Pocket Style

One of the most challenging aspects of trying to lose weight is staying in a good mood. In addition to following a balanced diet, which is often not very easy, it’s important to know which foods to choose to reduce cortisol and combat the stress that weight loss can bring.

Cortisol increases stress hormone levels and can affect both hunger and the desire to eat certain foods that are not recommended during the weight loss process, influencing appetite and especially sleep.

Foods for Weight Loss, Mood Boost, and Stress Relief

To avoid a vicious cycle that makes us eat more and feel nervous and irritated, we should try to balance essential nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, which provide a good feeling of satiety without sacrificing flavor. 

Choosing foods that support mood and discipline is also important.Certain foods, such as almonds, kiwi, arugula, and eggs, are highly recommended and can positively impact weight loss.

Kiwi

Low in calories and rich in water, kiwi contains nutrients that support the diet, such as vitamin C, one of the best food sources, and magnesium, which helps reduce stress hormone levels like cortisol. 

Kiwi also contains polyphenols that assist liver function and fiber that supports intestinal regulation. It’s an ideal fruit for combating stress while staying in shape.

Almonds

Almonds provide essential fatty acids and minerals, including magnesium, which is valuable for fighting bloating and bad mood. 

Almonds also contain nutrients beneficial for the nervous system. They increase the presence of tryptophan, an essential amino acid for serotonin synthesis, a hormone that affects appetite. Just a small portion added to breakfast or as a snack can boost the presence of this amino acid.

Eggs

Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein that helps build and maintain lean muscle mass. They also provide minerals like zinc and iodine, which combat stress, and choline, a precursor of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that contributes to a good mood.

Arugula

Arugula enhances the diet with prebiotic fibers that promote a balanced gut flora, which plays a fundamental role in serotonin production (the “happiness hormone”) and short-chain fatty acid production, which has anti-inflammatory effects. It slows down the absorption of sugars and fats, making meals more satisfying.

Arugula also contains calcium, a valuable mineral for emotional health, as well as ascorbic acid and carotenoids that strengthen the immune system, help reduce the risk of certain cancers, and prevent premature aging due to their excellent antioxidant properties.

Chickpeas

Chickpeas supply B-complex vitamins, especially B1, B2, B5, and B9. Additionally, they offer complex carbohydrates, essential amino acids, and B-group vitamins, all of which boost the production of anti-stress hormones.

This article is dedicated to those seeking an original perfume that can leave a unique trail. Layering, along with Gourmand scents, is undoubtedly one of the essential olfactory techniques and a major trend.

To create scented layers, all you need is a little imagination and, of course, your nose. There are no imposed rules, but you need to “listen” to the fragrances to create the right blend.

You are about to discover everything about perfume layering, the art of combining fragrances for an intense and entirely personal effect.

What Does Layering Mean?

Layering is the technique of mixing fragrances together, creating layers, and thus allowing you to create a perfume that aligns with your personality. 

Known among perfumers as Layering, it allows you to have your own signature by mixing two or three types of perfumes, leaving a lasting impression.

In practice, new trends suggest that you can develop a unique scent by blending two or more perfumes. 

There's no strict rulebook for implementation, but the process relies on your senses to craft a fragrance tailored to you.

This is something we’ve all consciously or unconsciously done, layering one or more fragrances, or simply creating new mixes by combining body cream with one of our signature scents, for instance.

“Layering” refers to layering perfumes, but you can also choose to apply one fragrance to a specific area, such as the wrists, and another to a different area, like the neck or elbows—warm areas that release the best olfactory notes.

Why Layer Fragrances?

Layering scents is useful for creating a unique blend, tailored exclusively to us. It allows you to create a personalized olfactory signature that fully represents who you are.

This technique is especially recommended for people looking for a truly personal perfume, or for those who enjoy playing with the nuances of their own “signature scent,” the one fragrance they use for life.

Layering allows you to emphasize certain notes or even create new accords, modifying the base perfume according to your tastes and desires.

