Copper Vessel Magic

An interest in yoga rarely goes very far without encountering the Ayurvedic teachings. My last blog post covered the necessity of dry brushing, an ancient technique rooted in Ayurveda. Today, I want to discuss the magic that happens when we drink water from a copper vessel – another practice found in these ancient teachings.

Here is the copper water bottle I use. It is FDA-certified and leak-proof.

As we delve more into Ayurvedic teachings here on my blog, I wanted to include a look at the etymology of the word.

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In Sanskrit, which is the also known as ‘the language of yoga’ – the word Ayurveda is literally translated to ‘life science.’ So, through these teachings, we can learn how to become more attune to the needs of our bodies.  We can view healing as something the whole body does, rather than just the ‘injured’ parts. We can learn how the systems of the body connect to function as one human organism.

Copper is considered an essential mineral for our body.  Ayurveda recommends storing water overnight in a copper jug and drinking it first thing in the morning.  The water stored this way is called ‘Tamra Jal’ and drinking this will work to balance all three doshas (Kapha, Vata and Pitta.)

Copper has an electromagnetic energy which is called Prana Shakti. Drinking water that is steeped for 3-6 hours in a copper vessel is very beneficial to the body – it helps maintain the body’s pH (acid-alkaline) balance.

Like everything else in life, the key to receiving the most benefit from this practice is balance. It is important to use this technique as a way to supplement your healthy lifestyle, but do not make this copper vessel your ONLY receptacle.

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It is advised that the best way to incorporate this extremely powerful practice is in a 3 months on/1 month off fashion.  

The following is a list of benefits you can enjoy by following the recommendation of drinking water in this way four times per week. 

  1. Anti-Aging: Say farewell to worries about fine lines and wrinkles, copper is your natural remedy.  Infused with powerful anti-oxidant and cell forming properties, copper fights off free radicals which are the main cause of oxidation in the body. Copper also aids in new cell formation. Out with the old and IN with youthful skin.
  2. Anti-Inflammatory: It is said that all sickness begins as inflammation. You can also feel inflammation in the body when you have aching joints or even arthritis. Drinking water steeped in a copper vessel can help to relieve pain in the joints caused by inflammation. In this same way, this practice can help with the relief of acne, eczema, and psoriasis (all three are evidence of inflammation).
  3. Regulates the Thyroid Gland: Experts agree that people with diseases of the thyroid have one thing in common: Low levels of copper. Copper is one of the most important trace minerals the thyroid requires to function optimally. A lack in copper will cause the deterred function of the thyroid. In this way, drinking water from a copper vessel can help to regulate the functioning of the thyroid gland.
  4. Melanin Production: Copper is the main component in the production of melanin – and melanin is the pigment that is found in our hair, skin and eyes. Say yes to brighter eyes and healthier hair! Melanin also helps to guard against sun damage and speeds up wound healing.

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Further reading from a blog partner: https://www.indianshelf.in/10-benefits-of-drinking-water-from-a-copper-vessel/

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Why You Should Dry-Brush Today

Spring is here and today I wanted to bring you a quick and simple guide to body brushing. Spring is THE perfect time to start a self-care practice like body brushing, and this blog post will explain why.

Using a stiff-bristled, natural fiber brush to gently stimulate the lymphatic system is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that I have been doing for over five years. Here is the link to the dry brush I use.

Let’s first discuss the lymphatic system in a little more detail.  This system operates along side the circulatory system. It is the network of vessels through which lymph drains from the tissues into the blood.  But unlike the circulatory system, which has the heart as its pump, the lymphatic system lacks an automated pump.

What does this mean?

We have to find ways to activate this system manually.

How can we care for the function of this very important system? Here are a few strategies we can use to improve lymphatic function:

  1. Any exercise that involves jumping
    1. Jump Squats
    2. Jump Roping
    3. Trampoline Time
  2. Dry Brushing
  3. Take time to reduce stress
    1. Yoga
    2. Pilates
    3. Deep Breathing
  4. Herbs and Ancient Remedies
    1. Milk Thistle
    2. Essiac Tea
    3. Manjistha Powder or Tea
  5. Perspiration
    1. Exercise
    2. Sauna
    3. Steam Room
    4. Hot Vinyasa Yoga
  6. Proper Hydration

Today I am focusing on body brushing in particular because it has the added benefit of getting your skin warm-weather ready through the method of topical exfoliation.

