Giella's Blog

Custom Blend Cosmetic Pencils

2008-11-07T17:27:00.003-05:00

Well we did it! Custom blend cosmetic pencils for eyes, lips, brows and concealer. It took a year to get the perfect formula – one that is creamy and easily glides on the skin, smudge proof with no signs of running, has excellent payout or deposit of color and will not break while sharpening. And the formula is with natural ingredients.

Now your favorite discontinued pencils can be recreated.

Our artists creativity is flowing with the number of shades in red, pink, blue, gold, green, black and purple that can be created – with and without shimmer.

It starts with a natural, plant base in our heater, and then we add mineral powders and a vegetable base conditioner. Then we mix it up and pour into a GIELLA designed molding machine the size of a pocket camera. It forms in about 5 minutes and it’s ready to use!
So very excited to be the first to offer this custom blend product!

Rahua Oil from The Amazon

2008-10-12T16:29:00.003-05:00

I was recently introduced to Fabian and Anna from Cocoon Hair Studio (http://cocoonhair.com) in NYC. Their studio is located at 318 East 70th Street. I was very intrigued about their new product launch of hair products made with Rahua. Rahua is natural and organic oil found in the Amazon Rain Forest. Natural and organic ingredients are one of my other favorite interests.

Fabian explained how the Rahua is extracted and processed to be shipped here in the US for the Rahua hair care products. He explains how ““The Amazon basin is the true and original “beauty garden” of the world because of its plentiful indigenous plants, fruits and nuts that are high in anti-oxidants as well as hair and skin nourishing oil.”

For hundreds of years, deep in the heart of the Amazon, women from the Quechua-Shuar tribe have been foraging the symbiotically grown Rahua nut. Prepared during the rise and fall of the Amazon’s full moon, during the blossom on their beautiful indigenous orchids and adjacent to the Curaray River, Rahua® Elixir is handmade from the oil of the Rahua nut, long used by these women to promote long, healthy, strong hair. By penetrating deep into the hair’s cortex, Rahua Elixir repairs and rebuilds damaged strands in 3 minutes. When used with Rahua® Leave-In Treatment hair reaches unsurpassed length, remaining healthy and shiny.

Used by the Manta nationality to ward off “bad energy” and coveted by Shaman’s of the Latin culture for hundreds of years, Palo Santo is common to the coast of Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands and a tree that inhabits the South American Gran Chaco region (northern Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia and the Brazilian Mato Grosso). The aged fallen trees are ripe with the oil of Palo Santo which has been used for centuries in teas and medicinal elixirs for its many healing properties.

He also had some fascinating stories of working with native tribes and nationalities to help protect intellectual property rights and preserve the beauty of the planet’s largest living and breathing renewable natural resource.

I purchased the Leave-In treatment and I have been using it for a month now. I can actually feel that the strands of my very thin hair are actually thicker. It’s not greasy and my hair looks more vibrant. I can only imagine it getting better after using it for several months.

The Rahua line consists of a shampoo, conditioner, oil and leave-in conditioner and can be purchased at www.amazonbeautysecret.com

And you can win a vacation of a lifetime – a trip for two at Luna Runtun Adventure Spa in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest! It includes airfare, hotel, spa treatments and excursions to the Amazon rain forest. So log on to www.amazonbeautysecret.com to find out how to enter this contest!

As the industry turns to greener beauty products, I can only congratulate both Fabian and Anna for this discovery. There’s an increase in demand for natural, healthy, organic ingredients and it feels good to be part of this supply chain.

Feasts and Fotos

2008-10-02T15:06:00.014-05:00

Food and cooking are one of my favorite hobbies, especially being Italian. No matter how busy my days get, I enjoy cooking with wholesome ingredients and spending time with people. It's a chance to communicate, celebrate, resolve, strategize or just enjoy the day and family and friends. Enjoying a great meal is one of the simple pleasures in my life.

I don't use cook books or get to watch a lot of cooking shows but I do like to pick up new cooking ideas to incorporate into my recipes. One of my favorite websites is www.feastsandfotos.wordpress.com. The recipes are simple and easy and very descriptive. And the photography is extraordinary! It really makes you want to try the dish of the day!

