor of taking Jim's niece to get her ears pierced. I wanted her experience of this rite of passage to be THE BEST. In preparation for the big day I started researching the Seattle area in hopes of finding the most sterile place to take her, yet a place where they were also patient and caring.

What did I finally learn? That getting your ears pierced personally by Aunty Sugar & Swank is, by far, the safest and most fun solution.

That is why I am so excited to announce that I will be adding EAR PIERCING to my business.

Picture it! Fun music, sparkling cider (or champagne for those a little older!) to celebrate and a couple of quick, hygienic poke in the earlobes!

Seriously, you've got to see my equipment. IT IS NOT REUSED FROM PERSON TO PERSON! Instead, every client's ears are pierced using their own individually wrapped materials so bacteria doesn't spread from one person to the next. And while the experience isn't entirely free of pain, it is pretty close. Jim's niece DID NOT EVEN FLINCH! It was remarkable!

You know, my mom grew up in the jewelry business and I remember watching her mark my friends' ears in order to ensure they were pierced in just the right place on their earlobes. So let's face it, I was trained by the very best! It is so fun to continue her tradition in a professional way.

So spread the word! Or come on in yourself! Quality, hygienic, careful ear piercing right on Mercer Island - near Bellevue and Seattle.

Call 206-351-3213 to book an appointment.

Sugar & Swank Skincare Spa
7418 SE 24th
Mercer Island, WA 98040

Idea for Date Night

2008-06-28T11:16:00.000-07:00

Need an idea for your next date night? Jim and I went on one last night to Aqua Verde in the University District. First we put our name in at the funky Mexican Cantina - packed to the brim due to Seattle FINALLY getting a sunny day. Then we went downstairs to rent a kayak for just $18. We (mostly Jim) paddled out into Lake Union (with caution because kayaks have the last right of way) and then just sat there for awhile, taking in the beautiful day and admiring the beautiful city. After paddling back we were just in time to get our table. We enjoyed our $25dinner, but I have to admit the service was so/so, the room was really loud and the food was just OK. Still, it was the entire experience that counts and for just $43it was a really fun night and we really felt as though we'd gotten away.

Happy Summer!

The Word "Drama"

2008-06-27T10:02:00.000-07:00

I started calling my son, "Drama," a few years ago, way before Johnny Drama from Entourage ever existed. The name came to me one night as I watched him drag his body across the floor in supposed agony when I asked him to brush his teeth before bed. "Let's go, Drama," I said. "No matter how much you complain those teeth are still getting brushed."

All this time later and he still gives it his best shot. My response these days? "Drama, have you ever known the theatrics to work on me?" Depending on how much rest and food he's gotten he either starts to laugh at himself or he lays on a little more umph to up his performance. Oy.

In any case, I've recently decided to retire the word "drama" entirely. I'm sick of everyone accusing everyone of being it. Sure, in perspective our problems as Americans are not really problems when compared to the issues faced by people around the globe. Still, the problems we face can feel really big. Yes, we usually get to face them on a full belly without a gun pointed to our head, but can't we own the fact that the simple balance of life as Americans can be challenging and tiring.

Last week on my birthday my uncle asked if I was excited to celebrate. Sure, I was excited, but I was more excited about a surprise party the following day for my aunt. I was even more excited about my cousin's wedding the day after that. Plus, I explained to him, in the two weeks prior, I'd graduated from school, had surgery to remove a melanoma from my leg, had taken my state boards and started a new job. "I just told my chiropractor how dramatic my family in Seattle is," he responded. Dramatic? Really? I understand that not one of the things I faced are anywhere near as bad as what a lot of others face on a daily basis, but they certainly seemed stressful and exhausting to me. Who is he, or anyone else, to judge?

As I meander through the spa each day I overhear bits and pieces of what different clients are going through and their strength and endurance amazes me. Life can be hard. Sure, we have to keep perspective of what's going on elsewhere in the world - insight into current affairs is crucial - but respect yourself enough to acknowledge, "Wow, that was tough and I'm pretty darn strong for getting through it," at some point. You aren't "drama" if you do, you're human.

50% Off Your First Service with Sugar & Swank

2008-06-16T21:49:00.001-07:00

Book an appointment with Jennifer by August 31st, 2008 to receive
50% off your first service.

VARIOUS TREATMENTS INCLUDE

FACIALS:
Good Ole Fashioned Customized Facial

Please Pop My Zits Deep Cleanse:
Make Me Look 10 Years Younger Anti-Aging Facial
The I’ve Got Your Back Facial
The Feed Your Face Fresh Fruits and Veggie Facial

WAXING:
Brows—Lip—Cheeks—Chin—Neck—Underarms—Arms—Legs—Bikini—Brazilian—Chest—Back

BODY TREATMENTS:
The Decadently Sugary Sugar Scrub
The Aromatherapeutic Body Rub Down
The Ayurvedically Calming TriDoshic Signature Scrub

MAKE-UP APPLICATION & TRAINING

Sugar & Swank is Your Dermaware Source

2008-05-30T16:21:00.000-07:00

SUGAR & SWANK IS YOUR SOURCE FOR DERMAWARE SKIN & BODY PRODUCTS .
Your order can be shipped anywhere in the United States. If you don't see what you want on the website, just ask. New products arrive everyday and anything not in stock can be ordered.

Cleansers
Anti-Oxidant Cleanser: Botanical and citrus foaming gel cleanser with micronized Vitamins A, B, and C. Oil-free and soap free.

Deep and Clear Cleanser: Botanical foaming gel cleanser containing exfoliating, healing and anti-bacterial properties through salicylic and lactic acids, witch hazel, arnica and tea tree. Oil-free, soap-free.

Heavy Cream Cleanser: Creamy, hydrating, soothing and healing oil-free cleanser containing arnica, lavender, chamomile and elder flower.

Moisturizers
Anti-Oxidant Moisturizer - Oil Free: Vitamins A, B, C, E is mixed with nutrient rich a-Lipoic, arnica, soothing cucumber, calendula, plumping hyaluronic acid create this oil-free, anti-oxidant protection. Ideal for oily, acne, rosacea, sensitive or combination skin.

Anti-Oxidant Moisturizer: Vitamins A, B, C, E, alpha-lipoic, borage, evening primrose, chamomile, sea algae and hyaluronic acid in a humectant base create this hydrating moisturizer ideal for dry or combination skin.

Extreme Cream: A luxurious anti-aging cream containing a synergistic anti-oxidant package, all from nature, that enhances your skin's ability to combat dryness, aging and harsh environmental conditions.

Perfect Fit Hydrator: The perfect fit for teens or those with sensitive skin. Contains regenerating copper peptides, anti-oxidant Vitamins A, B & E.

Wrinkle Recovery Moisturizer: Olive oil, squalene, hyaluronic acid, peach and vitamins are combined to help replenish dehydrated skin and decrease fine lines and wrinkles.

Screenplay Spf 30 Sunscreen: A chemical free sun block containing micronized minerals in an oil-free tinted cream. Natural plant extracts (green coffee, green tea, grape seed) provide anti-oxidant protection while others (chamomile, cucumber, aloe, beta glucans) provide healing elements. Replenishing vitamin C and Vitamin E protect against free radical damage while natural humectants provide moisture and barrier balance. Provides invisible, non-irritating, non-oily protection.

Toners
Delicate Balance Toner: A soothing gel that acts as both a toner and hydrator containing hyaluronic acid, chamomile, elder flower, comfrey, calendula, glycerin, allantoin and vitamin c.

Oil Balance Toner: A purifying, anti-bacterial gel that soothes while removing excess oils and impurities. Cleanses pores without stripping the skin.

Eye Cream
Eye C Eye Care Cream: Includes plant extracts, emollient natural oils, anti-oxidant and corrective vitamins (A, B, C, D, E and Beta Carotene)that moisturize and protect, replenish and hydrate dry, parched skin, rhydrate, calm sensitive or inflamed skin and reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles. For extra help with dark circles, use Vital K Microgel underneath.

Bagless Eye Gel: Leave your bags behind. Peptides and cucumber help reduce bags, smooth eye contour and reduce congestion.

Plus:
Bare Fruit Mask
Clean Slate Mask
Feed Your Face Mask
Saving Face Clearing Mask
Blemish Banisher Acne Treatment
End of the Line Gels
And many other products. Just ask and if it isn't in stock it can be ordered.

See www.besugarandswank.com for pricing information. The website is currently being updated so be sure to email me if you don't see what you want - some products may not yet be listed.

Waxing

2008-05-30T15:30:00.000-07:00

From your brows to your toes, and just about anywhere else in between, Sugar & Swank will smoothly swipe away those annoying hairs.

Brow Design
Brow Maintenance
Lip
Chin
Cheeks
Arms
Underarms
Legs
Chest
Stomach
Back
Bikini (Standard)
Bikini (Extended)
Brazilian

Body Treatments

2008-05-30T15:10:00.000-07:00

The Decadently Sugary & Swank Sugar Scrub
This treatment begins with a gentle exfoliation process that feels like the best back scratches you’ve ever had. Next a warm exfoliating sugar and essential oil scrub is poured over and rubbed into your body. Following a warm compress removal of this mixture you’ll be misted with a soothing and hydrating spray of essential oils.

Revitalize or Harmonize
Take a pick—either way you’ll enjoy be massaged from head to toe with lovely essential oils that naturally honor what your body is craving.

TriDoshic and Swank
According to Ayurvedic medicine, which dosha are you? Vata, Pitta or Kapha. The goal is to be a balance of all three. This body treatment combines all the goodies in Sugar & Swank’s arsenal into one signature body treatment in hopes of helping you find that balance so you emerge Tridoshic and Swank.

The Woo Woo Approach
All are great alone or added to other treatments.

Get Ohm’ed
Let the therapeutic sounds of acutonics release your pent up chi and deliver the Ohm.

Head First
Fall head first into skillful hands during this exquisite scalp and ear massage.

The Scent that Suits You
Experience the beneficial properties of aromatherapy while being massaged with essential oils combined just for you.

Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Are the ickies in your lymph a little stuck? Do they need a push? MLD helps get things draining properly.

Paraffin Hand Dip
Hydrate and relax your hands with this warming treatment.

Sugar & Swank Facials

2008-05-30T14:59:00.000-07:00

No matter the facial you choose, it will be fully customized, just for you, based on your skincare needs and desires. In addition to a sugary foot soak sprinkled with flower petals, every facial includes cleansing, restoration of the skin’s pH, exfoliation, hydration and an extensive massage of the face, neck, & décolleté when applicable.

The biggest of your worries? Choosing between a complimentary hand or foot massage.