This technique is also ideal for “rescuing” a perfume you don’t like, one that might be too strong or too light. Notes like musk, for example, “lighten” fragrances, while stronger notes like patchouli add depth and longevity, even to lighter and more fleeting scents.

With Layering, it’s also possible to be inspired by Middle Eastern traditions, applying an oil-based perfume first and then spraying a classic alcohol-based fragrance on top.

This combination is effective because oily scents are particularly long-lasting but don’t project much, making them intimate and discreet. 

Their value lies in adhering perfectly to the skin, making them more durable while enhancing even the most delicate perfumes.

Similarly, you can also use solid perfumes, in a balm form, massaging them into the skin and then maximizing their effect by layering them with your favorite spray fragrance.

How to Layer Perfumes

As mentioned, there are no strict rules for layering. What guides us in this “Olfactory Adventure” is, naturally, our sense of smell and the feelings evoked by the fragrances.

However, to achieve a harmonious and satisfying mix, there are a few tips you can follow:

Don’t mix overly strong perfumes.

Fragrances with very strong characters can create an olfactory cacophony. For Layering to work well, the chosen scents should complement each other. Two dominant fragrances can be too much, so it’s better to avoid that.

Recognize the “base” perfume and its intensity.

Just like olfactory pyramids, richer notes like woody, resinous, and vanilla scents should be applied as the base to create a solid foundation for the layers. Over these, you can apply a lighter perfume, which will be enhanced and last longer.

Emphasize the olfactory nuances.

Does your favorite perfume have a spicy touch you adore? Pair it with a “solinote” fragrance that highlights that note you appreciate.

If one perfume has a stronger trail, apply it first. A good layering technique involves understanding perfume notes and how olfactory pyramids help you identify the most important notes of a fragrance. Feel the fragrance to its fullest and choose one that reflects the note you value most.

Citrus goes on top.

As mentioned, a harmonious layering follows the classic evolution of olfactory pyramids. Typically, citrus notes, as well as fresh florals like Neroli and Peony, are found in the top notes because they are lighter and more fleeting.

By layering them over a richer base fragrance, you’ll make them last longer and maximize their intensity.

Contrast or harmony? You decide!

A strong perfume can be softened with a touch of vanilla, just as a bright floral can become more mysterious when layered over a woody base. Similarly, you can create layers by pairing similar scents.

For instance, a perfume with moss, bergamot, or patchouli notes pairs well with an aromatic fragrance, while a fruity scent will stand out with a citrus touch.

Rely on specific aromas for olfactory layers.

The best tip is to experiment and have fun with fragrance layering. Don’t pressure yourself to follow rules. If you don’t like the result, you can always wash it off and try again another day.

Many of the most famous perfume brands, both artistic and designer, now cater to our needs by offering fragrance lines specifically designed for personalized mixing.

This allows us to create unique scents that represent us at our best without much effort. Sometimes combining fragrances can be tricky, and letting yourself be guided is a huge advantage.

Olfactory Families

Floral / Citrus / Woody / Fruity / Gourmand / Spices / Oriental

By mixing perfumes from the same olfactory family, we can create more complex scents that easily complement each other.

By jbanaggia 

 

Vitamin K is beneficial for health, especially for women, and can be obtained through some foods that we bring to the table every day. 

It is a fat-soluble vitamin essential for various functions, such as blood clotting, which prevents hemorrhages. It also stimulates calcium fixation in the bones, making it important for strengthening bones and preventing osteoporosis.

The primary form of vitamin K is K1, known as phylloquinone, which is found in dark-colored vegetables. Vitamin K2, or menaquinone, is produced by the intestinal microbiota and is present in some animal-based foods.

What to Eat to Obtain Vitamin K

Less famous than other vitamins, vitamin K is naturally present in dark-colored vegetables such as broccoli, kale, spinach, cabbage, lettuce, and other leafy greens. It is found in raw carrots and some fruits like kiwi, strawberries, grapes, avocado, and bananas.

