New Skin Savior-30 Minute Treatments

A new year often ushers in vows for better beauty habits.

The reality...those new routines-often including at-home beauty devices- can have metaphorically,  short shelf lives. 
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For longer term pro-aging facial boosts-way under one hour procedures, FDA cleared-with little or no downtime...require less effort-and get results, PDQ.

HOLIDAY RECIPES-Italian Style

Executive Chef Vito Gnazzo
Shares His Exclusive Holiday Recipes From Il Gattopardo and The Leopard at des Artistes

FINALLY---two recipes for hearty and flavorful dishes from two of our favorite restaurants...  The Leopard at des Artistes’ Christmas Salad Of Clams, Mussels, Shrimp, And Octopus In A Fresh Lemon Dressing and Il Gattopardo’s Artisanal Lobster Ravioli - that add Italian flavors to holiday feasts.

AND will dazzle the tastebuds of guests-as well as leave time to enjoy their bon mots too!

Courtesy of Leopard at des Artistes' Executive Chef Vito Gnazzo...who conjured up probably one of the best meals we have ever eaten anywhere. (Review)

Newstalgic Cold Busting Coats-Men's

Keep warm-in classic jackets-of longer length designs - but made of new materials for weather worthy wear -that won't date.
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HELLY HANSEN, FREE PEOPLE,  FJÄLLRÄVEN

Helly Hansen LONGYEAR PARK $500-Norweigan heritage lends SERIOUS weather beater cred-waterproof, windproof protection w/  Allied Down 80/20 600 Fill insulation, YKK® zippers,  detachable faux fur collar, reflective pops on sleeves w/ adjustable cuffs (and hood)-and big exterior pockets, hand warmer pockets- plus interior ones. Men's sizes-M-XXL

FREE COUNTRY-kinda an under the radar hipster label defies the elements-men's KEYSTONE DOWN QUILTED JACKET on sale now $69.99...80/20 down/feather fill, ez care-machine washable- stain resistant polyester fabric shell, wind resistant chin guard, removable hood w/ drawcord, storm placket+storm cuffs, loads of zipper close ex-interior pockets and dual zipper and button closure.

Swedish label Fjällräven durable jackets made from unique fabrics that  have been time tested in tough conditions-keeping wearers warm+dry.. Similar to the above pictured outerwear piece for guys, the shorter length 3L ÖVIK Eco-Shell Jacket $475-has numerous outer pockets-snap closed, fixed hood-laminated brim, several outer pockets, and 2 way front zipper w/ protective flaps, and cold banishing button adjustments at cuffs.

BETTER EATS Between Holiday Feasts

WHAT TO EAT BETWEEN binge-like bursts of celebratory calorie loaded holiday fare that may not be so great, calorie-wise-or even taste that good.
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TRY INSTEAD...A gluten -free Creamy Rich Protein W/O the Calories & the best slim Crunchy Sweet To Eat Without Feeling 'Deprived.'

Say cheese :-) to the old is now new revamped image (and taste)-of the ideal protein packed pick- a diet staple, cottage cheese...

Picky eaters, feline or otherwise...will love MUUNA ..(tip)-serve chilled-as creamy slightly chewy texture...enhanced cold. FYI-if like us, cereal qualifies as dinner...(so easy)...we suggest stocking up on MUUNA for more healthy, protein option that is very satisfying, taste buds wise. Above-MUUNA 4% milk fat-Classic Plain delivering a meaningful 14 grams of protein/15% calcium needs- and only 110 calories half cup human serving-4 human sized servings per 16oz container. 

GEN Z -GIFTABLES

  L.L. BEAN, K2, ABUS, HOBIE, KidPik, STIO, UGGS     

Cause they're more tech savvy than you...so WHY BOTHER?
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SURPRISE THEM

Opt for newstalgic outdoor FUN

Mad for plaid ---L.L. Bean outdoor toys with style include...snazzy water repellent cushion-plaid cover $55 ($65) for the timeless kid's pull sled w/ rope tow...in 2 sizes-$149 small-$179 large= smooth vertical snow sailing. Made of kiln dry no warp hardwoods finished w/clear water based lacquer. A real keeper.

