SHOP IT: iHERB

I love love LOVE talking shop! If you need a great supplier of natural anything, iHerb has fast become my go-to site. Through all my reading and research I have compiled quite a list of things to try- many of which I had never heard of and definitely had not seen on the shelves. So I was pretty excited to check out this site and find everything and more. I started with skin care since this crazy winter left my skin wanting, but my wish list keeps growing with teas, foods, candles, and products for home.

Above are the products I am currently using and loving- my favorite is probably the jojoba oil! All of them are noteworthy though, so if you are looking for masks I love the Ayurveda mud mask, enzyme mask and healing rough spots all over with straight MSM cream.

Happy Shopping ♥

NATURAL BEAUTY: DRY BRUSHING

For a long time I allowed dry brushing to mystify me. It sounded too 'granola'. But, I would like to have it on the record that I have tried and I am now a believer! There are multiple benefits to having a daily dry brushing routine like reduced cellulite, increased blood circulation- benefiting the lymphatic system which impacts your liver and digestion, clears dead skin to open pores- in turn leaving you glow-y and clear of those pesky winter dry flakes.

So how to?

Buy: A natural bristle brush- the bristles should be stiff. There are different styles of brushes, I chose the long handle for the reach-ability.

When: Some dry brush enthusiasts recommend brushing twice a day. I personally brush once in the morning before my shower. Because your are clearing off dead skin I recommend you do it in the shower before you turn the water on.

How: Brush in long sweeps starting at your feet and working your way to the heart. Clockwise on your stomach and smaller strokes on your arms and shoulders. You can brush extra on your knees and elbows- just insure you are brushing firmly but your skin should not be red or irritated (a light pink is normal)

After: Shower off and follow your bathing with a good natural lotion or oil.

I already see a difference and I have been consistently brushing for about two weeks- it has saved me from this winter dryness!

What is your experience with dry brushing? ♥

DRESS LIKE A VALENTINE

 'Sweet' Ensemble curated through ModCloth

'Vixen' Ensemble curated through ASOS, exception of Necklace found on Ebay (similar)

I am still working out the details of my own Valentine dinner outfit so I had a lot of fun perusing the www  for inspiration. Whether you go super saccharine or want your dates temp to rise, feel good about yourself and have an amazing time ♥ ♥ ♥

A NATURAL APPROACH TO SKINCARE

Over the last year I have slowly been changing my approach to life to a more natural one. Organic food, plant based cleaning products, natural cosmetics, reduce reuse recycle and the like. As I keep making these changes I can't help but look and ask whats next?

It seemed like the natural progression to look at my skin cleansing regime. I have struggled with adult acne since I was 19- it has plagued me, ran up doctor bills, and has led me down the slippery slope of abrasive washes, creams, and pills. You come to the point where enough is enough and know there has to be a natural remedy to this madness! Mine has been particularly irritated lately and was one of my motivators to cleanse last weekend- it also gave me the last push to start seriously researching natural ways to care for my skin.

What I used:
Honey (a natural anti-bacterial)
coconut oil (cold pressed- this will be your moisturizer)
apple cider vinegar (acts as toner)
containers*
Label maker

What I did:
I boiled all containers to disinfect and then allowed them to air dry. Using two pots, I used one for the honey and one for the coconut oil and utilized a spray bottle version for the apple cider vinegar (This toner elixir is 3 parts vinegar and 1 part purified water). I labeled the containers because hey- I have a label maker so why not use it?!

The honey is the face wash- obviously it is sticky so I concentrate on my t-zone and jaw line. Using a cotton ball I then rub the vinegar/water mixture all over my face avoiding the gentle skin around my eyes. And last but not least, I dab coconut oil as my moisturizer. I have super dry skin so I start with a little and work in more as I need it and in the spots that dry out quickly. Its best to layer this on as needed, too much and you run the risk of an oil slick on your face! No bueno!

* After reading some more it is more desirable to keep coconut oil in a dark container. So keep it in your medicine cabinet if you have a clear container like I do here. I will be searching for some pretty dark glass apothecary jars to transfer mine to!

