Category: FUN

Anything to do with fun & enjoyment

FUN

Beauty biz – a visit to Kiehl’s

20141022_110623

Kiehl’s on Robson St., Vancouver draws inspiration from Kiehl’s New York east village roots as an old–world neighborhood apothecary developed by innovative pharmacists and herbologists.
Kiehl’s has an unorthodox marketing approach, exceptionally large male clientele base (they have a section dedicated to men) and its products’ simple and straightforward packaging.20141022_110630

I remember visiting the original location in New York (they have a Norman Rockwell Holiday Window) where I bought my first bottle of ultra-facial moisturizer and recently on Robson I sampled the new multi-corrective cream. L O V E at first sample!20141022_110707

There’s something else I like about Kiehl’s besides their skincare products:

In 2010, Kiehl’s introduced the Kiehl’s LifeRide for amfAR, an annual, week-long motorcycle ride through major U.S. cities that includes multiple high-profile events at Kiehl’s stores along the way to raise consumer and media awareness about amfAR and the fight against AIDS. In the last four years, LifeRide has raised over $400,000 for 20141022_110609amfAR.

 

Super Multi-Corrective Cream Key Ingredients:

Jasmonic Acid

Inspired by “signal molecules” secreted by plants that begins a self-repair process – corrects wrinkles and fine lines, loss of suppleness and elasticity.                                                                                                                                                                                            Beech Tree Extract

Sugar extracted from Beech Tree which helps improve skins overall firmness.

Fragmented Hyaluronic Acid

A power booster, discovered to enhance Jasmonic Acid’s efficacy, super charging the improvement in skin elasticity and smoothness.

 Have you tried their products?

Photos: d. king

 

 

FUN

food – Citrus Crisps

For an easy, sweet-tart snack or dessert garnish, citruscrisps2place thinly sliced oranges, grapefruits and meyer lemons in a single layer on a baking sheet;

Sprinkle generously with sugar.  Dry them in a 200F oven, flipping once, until crisp, about six hours.citruscrisps3

They would also dress up a hot toddy or sangria.

And they look so pretty!

FUN

Words…Interpretations

You know that saying…is the glass half empty or half full? By now we all say “half full” even if we really see is as “half empty.”  We know better.  ??????????????????But here’s another test. This one by a doctor (Dr. David Rosen to be exact) who specializes in stress management.

Today in terrorist times we should strive to develop the fighter pilot’s philosophy of “a wealth of optimism and a want of fear.”  I’m sure they would all pass this test:

So here goes; TAKE A LOOK at these letters:

“OPPORTUNITYISNOWHERE”

If you decipher the letters to read “opportunity is now here” you will survive disastrous times.  But you flunk the test if you read “opportunity is no where.”

But lighten up, it doesn’t mean your life will end soon……just that you are not as optimistic, or a fighter pilot.

I like this
I like this

Source for test: W. Gifford-Jones, MD (from the book – What I Learned as a Medical Journalist)

 

 

 

 

 

 

FUN

Health MATTERS: A SHOT at Happiness

Botox for Depression – has it been in our face all this time?

Photo: Ben Hassett
Photo: Ben Hassett

A swipe of lipstick can put a smile on your face, but when it comes to beating true depression, beauty products usually don’t do the trick.  Well maybe very temporarily.

Enter Botox, the forehead-smoothing toxin that can erase fine lines, stop sweating, and even squelch migraines – a true multi-tasker.  It turns out that a vial may have the power to make you happier – and not just because your wrinkles have disappeared.

In a recent study associated with Georgetown University that involved using Botox for depression, one participant who ended up getting botox (not the placebo), described feeling something she could describe only with a word that might seem impossible to anyone living under a cloak of despair: “lighthearted.”

Of the 74 people in the study – half were given Botox and the other half were given saline placebo injections in the “frown” muscles between their eyebrows.  Six weeks later, 52 percent of patients who’d been injected with Botox felt significantly better, compared with just 15 percent who didn’t get the real stuff.

The notion that a grin or a grimace can actually influence your emotions is nothing new, says Maryland dermatologic surgeon Eric Finzi, a co-author of the Georgetown study and author of the 2013 book: The Face of Emotion: How Botox Affects Our Mood and Relationships.

Charles Darwin theorized that our facial expressions don’t just telegraph happy or sad to the world but that they can also create and enhance those emotions.

