A Year in Review
A Year in Review This is such a good article from Intelligent Change, that I’m reposting it here. Enjoy! As the year comes to an end, it is an excellent time for reflection, especially on the lessons we have learned. Adopting a growth mindset means seeing lessons and opportunities in whatever happens throughout the year. If we can find something to learn even in a perceived hardship, we develop mental resilience and are gifted with energy and a fresh take on life. Here are 20 lessons about life and business we learned in 2023. Accepting uncertainty is how you embrace change We stress ourselves trying to find clarity. Having a plan is good, but if you find yourself continually overwhelmed by the need to control your future, find a way to let go. Viewing life as a continual test makes it more interesting. It puts challenge into the equation, so that when things do get tough, you can see it as an opportunity to develop patience, learn the lesson, and grow stronger. Understand that even the most organized people respond to feedback in real-time. Forget having clarity all the time for now. Instead, accept uncertainty. Embrace the change. Grow through your experiences. Investing in yourself is the best investment It’s easy to forget how crucial our bodies, minds, and their interconnection is in pursuing our goals. We focus on the external, often at the expense of our personal health and energy. Yet, investing in ourselves should always be at the top of our priorities. What does vital self-investment look like? Daily exercise or any sort of activity Regular meditation or engaging in mindfulness practices Eating nourishing, quality food Creating meaningful moments and having memorable experiences Regularly developing and improving our skills in a specific area Act in alignment with your values You can work with mentors who have done what you want. You can get a coach who can steer you in a direction that works for you. But, ultimately, doing what you know in your gut is right is something you can tremendously benefit from tapping into. Trust your intuition, always. Define your values and act in alignment with them. Find your purpose and follow it through every decision you make. Our minds work best when we focus on the good We always have a choice. We can seek out and focus on what isn’t working, or we can notice the beauty of small, everyday moments and the things that work. Our minds become more effective when we’re not stressed by the perceived negativity in our lives. We can choose how much of that gets in. We are big advocates for gratitude, as it helps you shift the perspective on what’s good. Stress cannot be felt without a stressful thought Our thoughts create our emotional experience. Truly understanding this can have profound implications for our lives. We are free when we see that stress is built from our interpretation of what’s happening. The more we accept stressful thoughts that arise, the more stressed we will feel. The solution? Take full ownership of your mindset. Learn how to control stressful thoughts, and you will feel more at peace. The simplest productivity system is to do one thing at a time with enjoyment Many of us get stressed by the complex array of productivity hacks and systems out there. But when we slow down and get present, we see that all we need to do to be productive is one thing at a time. Small, smart steps. Anything can be enjoyed, believe it or not. When we find a way to enjoy the process, we excel at productivity. We find our flow. We get things done. We work smarter, not harder. Focus on the long-term goals Your mindset can change when you realize that your life is a marathon, not a sprint. Choose long-term goals, because with time you will discover that long-term focus with consistent daily steps is way better than the feeling you get from short-term pleasures. Choose sustainable, intentional growth. Stop trying to be motivated all the time and focus on building momentum Lately there’s a lot of emphasis on motivation because it appears as though we need to be in the mood to take action all the time. But people who succeed rarely start things––or achieve their goals––by constantly being in a great mood. What they are great at is acting consistently. Consistency creates momentum, which motivates you to keep going on. A question that will transform your life is ‘How can I use this?’ The type of questions we ask ourselves can change the trajectory of our life. That isn’t an overstatement. People who often struggle––without even realizing it––sabotage themselves by asking questions like Why did this have to happen to me? This creates a victim mentality, also known as a fixed mindset that will hold you back. Those who make the most of life ask How can I use this? This approach takes any challenge and turns it into something that can create a positive change or add more value. You can’t fail if you don’t quit We love the idea that failure is only cemented when you stop entirely. You may need to evolve, pivot, and adapt, but if you stay on course, continue to learn, and approach every situation with a growth mindset, you will find a way through. Persistence guarantees success, so stay with it. Life gets easier when we stop expecting it to be easy Why is this true? Because as soon as we let go of attachments and expectations, we’re no longer going to resist things when they don’t go how we want them to––we will embrace everything that comes our way. When we fully accept reality, we will, in a funny way, make life easy. Everyone can be disciplined We don’t need a disciplined personality to be disciplined. Many things require some discipline, but all it takes from you is a small, controlled, and consistent action. This will fuel you with confidence to do more. String easy actions together,
