I can not stress how important it is to take care of your skin while you are young! To all of my younger readers out there, you have a leg up on us #oldies. If I could somehow scold my younger self, I would. I so, so would. But, then again, all this plethora of information that is available online wasn't available when I was a teen, so I can't be too harsh on my younger, naive self. Now that I'm in my 30's I'm doing everything I possibly can to educate myself about my skin and to care for it better and smarter.

With that said, I hope you take advantage of this DIY Turmeric Skin Lightening Mask that I've been using lately. I like to switch things up in my skincare routine so that I stay excited. Trust, I get bored of my skincare regimen all. the. time. This is why it's so important for me to experiment with new ingredients and keep things fresh! Enjoy this, pretties!

Okay, so if you haven't heard about the skincare benefits of rice flour, then first head on over to my previous post on the topic right here. It's one of the skin lightening ingredients I swear by and is in this very recipe.

Let me first clarify, by skin lightening, I am not talking about changing the color of your skin. I am specifically talking about reducing hyperpigmentation caused by acne, scarring, or just in general. Having light skin, I am prone to hyperpigmentation. However, regardless of skin color, we all are prone to hyperpigmentation in some shape or form, which is basically an overproduction of melanin in the skin.

If you suffer from hyperpigmentation, whether that be on your face or other areas of your body - be it your underarms, bikini area, thighs, knees, elbows, neck, etc., natural skin lightening remedies are available to you and are highly effective. 

In my research, I have found so many amazing ingredients that work well for hyperpigmentation. I will briefly touch on the ones that are used in this recipe. 

x Lemon

Lemon contains citric acid, which is a form of AHA or Alpha Hydroxy Acid making it a highly effective skin bleaching agent. Lemon promotes the turnover of new skin cells and allows the dead skin cells from the surface of the skin to - in essence - melt away. You can imagine how effective this can be for repairing damaged skin. AHAs are well known for their use in cosmetics, so why not just squeeze some natural, unprocessed lemon juice and get the same results without all of the added chemical-junk.    

x Turmeric 

Turmeric is one of those ingredients that you can't help but fall in love with. It is SO good - and I mean that. Not only is it good from the inside out, it's good from the outside in. It can be used both in cooking and in topical applications. Why is it so beneficial? To put it simply, turmeric contains individual phytonutrients that have effective skin lightening properties. In particular, turmeric is well-know for its phytonutrient, cucurmin, which is distinguished by its bright, yellow-orange color. Curcumin blocks the formation of free radicals and melanin production and inhibits tyrosinase, which is involved in producing the melanin pigment. It is basically a powerhouse of antioxidants, so your skin is going to drink that stuff up and love it.

x Rice flour

As I mentioned previously, I did an extensive post on the benefits of rice flour, so head on over to this post! Rice flour is honestly a miracle ingredient and just something you need to be using if you want to instantly reveal a brighter complexion. I'm speaking from experience!

x licorice root

So, a favorite pastime of mine is Googling random herbs + skin and seeing what pops up on the topic. Almost 100% of the time, I will learn some amazing skincare secret that I never knew about. Licorice root was one of those ingredients!

I discovered that when ingested, licorice root powder has the power to lower testosterone and massively inhibit androgen stimulation of the sebaceous glands, with the result being less oily skin and clogged pores. I won't dive into it in detail, but here's a very interesting video on the topic that really opened my eyes about it.  I initially started taking licorice root for its ability to regulate my hormonal acne, then I discovered that it was more beneficial when applied topically.

Licorice root has amazing skin lightening properties due to its ability to also inhibit tyrosinase or melanin formation like turmeric. It is considered to contain some of the most potent skin lightening properties available in a plant. One compound, liquiritin, acts directly on melanin to disperse and remove it. Licorice root also has been shown to protect against UV radiation. Here's a more detailed article about licorice root and it's skin benefits.

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DIY

TURMERIC SKIN LIGHTENING MASK

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INGREDIENTS

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 1 Tbsp rice flour

• 3 capsules licorice root powder

• Juice of half a lemon

INSTRUCTIONS

Mix all ingredients together to form a paste. Apply to the area you want to treat and then let it sit for 15 minutes or until dry. Gently rinse and exfoliate off with a sponge (this is the sponge I use) and warm water. If there is a yellow tint still remaining on your skin, remove with a toner on a cotton pad (I use witch hazel).

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Will you be trying this skin lightening mask? I'd love to hear about your experience, so do come back and let me know how it works for you!

Spring has sprung! Seeing the sight of trees in bloom not only gets me excited for warmer months, but it refreshes my perspective and it reminds me that there is beauty in the wait. There are so many subtle reminders in nature that provide the lessons that we need, and I believe that nothing happens by accident. There is a reason for everything. However, like my quote illustrates below, although everything happens for a reason, some things happen for a season.

Yes, we'd all like to believe that everything lasts, but the reality is that life is transient by nature. Things happen that shake up our very existence only to challenge our ability to stand strong in the midst of it. What happens on that testing ground determines the outcome of our circumstances.  

I was having a talk with my son, Kodi, and he made a statement that was so profound. "Thoughts are fluid." I mean, coming from a 14-year-old, that simply blew me away. What he meant by this statement was that you can't control people's thoughts. They change. People change. I mean! Proud mama moment right there.

If thoughts are fluid, we as human beings are, too. We were not meant to be in a solid, permanent state. We were meant to move and adapt. Just like every living thing adapts to the changing seasons, we must do the same. We must also learn to recognize unhealthy patterns in our life and initiate change. 

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“Sometimes we grow
in a twisted, sideways manner
rather than straight up

but in the end,
our branches
always seek the light

and the trees
that bear
the sweetest fruit
endure
the longest winters.”

— April Green

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As the new season approaches, I just want to encourage those of you in particular that may be going through a difficult season. Know that it is not meant to destroy you, but to build you. It will not last forever, it will pass. 

Get excited when there is a time of resistance in life because that is the very time when your strength will come out. You don't know how much you have within you until you are tested. Take this time as an opportunity to bring out the best in yourself and develop areas that you haven't really paid attention to. Shed the old, welcome the new.

---

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In my personal experience, I've learned how to recognize the different seasons of my life for what they are and not be resistant to whatever lessons that I am supposed to learn in those moments. I actually get really excited when things get hard and difficult because I know that just by going through those experiences, I am growing through them. I welcome every opportunity that requires me to take a deeper look at my life and myself because I don't ever want to be comfortable in my ways or lead a comfortable life where I am never challenged or never challenge myself.

I created the free digital print that you see above for you to frame and keep up as a reminder for those times when it's hard to see things for what they are. Rest in the idea that everything happens for a reason, but know that some things happen for a season. Your seasons do not necessarily define you, you define how your seasons will impact you - either positively or negatively.

Cheers to experiencing the fulness of life through every season!

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I hope you enjoyed this little reminder and that it encouraged you through whatever season you are currently facing today. If you need more inspiration on the daily, I post every day on Instagram + keep you motivated and inspired with uplifting content. I'd love to see you over there!

Do you enjoy these types of posts? Let's chat in the comments below!

It's a known fact that I am all about plant-based options - and when it comes to skin - I have recently been obsessed with one ingredient that has shown an immediate improvement in the appearance of my skin. 

Yes, honey, rice flour it is. Your initial impulse to natural skincare wouldn't probably be to reach for your trusty rice kernels, but darling, you should be! Rice flour may just as well be the thing you need to be reaching for to get your skin looking brighter, lighter, more even-toned, and smoother.

More about natural skincare: Using olive oil as a natural remedy for greasy faces.

Read on to learn how to make this easy 2-ingredient mask that is utter obsession-worthy!

Fact: I personally suffer from hyperpigmentation in my chin and mouth area. This is due to problematic skin in that area over the years, not to mention countless years of probing that region whenever I would have a breakout. I mean, it's not that bad, but it could be better!

Can we all agree that it's just so hard to not want to pick at problem areas!? It's the absolute worst. Recently, I've been more conscious about taking care of my skin. I'll attribute that to finally reaching my 30's. If only I had paid more attention to my skin in my 20's. *sigh*

Once I reached my 30's, I started to see noticeable changes in the appearance of my skin that I didn't particularly like. Enter: Fine lines and soon-to-be wrinkles. Milia. Hyperpigmentation. Uneven texture. *balls eyes out*

Mhm, that's the exact process I went through, then I was reminded of a product that I absolutely loved - PLANT Apothecary's Rice & Clean Gentle Facial Cleanser. I absolutely loved it. Gentle, exfoliating, yet it didn't strip my skin of moisture.

So, I had an idea. I have rice flour in my pantry, (#asian) so I thought, why don't I just make a mask out of it! Genius moment. That's exactly what I did - and it was the best experiment ever to take place.

The first time I tried it, my face was lighter and brighter immediately after. No joke!

Here are some interesting facts about rice: Rice flour has been used for centuries in Asia, particularly Japan as a whitening agent for the skin. I won't go into full detail, but rice bran has certain inherent properties such as PABA (para aminobenzonic acid) as well as Ferulic acid and allantoin, which acts as sunscreen/anti-inflammatory agent. Tyrosinase inhibits the production of melanin in the skin, and Vitamin B boosts new cell production and slows down the aging process (yay!). Last but not least on important facts, rice flour brightens the skin by improving collagen production and elasticity. 

I can certainly attest to it having a brightening and lightening effect on my skin. Not only did it happen the first time I tried this face mask, but it happened every single time thereafter. It also acts as an exfoliant upon removal, and my skin looks and feels a lot even-textured immediately afterward. Needless to say, I've been addicted to doing this almost every night. It does exactly what I want it to, and it's the easiest thing to make. So, why wouldn't I get addicted!

If you're looking for a way to naturally lighten your skin without ever touching harmful ingredients, this is for you. I would think that it would also work well on other areas of the body, so it's worth a try. I've seen significant improvement in my skin since I've been using this face mask, which is why I had to share it in hopes that it will help anyone who suffers from hyperpigmentation.

Here's how to make this yummy, delightfully-scented, and completely natural 2-ingredient face mask:

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diy

rice flour face mask

---

ingredients

• 1/4 cup sweet rice flour or regular rice flour

• 1/4 cup water

Instructions

In a small mixing bowl, add the rice flour, then slowly add water and mix until a creamy paste forms. Apply a thin layer to the face with a brush, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 15-30 minutes until it feels noticeably dry. Using warm water and a washcloth or a natural charcoal sponge (what I use), gently remove the mask in circular motions. Pat your face dry, then apply your favorite moisturizer to your skin. Cover and save the remaining product in the refrigerator for use throughout the week.

I personally use this mask very often, so it is completely up to you on how frequent you want to use this mask. The more often, the better, as it will work it's wonders over time.

You can find rice flour at most grocery stores. I personally use sweet rice flour found at my local asian store.

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Wasn't that just the easiest DIY face mask EVER! Yup, thats why I love it. I seriously hope you try it out because it works! No sugar-coating here. Since I'm that obsessed, I partnered with PLANT Apothecary to give away one of their Rice & Clean Gentle Facial Cleansers that I had mentioned earlier! Click the button below for entry details.

Will you be trying out this recipe? If you do, I'd love to see your photos! Go on, tag me in your photos on Instagram using #hellolovelyliving and @hellolovelyliving so I can get all heart eyes on your photos + share them so others can do the same!

