Tag: health

Wednesday On The Web

Aspen on Belle Belle Beauty

This past weekend, I went to see some friends in beautiful Aspen. I took this Instagram (#nofilter) and it still is so pretty to me, it seems unreal. We hiked, biked, rafted, shopped, ate seafood towers and drank palomas. You can’t really beat that. But now it is back to the real world.

Speaking of the real world…. in my continuous search to streamline mornings while still being healthy, I just ordered some goodies from Moon Juice. My Aspen buddy swears by these nourishing, milky smoothies. I cannot wait for them to arrive and report back on how they taste and make me feel. (also available here) A couple other finds from around the web:

My birthday is coming up next week and turns out apparently I am a Gemini, not a Cancer.

Was tempted to pick up this whole look at James Perse this weekend.

I am an Almond-scent junkie and was thrilled discovering this soap.

A huge roundup of natural beauty brands.

AQUA Carpatica

AQUA Carpatica on Belle Belle Beauty

The newest, edgiest trends in beauty come out of Asia these days (snail serum comes to mind – ew). Another more palatable trend is using water – specifically mineral water – in your skin care routine. Washing your face with sparkling water has been a hot trend for beauty aficionados in Japan and Korea for quite some time, and now it is picking up in the west.

First, a note about sparking water – it is my jam. So when the brand, AQUA Carpatica, reached out with an offer to give this new beauty trend out and try their unique sparkling water, I jumped. AQUA Carpatica has the only nitrate-free naturally sparkling mineral water. Nitrates are contaminates from septic tanks, fertilizer and erosion of natural deposits. This nitrate-free water is sourced in the Carpathian Mountains and is loaded with minerals. And it tastes so good! Crisp with smaller bubbles just like I like it.

AQUA Carpatica just landed in the US at Sprouts Farmers Market for those who want to give this water a whirl – either in their beauty routine or just to sip on! Note, when I used some to wash my face it was very cold, but refreshing and slightly foamy. The natural carbonation aids in exfoliation and oxygenation of the skin. If I didn’t love the taste so much, I would consider trying this splurge beauty step on my weekly self-facials.

 

The Super Elixir – WelleCo

The Super Elixir on Belle Belle Beauty

My dear friend (who knows her wellness stuff) taught me about alkalinity a long time ago. Each time I visit her home and drink her filtered water, I feel great. So when I got the chance to try Elle Macpherson’s Super Elixir based on the same premise, I jumped.

Elle was feeling rundown when she visited her nutritional doctor who suggested a pH balancing. And it brought a dramatic sense of wellness to her body and she wanted to share that. The expanded line offers supplements, veggie wash and a plant protein (which I can’t wait to try) but for now I am focusing on the supplement.

This all-in-one powder is organic and simple. The formula contains premium ingredients and is hand-made in Australia (which helps explain away a little of the sticker shock).

Directions advise 2 teaspoons of powder in filtered water, coconut water, and almond milk or mix it into your favourite smoothie. I like it best in coconut milk – the taste in water was a little strong. I did try sprinkling on food which did not go too well. The full two teaspoons was too much for my yogurt and berries. I like mine ice-cold first thing in the morning.

I’ve made a lot of healthy changes lately, but I can really tell the Super Elixir helps start my day with energy – there is a definite difference on days where I skip it. The price point is a little daunting, but for those who want to invest in feeling a little more perky in the AM and overall balancing the pH of their bodies, Super Elixir is a wonderful wellness staple.

Available at NET-A-PORTER.

Wednesday On The Web

Fall Scarf on Belle Belle Beauty

Changing up Wednesday on the Web this week – instead of an update and links, I had a couple short updates to share with you. Hope you like the little twist on the weekly installment!

Sadly, the Rag & Bone booties I ordered I Shopbop were so hard to get on. They had to go back. I wanted them to work so badly, it was almost painful to drop them at USPS today. So now I am considering this pair.

I attended a William Sonoma cooking class on Sunday – my first and inspired by my recent visit to Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena last month. We learned Butternut Squash “mac and cheese” using a spiralizer. After many months of hearing praises, I finally caved and purchased the four-blade version. Last night I made zucchini “pasta” and am already hooked.

