4th Annual if I had a Christmas Wishlist

Ohhhh laaawwwwddd gawdd, I have not written a blog post in a year. I am sorry. But, follow me on the Insta machine if you do not already, I am BASICALLY blogging there. This really is my favorite blog post every single year, so yeah, didn’t wanna miss it and ignore my little blog in all of 2017. And, I shit you not, I get text messages about this bad boy. Texts from ladies who would like to pass this list off to their partners. Shit you not.

And yes, selfishly it is for me. Enjoy and happy mother fucking holidays y’all!

The Connection Between Blogging and Index Trading: An Unlikely Link

It’s funny how sometimes the most unlikely things can be connected, and the relationship between a personal blog and index trading is a great example of this. You might wonder what the two have in common, considering one is about sharing personal experiences and the other is about financial markets. However, they both share some surprising similarities when you dig deeper.

Blogging: A Platform for Personal Expression

Blogging, especially when it’s as personal as the one mentioned in the post, is all about expressing yourself and sharing your thoughts with the world. It’s a space where creativity, personal insights, and experiences come together. Many bloggers, like the one in the message, have a deep connection to their platform, often posting annually about things they care about, such as favorite holiday traditions or tips for partners. This creates a sense of community and interaction with the audience, leading to direct messages and feedback.

Index Trading: A Structured Approach to Investment

On the other hand, index trading might seem like a world apart index trading. Index trading involves the buying and selling of financial instruments that track the performance of a group of stocks in a specific index, like the S&P 500 or the NASDAQ. It's all about analysis, strategy, and careful decision-making. It might seem dry or analytical compared to the carefree expression of blogging, but they share an underlying principle: both require knowledge, timing, and understanding of patterns.

Common Thread: Engagement and Strategy

The common thread between blogging and index trading lies in engagement and strategy. Successful bloggers and traders both need to understand their audience (whether it’s readers or market trends) and engage with them in meaningful ways. Just like how bloggers must be in tune with the interests and feedback from their followers, index traders need to be aware of market behaviors, making strategic decisions based on knowledge and timing.

Both fields, though seemingly unrelated, are driven by passion, engagement, and a certain degree of calculated risk-taking. Whether you’re writing about your favorite holiday moments or investing in a stock market index, the key to success lies in understanding your environment and making thoughtful, informed decisions.

Conclusion: The Surprising Parallel

In conclusion, while blogging and index trading operate in entirely different worlds, they both require a deep understanding of patterns, audience engagement, and timely actions. Whether it’s about creating meaningful content for readers or making informed investment choices, the principles of strategy and awareness connect the two in surprising ways.

COFFEE THINGS

Epica Automatic Electric Milk Frother and Heater Carafe

So, I used to have a really good milk frother but it was a son of a bitch to clean, this claims that it is SUPER easy to clean. So, winning. And I NEEEED a milk frother. For sure.

http://amzn.to/2BAfHcq

I Don’t Work Here. Coffee Mug by Bando. (But really, ask any of my coworkers…)

http://amzn.to/2BE1iYQ

Literally anything from ModernMud Ceramics. LITERALLY ANYTHING.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/ModernMud?ref=condensed_trust_header_title_items

Coffee Mug To Go

http://amzn.to/2krjUHZ

HOUSE THINGS

Hello Robot making my life better I NEED THIS.

Yes, hi. I work a lot and mother a lot, and this would be DOPE.

ECOVACS DEEBOT N79 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner with Strong Suction, for Low-pile Carpet, Hard floor, Wi-Fi Connected << I mean.. YAAASSSSS

http://amzn.to/2Abs3n6

Jax Kelly Candle

(For the dopest witch in yo life.)

Ummm the whole set would be dope…. Anything from this shop will absolutely do to help round out my altar and offerings. I mean my collection of things.

