The Upside to Confinement

Who would have thought it would come to this? And now we are all in it together- even though we must keep apart. Can it be that this confinement due to Covid-19 can actually bring us back to a newfound quality-time? We shall not be defeated!

Here are some ideas for how this Montreal girl spends her time:

Exercise. It doesn’t have to be something too strenuous (unless you want it to be). I started taking long walks on a more regular basis. This helps with the cabin fever and to refresh my mind. Try taking a different route than usual and start observing the nature around you with more intent- it’s beautiful. Or- my favourite…dance to some 80’s fab music!

Cooking! Oh how cooking releases my stress, I can’t say enough about this! Comfort food and the whole process- I’m loving it. Why not cook up a recipe that you’ve been dying to make?

Check out the Highlights over at my **Instgram feed @lucybertoldi** under Yummy and Yummy 2 for tasty recipes

Start journaling. This can be in written form, art, or other. I make art. Can anything be more cathartic? The whole creative process keeps you in the moment (which weirdly enough makes time fly!). I do mixed media art on canvas but also a lot of journaling. If you’re interested on seeing more just head on over to my Instagram: @mtl.diva.art

Art heals

Meditate- keep your faith. In the same lines with journaling or making art- try some meditating. For some this could be in form of prayer, yoga, or whatever other form you get into. This helps us refocus, regenerate and ultimately brings us inner strength- leading to hope and positivity!

DIY’s and projects! Why not work on some of the things that always get set aside because of no time- can’t use that excuse right now! Revamp your stuff and feel a self of renewal and accomplishment. This is probably my favourite thing to do lol! But projects can also be cleaning out something (like your closet!) …which btw, can also be cathartic!!

Sit down with a good book you’ve been longing to read! A bit of quiet time to indulge in the topics you want to learn more about. Researching new things can be so much fun to help open your horizon for your present job, career, sport or hobby.

Adorned in Dreams, by Elizabeth Wilson is a fashion historian’s dream for real.

Click on link below to watch a clip of my review of Illustration Now! Fashion by, Julius Wiedermann Taschen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2dP8zuPSHI&feature=youtu.be

On these same lines, on your own (or with those you’re cooped up with!)- maybe watch a movie (or finish a Netflix series- or start one!) And why not play a game of sorts: cards, monopoly, backgammon…

Pamper yourself. Take the time to finally indulge (without a darn schedule to follow!). I think I will finally start trying those 12 different masks I have piling up in my try and review bin!

Heart-to-heart time with those you love (at home with you- or through Skype, messenger…). What better time to tell those you love how much you care for them? This could be a good time for those talks you’ve been setting aside for ‘the right time’.

Lastly, try to remain positive, thankful and appreciative. So difficult to do- but certainly doable! Look at all the positive things you can actually do within this confinement period. We’ve been geared up to always be on the go-go-go that we’ve forgotten how to stop, be still and appreciate. Maybe a forced situation such as this one, just maybe, can bring light upon the things that are good around us. For once we don’t have to say: I don’t have time.

#Confessionoftheday: Reminding myself that the sun always rises. Working hard on not letting anyone or anything take away my joy. A constant battle well worth the fight.

March 18, 2020 1

How to Shop for Perfume…Guilt-Free

So, here we are, smack into the Love month and once again thinking about the perfect gift for that special someone…or maybe…just for us. Why not?! Perfume is about the senses, luxury, fantasy, romance, presence, passion, identity, and pure joyful delight. Women love it all…Except for that price thing.

Having been around the fashion and beauty industry for quite a while, I’m still dismayed by a certain pattern that keeps repeating itself when it comes to women and fragrance. Most women come to the fragrance counter and almost want to plunge right into a fragrance that totally envelops them. Many do so by totally indulging and splurging. I love that! Unfortunately, I still see way too many women that are very reluctant to spend on themselves. They try the scent, get totally absorbed by the splendor of the fragrance…to then sadly walk away, all due to the price.

These same women end up buying the second, third or maybe even last choice on their list mainly based on price; or just not buying at all. I’ll bet that somewhere down the line they’re hoping to one day own that heavenly bottle they denied themselves. Will they ever purchase it for themselves- or will they hint away to others until someone finally gets it for them?

