How to Pack an Extra Bit of Protein in Your Day
Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey.
We don’t want to call you out, but your snack choices are questionable.
And when you’re clocking long days at work, you want snacks that fuel your performance. Not choices that slow you down.
Which is why we want to serve up a new option-- one that you can blend, shake, mix and beyond-- even right from your desk.
Leading almond butter producer, Barney Butter is launching the nation’s first-ever powdered almond butter! Barney Powdered Almond Butter is a completely natural defatted product made using only California’s best grade almonds in a 100% peanut-free facility. After going through an all-natural expeller pressed process with absolutely no chemicals, the Powdered Almond Butter has only 45 calories, 1g of fat and a powerful punch of 6g of protein per serving.
Here are a couple of ways you can enjoy it straight from your desk.
With only 1 ingredient (almonds!), our Powdered Almond Butter gives you a clean, nutrient dense option and checks so many boxes: peanut free, Paleo, Keto, Vegan, gluten-free.
For an additional way to enjoy almond butter, Barney Butter’s Powdered Almond Butter will be available starting June 1st (today!) at BarneyButter.com for $9.99, and at retailers nationwide shortly after.
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Are You Afraid of Commitment?
It’s like the dark, but for adults.
The stats are in. Though Millennials have long been accused of job-hopping and not taking anything seriously, they actually know how to hold down a job.
According to recent research from the Pew Research Center a fifth of millennials have been with their company for five years or longer, which falls in line with the stats around Generation X.
Compare that to the typical US worker who, as of January 2016, had been in their current job for 4.2 years, up from 3.5 years in 1983, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
When it comes to relationships, the data shifts a smidge. Specifically, more than half of all millennials (59%) have never married, and 9% are in domestic partnerships, per data collected via Gallup poll. So what gives? Are we able to hold down jobs, but not relationships? Are we afraid of commitment?
We say no. And we have some ideas as to how you can put a ring on your career and embrace commitment.
Embrace the One-Year Career Mentality
We have to first acknowledge that there has been a shift. There is no longer a straight and narrow career trajectory. It’s highly unlikely to see anyone in a 40 year career. In fact, some people say the only constant is change.
This shouldn’t scare you off, however. It should fire up your furnace. Enter: the 1-Year Career.
It’s not what you think.
According to Baily Hancock, “The 1-Year Career is a whole new way of thinking about work and your place in it. It encourages you to evaluate your professional happiness far more frequently than the generations before us had to, setting short-term goals and achieving them with small, actionable steps year after year throughout your entire career.”
So yeah, contrary to what it sounds like, it does not mean you should go leapfrogging across jobs and careers every 12 months.
Rather, says Baily, you should think about your career in one-year increments. By doing this, “it enables you to focus on only the next couple of steps ahead of you.” She explains, “We’re far less likely to feel overwhelmed when we consider not what we’re going to do with our entire life, but instead, what we’re going to do in the next 365 days. One year seems doable; long enough to accomplish a good amount, but short enough that we can plan for most of the variables that life may throw at us.”
What Else Might Life Throw At You?
A bouquet at your BFF’s wedding, perhaps. Don’t be afraid to catch it.
Or feelings.
Committed doesn’t only mean to one person.
Committed can be to your job. To your family. To your best friends. And it’s the new trailblazing, forward-thinking concept from Simon G., the leader in the world of fine jewelry.
Through Committed, Simon G. is expressing their commitment to quality, love, unity, kindness and so much more. Commitment can mean many things to different people whether to family, career, friends, or values. From the beginning, Simon G. Jewelry has celebrated the best of life by offering jewelry that exceeds expectations through inspired individuality and a ceaseless passion for detail. With decades of knowledge and experience, Simon G. knows the value of commitment over the long term, and their work honors this legacy.
Committed is bold, modern, and memorable. Which, is exactly the kind of woman you are.
What are some fresh, new ways you show your commitment? Comment below.
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Why You Need a Mid-Year Check In
Don’t be stressed AF.
We see you, working on that self-improvement. It’s not only for New Year’s resolutions. It’s a process and it takes time. So if it’s time for a mid-year check-in-- you know, the spring cleaning of the body and the mind, we have some good news.
We’ve got the boost you need. Supermodel Elle Macpherson developed the Welleco superfood and protein powders with her partner, nutritionist Dr Simone Laubscher.
Not surprisingly there has been growing popularity around the Welleco Super Elixir and the Welleco Nourishing Protein, the brand’s hero products. In part, because the benefits are numerous. But also because combining the two products can boost your metabolism and kick-start healthy living. Which, is exactly what every busy working woman needs.
A little about both products: The Welleco Super Elixir is an alkalizing green mixture with four different probiotics that focuses on a healthy gut. It’s made using cold-pressed bio live ingredients and has a whopping other 45 key ingredients, such as kelp, pomegranate, turmeric, that help restore your body’s pH levels.
The Welleco Nourishing Protein is an organic protein powder made with sprouted brown rice, pea protein, and Peruvian cacao. It's vegan but contains all nine essential amino acids like those found in red meat, eggs, chicken, and fish.
Everything is backed by science, and driven by nature.
11 Benefits of this Super Elixir
1. Reduce Stress
Who doesn’t want that? All of us. There are so many reason you should reduce your stress, but we’re going to focus on one. Stress levels increase cortisol levels. And if you have high cortisol, you have some stress reduction to do. Unfortunately, cortisol levels are highest in the AM, right around the time you have your 8:00AM coffee. And coffee happens to contribute to high levels of cortisol. Replacing your morning coffee with a Super Elixir shake will not only release your stress, but it also might keep you from reaching for the coffee pot.
2. Fight Off Fatigue
Is that a yawn we see? We know we just told you about cortisol and caffeine, but don’t fret yet. The Super Elixir can provide energy for your brain and body body. Plus, the 9 essential amino acids in the Nourishing Protein are essential for ramping-up endurance and energy.
3. Blast Bloat
The pre and probiotic boost in both the Super Elixir and the Nourishing Protein help keep your intestinal tract healthy, which in turn keeps that belly from bloating.
4. Help Sort Skin Issues
Many Super Elixir drinkers have reported that their skin has improved after a week+ of incorporating the Super Elixir into their routine. The truth is stress affects your skin and your collagen production. So, in reducing your stress, you’re also improving your skin. Glow on girl. Plus, the nourishing protein has skin-boosting nutrients, vitamin C from Rosehip to boost collagen and acai and pomegranate for antioxidants.
5. Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation is brought on by stress (stress increases cortisol which increases inflammation), environmental factors (smoke, pollution, sun), diet, lack of sleep (when you are not getting good sleep your body is fatigued, which puts pressure on your organs resulting in inflammation). The Super Elixir hits all of these pain points. Specifically, its turmeric ingredient is high in curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Balance the Body pH Level
Our bodies are pretty great at maintaining the pH of our blood. But outside factors like poor diet, alcohol, and pollution can affect the acid-blood balance of our blood. Keeping a good pH in the body is crucial to feeling good. And the Super Elixir has both whole food and superfood ingredients formulated to nourish our bodies at the cellular level. Its alkalizing proprietary green blend supports pH balance.
