CHAMPAGNE – Makes You Healthy and Happy

Now that the New Year is here let’s start it the right way, and do the right things to make us happy, prettier, and healthy!

All the Ways Champagne Is Good for You

As if you needed another excuse to drink it

We’re big fans of champagne (here’s proof, in case you needed it). But until now, we weren’t aware that the bubbly we’re drinking on the reg actually has a quite a few scientifically-proven health benefits. Take a look:

It’s low-calorie.

While a glass of red or white wine contains between 135 and 200 calories, a glass of brut (dry) champagne clocks in at only 95. And the low-sugar version, called “low dosage,” has a mere 65 calories per glass.

It prevents dementia and memory loss.

A study at the University of Reading determined that drinking one to three glasses of champagne each week can boost brain health. The study was done on rats, half of whom were served champagne every day for six weeks (nice life for a rat, right?). The rats were tasked with completing a maze, and while the sober rats had an average success rate of 50 percent, the bubbly drinkers had a 70 percent success rate.

It’s good for your skin.

“Champagne detoxifies the skin with antioxidants, and its lightening tartaric acid helps even out the skin tone,” says dermatologist Marina Peredo. “For those with oily skin, its antibacterial properties [help with] breakouts.”

It’s a heart-healthy beverage.

In fact, it’s just as good for your heart as red wine. Another University of Reading study concluded that “two glasses of champagne a day may be good for your heart and circulation and could reduce the risks of suffering from cardiovascular disease and stroke.” Maybe they should rename the place Champagne University?

It may actually help you drink less in the long run.

Champagne and other effervescent drinks have been shown to make people drink slower and feel full more quickly. There’s even a diet plan based around it. Score!

Cheers!

From: Town & Country
                                                                  ******
And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything!
 DSC08016-2 (2)

A New Year – A New Beginning – Or More Of The Same?

Christmas has come and gone and a new year is facing us. But before we get there New Year’s resolutions have to be made.

Oh, I know all about them – about keeping them and not keeping them, and eventually forgetting them.  How does the saying go ‘the way to hell is paved with good intentions’ meaning; the intention to engage in good acts often fails. It points up the principle that there is no merit in good intentions unless they are acted on.

Therefore, not setting us up to go to hell and to avoid being disappointed about not sticking to our New Year’s resolutions – maybe we shouldn’t make any? But if you can’t get out of the habit, settle for just a few. A few simple ones like skipping a dessert here and there, or calling your mother more often, or not looking at your iPhone every 5 minutes  – things that don’t need a major effort, because the truth is, if we get too ambitious our good intentions will become disappointments.

So keep your list of New Year’s resolutions short and easy, and start the New Year with cheers, a firework, and love. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything

brigitte-headshotBrigitte

Greeting the New Year with fireworks over Central Park in New York

Greeting the New Year with fireworks over Central Park in New York

Living Longer, Living Well

How to Embrace the Challenges of a Long Lifeliving-longer-living-well-front-cover

 

Yes, we all want to live longer, but we all agree – only if I can do it my way!

To do it my  way I have learned that there is nothing more important than staying positive and to look at the challenges coming my way as a new beginning, a way to stay connected to the world around me – in Living Longer, Living Well I share my experiences and I hope it will be an inspiring read for you. Thank you!

And never forget – A Smile Changes Everything?

2016-01-27 12.40.02 (5)Brigitte

 

NOBLESSE OBLIGE -Stepping out of the Box

I stepped out of the box when I took my friend Sue’s advice during a book signing in London.

“Why don’t you send a copy of your book to the Queen?” she asked. (Yes,  she meant Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth)

Once back in New York I followed her suggestion, and after finding out how to address the Queen and confirmed her address to be  just Buckingham Palace, London,I did just that.

Not knowing what to expect, if anything at all, I was very surprised when I received an envelope with the postmark from Buckingham Palace only 3 weeks after mailing my package.  WOW! I couldn’t wait to open it! queens-letter

Of course, it was not her Majesty herself who wrote, but this very kind letter was sent by one of her staff members, mentioning the book.

Besides the letter, there was a card with her Majesty’s Photo on her ninetieth birthday.queen-pictureIn our fast-moving world where it is rare that we get an answer to our communications, may it be a letter, an email, a request for information, a resume, and often even a gift, receiving this letter really confirmed that indeed NOBLESSE OBLIGE!

And Never Forget – A Smile Changes everything! –  Her Majesty’s Smile has certainly changed the world for many years.

Brigitte