Trying to get in shape isn’t the only reason to skip dessert: consuming high-fructose corn syrup is bad for your brain, according to a study published Tuesday in the Journal of Physiology, the AFP reports.

In the six-week study, researchers at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) fed two groups of rats a solution containing high-fructose corn syrup, an ingredient found in soft drinks, candies and other processed foods.

One of the groups was also fed omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in foods such as salmon and walnuts and which are known to promote heart and brain health. This group of rats was fed the fatty acids via flaxseed oil and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The other group of rats did not consume omega-3s.

For five days before the study, both groups of rats practiced running through a maze. After the six-week study, both groups were observed in the maze again.

“The DHA-deprived animals were slower, and their brains showed a decline in synaptic activity,” said Fernando Gomez-Pinilla, a professor of neurosurgery at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. ”Their brain cells had trouble signaling each other, disrupting the rats’ ability to think clearly and recall the route they’d learned six weeks earlier.”

Scientists also discovered that the brains of the omega-3-deprived rats had begun to resist insulin, a hormone critical to brain function and to blood sugar regulation.

“Because insulin can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, the hormone may signal neurons to trigger reactions that disrupt learning and cause memory loss,” said Gomez-Pinilla. ”Our findings illustrate that what you eat affects how you think.”

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average American consumes upwards of 40 pounds of high-fructose corn syrup a year. But a diet rich in omega-3s can help keep your brain sharp, says Gomez-Pinilla.

“Eating a high-fructose diet over the long term alters your brain’s ability to learn and remember information,” said Gomez-Pinilla. ”But adding omega-3 fatty acids to your meals can help minimize the damage.”

The 2010 death of a New Zealand woman may have been caused by excessive consumption of Coca-Cola, experts say.

Natasha Harris, 30, a stay-at-home mother of eight, died of a heart attack in February 2010 while helping her children get ready for school. According to Fairfax Media, pathologist Dr. Dan Mornin testified at an inquest yesterday that the cause of death was most likely hypokalemia, or low potassium, brought on by her two-gallons-of-Coca-Cola-a-day habit.

Mornin added that poor nutrition and toxic levels of caffeine, an ingredient in Coca-Cola and many other soft drinks, may also have contributed to Harris’ death.

According to the Otago Daily Times, Chris Hodgkinson, Harris’ partner, testified that Harris did not eat much and smoked about 30 cigarettes a day.

“I never thought about it,” said Hodgkinson. “It’s just a soft drink, just like drinking water. I didn’t think a soft drink was going to kill her.”

Hodgkinson also said that Harris had been ill since the year before her death, and would vomit six times a week. She also suffered from tiredness and tooth decay, and was moody when she was without Coca-Cola.

“The first thing she would do in the morning was have a drink of Coke and the last thing she would do in the day was have a drink of Coke by her bed,” he said.

Pathologist Dr. Martin Sage said in a deposition, “It is certainly well demonstrated that excessive long or short-term cola ingestion can be dramatically symptomatic, and there are strong hypothetical grounds for this becoming fatal in individual cases.”

Karen Thompson, a spokeswoman for Coca-Cola Oceania, argued in a statement that the ingestion of anything in excess is detrimental to one’s health.

“We concur with the information shared by the coroner’s office that the grossly excessive ingestion of any food product, including water, over a short period of time with the inadequate consumption of essential nutrients, and the failure to seek appropriate medical intervention when needed, can be dramatically symptomatic,” she said.

In honor of the 100 year anniversary of Titanic’s tragic sinking (and, of course, in celebration of the recent release of “Titanic” in 3D), Beacon Hill’s Hampshire House is hosting a first class passenger-style dinner. The six-course meal will feature cuisine inspired by the ship’s actual menu, and the era’s opulence will be recreated with impeccable service and decor, so you can pretend you are wining and dining with Jack and Rose.

The Menu

Consummé au Tapioca

Keeping condoms in your wallet can be tricky; sure, you’ve got protection on the go, but do you really want that telltale ring to show every time you whip out your credit card? Annex Products, the company that brought you the Opena iPhone case with a built-in bottle opener, has a solution: the Playa Case.

In addition to protecting your iPhone 4/4S, the Playa Case helps you stay protected. It has a discreet sliding storage compartment that can fit two condoms–and no one will know they’re there.

The ultra slim polycarbonate Playa Case won’t be for sale until this summer, but you can sign up here to be notified when it’s available. It will retail for $29.95 and will come in black, white and pink (ladies can be “playas,” too!).

Does your razor stash need a little spring cleaning? Get rid of your dull disposables and enter Blast’s contest to win a Schick Hydro Power Select razor!

This newly launched razor features three vibration settings, an easy-to-read LED screen, a water-activated hydrating gel, five blades with skin guards, and a flip trimmer.

Apparently, Quagmire isn’t the only randy resident of Quahog! Thanks to Full Spread Entertainment and LFP Video, you can see your favorite Rhode Island residents getting wild in the just-released “Family Guy — The XXX Parody.”

The film, brought to you by the masterminds behind “The Simpsons —The XXX Parody,” Lee Roy Myers and Dr. Philgood, features Peter choking that pesky giant chicken, an 18-year-old Meg taking it all off (except, of course, for that ugly hat), and Quagmire going, “Giggity giggity goo!”

“Every time I think that Lee Roy can’t top himself, he goes out and does it again,” says Lux Alptraum, CEO of Fleshbot.com. “‘Family Guy — The XXX Parody’ isn’t just an outrageous take on one of the country’s most popular cartoons—it also like a well done, super sexy porno movie.”

“This is definitely, by far, one of the funniest porn parodies you will ever see,” says director Lee Roy Myers. ”We wanted to spoof the show, while at the same time lampooning it…with vaginas.”

The video, featuring Anthony Rosano, James Deen, Aurora Snow, Misty Stone, Sarah Shevon and Jennifer White, can be ordered here. For downloads, photo galleries and more, go to  www.familyguyporno.org.

Boston’s popular jazz club The Beehive is transforming into a Quebec-style “sugar shack” (or “cabane à sucre” if you want to be authentic) for one sweet night.

The event, taking place on March 7, will feature a three course family-style feast served at communal tables, live music from award-winning artists, and an advanced release of Harpoon Brewery’s limited batch Catamount Maple Wheat Ale. Guests will enjoy authentic “sugar shack” cuisine with a twist from chef Alexandre Loiseau of Montreal’s Bistro Cocagne and The Beehive’s resident celebrity chef, Rebecca Newell.

Table Accoutrements

 Beets Marinated with Cider Vinegar and Maple Syrup,

Homemade Pickles, Homemade Ketchup, Maple Syrup Bacon

Family-style first course

Cream of Turnip Soup with Maple Syrup Crouton

Pork Creton (Rustic Pate)

   Plate of Dried Ham, Raspberry Vinegar Reduction and Maple Syrup

   Lettuce Salad, Oreille de Christ (Pork Cracklings), Maple Dijon Vinaigrette

Entrée Course

Each diner chooses one of following: 

 Roast Pork, Apple Cider, Maple Sugar and Baked Beans

Seared Salmon, Maple Roasted Root Vegetables, Crystallized Lemon and Sour Cream

 Braised Lamb Shank, Tomatoes, Maple vinegar, French Beans Amandine

Baked Stuffed Lobster, Garlic, Parsley, Lardon, Maple Vinegar and Lobster Butter, Mashed Parsnip Puree, Creamy Spinach (this entree is an added $10)

Quebec Meat Pie (Pork, Turkey, Venison) with Baked Beans

Family-style dessert

Vanilla Maple Panna Cotta

 Maple Syrup Pie

Bread Pudding Chomeur with Maple Ice Cream

The Beehive’s “Sugar Shack” Event is from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Wed., March 7, 2012 at The Beehive, 541 Tremont St., Boston. The event is $45. Call 617-423-0069 for reservations.

Apparel from California-based couture swimwear brand La Isla can not only spice up your summer wardrobe, but can also improve the lives of others.

Last month, the company launched its newest charitable campaign, La Isla 360. The way it works is simple: for every t-shirt that’s sold, one will be donated to someone in need. The t-shirts will be given to homeless shelters and children’s organizations, such as Children of the Americas.

“Running a business without lending a helping hand to those in need makes no sense to me,” says CEO and founder of La Isla, Enrique Sánchez-Rivera. “We are excited for the La Isla 360 program and hope that people recognize the value of shopping with a conscience.”

