Geneva ....Places to Eat, Drink and Shop

OK I have been soooo behind on the blogging! Please forgive.... but I hope its worth the wait.... its the little black book, the secret must know about places to enjoy while in Geneva...think of it as an editors guide making it easy for you to hit some of the top spots around Geneva...all you have to do now is print this out, call The Herrington for your hotel and spa appointments, book a makeup with Bridget or Chelsey at Odalisque before dinner....make reservations at Niche - they feature some of my favorite dishes from the days of 302 West. Which will forever go down in my book as one of my favorite places to eat. EVER, too many fine memories.

So if I had one day to spend in Geneva here is where I would go..........

Start with some yummy energy to fuel the shopping.....for Breakfast..............

Mel's Diner 630 West State Street
Biscuits and Gravy, Eggs, all the traditional yummy breakfast treats

Chez Moi 415 West State Street
Lovely and amazing quiche, croissants and other fresch specialties, great cappaucino. The restaurant is really a sweet cafe that reminds me of being in Paris.

Nosh 211 James Street
Really amazing cup of coffee, and fresh OJ and Grapefruit juice, I blend mine and they have amazing Plain Ole Janes-their version of a traditional eggs benny! Yummy. if you want to hear yourself think never mind carry on a conversation request a table outside.... love the place....... hate the noise...


Let the fun begin.............Shopping for Clothes & Other treasures

Fuschia 9 North 3rd Street

You can find contemporary  mix of ageless classics amongst hard to find jewelry. Trendsetting designers that include some of my favorite: Elizabeth and James (Olsen Twins other line) Milly, Haute Hippe & TIBI.

Nora's Shoe Shop 12 North 2nd Street
This is the second store, to the sister store in Oak Park. Designer shoes mixed with many imported brands that offer a wide range for fit, comfort and most importantly confidence when chosing brands that include Matt Bernson, Antelope, Biviel, & the hard to find Chie Mihara

Jane Pabon 220 South 3rd Street
A unique boutique that mixes resale with new designers featuring sought after consignment high end bags like Louis Vuitton, Bottega Venata, Chanel, along with carefully selected career, casual and party wear. New clothing includes Velvet and YA from Los Angeles.

Artemisia 101 South 3rd Street
Right next to our favorite Geneva store ever (ODALISQUE) you will find another adorable store to go thru, I love this store for gifts that are truly unique and memorable. I have purchased many of their jewelry pieces among my favorite is a long rosary inspired cross, + baby gifts, and other treasures. Don't miss it!

Jobella Vintage 310 Campbell Street
A perfect place to do some serious hunting! i love working this shop over, from fun furs, and vintage bags and jewelry there is always a treasure to be found and something unique to add to your wardrobe.


By now you will need to feed your soul from all the shopping!

For lunch there are 2 places you have to hit...

Bien Trucha 410 West State Street
This super highly rated restaurant is hard to get in but worth the wait! Fish tacos cannot be missed, their daily fresh guacamole and classic margarita will set the world right! Trust me on this, you wont be disappointed! PS my sister in law always wants to go there but I think its 'cause she thinks the waitstaff are so handsome.....nuff said.......(and their sister store is right next store if you cant get in, its called A Toda Madre try their grilled whole fish! Chili Butter on bread is worth breaking your carb restriction!)

Moveable Feast 321 Franklin Street
Real Food, made from scratch, with the freshest and finest ingredients available. Every time I eat here every cell in my body is celebrating how delish and getting all the nutrients of live food...to stand before the case and chose what to have is overwhelming! Too many amazing choices but here are some suggestions..........grits with shrimp, crab cakes, or the jicama, pineapple and mango salad........ They do this crazy meatball with sweet potato and it is so amazing...and then I cannot forget the desserts.
Most people ride their bike for 6 hours in the morning some club of bikers just so they can have lunch at MF!! Because the desserts are out of this world. Fairy Tales, Deeply Fudgy Brownies (if they are good enough for Oprah and her friends, they are good enough for me LOL)


More Specialty Joints not to miss....

