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. 

It's Monday, and I'm excited! You know, once upon a time, I wasn't this chipper about Mondays because I fell into the norm that is hating that the weekends were over. But now, after taking on a different perspective that every day is just as important as the other, I get ecstatic because it's like starting fresh and brand new all over again. I am all about new beginnings. Every single day should be a new beginning filled with things that enliven us and get us enthusiastic about life.

In this week's Monday Inspiration, I share a quote that I live by: "Growth requires change." One of the certainties in life is that there will always be change, so we must learn to embrace it and use it as a launching pad. Change forces us to reevaluate everything we once knew. What was once comfortable is no longer comforting and secure to us. It forces us to look for alternatives that we otherwise would not have discovered had we not been shaken. It forces us down paths that we thought were impossible or scary. God is more concerned about our growth than our comfort. So, when you find yourself down a path that seems so challenging, realize that you are moving toward a better version of yourself. 

When change comes, get excited, because that is where all of the excitement lies. That is where you will discover how thrilling life can be outside of your comfort zone. If you feel stuck or lost at any point in your life, do something that scares you! Usually the thing that we most fear of is the very thing we need to be doing. I hope this idea sparks something within you to embrace change and take on a new perspective about it daily. Have an absolutely amazing week! <3

How do you deal with change? I would love to hear about it in the comments below!

"I love getting sick!" - said no one, ever! But, really, sometimes our health habits can speak otherwise leaving our bodies susceptible to illness or maybe we think we're doing all the right things and we still get sick (raises righ hand). Then there are those times that we can't help  - when our kiddos bring home the flu. When we get sick, what our body is really saying is, "I can't take it anymore!" It's like an engine that needs clean fuel to run properly, and when we are not giving our bodies the clean nutrient dense food that it needs to function optimally, it wears down and will break down eventually. Here, I share my tried and true way that I use to prevent the flu from turning into a full-blown attack - but there is a catch! Read on to find out more.

So, a while ago, in my quest for better health, I discovered that our bodies must maintain a pH that is alkaline in order to thrive and be healthy. On the other end of the spectrum - if our body is highly acidic - it will create an environment conducive to illness. So, what is pH and why care? Kris does an awesome job of explaining it here. Generally, our bodies are constantly working to maintain an acid-alkaline balance, and the food we eat plays a huge role in this fine balance. To prevent getting sick, we must do our best to eat mineral-rich plant foods and eliminate the chemical-laden processed foods and poor lifestyle choices that are a detriment to our long term health.

So, no one's perfect, right. You get sick. What's next? Well, what if I told you that you didn't (always) have to, and that if you catch it right when the early warning signs begin, you could prevent it? Yep, you can nip it in the bud and not get sick! And the award goes to a wonderful herb called ... Echinacea! 

So, you may be thinking I'm some sort of crazy herb lady now, but really, I'm not (no shade on crazy herb ladies)! Echinacea is an herb that you can read more about here and here. It's known for it's ability to abort colds and flus from onset, shorten the duration, lessen symptoms and ...(drumroll please) ... it is completely natural! If you know me, you know that I love things that way.

Speaking from experience, if I catch the first signs of a cold or flu coming, I am able to completely stop it in its tracks. That is the catch - you gotta take it immediately when you start sensing that you're getting sick. Other times, I was a little late and wasn't able to prevent it from turning south, but taking Echinacea shortened the flu's duration. This is also the moment I realize I need to get back on the health train, so I load up on water, lemon water with honey, apple cider vinegar, and ginger! I'll explain this concoction in a future post. Cleansing your body is the fastest way back to health. 

Here's what I use:  Solaray Organic Echinacea Angustifolia Root Supplement, 450 mg, 100 Count or Nature's Way Echinacea Herb, 180 Capsules, 400 mg

There are different varieties of Echinacea, the most common being Angustifolia and Purpurea. Angustifolia is said to be most effective because it is made from the root of the plant, while Purpurea is made from the flower and leaf. I take 3 capsules 3x a day as soon as I notice flu-like symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy throat, sluggishness, or sneezing. I usually only have to take 3-6 capsules before my symptoms are completely gone. If I happen to be sick, it shortens the duration of my sickness of about 3-4 days. I also take it if someone around me is sick to protect me from catching it. 

