A Hot Toddy For Colds Works Wonders!

Hey guys! This is going to be a really quick post as I am sick with another nasty cold/flu and am about to make my new favorite natural remedy, so I thought I would share it with you!

Years ago, when I would have a cold, I would take NyQuil or Thera-Flu in addition to my usual natural remedies to help me sleep. Now, after learning what goes into them...ummmm yeah, no thanks - I started looking into more natural versions of these popular medicines.

I came across a recipe for a "Hot Toddy" the other day and decided to try it . I felt immediately better! So now, whenever I get sick with a cold, I will add this to my routine!

Please excuse the mess in the background!

Drink up, buttercup!

What you will need:

• Mug or glass
• Rum of choice
• Raw Honey
• Fresh Lemon
• Cinnamon (I used Pumpkin Pie Spice..because I'm addicted)
• Hot Water

Recipe:

• 2 Tbsp of Rum
• 1 tsp of Raw Honey 
• 1 slice of Lemon (you can add extra juice if you like)
• 1/4 tsp of Cinnamon (or one Cinnamon stick if you prefer)
• Hot Water

To Make:

• Boil water
• Add the Rum and honey to mug/glass 
• Once water is ready, pour into mug/glass and stir 
• Add Cinnamon and slice of Lemon
• Drink up and feel better! 

Why it works:

• Raw Honey is anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, strengthens the immune system, and is a powerful anti-oxidant!
• Lemon is a rich source of vitamin C, which helps boost immunity as well as breaking up nasty phlegm
• Cinnamon is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant
• Rum has anti-microbial benefits and helps to relax the body, allowing for more rest or sleep. 

Have you ever tried a Hot Toddy for a cold? 

Peace & Love,

Sabrina xoxo

Product Obsession: Avitalin's "Bee Venom Biolift Complex"

PR Sample

Avitalin is one of the most unique brands I have ever tried. One of the reasons for this is that their products are transdermally active - meaning that the ingredients used in their products are successfully transported in high concentrations to the deepest layers of the skin. This advanced delivery system allows Avitalin's formulas to begin the process of healing and strengthening the skin, which in turn means clearer, healthier, younger looking skin!

Founded by Marina Volod, a renowned clinical aesthetician, who has devoted herself to the study of the physiology of the skin, cosmetic ingredients and skin nutrition, Marina concentrates on making skincare products using high quality ingredients from both nature and science. Her goal was to create a line that would restore the skin's barrier, preserve the skin's health and help maintain its youthful appearance.

"Avitalin products feature nourishing oils, floral waters, plant extracts, essential oils, purified rare raisins, and therapeutic blends of herbal extracts whose benefits have been proved over the centuries. These and other natural ingredients restore healthy function, boost the skin's immune system, and help the skin retain moisture."

Avitalin’s formulas do not contain ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, artificial colors, fragrances, silicones, formaldehyde-releasing ingredients, ureas, propylene glycol, ammonia compounds or triclosan. Their ingredients are Fair Trade and Certified Organic whenever possible and are approved by the UK Soil Association and Ecocert (internationally recognized organizations known for their high standards in the regulation of cosmetics).

They manufacture their products in small batches and each batch is made to order. They never test on animals, and when they obtain ingredients from them, it is done without harm.

After reading up on them and reaching out to Marina, I was beyond excited to be able try one of Avitalin's outstanding products and today I want to share my thoughts with you!

"This skin- transforming gel-cream formula with bee venom and royal jelly helps to increase blood flow to the skin while reactivating the cellular renewal process providing an instant lifting and plumping effect."

Benefits of Bee Venom: 

• Increases blood flow to the skin and improves blood circulation
• Creates an instant plumping effect 
• Boosts the repairing process and activates skin's rejuvenating mechanism
• Reduces skin inflammation

Key Ingredients: 

• Bee venom:  helps to increase circulation; stimulates production of collagen; plumps and firms the skin
• Royal jelly: supports the skin's connective tissue; evens skin tone; reduces inflammation
• Phospholipids: protect the barrier function; provide sufficient delivery of the nutrients into deeper layers of the skin
• Hyaluronic acid: restores skin's natural hydration balance
• Argan oil: promotes healing; reduces free radical damage

My thoughts:  I really loved the gel like cream consistency, the subtle clean scent and how only a tiny bit was needed to moisturize, plump and smooth my skin. I also noticed that while I was using this, that my skin seemed to calm down quite a bit - there was a definite reduction in redness, dry patches and breakouts! That combined with the stellar list of ingredients used in this was enough to make me an instant fan! In fact, I am so impressed with how my skin has reacted (or not reacted) to this moisturizer, that I want to try more of Avitalin's products! I do wish that they would list the full ingredients of the products on their website (they are listed on the product and package). Other than that, I'm a smitten kitten for this brand! 

