DIY Egg Facial

One of the best and cheapest facials you can give yourself is the egg facial. It may sound gross but it really works! Not only does it dry out the oils from your skin, it is also a natural whitening product. It helps to reduce scarring and sun damage.
Follow these simple steps:

1. Break the egg, splitting the yoke from the whites in two different bowls.

2. Beat the whites until they are nice and foamy.

3. Cover your face in a layer of the whites.

4. When your face feels tight then wash it off with luke warm water and pat dry.

5. Take the yoke and spread a thin layer over your face. This is a great moisturizer for your face.

6. Again when this gets tight wash it off with luke warm water and pat dry.

Try to do this at least once a week and it will improve your skin significantly. It is especially good if you have a sudden break out, as it will help it clear up a lot faster.

<3 Linda <3 

The Best Brush Money Can Buy!

The Tangle Tweezer is a really must buy beauty product for anyone who would like a more pleasurable experience brushing through their long locks after a shower.  I first spotted this brush at Boots over the summer and I thought it seemed pretty expensive for a brush at around €15. So I decided not to buy it as it looked like another beauty gimmick.  However a few weeks later I had a change of heart and decided I would give it a try and boy was I pleasantly surprised!  It slid right through my hair getting rid of all of the tangles with ease and absolutely no tugging.  I immediately thought to myself - "Wow this will be great for preventing split ends!" and it sure has been.  I also bought a cheaper version of this from Penney's a  few weeks later because I loved it so much and that I am afraid was nothing like it.  So my advice is that this brush is a must have beauty essential that wont break the bank but steer clear of any other cheap imitations  - go for the real thing and your hair will thank you!

<3 Linda <3

eat- apples!

An apple a day does keep the doctor away! Apples are the perfect 'on the go' snack. I have to say there is something therapeutic about taking a bite out of a crisp apple. With apples in season there is no better time to try out some delicious apple recipes while relieving some stress.

Health Benefits of Apples:

• Maintains a healthy heart
• Helps remove toxins
• Helps control weight
• Helps with cancer prevention 
• Contains fiber to help with digestion 
• Good source of immune boosting vitamin C

Healthy Apple Snack Options:

1.) Apples & Peanut Butter
 Hi, my name is Megan and I am addicted to Peanut Butter. I could eat peanut butter all day, every day. Luckily I found Bell Planation Peanut Butter. PB2 is all natural, preservative free peanut butter with no artificial sweeteners. It also has 85% less fat calories than regular peanut butter. There's even a chocolate flavor- yum!

2.) Apples & Cinnamon
Just sprinkle ground cinnamon for a seasonal treat.
A few health benefits of cinnamon: reduces blood sugar levels, treats bad breath &  boosts brain activity.

3.) Apples, Almond Butter & Granola
Just dip your apple slices in some almond butter and roll them around in some natural granola for an energy booster. Its a great pre-workout snack.
I recommend Bear Naked Granola and Justin's Almond Butter.

4.) Apples & Honey 
For a snack to fill your sweet tooth try sliced apples and honey. Try to use local honey to help with seasonal allergies.

5.) Spiced Applesauce
Ingredients: 6 apples (peeled & chopped), 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 cup of water in a pot (optional: 1/4 pumpkin pie spice)
Directions:
1. Place all ingredients in a pot on the stove and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cover with lid.
2.) Simmer apples for about 20 minutes or until soft.
3.) Remove from heat and mash with potato masher for chunkier applesauce or put in a food processor or blender for a smoother texture.
(recipe from kimshealthyeats)

6.) Dried Apples
Ingredients: 2 large apples, 1/2 cup of lemon juice, 4 cups of water
Directions:
1.) Preheat to 200F and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper
2.) Combine water and lemon juice in a medium bowl (the lemon helps prevent browning)
3.) Using a sharp knife slice 2 large apples as thin as possible
4.) Soak the slices in th lemon water for 30 minutes. Drain and pat dry. Place on baking sheets in a single layer.
5.) Bake the slices on the upper and lower racks for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and turn each slice over. Bake for 1 more hour for soft dried apples or about 2 more hours for crispy apple chips.
(recipe from eating well)

And a not so healthy apple treat... 

Martha Stewarts' Apple Crisp

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup of flour (I used coconut flour)
• 1/4 light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar (I used Stevia)
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) of unsalted butter cut into cubes
• 1 cup of old fashioned oats
• 3 lbs. of apples!
• 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon 
• Optional: I added 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg and lemon zest 

Directions:
1.) Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, salt and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Cut butter into fours and mix with dry ingredients until mixture is the texture of coarse meal. Add oats, and use your hands to toss and squeeze mixture until large, moist clumps form. Transfer into freezer to chill while you prepare apples.
2.) In another large bowl, toss apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon zest and remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Transfer to a shallow 2-quart baking dish and sprinkle with topping mixture. Bake until golden and bubbling, 55 to 60 minutes.

