Cleopatra. Her name resonates opulence and glamour. She will forever be associated with a handful of women (Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Helen of Troy, Marie Antoinette… Kim Kardashian?, etc.) who have earned a reputation for extravagant indulgences and making powerful men fall to their knees. Cleopatra’s secret? Pickles! She attributed her good looks to bathing in warm milk and a daily diet of pickles. For centuries, people all over the world have believed in the power of pickles. In ancient Egypt, everyone from peasants to Pharohs consumed pickles for their nutritional value and because they were thought to enhance beauty. Even Roman emperors believed they could boost the physical and spiritual strength to their troops.

In honor of the historical and healthy pickle, join us in celebrating National Pickle Day!
Pickles have their own day because they are healthy, low-calorie (the average dill pickle has just 15 calories) and are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins (including Vitamin C). Cucumbers used to make dill pickles contain ascorbic acid, known as caffeic acid and Vitamin C. These nutrients help improve skin’s health and reduce irritation, while vitamin C can boost your  immune system. In addition, research has also shown that vinegar can help with weight loss.

Need another reason to add pickles to your diet? They’re the favored snack of Snooki! Convinced? We thought so!

Happy National Pickle Day!

Images via and via

Column by Jackie Silver

Hey, why pay for heat treatments when you can get them for free? That’s one of the benefits of summer, a season that can do major damage to skin and hair. Fight back!

Try these Aging Backwards tips to beat summer at its own game:

• Deep condition your hair. When your hair cuticles become dry and damaged, they can result in a dull, frizzy look. Deep conditioning your hair allows the cuticles to lie flat, restoring shine and youth with longer-lasting results than you get by simply using conditioner in the shower for a few minutes.

On a particularly hot day, clip newly washed, towel-dried hair into sections. Release one section at a time, applying the conditioner of your choice to each section to ensure uniform coverage. It doesn’t have to be exact; you just want to be sure you’re not leaving out some very dry areas. Next, pile your hair on top of your head and apply plastic wrap or a plastic shower cap. (Note: Like your mother always told you, keep plastic away from your nose and mouth!) Then sit outside in the shade for about 15-20 minutes with a good book or magazine. Rinse out the conditioner and style as usual.

• Enjoy a facial mask. Regular cleansing removes surface dirt and makeup, but a facial mask will draw out impurities from beneath the top layer of your skin. Using a mask helps to unclog pores and exfoliate the dead skin cells from your face. It also helps to stimulate circulation and, depending on the product, helps hydrate and protect your skin.

Using the product of your choice, apply the facial mask and sit outside in the shade on a hot day. If you’re planning to deep condition your hair, you can save time by doing your hair and facial mask at the same time, because many masks direct you to wash off after 15-20 minutes. Here’s an extra tip: Use some of the mask on the tops of your hands. They can show your age, too! Rinse mask according to the product directions and pat dry.

• Get your Vitamin D. Our bodies need Vitamin D for optimal calcium absorption. It also helps to lower blood pressure, decrease the incidence of some cancers, boost the immune system, and has other healthful benefits. The best way to get Vitamin D is from the sun. Experts say 10 to 20 minutes a day in direct sunlight is all you need to keep your levels optimal.

Here’s an extra tip: Nowhere in the medical books does it say I must expose my face, neck, chest, and hands, which are the areas that can show age the most. So I keep those covered.

• Exercise in the great outdoors. Winter’s harsh conditions can force us to get our exercise in the gym or at home for months on end. With summer comes the opportunity to enjoy fresh air and warmth while exercising. I like to take a walk, do some yoga, or, if I’m feeling really energetic, take my jump rope outside for a quick workout. Be careful when exercising outdoors if it’s super hot.

Do your workout in the morning or evening and avoid the hottest part of the day. Also, be sure to keep your water handy to stay hydrated.

• Take a kids’ exploration walk. With the everyday hustle and bustle of work, family, friends and taking care of the house, we rarely go walking just to “mosey” and see what there is to see. Stress relief is conducive to Aging Backwards, so take a half hour or an hour to just go outside on a beautiful summer day and explore at ground level.

I did that not too long ago and here’s what I saw: some gorgeous flowers; big, scaly lizards; a couple of cats and dogs; kids laughing and splashing in a pool; a shiny, red convertible and a kids’ swing set, which I took the liberty of trying out.

So, take time out this summer to enjoy the warmth and slower pace of the season.

