Now that winter weather is in full blast here on the East Coast, my skin has definitely been getting more dry and chapped. Usually, I am a fan of body oils and light lotions to moisturize, but these products don’t seem to cut it at this time of year. Fortunately, I have a roundup of awesome, rich body butters, creams and balms that will soothe even the driest, flakiest winter skin at any price point. Check out some of my favorite dry skin relievers below:

Melvita Apicosma Body Balm $28.
This certified organic, amazingly scented body balm is one of my favorite products this year!  Melvita Apicosma Body Balm (part of the extensive Apicosma collection) contains a 3-honey complex features a nourishing blend of thyme, acacia and orange blossom honeys to combat the causes of dry skin.  This body balm is also enriched with royal jelly, the exclusive food of the Queen Bee, to help deliver incomparable rejuvenating benefits.  I love the deeply hydrating formula, natural ingredients, and the light, sweet fragrance and was thrilled for the opportunity to review this great product.

Aveeno SKIN RELIEF Moisture Repair Cream (formerly Intense Moisture*) $13.
This rich cream by Aveeno has been a longtime standby of mine for very dry, chapped or irritated skin.  Its non-greasy formula offers deep hydration with a neutral scent.  In a pinch, this is the product I go to to heal my skin.  It is also great to soothe and heal skin affected by ezcema and/or psoriasis.

Boots Extracts Bergamot Body Butter $10.
I love all things Bergamot and this body butter by Boots is no exception.  This thick body butter is strongly scented with bergamot and other citrus notes.  If you are a fan of fragrance, the body butters by Boots are definitely a line you should check out!

Jindilli Body Butter
Jindilli Body Butter is one of the amazing products I was introduced to at last year’s Natural Products Expo.  This vanilla-scented body butter feels delicious on and is non-greasy, non-irritating and free of chemicals… perfect for sensitive skin or eco-friendly gals!  This product is packaged in a lovely Florence Broadhurst patterned tub container that looks beautiful atop any bathroom counter or vanity.

What are your favorite body butters?  Let me know what products you are using to keep your skin supple in the comments below!

An unfortunate side effect of low temperatures and dry air this time of year can be changes in your hair and scalp.  Exposure to cold air, dry heat and stripping hot water can cause dandruff or a dry, itchy or flaky scalp.  Luckily, I had the chance to review and report on a great natural product that will combat your unhappy scalp without requiring you to switch your shampoo or conditioner.

Giovanni Wellness System Scalp Serum, $9.95, is a super-potent concentrate that you apply directly to your scalp in the shower prior to washing your hair. Just use the eyedropper to apply to roots and scalp, massage in, leave on for 3-5 minutes and then wash and condition hair as normal. This scalp serum treats your scalp with a blend of Chinese botanicals that soothe itch, smooth flyaways, strengthen roots and treat and prevent flakes.  For under $10, this special potion is just what the doctor ordered!

What is your favorite Giovanni product?  Have you tried their Wellness System line of products?  Let me know your thoughts!

I recently received an opportunity to review some natural cleansing products from the Dr. Woods line.  I have been using Dr. Woods Daily Exfoliating Facial Cleanser for several weeks now.  There are many things I like about this product.  First and foremost, the cleanser is meant for all skin types and contains black soap, gamma tocopherol, organic shea butter and botanical extracts.  It is meant to gently exfoliate, heal blemishes, neutralize free radicals, moisturize and condition.

Dr. Woods Daily Exfoliating Facial Cleanser is 100% Natural and 100% Vegan.   The cleanser smells fresh and clean, without being overly cloying.   In the shower, I usually apply a small amount to my hands or to an exfoliating facial pouf and then apply to my face using circular motions.  After using this product, my skin does not feel tight or dry, and I have not noticed any increase in breakouts or any sensitivity to the product.  My skin is pretty sensitive, so that’s a big deal for me.   I love how a little goes a long way (this bottle will seriously last me forever).

I have been enjoying this product and feel no need to switch to a different cleanser any time soon.  I am also excited to report back on additional products from the Dr. Woods line, and will keep you posted!

Have you tried Dr. Woods products?  What is your favorite from the line?

