Perfecting Natural Beauty With Nordic Secrets

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When I think of Northern European countries, the first thing that comes to mind are the gorgeous women. Nordic women in general are absolutely stunning. Their slender stature, light eyes and can we talk about flawless glowing skin! Many of their eye catching attributes not only have to do with genetics, but the environment and the unpolluted natural resources that surrounds them. We may not have the same genetics, but what if we could bottle up all that Nordic goodness and make it a part of our beauty routine?

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A Relaxing Hemp Skin Care Routine

We All Need Self Care

Need to destress with a little self care? Try pampering your skin by delicately exfoliating and adding hemp skin care to your routine. It will leave your skin looking gorgeous and feeling refreshed.

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Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life - Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha - Om Mushroom SuperDrink Sticks - Alter Eco Chocolate - Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil
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healthier healthier healthier healthier healthier healthier healthier healthier healthier healthier

healthier

Every once in a while I try out some new healthy food and drink options to see if they are something I could add to my everyday life. Recently, I have tried a new kombucha drink, healthy dark chocolates (because chocolate is life, am I right?), a new coconut oil for cooking healthier, and even a mushroom superfood drink powder.

I like variety and trying new products because it allows me to get out of my everyday rut when it comes to food and drink. So, here are my thoughts about the new items I’ve tried.

Om Mushrooms Superfood Drink Sticks

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life - Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha - Om Mushroom SuperDrink Sticks - Alter Eco Chocolate - Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

I might as well start with the one item that I was the most skeptical about. I mean, I like mushrooms … but as a drink? I was doubtful that I would like it, but intrigued enough to give it a shot.

I think it was pretty smart for Om to pair this superfood up with fruit flavors. Most people are used to enjoying drinks that have some degree of sweetness to them, and while mushrooms add a fantastic layer of savory flavor to many dishes they are not something I would sit down and eat just by themselves.

Varieties

Citrus Orange – Energy+

Lemon Lime – Energy+

Super Berry – Immune+

Mocha – Brain Fuel+

Strawberry Lemonade – Beauty+ (Hair, Skin, Nails)

I tend to like red fruits just in a general sense. So, it was really no surprise to me that I liked the taste of the Super Berry and Strawberry Lemonade flavors. I love chocolate and enjoy coffee, on occasion, so I was reasonably certain that I would enjoy the Mocha flavor (I added it to a few cups of coffee and really enjoyed that).

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life - Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha - Om Mushroom SuperDrink Sticks - Alter Eco Chocolate - Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

But, I’m not a huge fan of lemon lime or orange drinks. Which is a bummer, because I thought I might not like the Om versions, either, and I really wanted to since they were the two varieties which offer energy benefits. Lack of energy is something I’ve been struggling with as I get older. I tried both, and I think they both tasted great!

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life - Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha - Om Mushroom SuperDrink Sticks - Alter Eco Chocolate - Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

I like that Om Organic Mushroom Superfood Drink Sticks offer a variety of different types of flavors, to appeal to people who like different tastes. I love that the supplement powder is so portable and easy to carry with you everywhere. That makes it so easy to add into water or coffee or whatever you happen to be drinking for a healthy boost. And, it looks like these are good for just about everyone as they are gluten free and appropriate for popular dietary programs like Paleo and Keto.

Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life - Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha - Om Mushroom SuperDrink Sticks - Alter Eco Chocolate - Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

Speaking of health drinks, here is yet another variety of Kombucha that I’ve tried in the last year or so. Honestly, most kombucha drinks leave me wondering what all the hype is about. I get that they have health benefits, but I can’t generally get into the taste of some of them.

Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha is a bit different. First of all, these are canned drinks versus the other’s I’ve tried which were in glass bottles. I don’t know if that makes a difference in taste or whatever. But, I do know that this is the first kombucha that I have tried and liked well enough to consume the entire drink.

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life - Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha - Om Mushroom SuperDrink Sticks - Alter Eco Chocolate - Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

Second, though it is a healthy prebiotic drink, it comes in some definitely delicious sounding flavors: Apple Mint, Ginger Peach, Tropical Mango. I thought they each tasted pretty good, though the Apple Mint was my favorite overall. Not that I have to choose a favorite, but just in case you’re interested.

These drinks contain a certified organic, plant-based, prebiotic fiber called Xylooligosaccharides (XOS Fiber) which will nourish the probiotic bacteria that is naturally present in your gut, helping it to grow. 

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life - Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha - Om Mushroom SuperDrink Sticks - Alter Eco Chocolate - Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

While, the previous brands of Kombucha I’ve tasted have never made their way back into my home, I think Wonder Drink would be the one that I could see myself stocking in my fridge on a rotating basis with some other health foods that I like to have around.

Alter Eco Dark Chocolate

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life - Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha - Om Mushroom SuperDrink Sticks - Alter Eco Chocolate - Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

Chocolate.

Enough said.

It’s good. Buy these chocolates. You will not be sorry.

LOL — I don’t know what to say here. Chocolate is either good or bad, in my opinion. I’m not usually so black and white in my judgements. But, it’s true here.

