Micro Ingredients - Top Healthy Recipes For Winter

This winter, I am trying to incorporate as many smoothies and healthier recipes as I can into my daily routine. Here are a few amazing smoothie, drink, and recipe ideas from my friends at Micro Ingredients!

Below, you will find some of the season’s top healthiest (and EASIEST) recipes, to keep you feeling great throughout these winter months.

Spirulina Smoothie Recipe (Above)

Recipe:

Organic Spirulina powder, Milk, Fruit and Nuts(optional).

Instructions:

  1.  Add ice to blender

  2.  Add 1 scoop of Spirulina powder

  3.  Add milk and blend!

  4.  Pour in the smoothie to a cup

  5.  Top off with your favorite fruit and enjoy!😍

Awesome Organic Beet Root Powder is a stunning pink color and can be used in smoothies and other recipes as a natural food coloring. Get yours here!

Tropical Fruit Punch Sparkling Drink (Above)

Recipe:

Organic Mango Juice Powder, Organic Lemon Juice powder, Organic Pineapple Powder, Hot water, Ice, Sparkling Water.

Instructions:

  1. Add 1 scoop of Mango juice powder

  2. Add 1 scoop of Pineapple powder

  3. Add 1 scoop of Lemon juice powder

  4. Add 1/4 of water

  5. Mix until dissolved

  6. Add Ice into the cup

  7. Add sparkling water

  8. Enjoy！

Also, this Chaga Mushroom Extract Powder, below, can be added to hot or cold drinks and compliments hot cocoa and coffee very well.

Avocado MCT Smoothie Recipe (Above)

Recipe:

Organic MCT Oil powder, Organic Stevia Powder, Ice, Milk, Avocado.

Instructions:

  1. Add half Avocado into blender

  2. Add 1 scoop of MCT Oil Powder

  3. Add 2 scoop of Stevia Sweetener

  4. Add Ice

  5. Add some Milk or Coconut Milk

  6. Blend

  7. Enjoy!

Psyllium Husk Blended Coffee Drink Recipe (Above)

Recipe:

Organic Psyllium Husk Powder, Organic Stevia Powder, Black coffee, Milk, Ice.

Instructions:

  1. Add 1 scoop Psyllium Husk powder into blender

  2. Add 2 scoops of Stevia Sweetener

  3. Add ice

  4. Add 2/3 of your favorite black coffee

  5. Add milk and blend!

  6. Pour in the drink to a cup

  7. Enjoy!

Matcha Latte Recipe (Above)

Recipe:

Organic Matcha Powder, Organic Stevia Powder, Milk, hot water.

Instructions:

  1. Add 1 scoop Matcha powder into cup

  2. Add ¼ hot water

  3. Mix until dissolved

  4. Add ¾ milk into another cup

  5. Add 2 scoops of Stevia Sweetener

  6. Mix until melted

  7. Pour dissolved Matcha

  8. Mix and Enjoy!

Above, the Organic Freeze-Dried Pomegranate Juice Powder is truly a gem! This is an amazing way to incorporate more antioxidants into your diet! Have a happy, healthy, and prosperous winter, friends!

CBDMEDIC + Me ~ Outdoor Adventures in Southern Illinois

This post is sponsored by CBDMEDIC but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Experience a new revolution in pain relief! CBDMEDIC is a topical ointment in stick form that is applied directly to the skin to relieve sore muscles. I love being able to choose a safe, effective, and powerful pain relief - allowing me to Play Harder & Live Better!

I visited CVS to grab the stick. I found it across from the pharmacy, in a nice CBD featured endcap. I loved getting to know the range of CBDMEDIC products.

CBDMEDIC - a CBD-infused topical for fast pain relief. Topicals generally do not enter the bloodstream, and they do not have to pass through the metabolic system before producing the effect. This aids in temporary pain relief. This would be great to keep in your travel bag too, since the lid fits nice and securely.

This incredible rub-on CBD-infused stick relieves sore muscles through other active ingredients like camphor, menthol, and clove oil. Many other natural oils and ingredients are utilized.

About the product, from the brand. "Our Active Sport™ Deep Muscle Rub and Solid Sport Stick provide advanced pain relief while continuously delivering our proprietary formulation that increases blood circulation and reduces inflammation. Active Sport™ products can be applied before, during, and after workouts, so they work when you are ready for them. From strains and sore muscles to joint distress and muscle pulls, our Active Sport™ line can offer highly effective relief and get you back in the game"!

Play harder & Live better!

With all the fun outdoor activities we do here in southern Illinois, it takes a toll. Sore muscles are no joke, and while I try to stretch or fight through the pain, sometimes I definitely need something. This lotion was really nice, and easy to apply since it’s in a twist-up applicator.

We are so fortunate to have such immense natural beauty here in southern Illinois. We have lived here for about 13+ years, and we used to hike and camp all the time. We loved it, but the heat would keep us inside more and more. It gets extremely hot and humid here, and there is rarely a cool breeze to greet us.

