natural healers

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[aaaand that’s not me]

It’s that time of year where gym memberships increase, the yoga studio is extra packed, and you’ll most likely spot someone downing a  cold pressed green juice (probably the only thing they’re drinking for a few days…yuck!)

Let me say, that I’ve tried the juice cleanses, the two week detoxes and even tried to cut dairy and gluten. All attempts were a total bust…for me at least. I just sat there craving everything I couldn’t have, and then would end up binge eating a jar of peanut butter. Instead, I’ve found it helpful to add natural healing ingredients to my daily routine, making me feel more refreshed and energized.

Below is a list of my top 5 favorite detox ingredients. I find these helpful in addition to a healthy diet, and less guilt with those meals I like to indulge in once in a while!

  • turmeric 
    • Turmeric is known as a natural anti-inflammatory. It can be used for all sorts of things, from cooking to beauty products. I like to use fresh turmeric juice and mix it with lemon water. This drink helps with digestion and eases inflammation as well.
    • There are also turmeric supplements, for those of you who don’t have turmeric shots at your local juice bar.
    • Learn more about the variety of health benefits of turmeric here.
  • charcoal
    • I’ve blogged about the healing power of charcoal here, and still stand by it. There are charcoal supplements to take, but I recommend Dirty Lemon Detox for a short term cleanse to reset after holiday eating and drinking. Charcoal is known to strip toxins from the inside, helping cleanse your body and leave you feeling refreshed.

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[image from dirtylemon.com]

  • lemons
    • Lemons are also a great addition to your morning routine. I like to have a tall glass of water with fresh squeezed lemon in the morning, helping get my system started for the day.
  • ginger
    • Ginger is another powerful root that I like to incorporate, especially if I’m feeling a cold coming on. I like to get a shot of fresh ginger with a little cayenne pepper. If I already have a cold, this fiery shot helps relieve sinus pressure instantly!
  • water!
    • Need I say more? Water is the most important cleanser for the body. Make sure to drink the appropriate amount of water in accordance with your body weight! Water keeps your digestive system moving, your skin from drying, and also suppresses hunger.

*you can also follow my clean living board on Pinterest for other tips that I’ve found!

xx

never let go of your summer glow

holly tan pool surf shell

At last! I’ve finally found the best self tanning product out there. Yes, I use self tanning lotion..but hey, at least I’m not at the tanning bed!

One of my least favorite things about winter is the steady decline of my natural tan from being home in the summer. I usually just deal with it, and attempt one or two products that leave my sheets orange and make me look like an orange zebra after a sweaty workout. Not to mention, they usually smell bad!

The other day I purchased the new St. Tropez ‘In Shower’ Gradual Tan. So far, after using it for a few days, I’m hooked! It leaves a streak free, minimal odor, summer glow that builds with each use. It takes only three minutes out of your shower routine–how easy! I have always been a fan of the St. Tropez line, especially their original instant tan mousse. The ladies at Sephora said that the shower gel is great for a base tan, and the mousse is good to build on top for that instant tan you might need before an event.

I highly recommend this new product. I’m excited to see how it works out throughout the winter! Although, the thought of winter itself does not sound exciting…especially with summer around the corner in beautiful Sydney!

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(my heart breaks a little every time I see this)

classic + accent

blue and white picWhile I was home, I took on a bedroom re-do project.  I wanted to transform my room into a more classic, cozy space.  I love my new Bella Notte crochet pillow cases and white linen bedding, but I have been on the hunt for the perfect accent color.  The crisp white is beautiful, but this indigo/navy accent color would look great! I can’t wait to get home and finish decorating. I’ll be sure to share the final product in December : )

the little things

As we go through our days, the cycle of nature remains unstopped. The sun rises, the sun sets–the moon fills, the moon empties–the flowers bud, the flowers bloom. It’s a constant routine that is easily overlooked. I woke up to see the sunrise with a friend of mine the other day and was greeted with the most beautiful painted sky that can’t be bought. I find the little things to hold so much more than just an everyday occurrence.

It’s the little things that bring true joy to many people. For me, I felt present, grateful, and content while watching the sun rise over the ocean. The sun rises and lights a beautiful, endless path on the water that leads to the unknown. My future can only be planned so much, but what’s most important lies in fate. I believe in my ability to help myself before I can help others. I want to share my journey in order to inspire others.

I encourage you to stop for a few seconds when you’re outside, or meditate while imagining you are in a beautiful place, and really listen to the sounds of nature. You will be surprised at what thoughts may link to your observations. It’s the little things, like the cycles of nature, that can answer so many questions you may have, or problems you may hold on to. ImageImageImage

acai addiction

Happy Monday! Ever since I got home for the summer, I’ve been going to 3 Natives for my daily acai bowl fix. I’m pretty sure the people working there think I’m crazy considering I’m there almost every morning… So, in an attempt to save time and money, I found the Sambazon acai sorbet and created my own breakfast bowl! This is super fun to make with friends or family and can be personalized to any of your favorite fruit and topping preferences:

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Just stir the softened acai in a bowl (mix in peanut or almond butter if you prefer) and add as many toppings as you want! I added some organic peaches (hint hint, 3 Natives!). I also mixed in a little bit of raw honey and dang coconut chips. If you haven’t tried dang, you haven’t truly lived..just saying. I also like to add some bee pollen, maca powder, and vanilla granola too.

I will say, this bowl was almost exactly the same as 3 Natives. So for those of you who don’t live in the area, you can try it out or yourselves in your own home! However, for me, I just love making the trip there after yoga with friends and family! I also just remembered I have a free acai bowl from my 10 punch card (don’t ask me how many of those cards I’ve been through…)

Hope you all have a great week! : )

 

happy mothers day!

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It’s so nice to be home and celebrate a special day!  Lauren and I made these delicious pancakes with berries and chocolate chips (she made the “mom” since I’m not as artistic).  My dad used to make “names” pancakes when we were little and it’s been a tradition ever since.  Maybe someday I’ll post the old video of him making them when we were little–my mom sent in home videos to iMemories and we have so many old videos to watch!  

I hope you all have a wonderful day celebrating your mothers and grandmothers!  

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Me and momma back in the day : )