TGI2019! I am happy to say that I ended the year strong with all cylinders burning, but the stress of the holidays, general over-indulgences and winter-chill has me feeling (a little) drained. I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling that maybe need a full life DETOX!
My friend Chandler gave himself a New Years Resolution in November: “Bring no noise from 2018 into 2019”. What an excellent way to start the new year; with a clean slate! Don’t stress if you’re late to the party (like me); there are plenty of ways we can clear up the clutter and detox our lives to set us up for a killer 2019.
I found a fantastic resource at the Power of Positivity’ s website that had some tips that I will start implementing today to help clear the clutter, detox myself and the world around me so that I can have my best year yet! I hope you’ll join me! For the full article go here.
CLEAR THE CLUTTER We all have it: “stuff”…meaningless, excessive, pointless “stuff” that seems to pile up on us. Where is your “stuff” currently? Whether it’s on your desk, in your closet, in the living room, on a table, or in your car, get rid of it. Usually, clutter results from having an excessive amount of anything – books, papers, toys, shoes, clothes, food, antiques – that occupies space for no particular reason. But it fills more than just space in your home; it takes up space in your brain.
“I dream of Simple” gives us an easy to follow checklist on how to declutter your home in 8 simple steps.
If you haven’t been inspired by Marie Kondo yet, allow 2019 to be the year that you expereince the magic. You can get “The Life Changing Magic of Tyding Up” on Amazon.
EAT CRUCIFEROUS VEGETABLES Eating your greens is a great way to remove cancer-causing toxic agents from your body. Cruciferous veggies like Broccoli, cabbage, and Brussel sprouts are rich in indole-3-carbinol (I3C), which help your body clear out excess estrogens. Excess chemicals that act like estrogen in the body come from our beauty products, BPA plastics, hormones given to animals that we eat and even some pesticides. These estrogen-like chemicals are called xenestrogens, and they can lead to early hormonal changes in developing teenage girls and boys and can also contribute to the development of breast and other cancers.
What the heck is a cruciferous veggie you might be asking?? The ultimate guide to these healthy greens is at Real Food RN along with a comprehensive recipe list for all vegetables in question. My personal favorite right now is Bok Choy sauteed with wild mushrooms, ginger, and garlic. YUM!
I love to start my day with my favorite green juice: Kale, Spinach, Celery, Cucumber, Granny Smith Apple, Lemon, and Ginger. It like green lemonade!
PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR SPIRITUAL NEEDS Religious or spiritual needs are something that ought not to be neglected. Whether you meditate, read scripture, pray, attend church, enjoy the beauty of nature, or something else, doing the things that uplift your spirit is essential to your balance and wellbeing. Try to take at least 20-30 minutes a day tending to these needs. If this is not possible for whatever reason, spend 10-15 minutes to meditate, read scripture, or enjoy some solitude before hitting the pillow.
DISCONNECT AND RECONNECT We believe that overuse and overdependence on technology are toxic. If you don’t believe us, think: How many people have you seen driving while on a cell phone? Have your kids pulled out a tablet or cell phone at the dinner table? Has a co-worker ignored you or someone else while replying to their 100th text message? Technology certainly has its role. Advances in technology have resulted in medical advances, educational improvements, scientific discoveries and more. But it’s had a negative impact on our actual connection with each other. Families drift apart; parents bring their work home, kids tap away on Facebook instead of opening their textbook. There’s no real presence of mind with excessive technology use. Be mindful with how and when you use technology.
Screen Time App
This app has been a fantastic feature! Knowing how much time I am on my phone curbed my dependence on it. Now it’s a game for me to make sure that every week I can continue to go down on my usage.
Turn off Netflix Auto-Play
I didn’t even know this was a thing! How many hours (DAYS) have you lost to NetFlix and their culture of bing watching! Join me in reclaiming your TV!
Charge in the Kitchen
I started charging my phone outside of my bedroom a few years ago, and I have experienced a more restful nights sleep without the unexpected distractions from the blue light and sudden noise making. Make your bedroom a technology-free zone—keep your electronics outside the room (that includes a TV!).
EXERCISE Movement helps to stimulate your circulatory system, and blood flowing helps the other organs to process toxins. Toxins are stored in fat cells, so losing fat will release toxins. Be sure to stay hydrated by drinking some clean, filtered water whenever you are exercising, using a sauna or taking an Epsom salt bath since these can be dehydrating.
Speaking of water, make sure that you’re getting enough quality purified H2O. I got a Zero Water filter, and it has honestly changed my life. I even got the men in my life to up their water game! The Zero water filter takes out all of the hard metals that are in our drinking water. It is the cleanest purest tasting water that I have ever had.
