Healing Your Soul After Emotional Trauma

Hey, guys! I wanted to share this post with you as it kind of hit home for me. I don't open up a lot about my personal struggles (maybe I should...?), but I definitely feel that the context of this post is something most of (if not all) can relate to. One day, maybe I'll get the courage to fully open up here about some of my own issues (other than skin issues!)..but until then, here are some pretty good tips on how to start the emotional healing process after something traumatic happens...

Peace & love,
Sabrina xoxo

Healing Your Soul After Emotional Trauma

~Post contributed by Amie Scott

Emotional trauma can come in many different forms. Many of the forms are overlooked; you may have experienced it from a break up, an accident, loss of a loved one, or something that people think you should just ‘get over’. It’s important that you take time to heal your soul after something big in your life takes place. You are the only one who can truly care for you the way you need to be treated. You can’t rely on anybody else. The sooner you start healing yourself, the better you’ll feel. Time is a healer, but you need to focus on you in the meantime. Here are some ideas:

Start Meditating and Deep Breathing

Meditation is an underrated exercise. Luckily, many people are starting to realise exactly what meditation can do for them. It can help you to clear your mind and get complete focus and clarity on a situation. It can help you to make better decisions, and live in the moment. It can stop you from dwelling on things that have happened to you. There’s a reason people have been doing it for years. It really can help you to heal your soul!

Focus Intensely on the Now

Focus intensely on the now. Don’t ponder over the past, and things you could have done differently. Don’t feel anxious about the future. All you have, all any of us really have, is the present moment. Make sure you focus on the now. There will be times you find yourself not appreciating the moment as much. Simply bring yourself back to it. Appreciate the comfort of the chair you’re sitting in. The colours on a flower in your garden. Your whole life can change when you just change your attitude!

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Treat Yourself

Treat yourself how you feel you should be treated. Take yourself on adventures and dates. Run yourself a candle lit bath. Cook yourself nice meals. Use oils and nice things to assist you. You need to start with yourself, before you can expect anybody else to come and treat you.

Become More Spiritual

There are many ways you can become more spiritual. Chinese astrology, tarot cards, and crystals are all things you can incorporate into your life. This might seem like mumbo jumbo to you now, but many people swear by them!

Do Things That You Love

Doing things you love is very important for the soul. Write. Read. Garden. Draw. Do anything that sets your soul on fire and makes you feel alive.

Eat Well and Exercise

Start eating right and exercising. Not only will this improve your self image, it’ll make you feel so much happier. Eating well will make you healthier, fight off disease and illness, and you might even lose excess weight. Exercise will release endorphins and change your body in ways you can’t imagine. Go gently at first if you’re not used to it. Eventually, you’ll get into really good habits.

Hopefully, this guide will help you on the way to healing your soul. Only you can start the process!


Are there any tips you have that may help with the emotional healing process? Let me know below!


Thank you to Amie for this contribution! ~Sabrina xo


*I was given a small compensation to publish this post, however, I had control over content - which I felt was relevant to my blog. :-)

Brand Obsession: Butter Elixir Review

Butter Elixir products generously sent for review. Eco-friendly Hemp bracelets made by my sister-in-law

The brainchild of 3 yogi friends from NYC, Butter Elixir was born out of a desire to find something pure and natural to moisturize their skin after yoga practice. Using simple and sustainably sourced ingredients, they created products that not only nurture the skin but appeal to the senses as well.

I recently had the pleasure of trying out three of their beautiful products and I'm excited to share my thoughts with you!

"We believe that BUTTERelixir is for all"

"Inspiring beauty by using quality ingredients to nourish the body and soul."

1) Elixir Body & Hair Oil - This oil is 3 ingredients of pure, absolute bliss!! Soothing Chamomile and calming Lavender combined with nourishing Sweet Almond Oil is a delight for both skin and senses. I have been using this nightly as an oil cleanse because the Lavender Oil not only helps lull me to sleep at night, but its antiseptic qualities are also great at keeping breakouts at bay! This is a highly moisturizing oil that makes the skin feel so pampered and that scent- it is simply divine!!

