Afraid of Retinol? Meet its Source: Vitamin A

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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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!

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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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Did you know that it is a compliment to chefs in the south to sweat underneath your eyes after a meal? Well, it’s true! With both sides of my family born in New Orleans, I was naturally introduced to “heat” and hot spices at an early age. Around the age of 12, I stopped using additional salt in food – it’s always been hot sauce for me. Maybe 30 years ago I was at a holiday event in Louisiana that was hosted by a member of the McIlheney family, the family who introduced a little brand named Tabasco in 1868😉 This was the first time I had ever seen a large culinary syringe. They injected it into the meats before grilling for even distribution of the marinade. Who knew?

Flash forward to now and there are millions of hot sauces to choose from anywhere you go. Some of my friends actually their own red pepper flakes in a small jar with them. These days, I prefer to grow my own peppers with the obvious choices of jalapeno and serrano. I currently love a banana pepper that provides the benefit without the heat. Growing my own peppers also helps me avoid additional salts from processed sauces. There are many health benefits to eating hot peppers. Here are 10…

1. Great for digestions
   
2. Promotes a healthy heart
   
3. Mitigates migraines
   
4. Relieves joint pain
   
5. Improves metabolism and burns calories
   
6. Quells psoriasis
   
7. Reduces risk of cancer
   
8. Fights the flu and colds
   
9. Prevents bad breath
   
10. Prevents allergies

Next time you are cooking your favorite meal, think about how you can spice up the recipe with hot peppers! Then enjoy the taste and all the benefits.

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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!

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.