Tula Anti-aging Skincare

Photo: Adweek

As regular readers know, I've switched to drugstore retinoids for my skincare routine because certain brands (Olay, Neutrogena, L'Oreal, Roc) are budget-friendly with scientifically proven anti-aging ingredients that really work. But it doesn't mean I don't continue to learn about skincare and put other impressive brands on my radar. Tula is such a brand to know about. Although it costs far more than the drugstore brands, the retailer has regular Friends-and-Family discounts, making it more affordable. And, Tula has a store on Amazon with savings.

Tula focuses on a gut-to-skin connection by putting prebiotics and probiotics in its skincare. While this may seem like shrewd marketing, there is real science behind it. We have billions of bacteria living on our skin, as well as, in our gut. {A lurking microbiome of living microorganisms ... you are never truly alone!😱😂} Without a doubt, preprobiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics are essential for overall good health, creating a good microbiome and resulting in skin balance, not to mention, glowing skin. There's plenty yet to be learned, but the company's approach of putting biotics into its skincare works to balance the skin microbiome -- this is backed by science, as it helps fight inflammation (a cause of aging), treats wounds, and strengthens immunity.

Tula is formulated by Dr. Roshini Raj, its founder, a practicing gastroenterologist who is at the forefront of the gut-to-skin microbiome connection. Dr. Raj developed an innovative way to put probiotic extracts called S6Pro Complex into skin elixirs to effectively balance your skin microbiome with the results of strengthening, hydrating, and healing the skin. She has 20 years of experience, including research with successful clinical trials and product testing, behind her.

Next, I'll list Tula's probiotic complex products in the order I'd splurge on them ... still only after waiting for a good sale to roll around:

1) Retinol Alternative Serum - To ease wrinkles with 3 botanical retinol alternatives of bakuchiol, alfalfa sprouts, and stevia with squalane.

2) Pro-Ferm Overnight Complex - To recharge and replenish the eyes -  It contains bakuchiol (a gentle retinol alternative), s6Pro complex (as do all Tula's products), peptides, chamomile, squalene, and shea butter. As it happens, I don't use a separate eye cream, but if retinol is too harsh, this should provide the same benefits.

3) Overnight Repair Treatment - A high-potency face cream to treat wrinkles using alpha hydroxy acids and vitamin C.

Watch for more beauty brands to offer biotics-based skincare -- it's coming and will ultimately bring prices down.

When splurging on skincare I tend to buy only one item, not everything all at once. The serum is the most-worth-the-splurge item for me (as it treats both under the eyes and face). With a 2nd splurge, I might try something I don't already have (anti-aging eye cream). Finally (later on) I might complete the set with the night cream. If I ever see Tula at T.J. Maxx, I'll be sure to snatch it up for less! It's why putting the name on your radar is a smart move.

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Getting A Senior To Eat Her Meals

I could've called today's blog getting wards to eat their meals since the effort of getting good nutrition into the bellies of children can be just as challenging. Sometimes they don't want to eat balanced meals either.

Before my mom needed my help with her life she was an excellent home cook and ate just about everything. Now that she has aged she's a much pickier eater and at times won't eat vegetables, potatoes, bananas, untoasted bread, apples ... the list keeps growing longer! This evening she refused to take a bite of spinach. She won't eat carrots anymore, and I'm a stickler for making sure she consumes enough protein. 

Health care experts cite a myriad of reasons why seniors become finicky eaters. Sometimes it could be dental problems or perhaps their ability to taste food diminishes. My German mother still loves her bratwurst and knackwurst, therefore I doubt in her case, the reason for refusing soft vegetables is dental issues. Moreover, she's a late riser who must drink 3 cups of coffee after she wakes up before she'll consider eating any breakfast.  

Somehow I must make all my mom's personal quirks and refusals work in her favor. How do I do it? Well ... I'm not above trickery.