I’m happy to say that I see this way less in millennial, and even younger, women! There is so much less guilt on how they spend on fragrance! I so wish that all women of my generation would take this on as an example. We need to see and acknowledge all that we have done for others, instead of always waiting at the back of the line. If you are one of those women who is holding back, I’m here to tell you that we don’t need to justify, it’s time to just own up to ourselves and duly go get what it is that we want- even if it is just perfume!

I believe fragrance can be life enhancing- no, seriously! The right scent can actually set or even accentuate a mood for yourself -and others of course😉. It can also change the way you move and behave, the way you feel and the way you want to be perceived. Furthermore, it can play an important factor in determining which event, time of day, season, or even, reason for which you’ll be wearing it. Think of your attire…this too will be adapted to your fragrance, or vice-versa. Fragrance can be your signature. Is all that not worth the investment (if you can even call it that!).

So how do we stop price from being the deterrent? Next time you’re unsure on whether to purchase the adored fragrance you just splashed on- Consider this:

Necessity: Start thinking of your fragrance as a necessity. After all, won’t you be splashing this on almost daily- after your shower, before you get dressed? So, I guess you can say it’s part of your hygiene routine. (You need it).
Worth it: 100$- 200$ worth of clothing gets about 6 or 7 uses before it’s set aside. For about the same amount, a 100ml bottle of fragrance can get you between 6 months to a year of daily wear (and even more I’ve been told!). (Not so expensive after all).
Complimentary products: If you still think the price is too hefty all in one shot, then invest slowly: Start off by purchasing its shower gel and/or body lotion. Usually at less than half the price each, it’s a good starting point and you’ll still smell delicious. (Compromise)
Rebates: Get your fragrance with your redeemable retailer points or shop during store events, where rebates can be interesting. You can also ask your fragrance advisor to call you for events and specials, so you’ll be sure to never miss out. (Get on the list and shop smart).
Shopping Logic: I have a theory about shopping priorities. If you’re out to spend on something useful, practical and a must- by all means, dive headfirst into doing your homework to get the best bang for your buck. But when it comes to a feel-good luxury item such as perfume- the decision process to purchase is certainly not of the magnitude of say, buying a car. Get that fragrance- it’s not a Cadillac. (Makes sense).

If after all this logical reasoning you still can’t justify why you should shop for that heavenly scent you want so badly, I’m not sure how else to convince you on the importance of this frivolous life boosting necessity. But I’ll give it one more shot: Maybe you can skip just one supper-date-night this week- and that might do it! Tried and tested by yours truly…just sayin’!

#Confessionoftheday: I’m so addicted to my fragrance that I once left the house, forgetting to spritz, that I literally turned the car around to go back home to put some on. I’ve since purchased the purse size format- so that I won’t leave home ever again without it…unless I switch purses, in which case I’d have to turn the car around again (been there, done that…hey listen, this is my confession here). Believe me- It’s that worth it. And…so am I. xx

February 16, 2020 0

Facials: Montreal’s Best Kept Secret…

When it comes to facials, there’s a place where detailed focus, undivided attention and pampering are a priority- and that’s in Montreal…actually, in Laval, Montreal’s close neighbour- at Jenny Bart’s. Today, I was privileged to receive this fabulous service! I was also lucky to get an appointment, because this girl is booked solid- always.

What makes Jenny’s place so special? Well first of all, her clientele is based mostly on referrals. And, according to most…She really is Montreal’s best kept secret (Ahem, Laval). Her clients come from far and wide knowing that she does not have a ‘one-size- fits- all’, facial routine. She is a true expert. Facials are done according to skin analysis and specific needs. It’s a tailor-made program and treatments are done according to your skin’s needs, health and lifestyle.

What could be better than a warmed mattress right by a cozy fire, in a freshly scented aromatherapy room?

Jenny is extremely well versed and knowledgeable on all things derma-related, and also takes a particular interest and focus on anti-aging. All this makes her not only extremely interesting to me- but also my go-to source on newest technology and on what works and what doesn’t. For me, at this point, I really want to focus on reversing and slowing the signs of aging, while prolonging my skin’s health.