Floral Wonders in the same building as Jobella Vintage you will find Floral Wonders, flowers by Eva. Beautifully creative you will find the most elegant arrangements that are modern and fresh in their designs. She stocks a beautiful assortment of home fragrance which make lovely hostess gifts.

Just next store joining Floral Wonders is Past Basket hands down the best place to dream about a new kitchen. They are custom kitchen designers (drool over their kitchens!) with wonderful retail stores featuring wedding registry and some of my favorite linens for the kitchen. In addition to the store in Geneva, they have a store in Milwaukee, Wis too. My wish list always includes Le Jacquard Francais textiles for the kitchen, these oversize colorful designs are always a tasteful gift for housewarming parties and look amazing in the kitchen. Libeco Linens are also stocked along with dinnerware lines including Mariposa, Simon Pearce, Juliska & The Good Earth Pottery.

610 Home 610 South 1st Street
Love this store, you can find the most unique home furnishing to fluff your nest. What a great mix of vintage and new, the owners all have a unique eye for home decor and it is the perfect blend of contemporary and modern with a twist.

bb interiors 600 South 1st Street
Claudia Beebe has been a Geneva staple and has decorated many homes in the area, her shop is unique from the space to the eclectic mix of retail offerings. In her studio, she carries a wide range of fabrics (Toiles de Mayenne) to chose and select your custom furniture, drapery, bedding etc. Recently she started carrying Pine Cone Hill Bedding. She has a pair of tufted canary blue chairs that I have to find a place for!  What a great pop of color they would add to my very neutral space...but You can get them customized to your color palette...

Enjoy exploring some of the many wonders of Geneva....

Cocoon 212 South 3rd Street

From Comfy Furniture to great signs, gifts, cards, stationary, sweet smelling soaps, jewelry etc you will find gifts for everyone on your list.

Graham's Chocolate 302 South 3rd Street
Tasty sweets, delightful ice cream, with a warm welcome and easy chairs to rest while eating your sweets!


Dont forget to tell me your favorite spots!

Geneva featuring The Herrington Spa

Being in the spa industry for 20+ years doesn't really make me relax any quicker than anyone else when it comes time for my own treatments. I love facials and I love massages in the hands of a skilled therapist but as we rush from our busy lives into the quite sanctuary of a spa it still takes a bit of time to de-compress from your day.

Its one of the reasons that spas frequently tell you to come in 15-30 minutes before your appointment time allowing for adequate time to change, relax in the spa waiting area or simply take a steam before your treatment - that is one of my favorite ways to start off a treatment. The heat warms my muscles which tend to be very tense...on the other hand maybe its not muscle that I have but that is a post for another time (..........like a feature on cellulite!)

The Herrington Hotel in Geneva, IL is a delightful get away with lovely rooms that have amazing bathrooms. One of the coolest options is to have the in room bath service. A spa technician will deliver a basket and draw your bath- they have several options from Herrington Plunge which is a detoxifying bath and a mud mask to help relax your sore muscles & facilitate the elimination of metabolic waste while the bath salts are added to balance, energize or calm you down. Follow your soak after with a nourishing body lotion will moisturize and hydrate your skin. (technician drawn baths start at $25).

Its a charming option that you don't find at many resorts.

I had the great pleasure of meeting the spa director Laura Lambert who recommended the Herrington Massage ~ this massage is crafted with a built in time for diffusing the chaos and noise that we come to the spa to quiet our minds from! Brilliant!

...it begins in a treatment room with their signature table that has a built in foot bath. So my feet were soaked in an aromatic bath & then I received an amazing sea salt foot scrub that covered  my feet all the way to my knees from massage therapist Jeni.

I thought this was the perfect treatment to extend your pedicure in the summer. Summer months truly require a pedicure every 2 weeks because we are constantly exposing our feet! (This foot ritual exfoliates dry skin from being barefoot or wearing sandals.) I love my feet rubbed and my scalp massaged so Laura's recommendation was spot on!

