It’s been said that ladies don’t sweat – they perspire. But we’re not particularly fond of either.
photo: YASU+JUNKO
How to choose from the latest crops on the shelves? Whether it’s stress, humidity or exertion that’s sending your underarms into overdrive, there’s something out there so you don’t have to sweat it. Find your best options to stay dry and keep clothes stain-free below.
Best For Worrywarts:
Degree Clinical Protection Stress Control Antiperspirant-Deodorant – approx. $6
Stress induced clamminess is not the same as heat-triggered sweating, so calming ingredients are incorporated. Scent: Eucalyptus and Lavender.
Best for Everyday Wear:
Dove Advanced Care Clear Tone Antiperspirant-Deodorant, in clear tone pink rose – approx. $7
Calendula and Sunflower seed oils keep armpits smooth and odor-free for up to 48 hours. Scent: a fruity, floral with notes of violet, rose and raspberry blossom.
Best for Dressing Up:
Ralph Lauren Romance Deodorant stick – approx. $20
A deodorant scented with a favourite fragrance helps class up this malodorous area. Scent: Rose, ginger, musk and chamomile.
Or; Clinique Roll-on Antiperspirant-Deodorant (approx. $12) will not ruin or stain clothing.
Best for Long Summer Days:
Dry Idea Clinical Stain Clear Solid Antiperspirant-Deodorant – approx. $8
Made with less wax than traditional sticks have, it won’t cause yellow sweat stains. Scent: white flowers and fruit.
Best for Earth Mothers:
Kiss My Face Liquid Rock Deodorant – approx. $6
An aluminum and paraben free option for those who steer clear of artificial fragrances and chemicals. Scent: None.
Or; Dr. Hauschka fresh Deodorant – approx. $23
Best for Working Out:
Secret Clinical Strength Clear Gel Antiperspirant-Deodorant gel – approx. $8
This light gel formula curbs wetness without leaving a chalky residue on tight-fitting workout garb. Scent: Melon, apricot, linden blossom, cucumber and sandalwood.
DE-ODOR DECODER – the types to know:
Deodorant
Masks the smell of sweat. Ingredients like triclosan control the underarm bacteria that cause BO.
Antiperspirant
Contains aluminum salt, which keeps sweat glands from perspiring. “All antiperspirants are deodorants, but simple deodorants aren’t antiperspirants,” says Susan Biehle-Hulette, Secret’s senior scientist.
Clinical-Strength Formulas
Serious sweat issues used to call for a prescription. Not anymore. “These deliver prescription-strength odor and wetness protection,” says Douglas C. Tomczak, deodorant research and development manager at Unilever.
Botox
Injections of botulinum toxin A — which disables the armpits’ sweat glands — have been approved by the FDA to treat severe underarm sweating.
So I hope this helps you to stay Calm and stay Dry so you don’t have to SWEAT the small stuff.
Other things to consider: you don’t want the scent of your deodorant (should you choose scented) to compete with the scent of your perfume or body lotion so keep that in mind when choosing one.
Springing ahead for a sneak peek but I’m ready to wear the ready-to-wear already. IT’S THATSIMPLE!
The Row Spring 2015
Yes, it’s already Fall and as usual it crept up just like that. While we’re busy getting our boots and blazers out of the closet, New York Fashion Week just wrapped and London Fashion Week has just begun to show us what’s in store (and what will be in stores) for Spring 2015. Unfortunately, having not attended the New York shows in person I was consigned like many to checking out what’s next on the internet. After perusing many of the choices I decided to focus on showing only one fashion house – that from “The Row” and their 28-year-old twin designers Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen who obviously have an amazingly grown-up fashion sense – well beyond their years. Girls to look up to and styles to put a Spring in your step. Here is what someone who attended the actual show wrote:
We love a Chic Twinset!
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are women of very few words. Ask them about the direction of their new Spring collection, and you get the shortest of briefs: “Raw silks.” That’s not much to go on, but no matter. This show, like most of The Row shows that have preceded it, was highly evocative. Monday morning traffic, the elevator you just missed, your buzzing cell phone… In the face of the serenity on their runway, all that stuff fell away. The setting, a raw, fifth-floor warehouse space in Soho, played a big part. Pouring through skylights, the morning sun glinted off the gold basket weave of a loosely tied coat, and shimmered on an organza top that looked as if it might’ve been dipped in tea or sepia-dyed. Angels, you thought.
