Folklore for Hallowe’en

Folklore for Hallowe’en

Ciao bella,

As Hallowe’en approaches we are surrounded by all things creepy and spooky. During this haunting holiday season, superstitions, folklore, and myths descend upon us unremittingly. We have all heard about the superstitions concerning broken mirrors and Friday the 13th. But did you know that as early as A.D. 77 people began documenting beliefs suggesting that fingernails and toe nails played a vital role in the outcome of their lives? Read on for more eerily notions that have circulated throughout the world for centuries.

It has been known that nails reflect a person’s health, but some even believe that they can also see into the future and detect a person's true character.

According to some believers—

It is best to cut nails during the waning of the moon.

Ttrim nails at sea if a storm is desired.

If babies’ nails are trimmed before they are one year old, they’ll grow up to be thieves.

Never cut nails on a Friday or Saturday for fear it will bring bad luck.

Parents are encouraged to let their children’s nail clippings fall into an open Bible as they are cut so they will grow up to be honest.

White specks on a person’s nails are thought to be “gifts” that portend something good will happen in that person’s lifetime.

Personality traits are detected through the shape of a person's nails.

Ridges and breakage are symbols of important things that have happened or will happen in someone’s life.

If a boy’s nails are dirty with soot and oil and turn toward the sun, the reflections from the sun’s rays may produce images that can be interpreted to foretell future events.

As luck has it, these folklore tales have since passed their validity! But look out for black cats crossing your path and stay away from walking under a ladder (those are two I believe in!)

So everyone have frightfully and fun Happy Hallowe’en!

Buona giornata, and God bless the United States of America!

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Beauty is what Health and Happiness looks like on the outside

Beauty is what Health and Happiness looks like on the outside"—from a 1916 issue of Good Housekeeping

Ciao bella,

We all need “tips” and reminders to stay feeling good and looking good. Enjoy these tried and true ones to a prettier and healthier you!

• Use sunscreen with a minimum of 15 SPF or higher—no matter what your skin color is, everyday, winter and summer ,no matter where you live.
  

• Take care of your chest and to renew it—gently exfoliate regularly with a face scrub.
  

• Queen Latifah’s grandmother’s beauty secret for an exfoliant is mixing water and baking soda. Use gently.
  

• For those low digit winter days wear a super rich moisturizer.
  

• Keep a steady date of close friends regularly meeting—lowers blood pressure, delays memory loss, reduces risk of infection such as the common cold.
  

• Drink your morning “joe”—3 cups a day for cancer prevention and to enhance memory.
  

• Eat your romaine, spinach, kale, and Swiss chard—helps protect your eyes from UV damage.
  

• Use lemon juice as a slough for hands and age spots.
  

• Your hair becomes drier as we age. Take care of it with frequent trims and conditioning on a regular basis.
  

• Curl your lashes!
  

• After washing your face—gently pat dry especially around the delicate area of the eyes. Rubbing stretches it.
  

• Always try to maintain healthy eating habits including whole grains and fruits and veggies. (Your skin will thank you!)
  

• Live, love, and “laugh”—increases blood flow by 22 percent which is good for your heart.

Most of these wonderful tips are from Good Housekeeping—celebrating 100 years in print!

Buona giornata, and God bless the United States of America!

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.mary4nails.com. Mary is a third-generation cosmetologist and a Massachusetts distributor of Kosmea brand rose hip oil products. She may be contacted at (978) 470-8183 or mary@mary4nails.com.

SOY-Use it Inside and Out!

SOY-Use it Inside and Out!

Ciao bella,

I have made soy an everyday part of my diet. Just a cup of soymilk in the morning seems to keep those “hot” moments cooler! If you know what I mean!

Soy is a legume native to east Asia, grown as part of crop rotation due to their ability to add nitrogen in the soil. The United States is the most recent leader in the production of soybeans. They are high in protein and vitamins A, E and K. The oil is produced by solvent extraction.

A healthy and delicious soy snack is Edame—look for it in the frozen foods or your fav Japanese restaurant. So lo-cal and good for you.

Soy is not only a healthy addition to a women’s diet but can also be found on the cosmetic counter. Soy oil and its qualities are natural antioxidants that block out the harmful rays of the sun. Soy oil is known to treat wrinkles, repair skin and improve elasticity.

Soy is also used to protect and moisturize dry skin.

Look for soy in lip care products, mineral makeup, shampoos and conditioners, moisturizers, anti-aging skin care, body oils and soaps.

So stay looking beautiful and look for Soy.

Buona giornata, and God bless the United States of America!

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull