Beauty biz – what makes Shea so much Butter?

I’m sure you’ve heard or read about it before and have seen it listed on many beauty care products. It’s been around for a very long time.

Shea Butter is made from the nut of the African Shea tree and contains a rich amount of unremoveable fatty acid which renders it far superior to cocoa butter and other natural butters, but African women already know this. They’ve been using shea butter for so many years to protect and rejuventate their hair and skin.

This fatty acid is crucial to rejuvenating and moisturizing the skin. Shea butter provides all the essential vitamins (especially vitamin A) needed to make skin look and feel smoother, softer and healthier. The therapeutic properties stimulates cellular activity while protecting skin from the elements (wind, cold, sun) and helps wounds heal faster. It has been used to heal burns, sores, scars, dermatitis, psoriasis, dandruff, and stretch marks. Shea also contains cinnamic acid, a substance that helps protect the skin from harmful UV rays.

The container here doesn’t look so pretty (certainly won’t be front & center on my vanity) but buyer beware: some of the companies with fancier versions will alter it in order to have a better fragrance, texture, overall appearance. The alterations may disturb and in some cases destroy the natural integrity of the product. It will however, look much nicer on your bathroom shelf.

Listed below are some of the conditions that Shea Butter will provide improvement for. As you use this multi-purpose butter, you are likely to discover additional uses. The amount of time required for optimum results may vary with each condition. Wrinkles, for example, require 4 to 6 weeks of daily use. Itching is relieved immediately.

Dry skin

Skin rash

Skin peeling, after tanning

Blemishes and Wrinkles

Itching skin

Sunburn

Shaving cream for a smooth silky shave

Small skin wounds

Skin cracks

Tough or rough skin (Feet, Elbow)

Cold weather

Frost bites

Stretch mark prevention during pregnancy

Insect bites

Healthy skin

Muscle fatigue aches and tension

For before and after strenuous exercise

Skin allergies such as poison ivy or poison oak

Eczema

Dermatitis

Skin damage from heat, hot grease while cooking, radiation treatment for certain medical problems…

What can I tell by looking at the label? Ingredients on the label should be listed in the order from the ingredient that is the most to the least. Therefore, you should look for Shea Butter products that list Shea Butter early on the list of ingredients.

TIP: warm it up first in your hands before spreading it on your skin. Some people even put some in the microwave but I wouldn’t do this as it could break down the vitamins, interfering with the benefits.

On PINterest – some products I can’t live without:

http://www.pinterest.com/intrigueimports/beauty-products-i-cant-live-without/

STYLE

Style – the great Suspender

Victoria Beckham

THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT WEARING SUSPENDERS THAT FEELS kinda SPECIAL.

of course Beyonce can make anything look good. — of course **Beyonce** can make anything look good.

They’re carefree but serve a purpose. Like some of those other midcentury essentials (pocket squares & fedoras come to mind), suspenders feel new again.

Suspenders and occasion: From casual to business – The great thing about suspenders is that they go with almost every type of outfit. They are perfect for a casual everyday outfit, but also for a business one. They look just as great on a bartender as they look on a Wall Street guy. Formal suits work well with suspenders and look really fun and elegant at the same time.

How to Master the Art of Suspense: Whether you’re a southern dandy or a new-look mod, the kind of suspenders you choose says it all.

Casual wear and suspenders

of course anything looks good on Beyonce — **To obtain a certain look**, it’s not the suspenders in themselves that make the outfit, they are just an accessory, it’s the overall vibe that sets the tone.

Power Broker
Bold, ass-kicking suspenders, to be worn with a sky blue spread collar dress shirt. Cuff links, mandatory; pinstripes, preferable. All topped off with an expression that says, “I will crush you.”

Is it Braces or Suspenders?

