May 16, 2013
A two minute mask? Yep, that’s right. With this fun, inventive mask, you no longer have to sit around awkwardly for extended periods of time, pretending to ignore the weird stares from your significant other. Also, the quick turnaround time makes this product an absolute lifesaver when I only have 15 minutes to get ready for a night out and want to look freshened up after a looong week at the office. That in itself makes it worth trying at least once.
But what I love most about this mask is that it leaves my skin is super bright and smooth as soon as I wash it off. It also has some subtle exfoliation properties, which I suspect is what helps create the glow-y effect that I’ve come to depend on. It’s also weirdly fun to use – it initially comes out like any other lotion but as soon as you rub it around your face and neck, it instantly turns into a foam. Two minutes and a quick rinse later, you’re good to go. No muss, no fuss.
My only criticism? While the label proudly proclaims that the entire M-61 Skincare line is paraben, sulfate, phthalate and synthetic fragrance / dye free, I wish it was a bit more forthcoming about all the ingredients. I went to their website, hoping to find a full ingredient list for this specific product but alas, could not find it. Skincare companies – please be more transparent about your ingredients, it will make my job much, much easier! Despite this oversight, I’m pretty intrigued by the philosophy behind the M-61 skincare line. Started by Bluemercury’s co-founders, Marla and Barry Beck, M-61 seeks to marry the best of holistic beauty with science. While I have yet to try most of the product line, I think it’s fair to say that they’re definitely on the right path with this mask.
Full disclosure: this product was sent to me by M-61 Skincare for review. However, I definitely plan on repurchasing this when I run out! Available on M-61 Skincare.
Categorized Beauty
Tagged 2 Minute Vitamin C Mask, Bluemercury, M-61, Tester Thursdays
May 9, 2013
I know that I’ve been pretty bad about updating regularly due to my crazy work travel schedule (I’m basically breaking the cardinal rule of blogging). I’m also taking on some very time consuming extracurricular activities over the next few months so my posting may or may not be a bit more sporadic than usual. But don’t worry – I will definitely keep coming back because of you! I have some very sweet and thoughtful readers who are always so ridiculously kind, which keeps me motivated to keep writing. A big, big thank you to you all for bearing with me!
Speaking of my wonderful readers, someone recently suggested that I share my weekly grocery list, which I can’t believe I hadn’t thought of myself. I love grocery shopping! I’m very, very fortunate to live a few blocks away from an amazing grocery store called Westerly Natural Market. It’s tiny and cramped but has the most wonderful selection of organic foods and natural care products. Best of all, the same items are usually cheaper than Whole Foods. Speaking of WF, I also live across the street from one, so I’m very partial to stopping in there for my precious kombucha and eggs (I’m surprised to say that I haven’t seen GT’s Kombucha cheaper anywhere else).
When it comes to my proteins, I generally buy from the local farmers’ market or order online. Since I eat so much animal protein, I insist on buying the highest quality I can afford. I’m a firm believer in the slightly updated adage: You are what you eat ate. For seafood, I love Vital Choice and for meat, I prefer US Wellness Meats. If I had to pick between organic produce or wild fish / grass-fed meat, the latter would win every time. You will also find that overall, I spend a lot of money on food and groceries, which I’m fine with because I barely shop. I’d rather sacrifice unnecessary clothing or shoe purchases to make sure I’m putting the best food and drink I can afford into my body. Of course in a perfect world I wouldn’t have to make that choice but it is what it is.
This is a sample of my weekly grocery list. Obviously this changes from week to week, this week in particular is a little ambitious as I’m not only cooking dinners but also making a daily green juice. And as a side note – I don’t need to buy staples like coconut oil and supplements that often so it’s not included here. Otherwise I think this is a good representation of how I shop for myself. Enjoy!
Categorized General Health, Nutrition
Tagged grass-fed meat, GT's Kombucha, US Wellness Meats, Vital Choice, Westerly Natural Market, Whole Foods, wild seafood
May 2, 2013
What would a week in LA be without hiking? While I am obsessed with classes like Refine Method, I love nothing more than working out in the great outdoors. So for this week, I plan to not do any indoor workouts to take advantage of all the amazing hiking trails (and the equally amazing weather here). While I’m definitely no expert, these are some of my must haves for my hiking adventures:
1. Fjallraven Kanken Mini – This is an amazingly lightweight backpack, making it the perfect bag to carry your hiking necessities without weighing you down. And best of all, it comes in a ton of fun colors to coordinate with any hiking outfit. It’s also super durable so you don’t have to feel like babying it when you’re out and about.
2. Badger Anti-Bug Spray - There are some people who just attract mosquitoes no matter what. I’m one of them. Because of that, it is absolutely imperative that I use a strong anti-bug spray. Of course I don’t want to avoid bugs by dousing myself in chemicals and DEET. I’ve tried them all and I think this is a great natural alternative that is filled with ingredients like castor oil and essential oils like cedar, citronella and rosemary.
3. The Honest Company SPF 30 Sunscreen – This one is obvious. I’ve only mentioned this sunscreen about eight thousand times. Please use a (chemical free) sunscreen unless you’re one of those people interested in wrinkles and sun spots. (no one)
4. La Vanila SPF 30 Healthy Lip Screen – People always seem to forget about their lips when it comes to sun exposure. Having a built in sunscreen with your lip balm makes it so much easier to protect your lips. As a warning, this lip balm is on the thicker side so make sure you rub it in really well!
5. Go Hunza Take a Hike trail mix - This appropriately named snack is my favorite trail mix ever. Filled with amazing superfoods like mulberries, cacao nibs and goji berries, it is the perfect source of clean energy for a long hike. It’s also super delicious so you’ll want to eat the whole bag all at once!
Categorized Fitness, General Health
Tagged Badger, Fjallraven, Go Hunza, Lavanila, The Honest Company