First I trick her into eating her breakfast while she drinks her 3 cups of coffee with milk. With 3 cups of coffee, she drinks what amounts to a cup of milk every morning, which gives her 8 grams of protein and calcium. Along with it, I serve her a 21-gram low-sugar protein bar to nibble on as she downs her coffee; and I give her dry Life (cinnamon flavored) cereal that I tell her is a food called Cinnamon Crispies.:) As she always asks for cookies while drinking her last cup of coffee, I spread 2 tablespoons of peanut butter in between 2 Digestives (or 2 graham crackers, choosing the lowest sugar grams I can find) every morning. As far as I'm concerned, it's another 8 grams of protein, the same amount a person gets by eating a peanut butter sandwich! So breakfast can be checked off at 36 grams of protein with some fiber. This leads to a subsequent problem to solve ...

As you might guess, after a late riser eats a late breakfast she's not hungry at midday, so wants to skip lunch. So how do you stop late risers from omitting lunch altogether? Naturally the answer again is ... trickery!

I resort to Greek Yogurt Sundaes, a combination of 1 - 1.5 cups of Greek Yogurt that I mix with fresh and canned fruit: whatever I have on hand, such as pineapples, peaches, pears, grapes, banana (yes, I sneak in 1/2 banana!), blueberries (other berries when you have them) and topped off with a scoop more of Greek yogurt along with 1/4 cup or so of diced almonds, pecans, and walnuts; plus dark chocolate chips. A drizzle of locally grown honey helps too (we have a beekeeper friend). Dark chocolate chips are indispensable for your covert operations! You must outsmart them, or the gig is up.

It's best not to make food a battle. If all else fails gently push the dairy (protein) and fruit (vitamins and fiber)! Seniors need more protein, not less. Currently, the recommended dietary allowance for women 70+ years old is 0.36 grams for each pound of body weight or 46 grams of protein for a 130-pound woman. I serve skim milk with meals without asking. My mom can have fruit juice in-between meals if she asks for it. Luckily mam'ma eats nuts, which I give her for snacks also. Nuts have many benefits for old people, including they are good for their brains and hearts.

  

Eating right is the first and most effective medicine. I do my best to keep my mom healthy by limiting her sugar, increasing her protein and fiber, and mixing up the foods she eats. But!! Whoever said the ends don't justify the means never had to get the very young or very old to eat their meals. Niccolò Machianvelli agrees with me! Brazen, unabashed, fragrant, trickery ... it's what's for dinner!!😁

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Fall And Winter Defense Against Dry Body Parts

At the end of summer, I notice the season is already changing resulting in dryer skin, not the cuticles just yet. But! Dry nail cuticles are sure to follow soon enough. Therefore it's not too early to stock up on moisturizers and treatments to fight our soon-to-be dry seasons. I'm also committed to downsizing the number of skincare products it takes to do the job. Curating products that really work plus acting as multi-taskers whenever possible, is THE SAVVY SHOPPER way! 

So the following are some products to fight Old Man Winter who is leaving the Southern Hemisphere and is on his way here. 

1) Cuccico Cuticle Oil (above top👆) - The cuticle oil repairs dry cracked nails and damaged skin. There are zero artificial ingredients in this healing vitamin E infused treatment oil. It's 100% paraben-free and animal cruelty-free and contains 100% plant and natural ingredients including safflower, sunflower, and sweet almond oils.

2) O'Keeffe's Working Hands Cream - It's serious relief for extremely dry and cracked hands. Glycerin and allantoin are key ingredients. This stuff begins by boosting moisture to dry hands and then creates a protective layer on the skin's surface to lock in the moisture.

3) Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream - I compared many of the top drugstore skin moisturizing creams and hands down selected Cetaphil above all others. It's rich, moisturizing, greaseless, unscented, thick, and creamy, and yet absorbs easily into the skin without leaving a residue. Now with hydrating glycerin and skin essential vitamins B5 (panthenol) and B3 (niacinamide), your skin feels soft and smooth after an application with no trace of stickiness. There are zero irritants in this gentle formula so I use it as a universal skin cream from face to toe, which is why I highly recommend it over all its competitors. The big value size is a bonus, and the advertised dermatologist recommended on its jar is true (heard it with my own ears). Because Cetaphil has no fragrance, it will never dry out your skin, including your face, body, or cuticles. Bar none, you cannot get a better smoothing, moisturizing skin cream at any price!

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Jacquemus Le Grand Chiquito Tote Bag

Jacquemus Le Grand Chiquito tote

Candor first. I'm featuring a bag I love, but since I have all the handbags I need, I won't buy it. I want! I need? I want! I need? The Jacquemus Le Grand Chiquito Tote bag is quite a temptation! Here's why: I like the classic and edgy look of the bag with its flared-out rectangle shape and an oversized looped top handle. Not only is the loop handle substantial and durable, it hangs on your arm with ease. The sturdy calf leather is smooth and luxurious. I also like the inclusion of the extra crossbody strip that comes with the bag so you can use it hands-free while out shopping. 

The price points of Jacquemus bags are higher than what I usually pay for my purses. It explains why I'm loyal to Coach bags, and yet who knows what I might find in the future at a worthwhile discount? And, if you lean towards designer handbags, here's a luxury brand offering top quality and craftsmanship at lower price points than the usual high-end suspects, namely Chanel, Dior, or Louis Vuitton -- the latter trio continue to raise their already sky-high-into-the-stratosphere costs. Up, up, and away! Perhaps we should consider moving on to other retailers who give us greater value for the money.

The Jacquemus Le Grand Chiquito Tote Bag (above👆) is the style I most covet and would use, however below are two more designs in the brand's winning and sleek collection.😉

Jacquemus Le Grand BaminoLeather Corssbody 

Unlike me, many women who are into changing their handbags might like the smaller sizes. In contrast, I use a handbag until it falls apart before I'll empty and switch it out. I hate changing bags so much it often takes a gala to make me do so. Regardless, I love all the Jacquemus bags featured here today! Hm ... could they make me change my ways?

Le Chiquito Long Top Handle 

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The Passing Of Queen Elizabeth II: America Says Goodbye Too

Queen Elizabeth Alexandra Mary (April 21, 1926 - September 8, 2022)

It's no secret that Americans love the British monarchy nearly as much as the British do, and Queen Elizabeth II is the only head of the family and realm many of us know in our lifetime. For 70 years the Queen ruled, and it seems unreal that she died today, but what a life of duty she lived for 96 years, and what an impeccable role model she was for the world. Rarely, if ever, stepping a foot wrong, and as one of her British subjects put it, "She never let us down." Of all the prominent people she met and illustrious events, she lead or took part in, perhaps being our rock by never letting us down is her true legacy. 

Photo: The US Sun - Bournemouth News - 8 months old

Despite always knowing the day would come, it's impossible not to be sad and devastated about losing such a beloved Queen, Great Britain's longest reigning monarch. Again today we are reminded that it doesn't take long to live a life. 

Photo: Getty

With a heavy heart, we send our condolences to her family and country. With certainty, we will miss her too, not only for the Queen that she was, but for the human being, she was. The twinkle of her eyes will always remain with us. R.I.P. Your Majesty, and long live your son, King Charles III (Confirmed today. Monarchs choose the name he or she will be known as). The King will address the nation tomorrow.💂

Photo: CNN

" Grief is the price we pay for love." - Words of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑

With the Queen's passing [some reports claim at the time she passed -- I can't verify the hour] two rainbows appeared, a double one over Buckingham Palace, her London home and another over Windsor Castle, her summer residence in Scotland where she died.

Photo: Bloomberg News - Buckingham Palace - September 8, 2022

Photo: Chris Jackson - Getty - Windsor Castle - September 8, 2022

Some people believe the Queen is letting us know she's in a good place, united with the people she loved. What do you think?

