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beauty

Beauty/ FUN/DIY/ Simplifying

Simple Spring and Summer Style

Simple Spring & Summer Style at Shopko

The older I get, the more important it is to keep my life simple. This includes my style. I’m all about simple basic colors, keeping things classic, and of course, comfort is key! I’ve made a board on Maven showing some examples of all the things I’m loving this summer and spring. They are all super afforedable and can be found at Shopko. Read to the end to learn about Shopko’s Friends and Family event and for a special discount code to use while shopping!

Spring and Summer Styles

{New Nostalgia’s Spring & Summer Style Wishlist Board on Maven}

Breathable & Breezy Spring and Summer Style

Breathable, breezy styles are a necessity for me right now. I take medications as a  cancer survivor, and they can really mess with my body’s internal temperature gauge. It can cause discomfort at times, so it is important for me to chose clothing that does not make my symptoms worse.  I need breathable, and I know I’m not alone in this!

We recently attended a dinner party at one of the most beautiful homes I have ever been too. It was a 5- course dinner that was served outside at sunset. I needed a dress that would keep me comfortable all evening, and found the perfect dress at Shopko! It was black, not too short, allowed me to breathe (through all 5 courses!) and had lace in all the right places. I am finding that lace is a great way to add a touch of feminine but still provide breathable coverage.

{hint: want the dress a bit longer? Do what I did…add a black slip underneath for added length under the lace}

Classic Pumps

I finally bought a pair of comfortable, black pumps. Shopko had both shiny and matte in this style, and I choose shiny! I also chose a heel that was not too high, which makes these pumps quite comfortable. Black pumps look great with dresses, skirts and even jeans.

Simple Spring & Summer Style

Dainty Necklaces

I used to like a statement necklace, but as I’m getting older, I am less about trendy and more about classic style. I have been opting for simple, dainty necklaces. They are feminine, don’t weigh heavy on the neck, and you can wear more than one at a time. I love how several small chains look when stacked. I recently bought a 16″ sterling silver chain from Shopko and have been wearing it all day every day. I love seeing just a touch of sparkle at the neck when light catches the chain just right. I think it is understated sexy.

Ruffles

Just like lace, ruffles are so feminine. They can tend to be trendy, so I look for styles that are classic or vintage and solid in color, like this adorable, touch- of -vintage ruffly shirt.

Oversized Bags

I’m a bag lover. I love all sizes of bags but especially love a large bag to throw in all the things! For spring and summer, I like a more casual bag that can go from shopping to the pool. The touch of shimmery gold metallic on this bag below makes me smile.

Athleisure Wear

The same medication I talked about above, and turning 40, has caused some dreaded weight gain, so this also influences the clothing I choose. Athleisure wear to the rescue! Athletic wear has come a long way and is not just for the gym–although I plan on spending some time there! A nice soft basic black legging or capri legging, cotton shirts that are breezy and are long enough to cover a bit in the back, and athletic shoes have become my favorite style. I look for shirts that are classic colors and that fit well. I also look for simple details that take them from a plain cotton t-shirt to a shirt with some interest.

Hats

Something I refuse to get too old for is a great baseball cap. I will throw one on for an early morning walk in my neighborhood before the sun gets too high and hot. I will throw one on after swimming at the pool to help tame my naturally wavy locks. I also love them at the gym with a high ponytail.

Comfy Shoes

There is nothing more comfortable than a classic white sneaker. If you get the right pair, like the Adidas Woman’s Cloudfoam Advantage, they can go from your gym clothes to jeans, shorts or capris, and even with a t-shirt dress. Throw a jean jacket over the t-shirt dress for those chilly spring evenings.  If you are feeling a bit braver and need some color in your life, I’m crushing on these minty green Puma Leisure Shoe this season.

Spring and Summer Style

T-shirt Spring or Summer Dress From Shopko

Shopko Friends & Family Event

So there is my plan! It has been much fun gathering my favorite Sping and Summer Style items on my Maven boards. Everything is super affordable, especially during Shopko’s Friends and Family event!

Use promo code FNF119 at checkout for Friends & Family event (Extra 20% Off Home & Clothing and Extra 10% Off Furniture & Electronics, valid online from May 21 12:01 AM to May 24 11:59 PM).


What about you? What are your spring and summer must-have’s? Do you relate to needing simple, easy, comfy & breezy?

Beauty/ FUN/DIY

How To Get Beachy Waves With A Curling Wand

How To Get Beachy Waves With A Curling Wand

I am a cosmetologist, and even though it has been years since I worked in a salon, I still love messing around with hair and trying new styles and techniques. I’ve often been asked how to get the beachy waves that I wear, and thought I’d share my techniques and favorite curling wand with you.