 L.L. Bean SONIC snow tube...pile in opportunities for solo or group rides on hard packed or fluffy snow...made of 1000 denier tough nylon protects the heavy duty inner butyl rubber tube, a cold impervious semi-rigid polyurethane base, sturdy handles, straps+nylon webbing tow for going back up the hill. 

Plaid, plaid world...courtesy of L.L. Bean

Rollerblading-aka inline skates-ready for a comeback(?)-K2's for fast mobility speed fiends or dry land hockey slap-stickers. Start at $85 Marlee and Raider skates for kids-with vibration absorbing frame, interlocked on the base for balance aid, a stability cuff PLUS five full sizes of adjustable-up to $435 for the new tricked out MOD series in adult sizes.

We wish we had these super fitting/supportive ankle twist banisher- K2 ice skates growing up...vs old fashion lace up kind! Pictured Rink Raven BOA$110-recreational skate with size adjustable feature +easier on/off with that dial fit technology. The integrated blade mount-allows wearer a lower center of gravity for ez (er) balance...with Original K2 Softboot® w/ brushed liner+water repellant materials for warm, dry comfort.

Snowboard boots-have evolved...so much so that even carry-on luggage only type of travelers -who rent the latest boards...haul around their own boots. These rock! With BOA adjustments, insulation, and grippy Vibram outsole-pictured are W Haven...but kid versions ($119.95-$159.95) also sport inner heat moldable liners for great fit+BOA dial lacing system. 

durable Vibram outsoles...

integrated LED rear light

ABUS is a German company that precisely engineers bike helmets par excellence that kids will think are cool looking. Featured-one of several youth specific styles-Youn-I Ace-: extended foam visor for face protection, deep temple+neck protection, in mold for durable fusion of the outer shelling shock absorbing helmet material, size adjustable, ventilation via multiple air vents, foamed in fly net, .., pictured above-the integrated LED rear light

LOVE THIS DECK-talk about a retro stunner-the Original Super Surfer Skateboard from water sports specialist HOBIE

VISVIM/VIBRAM Collab-Designer Hiroki Nakamura

Limited Edition-Hand Crafted Boots by a legendary men's shoe maestro celebrates 80th anniversary of iconic Vibram's Carramato lug design.

Timeless too-Vibram's Italian born Megagrip rubber lug outsole...is a game changer...for those wishing to remained upright when on the move in incremental weather.
YUP-those hand wrought details abound in this men's only (wha????) lace-up brush leather suede lace-up hiker hybrid-by cult fav Japanese streetwear label...VISVIM-the Jibari-takes a day to make. $1200
DESIGNER HIROKI NAKAMURA

credit J.Dicuollo.

Where: Pop-Up shop at 180 Duane Street-Tribeca-a spacious white gallery with those soaring ceilings-brick walls of areas cast iron architecture...temporarily aligned with retro-style hand crafted apparel/footwear-a stunning fusion of folklore, an urban -cool Asian aesthetic-plus world friendly silhouettes (like the handsome kimonos having a fashion moment-again).

VISVIM -has a huge fan club that travels-given the international turn-out for this opening night celebration of his footwear masterpieces.
The Vibram outsole here-pictured with Rock Yeh+...with contrast stitching- welt construction-pops against the full grain leather uppers. Three days of intense labor are needed-provided by skilled craftsmen to complete each pair. We def got schooled on the value and rarity of finding humans capable of the labor intensive efforts (and training) needed to make each of these kicks...no matter where shoes are made. Those pictured, are made in mainland China-at establishments that  Nakamura-Yeh have well established relationships with-clearly. 

$1600

AHHHHH-stunning standouts- designed by Hiroki Nakamura. Like double laces...

