My Experience with Hair Loss After Fifty

by Sonia Lovett | Aug 29, 2018 | Skincare

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Is your body in balance?

About a year ago my hair started to fall out. RAPIDLY. I noticed it at first and thought it was stress. But then I was real with myself and asked: What stress? Typically I have a very laissez faire attitude towards life. Especially as I have gotten older and realize that I need to be prepared, not worried, about what might come my way. There must be something else creating this change in my system.

My father used to say “you have to know how to cross the bridge before you get there.” Later I came to realize by the time you get to the bridge it has already moved. Knowing there is a bridge is the key though. Anyway. I digress. Hair loss is the issue here….

I love this shot of my beautiful friend Sue

I had my thyroid looked into. Dear ol’ Thryroid gets blamed for a lot of things but in my case, I was fine.

My hair was falling out at such a rate that it was impossible I wasn’t bald yet! I kept 24 hours worth of my fallen hair in a zip-lock and made an appointment with Dr. Jennifer Hawes. You might remember Dr. Hawes from our post in July. She gave us a very down to earth and clear commentary on the difference between bioidentical and pharmaceutical hormones and the many benefits they can provide. If you missed it, you can read it HERE.

A week later I was sitting in her office with my zip lock in evidence and a quite distressed look on my face. After giving her a synopsis and recanting the vitamins and medication I take (very little besides my hormones) she drew my blood and sent it to the lab.

The results came back quickly. In my case, the answer was slightly elevated testosterone levels and low iron.

She also recommended that I start using a Biotin supplement to help strengthen my hair and nails. I choose Life Sprout Bioceuticals for their natural ingredients. They also have on-call experts from diet and nutrition to fitness and exercise. I found their website is very informative! You have to check them out for $5 off of your orders CODE: STYLE5

Life Sprout Bioceuticals was created by a leading team of scientists and health experts, who source only the safest, natural and effective ingredients in their purest form, to provide their customers with natural alternatives to keep their bodies happy, healthy, and most importantly functioning optimally with vitality. They’re products are backed by extensive research, are 100% organic, non-GMO and never tested on animals. They are committed to providing the safest, most effective health solutions without side effects. They have a passion for natural health and believe in taking a smart and educated approach to the protection of your well-being for years to come. Use CODE STYLE5 for $5 off of your orders at Life Sprout Bioceuticals .

Within a week of making these changes, my hair loss was significancy reduced. I couldn’t believe how a small change could make such a big difference. It has been about two months now and I barely have a hair in my brush. Hallelujah!

If you are having problems and see no reason for your hair loss, I urge you to have your blood panel checked. One small thing can get you off balance, and who’s got time for that?

Athleisure From Street to Chic

by Sonia Lovett | Aug 25, 2018 | Fashion

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For the most part I live in my sweats. The weather in Montana almost begs for you to be comfy cozy. That’s why I am so happy that the “Athleisure” trend is here to give a welcomed update to my go-to weekend look.

As you know I love any excuse to dress up so we updated my new Moxy Evolution gear with a few of my favorite high and low end pieces to show you that you always have something in your closet to make an outfit go from wow to WHOA!

How do you Moxy?

Cropped Hoodie Sweatshirt $58

Distressed Hooded Cardigan $88

Metallic Crushed Velvet Fitted Jogger $68

Metallic Crushed Velvet Hoodie Cardigan $88

Fitted Draped Slit Jogger $68

My Galápagos Islands Eco Adventure

by Sonia Lovett | Aug 22, 2018 | Travel

The Galapagos Islands, A UNESCO world Heritage Site; brings Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution to life.

This has always been on my bucket list. I have been fascinated by Darwin’s work on evolution and have looked forward to walking amongst dramatic landscapes, primeval Iguanas, and Blue Footed Boobies. Amazingly, this remote site consisting of Islands and archipelagoes was formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions and has been relatively untouched by man.

The greater number of the animals you will see in the Galápagos Islands are found nowhere else. Think about that….. This is the one place where animals have adapted and evolved with little or no predators and which defined the therory of natural selection and evolution which Charles Darwin presented in 1859.

Blue Footed Boobies

Though great conditions for exploring abound yearlong, the best times to visit the islands is from December through June. The weather ranges between the 70’s and 80’s and the snorkeling and hiking are great.

Landing in Quito, at an altitude of 9,350 ft, might be daunting; but we were not affected by the altitude at all. The capital of Ecuador is surrounded by snowcapped mountains just a few miles from the equator. This is where, in the 18th century a multinational expedition located at zero degrees latitude established an accurate measurement of the earths size for the first time. The city is filled with such history.

Quito, Equador

My hubby, eyes closed and all!

The magnificent Spanish colonial architecture and Baroque style churches mixed with a lively street life makes the city a great place to explore. Stay at Casa Gangotena if you can. If not at least take yourself to dinner there.

After a six hundred mile flight off the coast you will arrive in Baltra and embark on your ship. With naturalists to guide you and evening educational speakers, I can’t think of a better way to be guided through this experience.

The Gardens at Hotel Casa Gangotena

I was prepared for all the islands to be arid and desolate. Our first island Fernandina was just that. The slopes of the La Cumbre Volcano are like a lunar landscape but you are rewarded by the largest concentration of wildlife in the Galapagos. Between flightless cormorants Sea Lions , marine iguanas , pelicans and the smallest penguins on earth, the island does not disappoint.

