• Asian,  Austin,  Australia,  Baltimore,  Bitty,  Chicago,  Las Vegas,  London,  Los Angeles,  Miami,  My dog Cami,  My Dog Jacob,  New York,  Photography,  Seoul,  Technology,  Toronto,  Vancouver,  WorldWide

    Beauty Alert: Éclair Naturals

    Éclair Naturals, a new luxuriously pure hair and body care line, brings the best of nature at an affordable price with sustainably sourced and produced products! The brand uses natural food grade ingredients to create unique and efficacious formulas that are non-GMO, gluten free, soy free, vegan, and cruelty-free, and proudly made in the USA. Take a peek into the Éclair Naturals garden and discover where the magic begins: 
     
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    • ALOE BARBADENSIS (ALOE VERA) LEAF JUICE: Extracted from the inner part of the leaves of the Aloe Barbadensis plant, this skin conditioner and moisturizing agent also contains antimicrobialand anti-inflammatory properties. Featured in: All Over Lotion, Shower Gel, Liquid Hand Soap, Hand Sanitizer, Deodorant and Foaming Hand Soap.
    • SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL: An extremely light, dry oil that adds instant emolliency to any skin care product. Contains the same molecular structure as the skin’s natural oils and effectively reduces dryness, wrinkles, and stretch marks, while cleaning clogged pores and restoring skin’s natural pH balance. Featured in: All Over Lotion, Body Scrubs and Polishes, Body Butters, Effervescent Bath Salts and Handcrafted Soaps. 
    • PINK HIMALAYAN SALT: Rare salt from the Himalayan Mountains (mined in the Khewra Salt Mines of Pakistan), which is rich in magnesium and potassium minerals to exfoliate, soothe and invigorate skin. Featured in: Body Scrubs and Polishes, and Effervescent Bath Salts. 
    • PLUMERIA ACUTIFOLIA (FRANGIPANI) FLOWER EXTRACT: Also known as the “Secret Oil of the South Pacific,” this extract derived from the flowers of Plumeria Acutifolia adds shine and a natural scent, while protecting hair from harmful UV rays. Featured in: Shampoos and Conditioners. 

     

     

    Check out EclairNaturals.com for a full list of ingredients which combine innovative science with nature; virtually all products are $10 and under at Rite Aid, RiteAid.com, and Target.com.

  • Asian,  Austin,  Australia,  Baltimore,  Chicago,  Las Vegas,  London,  Los Angeles,  Miami,  New York,  Photography,  Seoul,  Technology,  Toronto,  Vancouver,  WorldWide

    New Year, New Me: Fitness Motivation

    Losing weight can be challenging, frustrating, and time consuming, but with the right attitude you can surprise yourself with the results. Keep this in mind: It takes 21 days to start or break a habit. Three weeks from now, your body will stop craving sugar and fried food and ask for clean foods and water. All you need a little commitment! Here are a few fitness and eating tips to jump start your new found lifestyle!

    1. Make healthier choices and NO Junk Food! Here are 25 quick healthy dinner ideas to try.

     

    2. Try a fad diet to help jump start your process.

    3. Workout, workout, and workout some more!

    Remember in a few months your body will thank you!!

  • Asian,  Austin,  Australia,  Baltimore,  Bitty,  Las Vegas,  London,  Los Angeles,  Miami,  New York,  Seoul,  Toronto,  Vancouver,  WorldWide

    How to Keep Oily Skin from Causing Breakouts

    Oils produced by the body help keep skin healthy, but there can be too much of a good thing. Excess oil can lead to blemishes and acne flare-ups. Dr. Jennifer Linder, Chief Scientific Officer for PCA SKIN provided some interesting insight for those of us that struggle with oily skin, along with why excess oils lead to breakouts and what we can do to keep it in check!
    “Oily skin tends to be a “sluggish” skin condition, meaning it does not effectively shed dead surface cells as easily as normal skin due to the increased oil production acting almost as the glue holding the dead cells together. It is important to add in an exfoliating treatment on a weekly basis that also assists in purifying the pores. PCA SKIN’s Purifying Mask is a clay-based mask with micro-fine pumice that draws out impurities, helps to minimize oil production while also providing gentle exfoliation. Nighttime products containing pure retinol are also a fantastic way to regulate cellular turnover and oil production. I highly recommend PCA SKIN’s Intensive Clarity Treatment at night to increase cellular turnover while regulating oil production.”

    unnamedPCA SKIN Purifying Mask ($56; PCASKIN.com)

    An at-home clay-based treatment mask that exfoliates, detoxifies and removes impurities, leaving skin smooth, clear and bright.