With the new year in full swing, many folks are thinking about that new year’s diet. This is going to be the year. While many diets are contemplated, a solid start for most people is a cleanse, something to rid the body of the sugars and carbs that have been forming since the sweets of Halloween. If you don’t own a juicer or feel like chugging a concoction of lemon juice, maple syrup, and hot sauce than your options are limited. One cleanse that provides a bit of a bite is that of the sometimes dreaded cabbage soup.

In a giant pot, slow simmered vegetables, fresh herbs, and broth fill the kitchen with an aroma of rejuvenation, a fresh start. But after a few days the taste becomes bland, you are starving for something different. Instead of ditching the diet, give it a second wind. Try these cabbage soup makeovers below be reheating a serving on the stovetop and adding a bit of these flavors.

Italian: Basil Pesto/Parmesan Cheese (Parmesan adds a nice saltiness to the dish without adding a ton of fat, a tablespoon of Parmesan cheese adds less than 50 calories)

Mexican: Roasted Corn/Black Beans/Fresh Cilantro (Adding half a cup of black beans gives the soup a new texture and essential protein)

Asian: Mung Bean Sprouts/Snow Peas/Raw Green Onions/Toasted Sesame Seeds (For added spice add Thai Chili Peppers or a drop of Chili Oil)

Do you like cabbage soup?  What is your favorite preparation?

My name is Stefanie and I am beauty product junkie. I love any and all things related to the beauty industry, which is why my career as a hair stylist and makeup artists feeds this addiction. In the salon I have the privilege of trying out all kinds of products on my clients, sampling them for myself and even cocktailing products together. However, we all have our ‘go-to’ products in our arsenals that we cannot live without. In an effort to keep this a blog post rather than a novel I decided to make a top ten list of my favorite hair products.

1. Elchim 2001 HP Professional Dryer – I live for this blow dryer and recommend it to all my clients. It is lightweight and easy to hold. There are seven switch combinations that allow for seven different speeds and temperatures and comes with a nozzle attachment. Your hair will always look amazing when using this blow dryer and in less time.
2. Hot Tools 1” Curling Iron – I do not wear my hair straight for the simple reason that I do not like it on myself and I love full, big hair! This is the best curling iron on the market in my opinion. Hot Tools in general makes amazing curling irons so any size or style you get will be good for your hair and last you a long time. The temperature goes up to 430 degrees which you can set yourself, the barrels are 24K gold plated, fast heat up, and they are long lasting.
3. Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream – This product is from heaven! You can use it if you have normal, dry, oily or unruly hair. It is a lightweight, moisturizing cream that conditions, hydrates, fights frizz and has a soft hold. Perfect for blow dry, setting the hair and refreshing day old styles.
4. Moroccanoil Treatment – The Holy Grail of all oils for the hair! Morroccanoil is an amazing product because it is nourishing to the hair and can be used to style and finish the hair. You can combine it with other products and it cuts down the time of your blow drying. It protects the hair against heat and hot tools and makes the hair shiny.
5. Oscar Blandi Pronto Wet Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner  – This duo is amazing because it not only removes build up off of your hair, but it will bring hydration into your hair. Normally, shampoos that remove build up dry your hair out leaving it lack luster. This duo cleans and hydrates while boosting volume. And it is color safe which is always important especially if you color your hair.
6. Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray – For those of us who lack thickness or your hair isn’t as thick as it once was then this is the product for you. This is a body building product that will make your hair look and feel fuller and voluminous. It also has some hold which will help you with styling and thermal protective properties against styling tools.
7. Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray – This spray is one of the best on the market! It will give you that gorgeous and sexy Victoria Secret runway hair or that messy bed head hair. It builds volume into the hair and creates texture into the hair. You hair will look and feel amazing all day long!
8. Goldwell Style Sign Volume 4 – Double Boost Root Lift Spray – A little lift never hurt anyone! Spray this onto the root area while doing your blow drys and your hair will have a long lasting lift and feel stronger!
9. Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque – It is crucial to do a hair mask at least once a week if not twice a month especially if you color, use a lot of heat with your tools and for proper hair care maintenance. This mask will make your hair feel like silk! It rebuilds damaged hair and makes it shiny and restores the elasticity in the hair.
10. Hair Accessories – I love adding a little extra something to my hair with a hair clips, beautiful head band, rhinestone bobby pin, etc. This jazzes up your hair or an up do for a special occasion and they never go out of style.