The Good Old Fashioned Facial
There’s nothing old fashioned about this good old fashioned facial – especially because it will make your skin look as good as new. Extractions, if necessary!

The Please Pop My Zits Facial
Oh, lovely acne! Whether it’s a lone surprise visitor or the houseguests that never leave, there are so many things that can be done to zap those zits away and scare them from returning again anytime soon.

The I Want to Look 10 Years Younger Facial
The facelift is a last resort! In the meantime, there are a lot of tricks that can help tighten and tone the skin while diminishing fine lines and wrinkles - tricks that don’t require any time off from work.

The Feed Your Face Facial
Let nature’s purest ingredients Feed Your Face. Fresh fruits and vegetables are utilized to cleanse, tone and hydrate the skin.

The Men's Facial
This facial forgos the frill and flower petals and simply gets down to the business of treating the skin.

The I’ve Got Your Back Facial
Forget the face! Is it your other side that needs a little love? Don’t worry. I’ve got your back. I’ll tenderly exfoliate, gently cleanse, soothingly steam and carefully extract the skin before rubbing you down.

The Nooner
Only have time for a quickie? Get all the goodies of your favorite facial , minus the steam. Great when combined with a body treatment or for when you just need a little somethin somethin.

Exfoliation Treatments:
Say bye bye to icky dead skin cells, annoying lines and wrinkles, spotty hyperpigmentation, glaring zits and rough, dry skin because the following treatments are now at your disposal.

Glycolic Peel - Helps exfoliate dead skin cells and fight pigmentation, acne, fine lines & wrinkles. Great for decollete, hands, feet, elbows and knees too.

Salicylic Peel - The super-strong acne fighter.

Microdermabrasion - Great in conjunction with Glycolic Peels to help exfoliate dead skin cells and fight pigmentation, acne, fine lines and wrinkles.

Enzyme Peel - Eats away all the dead cells but leaves all the good stuff in tact.

Sugar & Swank is Expanding!

2008-05-30T14:55:00.001-07:00

SUGAR & SWANK IS EXPANDING!

Sugar & Swank still custom-blends mineral make-up, provides lessons in make-up application and performs event makeovers, but Sugar & Swank now offers:

FACIALS, WAXING & BODY TREATMENTS

What's more, from now on you can find Sugar & Swank at Expressions Salon and Spa -7803 SE 27th Street - Mercer Island - Across from Tully's

MAKE EXPRESSIONS YOUR SALON & SPA.
Facials * Hair * Nails * Massage * Steam Baths
From your head to your toes, and just about anywhere else in between, Sugar & Swank's got you covered.

ACCEPTING APPOINTMENTS STARTING JUNE 11TH

Spa: 206-232-3743 Cell: 206-351-3213

www.besugarandswank.com
www.esalonandspa.com

It has been awhile!

2008-05-30T14:37:00.001-07:00

Wow. The last Sugar & Swank blog was written in December! In some ways that is hard to believe, in others it totally makes sense. Why? Because so much has been going on in the Sugar & Swank world - namely the fact that I finally took the plunge and went to the Euro Institute to get licensed in skincare. That meant 6 months of intense skincare training, 5 or 6 days a week, while working and being a good mommy in the evenings! It also means I get to expand my business to include facials, waxing and body treatments, which only makes sense.

But more on that in another blog.

What I really want to say here is that going back to school seemed like an impossibility. There were so many serious unknowns. How would my son get to and from school? How could I provide him with enough love, support and stability if I was focused on schoolwork? How would I pay for school? Would I be able to balance school with work in order to pay the bills? But once I made the decision to interview at The Euro things began to fall into place and, even despite all the obstacles, I made it through.

Being a good woman means that you don't let anything get in the way of your dreams and goals. If you want something bad enough it will all work out. In addition, sometimes have to make small sacrifices before becoming even better women.

Trust in yourself. Have faith in life.

I need to put in some special thanks here to my son, boyfriend, ex-husband, parents and friends. Without their support, patience, helpfulness and generosity I couldn't have made it through.

Tis the Season for TOLO!

2007-12-31T12:05:00.000-08:00

Tis the season for TOLO, so be sure to reserve your super-glam Sugar & Swank TOLO makeover while space is still available. Come with friends, flip through fashion mags or gossip rags, sip on your fave beverages, munch on yummy snacks and, best of all, get beautifully made up in Sugar & Swank's chill Mercer Island studio.

Bigger salons are charging $54 for a makeover.

SUGAR & SWANK USES PRODUCTS THAT ARE SAFER FOR YOUR SKIN, OFFERS PERSONALIZED ATTENTION, IS CONVENIENT TO GET TO, OFFERS EASY, BREEZY PARKING AND ONLY CHARGES $30!

EVEN BETTER, REFER A FRIEND AND RECEIVE $10 OFF YOUR MAKEOVER, SO PLEASE FEEL FREE TO FORWARD THIS EMAIL ALONG.

Contact Jennifer at 206-351-3213 or jennifer@besugarandswank.com for more information and to reserve your slot. Get in touch soon as the best times get scooped up quickly.

Looking forward to glammin you up!

Finding Balance

2007-12-26T11:27:00.000-08:00

Being balanced is so important, but ever since starting my Esthetician training at the Euro Institute on November 26th, I've been struggling to get my life organized enough to return to the balance of my Sugar & Swank life before school started.

Just the other day I was telling a client that I was feeling unbalanced and then dropped something. "I've been so clumsy lately!" I exclaimed. "Of course you are," she replied. "You just told me you are feeling unbalanced so it would make sense that you're dropping and running into things."

While I absolutely love what I'm learning and wouldn't trade it for anything, my goal in 2008 is to get it back on track. I want to figure out how to make time to get in touch with friends, to call the oven repairman, Quest, the insurance company, etc. etc. More importantly, I need to start saying "no" to invitations. I need to just chill instead of running off to do another errand. I need to take "me" time without feeling guilty.

In the meantime, take a look at the pictures I've posted from my "classroom" and get excited because come May I will be able to add facials, waxing and body treatments to my Sugar & Swank repetoire.

Wax and Wine - But No Whining!

2007-12-26T11:08:00.000-08:00

Get Waxed (For Free!) While Sipping on Wine
Saturday, December 29th, 2007

Start getting ready for New Year's Eve by letting Sugar & Swank and her Euro Institute classmates wax you - almost anywhere - while you sip on wine and gab with friends. No Charge!

DECEMBER 29TH BETWEEN 2 PM AND 4 PM

SUGAR & SWANK
3418 77th PLACE SE
MERCER ISLAND, WA

Please invite friends to Wax and Wine with you!

Reserve Your New Year's Eve Makeover

2007-12-26T11:04:00.001-08:00

It isn't too late . . .

SUGAR & SWANK STILL HAS A FEW NEW YEAR'S EVE MAKEOVER APPOINTMENTS OPEN, SO BOOK A SPOT ASAP IN ORDER TO ENSURE YOU RING IN 2008 LOOKING FLAWLESS AND FABULOUS.

CONTACT JENNIFER AT 206-351-3213 OR JENNIFER@BESUGARANDSWANK.COM TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT.

SEE YOU ON THE 31ST!

Have a very happy and healthy 2008!

Holiday Shopping Solutions

2007-12-04T22:27:00.000-08:00

Holiday shopping doesn't need to be stressful. Just copy and paste the following link into your browswer to see Sugar & Swank's selection of fabulous gift items.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=46h3bjsh.c34giqzl&Uy=8sz1fg&Ux=0

What else does Sugar & Swank offer? Easy and free parking, no lines, customized gifts, personalized attention and free gift wrapping. Oh, and a cup of tea and nibble of chocolate if you're in the mood!

YOU'RE ALSO INVITED TO SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11TH
6 PM AT THE SUGAR & SWANK STUDIOS
3418 77TH PLACE SE, MERCER ISLAND

VENDORS INCLUDE:

Prairie Girl Potions and Baubles by Jennifer Worick
Elegant Jewelry by Leslie Rubenstein
Delectable Chocolate by Annie's Chocolates
Aprons with Sass and Lavender Liners by Go2Design
Luxurious Linens by Private Quarters and Jill Calvo
Make-Up, Skincare and Girly Gift Items by Sugar & Swank

PLEASE INVITE FRIENDS! Just RSVP BY DECEMBER 7TH TO jennifer@besugarandswank.com.

In the meantime, Jennifer Muscatel and Sugar & Swank wish you a very happy holiday season and all your wildest dreams in 2008!

December 11th Holiday Shopping Party! Shop Local!

2007-11-15T18:04:00.000-08:00

Shop Local for the Holidays on December 11th!

You're invited to calmly shop for the holidays with some super-fabulous local businesses while sipping champagne and nibbling on hand-made chocolates.

Easy parking, no lines, cheery environment, individualized attention and customized gifts for all the gals on your list. Even the guys!

Tuesday, December 11th at 6 pm
Sugar & Swank Studios
3418 77th Place SE
Mercer Island, WA 98040

RSVP by December 4th
jennifer@besugarandswank.com
or 206-351-3213
Please forward and invite friends to join you!

UNIQUE JEWELRY BY LESLIE RUBENSTEIN AND JENNIFER WORICK
LUXURIOUS LINENS BY PRIVATE QUARTERS AND JILL CALVO
DELECTABLE CHOCOLATE BY SANDRA WIXON OF ANNIE'S CHOCOLATES
FABULOUS COSMETICS, SKINCARE AND GIFT ITEMS BY SUGAR & SWANK
JENNIFER WORICK, NY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR, WILL ALSO BE SIGNING COPIES OF HER NEWEST BOOKS, BACKCOUNTRY BETTY & THE PRAIRIE GIRL'S GUIDE TO LIFE
AND BELIEVE IT OR NOT, EVEN MORE!

The Sugar & Swank Mineral Mixing Bar

2007-11-15T18:02:00.000-08:00

Sugar & Swank wants you to come over and play . . . with make-up!

Sugar & Swank currently has over 40 different mineral make-up colors, with even more for the holidays on the way, from which you can mix and match to create your own unique blends that no one else has.

Mix up a blush or eye shadow for just you and your friends to enjoy. Choose a cute and clever name to label it with.
What a perfect holiday gift!

Blend with Friends! Have a blending party to celebrate the holidays or a birthday with your pals!

And don't forget to Sparkle, Speak, Sign-Up and Save!
For every successful referral you make to Sugar & Swank you'll receive an eye-shadow or lipstick in any shade of your choice!

Like Anita

2007-11-09T08:25:00.000-08:00

I came up for a breath and looked around, confused. I was sure I'd just heard someone say, "I should be dead."