The brand’s 2012 collection includes hand-enbroidered bikinis, vintage-style women’s t-shirts, casual hats and handmade crocheted headwear. All embroidery is hand-done in Colombia by women who are the heads of their households, and all apparel is made with soy-based ink and organic cotton. Additionally, La Isla will donate a portion of its 2012 proceeds to the Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society.

“Our new collection is inspired by the world’s natural elements and native roots,” says Sánchez-Rivera. ”Bikinis, like any other clothing article, shouldn’t be just about fashion. We hope to bring forth the connection of our natural roots and personal tastes by making bikinis and clothing that can both make a statement and a difference.”

Actress Viola Davis pairs a conservative dress and blazer ensemble with eye-popping red pumps. (Media Credit/Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images)

Putting together an office-appropriate outfit can be tricky, and it’s all too easy to slip into an ill-fitting, dowdy work clothes rut. But not to worry, fashion designer and expert Claudia Patel is here to help. Patel, whose clothing and jewelry lines debut online this month, shares her four office “must-haves.” Follow them, and in no time you’ll be an office fashionista!

Power Pumps

Black pumps might be the “go-to” shoes, but fun pops of color can transform an outfit–just remember to keep it professional.

“To draw the right amount of attention to your shoes, be sure to consider contrast when selecting your daily work attire,” says Patel. “Go bold—but steer clear of loud patterns. Black is a sleek look for the office, but also experiment with hues. Bold colors are a great way to stand out, in a good way.”

Model Kate Moss looks edgy in skinny jeans and a blazer. (Media Credit/Mike Marsland, WireImage)

Blazer

Please abandon that frumpy skirt suit or old, pilled cardigan and invest in a versatile blazer.

“A statement jacket is that perfect piece to dress up your casual Friday look,” says Patel. “Pair a slim fitting blazer with skinny jeans for a chic ensemble. Pair a solid colored dress with a bold jacket and make your outfit pop. Celebrate your femininity with flared skirts and dresses in appropriate lengths complimented with a fitted jacket for a polished look at work. Take your look from day to night by removing your blazer for dinner and drinks after hours.”

Singer Alicia Keys stuns in a classic black pencil skirt and a tucked-in emerald-colored blouse. (Media Credot/Steve Granitz, WireImage)

Pencil Skirt

Pencil skirts have it all: they’re classic, sophisticated, and a little sexy.

“A fitted pencil skirt brings confidence and femininity to your work wardrobe,” says Patel. “Tuck in a simple conservative blouse to show off your curves elegantly. Make sure you wear heels to lengthen your legs for that perfect symmetry. Experiment with different hues, textures and complimentary colors to reflect your personal style. Pair a black pencil skirt with a bright top, or vice versa.”

Model Olivia Palermo rocks a structured, neutral bag. (Media Credit/Dimitrios Kambouris, WireImage

Statement Bag

Just say no to stuffing everything in that cute little purse, and don a bright or neutral structured bag that can fit your iPhone, work papers and make-up bag for some happy hour touch-ups.

“Big statement bags really pull your overall look together, whether you are going for chic and sophisticated to creative and fun,” says Patel. “Pair a basic black power suit with a bright bold or patterned bag. Everything right down to the bag you carry to work needs to have some form of structure to look sleek and polished. Leave your cute hobo bag for the weekends. Invest in a large structured neutral bag that will complement any outfit. Steer clear of glitter bags for the office. For a hint of sparkle, turn to jewelry instead.”

Thanks to the Gallo Family Vineyard, a romantic Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to break the bank. Some inexpensive–but good!–wine and homemade dessert can make your evening sweet and sensible. The Moscato, a light-bodied wine with flavors of peach, honey and citrus, and Sweet Red, a light to-medium-bodied wine with flavors of apple, pear and tropical fruit, are just $5 a bottle, and pair perfectly with the below Gallo Family Vineyard’s signature recipes.

Fresh Pear Torta

Susan Baxter, 32, founded Hire a Boston Wingwoman in 2010.

Susan Baxter, 32, has the solution for single Boston guys looking for love: Wingwomen. Sure, you’ve got your Bud Light-guzzling, cleavage-ogling, popped collar-wearing wingman already, but isn’t the same old “you distract the less attractive friend while I talk to the hot one” routine getting a little stale? Baxter’s wingwomen get straight to the point with confidence, class, and a well-worth-it fee: the girl you’re going after.

For clients of Baxter’s company, Hire a Boston Wingwoman, it works like this: You and a wingwoman go to a bar or a lounge, or wherever you want to go to meet chicks. You scan the room, zoom in on your potential love interest, and your wingwoman goes in for the kill. It might begin with a compliment (“I love those shoes!”) or a question (“What’s your favorite drink here?”). Then, she might say something like, “This is my friend Joe; we’re looking for a bar to go after this. Do you know of anywhere good?”

“She kind of hangs around in the background once the introduction is made,” says Baxter. “If it doesn’t work out, then the client tries another woman. And if it doesn’t seem like the woman is interested, the wingwoman can pretend to be the client’s girlfriend.”

Wingwomen are better sidekicks than wingmen, Baxter says, because “Women tend to have their guards up when they go out; maybe it’s a girl’s night and they are just out for some cocktails with their friends and aren’t looking to talk to guys. Women feel less intruded upon if a woman comes up to them. They have their guards up when a man goes up and says, ‘Hey, I’m Joe, how are you ladies this evening?’ It’s old, and it’s lame, and she’s like, ‘Oh, here we go again.’”

Even better, adds Baxter, “It’s a boost of confidence to walk in to a place with a beautiful woman by your side. Girls like competition, so if they see you with an attractive woman, they’ll think you’ve got something to offer.”

So what makes a successful wingwoman? Generally, says Baxter, they are outgoing, and unafraid to approach and strike up conversation with that intimidating, hot girl you’ve got your eye on.

“You’ve gotta play the part,” she says. “You can’t go to that trendy, upscale bar if you look like you just got out of a Red Sox game; it’s gotta be realistic. But each wingwoman has a different personality. Some are bubbly and are good for clubs, and some are more intelligent and would be good for a social networking-type party. They’re attractive, outgoing, social, and willing to go up to a woman and say, ‘Hey, where’d you get your hair done? I’m looking for a new salon in the area.’”

Baxter, who has a master’s degree in applied sociology from the University of Massachusetts, started her business in September of 2010 with the knowledge that “a lot of people are shy and are intimidated to go up to people at a bar,” she says. “People tend to just stand there at the end of the bar and wait to be approached.” Plus, she was already being a wingwoman for her guy (and girl) friends, so why not make it a business?

“My ‘aha’ moment was when I was watching an episode of the ‘Tyra Banks Show,’ and a woman was on there who was a wingwoman for her friends,” says Baxter. “And I was like, ‘Wait, that’s what I do!’ The idea had spread to New York City and to Las Vegas, and I thought, why not Boston?”

Now, Hire a Boston Wingwoman employs nearly 40 wingwomen (and counting–she’s hiring!) in their 20s, 30s and 40s. The business works with about 10 clients a weekend, with many repeat clients. Fall is the busiest time of year for the company, which Baxter attributes to several factors: “In the fall, people are coming back from their vacation or their summer fling, and are looking for something more serious. The holidays are coming and they don’t want to be alone; it’s time to settle down. Plus, fall weather is cozy.”

Hiring a wingwoman costs $65 an hour, with a two hour minimum, and is $30 for every half-hour thereafter. Several testimonials on the company’s website attest that it’s worth the price: “My wingwoman focused on making connections and harnessing intuition,” says client Scott Alden. ”The method was to hang out with her, be myself and seize the moment when it was right. Women who saw that I was with her felt more comfortable around me, and I didn’t have to work as hard. I felt comfortable, too.” Michael, a client from Cambridge, writes, “I felt really comfortable after meeting the wingwoman, who introduced me to a couple of very attractive ladies.  I have already re-hired her because she was great company and made me very confident.”

There’s no guarantee that a wingwoman will help you find your future wife, of course, but who can argue with at least giving it a try? Besides, you get to be seen with a hot, confident woman by your side instead of your cologne-drenched, awkward-pick-up-line-using best friend.

This fall, Blast and the makers of Vampyre Vodka gave you some blood-suckingly delicious Halloween-inspired cocktail recipes to try. Now, it’s your turn! Submit your own holiday cocktail ideas featuring Vampyre Vodka to us by Jan. 1, and one lucky winner will receive a Vampyre Vodka t-shirt, Vampire gourmet coffee and Vampire dark Belgian chocolate. Don’t forget to give your cocktail a blood-curdlingly awesome name!

