Timeless Beauty - Book Review and Notes

While browsing at the library, I came across Timeless Beauty by Christie Brinkley. The note at the bottom of the cover said that Christie "happens to be 61 years old." I was surprised that she is 61 years old since it looks like she's about 25 years old on the book cover.

After skimming through the book, I found some useful information and a couple recipes, but - for the most part - a lot of the information wasn't applicable. There were multiple references to plastic surgery and different procedures that are quite expensive. I just can't justify spending that kind of money to look young.

There's also a lifestyle and financial level that the author is at that I'm not even remotely close to. This makes a world of difference in what one can afford in terms of clothing, make-up, and other items that can create a sense of style and "timeless beauty."

When I looked at the reviews on Amazon.com about the book, I found that I'm not alone with being disappointed with the overall content of the book. There are quite a few people who say, "Don't waste your money."

That being said, there was some useful information. She shared some of the foods in her kitchen and recommended the reader add them since they all have good health benefits:
- broccoli
- blueberries
- walnuts
- almonds
- avocados
- apples
- olive oil
- kiwis
- red and purple grapes
- cabbage
- pickles
- fennel
- garlic
- quinoa
- steel-cut oats
- tomatoes
- dark chocolate
- legumes

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Some healthy things to munch on:
- frozen bananas, grapes, or blueberries
- an apple spread with peanut butter
- a square of dark  chocolate along with a few nuts, dried raisins, or dried cranberries
- a date with a handful of walnuts
- fresh-cut fennel or roasted with a little olive oil and a touch of salt
- roasted pumpkin seeds with Himalayan pink salt or sea salt

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Honey Vinaigrette
Makes 1/3 cup

Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
pinch of cayenne pepper
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest and juice, honey, vinegars, and cayenne. While whisking, slowly stream in the olive oil until emulsified.

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Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette
Makes 1/2 cup

Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients.

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The author uses something called the Total Gym. You can do an intense strength training workout, gentle stretches, or even Pilates exercises similar to what you'd do on a reformer in a studio. It's always lengthening and strengthening your muscles at the same time, both preventing injury and keeping muscles strong. I looked it up and the price ranges from about $800 to $3,500 depending on the style of the machine.

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Staying hydrated is so important for your skin, so drink lots of water and eat foods that pack a lot of moisture - like cucumbers, melons, and other fruits.

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When on an airplane, use Evian Mineral Water Spray or other spritzers. Blot the water after you spray it because if you let it air-dry, it will dehydrate your skin because the evaporating water will pull additional moisture from your skin.