People suffering from serious depression shouldn’t toss their meds and abandon therapy just yet, says New York psychiatrist and dermatologist Amy Wechsler.  “Depression has always been something that’s best treated by a range of things, and I think this may well be a powerful tool in our arsenal,” says Wechsler.

For the millions who suffer from depression, this could be the biggest thing since Prozac, not to mention a lifesaver, says Finzi.

To that end, Botox’s parent company, Allergen, is currently in Phase II clinical trials for its use in treating major depressive disorder in women.  Botox is predicted to become standard treatment for depression in the future.

In short, if you can’t frown, you can’t feel down.

Have any of you tried Botox?  I have yet to try it not done so and am trying hard to avoid it by trying to keep healthy and happy.

Source: Liz Krieger for Bazaar Magazine

 

 

 

 

 

FUN

beauty biz – THE quick FIX

How does a girl-on-the-go get a Glamorous Glow?  I will tell you….20141015_114712

GLAMGLOW was originally designed for exclusive professional backstage use in Hollywood. In 2011, GLAMGLOW became available to consumers worldwide and is now known for fast-acting and innovative mud treatments with patent-pending formulas and high-end technology to deliver instant, visible results.

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I tried GLAMGLOW BRIGHTMUD EYE treatment which is a 3 minute instant eye treatment and found it very refreshing as well as hydrating and softening. It claims to minimize puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines while brightening and hydrating the eyes.  It worked but I can’t tell you how long exactly it lasted.

It’s the world’s first tap-on-wipe-off eye product designed to work for Hollywood actors in just a few minutes, just before going in front of a camera on-set.  So it would work for just before going on a date then??

The package contains 12 ChromeCells and each one provides a single treatment for both eyes.20141015_114719

Aside from the claims and everything else, the packaging will certainly get your attention.

Available at Sephora.  Price: approx $76 CDN

FUN

Style – stay chic even while you SLEEP

I love loungewear!

Apartment, the Shop
Apartment, the Shop

It’s evening or not,  you’re at home or not, it’s cold outside, you’re ready to relax, to be warm, comfy, cosy, and unwind in a pair of snuggly PJ’s.  Don’t you?

lounge3These luxe and loungy choices makes looking chic so easy, you could do it in your sleep.

TopShop
TopShop

 

THE PAJAMA PARTY!

This photo (from Olivia von Halle’s latest lookbook) makes me want to put on some girly pajamas, invite my best girlfriends over, pop some champagne, and frolic in the British countryside.lounge2

Photo by Grace Atwood via [StripesandSequins]
Photo by Grace Atwood via [StripesandSequins]
That last part might not be so realistic, but seriously… how dreamy is this image!? The pajamas made of 100% silk, were inspired by Coco Chanel’s lounging pajamas and designed to be something glamorous enough to have a gin & tonic in before bed… a girl after my own heart.

You don't have to sacrifice comfort for style.
You don’t have to sacrifice comfort for casual style…even at home or at bedtime.

 Bottoms Up my friends!

 

FUN

Food – Thai Tofu-Quinoa Salad

This healthy low-calorie, high-protein dish is simply delish!tofu2It makes a great lunch but can easily suffice as a side salad for dinner (especially with salmon or chicken).  Serves 4.  It’s only 330 calories per serving.

Ingredients:

Extra-Firm Tofu

Quinoa

2 Carrots

Red Cabbage

Frozen Edamame

Green Onion

Cilantro

Sauce:

Lime juice (from ½ a lime)

Natural Peanut Butter

*Tamari  (or low-sodium soy sauce)

Honey

Grated Ginger

2 Garlic Cloves

Hot Chili Flakes

Sesame Seeds

Preheat oven to 400F.  Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and spray with oil.  Arrange half of a 350g package of extra-firm tofu (patted dry and cut into 3/4  in. cubes) on prepared sheet.  Bake in centre of oven until tofu is golden brown – about 20 minutes.  Transer to a rack and cool completely, about 30 minutes.

Cook ¾ cup rinsed quinoa in a medium saucepan according to package directions.  Scoop quinoa into large bowl to cool completely, about 30 minutes.  You can also make this in advance, like a day or two ahead.

