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Stress-Free Soak: Shea Terra Jasmine Ylang Ylang Effervescent Bath Soak

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Surround yourself in Madagascan Ylang Ylang and Egyptian Jasmine flowers. Shea Terra Jasmine Ylang Ylang Effervescent Bath Soak  creates a deeply relaxing and aromatic bath experience. Simply pour a scoop into the bath and watch as tiny effervescent pebbles release a bouquet of warm aromas, essential oils and vitalizing salts. The perfect way to calm and soothe away the day.

This Effervescent Bath Soak is 100% natural and formulated with rare Kalahari Desert salts. These salts are whole, unprocessed and rich in over twenty skin-loving minerals including silver, bromide, calcium, potassium and magnesium. These amazing salts detoxify the body, draw out excess fluid and help skin cells to regenerate and heal.

An effervescent salts bath add another dimension to the bath experience. The fizzy, massaging bubbles are great for removing dead skin cells and release nourishing minerals and fragrant African essential oils that hydrate the skin. Wild Marula and Ootanga oils are so moisturizing – you many not need lotion out of the bath.

Melt your day away with Shea Terra Jasmine Ylang Ylang Effervescent Bath Soak .

About Shea Terra Organics

Shea Terra Organics sources the most potent, organic and wild harvested ingredients from across Africa. This pristine environment, little tainted by modern pollution, grows some of the safest, unchanged botanical ingredients on earth. Unwilling to compromise, Shea Terra Organics uses whole herbs for its potent, synergistic benefits.

Shea Terra Organics practices Free Trade. They work with small groups of gatherers, cooperatives and families to source their premium ingredients. With every purchase of Shea Terra products gives an economic incentive for local peoples to preserve their wild habitats.

Bathe Responsibly: 100% Pure Vapor Baths

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Enjoy a soothing and rejuvenating aromatherapy soak. Vapor Baths from 100% Pure are made with fresh medicinal herbs and essential oils that can magically soothe aches and pains, relieve cold symptoms or simply help you relax after a long hard day. There are many bath salts and oils available on the market, but there is nothing quite as satisfying as a product made with all natural and organic ingredients.

Bathe responsibly. “As much as 60% of topical skin-care products are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream,” says Dr. Nany Lonsdorf, M.D. – an Iowa-based physician. “They should be consumed with the same prudence that we use to choose our breakfast cereal.” There are many toxic chemicals in cosmetic, bath and body products, 100% Pure contains no synthetic chemicals, no artificial fragrances, no chemical preservatives or any other toxins.

100% Pure Vapor Baths are made with sake, a japanese rice wine. Sake is rich with amino acids, malic acid, peptides, lactic acid and minerals to make your skin silky smooth and soft. Just as drinking sake relaxes you, sakes gets absorbed to deeply relax muscles and relieve tension. Available in four different blends: Eucalyptus Cold & FluLavender SedativeClementine Uplifting and Rosemary Muscle Soak, one can find a formula to cure whatever ails you.

The Eucalyptus Cold & Flu Vapor Bath is formulated with pure Eucalyptus essential oil that decongests and relieves sinus pressure. Eucalyptus purifies and disinfects to protect and purify your environment.

The Lavender Sedative Vapor Bath is formulated with pure Lavender essential oil calms, alleviates stressful thoughts and helps to sedate you for restful sleep.

The Clementine Uplifting Vapor Bath is formulated with pure Citrus essential oil brightens your mood and uplifts your spirit.

The Rosemary Muscle Soak Vapor Bath is formulated with pure Rosemary essential oil alleviates muscle aches and relaxes tense overworked muscles.

These formulas are highly concentrated, so only a small capful is needed.