Email your cocktail recipes to me at shannonconeill@gmail.com with the subject line “Blast Vampyre Vodka Cocktail Contest” by Jan. 1. Include your name and contact information in the e-mail. And sorry, we know vampires are ageless, but you must be 21+ to enter the contest.

Dirty Little SKYN Cosmetics Bags ($25)

You’re about to get lucky: Are you covered? The approach of World AIDS Day on Dec. 1 serves as a reminder that carrying–and, of course, using–condoms can be a life saving decision. Fashion designer Maggie Kervick and LifeStyles condoms want to show you that being protected can be fashionable, too.

Kervick and LifeStyles have teamed up for a line of  vinyl bags made to look like SKYN condom wrappers, part of the “I’m Covered Campaign.” One dollar from each purchase will benefit Answer, a national sex education organization associated with Rutgers University.

“I’m hoping to break down the stereotype that if a guy has a condom he is considered ‘prepared,’ but if a girl has a condom she is considered a ‘tramp,’” says Kervick. “The bag is a great conversational piece that will relay a message to onlookers about the woman carrying the bag–how she is confident, responsible, and protected.  The ‘I’m Covered Campaign’ reinforces the need for self-respect and a proactive approach in regards to protecting oneself from STIs and unwanted pregnancies.”

The bags come in three styles, the Living in SKYN Tote ($55), the Dirty Little SKYN Cosmetics Bags ($25) and the I’m a Slave for SKYN Wristlet ($20). Bonus: Get a free pack of LifeStyles condoms and information on how to use them with each purchase!

To learn more or to buy a bag, go to bagsbymags.com.

Living in SKYN Tote ($55)

I'm a Slave for SKYN Wristlet ($20)

With all the focus on turkey, mashed potatoes and yams, one important part of a Thanksgiving meal is often overlooked: the cocktails. Thankfully, Drambuie Liqueur and William Grant & Sons Distillers gave Blast some delicious and festive drink recipes for you to sip before, during, and after the best meal of the year.

Solerno Celebration Punch

1 bottle Solerno

1 bottle Lillet Rouge

1 bottle dry, sparkling white wine

16 ounces freshly brewed, strong, chai spiced black tea (no cream or sugar added)

8 ounces Fever Tree Ginger Beer

8 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice

16 dashes Angostura bitters

Over a large block of ice in a punch bowl, pour all of the ingredients and stir to combine. Garnish with thinly sliced orange wheels. Serve in punch cups with a cinnamon stick and small wedge of orange.

Cranberry Sauce Cooler

1 ounce Solerno blood orange Liqueur

1 ounce Hendrick’s Gin

2 barspoons Solerno Cranberry Sauce*

1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice

2 ounces soda water

Shake Solerno, Hendrick’s, lemon juice and cranberry sauce* over ice and strain into a tall glass over fresh ice. Fill with soda water and stir to incorporate.  Garnish with a fresh cranberry and an orange twist.

Solerno Cranberry Sauce*

1 bag of fresh, organic cranberries, washed

3/4  cup organic sugar

1/4 cup Solerno

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

1/2 cup Lillet Rouge

1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest

1 pinch ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1 cinnamon stick

In a medium sized saucepan over medium heat, dissolve the sugar in the orange juice, Solerno and Lillet Rouge.  Add the spices and orange zest, stir in the cranberries and cook until the cranberries start to pop (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat and place sauce in a bowl. Cranberry sauce will thicken as it cools.

First & Last

2 part apple juice

.5 part lemon juice

.5 part simple syrup (1:1 ratio)

1 part Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum

.5 part sparkling wine

In a punch bowl, add juices and syrup together over ice. Add rum and stir gently.  Slowly pour sparkling wine into punch.  Add sliced oranges and apples to punch bowl and serve cold.

Milagro Horchata Punch

6 parts Milagro Anejo

2 parts Averna

2 parts lime juice

1 part almond syrup or Orgeat

6 parts Horchata

8 Thai basil or basil leaves

2 parts pear juice

8 dashes barrel-aged bitters

1 part water

Mix all ingredients in a large punch bowl, allowing two hours for basil to infuse. Remove basil before serving. Serve over ice with a garnish of pear slices and cinnamon.

Hot Gin Punch

24 ounces Hendrick’s Gin

24 ounces Madeira wine

6 lemon twists

1 orange slice

3 large chunks pineapple

3 ounces honey

1 ounce fresh lemon juice

3 cloves

1 pinch ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon brown sugar

Add all the ingredients to a large saucepan over low heat and simmer for 20 minutes. To serve, strain and pour the hot mixture into a punch bowl or teapot and garnish with orange slices studded with cloves.

Drambuie Toddy with Ginger and Green Tea

1 1/4 part Drambuie

2 thin slices fresh ginger

1 thin slice lemon

6 parts green tea (piping hot)

In a large mug, add all ingredients. Stir, then let steep for 1 minute. Serve hot.

Drambuie & Cider 

1 part Drambuie

4 parts hot cider

Pour ingredients into a mug. Stir and serve with a cinnamon stick.

When beer lovers think of craft beers, certain names come to mind: Redhook, Magic Hat, Smuttynose, Samuel Adams. A name not on the list? Bud Light. But that’s something the beer’s company could be trying to change.

This January, Anheuser-Busch InBev is set to release a new brew, Bud Light Platinum, the company said Wednesday in a statement. The new beer “appeals to a key group of beer drinkers and expands consumer occasions,” the company says, leading some to wonder if this is the company’s attempt to “tap in” to a popular craft beer market. US beer sales were down 1 percent by volume in 2010, but craft beer sales, in dollars, rose 15 percent in the first half of 2011, according to the Brewers Association.

But what makes a “craft” beer? The Brewers Association defines a craft brewer as “small, independent and traditional”–all things Anheuser-Busch InBev, the largest brewer in the world, arguably is not. So is “craft” beer set to be the next ambiguous but trendy label, a la “green” or “natural”?  We’ll have to wait and see.

Whether or not you’re already a member of the mile high club, the just-released “Not Pan Am XXX” video will get you hot, bothered, and ready for liftoff!

Shot on a realistic Hollywood soundstage, the spoof video, directed by Will Ryder, will make you want to hop on the next flight and never get off…the plane.

Want some nuts? A pillow? A warm, wet towel? The “Not Pan Am” stewardesses, played by Kayden Kross, Misty Stone, Kacey Jordan, Teagan Presley, Sunny Lane, Shyla Stylez, Hillary Scott, Lexi Love and Kenzie Marie, offer their passengers all that and much, much more.

One of the pampered passengers is played by none other than world-famous Ron Jeremy, who gives a sexy stewardess the ride of her life (we bet she loves all that turbulence!).

This and other Will Ryder/X-Play movies, including “Not the Bradys XXX,” “Not Charlie’s Angels XXX” and “Not the Cosbys XXX,” are available here.

(Media Credit/46137 via Flickr)

Hurra fur bier! It’s Oktoberfest season, and Blast has gathered information about the up-and-coming New England beer festivals that will have you dancing to Oompah music, yodeling to your heart’s content, chugging German beer from your stein, noshing on pumpkin-themed food, playing keg bowling, and…chicken dancing?

Connecticut

October 14: Brewfest at the Beach, The Pavilion at Ocean Beach Park, New London

The rain-or-shine event will feature live music, food, over 150 different types of beer, and ahh, that fresh sea air!

6 p.m. to 9 p.m., tickets $25 in advance/$30 at door.

October 15: The Connecticut Tigers Octoberfest and Chili Cook-Off, Dodd Stadium, Norwich

Beautiful hair was everywhere at this year’s New York Fashion Week, and thanks to some of the industry’s top hairstylists, you can create these chic, straight-from-the-runway looks yourself at home. Read on for step-by-step instructions, and you’ll be looking runway-ready in no time!

A modern, youthful twist

Designer: Preen 
Hairstylist: Paul Hanlon, lead stylist for Aveda

To complement Preen’s modern yet feminine look, Hanlon says he “wanted the hair to impart the same lightness, innocence and purity.  We created a sleek silhouette to mirror the clean lines of the clothes.” The result? Hair that is “pure and neat; it almost has a forties feel,” he adds.

How to do it

1.     Prep hair by spritzing throughout with Aveda Volumizing Tonic, then blow dry with a round brush.  Work hair away from the face and neck to keep the hairline clean.  If hair is dry or damaged, begin by prepping with Aveda Brilliant Damage Control, and follow with Aveda Volumizing Tonic.

2.     Once dry, gently brush hair away from the face and let hair part naturally on the left side. Smooth hair with a fine-toothed comb and a light mist of Aveda Air Control Hair Spray.