In some animal-based foods, including eggs and cheeses, vitamin K is even better when combined in the same meal with a small portion of dried fruits, nuts, pistachios, or in oils rich in essential fatty acids that promote absorption.

Why We Shouldn't Skip Vitamin K in Our Meals

Fights Pain

Vitamin K is a valuable ally at the table in combating the onset of joint and muscle disorders, including back pain. Additionally, it is also useful for overall bone health because it participates in the assimilation of calcium, a valuable mineral for the skeleton.

Helps Circulation

It is beneficial for the proper functioning of blood circulation, helping to prevent swelling and heaviness, as well as major cardiovascular diseases, which are the leading cause of death worldwide, especially for women.

Regulates Menstrual Flow

Vitamin K is also useful in regulating heavy menstrual flow. It makes the blood less fluid and improves coagulation.

Acts on Blood Clotting

It forms proteins that help control bleeding, which are important for blood clotting. This prevents hemorrhages and promotes healing.

Promotes Cardiovascular Health

Vitamin K is related to the production of proteins that help prevent calcification or hardening of the heart arteries.

In addition to being present in food, vitamin K is also produced by the good bacteria that make up a healthy gut flora, being absorbed by the intestines along with food. 

Foods rich in vitamin K do not lose their properties when cooked; vitamin K is not destroyed by cooking methods.

By jbanaggia 

We can say that it's a challenging moment when we're in a restaurant where everything seems perfect—from the lighting to the soft music in the air. Then comes the moment when the sommelier appears and carefully places the wine list in front of you.

I believe many of us have experienced this, unless, of course, you're a sommelier yourself. There are those who give up immediately, think of something else to drink, or remain silent, accepting the suggestion of someone more experienced, who doesn't always share the same taste.

Some tips to help with the choice

What to say to the Sommelier

To start, don't be intimidated by the sommelier. Try to establish a dialogue; after all, they're there to help you. They genuinely don't care if you're a wine expert or not.

How to consult the wine list

Always consult the wine list, even if you're not a connoisseur. Over time, you'll learn to familiarize yourself with it and understand how it's structured: white, red, rosé, sparkling wines, and geographical areas.

Start with regions or territories you're more familiar with—it'll be easier. When you have some free time, try studying the wine list from a website or the specific restaurant.

Quality-price ratio

When the table is large and there are many wine enthusiasts, it's advisable to choose special formats or labels in advance.

For a table with more than eight people, a Magnum bottle (1.5 liters, or double the standard 0.75) is recommended, both for its value and better quality.

In the dreaded moment when the sommelier asks if you're ready, never say things like "help me" or "you choose"—this will be interpreted as a sign of discomfort. Instead, opt for a "let's choose together," which is more encouraging.

 Be clear from the start, and remember that the wine choice should be linked to the occasion and the mood of the moment.

It's always good to be guided by a professional you can trust. Provide them with precise indications of your tastes and, why not, the bottle's cost. If they're a serious professional, they will choose according to your wishes and the best value for your money.

If you frequent a restaurant often, you probably know the sommelier better and can agree on certain techniques or signals for when you order wine or champagne—not necessarily the most expensive, but memorable for the occasion. They will surely understand.

Usually, a good sommelier, when suggesting a label to the client, discreetly points to the price on the card to avoid unpleasant surprises.

If you have a small budget for wine on a particular night and don't want to order an expensive bottle, avoid phrases like "I'd like a light wine"—this diminishes your value. It would be more elegant to show the sommelier a wine with a price close to the amount you want to spend.

The sommelier will understand the signal you're sending and can suggest a label according to your spending capacity at that moment.

Don't be afraid if you're a beginner

If you're in a less formal situation, at a table with friends, and don't want to take on the task of choosing for everyone, establish a dialogue with the sommelier.

Don't fear judgment, and don't hold back from expressing yourself out of fear of saying something wrong—the sommelier is there to advise and guide the guests.

The goal of those in the restaurant is to ensure customers have an enjoyable evening. Many sommeliers are even happier with beginners, eager to satisfy all curiosities and help you discover new winemaking realities. So don't feel bad if you're just starting out in this incredible world of Bacchus.