A curling wand is the key to easy beachy waves. I use the Infiniti Pro by Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Wand and love it. If you click on the link, it will take you to Amazon, where they show a couple of videos of how to use the wand. I also show 2 of my favorite videos below, one for beachy waves in long hair, one for short hair.

This curling wand gives spiral curls that start wider and taper to smaller (like an inverted triangle) which I prefer compared to the uniform curls of a non-tapered wand. It keeps the curl from starting too tight up high by your scalp, as long as you hold the wand with the tip pointing down. I like that I can hold the hair around the wand longer for a tighter curl, or can pull on the curl after releasing it from the wand to make it more of a wave. I also love that this particular wand allows you to adjust the heat.

I think wands are much easier to use than curling irons, especially once you learn the proper way to use them. Keep reading for lots of tips, tricks and 2 videos.

 

How To Get Beachy Waves With A Curling Wand

~Comb out your tangles.

~Section hair. Use a clip or hair tie, leave a 1-inch section at the bottom, and clip the rest on top of your head.

~Use a 1-inch curling wand and take 1-inch sections of hair.

~Curl sections around the face away from the face, but alternate the rest—away than toward, away than toward.

~Leave your ends out of the wand (about an inch or two) for a beachy look.

~If your hair does not hold curl well, spray with hairspray (Kenra 25 is my FAV) as you go to give the hair some ‘tackiness.’

~Let curls cool before messing with them in any way. Important! This sets the curl and makes it hold.

~Work around the whole head using 1-inch alternating sections, leaving the ends out.

~When finished with your whole head and after letting curls cool, use fingers to piece out and break up the curls.

~Use backcombing on last 2 layers if you need extra volume. (see video below for technique and volume root tease spray.)

~Smooth any flyaways and finish entire head with a flexible-hold hairspray.

 

Top 2 Tips for Beachy Waves:

{these are key for a modern, beachy look!}

Curl away from the face around the face.

Leave 1-2 inches of your ends straight.

 

Keep reading for videos of the technique. Take note the 2 products she uses in the first video. They are easy- to- find drugstore products. I especially like the root lift spray and teasing technique at the crown for those of you who need volume.

Sidenote: notice her eyebrows. I love that thicker eyebrows have come back into style. No more over-tweezed skinny eyebrows! Her brows are a bit more structured than I do, but I still like them! I’ve been filling mine in and will share the brow products I use in an upcoming post.

Have shorter hair? I don’t want to leave you out. Here is a video tutorial for you!

Notice, she uses a large curling iron, but the same technique for beachy waves. You can use a curling wand in place of a curling iron. She uses sectioning, curls away from face around the face, and a leaves bit of her ends out for that beachy waves look! Also, look at her eyebrows. Nice and filled in! Love.

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So there you have it! Beachy waves for all lengths of hair. I just adore the undone easy look of the waves and especially love that it looks even better on the 2nd day.

If you try it out, let me know how it goes!

Beauty/ FUN/DIY

DIY Pedicure Routine With Help From A Professional & Amopé

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Thanks to my cosmetology license, I can share with you the exact steps I used to give pedicures as a professional in a salon. This DIY Pedicure Routine can be a lifesaver, especially now when flip-flops and sandals show the wear and tear that summertime can bring. Doing your own pedicure will save money, & leave you with feet that feel wonderful and toes that sparkle!

I attended cosmetology school as an 18-year-old, and was working in a salon by age 19. My specialty was hair cuts and colors, but I built up quite a few regular manicure and pedicure clients. I was always happy to see one of them on my appointment book, as it gave me a break from standing with my arms raised, and gave me a chance to just sit and enjoy my client while attending to their nails.

People always asked me if it bothered me to work on other people’s toes. It never did thanks to the soak that each client started out with. By the time I handled their feet, they were nice and clean and disinfected. I quite enjoyed giving pedicures, knowing that it made my clients feel pampered. I remember some great conversations and feeling relaxed as I filed, massaged and polished away!

Below is a step by step DIY Pedicure Routine. It is perfect for summertime, and really anytime! Doing it yourself just might give you the same pampered feeling as a professional pedicure would, but without the cost!

