Getting Glam at Get Luminous

It is so tough to find your "A" team - especially when you are someone like me who has moved around 6 times in the past 10 years.  Once you finally find someone you like - whether its a hairstylist, someone who does your manicures and pedicures, your lashes, makeup - your whole GLAM SQUAD, its heartbreaking knowing you have to leave.

So you can imagine how happy I was to visit Get Luminous a few weeks ago and have Monica do my makeup.  Now that I'm settled back here in NJ, I've been on the hunt for "my people."  Right away, I was welcomed by owner, Erika who has a smile that lights up a room.  Once you see the decor of her studio you will want to go home and redecorate.  It was bright, fresh, simple and chic, and homey.  Get Luminous is a lash and beauty spa.  I am a true believe in the power of lashes and how it changes your overall look and confidence.

I went there to get glammed up before an event hosted by Candace Kristin and Melissa at The Suite at the Garden State Plaza in Bergen County, NJ.  Monica is the sweetest most humble artist you will meet.  She's worked under pretty amazing people - maybe you've heard of them...Laura Mercier...Kevyn Aucoin?  Ring a bell?  She had her play list going and she just painted to the music, a quiet concentration on her face.  She has big name clients under her belt, but not once did she mention any of them.  She doesn't need to name drop, her work speaks for itself.  My skin looked so flawless yet natural.  I had this gorgeous glow.  She did a sultry smokey eye in a purple shade so it wasn't too dramatic.  And for my lips she actually stuck to a shade similar to what I came in with, a pretty soft pink nude.  I can't even tell you how beautiful I felt that day.  I literally felt like Cinderella.  If you are in the NJ area, it is so worth paying them a visit.  Monica is literally a hidden gem.  I semi-joke that I don't even want to share her name because I want to keep her for myself. For all makeup product details go here.  Huuuuge thank you to Get Luminous for the hospitality.  Monica is a great addition to your team and is definitely a part of my "A Team." 

Here are some pics from the event I went to that night at The Suite at the Garden State Plaza.  All pics below are by the talented Anna Schmel.  What a beautiful space they have there for Stylists and Influencers to use for clients, shoots, and events.  It was a great group of women, of course with a great sense of style.  And it was an honor to be a part of it.  Life in the Garden State is good.

xoxo, Karen

New Year - Advocating for Women's Health with NJMom

Happy New Year, everyone!  The onset of the new year year of course brings on a sense of new energy, new priorities, new resolutions, and the promise of a clean slate.

It's my mission this year to add more value to people's lives and so it's appropriate to share my first post of the year with NJMOM.  If you're not familiar with NJMOM they are an amazing resource for local happenings, businesses, and contacts in the NJ area.  And they are widely known for their successful NJ Baby Expo that they host twice a year.  Through them I was able to visit the Eisenberg Family Center at  Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, NJ.  Now, if the thought of having ocean views during your maternity stay there isn't enough to hook you, just spend an hour with Suzanne Spernal and you will want to have all your babies in their facility.

Suzanne Spernal, DNP, APN-BC, RNC-OB, CBC, is the Administrative Director of Women's Services at Monmouth Medical Center (MMC).  Not only was she there as a patient having all her kids there, she's worked at MMC for over 25 years so she is a true testament to their system.  Outstanding care for the whole family begins from the moment from when the mother first arrives all the way through to post partum treatment.  A top choice among parents, MMC is ranked 4th in the state for most deliveries.  That's over 5,500 births annually!  

Suzanne was a great host and gave us a tour of their newly renovated and expanded Labor and Delivery Unit.  They have beautiful labor and delivery suites, additional triage rooms, and a very welcoming nurse's station at the center of the floor.  In speaking with Suzanne, you could tell she genuinely cared for the health and safety of every patient that passed through those doors.  And she stressed that maternal health is not just a one time situation while you are pregnant or in the act of having a baby.  You are a mom forever after you leave those doors and so your well being (along with your baby's) should be of utmost importance.

One of the unique programs they offer at Monmouth Medical Center is their Perinatal and Mood Anxiety Disorder Center.  They are the first and only hospital in New Jersey to offer a dedicated treatment center for new mothers to receive treatment and care for postpartum depression and any other perinatal mood and anxiety disorder.  It's no surprise that so many moms choose to deliver here.

Visiting with Suzanne has definitely opened my eyes to the resources and care that women should strive for and expect when deciding on a hospital.  Only you can advocate for your safety and for that of your baby so ask questions, do your research, and don't settle for anything less than great when it comes to the facility and team who will be by your side during such a crucial time in your life.


Thank you so much to NJMOM for allowing me to be a part of this and sharing the amazing experience I had at Monmouth Medical Center, a RWJBarnabas Health Facility.  And a huge thank you to Suzanne Spernal for your time and for the plethora of knowledge you shared about the facility and the industry overall.

For more  information check out their website here.