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Supergoop Sunscreen In A Super Size

Summer isn't over till we say it's over! While enjoying the last of our balmy weather don't forget the sunscreen. To protect our exposed skin from the sun's harmful rays, cancer experts tell us to apply the amount of a shot glass (or one ounce) of sunscreen on our bodies and about 1/2 - 1/3 of a teaspoon on our faces, ears, and necks, then reapply it every 2 hours. Like many other people, I don't use as much sunscreen as I should and forget to reapply it during the day. What's more, sometimes I wonder how a diligent family of 4 has enough sunscreen to follow the recommendations of skin doctors to prevent skin cancer.

As it turns out, one brand sells its sunscreen in the super size families with children (and perhaps friends who came along) would need for a day in the sun.

In 2007 Holly Thaggard developed Supergoop to provide sunscreen for the public school system of San Antonio, Texas. Supergoop is suitable for the face and body plus comes in several formulas and sizes, not just a super-size, so customers can buy the quantity they need. 

The original SuperGoop Play formula with SPF 50 is hydrating, fast-absorbing, as well as, water and sweat-resistant (for up to 80 minutes). There is also an Unseen SPF 40 sunscreen that is 100% invisible and scentless. The brand's expanded line includes other sun-protecting products such as sunscreen powders, glow moisturizing face creams, as well as, accessories like sun hats.

Here are a few cold, hard facts and statistics on skin cancer. They are good reasons to try to prevent it. 

Nowadays sunscreen isn't greasy on the skin. Tubes of sunscreen are effective for up to 3 years and then should be tossed out. Sun protection should be applied to our faces and exposed skin every day of the year (winter and rainy days included). With the proper protection, skin cancer is a preventable cancer.

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Vivaia Shoes Are Machine Washable

It takes a different kind of shoe for me to consider shoes that are not real leather because I always have trouble wearing man-made, non-leather shoes. Either they are too stiff and I can never break them in, or they are too hot, or they click and clack with every step. In fact, I've sworn off so-called liberated leather shoes.

Then along comes Vivaia shoes (established in 2020), a sustainable shoe company on a mission to make quality, comfortable and stylish footwear using recycled materials that are sourced from nature. Believe it or not, Vivaia shoes are made of recycled plastic water bottles. Plastic water bottles are turned into spools of flexible thread that is knitted into form. According to the merchant, Vivaia flats feel like sneakers. Their signature sustainable material is not only soft, cozy, and breathable, but they will last for years to come, and they are reasonably priced too!

Indeed, Vivaia shoes and boots are super fashionable: classic and understated, as well as, ultra-modern with vitality and pizzazz. The fashion-forward shoes won't go out of style.

Moreover not only is attention paid to the exterior design, but also to the interior of the footwear. The inside heel is cushioned to avoid blisters, and insoles are added to provide high rebound (or bounce), and arch support.

The over-the-knee boots are made with recycled plastic water bottles plus wool for warmth in cold weather. They pull up like thick socks and stay put (as in don't fall down during the day). Furthermore, all Vivaia shoes and boots are machine washable. Now that's different, it means they're easy to clean!

Moreover, the retailer says their shoes are perfect for people with wide feet and bunions. In Vivaia shoes, "your feet won't be squeezed, pushed, pulled, or bent out of shape."

For comfort is the main reason to buy Vivaia shoes. As for sustainability, sources such as the Harvard Business Review argue that sustainable fashion is a myth. Once a plastic bottle is turned into fashion, it's no longer recyclable, but goes into a landfill. In fact, the best way of saving our environment is to buy less and re-use (i.e., shop 2nd hand) fashion. I must confess to never buying 2nd hand shoes, but I only buy the footwear I need and stop buying until I need replacement shoes or boots. That said ...

