LYRA MAG.

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...

"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...