How To Keep Healthy And Cozy Throughout The Winter

It's has been so cold here in Florida, that even Disney had to close it's parks for a day or so. The recent dramatic cold snap made my ear hurt, my body ache, my throat hurt, and I even had several violent sneeze attacks. Then finally I caught the dreaded winter cold. I can't complain though. This year's cold wasn't too bad like in other times, which I don't kid you, have lasted for weeks at a time.

The first thing I did when I came back home, was to take my wool hat off and sit down and relax in my recliner.

Thankfully for the most part my cold is almost over! And while winter is still here what best then to fix oneself a nice cup of hot tea with a spoon of honey. Or who knows, Rosita's special hot toddy concoction can do us wonders! 😉

Here are my Favorite Winter Essentials To Keeping Healthy & Cozy:

1- Cable Knitted Socks With Lace Top: These are absolutely one of my favorites socks! Who doesn't love to cozy up with their favorite socks? Wearing a comfy, but also a stylish pair of socks is one of my winter essentials. I recently purchased the gray one at Etsy ( I already had owned the black one). I am petite, so the socks go up to below my knees as depicted on my pictures.

2- Hats, hats, & hats: I have a variety of hats for every occasions. I especially use my hats during winter. A hat is essential to keep our body heat in. In addition to that being cold is known to lower our immune system, which it makes us even more vulnerable to infections. So by all means wear your hat!

3- Twinings of London Camomile, Honey & Vanilla Herbal Tea: Can't survive the winter without my tea.

4- Vitamins: * Emergen C The Original Formula: This is my much needed must-haves. Especially during the cold season. And wow! These little packages has helped me so many times to fight a cold. And if I take it on the first sign of a cold, it keeps me from either developing it, or lessens it's impact.

* D3 & K2: Great for the cold and flu, to improve energy, and to fight off the winter blues.

* Superior Source No Shot / Micro-lingual Vitamins: B12, B6, Folic Acid are all good for energy and fighting the blues. I take about 5,000 amount of B12 for my health needs. There are two that I take. I either take one or the other.

- Superior Source No Shot 1000 Mcg B12. I take up to 5 of these. If I don't take any other thing that contains vitamin b12.

 - Superior Source No Shot  1000 Mcg B12, B6 & Folic Acid. This one is super potent so one tablet at times is good enough.

5- Great Value Organic Raw Honey: Known for it's antiviral and antibacterial effects. I love the texture and flavor of this Walmart brand. It's not too thick, nor too light. And plus I find it being of better quality than other more expensive ones.

6- Ricola Cherry Honey Herb Throat Drop: Natural and super effective. I carry these in my bag. It has helped me with cough, congestion, and sore throat during the winter and when I have a cold. But amazingly it has worked also for my for seasonal allergies.

7- Arm & Hammer Simply Saline Nasal Mist: Heard that these if used everyday these can prevent a cold. Not sure, but hey is worth a try. It had helped my hubby and I for colds as it cleans the nasal passages. Also it is great for allergies. My husband can attest to that!

8- Homeopathic Cold/ Sinus Medicine From Newton: Took it during my cold. After a few drops in the morning and a few drops at night it helped with my cold symptoms. Start on a drop for those who are sensitive. It is pretty potent. So I had to reduce the amount.


Here are two more things that I have yet to try that I will be adding to my winter essentials:

9- Homeopathic Flu Care Medicine From Newton: I think it would be good to keep this one handy.

10- Happy Natural Light Therapy: Besides getting out in the sun I've been looking for something that will help with energy through the winter. Also I read how light therapy also helps with better mood.

Then I made my cup of camomile tea. I enjoyed having my favorite tea while watching an episode of the Wonder Woman classic.

Here I am cozy up with my favorite London herbal tea. Besides being so good for a cold, and to keep one-self warm and it also so relaxing.

Afterwards when I was done with my tea, I took my shoes off and cozy up some more while finish watching my show.

Since my laced up boots broke, I am resorting to wearing more dressy socks when I go out during this winter. And many times when I am lazy I just don't remove these until the next day. 

I'm excited to announce what will be coming soon to my shop:

GIFT BASKETS WITH Teas, Coffee, & Cookies and other Yummy Essentials

As well as: 

GIFT BASKETS WITH RETRO & VINTAGE GOODIES, ARTS & CREATIONS BY VICTRY

Have a tea cozy time!

Disclaimer:
I'm not in the medical field. These are my personal health things that I take. Please consult your health specialist before starting any new supplement. I didn't get paid for this post. Just sharing what I love and what has helped me. ❤

A Steampunk Dirndl Fashion Shoot!

Bonjour! It's great to be back to blogging and to post and talk about the things that I love! And while I was away in my little hiatus I still enjoyed finding and looking for inspiration which helped my creative juices keep on going. And when I would find something unique that inspired me I would stop dead on my tracks and would say "one day I would love to blog about this."

With no further ado, here is my latest stop ...

So I came across these lovely Dirndl outfits from Sportalm that had that Steampunk style. It's hard to pick a couple of things that I like from this particular ensemble because I pretty much love every single piece! To start, this Dirndl is absolutely gorgeous! The beautiful flower embroidery stand in contract with the silk black dress. I love how they added the silky green ribbon to the outfit. The purple flower choker is a lovely touch. And of course to tie everything together we can't forget the gorgeous top hat!