Lace up those sneakers ladies! Don’t let the ball gown get in the way!
EPSOM SALT SOAK Soak in a natural mineral hot spring if you can or seek out a flotation therapy tank. If you can’t find these natural cleansing baths near you, then the next best thing is a bathtub with piping hot water and some Epsom salts. Make your bath salt blend with Epsom salts, natural mineral salts, baking soda, a moisturizing oil (I like Coconut Oil) and essential oils for their aromatherapy benefits.
SWEAT One of the easiest ways to detox is by sweating. Any exercise that gets you sweating will help naturally detox your body through the skin. Sweating with sauna therapy is another way to increase circulation, sweat out toxins and improve lymphatic flow for cleaning. After a good sweat, make sure to clean your skin with a shower so that the toxins that you sweat out of your system are washed away.
The countdown has begun! If you’re anything like me, your schedule is jam-packed with Festive Holiday Parties. I’ve found myself at two just last Saturday night! With all of these social obligations, I’m sure that you are running out of fun party looks and costume changes. Allow me to inspire you with 5 of my favorite separates from this season’s shiny metallics, velvets, and lames. Whether you find you’re next look in your closet, your favorite vintage store or here with my hand-picked recommendations, I hope to inspire you to SHINE this holiday!
Driven by her passion for a homeopathic approach to skincare, Ms. Brigitte Kettner, a well-known German biologist and skincare specialist, developed Methode Brigitte Kettner in the 1980s.
In 1973, the passionate skin and cosmetics expert opened her own institution in Luxembourg. Kettner’s motto: “Facts are what count in skin research, but in skincare it’s the visible results that matter.” And she’s 100% right. In no time she had over 2,000 regular customers.
POSTED December 11, 2018
Use Code STYLE40 for 40% off any Products through December 31st!
In her efforts to address every skincare problem personally, individually and effectively, Brigitte Kettner developed her own skincare line, and Methode Brigitte Kettner (MBK) was born. In 1987, customers in Germany gained access to Brigitte Kettner’s successful product lines. Justtwo years later, the entrepreneur won over clients in Asia with the high quality and effectiveness of her products and applications. In exchange, Brigitte Kettner studied the teachings of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and integrated them into her own treatment concepts. Three decades later, Methode Brigitte Kettner is admired by beauty experts and skin specialists worldwide.
Methode Brigitte Kettner offers a full line of innovative, naturally derived skincare products and supporting devices—facial cleansing brushes, micro-current eye rejuvenator, and a hand-held microdermabrasion device.
Methode Brigitte Kettner: Clarifying Brush
My mother always said. “Take care of your skin and start while you are young.” MBK has made a super gentle clarifying brush that is perfect for all levels of skin care.
The clarifying brush with its two brushes for normal and delicate skin has two rotation speeds as well as the capacity to rotate in opposite directions. This detail seems small but helps reduce pore size (and you know that is my nemesis ). Sonic brushes can increase pore size! Who knew!
With three 30 second timers, you know that you are using your brush to its maximum effect. Combined with the cleansing products developed by MBK you are on the right track for great skin. I love their Foamy Cleansing Cream. It is creamy, gentle and suds up nicely. Used in combination with the clarifying brush you will walk away with fresh, silky smooth, hydrated skin.
On sale 40% off you can’t give a better gift to yourself are any young woman (or man for that matter) on your list.
POSTED December 11, 2018
Use Code STYLE40 for 40% off any Products through December 31st!
Methode Brigitte Kettner: Eye Rejuvenator
I have loved MBK, and I have used it “off brand” on several occasions. In this case, as I mentioned in the video, I am going after that crease above my eye. Note to self: Sleep on your back! Lately, I have also started testing it on those ever-present vertical lines above my lip. Infuriating since I don’t smoke or use a straw (or whistle for that matter!). It doesn’t take long to go over those areas. It’s a pleasant warmth, and the microcurrent promotes collagen growth! Every little bit helps!
POSTED November 8, 2018
Use Code STYLE40 for 40% off any Products through December 31st!
POSTED October 10, 2018
Methode Brigitte Kettner: Home Microdermabrasion System
Have you ever dreamt about being able to exfoliate professionally at home? I have and am thrilled to say the time is now!
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I believe that without removing the dead cells off your skin, no product you use will be as effective as it could be.
I have used the Methode Brigitte Kettner Microdermabrasion Tool for one month now. It is recommended to be used once a week and I have done so with great results. The congested area around my nose has visibly improved including pore size.
It has two easily interchangeable diamond tips one for normal skin and the other for more delicate skin which I used on my neck. The suction strength can also be controlled at the touch of a button.
