by Suzi | May 2, 2019 | CLEAN BEAUTY
A new month brings May’s Natural Beauty Box Roundup! This month is a fun one and the savings are through the roof! If you haven’t hopped on the natural beauty box train this month might be a good month to start. We are seeing some of the best brands for a serious steal!
May’s Beauty Heroes Discovery is one for the books! Ayuna is featuring their newest product Velo.
This month we are seeing another standout product from Ayuna. If you’ve been receiving Beauty Heroes for a while then you’re totally familiar with this luxe natural beauty brand. They deliver results driven skincare with clean ingredients. Ayuna’s roots are in Spain where the products are made. I had the pleasure of meeting one of the founders a couple years ago and she was delightful.
Heroic Product: Velo- This is a new product release from Ayuna and it’s just so good. At first you think it’s just a face cream but as you dive into this product you realize it’s so much more! It’s filled with superhero ingredients from lactobacillus ferment, cocos nucifera, olive oil and trehalose to name a few. Not only does it hydrate the skin but it also protects it from the environment and all it’s pollutants. It does this by forming a film that help to keep pollution out. It also helps balance your skin microbiome with probiotics. The name Velo in Spanish means veil. The idea is that Velo basically turns into your second skin. Creating a smooth, even canvas that looks like your skin but better.
What did I think? A lot actually. It really lives up to the hype. It moisturizes my skin completely but also makes it look so much better. There is a tint to it. Nothing too much just a subtle tint that pulls your whole face together. I actually just wore this by itself like a tinted moisturizer on some days and then on others when I wanted more coverage I touched up with some additional foundation. It really is such a unique product!
Sidekick: The Facial- I was excited to see The Facial as this month’s sidekick. I’m no stranger to this beauty. I have used it in the past. It seems so small to call it just a toner, because it does so much. It’s like getting a facial but your in the coziness of your own bathroom and it takes 60 seconds. Not only does it exfoliate but also balance and completely change your skin.
You apply it to clean skin. It feels like lotion to powder formula. Feeling like a liquid at first but then creating a matte affect on the skin after. It contains glutamic acid, lactobacillus ferment, apple cider vinegar, succinic acid and non stem cells just to name a few. These ingredients work together to help exfoliate, calm inflammation and create a smooth even finish. I was using this before for about a month and people kept complementing me on my skin. I finally figured out it was The Facial that had changed in my routine. Results are everything!
Best part is you can get this fabulous box right now for such a steal! This box is valued at $252 but you can snag it for $42.95. This really is such stellar box- I wouldn’t be surprised if they sell out! Hop on it now if you’re thinking of getting it. Get Beauty Heroes May Discovery here!
This limited edition Boxwalla box is one for the books!
So technically Boxwalla does not have a box this month! But is offering a limited edition box. This box is definitely worth noting and I couldn’t wait to share with you! It’s a sampling of natural perfumes from SIGIL. The founder Patrick Kelly creates unique scents that are all unisex. This is unlike other natural fragrances you’ve used- trust me! They use essential oils, absolutes, CO2 extracts and house-made tinctures in a base of certified organix sugarcane alcohol. They actually remind me a lot of conventional fragrances but without the headache. They are woodsy, warm and sophisticated. Not just a blend of essential oils if you know what I mean.
So how the Limited Edition Box works is you get to sample their 4 scents. Then you pick your favorite and they send you a full size perfume of that scent. It’s a crazy good value!! The full size perfume is $120 value and the box itself is a $50 value. This is such a great way for someone to be able to try several natural perfumes before having to commit. One you receive the box you have 4 weeks to decide which scent suits you best.
My two favorites are Amor Fati. This is a lighter perfume, which in my opinion is perfect for summer. It has notes of Bergamot, Palo Santo, Green Pine Needles and Resinous Galbanum. It changes as I wear it too- my hubs loved it.
My other fave is Solutio. This feels light as well and a little sweet. It has lime and citrus scents in it. I like how fresh it is on. Really awakens my senses as I wear it.