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life - Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha - Om Mushroom SuperDrink Sticks - Alter Eco Chocolate - Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

And these are good! Taste is everything when it comes to chocolate. I don’t care how healthy it’s made, if it doesn’t taste good I’m not going to eat it. Period.

Alter Eco uses dark chocolate (known to have health benefits), is organic and gluten free, and uses fair trade ingredients. All of these things make it even easier to enjoy one of my favorite snacks.

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life - Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha - Om Mushroom SuperDrink Sticks - Alter Eco Chocolate - Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

My daughters are both interested in products that are healthy and that benefit people and communities over corporations, so they have both been interested in learning about the company behind these delicious chocolate bars and truffles and sampling the treats.

Salted caramel chocolates are my number one favorite overall. So, my personal favorite of the ones pictured here are the Salted Caramel Truffles. Of the chocolate bars, my fave would have to be the Crisp Mint.

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life - Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha - Om Mushroom SuperDrink Sticks - Alter Eco Chocolate - Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

The chocolate in all of the products is smooth and very satisfying and the truffle centers literally just melt in your mouth! So, so good!!! You can’t really go wrong no matter which one you choose.

Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life - Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha - Om Mushroom SuperDrink Sticks - Alter Eco Chocolate - Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

I like to cook. Finding new and interesting recipes, ingredients, and stuff like that is a fun hobby for me. New cooking oils are something I have enjoyed exploring as they each have different tastes and health benefits.

One of the most recent new finds in our house is sesame oil. We love Asian foods, and the peanut-y flavor has made things like my daughter’s fried rice recipe a whole new dish!

Coconut oil is something I began seeing covered in the media a year or two ago and decided to try. I’m still experimenting and learning about different oils and what uses they have and benefits they offer.

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life - Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha - Om Mushroom SuperDrink Sticks - Alter Eco Chocolate - Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil is the latest one to grace my pantry. It’s organic, non-GMO, and Keto certified and labelled as an organic superfood.

Small Changes To Make For A Healthier Life - Wonder Drink Prebiotic Kombucha - Om Mushroom SuperDrink Sticks - Alter Eco Chocolate - Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil

I know, the other items listed are things you can eat or drink on their own, and coconut oil isn’t. But, I still wanted to mention it here since it’s a health food item that I’ve tried and have enjoyed using. I will, however, talk about it some more in another upcoming article about a new cookbook I’ve been dabbling in preparing recipes from.

It’s called Simply Real Eating by Sarah Adler. It’s all about using real food ingredients and preparing easy and healthy meals. One of the cooking oils talked about in her book is coconut oil, so I will be using this Nutiva Coconut Oil in preparing a recipe from Ms. Adler’s book to share with Beauty Brite readers. Keep a look out for that very soon!

What healthy food swap have you made in your life and how has it worked out for you?

Obtain PERFECT Oral pH with CBD Toothpaste & Mouthwash

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Natural, Organic, Safe & Effective

I need to be honest. I NEVER purchased natural and organic oral care products let alone using ones that contain CBD. I do have an eco-friendly toothbrush; but I use it with your basic brand name toothpaste. Sounds crazy & pretty backwards right? But it’s something I just started to look into. What I didn’t realize is that there are over 100 harmful and toxic ingredients in many of our oral care products.

Talk about an eye opener!

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Unique Gift Ideas For Teens And Women

Unique Gift Ideas For Teens And Women --- Country Archer Jerky Co.-Cultured Candy-Bixby & Co. Luxury Chocolate Bonbons-Beessential Happbee Holiday Lip Balm Tin-Galaxy Bombs Bath Bombs-TLD Candles S+P Shaker Set-Invisasox
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Unique Gift Ideas For Teens And Women Unique Gift Ideas For Teens And Women Unique Gift Ideas For Teens And Women Unique Gift Ideas For Teens And Women Unique Gift Ideas For Teens And Women Unique Gift Ideas For Teens And Women

Small, filler-type gifts are one of my favorite things about planning for birthdays and all the different holidays that we love to celebrate. Sometimes these small, inexpensive filler gifts will go into an overall gift basket. But, for Christmas they more often than not are destined for my kids’ Christmas stockings (unless they directly correlate with a larger gift).

For example, if I’m gifting a makeup organizer or beauty bag to one of my daughters, I might purchase bottles of nail polish/polish remover, nail files, eyeliner/mascara/eye shadow, makeup remover pads or other such items to put inside the organizer or bag before wrapping. However, if I’m not gifting a larger item like that, these smaller items will end up in their Christmas stockings along with the small treats or candies.

Unique Gift Ideas For Teens And Women --- Country Archer Jerky Co.-Cultured Candy-Bixby & Co. Luxury Chocolate Bonbons-Beessential Happbee Holiday Lip Balm Tin-Galaxy Bombs Bath Bombs-TLD Candles S+P Shaker Set-Invisasox

Some things I buy for stockings every year — a candy cane, chocolate candies like Hershey Kisses, a chocolate santa or reindeer, Christmas-themed suckers, etc. But, I truly thrive on finding totally unique items to also stick in there that I’ve never given before.

