Gone With The Wind

Gone With The Wind

Ciao bella,

Portrait from Rhett Butler's Bedroom

When you think of beauty in the movies, how many can agree that the character “Scarlett O’Hara” in Gone With The Wind carried such a trait? Atlanta, Georgia where the movie takes place has many a Southern Belle but Scarlett takes the cake! Her lily-white skin has been envied by many. Her seductiveness went into full swing when she wanted to catch her next husband. Whether she was in love or not she scored every time!

In fact Gone With The Wind has been a favorite movie in my family forever since its debut in 1939 when my Mom Josephine saw it in one of those old movie palaces on a BIG screen. In those days the movies ran repeatedly all day. By the evening show Mom and her friends fell in love with Rhett Butler and Scarlett O’Hara!

Ahhhhh......I wonder what beauty secrets Scarlett could reveal! Her complexion and skin so dreamy, creamy! Movie note: “Mammy” would apply buttermilk to Scarlett’s skin to bleach the freckles. Her fancy parasols helped to avoid the sun.

Oh and all those clothes the women in her day would wear, pantilettes, corsets, stockings and long dresses to the ankle served as protection not only from the sun!

Another movie note: Never try to fool a gentleman without your gloves when you’ve been picking cotton! I believe the Yankees stole the hand cream too.

Just recently I had the pleasure of visiting Atlanta, Georgia. Upon our arrival at the airport I ran into Miss Teen Georgia, Caroline Wade-Wow, talk about a striking southern belle. Those beauty contestants are gifted.

My sight- seeing interests led me to visit The Margaret Mitchell House and Museum. She wrote the best selling novel Gone With The Wind there. Ann B. was our tour-guide and a marvelous one at that. Showing us around the house she could answer any question on Margaret’s life. It was not only a job for Ann, but a true fondness for Margaret’s life and how the success of the movie affected Margaret and Atlanta.

Margaret was a romantic realist and will be long remembered for writing Gone With The Wind, a most attractive women herself with beauty secrets of her own

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

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

REIKI—“Universal Energy”Part 2

REIKI—“Universal Energy”Part 2

Ciao bella,

Zoe, Reiki healer with crystal

Reiki was developed by Natural Healer and Buddhist Mikao Usai. He opened his first commercial Reiki clinic in 1922 in Japan. Many followers adapted this meditation technique so that the body can heal itself naturally. Reiki is considered to be complementary and an alternative medicine.

In 1922 while Usai was performing a 21-day Buddhist training course held on Mount Kurama in Japan he had this mystical revelation! The training course which probably consisted of meditation, fasting. chanting and prayer provided Usai the gained knowledge and spiritual power to apply and teach others what he called Reiki.

He lived to be 61 years young and on the inscription on his memorial stone read how he taught over 2,000 people in his lifetime and 16 of his students continued their training to reach a level of being a Natural Healer!

This system uses specific symbols and hand positions to rid negative energy, symptoms and illnesses.

Today Reiki is considered an important part of taking charge of your body’s inner ability to heal itself. Its philosophies and healing applications have gained world wide attention.

I do believe the body has its own energy and the life energy surrounding us to turn a situation around for the better with this healing process.

Whenever Reiki is performed on me by Zoe, whether it is “distant” Reiki or in person I always feel a warmth enveloping me. Give Reiki a try, you have only to gain a sense of healing.

Zoe is a Certified Reflexologist. Her other interdisciplinary interests include Reiki, Thai Bodywork, Journaling, Color and Visual techniques for overall healing and spiritual growth. You can find Zoe at 857-919-4278, info@toe2heal.com.

She is conveniently located on Beacon Hill by appt. only and also does house calls. This is a 2 part series on Healing-stay tuned for part 3!
Remember to feel good is to feel beautiful.

