The Year Scotch Got Even Sexier

May 17, 2021

Oh heck yes to cocktails and the gift that keeps on giving. A great bottle of scotch (Father’s Day anyone?) These delightful recipes by Anna Mains, the  Monkey Shoulder Brand Ambassador, make getting your scotch on fun, sexy and delish.

I Make Monkey Moves

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ½ parts Monkey Shoulder • ½ parts fresh lemon juice • ½ part fresh orange juice • ½ part honey syrup • 3 dash orange bitters • Top with dry prosecco or dry champagne • Orange twist

Combine all ingredients except prosecco in shaker with ice. Shake, double strain into coupe. Top with prosecco. Express orange twist, and then drop into drink as garnish.

Fronds with Benefits

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ½ parts Monkey Shoulder • ½ part green tea syrup • ½ part pineapple juice • 3 parts coconut water

Shake, strain over ice in Collins glass. Garnish with pineapple fronds.

Hollywood Reporter

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ½ parts Monkey Shoulder • ½ part Aperol • ½ part honey syrup • ¾ parts fresh grapefruit juice • Top with soda • Grapefruit twist

Combine all ingredients except soda in shaker, shake and strain over ice in Collins glass. Top with soda (Topo Chico if available). Garnish with grapefruit twist.

INGREDIENTS:

Strawberry Daiquiri, but #makeitmonkey

• 2 parts Monkey Shoulder • ¾ part simple • ¾ parts fresh lime juice • 1-2 strawberries (sliced)

Muddle strawberries in shaker, add ice, Monkey, lime, and simple. Shake. Double strain into coupe.

Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

Refreshingly approachable and tailor made for mixing, Monkey Shoulder’s commitment to the unconventional is bringing great Scotch to a new generation. Monkey Shoulder is made from 100 percent malted barley – not a drop of grain is used – and aged exclusively in first-fill Bourbon barrels for exceptional smoothness. 

So What’s The Real Deal With CoolSculpting?

May 12, 2021

One of the toughest challenges for people who are trying to lose weight is getting rid of stubborn fat. Duh.

So the deal with liposuction is that it is also is one of the most dangerous cosmetic procedures around.  You’ve heard of CoolSculpting by now, a million times. Completely non-invasive and gets great results depending on what you’re trying to achieve. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of CoolSculpting so you can make a wiser decision.

Pros of CoolSculpting

There are tons of reasons why CoolSculpting could be a better option than liposuction for you. For one, you don’t have to go to a full-on clinic to get it. You can go to a medical spa like this one based in El Dorado Hills and the whole thing can be done on the same day. Convenience and lack of any discomfort is one of the top reasons why people go for the procedure, as is the minimal downtime required for recovery.

But the biggest benefit of CoolSculpting is that there is no incision involved. This means less pain (or none, in my case) and discomfort associated with the procedure afterward. This is also part of the reason why recovery is so fast. Also, there will be fewer chances of complications. With CoolSculpting, you could literally start working immediately after getting the procedure, while you may have to wait for a few months with liposuction.

Another great thing about CoolSculpting is you can see lots of clinical results. For most, you’ll see results just weeks after getting the treatment done. CoolSculpting works by selectively freezing fat cells under the skin until they die. But, the thing with fat cells is that once they’re gone, they’re gone forever. This does not mean that you can eat whichever way you want and never gain weight, but it will be hard to do so in areas that have been treated. So, as long as you stick to a healthy lifestyle, you should be able to maintain results.

Cons of CoolSculpting

While CoolSculpting is great, it isn’t perfect. One of the things you have to know with this technology is that it isn’t made for people who have severe weight issues. It is more for those who may have stubborn pockets of fat in specific places and want to sculpt the area.

You should also know that it has some side effects even if it’s not invasive. Some people have reported things such as redness in treated areas, bruising, loss of sensation, and more. Some have also reported some swelling. However, these side effects shouldn’t scare you out of getting the procedure done, since it only targets fat tissue and not the muscle or skin around it. In most cases, these symptoms won’t last long and will subside right after the procedure. However, there are times where they could last for days, even weeks. Note that severe cases are extremely rare, and the person you decide to work with will make a big difference.

Personally, I found that the sides of my legs where I had it done ended up uneven and a bit rippled.

How to Choose the Right Person for the Procedure

The first thing you have to do is check their credentials and expertise using the procedure. You want to know how long they’ve been performing it and whether they have some examples to show you. We would also suggest that you ask for a few references and follow up on them. Ask them how the procedure went and how helpful they were. Lastly, you want to work with someone who’s honest and with whom you feel comfortable.