Summer Travel: Beauty Essentials

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Whether it’s a weekend road trip or a long-haul to an exotic locale, there is nothing like a summer vacation. Look your best while traveling with these beauty essentials:

Oxylent Oxygenating Multivitamin Drink: The effervescent multivitamin drink is formulated with the highest quality of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, and electrolytes. Perfect for travel, the convenient packets are easily transported, so you can drink it anytime, anywhere – just add water. It is great for keeping the immune system in peak condition; a low calorie choice before or after working out; a true friend to the outdoor enthusiast; an easy-to-use daily multivitamin; or a wonderful late afternoon pick-me-up at work. Oxylent not only offers a unique effervescent delivery system, but unlike most, all of the formulas are both sugar and calorie free. Oxylent’s formulas do not contain any gluten, caffeine, lactose, artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors.

Kerstin Florian Rehydrating Neroli Water: This uplifting aromatherapy water instantly refreshes and hydrates the skin. Made from the bitter orange blossom, this facial spray soothes and hydrates the skin. The moment your face feels tight, one spritz will instantly hydrate and refresh the skin. Use as a toner after cleansing the face or as a body spray after showering. Or keep cool in the refrigerator and spray on hot, humid days. Perfect for après beach.

Supergoop! City Sunscreen Serum: This light yet powerful serum is both a moisturizer and a broad-spectrum SPF 30. It fights the signs of premature aging – think fine lines and sunspots – and prevents future photo-damage from UV rays. Built for year-round use, this serum is amazingly lightweight and comfortable. Supergoop’s unique Hydrovotin 24 complex works with the skin’s own moisture mechanisms to increase hydration levels, while vitamins E and B5 heal past damage. It absorbs both UVA rays that lead to premature aging and UVB rays that cause sunburn. The top-of-the-line “PA +++” rating means the formula meets the highest standards for sun protection.  Also paraben and fragrance-free—just what the doctor ordered for sensitive skin.

Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Face Oil: Formulated with an aromatic blend of 11 essential oils, this opulent oil relies on flowers and botanicals for their calming and illuminating properties. A staple of many top pros and makeup artists, this oil can be used to take makeup off, to moisturize and as a massage oil (expensive massage oil?). Add a couple drops to foundation to create a dewy finish or pat on the cheekbones and undereyes for a beautiful, fresh glow. Just a few drops will make your skin look radiant. Use as an alternate or supplement to your moisturizer and apply whenever your face needs a pick-me-up.

Dior Hydra Life BB Cream: READ FULL REVIEW: HERE

Bobbi Brown Bronzer/Blush Duo: Inspired by the look of “skin bathed in afternoon light,” this dynamic duo creates healthy-looking skin. On one side, Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Powder in Bahama Brown packs a blend of sheer powder and micro pearls (for a seamlessly glowing finish all over the face). The other side boasts Bobbi Brown Shimmer Blush in Pink Peony, the perfect way to add a pop of color to the apples of cheeks. Great for travel, this duo eliminates bulk and the need for too many face products. Tip: Sweep bronzer over eyelids for instant contour.

MAC Bare Study Paint Pot: This multi-purpose paint pot is perfect for travel. Bare Study is a metallic nude/champagne cream eye shadow that can be used as a primer, eye shadow and/or highlighter. Sweep onto the eyelid before applying a powder shade to ensure longevity. For highlighting, pat product on the cheekbones, brow bone, cupid bow and décolletage for subtle illumination. The soft, light-reflecting pearl finish will brighten any area.

Kiehl’s Lip Balm SPF 15 in Hue 30G: Lip balm with SPF is a must while traveling. Lips are often neglected and can suffer the same effects of the sun just as much as any other part of the body. Kiehl’s Lip Balm SPF 15 offers protection, relief and color. Lip products like gloss, stains or lipsticks can attract the sun with their shiny finish. This formula combines a sheer wash of color with UVA and UVB protection. Hue 30G is a beautiful light golden color with peach undertones.

Blinc Mascara: I have a love/hate relationship with waterproof mascara. While most formulas do last all day, they are a pain to remove. Blinc Mascara is a “tubing” mascara. It uses a copolymer-based formula to create little tubes around each one of your lashes preventing flaking, running or smudging. The formula is waterproof, sweat-proof and won’t irritate even the most sensitive of eyes so you can wear it all day without worrying about touch-ups. At the end of the day, use a damp washcloth to gently dislodge the tubes. They’ll slide off with just a little pressure.