I can’t recommend this box enough! So many people ask me about perfumes and this is a great way to be able to try them. Get the box here!
The Detox Box for May contains one of my favorite natural beauty facial oils!
This month it is all about Agent Nateur in the Detox Box. Featuring a travel size deodorant stick in HOLI(STICK)No. 3 and a full size HOLI(OIL). I’ve long been a fan of Agent Nateur’s HOLI(OIL) for while. It was fun to see them in this month’s box, plus a travel sized deodorant!
HOLI(OIL)- This frosted bottle contains a rich oil that smells like roses. Not only does it help smooth skin and wrinkles but it also is extremely hydrating. It doesn’t feel greasy at all and seeps into your skin, giving your face a radiance. My skin looked restored. I used this after several sleepless nights and it literally brought the life back into my skin. It’s true to it’s name- giving you your youthful skin back! There isn’t a long list of ingredients but the ones that are in there are effective. I also love using this before makeup. My foundation glides on. Bonus- my husband can use it too!
HOLI(STICK)No. 3- This is great for travel, when you want to pack light. I personally love Agent Nature’s HOLI(ROSE) Deodorant! It’s even a fave of mine for a while. Check it out here!
This box has a value of $130 but you can get it for $55! The beauty of the Detox Box is you don’t have to commit to any amount of months. You can simply just buy this one time box! Pretty awesome. Get the box here!
Sharing May’s Natural Beauty Box Roundup on the blog!
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by Suzi | Apr 30, 2019 | CLEAN BEAUTY, CLEAN LIVING
Sharing my best mother’s day gifts 2019 with you on the blog. Finding the perfect gift for your mom can seem daunting. Trust me, I’ve been there. Why are moms so hard to buy for at times? I can’t get by with a colored picture anymore. 🙂
So I rounded out my favorite natural gifts for moms. Maybe your mom isn’t into natural living, well this is the perfect time to get I want all of Baleen’s jewelry! So chic!
her interest peaked. I’ve found getting my mom natural gifts is a great way to introduce her to something she may not have known about but ends up loving.
I have some practical gifts and some just for fun gifts. Either way you’ll be set for Mother’s Day!
I want all of Baleen’s jewelry! So chic!
These handmade jewelry pieces are just so chic! I’ve bought them as gifts for several friends. Not only is the jewelry beautiful but also sustainable. They us 99% recycled metal content, have a zero waste facility and their gift tags are recyclable as well as their gift boxes. I love that everything is made in house. You feel like you’re getting a special treasured piece of jewelry. I love that their jewelry is nickel free as well.
Their pieces don’t lack style either. They offer rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Trust me- you’ll want everything! I can’t think of a more thoughtful way to honor your mom and also support a business doing so much good. Check them out here!
This Follain Everything Soap makes a great addition to any kitchen sink or shower.
Follain Everything Soaps
I’ve been a fan of these Everything Soaps for a while. They’re packaging is so chic and really makes a statement on any sink counter or shower/bath. They’re amber glass bottles with attached pumps. What’s so cool about them is that you can refill them with the soap at any Follain store. They have large soap dispensers there. Don’t live next to a Follain, no worries! Just buy the bottle and when you need to refill it, just use another soap. If you’re wanting a natural soap but don’t love the look of plastic bottles, this is a great alternative. Check them out here!
True Botanicals takes the cake when it comes to best natural skincare line!
If you’re like most moms your skin could use a little tlc. In comes natural beauty powerhouse True Botanicals. This line delivers results when it comes to giving you your youthful glow back. The formulas are filled with antioxidants that deliver nutrients that will repair free radical damage.
I love their renew line and Antioxidant Booster and Repair Serum. They offer so many lines depending on what skin type you have. Renew is more for dry/mature skin, Clear is more for those who suffer from acne flare ups, their Calm line is made for those who suffer from rosacea or irritated skin. They even have products for pregnancy! If you’r not sure what line would be good for you, check out their skincare quiz here. Also, shop all their products here!