Price: $70
Full Ingredients: Aqua/eau (distilled water), Aloe Barbadenis (Aloe Vera) Juice, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Emulsifying Wax, Vegetable Glycerin, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid), Stearic Acid, Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Extract, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Extract, Algae Extract, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Phospholipids, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Apis Venenum Purum (Bee Venom) Extract, Apis Mellifera (Royal Jelly), Bee Pollen, Xantham Gum, Leuconostoc (Radish Root) Ferment Filtrate, Potassium Sorbate, Fragrance (Essential Oils)

*Note - Do not use this product if you are pregnant, breast feeding or are allergic to bee stings!

**Product was sent for me to review, however all thoughts and opinions are my own

Have you ever tried anything by Avitalin? If so, what are your favorite products?

From Russia With Love - Introducing Lyeska Skincare

Photo Credit

The idea for Lyeska Skincare was conceived in Russia's remote Far East when founder Katya Hegg discovered the remarkable healing properties of Siberian Cedar Nut Oil. Rich in Vitamin E, essential fatty acids, Phospholipids and amino acids, this oil provides superior hydration, even in the coldest and harshest climates!

Driven by a desire to find new and effective ways to protect and nourish her skin and inspired by her experience with the cedar nut oil, Katya began developing her own skincare line based on this amazing ingredient.

All of Lyeska's product formulations are created to be both simple and effective, combining the nourishing benefits of the Siberian Cedar Nut Oil with other select ingredients that are known to address specific skin needs. None of Lyeska's products contain artificial colors, toxic fragrances, GMO's or harsh preservatives. They are also cruelty free and eco-friendly.

I recently had the pleasure of testing a few of Lyeska's products and today I'd like to share my thoughts with you!

*PR Samples

1) Facial Cleanser - This light gel cleanser cleans skin without stripping away natural oils, so skin feels soft, not tight after washing. Formulated with nourishing Cedar Nut Oil, rejuvenating Apple Fruit Extract and combined with the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory benefits of Burdock Root and Calendula Flower Extracts, this cleanser is great for all skin types. It has a light, woodsy/floral scent and rinses cleanly. This is a really nice cleanser for those who prefer gels to cream/milk cleansers.

Price - $38
Full Ingredients - *Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Decyl Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Pinus Sibirica (Cedar) Nut Oil, Glycerin, Coco-Glucoside, Glyceryl Oleate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Water, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, PCA, *Arctium Lappa (Burdock) Root Extract, *Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Extract, *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil, Citrus Junos (Yuzu) Flower Oil,*Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Oil, Schizandra Sphenanthera (Schisandra) Fruit Extract, Citrus Sinensis (Blood Orange) Peel Oil, *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, P-Anisic Acid, Sclerotium Gum, Xanthan Gum

*Organic ingredients 

2) Rejuvenating Serum - Formulated with Cedar Nut Oil, Black Currant, Green Tea and Peptides, this lightweight serum helps to repair, detoxify, brighten, firm and revitalize your skin. Sadly, since I only had a small sample to work with (maybe a week or two's worth of product), I didn't notice much firming, but my skin did seem to become less red and I found that this did seem to hydrate really well too - 2 huge pluses in my book! I'd really love at some point see what a full size of this serum could do for me!

Price - $65
Full Ingredients - Water, Pinus Sibirica (Siberian cedar) Nut Oil, Lactobacillus Ferment, *Glycerin, *Oryza Sativa (Rice) Seed Extract, *Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Fruit Extract, Bentonite, Hexapeptide-11, Sodium Hyaluronate, Betula Alba (Birch) Leaf Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate,*Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Extract, *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavander) Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Neroli) Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium (Petitgrain Bigarade) Leaf Oil, *Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil, Bisabolol, Boswellia Carterii (Frankincense) Resin Extract, *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, P-Anisic Acid, Sclerotium Gum, Xanthan Gum

*Organic ingredients

3) Moisturizing Facial Lotion -  One of the things I loved the most about this moisturizer is how light it felt on my skin! It had a consistency similar to that of the serum, yet was a bit more hydrating, though not at all greasy. And with ingredients like Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Rose Flower Water, Rosehip Seed Extract and Shea Butter, my skin just drank this up like a greedy glutton! For those who want a moisturizer that hydrates, but doesn't feel rich or heavy, this one's for you!

Price - $54
Full Ingredients - *Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, *Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Water, Pinus Sibirica (Siberian Cedar) Nut Oil, Ethyl Macadiamate Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, *Glycerin, *Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Seed Extract, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Seed Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder, *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower)Seed Oil, *Matricria Recutita (German Chamomile) Flower Extract, P-Anisic Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate, Bentonite, Xanthan Gum

*Organic ingredients 

4) Eye Cream - I've been looking for a good eye cream for awhile now - one that isn't too rich or too greasy, won't irritate my under eye skin or cause any kind of break outs - basically, like Goldilocks, I was looking for one that would be just right. This eye cream from Lyeska combines Arctic Root, Cornflower, Raspberry and White Extracts with the fatty acids and Vitamin E from the Siberian Cedar Nut Oil to nourish and hydrate skin cells, while also promoting collagen production, reducing dark circles and firming and smoothing skin. The texture is rich, though not overly, and absorbs quickly with no oily feel. I did not experience any irritation or breakouts while using this nightly for 2 weeks. So, I'd say this pretty much covered what I was looking for!