Price - $35 for 3oz $78 for 8oz
Ingredients - Sweet Almond Oil, Lavender, and Chamomile


2) Lip Balm - Inspired by traditional Indian Chai tea (my favorite), this luxurious lip balm is packed with moisturizing oils and butters like Avocado, Hemp, Shea, and Cacao and flavored with the warming spices of Cardamom and Vanilla to keep lips hydrated and happy! My only wish is that it came in a bigger tub! ;-)

Price - $12
Ingredients - Soy Bean oil, Sunflower oil, Bees Wax, Hemp oil, Avocado oil, Jojoba oil, Cacao Butter, Shea Butter, Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, Argan oil, Vanilla, and Cardamom

3) Elixir Face Oil - This has pretty much everything I look for in a face oil - natural, effective ingredients, quick absorption, non-greasy feel, deep hydration, won't break me out and beautiful scent. The combination of fatty acids and anti-oxidants from the Argan oil, vitamins A (think natural retinol) and C (builds collagen) from Rosehip oil, and highly moisturizing quality of the Apricot oil married with the delicate fragrance of Rose essential oil, makes this a real treat to use. A few drops of this gorgeous elixir is all you need for soft, nourished skin!

Price - $48
Ingredients - Apricot oil, Rosehip oil, Argan oil, Rose essential oil


Have you ever tried anything from Butter Elixir? What are your favorites? Let me know below!

Peace & love,

Sabrina xoxo

*Products were generously sent to me for a review. All thoughts & opinions are my own. 

Keeping Skin & Lips Hydrated & Pampered This Winter With Avitalin, Mad Hippie & ChopSaver!

With Winter (finally) officially in full swing here in WNY (though where I live we missed the blizzard thankfully!), my skin has been in need of some extra TLC lately!

And while I have been using several brands/products to help keep my skin happy (see here), I've recently incorporated a few new ones that I am really loving right now!

*PR Samples

Avitalin Lipid Repair Serum - After trying the "Bee Venom Biolift Complex" (see review here), I knew I wanted to try more of Avitalin's products and next on my list was their "Lipid Repair Serum". I've learned a lot in the last several years about how the skin works and have been particularly intrigued about the concept of corneotherapy - a method of repairing the outer most layer of the skin (stratum corneum) in order to improve the overall health and function of the skin (read more here).  In this philosophy, certain ingredients can either support or impair the skin's lipid barrier thus preventing or causing issues, like acne, rosacea, etc. Avitalin is the second company I have worked with that utilizes this approach to skin care and I have to say based on my own experience it definitely makes a difference (and that's saying a lot with my temperamental skin!)! As for the serum, it contains ingredients known for their ability to hydrate, repair and protect against environmental damage such as Rosehip Oil, Squalane and Ceramides. The texture is silky and rich, and absorbs quickly and deeply without any greasy feel. It can be used anywhere on the face, including under eyes and on lips and can even be mixed into your face oil or moisturizer (which is what I do) for extra nourishment. This has definitely been a saving grace this Winter for sure! In my opinion, this is the second win for this brand and I already have my eye on several more of their products! :-D

Price - $40
Ingredients - Olive Squalane, Rosa Rubiginosa (Rosehip Seed) Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (fractionated Coconut Oil), Ceramide-3 (Lacto-Ceramide)


Mad Hippie Cream Cleanser - I recently tried and fell in love with their "Anti-Oxidant Face Oil" (read review here), so I just knew I was going to dig this product too! I was not disappointed! A rich, creamy cleanser that feels like a moisturizer yet rinses completely clean - my skin was left feeling very soft and pampered afterward. With ingredients like Shea Butter, Macadamia Oil and Sesame Oil to moisturize and Orchid Extract to slow down cellular degeneration, this little cleanser packs a big age-defying punch! The addition of Jojoba Oil makes this a good option for oily skin as well as dry.

Price - $15.99
Ingredients - Deionized Water, Sesame Oil (Sesamum Indicum), Caprylic/capric Triglycerides, Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii), Cetearyl Glucoside, Carrageenan Gum, Vegetable Glycerin, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium PCA, Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis Leaf), Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis), Squalene, Organic Macadamia Oil (Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil), Organic Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia Chinesis), Yeast Extract, Glucosamine HCL, Vitamin E (Tocopheryl), Sodium Hyaluronate, Algae Extract, Orchid Extract (Orchis Mascula), Titanium Dioxide


Chop Saver Lip Balm - Created by professional trumpet player Dan Gosling in his kitchen, this lip balm was originally intended for musicians to use to prevent chapping, soreness or inflammation from playing brass or woodwind instruments. Using a "symphony" of ingredients consisting of healing herbs like Arnica, Comfrey, Calendula and White Willow combined with nourishing oils and butters of Avocado, Grapeseed, Apricot, Shea and Mango, this lip balm is like no other I have tried. My lips are soft and hydrated and the light citrus flavor is just delightful, because, you know, it's important that any lip product I use tastes good...is that weird? In addition to soothing chapped lips, ChopSaver is also good for treating fever blisters and cold sores, as well as side effects of Acitretin. I can definitely see purchasing this once I run out! They also have one that contains spf15, which I may need to get, especially when running errands in this Winter weather!

