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Motivations for taking a trip—vacation if you prefer—and where to go, vary all over the map. Mostly they are related to the individual and to one’s desire to get away, to change the environment, or to ignore problems or conditions that exist. To escape the mundane world for a bit.

Ah, but where to go, what to do, what to see? Once again, this decision is personal. For some, just relaxing is the object of the exercise. Chase the sun to Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico – who cares. Just lie on a beach, eat well, and finish the novel. A more anxious person may assemble an educational trip; to the Louvre or the Hermitage, or maybe touring the splendid architecture of medieval castles and churches so predominant in Europe. We can’t rule out nature as a possibility. Wild beasts in Africa, mountain ranges in Switzerland and Argentina, as well as jungle creatures along the Amazon.

Cruise ships and river boats have been tossed into the mix as of late. These vacations reflect a number of motivations and afford the opportunity to shop, visit, and experience a variety of cultures. Here one can move into the lodging once and still visit a large number of cities.

I’ve probably been too general in my overview, so now it’s your turn. What is your motivation—your desire? What do you look forward to? What do you hope to bring back? What stories will you tell to friends on your return? Got yours? Now here is mine.

Barb and I enjoy the freedom of choice. We wander a great deal, spending more time in places and areas we find enjoyable and stopping only briefly in places where we feel uneasy or uncomfortable. Another very gratifying experience for me is communicating with the people who live and work in the areas we visit. Language is often a barrier, but it is human nature to talk, to share, and to explain, especially to visitors to your own area. We love to immerse ourselves in their culture and to hear their stories or observations. If we ask their opinion of Americans, we usually get interesting feed-back. Let me share a couple of my experiences with you.

One conversation which always makes me chuckle was with a Brit well outside of London. He spoke about Americans’ ability or desire to rearrange or adjust tings. This is a near quote.

“Should a group of five Brits enter a theater just as the feature started and see no seats together, they would disburse, sitting separately about the theater. If such an American group arrived they would readjust the entire seating capacity of the theater until they had five seats together in a good location.”

On another occasion we were touring China with a group. We visited the soldiers at Xian and were heading back. We passed through a tiny village, and I asked the tour guide if it was possible to see how the people lived. We stopped, and the guide politely asked the villagers if we could take a look. Overjoyed, they agreed, and we visited a tiny town. Looked in houses, saw where they purchased goods, watched them garden, all with smiles and nods from both visitors and residents.

Once I talked at length with a police officer in a medium-large German city. I spoke of crime and how it manifested itself in the United States, and he shared with me what it was like in his city as well. He spoke of drugs, of gangs, of petty theft, or major corruption. I was surprised how similar his stories were to the things I read here in the states.

I admit being captivated by the wild animals loose outside our safari vehicles in Africa. Also, by the magnificent structures of the medieval churches in Europe, and by their art and sculptures. The mysteries of the Asian continent and their milling throngs of people entrance me. But, it is the interaction with individuals I find the most exciting and interesting as I travel. We humans share characteristics regardless of where we are raised. Deep down we all share the same feelings, the same desires, and the same goals. These features become apparent as I collect Stamps In My Passport.

As the next presidential election nears, unemployment will be a topic frequently discussed. Monthly, then weekly reports as to the percentages of workers holding full or part time jobs will become fodder for heated political debates, as each candidate will claim their plan to be the best one to solve the problem of unemployment in America.

Is there a real answer to the “jobs” problem, and if so, what is it? Yes, there is, but it’s one you’ll never hear from politicians. It is a mix of new-school and old-school thinking, and the good news is, if you are unemployed or underemployed, by adopting ideas suggested here and by taking the following steps, your days of unemployment will soon end…

1) Realize that the one person with the most control of your destiny is you.

2) Don’t think “Job.” Be creative and think, “How can I generate income?”

3) Realize that your past does not determine your future; that you have more choices now than ever before, and that opportunity is everywhere.

