The Acai Berry -have you tried it?

The Acai Berry -have you tried it?

Ciao bella,

It seems some of us are willing to try anything to shed a few pounds. Well the Acai Berry (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) claimed such a case.

I have to be truthful here—I sent away by computer for a bottle and found it did suppress appetite. But the company wanted me to sign up for a “lifetime” supply with an automatic scheduled delivery and charge to your credit card whether you needed it or not! Beware of the automatic delivery!

So when I went to cancel—that was it! You either signed up forever or for get about it! They were evasive on sending just a single order! So I decided to write about this new and yet not so new harvest of miracle wonders.

The “Fruit That Cries” is a deep purple and can be found growing on certain palm trees in the Amazon rainforests of Brazil. You cannot find fresh Acai Berries outside the Amazon but in other nutritious forms as in dietary supplement capsules, juice, tea, powder and frozen purees. Just a visit to Whole Foods or your fav Earthfood store and you can be turned into an Acai Berry fan easily! It has been known to improve energy levels, sleep functions, skin appearance, circulation, eliminating toxins and of course weight loss. Because the Acai Berry is so rich in protein and glucosamine it can also reduce pain for arthritis sufferers. Also known for it's delicious blueberry/chocolate flavor it has 10 times the amount of antioxidants of red grapes!

The oil derived from the Acai Berry contains many beneficial vitamins including Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids. The oil is also used in age renewal creams, cleansers and face masks, body washes and hair care lines.

Fresh Acai berries/juice are not as potent as supplements which have longer shelf life.

In Brazil, a dish called Acai Bowls Rio Style, or acai ne tigela, is a fav treat and is made using a combo of frozen acai, granola, guarana syrup, and bananas.

Guess it’s time to hit Rio again or a short walk to the store!

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

--Mary 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.

Give Yourself “HAPPY FEET”—and that’s not all!

Give Yourself “HAPPY FEET”—and that’s not all!

Ciao bella,

A Chinese folk song says that “Feet bath in spring would make one’s body feel as if the sun was rising slowly and the ice dissolves gradually, feet bath in summer will eliminate the illness of fever and complex symptoms, feet bath in fall will get the lungs moistened and the intestines moving, feet bath in winter will give warmth to the acupuncture point of Dantian.” It was the start of a truly unique experience!

As I entered into “heaven” for the next hour and a half my friend Patricia L. was waiting for me sitting in a comfortable cushy chair with pillows and a libation of your choice, I sat in one right next to her. Chinese instrumental music filled the room of soft lighting, warming terra cotta colors and scents of pleasant herbal flowers permeated our cubby! Two welcoming Chinese massagists came out of a private corner of the room and set down (one for each of us) basins of herbal scented warm water to soak our feet. As our feet soaked we had our “dry” massage starting from the top of our head to the base of our backs!

The kinks I had were GONE! I was so relaxed! I felt so “in trust” with my massagist! He then dried off my “Happy Feet” and performed a reflexology type of massage on them! The fruit and sips of tea were delightful! After it was all over Patricia and I swooned over what we had just experienced!

According to Chinese medicine the human body’s health is closely related to the feet. Medical experts from Europe and America also believe the sole of the foot is “the second heart” since the many nerve endings are linked to the brain and all the organs. Soaking the feet for at least 30 minutes improves and facilitates the circulation of blood.

The footbath and the reflexology work together to promote good health and beauty care, nourishing and protecting the brain, supplementing vigor and postponing old age. The combination also will relive fatigue and improve sleep.

Consort Yang Yu Huan (1 June 719-15 July 756) was a high-ranking imperial consort during her time, known as one of The Four Beauties of Ancient China. Consort Yang’s Secret of Beauty would be to cleanse her feet with herbal flowers in the morning and then the Chinese Herb and Foot Massage performed every evening. So let’s skip to that beat and give yourself some “Happy Feet!”

Happy Feet Spa, 150 Lincoln St., 1st floor in Boston (Chinatown), 617-348-2988

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.

Town Crier of Provincetown

Town Crier of Provincetown

Ciao bella,

“Beauty Culture” can be viewed in many ways. Especially according to All That Zazz, Beauty is everywhere!