Now is the time to take advantage of a 35% discount on their products.
Code STYLE35
The Microdermabrasion unit is a gentle, yet effective, hand-held, portable exfoliating device that removes dead skin cells and impurities while helping to even out skin tone and texture. It stimulates collagen production while creating a more radiant, youthful complexion. The different Exfoliating Diamond Tips for face, acne scarring, or the body are easily interchangeable and easy to clean.
Terra Vita is a mild, gentle yet very effective peeling agent for face, body, and scalp. The basic action enables free radicals to be bonded and natural ion exchange to take place, which removes toxic substances and opens clogged pores. It absorbs excess sebum while exerting a detoxifying, lightening and regenerating effect.
The aqua pure cream has a pleasant, light texture and will support the moisture balance of the skin by creating and storing water-binding reserves.
Best suited for all skin types, especially dehydrated skin.
We are in full swing of the Holidays, and I’ve been compiling a list of unique gifts for the hard to shop for people on your list from artisanal gifts that give back to the community to gifts that wow the music lover in your life. Enjoy this collection and let me know what your favorite gifts to give this season are.
Gifts That Give Back
All of these women run companies are dear to our heart and we do our best to support them every year. These companies EMPOWER other woman, immigrants and refugees through creation and accomplishment.
“Studies show that unlocking a woman’s potential can cultivate a brighter future for not only herself and her children, but for the community as a whole.” Now that’s something that we can get behind.
Etkie Beaded Glass Cuffs from $215-$275
Salt Detachable Purse Straps $138
JadeTribe Brigette Bag $598.00
Gaia For Women Marilyn Clutch $84.00
Ecuadane Blanket $149
photo: Hope Kauffman @hkcameraface
Gifts For The Artist
Many people shy away from giving art as a gift because it is personal and subjective but so are a lot of other things people give as gifts. Giving art is just a bit scary because it is art but it is one of the most original, thoughtful and fun things you can gift (other than a puppy).
Here are some other thoughtful ideas for your artist or appreciator this holiday that won’t break the bank or any boundaries!
Salvador Dalí’s surrealist cookbook $60
Mark Rothko: The Decisive Decade: 1940-1950 $50
I love giving the gift of an experience, and there is nothing like experiencing great art. If you or your loved ones are fortunate to live in a city with cultural offerings like LACMA, or MOMA I encourage you to encourage your friends and family to partake. Click here to find a museum nearest to them. The price of membership is often comparable to the cost of admission and makes a great gift that will last the year.
I have many passionate music fans in my life, and I know that they can be the hardest nuts to crack because they have a strong opinion on what they like and don’t like.
This year we’ve turned up the thermostat to woo your audiophile with the coolest of the cool. From wireless turntables, curated album covers to a hot pink Vinal and soundtrack from Thom York (hello Radiohead). Make a musician smile this holiday season.
I get a lot of comments on my skin. I am sure that you can agree, being preventative and consistent with a skincare regime has paved the way for my skincare success. Here’s what’s on my bathroom counter, my favorite products from $2 to $200.
Talk about a secret weapon! You most likely have a bottle of these softgels in your medicine cabinet. Pop one of these open for instant relief for dry lips, cuticles and winter skin.
Xoom Teeth Whitening System
The Xoom system varies per insurance policy but I was able to get it for $30 through my dentist.
Oral Health is a big part of my daily routine. Click here to find a dentist near you.
If you watch my videos you know how much I love this product. I have been using it once a week along with the Terra Vitta Mask and am loving the results!
– Loss of firmness and elasticity
– Dryness
– Dullness and uneven texture
Sugar Scrub
As far as a sugar scrub I like to use brown sugar, honey, dried lavender, cocoa butter, jojoba oil, and whatever essential oil I’m in the mood for! Scrub on before you jump into your your shower for a polished glow!
Avocado Banana Face Mask
1/2 avocado
1/2 banana
2T full-fat plain yogurt
1tsp olive oil
Mash and mix well
Leave on face and neck 20 minutes
Spinach Under Eye
We asked you answered! @tonyacarrera blends spinach with a bit of yogurt for under your eyes!
Skin Brightening Persimmon Face Mask
@ochre_tansy’ says mash up unripe persimmon for a tingly face mask
Skin Brightening Persimmon Face Mask
This persimmon mask will brighten your skin and make it feel so soft. Persimmons are packed with Vitamin A, E and carotene which assist in promoting a natural glow.
1 tablespoon persimmon pulp pureed
1 teaspoon millet flour or oat flour or coconut milk powder or white clay
Directions
1. Combine ingredients and mix to form a paste.
2. Use a mask brush to apply to face or massage onto the skin.
