A Blog Post Theme: Products that can encourage health from head to toes. Information about these products is on specific pages of the Alison D Gilbert website. They include:
• Blog Posts
• the Alison*s Apothecary page of my website.
My intention: to offer suggestions that may help improve the health and wellbeing of my readers. Products are available for purchase on the individual websites.
FROM HEAD . . .
Manukora Manuka Honey Bioactive Blends Since the original MGO+ strengths, the bioactive blends are the latest development in Manukora Manuka Honey. Originally one had the choice of various grades or MGOs+ (from MGO+50 to MGO+1000). In other words, they were available from wellness grades, to medicinal grades. To learn all about Manuka honey grades, go to Manuka Honey, Nature’s Medicine.
The three recently developed bioactive blends are combined with either MGO+200 or MGO+850 strength Manuka honey. The blends are:
• energy + clarity
• body + recovery
• immunity + defense
Three Manukora Bioactive Manuka Honey Blends
I suggest ordering 10-packs of each of these to learn which works best for you. I just received the yellow package (energy + clarity) which I will start today. In addition, I am very pleased with the two I have tried so far, golden package (body + recovery), and purple package (immunity + defense).
In fact, I have suggested to Manukora that they offer a combination of the three bioactive blends, 30 packets total as one order.
This would be a great way for customers to try 10 each of the bioactive blends at one time. Actually an option to starting with an expensive commitment of 30 packets of each blend. Manukora Manuka Honey
Vitality Essences Vitality Essences come in three forms, liquid (with dropper bottle application), balm, and roll on.
Vitality Essences carries a large variety of affordable carrier oils and essential oils for physical issues. They come in three types of applications:
• liquid with dropper bottle application
• balms (my favorite)
• roller
Vibrant Blue Oils Vibrant Blue Oils are high quality essential oils for ‘Emotional Balance & Inner Transformation’. The oils come in small blue glass bottles. The book about these oils is ‘Essential Oils to Boost the Brain & Heal the Body’ by Jodi Cohen.
Soft Mints Red Bird Wrapped Peppermint Puffs “Piedmont Candy Company has been making these light, red and white puffs of minty goodness since 1890 right from their hometown in Lexington, North Carolina.
“Handcrafted, each individually wrapped piece is unique, just like a snowflake. Get in a resealable 18 oz. tub.
“Each puff is individually wrapped for convenient sharing and to take with you on the go!” All City Candy
For an occasional burst of peppermint to take on the go. Slip a few of these individually wrapped, fast melting treats in your pocket, back pack or purse. There are no spills like with a ‘liquid essential oil’, so easy and clean to consume.
. . . TO TOES
HIKE Footwear About a year ago, I discovered a product called HIKE Footwear. This discovery was a real revelation because these shoes are really comfortable. In fact, wearing them is like walking on air. My feet are so comfortable in them, these shoes feel like pillows.
The benefits of HIKE Footwear
The Benefits of HIKE Footwear
It took a year to convince my husband that HIKE Footwear could be more comfortable and better for his whole body than the major brand ‘sneakers’. His podiatrist concurred and we were on our way to a whole new, comfortable, affordable footwear wardrobe.
HIKE Footwear come in many styles and colors ranging from short-walk wear to long-hike wear in both men’s and women’s sizes.
HIKE Footwear come in many styles and colors ranging from short-walk wear to long-hike wear in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Shear socks found at CVS, Shein, and Monogramme
Decorative Shear Socks Many years ago, I had bought some shear high socks. But they were very different from the shear socks available today. They were monotone with a faint woven pattern. In fact, there was only a single color to be found in each pair.
Today, shear socks are colorful, decorative and festive. In fact, when my feet perspire, shear socks are both perfect for absorbing perspiration and enhancing appearance. Polka Dots Sheer Mesh Socks
RECENTLY DISCOVERED
Flower Essences for Emotional Balance & Inner Transformation
LOTUS Flower Essences “LOTUSWEI captures the healing quality of flowers and infuses them into flower essence elixirs, mists, oils & dark chocolate.