After the foot ritual, you step off the table and they prepare the table for your massage. A full body massage with warm towels to sooth and warm the tissue follows. It was just what I needed. I loved the foot ritual because it helped me begin the relaxation process, so when it came time for the massage I could truly check out and sleep! (if  a therapist can rock you to sleep they are worth their weight in GOLD!)

The Herrington Spa is super cozy and its a perfect getaway even if you live in town! A good portion of the customers are couples especially on the weekends, when folks come out from the surrounding area for a wonderful time for exploring shopping and dining in Geneva.

You can reach Laura at the spa by calling 630.444.8424, the spa is located at the Herrington Inn and Spa, 15 South River Lane in beautiful downtown Geneva, IL. www.herringtoninn.com

More postings on places to shop and eat in Geneva coming soon!

Two Days in Geneva

I wanted to do a feature on this adorable town that is outside Chicago, it has a laid back vibe but offers many options to spend the weekend with someone you love or an outing with girlfriends. I will feature multiple stops you simply must hit if you had 48 hours in Geneva, Il.

What a coup to have the opportunity to interview one of my favorite Beauty experts~ Bridget Lescher, the owner of Odalisque, A Beauty Apothecary. She is the best stylist for your face, crafting a unique & totally wearable makeup where you feel you look your personal best! I never feel like I have make up on when she does my makeup. I love that she can give me fresh ideas, see me in a new light ....I mean how many of you have the same lipstick, gloss etc in the same shades from different brands?????? Hello I buy the same and I just need her to help me off the edge some days!

I am a huge believer that your face is your best accessory and its perfectly appropriate to get seasonal tweaks and updates to ensure you are wearing a fresh modern look that reflects your personal style. Bridget has the ability to do just that.

Odalisque has a modern,  luxe, bohemian feel and the store has just relocated down the block to a new address on 3rd Street. (101 s Third Street, Geneva, Il)

One of the reasons I love visiting Odalisque is you feel at home immediately, the warm welcome is genuine and you sense the love dispensed to each patron! They stock unique and fine fragrances that you don't see everywhere. I have so many great beauty products that I will share my personal favorites.................. the Lafco candle in Fois de Bois aroma, its smokey and sexy, makes a great hostess gift. I love Atelier Cologne and cant seem to get enough. Santa Maria Novella is an 800 year old beauty brand made in a Dominican monastery in Florence, Italy.  These are truly "affordable luxuries". And I can't get enough of the Spumadi Champagne Bubble Bath. The aroma is amazing, light and tons of bubbles~

As an esthetician, one of my favorite skincare brands is a staple at Odalisque with a cult like following, Dr Hauschka-I love it because of the science of herbs used in this line. Our skin is the largest organ we have and we assault it with chemicals over and over, its best for your health to use something that is so well suited to be on your skin. Dr Hauschka has a beautiful collection bath and body oils that are a must. I will dry brush, then use the oils on my skin & then slip into the tub for a truly remarkable beauty spa experience at home. The oils seal the skin and the heat of the bath water increases circulation and activation of the oils.

Here is a photo of the adorable Chelsey and Bridget (on the right) at the new home of Odalisque.

Q1. Who inspires you today with their personal beauty style?

A. Aerin Lauder (AL has a new venture coming out - she is an amazing taste maker), Ali MacGraw, Lauren Hutton, Robin Wright Penn, Charlotte Gainsbourg. Truly retrospective beauty with a natural image.

Q2. What trends do you like for summer?
A. The lack of liner, yet, lots of lash.... mimicking a time of innocence often seen on young children. The return of lipstick as we move away from gloss.

Q3. What do you see for fall, since its right around the corner?
A. Clear, open unencumbered eye - colorful lips, concealer -fresh classic and carefree look.

Q4. Is there one thing you could recommend to my readers that would update their look?
A. Brows - not quite overly groomed & precise. A full brow is spot on.

Q5. How would you describe Odalisque?
A. A great escape, bring love into the experience of beauty. I want people who visit to have a sense of adventure while shopping. We strive to bring unique offerings, a well edited collection of beauty and fragrance that is close to home.