    • A well-balanced botanical blend to promote a clear complexion
    • Clay-based mask that eliminates built-up impurities in pores
    • Micro-fine pumice to gently exfoliate built-up surface debris

    Key Ingredients:

    Algae – detoxifies and hydrates the skin.

    Clay – detoxifies, and absorbs oil and impurities.

    Pumice – gently exfoliates built-up surface debris and impurities from the skin.

    Tea tree leaf oil – promotes a clear complexion.

    unnamedPCA SKIN Intensive Clarity Treatment ($106; pcaskin.com)

    Vital for acne skin, this salicylic acid formula includes retinol, niacinamide and hexylresorcinol to dramatically reduce and prevent breakouts, while ethyl linoleate, retinopeptide and lilac stem cell extract reduce sebum production and inflammation. With patented OmniSome delivery technology, the ingredients are delivered deeper into the skin for improved results.

    • Salicylic acid (2%) – is for the treatment of acne. Helps keep skin clear of new acne pimples, blackheads.
    • 0.5% Retinol (Vitamin A) – is converted to retinoic acid in the skin. Vitamin A helps to promote a clear complexion and an even skin tone.
    • Niacinamide (4%) –is a potent and calming antioxidant that delivers multiple important benefits to the skin. It helps to reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and improve barrier function. This is critical for clear,even skin. Additionally, niacinamide helps to reduce redness and improve the overall appearance of an uneven skin tone.
    • Hexylresorcinol –helps to promote an even skin tone and reduce inflammation in the breakout-prone skin.
    • Ethyl Linoleate – has been shown to reduce inflammation, keratinization and other common causes of breakouts.
    • Myristoyl Nonapeptide-3 –this retinopeptide mimics retinoid activity to support breakout-fighting and collagen-building.
    • Bakuchiol – is an effective complement to retinoids for fighting breakouts.
    • Syringa Vulgaris (Lilac) Leaf Cell Culture Extract – helps regulate sebum and reduce inflammation in the breakout-prone skin and/or whiteheads.

    Be sure to check out these products and much more at pcaskin.com!

     

  • Asian,  Austin,  Australia,  Baltimore,  Las Vegas,  London,  Los Angeles,  Miami,  New York,  Toronto,  Vancouver,  WorldWide

    Look on the Bright Side: Valentina’s Naturals

    We all have stressful days – whether you’re going through a breakup, feeling overwhelmed at work or there’s just too much to do in so little time. No matter how bad your day is going, the Sunny Outlook Collection by Valentina’s Naturals is infused with mandarin, lemon and ginger scents to lift your spirits and bring a smile to your face!

     Every morning you walk out that door, your mood will largely determine how the rest of your day goes. Greet any situation with a smile and it’s bound to turn out better. Be your own sunshine. This will help.

    The Sunny Outlook Collection by Valentina’s Naturals includes Bath Salts, Hydrating Massage & Body Oil, Natural Body Mist and Perfume Oil.

     

    unnamed Bath Salts 

     

    Sprinkle a handful into a warm tub and create your own transformative bath-time rituals.

     

    Price: $3.50, available online via www.valentinashomebrewed.com.

    unnamed-1 Hydrating Body & Massage Oil

     

    Deeply moisturizing and yet quickly absorbed, our body oil is a great post-bath or shower ritual for morning or night.

     

    Price: $14, available online via www.valentinashomebrewed.com.

     unnamed-1 Refreshing Body Mist

     

    A light and refreshing moisturizing body mist made from the simplest natural ingredients. Indulge in a few spritzes before you get dressed each morning – it’s a great way to carry your intentions with you throughout the day!

     

    Price: $12, available online via www.valentinashomebrewed.com.

     unnamed Perfume Oil

     

    Naturally free from harmful chemicals, petroleum-based artificial fragrances and drying alcohol, this little perfume roller lets you stay focused on your highest intentions all day long.

     

    Price: $14, available online via www.valentinashomebrewed.com.

  • Las Vegas

    Here’s To A Healthy, Happy Summer: Start Your Detox Now!

