friday forte: appearances

Maybe I'm just vain but one of my big hangups right now is how old I look! I'm feeling a little "old lady-ish" and it's well before my time. As a SAHM (or more correctly, someone who works from the home) I have absolutely no need to dress up for work everyday, let alone sport a trendy hairstyle, embellish my visage with make up or be 'easy on the eye' to workmates. Occasionally the Wee Guy announces he likes to see me wearing a dress (cos I look like a princess, bless him) but other than that, there's no real feedback for my frumpy self around the house ...... except that I'm getting really critical of myself. Mirrors are demoralising and occasional SPT's a reminder of how much greyer my hair is/how my wrinkles collection is growing. In my mind I'm still only 21y old; mirrors jolt me back into mid-forties reality.
I've had to take direct action recently since my regular spectacles (bottom row, middle) are disintegrating with metal fatigue. I need to replace them soon. In the meantime, I'm wearing my school pair (bottom right image,  yes, that old!) and have been surprised at how different they make my face look. This launched me into a detailed online investigation of face shape vs. specs shape vs. hairstyling. For instance, according to the outline drawn in eyepencil on my mirror, I have a long face (length is greater than width), and a lot of forehead. I should choose glasses which add depth and  a hairstyle which doesn't drag down the face (see my current style for an example!!) but adds width. Bangs or a fringe are a must! Alas, my sleek Jennifer Aniston do needs to go.
But what will a radical makeover accomplish? (or even a less radical one to allow me to wimp out last moment?) What's in it for me? Would I feel more confident. Although I'm extremely proud of what my body has accomplished so far (re: childbirth, breastfeeding , recovery from complications of flu, and so on)  my body image problems are more to do with the packaging than what's underneath. Despite appearances influencing judgment, I think it would make me feel more at ease with myself.
If I knew I was presenting my best side and wasn't looking like a hag I could get on with the business of my mid-life crisis with fewer wardrobe malfunctions and interruptions.

forte!

My Go-To Outfit

This week I (and inadvertently Gatsby) am featured on La Bella Figura along with 8 other fashionable bloggers.

We all share our fashion insights and are pictured in our "go to outfits". I am the third blogger featured... see if you can spot Gatsby!

See the article here.

Oppose Colorado Safe Personal Care Products Act

Hello Everyone,

After a very long and exhausting two days of dealing with emails, phone calls and collaborating with my fellow cosmetic manufacturers to oppose a new proposed Bill coming into the Colorado arena, I finally was able to construct this weeks article which only added to my exhaustion physically and emotionally. Many of my customers were concerned as to how this would affect them and us, and whether or not they would be able to get our products in the future. This upset me a great deal based on how irresponsible this legislation is and the unnecessary fear it is creating in people.

Skim over it...read it in thorough detail....just click on links...or ignore it and hope it goes away.....it really doesn't matter....it is about getting as much information to you as possible so you will be well informed and render an educated decision on your own. What you do with it is then left up to you.

As I have done in the past and continue to do is keep you up to date on the FDA Globalization Act of 2009, and now again I bring you the latest in a debacle of misguided individuals that will be harming the beauty industry as a whole. I apologize for the length of this article, but felt it was only prudent on my part to cover all the details so I can answer the many questions I received this week.

The most recent political agenda is geared toward damaging small manufacturers through the use of bad science, propaganda and deliberate disinformation on a state by state basis.

Can you guess who?

Yep, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is at it again..... As the CFSC loses ground on the federal level they have moved onto address this in each state. The worst part of this is that many compact signers don't even realize what they have signed on for since their products will be adversely affected as well. In fact, some have expressed concern to others in our industry, claiming CFSC and/or the Women's Lobby of Colorado did not have permission to use their names in this manner as a way to show support for this sweeping Bill currently before their states' representatives.

Colorado Lawmakers Are At Risk Of Destroying Commerce And Freedom Of Choice

The Women's Lobby of Colorado is standing together with CFSC to try and make illegal, and ban ingredients in personal care products, which are deemed to be carcinogenic and neurotoxins.

You may view their agenda here: The Lobby Please take note the list of businesses which may or may not be showing support at the bottom of this page, as I will address this later on.

If this Bill passes as it is written, I kid you not, every cosmetic and personal care product manufactured in your state you have come to know, use and trust will be stripped from the shelves since the manufacturers will wish to avoid the harsh penalties they wish to impose. This is a zero tolerance Bill and anti small business for Colorado, and only big box companies may withstand this Bill once they have completely reformulated their products and tested them to substantiate their safety. This spells huge money and time expenditure, thus huge pharmaceutical and skincare companies may simply find it easier and less involved to take their business elsewhere, leaving you the consumer, empty handed.

Although I strive within my company to make all of our products safe for consumers, and this legislation would eliminate my competition, this is not what I am about. Plus this could sweep from state to state and eventually involve my company, so I must very much be involved at this stage and join as a united front with my fellow manufacturers. As I have many customers in Colorado, I felt it was important to bring this to your attention and to answer questions collectively through this article, in order that you may know the facts and speak out to your local representatives on this matter if you are so inclined.

The Bill: Current Form

Scary Huh?..... Colorado Government and CFSC want to dictate your lives and personal choices as they deem fit, all based on ridiculous anecdotal testimony stripped of all reasonable scientific studies. And they plan to impose this will by creating stiff penalties, creating undue hardship on small manufacturers and allow citizens to be the police through civil penalty. The risk is too high for a beauty care manufacturer to continue to conduct business in a state with such an extraneous Bill.

And what entities will decide what is safe or not? .....Who will be the discerning body? .....a bunch of bureaucrats handpicked by the CFSC?.... One has to wonder!

Here is the science that CFSC doesn't want you to see or acknowledge. This latest research would contradict their cherry picked data based on high level occupational hazard and not on diluted solutions formulated within the ingredient parameters for safe use according to tested ratios that are used by customers. New Research Data

Risk versus hazard is not even being addressed in this Bill and ingredients are being labeled as bad no matter the ratios, and CFSC would have you believe they have your best interest at heart...this cannot be further from the truth...this right now is about political power and gaining control over government agencies as being seen as the truth tellers and the savior to the general public.