“Whether you’re new to flower essences or a longtime practitioner, our formulas are designed to support emotional stabilization, address the root cause of imbalance and amplify your highest potential.” LotusWei.com
A Better Cream Cheese Spread
“Once upon a time, we found ourselves craving a bagel with cream cheese spread. Within us rose a quiet battle — should we surrender to empty calories, or seek a healthier alternative?
“And just like that, Schmear.d was born. We took everything we love about the morning ritual — the comfort, the tang, the perfect schmear — and rebuilt it from the ground up. Real dairy blended with milk protein concentrate, prebiotic chicory root fiber, and clean ingredients you can actually pronounce. No compromises.
The result? A cream cheese spread with 10g of protein and 4g of fiber per 2oz that actually tastes like the real thing — because it is. Let it sit at room temp for 5–10 minutes for the best schmear.”
“schmear responsibly.”
New Zealand Honey Co.in strengths from UMF 10+/MGO 263+ to UMF 30+/ 1620+ MGO.Ancient Remedies-Honey
‘More About Manuka’ is my second blog post about honey.
The reason for a second post is because of the additional information I am gathering about the historical healing properties of honey.
The History of Honey for Healing is Fascinating and Extensive: Ancient Egyptians packed honey into battle wounds 4,000 years ago.
Hippocrates prescribed honey for ulcers and infections 2,400 years ago.
WWI field doctors used honey when antibiotics ran out 110 years ago.
Recent Healing Documentation
In addition, I am in touch with my two favorite Manuka Honey Companies, Manukora Honey, and the New Zealand Honey Company for cutting edge healing news. It will be reported as available.
Manukora Honey
Question and Answer Regarding Brands Pricing
Refer to this chart to compare strength pricing.I inquired to both companies about this disparity.
“Alison’s Exotic Healthy Food Kitchen and Shopping Super good question! Our jar of a similar size is $160 while theirs is $140 (both on subscription).
As you might now already, our customers choose Manukora because of our:
– Higher potency
– Certifications such as non-GMO, glyphosate-free, antibiotic-free, and B corp
– Independent testing via the QR code on each jar
– Ethical beekeeping practice that we call “The Art of Ethical Beekeeping”
Many thanks for your support,
The Manukora team
“Thank you so much for your thoughtful comparison and for being such a fan of Manuka honey! We really appreciate the time you’ve taken to look at the pricing across brands — it shows how much you care about getting the best quality. While we can’t comment on the pricing of other brands, we can share a bit about ours. Pricing differences can come down to a few factors: sourcing, batch size, production costs, certification, and even how the honey is processed and packaged. While ratings give a good indication of potency, the overall cost of the honey can vary based on the region, quality testing, and the brand’s supply chain. We hope this helps clarify the value of our honey, and we’d be happy to answer any other questions you have.”
Kind Regards,
Jenny | Customer Care Specialist | New Zealand Honey Company
Honey as Medicine in Ayurveda (Indian Traditional Healing):
Honey as Medicine in Ayurveda from Banyan BotanicalsRespecting the source of Honey from Banyan BotanicalsNew Zealand Honey Co.
A honey bee collects pollen from the Manuka bush flower. Courtesy of Shutterstock/M Rutherford
THE MANUKA HONEY STORY
The Manuka honey story begins in 1839 when missionaries first brought honey bees to New Zealand. Māori people already treasured the native Mānuka plant for its medicinal properties. But until then, it had not been used to make honey.
What makes Manuka honey special is its high concentrations of methylglyoxal (MGO), which creates powerful antibacterial effects up to 100 times stronger than other honey varieties.
The History of NZ Manuka Honey
Unlike regular honey, Manuka honey contains stable non-peroxide antibacterial activity. Scientist Peter Molan actually discovered this in the 1980s (40 or so years ago).
Scientific research has validated Manuka honey’s special properties for treating wounds, infections, and supporting wellness (among many other uses), making it a valuable natural therapeutic option.