Attitudes to avoid when ordering wines in a restaurant

Don't pretend to be an expert. Don't try to demonstrate knowledge you don't really have. This can lead to terrible embarrassment, like ordering a wine that doesn't pair well with the chosen dishes or selecting a very expensive wine.

Some myths

Nowadays, with less rigid menus, the pairing of red wines with meat and white wines with fish is being considered a myth. In many tastings, especially contemporary ones, more vegetables are served, with less fish and less meat.

Thus, the red/meat and white/fish dogma is no longer valid. It's better to always express your preferences without reservation and be guided in your choice.We can feel more at ease without worrying about committing any faux pas.

Don't get hung up on the alcohol content of a wine

This concept is also obsolete. The alcohol content in some vintages has decreased compared to what's stated on the label.

Wine pairing

Nowadays, in some restaurants, it's allowed to drink wine by the glass instead of ordering a whole bottle. Different wines paired with different dishes on the menu, which have, of course, already been tested by the restaurant's team.

This allows us to enhance our experience in the world of wine and put some tricks and knowledge into practice.

If you've had a long day and are going to the restaurant to lift your spirits, tell the sommelier—they will strive to make you spend a few carefree hours.

By jbanaggia 

Micro-trends are meant to last only a few weeks. Months go by, seasons change, and cargo pants are still the leading protagonists.

An iconic piece of early 2000s fashion, this year they remain on the list of trends to follow. Talk of them began in 2021, but only now have they exploded onto city streets.

New Bets

After low-rise waists, micro tops, and full denim looks, it's time for cargo pants. After taking their first steps on the runways, timidly testing the 2023 market, they have now won the hearts of fashionistas and are everywhere.

Due to their large side pockets, they have always been associated with sporty looks, meant for our leisure time.

However, cargo pants have hidden potential, and by choosing the most versatile models and wearing them with care, you can showcase them in countless other occasions with ease.

The Best Cargo Pants Seen on the Runways

Top fashion brands brought forth a functional proposal where the pockets are not only useful for storing everything you need, but also for adding volume and decorating the legs.

Some brands opted for colorful prints with patterns of flowers, stars, and moons that stand out on pastel yellow fabric, reminiscent of children's drawings.

For those seeking more deluxe versions, we can find them in shantung silk or the texture of tweed.

More fluid versions like satin silk, which has an elegant drape, were also highlighted—wider pants with side pockets with a nighttime connotation, paired with jackets or knitwear.

Many other variations appeared, such as denim and military patterns. Choose your favorite; all signs point to them remaining in style for quite some time.

By jbanaggia 

Image credit: Diesel 

Image credit: Blumarine

Image credit: Collina Strada

If you think decorating the Christmas tree is just another pastime, prepare to change your mind. According to science, those who decorate the Christmas tree early are happier than average.

Christmas and the period leading up to it evoke strong emotions and feelings in people. Some people love it excessively, while others, for more or less conscious reasons, feel sad or suffer. This is because this period can release feelings and needs that we often don't want to show.

Recalling Childhood

Christmas reminds us of our childhood, the happy moments with family, smiles, and hugs that remain imprinted in our minds and hearts.

According to psychologist Steve McKeown, those who decorate their homes early help to bring back the child within them and are typically those who can better live out their emotions.

He asserts that putting up the Christmas tree sets aside the stress of adult life, has the power to multiply enthusiasm, and makes us feel like children again.If you haven't done so yet, it's time to decorate your tree and relieve stress.

Hanging Christmas decorations and admiring them later immediately increases the happiness hormone, dopamine.

Decorating the House

By decorating our front door, we transmit more sympathy and solidarity. A study in the Journal of Environmental Psychology revealed that outdoor Christmas decorations make us seem more pleasant and sociable, and perhaps Christmas can bring us new friends.

The Christmas atmosphere reconnects us with loved ones, especially through decorations in our homes, creating a connection and helping us feel closer to them and relive past moments together.

