Why Cabbage is a Girl’s Best Friend

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!🧡

Similar Posts

  • Lashes Over 50

    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. 

    Marilyn Monroe’s kit from 1950s

    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🧡 

  • Peri Who? Why Don’t We Talk About Menopause?

    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🧡

  • |

    The Dreaded Elbow: Fighting Sagging Skin Naturally

    “If your elbows faced forward, you would kill yourself,” says one of my favorite authors, Nora Ephron. 

    Now personally, I remember recently I passed a bathroom mirror and somehow saw my grandmother’s elbow attached to my arm. How did this happen and where did my elbow go? As women, we have to be smart and get ahead of the big fight with gravity and collagen loss. By the time we are 50, we have lost more than 35% of our internal water content. Aging skin is not able to sustain hydration which looks dry and wrinkled.

    According to Beverly Hills MD, it’s a hormone called DHT that pushes those signs of thinning and loose skin. There are so many surgical options:

    • Laser
    • Radiofrequency
    • Fillers
    • Microneedling
    • Chemical peels

    Ouch! For me, I’m sticking with these natural alternatives: 

    Here are some of our favorite drugstore brands that are affordable and easy: 

    1. The Better Skin Co
    2. Gold Bond 
    3. Crepe Erase

    You’re Welcome🧡

  • | |

    The Benefits of Honey; featuring 2 DIY Skin Treatments

    Did you know that honey is the new buzz word in DIY treatments for skin? Well honey hush, yes it’s true! Honey is truly therapy for the skin. I guess with the pandemic I started focusing on “in the pantry” ingredients to take care of my skin. Anita Roddick, who founded the Body Shop in 1976, always believed to stick with natural sources for skincare.

    Raw honey is chock full of antioxidants and is a natural humectant, keeping the skin glowing, not shiny. It also unclogs pores and brightens the look of the skin.


    DIY Honey/Tumeric Facial

    What you will need:

    1. 1 tablespoon of raw honey
    2. 1 tsp of Tumeric

    Instructions:

    1. Cleanse face thoroughly.
    2. Mix together your ingredients and apply to face using a brush. Leave on for 15 minutes.
    3. Wash off with a washcloth and water.
    4. Look in the mirror and see how amazing you look and how great your skin feels!

    Fun Fact: Tumeric is one of the most powerful herbs to reverse aging and disease. It reduces redness and dark spots, reducing the signs of aging.

    DIY Raw Honey and Brown Sugar Lip Scrub

    What you will need:

    1. 1 tsp of raw honey
    2. 1/2 tsp of brown sugar
    3. For a more kissable lip, add a pinch of cinnamon!

    Instructions:

    1. Blend your ingredients together and apply thoroughly on lips. Leave on for 10 minutes.
    2. Wash off with a washcloth and water.

    Fun Fact: The brown sugar acts as an exfoliating and helps remove dead or damaged skin.

    Now get going and treat yourself to a beautiful facial at home, DIY style!

    You’re Welcome!🧡

  • Holiday Hacks: DIY Gift Wraps

    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!

    You’re Welcome🧡

  • Breaking Down Old Fashion Standards: Wearing White After Labor Day

    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!

    “White as it all. It’s the perfect harmony.”
    -Coco Chanel

    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!