Other iterations of  coveted VISVIM shoes available-including this moccasin wrap construction-hand sewn upper slip-on style...with TPU heel stabilizer-and hand stitch bead details...also available-with white rubber Vibram outsoles in 3 tones. Pictured-FBT Lhamo-Folk in black $650. VISVIM selections sold at a few other fashion forward brick and mortars here and in Japan+Hong Kong.

Winter Boots - Ice/Snow Busters With Style

L.L. Bean, Adidas Outdoors, Carhartt, ULU Boots, OBOZ

Slush, snow, ice-for a few days-or a few weeks-require focused footwear. 

Top picks for weather beaters, boot wise-with enough style to wear weekdays-week-ends.

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Seasonal Cold Weather Shoes+Boots-No Snow Needed

TOP PICKS: CHACO, PIKOLINOS, KEEN

F/W selections to wear practically year round-with any outfit-JUST IN CASE warming climates limit (eliminate) the absolute need for burly snow boots-yet work JUST IN CASE inclement weather makes a brief appearance. 

PS: & travel well too.

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CHACO's year round men's kicks-love how the non-marking white blown rubber outsoles-practical skid resistant tread design in a  year round temps' appropriate pop of color-with dark brown nubuck+full leather grain uppers-white contrast stitching. Pictured in the front-men's THOMPSIN SLIP $115-with the brand's men's specific durable+ removable Cloud PU footbed. In back Pinecone shaded THOMPSON CHUKKA $135...also comes in a cool gray. Similar to aforementioned-with round waxed cotton laces.

CHACO's women's HARPER LACE $110- pictured in Caribou brown- nubuck+full grain leather upper-with skid resistant non-marking rubber outsole-hits the right note via a 3 season wearable design-with a signature Chaco web element anchoring the round wax cotton laces.

Chaco's non-marking rubber outsole

Street CHIC -love these beauties by Spanish based Pikolinos...managing to merge a duck boot-hiker quilted silhouette and lace-up closures atop a practical tread outsole---and smooth leather upper and block heel option- elevates this mountain side boot-to urban bootie status. Pictured- right/back our fav CONNELLEY $230

Check out -outdoor brand specialist KEEN's Women specific Terradora for a  year round urban/mountain friendly boots-in waterproof mid,  low or après-ski options. Leather and/or synthetic -mesh uppers-all day lightweight comfort guaranteed with cushioned ankle panel and glove like fit, CLEANSPORT NXT odor control, dual density PU footbed, treaded non-marking rubber outsole-w/ 4mm multi-directional lugs, and an ESS stability shank for support-in multiple color options. $140-$150

Naked Nutrition Protein Cereal

THE Cereal worthy of every meal

OUR FAVORITE NEW FOOD PRODUCT-has officially, nutritionally and uniquely elevated cereal is our idea of a crunchy dinner entree courtesy of this addictive sweet NAKED NUTRITION Protein Cereal-that hopefully will be sold in larger boxes soon!!!!!

Feline approved...PLUS Naked Nutrition Protein Cereal is small enough size = good for little kids...

the 411...protein comes from Whey Protein Concentrate (dairy source fyi)...plus organic crunch from cinnamon sweet dried apples, plus organic brown sugar. Love this cereal-non-GMO, 120 calories per package...15 grams of protein and 5 g of BCAAs per serving. A Captain Crunch slayer.

Available now-6 pack $14.99. This is ALSO the perfect travel food- and is ideal for endurance athletes...pre/post race or during a long bike ride/hike/day on the slopes.

SWEET-CHEWY-CRUNCHY Snacks-Desserts

BEST HOLIDAY SWEETS, TREATS 

Panettone is the 'it' newstalgic holiday chewy-moist cake-y baked 'bread' treat...with Americans discovering how this traditional Italian holiday staple should taste.  FLAMIGNI PANETTONE can 'feed' a crowd-with this pictured 10kg size (or small)...with selections made in classic Milanese style-and other delicious traditional iced (or not) selections featuring Italian regional fruits that aren't candied. Available online-including nifty online destination of Seattle's  CHEFSHOP and GourmetItalian.