Price - $3.99 (CVS website) or $13.35 - $24.75 for a 3 or 6 pack on Chopsaver's site
Ingredients - Castor Oil*, Candelilla Wax, Beeswax*, Shea Butter*, Mango Butter, Aloe Vera, Carnauba Wax*, Avocado Oil*, Apricot Kernel Oil*, Arnica, Calendula*, Comfrey, Raspberry Leaf*, White Willow, Vitamin E, Citrus Oils, Ginger Essential Oil*, Pea Isolate


I should mention too that I also just began incorporating some more amazing products from Enessa Organic Skincare and will hopefully have a post here or on social media to let you know what I am using! :-)

Have you tried anything from these brands? What are your fave products? How are you keeping your skin and lips pampered this Winter? Let me know below! 


Peace & Love,

Sabrina xoxo

*Products were generously sent to me for a review. All thoughts & opinions are my own. 

The Best Things to Give Up for a Healthier Lifestyle!

We all want to be healthy. We may not always do the things we should to be healthy (like not eat that 4th piece of pizza!), but we all want to feel and look our best.

This post I'm sharing today lists a few of those things that should be eliminated if you want to achieve that goal. Personally, I'd love to be able to give up stress, but it doesn't seem to want to give up on me! *Sigh*

Anyways, read on and enjoy my friends!

Peace & love,
~Sabrina xoxo

The Best Things to Give Up for a Healthier Lifestyle!

I don't like to negative, but, unfortunately, being healthy isn't always about doing fun things. Sometimes you have to decide to cut things out of your life to create a healthier lifestyle. It can suck to get rid of some of the things you enjoy, but the results are worth. Even if you struggle at the beginning, you'll soon wonder how you ever found it so hard. There are several bad habits that everyone could do with getting under control. If any of the things below play a part in your life, you should consider giving them up.

Smoking

You don't need me to tell you that smoking isn't good for you. You might know a 90-year-old grandma who has been smoking all her life, but I bet she has one heck of smoker's cough (not to mention lines and wrinkles galore!). When you stop smoking, you can begin to see the health benefits almost right away. Within a few weeks or months, your circulation improves. You'll get ill less, and you'll be able to breathe better. You might have tried to give up before and failed, but that doesn't mean you can't try again. Just keep reminding yourself of the reason's you're quitting.

Drugs and Alcohol

Giving up drugs and alcohol may seem like another no-brainer, but many people wouldn't do either. Many people are happy to reduce how much they drink and perhaps avoid drugs entirely. But giving up drinking isn't always a popular suggestion. However, for some people, it's essential to stop. There is drug and alcohol treatment for women in the form of rehab facilities for anyone who feels like they might have a problem. It's the best way to deal with serious substance abuse issues and get the support you need. However, if you don't have an addiction, it's all about having the self-discipline to follow through on your promise.

Source: https://flic.kr/p/cFMMc

Sugar

You can't cut sugar out of your diet completely. You'll find naturally occurring sugars in a lot of foods. But you can try to avoid refined sugar and only sugars that aren't added into your food. A lot of people feel much better when they reduce their sugar intake. However, you have to be careful not to replace sugar with other unhealthy sweeteners. If you have a sweet tooth, you don't have to avoid the things you love. Just have things in moderation and try to pick healthier options. Swirl some jam or fresh berries into your oatmeal or mix some honey or Stevia with your yogurt.

Stress

Stress isn't something anyone would be reluctant to give up. Unfortunately, it's difficult to avoid stress altogether. The best you can do is try to turn stress into something more positive and deal with it in a healthy way. Some pressure can be useful to stretch yourself and help you be more productive. But you also need to find ways to relax and to deal with stress in the moment so you keep your head.

Giving up anything can be tough, and it's even harder when you have an addiction. But cutting negative things from your life could turn it around.

~Post was contributed to TBE


*I was compensated to publish this post

Post-Holiday Skin Woes & What I Am Doing To Make My Skin Happy Again!