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Supplies:

Basin big enough to fit both feet

Towels

Hot water

Soap

Epsom salt (optional)

Toenail clippers

Nail file

Nail buffer

Cuticle pusher

Cuticle clippers

Amopé Pedi Perfect™ electronic foot file

Exfoliator

Moisturizer (I use Coconut Oil)

Polish (base coat, color, & top coat)

 

DIY Professional Pedicure Routine

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Clean/Soak

Use a container big enough to fit both feet. Fill it with hot soapy water. You can add some epsom salts for a dose of magnesium. Lay a towel down on the floor, put the basin on top, and make sure the rest of your supplies are within reach. Sit in a chair in front of the basin and soak for 5 minutes. This cleanses, relaxes, and softens up the cuticle & rough skin.

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Clip

Dry one foot, and keep the other soaking for these next 3 steps–clipping, filing and buffing. Only clip if you have excess length. Keep toenails straight across to avoid painful ingrown toenails.

File

Use a file to smooth out the rough edges, remembering to keep the toenail straight across, and not too short. Toenails that are too short show too much skin at the end of the nail, which is not aesthetically pleasing and makes polishing difficult. Want to try something different than the traditional nail file? Try the Amopé Pedi Perfect™ electronic nail file.

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Buff

Toenails can tend to have ridges, and buffing is an easy way to make the top of the toenail nice and smooth. Start with the roughest part of the buffer, and work your way eventually to the smoothest side of the buffer.

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Switch

At this point, switch feet. Repeat above steps with your other foot, and place the foot that you just buffed back into the water.

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Push

Once both feet are clipped, filed and buffed, it is time to push back the cuticles. Dry both feet off. Gently push back any over-grown cuticle. Use the instrument to get any dirt out from under the toenails. Use the water to rinse and keep things clean.

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Trim Cuticle

Only do this step if you have excess cuticle. Do not over-trim. Make sure to get any hangnails.

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Exfoliate

Use exfoliator of choice. My favorite is my Coconut Lime Sugar Scrub, or my Lemon Sugar Scrub. If you want to keep it simple, use coconut oil mixed with some sugar and maybe a drop of essential oils. Rub exfoliator into both feet and up onto the ankle. You could go as high as the knee if you’d like. That was our stopping point as professionals. Use basin water to rinse all exfoliate off & dry both feet.

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Smooth

This is where I get to introduce you to my favorite tool for keeping my feet super soft and smooth. It is called the Amopé Pedi Perfect™ electronic foot file. I bought it at CVS great deal, thanks to a coupon that I used. It is perfect for summertime daily wear and tear, especially for cracked, dry, thick heels! This tool is wonderful for the heel, under the big toe, at the side edge beneath the pinky toe and anywhere you have hard, dry, rough skin that needs to be smoothed. I found it worked much faster and was so much easier than smoothing by hand with a foot file. The Amope’ Pedi Perfect conforms to the shape of your foot and feels wonderful while smoothing. It has a safety stop feature that makes it safe to use, and there are no sharp blades so I feel comfortable letting my teen girls use it. I so wish I had this tool when I was doing pedicures professionally, as I get better-than-professional results with it! It feels great, is easy to use, has replaceable roller heads and is one of my favorite recent purchases. Keep scrolling for an awesome coupon to get one for yourself.

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Moisturize

Give both feet one more good rinse, dry them off, then moisturize all the way up to the knee if desired. I simply use coconut oil.

Massage

Take a minute to pamper yourself and really rub the moisturizer into your feet. Pay attention to the arch, each toe, in-between toes and even the top of the foot. Do a couple of toe flexes and ankle stretches while you are at it.

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Prep

It is now time to polish, but if you don’t remove the moisturizer from your nail beds, the polish won’t stick and will chip immediately. Nail polish remover is perfect for removing any leftover oils and even your own natural oil from the nail bed. This step is key for good nail polish adhesion. Saturate a cotton ball or pad with polish remover and remove all moisturizer from each toenail.

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Polish

Polish in this order: Base Coat, 2 Coats of Color, Top Coat.

I love getting more adventurous on my toes when it comes to color. I often choose my color depending on the season or if I have a special outing, I match it to my outfit. I love using brighter colors and even glitter polish on my toes, even though I am much more conservative with my nails.

Despite all the talk of adventure, my toenail polish crush right now is white. I love how clean it looks. It makes my feet look much more tan than they really are and it matches every flip-flop, sandal, and outfit that I have.

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AMORE-FOOT-CARE

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So there you have it. Step-by step for a DIY Professional Pedicure. It is such a great feeling to have cute summertime toes by doing my own pedicure and saving money.

 

HEALTH/ Natural Products

My Healthy Morning Beauty Routine

Healthy Morning Beauty Routine

My Healthy Morning Beauty Routine

I am slowly but surely making an effort at using more natural beauty products, and have gotten into a pretty good healthy morning beauty routine. I’ve been doing great with healthy cleaning products for a few year now, but I think being a licensed stylist has made it harder to give up all the fun beauty products that are out there.