So these are just a few of my many favorite things that I love for my hair and when I’m doing other people’s hair. You should always have a good shampoo and conditioner, hair masque and styling products to achieve your desired look. Do not be afraid of products and styling tools have fun with it and make your hair your best accessory!

When it comes to preparing dinner, quick and easy are the two things that come to mind. Whether it a casserole or a one pot supper, dinners have become simplified and often all in one concoctions, where the vegetables just disappear in. Spicing up the side dish with seeds is one way to change dinner and add a new of flavor and texture not commonly found on the dinner table. Sesame Seeds tossed in green beans with soy sauce and ginger create a side paired with Asian dishes. For a cold side dish, steam one-inch pieces of asparagus and let cool. Toss with cherry tomatoes, red onions, lemon juice, and poppy seeds.

Try adding mustard seeds to sweet potato fries. Simply cut sweet potatoes into even strips, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, lay flat on a baking sheet and sprinkle with brown mustard seeds. Bake in a preheated oven at 450 degrees for 25 minutes, turning halfway. Toss with freshly ripped cilantro for an added zest. For a quick dipping sauce combine sriacha and ketchup.

Pomegranate seeds are a great way to add antioxidants, crunch, and color to green vegetables. Sauté small Brussels Sprouts in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Once the sprouts start to brown, add a drop of Orange Juice, a dash of cinnamon, and seeds from one Pomegranate, cook another 5 minutes until juice has dissolved and Brussels Sprouts are tender. You can even use the left over parts of the pomegranate in unsweetened iced tea.

Next time you make dinner, be sure to give seeds a try.

Living in one of the greatest and most culturally diverse cities has its benefits. Access to food is one of them. With thousands of places to eat, New York City has taught me one thing- the options and endless – From the Halal Carts scattered through the city to the five star restaurants cooking with the most obscure ingredients. This is hands down the best place to have a culinary journey.

When people find out that I like to cook they typically ask what my favorite thing to make is. I can’t give an honest answer. In the moment, I usually go to the last thing I prepared for dinner. However when they ask me what my favorite restaurant is- I will certainly give them an honest answer – my kitchen. -a place where I have total control and a what-the-hell attitude.

This past summer was rough, 90 days without my kitchen, my red Dutch oven, my micro plane, my pantry- it was brutal. I met new kitchens, but nothing comes close to the kitchen I prepare my meals in on the daily. While this past summer had its lowest-of-the-lows moments, I did have access to several kitchens.  I began crashing on couches, airbeds, floors, and empty beds in place of cooking a solid meal for the residents.  Now I am back and my gadgets need love and the pantry needs stocking.

I love to cook for people and with people. Learning about their history through food, what did they eat for the holidays? What was mom’s specialty? What was the first thing they learned to cook? After sharing my tips, tricks, flavors, and recipes with numerous friends, I have decided to branch out and use the World Wide Web to entertain the idea of sharing my kitchen with strangers.  I will be able to share my recipes, pictures, culinary experiences, gadgets, product reviews, and all things food.

Pita Pizza

I figure I would start with the number #1 food according to all 5^th grade end-of-year surveys. When in doubt go with pizza.  One of the easiest, most convenient, flavorful, and satisfying dinners when in a rush is stopping by a pizzeria on the walk home from the subway (or a 5 minute drive for those in the burbs) Naples gave the world the first pizza pie – a rustic combination of tomato sauce baked on a flat bread and topped with mozzarella cheese.

Pizza is one of those things, we as people don’t make to often. It seems complicated, people don’t want to roll dough or dust anything with flour nowadays. For those who don’t want to get their hands dirty there are options for crusts. They have frozen, store-made, and dough that even comes in a paper can. Or you can go with bagels or English muffins. My personal favorite – the pita.

Pita and Pizza are closely related, the Greeks use the word pita for pie, and pizza comes from the Latin roots of a word meaning pressed. Pressed Pie = Pizza – cheese, and tomatoes. History. While the first pizzas may have been solely cheese and tomato with additions of basil, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, today these is no limit to what can be done with pizza.

