Compass Box, a boutique Scotch whiskymaker and craft blender, creates a range of whiskies – making it easy to find a style dad’ll really enjoy. What sets Compass Box apart from the traditional brands is the approach to whiskymaking. Working on a small scale and viewing the blending and creation of whiskies as a craft. The innovative approachto oak aging results in whiskies with a complex richness that will remind your dad of flavours like vanilla, toffee, coconut, baking spices, even grilled marshmallow.
Truman’s Gentlemen’s Groomers line of targeted men’s grooming products was just introduced this month in time for Father’s Day and summer travel. Combining nearly a decade of experience as an upscale New York-based men’s grooming lounge, with a philosophy of providing classic, quality services, the creative powers behind Truman’s Gentleman Groomers has introduced a new line — making it easy for men everywhere to get professional results at home. The namesake collection is now exclusively available nationwide atwww.trumans-nyc.com as well as at both destination salon locations in NYC.
WHAT: high quality construction perfect for adventure, this traveling backpack will allow you to stuff it's spacious dimensions full of anything you may need to carry around.
For the top flap, brass fixtures provide weight to this area to help keep it in place. This covering also securely obscures the opening at the top of this drawstring canvas backpack. These brass rivets are the real deal – going completely through the cover flap and holding the leather accents firmly in place on the opposite side. Dual leather loops on the front of the bag help to secure the top flap in place with the help of brass snaps.
The exterior of the Companion traveling backpack comes complete with three different pockets. Each designed to carry a large number of items, their own flaps help to keep their contents safe from sticky fingers and prying eyes. The front-most of these pockets snaps shut with a pressure-release brass buckle. The side pockets are deep and extend out from the bag, making them perfect for carrying a 20 ounce drink in one, and a small umbrella in the other!
Double stitching along the leather bottom of the bag provides extra support for the objects inside. The leather strip around the bag's base protects this highly used canvas backpack from wearing along the base whether it is deposited beside your feet or in the chair beside you. Whether your preference is in desert tan or ocean blue, this traveling backpack has an exterior that can stand up to daily abuse and regular use.
This canvas backpack boasts a massive interior pocket, with a light colored fabric to make seeing inside the bag easy. This light material lining gets rid of those dark hiding places that your ringing cell phone and apartment keys always seem to sink into. Dual interior front pockets provide a secure spot to keep important items such as cell phones and pens.
Along the back wall of this traveling backpack's interior is a single zippered pocket. Complete with a heavy-duty brass zipper pull, this pocket's size allows for the storage of important personal items, keeping them out of sight when the bag is open.
Closing the Companion canvas backpack is the time honored drawstring system. Thick, sturdy cord is fed through eight brass eyelets, meaning that you can pull on the drawstrings firmly without the risk of damaging the high quality canvas around the string.
The ends of this drawstring are capped with fray-proof leather triangles, securely stitched in place to prevent them from falling off. The size of these leather end caps is important, as they are decidedly larger than the folded leather synch provided to keep the drawstring closed. You'll never have to worry about your drawstring escaping with this system.
This traveling backpack comes complete with two padded shoulder straps to make carrying a comfortable act. Adjustable strap lengths are held in place with brass adjusters, while brass D rings keep the straps firmly attached to the backpack itself. A sturdy leather loop at the bag's top permits for quick lifting of the unit, while double stitching holds everything firmly in place.
And if you are like me and didn't get what you WANTED for Mother's Day, add one of these pups to your order!
THE CORRESPONDENT – $79
This universal Rakuda Correspondent bag combines the style of a professional with enough casual flairs for everyday use. Made of 100 percent cotton, khaki colored canvas, this messenger bag is comfortable to the touch. Held shut with masterfully crafted leather straps, the copper fittings can be adjusted to provide more room in the flap when the bag is stuffed to capacity.
Rakuda believes that storage space should be strong, yet flexible, in a quality messenger bag. The Correspondent provides a comfortably large amount of storage space with a professional exterior appearance. Whether you're hauling books to class, transporting reports to work, or squeezing every inch out of a carry on bag, the Rakuda fashion and quality construction will provide you with all the room you need.
The bag offers a generous 5 inches (12.7 cm) of width for digging through. The 11 inch (28 cm) depth and 14 inch (35.5 cm) length permits standard size textbooks and company files to be carried with ease.
Four outer pockets provide the quick access you need to important objects, while the zippered interior pocket allows for more personal items such as your wallet or passport to be kept secure. The high quality metal zipper closure extends the length of the bag, providing security for the bag's contents regardless of how thick of a crowd you are working your way through.
The 36 inch adjustable strap perfect if you like your bag hanging from your shoulder or across your chest, the copper fitting will provide the strength needed to keep your strap exactly where you want it.
THE MESSENGER – $79
The Messenger from Rakuda will carry your most cherished belongings from the classroom or office to the depths of the African jungle or the expanse of the beaches in Bali. Adjust the 42-inch strap so it fits comfortably across your torso and sling it over your neck. The bag zips securely and stays close to your body, so you never have to worry about losing belongings from the roomy interior compartment or the two exterior pockets.
