Skylar Dream Journal

Okay Skylar gal, it’s almost the most romantic day of the year. Yes, you guessed it, Galentine’s day. There’s no one better in the world than your gal pals. We’re getting ready for February 13th to celebrate all amazing things with all amazing friends in just eleven easy steps. It wouldn’t be Galentine’s Day without taking the words of Leslie Knope to heart: “Ovaries before brovaries.” Check out our list to follow for the best Galentine’s day prep to date!

Step One: Create your list

Put together an invite list of all your gals. Single or taken, this day is all about you. Make sure you focus on the girls that are always there for you throughout the year and not only when the party begins. This day is supposed to be all fun and celebrations. Solidify the intention of Galentine's Day: B to show our girl gang how grateful we are for them & what we’ve accomplished with their support.

Step Two: Get your gals

Check your list twice because this night is going to be both naughty and nice. Find your girlfriends that will call in sick so you can have a day completely focused on each other. Don’t worry, we won’t tell!

Step Three: Say “bye-bye, boys”

NO BOYS ALLOWED. This is the most important day of February- save the significant others for that other day in February. Share your BFF duo with your gals and see which Skylar scent represents you and which scent represents your main boo.

Step Four: Get your decorations

Set the mood for YOUR kind of party! Light a Sprinkles x Skylar candle to make sure that the day starts extra sweet.  Keep it chic and clean with pastels or go all out. Make the party store your own kind of Heaven and grab anything and everything that will guarantee some laughs. From banners, to balloons, to “queen” sashes, and all the way to the boa section you never knew would come in handy.

Step Five: Set up your mimosa station

Never leave guests dehydrated! Create a mimosa bar that everyone can enjoy. Set out a few different juice options so that there is something for everyone. Some of our favorites include orange juice, grapefruit juice, and peach juice.

Step Six: Create the ultimate breakfast bar

The word calories shouldn’t count on a day spent with your gals. Waffles, pancakes, a fresh loaf of bread, cinnamon rolls- this is just the beginning. Lay out an assortment of different veggies, jams, and fruit so there is enough for all. It’s never “too early” for desserts on Galentine’s day! Lay out  eclairs, whipped cream, chocolate covered nuts (nuts aren’t bad for you, duh). 

Eating and drinking? Check. But make sure you are thanking your Galentine's too. Make “I am grateful for…” print outs and ask everyone to put the 3 things their gals have helped them get through this last year

Step Seven: Create the perfect Galentine's playlist

Of course the festivities don’t really start until your gal karaoke band comes out to play. Some of our recommendations is to start with “wom-power-ment” songs to set the mood. Of course, no playlist is complete without some throwbacks thrown in. See our top 20 favorites below:

1. Dancing Queen - Abba
2. Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper
3. Man I Feel like a Woman - Shania Twain
4. (You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman - Carole King
5. Respect - Aretha Franklin
6. All I Wanna Do - Sheryl Crow
7. Confident - Demi Lovato
8. Survivor - Destiny’s Child
9. Amigas Cheetahs - The Cheetah Girls
10. No Scrubs - TLC
11. Run the world- Beyoncé
12. Milkshake - Kellis
13. One, Two Step - Ciara
14. A Thousand Miles - Vanessa Carlton
15. It Wasn't Me - Shaggy
16. Wannabe - Spice Girls
17. Fergalicious - Fergie
18. Lady Marmalade - Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mya and P!nk
19. La Roux – Bulletproof
20. Pretty Girl Rock - Keri Hilson

Step Eight: Off to the spa

Nothing brings girls together more than robes and relaxation. Stop by the local spa and treat yourself to a massage and facial while everyone's still at work. Get to work on the 14th with glowing skin! Another option: create your own spa at home with your girls the old fashioned way: make your own face masks, share your upcoming goals (or the resolutions you have), and paint each others nails! 