Some of the specialty line of exotic high quality fragrance include So Oud, Odalisque is one of 5 retailers in the US to carry this line. This line is an exotic middle eastern influence in fragrance that is unlike anything I have ever experienced.

A great collection of Eye Bobs are also available - amongst other great candles, beauty treats that make excellent gifts and hostess presents.

And I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Chelsey has an amazing approach to beauty, its been fun watching her expand her skills under Bridget's tutelage. I love her fresh perscpective to the application of makeup!  I so want to book a lesson for me a my 13 year old niece when the time comes with Bridget and Chelsey~ it will be my gift to her when she starts high school next year!

You can find your way to Odalisque here www.shopodalisque.com

101 S. Third Street
Geneva, Il

I will feature the Herrington Spa, & a lots more in the next few installments of the blog. Stay tuned!

Confession time: I didn't make it every day to TDM however 18 sessions were done in May! But I used the video when I couldn't be present in class. (A bit disappointed in myself for not being consistent as I intended to at the start of May~)

But so many cool things transpired ....The Dailey Method experience was soo good.

I loved the exercise-but this is super challenging (the position that was super frustrating... picture me back against a wall, legs up toward the ceiling & you are supposed to be as close to your legs as possible however that  middle tire was in the way!), the environment is clean and super sparse and the instructors all are unique in their approach and their interaction -making it fun of course but certainly great coaching to get the most out of the experience.

It works for me on so many levels, the ease on my joints. the effect of definition for muscles that revealed quickly during the process. Seriously my arms are looking pretty darn good for such a short time. I did however gain weight during the process....and that is frustrating despite knowing you are trading muscles for fat. Its psychological for me ...if I am working out this hard shouldn't the scale support me in a favorable way?? I work out I gain weight...don't like it at all. However there is a ray of sunshine that came thru this & it all comes down to eating and eating clean as Colleen, co-owner of TDM Wheaton shared with me.

The real cool thing is I also met this beauty in class, and when I heard others mention she was the "Juice" girl, I approached her to ask more about what she did as I was going to do a 3 day juice cleanse during May while doing the TDM.

As it turned out, life leads you on such a cool winding road, meeting Lisa from Holistic Nutrition (check her out here: www.freshsqueezenutrition.com) is a great part of my journey to wellness. Lisa is a guru when it comes to nutrition. A Game Changer, A Fire Starter (totally borrowing that from Danielle LaPorte!).  Plus she is totally gorgeous whats not to love about this girl?

I was not able to do the 3 day detox juice until the week of June 4th but the process was amazing. Having the extra time actually allowed me to start to prepare in May for the juice detox by weaning my 2 cups of coffee every morning. So I started by cutting the mix doing a half decaf and half regular mix. I had heard cutting coffee cold turkey could be a challenge..oh jeez I sound like a junkie.

Detox, cant imagine what I was in for. Could I go the 3 days without coffee?? And Chocolate? I mean I love both of them & consider them the daily ritual that makes my life what it is! ha

But the program works like this, Level One Cleanse which is what I started with is mostly fruit & vegetables juiced, lots of water and green tea as you would imagine to sort of re-set your body, a special smoothie designed daily for your detox, one day builds upon the other...detoxing the overworked organs such as digestive system, liver & kidneys. and a big green salad in the evening dressed with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Lemon or apple cider vinegar (i did both), Sea Salt & Pepper. I grilled some asparagus, steamed broccoli & had a variety of mixed greens from arugula to baby spinach. YUMMY. I loved that it wasn't totally all liquid, the salad helped me feel like this was something I could do and still be able to sit to an evening meal with my family.

After 3 days, I was down 6.5 pounds. Success! If I could do a back flip I would. Because the scale was not budging with anything I was doing previously. I liked doing it during the early part of the week also, weekends can be so crazy that having that slower pace was a great time to implement a 3 day detox cleanse.