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

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Once Again “Beauty Knows No Age” with the Golden Age Club

Once Again “Beauty Knows No Age” with the Golden Age Club

Ciao bella,

"Golden Girls"

Here in East Boston is where you’ll find plenty of ageless beauty secrets! The Queens of Entertainment Mary Ann Cerundoloand Terry DeSimone hosted their Annual Mother’s Day Lunch at Spinelli’s in East Boston. Once again I was lucky to be invited.

The room was bustling with the kind of energy you would experience at a teen dance! Our “Dee Jay Connection” Alan La Bella whose motto is “For The Time of Your Life” was gearing up the Italian songs, and from disco to Dean Martin. The ladies and gents were arriving in style. It was a fashion show!

I had the pleasure of being seated with Angela Menino and her companion Eliza who is head of the Mayor's Elderly Commission. They are great supporters of seniors and their needs.

Father Wayne spoke in Italian and translated in English a most touching and memorable Mother’s Day Blessing. Then a delicious lunch was served and the festivities were underway. All danced between courses. There is another “beauty secret” for you "dancing between courses!

Oh and plenty of smiling as Alan had each table sing-along. He played “Tiny Bubbles”, a tune my Nana DiZazzo whistled to all the day. It was great memory of my youth.

Fun was had by all. These ladies have embraced their golden years and make them effortless. The vibrancy of this group, some aged well over 90 years young is amazing. On with the celebration.

Rose Forti and Hilda Santos were honored for their 20 plus years as members. No more dues for them. God bless.

Marie C. is still looking for good skincare. Rose P.’s daughters are always asking her “Ma, but where are you?—you’re never home!”

Well that's the way it should be. The gypsy soul will always remain young and never bored. My friend Marilyn M. with an ache here and there still maintains a busy lifestyle. Her complexion is always soft, smooth and make-up perfect. We'll be partying it up at Italia Unite soon!

Catherine Nicosia here for 53 years from Italy has kept her accent and attractive features. God bless all I met here today.

Safe trip to Niagara Falls ladies and gents. Just join the Golden Age Club and it’ll sure be a fantastic experience in your Golden Years!

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

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

P.S. Stat tuned for “Healing Part 2 of a 3-part series.

Foot Reflexology: A Bit of Heaven on Beacon Hill

A Healing Three-Part Series : Foot Reflexology: A Bit of Heaven on Beacon Hill

Ciao bella,

Zoe Arguello

Certified reflexologist Zoe does house calls. First she gives your feet a very warm rinse. Then she applies hot stones on your feet to help increase blood circulation, then wraps your feet in a warm towel. Ah, my ascent to heaven have begun!

Whenever I have a pedicure, all my clients claimed to have a comfortable sense of an all around feeling of well-being. During a pedicure you maintain the nail and cuticles, massage legs and feet, and make sure the skin is exfoliated and moisturized. Aromatherapy helps to calm and rejuvenate the senses. It would make anyone feel great--painted toes and all!

But foot reflexology is more intense working on the health of the body inside and out. And as we all know healing is beautiful!

Zoe's magical hands press points on the foot, applying systematic pressure to those points that help to relieve all sorts of ailments. Some of those ailments include arthritis pain, relief from anxiety and stress, headaches, chronic pain from fibromyalgia, reduce backaches, revitalize energy and improve blood flow and a host of serious complaints that we experience every day. Just give Zoe a call (857-919-4278). She will help you feel marvelous. By appointment only, service is available at her studio on Beacon Hill near MGH; she also makes house-calls.

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

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

Saturday, May 15th is Straw Hat Day

May 15th is Straw Hat Day the beginning of the season when men may wear their straw boaters and Panamas rather than the fur felt fedoras, porkpies, homburgs, and bowlers that we wear (You do wear a hat, don't you?) the rest of the year. For more information see http://www.thefedoralounge.com. Straw hats may be worn until Felt Hat Day which is September 15th.

