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How To Pamper Yourself Without Breaking the Bank

“Self-care” is all the rage, and while much of it is necessary for a healthy and holistic life, more often than not, we don’t have the time, or simply can’t seem to justify the price-tag. That being said, showers are my ME time!! I take long, hot showers at night, and they are my favorite 20minutes of the day! Evening showers are my time to unwind– Winn is asleep– and I can relax, pamper myself, or just ZEN! Lately, three products have made this time even more luxurious, and they’re each under $20, so you’re not breaking the bank.



Fun fact, because I usually shower at night, I almost never use a hairdryer– healthier air dried hair FTW! Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Collection is everything you’d want in haircare and you can find it at your local Ulta or Walgreens. Get sexy windswept hair through tropical coconut oil & sea kelp that’s sulfate free, and moisturizing! This is in no way sponsored, y’all, I just genuinely enjoy this product line that much! If you trust me, go buy the entire collection now, it includes Moisturizing Shampoo, Conditioner, Texturizing Sea Salt Spray, Soft Waves Sea Salt Spray, Texturizing Cream, and their Texturizing Dry Shampoo (FAVE!) for only $35.



As you know from last year’s post on Beauty Detox, I’m always keeping an eye out for cleaner non-toxic beauty options– however, they need to do their job and they need to do it well. Recently, I stumbled across Patcha Soap Company, and their whipped soap scrub is GOLD!!! Dead Sea Mud whipped with natural exfoliants like sea salt, pumice, and volcanic ash, this scrub is not only deeply cleansing, but leaves your skin feeling smooth & rejuvinated! Patcha Soaps are crafted in the U.S. with no synthetic fragrances, SLS, sulfates, or parabens, and are cruelty free. In addition, Pacha Soap purchases help fuel “clean water initiatives, small-scale soap shops and other sustainable ventures in developing countries!” Naturally, I found this gem at Whole Foods, and despite our living near a city-sized Whole Foods, they still manage to keep a handful of scents stocked at all times. So far Dead Sea Mud is my favorite offering a deeper scrub, but I’ve also tried their French Lavender, and Limited Edition Holiday scent– both were incredible!



This year I made it my goal to prioritize skincare. However, the products I love are luxury items with a price-tag to match. I justify this, because when it comes to scrubs and masks, I often make these at home. These DIY blends are incredibly easy to make, are cost effective, and offer an opportunity to pamper your skin with natural ingredients that are chemical and toxin free. Simply mix the following 4 ingredients at a 1:2 ratio, you’ll need brown sugar, baking soda, your favorite face cleanser (I use Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleanser), and a few drops of your favorite essential oil (I use lavender and frankincense for their calming & firming properties). Fold your cleanser in well, and you should see a whipped butter-like consistency begin to form.



If you’re new to baking soda as an exfoliator, it’s finely ground yet hard making it effective at removing dead skin cells without causing too much irritation. In addition, it’s acid neutral. Personally, I’ll make a jar’s worth of this scrub at a time, but I don’t use it every day. I talk more about How to Curb Winter Skin here, but simply put, too much of anything can be a bad thing, so try every 2-3 days to start. For an even deeper scrub, apply scrub with minimal water to start.



Personally, I struggled for years to find a scrub I loved on the market, they were often to rough, had too many chemicals, or simply didn’t live up to their promise, which is what led to this recipe in the first place. It should go without saying that everyone’s skincare needs are unique, but this combination has proven to be a trusted part of my regular skincare routine, even if I change up the cleanser. Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

 



Why Diets Don't Work + How to Set Yourself Free

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Recently, I’ve found myself having a lot of conversations on nutrition, a lot of you reaching out with questions about trending diets, weight-loss, and general healthy eating… 


Truth is there are more diets out there than ever, couple that with a growing interest in fitness, and everyone seems to be trying something. Needless to say, I get it, there is an overwhelming amount of information being thrown at us from every angle– including both credible & questionable media. Week by week the narrative changes, as if one food group is out to kill you, while another is now the universal cure-all, and you’re right to feel confused.


By now most of you are likely familiar with Whole30, KETO, and Intermittent Fasting, or at least heard them tossed around– these are the three I get the most questions about. While I’m not going to address any one of these diets directly today, the bottom line is this: yes, the before and afters are often real, and yes you can achieve results through many of these practices. However, I would caution you from ending your research there.


Beyond the the math and science, the mental component of these diets is also worth considering. Diets are not only a physical, but mental practice, and this should never be underestimated. I can’t tell you how many self-proclaimed “serial dieters” I’ve met over the years, each confessing a sense of hopelessness concerning their weight, and worst of all a disappointment and shame in themselves. THIS SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN! Guilt, anxiety, and shame should never be associated with how you view food. In fact, fueling your body should be enjoyable!  


When a diet fails it’s often not a reflection of your efforts. Dieting in and of itself predicts weight gain– how’s that in food for thought?…



Diets come and go, because the results do exactly exactly the same. Most diets demand adopting unrealistic habits that are consequently unsustainable, and our bodies are complex systems, so starvation (calories/fuel) or unnecessary restriction (aggressive food elimination) is likely to agitate the system. You may be satisfied for a time, but this short-term gratification is fleeting, certainly not enough to sustain you, and that’s why diets ultimately fail. 