Hey, loves! So, I don't know about you, but a little too much holiday food and drink indulging has left my skin looking like World War III took place on it! I thought about taking a "before pic" to show you guys but decided to spare myself the humiliation. Seriously, it's not a pretty sight! :-(

Instead of wallowing in self-pity, however, I decided to do something about it (and no, not walk around with a bag over my head, though it was tempting) - namely, put myself on a strict "diet" of particular skincare products and skin friendly only foods and cutting out the offenders.  Which means bye bye, morning coffee and two glasses of wine at night. Sigh.

Here's what I am using/doing:

Skincare:

I've found lately that there are two brands that seem to clear my skin up and calm my skin down quicker than any other and those are the two that I have been alternating. My skin can vary between oily/acneic and parched/acneic and these brands help to tame both issues.

For excess oil, cystic blemishes, and redness:

Enessa Organic Skincare (you can find out all the products I use here and here) - I am obsessed with this brand! Their Clove Acne Control Serum is the bomb.com at getting rid of painful cysts lickety split and their Seaweed Moisturizer in Cypress is lightweight, yet super hydrating. For above surface blemishes, I reach for Rescue Blemish Control - it's potent anti-bacterial properties kills acne fast, without drying out skin!


For dryness, flakiness, redness and breakouts:

Arcona Skincare's Basic 5 Dry Skin Starter Kit - Everything in this kit works pretty much immediately (like overnight) to hydrate, calm and clear up mild to moderate acne. This kit works best for me when my skin is slightly broken out, but really dry and parched. For cysts and more severe breakouts, I rely on Enessa's products to get the job done!

*I have also been adding a few drops of Avitalin's Lipid Repair (review to come soon), to my serums for extra healing benefits.


Detox from the inside:

Tastes like sadness but makes the body happy, so.....

Since Saturday, I have cut back almost completely on dairy, caffeine, sugar and alcohol. I say almost because I know going "cold turkey" just would not work for me. So, I compromised. Instead of coffee in the mornings, I now drink Organic Chai tea (it has some caffeine so I don't miss the java!), I never really eat much dairy other than cheese (though, I did go a bit overboard during the holidays), so that was an easy one to cut back on, sugar the same - don't really eat it much, except during the holidays when I was an everyday desserter! Alcohol was probably the hardest to limit. Not that I drink a lot or anything ( I have a tolerance level of like zero!), but I do enjoy a glass or two..ok, three with dinner and dessert. Now, I have been having water, tea or mineral water with dinner and one glass after as my dessert. Baby steps. My goal is to only have wine a few times a week, instead of everyday.

Another thing I have been doing is drinking a special detox drink alllll day long. It's basically just filtered water, 1/2 of an organic lemon (juice squeezed), 1 Tbsp of Braggs Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, a dash or two of Cayenne pepper and a dash or two of Cinnamon. I was originally drinking the lemon water alone and having a Tbsp of the ACV & water before meals (which tastes like all the happiness has been sucked out of me - Harry Potter fans will get it. ;)P), but because I hate the taste of the ACV so much, I decided to combine them. Thankfully, the lemon juice dampens the vinegar taste enough so I can drink it! That being said, I have noticed a remarkable difference in my digestion and a few other issues I have been struggling with. Raw Apple Cider Vinegar has soooooo many health benefits - I just can't stand the taste!


Tea, tea and more tea! 

Two of my current fave teas! I always make sure to look for Organic & non-GMO Project verified! 

Along with my Chai Tea obsession, I've been enjoying a variety of other teas that until now, were just taking up space in my kitchen! The thing is, I used to drink tea all the time (and still do when sick), and I honestly don't know why I stopped. Oh, wait, that's right - coffee happened!


Exercise!

I pretend that zombies are chasing me and that keeps me motivated! #nerd

Ok, this one is still a bit inconsistent as I deal with fatigue issues, so I need to be mindful of not overdoing it - I get addicted fast to working out and have a tendency to throw all caution to the wind and that never bodes well for me! At the same time, I need to get my butt off the couch more and be some kind of active! So, I'm working on finding the perfect balance! Right now, I am doing lots of yoga type stretching and riding my stationary bike, so progress! Yay me! :-)

As far as diet goes, I basically have been listening to my body. If I am craving eggs or chicken, or bone broth or something more vegan, I go with it. I've learned that the body is incredibly intelligent and will let you know through your cravings what it is in need of. Now, that doesn't mean if I'm craving chips or cookies that I'll give in, but I will get on my laptop and research what my body actually needs through those cravings. Unless it's craving pizza, then I definitely go with that! ;-)


Aromatherapy and deep breathing:

A little essential oil love from Annmarie Gianni Skincare & Tata Harper!

