It’s after 4 p.m., which is when — thanks to our chronic insomnia — we’re usually battling a late-afternoon energy slump. Typically, the slump prevails. Today, however, we are the well-rested victor and credit for that goes to the small square of chocolate that we ate last night. No ordinary candy, it was a “chocolate pillow” ($7.99 for 10) from Dreamerz, a new line of sleep aids that also includes creamy beverages.
We’ve been kneaded by four very skilled hands at once, slathered in seaweed and wrapped in toasty towels scented with eucalyptus, fed frozen grapes while reclining in a sunken tub sprinkled with rose petals — divine experiences all. But when our nerves were jangled last week by too many deadlines and a steady barrage of bad economic news, what we longed for was the heavenly what-me-worry Rapunzel’s Secret Hot Oil Treatment ($115).
We’ve been fans of Hourglass Cosmetics since the luxury makeup company launched at Barneys New York in 2004. The packaging is elegant (gleaming metal, faux leather, magnetic clasps), the line well-edited (blush is limited to two gorgeous duos, one for cool skin tones, the other for warm) and the colors so lusciously subtle that application is pretty much mistakeproof.
According to legend, the pomegranate has been a symbol of eternal life and a key to immortality. While we can’t promise those effects, pomegranates have some pretty fantastic health benefits — Greek philosopher Hippocrates and ancient Egyptians are among those who have used the fruit for medicinal purposes. Modern researchers say that antioxidant-rich pomegranates are good for the heart.
If you’re searching for a look inspired by classic glamour — think Marilyn Monroe or Elizabeth Taylor — that complements the jewel tones in fashion this season, check out Estée Lauder’s new Vintage Jewels cosmetics collection. The limited-edition items sound more inspired by the jewelry box than the makeup drawer, and before applying, we had to resign ourselves to ruining the lovely design of the powder and the faceted edges of the lipstick.
We’ve all wondered, “What if?” — whether it’s about marrying that first love, going after a dream job or having the foresight to invest in Apple Inc. 10 years ago. Exploring the path not taken is impossible in the real world, but in Time of My Life, the latest novel from Allison Winn Scotch (author of The Department of Lost and Found), protagonist Jillian Westfield travels back in time to find the answers.
It’s open-enrollment season at many companies — the time when employees can choose a different health plan for 2009. And surprise, surprise, benefits analysts report that employers are looking for additional ways you can help foot the ever-increasing cost of health care. In fact, the benefits firm Hewitt Associates estimates that out-of-pocket health expenses will jump another 10 percent next year.
Happily, European studies often seem to prove that delicious things are good for you. Case in point: A recent study from the National Cancer Institute of Milan and the Catholic University in Campobasso, Italy, shows that eating dark chocolate can reduce systemic inflammation by about 17 percent. This in turn decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease — including strokes and myocardial infarctions (heart attacks) — by one-third for women.
We love a good run in the morning to boost our mood and work off the occasional indulgence from Jacques Torres. And we have nothing but admiration for the thousands of dedicated athletes who gather on Staten Island every year for the start of that grueling 26.2-mile race known as the New York City Marathon.
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