Step Nine: Make your commitments over Wine, cheese, and chocolate covered strawberries

This is pretty self explanatory- share the love with your Galentine’s the best things only get better with time.The best part of your girl gang? Helping you accomplish your dreams. So have everyone write down their top 3 goals for 2019 and talk around the table on how you all can support that goal

Step Ten: Turn on your favorite chick flick

End the festivities cuddled up watching one of your favorite chick flicks. We’re sure you know all the lines, but it’s always better watching it with your favorite girlfriends! See our top 15 recommendations below:

1. 10 Things I Hate About You
2. Miss Congeniality
3. Sweet Home Alabama
4. The Lucky One
5. Breakfast At Tiffany’s
6. Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants
7. 13 Going On 30
8. The Notebook
9. Clueless
10. Mean Girls
11. Never Been Kissed
12. Mama Mia
13. Dirty Dancing
14. Overboard
15. How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days

Step 11: Most Importantly….

Set your alarm for the next day, spritz on your signature scent,  and start counting down until next year’s Galentine’s day!

The holiday season has come to a close, but the snow is still plush as ever. Enjoy the crisp air, crackling fire, and winter wonderlands by starting 2019 at one of Skylar’s top 5 favorite snowy escapes.

Val Thorens, France

Itching to get out of the country? We recommend going to the highest ski resort in Europe, Val Thorens, located in the Tarentaise Valley, Savoie, French Alps. Its high elevation allows for one of the longest ski seasons. This resort is the perfect snowy escape for any adrenaline junkie. Jump through the air and fall on their giant airbag cushion to practice freestyle jumping or experience the Val Thorens from a bird’s eye view flying on a tandem paramotor! Still not daring enough? Take the ultimate polar bear plunge by trying out ice diving beneath the frozen Lac du Lou.

Newport, Rhode Island

Want to escape to the snow without the pressure of locking into skis? Newport, Rhode Island, is well-known for its Gilded Age mansions and snowy Cliff Walk during the winter. Enjoy a warm brunch at the Grace Vanderbilt Hotel at their Vanderbilt Grill. This boutique hotel is the renovated summer cottage of Alfred Vanderbilt. Ice skate outdoors under the snowflakes and then defrost in a 104 degree epsom salt pool at Bodhi Spa. Indulge by trying  the Newport delacy clam chowder at The Black Pearl for dinner. Maximize exploration and relaxation with a pinch of history in this quaint town.

Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe

Squaw Valley is the perfect winter escape for families. This mountain rests in Olympic Valley, Ca. Known for their Winter Olympics in 1960, this mountain is the second largest mountain in all of Lake tahoe. This destination has something for all ages both inside and outside. Bundle up and go tubing, dog sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or cross-country skiing. Not interested?  Stay warm and go indoor rock climbing, sky jumping, to the yoga studio, or shopping. Whether you and your family are in the mood to hit the slopes, take the aerial tram rides, or check out the Olympic museum, there is something for everyone in Squaw Valley.

Whistler Blackcomb, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

Explore the largest ski resort in North America with the greatest uphill lift capacity. It features the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for moving between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Stroll though Whistler’s new Cultural Connector, a walking path through Whistler Village that connects all the big arts and culture attractions. Feed your appetite by trying one of the over 100 places to eat in Whistler from cheap and cheerful to high end, so you never have to eat in the same place twice! Need to set the tone of 2019 alone? The options range towards more adventurous too with an ice skating rink right in the Village and snowshoeing, tubing, ziplining, tree adventures, snowmobiling and dogsled tours all running from the Village. Not daring enough? Whistler boasts some of the best heli-skiing and boarding in the world.Rather find something a little tamer? Every year they create a big pile of snow in Whistler Olympic Plaza that’s perfect for kids to toboggan and play on, and making snowmen and snow angels in any pile of snow is completely acceptable. Don’t worry, we won’t judge if you compete for the best snow angel!