Strict government regulations protect the authenticity of New Zealand Manuka honey. The UMF™ grading system, ensures consumers get a genuine product with verified levels of beneficial compounds.
Map of Australia and New Zealand from Alamy
ORIGIN OF MANUKA HONEY
A small amount of honey from the Manuka tree is produced in Australia. But technically, it is proper to brand this type of honey as ‘Manuka honey’ only when it is produced in New Zealand.
UMF and MGO Ratings of New Zealand Honey Co. honey. UMF 10+ to 30+ and MGO 263+ to 1620+
Not only is Manuka Honey unique to the world of honey but there is a whole world within this type of honey, itself. First of all, there are mono floral and multi floral Manukah honeys. Then, there are specific antibacterial strengths (MGO) with various certification levels (UMF). See charts above and below.
Berringame Grading System
“Mānuka honey contains 3x the natural antioxidants vs regular honey, many that you can’t find elsewhere. Antioxidants have been studied to help balance the body’s inflammatory response.” Manukora Honey Manukora Honey 50+ MGO to 1000+ MGO
WELLNESS OR MEDICINAL GRADE MANUKA HONEY
To begin with researching what grade of Manuka honey to purchase, it is important to determine the main purpose of your purchase, wellness or medical. See the chart below for details.
Manuka Honey and Suggested Uses from Bisota Manuka Honey
MANUKA HONEY RATING SYSTEMS
MGO 263+ to 1620+ “More MGO = more of the good stuff!
MGO, is a unique antibacterial compound naturally found in the nectar of the Mānuka tea tree flower. A higher MGO number means higher antibacterial activity and also higher concentrations of other key bioactives.” Manukora Honey Company
Winter Reset Mānuka Kit 850+ MGO
UMF 10+ to 30+ This is the official rating system, known as the Unique Manuka Factor, with a minimum is 10+, and a maximum is 30+. It is independent of any single brand, trusted by premium Manuka honey producers that test genuine, fresh, pure, raw, and monofloral Manuka honey produced and packaged in New Zealand. The gold standard of Manuka honey is UMF™ 1620+.
At this rating, one is covering all the bases and getting the best possible product straight from the wilds of New Zealand. “UMF™ was created by an independent organisation, the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association. It verifies genuine Manuka honey, its antibacterial potency, and its freshness. Only monofloral Manuka honey can receive a UMF™ grade.”
Wedderspoon K FACTOR HONEY
“KFactor™ is a Manuka honey rating system created by a honey brand, Wedderspoon Raw Mono Floral Honey. It verifies five key factors which indicate genuine Manuka honey: traceability, raw and unpasteurized, non-GMO, made in New Zealand, and free from antibiotics, glyphosate, and pesticides. KFactor™ can be multifloral or monofloral.
“KFactor™ leaves out one of the most critical measures that most Manuka honey customers look for – its antibacterial potency. Methylglyoxal (MGO) content is not included in the KFactor™ rating. Instead, we recommend the UMF™ rating for Manuka honey.” New Zealand Honey Co.
MOST POPULAR BY POTENCY AND HONEY COST
Below is a suggested listing of the 10 most popular Manuka honeys. Top ten suggested brands of Manuka Honey (1-5)Top 10 brands of Manuka honey (6-10)
COMPARING BRANDS: KEEP THIS IN MIND
Comparing Manuka honeys brands can be confusing. In fact, it is a bit like going to buy a mattress. Each retailer has a different name for the same mattress manufacturer. So it is almost impossible to compare them by firmness and cost. This is similar to Manuka Honey Ratings:
• Some honeys list both the UMF+ factor and the MGO+ factor. The New Zealand Honey Company has both. So does Puriti Premium Honey UMF+/MGO+.
Puriti Premium Honey UMF 20+/MGO 850+
• Some rate by the UMF+ rating. “UMF™ was created by an independent organisation, the Unique Manuka Factor Honey Association. It verifies genuine Manuka honey, its antibacterial potency, and its freshness. Only Mono Floral Manuka honey can receive a UMF™ grade.” The New Zealand Honey Company.
