Wellness Wednesday | What Jenn Wore

Valentine’s Day Self Love

February 8, 2017

I have to say that February is probably the month when I have the lowest self-esteem. By this time, the novelty of winter has completely worn off and my skin is at it’s palest (and scaliest), my hair at it’s darkest (and seemingly frizziest), and, if summer bodies are truly made in the winter, then I am in trouble!

As I’ve grown older and started raising children (2 girls, I might add), I have been aware that I need to be kinder to myself. Aside from trying to banish negative self talk (particularly any commentary that may be said out loud), I am also trying to take some time to practice self love. And, as February is also the month of love, I’m sharing some my self care practices:

Dry Brushing
I posted about this last year and it’s just so good, it’s worth a reminder. I use an all-natural bristle brush and brush gently on dry skin prior to getting in the shower. I begin with my feet and brush upwards towards my lymph nodes. Around my upper thighs and seat, I begin to make a circular motion because, aside from exfoliation and improved circulation, dry brushing can also break-up cellulite. Yep, grab those brushes, swimsuit season only seems like a long way off.

{brush}

A couple of tricks and tips: 1) allow extra time to dry brush in the mornings, because it is stimulating and wakes up your senses (read: not to be done before bed). 2) I follow with an oil before getting into the shower, I then feel moisturized without the oily residue. I use a coconut oil or this spray serum (which smells dreamy)

{One Love serum}

See my previous post (it includes a useful YouTube video)

Drinking Vinegars
Yes, really, drinking apple cider vinegar has a number of health benefits including improved gut health and increased immunity and energy; however, I would not recommend taking a straight shot of this elixir. Now you no longer need to mix a lemon, cayenne, vinegar concoction in your own kitchen, because Suja Cold Pressed Juice will do it for you in 4 delicious flavors. Read more about the benefits of apple cider vinegar here.

{Suja juice} (lemon cayenne is my favorite)

Treat yo’self
Get your hair colored (a mid-winter must!), get your toes done (even if only for yourself), or get a facial. While I usually reserve such decadence for upcoming events such as parties or vacation prep, nothing can make you feel more like a queen than taking care of yourself…for yourself.

And while we’re talking about a treat, I have been loving my monthly subscription to the beauty brand Julep. As a Julep “Maven,” each month you receive 3 beauty products of your choosing. Prefer a surprise? They have the month lined-up for you but give you a 4-day window to swap out for items of your choosing. And, aside from their fantastic products, I love their inspirational messages in each box and in all of their marketing (for example: “If You Can Put It On, You Can Pul It Off” and #bravepretty). In particular, I am loving their facial oil and they’re beautiful and long-lasting polish colors have been in rotation all winter long.

{Julep Boost Your Radiance}

Brighten-Up
I am the first person to get stuck in the grey and black sweater doldrums of winter. And I love all of the dark and moody lipsticks that pairs so perfectly. But there comes a point when dark and moody becomes just that. And, as the days grow longer and the sunlight a little stronger, why not add a pop of unexpected color? Start small, and soon you’ll be adding spring’s brightest florals into the mix!

I just discovered the Milk Cosmetics brand and I am impressed! The salve has been a lifesaver this winter and this moisturizing yet matte orangey-red is the perfect antidote to the bleakness of my winter wardrobe.

{Milk “Name Drop”}

What steps are you taking to practice self-love. I’m always looking for motivation and inspiration.

Thanks for reading and Happy (early) Valentine’s Day! ~Jenn

Julep Maven photo courtesy: My Subscription Addication

Jumpstart Your Morning Routine

April 27, 2016

I’ve given up caffeine…I know, I even annoy myself. In the spirit of ‘Wellness Wednesday’ I’m providing some tips to get yourself out of bed and out the door without that morning cup of joe. Or, maybe even with it! No judgement here.