We recently headed to a friend’s cabin and I tried Stand Up Paddling (SUP). While I have kayaked and paddled quite a bit recently, I have never gotten the chance to SUP. It was great.



As I mentioned, we have kayaked a lot lately. Last Fall, we got a two person kayak, and learned that the best way to actually enjoy summer here is on the water. Paddling can definitely hurt my arms and shoulders, almost making my body feel tight. It’s always nice to know that I have been exercising and working those muscles, and this CBDMEDIC offers fast relief, and then you can go on with your day.

If you would like to learn more about CBDMEDIC, visit them on social media, or their website, here!

Why You Should Be Using Bioré Witch Hazel Products

This post is sponsored by Bioré, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own. #BioreWitchHazel #BioreAmbassador #BioreBabe

Have you ever been curious about adding Witch Hazel into your skincare routine? Witch Hazel reduces redness and inflammation on your facial skin and boasts other amazing results too.

Get amazing skincare results with Bioré Witch Hazel products from Walmart (they always have the BEST prices!)

Wicked Pores? What is hiding in your pores can be downright scary and these extra-strength pore strips are no hocus pocus! Working like a super-magnet, they lift out even the most stubborn blackheads and deep down dirt & oil that can lead to complexion problems. YIKES! Formulated with Witch Hazel, known to tighten pores & for its astringent properties, these strips deep clean, remove blackheads, refine pores, and help prevent future breakouts.

Shop Bioré Witch Hazel Pore Strips Here.

Shop Bioré Witch Hazel Toner Here.

This product came into my life at a wonderful time! We are heading to the Florida Keys TOMORROW, and like most other vacations, I always try to get my skin looking great before heading anywhere that I’ll be in a suit, lol!

I have used the pore strips about four times in the last two weeks and WOW, my nose looks awesome! The pore strips have a witch hazel scent to them, which also acts as a bit of a way to open up the sinuses! While I have used other pore strips before (both the original ones and their Charcoal pore strips - you can read all about that in my post here)

HOW TO USE BIORE PORE STRIPS:

1.) Wash face and dry completely. Open pore strip and remove plastic backing. Wet the pore strip on the slick side, with a few drops of water and your finger tip.

2.) Stick pore strip onto nose, then smooth out onto nose with finger tips. Apply a bit of pressure so that the pore strip can really connect with your blackheads, and grab them!

3.) Wait about ten minutes, and once the pore strip has completely hardened, it’s time to remove it. I always recommend starting to remove the strip from one of the lower corners, but if there is anywhere it’s already starting to separate from your nose, begin there. Remove completely and use a bright light to check out all the blackheads you just removed!

4.) Make sure to then use a bit more water to remove any residue that the pore strip. That’s it!

WITCH HAZEL TONER:

This light-weight Toner with witch hazel helps restore skin’s balance as it deep cleans and removes residue a cleanser might have missed. Witch Hazel is known to tighten pores, while salicylic acid controls oil and treats blemishes. When Bioré® Pore Clarifying Toner is combined with this botanical astringent, wicked skin issues disappear faster than you can wave a wand.

BENEFITS OF WITCH HAZEL:

Long known for its astringent and pore cleansing properties, Witch Hazel is a multi-purpose remedy. The natural ingredient is known to tighten pores, purify, refresh and help heal skin. When Bioré® Pore Clarifying Toner is combined with this botanical astringent, wicked skin issues disappear.

Not all pore strips work like Bioré® Pore Strips! Unlike other pore strips, Bioré® Witch Hazel Ultra Deep Cleansing Pore Strips use a blend of C-bond technology to safely remove dirt, oil, and blackheads. These strips work like a super magnet, locking onto and lifting out deep-down dirt, oil, and EVEN blackheads from your most clogged pores. Bioré® Deep Cleansing Pore Strips are the trusted, dermatologist-tested way to purify pores. 

Long known for its astringent and pore cleansing properties, Witch Hazel is a multi-purpose remedy. This natural ingredient is known to tighten, purify and refresh your pores!

LEARN MORE ABOUT WITCH HAZEL

Here is an image of the Witch Hazel plant, found here on bhg.com. While there are at least four varieties of the plant, this one is called “Sandra” Witch Hazel.

Witch Hazel is a very pretty flowering shrub that has a pleasant scent and surprisingly loves cooler temperatures. It’s apparently relatively easy to grow in full sun, and blooms in late winter to early Spring.

Witch Hazel may traditionally bring to mind its use in skincare products, the plant itself is so bright and eye-catching.Witch Hazel has the benefits of making your garden look as beautiful as your skin will after incorporating this amazing product into your routine! With ribbon-like flowers and golden-yellow color, witch hazel releases a spicy scent when it blooms in the fall.

Music Festival Prep - Top Skincare Ideas and More!

If you're heading to a music festival this year, have you thought about your pre-ffestival skincare routine? Feel your best and most confident with two awesome products that are infused with charcoal. Meet the Bioré® Self Heating One Minute Mask and the Bioré Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strips at Amazon. They are also available at Target.

it's best to get started with your new skincare routine at least a few weeks in advance, so you are sure that you are comfortable with what any product does to your skin. These two products were very lightly scented and washed off super well - they left my skin feeling super cleaned and fresh!