Whisk 2 Tbsp. lime juice (half of a regular size lime) with 2 Tbsp. natural peanut butter, 1 Tbsp. water, 1 Tbsp. Tamari, 2 tsp. honey, 2 tsp. finely grated ginger, 1 or 2 minced garlic cloves and ½ – 1 tsp. hot red chili flakes in a small bowl.  Set aside.tofu1

Stir 2 coarsely grated carrots into cooled quinoa along with 1 cup thinly sliced red cabbage, 1 cup thawed frozen edamame, 1 thinly sliced green onion, ½ cup chopped cilantro, 4 tsp. toasted sesame seeds and cooled tofu.  Drizzle with dressing, then toss to coat.

Serve cold or at room temperature.

Do you know the difference between Tamari & Soy?

Even though both sauces are similar in color and flavor, there are actually a number of differences between the two. While both soy sauce and tamari are byproducts of fermented soybeans, the main difference between the two is the presence of wheat. Many recipes that call for soy sauce often include a note to substitute tamari in its place to make the recipe gluten-free.tofu3

  • Tamari:  Little to no wheat (always double-check if avoiding gluten)
  • Soy Sauce:  Includes wheat (not gluten-free)

    Other Differences – Soy sauce and its many forms are found widely throughout Asia, but tamari is specifically a Japanese form of soy sauce, traditionally made as a byproduct of miso paste. The differences in production give each sauce its own unique flavor. Tamari has a darker color and richer flavor than the common Chinese soy sauce you may be more familiar with. It also tastes more balanced and less salty than the sometimes harsh bite of soy sauce, which makes it great for dipping.

Instead of keeping one or the other in your cupboard, consider stocking up on both sauces and experimenting with them in dishes that call for soy.

 

 

 

 

FUN

Words…little style pick-me-ups

Sometimes we gals just need a little style pick-me-up

Lauren Hutten from a Bazaar fashion shoot.
Lauren Hutten from a Bazaar fashion shoot.

Glam up your day with a few fashion quotes from some favorite designers, style icons & girl crushes.classic2

“Anyone can get dressed up and glamorous, but it is how people dress in their days off that are the most intriguing.” —Alexander Wang

What you can wear on your day off to walk your pink poodle
DO NOT let a pink poodle upstage you at any given moment – remember You set the stage!

“The most important thing to remember is that you can wear all the greatest clothes and all the greatest shoes, but you’ve got to have a good spirit on the inside. That’s what’s really going to make you look like you’re ready to rock the world.” – Alicia Keys at a Giorgio Armani party in New York, 2009.classic1 (2)“I like my money right where I can see it…hanging in my closet.” – Carrie Bradshawclassic2 (2)

“You can’t be melancholy in fashion because people don’t respond to it.” —Isaac Mizrahiclassic1

Fashion is what you’re offered four times a year by designers. And style is what you choose.” —Lauren Huttonclassic3 (2) 

 

 

FUN

beauty – AWARENESS

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month never4so I thought it would be good to post a roundup list of skincare & makeup product ingredients (in alphabetical order) to make recognizing, understanding, and avoiding these ingredients easier for you.never1

THE NEVER LIST:

Animal fats, oils, and musks: tallow, rendered beef or mutton fat, oils or musks from animals like mink, emu and sharks that are procured after an animal has been killed. Found in: soap, salve, shaving products, lubricants, paints, and all types of cosmetics.
 
Benzalkonium chloride: a disinfectant used as a preservative and surfactant associated with severe skin, eye and respiratory irritation and allergies. Found in: sunscreens, moisturizers.
 
Benzophenone and derivatives: a possible human carcinogen and hormone disruptor used as a fragrance ingredient and to absorb ultraviolet light. Found in: nail polish, sunscreen.

Bisphenol A (BPA): a hormone disruptor that may also alter DNA, used in plastics and resins. Found in: plastic bottles, lining of aluminum food cans, possibly in eyeshadow and styling gel.

Butoxyethanol: a solvent used to control viscosity, or a “fragrance” additive. It irritates skin and may cause cancer and reproductive toxicity. Found in: fragrance, hair color.

BHA and BHT: synthetic antioxidants used to extend shelf life. They are likely carcinogens and hormone disruptors, and may cause liver damage. Found in: lipsticks, moisturizers, diaper creams, and other cosmetics.

Coal tar hair dyes and other coal tar ingredients: a byproduct of coal processing that is a known carcinogen. It is used as a colorant and an anti-dandruff agent. Found in: hair dye, shampoo.

