3 Ways to Show Your Love

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show your love

Everywhere you look, pink and red is spewing about. You have the lovers and the haters of our most popular Hallmark holiday, Valentine’s Day. But whether you feel favorably about the day or not, it’s a good reminder to take a step back from our busy lives and really embrace the meaning of love. So how best to do that? Try any (or all!) of these.

3 WAYS TO SHOW YOUR LOVE

1. FLASH A SMILE

How often do we walk around with a frown on our face? A result of frustration, stress, deep thought — it makes us appear unapproachable, and it sends a harsh message to the rest of the world. Think about the people that you see that smile, though. Whether a quick glance while grocery shopping, or a full-on, hearty smile from your barista, how does that make you feel?

Good, right?
Maybe even a little bit warm and fuzzy inside?
Like someone cares, even though you don’t know them?
It makes you stand a little straighter, feel more confident?

Exactly.
So go forth and enable that feeling in others.
Flash the best version of your pearly whites that you can while you are out and about today!

2. SHOW SOME APPRECIATION

Back in the day, people used to write thank you notes for every occasion. These days, they’ve become somewhat of a rare occurrence. Oftentimes, we’re in a rush, so any sort of “thank you” is distant, indirect, or absent entirely.

Show your love to someone (or really, anyone) by genuinely letting them know how much you appreciate them. Whether it’s the mail carrier delivering your mail through rain or snow, your co-worker for picking up that latte for you last week, or your husband for just being him, let them know how much they are appreciated!

The feeling of appreciation goes a long way. Think of how good it makes you feel. Perhaps you will get in the habit of appreciating others a little more often.

3. GIVE ‘EM A HUG

A big ol’ bear hug can make a world of a difference some days. There’s a nurturing element to receiving physical affection from another human being (or pet!) that appeals to both our body and soul. Feelings of comfort, protection, and even excitement are expressed through the connection made by hugs.

Skip the handshakes and the waves today and show your love with a great big hug!

I wish much love to you. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Product Review: Splurge Skincare Natural Lip Balm and Body Scrub

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splurge skincare natural lip balm

Just thinking about…and smelling…and staring at these products makes me happy. Read this review then order some. Right. NOW. (Can you tell I loved these products?)

WHAT: The Rub and Lip Buttah
WHO: Splurge Skincare
AVAILABLE IN: Peppermint, Almond, Lemon, and Orange Chocolate (the latter is in Lip Buttah only)
COST: A .15 oz. tube of Lip Buttah is $7.00 and an 8 oz. tub of The Rub is $26.00
BONUS: You can pronounce all of the ingredients in these products!
RECOMMENDED SCENT: Almond (warning: you may experience strong cravings to eat said product)
FUN FACT: The line was created by two teachers, with the hopes of encouraging others to “splurge” on themselves everyday!
INGREDIENTS: The Rub – sugar, organic safflower oil, meadowfoam oil, glycerin, organic cocoa butter, organic shea butter, aloe vera leaf juice, sweet orange essential oil, bitter almond essential oil, vitamin E; Lip Buttah – babassu oil, organic cocoa butter, beeswax, sweet almond oil, organic castor oil, peppermint essential oil, vitamin E

I could hardly contain my excitement when I finally received the samples I had requested from Splurge Skincare. Being a lover of all things beautifying, and feeling the compelling need to discover and introduce others to natural, healthy, and safe beauty alternatives, I was pumped to give Splurge a shot.

Well, it’s been a month and I’ve already gone through half a tube of my Peppermint Lip Buttah—I never go through natural lip balm that fast, not even my Burt’s Bees. The Almond Rub gets busted out at least once a week, and I always have to double think about wanting to taste a little bit of it (I’m serious. It smells that delicious).

So? How do they measure up?

The Lip Buttah is luxuriously smooth and moisturizing. It does’t leave any residue, and it makes your lips soft and kissable. It comes in an oval tube, similar to that of Hurraw! natural lip balm. It comes in 4 flavors: Peppermint, Almond, Lemon, and Orange Chocolate. I sampled the Peppermint flavor. The scent was light, so it’s great for both men and women. I didn’t taste anything (which, if you read my last natural lip balm review, is nothing out of the ordinary for me). In addition to the classic flavors, these lovely ladies have also recently introduced a tinted line consisting of “Fling” (a luscious red), “Going Steady” (a sort of beige), and “In Love” (a pinkish nude).