The solution?

Find some natural beauty products that also know how to have some fun!  I am a sucker for good scents, great packaging, & beautiful products, and have found some that I adore and are now part of my mornings.

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Portable Wireless Speaker

Beauty comes from within, so I of course have to start with a product that is not technically a beauty product, but it helps makes my insides shine.  I love music, and I find there is nothing like it that can light up my countenance, wake me up even on a dreary morning, and help me to have a beauty-filled day. I have a playlist specifically for mornings, with songs that remind me that each and every day is a gift. I use my 808 Hex NRG Portable Wireless Speaker as a fun way to wake up!

My iPhone

Not only does my phone stream music to my portable speaker, but it has all of my inspiration apps, my favorite of which is the YouVersion Bible app.  This brings true beauty.  I love taking a few moments at the beginning of each day to get my mind and heart in the right place, in order to handle whatever details that come my way that day.

Speaking of handling details:

If you look closely at the photo of my phone below, you will see that one of my “beauties” were texting me from school, right as I was trying to take photos for this post. She forgot to take her tennis shoes for PE–“the black ones” and was asking me if I would bring them. Right as I pushed the shutter button on my camera, my phone switched on with her messages, capturing a working Mom moment. Good thing I already had my coffee & was ready for what the day would bring.

Healthy Morning Beauty Routine with Boka

Coffee K-Cup Scrub

I have one cup of organic black coffee every morning as part of my routine.  It gives me antioxidants for my insides, and lately I’ve been using some of the coffee grounds left over in the K-Cup as a quick facial scrub for my outsides! I simply put about a tablespoon of organic coconut oil in the palm of my hand, sprinkle some coffee grounds from my used organic coffee K-Cup, and rub it all over my face.  It feels wonderful, as the grounds exfoliate & the coconut oil provides moisture.  I don’t do this every morning, & it is a bit messy, but oh so worth it! My skin feels incredibly soft after my coffee K-Cup Scrub.

Natural Face Soap

I buy my face soap from a local soap maker.  It uses all pure ingredients and does not dry my face out. I use this after my coffee scrub, as it takes excess oil off & leaves my face ready for makeup.

Foundation Makeup

I have yet to switch all my makeup out for natural products, but I have switched to a more natural foundation. I figure that it coats and covers my face, so it is the most important one to start with.

Lip Balm

It makes sense to keep whatever you put on your lips as toxin free as possible.  I use a lip balm from my local health food store that has beeswax, coconut oil, aloe & a few other super great ingredients.

 Deodorant

This one was hard for me, as it is next to impossible to find a natural deodorant that works well.  That is because most of them do not contain an antiperspirant. I do not use natural deodorant 100% of the time, but on days I know I won’t be sweating too much, natural is my choice.

Healthy Morning Beauty Routine with Boka

Boka Dental Hygiene Products

If products that go ON your mouth, like lip balm, should be natural, how much more important is it for the products that actually go IN you mouth to be natural?  Boka to the rescue! Boka is the one and only subscription box for the health of your mouth! Boka provides natural oral care products, delivered to your door, every 3 months.

Here are some of the products they provide & that I have fallen hard for:

Floss

Did you know you floss first? It removes particles between your teeth that a brush cannot reach. Boka floss is coated in a natural beeswax, and is Teflon-free & petroleum free. It is a super comfortable floss to use.

Healthy Morning Beauty Routine with Boka

Toothbrush

The Boka toothbrush stole my heart the minute I opened my beautiful subscription box. They are so pretty & come in Mint, Tangerine, Blueberry & Corral.  I have wanted someone in the toothbrush industry to step up and make some pretty brushes, and not only did Boka make them pretty but they are also quality brushes– gentle, durable, and tapered to fit just right along the gum line. My favorite part? They are made with Binchotan activated charcoal bristles, which naturally helps prevent bacteria from growing on your brush. Are you an electric toothbrush user? No worries, Boka has electric toothbrush heads, too!

Toothpaste

I switched to a natural toothpaste a few years ago after my cancer diagnosis, when I got serious about cutting as many chemicals as possible.  Boka wins in my book, especially in taste, hands down, due to essential oils of peppermint and mint. What it does not contain makes me very happy — no sodium laurel sulfate (SLS), fluoride, triclosan, artificial flavors or parabens.

Healthy Morning Beauty Routine with Boka

Cocorinse Mouth Wash

I saved the best for last. Boka’s Cocorinse mouthwash. This is so NOT your typical mouth wash, as it is used BEFORE you floss and brush, and has no yucky artificial ingredients. It is the Boka product that I am most excited about. The main ingredient is organic coconut oil.