3.     On the right side of the head at the top of the ear, begin to twist hair toward the back of the head, staying just on top of the parietal ridge.  Use a tail comb to neatly bring hair up into the roll, and secure the roll with “U” pins.  Avoid twisting too tightly at this point.

4.     Continue twisting toward the back of the head following the natural hairline.  Twist all the way to the nape, secure hairwith a clip.

5.     Repeat twist on the left side, starting slightly lower, one to two inches above the top of the ear, sloping downward at the back of the head to create a “U” shape when twists meet at the nape.

6.     Neatly brush hair upward from the hairline to create a seamless connection between the two twists.  This gives the appearance of a single, smooth, twisted roll that snugly wraps around the head.

7.     Use Aveda Air Control Hair Spray and the end of a tail comb to smooth all wisps and flyaways while replacing “U” pins with bobby pins, snugly tucked and hidden. 

8.     Finish with Aveda Brilliant Spray-On Shine.     

Long, loose, effortless waves

Designer: Christian Siriano
Hairstylist: Antoinette Beenders, lead stylist for Aveda

“The hair for Christian Siriano this season is playful and looks effortless,” says Beenders. “We’ve updated the loose, beachy waves of the ’90s with a more groomed look that’s smart, young and approachable. I was inspired by Christian’s muse for this collection: a charming, smart girl who radiates happiness. The hair is super wearable and reflects her flirty, yet clever nature.  It’s fun, fresh and modern—just like the collection.”

How to do it

1.     Dampen hair at the root with Aveda Volumizing Tonic and blow dry with a large round brush to create natural volume.  For added lift, use Aveda Control Force Firm Hold Hair Spray as a setting lotion while blow-drying by lightly misting the hair.

2.     Use a one-and-a-half-inch barrel curling iron to curl one-inch sections of hair away from the face until all hair is curled.  Rake with fingers to loosen. 

3.     Flip hair upside down and gently brush curls through.

4.     Flip hair back up. Create a deep side part and gently smooth out the top of hair using a comb, maintaining volume at the part.

5.     Spray Aveda Brilliant Spray-On Shine onto a kabuki makeup brush and stroke the brush over hair from roots to ends to give a healthy shine.  Keep style in place and protect against humidity with Aveda Control Force Firm Hold Hair Spray.

Textured and touseled

Designer: Band of Outsiders 
Hairstylist: Didier Malige, stylist for Aveda

Malige created two looks for the Band of Outsiders’ show (which was inspired by the dark 1975 Australian film “Picnic at Hanging Rock”), a romantic, “girly” look of textured waves, and a “boyish” look of a touseled chignon. “The hair for both looks at Band of Outsiders is textured, matte and has an easy look, almost undone,” says Malige. “It’s as if she’s done her hair herself, pulling it back into a loose chignon or letting it fall into natural waves.”

How to do it: The “girly” waves

1.  Divide dry hair into two sections with a straight middle part.

2.  Working with one section at a time, twist each section of hair away from the face while applying Aveda Brilliant Retexturizing Gel.

3.  Continue twisting hair and working in the gel until hair is nearly saturated.

4.  Holding the twisted section out with your fingertips, use a blowdryer to set hair. Continue blowdrying and twisting until hair is completely dry.

5.  Pin the twist to the side of the head, creating a large spiral. Leave for several minutes to set.

6.  Repeat on the other side of the head.

7.  Once the spirals have set, remove pins so that the twists fall onto each shoulder. Rake hair with your fingers to create waves.

8.  For added texture, scrunch Aveda Pure Hair Abundance Potion into waves.

9.  Finish with Aveda Air Control Hair Spray.

How to do it: The “boyish” chignon

1.     Mist Aveda Air Control Hair Spray throughout hair from roots to ends to texturize the hair and give pliable hold.

2.     Gently brush hair through using a brush.

3.     Using a wide-toothed comb, backcomb hair from mid-length to ends, leaving the roots untouched. This creates grip and hold on the hair, making it easier to pull back and secure.

4.     Twist hair back and create a loose chignon at the occipital bone. Pin into place.

5.     Gently backcomb the top layer of hair and the chignon in a feathering motion, creating additional wisps and a slightly “undone” look.

6.     Loosen a few wisps of hair around the face for a natural, slightly mussed feeling.

7.     Hold style in place with Aveda Air Control Hair Spray.

 A wearable, pretty chignon

Designer: Sophie Théallet
Hairstylist: Didier Malige, stylist for Aveda

For Sophie Théallet’s collection, inspired by the 1969 film “La Piscine” (meaning “The swimming pool”), Malige wanted hair that expressed “an understated refinement, an instinctual sensuality.”  Malige says that “the hair is that of a girl who has just gone swimming, as if she has offhandedly pulled her hair back in a chignon and just left it to dry.  It reflects a nonchalant sensuality, her natural and understated sophistication.”

How to do it

1.     Brush hair away from the face with fingers, while working Aveda Pure Abundance Potion throughout to texturize.

2.     Pull hair back with hands, gathering at the back of the head as if to pull into a ponytail.

3.     Twist hair and coil into a loose bun, fasten with bobby pins.

4.     Pat a generous amount of Aveda Men Pure-Formance Grooming Clay and Aveda Control Paste onto the head, massaging and scrunching to create a matte, wet-and-dried texture.

5.     Smooth sides very close to head and leave a little volume on top.

For “Saturday Night Live” fans who have always wanted a taste of the famous Schweddy Balls, you’re in luck! Ben & Jerry’s announced yesterday that it has launched its newest limited edition flavor, Schweddy Balls, which is Fair Trade vanilla ice cream with a hint of rum, fudge-covered rum balls and milk chocolate malt balls. Mmm, balls!

Available nationwide, the ice cream honors the classic SNL skit starring Ana Gasteyer and Molly Shannon, who play hosts of the National Public Radio-type show entitled “Delicious Dish,” and their guest Pete Schweddy, played by Alec Baldwin, owner of Season’s Eatings Bakery.

“For a long time, I thought that ‘Here Lies Pete Schweddy’ would end up on my tombstone,” Alec Baldwin said in a press release. “Now, thanks to Ben & Jerry’s, the goodness of the Schweddy family recipe won’t go with me to the great beyond. It is immortalized here, right now, and it’s an ice cream. Ben & Jerry’s and Schweddy. Two great names in American dessert, together at last.”

Former SNL cast member Ana Gasteyer said of the news, “The Schweddy Balls sketch was a personal favorite from my SNL run, so I am pleased as holiday punch that Ben and Jerry’s has taken it upon themselves to share the Schweddy Family recipe with the world. As a person and a performer, I am a sucker for holiday balls. And I have no doubt this ice cream will cause many to scream, ‘Good times.’”

So grab a pint of glistening, creamy Schweddy Balls and watch the premier of SNL’s 37th season on Sept. 24 at 11:30 p.m. We bet your mouth is already watering at the thought of those balls!

Calling all animal lovers! The Cocheco Valley Humane Society in Dover, N.H., invites you to the gala of the fall: The Great Catsby. Arrive at the 1920s-themed event in your best flapper or gangster garb and have your photo taken red carpet-style next to an antique car, sip cocktails and enjoy hors d’oeuvres while perusing the many silent auction items, including wine, jewelry, gift certificates, artwork and more.

After a delectable dinner and decadent dessert, bid on priceless experiences at the live auction, where you  could become a character in a murder mystery novel or an actor in New Hampshire’s famous Haunted Overload’s haunted walk.

The gala will benefit animals such as Hank, a kitten who was tossed out of a moving vehicle. He is being nursed back to health at the shelter.

Details

What: The Great Catsby gala

Where: The Portsmouth Sheraton Harborside Hotel, Portsmouth, N.H.

When: Sept. 17, 6 to 10 P.M.

Tickets: Tickets are $80 per person and are available online at cvhsonline.org or by calling 603-749-5322 Ext. 112. All proceeds go to the care and well being of the animals sheltered at Cocheco Valley Humane Society. Hurry! Tickets are on sale only until Sept. 9 at 10 P.M.

After undergoing major renovations and menu changes, Tryst restaurant in Arlington is celebrating its grand re-opening on Sept. 12 with “buy one get one free” entrees–and you’re invited!

Chef/owner Paul Turano proudly debuts the completion of his vision for Tryst, which has been at its 689 Massachusetts Ave. location for nearly seven years. A tapas menu and updated, lively decor help Turano bring the city to the suburbs.

“When I first opened Tryst, my goal was to bring the Boston dining scene to the suburbs, and I think we’ve done that to some extent, but life gets in the way,” says Turano. “I originally had planned to return to honing the concept less than a year after we opened, but things got busy pretty quickly. Two kids and thousands of supportive customers later I feel like I have finally completed my vision of bringing a city-like neighborhood restaurant to Arlington.”

The New Menu

Just a Fling

Shrimp Tacos with avocado, red onion and Aji crema, $8

Local Corn Chowder with avocado spuma and cornbread crouton, $8

Sassafras Glazed Baby Back Ribs with house-made kim chee, $10

Duck Wraps  with spiced cashews and crunchy vegetables, $11

Crispy Fried Calamari  with arugula, cherry tomatoes and hot pepper aioli, $12

Tomato, Basil and Fresh Mozzarella Flatbread,  $10

Habanero Chicken Wings with Great Hill bleu cheese and carrot pickles, $9

House-made Guacamole and Chips, $10

Artisan Cheese Plate  with three cheeses and spiced fruits, $11

A Lil’ Something on the Side

($6 each or three for $15)

Marinated Olives

Roasted Asparagus with evoo and parmesan

Truffle Fries

Sweet and Spicy Bar Nuts

Cheese Croquettes

Ricotta Stuffed Squash Blossoms with curried tomato sauce

Griddled Rice Cake

Getting Fresh

Simply Tossed Greens with champagne mustard vinaigrette, $6

Market Salad with Boston lettuce, shaved seasonal vegetables, seven-grain croutons and mustard vinaigrette, $9

Heirloom Tomato Salad  with burrata, arugula, sourdough crostini and vin cotto, $9

Baby Spinach Salad with Great Hill bleu cheese, poached cherries, pecan crisps and apple cider vinaigrette, $9

Caesar Salad with hearts of romaine, evoo, roasted garlic, cracked pepper and sourdough crouton, $9

(Add roasted chicken, $3, add steak tips, $6, to any salad) 

Getting Serious

Herb Roasted All-Natural Chicken with potato puree, toasted almond green beans and natural juices, $18

Prime Sirloin Tips with cheese croquettes, arugula and smoked tomato, $19

Slow Roasted Salmon with crab stuffed squash blossom, griddled rice cake and avocado salad, $24

Wild Striped Bass with “summer minestrone,” house-made pancetta and lemon aioli, $25

Pig Under a Brick with corn polenta, mostarda, collard greens and apricot glaze,  $22

Grilled Angus Sirloin with potato puree, roasted asparagus and truffle butter, $29

The Grand Re-opening

When: Monday, Sept. 12 from 5 to 8 P.M.

Where: Tryst, 689 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington

RSVP: Reservations are required. Call 781-641-2227 or visit trystrestaurant.com for more information.

New Yorkers needing a java fix have a new hangout. Internationally acclaimed The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, which is nearly 50 years old, opens its first East Coast location today on 1412 Broadway at 39th Street in New York City. This is just the first of the Los Angeles-based coffee shop’s upcoming New York City locations, where coffee and tea lovers can sip on The Bean’s (as it’s affectionately known) famous Arabica coffee, which is  custom roasted in small batches in California, enjoy its hand-plucked whole leaf teas, and munch on its freshly baked goods.

For more information, go to facebook.com/CoffeeBeanNY.

Ladies, it’s time to update your makeup stash! This fall and winter, have fun with rich, vivid jewel tones that add warmth to winter skin and chicness to your fall and winter style.

On Sept. 1, Aveda will introduce its limited edition Jewels of the Earth makeup collection, a combination of gem-inspired eyeshadow and lip color hues that complement every skin tone and hair color, and can be used to create dramatic or subtle yet stunning looks.

“Jewels of the Earth is a palette of rich, intense tones,” says Janell Geason, Aveda’s global makeup artist. “Metallic, velvety-dark colors reflect depth and nocturnal elegance. The looks suggest a somber, antique and artistic mood, and the notion of old becoming new.”

The collection includes six Petal Essence Single Eye Colors (available in Crushed Citrine, Terraverte, Sanidine, Azurite, Amethyst and Jade), which are are crease-resistant, lightweight and long-lasting and boast a silky, petal-soft texture for effortless blending thanks to jasmine and geranium waxes; one Nourish-Mint Sheer Mineral Lip Color (available in Sheer Petalite), made with plant and fruit waxes to smooth fine lines, plump lips and add moisture, and has mineral-derived pigments for a flattering touch of color; and two Nourish-Mint Smoothing Lip Colors (available in Tanzanite and Vanadinite), a creamy lipstick that gives lips full-coverage color for a va-va-voom look.

If rich makeup colors intimidate you, relax! Blast spoke with Geason, who shared her expert tips on how to recreate some of this fall and winter’s standout looks from the collection—step by step!

Blast: Which of the colors from the collection do you recommend for light, medium and dark skin tones?

Janell Geason: All the colors of Jewels of the Earth can be used on all skin tones; the key is application. Just as gemstones are classified as transparent, translucent and opaque, these same effects can be achieved with makeup, therefore making all colors wearable for all skin tones.

Blast: What about for each eye color?

JG: It depends on what you want to achieve. You can create an interesting contrast to your hair color or eye color. For example, if you have a vibrant red or violet toned hair color, choose rich emerald tones to create a pop; Jade works beautifully for this.  Or use your eye color as a guide to create tonal dissonance.  For example, green eyes with gold flecks look beautiful in amethyst tones, blue eyes shine with warm, rich copper tones, and brown eyes have it all depending on what flecks of color you want to bring out.

Blast: Since jewel tones are rich, how can they be “toned down” for an easy daytime look?

JG: For a more subtle look, use a pop of color on the top lash line above or in place of your eyeliner. Amethyst, Azurite or Jade are great options for this look.   Use the colors as an accessory, which means doing your makeup like you normally do and add a touch of jewel tones to it.

Blast: Any tips on how to make a smokey eye using the collection’s colors instead of the classic black?

JG: Begin by smudging an eyeliner all around your eye.  I prefer Aveda’s Black Orchid Eye Definer. Then choose your favorite jewel-toned shade–I love Amethyst, Jade or Azurite for this–and apply with a Medium Eye Color Brush.  Apply from your lash line to slightly above the crease. Blend outer edges well. Then go back with a lighter shade –I love Sanidine for a touch of gold–and apply slightly above the first color and accent the inner corner of the lid for added glam.  I suggest doing the top lid first to avoid the “panda eye.”  Once you finish the top lid, you’ll easily be able to see how heavy you need to go on the bottom lash line.  Finish the bottom lash line with the same jewel-toned shade you used on the top, and remember to blend well.  Curl lashes and apply Aveda’s Black Forest Mosscara to top and bottom lashes. This smokey eye is my favorite for an evening out.

Blast: What is your favorite daytime look?

JG: For day, a strong red lip paired with a neutral eye creates a polished look. On the eyes, a sweep of Terraverte Eye Color from the lash line to slightly above the contour of the eye, with Sanidine diffused lightly at the inner corner of the eye, does the trick.  Finish with Aveda’s Black Forest Mosscara on the lashes and Vanadinite Lip Color for a pretty pout.

So there you have it; now there’s no excuse for ho-hum makeup this fall and winter. Do to your face what a sparkling bauble does for your outfit and brighten it up with gorgeous jewels!

For the fourth year in a row, Boston’s Emerging Trends fashion event will showcase some of the world’s most talented up-and-coming designers. To be held on Sept. 24, the Emerging Trends is Boston Fashion Week’s biggest show. Past featured designers have included Keith Lissner of Bravo’s “The Fashion Show” and “Project Runway” contestants Jerry Tam and Maya Luz. Attendees will also have the opportunity to browse upscale merchandise from venders selling jewelry, handbags and more.

This year’s designers include:

• Linda Rowe Thomas (USA)
• !Nu.I (Canada)
• Rana Al Soliman (Saudi Arabia/Lebanon)
• KALB&ETIW (Australia)
• Ashley Zaba (Canada)
• Halldora Eydis Jonsdottir (Iceland)
• Lindsay Lee (USA)
• Garde Del Avante (Canada)
• TrashGlam (Australia)
• Andy Jacques (USA)
• Lady Baptiste (Canada)
• WallacePlayford (Canada)
• Maleku Jewelry (USA)
• Ruby Johnson (Canada)

Details

When: Saturday, Sept. 24 at 8 p.m. 

Where: Boston Center for the Arts (Cyclorama), 539 Tremont St., Boston

For tickets, go here. A portion of the VIP tickets will benefit the American Heart Association.