Enough colors and styles are offered for a day of work, a night out on the town, or a walk through the park. Certainly, Vivaia shoes are worth a browse, an open mind, and some serious consideration.

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ATK's Cast Iron Beer-Batter Cheese Bread

Recipe and all photos - ATK - video linked also.

As you know, my lovely readers, the recipes I want to make again end up here on the blog so I can return to find them also. This one from America's Test Kitchen is a keeper because it is a very cheesy quick bread, therefore fresh oven-baked bread without the time of waiting for the dough to rise. The beer, yeast-in-the-beer, and cheese give this bread plenty of rich flavor. Since I always stock extra sharp cheddar, it's what I will use most of the times I make it, but you can use any robust or sharp cheese to make the bread.

Cast Iron Beer-Batter Cheese Bread 

(from America's Test Kitchen here)

Ingredients:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 

½ cup minced fresh chives 

2 tablespoons sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded (You can substitute extra sharp cheddar or any robust cheese if you wish.)
1 ¼ cups mild lager, such as Budweiser
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions:

1) Whisk together flour, chives, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.

2) Stir in 1 1/2 cups cheese until coated with flour. 

3) Stir beer and melted butter into the flour mixture and just combined. Do not over-stir. Expect the batter to be thick and heavy.

4) Scrape batter into a well-greased 10 1/2 inch cast iron skillet. Smooth the top and sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese.

5) Bake in a 450-degree F oven for 20 - 25 minutes, rotating the

pan halfway through the baking.

6) Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Cast iron stays super hot for a long time, so handle carefully when (after 10 minutes) removing the bread from the skillet to cool for another 20 minutes.

Something to bake over the weekend to go with soup, chili, or stew! Or perhaps wine and a cheese platter. Bon Appetit!

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Tasting Mead Is On My Bucket List

Photo: Lifehack

Although I enjoy a glass of red wine with dinner, I don't drink more than a glass or 2 about every 4 - 12 weeks as I'd rather spend my calories eating than drinking. Unfortunately, you can't do both if you hope to maintain a healthy weight after a certain age. That said, I have never tasted mead and would like to!

The following newspaper article is so well written and since I know absolutely nothing about mead other than some vague notion that it was the drink of Vikings and medievals, I'm simply going to directly quote and link the article below ...

According to Rob Adams, a meadmaker interviewed in the Charlotte Observer, mead is " 'an alcoholic beverage made with honey and water, then fermented with yeast. It can range from sweet to dry. It can also be traditional (just honey, water, and yeast), or it can include fruit, vegetables, spices, herbs, or malted grains — like beer.' "

Photo: Lifehack

Continuing with the article: " 'To make mead, you blend honey and water to form a ‘must,’ which is what the watered down honey liquid is called before fermentation,'” according to Adams. He explains that " 'the term must is also used in wine and cider making.'

'Once you have prepared the must, yeast is added to convert the sugar from the honey into alcohol,' Adams went on ... 'Since honey is almost 100 percent sugar, you need to add nutrients during the fermentation so the yeasts are happy and healthy — and so they don’t contribute unwanted flavors.' "

Adams says," 'You can add fruit, spices, etc. at any point during the fermentation, depending on what flavor or aroma you intend to impart.' "

Age is the element that sets mead apart from cider and wine. 

Another meadmaker, Kevin Martin, explains that " 'Mead is likely the very first fermented beverage on earth ... which makes sense ... because honey as a sugar source was available before other processed sugars and sweetening methods.' "

The ingredients in a Basic Mead Recipe are the following:

10 pounds honey

4 gallons water

2 teaspoons yeast energizer

2 teaspoons yeast nutrient

2 packets of lalvin k1-v1116 yeast (wine yeast)

The website Lifehack has 10 Best Mead Recipes which look amazing!🍹 

So after reading my blog today, maybe I won't have to drink alone. Wouldn't you, too, like to have a refreshing glass of mead? Skàl! Have you ever tasted it? 

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