Pre-acne explosion - relaxing & listening to some Classical faves on Christmas day! 

Stress has pretty much been a "normal" part of my life for the past several years now, so it's not really surprising that Acne and Adrenal & hormonal issues have been as well. And while I do see a Naturopath to help with those, I have recently found that adding a bit of aromatherapy products as well as doing deep, diaphragmatic breathing (which as a singer is pretty much how I breathe normally, just doing it more deeply) have been helping a lot to keep my stress levels down.

Hopefully, one day, I won't have to deal with skin issues regularly or at all, but until that day comes, I'll keep fighting those dirty b's with everything Mother Nature has got!


How do you guys handle your skin issues? Any tips you can share? I'd love to know! 

Peace & love,
Sabrina xoxo


*Enessa Organic Skincare, Annmarie Gianni & Tata Harper products were all sent to me, however, I do use these and truly recommend them! All other products were purchased by me.

**Affiliate links are used

New From Annmarie Gianni Skincare - Essential Oil Blends To Promote Harmony & Well Being!

Photo Credit

Oh, Annmarie Gianni Skincare, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

No matter how many amazing green beauty brands I try, there are always those few that are just so special, so nurturing, so utterly unforgettable that you just keep going back for more and more.

Annmarie Gianni is one of those brands. Their creations never cease to amaze and delight me. And now they have done it again with the newest addition to their family - Essential Oil Blends aromatherapy oils!

I was graciously sent their sample kit to test and let me tell you..these oils are pure heaven!!

Here's the 411 on each:

For Best Results (from their website):

Apply 1-2 drops onto wrists, or add to a carrier oil (such as pure coconut, olive, or grapeseed) and apply like a moisturizer. Use it in your diffuser, or add it to water to make a room spray.

1) Vibrance - Made with a combination of feminine florals like Jasmine and Rose and energizing citrus notes of Grapefruit and Lemon, this oil is perfect for when your mood needs to be uplifted and happy!

Ingredients: Essential oils of ruby red grapefruit, Italian lemon, bergamot, lemon verbena, lavender, clementine, jasmine sambac absolute, rose-geranium.

2) Passion - To ignite that passionate side of you, this is the one to reach for! Earthy notes of Vetiver and Buddha Wood mingle with the sensuous scents of Rose and Sandalwood to really help put you in the right mood! ;-) One of my favorites of the bunch for sure!

Ingredients: Essential oils of sandalwood, vetiver, frankincense, rose moroc absolute, sweet myrrh, amyris, buddha wood.

3) Love - What's passion without love to really stoke the fires? In my opinion, pretty darn boring! Made with the intoxicating essential oils of Jasmine and Rose, this is a straight up aphrodisiac in a bottle! Sandalwood and Frankincense round out the sexy scent. Love combined with Passion is muy Caliente - and my favorite two of the bunch!!

Ingredients: Essential oils of sandalwood, rose moroc absolute, jasmine sambac absolute, frankincense.

4) Calm - With all the stress that has been in my life for the past few years, this is something I have been in desperate need of! With the relaxing scent of Lavender and the comforting scent of Frankincense, this really helps keep those negative emotions away! Needless to say, I've been using this a lot!

Ingredients: Essential oils of sandalwood, rose moroc absolute, jasmine sambac absolute, frankincense.

5) Grounded - This one I use as a companion to Calm and Vibrance - to help keep stress levels down, my mood happy and my emotions centered and positive. The scent is woodsy and earthy with just a touch of sweet spice that really makes everything nice! Sandalwood, a re-occurring guest star in most of these oil blends, is extremely helpful in reducing stress, depression, and even low self-esteem, while instilling a sense of inner peace.

Ingredients: Essential oils of sandalwood, amyris, peru balsam, cedarwood, vetiver, amber (fossilized), copaiba balsam, galangal root, patchouli, ginger root, buddha wood, turmeric root.



Have you tried these oil blends yet? What are your favorite scents to help calm, de-stress and uplift you? Let me know below!



*Products were sent to me for review, however, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

**Contains Affiliate link

8 Food & Nutrition Trends To Watch For in 2016!

Well, another year has flown by! Seriously, Father Time, slow it down a bit, will ya?! Anyways, I hope you guys had a great New Year's and that 2016 is all that you want it to be! :-)

I have so many things I plan to accomplish this year (many for TBE, many personal/health related) and I can't wait to get going!