Speaking of feeling good…
7. General Feel-Goods
Between the digestive enzymes in the Nourishing Protein which help support metabolism when combined with diet and exercise. Plus it’s packed with pre and probiotics which help keep our guts balanced and plush with the right kind of friendly bacteria. And f your gut feels good, the rest of you follows.
8. Maintain Your Immune System
You don’t have time to get sick. When combined, the maitake and shiitake mushrooms in the Super Elixir help maintain your immune system. And when you’re shaking new hands and making deals happen all day, you want to stay healthy. Turmeric also has immune boosting properties and the ability to combat bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
9. Get Yourself a Brain Boost
The Omega 3s in the Super Elixir assist in cognitive function. So instead of hitting the coffee bar for your 3pm slump, try to eliminate the slump altogether.
10. It’s a Slump Buster!
Feeling groggy and in a slump? Dandelion Leaf is often used as a caffeine-free coffee option. Which means it can bump you right out of that slump. It also contains vitamins A, C, and K, plus a dose of calcium and potassium.
11. Digestion Aid
Psyllium husk is a non-soluble fibre that aids digestion. It is also responsible for helping lower cholesterol levels in the body and lowering glucose levels too. Moreover, it will keep ya regular. (Which reminds us about an important article we wrote on that very topic.)
ENTER TO WIN!
So now that you’ve read about the benefits, it’s time to try it yourself. And guess what? We are teaming up WelleCo so you can win 90 Days of WelleCo Super Elixir greens. Click here to enter to WIN.
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Should You Switch to Cold Brew?
99 problems but your coffee ain’t one.
You’ve been drinking piping hot coffee since your lips first tasted the joys of java. But it might be time for a switch. Why? One, change is good. It’s about to be summer and chances are, a cold-brew will do your body good. And yes, it’s oh-so-refreshing on a humid summer day.
Beyond that, we’re sharing some of our favorite reasons to make the switch to Chameleon Cold-Brew. First up, it lasts the day long…
THAT’S RIGHT, COFFEE LOVERS, YOU CAN SIP ON IT ALL DAY
Cold-brew coffee is already, well, cold. You don’t have to worry about reheating it and dealing with that bitter aftertaste. Instead, go cold.
IT’S LESS ACIDIC THAN HOT BREWED COFFEE
If you’re having a bit of tummy trouble with hot coffee, it would be worthwhile to make the switch. Sources report that cold-brew may have up to 67% less acid than traditional brewing methods.
If you switch to cold brew, you got 99 problems but your coffee ain’t one.
KNOW WHERE YOUR COFFEE COMES FROM
What you put in your body is important to you-- so why should your coffee be any different? Chameleon Cold- Brew is committed to organic, premium and sustainably sourced cold-brew coffee. At Chameleon all green coffee purchases are cupped by a licensed Q grader and scored as a specialty grade, above 80pts using Specialty Coffee Association cupping protocol. To find out more about their coffee quality, spot sourcing, and organic certification click here and know what you’re drinking.
YOUR PALATE WILL LOVE IT
WIth cold-brew you tend to get the best tasting coffee in the world. OK, OK. That might be subjective to individual taste buds, but the lack of heat helps extract the original flavor of the beans. You know, that bitter taste that we add cream and sugar to avoid.
Bonus: you might end up using less sugar and cream, which is a benefit to your body overall.
REDUCE YOUR RISK OF SLEEP PROBLEMS
You shouldn’t drink any caffeine before bed, but on average cold brew contains around 20% less caffeine per 100 grams that other brew methods. According to the Huffington Post, “Caffeine is soluble in water, and the hotter the water used to brew coffee, the more caffeine is extracted ― meaning you get more caffeine out of the beans and into your coffee.”
YOUR NEXT CUP IS ONLY A BOTTLE AWAY
We know your type. Your morning cuppa is on your mind when you hit the hay at night. And with the 32oz Coffee Concentrates, you can enjoy coffee your way, first thing in the morning. No time wasted waiting for it to brew. And the results are in, people l-o-v-e the Chameleon Cold-Brew Concentrate. It’s certified organic, fully customizable: Enjoy it hot or iced, black or creamy, sweet or bold. Using a 1:1 ratio, add your favorite mix-in. It’s just coffee, water, and natural flavor.
So, let us know. Are you ready to make the switch?
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Frames For When You Finally Admit You Need Glasses
You’re a four-eyed goddess.
Eye care is self-care. And as you get older you tend to lose the ability to focus (it’s totally normal!) and some of us (hello, me) have needed glasses since high school-- or earlier.
But 4-eyes is no longer an insult, and TBH it never was. And picking frames….so much fun. Thankfully our friends at LensCrafters have a ton of amazing options for when you finally admit, it’s time for glasses.*
GO FOR THE GOLD
Simple with a touch of flair, this Prada frame is uncompromisingly crafted. As well as understated and elegant. With a slight cat eye that’s right on trend and corner white enamel detail, this is a go-to for summer.
BIT OF AN EDGE
We’re gonna Coach you for a sec on fashion frames. The detailing on this Coach frame is spec-tacular. We’re loving the gold and tortoise combo, but it’s the silver floral work that truly deserves your attention. (And will likely garner the attention of others.) These babies are made for out of office days.
UPGRADE ON A CLASSIC
Ray-Ban has dominated the sunny shades category for years now. It’s likely you have a pair of Aviators somewhere in a top drawer. But have you checked out their optical line? Classic good looks... that’s what these gold Aviators are.
PINK IS FOREVER
If pink is your favorite color, this pair of blush eyeglasses from Michael Kors can be your new go-to. Pink isn’t going anywhere-- nor should it. And with these frames, all trends will be crystal clear.
TORTOISE IS YOUR PURPOSE
With a gold tone logo at temples, this classic pair of Tory Burch tortoise eyeglasses will forever be in style. And you’ll be able to see your emails! That’s what we call a win-win.
*Shop similar styles on LensCrafters.com
But it’s not just about fashion. It’s also about eye health. The bonus happens to be: Eyewear is one of the most flattering and fashionable accessories you can own. A great frame can complete your entire outfit and they are super fun to shop for. But don’t forget to get your eyes checked. You can’t get a cute pair of glasses without first getting an eye exam. It’s not only crucial to maintaining vision heath, but your overall wellbeing. LensCrafters latest eye exam Clarifye, digitally scans your entire eye to pinpoint your prescription and give your doctor a new level of precise detail. In just 60 seconds, your eye doctor will know more about your eyes than a traditional eye exam ever could.
And with Clarifye it’s easier and faster to spot the warning signs for common health risks like diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and allergies. Find a LensCrafters near you to book an exam: https://www.lenscrafters.com/lc-us/findclarifye
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Meghan Markle Is Already Using Her New Platform to Talk About This
God save the Duchess.
Yes. Meghan and Harry are married. We've seen the pics. Scoured the hashtag. And gleaned everything we could from Serena Williams' Instagram story. And, as it's been discussed, the ceremony on Saturday was a break from tradition symbolizing a kind of togetherness we've been wanting and waiting for.
