TRANSITIONING INTO FALL

As I write this, the weather is finally getting cooler with lower levels of humidity; both are a welcome relief.  I’m sure there will be a few last gasps of summer over the next few weeks, but for now, I’ll revel in this seasonal break from summer.

When a season transitions into the next, such as summer to fall, we need to be mindful of the need to change and adapt virtually every aspect of our daily lives; what worked during one season generally doesn’t work in the next one; routines and regimens need to be altered. 

The following transitional tips from summer into fall should help you to at least consider some of the aspects of your day-to-day lives that will require some tweaking.

~ TIPS FOR SKIN, HAIR AND MAKEUP ~

Climatological changes, including cooler and drier temps both indoor and outdoor, consider changing your skincare regimen to ramp up product efficacy.  What worked well in the warmer and more humid months will probably be inappropriate in the cooler and drier months.  

Lighter weight lotions should give way to creams and butters. 

Colder, drier air will dehydrate the skin.  Skin still requires periodic exfoliation with some type of moisturizing soaps or cleansers.  Skin needs to be moisturized and rehydrated to replenish depleted moisture levels and also to maintain a healthy mantel of skin.

Don’t over-exfoliate the skin; when skin is dry and aggressive exfoliation is done, it can harm the delicate tissue and irritate it.  Make sure to use serums and don’t discount the wonders of face oils (e.g. olive, almond, coconut, palm, jojoba, argan, marula, shea, cocoa, etc.). 

Continue using an SPF product to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Adjust your hair care regimen and the products used.  Since the air is dryer and less humid, it’s important to nurture your hair with the proper shampoos, conditioners and restorative masks to avoid damaging and drying out the scalp, hair follicle and hair shaft. 

Lighten up your color palette, whether that’s in your makeup colors, or the colors of your wardrobe pieces. 

Pale and light may have been great for the summer months to deflect the harsh rays of summer sun, however, an earthy color palette of burnished and vibrantly intense colors of fall, are more suitable. 

A fashion trend this year red lipstick, which adds a vibrant pop of color to the face.  Every skin tone looks good wearing red lipstick, but make sure it’s in the correct family of red to complement your skin tone ~ blue-red or orange-red, with varying hues in each family.

Lighter weight cotton, linen or gauzy material should be replaced with warmer wool, silk blends and heavier cotton and linen fabrics to keep the body heat in as an insulator from the cold.  Vibrant colors for fabrics to suit the season are always a fashion-must.

~ TIPS FOR HEALTHY EATING AND LIFESTYLE ~

Summer dining generally equates to lighter food fare, like salads, seasonal fruits and vegetables, herbal iced teas, iced fruit infused waters, etc.  These were ideal for summer, because they were less taxing on the digestive system, and also kept a person cool. 

The colder months of fall and winter call for heartier foods like hot cereals, stews, soups, casseroles and the like are ideal for those colder months.  These foods are nutritious, but also warming.  Consider more dried fruits and nuts and make your own granola. 

Consider frozen fruits and vegetables, which are quick frozen right after harvesting, preserving more of the nutrient value; they’re a nice reminder of the fresher seasonal produce during the warming months.

Seasonal constants include maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  This includes sufficient amounts of water for hydration, sleep to rest and recuperate, physical exercise for strength and agility, and proper nutrition to stave off illness. 

~ TIPS FOR WELL BEING ~ 

Consider gathering up dried twigs, branches, leaves, etc. and creating an arrangement for a seasonal tablescape, or put them in a large basket and display by your entry.

If the colder weather, and shorter days are giving you cabin fever, be sure to keep the spring and summer indoor with live plants and flowers. 

Take walks to shake the “blues” away and enjoy the beautiful scenery around you; there is beauty in the changing of all-things nature.

Don’t forget to open your windows every so often just to let some fresh air inside.

 ~ TIPS FOR SEASONAL TRANSITIONING ~

Consider making lists of warm weather tasks and cold weather tasks.  These can include goals in skincare and body care regimens, meal planning, wardrobe, fitness routines, etc.  Then, compare each list to the other to streamline or adjust for your next seasonal transitioning.

~ END GAME ~

Every season brings a fresh start and new beginning.  It is up to each individual to seek what works best for them and which will enhance and enrich their daily lives.  The circle of life is also the circle of seasons.  

That's it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to take care of yourself and those you love.

By Terry Herman

Terry Herman is a recognized expert in the industry, and regularly covers issues that include business, management, operations, customer care, treatments, products, and trends. In addition to writing and reviewing, she is also a management consultant and motivational speaker.  She also serves on EXPERIENCE | PREMCHIT Journeys In Retreat To Wellness Advisory Board, which is comprised of ten international experts in various fields of wellness and spa.  She also serves as a Group Manager for the popular LinkedIn group, The Spa Buzz.  You can email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com.

