LYRA MAG.

We are well over decade plus into the biohacking  buzzy world-of how to age better-or in our case -as hard core long distance endurance athletes -seemingly eternally searching for a (legal) competitive edge-on how to go faster, injury free.  SO...since we wrote about NAD (  nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-vitamin B3) years ago-there's been literally gobs of intel and famous touters of this anti-inflammatory -anti-ager helper.  FYI: NAD+ is taken as a supplement, injection or as IV infusion therapy- to theoretically replenish our natural supply- that decreases with age. Which is why a new to us NAD+ (meaning NAD with other good for you ingredients) supplement -by a British founded company-NUCHIDO -peaked our interest-today in fact- at an informative seminar sponsored by Organic Spa Magazine . No surprise-that some NAD+ supplements, injections and IV infusion NAD+ therapies are not clinically proven /bio-available (meaning human bodies do not absorb it, effectively...

Less than a week getaways are key to our mental health -enough to explore (or tune out, unplugged)…without feeling overwhelmed with a to do list upon return. It’s a great way to take advantage of the super saver fares (Google Flights alert) and lodging deals that crop up PDQ too. ALWAYS in OUR cary-on roller: 1) Umbrella-unflappable/ unbreakable 'nough said. We all have been there -soaked in sudden downpours...with umbrellas-inverted /broken-at the slightest wind gust- their short lives ENDED- tossed into the nearest trash bin. Repeat repeat repeat- Shed Rain umbrellas made a Portland based family owned company in business as "weather engineers" for 75 years...shields travelers with their portable umbrellas that are truly the sturdiest we've ever had that fit into our 21 inch carry-on bag.  Think about it-  a re-invention of umbrella technology since---oh-the last century that actually exists.  The UNBELIEVABRELLA(tm) genuisly closes its fibergalss and metal tough ...

Before the crowds shut you out-or turn you off from going...the March-April months of early Spring / Fall are ideal for travel. For onboard comfort...a few key carry-on items can start the journey in transit, calmly.   Fingerless Gloves :                    Pandemonium Millinery -a woman owned / Seattle made business-has a terrific collection of faux fur everything -including rather stylish and versatile  finger -less gloves for when a tad of warmth is needed (including those drafty plane rides). BONUS: smartphone swiping friendly...gush-worthy matching scarves.  Skincare :                   Travel sizes are essential-fortunately our fav YON KA PARIS bestsellers- including the healing Toning spray mist- come in TSA worthy sizes. Double as soothers/moisturizer with essential oils-  just one spritz aromatically manages to relax nerves still recovering from that check-i...

Men's jewelry-is an increasing percentage of the fine jewelry sales ( $200 and up) ...  picking up post pandemic via DTC sales and independent retailers. Bold individual pieces now commonly join men's watches- that have been de rigeur for style (and status) since 'aspirational luxury' 19th century pocket watches got made. What's on trend: notice me as well as more classic subtle rings, bracelets and necklaces to wear all the time by guys and gals who like the look -including customizing accessory staples in modern solid/ mixed shiny/matte metals and materials. Impressively many collections that are hand made-boast the sophisticated details normally associated with the top tier luxury brands. At a recent Accessories Counsel showcase...the demand for men's jewelry really stood out for several lines on display. Phillip Garbriel Maroof's namesake Phillip Gaviel -an upscale collection had keepsake wearable (and stackable) silver sterling woven chain bracelets (...

The importance of a healthy gut microbiome (good bacteria+immune cells)-fed by pre/probiotics/fiber...has been scientifically linked to our well being.  Everything from anxiety levels, digestive issues,  auto-immune diseases (as in rheumatoid arthritis), and even lately neurological diseases like Parkinson's   are linked to having bad gut health...  So common sense would of course -synch up nourishing the largest human organ-our skin-via pre/probiotics to obtain the skin equivalent of a healthy gut.  From Europe-the LaFlore skincare collection actually contains (rather amazingly-via patented technology, 3rd party tested ) LIVE pre and probiotics-from good for you yeasts and bacteria strains- that encourages healthy cellular turnover for fresh glowy skin...creating a desired barrier to environmental pollution that is everywhere, indoors and outside. Especially good for sensitive skin-its key products are truly loaded with good bacteria (ingredient lists confirm ...

 The cut off (shutoff) of Pandemic life  generated  many-lifestyle changes - elevating home centric self care out of need and necessity.  Taking a deep breathe on one's own turf- and self healing hot baths, foam rolling sessions-  are helpful. BUT there's a reason people who make a living out of their head to toe selves- think professional athletes, film/stage actors-on maximum output mode-and in front of eyeballs for more than 8 minute Tik Tok vidoes... have on staff, travel with -or frequently partake of -the healing hands of trained humans.  Arguably a trained esthetician,  anesthetist, or massage therapist surpasses the abilities of self abilities and even technology to achieve results desired. NO AI needed ( hmmm beauty/tech Oddity-the latest IPO filed) Accessible home gadgets LED masks and big time $ spurges like infrared saunas and hyperbaric oxygen tanks deliver -healing touch-less treatments but really do not replicate the positive (linger...