4) If you need money immediately, sell something on Craigslist—it costs nothing to do so. You can even start your own business today on sites like Ebay.

5) Realize that knowledge, ability, skill and ambition are what matter most in today’s marketplace. You can learn how to do just about anything for free online today—except the ambition part.

6) Forget the idea that more college or an advanced degree will guarantee you a job, because it won’t, and don’t think that not having a degree has to hold you back. Great ideas, passion and ambition can well compensate for the lack of any degree. Don’t believe it? Just ask three college drop-outs: Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, how they did it!

7) Prove to an employer you would be valuable to their business. Offer to work for free for 30 days, and make yourself invaluable to the company.

8) Recognize that many others have become successful with fewer advantages than what you have today. If you have your health, you have an advantage. If you speak English, you have an advantage. If you can read, you have an advantage. If you have transportation and a phone, you have an advantage. If you have access to a computer and the internet, you have a huge advantage.

Finally, believe in yourself and take full responsibility for your own destiny. Recognize those advantages, add up your “pluses,” and start from where you are. Never accept the idea that you are a victim of circumstance. Realize the truth so eloquently stated by Viktor Frankl when he said, “Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space lies our freedom and power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and freedom.”

Lucky us. Each week this month delivers the best of California farms, making us the envy of other states in the nation. Between truckloads of just-picked corn; vine-ripened tomatoes, sugar-sweet red strawberries, and juicy watermelon; eggplant, peppers, and green beans, each of my Saturday mornings begins with a trip to the ATM. With all the irresistible produce at the farmers’ market it’s easy to shop like the 1%…on a pauper’s budget.

Even though most of us limit kitchen-duty during the summer, that doesn’t stop Californians from entertaining with plenty of barbecues and picnics. Depending upon who’s in charge, though, this could be a good thing or a bad thing. A few tubs of preservative-laden side-dishes from the warehouse store do not a party make.

We’ve all been to those potlucks where you’re faced with a big bowl of over-cooked fusilli dotted with chopped ripe olives and shredded carrots or some other crazy jumble of unidentifiable chopped vegetables, all drowning bottled salad dressing. I usually take a small spoonful to be polite and then move on down the buffet line, silently praying for something better. The easiest way to avoid starvation at these affairs is to leave that bottle of wine at home—the host probably has plenty already—and bring something delicious to eat.

So here it is–one of my standby recipes for summer parties. I have been making versions of this salad for years, and always seem to receive compliments and recipe requests. And I never tire of it. (The salad. Or the compliments.)

In addition to actually tasting good and being moderately healthy, this salad has definite “curb appeal”—fresh and seasonal vegetables, with bright colors reminiscent of the Italian flag. It is so appealing in its simplicity, in fact, that I usually serve it on a large rimmed platter instead of in a bowl…just because it provides more surface to admire.

In order to keep the salad looking its best, try to assemble it only a few hours before serving. Conveniently, however, the various components can easily be prepared a day or two in advance. Whenever your kitchen is cool.

Pasta Salad 2.0
8 ounces fresh haricotsvert or other thin green beans, trimmed
12 ounces refrigerated or frozen cheese-filled pasta, such as tortelloni or tortellini*
8 ounces vine-ripened cherry tomatoes, halved if large
Yogurt Vinaigrette (recipe follows) or salad dressing of choice

1. Set a big bowl of ice water near the stove.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the haricotsvert and let the water return to a boil. Cook for 1 to 3 minutes (depending upon the size of the beans) just until they are bright green and crisp-tender. Remove the beans with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge them into the bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and set the color. When cool, lift the beans out of the water with a slotted spoon and drain in a colander. Add more ice to the bowl of water.

3. Once again bring the same pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions. Remove the pasta with the slotted spoon and plunge into the bowl of ice water. When it is cool, drain well in a colander.

4. To serve: In a large bowl, combine the green beans, pasta, and cherry tomatoes. Add just enough Yogurt Vinaigrette to moisten, usually about 1/4 cup.(Start small, and add more dressing if needed. You want the dressing to coat the ingredients only enough to glisten.)Serves 8 as part of a buffet.

