(image via here)

While Farrell is certainly the sister with the culinary skills in this duo, I do have a few easy go-to’s when I decide to spend a little time in the kitchen.  Qunioa tacos (i.e. substitute quinoa for rice) hover near the top of that list.  They require minimal prep, can be classed up a notch for a group dinner, make for great leftovers and are pretty healthy.  They also go quite well with fresh guacamole and a margarita – two of my all time favorites.

I saw, and tried to mimic, this idea for jarring the leftovers.  Mine didn’t achieve nearly the loveliness of that picture but I still enjoy the concept.

What’s on your go-to list?

Farrell has been quite influential in my life with regard to using as many low/no chemical beauty products as possible – and getting real about what is in the products we use on our bodies.  In her honor, I thought I’d give you a little run down on the facial products I’ve been using lately.

1. Homemade Honey + Sugar Lip Scrub – For a quick and easy lip exfoliator, I mix a little sugar and honey together, massage it onto my lips and leave it on for 5-10 minutes.

2. Burt’s Bees Orange Essence Facial Cleanser – I’m really enjoying this cleanser which has a very mild scrub component to it.

3. Coconut Oil – I mainly use this coconut oil as a make-up remover.  Occasionally, I apply it after I’ve washed my face and leave it on for 15-30 mins as a moisturizer.

4. Apivita Natural Oil – Almond – I often apply this oil instead of a moisturizer at night.  I also like to use it around my eyes (I’m not sure whether this is advised or not).

5. Korres Pomegranate Mattifying Primer – Korres also has an all natural line.  While this product feels great, I couldn’t find it in the Cosmetics Database and it seems that there was a pretty big difference in the ingredients used in Korres vs. Korres Natural products.  Shucks!

6. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream – I can’t say enough good things about this moisturizer.  It got me through the winter, when my face can become super dry.  It’s wonderful and anyone who has dry, flakey or sensitive skin should hook themselves up. 

7. EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 – I am also a major supporter of EltaMD’s tinted sunscreen.  It is super light but also does a great job evening out your skin tone.  The only slightly difficult thing is that you have to buy it from a doctor’s office but the EltaMD website has an easy to use distributor locator.

Take a look back at some of Farrell’s favorite natural beauty products, make-up and deodorant!

Our homie, Erin of Well in L.A., invited us to participate in her Dream Big series and we are featured today on Erin’s blog!  So, hop on over to check out Farrell’s and my thoughts on our approach to work, wellness and what we’re all about!

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*Also, give Erin’s “Manifesting Magic” playlist another listen and start manifesting those big dreams into reality!

Ever since taking classes to become certified as a holistic health and nutrition counselor, I have been obsessed with kale.  Mostly massaged kale salad.  Every time I make this kale salad, people beg for more. Once you have had a taste, your body constantly asks for it.  In honor of Lauren’s cleanse, I decided to share this quick and simple recipe.  Just try it, and you will see:

Hey everyone.  I just got back from a quick trip to Montreal, which I’m looking forward to telling you about later this week.  For the time being, suffice it to say, we ate and drank very well – and often.  I have a pretty quiet week ahead and I thought it would be a good opportunity for me to revisit a simple, self-designed cleanse I have done a couple of times.  It’s pretty much just a 3 day raw food situation for the purpose of giving your body a chance to slow down, eliminate toxins and allow for a subtle reboot to the system. It is generally advised that one do this type of cleanse during a time that you can otherwise take things easy.

image via Pinterest

The Plan

Immediately upon waking-up:

Cup of Warm Water

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Breakfast:

Green Smoothie
Ingredients: Spinach, Kale or Chard + Banana + Frozen Mango or other fruit(s) of choice + Water + Oatmeal (optional)

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Mid-Morning Snacks (as needed/desired):

Coconut water

Fresh fruit

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Lunch:

Leafy Green and Vegetable Salad with Nuts and/or Grains

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Afternoon Snacks (as needed/desired):

Raw Veggies and/or Fruit

Nuts

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Dinner:

Fresh veggie juice

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Before bed:

Warm water

Things I’m going to avoid:

Caffeine (Eeks! Wish me luck!), Sugars, Alcohol, Dairy, Meat, Processed Foods

In my opinion, the goal of these things should not be a quick fix to loose weight or “get healthy.”  I don’t think it’s necessary to feel hungry while on a cleanse, but rather to be really mindful about what you’re feeding yourself and how you are feeling.  In the past, I found the reintroduction of various foods/drinks after the 3 days to be among the most beneficial and informative aspects of cleansing, as it gives you an opportunity to become aware of the various effects produced by specific items.  

Although this image might feel like too much to take in, I do think it is important to be aware of the chemicals in your beauty products.  After slowly transitioning to all natural products myself, I have found that I have fewer headaches, less skin irritation and an over all clearer mind.

If you are interested in looking up if your products are safe or not, plug them into the Skin Deep Database. You will find that some of your products are safer than others.

If you are in search of new products, check out some of my favorites here, here and here.