Beauty/ Cancer Journey/ HEALTH/ Natural Products

My Every Day Health Decisions As A Cancer Survivor With Tom’s of Maine

Thank you Tom’s of Maine for sponsoring this post.

I am a cancer survivor. This is the 7th year that I can say those words and every year I grow more and more amazed at what a gift life is. I work hard at not taking it for granted. Life is so precious!

Because I know life is precious, there are decisions I make every day to help me live a healthy lifestyle.

Whether it’s using my favorite yoga app, switching my deodorant to Tom’s of Maine Natural Deodorant, or taking turmeric capsules, I am passionate about making decisions to live my best life!

I am not in control of what my future holds and whether or not my cancer will ever come back, but I do know it makes a difference in my everyday life to pursue wholeness and health in different areas, and boy does it make a difference in how I feel every day!

Here Are 5 Of My Everyday Health Decisions I Make As A Cancer Survivor

Move My Body

I am not an exercise fanatic, but I have learned that it is important to keep my body moving. I’ve read over and over that getting exercise every day is a great way to stay healthy and cut my chances of recurrence.

I keep it pretty low-key and walk or do yoga every day. When the weather is nice, I will walk our neighborhood or around my favorite local lake. When it is cold, I’m a bit of a wimp and use our treadmill instead. Lately, I have been multitasking and answering email while walking on the treadmill–I really like how productive that feels!

I also love how yoga makes me feel. It has been super important to keep my body stretched and flexible, as the ongoing cancer medications I am on cause joint pain. Yoga makes a huge difference and I feel amazing when I am done, especially my back, neck, and joints! I use the Yoga Studio app on my phone and I LOVE it!

Supplements

I’ve taken several types of supplements throughout my survivor years, but the main ones I will not budge on are a Multi-Vitamin, Vitamin D, Turmeric, Fish Oil & Magnesium.

I take a Multi-Vitamin not to make up for a poor diet (because I eat quite healthy) but just as reassurance that I have covered all bases.

Vitamin D is something that most Americans are low in, and it is the one supplement my Oncologist was adamant that I take.

Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and is a miracle worker for keeping my joint pain to a minimum. Fish Oil is to make sure I get all those good Omega’s, and Magnesium is the calming mineral, which is a great way to keep any of my worries and anxiety at bay.

Slow Living

If you follow my Instagram & Instastory, you know I am big into slow living. I often snap my favorite slow parts of the day. Life is busy, but it IS possible to slow, even if it means just slowing your mindset.

Stress can be so hard on the body, and if I’m going ‘a mile a minute”, then I miss out on this precious life I have been gifted with. I find a lot of ways to slow down.

I meditate using the Calm App, I journal, pray, read, & listen to calming music. I light my favorite candle. I deep breathe during yoga and work hard at being aware and present in life moments.

I just started a daily journaling habit. It is called Morning Pages, and I simply put on some soothing music and write 3 pages in my journal. It can be absolutely anything, whatever is on my mind from deep thoughts to lists of things I want to get done. The key is not to censor and just write. I’m loving this practice so far!

I also make sure I get plenty of sleep. It is amazing with all that my body went through while fighting cancer–chemo, radiation, and multiple reconstructive surgeries; plus ongoing medications and treatments that I use to keep cancer away–that I still have so much energy. I believe this is largely due to the amount of good rest I get. I use essential oils (hello lavender!) and melatonin to quiet my body down at night, and I sleep like a baby most nights!

Natural Products

I have been quite thoughtful about using products that are part of a healthy lifestyle and have ingredients that I can feel good about putting on my body. As a cancer survivor, I am especially aware of this when it comes to products I use every day.

How often do you look at what is inside products you use every day? Is the ingredient list simple and do you know what the ingredients are and what their purpose is? It is important to ask these questions.

Examples of everyday products I use for a healthy lifestyle are Tom’s of Maine Natural Toothpaste, organic coconut oil as a body moisturizer, organic makeup foundation and Tom’s of Maine Long Lasting Natural Deodorant.

Let’s talk natural deodorant for a minute. I’ve made the switch to Tom’s of Maine Natural Deodorant. It is the #1 natural deodorant brand with a number of award-winning products among its deodorant portfolio–which contains 15 deodorants–in some of my favorite scents, including fresh apricot, wild lavender & tea tree.

Tom’s of Maine Natural Deodorant provides odor control in their aluminum-free formulas. That “aluminum free” part is why I love and am passionate about using a natural deodorant as a cancer survivor. I personally prefer not to have any aluminum in my deodorant.