I am a big fan of fish so start with this one:

Baked Fish with Roasted Potatoes and Fennel

3 cups (1 pound) red potatoes, cut into 1/8 inch slices
1 large fennel bulb, sliced thin
1 tablespoon olive oil (roughly)
1/2 teaspoon each of salt & pepper
1 teaspoon fennel seeds
2 garlic cloves
3/4 cup white wine
4 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tablespoon orange rind
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes, chopped
4 6-ounce halibut fillets (or any other firm white fish)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Combine potatoes, fennel, 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, some salt & pepper in a baking dish and toss gently to coat. Bake for 30 minutes.

In a skillet on the stove top, heat 1/2 teaspoon olive oil. Add fennel seeds (or not) and garlic, saute for one minute. Add some salt & pepper, wine, 1/2 of the parsley, orange rind, oregano and tomatoes; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 8 minutes.

Sprinkle fish fillets with some salt & pepper. Arrange fillets over the potato mixture and then spread the tomato mixture over the fillets. Coat a nice layer over them, enough so it starts spilling over into the potato/fennel mixture. Bake at 450 for 20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily. Sprinkle with the remainder of the parsley. Sprinkle some salmoriglio sauce over fillets (or not).

Salmoriglio Sauce
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt & pepper to taste
Wisk all ingredients together. Easy enough!!

So log on (www.feastsandfotos.wordpress.com)and make sure to take time out every day to eat, celebrate and communicate. I live to love and love to live - always with food!

Style Rx: Dressing the Body You Have to Create the Body You Want

2008-08-07T12:17:00.004-05:00

Bridgette Raes comes to our rescue again. In her new book, Style Rx: Dressing the Body You Have to Create the Body You Want, Bridgette illustrates a guide for using clothes to overcome body challenges and powerfully embrace our bodies. For any woman who has a big butt, flat chest, large waist, thick ankles, unwieldy thighs, short legs, or a round belly, Style Rx is the prescription you need.

The book is very "real" with over 250 photos of real women with real bodies, not professional models. And there are seventeen illustrative personal case studies.

Bridgette Raes helps women to understand the unique proportions of their bodies, part by part, rather than classifying the female body into an impossible generic "type." She prescribes cuts, colors, and fabrics that make the most (or if necessary, the least) of what they have for their best possible look. With practical advice, a mix-and-match approach, and an understanding of how to create balance, she helps tackle common body issues and finds clothes than can make women look and feel great-as simply as possible.

A little more about the Author:
Style expert Bridgette Raes is the president of the NYC based style consulting company for women, Bridgette Raes Style Group www.bridgetteraes.com. Prior to starting Bridgette Raes Style Group in 2002, Bridgette worked as a fashion designer for ten years.
Bridgette’s expert opinion has been featured in Woman's World Magazine and she has been an expert on Glamour Sizing for media outlets including The Boston Globe and Good Morning America. Bridgette’s media experience as an expert on fashion, beauty and lifestyle also includes many national and popular local news channels including shows across the country such as CNN, The Daily Buzz and more. Bridgette is currently the fashion and style expert for Smartnow.com and also writes frequently for Shefinds.com, Budget Savvy Magazine and she is a regular writer and Brideboard.com.

You can purchase the book on amazon.com Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Style-Rx-Dressing-Body-Create/dp/0399533877/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1215701671&sr=8-1

or pick it up at Barnes & Noble.

A really informative book! Thanks, Bridgette.

Redefining Beauty Sleep

2008-08-01T16:24:00.003-05:00

At a recent Council of Diva's meeting, I met Doreen Motton, founder of Neero-ana.com. Her company sells Satin Hydration Therapy - satin pillow cases. I have always been interested in such a product hoping it would make me look less "tousled" in the morning. However, I never had the time to research and find them.

So I immediately purchased a set from Doreen and was very eager to try it out. After several days, I noticed that my hair had more shine and was more manageable. And my skin wasn't creased from the cotton sheets I used to use. Somehow my skin looked better!

After talking with Doreen, I learned quite a lot about the Satin Hydration Therapy from satin pillow cases. First, they are made with the richest, most durable acetate bridal satin unlike some of the flimsy polyester pillow case alternatives in the market. Then you can choose from a calming selection of blue, green, peach, gray, blush, champagne and of course, ivory. Other color choices are red, blue, and black.