    In the summer we want to look and feel our best. If you’re looking forward to exotic holidays, weddings or some well-earned time off, now is a good time to start your summer detox. It’s time to focus on getting fit, eating well and battling any demons that have been holding you back.

     

    Getting into shape

    Most of us panic when summer arrives and start exercising to get the perfect beach body. But exercise is much more than a means of getting your bikini physique on point. It has really important benefits for your physical and mental health. Have you been feeling stressed at work lately or have you been worrying about exams? Are you struggling to sleep at night? If so, exercise will help. When you engage in physical activity, it distracts your mind and releases tension. Your body also produces endorphins (happy hormones) and serotonin levels increase. If you’re new to exercise, you don’t have to become a gym bunny overnight. Go for a jog on the beach after work or play tennis. Pay the local pool a visit or take up dancing, spinning, or rock climbing. As long as your heart’s pumping, you’ll soon reap the rewards.

    Screen Shot 2016-07-15 at 4.14.56 PM

    Image via https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/2257233228

     

    Battling those demons

    Do you feel like there’s something holding you back? Are you stressed or anxious all the time? Do you have a secret addiction to alcohol or are you easily lead at parties? The sooner you confront any problems you have, the better. The more you dwell on things, the worse the situation becomes. If you drink too much, or you’re worried about becoming addicted to cannabis or pills, seek help now. Often, talking therapies like those used at drug rehab centers can be incredibly effective. They can help you to pinpoint the reasons you’re doing what you’re doing. Are you trying to fit in with a crowd? Do you fear that you won’t be accepted? Or are you trying to escape from issues that affect you on a daily basis? Your doctor should be your first port of call if you’re concerned about your behavior or you’re feeling down or anxious. It’s also helpful to confide in a close friend or a relative. Talking about problems can make them less of a burden.

    Screen Shot 2016-07-15 at 4.14.20 PM

    Image credit https://www.flickr.com/photos/sonofgroucho/7658824292

     

    Eating well

    Your diet can make an incredible difference to your health and wellbeing. Eating the right foods ensures that your body gets all the vitamins and minerals it needs. A balanced diet will also make you feel energized and help you to sleep better and fight off illnesses and infections. A good diet should include all the major food groups. Aim for at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. Limit your intake of sugar, saturated fat, and salt. Try and cook at home when you can. Fast food is packed full of unhealthy fats, and it has usually has little nutritional value. Remember to drink plenty of water, especially on hot days. If you’re dehydrated, you’ll get headaches, and your skin will become dry and flaky.

    Image source: https://pixabay.com/en/photos/raw%20food/

    Being healthy is not all about looking fabulous on the beach. If you’re looking forward to a healthy, happy summer, now is the time to focus on your body and your mind. Exercise regularly, eat well and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re struggling with depression, anxiety or addiction.

     

  • Asian,  Austin,  Los Angeles,  New York,  Toronto,  WorldWide

    Easter Brunch Recipe with a Kick

    This March, whether you’re making a Mother’s Day Breakfast in Bed or basting an Easter Ham, the month marks the unofficial start of warm weather brunch season. That being said, as much as we love sipping on mimosas, cooking up the perfect brunch can be somewhat of a hassle. Not to worry… with IMUSA’s mouth-watering recipe for Mini Ranchero Eggs, your brunch menu will be one less thing to worry about. Combining jalapeno, cumin and paprika, your brunch and taste buds will get the kick they need!

    unnamed

    IMUSA’s Mini Ranchero Eggs

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • ½ medium onion
    • ½ green pepper
    • ½ jalapeno pepper
    • 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • ½ teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon ground paper
    • 8 large eggs
    • 4 (6 inch) flour tortillas
    • Cilantro for garnish

    Directions

    1. Make salsa by softening onions, green peppers, and jalapeño peppers in a medium saucepan on medium heat, for about 3-4 minutes.
    2. Add drained tomatoes, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper and allow to simmer, uncovered for 5 minutes. Set aside.
    3. Spray some non-stick spray on both sides of a tortilla and place it on your IMUSA EGG PAN on medium-low heat.
    4. Cook the first side of the tortilla for about 3 minutes, flip, and carefully add two eggs on top of the tortilla.
    5. Place two heaping tablespoons of salsa between the two eggs, cover your IMUSA EGG PAN and bring heat to low.
    6. Allow eggs to cook between 3-4 minutes, remove from heat and serve on a plate with chopped cilantro.