*I recently made this using store-bought ravioli filled with creamy ricotta cheese and Sicilian lemon zest. Oh yeah.

Yogurt Vinaigrette
A number of variables determine how much dressing the salad will require, and it seems I always have some left over. But that is actually a bonus. In addition to being a terrific all-purpose salad dressing, this makes an excellent marinade for chicken, and the perfect finishing touch to drizzle over any cooked veggies.

2 heaping tablespoons plain yogurt
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon local honey
1 large garlic clove, minced or crushed through a press
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, such as Tabasco
1/3 cup California olive oil

In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and hot pepper sauce. Whisk gently to mix. Gradually whisk in the oil until well blended. Taste, adding more salt if needed. Use at once, or cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

The Danville Certified Farmers’ Market, located at Railroad and Prospect, is open every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. For specific crop information call the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association at s1-800-949-FARM, or visit their web site at www.pcfma.com. This market is made possible through the generous support of the Town of Danville. Please show your appreciation by patronizing the many fine shops and restaurants located in downtown Danville. Buy fresh. Buy local. Live well!

Woman in Gold is a fascinating true story. I learned some history, some legal, a bit of negotiating and a whole lot about social injustice. Most of all I learned that, at times, justice does prevail. Occasionally, a wrong gets turned into a right.

Woman in Gold isn’t just another Nazi movie and it’s not really about the millions of Jews who were annihilated. It’s about the cultural and financial rape and pillage of a specific group of people.

The movie opens in America decades after World War II, where Maria Altmann’s (Helen Mirren) only sister had passed away. After reading her sister’s will, Maria finds out her family’s painting was stolen by Hitler’s government controlling Austria during World War II. Her family had commissioned famous Austrian painter Gustav Klimt to paint a portrait of Maria’s Aunt Adele. Maria decides she wants to fight to get the painting back and asks her friends son, a lawyer named Randol (Ryan Reynolds), to help.

At first, Randol isn’t excited about the case, but he discovers the painting is worth $100 million. Randol convinces his firm to let him take on the case because of the worth of the painting. So hurt from what happened in Austria, Maria is resistant to going back, but Randol finally convinces her she must go back in order to fight for the painting that was such a big part of her family heritage.

The two arrive in Vienna and each street reminds Maria of her past. Flashbacks to growing up in the family home with Aunt Adele come to Maria as she walks the familiar streets.

Maria and Randol are approached by a young man who had seen in the newspaper that Maria was speaking at the art restoration forum. The man tells them that he can help with the project, even though it will be very difficult to go against the government. The young man is able to introduce them to someone who works at the Belvedere Palace, where the painting has been on display for years and has become a national treasure known as “The Lady in Gold”.

While the government officials tell them they absolutely cannot have the painting back they, over time, methodically go about uncovering wills and documents that eventually support their case against the Austrian government.

There are so many complexities to this film, in my book it’s a must see. I can’t even begin to understand what makes one group of people hate another group of people so very much.

But, I’m here to say, through so much pain and agony, this story is triumphant. I guess I can tell you that Maria and Randol eventual win. The decision brought approximately $325, 000,000 in paintings back to the rightful heirs of the Blauer-Bloch family and a cultural foundation was created with the money. They won at least partial restitution.

Strangely enough, the morning after I watched this movie, I opened my emails to a piece of spam. As I read, my stomach literally churned. This piece was anti-sematic hate at its most abhorrent. I was terribly disturbed by its content but then I was reminded that mankind is a work in progress and we can never let our guard down against hate in any form.

I invite your comments at chastings@rockcliff.com.

There is always a need to dine finely, and in our quaint corner of the bubble, there are quite a few choices to make when the occasion calls for white linen tablecloths and place settings with more than one fork. As some of you may recall, I have had a couple of our local upscale eatery’s as my home from the management side of things, but my love for our topic today goes deeper.