Clean eating what a concept! So this 3 days has been trans-formative, I want to continue eating in this manner, and feeling this good. I was surprised by the overall clarity in thought, awareness about emotions, being in touch & feeling connected, grounded. Plus a flatter stomach and clear bright skin are just the icing on the cake :-)

And I am pretty sure I won't be drinking coffee. Now I am off to find a juicer to press my food daily!

Here's to your good health!

8 Days Down & Counting

Well, today I finished my 8th day straight of The Dailey Method! I can honestly say, I am loving the workout. Its super challenging and requires immense concentration as you multi task your way thru the hour long program.

I have had many different instructors at TDM Alissa, Laurel, Kady, Bonnie, Michelle and all are inspiring and make the class as challenging as it is, great fun and you feel so amazing when you walk out of there.

I have taken the Principles Class which offers alot of foundation work to TDM exercises at a slightly slower pace which I could easily just continue on with that program for months but when my schedule doesn't fit that class, I have opted to take the Mixed which is a bit more advanced...and have managed to live thru...with exception to one of Laurel's classes. She's tough in a good way.

Linda who welcomes me at check in with a warm smile has twice put me near the owners (Michelle and Colleen-who are both adorable & super fit, HELLO All the instructors are!) to get that extra coaching as she knows I am a newbie and wants to make sure I am learning all I can. (Of course, it reminded me of being moved to the front of the class when you are a kid because you are talking too much~)

What I love & find amazing is the quick response from my body and the transformations taking place at a deeper level- which I feel, yet I can see the definition shaping the muscle & that keeps you engaged in the commitment. More importantly to me is the long term structure and support for my spine that this rehabilitative type of exercise is providing.

PS By the time this 30 day challenge is done .......I am wanting to do the damn leg squats with no stopping for breaks...that's my goal. I feel this glorious burning knowing the muscles are fired up and being re designed, sweet satisfaction...as I muscle thru the hour.

To learn more about The Dailey Method follow this link http://www.thedaileymethod.com/wheaton.html

or call to make an appointment 630 871 7331

The Dailey Method My 30 Day Challenge

I am determined to heal my body. And last week I crafted my plan!

Self talk included....Just 30 days to do this and lets see what happens. (I heard once the definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing over and over and expect a different outcome...something I have been doing in the past!)

I made a pact with myself...I would see what taking one class a day at The Daily Method for 30 days would do for me.

Knowing I have to rehabilitate my body & I have been dealing with a host of issues stemming from a head on collision in 2008.

The method is based on rehabilitating your structure and I am hoping I can do one class per day for 30 days & write about the transformation. I will also cut out bread, I will have a 3 day cleanse during this month mid way~

I went to the first class of the month today, its challenging, you are re-wiring your body! Kelly Ripa physique is what I am working towards ;-)

Here is Day 1:

With TDM you feel as tho you are shrink wrapping your muscles around your bones, they feel smaller and tighter!

I like it and guess what..... I have a long way to go because its not easy.

Thankfully the instructors are interested in teaching you proper form and give cues and support regularly...no I don't think they are picking on me~

You do elevate your heart rate a bit however its really about re designing a lean structure, can't wait to see what the other side of 30 classes look like!

My local studio is offering Mixed class level which goes quick and its intense. The other option is a class known as Principles, which emphasizes  more instructional class form is what I will commit too for the next couple of weeks until I build more strength in my legs and core.

You can find a great deal here: http://www.thedaileymethod.com/wheaton.html


 .......Keep you posted on next steps!

Jill Conratulations! Your Procell Triple Action Eyes will be coming to you! You are going to look amazing!

OK ..My eyes are showing my age, especially when I am tired. Shouldn't be a big surprise to me...but it sort of annoys me. Its the first thing to age on your face. And no matter how young you are, after 20 you are totally dialed into that area...checking it out, any new creases today? As in every time I put on mascara, I'm staring right at that area~Your eyes are the portal to your soul so its in your interest to look your very best, your most gorgeous, right?

