The Benefits of Honey; featuring 2 DIY Skin Treatments

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!

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🧡

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.

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🧡