Price - $52
Ingredients - Water, Pinus Sibirica (Siberian Cedar) Nut Oil, Betaine, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Rhodiola Rosea (Arctic Root) Extract, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, *Hydrolyzed Linseed Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Squalane, Centraurea Cyanus (Cornflower) Flower Extract, *Oryza Sativa (Rice) Seed Extract, *Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract, *Glycerin, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Sorbitan Olivate, Hexapeptide-11, Sodium Hyaluronate, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Amorphophallus Konjac Root Powder, Sclerotium Gum,*Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, P-Anisic Acid

*Organic ingredients

Have you ever tried anything from Lyeska Skincare? What were your favorites?

Peace & Love,

Sabrina xoxo

Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas Under $50 From Orange Harp + A Discount Code!

Photo Credit

Hey guys! I don't know if any of you have started your holiday shopping yet, or even started thinking about it for that matter (last minute shoppers like me raise your hand!), but I thought I'd get a jump on posting some gift guides for this season... and maybe give myself some ideas while I am at it!

Today, I am collaborating with Orange Harp, a phone app that offers eco-friendly and socially conscious products for all tastes and budgets (you can read my previous post on them here).

I've selected several items that I thought would be of interest - and since I am on a strict spending "diet" - affordable too! Also, look out for a discount code at the end of this post! ;-)

Now, let's check out the list!

First up, a few things for the ladies...

1) Woodland Terranium Vial Necklace from Lovehewn - How gorgeous is this hand crafted vintage necklace made from 100% recycled and re-purposed materials?! Each made to order vial contains beautiful botanical treasures from the rainforests of the Pacific Northwest and may also include moss, bark, twigs, flower petals or stones. Every one is completely different and unique! $24

2) Hanna Organic Skincare "Essential Travel Kit" - A travel kit is the perfect way to treat or introduce someone to cleaner, greener skincare and this one from Hanna Organic Skincare is simply a must buy! Each kit comes with 1oz containers of their "Lavender Grains", "Gentle Cleanser", "Gentle Toner" and a .25oz container of "Renew". All products are free from parabens, parfumes, synthetic preservatives, are made in the USA and do not contain GMO's. The lovely travel bag is handmade by owner Karen's sister too! $35

3) Lavender-Infused Botanic Bath Salts from Pura Botanica - Holidays can be stressful, and what better way to wind down after all the celebrating is over than with a bath filled with the calming scent of Lavender? Made with pure Bolivian Sea Salt and infused with a mixture of organic Lavender, Chamomile, Lemongrass and essential oils, these bath salts will whisk you away to a more peaceful state of being in no time! All ingredients are Organic and sustainably harvested. $23.80

1) Amethyst & Gold Brass Hoop Earrings from Lovehewn - Check out these gorgeous handcrafted earrings made from recycled brass and wire and decorated with vintage, semi-precious Amethyst stones! These are sure to bring out the inner Bohemian in any woman! $28

2) Sweet Chai Soy Candle from Pura Botanica - Every year, I always get my Nana a candle for Christmas and this one, from Pura Botanica would be perfect! With hints of Orange, Cinnamon, Clove and Vanilla, this sweet and spicy scented candle will surely delight anyone's senses! $27.20

3) Ambanja Madagasscar Chocolate Bar from Dandelion Chocolate - I love to give some kind of chocolate treat as a gift for Christmas (I mean, who doesn't love chocolate?!) and this one from Dandelion Chocolates looks like it would be a hit with any chocoholic in your life! Made with just Cocoa Beans from Madagascar and organic Cane Sugar ethically sourced from Brazil, this bar is described as having a combination of citrus and tangy fruit flavors in its flavor profile! Yum! $8


And let's not forget the men!

1) Leather Pint Glass Sleeve from Pedal Happy - Keep that beer cold longer with this handcrafted glass sleeve! Made without any harmful chemicals, and dyed with vegetable dye, this can also be customized with a name, logo, image or whatever you think your guy would like! $15

2) All Natural Soap Bars from Pura Botanica - Not just for women, these lush cleansing bars will leave your man feeling soft and nourished and smelling irresistible! Choose from "Chai Vanilla", "Herbal Tonic", "Peppermint Leaf" or "Spiced Citrus". Made with organic and sustainably harvested ingredients. $6 

3) High Desert Beard Oil from Juniper Ridge - While I personally like some facial hair on my man, I don't like how rough and scratchy it can be on my delicate skin! For any of you gals that feel that way, I may have found the perfect solution! Made with Organic Jojoba Oil and scented with wildcrafted fragrance distilled from plants from the Mojave Desert from Southern California, this face and beard oil from Juniper Ridge will soften things up in no time! $45


Orange Harp has soooooo many amazing looking products on their site that it was really difficult to narrow down my choices! Seriously, this could have been a lot longer!!