In the lane next to me Anita, an elderly woman I see at the pool everyday, was talking to the lifeguard. "Good for you," he replied.

"Yes, swimming saved me."

I probably swim 6 laps to Anita's 1, but bless her, she's there. She moves her body in the water as well as she can, works to get her blood pumping and does her best to loosen her joints. Truth be told, I may swim faster than Anita, but I can completely relate to her because swimming has saved me, as well.

I come from a family of active people. My mom walks every morning and loves it, can't live without it, and goes through withdrawal if she doesn't fit it in. My brother gets on a treadmill and runs until his clothes literally (and disgustingly) drip with sweat. My dad's exercise is usually limited to the golf course, but he loves an excerise bike. Until recently, however, I did whatever I could to avoid raising my heart rate.

That all changed one Hawaiian day in July when my son, boyfriend and I decided to go snorkeling. It felt so good and natural to swim through the water in fins and I thought, "I should do this when I go home." So as soon as I returned I bought a pair of fins, some goggles and signed up to swim at the local pool.

It isn't the fanciest pool, but it is about a 3-minute drive from my house, I can usually get my own lane and the people who swim and work there are lovely.

When I first started going I was a little shy about protocol, but I soon felt like a regular. There's a lot of comradery, support and encouragement amongst the swimmers I see. Jim always has a wink and a smile for me when he swims by on his kickboard. John Michael, the lifeguard, will walk back and forth alongside me so we can chit chat. Frank relentlessly bores us with his nutritional advice.

I'm just so happy thought to have found an excercise that I look forward to and crave. It feels so good to push through the water and I've figured out what strokes are relaxing and what strokes really get my heartrate up. I used to go to my back doctor once a week but haven't been since I started swimming. And best of all, since swimming I have corrected a bothersome elevated triglyceride issue I've been fighting for awhile. Now my triglycerides are way below normal, my good cholesterol is higher than normal and my bad cholesterol is lower than normal. What does all that mean? Simply put, as my doctor said when he delivered the good news, "Your cholesterol is something most would be jealous of."

So yes, like Anita,swimming has saved me. And given my family's history of heart disease, without swimming I might soon be dead.

I never thought I'd fall in love with any form of exercise, but I feel so lucky that I tried swimming and liked it. If you're like me and dread the idea of suiting up for the gym, keep trying different ways to break a sweat. You might just find one you actually like and working hard at it might just increase your chances of living a really long time.

The Great Books Email Bottle Project

2007-11-07T10:27:00.001-08:00

I spend Wednesday mornings with a small group of kids from my son's class discussing books. One of the books we've read, More Stories Julian Tells by Ann Cameron, sweetly relates a a story about some kids who put messages in bottles and send them off down a river hoping they will be found by someone, somewhere in this great big world.

We decided to try this for ourselves, so today each of the kids in the group wrote a message and put it in a bottle. The messages are pretty basic and don't include any personal information. In fact, I created an email address for the finder to use to let us know they found it. It is: thebottleproject@yahoo.com.

Now, throwing bottles into Lake Washington or the Puget Sound clearly isn't the Greenest idea, so I came up with a more modern approach: The Great Books Email Bottle Project. The kids are hoping I'll send out an email version of a "bottled message" asking people from all over the world to write us to let us know they received it.

So please, email us at thebottleproject@yahoo.com. And spread the word to family and friends - especially those who live really far away. It'll be fun to see how many emails we receive and from where they're sent.

Thanks!

Down There!

2007-11-06T12:22:00.000-08:00

I called my boyfriend's mom to let her know I was accepted to The Euro Institute. (See blog below!) She was excited for me and asked just exactly what I'd be learning.

"Facials, body wraps, waxing."

"Waxing?" she inquired. "Do you know what I heard? I heard that some women get waxed down there. You aren't going to be doing that are you?"

"You know what, I hadn't even thought about it, but I suppose I will be."

It was my friend Greg's first question, as well. "Brazilians?" he asked with hope. I don't get quite as excited about the idea, but maybe that's because I was married to a Brazilian for 5 years and any fascination with the country is now gone.

In any case, the bottom line is that yes, I will learn to wax "down there" but Brazilian training is an advanced course that I can only take after graduating. I'll also learn to wax other areas of the body, as well, so keep Sugar & Swank in mind when you are looking for a waxer . . . and a facialist. . . and a make-up artist.

The Euro Institute!

2007-11-06T11:46:00.001-08:00

They say to do what you're passionate about and thus far, that's what Sugar & Swank has been about. But the business has been missing one key component about which I'm extremely passionate: The Spa.

When I drive into the Bellevue Galleria parking lot and inhale a refreshing whiff of calming aromatherapy oils accidentally emanating from the Gene Juarez spa I instantly relax - even if I'm just going to grab a bite to eat at The Tap House or hitting a movie at the theater upstairs. I relax because the smell is comforting. I relax because the smell means peace. I relax because I just absolutely love the spa.

Ask my son and he'll tell you that when all else fails, get Mommy a spa gift certificate. But not just any spa. I want a spa with unique treatments that nourish the skin and body. Treatments I can't get anywhere else such as the banana leaf facial I got at Esperanza's spa in Cabo. I want a spa that prides itself on customer service and actually delivers. I want a spa with luxurious decor that I can enjoy while snuggled in my fluffy robe. The thing is, I haven't yet found that perfect spa so I plan to train hard until I can open one on my own.

The first step is to study at the Euro Institute, Seattle's premiere Esthetician academy and I'm excited to announce that I was accepted to their program. I'll officially start there on November 26th and will need to complete 700 hours of intense training before graduating sometime in May or June.

No worries, Sugar & Swank will operate after 4 pm on weekdays and on the weekends so keep booking those appointments.

Please email me with any great spa experiences and suggestions you have so I can open the most fabulous spa in town!

Finally, Be Sugar & Swank and find your passion and go after your dreams!

An Epiphany!

2007-11-01T15:32:00.000-07:00

I've been very commited these past few months to getting my body in order. I always want to weigh less, but as I've gotten older it has gone beyond that. I have begun to understand that thin or fat, the bottom line is being healthy. Not that I've given up the hope of being thin, but after fighting some days of not feeling so good, I appreciate the fact that feeling good is a lot better than looking good.

I currently have the most fantastic specialists fighting to support Team Jen's Body Watch.

Sally Reed - Hypnotherapist - 206/719-6660
Matthew Davies - Endocrinologist - 206/386/9522
Lisa Porad - Acupuncturist - 206/295/2166
Jennifer Adler - Nutritionist - 206/595/0376
Karen Coshow - Naturopath - 206/523/9000

I'm eating well, I'm on the right medications, I'm exercising. So when the weight doesn't come off and I appear to have more of a donut top rather than a muffin top when I wear jeans, it is hard not to get discouraged.

Lisa, the Acupuncturist, explained that some bodies just aren't meant to be thin and that no matter how many of the "right things" you do, your body might just balance out at a certain weight. I like that idea. It makes me feel less like I'm failing at this whole thing.

After swimming laps the other day I stopped by the grocery store to buy a steak to cook for lunch and the words of a stranger helped relieve me even more of my body burdens.

"That steak looks good," said the man in line in front of me.

"Yeah," I replied. "I'm hoping to borrow some of the cow's blood to boost my energy."

"Well, it looks as though you're taking good care of your body."

"I'm trying!" I told him.

"Good for you. You know, we are made in God's image so we have to appreciate, love and care for our body because it is divine."

While I am a spiritual and religious person, I do not generally share my religious thoughts and beliefs with strangers. What's more, I do not particularly like it when strangers share theirs with me. However, in this instance it was somehow soothing and made sense. I won't go into my version of God here in this blog, but suffice it to say that I do believe in a higher power that loves me, no matter how I look. And maybe my path in this life is to experience what it is like to live in a body like mine. What a nice perspective! Come on, things could be way worse!

By the way, I am excited to say that I received blood test results yesterday from Dr. Davies who reported the results "are something that others would be jealous of!" I was thrilled to see hard evidence that my efforts are paying off because big or small, I want to live a long, long time.

I never thought I'd say this but . . .

2007-11-01T14:21:00.001-07:00

. . . as an adult, I take Halloween for granted.

I didn't it for granted as a child. In fact, I have so many memories of enjoying Halloween as a youngster. A big party at the Morgan's house with all of my close family friends. Cider, soup and lots and lots of treats. Trick-or-treating in the cold and rain with our dads while our moms stayed dry and warm at home. Heading up to Melissa's room upon our return to unload our loot and make trades for our favorites.

Now, however, Halloween is stressful. Yesterday, for example, as the Room Parent for my son's class, I was in charge of the classroom Halloween party. The other parents were amazingly helpful and we pulled off a party that certainly pleased the kids. After cleaning up I ran home to get ready for the annual Halloween party I hold at my house. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to host. The Morgans come, as a salute to the Halloweens we shared so long ago, as do so many other wonderful family friends. It is fantastic to see all the kids running around together in their costumes and how happy they are when they come back to the house with buckets full of candy. It is especially wonderful to see my son trading candy with the kids of the kids I used to trade with.

Yet Halloween means I wind up hosting a party, usually on a weeknight, after a long day of work. The set up, the clean up. It all takes energy.

But a repairman who came by to fix my oven today altered my views of Halloween, and so many other things, with just a few words and now my days of whining about the effort and taking Halloween for granted are officially over.

As this repairman walked into my house he commented on the basket of leftover candy by the front door. "Oh candy!" he said.

"Yep," I responded, eager for him to just get to work.

He continued, "I promised my kids that I'd take them out last night, but my company kept sending me calls. I didn't get home until 8:45 and it was too late. They were so sad. I felt terrible, but there was nothing I could do. I asked the dispatcher to let me go home and be with them, but there were too many calls. I won't get home until 8:45 again tonight."

How naive of me to think that everyone could celebrate Halloween. I know people struggle on Christmas, but Halloween's not about a slew of gifts sitting under a costly tree, right? It is just about collecting free candy from your neighbors. But free candy is hard to come by if you aren't old enough to trick-or-treat on your own and must rely on a hard-working parent to take you out. The thought of these kids not getting the chance to go house-to-house collecting candy as I did as a kid, as my son does now, as most of the other children in their classes did, broke my heart.

I immediately started to bag up any and all leftover candy in our house and sent it home with the repairman for his kids. And what a small gesture on my part considering how many opportunities are available for us to help others less fortunate. Meeting this ma was a good reminder about how blessed I am and how it is my duty to give back whenever I can.

Don't Be Afraid of a Sugar & Swank Makeover!

2007-10-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

With a Sugar & Swank Makeover You Always Look Natural. You Always Look Like Yourself.

