Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend

Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend

Ciao bella,

Who would think that another one of Mother Nature's miracles is used esthetically, however not just to be counted in carots? It's Diamond Dust my dear ladies! Tiny particles left behind from the cutting of diamonds. The hardness of these tiny particles (similar as dust) make it a popular material used for a variety of products. Just about half of all natural Diamonds are found in mines throughout central and southern Africa. Originally found and mined in India diamond dust proved valuable in cosmetics. Even Madonna during one of her many tours combined white eyeshadow and diamond dust and applied it on her eyelids!

Diamonds as we all know look like transparent crystal and made of carbon, as its atoms are arranged in a diamond lattice. Diamond dust may be found in different colors and can be coarse or fine. Valuable for their hardness and heat conductivity industrial diamonds can be found in the use of surfacing products. Gem-grade diamonds are also valuable for their color and clarity. (The diamond coated pan in my kitchen has been a treasure in my culinary adventures!)

As a natural mineral diamonds are the hardest. Productively useful as an abrasive in cutting, drilling, grinding and polishing. You'll find nail files coated with diamond dust making the file stay sharp and lasting. Many nail products contain diamond dust to prevent chipping and also strengthen nails including a pretty shimmer effect. Check your labels for diamond dust which can also be found in creams, perfumes, shower gels and makeup. In my experience diamonds are a girls best friend!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.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.

A New Year, A New Attitude for 2012

A New Year, A New Attitude for 2012

Ciao bella,

As the old year closes on a beautiful Christmas holiday, we can reflect on what we gals can do to make ourselves keep the beauty going. Remember to work hard is also to play hard! Life is short, so treat yourselves well! Don't think twice about any beauty treatment in the New Year. There is Spa Week here in Boston and in many suburbs. It's promoted a few times a year. The best salons and spas offer 2 for 1 deals along with half price offers from specialty massages to youth altering facials to aromatherapy mani/pedicures. These services are our own "thank you" to ourselves. We gals deserve it!

Did the boss forget that pat on the back? Kids were running out the door for the next thing and forgot the usual kiss goodbye and thanks Mom? And the hubby in our lives? Anything is possible there for error! So take it all in stride and go for that hot stone massage or exfoliating skin treatment! The treatments out there are boundless!

What you need they have it. Sign up at www.spaweek.com for the dates and offers for acupuncture, electrology (permanent hair removal), skin and body treatments from A toZ. I will keep an eye out in 2012 for the promotions of the year! I'll keep you all updated on the dates. In fact on the last day of 2011 my husband David and I are treating ourselves to pedicures in Newton at Beautifica Day Spa! Cynthia Ruggere the owner of this unique spa not only offers specialty services, but uses the best products to perform all services. This spa is located at 415 Lexington St., 617-431-1200. For more info on Cynthia's promotions and services go to www.beautifica.com.

David and I are so excited to pick out a toe color that will bring in the New Year with a sparkle or two!

Wishing all my treasured readers and all my blessed colleagues at the fabulous Post-Gazette a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.

Buon Anno and God bless the United States of America!

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.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.

Merry Christmas to All!

Ciao Bella,

Christmas shopping not all done gals? Well the "buy one for you and
buy one for me" urge is irresistible at LUSH! Check out their fabulous
Holiday Collection! Sure to please all five senses!
www.lush.com -find a store near you!

Here is my annual Christmas spoof for all to enjoy! Buon Natale!

‘Twas The Week Before Christmas when all through the salon
The scissors were clicking; the mad rush was on.
The hairdressers were busy primping the coifs;
Perm odor, tinting, hair spray—what cough?
The nail-techs stayed sitting; painting their art,
And the patrons were in and out like a dart.
The receptionist was praying for the end of the day,
While just out the window she noticed a sleigh.
And in walked a lady all covered in flour;
She said she’d been baking for hours and hours.
“I’ve seen to the children, but what of myself?
“My husband’s been busy and couldn’t spare an elf.
“My nails are all broken; my hair feels like glue;
“I hope there is someone who can make me feel new.”
With that gleam in her eye it was hard to say “no”—
Mary volunteered for the job—ho, ho, ho!
Shampoo, shampoo, how do you do?
Rollers and gel—need the dryer too.
With a trick of her brush she was coiffed in a flash;
Manicured, painted, and dried in a dash.
Her nails were all shiny—painted “jungle-red.”
The smile on her face left nothing unsaid.
As she waved us good-bye, Merry Christmas to all,
Everyone stopped to see the great haul.
While out the window we all began to peer
At a giant sleigh and eight strong reindeer!
Our lady hopped right in and with a nod to go
Off went her chariot above all the snow.
Jingle, jingle, jingle you can hear the bells ring.
It was a sight to behold there were songs to sing.

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.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.