The Rub is unlike any other body scrub I’ve ever used. It’s made with sugar, so the granules are fine and exfoliating against your skin without being rough. The organic cocoa butter & shea butter in it moisturizes your skin so that when you get out of the shower, you are glistening and your skin is quenched! It’s not greasy or harsh at all. In fact, I’ve found that I can skip my lotion or oil moisturizing session after a shower when I use The Rub, which, hey, anything that makes my morning beauty routine go faster is fine by me! I sampled the Almond scent, and it’s to die for. TO-DIE-FOR.

All of Splurge Skincare’s products are available for purchase on Amazon, as well as in a couple of local stores in New York and Massachusetts. I highly recommend the “splurge” on these, especially with Valentine’s Day just around the bend. As their tagline suggests, “spoil yourself naturally!”

How to Make A Green Smoothie

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green smoothie

These days, all you hear about in the health world is how delicious green smoothies are and how good they are for you. Ok, awesome. But how do you make one? What may be a seemingly simple task can intimidate those who have never tried them before. Never fear! Follow these steps and begin your brand new creative health venture!

It’s best to use a high power blender for these drinks. Oftentimes, conventional blenders simply don’t have the strength to get through everything inside. I personally use a Nutribullet (best purchase ever! You can find them at the Nutribullet site, Amazon, Bed, Bath & Beyond, etc.). Vitamix is another popular blender, as well.

HOW TO MAKE A GREEN SMOOTHIE

Your smoothie equation should be approximately this:

1/2 greens + 1/2 fruits + liquid + superfoods

Your “1/2″ amounts should be roughly 1-2 cups a piece, and you can absolutely put more/less fruits or veggies, depending on what you’re craving. This is simply a baseline from which to start.

GREENS
Spinach
Kale
Chard (Swiss or Rainbow are both stocked full with nutrients)
Romaine lettuce

Top off or compliment with: celery, mint, arugala, cilantro

FRUITS
Bananas
Pears
Blueberries
Raspberries
Blackberries
Apples
Mango
Pineapple
Strawberries

Experiment with different fruits. More fruit will result in a sweeter smoothie!

LIQUIDS
Non-dairy milks: soy, almond, or coconut
Green Tea (iced)
Coconut water
Water

One of my favorite milks is Silk’s Non-GMO Dark Chocolate Almond Milk. Mmm!

SUPERFOODS
Chia seeds
Flax seeds
Maca powder
Goji berries
Spirulina

Also try: raw cacao powder, pumpkin seeds, cashews, almonds

Some suggestions for your green smoothie:

  • Get creative! I love adding a scoop of chunky peanut butter to my green smoothies with chocolate almond milk, or vanilla whey protein powder to my green smoothies with vanilla almond or coconut milk.
  • Sneak some extra green in there: a scoop of spirulina is oftentimes hardly noticeable. Get those bonus nutrients!
  • Bananas and avocados make a smoothie extra creamy.
  • Want more of a milkshake than a smoothie? Throw in some extra ice cubes.
  • Freeze those banana! They thicken (and cool!) a smoothie.
  • Compact your greens after you put them into your blender to fit even more.
  • Make smoothies fresh for the best flavor and optimal nourishment.
  • Come up with smoothie concoctions that appeal to YOU! The last thing you want is to force yourself to chug down a glass of ugly goop.

MY FAVORITE RECIPES

  1. 1/2 spinach, 1 frozen banana, 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, vanilla almond milk, chia seeds, flax seeds (the recommendation is 1 tablespoon of each, but I love them so much that I just end up free-pouring), handful of ice cubes
  2. 1/2 spinach & kale, 1 frozen banana, chocolate almond milk, chia seeds, flax seeds, 1 teaspoon spirulina, raw cacao powder, handful of ice cubes
  3. 1/2 spinach or mixed greens, frozen fruit (mango & pineapple, strawberries & bananas, or mixed berries), green tea, chia seeds, flax seeds

After your first nutrient-pumped green smoothie, you’ll feel brighter, healthier, more alert, more energetic, positive, and satisfied (not to mention you will sleep so well). Turn green smoothies into a regular habit, and watch your health evolve!