Remember, clear skin means that all of those cute festival clothes will look amazing on you!! 

MUSIC FESTIVAL SKINCARE IDEAS:

1. Deep clean with masks and pore strips.

In addition to the Bioré Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strips, shown above, I have been using the Bioré® Self Heating One Minute Mask twice a week. They give my skin a "finally clean" feeling, that also doesn't feel super tight and dried out. Since it does remove white a bit of oil too, I will surely use it even more regularly once the weather begins to get hot and humid in a month or so - just when festival season begins. 

I do believe that the mask has helped me get lots of blackheads out, which I thought were there to stay forever. My forehead had a pesky breakout that would not go away. After using the mask twice, I only have a couple left! Not bad. This mask heats up in your hands, so it's like a spa treatment of sorts. I love the warmth on my face, it's really relaxing. 

Incorporate deep cleaning into your skincare routine with pore strips and deep cleansing facial masks. 

2. Moisturize

Even though ti may be more humid during festival season, it's important to continue to moisturize your face and body, which will in turn make your skin super smooth and ready to go! 

3. Avoid Excessive Dairy and Sugar Consumption

One easy way to get your skin AND your body looking great is to avoid drinking lots of milk or eating a lot of cheese. I wound up giving up my daily milk and cereal "habit", and my skin has never looked better! I also find that it is much easier to keep off that excess few lbs without having to do a ton of extra physical activity when I simply avoid milk. That is fo course just my observation. Of course, sugary sodas and juices and desserts can also have the safe effects. 

4. Plan on using a higher SPF

Avoid excessive sun exposure by giving into using a higher SPF in the 50-100 range. You will still surely get a tan without having skin damage later in life. Pack a skin-friendly, spray style sun tan lotion every few hours, even if you won't be in direct sun. 

5. Exfoliate

With the possibility of wearing sandals and light, airy clothing throughout the whole festival, you might want to try exfoliating your skin 2-3 times a week. Your skin will be baby smooth and if you follow up with lotion, you're all set. 

6. Get some rest

Since you might be walking around, dancing, and staying up a little bit later during the festival, it's important to store up a bit of rest that time leading up to the event. 

Check out links to purchase the products below! Available on Amazon.com and at Target. 

Free Your Pores With Charcoal From Bioré

Since spring and summer are fast approaching, and there are just more reasons to get out and do fun things, it's a great time to transition that dull winter skin into glowing, clear, clean skin for Spring, Summer, and beyond! 

Throughout this post, I had the chance to get to know a couple new charcoal-infused facial products, the Bioré® Self Heating One Minute Mask and the Bioré Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strips at Amazon. They are also available at Target.

I am always looking for more natural ways to incorporate more spa like treatments to my skincare regimen whenever I can. 

Keep reading to learn what I thought after using both products - I guarantee these are a great item to incorporate into the getting Summer Selfie Ready!!! Have you ever used either of these products?

HOW TO USE (FROM BRAND'S WEBSITE):

Before using, please read cautions and usage instructions. For best results, use on clean face.

1. WET FACE. Leave face wet – the Bioré® Self Heating One Minute Mask is activated by water.

2. APPLY MASK. Dry hands, open single-use packette, dispense contents into hand and apply mask to face. You may add a little water to your fingers to help spread the mask and activate warming.

3. MASSAGE for about 1 minute. As you massage, the mask will heat up. For more heating action or for your preferred consistency, massage in a little water. The mask does not dry/harden.

4. RINSE. After one minute has passed, thoroughly rinse with water to remove the mask.

HOT IT WORKS

Heats on contact with water to open pores and draw out pore-clogging dirt and oil, then cools leaving skin tingly smooth and refreshed.

This product seriously heats up right away! Just as I squeezed the mask into my hands, it started warming up in just a few seconds. It was thick, almost like the consistency of moistened baking soda. It was slightly thicker than any other face mask I have ever used, but the neat thing is that it is fun giving yourself a heated facial massage. I made sure to do this before a shower and it rinsed clean within a couple of minutes. I thought it would be sort of hard to rinse this completely off with just the water at the sink. 

My face felt dry in a good way afterwards, making certain stubborn blackheads actually release easier than without the help of the mask. Win! I love this product and I will likely use it every few days, and since it heated up, it was nice because I am ALWAYS cold, so this did help with that too.

HOW TO USE (FROM BRAND'S WEBSITE):

1. Wet nose

2. Peel strip off plastic & apply to nose smooth side down

3. Wait 10-15 min

4. Peel off strip starting at edges

5. Check out all the dirt & oil…if you're into that sort of thing

"Remove weeks (yes- weeks!) worth of pore gunk with just one strip. With natural charcoal, pore strips suck out deep-down dirt, oil and blackheads, leaving skin feeling fresh, clean and 3x less oily. These Biore With Natural Charcoal, known for its ability to draw out and trap deep-down impurities". 