I’ve brought you trips, museums, theatre and of course the care of oneself to beautify and maintain. All in the name of Beauty, I bring you my latest adventure to Provincetown, Cape Cod. There, just coming into town, passing the curvaceous dunes, cruising down narrow Commercial Street filled with walking people, music blasting my 80s Best of Rick Astley CD. Our baby blue Zip Car “Muffet” Mini Cooper with top down and sunshine warming our faces.

Here are the sights and smells of ocean, flower bushes of beach roses and hyacinth. The Portuguese Bakery also fills the air with its fresh sweet goods! The senses of smell are extravagantly rich as we continue our travel in this artful culture of art galleries, clothing stores, restaurants of seafood and pride! My trips to P’town are out numbered by a span of over 30 years. Every visit never disappoints with all its kitschy glory.

This year the gardens spoke to me in immense color and abundance. “See you old man winter, we’re back, we’re here and we’re staying!”

A new adventure this year was unexpected, most exhilarating and quite breath taking! Our friend Rich J. took us out dune-buggying in his jeep. There we were driving through the warm sands of Race Point and its lighthouse. As we kept plowing through the soft sand Rich pulled right up to the seashore, waves and foam waiting to cool our feet! Truly amazing! I’ve barely recovered!

Beauty lies in the soul of a new adventure. It tantalizes your inner being with a calming verve. Choose one wisely.

Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

PS Big Happy Anniversary wishes to The Post Gazette—molti baci!!!

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.

Burning Topic-New FDA Rules on Labeling Sunscreen

Burning Topic-New FDA Rules on Labeling Sunscreen

Ciao bella,

Well we’re halfway through summer and all us sun worship queens are grateful to the Food and Drug Administration. Last month they released long-awaited sunscreen regulations with new labeling indicating reliable info on product protection—ironic how the sun in so many ways can be so healthy and yet so deadly.

The FDA wants to inform and educate the consumer that they are protected against both ultraviolet-B (UVB) and ultraviolet-A (UVA) rays. The labeling now on shelves gives the sun-protection factor on its labels indicating only the level of protection of UVB rays, which mostly causes sunburn. Both UVB and UVA rays are known to cause wrinkles and skin cancer.

The new rules will be out in a year. A sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum” will be required to protect against both sets of rays. And the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) will be the “number” to the degree of protection against the UVB and UVA rays. For those sunscreens that don’t offer enough protection, a warning label will be required to carry a mandatory statement that the product hasn’t been shown to protect against skin cancer! These rules are a long time coming!

Many sunscreen products on the market bear a label “broad spectrum” that only protects UVA rays. Broad Spectrum will have to mean protection of both kinds of rays.

The new FDA ruling is also requiring companies to eliminate terms like “water-proof” and “sweat-proof.” In the future these products will need to pass a test for water resistance in order to keep a water claim on label. The FDA in a separate proposal is considering to make SPF 50 the max value since there is not enough data for higher SPF products. They will also be looking into “sunscreen sprays”—whether or not it offers as much SPF protection since consumers spray themselves so lightly.

So sun loungers pay attention to your labels and stay protected from old man sun!

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.

Aromas from the Garden are Healing

Aromas from the Garden are Healing

Ciao bella,

Angelo and Mary Di Zazzo -- my Nana and Nano

So what’s in your garden? Besides the usual herbs for culinary necessity there is peppermint.

Peppermint is a hybrid mint which is a cross between spearmint and water mint. The plant can now be found all over the world but its roots were in Europe and Asia.

While producing purple flowers the peppermint plant contains menthol, considered to be a volatile oil. The menthol’s enticingly cool and spicy fragrance can be used in aromatherapy known to relieve exhaustion, stress and anxiety. When the oil is applied to skin it can brighten and cool it.

The oil can also be diluted with jojoba oil and when applied topically will prevent acne and clogged pores. If you experience a flaky scalp, add a few drops of oil to your shampoo.

Peppermint is also mentioned in the Bible to relieve pain. Doctors will tell you to soak your achy part in warm water and peppermint oil. You can find peppermint in lip balm with its cooling effects to soothe sunburned, windblown and chapped lips.

