Taking Care

 2020 has been the year of many things, but putting our health first may be at the top of that list. Not one, but two vaccines are here,  and hopefully getting one, will be a life-changer. In the meantime, we still need to think proactively about boosting our immunity and taking  precautions to avoid Covid-19. "It's not over 'til the fat lady sings..." 

                                 

We need to acknowledge the link between stress and immunity. Think about what you can do to lower your stress to stay healthy. Boost your immune system by adding more magnesium to your diet. There is a link between low magnesium and depression. Magnesium can hep suppress the release of stress hormones like cortisol. You can get magnesium in nuts,seeds,legumes, fortified cereals, spinach and other leafy, green veggies, milk and yogurt.

Exercise is another stress reliever. Whether you choose yoga, pilates, strength- training,biking, tennis, golf, running or walking - just move your body in a way that feels good to you so you can stick with it. Variety is especially good. If you haven't heard already, Peloton has an app for a wide selection of workouts that you do with your laptop,phone or even on your big screen tv with great instructors and you don't need a bike to sign up for the app! Better yet, if you have a Chase Sapphire card you can get credits to pay for the Peloton app. You Tube also has great workout options for free.

                            

Prioritize sleep. Not getting enough sleep has a negative impact on your immune system. Seven or eight hours of sleep each night is best. For quality sleep, cut back on screen time 2 hours before and try a bath, reading or meditating instead.

Now is not yet the time to let up on the protocols we've been practicing the past 9 months.Wash your hands frequently. Try not to touch your face often. WEAR YOUR MASK. Maintain social distancing and avoid large groups. We've come this far, with most of us staying healthy, keep using good judgement, don't let your guard down and stay safe. The sacrifice now will make a difference for all of our futures.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a happy and healthy new year!

This is the second time in its 20-year run that Pantone picked two shades — the first in 2016, with Rose Quartz and Serenity blended together in the form of a gradient. Now, the color pairing goes boldly in two separate directions, starting with with Ultimate Gray — the natural, durable shade that also feels a bit weathered, like a rocky cliff or pebbles on a beach. Then comes Illuminating, a lemony-yellow hue that casts light, positivity, and visibility on everything in its path. Together, the shades reconcile a sense of strength, as forged over the past several months, with our hopes for an auspicious future. In the Institute's words: "The combination ... is aspirational and gives us hope. We need to feel that everything is going to get brighter — this is essential to the human spirit," the Pantone site reads.

Pumpkin Pleasers

 It's that time of the year when pumpkin is everywhere! From pumpkin lattes to cheesecake and donuts and bagels- the edible choices abound! The world of beauty and skin care is no exception to the influence of the orange gourd. On top of it's seasonal appeal, the plant is a rich in antioxidants, amino acids and Vitamins A & E.

Check out these seasonal choices-

For anyone looking for smoother, younger, more radiant skin this Peter Thomas Roth mask will will exfoliate, peel and polish your skin with alpha hydroxy acid and pumpkin enzyme. $42

Another 3-in-1 product,  Philosophy's Pumpkin Icing is a shampoo, body gel and bubble bath to get you in the holiday spirit. It's gentle enough for everyday, $20

Eminence's Pumpkin Latte mask is a soothing puree of pumpkin, avocado oil and pineapple pulp that will soften and nourish. $52

Vered's Organic Botanical's Eye Treatment Oil rolls on to help diminish fine lines, dark circles and puffiness with a blend of pumpkin oils, marshmallow root extract and vanilla bean. $78

 

Along with the cooler fall weather comes chapped lips. Burt's Bees has always made great lip balms and this one is guaranteed to get you in the pumpkin mood without going without investing too much $3.

This rich Pumpkin Body Butter from the Sephora Collection is hydrating for dry skin. It gets 4 stars and has a subtle yet delicious scent. $6

This resurfacing and exfoliating mask from Bliss is packed with essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to help stimulate your skin's renewal process for refined texture and glowy skin. $15

Here's another pumpkin product for your hair and the best buy on the list! This 100% Pumpkin Seed Oil from Shea Moisture promises to add moisture to your dry, dehydrated hairWith added Vitamins A,E and F, you can use it on dry skin in the shower also. $5

This best-selling cleanser and make-up remover from One Love Organics includes pumpkin oil as a key ingredient. It includes Vitamin E to protect against environmental stressors. $42

Even though it's not orange, this Kypris Moonlight Catalyst Refine & Renew Fa, herbal alternative to retinoids and if used nightly, promises a morning glow. A few drops go a long way. $98

It's fun to mix up your routine both for your skincare and to get in the holiday spirit!