Now for the best part! Orange Harp is generously giving my readers a discount code to use on their app store. Just use code  "BECOHOLIC" at checkout to receive 15% off your purchase! Discount is valid until Sunday, November 22nd, 2015! If you haven't yet downloaded the app - go do so! It's free and you'll be able to browse through all of their fab products! 

Happy Shopping!

Peace & love,
Sabrina xoxo

It's All About Balance...

Hey guys! I hope you all had a fun Halloween! My hubs and I went low-key again this year and spent the night eating a yummy homemade dinner (all organic and healthy) and gorging on candy (not organic or healthy) while watching the season premiere's of "Grimm" and "Ash VS Evil Dead"! They were both really good, BTW! :-)

While I was stuffing my face with candy that I shouldn't be eating (Reese's PB cups and Snickers you are my kryptonite, damn you!), I started thinking about what I eat, and how certain things have changed not only in my life, but my thoughts on life too. And that got me thinking about "balance".

When I first started my journey back into a more clean and natural lifestyle, I had a full time job that paid decently and I could afford to be as strict as I wanted with what I bought in terms of food, personal care, clothing, etc...(I still pretty much am when it comes to my skincare products, make up, cleaning products and pet foods - though if a skincare or make-up product isn't 100% pure or clean as I like, but it is what I can afford and I don't have a reaction to it, I'm not going to freak or get down on myself).

Two years ago, however, a lot of things changed. My back pretty much "gave out" on me and I was forced to take a leave of absence from work. Right as I found out I needed to have major surgery, my employer let me go. So I was out of a job. Though the surgery was a success, the recovery process was slow and painful and some other issues developed. In addition, foods that I loved and ate with abandon (at this time I was mostly a raw vegan) made me nauseous and I began craving certain foods I generally stayed away from. I cut myself some slack because, after all, my body was healing and if I was craving chicken or eggs or even steak, I was going to eat it.

Because of all of the stress I was under - major surgery, losing my job, personal issues - I developed some other health problems, all of which still prevent me from working outside of the home. I'm working hard to restore my health, but in the meantime, I am fortunate enough to bring in a little income by working for my father-in-law, managing a few social media sites and my affiliates. But because the majority of income comes from my husband, we have had to really budget ourselves and unfortunately, sometimes that means buying something that might not be organic. We do try and still get as much organic and non-gmo as we can, but we also don't want to live a life that is so strict and rigid that we can't enjoy it.

So that brings me to the "balance" part. While I do strive to live as clean, healthy, and non-toxic a lifestyle as I can, I also have to be realistic and not beat myself up if I slip up, or give in to my intense craving for pizza or french fries..or even gmo filled Reeses or Snickers!

I live in a small town that doesn't have organic restaurants (the cleanest thing we have is a Chipotle's), or a Whole Foods or farmer's markets that sell all organic produce. I wish we did! But if we want to go out to eat, we know our options are limited so we don't stress over it. We just eat better the next day. We honestly probably eat 70-80% organic, non-gmo and 20-30% not so clean. And I'm ok with that. I've learned to be less strict with my diet and listen to my body more. If I'm craving chicken, I eat it. I do make sure any meat we buy IS organic..since we still don't eat a lot of it. But I don't feel guilty anymore for eating it. I don't think in terms of vegan, vegetarian, paleo, gluten free, etc..I don't apply labels to my diet anymore. And if I want some treat that isn't all that good for me, well, I'm going to eat that too - just not too much of it! The thing is, I'm human, I'm not perfect. I believe in progress, not perfection. I try and do the best I can with the budget and resources I have, while not restricting myself to the point where I am miserable.

And honestly, I'm much happier and less stressed for having this attitude now! :-)


How do you live a balanced life? Do you allow yourself to cheat a little? I'd love to hear your thoughts! 

Peace and love,
Sabrina xoxo

Acure Organics Introduces Some New Products For Fall & Supports Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

I've been in love with Acure Organics for awhile now (see exhibits a, b, and c) and recently they came out with a few new things for Fall, which I had the pleasure to try out. But before I get into the nitty gritty of a review, let me just say that this love affair is in no danger of fizzling out anytime soon!

New Products For Fall...