Take a look at these Before and After photos of some beautiful Sugar & Swank clients. More pictures are viewable throughout this blog, as well.

A Sugar & Swank makeover isn't about turning you into someone you're not. Conversely, when your Sugar & Swank makover is done you will look like yourself, just enhanced. Sugar & Swank listens to the client in order to understand their needs and helps them make changes to achieve their goals while still feeling comfortable in their new clothes or make-up.

October 3rd Party Was So Much Fun!

2007-10-20T12:54:00.000-07:00

The Sugar & Swank party held on October 3rd was so much fun! Guests sipped on cocktails and munched on a variety of treats such as fresh shrimp, homemade pulled chicken sandwiches, spanakopita. Favored by all were the delectable creme puffs!

Jennifer Worick, NY Times Bestselling Author, Allure Magazine Beauty Contributor and RealSelf.com Beauty Editor spoke about beauty and gathered many beauty confessionals from agreeable party-goers which will soon be viewable on the RealSelf.com website. To learn more about Ms. Worick visit her website at www.jenniferworick.com. Her lastest book, The Prairie Girls Guide to Life is now on sale and can be purchased on Amazon.

Darcey Pickard, owner of Starjuice Aromtherapy, discussed the benefits of aromatherapy and how helpful it can be for the body. To learn more about Starjuice visit the website. www.starjuiceonline.com.

Sugar & Swank demonstrated the Galvanic Spa, the at-home facelift and facial machine, and did several makeovers with the new Fall colors such as Toast, Eggplant and Bronze Shimmer. Visit the Sugar & Swank website for more information on the Galvanic Spa and to tips on how to improve the look of your make-up. www.besugarandswank.com.

Look at These Homecoming Makeovers!

2007-10-16T12:25:00.000-07:00

I had a great time doing Homecoming makeovers on some wonderful Mercer Island High Schoolers. Take a look! And be sure to call upon Sugar & Swank the next time you want to look especially pretty for a special event or if you just want to learn how to modernize your everyday make-up.

jennifer@besugarandswank/206-351-3213

Just a Trip to Costco

2007-10-11T11:59:00.000-07:00

It was just a trip to Costco, but I couldn't find a thing to wear. Just a trip to Costco to pick up some basics, not even anything fancy like a grand piano or 25-piece set of Tupperware, yet I truly could not find a single thing in my closet to wear.

I didn't feel like pulling on my Fall of 07' go-to outfit of tunic, leggings and ballet slippers. My jeans felt snug. I tried on some sweatpants, but with what top? Grrr!

As my bed heaved with rejected options resting on top of other rejected options, my boyfriend, Jim, came in to chat. Just to chat.

"This has nothing to do with you," I barked, "But now is not a good time. I can't find anything to wear."

With a look of confusion, he started to back out of the room. "Are we going anywhere after Costco?" he dared to question.

"No." I responded.

"Then why . . . do you . . . does it matter what you wear?" he stammered.

His question annoyed me at first. Didn't he get it? But then I started to laugh at his response to my behavior. It wasn't that he didn't get it, he simply couldn't get it. Jim, like most men have it easy. Size "medium" always fits and always looks good. He just pulls on jeans, slips on a t'shirt and a slides into a pair of loafers or sneakers and off he goes.

He also couldn't get that it was exactly one week before I was to get a friendly monthly visit from Aunt Flo and that I never think anything looks good when she's on her way.

The thing is, it doesn't matter where you're going, we all want to look good and most importantly, feel good about ourselves when we get there. Not always easy. So when one of those, "I Don't Know What to Wear" days strikes, and it will, and most likely, without warning, Sugar & Swank suggests to:

- Nurture yourself
- Take the time you need to make the clothing (or hair, or make-up) choice that will make you feel best about yourself
- Try falling back on an old favorite you know always looks good
- Remember that you're probably wearing "Messed up Aunt Flo Wacked Out Hormone" goggles and that, in all reality, you look much better than you think.
- If all else fails, call Jennifer at a Sugar & Swank for a pep talk

Good Luck!

Starjuice Aromatherapy's Darcey Pickard - Before & After Pictures - Pretty Either Way

2007-09-19T11:38:00.001-07:00

Recently I had the honor to do a makeover on Darcey Pickard, owner of Starjuice Aromatherapy, one of my favorite companies around! Darcey blends oils and essences to create formulas that smell great and truly benefit the user. Before blending full-time, Darcey was a Licensed Massage Practitioner for nearly 10 years. After such a long time in the industry, she saw a need for really high quality body care products rooted in the history and tradition of aromatherapy.

Thus, she created Starjuice Aromatherapy, holistic care for the 21st century, which offers uniquely packaged, fresh, personally created aromatherapy products like stellar spritzers, cosmic sugar scrubs and more.

Darcey's Starjuice Philosophy: "I've always believed in holistic health - treating the whole person and unlocking people's innate power to heal themselves. Starjuice enables me to share this philosophy with the world."

Learn more about Darcey and Starjuice Aromatherapy at www.starjuiceonline.com or meet Darcey in person at the upcoming Sugar & Swank event on October 3rd at 7 pm at the Sugar & Swank Studio. 3418 77th Place SE, Mercer Island.

RSVP to Jennifer Muscatel at jennifer@besugarandswank.com or 206-351-3213

I've Been Sugar & Swanking for Years

2007-09-19T10:15:00.000-07:00

When I think about it, I realize I've been Sugar & Swanking from the get-go. I've always loved clothes and make-up. My parents only believed I was really sick when I would turn down a trip to the mall. Speaking of shopping, when I was about 12, Guess? debuted their zipper jeans and I just had to have a pair. My parents didn't believe in spending $50 on a pair of jeans (who would have thought jeans would one day cost $250 or more?) so the answer was continually "no". Finally, on a trip to New York City my dad told me that if I could go 10 seconds without laughing while he tickled my arm he'd buy me anything I wanted. He knew it'd be the Guess? jeans - but looking back I should have gone for something much bigger and better. In any case, it took a few days until I managed not to laugh for a whole 10 seconds but when I finally did, we went over to Bergdorf Goodman to choose the jeans. My parents decided that I couldn't get denim, only a dressier pink pair, and I was only allowed to wear them to nicer events, never to school. I remember almost not wanting them, they seemed so dorky compared to denim, but I wound up wearing them whenever I could. (I finally got a hand-me-down denim pair from my friend, Jennie Burns.)

If I couldn't dress myself exactly the way I wanted, I could certainly dress up my Barbies. I'd spend hours playing with the tall, slender, beautifully coiffed dolls while chewing sugar-free bubblegum and listening to Michael Jackson, Billy Joel or Weird Al Yankovic. More than once did these sweet ladies find their plastic hair hardened and burned when I tried to further style their hair with a curling iron. But their outfits were always to die for!

Just yesterday an old friend, Sy Fischer, sent an email reminding me that I've always understood how to dress people, not just dolls. I met Sy and his wife, Joyce, in 1996 when I was working at Neiman Marcus in Atlanta during the Olympic Games. Sy and Joyce were living in Tennessee at the time but had come to town, not for the Olympics, but so Joyce could have surgery. Sy was so consumed with worry that he left his entire garment bag at home in his closet. They stopped off at the mall, found parking in front of Neiman Marcus and planned to walk through it on their way to a less expensive store where they could find a few new pieces for Sy to wear while Joyce was treated. That is, until they met me. I quickly took the Fischers under my wing and found Sy several reasonably priced and fashionable selections that fit him perfectly. We completely hit it off and began a lifelong friendship that includes regular e-mail correspondence and visits across the country.

Dear Jen,

What a WONDERFUL idea! How I wished I lived closer so I too could have you, once again as my ”personal shopper”. Do you remember how we first met? In Atlanta, 1996 (can you believe it?) when Joyce was scheduled for surgery and I was so nervous, I left my clothes hanging in our closet in Knoxville.

I’ll never forget it. We walked into Neiman Marcus on our way in to the Mall. As we walked through the Men’s Department, we were greeted by this lovely young woman who asked if she could be of any help. (That, of course, was you.)

I told her about my problem and said that I didn’t think Neiman’s was best place for me to shop for casual clothes that I would use only for sitting in the hospital waiting room. You told me that the store was having a great sale and asked if you could show me a few things. Off you went and the next thing I knew, here you were with everything I needed – and at very reasonable, sale prices. You told me that you could further accommodate us by having the needed alterations done in about an hour. WOW! Talk about outstanding service! Of course, everything you picked out was perfect and we bought it all. As promised, an hour later, we returned to the store and my clothes were ready for me to pick up.

I guess that helping people is just "your thing". I know I'll never forget it! Of course, from that day on, we have been best friends. Thanks for being a part of my life!

Love,

Sy

It was a treat to read Sy's email and know that I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing. We each have to find what we are passionate about and pursue it. To some I'm sure it sounds vain, silly or mundane, but I've always been passionate about using fashion and beauty to help others improve how they feel about themselves. Sugar & Swank is the perfect vehicle to help me continue to explore this passion.

October 3rd Sugar & Swank Event Guest Featured in Seattle Weekly

2007-09-19T09:56:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Worick, the special guest at the upcoming October 3rd Sugar & Swank event was recently featured in the Seattle Weekly. I'm not sure if the writer of the article really got Jennifer. To me she is the real-life Carrie Bradshaw. A woman with a voice that speaks to other women - probably because of her love, support and caring for women and all things girly. She's worked hard to publish 21 books and takes her profession very seriously. Most of all she's a total hoot and is fun and easy to be around. Read below and let me know if you think if Brian Miller from the Seattle Weekly got that. Better yet, come by on October 3rd to meet Jennifer in person and draw your own conclusions.

7 pm at the Sugar & Swank Studios on Mercer Island. 3418 77th Place SE. RSVP to Jennifer Muscatel at jennifer@besugarandswank.com or 206-351-3213.

Seattle’s Busiest Author Has No Time for the “I Have a Burning Need to Express” School of Literature
By Brian Miller

Attention, J.D. Salinger and all you authors out there who have trouble completing more than one book a decade (or three). Jennifer Worick has little patience for you because she's too busy getting published—about 20 books, by her count, over the past half-dozen years. She's the first to admit that tally comes mostly as co-author of various short guides and humor books, often based on ideas not her own. But lately, she's been the one out there flogging The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Dating and Sex at remote college campuses. "I'm huge in Kentucky this year," she says, laughing, while sitting at Zeitgeist Coffee, on a break from touring.

