Masterclass with j.f. lazartigue: Luxury Products for Hair and Scalp: Masks, Serums, Massage Gel

I recently attended a masterclass for j.f. lazartigue, led by Mary Pergola, National Sales Director.  The luxury French brand was founded in 1976 by Mr. Jean-Francois Lazartigue, one of the most renowned hair care specialists.  Their products are great for over processed and damaged hair caused by oxidation color, perms, straightening, ironing, or even daily blow-drying.  Mary, who has worked with Mr. Lazartigue for 18 years, is an expert on diagnosing hair and scalp.  I learned a lot in the class about maintaining healthy hair and scalp.

One of the interesting products I learned about was the Oily Scalp Treatment Pre-Shampoo Massage Gel for Deep Cleansing ($47).  Mary told us that since the scalp is just the extension of our facial skin, we should be treating it the same way.  The Massage Gel is an exfoliant that can be used weekly and is great for oily or dandruff prone scalps.

Brazilian Steakhouse: Texas de Brazil Upper East Side NYC

I was recently invited for a complimentary dinner with a guest at Texas de Brazil, located on 1011 3rd Avenue at 60th Street.  I have fond memories of visiting Rio de Janeiro and eating at a churrascaria while sipping capairinhas, so I was looking forward to the experience.  

The space was really large with 2 levels.  We waited by the  bar on the ground floor for a few minutes before being escorted to the 2nd floor where the salad bar is located.   The salad bar had a solid offering of fresh salad, fruit, cold cuts, potato salad, artichoke heart, palm hearts, asparagus.  There was also soup, cocktail shrimp, seared tuna, smoked salmon, and a small selection of sushi or California rolls (which I didn't try since I was saving room for meat!).

We were given the choice of either the house wine or a cocktail.  Our waitress told us the most popular cocktail is the capairinha, which is Brazil's national cocktail, made with cachaça (sugar cane hard liquor), sugar and lime. I chose the regular capairinha, while my friend chose the coconut one.  Both were delicious!  I was pleasantly surprised by the capairinha (I hadn't had a good one since I visited Brazil) which was tasty and refreshing. It was just the right blend of tartness and sweetness.  

The Organic Pharmacy Cocktail Launch of Beauty Drops

I recently visited The Organic Pharmacy located at 353 Bleeker Street for their Organic Cocktail Launch. I was excited to learn about the London based company, which was founded by Margo Marrone, a pharmacist with a background specializing in herbal medicine and nutrition. Marrone was shocked about the level of toxins in our food and cosmetics and decided to start the brand with her husband Franco. I'm a big fan of organic and homeopathic products, and am happy to find that their products have no artificial preservatives, no artificial colorants, no artificial fragrances, are free of petrochemicals and preservatives, does no animal testing, and are organic and fair trade.

The first product I tried was their new Beauty Drops ($99), a supplement made with  ginseng, gotu kola, and blueberry.  The drops can be taken internally by adding 2-3 drops to a glass of water.  When sipped, Beauty Drops improves the energy of cells, gives the mind an energy boost and improves skin hydration.  I tasted the drops by itself; it had a pleasant flavor which was slightly sweet and herbal.  

Benefits of Beauty Drop Key Ingredients

Ginseng, Gotu Kola, and Blueberry:

I tried it in a cocktail as well and the flavor was hardly noticeable and blended well with the drink.  The beauty drops can also be added to an Organic Pharmacy cream, serum or mask, to give an instant energy boost for radiant and energized skin. 

I then tried the Carrot Butter Cleanser ($74) which smelled absolutely divine and had a lovely velvety texture. When massaged, it melted into my skin easily.  The cleanser is rich in antioxidants, is great for dissolving dirt, and gentle enough to use to remove eye make-up.  I was told that a little amount goes a long way.

Another product I tried the Honey & Jasmine Mask ($74), which also smelled fabulous and is enriched with Evening Primrose, Rose Hip and Jasmine to revitalize the skin.  The mask is also made with shea butter which Organic Pharmacy sources from a women's widow group cooperative in Ghana, and extracted using traditional methods.  Organic Pharmacy products are really reasonably priced and definitely should be on the radar for those who wish to purchase quality organic and sustainable beauty products.

Hair Tips

Shoes of Prey

Ryka Sneakers: Designed for Women

I recently attended Ryka Sneakers preview, where I learned about the brand for the first time.  Ryka sneakers has a 25 year history and are made specifically for women's feet shape, which makes sense because our bodies are different from men (hello hips!).  

 The “Q-angle”(quadricep angle) is the anatomical relationship between the hip and knee – measures 5–7 degrees greater for women than men.  Women tend to shift more weight to the outside of their feet which leads to instability at foot strike and higher risk of injury. 

The design of the shoe looks great and is functional.  This black shoe was one of my favorites.  The "scales" also provide compression.

All Ryka sneakers, including Ryka walking shoes, are designed and developed taking into account a woman’s unique fit needs.   I received a sample of the Dynamic 2 Training Shoes in purple/yellow ($74.99) and I can't wait to try them.  The price is also very affordable and would make a great Mother's Day gift!

Eat This Editor Showcase

Sotheby's Designer ShowHouse April 11 - April 19

On Monday, I attended the reception of Sotheby’s Designer Showhouse cosponsored by Architectural Digest.  The famed auction house's fifth floor was transformed into a home by thirteen interior designers and design firms.  Pieces from the showhouse will be available for sale to the public in a dedicated auction on April 20.  

Dining Room by Russell Piccione Design, Artwork James Rosenquist, George II marbletop eagle form console table

Dining Room by Russell Piccione Design

It was a treat to see how designers put together rooms.  Favorites of mine included the Breakfast Room by Ashley Darryl.  The room was very playful with bold striped blue, black and white wall paper as a backdrop, with antique pieces, such as a Chinese export black lacquer cabinet and beautiful neoclassical bronze six-light chandelier artfully arranged.  