There is controversy when it comes to what aluminum can do to your health, and I choose to stay way away from it.

A Note About Natural Deodorants

Staying away from aluminum means staying away from antiperspirants because FDA guidelines state that an antiperspirant must include a form of aluminum as an active ingredient.

Deodorants are not antiperspirants and do not provide the same wetness protection as antiperspirants. I’m fine with that and my body has adjusted to it.

If you are switching from a conventional deodorant to a natural deodorant, it will take some time for your body chemistry to adjust.

Trying the deodorant for at least 7 days, including testing out different scents (or unscented), can help you figure out what is the best fit for your body’s unique chemistry.

Tom’s of Maine Long Lasting Natural Deodorant uses the power of nature and fights odor using hops and natural fragrances, along with a blend of oils, organic aloe leaf juice, and other plant-based ingredients. It is free of petrochemicals, artificial fragrances, parabens, and preservatives.

I love and use the tea tree oil scent. I had a hard time deciding between the tea tree oil scent and the apricot scent–both smell so good. I often use tea tree oil in my everyday life for its antimicrobial properties. Bacteria on the skin can cause body odor, so I chose tea tree oil scent. It smells super fresh and clean.

Nourishment

Last but not least, I focus on nourishing my body every day. I drink lots of water & green tea. I focus on eating plant foods in all colors of the rainbow (especially berries & greens) and snack on nuts & seeds.

I use a visual food journal app called YouAte App, an easy way to keep me on track and visually see how colorful my food is. I stay away from fake foods or overly processed foods & excess sugar, especially when eating at home.

{FOR YOUR PINNING PLEASURE}

Are you a cancer survivor? What do you do every day for your health and what would you like to add to your health habits? Do you know someone who is a cancer survivor? Consider sharing this post with them.

Have you thought about the ingredients in the products you use every day? Is the ingredient list simple and do you know what the ingredients are and what their purpose is?

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

HEALTH/ Natural Products/ Nutrition

My Approach To Healthy Aging

I am now 40, and have been thinking about what Healthy Aging means to me.

Most of you know I am a 2-time cancer survivor, so you know I do not regret growing older, as it is a privilege denied to many.

I personally think healthy aging begins with this recognition, that life is precious and each day is a gift. Being thankful, having a positive attitude and reacting well to stress are keys to keeping your heart, body & even face from aging too quickly.

I find I’m pretty good at the thankful part, and I’m working really hard at the de-stressing part! I want to live slow in my spirit even if life is spiraling around me. I know this is possible and I have seen most of my personal growth happen in times of hardship.

I want to age gracefully & thankfully, but that does not mean I won’t do what it takes to care for this body of mine and fight hard for health, because years are a gift.

I reminded myself of this very thing recently, when I was getting ready for bed and happened to look a little closer in the mirror while brushing my teeth, and for the first time saw what appear to be WHITE hair growing in! It was a very strange feeling to see the evidence of age, and I looked at this evidence in a bit of wonder and realization that I am not 20 anymore. Life sure goes by fast and must be embraced.

I want to continue to hold every moment, and feel my best while doing it. I want to age gracefully, while being proactive to age healthfully! I want to continue to search out the most cutting- edge ways stay healthy.

Below I list 7 Simple Keys to Healthy Aging and tell you about an amazing new anti-oxidant that I have been taking.

7 Simple Keys Healthy Aging

Sleep

Sleep is a must! Chronic lack of sleep negatively affects the brain’s function and speeds up the aging process. Aim for 7-9 hours a night.

Water

Stay hydrated and don’t drink your calories! It is really hard to find anything other than water that does not contain sugar, artificial sweeteners or colors, and calories. Water and one cup of black coffee a day are my go-to daily drinks. I do enjoy getting nutrition from green smoothies and very occasionally I will treat myself to a latte.

Eat the Rainbow

We all know fruit and vegetables are great for the body. Keeping track of the colors of plant food eaten throughout the day is a fun way to stay focused on eating a variety of nutrients.

Friends

Staying social is so important to healthy aging. We were made for relationship. I am so thankful for the people in my life and work hard to nurture my close friendships.

Exercise

Take a daily walk. Walking has become my favorite form of exercise. I love listening to podcasts or blab away or listen to a friend on my Voxer app.

De-stress

Chronic stress can be very aging. Maintaining a positive attitude is really key to aging in a healthy way. Remember, age is a means to wisdom not a means to helplessness or uselessness.