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I remember back home on Guam the way the ocean twinkled underneath the night's sky. How the water reached the shore ever so gently and filtered through the tiny grains of sand, displacing them over and over again. It was calming, peaceful, and I will never forget the feeling it gave me.

Isn't that exactly how life is? We are constantly tossed and displaced and moved around. 

I'm always looking for inspiration from nature, and this may as well be the perfect fit for what I'm trying to say.

Did you know that based on the size of the grains of sand, pebbles, or rocks on a beach or coast, you can easily determine what conditions they were exposed to?

It's quite simple. Fine grain sand is exposed to powerful ocean swells that repeatedly toss the grains until they become round and polished. Larger pebbles or rocks that are freshly weathered have not yet traveled very far, therefore are not rounded and smoothed. 

Larger pebbles or rocks also suggest that they've been carried to the shore by larger waves, while smaller particles are carried away over longer distances, eventually reaching further, calmer shores.

We all know that fine textured, white, powdery sand is valued all around the world. What if I told you that you must go through the same process as sand if you want to become refined, rounded, and smoothed. You need to travel long distances, be carried away and tossed around by large waves before you reach a place of calm, like what happened on that beach at the beginning of my story.

Things happen in nature that are just that - natural, unobstructed, and part of a process. They are the most beautiful things. There's a cause and effect to everything, and that's something that we don't really think about on a daily basis. We don't realize that we are also part of a process.

We can't really expect different results if we are doing the exact same thing that leads to the result that we don't like. We need to change something in that process in order for change to occur. I am a firm believer that change is necessary, and it is so ingrained in me that I am not scared of it. I accept it, and I welcome it.

Let me give you a bit of context. Growing up, I always moved around. It was never in my mind that I would stay in one place for the rest of my life, nor was it ingrained in me that anyone was guaranteed to stay in my life. It may sound sad, but it's just a part of who I am and who I became. I had to learn to let go at an early age. Of people. Of places. Of situations that weren't good. It was never easy for me, but I had to adapt. 

As an adult, I guess it's so ingrained in me that I have to keep moving forward that I need it. I can't stay in one place or get complacent, especially if I'm not seeing growth within myself. I can't get myself to settle for less than what I know I'm capable of.

What I'm trying to get at is that there is something that you can do to be where you want to be. Change. Change is hard, but it is necessary. You can't wait for change to happen. You have to be the change and be the cause of it. You have to live intentionally if you want to see the life that you desire.

Coming from a small island, it's easy to get complacent and comfortable. It's easy to go with the motions and do the exact same thing over and over again expecting different results. I know exactly how it feels. I believe in persistence, but not if it's not leading me to becoming a better person or to a better place. 

You may not come from a small island like me, and I'm not limiting this kind of behavior to certain environments, but that's my reality that I personally was faced with. Limiting thoughts and behaviors happen to all of us. Naturally, we want to stay in the safe zone - on the shore.

The truth is, you have to break away from what is comfortable. You have to do the things that scare you. You have to be the one to challenge yourself. You have to be the one to say enough is enough. You have to want better for yourself and for your future. It's all dependent on you and only you.

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Coming from one of the most beautiful places on earth makes me reflect on the memories that are forever ingrained in me. When they say no place is like home, it's true. But, it's only true when you leave home. When your eyes become open to the world around you. When you step outside of known territory and into something different and challenging.

Leaving home is always hard, but it is necessary - in a literal and figurative sense. Home can be anywhere you find comfort in. It may be a job, a person, a habit, a way of thinking, etc.

The only way for you to have new eyes is to literally remove yourself from the very place that you've become numb to. I don't believe that anyone should become numb at any point in life. Life is meant to be felt and to be experienced. Becoming apathetic toward life, to me, is a slow and painful death. I never ever want to become that way.

Once you feel yourself starting to get numb, that should be a sign that something needs to change. Sometimes that change needs to happen from within. Other times, external factors need to change.

Life is all about constant evaluation. No one is meant to stay in the exact same place, especially if it is unhealthy to them or leading them to be less than what they are capable or deserving of.

Nowhere in this post will I say that it is easy. It is extremely hard and difficult. We get really comfortable even with things that aren't good for us. We tolerate things and give excuses for the very things that we know are wrong for us. 

At one point in time, I was in a very emotionally and mentally destructive relationship and I stayed. Why? Because I was already at that point where I found comfort in the process. Destructive patterns are hard to break from, and I can say from experience that I have struggled with it, and I know what it feels like. I know that I will continue to be faced with destructive patterns that I constantly need to reevaluate. This is life.

In any process of breaking, stretching, or growing, there will be resistance, and you will have to go through the pain associated with it in order to come out stronger. 

Pain is part of the process of growth. It may not be physical pain, but it could be emotional pain or mental pain, which is not any less painful.

One thing I know for sure is that each time I went through a painful process, I always emerged a better person with so much more to give and knew that I was deserving of so much more. 

Today, I encourage you to do the very thing you know you need to do. Don't wait until it's too late. There is something better for you. A better process. A better outcome. You can't expect to get to a certain ideal place unless you grow through life. You can't simply go through it. You must learn something and truly let your life unfold without holding onto things that you know are hindering you from your best self. Your best life.

In closing, be like sand. Travel far. Be refined. You're becoming your best self through the process. It may be difficult, but nothing of value ever came to be without being exposed to the elements. You'll reach a place of calm, eventually. When all is said and done, the distance you traveled will equal the depth of your experience. Let the waves mold you.

Cheers to you experiencing the best of life. 

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As the new year approaches, it's a great time to start thinking about the deeper things and constantly holding yourself accountable to the direction that your life takes. I hope I've inspired you a teeny bit with this post. xo

If you need more inspiration on the daily, I post every day on Instagram + I keep you motivated and inspired. 

Did you find this helpful? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Baby, it's cold outside. But, inside, now that is a completely different story! I'm the type of person that loves to keep my home warm and toasty. And my baths - hot! No matter what season it is, a nice, hot bath is always a good idea, especially in the winter months.

Today, I'll be sharing my idea of a perfect relaxing bath during winter. It could be snowing and storming outside, but I want my bathroom to feel like a tropical green getaway straight out of a magazine. Not too much to ask, right? I'm going to show you how to do the exact same thing so you can also enjoy a little at-home retreat.

I'll also be talking about WETSTYLE, a high end bath furnishing brand headquartered out of Montreal that I simply fell in love with. Their bathtubs are a dream - and yes, I am currently dreaming of that perfect bathtub for my one-day dream home! Stay around toward the end of this post to see these beautifully modern, minimalist, and eco-friendly tubs that I speak of. I'm all over it and absolutely obsessed (can you tell)!

Would you believe that this entire setup only cost around $11! In Mariah Carey's famous words: yaaass, daaahhhling! As you can see, greenery and flowers can instantly transform an ordinary bath into something luxurious. 

Sometimes you just need a quick little escape from reality, and in this case, winter! I'm all over this idea because the winter months can be a difficult time for me. I don't do well staying trapped inside with overcast weather, which is often the case during this time of the year. This is exactly something that would definitely cheer me up, and I'm hoping it will do the same for you, too!

When choosing flowers and greenery for your bath, go with what makes you happy! Baby's Breath and ferns are perfect for me because I don't consider them a splurge, so I won't feel guilty about buying them. They are just as beautiful as any other flowers (in my opinion), so I still get the same effect without spending a whole lot. I bought two bundles for around $7, and for that, I was very proud of. You could also sprinkle lavender petals in your bath, which I think would smell amazing! Grocery stores that sell bulk items usually have them in the spice section.

Now, if you're a bottle/glass hoarder like me, now's the time to put those bad boys to use. I have tons of them laying around the house, but I'm sure you can find some in your cabinets. The key is to repurpose what you do have, so any glass jars or bottles of varying sizes will do! The more the merrier, so come one, come all! Fill them with water, then arrange your flowers into each. If you want to get even fancier, head to your local Goodwill and pick up a bunch of quirky bottles. I picked up a few, and it was so worth it!

Now, arrange your ferns around your tub as you wish. I chose to do it on opposite corners to frame my tub. This literally only takes a few minutes! Save a few ferns and flowers to drop into the water - I swear, this is the prettiest thing you will EVER see! Floating leaves and flowers just make me imagine being in a river, which is so relaxing in itself. I just can't get over how beautiful it looks. 

Finally, arrange tea light candles around your tub, and place your bottles on each corner of the tub to create a garden effect. Fill your tub with water and drop a few flowers and ferns in, followed by any bath products you may want to use. 

The water will look a beautiful blue, and the flowers will cast the most beautiful shadows onto the walls. It's the most relaxing thing ever. Light those candles, and instantly be transported somewhere heavenly! 

Doesn't it just look so relaxing!! I can't get over it. Now, since I do live in an apartment, it's even more special doing something like this every now and then. Sometimes living in an apartment can make you feel like you can't do certain things, but that shouldn't stop you from creating a space that you love.

You can still create a warm and inviting setting and make it feel like home, even if it is just a temporary living space. It took me a while to accept this fact, but once I did, my apartment became a home and felt like it. You don't need to have the perfect house to make things "feel" special or add a touch of luxury. 

Don't forget relaxing music, a book, some wine? Whatever it is that makes you feel relaxed, do that! I can guarantee you that putting a little extra effort into setting all of this up will make all the difference. I instantly felt relaxed by this space, and I'm sure it will do the same for you!

Speaking of which, I told you I would talk about WETSTYLE and show you some of their stunning bath furnishings that I am utterly obsessed over. They seriously got me thinking about my dream bathroom, so I am excited to share a little bit about them and why I am so impressed.

First off, I adore the design of their bath furnishings. I mean, look at it! I am all about quality, and everything about this company stands for that. Most importantly, they use sustainable materials in the construction of their products and offer the purest and most environmentally friendly material in the industry with WETMAR BiO™, an eco-friendly thermo-insulating material made primarily from a mix of Mother Earth’s natural ingredients – soy and mineral stone.

I also love the fact that WETSTYLE has pioneered a proprietary and code-compliant recipe that uses soy and vegetable extracts to replace the petrochemical-based resins in heavy use by the industry. Excuse the geek-mode status, but this stuff gets me going!

Their Cloud Bathtub, pictured above illustrates their newest brand, W2 by WETSTYLE's design aesthetic perfectly: relentless attention to quality, simplified design, elegance, and timeless transitional design.

All of WETSTYLE's bathtubs and wash-basins are made exclusively from the WETMAR BiO™ material that I just mentioned, while its furniture is crafted from hand using sustainable hardwoods! We're talking real wood, which is hand-stained and sourced from renewable forestry - not to mention, moisture, stain, and damage resistant! 

The tub you see above is their Wave Bathtub, which is my favorite. How sleek is it! I love the clean lines and minimalist feel of their products. Their vanity floats, which gives the illusion of more space - perfect for smaller bathrooms.

If you know me, you may know that I am all about environmentally conscious companies. So, I was instantly intrigued with their attention to detail and their environmentally conscious philosophy. Of course, we can't ignore the fact that the design is simply gorgeous. Can I please just swap my tub for one of these really quick!?

Their new brand, W2 by WETSTYLE, which was introduced last year is designed for smaller spaces, so in all of these photos, you can see just how perfectly the bathtubs fit into such tight spaces without compromising design or function.