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray: READ FULL REVIEW: HERE

Adara Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for Body & Face: Organic and biologically pure, Adara Virgin Coconut Oil is a gorgeous multi-tasking body and hair oil. Great for travel, coconut oil solidifies when temperatures are below 76 degrees – this makes it wonderful to pack and not worry about leaking. Adara Virgin Coconut Oil is available in five scented oils and travel-size, Oriental Jasmine, Soothing Lavender, Heavenly Peach, Innocent Rose, and Refreshing Green Tea. (Favorite: Jasmine) READ MORE ABOUT THE BENEFITS & USES OF COCONUT OIL: HERE

Flo Refillable Perfume Atomizer: Packing a big glass perfume bottle can be inconvenient and cumbersome. Tote your favorite fragrance wherever you go with the Refillable Perfume Atomizer by FLO. This ingenious gadget allows you to carry your perfume in an easy-to-use, compact atomizer. The modern design enables fast and efficient refilling without a funnel – preventing any danger of spilling a single drop of your expensive perfume. Suitable for all types of perfumes, this atomizer holds up to 77 sprays. Perfect for a purse, clutch, beach bag or travel bag, never leave home without your favorite fragrance again.

Kate Spade Cosmetic Bag – Garance Dore Davie

Super Seed: The Chia Seed

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Ch…Ch…Ch…CHIA! The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the super seed. The many Chia Pet commercials watched on how to grow chia seeds from your very own terra-cotta Chia Frog. Gaining popularity in the United States, Chia seeds are making a big comeback. They offer a wonderful source of nutrients that can easily be incorporated into your diet and can easily be purchased from any health food store.

Chia seeds are a small seed that comes from the salvia plant, which is a part of the mint family. Originally grown in South America, Chia seeds were first used as food as early as 3500 BC and were one of the main dietary components of the Aztecs and the Mayans.

Chia seeds are perhaps best known for their high omega-3 fatty acids content. In fact, chia seeds have the highest omega-3s of any vegetarian food. Just one tablespoon of chia seeds contains 2406 mg of omega-3s, and also contains approx. 792 mg omega-6s and 294 mg of omega-9 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, are important for brain function and work as an anti-inflammatory in the body.

Another advantage of chia seeds is their ability to help maintain steady blood sugar levels. Chia seeds form a gel in the stomach that slows the conversion of carbohydrates to sugar. Carbohydrates that quickly break down into sugar stimulate a surge of insulin to be released into the blood, causing blood sugar problems. Eating foods such as chia seeds that break down slowly helps blood sugar to rise and fall steadily throughout the day.

Chia seeds also contain a substantial amount of fiber, protein, essential amino acids, calcium and minerals. Available in white and black seeds, some manufacturers state that the white chia seed is superior. However, there is no research to back up this claim and as of now no significant difference.

Incorporating chia seeds into your diet is easy. Simply add to smoothies, yogurt, salads, dressings, cereal, water… anything. They can be eaten both raw or cooked, though cooking them may damage their fragile omega fatty acids. I like to add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds to coconut water and drink first thing in the morning. When adding to liquid, drink fast, as chia will develop into a gel-like consistency. Enjoy!

Drink Your Vitamins: Vital Earth Minerals

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The best vitamin for you is the vitamin that you will take every single day on a consistent basis. Weather in tablet or liquid form, it really does not matter which brand or type is the best – if you are not taking them.

I am a big believer of drinking my vitamins. I find I am much more consistent with a daily regime when my vitamins are in liquid form. Also, liquid vitamins are more effective because they can be assimilated immediately into the blood stream. The liquid form can also be three to five times more concentrated than vitamin pills. This more concentrated form can lead to higher therapeutic benefits and a healthier outcome.

My favorite liquid vitamins and minerals are Vital Earth Minerals. The three major advantages to all Vital Earth liquid products are high potency ingredients, 98% absorption (due to liquid form) and the addition of a unique component – Fulvic Minerals.