1,4-dioxane: a by-product of manufacturing that is a probable human carcinogen (a known animal carcinogen) as well as toxic to organs and the respiratory system, and a skin irritant. Likely to be present where ethoxylated ingredients like sodium laureth sulfate, PEGs, and ceteareth are listed on ingredient labels. Found in: shampoo, body wash, bubble bath.

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA): a chelating (binding) agent added to cosmetics to improve stability. May be toxic to organs. Found in: hair color, moisturizers.

Ethanolamines (MEA/DEA/TEA): surfactants and pH adjuster linked to allergies, skin toxicity, hormone disruption, and inhibited fetal brain development. Found in: hair dyes, mascara, foundation, fragrances, sunscreens, dry cleaning solvents, paint, pharmaceuticals.

Formaldehyde: used as a preservative in cosmetics. A known carcinogen that is also linked to asthma, neurotoxicity, and developmental toxicity. Present where quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3 diol (Bronopol) and several other preservatives are listed. Beautycounter does not use any of these formaldehyde-donating preservatives. Found in: shampoo, body wash, bubble bath.

Hydroquinone: a skin lightening chemical that inhibits the production of melanin
and is a linked to cancer, organ toxicity and skin irritation. Found in: skin lightening creams.

Methyl cellosolve: fragrance ingredient and solvent that is an irritant and a possible neurotoxin, developmental toxin, and cause of DNA mutations that could lead to cancer. Found in: anti-aging creams.

Methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone: chemical preservatives that are among the most common irritants, sensitizers and causes of contact skin allergies. Found in: shampoo, conditioner, body wash.

Mercury and mercury compounds (also listed as Thimerosal): metallic element used as a preservative and antiseptic known to damage brain function. Found in: ear and eye drops; may be used in mascara.

Mineral Oil (also listed as liquid paraffin; liquid petrolatum; paraffin oil): a by-product of petroleum distillation that may cause contact dermatitis. Found in: baby lotions, cold creams, ointments.

Oxybenzone: sunscreen agent and ultraviolet light absorber linked to irritation, sensitization and allergies, and possible hormone disruption. Found in: sunscreen, moisturizer.

Parabens  (methyl-, isobutyl-, proply- and others): a class of preservatives commonly used to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Parabens are endocrine (or hormone) disruptors, which alter important hormone mechanisms in our bodies. Specially, parabens mimic estrogen; they can lock on to our cell’s own estrogen receptors and mess with important natural signals. They may play a role in triggering breast cancer. Found in: shampoo, face cleanser, body wash, body lotion, foundation.

Phthalates  (DBP, DEHP, DEP and others): a class of plasticizing chemicals used to make products more pliable or to make fragrances stick to skin. Phthalates disrupt the endocrine system and may cause birth defects. Found in: synthetic fragrance, nail polish, hairspray.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG compounds): PEGs are widely used in cosmetics as thickeners, solvents, softeners, and moisture-carriers. Depending on manufacturing processes, PEGs may be contaminated with measurable amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, which are both carcinogens. Found in: creams, sunscreen, shampoo.

Resorcinol: a colorant and fragrance ingredient that is a skin irritant, toxic to the
immune system and organs, and suspected to cause hormone disruption. Found in: hair color.

Retinyl palmitate and Retinol (Vitamin A): a nutrient that may damage DNA and speed the growth of skin tumors when used topically. Found in: moisturizer, anti-aging skincare.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS and SLES): SLS and SLES are surfactants that can cause skin irritation or trigger allergies. SLES is often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct of a petrochemical process called ethoxylation which is used to process other chemicals in order to make them less harsh. Found in: shampoo, body wash, bubble bath.

Synthetic flavor or fragrance: an engineered scent or flavoring agent that may contain any combination of 3,000+ stock chemical ingredients, including hormone disruptors and allergens. Fragrance formulas are protected under federal law’s classification of trade secrets, and therefore can remain undisclosed. Found in: all types of cosmetics.

Toluene: a volatile petrochemical solvent that is toxic to the immune system and can
cause birth defects. Found in: nail polish.

Triclosan and Triclocarban: antimicrobial pesticides toxic to the aquatic environment; may also impact human reproductive systems. Found in: liquid soap, soap bars, toothpaste.

Print out an Always-With-You Never List and carry in your wallet for easy reference while on the go.

Source: http://www.beautycounter.com/the-never-list