WETSTYLE has 250 showrooms across North America, Europe and the Caribbean in addition to it's headquarters in Montreal, so if you're in the market to makeover your bathroom with premium bath furnishings with a focus on design + sustainability, they are definitely worth a look! I know I will be bookmarking them for future reference.

Their bold and original designs have won many awards including Winner of the prestigious 2015 Green GOOD DESIGN Award for sustainable design, as Awarded by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design. How cool is that!

If you're interested in finding a WETSTYLE dealer near you, I have linked their "find a dealer" page at the button below.

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wetstyle

montreal, canada

WEBSITE | twitter | pinterest | Facebook

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I hope you enjoyed this fun little post and that it inspires you to treat yourself a little special this winter! A special thank you to WETSTYLE for partnering with me to bring you this post.

What is your idea of a perfect bath for winter? I'd love to hear your tips in the comments below!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of WETSTYLE. The opinions and text are all mine.

Do you ever wonder how some people can stay so focused no matter what is happening around them?

Gosh, what is up with those people!? An asteroid could be approaching earth, and they'd still be in their own world.

Confession. I'm one of those very people. *covers eyes*

I'd like to offer some insight into the mind of someone (me) who can stay freakishly focused.

Oh, I do have my moments (don't get me wrong), but it does take a lot - and I mean a A LOT - to get me distracted.

Once I set my heart on something, it's done. It's over. I will follow through.

Now, for the positivity - that has taken a lot of work for me over the years. It'll always be a work in progress for me, but I think staying focused + positive go hand-in-hand.

I'll be sharing 10 ways that have worked for me in staying focused + positive in business and in life. 

I hope this will be helpful to those of you who are trying to find that balance. 

Before we start, first thing's first: I want to point out something so important.

We are all born with unique traits and abilities that come natural to us without us even trying. Once you identify what those are for you, you'll have a better hold on yourself and on life.

Self-awareness is an important step in understanding how to stay focused + positive because only you know what motivates you.

When you have control over yourself, you become stronger and more able to deal with anything in life. We can't always control what happens in life, but we can control our actions and how we respond to things. 

So, what does this have to do with this post? I want to stress the importance of knowing your strengths and realizing that those were given to you for a reason.

I used to absolutely hate the fact that I was so observant. Absolutely hate it. You know why?

Because I saw everything. I couldn't close my eyes to things (oftentimes hurtful things), because my eyes were so open and soaking in everything. I'd notice details that no one else would.

As I grew older, I realized that this was one of my gifts.

I'd like you to first discover and identify your unique gifts and actually use those to your advantage in staying focused + positive.

Capitalize on those natural abilities you have. You do it best, and that is why you need to use them.

Once you identify your unique gifts in all areas of life, you will have a better hold on dealing with things. Your weaknesses wouldn't matter because you'd be focusing on your strengths.

This is powerful. 

So, now let's get into how I personally stay focused + positive. Here we go!

1| Pause

Hit the pause button.

This has saved much heartache, and it will continue to save me much heartache.

We all have the natural tendency to judge situations before they even have time to simmer. I am guilty all the time. I worry A LOT. I question things A LOT.

But, the one thing that has saved me most times is taking a minute to let things play out, naturally.

When we rush things, we end up reacting in ways that may not be authentic to ourselves. We may say or do things that aren't the best representation of us.

Many times, I've also found that my emotional state at the moment had influenced my reactions as well. So many factors come into play when situations arise, so taking a minute to digest everything works wonders.

Learn to respond, not react. This means, when something happens, instead of instantly reacting, give it some time.

Evaluate the situation for as long as you need to, then respond. A reaction is not always necessary.

2| Lessen your distractions

This one's a tricky one.

I was going to say cut out all of your distractions, but let's be real, some distractions are just a part of life and can't be avoided. Mommy life, anyone?

Instead, let's do a fun little exercise, shall we?

Identify all of your key distractions and try to lessen any of them that you have control over.

If there's anything in particular that doesn't add value to your life, go ahead and ditch that mother.

One of the distractions that I had and made a decision to eliminate was Facebook.

Anytime I would get off of Facebook, I would always think, did I just waste 2 hours of my life just now? 

I would feel horrible, not only because I wasted valuable time, but I unwillingly became a part of negativity or drama on a daily basis.

So, that habit had to go.

Distractions could be people, places, things, etc.

3| Be mindful of what you allow

Sometimes the very things that we allow into our lives are the very things that drown us and keep us down.

Learn to be selective about what you allow into your life. It could be something small, but things grow roots.

Everything drains our time in one way or the other, so let it be something worthwhile.

Keep an eye out on everything that comes into your life - be it opportunities, people, or things.

Every cause has an effect, so if it's not something that will add value to your life (as stated earlier) identify it, and don't allow it. Preventing hurt or disappointment from happening down the road is so worth it.

Filter through things before you allow it to take up your time, energy, and attention. You'll need all of that for the more important things.

Let your yes be yes and your no be no, and only say yes to those things that you feel are worthwhile. So many times we say yes to things that don't serve us well or that we don't really want to do.

Don't be afraid to say no in order to say yes to what really matters.

5| Be authentic to you

Focus on your own stuff.

So many times we are losing our focus because we are taking our attention off of our own path and staring too hard at someone else's.

We need to pull the plug of comparison and realize that the answers are within us.

Focus on what you do best. Focus on your strengths.

I came across a post on Instagram one day by fellow boss babe, Promise Tangeman, that stuck with me.

She said, "Don't waste your time trying to 'find' your style. The truth is you already have it. You may just need to create more in order to see it."

I think this is so true.

We need to focus on creating from our unique space and see where it takes us.

Staying focused is so important in being a creative. You need to protect your space because outside influences can unknowingly interfere with your authenticity.

You want to be true to you, and that takes looking inward and being mindful of distractions that could interfere with that on a daily basis.

6| Know what you want

What are your priorities? What's important to you?

These questions will help you focus better.

When you know what you want and where you want to be, you will have a clearer vision of what you need to do to get there. When you know what's at the top of your list, you'll be able to breeze through all of these steps with ease.

It's amazing what we'll do for what we want.

If you have made a decision that you don't want negativity in your life, you'll steer clear from it.

Making clear and conscious choices toward what you want is a definite way to get closer to your goals and to achieving them.

Setting priorities is so important especially when there are so many things that are pulling for our attention on a daily basis.

When you know what you want, you'll be able to communicate that to the world, and it will come back to you.

If you put out love and encouragement, guess what? That's exactly what you'll be associated with and that's what you'll attract.

7| Identify your why

There's something so life-changing in knowing exactly why you are doing things in the first place.

Start with the basics.

Why do you wake up in the morning? Why do you go to work? Why do you want a better life for your family?

Once you begin to answer these things, your life will take on a deeper meaning and you'll be so motivated to wake up every day.

There's nothing like being on a path with no direction. We need to be headed somewhere in order to feel driven.

If you don't know where you're going or why you're doing it, you'll be headed no where fast.

Be inspired by your "why" and let it be that constant inspiration for you.

8| Celebrate small victories

Take the time, even if but for a moment, to celebrate those small victories of yours.

We need to be our best cheerleaders!

Sometimes days turn into months and months turn into years, and we forget to stop and enjoy where we are today.

There's a lot that needed to happen for you to reach the point that you are at now, so be proud of it.

It will motivate you to keep pressing forward and to not give up. 

9| Don't dig up in doubt what you planted in faith

Let's face it, some days are not the best, and some days you may question if what you're focusing your energy on is even worth the sleepless nights, stress, and uncertainty.

But, stop for a minute and know one thing: There was a moment in time where you made a decision.

You put your heart out and risked everything for it. You knew that you'd have to muster up the courage to execute it.

For that very reason, you demonstrated great faith, and it's for that exact same reason that you can't give up no matter how difficult things get. 

10| Do it with all your heart, or not at all

I wanted my final tip to just encourage you to not be too hard on yourself.

I know how difficult things can get sometimes, and the pressure to perform and be amazing is overwhelming to say the least.

Give yourself the permission to take a break when you feel you need it.

Don't worry, things will not fall apart. People can wait. Demands can chill.

You need to focus on yourself, your happiness, and if you need to refresh your perspective or just need a little breather, do it.

It's better to do things with all of you instead of putting out something that's not from your heart or that is forced.

Allow yourself to be exactly as you are in all seasons of life.

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If you made it to the end of this post, you are a true rockstar! I do hope that this was helpful for you and that it truly provides some actionable steps that you can take to get more focused + stay positive.

If you need more inspiration on the daily, I post every day on Instagram + I keep you motivated and accountable to those dreams of yours! I'm here for you, and I am rooting for you every step of the way!  

Do you have any tips on how you stay focused + positive? Please share with all of us in the comments below!  

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It just occurred to me how powerful what I'm about to say could be in someone's life. I just had an "aha" moment just a few minutes ago, and I knew I had to put this out there because I realized just how very true what I'm about to say has been in my life - all my life - and how impactful this could be to someone.

You know that feeling when you want something so bad, you feel that you have to force it into your life? You do everything in your power to make it happen, only to be met with resistance?  

There is nothing, and I am going to say this again - NOTHING - that can separate you from what is already yours.  

Let that sink in.  

In essence, you can not screw up what is right for you. You just can't. That job. That relationship. That dream. It does not matter what it is!  

So, if you're like me - impatient. Stop that. Stop that right now!

It is just now occurring to me just how impatient I am and how controlling I can be at times. I want things when I want it and how I want it - which tends to be immediately.

Of course, there is an opposite side to me that can be patient, but in a long-term sense. I can be patient when I have already committed to something that I know and understand is going to take time.

See, there is a difference. 

When you want something immediately, it is because your mind is saying that you have to have it now or never. On the flip side, if you know that you can't get it immediately and that it will take time, your brain will flip a different switch that says, "Okay, I either need to commit to seeing this through or it's time to throw in the towel. This is just not for me." 

I know that there are a lot of us out there that try so hard to force something that is just not right for us. Time, my friends - things take time. Nothing is ever going to happen immediately which is of high value - and the only way to receive the rewarding things in life is to be patient.

So, whether you are stuck in a place where you are just not getting the results you want or you just can't seem to ever grab a hold of the things you want, know this: There is a process, and it is happening as we speak.

That process needs to happen in order for you to get what you want. Let things develop in their own timing. Let things grow without rushing it to bloom. Enjoy the present season you are in because it will not last. Just because you do not see the physical proof of things working in your favor does not mean it isn't happening. 

There is a something beautiful about mystery. If we always got exactly what we wanted, when we wanted it, we wouldn't get to enjoy what happened along the way. We wouldn't get to experience the highs, the lows, the joy, and the pain of it all. 

Another amazing thing is that we wouldn't get to appreciate what we have unless we have already grown into the person ready for that particular event to happen. We need to grow into the person we need to be. We can't just all-of-a-sudden arrive when it's not our time.

So, what is it that you want so bad? What is it that you are forcing to happen? What is it that you are impatient about? Now is the moment to just stop worrying about when it's going to happen. Focus on letting things happen in their own timing. Do exactly what you need to do to grow toward what you want, and it will happen. It will happen, and you won't know what you did because that's exactly it; You didn't need to do anything spectacular or do cartwheels and backflips to get it. It happened, naturally.  