• Some honeys list only the MGO+ factor. Is higher MGO better in Manuka honey?
Higher MGO ratings are better if you want more antibacterial activity in your Manuka honey. If you only want a daily dose of goodness from your honey, then lower MGO ratings are fine. Manukora Honey lists only the MGO+ rating.
• “KFactor™ was created by a honey brand to promote their products, and tests for five factors that indicate quality Manuka honey, but don’t say anything about its potency. KFactor™ Manuka honey can be multifloral (made from a combination of different nectars) or monofloral (made mostly from mānuka nectar).” New Zealand Manuka Honey Company.
Wedderspoon Raw Monofloral Manuka K FACTOR Honey
A final thought or is it? You may select or have a recommendation for a Manuka honey based in UMF+ and MGO+ data. But then there is still the cost to be considered. That is the cost itself and by the size of the jar. What is affordable for you? Here’s where common sense, budget, and bookkeeping comes into play.
My suggestion is to start smart. Buy a small jar first whenever possible. The New Zealand Honey Company makes this very easy to do with its step up variety of sizes for all their UMF+/MGO+ rated Manuka Honeys. Their honey starts with a 4.4 oz jar. You can always go bigger with their honey once you find the strength that works for you and the taste you like. Unless there is a great sale on a larger size, I suggest starting with a small jar first.
A Personal Note
I prefer to use nature’s remedies to treat and heal imbalances in my body whenever possible. In spite of this, I am not a medical professional. Therefore I can only share my own experience rather than prescribe natural medicine as a substitute for medical attention.
A simple $5 local outdoor fair find is easily transformed into a delightful theme bag.
I love handbags so much that you could say that I am a handbag addict. Divided into three categories, I have accumulated about 100 bags thus far.
I have original Coach leather bags, collectible Arcadia patent leather imprinted bags, and a group of miscellaneous brand bags that were gifted or given to me.
Acquisitions
To my credit, I acquire only second hand/collectible bags, new bags purchased at a deep sale price, no cost ‘pantry’ donation bags, and gifts. This collection process has taken several decades so far.
Handbag with button decor.
Thanks Mom
The handbag to the left belonged to my mother. In fact, the only purchases I had to make were the buttons bought to decorate it. Actually, I love the buttons so much that I feel they transform the look of this bag from something boring to something much more fun.
As a matter of fact, most of my creations are fun because I tend to use decorations that are whimsical that create something fun out of something ordinary.
Vintage Llewellyn Lucite Beehive Purse Handbag – Great Condition, Hard to Find
OOAK
Speaking of fun, I think that this OOAK (one-of-a-kind) bee hive shaped bag from that popular mid-twentieth century period is the best lucite bag ever created.
I have never even seen one for sale or one in person. In fact, all the proof I have of its existence is this picture of it. In addition, the original design is already decorated. It has three dimensional bees made out of metal secured on the top of the beehive so it needs no input from me.
top of beehive purse made by Llewellyn
My Favorite Purse
To its credit, this bag is truly ingenious with exquisite craftsmanship. In fact it is my favorite pocketbook of all time.
As a result, it needs no additional decoration to enhance it. Because of all these qualities, I feel that it really belongs in a museum.(1)
A hunter green decorated Saks Fifth Avenue leather purse
Mom Outdid Herself
Here is another purse that belonged to my mother. Actually it was from Saks Fifth Avenue and I think I was with her when she bought it over a half century ago.
But instead of a fun decorative pattern, I made it look glamorous even regal. In contrast to most of the bags I have decorated, this one took a very long time to complete.
Finale
Only a fraction of my handbags are decorated and visible. Therefore, only a few can be displayed at one time. But in total, it seems like there are purses every where in my apartment. Some are on shelves in dust bags. Others are waiting on the assembly line for decorating. Lastly is the the finale of displayed decorated bags is the wall behind my desk. Here they are. A variety of bags on the wall for displaying.
Sizzling Summer Survival requires both technology and creativity. Because the summer of 2025 has been especially challenging, both of these have been indispensable. Most of us have air conditioning. So I really empathize for those who don’t. That would be the end of me.
