Saved by the Bell

Saved by the Bell wasn’t just a sitcom — it was a cultural iconic 90’s television show- Its beauty language was loud, playful and un-apologetically optimistic.

The Zack Morris Phone: The Original Status Symbol

The giant brick phone became an icon of early mobile culture, symbolizing independence, confidence, tech glamour, and social power. It was the first time a phone functioned as a fashion accessory — a bold, oversized status symbol that defined 90s cool and cemented Zack Morris as the era’s original teen tastemaker.

90s Beauty Codes from the Show

  • frosted lips
  • crimped hair
  • neon scrunchies
  • pastel eyeshadow
  • athletic‑inspired casual wear
  • denim everything

Saved by the Bell shaped the beauty vocabulary of an entire generation.

Why It Still Matters

Today’s nostalgia‑driven beauty trends — glossy lips, bright blush, playful hair accessories — all echo the show’s vibe. The 90s are back, and Saved by the Bell is one of the reasons why.

I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?

Ballet’s Influence on Fashion + Beauty

(Nutcracker, Cinderella, Swan Lake)

Ballet has shaped beauty and fashion for centuries. Its vibe — ethereal, disciplined, romantic — has influenced designers, makeup artists and cultural beauty ideals.

Ballet has always been one of my great loves — not just as an art form but as a language of beauty, discipline and storytelling. It is the place where movement becomes emotion, where costume becomes character and where beauty becomes narrative.

The Nutcracker: Holiday Elegance

Premiering in 1892 in St. Petersburg, The Nutcracker was originally considered a modest success — but in the 20th century, it became the most performed ballet in the world.

Historical Context

  • Based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.
  • Tchaikovsky’s score revolutionized ballet music with its emotional clarity and festive charm.
  • The ballet became a North American holiday tradition by the mid‑20th century.

Beauty + Fashion Influence

  • The Sugar Plum Fairy’s shimmering palette inspired holiday make-up collections.
  • Clara’s soft curls and ribboned hair became a winter beauty staple.
  • Costumes influenced tulle skirts, pastel palettes and delicate embellishments.

Cinderella: Soft Glamour & Transformation

Long before Disney’s 1950 animated film, Cinderella existed as a European folk tale dating back to the 17th century. The ballet adaptation emerged in the 19th century, with notable versions choreographed by Marius Petipa and later by Frederick Ashton in 1948.

Historical Context

  • The story’s earliest written version is by Charles Perrault (1697).
  • Ballet adaptations emphasized transformation, femininity and moral beauty.
  • Costuming traditionally used soft blues, silvers and shimmering fabrics to evoke magic and purity.

Beauty + Fashion Influence

  • The “glass slipper” vibe inspired transparent shoes, crystal accessories and luminous make-up.
  • Cinderella’s ball gown silhouette influenced couture evening wear for decades.
  • Her transformation scene became a blueprint for “glow‑up” beauty narratives.

Cinderella’s look is timeless because it’s built on simplicity and radiance.

Swan Lake: Duality, Drama & Iconic Beauty

Premiering in 1877, Swan Lake is one of the most recognizable ballets in history. Its beauty lies in contrast — the White Swan (Odette) and the Black Swan (Odile).

Historical Context

  • Composed by Tchaikovsky, choreographed by Petipa and Ivanov.
  • The dual role became a test of a ballerina’s emotional and technical range.
  • Swan Lake’s themes of purity, deception, and transformation shaped ballet’s dramatic identity.

Beauty + Fashion Influence

  • White Swan → bridal couture, feathered accessories, soft glam.
  • Black Swan → editorial smokey eyes, sleek buns, dramatic silhouettes.
  • The ballet’s monochrome palette influenced runway minimalism.

Ballet is not just performance — it is a beauty language.

I must say I love the ballet. I enjoy all of these ballets and many more. Swan Lake is the first ballet I had ever watched and it is still favourite.. Romeo & Juliet may be one of my favourite ballets. Nijinsky is another ballet that is remarkable. 

Future Ballet Post (Part II)

You can expand your ballet series with:

  • Romeo & Juliet (Prokofiev) — tragic romance, Renaissance beauty
  • Nijinsky — modernism, avant‑garde movement, psychological beauty
  • Giselle — innocence, heartbreak, ghostly elegance
  • La Bayadère — opulence, exoticism, historical costuming
  • Sleeping Beauty — classical perfection, fairytale beauty codes

I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?

