A farewell to milk | Lactose-free lifestyle

Growing up I didn't hear much about lactose intolerance. There were occasional mentions on TV, but I never really given much attention to the subject.

My grandma used to say that she had trouble digesting milk, but I just thought "must be an elderly issue"... Plus, she always pourred a dash of milk in her tea.

In my early twenties, I experienced my first symptoms. I could swear my appendix had bursted. It was such a sharp pain and I looked overly bloated all of a sudden.
Most of the times I just felt sick and bloated. The pain fluctuated, depending on what I ate and how much. After a few months, I discovered that I had lactase deficiency, a.k.a. the enzyme that digests lactose.

Let's just say that cheese and ice cream are a no-no. They're the worst! Of course, besides the obvious dairy-based products, I found out that lactose was in most processed foods and "hidden" in a lot of dishes — just think about Italian food!
What I am able to digest is natural or greek yogurt. I believe the probiotics help with lactose digestion.

Luckily, there are lactose-free alternatives nowadays: milk, cheese, cream, ice cream, butter and yogurt. Other alternatives are based on soy, oats or almonds. I suggest testing a little bit of everything.
Pay attention to what you can actually digest (some people just have trouble with milk) and try new products, until you find something  you like. And if you just can't live without the real deal, there's always Lactaid Fast Act!

Tweet

Gifts | Father's Day

With Father's Day fast approaching, it is time to do your research, make a decision and hope the parcel arrives on time. Or maybe it'll be wiser to go directly to the store, at this point.
If the panic is making your mind go blank, consult the suggestions below:

GROOMING
To me, this is the obvious choice. It's just easier, there's no sizing and there's no doubts on colour preferences. This category is kind of a recommendation. This perfume suits you better. Your skin looks dry, this will help.
There's always an excuse to walk by a Space.NK. A gift set is the way to go, in my opinion, because even though a dud might be found in the mix, there's also a chance of finding some really good keepers. I have my eyes set on the Kiehl's Father's Day Set (exclusive to Space.NK), which comes in a handy washbag. It contains: Facial Fuel Energizing Moisture Treatment for Men 75ml, Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash 250ml, ‘Ultimate Man’ Body Scrub Soap and Ultimate Strength Hand Salve 30ml.
Another great option would be Acqua di Parma's Colonia Father's Day Gift Set. I absolutely love the black packaging of this set, it has a very sophisticated look. Inside the black box, you'll find a Colonia Essenza Eau de Cologne 100ml, a 50ml tube of Colonia Essenza shampoo and shower gel and a collectable 5ml Colonia Essenza miniature.

CLOTHING
If you know the sizing, or if you're able to take a sneaky peek at Dad's wardrobe, take the opportunity to give him something special, with a detail. Something that he wouldn't pick for himself — if he's not too adventurous when it comes to fashion. Nowadays, there are great options for men, pretty much everywhere. Topshop, Mr Porter and Zara come to mind. In the latter, I've found a Double Collar Blazer and a Shirt With Grosgrain Ribbon. Simple graphic details are very modern looking, ideal for dads.

ACCESSORIES
I find men's accessories so cool. They're usually more clean and sleek, in sophisticated colours.
Lately, I've been loving the Mr Porter website, for gifts. The service is impeccable and the packaging is truly beautiful.
My selection includes a gorgeous Rubberised-Python Billfold Wallet and a very special pair of Metal Cufflinks from Lanvin, a classic Leather Handle Umbrella from Burberry, a Prince of Wales Check Wool and Silk-Blend Tie from Gucci, and, of course, an Alexander McQueen Skull-Patterned Cotton-Blend Pocket Square.

"TECHIE" BITS
If Dad is anything like Stephen Fry, start stalking every blog and publication within the category, in order to find the latest big thing before he does — it'll make him very, very happy — or upgrade a gadget he already owns. The Bowers & Wilkins A5 Airplay Music System would make anyone happy, I'm sure.
Otherwise, it's an easy job to find something he actually needs. A set of speakers, a DVD player, a Textured-Leather iPad Sleeve (Marc by Marc Jacobs). Or a Kindle Paperwhite 3G — it's the best.

Tweet