The best things in life happen naturally, unexpected. When's the last time you saw a flower that needed a pep talk to bloom? Never. Or a tree that had to do 1,000 pushups to grow tall? Okay, now I'm Just trying to make you laugh, but you get the point, right!

So, don't be so hard on yourself anymore, okay? You deserve nothing but THE best in life, and you will get it because there's nothing that will keep you from what's already yours. Not the mistakes you've made, the things you did or didn't do.

When something does not happen the way you expect it or want it to - you should be happy. Why? Because that means that you are getting closer to something that is right for you. You're eliminating all of the other options, and that is a good thing. 

Understand that the best things in life do take time, and guess what? God's timing is perfect. 

I want the best for you! Enjoy the journey getting to the things you want. That's the best part after all.

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So, what is it that you want in life that you are now willing to be patient for? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below.

Perfectionism. It's something that I've struggled with for all of my life, and I think it's something that a lot of us deal with in general. Is it a form of anxiety? I don't know, but it has caused a lot of anxiety in me over the years. I decided to talk about this topic for those of you who have the same struggle and who are trying to overcome it. I don't think I've necessarily overcome it, but I am miles ahead of where I was before, so that's a good sign! Maybe I can offer some insight that can help you to see perfectionism for what it is and then redefine the way you see it and break free from its grip on your life. 

I want to speak specifically to those of you who have serious dreams and aspirations and who have plans to do big things, yet have been held back in one way or the other by feelings of perfectionism. I know how it feels because that was (and at times, is) me. One thing that I can tell you from experience that will be the most important statement in this post is that perfectionism comes with a cost.

The cost?

Time. 

The reason why I say that the cost of perfection is time is because the more time you spend on visualizing the perfect plan or the perfect execution, the further and further away you get from actually achieving your goals. I'm not saying that planning things out is bad, I'm talking about reciting everything in your head a zillion times over until you finally feel that everything is perfect - which is rarely ever. Perfection is unattainable, so it is an unhealthy cycle to be in. 

So, what is the biggest threat to perfectionism and the solution to overcoming it?

Action.

When you decide to act upon your dreams rather than waiting for the perfect conditions, you not only punch perfectionism in the face (take that perfectionism!), but you build your confidence. I really believe that perfectionism is a form of insecurity because we feel as if we have to live up to certain standards - unattainable ones - and since it is created by us for us, we keep creating conditions of perfection and that cycle never really ends because it is in the mind. It is also a form of fear because what we fear is not having control over things, so we do everything in our power to control the conditions until we feel that they are ideal enough. 

One thing that I had to really learn is to distinguish perfectionism from being detail-oriented - which I now see are two very separate things. I've always been both, so knowing that being detail-oriented is a very positive trait and holding onto that while learning to let go of perfectionism has really changed the way I go about my life and the way I view things.

If this is something that you would like to work to overcome, in no particular order, here are strategies that I have used in my thinking process that have helped me so much in dealing with perfectionism.

I made this free printable for you (yes you)! Click the button below to download it instantly!

1| Don't overthink things

I tend to do this A-LOT, and I'm a prime example of someone who really can't make a decision to save her life because I tend to be an over-thinker. Overthinking is one of those time-wasters, because while thinking about all of the ins and outs of the good, the bad, and the ugly may cause you to feel a little more secure about your decision in the short-term, it will most likely lead you to many of your insecurities as well. This process will be even longer than you anticipate - we're talking years. You'll most likely come up with reasons why your idea sucks or reasons why you should just not ever do it. Ever. Perfectionism can cause you to convince yourself to believe things that aren't even true - like that you're not good enough, skilled enough, or talented enough. It's pretty overwhelming, so of course your brain will shut down out of pure exhaustion - and give up (which we want to avoid).

2| Make a decision

What is it that you want to do? What is your dream, and how will you get there? First off, making a decision to do it in the first place is your first step to overcoming feelings of perfectionism, which prevents you from ever starting. When you commit to an idea, you block out any other voice that will distract you. Decisions are hard as it is, so ticking this off from the get-go will get you moving forward rather than entertaining that dialogue of perfectionism which states that you must have this, that, and the other sorted out first before you even commit to the idea. Committing is so important because it literally switches your brain from deliberating to the process of action. 

3| Just start

Now that the tough part is over, here comes another step that will be equally hard for the perfectionist. Of course - you have to make sure everything is absolutely perfect before you start, right? Wrong. No matter where you begin, whether you are inexperienced or you are a professional, you will have to start from scratch. The preparation starts now, not at Step 1 - that was the part where you were stuck in your head. Step 3 is where you already have one foot out of the door, and you're saying, "Heeeeello World!" 

4| Follow through

No matter what feelings come up, commit to follow through with what you set out to do. It's easy for you to want to throw in the towel when things aren't turning out the way you had envisioned, but that is exactly what will happen. Things will not turn out perfect. You may even discover that the very thing that you wanted to do just doesn't give you the satisfaction you thought it would - and that is perfectly okay. The sooner you learn, the better, and the clearer things will get. 

5| Have the end goal in sight

As a perfectionist, it's easy to give up on the process if it doesn't appear the way you want it to in the beginning. If you don't see the perfect results, you may start to question yourself and then you may not give your all to see things come to pass. Things take time, and in that, it is very hard to see things perfectly aligned as we envision it. I, myself, always have this idealistic view that can get in the way of reality. There are high expectations that I set for myself, that if I don't live up to them, I feel like I'm doing something wrong, then fear creeps in. It's something that I've had to overcome with motivating myself daily and reframing my expectations.

6| Grace not perfection

It's so easy today to feel the weight of the entire world on your shoulders. There are pressures coming from everywhere to be perfect, so it can feel overwhelming when you feel like you won't ever live up to what is portrayed out there. What I have learned is that my idea of perfection will never be attainable, so I'm just going to go for it and give it my best shot. No matter what the outcome is, as long as I am staying true to myself, that is all that really matters. When you value yourself over ideals of perfection, amazing things start to happen, and you begin to see your dreams realized.

7| Let your hair down

Just be exactly who you are and you will feel no pressure to be perfect. When you realize that you are enough and that you have exactly what it takes to succeed, you will start to enjoy the process more than you ever imagined. You won't need validation from others. You won't let fear guide you - your dreams will. You will begin to see that one dream will lead you to the next.

8| Take it one day at a time 

When we visualize what we want to achieve, we usually have this fantasy in our heads about how we want it to look and how we want it to be done, which is overwhelming in itself. In creating the future you want, taking it one day at a time will get you further than trying to craft the perfect month or year or decade. For example, if you want to create a brand, you may look at other brands for inspiration and feel pressured to look so polished and put together like them. The reality is that it took that brand years to create the brand that you see today. Take it one day at a time and know that every single day you are getting closer to your vision coming full circle. It will take time, but this time it is an investment into your future.  

9| Don't compare yourself to others

It's so easy to think that in order to be successful, you have to learn every single trick of the trade, which means you'll have to read every book, go to every seminar, and watch every motivational speech every recorded just to feel secure. Don't get trapped in the idea that everyone has the answers because you will end up chasing them down instead of chasing your dreams. Getting caught up in what everyone else is doing will take a toll on your individual journey. Instead of doing what you were created to do, you will stunt your growth by getting caught up in other people's journeys. Your journey is going to look different from theirs, but it is not any less effective. Do you and the lessons and results will follow. 

10| Have faith

The process of pursuing your dreams comes with a lot of uncertainty, which can be very difficult to deal with at times. One day you may be having the best day of your life, then the next day you may feel defeated and torn. Realize that it will be a process that will be full of challenges and questions, but with faith, you will know how to get through the tough times and not lose your enthusiasm moving forward. Learn how to shake off your mistakes, learn from your failures, and keep going. You will reach a beautiful place even if the journey getting there wasn't perfect.

I really hope this was helpful and encouraging for all of you seeking to step out into the unknown. The next time you feel like everything has to be perfect before you start something, come back to this list and let it encourage you. You don't need to be perfect, just real. Chase them dreams, girlfriend! And leave perfectionism in the dust.

Psst. Just in case you missed it. Click the button below to instantly download this free printable!

What are your thoughts about perfectionism, and how has it affected your life? I'd love to chat in the comments below! 

via Style Caster

The thought of applying honey and sugar to your face may probably result in you picturing a sticky mess. Since they are both water soluble, you don't have to worry one bit, as they both rinse away leaving a brighter, smoother, and moisturized complexion. Ever since I discovered how amazing using these ingredients for my skin are, I've been hooked and use them daily. My face has never been so moisturized and smooth. Read more about it below in one of my latest Mode stories. 

Check out Why I Only Wash My Face With Raw Honey and Sugar

by Stina Abion at Mode

What are your thoughts about this skincare alternative? Would you try it? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

This post may be a little TMI (too much information) for some, but I really wanted to share my wonderful, amazing, awesome, discovery. 

I am going to start out by saying that I am not one to talk about personal hygiene let alone my underarms, but I thought this post would be very helpful to many women and (hopefully) young girls, especially those who are looking for natural alternatives in the deodorant department.

When I was a teen, I remember how irritating it was dealing with certain issues like shaving, dark underarms, deodorants not working, etc. I mean, I still deal with the same issues, but I think I've figured things out over the years.

For one, antiperspirants are a crime against humanity.

Oops, did I just say that! Yes, you heard that right. They are loaded with toxins, the main offender being aluminum, which blocks your body's natural ability to rid itself of toxins through sweating. To top it off, you're adding more toxic load to your body by using products like these, and doing more harm than good.

Commercial deodorants and antiperspirants also contain other harmful carcinogens that may cause long-term health problems with continued use. As you know, deodorants are used on a daily basis, so it's scary to think that we're exposing our bodies to these harmful toxins day in and day out. 

Okay ladies, here's another one. Please hear me when I say that sweating is a GOOD thing.

What makes it bad is when it mixes with bacteria on the skin, which causes odor. Please, please, please, make moves toward eliminating antiperspirants from your household. You are supposed to sweat naturally. 

Yes, it may sound gross, but it really isn't.

I'm not saying to completely stop using any type of deodorant, just look for ones that are naturally derived and free from chemically-derived ingredients. Look for ones that contain essential oils, coconut oil, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), and other safe ingredients. There are so many alternatives and options available these days, or you could even make one yourself (at the end of this post, I'm sharing my homemade deodorant recipe). 

I recommend the The Think Dirty app if you are interested in shopping for cleaner alternatives. It's a good resource to use when shopping around because it allows you to learn about the ingredients in beauty and personal care products and choose cleaner options.

To clarify, deodorants are used for preventing odor by killing the bacteria that causes odor, while antiperspirants block sweat by basically plugging up pores. Most products claim that they do both, so watch out for that.

The more the claim - you can bet - the more the toxins!

A bonus to switching to purely natural deodorants is that I have noticed a huge difference in the color of my underarms. I'm not saying that my underarms were black or anything, but they were enough for me to cry wolf. I'll be sharing my method for whitening underarms in a future post, but one of the main factors in the change of my underarm appearance was indeed switching to a natural deodorant. It made a huge difference. I am now confident enough to flaunt my underarms! Woot woot!

So, what is this super amazing discovery of mine that I wanted to share with you? 

