The Benefits of Honey; featuring 2 DIY Skin Treatments

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🧡

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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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.

You’re Welcome🧡