Now that the secret's out, take that virus! I hope this article was helpful! I encourage you to do your research about Echinacea for more detailed information. Of course, Echinacea is a last ditch effort, so prevention is always better. 

Have you tried Echinacea before? I would love to hear about it in the comments! 

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. 

Happy Monday Loves!

I hope you all had a reenergizing weekend and loads of rest! You may have noticed that instead of Motivation Monday, my title now reads Inspiration Monday instead - and there is a reason behind this. I came across something that inspired me and made me think a little bit deeper about motivation and what drives us. In this post, I'll be talking about motivation vs inspiration. Is there a difference or are they one and the same?

So, to begin with, what is the definition of motivation? The first definition that pops up is, "the reason or reasons one has for acting or behaving in a particular way." The second definition is, "the general desire or willingness of someone to do something." To break it down even more, motivation is a reason or the desire to do. So, generally speaking, it's seeking reasons or the desire to do something before we actually do it. 

Did you know that one of the synonyms for motivation is inspiration? Inspiration is defined as "The process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative." So, what is the difference between motivation and inspiration? Inspiration is moreso a process, while motivation is a means to an end. Motivation seeks reasons and the desire to do something, while inspiration requires that you seek stimulation, which naturally elicits a response.

What we need is to look within and create, invent, design, imagine, dream, but most of all live! The only way to really stay on a course for a long time and not burn out is to continuously create, do. Like I said in my previous post, action breeds confidence. Another definition of inspiration is "an act of breathing in; an inhalation." So, really, anything can inspire. A walk in the park, a drive down a dirt road, the way the wind blows through a field, or an emotion that you feel. 

Being inspired is important to discover new things that will open up your eyes to the vast world around us and the limitless possibilities. Find what inspires you and look within to cultivate original work and ideas. I remember coming across a saying that always stuck with me, which says, "An artist is just good at hiding his sources." We all give and we all take from the world. The important thing, though, is that we discover what we want to give and that we keep doing it. Inspiration breeds creativity, so never stop inhaling or breathing in what's around you. When you are inspired, a natural reaction follows, and that is your passion. 

I hope you enjoyed this! Stay inspired, and follow along for more inspiration every day! <3

What inspires you, and what topics would you like me to discuss? Share with me in the comments below!  

Hey loves, so I read this excerpt by Mindy Kaling - which I also shared on the Hello Lovely Living Facebook page - and it got me thinking about confidence a little bit deeper. It also made me realize just how much of a struggle it is to many of us. To some degree, we all struggle with insecurities. Yes, some people are better at masking their insecurities and lack of confidence, but the truth is, we all deal with it in different ways - sometimes better than others. 

When you look at a person, what are the characteristics that, to you, exude confidence? Although we'd like to think many are just "born" with confidence, that is far from the reality of things. Many of the most confident and successful people in the world did not start out that way. Actually, they struggled with self-doubt or still struggle with it. How many stories have you heard about the underdog rising to greatness? A lot, right?

It reminds me of an excerpt that I recently came across that said, "If you want to shrink something, you must first allow it to expand. If you want to get rid of something, you must first allow it to flourish. If you want to take something, you must first allow it to be given. This is called the subtle perception of the way things are. The soft overcomes the hard. The slow overcomes the fast. Let your workings remain a mystery. Just show people the results." - Lao Tzu 

Isn't it amazing how, in order to become the very thing we want to become, we must oftentimes first experience the opposite of that, so that we can learn to overcome it? People will not always see or realize that in order to get to a place of confidence, we must first go through a place of doubt and insecurity. It is in that testing ground that we build character, which ultimately develops our confidence.