3 Thoughts to Leave Behind in 2012

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2013 has finally arrived! With it comes an abundance of new intentions, dreams, and possibilities. However, just because the New Year has begun, doesn’t mean you’ve escaped all the baggage of the year passed. It’s important to look at your life and appreciate what you’ve experienced. It’s equally important, though, to let go of the negativity that has made its mark on you. You are greater, kinder, and wiser than those thoughts that run through your mind and bog you down. Leave these three thoughts behind, and get ready for success in the New Year!

1. “I’M NOT _______ ENOUGH.”

Fill in the blank with whichever adjective you knock yourself with the most. You think you’re not pretty/buff/skinny/sexy/smart/wealthy/talented/good/etc. enough.

First of all, remove the term “enough” from your thinking. “Enough” implies a plane of comparison to another person that just does not need to be there. It decides a level that you are supposed to strive for, and yet, who is it that decides that level? You do not, and should not, compare yourself to others because your strengths and weaknesses compared to theirs do not make you a better (or worse) person. Your worth is not measured by what you’re good at or how you look or how much money you have, so get that out of your head.

You are good.
You are beautiful.
You are smart.

Don’t let anyone tell you or make you feel otherwise.

2. “I WILL NEVER SUCCEED.”

Why are you putting a timeline on your “success?” Who are you to say that you will never do it? You are a magnificent being capable of many impressive things. Every morning that you get up and choose to do something that makes you happy is a success. Every moment that you love with your thoughts, words, or actions is a success. Trying in the first place is succeeding! The more you try, the more chances you have at success.

So I implore of you: never say never.

3. “I CAN’T DO IT.”

Even if you believe you can’t, tell yourself you can, because positive thoughts and words have a way of subconsciously affecting our psyche to the point where we begin to believe it. You have the intelligence and ability to achieve what it is you want to achieve. Look at the goal that you are struggling with and work backwards. What steps need to be taken to get to the end line?

Maybe you are a musician and you struggle with stage fright. Stage fright is a result of the fear of judgement and disapproval from others, heightened tension in the body, and lack of practice. Knowing that, you can put different actions into practice to combat those challenges. Rehearse your piece daily, until it becomes second nature. Practice meditation breathing so you can focus and alleviate your body’s anxiety. Look kindly upon others, and in turn you will understand looking kindly upon yourself.

Maybe, for example, you feel like you just can’t lose weight. Well, what is being overweight a result of? It could be a result of poor eating habits, a lack of physical activity and sleep, and the inability to deal with stress properly. So what do you do? Address each cause separately and make small changes to work towards your goal daily. Stop eating processed foods, and increase fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Stop watching TV until midnight, and instead go to bed by 10pm. Stop parking by the front door when you shop, and in turn get some extra movement and activity in your day by parking further away.

Every problem, every struggle has a solution. You can figure out those solutions and you can do it!

LET THEM GO

These three thoughts are toxic, and they tend to cycle around one other, creating a ton of negativity. In the new year, when you are faced with a visit from these thoughts, take a deep breath and let them go. You have the tools to fight, so use them. Create a positive and successful 2013 and know that you can do it!

Empowerment: You Can Do IT

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Whatever IT may be.

Maybe it’s quitting your 9-5 and beginning a start-up.
Maybe it’s spending more time at home with your kids.
Maybe it’s asking out that cute girl who stops by the coffee shop each morning.
Maybe it’s losing 80 pounds.
Maybe it’s telling him/her, “I love you.”
Maybe it’s selling your creations on your own web store.
Maybe it’s going on a national tour.
Maybe it’s choosing to stop listening to the judgements you think other people have of you.
Maybe it’s being intentional about making new friends.
Maybe it’s acknowledging you want more out of life.
Maybe it’s believing in yourself.

Whatever IT is, yes, you can do IT.

You have permission.
You have the ability, the talent.
You have the wit, the kindness, and the passion.

IT is something you are more than capable of.

You know that, deep in your soul, because it gnaws at you. It will continue to gnaw at you until you pay IT some attention. Until you give IT a chance to succeed.

You do not need to be afraid of IT.
IT will make you happier, your life fuller and richer.
IT will open the doors to dreams you only wished you could achieve.

Love IT. Nurture IT. It’s the place inside of you that beats and feels and dreams and believes that is the source of IT. So please, show IT a little respect. IT will care for you, as long as you do likewise.

Listen.
Give IT a chance.
You will feel IT in your gut: the excitement, the tension, the anticipation, the pride.

Because you can.
You can do IT.
Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.