Have you heard of oil pulling? It is an ancient Ayuverdic technique that has been developing some serious scientific clout for its ability to remove bacteria from your mouth.  I have done oil pulling with organic coconut oil before, but Boka makes so much better by adding minty oils to make it taste good. They have made it super convenient with their cute little packets that you simply warm with your hands, squeeze in your mouth & swish for 10-20 minutes, then spit out in the trash. These little packets contain just 3 ingredients; Organic coconut oil, organic peppermint oil, and organic Spearmint oil. I am a huge believer in this practice, as my teeth feel super smooth & definitely look whiter after swishing daily for about a week.

Healthy Morning Beauty Routine with Boka

SPECIAL DISCOUNT

Are you interested in an oral care subscription box? Would you like the convenience of having your products delivered right to your door in that cute little? Boka Box is a great way to simplify life and have one less thing to worry about. Remember, you can cancel your subscription at any time, and can buy individual products, with no obligation. You can sign up right now using this special discount code: NEWNOSTALGIA25, for 25% off any purchase (no limits, any product, subscription, or gift set. Valid through March 1, 2016-April 15, 2016.  Cannot be combined with other offers, cannot be used by the same individual more than once.)

A collection of natural beauty products

{the above image is for your pinning pleasure}

What about you?

What are some of your healthy morning beauty routines?

Have you tried oil-pulling?

Follow New Nostalgia

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

 

Beauty

A Healthy Perfume Amber Oil

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I didn’t initially buy this perfume oil because it is a healthier way to wear a scent.  I bought it because the cashier at my local Whole Foods store smelled so fresh & clean that I had to ask her what perfume she was wearing.

She told me it was Amber Oil, and took me over to their essential oil section and showed me Amber Oil by Nemet International. Nemat is a line of rich perfume oil blends that has its company roots going back 170 years to India.

She told me just a few drops in the morning is all it takes to keep her smelling great all day, and that she gets compliments on it all of the time.  I bought it, and now I am the one getting compliments…even from my teenage daughter which is a feat in and of itself!

I call it a healthy perfume because this perfume oil is bare bones with no added filler oils or alcohol.

Did you know that many perfume sprays can be harmful to your health?

Why A Healthy Perfume

  1. Many main stream perfumes have ingredients are irritants and can trigger allergies, migraines and asthma.
  2. They contain chemicals that are synthetic and can be harmful to the environment and toxic to aquatic life & humans.
  3. Many fragrance’s have ingredients are used to enhance the performance of the perfume, such as the one that I am most concerned about personally– Diethyl Phthalate or DEP.  DEP is widely used in cosmetic fragrances for its lingering effect. Phthalates are in most of the popular selling fragrances.  They interfere with hormone function and have been linked to early puberty in girls.  Being a hormone receptive breast cancer survivor, I care about anything that messes with hormones!

Amber-Oil

How I Use Amber Oil:

This brand I use is so concentrated, that it only takes a couple of drops for all day fragrance.  I drop 2 drops onto my wrist, rub them together, then give them a quick rub down whatever I am wearing.  Sometimes that is my scarf, sometimes it is my jacket, and sometimes it is whatever shirt I am wearing.  Don’t worry about oil residue on your clothes…I have never seen oil spots or stains from using Amber oil.  Most of it is rubbed into your skin, the rest is just lightly skimmed over your outfit.

My daughter has commented that when she puts on my jacket, that it smells so good.

Amber oil is never over-powering.  It is a light, clean (without being floral or soapy), fresh, & warm (without being heavy) scent.  To me, it smells like a hug!

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Another perk?  It is much more affordable than most perfumes out on the market today, under $15.00. Some have had trouble finding it at their local Whole Foods store.  You can order it on Amazon if you prefer.

HEALTH/ Natural Products/ Sponsored/ Uncategorized

Steps To Living A Natural Healthy Life

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{source}

It is spring and nature is showing off!   I am super energized and inspired by everything green and beautiful! It has given me energy and motivation to get busy and check myself in the area of living naturally and in a healthful and mindful way.

I am going to tackle both my insides and outsides and want YOU to join with me!

Here is a list of things I am committing to doing in the next 4 weeks:

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1. Burt’s Bees 28 day Skin Renewal Challenge

Did you know your skin renews itself every 28 days? I didn’t, but now that I know that little tidbit, I am much more likely to stick with a skin care regime for much longer than I typically would.  I learned about this little 28 day tip from Burt’s Bees, who is having a Burt’s Bees 28 Day Skin Renewal challenge with their brand new line called Renewal.  Renewal works in harmony with your skin’s cycle, and in 28 days I’m expecting to have firmer, smoother, beautiful and healthy-looking skin — in fact, I expect to be just radiant!