Fulvic, the “miracle molecule,” is rapidly becoming one of the key elements in many health and scientific breakthroughs of the 21st century. Fulvic Minerals have occurred naturally in organic plants and soils since the beginning of man-kind. It is created by microbial activity at the roots of plants. Its function is to dissolve and convert the metallic and clay based mineral molecules that are in soils into a form that is usable by plants animals and people. Once the minerals are dissolved, plants uptake, through their root system, the powerful fulvic substance that is loaded with dissolved minerals and trace elements.

Benefits of Fulvic Minerals:

  • Makes all nutrients more absorbable which means you get greater benefit from all your nutrients – whatever the source.
  • Transports nutrients right into the cells.
  • Increases absorption of oxygen and decreases acidity.
  • Changes the pattern of metabolism of carbohydrates.
  • Helps rebuild and stimulate the immune system.
  • Extends the time nutrients remain active.
  • Increases energy.
  • Is a powerful de-toxer.
  • Is the most powerful natural free-radical and antioxidant known to science at this time.

Realizing that Fulvic enhances all the nutrients it comes in contact with, Vital-Earth uses it as the base for all their products.

The Super-Multi is a high-potency formula packed with a combination of vitamins, amino acids, anti-oxidants with a fulvic mineral base. Just one capful per day provides the body with over 100 nutrients. It has a passion fruit flavor that tastes great and is easy to take.

The Fulvic Mineral Complex contains the highest concentration of fulvic found on the retail market. It should be added to almost everyone’s supplement regime, especially if you are facing a health challenge, are recreational athletes (sweating minerals out of the body) or want to take extra preventive measures. It has absolutely no taste and a balanced alkaline pH of 7.0 to 7.8.

Vital-Earth has a wonderful selection of liquid vitamins and minerals. They are of the highest quality and potency. At the end of the day, it is still a matter of, hand-to-mouth, the act of taking a vitamin every day. If you are like me and tend to get lazy with capsule-form vitamins, try a liquid form – I guarantee you will stay consistent.

The Master List: SPACE.NK Event

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Last night I had the privilege of attending a wonderful event at SPACE.NK Costa Mesa hosted by local blogger and friend, Sarah Ollenberger of Juggling in Heels.

SPACE.NK is a luxury beauty retail (located inside Bloomingdales and stand-alone) filled with a well-edited selection of hard-to-find beauty products. Nicky Kinnaird, founder and the initials behind SPACE.NK, taught a master class revealing her must-have beauty products for summer. A weath of knowledge and experience, Nicky Kinnaird travels the world searching for the latest and greatest in beauty. The Master List is compiled of Nicky’s go-to products for protecting, enhancing and beautifying this summer.

THE MASTER LIST:

Eve Lom Treatment Cleanser: This cult favorite is your makeup remover, cleanser, toner, mild exfoliant, skin re-texturizer and brightener in a jar. (One of my favorites: review here)

Cane + Austin Retexturizing Treatment Pads: A one-step exfoliator that evens out skin tone and minimizes pores.

Cane + Austin Retexturizing Body Pads: Glycolic treatment pads reveal a brighter, smoother body complexion while helping to rebuild collagen and firm the skin.

Ren Bio Retinoid Anti-Aging Concentrate: Retinol-like results without the irritation.

Bakel P-Lipic Serum: Deeply hydrating, skin strengthening serum that protects against free radical-damage.

Zelens Triple-Action Eye Cream: Hydrates, smoothes, lifts and minimized the appearance of dark circles.

37 Extreme Actives: The cream that does it all – eyes, face, neck… morning and evening.

Zelens 31 Complex Essential Anti-Aging Cream: Deeply hydrating antioxidant-loaded formula helps to minimize visible signs of aging.

By Terry Baume de Rose SPF15: Cult lip treatment that doubles as a cuticle cream.

NIA 24 Rapid Repigmentation Serum: Best to even out skin tone, addresses sun damage, freckles and age spots.

NIA 24 Sun Damage Prevention 100% Mineral Sunscreen: SPF 30, this oil-free formula contains 5%Pro-Niacin to strengthen skin and help repair sun damage. (One of my favorites-review here)

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer: Keeps makeup fresh all day long.