The Best Beauty Hacks of 2023
The Best Beauty Hacks of 2023 With the new year approaching, many of us are thinking of ways to step into January to improve certain areas of our lives. As I think back on 2023 and the products and tools I’ve tested and researched, the below list of products stand out as the best beauty hacks of 2023. BEAUTY For acne prone skin. These are a mix of my all time favorites and some great new finds. Epionce Lytic Cleanser https://bestbeautyhacks.com/epionce I have a few cleansers that I trust and switch up regularly, but this is my all time favorite. My skin feels extra clean and blemish free without being stripped. The Ordinary Charcoal Mask https://bestbeautyhacks.com/theordinarymask I have used masks several times a week for over 30 years. I’ve been using this one for the last few years and it’s my go-to because it’s quick, easy and works at managing blemishes and congestion. The two main actives are charcoal and salicylic acid which are great for clearing the pore lining. ORG Peel Off Face Cleanser https://bestbeautyhacks.com/ORGmineralpeel This is my favorite enzyme peel, I have used it for years. It does such a nice job clearing away the dull layer of skin. You do need to be careful not to use it too often, as it’s strong enough to compromise your skin barrier. One-two times a week should be sufficient to do the trick. Drmtlgy Tingl exfoliating pads https://bestbeautyhacks.com/tingl While I do like Paula’s Choice and still use it regularly, this is a bit more aggressive when you need something extra for stubborn or chronic pore congestion. I use this after the ORG peel once a week in the evening and then layer on a nice moisturizer. The combination creates a noticeably smooth, clear canvas the next morning. Jan Marini Skin Research Bioglycolic Resurfacing Body Scrub https://bestbeautyhacks.com/Janmarinibodyscrub I don’t know about you, but I’m so focused on my face that I sometimes neglect the rest of my body. This is an excellent exfoliation for the body that uses glycolic acid combined with exfoliating beads and moisturizing extracts that leaves your skin silky smooth while clearing up body acne. Snail Mucin https://bestbeautyhacks.com/snailmucin Ok, hear me out here. There have actually been countless non-biased clinical studies done on the effectiveness of snail mucin, including computer analysis to objectively measure the effectiveness of snail mucin. The price point is so reasonable too. Anti-aging – Best Beauty Hacks! The following are the most effective DIY treatments for anti-aging, especially if you combine them into a consistent routine. Doing a microneedle and a chemical peel once a month, alternating every 2 weeks – so microneedle on day 1 and 2 weeks later do a chemical peel, then 2 weeks later do another microneedle, etc. Add the light therapy in per the manufacturer’s recommendations, and install water filters on your sink and shower to protect your hair and skin from the damaging effects of contaminants. DIY: Chemical Peels If chemical peels are new to you, they are very effective for treating skin’s tone and texture, fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, and so much more. Spotlight on Platinum Skin Care– learn how to do professional grade chemical peels in the comfort of your own home. Jennifer has so much comprehensive information and training on her site, you’ll feel confident in no time, and your wallet will thank you! Check them out here: Platinum Skin Care DIY: Microneedling While you do need to be careful with microneedling, you don’t need to be intimidated by it. You can find a step by step protocol on how to microneedle here: How to Microneedle and the top microneedling pens here: Best Microneedles for at home use . Microneedling creates micro injuries that triggers your body’s healing response to produce more collagen. Here’s more information on the science and benefits of microneedling: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/benefits-of-microneedling/ https://bestbeautyhacks.com/types-of-micrneedling/ https://bestbeautyhacks.com/the-science-behind-microneedling/ DIY: Light Therapy Yes, there are a lot of light therapy masks out there to choose from. But this is one of the few that is FDA- approved, has all 5 beneficial light therapies and the only mask that comes with an app to customize your treatment. Light therapies treat sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles, skin tone, acne and inflammation. You can check it out here: Light Therapy Mask Water filter I can not stress enough the importance of clean water for your hair and skin. I only realized this myself in the last year when I moved states and couldn’t figure out why my skin looked worse than ever and none of my normal artillery was working. And my hair became so damaged that it was actually too fragile to have any processes at a salon. There are many water filters on the market, but they are not all the same. Most remove chlorine and other contaminants, but you need one that removes both chlorine and calcium carbonate, which causes more damage than chlorine. Below are the water filters I recommend: Water filter for your sink: Qurify Water Filter Water filter for your shower: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/joliefilter WELLNESS Kauai Farmacy I’ve been a customer for years and I love everything about this company, from their mission to their natural and effective products. They have a surprisingly extensive product line from their 4 acre farm in Kauai – from salves for joint and muscle pain to tinctures and teas. You can find them here: https://shop.kauaifarmacy.com/ Intelligent Change – 5 Minute Journal I am not someone who journals on my own. I know the benefits of it, but it is still a struggle for me. The 5 minute journal makes it so easy! I love the thought provoking daily quotes, the commitment you make to yourself and the easy format of this journal. Intelligent Change has several other great journals and products too, all geared toward gratitude and growth. You can find out more here: Intelligent Change – Tools to Positively Change Your Life Wishing you all the best as we look forward to all