Off of Isabella Island we came face to face with an Orca Whale. Enough said! Well there is more. Fleets of dolphins jumping by the hundreds and on land the most beautiful birds and largest land iguanas in the world .

Orca Whale, Galapagos Islands

Giant Tort

Santa Cruz is home to the Charles Darwin Research Center. Don’t miss it. The Giant Tortoises can be seen at a conservatory called Primicias as well. The countryside is lush there are farms and ranches and the local food is wonderful. We visited a farm called Fortiz. . BTU I saw some nice jewelry stores in town and a few boutique hotels The beaches are pristine and you can swim amongst colorful reef fish, marine iguanas and lava gulls.

We kayaked the islands amongst mangroves with sea lions napping on limbs and playful babies swimming up curiously as we paddled by. We snorkeled above feeding turtles as the smallest penguins on earth rocket by under us. We watched the delicate finches in the trees using twigs as eating utensils and we almost tripped over the hundreds of black iguanas as they disappeared into the black lava rock by the sea. We observed the largest tortoises in the world and the smallest crabs in the ocean. We saw a lake with pink flamingos and walked by a coral reef stranded 20 feet above the waters’ surface by a volcano.

Sleepy Sea Lions

Go Now! It was an experience I will never forget and would do again in a heartbeat. There is a reason why we protect our eco systems: the diversity, outstanding beauty and fleeting nature of it all reminds us of the wonders of our planet and our responsibility to not abuse it. Go forth and adventure!

The End of An Era: The September Issue

by Sonia Lovett | Aug 18, 2018 | Fashion

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Challenging times are ahead for the glossy magazines that I loved so dearly growing up. I got an email from my best friend and fellow stylist on Monday: Re: The September Issue is DEAD. Can this be true? And if so, what does that even mean?

September marks the beginning of Fall. Transitioning from the sheer nakedness of summer into layers and textures. Summer is over, school and work commence as we finish off the year as strong as we started it. For the fashion industry, and those who follow it, The September issue has been the Bible. It is loaded with the freshest in Fall fashion showcased and beautifully curated by the masterminds behind what is “IN”. The editors.

Growing up I would plaster my walls with beautiful spreads from W and Vogue. It was the first time that I had seen clothes and fashion used in a way that really spoke to me. These images were an expression and an extension of the creators vision and I couldn’t get enough of them. Imagination was stretched and fantasy was born within me. It was in these pages that I developed my craft as a stylist.

The way that we receive information has evolved drastically. We live in the digital age where everything is available to us in an instant and on our phones. There is no need to wait until September to see what’s happening for Fall. After all, we saw everything on the runway in February! If knowledge is power then the editors of these publications have nothing on us. There is no surprise and reveal when your favorite celebrity influencer is live-streaming the preview from the front row.

With the onset of fast fashion and even faster celebrity influence, can anyone catch up and stay there? Is the patriarchy of the magazine editor over? And if so, are we at the mercy of the celebrity du jour? At what point do we start finding inspiration outside of what someone else dictates to us and find it within ourselves?

We’d like to hear from you. What drives your creative fires? Are they in the pages of a magazine, or in your Instagram feed? How do you remain an Individual in a Social Media driven world?

25 Positive Affirmations to Share with Your Younger Self

by Sonia Lovett | Aug 15, 2018 | Wellness

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Inspiring self-worth in our children is a mothers manifest destiny. The road of life is filled with unexpected twists and turns. This trip doesn’t come with a road map, it’s all word of mouth! It is our duty to share with our children these fundamental truths that can empower them to find their own true path. Please share your thoughts with your loved ones and we would love to hear from you too.

Inspired by a Facebook post, author unknown.

“Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light.”

-Yogi Bhajan

• It’s okay to cry when you’re hurt. It’s also okay to smash (some) things; but, wash your face, clean your mess, and get up off the floor when you’re done. You don’t belong down there.

Happiness is not a permanent state. Wholeness is. Don’t confuse these.

Be less sugar, more spice, and only as nice as you’re able to without compromising yourself.

Can’t isn’t a word.

If you’re going to curse, be clever. If you’re going to curse in public, know your audience.

Seek out the

people and places

that resonate with your

soul.

5-second rule. It’s just dirt.

There are worse things in a fast food cheeseburger.

Just because you can,

doesn’t mean you should.

Hold your heroes to a high standard.

Never

lie

to

yourself.

If you can’t smile with your eyes, don’t smile. Insincerity is nothing to aspire to.

Wish on stars and dandelions, then get to work to make them happen.

Your body.

your rules.

If you have an opinion, you better know why.

Ask for what you want. The worst thing they can say is no.

Fall in love often. Particularly with ideas, art, music, literature, food and far-off places.

Say Please, Thank You, and Pardon Me, whenever the situation warrants it.

Reserve “I’m sorry” for when you truly are.

Say what you mean and mean what you say.

Question everything, except your own intuition.

You have enough. You are enough.

You are amazing! Don’t let anyone ever make you feel you are not. If someone does….walk away. You deserve better.

No matter where you are, you can always come home.

Be happy and remember your roots, family is EVERYTHING.

No one will ever love

you more than I do.

Remember to follow your own advice and give yourself the hardest rule: Learn to let go and forgive. -Sat Nam

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