Valentine's Day Delights

Start your Valentine's Day beautifully! VS Body Shimmer & Angel Mist. Yves Saint Laurent Golden Lip Gloss

Just anticipating a romantic Valentine's Day can send your endorphins racing!  This year, set the mood for the evening to come with a few sensual fragrances and lip treats:


VS Dream Angels Heavenly Shimmer Mist a deliciously scented musk infused gel/mist that leaves a soft fragrance and light shimmery glow where ever you spray it.

YSL Golden Gloss Shimmering Lip Gloss is my absolute favorite.  Rich in vitamin E and botanical oils it gives your lips a 24K shine as it contains pure gold.

VS Dream Angels Desire Angel Mist has more of an alluring spicy scent.  Perfect for behind the knees and the decolletage.

Glossy Tint Lip Sheen and deliciously flavored Shiny Kiss in Manic Pink

Breakfast in Bed!
These are especially easy to make and clean up with these reusable silicone cup liners.  

Cranberry Walnut Breakfast Muffins.

 Cranberry Walnut Muffins Recipe

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup orange juice
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup cranberries or Craisins
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Whisk together wet ingredients in a separate bowl and set aside. Combine all the dry ingredients including the cranberries and walnuts in another bowl. Quickly fold the eggs, orange juice and vegetable oil into the dry ingredients. Batter should be lumpy, not over-mixed. Fill silicone cup liners to almost full and bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to rack cool and serve warm with apricot butter.

Hot Cocoa

Have a cup of hot cocoa with a dollop of organic coconut butter!

Get a healthy chocolate fix by adding a teaspoon of Nature's Approved Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil to a cup of Godiva Hot Cocoa. So delicious and much better for you than a box of assorted chocolates.
 
Delicious YOU!

VS Edible Body Icing in Midnight Chocolate. VS Flannel Night Shirt.

Don't forget the most delectable treat of all...you!  VS Edible Body Icing is the icing on the cake for a deliciously memorable Valentine's Day this year.

VS Sleepover Sleep Tee-Perfect for V-Day

Check out this fantastic upcoming Seminar:

Valentine's Day Fitness Makeover
Most of us start with good intentions to get fit but soon find ourselves overwhelmed with the commitment of time and effort.  Gain new and practical inspiration with tips and tricks from a women's health and fitness author and blogger on how to incorporate toning and calorie burning into your daily lifestyle.  Dr. Miczak will also discuss nutrition to help increase your metabolism even when you are not exercising.
Saturday February 16, 10am - noon
Fee & Code: $29 XHEAF
Brookdale Community College
765 Newman Springs Road
Lincroft, NJ 07738-1543
Info/Registration: 732-224-2315
Online Spring 2013 Business & Community Development Catalog & Registration  

Storm Logic Vest by ExOfficio

ExOfficio's Storm Logic Vest in Rosemary, Chica Cool Hoodie and Chaleur Boucle Flap Beanie in Thistle.  Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Wayfarers.

Wow, it is finally getting cold out here on the east coast!  Like most NYC/Metro chicks, I like to walk and bicycle everywhere. I love the cold weather so staying inside during the winter months is not an option, (another reason why I have snowshoes)!

The problem is when you're walking, hiking or biking but bundled up so tight that you can't move.  That doesn't work for me and I'm sure you've had the same experience.  That's why I was so excited to see my fave Storm Logic Primaloft Insulated Jacket remade into a cool vest!  Just like its big sister, the Storm Logic Vest packs down into it's own little travel pillow which makes it perfect to take on the train or plane.  Paired with this sweet Chaleur Boucle Flap Beanie I'm wearing, you're ready for skiing or a snowball fight, (maybe both).