Top 10 Steps to Organize your Closet
Top 10 Steps to Organize your Closet Do you look in your closet and think you have nothing to wear? Is it difficult to find what you’re looking for? Do you wear the same 5 outfits every week? If you answered yes to any of these questions, maybe your closet could use a little organizing to help inspire your outfits. Here are some options to consider: Depending on the space you have available, you may only be able to have current seasonal clothing in your closet at a time. If this is the case, storage bins are a good option for storing the out of season and special occasion items. Storage bins https://bestbeautyhacks.com/storagebins These keep clothes dust free and easy to access. These storage bins can also be used in the kitchen as a pantry, laundry room, kids rooms, etc Clothes hangers https://bestbeautyhacks.com/velvethangers do you have a mix of hangers in your closet? Plastic hangers from college, wire hangers from the dry cleaners, or a random wood hanger here and there? Having all the same kind of hangers is an inexpensive way to add some organization with a uniform look. These velvet hangers also take up less room and clothes are less likely to slip off the hanger. Once you have all your hangers uniform, then you can organize your clothing in a way that makes sense to you – by color, sleeve length, etc. this will help you be able to create new outfits by having all your options together. Pant/skirt hangers https://bestbeautyhacks.com/velvetcliphangers don’t forget matching hangers for your pants, slacks and skirts! Boot hangers for tall boots https://bestbeautyhacks.com/boothangers Do your boots wind up in a pile in the corner of your closet? These hangers work great to store your boots properly so they don’t get scuffed or damaged. Shoe polish https://bestbeautyhacks.com/shoepolish speaking of boots, are yours looking a bit worn out? It’s a good idea to polish and condition your boots and shoes once a year to help them look new and last longer. Doing this will also allow you to see if heels are broken or soles are wearing down so you can have them fixed. Jewelry organizer https://bestbeautyhacks.com/jewelryorganizer Is your jewelry a tangled mess, or still in the boxes that they came in, so you forget what you have and rarely wear it? If you have an extra drawer or shelf, a jewelry organizer is really helpful to see everything you have at a glance. This modular option allows you to customize your organizer based on the types of jewelry you have and the space you have available. Laundry bags https://bestbeautyhacks.com/laundrybags I used to spend a couple hours every Saturday hand washing all my family’s dress shirts, sweaters, hand washables and delicates. These bags are an inexpensive way to wash your delicates and hand washables so they last longer and saves you time. Drawer organizing If you haven’t tried Marie Kondo’s method, watch some of her you tubes so you can see if any of her methods would be useful in your specific situation. I love her drawer organizing for t-shirts, it takes up less room and you can see everything at a glance. Marie Kondo book: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/Mariekondo Laundry hamper https://bestbeautyhacks.com/laundryhamper Laundry baskets are useful, but not very aesthetically pleasing. This option looks better with more functionality to hang garments, added storage and wheels to easily move without strain. Pill remover https://bestbeautyhacks.com/pillremover Have you noticed the fabric pilling on your favorite sweater or jacket? Instead of donating or discarding the item, consider using a pill remover. It’s battery operated and has a blade that cuts the pills off, leaving the fabric smooth again without damage. You can use it on heavy fabric and delicate fabric too. Pay attention to what is causing the pilling so you can avoid it, it may not be just wear and tear. I’ve had it happen from a special occasion hand bag with a rough surface that pilled up a gorgeous wool coat and a chunky necklace that pilled a smooth ponte dress. This little tool has made so many of my jackets, sweaters and dresses look new again! Bonus tip: Lint roller https://bestbeautyhacks.com/lintroller You might not think of a lint roller if you don’t have pets, but it’s a good practice to run a lint roller over your jackets or coats after you wear them to get any loose hair or lint off so it looks fresh and clean the next time you reach for it. If you follow each of these organizational ideas, it will be easy to always keep your closet organized which will inspire you to wear more of your wardrobe. A special thank you to my beautiful friend Shan, who is my go-to for closet inspo Was this article helpful? What are your favorite organizing tips? *Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided is for information purposes only Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or skin related diagnosis or treatment options. The statements made about specific products throughout this blog are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. It is important that you check labels to determine if a product is right for you. Before starting any treatment at home consult a health care or skin care professional to determine if it’s right for you. *Disclosure: some links may be affiliate links where I may get a small commission at no additional cost to you.