In the United Kingdom men put on braces to hold up their trousers, while suspenders are a belt used to hold up ladies’ tights. They’re basically a means of avoiding men’s pants from slipping down. I prefer them as a fashion statement of their own. But Nevermind all this…all you really need to know is the golden rule: Whatever you do, don’t wear suspenders with a belt.

These are my vintage suspenders. — These are my **vintage** ones.

In general, how do you feel about them?

Follow my style board on PINterest: http://www.pinterest.com/intrigueimports/style-inspiration-a-passion-for-fashion/

FUN

simply: It’s time for GRILL TALK

We all make mistakes. Here is Eight Grilling Mistakes and How to Avoid Them – according to the master herself me, I mean Martha Stewart.

Grilling is supposed to be easy. You just heat up the grill and throw your food on, right? Well, not exactly — but it isn’t much more complicated than that. As summer approaches, don’t let popular grilling “wisdom” over complicate the issue. Read on to find out which so-called tips you can definitely ignore.

1. DON’T skip the salt: You might have heard that salting meat before grilling will toughen it. Nope, it won’t! In fact, season your meat about 30 minutes before you get grilling.

2. DON’T use lighter fluid to get the grill going: You’d be better off using a chimney starter — unless you like the taste of lighter fluid.

3. DON’T press hard on your burgers — especially while they’re cooking: If you do, you’ll watch the flavor and moisture drip right into the grill. Much better to place them on the grill and then leave them alone until they need to be flipped (which should only happen once!).

4. DON’T flip out: Grilling isn’t fussy, so there’s no need to keep flipping your meat. Turn it only once — twice at most.

5. DON’T use that barbecue fork: Remember what happened when you got your ears pierced? The same will happen if you stick a fork into a steak on the grill. We beg you, use tongs or a spatula.

6. DON’T battle flare-ups with a spray bottle of water: Water + grease = not a good time. Calm grease fires with a flame-resistant kitchen towel.

7. DON’T use a knife to check for doneness: That’s one sure way to ensure a dry, tough piece of meat. Like babies and college kids, steak needs to rest. Take it off the grill and leave it alone for a 10 minutes (more or less, depending on thickness).

8. DON’T cook meat all the way through: Remember, meat continues to cook even after you take it off the heat, so remove it before it’s exactly to your liking.

Any others you know about?

FUN

CULTURE/smoking around bébé: things Parisians do that stun New Yorkers and vice versa

It’s no secret that, despite Bloombergian laws banning smoking in bars and restaurants, cigarettes are still everywhere in Paris in a way they just aren’t in New York anymore (go to a private party in Paris and prepare to take your jacket to the dry cleaner the next day). Café terraces are often wreathed in smoke. Parisians have a habit of casually flicking their cigarettes over their shoulders and into your café crème…but in a really cool way.

That said, there’s one Parisian sight that elicits a special level of shock from visiting Americans: Fashionable, slim young parents (and they often are quite young, under 30, supported generously by the French government in their parenting) smoking outdoors in the presence of their babies or children. Ask Parisians about this and they’ll think you’re exaggerating. “That’s a myth,” said one (childless) friend. “French parents hide their smoking from their kids.” Another said, “French parents only do that outside in cafés, leaning away from their kids. Or on their balconies.” They miss the point that most yuppie American parents now think it’s a disservice to their health, and by extension, their families, to smoke at all, or even risk the guilt of watching their kids take up smoking in their teens.

New Yorkers new to Paris are also regularly startled to find that: Parisians do not walk around in gym clothes or sweatpants unless they are actually exercising.

Parisians do not talk to strangers. This can be profoundly disconcerting to a New Yorker who’s used to freely bitching about life’s daily indignities with whoever happens to be in line with them at Duane Reade. If you comment to a Parisian in the métro that the un-air-conditioned car is particularly smelly today, they will give you a frightened look like you are a crazy person and turn away.