But first things first...

The following post was inspired by an email I was sent and after reading through it, I felt it was interesting enough to share here on my blog!

Food, nutrition and holistic treatments have played a huge role in my journey to wellness - I am a firm believer in the whole "you are what you eat" message - so seeing that the natural food and wellness movement is just growing and getting stronger and more popular makes me want to jump for joy (but that may throw my back out, so I'll settle for a gentle happy dance)!

Take a look and see what you think!

Photo Credit

Eight Trends to Watch in 2016

Janet Little, Nutritionist for Sprouts Farmers Market

1. Ancient Sprouted Grains: People continue to seek authentic culinary experiences while trying to maximize their nutritional opportunities. Ancient sprouted grains are the perfect hybrid of these two trends. According to SPINS, a leading information provider for the Natural and Specialty Products Industry, sales of ancient grains such as Kamut, spelt and amaranth have been growing at a rate of over 100% annually¹. Additionally, the increasing number of people with gluten-sensitivities has led to an increased overall awareness of the homogenization of our diets as it pertains to grains. People are learning that there is a lot more out there than just wheat, and sprouted grains offer a strong boost of nutrition. In fact, packaged grains labeled gluten-free have shown a 29% increase in growth².

2. Plant-based proteins: With the attention being paid to the health and environmental consequences of eating meat, people are seeking ways to fulfill their protein requirements through plants. Sales growth of vegan products has grown by 10% at multi-outlet grocery retailers³. New combination-nut butters and protein-boosted nut milks along with products containing alternative ingredients such as pea protein and chia will continue to rise in popularity.

3. The Anti-Artificial Movement: Watch for companies to continue to “naturalize” their products as customers increasingly reject flake flavors and colors. Even major food manufacturers with heritage brands are getting on board and re-engineering their recipes. People also will seek “simplicity” in foods looking for products without a long list of ingredients.

4. Natural Alternative Sweeteners: As obesity rates have soared to over a third of adult Americans and diabetes affects 9.3% of the U.S. population, interest in alternative sugars is rising. Low-glycemic sweetener coconut palm sugar has shown a 78% increase in sales growth while still-hot zero-calorie stevia has grown 32%. Sugar-alcohols maltitol and xylitol have also shown growth at 33% and 23% respectively⁴.

5. Natural Baby Food: Baby food grows up! Consumers are increasingly rejecting anything artificial for themselves as well as their children and are choosing organic baby food both for health and environmental reasons. And the newest trends in baby food mimic those of adult food, with more sophisticated flavors, superfoods and protein.

6. Natural Stress Relievers: After years of over-caffeinating with coffee and energy drinks we are starting to see a growing need for products that relax us. “Calming” functional products such as beverages or supplements will see a rise in popularity.  

7. Better for You Desserts: There is an increasing awareness of the effect that high fructose corn syrup and sugar have on the body, which is leading to a trend of desserts with a higher nutritional profile. Companies such as Artic Zero and Miss Jones Baking Co. are capitalizing on this trend with dessert options that are better for you and devoid of artificial ingredients.

8. Millennials as Cooks: Now that millennials are coming into their own they are becoming more accomplished in the kitchen and looking for education and products to support their culinary endeavors. Spice blends and easy baking kits give millennials the convenience they seek while still feeling as if you are creating a meal from scratch.

¹SPINSscan Natural, 52 Weeks Ending 7/12/2015

²Ibid

 ³Ibid

⁴Ibid

~Thank you to Janet Little for sharing this info! 

What food and nutrition trends do you think will be big this year? Any from the list above or any not mentioned? I'd love to hear your thoughts!! :-)

Peace & love,

Sabrina xoxo

Tips For Starting A Brand New Skincare Regimen!

Hey, lovelies! I hope you have a fantabulous New Year's tonight! Anyone have any special plans? Me, I'm keeping it low key with the hubs and our furry babies - just a quiet evening of pizza, detox salad (which we'll need after the pizza - I'll share the recipe in another post if you'd like!?), roasted Brussels Sprouts, wine and maybe a movie! :-) 

I'm still trying to rest up as much as possible, but I get too bored easily - I'm literally the worst person when it comes to "taking it easy" (nervous energy?)! I'm trying to stay off of Social Media and I won't be really working much on my blog posts until Monday or so, but I do have a few contributed posts that I figured I'd continue sharing - it'll give me a chance to work on some of the changes I am making to "TBE" and also..rest...if I can handle that! lol

Anyhoo...this post is all about starting a new skincare regimen - and any of you beauty bloggers out there know how testing multiple brands can affect your skin - breakouts anyone? (goal #29383883379 for 2016 is to figure out a better testing timetable)! 