5 Strategies to Improve Functional Fitness
5 Strategies to Improve Functional Fitness Before we start, are you wondering what “functional fitness” is? And how it differs from physical fitness? Functional fitness focuses on exercises that support everyday life, to help you maintain movement. For example, squats are a functional exercise because they support your ability to sit, stand, walk and run. Physical fitness typically uses weights or some variation of resistance training to increase muscle mass and strength. Weight training targets a specific muscle group that you’re trying to build. I love weight/resistance training. It is so rewarding to see how you can shape your body, but it is also incredibly important for women as we age to increase bone density. Just be sure you start with a trainer so you are learning the proper movements and range of motion, and so you don’t get injured. Back to functional fitness. While you’re not likely to build the muscle mass with functional fitness as you would with physical fitness, you will build strength. Functional fitness also increases mobility, stamina and stability or balance which is huge as these tend to deteriorate as we age. With that, here are 5 ways to improve functional fitness: Incorporate bodyweight exercises. Exercises like push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks are great ways to improve functional fitness. These exercises can be done anywhere, require no equipment, and help to strengthen the muscles that are used in everyday activities. Use functional equipment. Using functional fitness equipment like kettlebells, resistance bands, pilates reformers and medicine balls can help to improve strength, balance, and coordination. These exercises help to target multiple muscle groups and simulate real-life movements. Focus on core strength. The core is the foundation of functional fitness. Strengthening the core muscles can help to improve posture, stability, and balance. Incorporating exercises like planks, sit-ups, and leg raises can help to improve core strength. Did you know that a lot of back pain is caused from a weak core? Strengthen your core and you’ll notice the difference in reduced back pain. Don’t forget balance and stability training. Balance and stability are essential components of functional fitness. Incorporating exercises like single-leg squats, lunges, and balance board exercises can help to improve balance and stability. More movement throughout the day. One of the best ways to improve functional fitness is to move more throughout the day. Walking, cycling, and swimming are great low-impact exercises that can help to improve cardiovascular health, endurance, and stamina. Incorporating movement into your daily routine can help to improve overall health and well-being. So next time, try to take the stairs! With functional fitness, you basically are doing it with every movement you make. By being aware, you can focus on the movement to get more out of it. Try to set aside time to do functional exercises 2-3 times a week, barring any individual restrictions. Choose exercises that you enjoy doing (for example, I hate burpees and refuse to do them!). You’ll be more likely to continue, and then it becomes part of your lifestyle. Think of it as functional fitness supporting your quality of life. Was this article helpful? *Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided is for information purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or skin related diagnosis or treatment options. The statements made about specific products throughout this blog are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. It is important that you check labels to determine if a product is right for you. Before starting any treatment at home consult a health care or skin care professional to determine if it’s right for you.
How to: Dry Brushing Protocol
How to: Dry Brushing Protocol The secret to smooth, healthy skin! This blog is written with generally healthy people in mind. If you have any health concerns, skin lesions, lymphedema or other similar concerns, consider consulting with a professional that specializes in those concerns before introducing dry brushing into your routine. The most common way of dry brushing that you see everywhere, has you start brushing from the feet and work your way upward toward the heart. But after researching this further, this method may not be the best procedure as there could be blocks in the lymphatic system further up that would compound if you are brushing more fluids to the area. Because of this, the following protocol works with the lymphatic system to allow for proper lymphatic drainage. Benefits of dry brushing While this protocol targets the lymphatic system, there are several other significant benefits of dry brushing: Exfoliates skin Stimulates collagen production Unclogs pores Increase blood circulation Increase skin smoothness Reduce the appearance of cellulite Detoxes skin and eliminates toxins from your body Promotes lymphatic drainage Protocol Let’s begin! Start with dry, bare skin without any lotion or oils on it. Use a natural, soft bristled brush. It’s helpful to have a hand held brush and another with a long handle to reach your back. This is a good option: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/drybrushes Think of your body in 4 sections. Each leg is a section up to your waist, and each arm is a section from your abdomen up to your collar bone. Start with your abdomen, where the lymph nodes are deeper to stimulate. Brush or massage your abdomen in a circular motion 3-5 times. Then begin with the lower sections. Instead of beginning at the foot, start at the thigh/upper leg. Brush with short, gentle but firm strokes upward toward your groin, 3 to 5 times. Be sure to brush all sides of the upper leg, brushing the back of the leg to the front where the lymph glands are. Then brush all sides of the knee, brushing upward. Be sure