Beauty is La Familia & A Family Heirloom

Beauty is La Familia & A Family Heirloom

Ciao bella,

I'm taking a detour from beauty creams and beauty advice this week so I can elaborate on a source of beauty "La Familia."

I adore my Mom's first cousins. They really were there for me with their unconditional support when I decided to leave home at 18 years old. No nice Italian girl leaves home at 18 unless she's headed down to the altar. Even if you enrolled in college you better be close so you 'll be home in your bed every night.

Those cugini are on my "A list." I had to deal with those relatives that loved me however didn't like me for my decision to be on my own. Freedom is a better word. Ah, what price freedom? It was all worth it! The California cousins and their lifestyle evolved around the more open-minded way of thinking -- my kind of people who accepted my decisions with enthusiasm and encouragement. It is important to be close to family if you can so long as there is no senseless drama, jealousy or lunacy involved in the relationship.

When something becomes so much work it is better to walk away and cherish the memories past. Keep an arms distance to well your heart. There is so much of life to live and experience joy and peace of mind. Last fall I met a new cousin for the first time in Los Angeles -- my sweet and precious cousin Jessie C., who grew up in San Jose. She brought into focus the importance of family no matter how far. Her Grandfather Paul (one of Mom's first cousins) and myself have kept in touch for years -- so close and yet so far away however always in my heart.

Jessie C. and boyfriend Rob were helping out Robs' Aunt Rose run her restaurant in The Hamptons, New York -- Amagansett to be exact. A summer trip was planned to visit this grand place on God's fine earth. In this paradise I connected with Cousin Jessie's Dad, Gregg (cousin Paul's son) and her brother Waite. It was magical for us to experience this family reunion.

During a family dinner in Montauk I presented Jessie with a family heirloom. A hand-crocheted white coverlid made by her great-great Aunt Connie C who had made it for my Mom Josephine. Jessie and the great-great aunt share the same last name!

The delight and smile of appreciation from Jessie said it all! Everyone can have loads of friends however blood relatives who are in your court are a treasure to behold. If you're in Amagansett and you want a fabulous dinner go to Sotto Sopra on Main! Tell Aunt Rose I said hello!

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.

Kenneth Battelle- Hairdresser to the Stars 1927-2013

Kenneth Battelle- Hairdresser to the Stars 1927-2013

Ciao bella,

This past spring we lost another true servant to the beauty world. He acquired many accolades in his long & outstanding career. In 1961 he won an award for hairstyling making it a key element of current fashion. Vogue magazine predicted that anyone who is anyone will have Kenneth design a hairstyle for them.

After serving in the Navy he attended beauty school much to the dismay of his mother. He worked hard climbing the ladder to success at Helena Rubenstein's Salon. That is where he was introduced to Jacqueline Kennedy in 1954. He created a whole new look for her with big rollers, thus her famous bouffant! He restored Marilyn Monroe's tresses with conditioning and soft waves. Lucille Ball named him "God". Other celebrity clients of Kenneth were Brooke Astor, Lee Radziwill, Katherine Hepburn, Judy Garland and many more! He served all the grande dames of Manhattan

He showed woman that bleaching, perms, and hairspray were unnecessary in achieving their final style. He went for a more romantic look and introduced more use of the roller set creating natural looking waves. His beauty parlor located at 19 East 54th Street was set up as a place for fun. Almost "club like" with a circus ambiance of wild colors and patterns, all the while serving tea and finger sandwiches.

Kenneth accompanied Marilyn Monroe to the movie set of "Some Like It Hot" starring Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis. He also groomed her coif for President Kennedy's rally in May 1962 at Madison Square Garden where she performed "Happy Birthday Mr. President ".

There is so much more to Kenneth Battelle's life as an inventor of modern hair. Humble as he spoke this line, "What I do," he said, "is only a shampoo away from being nothing".

I truly wish I could have shook his hand thanking him for making the cosmetology world a successful place to work for myself and my fellow cosmetologists.

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.

Hair Pieces..........no rugs please!

Hair Pieces..........no rugs please!

Ciao bella,

Coming from a three-generation family of cosmetologists, I always remember my Nana and Mom changing their hair color and styles frequently. Streaks of blonde, shades of auburn, puffed and teased were always there in capturing a look. One day Mom came home with a fancier bouffant than usual. Big high waves and dips accented by a fan of blonde hair sweeping through her deep brunette front bang! I knew that her and Dad were attending The Dahlia Ball. Her coif looked perfect with her emerald green gown of chiffon and taffeta! It was the first time I saw a "hairpiece." That sweep of blonde was attached to a pin and carefully tucked into the roots of Mom's real hair. Then her hairdresser proceeded to design her masterpiece coiffure with Mom's instructions. Stunning!

Recently I tried to help a friend out with her hairpiece. It inspired me that while I was looking for her I found some interesting hairpieces for myself in my exact color! Truly a lifesaver with the hot and humid weather we've been experiencing. Just pull up, tuck in my own hair and clip on or pin in the different style piece to fit the day's activity or mood! Curls, waves, ponytails and chignons of hair that will grace and frame a face!

One hair guru Ken Paves brought back the "hairpiece" they call "hair extensions" today. In 2004 he started moonlighting creating "big beautiful hair" on strippers for star stylist "Oribe" in Miami. This job paid $75 a week! Pave studied at the Vidal Sassoon Academy and the Tony and Guy Institute. He traveled with other celebrity hair stylists doing tours of Europe where Pave created hairstyles in sync with couture collections from Versace and Valentino. In 2006 he was in partnership with Jessica Simpson his latest star client and launched a line of clip-on hair extensions for home usage and everyday wear. So if you think it's time for a nice cool "do," clip one on and look elegant or just simply cool. Simplified hair is just what we deserve!