They are a bit different than the original pore strips that I remember using in high school and really up until this point. The charcoal version is a bit thicker and so I think they do have more blackhead extracting power! I feel the pore strips actually putting some pressure on my skin as they dry, which makes me think they are sticking really well. 

Once I removed the pore strip, The pore strip came off of my nose way easier than the white colored strips, which I liked a lot better. I did have a bit of charcoal residue around my nose, but I just used a bit of water and rubbed in that awesome charcoal onto the skin around my nose. I thought that was actually nice being able to have even a bit of a deep cleansing step after the strip!

Since the strips are black, it is a bit harder to see the blackheads on them. I used a little magnified mirror that I had, and could see tons of little bits of dirt that the strip had removed. I think the strips are overall better at removing smaller dirt that can turn very quickly into something worse, so it's always nice to use these strips at the preventative stage. 

I am excited to give some of these to my friends and see what they think too! 

Once I pulled the pore strips off of my nose, I of course immediately checked for blackheads on the little pore strip. It's so gratifying to see all that dirt that had NO business being stuck on my nose :)

Check out links to purchase the products below! 

The Bioré One Minute Self Heating Mask  

Bioré Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strips

Transform Your Hair With Vanity Planet + Learn How To Sew This Boho Fabric Headband!


Sponsored Post: This post is sponsored by Vanity Planet but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
#VPbeauty #VPtransformsummer #VanityPlanet

I have had this urge to refresh my routine lately, and I wanted to share a unique product from Vanity Planet, a company that I have loved for some time now. My hair has been a bit lackluster lately. I am not one to use a lot of heat on my hair, and I try to use sulfate free products whenever I can (mainly shampoo and conditioner). I am also one who washes my hair every single day. I have read so much about not doing this every day, but all of that dirt and oil that is in my hair each morning, makes it nearly impossible for me to miss a day of washing, no matter WHAT the experts say!

So, I am excited to try out this Moisturizing and Restorative Hair Treatment from Vanity Planet soon. The brand was so kind to send this hair treatment and also a neat product called the Groove (a scalp massager). I will also give this tool a try soon, which is supposed to help lather in the product. I have super long hair, and I am thinking this is going to be a helpful tool for someone with short hair, that would not tangle into it like longer hair could. My mom has short hair, so perhaps this could be a cute Mother's Day gift, too!

Also, I now you're going to love this super easy DIY Sewn Fabric Headband, because a good headband, that fist like a dream is hard to find. They're either too tight for me, or never fit just right. I used this fun Hair Treatment as inspiration for this post. See this awesome, DIY Fabric Headband in the photo, below.

Since it's already graduation season, and it's almost Mother's Day, I thought this would be a super cute, very thoughtful gift idea for a woman in your life!

I love having an army of headbands, just in case I need a cute way to keep my hair where it's supposed to be in the car on a road trip, or perhaps I just want my hair to be extra cute?! It gets so hot and humid here each summer, that my hair does what it wants when the temps rise. Also, I love being able to pull on a headband while I'm washing my face - I can't stand when my hair gets drenched while I'm at the sink! 

I also figure that this adorable headband would be amazing for Festival Season! Pair it with jean shorts and a patterned, flowy tank top, or wear it with an adorable dress! Any camping trip would benefit from a cute headband or two. 

Even better, Vanity Planet has TONS of sales going on right now, on products ranging across categories like 25% Off HAIR PRODUCTS, 70% Off SKINCARE, and 70% Off MAKEUP BRUSHES!

LET"S MAKE A HEADBAND!!

1.) Cut your materials: 1 Piece at 20" x 6.5", 1 piece st 8" x 3" and a piece of elastic at 5". I used a curtain-like material, that I loved so much! But, it was slightly difficult to sew. Instead, feel free to even use an old t-shirt, other jersey knit fabrics, or any sort of lightweight cotton or even seersucker material. I have made LOTS of these headbands in the past, and love each and every one!

2.) Fold the 8"x3" piece in half, right sides together, and pin lengthwise. Sew this up to create a tube. Turn it right side out. Also, double fold down a small portion of the long sides of the 20" x 6.5" piece to hide raw edges. Use an iron to make flat folds, or just eye it. 

3.) Attach a large safety pin to one end of your elastic, and pull it through the tube you just created. Line the ends of the tube and the elastic up, and sew them together. Next, pull the safety pin all the way through, so the whole safety pin is out of the tubs. This will scrunch the tube a bit. While holding onto the safety pin for resistance, sew the other end of the elastic into the tube (sew across a few times so it's safe). Cut excess elastic and safety pin away and you have a scrunchy tube!

4.) Now, sew the scrunchy tube to the rest of the material. Place the scrunchy tube on top of the longer piece of fabric, right sides together. Place the scrunchy tube about 2/3 of the way into the bigger piece, and use an accordion fold to sandwich the scrunchy tube into the larger piece. Pin and sew across the fabrics to join them. Attach the scrunchy tube to the other side of the big piece of fabric, and again, sandwich the scrunchy tube into the other piece of fabric with an accordion fold. Cut off lose threads and turn right side out. Now, you're done! 

And, there you have it, the cutest headband around! 

