Gross

I came across this product in my April issue of Lucky magazine. That's right, Henna and PLACENTA conditioning hair treatment. Placenta, by definition, is the temporary organ that connects baby to mother's womb-also known as  the after birth. I was revolted. I actually had to go back and read again to make sure my eyes had seen correctly. I did a little googling to see if it was actually made out of placenta, or if by some misguided attempt at catchy/controversial name. I had a friend in high school who's favorite joke was throwing the word placenta into weird contexts just to get a laugh by grossing people out (think fried placenta), so maybe my interpretation was a little skewed by her twisted sense of humor.

Turns out it wasn't just a marketing technique gone wrong (to my horror). This product actually contains animal placenta extract, supposedly an excellent deep conditioner because of its high protein content. Ew.

Why was it featured? The president of Hunting Season (a NYC designer bag company), Danielle Corona, swears by it's moisturizing properties for hair. Here's to hoping she doesn't use such creative products to make her handbags!

Handy Tip

I keep an extra pair of thigh highs in my desk drawer for two reasons. The first you can probably guess. You never know when you're going to put a run in the absurdly delicate things, or have a meeting with conservative clients pop up when you forgot to wear your stockings. I favor Hanes Silky Reflections Lace Top thigh highs because they're not terribly expensive, they don't create any weird bulges or have freakishly constricting control top across the belly, they come in realistic skin tones, and when I ruin one I don't have to trash a whole pair, just put on one new leg. They suit all my needs.

The second reason I always keep some spare pantyhose around is slightly less common. Say you make it all the way to work only to realize you have deodorant all over your shirt, or you dripped a little latte on your skirt, these little babies are miracle workers. Simply bunch up a thigh high into a tight little ball, or pull the stocking taught over your knuckles. Then rub the stain like there's no tomorrow. It gets deodorant off of clothing every time without weird damp patches or little balls of paper towel. Ditto for most other surface stains.  And, it's something I have on hand far more often that a shout wipe or a tide pen.

How do I know this? To tell you the truth, I can't even remember where I learned this little gem I've been doing it so long. But if I had to guess, it would probably be from when my dad subscribed me to Good Housekeeping magazine for about a year. That magazine was FULL of handy little tips like this.

Can I Get a Witness?

Ok, here's something new: a guy asserting that women are much better at well, pretty much everything than men, with research to prove it. Dan Abrams asserts that women are better cops, drivers, gamblers, spies, world leaders, beer tasters, and hedge fund mangers in his book Man Down. And what's more? He's a total fox (albeit, maybe a silver one).

In addition to the lofty claims of the title, he claims that women surpass male doctors because despite the fact that they make up 40% of the physician population, the comprise only 20% of all cases examined for medical misconduct or incompetence over a period of eight years in Britain. Other studies show that female doctors tend to be more encouraging and reassuring than male doctors and spend more time with patients leading to overall superior patient care.

The next myth he tackles is that men are better athletes than women. In terms of muscular endurance, women have almost twice that of men in the simplest measure possible, exertion over time. When exercising at the same activity in the same conditions, though women may not be faster or stronger than men, they can exercise for about 75% longer than men. Abrams suggests this could be due to the higher percentage of body fat (nothing like turning a negative into a positive) that helps regulate body temperature, and estrogen that helps protect muscles during exercise.

On top of all that? Women are better investors, taking the time to learn the full story before buying and selling stocks without the knowledge necessary. I'm not saying it's a competition. But if it was...we're winning!

Morning Glory Music

I had a quiet weekend this weekend of giving a loved one a little TLC. I got to do some of my favorite things, relax on the couch, cook good food, and watch movies. By the time I got to the movie place Saturday night, the selection was a little picked over. My top choices? Burlesque (don't judge me!), and Never Let Me Go. As luck would have it, neither were available for rental. So, I went for my back ups. Morning Glory, and Robin Hood. 

I didn't really want to see Morning Glory. The previews looked stupid, but it was the only comedy left that seemed a little enticing. And I loved it! I don't know why I had such low expectations, since it has three of my favorite actors: Diane Keaton, Harrison Ford, and Rachel McAdams. It was such a feel good movie.

And as a bonus? It had great music! It features songs by Joss Stone, MY FAVE! Listen to this one off her new album Colour Me Free, and prepare to be pumped up with some good old fashioned girl power.

Words of Wisdom for the Day

Bonnaroo Buzz

Ben and Jerry’s, in typical hippie spirit, has partnered with the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival to create a signature ice cream flavor that will be available at the concert event this year. If you’re not quite as lucky as me, and won’t be able to attend the festival in June, Bonnaroo Buzz will be sold at Ben and Jerry’s scoop shops around the country and distributed in your local frozen food section to give you a piece of love and happiness right there in your living room. 

As a marketing director from Ben and Jerry’s quipped, “Bonnaroo Buzz is going from playing intimate clubs to the national circuit.” Last year the flavor was only available in ice cream shops, but in the spirit of supporting rock and roll and doing good for the world, B&J’s expanded their distribution this year. Bonnaroo Buzz is a blend of coffee and malt ice cream with a whiskey caramel swirl and English toffee pieces. They picked the flavor combo since Tennessee is coffee country, and well, they just thought that Bonnaroo fans would be into swirls of whiskey and caramel. Well, I’m here to tell you Ben & Jerry’s, that you’re right. It sounds like a delicious frozen Irish coffee that will be delightfully refreshing in the Southern heat. Rock on.

DOMUS Kids

Earlier this week, I participated in an adult spelling bee for charity benefiting Domus Kids. It was a pretty fun event. You formed teams, and they let you spell as a group, writing each word on a whiteboard to display for the judges. It took the pressure off of standing up before the crowd, and spelling from memory. Heckling was encouraged with food and adult beverages before the event kicked off. Not a bad way to spend an evening.

My team didn't win. We were knocked out by the word sarsaparilla, a yummy beverage akin to root beer. Who knew there was that extra r?

But I'll do anything for a few hours for a good cause, and Domus certainly is--through charter schools, residential and community programs they help kids and families to develop independent living and job skills. Their focus is critical thinking, doing well in school, and problem-solving-- pushing kids to reach high standards, and celebrating their successes. Their vision is, "No child being denied hope, love, or a fair chance in life." If you're interested in donating, you can do it here. If you're interested in volunteering, check out the opportunities available here.

I'm always looking for places I can make a difference through devoting a few hours of my time. What organizations, or charities do you donate your time to?