Now that you know a bit more about CoolSculpting, you’ll be able to go in fully informed. Speak with a few teams and go for the one who’ll be able to prove their expertise.

Photos from Marina Plastic Surgery

We Tried The Aromatherapy Showerhead You Always Wanted

IN208H2

For years we have been craving to try the Moen® Aromatherapy Handshower In Chrome With INLY™ Shower Capsules – Alas, with Mother’s Day approaching, we decided it was for the plunge. Our only question is, why did we wait so long?

I think I had a block about changing out a showerhead for some reason. I thought I would need to hire a Task Rabbit. Alas, all it took was wrench and two minutes.  The whole deal took five minutes to install. Easy peasy.

The little aromatherapy pods are adjustable in strength – though I like it all the way turned up. Even then it’s totally subtle. My kids are really loving the different level changes and pressing the little button, lol.

Buy it on Amazon here!

Five Sun-Loving Houseplants We Actually Kept Alive

May 6, 2021

Like any other plant, houseplants have their specific needs; soil, nutrition, water, and sunlight, etc. Everything must come in a balanced amount and correct appropriation according to the plant’s need. Some plants need less water, and others don’t. Some also grow in slightly acidic soil, while some on basic or sweet soil. Others also thrive on peat soil while some on lime.

Sunlight is also one of the essential needs of the plant for its survival. Every species needs sunlight for the manufacture of their food, the process known as photosynthesis. Without sunlight, they can not produce their food, and therefore, they starve and die.

Depending on their needs, different kinds of plants need varying amounts of sunlight. Some need partial sun, while others need direct sun exposure. To know more about their needs, read this list below to guide which flower in your garden needs much sunlight and which is not.

Marigold

This flower enjoys the crisp rays of the sun. The flower thrives well and blooms in summer even more in direct sunlight, such that if deprived of sunlight, it is prone to powdery mildew and won’t give its bloom.

The flower is not very sensitive to any kind of soil, but it does best in moderately fertile, and well drained soil. Learn More about its care tips and propagation if you want to grow a lush and healthy Marigold in your garden.

Sunflower

Sunflower is an ornamental plant. The plant gives spectacular flower heads, which bloom up to 15 centimeters wide. The plant stands from 3 feet up to 25 feet tall. It has a rough hairy stem and rough leaves in spirals arrangement. Sunflower is heliotropic because of its love of the sun, where the flower turns to follow from east to west from sunrise to sundown.

Aside from its ornamental beauty, you can benefit from the flower’s edible seeds. Likewise, you can use the leaves as fodder, and also, the yellow flower will yield a yellow dye for art use. Also, the seeds give a yellow oil which has various uses in cooking, baking, paints, lubricants, and soap manufacture.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a species of succulents that comes from the genus Aloe. It is an evergreen perennial plant that grows wild from the Arabian Peninsula. The plant grows in tropical and semi-tropical climates and is widely known for its medicinal use.

Aloe vera has plenty of scientific studies because of its therapeutic properties and use in the cosmetics industry. The plant has a jelly-like substance that is best to fight teeth cavities. It is also suitable for the treatment of constipation, foot ulcers, and protection from ultraviolet radiation.

The plant thrives well in dry and fast-draining soil. It cannot tolerate moist or long-standing water wherein long exposure to moist soil will cause root rot. And thus, because of its intolerance to water, aloe vera needs much sunlight to have its optimum growth and fast reproduction.

 

Burro’s Tail

Burro’s Tail, also known as Donkey’s Tail, is a succulent plant that originated from South Mexico. The plant loves exposure to a good amount of direct sunlight. But despite its heat resistance, the plant has a fragile stem that is prone to dropping. Likewise, its small green leaves that resemble a jellybean, are as fragile as its stem.

Because of its drought-resistant characteristics, the plant grows in well-draining soil, with its roots well aerated. Even at the early stage of propagation, Burro’s Tail needed not much watering, but beware,  if you see browning leaves, you may have deprived it of so much water, and it signals underwatering.

Likewise, when you see them wilting and have soft leaves, it signals that you have overwatered them. Under enough appropriation of the plant’s needs, it gives attraction to your windowsill in a hanging planter because of its beautiful trailing stem where a rose-color flower will develop.

 

Ti Plant

Known as luck plant, this is commonly planted outside of homes believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune. The plant was original from Southeast Asia and Western Pacific Ocean areas. The plant is trendy in Hawaii because Hawaiians make it into hula dance skirts and surfboard covers.