But before she was Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle was proud feminist, defender of equal rights. Even as a wee 11-year-old Markle. And the royal fam isn't shying away from these details.
In the newly added "About the Duchess of Sussex" section on the official royal website, Meghan's official "About" explains how she protested a sexist Procter & Gamble ad for dish soap.
“From a young age, The Duchess had a keen awareness of social issues and actively participated in charitable work,” the page states. “Aged 11 she successfully campaigned for a company to alter their television advert that had used sexist language to sell washing-up liquid.”
The page also talks about her charity work and her role as the UN Women's Advocate for Women’s Political Participation and Leadership. "In this role," the page states, "she gave a speech on the importance of gender equality on International Women’s Day for UN Women in New York City."
And then, pulled and bolded for the world to read is a quote from Meghan's speech that day: "I am proud to be a woman and a feminist."
Sure, royals aren't "allowed" to have political opinions*, in public, but in making that statement Meghan's pull quote on the very visible and very official royal website is, in-and-of itself a bold statement.
The "About" section goes on to say "In 2017, Her Royal Highness undertook a second learning mission with the organisation when she visited India with World Vision to bring a greater awareness to girls' lack of access to education. In the slum communities of Mumbai, The Duchess witnessed the work of the Myna Mahila Foundation who empower women through access to menstrual hygiene products and employment opportunities. Struck by her experience, she wrote an op-ed for Time Magazine about the stigmatization of menstrual health management and its long term hindrance to girls’ education."
If there was ever a question about the role Meghan would play in the family, consider this a step in a very positive, very feminist direction. The Royals, and their PR peeps, know people are reading and watching. And it appears as if someone is keen on making her voice heard. (As if there was any doubt from our end.)
*Feminism isn't really a political statement.
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Finding Purpose With Working Wonder: Jamie Taylor
Own the wonder with Jamie Taylor.
Known for her positive outlook and entrepreneurial spirit, Mary Kay Independent Elite Executive Sales Director Jamie Taylor knows how to hustle! After starting her Mary Kay business as a 20-year-old college student during summer break, Jamie quickly devoted herself to her Mary Kay business.
She knew that it was up her to make her business successful, and Jamie certainly enjoys the commissions and profits she earns in her Mary Kay business as well as the flexibility it provides and recognition she receives for achieving various milestones in her business. Jamie has also earned the use of two Mary Kay Career Cars, referenced Pink Caddy! She has turned a love and passion for beauty into operating her Mary Kay business full-time with great results. She is a proven “working wonder!”
Find out more about Jamie’s work ethic, her commitment to her business, and why she’s a Working Wonder below.
Let's start with the basics. What does the idea of Working Wonder mean to you?
To me, working wonder means a woman who works at her full capacity when it comes to passion and love for what she does. She thoroughly enjoys what she does and works with vigor and a zest for life and her work. She finds purpose in what she does, and she walks forward in that unapologetically.
How has your Mary Kay business helped you feel wonderful?
My work as a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant helps me to feel wonderful in so many ways. The way I feel when I work is directly correlated to the impact I’m making in other women’s lives. I love my business because I feel that my number one job description is to help other women feel beautiful, powerful and capable. In turn, it makes me feel those things as well.
You've said that you're known for your upbeat attitude about entrepreneurship. Can you tell us more what that's about? We want some of that!
I have an upbeat attitude towards most things as I’m naturally gifted with a positive outlook. However, I do feel a strong love for entrepreneurship. I believe in it so much! I grew up in an entrepreneur’s home and I got to be a direct beneficiary of someone who worked hard for what they wanted and made their dreams a reality. Today, being an entrepreneur myself is one of the best parts of my life because it allows me to design a life I love on my own terms. I have found that some people are uncomfortable “being their own boss” and all the ups and downs that usually ensue. But I believe it works for me so well, even when I fail, because I believe in the process and how it is molding me as a person.
What is your advice for younger female entrepreneurs struggling to feel their own sense of wonder? Or, those wondering if they're on the right track?
Being young and ambitious can be an unsure journey and one of the biggest things that many young women struggle with is the fear of what others may think or the fear of rejection. I still struggle with this on a regular basis! As a young entrepreneur, you may feel intimidated, criticized, or simply not taken seriously. My advice is to keep working on what you feel you have been called to do while also finding someone who believes in you and helps you to shine. I’m learning that time REALLY does fly, and we do really grow up. The older I get, I find my struggles feel different than they did when I was 20. I’m glad I embraced the refining process that made me who I am today. I’m so thankful for the older women who breathed belief into me so that I didn’t quit. So - keep going, hitch yourself on to someone who is where you want to be, find a great mentor who believes in you, only listen to those who “get it”, and actively study what makes YOU great! The more comfortable you are with your own gifts, the more you can use them!
How do you aim to empower other women through your work?
My line of work is all about empowering other women. Sometimes it comes in the form of helping a woman feel beautiful in her own skin by sharing Mary Kay® products with her and teaching her tried-and-true beauty tips. I love seeing a woman feel confident in how she looks on the outside because it often can transform them to be confident on the inside as well. Sometimes empowering women looks like coming alongside them and teaching them how to build a business like someone did for me. It’s so cool to see someone make a difference in their income, skillset, network, and goals. I love being a part of seeing women change their lives in the areas they want to see changes in the most!
On your blog you've talked about what happens when you try your best, but, alas !! you don't succeed. Who do you lean on during those moments?
I’ve tried and failed many times in my five years of building my business and I’m sure I still have a few missed goals ahead of me. Feeling like you didn’t succeed, or you missed the mark, is difficult and emotional no matter how much you tell yourself that it happens to everyone. There are a few things that help me pick myself back up when I’m down. The first is the assurance that I’m not quitting. I wholeheartedly believe that the best is yet to come. With each failure I ask myself “is THIS going to be the thing that STOPS me?” and the answer is always, “heck no! I’ve come this far!” Another thing that I lean on is the truth that everyone really does go through this. Sometimes we compare our “behind the scenes” to someone else’s “highlight reel” and it can make us feel very alone when we’ve failed. One of my efforts in life and work is to be transparent on social media with my ups and my downs! This helps us to all feel more connected and it encourages those who look up to me. A community is one of the best ways to hang in there when you aren’t feeling so hot!
With each failure I ask myself “is THIS going to be the thing that STOPS me?” and the answer is always, “heck no!"
Do you think there is a difference between 'beauty' and feeling 'beautiful?'
Sure! I think that ‘beauty’ is something that we can find anywhere and in anything or anyone. Beauty transcends outer appearances and can be found right in the middle of pain and hardship. Feeling beautiful is a way we carry ourselves. Again, it doesn’t have to always be about the outer appearance. We can feel beautiful when we are kind, doing what we love, and being who we were made to be.
What do you hope other women feel about themselves and the concept of "beauty?"
Of course, I hope that everyone woman is deeply aware of her unique beauty, both inside and out! This is a huge struggle as a woman of any age. We tend to be so incredibly hard on ourselves. I think that when you see something beautiful in another woman, it’s important to speak up and tell her. The more we magnify another woman’s beauty, the closer she can become to seeing it herself and the closer we can get to seeing it in ourselves.
