Slow Down Aging Skin

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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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!

Dating back to 4000 B.C. cabbage is the oldest known vegetable. Used in early European and Indian cuisines, it became a staple luxury of fine dining within its vegetable relatives, including cauliflower, kale, chard and arugula. Globally, we are ingesting 69 million tons of this nutritious produce annually. 

This edible is considered  a “superfood” for the following: 

• Packed with vitamins C and K
• Cancer Preventative 
• Anti-inflammatory
• Contributes to bone strength and health
• Reduces blood pressure
• Great brain food
• Natural detox from toxins

There are so many ways to prepare cabbage or kale, whether you steam, eat raw, braise, pickle or sautee – you can’t go wrong!

I first discovered the “outdoor” cabbage while in NYC in the winter. I was so drawn to the purple and pinks in the garden boxes along the avenues. I’m now obsessed with the whites!

The botanical name is Brassica and it works so beautifully for your winter outdoor planters or borders. The colors truly enhance as the temperature drops. So much to like about the cabbage family. I like the simple ways to create health and beauty into our lives. 
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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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