Second, pillow cases play an important role in the hydration process. Sleep is a restorative time for our bodies. It’s an opportunity for the body to cleanse, repair and rejuvenate. As the rest of your body heals during sleep, so should your hair & skin.

Here are some of her golden rules to preserve your hair and youthful look:

Rule #1: Toss the cotton pillow case. If a cotton ball absorbs nail
polish remover, imagine what it does to hair and skin!

Rule #2: Healthy hair & skin require 2 main elements: air & moisture. The Satin Hydration Therapy® satin pillow cases are anti-absorbent and replenish what you need.

Rule 3#: Moisture enriching enhancements aren't always found in fancy
jars. The Satin Hydration Therapy® beauty pillow case is your essential beauty foundation. Everything else is secondary.

So treat yourself - your hair and your skin - to looking more hydrated and supple. It really works! (http://www.neero-ana.com)

Fluorescent Day-Glo Nails!

2008-07-10T19:44:00.002-05:00

Wow, now this is something to write about. Fluorescent Pink, Purple, Yellow and Red colors for toes and fingers. And they even glow in-the-dark! They are this season's hottest looks for nails. Aside from getting a massage or one of Valerie's "lifting" facials, there's nothing like getting a pedicure and even better topped with some hot energetic color!

So liven up your day with fluorescent Day-Glo pigments by GIELLA.

Cancer Awareness Bulletin

2008-07-02T10:55:00.001-05:00

Johns Hopkins has recently sent this out in a newsletter. This information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as well.
1. No plastic containers in microwave.
2. No plastic water bottles in freezer.
3. No plastic wrap in microwave.
Dioxin
Chemicals cause cancer, especially breast cancer. Dioxins are highly poisonous to the cells of our bodies.
Don't freeze your plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the plastic.
Recently, Dr. Edward Fujimoto, Wellness Program Manager at Castle Hospital , was on a TV program to explain this health hazard. He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us. He said that we should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic containers.
This especially applies to foods that contain fat. He said that the combination of fat, high heat , and plastics releases dioxin into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body. Instead, he recommends using glass, such as Corning Ware, Pyrex or ceramic containers for heating food. You get the same results, only without the dioxin. So such things as TV dinners, instant ramen and soups, etc. , should be removed from the container and heated in something else.
Paper isn't bad but you don't know what is in the paper. It's just safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc. He reminded us that a while ago some of the fast food restaurants moved away from the foam containers to paper. The dioxin problem is one of the reasons.
Also, he pointed out that plastic wrap, such as Saran, is just as dangerous when placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave. As the food is nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the plastic wrap and drip into the food. Cover food with a paper towel instead.

Worry-Free Dinners

2008-05-16T12:22:00.003-05:00

Photo by Kenneth Chen

Allergies are quite common – to wheat, gluten, nuts, metals, seafood, plants and animals. And the side effects from these allergies can be painful, uncomfortable and sometimes deadly. Thankfully, there is an increased awareness of ingredients in food, cosmetics, cleaning products and medicines.
One of my clients, Sloan Miller, launched a dinner series for people with food allergies, called Worry-Free Dinners™ . It is a membership group for anyone who has manageable food allergies and/or food intolerances and would like to explore restaurants, chefs and foodservice organizations that will offer an exclusive allergy-friendly meal. The Worry-Free Dinners community is based around social and educational dining events that are held at restaurants in and around New York City.

Events combine coaching, networking, and a prix fixe meal that will be worry-free.
Sloane Miller, of Allergic Girl (http://allergicgirl.blogspot.com), has handpicked the restaurants. She has visited them multiple times; she has talked about them on her site. She has done all of the legwork for you in finding understanding, educated, sympathetic chefs, managers, and foodservice personnel.
I am sure MANY people are grateful to the efforts of Sloane and Worry-Free Dinners!