Jackie Silver is Aging Backwards and she shares her secrets, tips and shortcuts in her book, Aging Backwards: Secrets to Staying Young, on her website agingbackwards.com, on TV, on radio, in print and in person. She is a frequent television news guest, one half of The Ageless Sisters radio show, a columnist with The Tampa Tribune and contributor to numerous websites. In addition, she is the National Anti-Aging Beauty Examiner, New York Beauty Products Examiner and NY Charity Examiner for Examiner.com. Silver is a New York City based speaker and coach and is sought-after as an anti-aging and beauty expert by the media.

Images via: 1, 2, 3 , 4 , 5, 6

Author Erika Katz with QVC-famed makeup artist Laura Geller and celebrity hairstylist Julien Farel at the Bonding over Beauty Mother's Day event in NYC

In the wake of the wonderful Mother’s Day weekend spirit, I’d like to introduce you the beautiful, blonde, bubbly bond-maker Erika Katz, author of Bonding Over Beauty. This mother of two has filled an important niche with her little pink book, written to help moms open up communication with their daughters while doing fun beauty and spa activities. She’s been on The Today Show and The Doctors among other shows as an expert on how to use get-pretty rituals for critical bonding between moms and their blossoming young daughters.

On Saturday, Erika hosted a Mother’s Day bonding/press event at Laura Geller Makeup on the Upper East Side in NYC. As part of a Mother’s Day present, I brought my mom for a fun afternoon of makeup applications with QVC makeup star Laura Geller, hair with celebrity hairstylist Julien Farel, with some added bonding over yummy cupcakes and mimosas. The engaging, blue-eyed Bonding Over Beauty author wore a tight pink Michael Kors dress and lit up the room with her contagious energy and passion for mommy-daughter bonding.

“If you can spend a little extra time with your daughter bonding over beauty, it will open the door to a great conversation,” Erika emphasizes as the #1 thing she wants to share with moms everywhere. “When your daughter comes to you and says ‘mom I want to wear makeup’ or ‘mom I want to shave my legs,’ instead of saying ‘no, not till you’re 15,’ ask her why she wants to. And hold her hand through it. As a mom it’s your job to guide her–this is the fun part!”

So, how exactly should you bond over beauty with your daughter? When it comes to spa and skin care rituals, how young is too young? Which products are best for tweens?  I chatted with Erika for a while, and here are 10 takeaway tips for how to take advantage of beauty with your little lady:

1. HAIR: Many girls have different hair than their moms, so it’s very important to learn how to do your daughter’s hair. Your hair may neeed to be washed every day, but maybe hers needs it every other day. Use hair time as bonding time–girls love when moms put their hair in ponytails or hot rollers.

2. LIP GLOSS: Girls love lip gloss – whether she’s 5, 10 or 25, she feels good putting it on. There are lots of sparkly, flavored lip glosses that are fun for little girls. She’s not going to look done up in lip gloss but she’ll feel beautiful and mature. Erika recommends Covergirl Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers Lipgloss, which feels like a lip balm and has a hint of shimmer to give a tween shine with a nice fruity taste for only $5.99.

3. MASCARA: If she’s really into makeup at a young age, get a clear or neutral mascara, the same color as your daughter’s hair, so she can feel glamorous but look natural.

4. BLUSH AND OTHER MAKEUP: Walmart is soon to launch a new beauty brand specifically for tweens and even younger girls, called GeoGirl, all with light pigmentation for young girls to get the full makeup experience without risking looking overdone. A good blush to try now is Maybelline’s Mineral Powder which comes in nude, pink or peach and is very light with no oils, talc or fragrances to irritate the skin.

5. AT-HOME PEDI: Do a pedicure for your daughter at home. Make it a special experience for her. Get a little bucket–you can even use a baby bathtub they send you home with from the hospital, soak her feet, put some great bath salts and bubble baths in there and do her nails.

6. THE SALON: “I started bringing my daughter to the salon 5 – it’s cheaper than a babysitter and there’s nothing more fun. That’s the whole point of being a mom! You can take her to the salon and put her hair in a ponytail.” If you bring your daughter to a salon, Erika suggests always bringing your own tools to avoid any germs from the utensils.

7. FACIALS AND ACNE: Facials can start as early as puberty–at 16 or whenever she starts getting pimples, Erika says. Also, she recommends Neutrogena SkinClearing Blemish Concealer which dries up pimples while it covers. If she doesn’t have pimples, a good option is Neutrogena’s 3-in-1 concealer for eyes to hide dark circles or a freckle she’s self-conscious about.

