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!

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