Life's all about opportunities to change and insecurity is an opportunity: In this case, to rise up and step out beyond what you thought you were capable of. I, myself, have found that there were several seasons in my life where my confidence was at an untouchable high and I felt as if I could accomplish anything - then there were times where I experienced unquestionable lows, where I felt defeated. Confidence is not something you gain once and never have to build up again. It's something you have to constantly cultivate and develop within yourself daily. It's something that you can lose so easily, too.

So, in my experience, where do I think confidence comes from? Action. You know that very thing that you are extremely scared of doing? That thing that makes your heart beat fast and gives you butterflies? Do it! Yes, that thing. When we do not do the thing that gives us life, we are only adding to that deep insecurity that lives in us - that voice that says, "You can't do it. You're not smart enough." And on and on. The only thing that will drown out those voices is action. The moment you step out is your defining moment, which says, "I believe in myself. I have what it takes. I can do this."

Once you take consistent leaps, you'll begin to see a change in yourself and you will see that confidence is not about what you look like, what your background is, where you come from, or reserved for a special type of person, etc. It's your effort and how much you are willing to step out that determines how much confidence you have at the end of the day, because every step proves to yourself that you can do it, and that you will do it - and succeed. It's that belief in yourself and consistent action that will develop you and make you grow so that you can be prepared for the next level of challenges.

So, love, what is it that you've been shying away from doing, from stepping into? You have everything you need within you to accomplish what it is that your heart is leading you towards. The only thing to do next is take a step and believe in yourself. <3

So, how do you build your confidence? I'd love to hear in the comments! Make sure to follow me on Facebook where I share a lot of inspiring content. 

Refreshing, easy, and colorful is the theme of my curated collection of vegan summer sweets. Cool down, grab something sweet, and enjoy your time soaking up the last of those summer days. I know, I'm sad that it will be over soon, too. Warning: You may just want to eat any number of these recipes immediately - so get ready to head to the grocery store! 

1. Summer Celebration Fruit Tart: How pretty is this tart! It's incredibly simple to make, and what makes this tart so summery are the fresh seasonal fruits and delightful toppings like fresh herbs and bee pollen. This picturesque tart is almost too pretty to eat, and it's vegan and gluten-free. What could be any better on a summer's day? (via My New Roots)

2. Stecco Gelato: This "stick ice cream" as it is translated to contains two of my all-time favorite fruits: blackberries and raspberries. The color of these popsicles are so rich and I am guessing that they taste just the same. These are a perfect treat on a hot, sunny day, or for those mid-afternoon moments when you get a sweet tooth. (via Smile, Beauty and More)

3. No Bake Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake: I love how vegan recipes look so beautiful and use the freshest ingredients. Isn't that the best part about eating - eating with your eyes? And I just loooove blueberries. They're so easy to add to anything, they taste amazing, and they are packed with antioxidants among other super-fruit powers! Everything about this recipe takes the guilt out of dessert. The crust is made from almonds and dates and the filling contains coconut oil, coconut milk, and cashew nuts. I can just imagine how creamy this is! (via Call Me Cupcake)

4. Coconut Lavender Lemonade: That color - I have never seen a prettier lemonade in my life! It's hard to describe the taste of lavender, but it's really light and refreshing, so don't be scared to try it. Since floral notes are not for everyone, you can get creative with this idea of infusing lemonade with various flavors. Coconut water is very hydrating and will give you that boost of energy on those hot days. (via Confectionalism)

5. Cantaloupe in Coconut Rose Cream: The color of this delightful creation screams SUMMER! Doesn't it make you feel refreshed just looking at it? Cantaloupe was made for summer, agree? This is completely dairy-free, too. What's the white stuff, you ask? Coconut cream. Coconuts are so versatile for vegan recipes as you've seen so far. And there's something hidden that makes this recipe so interesting. It's the rose water and cardamom powder that just do it for me. I'm dying to try it! (via Kiran Tarun)

Now that I've officially prepared a feast for your eyes, which recipe are you convinced will make you turn vegan? Haha, kidding. You don't need to become a vegan to eat vegan or feel pressured that you must say an oath. I love that there are so many recipes accessible today that show you that you don't have to sacrifice taste for eating healthy. If anything, you gain so much more flavors because vegan recipes often contain diverse ingredients that you may have never tried together. It's an adventure for your senses, so why not escape for a little bit and try something new. <3

Which of these recipes do you hope to try? Share with me in the comments!

