How To Celebrate A December Weekend

Happy Saturday Lovelies!

It’s a week until Christmas, so I’m sure things are about to get crazy at your place.

This is your reminder to set aside some time this weekend for some TLC!

Here are some things to try: 

💕Take a bubble bath


💕Do something creative


💕Social media detox- unplug

💕Christmas movie

💕Hot chocolate w/ good book

💕Nap

💕Bake something yummy

What’s something special you’re doing for yourself this weekend?

We can choose to be content

When we are single, we're asked if we're dating.

When we're dating, we're asked when's the wedding.

When we're married, we're asked when will we have kids.

When we become parents, we're asked when is the second child on the way.

When our kids grow up, we repeat the process with them, expecting them to date, get married and have several kids.

It's never ending and never enough.

Before I had Ivy, I often felt like I wasn't complete until I became a mom. And it wasn't because of how I actually felt about myself, but because of how some people questioned and spoke to me, as if I couldn't be fulfilled until I had checked off all the right boxes.

But what if we decided to be content exactly as we are today, right this moment. And in turn, took pressure off everyone around us.

We can be content single, or not.

We can be content with children, or not.

We can be content with grandchildren, or not.

Happiness is a choice, so instead of living in the waiting room of what we wish for or think we should have, let's choose to find joy in the life we have right now.

Share this blog post with a friend who needs this encouragement today!

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**Shop my Low-Tox Products HERE!

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Supplements: my favorites and how I use them

 You may think cheaper supplements are the only option you can afford, but I'd argue that investing in better products is the only thing that makes sense.

By choosing the right supplements for you, with quality ingredients, you can be confident that your supplements are helping you meet your health goals and not wasting your money.

Check out my video below to find out my favorite supplements and why I use them:

Ningxia Red- highest antioxidant drink on the market

Sulfurzyme- great for hair, skin and nails and helps sore muscles and joints

Mineral Essence- every disease can be linked to a mineral deficiency

Super B- energy and mood support

Super D- Nick takes this for low vitamin d levels

Super Cal Plus- calcium, plus vitamin d and k, magnesium and trace minerals

OmegaGize- omega3, vitamin d3 and CoQ10

Slique- protein shake for smoothies, bowls, snacks, meal replacements, etc.

AminoWise- energy during excerise

AlkaLime- settles tummy troubles and eases bloating

As my health goals have changed, my supplements have also.

Let me help you get on track with your health goals by using our effective products!

DM me for your customized supplement bundle or Shop HERE!

*For more Tips & Tricks: find me FaceBook, Instagram and YouTube!

**Shop my Low-Tox Products HERE!

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Makeup: How to choose the right colors for your skintone

If you're like me, you're nervous to order makeup online because you're unsure of the colors.

I understand!

I've been using Young Living makeup for years and have figured out how to match my skin tone, so watch my video below as I explain how you can choose the right colors for you:

Look at your wrists, what color are you veins? Blue veins - you're cool toned. Green veins - you're warm toned.

Now, choose your foundation: If you're cool toned, choose cool. Warm toned, choose warm. I recommend Cool 2 and Warm 2 Loose Powders for most people I help since they seem to match many skin tones. Choose one or choose both Cool 2 and Warm 2and mix them to find your perfect shade. Natural Beige Liquid Foundation is another popular tint. Shop HERE.

Next, choose your Blush: Cool tones typically look good in pinks and warm tones usually look good in peaches. I love the Awestruck color.

Finally, choose your Lip color: Same applies for the cool and warm tones. I love Bedazzled lipstick for a pink pop of color. In lipgloss, I love the Maven and Rockin' pinks. Abundant gloss is a great light pink. And I always love the lip balms for a natural look.

And don't forget, we have a great eyeshadow pallet and mascaras. I like the Lengthening Mascara more than the Volumnizing option. 

DM me for your makeup bundle customized to your skintone or Shop HERE!

*For more Tips & Tricks: find me FaceBook, Instagram and YouTube!

**Shop my Low-Tox Products HERE!

***Subscribe to my blog so you don't miss a post!

Skincare: what products you need and how to use them

 I remember back in high school when I wanted to go to Beauty School. My parents would sing Grease's Beauty School Drop-Out to me (click here if you don't know what I'm talking about) and tell me that I could go to Beauty School after I graduated from college, with a degree. So, I went to college, tried to drop out a few times because I didn't enjoy it. But everyone kept telling me it would be different when I had my own classroom. After 4.5 years of studying, I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education, got my own classroom...and still didn't like it! 14 years later at the age of 32, I finally attended Beauty School...and I absolutely loved it! This is right up my alley, just like I thought back at 18-years-old. Don't feel too bad for me, though. If I hadn't gone to college, I might not have ever met Nick. So, college was super beneficial to me in the long run, for my M.R.S. degree.