Pink Tomato Lipstick for Kellari Restaurant Group

2008-05-09T10:33:00.005-05:00

Stavros Aktipis is the master mind behind the Kellari Taverna and Kellari Parea Restaurant Group. The decor of the restaurants are elegant yet warm with high ceilings, tile floors, wood tables and soft lighting. You feel good being inside and even better after eating the food. It's simple, fresh, delicate and robust with flavor. You want to come back. It is one of my favorite restaurants!

So Stavros asked me to create a product that would be consistent with his philosphy of wellness - select ingredients that not only look good but are good for you. Pink tomato lipstick was created using an organic lipstick base with fusions of soy butter, Vitamin E, Olive Oil and natural essential oils. It's a color that feels and looks good on the skin. And this is important as we all know how many pounds of lipstick women consume in their lifetime!

Pink Tomato Lipstick created by GIELLA custom blend cosmetics.

Inspiration: Ancient Greek women had access to many substances that they used to improve their health and appearance. Honey was used to moisturize their skin. Olive oil was used to protect their skin and give it a shine, Orange, Basil, Rosemary and Lemon aroma were infused to improve their well-being. Lemon oil is uplifting and cleansing. it replaces negative emotions by creating a cheerful atmosphere of freshness and purity. It can help dispel mental fatigue and psychological heaviness. The aroma of lemon can inspire increased concentration and awareness. Orange is clarifying, cheers the heart and brightens the mood. Basil is clarifying, uplifting, energizing and refreshing. Rosemary is know as the herb of remembrance with clarifying and invigorating benefits. So capture the beauty, feel the difference...with Pink Tomato!

FREE at Kellari Restaurant (19 W. 44th Street, between 5th and 6th Avenue) on Mother's Day and available at www.giella.com afterwards.

8 tips to cancer-proof your body

2008-05-09T08:19:00.005-05:00

We all know someone who has or has had cancer. It's a battle like no other. Somehow we find the strength especially from the help of family and friends to get through it. Here are some pointers on keeping our bodies healthy.

Source: MSNBC.com by Steve Mazzucchi

"Tips to a cancer-proof body or things that are just plain good for us and bad for cancer cells. Here are eight strategies that just may turn the Big C into the Big See-Ya-Later."

1. Drink Pomegrantate Juice. It contains polyphenols, isoflavones and ellagic acid which researchers believe make up a potent anticancer combo.
2. Eat blueberries. It contains pterostilbene.
3. Relax a little. Stay in the present moment rather than worrying about things that have already happened or that may or may not happen in the future, says Claire Wheeler, M.D., PhD., the author of "10 Simple Solutions to Stress."
4. Pop Selenium. Enough but not too much.
5. Order Sushi. Seaweed can help in shrinking tumors. It also has a good source of Vitamin A and C.
6. Spend more time outside. "Vitamin D is necessary for the best functioning of the immune system - it causes early death of cancer cells", according to Joan Lappe, M.D.
7. Clean your air. Smoking is a carcinogen.
8. Invest a little sweat equity. Even a tiny bit of excercise has big benefits.<

Yoga Toes...it only gets better!

2008-01-21T17:57:00.000-05:00

I saw an ad in New York magazine for Yoga Pro’s Yoga Toes. I thought my feet could use a treat, so I ordered a pair. Healthy toes and feet are just as important as our fingers and hands. When they moistened, massaged and exercised, we feel better; it’s all part of our well-being.

It took an extra minute into my routine to get them on as they are worn snugly at the base of the toes. You simply slide on these rubbery toe separators and either relax with them while reading or watching television, or walk around with them while cooking or straightening up the house. They will exercise and stretch the feet without having to do any actual work. It helps stretch muscles and stimulate the nerves and connective tissue.

You might want to start slowly, for example, 20 minutes the first day. Then gradually, increase the amount of time that you wear them. After awhile, you can even sleep in them. The more you wear them, the more benefits you will notice.
Yoga Pro states that regular use of Yoga Toes will help in healing bunions, hammer toes, varicose veins and other conditions brought about by poor circulation, misalignment and lack of proper exercise.

After several weeks, I noticed my toes were straighter and my feet felt much better! I look forward to wearing them every chance I can.

YogaPro’s website (http://www.yogapro.com/) helps explain how Yoga Toes work, how to order and some helpful footcare guides. They even come in assorted colors now. You can also call 1-800-488-8414.