Tip: Add vanilla ice cream for extra deliciousness :) 

xo

Megan 

   

got to have it- anthropologie kitchenware

When working on balancing your portions and cooking light, it helps to use kitchenware that is useful while adding a pop of color. Anthropologie kitchenware has been my longtime obsession. I love the patterns, colors and the retro look of their designs. While their pieces can be on the expensive side, I often buy my items on sale. Sign up to receive weekly emails of sales and specials.

1.) I use their dessert plates for dinner. They are the perfect size for portion control.

Nathalie Lete Dessert Plates $14

2.) Using Anthropologies 'Painted Amaryllis Measuring Cups' $38 and 'Pop- print measuring spoons' $18 make cooking and baking a little more fun.

3.) Anthropologies 'Inside out bowls' $8 I use for everything! These bowls are the perfect size for portion control when eating cereal, oatmeal, desert etc. 

They are so pretty you can use them outside the kitchen to hold jewelry and trinkets :) 

4.) Chalkboard Storage Containers $18-$36 are perfect for your kitchen counters. 

5.) Anthropologies Monogrammed Mugs are adorable. I have a mug for each letter of my initials. I look forward to my nightly lavender tea in my 'm' mug. They also make perfect gifts for friends and family for the holiday season. 

xo

Megan 

just add water

The fountain of youth and overall health is quite simple- drink your water! I know drinking 3 liters of water a day can seem daunting especially for my ladies who love their soda. But I think I found the answer to anyone that says 'water is boring' - get fruity!  Once I tried fruit infused water I never looked back. Inside my fridge you will always see my pitcher of lemon water or other combinations I'm experimenting with. This trick worked for my husband and my mom who were both avid milk drinkers.  If you need more convincing read below..
If you are fighting the 3 liter rule remember drinking water...

• boosts your immune system
• flushes out toxins
• gives you glowing skin
• reduces the risk of certain cancers
• relieves fatigue
• helps digestion 
• cures the afternoon headaches 
• stops you from cramping if you work out 

Benefits of Lemon Water

• balances pH
• excellent for weight loss 
• decrease wrinkles and blemishes 
• cures throat infections 
• blood purifier 
• relieves respiratory problems
• cleans and stimulates the liver and kidneys 
• contains potassium, magnesium and calcium 

First you need ..

The Fruit Infusion Pitcher

Amazon Link

Now the fun part ..

Here are a list of fruit & herb combinations:

• cucumbers (always makes me feel like I'm in a spa) 
• citrus mix (lemons, limes & oranges)
• berry mix (blueberries, raspberries & strawberries)
• blueberry & mint (2 sprigs)
• strawberry & basil (3 basil leaves)
• raspberry & lime
• strawberry & lemon
• raspberry & lemon
• whatever is in your fridge, have fun :)

** Tip- to replace soda, add a little seltzer water for a carbonated treat :)

You can also mix it up and add fruit to your ice! 

It will really make a 'splash' at your next get together with friends and family. 

Drink up!

xo

Megan 

what are your pimples trying to tell you?

I first heard about 'face mapping' a year ago from a friend. I was intrigued and started paying attention to my breakouts and found it to be surprisingly accurate. During my teenage years and early 20s I spent so much time and money on products trying to 'fight breakouts' I ignored what my body was trying to tell me. The idea of 'face mapping' comes from a strong correlation between your internal organs, other things happening in your body and different zones of your face. By analyzing your breakouts, you can see what is happening inside your body and take care of parts of your body that you might be neglecting.

Face Mapping

(photo from glamour.com)

Zone 1 & 3  - Above your brow (Bladder & Digestive System)- Take care of yourself! This area represents your immune system. Improve your diet and drink more water. You can sometimes breakout in this area before, during or after a cold. 

Zone 2 - Between Brows (Liver) - Breakouts in this area are caused by overindulgence. Cut back on bad foods, alcohol and dairy. It can also mean a food allergy. 

Zone 4 & 10 - Ears (Kidneys) - You're dehydrated, cut back on coffee and soda and drink more H2O.

Zone 5 & 9 - Cheeks (Respiratory System) - Your cheeks are being affected by your lung quality. Avoid smoke and polluted air. Smokers often have breakouts in this area.

Zone 7 - Nose (Heart) - Check your blood pressure and make sure you are using makeup that doesn't irritate your skin. 