Let’s take a trip back to 1993. I have always wondered if Bridges is tired of living and re-living that year, but then I put back on my managers coat and realize that the type of publicity they received that year may very well still be putting people in the seats today. Heck, if you won a gold medal in the 1990s Olympics, wouldn’t you still be proud of showing it off today?

I was one of those community college kids a year out of high school taking up valuable space at the smoking booths in Lyons Coffee Shop on a nightly basis. We would spend our time flapping our gums about how misunderstood we were and how nothing ever happens in this town.

Then one night, right down the street there was a great to-do happening. There were big lights, and security blocking the driveway to Bridges every late night for quite a few days. We would huddle around as close to the tape as possible to try and catch a glimpse of Robin Williams in action, and then the movie was released. There was our small town represented by some serious Hollywood names on the big screen, and they didn’t even change the name of the restaurant. Oh yeah, and Lori Hales back of the head had a cameo—she was my girlfriend in first grade—BOOYA!

But the story doesn’t stop there, and for very good reason. Bridges could have enjoyed their 15 minutes of fame and slipped off into oblivion, but they did the un-thinkable. They built off of their good fortune and created something else to talk about and revisit for years: A superb product with amazing people!

The reason that Bridges stands out to me is simple—they have fine dining down to an art form, but wrapped up in a cozy local tavern feel. As soon as you enter the property with a vine covered trellis and natural granite waterfall you feel calmer than you did when you got out of the car. Then you see it, arguably the best patio in the area. Inside is soft lighting and hard surfaces, softened by the décor of linen, glass and pictures of bridges. You feel oddly sheik but comfortable, even on a budget. That’s their thing: you don’t need to take a second out on the house to dine here. Their happy hour in the bar is ALL DAY and the $29 three course Prix Fixe menu is inspired. But honestly there is zero sticker shock here.

Executive Chef and Partner Kevin Gin is California educated, French trained, and Japanese inspired and brings all of this to the menu at Bridges. The “Partner” piece carries a lot of weight. You want that kind of ownership in a Chef. Along with Wine Director David Gibson, they have created more than a night/day out—they have created an experience—the type of experience that reveals what food and wine is supposed to be about.

Mrs. Doubtfire may have put Bridges on the map, but they decided to make the most of it, and that they did. They have created a private club feel available to everybody that comes through the door.

Whether you are there for Happy Hour, lunch or to close a major job prospect while also satisfying your family time under two different genders, you will be treated as though you are family and will leave looking forward to your return.

44 Church St, Danville, California 94526
(925) 820-7200

Dear SSHS,
Friends of ours are divorcing and my husband and I are having trouble navigating the sticky terrain of maintaining our friendship with both of them. She and I were friends first and then we introduced our husbands who really like each other. Now I worry about offending my friend when we have her ex-husband and his new girlfriend over. What’s the protocol? — BFF, Walnut Creek

She Said: This is a sticky situation, but one we’re seeing more and more. On the one hand, why do you have to invite the new couple over at all when you know it will hurt your friend’s feelings? Let the guys get together when they want to see each other. Your friend may be feeling displaced, and we girls gotta stick together. On the other hand, things change and it’s always good to cultivate new friendships. Just make sure you’re not announcing that you’re entertaining the new couple, and certainly don’t share what a good time you had. And absolutely never tell your friend how much she’d like the new woman. She would not.

He Said: To quote the great American philosopher Rodney King, “Why can’t we all just get along?” I never quite understood why divorces have to extend beyond the two people getting divorced. Good friendships are difficult to come by nowadays and usually take years to cultivate, so they shouldn’t be thrown away because your friend and her husband are no longer together. That being said, I agree with Robin that your husband should continue to stay friends with the ex and you should stay loyal to your friend. Don’t befriend the “new woman” and if you do, realize that it will come at the cost of alienating your friend, and you can’t blame her one bit for being upset with you.

