Month: April 2023

Garcelle Beauvais’ Purple Gown

Garcelle Beauvais’ Purple Gown on Instagram

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills 2023 Instagram Fashion

Another great look from the HNT event. This time it’s Garcelle Beauvais looking gorgeous in her purple gown. Now  this dress doesn’t need any justification for purchasing, you can tell just by looking at it that it’s worthy. Which is why I think you should absolutely give it teeth a home, yours obvi.

 

Sincerely Stylish,

Jess

 

Garcelle Beauvais' Purple Gown

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Photo: @crystalkungminkoff

Originally posted at: Garcelle Beauvais’ Purple Gown

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Are You Ready for Summer? Join This 4-Week Challenge to Reboot Your Health Before Memorial Day

health challenge

Spring is a season of renewal and rejuvenation, and that goes for your body and your health as well! If you are feeling sluggish, inflamed, swollen, or just plain crappy right now, join me for a 4-week challenge that will lead us right into Memorial Day and set us up for a happier, healthier summer! Who doesn’t want that?!

For optimal results, find a friend to join you for the next 4 weeks. The 4-week challenge will begin May 1st and will run through May 28th – finishing up just in time for Memorial Day on May 29th!

Note: Save this article or print it so that you have the challenge ready for you on May 1st!

Follow These Rules for 4 Weeks and Watch Your Health Transform

Rule #1: Don’t Eat Any Foods That Have More Than 5 Ingredients on the Label

Basically, this would mean limiting processed and packaged foods in general.

I understand that there may be some packaged products out there that contain more than 5 ingredients and would still be considered healthy options, but for simplicity, THIS IS THE RULE that I want you to follow!

Yes, this probably rules out 95% of breads… SORRY! If you really want bread – make your own!

You can still eat whole, unprocessed grains like quinoa, brown rice, polenta, and steel-cut oatmeal.

Rule #2: Eliminate All Added Sugar

It’s important to know what is in your food, so read the labels. If it contains sugar (coconut sugar, powdered sugar, cane sugar, ANY FORM OF SUGAR) – don’t eat it during this 4-week challenge! (I will allow 1 exception… which is to eat 1 ounce of dark chocolate per day that is at least 70% cacao as a treat).

If you REALLY want to sweeten something, use a small amount of stevia, honey, or pure maple syrup to sweeten it yourself. Honey and maple syrup will raise your blood sugar just as much as sugar, but at least they have some beneficial vitamins and antioxidants.

Rule #3: Limit the Oils You Consume

Consume only the following oils: extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or butter. No other oils.

Rule #4: Eliminate All Soda and Any Other Sweetened Drinks

  • Keep it simple and just drink water, coffee (without sweetener), or unsweetened tea. YOU WILL SURVIVE!
  • When in doubt, if it tastes sweet, don’t drink it (this means no Crystal Light packets, no Mio water flavoring, etc.).
  • Try adding a squeeze of lemon or lime to your water along with some fresh mint for a refreshing, tasty drink.

Rule #5: Limit Alcohol Intake

Limit yourself to 1 glass (that means 1 serving) of alcohol per week. If you don’t think just one glass is worth it, then skip it altogether.

Rule #6: Salad Rules!

If you’re going out to eat… SKIP the bread/chips and start with a SALAD!

Rule #7: Don’t Forget to Move

Track your steps. Get at least 7,000 steps per day! If you currently get less than 5,000 steps per day, build up to 7,000 over the course of 1-2 weeks.

Going a Step Further

If you’re ready to take it a step FURTHER … you can join in on the advanced plan! This means:

  • NO flours except almond flour or coconut flour – no bread, pasta, crackers, etc. unless they are made with almond or coconut flour.
  • Cut out all sweeteners (including honey, maple syrup, etc.) AND all artificial sweeteners (Stevia, Splenda, Truvia, sugar alcohols, etc.).

Meal Plan

Healthy Snacks

I advise sticking to 3 balanced meals per day, but if you are in need of a snack, here are some ideas:

  • Hummus and veggies
  • Hummus and almonds (sounds weird, but it’s delicious!)
  • Homemade guacamole and veggies
  • Hard boiled egg(s)
  • Plain Greek yogurt topped with berries and nuts
  • Protein shake

Breakfast Ideas

Lunch and Dinner Ideas

Is this the PERFECT diet plan? No. Everyone is different, and a perfect diet doesn’t exist!