One educator renowned worldwide as a leader in essential oils and aromatherapy research could not have summed it up better: Robert Tisserand Article

You better stop breathing our air (toxins, pollutants, exhaust emmissions), eating fish (possible mercury exposure), meats and poultry, (antibiotics, steroids, hormone growth factor potential) fruits and vegetables (parabens, estrogen) and drinking the water (lead, mercury, arsenic allowable ppm), because if we are led to believe that personal care products are completely to blame for causing cancer then we truly are living in a vacuum. It simply is much more complex than how this is being represented by Dianne Primavera and CFSC.

Representative Bill sponsor Dianne Primavera (D-Broomfield) would have you believe personal care products are the sole cause of her cancer. See by clicking Direct quote for complete interview: "There was no genetic reason why I should have gotten cancer," she said. "There was no environmental reason. (Really? the pictures displayed give examples of environmental reasons.) I never smoked. I never drank. I had my weight in perfect condition. I turned over every rock to figure out why I got cancer but the personal care products was a rock I didn't turn over and once I found out this is an issue and could be an issue for our citizens, I think we need to step in and take a role to protect (them)."

This interview also has some great comments by those thinking more rationally and are not caught up in the fray. Most want their freedom to choose to remain intact and not be dictated by government as though they possess no reasoning skills on what is best for them. Do you personally really need the government to dictate what is best for you?...... I don't!

Though I can applaud her well intentioned efforts, her direction is misguided as she succumbs to the emotion of her disease and allows CFSC to fuel it using their bad science to create wide spread panic and hysteria.

Parabens yet again come under attack, when the American Cancer Society and The National Cancer Institute have shown scientific evidence to the contrary. Many of you read my article on Parabens citing these resources latest research, but another great article to read is located HERE.

My Viewpoint

Now don't misunderstand my position...I am all for certain legislative changes to the cosmetic industry for protecting consumers as most Indie manufacturers are, but at the Federal Level, and we were working toward this. We are striving to bring you the best creations in health and well being for your skin. However, the way this Bill is written will do nothing to create safety for the consumer, but will only bring about product removal and create an abuse of litigation since this Bill creates a lottery ticket to those that so choose to enforce this law.

We wish for level heads to prevail and weigh the risk versus the hazards of ingredients brought about by clear science, not speculation, or pronounce one group of watchdogs as the professionals to do the job. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is comprised of lobbyists, fund raisers and lawyers, and the last thing we need is a misguided politician that has little to no education or background in chemical sciences playing with our freedom to choose or to conduct business open and freely.

The CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) or The Personal Care Products Council are comprised of scientists, chemists, physicians and researchers working collectively to keep consumers safe who use beauty care products, and they will be making their argument known in regard to this current Bill.

I truly don't believe the Women's Lobby of Colorado really understands fully what they are in support of. They clearly have taken a side based solely on face value without doing their own research as I have done for many years. They provide a list of Colorado based cosmetic businesses, and I have investigated the companies in question as to their status with CFSC. Based on my findings, they are all in violation in some form or another of CFSC's agenda.

Companies Shooting Themselves In The Foot

One of those in direct support is Lily Organics and they also are a sponsor of this Bill and will be giving testimony at the hearings. Pangea Organics is another and both of these companies products have similar toxic ratings according to CFSC.

It simply doesn't make sense to be in support of something that will directly impact their business. I don't know if they fully understand the scope of their decisions to support legislation that will make their products illegal to sell in their own state.

Further Investigation On Signers Which May Or May Not Be In Support Of This Bill

Mychelle Dermaceuticals stands to be damaged the most. They use a multitude of ingredients with hazard scores up to 7-9 within their profile.

Again being a signer does not make them compliant and are receiving ratings which serve no other purpose but to destroy the very companies that show support.

Chae Organics, well they haven't even submitted their products yet for evaluation so their scores can be all over the map with the individual ingredient breakdown.

Signer numbers are growing and not for the reasons of truly protecting the public...it sounds great and seems to give the public a warm and fuzzy feeling, but it is a double edged sword for most companies. I do not make these statements in order to damage or disparage these companies but to only show what is really occurring within this entity. They either show these companies in non compliance, or in compliance while still creating conflicting data for their products.

The CFSC is lulling these companies into a false sense of security by stating they are in full compliance making them proud about the direction they are headed, but if you look closely at the entire correlation of this, they also state in the compliance agreement "They are continuing to work toward fully substantiating the safety of their products as required in the next phase of the Compact."

This is the very reason I decided to withdraw my support and demanded my company be removed since I recognized their tactics were nothing less than Astroturfing. And based on what I am witnessing today, I will not be rejoining the ranks of this movement to harm other small cosmetic manufacturers who's only goal is provide a safer, higher quality product to their customers.

Busting The Bank

What does the next phase mean for compliant CFSC companies?

Pre-market testing on ingredients that have already been tested and approved cosmetic safe by the FDA. This testing is pointless and will pose a huge financial burden and more than likely this small company and many others like them, will no longer be able to comply, or will go out of business if this should become the norm nationwide, state governments superceding Federal law. I would hate to think that with this show of compliance within the CFSC, that somehow these companies feel they will be exempt from the mandates of this Bill. This would be a miscalculation on their part!

I put some very pointed questions to Lily Organics as did the founder of our Indie Beauty Network and her responses were as vague and broad as the Bill she is sponsoring. She chose to not answer our questions and side stepped the issues of concern. So it is clear where she stands by her responses. You may view them HERE. At least until the possibility she may remove our comments since we are standing against what she believes.