This is what I call total relaxation…

Unlike many other professionals who tell you to chuck what you have and buy what’s in their line instead, Jenny advised me on the important agents to look for in my own skin care products. I really appreciated that. Nobody wants to hear they need to throw out every cream they own (for some of us that can be anywhere over $200 a pop- yikes!) This is something I can really appreciate- honesty from an Esthetician.

Jenny does not sell her own line- instead, she tells you which products out there will make a remarkable difference on your skin- and that, is based on an individual analysis. She is also straightforward when revealing your skin’s status and the creams you are already using. So what about My reveal? Apart from sun damage (I’m a sucker for Floridian and Greek beaches, what can I say?), my skin is apparently very well maintained and it shows that I take good care of it! (So happy about that, cause I really do!).

I left my Esthetician with a world of knowledge along with a list of ingredients I should read up on; and of course what I should get for my skin. Surprisingly…none of it will kill my budget. No nonsense advice that I can live with!

Here’s what I got done today:

-Double Cleanse

-Followed by a light chemical peel

-Skin analysis

-Treatment: Light therapy and Toning Therapy

-Anti-Aging Mask

-Face Massage

All this followed by: Serums, Moisturizer and SPF

While relaxing, I also got a hand and forearm massage.

Oh, and did I mention how good my skin feels? It also looks amazing! All I needed today after my facial (because I never leave home without a full face of makeup)- was only a touch of powder, mascara, liner and gloss. I look and feel refreshed and, is it my imagination… or are those darn ‘eleven’s starting to shy away? Booking my next appointment!

That’s that my Darlings! Feeling totally zen.

Jenny’s Instagram Feed: @jennybart

#confessionoftheday: Indulgence in taking care of my skin is not a privilege- it’s a necessity!

May 21, 2019 0

Leave a Trail and Make your Mark: A word about Fragrance…

Don’t be a prey…Leave a trace of your scent…not for them to track you down; but for them to follow the leader -Lucy Bertoldi (Did I just write that? I love it! Repeat this and Tag me!)

Nothing can leave more of a lasting impression than a woman’s fragrance. Your signature fragrance is an extension of yourself- as much as the way you carry yourself the tone of your voice, the way you dress, the way you smile or stare. So it’s important to get this right since you only get one chance to make a first (or lasting) impression.

( Me about to start to start my shift- ready to make a good impression lol!)

And when you find that one fragrance that works for you, you’ll notice how those around you will also love the way you smell and will also tell you they know it’s you just by the trace you leave. Scent is a powerful thing. It can bring back memories, transport you and even make you feel a certain way depending on the circumstance. Choose your fragrance well.

Since I am also in the Fragrance world as part of my work, I often hear women tell me they want to try something new because they can’t smell their fragrance anymore. This is normal! When a fragrance suits you, it becomes part of you. Your subconscious registers it and it no longer needs to constantly recognise it! Trust that what you loved still smells wonderful. It’s only when you can actually smell it and you find the scent different and unpleasant that you should reconsider.

But, as women, we are entitled to our choices (and to change our mind as we please) -so I know many of us like to try different perfumes and that’s ok! Since we do feel differently depending on seasons, times of our lives, hormones- name it. Yet, I’m convinced that when you’ve found the One, you always somehow find your way back. It’s a feeling.

Personally, I have my One-go-to, and I stick to the brand but often change it up depending on the seasons or occasions- but they are all from the same Maison. For those who know me, it’s no surprise that I’m a loyal Chanel girl. I find it so much easier to switch it up within the line. After all, the compositions are based on similar notes and florals- so I’m naturally attracted.

If you are on the hunt for your personal signature fragrance, try looking within the same line you already are accustomed to buying, More often than not, you will be sure to find a fragrance that varies while still remaining pleasurable and exciting to you.

What’s your favourite fragrance? How do you switch it up?

#confessionoftheday: I often spray two different Chanel fragrances to create my very own personal signature. (Did you know you can do that with Chanel fragrances? Yes you can!)

March 23, 2019 0

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Here’s what I got done today:

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What’s your favourite fragrance? How do you switch it up?

#confessionoftheday: I often spray two different Chanel fragrances to create my very own personal signature. (Did you know you can do that with Chanel fragrances? Yes you can!)

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