It's Monday, and I am excited that it is a brand new week! Today, I want to motivate you to make your dreams happen. Small, consistent steps in the direction of your dreams will get your results, so no matter how small those steps may seem, do it! I want to share something with you guys - it took me years to finally start this blog. And when I finally got started, I actually had the site setup a year prior to finally publishing my first post. Something was holding me back from actually making my dream happen. What was it? Looking back, I'm not sure exactly what could've been so big that could deter me from doing it. I had this problem with things needing to be perfect, so maybe that's the reason? Taking that first step is always the hardest part because the unknown can be scary. Sometimes inaction breads insecurity, too. So, the best thing to do is to just do something. It doesn't matter if it doesn't make sense to you at first because eventually it will!

You know that saying, "Dreams don't work unless you do."? It's true. To all my dreamers out there, I know how it feels to have a ton of ideas and feel almost paralyzed. Questions flood my mind: Where do I start? What will happen if...? And the list goes on. Sometimes our minds can deter us by rationalizing and over-thinking things. The best way to figure things out is to try. Even if it ends up that you don't enjoy it - at least you know, and you can move on to the next thing. This has been strategy in life. I have a ton of interests that pull me in all sorts of directions, and I can't focus on one. Everything that I've ever pursued was based on the desire to do it. I wasn't sure if it was what I wanted - I only knew that I had an interest there. It turned out, after pursuing many of my interests, that they where just that. I didn't want to do it for the rest of my life and it wasn't my passion. I'm finally starting to figure out what it is that I love to do. I'm finally getting to pursue what is in my heart.

Now back to that problem that I had with "perfection". That's one big road block to making your dreams happen. If you wait for the perfect time, the perfect conditions, the clouds to part - nothing will ever happen and all you will be doing is wasting time. This was my struggle, and as soon as I got past wanting everything to be perfect, something changed in me and I was free! Perfectionism can be hindering you from pursing your dreams, so even if things are not perfect, that's okay! No one ever started at a place of perfection, so you don't need to either. Starting from where you're at with what you have is all it takes to get your dreams in motion.

Once you've taken conscious steps and are on the path towards your dreams, you will start to see things come together and new opportunities come your way that you never had imagined. A decision can be your defining moment. So, make a decision, and then do it - consistently and persistently. Your dream is waiting for you!

5 Takeaways:

1. Make a decision: Commit to your dream.

2. Start small: Start where you are, with what you have.

3. Ditch perfection: You don't need to have it all figured out.

4. Be consistent: Take action every day, even if they are small steps.

5. Be persistent: Don't give up!

I hope this inspires you to make your dreams happen, starting today. <3

Will you be making a decision today? Share your dreams with me in the comments!

Kale's one of those leafy vegetables that, at first, seem a little intimidating. Its tough appearance and deep green color give you the idea that it may taste bitter and need a ton of cooking to soften it; however, that isn't the case. Kale has a mild taste and can be eaten raw, which is actually the best way to eat it!

I love using kale in soups and stews or even baking them to make kale chips for a healthy snack. They are very high in Vitamins A, K, and C and numerous other beneficial nutrients that are amazing for your immune system and provide antioxidant and anti-aging properties. Learn more about kale HERE. 

Here's a simple recipe that you can whip up in no time and get your healthy on. It's a great salad to make in advance because it tastes even better when it sits and the kale soaks up all of that yummy dressing. It's slightly sweet and tart and has great texture. I hope you can try it out!

Kale & Honey Apple Pecan Slaw/Salad

Author: Hello Lovely Living

Published April 1, 2015

Servings: 3-4

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 0 mins

Total time: 15 mins

Ingredients

• 3 branches of kale
• 1 granny smith apple, cut into 1/2 cubes
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup light mayonaise
• 3 tsp raw honey
• 1/4 cup pecans
• a pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Tear kale leaves into small pieces and discard rib part. Place in a medium sized bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, combine cubed apples and lemon juice and let sit for a few minutes.
3. Combine mayonaise and honey in a separate bowl. Add to kale and toss well to coat. Add apples and pecans. Mix well.
4. Add a pinch of salt to taste and combine.
5. Enjoy!