That’s probably too literal an allusion for the Olsens’ taste, but there was an undeniable purity to this collection, with its mid-calf hemlines, full A-line silhouettes, and covered-up arms and shoulders. The Olsens experimented quite a bit with wrapping. Long swaths of fabric crisscrossed the torso, twisted around the waistline of dresses, and trailed down the legs, sometimes creating a gentle peplum at the hips. These were not clothes designed to seduce, but they were beguiling nonetheless.A woven tabard finished with braided fringe was especially lovely; not many other labels in New York are turning out this level of handwork. Equally tempting because it was more utilitarian: a crisp, collarless white cotton poplin shirt tucked into a three-quarter-length black skirt, accessorized with a cross-body “hunting” bag.
So Sleek, So CHIC!
The Row’s former design director Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski was in the news this summer when it was announced that she was appointed the artistic director at Hermès. She left the company last March and The Row reports it won’t replace her. This beautiful show positions them well for the future.
I just love Jessica Alba’s outfit – the balance between structure and romance. A no-nonsense ladylikeness.
I personally feel you can do so much with beautifully constructed basics and seem to be leaning more towards this look these days. So easy to mix ‘n match too. Don’t get me wrong though – I’m still willing to wear that studded collar shirt and skinny zippered cobalt jeans.
Source for NYFW: Nicole Phelps (September 9, 2014) for style.com Photos – taken from images
THE ULTIMATE CULINARY CARBS! Do you have a preference?
Most people like either or and they’re both important food staples in most countries (especially Asia & Africa) even for breakfast where they’re sautéed with vegetables. Here in North America we’re having a noodle moment with noodle places like The Noodle Box opening up all over….so tasty and comforting and versatile. Rice is also nice but seemingly more ordinary – as in you don’t see rice joints opening up all over town…but it’s equally diverse. I personally love both depending on what they’re served with (obviously noodles with Pad Thai & Spaghetti and rice with Paella & anything Indian). It would be hard to make a specific choice because we need both (I don’t care what the diet books say – I’m sticking to this rule because there are so many varieties of either and gluten-free noodles are available). *Rice in all forms (white, brown, basmati and enriched rice) are all gluten-free.
There was recently in Vancouver a Taiwanese street festival where chefs battled out their unique rice or noodle recipes. I was there but didn’t sample either. Instead I’m giving you two simple and satisfying one-pot dishes for both which you can improvise to your liking (after you read the recipe). Enjoy!
SPICY TOFU HOTPOT
Warm up a chilly evening with this light but satisfying one-pot meal. The tofu absorbs the flavors of this fragrant, spicy broth, making it anything but bland. Look for fresh Chinese-style noodles in the refrigerated case of your supermarket alongside wonton wrappers.
4 cups vegetable broth, or reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons chile-garlic sauce, or to taste
4 cups thinly sliced tender bok choy greens
8 ounces fresh Chinese-style (lo mein) noodles
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
PREPARATION
Drain and rinse tofu; pat dry. Cut the block into 1-inch cubes.
Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ginger and garlic; cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add mushrooms and cook until slightly soft, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in sugar, broth, soy sauce and chile-garlic sauce; cover and bring to a boil. Add bok choy and tofu, cover and simmer until greens are wilted, about 2 minutes. Raise heat to high and add the noodles, pushing them down into the broth. Cook, covered, until the noodles are tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in cilantro. TIPS: Chile-garlic sauce is a spicy blend of chiles, garlic and other seasonings; it is found in the Asian section of the market.
Per serving:251 calories; 7 g fat (1 g sat, 1 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 40 g carbohydrates; 13 g protein; 7 g fiber; 636 mg sodium; 191 mg potassium.
Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (45% daily value), Vitamin C (40% dv), Fiber (27% dv), Iron (20% dv).
