BellaSugar

Definition: Cardamom

BellaSugar — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:05:25 -0700

Want something delicious to eat and lovely to smell? Cardamom comes from seeds inside the husks of a flowering plant. Native to India, it has a strong scent and taste. It is used in both cooking and medicine and can be ground up and baked in a wood-burning oven, or it can be pressed to create an oil.

Cardamom also has a cooling property, similar to mint, however not quite as strong. It is one of the more expensive spices (actually, it's right behind saffron) and is in the same family as ginger. Medicinally, it is used as an antiseptic and to treat heartburn, nausea and stomach disorders. Chewing cardamom can improve bad breath, too.

In fragrances, the oil often used in small quantities (since it's aroma is so strong) and is typically blended with geranium and rose. Since it's such a powerful spice, those with sensitive skin should do a patch test before applying directly on your body.

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Warm Up With These Comfy Cold-Weather Scents

BellaSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:00:37 -0800

When the air starts to get a little nippy and my sweaters come out of the closet, I start daydreaming about cold weather perfumes. I put away my beachy scents and find creamy, spicy, deep fragrances with the rich, comforting notes of cinnamon, cardamom, labdanum, almond, Tahitian vanilla, bergamot tea, and warm woods. I'm still on my way to finding the perfect sweater scent, but I thought I'd put together a few that might be a good bet for you. From heavy-hitting classics like Penhaligon's Bluebell (woody, earthy and soft, with a few sweet florals) to inexpensive but delicious scents like Carol's Daughter Almond Cookie (just plain yummy), there are fragrances here for every taste and budget, but all of the entries promise to make you feel like you're curled up under a comfy throw with something warm to sip on. Click through to get a little scentspiration.

Fragrance Review: Is Bond No. 9 Right on the Money?

BellaSugar — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:00:00 -0700

I like perfume and I certainly like money, so I when I heard about a fragrance inspired by cash, I was intrigued by the concept. Add a little Andy Warhol in the mix, and it's all the more intriguing. Next month, Bond No. 9, known for its all-things-New York approach, well-thought-out blends, and colorful, artistic bottles, will release the unisex eau de parfum: Andy Warhol Success Is a Job in New York ($145 to $220).

Possibly one of the longest labels on a perfume ever, the fragrance gets its name from a Glamour article from the 1950s in which Warhol illustrated. The bottle showcases the artist's iconic dollar sign, with drippy paint and sketchy borders, creating an ambiguous line between art and money. As for the juice itself, it's of the gourmand classification with a warm spiciness. While there's not one particular note that sticks out, the top notes of coriander, cardamom, mandarin, bergamot provide a bit of an edge; middle notes of jasmine, rose, plum, and pimento lend some soft tones that aren't at all wimpy; and bottom notes of vanilla, patchouli, and amber deliver a heady, powdery finish. To see what I thought about the parfum, keep reading.

What to Do If You Run Out of Toothpaste

BellaSugar — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 09:01:12 -0700

A few weeks ago, I ran out of toothpaste. I'm not sure how it happened, but when I went to grab a new box from my toothpaste stash, it turned up empty. (I'll blame it all on Mr. Bella.)

Whatever the case, I didn't have time to go out and buy a new tube right then and there, and I had already cut it open to squeeze out the last remnants the night before. I ended up making a homemade paste from basic ingredients in the kitchen. Find out what I used, along with some more ideas for cleaning and freshening sans paste, when you read more.

Do what I did: Blend two parts of baking soda with one part salt and sprinkle over a toothbrush that's been moistened with water. This mixture helps whiten teeth and freshen breath. The flavor takes some getting used to, but it's pretty effective and super easy.

Raid the fridge: Chewing on mint or parsley will help neutralize odors until you can make your way to the store to restock on the toothpaste. FitSugar has more foods that help freshen breath, like carrots and yogurt. Apples act as great natural teeth cleansers, too.

Hit up the pantry: Chew on anise, dill, sesame, or fennel seeds; cardamom pods; cloves; or cinnamon sticks, which all help clean and polish teeth.

Peroxide: In a jam, you can also tip your toothbrush in germ-fighting hydrogen peroxide and brush your teeth like "normal."