Small Update as ones' Feet are put to the Fire: Just learned from other fellow cosmetic companies that wished to leave a comment for Lily Organics are now having their comments censored as she has changed her settings to have them approved....I don't mind the approval process so much since I do it for spam and rude commentary. However, since I know many of these folks, I am sure they posed their comments in a professional and courteous manner. The fact their comments are still not posted after 24 hours suggest she will never post them since her position has been taken to task. So now we are dealing with a scenario of avoiding the tough questions asked. I ask Lily Organics, "If you are proud and committed to your stance on this proposed bill, then why not defend it instead of running from the challenge?"

In this economy, to literally destroy commerce whereby creating a loss of more jobs in the name of more government control by removing ones' favorite cosmetics from an individuals grasp, is bordering on the inane.

So the question remains, are the companies sponsoring this Bill planning on reformulating all their products?...... Doubtful, yet they are in support of something that will literally put all of their companies at risk of coming under attack at a state level.

I pose the question: in regard to sunscreen ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide these are also scoring for hazard as do most sunscreen ingredients, chemical or natural. So what is the campaigns suggestion for a safe sunscreen? ......do they even know? Sunscreen is bad for you....sunshine is bad for you....so what do we do, live in a cave or never go outdoors? This is resembling something very close to lunacy.

It is about moderation in doses.....period....sun is healthy in moderate doses for fighting cancer and disease, not to mention strengthening bones. In fact Doctors are reporting multiple cases of vitamin D deficiencies in Americans due to the use of sunscreens and this deficiency is contributing to colon cancer along with other cancers and disease. Perhaps the Women's Lobby and Dianne Primavera should cast their look in this direction. The point is their reasoning behind this Bill is extremely shortsighted and way too simplistic.

Sunscreen minerals are also considered safe, non nano, especially in the form of a dry component, like mineral cosmetics, as these are never absorbed into the skin. But their research does not define the differences. It is a one size fits all mentality!

And in this bills current form it will now allow citizens to govern by suing companies that contain the suspect ingredients at will. This is insane and will shut down most small business manufacturers who truly are working to make products safer for consumers and lawyers will have a field day....hmmm...interesting to remember CFSC in part is composed of lawyers...sounds like personal gain and power to me.

Summing Things Up

This bill does and will affect everyone whether you live in Colorado or not...as it will establish a precedent and spread nationwide. This has been the goal of the campaign since their inception of using data with huge gaps and one sided research mainly tested on lab animals and in full concentrations, not diluted ratios. They also are stressing hazard such as in occupational practices and not for consumer use ratios. Chemical levels is essential to focus on as the amount of toxicity is not the same and should not be equated as being one in the same.

Get involved at your legislative level and stand up for your right to choose and not allow government to dictate based on bad science what is and isn't healthy for us....bottom line, to date no one has died from using cosmetics on their skin or been proven to cause cancer or any other malady. The air we breathe, the water we drink and the fruits and vegetables we eat can all be considered suspect. Please learn the facts!

Also, it isn't that we have any opposed particular ingredients..it is about in the eyes of the CFSC and skin deep data base, just about all cosmetic ingredients have some negative connotation if you believe their standardized bad science. This is what we have been fighting for the past 18 months. Fear mongering and creating paranoid thinking among consumers through their political propaganda. Some in their blogs now nickname the CFSC as (Campaign for Scaring Consumers)

In terms of selling in Colorado, even though we are not physically on store shelves and don't manufacture there, we would be crossing state lines and this will pose further investigation in order to see how we would be affected or if this bill will have amendments in this regard. But this bill written in it's current form is no different than when we ship overseas. Our products must comply in ingredients, packaging and labeling in accordance with the European Union. Otherwise we can be banned from selling further in foreign countries. So in essence, we may be forced to discontinue shipping to our customers in Colorado State if this Bill is expanded to include any products coming into the state as well.

You Can Fight City Hall

That is the point, the current draft is damaging and is not creating a safer product but simply putting great companies either out of business or prohibited from selling in their state for fear of civil action against them. Supply houses for manufacturers are already taking action and plan on speaking in front of the representatives of this Bill to make their argument known, as they provide raw materials to many small manufacturers, so they could also be affected. This new law will be far reaching more than anyone can know.

Consumers need clear and precise scientific research and data in order to make an informed decision, not broad sweeping and ambiguous data that treats us like mindless lemmings.

This Bill is based on a quagmire of speculation, anecdotes, and biased science with little to no fully substantiated data. Simply look at the conflicting data gaps provided with each ingredient achieving a score higher than a 1, or put in the box the name of the companies that are on the Lobby's list and you will see they are all in violation of non-compliance to having hazard scores on many ingredients making them illegal to sell in Colorado. Check The Companies or Ingredients in the Data Base so you can follow what I have been explaining in some detail.

Now I ask anyone, how can this be interpreted as scientific irrefutable proof by anyone other than the CSFC. How can a company be in compliance and yet have ratings and check marks for all categories from cancer to neurotoxicity?.........Perplexing isn't it? It will be a sad day for all of us if we allow such an intrusion by a states government to dictate separately from federal law already issuing safety regulations for cosmetic manufacturers, as to what is best for the people.

If you wish to get involved and show support by opposing this Bill, or make your voice heard, here is where you begin.

A complete list with phone #'s and emails of those in support of the Bill: Click Here

There is a hearing scheduled March 1, 2010 for sponsors and those opposing the act to be heard. The committee meets in room 0107 (in the basement of the Capitol) in Denver beginning at 1:30 pm.

Hope those that can attend and observe, will take away from it a positive experience and not leave feeling as though we are facing a brick wall. If you can make your opinions known as a consumer, please do so, your freedom of choice is at risk.

Thanks for taking the time to read this as I know it was a lot to absorb. Unfortunately when dealing with our government, nothing can be explained easily or simply as it is a complicated machine of proposals, debates, rewrites, resubmissions, red tape and rhetoric.

If you are like me after reading all this data and info, a nap came shortly after. ~Phew~

Time to now go do some Yoga and chill out and soothe my brain cells!