  

Coconut & Argan Oil Cleansing Towelettes - I've heard many a good thing about Acure's cleansing towelettes and I am happy to say that all of the hubub was spot on! Scented with the intoxicating perfume of Coconut and formulated with such goodness like Olive Fruit, Sesame, Grapeseed and of course Argan Oils, these cloths are great for quickly removing make-up and cleansing skin (or hands after eating super saucy or messy finger foods). Toss them in your purse or gym bag for on the go travel or keep in your desk drawer to freshen up during the day, these handy, non-toxic and biodegradable wipes are perfect for the busy gal on the go! 

Price - $6.99

Ingredients - Water, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E Acetate), Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate/Caprate, Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate/Sebacate, Citric Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate (From Glycerin + Coconut), Glyceryl Undecylenate(From Glycerin + Castor Bean Oil), Potassium Sorbate, Flavor (Organic Coconut Oil).

Coconut Straightening Shampoo & Conditioner - Continuing on with the coconut theme are their new Straightening Shampoo and Conditioner. Both smell like a pina colada (yum!) and both contain ultra hydrating Marula Oil and Coconut Water to keep hair smooth and frizz free. I love the rich, moisturizing lather of the shampoo and the creamy, silky feel of the conditioner. My hair not only feels clean, but nourished after showering. And the scent lingers in my hair for days after, which I love as I wash my hair every 3 days (sometimes 4 if I'm sick or feeling lazy). Both products are color safe, vegan , gluten free , sulfate free, paraben free, phthalate free, cruelty free, petroleum free, PEG free, synthetic fragrance free, silicone free , and are 100% Biodegradable! Whew! 

Price - $9.99
Ingredients -
Shampoo: 

Organic Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Berry Juice, Organic Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Juice, Organic Rosa Canina (Rosehips) Extract (Aqueous), Organic Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Juice, Organic Fair Trade Aspalanthus linearis (Rooibos) (Aqueous), Organic Aloe Barbadensis Vera Leaf Juice, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate (From Coconut), 100% Naturally-Derived Betaine (from Sugar Beets), Vegetable Glycerin, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate (from Coconut + Amino Acids), Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate (from Coconut + Amino Acids), Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate (from Coconut + Amino Acids), Cocoglucosides Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (Sugar Conditioner), Sodium Levulinate (from Corn), Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (Guar Gum Conditioner), Potassium Sorbate (Food Grade Preservative), Organic Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, Organic Fair Trade Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, D-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Natural Vitamin E), Paullinia Cupana (Brazilian Cocoa) Phyto-Keratin, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water, Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Oil, Cysteine Amino Acid, Organic Coconut Flavor Oil

Conditioner: Organic Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Berry Juice, Organic Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry) Juice, Organic Rosa Canina (Rosehips) Extract (Aqueous), Organic Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Juice, Organic Fair Trade Aspalanthus linearis (Rooibos) (Aqueous), Cetearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Stearylkonium Chloride, Vegetable Glycerin, Glucono Delta Lactone (Fermented Sugar), Organic Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, Cetearyl Glucoside (from Corn and Glucose), Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (Guar Gum Conditioner), Glyceryl Stearate (Vegetable-Derived), l-Arginine (Amino Acid), Organic Fair Trade Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Sorbitan Olivate (from Olives + Sugar), Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), Cellulose (Plant Derived), D-Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Natural Vitamin E), Lactic Acid (Vegetable Derived), Paullinia Cupana (Brazilian Cocoa) Phyto-Keratin, Organic cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Water, Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Oil, Cysteine Amino Acid, Organic Coconut Flavor Oil

Partnership With Unite For Her

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Acure Organics is helping to take a stand against it by partnering with Unite for Her - a non-profit organization dedicated to providing women of all ages wellness and educational programs that complement traditional breast cancer therapies. These programs are designed to help educate, empower and restore - to find fun and interesting ways of communicating the importance of a healthy lifestyle, to offer opportunities via various initiatives to develop leadership skills, and to restore total health through holistic therapies such as yoga, nutrition, massage and meditation. 

To support Unite for Her's mission, Acure is donating $0.10 per sale of their Day & Night Creams for one full year!

Like all of Acure's products, these creams are formulated with only the purest, most effective, fair trade and organic ingredients available and it's honestly no surprise that they are two of their best sellers. And also like all of Acure's products, they are super affordable! 

 Day Cream - Firming and free radical fighting Gotu Kola Stem Cells are the superstar in this nourishing daytime moisturizer. Formulated for normal to dry skin (though my oily skin stayed hydrated with no excess shine), this cream absorbs easily, is non-greasy and the scent is both spicy and fruity - reminds me of those orange spice drop candies! I applied this over their Argan Oil and still my skin remained shine free! This also contains 1% Chlorella Growth Factor, which supports and protects collagen and elastin fibers from free radical damage! I found this makes a great primer for under make-up too, oh and no breakouts either!  

