HOT 5 - 5/14/21
Hello HOT Friends,
Hasn't it been a glorious spring so far?? I don't know about you but I've been stunned by all of the incredible plants, trees, and gorgeous flowers in bloom all over this city! Much has been written about whether or not it's actually a prettier spring than normal. Some say it's our happiness in finally coming out the other side of the pandemic that's making everything look better through rose-colored lenses this spring. I don't know the answer but I'm enjoying every minute of it.
Here's this week's HOT 5:
1. This is the Perfect Time for a Reset
2. Halston!
3. Have You Heard of Browtox?
4. Black Hair Joy
5. Self-Care According to Your Sign
1. This Is the Perfect Time for a Reset
This spring we've all seen lots of articles surmising what life will be like after the pandemic is truly over. A recent one from this past Tuesday's New York Time's Well section tells us that now is the perfect time for a "reset" or "restart" of our lives. There's even a 10 Day Fresh Start Challenge included to help you begin! The article states that times of disruption always create opportunities for growth and change, a true silver lining. Our human need to start afresh is prompted by "markers" like a new year, a birthday, or say, a horrifying pandemic. Some people started the reset during the pandemic in myriad ways like learning a language, committing to a new way of cooking, crafting, or like me -- rediscovering a fun sport. I started to play squash again after more than 40 years thanks to my charming husband and instructor, Robert Gibralter at Maspeth Welding Arts. I'm determined to keep at it! (You can call him if you'd like a lesson. Info on truesquash.com). I'd love to hear what some of your "resets" have been.
2. Halston!
I am so excited about this new Netflix miniseries starting tonight! Not only is it about one of my favorite 20th-century designers who revolutionized American fashion, but it also stars the talented Ewan McGregor and is being brought to us by the always envelope-pushing Ryan Murphy of Glee and American Horror Story fame. The series is sure to be filled with lots of fabulous clothing, glamour shots of NYC, and plenty of bad behavior. Halston was probably the first real designer I became aware of as a teen. My mom loved his designs and I remember her coveting a camel-colored Ultrasuede shirtdress. She never got it but she did manage to buy his modern mossy green chypre fragrance in its incredibly cool Elsa Peretti-designed bottle. I used it whenever she wasn't looking. :) Read all about the miniseries here and here. I hope we enjoy it.
3. Have You Heard of Browtox?
Did you know that having your brows done properly, which includes them being shaped, tinted, and lifted, can have the same effect as botox? In fact, getting your brows done is probably the single most non-invasive face-altering thing you can do. See the step-by-step instructions in this helpful article from Refinery 29. The article explains that when you clean up the brow area and arch the brow properly your whole face gets a lift! It's a great alternative to botox and other invasive techniques which due to what is being called the "zoom boom" are experiencing a huge increase in popularity. If you're needle averse like I am, why not consider browtox first?
4. Self-Care According to Your Star Sign
I'm a sucker for any article that promises to tell me something about myself according to my zodiac sign. I bet you can guess my sign :) I love the idea of aligning your self-care rituals with your horoscope as presented in this article from Vogue. And of course, there hasn't been a better time than now for seriously targetted self-care! Vogue really nailed their suggestion for my star sign of Leo. I couldn't agree more with their picks. I wonder if they've nailed it for you too?
5. Black Hair Joy
I'm not sure if I've ever read a more entertaining and comprehensive article on the intricacies of black hair history, care, and styling than this one from the New York Times Style Magazine. Hitting homes this weekend, the article is full of gorgeous designer fashion paired with beautiful hair shots showcasing the incredible versatility of black hair. This article really spoke to me personally in that it provides an apt description of what has been my own personal hair journey from childhood until now. Read this article if you happen to be on the same journey or if you're just interested in learning more about Black Hair. Of course, I love the main message which is that Black women have come to realize that they finally have the true freedom to do whatever they want with their hair and it's about time.
Terry xoxo