to get the back of the knee as there are lymph glands behind the knee. Continue down the leg to the calf, brushing upward in short, gentle strokes. Then brush the feet, including the toes and the sole of the foot. Once you’ve finished brushing the foot and ankle, work your way back up the calf, knee, thigh and waist to the groin. Do the same to the other leg. Now you can work on the upper sections. Brushing upward from your abdomen on one side up toward your armpit, and brushing your back by pulling the brush from your spine around your side to the front of your body. Do this for your torso and shoulder, front and back – brushing toward the armpit. Then brush the arm the same way you brushed the leg, starting with the upper arm and brushing all sides toward the armpit. Next, brush your elbow, forearm, hands and fingers. Once you are done brushing your hand, work your way back up your arm brushing each section of your arm to your armpit. And you’re done! Be very gentle when you first start dry brushing, as your skin may seem sensitive to it. As you continue to dry brush, you’ll be able to use firmer pressure. Adjust to your skin’s responses, as it shouldn’t be painful. Contraindications of dry brushing Do not dry brush over areas of the skin with the following concerns: Broken skin or lesions Inflammation Infection Cellulitis Skin cancer If you get nauseous while dry brushing or shortly after dry brushing, this is common and due to the lymphatic drainage. Drink plenty of water to flush your system. FAQs How often should you dry brush? Dry brushing can be done daily if you’re gentle, but generally 2-3 times a week is sufficient. When is the best time to dry brush? In the morning, before a shower as it stimulates blood circulation and invigorates your body. Do I need to shower after I dry brush? No, you don’t have to shower after you dry brush but it helps remove all the dry skin you just exfoliated. How soon before you see results? You’ll notice softer skin that is less dry and itchy in the first few days to two weeks. Can you dry brush breasts? Absolutely! Toxins get trapped in the breast tissue from wearing bras. Dry brushing breasts will promote lymphatic drainage and prevent blockages in the lymph glands around the breasts. Are there any side effects of dry brushing? Your skin can become irritated or inflamed if you are dry brushing too hard or too often. You can also get nauseous while dry brushing or shortly after dry brushing. This is common and due to the lymphatic drainage. Drink plenty of water to flush your system. For more information on dry brushing for lymphatic drainage, check out Cancer Rehab PT on Youtube. Kelly is a wealth of valuable information on this topic. Was this article helpful? Please share your tips for dry brushing! *Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided is for information purposes only. Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or skin related diagnosis or treatment options. The statements made about specific products throughout this blog are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. It is important that you check labels to determine if a product is right for you. Before starting any treatment at home consult a health care or skin care professional to determine if it’s right for you. *Disclosure: some links may be affiliate links where I may get a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Protocol to regrow hair naturally
Protocol to regrow hair naturally Have you noticed your hair thinning for no good reason? It could be caused by environmental stressors. We are all inundated constantly by environmental toxins and free radicals. And while it’s near impossible to avoid these toxins, there are ways to lessen the effects they have on our bodies. Below is a protocol to not only help you regrow and strengthen your hair, but this protocol also helps improve your skin and detox/balance your gut for overall health as well. 1. Drink filtered/alkaline water only. All day, every day. Did you know that disease (like cancers) and illnesses in general can not grow or survive in an alkaline state? Alkaline water also reduces inflammation and neutralizes acid in your blood stream. 2. Boil 2 cups of filtered water with a hand full of organic raisins. Drink a cup first thing in the morning before anything else, and then the rest of it throughout the day. This is to flush the liver and blood of toxins. This also helps the skin and brain function. Do this 4 days a week. Why raisins, you may ask? Have you heard of Resveratrol? Resveratrol is a naturally occurring plant polyphenol compound found in grape skins that is a very powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and blood cholesterol lowering properties. It is highly beneficial in maintaining skin and hair health, as well as improving the body’s ability to produce red blood cells. Resveratrol is especially concentrated in raisins since they are dried grapes. Organic is key so that you’re not ingesting pesticides and other chemicals. Here’s a good option: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/raisins 3. Add half a lemon and a tiny pinch of salt to at least 3 cups of water intake a day – you don’t have to add this to all the water you drink in a day, but it’s important to incorporate this into some of the water you drink each day. Lemon has beneficial phytonutrients, and works with the natural energetic charge of the body, to cleanse and detox, with anti-aging effects. The salt adds necessary trace minerals. Be sure to use REAL Himalayan salt (not pink colored salt) or Celtic flake salt to get the necessary benefits. The Selina Naturally Celtic Sea Salt is really good: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/celticsalt. Here is an option for Himalayan salt: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/himalayan 4. Make a tea with 1 sliced clove of garlic, ½” sliced ginger root, 1 clove, 1 anamu root teabag, 1 dandelion