It's a Small World

It’s a Small World

Ciao bella,

Let's skip the beauty and makeup tricks this week. I'd like you to read about our pass-times we love which inevitably brings out a natural beauty in all of us. Mine is my Dollhouse!

In the early 1980s, when I was living in a lovely studio with an outdoor pool in a decent area of South Lawrence, I found my treasure! Next to our giant green dumpster sitting on the ground I spied it! All quite empty inside of bare plywood except for some thick green carpeting which I eventually ripped out and of course had to sand all the floors from glue residue. The outside was painted a sage green with white shutters and several window boxes. The kitchen had a bow window also painted white. Right there I decided to rescue this treasure, after all I didn't have to pay for it and I could always find another "little girl" interested in it. I cleared off a bureau and there it stood.

Ideas came rushing in. I remembered the 3 vintage wooden pieces I had purchased not too long ago. A brown hand-carved floor radio from the '40s and a white frig and stove from the '50s. And then it began -- the "miniature fever" they called it.

I drove to every miniature show I could find. Eric Fuch's in those days became my best friend. I wall-papered every room, put down every floor, measured and framed every inside and outside door frame. Hand-made the curtains for baby’s and master bedrooms. Painted the house a cotton candy pink, and shingled the roof and bricked the chimney. I also put brick and mortar in both fireplaces with a mirror and tweezer!

From friends I would hear "So Mary are you coming out dancing tonight with us?" And the same reply for a while was "I am in the midst of applying tile to the kitchen floor, blah, blah, blah!" But I was happy and so fulfilled that this project came into my life and made it all worthwhile. There were plenty of days to go dancing, after all that’s where I met my David, at the Roxy Dance Club.

The "mini fever" had barely subsided. I started furnishing every room with true delight. It was also electrified as glowing lamps illuminated every room. My lovely Mom even made by hand the red gingham dish towels that hang in the kitchen today! She even bought several pieces the house needed. She and my Dad would drive me to some shows and we just had a fun time! And as all good Italian parents they would drop in to visit the dollhouse when I was working and leave me supper and treats! I would find notes from Mom raving about how far I came fixing the interior as well as the exterior of it. I cherish those notes today. They really got into the progress of the house and its beauty!

As years passed I would decorate for every season and holiday. Even the attic accumulated the necessary cobwebs, dust and a house mouse! But it was minimal to what I have now accumulated from eBay! When I moved to Boston I set the house up in my Mom’s Beauty Shop in her home. Her clients and friends enjoyed it for 10 years as I would decorate always with some new little thing.

I lost interest when Mom passed and it stayed decorated for Christmas for 9 years. Then it was a decision I didn't make — David did! He brought it home to our place! It fit in front of our window facing where John F. Kennedy's apartment window faced! Home sweet home!

This summer the grass was cut, the flower boxes filled, the garden with its new gazing ball was in full bloom with lilies, tulips and irises! Hanging plants and a porch light adorn the front lawn. The frog pond I made was happening. The flamingo -- birdbath (I also made) attracted one cute, little yellow bird all summer! Croquet was enjoyed by all. And of course the outdoor "feasts" of sushi with Chinese take-out, cakes, 4th of July hot dogs, beer, oysters on the half shell, spaghetti and meatballs with Chianti! You can find pancakes, coffee and syrup for breakfast in the kitchen — just don't touch my "Mary" mug.

My Nano Catalano's portrait (Mom gave me this small round pin of her Dad) hangs proudly over the master bedroom's fireplace. Mom just loved that! A bust of Apollo and portraits of the Grand Canal and Degas ballerinas grace the living room walls. David prints a matchbook size newspaper weekly with our past week's color photo captions and stories. The Bowdoin Street Times is delivered in the new mailbox promptly!

Now for the autumn clean-up! Must rake leaves, stow out-door furniture, put fireplace wood near doorway and decorate for everyone's grand season of Christmas!

I truly hope you enjoyed this column! If you're in the area stop by the "house," the shiny rooster weathervane will guide you there -- it's a feast for sore eyes!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.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.

The Beauty of Etiquette in 2011 – Where Have All Our Manners Gone?

The Beauty of Etiquette in 2011 – Where Have All Our Manners Gone?

Ciao bella,

Say Thanks

My parents seem to have lived their life in a “gentle” era where niceties were displayed commonly everyday. I know; I was there! Has anyone noticed how rude and inconsiderate people have become? Lately I have noticed that more and more of the younger generation are just so totally in their own world. I know it’s a generation that were taught not to say “excuse me,” “thank you,” “you’re welcome” – simply because I don’t hear it any more. If you say those things it shows weakness and vulnerability! So why leave yourself open by being considerate and just taking the time to be nice? It would sure make for a better day when life gets tough. When you follow your manners and smile doing it, a great reward will follow-the beauty of kindness.

