The Cooler Box

Antioxidants: What's all the hype about?

2009-03-01T07:23:00.000-08:00

I the last couple months I have come across an ever increasing amount of products offering news ways to keep your age as a number and nothing else!! These new supplements offer anti-aging solutions in tablet form and, alon with SUPERFOODS such as acai, goji berry and, more recently, maqui, have created a new market for companies to fight over. I hav to admit to being interested in antioxidants as there is much mdical evidence to support them.e are some of my favourites:

Dr.Perricone- anything by Dr erricone is excellent. His fce creams work brilliantly after a few days application. He also sells supplements containing extra amounts of the nutrients found in the topica products

Check out Iherb.com for cheaper supplelments including Alpha-Lipoic Acid and DMAE
Use referral code CIL518 for a $5 discount

Acai berry is well worth trying, not only because it is excellent for you but because it has a great taste like a rich raspberry favour

Website Of The Week 2!

2008-08-22T03:54:00.000-07:00

Drum roll please!!! And the winner this week is 80spurple.com! The 80's and style might seem like antonyms to lot of people but we more enlightened individuals know they have just given in to the well trodden and incorrect path.

When we first encountered 80spurple our heart stopped... and then started beating out in electronic beats! Imagine our horror to discover this treasure trove of 80's inspired fashion and accessories didn't deliver to our wee island of Ireland. Recently we were sadly looking through the beautiful site when we noticed bang they do ship to Ireland, once more my heart beat changed now it was beating out a power ballad!

For men and women the selection of clothing is actually superb, accessories too are a must and with prices like 80spurple has who wouldn't? Eyewear is the best offering very stylish glasses without straying from the decades old them! For all aspiring 80's kids check it out www.80spurple.com

Mass Market Beauty!

2008-08-18T17:35:00.000-07:00

Now I know that it's the done thing on blogs to try and focus on very high end, exclusive and elusive products but the thing is that there are lots of standard fragrances which deserve a mention as well these I shall christen Mass Market Beauties. Why? Well simply put because that's exactly what they are, the odd occasions when massive fashion corporations get it just right!My first nomination is Tommy Hilfiger's True Star Men, fronted originally at least by Enrique Iglesias. This is a sweet scent with a beautiful counter point of rich sour notes. The top notes include grapefruit and base notes include a rich vanilla. These two notes should alone indicate the rich contrapuntal melody that this fragrance possess teasing the sense with the correct balance of soft and sharp notes. This fragrance is comparatively cheap when considered against the more upscale ones normally mentioned at length in fragrance blogs but no less worth the having. It's complex and beautiful collogne for simply beautiful price and in my opinon thats as close to perfection as Tommy will ever get.

Top 5 fragrances to stand out

2008-08-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for something a bit different to the normal run of the mill scents then here are five that will keep you coming back for more:

Hermes, Un Jardin Sur le Nil: with green mango as its main note this fragrance is perfectly warm and fruity for the shorter days ahead. When first applied it is quite heavy on fruit but as it dries down the mango fades slightly and the fragrance becomes much more mellow. Its lasting power is quite ok but you will need to refresh during the day if you want to maintain the strong mango scent. Other notes include Grapefruit and smoky pepper.

Acqua di Parma, Fico di Amalfi: This is another fruit scent based on figs. This is much more sugary than the Hermes scent and for readers who are looking for a comforting scent, this is ideal. It reminds me of sweet fruity tea with hints of bergamot and lime after the initial blast of energy.

Montale, Chocolate Greedy: Now for something completely different! This scent is like a sugary cookie straight from the oven. Its so yummy it should be used in a candle ideally but that is not to say it's not wearable. It would be ideal for the dead of winter as it is a very warming scent.

Burberry Touch For Men You may wonder why this fragrance gets a mention here. Well, on a man this fragrance smells quite interesting but on a woman it is remarkable. The mandarin is more pronounced and the violet notes become more feminine. If you are a woman who is sick of bland floral feminine fragrances then try this out now! You won be disappointed.

Tom Ford, Black Orchid: This has to be one of the most intoxicating fragrances I have had the opportunity to sniff in a long time. It starts off with a rush of what can only described as truffle layered fruit basket. On the dry down the vanilla and incense become more prominent. On another blog one sentence has been used to sum this fragrance up "Is it just me, or did somebody drag a cat through this fruit salad?" *I do not agree here at all but one thing is for certain try all these fragrances out before you buy because whatever may be said about them, it all comes down to individual taste.

*(courtesy of bittergracenotes.blogspot.com)

Are you Pro or Anti-Crombie?

2008-08-16T11:20:00.001-07:00

In recent times Abercrombie & Fitch has become so popular in Dublin that it is giving a lot of people a headache. Many of the people who wear the brand attach so much more significance to it than is deserved. After all, the clothes are not exactly inspiring. Don't get me wrong I love the track pants they make because they are ideal for sports but that's where it ends, in my opinion.