Price - $16.99
Ingredients - Organic Curoxidant™ Blend [(Organic Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Berry, Organic Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry), Organic Rosa Canina (Rosehips), Organic Punica granatum (Pomegranate), Organic Calendula Officinalis (Calendula), Organic Matricaria Recutita (Chamomile), Fair Trade Organic Aspalanthus Linearis (Rooibos)], Organic Aloe Barbensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Cetearyl Alcohol, Fair Trade Organic Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Organic Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate SE (Vegetable Derived), Vegetable Glycerin, Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil, Infusion of Organic Calendula Officinalis Flower in Organic Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Glucono Delta Lactone (Fermented Sugar), Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Stem Cell Culture, Marrubium vulgare (White Horehound) Stem Cell Culture, Echinacea Stem Cell Culture, Fermented Resveratrol Extract (Probiotic), Organic Argan Oil, CoQ10, Olive Leaf extract, Organic Chlorella Pyrenoidosa (Chlorella Growth Factor), Citrus Reticulata (Red Mandarin) Oil, D-Alpha Tocoperyl Acetate (Natural Vitamin E), Organic Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Bud Oil

Night Cream - The perfect counterpoint to the Day Cream, this lightweight, yet deeply hydrating nighttime moisturizer calms, soothes and repairs your skin while you snooze. 2% Chlorella Growth Factor strengthens collagen and elastin fibers, while Moroccan Argan Oil seals in moisture. The texture is creamy, absorbs quickly and the scent is lightly herb-y with a hint of lavender. Like the Day Cream, the Night Cream keeps my skin shine free and doesn't break it out. In fact, after using both products religiously for a month (along with their face wash, toner and Argan Oil), my skin looked better than it has in a long while! No break outs, no redness, no dryness - just calmer, smoother, clearer, happier skin! 

Price - $17.99
Ingredients - Organic Curoxidant™ Blend [(Organic Euterpe Oleracea (Acai) Berry, Organic Rubus Fruticosus (Blackberry), Organic Rosa Canina (Rosehips), Organic Punica Granatum (Pomegranate), Organic Calendula Officinalis (Calendula), Organic Matricaria Recutita (Chamomile), Fair Trade Organic Aspalanthus Linearis (Rooibos)], Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot Kernel) Oil, Persea Americana (Avocado) Oil, Vegetable Glycerine, Prunus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Glyceryl Stearate (Vegetable Derived), Cetyl Alcohol, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Glucose (Sugar), Glucose Oxidase & Lactoperoxidase (Milk & Sugar Enzymes), Organic Chlorella Pyrenoidosa (Chlorella Growth Factor), Organic Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, Hypericum Perforatum (St Johnswort) Oil, Marrubium Vulgare (White Horehound) Stem Cell Culture, Echinacea Stem Cell Culture, Fermented Resveratrol Extract (Probiotic), Organic Argan Oil, CoQ10, Olive Leaf Extract, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Stem Cell Culture, Lavandula Officinalis (Lavender) (Essential) Oil, Citrus Limonium (Lemon) Oil, Xanthan Gum.

Have you tried anything from Acure Organics? Which are your faves? 

Peace & Love,

Sabrina xoxo

*All products were generously sent to me to review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Hold On To That Summer "Glow" All Year Round With These Tips...

One of the things I love about living in Western New York is the change of seasons. I especially love the transition from Summer to Fall - the beautiful red and gold jewel tones that begin to appear in October and that crisp, almost "burnt" smell that perfumes the air. Oh, and pumpkins..and of course Halloween! 

The thing I don't like is that along with the cooler temps generally comes drier, duller complexions. 

Inspired by some posts I found on Aloha.com's Pinterest boards (their website is pretty awesome too!), I started thinking about ways to keep my skin from looking drab and blah during this time of year. 

Some of these tips are definitely not unique, and most (if not all) of you probably already do these, but hey, they work so this is what I've got. ;-)

1) Water with lemon everyday all day! We all know that water is important in keeping the skin hydrated, but adding fresh (no fake bottled stuff!) lemon to your daily H2O not only provides an extra boost of hydration, it also detoxifies your body (and thus skin - buh-bye breakouts!) and provides skin brightening vitamin C. I generally drink 2 liters of water with lemon a day at room temp. 

*bonus tip - Swap out plain water for mineral/sparkling water and add organic cucumber slices or berries of choice with lemon for an extra special (ie "fancy schmancy") mocktail!

2) Glow from the inside out - In keeping with the eating (and drinking) for beauty tips, making sure to supply your body with tons of skin beautifying nutrients is key in achieving a healthy, glowing complexion! A few of my fave beauty foods include dark leafy greens, sweet potatoes, nuts and seeds, avocados, berries and bananas, plant based proteins and raw cacao (umm hello, chocolate!). For some really mouth watering and uber healthy recipes, check out these from Aloha.com! I definitely want to try alllll of them! YUM-O!

