10 Health Benefits of Hot Peppers

As a creative artist in all things life, there is not anything that I “can’t not touch.” Seriously, I have to fluff up even a can of tomato soup in some ingenious fashion before serving!

It’s all about presentation. Whether food, design or gifting, it’s what you’re serving – be on point. I literally take great pride in my gift bestowal! My favorite thing to do is to give someone an unexpected gift – and you know at this age that is hard to accomplish. So let this show a little personal effort and heartfelt touch. It truly means so much to the gift receiver. 

For the holidays, I go for two different styles, depending on the recipient of course. 

The Natural Moment

I always love working with natural flowers and branches, but in the winter season, you are limited. The Natural is so easy and always a crowd-pleaser! Use eucalyptus or a pine branch as a centerpiece base and add on some dried flowers. I always save roses from bouquets just for that reason. They lay flat easily on the package. Of course, the key is the wraphia, which comes in several shades. Try and keep a roll handy in the kitchen drawer to have for last-minute “surprise” gifting. Craft paper is also a good staple to keep on hand and to create a clean canvas to place any of your holiday design ideas.

Gold and Bold

To go for a more glam look, go Gold and Bold! Not only does this scream “holiday,” it’s bright and cheery while setting the mood. You can’t help but smile!

Any metallic works, I’m just into gold right now but silver is a perfect option too. Take any of your extra little shiny beads or ornaments that you have leftover from the holiday and attach to a vibrant colored large ribbon. I love to add a little keepsake medallion or anything to make it personal.

I hope this gets your creative juices flowing for some amazing gift wraps! Please send us your best DIY Holiday ideas! Happy Holidays!

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It’s no surprise to me that the false lash business is well over 1 billion dollars. Women have depended on them for centuries. False lashes date back to Ancient Egypt and in 19th century Paris, they welcomed lash extensions with needs and implanting red hair. OUCH! The first lash patent was in 1911 and it wasn’t until the 1950s that the synthetic lash hit the market. 

It’s been a makeup artist’s trick for years to “open” the eye and create a sexier look. In today’s modern makeup world, real women are doing it for themselves. There are a lot of easy tricks you can use to help create a healthy, youthful appearance.

Firstly, try a lash lengthener that you simply apply with a brush. I recommend Lash Spell. Having a longer lash works better to apply falsies.

As I’ve gotten older I prefer a more natural enhanced look. Simply cut ⅓ of the lash and apply to the edge of the lash line outwards. I recommend using KISS – Looks So Natural False Eyelashes.

The game-changer for me was discovering the Duo Brush. This is so light you don’t even feel them and so easy to remove. 

If you’re not already wearing lashes – go for it! It will give you the confidence of looking sexy without really trying.

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Almost 1.3 million women in the US alone approach menopause and most of the time your skin is already showing the signs. While the average age is 51, your skin can start reacting as early as your mid-thirties.

The intrinsic part of aging skin is losing elasticity and collagen. Combine that with extrinsic damage, i.e. UV rays from the sun, and your skin is in big trouble. 

Women’s skin thins out and becomes dehydrated with gravity pulling and no collagen reinforcements. In order to rebuild our skin barriers, one needs good product choices that will hydrate and bring back moisture to the skin for a more healthy, youthful appearance. 

My recommendation is a product by Sonia Roselli, her best seller, Water Balm. Here is an example of what happens with no hydration:

Clearly, you can do the obvious recommended steps like

• Drink tons of water
• No excessive behaviors like smoking or drinking alcohol
• Keep your body active (i.e. exercise)
• Get some sleep (8 hours is preferred). Good luck with that one!

These all help, however, to get the results you deserve be proactive and get this product now! 

Here are the benefits:

1. Plumps up skin
2. Full hydrates and radiates skin
3. Works like a “real life” filter
4. Evens out skin tones
5. Diminishes fine lines
6. Feels good on the skin

You have to try this game-changing product! We are happy to offer a 20% off opportunity so that you can start looking and feeling younger right now. Use WORTH20 at checkout for 20% off.

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In honor of this week’s NYC Fashion Week, I thought we should address the “no color” in the room. White symbolizes perfection and balance, so add it to your ensemble to make you feel harmonious.

If you know me at all, then you know 80% of my wardrobe is some version of white. It’s my “go-to” safety net for a confident look. After my pink and green preppy days at Ole Miss, I went into a decade or so of black everything. Now I’m going into what works. What feels light and comfortable and at the same time, feeling like Diane Sawyer with the crisp, arched collar of confidence and elegance. 

Traditionally, the “no white” after Labor Day started in the 19th century. The wealthy elite used fashion to separate the “haves” and the “have nots” that way. Well, it’s the 21st century and those rules no longer apply!

To me, it’s the perfect canvas classic. Can you even count how many choices of white shades there are in paint? You can accessorize with any color or texture. Who doesn’t love comfy winter whites? It’s like your favorite blanket, whether cashmere or wool.

Betsy Wallace Taylor, the owner of Shop Alice, says, “a crisp white shirt and a pair of white jeans are perennial. It goes with everything! Just update on a yearly basis” 

What is your favorite look in whites or creams? Send us your best fall white looks on Facebook and Instagram!

Retinol has been the gold standard for a more youthful appearance for years! But is it safe or the best option for you? 

The first time I used an aggressive Retinol product, I didn’t have a clue. I put it under my eyes and woke up looking like I was severely sunburned. It took almost a week to recover. I learned my lesson and always sought professional advice from there on.

“Retinol is effective, but it can take you to a bad place if you are not careful.”

–Dr. Mona Gohara MD

What exactly is Retinol? 

It’s a form of Vitamin A under the umbrella of Retinoids (there are different versions; like Retin-A/Tretinoin) that you need a prescription for but you can purchase most Retinol products over the counter or at your dermatologist’s office.

What does it exactly do for your skin?

• Attacks fine lines and wrinkles
• Events out skin tone
• Brightens skins texture
• Firms and tightens skin
• Refines and reduces pore size

Women are spending up to $10,000 annually on Retinol products. My advice is to tread lightly and consider the more organic, natural approach – Vitamin A!

French women, dating back to Josephine Baker, have always used vitamin oils and serums – they claim that is why french women have such beautiful skin! When it comes to glowing skin, Vitamin A is your superhero! You get all the benefits in a more natural, organic approach. 

Benefits of Vitamin A for skin: 

• Generates radiant glow
• Smooths out hyperpigmentation (sun damage)
• Helps tighten and firm skin
• Heals breakouts
• Normalizes cell functions

With all of these benefits it does for your skin topically, the vitamin itself is essential for a healthy life balance.

Some of the foods enriched with Vitamin A are:

• Carrots
• Sweet potatoes 
• Kale
• Spinach
• Broccoli

So simple and healthy to apply to your meals!

So whether it’s internal or external, you simply can’t go wrong with Vitamin A! Always, of course, consult with a professional.

Here are some of my top picks for Vitamin A skincare products. These are brands that truly do what they say they will with immediate results.

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