favorite natural beauty products & brands

I don’t always go au naturale in terms of my beauty regiment, but I do believe in the philosophy of getting as close to the natural source as possible. It’s great to see the industry swinging more and more towards truly organic, natural products rather than the chemical-filled junk that have lined the aisles for decades.

Warning: I find that when big names and national brands put “organic” and “natural” on their labels, it is usually never true. SO, investigate, research and find new, small companies dedicated to health and sustainability.

Below are a few tricks, products and brands that are organically changing my routine.

[Earth Therapeutics]

There are countless health benefits to dry brushing your body before a shower but here are just a few (besides the obvious – removing dead skin cells and toxins):

• stimulates the lymphatic system
• increases circulation
• reduces cellulite
• and many, many more…just Google

How to: Long, fluid strokes towards the heart on all limbs and circular motions on the abdomen.

[HeartspringCo]

This was an interesting find. This beauty artistan, Kristina Kelly, is a girl from Bravo’s acclaimed Vanderpump Rules (lol). She hand-makes delicious and all-natural lip balms. I love that when you read the ingredients, there are absolutely no chemicals or words you can’t pronounce.

She offers three flavors on her Etsy site (bought all three – oops):

• Rosemary Vanilla
• Coconut Rose
• Lavender Honey

Sidenote: the label and packaging is out-of-this-world adorable.

[Poppy Austin]

This is by far my greatest new brand discovery. Poppy Austin products are natural, organic, sustainable and ethically made. I’m switching over from my long-time love, Josie Maran, and I have a feeling I’ll stay in Poppy-land for a long, long time.

I recently bought the clay mask and argan oil and can honestly say I noticed a difference in the smoothness, hydration and look of my skin and poors overnight. Ding, ding, ding-winner!

Invest in your skin, your largest organ.

Beauty is personal but you can’t argue science and health.

[Product Links]

Earth Therapeutics Dry Brush

HeartspringsCo Lip Balm

Poppy Austin Rhassoul Clay

Poppy Austin Argan Oil

 

 

tid-bits from the weekend

All I did was eat. Really.

I am completely justifying this as it felt like one of the last “winter” weekends here in Boston and soon enough it will be sunny and warm and pleasant.

The weekend actually kicked off Friday, midday, with rosé. My work bestie was celebrating her last day (tear) here in the office so we split a charcuterie board from the Oak Room in the Fairmont Copley Plaza. Très chic right.

Saturday morning I made my roomie come with me to Mike and Patty’s in the South End for a breakfast sandwhich. It was a nice walk and that joint is so damn cute. My sandwhich was called the “Fancy” and it was so yummy and you do not look fancy eating it. We ate at home because Andi gets nervous in crowded places (see ↓).

Sunday’s finale: cannolis, eclairs, iced cappachinos and steaming macchiatos from Caffe Vittoria in the North End.

 

In need of some kale but I regret nothing.

friday tie-day

I am so into neck ties and bandanas, “i can’t even.” As a loyal scarf girl, this is a natural progression for me. Essentially season-less and easy, right up my alley.

As always, Free People does it best. This is the cool girl accessory you are about to be inundated with – in a good way.

Top Notch Skinny Tie

Four Square Bandana

Rebel Rebel Printed Skinny Scarf

 

day dreaming of vitamin sea

 

Any ocean would do.

Monday’s man.

that avocado life

Avocado toast is good any day, any time, anywhere – maybe not in an uber – but basically anywhere.

This is what I made when I wanted something balanced and filling and it certainly delivered!

2 slices of Ezekiel bread – toasted

1 ripe avocado – smashed

himalayan pink salt and black pepper – to taste

goat cheese – sprinkled

red pepper flakes – sprinkled

hummus, dash of honey and grape seed oil – mix and drizzled

Enjoy.

how did I ever live without my iPhone?

I just did.

Working on putting down that little, addictive iPhone. I miss my artistic hands and fingers and eyes and they have been betrayed for far too long!

[ some TV doodling ]

 

2015.

Well, well, well. I was thinking about the past year last night, you know, when desperately trying to fall asleep.

This year has been a big one. 2015, was the most challenging-of my whopping 25 years. However, it was the most thoughtful and clarifying.

I had deep loss but great gain, causing me to reflect on my being, my soul, my actions, my relationships, in the most honest light. That is simply freeing.

I do not make new year’s resolutions. If you ever have and actually stuck to it-hats off. I do try to make little changes here and there and that works for me. Making daily and weekly resolutions are where it’s at!

Also, a huge learn was that without self-awareness and a firm mind-body connection, you’re simply no good!

Some favorite 2015 shots from my photographer boyfriend iPhone:

Peace out ’15.

Chrismukkah @ SOWA

The SOWA (South of Washington) district in the South End, hosts various open/farmer’s markets throughout the year. The Chrismukkah (miss you Seth Cohen) holiday festival featured a heated tent with vendors and artisans selling their goodies.

Oh and there were food trucks, can’t forget the food trucks.

[the ‘Honey Truffle Goat Cheese Sandwhich’ from The Dining Car]

I got myself and a certain lucky, middle-aged lady (hi mom) some all-natural, hand-crafted soaps and rose/lavender water spray.

 

[The Scentsible Soap Company’s all-natural soaps and floral infused water sprays and balms]

I also popped into the SOWA vintage market which I will be making repeat Sunday visits to. It showcased some of the best vintage/leather goods I’ve come across.

And no Sunday-roomie outing can end without a dip into an Irish pub for an Old Fashioned. 

Cheers to you weekend, you were good.

hello-hello

Beginning one of my 2015 aspirations as we are a comforting three weeks away from 2016! I wanted to start documenting my precious moments and lovely days in a more purposeful manner (still..cheers to you, Instagram and Snapchat).

Tid bits, lots of food, drinks and scenic ocean shots to come.

Keep it real.