For Worick, the question is not whether the world wants to read another sensitive, coming-of-age account about an aspiring writer living in the heartland and her issues with her mother. Instead: Ask whether there's an identifiable book-buying demo of readers who, when confronted with a display at Barnes & Noble for Nancy Drew's Guide to Life, might think, "Hey, I used to love those books as a girl, and this looks funny." (Sample wisdom: "When bound and gagged, you can still tap out HELP in Morse code." Whether this applies to S&M is not addressed.)

Worick has identified those readers, learned to match marketing niche with subject and author, based largely on her background in publishing. "That was my favorite part of the job—brainstorming," she recalls. Based here in the '90s with Kirkland's Becker & Mayer! (a division of Chronicle Books), she then went back East to edit at an imprint of Perseus Books. There, she recalls, she got roped into contributing to the first Worst-Case Scenario guides because the two male co-creators "thought they needed a single woman for publicity purposes. That just led to me quitting my job." She finally went pure freelance and returned to Seattle two years ago. Today her bailiwick is "nonfiction humor books for women," encompassing other tongue-in-cheeky titles like The Action Heroine's Handbook, The Stuntwoman's Workout, and Girls' Night In: Spa Treatments at Home. (Hey, a freelancer's gotta eat!)

This fall, the Wallingford-based Worick has two titles out, one of them from Skipstone. (No, that's not a software company, arms manufacturer, or subprime lender; it's Mountaineers Books' new "lifestyle" imprint.) Backcountry Betty: Roughing It in Style ($14.95) gently prepares women in what might be called the Match.com demo to date and endure what might be called the Uptight Seattleite demo. In the woods. So, for example, the helpful glossary clarifies that "heat exhaustion" does not mean "Clive Owen was in my dreams"; and the backcountry cooking section features an excellent number of mixology suggestions for adding booze to the Crystal Light in your Nalgene bottle. (Editor's note: To enjoy a patented Wilford Brimley by campfire, add one part Country Time lemonade mix to however much vodka you can see in the dark. No cheating with your headlamp.) Wry illustrations by Seattle's Kate Quinby help set the tone.

For crafty types, Worick also has The Prairie Girl's Guide to Life: How to Sew a Sampler Quilt & 49 Other Pioneer Projects for the Modern Girl (Taunton Press, $14.95), which is exactly that—Nancy Drew on steroids.

Though she's mostly hidden behind characters like Prairie Girl and Backcountry Betty, Worick eventually wants to create her own brand, some kind of new Erma Bombeck. Still, she's cautious about being trapped with the wrong one. Recalling a past meeting to discuss collaborating on a fitness book with Richard Simmons, she notes, "He has to live that persona 24 hours a day."

Eschewing fiction, Worick has no desire to add to the chick-lit canon. "I can't see one more hot-pink book" cover, she exclaims. Though she concedes the dating/relationship category "is evergreen" (like diet-health books).

For now, it's enough to maintain her various blogs and update her Amazon.com author page. She knows that marketing, after the writing, is the second half of her job description. Though she doesn't write until the publishing contract is signed, she adds, "I probably have 10–20 ideas on a to-do proposal list."

Will those ideas result in books as long and substantial as War and Peace? No, but neither is your bus ride.

Finding Self Love in Alaska

2007-09-18T14:41:00.001-07:00

Last night I "Did the Puyallup," a yearly fair, and thoroughly enjoyed the Tilt-a-Whirl, a freshly baked scone, a visit with a cow named Honey and beauty confessions from a variety of women. Oh, I should probably explain that last one.

Jennifer Worick, Beauty Editor for realself.com and the special guest at my upcoming October 3rd Sugar & Swank event, invited me to be her wingwoman as she collected videotaped beauty confessionals from women at The Fair to air on the realself.com website. The idea is to talk with real women about what they have learned about beauty throughout their lives. This might mean secret beauty tips such as, "I smother my face and body with Vitamin E oil every night," to defining beauty moments such as, "I always used to pick my cuticles until I realized I was literally picking on myself and stopped."

Learning the beauty secrets of so many women of all ages, races, sizes and backgrounds was incredibly interesting. I won't give away too much because you'll be able to see all the interviews for yourself on realself.com in a few weeks, but one woman in particular really made an impression on me.

She was in the cow stalls sitting on pile of hay, shovel in hand, when we approached her. Tall and slender, this Ali Larter look-a-like was a natural beauty, even in her ponytail and overalls.

Jennifer and I explained the realself.com project to her as we cooed over her perfectly clear, ivory skin that contained not even a stitch of make-up.

"Me?" she questioned. "You want to interview me about something beauty related? Are you serious? And clear skin? You must be joking! I've suffered from acne since I was eight years old."

We turned on the camera and let her talk. She explained how while growing up she was always trying this medication or that cream, yet nothing alleviated the acne breakouts. The acne made her feel different, like an outsider, but she tried to do as her mom always said, "Focus on your personality."

Last year, at 25 years old, she decided to find a change of pace in Alaska. When she first arrived she tried to maintain her "mainland" look by keeping up with her lotion, potion and make-up routine but quickly felt like an outsider again, this time because no one else there cared about their appearance - there was too much work to be done and so many other important things to worry about.

She found it easy to adopt this new lifestyle, one where you put emphasis on things with meaning. She spent her time working hard and developing new, deep and lasting friendships. She would shower only every couple of days and gave up on make-up and all the acne "cures." Surprisingly, instead of making her acne worse, it made it disappear. For the first time in her life her skin was clear!

She returned home a week ago and feels out of place. Her old friends seem superficial, she feels as though the media tells us what to buy, who to be and how to look, she doesn't want to shower regularly so she thinks it will be hard to find a job . . . and guess what: the acne's back. She believes that she will go back to Alaska soon, for good.

Listening to her made me sad. She is such a beautiful woman but her self-image seemed, perhaps, a bit off-kilter. But then again, I should be happy for her if she's found home and comfort with herself in Alaska.

And really, that is one thing she kept repeating: "Each of us has to find what makes us feel sexy." Whether it is wearing make-up or not, whether it wearing trends or avoiding them - you have to be true to yourself in order to find peace and happiness in your heart.

In fact, that is the key to Sugar & Swank: Feeling good about yourself and finding ways to feel healthy and confident, inside and out.

If Sugar & Swank can help you achieve that, call Jennifer to book an appointment. She'd be happy to assist you!

jennifer@besugarandswank.com/206-351-3213

Meet NY Time Bestselling Author, Jennifer Worick

2007-09-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

Sugar & Swank is excited to invite you to spend the evening of October 3rd

With Jennifer Worick, New York Times Bestselling Author & Contributing Editor for realself.com

Jennifer writes books that make us more well-rounded women and has been reporting on the latest and greatest in the beauty industry for years.

Take advantage of this special opportunity to meet Jennifer and get the inside scoop - straight from the source - on the most secret of all beauty tips.

Preview Sugar & Swank’s brand new line of fall make-up colors, as well, while munching and sipping on delicious goodies

Expect an interactive evening where you’ll be able to explore new tricks of the trade and even share your own insider beauty secrets.

Wednesday, October 3rd, 7 pm
3418 77th Place SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040
All are welcome so please invite friends!
RSVP by September 28th at jennifer@besugarandswank.com or 206-351-3213

Learn more about Jennifer Worick at www.jenniferworick.com

Learn more about Sugar & Swank at www.besugarandswank.com

Sugar & Swank for All Ages

2007-09-06T09:20:00.000-07:00

People often ask me the average age of the Sugar & Swank client and I always answer the same way: I don't categorize the Sugar & Swank demographic by age because Sugar & Swank is for anyone, of any age, simply hoping to improve their image via make-up, skincare, wardrobe or home decor.

Make-Up and Skincare:
The Sugar & Swank make-up and skincare line contains many products designed to target everything from acne to aging. Sugar & Swank offers serious SOLUTIONS to these issues, so call or write today to learn more.

Wardrobe: For the Bat Mitzvah girl, for prom, for the fraternity formal, for the first job interview, for business casual, for Festive Cocktail, for weekend wear, for black tie optional, for a baby or wedding shower, for an important brunch. You name the event, Sugar & Swank can help you find the right outfit at a great price in record time.

View the Sugar & Swank website to learn more about the services Sugar & Swank provides. www.besugarandswank.com

Last Minute Shopping for My Man

2007-09-05T15:16:00.000-07:00

Sugar & Swank is for Men Too!

Let's face it, Sugar & Swank sounds pretty girly. And yes, the logo is super-girly, as well.

But don't let that fool you . . . Sugar & Swank is for men too.

OK. Maybe make-up isn't his thing. But there are plenty of men out there - as well as women who love them - who need assistance with shopping for the perfect fit for business casual, a suitable suit for dressier times and just the right choice for weekend wear.
Sugar & Swank can kick that closet into gear.

Sugar & Swank from the Male Perspective - A Festive Story of Dressing for Cocktails

I'm Jim McLeod and I get Sugar & Swank services for free because Jennifer Muscatel, the owner, is my girlfriend. I'd like to tell you about the ultimate Sugar & Swank experience that took place just a few weeks ago.

It was almost Sunday, September 2nd, the day our good friends, Jenn and Greg Rosenwald, were getting married. Jennifer and I were so busy with work and getting getting me moved into "our" house that we never stopped to consider what I was going to wear to the Black Tie Optional wedding.

Late Thursday we ran over to a shop in Kirkland called The Tuxedo Club where the sales associate, Brian, carefully took my measurements, assisted us in making some tasteful and contemporary bowtie, shirt and vest selections and didn't even charge us for the last minute tux reservation. With Sunday night's black tie optional dress code met we kinda relaxed.

However, on Saturday night around 6 pm, Jennifer asked me what I was planning to wear to the party taking place that night to honor Jenn and Greg. A party that was taking place in three hours. A party which called which called for "Festive Cocktail" attire.

We started going through my closet and Jennifer immediately nixed my two pairs of black pants. She said something about the first being from 1987 and too straight in the legs. The second, which she believed were from 1994, were too shiny.

We then called Jennifer's mom to help decipher the meaning of "Festive Cocktail." Maybe what I needed was actually right there in front of us.

"Do you have a sport coat?" Jennifer's mom, on speakerphone, asked me.

In relief I exclaimed, "Yep!" as I shuffled through my clothes to find my tweed coat.

"No way!" Jennifer said. "You must have borrowed that from some college professor you once knew in a very cold town and forgot to return it. It is Labor Day weekend and that is neither Festive nor Cocktail. I think we'll have to go shopping."