~Cheers~

Related Article: Colorado Safe Personal Care Products Act Failed!

wordless wednesday

..... and goodnight!

Cooking with Madame Sportif

Last week Madame Sportif (my new French neighbor) invited me over to cook chez elle. As you can imagine, I accepted her invitation and was thrilled for several reasons. The primary of those being that I finally (after all these years!) had another French woman that I could observe. It is all fine and well living off of the lessons I learned from Madame Chic and Bohemienne but those memories are becoming more and more vague as the years pass and I needed a refresher course.

You remember the Sportifs… Madame and her family are living in Santa Monica for one year and I am the lucky neighbor next door. It did take us nearly six months to get up the courage to make plans together, but then again, this is L.A. and that is quite rapid for next door neighbor relations!

We met and though initially nervous, (my French is very rusty- no one speaks it in L.A.) we really hit it off and spent four hours cooking and chatting.

On the menu? Leek tart or tarte aux poireaux , pear gratin and coconut macaroons. Madame Sportif, of course, did not use a recipe (they never do!) and showed me how to make the perfect tart crust. The leek tart consisted of a béchamel of leeks with Swiss cheese on top. It was delicious… the pear gratin equally so. We had such a lovely afternoon chatting. I asked her so many questions (she probably thought I was extremely nosy). What does she cook every night for dinner? How does she shop for groceries? Exercise? Raising children? Family life?

Luckily she didn’t find my insatiable curiosity regarding her French life too annoying (I think she was rather flattered. And to be fair, she had a lot of questions about my lifestyle) and we have planned to cook together once a month until she goes back to France.

I will divulge my findings in future posts. But in the meantime, the tarte aux poireaux and pear gratin are pictured above.

P.S. Madame Sportif found it very comical that I took a picture of our lunch… the things I do for you readers!

sunday specials

Well ...... life's looking up!
Sunshine, brunch al fresco with the boys, frisbee on the field .........

friday forte: meaning

I must thank Annie from PhDinparenting for the content of my post today. This video sums up so eloquently a lot of what I am struggling with right now, in choosing the direction of my life from here on and the 'complications' thrown in each way I contemplate by my traveling companion, The Wee Guy.



I still wouldn't have it any other way.



forte!

The Oyster Party Chez Madame Bohemienne

Yesterday I spent the afternoon cooking with Madame Sportif (my French neighbor). We spent four hours cooking, eating and chatting. I unearthed a wealth of information on how to live Comme les Français and cannot wait to share it with you! In the meantime, I have been poring through my journals and was recalled of a very special dinner party chez Madame Bohemienne that I thought you might enjoy…

One day I received a call from BP saying that Madame Bohemienne had a surprise for us and would I be able to come over for dinner that evening? I was intrigued and could hardly refuse. I took the forty-minute metro ride from the 16th arrondissement to Chez Bohemienne and walked up those ten flights of steps wondering what surprise could possibly await me…

It turned out Madame Bohemienne had just visited Brittany and had brought back with her an entire crate of fresh oysters. I nearly fainted with delight. Now many people do not like oysters. I am not one of those people. I love oysters. Mon Dieu how I love oysters! And I had never seen so many before my eyes as I had in that moment. I eagerly helped BP and her two sons set the table. Oysters were shucked, music was playing, we opened a bottle of champagne to celebrate and we sat down to feast.

Delicious is an inadequate word to describe that meal. The oysters (accompanied with mignonette sauce and big pieces of crusty French bread and real butter) were divine. The champagne bubbles delighted my tongue and left me feeling delirious. Afterward we ended with a delicious slice of Camembert.

It was a simple meal, but one of the best I’ve ever had. I don’t know how many oysters I ate that evening but I felt like a heroin in a Molière play (Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme springs to mind). There was something so wonderful about spoiling ourselves in such a decadent manner... I shall never forget my first oyster dinner party, Comme les Français...


Still Life with Wine Goblet and Oysters by Pieter Claesz is pictured above (dated 1630).

Fun And Easy Peel Off Facial Masque Recipes

Benefits Of Using A Masque (Mask)

Facial Masques are used to cleanse, tone, exfoliate, lift and revive the skin. A masque treatment will also go far in creating a smoother surface for a perfect application of your mineral makeup.

Masques which are made with natural ingredients forming a paste are excellent for reducing inflammation and exfoliation through removal of necrotic tissue. They can double as gentle facial scrubs while applying then allowed to set up and do the rest of the job of calming and soothing facial tissue. Then they are rinsed away with warm water.

Another masque is the peel off type which is typically removed after drying in one complete piece. They create a glowing skin through removal of surface cells and invigorate blood flow while toning the skin. The downside to purchasing one of these types of masques which are commercially prepared, they are loaded with synthetics and chemicals to achieve the peel off effect and there really isn't anything natural about them.

Today I wanted to share with you a peel off masque recipe for doing this right in your kitchen with a few simple ingredients. And the best part is, it will be fun and kind of like enjoying a mad scientist moment.

How Peel Off Masques Work

They are applied in a liquid state which is usually a gooey mess, then allowed to dry and once dried, peeled off very carefully so as not to tear it. As they dry on the skin, dirt, oil, pore blockages are grabbed by the masque ingredients so when the mask comes off, these substances are lifted off with it revealing a healthier "you".

What You'll Need

Unflavored Gelatin by Knox and some fruit or vegetable juice of your choice. Only make enough for a single application to prevent bacterial growth. Your juice selection will be based on a certain skin type since tannins and fruit acids will serve different purposes for different maladies of the skin.

A great idea is to have a few friends over and make a larger concoction and share in the experience of a pampering facial.

Recipe For Dry To Normal Skin

1 Tb Knox Gelatin
1/2 Cup Fruit Juice (Apple, Pear, Papaya, Raspberry, Peach)

Pour juice into a heat resistant bowl and sprinkle the gelatin into the juice. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat it until the gelatin disperses completely into the juice...approximately 1 minute, avoid boiling. Place the masque mixture in the fridge for twenty minutes to a half-hour. You are looking for a thick consistency, but not one that is completely set up. Think gooey mess!....Your gel masque is now ready to use.

