LYRA MAG.

Just in time for the holiday festivities-where we spackle on the sparkling-glow makeup-a bit (a lot)  more than usual. Gentle TIZO Photoceutical Foaming Cleanser -part of a system of skincare products- joins their fab tinted physical block sunscreen-prominently on our bathroom cabinet shelf...because its 2x a day use (AM/PM) ... wakes up skin in the morning and maybe more importantly- gets the grit off quickly...leaving a clean palette free of makeup-including the on all day (night) waterproof kinds. Think all facial cleansers are the same....WRONG. Check the ingredients out for one. Boasting moisturizing glycerin, proven skin helper-brightener Niacinamide (B3) , anti-oxidant loaded amino acid Taurine and soothing cucumber extract... Tizo's pleasant foaming texture-has protective healing properties.. .spreads easy -tip-splash a bit of water on first-then use one pump + massage in -with fingers or a wash cloth if more makeup is on (IMO) -and rinses off easy -leaving ...

Deck the Halls...or any surface with cheery decor pieces...that make ideal keepsakes' gifts too. Waterford Crystal  -tasteful selection of sparkling ornaments...rings it in. The Times Square Collection (pictured) includes a commemorative  snowglobe $65, triangle and Times Sq Ball-just like the one there ornament $65/$100. All beautifully packaged too. Royal Doulton Figurine- Christmas Surprise ($210) designed by Neil Faulkner-8.8 inches tall beauty with cute lab puppy delivers in a gift box.

The cannabis flowering plant has new legal status. Always popular elsewhere and grown in Canada...various oil offshoots are now marketed HERE as a tasty cure-all ( anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, stress help-to name a few ).

Great gathering food/drink-options to bring along... READY TO DRINK: NY State of Mind: Hard Cider-is catching on as a refreshing party  (or anytime) alcoholic drink-that synchs well with late Fall's typical fare. Try crisp-sweet-to-tart/acidic-to spice-y fruit selections from the Empire State's culinary destinations-the bountiful Hudson Valley and Catskills Mountains-or  the beautiful Finger Lakes-known for its award winning Rieslings. New York's abundant apple crop-with the variety of apples grown= first in the USA...are picked and often distilled- right on the premises. via GIPHY The slight carbonation and low- like beer -ABV-makes it worthy of game watching thirst quencher status AND meal sipping liquid- pair with  T-day turkey, cinnamon accented cookies/pies, rich creamy pastas, New England oysters' anything, to bold cheeses and in fancy  crafted cocktails . TRY:  Raymor Estates Cellar -from the Finger Lakes Region- is a wonderful fruit...

A lexander Wang x Uniqlo Fashion's marquee names have been collaborating with streetwear, fast fashion...and footwear companies for so many years now- there's a new collection every week. At least. Sure -some still sell-out (mostly)...but the on e we actually would wear (vs whatever-hoping for a quick flip profit on eBay) =  Alexander Wang x Uniqlo ...with everyday cold weather basics. The line-up for women includes L/S crews, ribbed crew neck tees, tank tops, body suits (L/S and sleeveless), undergarments, and THE bottom staple-slim fitted leggings...all available in neutral tones- at the very un Wang but very Uniqlo price points. There's a men's collection too. The smart and innovative Japanese based label Uniqlo...and its heat reflecting fabric HEATTECH deliver in warm and extra warm versions...and as with all Uniqlo merchandise (our experience)-the quality is outstanding.  From $9.90-$39.90 PS: not for nothing-we knew Alexander Wang was somethin...

Bali-is a magical island -inspiring tourists for fly and flop beaches, Aussie partyers,  peace seeking yoga devotees, and spa haven mavens..to name just a few... who can travel many hours to get to this tropical paradise. A half a planet away... ( sigh, yes )-but Bali can still be experienced aural-visual wise- anywhere-via its music gamelan,,,and a cool film doc (Bali Beats of Paradise)- by native  Livi Zheng on the island's music+dance -recounting the winning funk mash-up with singer-songerwriter-producer-musician-Grammy Award winner -Judith Glory Hill. These ladies gave a live demo of Bali's traditional dance moves At AMC 25 theaters/Times Sq-an appreciative crowd gets in the selfies with Judith Hill Bali Beats of Paradise spotlights Bali-Indonesian gamelan composer Nyoman Wenten and Grammy Award winner-Judith Hill-creative collar-and quest for one million hits... Bali beauty- experience a bit of it-via aromatic  JUARA skincare 's collection of ...

Rarely do we get a palatable powder to add to liquids...that boasts energy charger-bio-available loaded iron- blue green algae spirulina- plus loads of healthy vitamins, iron and  micronutrients that doesn't taste like grass.   Or something worse. JUST LIKE THIS GIPHY  via GIPHY seriously-we've all been there Which is why PaleoPro's Paleo Greens Powder is our new hero product.  Sent a sample-we'd figure a tsp of this finely ground green powder in a few ounces of water...would best be inhaled like a shot-vs sipping to savor the taste. But the taste really was naturally A OK ...a sweetness from monk fruit extract but with no added sugar (and with 5 grams of plant based vegan protein-from organic hemp). If you're the type to gulp Kombucha or Apple Cider Vinegar down straight -the surprising palatable taste of Paleo Greens Powder will come as sheer taste buds' joy. Kudos to who ever figured this out. Now part of our morning routine- adding a ts...