 

October is Breast Cancer Month

 The good news is breast cancer mortality has declined 40% since 1989 due to increased awareness, early detection and treatment methods. The bad new is about 270,000 women and men in the US and over 2 million women and men around the world are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.  An estimated 600,000 people around the world died from breast cancer last year. We need to continue to help fund research, education and direct help to those facing breast cancer. Donating to Susan G Komen for the Cure is an effective way to help fight this cancer as they lead the way in this fight. Participating in races and walks and events is another way to support this cause. And a number of retailers, companies and more give you the opportunity to shop for a cure. 

Here's some of my favorites-

Join our Fight 17 oz. Copper Vacuum Insulated Bottle - Rose Gold

Stay hydrated with this stylish rose gold bottle that will keep both hot and cold beverages at your desired temperature for hours. 100% of ShopKomen proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen's mission to prevent and cure breast cancer.  Every dollar you spend helps save a life.

Price: $25.00

Sale Price: $20.00

60% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Chardonnay  $25

IT STARTS WITH AWARENESS

These Special Edition Pink 14K cans commemorate the fight against breast cancer. By purchasing these cans, you’re helping to spread that awareness and kickstart the conversations necessary to understanding more. Check out our organic wines for your health

                                            www.scoutandcellar.com/melissarosen

100% of the proceeds from the purchase of the next four products will go to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation through 10/31. Purchase them through Gilt.com and get a $10 Gilt certificate, too.

Patrick Ta Monochrome Moment Precision Lip Crayon in She's Strong

One-hundred percent of proceeds from purchases of Patrick Ta's Monochrome Moment Precision Lip Crayon in She's Strong will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation throughout the month of October. The aptly named She's Strong shade is a neutral almond that can be worn either alone (shout-out to its precision tip) or before lipstick application to prevent color from fading and feathering.

$26 (Shop Now)

Baby Foot Foot Peel Limited-Edition Pink Ribbon Box

Baby Foot is the original foot peel and the limited-edition Pink Ribbon Box is an excellent place to start if you've never experienced the brand's callus-smoothing effects. Throughout October, Baby Foot is donating $1 for every Pink Ribbon Box sold through the brand's site to the American Cancer Society.

$25 (Shop Now)

Vera Bradley Cotton Face Masks in Felicity Paisley and Felicity Paisley Pink

Get ready to add to your ever-growing collection of face coverings, because Vera Bradley is releasing a limited-edition set of Cotton Face Masks in Felicity Paisley and Felicity Paisley Pink prints. From now through the end of the year, 100 percent of mask proceeds will be donated to the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer. It's a given we'll be wearing masks for the foreseeable future, so we might as well look cute while staying safe and healthy

$25 for the set (Shop Now)

Lulu Dharma Dusty Pink Napa Vegan Leather Tote

During the month of October, Lulu Dharma is donating 30 percent of proceeds of select pink handbags to the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, which "drives collaborative, cutting-edge research with nontraditional partners" and aims to improve the lives of impacted people through empowering education and advocacy. 

One of the handbags happens to be one of Oprah's Favorite Things, the Dusty Pink Napa Vegan Leather Tote (pictured above).

$69 to $95 (Shop Now)

The Better Skin Co. For All Glow Primer/Beauty Oil

The Better Skin Co. For All Glow Primer/Beauty Oil is the hydrating pre-makeup step your skin needs. It's packed with vitamin E and sunflower seed oil to seal in moisture, as well as rosehip seed oil to create a smooth canvas for makeup (or just a glowy complexion sans makeup). This new launch only gets sweeter because, for the month of October, 100 percent of the proceeds from its sales will go to Hello Gorgeous, a nonprofit that provides complimentary, professional makeovers and cosmetic education to women fighting all types of cancer.

$28 (Shop Now)

Jiggy Boobs Puzzle

Rejoice, puzzle lovers! 20 percent of proceeds from Jiggy's Boobs puzzle will be donated to BCRF and "select other partners."  Like the other artisan-designed puzzles, this one comes in a reusable glass jar and includes a tube of puzzle glue and a straight-edge tool to spread the glue, so you can preserve and potentially frame your masterpiece. (Or you can keep things loose to redo whenever the mood strikes.)

$40 (Shop Now)

Each & Every Rose & Vanilla Deodorant

Each & Every is donating 100 percent of proceeds from its sweet-smelling, aluminum-free Rose & Vanilla Natural Deodorant (up to $5,000) to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, which is a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for breast cancer early detection, education, and support services. 