All these positive feelings will only make us feel better, happier, and enhance our daily well-being.

Finally, we have a good explanation to show off our beloved Christmas decorations early without fear of being seen as excessive, even if you put a giant Santa Claus next to your tree.

As for the best time to take down the tree and Christmas decorations, tradition says to wait until the arrival of the Three Wise Men on January 6th, 12 days after Christmas.

In reality, there are no rules or studies on the matter, so enjoy the season, follow your heart, and if the date and family tradition bring comfort and happiness, that's what we should follow.

By jbanaggia

Brunello Cucinelli's great dream is to spread belief in humanistic capitalism, which makes the value of the human person paramount, conferring the same moral and economic dignity.

The famous fashion entrepreneur, nicknamed the "King of Cashmere" is one of the most recognized personalities in the world of "Made in Italy."

"The great dream of my life has always been to work for the moral and economic dignity of human beings."

The Beginning of His Dream

Born on September 3, 1953, in Castel Rigone (Perugia), Italy, Brunello Cucinelli, after graduating as a surveyor, enrolled in engineering school but decided to interrupt his studies at the beginning of the course. His dream was different, and he began to realize it in 1978 at just 25 years old.

He decided to found a small company specializing in dyeing cashmere. His desire, in fact, was to develop and expand the dream of a capitalism that valued human beings, and this is a fundamental element of Brunello Cucinelli's personality, which largely determines the success of his business.

As a child, he watched his father work in a difficult environment, and this experience led Brunello to develop the dream of a sustainable concept and impose his activity following a principle: "Moral and Economic Dignity of the Human Being."

"I still have in my senses the smell, the sounds, and the lights of the peasant life in which I was born. We were a family of thirteen people, living in the countryside in Castel Rigone on a rustic farm surrounded by fields, orchards, and woods. This life was like a small world because it contained within it the germ of all the fundamental things of existence."

Brunello moved to Solomeo (Umbria region) in the early eighties, where he treated it like a blank canvas, within which he could bring to life the first and perhaps one of the most successful examples of the business citadel.

In 1985, he bought the ruined 14th-century castle in the village and made it the heart of his corporate vision. The village became a true laboratory in which Brunello Cucinelli's idea of humanistic capitalism gradually took shape and became the headquarters of his company.

"I believe in a form of contemporary humanistic capitalism where the right profit is achieved by trying to harm creation and humanity as little as possible. I like to think of inclusive sustainability of material and spiritual values, in a concrete place where the environment, economy, culture, technology, spirit, and morality coexist, complementing the concept of Human Sustainability."

Years later, this philosophy even captivated the imagination of major Silicon Valley CEOs and other large corporations, such as Amazon (owned by Jeff Bezos).

The Success of the Brand

Due to its commercial success, the Brunello Cucinelli brand enjoys significant momentum in putting its entrepreneurial vision into practice. Thanks to an increasingly globalized market, its products reach a diverse audience, sparking interest from a growing public.

In 2010, the Brunello and Federica Cucinelli Foundation was founded with the intention of spreading and realizing the ideals that fueled the humanistic aspiration of Solomeo.

Programs born within the organization aim to support all initiatives that improve knowledge, protection of the territory and monuments, the values of tradition, spiritual values, and daily human values.

The values of his peasant family origin are found in this new appreciation of the land, reaffirming its crucial role for humans and a more sustainable conception of the economy.

Awards and Achievements

As proof of the merit of his entrepreneurial concept, Cucinelli was named Knight of Labor by the President of the Republic Giorgio Napolitano in 2010.

Internationally, there are many awards that are significant attestations of esteem, including the Global Economy Prize, awarded by the German government.

Additionally, Brunello Cucinelli was awarded an honorary degree in Philosophy and Ethics from the University of Perugia, also in 2010.

With excellent quality products made in Italy, the name Cucinelli began to go beyond national borders. The company started producing clothing and accessories for the most popular luxury brands on the international scene.