By Terry Hyaluronic Eye Primer: Keeps eye makeup color true and fresh without caking or creasing all day.

By Terry Touche Veloutee: The perfect highlighting concealer brush. It instantly sweeps away any signs of fatigue, redness and minor imperfections. (One of my favorites: review here)

By Terry Terrybly Mascara: Lash growth boosting mascara.

Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler: The best one out there.

Kevyn Aucoin Volumizing Mascara: Never smudges, never flakes, sweat-proof yet washes off with water.

Kevyn Aucoin Lip Glosses: On trend colors with a unique chubby applicator that mimics a makeup artist’s pinky.

Rococo Nail Apparel: Fashion-forward colors for the season: Lady Lavender (on trend lavender), T-Cup (vintage baby blue), VIP Red (the perfect red), Wild Roses (hot fuchsia pink).

Oribe Apres Beach Spray: Texturizing spray for tousled, touchable waves and sun-kissed shine.

Oribe Maximista: Maximum volume with thermal protection, gives enduring lify and hold.

Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray: Conceived and tested in Miami.

Institut Esthederm Bronz Repair Anti-Wrinkle Tanning Cream: Cult French anti-aging sunscreen for face.

Institut Esthederm Adaptasun Sea & Tropics Tanning Body Lotion: For safe tanning under extreme sun.

Life NK Japanese Wash Cloth: Unique textured cloth makes all-over body exfolliation simple.

Beautannia Brighton Bath & Shower Gel: Addictively scented paraben-free hydrating body cleanser scented with grapefruit, orris, sea moss and vetiver.

Beautannia Brighton Body Lotion: Moisturize, soften and protect the skin while polypeptides encourage firmness.

Sai-Sei Mineral Revive Body Veil: Super lightweight hydrating body veil with essential minerals from Japan’s Toyama hot springs.

David Kirsch Thermo Bubbles: Thermogenic blend of vitamins, minerals and herbs to help boost metabolism, curb your appetite and promote lean muscle mass.

David Kirsch Ultimate Detox Diet: Comprehensive detox and nutrition system that helps to jumpstart your wellness routine.

Sunday Riley Liquid Diet: Helps relieve swelling, bloating and puffiness, and smooth the appearance of cellulite.

In Peace eau de parfum: A sophisticated yet serence white floral perfume that blends freesia and pimento flower blossom with French iris and mimosa in a sunsual base of sandalwood and tonka bean. Created in partner ship with Women for Women International, 10% of proceeds benefits their sponsorship program for women survivors of war to enable them to rebuild their lives.

Healthy Skin from Within: Nordic Naturals Complete Omega – 3.6.9

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There are a million reasons to take an omega-3 supplement everyday. One of the many is that EFAs or essential fatty acids control a large number of cellular processes in the body that directly relate to the health of your skin, hair and nails. Before I get to that, let’s look at the numerous benefits of fish oil.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are considered “essential fats” because they are required for optimal health but cannot be produced by the body. EFAs can be found in fish, flaxseeds, walnuts and canola. Fish oil supplies the most beneficial omega-3s, which are: EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Eating actual fish (mostly oily, cold water fish like salmon, tuna, herring and sardines) is the best food source of EPA and DHA, but due to concerns about toxins such as mercury, a fish oil supplement is the safest source.

OMEGA-3:  EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)

*Healthy heart and body*

  • Maintains a healthy heart and circulatory system
  • Enhances joint flexibility and movement
  • Promotes healthy immune function
  • Supports optimal metabolism and body composition
  • Promotes balanced blood sugar levels
  • Supports the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response

OMEGA-3:  DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)

*Healthy mood, mind and memory*

  • Supports learning and memory
  • Promotes positive mood and well-being
  • Supports and protects the brain, eyes, nervous and immune systems
  • Essential for the proper development of infants and children
  • Recommended by physicians for pregnant and lactating women

OMEGA-6:  GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid)