Other benefits of body brushing include:

  1. Reduced cellulite. Those lumps and bumps are the accumulation of strangled fascia and toxins. Gently stimulating blood flow across these areas will increase the drainage of unwanted build-up.
  2. Softer, exfoliated skin. Dry and flaky skin doesn’t stand a chance against your dry brush. This is something you can see immediately, the skin is instantly more smooth.
  3. Stimulating the nervous system. That’s right, not just the lymphatic system gets spoiled! You will  be able to feel the little bristles of the brush stimulating the nerve endings on the skin. You definitely feel it working.

How and when to body brush:

  1. I do it right before a shower, when skin is dry.
  2. I do it every day.  
  3. Move the brush across your limbs in the direction of your heart. Helping to move the lymph and blood towards your heart is a main component as to why this is an effective practice.

A few more tips:

  1. Be gentle. This should be stimulating, but not uncomfortable.
  2. The bristles will soften over time with continued use. This is a good thing.
  3. Access the mind/body connection during this practice! Use this as a time to praise yourself for taking a step towards a positive body image. Don’t get down on yourself.
  4. Stay consistent.
  5. The best time to brush is right before a shower, follow up with a rich body cream for luxuriously soft skin.

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Second Annual THIS VEGAN LIFE Gift Guide

This may be more of a “my favorite things” roundup versus an actual gift guide. But, if you have someone in your life (maybe even you personally) who is obsessed with yoga, all things vegan, reading, and metaphysical science – you have come to the right place.

Let’s see.

Lululemon Leggings: Don’t get lost in the many legging options, my all time favorite is the Wunder Under Hi-Rise Tight in FULL ON LUXTREAM. I own three pairs of this particular legging, in different colors. The high waist is perfect for pairing with cropped work-out tops. Lululemon also makes this legging in a different fabric called Luon, but the Luxtream is far better for practicing yoga. There are no extra pockets on the legs or zippers, making it great for rolling around on the mat. Shop here.

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Gorjana Power Gemstone Bracelets: These beautiful bracelets are made with real crystals -everything from Aventurine to Onyx. Read through the description of each stone to find the specific bracelet that resonates with you. Maybe it’s Garnet for revitalizing your energy levels or Amethyst for tranquility. Shop here.

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DermaE Skincare: I feel like I’ve hacked the world with this little secret.  I have started mixing my body lotion with a serum. We take utmost care of the skin on our faces and necks, why stop there? After getting out of the shower, I will dispense a few pumps of the Vitamin C Concentrated Serum into my hand to combine with my body lotion. It is hard to choose a favorite DermaE product, because their line is so wonderfully inclusive. I advise navigating their website using the “Shop By” tab – from there you can shop by Key Ingredient or Skin Concern. Shop here.

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Books: Here is a list of links to my favorite books of 2017.

Sunbeam Velvet Plush Heated Throw: Imagine an incredibly soft blanket with the power to spread warmth across your entire body with the click of a button. Imagine yourself enjoying a morning cup of Golden Magick Mylk (recipe here) whilst cuddled into said blanket. Make these musings a reality with this perfect electric blanket (which comes in a variety of colors). Shop here. Screen Shot 2017-12-15 at 7.42.56 PMGovinda Premium Palo Santo Sticks: This particular brand sources their sticks directly from Peru. I prefer these sticks to other energy clearing mechanisms because they are outrageously easy to re-light. Unlike my experience with sage bundles, you can actually reuse Palo Santo multiple times. Shop here.

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Angela Roi Vegan Leather Handbags: I own the Grace Cross-Body in the color russet. Having owned and used other high end vegan bags, I can confidently say that Angela Roi is my favorite. Fashionable and ethical, the brand doesn’t support animal cruelty OR sweatshop labor. If you are looking for quality and style similar to Tory Burch, but cruelty free – look no further. Shop here.