Fidenza Village outlets deliver the message during Milan Fashion Week in leafy Brera area NINA's handbags -LOVE THIS-fabulous snap shut clutch (seen at Spring preview). The sparkling beaded details are  exceptionally crafted-as are other glam purses-that are available now. Great gifts-these statement making handbags are big enough for mobiles...priced $55- $65. .Celebrate TRUE LOVE-Assam Teas's wedding blend or-sip a bit of true love-English Tea teabags in a Royal Wedding tin-a collectible by AHMAD Tea We start our morning java inhale with an Ellen Degeneres' Love Mug-by Royal Doulton-part of her collaboration of home decor Joy Gift sets that are utilitarian and cheerful. AND ONSALE NOW -from $24.99-$34.99 PS: sturdy too...don't recommend dropping anything on a hardwood floor-but our beloved cup of choice has survived gravity's pull. via GIPHY

H oliday travel-can inspire wrapping up ready made gifts that safely go the distance. via GIPHY Girl fav subscription box KIDPIK - Holiday '18 -KidPik gift box ...takes the guesswork out of gifting coordinated (and stylish) wardrobes including these adorable easy on/off cold weather boots-with enough sparkle for the picky fashionista...and durable enough for the sporty type -ready to have days of snowy winter fun. Fav colors and cute design patterns-on these function/fashion stretchy lanyard smartphone holders-to wear around kids' necks...ensures one less thing can get lost en route. Made of germ inhibitor silicone by Gear Beast -these patented accessories fit on  most sizes of all mobiles s -up to 6.75 x 3.78 inches. Other mobile accessories include another version that doubles as a wallet with slots for cards.  Sizes -2.0 or 2,5 cm nylon necklace-with a detachable clip. Pictured-the Smartphone Lanyard w/ card pocket Travelbadger offers a...

R elax anywhere... Part 3 Insta-calming-pure essential oils-aromatherapy-is one of the easiest and most effective ways to chill out in a fast paced life. Easiest way -especially when not at home is to sprinkle 2-3 drops of a soothing USDA Certified Organic essential oils - on a lightbulb or in a bath (with muscle soothing Epsom salts). Calmers include lavender (our pick for soaks=non-irritating for the skin)-or aromatic fruity orange, sweet mandarin, spice-y frankincense, florals geranium, rose and cleansing spearmint. Find travel sizes of essential oils (10ml, 20ml,30ml)- pretty much anywhere one can shop-online or brick+mortar outlets. Inexpensive too. Our pick- the single essential USDA Organic oils from Wyndmere Naturals. On the road help and just beautiful to look at...  Minnie Park 's limited edition candle infused with calming lavender essential oil and pieces of clarifying amethyst stones. Light one to make any not home -impersonal room, more cozy AT HO...

Better Snacking PDQ Nick the hunger with tasty fun functional ingredients-plant based- ready to (h)eat ... NEW: yummy Garden Lites new Frittatas are flavor loaded-with loads of accolades earned-like being mini muffin shape-portion controlled- individually wrapped-ready to devour- without utensils - after  only a minute (microwave) or maybe like 18-25 minutes-in a toaster or regular oven-straight out of the freezer. 6 per package...easy to stack up a few in the freezer for grabs and practically on the go snacking. Delicious and appealing to kids-even with the adult pleasing flavors of mildly spiced veggie bacon and potato- or in a spinach  egg white + mozzarella version. A few Garden Lite Frittatas  can be the main meal act- because it's so easy HA HA. Just heat up  a few... they're excellent entreés for hungry cooks with NO time. NOTE: maybe not feline fare but kids will love the taste-on these RTE versions of a popular traditional Italian treat! ...

From Black Friday- Lunar New Year -adds up to around a lucky 13 weeks of celebrating something. Time for everything? Of course not. Some tips on speeding up parts of life without compromises. Part One Beauty Time Busters via GIPHY We've covered imPress Nails since the company sponsored fashion runway shows. Though digital scrolling   Instagram has taken over that role ...the variety of press on nails still are the best for fast manis with creative flair, including trendy limited editions  like the ones pictured- the Alice+Olivia by Stacy Bendet collection. PLUS...imPRESS press on manicures are so easy to put on-one could apply while commuting on mass transit. Hint: Nail beds are shaped differently-if yours run a bit flatter-nail glue can help achieve a long lasting adhesive. Hair shines with hold less the sticky stuff. Ecru New York... has a new multi-tasking TEXTURE Setting Spray that works -on wet or dry tresses. Silk proteins thermally protec...

A predictable theme for the holiday seasons is to de-stress..and a whole bunch of CALMing cosmetics and ingredients ( like soothing multi-tasker calamine) aims to minimize " nature's alarm system " cortisol's  negative impact on skin. PLUS-the latest in hydration, topically . Korea's SUNJIN Beauty Science   sunscreens and blocks with Calamine.made from anti-oxidant loaded cherry blossom extract. Skin's gets hydrated-with  SUNJIN Beauty Science   's latest solution of creams and balms-that are super lightweight and absorb or rinse off pdq without leaving a film like many oil loaded moisturizers+cleansers out there, From creams to custards...all feel barely there vs old school skin creams.  Birch sap is an 'it ingredient' for skincare naturally packed with  nutrients+hyaluronic acid that moisturizes-plus calming anti-oxidants that sooth irritated skin. Velvet Air Lipsticks by ECRU New York...latest moisturizing long lasting lip...