Side of Brooklyn Bridge
- Courtesy of W. Ruderman
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Monthly Archives: July 2009
The Truth About Shoes, Bras & Umbrellas
I came across this article from RealSimple about quirky facts about shoes, bras, earrings – basically the everyday items women use and how really they were introduced to our world of style.
*****Here’s a snippet.
So, how did the trend for pointed-toe shoes start?
Manolo who? Long before they ever made an appearance on the TV show “Sex and the City,” pointed shoes were favored by Polish nobles, who introduced the fashion to England on a diplomatic visit in the 1300s.
The shoes, dubbed “crackowes” or “poulaines” — after Kraków, Poland — were so long that a chain running from the toe to the knee was often required to keep them from dragging.
Read more…http://www.cnn.com/2007/LIVING/homestyle/10/12/rs.fashion.truths/index.html
Soapmaking Class
I became interested in making soap and toiletries back in the spring and learned of an instructional class being held at the OpenCenter in New York City. Our instructor La Shonda Tyree, is owner and creator of Nyah Beauty – Handcrafted Beauty and Skin Care, and a member of the Handcrafted SoapMakers Guild.
The class comprised of 3 long tables for about 45 people. Each person received a nice sizable bag of soap-making ingredients, soap molds, essential oils and handouts of reading material and recipes to be used.
For our morning session we learned to make handcrafted glycerin soap and how to add essential oils and fresh additives to our soaps. With La Shonda’s expert instruction, not only did I learn how to make my own handcrafted soap but how easy it is! I was able to make a glycerin bar with lavender and peppermint. Oh how wonderful it smelled!
Next we learn how to use basic household ingredients such as salt, sugar and oatmeal to create soothing body scrubs, bath bombs and bath salts. Again the simplicity just blew me away – as well as the endless possibilities of how you can personalize these simple but luxurious items to have in your bath.
The afternoon session comprised of making a much more intricate method of making soap using vegetable butters and oils, water and lye. In addition, I was able to make a small bottle of sweet and moisturizing lotion with sweet orange essential oil. Again, La Shonda demonstrated by showing us what ingredients to use and how to safely use these ingredients.
Highlights of the class included meeting fellow novice and expert soapmakers. Everyone contributed a bit of their experience in soap-making and toiletries. It was wonderful to learn that everyone in the class had different backgrounds – from the household mom to the marketing guru attended this class. You too can learn how easy making your own handcrafted soaps and lotions can be. I was very pleased at all the products I learned to make and take home with me. It’s great to know that you have a choice between a commercial laden with harsh chemicals and your very own handmade soap made with natural ingredients that are both soothing and healthy for your skin!
La Shonda Tyree will be conducting several classes during the 2009 calendar year. You can visit La Shonda’s website at www.handmadesoapcoach.com for more information.
Photo Of the Week
Coney Island - Brooklyn
- Courtesy of William Ruderman
Tea Tree Oil
Have you ever walked down the aisle at your local pharmacy or drugstore and ever wondered what that small shelf of various oils were for?
Oils such as carrot oil, olive oil, tea tree oil, etc have been widely used for many generations for everyday skin ailments.
One in particular that I have used since a little girl was Tea Tree Oil.
It is primarily found in Australia and it derives from the Melaleuca Plant. The leaves are used for tea while the extracted oil is used for medicinal purposes.
What is it good for you wonder?
It makes a great antiseptic, dandruff and antifungal topical ointment. By pressing fresh tea tree leaves on the affected area its curative properties work diligently to heal.
I first started using tea tree oil one summer as a result of mosquito bites on the back of my legs. The bites left ugly welts and dark spots on my fair skin. My mom suggested I apply tea tree oil everyday after I shower until the welts were gone. Listen to Mom! I say.
In a few weeks the welts and dark spots were gone which I was very thankful for since I had to wear capris for a long period of time.
I now apply tea tree oil on my toenails after the shower – it keeps the toes moisturized and looking pretty especially now for the summer and also as a hair treatment for my dry scalp.
Tea tree oil can be purchased at the drugstore in liquid form. It’s not expensive and a little goes a long way!
As with any product – do a skin allergy test first. Women who are breastfeeding or pregnant should not use tea tree oil – first consult with a doctor. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Awesome Photo of The Week
Every week I will post a fascinating photo that has attracted my attention. I have the awesome luck of knowing a great photographer from NYC. He’s a great person, and not only takes incredible photos but is a techie at heart. He made me feel welcome at Tech Island when I was incorporated into their small work-island. He started sharing his love for photos and I was hooked! I even have a great random photograph taken in the subway in NYC.
Please help me welcome my good friend, William Ruderman. Comments welcomed 
Side of Brooklyn Bridge
- Brooklyn Bridge by William Ruderman
Rain Rain Go Away – Come Back Again Another Day
It’s been raining here non-stop for about 3 weeks. It kinda puts a spoil on your plans if you want to go out and enjoy the outdoors doesn’t it? It happened to me one Friday.
I was all set to go to the nearby beach. I had my bathing suit on and my beach bag packed with all essentials needed. (sounds like a later post?) We drove down as far as two streets when the rain drops start to hit the windshield. What a bummer! -
So we decided to go food shopping and go back home and make a big lunch. Instead of getting all sad and asking why it’s been raining so much we decided to embrace the rain. And there was a time when I embraced the rain when I was a little girl.
Growing up in Brooklyn in a 4th floor building complex instilled in me a fear of heights. One of my bedroom windows led to a fire escape. The fire escape was an awesome place enjoyed by many to sit on and look out into the cityscape. Our line of view actually allowed us to get a magnificent unobstructed view of the July 4th fireworks. I so loved looking out the window but dreaded so much to stepping out onto the fire escape. But the only times I did not was when it rained.
Every time it rained I made every pretense to my parents to let me stay in my bedroom. I would then climb out and sit right outside my window and close my eyes and let the misty rain drizzle down upon me. I concentrated on listening to the sounds of the traffic below and inhaled the sweet aroma of the wet air.
It’s no wonder why at the present time I can smell when rain is approaching!