So, speaking of beauty... we all have our own tips and tricks. We recently found out that only 20% of visible skin aging comes from the natural aging process. Mary Kay®'s TimeWise Miracle Set 3D™ helps protect your skin against the rest – what else do you incorporate into your beauty and wellness routine to combat the environmental and lifestyle stressors that contribute to premature skin aging?
Skincare is everything! I am totally in love with the new TimeWise Miracle Set 3D™! Every morning when I put on the day cream that is supplemented with a wonderful, non-greasy broad-spectrum SPF, I feel proud of myself for protecting my skin. I know I’m doing myself a huge favor. I also find that a healthy amount of sleep, water, and a clean diet make a huge difference in how my skin looks!
When do you feel the most wonderful?
I feel my most wonderful when I’m walking in my purpose. I can get so sidetracked by comparison, stress from wanting to perform at a high level, or every day stressors. However, when I’m truly spending time helping other women build a life they love, I feel alive and I can sense how much my life’s work matters.
Who is a woman you would consider a Working Wonder - someone you want to give a shout out to?
My best friend Jordan is truly a “working wonder” to me. I am always blown away by her consistency and strong work ethic. She works passionately without apology and she is a woman of her word. When I am around her, I am inspired to also be MY personal best every day. She is her best in the big ways and the small ways and she has gone on to build a beautiful, thriving business and a full life. She empowers me to do the same!
We'll be featuring wonderful women paving the way in their careers as part of our new Working Wonders series with Mary Kay. Check back for more inspiration and wonderful words of wisdom.
3 Beauty Miracles Busy Women Swear By
Sometimes, beauty sleep just doesn’t cut it.
Let's get real, sometimes we wish we had a fairy godmother who can work miracles when we need to keep focused on the business tasks at hand.
Long hours on the clock and never-ending to-do lists can do major damage to our ideal sleep schedule and self-care routines. We're all looking for those key tips to keep us feeling confident while we focus on crushing that next work goal.
Beauty tips that work miracles were the talk of the table at our dinner with Mary Kay® in New York City. We gathered a few of our friends dominating the beauty game to celebrate the launch of Mary Kay's® TimeWise® Miracle Set 3DTM.
We're sharing some of our favorite timeless beauty tips from the evening below.
Samantha Black shared that no matter how she's feeling, "A pop of color is my beauty miracle. Wether you have on no makeup or very light makeup, a pop of color on your lip always makes your look complete."
Melissa Alatorre came through with the timeless reminder that, "Drinking a lot of water and eating healthy really translates to your skin. Those are my beauty miracles."
Sasha Colina left us in awe with her beauty miracle and we can't wait to try it out!
"If you're putting on mascara and it accidentally gets on your eye lid, wait until it's completely dry and then use a clean mascara brush and it will flake right off."
With The Musket Room's stunning ambiance, flawless table settings and beautiful guests the night was definitely one to remember. Check out more photos from the evening below.
Have any beauty miracles of your own? Share them with us in the comments!
Browse the complete Mary Kay's® TimeWise® Miracle Set 3DTM collection today.
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Why There’s No Expiration Date on Success
Jaclyn Johnson for SK-II
You don’t have to be an overnight success to be successful. It’s a mantra I repeat to myself often. It’s likely one you’ve heard before too. (The good ones tend to stick around.) And yet, we all feel the churn and burn, the need to sprint toward success to meet society’s artificial deadlines, and the constant need to outdo ourselves.
It’s something the women in the SK-II film, The Expiry Date understand. From birth, they feel the pressure to achieve certain things by a certain age. Degrees. Prizes. Marriage. Children. Promotions. That constant struggle for women to “have it all” on society’s timeline.
SK-II launched #INeverExpire, a global campaign that continues to raise awareness of the age-related pressures women face every day. The campaign encourages women to define their own destinies through challenging societal norms.
As the founder and CEO of Create & Cultivate, I’ve felt these pressures so many times. Become a badass boss lady with a meaningful company, meet someone, get married, buy a home with a white picket fence, have 2.5 kids plus a puppy...and all by the age of 30. Not only does that timeline put an insane amount of pressure on you, it’s also completely unrealistic! Needless to say, that was not the timeline for me. I love creating experiences that are unique and thoughtful, brainstorming purposeful content, and bringing together creative, entrepreneurial women for real conversations, so creating a company that would enable me to do just that was my focus in my twenties.
Saying “yes” to my career often meant saying “no” to my personal life – or at least meeting those marriage, children, home, pet, insert whatever-pressure-you’re-feeling-here milestones before turning an arbitrary age. Instead, I got married when it came around naturally and felt right to me, and if my husband and I expand our family, that will come when it feels right for us, too – not because it’s what we’re “supposed” to do at this age. And I’m nowhere near done with Create & Cultivate – this is just the beginning for us.
"You should never let others put an expiration date on you. #INeverExpire"
I’m creating my own timeline that allows me to have the life I dream of, for myself and on my own terms. But that’s what the idea of #INeverExpire is all about. You should never let others put an expiration date on you. More importantly, I would add, you should never put an expiration date on yourself.
When you look around it’s easy to play the compare and despair game – especially on social. But you’re more than the lists you’ve landed – or not landed – on, and you’re more than the house you have – or don’t have. The list goes on and on. You can have success at any age, and what success means to everyone is different. You alone are able to define your own timeline.
So tell me, what pressures have you felt to subscribe to society’s predetermined timelines and how do you rise above?
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How to Know Which Vitamin Is Right for You
Don’t bug out in the vitamin aisle.
The vitamin aisle is scary place. Labels and names of ingredients you can pronounce stare back at you. Let’s not even get into the prices.
Your inbox is hard enough to make sense of-- what’s good for your body shouldn’t be.
So with the help from our good pals at OLLY, we’re breaking which vitamin make sense for you. Your body will thank you.
DO YOU NEED A SUPERCHARGE?
If you answered, “nah” to that questions, consider us green with envy. Also green? The L-Theanine in OLLY’s Endless Energy vitamin. L-Theanine is an amino acid found in green tea to help with mental alertness and focus. This vitamin blend also offers B vitamins to work naturally with your body’s chemistry to help convert food into energy. And as an added bonus they have a kick of caffeine-- less than a cup of coffee-- into the vitamin for the aforementioned supercharge.
Get ready to get that inbox down to zero. #hero.
ARE YOU A STRESS CASE?
If the pit of your stomach is in knots. And you’re dizzy at the thought of your day, you need to say Goodbye Stress. That kind of mental and physical tension is not good for anyone. OLLY again expertly blends L-Theanine which in addition to alertness, helps your brain keep its cool. And when blended with GABA, a fast-working active that supports a relaxed state of mind to help combat the acute effects of stress, that are not so ah-cute.
The final ingredient is Lemon Balm, which is not only soothing to day, but is a botanical that has been used for centuries to help quiet the mind. Get ready to #tooblessedtostress.
IS YOUR SKIN A LITTLE SAD?