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(Photo credit, Joseph D. Herman)

IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN…BACK TO FALL

Do you hear the scrunching of fallen leaves as you walk on them?  Do you smell the smoke of burning leaves or fireplace logs that permeate the air?  Can you see your breath as you exhale in the chilly crisp air?  Can you taste the juicy goodness of that first caramel apple as you bite into it?  Okay, maybe it’s still a bit early for all of that, after all, in the Northern Hemisphere, the autumnal equinox (a.k.a. the first day of fall) doesn’t officially begin until September 22 at 10:49 A.M. EDT. 

As I write this, the week’s temps forecast in my area will be in the mid to upper eighties, with high humidity.  I’m sure you’re still walking around in flip-flops and slathering on the sunblock, hoping to squeeze a little more out of the waning summer before fall finally brings you back to reality. Be that as it may, summer still lingers for a few more weeks.

My last two articles offered a variety of product reviews that were ideal for summer, but would also transition nicely into fall.  In this edition, I continue that theme and present a few more product reviews for your consideration.  These are also ideal products to pack in your bags for your daily routines or those last minute getaway weekends.  Enjoy reading about these products, and don’t forget to visit their websites.

~ FACE, BODY AND BEYOND ~

Auspect MD Collection ~ Australia’s number one selling cosmeceutical skincare line for eighteen years is now available in the U.S.  The formulations are based on the latest skincare technology that combines the best of nature and science to treat the skin gently and restoratively.  The products I tried included their Pro Clean Daily Facial Cleanser, X-fol-ator Exfoliating Serum, Pro-C Skin Brightening Serum and Resveratrol Pro Daily Moisture.  The Cleanser was gentle and eliminated surface dirt effortlessly and left skin feeling hydrated; the slight fruity aroma wasn’t too overpowering.  The Exfoliating Serum is another gentle product that exfoliates the skin with AHA technology and without assaulting the delicate tissue; skin felt hydrated and very clean.  The Brightening Serum not only protects the skin from the sun’s harmful rays, it also aids in eliminating hyperpigmentation over prolonged use; contains vitamin C, peptides for collagen production and antioxidants.  The Daily Moisture had a subtle tint and when applied, appeared to even-out my skin tone.  It’s mousse-like consistency was light and airy and didn’t weigh heavily on my skin; was quickly absorbed, without leaving any residue; the anti-aging wonder ingredient, Resveratrol, an antioxidant, is a key ingredient to this treatment product; peptides also help to stimulate collagen production.  With the exception of the Daily Moisture, all the other products had a fruity aroma, which fortunately quickly dissipated after product use (I’m not a fan of fruity aromas in my skincare products). http://www.auspectmd.com/

Comodynes ~ If you experience tired, jet-lagged or burning-the-midnight-oil skin Beauty-Flash Lifting Effect is just what you need fresh and lift lackluster skin.  A spritz or two on the face will give you an instant and firming lift to tired skin.  Using firming and toning plant extracts, the product also sets makeup for up to eight hours.   Key ingredients include mushroom extract and oat extract; non-drying and non-irritating; the aroma was subtle. http://www.comodynes.net/

Crabtree & Evelyn ~ The newest fragrance line, Himalayan Blue is exquisite and sophisticated.  Formulated with the prized and elusive Himalayan Blue Poppy, each product is an aromatherapeutic discovery and an adventure in luxury.  The Himalayan Blue Eau de Toilette Spray has top notes of blue poppy, smoked black tea, warm ginger and golden champaca, with base notes and dry down of patchouli and exotic woods.  The aroma is subtle, complex and heady, but not over-powering.   The Bath & Shower Gel is also infused with the same aromatic formula base as the Himalayan Blue Eau de Toilette Spray, plus the added benefits of incredibly gentle and hydrating cleansing properties; leaves a beautifully subtle veil of aroma to the hydrated skin.  Both products were outstanding. http://www.crabtree-evelyn.com/

Olivia Garden ~ Known for their innovative hair care tools, the latest NanoThermic Brush makes styling effortless.  Overall design is lightweight with a soft-grip handle; the wavy configured bristles are also soft and help to conduct heat more evenly, eliminating hot spots.  The open barrel design allows for quicker drying and styling; bristles deliver hydrating Tourmaline Ion Technology to the scalp, maintaining scalp’s moisture mantel, while adding vibrancy and luster. http://www.oliviagarden.com/

Shea Moisture ~ Lavender & Wild Orchid Shea Butter Soap and Organic Lemongrass & Ginger Body Scrub with Orange Peel make bath time luxury-time and deliver functional therapy naturally.  Key ingredients in the Lavender & Wild Orchid Shea Butter Soap include African shea butter, lavender oil, calendula flower, vitamin E, and coconut and palm cleansing agents.  Left my skin hydrated; product was non-irritating and had a lovely aroma.  Key ingredients in the Organic Lemongrass & Ginger Body Scrub with Orange Peel include shea butter, cocoa seed butter, mango seed butter, olive oil, lemongrass oil, sugar, orange peel, tea tree oil, ginger root, ginger oil, vitamin E, and honeysuckle flower extract.  This product exfoliated thoroughly and gently, without leaving any greasy or tacky residue; the aromas were crisp and fresh and made for an exceptionally pleasant bathing experience; it was aromatherapeutic.  Products use all natural ingredients; no animal testing was done. http://www.sheamoisture.com/

