Beauty

Natural Energy & Beauty

I’ve thought about this post for a while and debated how to go about sharing it. I’m not an expert and not claiming to be. But…there are definitely a few things that have helped me pre and post baby that naturally provided me energy and helped my mood stay in check. Several things have also helped with my gut health, immunity, and better my hair, skin, and nails. Since all of this was pre-baby and post-baby, it’s basically for anyone. 🙂 With a combination of a little research and using these products over time, I wholeheartedly would recommend everything I’m about to share and why I use it.

Foods/Drinks:

Chia Seeds: These can be added to almost all my smoothies. (I use about a tablespoon). They are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, rich in antioxidants, and they provide fiber, iron, and calcium. 

Hemp Hearts: (I like this brand too!): This article explains all the benefits of hemp hearts better than I can. It also talks about hemp hearts verses chia seeds. I love, love, love topping this smoothie with them!

Coconut Oil: Gosh, where to start with this?! There are so many uses that I’m basically going to just scratch the surface. It promotes healthy skin and hair, while boosting digestion and heart health, and I love using it to cook and bake since because of the healthy fats it contains. (Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bites/ Healthy Pumpkin Bread/ Healthy Banana Bread). It’s also an ah-mazing make-up remover!

Flaxseed Meal: I use this in smoothies or on top of smoothie bowls all the time. When you buy flaxseed, you want to make sure you are getting the flaxseed meals verses whole flaxseed. The meal provides the nutritional benefits. It has omega-3 essential fatty acids, “good” fats that have been shown to have heart-healthy effects and helps increase milk supply for breastfeeding. It’s a win all around!

Vital Proteins Matcha Collagen: I add a scoop (or you can buy the packets) to coconut milk with ice and a splash of pure maple syrup or honey to create an iced matcha.

Vital Proteins Vanilla Collagen: I add this to smoothies (Blueberry Ginger Smoothie/ Orange Fluffy) to support my skin, hair, tendons, cartilage, bones, and joints.

Vital Proteins Beef Gelatin: I used this during pregnancy to make gummy vitamins because it was great for baby and me It also promotes youthful skin, healthier hair, stronger nails, and helps keeps bones healthy. It contributes to a balanced diet and helps maintain weight while providing a natural glycine that promotes healthy immune, digestive, and central nervous systems.

Reishi: You can read about the amazing benefits, here!

This might go without saying, but drinking water is HUGE! I drink almost a gallon a day to stay hydrated and contribute to helping myself feel healthier.

Supplements:

Vitamin B Complex: Vitamin B boosts energy, while supplying your body with a slew of vitamins that need to be replenished on a daily basis. (If you want to order, just let me know).

Vitamin D: I actually started taking this a few years ago during the winter months. My body was craving vitamin D since I wasn’t getting it from sunshine. I continue taking it during the winter months and still currently do to level out hormones post pregnancy.

Probiotic Supplement: Gut health affects so much of your overall health. Taking probiotics can improve your digestion, boosts immunity, lowers blood pressure, and so on. You can read all about it, here.

Omega-3 Fish Oil: This helps support brain, hair, skin and heart health.

Baby Probiotics: I give these to Capri. They help support gut health and immunity while providing vitamin D that doctors recommend for infants.

Mood booster:

Bergamot Essential Oil: This oil has ingredients that are uplifting when diffused or worn. I love it!

Leave a comment with any questions and I’ll answer them this week!

*A huge thank you to Vital Proteins for sponsoring this post!*

Fun In The Sun

One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten. Eleven. Twelve.

So many signs of summer are occurring over here: Our pool opening. Temps hitting 90 degrees today. Stocking up on sunscreen. Flip flops making an appearance on the daily. Dreaming up a sunny vacay (little to Eric’s knowledge)! Swimsuit’s in every store and online. The last one sometimes seems like such a fun experience and other times makes me clench my teeth. It’s a touchy but oh so fun subject all in one. My latest love? The one piece swimsuit. Although I love a classic black suit, the fun patterns always catch my eye too. Recommendations? Thoughts? What are some of your favorites?

Comfy and Casual

Workout Leggings/ Half-Zip/ Nikes 

 

Today, I’m linking up with Lindsey from The Pleated Poppy, in hopes that I’m not the only one wearing a similar outfit like I posted above lately. 😉 If you have seen me any time outside of school lately you have most likely seen this outfit of some sorts. If we met for coffee, I was wearing this. If you saw me grocery shopping, this was what you spotted me in. If I stopped by just to say hi, you got it…this was what I was sporting. It may look like I just finished a workout and went onto my next venture but that is definitely false these days. The truth is some new kicks, a simple tank top (like this or this one!), leggings, and a half zip is just so darn comfy! Not to mention it is perfect for errands, a quick coffee dates, or just lounging at home and still has the ability to make me feel somewhat put together. This cute hat has also helped a bunch! 😉 I would say let’s blame it on Christmas break but I’m choosing to focus on the positive this new year, so, I say, let’s thank Christmas break for this wardrobe staple. 😉  What have been some of your staples this New Year?

Some of my other favorites…

Friday Favorites

First week back after the holidays: Done!

Riding the Friday wave into the weekend never felt so sweet. 🙂 Happy Friday everyone!

One.

The fact that I was able to sit down, drink my coffee, and just read on Monday morning was perfect before it was back to a routine.

Two.
I know I already expressed how much I loathe taking my make-up off at night. Well, this week I tried something a little different. Nothing like experimenting on my face, right? Ha! I used Aquaphor to remove my eye make-up, followed by my face cleanser. Then, I used diluted apple cider vinegar (half water, half apple cider vinegar) on one of these to get off the excess grime. The apple cider vinegar balances out your pH. I still use my Mia, just not on a daily basis. It has worked great and my face has been extremely clean and smooth all week! 🙂

Three.
My Bacon Chocolate Chip Pancakes!

Four.
Sometimes you just have to break out the shaving cream for math class. (Especially when they are calling for snow the next day and it’s the first week back from a long break)!

Five.

Remember how excited I got over Eric’s new watch? Well, THREE lucky winners will receive a $25 gift card to purchase a watch for yourself or a friend! Just enter below. The winner will be announced next Friday. Good luck! xo

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I’m linking up with Erika, Narci, Andrea, Tif, April, and Karli!

Bundle Up

coatsfinalH & M Grey/ Pink Wool Coat/ Wool Walker Coat/ Quilted Down Coat/ Faux Fur-trimmed Down Coat/ Puffer Parka Coat

Yesterday was windy and oh so cold. The frigid temps are not my friend and this week the lows are supposed to be in the 30’s. That being said, I may have to break out last year’s winter coat that I am a huge fan of! I bought it in the seaside coral color and absolutely love it! It also comes in several other gorgeous colors and since it’s on sale here, I may be tempted to! After seeing one fun sale, I naturally started browsing for some other coat options to keep in the back of my mind as the temperatures continue to lower. Here are some favorites I found, since I’m just a girl, trying to stay warm as the season progresses. 😉

Only a few more days left to enter this giveaway! Happy Monday friends!