Would you like to join me?  We could all become radiant together!  I’m even going to take a ‘before’ picture and post it below which I’m sure we are all just giddy about. What I am giddy about is the ‘after’ picture that I will share with you when the challenge is over.

 

2. Stretching Daily

I’m stiff.  I keep wanting to blame my pillow or my mattress or the medication that I take,  but really I think it just is being one year away from turning FORTY! Yep, I am now 39 years old and really cannot believe it! I don’t know if I like it or not. As a cancer survivor,  I love having the privilege of living this long, and I love feeling mature, (notice I said feeling, not being) but wow, time flies when you are having fun!  I think stretching and some light yoga is really going to help me feel better, younger and more healthy.

 

3. Walking 3x a week.

Springtime weather is the best for walking, I especially love walking in the evenings and have been making sure I walk at least every Wednesday, but my goal is 3x a week.  I have found that meeting up with a girlfriend to walk and talk is the most fun way to do it!

 

4. Lemon Water Daily

I love my cleansing lemon water, but I have been slacking on that.  When I don’t take the time to start my day with lemon water, I am not very mindful of how much water I drink during the day and it just goes downhill from there.  Time to get back on it!

 

5. Green’s Daily

This was one of my New Year’s Goals a couple of years ago and it was one of my favorites.  There are so many amazing nutrients in greens.  I categorize quite a few foods into what I call ‘greens’ from spinach in my smoothie to the spirulina in my drink mix to the seaweed wrapped around my sushi…  even my favorite kale chips.  Green plant food is just the BEST and so nourishing on the inside, which in turn makes you glow on the outside.

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Ingesting greens, drinking lemon water and getting the body moving through walking and stretching are all great ways to get the insides working.  When the insides are working, the outsides tend to look their best too.  But I am finding as I get closer to the big 4-0 I’m wanting a little extra help with my skin when it comes to firmness, texture and lines.

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My skin care has been consistent, but I having been doing it all wrong and for sure using the wrong products.  I’ve even been known to just use a hot wash cloth and water to wash my face.  If I’m in the shower, I use my natural body soap that is not made specifically for the face. Whoopsies! Not a good decision. I thought it was a good decision until I started using Burt’s Bees Renewal Cleanser and saw all that came off of my face onto my wash cloth.  I could tell I have not been cleansing completely and was in instant love with this face product.

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I am excited for the opportunity to take Burt’s Bees 28 Day Skin Renewal challenge, especially when I saw that Kimberly Snyder, nutritionist and author of The Beauty Detox, is one who took the challenge and has challenged others to do the same.  Her cleanse is complete and now she is challenging others to complete the cleanse and share using #28DayFaceCleanse.  If you want to join in on the fun and enter into the conversation, head over to Instagram or Twitter and share your ideas as well.  I’m super excited to see what everyone has to say.

I personally am hoping that Renewal Face Care will smooth my skin. These natural products are clinically shown to smooth skin, improve firmness and reduce the look of wrinkles in a few as 4 weeks!

How? From Burt’s Bees site:

“New natural Renewal Face Care with Wrinkle-smoothing White Hibiscus and intensively hydrating Apple take center stage in the Hibiscus and Apple Rejuvenating Complex. Within the line, this remarkable interaction plumps up cells to help reduce the look of lines and wrinkles, improve firmness, and makes skin appear smoother and more hydrated.”

Here is a bit more information about the products.  I  know once you read about them you will want to jump on board, too!

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{this is the best cleanser. It is thick and has little bits in it to gently exfoliate.  I also love how it smells}

Renewal Refining Cleanser

Help restore smoother, younger-looking skin with some of nature’s most powerful anti-aging ingredients. Cleanses deeply without stripping moisture and gently exfoliats to reveal smoother skin.

• Removes dirt, oil and make-up

• Gently exfoliates

• Improves skin texture when used as part of the RENEWAL regimen

• Soap Free
• Rinses Easily
• Noncomedogenic 
• Dermatologist Tested

 

Renewal Firming Day Lotion w/SPF 30

This lightweight, fast-absorbing moisturizer is clinically shown to help improve firmness and reduce the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles. SPF 30 protects against sun damage.