Secret-In-A-Tube Lipgloss: Kiss with confidence, not toxins (I love their slogan!) – but truly, who wants to slather their lips with chemicals? These glosses are 100% vegan, cruelty free, gluten free and organic. My personal favorite color is called Lit. It is a rich blackberry color; perfect to wear into the new year.  Shop here.

Jade Yoga Harmony Mat: This has been my mat for the past two years of practicing. I have the teal color. Jade mats are made in a sustainable manner with natural rubber tapped from rubber trees, a renewable resource. Unlike other mats, Jade mats contain no PVC, EVA or other synthetic rubber, and are made in the United States in compliance with all US environmental, labor and consumer protection laws. And, through our partnership with Trees for the Future, JADE PLANTS A TREE FOR EVERY MAT SOLD – with over ONE MILLION trees planted so far. Shop here.

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Magical Moon Lamp: If you love the ambiance of a salt lamp, you may enjoy a similar feel from these moon lamps. Great to have on during a meditation session to set the mood. Shop here.

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Shower Secrets

Today I wanted to share a few of my best tips for getting the most out of your showering experience.

Dry Brushing: This actually takes place PRIOR to showering. Dry-brushing is a fantastic way to stimulate lymphatic drainage. Use a brush like this one. On dry skin, use steady and solid pressure, always brushing towards your heart. Dry brushing not only physically exfoliates the skin, but also internally stimulates the lymphatic system.  The lymphatic system is comprised of spider-web like lymphatic vessels carrying a clear liquid called ‘lymph.’ Unlike the circulatory system which has the heart, the lymphatic system does not have a self-pumping mechanism.  For optimal health, we must make an effort to stimulate the lymphatic system on a daily basis.  In addition to exercising, dry brushing is one of the ways we can accomplish this.

Exfoliating Gloves: Soft skin is healthy exfoliated skin. Putting a small amount of body wash onto the gloves and then scrubbing with a gentle yet firm pressure is a great way to remove the dead skin cells which are preventing you from being your glowy self. Here is the pair that I use.

Shower Meditation: Alter your mood in the shower! As you wash and rinse, visualize any negative energies rinsing down the drain. Focus on positive thoughts and consciously let go of negativity. Do this during every shower for 15 days and watch your world improve in mysterious ways.

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March 2017 Favorites

March is here! It’s time to shake off winter for good. Snow, sun or a combination of both: Hopefully my curated list of current favorites below will brighten your day. Brace yourselves for a comprehensive list, it has been a wonderful past month.

  1. Green Juice: I adopted my current recipe from the Moon Juice Cookbook by Amanda Chantal Bacon. It is her ‘Goodness Greens’ recipe minus the kale. I’ve been juicing this little concoction every single morning. Notice I do not include any fruit, simply the most potent greens/herbs you can find. The taste is also surprisingly mild.
    1. 2 cups of spinach
    2. 1 cup of Italian parsley
    3. 10-12 stalks of celery
    4. 1 cup of dandelion greensFullSizeRender 5
  2. Dr. Greger’s Daily Dozen App: I’ve been using this free app to keep track of my nutrient intake. Michael Greger is a doctor who turned vegan after researching the affect plants have on the body. His book, How Not To Die, is a must-read for any person either suffering from chronic illness or looking to avoid sickness altogether. This app is a user-friendly guide to making sure you are eating the proper amounts of fruit/vegetables/whole grains/etc. per day. It’s so easy. Check out his YouTube Channel here. Use the search bar to find videos answering virtually any food-related question using scientific data. 
  3. Ageless Body Timeless Mind by Deepak Chopra: Did you know that aging is a learned behavior our cells can evade? Did you know that you can rapidly decrease the rate at which you age or even halt it altogether? Chopra explains how in this book. Ross and I have been reading a few chapters every weekend.  The information presented in this book is unlike anything I’ve ever been exposed to.Screen Shot 2017-03-11 at 10.58.55 AM
  4. Rose Quartz Crystals: For those of you who don’t follow astrology, you may not know that the planet Venus is currently in retrograde (approximately March 4th – April 15th). This means that Venus will appear to spin backwards on its orbit for about 40-43 days. Unlike other planets, such as Mercury, Venus seldomly retrogrades. In fact, it only happens every 18 months. This time period will allow for deep interaction with our higher selves. Meaning, self-esteem may take a hit or we may feel unusually vulnerable to our feelings of love or attraction. Venus typically epitomizes all things love, beauty, and creative expression. During a time of retrograde, these feelings could be stifled leading to creative blocks, dips in self-love, and/or feelings of unworthiness. Fear not, because Rose Quartz will help defend you. Rose quartz is the love stone of this age. Meaning, it resonates all things that the retrograde is dampening: Love, beauty, and creativity. I keep two stones in the most trafficked areas of my home and wear one bracelet of rose quartz as often as possible. 
  5. Bubble Masks: I had never tried a bubble mask before, but I enjoyed the Oxygenating Bubble Mask by Miss Spa. This particular one is a sheet mask which bubbles up and creates a foam-like texture on your face. We are using these masks once every two weeks. Product description below:

    The Ultimate in Recovery: Delivers refreshing oxygenating effect to revitalize dull, tired looking skin with white tea and pineapple extracts Give skin a breath of fresh air with miss spa® Oxygenating Bubble Mask. Infused with antioxidant-rich white tea extract, this self-activating crème mask turns into a refreshing, bubbly foam when applied to skin to reinvigorate and reenergize. Pineapple fruit extract and vitamin B3 work to gently help exfoliate and even skin tone, revealing optimum clarity and radiance. Skin is left looking and feeling hydrated, revitalized and healthier than ever.

  6. Adore: This 2013 film starring Naomi Watts, Robin Wright and Xavier Samuel is so delicious. The subject matter is taboo, however the beautiful scenery + beautiful cast + incredible acting is reason enough to seek out this film. The fact that it is shot entirely in 35mm Cinemascope also lends to the otherworldly, no rules observed sort of feelings this film will undoubtedly evoke.Screen Shot 2017-03-11 at 10.25.57 AM
  7. Sticky Fingers Restaurant (Washington D.C.): Located in our nation’s capital, this restaurant is all things vegan goodness. Cupcakes topped with an inch of vegan buttercream frosting, mac and cheese, burgers, burritos, and doughnuts …While I am decidedly happy that this mecca is over four hours from where I live, I am also excited to be traveling back there this month. After first sampling the vegan delights in August of 2015, we’ve chosen this destination as the celebration venue for our THREE YEAR VEGAN ANNIVERSARY quickly approaching on March 19th.
  8.  Ginger Tea: Herbal tea is caffeine free. For this reason, I have been enjoying this particular brew about an hour before bedtime. Ginger is wonderful for this time of year because it warms the body, helping to transition from the cold winter to the more vibrant spring. Not to mention the incredible affects this tea has on digestion. Want to increase your odds of waking up with a flat stomach? Drink ginger tea. But make sure to wait an hour+ after eating your last meal of the day. I am currently mixing freshly grated turmeric and freshly ground black pepper into my tea for added benefits. Turmeric is the root spice which gives curry dishes their bright yellow coloring. Because of turmeric’s high levels of the antioxidant curcumin, it is also recommended by the Daily Dozen App to have 1/4 teaspoon per day. Screen Shot 2017-03-11 at 12.14.56 PM

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Top 3 LUSH Products

After becoming the favorite of many bloggers and vloggers, Lush gained what some would consider a cult following. Their natural products are hand crafted using the freshest ingredients; meaning their products have an actual expiration date. Body balms, shampoos, face masques and more; all so fresh they could literally expire.  It is becoming widely accepted that processed foods with a long shelf-life aren’t the best for our health; Lush is applying that concept to our hygiene products.

Lovely scents aside, I can also get on board with their stance on animal testing:

We’ve been fighting against animal testing for decades and believe in only buying ingredients from companies that do not commission tests on animals. We only test our products on human volunteers, and have turned our belief into a company-wide policy.

See below for a quick list of my top 3 favorite Lush products. 