Notes

• Add dried cranberries or any other types of nuts and seeds that you like.

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Wasn't that so simple! I love recipes like this because they don't require any cooking time and there's less mess in the kitchen. 

This kale slaw would be a great side to go with a sandwich or wrap - or if you want to make it a meal on it's own, it's pretty filling for that too!

Hope you enjoyed this recipe! What other recipes would you like for me to share?

xo stina

Once upon a time, I was a skincare hoarder.

Let's admit it, we women are obsessed with our skin; the appearance of it, its tone and texture, the size of our pores--and let's be honest--we would go to the ends of the earth to find that one miracle product if it would solve our life's mission: perfect skin. It's a symbol of our youth and health, and we take it very seriously. I, for one, have always been a skincare fanatic and have always loved trying new products, so naturally, I was the first to get sucked into the pretty packaging and colorful words. Flash forward many products and disappointments later, and finally something had to give. I was trying all these products, yet getting the same results; I still had poor skin, and I sure wasn't happy that I had spent a lot of money in the process. I struggled with acne, which made matters worse. After many years of looking for that "miracle" product, I began a different approach: learn about skin and what it truly needs to be healthy. What I gathered over the years changed my mindset about everything I knew about skin up to that point. 

1. Balance

Everyone's skin is different, but one thing is certain: In order to achieve optimal skin health, it must maintain a balance of natural oils to keep it hydrated and supple. We are taught from the get-go that oil is bad, but this is wrong. Oil is our skin's way of keeping it hydrated, supple, and protected. Traditional skin cleansers tend to upset the natural balance that our skin works so hard to maintain and strips the natural oils away, thus creating a recipe for disaster. Our skin either overcompensates for that loss by overproducing sebum (the oil our skin produces) or our skin gets insanely dry and we have to load on moisturizers. Moisturizers normally have alcohol in them, which can also be very drying on the skin. A healthy balance of natural oils are your best friend, so find a mild cleanser that is gentle on the skin. Sometimes skipping a cleanser and opting for your trusty H2O works even better to maintain your skin's balance. It truly depends on what skin type you have and what works for you. 

2. Hydrate  

Hydration is not only good for your skin, it is good for your entire body. This is how toxins are flushed out of your system. And by this, I mean filtered water. Drinking sugary beverages are terrible for your skin, and they may add to the fact that you are dehydrated. They often contain sodium, which actually makes you thirstier, so no matter how much you drink, your body will not get the hydration it needs. To know if you are getting enough water throughout the day, listen to your body. Usually, by the time you are thirsty, you would have already lost one to two percent of your body's total water supply. Simply drinking water can make you look years younger!

See how this woman took ten years off her age by drinking three litres of water a day for thirty days!

3. Natural is best

Did you know that mass marketed skincare products are loaded with tons of harmful ingredients? Just take a look at the ingredients list and see just how many chemicals they contain. I know it's easy to overlook this, but it is important to know exactly what you are putting on your skin. What goes on you has an impact on your health just as much as what goes in you. Look for products that do not contain known carcinogens such as phthalates, parabens, petroleum-based ingredients, and other non-plant derived ingredients. Natural oils such as unrefined organic coconut oil are great for your skin, because it does not clog your pores and has healing properties. Others such as jojoba oil, mimic the natural oils that your skin produces, so it does not leave you feeling oily. Choose organic products whenever you can--to avoid ingredients that contain traces of harmful pesticides. And my favorite: make something yourself out of natural ingredients that you can find in your kitchen! 

Check out the Think Dirty app or the Skin Deep app and learn about the potentially toxic ingredients in your cosmetics and personal care products. 