Why These Juices Are Perfect For Dry Skin

They are specifically suited for dry skin due to their acidity which helps to eat away dry skin without leaching moisture from living cells. Apple Juice is the most popular due to it being readily available at your local grocery store. However, if you have a juicer or food processor, you can experiment with other fruit juices. But check your food coop since they will also carry specialty juices on the list above.

Oily To Combo Skin Recipe

Same as above recipe, but now you will substitute a different range of fruits geared specifically to restoring the skins' natural acid mantle and removing excess sebum buildup.

In the Combination Skin category utilize mainly the fruits for dry to normal skin but add a bit of lemon or grapefruit juice. Great for assisting with cell removal further and helps reduce oil in that t-zone area.

Lemon, Grapefruit, Orange and Lime Juices fall into the citrus category and also work at refining skin texture, exfoliate dead skin cells and reduce shine on the face.

When using citrus fruits be very careful around the delicate eye area as these are a natural AHA in their purist form.

Also if you like add a touch of Carrot Juice for its' astringent properties of aiding in toning the skin.

Mix It Up!

You can also do a combination of juices in the mixture for an aromatic experience and giving your skin a real pick me up! Also if you want to go for that truly toning and tightening of the skin and pores, add an egg white to the mixture once it cools and take masque down onto the neck and decollete.

Use Of These Recipes And Removal Of The Masque

Unless you have extremely oily skin, do not use your masques more than once a week. Otherwise, you run the risk of over stimulation, which can cause stress to the facial tissue. Apply only a sheer layer, avoiding the eyes, eyebrows, hairline, and any other areas where it will be hard to remove the masque once it dries. The best application tool is a fan brush and this brush will also reduce dripping.

Make sure you only apply a thin layer so it doesn't take all day to dry and avoid the eye and mouth area. Then sit down and relax for twenty to thirty minutes while your masque dries. You will know it is ready when it does not feel tacky any longer. Finally, peel from the chin up to the forehead to avoid contributing to what gravity already has a hold of. You may experience some tingling to the skin. Voila....beautiful glowing complexion.

If you should have any visible residue, simply splash your face with cool water, not cold since you don't want to shock the skin. Then apply our Perfect Balance Facial Toner and your favorite moisturizer and feel the remarkable difference in tone and texture of your face. Our Vitamin Rich Facial Serum is the perfect compliment after a facial treatment.

So enjoy and experiment to find out which type of fruity masque you enjoy and your face loves. Have Fun!

Disclaimer: Although I love sharing ideas and recipes, not all suggestions will work for all users so with that I must give you the standard disclaimer.

Like with any skin treatment always do a patch test first to check for sensitivity. Citric Acids may cause irritation and redness and should be discontinued in the event of such. The information provided is not intended to prescribe, treat, cure, or prevent certain diseases or ailments and these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.

Have a great weekend everyone and hope you'll let your creative side shine through.

date night

aquarium life, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

I can heartily recommend IKEA for a post-valentine date night; Smalland for the Wee Guy to play around in, and a civilised cafeteria setting for coffee, cake and The Discussion about 'what went wrong on valentines day".

sorted (kind of)

On Why We Are All Sisyphus

In The Lost Art of Gratitude, Alexander McCall Smith’s latest novel in the eternally enjoyable Isabel Dalhousie series, Isabel and Jamie discuss the theory that we are all Sisyphus, in our own way.

You remember Sisyphus- the mythical king who was punished for all eternity by having to roll a boulder up a hill only to watch it roll right back down again. Isabel argued that we are all Sisyphus to some extent. We clean the kitchen at night only to find it dirty after breakfast the next day- we file away papers at work, only to have the stack grow again a few hours later...

I found this discussion to be particularly interesting. Probably because, when I studied Latin in high school, I felt extremely sorry for poor old Sisyphus. But then I got to thinking and realized that McCall Smith’s Isabel is actually right. We are all Sisyphus in our own way. My own Sisyphean plight involves such things as emptying the dishwasher, doing the laundry, filing in the office…. These rather mundane tasks always seem to be completed and then lo and behold, all too quickly after completion, need to be tackled again.

I do, however, believe the key is (and I hope poor Sisyphus was able to come to this conclusion himself) to enjoy the journey and appreciate the cyclical nature of the task at hand. If I could somehow appreciate the unloading of the dishwasher (make it a meditation perhaps?), enjoy sorting through the laundry (meditation again?) and relish the act of filing, then perhaps the cyclical nature of these tasks would not be as daunting.

I’ll let you know how it goes.

I would love to know… how are you like Sisyphus?

The Lost Art of Gratitude can be purchased at www.amazon.com

snowdrops

snowdrops, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

Spring is sprung!

pls send card from dog

Valentine's Day, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

My lil sis jokes that one very single-ish year she received a card from our parents' dog on Valentines Day to save her from being cardless. She was allegedly mortified (not sure if the dog had good taste or not).

If you've still got it, please forward it on to me. k thnx bai xoxox

Happy Valentine’s Day- Big Announcement

Happy Valentine’s Day to all of my wonderful readers on The Daily Connoisseur. I consider myself to be very fortunate to not only have one, but two Valentines (Gatsby and B, you see) and this year is even more special because I have a big announcement… we are having a baby!

B and I are elated (I actually can’t believe I’ve kept it a secret for so long!)- we are expecting the newest addition to our family in August. Thank you in advance for all of your support and I hope this Valentine’s Day is filled with love for you and your family…

...and yes, we are having a girl :)

... and i forgot

rude tiger, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

Forgot that I do have some bragging rights this week re: my ongoing goal of regular, reliable, trustworthy childcare.
Two of my solo-parented evenings this week involved me leaving the house. This was accomplished thus; one night of sleepover (thanks G and family), and one evening of babysitting (thanks N, Wee Guy wanted to know if you were still around to play the next morning so you left a very positive impression).

