Hearing a lot about mineral makeup but not sure if it’s right for you? It’s definitely buzz worthy because of its natural looking, long-lasting coverage (that doesn’t clog pores). Using a mineral powder also helps to give skin a healthy glow while keeping the shine down to a low roar; as a result, they’re are best for normal to oily skin.
Susan Posnick Mineral Foundation with Sun Protection, $64 is a multi-tasking travel friendly foundation, with a lush, super soft brush. “It’s especially beneficial for older skin because it won’t melt off in the heat – or during hot flashes!” says founder Susan Posnick. “It doesn’t contain any actual powder so it won’t dry out skin or settle into fine lines.”
Revlon ColorStay Mineral Foundation, $18.95
Oil-free, fragrance-free and non-irritating, this medium coverage powder foundation gives a skin a matte effect without looking chalky. It’s long-lasting too – up to 16 hours of wear.
[From Jenn: If you’re starting to avoid mirrors first thing in the morning, this page might brighten your day. It’s a collection of pictures of celebrities without makeup - and taken all together, it’s a little scary.]
All right, I confess that weight loss articles are grabbing me these days. Here’s three:
From the Globe and Mail: women who want to drop ten percent of their body weight and keep it off for two years are most likely to do so if they exercise 55 minutes a day, 5 days a week. This sadly sounds very sensible. But finding the time for that sounds like the real challenge.
Los Angeles is blocking new fast-food outlets from opening in poor areas. I’m not sure what I think about the idea. You’d think people would just travel further, for both the healthy food the article says the area lacks, but also for junk food if they want it.
But I’ve driven through this area of LA (once, about 10 years ago) and it’s - big. I can see how people’s choices are impacted by where they live and what’s available right there. But this seems kind of controlling. What do you think? Should access to fast food be limited by city by-laws?
And from the BBC: Fat friends can boost your size. I guess by that token thin ones can help you keep it off. I still don’t think I’ll be picking my friends by their dress size. Do you find your friends impact on your eating habits? And would you ever change your friends due to their weight? Or have you experienced friction among friends due to your weight? I’m fascinated, let me know!
A new study shows no difference in math scores between boys and girls up through 11th grade. While I can’t say I find this especially surprising, it does make me a little wistful about my own education. And I wonder whether it is really different today - it must be if the girls are performing so well, right?
What’s your experience? Were you ‘turned off’ math because you were a girl? Are your daughters finding a difference?
(Click to see larger image) With my kids away at camp, my philosophy this summer has been all about trying new things, getting out there, living in the moment, and all of the other 40+ cliches you can think of.
But I’m regretting my latest mini-adventure: the henna horror on my foot! Perhaps I had one rose-petal martini too many at an Indian restaurant re-opening party last night, but I decided this would be a good warm-up to see if I would ever want a tattoo…and the answer is? Not. While I admire the artistry and the pretty patterns, it just isn’t me. Good thing henna only lasts six weeks. If you know any homemade remedies to get rid of it sooner (so far I’ve heard of pimple cream, lemon juice…) please let me know!
The Globe and Mail reported yesterday on a study out of the University of Michigan that suggests people who journal about their values may strengthen social bonds and decrease defensiveness. It’s an interesting thought: does writing our stories down, or sharing them with others (links to our View from her section, hint, hint), give us insight that we can then apply to our daily lives? I’m betting yes, but as an editor I admit that I am biased.
Should you decide to try the experiment here are a few quick links to sites with journals to inspire you. If you have a favourite online retailer that sells journals, let us know in the comments!
Journals and Papers, based out of Water Valley, Alberta, offers journals with inspirational quotes on the cover, as well as some that have quotes each day. One of my favourites: “She decided to start living the life she’d imagined.”
Papergrafix, based in Toronto, offers a variety of journals in funky prints. I like the one with the cats!
Ten Thousand Villages offers journals for those who like to know where their paper is coming from.
I know I’m missing a ton of great spots, so help me out here!
Tuesday night I saw one of my all-time favourite flicks, Annie Hall, with a group of friends. What makes that blogworthy? The fact that the movie was playing outdoors at twilight, right across from the Eaton Centre in downtown Toronto, in a downpour. When was the last time you sat with a garbage bag over your head enjoying Woody Allen with fellow fanatics (my favourite scene is the dinner scene with Annie’s family; what’s yours?).
The films are free, and popcorn is available across the street at Future Shop. So if you also live in Toronto, check out the other romantic blockbusters playing every Tuesday night for the rest of the summer at ydsquare.ca. I may just see you there on August 26 (Casablanca).
[Jenn’s note: What great free events go on in your hometown over the summer? Share the scoop in the More.ca forums! (Or here in the comments!)]
There’s apparently a new option in pedicures available in Washington, D.C.: having tiny carp nibble off the dead skin from your feet. Go read the article and then come back, because I am dying to know: would you do this?
(A quick survey of some of the More staff reveals that about 25% of those asked would try it (with the proviso that the fish are treated ethically), and 75% would not want to put their tender toes in a vat of… fish.)
Once again, I have to reconsider my habits (and then probably keep them the same. Except the margarine. Any excuse to go back to butter!)
The good: More 70-year olds are enjoying great sex lives. Including a rise in the percentage of married women reporting good sex… now that really is good news.
The bad: Margarine producers aren’t addressing the issue of trans fats - at least not as the same rate as some other food producers.
The cautionary report: Too much (or too little) sleep increases post-menopausal risk of stroke, concludes a University of North Carolina study. So check out our downloadable sleep guide - it might help you get the right amount.
The interesting: This link to a doctor’s musings on obesity and shame is a little bit old, from June, but I was just pointed to it lately (by the way, if you see a great story for the blog, just let me know!). I think it’s an interesting discussion and one that we women, who are often the guardians of health in the home, have to address as well if we find ourselves concerned about others’ weight - be it aging parents, spouses, or children. Do you find yourself nagging others about their weight?
Helen Mirren is 63. But that does not mean she’s not a babe in a bikini. The pictures at that link are reportedly (and I believe it) unretouched.
All I can say is, wow.
[Jenn’s note: I’m so pleased to introduce Linda Lewis, editor-in-chief of More, as a blog contributor. You can find her posts by clicking on “Online with Linda”.]
Attention shoppers! I was on a girls getaway to New York last weekend that was way too fun, from bicycling in Central Park to seeing Morgan Freeman on Broadway. We were so busy that we only had time to blast through Bloomingdale’s an hour before we had to be at the airport. Well, we hit the jackpot. Not only was there a 40% off sale, but I learned that if you show your passport at Customer Service, you receive an extra 11% off. Once again, being a proud Canadian pays off.