*Healthy skin, hair and hormones*

  • Nourishes hair and skin
  • Supports healthy joints
  • Enhances Hormonal Balance
  • Maintains optimal body fat metabolism
  • Supports positive mood
  • Supports a regular menstrual cycle

OMEGA-9:  OA (Oleic Acid)

*Healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels*

  • Naturally occurs in fish oil
  • A “good for you: omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid
  • Supports healthy blood vessel function
  • Promotes healthy cell membrane structure

Healthy Skin from Within:

Our skin cells need plenty of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. Without these, our skin can become dry, dull, prone to premature aging and even inflamed. There are two key essential fatty acids that your skin and hair will love. Since your body doesn’t manufacture them, they must be sourced through food and/or supplements.

Omega-3s in fish oil have been shown to:

  • Keep the skin hydrated thus helping to prevent dry skin and other skin conditions
  • Help soothe scaly, rough skin by reducing unnecessary inflammation
  • Improve blood flow and support the elasticity of red blood cells thereby providing more oxygen to nourish the skin
  • Encourage the production of strong collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis making skin look younger by reducing wrinkling and sagging

GLA is an Omega-6 fatty acid that occurs naturally in evening primrose and borage oils and has shown to:

  • Relieve dry skin
  • Reduce hair loss
  • Provide relief for eczema, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis

Your skin is the largest organ in the body and allows approximately 60% of “what goes on it, to go inside it”. Anything that increases the body’s ability to maintain integrity in our highly polluted world is a plus for your beauty routine.

Nordic Naturals is the leading manufacturer of fish oil in the United States. They are committed to delivering the world’s safest, most effective omega oils. The Complete Omega – 3.6.9 is an omega-rich blend that contains all the needed ingredients to support heart health, brain function, positive mood, healthy joints, as well as healthy hair, skin and nails. It has a fresh lemon taste that ensures no fishy smell, taste or aftertaste and all research is based on third-party test results – resulting in an honest and pure product. You will not find a better fish oil than Nordic Naturals.

How To: Glowing Skin

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Glowing skin is as easy as 1./2./3. For a special occasion or just to pamper yourself try these steps to achieve glowing, healthy skin.

1. Dry Brush: Rejuvenates, invigorates and rids the skin of accumulated toxins. Brushing the skin helps unclog pores, increase it’s ability to absorb nutrients, increase circulation to the skin cells resulting in a better metabolic cellular exchange and correct problem areas like cellulite. Healthy skin needs to breathe. Rid it regularly of dry skin cells and the body will react by producing new skin cells more rapidly. Your skin will immediately loose that dry, pasty appearance and feel silky smooth.

▶ Starting at your feet, brush in small circular motions. All skin brushing movements should be focused towards the heart, this will encourage blood circulation and lymphatic flow. Apply very light pressure in areas where skin is thin to avoid broken skin, rashes, or irritation.

2. Sea Salt Scrub: Sea salt, derived from evaporated seawater, is chock full of minerals and nutrients beneficial to the skin: magnesium, potassium, calcium chloride, sodium and bromide. These nutrients activate the circulatory system, nourish the skin, soothe the nerves and decrease arthritic discomfort. A good sea salt scrub can breathe new life into tired dull skin.

▶ Gently massage the salt scrub into the skin. Again, start from the feet and work towards the heart. Let the scrub rest on your skin for a few seconds to all allow all oils to absorb in the skin. If you can tolerate it, alternate between warm and cool water to really boost circulation – always ending with the cool water.

Favorite: red flower Italian Blood Orange Isla Das Rocas Revitalizing Sea Salt Scrub The fresh scent of orange blossom, grapefruit, lime and orange rind offer instant spa-esque invigoration. Key ingredients include: Salt crystals (harvested in the islands on the south atlantic coastline) unrefined and enriched with health-enhancing minerals / Sea algae, a protein and vitamin rich anti-oxidant / Aloe vera, naturally cooling, healing and moisturizing / Botanical essential oils, fresh and purely scented and certified organic oil.