Mary's "You Look Marvelous" Talk -- Aromatherapy, the Scent of "Raine"

U.S. Eyes Growing Beauty and Cosmetics Market in India

The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service (CS) is organizing a Beauty and Cosmetics Trade Mission to India (New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore), November 15-19, 2010. Led by a senior Department of Commerce official, the mission will assist U.S. beauty and cosmetics companies to identify prospective representatives, distributors, partners, and end-users in the vibrant Indian market. The cosmetics/beauty industry is one of the booming retail sectors in India with very strong potential for new-to-market (NTM) U.S. companies. U.S products are perceived to be very high quality in India and are in high demand. Mission participants will have a first-hand opportunity to assess market potential in India and to meet key decision makers. Trade mission participants will have customized meeting schedules to meet with potential partners, professional end-users, major retailers and key government and regulatory officials.

Commercial Setting

The emergence of a young urban elite population with increasing disposable income in cities, including an increase in the number of working women increase looking for lifestyle-oriented and luxury products is the main driver of demand for imported cosmetics products. Indian consumers tend to look towards international brands as lifestyle enhancement products.

The total size of the Indian retail beauty and cosmetics market is currently estimated at $950 million. The overall beauty and wellness market, which includes beauty services, is $2.68 billion. The cosmetics market in India is growing at 15-20% annually, twice as fast as that of the United States and European market. Premium global brands are gaining sales as Indian consumers gain exposure to the global media and move from functional items to advanced and specialized cosmetic products. With the beauty service industry growing rapidly in India, the spa segment in India is also attracting a lot of attention. The spa industry over the last five years has shown tremendous growth, not only in the number of spas, but also in the diversity of spas and products available. The spa and body treatment segment is estimated to be approximately $772 million over the next five to eight years.

Now is the time for U.S. beauty and cosmetics firms to enter the Indian market. European competitors have already been very aggressive. U.S. products viewed as high quality but awareness levels are low for smaller U.S. brands. Even with a good growth rate, penetration of cosmetic and toiletries is very low in India. With a 15-20% growth rate in this sector, this translates into tremendous potential for U.S. companies.

Recruitment efforts for the trade mission will focus on the dynamic growth opportunity areas such as color cosmetics, fragrances (fragrance is the most popular import purchase), specialized skin care and hair care products, professional salon products, nail care products, and spa equipment and products.

Additionally, the trade mission will allow the participating U.S. companies to learn about potential regulatory changes that would require all foreign cosmetics companies to register their products before being allowed to sell (Note: Indian companies are already required to register; so far foreign companies have been exempted from this requirement). If this proposed change to the Indian Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940 passes, foreign companies importing products would receive certificates with three years' validity, whereas companies manufacturing in India would have certificates valid for five years. Moreover, the trade mission participants will learn about India's labeling requirements. While not especially onerous, the labeling requirements must be adhered to in order for U.S. companies to sell in India.

Mission Goals

The goals of the Beauty and Cosmetics Trade Mission to India are to: (1) Introduce U.S. mission participants to the vibrant Indian market, especially in the three large metropolitan cities of Mumbai, New Delhi, and Bangalore, to assess business opportunities; (2) establish valuable contacts with prospective agents, distributors and retailers; and (3) meet with Government regulators to understand the policy and regulatory framework and to explain American industry experience and best practices.

Mission Scenario

Participants will visit three of the India's key metropolitan centers. The mission will have access to major countrywide markets, as well as Indian government officials and U.S. Embassy staff for regulatory and business climate briefings.

New Delhi--the capital city of India where participants can meet with government officials to learn about policies and regulations, particularly current labeling requirements and potential registration issues, which would impact all U.S. beauty/cosmetics companies.

Mumbai--the business and financial capital of India were there will be meetings with appropriate customs and government officials, industry associations, networking reception and site visits.

Bangalore--a booming city with an organized retail market and the first destination of many global consumer brands, especially luxury labels.

During the trade mission participants will receive: (A) Briefings on beauty and cosmetic markets in India; (B) one-on-one meetings tailored to each firm's interests; (C) introductions to potential agents/distributors, facility administrators, and purchasing managers through group events; (D) site visits if applicable; and (E) meetings with local business representatives and government officials, as appropriate.