So treat your feet today!

Customize your cookies.

2007-11-26T08:41:00.000-05:00

Something else to customize…cookies!

I am always happy to see customization validated. From jeans, fragrance, cosmetics and now cookies – personalized style to say exactly what you want.

Cutie pie cookies (Cutiepiecookies.com) is a new company on the web that sells delicious home-made vanilla sugar cookies with unexpected, eye-catching and unique designs. Each batch is hand-made to order and finished with a signature cutie pie pattern or a customized design of your choice. You can add a photo, image or company logo on top of any cookie. Any visual you desire can be made into a cookie!

There’s a dozen minimum for each order. The price is $3.25 each and they are absolutely delicious!!

They really make great gifts for wedding favors, birthdays or just a unique way of saying “thank you”.

nmctoys.com

2007-11-19T15:45:00.000-05:00

One of my clients, Kerry, just launched a new website called nmctoys.com. It's an online toy store that sells quality toys NOT Made in China. They offer quality US and European manufactured toys.

The site is very easy to navigate and toys are categorized (educational, wooden, rattles, pull toys, puzzles, doll houses, games) by manufacturer and by age.

So if you need any toys for the holidays and want to avoid the crowds, click on to www.nmctoys.com. Their special offer:

10% on orders over $20 (valid until 12/31/07)
Use coupon code: qualitytoys

They also have a program called TOYS FOR TOTS.

If you purchase a toy for donation and add it to your shopping cart, you will be exempt from sales tax and shipping charges for your donation. Your toy will be given to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program and delivered to a child in need at Christmas.

NMCtoys.com will match your donation at 5% of the value of every donation gift made to the NMCToys.com sponsored U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.

Happy Holidays!

What Men Have to Say about RED

2007-11-12T08:19:00.000-05:00

Thought I would share some interesting data. Frances Pellegrin of Frances for GIELLA in Houma, Louisiana took a poll, and asked 200 men three questions:

1. What is their favorite color on their sweetie?
2. What is one word that describes red lipstick?
3. What is their favorite flavor to savor in her lipstick?

The results are: RED, SEXY and VANILLA!

Do you own a red lipstick??

Mmmm....SOY BUTTER

2007-11-01T07:44:00.000-05:00

Soy Butter

Soybean Oil has long been known for its health benefits gained during use in cooking but lately this oil has grown in popularity for its use in cosmetic applications such as soap, body butter, lip and body balms, face creams and lotions, etc. Soybean Oil contains natural antioxidants which help prevent oxidative rancidity which is important for those concerned about long shelf life. And as we all now know, antioxidants help reduce free radical damage to the body.

Soy Butter is a highly emollient, soft, creamy butter with great spreadability which helps the skin hold in moisture. With its natural antioxidant component in the soy lipids, it is a great ingredient for all types of skin products providing rapid hydration and cell regeneration. Soy Butter is a very well kept secret which time has come!

I am very happy to let you know that we can now mix soy butter in to the GIELLA Cover Release, Lipsticks, Eye Cream, Highlighters (Beaming), Hotcake Cheek Tints and Cream Ease Cheek Tints.

It just gets better...

Breast Cancer Awareness

2007-10-17T07:35:00.000-05:00

I am sure we all know someone who has had breast cancer. It's difficult for those going through radiation and/or chemotherapy and for the friends and families worrying about their loved one with this illness. Support groups are helpful to share emotions, learn about new procedures and preventions and stay focused on beating this cancer.

One of my clients is a member of Women at Risk (WAR) and she does a remarkable job of helping women with breast cancer. Their (WAR) mission is "to enhance the lives of women who are at high risk for the development of breast cancer and women with breast cancer through research, education and support."

Spporting women with breast cancer and WAR is one of my goals. We are continually raising money for this cause by donating 100% of net proceeds from the GIELLA Swarovski Crystal compact. The compact can be filled with concealer, cream eyeshadow/eyeliner, lipstick or cheek tint.

Stop by or call to support Breast Cancer Awareness:

New York: 212.904.7969
Louisiana: 985.876.4121
Philadelphia: 215.969.0661
Baltimore: 410.828.8666
Seattle: 425.316.8200
www.giella.com (G-Motion)

Fall 2007 must-have nail polish.