Oh, and some news for the beleaguered parents of Tri Cities. Lullaby League is hosting one of their speed-dating sessions on Monday, March 29th (location not yet confirmed). The cost of registration for parents is $52.50 and the event lasts for an hour of interviewing. Potential sitters are aged 18y and older, and currently enrolled in college or university.

Could be interesting!

friday forte - bless you

It's been a week (understatement).

No exercise bragging in this post (thank goodness, I hear you cry) cos we've had a cough/cold so bad that the Wee Guy started upchucking and I took to my bed. So exercise would probably be A Very Bad Idea right now (anyways, there's a sporting event happening round here so all the sporty energy is being maintained, just not in this house).

I have however, managed a spurt of efficiency and submitted pieces for no fewer than five jury processes. The list includes pics for a book (oh the digital image hoopla), my first call for artists (still not firmly in the 'i am an artist' camp), a couple of selling venues and a new workshop proposal. Thinking positively.

Also on the 'hobby' front I've almost finished a new asymmetric 'mermaid' necklace, delivered two-thirds of content for an evening class and been accepted for a craft fair (which I now have to work out how to pay for with Vancouver snarled up in the aforementioned sporting event).

We've also taken in the olympic torch relay, one board meeting for Family Place, a visit to ER and I managed a most brutal wardrobe cull (no time for regrets as the cast offs are now safely at the trift store (gulp).

Did I mention I was solo parenting all this week?



Next week I'll be back in control of my mid-life crisis, I promise.

forte!

getting into the spirit

torch relay - Port Moody, originally uploaded by ebbandflo_pomomama.

olympic flame carried thru Newport Village
... so we started the day (very early) with this .......
.... and ended late with this

three sutures in the wee guy's head

Chocolatt... from Belgium

This year for Valentine's Day I am giving my sweetheart (otherwise known as B) one pound of luxury chocolate from my favorite local chocolatier in Santa Monica, Chocolatt...from Belgium.



I love this tiny shop. Their delicious little chocolates are all imported from Belgium...



So much thought goes into the art and display. Their chocolates are unique and distinct looking. I imagine this is the sort of shop that Hercule Poirot would frequent...



I love supporting tiny, independent shops like this...



And I think B will be very pleased with his gift...

I would love to know... what are you getting your sweetheart for Valentine's day?



P.S.- On Valentine's Day I will be making a big announcement so check back soon! xoxo


Chocolatt... from Belgium is located at 12008 Wilshire Blvd in West Los Angeles. For more information, visit www.chocolatt.com

Sterling Minerals Company News and Updates!

Just A Tidbit Today

As we wind down the end of another week, I sit and enjoy my cup of early morning coffee and sigh with relief as the long, dark cold days are gradually giving way to sunnier and slightly longer ones.

I look forward to getting out in my yard and doing some gardening, riding my bike, enjoying warmer weather and throwing open all the windows in the house to get the fresh air blowing through. I love the winter during the holidays but once that is over, spring can't come soon enough.

Typically this time of year, my hubby and I are on a beach in Mexico during this month to escape the Idaho winters. This is us in Cancun at the crack of dawn...just couldn't wait to get out by the beach and revel in the sound of the pounding waves. But for the time being, he is a builder and owner of Dan Corkill Custom Homes, and after a long stint of waiting out the downturn in the housing market, he finally began a build job this month so of course this takes precedent over our desires. We are also very busy as well with so many new customers joining the Sterling Minerals Family. And if I think about it, we took off for reasons of relaxation and decompressing....uh.... we kind of have had plenty of that.

Literally though, my hubby has been on a 2 year vacation and is exhilarated to be back to work....as energetic as a man as he is, this down time was pure torture for him and made for an incredibly long stagnant period in his otherwise busy life. Fortunately, I was able to keep him busy helping me with my business and this turned us into a prosperous team. Finally now though, he is doing what he loves to do and that is building beautiful custom homes for his clients.

He has built every home we have lived in including our most current one to the right, and it is this homes' interior you see in most of my videos on YouTube.

2010 is so far shaping up to be a promising year all around and I hope it is for all of you as well!

Some Changes Are A Comin'

Beginning this month we will be working on creating new product photos, website layout, new features and other modifications and at times our site may look a bit unkempt, but it will not effect the performance of the shopping experience.

I am very excited about the new layout and the new product photos. They are just so much more vivid than the old...they literally pop off the page....love them. Eventually all images throughout the website will be replaced with updated ones.

We are excited to be working with Two Photography (take a tour by clicking on hypertext) which is now our official website photographer for all the new changes you will be seeing with our products. They have been wonderful in truly capturing the essence of our products and did a beautiful job with the Grecian Secret Body Souffle shoot. If you are looking for a great photographer since they also do all kinds of photography including weddings, then check them out at their website and view some of the beautiful examples within their portfolio....some of the new retouch techniques are exquisite and include making a photograph appear aged or bold and vibrant. The new photography techniques fascinate me.

New Eye Colors

We finally launched our new eye colors and they are gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. They are an example of the new product photography, and you'll see the intense color difference from the original eye shadows currently still up. These will gradually be replaced with all new images as well, similar to the new shades we just added.

The new eye colors are:

• Blue Moon
  
• Cream Latte
  
• Mocha Dream
• Pretty In Pink
• Whisper

We will be including these for a bit in our "Free Samples" offer for you when you return to purchase so everyone can experience these lustrous shades.

Also make sure you check out product descriptions since we list the eye colors that make lovely face color or act as a rich blush enhancement.

Lipsticks Back In Stock

We were out of stock of our darker lipsticks Raspberry Sorbet, Copper Spice, and our most popular Berries 'n Creme. We have finally restocked them for purchase. Sorry for the delay and thank you for your patience.

Remember, our lip colors are more than just lipsticks and glosses, but are actually quite healing for chapped or cracked lips. The richness of our butters and oils create smoothness unsurpassed. They are also vegan friendly and are Gluten Free.