In 2012, the entrepreneur took his business to the Milan Stock Exchange, hoping to spread his belief in humanistic capitalism.

In 2013, Brunello Cucinelli founded the Solomeo School of Arts and Crafts after financing the construction of the Arts Forum, a cultural center that includes a theater, meditative spaces, and the Neohumanistic Academy.

In 2014, Cucinelli presented the Beauty Project, which allowed the construction of three large parks in the valley at the foot of the village of Solomeo:

The Agricultural Park, The Lay Oratory Park, and The Industrial Park. These green areas, with trees, orchards, and meadows, reclaim part of the land once occupied by old disused factories.

"I love the light mysticism that permeates this my Umbria, that mysticism that belonged to Assisi himself (referring to Saint Francis of Assisi), a lover of beauty and simplicity. I am proud to be Umbrian, proud of my passion for philosophy and restoration and for everything that helps restore beauty and dignity to things buried by human neglect under the dust of time."

When in 2016 an earthquake in central Italy destroyed the monastery of the Church of Norcia, Brunello offered to finance its reconstruction.

He sold 6% of his shares to donate $100 million to charity in 2018. In the same year, the University of Messina awarded Brunello a PhD in Philosophy Honoris Causa.

Forbes ranked Cucinelli in 2018 in 33rd place among the richest men in Italy, estimating his assets at 1.5 billion euros.

Brunello Cucinelli's Private Life

Married to Federica Benda since 1982, a woman he fell in love with when young and destined to be known as the love of his life, they have two daughters, Camila Cucinelli and Carolina Cucinelli.

An avid reader and strongly passionate about Classical philosophy, Brunello reads every day to keep his mind alive and draw inspiration from the great pasts.

To allow his employees to develop their own inclinations and focus on continued education, an accessible library can be found on the company's premises.

Cucinelli makes his passion for books very clear in his biography:

"Every wise man loved books: Emperor Hadrian considered libraries the barns of the soul; Pliny the Elder thought that in libraries spoke the immortal souls of ancestors; Medicine of the Soul was written at the entrance of King Osimandia's library in Egypt."

Brunello believes in the strength of the family and thinks it is important that it stands behind the business, hoping his company will survive for a hundred, two hundred years. Family value is very strong for him, as it conveys love for the future.

By jbanaggia 

Accessories can undoubtedly make your look much more special, especially when they are both elegant and casual. This summer season is no different—they are everywhere.

Universally loved, they make the simplest summer outfits look more special. They are on the streets of New York and Europe, becoming objects of desire for stylish people to pair with their looks in a fun way during these hot days.

The trend brings bags, sunglasses, shell-shaped pendants, earrings, headscarves, among others. If you want to know more, stay tuned.

I have made a small list of the accessories that have become highlights and are the big trend this summer.

For you to include in your looks   

Raffia Tote Bags

Raffia bags this summer are extra large, chic, and elegant. They can hold many things and give your look a light feel.

Headscarves

Headscarves are perfect complements that go well with elegant outfits and are being widely used by influencers and celebrities.

In Paris, some people are using them tied to their bags or even on their wrists together with bracelets or watches.

Cord Necklaces

Necklaces made of waxed cord or leather are being used with pendants of various shapes. It’s worth mixing a larger one with a smaller one and wearing them together. They can be long or short like chokers.

Metal Frame Sunglasses

Celine’s metal frame sunglasses became a hit last year, and this year other brands have adopted this trend. Metal frame sunglasses are everywhere. They match any look and suit everyone.

Accessories with Sea Shell Motifs

They can be earrings, pendants, or even bracelets, or all of them together—it’s summer, after all. They go well with swimsuits, dresses, skirts, shorts, and can range from costume jewelry to more sophisticated pieces.

Vanity Bags

One of the biggest trends of the season, they have an authentic style that pairs well with both casual and sophisticated styles. They can be used daily or for events. In some brands, this model has gone viral and is sold out.

Whatever your favorite accessory is, invest in pieces that elevate your look in a light, elegant, and fun way.