2007-09-18T20:09:00.000-05:00

Fall 2007 hottest new nail color – Navy!

Twilight seen in Family Circle Magazine, September 2007.

The Style RX: Dressing the Body You Have to Create the Body You Want

2007-09-06T08:36:00.000-05:00

I met Bridgette Raes about four years ago. She works with women and men to find their personal style and the wardrobe that goes along with it. No matter what your challenge, she helps you understand the unique proportions of your body, part by part, and prescribes cuts, styling details, and fabrics that make the most of your body's diversity.

Bridgette has a sharp sense of color and fashion that is helpful in finding clothes and accessories that work for each individual. She listens and even understands budget. (www.bridgetteraes.com)

I have met many of Bridgette’s clients (through her recommending a custom blend makeup line) and they all rave about her services and attention.
And she is coming out with her first book, The Style Rx: Dressing the Body You Have to Create the Body You Want. It will be available in bookstores on January 2nd, 2008. Amazon.com already has it listed and the book can be pre-ordered now.

With practical advice and proven methods, and more than 250 before-and-after photos of real women with real bodies, she will help you find clothes that help you create the look you want with the body you have.

Style Rx features:
• A simple four part strategy for addressing twenty-four commonly found body issues, from broad shoulders and wide thighs, to flat chests and big butts
• Easy rules on choosing the most suitable prints, patterns, necklines and texture for your body
• Seventeen complete body makeovers on a spectrum of real women with real bodies

Congratulations, Bridgette!

It's better to love...

2007-08-28T09:56:00.000-05:00

I just finished reading Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. It was a touching story from the heart about love and life. Some things that stood out: “Be compassionate, and take responsibility for each other. If we only learned those lessons, this world would be so much better a place.” And as our great poet Auden said, "Love each other or perish."

Love each other or perish. And it certainly feels better to love.

Support for Breast Cancer

2007-08-27T09:17:00.000-05:00

Once again some members of Congress are trying to get legislation passed to eliminate the so-called 'drive through mastectomy,' requiring insurance companies to pay for an appropriate length hospital stay for breast cancer patients.

The bill would allow a woman and her doctor to decide whether she should recuperate for at least 48 hours in the hospital or whether she has enough support to get quality care at home following this emotionally and physically difficult surgery.

Lifetime TV has posted a petition to allow us to demonstrate our support for this Bill. Will you please consider signing this petition as well as passing the link on to your family & friends? The only personal information you need to include is your name & zip code.

http://www.lifetimetv.com/breastcancer/petition/signpetition.php

How well are you?

2007-06-18T13:39:00.000-05:00

And what is wellness anyway?

According to wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wellness)

Wellness may mean:
• a healthy balance of the mind-body and spirit that results in an overall
feeling of well-being.
• the state of being healthy.

Wellness is feeling good on the inside as well as looking good on the outside. It involves proper diet, sleeping at least 7 hours a night, exercise, drinking 8 glasses of water a day, taking vitamins, a good skin care regime, cosmetic products that are good for your skin, peace of mind and relaxation.

It sounds like a lot; however, if you focus on each one separately, it will be a routine that is effortless.

If you need some help, I would like to introduce you to Stacey Pearlman. She is a nutritionist, and health and guidance counselor. I have known Stacey for many years and she has certainly followed her passion for wellness. Her patience, knowledge and beautiful smile make you feel very special.

She believes that all children and adults are happiest and most productive when they are eating well and nurturing themselves. “There is a definite connection between what we eat and how we feel and that each person is capable of becoming their best healthy self!"

Stacey received her training at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition , a school that is affiliated with Columbia University in New York. She earned her Masters degree in School Counseling from CW Post, Long Island University, and a B.S. in Child Development and Family Studies from Pennsylvania State University. Stacey offers individual health and nutritional counseling and group workshop presentations.

She believes that most diets are fads and that nutrition is a life style.