For more information, go to www.theemergingtrends.com.

Today’s Vermont Cheesemakers’ Festival may be sold out, but cheese lovers everywhere can taste the festival’s star cheeses with the Best of the Fest sample package delivered to their doors.

Choose a four ($49) or six ($69) cheese sampler put together by Cheese Traders & Wine Sellers, featuring a varied selection of 4 to 8 ounce cheeses that will include at least one cow, goat and sheep milk cheese, at least one smoked or blue cheese, and, of course, Vermont’s famous aged cheddar.

“Every year, the festival sells out,” said Rachel Schaal, the festival’s event organizer. “The Best of the Fest is a way to expand the experience of the festival beyond just the one day, and a way for people to participate in the celebration of Vermont cheesemakers from their own homes.”

To order a Best of the Fest sampler, go here, and choose a one-time order or a monthly subscription (both samplers ship for free). To find out more about the Vermont Cheesemakers’ Festival, go to www.vtcheesefest.com.

Summer’s in full swing, and New Hampshire’s ski resorts promise to bring fun, adventure and relaxation all year-round, whether you want an adventure or a relaxing getaway. Taste award-winning cuisine, take in the spectacular views, explore your wild side and experience how the state’s best ski spots turn into summer destinations!

Relaxing isn't difficult at Attitash, with its hotel spa and this spectacular view.

Attitash

Located in Bartlett, Attitash offers something for everyone. Take a 2,800 foot ride down the Nor’Easter Mountain Coaster or slide down North America’s longest Alpine Slides, splash around at the water park, enjoy the scenery on horseback, relax in the heated outdoor pool and get a massage at the Attitash Grand Summit Hotel spa or shop ’til you drop at the over 200 tax-free factory outlet stores nearby.

Route 302, Bartlett
603-374-2368
www.attitash.com

The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel

Named one of America’s 10 best family resorts by Family Life magazine, the Balsams Grand Resort Hotel sits on 15,000 acres in New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Savor award-winning cuisine or take a culinary class to learn for yourself. Don’t forget to hone your palate at a wine tasting. Enjoy the weather and spend time outside fishing, golfing, white water kayaking and rafting, mountain biking, hiking or on a garden tour. If you prefer air conditioning, play billiards, dance at the nightclub, listen to a lecture or go shopping. There are even supervised activities for the kids (age 5 and up) if you want some romantic alone time!

Route 26, Dixville Notch
800- 255-0600 (U.S. and Canada); 800-255-0800 (NH)
www.thebalsams.com

Black Mountain

Those looking for a rustic experience will find plenty to do at Black Mountain. Take in the gorgeous views on horseback (or a pony ride–we won’t judge) and go on an overnight horseback excursion to a cozy cabin and a campfire; they’ll even provide the s’mores! Take the kids canoeing, kayaking, tubing or fishing and climb the nearby Jackson Falls.

Route 16B, Jackson
603-3834490
www.blackmt.com

Enjoy a game of golf or explore the Adventure Center at Bretton Woods.

Bretton Woods

Adventure seekers will fit right in at the Bretton Woods Adventure Center, which offers a 3-hour guided good time through zip-lines, platforms and sky bridges. Bretton Woods, part of the Omni Mount Washington Resort, also offers climbing walls for experienced and inexperienced climbers alike. Take a romantic lift for the view or take a lift to a mountain biking destination. Play golf or tennis, go swimming or horseback riding, or enjoy the resort’s 25,000 square foot spa. The kids (ages 4 to 12) will be kept entertained with arts and craft, hiking, sports and more at the Omni Kids’ Club.

99 Ski Area Rd., Bretton Woods
800- 258-0330 or 603-278-1000 (NH)
www.brettonwoods.com

Cannon Mountain

Walk through the flume gorge or check out the Old Man of the Mountain museum at Cannon Mountain.

Cannon Mountain offers a uniquely “New Hampshire” experience, with a tramway climbing 2,180 vertical feet to the summit of the mountain, where you can take in a breathtaking view of four states and Canada. Go camping, bike riding, kayaking, or canoeing and walk through the spectacular Flume Gorge. Check out the remnants of the Old Man of the Mountain (may he rest in peace) and visit the Old Man Museum and the New England Ski Museum.

Franconia Notch Parkway, Franconia
603-823-8800
www.cannonmt.com

Ride the mountain coaster or tackle the new adventure park at Cranmore Mountain Resort.

Cranmore Mountain Resort

Fun-seekers will not be disappointed at Cranmore, with its mountain coaster and brand new adventure park, which features a giant swing, tubing, mini golf, a bungy trampoline, bouncy houses and an 18-hole disc golf course. The mountain’s Aerial Adventure Course offers rope courses, zip-lines and air bridges.

1 Skimobile Rd., North Conway
603-356-5544
www.cranmore.com

Eastman Cross Country Center

At Eastman, golfers can practice at the driving range or play the 18-hole championship golf course where the NH Golf Association Men’s State Am Championship took place in 2010. You can get creative and paint, enjoy a wine tasting, do some gardening, go hiking, play tennis at one of the 14 courts, go sailing on the lake or sunbathe at one of the six beaches.

Exit 13 off I-89, Grantham
603-863-4500
www.eastmannh.org

Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center

Wilderness lovers can take in the gorgeous mountain scenery, the fields of wildflowers and the wildlife at the Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, located at the base of the historic Mount Washington Auto Road. Get active outdoors and go mountain biking, Nordic walking, running, canoeing or whitewater kayaking, and you might even spot a bear or a moose!

Route 16, Pinkham Notch
603-466-2333
www.greatglentrails.com

Gunstock Mountain Resort

This is the summer to go to Gunstock, which recently unveiled new attractions and an expanded campground. Have a blast on the Aerial Treetops Adventure Course, mountain Segway tours with he fancy new Segway X2, and the ZipTour, which boasts the longest zip lines in the continental United States. There’s also a skate park, mini-golf and climbing walls, not to mention mountain biking, kayaking and horseback riding.

719 Cherry Valley Rd. (Route 11A), Gilford
800-GUNSTOCK or 603-293-4341
www.gunstock.com

Loon Mountain

Zip-lines, climbing walls, Segway tours, horseback riding and “lost gold” treasure hunting for the kids are just a few of the activities Loon Mountain offers. Be sure  to take the Gondola Skyride to the summit, where you can take in the view at the observation tower, go on a nature walk and check out the glacial caves (hint: you just might find treasure there)!

Route 112, Lincoln
800-229-LOON
www.loonmtn.com

Mount Sunapee Resort

Hike to Sunapee’s summit or take an aerial sky ride to the top and enjoy the scenery. While you can’t take a dip in Lake Solitude, a pristine glacial lake preserved for wildlife, it sure is pretty to look at. Don’t miss the 78th Annual League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair from August 6 to 14, with over 200 booths, demonstrations, workshops, tours, seminars and live music.

Route 103, Newbury
603-763-3500
www.mountsunapee.com

Take the kids to family-friendly--and family-owned--Purity Spring Resort.

Purity Spring Resort

Family-friendly (and family-owned since the early 1900s) Purity Spring Resort, 1,000 acres between the Lakes Region and the White Mountains, offers activities for all ages, including waterskiing, kayaking, hiking, biking, tennis, archery, a rock climbing wall, basketball courts, arts and crafts and nature walks. There’s also an indoor pool and hot tub, a fitness center and four beaches. Don’t miss the lobster bake every Thursday evening or the breakfast cookout every Monday morning.

Route 153, East Madison
800-373-3754
www.purityspring.com

 Ragged Mountain

This ski destination becomes a golfer’s paradise in the summer, with an 18-hold championship golf course with views of the mountain and holes “designed to test the golfer’s ability and placement.” Feeling competitive? Then enter one of the golf tournaments at Ragged this summer.

Route 104, Ragged Mountain Road, Danbury
603-768-3600
www.raggedmountainresort.com

Sunset Hill House

At Sunset Hill House, named “Editor’s Choice” by Yankee Magazine, play golf at the state’s longest operating 9-hole course, explore the trails and spot moose or deer, take a dip in the heated mountainside pool and have “New Hampshire’s Very Best Spectacular Meal,” raves New Hampshire Magazine, in the dining room.

Sunset Hill Road, Sugar Hill
603-823-5522
www.sunsethillhouse.com

Waterville Valley Resort

Guests at Waterville Valley won’t run out of things to do, from golf, tennis, chairlift rides, mountain biking, skateboarding, boating, swimming and even indoor ice skating. Summertime here also offers live concerts and day camp for kids and teens ages 4 to 16.

