All posts tagged: Health

Protect Your Skin this Summer

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One thing I’ve always been adamant about since high school is protecting my skin! I started seeing a dermatologist pretty young and wearing sunblock  everyday was the best advice she gave me. Sunscreen simply and effectively helps block your skin from the sun’s UV radiation that will otherwise increase its risk for melanoma (skin cancer), cause pre-mature aging and other general damage like (wrinkles, sunspots, etc.). In switching my products to more natural ones, I was happy to discover COOLA, an organic suncare line. The product is sold conveninetly at Target and also on Amazon.com. I am a huge fan of ‘user reviews’ and before I purchase any product online (or even in stores), I always check reviews from real people. It’s also another reason why I started my blog to give honest feedback and of course inspiration. COOLA, had great reviews on many of their products on Amazon. I decided to try the COOLA Sun Care Sport SPF 45 for my body. This product is great because it’s protective, organic and safe for my …

Glam Face with Elate Cosmetics

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*Photo courtesy of @OrganicBunny (Check out her Instagram and Blog for frequent non-toxic beauty reviews). If you’ve been following my blog and Facebook page, you will know that I have recently been making efforts to switch out my beauty products to ones that are more natural and safe for my skin. I started cleaning out my base beauty products (face wash, lotions, toners, etc.) and am now starting to explore more makeup brands as I slowly toss my old toxic ones. I recently tried Elate Clean Cosmetics after seeing a post from @OrganicBunny. Their products are safe and healthy for your skin because they are vegan, organic, cruelty and chemical free, sustainable and affordable. I tried the Fixed Press Powder in “Tawny”, Universal Creme in “Love”, Vibrant Lipstick in “Tantric”, Moisturizing Lipgloss in “Fierce” and Essential Mascara in “black”. What I love the most about each product is how pigmented they are. My one fear in going the natural route with makeup was that I would not find the colors to replace my vibrant MAC and Chanel …

Avocado Banana Berry Smoothie

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I love eating avocados since they are delicious and a healthy fat. I changed up my morning smoothie routine this week by trying an avocado smoothie. Here was my recipe: Ingredients: 1 small avocado 1 cup frozen berry mixture (or fresh) 1/2 cucumber 1 small-medium banana 12 oz of almond milk The banana and frozen berries helped to sweeten up the drink. If you don’t use frozen berries, you might want to add ice. Enjoy!

Cauliflower Crust Pizza (GUEST BLOGGER)

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Materials: Food processor, juicer or high-powered blender Cheesecloth Ingredients: 1/4 cup chia seeds 1 large head of cauliflower 1 egg 3/4 cup ground almonds or almond powder (I used flax seed) 1 & 1/2 tablespoons of oregano 1-2 teaspoons of mixed garlic salt and pepper to taste Directions: *Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Take 1/4 cup chia seeds, put into a bowl of 3/4 cups of water and let sit in fridge for 20 mins until it kind of gets goop-like. While your seeds are soaking, take 1 large head of cauliflower (you’ll need 3 cups of it once it’s blended), chop it up and then place it in a food processor and blend until it’s fine (kind of looks like the pulp that comes out of the back of your juicer. One recipe even suggested “juicing” the cauliflower then using the pulp.) Once the cauliflower is grounded finely, use a cheesecloth to get as much moisture out of the cauliflower as possible. (*You can also use a clean dish towel if you don’t have …

Almond Oil for Dark Circles Under Eyes

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I have always struggled with dark circles under my eyes even though I get plenty of sleep! In fact, it’s the one reason I wear make up to begin with, to help even out my skin tone. I’ve tried other beauty products before to help reduce the pigmentation and always gave up. Either because it burned my eyes or I didn’t feel like it was working. Also, the eye creams tend be really expensive for such a small amount. In my quest for new and healthy beauty, lo and behold…almond oil. An all natural approach to reducing dark circles under the eyes. Almond oil also has many other benefits: anti-wrinkle, moisturizing (rich in Vitamin A, B and E all good for skin), make-up remover, can be used for hair and many other things. Most importantly, almond oil is a natural and safe approach to mending my tired eyes. I purchased the ‘Now Solutions’ sweet almond oil in the beauty section of Whole Foods. I emphasize the beauty section because almond oil used for the face …

Stay Skinny Detox Water Recipe

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*Photo courtesy of Healthy Holistic Living I love water and try my best to drink as much of it as I can throughout the day. I truly believe that H2O is one of the best beauty remedies! Hydrated skin is healthy skin. Also, I’ve often heard that oily skin can sometimes be due to dehydration because your body is trying to compensate for not having enough moisture. One of the best ways to not get bored with your water is to infuse it! This past weekend, I headed to my local farmers market to invest in a mint plant. A $4 investment to make infinite infused amounts of water (or as long as I can keep the plant alive). Here are the simple ingredients for refreshing skinny detox water. Ingredients (for 16 oz): 1/2 lemon sliced (Meyer lemons are my favorite to use) 1/2 cucumber sliced 1/4 cup mint leaves 16 oz filtered water 1 tbsp grated ginger (optional) *Try and use organic produce if you can! Directions: Slice vegetables and grate ginger. Place in a …

Fresh Shrimp Ceviche Salad

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One of my favorite Mexican dishes is shrimp cevichè! I feel like I could eat it every day for every meal. It’s tangy juices are so refreshing and I never feel heavy after I’m done eating it. Since cevichè is usually served in small portions or as an appetizer, I decided to make my own in a larger version and as a salad. The recipe is simple, easy and delicious! 4 heirloom tomatoes cilantro (to taste) 1/2 medium sized red onion 2 small avocados or 1 medium sized avocado 2 limes 1/2 lemon 1 tablespoon garlic powder 2 teaspoons Pink Himilayan Sea Salt (or to taste) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon of pepper pinch of cayenne pepper (optional for spice) 1/2 pound of raw shrimp Directions: Boil the raw shrimp for 5 minutes or until done. The color should be bright/pink orange. Peel the shell off and set aside. Chop the tomatoes in bite size portions. Chop onions and cilantro finely or throw into a food processor. Cut the avocados into cubes. Toss the tomatoes, …

My On-the-Go Breakfast Smoothie

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During the week, it’s very seldom I have time to make a big sit-down breakfast. Aside from that, my stomach usually can’t handle a big meal in the morning without weighing me down for the rest of the day. I like to start my day with a nutritious meal because it’s important to have fuel for energy and to kick start my metabolism. Below is my typical on-the-go healthy breakfast: Superfood Smoothie    Directions:  In a blender mix… 1 cup of blended frozen berries Berries are the lowest in sugar out of all the fruits which is why they’re my favorite to use. 2/3 cup of plain Greek Yogurt My favorite brand is FAGE Total 0% which I buy from Trader Joes. 1 scoop of Green Superfood There are several different flavors available at Whole Foods or on Amazon, but I use the ‘original’ flavor. If you’re sensitive to green “tastes,” I suggest using a flavored one. You can also substitute the Green Superfood for fresh vegetables like kale or spinach. 1 tablespoon Chia Seeds …

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel

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Hey everyone, One of my new ventures in 2015 is stepping into the world of YouTube. I have always been a big fan of social media and the opportunities it can create. It is a great creative outlet and way to showcase the things that you are passionate about. Please take a look at a short trailer I’ve created and help support me by subscribing to my channel. It’s quick and would mean the world to me! Also, if you have a YouTube channel or Blog, please leave the link in my comments section and I would be happy to return the favor.