Well, with my move toward a cleaner lifestyle several years ago, I started exploring different types of deodorants (natural ones) and found one that was made from a natural mineral salt. The product is called Crystal, and it's completely natural and EFFECTIVE. The way it works is that, once it's applied, it forms a barrier on the skin that prevents odor-causing bacteria from forming.  

Well, let me just say that this product is extremely effective at protecting the skin from developing any odor - not perfect, but close to it. The one that I use is the Crystal rock*. It literally is a clear crystal rock. All I do is wet it with a little bit of water, then rub it on and let it dry. 

Okay, so that's not the end of the story.

A year or so ago, I decided to try their other variety, Crystal Essence deodorant, which is basically the same thing in liquid form and with essential oils and extracts. I thought, hey, since it's the same thing, why not try it out. I tried it for a long time, and it did work "okay", but didn't work as well as the Crystal rock did. I would still develop BO, which is no bueno!

So, since I was already caught up in the whole process of trying to find something that was close to a normal deodorant stick, what I decided to do was try another natural deodorant that I had been seeing all over social media - Schmidt's. I tried the Lavender + Sage scent. Although I really loved what this company stood for, I found the product to be quite thick, and it didn't work as well as I thought it would. 

Warning: TMI again.

I found that it did not hold up as well as the Crystal rock did. My body rejected it or something because I was getting BO within the 24 hrs that I had applied it. Not kidding! I was sad that Schmidt's didn't work for me, because like I said, I really love the scents that they have to choose from.

Moral of the story: It seems that different formulas react to my body differently. 

So, anyway, after being disappointed in that failed attempt to try something that closely resembled a normal stick of deodorant, I decided to go back to my tried and true Crystal rock, but change one thing.

I decided to also apply tea trea oil as well. 

Breakthrough! The combination of the crystal rock and the tea tree oil work so amazingly well together that I have not experienced BO like I did with the other two deodorants that I tried.

And ... why did I not think of this sooner ... ? Tea tree oil is a natural antibacterial, so it prevents bacteria from forming. I apply undiluted 100% tea tree oil after I rub the Crystal rock on my skin, and - TADAAA!

The perfect deodorant. It works so well for me that I think my deodorant-searching-days are over. 

I forgot to mention that in the past, I have also tried a homemade deodorant using baking soda and coconut oil, which worked well for several months. I'm not sure why I stopped. I think it was more of the matter of convenience that it was lacking, which is why I stuck with the Crystal rock. The Crystal rock dries completely clear and never leaves any residue.

I do recommend the Crystal rock deodorant + tea tree oil if you're interested in my method that has worked well for me.

The best part is that the rock literally lasts for years and years and stays completely new the entire time. It's amazing. For those of you who are interested in purchasing the Crystal rock and tree oil, I'll leave links at the end of this post so that they're easy for you to find!

While I'm at it, I decided to create a homemade deodorant recipe for those of you who are interested in something resembling a traditional deodorant stick.

I know how hard it can be to get used to something different, so this will help to ease the transition. It's also a great way to save money as natural deodorants are pricey! 

Here is some useful information about the ingredients that I've chosen for my natural deodorant recipe and why I chose to use them specifically. That's the good part about homemade recipes, you can always tailor it to you and get the exact benefits and results out of them, naturally. 

Coconut Oil

• Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties

• Moisturizing to the skin and low molecular weight allowing it to penetrate the skin on a deeper level

Baking Soda

• Natural deodorizer 

• Natural exfoliant

• Neutralizes pH

• Absorbs moisture and oil

• Antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties

Arrowroot Powder

• Absorbs moisture and oil

• Natural thickening agent

Tea Tree Oil

• Antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties

• Natural antiseptic

Lavender Oil

•  Anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antidepressant, antiseptic, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties

• Natural disinfectant and deodorant

• Detoxifying

• Calming  

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Homemade Natural Lavender & Tea Tree Oil Deodorant Recipe 

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Supplies

• 1/4 c coconut oil*

• 1/3 c arrowroot powder

• 1/2 c baking soda

• 20 drops lavender oil*

• 20 drops tea tree oil* 

• 1 empty deodorant container and 1 glass jar

Yield: Makes 1 deodorant stick and 1, 4 oz. jar

Add all ingredients except essential oils together in a bowl, and mix until well combined. 

Once ingredients are all well mixed, add essential oils. Mix well by using a spoon to press the ingredients together to evenly distribute the oils throughout the mixture.

The consistency will begin to resemble that of deodorant, and when pressed, will bind together to form a solid.  

Fill the emty deodorant container with the mixture and press as you go until you reach the top. 

And you're done! The consistency is just like a regular deodorant stick, but be aware that since it does contain coconut oil, it tends to get softer when exposed to warmer temperatures. You can pop it in the freezer for a few minutes to make it retain its shape.

Add any remaining mixture to an empty jar, which you can use to refill your deodorant stick when it runs out, or use out of the jar.

I hope you get to try out this recipe. It's so easy to make and is completely natural, safe, and effective. If you get to try it out, I'd love to hear about your experience. 

What are your thoughts about these natural deodorant options? I'd love to hear what you think in the comments below!

Disclosure: Links that are marked with an * are affiliate links.

Has anyone ever said to you in a not-so well-meaning tone, "You've changed!" If so, I hope you took that as a HUGE compliment, because that is exactly what you want to be doing in life, girlfriend (or guy-friend).

Do you agree that there's nothing more annoying than people who sit back expecting everyone to stay the same exact person (like them). Well, duh, of course I changed. I'm not a rock. Wait a minute, even rocks change! Ha!

Sometimes with the pressure to conform to this idea that people have of us, we get caught up in trying to soften ourselves to appeal to those who "know" us.

Oh no ... we don't want to offend anyone by changing. But really, by doing so, we aren't being true to who we are, even when who we are has evolved into someone different - someone better.

What I've learned in my 31 (still newbie) years of life is that I must constantly evolve in order to become the best version of myself.

If I fail to evolve, I fail to grow, and that my friend would mean that I'm just living to die.

Extreme, yes (I can be), but it's so true. I know I don't have all of the answers, but I do know this much is true.

Along the way, you'll discover that by evolving, you will not only develop different needs in life, but you will shed old ones as well. You may outgrow the people that you once surrounded yourself with. Certain environments may not appeal to you anymore. It will trickle down to every area of your life. In some ways, it will take some getting used to, and you'll have to discover yourself again.

I've gone through this process many times and found that it was always a natural progression, never forced. Although it was sometimes uncomfortable, I always moved forward and found it to be an important process in where I am today and in getting me to a more fulfilling place.

On the topic of change, I always like to refer back to one of my favorite scriptures - Ecclesiastes 3: 

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens ... "

When you understand this, change will never phase you because you'll know that there is a season for everything and that life is all about change.

Take any successful or accomplished person - who they are now is not the same person as who they were when they first started their journey. They were like any average person trying to navigate life and figure things out. 

Naturally, in order to meet the expectations of each new level of success, more was required of them, which they had to develop within themselves.

It took discipline. It took change.

There's no such thing as a successful person who never grew or never changed, and I'm pretty sure that if they stomped their feet and refused to change, they wouldn't be where they are today.

If you're feeling pulled in different directions and battling with the idea that maybe people won't like certain decisions you'll make out of fear that they will question your authenticity, have no fear.

You don't need anyone's approval.

The very journey you're on is yours and yours alone. You're on the right track when you're always pursuing the best version of yourself even if that means confusing a few people along the way. 

Recall all of those stories where someone does a complete 360 and turns their life around, then lives to tell the world their amazing story of how they overcame the odds and - you guessed it - changed. It takes a strong-willed person to change and not settle. 

There is absolutely no resistance for the person who refuses to ever change, but for the person who proactively decides to constantly change and grow - it takes strength, endurance, and resilience.

Every single day, by developing yourself and demanding more of yourself, you are flexing a different type of muscle and becoming stronger - able to reach new levels and opportunities in life.

The more you grow, the more you succeed.

Reaching new heights in life will be determined by your willingness to grow, so pursue those opportunities that will stretch you.

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Pursue what scares you, head-on.

Another thing is that growth hurts. People think, oh, that person changed. I don't like them anymore. They're a fraud. Um, why? Do they even know how many different experiences it took for that person to get to where they are today? 

It's so easy for people to judge what they see instead of empathizing with what a person went through to get to their current position. We usually see the end result of their growth, not the in-between, so it's easy to ignore that where a person is today is a result of something deeper and more difficult than what we are aware of. 

It's never too late to become the person you've always wanted to be, and it's certainly never too late to invent a new, better, and upgraded version of yourself, either.  

Who cares if people "accept" you, and for the record, you don't want those people in your life anyway. You want to be surrounded by people who support your growth and love you for whatever that may bring.

Some people may not understand you, and that's perfectly okay.

Do you know why? Because people that do understand you will come out of the woodwork, and those are the kind of people you want in your life. 

So, where do you stand? Have you changed? Do you want to change?

The best thing about life is new beginnings. Every. Single. Day.

That's actually what makes life so amazing. You can change your mind. Oh yes, and I love to do that. Very very often. 

What I'm trying to get at is that you should never feel scared to try something new, be someone new, and explore a different version of yourself. As long as you are being authentically you, that is all that matters at the end of the day. If you're moving in a positive direction, nothing can stop you. 

When you pursue new levels in life, it'll call for new versions of yourself - ones that you didn't even know you were capable of.

The only way to really know what you are capable of doing is to step out. And the prerequisite - there is none. 

I have learned that even when I didn't feel qualified enough, I made up for it by stepping out in faith.

By doing so, that stretched and grew me so much more than just waiting until I felt qualified, which truthfully, I have never felt 100% ready for anything that I have ever decided to pursue.

When faced with a decision, if it's not urgent, we'll naturally try anything to postpone it to a future date. So, the best thing to do is to act on whatever it is you want to do NOW, even if you don't feel ready.  

Once you force yourself to new levels in life, life will demand more out of you and elevate you as well. It's really up to you to take that initial step and show up.

Your willingness shows so much more than your ability, talent, or skill.

Anyone can have all of the above, but if they never show up, it's pointless, right? 

I encourage you to see change within yourself as a precursor to success. When you take on that mindset, you will surprise yourself with what you can accomplish when you reach difficult points in your life. Will you cave in or will you meet the challenges head-on and say, you know what, I got this! I will become a better version of myself in order to level up in life and become better than the person I was yesterday. 

I hope you enjoyed this post and found it to be encouraging. I look forward to doing more inspirational posts like these because I've always been into self-development, and I believe it's so important to stay motivated and inspired every day. I'm rooting for positive change in you and in your life!

What do you think, and what are your thoughts? I'd love to chat in the comments below!

I wanted to finally share my go-to recipe that I reach for when I know that my body needs a quick detox. Although I try to eat as clean as possible on a daily basis, I still fall prey to eating out which exposes me to additives that may trigger a migraine. When dining out, the main culprit is usually Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) or high sodium content, which is usually hidden in pre-made sauces, marinades, and processed foods.

Of course, there can be many other triggers that may set off a migraine or a headache. There have been instances where I didn't drink enough water during the day or woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I also get migraines with PMS, which is like clockwork for me. There are so many factors that can cause an attack, but I can usually pinpoint what has been the cause.

In the past, I used to suffer from severe migraines and was officially diagnosed with it several years ago.

I would literally have a migraine on schedule every few days, which was not only debilitating, but frustrating because I felt like I had no control over my body.