There are other challenges that range from hardly any challenge. Then there are those that require some financial buffer. Let’s discuss the easier first. The main component of sizzling summer survival is cooling off. Food Plays a large role in this. In the US, ice cream plays a large role. But in China. there is a food that is actually considered a medicine for cooling. cooling watermelon from https://www.meandqi.com/herb-database/watermelon
An additional alternative to sizzling summer survival is to not go out at all. Hibernate in the A/C. This has become almost completely possible with the advent of INSTACART. Apparently I am a latecomer. I has been around for a dozen years. But I just discovered it out of necessity. Since my husband had triple bypass surgery. I am not sure how much longer he will not be able to drive. It has already been a few weeks. Without my knowledge INSTACART has come into my stratosphere. Not wanted to over burden friends, I had to find an option.
About Instagram on Wikipedia“Maplebear Inc.,[3] doing business as Instacart, is an American retail media and delivery company based in San Francisco that operates a grocery delivery and pick-up service in the United States and Canada accessible via a website and mobile app.[5] It allows customers to order groceries, and alcohol where legal, from participating retailers with the shopping being done by a personal shopper, who picks, packs, and delivers the order within the customer’s designated time frame.[6][7][8]
The company offers service from over 1,800 retailers covering more than 100,000 grocery stores, and works with over 7,000 consumer packaged goods brands.[9][10][11][12][13] Alcohol delivery is available from 600 retail banners that span more than 23,000 stores across North America.[14][15][16][17]
Instacart reaches nearly 98% of SNAP households, offering delivery services from nearly 180 retail banners, including ALDI, Food Lion, Publix, The Save Mart Companies and Walgreens, spanning more than 30,000 stores across all 50 states and Washington D.C.[18] Since its founding, Instacart Marketplace has powered more than $100 billion of GTV and over 900 million orders with approximately 20 billion items ordered.[19]”
Hattie Carnegie Dynel jewelry sets photo courtesy of the owner
Collect and Decorate
These are the words that I use when people ask me what I like to do to be creative.
COLLECT
The next questions people ask is ‘what specifically do you like to ‘collect’? I love to collect vintage accessories; jewelry, handbags, and knick knacks.
The definition of collect according to Google.
col·lect
/kəˈlek(t)/
verb
1. bring or gather together (things, typically when scattered or widespread).
Where and How I collect vintage accessories:
• thrift stores
• garage sales
• church and synagogue sales
• pantry give aways
• etsy
• ebay
• other websites designed for this purpose
Other writing about my collections include the following blog posts:
When asked what I like to decorate’? To that I respond, ‘anything that doesn’t move faster than I do’.
That’s the joke our neighbor made up when he feared that his washing machine might be next. But seriously . . . .
The ‘time is ripe’ clock. I painted white frame black, then used fruit erasers for decoration.
The definition of decorate according to Google.
dec·o·rate
/ˈdekəˌrāt/
verb
1. make (something) look more attractive by adding extra items or images to it.
This basic white frame clock became much more alive, fun, and attractive. All it took was to paint the frame with black paint and decorate it with the application of fruit shaped erasers to it.
How To Decorate Furniture and Furnishings
A telephone table with a green spray base, a floor cloth upholstery, a matching floor cloth, lamp shade, and accessories.
Stencils When I first started to decorate, I briefly did so on furniture using stencil designs with acrylic paint.
Freehand Designs I rapidly was able to develop my own freehand styles of painting without the need or desire for stencils. But I did continue to use acrylic paint.
Surface Materials and Primers Wood and metal are the materials I like to decorate most. These surfaces work best when primed with spray paint or a gesso base.
Color Surface Next I use Liquitex or Golden acrylic paint that comes in a jar or bottle. Do not use paint from a tube because it is too thick. This paint would be the next layer when an additional color coat is necessary. As an alternative, spray paint can be sufficient as the color surface on large and intricate pieces like the telephone table above.