The Detox Box is one of my favorite natural beauty boxes delivered monthly!
I love this box! It delivers natural beauty to your doorstep each month. What’s cool about this box is that it offers not only skincare products, but also hair, and makeup. So you’re not overloaded with one beauty product. They also always offer some of the best brands! I’m always impressed with their selections. A great opportunity for your mom to experience green beauty firsthand without having to wade through all the product choices. Plus, the value is insane! The box is $49.99 but is always valued over $100. Check out the box here!
These two are the best when it comes to cream blushes in natural beauty.
If you’ve followed me for a little bit, you know I love a good cream blush. Especially for those with mature skin. Powder blushes can settle into fine lines and look cakey. Cream blushes make your skin look dewy and moist, bringing back the youthful glow. I love Beautycounter’s Cream Blush Stick and Kjaer Weis Cream Blushes.
Love these organic sheets for SOL Organix!
Who wouldn’t love getting a new set of organic sheets?! I have sheets from SOL Organics and love them. They are soft, organic and keep me cool at night. Great for going into summer when you want a cooler sheet set for the warmer months. Conventional sheets are so toxic!
Since we spend about a 1/3 of our life in bed it’s important to know what were sleeping on. Cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed crops. Being doused with synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. However, that’s not the only thing we should be concerned about. Sheets often contain formaldehyde, and toxic dyes too. There are also toxic softeners that are used now on bedding, creating a recipe for a toxic sleep experience! Trust me, you’re mom will thank you when she sees a new organic sheet set. Check them out here!
Love knowing that I’m protecting myself from harmful radiation with this phone case.
I recently got myself a Safe Sleeve phone case and have been so happy with it! Protecting yourself from radiation from EMFs is so important with all the exposure we are receiving today. A phone emits a good amount of radiation, since we constantly have our phones near or on us, it’s important to know how to protect ourselves. Getting a Safe Sleeve Phone Case is one great option. With a Safe Sleeve Case you block over 99% of RF and 92% of ELF radiation. A gift any mom would appreciate! Check them out here!
These sunglasses have been a favorite!
These Ray Ban sunglasses I got last year and I LOVE them! They are so comfortable and stay on my face so well. I always get so many compliments on them. They are polarized too! I love that I can put them up on my head too, and they don’t get caught in my hair- it’s totally the little things. They also look super chic- which never hurts. Check them out here!
Beautycounter’s Flawless in Five is a game changer when it comes to transitioning to natural beauty.
This is a great beginner set from Beautycounter for anyone who hasn’t made the jump into natural beauty. It offers 6 staple makeup products. A concealer, blush, lip gloss, mascara, eyebrow gel, and either Dew Skin- their tinted moisturizer with SPF 20 or their Tint Skin- A medium coverage foundation. I can’t recommend this set enough! It really takes the guesswork out of trying to get into natural beauty and also saves you a ton of money. You’re mom will be looking great without the toxins! Check out Flawless in Five here!
These Minted Calendars are such a great way to personalize a gift for your mom.
My sister makes my mom a calendar every year and I always think it’s such a great gift idea. She puts all family members birthdays in the calendar and adds pictures from the previous year. Needless to say my mom loves it! Such a personalized gift, yet practical too. Minted has so many chic designs too, makes it so easy to create one. Check them out here!
Ok, those are my top picks for Mother’s Day gifts! Did anything catch your eye? What are you getting for your mom? I may have already bought my my a gift from the list above. 😉
Sharing all my favorite Mother’s Day Gifts on the blog.
by Suzi | Jan 10, 2019 | CLEAN EATING, CLEAN LIVING
I’m so excited to share 7 Health Habits For 2019 with you! I really wanted to share a post that would both inspire you in your health journey and cause you to want to go to the next level in 2019. It’s easy to make a list of health goals and end up with 20, but I wanted this to be practical and doable. I chose 7 after thinking about. After all, that’s one for each day of the week.
Join the 5 Day Clean Living Challenge and start living your best natural life!