3. Moisturize: Apply lotion to damp skin immedietly after bath or shower, this is when skin will retain the most moisture. All of the scrubbing done prior, will increase the ability for nutrients to absorb into the skin. Massage deeply into the skin using your favorite cream or lotion and/or my secret weapon…

Secret Weapon: Johnson’s Baby Oil Gel with Shea and Cocoa Butter Ever wonder how Victoria’s Secret models get that healthy dewy skin? This is it. The thick gel locks in moisture for hours and leaves skin soft, supple and shiny. (If the consistency is too thick for you, start with favorite lotion and then apply this product strategically to tops of shins, thighs, forearms and collerbone.)

Bikini-Ready & Healthy: Vega One

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Start your day off right with Vega One. This all-in-one nutritional shake provides the body with everything it needs to support a healthy and active lifestyle. Free from preservatives, added sugar, artificial flavors or colors, Vega One is dairy, gluten and soy free.

One serving of Vega One contains all this:

• 15g of protein (plant-based protein) / equivalent to eating 2.7 eggs.

• 1 billion CFU dairy-free probiotics / same as eating 100g of yogurt.

• 1.5g Omega 3 / providing the same per serving as 6 oz of wild salmon.

• 6g of fiber / equivalent to eating 3.2 slices of whole wheat bread.

• 3 servings of greens / same as three servings of nutrient-rich vegetables.

• 2.7 cups of antioxidants / equivalent to eating 2.7 cups of blueberries.

Additionally, one serving of Vega One delivers half of your daily intake of vital vitamins and minerals, and 1000mg of maca (rich in amino acids) and 500mg of chlorella (helps immune function).

With summer on the horizon, Vega One shakes are a great way to get bikini-ready. They are great for on-the-go meal replacements and will provide energy, metabolize fats, proteins and carbohydrates and facilitate in proper muscle function and repair. Also, daily protein shakes can help to provide a lasting feeling of fullness and limit total calorie consumption, resulting in weight-loss.

In my experience, it is quite difficult to find a protein/nutritional powder that is low in sugar and low glycemic level (measure of the effects of food on blood sugar levels). Vega One is sweetened with stevia extract and has no sugar, maltodextrin or sugar-derivitives added. On the Glycemic index it is impressively low at 19.2 – compared to popular brands that are between 30 and 45.

Available in Berry, Chocolate, Vanilla Chai (my favorite) and Natural, Vega One tastes great simply shaken with water or blended with ice. Or add a non-dairy beverage of your choice (favorite: almond milk), and all the veggies and fruits you can handle for a healthy, delicious and nutritious meal.

Favorite Shake Recipe:

• 1 serving Vega One

• 6 large strawberries

• 1 sliced banana

• 1 cup blueberries

• 2-4 kale leaves

• 1/2 cup almond milk

• 1/2 cup water

• ice

Blend & Go!

Simple Sponge: Konjac Sponge

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Konjac Sponge

Konjac is a natural food source that has been used in Japanese cuisine for over 1500 years. Ninety seven percent of Konjac is water and three percent is a dietary fiber. Rich in vitamins and minerals, the Japanese have been using Konjac sponges as beauty treatments for centuries.

The unique net like structure of the Konjac sponge, gently massages and stimulates blood flow and new growth of skin cells.  A naturally moisture-rich plant fibre in the sponge balances the acidity of the skin and leaves it extremely clean and refreshed with no need for additional cleansers or soap.

Available in diferent ranges, according to skin type, the Konjac sponge can be infused with clays and charcoal for added benefits. Pink clay has been used for tired, devitalized skin, green clay for normal to oily skin and red clay for dry and sensitive skin. Also, available in bamboo charcoal for very oily or acne-prone skin.

To use, gently massage sponge over the face and body in a circular motion. A cleansing solution can be added, but is not necessary. If added, the smallest amount is needed as the sponge will create an immense lather. Splash with warm water to reveal squeaky clean and refreshed skin.

Each sponge lasts for around one to three months and can be found at any health-food stores. Can be used on the most delicate, sensitive skin and is even recommended for newborn babies. The Konjac sponge is simple yet effective and works on every skintype.

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