A Little Tip About Our Website

We have updated the home page and our Media Zone page with the new Twitter experience. We are using Twitter and our FAN page on Facebook for fun business updates. These will be the places to check to see when we have some special offers or just for sharing a tidbit. So even if you don't want to join either one, you can still check into these sites through our website and see what the announcement of the day may be.

Links are available for you to connect directly on the home page, just scroll down toward the bottom and you'll find them there. Or for immediate access to our FAN page for those who are on RSS Feed or receive by email, you can access it here by clicking on article title going directly to our blog and it is located in right hand margin.

Well that is pretty much it for me this week...have a great weekend.

And to all of those dealing with the nasty winter storms back east, hope things don't get too difficult for you and your family. Be safe, dry and keep warm.

Cheers!

Midnight- Comme les Français

After I lived in Paris for a few months I started to learn the secrets of the city from the locals. Perhaps they waited to see if I was ‘worthy’ of being told the secrets or perhaps they had tried to tell me when I first got there but my French was so bad I didn’t understand what they were saying- either way I was grateful.

It was at one of Madame Bohemienne’s wild dinner parties where a few artsy types were the guests of honor, that I learned about the Louvre at Midnight.

“You haven’t heard about the Louvre at midnight?” they asked me astonished, as I had already been in Paris for a few months.

“Non!” I replied, leaning in over my coq au vin, “do tell!”

Well every so often (usually once a week- but one could never tell- and never really on the same day) a group of musicians played a free concert in the courtyard of the Louvre at midnight. It was spectacular- so special, so romantic! We had to go.

And go we did. I’m not sure how we found out what night they were playing as this wasn’t an advertised thing, but my friends and I, one crisp evening in early Spring, wandered into one of the courtyards of the Louvre and found a string quartet. Only a handful of people were scattered around the courtyard listening to the beautiful music. There were no chairs- people either sat on the edge of the fountain or on a blanket or scarf laid down on the floor.

The quartet played rapturously for about an hour- Mozart, Chopin, Brahms. I remember sitting there feeling so in the moment- so grateful that I was sitting under the stars in this beautiful city, by this beautiful building that held some of the world’s most important pieces of art in its walls, surrounded by friends and listening to this ‘secret concert’- and feeling that life was truly good, indeed…

I’m not sure if the secret concerts at the Louvre are still held at midnight, but if they are and you find yourself in Paris… allez, I tell you- allez…

wordless wednesday ; hiding behind ....

On my Grandmother- The Original Daily Connoisseur

I spent the past weekend visiting my grandmother in the stroke rehabilitation center. My grandmother has had a tough month. She had a heart attack and two weeks later, a stroke. She is 87 years old- so these sorts of things tend to happen at her age- as my family so aptly reminds me, but it still doesn’t make it easier.

I could easily describe my grandmother, you see, as the original Daily Connoisseur. She is a woman that does not take a moment of her life for granted. She drinks sparkling cider out of her finest crystal, drinks coffee (always black) out of her best china, watches the sunset every day she is able and has pie for breakfast whenever she feels like it. In short, this is a woman who knows how to live- and live well.

She has been like this as long as I have known her. That is why when I saw her for the first time after her stroke, I was in for a shock. The normally vibrant lady I was used to- who loved going to jazz concerts on Sundays (she has a more active social life than I do)- was lying on a bed in the rehabilitation center, looking tired and weak- the left side of her face, slightly collapsed. I observed a quiet moment of sadness within myself but did not want to show it to her.

After spending the day with her, however, I quickly found that her stroke was merely an annoyance- a bump in the road, and that her same spirit and sense of humor still prevailed. She was, after all, still wearing her trademark hot pink lipstick, bribing the male nurses with marshmallows and overall, being an incredibly good sport.

I was happy to tell my grandmother that I have just completed my first novel and I told her when it is published (notice I said ‘when’ and not ‘if’- I am using the power of positive thinking here people) I will dedicate it to her. But until then, I dedicate this blog to her- to my grandmother, Lila- the original daily connoisseur. She taught me that life is worth living- but only if you live it well. And for that, I could not be more grateful.

My grandmother and I are pictured above in a photo taken this past summer...

On Why We Don’t Use the Best Things We Have- Part 2

Last week, my post On Why We Don’t Use the Best Things We Have got an overwhelming response. So many of you could relate and we all asked ourselves the same question- Why do we do this? What are we saving our best for?

So to explore this question further- I’ve been using only my best of everything this past week and have jotted down some notes to document my experience. I have included the highlights of my observations below:

Monday- Wore my favorite Intimissimi pajamas in cotton taupe with aqua blue lace trim to bed. I have never worn these to bed before. I’ve only worn them when staying over at my in-laws’ house as they are my prettiest pajamas and they tend to impress! Wearing them at home feels great… kind of like the equivalent of jumping into a perfectly laundered, freshly made bed.

Wednesday- Walked Gatsby in my Hard Tail yoga pants, ballet top and hoodie (an outfit I usually reserve for hiking with girlfriends). Felt as though there were a spring in my step and for the first time in a while did not worry that I would run into somebody I know.

Thursday- Wore my favorite J Crew cashmere henley in heather grey for the second time this week. Normally would shy away from wearing something twice in one week but when it is high quality and is the nicest warm sweater I have- pourquoi pas? Allowing myself to wear something more than once a week also curbs my ridiculous desire to buy too many expensive things- I don’t need that much… quality over quantity.

Friday- Today I am lounging around the house. The cleaning lady canceled on me so I changed my plans, rolled up my sleeves and did it myself. I was wearing a favorite lightweight chocolate brown tunic by Alternative and normally would have changed into sweats to do the housework but as my husband and brother-in-law are here, decided to stay in my best- even when cleaning. After all, they have to look at me too!

There you have my somewhat random notes. I definitely sense a positive shift of feeling when I use the best things I have. By doing so I am telling myself that every day is special enough to treat myself to the best.