Why Fitness Is Important for Health + Beauty

Fitness has always been more than movement — it’s a form of self‑preservation, a way of honouring the body and its ability to carry us through life. When we talk about beauty, we often think of skincare, makeup, hair, or fashion. But beauty begins deeper: in circulation, posture, breath, and vitality.

Fitness as a Beauty Ritual

Movement oxygenates the skin, delivering nutrients that create a natural glow no serum can replicate. Regular exercise increases collagen production, improves elasticity, and supports lymphatic drainage — the body’s internal cleansing system.

Posture: The Silent Beauty Marker

Strength training and mobility work create posture — the kind of posture that communicates confidence, elegance, and presence. Shoulders back, chin lifted, spine aligned: this is beauty in motion.

Hormonal Harmony

Exercise regulates cortisol, stabilizes mood, and supports hormonal balance. When hormones are balanced, skin is clearer, sleep is deeper, and energy is more radiant.

Longevity & Grace

Fitness is not about perfection — it’s about longevity. A strong body ages gracefully. A mobile body stays youthful. A nourished body glows.

Beauty from Within

Fitness is the original beauty ritual. It’s the foundation upon which every other beauty practice rests.

I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?

Canada vs. America: WWI Beauty Culture

Canada: Practical, Modest, Duty‑Driven

In Canada, WWI beauty culture leaned toward restraint. Women adopted simpler routines, favouring practicality over glamour. Cosmetics were used sparingly and framed as modest enhancements rather than statements of identity. Beauty messaging emphasized thrift, discipline and supporting the war effort. Hairstyles softened but remained conservative, and fashion prioritized durability and function — a reflection of Canada’s quieter cultural temperament during wartime.

United States: Modern, Expressive, Emerging Glamour

In the United States, beauty culture moved in a more expressive direction. Even under wartime pressures, American women embraced cosmetics as symbols of confidence and modern womanhood. Lipstick, powder and rouge became markers of independence. Advertising accelerated, positioning beauty as both patriotic and aspirational. Fashion shifted toward sleeker silhouettes, signalling a cultural appetite for change and self‑expression that would soon explode into the flapper era.

The Cultural Divide

Canada’s WWI beauty culture was defined by practicality and modesty. America’s was defined by modernity and emerging glamour.

Both nations were shaped by the same global conflict, but their cultural responses diverged sharply.

I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?

Beauty + Health Recipes: Sun‑Dried Tomatoes

Sun‑dried tomatoes have always been one of my favourite ingredients, rustic, refined and deeply Mediterranean. Over the years, I’ve made countless recipes with them, and today I’m sharing some of my favourites. Beyond their incredible flavour, sun‑dried tomatoes offer beauty‑from‑within benefits that support radiant skin, healthy hair, and overall wellness.

The Beauty Benefits of Sun‑Dried Tomatoes

Rich in Lycopene for Radiance
Sun‑dried tomatoes contain concentrated lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental stressors and supports a more even, luminous complexion.

Vitamins A & C for Skin Renewal
These vitamins encourage collagen production, brighten the skin and support healthy cell turnover.

Mineral‑Rich for Hair + Energy
Iron, potassium, and magnesium help support circulation, hydration, and energy — all essential for beauty‑from‑within.

Culinary Recipes Featuring Sun‑Dried Tomatoes

(Five original recipes inspired by Giada, Love & Lemons, Preppy Kitchen, Food by Maria, and Mediterranean Diet creators)

Sun‑Dried Tomato & Burrata Caprese (Giada‑Inspired)

A luxurious, Mediterranean‑bright twist on the classic Caprese.

Ingredients

  • 1 ball fresh burrata
  • 2–3 heirloom tomatoes, sliced
  • ¼ cup sun‑dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
  • Sea salt + cracked pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the tomatoes
    Slice heirloom tomatoes into rounds and arrange them on a serving plate.
  2. Add the burrata
    Gently tear or place the burrata in the center of the plate.
  3. Layer the sun‑dried tomatoes
    Scatter chopped sun‑dried tomatoes over the burrata and fresh tomatoes.
  4. Season and garnish
    Add basil leaves, sea salt, and cracked pepper.
  5. Finish with olive oil and balsamic glaze
    Drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze over the entire dish.
  6. Serve immediately
    Best enjoyed at room temperature.

Fridge:
Best eaten immediately. Tomatoes become watery after 24 hours.

Freezer:
Not recommended.