Don’t let you skin get the blues, or rather the lackluster hues. Your largest organ (yes, that’s your skin) needs some extra attention, especially as you begin to lose collagen as you age. It’s totally natural, so don’t stress (ahem* take Goodbye Stress vitamin if so), it happens to all of us. This Vibrant Skin blend of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and sea buckthorn that will help you maintain and revitalize your glow.
*And yes, you can mix-and-match various OLLY vitamins. They recommended no more than 2-3 types for daily consumption.
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2 Cocktails to Turn Your Next Brainstorm into a WorkParty
Is it time for Summer Fridays yet?
Not every meeting can turn into a festive celebration, but sometimes after you’ve landed the perfect client, brainstormed your next big idea, nailed a presentation, or broken a company record (and it happens to be 5pm), there’s nothing wrong with turning off your computer and turning the WorkParty vibes up.
Especially during the summer (because we believe in Summer Fridays Forever). And ever.
And so does SKYY Vodka. Which is why they’re sharing two summer-perfect cocktail recipes featuring the new SKYY Infusions Sun-Ripened Watermelon, that sound oh-so-refreshing.
So go ahead, cheers to a job well done. And host a little WorkParty of your own.*
WATERMELON ROSE SPRITZ
1 part SKYY Infusions Sun-Ripened Watermelon
1 part Aperol
3 parts Sparkling Rose
1 part Soda or Tonic Water
Glass: Large Wine or Spritz
Garnish: Melon Balls, Lime Wheels & Cucumber Ribbon
Build in a Large Wine glass over ice. Garnish with Watermelon Balls, Lime Wheels and a
Cucumber Ribbon.
SUMMER SALAD
1.5 parts SKYY Infusions Sun-Ripened Watermelon
.75 parts Lemon Juice
.75 parts Simple Syrup
3-4 Basil Leaves
1 Strawberry
Glass: Double Old Fashioned
Garnish: Cube of feta cheese wrapped in a basil leaf
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and muddle gently. Add ice and shake. Strain over
into a Double Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a Basil Leaf.
* everything in moderation. Drink and WorkParty responsibly.
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Our Favorite Mic Drop Moments from #CCBeautySummit!
Do it like a Beauty Boss.
What does in mean to be a beauty boss? Lucky for you, we're laying the foundation.
Because we spoke all things beauty boss at our #CCBeautySummit with Mary Kay in New York City! Our panelists chatted everything from building a beauty business, starting their career, social media, and so much more.
Here are our favorite mic drop moments from the Beauty Summit!
Never think you’re too good for anything and be humble. We’re in the service industry our job is to make our client feel good. - @justinemarjan
Be cautious of who you follow on social media. Follow people who are going to make you feel good. You have control!
I want my legacy to be being a mom and being a good role model. I want my kids to be proud of me - @MollyBSims
I think when you’re consistent with your work and you’re a good person, then you’ll be able to top yourself. @MakeupByMario
A detox is so important because we’re always comparing ourselves and I think that limits your full potential. @katieaustin
Going bare face is something I do a lot. Having transparency is a way to connect more with your readers. @ColorMeCourtney
“When people say negative things to me, sometimes I comment back and say something positive. You never know what people are going through.” @ItsMyRayeRaye
“We didn’t want to wait for other people’s permission.” - @lindseydayy on starting @CRWNmag
"I love the quote, ‘You can be the juiciest peach out there, but there’s still going to be someone who doesn’t like peaches.'" @AltorreTweets
"It’s always been about, how do I deliver happiness to everyone?" - @gibsontuttle
"I’m a conduit for creativity and I have to be conscious of what I put out. I have to be real because I would never want someone to feel less than because they only get the best me." - @AllyMissLove
"Pick people that’ll teach you and push you to be successful. It makes you better." -- @SHershbergerNYC
Did you join us for our first ever Beauty Summit with Mary Kay? Let us know what your favorite gem of the day was in the comments below!
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Inhale the Jasmine, Exhale the Negativity
Ahhh soak in the smell of simple.
You’ve heard about spring cleaning. But how can we apply this concept to the cobwebs of our career? (It’s not only for closets.) There are four major lessons we want to talk about when it comes to creating a positive and simplified work environment.
Lesson #1: Good Scents Is Just Good Sense
Creating a positive and personalized physical environment in your home or office can help boost creativity, focus, and career or work-related goals. One way to do this is through the power of scent. Lighting candles and plugging in wallflowers are a few ways to accomplish this. For the modern day woman with a picture perfect office and home aesthetic, a sleek oil diffuser is definitely the way to go.
Aera is a sophisticated smart home fragrance brand changing the scent game. The diffuser is a quiet and user-friendly set up that uses no heat to produce a hypoallergenic scent effect safe for the whole family. You can even control scenting anytime, from anywhere with the AeraforHome app for iPhone and Android. Scroll down for a special limited-time discount for Create & Cultivate readers!
Aera's new Simplicity scent collection is focused on simple and familiar fragrances and is perfect for simplifying your office and home space. Each of their fragrance capsules can fill a room with consistent scent for 60 days or 1440 hours on an average setting. Our favorite Simplicity scent in the office is the White Tea. With hints of jasmine and citrus, this scent relaxes us and reminds us to take a deep breath and enjoy the simple things throughout the day.
Join in on Aera's 30-day “Simplicity Challenge”, which focuses on how to simplify areas of life including home, relationships, career, and health! Aera will be inviting followers to share their progress during the challenge by tagging @AeraForHome and using the campaign hashtag #AeraSimplicityChallenge. One participant will be chosen weekly to win an Aera diffuser and Simplicity scent capsule, plus one lucky participant will win the ultimate giveaway of simplicity products and services - valued at 1K. Enter here.
Lesson #2: Put the Kibosh on Nostalgia
We know that we have nostalgic and hazardous sentimental attachments to our possessions. Whether it’s boxes of old photographs and birthday cards that lead us down a long and windy path of nostalgia and distraction while cleaning, to items we hold onto for no reason-- aka your grandmother’s boots you're keeping even though they’re two sizes too small. Talk about a tropical depression. The nostalgia hurricane is real and it's ruling your life. Feeling strongly about stuff is OK but it can also be the enemy of tidy.
How to apply this to work: It's not just stuff kids! We have nostalgia and emotional attachment to ideas. So, what should we do to make space for bigger and better creative thoughts? Kill your darlings. That’s right. The creative ideas that keep falling dead in the water. Every single of one of us has that “golden” idea that we can’t escape. The one we reposition and bring up in pitch meetings, the one we’re sure is going to hit with ONE client that simply never does. Accept that. Thank the idea for taking up space in your head and let it go.
Also, those notebooks full of half-baked ideas and sparks (ahem duds) of genius you jotted down and have never looked through— toss them. We know you’re saving them for that one time you’re going to need to reference a page scribbled on in 2007 but just say goodbye. If ideas are really that great, they’ll stick around. You don’t need to create a physical library of your own brain.
Lesson # 3: Simplifying and Letting Go Feels Good. So Good.
Yes! Getting rid of clutter and freeing up your home space feels great. You feel lighter, more free, and less emotionally tied to STUFF! Everything all of the sudden becomes easier when you can SEE everything! Decision making is easier when you love everything and therefore you become more efficient with your time! Exclamations abound!! (For real, this is happy, joyous stuff.)
