Something that I have struggled with since I was a teen is having a clear complexion. I am naturally very fair and my skin is very sensitive to almost anything. I've tried tried everything, and here I am at 23 years old finally coming across a product that has actually benefited me. I've tried it all: no make-up, oil free moisturizers, oil free foundations, hypo-allergenic washes, and I've found that I just need to have a good balance. Taking care of your skin is a lot more than just washing your face; it's about what you put in your body and it's also about what you put on your body!!! I've even tried the whole coconut oil thing...and my face definitely didn't need that either. What I have found is that staying hydrated, minimizing my sugar intake, eating healthy and moisturizing has given me a well balanced complexion. I thought using a good toner would solve the issue, but it only dehydrated and irritated my skin more. Especially in the winter months when my skin is already getting beaten-up, adding more chemicals only resulted in break-outs and uneven complexion. I don't have perfect skin, I have a lot of minimal scars from break-outs, and when I don't wear make-up it leaves me feeling a little self conscious, I've learned to deal with it. I've also learned the importance of hydrating my skin.
I've always been a fan of using natural products, and when I was looking for a new moisturizer last month I really wanted it to be worth my while. I came across Ashana.B Paris, a French Luxury brand, based in Paris (my favorite place on earth!!!) offers a wide variety of vegan and organic skin care and hair care products. I love that everything is made from an all original blend of raw vegetable butters and oils ( Aloe Vera, Shea butter, Olive and Baobab oils). Glowing skin which has quickly become my favorite facial cream and it has been so effective for my complexion. I have been using it in the morning right after a shower as well as a little bit at night. A little goes a long way. I have noticed that my pours have shrunk (good sign-right?!) and my skin has become a lot more eve, and I have a nice healthy glow. Not only that, but I also don't have that oily feeling you get when you get home from a long day, and wonder why you look like you just made a visit to the frying pan and your eye-liner is like on your nose anyways, the face moisturizer is very light, and feathery and acts as a nice base for my make-up. The older I get, the more I realize that stress, weather, and sleeping can really leave a lasting impression around your eyes and skin. I ALSO know that green tea and lots of water solves many world problems, and taking care of your skin is very important. I don't want to keep treating my body as a lab experiment, which is why I have moved away from using harsh elements. It makes me feel good to be good to my body. Although I was only seeking a moisturizer for my face, I also tried out the travel size body lotion of Ashana.B Beauty Treasure collection made from Shea and Mango butters and Sesame and Baobab oils, I really like how clean everything felt, and it rid of that scaly/dry skin feeling you get from the winter month Does anyone have any other suggestions for living a more holistic life? I've always tried to keep things as simple as possible? I am really trying to move away from drug store products. Feel free to visit Ashana.B Paris, and if you use the code "Ninaw" you will receive and additional 15% off of your purchase. Stay you xoxo
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So this month, I came across cookie dough! Not the kind that you have to make into cookies, but the kind you can eat without having to bake!!! This is break through science for me because now I don't have to feel guilty about eating all the cookie dough I want, and I never end up eating the cookies anyways. I am so happy that I discovered Big Dipper Dough Co. a Michigan based company that supplies outrageously delicious egg-free cookie dough. So now, those with egg allergy or egg sensitivity can enjoy cookie dough both raw or baked! It's all natural so you can chomp away without worrying about all the chemicals, preservatives, and artificial junk found in most commercial cookie dough. Makes me feel so much better about myself when I'm scarfing away ;) Like I wish I had this in college...would have gotten me through those nights of exam cramming so much more effectively. It's really delicious, and the company is growing like wild fire right now. You can find Big Dipper Dough Co. sold at 39 stores to date, and soon these delicious bins will be arriving at major grocery stores in : Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Iowa, Missouri, and Florida. Price isn't bad either, $6 a bin and it lasts forever. For those that can't wait, get it shipped! I've provided the link below :) Enjoy!
Ways to eat: It's great by itself. Throw it ontop of ice cream for a killer sundae. Toss it in a blender to make a milk shake! They're great as cookies as well. This weekend was really amazing, I typically like to make it out to Miami every year to visit my childhood and still best friend Andy. I swear the two of us were seperated at birth or something because most people don't speak our language. I even had the chance to visit my friend Carola from Italy, seeing her new life here inspires me so much! I love having friendships like this, the ones that always last. I had such a great time hanging on rooftops, sipping cocktails, attending Andy's company's Christmas party along the sea. Wow, truly amazing. Winter can be so harsh sometimes, that just a weekend get away can leave you feeling refreshed. I met so many amazing people this weekend, and I am reminded again that I love being young, and alive! Life is really something :) I got out my summer clothes again, oh how I miss the sunshine and a good sun kissed tan! Especially not having to truck around boots in the snow was a plus + I ditched the boots for Luxtrada's collection of Bikini Sandals. I LOVED having the option of wearing something I could dress up or dress down and it made things more fun! Is anyone planning a trip soon? Where are you headed! Please let me know, I'm always looking to visit new places XOXO. The Parlour Salon in Grand Rapids by far is one of my most favorite places to go for my beauty treatments. I originally walked by there, and on a whim decided to walk in to figure out what the heck they were all about. I seriously ended up not knowingly running into some of my the most down to earth girls I've ever met. Partially, had to do with my big mouth but I'm pretty sure they know way too much about me now. But hey, isn't that what your hair stylist is for? I had so much fun this past summer getting together for a little shoot with Emily, Casey, Amanda, Brenna, Hannah, and Shoney! I was a little bit shy when we first started out, but they definitely knew how to make me feel comfortable! I really hope you get the chance to check out their work, they've all got some superior talent. What I really love is that they're on top of the trends. I'm so over paying way too much to end up with something I never even asked for in the first place. If you're looking for a new salon or are just curious to see what they offer check out my link below to their facebook page! Let them know Nina sent you. I know there are a lot of weddings getting planned here soon, and I've heard they do a really stellar job at it....muah <3 If you're ready to get your pics taken, please check out Shoney. |
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