Holiday Hacks: DIY Gift Wraps

No one, I mean no one talks about it unless you are in it. Like it’s this secret club that you have to suffer just a little to find out what the hell is going on. 

Of course, I’m talking about Perimenopause and its symptoms. What actually is happening is that your ovaries gradually make less estrogen. It’s almost like puberty in reverse. It can begin as early as your late thirties. Basically, it is the beginning of the end of having a monthly period. 

We are so fortunate that today’s science allows us many options in choices for our bodies. Back in the day, the only option was a hysterectomy. So unnecessary! 

I’ll never forget one of my most memorable hot flash horror moments. I had a major business pitch for my company at the time in NYC at the legendary Yale Club. I was doing a presentation for one of the famous Koch brothers. In the middle of a sentence, I felt it – it’s like a heat snake crawling up your arms up to your chest, then neck and ultimately your face. I truly was praying that he was color-blind and didn’t notice the bright shade of tomato all over my face. However, I did carry on and didn’t miss a beat and was successful in the investment. 

So why aren’t we talking about it and helping each other? Here are some symptoms and simple words of advice and wisdom.

Perimenopause & Menopause Symptoms

• Weight gain – lack of metabolism makes it harder to burn calories!
• Hair loss – 80% of women will experience some hair loss.
• Mood swings – Your body and brain are reacting to hormonal swings
• Hot flashes – Increasing changing hormonal levels cause your body to flush. This includes night sweats.
• Anxiety – Don’t stress. Remember, “they can’t hurt you if you don’t let them.” 
• Insomnia – Stay on top of that thermostat.

Resolve

• For hormonal skin breakouts and to strengthen the skin barrier, here are two science-based brands for women:

1. Liv & Grace
2. Sonia Roselli 

• Hair strengthening and growth: 

1. Nutrafol
2. Ren-Jord

• HRT: Hormonal Replacement – This is an individual choice! Please consult with a trusted medical advisor because of the many risks of cancer.
• Diet and Nutrition – Eat lots of proteins and omega 3’s while avoiding fatty acids. Try and cut back on saturated fats, sugar and alcohol.
• Exercise regularly – Even if it’s just a simple walk .

Most importantly: Lets try and learn to accept who we are and love ourselves. Be sure to share one of your funny hot flash moments with us!

You’re Welcome🧡

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.

You’re welcome 

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.

You’re Welcome🧡

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. 
You’re Welcome!🧡

The suit scene continues to be about the cross-over. From the firm adoption of the oversized “boyfriend” blazer to the vintage vibe of a three-piece suite to the street style version with a track pant and baseball cap. As our culture becomes more gender agnostic and work, play, evening and day styles merge, the blurred lines between masculine and feminine and a mash-up of business-like tailoring with sexy undergarments and street gear continues to evolve and has hit the suit scene hard in 2022, with autumn as no exception.

Let’s face it – the suit is not a new concept. Versions of suiting have been around since the 1800s and the term “suit” was derived from the French term Suivre which means “to follow”. So the jacket follows the pant or vice versa – a matching set in both color and fabric composition.

So what’s so hot in 2022?

The Waistcoat (aka Vest)

With the popularity of the American TV series Bridgerton, it was just a matter of time before suit styles adopted this posh addition to the already popular two-piece suit. This 4-5 button sleeveless layer with its waist-length notched hem, is in full flourish. This piece is sexy and badass at the same time. Wear it without a blouse to expose those still summer-tanned arms or leave the bottom buttons undone for a mid-riff revealing look that says “I may be #eithersideof50 but am still confident in my own skin”.

Keep the jewelry light and layered and understated to preserve that subtly sexy yet sophisticated vibe. The addition of a bow blouse and colorful accents are for those who aren’t afraid to stand out. Play with accessories like a brooch or tie, for a look that will have them calling you “boss”. A baggy or pleated matching trouser is the ideal complement to what could be your next, most versatile piece in your wardrobe.