COOL GUY KICKS' COLLAB

CAT FOOTWEAR x EXTRA BUTTER

Details, details...3-D embroidered "Extra" + "Butter" across the strap ...

Sneaker Boot hybrid=the Urban Delta ($160) by hipper than thou Extra Butter-a destination emporium of sneakers to line up for... (120 Orchard St, LES, NYC)...and the iconic COLORADO work boot by Cat Footwear

Heat embossed CAT imprint in back-atop tough high abrasion ballistic nylon, full grain leather upper + micro perforated suede, reflective pops, cross strap buckle+clip, semi-translucent outsole with CAT EASE technology built in flex for guys on the go. IMPRESSIVE!
 Available now online...and in store

Wardrobe Wear-Logo Adverse Men's Basics

Gift apparel ideas-for the guy who lets his limited edition, pristine perfected sneakers do all the wardrobe talking & walking...
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Part of the aptly coined 'Peaked to Pavement' Men's Spring collection-5:11's Aerial S/S shirt -is made of feather weight 4.5oz enzyme washed 100% cotton oxford fabric...there's a left chest pocket, and w/ the brand's RAPIDraw™ for ez access. For colder temps the Endeavor L/S flannel -soft cozy 8.55 oz 100% poly flannel-with design features including welt pocket for smartphones, +pen guides chest pocket. $59.99

Wardrobe Wear-For The Logo-Adverse

Women's casual APPAREL  - when a  "The Future Is Female" top =
                                                  THE statement!

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Gift ideas -L.L.Bean, Adidas Outdoors, Crafted by Lee, Wrangler, 5:11, STIO. Mountain Khakis

L.L.Bean's Whisper Lodge Flannel-limited time offer $49.99-other color waves $59.95. Cozy warm  comfort in a lightweight cotton/Sorona poly blend with Western style snaps, feminine, slightly fitted silhouette, moisture wicking-and with stretch-good choice for outdoor movers as well as indoor only types. Easy care-wash/dry.

20th Annual THE 'Waxman' Collaborating For A Cure

SAMUEL WAXMAN CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION
 COLLABORATING FOR A CURE Annual Dinner

HONORING IN MEMORIAM

WILLIAM S. GORIN

FORMER CEO,

MFA FINANCIAL, INC

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) celebrated the 20th Anniversary of its annual Collaborating for a Cure Benefit Dinner & Auction at Cipriani Wall Street, posthumously honoring William S. Gorin, former CEO of MFA Financial, Inc., and featuring a musical performance by The Avett Brothers. 

Avett Brothers-a little bit rock, country, roots and a lot of bit- harmonies. Awesome live band

Gorgeous table settings-BYROBIN

The gala also introduced SWCRF’s new Partnerships for Aging and Cancer Research Program, in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute on Aging. 

Chris Wragge, co-anchor of CBS 2 News This Morning, served as master of ceremonies for the event, which raised approximately $2.5 million for SWCRF cancer research programs.

     

The cavernous, glamorous Cipriani Wall Street-SOLD OUT! This year’s event was attended by about 800 corporate executives, board members, and their guests. The money raised will support the Foundation’s research efforts to produce a cure for cancer by reprogramming cancer cells, and to deliver tailored, minimally toxic treatments to patients. The scientists funded by the SWCRF have made significant breakthroughs in cancer research, including identifying pathways to deliver novel therapies to treat cancer.!

Holiday Party Sparkle Accessories/Shoes

Tis the season to shine on-and glam it up...

Top picks that easily dress up the basics...

Snow-free footwear options-lustrous pearls trims, glittery diamonds, and wearable heels that guarantee blister free nights. 
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Butter-wear these with---just about everything. Made in Italy...pointy toe mules-rich metallic or satin...on chic kitten heels...

