My son has returned from sleepaway camp, my daughter has finished her day camp, and the US Open has begun. Now back-to-school is just around the corner. It’s time to pack up the big stuff so I can relax these last few days with the warmth of the sun and surf out east in the Hamptons. Before we know it, my reality of wearing sneakers and flats will turn into heels and boots shortly after Labor Day when I’ll be back in the city again full-time, overseeing renovations at our Flagship location, and planning an exciting fall for the DASHA® community. But I can’t let August pass without sharing some of my favorite things!
BEAUTY – I have a big birthday coming up in 2015. (No, it’s not #25.) So I’m especially conscious about taking extra good care of my skin. And DASHA®’s partner, Russak Dermatology, offers a complimentary skin cancer screening to all DASHA® clients through the end of this year only. At any rate, my newest addiction was introduced to me while I was experiencing a moment of skin dehydration out east. This Unisex product, Luzern Serum Absolut v12, enhances your glow. It’s Vitamin C and an anti-aging/antoixodiant complex that diminishes fine lines and wrinkles, protects my skin from UV rays, and stimulates collagen and elastin for firmness.
FASHION – It’s NYC. We invented black. It’s versatile, chic, and perfect for going from day to evening in a pinch. Check out the Michael Kors tie-wait studded jersey jumpsuit – femininity, sexiness and elegance all-in one. A great wardrobe staple to be paired with colorful heels or flats, gold or silver jewelry, or fun bohemian pieces – you make it yours.
FOOD – This dessert is a recipe you will fall in love with – it has all of the sweetness with none of the bad ingredients. Your family and friends will devour it in no time:
Chocolate Zucchini Bread (courtesy of The Frosted Vegan)
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups sugar (a combo of granulated and agave will also work)
1 cup applesauce (one cup of mashed banana will also work)
2 flax eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour (check out King Arthur Flour)
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cinnamon
2 cups grated zucchini
1/3-1/2 cup non dairy milk
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, soda, salt and cinnamon in medium bowl, mix until combined. Add applesauce, flax eggs, vanilla, zucchini, non dairy milk and chocolate chips. Mix until just combined, ensuring all dry ingredients are mixed in. Grease two loaf pans (can also use only one as well, this would just result in a more dense loaf) and divide batter evenly between pans. Could also be scooped into a greased muffin tin as well. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Bread is done when knife or toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean.
COMMUNITY – My whole family has completed the #icebucketchallenge to raise funds for ALS. You can donate HERE. It is wonderful to see the entire country come together for such a good cause. Check out our challenge videos HERE and post your videos online to our FB page!
CULTURE – If you haven’t yet been to Governor’s Island in NYC, you are missing out! It’s the perfect outing for the end of the summer. A free ferry ride across the Hudson, plus biking, entertainment and picnics on this oasis of history in our great city. Click HERE to learn more.
DASHA® – Acupuncture is now being offered at the DASHA® Grand Central location. Be sure to take advantage now! Sleep better, reduce stress, indigestion and headaches, and live a pain-free life with this ancient Chinese medicine practice.
DASHA® wellness & spa is a luxury lifestyle brand and New York City-based wellness center created to offer a truly holistic approach to wellness. To learn more, visit dashawellness.com.