READER’S COMMENT: “Awesome!! we used Udon noodles in place of Lo Mein, but otherwise same recipe. The broth with garlic and ginger is fabulous! “
MUSHROOM & RICE ONE-POT
Take a handful of simple store cupboard ingredients and turn them into this hearty comforting dinner.
INGREDIENTS
200g basmati rice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 tsp chopped rosemary or 1 tsp dried
250g chestnut mushrooms, quartered
2 red peppers, sliced
400g can choppedtomatoes (can use fresh)
425ml vegetable stock
handful parsley, chopped
PREPARATION
Heat oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5. Tip the rice into a sieve, rinse under cold running water, then leave to drain. Heat the oil in a flameproof casserole, add the onion, then fry until softened, about 5 mins. Stir in the rosemary and mushrooms, then fry briefly. Add the rice, stir to coat in the oil, then add the peppers, tomatoes, stock and some freshly ground pepper. Bring to the boil, give it a stir, cover tightly with a lid, then bake for 20-25 mins until the rice is tender. Scatter over the parsley and serve.
TIPS: you can modify this recipe a little bit by
– using fresh tomatoes and tomato puré
– using chicken stock
– adding chicken and green chillies in recipe
*More about RICE:
Plain rice — regardless of whether it’s whole-grain brown rice, polished white rice, long-grained basmati rice or even exotic black rice — is always considered gluten-free.
So is the form of rice called glutinous rice, also known as sticky rice or sweet rice. Despite the name, it doesn’t contain the form of gluten that’s dangerous to those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance; the term “glutinous” simply refers to the fact that glutinous rice gets glue-like, or sticky, when cooked.
Source:Rice Recipe from Good Food magazine. Tofu Noodle Recipe from EatingWell: The EatingWell Diabetes Cookbook (this recipe is not just for diabetics – it just happens to come from the cookbook). xo
In today’s age where everyone has either the latest Android or iPhone who has time to leave a handwritten message? Texting is where it’s at! History reveals itself…To go back in time…well just a little, to the romanticism of the handwritten note. There is a centuries old Acacia tree (knows as the Thorn Tree) in the heart of Nairobi where travelers have been leaving messages pinned to its branches over the years to date. The messages reveal personalities that will enthrall you with their heartfelt charm, humor and occasional romance. It is found at the legendary bistro style pavement café of yesteryear called the “Thorn Tree Café” at the Sarova Stanley hotel. It is a Nairobi landmark known as the country’s first luxury hotel, a place many people stay before heading out to safari including yours truly. The message board is situated in the centre of the restaurant.
The Stanley (now the Sarova Stanley) played host to a long line of living legends including Ernest Hemingway. It was in a Stanley hotel room during 1933/34 he stayed recuperating from an illness following a hunting trip to Kilimanjaro and thought up themes and wrote some of his famous short stories and books, several of which mentioned the Sarova Stanley. These books, which were to make him a household name across the world, included The Green Hills of Africa (1935); The Snows of Kilimanjaro (1936); and The Happy Ending, retitled The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber.
The Stanley has also been, at various times, the base for classic Hollywood film idols such as Stewart Granger, Clark Gable, Ava Gardner, Grace Kelly, and Gregory Peck. Not to mention notable entertainers like Old Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra, who at the time was married to Ava Gardner. This shows its rich heritage and epitomizes affluence that appeals the elite class and celebrities who are searching for top hotels in Nairobi.
In recent times the hotel has hosted modern stars like Isabella Rossellini (Blue Velvet, Wild at heart), Michael Caine, Sidney Poitier (To Sir with Love), Barbra Streisand and James Bond himself, the ageless Sean Connery.
From time immemorial the café has been the perfect meeting place for friends and offers a remarkable dining experience in the central business district. It has a deli counter, serves pizzas from a wood-fired oven, fresh juices, beers, the widest range of coffees and a varied menu which includes popular continental and nouvelle dishes.
‘Tree mail’ endures despite email and the Thorn Tree Café flourishes as the crossroads of Africa.
