Tag: Lifestyle

These 6 Mistakes You Make In The Shower Are Ruining Your Skin

Published on by Lee1 Comment

So you probably think how you’ve been showering for the last 20 years was on point. Like really, how wrong can you go in the shower – as long as you get your body clean, goal achieved, right? Well yes, but it’s like your skincare routine – you can get WAAAY better results just by layering your products in the right order – and showering is the same. By doing different steps at the optimum time, it’ll result in cleaner and softer skin. Intrigued? Here’s what you’re doing wrong, and how to shower the right way:

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1. Blasting the heat too high

We know, we know, it feels great, but soaking your skin in hot water is actually drying your skin out. Super hot showers strip your skin of their natural oils and dehydrate it, making it feel dry and itchy; it can even lead to rashes. You should also cut back on how long you spend showering, 5 to 10 minutes is ideal – if you’re washing your hair, aim for 15 minutes max, to avoid stripping the skin of its natural moisture levels. The drier your skin, the more likely you are to get rashes, as it’s easier for bacteria to penetrate the cracks in your skin.

2. Not washing in the right order

If you’re in a rush, you most likely take advantage of those few minutes when you let your conditioner do its thang, and wash your body. But doing this could be the reason you get pimples on your chest, body or back, as when you wash out the conditioner, it leaves a film on your skin that can block your pores. Try the Bioderma Atoderm Shower Gel; it’s hypoallergenic, soap and paraben-free, moisturizes dry skin and is also amazing for getting rid of body acne. Also, Glow Goddess bar soap, $10.00 is another good choice as well. Goddess bar soap has lavender essential oil that can be used for treating burns, inflammation, eczema, acne, nervous tension, asthma, arthritis, acne, and bacterial infections. This gentle bar soap is soft on the skin and is packed with lavender flowers as a soft exfoliant. Another tip is to use your shower gel only in the places where your skin is oily, your lady parts (look for fragrance-free), underarms, and feet – unless you’ve been exercising and sweating excessively. Because your arms and legs have much less oil to spare, using soap here regularly can make your skin drier.

3. Not masking in the shower

This is juicy news to us, but it makes so much sense! The experts say the best time to do your face mask is in the shower when your pores are open from the warmth of the water. This means that hydrating and nourishing masks will be able to deliver all their vitamins and minerals as they can soak into your pores more easily. Similarly, ‘extracting’ masks like clay, mud, and charcoal can pull more toxins from your open pores, without running the risk of dehydrating your skin as the mask won’t completely dry out. For a quick nourishing and moisturizing DIY, you can apply a thin sticky layer of organic honey over your skin for 5 minutes while you shower.

4. Shaving at the beginning of your shower

Shaving is an eternal pain in my butt – no matter how much you do it, it keeps coming back. If you want to maximize on your silky soft skin for as long as possible, the key is to wait until the end of your shower, about ten minutes in (or while you have your conditioner in). By this time, your hairs will have softened and your pores will have opened, making it much easier to get a closer, smoother shave. Another hack, don’t keep your razor in the shower, as the steam will gradually rust the blade and speed up blunting. Instead, leave it to soak in baby oil, which keeps the metal from oxidizing, so it’ll stay sharper for longer. Try Nad’s Natural Hair Removal Cream, $5.99 for a smooth, razor bump free look and feel.

5. Using old sponges and loofahs

We know it’s painful to throw something away that seems like it still has at least another six months of effective use, but sometimes it’s what you can’t see that you need to be cautious of. Loofahs and sponges collect bacteria and mold due to the damp conditions they’re stored in, which can lead to rashes or dry patches. Ideally, you shouldn’t use either for longer than a month. To keep your loofah or sponge in the best condition, ring it out as much as possible after using it, and allow it to dry completely before you next use it, storing it in a dry place, not directly in your steamy shower.