On a mission to cure my migraines without meds, I discovered that there were many ways to overcome them naturally like using cream of tartar. In this post, I'll be talking about one of the ways that have been most effective for me.

Combined with a generally organic, whole foods and unprocessed lifestyle, I have been able to manage my migraines. In instances where I have been exposed to toxins, I quickly know that my body has been exposed to something or is reacting to a trigger and needs a detox.

The 3 ingredients I reach for are apple cider vinegar, organic raw honey, and organic green tea.

Details of how I use these ingredients together to create a natural remedy will be towards the end of this post.

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

If you haven't been exposed to the ridiculous amount of health benefits that apple cider vinegar has, I'd highly encourage you to check it out. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is a miracle cure for the body, both topically and internally and as a cleansing agent around the home. It's made from apples that are allowed to ferment naturally in wooden barrels, which produce natural enzymes, minerals, and natural acids. Just make sure you get the one with the "mother", which is the raw and unfiltered variety that has all of the beneficial properties intact.

What I love about ACV is its ability to balance the body's alkalinity.

When your body's acid-alkaline state is imbalanced, the body reacts with illness. You may be familiar with pH levels, which is basically the same thing. It's important to understand the chemistry of your body because it is absolutely life-changing to know your body's natural reactions and how to keep it healthy. ACV helps to get your body back into a health-promoting state where your body is in an acid-alkaline balance.

Apple Cider Vinegar also contains high levels of potassium and Vitamin C which aids in reducing pain and inflammation - often associated with migraines and headaches.

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MY COMPREHENSIVE EBOOK

natural migraine remedies that work

In this ebook, I share my personal story of how I discovered relief with 10 natural migraine remedies, 3 recipes, and my top supplements that work. Enjoy a visual experience with 30 pages of helpful information to get the relief you need and prevent migraines from the start.

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Organic Raw Honey

Raw honey is not your average honey. Commercial honey is filtered and heated excessively at high temperatures which destroy the natural vitamins, minerals and enzymes that makes it beneficial for health. In contrast with processed honey, raw honey is a health food that contains enzyme-rich propolis (essentially bee glue) and beneficial phytonutrients along with a myriad of naturally-occurring vitamins and minerals. It also contributes to that alkaline-acid balance I was mentioning earlier due to its antioxidant-rich organic acids.

Organic Green Tea

I have found that the presence of caffeine in green tea works amazingly well in combination with the apple cider vinegar to relieve migraine symptoms. 

I do, however, use decaf green tea, which still provides trace amounts of caffeine that still does the trick.

Caffeine is usually used in analgesics, such as aspirin and acetaminophen due to its ability to increase their effectiveness. The amount of caffeine found in a 5-ounce cup of green tea is comparable to that found in over-the-counter pain reliever medications that contain caffeine.

Another reason why caffeine is so effective is how it causes vasoconstriction, whereas the blood vessels in the head constrict. This is beneficial during the onset of a headache or a migraine because blood vessels dilate. Therefore, the process of vasoconstriction can stop a migraine in its tracks.

Green tea has so many health benefits, and it contains more than just caffeine. It contains antioxidants, nutrients, and amino acids which improve brain function and protect the body from oxidative damage and free radicals. It's a powerful detoxifier as it flushes out toxins and enhances digestive functions in the body.

Be aware, however, that caffeine can also be a trigger when used in excessive amounts. Sticking to green tea instead of other forms of caffeine should prevent any reactions that other sources may cause.

A few minerals that I pay special attention to that are present in raw honey and apple cider vinegar are potassium and magnesium which I have found to be essential for me in combatting migraines.

Potassium maintains electrolyte balance keeping the body hydrated. A potassium deficiency can cause severe headaches, which I have experienced in the past. 

A magnesium deficiency can also cause migraines, so it is said that taking magnesium supplements are a good preventative measure. Magnesium also helps with digestion, which works amazingly well for detoxing the body and getting things going (if you know what I mean). 

I could go on and on about the health benefits of the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients present in these ingredients, so I highly encourage further reading for more in-depth information. It's really interesting stuff, and I definitely get into geek mode when it comes to researching about it.

All three ingredients, apple cider vinegar, organic raw honey, and organic green tea - when used together - provide for a powerful and fast-acting migraine and headache remedy.

Imagine your body is a sponge, and by drinking these ingredients, all of the minerals, nutrients, and antioxidants are quickly absorbed into your blood providing quick and natural relief.

Now, here's my natural migraine and headache detox remedy in 2 simple steps:

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MY 3-INGREDIENT MIGRAINE AND HEADACHE DETOX REMEDY

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Step 1

Mix 2 Tbsp of organic apple cider vinegar and 1-2 Tbsp of organic raw honey in 8 ounces of filtered water. Drink.

Step 2

Boil 8 ounces of filtered water. Remove from heat and add 1 organic green tea bag. I don't remove the tea bag and just allow it to continue to steep. After a few minutes, add 1-2 Tbsp organic raw honey and stir. Drink.

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Apple cider vinegar has a strong smell, but don't be turned off by this! The honey makes it taste good and hides the strong taste. Add more honey to your liking. You can drink it with a straw, but I usually go all in and I've never had problems with my teeth being sensitive.

Upon drinking this amazing concoction, I always feel better and more alert. My brain fog clears up and my migraine dissipates. Depending on the type of migraine, it usually goes away very quickly - and I'm not hyping this up, it really works for me.

For this remedy to work, I drink lots and lots of water. I basically drown myself in water! This is the only way the body will get rid of toxins. Sometimes dehydration and mineral or vitamin deficiencies can trigger migraines, so this remedy is a great way to quickly flood the body with essentials.   

I hope you enjoyed this post and that it serves to help you if you suffer from migraines or headaches. I know how bad it can get -  thankfully natural remedies like these and being aware of triggers has helped me manage them. This is just scratching the surface, discover the other many amazing benefits of these ingredients for your health. 

In the comments below, I'd love to hear about what natural remedies have worked for you!

Resources:

• Apple cider vinegar 1

• pH levels 1

• Raw honey 1

• Green tea 1, 2

• Magnesium deficiency 1

• Potassium deficiency 1

Disclosure: This post is purely from my personal experience and for informational purposes only, not to be construed as medical advice. Please seek medical advice from a licensed health practitioner.

Products were provided for review. Please read disclosure at the end of this post.

Uprooted Skincare was founded by Diana, a mother of two who discovered the healing benefits of herbs after suffering from cystic acne caused by hormone imbalance. With research, she was able to naturally cure her hormone imbalance with herbs and became a firm believer in its effectiveness for the skin.

Her story resonates with me because, I too, suffered from acne and tried everything in the book and more. It was only until I turned to natural alternatives that I found how powerful herbs and natural ingredients were to achieving desired results. What worked for my skin since has been tea tree oil and staying away from harsh cleansers.

Diana creates skincare that is 100% natural, vegan, and freshly ground in small batches for maximum potency and freshness. You won't find any chemicals or fillers in her products, just natural ingredients. Her ingredients are not bleached, stripped, decolorized or hardened with high temperatures. You'll know exactly what comes in each product, and she also lists useful information on each ingredient's properties. 

Uprooted currently carries face masks, blush + bronzers, lip balms, primer, and foundation, with new products being added. I received the rose petal + kaolin clay face mask and pomegranate + alkanet lip balm to try.

This pomegranate + alkanet lip balm lip balm smells absolutely amazing! I love how it gives a tint to the lips, how it is so moisturizing, and how it contains one of my favorite healing ingredients, castor oil. It also contains beeswax, jojoba oil, pomegranate oil, and alkanet and hibiscus extract. I've never come across a lip balm that had so many natural healing ingredients in it. It'll be hard for other lip balms to measure up to this one in terms of ingredients now that I found it. 

The rose petal + kaolin clay face mask comes in a nice 4 oz size with 15 or more uses. Since it is in a powder form, you do need to mix it with some type of oil like coconut oil, jojoba oil, yogurt, or other liquid of choice to form a paste. I mixed a tablespoon of coconut oil and powder together which formed a thick paste. To apply, I just rubbed it onto my face with my fingers all the way down to my neck and let it sit for 15 minutes. I then rinsed in off with warm water.

I found this face mask to have lovely rose scent as there are actual freshly crushed rose petals in it. Once you rub it on your face, you'll feel that the texture of this face mask is a little coarse, which I wasn't used to, but I do love the raw textures in this face mask. You can actually see the ingredients as you apply it on your face, which makes it feel luxurious. After I washed my face, I did feel that refreshed feeling from the kaolin clay and my face felt very moisturized. This face mask contains several other beneficial ingredients including marshmallow root and raspberry leaf. Diana outlines all of the ingredients in her descriptions so you know exactly what benefits you'll be getting from each product.

What I really appreciate about Uprooted Skincare is that she makes all of her products fresh and in small batches, which shows a high level of care that she puts into every product. You also get the full potency of the ingredients because you are not buying any fillers. Another thing that I really enjoy is discovering new formulations and ingredients that I wouldn't normally find available. It's fun trying new formulas and really knowing that each has a targeted benefit that will go a long way in making every penny worth it.

I encourage you to check out her other amazing products like her blushes, which are colored using natural ingredients such as beet root powder to create beautiful shades. You can view all of her products on her website, www.uprootedskincare.com or go directly to her Etsy shop. We put together a giveaway on Instagram, so make sure you enter for a chance to win a rose petal + kaolin face mask!

What are your favorite natural skincare products and which UPROOTED product would you love to try? Share with me in the comments below!

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Disclosure: Please be aware that I share my honest opinions here (positive or negative) regardless of if the products that I am reviewing were provided by the company for consideration. The purpose of this column is to help you, my readers, learn about alternative skincare through my honest reviews. I personally select each company that I will be featuring here, so I wouldn't review a company that I hadn't already found to be beneficial or meeting a certain criteria that I'm looking for in natural products. 

Products were provided for review. Please read disclosure at the end of this post.

I'm excited to be back to share something a little different today. I've been wanting to incorporate more natural living content onto my site because it is another topic that I'm really passionate about. Be it food, cleaning supplies, skincare, etc., I enjoy discovering new ways to live a more simplified, chemical and toxin-free lifestyle. Since I particularly find it difficult when looking for mainstream skincare products that are free of questionable ingredients, I wanted to start a regular column here where I review not-so-mainstream companies to bring awareness to the many amazing alternatives out there. There really is a natural revolution occurring. I see so many great products becoming available, which makes me all sorts of giddy because that means that the demand for these products is growing and more people are becoming aware of the impact that their products have on their health. More demand = better products!

So, to start off this column, I wanted to feature a company that caught my attention, PLANT Apothecary. I discovered them on Instagram, and there were several things about them that stood out to me:

They're serious about ingredients - completely natural, organic, botanicals, essential oils, and absolutely NO harsh and mysterious chemicals (parabens, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), petroleum, silicones, etc.)

They're minimalists - Simple, clean, and straight to the point packaging that doesn't distract from what really matters: real ingredients

They have a sense of humor - With names like GET IT ON, CALM DOWN, and WAKE UP, it's easy to smile when picking up one of their products

They care - (excerpt below from their website)

PLANT products are made with the help of adults with physical and mental disabilities, at the nonprofit BKLYN UNLTD workshop, in Brooklyn, New York. BKLYN UNLTD’s mission is to give disabled adults access to work training and paid work opportunities. 