I’ve been on this health journey for a while and I’ve read many books, listened to many podcasts and have a pretty decent grasp on what is true health and what’s a fad. Fads don’t last but real health does. Plus, we don’t want fads anyways, we want to create long lasting habits that will truly last the rest of your life. Health is a journey- I say it a lot. It’s not a destination. If you’re looking for a one hit wonder, this post isn’t for you. There isn’t a magic formula for achieving optimal health, it’s consistency and small steps each and everyday. They all add up.
As my brother, Dr. Matt, a naturopathic physician says, “Accumulate health.”
I couldn’t agree more. Everyday you want to accumulate more and more health. It isn’t the one month where you do “all” the healthy things but the everyday habits that make the difference. I’ve literally been on a journey to heal my hashimoto’s for a while. This hasn’t been something that’s happened over night. It’s taken consistent health habits to get better. But guess what? It works! My antibodies have gone down, my energy has gone up and I’m feeling good. All those little things add up. Let’s check in with our habits and see where they’re at. How do you start your day? What does breakfast look like? Are you always on the go? Not taking time for yourself? Think about your life and the habits that you’ve adopted. Are they serving you or hurting you?
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I think it’s important to have some goals when it comes to creating healthy habits. A couple books I love that talk about forming habits and creating them are:
Some podcasts that I love listening too when it comes to habits and Mindset are:
I think it’s important to always be growing and causing yourself to think bigger. You can adopt new habits and change your old ones. It is possible! Sometimes we just need to be reminded.
Learn how to make the best green smoothie. A nutritious meal on the go loaded with all the healthy fats, protein, greens and fiber. Check out my freebie below!
So here are the 7 health habits that have changed my life and I know will change your life if you let them!
I actually adopted a word for this year and it’s mindset. I’ve never done this before but I’ve realized how important mindset is when changing your habits over the years and I want to focus on it even more this year. If I literally don’t change the way I think no habit is going to stick. I may change temporarily but it won’t be lasting change. The past couple years I’ve realized the areas I’ve changed in are because of mindset shifts and changes I’ve had. Not because I was super motivated because we all know that can fade, but because I had changed my thinking about it. I literally don’t have dairy or gluten, and I don’t think about it. I know it can cause my hashimoto’s to flair up, so I just don’t do it. It’s just not even a question in my mind. I just don’t make it an option. If I let my mindset be that maybe I’ll have dairy or gluten sometimes then I might. But I just don’t go there. The same thing could be true for anything in your life. Whether it’s business, family, whatever. This applies to anything, but obviously we’re focusing on health. Do you think you can never lose the weight? Do you think you’ll always struggle eating clean? What’s your limiting belief you’re accepting as truth?
Who you associate yourself with is a pretty big deal. I know we’ve all heard it. Who you surround yourself with is who you become. When you surround yourself with people that cause you to go higher, than you fall in line with that. Imagine if your best friend was constantly working out, being active and asking you to come. Don’t you think that would rub off on you? Eventually you would probably go workout and start being more active. The opposite is also true. If you hang around people that just want to sit around and watch t.v. all day, eat junk food and don’t care about health, you’ll likely start adopting those same habits. I’m not saying ditch all your friends but consider what you want to change in your life when it comes to healthy habits and if your friends are supporting those goals. Maybe it will just take you standing up saying you’re going to start eating clean and they would follow suit. Sometimes someone just needs to be the first one that stands up. The same could be true for your spouse. Maybe you wished they were stronger for you when it came to living out a clean lifestyle but maybe it will have to start with you making the first step. Be the person that you want them to be and eventually it will rub off on them.