I don’t get too excited for Halloween. Usually I’d rather just fast-forward to Thanksgiving (not that I’d ever want to miss a single second of autumn and college football). But I do find myself transfixed by this Halloween shoot – am I in awe by its beauty or shocked by its drama? Maybe both?

image here 

Beauty From The Inside Out on FOX23’s Great Day Green Country

Beauty From The Inside Out on FOX23's Great Day Green Country on Belle Belle Beauty

This week on Great Day Green Country, I am talking about something a little different. Here on Belle Belle there is lots of discussion of creams and serums we slather on to keep us looking young. Today, I am discussing some things we can do from the inside out to keep skin radiant, young and clear.

Supplementing our diet with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants is one of the most obvious ways we can improve our skin from the inside out. One of my favorite skin care brands offers supplements specifically targeted to skin. And bonus points that it is backed by one of the most recognizable names in dermatology, Dr. Perricone. Perricone MD Nutriceuticals Skin & Total Body Dietary Supplements is three-tier daily program of nutrients to boost immune system and encourage beautiful skin. While joint and bone function is boosted, antioxidants fights free radicals. Fine lines and wrinkles are replaced with radiant skin. And supplements also offer protection against future damage.

Second up, the always important water. Water is the most basic way we can make our skin radiant and healthy. I notice that when I skip my morning guzzling of water, my skin looks dull and splotchy. But if I keep that bottle at my desk, filled all day long, I get a supple glow. While I try to use a recyclable water bottle, I full admit to splurging on Glaceau Smart Water Electrolyte Enhanced Water. I used to love FIJI but now (if water can really have a flavor) I prefer Smart Water.

I’m on my third month of Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements for Women (you can find my amazing round 1 results from 2012 here). My hair grew 3.5 inches in three months last time and I am seeing the same results this time around. This supplement, adored by models (like Karlie Kloss) and actresses (like Reese Witherspoon), promotes hair growth and nourishes thinning hair. 100% natural ingredients and drug-free, the formula works for men and women, all ages and all ethnicities. Fish proteins, horsetail extract and Vitamin C help ramp up production of keratin (which also boosts nail growth!). My lashes and brows are fuller and longer. My hair seems healthier despite an increase in heat styling lately. And my scalp health is even improved. My body hair did grow a little faster, but the trade off was worth it.

Last but not least, pick up some of the trendy Organic Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil. You won’t regret swaping this kitchen staple and get a second jar to keep in your bathroom. The past week, oil pulling has been all over the internet. This practice of swishing coconut oil in your mouth for 20 minutes daily is said to improve tooth and gum health. While I haven’t made it longer than three minutes, I can say my gum line does appear soothed and my teeth feel cleaner than usual after a couple nights of trying it. If this practice is just too gross for you (I don’t blame you), don’t worry – there are lots of other ways coconut oil can be used to improve skin health. Replace butter and other oils with coconut in your cooking. Coconut oil’s medium-chain-length fatty acids is an antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial agent which can help with shiny hair and clearer skin. Bonus points that it boosts metabolism. And don’t forget to slather it on as a cuticle cream, moisturizer, eye makeup remover and hair conditioner.

Shop The Post:

AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.

Simple Skincare You Tube Channel – How Nutrition Affects Our Skin

I’ve been focusing more and more on nutrition and how it can affect the way our skin looks. When exploring Simple Skincare’s new You Tube channel, I was thrilled to find several videos featuring some great tips on incorporating veggies and fruits into your diet. They are loaded with antioxidants and can fight free radicals. Not to mention… vitamins help skin look more radiant and clear.

Not only does Nutritionist Ellie Krieger, RD’s tips look colorful and delicious – they look amazing easy. Enjoy this video from Simple Skincare and let me know what you think in the comments! How do you work veggies and fruit into your diet?

If you are reading this post in an email, be sure to click through to view the video.

This post was created in connection with my appointment as an Influencer in the Simple® Skincare Program.  Visit www.facebook.com/SimpleSkincare to share your story on sensitive skin.