Deer Valley, Park City, Utah

Nestle up by the fire during the perfect mountainside retreat that doubles as a skier’s playground. Enjoy serene escapes with plenty of ski-in/ski-out hotels that provide access to Deer Valley’s renowned skiing minus the crowds. Sip cocoa in the après-ski hot chocolate bar or unwind in the chaise lounges at the “ski beach.” Explore neighboring Park City filled with food, art, and shopping. Top off the night by jumping in a luxurious bubble bath to calm those achy muscles before skiing right back out early the next morning. 

The importance of getting a yearly Mammogram cannot be overstated.  Radiologists perform X-rays to detect any abnormalities in the breast and surrounding tissue. Abnormalities in the breast area come in the form of tumors which may be either benign or malignant, but can only be confirmed by a screening.

According to the American College of Radiology (ACR), screenings usually take less than 15 minutes and can help detect early signs of breast cancer. Early detection is crucial. If a tumor is spotted, early treatment allows for a greater chance of survival. Most doctors recommend starting mammography check-ups around the age of 45-50 years old and encourage women to continue scheduling annual mammograms afterward, even if there were no signs the year before.  

Where Can I Schedule a Mammogram? 

Health insurance plans almost always cover mammograms. You can schedule a mammogram through your regular healthcare provider, or search for local clinics offering the service. Check out some of these great providers; YWCA Encore Plus Programs,  Planned Parenthood Clinics, and American Cancer Society. The National Breast Cancer Foundation's National Mammography Program also offers free mammograms. To find the nearest in your area, click here. 

Make sure the clinic you visit is approved by the FDA. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration screens all facilities that offer mammograms to ensure machines used meet all health and safety codes. 

Xo,  

Skylar

1. Yellowstone National Park : Escape busy crowds, unplug, and enjoy everything that awakens your inner explorer. Don’t worry ladies we don’t expect you to completely turn a getaway into a Lewis & Clark expedition, but we totally encourage adventure by taking a scenic float down the river or sit anticipate the geyser, Old Faithful, erupt multiple times a day. Trade the carpool lane for Yellowstone’s Sapphire Pool at Biscuit Basin and admire the bright blue water.. Don’t forget to pack binoculars to keep your eye out for bison, elk, coyotes, and all the rest of wild life the lush fields of Hayden Valley have to offer.
2. Denver, CO: Pack your hiking shoes, some heels, and your Skylar perfume in your carry-on bag and go on a quick adventure to Denver. This underrated city not only offers nature, but great food and nightlife. The best part is being able to pack it all in one day. Start the morning by taking a hike to the hot springs. Spritz on Willow, and head to a Rockie’s game and enjoy the field from The Rooftop at Coor’s field (Make sure to give yourself extra time like a true local to buy a $3 Coor’s before first pitch and get compliments on this “got to have” signature scent). After the game finishes, stroll around the city’s streets and pop into one of the local breweries. Enjoy a city panoramic view at dinner El Five. To top off the night open a bookcase and enter Williams & Graham, a prohibition-era speakeasy and turn back the hands of time.
3. Lake Tahoe: Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe is the perfect place to plan a getaway with girlfriends.  Without the snow, explore the popular ski resorts-turned summer hiking destinations. Take a car ride around the lake and don’t forget to pull off for a photo-opp. Make sure to wash your worries away and take a dip in water for a perfect mid-afternoon splash. To kick up adrenaline up a notch, soar high in the sky while going parasailing to get the true bird’s eye view of what Tahoe has to offer. If you’re looking for something calmer, take a moment to go back in history at the Donner Pass museum followed by a tasty treat in Truckee. It may have been much easier to strike gold here in the past, but after an adventure here with your friends you will see your memories are priceless.
4. Big Sky, MT: Being a true Skylar gal, we know the sky’s the limit. To remind you how big the world is, and how much it has to offer take a quick trip to Big Sky. Not only do we love clean scents at Skylar, we love fresh air and R&R. Pack a picnic, a blanket, and your favorite sunnies and head off the “treasure state.” Bring yourself back to childhood and lose yourself in the clouds. Ignore TLC’S advice and take a short one mile hike to go chasin’ waterfalls- Ousel Falls is perfect for a solo, group, or even family mid-day adventure. Laugh, smile, and remember that the hills are alive with the sound of music. Pick your favorite flowers of the day along a walk and create the perfect-picture flower crown to capture your pure bliss.
5. Martha’s Vineyard, MA- If you still want to enjoy the last days of summer with a beach retreat, don’t worry Skylar gal, we’ve got the perfect place for you. Take a quick ferry ride off the coast of Massachusetts and enjoy and island retreat. Escape the mainland and let the salt air rejuvenate you. Walk through a Japanese-style garden, Mytoi, hidden in an open pine forest. Take a tour of the various lighthouses via a beach cruiser and snap your most wanderlust photo- just don’t let that Skylar rollie fall out of your back pocket. Sneak off to catch some zzz’s under a shaded tree and listen to the shore break. As the day winds down, soak in the moment and enjoy a beach side stroll at sunset. Of course, don’t forget to feel like a true Martha’s Vineyard gal- treat yourself to a fresh waffle cone topped with delicious ice cream, because even when enjoying nature we can all still enjoy a sweet treat.