teabag, and 1 green teabag – steep all together in hot water for 5 minutes. Strain and drink. This is a great detox, anti-inflammatory, boost immune system and helps heal the gut. Do this at least 3 times a week. It may take some getting used to, as it’s kind of an “acquired taste”. For an added boost, consider taking digestive enzymes or a probiotic to help even more. Anamu tea: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/anamu Dandelion tea: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/dandelion Green tea: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/greentea Digestive enzymes: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/digestiveenzymes Probiotic: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/probiotic 5. Incorporate an iron supplement If you’re not taking an iron supplement, you may want to consider incorporating into your supplement program. If you’ve had issues from taking iron supplements (constipation, etc) consider trying a different supplement. This one works well without the side affects: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/iron 6. Eat 1/2 c beans a day. Plain with salt. Used dried beans, not canned as canned doesn’t have the nutritional value. Beans are considered a superfood because they are one of the most nutritious foods you can eat. Lentils are rich in polyphenols for anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits as well as a good source of Vitamin B, fiber, potassium and iron. Black beans are considered the “beauty bean” in some Asian countries as they are rich in anti-oxidants, brighten the complexion and aid in red blood cell production. Peruvian beans are rich in peptides which helps your skin retain collagen. Pinto beans are packed with protein and fiber, and help balance the digestive system. Try mixing it up for your palette as well as to benefit from all of these power house options! Lentils: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/lentils Black beans: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/blackbeans Peruvian beans: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/peruvianbeans Pinto beans: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/pintobeans 7. Hair mask. Mash garlic with red onion to make a paste, add 1t. organic rosemary oil, 1t. organic castor oil and 1t. organic olive oil. Massage into scalp and work through to the ends of hair. The garlic and red onion are anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, while the rosemary oil, castor oil and olive oil increase circulation and condition the scalp and hair. Leave on for an hour. Shampoo at least 3 times to get the garlic and onion smell out. Do this twice a week. Rosemary oil: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/rosemary Castor oil: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/castoroil Shower cap: https://bestbeautyhacks.com/showercap Note: Rosemary oil should always be used with a carrier (olive) oil so it doesn’t burn the skin. Additional benefits of ingredients Some of the extra benefits of these ingredients include: Anamu root – increases brain function, decreases anxiety, anti inflammatory, enhance your immune system. Two phytochemicals found in the plant are directly linked to destroying cancer cells. Dandelion root – rich in Vitamin C and soluble fiber, it helps build good gut bacteria and gently moves toxins and stagnation out of the digestive system to improve health Green tea – has the most powerful anti-oxidants, which help reduce inflammation Garlic – is considered medicinal for heart disease, lowering cholesterol and preventing cancer. It also improves brain health, digestion, skin health While this protocol may seem daunting, consider challenging yourself to follow this for a week and see if it makes a difference in how you feel or if you can see an improvement in your skin. Remember, this not just for your hair health but also your skin and overall health. It will take longer (an average of 3 months) to see new hair growth, and about 4 weeks for your skin to cycle – although you could see improvements much sooner. But you should be able to tell a difference in how you feel within a few days to a week. Was this article helpful? *Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided is for information purposes only Please consult with a physician or
Fall 2023 Wellness Reads
Fall 2023 Wellness Reads As we transition the change of seasons from outdoors to indoors, I’m thinking of cozy, comfortable spaces with a stack of great books to peruse. Here are a few recommended books that have resonated with me recently. Everyone is in a different place in life, but my hope is that some of these will be exactly what you are looking for. Health and wellness Boundless, by Ben Greenfield https://bestbeautyhacks.com/Boundless This is not a book you read from cover to cover – or at least I didn’t. it’s a massive 640 page reference book that is super comprehensive on age defying and optimizing your health. Miracle Morning, by Hal Elrod https://bestbeautyhacks.com/miraclemorning The not-so-obvious secret to transform your life before 8am. This book is in such high demand, it was on back order for months before I was able to get my hands on it. Worth the read. Power Sleep, by Dr James B Maas https://bestbeautyhacks.com/powersleep Do you use pills to fall asleep, or caffeine to stay awake? If so, you are likely sleep deprived. This is a powerful approach to naturally achieve your peak performance and mental capacity. Personal development Disrupt-Her, A Manifesto for the Modern Woman by Miki Agrawal https://bestbeautyhacks.com/disrupther If you don’t know who Miki Agrawal is, you should look her up. She and her twin sister do really cool shi*t. Miki is the inventor of Thinx – the original period panties, and Tushy – an after market product that turns your toilet into a bidet. Her sister, Radha Agrawal is the co-founder of Daybreaker which is such a