Stone brought mommy flowers for her big event. What a gent, he totally deserves that massage he's been begging for!

8. MASSAGE: Erika’s (adorable) son Stone is 10 years old and has been begging for a professional massage, but Mom thinks it’s too young—she says 14 is a good age to start, if you have the money to do it. ”I think it is fine to have a light facial massage by a technician in front of mom or a hand and foot massage with a mani-pedi,” Erika says. “However, I do not think a ten year old should be taken to a a private room, nude, and massaged by a masseuse who typically works on adults.  A masseuse who does not specialize in children could possibly work the muscles too deeply and hurt the child.  Best leaving the massage to mom or dad so the child is comfortable and safe.”

Psst: I asked Stone how he knows he wants this professional massage so badly… and he told me a secret: Once he got one for 10 minutes in a hotel, and his dad found out but they didn’t tell mom. Shhh!

9. WHAT ABOUT DADS? Dads can bond over beauty too! Erika says this is her favorite question and most popular blog post. The key for dad? Humiliate yourself. Make a mask at home, put cucumbers on your eyes, do facials together and take silly pictures. Show her you’re going to get down and dirty. Learn how to do her nails. Make lip gloss by using Crisco and kool-aid. If dads take the time to do the girly things she’s interested in, she’ll feel you’re really listening to her and think you’re really cool.

10. CREATE A DAILY SKIN CARE RITUAL: Start young to get your daughter into healthy skin habits at an early age–this is all part of the bonding too. Use a little wet sterilized cotton to cleanse skin, and always moisturize before bed. It’s not that a 5-year-old needs moisture, but washing her face and moisturizing will get her in good skin habits early. Use a Eucerin or something fragrance-free, something light before bed. Always do a patch test on her arm to make sure she’s not allergic.

Happy bonding!

Above, Erika Katz with tweens (including her 8-year-old daughter Summer) and another mom with her munchkins. Below, Erika with me, my blogger friend Aly Walansky, our mommies of course! We’re not little girls anymore, but this day certainly goes to show you’re never too old to bond over beauty.

Now that all of this  Royal Wedding hubbub has started to subside, we ‘re pretty sure the Royal Family will need to recuperate. What better way to relax and wind down from such an extravaganza than to enjoy a spa day? Wills and Kate will get to relax on their honeymoon (in Corfu? Australia?). And, we hope Harry and Pippa will relax in each others’ arms (Harry+ Pippa 4ever!), but what of The Queen?  What is the best way for Queen Elizabeth to unwind?  We asked some experts to weigh in:

What spa treatment would you recommend for The Queen of England? And why?

We got some really interesting and educational answers, definitely worthy of  The Queen… She should try all of these the next time she hops the pond!

Retin-A Facial with Collagen Mask

Why: Liz, the owner of Euro Laser Medical Spa in Rye, NY recommends that The Queen try this vitamin rich facial because it targets wrinkles and fights fine lines. Liz says that all fabulous women over fifty should try this facial, even if they aren’t going to a big event.

Thai Bomb Massage

Why?: Lucy, owner of Enliven Body Works in New York City explained to us that the massage contains a body wrap with, ” different kinds of herbs, like ginger and cinnamon that will detoxify body toxins.” This will help The Queen de-stress and feel her best after her grandson’s big day.

The Back Room’s Rose Petal Ritual

“When I think of the Queen I think of her gardens and my strolls through London and the beautiful gardens in Hyde Park,” says New York’s The Back Room Hand & Foot Spa at Carol’s Daughter founder, Lisa Price. “So, I immediately go to roses. What is more deserving of a Queen than to have her feet bathed in warm coconut milk with fresh rose petals?” A spa treatment fit for the English Rose in all of us!

Colon Hydrotherapy Treatment

Cleansing Concepts owner, Vanessa suggests this treatment for The Queen because, after all the post-nuptial luncheons and royal receptions, “it will leave her feeling less bloated.” Colon Hydrotherapy hydrates the colon. The treatment is a gentle internal bath that will aid Queen Elizabeth’s body in the detoxification process after all this celebrating!

Queen for a Day Package

Spa at Eaglewood in Itasca, IL has a royalty package that is without a doubt fit for a queen! The package includes: a Mud Wrap, a 60Min Swedish Massage, 60Min Facial, Paradise Mani-Pedi, Makeup Application with Consultation and Lesson, a Spa Lunch, the choice between a blow-out or an eye, neck, and décolleté treatment, AND a Spa Gift (retail value $50). Rachel the Spa Manager says, “The Queen would fit right in over here.” We couldn’t agree more!