Side Note: For some reason I’ve followed Ernest Hemingway’s travels without really meaning to – at least I didn’t plan it that way. He had a fascinating life and really knew how to live (maybe too much so) so from Havana to Key West to Nairobi I found myself visiting his famous hangouts.Which makes me wonder – can you be considered someone’s stalker if that person is no longer alive?
With aging, scientists have always seemed to study things that decline, but how about those lucky individuals who seem to stay vital well into their 80s and beyond? Here’s some of their latest research advice & six ways how you can add years to your life.
#1 is no surpise – STOP EATING SO MUCH
exception for holidays…please.
This is something I personally have a hard time adhering to. But…
In Okinawa, Japan—home to some of the world’s oldest people—centenarians stop eating when they’re 80 percent full, says The Blue Zones author Dan Buettner, who studies longevity all over the planet.
They’re onto something: Scientists at St. Louis University found that, while both exercising and eating less led to weight loss in the study’s volunteers, cutting calories also lowered production of T3, a thyroid hormone that slows metabolism. The researchers believe that lower T3 levels may also slow the aging process.
#2 – MORE SEX
This might be easier and more fun to follow. And who doesn’t want to live longer? This does not apply to the ones who don’t enjoy it. Just skip to #4. Women who enjoy sex live longer says Mehmet Oz, MD, professor and vice chairman of surgery at New York Presbyterian–Columbia University and co-author of YOU: Being Beautiful. In fact, doubling your amount of satisfying sex can add up to three years to your life, he says. “Sex gives you the Zen moment you can’t find throughout the day otherwise.”
And you know what they say….more Zen, more Men! (No, I just made that up).
#3 – USE YOUR BRAIN
Dr. Geula, who has studied 80-year-olds who perform at the same level as people in their 50s on neuropsychological tests, has found that the superaged have fewer brain tangles—deposits of protein linked to Alzheimer’s—suggesting that their brains have some sort of protection that normal brains don’t. While scientists puzzle this out, there’s a lot you can do to keep your own synapses firing. Learn Italian, take up the cello—even driving a new route to work can wake up sleepy brain cells.
Darn, I’ve been learning the wrong language! I’m in trouble because I don’t even drive to work. Hope walking counts for something because you can walk so many different routes.
#4 – POUR YOUSELF SOME MERLOT
Now we’re talking – something I can follow! You’ve probably heard a lot about resveratrol, a compound in red wine and grape juice that seems to slow aging. One recent study found that resveratrol-fed mice had stronger bones and better motor coordination, and showed fewer “old age” problems like heart disease, inflammation, and cataracts. The jury is still out on whether resveratrol has the same effect on humans, but nutritionists say drinking red wine in moderation (and grape juice for those who can’t) does have heart-healthy benefits. The question is, what is moderation?? Pour me!
#5 – LOSE THE MUFFIN TOP
In one large study published in 2009, researchers who tracked 6,583 people for more than 30 years found that having significant belly fat in midlife can nearly triple your risk of dementia. No wonder so many people suffer from it.
#6 – EAT MORE PLANTS
They should have specified. I tried eating my fern and got sick.
In his study of centenarians, Buettner found the longest-living people tend to eat less meat and more beans, soy, and nuts (but no ferns). This is where it’s good to be a vegetarian.
AND no matter what your age there’s no excuse for not being STYLISH!
Among all the wild animals we found this wild Lily in a pond in S. Africa
“What we do see depends mainly on what we look for. … In the same field the farmer will notice the crop, the geologists the fossils, botanists the flowers, artists the colouring, sportmen the cover for the game. Though we may all look at the same things, it does not all follow that we should see them.” – John Lubbock, The Beauties of Nature and the Wonders of the World We Live in.
“A weed is but an unloved flower.” – Ella Wheeler Wilcox
A space where everything is truly pure and simple.
And white without being stark. It looks very FRENCH (which in itself is a bonus – as in French woman really look after their skin), and it has old world charm. oh, did I forget to say what it is? A certified Organic Boutique and Day Spa right here in Vancouver. A genuine oasis for health and relaxation.
One more thing….the two women who run it are super friendly, not snobby and they liked my dog.
Which is another PLUS factor.