Put the cell phone down. My morning routine is actually beginning the night before when I stow my electronics at least 30 minutes prior to my head hitting the pillow. Many studies have linked cell phone usage in the evening hours to sleep depravation. This is likely due to the blue wavelengths emitted from most cell phones, which can interrupt the body’s natural circadian rhythm. Blue light, naturally found in sunlight as well, causes the body to be alert; however, during the night time hours, it suppresses the body’s melatonin levels, which are required for rest. Shut down that email and get off Instagram already, it’s time to catch some winks!
Be consistent. I am also trying to go to bed AND get out of bed at the same time each day (I do cheat on the weekends…I’m not that annoying!) When your body gets into a rhythm, it actually makes it easier to rise and shine each morning. I like to get up before the rest of my house; most mornings this is when I get my workout in or I treasure the silence of a quiet house and catch-up on email (or shop online).
Hydrate. And I don’t mean simply pouring water over coffee grinds! I start my morning with a 12 ounce glass of cold water followed by warm water and lemon (you may remember this from a previous post). In addition to the boost to your immune system the vitamin C provides, lemon also increases energy as it enters your digestive system. I have also started to add a dash of cayenne pepper, which stimulates your circulatory system, aids digestion, and regulates your blood sugar. Read more about this winning combination here.
Brush your shoulders off. And your entire body while you’re at it! I have become religious about dry brushing. While I am certainly enjoying the benefit of smoother skin, I definitely feel invigorated and more energized starting my day with a dry brush prior to getting in the shower. After brushing (see the technique in my previous post), I spray my body with a moisturizing oil and then soap up in the shower. The oil hydrates my skin, yet doesn’t feel greasy after rinsing off in the shower. I’m loving this body serum by One Love Organics.

What’s your morning routine? And, do you take cream or sugar?? Don’t stop reading because I’m not caffeinated. Thanks for checking in! ~Jenn

3 Simple Tips to Cheating Father Time

March 23, 2016

This week’s “Wellness Wednesday” features 3 tips, tricks, and/or products to help you cheat Father Time.

Silk Pillowcase

Meili & Grace Anti-Aging Pillowcase

Well, I’m a stomach sleeper so, in addition to all of that sunbathing I did in my youth, I’ve basically been giving myself wrinkles as I’ve been getting my beauty rest! I have been meaning to invest in a silk pillow case for some time. As a person that only washes their hair a couple of times a week (and yes, I mean 2 times), the benefits to gorgeous, next-day locks should have sold me alone. However, I was only motivated to finally make my switch when I found out that a standard cotton pillow case is creating drag on your skin; therefore, contributing to fine lines and wrinkles. Also, unlike cotton, which is more absorbent, silk won’t wick the moisturizers you painstakingly apply during your evening routine; therefore, leaving your skin better hydrated. Finally, silk won’t rub or catch as cotton does; alleviating bed head, breakage, and split ends. Sold? Me too.

Firming Eye Gels

Skyn Iceland

I was first introduced to these eye gels in my Birchbox (as you may have already read, I’m a huge fan of this subscription service, perfect for beauty junkies like yours truly). Similar to the idea of a Korean sheet mask, the cooling, firming eye gel deeply penetrates the skin as you leave the pads secured under your eyes for 10 minutes. Packed with an exclusive blend of glacial water, essential minerals, and gingko bilboa leaf extract; the pads deliver nutrients and healthy fats while reducing puffiness and dark circles. I pop mine in the fridge prior to application for an additional pick-me-up. Also check out Skyn Iceland Skin Hangover Kit…almost as necessary as a greasy cheeseburger following a late night!

Concealer

Clé de Peau Concealer

Hands-down, the best concealer on the market. Not too cakey nor too slick, Clé de Peau’s concealer is the perfect weight for layering to cover those dark circles that can be a permanent fixture once you have little ones (or stay up late binge watching Netflix, no judgement). I use my BeautyBlender sponge to apply, but a brush could work just as well. Stays put all day, blends beautifully…definitely worth the investment, as a little goes a long way!

What are your tips or tricks for maintaining your youthful glow? Any product recommendations? Please leave a comment so that I can try and/or share! If, by some miracle, you are getting 9+ hours of sleep, do not apply. Just kidding! And, thanks for reading. ~Jenn

Green Juice Taste Test

March 9, 2016

For today’s “Wellness Wednesday” post, I’m sharing a sampling of cold-pressed green juices that are also value-friendly. I love drinking green juice because I’m conscious that my diet may be lacking in dark leafy greens (my excuses could go on, but really, there it is). I’m also trying to be conscious of my family’s grocery budget; therefore, a costly green juice simply isn’t realistic.