1 Ski Area Rd., Waterville Valley
800-GO-VALLEY
www.waterville.com

Wildcat Mountain

Take in the gorgeous views of the Tuckerman Ravine and Mount Washington on Wildcat’s ZipRider and the gondola skyride. Play alpine disk golf at the new 9-hole course, fish in a pond stocked with trout, have a picnic, see the Thompson Brook Falls or walk along the Appalachian Trail.

Route 16, Pinkham Notch
603-466-3326 or 888-SKI-WILD
www.skiwildcat.com

A Muslim woman who was fired from a Hollister clothing store for refusing to remove her religious headscarf, or hijab, filed a lawsuit Monday against her former employer, Abercrombie & Fitch.

Hani Khan, 20, of San Mateo, Calif., had worked at the store for four months before she was fired in February 2010. She had been told that wearing her hijab would be permitted, and would not conflict with the company “look policy,” if the scarf were in the company colors. But in February, company managers asked her to remove the hijab while she worked. When she refused, she was fired.

“When I was asked to remove my scarf after being hired with it on, I was demoralized and felt unwanted,” said Khan. “Growing up in this country where the Bill of Rights guarantees freedom of religion, I have felt let down.”

After being fired, Khan filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), which determined that Khan had been wrongfully fired.

Khan filed the suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, citing religious discrimination and asserting that Hollister’s parent company, Abercrombie & Fitch, did not comply with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or with the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. Khan is seeking to make it mandatory for Abercrombie & Fitch to allow employees to wear religious scarves, along with unspecified damages. The EEOC has also filed a lawsuit, coming after attempts at a settlement between the parties earlier this year failed.

Zahra Billoo, executive director of the San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, one of the parties representing Khan, said, “When we first received Ms. Khan’s complaint, it was the explicitness of Abercrombie & Fitch’s discriminatory demands which concerned us. They were both egregious and illegal. For an employer to, point-blank, require an employee to relinquish their religious practice is a violation of our cherished civil rights laws.”

Araceli Martinez-Olguin, an attorney with the Legal Aid Society-Employment Law Center, which is also representing Khan, said, ”Abercrombie & Fitch cannot hide behind a ‘Look Policy’ to justify violating Ms. Khan’s civil rights. Their refusal to accommodate her wearing her hijab is not only unlawful, but un-American.”

In a statement made to the Associated Press, Abercrombie & Fitch stood by its diversity, saying that diversity in its stores “far exceeds the diversity in the population of the United States.”

“We comply with the law regarding reasonable religious accommodation, and we will continue to do so,” said Rocky Robbins, Abercrombie & Fitch’s general counsel. “We are confident that when this matter is tried, a jury will find that we have fully complied with the law.”

Fashionistas on a budget have a new reason to update their wardrobes this summer. Andover’s First Date Boutique has moved to a new, larger space downtown–and still has chic clothes at affordable prices. Whether you’re searching for that cute and casual summer dress or that sexy stunner for a party, First Date has it all, and most of it’s priced at under $100. Nothing in the store is over $260, so even that fancy prom dress won’t break the bank.

First Date, owned by sisters Brianne and Keri Barrett since 2007, is a sophisticated girly-girl’s haven with the goal of answering the question, “What am I going to wear?” in an easy, affordable way. Frustrated with having to go from shop to shop trying to piece fun, flirty and unique outfits together, the sisters came up with the idea of a one-stop-shop where women can find everything they need for a trip, party or event. The sisters wanted to create a boutique where women could “enjoy a shopping experience that enabled them to find an outfit that guaranteed a multitude of compliments.”

First Date displays its merchandise from brands such as Max and Cleo, Hanky Panky and Alexia Admor by themed sections, displaying a mix of dresses, tops, skirts, jeans, jewelry, accessories, undergarments and gifts: Soirée, which features semi-formal and formal options, is where you’ll find that elegant dress for your work’s holiday party or for that super fancy wedding; Just Cocktails has what you need when you’re craving a new look for a girls’ night on the town; Getaway is where you’ll find the perfect flowy maxi dress and that sexy new bikini for your summer vacation or stay at the beach; and Hitched is the section for gals who are (you guessed it!) getting hitched or have a friend who is, and offers the perfect pretty outfits for bridal showers and engagement parties, along with cute “I do” accessories for the bride-to-be.

Inside the shop’s pink-walled dressing rooms, notes on the mirrors remind shoppers that “First impressions are everything,” boost their confidence that “He’ll love that!” and exclaim what savvy First Date shoppers already know: “You are one stylish gal.”

First Date Boutique
One Main St.
Andover, MA
978-247-8999

Summer hours:

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m.  to 8 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

www.ShopFirstDate.com

It might feel nice to kick up your feet and unwind by watching TV after work or to relax by the pool all day, but a sedentary lifestyle can be just as bad for your health as smoking, according to recent research.

Dr. David Coven, a cardiologist at New York’s St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center, told CBS.com San Francisco earlier this month that “Smoking certainly is a major cardiovascular risk factor and sitting can be equivalent in many cases.” Coven added that according to several new studies, a sedentary lifestyle is linked to the increased risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes, cancer and premature death.

According to exercise science expert Steven Blair, as quoted in Science Daily, as many as 50 million Americans live a sedentary lifestyle. Not surprisingly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than two-thirds of Americans are overweight and a third are obese.

Callie Durbrow, a personal trainer at Durbrow Performance Training in Cambridge, Mass., says, “It’s all an unfortunate chain of events: sedentary lifestyle leads to obesity, which, in turn, is a well known factor in heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer.” She adds that not getting enough exercise is a “recipe for disaster.”

So what can you do to get active if your day revolves around sitting at a desk at work and sitting in the car during your commute? Sneak “mini-workouts” in, says Durbrow. Durbrow recommends getting at least 30 minutes of “moderately intensive” physical activity five days a week.

“Finding time to exercise–maybe before or after work or during the lunch hour–can literally be a real life saver,” she says.

Here’s what you can do:

Take the stairs, and make this mini-workout session even more effective by running up and down instead of walking. “If you do it several times a day, every day, it’ll add up,” says Durbrow.

Get out and walk briskly, enough to get your heart rate up, instead of driving short distances.

Try to use your free time for exercise instead of watching TV or surfing the Web. “If you finally have a bit of free time, use it for some form of physical activity, not to sit around some more,” she says.

The FDA announced yesterday that effective next year the labels of sunscreen products will contain new information to better inform consumers of sunscreen products’ levels of protection and ability to reduce the risk of skin cancer, early skin aging and sunburn.

Sunscreen products approved by the FDA for protection against both UVA and UVB rays can now be labeled as “Broad Spectrum.” Under the new labeling, says the FDA, “sunscreens labeled as both Broad Spectrum and SPF 15 (or higher), if used regularly, as directed, and in combination with other sun protection measures will help prevent sunburn, reduce the risk of skin cancer, and reduce the risk of early skin aging.”

Products that have an SPF between two and 14 may be labeled as “Broad Spectrum” if they pass FDA testing, but only sunscreens that are SPF 15 or higher can state on their labels that they reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging when used as directed. Sunscreens that are not “Broad Spectrum” or that are “Broad Spectrum” but have an SPF between two and 14 will now be required to display warning labels that read the following: “Skin Cancer/Skin Aging Alert:  Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging.”

Additionally, manufacturers can no longer claim that sunscreens are “waterproof” or “sweatproof,” nor can they identify their products as “sunblock.” Manufacturers that claim their products are “water resistant” must include on the front label that consumers can expect the stated level of SPF while swimming or sweating for either 40 or 80 minutes. Claims of “instant” or “immediate” protection or claims of protection for more than two hours without reapplication will no longer be permitted unless approved by the FDA.

Janet Woodcock, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said in a statement, “The FDA has evaluated the data and developed testing and labeling requirements for sunscreen products so that manufacturers can modernize their product information and consumers can be well informed on which products offer the greatest benefit. These changes to sunscreen labels are an important part of helping consumers have the information they need so they can choose the right sun protection for themselves and their families.”

Woodcock says that for the best sun protection, consumers should regularly wear “Broad Spectrum” sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher and be sure to reapply. Consumers are also encouraged by the FDA to limit sun exposure especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., to wear clothing to cover exposed skin in the sun and to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.

The FDA released three additional regulatory documents, one of which, a Proposed Rule, would limit the maximum SPF on sunscreen labels to be “50+,” as there are insufficient data demonstrating that SPF values above 50 provide an increase in protection. An Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Dosage Forms will address the effectiveness and safety of sunscreen sprays and address sunscreen dosages. The third document, the Draft Enforcement Guidance for Industry, will aid manufacturers in understanding how to label and test their products.