We can't wait to go on adventures with you.

Xo, 

Skylar

Booking a salon visit or scheduling a staycation sounds amazing, but it can be difficult to arrange especially during a hectic workweek. Here are a few of our best recommendations for how to destress in the comfort of your own home.

Get Moving

Sometimes stress builds up in the body even while we’re doing nothing at all. Restlessness is often common with a busy work schedule, so channeling that energy is key. Try to unwind by getting up and moving your body. A quick 30 min indoor yoga session can fuel your body with an endorphin high and help melt away that unwanted stress.

Meditation and Clean Breathing

It is easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and forget to reconnect from within. The next time you find some alone time, even if it’s just for a few minutes, sit in silence with your eyes closed. Focus on generating deep, consistent and intentional breathing. We suggest lighting one of our Skylar Candles – free of parabens and sulfates to create the ultimate at-home oasis.

Perfect your craft

If meditation and staying still isn’t your thing, an alternative is taking up a hobby that requires focused attention on a rhythmic task. Hobbies such as knitting, coloring, photography are great ways to wind down the day and have been shown to decrease stress and improve mental health.

Girls Night In

What better way to relax than a spa day with your best girlfriends? Take the stress out of planning a trip to the salon by hosting your own day spa in the comfort of your home. Bring out the candles, Skylar Rollies and sweet treats- your moments of serenity and bliss await.

 Xo,  

Skylar 

 Our team welcomed its newest member Capri - a citrus, zesty, sparking scent, to our fragrance collection on July 12th, 2018, with a beautiful launch party hosted by our CEO Cat Chen. Sparkling prosecco, giant balloon bubbles and heavenly cheese plates were just some of the incredible guests that made an appearance last Thursday. We wanted the event to feel as close to Capri as possible and invited our Skylar gals to come celebrate with us at a mediterranean inspired home. Lined with beautiful olive and lemon trees, surrounded by luscious grass and foliage and adorned with sparkling lights overhead, this venue brought back waves of that ultra-relaxed, just-out- of-the-water, no-work-tomorrow, sun-in-your-hair moment Capri was crafted to create.

Dreamt up by our own Skylar customer, Dallas Daws Welch, and voted on by our Skylar gals (with thousands of votes), this scent was truly created by and for real women, and we couldn’t have been happier celebrating its launch with our beautiful Skylar ladies. Check out some of our pictures from the event below!

 

Our master perfumer Sarah Horrowitz showing our Skylar gals Capri for the first time and explaining the process that went behind the making of Capri. 

A few "Capri" inspired drinks: Peach bellinis, Lemon drops and Sparkling prosecco, sponsored by our friends Infuse Spirits. 

A Capri sample is now available in our sample palette, be sure to check it out and tell us where Capri transports you! Layering Isle and Capri is a perfect pop and lift, while the floral accord in Meadow blends beautifully with Capri's bright notes of bergamot and Neroli creating a super feminine and gorgeous combination. 

 Xo, 

Skylar