The Chaleur Boucle Flap Beanie I'm Wearing

Chaleur Boucle Flap Beanie Details

• Boucle wool blend
• Cable details
• Ribbed along brim
• Ear flaps with braided tassel ties
• Lined with contrast-color Chenille
• Wrinkle resistant
• Thermal
• Sizes: One size

• Imported

Storm Logic Vest
You should invest in a vest!  One like the Storm Logic is very versatile and the soft lined collar and chin flap makes it so comfortable even when fully zipped up. Like most ExOfficio pieces, this vest is tricked out with zippered hand warmer pockets and an internal travel pocket system that gives you a place to stow your money, passport, boarding pass or train tickets.  This vest itself is not bulky and the arm holes are large enough to give you full freedom of motion. It really blocks the wind too. Dress it up, dress it down, this is probably the most versatile transitional piece of outerwear you'll ever own.

Storm Logic Vest Details

• Built-in stuff sack allows jacket to roll into adjustable travel pillow
• Microfleece-lined collar
• Lined chin flap to prevent zipper from rubbing
• Vertical front zippered security pocket
• Microfleece-lined security zip hand pockets
• Bungee cinch on bottom hem
• Internal travel pocket system
• Flattering stitch shaping
• Durable 20 Denier ripstop nylon shell
• Primaloft Sport insulation is warm even when wet
• Treated with Durable Water repellent (DWR) for water and stain resistance
• Quick drying
• High warmth to weight
• Windproof
• Convertible

My snowshoes, Smartwool socks and  Carve Designs Wynter Scarf

Easy Delicious Cheddar Broccoli Chicken

Cheddar Broccoli Chicken is an easy one pan dish. Mauviel M' Stone Non Stick Frying Pan

Here is an easy one pan recipe that is loaded with flavor, protein and antioxidants.  Made all the easier when prepared in non-stick cookware, place it on a table trivet and serve right from the pan.

EASY DELICIOUS CHEDDAR BROCCOLI CHICKEN

2 Medium Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
1 cup Broccoli Florets
1 tbsp chopped Green Pepper
1 Fire Roasted Red Pepper
2 tbsp Chopped Yellow Onion
1 tbsp Minced Garlic
1 tsp Essence of Emeril
2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 tbsp Unbleached Flour for Dredging Chicken
4 cups of Wide Egg Noodles
1/4 cup Augie Foods Cheddar Broccoli Soup Mix

Saute onion, garlic, broccoli and peppers in the olive oil while adding flour dredged sliced chicken breasts.  Parboil your egg noodles in another pot. Once chicken breasts are golden brown add 1/4 cup of Cheddar Broccoli Soup Mix and 1 cup of water to the pan.  Stir and add drained egg noodles.  Allow to simmer to fully cook the chicken, egg noodles and thicken broth.  The secret is the Cheddar Broccoli Soup mix.  It is made with natural white wine flavor so there's no need to add it to the pan.

Serves 4 hearty appetites, this is one of my family's favorites. 

Augie Foods Cheddar Broccoli Soup Mix can be served as a soup or added to other dishes and casseroles for extra flavor and nutrition.  Keeps on the shelf for 20 years it is perfect for camping and backpacking.

 

The Flu Fighters

Flu Season Line of Defense: Hand Sanitizer & Rainbow Light Mushroom Therapy

Sounds like the band, The Foo Fighters!  Flu season is here and is already wrecking havoc in the lower southern states in the US.  Worldwide, the flu (short for influenza) costs billions of dollars a year in lost wages and sick days. While most may not end up in the hospital, elderly people and those with compromised immune systems are at risk of serious complications and even death.

I think one of the best plans is a preventative one.  Here are some cutting edge ideas to keep you healthy this flu season:

Vitamin C: This important vitamin works by strengthening your cellular walls.  If you are prone to bruising or your gums bleed easily, you probably could use some extra vitamin C. You can take between 500 to 1,000 mgs a day in divided doses.  You can only absorb about 500 mgs at a time so you might want to skip taking any more than that at one sitting. You might also want to try a buffered vitamin C like Ester-C.  Unlike straight ascorbic acid, the buffered version won't over-acidify your tissues and urine.