Zone 12 - Chin (Stomach) - You might be having trouble with your digestive system. Add more fiber to your diet or try a detox. 

Zone 11 & 13 - Side of Chin (Hormones) - Breakouts can occur in this area during your period. The side of your breakout can indicate which side you are ovulating on. It can also be a sign of a hormonal imbalance. Drink more water and eat a lot of dark leafy greens. 

Zone 14 - Neck (Illness) - A pimple in this area can mean your body is trying to fight an illness. Drink more water of course and take your vitamins! 

Have you tried face mapping? Do you find it accurate? 

Moral of the story- drink more water, eat your veggies & take your vitamins! Live a balanced life :) 

xo

Megan 

healthy pancakes

Ok so I know what you're thinking- really? pancakes?? Otherwise known as 'CARBcakes'- how can they be healthy?! Well here it is... a guilt-free pancake recipe to enjoy every morning!

Healthy Pancakes 

3 Egg Whites (or 1/4 cup)

2 Scoops of Protein Powder 

1/2 Ripe Banana

1 tsp. Cinnamon 

1/4 Almond Milk (I use unsweetened)

Completely mash the banana with the almond milk and stir in the remaining ingredients. Spray your pan with fat-free cooking spray (I use coconut oil spray), turn on medium- low heat and put batter onto pan. The ingredients above make one pancake which is enough to fill me up. Cook for a few minutes until you see bubbles and flip it over. 

Have fun with your pancakes and experiment!

 I have added blueberries, coconut flakes, raspberries, pumpkin puree, cocoa powder- anything works! 

This recipe is brought to you by the lovely ladies of 'Tone it Up' http://toneitup.com/

They have a wonderful blog with tons of healthy recipes and work out videos. If you are interested in a healthy lifestyle I recommend their nutrition plan. It's all about 'balance.'

P.S.- My husband LOVES these pancakes! He hates to admit it but they taste 'pretty damn good.' 

xo

Megan 

chocolate fix

When you're getting ready to hibernate for the winter, its often tempting to overdo it when snacking. My guilty pleasure is chocolate- do you feel me ladies?? On a cold winter night there is nothing more enjoyable than hot chocolate. This is one of my favorite winter treats. Over the years of yo-yo dieting I have tried to be 'healthier' by buying the 'fat-free/ sugar-free Swiss Miss' which is full of sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, artificial flavors and a bunch of other ingredients I can't even pronounce! In other words - PUT DOWN THE SWISS MISS!
Luckily, I have found a healthy alternative that is currently fixing my chocoholic cravings.

Healthy Hot Chocolate:

1 Cup of Almond Milk (I use unsweetened)

2 Tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

2 Teaspoons of honey (I use unprocessed honey from my local Farmers Market)

Slowing heat one cup of almond milk in a small pan until steaming. 

Add one tablespoon of cocoa powder and 2 teaspoons of honey. 

Whisk until well blended. 

** You can also add ground cinnamon or 1 tbs of stevia to sweeten 

P.S.- Cocoa powder has been shown to improve mood, keep skin healthy and radiant while giving you antioxidants- so enjoy without the guilt!

xo

Megan 

to splurge or save on facial moisturizer?!

Facial moisturizer is one of the products I end up spending the most money on. Your face being the most sensitive area its important to be careful what ingredients are in the product you purchase. I have combination skin with a slightly oily t-zone. After trying numerous products (to many to list), the two I recommend are the following:

Splurge $$$:
Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 40+ Natural Daily Sun Protection 4 oz. $54 at Sephora

I started using this product last summer when I was looking for a moisturizer with a high SPF. I immediately fell in love. This moisturizer sinks into your skin without leaving a greasy feeling. The fragrance is light and sweet. It works as a nice primer for my foundation and a little goes a long way. One of the main ingredients is Argan Oil that is produced from the argan tree in the semideserts of Morocco. This oil is rich in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which have antiaging properties. This organic ingredient is known to help and prevent dehydration, inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and sebum production. This moisturizer is also free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic sragrances, synthetic dyes, phthalates, GMOs and triclosan.

Save $:
Trader Joe's Oil Free Antioxidant Moisturizer $6 at Trader Joes 

When I am trying to cut back my finances and 'balance' spending I often turn to Trader Joe products. They are made from natural high end ingredients with reasonable prices. Trader Joes oil-free nourish moisturizer is the only one similar to the one above featuring green tea extract, coffee bean extract, and vitamins A, B5, C, D, and E. It's a fragrance-free, oil-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic lotion that can help protect your skin from free radical damage — regular use can help restore your skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and redness. What more could you ask for and its only $6?!

xo

Megan