I have been using this system for about a week now and love it! It's inexpensive, natural, and good for you and the environment- win win win. Hopefully between this and diet my skin problems will become a thing of the past. What skin care products have you used and loved? ♥

WINTER ESSENTIALS

Living in the Midwest I am all too familiar with combating winter dryness (Polar Vortex, anyone?). I've learned that as soon as the furnaces kick on I better kick my hydration routine into gear. Above are some of my favorite products and natures natural cures for dry skin, no need to pass on a healthy glow!

Clockwise from top Left: Kiss My Face lotions- all of their products are amazing but I love their lotions. Naturally made so good for you and the earth! // Gloves- wear them! Exposing skin to harsh cold is one of the worst things you can do, prevent cracked knuckles by covering up. // H2O- the best way to keep hydrated from the inside out, at least 60 oz a day is necessary for your body have enough of the good stuff to go around. // Josie Maran Argan Oil- the only thing I use to moisturize my face with these days. I use it morning and night and love the light feeling. // Coconut Oil- if you have super dry spots try rubbing coconut oil on it, you'll notice the natural healing properties of this oil work quickly to get rid of those super itchy spots. // Carmex- I am a chapstick snob, I am all about consistency and this chapstick wins in every category: protection, longevity, scent, texture. ♥

MAKE-UP MAKE-OVER

I am really excited about sharing this post with you all (or few?) I am currently loving the Josie Maran cosmetics available at Sephora after I went on a mini spree a few weekends ago. I cleaned out my makeup drawer and replaced it with these natural and fair trade beauts!

HAVE AND LOVE

Argan Creamy Concealer Crayon

Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation

100 Percent Argan Oil

Argan Color Stick in Dusty Rose

GOGO Instant Natural Volume Mascara

WISH LIST

Argan Love Your Lips Hydrating Lipstick

Argan Beautiful Eyes

Magic Brows Argan Brow Marker

Argan Illuminizer

I have struggled with 'bad' skin for years- it has plagued me and my wallet for most of my adult life and I had tried everything from extreme medications and ointments to every over the counter product there is. Since doing some research about the toxins that we come in contact with every day from household cleaners to our cosmetics, it got my brain working. What if I traded in all my toxic cosmetics and purchased all natural? What if it could be that simple? Ok- so it wasn't that simple but I have noticed that my skin is more balanced, my break outs are less traumatizing, and they do heal faster. I am hoping that I am on the road to healing through diet and the change in products I use. In the meantime- I cannot recommend this line enough, just knowing that what I am putting on my face is healthy makes me happy ♥

TOXIC BEAUTY

I am fast learning that my statement of 'you can never take your food at face value' is also applicable to just about any other product you use. This week I am learning that you can never take your beauty products at face value. I am also fast learning that to live well and kindly means you have to put in some research. But thankfully there are easy sites like Skin Deeps Cosmetic Database that does a lot of the detective work for you.

The photo above is the end result of my looking into some of the cosmetics and beauty products that I use everyday. The Cosmetic Database has collected information on thousands of products and ranks them in  3 categories: 0-2 Low Hazard, 3-6 Moderate Hazard, 7-10 High Hazard. Most of what I have are moderate, and obviously I will be looking into another lotion ASAP because I am not comfortable being a 7!

If you haven't heard much of whats going on in the industry you may be wondering why are cosmetics toxic? Chemicals known to cause cancer and birth defects are widely used to create consistency, color, and 'long-lasting' effects. And just last night Nate was telling me about face washes with 'micro beads', these beads are actually made of plastic- which are now infiltrating our water systems, being ingested by aquatic animals, and affecting everything in their path. And what do I use? A product with micro beads, naturally. So I have a long ways to go in swapping my products. 

But square one is an ok place to be- its better than being in denial or worse, complacent! I am excited to look into brands like Nvey Eco, Josie Maran, and Ilia.

Have you tried natural beauty brands and loved them? I'd love to hear about it! ♥

HAIR LOVE: THE LONG BOB

Alexa Chung and Sofia Coppola via Google images and Street Style via Stockholm Street Style

To bob or not to bob? These are all on the longish side but to me, they still seem pretty short. I have been toying with the idea of a shorter cut, at least for the summer months and I love this length paired with a longer bang.  I don't know if I will go through with it, I tend to get anxious with hair decisions (first world problems alert) but its fun to think about! ♥