Maybe because we blink 10,000 times per day, or squint or smile but this part of your face gets quite a work out. I just discovered a truly unique product that provides advanced technology to combat this delicate area.

I love, love, love so many things about this product, truly I couldn't have done it better if I designed it myself.

This product just launched.....The treatment is activated at the time of use for fresh delivery each time .....So you know its not been sitting around for God knows how long drying out.

Procell, Triple Action Eye Treatment, available exclusively at Mario Tricoci Salons and Day Spas across the Chicagoland area. (www.tricoci.com).

Anyway here's the relevant info you must know........

It works by delivering several key standout ingredients to super drench your skin & reverse the tell tale signs that you have been partying a bit too much (ha! you wish) or staying up late freaking out over your taxes or simply wondering when your child will finally sleep thru the night (Amen)!

Apple Stem Cell Extract wakes up the cells and nudges them to activate (while protecting) dermal skin, and ASCE stimulates vitality, delays aging. (Bring it on!) plus in vivo tests confirmed significant and visible reduction in the depth of lines & wrinkles in 100% of test subjects. The apple stem cell is from a rare variety of Swiss apple called Uttwiler Spatlauber.

Baicalin is a flavanoid from traditional Chinese herbal medicine, a very important anti inflammatory which turns back the biological clock. In truth it helps telomeres, by protecting them, thus preventing premature aging by regulating cell division.

Resveratrol...And no...... guess what you are not drinking enough of it to work from your daily bottle of Pinot Noir, you need this potent effective poly phenol in your treatment products. Its protecting the delicate eye tissue from the environmental influences of the UV rays.

Soon to be my secret weapon on all my flights this summer......and guaranteed I will be sneaking this on (not really contraband mind you!) to every plane ride so I look dewy & fresh upon arrival!

Airplanes dry the hell out of your skin and body....you literally age 5 years on a cross country flight. I can't even think what a trip to Paris does never mind Australia does~

Hello..... have you seen flight attendants lately? If you do offer them one of these packets, I would bet that could get you upgraded to first class!

Pro Tips: Depress the liquid gently from the outside of the packet towards the pillow chamber containing the collagen pads to saturate & activate the collagen.
Then apply to clean skin under the eye and smooth so there is no wrinkling in the collagen pad, I love using a spoon to smooth it out. Leave on for 15-20 minutes. And rest, close the door, put the cell on silence for 15 minutes, you can do it. After remove, lightly apply your eye cream with your ring finger and gently pat around the orbital bone.

When to use:

• Before a special night (for some of us that could be any night at Gibson's, around 6pm after work)
• Before your wedding, after your wedding, before your 2nd wedding ....lets just stop there shall we?
• Before your divorce court appearance
• Before you go to your high school reunion and see the girl who took your Mr. Universe and made him her own
• its a mini vacation any time you need it

You get the idea, you want to look great... Procell Triple Action Eye Treatment is your ticket.


$65 for 5 treatments

Exclusively at Mario Tricoci 847.202.1900

P.S. Gentle Reminder:

I'm just saying Mother's Day is right around the corner, you can get a Gift Certificate and a box of Procell for your someone special~

Leave a comment & share why you need this, how it will change your life & one lucky winner will receive a box of Procell~ We will pick a name on Saturday! Good Luck

The Pitcher of Health-Dr Murad

So the last 12+ months have been spent learning more about wellness, supplements & food.

FUNCTIONAL medicine!

As a very special treat, last month I spent 4 days in California at University for Inclusive Health. As an esthetician, the concept of aging is of great interest for me personally and many of those I am involved with thru business.

Looking at the health at the cellular level for optimal energy and health was at the core of the 4 day training event. This unique university has been the brain child of Dr Murad (whom I worked for in 2000, under full disclosure) to give back to the industry in a way of education and elevating the knowledge of health practitioners, estheticians and schools. (Dr Murad is a sweetheart of a guy, is one of the best in the business and continually has supported estheticians since the beginning of his medical practice)

The program I participated in was a wealth of knowledge on the things we can control and manage in our daily lives- diet, our response to issues that come up, mindfulness with thoughts & movement. This is the unique principle which surrounds Dr Murad's view on water at the cellular level.