Also, I love my SpinBrush, that I got last year, It's very effective in getting dirt and oil off your face, as well as all those dead skin cells - perfect for rising summer temps. This is a great travel companion, too! Get 70% Off, by using code SpinSpring70 at checkout.

Also, Vanity Planet is offering a huge selection of new products like this set of Makeup Brushes, which you can try out at 70% off, by using code MakeupSpring70 at checkout, too!

Tips On Making A Mother's Day Gift Basket + Le Petit Marseillais - Say Bonjour To France's #1 Body Wash - Now In The U.S.

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SoFreshSoFrench #CollectiveBias

One of France’s biggest beauty secrets is out – say “Bonjour” to Le Petit Marseillais™, France’s #1 body wash brand that is finally here in America. This carefully-curated Walmart collection is available beginning in March and features 17 products, located in the specialty bath & body aisle, where loofahs are sold. I had the opportunity to test out some of these incredibly wonderful products, and I am so excited to share them with you! You will find these products at a very reasonable price point too. I am considering grabbing myself a few of the scents, and am also looking forward to being able to gift these in a Mother's Day Gift basket soon. The full collection can be found in Walmart and also online! I am also sharing some early Mother's Day Gift Ideas, all of which you can customize to your mom's favorite scents and taste preferences. Also, get a quick and easy DIY idea to add into your gift basket. Enjoy!

Shop online for the whole line of products at walmart.com.

Learn all about the brand on their website, here.

Follow the brand on Instagram here.

And, connect with them on Facebook, here.

Le Petit Marseillais™ was originally created in the sunny harbor of Marseille, a city on France's southern coast. It was an important trading center in the region, where the founder, Bernard Lengelle, fell in love with the region's fragrant artisan soap made with local olive oil. Utilizing ingredients deeply rooted in sunny Province, a French region known for its Earthly riches, simple values, and joie de vivre - joy of life, these products are well-loved among those who live in and those who travel to France. Upon reading lots of positive reviews of the brand, I learned that customers are extremely excited that this line is finally available in the US!

I was fortunate enough to receive a shipment of the following items to feature in my post. I have since seen the whole line of products at various Walmart locations, and I am excited to try the entire line - at this price point, I can definitely afford to test a few of them out! Read on to see what I thought of each product. The entire collection includes an assortment of eight body/hand moisturizers, two liquid hand soaps, six body washes and a bar soap with prices ranging from $3.99 - $7.97.

  1. Le Petit Marseillais™ Orange Blossom Extra Gentle Shower Crème Body Wash
  2. Le Petit Marseillais™ Orange Blossom Extra Gentle Hand Soap
  3. Le Petit Marseillais™ Shea Butter, Sweet Almond & Argan Oil Nourishing Body Milk Lotion

If you're looking for a beautiful and easy way to add a bit of a personal touch to your gift basket, here is an idea! Simply use fabric glue, hand stitch, or use a sewing machine to attach ribbon to some wash cloths or hand towels. I used a tropical printed ribbon because I love the fresh and sunny appeal of this line of products. I originally wanted to use some ribbon in an orange hue to match the packaging, but nothing looked quite right in the orange ribbon section. This retro-tropical pineapple ribbon from a fabric store jumped right out at me, and it looked amazing on these white towels. Alternately, feel free to use towels and ribbon (or any trim will do) in whatever colors would go with the recipient's bathroom.

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR GIFT BASKET

Lotions, Soaps, Body Washes - Treat Mom (or grandmas, step moms, aunts, friends, really anyone special) to something that will nourish their skin and smell delicious.

Something Tasty and Sweet - I opted to include a delicious chocolate bar that was dark chocolate infused with oranges, because I thought that would pair perfectly with the scent of these body products.

Something Hand Made Or Personalized - like I mentioned, I embellished these cute cloths and think they really added a very personal touch to this gift basket.

Fresh Flowers - I opted for local wildflowers from our property, but feel free to purchase a bouquet that coordinates in color or scent with the other gifts items.

And For The Basket - Feel free to use a basket or container that the recipient can use again and again, and will always think of you when she uses it. This wooden crate was perfect to reiterate the Earthy and adorable look of the gifts inside. I also used colorful tissue paper in the bottom of the basket to secure items inside, and also help raise the bottles up to different heights for visual interest.

As soon as I received these goodies, I tested them out. I wanted to make sure I was gifting my Mom good products, of course. First, I tried the Le Petit Marseillais™ Orange Blossom Extra Gentle Hand Soap. Gentle it was! I definitely do not use a lot of scented products, but this line contains such light, refreshing scents that I was instantly intrigued. I am also pretty particular about hand soap, because I love when my hands feel extra clean, and grease free, and this worked super well. It left just a light scent of orange blossom, and I loved it.

Next. I tried out the Le Petit Marseillais™ Shea Butter, Sweet Almond & Argan Oil Nourishing Body Milk Lotion. I have also had less than appealing results with Milk Lotions in the past, because they can sometimes feel a bit "watery", but this one is definitely different than anything I've tried in the past. I am currently in Arizona, so my skin has been extra dry from the arid climate. Well, this lotion is my new best friend! It also has that light, fresh orange blossom scent (a very realistic floral aroma), and moisturizes extremely well. I did not have to reapply until the next day! And, the pump style bottle is very easy to use. So happy with this lotion.