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.

HAIR REMOVAL.......ouch!

HAIR REMOVAL.......ouch!

Ciao bella,

I've been fortunate when it comes to hair. I was born with plenty of it on my head. My crowning glory! My legs and eyebrows were never really a problem. Experienced a bikini wax once because everyone else was doing it! Painful! After all being Italian there are some seriously hairy girls out there! It's part of the culture and genetics. I have a cousin who was born with a head of pretty blue/black hair! According to my Mom it was beautiful. However you can only imagine the bodily hair problem she experienced in puberty on. She carried around a "wax" remover at all times. Her life revolved it! What little hair I've had I waxed and threaded it all to death. I hardly have any now. And what I do have is light and fine. So keep on removing that hair from the root and you may never have a hairy problem again. After all that procedure keeps hair gone for a few weeks. Shaving only removes hair on the surface. Grows back quick in a day or so. The myths for shaving are it will NOT make hair grow thicker or courser or grow more. Only removal by the root may lessen growth in time.

Here are a few hair removal methods salons offer. Some I'm sure you are most familiar with.

WAXING: most popular, hot wax is applied in direction of hair growth and removed opposite of hair growth.

SUGARING: sugar stays at room temp, sugar-based paste removes hair in natural direction of growth.

THREADING: a fav of mine for perfect eyebrows! A tradition from Middle East and South Asia. Intricate use of thread removing hair from root.

LASER HAIR REMOVAL: great for dark hair, requires several sessions for long term results.

ELECTROLYSIS : uses an electric with a fine needle destroying hair follicle and hair's growth center.

TWEEZING: used by the Romans, completes other removal services, good for eyebrows.

So as I end this column I will be getting out our new Gillette Proglide Styler ( my preference of hair removal) and make ourselves slick and smooth for our Provincetown vacation! I suggest you do the same!

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.

New from Kosmea, Apple of My Eye Cream™

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Formulated with Certified Organic Rose Hip Oil and White Tea Extract to visibly brighten dark circles and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The anti-wrinkle effect of PhytoCellTec™ Malus Domestica was studied in a clinical trial with 20 subjects (aged 37 to 64). An emulsion with 2% PhytoCellTec™ Malus Domestica was applied to the crow's feet area over 28 days.

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The anti-wrinkle effect of PhytoCellTec™ Malus Domestica was studied in a clinical trial with 20 subjects (aged 37 to 64). An emulsion with 2% PhytoCellTec™ Malus Domestica was applied to the crow's feet area over 28 days. The results showed a significant, visible reduction in wrinkles in 100% of the subjects.

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Buy it at http://www.mary4nails.com/kosmea/index.htm

Pool /Beach Bag and Lush at The Beach 2013

Pool /Beach Bag and Lush at The Beach 2013

Ciao bella,

It's finally here! The hot, humid summer we've been waiting for all winter long! Not! As I write and the temps rise to 95 I sit in the coolness of my air conditioner! Such a short time of year to build our lives around! That's New England for you. My Poolside Cabana and its Tiki Bar with moving lighted Flamingos and dancing dolls will have to wait! When it does I'll be ready! Are you? Is your pool/beach bag ready for fun in the sun and water? Here's your check list!

1. bottles of water-freeze it overnight for a long sip!

2. sunscreen -follow directions accordingly for reapplication

3. protective hat & cover/up-count your minutes in the sun

4. snack-I love those Kind bars loaded with nuts and fruit

5. iPod with mini speakers and head phones all charged up and ready to entertain

6. sunscreen for face and lips (don't forget nose and décolleté) !

7. towel for lounging

8. scented towelettes and tissues

9. brush/comb

10. LUSH 'S Beach Box including Sea Spray Hair Mist to keep a tidy-do! Dream Cream for soft hands and body, Sea Nik solid shampoo bar, Ocean Salt face and body scrub and Sea Vegetable soap! All samples smell divine and won't take any room!

11. fab sunglasses

12. protection for feet from hot sand and cement!

So Glamazons that just about wraps it up for some fun in the 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.

Beauty Secret: Water

Beauty Secret: Water

Ciao bella,

One of my first Beauty Culture Columns I wrote going back 10 years was about water. The Romans and the Greeks kept a strict protocol and fondness for their H20. To them it was a prized possession! Meticulous strategies of cleansing were routine.

The importance and necessity of water is endless. The therapeutic value by just taking a bath or shower may be cleansing on the exterior however your mind can be also purified. Personally whenever I need a pick me up I find a shower/bath just the right medicine.

The temperature of the water as you test out your first step sets the tone for a true indulgence of privacy and inner cleansing. My outdoor pool club and its huge body of water has always satisfied my mermaid fantasies as well! The feeling of touching water and feeling it's clear, fluid gold is an elusive experience. Touching the intangible. Cool and warm water remain so close to each other. Each carries its own health and beauty qualities. Immersing yourself and letting your body feel the freedom as the water caresses you with that "Calgon Take Me Away", an old and still true phrase. A lightness is experienced with a million miles left behind. Throw in a few fresh rose petals to scent the experience!

Drinking this wondrous nectar works its magic as well. Quenching the pallet, clearing the complexion and keeping our bodies running smooth. Water is a treasure in itself waiting to be held, touched and savored. Experience the true blessing we use everyday!

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.