How to apply this to work: You don’t have to do anything here! Once you start letting go of the clutter on your desk and in your head, you will free up space for the next steps. You’ll be giving your career the breathing room it needs to expand. It will also help you become more clear on what projects to say yes to, and which projects to turn down.
You’ll feel relief instead of anxiety. Joy instead of job.
Lesson #4: Make the Commitment to Live Simply
You make these kinds of commitments all the time— to your diet, to the products you put on your face. But what you take in through your airways is just as important as what you put in your body and on your face. With scent, you can create a space around you that is inviting and feels refreshed each and every day
Seal the deal and start making your commitment today. Join Aera's #AeraSimplicityChallenge and share the steps you are taking to achieve a more simplified life. Not only will you be entered to win their weekly giveaway and grand prize $1K+ giveaway of simplicity product, but you'll learn tips and tricks along the way to simplify many areas of your life that may be weighing you down. Follow along on their Instagram and enter the challenge here.
Use Promo Code: CREATECULTIVATE15 for 15% off all products through June 30, 2018.
This post is in paid partnership with Aera.
Have other techniques for simplifying your space? Let us know in the comments!
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8 Pieces of Feminist Artwork for Your Home or Office
Feminism for everyone.
Art just has a way of inspiring us to be more creative. If you’re feeling like your space needs a bit more inspiration and beauty added to it, try throwing up a print in your office or adding an extra pillow to the couch in your living room. One of our favorite places to search for unique artwork is Society6. As a community for independent artists, Society6 features art from around the globe and every purchase pays an artist.
Bonus points if the art you’re spicing up your space with is even more motivation to fight the patriarchy.
Here are 8 pieces of feminist artwork we’re loving on Society6 at the moment.
8th of March Canvas Print
See something you like on Society6? Let us know how you’re spicing up your space this summer in the comments!
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Summer Is Coming: What Are Your Road Trip Essentials
Take their lead, and live out loud.
Hitting the road during summer is a rite of passage.
Everyone needs the inspiration of a wide open highway, the wind blowing through their fingers, and the smell of possibility in the air. What’s out on the horizon? There’s only one way to find out: take the MINI wheel and go.
And since summer is just around the corner, we checked with three of our favorite women, who happen to travel a ton, what is on their road trip essentials list.
TAYLOR STERLING
FOUNDER, THE GLITTER GUIDE
What are your road trip essentials?
A rockin' playlist, my iPad, a face mask, a good book, and lots and lots of snacks.
Do you have any tips and tricks for traveling for work?
1. Whenever possible pack only a carry-on.
2. Keep a small foldable bag in your purse or tote bag for any extra purchases.
3. Create a capsule wardrobe for the trip
4. Always pack extra chargers
5. Pack a top or spare outfit into your carry-on if you have to check a bag. That way if you have meetings when you arrive you have an outfit incase anything goes wrong with the one you're wearing.
6. Invest in noise-canceling headphones. Nothing worse than being super tired from noises for your meetings!
ANINE BING
FOUNDER, ANINE BING
What are your Road Trip essentials?
Number one is a great playlist, music is key.. Something hydrating like the True Botanicals Nutrient Mist that I'm loving right now.. Sunglasses, an enormous water bottle, and then lots of snacks - I'm addicted to candy and popcorn, both very essential for a good road trip. Also, a great companion to go in and out of talking to!
Do you have any trips and tricks for traveling for work?
I have to travel quite a lot for work. I take our big Lenny cashmere scarf with me every time I get on a plane, it's so cozy and warm. I always make sure to eat a substantial meal before I travel because airplane food is just not my vibe, and you don't want to find yourself hungry for hours.. of course I always bring candy and snacks to nibble on throughout though. For international travel, you just cannot nap or sleep during the day when you get to your destination. It will mess up your whole sleep cycle.. So just get through the tired feeling and go to sleep early and be prepared to wake up early.. I like to take a Melatonin the first day or two to help me get on a rhythm. And then drink more water than you even think you should!
KATE BOSWORTH
ACTRESS & PRODUCER
And because both women mentioned a great playlist, we had to ask the actress and style icon....
What's on your Road Trip Playlist?
Haim I love. Beyoncé obviously. Twin Shadow-- which my stepdaughter introduced me to. And Beach House.
Need an updated road trip playlist? Here's ours to keep the vibes right on your next road trip!
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Why Your Self-Worth Can't Be Attached to Your Blog
How do you put your best face forward?
How do you put your best face forward? It's a question that has been on our minds a lot as we've traveled from Miami to Dallas talking with influencers and beauty bloggers moving the needle forward in the beauty industry.
It's why we hit the road for the Create & Cultivate x Clinique “Best Face Forward” panel. Not only so attendees could receive makeovers and test out the Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer, but so that they could also get inspired by our panelists. Dallas didn't disappoint.
C&C Marketing Director Heather Records was joined onstage by 5 amazing women, who know all about the pressures of a public persona.
Courtney Kerr, is the blogger and influencer and editor of KERRently, a website that showcases her personal style, beauty tips & tricks, favorite recipes, interior design inspiration, travel diaries, & shopping inspiration.
Stephanie Taylor Jackson is a fashion and lifestyle blogger, stylist and content creator for brands.
Ashley Robertson is the founder of The Teacher Diva, a Dallas-based blog about fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.
Amanda Miller is the founder and Dallas-based blogger behind The Miller Affect.
Kate Padgitt is the founder of the fashion blog Lonestar Southern.
They all had their own nuggets of gold to drop. Read through to get inspired by some of our favorites.
ON HOW TO DEAL WITH THE PRESSURE ONLINE
“My self worth can’t be attached to my blog. It can’t be attached to how many followers I have or how many likes I get.”-Kate
“You have to accept that some people are going to like you and some people are going to think you taste like soap.” -Courtney Kerr
“There might be people throwing stones, but guess what? Their arms are going to get tired.”-Courtney Kerr
ON KEEPING IT REAL
"It’s a photo and you don’t know what went into it. Don’t let it make you feel little.”-Kate
“I want my followers to follow me because they like who I am.”-Amanda Miller
"When I'm feeling like Stephanie, when I feel like me, that's when I feel the most beautiful." - Stephanie Taylor Jackson.
ON PUTTING YOUR BEST FACE FOWARD
“It’s all about getting rest and making sure to have to have a balanced meal in order to truly put your best face forward.”-Steph Taylor Jackson
"I love experimenting with the latest brands latest products."-Courtney Kerr
"Beauty is something that I just started diving into late last year, but I'm really enjoying it."-Stepahine Taylor Jackson
'For me, beauty means confidence. There are days where I'm not feeling it, want to put on sweatpants and eat an entire pint of ice cream. I felt like I woke up feeling like Wayne's World. But it's all about confidence. If you fake it, it can allow your confidence to shine through. But also what you feel inside, is what comes out on the outside." -Courtney Kerr
"Anything that inspires me, I find the beauty in."- Kate
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What to Expect from Mary Kay at the Beauty Summit
New product reveals and everything.