Dear HSSS,
What is the best way to introduce people to my significant other at parties or business conferences? We are not married, but introducing him as my boyfriend sounds ridiculous at my age.

— Label-less, Lafayette

She Said: How about, “Hi everyone, I’d like you to meet _____” (fill in blank with his name). Why do we feel the need to make everyone else comfortable by identifying our relationships? If you really need something, you could say “partner” or if you’re in a committed relationship, I suppose you could say fiancé, but that could bring up even more unwanted questions. Just say his name – leave ‘em guessing.

He Said: If you really think that introducing someone as your boyfriend is ridiculous at your age, then you shouldn’t be dating this person. It’s your own insecurities that are driving you to feel self-conscious about having a boyfriend at your age. I would enjoy the fact that you found someone to spend time with and don’t worry so much about the label. If you are truly happy with your relationship choices, then it won’t matter if you call him your boyfriend, partner, friend, roommate, etc. But if you’re unsure of whether you are boyfriend and girlfriend to begin with, then that’s a whole different topic we should discuss.

Robin Fahr is a public relations specialist and co-host with Shawn Shizzo on Conversations and He Said/She Said seen daily on Tri-Valley TV, Channel 30 and online at trivalleytv.org. You can also catch He Said/She Said on The Talk Pod. Send your questions to www.AskHeSaidSheSaid.com.

Throughout the medical and dental professions there are numerous courses given by suppliers of various devices for treatment of many medical problems, including Obstructive Sleep Apnea. After a two day course the doctor is assured he or she is qualified to deliver the device to their patients with great expectations of increased practice income.

Over the last five years, my office at Advanced Oral Diagnosis and Treatment Center, has delivered close to 600 dental sleep appliances with overwhelming records of success. This success did not come as a result of a two day course; it came from years of study and practice, plus a sizable investment in the purchase and continued training in the use of the Acoustic Pharyngometer and Rhinometer.

With this device, a visual reproduction of the airway is produced so that both the patient and I can see the obstructions and watch them be reduced when the jaw is properly placed. It can also show me if a dental device will not work and when the obstruction may require other treatment options, including surgical intervention. This demonstration (that an oral appliance wouldn’t be effective) has only occurred three times in my office, and the surgical results were great with the side effect of making the patient more attractive by bringing the chin forward.

The Rhinometer test results can prove the need for clearing of the nasal passages. Recent research in physiology has clearly proven that nasal respiration is very important to one’s health, to the extent that some of the researchers began taping their mouths closed to break the habit of sleeping with their mouth open. I merely refer the patient to an ENT with the print out of the rhinometry report and have them discuss treatment options to open up those airways.

Without the use of an echopharyngometer, the practitioner can only guess if the oral appliance would be effective, and the results are by chance. Every patient is asked to do a follow up sleep study once the patient is happy with the appliance. Our results have been incredible in many cases. One severe case went from 78 sleep disturbances per hour to only three.

It has taken years for the dental sleep appliance to become accepted by the medical profession. Originally, the CPAP, which stands for continuous positive airway pressure, was the only acceptable method of treatment. One big problem with this method is patient compliance. In my own case, the mask and the air flow greatly interfered with my sleep. I heard about oral appliance therapy and tried seven different types of appliances, some of which were downright painful. I finally settled on the SomnoDent appliance. Half of my practice is the treatment of TMJ disorders and I found this appliance to be the most friendly to patients with TMJ.

If you or someone you know would like to look into this method of treating OSA, a complimentary appointment may be made by calling 925-837-8048.

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Q. I recently read in a gardening book that coffee grounds should not be used in compost piles as they may be toxic to some plants. We have access to a lot of coffee grounds and I’d love to use them in the garden. Are they too acidic?