Watch me talk about our favorite skincare products here:

Did you know that what’s ON you is IN you. So, what are you putting on you? Is it completely safe, non-toxic and actually good for you? Please take time to check every product and ingredient in your entire home using the EWG Skin Deep site or Think Dirty app. You’ll be shocked at what dangerous ingredients are lurking around! Beauty is not just how you look on the outside…it comes from what’s inside. If you are physically, emotionally and mentally putting “junk” in, that’s what will eventually be pushed out. The things we eat, drink, slather on, listen to, smell and watch all effect us on the inside, constantly helping us or harming us. I’m so thankful that Young Living takes time to ensure that their products are good and safe for us. I know it’s tempting to just use make up to cover up all the imperfections. But, instead, it would be better for us to take the time to address the problems so that we can enjoy naturally beautiful and healthy skin! So, skin 1st, then make up 2nd. Ok? Ready to get started?

Here are the 7 steps to beautiful skin (as mentioned at Young Living Beauty School):

Start with clean hands and in between each step, allow time for skin to dry.

1. CLEANSE: Wash your face daily, morning and night by going through all steps listed below. I like to double cleanse. Start by cleansing with one of these four below:

a. ART Gentle Cleanser won’t dry out skin and is suitable for all skin types, especially mature skin. It is formulated with orchid extract. Wet hands and face, squirt one pump cleanser in hand and massage onto face and neck in circular motions.

b. Orange Blossom Facial Wash is soap-free and is suitable for all skin types, especially younger skin. It is formulated with botanical extracts, minerals and fruit acids. Wet hands and face, squirt half a dime sized amount of cleanser in hand and massage onto face and neck in circular motions. This one is often a favorite for teenagers or adults with troubled skin.

c. Bloom Brightening Cleanser is perfect for discolored skin and it's creamy texture is great for all skin types. Bloom is powered by plumeria flower extract, sodium hyaluronate, and pracaxi seed oil that helps to both cleanse and hydrate the skin.

d. Charcoal Bar Soap is made with powerful skin-cleansing agents, moisturizing ingredients, and Orange Blossom essential oil blend for clean, moisturized, and fresh-smelling skin.

Shop HERE

2. EXFOLIATE: Our bodies naturally shed older cells, but as we age, the process is slower. Help keep skin fresh and bright by exfoliating with Satin Mint Facial Scrub a couple times per week. Do NOT over exfoliate, as this can aggravate skin. Although this is a scrub, it is also moisturizing, so it doesn’t leave your skin stripped of the healthy, natural oils. Wet face and neck and massage on skin in circular, massaging motion.

3. TONE: Balance the pH of your skin, remove left-over residue and close large pores by using ART Toner or Bloom Brightening Essence. Squirt small amount on cotton round and carefully swipe across face and neck when using ART. When using Bloom, however, squirt a small amount in your palm and pat over face and neck.

4. RESTORE: Serums often contain ingredients that are able to penetrate the layers of skin faster, so it is important to use one before moisturizing. ART Renewal Serum nourishes and hydrates and contains unique botanical ingredients and complex blend of traditional Chinese extracts, like orchids. After cleansing (and exfoliating a few times a week) and toning, apply one pump of serum and tap over face and neck.

5. MOISTURIZE: This step is important for protecting and hydrating your skin and should be done as often as possible or needed. A dry face now is a wrinkled face later. Apply a small amount of moisturizer to face and neck and massage in with upward, sweeping strokes. Here are the moisturizing options available to you:

a. ART Light Moisturizer helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, while being lightweight. It is perfect for all skin types.

b. ART Intensive Moisturizier helps reduce the appearance or fine lines and wrinkles and is a heavier option for long-lasting hydration. It contains plant cells and is the perfect night cream. Good for all skin types, especially mature skin. If you were using and loving Sandalwood Moisture Cream or Bosweilla Wrinkle Cream, this is Young Living’s replacement product that’s even better! It’s like the two combined forces and made an even better moisturizer.

c. Bloom Brightening Cream, AKA “moisturizer with benefits”. Bloom helps give a younger complexion by brightening skin tone and reducing signs of age spots, skin dullness and rough texture.

d. CBD Beauty Boost is packed with pure, potent CBD and essential oils to help maintain an even skin tone and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a more youthful glow.