$15 (Shop Now)

Stella & Dot Crush It Beauty Bag

Twenty percent of proceeds from the Stella & Dot Crush It Beauty Bag (and the Adjustable Stella Strap also pictured but sold separately) will go to Bright Pink. It's the perfect makeup bag with a lip-print and has five brush slots built into the bottom zippered compartment.

There are a ton of products across Stella & Dot brands (Ever, Keep, and Stella & Dot) that are giving back to Bright Pink throughout October, so check out the entire collection at the "Shop for a Cause" page.

$42 (Shop Now)

As you can see, there are a lot of ways to shop and support a variety of Breast Cancer organizations that fund everything from research to education and awareness, to medical assistance to those in need and post procedure care to survivors and their families.

I urge you to find a way to join the fight,

sources- Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Gilt.com, Allure magaazine

 

Covid 19 Reeks Havoc on Retail and Fashion

 The Covid 19 pandemic has been particularly tough on the fashion industry, with sales down across the board. Some, like J.Crew and Neiman Marcus, declared bankruptcy, or Chapter 11, which typically means they're hoping some financial restructuring or a new investor could ultimately help them stay in business if they're lucky.

True Religion, one of the first super trendy denim brands, filed for bankruptcy for the second time in three years on April 13. It hopes to explore a sale or restructuring. 

 Nordstrom Inc., which bought a majority stake in the luxury boutique Jeffrey in 2005, has decided to permanently close all Jeffrey locations, as well as 16 Nordstrom stores due to effects of the pandemic. 

After 30 years in business, Los Angeles-based denim label Lucky Brand filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection .

 Brooks Brothers filed for bankruptcy, following months of financial troubles exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. They are in the process "of identifying the right owner, or owners, to lead our iconic Brooks Brothers brand into the future."

 At the end of August, weeks after its parent company declared bankruptcy, Lord & Taylor announced it was going out of business.It was the first department store ever established in the U.S.

 Ascena Retail Group, which owns Ann Taylor, Loft and Lane Bryant and Justice has filed Chapter 11 but anticipates coming out a "stronger company" after the pandemic.

 Remaining optimistic they can weather the effects of Covid 19, Men's Warehouse and JoS A Bank still have filed Chapter 11. 

Stein Mart has filed for bankruptcy protection and plans to close most, if not all their stores.

Rent the Runway will not be re-opening it's retail stores and will return to a strictly online presence.

Century 21 was able to come back after 9/11, but announced this month it will be going out of business and will close 13 stores across the US. The effects of Covid and the lack of support from their insurers made it impossible for them to move forward.

NY Fashion Week was very pared down and very virtual 2 weeks ago. There were very few shows and no celebrities in the front rows. Most designers and brands went digital- livestreams, videos and lookbooks rather than traditional runway shows. Designers will continue to release their Spring 2021 collections through October virtually. The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) launched RUNWAY360 earlier this month, a digital platform to support designers.

"In a year during which the American fashion industry is going through unprecedented challenges, the CFDA has developed this multimedia industry resource to support designers and further its mission of strengthening the impact of American fashion in the global economy."

Jason Wu and Rebecca Minkoff hosted live, outdoor shows, adapting to the new rules of social distancing. 60 other designers used the new RUNWAY360 platform to stream their shows. While some of the very big names opted not to show on the runway at all. The videos may have given designers a more personal way to express themselves and promote social causes.

You can create an account on the CFDA site to watch the videos from the different designers' streamed shows. https://cfda.com/programs/designers/nyfw or you can check out Vogue's report on Spring 2021 by clicking on the individual designers on the Fashion Week calendar-https://www.vogue.com/article/new-york-fashion-week-spring-2021-calendar. The takeaway for Spring 2021 clothes from the designers' videos is a trend for wearable, more comfortable, fun pieces found in vibrant colors, floral prints, volume, soft suiting and "cool" shapes.

Are you ready to get excited about shopping and getting dressed again?

Share your thoughts-

The Next Must Have Accessory

  Mask & top from Superbe

Masks have been part of traditional and ceremonial dress since the beginning of civilization. More recently masks have been employed in pop culture. Outlaws have worn them- think Zorro or bank robbers. But this summer, masks may become a "must have" on a whole new level! Many brands and designers have picked up the opportunity to make and design fashionable masks for social and health reasons and most are also donating them to healthcare workers.

Female politicians have been appearing in business suits or dresses with color- coordinated hygienic masks and scarves. They are setting a socially responsible and stylish example.  Billie Eilish wore a Gucci face-covering, coordinated with her outfit to the Grammys before the pandemic hit the US. Designer Marine Serre used them in her Spring 2020 Paris Fashion Week show, both as a statement against pollution and the onset of the coronavirus. Masks may even help celebrities blend in to avoid paparazzi!