“Diets don't work because each person is unique; how could one diet be right for everyone? A diet might work for a short amount of time, but research shows that almost all diets result in a 10-pound gain once off the diet. Diets don't work because they are too restrictive. They require discipline and restriction at levels that are unsustainable by a healthy human body. Most people are disconnected from why they gain weight, and see diet as the only culprit. For example, ignoring or discounting emotions is often the first thing to cause weight imbalances. In our fast paced world, we have lost sight of many aspects of life that truly nourish and balance our bodies, such as slowing down, eating home cooked meals and spending quality time with loving people. Eating consciously and making simple lifestyle changes will create positive results and release you from the endless cycle of dieting. There is no such thing as a quick fix. With careful thought and loving reflection, you can feed yourself wisely and purposefully and be completely nourished. A health counselor can help you learn to work with your body rather than against it to bring about increased energy, stabilized weight and sustainable health.”

Stacey is currently offering a complimentary health history consultation. Log on to www.myhealthyself.org for more details.

She also has a newsletter filled with articles on well-being with quick easy recipes too.

Here’s one that I found interesting and a very under-rated food.

Food Focus: Sprouts

Sprouts of all varieties contain the building blocks of life in the form of vitamins, enzymes, amino acids and simple sugars. In their early growth state, sprouts are very easy to digest, allowing our bodies to access many nutrients. Recent research by the American Cancer Society reports that sprouts contain anti-cancer properties, high levels of active antioxidants, concentrated amounts of phyto-chemicals and significant amounts of vitamins A, C and D. In their raw form, sprouts have a cooling effect on the body, and therefore are best consumed in warm weather. Those who tend to feel cool can try steaming spouts or adding to warm dishes such as stir-fries and soups. There is a wide variety of edible and delicious sprouts, each with a different texture and flavor: alfalfa, mung bean, lentil, radish, clover, sunflower, broccoli, garbanzo and adzuki.

Here are some great ways to serve up sprouts:
*add to salads
*combine with other vegetables in wraps, roll-ups or stir-fries
*use as garnish on top of soups, stews, omelets or scrambled eggs
*add to rice or whole grain dishes
*use in sandwiches instead of lettuce.

RECIPE OF THE MONTH: Quick and Easy Stir-Fry

Preparation:

2 tablespoons oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 onion, sliced
1 stalk celery, sliced
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
12 ounces BEANSPROUTS
1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, diced
2 teaspoons lite soy sauce
(add any additional vegetables that you enjoy)

Prepare and set aside all ingredients. In a large skillet or wok, heat oil. Add garlic, onion and celery, and cook 1 minute, stirring continually. Add vegetables, mushrooms and Beansprouts and continue cooking 1 minute more. Season with ginger and soy sauce. Heat thoroughly and serve over brown rice.
Enjoy.

Customize your cosmetics…and your car

2007-06-14T08:33:00.000-05:00

My favorite subject is customization. You know my product line…cosmetics. We’ve been doing it for 20 years. But the trend has extended to jeans, coffee (Starbucks has us customizing each cup!), shirts and jewelry – individual expressions created just for you. It makes us feel like we are in control…at least with some portion of our lives!

A good friend of ours recently introduced my husband and me to sticars, magnetic graphics for the exterior of your car. Very cool! Designs range from birds to peace symbols, flowers, scary shapes, dots and waves in red, blue, silver, purple, yellow, orange, taupe, green, black and pink. It’s a throw back to flower-power VW vans of the 60’s, only better because you can stick them on, move them around and take them off with no effort or damage to you car. They can also be placed on any magnetic surface such as a locker, refrigerator, or metal door.

Sticars (defined by sticars.com) is (as a noun):

1. auto bodyart
2. art for your car

or as a verb:

1. To express yourself in the fast lane
2. to change the direction of the road

The sticars philosophy “envisions a world where cars are an extension of your personal style; artful with hip designs that express individuality and can be changed or rearranged with ease”.

I chose the blue birds and placed them on the back of my car near the tail lights. Now it’s easy to find my car amongst the many black cars in the parking lot. And it brings a memory that makes me smile. So simple, so personal, so fun and such personality for our car!

They are very reasonably priced, ranging from $8.00 - $22.00 depending on the single or multiple packs.

Okay flower children, check it out at www.sticars.com

Indian Gooseberry – Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit

2007-06-06T11:32:00.000-05:00

I am so very excited about this new ingredient, especially how to say it. It’s Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit from the Indian Gooseberry plant. Always on the search for new ingredients, aromatherapy and packaging for our potions and custom blends, I came across this skin brightening powder about 4 months ago.