4. Exfoliate

Like any canvas, you must start with a clean surface. When dirt and dead skills accumulate and mix with sebum, a breading ground for bacteria is created, which causes acne. This is why it is so important to exfoliate on a regular basis. Depending on your skin type, you can decide how often is necessary. Oftentimes, simply exfoliating your skin can make a dramatic impact on its appearance and texture. You can easily make effective masks and exfoliators out of ingredients in your kitchen. Here's one of my favorite exfoliating masks:

Green Tea Sugar Scrub

• 2 Tbsp Organic green tea

• 2 Tbsp Organic sugar

• 1 Tbsp Raw honey

Directions: First brew yourself a cup of green tea. Take 2 Tbsp of the green tea and add it to a small bowl. Cool it down to room temperature and then mix in the sugar and honey until well incorporated. Evenly cover your face with the mask and let sit for 10-15 minutes or until it dries. Enjoy your cup of green tea while you wait. ^ _ ^ Rinse and pat dry, then follow with your moisturizer.

5. Moisturize 

Moisturizing your skin after you have cleansed will ensure that your skin is well-hydrated and prepared for the day or night ahead. I recommend that you listen to your skin as far as how often you moisturize and what type of moisturizer to use. Everyone will have different needs and moisturizers are not cut out the same for everyone. What works for me is using a Vitamin E moisturizer, and I have also tried jojoba and unrefined organic coconut oil. Since it is currently winter, my skin has been incredibly dry, so I make sure to slather it on. Moisturized skin is happy skin! 

Sometimes having overly dry skin can also create breakouts because dead skin cells pile up more rapidly, so make sure to exfoliate well before you moisturize.

6. Protect 

Having a diet rich in healthy saturated fats (such as coconut oil), omega-3s (such as fish oil), and consuming plenty of dark leafy greens, will provide natural protection form the inside out. Vitamin E protects against free radical damage that causes wrinkles, and it also helps to boost collagen production to help treat and repair skin. Chemical sunscreens may do more harm than good, instead I try to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun when possible. I believe that the sun in moderation is good for you, as it provides natural Vitamin D. Should you choose to use sunscreen, here's a helpful resource to learn some background information on the different types of sunscreens available. For those seeking natural methods to sun protection, here's a great resource. 

If you follow all of these steps, you are well on your way to healthier skin! Let me know what works for you in the comments below. 

My skincare products.

• Cleanser: Burt's Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Cleansing Cream

• Moisturizer: JASON Vitamin E Creme

• Makeup removal: Unrefined Organic Coconut Oil and Basis Sensitive Skin Bar Soap or Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap

• Breakouts or spot treatment: Tea Tree Oil

• Body: Pacifica Body Butter Tuscan Blood Orange

• Underarms: Natural Crystal Deodorant

• Lips: EOS Lip Balm

• Hands: Pacifica Body Butter Indian Coconut Nectar and Ruby Guava (travel size)

When shopping for skincare products, I try to look for those that contain ingredients that are as close to nature as possible. I look for those that do not contain parabens, phthalates, petroleum based ingredients, or ingredients that are not plant-derived. Many mass-marketed products contain ingredients with potential health impacts such as carcinogenocity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and allergenicity and immunotoxicity. Sometimes it is hard to completely avoid certain ingredients, so looking for safer alternatives makes a huge difference in lessening your exposure to toxins. It is also possible to completely remove toxic exposure by going completely natural and making your own skincare products at home and/or using products that do not contain any harmful ingredients. 

The products that I currently use all are within a moderate toxicity rating--meaning that some of my products' ingredients have potential moderate negative long term health effects, while some do not contain any ingredients which have a documented negative health impact. My overall rating according to the Think Dirty app was a 3, which means that my bathroom is rated clean! Despite this, I would still like to continue to switch to completely natural products, so I will continue to look for safer and healthier alternatives. 

Download the Think Dirty app or the Skin Deep app and search from thousands of personal care products to see how your products rate in terms of toxicity and also learn about their ingredients. Choose from safer alternatives.

It's all about finding what works best for you. I hope this post was informative and helpful! Let me know what your bathroom rating is using the Think Dirty app!

xo, stina