I adapted this classic pizza recipe using many of the same traditional ingredients, but switching up the sauce for an added surprise. Many stores sell roasted red pepper spread; it is usually by the jars of olives. I use it often instead of mayonnaise in sandwiches or season up cream cheese on a bagel. The best part – a tablespoon is only 15 calories.

Roasted Red Pepper Pizza

Ingredients

1 Whole Wheat Pita

2 tbsp Roasted Red Pepper Dip

¼ Cup Shredded Mozzarella

3 Cherry Tomatoes, slice thin

Parmesan Cheese, shaved

3 Basil Leaves, ripped

Olive Oil

Salt & Red Pepper

1.     Preheat the oven to about 350° Fahrenheit.

2.     Spoon on roasted red pepper spread.

3.     Top with mozzarella, tomatoes, Parmesan, and Basil leaves.

4.     Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil.

5.     Bake for about ten minutes, until cheese is melted.

Tips:

Use a vegetable peeler to shave on some Parmesan cheese.

Ripping the Basil, rather than cutting keeps the leaves from bruising and wakes up the flavor.

Now that winter is on our heels, a deep, moisturizing lotion to keep your skin soft and nourished through the cold winter months is essential. This Beauty Without Cruelty (BWC) Extra Rich Fragrance Free Hand and Body Lotion does just that. Its lavender, Shea butter, olive and jojoba oils all work to replenish the skin with a light, fluffy consistency. This easy-to-rub-in lotion is great for the fall and will also be useful in the transition into the winter months.

This lotion does, however, have a bit of a scent to it, though upon application it is fragrance free.  The alluring scent comes from the rich Shea butter mixed in with the other botanical ingredients. It is best used on the body after a relaxing shower or bath. For your hands, it is a good idea to use this product multiple times a day to instill its nurturing oils in your skin. 

Beauty Without Cruelty is a vegetarian and vegan cosmetics company that does not support animal testing. Its products are perfect for those who are environmentally conscious and want to look and feel great without harming any animals or using any synthetic ingredients.

This product is available for $12.95 on the Beauty Without Cruelty website.

I recently received the opportunity to review Melvita Argan Oil with Geranium.  There are many things that I really like about this product, so I’m really excited to be writing about it today.  First of all, as I am always interested in marketing and graphic design, I love the packaging that this product comes in.

According to Melvita, argan oil is ideal for hands, nails and cuticles because it is exceptionally rich in essential fatty acids and sterols. The argan oil in this product is organic, cold pressed and unscented. The addition of geranium essential oil has regenerating properties, and also gives this cuticle oil a pleasant flowery fragrance. I also enjoyed knowing that 100% of the total ingredients in this product are from natural origin and organic farming.

I was particularly pleased that this came in a roll-on applicator so that it is easy to transport and pleasant to use.  I can notice a significant change in my cuticles after using this product whenever my cuticles feel dry.  I have previously reviewed Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil, which is also great but is not convenient for using on-the-go because it comes in a nail polish container.  For around $15, Melvita Argan Oil with Geranium is a great solution to dry winter skin.

Have you tried this product?  What do you use for dry cuticles?  Let me know in the comments below!

Growing up, I had always admired women who had donned vibrant, gorgeous lip colors. Something about sporting a bright lip just seemed to exude confidence, which is something I believe many women strive for. After seeing a brilliantly done advertisement featuring Drew Barrymore, I had decided to go pick up a few shades of CoverGirl LipPerfection Lipcolor.

My first thought was that I was skeptical on how vibrant that the actual product itself was going to be, as you can’t tell from the packaging the actual color of the product itself. Upon opening the shades that I had bought, which were Temptress (400), Fairytale (405), and Hot (305), I was pleasantly surprised by how intense the colors actually were. The lipstick applies very smooth and evenly, and feels like silk on your lips.

It has a very strong staying power, which I believe is great for the working woman looking for something longer lasting, and it is very moisturizing! I recommend one of the three shades I picked up for a pop of color to wear to the office, or one of the brand’s more neutral colors, such as Delish (255), to have a polished look even while out running errands.

There are 44 shades in this line, with colors to suit your specific needs! They run $6 a piece, which I believe is definitely worth it for the quality of this product! Check out all of the shades available at covergirl.com.