  

~ NATURAL, ORGANIC AND SUSTAINABLE ~

Back to the Roots ~ I first saw the Mushroom Kit at Chicago’s International Housewares Show this past March.  Since then, this grow-your-own-mushrooms-at-home kit has been a huge hit.  The growing medium is made from recycled and sanitized coffee grounds, making this a natural and sustainable way to grow quickly up to a 1.5 pounds of fresh and delicious tasting Pearl Oyster Mushrooms.  The Kit comes with growing medium, grow bag, grow box, fine mister and instructions.  This is a great product for kids and adults and gives a wonderful sense of satisfaction knowing that something was grown from your own hands.  Home grown Pearl Oyster Mushrooms are delicious and low calorie.  I enjoyed the product and especially enjoyed watching them grow; the daily growth spurts were incredible; I also enjoyed how the Mushrooms tasted.  After tasting these, I’ve concluded that conventionally grown mushrooms are inferior in quality and taste to these. http://www.backtotheroots.com/

Little Duck Organics ~ Just right for tiny chubby hands just learning how to pick up and plop in their tiny little mouths little food bites.  Parents will be happy to know that there’s a healthy fruit snack alternative that’s all natural, organic and hasn’t any added sugar.  The Strawberry & Mango Tiny Fruits and Pineapple & Mango Tiny Fruits are delicious, although I found the Strawberry & Mango to be a bit on the tart and puckery side because of the strawberry bits; the Pineapple & Mango variety had just the right amount of sweetness; the texture is soft and just right for teething toddlers.  A great snack for kids of all age. http://littleduckorganics.com/

Pura ~ If you want to do your part for the environment, then consider the Kiki Bottle, Silicone Sleeve and Stainless Steel Bottle.  For adults, there’s the all Stainless Steel Bottle, which is reusable and naturally acts as an insulator to keep beverages hot or cold.  For the tiny ones, there’s 100% plastic-free bottle, the Kiki Bottle which is made of unbreakable stainless steel, and free of glass or BPA laden plastic; comes with a non-plastic, medical-grade silicone nipple and silicone travel cover.  Another ideal product for the tiny ones is a 100% Silicone Sleeve that covers most standard glass bottles; easy grip, and free of plastic and BPA; non-toxic.  Protects the purity of the container ingredients, so there’s no worry about leaching from toxic chemical found in traditional BPA plastic containers.  All products come in a variety of colors.

http://www.purastainless.com/

Thermal Aid ~ Thermal Aid offers the latest in naturally and effectively treating aches and pains, or relieving swelling.  For adults, there are the 100% Natural Heating & Cooling Pack, which comes in different sizes, depending on the area of relief being sought.  Then, for the tiny ones who also need soothing relief and comfort, there’s the adorable 100% Natural Bear, which comes in a variety of colors.  The key ingredient in both products is a heating/cooling element made of bio-engineered corn that has had any properties removed from the kernel that form mold and fungi; the result is a natural core element that can be heated or cooled, depending on the medical relief being sought; retains its temperature for longer periods of time; the outer fabric is 100% natural cotton. http://thermal-aid.com/

~ HEALTHY DINING ~

Troquet Neighborhood French Bar By LM ~ This favorite Chicago neighborhood restaurant offers fresh and local food fare that changes daily.  The day I stopped in for lunch, my server assisted me in making a few choices; I enjoyed a delicious cheese plate accented served with apricot jam and a fresh made baguette.  I also enjoyed the cold carrot and ginger soup and a delicious entrée salad of arugula, mixed greens, grilled chicken breast, wine poached pairs, orange segments dressed with a delicate orange vinaigrette; both the extensive wine list and dessert offerings were tempting, but I exercised restraint and took a pass on both. Troquet didn’t disappoint and is definitely a place where culinary creativity and freshness are paramount.  While this particular restaurant might not be in your area, do consider checking your area for similar restaurants that serve freshly prepared food fare that’s healthy and more than likely delicious tasting; sometimes a smaller establishment with a smaller limited menu offerings often translates to higher quality service and food fare. http://lmrestaurant.com/

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to take care of yourself and those you love.

By Terry Herman

Terry Herman is a recognized expert in the industry, and regularly covers issues that include business, management, operations, customer care, treatments, products, and trends. In addition to writing and reviewing, she is also a management consultant and motivational speaker.  She also serves on EXPERIENCE | PREMCHIT Journeys In Retreat To Wellness Advisory Board, which is comprised of ten international experts in various fields of wellness and spa.  She also serves as a Group Manager for the popular LinkedIn group, The Spa Buzz.  You can email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com.

ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

(Photo credit, "forest in fall", www.dreamstime.com.)