ARIELLE Slides---polished toes share pearly presence-on block heel.. Summit Italy leather or suede options. $165

LOVE these elegant embellished- oversized square buckles -NINA-deep side cuts-festive flats are Red Carpet gorgeous!

PCF's NY Dinner:with Whoopi, J-Rod- Kicks Off #VeteransWeek

Prostate Cancer Foundation:  2017 New York Dinner

...featuring guest host Whoopi Goldberg with special musical performance by Grammy and Academy Award-winning singerJennifer Hudson

Honoring

Peter and Laurie Grauer

Legendary actress, comedian, and television host Whoopi Goldberg -with PCF founder Michael Milken and one of the distinguished veterans honored.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF), a nonprofit organization founded by Michael Milken dedicated to identifying and funding groundbreaking cancer research programs, hosted the 2017 New York Dinner at Cipriani 42^nd Street New York. 

The night concluded with Grammy and Academy Award-winning singer Jennifer Hudson belts out her signature hit songs including “Love You I Do,” “Spotlight,” “And I am Telling You,” and a Whitney Houston medley. WOW!!!!!!.(Patrick McMullan)

Peppermint Perfect Holiday Season Flavor

Right up there with '...Raindrops on Roses ..." Peppermint flavors are a fav thing,  taste-wise- for the holiday season.
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TIP: Add authentic Peppermint flavor to baked goods, homemade candies (drool worthy Peppermint Patties alert), festive cocktails +/or  an aromatic accent to hearty winter dishes of lamb-poultry-pork... with Nielsen-Massey's purely delicious Peppermint Extract.  Kosher certified, gluten and GMO free -and free of allergens...available in 2-4 oz sizes. Insta-holiday extract-real taste you can actually taste-a drop-or a tsp- go a long way! 

VAN LIFE FOOD-Go Healthy

NEW easy eats-on the road-or grab and go...portable options that are tasty, ...helps to dissuade reaching for those sugar loaded/artery clogging options.

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Organic IMAGINE broths are familiar occupiers of our kitchen cebinet-but the new creamy smooth soups-Super Reds + Super Greens-make those blender whirling creations we attempt to make, irrelevant. Nutritious ingredients abound (carrots, onions, beets, potatoes, celery, red lentils, red bell peppers sweet potatoes, cranberries-Red...broccoli, potatoes, onions, peas, celery, spinach, carrots-Green)...and just the right amount of spices... both healthy options will hit the spot (we 'nuke to heat) -especially for those picky eaters who 'snack' vs sit-down meals. The texture is creamy -pourable, not super thick. The Super Reds-is warmly fragrant with hints of garlic/ginger---and the Super Greens-spiced up-touch of cumin (we think), garlic and ginger -with a tad of sea salt. USDA Organic/Vegan/Non-GMO/Dairy Free- both---chances are eating one's veggies will never be so liquid tasty-delivering meaningful percentages of Vitamin A and fiber. BONUS: 90-80 calories per serving, four servings per container. NICE.

Another way to get one's greens/fruits, by the scoop...ALOHA Superfood Greens-vegan 'superfood' powders-NON-GMO, Vegan, gluten-dairy FREE-add a sprinkle atop cereal or a lot -to drinks...contains wheatgrass juice and energy charger-r Spirulina, superfood wild blueberries plus mushrooms, peas and spinach. Delivers..12 essential nutrients, minerals and vitamins-including 200%-500% Daily Value of Vitamin D. In three flavors-Chocolate with Fair Trade Cacao, Berry, and Original.

Eat Right-Fast

New Shelf Stables -For Fast Eats For The Van Life / Home

WHEN WHAT YOU REALLY WANT IS:

Personal Chef--a specialized maestro for each course...

Pasticcieri Siciliani Chefs (Dessert should be first course)

Sous Chef Entremetier

Chef de Partier-Royal Chef-plus clean -up crew DUH

But what you really have is...
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A bowl of milk (vodka) + cereal =Cocktail Hour/Dinner MEAL Combo

Some other approaches for a delicious -healthy meal, fast.