Another thing that's been bugging me is why on Earth is Abercrombie slowly evolving into a soft core adult entertainment company. At this stage their adds are about 90% flesh 8% background and 2% clothes! I'm no marketing expert but that strikes me as rather odd when its clothes they are supposed to be selling.

I'm not being prudish and I'm not even really complaining just wondering why it so heavy on the sex sells bandwagon? As recent reports show, Abercrombie's profits are dipping maybe it will get a little chilly for the models during our god forsaken credit crunch and they'll finally have to put on the clothes their paid to wear!

Show Your Pony Patriotism

2008-08-16T03:39:00.000-07:00

These new Polo shirts from Ralph Lauren have flags on them. This is quite funky and they are available in a variety of deigns and you can even create your own. Support your country's Olympic team with these quirky designs. This one is my particular favourite. No shock there!!!

photo courtesy of RalphLauren.com

A Dubliner's Guide to Dublin

2008-08-15T14:55:00.000-07:00

I wanted to write this article because I love my home city. I have traveled extensively in Europe and beyond and I believe that Dublin is one of the most friendly, atmospheric and beautiful cities in the world. There is so much to learn here about the a people who have scattered all over the world. It is in Dublin that you can truly discover the warmth and charm of the Irish people

Whether you are here purely for sightseeing, you are a shopaholic or you are a party animal Dublin has something for you!

GETTING THERE
If you are coming from the UK then Ryanair is the cheapest way to arrive with flightd from £1.99 each way from Stansted. If yo are arriving from the US then Aerlingus(aerlingus.com) has some good deals

ATTRACTIONS
The first sight to visit in the Dublin is the Ha'penny bridge. This is located on the lower keys, near the train station and it was originally opened in 1816. It has been give a retouch lately. Up until 2000 it was the only pedestrian bridge across the Liffey.

Temple Bar is straight across from the Ha'penny Bridge. This area is a maze of shops, restaurant and quirky little shops. It is not the most atmospheric of areas, especially during high season when tourists clog its streets. However, it is worth mentioning as it has some really excellent restaurants. Here are some of my top picks:

Elephant and Castle, 18 Temple Bar, Dublin 2 This place serves a wide variet of cuisines. Try the chicken wings they are delish! This place is also very reasonably priced by Dublin standards.

Luigi Malones,The Friary, 5-6 Cecilia Street,Temple Bar, Dublin 2
This is a bit of an Irish Italian Mix. The steak here is said to be one of he best in all Dublin and I agree.

If you are thirsty and fancy a nice pint of Guinness the there are countless places around here to try it. The Porter House on Dawson Street is one of the best pubs in Dublin. It is right next to Trinity College and also brews its own concoctions. Try the chocolate ale it is surprisingly tasty

SHOPPING
If you are one of those people who likes to shop for souvenirs then Temple Bar is the ideal destination. For upmarket brands try Grafton Street. Here you will find boutiques from Chanel and Louis Vuitton and the upmarket department store Brown Thomas. St. Stephen's Green shopping centre at the bottom of Grafton St. offers a wide variety of high street brands also.

2008-08-15T14:47:00.001-07:00

Sardinia: A Travel and Food Guide

2008-08-14T16:49:00.000-07:00

You may not have noticed but, lately, Sardinia has become quite the hot spot for those in search of celebrity sun seeking. On my trip there earlier this summer I found a country that was on the verge of mass tourism. Although largely unspoiled, it is clear that heavy beach developments, like those in most Spanish resorts, are beginning to spring up.

The beaches are very beautiful and, particularly in early summer, quite uncrowded. Some of the most beautiful beaches I have ever visited are in the south-east of the country. When I was there there were a totla of two other people on the beach. An amazingly tranquil experience with none of the cheap thrills of the costas in Spain.

The food here is also noteworthy. Fresh fish is always delicious and the local liqour called Mirto is made from the myrtle bush and goes brilliantly with the local pecorino cheese which can be bought from numerous shops in the main towns. Alghero is probably my favourite place on the island to go. It is not too big and is perfect for a week of relaxation with an old historic centre worth investigating. There are many boutiques to be found here along with excellent restaurants and food shops.

THE HIGHLIGHTS
Casa del Formaggio in Alghero sells a huge amount of cheese in bulk amounts for very reasonable rates an there is also a good variety of island produce here.

Centro Storico, Alghero the old town in Alghero is an atmospheric maze of streets with a beautiful medieval church. When I was there a choir was singing and there were grous of people eating ice cream outside. Oh Italy!!!

Stylishly 80s in an affordable way

2008-08-14T14:50:00.000-07:00

It seems lately that trends in music, and also in fashion to a great extent, have been moving backwards. I doubt anyone will be running to the hair salon for Amy Winehouse's beehive but her singing style has certainly turned fashion in a certain direction. Those of you who hate eveything 80s should probably stop reading right now...