The FDA is also reexamining the safety of sunscreens’ active ingredients.

It’s time to get out and get wild at the Stone Zoo’s seventh annual A Wild Affair fundraiser! Foodies and animal lovers alike will enjoy food from local restaurants and caterers while listening to live music from the a cappella group Blue of a Kind and the North Shore String Quartet. There will also be a silent auction. All proceeds from the event will support the Stone Zoo and its education programs and conservation initiatives.

Details

This is a 21+ event.

Where: The Stone Zoo, 149 Pond St., Stoneham, Mass.

When: Saturday, June 18 from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Tickets: $50 in advance and $60 at the gate

For more information, go to www.zoonewengland.org/awildaffair.

(Media Credit/Werner Kunz via Flickr)

This Father’s Day, leave the fishing rods and bottles of Scotch to the amateurs and take your dad out to a Red Sox game or give him a session of man-pampering and a massage at the Langham Boston’s Chuan Body + Soul spa and fitness center (he can tell the guys he went fishing if his manliness comes into question, but his relaxed muscles will thank you).

The Langham  is offering two overnight packages this baseball season, Take Me out to the Ballgame and Cheer from the Bleachers, both awesome gifts for your sports-fanatic dad. The Take Me out to the Ballgame package includes two tickets to the game within the first 20 rows of Fenway’s right field with rates starting from $455. The Cheer from the Bleachers package gets you two tickets to the game within the first 20 rows of Fenway’s center field bleachers, with rates starting from $385.

Both packages also include overnight accommodations at the Langham and the use of the hotel’s fitness facilities and indoor pool at Chuan Body + Soul.

These packages are available until September 21. For more information, call 1-800-791-7761 or go to www.Boston.LanghamHotels.com.

While you’re at Chuan Body + Soul, why not take advantage of the Father’s Day special? The 75-minute A Man’s World treatment includes a back exfoliation, a relaxing massage and a facial. The treatment is $150 throughout the month of June, a $25 savings from the regular price. Bonus? After the treatment, your rejuvenated dad can relax by the pool and sip a free beer!

For more information, to purchase a gift certificate or to make reservations, call 617-422-5108.

On gorgeous summer days, it seems as if everyone heads to restaurant patios and decks for lunch. Yes, it’s nice to be outside, but do you really want to wait forever for a cramped table? The Beacon Hill Hotel and Bistro has a romantic, old fashioned and chic solution: a picnic.

Just call ahead one hour and order your meal picnic-style, grab that special someone and dine outside at the Public Gardens (just steps away from the Bistro) or at the location of your choice. They’ll even give you a blanket and a basket!

Choose items from the following menu for your picnic in the park:

Tea-cured gravlax, herbed potato salad, green beans and baby greens, $13

Seasonal greens, pear, goat cheese, endives and hazelnuts, $9

Frisée salad with blue cheese, apples, bacon and walnuts, $9

Mediterranean grilled chicken salad with tomato, feta and green olives, $10

Lentil and farro burger, baby spinach, spiced yogurt and red pepper salad, $12

Steak salad with organic romaine, walnuts, blue cheese, tomatoes and red wine vinaigrette, $18

Grilled ground sirloin burger with Kosher dill pickles and french fries, $13

Baked croque madame, smoked ham, béchamel, soft farm egg with baby greens and pommes frites, $13

Maine crab roll with crème fraîche, red peppers and mustard, greens and pommes frites, $14

The picnic-style menu is available beginning June 6 (and will continue until the weather turns cold) on Mondays through Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.  For more information, go to www.beaconhillhotel.com or call 617-723-1133 or 617-723-7575.

Boston Police acquired more evidence against an alleged drug dealer after his mother inadvertently gave it to them.

Suffolk District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said in a statement that after police arrested Travis Curry, 25, in his Tremont Street apartment building on Feb. 9 for a narcotics transaction with an undercover officer, officers asked Curry’s mother if she’d like to get some warmer clothes for Curry to wear. He was wearing shorts. Curry’s mother agreed and retrieved a sweatshirt and a pair of jeans from inside the apartment, where she handed the clothes to an officer. The officer felt a “hard object” inside the jeans, and upon inspection found a large folding knife, nine bags of crack cocaine and 15 bags of heroin.

Curry was arraigned yesterday in Suffolk Superior Court following his April 20 indictment on charges of distribution of a Class A substance, possession with intent to distribute Class A and Class B substances and violating the state’s drug laws within 1,000 feet of a school. Curry faces enhanced sentences as a second or subsequent drug offender.

Curry is being held on $2,000 cash bail and is ordered to stay away from Madison Park High School property, where Curry allegedly met the undercover officer prior to their encounter at the Tremont Street apartment building. He will return to court on June 20.

A Fremont, Calif., man was sentenced Wednesday to four years in prison and was fined $20,000 for possessing child pornography and attempting to extort additional child pornography images from a minor, according to an announcement made by Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Melinda Haag for the Northern District of California.

James Dale Brown, 28, harrassed the 14-year-old girl via Facebook using the username “Bob Lewis” from December 2008 through April 2009. He was aware of the victim’s age. Prior to contacting the victim, he had obtained a “revealing” photograph of her and told her that he would delete this picture, along with others he claimed to have of her, “from the Internet” only if she sent him a video of herself engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

Brown threatened to expose said images to the victim’s friends, also minors. The victim did not give in to Brown’s threats, and on April 18, 2009, Brown sent one of the victim’s friends, a minor, two Web links to an explicit image of the victim.

On April 23, 2009, FBI agents executed a search warrant on Brown’s residence. Brown was arrested on Aug. 26, 2010 and pleaded guilty on Feb. 2, 2011.

This case was part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. This is the first case involving the attempted extortion of a minor for child pornography via a social networking website to be prosecuted in the Northern District of California.

Pimm’s Cup

8 oz. Pimm’s No. 1

24 oz. chilled lemon-lime soda

Add mint, cucumber, orange and strawberry.

Mix in a pitcher (call it a “jug” if you want to impress the queen) filled with ice.

Serves 8. Cheers!

Buying this lavender-scented candle is just one of the ways you can help

Next time you suds up, shave and relax in the tub, remember this: Taking just one bath uses, on average, over 40 gallons of water, while many people in the world have access to fewer than eight gallons of water a day. Nearly 900 million people around the world struggle to obtain clean water, and over 3.5 million people die each year from water-related diseases, according to Water.org. But despite the grim statistics, there is hope. This month, Aveda celebrates its 12th Earth Month Campaign in the effort to raise $4 million to bring clean water to those who need it. The best part? You can help!

Aveda, known for its high-end skincare, haircare and makeup products made with plant-based, organic ingredients, has raised over $18 million for environmental organizations since 1999.

“Environmentalism and social activism are Aveda’s heritage; they are part of our culture, they are in our DNA,” said Katie Galloway, Aveda’s Earth Fund manager. “We believe it is our responsibility to care for the world and communities where we do business.”

This year, all of the money raised by the Earth Month Campaign will go to the Global Greengrants Fund, which gives grants to grassroots organizations working to provide clean water to impoverished communities around the world.

“Water is a fundamental human right and a global issue,” said Galloway. “Whether pollution or scarcity, this is a problem in everyone’s back yard.” Galloway continues, “We all have a role to play in preserving biodiversity and protecting the health of the planet for future generations. It’s a question of sustainability; we cannot continue to ignore environmental degradation without understanding its detriment to all life forms —plants, animals and humans.”

How you can make a difference

Relax with aromatherapy. One hundred percent of the purchase price ($12) of Aveda’s soy Light The Way Earth Month Candles will be donated to the campaign. The limited-edition candle is scented with 100 percent certified organic lavender, lavandin and clary sage essential oils and is packaged with recycled materials.

Go for a walk. During the week of April 22, join the Walk for Water event at participating salons and spas. Raise awareness by walking 3.7 miles, the average distance women in developing countries must walk in order to collect water every day.

Get your hair done. Make an appointment at a participating salon or spa and a portion of the service fee will be donated to the campaign. If you use Foursquare or Facebook to check in at that location, Aveda will donate $1.

Go shopping. Shop at Aveda.com and donate $1 at check-out to support organizations working to improve water quality for disaster victims in Japan.

For more information or to find out which salons and spas are participating in Aveda’s Earth Month Campaign, go to www.aveda.com or Facebook.com/Aveda.