You may have noticed, I’m not one to gush over products. I don’t swoon for skincare and I don’t lose it over lipgloss, and if I did, you’d probably be reading about the latest moisturizer and the perfect eyelash curler here on the regular. Not my style—there are a gazillion beauty bloggers who were born for that! But that’s not to say I don’t have my many beauty secrets and product obsessions.

So, because I love you guys and think about you in my sleep (seriously!) I simply cannot hold out any longer from sharing my favorite products in world with you. Michelle’s Favorite Things it is! Also, I need a good excuse to start trying the 7,000 products stashed under my desk at work and piled up in the corner of my bedroom—the gift bag ghosts of parties past. I’ll be including a mix of tried and true favorites and all the great new stuff I come across. And I pinky swear: I will ALWAYS tell it like it is. Freebies don’t buy my love (clearly)—if I don’t love it, you won’t see me talking about it.

Today, I’m kicking off MFT (that’s the last time I’ll ever call it that) with one of my favorite simple girly rites: rosy cheeks. Summer’s a minute away and while the sun will be kissing your cheeks generously, a little extra rosiness never hurts. My skin tone calls for pinky/coral shades, and be warned: I like it on the bright side. Check out these fantastic cheek cheerer-uppers, and when you’re strapped, don’t forget you can always just give your cheeks a good strong pinch.

Posie Tint in Rose by Benefit

I’ve gone through 3 or 4 of these miraculous little Benefit cheek stains! You MUST read my Little Luxury Report for the full obsessive scoop. Apply by painting a few dabs on your cheeks, and then immediately (no stopping to check your text at this crucial moment!) with both pointer fingers at once, rub/blot it in to your upper cheeks. Say goodbye to blush! (Unless you’re like me and love the girly sensation of applying powdered blush, regardless. Read on.) - $28

Cheek to Chic Duo #5 by Napolean Perdis

I discovered this blush backstage at Elise Overland’s fashion on ice ordeal this past February. The models’ look wasn’t rosy (the freezing cold air outside The Standard did that for them) but if it was, this duo would have been perfect. I like to pile on the lighter color – it has just the right amount of hue and shimmer. The bright pink can be a bit scary if you use more than a drop, or if you’re wearing red. Use sparingly, embrace your inner Barbie. - $28

Blossom Blush in Sweet Mum (2nd color combo) by Jill Stuart

I’m not going to lie. The packaging won me over on this one. But… that’s not to say it’s not a great product. Using this blush makes me feel 5 again, playing Pretty Pretty Princess. It smells like roses and has sparkling jewels on the casing. You have to shake it strategically to get the right consistency of powder to surface on the netting, without dropping any on the floor. Five year olds love games. It goes on really softly and gently, and works well on top of a brighter color for a sweet angelic shimmer. - $57

Desire (shimmering pink) by Lorac

Every day, my coworker Dina comes in with perfectly rosy dots on her cheeks… and I may or may not have a slight crush. Blush is “her thing” and this Lorac color is her homeboy. I’ve borrowed from Dina on occasion—apply sparingly! Although I don’t own this color, this made the list because it looks darling on Dina, and I’ve also loved any Lorac products I’ve tried and find them to last longer on your skin than average -$20

Rouge Pur 52 Lipstick by YSL

Hmmm, it looks like a lipstick, quacks like a lipstick… this is indeed a lipstick. Not just any lipstick – my SOUL MATE lipstick. I love it so much, I keep one everywhere, much like people keep Chapsticks everywhere. This photo doesn’t do the color justice, it is so bright and coral and stunning! I have tried every comparable color in Sephora and Bloomingdales, and there is not one that compares to the vibrancy and splendor of my baby YSL. I wear it more in the spring and summer, but a dreary January ice storm can’t stop me from a hint of this Rouge Pur. Okay, now I’m gushing. But you are still wondering why the lipstick on the short list. Well, I’m not “recommending” you do this because it may or may have a bad reaction with your skin if it’s sensitive, but I use this as my blush all the time. Not because I ran out of Napolean Perdis, but because it simply looks the best. There. I said it. – $30

Now go get flushed, my pretties! But first, I showed you mine now show me yours – what are YOUR favorite blushes and secrets to rosy cheeks?