  1. Bubblegum Lip Scrub This lip scrub smells amazing, tastes delicious and it’s vegan. Why would you ever want to scrub your lips with any else?screen-shot-2016-11-06-at-12-24-11-am
  2. Veganese Hair Conditioner This conditioner is extremely light, which means it delivers massive amounts of volume to your hair. The herbal scent is lemony with an Earthy undertone. screen-shot-2016-11-06-at-12-23-58-am
  3. Daddy-O Shampoo Blondes, thank me later. As flaxen-hair babes, we understand the struggle that is brassiness. If you find your blonde strands to be yellowing, get your hands on this shampoo. screen-shot-2016-11-06-at-12-23-36-am

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Cruelty-Free Cosmetics

For today’s post, I bring you a much anticipated topic: Cruelty Free Beauty Products. Yes! I found a way to fuse two of my interests: Veganism & Makeup.

Not until I watched the documentary “Earthlings” did I begin to understand how cruel the cosmetic industry is to animals via animal testing procedures.  What’s worse, I even saw a puppy who looked exactly like my dachshund Sundae being tested on (during a scene from Earthlings).

Let’s discuss some current favorites:

TyraBeauty: Specifically, I am loving the Light in a Stick cream highlighter. This product melts into the skin to create the ‘lit from within’ glow that we are all looking for.

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Light in a Stick Highlighter ($25)

Too Faced Cosmetics: Mascara lovers, the search is over. I can honestly say that the Better Than Sex mascara is my favorite of all time. This product provides volume and length and DOES NOT wear off during the day. I have oily eyelids, so trust me when I say: I know the struggle. Recently I’ve purchased the Milk Chocolate Soleil bronzer and will vouch for it as well. It’s matte (perfect for the winter months) and smells decadently of chocolate.

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Milk Chocolate Soleil Bronzer ($30)
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Better Than Sex Mascara ($23)

Kat VonD Beauty:  Her products are Holy Grail status. Spoil yourself with one of the eyeshadow quads. I literally CAN’T even use my Urban Decay Naked Palette anymore because the KatVonD shadows are vastly superior. Pictured below a few of my favorites.

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Shade + Light Eye Contour Quads in “Rust” ($26)

 

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Studded Kiss Lipstick in “LoveCraft” ($21)

 

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Shade + Light Refillable Face Contour Palette ($49)
 

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Luscious Locks: A Coconut Oil Hair Masque Recipe

Sunday night is self-care night at the Cody household.  Face masques and hair masques for both of us, plus an epsom salt bath for me.

I’ve always had a self-care night. I can remember as far back as middle school; sneaking to steal my mom’s face masques and foot creams.

True girly-girl at heart right here. 

If you don’t already have a self-care night, I would recommend you adopt one.  It doesn’t have to be Sunday, we choose Sunday because it prepares us for the week ahead.  Here are a few additional ideas you may feel compelled to incorporate.

*Read.

*Get a Manicure. (highly recommended for men as well!)

*Get a Pedicure. (highly recommended for men as well!)

*Do a mini-declutter. Recycle three things from your wardrobe that you don’t love or regularly wear.

*Unplug for an hour. Switch everything to airplane mode and free yourself from the constant notifications of social media and email.

*Meditate. Even five minutes is progress. 

*Get fifteen minutes of sun exposure. (especially if you’re in a cold climate.)

* Do a Pinterest DIY

I started using this weekly coconut oil hair masque over a year ago now.  Here is the recipe and method for application of my Clary Sage, Lavender, and Coconut Oil Hair Masque.

You will need:

Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Essential Oils: Clary Sage and Lavender

Small mixing cup or bowl

Spoon

Hot Water

Hair tie or hair clip

Shower Cap

 

Coconut oil has a low melting point.  If you’re in a warm climate, your oil may already be liquified.  If not, simply submerge your jar in hot water.  This is the most natural way to melt the oil (compared to microwave or stove top).

Then, using your spoon, fill your mixing bowl with 2-6 tablespoons of oil.  This amount will vary depending upon your hair length.

Quickly touch the coconut oil to make sure it is not burning hot.  We are about to add the essential oils, which are quite sensitive to high heat.  We do not want them to evaporate. Once your coconut oil has cooled (but is still liquid) drip 5-8 droplets of both clary sage and lavender into the mixture.

Next, saturate your hair from root to tip with the mixture.  Make sure to apply this when your hair is dry. If your hair is wet, it will repel the oils. 

I typically leave this masque on for about 2-3 hours while wearing a shower cap. The cap traps heat onto the scalp which renders this mixture more effective.

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