Scrape your tongue: Using a spoon, scrape your tongue to help remove bacteria. I do this trick even when I have a supply of toothpaste readily available. It works amazingly well to keep bad breath at bay.

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Perfumer Bond No. 9 Captures Essence of Brooklyn

BellaSugar — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 07:00:35 -0800

It's no secret that Brooklyn has become the hip place to be over the past few years, and swanky New York perfume house Bond No. 9 is about to deliver once again with a new scent called - what else? - Brooklyn.

Set for a March debut, the unisex blend was designed to capture the essence of the artistic, ever-changing, and edgy vibe of this city-within-a-city. With top notes of cardamom and grapefruit; middle notes of cypress-wood, geranium leaves, and juniper berries; and bottom notes of cedarwood, guaiacwood, and leather, Brooklyn ($145 to $220) is sexy, spicy, and tender. Or as they like to say in the fragrance biz, it's a woody, spicy-filled oriental.

As for the distinctively-shaped bottle, Bond No. 9's Brooklyn is street art all the way with graffit-esque writing in bold eye-catching hues. Look for the new scent at one of Bond No. 9's four New York City boutiques and Saks Fifth Avenue - but alas, it won't be found in Kings County itself.

Fragrance Review: Patrick Dempsey Unscripted

BellaSugar — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 12:00:45 -0800

Back in April, I told you about Patrick Dempsey's collaboration with Avon. "Not another celeb fragrance," I thought. Flash forward to present day and Patrick Dempsey Unscripted ($32) has arrived. And it's surprisingly delightful, unexpected . . . dare I say, McSexy?

The fragrance is reminiscent of classic colognes, but with a modern, crisp feel. You might even say it could qualify as unisex, somehow managing to have a substantive, yet light, airy feel all at once. Top notes of cardamom and black peppercorn provide a clean spiciness; Middle notes of fig and lavender impart a soft, sweet characteristics; And bottom notes of leatherwood, patchouli heart, vetiver, and musk lend to the earthy, outdoorsy, and lingering quality.

If you're looking to purchase some Unscripted for the man in your life, Avon's scripted out an offer. With an order of $30 or more, standard shipping is free when you enter the promo code Jingle30. Seeing that Dempsey's fragrance is $32, you get the idea.

Three Wintery Tips From Space NK Founder Nicky Kinnaird

BellaSugar — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 08:00:11 -0800

Eat, drink, and be merry. It seems like that's the mantra on everyone's mind these days.

So, when I met up with Space NK founder Nicky Kinnaird at her store within a store at the SF Bloomie's, I asked her which festively spirited products are on her radar. Here are three of her wintery wonderland suggestions:

Overdid it at the after-work happy hour party? Detox with Natura Bissé Oxygen Finishing Mask (approximately $33 at most department stores), which clarifies and purifies the skin. Kinnaird also recommends products from Space NK's Seaweed Collection. Try Spa Seaweed Body Polish ($32), which helps stimulate the lymphatic system.
Looking for a people-stop-and-ask kind of fragrance? Kinnaird is all about Champaca Eau de Toilette ($30 to $70), "an amazing, super indulgent fragrance," she says. A feminine floral with cardamom, spices, myrrh, woods, vanilla musk, and amber crystals, this blend is the perfect winter aroma.
No fireplace? No problem. These creative, warm, and toasty Candles by Dayna Decker ($32) have a wooden wick that crackles when lit. How very cozy.

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Fragrance Review: Jo Malone Sweet Lime And Cedar

BellaSugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:00:12 -0700

Do you like Thai food? I love it so much that I'd have to say that it's one of those "more than a once a week" staples for me and Mr. Bella. It's flavorful, healthy, and just about a three- minute walk from my doorstep. Convenience: I'm all for it.

So, when I heard that Jo Malone's new Sweet Lime and Cedar Cologne ($55 to $100) was based on the fine flavors of Thai cuisine, I almost choked on my green papaya salad.

Just as Thai cooking relies on delicately blending ingredients while incorporating the five flavors, Jo Malone's latest fragrance relies on delicately blending aromas to do the same. Sweet, salty, bitter, spicy, and sour - this fragrance has it all. It's got a very distinctively lime, slightly coconutty quality upon first whiff. Then, a spiciness follows. A hint of cardamom gives it some heat, and tonka bean (vanilla-ish) mellows it out. The slightest touch of floral notes makes it smell so pretty. Then - pow! Cedar and tamarind lend a lingering, lofty quality.