For my taste test, I choose 4 juices easily found in your local grocery aisle (3 came from Safeway and 1 from Trader Joe’s). All are made using the cold-pressed method, which insures that the juices are safe to drink while maximizing nutritional benefits without compromising flavor. Also, all are priced under $7.00 (2 are very reasonable at $3.99). I enlisted my friend Kirsty to assist in my sampling, see our assessments below:Forager Greens & Greens. 100% organic, this savory juice packs the biggest punch. It was unexpectedly spicy (perhaps it is the addition of the cayenne) and rather “green” tasting. Pros include that it has the least amount of sugar (8 grams in 16 ounces); however, Kirsty wasn’t sure she could drink the entire bottle and I was surprised by its bite. This is the most expensive juice, priced at $6.99 for 16 ounces.

Trader Joe’s Cold Pressed Green. This is a fresh tasting, mild green juice that is easy to drink. With subtle lemon and ginger notes, it is refreshing yet doesn’t make you feel like you are grazing. Low in sugars (11 grams in 15.2 ounces) and priced at $4.99, it is a healthy choice for your budget. However, one draw back is that the juice is not organic, and for those who like to know where their food is coming from, this could be of concern.

Suja Noon Greens. All organic (and kosher certified), this juice was my 4 year-old daughter’s favorite (she’s a big green juice fan!). Kirsty described it as “cider-like,” with apple and ginger notes making it more sweet. Because apple juice is the first ingredient, it has the most amount of sugar of the 4 juices we sampled (21 grams in 12 ounces). With it’s sweet taste and price (only $3.99), this was a favorite sample; although at 110 calories per bottle, I’m not sure that I will be including it regularly in my diet.

Evolution Fresh Emerald Greens. With a slightly sweet aftertaste, yet a fresh, hardy green flavor; this juice was the easiest to go down. Kirsty felt like she could definitely taste the citrus notes, including the lemon and lime combination. I liked the veggie flavor that wasn’t too “in your face” green (does that make sense??). Although non-organic, this refreshing and light juice is both great tasting and a great value at $3.99 for 11 ounces.

Clockwise from bottom left: Forager | Trader Joe’s | Suja | Evolution Fresh

Are you drinking green? What are your favorite juices? I would love to try more and I’m curious how you are getting your daily dose of veggies. Please leave a comment. As always, thanks for reading! ~Jenn

Spray, Don’t Lay

March 2, 2016

In the spirit of “Wellness Wednesday” and all things health (exercise, eating right, and…skin care), I’m sharing my tried and true trick for preparing for vacations and special occasions. Now, of course, I would not ever (EVER!) lay in a tanning bed now (I’m already paying for those bygone days of prom prep), yet I love the look of bronzed skin. Especially when faced with exposing skin in winter or baring it all in a swim suit (eeeeeek!), I cannot summon the courage to display so much untanned flesh. Therefore, the advent of personalized, airbrush tanning as been a game-changer for this fair skinned, nordic fashionista!

Airbrush tanning has been around for awhile; however, the solution and technology continues to improve. I’m still surprised just how many people are airbrush tanning virgins. Therefore, I’m sharing tips to help you prep and extend the life of your tan…all you have to do is schedule your first appointment!

Exfoliate prior to your appointment. Scrub, shave, wax…get that skin baby soft and an even canvas for your spray. I cannot stress this enough. Rough skin holds the color of your tan more and you could end up blotchy. Likewise, if you wax, or get a pedicure, complete with leg scrub, following the tan, you will have white patches where the tan has been removed.
Wear loose clothing following your tan. Nothing is worse than squeezing yourself back into a pair of skinny jeans only to peel them off at the end of the day and discover that your tan has gone with them!
Avoid water following your tan…I mean it, like the plague! No bathing kids, washing dishes, or puddle jumping! Water also causes blotchiness (I got caught in a rain storm following a tan once and had white dots on my arms. No joke).

For Seattle readers, I highly recommend visiting the women at Rainglow Airbrush Tanning & Lashes. Rainglow customizes your tan to your desired level; using an all organic, paraben-free formula. Ever the professionals, your tan will be applied evenly and you will leave feeling like a million bucks, already bronzed. When I’m tanned at Rainglow, I feel confident that my tan looks natural; I wear less makeup and my sun-kissed glow lasts, fading gradually over the course of a week.

I recently was tanned at Rainglow in preparation for a black tie auction. Below are my before and after shots:

Before (eeek…my commitment to honesty is frightening!)

Immediately After (Rainglow’s solution has a bronzer that you see immediately. Once the DHA in the solution activates, you have a warm, long-lasting tan).