Mushroom Supplements: Organic mushroom supplements are really hot right now as this common fungi are known to strengthen the immune system, fight infections and even cancer cells. The one I recommend is made with several organic mushrooms and ginger. Rainbow Light Certified Organics Mushroom Therapy has: Trametes - Shitake - Maitake - Reishi - Cordyceps. 1 capsule per day is all you need but I also enjoy lots of marinated mushrooms on my salad!

Hand Sanitizers: I keep one of these in each handbag in case I want to stop and eat something while I'm out. Sort of like washing your hands on the fly. They come in all sorts of scents but choose one like mine that kills 99.9% of germs.  The Essence of Beauty Citrus Coconut Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer pictured above has little moisture beads.  The Bath & Body Works PocketBac Anti-bacterial Hand Gel is called Lunch Box and smells like a Honey Pretzel. I guess it would be perfect for a lunch box.  Hand sanitizers not only work on your hands but on other suspect surfaces such as handles and water fountains.

You can also use a hand sanitizer to clean the spigot of a public water fountain before use.

Flu Shots: A seasonal flu shot can be obtained at your doctor's office or at a local drug store chain like CVS, Walgreens, etc. and will run between $28 - $30. You don't need an appointment but each year the flu shot is made up of 3 of the most common flu strains expected to hit the population.  This means that you have only a 30% less chance of getting the particular flu bug that's hovering around your area. If you do decide to get a flu shot, ask around about the new trans-dermal needle that only penetrates the upper layers of the skin. It is less painful and will not leave your arm aching like the old school inter-muscular shots.

If you are traveling, you can sanitize water from public fountains with a Purificup. It kills 99.9% of bacteria in your water.

Water & Air Sanitizers: If you have a daily multivitamin protocol, definitely keep up with it during the flu season. If I'm traveling, I take along a small Ozium Spray Air Sanitizer and a Purificup Portable Water Filtration System. You never know when you might need to use a public water fountain and using a water filter that kills 99.9% of water-borne bacteria gives me peace of mind as well as pure water.
For more help and advice on healthy living and natural solutions do check out, The New Woman's Herbal & Nutritional Guide available at Amazon.com.

Easy & Delicious Holiday Treats

Entertaining for the Holidays? No need to panic! Our video above gives you lots of all time favorites and crowd pleasers. Here are a few that you can make ahead of time, chill and serve on festive platters. Easy to make, these always go over big:

1.) Deviled Eggs - These always fly at my house and are easy to make. Just hard boil your eggs, peel and split while scooping out the yolks. Mash the yolks with a bit of sweet pickle relish, mayonnaise, Hungarian paprika & Dijon mustard. Stuff the boiled egg whites with this creamy mixture and top with extra paprika.

2.) Oysters on a Half Shell - Be sure to get a good Oyster Knife (try Sur la Table) and check out our article on how to open & serve raw oysters under Shore Delights.  We enjoy fresh, salt water Sewansecotts from H. M. Terry in Virginia. Slightly steamed or raw, they are plump with a delicate liquor that reminds you of fresh sea water.

3.) Fresh Baked Raisin Bread - This is a variation of your basic sandwich loaf only with a bit of brown sugar, 1 cup of raisins and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon added. Most bread machines will alert when you can add the raisins or other dried fruits. Slice and leave out with a tub of softened butter and chutney. 

4.) Raw Nuts - We used to have a big bowl of walnuts, almonds, filberts, Brazil nuts and pecans set out during the holidays. Add a festive wooden soldier nutcracker to that extra touch. 

5.) Bacon Wrapped Dates - These are so good! Get the bigger Medjool dates and wrap each one with a small section of sliced, smoked bacon. Secure with a toothpick. Bake in the oven on a cookie sheet at 350 degrees until the bacon in crispy. 

6.) Dark & Milk Chocolates - You can have anything from Hershey's Kisses to Godiva Truffles, depending on your tastes. Fill the bowls and watch them disappear! 

And for the Main Course...
You can slice your turkey, roast beef or ham ahead of time and cover with gravy and/sauce to keep it moist. You can keep your main course and hot entrees warm in foil pans with Sterno cans underneath. 
What I've done is used an electric griddle set on low to help keep my casseroles warm. I like to use Pyrex and Mauviel Cookware because it can be used on the stove, oven and then go on to serve buffet style.