I thought Nordstrom or Men's Wearhouse, but Jennifer did some quick research online and decided we should start at Target. Without a lot of time to waste, we got there by 6:45. I'd been wanting new sunglasses so Jennifer suggested I choose a pair while she pulled some clothing selections in the men's department. When I met up with her a few minutes later she was holding a cool black suit - simple with clean, modern lines. The jacket was $59.99, the pants $29.99. She shoved me in a room with the suit and a couple shirts. When I walked out she went nuts - according to her I looked "hot." While the suit was perfect, we found the shirt collars wanted to sit outside the lapel and looked too seventies so we voted "no" and hurried up to the registers to pay for the suit.

Next we raced over to Old Navy to look for other dress shirts options. Unsuccessful, we zipped over to Nordstrom Rack where Jennifer perused shirts while I picked out a pair of $69 Kenneth Cole loafers. I found Jennifer holding a $19.97 white shirt with big flowers embroidered over little colorful flowers. Hmm.

"Trust me," she said.

At 7:30 we were back in the car, about $200 lighter but with a new suit, shirt, pair of shoes and sunglasses - all things I will use again and again. By the way, Jennifer was right about the shirt, it was Festive, Cocktail and I received a lot of compliments at the party on my stylish choice.

Sugar & Swank personal shopping, for both men and women, is about getting in and out fast, without spending a lot of money. Jennifer helps her clients find items that will serve a longterm purpose in their wardrobe so they get value out of their clothing investment. she wants her clients to have an easier time getting dressed and, most importantly, she wants to ensure they still feel like themselves in their new wardrobe.

Jennifer will shop with you or even better, just tell her what you need and she'll bring it right to your home or office. Gift certificates for birthdays and holidays are available.

Book a Wardrobe Consultation or Shopping Excursion with Sugar & Swank today and kick that closet into gear.

Jennifer Muscatel
206-351-3213
jennifer@besugarandswank.com
Sugar & Swank Lifestyle Management.
Don't Just Be. Be Sugar & Swank.
Mineral Make-Up - Custom Blended Mineral Foundation - Wardrobing - Tips for Leading a Sugar & Swank Life

I'm Quirky

2007-09-05T12:52:00.000-07:00

My wonderfully amazing boyfriend, Jim, moved in with my son and me last week and so far, so good! There is so much I could write about why we decided to move in together, how we came to the decision, what preventative discussions we had to help us negotiate potential obstacles we might encounter later on, but in order to protect his privacy I won't. I would, however, like to discuss that in the past five nights since Jim and I became domestic partners I've realized I have a few quirks. And really, recognizing these quirks, accepting these quirks and setting them aside if need be is really all about being Sugar & Swank.

So What are Said Quirks?

1. I like to watch Big Brother. I'm aware that this reality TV program, in its 8th season, is trash, but I love to watch the house that CBS fills each summer with the schmarmiest, scuzziest people they can find. People who are willing to leave their families and responsibilities in order to backstab, gossip and mindlessly blow their summer away in hopes of winning $500,000. Not even a $1,000,000! Here' the thing: Big Brother is not on just one night a week but THREE nights a week! Worse, in past summers I've subscribed to the 24-hour live feed and would find myself in Big Brother chat rooms discussing the game with strangers. This year I passed up the live feed and went for Big Brother After Dark on Showtime which airs live, uncut footage of the houseguests from 9 pm to 12 am. I don't watch the entire three hours, I just fast forward to strategic discussions, but the commitment is there. I've also become a part of a Big Brother email group made up of friends of friends, (thankfully not strangers). We make guesses and predictions about what will happen in the house each week and are planning both a Big Brother 8 finale viewing party as well as a celebratory lunch. I've never thought my Big Brother behavior to be abnormal (of course, seeing it in writing even raises my own red flag), but one night Jim came to bed and said, "I am going to go nuts if that is always on before I go to sleep." Hmmm. Was he already attacking my way of being in my own home? And might I go nuts if the Mariners recap was on every night instead? I replied by saying, "The season's almost over," but the truth is, I've got my eye on my Big Brother quirk/obsession/addiction.

2. I need some down time at the end of the day. When Jim didn't live here we kinda looked forward to my son's bedtime because we'd finally get a little alone time before Jim would head home. Once he had left I would get in bed to read or catch up on recorded shows before going to sleep. I didn't realize how much I needed this quiet time to just space out. With Jim here, I've seen that I still need this downtime or else I get crabby, so once my son's asleep we both retreat to our corners (me to "our" bedroom and he to the den), just for a bit, to recharge our personal batteries before meeting up again before heading to bed.

3. My standards for tidiness might annoy others who live with me. I was raised in a super-tidy house. My dad was a serious neat-freak who was addicted to vacumming. I got used to living like this and find that as an adult, I'm most comfortable and productive in a space that is neat and orderly. My son's room can be a mess, Jim's den can be a mess, but the rest of the house needs to be put away. I realize it probably isn't fun for Jim to have to fluff the pillows on the couch when he's tired or for him to have to make sure the entire kitchen is clean before we go to sleep. I'm guessing I'll mellow out as time goes on - I've already mellowed a ton since I got my first real place back in 1996 - and Jim is humoring me so far.

4. When I fill up the Brita water pitcher I forget to put it in the refrigerator and leave it in the sink. Jim always puts it away for me.

5. I talk really loudly when I'm on the phone. I remember my ex-husband commenting on this and noticed Jim turn up the volume the other night after I answered the phone. Now I make sure to go into the other room when I'm on the phone.

6. I can get into a Type-A Zone. It is a bit frenetic. You can call it spazzy. For example, if I have to wait for Jim to help me with something I will likely do it on my own - even if it means moving a king-size bed out of the house and a queen-size bed in. Of course, he would question the word "wait" because when I'm in my Type-A Zone I'm also impatient. I also tend to go over-the-top when in this Zone. If I have to make cookies for an event I might make several hundred.

I am so blessed because Jim is entirely patient when I'm quirky. Of course, despite all my weirdnesses he's making out pretty well. His laundry is washed and folded for him, he gets a home cooked meal every night, his desire for freshly baked cookies is always met and because of my obsession for cleanliness he gets to live in a comfortable home that's one true rule is, "everyone gets their needs met." And really, the boy ain't perfect. I'd write about his quirks too but right now he wants me to watch the Mariner highlights with him.

Transition to Sugar & Swank Make-Up

2007-09-05T12:49:00.000-07:00

It is Time to Transition to Sugar & Swank Mineral Make-Up because it:

Is Custom-Blended to Perfectly Match Each Individual’s Skin Tone
Is the Number-1 Rated Mineral Make-Up in the Mineral Make-Up Marketplace
Consists of 100% Pure Minerals from the Earth
Provides a Smooth, Natural Look and Feel in One Easy Step
Assists in Defending Signs of Premature Aging with SPF 26 Protection
Reflects Light to Illuminate the Skin
Stays Put on Skin All Day Is Safe for Sensitive Skin
Is Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Bacterial

What is Mineral Make-Up? Created from minerals and inorganic pigments that exist in nature, mineral make-up has been gaining in popularity because of how easy it is to apply, how little make-up needs to be used to gain flawless coverage and how safe, clean and actually beneficial it is for the skin

Special Offers! Book an appointment on www.besugarandswank.com throughout the month of September and Receive 15% off all Sugar & Swank products (Exluding NuSkin as it is already offered at a discount) Refer a friend to the website - If they book an appointment online you will receive a free one-hour personal shopping trip or a free one-hour closet organization session.

To Order Product or Book an Appointment Contact Jennifer at jennifer@besugarandswank.com or 206-351-3213.

Sugar & Swank Products will Clear Up Your Skin

2007-09-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

Yes, Sugar & Swank Custom-Blended Mineral Foundation is amazing,
But here’s why the Sugar & Swank Skincare Collection is amazing, as well:

When one of my most regular clients first came to Sugar & Swank she was suffering greatly from cystic acne. The first change we made was to transition her from store-bought foundation to a custom-blended Sugar & Swank powdered mineral foundation that perfectly matched her skintone, naturally benefitted her skin and helped prevent acne breakouts and aging. She fell in love with the make-up because her skin started to clear up and, without making her appear heavily made-up, it completely covered the acne scars marking her face. Her husband even called to let me know how grateful he was to me for helping his wife feel happier about her appearance.

After the positive changes achieved from the switch in her foundation, we next incorporated changes to her skincare regimen – she started cleansing and hydrating with Dermaware and NuSkin products - and she quickly noticed even more of an improvement in her skin.

The other day the client called and said, “Guess why I’m calling?”

I said, “Because you need more make-up?”

She said, “No! My skin looks so healthy I’ve only been using the make-up when I go out at night! I still have make-up left, but I’ve run out of skincare products!”

Sugar & Swank thrives on helping clients, like this one, discover long-term benefits from the products it carries – a diverse line chosen carefully from the very best beauty companies in the marketplace. Everything is tested personally by Jennifer Muscatel, Sugar & Swank’s owner, but client success offers even better proof that these products really work.

Try Sugar & Swank’s Mineral Make-Up and Skincare Collection for yourself.

To order product or book an appointment visit www.besugarandswank.com or contact Jennifer Muscatel at jennifer@besugarandswank.com/206-351-3213.

Special Website Related Offers!

2007-07-17T14:43:00.000-07:00

SPECIAL OFFERS!

Book an appointment through the website and receive 15% off all

Sugar & Swank products (Exluding NuSkin as it is already offered at a discount)

Refer a friend to the website - If they book an appointment you will receive a free one-hour personal shopping trip or a free one-hour closet organization session

Offer Ends August 1st

Contact Sugar & Swank to Book an Appointment or to Order Products

Jennifer Muscatel
206-351-3213
jennifer@besugarandswank.com

Sugar & Swank's Website Is Live! Special Offers Available!

2007-07-17T14:41:00.000-07:00

The Sugar & Swank website has finally gone live!

www.besugarandswank.com

Tell your friends! And take a look for yourself to learn how to:

Be Stylish – Enlist Sugar & Swank’s assistance to update your wardrobe and organize your closet

Be Flawless – Sugar & Swank will modernize your make-up with custom-blended mineral make-up and help care for all your skin’s needs

Be Invited – Spa Parties, Showers, Girl’s Nights Out, Custom Invitations, Event Planning, Personal Shopping – you name it, Sugar & Swank can help

Be Settled – Small changes, big results – Sugar & Swank can refresh the look of your house without having to spend a lot of time or dollars

Be Connected – An all access pass to Sugar & Swank’s favorite business and service providers

Be a Good Woman – Explore all the aspects of being a Sugar & Swank woman

Just Be – Sugar & Swank’s invitation to rest, relax and be yourself

Enjoy looking through the site and be sure to click on all the little links as there are tons of fun and useful tips and ideas.

SPECIAL OFFERS!