cool concept and literally got me through quarantine. It’s a monthly pop up dance party in cities around the country/world. Check it out: Wake up & Dance – DAYBREAKER Think like a Monk, by Jay Shetty https://bestbeautyhacks.com/thinklikeamonk Train your mind for peace and purpose everyday. Jay Shetty has such a wonderful perspective and delivery, and he and his wife are marriage goals. He is prolific on social media, and worth subscribing to if his style and message resonates with you. Jay’s latest book, 8 Rules of Love: how to find it, keep it and let it go – is on my list to read this fall. Believe It! By Jamie Kern Lima https://bestbeautyhacks.com/believeit This was such an inspirational read! Jamie is a wonderful, relatable story teller. Highly recommend! The Four Loves, by C.S. Lewis https://bestbeautyhacks.com/fourloves C.S. Lewis is the author of the beloved Narnia series, so when I came across this book I had to read it. It examines the four types of human love: affection, friendship, erotic love, and the love of God. The Surrender Experiment, by Michael Singer https://bestbeautyhacks.com/surrenderexperiment Journey into Life’s perfection. This was a great read and perspective. Beyond Venus and Mars, by John Gray https://bestbeautyhacks.com/beyondmars This book is the sequel to Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus which goes into depth on relationship skills needed for today’s complex world. What are some books you would recommend? Please share! *Disclosure: links may be affiliate links where I may get a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Best Sunscreens of 2023
Best Sunscreens of 2023 Here comes the sun! As temperatures start to warm up, layers start to peel off, exposing more skin. Everyone should be thinking about adding a layer of sunscreen if you don’t already. It’s also a good idea to get fresh, new sunscreen each year. Shelf life of sunscreen averages 3 years, but ingredients in the sunscreen formula can break down when exposed to warmer temperatures. Signs of product/ingredient breakdown include change in color or appearance, consistency or odor. Remember to try to limit your sun exposure between 10am and 4pm, year round. Trees, umbrellas and hats help but are not full protection. Water and sand are strong reflectors of the sun’s rays so take extra precautions. Best sunscreens for face What I have found with sunscreens for your face, is you have to apply by dabbing to blend on because any sweeping/smearing/rubbing/blending will cause pilling of the products layered under the sunscreen. If you’ve come across a sunscreen that doesn’t pill, please let us know! These are listed in no particular order, and all are tinted sunscreens because I’m all about saving a step if possible and prefer the no-makeup look. Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 36 – https://amzn.to/41OGhXf All mineral, lightweight formula UVA/UVB sun protection SPF 36 Universal tint for lightweight coverage Environmental pollution protection EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Sunscreen SPF 44 – https://amzn.to/40I7k5K Lightweight, oil free formula UVA/UVB protection with SPF 44 Transparent zinc oxide and titanium oxide Fragrance free DRMTLGY Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 46 – https://amzn.to/3nc6KPY Universal tint sunscreen and foundation Lightweight, non greasy formula Broad spectrum SPF 46 Clean formula made in USA, cruelty free Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 – https://amzn.to/43WkTBl · All mineral SPF 50 · protects against free radical formation and damage Colorescience Brush-On Sunscreen Mineral Powder – https://amzn.to/3N1vmWd · This formula contains ingredients for sensitive or acne-prone skin · Contains broad spectrum SPF 50 · great for on the go touch up Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Fluid SPF 50 Tinted Sunscreen – https://amzn.to/3CDL0kj · Ultra-light liquid formula blends in easily for a flawless finish · Works on most skin tones · 100% mineral based · works with sensitive skin · reef safe Best sunscreens for body I’ve switched to reef safe products only. Reef safe SPF is usually formulated with zinc oxide, which is a gentle and safe ingredient that offers broad spectrum protection. I also don’t recommend any spray on sunscreen because the fine mist does get inhaled, no matter how long you hold your breath or try to walk away from it. I won’t risk it, especially with kids. COOLA Organic Sunscreen SPF 30 https://amzn.to/41vYPfn Vegan and gluten free Elta MD UV Sport Broad Spectrum SPF50 https://amzn.to/3mZNkOk For body, UVA/UVB protection designed for outdoor sports and athletes. EltaMD US Active SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen https://amzn.to/3LE2T7A For face and body, broad spectrum physical sunscreen for active lifestyle Thrive Natural Body Mineral Sunscreen SPF50 reef safe https://amzn.to/3N9AY0z Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen w/Zinc Oxide, SPF 50+, UVA/UVB protection https://amzn.to/3L2Xeqc Favorite go to for most scuba divers. Banana Boat Sport 100% Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, Broad Spectrum, SPF 50+ https://amzn.to/46fGs0U 100% Mineral sunscreen, high endurance vs. sweat, broad spectrum, light weight, free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens and phthalates. Babo Botanicals Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen https://amzn.to/46aLj3D Good for babies and sensitive skin, 100% zinc oxide, fragrance free, water resistant, reef safe Self tanners With all this sun protection, you may want a little bit of color or glow, so here are a few tried and true self tanning products to consider: Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Self Tanner with blending mitt – https://amzn.to/3oWgfU8 Isle of Paradise Self Tanning drops – https://amzn.to/44dvqYT Just add a few drops to moisturizer and blend! Was this article helpful? Do you have any favorite sunscreens you’d like us to review? *Disclosure: links may be affiliate links where I may get a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Mother’s day gift ideas for beauty and wellness