Are you ready for a face skincare game-changer from Mary Kay®? You should be. Beauty Summit attendees will be getting the first-look at an exciting new product range designed to help fight the realities of aging. Plus, Mary Kay® will be helping you learn about your skin, destress, and consult with onsite staff all day long. We've only got a few tickets left so be sure to grab yours today to join the fun!
IN THE MORNING
Experience the free radical and stress-fighting juice station.
Kick your day off by taking a step in the direction of well-being. Pick from a selection of juice options and power up for the day.
DURING BREAK
Treat yourself by de-stressing with a shoulder massage.
That’s right. Mary Kay® wants you to de-stress. Part of looking good is feeling good-- from the inside out. And a little shoulder massage is the perfect reminder that you need to take time to relax and focus on self-care.
ALL DAY
The Science of Skincare
Mary Kay® Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Lucy Gildea, will be on hand to answer skincare questions and offer expert advice surrounding the new and exciting launch from Mary Kay®. Bonus! Every attendee will receive a mini set of this new product range!
Be a beauty entrepreneur!
Once you’ve learned all about the amazing new product, the booth will be equipped with iPad station staffed by Mary Kay®. They’ll help attendees to discover more about the brand, and learn about the opportunity to become a consultant.
2:15-2:45 - GO WITH THE GLOW!
Mastering the 10-Minute Face with MARY KAY® Global Makeup Ambassador Luis Casco
Get the beauty tutorial you’ve always wanted. @luiscascomakeup, Mary Kay® Global Makeup Ambassador, will teach attendees how to get their skin glowing from the base up. Luis is a firm believer in your skin being the canvas for your makeup look - and glowing skin is always in!
Can't wait to see you there, don't forget to grab your tickets!
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Hey Karl, You're Not Untouchable
Remember when Chanel put on that "faux feminist" protest?
“Recent months have seen a seismic shift in public discussion of sexual misconduct in the workplace — and the fashion industry is no exception — yet it is clear that we as a society are only just beginning to understand the size and scope of the problem.”
So read the opening to Model Alliance founder Sara Ziff's statement released Wednesday in response to Karl Lagerfeld's “disgraceful comments” in a Numero Magazine interview last week, noting how they “underscore just how much work we still have to do.”
It should be noted that Lagerfeld once insisted to Elle UK, “I’m very much into [feminism], and my mother was also a great admirer of a certain feminist of the 19th century,”
Clearly.
photo credit: Margaret Zhang via Instagram
Ziff said, “While not surprising (Lagerfeld is well-known for offensive comments and body-shaming women for their weight and appearance), Lagerfeld’s assertion that models should ‘join a nunnery’ if they don’t want their pants pulled down is, nonetheless, outrageous.”
She furthered, “Demeaning treatment and pervasive conditions of sexual harassment and abuse have plagued the fashion industry for far too long — and as they are finally coming to light, the people who enable these conditions must be held accountable. Mr. Lagerfeld’s flippant dismissal of reports of abuse, and his characterization of models who have come forward as ‘stupid,’ ‘toxic’ and ‘sordid creatures’ who should quit their profession if they do not like how they are treated surely demands action.”
She continued by asserting the need for her work with The Model Alliance.
“The Model Alliance and its allies refuse to tolerate bullying or abuse — be it physical or verbal — in our industry. The fashion industry should be a place where creativity and self-expression flourishes, and where everyone is treated with dignity and respect on the job. Times have changed — and, with it, fashion’s moral standing and accountability must as well.”
To find out more about Sara and The Model Alliance, Click Here.
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Self Defense: How To Beat Burnout
Slow down, you’re moving too fast.
Slow down, you’re moving too fast. We know. You want to launch the company. Work on your side-hustle. Make both work. But in trying to do it all, you’re DIY’ing your own burnout.
Seriously. Do any of the below apply to you?
- You catch yourself falling asleep at the desk often.
- You can’t stop thinking about work/you’re having stress dreams about spreadsheets.
- Your stress is causing back pain or migraines.
- You’re not performing on the job, even though you’re at max output.
- Once you get home you’re having difficulty sleeping.
- You’re not enjoying things that you used to.
A recent piece in the New Yorker discussed a bit of what we’re seeing: There is an “American obsession with self-reliance, which makes it more acceptable to applaud an individual for working themselves to death.” It continues, “There’s a painful distance between the chipper narratives surrounding labor and success in America and the lived experience of workers.”
Are we chipper or are we being chipped away at? Mental health is a huge player in this wellbeing game.
So if you answered yes to any of the above, it’s time to get in the practice of self-betterment.
Here are 5 tips to improve your mental health.
Get into a morning routine
From waking up at the same time, to making sure you’re drinking one cup of water for every cup of coffee you down, there’s more than one way to ensure you start the day off right.
For starters, WelleCo’s hero product, their Super Elixir Greens is the perfect and easiest way to drink yourself to good health at the start of your day. Simply mix 2 teaspoons with water or add to your morning smoothie. New fact: If you drink coffee first, make sure to wait at least a ½ hour, as caffeine will inhibit nutrient absorption!
Benefits of this morning must are: Gut health, digestive function, energy, immune system support, bone health, muscle repair, metabolic function, endurance, liver function, healthy skin elasticity, cognitive function, free radical elimination. Need we say more?
The better your morning practice, the better the rest of the day. Speaking of practice...
Practice gratitude
Gratitude is a habit. It’s your best ally, capable of improving mental, physical, and relational well-being, all of which are necessary tent-poles for mental health. Think of each (mental, physical, and relational) as big budget blockbusters of your own life that you want to invest in. You will build equity in yourself. They will support the rest of your life. How you improve each of these tent-poles is through gratitude.
Spend ten minutes before you leave the house in the morning focusing on a mantra of your own making. This mantra can change from day-to-day or it can remain a constant. For instance, if you are grateful for your health, train your mind’s eye on that happiness. They key is practice.
Maintain your diet
It’s called protein for a reason-- it’s a pro at keeping your energy up and your body balanced. If you’re looking for an easy way to keep your protein levels up, WelleCo has a plant-based nourishing protein powder.
The WelleCo Nourishing Protein powder does not contain whey, hormones or artificial fillers. It is also much more than a protein, with both pre and probiotics for gut health, rosehip for vitamin C and skin and dandelion for liver health. More so, they contain metabolism boosters to help you maintain a healthy weight. Bonus: for days when you’re RUSHING everywhere, they can be used as a meal replacement, so you don’t end up drained and undernourished. Instead, it’s a quick and nourishing way to keep you going.
Laugh
Science has proven that laughter is the best medicine in many cases. Laughter is proven to decrease stress hormones. It also triggers the release of endorphins, inside feel-good chemicals. Seriously, laughter is an inside (the body) job that benefits you in so many ways on the outside.
Stress down, feel-goods up? Go follow your favorite meme account and if you’re going to spend time on social media, spend some of that time laughing.
Sleep
Things to remember: your wallet, keys, and gratitude practice.
Things to forget: that old adage, “you can sleep when you’re dead.”