Substitutions:

  • Mozzarella instead of burrata (burrata is higher in protein)
  • Arugula instead of basil

Lemon Orzo with Sun‑Dried Tomatoes 
(Love & Lemons–Inspired)

Light, citrusy, and perfect for warm‑weather lunches.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dry orzo
  • ⅓ cup sun‑dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
  • ¼ cup cucumber, diced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt + pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the orzo
    Boil orzo according to package instructions. Drain and let cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the vegetables
    Chop cucumber, parsley, and sun‑dried tomatoes.
  3. Combine ingredients
    In a bowl, toss orzo with vegetables.
  4. Dress the salad
    Add lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss gently.
  5. Chill or serve immediately
    This dish can be served warm or cold.

Fridge:
3–4 days in an airtight glass container.

Freezer:
Not recommended (orzo becomes mushy).

Substitutions:

  • Couscous instead of orzo
  • Dill instead of parsley

Sun‑Dried Tomato & Herb Frittata 
(Preppy Kitchen–Inspired)

A refined, brunch‑ready dish with Mediterranean brightness.

Ingredients

  • 6 large eggs
  • ¼ cup sun‑dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
  • ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven
    Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the skillet
    Heat olive oil in an oven‑safe skillet over medium heat.
  3. Whisk the eggs
    In a bowl, whisk eggs until smooth. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Fold in the fillings
    Add sun‑dried tomatoes, feta, and chives to the egg mixture. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Pour into the skillet
    Reduce heat to medium‑low. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and let it cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until the edges begin to set.
  6. Bake the frittata
    Transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the centre is set and no longer jiggly.
  7. Cool and serve
    Let the frittata cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Fridge:
Best eaten immediately. Tomatoes become watery after 24 hours.

Freezer:
Not recommended.

Substitutions:

  • Mozzarella instead of burrata
  • Arugula instead of basil

Creamy Sun‑Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta

A rich, comforting pasta with tender chicken and Mediterranean flavour.

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts, sliced or cubed
  • ½ cup sun‑dried tomatoes in oil
  • 1 cup cream or half‑and‑half
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan (optional)
  • Pasta of choice
  • Olive oil
  • Salt + pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta
    Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the chicken
    Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Prepare the sauce
    In the same pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add chicken broth, cream, and sun‑dried tomatoes. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Add chicken back in
    Return cooked chicken to the sauce and stir to coat.
  5. Combine with pasta
    Add pasta to the pan and toss until fully coated. Add Parmesan if desired.
  6. Serve warm
    Garnish with basil or extra sun‑dried tomatoes.

Fridge:
3–4 days.

Freezer:
1–2 months (cream sauces may separate slightly).

Substitutions:

  • Shrimp instead of chicken
  • Half‑and‑half instead of cream

Mediterranean Sun‑Dried Tomato Chickpea Bowl

A mineral‑rich beauty‑from‑within bowl.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas
  • ⅓ cup sun‑dried tomatoes in oil
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • Salt + pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base
    Add chickpeas and spinach to a bowl.
  2. Add sun‑dried tomatoes
    Scatter chopped sun‑dried tomatoes over the bowl.
  3. Season
    Add oregano, salt and pepper.
  4. Dress the bowl
    Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
  5. Toss and serve
    Mix gently and enjoy immediately.

Fridge:
3–5 days.

Freezer:
Chickpeas freeze well; spinach does not.

Substitutions:

  • Kale instead of spinach
  • White beans instead of chickpeas

Beauty DIY Recipes Using Sun‑Dried Tomatoes

Sun‑Dried Tomato Glow Mask

A gentle, antioxidant‑rich mask for radiance.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp finely minced sun‑dried tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp yogurt

Instructions

  1. Prepare tomatoes
    Mince sun‑dried tomatoes until they form a paste.
  2. Mix ingredients
    Combine tomato paste, honey, and yogurt in a small bowl.
  3. Apply
    Spread a thin layer over clean skin, avoiding the eyes.
  4. Wait
    Leave on for 10 minutes.
  5. Rinse
    Remove with warm water and pat dry.

Storage

  • Fridge:
    24 hours only (yogurt spoils quickly).
  • Freezer:
    Not recommended.

Sun‑Dried Tomato Lip & Cheek Tint

A natural rosy tint with antioxidant oils.