Jaana (left) is a skin care specialist & Claudine (right) is the owner.looking outlooking in
There’s so many things you can say about them….sure, they’re comfortable, sure they’re practical, they bring out your manly side (if you’re a woman) and your womanly side (if you’re a man – kidding!), your love of all things equestrian (even though you can’t remember the last time you were on a horse), and they look good with.…..with what? I’m referring to the original Gucci horsebit although there are plenty of other equally unattractive ones out there.
When I wore mine the other day a friend commented that it looked like something Martha Stewart might wear. No offense Martha, but I would prefer to be compared to your cooking style more than your clothing style. It’s not the same as saying “it’s something Kate Moss would wear” (even though Kate has been seen wearing them on occasion – I did the research). Well guess what? They’re baaack in a big way…but slightly updated with different colours, patterns (including leopard) and a cool studded version (ohhh studs!). Does that make them cooler?
he says “I love you even with your loafers”
So, what do you think? Love them or Leave them? I’d like to know.
If you’re like me you put fresh herbs in everything from egg salad sandwiches to soups and pastas. Even pizza!It really does improve the taste and I love the ritual of cutting a few fresh stems from my herb garden. Well right now my herb garden is not looking so great except for the oregano and thyme (which is thriving since I re-potted them in a huge pot together – they seem to get along very well). I’ve been looking for ways to preserve their freshness for as long as possible. Nothing wrong with using dried but I love garnishing with fresh almost as much as cooking with them. So here’s an idea for preserving your soon-to-be-sad-looking herbs and a recipe for a simple dressing which you can use for everything from coleslaw & cucumber salad to potato salad or simple mixed greens.
Preserving:
Summer might be waning, but your money-saving herb garden can be harvested until the first frost. Preserve those wonderful green bits for winter with these tips.
At the household blog Tipnut, they’ve put together a rather exhaustive list of ways you can preserve the bounty of your summer garden. On top of more traditional methods like hanging herbs to air dry, they have some rather novel approaches to stashing them away for the winter. Want to preserve your more oily herbs as-is, instead of drying them out? Try this trick:
Chop herbs then sprinkle them into ice cube trays (measure into each cube the most common amount you use in cooking). Cover with water and freeze (can also cover with stock or olive oil). Pop them out once they’re frozen, package in freezer bags and store in the freezer (remove as much air as possible from the bags before freezing). When needed for cooking, just take out a cube and pop it in the dish that’s cooking (thawing first is optional–remember to account for the frozen liquid in your recipe). Tip: Try mixing your favorite blends of fresh herbs before freezing.
If you have a consistent stable of recipes, the ice cube trick would be a great way to preserve fresh herbs and oil for easy use.
And now for the low calorie, low-fat RECIPE – Creamy always sounds more fattening right?
Creamy Herbed Dressing
1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise (try avocado or southwest)
1/3 cup nonfat plain yogurt
1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
3 tablespoons rice vinegar or white-wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
1 ½ teaspoons dried minced onion or chopped chives
1 teaspoon chopped tarragon or dill (or use both)
1 teaspoon onion salt or celery salt or 1/4 teaspoon of each
White pepper to taste
Preparation: Combine mayonnaise, yogurt, sour cream, vinegar, mustard, honey, onion or chives, tarragon (or dill) and onion salt (and/or celery salt) in a bowl until well blended. Season with white pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings, if desired.
Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate the dressing for up to 5 days. Stir before using.
Nutritional per Tbsp: 16 measely calories & 1 G FAT
Tell me how you LOVE IT (a switch over from reliable olive oil, balsamic & lemon juice!)
If you were wondering:black pepper is unripe fruit (green), picked and sun dried til it turns black. White pepper is the fully ripe seed stripped of its outer husk.
Furthermore….white pepper has a little milder flavor than black pepper but in some things it shouldn’t matter. Some recipes will specifically call for white pepper but I routinely substitute black pepper for white in my recipes. Keep this in mind… if you are making a cream soup or a lighter colored soup, usually the recipe calls for white pepper so it doesn’t look like you have dirt floating around in your soup. You can’t see the white pepper like you see the black pepper. But as long as you don’t mind the color… the taste is usually just the same.
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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