Ti plant is commonly grown as garden ornaments because of its attractive evergreen foliage. The plant grows up to about a meter tall when fully mature. Its foliage comes in many colors and variations, such as glossy green, deep red, green, orange, pink, and yellow shades. In bright sunlight, the plant gives its immense vibrant colors. Avoid direct afternoon sun because it will result in scorching leaves.

Plants need sunlight for their food production but in varying amounts. Thus, in your garden, it is essential to know the specific sunlight needs of each plant. Knowing each requirement will prevent you from mistakes and frustrations in propagating them. And most importantly, giving the plant the appropriate sunlight makes them grow healthy, beautiful, and lush.

Celebrate Your #1 Mom with the #1 Selling Product of Its Kind!

May 5, 2021

Looking for a gift to honor, celebrate, and cherish the mother figure(s) in your life? Look no further than this offer from Allē to reciprocate the care they have shown you through the years!

This Mother’s Day, Allē—the loyalty program by the makers of BOTOX® Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA), the JUVÉDERM® Collection of Fillers, SkinMedica®, and more—is offering $50 off a $150 gift card between 5/4 – 5/5, just in time for Mother’s Day.

The gift card can be redeemed on eligible Allē brands at an Allē provider. Additionally, when the recipient uses the card, they will also earn points in their Allē Wallet. These points can be redeemed for savings on a variety of eligible Allē products and treatments in the future. Supplies are limited, and you must be an Allē Member to purchase and redeem. See below for full gift card terms and conditions.  

  • BOTOX® Cosmetic (onabotulinumtoxinA) (available by prescription only)** – BOTOX® Cosmetic is the one and only product of its kind that’s FDA approved to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate to severe crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines in adults.
  • CoolSculpting®* – If they’re looking to reduce pesky fat bulges that may be resistant to diet and exercise alone, CoolSculpting® is FDA cleared to treat visible fat bulges in 9 areas of the body including the thighs, abdomen, upper arms, and under the chin/jawline area.
  • DiamondGlow™ – a pro-grade, ultra-customizable treatment. In addition to feeling like a moment of zen, this one delivers results. The skin resurfacing treatment entails customized exfoliation, with simultaneous extraction of debris and infusion of SkinMedica® Pro-Infusion Serums onto the skin.
  • JUVÉDERM® Collection of Fillers* – You can’t gift them a time machine—but with the Allē gift card, you may be able to gift a temporarily volume-restoring treatment.
  • LATISSE® (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03% (available by prescription only)* – The first FDA approved lash treatment to grow lashes longer, fuller, and darker in people who have inadequate or not enough lashes.
  • SkinMedica® – Use it on beauty award winners like TNS® Advanced+ Serum or on new favorites like the Neck Correct Cream.

*Consultation required. Allē provider will determine whether the gift card holder is a candidate for treatment.

Allē Gift Card Terms and Conditions 

  • This is a limited-time offer, while supplies last.
  • Each gift card can be redeemed for $150 off any Redemption Eligible Product purchase at participating Allē provider offices only.
  • Must be an Allē member to purchase and/or redeem gift card.
  • Limit one gift card purchase per member.
  • A healthcare provider will determine if a member is an appropriate candidate for the applicable treatment.
    • If a member is an appropriate candidate, the gift card can be applied toward the cost of the member’s treatment at a participating provider’s office.
    • If a member is not an appropriate candidate, please contact Allē Customer Support.
  • Standard Allē Loyalty Program Terms and Conditions apply.
  • Member will earn Allē Points on all qualifying Earnings Eligible Product purchases.
  • No refunds or cancellations. Please allow up to 24 hours for payment processing. Please allow up to 3 business days to receive your gift card by email to the email address used at purchase.
  • Gift card must be purchased online and cannot be purchased by calling Customer Support.
  • Gift card does not expire.
  • Gift card cannot be applied to past transactions.
  • Gift card cannot be redeemed or exchanged for cash.
  • Gift card can be combined with other applicable Allē or Allē brand specific gift cards, Allē points or other Allē brand specific offers.
  • Member should use the complete value of each gift card in a single transaction. If there is a balance on your gift card, please contact Allē Customer Support.
  • If you have questions, please contact Allē Customer Support at 1-888-912-1572 Monday – Friday, 8 am – 6 pm CT.
  • Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie company, reserves the right to alter or cancel this offer at any time.