LYRA MAG.

"IT' bags for Fall-no longer seem relevant ...because what most people really end up carrying-most of the time-are either spacious tote bags-or smaller back packs -the size that don't scale Mt. Everest. via GIPHY For cooler temps-swap out the white/beige canvas classics for more weather tough textiles and darker tones... L.L. Beans Hunter canvas open tote and iconic boat haulers are seen all over the world, where ever we go! .Adding to the sturdy last forever bags-darker tones-like this Maine Warden's Tote bag currently available in Olive drab...$59 (can be monogramed too). The details=made of tough 1200 denier shell w/ thermoplastic and - ez clean lining keeps contents dry, an extra layer on the bottom,  adjustable shoulder straps and zipped top...and that IF&W shield is same one Maine Game Warden's have on their uniform. Fjällräven's Kanken backpacks are super popular in the USA-but in a lot of Western Europe we visited this past summ

Sure...why not rent a $1800/night Air BnB (or $30,000 month furnished ) -stunningly restored 4 bedroom/2.5 bath-3 terraces(!!!)  former Synagogue-to make some observations  about rental/home insurance. Chip Wade explained the Dwellbeing app-a digitalized check-list of home maintenance/safety to do's. Not 'Big Brother' -we were assured. We asked what was a wish for item in this tricked out kitchen section of the townhouse...and we totally agree-refrigerators and freezers at table top or bar height- ("undercounter appliances")with materials of choice-counter tops-something we scoured for and only found on commercial supply sites at pricey levels. Tip U Line . Perfect for urban dwellers who can get same day delivery, or walk for groceries, dine out and/or live alone and don't need spacious refrigerators! Our hosts-the congenial married couple- Chip Wade of HGTV acclaim -and plenty of other ventures...including digital and a multi-tasking furniture coll

Marigold flower petals---show the way Dia de los Muertos -a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity   heralds   a   Mexican tradition now celebrated throughout Latin America. This three day (or so) holiday- honoring of the dead in life for some in the northern Western Hemisphere... may be limited to watching Disney's blockbuster "Coco" ...but now plenty of USA retail stores, restaurants and individuals are marking this occasion-with altars, festivities and feasts. Yandy.com-an online destination for Halloween costumes (among other offerings like lingerie/activewear) -even has its second biggest holiday sales for Day of the Dead festivities. via GIPHY One of our fav James Bond opening sequences-that never lack for drama. A Day of the Dead parade... Pan dulce-sweet breads, fermented beverage (pulque), hot chocolate, and white sugar skulls are some traditional treats. For crowd pleasing light bites- Flirting with Flavors entertainment host par exc

Part 3-In-Cosmetics A lot of instagram ready looks are aided by topical temporary fixes akin to IRL Photoshop... At In-Cosmetics...we saw plenty of raw materials/ingredients to help. Sensient Cosmetics Technologies-had really teeny teeny teeny  Natupure® fibers--they're made from hemp shives/sunflower hulls/ charcoal (!)...that when put in a foundation formula like their Reconstructing Fiber Foundation-provides insta  smoothing canvas-wrinkle/pore perfection-acting as microscopic fillers-primer base like with oil/sweat absorption and mattifying properties-. Can be put into mascara and hair formulas too for added volume/length. Company also displayed a soy infused foundation-non GMO sourced-because today's customer is def expecting multi-tasking serum -treatment-coverage...saving a step on skin care regimes. A retail example of foundation+serum in one multi-tasking product =by Ilia-not a BB or CC btw Most Fun JUST IN TIME for Halloween-Day of the Dea

Part 2 In-Cosmetics/Javits NYC It's not all in the packaging-but new to the USA...sunscreen/block sticks (TSA friendly - portable)...and micro-needling delivery systems-from South Korean companies... caught our attention. K BEAUTY TRENDS we hope catch on here... Stick sunscreens (and moisturizing balms -pictured below)...are huge in Asia-in particular- S. Korea-where golf is a popular activity. Portable for sure---and less sticky than the ones we lavish on our skin... SUNJIN Beauty Science 's showed several innovative full spectrum sunblock/sunscreens including one that is EWG certified. The difference-texture wise-these feel silky and go on smoothly and are easy to spread-due to their high water content.  Another K Company.. .DTS MG  had Micro Needle delivery systems paired with this nifty hair loss treatment coined RETURN. Basically-one fills the micro needle device with contents of these ampules...and applies,  Study results using RETURN delivered

Part One: As consumers worldwide shift their thinking (or vocabulary) from anti-aging to wellness-their priorities for what is desire-able is also getting re-fresh too. SRO-a program on regulation-part of the very well attended Indie Brand How To's from Inception to Concept The Basics: Want to know the latest wellness trends for skin/haircare? Walk the aisles of a supplier trade show-for an education on cutting edge ingredients-usually before they're 'in' the retail market. We've been covering these kinds of events for years-learning where/how both big companies and individuals-source their products/ingredients. Open secret: Sometimes the splashy marketed products and cult favs contain the same ingredients from the same source... or private label manufacturers. an exception for global brand-albeit smallish one- natural leaning  Tata Harper  Skincare doesn't out-source formulations for its products...'crafted' at an in-house lab acc

Personal wellsprings of self care are popping up  -for populations focusing on a life lived, well . Subjectively interpreted of course. 21st century attributes and expectations- in a connected world constantly measured/monitored by metrics...often needs  to also include just how to slow down and enjoy the moment, no numerical feedback required. Part One: WELCOME: A VIP Movie Going Leisure pursuits outside of the home are in competition with...screen time inside...like Netflix and video games. Hence the re-think of  cinema experiences...which we got to check out recently in the Big Apple, at the latest CMX cinemas venue-CMX CinéBistro. Manhattan, and NYC in general does not lack for fun pursuits-day or night...so any new venture better deliver unique options to succeed. Question-therefore...does this outlet-one of 37 dine-in movie theaters-accomplish its 'mission'? Answer -yes, PLUS a perfect date night destination, escape from a winter hibernation, an after