What is a Dirndl? Dirndl is German for a feminine traditional dress worn in Austria, South Tyrol, and Bavaria. The velvet flowery pink and green gloves are amazing! And the wool gray jacket with the green trim will keep any girl warm during the winter. According to Wikipedia, the winter style Dirndl has heavy, warm skirts and aprons made of thick cotton, linen, velvet or wool, and long sleeves. The colors are usually rich and dark.

Here is the same above outfit but without the jacket. You can appreciate the top laced corset with the purple ribbon. The green silky apron works so well with the gray dotted dress. The velvet flowery scarf with fringes particularly caught my attention. I thought for a minute that the fringes were the girls hair. My eyes tricked me! I truly haven't seen anything like it!

Did you know that the Dirndl had a humble beginning? Yes, the Dirndlgewand meaning maid's dress were worn in Austria by domestic workers during the 19th Century. Austrian upper classes adopted the dirndl as high fashion in the 1870's, making it a highly fashionable and popular must-have item to own.

The checkered top wool hat with the feather is pretty daring! Interestingly Dirndl also comes with checkered pattern designs. In this instance the checkered pattern was used part of an accessory. Who said you can't wear a jacket with elbow patches while wearing a pretty dress? I truthfully think it was a unique touch!

While looking at the detail of the outfit I noticed the opulent wooded furniture. This Steampunk inspired backdrop was perfect for this particular photo-shoot!

Here we can appreciate the gray vest with the puffs sleeve and the gray embroidery pipping, I'm not too crazy about the pink apron though. I do however love the dark wine velvety bottom, which at the last moment I was able to spot it. I wished we could see it better. I know I love the sharp contrast!

These two last ensemble is absolutely a work of art. The olive top hats are one of my favorites! I love the color combination: Olive, Red, Purple, and a little sprinkle of yellow here and there. Aren't the delicate puff sleeves with the flowers and green stems embroidery super cute? A perfect feminine touch I should say!

Have a fun & safe winter!


Photos used are from: https://www.sportalm.at.
Information of the history of the Dirndl: Wikipedia.

The Whimsical Nonostante Marras Shop!

If I ever go to Milan one of my first stop will be at the so whimsical Nonostante Marras Shop! I can't help but see myself renting this space for a Victorian party! I really don't understand why Barnes and Noble took all their comfy seats away? How much I miss seating on a comfy chair at that bookstore. But Italian's have it right! This fascinating and inviting concept shop was curated by fashion designer Antonio Marras.

This unique boutique has elements of this designer's fashion concept spread throughout his shop. If you ever seen Antonio's fashion show you will notice that the designer loves bold lines and colors. But on the other hand his design has also that Alice in Wonderland whimsical fantasy look to it.

Look Barnes and Noble comfy chairs! Very inviting. Me want to stay longer. The longer me stay the more books or magazines me want to take home.

Peeled wall paint. A great alternative to fresco walls!

Exposed ceiling beams adds that loft industrial feel. Again soft comfy chairs.

Rich red color against the white wall makes a fascinating contrast. Love the different mirrors!

I wish I could check the clothes rack! I could spot a few things that I would love to wear.

Gold and white is always so elegant!

Love the element of surprise.

Cute glass display. Great vintage pieces throughout the store!

The flowers are awesome! Great idea for a Spring wedding!

I'm totally inspired by this place!

Have I told you that Antonio's clothes designs are on my top list. When I see his fashion shows I get inspiration for my next shopping trip.

For more information on his boutique you may visit: http://www.nonostantemarras.it.

You can also visit Antonio's website to see his latest fashion shows and designs: http://www.antoniomarras.it/

Parisian Fashion at The Longchamp Racecourse

All eyes were always on Paris the fashion capital of the world. And what best way for designers to show their latest creations than at the Longchamp Racecourse, in Paris France!

Designers from different countries would sent models that would sport their latest designs. And many times the designers would even use store mannequins for their display. Back then fashion designers would use women of varying sizes to demonstrate variety in their designs. There were no such thing as measurement requirements. Wasn't that fantastic!

Vogue, June 1, 1914 / Longchamp Racecourse

The following photos are taken at the Longchamp Racecourse from 1910-1920. By then women clothes had still some Victorian elements in their design, but the less constrained Edwardian style was readily embraced by women everywhere.

I wondered how much these girls were paid to wear these fantastic clothes. I know that some celebrities now are paid hefty to wear a gown like to the Oscars. Some even around half a million of dollars. Good grief!!!

Times have really changed, well a little.

Source for all these amazing photos are provided by: Gallica Bibliothèque Numérique, and On Pins and Needles . Research information Wikipedia.

Edwardian Fashionable Hats

These beautiful Edwardian pictures were taken in 1911, a year before the Titanic. By that time hats were at their largest, often with the brim extending beyond the breadth of the wearer’s shoulders. Because these elaborate hats were so big the ladies had to use large hatpins to properly secure them to the head. Some people complain that these hats were too big and obtrusive especially in the theater or picture shows. Still high society women loved them and wore them for daytime events.

Also as you can see these Edwardian hats were decorated with feathers, laces, ribbons, flowers, tulle, bows. Coco Chanel used to call these hats "birds nests". I won't be surprised that many birds thought so as well!

Step back and enjoy!

Photo Credits: Klimbin from Dresscode Diary. Photos Dated: 1911. Research: Vintagedancer.Com & Vintagefashionguild.Org.