It is an anti-oxidant rich Indian herb that combats hyperpigmentation. Hyperpgimentaion occurs from freckles, pregnancy, sun damage and certain medications and usually darken with age and sun exposure. Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit provides the skin with very high doses of antioxidants that convert the toxins and degrade the proteins that cause hyperpigmentation. Applying a 2% powder formulation of Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit to the skin each day significantly lightens the complexion after 8-10 weeks.

I have been using it in my mineral face powder and mineral foundation. And I can really see a “brightening” effect to my skin. The few spots I had even lightened. I like it also because the process is gradual. It brightens the skin without burning or irritation.

If you do not wear makeup, you can also get the benefits of this skin brightening powder with one of our serums. It’s water based, infused with the Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit and feels very lightweight on the skin.

Another step forward to looking younger!

The Wonders of Grapefruit

2007-04-11T08:48:00.000-05:00

I have recently discovered Grapefruit essential oil…

Grapefruit helps decrease appetite and balance emotional extremes and can be used as a natural air freshener with disinfecting properties.

Grapefruit Oil (citrus paradisi) has great benefits for the immune system, it helps with skin problems, and can be used for muscle stiffness, water retention and for the nervous system.

Grapefruit oil can be used in blended massage oil or diluted in the bath to assist with cellulite, colds and flu, lack of energy, jet lag, muscle fatigue, overweight, headaches, moodiness and mental and physical tiredness.

People are beginning to realize that they can get rid of their physical, mental, emotional and even spiritual ills through the use of aromatic essential oils. Universities and hospitals are studying the use of aromatherapy oils. Some hospitals in Oxford, England, for example, have replaced chemical sedatives with essential oil blends which include lavender, marjoram, geranium and cardamom oil.

Most essential oils are so strong that a little goes a long way. Essential aromatherapy oils should be diluted in carrier oils for use in massage. When massaged into the skin (essential oils should be diluted - with the exception of Lavender and Tea Tree).

Essential oils are metabolized by the body like any other nutrients. Certain components within the oils will stimulate the immune system, destroy bacteria, act as powerful antioxidants and building blocks to improve nutrient absorption. It takes up to 20 minutes for the oils to be absorbed by the body, where they remain for 7 hours or more, before being excreted.

Smell plays an important role in the process. Differing aromatic rings are contained with essential oils. When we smell these, the odor is transferred into a nerve message. The message is sent to different parts of the brain where the process of stimulating different hormones is undertaken.

Use aromatherapy oils anywhere you want to add a touch of scent.

Add 5 drops to your bath water.

Enhance your beauty products - combine 3 to 6 drops into your lipstick, lip gloss, body lotion, shampoo, conditioner, face cleanser or body lotion.

The Painter's Music. The Musician's Art

2007-04-10T20:30:00.000-05:00

About a month ago at our Henri Bendel counter, I met a new client named Constance Emmerich. She has been using our lipsticks for over a year and is a big fan of Katrina (who works with me). Constance gave me her CD "The Painter's Music. The Musician's Art." I have been listening since...
It's a beautiful selection of classical notes that is calming and uplifting.

Constance explained the ensemble of the music built around its unusual instrumentation of oboe, string trio and piano. It has receivd two Grammy nominations for its unique colaborative story-telling project, Timeless Tales and Music of our Times.

The CD comes with a fabulous little booklet that shows great art work from four painters:Helen Frankenthaler, David Hockney, Robert Motherwell and Kenneth Noland. They were asked to choose particular works that appealed to them from An die Musik's repertory in celebrating the chamber group's 10th anniversary.

Constance is a graduate of the Julliard School and Smith College, magna cum laude, composer, and receiver of the Merkin Concert Hall Artistic Achievement Award.

The booklet describes how music "gives order and peace", "can transform you to another place", "is like food, consumed every day" (as a source of nourishment).

Music is part of our life every day. It affects our mind, mood and energy. So let's make sure it leaves us smiling.

Thank you, Constance, for a beautiful gift!

You can buy this CD on www.cduniverse.com