Lastly, I used the Le Petit Marseillais™ Orange Blossom Extra Gentle Shower Crème Body Wash during my shower the following morning, and this has the best lather and foaming qualities of any body wash I've ever used! Again, it contained that light, fresh scent that I love, and cleansed very well. It was definitely gentle, as the name implies, and I felt extremely clean and also moisturized after the shower. There appear to be no harsh ingredients in these products, making me so happy that I found out about them. 

Overall, I am extremely happy with this line of products, and I know you and whoever you choose to gift them to, will also adore the whole line of simple, breezy, and uncomplicated products by Le Petit Marseillais™. 

I am so fortunate to be spending some time in Arizona, and was able to source some orange blossoms in the neighborhood. Everything here in the desert is kissed by sunshine pretty much every day, so I understand the attraction to and importance of such ingredients. These orange blossoms smell better than I could even describe in words, and these Le Petit Marseillais™ products capture the essence in a very perfect way. 

What are your favorite items to include in gift baskets and gift for Mother's Day?

The Ceramide Difference

Have you ever used a wet-skin lotion before? If not, your'e missing out. Whether you live in a dry climate or a humid one, this Curel® Advanced Ceramide Complex will be a great addition to your skincare routine. I'm also excited to explain Ceramides a bit better to you, so keep reading to learn more. 

I’m sharing #Curel® HYDRA THERAPY WET SKIN MOISTURIZER in my life as part of a Curél sponsored series for Socialstars™. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep my blog a beautiful place to showcase my work! 

Curel® Advanced Ceramide Complex makes it easy to incorporate a bit of extra moisture to your skin, and since you use this on wet skin after a shower, it's easy to remember to do it every day. The bottle is attractive, and the pump works really well. The bottle is actually designed with ridges on the sides, so it won't slip out of your hands while your skin is wet!! So thoughtful :) 

This product is unscented, which is amazing. I love the fact that a fragrance isn't an addition ingredient. I am not a fan of anything that is heavily scented (unless it's a baked good, haha!).

I am not sure if you have ever experienced this, but sometimes, I will use lotion, and minutes later, it doesn't seem to have even moisturized my skin. Curel® offers an alternative to that problem. Their Hydratherapy Lotion that you use on wet skin, so it is able to penetrate better, and since warm water opens capillaries in your skin, it makes sense that this product would be able to absorb easier. My skin feels soft and smooth, and is moisturized without feeling greasy. 

I was also lucky enough to receive a FREE sample of this Curel® Hydratherapy lotion from Crowdtap, and I am so excited I've got a travel size now!!

Clinical studies have shown that dry and damaged skin is often linked to depleted ceramide levels. Ceramides are naturally found in skin’s vulnerable outer layer and help skin retain moisture. When skin’s ceramide levels are low, skin has difficulty retaining moisture. While traditional lotions only hydrate skin’s surface, Curél® moisturizers work at the source of dryness to strengthen skin's moisture retaining capacity, not just relieving symptoms, but actually, over time, preventing symptoms from recurring.

I have spent time in both dry climates (like Arizona, Colorado, and Utah), and I feel like the arid climate, intense sunshine, and even water in those places dries my skin out. Well, the idea of applying this lotion to wet skin, if you are in those sorts of locations, seems like an absolute win! 

What are ceramides?

Ceramides are natural lipids and are a major component in surface skin structure. They serve as part of the "glue" that holds surface skin cells together.

Why are ceramides important?

Dry, irritated, and sensitive skin often lacks ceramides. As a result, skin's protective barrier is compromised and becomes more susceptible to environmental factors, changes of season, and other irritants.

Curél® Skincare - The Ceramide Difference

When natural ceramide levels are depleted, our formula works to improve moisture retention of the skin. Locking in moisture for all-day hydration, Curél® lotions and creams not only relieve irritated and dry skin instantly, but also replenish and repair skin by forming a protective barrier and keeping future irritants out.

Thanks so much for checking out my latest post for Curel®, and be sure to check them out on Facebook and on their website! 

Skinny Whip ~ Caffeinated Body Wash

I grabbed a sample of something really great at The Neighborhood Co-Op recently. This Energizing Grapefruit Smoothing Body Wash with Caffeine by Beautiful Nutrition is amazing! I am not usually one to use very scented products of any sort, but the smell of this body wash smells like someone just opened a real grapefruit right in front of you! I love the consistency of this too - it's more of a gel than anything, making it pretty concentrated, with a great lather, so you don't have to use a lot at once. I love it because it is super moisturizing, but does not leave your skin feeling slick, like there is a lot of product left over. 

This product receives all 5 star reviews, all of them are highlighting similar benefits to what I found, it's really great! 