Meanwhile, Parisians new to New York are often aghast that:

New Yorkers are so plump. This may come as a surprise to New Yorkers proud that they are among America’s thinnest, but on the whole, New Yorkers are heavier than Parisians. Part of this is a certain pride in body diversity in New York that doesn’t exist in Paris, where a good friend will quickly tell you if you look like you’ve gained five pounds.

New Yorkers carry around their coffee. In Paris, the very point of coffee is that you sit down and take a break. You don’t walk around with a giant vat, fueling yourself throughout the day. Parisians find this amusing and horrifying, as they do the fact that everything in America, even baby strollers, comes equipped with a huge cupholder.

New York parents talk to their kids as though they are their peers. “Jonah, did you think last night’s Arcade Fire show was as good as last year’s?” is not something you will ever hear a Parisian parent say to his or her 6-year-old.

New Yorkers are hyperfriendly up front and then forget about you later (unless they need you). In Paris, people are quite cold at first sight and don’t see the point in making particular efforts with strangers,” explains Anna Polonsky, U.S. director for the French food blog Le Fooding, which has become synonymous in France with global foodie culture. “However,” she continues, “as soon as you get past that, they’ll immediately invite you home for dinner or take you to their favorite bar for apéro. New Yorkers are the opposite. They’re extremely warm at first and will call you honey, boo, or my dear in less than a second, but it takes years to actually become intimate with them. That cultural gap is very tough for a lot of Frenchies.
They feel at first like they’re in heaven compared to Paris, only to be let down and find out that they won’t be contacted until they’re worth the interest, or if they have cool things to offer at night.”

And that, in a nutshell lies some of the key differences between New Yorkers and Parisians. What do you think?

Source: Tim Murphy for New York Magazine

FUN

words – “THE FEAR” by Lily Allen

“It’s Not Me, It’s You” Album

Pop Outlaw Lily Allen (born 1985) is an English recording artist and actress. — **Pop Outlaw Lily Allen** (born 1985) is an English
recording artist and actress.

I want to be rich and I want lots of money

I don’t care about clever, I don’t care about funny

I want loads of clothes and fuckloads of diamonds

I heard people die while they’re trying to find them

And I’ll take my clothes off and it will be shameless

Cause everyone knows that’s how you get famous.

Allen in concert

I’ll look at the sun and I’ll look in the mirror

I’m on the right track, yeah I’m on to a winner.

I don’t know what’s right and what’s real anymore

And I don’t know how I’m meant to feel anymore

And when do you think it will all become clear?

Cause I’m being taken over by The Fear

Life’s about film stars and less about mothers

It’s all about fast cars and cussing each other

But it doesn’t matter cause I’m packing plastic

And that’s what makes my life so fucking fantastic

And I am a weapon of massive consumption

And it’s not my fault, it’s how I’m programmed to function

Forget about guns and forget ammunition

Cause I’m killing them all on my own little mission

Now I’m not a saint but I’m not a sinner

Now everything’s cool as long as I’m getting thinner

Watch Video: http://vimeo.com/5782708

FUN

Health MATTERS: Exercise vs. Diet – which one matters most?

If you had to choose between Diet or Exercise when it comes to slimming down which would it be?

Does one matter more than the other? I know, it’s not really a fair question but some people want to lose weight but really don’t want to 1) Exercise or 2) Diet.

Of course you can always do one without the other but any thinking person knows that doing both will be more effective. I was reading an article about this with two experts weighing out the differences.

HIT THE GYM:

Expert: Michele Olson, PhD, professor of physical education and exercise science at Auburn University at Montgomery, Alabama.

“Yes, you can lose weight with diet alone, but exercise is an important component. Without it, only a portion of your weight loss is from fat – you’re also stripping away muscle and bone density. Since working out stimulates growth of those metabolic tissues, losing weight through exercise means you’re burning mostly fat. The number on the scale might not sound so impressive, but because muscle takes up less space than fat does, you look smaller and your clothes fit better. Data shows that to lose weight with exercise and keep it off, you don’t need to run marathons. You just need to build up to five workouts a week, 50 minutes each, at a moderate intensity, like brisk walking or zumba. Resistance training helps too. Don’t just do isolated weight-lifting exercises like bicep curls – you’ll get leaner faster by using your body weight against gravity, as with movements like squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks. And, of course, beyond burning fat, people shouldn’t forget that exercise can have other impressive health perks, like improving the quality of your sleep, lowering your cholesterol, and reducing your stress level.”