3) Gentle exfoliation - To help keep skin smooth and bright, I love to use a non-abrasive, gentle exfoliant once or twice a week. My favorite right now is the Acure Organics Brightening Facial Scrub. I also like to dry brush my whole body before I jump in the shower. Doing this not only wakes me up and gets the blood circulating, but it also helps to keep my lymphatic system functioning properly and can reduce cellulite too! 

4) Sleep, sleep and more sleep! It's not called "beauty sleep" for nothing - while you are catching zzzz's, your body takes this time to repair itself, renewing skin cells and literally rejuvenating your skin. To make sure you get enough sleep, nix any caffeine before bedtime and try going to sleep at the same time each night!

5) Exercise - Any kind of movement that gets your heart pumping and the blood flowing will instantly make your skin look more radiant! As someone with back issues and a few other (sometimes) debilitating health problems, this can be a difficult thing to accomplish. But I find that even something as simple as lunges, stretches and squats can make a difference and I've been known to dance around the house to a few tunes too! However you prefer to get your fitness groove on, go for it! My personal fave total (or targeted) body workout (when feeling up to it) is this one here! 

6) Go for the bronze(er) - The quickest and easiest way to get your glow on is to "fake it"! A few strategically placed strokes of bronzer and a bit of highlighter and voila! Instant glow! Also, use a liquid or hydrating cream (my faves are this, this and this) rather than a powder foundation for a more dewey look, A swipe of gold or peachy-bronze lip gloss and you're good to go! 

7) Don't forget the sunscreen!!! You don't need to be a vampire and shun the sun completely, but if you're going to be out and about during the day, make sure to include some spf into your morning skincare routine. Seriously guys, I have been wearing sunscreen religiously since my teens and I swear it is at least one of the reasons why I don't look my age (44 going on 45 in Feb)! Look for non-toxic ones that offer broad spectrum protection. Some of my current faves are this one and this one. I also use make-up that contains UV protection like this or this.

Photo by The Brunette Ecoholic. A few of my fave glow inducing products! 

Photo by The Brunette Ecoholic. Elate Cosmetics shadow in "Ethereal" & Pacifica "Bronzing Body Butter"

Photo by The Brunette Ecoholic. "Tara California Bronzing Cream" by Delizioso Skincare

Bring that Summer glow into the Fall baby! 

What are some of your tips for keeping that glow all year round? I'd love to know! 

Peace & Love,
Sabrina xoxo

*post contains affiliate links. 

Guest Post: Healthy Alternatives to Toxic Cleaning Products

Hey guys! I have another guest post I'd like to share, this one focusing on "cleaning up" your cleaning products! I'm always looking for safer, more eco-friendly alternatives to contemporary cleaning products and this post that was submitted to TBE gives some great advice on how to get started! :-)

Enjoy!

Peace & Love,
Sabrina xoxo

We are all exposed to toxic chemicals every day not only when we are outside, but also indoors. That is why it is important to do everything possible to protect at least our homes from the dangerous impact of these toxins, since we spend such big part of our time there. Even simple things like cleaning and cooking can pollute the air and expose us and our families to toxins. When it comes to cleaning, however, we usually rely on strong detergents and various special disinfectants to get the job done. And even though those supplies can remove the grime, they can also leave unhealthy chemical residues behind.

A better solution is to find eco alternatives to those ordinary cleaning supplies. These "greener" products will still help you maintain every room of your place in good condition but will also preserve your health and the health of the other members of your family. It is important to do this, especially if you have little kids who are constantly crawling around, touching and playing with everything. Below are some measures you could take to make your home a safer place for you and your family:

·         Prepare you own eco-friendly, all-purpose cleaner – The shops certainly offer all kinds of effective all-purpose cleaners. The only problem is that they are filled with toxic chemicals, which could be very dangerous for you. There is a solution to this problem and that's a homemade all-purpose cleaner used by many companies like CityCleaners Croydon. The ingredients are simple – white vinegar, baking soda and water. You can put the special blend in a spray bottle and use it for the disinfection of all kinds of surfaces and places.

·         Use homemade air freshener – Cooking, dusting, vacuuming, all of those things could seriously pollute the air in your home. Good ventilation is certainly important but you can prepare your own chemical-free air freshener as well. You need several simple ingredients like distilled water, essential oils of your choosing and a little baking soda. This is an excellent recipe, which will give you a very effective product. Forget about the expensive store-bought air fresheners and enjoy your special toxic-free mix.

·         Cease the usage of chlorine bleach – Chlorine bleach is among the most dangerous cleaning products which a lot of people use in their homes anyway either for their laundry, for the disinfection of their toilets or other household tasks. Inhaling these toxins while cleaning is enough to endanger your health, so it's better to just stop using chlorine bleach altogether and replace it with chlorine-free products.