So, without further ramblings..I hope you enjoy this post! :-)

Peace & Love & have a safe and Happy New Year!!! 
~Sabrina xoxo

Tips For Starting A Brand New Skincare Regimen!

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The New Year brings with it resolutions and hopes of changing ourselves for the better. To start your new year off in the best way possible, why not start a new skincare regimen? It might not be as drastic as losing weight or cutting back on wine, but it’s something that will make you feel great. Treating your skin better will make putting your makeup on much easier and may even give you the confidence to go without. So if you’re ready to start pampering your skin a bit more, follow these tips!

Find out your skin type

Before you head to a store (or online shop) and buy all of the skin care products in sight, it would be beneficial for you to determine what kind of skin you have. Look in the mirror and take a good look at your skin. Does it look dry? Or oily? Or sensitive? Or is it a combination? Whatever it is you need to buy the right products to cater to your skin’s needs. Your skin is never going to look fantastic if you’re using the products that are aimed at a skin type that is different to your own. Do your research on products that will work efficiently on your particular skin type. Also, read other people’s reviews before you buy. Your skin might benefit from organic and natural ingredients or a deeply nourishing moisturizer. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice from the experts to ensure you know which products will suit you.

Don’t mess with your skin

When you’re starting your new skin care regimen, as tempting as it might be, don’t mess. Your skin is more delicate than you think. Squeezing and pulling at your skin is not going to get rid of your blemishes and pimples, it will just make them worse. It will also damage your skin making it scar and wrinkle prematurely. Your fingers and nails will also cut your skin and fill your pores with oil and dirt. Which is likely to cause more spots and blemishes. This is obviously not what you want. Visit howtogetridofpimples.com.au to find out how to remove spots and blemishes safely and hygienically.

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Remove your makeup every night

While you are asleep, your skin repairs itself, which can be made more difficult when you have makeup on. One of the best tips for healthy skin is to remove all makeup before you go to bed. Invest in a good makeup remover which will remove the buildup of foundation that has become lodged into your pores. Taking off your makeup gives your skin a chance to breathe and feel lovely and fresh. Remember to make sure the remover is not too harsh on your skin but effectively gets rid of all your makeup (like this one found here).

Don’t be discouraged if your new skincare regimen doesn’t work instantly. It’s going to take time for your skin to adjust to the new products you are using. The key is patience and consistency and within a few weeks, you’ll be able to see changes occurring.

~This post was contributed by Amie Wright


What are your tips for starting a new skincare regimen? Let me know in the comments below!


*I received compensation for publishing this post. Post contains an affiliate link.

How To Keep Your Pets Safe & Stress-Free While You're Away From Home!

Hey guys! I know I posted on my Instagram that I was taking a break from blogging, social media, etc.. until after New Year's, and while I am trying to follow that as best as I can (which in all honesty is hard for me to just avoid it altogether! #addiction), I decided that it wouldn't hurt to schedule out a few posts I thought might be of interest in the meantime! 

This one I am sharing today is by contributing author, Beth Jones, and it focuses on keeping your pets safe and stress-free - which as a devoted animal mommy, is of huge importance to me! I personally utilize tip #2 (below) when my husband and I go away and to help keep pets' stress levels down, you can also check out some holistic pet treatments from Siddha Flower Essences (see review here)! 

Enjoy! 

Peace & Love,

~Sabrina xoxo

How to Keep Your Pets Safe & Stress-Free While You're Away From Home!

Image by Flickr

So you’ve packed your summer essentials ( if you live in the US, these would still work to keep that "glow" even in the Winter!) and you’re ready for the trip of a lifetime. But you’re worried about leaving your beloved pet at home. Worrying about our animals is something all pet owners do, but this is exacerbated when we are going away! We know they will miss us, as we will miss them, and we want them to feel as comfortable and calm as possible. Here is a list of options you can choose from so you can enjoy your trip and be confident that your pet is safe and sound!

