You know, We Chicago folk are pretty lucky.  Yeah we have the dastardly winters and blazing summers and those grey clouds just LOVE them some us!  But we have such a unique and dynamic culture that isn’t found very many places.  One could literally tour dozens of countries and never leave the city limits. For instance,  Merz Apothecary, one of my favorite oasis’s, Founded by a Chicago pharmacist of Swiss decent over 130 years ago.  Merz Apothecary is modeled after the European approach of health and wellness.  Needless to say, Mr. Peter Merz was way ahead of the curve of what we consider the “modern” holistic approach.

Walking through the large wooden doors of the Lincoln Square location I am immediately enveloped in a sense wellness and bliss.  Antique pharmacy jars and solid oak cabinets reassure me that “Yes, all is right in the world.”  The shelves are lined with classic and nearly forgotten herbal remedies, aroma-therapeutic soy candles, essential oils and high quality vitamins.  I buy everything from my skincare down to my toothbrush there.  When cold, flu and allergy season hit, this is my doctors’ office.  When I had my mini meltdown about terrible things the cosmetics industry was doing (from earlier post Only Skin Deep) Merz was there like an old wise Nana with a big hug that said “There, there.  Here’s a nice warm glass of soy milk!”

If you’d like to learn more about the story of Merz Apothecary visit: Read more »

I’d like to share with you an article I read sometime ago about a study that linked attitudes with perceived attractiveness.

In this study, subjects were asked to rate pictures, first by appearance only. The next phase of the study used the same photographs except this time the pictures were assigned negative traits such as selfishness and dishonesty as well as positive traits such as honesty and compassion.  The study showed that people with positive personality traits were perceived as more attractive than people with negative traits.  A thing like that!

Reading this article prompted some self searching. I found that I wanted to challenge myself to take being positive to a new level.  Here are some of the things I challenged myself to do on a daily basis. Read more »

In the interest of full disclosure: My name is Angela and I am a beauty product junkie!

Even though I literally have 2 suitcases full of make up, make up brushes, flatirons, curling irons, and any category of hair product you can think of, I still never miss a walk down the aisle of any drugstore, Target, Department store or other wonderland.  Sephora is my crack house (Sorry Sephora … or Your Welcome!).

My point is that I can always find something new and wonderful to share the masses.  The aim of this blog is to give people information that will enrich their life and the lives of those around them through Beauty tips, tricks, advice, attitudes and outlooks and the occasional product.  To attempt to rein in my addiction I have given myself a few guidelines to follow when I do recommend something for purchase. Read more »