A. Oregon State University Extension Service has found that coffee grounds are beneficial to plants. Cindy Wise, coordinator of the compost specialist program at the Lane County office says, “Coffee grounds by volume have about two percent nitrogen, and are a safe substitute from the pathogens concerns when using animal manure in a compost pile.” The grounds provide all the necessary bacteria needed to turn organic matter into compost. Contrary to popular belief, she also has found that coffee grounds are not acidic. Instead, the grounds are close to pH neutral, between 6.5 and 6.8 after brewing. The acidity in the beans is mostly water-soluble, so it leaches into the coffee we drink. Coffee grounds can be used in several different ways in a garden. Besides a compost pile, they’re used as a soil amendment and mixed into the native soil when planting new ornamentals. They’re used as a mulch when mixed with other materials and spread around landscape plants and in open areas.

Un-composted coffee grounds will use up the available nitrogen when encouraging the growth of microbes in the soil: hence, it’s important to feed plants often with Dr. Earth All Purpose fertilizer or similar product while the microbes are breaking down the grounds. This will prevent the plants from turning yellow from a nitrogen deficiency. Coffee grounds can be added to both active and passive compost piles. In an active compost pile, one that is turned often and creates heat, layering one part dry leaves to one part fresh grass clippings to one part coffee grounds, by volume is recommended. When turned weekly, the compost will be ready in three to six months. You can add coffee grounds, to an existing pile but be sure add an equal amount of high carbon (brown) source, such as dry leaves, straw or strip of paper to balance right. We’re looking a fifty-fifty ratio between the green and brown components. Oregon State University Extension has had some issues with poor seed germination when using in un-composted coffee grounds in the seed trays or flats so it may be wise to avoid them in this occurrence.

Coffee grounds are readily available and you should make prior arrangements with a neighborhood coffee shop to collect grounds. I’d provide them with a clean five-gallon bucket with a lid. Label the bucket with your name and telephone number on the bucket and lid and then pick it up at the shop’s convenience. Coffee grounds may be stored in large plastic bags for future use but only if they’re to use in an active compost pile. They may develop a mold that disappears in the composting process. And yes, the paper coffee filters may be composted with the grounds.

Buzz Bertolero is Executive Vice President of Navlet’s Garden Centers and a California Certified Nursery Professional. His web address is www.dirtgardener.com and you can send questions by email at dirtgarden@aol.com or to 360 Civic Drive Ste. ‘D’, Pleasant Hill, Calif. 94523 and on Facebook at Facebook.com/Buzz.Bertolero

The Rotator Cuff muscles (four muscles in total) are the primary support structures for the shoulder. Therefore, even minor dysfunction associated with these muscles can create pain and decreased performance of everyday tasks. A Rotator Cuff injury can be caused by many everyday activities. These activities include traumatic events (e.g. fall on an outstretched arm, “yanking” of the arm), repetitive motion (e.g. throwing a ball, carrying children) and chronic improper posture (e.g. operating a computer, driving).

There are three major types of Rotator Cuff injuries that we treat successfully:

1. Rotator Cuff Muscle Tears: This is a partial tear of one or more of the four Rotator Cuff muscles. Rotator Cuff muscle tears are often accompanied by deep achy pain in the shoulder and arm weakness.
2. Tendonitis: Tendons are at the ends of each muscle and attach the muscles to the bones they move. When there is inflammation of these tendons it is called Tendonitis. The symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tendonitis are often trigger point pain over the tendon accompanied by deep, achy pain in the shoulder and arm weakness.
3. Rotator Cuff Impingement Syndrome: Chronic injury of the Rotator Cuff can lead to a “pinching” of the nerves passing through the shoulder. This is commonly referred to as a Shoulder Impingement or Rotator Cuff Impingement. Symptoms often include numbness, tingling or sharp, shooting pain into the arm or hand.

HOW DO I HEAL MY SHOULDER PAIN?

The most common forms of medical treatment for Rotator Cuff injuries are anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections and surgery. Although meds and injections may reduce the severity of pain associated with rotator cuff dysfunction, they are not a long-term solution and may do more bodily harm than good in the long run. Surgery is a last resort and should only be used if there is irreparable damage to the shoulder that cannot be handled with proper rehabilitation.