EAT SMART

Expert: Shawn M. Talbott, PhD, nutritional biochemist and former director of the University of Utah Nutrition Clinic.

“As a rule of thumb, weight loss is generally 75 percent diet and 25 percent exercise. An analysis of more than 700 weight loss studies found that people see the biggest short-term results when they eat smart. On average, people who dieted without exercising for 15 weeks lost 23 pounds; the exercisers lost only six over about 21 weeks. It’s much easier to cut calories than to burn them off. For example, if you eat a fast-food steak quesadilla, which can pack 500-plus calories, you need to run more than four miles to ‘undo’ it!”

“So, what should you eat? It’s true that low-carb diets tend to be the most popular because they offer the fastest results, but they can be difficult to sustain. I recommend striving for a more balanced plan that focuses on fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and whole grain carbs. And never cut calories too low (this causes your metabolism to slow, and you can start losing muscle mass). For a healthy daily calorie count, allow 10 calories per pound of body weight – so a 150-pound woman should shoot for a 1,500 calorie target. That way, you should be able to lose weight no matter how much you exercise.”

THE LAST WORD: While diet and exercise are both important for long-term weight loss, remember this: “You can’t out-exercise a bad diet,” says Talbott.

Source: as told to Sarah Z. Wexler for “O” Magazine

FUN

Personally – this is the best kitchen gadget by far

It may be more of an appliance but in any case, it’s like having your own Sommelier.

Have you seen the ad for the Wine Station? It’s the first professional grade wine-dispensing-and-preservation system for the home. The Dacor Wine Station allows the connoisseur to choose the right wine and pour just the right amount every time – be it a taste, half a glass (like that’s going to happen) or a full glass (more likely) – all with the simple touch of a finger.

The Wine Station’s proprietary preservation system allows you to open and enjoy a variety of wines and vintages for up to 60 days, while the dual-zone interior allows for the optimal storing and serving temperature for your collection. I want one of these.

Source: Architectural Digest

http://dacor.com/Our-Products/Refrigeration/Discovery-WineStation.aspx

FUN

Beauty biz – benefits of Masking it

SKINCARE MASKS provide some of the rewards of a salon/spa facial right at home.

I try to work one into my skincare routine – once a week, usually on a weekend and only when I’m pretty sure no one will show up at my door. I don’t want to scare anyone wearing my full face (with cutouts for eyes & nostrils) Japanese tissue mask, or the black clay one or the blue algae. Even the dog gets scared and hides.

Using a mask is one of the steps of a good skin care regimen and they work especially when you first exfoliate. A mask blankets the skin helping the active ingredients penetrate. Depending on which type you use it can draw impurities from the skin and eliminate dead skin cells (yuck) or tighten and tone.

Masks are applied to cleansed skin for 10 to 20 minutes, although the duration can be shorter or longer; some hydrating masks can also be used as an intensive overnight treatment. They generally fall into these categories:

CLAY/MUD MASKS – these use kaolin clay, a natural component in soil, or mud from the dead sea. They absorb oil which draws out impurities and dirt that can make pores look more noticeable, and for removing dead skin cells. These masks might be targeted to oily T-zones or acne-prone skin, and some contain acne-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid. I plaster Ahava dead sea mud from Israel on my nose and chin – it dries quickly to soak up oil.

HYDRATING MASKS – these tend to soothe, nourish and, as their name implies, super-moisturize. I like Clarins “Hydra-Quench” or Origins “Drink-Up.”