I know sounds life chaining huh? Ok, it might seem obvious but this has changed my life. Making real homemade food and avoiding the packaged food. I honestly rarely eat out. I don’t live somewhere where there are a lot of great options. Sometimes I wish I could grab something quick, but quick around me is the nearest fast food joint and that’s not an option. Regardless I do think making real food is a game changer for your health. You’ll eat less, eat more nutrient dense food and save money! Basically setting yourself up for success. You’re literally going to be reprogramming your cells to work for you instead of against you. I never knew how to cook until after I got married. Trust me, when I say this- I didn’t even know how to cook chicken. I’ve come a long way. My hubs jokes now that he’s glad I learned how to cook because I would only make two things when we got married. 🙂 So if you don’t know how to cook, you can learn because I’m living proof! Plus, real food doesn’t have to be overwhelming or intimidating. It actually is really simple and fun once you learn a few tips and tricks. Get a clean eating cookbook like this one or this one to get you started. Sometimes it just takes a little inspiration or follow a real food blogger to keep you going.
I don’t like using the word exercise or working out because I think people associate those with negative connotations. Having an active lifestyle is something everyone should practice. Whether that means going on a hike, going for a walk, doing crossfit, lifting weights, whatever gets your body moving. I know for me its looked different in every season of life. When I was single it was different, as I got married it changed and now that I have kids it looks different. I used to beat myself up when I couldn’t spend the normal time I used to spend when I was just married working out. But I realized consistent activity even if it wasn’t 6 days a week was better than none. Just being consistent with something makes the biggest difference. It all goes back to the accumulating health quote that my brother always says. It’s the little things that add up. Do something that you love! I hear so many people trying to go to the gym and run on the treadmill and they hate it. Don’t do it! Find something that is fun, that challenges you and keeps you wanting more. It might take a couple different times, but don’t force yourself to do things that you know you won’t stick with in the long run. Being active gives you more energy, improves your overall mood and mind, increases strength and endurance- the list could go on and on.
Notice I didn’t say eliminate stress, because let’s face it, that’s impossible. We live in a fast paced world that isn’t slowing down anytime soon. The best thing you can do is to learn how to manage your stress. For me this has come by identifying the stressor and getting to the root of it. Is it really the activity I’m doing or is the fact that I booked my calendar up too much and I don’t have anytime to decompress? Think about why you’re really feeling on edge. Figure out what drains you and what gives you energy. I’m a people person but not an every day let’s have a party type of people person. That would drain me. The biggest advice I can give when it comes to managing stress is learning to say no. It might mean limiting your kid’s after school activities to one sport. It might mean not saying yes to every social event, or allowing time to meal prep for the week. Think about what is causing you to feel stressed and address the triggers.
I know the word self care gets thrown around a lot these days. I think a lot of us are saying it, but not a lot of us are practicing it. When was the last time you actually took an hour or two to yourself and totally did something you loved. Maybe it’s reading a good book, or maybe it’s just watching an hour of your favorite show. It could be getting your nails done once a week or flipping through the latest magazine. Figure out what fills you up and do it. Don’t take a budbble bath if you hate it! Just because someone else likes it doesn’t mean you will. Find what relaxes you. The goal is to do whatever helps you forget about everything else for a little bit and fills up your tank. When I practice this I feel so much better! For my husband it’s working out. If I let him workout for an hour he will come back refreshed and energized- haha sometimes a different person.
This one may sound weird but it’s so true. I find the people I’m constantly coming in contact with our challenging themselves. Whether it’s their mind, their food habits, exercise, at work- they’re wanting to improve and be a better version of themselves. This isn’t a type of rat race thinking that makes you think you always have to be doing something. It’s not for the approval of others but a sense of trying something new. For instance, maybe the fear of getting in shape has kept you from signing up for a 5k or the gym. Challenge yourself to sign up and take the step to face your fears. I bet before long you will wonder why you even had them in the first place. When you challenge yourself I think it helps to keep your mind sharp too. It doesn’t matter what your age is, challenge yourself in something and watch how you surprise yourself.
Do any of these 7 health goals resonate with you? What if you adopted one of these habits each month for the next 7 months, where would your life be? How would it look differently? What are some health habits you’ve adopted?
Here’s to building healthy habits in the new year!
Learn what 7 health habits that have changed my life.