·         Make your own fabric softener – The laundry also needs your special cares, so instead of spending money for expensive fabric softeners every time, just start making your own. To make you will need one gallon of white vinegar and about 20 or 30 drops of your favourite essential oil. You can mix the ingredients together in a vessel and store your eco fabric softener in there. 1/3 cup will be more than enough for one load of laundry.

Those are only part of the many recipes for eco-friendly cleaning products you could try. Switching  to chemical-free cleaning supplies is without a doubt the best way to reduce the usage of toxic supplies for the disinfection of your home. So, don't hesitate any more and reorganise your bathroom and kitchen cabinets today! Collect all dangerous cleaning supplies and get rid of them. By doing that you won't be tempted to use them in the future and you will also free some space in your home for the new eco-friendly products you will be using later!

*Post was contributed to TBE as a guest post.

In Honor Of The 31 Days Of Halloween: Seven Things That Scare The Crap Out Of Me!

It's finally October! Yay!! I always get excited for this time of year - not just for the gorgeous Autumn color palette, but because hello, Halloween! For a nerd girl/horror geek like me, this is truly my favorite month! I love the costumes, decorations and treats, but most of all, I love watching all the scary movies that are on during this time!

So in honor of this "spookiest" time of the year, I thought I would list some of the things that scare the freaking crap out of me..because, you know..it's fun..

Testing out my "Scream Queen" chops...

Seven Things That Scare The Crap Out Of Me!

1) Clowns - I don't think I need to bother explaining this one...
(Nightmare fuel: Stephen King's "It", "Killer Klowns from Outer Space", "Clownhouse")


2) Spiders - The funny thing is, I used to love these little creepers, and I still admire the sheer artistry of their web making, but an "incident" during hide and seek when I was a kid one Summer literally changed how I feel about these creatures. Let's just say one of those really big outdoor suckers decided to climb up my bare leg and cause me to lose my sh*t (not literally thankfully)! The best part is that my parent's somehow thought that if I watched the movie "Arachnophobia" I would get over my fear. Thanks mom and dad, because of that movie I STILL check under the blankets before getting in bed, behind the toilet and never, ever close my eyes in the shower!
(Nightmare fuel: "Eight Legged Freaks", "Kingdom of the Spiders")


3) Zombies - I know they are make believe, but there is something so terrifying about dead people coming back to "life" and wanting to eat my brain or any part of me for that matter...I mean, do you really need to come back as a people eater? Why can't you just crave pizza or a burger like normal people? And don't get me started on the "fast zombies" - "28 Days Later", I'm looking at you. *shudder* Don't get me wrong, I still watch zombie movies and I loooove "The Walking Dead", but still, zombies = nightmares for me every freaking time.
(Nightmare fuel: anything with a zombie in it..except "Fido" and "Warm Bodies")


4) Werewolves - All I have to say is - "Dog Soldiers" and "The Howling"..'nuff said!


5) Creepy Porcelain Dolls/Ventriloquist Dummies - I don't think I need to explain this one either..
(Nightmare fuel: "Dolls", "Annabelle", "Dead Silence")


6) "The Gentlemen" - For those of you who are "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" fans, you know exactly what I am referring to. For those of you who don't, get on Netflix, go to season 4 of "BTVS" and look up the episode "Hush"...you're welcome.


7) Sharks - It's not just having seen "Jaws" when I was little that caused this fear. Look at any picture of a Great White opening it's mouth with all those teeth..yeeeaaahhh..that.
(Nightmare fuel: "Deep Blue Sea", "Jaws 2" and "Open Water" - which I refuse to watch!)


Now that I thoroughly freaked myself out, I'll be on my couch watching scary movies by myself, under a blanket with the lights off...

What are you afraid of? Sound off below and let me know! 

Peace and love,
Sabrina xo

Eco Home: The Best Plants To Improve The Air Quality Of Your Home

Hey guys! Today's post is all about greening up your home - literally. Plants not only make eye catching decor for your living areas, but they can also greatly improve the quality of air by removing health damaging toxins from your home!

The peeps over at ProFlowers break down which plants are best for improving your home's air quality and reducing your risk of exposure from toxins.  Read on to find out more! :-)

The Best Plants For Improving Air Quality

Have you ever stopped to think about the air you breathe in your home? While you may think it's clean, most households are actually filled with harmful chemicals like benzene, xylene and ammonia. 

Thankfully, it's easy to combat these chemicals with some simple cleaning and filling your home with safe products. In addition, indoor plants can serve as a helpful air purifier. 

After learning this, flower delivery company ProFlowers decided to investigate which indoor plants are truly the best at making the air we breathe better.

 See the full guide below or on their website—do you use any of these plants in your home?

Photo Credit

Do you use plants to purify your home? If so, which ones - any from this list? I have an English Ivy sitting on my home office desk and I can honestly say that it has definitely made a difference since my hubs placed it there! #plantpower

Peace & Love,

Sabrina xoxo