It’s heaven when peppermint bath salts are used to relax cramped muscles and ease respiratory illnesses. Even just a whiff of a fresh brewed cup of peppermint tea will have its aromatic value. Drinking it aids in digestion.

Peppermint is also a common ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash for its antiseptic properties.

My Nana and Nano grew an amazing garden every summer including mint. Nano always smelled of the mint which emanated from his shirt pocket! He would always say “It’s good for you! I can’t ever remember him without that mint his shirt pocket.

You can find various products containing peppermint such as creams, footbaths, hair products and lotions. So “feel the heal” and do it minty!

Wishing all my Post Gazette colleagues and my loyal readers a safe, healthy fun-filled 4th of July! Buona giornata and God bless the United States of America!

--Mary N. DiZazzo-Trumbull

P.S. Newsflash—New product from LUSH “A Breath of Fresh Air” made with seawater is a spritz spray to cool you off and wake you up! A must for your "pool/beach bag and “hot flash” experiences!

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.

CPSC Approves New Federal Safety Rule for Hair Dryers

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission ("CPSC:) unanimously approved the establishment of a new federal safety rule on hand-supported hair dryers. Hand-supported hair dryers that lack an immersion protection device have been identified by CPSC as posing a substantial product hazard to consumers.

Hand-supported hair dryers typically are used in bathrooms, near water sources, including the sink, bathtub, and lavatory. When there is no immersion protection device present, the uninsulated, electrically energized wires in the hair dryer present a risk of shock and electrocution to consumers.

Current industry standards require that manufacturers incorporate a device into the hair dryer that prevents shock and/or electrocution hazards when it contacts water. Industry voluntary standards, which require an immersion protection device, have contributed to a significant decline in electrocutions or electrical shock incidents related to immersion or contact with water. The majority of manufacturers and distributors of hand-supported hair dryers comply with these voluntary industry standards.

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act ("CPSIA") of 2008 provided CPSC with the authority to establish federal safety rules for consumer products that have demonstrated substantial compliance with a voluntary standard or set of guidelines.

For more information, read the CPSC press release by clicking here.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals - contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

I’d love to kiss you but I just washed my hair!

p>I’d love to kiss you but I just washed my hair!
—Bette Davis in The Cabin in the Cotton, 1932

Ciao bella,

Recently I was up late channel surfing. This infomercial really caught my attention. The “WEN HEALTHY HAIRCARE SYSTEM,” a new and innovative shampoo/conditioner developed by celebrity stylist Chaz Dean claiming luxurious, shiny and manageable hair after using it. There were all the “live” testimonials playing with their gorgeous locks! Before and after photos were also shown.

It was revolutionary hair care without harsh chemicals, using a perfect blend of herbs and natural ingredients. A “single” step" process that cleanses and conditions simultaneously and will not strip hair of color or moisture.

It all sounded fabu! But I’ve learned my lesson! “Google” reviews first—nothing like another sap to order the latest and the greatest! Must be used following manufacturers explicit directions. Cucumber seems most popular. Ordering from Amazon is safest (otherwise you could be signed up for automatic delivery!) Cleansing hair has come a long way.

As early as 4000 BC a cosmetic routine was established during the Eurasian Bronze Age where a system of beauty pampering ranged from bathhouses to hairstyling. Shampooing hair consisted of using soap, perfume and essential oils, none of which provided the quality of cleansing and luster of modern shampoo. It took modern science to understand the composition of hair soil and then develop a cleansing formula to combat it. The science of shampoo was a huge milestone in the achievement of personal hygiene. Good shampoo, let alone the word itself, was centuries away!

The Greeks and the Romans took part in the first development of personal hygiene. The Roman baths emphasized on the purity of water and according to their famous innovations of aqueducts were ultimately designed to improve the quality of life, certainly related to one’s personal health.

The ancient Greek word KOSMOS meant “to order, to arrange, or to adorn” while its similar meaning to English “cosmetics” was KOSMETIKOS, meaning “having the power to beautify” So as “curiosity killed the cat” one might say, I’m placing my order for shinier, healthier-looking and more manageable hair as Chaz Dean promised!

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.