Here, I will be sharing some of the fun, unique items that are going into my kids’ stockings this year. They would also work great in gift baskets, too.

I can’t wait to see how they react! The first two items listed are snack foods. Since the holidays are inevitably full of sweet and high-calorie treats, I decided to share two snacks that are not only delicious and full of flavor but also healthy treat options! But, trust me, your loved ones won’t even know it because they will be so bowled over by the flavors.

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Overhaul Your Snack Cupboard


Overhaul Your Snack Cupboard--Mrs. Renfro's Salsa-Eat Your Coffee Energy Bars

 

 

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Snacks. It’s an all-important segment of every shopper’s grocery list and a constantly evolving one for me. We love snacks at my house, but get bored with the same old ones every week. So, it’s essential to rotate what I buy to keep everyone happy and satisfied. I think my family appreciates the effort I make to find new and interesting items to nosh on while engaging in various home or on-the-go activities.

Mostly, I choose snacks with other family members in mind in terms of their tastes and what they might enjoy. Sometimes, I see a snack option while shopping that I just can’t resist buying for myself regardless of whether anyone else might also like it. Few and far between, to be sure, but I do succumb to my own personal snack desires on occasion.

I want to share two of the newest snacks to have occupied a space in my cupboard recently, Mrs. Renfro’s Gourmet Salsa and Eat Your Coffee Bars.

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Delicious Keto Coffee Recipes

Delicious Keto Coffee Recipes - Bullet Proof Coffee - Hala Tree Coffee - Java House Cold Brew Coffee

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First of all, Keto is the latest lifestyle trend because many are having such successful results! Being on the Ketogenic Diet for nearly two months now, I can definitely agree that it has made me feel much better and caused my energy to increase.

In contrast, it took some time for me to get used to such a new way of eating. For example, embracing butter and oils. For my entire life, I can only remember hearing about the benefits of a low fat diet. Adding coconut oil to my coffee and cooking with butter? The horror!… [read more]

Choose Sustainable Organic Cotton

Choose Sustainable Organic Cotton with prAna

Choose Sustainable Organic Cotton

Beauty Brite Disclosure

I love wearing cute and stylish clothing. As a single mom, I like to treat myself to new clothes every so often! I especially enjoy selecting sustainable organic cotton fashion if at all possible. I already try to buy organic foods as much as possible, so it only makes sense to choose organic cotton!

When you shop with prAna, they make it easy to choose sustainable organic cotton pieces!

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Four Healthy Snacks to Add to Your Back to School Stash


Four Healthy Snacks to Add to Your Back to School Stash

Four Healthy Snacks to Add to Your Back to School StashBeauty Brite Disclosure

It’s that time again!

Back to school

We have counted down the days all summer long for this. Some for the sanity of a silent home and others because their children genuinely love school. Either way, I have compiled a list of 4 healthy snacks to add to your grab and go stash for back to school.

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Self-Care Is Totally Worth Your Time

Self-Care Is Totally Worth Your Time--Shir Organics-NaturaBrasil-Nature Lab Tokyo

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Personal care is important, not because it’s trendy but because we all are worth caring for, all of the time. In the hustle and bustle of daily life with all the exterior demands on our time and attention that being a woman entails it can be very easy to forget that. We often put everything and everyone else above ourselves in terms of importance, don’t we? Especially women, who care for everyone else — their parents, spouses, children, and friends — before giving their own needs more than a passing thought.

I’m certainly guilty of this passive and unthinking form of self-neglect at times. I mean, I apply sunscreen if I’m going to be out in the sun for long enough that I might get a sunburn. I apply lotion to my hands and arms pretty regularly. Though that’s mostly because my hands can get pretty rough from constantly washing them as I go through the average day during cleaning, meal prep, and caring for our various animals. I can’t even remember the last time I treated myself to something as simple as a hair cut, it’s probably been a year or more I’m sure.

There are a lot of different kinds of personal care products on the market to choose from. Products that address areas from skin care to hair care, internal health to physical fitness. Some are clearly better than others, but a large majority of what’s available is all very good and it can be a difficult task to weed through all of the advertising and information to make a choice about which brands to use.

The easiest area of personal care to address, I think, is taking care of one’s exterior, what others see when they look at us. That being our skin and hair. I mean, we all bathe and at least occasionally use nourishing bath products and perhaps apply body lotion afterward. These areas are where I’ve tried quite a few different products to support skin and hair care.

So, today I will be sharing the three most recent brands that I’ve been using and my thoughts on them. Since there are so many brands to choose from, it’s sometimes fun to share those that you might not find on the shelves of every pharmacy or mass merchandise retailer. Don’t you think?

And since I especially like trying new natural/organic products for personal care those will be what I share with you today. Brands you may not have heard of before like NaturaBrasil, Shira Esthetics, and NatureLab Tokyo. I hope you enjoy your introduction to these brands of skin and hair care and that you put yourself first and decide to try one (or more) of them for yourself. You deserve it! [read more]