My favorite part about PLANT is that they don't just say that their products are all-natural and chemical-free. They actually are. You won't find hidden junk in their ingredients list (which I find in a lot of "natural" products). I think that they're one of the first companies that I've experienced where the ingredients are as natural as they get. You could literally eat the stuff!

Samples shown. Full sizes are available.

PLANT carries a variety of skincare products for the face such as masks, cleansers, and oils - to products for the body, such as body washes, body oils, scrubs, and baths. I was able to try all of their body wash samples, and they don't smell like anything I've ever smelled before (in a good way). Each body wash is formulated with a combination of ingredients with known properties to create a truly unique scent and effective formula. Who knew eucalyptus, lemongrass, and rosemary would smell good together? PLANT did. All of their body washes contain only eight simple ingredients, so you'll never have to guess what you're putting on your body. I really enjoyed all of their body washes and was really intrigued by the different scents because they were all so new to me. When I tried them out, the thing that really struck me as genius is how the essential oils used in the body washes diffused into the air as I showered, so it smelled amazing! They were light for my sensitive skin, yet had enough suds to get a lather. I didn't feel like they were at all drying, either.

If you know me, you'll know how much I LOVE matcha, so when PLANT decided to send me a full-size MATCHA Antioxidant Face Mask, I was all over it. I never thought of using matcha on the face, so this was exciting. I mean, why not, right? It smells good, it tastes good, so you can't go wrong!

To use the mask, all I did was mix a teaspoon with a little bit of water and then rubbed it all over my face. I let it dry for about 5-10 minutes, then rinsed it off. Let me tell you, this face mask smells so AMAZING! I'm pretty sure that there's a heaping amount of matcha in there -  no skimping - because it really does have that matcha aroma! It's very creamy when mixed with water and dries really fast once you apply it. A little goes a long way with this product. It made my face feel very clean, purified, and SOFT and had a tightening effect.

Matcha (powdered green tea) is its main ingredient, but it also contains kaolin (white clay), and chamomile oil. Each of these ingredients are calming and soothing to the skin. The matcha helps fight free radicals and reduces inflammation while the white clay purifies. FYI We're giving away one of these on Instagram. Details at the end of this post #waitforit!

Samples shown. Full sizes are available.

I also really enjoyed using the RICE & CLEAN Gentle Facial Cleanser (pictured in middle) and found it really interesting how its main ingredient, rice bran, has long been used in Japan and is said to be their secret for smooth, soft, skin! It naturally contains gamma oryzanol, which has been shown in studies to both soften skin and protect it from UV light damage. Mind blown. Who knew?

It was so gentle and moisturizing on my skin. I don't normally use anything fancy for my face, so discovering this product made me really happy because it's hard to find a gentle cleanser that doesn't strip my face of my natural oils. Did I mention it has chamomile flowers in it? I'm sold. I love chamomile and I do believe in it's soothing properties. It also has an exfoliating effect, so I feel like my face gets softer with ever use as the dead skin cells are gently removed. 

I also have a sample of the SUPER SOAK Organic Healing Bath, but I didn't feel it was enough to use in an actual bath since I'd be needing a 1/2 a cup or 1/4 for a foot soak. I did read up on it and learned about the healing properties of its main ingredients mustard and eucalyptus oil. They both provide gentle pain relief and the aroma of the eucalyptus oil helps clear a stuffy nose. I just love eucalyptus! I keep it all over my house, even in my bathroom because it purifies the air. This bath is really good if you are in need of relaxation from sore muscles, if you have a cold, or have been on your feet all day.

I also received a sample of their ZIT ZAP Organic Spot Treatment Mask, and I can't wait to try it if I ever have blemishes. My skin has been behaving for me lately, so that's good! The cool thing about this product is that it uses the antibacterial properties of basil oil to heal and activated charcoal and kaolin (white clay) to draw impurities out of the skin. It also has such a pretty lavender color that really caught my attention. PLANT knows their stuff when it comes to ingredients!

I'm highly impressed with PLANT products and would recommend them in a heartbeat. I actually learned so many new things that I'm excited to add to my natural living arsenal. I love discovering nature's healing properties through different ingredients, and I find it so intriguing when I learn how to heal and care for my body naturally. If you're interested in finding out more information about PLANT, they have a really nice website where they go into detail about their ingredients and they also host a blog with useful information as well. Their products are available for purchase at plantbrooklyn.com and they also just recently became available at select Target retailers (YAY PLANT) and Target online, so check them out! They are definitely a company to keep an eye out for, and I'm so excited to see their product line grow.

I hope you enjoyed something a bit different here on Hello Lovely Living! I'll be featuring more skincare lines, so make sure to come back for those. And don't forget to enter our giveaway to get your hands on the yummy MATCHA Antioxidant Face Mask!

What are your favorite natural skincare products and which PLANT product would you love to try? Share with me in the comments below!

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Disclosure: Please be aware that I share my honest opinions here (positive or negative) regardless of if the products that I am reviewing were provided by the company for consideration. The purpose of this column is to help you, my readers, learn about alternative skincare through my honest reviews. I personally select each company that I will be featuring here, so I wouldn't review a company that I hadn't already found to be beneficial or meeting a certain criteria that I'm looking for in natural products. 

A recent watercolor of mine that symbolizes 2016 - a year of me dedicating myself to my art and everything I love.

In a few weeks, I'll be turning 31, which I'm partially freaking out about (lol!), but on the opposite end of the spectrum, I've realized that this past year has brought such tremendous growth for me than any other point in my life, so freaking out is the last thing I should be doing. My 30th year was really a turning point in my life that caused so much change within me.

I want to share my personal story with you guys because I truly feel that ever since I decided to just be myself and not apologize for how I feel or who I am, I've awakened something in me that refuses to let fear of judgment dictate my message or hinder me from being authentically me. I can honestly say that now more than any time in my life, I feel at peace with who I am. I don't ever really share my struggles with anyone so, me coming out and saying this is pretty huge for me. I've reached so many turning points in my life, but the one that has recently impacted the course of my future was when I literally found myself lost with the path I was on and confronting myself - me. The real me.  

You know, all my life I really felt like I was trying to fit myself in somewhere that I thought was where I belonged. It wasn't until a couple of years ago that I realized that I've been running for nearly all my life. The person I was running away from? Myself. I always felt like I had to prove my worth, yet I always felt like I wasn't worth anything at all. It kind of sounds contradictory, right? Why would I try to prove my worth when I felt like I was worthless? I really don't know the answer to that question. I think it becomes an endless cycle of trying to prove your worth when you don't know your true worth. When you're trying to substitute things of false value with your real value, things never really amount to anything. You still feel worthless at the end of the day, and what you are left with is a picture that is completely and utterly not you. That's how I felt.

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Now back to that life-changing moment. I really believe that in order to get from point A, where you've built up this false sense of self, to point B, is to literally break. At church this past weekend, the sermon couldn't have been more fitting where my pastor said that one of the most dangerous prayers we could make is for God to break us. Once we are broken, things change and God takes that brokenness and uses it for something entirely new. It's not until we have reached that broken state that God is able to show us something different.

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So, that's how I felt at that point in my life right before I started this blog. I didn't know where I was heading. I felt completely lost, and I felt like something needed to change in me. It really took that broken time in my life to reach this current point in my life of tremendous growth. Once I decided to just pursue what I love and not worry about anything else, everything changed, and I felt transformed. I feel like I'm getting to know myself again more each day, and I'm truly embracing me. I'm saying yes to doing what I love. I'm saying yes to every good thing in my life and see ya later to everything else. 

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So, now as I move closer to my 31st year, life has an entirely new meaning to me. It means living a life you love. No more chasing after things that aren't authentically me. No more substitutions. If it doesn't bring me greater joy or more love into my life, it's not worth it and not worth my time or energy. I will not change who I am for the validation or comfort of others and I will not let people's lack of love or reciprocation change who I am as a person. I will continue to seek and give love. It's just not worth it anymore to try to prove my love, my worth, or my value to anyone. I am authentically living and doing things that bring joy and love into my life and my family's lives. When you're happy with where you're going in life, the things that are important outshine the things that aren't. 

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Life is too short to focus on things that aren't going to make your life more valuable and bring you in touch with your higher self. So, if there's anything that I've done with my story, I hope it has been to inspire you to pursue the real you and to live unapologetically. Pursue what brings you joy. Focus on things that inspire and uplift you and live and pursue a life that you love with no excuses. Once you begin to see life in a different way, so much will happen and you will become so much more energized every morning. Life will take on a new meaning. You'll have a purpose and a conviction that nothing could stand in the way of. 

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In 2016, I want to continue to inspire people and really move in the direction of my dreams. So much has happened and there's so much more to come. Thank you for being a part of my story, and I hope you'll stick around for what's to come. 

Would you like to see more posts like these? What was your turning point in life? I'd love to hear about your story. Share with me in the comments below!

Happy New Year!!! I'm so excited about 2016. I wanted to get back into my Inspiration Mondays this week and offer up some words that will inspire you for this new year. Let's get into it! 

It's a brand spankin' new year and that means, let go of 2015; it's time for something new. A new beginning! I am a lover of starting off fresh, not only in the literal sense, but figuratively. A new beginning can start off in the mind, so if you wanted to, you could just say to yourself, "It's a new day, a new week, a new month for change." Change really starts in the mind, so if you're ready to make a change for the better, tell yourself. Our inner dialogue is just as important - if not more important - than the words we speak. 

So since we've created a clean slate, let's talk about what we want to achieve for the new year. I, for one, am so poor at writing down my goals, so when I tell you that it's a must, please believe! Since I'm a visual person, I'd much rather keep my goals at the back of my mind via visions and pictures in my head, which is good, but I definitely could work on actually internalizing those goals and writing them down so that they can become measurable. When you start to see your goals on paper, they become more urgent because they now become tangible. Let's get those goals down on paper!

I think getting our goals on paper is one of the hardest parts because it's kind of like saying to yourself, "Well, now I've got to actually do these things. No more slacking. No more filing these away under the I'll-do-these-things-one-day tab." That's tough. So when you finally get over this hump, you really are on your way toward achieving some very awesome things! Get it girl.

So, what is it that you want to achieve this year? This week? This month? Break it down into smaller, actionable steps. Say your goal is to start making more home-cooked meals for your family. Outline small steps to get you there. For example:

+ Look for easy recipes on Pinterest

+ Create a menu plan for the week

+ Create a grocery list

By breaking it down like this, you won't get overwhelmed with say: 

+ Make more home-cooked meals

With that, your brain will start to go into overdrive and then conk out from getting too overwhelmed with thinking about how you are going to achieve it, rather than the easier, smaller steps I mentioned above. You'll be more inclined to do the small steps as opposed to the larger picture. This goes with any type of goal, so get those babies down to small, baby steps.  

 

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APPLICATION

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1 | Create a clean slate

2 | Get your goals down on paper

3 | Break them into small, baby steps

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I would like to help inspire students, especially in applying this process. It could help tremendously in the many transitions that you will experience during this time in your life.

Once you begin, you're now done with half the battle! I hope you apply these steps and really benefit from them. It's simple, yet will help you be well on your way to getting a lot of stuff done this year. 

