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5 May

IN THE MOOD…MIND BLOWING DOUGHNUTS

Pure Wow image I dedicate this post to my daughter, a doughnut lover. Ok, so maybe I am craving sugar right now. This dreary cold gray weather we are having makes me want to curl up in a blanket with a freshly brewed hot cappu and a carb + sugar load. Shhh don't tell my friends I see daily at the gym. This is so not a food blog but then again I don't exactly consider a doughnut food do you? It's more like Benadryl or Advil. It's for when nothing else is working to help alleviate some ailment that has become a major inconvenience to feeling well. So I will categorize this post under "Health &...
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1 May

IN THE MOOD…A PEEK INTO THE FUTURE (THE ECONOMIST)

The Economist just published an article that resonates with me. The article is titled "The Grey Market. Older Consumers Will reshape The Business Landscape". It explains the current "grey-quake" of an older population as the richest in the richest countries and how it has largely been ignored or miss-targeted by companies trying to sell their services and goods. The Economist focuses on an older age group (Baby Boomers) than my own, but it is also relevant to me. Per the Economist, "companies have been relatively slow to focus on this expanding market...
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1 May

IN THE MOOD … LESS GYM TIME, MORE RESULTS

It's now been clinically demonstrated that 1 minute of all out exercise may equal 45 minutes of moderate exertion. Please keep in mind that the sample size for this study was small and all male. Also, of course as we all know, there are benefits to other forms of exercise: serotonin release, camaraderie, cardiovascular fitness, fun, muscle bulk and definition, etc. Plus diet is always key. I've never loved High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) like burpees or mountain climbers, but after reading the New York Times article reporting this news, I do now have a new appreciation for them. They are not easy but quick. I separately read that doing 8 reps of squats for 20 seconds...
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27 Apr

IN THE MOOD FOR SOMETHING ENGLISH (ORLEBAR BROWN)

Coveteur image I spent a semester abroad in London while in college and lived in the Notting Hill area so when I read about this English brand Orlebar Brown via The Coveteur (the founder Adam lives in Notting Hill), I was curious to learn more. I like the simplicity and elegance of Adam's swimwear designs for women. I could see Kate Moss, Victoria Beckham, Cara Delevingne in them. As a former photographer Adam has found a new outlet for his creative talent. The men's swim shorts are so simple that they could easily be worn after swim to a restaurant and not just at a beach resort. Also there are fun options, such as in the photo...
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26 Apr

IN THE MOOD…TRANSITION SCARF (DONNI CHARM)

Let's hope this is Spring's last big chill. Here is a photo of a 20 year old in a casual outfit that looks perfect for now and any age - especially if the cold continues. It is the perfect time to get some use of our cozy scarves and wraps. I really like this brand Donni Charm, and can relate to its creation as dedication to the founder's beloved dad. Here is a summary from the brand's site. MEET DONNI CHARM: NOT YOUR AVERAGE SCARF. KEEPING NECKS WARM & HEARTS HAPPY (AND VICE VERSA). EACH ONE TOUCHED WITH A HIDDEN ANGEL WING CHARM AS A REMINDER OF LUCK AND LOVE. IN MEMORY OF A VERY SPECIAL DAD...
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26 Apr

IN THE MOOD FOR SOMETHING FRENCH (CLARINS)

Claire, one of the grand-daughters of the Clarins founder, recently moved to NYC. When I was an executive for Clarins, I found the chemists and team in France to be impressive. I love that each Clarins product is a unique cocktail of all-natural rare plant extracts delivering on an ethos of nurturing luxurious skin care. Requesting samples before purchase and booking a divine Clarins facial at a spa location is highly recommended, but don't expect the typical extraction approach or any fancy scraping tools. Theirs is different. Expect lymphatic oil massage using warm compresses to facilitate the draining of toxins and impurities. The purest plant extracts and aromatic essential oils are used. If you are in the...
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25 Apr

IN THE MOOD FOR BRIGHTENING

I used to be able to roll out of bed and run around with no makeup but now (unless I'm going to the gym) I feel better about myself at least applying concealer and highlighter. These are now my top 2 makeup must haves. Goal = even out and brighten up! It's obvious where to apply concealer. Under the eyes (where I look tired from purple-ish discoloration) and around my nose and sometimes chin (where I tend to be red-ish). We all know our problem spots. I dab concealer on under the eyes all the way up to the outer corners and ends of eyebrows plus sometimes on the eyelids and below the eyebrows. If you are wondering where to...
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24 Apr

IN THE MOOD…GREEN JUICE THAT TASTES GOOD (CHRISTIE BRINKLEY)

I never realized how much I had in common with Christie Brinkley until I read that she too chooses to drink champagne over green juice call us crazy non-conformists. Prosecco is our "green juice" that tastes good. I've tried to like green juice, but I am so sorry everyone, it's just not for me. I eat salad. I eat veggies. I can't drink them. Ick. When I read this article about Christie I was surprised by what I learned. Shame on me to think that everything about her is all fluff. I learned the New York Times reported that sparkling bubbles of sparkling wine and champagne help to prevent Alzheimer's. Now that is something I can drink in and drink...
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20 Apr

IN THE MOOD … NEW MAKEUP, INSTAGRAM APPROVED

If you (or your children) have the social media illness FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) embrace the JOMO (Joy of Missing Out) and - click Here. There is a new store called # (hashtag) that sells Instagram endorsed cosmetic brands. Every female who lives or lived in NYC knows Ricky's. The store # was started by Ricky's founder. It is unique because it sells beauty products that women rave about on Instagram. I remember when Sephora first launched here in the USA. It filled a much needed niche as indie beauty brand incubator. Now it is challenging to gain placement at Sephora as a new start-up brand. I love how # is filling this space. Established brands are also sold...
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18 Apr

IN THE MOOD FOR ABS (LILY ALDRIDGE)

In my previous post Proof #1 (Age & Fitness) it was commented that as we age "we have to work for it". This is so true. Breaks from the gym are ok. Many of us were just completely thrown off schedule due to the school Spring break, and luckily only 5% of muscle is lost every two weeks. Although every % lost is painful given the amount of effort required to build it. I don't build muscle easily and rarely get around to working my abs. With summer approaching I am in the mood to focus on them. So I asked my health and wellness coach friend Adele Bonnie for some recommendations. She suggested that I check out "Strong Curves"...
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