Is this diet plan going to solve all of your health problems? No! But it will move you in the right direction!

Are each of these rules foundational practices that you should do if you want to get healthier? Yes!!! If you haven’t mastered these foundational practices, then this challenge is most definitely a great place for you to start.

I don’t know about you, but I consider Memorial Day to be the kickoff to summer! Let’s kick off the summer feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and healthy!

Email me at thea@vezawellness.com if you’d like to join me starting on May 1st for an advanced 7-day functional medicine detox.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Are you going to join in for the 4-week challenge? Which of the 7 main rules do you already follow? Which might be a challenge for you? Have you ever done a 4-week challenge before?

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Your Third Act Is for Taking Creative Risks

taking creative risks

“As soon as I held my paintbrush and stared into the crisp canvas, I couldn’t help but feel like a main character of my movie,” said an empty-nester friend who had been feeling the blues for quite some time. The metaphor was intriguing to me because, in reality, you really are the main character of your life.

Staying exclusively in your comfort zone, however, especially as a senior adult, can make that feeling fade away. Age has a universally negative connotation, and there is no known way to stop it. But we can be alive as we live it! One way to embrace our vitality is to consider a different narrative approach to the subject of risk.

The first step toward fully experiencing life is to move outside of your comfort zone and to think more positively about risk. Just like aging, risk has a negative overlay. Be careful not to fall. Don’t talk on your phone while driving. Don’t be fooled by scams. Of course, all this advice is good. But avoiding all risks is not.

Surely, I won’t be the first person to break the news that taking risks helps achieve greater things, but in this article, I want to be the first person to guide YOU in taking YOUR first creative leap in a long time.

Taking a Step Towards the First Act

Art is the first step of graceful aging for anyone who has entered their third act of life, from retirees experiencing social isolation to empty nesters feeling lonely and alone. Participating in artistic or otherwise creative activities is the only way to be heard above the din of everyday life.

I know firsthand how intimidating it can be to dive headfirst into a new group or endeavor, especially if the atmosphere is cold and uninviting. Many organizations and institutions dedicated to the arts and culture, however, are making efforts to alter this.

Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS) is one such institute that I heartily endorse because of its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Their honest inclusionary efforts have ignited hope in senior adults who intend to explore their artistic abilities.

When I had the fantastic opportunity to interview the NBS game-changers about diversity and inclusion in the arts, I asked their Executive Director, John Dalrymple, for his thoughts on the subject, and his response helped me see the bigger picture.

Inquiringly, “What happens when people walk into our building?” he posed the question. “Do they feel a sense of belonging? Do they see themselves reflected in what we do? And that’s where we had to get more serious about addressing issues with ballet in terms of a lack of inclusion, a lack of diversity, and really, a lack of equity-informed practice within the ballet training world.”

With an outlook of “If we don’t do it, who will?” they took matters into their own hands.

As a result of their tireless efforts, in-house programs like ‘Dance for Life’ now offer senior citizens, people with Parkinson’s, and others in the community access to dance classes and other enriching community activities.

Senior citizens have been dependable bodies as cultural keepers with exceptional social creativity throughout human history. To me, it seems obvious that the more experienced we are, the better off we will be. These individuals have a wealth of experience and emotional depth that they can easily channel anywhere. So what is stopping them today? Maybe their own thinking patterns.

Creative Aging as a Mantra and Addressing Risks, Head On

Despite the positive outlook and aging-related campaigns, the legacy of aging stereotypes seldom fades away. The most apparent ones are the exhaustion of creative vision and a lack of risk-taking enthusiasm. Society believes that as people age, their behavior grows more restrictive and cautious.

I always encourage individuals to take risks in order to amass a wealth of life experiences, particularly in the artistic and cultural realms. Rob Binet, a highly skilled choreographer at the NBS, articulated his ideas in a compelling manner, stating, “Everything that we depend on now as a totally bankable, safe idea was absolutely radical at one point. Swan Lake wasn’t a safe bet when it first went. It was crazy, and it failed, and it took about 10 years before it gained any traction, and now it’s our absolute safest bet.”

In the same way you miss out on so many things when you don’t take risks. Before, people’s options for engaging in creative pursuits were limited. Now, however, the possibilities are practically limitless. The fields of literature, theater, dance, music, crafts, and history awaits our interest.