The Ultimate Furniture Decoration Technique
A small table that I have been able to decorate with oil cloth, pants, and sock ‘n shoes. Photo by Phil Jacobs.
For this most unusual technique(s) to decorate furniture and matching furnishings, I decorate with a variety of materials like this foot stool table:
• oil cloth
• fabric
• ribbon
• socks ‘n shoes
Note that the integrity of the pristine maple wood finish is underneath and has not been compromised by any adhesive or other sticking material.
How To Decorate Accessories
Oka b sandals in so many colors to decorate.
Along my my decorating project journey, I have come to notice all kinds of other objects besides furniture and furnishings that want to be included. Small objects call out for unique identities.
In fact, this happens to include my collection of personal accessories like shoes and handbags as well as household items. Since I have so many of these items as well as things to decorate them with, their desire to mate is magnetic.
Materials to Use for Decoration To decorate handbags and shoes, I use a variety of materials:
• buttons
• earrings
• bracelets
• necklaces
• ribbon
• pins and pendants
• silk flowers
• plastic trinketsPink Oka b sandals with dotted button decor.
Shoes Summer sandals are the easiest and most fun way to decorate one’s shoes. Decoration can take these Oka b hot pink sandals at least one step further in becoming more adorable summer shoes wear. That’s thanks to my decorative techniques.
Handbag with button decor.
Handbags I apply the same guideline to handbags that I do to furniture. If a new or vintage item is more valuable in its original condition, then do not try to enhance it with decoration. Leave it in its original condition.
A small freehand acrylic painted dish with a spray paint base
Small (Non-Porous) Surfaces These items are fairly straightforward to work with. Just follow my ‘5-P process’:
• Prep-clean or smooth surface if necessary
• Prime– with spray paint or gesso
• Paint-add a base color layer if one is necessary
• Prettify– add a decorative layer
• Protect– with a layer specifically designed for this purpose
Liquitex brand Acrylic Matte Medium and Gloss Medium and Varnish.
Protective Coatings A final step when anti-scratch protection is necessary is Liquitex Matte Medium or Liquitex Gloss Medium & Varnish.
There is another kind of protective coating for wood that is a commercial rather than an art brand.
It is very durable but after many years it can start to yellow if it is used on a metal surface. So bear that in mind.
When you need to protect a wood surface it is preferable to use Zip-guard. It is a water-based Urethane wood finish.
Use double sided tape or strong glue to decorate.
Adhesives to Use for Decoration
There are primarily two optional methods to decorate handbags and shoes. Double sided heavy duty tape is a viable but temporary solution. But for permanent ways to decorate these items, use B-6000 glue.
It dries fast and stays on. So be sure that is the final design you want to use to decorate something.
If you’re not sure, go with the double stick tape. It provides a temporary way to decorate. Either way is fun and whatever you do, it enhances the original item.
And More Ways to Decorate . . . I am sure there are more kinds of knick knacks that can be used to decorate a surface. Let me know what you come up with. In fact, send us a photo of your ideas and creations.
“Memphis Design is a 1980s design aesthetic characterized by scattered, brightly colored shapes and lines.
“It typically combines circles and triangles with black-and-white graphic patterns such as polka dots and squiggly lines.(1)”
MEMPHIS MILANO
“It was on the evening of 11 December 1980. In the living room of his home in Milan, Ettore Sottsass welcomed colleagues, designers, and architects to talk about new forms of expression.(2)”Example of Memphis Inspiration: Carlton Wooden bookcase designed by Ettore Sottsass
Elvis Presley ’68 Comeback Special photo from Wikipedia“The name Memphis was chosen because it is the city in Tennessee where Elvis Presley lived, but also the capital of Ancient Egypt.”(7)
“Ettore’s friends on hand that evening were Martine Bedin, Aldo Cibic, Michele De Lucchi, Nathalie Du Pasquier, Matteo Thun, and George J. Sowden. Memphis was later also joined by Andrea Branzi, Shiro Kuramata, Marco Zanini, Peter Shire, Gerard Taylor, Masanori Umeda, Arquitectonica, Michael Graves, Hans Hollein, Arata Isozaki, Javier Mariscal.