  • Immediately, skin appears smoother and hydrated
  • After 4 weeks, 87% of women saw a reduction in the appearance of lines and wrinkles
  • After 8 weeks, 96% of women saw a reduction in the appearance of lines and wrinkles and improved skin texture
  • Dermatologist tested
  • Noncomedogenic
  • Clinically shown to reduce look of deep wrinkles and help improve firmness

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{this serum makes my skin feel so soft and smooth, I think it is my favorite product in the whole line}

Renewal Intensive Firming Serum

Help restore the appearance of your skin’s smooth, firm texture with powerful natural anti-aging ingredients. This concentrated treatment serum is clinically shown to help improve firmness and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

• Immediately, skin appears smoother and hydrated

• After 4 weeks, over 90% of women saw a reduction in the appearance of lines and wrinkles

• After 8 weeks, over 94% of women saw a reduction in the appearance of lines and wrinkles and visibly firmer skin

• Noncomedogenic
• Dermatologist Tested

Clinically shown to reduce look of deep wrinkles
 and help improve firmness

 

Renewal Smoothing Eye Cream

Help restore the appearance of your delicate eye area with powerful natural anti-aging ingredients. This hydrating eye treatment is clinically shown to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dark circles, and under-eye puffiness.

• After 4 weeks, 88% of women saw a reduction in the appearance of lines and wrinkles

• After 8 weeks, over 86% of women saw a reduction in the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles, dark circles and under-eye puffiness.

• Dermatologist Tested
• Ophthalmologist Tested 

Clinically shown to:
• Reduce look of deep wrinkles

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{I love going to bed with this luxurious creme on my face.  It makes my skin glow and look very healthy}

Renewal Firming Night Cream

Clinically shown to reduce the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles, this richly hydrating cream helps improve your skin’s smooth, firm texture while you sleep.

• Immediately, skin appears smoother and hydrated

• After 4 weeks, 82% of women saw a reduction in the appearance of lines and wrinkles

• After 8 weeks, 96% of women saw an improvement to skin texture.

• Dermatologist Tested

• Noncomedogenic

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{I put a little mascara and lip gloss on for you.  Without mascara you might not be able to see my eyes. The rest of my face has been cleaned and polished with Burt’s Bees Renewal line and left all natural. You are welcome.}

So here is my ‘before’ picture, which I am sure you just couldn’t wait for!   I will follow up with an ‘after’ picture when the challenge is up, and will even update you in-between via Facebook and Instagram on how it is going, so keep an eye out and be sure to join us if you’d like by clicking here.

IMG_4157{I had to end the post with this picture. It made me smile.  It has been in our bathroom for years, and she is now my little bee is almost 16 years old! I thought it was fun to put my products by this photo.}

………………..

What would you want out of this line the most? Smoother skin? Less lines?  How about just knowing that this line is natural?

What are ways you want to live in a more healthy way? Can you relate to any I listed?

………………..

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Burt’s Bees. The opinions and text are all mine.

Beauty/ Christmas/ FUN/DIY/ Holidays/Parties/ Uncategorized

10 Ways To Sparkle & Shine This Holiday Season

SPARKLE&SHINE

 

1. Crest 3D White Luxe Supreme FlexFit Whitestrips

I cannot tell you how impressed I am with Crest 3D White Luxe Supreme FlexFit Whitestrips.  They WORK!  You wear a strip everyday for 2 weeks, an hour a day. These strips stick and stay in place–you can even drink water while you are wearing them.

I am about 12 days in and I can’t tell you the difference in my smile. It is pretty amazing. I drink a lot of coffee and tea so I was due for some whitening.  My brother-in-law is a dentist and approves of Crest Whitestrips. He even had my husband use Crest Whitestrips before fixing a front tooth veneer.  He wanted my husbands teeth to be as white as possible before color matching the veneer.  My husband and I were amazed by the results!  Nothing like having a professional recommend Crest Whitestrips for a professional result!

I had some sensitivity to the strips, so I used them every other day instead of everyday, and bought some toothpaste for sensitive teeth.  I had a cleaning in the middle of my whitening experience, and my dental hygenist approved and reassured me that the sensitivity would go away.  It has.

“Get $7 off your purchase of Crest 3D White Luxe Supreme FlexFit Whitestrips at Target.com: http://clvr.li/1vwTKSS”

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2. Nails That Shine

One thing I love to do around the holidays, especially Christmas and New Year’s Eve, is wear a  glittery, shimmery or sparkly nail polish.  It looks so great & festive to have a little sparkle at the fingertips.  If every nail is too much for you, you could polish all of your nails a color of choice and put a coat of sparkle over the polish on ring fingers only.  It’s a ‘thing’ right now…ya know?