I notice my arms and legs feeling more moisturized into the next day, even, without using any lotion. I would imagine that this is going to be a great product for harsh winter months, when you are craving soft skin, sunshine, and the smell of tropical fruit. 

caffeinated and clean

"Skinny Whip™ is a rich, foamy, deeply moisturizing body wash that contains caffeine to smooth and energize your body for firmer looking skin as you shower."

"Studies have shown caffeine to be effective at delivering a smoother and firmer appearance of skin. The effectiveness of caffeine is dependent on the amount of time left on the skin prior to rinsing. Follow directions for maximum results.

DIRECTIONS
Apply onto a puff and massage into skin using a circular motion. For best results, allow body wash to remain on skin for several minutes (up to 5 minutes) before rinsing."

Overall, I would recommend this product to anyone who loves the fresh scent of real grapefruit and also loves an ultra-rich body wash that does not leave your skin feeling like there is a bunch of soap still left on them. Find this body wash and other products by Beautiful Nutrition, here. 

How To Keep Your Skin Hydrated in Late Summer ~ Early Fall {Plus: Tips on Making Guests Feel At Home}

I'm so happy to bring you another amazing post today, incorporating the Curel® Hydratherapy Wet Skin Moisturizer. As the seasons change, humidity levels do too. This can mean going from 90% humidity, down to 50% in a matter of days here in southern Illinois, so it's best to get ahead of the game, and stay moisturized!

I also wanted to share a few tips on making your visitors and house guests feel right at home when visiting you! It's as simple as leaving fresh, new towels rolled up in a decorative basket. Also, provide guests with spa-like bath products, like the Curel® Hydratherapy Wet Skin Moisturizer. This is perfect for guests, because it smells amazing, and contains a water-activated moisturizer - perfect for any weather conditions. Another important tip is to help your guests stay hydrated (first with the Moisturizer, then with a welcoming array of fresh, chilled water, ready for them after their long travels. These are some ways you can add a touch of welcoming into your guests' experience while staying at your home.  

 

 

I’m sharing #Curel® HYDRA THERAPY WET SKIN MOISTURIZER in my life as part of a Curél sponsored series for Socialstars™. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep my blog a beautiful place to showcase my work! 

I also created this beautiful candle holder with a terrarrium I found at a craft store, white decorative sand, and a scented candle in a tin. I love how this turned out!! (see below)

Below, I used some flip-top bottle I found at a craft store, and this amazing, vintage glass bottle that a family member gave me. It's so pretty, and little touches like this will make your guests not have to even ask where they can find a glass - they will have everything they need some place in their room. 

Learn More About The Moisturizer

Curél is debuting their new Hydra Therapy product which helps combat dry skin and helps you look your best during warmer weather and beyond! Be sure to check out Curél® on Facebook to get updates and to learn more. 

  • Curel® HYDRA THERAPY WET SKIN MOISTURIZER is activated by water on freshly-showered skin and penetrates deeply into the surface to heal dryness

  • After showering, your skin cells expand, which provides an easy pathway for Curel® HYDRA THERAPY WET SKIN MOISTURIZER to penetrate into just showered skin, healing the moisture barrier where it counts and helping replenish skin’s ceramide levels

  • Curel® HYDRA THERAPY WET SKIN MOISTURIZER is not greasy or sticky and has powerful healing ingredients that restore the moisture barrier

  • Apply daily & experience the end of dry skin

I also love the colors I got to incorporate into this thoughtful set of images. The bright, white towels, rustic metal basket, white, decorative box with gold spots, the terrarium that features gold accents, and the pretty glass vases - the hints of metallics really shine nicely here. Love this color combo for a bathroom or guest room. 

Have you gotten a chance to check out the Curel® Hydratherapy Wet Skin Moisturizer yet? Let me know in the comments below! 

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Goodbye Dry Skin ~ Hello Soft Skin {with Curel®}

It's officially summer! Which means it's more important than ever to get your skin looking and feeling great. Embrace those tank tops, shorts, and adorable sandals by saying GOODBYE to dry skin, with Curél moisturizing lotion. Curél is debuting their new Hydra Therapy product which helps combat dry skin and helps you look your best during warmer weather and beyond! Be sure to check out Curél® on Facebook to get updates and to learn more. 

  • Curel® HYDRA THERAPY WET SKIN MOISTURIZER is activated by water on freshly-showered skin and penetrates deeply into the surface to heal dryness

  • After showering, your skin cells expand, which provides an easy pathway for Curel® HYDRA THERAPY WET SKIN MOISTURIZER to penetrate into just showered skin, healing the moisture barrier where it counts and helping replenish skin’s ceramide levels

  • Curel® HYDRA THERAPY WET SKIN MOISTURIZER is not greasy or sticky and has powerful healing ingredients that restore the moisture barrier

  • Apply daily & experience the end of dry skin

Above, you will see some of the items that will help you keep your feet looking summer ready! 

WHAT YOU NEED:

- Curel® Hydratherapy Wet Skin Moisturizer

- Pumice Stone (in purple) - the one that is lighter weight and not very dense is the best one

- Foot scrub gel

- Foot brush

- Cute DIY Flip Flops (I glued jeweled flower charms to these!! I just love how they turned out!