We have been told to drink enough water ...is it 8 glasses per day? is it a gallon per day? is it half your body weight in oz? you see where I am going, there is a lot of different schools of thought! Water is what keeps all of our systems working together in concert including all of the chemical reactions that happen in this factory of ours!

Dr Murad, supports eating your water. Choosing nutrient dense foods with high water content is his concept of the "Pitcher of Health". The Pitcher of Health is a road map to rejuvenation both internally and externally.

Its about choosing wisely most of the time, not that I can never have the chocolate I love.... (No he didn't look at me me when he said that but I wonder does he know this is what I consider a diet STAPLE?)

But in a cheat sheet here is what he recommends following daily:

Veggies: 5+ per day, serving size is between 1/2 c- 1 c
Fruits: 3+ per day 1 med apple is a serving size
Veggies and Fruit should be the main part of the daily intake, raw whenever possible
Whole Grains: 4-8 per day (1/2c whole grain cereal, 1/2 whole grain English muffin,  1/3 c brown rice are examples of serving sizes)
Protein : 4-6 servings per day 1/2 c beans, peas, lentils 1c fortified milk, 3 oz skinless poultry, 1 med egg, 1 oz low fat cheese, 3 oz fish (notice red meat that is high in saturated fats have been omitted)
Fats 3-4 per day, servings are 1 tsp olive oil, canola oil, Nuts: 6 almonds, 4 walnuts, 1 TBSP sesame, sunflower seeds

Notice that packaged foods, processed foods are not mentioned.

Next up is adding to our foods high quality supplements. I can relate since last year I have been consuming the right supplements and Chinese herbs to assist me in my journey of healing. Clearly we can not get it from the quality of the foods unless you are truly living farm to table. And the micro nutrients can be affected in the farming process, length of time food is sitting on the shelf etc.

His recommendations for anti oxidants to look for in supplements include:

High Quality Multi Vitamin
Antioxidant Formula
High Potency B Complex
Essential Fatty Acids (ever read the book Change your Brain, Change your Body? Dr Daniel Amen?)
Lecithin
Glucosamine
Calcium Magnesium with Vit. D

Murad Firm and Tone Supplements are a terrific way to get everything you need in packets, take one per day in the am and pm. Love it. It is a scientifically based complex encourages firmer skin by 78% in * weeks. The supplements provide your body with the tools (nutrients) to build healthier cells. http://www.murad.com/cellulite-products.jsp Quite impressive indeed. In  my opinion, the cellulite Firm & Tone serum and Vitamin C cream featured here are the very best on the market and trust me I have tried them all! I swear by the serum, to be used all over the body for an amazing tightening effect. (stomach, breast, arms etc! My only request would be a larger size!)

Many other doctors are practicing a form of Functional Medicine: Dr Mark Hyman, Dr Frank Lipman, Dr Daniel Amen. (functional medicine addresses the underlying cause of disease and used a systems-oriented approach & engaging the patient and the practitioner in a therapeutic partnership).

According to the Institute for Functional Medicine, you can locate their website here:
http://www.functionalmedicine.org/ most chronic disease is preventable and much of it can be reversed if a comprehensive approach is taken on addressing diet, nutrition, stress, exercise and psycho spiritual needs based on emerging research. This message is of great interest to me knowing that our country has such a high rate of people dealing with issues surrounding chronic pain, inflammatory type illnesses, diabetes, RA, etc. If we can intervene early on we have better options with our long term health & vitality.

The biggest challenge in growing older is making the best choices daily about what we put in our mouth, moving our body,  & keeping our internal dialogue positive.  But much of these daily choices are started in a younger time within our lives when mortality seems so far off. We all have a responsibility to share this knowledge with our younger generation. It's about educating them to chose wisely each day making good habits for the long haul, avoiding processed foods, sugars that appear to be in everything.

Cheers to your Health and a very Happy New Year.