For the rest of you here are some really fashionable items which will lend a certain retro twinge to your wardrobe:

Wanna wander back to your school days? This jacket from Triple 5 Soul is the one for you. With a little crest on front and a muted navy color it is ideal for keeping warm and looking cute in the coming season. (Available from Triple5soul.com)

If you like the music and style of Amy Winehouse but would like to add more sophistication to the look then check out the designs from Puella Clothing. The dress displayed here is ideal for the end of the summer with its soft baby blue tones. (Available from puellagirl.com)

SPLURGE on this clutch from Versace which will add much glamour to any style. It may cost over $1000 but it will never go out of fashion

Website of the Week

2008-08-14T14:05:00.001-07:00

This week I am recommending one of the most interesting websites out there for those who are true fragrance lovers. If you are sick of hearing about the latest scent release from some tween celebrity which will almost certainly smell forgettable, then this is the site for you.

Luckyscent.com presents some of the most unusual and hard to find fragrances on the planet and at very reasonable prices. If you want to stand out from the crowd and turn heads (literally) then there is definitely something here for you. I have purchased products from this website myself as I never recommend sites without personal experience. Here are some of my favorites on the site:

The Sage Line: these fragrances are oil based and so have great lasting power. All are great and have a smoky base but Onyx is my particular favourite. It has a rich coconut base take will take you straight to a paradise beach.

Commes des Garcons: This company creates fragrances from the most beautiful to the downright weird. If you are feeling sluggish at anytime during the day then spray some of the peppermint scent and you will be instantly enlivened.

Nesti Dante: Try the chocolate soap from these guys and you will never use a different soap again. With shea butter for intense moisture and a cocoa scent which will make you want to take a bite, there is no better way to make your showering experience irresistible. Available at $9

All above products available from Luckyscent.com

Confessions of A Madonna Fan!!!!

2008-08-14T13:55:00.000-07:00

Nowadays we hear a lot about anti-ageism. We were treated recently to a campaign that tried to convince us that stereotypes of old people, such as that they are over the hill or past their sell by date, are inaccurate and that older people can be productive members of society capable of many of the things we assume have passed them by. I have no problem, of course with this, but what I want to know is why have none of these campaigners thanked Madonna for her tireless work to present a new image for older people!?

I have a confession… I am a Madonna fan and I always have been. Her hits are infectious and brilliant but I think with her latest album, Hard Candy, Madonna may have gone just a step, or more appropriately, a difficult aerobics/ gymnastic/ yoga move too far.

I’m not one of those people who think that once a pop star has hit the big four-O they have to chuck it in. I see no reason that they can’t continue on churning out massive songs that can get us all dancing or singing along. Madonna’s last album Confessions on A Dancefloor was in my opinion one of if not her best, tight purple leotard and all, but this new offering is just too much.

Madonna sings her way through an odd collection of mid-tempo dance hip-hop songs on Hard Candy. Now, Madonna is the queen of reinvention. She has changed styles almost as much as some stars changed outfits. Each album brings a new Madonna; some have met more success, think Ray of Light and Confessions on A Dancefloor, than others, think Bedtime Stories or American Life. But, I really feel that this latest album belongs in a whole new category. Perhaps it can be called “Trying Too Hard” or “Put it Away Already”.

Throughout all her previous albums, even those which were panned critically and commercially, I always felt that this was a Madonna album and that she owned it and had left a big imprint on its style and sound. The same cannot be said for Hard Candy. In an attempt to latch on to the trend of the moment, hip hop, or more precisely, Timbaland, Madonna seems to have gotten all bent out of shape, which from her videos is something she is good at.

Hard Candy is not a good album. It’s only mediocre, it’s just okay. In her need to dominate everything, Madonna has forgotten that it is more important to be good or at least true to your own style than to be popular. No one song stands out as a classic or at least as a great Madonna song and one gets the feeling that these songs could just as easily be sung by any of Timbaland’s other female collaborators.

Aside from this, the videos are bordering on disturbing as if in an effort to prove that she can still move, flex and twist at 49 years of age. Madonna has decided to make each video an eerie show of her new athletic body. She bends and grinds like no 49 year old should and to be honest, it comes across as an old granny trying to stay hip with the kids.

Madonna should be well above these wacky acts. Nobody questions that she is still capable of banging along with today’s young pups. She doesn’t need to, she is a living legend.

So to conclude, get off the floor, Madonna, put the clothes back on, and make another great Madonna album. Oh, and maybe eat something.

The Hottest Sunglasses

2008-08-14T04:41:00.000-07:00

We've all tried it and I think most of us (including myself) have not quite got it right. The quest for the perfect pair of sunglasses to match your outfit!!! Well these sunglasses from Marc Jacobs will impress almost everyone. The big rectangular shape is very trendy at the moment and the variety of designs will suit almost everyone. Here is my favourite pair:

These Sunglasses are available now from Otticanet.com for 183 euro