Boarding

Kennels and catteries can become a temporary home for your pet while you’re away. But these can sometimes be stressful experiences, especially if your pet is not used to being away from home. Never book your pet into an establishment without reading reviews and visiting first. Each one will be different, and the one you choose initially may not be ideal for your pet. You want to find a kennel that has fantastic facilities and staff that take the time to fuss and care for your animal. Also, look at the other pets currently housed there, as this should be a good indication of how other people’s pets are treated. Do plenty of research before you go to ensure you’re sending your pet to the best one possible.

Ask Friends and Family

This is often the most common choice for pet owners who are travelling. It’s likely that the pet will have met the friend or relative before which is bound to make the process easier. If your cat or dog gets stressed out easily, then having a familiar face around can ease their distress. Your chosen friend or family member can check in on them at home, or they can temporarily move them to their house. It’s likely you will have to leave instructions on how to care for your pet but make it as simple as possible. The person you have chosen will have their own life going on, so don’t ask too much of them. Be reasonable and only ask them to do what is necessary.

Image by Flickr

Pet Sitter

If you don’t have friends and family nearby to ask for help, a pet sitter is the next best thing. It’s a big responsibility looking after your pet, so you need to ensure they are right for the job. You ideally need to screen a few pet sitters to choose from and to arrange a meeting beforehand. That way you can see how well your pet gets along with them. If you don’t feel comfortable around them, move onto the next one. Also, remember to check their insurance and reviews from previous clients. You can use this website here for a greater understanding of what pet sitting entails.

So, whether you’re going for a few nights away with friends or a full-blown vacation abroad, you have a number of options to choose from. It’s your responsibility to make sure they are properly cared for while you are away from home, so don’t leave it to the last minute.  Whichever option you choose, you can feel confident knowing they are in good hands.

~This post has been contributed by Beth Jones

What steps do you take to ensure your pet is safe & stress-free before going away? Let me know in the comments!

*I received compensation for publishing this post

Crushing On Candy Cane This Christmas With Lemongrass Spa!

PR Samples in travel size

For me, there are certain scents that are unmistakably "Christmas" - gingerbread, cinnamon and of course, candy cane! The pepperminty fragrance of that red and white striped candy immediately conjures memories of my childhood of tree decorating and cookie baking every time I smell it. And these holiday products from Lemongrass Spa invoke those memories perfectly!

I've been slowly making my way through the generous "gifts" that Lemongrass Spa has sent me and today is all about the candy cane (you can read my previous post on them here and here)!

For the holiday season, they have 3 lovely products with this scent:

1) Prebiotic 'On the Go' Foaming Liquid Soap - Gently clean hands without harmful SLS or triclosan with this foaming vegetable based soap! Using nourishing Coconut, Aloe and Glycerin to soften hands while cleansing, and scented with 100% Organic Peppermint essential oil, your hands will be smooth and delicious smelling!

Price - $6 (on sale for Dec for $4.80)
Ingredients - purified water, coconut oil, aloe, sea salt, kelp, citric acid, glycerin (plant derived), USDA certified organic peppermint essential oil.

2) Bath Crystals - I generally prefer showers over baths, but this time of year is when I like to indulge in some serious bath time! These crystals are enhanced with Vitamin E oil and Peppermint essential oil to soothe tired muscles and infuse skin with moisture! It's sheer minty bliss!

Price - $12 (on sale for Dec for $9.60)
Ingredients - (Sodium Chloride) Rock Salt, (Tocopherol) Vitamin E Oil and (Mentha Piperita) Certified Organic Peppermint Essential Oil.

3) Hand & Body Lotion - Keeping with the peppermint theme, this silky rich lotion absorbs quickly, leaving skin soft and smelling like Christmas! The fragrance isn't quite as pronounced as the hand wash, though it does linger for awhile, which I like. I honestly couldn't stop smelling my hands!

Price - $17 (on sale for Dec for $13.60)
Ingredients - Distilled water; (Aloe Barbadensis Leaf) Aloe Vera Gel, Almond Oil, Vegetable Emulsifier, Stearic acid, Glycerin, (Vitis Vinifera) Grapeseed Oil, Pomegranate Extract, (Prunus Armeniaca) Apricot Kernal Oil, (Cocos Nucifera) Coconut Oil, (Simmondsia Chinensis) Jojoba Oil, Primrose Oil, Shea Butter, (Tocopherol) Vitamin E Oil, certified organic Peppermint Essential Oil, hydroxypropyl starch phosphate and Optiphen.



What scents remind you of Christmas? Do you have a crush on candy cane too? Sound off below!


Peace, love, Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

Sabrina xoxo

*Products were sent to me for review consideration. All thoughts are my own.