All parts of this messenger-bag are made from 100% cotton canvas, which is strong enough to withstand your most adventurous trip abroad or your most casual bus ride across town. The Messenger is styled in a washed-up, worn green shade that will fit right in whether you are visiting friends in Ohio, shopping in Paris, or hiking through the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Use this messenger-bag as a day bag for short trips, an overnight bag for a romantic encounter, or your carry-on bag for a long flight. Use it to hold your passport, hairbrush, or a much-needed change of clothing. Toss it over your shoulder and head across campus for class, or leave it in your office for a quick change between an important meeting at work and an important meeting at the local club.
From the everyday routine to the exotic locales you thought you would never see…this machine washable messenger-bag is all about versatility!
If you want to look hip but don’t want to be accused of trying too hard, this is the perfect bag. It has a washed out, well worn style that is casual and easy going, but it is perfectly tuned to modern fashion. This is fashion that doesn’t have to try!
Measurements: 17”x4”x12” (LxWxH).
THE SHOPPER – $79
When you're looking for a fashion canvas tote for your shopping needs, look no further than Rakuda's “The Shopper” canvas tote bag. This bag is designed to fit your style while still providing the quality that you would expect from the highest quality fashion canvas bag. Reusability isn't a concern. You will be proud to chose your own adventure with this quality tote shopper as your regular purse.
Constructed from the finest quality khaki colored canvas, the Rakuda Shopper tote will fit all of your needs. The Shopper is spacious, measuring 14.1 inches (36 cm) tall, with a length varying from 15.3 inches (39 cm) when packed to capacity, to 17.3 inches (44 cm) when packed normally. The bag opens wide, with sides allowing a hands-friendly 5.1 inches (13 cm) of access space throughout the interior of the tote shopper.
This fashion canvas tote provides you with the variety of carrying method options that you would expect from a Rakuda bag. Two expertly crafted leather handles are sewn into the bag's top, allowing the tote to be carried by hand. If your style is more vintage, the removable shoulder strap can be adjusted to hang exactly where you like it, leaving the leather handles to serve a decorative purpose. When not in use, the shoulder strap unclips and folds easily for storage inside one of the multiple interior pockets of the tote shopper.
This Rakuda classic tote shopper has all of the pockets that you need to remain organized on the go. Two exterior pockets allow quick access to your cell phone or other frequently used items without needing to dig through the fashion canvas itself. Inside the bag, three pockets are each fitted with a magnetic button, insuring that the items you place in these areas will remain where they belong. The main body closes with a metal zipper for extra durability. Finished with elegant copper fittings, this beautiful accent will make your personal fashion stand out during any shopping experience.
Think that Kourtney Kardashian is a radical loon refusing to use deodorant while nursing? Tired of hearing that Cross Fit/Paleo fanatical dude across the hall from you at work drone on and on about the dangers of aspartame and fake sugars. While I embrace health, wellness and nutrition I have to admit I was getting a bit skeptical (and overwhelmed by so many claims)until encountering Indie Lee.
Indie Lee is a natural ingredients advocate, who has devoted her life to educating consumers on the dangerous contaminants that consume our lives. Following her recovery from a life-threatening brain tumor, likely caused by environmental toxins in food products and cleaning and skin care products, Indie left her corporate suits and lifestyle behind to re-dedicate her life to educating consumers on the hidden dangers of chemicals in cosmetics and personal care products. She took it upon herself to provide a healthy, non-toxic alternative. From this notion, .Indie Lee & Co. was born.
Indie is based in the big apple so I couldn't actually sit down with her as I hoped. Instead I sent her the below questions and marveled at her replies. One of many lessons learned: do what you love. The rest will follow.
LACEE: Your site has an extensive listing of Good Ingredients as well as Ingredients To Avoid. If you were to advise readers of 2 ingredients to
always use and 2 ingredients to always avoid what would they
be?
INDIE: That’s a tough one…so many on each side of the equation.
I think avoiding is a bit easier –
Formaldehyde releasing preservatives. These bad boys slowly release small
amounts of formaldehyde, which we know causes cancer.
Parfum/Fragrance listings – there is a huge loophole in cosmetic ingredient
labeling. Manufacturers are not required to disclose fragrance ingredients;
instead they can just list the term parfum or fragrance. This “term” most
often represents a number of potentially hazardous chemicals
that are now hidden from product labels. Many of which are phthalates,
which are suspected endocrine disruptors. Always Ingredients –
My favorite ingredient to formulate skin care with is Squalane. A fantastic
moisturizer and anti-oxidant for any skin type. I could probably write an
essay on this ingredient alone. Specifically, I use Squalane derived from
organic olives.
I also love jojoba oil (which is technically a wax) but a fantastic
moisturizer that is similar to our skins sebum. I use it all over my body
and hair. It’s just so versatile.
LACEE: The Clear Skin Drink on your site look UH-MAZING. Do you have any other go to quick healthy
recipes or on the go snack ideas to share?
INDIE: You should see our office…it always has healthy snacks on hand (ok and some
not so healthy snacks too – it’s all about balance after all).