So how do you handle nutrition in a manner that’s healthy for both your body and mind?….

Rather than finding solace in a quick fix recipe, always look at the big picture. Yes, this takes time & patience– more than we’re often willing to give– but considering your long-term relationship with food, a sustainable lifestyle, and how all of the experimentation (that’s right, every time you try a diet you’re submitting your body to an experiment) will ultimately affect your body is worth the time & research. Study your current habits, document your food, but don’t get obsessive about any one element. Think holistically– FOOD in any measurement, be it calories, fat, carbs, etc. should never be feared! Take each day as a learning opportunity to show your bod some love & let it love you back. Work towards developing a lifestyle that adds to your quality of life rather than taking away from it. More often than not, I’d say 80% of my job is getting clients to eat better whole foods and more of them, not less!


Finally, remember everyone is different, so what works for you may not work for your sister, spouse, or friend, so don’t submit to those same expectations– the only problem with realizing there’s no one solution is that there’s then no magic pill.


If you have any specific questions please shoot me a message via our Contact Page, DM me on Insta, or leave a comment below. Take it from a Fitness Expert & “Professional Bruncher”– you can have your cake and eat it too ;)

 
 

#SmileFearlessly : cariPRO Electric Toothbrush + Major Discount Code

I think we can all agree, confidence comes from within... but a bright smile helps ;)

Over the years, I've revealed a few quirks here on the site, that's why when Smile Brilliant told me about their new cariPro Ultrasonic Electric Toothbrush, I openly shared my obsession for oral hygiene. While I'm sure many of you dread the dentist's office, I actually get excited– the look of a bright smile and the feel of a smooth set of pearly whites is my bliss. Maybe it's the OCD, but it's right up there with freshly washed sheets & long hot showers– complete zen & a definite boost in confidence.

Full disclosure, I'm a Sonicare girl, I've been using Philips Sonicare electric toothbrushes for years and currently own the Diamondclean Smart in Black. Over the years I've had a couple of their brushes break down or require replacement, but by then there's usually a new & improved model I've already been eyeing. All that to say, I've been a happy repeat customer for a long time, and was open about this when Smile Brilliant reached out. 

That being said, Smile Brilliant's new cariPRO Ultrasonic Electric Toothbrush presents some unique features that peaked my interest. For example...

  • 5 automated brush modes (clean, white, massage, gum care, sensitive)

  • 30 day battery life (on full charge) – amazing for travel!

  • Wireless charging dock - again, great for travel!

  • Waterproof design safe for shower or bath.

  • Full 2year warranty (Sonicare only offers limited warranty)

  • Best price on the market

Keep in mind that while the cariPRO Ultrasonic Electric Toothbrush just launched this summer, Smile Brilliant has been in the industry for years! In fact, they're best known for their professional grade at home teeth whitening system, so you can be confident they know how to bring out your brightest smile! With this in mind, the cariPRO Ultrasonic Electric Toothbrush was designed to...

  • remove 7x more plaque than a manual toothbrush

  • improve gum health in as little as 2 weeks.

  • remove more surface stains from everyday food and drink, giving you a noticeably brighter smile in as little as 1 week.

I've been using an ultrasonic toothbrush for as long as I can remember, however, while doing some research for this project, I was surprised to learn how many of you have never tried an electric toothbrush at all. Keep in mind, ultrasonic and electric toothbrushes are technically different. You can likely find an electric toothbrush at your local Target for under $15, whereas a good ultrasonic brush will be closer to $200/$300. Your $15 electric toothbrush will move the bristles in a circular motions to clean, which in theory sounds great, but ultrasonic technology is far more advanced using high speed vibration to breakdown plaque in a more efficient and gentle manner. The cariPRO works at 40,000 vibrations per minute. 

I could go on about further reasons why this brush is worth trying, but here's the deal: be it the CariPro or another, everyone should invest in an ultrasonic toothbrush to guarantee the best at home oral hygiene. I'm the perfect example of someone who cares deeply and still needs that extra assist – in my obsession with getting the best clean, I've been known to brush too hard & have been warned of receding gums. In my case, the sensitive feature of the cariPRO is both gentle and powerful, offering a deep clean within safe boundaries. Whether you don't brush well enough or, as in my case brush too aggressively, consider an electric brush your guide to staying on the straight and narrow. 

As for the cariPRO in comparison to other brands on the market, well, it's all that it claims to be and no gimmicks: quality engineering, high performance, and by far the best bang for your buck. That last part is key though... remember when I said most ultrasonic brushes ring in at $200-$300? Well, in an effort to make the best oral care accessible to all, Smile Brilliant bypasses the middle man with direct to home product, bringing this bad boy down to a mere $129 (including 4 replacement heads)– that's about half the price of it's competitors. Think Warby Parker business model.

Ready for the best part? This is one you're going to want to share with family & friends...  I'm beyond excited to announce Glitterary readers get a major discount– Smile Brilliant has agreed to 40% off with code GLITTERARY40! Literally no reason not to make the switch to ultrasonic! 