Winter Performances by The Ice Theatre of New York

Winter Holiday Skating Celebration at Riverbank State Park

Photo by Darial Sneed

This coming Saturday, December 8 at 4PM, Ice Theatre of New York will present its annual free Winter Holiday Skating Celebration at the rink at Riverbank State Park in Harlem.

The company will present its "Winter Suite," choreographed by Ice Theatre's Artistic Director and renowned ice choreographer, Douglas Webster. Seven-time British Ice Dance Champions and European Bronze Medalists Sinead & John Kerr will perform the duet.

The show will also feature performances by a synchronized skating team from Figure Skating in Harlem and performances by young apprentices. The performance will conclude with the lighting of the Christmas Tree by local dignitaries. (Program subject to change).

The volunteers from Starbucks Community Service will serve free hot chocolate to the audience. This concert is part of Ice Theatre of New York’s Outreach and Education Programming and is given to the community free of charge.

Holiday Travel Tips

Packing for a trip this holiday season?  Don't forget these hot new travel essentials!

I just LOVE the holiday season!  Visiting with friends and family are what this time of year is all about.  If you are fortunate enough to be invited over for a meal and/or extended stay, here are a few things you can pack to help make your visit extra comfy.  If you enjoy taking your holiday vacation away from home or a tropical cruise, these ideas will work there too.  (Tip: Many of these items also make great gifts for the "jet-setter" on your list!  Could that be YOU?)

Flying or vacationing in a tropical location for the holidays?  Remember to bring your sunscreen!

Aside from packing those specific occasional clothes for the beach, a holiday party or family dinner, (think "photo opportunities"), consider other things you should include to help you be extra relaxed while on your trip.

Here is a short-list of items to bring along to help prevent stress, illness and basically to avoid having a bad time:

First-Aid Travel Kit 
I like the Smart Travel by Adventure Medical Kits pictured here.  It has all of the medications you could possibly need plus a full array of motion sickness meds, wound care, bandages, tweezers, a mini blister kit plus emergency clothing repair and more.  Insightfully put together, and VERY well organized, it contains most everything to deal with aliments and issues common to travelers.  Comes with a concise traveler's first-aid booklet and a Visual Communication Tool describing a number of emergency and health related conditions in various languages. The kit can be personalized to include other medications you're on and takes up about as much space as a romance novel but will be much more useful.

Portable Tap Water Purifier
Sometimes you may find yourself traveling to different countries or simply a different state within the U.S.  If you are staying at a hotel, room service may leave a few bottles of sparking water in the fridge but when that runs out, you'll need to purchase more. I know from experience that hotel tap water is absolutely horrible and it isn't improved by making tea or coffee either!  Why hassle with all that?  I pack a Purificup Water Filter for Tap Water. There’s no need for boiling water after it is filtered and each filter provides up to 24 gallons (330 cups) of pure water anywhere you are, including your hotel room, airport and train station's public water fountains.

Travel Buddies: Purificup, Smart Travel Medical Kit, Aurora Magnesium Fire Starter & British Army Knife. (The last two items SHOULD NOT be brought to an airport due to security restrictions.)

Air Sanitizer or Disinfectant Spray
I like this Ozium Glycol-ized Air Sanitizer for its portable 0.8 oz size. It is specifically made for use in public buildings and hotels among other germy places.  It effectively removes airborne bacteria, smoke and dispels odors.  Really hotels and motels, (even many luxury ones) are some of the most heavily trafficked places on earth.  I spray my room with this stuff and hope for the best!

Multiple Vitamins  
Even if you don't usually take a multiple vitamin, consider bringing them along when you travel.  Your body will be super-stressed by changes in climate, running to make your connection and sometimes unfamiliar cuisine while being exposed to all sorts of pathogens you're not accustomed to.  Try to get quick release capsules like these Organic Multiples by Rainbow Light. They are easier to digest than hard tablets and stomach upset is the last thing you need while traveling. Since bringing them along, I no longer bring back a cold when I return from vacation.