FIRMING and ANTI-AGING MASKS – these deal with skin in need of a reboot. Dior Capture Totale One Essential Mask is a melt-into-skin pink gel which bills itself as an “ultra-detox” that addresses wrinkles and loss of firmness. Sounds amazing but I haven’t tried it.

SLEEPING MASKS – these are growing worldwide. You apply them at night before sleep. It’s for intense hydration. Might be better using them for winter once in a while. Nighttime is when the skin is rested and regeneration is at its peak so you wake up to skin that’s fresher, more hydrated. One to try: Vichy Aqualia Thermal Night Spa features hyaluronic acid, Vichy thermal spa water, aquabioryl (a hydration booster) and plant oils.

Remember no matter which one you choose – follow instructions then sit back, relax and enjoy the benefits.

Which ones do you use?

FUN

style & substance: Summer INspiration – Head Scarves

Useful

What should I do with all my lovely silk
scarves? I wear them quite often.

How about a great WEEKEND LOOK and fashionably casual way to wear
them – on the head!

Afterall it serves the same purpose as a headband but looks much more chic.

Especially great on windy days if you’re driving a convertible (like Tippi Hendren in Psycho), or on a boat, riding a bike where you don’t need a helmet, running errands or happen to be Jennifer Lopez or Sophia Loren.

I don't think I can get away with this exactly the same way - as SHE could. — I don’t think I can get away with this exactly the same way as Grace Kelly.

Oh, and let’s not forget about the days that our hair needs washing or our roots show.

**In cold weather it keeps your head warm in a very cool way.**

come on, we know what you're really trying to cover up. — come on, we know what you’re really trying to cover up.

this might have been Jean Shrimpton's weekend look — this might have been **Jean Shrimpton**‘s weekend look

Rough up your hair by spraying a little dry shampoo first and then put on a bold lipstick before heading out the

door.

I love, love, these looks!

too chic for words

Nothing wrong with conjuring up a little old world movie star glamour. I wonder if Marilyn or Elizabeth wore them to cover up their roots?

I think you get the picture?

Check out our Style Inspiration board on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/intrigueimports/style-inspiration-a-passion-for-fashion/

FUN

simply satisfying – healthy two bite brownie delights

I was looking for a guilt free brownie recipe when one literally fell into my lap when I was sitting at a coffee shop.

Two women attending the CHFA (Canadian Health Food Association) walked by and handed me this recipe. It sounded too healthy to be good…but it so happens to be not only healthy but easy to make (no baking involved) and tastes very yummy. This formula makes for a tiny amount – one dozen two-bite (or one big mouthful) brownies that look more like large size truffles. I would double the recipe next time. They freeze well too. Enjoy!

¾ cup walnuts

7 medjool dates, pitted

¼ cup cacao powder (I used unsweetened)

½ tsp. vanilla bean powder (I like Cook’s – there’s no preservatives)

Pinch of salt

1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)

Garnish: ¼ cup *shredded coconut

Process walnuts until fine. Add remaining ingredients and process until smooth. Form into small balls with your hands and toss or roll in shredded coconut. *(I bought a bag of unsweetened coconut flakes from the market and just shredded them in the food processor. The less sugar the better.

I put them into tiny muffin tins that hold 12 and popped them into the freezer for about 5 minutes so they weren’t too soft.

Don’t let the small size fool you. They are somewhat satiating and you don’t want to eat too many at once. Each one (although healthy for a sweet treat) is about 95 calories.

The RAW Foundation Culinary Arts Institute is Canada’s leading raw food culinary school, home of The Raw Food Education Experts TM; located in the heart of Vancouver BC, Canada. We are devoted to educating on the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, inspiring and empowering foodies, home & professional chefs, health enthusiasts & healthcare professionals around the world; to prepare delicious, raw meals with ease and successfully share this passion with others, growing profitable businesses, make a positive impact, transform lives, doing what they love.

http://rawfoodfoundation.org/