WHERE TO GO: - iconic Sydney Opera House-def worth a tour. Haborside piers-redeveloped as as housing, theater/dance performance centers, and art galleries The down under destination for the USA (other side of the equator)-is almost the same size-land mass  wise-as the lower 48.  There's never really a 'bad' time to visit Australia (AU) but if one wants to avoid crowds-avoid the AU school term holidays -and  holidays of nearby countries like Indonesia, Malaysia etc... Low crime easy to get around Australia is popular.  The weather ranges from hot dry, hot humid tropical in areas-closer to the equator...to cooler temps further south-with even a few light snow spots in the mountains possible-in July.  TIPS: Americans need a visa (ha otherwise we'd all move there)-get online in about five minutes online using your USA passport. sums it up... There's a 14 hour time zone difference-so one 'loses' a day-going there...and gains it going back. On our from the USA -LA...

With the 'journey' now being more stressful than ever (high gas prices! airport delays! flights canceled!) the destination needs to be more 'calming' than ever for need to chill out seekers.  For Value Budgeteers wanting self-care with a tad less emphasis on the 'self' (as in selfish) part-the non-profit Le Monastère Des Augustines, very accessible from the tourist destination-Old Quebec City...offers basic and contemporary rooms, healthy meals-dining (and snacks/picnics to go), multiple inclusive wellness packages or á la carte hands on holistic options of soothing pampering  massages and treatments,  mental respites in leafy green outdoor sanctuaries -including yoga, private meditations/movement sessions -and seasonal winter cross-country- downhill skiing on the slopes of nearby mountains. With a history of spiritualism combined with the healing -Le Monastère Des Augustines has reimagined and updated its historic architectural structures and thoughtfully ...

 Post pandemic self care and the resumption of 'experiences'-including endurance races (and all that training that goes into it)-require different stuff   (think actively anti-inflammatory)  than just sitting around for another Zoom call. Everyone 'gets' the hydration part of workouts (by now)-but the 'what' to drink has really evolved into functional beverages as an option to fuel/ feel  better -or in the case of Good Idea -to stabilize blood sugars' highs/lows via a winning no -calories-no caffeine-no-junk mash-up of sparkling water spiked up with amino acids and the essential mineral chromium ( chromium picolinate , precisely). That doesn't leave you spiked up (or crashing). A quarter of a can ( lightly berry flavored=totally refreshing)-with a meal-is suggested-evens out metabolism too and miraculously when we tried a half a cup of the refreshingly cold black currant flavor  -at a recent Organic Spa Magazine event-the need for the usual later after...

 YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT The importance of gut health is  accepted universally  --- EATING certain foods that are good digestible (holistic)--- accessible sources (and the correct amounts-dose needed) of pre/probiotics (fermented ones-yogurt,  miso, kimchi, sauerkraut to name a few)...is ideal-but is not realistically on the menu, for summer travelers hitting the road,  busy stay at home types or fussy food nibblers of all ages.  While immune boosting supplements are not regulated by the FDA-people nonetheless rely on them for daily doses of must haves for the gut microbiome...especially now when the nutritional value of what we eat/digest often seems a real toss-up these days-coupled with the seemingly bloomin' boomin' proliferation of auto-immune disease sufferers.  Yikes. Fortunately independent analysis of high quality supplements does exist... and should be 'on the list' for those looking to boost their daily intakes of nutrition aids.   Recent...

According to Fundera - USA based, women owned businesses generate $18 trillion.  An interesting stat there -for International Women's Day... and an inspiration for "Great Things For Spring" For Travelers: Our fav scrunchie maker Pomchies- courtesy of  Arizona based Heather Clark...marvelously pivoted towards mask making with a fashion flair ...with  chic practical  (washable) offerings. We absolutely heart these colorful (and print/shade coordinated) double (fit standard sized filters) and cool to the touch single masks, woven lanyards with claw attachments (POM MASK KEEPERS) and adorable mini cheerleader pom poms' luggage identifyers (POM-ID)---that are PERFECT for that next trip out of airport.   On an actual commercial flight airplane.  OH...the possibilities .  Animal prints, neutrals, fav school colors, or bright neons...a plethora of outfit coordinated accessories -made from material 'extras'...by POMCHIES ...(on Amazon too). Note: Masks are not ...

 With a focus on all things HOME The 'experience' of travels and attending (legal) events ...maybe off the 'list' for now :-( The upside? Great Black-Friday-Cyber Monday-New Year's (self) gifts that won't costs as much as airfare. Our at Home Fatigue  includes the 'joys' of home cooking. So over it . To ease the drudgery... shelf stable tasty spice blends/sauces to take the basics from ho hum to palate perker-uppers.  Old Arthurs   BBQ sauces from zesty hot-to some kick mild...and spice 'rubs' in a handy box set- taking the guess work out of yummy grilled, roasted or broiled anything (like corn on the cob or healthy squash). Savvy Goose The Flight -a gift ready-allergen free- shelf saver for all those spices you know you will never use (again). Carefully blended by top chefs -these handy options are awesome for us lazy microwave only cookers -rendering our typical steamed vegetables almost worthy of a gourmand.  FOR true worthy of gourmand status...