Breakfast Room by Ashley Darryl Interiors

Chinese export lacquer cabinet, Breakfast Room

Green Festival Launch Party

The Green Festival is coming up April 24 - April 26 at the Javits Center in NYC.  I recently attended their VIP launch party at the Environment Furniture Showroom and sampled some delicious organic foods and drinks.  I started with tasty organic moonshine cocktails from local upstate New York Brewery Dutch's Spirits, that were really light and refreshing. 

I also had some great vegan appetizers from Candle Cafe.  I've visited the restaurant before and really enjoyed it, it was my first time trying their vegan meatballs and they are the best vegan meatballs ever (I would have believed they were meat if I didn't know better)!

  I also tasted organic, non GMO, and gluten free hummus by Hope Foods  based in Bolder, Colorado.  They had interesting flavors like Siracha and Curry Hummus, but my favorite was the dark chocolate hummus, which was really delicious and perfect for people who want their chocolate and protein fix without dairy.  They also use HPP High Pressure Process which allows them to package the food and preserve the natural taste without heat or artificial preservatives.

I also tried Buchi Kambucha, brewed in Asheville, NC.  It was a tart effervescent drink which packed a punch, and full of probiotics.

Food and Wine

Carolee Jewelry: Fresh Floral Inspirations, Macaroon Pastels, and Tropical Brights for Spring

Last week, I went to a special showing of Carolee Jewelry Spring collections and met their head designer, Jennifer Kato.  If you haven't heard of Carolee, the brand has stood for the ultimate in design, value and workmanship for over 40 years.  Jennifer introduced me to their new spring collections, which are inspired by  florals, colors from macaroon pastels, and tropical brights.  

Catch the Bouqet: Fabric Floral and Pearl Necklace, Beaded Necklace, Crystal Stems Dramatic Necklace

The main collection, which Jen describes as classic, feminine, and flirty uses pearls and semiprecious gems, and are perfect for bridal and special occasion.  Their Catch the Bouquet Collection has a stylish beaded collar and fabric flower and pearl necklace. 

The Gemstone Garden collection has multi-layered pieces, long necklaces that can be worn in different ways, and drop and chandelier earrings.  The Gemstone Garden Five Row Necklace is one of Carolee's most popular pieces.

(L to R: Gemstone Garden Dramatic Necklace and Five Row Necklace)

Carolee is also been a big supporter of Breast Cancer Research, so there are a lot of pink pieces in their collections.

Gemstone Garden Dramatic Drop Clip Earrings and Floral Stretch Bracelet

The Golden Trellis Collection is dramatic with bold silhouettes and made with semiprecious cherry quartz with a golden earthy tone.

Sothys Spa NYC Sensitive Skin Facial

I was recently invited to visit the NYC flagship of Parisian luxury Sothys Spa to try their new Sensitive Skin Facial.  Located in Midtown West just 2 blocks south of Central Park, Sothys has been setting the standard for the professional beauty care industry for more than 60 years and is represented in 20,000 spas in over 115 countries worldwide.

My skin was feeling very sensitive, especially with the changing seasons, and the area around my nose was dry and peeling after a recent cold. The 50 minute facial treatment was ultra calming and soothing and is perfect for the most sensitive and reactive skins.  The sensitive skin facial also included their unique decongesting facial massage with chilled porcelain spoons, which at first felt very cold, but also surprisingly calming.  Afterwards my skin was super soft and moisturized.  My face really glowed and looked dewy and clean.  Thanks to Sothy and my amazing facialist, Zina!  I'm excited to try the samples I received of the new sensitive skin line that was used in my facial. 

Sothys’ complete professional face and body treatments and high performance home care products provide both the spa industry and consumer with products that promote well-being while providing authentic, proven results.  It was also interesting to learn that Sothys uses SpaTM Thermal Water, which is a very pure natural spring water with a low mineral content and a pH similar to that of the skin.  The water comes from the Belgian Ardennes, and has been used by spas since the 16th century, and its balancing properties have now been scientifically proven. 

Boots Beauty Launch Event at Duane Reade with Marina and the Diamonds

I recently attended the launch of The Boots Beauty Experience Launch at Duane Reade with a special performance by British sensation Marina and the Diamonds.  The British brand now offers customers "The Beauty Experience", at Walgreens and Duane Reade shops in the NY metro area.   

Customers will receive complimentary access to incredible service and the opportunity discover and play with all the Boots beauty brands in one location: No7 Skincare & Cosmetics, Botanics Skincare & Cosmetics, Expert, Extracts, Mark Hill, Champneys, and Indeed Labs. 

 Boots Beauty Advisors were on-hand to offer advice, tips & trends, free samples, complimentary skincare consultations, makeovers, and quick touch-ups!  They also offer complimentary Match Made Service, which matches you to your perfect foundation shade in just minutes.  At the party we got to sample products, get makeup touchups and of course, take photos at the photobooth! 

With fellow fashionista TijanaStyle.

I was excited to learn about the Boots Botanics product line which is free of parabens, mineral oils, paraffin waxes, SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate), replacing man-made chemicals with natural ingredients where possible.  I also can't wait to try the popular Botanics Organic range that is rich in Organic Rosehip to nourish and boost skin’s radiance.  The Botanics Facial Oil is 100% organic and the first mass market facial oil to lock in moisture for up to eight hours.

We then headed to a The Bailey Pub for performance by popular British pop star, Marina and the Diamonds. She performed her songs "Primadonna Girl" and "Froot" which were super catchy and fun!  See the video below for her amazing performance!