Why even in Italy there is a word prego that not only means “you’re welcome” but “go ahead before me”! And now in a world with technology ringing from our purses, what to do, what to do?

Here are a few tips for your mobile distraction:

Always silence your phone when in a restaurant, theatre or cinema. Use the vibrate mode in a restaurant if you are expecting something important. Excuse yourself from the table and make it quick especially if people need to order.

Lower your voice when talking in a public place.

Never have a “personal” conversation in a public spot.

Use the 10 ft rule when speaking on your cell-mark your distance!

When you must take a call in company, excuse yourself with permission to accept the call.

Never blame the caller for a “dropped call.”

I have seen these rules broken everyday! So listen up ladies!

What happened to the thank you note of old? You know with a stamp and return address. I hope the schools are bringing back penmanship lessons because I’ve heard some kids don’t know how to sign their names. One strike for excessive computer use! Ahhh the cursive way! One of my school subjects that would be marked scrupulously! Here are a few etiquette tips:

You may freshen your lipstick at the table quickly after dining in a restaurant – never your hair! Summon the waiter by raising your hand, first finger pointing up or you may call “waiter” or “miss” never “sir.”

Remember to tip your bartender 15-20%! Let a gentlemen open a door for you.

So remember we live in a city with close proximity to the next person. Show a little kindness and feel the beauty of it all!

Happy Thanksgiving and God bless the United States of America!

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.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.

Get SHELLAC-ed and Stay Chip Free for up to 2 Weeks!

Get SHELLAC-ed and Stay Chip Free for up to 2 Weeks!

Ciao bella,

I was skeptical at first – “a nail polish that lasts and dries instantly!” How is this possible? What is the gimmick? I must admit I always tried the latest and greatest. I read my nails magazines like my Bible. But then after the purchase and use of the latest and greatest I always seemed to find my way back to my tried and true product technique. Nothing like trying something “new,” it turns out to be a learning experience that what you’ve been doing is the best all along! Oh sure you pick up a few tricks of the trade along the way. I’ve always been open to learning. In fact I have been to 2 SHELLAC classes already and they are a requirement to be the best you have to be!

Since my semi retirement in the world of cosmetology I have retained an extraordinary and quite loyal clientele. They can attest their “natural nail manicures” last from 5-8 days -- sometimes even longer! Any professional work will last longer when nails are viewed as jewels not tools! Lucky are those princesses with live-in help.

SHELLAC is a nail polish not a gel, not acrylic, that is applied in 4 coats with each coat curing under a UV light (quite safe). I incorporate a spa manicure with aromatherapy and there is no drying time! The outcome is a high gloss shine that maintains without chipping for up to two weeks! Absolutely stunning! Great for a vacation and just about all the time!

No gimmicks, no fooling – it’s the best-developed long lasting nail polish system yet. Nails become stronger with continued use! Success has followed me as I myself have experienced better natural nails! So get SHELLAC-ed today and reap the benefits by Creative’s dream team! View the Shellac Flash Mob Dance in New York's Time Square on You Tube now!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America! Have a scary and fun Hallowe’en!

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.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.

The Pumpkin-not just for Halloween/Thanksgiving!

The Pumpkin-not just for Halloween/Thanksgiving!

Ciao bella,

One of the only saving graces to the end of summer and the start of autumn are the magnificent colors of the season. The grand pumpkin! Bright eye candy! It’s an uplifting sight to see them lined up at farm stands and piled up in front of the grocers. Such a sturdy fruit, so yummy and then again another of Mother Nature's beauty treatments and
medicinal cures!

This orange squash is native to North America. Approximately 90 percent of pumpkins from United States are grown in Illinois. Pumpkin color can vary but most popular are orange and yellow.

Inside the core which contain the seeds is high in nutrients with the seeds having a high Zinc content, known to be terrific for the skin. The Zinc helps to heal acne blemishes and sooth irritated skin. The alpha-hydroxy acids help to exfoliate and revitalize. The pulp is also used to reduce the appearance of scarring. The bright colored fruit are chalk full of multivitamins which nourish the skin.

The vitamin C maintains skin health by preventing the collagen from breaking down. Vitamin A softens and cleanses and softens the skin.

In days gone by it was staple food of the Native Americans. They used it to make medicine and wove dried strips of it into mats. Was also used as a cure for freckles and as a remedy for snake bites! You can find the benefits of pumpkin in your beauty aisle. There are peels and facial masks and anti-aging creams along with lotions, shampoos and body washes.

Here is a do-it-yourself facial with this extraordinary fruit! Mix 2 teaspoons pureed pumpkin, 1/2 teaspoon honey, and 1/4 teaspoon heavy cream. Smooth on face leaving on for 10 minutes. Rinse off with warm water for glowing, smoother skin!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Read prior weeks' "All That Zazz" columns at www.allthatzazz.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.