Have you been using the best things you have? I would love to hear your observations…


Roses on my dining room table are pictured above.

friday forte! - another morsel

It's time for another friday forte post - usually I write these up and edit thru the week but today I'm a little behind in my routine.

So to get things rolling, let's list some accomplishments for this week (ra ra).

• exercise - since my last forte post I've kept up the exercise though I did wimp out of cross country skiing on Saturday as it was raining. I've swum twice, fenced, visited the gym for a run thus logging about 2 miles and 1300m in distances covered! Feeling good, feeling lighter too :)
• childcare - fingers continually crossed but I have childcare for two events next week (including one sleepover!). Since not all my "work" can be fitted into school hours I really need reliable after hours sitters too. Life would be wayyyyyyy easier if all I did was during my period of "free" childminding at school but that's not how it works out. Anyway, evening pursuits get me out and about away from the husband permanently glued to his laptop (he asked me the same question twice one evening so I know he's not really paying attention even if I am in for the evening).
• "work" applications - I've sent off a couple of craft fair event registrations and am in the middle of making up jury packages for some B&M's (bricks and mortar aka shops) - wish me luck pls
  
  

In my last post I mentioned I was reading a book on 'dressing for your forties" - it's no joke! I really do need an image makeover (see above for my usual uniform - jeans, T shirt top, sensible hair ....) but just what does a 40+ y old SAHM wear? and how do I clothe this new bod of mine. The legacy of pregnancy/C-section/breastfeeding has been a bigger (droopier) bust, weight gain issues, a truly matronly upper body, thicker waist, facial wrinkles ..... in short, it's not the body I grew up with. And yes, I mentioned the 'm' word - matronly = guaranteed to strike fear into the heart of every (older) woman. Image does matter, even if you're stuck at home most of the time (well, it does to me).



Another volume I've devoured recently has been "What Your Clothes Say ABout You" by the very excellent Trinny and Susannah. I have been a huge fan of their image makeover advice ever since I (temporarily) ended up with 38G instead of 34A. They write sensibly, don't pull their punches and back it up with brilliant photos.



My clothing/style needs have certainly changed with the arrival of the Wee Guy into my life, but I've also aged. What was really 'hot' on a 30 year old postgrad now looks ridiculous. My arse is bigger and boobs even more so. I have wrinkles and grey hairs (amazingly curly ones too!). I can no longer rock short skirts and big boots without looking a total cougar (another horrifying word to the more mature). My slightly androgynous style of dressing looks horrific on my expanded bosom (the top shown above never tented forward with boobs when I first bought it many years ago), making me look like a shot-putter in drag. It's been a total journey of despair on some days.



And to cap it all, I'm meant to be a stylish jewelry designer, not a frump!



Well, I'm still working on it. I'm planning a very brutal wardrobe cull this week.

My one word of advice - bold patterns are your friend, and don't knock the shapewear!

(OK two words!)



forte!

Sterling Minerals Valentines Day Special Offer

A Gift To You Delivered Right To Your Mailbox!

Valentines Day is just around the corner and I wanted to show my appreciation to all my fabulous customers and regular subscribers by giving to you one of my truly favorite products you can enjoy on this day, or share with a loved one if you so choose.

For those of you who haven't had the opportunity to try our Grecian Secret Body Souffle, now is the time to indulge yourself and see why others have fallen in love with this cream. And for those who have, then this gift to you will allow you to experience the Aromatherapy sensation once again.....also an opportunity to try another scent.

This is an unadvertised special and is not posted on the website, but is only offered to my readers, subscribers to YouTube, Twitter, and my FAN page on Facebook.

What You Receive With Purchase

When you purchase any items from our store of a $100.00 or more, I will give to you Free a Full Size Jar of our Grecian Secret Body Souffle.

The Body Souffle comes in 4 different formulas: Unscented, Fresh Citrus, Exotic Ambiance and Garden Essence.

Each scent is wonderful and truly intoxicating, calming, invigorating and pleasant. The Aromatherapy blends are fragrantly soft and subtle without being overpowering since they do not possess artificial fragrances.

How To Receive Your Free Jar

Once you place an order, simply send us an email with your order ID number asking us to enclose your favorite choice of scent and that is all there is to it.

Another great component to this offer is, we will still give FREE shipping to all orders that exceed the $75.00 or more. This makes for a terrific savings all around. Never before have we offered such a unique opportunity to enjoy one of our shop favorites of pure luxury.

Rules and Restrictions Please Read Carefully

This special offer begins today and continues on for 5 days until February 9th, 2010 at 3 PM MST. This offer is only good for the days specified.

Except for Free shipping, all other free gifts we offer on a continuous basis are exempt from this offer. No other free gifts will be included with purchase unless you decide not to participate in this offer.

All requests with scent choice must be made to us by either phone or email once the order is placed. You will not see this offer within the cart at time of purchase.

This offer will not be automatically filled, the body souffle must be requested otherwise all other free gift offers will become the default of the pending order.

We must be notified immediately of your request since orders are processed in a timely manner. If order has already processed, then we will not be able to fulfill request, and we will not ship separately of original order. Carry overs to next order will not be available and body souffle will only be enclosed in orders made during the specified dates.

If a scent choice is not specified in the request, we will fill the order with one of our choosing. Due to time constraints, we will not be able to write back to verify which scent you would like, so please remember to specify your favorite scent.

There are no rain checks, this offer is only active during the dates specified.

All orders must meet the minimum purchase, excluding shipping fees. Limited to one body souffle per order.

Wishing Everyone A Wonderful Valentines Day

No time like the present to indulge yourself in this wildly exotic, refreshing body cream!

If you have been wanting to try this incredibly rich, lightly whipped cream, now is the perfect opportunity. This Body Souffle can be used on every body part, including the face for achieving a wonderfully soft and supple texture to the skin. Never greasy, only pure velvet touch to the skin.




Love All Of You and Have a Happy Valentines Day.