6. REFINE: Help skin health by using a masque a few times a week:

a. ART Beauty Masque is an orchid based formula designed to hydrate skin and leave it more radiant. It is for all skin types.

b. Young Living Charcoal Mask is made with naturally derived ingredients to detox skin, purify pores, reduce the appearance of blemishes, and restore the appearance of an even skin tone.

7. TARGETED SUPPORT:

a. Wolfberry Eye Cream is conditioning, with wolfberry seed oil, and minimizes the appearance of fine lines.

b. Rose Ointment is a heavy moisturizer for dry, rough or chapped skin.

c. Young Living Lip Balms protect, moisturize and soften.

d. Essential Beauty Serum is the perfect moisturizing option for dry skin that needs an extra boost. Also, it can be use for any skin type for facial massage.

e. Mirah Shave Oil is so moisturizing that you can skip the body lotion after bathing. Also, it can be used as a hair oil for silky, smooth hair.

Shop HERE

Getting pampered at Young Living's Beauty School!

In addition to these steps for healthy, beautiful skin, don’t forget to get at least 10 minutes per day of full sun on your skin for vitamin D, but then use Young Living’s Mineral Sunscreen to ensure skin safety and beautifully aging skin for the rest of the day.

Also, don’t forget that nutrition plays a huge role in skin health. Do your best to reduce meat, dairy, gluten and sugar. The best diet is high in whole, plant-based foods such as veggies, fruits, nuts and seeds. Each time you put something in your mouth or on your body, you should be asking yourself, “Am I feeding disease or fighting it?” Make sure to take supplements like Young Living's Ningxia Red, Master Formula, Enzymes and Probiotic for optimal health. And don’t block your sweat! Your body sweats to eliminate toxins, which makes you cleaner on the inside and your skin more healthy on the outside. So, get Young Living's deodorant and be prepared for a bit of body detox as your body adjusts to natural deodorant!

DM me for your customized skincare bundle or Shop HERE!

Now that your skin health is in optimal condition, you are ready for make-up! Come back next week to learn more about Young Living makeup.

*For more Tips & Tricks: find me FaceBook, Instagram and YouTube!

**Shop my Low-Tox Products HERE!

***Subscribe to my blog so you don't miss a post!

22 Self-Care Ideas for 2022

Self-Care doesn't have to be expensive.

It just needs to be consistent and purposeful.

So, take some time each day, even if it's only 5 minutes, to take care of yourself.

Here are some simple, inexpensive ways to practice self-care starting today:

1. drink your entire cup of coffee while hot

2. go on a walk with a friend

3. take a bath with 8 drops of my calming essential oils mixed into 1 cup of Epsom Salt

4. read a chapter in a book you've been dying to read

5. bake your favorite dessert

6. paint your nails

7. take a nap

8. watch an old movie you love to watch over and over

9. journal your thoughts without filter

10. drink 100 oz water

11. FaceTime a friend you miss

12. diffuse my mood boosting essential oils

13. turn off screen 1 hour before bed

14. put on a face masque

15. get food delivered

16. drink a glass of wine in solitude

17. sit on your front porch alone

18. listen to your favorite song

19. stretch or do yoga for 20 mins

20. put on makeup

21. do a hair masque

22. donate clothes that don't boost your confidence

*For more Self-Care Tips & Tricks and Business Training: find me FaceBook, Instagram and YouTube!

**Shop my Low-Tox Products HERE!

***Subscribe to my blog so you don't miss a post!

Where have I been since 2019?

It's been years since I've written anything here on my blog.

I didn't miss it, but then, today, all of a sudden I did.

So, here I am!

If you followed me before, you were used to reading my posts on veganism, minimalism and travel.

You probably won't find much of that here now.

These years have changed me.

I've lost loved ones, become a mom, moved to Greenville, South Carolina, renovated another Fixer Upper, been through a Pandemic and come out as a new person.

Not sure who I am at times, but much more confident in who I want to be.

So what will you find here now?

I'm thinking a whole lot of self-care and a little bit of business.

Join me and let's inspire each other to be the best version of ourselves for those around us.

If you're here, let me know by leaving a comment below or sending me a message!