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp sun‑dried tomato oil
  • 1 tsp beet powder
  • ½ tsp shea butter

Instructions

  1. Melt shea butter
    Warm gently until soft.
  2. Combine ingredients
    Stir in tomato oil and beet powder.
  3. Blend
    Mix until smooth and evenly tinted.
  4. Transfer
    Pour into a small pot or balm tin.
  5. Use
    Apply lightly to lips or cheeks.

Storage

  • Room temperature:
    3 months.
  • Fridge:
    6 months.
  • Freezer:
    Not needed.

Sun‑Dried Tomato Hair Gloss

Shine + softness with antioxidant oils.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp sun‑dried tomato oil
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 tsp vitamin E oil

Instructions

  1. Warm oils
    Heat gently until coconut oil melts.
  2. Mix
    Combine all oils in a small bowl.
  3. Apply
    Smooth onto hair ends.
  4. Wait
    Leave on for 20 minutes.
  5. Rinse
    Shampoo lightly and condition.

Storage

  • Room temperature:
    6 months.
  • Fridge:
    9 months.

Sun‑Dried Tomato Antioxidant Facial Steam

Gentle detox + hydration.

Ingredients

  • Bowl of hot water
  • 1 tbsp sun‑dried tomatoes
  • 1 chamomile tea bag

Instructions

  1. Prepare bowl
    Fill with hot (not boiling) water.
  2. Add ingredients
    Add tomatoes and chamomile.
  3. Steam
    Lean over bowl with a towel over your head.
  4. Time
    Steam for 5 minutes.
  5. Finish
    Rinse face with cool water.

Storage

  • No storage — prepare fresh each time.

Sun‑Dried Tomato Cuticle Oil

Strengthening + nourishing.

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp sun‑dried tomato oil
  • 1 tsp jojoba oil
  • 1 drop lavender oil

Instructions

  1. Combine oils
    Mix all ingredients in a small bottle.
  2. Shake
    Blend thoroughly.
  3. Apply
    Massage into cuticles daily.

Storage

  • Room temperature:
    6–12 months.
  • Fridge:
    Optional, extends shelf life.

Sun‑dried tomatoes prove that beauty foods don’t need to be complicated — sometimes, the classics truly do the most. Whether enjoyed in a Mediterranean‑inspired dish or used in a simple DIY beauty treatment, they offer a rich blend of flavour, nourishment and radiance‑boosting benefits. I hope these recipes inspire you to bring a little Mediterranean warmth into your kitchen and your beauty routine. Enjoy!

I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?

PART VI: After the War: When Silence Becomes Power

When the war finally ended, Paris rushed to reclaim its glamour. Designers returned to silk, taffeta, embroidery and excess as if beauty itself needed to make up for lost time. But Balenciaga did not rush. He emerged from the war with a new kind of authority, one that is quiet and absolute. While others celebrated abundance, he continued to refine the vocabulary he had built in scarcity. His silhouettes grew more sculptural, his lines more deliberate, his volumes more daring. The discipline he learned during the war did not fade; it intensified.

This is the moment when Balenciaga’s silence became power. He did not court the press. He did not chase trends. He did not explain himself. Instead, he let the work speak and, oh did the work speak all right, the work was radical. His post‑war collections revealed a designer who had used constraint not as limitation but as training. The semi‑fit suit evolved into the tunic. The barrel line expanded into the cocoon. The raised waistline became the empire line. His minimalist evening dresses transformed into architectural gowns that seemed carved rather than sewn. Every silhouette carried the memory of wartime discipline, now expressed with the freedom of peacetime luxury.

Designers felt the shift immediately. Dior’s New Look may have captured headlines, but Balenciaga captured respect. His atelier became a kind of temple — a place where fabric was sculpted, not draped; where volume was engineered, not decorated; where fashion was treated as architecture, not ornament. Clients whispered about fittings that felt like rituals. Seamstresses spoke of patterns that defied logic. Rivals admitted, quietly, that Balenciaga was operating on a different plane.

This is the era when Balenciaga stopped being “a couturier” and became the couturier — the one other designers measured themselves against, the one they feared disappointing, the one they revered. His wartime innovations had been born from necessity; his post‑war masterpieces were born from mastery. Constraint had sharpened him. Freedom revealed him.

Part VI marks the moment when Balenciaga steps fully into his power — not loud, not theatrical, but absolute. The war had stripped fashion down to its bones. Balenciaga re-built it with architecture.

I’m Stacey Hobbs, thanks for reading Face by Stace! Until next time.
do you feel fabulous today?