6. Not moisturizing immediately after showering

First things first, instead of vigorously rubbing your skin dry with a towel, try gently patting it instead. The aim is not to be completely dry, but to use any leftover moisture on your skin to your advantage when you moisturize. Experts agree that within three to five minutes after you shower is the best time to rehydrate your skin so that you can trap any excess water on the surface of your skin without it evaporating. Moisturizer and body oils act as a barrier to lock in moisture; I love using Gloww Goddess Body Oils, $20 as these contain rich vitamins, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids to help restore your skin. Otherwise rich moisturizers like shea butter or cocoa butter are amazing natural moisturizers.

Which of these showering mistakes are you guilty of?

**FTC: This post is not sponsored. No monetary compensation was received for this post, however, products were sent to me. Opinions are 100% my own, of course.

Moving On Up: 10 Tips to Make Moving So Much Easier

Published on by Lee1 Comment

Frequent moves are practically a fact of life especially if you’re about 20- or 30-something. I’ve moved at least a half a dozen times in my life. As you transition from high school to college to a career and maybe a family of your own, it’s only normal for your living arrangements to feel like they’re in a constant state of flux.

Packing and unpacking all of your possessions isn’t exactly the most fun pastime. Recently, I have helped my mom moved so today I thought I’d share 10 of my most useful moving tips with all of you. Check them out below…

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1. Purge before you pack.
Before you even begin packing, take a good look at your possessions and get rid of anything you don’t need.­ If there was ever a time to be ruthless rather than sentimental, this is it. Make three piles for your unwanted items—donate, toss, and sell—and then clear your house of them accordingly.

2. Start packing the items you use the least.
When you’re packing for a move, you always want to box up the items you use the least, and then gradually work your way up to things you use weekly or daily. This allows you to get your packing started early without feeling like you’re missing any necessities in the meantime. If it’s summer, for instance, pack up all your winter sweaters and coats ahead of time. But, Save your clothes and swimsuits for a couple of days before the move.

3. Pack for a pretend weekend getaway.
After a long day of moving, the last thing you’re going to want to do is rifle through boxes in search of your toothbrush or clean underwear. So, I suggest packing a bag with all of your essentials for the first few days in your new home. It’s a lot easier to live out of a suitcase for a couple days while you unpack the rest of your possessions at your leisure.

4. Hang ten.
Re-hanging all of your clothes is one of the most tedious moving tasks. So if you can, try to keep all of your clothes on their hangers. I suggest tying groups of 10-or-so hangers together using rubber bands. For added protection, you can create a makeshift garment bag for each bundle using a plastic trash bag.

5. Take the doggies to daycare and take the kittens to the new house first.
Pets get confused and worried during a move. So I always suggest finding a sitter for your four-legged friends on moving day. It will make things less stressful on you and your pets.

6. Go green.
Nothing beats the ease of having boxes delivered to your old home and then picked up at your new one. It’s also the eco-friendly thing to do. I suggest using a company that rents reusable plastic crates like Rent a Green Box because they’re sturdier and better for the environment than disposable cardboard boxes.

7. Play hooky from work.
Many truck rental and moving companies offer cheaper rates on weekdays. So if you can take a day off work or school, it will save you money to move on a weekday. Plus, having the weekend to just relax and unpack is invaluable.

8. Have a labeling system.
Having a detailed labeling system will make the moving and unpacking process so much easier. I recommend using stickers, brightly colored duct tape or colored sharpies to color code by room. Share your color-coding system with the movers so they unload the boxes in the correct rooms for you. You should also draw ‘This Side Up’ arrows on all boxes to make sure the contents aren’t tossed around too much.

9. Pack tight.
Don’t leave empty spaces in boxes. If there is an empty space, pad it with towels or packing paper. It’s a no-brainer to bundle breakables, but even seemingly indestructible items can get damaged if they’re shifting around a lot. It also makes boxes harder to lift if items are shifting around.

10. Pay it forward.
If you want to do something nice for your old place’s new residents, leave behind a box of useful information (appliance warranties, favorite local boutiques, takeout menus, etc.). It’s a small gesture, but a sweet one.

Do you have any other moving tips?

Share them with me below!