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out either in the comments below or on Insta

#SmileFearlessly

 

Recipe for a Balanced Smoothie

If you've been reading Glitterary for some time, you're already well aware that smoothies are my drink of choice! It's no secret that our Vitamix is the most used appliance we own, and even baby is already well accustomed to it's sound.

That being said, life often takes place away from home, and while you can find a juice bar or smoothie shop on almost any city block, its often hard to find options that's aren't oversaturated in sugar or filled with empty carbs (even if derived from natural ingredients).

Fun fact, if you start your day in balance, you're far more likely to maintain that balance throughout your day. Blood sugar levels are critical to your nutrition, and hormonal balance is key to lasting energy and mental clarity.

Unfortunately, all too often while attempting "healthy" choices, many walk away deceived, still hungry, and headed straight towards a hormonal crash. Because of this, rarely are smoothies a full meal replacement in my regime, but when rushed and need a blend to check off all the boxes, I look for four key elements...

  • Protein 
  • Fiber
  • Fruits/Veggies 
  • Healthy Fats

Bottom line, if it doesn't have protein it's not a meal replacement– skip this element & you'll soon find yourself with an insatiable hunger. In fact, to keep you feeling fuller longer you won't only need protein, but fiber! Fiber is extremely underrated, and can serve as a major asset to your health/diet. Fiber rich ingredients include dark leafy greens, select fruits, oats, chia seeds, and flax seeds.

Enter healthy fats...  you'd be surprised how much fat is in 1 tbs of chia seeds. That being said, your body needs that fat! Balance is everything, and not only will these healthy fats keep your blood sugar levels at bay, but if you opt out of this category, you'll likely end up with excess carbs that your body will have no option, but to store away as fat reserve. When choosing a balanced smoothie consider nut butters, avocados, MCT oil, and dairy/alternatives. 

One of my favorite morning smoothies is Harvest Juicery's Nutty Oat. I still remember when Harvest Juicery opened it's doors years ago, it was just around the corner from our loft and therefore an easy stop on the way out. This recipe was a favorite then, and to this day remains their best seller!

Loaded with Almond Cashew Milk (fat), Cocoa, Oats (fiber), Protein Powder (duh!), Banana (fiber), Almond Butter (fat), Raw Local Honey, and Cocoa Nibs (antioxidants), it checks all the boxes for a balanced smoothie... even if it tastes like dessert ;)

 

This post has been brought to you by Harvest Juicery, however, all opinions remain my own. The integrity of this site is far more important to me than any compensation or brand partnership. – S

 

Mermaid Smoothie

Over the last year, I've been testing new recipes and have developed a long journal of ideas. Nevertheless, the first go at preparing any recipe is always a wild card.

I promised you this one in Instagram stories, because while it was originally meant to be an elaborate fruit bowl, my failed attempt actually resulted in one of my favorite summer smoothie's to date. Like I said, 10x better than the smoothie I'd paid $12 for the day before.

Packed with antioxidants, protein, minerals, and a blue-green microalgea that's one of the most potent nutrient sources out there, this smoothie will leave you feeling refreshed, satiated, and just a dash more mermaid-like ;)


Recipe (Serves 2):

  • 1/2 Banana (preferably frozen)
  • 1.5c Raw Spinach
  • 1/2c Pineapple Chunks (frozen)
  • 1/2c Trader Joe's Organic Mango Chunks (frozen)
  • 4 Single Blackberries
  • 1 Packet Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides To-go
  • 2 Tsp Spirulina Powder
  • 1/4 Avocado
  • 1.5c Coconut Milk

Blend all ingredients together, adding ice to achieve desired consistency. Optional: garnish with unsweetened shredded coconut, chia seeds, and one additional Blackberry. Enjoy!

190 Cal / 26g Carbs. / 6g Fat. / 10g Protein  -  1 Serving


Chocolate Lover's Power Bowl

You can bet my meal prepping includes chocolate, and this is one of my all time favorite breakfast/snack/dessert bowls & one of the recipes I'm most proud of! 

Packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, and loads of fiber, this dish is promises more glowing benefits than your best beauty cream. Designed to satisfy that sweet tooth and keep hormone levels balanced (no sugar spikes), if you're craving something rich in chocolate or a mid-day treat with no added sugars, you'll love this Chocolate lover's Power Bowl!

Recipe:

  • 1/4 c Blueberries
  • 1/2  Banana - Sliced
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 3 medium Strawberries - Sliced
  • 1/3 c Unsweetened Coconut Milk
  • 1 tbsp Unsweetened Organic Dark Chocolate Chips, 100% Cacao - TRY THESE
  • 1.5 Tbsp Organic Chia Seeds
  • 1/3 c Cooked Quinoa 

For meal prep mix quinoa, chia seeds, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon in snack sized storage bags and freeze. When ready to enjoy, use microwave safe bowl, and cover with warm coconut milk. If still frozen of cold, microwave for 60-90seconds. Top with fruit, shaved coconut, sliced almonds. Enjoy!
 

403 Cal / 47g Carbs. / 19g Fat. / 12g Protein  / 16g Fiber  -  Serves 1



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