“On 19 September 1981, at the gallery Arc ’74 during the Salone del Mobile in Milan 55 pieces were shown, including furniture, lamps and ceramic objects. Three months later, over 400 periodicals, on a worldwide scale, paid tribute to the success of Memphis.”(2)
MEMPHIS DESIGN GROUP
Members included:(4)
Martine Bedin
Andrea Branzi
Aldo Cibic
Michele De Lucchi
Nathalie du Pasquier
Massimo Iosa Ghini
Michael Graves
Shiro Kuramata
Javier Mariscal
Alessandro Mendini
Barbara Radice
Peter Shire
Ettore Sottsass
George Sowden
Matteo Thun
Marco Zanini
Marco Zanuso
MEMPHIS GROUP INSPIRATION
Bob Dylan Studio Album Cover
“The inspiration behind naming themselves “Memphis” came about during their first meeting when Bob Dylan’s record “Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again” had been playing repeatedly in the background.
“Memphis” is the name of a city in Tennessee, which was named after a capital city of ancient Egypt. The group of designers used the ambiguity behind the name to represent and symbolise their ambiguous design philosophies of furniture, objects and textiles. Sottsass showed great interest in the middle-class taste, the traditions of the Third World and the East, and unspoiled nature.(6)”
ETTORE SOTTSASS, GROUP FOUNDER
“He was one of the founders of the design group Memphis. Via Finnish Design Shop.
“Ettore Sottsass (1917-2007) was an influential Italian designer and architect, who became famous for his colourful, modernist designs and experimental, radical attitude.
“He (Sottsass) was one of the founders of the design group Memphis, and in 1980 he founded his own agency Sottsass Associati, which today has offices in London and Milan. Sottsass designed many products for the Italian design brand Alessi, and his works are included in the Alessi 100 Values Collection which was launched to celebrate Alessi’s centennial.”(3)
SOTTSASS ASSSOCIATI
“Sottsass Associati is a design studio that continues the operating philosophy of Ettore Sottsass (1917-2007), a leading figure in the world of internationally known architecture and design project culture, with an activity of over 50 years and a long series of awards conferred on him by cultural and professional institutions around the world. The firm is now structured as a network of European professionals, with an administrative office in the UK and an operational office in Milan.”
“Alessi 100 Alessi is an Italian design company that can be considered more of a design laboratory than just a manufacturer – this distinctive Italian brand has always been a true trendsetter. Founded in 1921, Alessi has collaborated with talented designers for over a hundred years. Today, Alessi is regarded as one of the leading manufacturers of tableware, kitchen utensils and home decor in the design world.”
“The Alessi 100 Values Collection celebrates the centennial of the Italian design house Alessi, founded in 1921. Between April 2021 and March 2022, Alessi presents 12 different projects, each of them referring to the most essential values of the legendary brand. The objects of the collection come from the Alessi Museum’s archives and include previously unpublished designs and new editions of iconic products by Ettore Sottsass and other famous designers.”
MICHAEL GRAVES FOR ALESSI
“Timeless charm and appeal Shown in countless magazine features and movie sets, the little kettle has continued to charm the public ever since it was first launched and can be found in the permanent collections of museums and international institutions all over the world including the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Australian National Gallery and the MuDe: Museum of Design and Fashion in Lisbon.”(8)
MEMPHIS JEWELRY
The Memphis Design aesthetic even extended itself to costume jewelry. In fact, it is available on Etsy.com. Memphis Design Jewelry available on Etsy.
The following are three of the most powerful foods we can eat, according to the late ‘ultimate foodie’ Anthony Bordain(1). The three foods are dark chocolate, caviar, and marrow bones. At different times in my life, I have eaten them. To this day, I love and crave them.
Continuing the Anthony Bordain List I am now 76 years young exposing myself to the most nourishing traditions and super healthy foods I can find. The purpose of this is to fill my body with the most vibrant, healthy, nourishing, and delicious food. So let’s return to my food hero and his other two super foods, caviar, and marrow bones.