Book an appointment through the website and receive 15% off all

Sugar & Swank products (Exluding NuSkin as it is already offered at a discount)

Refer a friend to the website - If they book an appointment you will receive a free one-hour personal shopping trip or a free one-hour closet organization session

Contact Sugar & Swank to Book an Appointment

Jennifer Muscatel

206-351-3213

Jennifer@besugarandswank.com

I'm Never Going Back to Ummelina Again!

2007-06-28T17:46:00.000-07:00

The voice seemed to come from far away, but then again, the room was warm, cozy and dark and I'd been in a drowsy, dreamy sleep. That's why I was certain that I'd misunderstood the question.

"Would you like me to smooth some bovine placenta into your skin?" the Ummelina facialist asked again.

OK. I guess I understood the question just fine the first time.

"Bovine placenta?" I inquired.

"Yes, it will make your skin appear more soft, supple and youthful."

"Why would I say no?" I replied.

I can't tell a lie. My skin did look wonderful when the facial was over. In fact, it may have been one of the best facials I've ever had.

But from now on I'm going to have find bovine placenta from elsewhere because I'm never going back to Ummelina again.

Let me explain: I absolutely loved the aforementioned facial, so in January, when it came time to book another facial, I didn't hesitate to call Ummelina. I was so excited for my treatment. On the day of my appointment I left my son with a sitter, parked downtown and arrived right on time.

As was customary, I was seated in a quiet waiting room where a spa representative came to soak and massage my feet til they were sparkling clean. Afterward I was told to wait until my facialist came to collect me for my service. I did as I was told and waited. And waited. And waited.

Time clicked by and every once-in-awhile I'd grab someone from the spa to inquire as to when my facialist would finally come. "Oh, just another five minutes," seemed to be the standard reply.

I knew this wasn't right and that I was having to wait too long. All around me other clients were getting their feet washed and rubbed and then, in a timely fashion, their technicians would come for them.

I asked to see a manager and one never came. I kept getting up to check in with the front desk, to no avail.

I was so frustrated because I was geared up for this facial and really, really wanted it! But I didn't have all day. I had to leave at a certain time to make it home for the sitter. At first I thought I might just miss a few minutes of the facial, then I started to think I'd have to settle for a mini-facial, and finally I realized my face was leaving just as dirty as it'd arrived. Time was up.

I went to get dressed and gather my things. The attendant asked me the earthy name of my locker and I said I didn't know it. He said he couldn't get my things if I didn't know the name of my locker and I tried explaining that no one had told me the name of it - they'd just taken my things and placed them in a locker.

"We can call my cell phone and listen for the ring," I suggested.

"No, I'm sure we could easily find which locker is yours if we look, but I'm not authorized to just start opening up lockers and giving you the belongings if you don't know your locker's name.

ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?

This went on for about five minutes until I, very close to tears, finally talked the guy into letting me have MY things.

I dressed and went up to the front. I emotionally told the gals how frustrated I was. I'd spent money on both a sitter and downtown Seattle parking - all for nothing. I was supposed to come in and relax but was leaving more wound up and stressed than ever.

One woman finally piped up and said, "I'm so sorry. I was supposed to be your facialist but they overbooked me. My first facial isn't even over yet."

At least she said she was sorry, but that just wasn't good enough. I asked again for a manager but no manager was available. They said I could call him during the week instead.

So call I did. I left several messages and NEVER heard back from anyone from Ummelina.

Speed up to June 20th: My ex-husband calls to tell me to check my email. I find a generous Ummelina gift certificate for my birthday "from my son" in the in-box. So sweet, but grrr! This means I have to go back!

I figure that the timing is right - I'm going on a beach vacation and need a pedicure. I call, set up an appointment and head in the following day. Here's my analysis:

Ummelina has the treatment part down. Their technicians are top notch. My feet look wonderful and feel quite happy. They were exfoliated, parrafined, massaged and polished to perfection.

BUT Ummelina does not have customer service down at all. There seems to be an indifference to the client, rarely is a phone answered, they always seem understaffed and they apparently use utilize a "fend for yourself, we can't be bothered" approach. I'm not willing to say it is because they don't WANT to care. I just don't think they KNOW how or are smart enough to care.

Bottom Line: No Thanks. I don't care if they have the last bovine placenta on the planet. Customer service matters to me. I want to be treated well and I am darn sure to treat my own clients well, too.

Make a Sugar & Swank appointment to see for yourself. Maybe by the time you get here I'll be carrying bovine placenta!

Sugar & Swank Monthly Training Seminars - June and July

2007-06-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

Hello and Happy Summer! There are so many exciting things happening at Sugar & Swank!

Read Below To:
Get caught up on what was discussed at the First Ever Sugar & Swank Monthly Training Seminar
Learn about a Sugar & Swank discount available to you and your friends.

If you missed the June Monthly Training Seminar then you missed a ton of useful health and style information!

SUNSCREEN
Summer means time spent in the sunshine. This also means a need for sunscreen. Sugar & Swank has several suggestions on how to protect your face and body from the harsh rays of the sun.

Protecting Your Face
1. Sugar & Swank Custom Blended Mineral Foundation - Not only is it blended to perfectly match the tone of your skin, not only does it last and last througout the day, but most importantly, it naturally contains a highly effective SPF of 26. You'll look flawless while protecting your face at the same time.
2. Moisture Restore Protective Lotion - This highly effective sunscreen, containing an SPF of 15, enhances skin's natural resistance to the environment and helps control oil and shine - all while keeping skin nourished and hydrated.

Protecting Your Body
Sugar & Swank recommends Sunright BodyBlock as the best sunscreen for your body. Available in either SPF 15 or 30, this water-resistant sunscreen is safe for sensitive skin and effectively protects against UVA and UVB radiation.

KEEPING YOUR SKIN BLEMISH FREE
We naturally sweat more in the summer heat which can cause our pores to clog more easily. Sugar & Swank has the answer to keeping your skin clear.
1. Sugar & Swank carries skincare products for every type of skin
2. Sugar & Swank also carries the Galvanic Spa which goes deep into pores to clean out debris while tightening and toning the facial muscles, as well. It literally gives you a facial and a facelift at the same time.

MAKE-UP
The shift into summer means a shift into lighter, fresher make-up. Come into Sugar & Swank for a summer makeover to see what colors are being shown for the season and how to comfortably incorporate them into your look and make them your own. Remember that Sugar & Swank uses the Number 1 Rated Minerals in the mineral marketplace but prices are comparable to MAC or Stila.

Tips to Remember: Push yourself to experiment with a new make-up palette. Try sheer and luminenscent colors that make your skin glow. Less is more so apply with a light touch. Avoid deep lip colors in summer and opt instead for lighter, softer shades.

FASHION
Have you noticed how many women these days, of all ages, look as though they're pregnant? Sugar & Swank wants you to know the water is safe for drinking and most of these women aren't pregnant - they are simply experimenting with one of summer's most popular looks: the roomy, loose fitting baby doll dress. While this look isn't for everyone it doesn't mean you shouldn't try some variations of it - afterall, let's face it, the style is really comfortable to wear! Choosing what to wear is easier when your closet is clean and organized. Sugar & Swank can help you get your closet into shape! Set up an appointment to either overhaul and update your closet or to get advice on how to shop for the season.

Tips to Remember:
Stay away from Empire Waists - the stitching under the breasts pulls the top in, forcing it to have to poof out over the belly. Steer clear of the really full tops, as well. Instead, choose a top that is more fitted in the arms and chest that gradually widens as it goes down. You will still have the tunic look but attention will be drawn upward to your arms and chest rather than your missing waistline. Wear these tops over leggings or jeans with flats or heels. Wedges are very popular this summer and are surprisingly comfortable. Even better, you can find a great pair at any price.

ENTERTAINING
Invitations
Let Sugar & Swank help you create fun, creative and chic invitations.

BBQ'Ing
When hosting a BBQ remember that cooking meat at too high a temperature might get the outside charred but can leave the inside uncooked, so turn the flames down! It may take longer to cook the food but the meat has a better chance at staying juicy and tender. Using a digital food thermometer, available at most cooking stores for around $20, is the surest way to keep meat juicy and tender. This inexpensive device will instantly turn you into an amazing chef.

Beverages
In addition to the classic beverage choices such as soda, beer or wine, serve your guests a yummy drink - try a peach or passion fruit juice mixed with bubbly water. Toss in some vodka, if that's your thing.

The July Sugar & Swank Training Seminar will take place on July 18th from 6 to 8 pm at the Sugar & Swank Studio on Mercer Island. -

Bring a Friend and Each of You will Receive a 15% Discount on ANY Sugar & Swank Products -
This includes Make-Up, Gift Items, RevitaLash and NuSkin

RSVP for Directions

The Perfume Counter

2007-06-05T22:25:00.001-07:00

My boyfriend, Jim, and I decided to stop by the Downtown Nordstrom to sniff out a new cologne for him, a new perfume for me. We started in Men's and were graciously helped by Leif. Once we got past the sunglasses he was wearing indoors we could see that Leif, and the others in the department, had a lot of knowledge about each of the hundreds of choices of cologne. Still, we had to laugh at the fanfare that went into applying the different options (Kenneth Cole RSVP, the new Prada, and something by Calvin Klein) to various areas on Jim's arms. There was a small squirt before a big squirt. There was wafting, waving and waiting. There was smelling, then coffee beans, then more smelling. There was grapefruit, vanilla, musk, lemon and so much more I can't even remember.

We would take occassional breaks to venture over to Women's to test out perfumes for me while letting the scents simmer on Jim's skin - important to do, it turns out, because the scents change dramatically as they react with each person's body chemistry. If we'd gone on our initial reaction we would have chosen the Calvin Klein. After letting the cologne warm up to Jim though, Prada won hands down. It was so clean and masculine on him. Yum! It also helped that Prada had a gift set - not just the cologne but a body lotion, as well.

In Women's we were lucky to be helped by the lovely Tiffani who was so entirely gracious. I explained to her my love for my current perfume, Hermes' Un Jardin En Mediterranee, but that I was almost out and wanted to try something new.

I'd smelled Vera Wang's Truly Pink in a magazine and was pleased to learn it smelled even better in person. After our extensive training with Leif we were able to pick up its grapefruit scent right away, but then it quickly turned to rose. Not a bad smell, just not what I was looking for. Tiffani then introduced me to a scent by Annick Goutal. I loved it. It was complex, feminine and not too sweet, flowery or fruity. Plus, it got better and better as it warmed to my skin.