Foot Warmers
You can bring that favorite pair of wool socks, bunny slippers or something even more high tech and soothing like these Hot Booties! These puffy slippers are filled with linseed and lavender.  Pop them in the microwave for under 90 secs and enjoy a warm, soothing spa quality tootsie treat. Perfect after a day of walking through the airport or train station.  It has been found that keeping your feet warm DOES help fight the onset of colds or at least secumming to them.  See?  Mom was right.

Travel Sheets 
When we went on our cabin vacation this year, I brought along these very luxurious Silk + Cotton Sheets by Sea to Summit.  Also called Travel Liners, you can place them between yourself and the hotel sheets for extra comfort. Talk about soft!  Mist them with a bit lavender oil for the ultimate relaxing sleep experience, no matter where you land. This set has a built in pillow case cover and the whole thing packs into a tiny travel case the size of a digital camera.

Travel Blazer & Scarf
I like this elegant women's Go There Travel Blazer by ExOfficio. ExOfficio is indisputably the "travel expert" when it comes to clothing and gear for foraying abroad or anywhere else the wind takes you.  The Go-There Blazer, kind of reminds me of a "boyfriend blazer" but is stylishly crafted from a drirelease® french terry, a functional combination of fashion and comfort. This travel friendly blazer wicks moisture, stays fresh, and dries quickly. Security zip pockets keep small essentials safe. A slight stretch in the fabric keeps the tailored silhouette comfortable, so you can pack it, take it out, wear it and look great.  If you want to wear it in transit, it is not too thick or bulky to interfere with your seat comfort. 
A Chic, Plushy Scarf in an animal print can double as a seat cover, rain or wind hood for your hair or just when you need a little extra warmth around the neck when disembarking.

Now boarding!  ExOfficio's Go There Travel Blazer paired with a silk blouse.  Easy style!

Travel mavens often recommend wearing a blazer when boarding aircraft. Why? Well, if the flight is overbooked, (as most times they are), people wearing more business like attire are less likely to get "bumped". It may sound outlandish, but this is what all airlines do. Dress smart and you might even get upgraded to first-class!  "Why Look Like a Slob When Traveling?"

Warm Travel Skirt & Leggings
Along the same line of thought as the umbiquitious travel blazer, why travel in jeans when you can be warm AND stylish in a skirt and tights?  One of the warmest, softest and toughest pieces I own is a Merino Wool Smartwool Sanitas Skirt. It has an elastic waistband so need to wear a belt that will only need be removed before passing through the airport security scanners. Pair it with a their Mirrored Footless Tights and you're set.  I even wear this skirt & leggings combo on my bicycle and am warm and comfy. If you are vacationing in a country that uses bicycles or Vespas, you'll be totally ready,  The ultimate travel package! 

Holiday shopping in Smartwool's Sanitas Merino Wool Travel Skirt

A Folding Bicycle
Don't laugh!  I've packed my little alloy Greenzone Folding Bike on a train and road it on the NYC Bike Path downtown to Chelsea Piers.  If you are traveling by car or RV it fits easily in a trunk.  Comes with its own carry bag too so you can take on board a ship and keep it with you in your cabin.  Now THIS is the way to tour the island once your cruise ship docks!

Greenzone Folding Bike goes anywhere, even on your  holiday cruise!

The Wrap
All of these tips can help you while enroute and once you arrive at your travel destination. A pair of velvet flats looks extra chic with opaque tights and are comfortable to walk in. Everything here will fit in a small suitcase or your carry-on luggage for the overhead bin above your airplane or train seat. By packing strategically, I've never had to check my luggage or had it lost. Everything I need stays with me during the flight for easy access. Dress like you mean business. Travel agents, attendants, security all respond favorably to someone who is well put together and you might even land yourself a seat upgrade.

Remember to pack wrinkle proof shirts like this 3/4 sleeve top and forget the in-room iron!