XO Lee

 

 

Healthy Habits: The Smart Girl’s Guide to Milk Alternatives

Published on by Lee4 Comments

I try to limit my dairy intake as a general rule. Too much dairy often takes a toll on my skin and leaves me feeling sluggish. But I’m not going to lie—I can’t resist the occasional butter pecan ice cream. According to many researchers and scientists, cow milk is bad for you because there is Excess calcium from milk and other foods may increase the risk of prostate cancer. Milk sugars may be linked to a slightly higher risk of ovarian cancer. Milk from cows given growth hormones contains higher levels of a chemical that may increase the risk of some cancers. So, with that being said, I’ve been trying to opt for non-dairy alternatives in that department. But with so many milk options out there—from nut milks to coconut to hemp and everything in between—it can be hard to know which one to choose! So I did what I always do when I have diet questions and reached out to different nutritionists that I follow for their take on the matter. I was given a rundown on several popular cow’s milk alternatives, which I am sharing with everyone below…

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1. Soy Milk. Soy milk is to be one of the most popular non-dairy alternatives there is. The Starbuck Soy Latte has become almost as ubiquitous as it’s dairy counterpart. But despite its widespread availability and easy source of non-animal protein, some recommends against having soy in your diet in general—especially in this processed form. Soy contains phytoestrogens that can disrupt hormones, with prevalent side effects including acne, hypothyroid, infertility and even cancer.

Lastly, soy milk made from soybeans is not recommended for people with a FODMAP intolerance or who are in the elimination phase of the low-FODMAP diet. FODMAPs are a type of short-chain carbohydrate naturally present in some foods. They can cause digestive issues such as gas and bloating. However, soy milk made from soy protein isolate can be consumed as an alternative.

2. Almond Milk. Almond milk is a contender for “best overall milk alternative” in Sam’s book. It’s lacking in calcium, but loaded with Vitamin D and E. Almond milk is a natural source of vitamin E, a group of antioxidants that help protect the body from disease-causing substances known as free radicals. It’s also low in calories for anyone for whom that is a concern. Just make sure you choose a variety with no added sugar and watch out for carrageenan (a harmful additive) on the ingredients list. Also, make the most of the nutrients and health benefits of almonds, choose brands of almond milk that contain a higher content of almonds, around 7–15%.

3. Coconut Milk. Real coconut milk is another amazing pick! It is a great source of manganese and MCT fats. The lauric acid present in coconut milk is even antibacterial. Opt for a minimally processed variety without additives like carrageenan or added sugar.

4. Oats Milk. According to Daisy Coyle, APD, oat milk is high in total fiber and beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that forms a thick gel as it passes through the gut. The beta-glucan gel binds to cholesterol, reducing its absorption in the body. This helps lower cholesterol levels, particularly LDL cholesterol, the type associated with an increased risk of heart disease. What’s more, research has shown that beta-glucan may help increase feelings of fullness and lower blood sugar levels after a meal. Oat milk is also cheap and easy to make at home.

5. Rice Milk. Rice milk has more carbohydrates than cow’s milk, without the fat or protein. It’s basically just starchy sugar water with very few real nutrients. Rice milk is what people who suffer from severe food allergies to dairy and nuts often turn to, but it’s not the best option out there if you can drink the others without issue. Rice Dream is a good option for those protein shakes.

6. Hemp Milk. Hemp milk is made from the seeds of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. This is the same species used to make the drug cannabis, also known as marijuana. 

Hemp milk has a slightly sweet, nutty taste and a thin, watery texture. It works best as a substitute for lighter milk such as skim milk. It is a good option for vegans and vegetarians since one glass provides 2–3 grams of high quality, complete protein, with all the essential amino acids. 

What’s more, hemp milk is a source of two essential fatty acids: the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid and the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid. Your body cannot make omega-3s and omega-6s, so you must obtain them from foods.

Lastly, unsweetened hemp milk is very low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those who want to reduce their carb intake. If this is a priority for you, avoid sweetened varieties because they can contain up to 20 grams of carbs per cup (240 ml).

7. Goat’s Milk. This one obviously isn’t non-dairy, but we had to include it, as it’s also become a popular alternative to cow’s milk. Goat’s milk is lower in casein and lactose than cow’s milk, and only contains A2 casein, not A1 (A1 is the protein that is linked to inflammation and allergies). This means that many people who cannot have cow’s milk will do fine with goat’s milk. Goat’s milk is also higher in MCT fats than cow’s milk, and it is easier to absorb nutrients from goat’s milk than cow’s milk.