As Tiffani prepared to ring me up I suddenly found myself surrounded by saleswomen eager to suggest other Annick Goutal items. At first all the service was flattering, but then it was just grotesque and overbearing. They were literally coming out of the woodwork like termites. Had I tried the shampoo? Its important to layer. How bout the $90 creme? Not interested in the creme, well try the lotion.

I turned to Jim and said, "Are we at a swap meet?"

"A used car lot," he replied.

Meanwhile, Tiffani was trying to extract us from the swarm. She finally separated them from us and brought us safely over to another register, explaining that the women we'd encountered didn't work for Nordstrom but rather Annick Goutal. Clearly they were trying to meet some incentive, but their behavior was over-the-top inappropriate.

Just when we thought we had escaped, Tiffani turned away for a moment to grab some extra samples. An Annick Goutal rep zeroed in on the opening and dove in for one last sales pitch. "Would you like to sign up to be on the Annick Goutal mailing list?" she asked, clipboard in hand.

It was the final straw. I lost it . . . kindly. Well, kindly enough. "You need to stop. You and your colleagues are overwhelming me and I am feeling entirely uncomfortable."

She looked shocked, but slunk away. For the rest of the transaction we watched her pouting on her own, away from the other Annick Goutal reps.

Tiffani finished ringing me up, but just as I paid I noticed the new Prada perfume. Tiffani sprayed some on my arm and I fell in love - surprising because the original Prada smelled horrible on me. Tiffani explained that they were pre-selling a package for the new Prada that included so many goodies, way more than Jim got with the men's version. So guess what I did?

I returned the Annick Goutal on the spot, which was so stinkin satisfying after their heavy-duty sales routine, and I pre-ordered the Prada. Kind of a pain for Tiffani - I'm sure she would have liked me to buy both or at the very least, not to make her do a return so quickly - but I'd made up my mind and knew my request wasn't terribly unreasonable.

All in all, Jim and I left smelling great. Check out the new Pradas for yourelf. They smell great and are part of a big Prada event the Downtown Nordstrom is having June 6th, 7th and 8th. Be sure to ask for Leif and Tiffani and tell them Jennifer from Sugar & Swank sent you.

Sugar & Swank Lessons Learned:

1. Let scents sit on your skin before making a decision on which to buy. They really change a lot when mixed with your own body chemistry.

2. The Nordstrom staff is really well trained. Be sure to utilize them when investigating a new scent.

2. Stand up for yourself. If someone is acting inappropriately ask them in a nice way to stop.

3. Whenever possible and reasonable, if it doesn't harm someone else, be sure to ask for what you want.

Have a Sugar & Swank day!

Preciado

2007-06-04T10:59:00.000-07:00

My dad's aunt, Fortuna Calvo, died last week. She would have been 99 years old this month and has a place in Washington State history as being the first Sephardic Jew born in Seattle.

I have many memories of Auntie Fortuna - she was the greatest baker I've ever known and introduced me to all the Sephardic yummies, recipes usually containing a lot of spinach and cheese, that are now my favorite foods.

She was a tough woman but had so much love for her family. She called all of us Preciado, the Ladino word for Precious, and I can only remember her house literally filled with members of my extended family - her kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews -and of course, incredible smells coming from the kitchen.

In her obituary she was called "A Warrior" and for so many reasons that statement is true. But sadly, sometime in the 90's she was diagnosed with Alzheimers. While we could still touch her and sit with her, she was mentally lost to us. So when the Kline Gallond Home, Auntie Fortuna's home for the past 12 and a half years, called last week to say Auntie Fortuna's body was finally giving in, it wasn't a shock. But then again, as it happens in life and death, it was. We'd been saying goodbye for so many years, but now it was time to really say goodbye.

So last Monday, Memorial Day, I took my grandma to see Auntie Fortuna, her eldest sister. Aunie Fortuna looked beautiful - her hair, recently combed by a nurse, was thick and soft, her skin had barely a wrinkle. But the visit didn't do much to satiate our hearts and in fact, left us feeling a little empty. My grandma tried her hardest to will Auntie Fortuna to open her eyes, to say a word or to show some sort of final recognition. All the history between them and it boiled down to an 85 year old baby sister stroking her 98 year old big sister's arm while the elder lay in a fetal position, breathing deeply but steadily, about to die.

The funeral was emotional, but it actually had a wonderful spirit to it. After the service, which included touching, loving and often hilarious stories about Auntie Fortuna, we walked out to the gravesite she now shares with her husband, Shaya, and we each had an opportunity to shovel some dirt over her casket. Then the immediately family reconvened in the chapel. While the Rabbi fed us a lite lunch I looked around the room at my beautiful family. We always like a good laugh and it pleased me to catch bits and pieces of the humor being exchanged and to see all the gorgeous faces light up in laughter.

So now what? We've gotta go back to our lives, even though one of us is gone and we are forever different and changed. But jumping right back in isn't always easy. I feel funky and numb, but wonder if I'm supposed to as she was "just" a great-aunt and she's been gone for such a long time. Am I partly mourning for other things lost in my life that I never fully got over? The death of a friend when I was 12, the death of my beloved grandparents, the end of my marriage, even the choice to give my cats to a better home a few weeks ago.

So what does Sugar & Swank suggest to the Good Woman and Good Man in mourning? Try to live your life in a way that will honor the loved one who has passed. For example, Auntie Fortuna always prioritized her family which is the basic principle behind Sugar & Swank. Running my own business isn't always easy and there are times when I wonder if I should go back to working for someone else and getting a steady paycheck. But I founded Sugar & Swank so that I could put my family first while still having a career about which I'm passionate. Being reminded of Auntie Fortuna's prioritization of family gives me the courage and kick in the pants to continue. At the end of the day the quality of my relationships are what matter to me most and I believe that Auntie Fortuna would have been proud of me for working hard to make a living on my own but making sure my family is still at the top of my list.

So make an appointment today so I can continue to honor Auntie Fortuna!

Spring Into Seattle Summer with Sugar & Swank

2007-05-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

BE made-up at graduation, BE comfortable on vacation, BE adorable at that BBQ

Attend Sugar & Swank's first ever Monthly Training Seminar and learn how to BE Sugar & Swank at any event which you attend this summer

Wednesday, June 6th
1 pm to 3 pm
3418 77th Place SE, Mercer Island

Let Sugar & Swank show you how to fashionably spring into summer

Get the inside scoop on how to update your wardrobe for summer while staying within your budget.

Learn what they're showing for make-up this season and how to incorporate it as your own.

Gain tips on how to effectively protect your face in the summer sun while still looking fabulous.

Be privy to the greatest trick to looking rested and relaxed - even when you're not!

Please forward to friends and family!
- RSVP's Appreciated -
jennifermuscatel/jennifer@besugarandswank.com/206-351-3213

A Day in My Sugar & Swank Life

2007-05-21T23:39:00.000-07:00

"Don't forget to turn on the house alarm," my son told me as I tucked him in earlier tonight.

"I'll do it before I go to bed," I told him.

"What time do you go to bed?" he asked.

"I try to go to sleep before 11," I replied.

"Mommy! 11 is almost midnight!"

Smart boy. 11 is almost midnight. Currently, however, it is 11:44 pm, which really is almost midnight.

11:46. Where does the day go?

A Day in My Sugar & Swank Life

I wake up at 7:15 and hurry to get showered - no gym today as I have back-to-back clients coming over right after I drop my son off at school. After doing practice make-up on a bride and her maid-of-honor I run over to Kirkland for a lunch meeting with a business colleague. Straight from lunch back to my son's school for Monday's early pick-up. Drum practice, homework, reading, a few games and a a quick catch-up with a friend who has been out of the country. Then off to Downtown Seattle for a Ladies Who Launch book signing event. Back home, get my son's teeth brushed, hands washed and snuggle him into bed. 9 pm. Time to sit at the computer and get the first of my monthly Sugar & Swank training seminar emails out to the mailing list.
Invitations are out but I realize I haven't blogged in a week. Gotta write something for the masses to read!

11:52. My eyes are sleepy and I know I will pay for this tomorrow.

11:58. I finish a quick edit.

Just like the women I love, the women I like and the women around the world I'll never meet - I make the time to fit in all my responsibilities.

I am Being Sugar & Swank. I am Being a Good Woman.

12:01. Sugar & Swank Out.

Pouty from PMS

2007-05-14T10:29:00.000-07:00

Ooh. I am soooo pouty and I know it is from PMS. This month seems worse than those in recent past (prompting this post) and I'm not sure why. All I know is that not only am I suffering, but those around me are, as well. You should have seen me trying to help my son with his drum lesson homework - not even the drums are safe!

I can deal with the cramps, the bloating, the munchies and occasional zit. My problem is with the PMS Crazies. What are the Crazies? When I can cry at the drop of a dime, when my body feels entirely anxious for no apparent reason, when anyone can completely piss me off by doing something that normally wouldn't make me flinch, when I put on an outfit that usually is sure-fire sexy but instead makes me feel like the dumpiest, frumpiest woman in existence.

I know the Crazies are only temporary. In fact, for me they immediately dissipate at the first sign of my period. But before that blissful moment, how do I avoid donating my entire wardrobe to anyone I believe would look better in it, breaking up with my boyfriend and cutting off all my hair just after dying it pink.

Which makes me wonder - maybe Britney Spears was only suffering from the PMS Crazies and not the Regular Crazies. But I digress!

The truth is I need your help! My son needs your help! My boyfriend needs your help! The sales representative at NuSkin with whom I tried, unsuccessfully to place an order this morning needs your help. How do you fight your very own Crazies?

My mom suggested Valium, but since I don't have any I started with a few shots of Rescue Remedy under my tongue. Then I grabbed for the progesterone cream and, as I rubbed it in, prayed to the God of PMS for a peaceful mind and safe removal of the Crazies. Next I went to the gym to try and naturally create some endorphins. All this and I still need a kick in the pants. Maybe I'll reach for some Gaba, a natural Chill Pill - it'll make me sleepy but at least I'll be calmer.

Lists. I'll make some lists to remind me of what is good in my life, of all the good things my boyfriend does for me, of how deliciously edible my son is, how I'm right where I'm supposed to be in life.

Pampering. I've gotta make an appointment for a massage, facial, manicure or pedicure - something to relax me and help to release this frenetic energy.

Distraction. Work. A good book. US Magazine. What's on my Tivo? Sometimes a little media-anesthetic does just the trick.

Shopping. No. Not while PMS'ing. Who knows what I'll see in the dressing room mirror or if I'll decide after 33 years that Birkenstocks actually do fit my personality.

All right. The Gaba's kickin in. I think it is safe for me to re-enter the world. In the meantime email me with remedies for the Crazies. I still have two and a half days to go.