All in all, Jo Malone's Sweet Lime and Cedar Cologne is a definite keeper. It's different, exotic, and would work nicely for both men and women. Mr. Bella even requested seconds. "Pad Thai or Beef Pho?" I asked. "No, the perfume!" he said. A man after my own heart.

Wrists and Necks to Smell of Posh and Becks

BellaSugar — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 09:59:29 -0700

Well, it looks like moving to the States has been a very good decision for Victoria and David Beckham. Sure, David's wonky ankle has been keeping him off the field-but you can't keep a good couple down. Today, WWD reveals the couple's latest endeavor: Intimately Beckham, a his-and-hers fragrance duo that launches Stateside next month.

"Why is this different from any other celebrity fragrance? The fact that [I] have spent a lot of time checking all the details," explains Victoria Beckham. "We are not just saying, 'We are celebrities, put our name on it.' I love to be involved with the whole process."

For more on the fragrances, plus a preview of the packaging, read more

Intimately Beckham for Him has top notes of bergamot, grapefruit and cardamom; a heart of violet, nutmeg and star anise, and sandalwood, patchouli and amber base notes. It sounds intriguing, particularly the cardamom notes.

Intimately Beckham For Her features Victoria's favorite scent, tuberose. "I like how it's young, fresh, modern, but it still reminds me of my grandmother," she says. "It is a smell that's not going to date." Along with tuberose, the fragrance features top notes of bergamot and rose; middle notes of Casablanca lily and orange blossom; and a musky drydown of vanilla and sandalwood.

Priced at $25 for 0.5 ounces to $55 for 2.5 ounces, both fragrances will be at Kohl's, JC Penney, Ulta and Sears next month. If you can't get enough Beckhams, you're in luck: Victoria hinted at another signature fragrance for 2008, and a makeup line to debut in Japan in October. Now if we could just see Becks score a goal or two, we'll be all set!

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Coming Soon: U by Ungaro For Him and For Her

BellaSugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:00:54 -0700

Emanuel Ungaro is quite the busy fashion house these days. Along with releasing a limited-edition makeup collection with MAC later this year, it's about to release two scents: U by Ungaro For Him and U by Ungaro For Her.

I've tried U by Ungaro for Her, and I really like the sweet, floral and slightly spicy aroma. It has a fresh and crisp essence that makes it great for daytime, but it's not subtle - so you should be prepared for a few heads to turn as you work a room. For those of you who are curious about all of the fragrance notes, it contains a blend of blonde woods, bergamot, freesia, pepper blossom, acacia aura, lotus flower, osmanthus, oris, sandalwood and musk.

For the details about U by Ungaro for him and to see close up photos of the bottles, read more.

U by Ungaro for Him is strong, also crisp, but more woody than floral. It has notes of grapefruit, pomegranate, immortale, cardamom, cedar-leaf, vetiver, patchouli, sandalwood, tonka bean and Peru balsam. It comes packaged in a sleek rectangular shaped glass bottle and sells for $28 - four dollars less than the women's version.

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Fresh Redcurrant Basil Eau de Parfum - $75.00	Carol's daughter almond cookie eau de toilette spray - $27.00
The Comforter Solid Perfume - $7.95	Parfums Intimes Cashmere Vanilla Jasmine Eau de Parfum - $45.00
Burberry Brit Perfume Collection - $46.00	Vanillary Fragrance - $41.95
Bergamot Tea Eau De Toilette - $46.00	Red Flower Hammam - Cardamom Amber Oil - 2.4 Oz. - $44.00
Dolce And Gabbana No. 6 L'amoureux - $65.00	Agraria Bitter Orange - $40.00
Demeter Sugar & Spice Cologne Spray - $20.00	Le Labo Labdanum 18 100ml - $200.00
Montale Amandes Orientales - $135.00	Penhaligon's Bluebell - $80.00
Fresh Cannabis Rose - $75.00	Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Luxe Edition - $70.00