What is one goal that you'd like to achieve this year? I'd love to hear about it in the comments below! 

Hi Lovelies! I'm writing this one a wee bit late this week - but hey - better late than never, right? Today, I want to talk about perseverance because I believe it is one of those qualities you absolutely need if you want to achieve anything worthwhile. So, let's get into it!

I love getting inspired by those who are already at the top and connecting the dots to common threads that successful people share. Recently, I've been visually connecting how those that are reaping the rewards of success, at one point, had to persevere through times of not really seeing any results. Well, maybe they did see results, but they were very small and not really encouraging. Perseverance is really those small steps that we take every day that add up to a larger picture (one day). These steps are the ones that are done in the darkness, with no one watching. 

So, really, in order to ever reap a harvest, we must plant seeds NOW, and we must be consistent about it. We will not see them grow right away, but eventually, with consistent and persistent watering, they will. This reminds me of a quote that I came across that said, "The tiny seed knew that in order to grow, it needed to be dropped in dirt, covered in darkness, and struggle to reach the light."

Not only do we need to plant seeds, but we must also go through a lot of discomfort in order to grow. It won't be easy, because nothing worthwhile ever is, but that is really just the test of our perseverance. Are we willing to make the sacrifices now in order to have the life we truly want? Are we going to give up when times get tough? These questions will really determine the course of your future.

When you look at successful people, all you're really looking at is the result of them sowing seeds daily and being committed to the process. What's more is, they don't stop once they reach a certain level of success. They keep planting. They keep pursuing their dream. They keep growing. They don't get comfortable.

No matter where you are at right now in your life, as long as you are planting those seeds daily, you will one day see them grow. A seed is a seed, so no matter how big or how small it is, just keep doing it. Even if it takes 10 years for your dream to come to fruition, just know that you are one day ahead of the other person who has never planted anything towards their future. 

Keep planting, and keep growing. Have an amazing week!

What is one way that you can plant a seed toward your dreams today? Share with me in the comments! 

So, I wanted to share with you guys this really quick and easy way to relieve migraines or headaches. As someone who on occasion suffers from migraines, I know all too well how debilitating it can be. Not only do I get the migraine itself, but I also experience nausea, dizziness, dehydration, and a general brain fog that makes it hard to function.

If you have ever suffered from a migraine, you know that you can sometimes experience an aura or the onset of the migraine before you get it. If I wake up feeling like I got hit by a train, the chances are high that I will end up getting a migraine that day. I have also experienced a heightened sensitivity to light, and just an overall feeling of tension. Not fun.

Due to the proliferation of MSG (monosodium glutamate) in our foods, it's hard to avoid getting a migraine - unless you avoid it completely or happen to be the lucky one who doesn't have a sensitivity to it. And it's not as simple as looking for MSG on the label - it's hidden under many names, so you'd basically have to avoid all processed foods to ensure that you don't come into contact with it. As much as I try to avoid MSG, I still occasionally come into contact with it due to my love of soy sauce - eating out doesn't help either. 

Of course, migraines can also be triggered by more than just MSG. I found out once that I was low in potassium after having to go to the hospital because my migraine was so excruciating. Those were the days when I would literally suffer from a migraine on a regular basis (almost every day).

So, what is this remedy I speak of? To get straight to the point, it is cream of tartar. If there's anyone who has searched and tried natural remedies for migraines, it is me. This has to be one of the fastest working remedies I have tried and I think I have tried everything known to man (well almost). You may have heard about cream of tartar for baking. It's used to stabilize egg whites and whip cream along with other awesome baking tricks. Not only is it natural, but it is completely safe, of course when used in small amounts.

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Cream of tartar is a byproduct of winemaking and is potassium bitartrate, or potassium hydrogen. When taken with water, it neutralizes the effects of MSG poisoning and raises the blood PH of the body, creating an alkaline-forming environment. (source) Potassium is an electrolyte, so paired with lots of water, your system will have all that it needs to get hydrated and rid itself of any toxins. It has other known natural uses, so I encourage you to research about it. As someone who tries to avoid medicine at all costs, finding natural remedies is my passion. I also did a post on how to naturally prevent the cold and flu, which is pretty interesting. I've found that it actually makes me identify the root causes instead of masking illness with more toxins in the form of medication.

So, what I did was I mixed 1/2 tsp in 8 oz of water and drank it slowly. The taste is tangy, but not anything disgusting. It reminds me of some type of sour candy, but without the sweetness. Upon drinking this, I immediately began to feel better and the dizziness and brain fog that I was experiencing began to dissipate soon after drinking it. When I was completely done, I felt really hydrated and energized. Not to mention, I had a hard time going to sleep because I had so much energy and all traces of my migraine were gone. Note though, that I did take this as soon as I began to experience migraine symptoms, so it wasn't as severe as it would be if I had let it get full-blown.

I am so thankful that this simple remedy made my migraine disappear. With a baby to tend to, ain't nobody got time for that! Keeping the family strong and healthy is of utmost importance. I hope you enjoyed this post, and please let me know if there are any other migraine remedies you may know about. Thanks so much for sticking through this lengthy post!

Disclosure: This post is purely from my personal experience and for informational purposes only, not to be construed as medical advice. Please seek medical advice from a licensed health practitioner. 

Do you suffer from migraines? What has been your experience? I'd love to hear in the comments below!

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It's totally natural to feel discouraged, especially when you are headed down a path that may only currently make sense to you. Doing what you feel in your heart to accomplish is often a lonely road filled with many moments where you question the very fabric of who you are. There will be times when you just need someone to reach out to you with some encouraging words. For some, that comes, and for others, it may not.

From a young age, I always felt that in order for me to succeed, I had to push myself and encourage myself. If I didn't do it, no one else would, so I made a promise to be that motivating voice for myself. That was one of the strategies that got me through being a young single mom, through high school while juggling a baby, through college while juggling work, and ultimately, to where I am today. Not only did I not rely on others for their validation or their approval, I took it upon myself to really dig deep within and find that inner strength. 

I know what it feels like to not be encouraged by the people around you, so today, I wanted to focus on how to stay encouraged. It's an important part of the journey of life to stay lifted, so not only should we encourage others, we must focus on ourselves and keep the most important person in the room happy - us! If we're not encouraged, how can we make an impact on this world and the lives of others? It's a cycle that starts with you and I.  

Tap into your inner strength.

Seeking outside validation is the fast track toward defeat. Not only will you get disappointed, but you will get drained looking for validation. Instead, be self-propelled and rely on your inner strength to fuel you. If we give people the power to feed us, we also give them the power to starve us. So, avoid being attached to external voices, which may limit you or give you a false identity. You have it in you to stay motivated, pushed, and propelled. Stay focused on that inner voice.

Surround yourself with the right people.

The people you do surround yourself with should be those that have the ability to uplift you, motivate you, and support your undertakings. Once you make that decision, your world will change because your environment will change. Not only does this include the people physically around you, but your online crowd as well. Flood your social media accounts with motivational content by following leaders and people that inspire.

It's also important to never adapt who you are for someone else or let anyone belittle you, your dreams, or your aspirations in exchange for making them feel comfortable. Instead, seek uplifting relationships and let go of tolerating people that either don't value you or can never step outside of themselves for a moment. You'll be surprised by how many people are out there that will actually support and encourage you because they are confident in their own journey.

Give of yourself.

Build your network around the idea of giving and it will be so rewarding. When you help others, not only does it feel amazing, but you will start to build authentic relationships. Taking our sights off of ourselves sometimes is so important because it allows us to set aside our personal issues for a moment leading us to feel fulfilled with a greater work.

When you discover other people's journeys, you'll start to be encouraged by their story, too. They will inspire you and it will be encouraging to know that you're not the only one going through certain challenges. You'll have the right people to relate to and be able to uplift each other.

Work your tush off. 

There's nothing better than immersing yourself in your passion and blocking out all of the noise and distraction that can cloud our judgement at times. When you simply commit to what makes you happy, not only will you be filled with joy, but you'll be filled with contentment. Focusing on your work can bring so much reward and it will drown out any other voices. Working on your craft will also encourage you to keep at it and put in more work. Every day you will feel like you're walking in your purpose and fulfilling your dreams.

Stay inspired.

Staying inspired every day builds a momentum that only keeps growing. When you focus on creating, coming up with new ideas, projects, planning, and the like, you will be too occupied with the good stuff to be distracted by the bad. When you are inspired, you are happy - and that radiates to other areas of your life. 

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These are five ways that I have found to be absolutely encouraging in my journey. However, there are still so many other ways to stay encouraged - like having a tub of chocolate ice cream on standby. Who doesn't feel better after ice cream? 

I think the main thing here is to just keep doing what you love to do, and by that, I mean everything. Once you get that ball rolling, it becomes easier to tap into that inner voice that says, "You know what? You're the bomb!" Ok, corny, I know. Haha! Stay encouraged, my friend. I'm here cheering you on!

Speaking of getting the ball rolling, here's an inspiring read that I think you'll like. 

What ways do you stay encouraged? I would love to hear about it in the comments below!

Get rich quick schemes. I know, they are everywhere! Lately I've also been seeing a ton of people claiming they have the "secret" to this and the "secret" to that. These people are everywhere trying to make a buck. Granted, I do believe that there are genuine people out there trying to help others and mentor them. However, we live in a world where it is easy to get distracted by all of the content that flood our feeds daily and promise so much, but actually deter us from the real process that is required to get to the place we want in life.

Now comes the reality. I've always been a very logical and realistic person, which can be good and bad. I really wanted to touch on this subject because I feel that a lot of us get the wrong idea about what it takes to achieve certain things. I'm no exception. It's easy to fall into the mindset that there is a "secret" formula to everything, but the truth that I believe, is that there is none! 

There's a really complex process that we all need to go through to achieve success, and success has different meanings for everyone. No one's journey can be compared to another's, so it's all about honing in on your unique story. Although I don't have it all figured out, I do know now, in this part of my journey, that in order to get to the place where we want to be, we must make choices - often those that we're unsure of. Sometimes those choices will lead us down paths that we don't like, but to get to the right place, we must be prepared for some detours. The very choices we make will lead us closer and closer to the right path, but first, we must have the courage to walk places that we are uncertain about to a degree. Overthinking can cause us to become paralyzed by fear of the unknown, and the only way past that is to just take action. 

"All we need is within, but action alone will illuminate the next step." Brendon Burchard

Every day I learn just how important the process is and how we must go through the good and the bad. I was telling my husband how things for me, did not make sense over night, and I still have to step out and make choices that I'm not so sure of. I don't think that will ever end. Looking back, it really took years to finally get to a place where I finally had that contentment with where I saw myself headed. 

"The journey to achieving our dreams is the reward, not the dream itself."

Many of us may be looking for a way out, a solution, or someone to tell us what to do - the secret and the answer that will solve everything. I'm here to tell you that the answer is within you. So, before you look to outside sources, get connected with your unique journey and look at all of the pieces that got you to where you are now. You will begin to see things differently once you focus on yourself instead of looking for the cookie-cutter model of success.

I really encourage you to have faith in the process and to trust that everything will make sense in the end. Have the courage to do the things your heart is pulling you toward. Once you do it, it will lead you to the next step, and the next ... 

Stay inspired, lovelies! <3

Did you connect with this post? I would love to hear your feedback in the comments below.