Mother’s day gift ideas for Beauty and Wellness As Mother’s Day approaches, you might be wondering what to get the woman who has given you everything. Flowers and chocolates are always nice, but what about a gift that will help her look and feel her best? After all, maintaining beauty and wellness becomes even more important as we age. That’s why we’ve put together a list of Mother’s Day gifts that will keep your mom looking and feeling young. From a silk pillowcase for beauty sleep to an infrared sauna blanket for detoxing and relaxation, these gifts will show your love and appreciation while helping her maintain her vitality. Get ready to surprise your mom with a thoughtful gift that she’ll love and make her Mother’s Day extra special! For beauty: Mally beauty evercolor poreless face defender – https://bestbeautyhacks.com/porelessprimer Jade roller and gua sha gift set – https://bestbeautyhacks.com/rollerguasha Anti-aging under eye patches – https://bestbeautyhacks.com/eyepatches Ice roller to reduce swelling, puffiness, pain – https://bestbeautyhacks.com/iceroller Vanity mirror – https://bestbeautyhacks.com/vanitymirror Face steamer – https://bestbeautyhacks.com/facesteamer Foot peel – https://bestbeautyhacks.com/footpeel Faustina 3 in 1 – skin rejuvenation, acne, hair removal https://bestbeautyhacks.com/faustina Dr Pen microneedling device – multifunctional M8 https://bestbeautyhacks.com/drpenm8 Myolift microcurrent device – https://bestbeautyhacks.com/amyolift Stainless gua sha – use with the microcurrent gloves for added benefit – https://bestbeautyhacks.com/stainlessguasha Dyson hair dryer – https://bestbeautyhacks.com/hairdryer Silk pillow case – https://bestbeautyhacks.com/zimasilk Contour blockout eye mask – https://bestbeautyhacks.com/geleyemask Mini skincare fridge – https://bestbeautyhacks.com/minifridge Health and Wellness: Cinnamon tea – https://bestbeautyhacks.com/cinamontea Fitbit – https://bestbeautyhacks.com/fitbit Nutribullet – https://bestbeautyhacks.com/nutribullet Memory foam slippers – https://bestbeautyhacks.com/slippers Medical grade light therapy https://bestbeautyhacks.com/joov Light therapy skin rejuvenation mask – https://bestbeautyhacks.com/qureskinmask Neck massager – https://bestbeautyhacks.com/neckmassage Eye massager – https://bestbeautyhacks.com/eyemassage Foot massager – https://bestbeautyhacks.com/footmassager LED – iRestore https://bestbeautyhacks.com/ledhair Infrared sauna blanket – https://bestbeautyhacks.com/saunablanket Air purifier – https://bestbeautyhacks.com/airpurifier Himalayan salt lamps – https://bestbeautyhacks.com/saltlamp Accupressure mat and pillow https://bestbeautyhacks.com/accupressuremat Giving your mom a gift that will help her maintain her beauty and wellness is the perfect way to show your love and appreciation on Mother’s Day. As you celebrate this special day with your mom, remember to give her a hug and tell her how much you love her. As Maya Angelou once said, “I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Was this article helpful? *Disclaimer: This post is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. Content provided is for information purposes only Please consult with a physician or other healthcare professional regarding any medical or skin related diagnosis or treatment options. The statements made about specific products throughout this blog are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. It is important that you check labels to determine if a product is right for you. Before starting any treatment at home consult a health care or skin care professional to determine if it’s right for you. *Disclosure: some links may be affiliate links where I may get a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Summer edit – car organization ideas from Amazon
Summer edit: car organization ideas from Amazon Summer is here! Are ready for a busy season of outdoor activities? While everyone is busy organizing your kitchens, closets and garages – what about your car? With road trip season right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to organize your car. I mean a well organized car where everything has it’s place, within reach. Not shoved under the passenger seat, toppling around in the back seat or rolling around in the trunk. Here are some ideas to help you create a zen environment in your car, for those road trips ahead. Here are 18 ideas to help organize your car: Magnetic sunglass holder https://amzn.to/3V6phKc Phone holder – https://amzn.to/3AmTdIg Cup holder expander https://amzn.to/3N6CiBu Tissue holder – https://amzn.to/3L33RsM Portable power plug in – https://amzn.to/3H5crWJ Trash disposal options: Portable trash can – https://amzn.to/41J8z5O Juststop mini trash can – https://amzn.to/3Hbht3V Larger trash can – https://amzn.to/40ytuHF Front seat gap filler – https://amzn.to/3LpfNqf Backseat organizer – https://amzn.to/3mU6kh7 Purse/grocery bag hooks – https://amzn.to/40xsB21 Trunk organizer options: Trunk organizer – https://amzn.to/3oCXbKj Hanging trunk organizer – https://amzn.to/3oz8zaa Car Trunk Organizer with Cooler – https://amzn.to/3orMEBu Large Trunk Organizer With Built-in Leakproof Cooler Bag – https://amzn.to/3AmVCmn Portable vacuum – https://amzn.to/3L0plXh Jump start kit – https://amzn.to/3V1ihOD Car emergency kit – https://amzn.to/3mZS4n1 car emergency thermal blanket – https://amzn.to/41SHDAf car waterproof blanket – https://amzn.to/41vxrOF life straw – https://amzn.to/3KUDgOq solar power bank – https://amzn.to/3H6CrAR self defense multi functional flashlight – https://amzn.to/3H70nV4 emergency food and water kit – https://amzn.to/43T7Twq What are your favorite tips for organizing? Was this article helpful? Please leave a comment, we love to hear from you!