 

HOW TO:

- In the shower, use the foot scrub solution, pumice stone and foot brush to slough away any rough patches on your feet, ankles, and legs. This reminds me of the treatment I get at a salon during a pedicure!

- After the shower, while skin is still damp, use Curel® Hydratherapy  Wet Skin Moisturizer

- Toss on an adorable dress, and your newly decorated flip flops, and head out on your next summer adventure! 

I'm sharing #curelskincare, #breaktherules, and #enddryskin in my life as part of a Curel® sponsored series for Socialstars™. Thank you for supporting the brands that help keep my blog a beautiful space to showcase my work! 

Another amazing way to pamper yourself this summer is to treat yourself to a lightly scented, floral candle. This one, by Voluspa is beyond amazing! The scent is great, and even without lighting the candle, your room is filled with a relaxing, fresh scent that makes you feel like a million bucks! I always keep a candle like this in the bathroom.

Also, if you are heading out, or just want to keep things organized, I wanted to recommend this adorable zipper pouch, in light pink, that says, "Ooh la la..."! Pack up some roll-on SPF, a bright lip color, and a few other essentials that you definitely want to keep by your side. 

I wanted to extend a special thanks to SocialStars for sending these extra goodies with the Curel® items. 

I also wanted to give you a glance at the back of the bottle, because I always do my research when shopping for any bath or beauty product. 

Why Ceramides?
Ceramides, naturally present in healthy skin, are vital building blocks to maintaining skin’s moisture barrier. When ceramides are lost, skin becomes dry and damaged. Curél® HYDRA THERAPY WET SKIN MOISTURIZER, with Advanced Ceramide Complex, penetrates to the source of dryness, helping to replenish skin's ceramide levels and repair the moisture barrier.

  • Water activated moisture works deep into skin’s surface
  • Helps repair moisture barrier
  • Contains our proprietary Advanced Ceramide Complex
  • Immediately Absorbs
  • Completely Greaseless
  • Skin feels 3x more hydrated instantly
  • Fragrance Free
  • Dermatologist Recommended

I also wanted to extend a big thanks to FWS Countertops, who provided me with this gorgeous marble surface! They are about 3 blocks from my house, and have been a staple in our local community for many, many years!! 

Thank you SO very much for taking the time to check out this fun, new product from Curél®, and I hope that I have provided some wonderful Summer Skin Tips! What are your favorite ways to keep your skin smooth through the summer months and beyond? 

A Summer Boho Makeup Idea For Music Festivals #playbeautifully with e.l.f.

Summer festivals are in full swing, and I am so incredibly inspired by the makeup trends and clothing styles. I am beyond happy that the boho look has lasted this long, and I hope it's here to stay for a long time. I wanted to share a few makeup items that I would definitely recommend taking to your next music festival, or wearing to your next concert! 

My favorite items were these three lip colors, and they're all around $3.00 - the perfect price for trying out a new color to see if it's something you are going to wear more than once. 

 

The lip lacquer, in purple had TONS of color to it, and I know that purple lips have been so popular this summer. The middle one, the hypershine gloss, in vixen, was also very bright, in a good way, and very flattering with just about any makeup look. The SPF 15 lip sunscreen, although the color is nude, I loved the hint of color, and light shimmer (not glittery, luckily), and I also really like the fact that this has SPF. It's incredibly smooth and creamy, making me think that this would be perfect for any time you head out this summer. 

I am constantly inspired by all of the amazing, boho fashion and makeup ideas I find on Pinterest on a daily basis! I created a Pinterest Board, called Music Festival & Concert Fashion, where I keep track of all of my finds! 

Below, you can see how lovely the Lip Balm with SPF 15 looks! I can see this color (nude) looking great on so many skin tones. And, this won't make it look like you're wearing a ton of makeup. Just enhance your natural beauty, and also protect your lips - they're so sensitive that they deserve a bit of protection! 

The Beauty Of A New Adventure With The L'Oreal LUMI Compact

I was absolutely thrilled when I was asked if I wanted to collaborate with L'Oreal again! This time, the theme was Summer Travel + Travel Makeup Tips, to help promote their new LUMI Compact! Of course, that was also really exciting for me, because we travel so much, so I have packed for lots of road trips, and have actually experienced how hard it is to stay looking cute while traveling! It's sometimes more work than at home, because you don't have your regular setup. 

Another fun fact about these photos, is that we would up shooting them while we were in the Port St. Joe and Cape San Blas area! It was absolutely gorgeous, and the place we stayed was the perfect setting for the shoot. If course, we probably had onlookers, but whatever! 

I got my hair and makeup done professionally at a cute salon in Port St. Joe, called Salt Air Beauty and Hair Salon. I met one of the two owners that day, Angela, who did such incredible work! She is so inspiring and talented, and I definitely recommend her if you are ever in the area and need literally anything done! I even got eyelash extensions (for the first time, ever), which I think added a lot to the photos. Check out our images below, and visit the Dedicated Pinterest Board, here.