It looks like masks will be with us for awhile to help from spreading the virus and to keep us from touching our faces, so why not have some fun with them? There are so many beautiful, fun and original choices now. Cloth masks are best for civilians. Many of those making these masks below and donating one or more for every one sold. Check the websites for more info.

 Etsy is all about masks right now and offers diverse choices. Here's a few-

I love some designer and common brand ones also.

Disney Star Wars                           Alice and Olivia

Johnny Was

     Old Navy                                     Rag and Bone

                St John                                         8 Other Reasons

  Gucci

Most of us have been wearing hygienic face masks for weeks, and many of us don’t do it correctly. Important facts to remember-

• Even surgical masks don’t guarantee complete protection. You wear a mask to protect others, not yourself
• Don’t touch your mask once in place
• Don’t wear your mask on your chin or on your forehead
• Wash your hands before putting on your mask and after removing it
• Pull off the mask by the elastic or ties, not by touching the front
• Wear a mask for 4 hours maximum
• Wash your cloth face covering in hot water regularly
• And of course, discard your disposable masks in the proper receptacles, and remember to wash your hands often.

As things let up, please stay safe and use common sense :)

It's a Good Time to Try Something New

This breathable sneaker from Brazil is getting a lot of buzz

Cariuma IBI Off-White Knit Sneaker
These eco-friendly kicks are almost as comfy as slippers. 

Plus, the extra support will do wonders for your back.The sneakers are knit 

from self-regenerating bamboo & recycled plastics from heel to toe. 

This one is high performance, low impact and ultra lightweight. A nice addition
to all the walks you've added to your routine.Wearing IBI, "you’ll be lighter
 on your feet and leave behind a smaller footprint."

$98 at cariuma.com

Maintaining your skin care regime- or starting and sticking to a new one, 

while sheltering at home is important. Using products that are good/safe for you

 and the environment are a win-win. Beautycounter takes this challenge seriously.

Over 1,800 common, yet harmful, ingredients are never used in their products.

They partner with scientists to use safer ingredients without sacrificing effectiveness

of the skincare or the beauty factor in the cosmetics. If you are are out walking more

during the pandemic. you need to be using sun protection.  Countersun has you covered. Formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, this mist sits on top of the skin and

 bounces the sun’s rays away from the skin. (Plus, it’s air-powered—no aerosol!) 

Counter+All Bright C Serum is an ultra-potent 10% blend of two forms of vitamin C instantly brightening skin and reducing the appearance of existing dark spots, while antioxidant-rich turmeric and camu camu extracts help protect against new ones. The formula also helps defend skin from the damaging effects of environmental stressors.

http://www.beautycounter.com/juliemorales1

These uncertain and stressful times call for wine. What could be easier than ordering
 wine online, especially wine that's good for you??!! Scout and Cellar has done just
 that- they are on a mission to disrupt the wine industry to do better for you and better 
for the planet. "Going beyond organic, their Clean-Crafted™ wine is always free from synthetic pesticides and chemical additives and sweeteners. They partner with growers
 and family-owned farms to create delicious wine that's better on the vine, in the bottle, 
and in your glass." From bubbly whites to rich reds and around most the globe, 
you'll find wine to love. Added bonus- less sweeteners=less calories :)

 www.scoutandcellar.com/melissarosen

    

                                                    

When was the last time you got dressed in anything besides athleisure or sweats?

You do know you still need to wear a bra, right?!  Make it a comfy yet supportive one. 
True&Co. is a newer brand that promises a smooth, strong and supportive fit,
no matter what your size. Others worth checking out include Gap, Wacoal, Soma
and Warners.
https://trueandco.com/products/?category=bras&style%5B%5D=wireless



You are feeling a little bored and restless- perfect time to binge some new shows.
And a good reason to stay up later and maybe sleep a little later, too:) A good
friend recommended this Australian show- took a few episodes for us, but it is so
addictive! Both fans of English period shows ( The Crown, Downton Abbey)
and lavish American soaps (Dynasty, Dallas) will get into this 6 season,
well-acted irresistible saga. Acorn TV ( through Amazon Prime)

                                                                  

Why not try mixing it up a bit with this high protein quinoa pizza?
It's only 5 ingredients and high in fiber and iron besides protein.
It will be less soggy than your cauliflower crust if you are watching carbs also.
Load it up with veggies or a favorite protein and it's a healthy meal.
get the recipe here-
 https://www.wellandgood.com/good-food/quinoa-pizza-crust-recipe/
By the way, Well and Good is a great site for loads of practical info.

Stay well- stay safe- take it cautiously out there. We're by no means out of the woods.