Gift Idea – His & Hers José and Rosé

 

 

 

I love a good theme – costume themes, party themes and especially gift themes. Recently, I thought of a couple’s gift idea that I thought was pretty clever, if I do say so myself. I’m sure I’m not the first to ever put these items together, but I was pretty pleased with the collection when I did. So, I thought I’d share.

It’s so simple!

A José & Rosé Gift Basket

BTW – did you know that placing the acute accent on a vowel, such as é or á is as simple as holding that letter down on the keyboard of your Mac? When you do, your accent options pop up and you can choose which one you need. This is also true on your iPhone. Who knew? Probably everyone but me, but maybe this is helpful to some.

OK, back to my José & Rosé gift idea…

I gathered just a few items for each part of the theme – José Cuervo Tequila, Margarita Mix and Spanish nuts for Him and a nice bottle of Rosé wine, a bunch of roses and a box of chocolates for Her. You could certainly build on these themes and create an even more dramatic basket but, for my recent purpose, three items for each worked well and I hope made a nice impression.

There you have it – my José Rosé gift idea. Simple, fun, good for a his and hers gift together or just one boozy basket for a guy or girl alone.

Olé and Rosé All Day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Beauty Products – Lumify Takes the Prize

Every so often I feel compelled to take stock of my beauty products. The closer I get to fifty, the urge becomes less “so” and far more “often.” My recent rush came about when I watched myself on television for a couple of book appearances. There is nothing more sobering than realizing you look very much your age.

Every glimpse I take of myself brings me one step closer to more serious measures. Until then, I’ll continue my search for makeup, creams and gadgets that mask age’s harsh reality in a non-invasive manner.

New Beauty Products – The Run Down

Here’s what I’ve been trying and the one product that has surprised me most of all.

Hyaluronic Acid

The moisturizing benefits of this compound piqued my interest despite it’s scary sounding name. Neutrogena is a brand I’m pretty comfortable with, so I decided to try their Hydro Boost gel-cream. It feels great going on and seems to nicely off-set the harsh effects of fall’s dry heat.

Eye Cream

I don’t know if I’ll ever find an eye cream that does what I want it to do (make my eyes look like they did when I was 20). But, DNA’s (Do Not Age) triple peptide cream glides on nicely and is thick enough to make me believe it might actually be doing something.

Eye Make-up Remover

Why is it suddenly impossible for me to remove my eye makeup without residual mascara on my lower lids? I’ve finally invested in eye-makeup remover pads to resolve this. They make the removal of raccoon eyes far easier than the abrasive scrubbing I was doing previously.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C serums are all the rage. I must admit that using Tru-Skin’s C plus hyaluronic acid for just one week has improved my skin tone. I like the way the product feels and smells too.

Jade Roller

This was recently posted on Insta and FB and whether it works or not, I’ve yet to determine. Either way, it feels refreshing and if it de-puffs and rejuvenates as it claims it should, then I’ll continue to enjoy a little facial massage whenever I can.

Cream Based Eye-Makeup

Cream vs. powder? Apparently cream eye shadows can do a world of good for aging eyes. Not only do they hold longer, but they supposedly help disguise wrinkles more so than powders.

Eyelash Curler

I’ve never used a curler before, but as my lashes become lighter and less visible, I’m finding the curler to be a quick way to help my lashes pop once mascara is applied. I so want to do extensions, but just can’t seem to get over the cost and maintenance required – maybe next year!

Makeup Brushes

Oh my gosh! I never gave my makeup brushes much thought until I was told I should be cleaning them on a regular basis. I had no idea how much product buildup was on my brushes until I gave them a healthy soak in my sink. Yikes! In addition to buying a few new brushes expressly for my new cream eye shadows, I’m now committed to a regular cleaning routine.

The Surprise Standout

Lumify

You may have seen the commercial for this new “red-out” eye drop – I did, which caused me to obsessively think about it until I finally bought it. The ad really is quite catchy! I suffer from chronic red-eye. I’ve worn contact lenses for over thirty years and my eyes are severely dry. Typical contact lens drops do nothing for me and other “red-out” drops have caused irritation – in many cases making the red eye worse.

But Lumify has completely surprised me. Not only does it not cause irritation, but the white of my eyes are so white after just minutes having applied. Ten minutes before putting my contact lenses in, I squeeze a drop in each eye and, for the first time in ages, I can look at myself in the mirror and not look like I’ve just exited a 1980s-smoke-filled bar.