Photo from and available at OLMAfood.com
I Love Caviar But the good stuff, the real stuff is very expensive. That is unless you have an amazing find like I had once. Years ago, I found a dozen tiny jars of Romanoff black caviar during a regular food shopping trip. There were about a dozen jars on a shelf in a local supermarket mislabeled $5.99 each. They were supposed to be $59.99 each. Neither the price labeling clerk nor the cashier had any idea of the error. But I knew they were wrong. What a find I had come across. That was my singular ‘real caviar’ bargain experience. Some like their caviar on crackers. For me, caviar tastes best on lightly toasted, buttered rye bread.
Marrow Bones Photo and recipe from honestcooking.com/prepare and serve marrow bones
I do roast marrow bones on occasion. Their core becomes succulent and so tasty. Adding garlic, salt and some spontaneous spices creates another heavenly treat.
A SAVIOR FROM TODAY’S WORLD OF PROCESSED FOOD
It is increasingly difficult to get truly healthy food. Sally Fallon Morell(2) is another food hero of mine. She is the founders of the Weston A. Price Foundation(3) as well as the author of the Nourishing Traditions books(4).
Her list of powerful foods includes eating raw meat. It has to be prepared very hygienically these days. In fact, I actually made a traditional Middle Eastern festivity raw lamb dish, kibbeh nayyeh.
A celebratory raw lamb dish made with bulgur wheat and spices. Info from Wikipedia.
RAW SEA FOOD AND MEAT DISHES
Eating fish raw has an abundant history, not only Japanese style but world wide.(5) Other types of meat also have long historical traditions as well.(6) Unfortunately in today’s world wide mass commercial production and distribution, raw foods can be unsafe.
Meat and sea food need to be raised organically, not artificially farmed, as well as prepared hygienically to be safe.(7) Times have changes so much when it comes to what is healthy and what is not healthy to eat due to commercialization. So keep in mind. Enjoy, but beware. Consume with care.
This universally adored combo of salmon and avocado is called palta and is available in Lima’s cevicherías. Photo from Saveur.com.
Legends of Hello Kitty from 2014. Above is what the original transparent Hello Kitty Coin purse looked like.Founded in 1960 by Shintaro Tsuji as the Yamanashi Silk Company, Sanrio has evolved significantly since its conception. Shown here is Hello Kitty images on fabric.
Introduction of Hello Kitty
‘Tsuji began hiring cartoonists to develop an original range of character-based merchandise. One such cartoonist was Yuko Shimizu, who created Hello Kitty, a little girl who looks like a white cat with two eyes and a yellow nose.
Famously, Hello Kitty has no mouth because she “speaks directly from the heart”. Released in 1974, the first Hello Kitty product was a transparent coin purse featuring her image, a glass bottle of milk, and a fishbowl.
The Next Step
Row of latest Hello Kitty clog designs
Two years later, Hello Kitty was launched in the United States. Quickly, the simple character became a global phenomenon. To this day, Hello Kitty continues to be the brand’s most popular and profitable character. Today, there are more than 100 Sanrio boutiques throughout Japan, and Sanrio goods are sold in over 15,000 U.S. retail locations.’
The Latest Branding
Fresh From the Farmer’s Market:
Look ahead to seasonal produce with Hello Kitty, dressed here as a Tomato, Bell Pepper, and Eggplant!
My interests have become even more focused on these types of products and services. In addition, what is available in this realm continues to increase. As a result, the type of information in the 1991 South Shore Directory is even more relevant and needed to be expanded.
Over the last 50 years, I have taken an interest and explored natural/healthy products and services as a way of life.
Alison’s Apothecary is the resurrection, update, and expansion of the guide I published in 1991, Alison’s South Shore Guide to Health.
If you do not see a topic, product or service that you are interested in, please contact the publisher. A suggestion search for a solution will be made for you if possible.
Memphis Design Jewelry available on Etsy.
Alison’s Apothecary ©2025 Published by Alison D. Gilbert.