THE NATURAL APPROACH

First: Heal the Damaged Tissue
Ending the pain caused by a Rotator Cuff injury requires stopping the cycle of inflammation that is creating the pain. Class IV laser therapy is an excellent method for this, because it is presently the only modality that can both reduce inflammation and heal tissue simultaneously. During Laser Therapy, the infrared laser light interacts with tissues at the cellular level, increasing metabolic activity and improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, pain is relieved and function is restored.

Second: Correct the Shoulder and Postural Mechanics
Long-term pain relief of shoulder injuries involves rehabilitation of the shoulder, neck, and thoracic spine. Shoulder rehabilitation is achieved by utilizing specific postural adjustments, exercises and specific posture stabilizing methods in order to re-establish proper motion and strength of the shoulder joint. Ongoing strengthening and stretching exercises are used to rehabilitate the musculature of the shoulder to ensure lasting results.

If you suffer from chronic pain, it is worth your while to spend some time figuring out which of any number of factors are contributing to your pain — we will help you explore which combination of therapies will help you heal it. The good news is — you can do it without drugs, and you can get back to the activities you love!

Dr. Niele Maimone, DC is the owner and founder of Align Healing Center in Danville, California. For more information or to set up a consult call 925.362.8283 or visit www.alignhealingcenter.com.

Time to chat about the top impressive and amazing fall/winter 2015 make-up trends we observed during the latest seasonal make-up shows and events. Looking through the options, we find make-up has a 70s accent with a sleek 90s vibe with a modern sophistication.

One of the classiest and the most ethereal alternatives we observed among the cosmetic events is the inclination towards natural looks and glowing peach like skin tones. We as women want to look natural with a youthful glow, but we also want to look sophisticated with a realistic updated look. This season eyeliner is the definite focal point with colors ranging from army green, deep plum and navy. Eyeshades capture the season in matte pecan shades and burgundies to clarify fall eyes.

Military-inspired greens were some of the most impressive and unique looks of the season. Combinations of matte peach eye colors on the lids with soft khakis in the crease with sweeps of burgundy accenting eyes, made subtle and hardly noticeable accents while making the eyes look charming, classy and fun. Stylist applied peachy highlighters illuminating the skin then slipped on lip tones of corals and soft pinks that took center stage, while mouth-watering sheer berry glosses set the look.

When it comes To Eyes, Opt For Arrows!

Arrows were the say of a big number of stylists, who came up with the most diverse and multi-shaped option possible. Turning this classic make-up design into a super modernized and cool alternative, they managed to achieve a charming diversity. When we talk about arrows, we can’t but come to the cat eyes. This fall they are introducing this uber-feminine and mysterious make-up option as a basic trend for the coming season. For some really memorable interpretations, you may turn to the options suggested by Karen Walker, Simonetta Ravizza and Jean Paul Gautier.

Slightly Messy and Effortless Will Also Do

The interesting and noteworthy option by our observation is also worth talking about, coming with an innovative and creative solution, the essence of which is creating maximum messy and smeared effect of the eye-shadow, applied to both upper lid and under eye. This effect gives the eyes a very natural no make-up look without effort. Which some girls will love.

Bluish Eye Shadow Accents

Coming to color diversity, we may first of all talk about the bluish accents we saw. Creating an interesting comeback of the 90s they produce an effective impression for the coming season. The look is interesting and bold. The Look: Start by applying a neutral eyeshade in the brown family all over the lid and crease, follow with a navy blue arrow liner. Find a shimmer blue eye color in a medium or light shade and sweep it along the accent area and under the eye for a glorious finish. This will give you that total undeniable impression of a chic up-to-date look, the girl that knows her stuff and is confident and secure within her self.

The Rouge Cosmetics color specialist will be offering make-up updates for the fall beauty season, starting August 25th. Please call for more information and to book your appointment.