I was just recently introduced to the world of gel nail polish and WOW! I sure didn’t know what I was missing. It has been 3 weeks since my manicure and the polish still has not chipped!  I have stayed away from gel manicures as I like to keep things pretty natural and only used nail polish with less chemicals from my local health food store,  but now that I know what I’m missing it will be hard to not do it again!

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3. Red Lips & Fun Lashes

I don’t wear red lipstick very often, come think about it, it really is only during the Christmas season that I do wear it.  I love how a simple red lip can make me feel festive, even if I’m wearing all black!  Hint: If wearing a red lip, keep eye makeup natural and toned down.  It usually takes a professional to balance made-up eyes with a red lip.  It is best to keep shadow neutral and light, with just a bit of natural brown eyeliner and mascara.  Choose to either make the eyes pop or make the lips pop, but not both.

A great way to make eyes sparkle is with false eyelashes.  I am wearing them in the picture below.  That photo was taken last year when my man took me out of my birthday.  I don’t wear false eyelashes often.  Really just for very special occasions — like a birthday date, anniversary date or a fancy party.

 

4. Shine Spray for Hair

Shine spray is my secret weapon against flyaway, winter static, and frayed ends.  I love it, and most brands work well.  The key is to not overdo it, or you will end up with greasy looking hair.  A little goes a long way.  Want a more natural approach to shine hair?  Do my coconut oil moisturizer treatment & then put a tiny bit of coconut oil on the ends of your dry hair to smooth dry ends.

 

5. Sparkly Headbands

I love that headbands are an option no matter what length your hair is.  I do feel like I’m getting close to the age where headbands might start looking a bit too juvenile, but I will keep wearing them, as long as I can get away with it, especially the more fancy ones with a bit of sparkle!

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6. Necklace, Bracelets, Earrings

I have a pretty tame, some would say ‘plain’ wardrobe.  I buy a lot of black, grey & neutrals.  I buy classic.  To give my outfits some personality, I rely on accessories.  A necklace, bracelet or earrings are a great way to add a bit of specialness and sparkle to any outfit.

 

7. Shine From The Inside-Get Your Greens & Turmeric & Fluids

You all know how much I love drinking lemon water, as I talk about it all the time. It is another great way to shine from the inside out.  When you are dehydrated, it shows.  Being hydrated plumps skin up and helps it glow!

When I am drinking green smoothies, there is a noticeable difference in my skin tone.  When I stop, I look pale and drab. The dark leafy greens in smoothies really do help give some color to skin, as does a carrot thrown into those smoothies.

Good fats like nuts and avocados are a great way to make the skin glow, too. I love adding both to my smoothies.  I am sipping on a smoothie as I type this that is my Velvet Elvis smoothie but with 1/2 an avocado added.  Yum!

Another way to give yourself a bit of color from the inside out is taking Turmeric supplements or drinking delicious Turmeric Chai Tea. Turmeric is an amazing root with tons of health benefits.  The reason I take it nightly is because it is a natural anti-inflammatory and helps bring relief to joint pain that I experience as side effect from my cancer meds.  It is a supplement that I will take the rest of my life due to the health benefits.

 

 8. Statement Shoes

My birthday at the end of November, which I love.  My Todd and I do not exchange gifts.  Instead, we give each other the gift of experience and memory by going out on a hot date!  I love that my birthday falls right as the holiday season starts.  Everything always feels so festive and fun.  The one draw back is dressing up while it is cold outside!  I hate being cold, so I have found a lot of ways to make a pair of black slacks, leggings, or a great pair of jeans look less than ordinary.  The best way I’ve found to do this is by adding a statement shoe.  High heel is a must, and a shiny red high heel is my favorite around the holidays. I also love a great shoe in glittery gold or silver.

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9. A Sparkly Scarf

I often fall back on this one.  I love showing up to a nice Christmas party or dinner with a warm scarf, and I especially love adding a bit of fun to my bland grey coat with a sparkly scarf.  Look for scarves with silver or gold thread or material running through it.

 

10. A New Do’

I’ve been crushing on Taylor Swifts bangs & had to copy!  I was looking through my instagram feed and a couple of selfies that I took seemed to be all forehead!  I decided I needed to soften it up a bit so I got my ends trimmed just yesterday and asked my stylist to give me the swoopy- side- Taylor Swift bangs.  She did it and I love it!  Follow my Instagram feed–I will post a picture of how I look with bangs soon!

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What are ways you add some sparkle and shine to your holiday look?

Do any of these stand out to you?

How about those pearly whites?  Do they need a bit of Crest Whitestrips this holiday season?  They would make a great stocking stuffer, especially if you have teenager girls like I do! Shop at Target and pick them up in time for Christmas.

 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

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