Not so, sweet angels! Our bodies need sleep to repair the work we’ve done during the day. But when our brains and bodies are racing (ahem, those days when we grab a WelleCo Nourishing Protein Smoothie for lunch), it can be hard to hit the breaks. First stop on the sleep train is a calming tea. WelleCo’s Sleep Welle Calming tea is your new nightcap. It is an effective blend of herbs to assist with sleep, anxiety and stress. Pour yourself a ‘cuppa and crawl on into bed!
Okay, all this sounds great in theory but how do we actually practice it IRL? We tapped two entrepreneurial boss ladies for their tips and best practices to keep their mental health on point.
First, Fran Hauser, startup investor and the author of “The Myth of the Nice Girl,” started taking the Super Elixir to assist her on an upcoming busy, busy (yep, a book launch, for one) time, without totally forgetting her well-being.
And Elle Macpherson, supermodel and co-founder of WelleCo. The co-founder says, “Since taking 2 teaspoons a day and adopting a predominantly plant-based diet, I have had more energy and felt healthier than ever. It made me realize the profound impact food can have on the way I feel. It has transformed my life.”
Check out their advice below:
What’s the first thing you do when you notice your energy running on E?
Elle: First thing I do is stop… take 5 mins… quiet, close my eyes, breath 10 counts in, 11 out. For nourishment, my reliable go-to is always a WelleCo Nourishing plant protein chocolate smoothie with homemade almond milk or water plus avocado and a scoop of greens mixed in. Our protein is formulated with organic sprouted brown rice and pea protein that provides all 9 essential amino acids give energy levels a good boost.
If I’m craving something to eat, I might have fresh organic almond butter with celery. A great tip I learned from Dr Simone Laubscher PhD is eating walnuts. She loves it because it is complete protein snack that is brilliant for brain function. Eating 12 to 15 walnut halves give you 95 per cent of your daily essential fatty acids. Good reason to eat them every day!
Fran: I get up and move. Even if its a short walk around the block or some simple stretching. Sometimes I watch a funny video of my kids; I find laughter to be a great way to get my energy up!
How do you encourage your team to take things one step at a time, and avoid burning out?
Fran: I think the key to not burning out is to create boundaries around your time. I do this by being really clear about what my priorities are and being comfortable saying no when an ask is outside of my priorities. I think the best way to encourage my team to do this is by modeling this behavior myself.
I think the key to not burning out is to create boundaries around your time.
What are some routines or habits you have that help you stay on top of your mental health game?
Elle: 1. Take time out. I try and incorporate an activity to de-stress every day, whether it’s meditation, swimming laps, yoga or walking my dogs Bella and Moon.
2. Laughter. I love to laugh. I don’t look for it from entertainment, it comes from my friends and family. I find laughter opens the heart and smooths conflict. Almost everything can be resolved with a healthy dose of humor.
3. Running alkaline. Every morning, I mix WelleCo SUPER ELIXIR Greens with filtered water. It’s a big boost of nutrients that help support all 11 systems of the body, from my immune and liver systems to cognitive function and healthy skin. It makes me feel calm and happy knowing that my body is not inflamed and fuelled up with everything it needs for the day ahead.
4. Trust yourself. Leading a busy lifestyle with a detail-orientated mind, I have learned to use my intuition more, but for this, I need to slow down and pause often throughout the day. Remember, you can’t see your reflection on running water.
5. Sleep! Good quality sleep is a big priority for me. I make sure I get seven hours’ sleep a night. I like to make a pot of WelleCo SLEEP WELLE Calming Tea and sip it before bed. It is formulated with valerian, hops, and skullcap that when combined, help calm the body and mind. If I have slept soundly, I wake the next morning feeling calm, replenished and mentally ready to face the day.
Interested in getting in on the WelleCo gain? Use code CREATEHEALTH for free shipping on orders over $50.
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Beauty Game Musts this Festival Season
Six ways to look fresh and fierce.
Let’s be honest: do you love festival season for the music, or for the fabulous beauty looks? If you said both, you’re a Nature's Bounty® Hair, Skin & Nails kind of girl. You know that the looks debuted in Palm Springs this month set the tone for summer beauty trends, and you know that taking care of your hair, skin and nails will create a healthy foundation from within for your latest creative look!
This past weekend, Nature’s Bounty joined us at the Create & Cultivate Desert Pop Up Event in Palm Springs, where we had a day full of fun, food, beauty and conversation, not to mention, guests got some super chic pink manicures with adorable festival-inspired stickers to kick off festival season the right way.
Thanks to our friends and partners at Nature's Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails, we’ve put together five beauty routine “musts” to prep for festival season, and one beauty challenge, should you accept it.
GET YOURSELF A SETTING POWDER
We all know that festival season brings out the heat, and a sweaty debut isn’t our favorite look. Purchase a setting powder with SPF (yes that Palm Springs sun is no joke) that mattifies, shines and sets makeup. Key for long days in the desert. Its sweat-resistant formula will also smooth your skin’s appearance and reduce shine. Plus, it’s easy to re-apply through the day.
MANI GALORE
We all know un-manicured nails are no fun (re: boring). Spice up your look with a fun splash of color, and make sure your nail game is strong. The best part about festival season is that you have free reign to be bold and daring! So show us what you got!
GUMMY POWER
If you want to look and feel the part this festival season, it’s important to remember that beauty starts from within! While of course doing things like applying your daily moisturizer and sunscreen will always be key, don’t forget to nurture your inner beauty as well.
Nature’s Bounty® Hair, Skin & Nails Gummies are a delicious addition to your beauty game! These gummy vitamins work from within to support lustrous hair, healthy nails and vibrant skin.*
If you’re new to taking vitamins and supplements and want to test things out first before adding to your beauty routine, check out the Nature's Bounty® Hair, Skin & Nails Challenge, which is a great way to try Hair, Skin, & Nails Gummies or Softgels for one month, risk-free. By providing the vital nutrients your body needs everyday including Biotin, Vitamin C and E, Nature's Bounty is helping you look and feel your best*. Consider it an essential part of anyone’s festival prep routine (you can thank us later)!
UNDER EYE MASK IT
If you want a fresh-face with your braid, but you don’t have time to get up on the zzz’s, a gel eye mask can really do wonders. Eye masks can hydrate and moisturize the delicate eye area for an immediate de-puff effect. With a cooling effect, skin under the eyes is left feeling comforted and refreshed whilst arnica extract helps reduce appearance of baggy eyes and puffiness for an instantly brighter eyed appearance. A gel eye mask treatment is a great idea to prep the under eye area before a big event.
NO MASCARA, NO PROBLEM
If you want to be able to hop from pool party to pool party without reapplying mascara (or, le sigh, having it run down your face) take a hour pre-festival and get your lashes done. There are plenty of spots where you can nab a full or half set of mink lashes. They last for up to six weeks and will actually have people asking, "Did you wake up like that?"
IF YOU’RE FLYING IN
Make sure to hydrate. A lack of fluids can leave you looking tired after a long flight-- and that’s the last thing you want. Plus, the more you hydrate, the more you glow.
What are your beauty tips for festival season? Share in the comments below! And be sure to take the Nature’s Bounty Hair, Skin & Nails Challenge.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
photo credit: Becki Smith House Photo
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