Of all the products I’ve recently tried, Lumify takes the prize in having quickly and effectively fixed a problem that always bothered me.

Do you have any beauty products that you’re loving?

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Pretty Pictures Post – Heading Home to Dinner

 

It’s been a busy few weeks.  Today, I thought it would be nice to simply share some pretty pictures.

I was lucky to attend the Heading Home To Dinner fundraising event at the Boston Design Center. Last year’s event was a hit and now it’s an annual thing. Yay!

This is an occasion where the Boston Design Community comes together to bring high design to the dining experience. Bar carts and dining tables were decorated to the nines, each with a unique theme.

The evening’s mission

“To raise awareness and help alleviate homelessness in the Boston community.  Heading Home is a non-profit that re-houses and provides a supported pathway to self-sufficiency for young families in the Boston area.”

OK – enough talk, onto the pretty pictures. Maybe you’ll find inspiration for your next sit down dinner at home.

The Pics

 

Kim Macumber Interiors, Linda Holt Creative, Cortizo Interiors LLC
Emily, I couldn’t resist!
Wendy Ditcham Interiors

Did you have a favorite?

 

 

 

 

 

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I AM Books Event and Patriots Tickets Raffle

Hi everyone-

I hope you enjoyed the long weekend. I’m gearing up for my last book reading/signing for a while.

I AM Books

This Sunday, 10/14/18 at 4pm. I will be at I AM Books in the North End. I’m excited to check out this independent Boston bookstore and share my Italy stories with anyone who can make it.

 

Ticket Raffle

If you are on the fence, but up for a late night, consider stopping by for the chance to win two Patriots tickets for that same night. It’s a late game, 8:20 pm, so there’ll be plenty of time to come by the bookstore at 4pm (or earlier), purchase a copy of Musing Mediterranean and be on your way to Foxboro if you are the lucky winner. I will draw the winner at 5pm.

 

I am books logo

 

Hope you can make it! If you can’t, but know someone willing to take their chances to see the Patriots vs. Kansas City Chiefs, please spread the word.

Ciao and Go Pats!

 

 

 

 

 

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Straws – Where do you stand?

Last week I was out to dinner with three other people. Drinks were served and straws were not offered. Two of my fellow diners requested straws. For the sake of conversation, I said, “you know that straws are so 2017, right?”

In the interest of not selling anyone out, my fellow diners will remain nameless. Let’s just say, they were close enough that I felt my comment would be taken in the light-hearted vein it was intended. I’m all for respecting many sides of an argument.

My statement was met with, “I know, but I prefer a straw for hygienic reasons.” I legitimately appreciated that. I have also thought about how many lips come across restaurant glassware. I’ve further wondered how well those glasses are cleaned. Yuck, I hate overthinking stuff like this!

Just My Opinion

My opinion on straws is this – I can do without them. Not necessarily for environmental reasons, rather, they are simply not a necessity. If the cleanliness of a restaurant glass is a concern, I can always take my napkin and give the rim a good wipe down before my first sip.

Honestly, I’m not sure if the hype about plastic straws and their detriment to the world’s oceanic well-being is a bit overstated. God knows, it’s hardly a new story if it’s not delivered in an annoyingly overdramatic, life-threatening way. But, as for straws I don’t mind skipping them if, in some small way, it might help. California has now officially banned plastic straws from being served at restaurants. Patrons must ask for one and only then shall they receive. I can only imagine the judgement thrown out to anyone daring to ask would be enough to make anyone think twice.

Even though I like the smooth and steady feeling of drinking from a straw, I have also come to avoid them because I once read the pursing of lips when sipping on a straw can contribute to those unsightly vertical lines around your mouth. I already feel old enough, if I can avoid something that adds to an aged look I, by golly, will take the pass.

I know that giving up straws alone won’t solve the world’s pollution problems, but I’m happy to take this step toward an Earth-friendly lifestyle and maybe a smoother smile. If even one sweet turtle can be saved, I will do my part. If ever I am desperate for a straw, I guess I’ll go the reusable metal or glass route.

 

straws and straw dispenser
Bye Bye straws!

More on the Subject

Check out this Business Insider article for more about the demise of plastic straws.

What do you think about the use or ban of straws?

 

 

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