From joining a book club to taking filmmaking or photography lessons, playing a musical instrument, singing, learning about your city’s history, taking ballet lessons, enrolling in a painting class, or participating in niche interests like foraging or tatting, your options are abundant.

However, the selection from these artistic pursuits is equally important based on health and physical needs. With the help of art in your life, your mind can feel more energized, and your body will thank you every day.

The Positives of Taking Artistic Steps

There is a direct correlation between engaging in cultural pursuits and improved mental health, quality of life, and happiness. Despite the significance of these developments, nothing beats the newly discovered sense of accomplishment.

Achieving something gives you a healthy boost of endorphins, making you feel mentally good. The new addition to your daily routine will brighten your life by ushering in a newer and fresher phase.

Starting with a relaxing pottery class can be an excellent way to boost serotonin levels. When you push yourself to try something new, something you’ve never done before, your confidence and self-esteem skyrocket. We all deserve to feel good about ourselves, so why not treat yourself to a new hobby every now and then?

Engaging in these activities, no matter how large or small, puts your brain under a bit of stress, which is both fun and healthy for your brain. The arts are excellent activities for communication – sometimes even transcending language barriers. Emotional bonds are formed, problems are humanized, and the core of the group is strengthened, which in turn further reinforces the community.

The most compelling argument for starting any artistic journey is its health benefits. Many friends and family members have confided in me about their improved balance and posture. It’s no secret that your body stiffens as you age, and your muscles become rigid. Studies and articles suggest that the cognitive benefits of ballet may extend to seniors and the prevention of dementia.

Much of this is because one must concentrate and memorize numerous combinations in order to complete an action. It is an effective physical therapy exercise for people with osteoporosis and arthritis.

These pursuits also make for a smoother retirement. The prospect of retiring after years of maintaining a professional persona can be daunting. Having hobbies can help you channel your energy into something constructive and give you a sense of direction in your life.

One last fascinating advantage of starting such activities in your senior years is the sheer amount of healthy social interaction throughout the day. Recreational art programs will help you make new friends and will make you more sociable. These art forms help one be in touch with their creative side and shape self-expression.

You are less likely to feel lonely, and sometimes it also gives rise to intergenerational social relationships. A nice cup of coffee with your new friends after a class sounds like a win-win! This trifecta of mental, physical, and social benefits is all you need for a thriving life.

Start Slow to Get the Ball Rolling

Fear of not fitting in can be a valid reason for people not trying in the first place. However, these mental roadblocks are simply mental ifs and buts. At whatever age you are, you must try to challenge yourself. Starting ballet or any other art form requiring physical endurance at a later age isn’t the easiest transition that you can achieve.

You need to take your physical limitations into account in addition to your stamina. As I always say, having a strong determination is essential before venturing out, but it is also critical to recognize and address any shortcomings or challenges along the way.

It’s true that tailoring an experience to fit your unique needs and preferences increases its comfort and enjoyment factor. Similarly, your creative pursuits shouldn’t be confined to cookie-cutter lessons. If the traditional forms are currently inaccessible, consider opting for a different and personalized way to start your journey.

For instance, most written choreography is appropriate for relatively young dancers. In that case, I recommend beginning with a seated ballet barre. This low-impact exercise is ideal for beginners and helps improve balance and coordination.

You may not have the time to do something right now, or you don’t live in a place where it’s possible to do it. Your saving grace may be the availability of relevant online courses.

Contacting a senior center in your area is another great option for narrowing down a list of potential beginnings. Remember that the thresholds at which different people can participate in any given social or artistic activity vary greatly along physical, mental, and temporal dimensions. That friend of yours might be having a great time with an activity but if it isn’t your cup of tea you need to seek a different passion.

Redefine Age to Manifest Happiness

As a child, I was always captivated by professionals who effortlessly displayed their picture-perfect performance art, a pristine glow and halo of enchantment surrounding them. Today, however, I am more captivated by someone’s first attempts and their less-than-perfect first steps.

To help new artistic attempts, small amounts of encouragement can go a long way, so if your partner aspires to try something new, encourage them. If you’re nervous about joining a community, find someone who shares your interests and do activities with them. Sometimes the comfort of company does more than one can imagine. And make a habit of taking risks – one day at a time.