Supplement

I take several and try hard to stay up on the latest, most cutting- edge supplements. Something that I had not tried was an anti-oxidant supplement, until recently when I got to review the product MitoQ.

MitoQ For Healthy Aging

MitoQ (pronounced My-toe-Q) is a brand new type of antioxidant called a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, that has potential to slow the aging process, and help you live a longer and healthier life. This exciting new supplement and skin care serum was developed in New Zealand at the University of Otago, Dunedin. MitoQ is backed by over a decade of scientific research and over $50 million in R&D to bring it to the market!

Every cell in your body is powered by tiny organelles called mitochondria– also known as your cellular batteries. Mitochondria convert the food we eat and oxygen we breathe into the energy our cells need to keep our organs functioning optimally and our bodies healthy.

Mitochondria– the powerhouses of the cell. They are responsible for producing 90% of the body’s energy. As we get older, mitochondrial function declines. Over 200 conditions are known to be connected to poor mitochondrial health.

Aging = increased free radicals. Mitochondria is less effective & we have less Co-Q10 in our mitochondria to fight free radicals that leak into the cells, and damage the cell processes. Many diseases are related to this free radical damage & lower levels of anti-oxidants. CO-10 are the Mitochondria’s own powerful anti-oxidants that protect them from free radical damage.

MitoQ is a patented antioxidant compound that, for the first time ever, & unlike other CO-Q10 supplements, is able to actually penetrate the mitochondria in our cells, reducing free radical damage and restoring mitochondrial function to a level that improves your cells’ vitality. This enables your cells to fight the causes of ill-health and aging, and has the potential restore more youthful energy levels to your skin and other major organs.

My Experience With MitoQ

I have without a doubt noticed a difference in my energy levels while taking MitoQ, and I find myself looking forward to taking it every morning, especially after I educated myself on the product and learned what exactly it can do for my body. I can’t help but think of several loved ones that I would like to get on this powerful antioxidant to help them feel more energized, too.

I also tried the amazing MitoQ Anti-aging Serum and I love it. I’m going on week 3 and I feel like my skin looks fresh & healthy. It feels softer and the texture is more smooth. The serum is wonderful and the beautiful bottle it comes in is an added bonus.

{See more Customer Stories}

Props For MitoQ

MitoQ has recently been invited to participate in the USA’s prestigious National Institute of Aging’s (NIA) Interventions Testing Program (ITP) – an internationally renowned anti-aging testing program funded by the US Government, and, has been selected as Product of the Year, by ‘Truth In Aging’ for the second year running!

MitoQ’s selection in the NIA program validates a decade long international research effort and supports scientists’ claims that MitoQ has significant potential to reverse or decelerate the aging process. Their theory of aging suggests that mitochondria (our body’s cellular batteries) are integral to the aging process. Because MitoQ is such an effective supplement in optimizing mitochondrial function, it is the perfect supplement to test this theory.

MitoQ Growth

MitoQ has recently launched three new supplement products targeting specific health conditions. The new products include:

MitoQ Heart — supports heart and circulatory health, healthy blood pressure and heart rate

MitoQ Blood Sugar — supports natural sugar metabolism, healthy insulin levels, weight management and organ health

MitoQ Liver — supports liver function and detoxification

Coupon Code

Are you interested the MitoQ products? If so, I’d like to offer you a discount to purchase online. Please enter the code FAB20 at checkout to receive 20% discount on your first purchase.

See It For Yourself

A video on MitoQ Anti-ageing Serum was tested. See the results.

Watch MitoQ Trial on SUNDAY SHOW by TV ONE

See it all in action– “Restore Mitochondrial Function and Cellular Health with MitoQ”

An AMAZING testimonial — Nick Allen’s Amazing Story

A Free Ebook –> “Why Mitochondria Are Important to Our Health” and how they influence the speed at which we age.

………..

What about you?

Would you be interested in this awesome breakthrough anti-oxidant?

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of MitoQ. The opinions and text are all mine.

HEALTH/ Natural Products

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.)

{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

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

Many main stream perfumes have ingredients are irritants and can trigger allergies, migraines and asthma.
They contain chemicals that are synthetic and can be harmful to the environment and toxic to aquatic life & humans.
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!

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!

……….

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

Renewing My Skin With Burt’s Bees & The End Of A Challenge

I’ve come to the end of my Burt’s Bees 28 Day Renewal Challenge and I’m ready to tell you all about it.

