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!

The Greeks Call it Yemista- Healthy Comfort Food

Deliciously filled baked vegetables that hit the spot! Yemista as the Greeks call this rich and satisfying meal is perfect for these nippy cold autumn days. For the record, Italians make this too- they call it, Verdura Ripiena (thought I’d add that in, since today’s cook, yours truly, is Italian;)

On that note, my recipe is a mix of both cultures: A Greek delicacy with an Italian flare. I have to warn you, this dish does take a bit of time to make. Here’s my way:

About 12 vegetables

3/4lb minced meat (I use a blend of veal, pork and beef)

2 onions

1 cup rice

salt, pepper, dill to taste, chilli flakes

Pam, a tiny bit of olive oil to drizzle

You can use a variety of different vegetables such as: Zucchini, eggplant, red, green, orange..peppers, yellow zucchini squash, potatoes , tomatoes- basically any vegetable that can easily be hollowed. Today, all I had on hand were tomatoes, red peppers and potatoes.

I usually begin by scraping out the vegetables, while keeping the top for a cap (you’ll see later). Then, all the scrapings are finely chopped and lightly salted.

If you clean out the potatoes first, as I did, you will need to place them in a bowl filled with cold water. This way they won’t turn brown while you work on the other vegetables.

Mix meat, scrapings, rice and onions together. Then, in a large pan, cook the mixture. Add salt, pepper and dill to your liking. If you prefer your dishes on the spicy side (Italian touch), add some chilli flakes, or peperoncino. Keep adding water as the rice swells.

When the whole mixture is consistently cooked (rice should be almost semi cooked), just go ahead and fill up the vegetables.

Place them neatly in a greased pan (I use Pam, but you can also use olive oil). Top them with their caps (helps keep them moist and cook evenly). Add about a ½ cup of water at the bottom of pan. Drizzle a few drops of olive oil.

Cover with aluminium foil and bake at 175C (325F) for about an hour. The last few minutes, uncover and set on broil – just long enough to get them nicely roasted.

Et voila! Or as the Greeks say: Etima!

Kali Orexi! Buon Appetito!

October 23, 2018 2

All is Well…Keep the Joy

Took a great deal of life to get us where we are dear Divas. Most of us have had our share of life’s ups and downs, with all the caring, nurturing, loving, raising, care taking and working that we’ve done. We deserve to be happy and enjoy the smallest or mega things we embark on. Happiness is a choice. Joy is a feeling that belongs to us. No one has the right to take that away from us. So- don’t let anyone.

Easier said than done- especially if you were rarely first on your list of priorities. Still. Make this a priority. Take the time, breathe and allow yourself. “All is well” This is my new motivating phrase. It’s my new liberating spot. We’re smart enough to know that things are not constant. Everything passes. So why not begin today by accepting your joy?

Today, if someone or something tries to steal your joy, don’t let yourself be dragged into the trap. Breathe and say to yourself: “All is well”. (Cause eventually, you know it will be). Start now. Embark on that new venture. Do what makes you happy. Keep the joy.

Have a wonderful day beautiful Divas. “All is well”.

How do you keep your joy?

#Confessionoftheday: Am working hard at making this a priority- and it ain’t always easy, but it certainly is a work in progress!

Cheers,

Lucy ❤️

October 18, 2018 4

Here’s what I got done today:

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