I love almonds – I try to make sure we always have raw unsalted almonds
(with their skins) in the pantry for our team.Almonds are high in vitamin
E, fiber, protein, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. The antioxidants serve
to actively cleanse and eliminate toxins and free radical damage in your
body. Vitamin E, abundant in almonds, is often called a skin food as it
nourishes your skin. The high fiber content smoothens our digestive system.
Although not normally something we like to talk about (when discussing
beauty), but constipation is often associated with acne – as your body is
not cleansing toxins from your body properly.
I’m also a huge fan of fresh berries as a snack. There is something so
decadent about berries in a beautiful bowl or in a yogurt parfait. Raspberries, blueberries, blackberries are all chock full of healthy
vitamins and high in antioxidants essential for repairing free-radical
damage. Further – they are delicious. My kids and I love to pick them in
season…we have tons of raspberry and blackberry bushes on our property.
We’ve been known to go out and pick them before the day gets started and
have them for breakfast.
Being blessed with a large greenhouse in my backyard, I have the luxury of
growing micro greens for extended seasons. These babies are incredible in
salads and have incredibly high levels of beta-carotene. If you have enough
sunlight on a windowsill – you can easily grow these in your home.
LACEE: On your site you candidly write about the discovery of your tumor
leading to the discovery of your calling and purpose. I especially enjoyed
this.
"So I created all natural, 100% organic baby body products for my soon to
be nephew. Wow what a great idea everyone said, you should market it
separately. Of course my inner voice said gee that would be fun, but could
it be successful? No matter how many people believed I could do it, I had to
believe in myself."
This resonates with me as too often I encounter friends, co-workers, loved
ones (even myself at one time) who struggle with believing in themselves and
acknowledging their true calling.If you could give any advice or insight to our readers on how to foster
their inner calling what would it be?
INDIE:Live passionately. I’ve found that if you do what you love, trust your
inner (positive) voice, success will follow.Positive energy produces
positive results. While I have bad days, I always look for the silver
lining or positive angle to what was bringing me down. From that, the
negativity is spun around. I don’t have bad days so often, because you get
into a habit of just creating a positive environment. It’s way too much
energy to fight our instincts and we have so little time in scheme of this
journey called life to not do what we love and what we are meant to do.
And now for Indie's signature DIY EGG WHITE MASK !!!!
Looking for a quick and easy way to tighten skin and freshen up before a big event? Indie Lee, founder of the all-natural skincare line Indie Lee & Co, shares one of her all-natural, at-home recipes for an instant face lift.
What you need:
1 cold fresh café free medium egg
1 Tsp of corn Starch
How to make it:
1) Separate the egg white and toss the yolk and shell.
2) Whisk egg whites and cornstarch together in a small bowl.
3) Apply to clean skin. Let sit for 20 minutes and rinse off.
*Indie Tip: Make sure you are lying down or gravity will pull the mask downward. Also, as the mask hardens you will not be able to move your face.
Our friends at SLS invited us to experience a new facial and skin care line Eve Lom the spa recently partnered with. I like the hotel, I like my friends, I like facials. I'm in.
This being my first visit to Ciel, I was looking forward to it. But a hotel spa? C'mon how glamorous can it really be?
I had no idea what I was in for. I checked in for our treatment and shortly thereafter was led through the creamy, dreamy white hallways. I was told famed french designer Phillipe Starck wanted to recreate heaven with his design. He did a mighty fine job. The bustle of La Cienega traffic and every day worries slipped away as I sunk into this newfound luxury. Ahhh. Deep breaths.
I slipped into the women's dressing room …
My locker had a personalized name card
piece of chocolate, plush robe and slippers. Is this heaven? I almost felt guilty I was spoiled so.
My aesthetician Sebastian greeted me in the waiting area and whisked me off to the treatment room.
Sebastian is handsome, strong, sweet and looks the part (the dude doesn't have a wrinkle on his face). He looked at my skin and we soon started the process. I learned Sebastian had trained at the prestigious Georgette Klinger salon and worked on everyone from President to starlets. Impressive.
The treatment: Ciel is the only spa in North America to offer the Eve Lom Facial. The Signature Facial began with an evaluation of my skins present condition and a proprietary 7-step massage application with an iconic Cleanser. This is followed by the layering of a warm paraffin wax (felt odd but in a good way) and an application of a decongesting Rescue Mask. Sebastian then carefully extracted any blackheads and applied light lymphatic acupressure massage to my neck, back and décolleté.
I have never left a facial without any redness. Ever. After my treatment Sebastan handed me a mirror - not only was I not red, my skin had no blotchiness, irritation. Nothing. My skin looked better than it did coming in.
A splurge at $225 for 90 minutes though well worth the investment for a real treat and to see noticeable, lasting results.
Born in Switzerland, the brand TASK is specialized in men skincare. We offer a range of products combining natural active ingredients with vitamins and plants. It includes for example, an after-shave, a revitalising serum paraben free, a deodorant aluminium and alcohol free, an anti aging product, a moisturising one… TASK essential also offers men to take care of them from head to toes within its institutes. These beauty salons exclusively reserved to men gather a hairdresser, face care treatments, massages, waxing…