8. Macadamia Milk. Macadamia milk is made mostly of water and about 3% macadamia nuts. It’s fairly new to the market, and most brands are made in Australia using Australian macadamias.

The low carbohydrate content also makes it a suitable option for people with diabetes or those looking to reduce their carb intake. Also, macadamia milk is a great source of healthy monounsaturated fats, with 3.8 grams per cup (240 ml). Increasing your intake of monounsaturated fats may help reduce blood cholesterol levels, blood pressure and the risk of heart disease, especially if it replaces some saturated fat or carbohydrates in your diet.

9. Quinoa Milk. Quinoa milk is made from water and quinoa, an edible seed that is commonly prepared and consumed as a grain. The whole quinoa grain is very nutritious, gluten-free and rich in high-quality protein. While quinoa has become a very popular “superfood” over recent years, quinoa milk is fairly new to the market. For this reason, it is slightly more expensive than other non-dairy milk and can be a little harder to find on supermarket shelves.

It has a fairly well-balanced nutrition profile compared to other non-dairy kinds of milk. It is comparatively low in fat with moderate amounts of protein, calories, and carbs. Quinoa milk is a good plant-based source of complete protein for vegetarians and vegans. If it is available at your local supermarket, then it could be worth trying.

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different vegan glasses of milk on a table: hazelnut, rice, soy and almond milk substitute for dairy milk

There are a few things to consider when choosing a cow’s milk alternative, including nutrient content, added sugars, cost, and additives. Reading food labels will help you understand what’s in the milk you are buying.

There is no one milk that’s ideal for everyone. The taste, nutrition, and cost of these alternatives can vary considerably so it might take a while to find the one that’s best for you.

Which milk alternative do you prefer?

I’m an almond milk gal myself, but rice dream milk is great too.

GLASS HALF-_____?!

Published on by LeeLeave a comment

This tangent is all about perspective. Life is full of highs and lows but when it’s low, it can be hard to remember what being high feels like… and no this is not a philosophical way of recommending you take drugs. Just say no, kids. What I am recommending is choosing a perspective that suits your needs. You cannot control what happens in life. You can’t control opportunities, success, relationships or interactions with other people. You can do your bit but ultimately, you just can’t control them and that can be frustrating, saddening, infuriating and sometimes downright depressing. Good news is, you can control something… your perspective. 

So, are you the type of person who sees the glass as half-full or half-empty? Are you optimistic or pessimistic? Do you sometimes wish you had the opposite perspective of the one you typically carry? I do.

Having a positive perspective doesn’t come naturally to me, it’s something I have to make a conscious choice to find, project and maintain. You get from the universe what you put into it and hey, we all want positivity coming our way! As I get older and put more effort into becoming the woman I strive to be, I try more and more to have a positive perspective. When I try and am genuinely feeling “glass half-full” about life, the universe pays it forward and good things come to fruition. When I’m all “glass half-empty”, the world sucks, life’s unfair… I get stuck in a rut and no good comes from it at all. But… yes, there’s a but…

BUT I was having a conversation with a friend not too long ago and I found myself using this glass half-what?! analogy to encourage her to look at the situation as half-empty because there is such a thing as being optimistic to a fault. I’d vote for positive energy all day long but this was a dilemma of the heart and frankly, a big ol’ ” he’s just not that into you” moment. I know. Harsh. But it’s the responsible duty of a true friend… Drew Barrymore and Jennifer Aniston said so. There are some scenarios where seeing the glass half-full seems to set you up for disappointment whereas seeing it as half-empty can leave you pleasantly surprised if and when it all turns out well in the end. 

All that said, is it better to be negative and happy when life exceeds your expectations or positive and risk being let down by life’s lows? I’d say positivity is generally a more pleasant way to ride the inevitable roller coaster but how does one know when it’s the right time to choose one perspective over the other? Can we know? Is there a right answer? I sure as hell don’t know. Sorry if you were waiting for some profound guidance on life but this is just my two cents, people.