As I close this piece, I can’t help but think of Rob Binet’s inspiring words: “I feel like every time I take a risk, and things aren’t totally destabilized, it creates opportunities for others to take risks, and it lets me take a bigger risk.”

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What artistic risks have you taken recently? How have you benefited from taking those risks? Were you afraid to step forth? How did you conquer your fear of risk?

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Mandy Moore New Short Hair & Bangs Might Just Be Your Summer Cut Inspo


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Mandy Moore is a whole new woman. The This Is Us star switched up her hair this week and she’s glowing with her new look. Moore went from a one-length, medium-brown hairstyle to a warm, deep brunette lob with bangs. It might only be a few inches off but it makes a big difference, especially when you see how the choppy layers frame her face beautifully. You’re going to what to bookmark this next time you head to the salon.

The shoulder-length cut offers a range of possibilities, from soft and romantic waves to sleek and straight styles. Bangs, on the other hand, can add texture, dimension, and personality to any haircut. They come in different lengths, shapes, and styles, from blunt and straight to wispy and side-swept.

Celebrities and influencers have been sporting this look on red carpet and on Instagram as of late, inspiring folks of all ages to try it out. Some of the most popular variations of the shoulder-length cut with bangs include the shag, the bob, the lob and the curtain bangs. The hairstyle is also easy to maintain and works well with different hair textures and face shapes. It can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for any occasion, from a casual day out to a formal event.

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

Hairstylist Ashley Streicher is responsible for the cut. “I love a nice, fresh spring chop! (Also so excited to BANG you again 😂).” she wrote on Instagram. “We love a fringe moment!”

Instagram PhotoSource: Instagram

“I’ve been itching for a hair change for a loooooong time and lucky for me, my sweetest @streicherhair was in town and fit me in,” Moore wrote on her own post.

Moore’s color also looks richer and a deeper brunette but it looks like she’s itching to change that up, too. “Now I just need some color!!!” she wrote to colorist Nikki Lee in her Instagram comments. We can’t wait to see what she does.

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This Wash Duo Tames Excess Frizz & Supports Growth on Curly & Wavy Hair Types


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A curly hair routine is an entirely different beast than most; these unique hair follicles require their own set of products and specific steps to keep curls bouncy and in proper form. Without them, unnecessary breakage and excess frizz may ensue, which is never a welcome experience. While each regimen can be circumstantial based on the level of coils and texture, looking for formulas that specifically cater to those with thicker, curlier hair types is a step in the right direction.

There are numerous products for curly hair types out there, but if you’re looking to stay within an affordable range, Hairburst’s Shampoo & Conditioner for Curly and Wavy Hair fits the description. The gentle cleansing duo was designed for curly and wavy hair types, and contains a mix of conditioning agents that define natural curls. Beyond strengthening your hair structure, it also locks in moisture to manage frizz, smoothes static and softens each strand. 

Hairburst Wash Duo For Curly & Wavy Hair Types

Hairburst

Hairburst Longer, Stronger Hair For Curly, Wavy Hair

Both the shampoo and the conditioner‘s ingredients were carefully selected for curly and wavy strands: Almond and black oak extract offers hydrating and soothing properties; amino acids improve the feel of the hair while adding color protection for dyed strands; wheat bran extract and camellia oil seal in cuticles to protect against damage and improve the strength of the hair for optimal growth; hydrolysed wheat protein protects against environmental aggressors, such as UV rays.

RELATED: This Spray Brings Instant Volume to Flat Strands & Visibly Thickens Them Overtime

Per the brand, both the products are “curly girl method-approved,” since they don’t contain sulphates or any ingredients that the curly girl method advises curly girls to avoid.  They are also suitable for curl types 3A, 3B and 3C. While these formulas were designed for those with these kinds of hair types, shoppers with extra frizzy and unmanageable strands may find benefits from use.

The brand carries additional targeted hair wash treatments, from a hair growth elixir that supports growth and adds volume to fine strands to a shampoo that helps oily scalps stay cleaner for longer. All are worthy of a place in your cart, so get shopping!

Hairburst Oily Scalp Wash Duo

Hairburst

Hairburst Shampoo & Conditioner For Oily Scalp & Roots

hairburst volume and growth

HairBurst.

Hairburst Volume & Growth Elixir

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