When I started the challenge, I immediately fell hard for the Renewal Refining Cleanser because it is so exfoliating. It has awesome little bits in it that are just the right texture for scrubbing. Not too rough, but enough to feel like you are getting the skin nice and scrubby clean.

My second most favorite thing about the line is the scent. I’m a big scent girl, and Burt’s Bees got it spot on with the scent of their Renewal line. I think it smells earthy with a bit of floral & hint of fruit. Really it smells like nature and health and that is exactly how I would explain how it made my skin feel–super healthy and natural!

After 28 days, I would say my skin is soft, glowy and the lines in my forehead have diminished some. I especially like the ‘dewy’ type look the products give. When I see glowy, dewy skin, I see health. That is all I ask for–healthy looking skin!

I was able to stick to my 28 day challenge by doing these 3 things:

1. A cute container.

Keeping my products all together in a cute container in my bathroom was key. They were out in the open on a shelf to remind me to cleanse, within reach and ready -to- grab and get cleaning!

2. Soft, clean wash cloths.

Having a stack of soft, clean wash cloths right next to my products was the perfect way to keep me faithful in my face washing! It reminded me of being in a nice hotel. There are always clean, white wash cloths ready to use in nice hotels, and I don’t know about you, but in a hotel it is almost a pleasure to wash up and take care of my skin. Having them stacked and ready to use at home gave me that same feeling.

3. Hydrating.

I know so much beauty comes from within, both from our spirits and from what we put into our bodies. I made sure I hydrated well during the 28 Day Renewal Challenge, filling my water bottle often with lemon water and also making my favorite smoothies for an extra nutritious treat.

Screen Shot 2015-05-26 at 5.19.17 PM

Now that it is the end of the challenge, I will continue the journey and use the products. I have no complaints about the Renewal line, and I still have a TON of product left, which is really exciting as I have already been using it faithfully for almost a month. I’m impressed with how concentrated the products are, especially the Renewal Firming Night Cream, so you really don’t have to use very much. A little goes a long ways!

{My no makeup ‘after’ picture. I’m months away from 40, so not bad, huh? Do you see a bit of a glow?}

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How about you? Did you take the 28 Day Renewal Challenge? Are you going to? You should! Let me know if you do and what your thoughts on the product are.

———–

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

HEALTH/ Natural Products/ Sponsored/ Uncategorized

Steps To Living A Natural Healthy Life

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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:

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.

………………..

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.

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.

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!

{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

{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

{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

{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.

{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.

HEALTH/ Natural Products

6 Tried & True Natural Beauty Treatments To Do At Home

These are my top 6 natural and homemade beauty products shared here at New Nostalgia. They are easy to make, healthy for the skin, and they WORK!

1. 2 Ingredient Homemade Lemon Face Scrub

I’d say this is my favorite of the bunch. Who knew lemon and sugar could make the skin feel so, so wonderful. I use this scrub every other week. There is always a bit of leftover, and when I tell my 3 lovelies that I made it, they all come running. You know it works wonderfully if teenage girls are willing to ~~fight over~~ use it!

2. Homemade & Healthy Lavender Lime Body Spray

There is something wonderfully satisfying in making your own beauty products. Especially when something like this spray would cost a pretty penny at the store. I love the scent of lavender and lime together, but if you don’t, you can use any essential oil as fragrance in this spray.

3. Coconut Lime Sugar Body Scrub

This scrub is simply divine. It smells so good, and leaves my legs feeling amazing, especially when I use it after shaving them. No need for body lotion when you use this scrub. Just rinse off, towel off, and enjoy the softness!

4. 2 Ingredient Organic Eye Makeup Remover

I’ve seen homemade eye makeup remover recipes online that are way too complicated and use way too many ingredients. This one uses just two, and is another simple recipe that works and that my girls have bought into. I just love the money I save, as having 3 girls, two of which now wear makeup, can get expensive!

5. Lemon Sugar Hand Scrub

This is a newer recipe in our household. I keep it at the kitchen sink and just love it. It is great anytime you want soft hands, but especially great after handling onions and garlic. This not only scrubs the hands, but leaves them so nice and soft. After drying, just gently rub your hands together to distribute the little bit of oil left on them as the perfect moisturizer.

6. Detox Bath

This is a beauty treatment that not only beautifies the outside by making the skin soft, but also helps your insides by giving you a nice dose of magnesium. It is so very relaxing and calming, you will come out rested and glowing.

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Have you ever made your own beauty products? Please share.

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