Super Moon Spa Night

If you gaze up to the sky tonight you will see something that has not been visible since 1948. Something that will not be seen again until 2034. You will see a super-moon. Super-moons themselves are not all that uncommon; we just had one on October 16, and after the November 14 super-moon, we’ll have another one on December 14.

However, the November 14 Moon becomes full within about 2 hours of perigee, so it’s going to look the biggest it has in nearly seven decades.

I like the way Mind Body Green describes the happenings:

The full moon is a time of positive opportunity if you use it correctly.  It can increase your positive energy or conversely, it can wreak havoc on your emotions. 
 
Since the full moon pours down a tremendous amount of energy, you must be in a calm state of mind to receive a positive effect. Remember that whatever is going on in your body, mind and spirit will be amplified. 
 
If you are angry, you will feel angrier or if you are happy, you will feel happier. During the full moon, the ocean swells and emergency rooms have more patients. The energy is very powerful so it’s important to direct it with positive intention. 
supermoons
 
In order to harness the power of positive energy and to create the calm state of mind referenced above, I’ve put together a list of ways you can enjoy an in-home spa night to celebrate the super moon.
 
1. Have a Bath. Both the moon and water are wrought with feminine energy. A woman’s natural (versus someone on the birth control pill) monthly cycle is 28 days. The moon’s cycle of waxing/waning is also 28 days. The moon is receptive of the sun’s light, which is why we can actually see it. The moon itself does not generate light at all. It only appears to glow due to its reflecting light from the sun. The ocean tides are also directly affected by how close or far the moon is from the Earth. I will be using a classic bubble bar from Lush Cosmetics called “The Comforter.” This one in particular is a favorite of many bloggers, so I picked it up while in Chicago.
 
 
img_9845
 
 
2. Exfoliate While exfoliating, focus on physically removing negative energies from your being. Focus on watching these negative thoughts swirl around and go down the drain. Any emotional blockages which make it difficult for you to express how you truly feel, negative self-talk which holds you back from evolving into your best version, and especially thoughts of you not being the creator of your own destiny; take back your personal power. I just purchased a new sugar scrub from one of my favorite brands, Tree Hut.
 
img_9841
 
 
3. Drink Tea Non-caffiniated herbal teas are a lovely way to wind down after a long day. My favorites for this time of year are the spicier, heavier flavors such as chai or ginger.
 
img_9852
 
 
4. Bentonite Clay Masque In the spirit of removing toxic energies, I could not forget to include the application of this masque. Bentonite clay has a very strong negative electrical charge. Since many toxins have a positive charge, the clay bonds to them. When it comes in contact with a toxin, heavy metal, chemical, or other impurity, the clay will envelop the toxin and release its minerals for the body to use. In addition, Bentonite clay also pulls hydrogen from cells, allowing room for oxygen. This helps with circulation, and overall skin tone and health. I’ve been using Aztec Secret Healing Clay for years now, and it still continues to be a favorite. Following the directions on the container, simply mix with apple cider vinegar until a paste is formed.
 
img_9846
 
 

Signoff

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 

Go back

Your message has been sent

Rating(required)
Warning

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

Signoff

 

 

 

Go back

Your message has been sent

Rating(required)
Warning

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.

screen-shot-2016-10-20-at-2-07-14-pm
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.

screen-shot-2016-10-20-at-1-54-43-pm
Milk Chocolate Soleil Bronzer ($30)
screen-shot-2016-10-20-at-1-47-15-pm
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.

screen-shot-2016-10-20-at-1-34-44-pm
Shade + Light Eye Contour Quads in “Rust” ($26)

 

screen-shot-2016-10-20-at-1-35-13-pm
Studded Kiss Lipstick in “LoveCraft” ($21)

 

screen-shot-2016-10-20-at-1-35-32-pm
Shade + Light Refillable Face Contour Palette ($49)
 

Signoff

 

 

 

 

 

Go back

Your message has been sent

Rating(required)
Warning

Cinnamon Apples & Berries

Cinnamon Apples & Berries

Here is a delicious vegan breakfast option for you guys!

Ingredients:

1 Teaspoon Allspice

1 Tablespoon Cinnamon

2-5 Apples (Lady Alice, Braeburn or Pink Lady)

1 Cup Raspberries or Blueberries

My favorite apples for this recipe are the Lady Alice variety; however Pink Lady or Braeburn will work as well.  For the sake of tartness, I would not recommend using Red Delicious apples.

Lady Alice Apples

After you have washed your apples, it’s time to cube them.

Chopped Apples

If time is an issue for you in the mornings, you could chop these ahead of time.  Keep the apples from oxidizing by spritzing with a bit of lemon juice.

Next, we add the spices.

Unknown
1 teaspoon of Allspice
IMG_8451
1 tablespoon of Cinnamon

Combine the apples in spices in a medium sized pot.  I like to use a large wooden spoon to mix everything together.

Apples and Spices

Once combined, add just enough water to cover the apples.  Place the pot on the stove top and proceed to let the mixture simmer for about 7-10 minutes. You will know it is time to add the berries when the apples are squishy.

Raspberries

The berries should only be on the heat long enough for their color to brighten.  Watch this carefully, because they will quickly turn dull if left too long.  When you’re ready, remove the mixture from heat, place in a bowl, and enjoy!

IMG_8469

 

Signoff

 

Go back

Your message has been sent

Rating(required)
Warning

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

It’s no secret that I take self-care very seriously.  I believe we have the obligation to look after ourselves properly so that we are able to present our ‘best self’ to the world.  For today’s post, I am showcasing a few of my favorite ways to make sure I look and feel my best — with an added Valentine’s Day theme!

“Animals are not ingredients.” -Barbara Thompson

IMG_4645

Starting with one of my favorite cruelty-free and vegan products: LUSH Lip Scrub!  LUSH carries many different flavors, but “This Kiss” is the perfect little Valentine’s pick me up.  This lip scrub is made of food-grade, delicious vegan ingredients.  You simply apply a small amount to clean lips, scrub with small circular motions and lick off the excess.

IMG_7863 final

I’ve recently discovered Valentina’s Home-Brewed Pure Body Care while exploring the beauty section of Whole Foods.  These Magickal Mineral Bath Salts are lovely.  Run a hot bath, and mix in these salts for a detoxifying and sensual experience.  With the scent of chocolate and roses – the True Love variety screams Valentine’s Day.

Final

Roses are a classic gift idea this time of year – why not put an unexpected twist on the idea with 1,000 Roses Body Lotion by Andalou Organics?  In their words: This ultimate skin food blends rosehips and argan oils with fair trade shea and cocoa butters to smooth and soften dry skin.

Soothing rosewater, rose stem cells, pomegranate antioxidants, and ultra-hydrating aloe vera effectively protect skin’s moisture barrier and stimulate healthy cell renewal for an all-over body treatment.

Fruit Stem Cell Science renews skin at the cellular level, blending nature and knowledge for visible results.

Final 1

You can find Andalou Organics at Whole Foods and Earthfare.  I also use the 1,000 Roses Eye Revive Contour Gel.

Lastly, you may want to consider this Love Potion elixir by Aura Cacia Essential Oils. This spicy-sweet blend of mandarin orange, lemon, cardamom, sandalwood and other fragrant essential oils are perfect for setting the mood. Place a few drops into an essential oil diffuser and let the magic happen.  Find my favorite essential oil diffuser: Here.

IMG_7871 finalSignoff