But also, this would do…

World’s Most Amazing House Flippers (size 39 or 40 pleassseeee)

The Citizenry – ABRIGO BED BLANKET (this store makes my heart SO WARM)

https://www.the-citizenry.com/collections/blankets/products/abrigo-bed-blanket?variant=28179049161

PAMPAS LEATHER SQUARE PILLOW x 2

These would just look real dope on my grey couch 🙂

https://www.the-citizenry.com/collections/pillows/products/pampas-leather-throw-pillow

THINGS TO WEAR…

Yaaassssss….

Reformation Dress

I just want you all to know that NOTHING fits quite like a Reformation Dress. They just know how to dress a lady. And this lady has some things up in the trunk. So yeah. Indulge yourself, and buy something from a really amazing company. https://www.thereformation.com/products/onyx-dress-grey

High Cigarette Jeans (28 please)

https://www.thereformation.com/products/high-cigarette-jean-salton

Madewell High Rise Jeans

Literally, Madewell. I love you. A lot. Thank you. No really, thank you.

https://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/DENIMBAR/highriseskinnyjeans/PRDOVR~F8990/F8990.jsp

Chunky Sweater

https://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/SWEATERS/pullovers/PRDOVR~H3385/H3385.jsp

Adidas Crop Hoodie

Hello, why would I NOT NEED THIS?

http://amzn.to/2B7BAPt

Husband… (They sell Raw by Olivia Mar at Thistle in OB, just an FYI.)

https://rawbyoliviamar.com/rings/aquamarine-ring

ALL THE (almost) GREEN BEAUTY THINGS

Okay. For the most part my beauty routine is rather green. But ish is expensive, so I have tried all of these brands at some point, but have some indulgences included I have always wanted to try. This actually needs an entire post dedicated to my green beauty bag, but for now, these are the things I am dying for. x x

Really Good Splurge on Anti-Aging oil (cheaper than botox)

INDIE LEE SWISS APPLE SERUM

To be clear, anything Indie Lee makes I would like on my face. Fact.

“A revolutionary anti-aging serum designed to even the skin tone, reduce appearance of wrinkles, and preserve a youthful appearance. Formulated with the stem cells of a rare Swiss apple, this combination of rich proteins, phytonutrients, and protects your skin from environmental stress.” << STEM CELLS, BRAUGH

Rosehip Cleanser

http://indielee.com/shop/rosehip-cleanser

“Harnessing the power of vitamin-rich rosehip oil, this gentle yet indulgent cleanser and eye makeup remover soothes skin to help slow the signs of aging, preserve moisture, and improve the appearance of redness and rosacea prone skin.”

Heritage Store Rosewater & Glycerin (STILL THE BEST THERE IS I SWEAR)

Can someone get me in touch with the marketing department so I can redo all of their packaging, I swear I could make them milllllionnns.) 🙂

GOAT: http://amzn.to/2kXw8Zj

Cleansing Oil – One Love Organics

https://shop.oneloveorganics.com/products/vitamin-b-cleansing-oil-makeup-remover

Fortified Eye Repair – Holistic Science Co

I love this shit SOOOO much. And this shop. If you live in San Diego, GO TO THERE IMMEDIATELY.http://www.theholisticscienceco.com/fortified-eye-repair-rx-1oz/

Anything from RMS Beauty, and if you do not have the luminizer yet, get it. But I especially need this:

RMS VINTAGE CAKE LINER

https://www.rmsbeauty.com/products/vintage-cake-liner

This eye Beautycounter shadow duo… and feel free to support my girl Kirista Berry.

https://www.beautycounter.com/cosmetics/eyes/color-shade-eye-duo.html

This lip balm is EVERYTHING.https://www.beautycounter.com/skin-care/eye-lip-care/lip-conditioner-calendula-balm.html

Fresh Face Foundation (in Optimal for moi)

Dude, this brand from my homeland of Sweden is everything…

https://www.facestockholm.com/fsproduct/fresh-face-foundation/

This Lip + Eye Palette from Face Stokholm

https://www.facestockholm.com/fsproduct/legacy-wheel/

NATIVE DEODORANT

I was told THIS natural deodorant actually works, and I am DYING to try it. Holistic Science Co. for the record is still my tried and true fave.

https://www.nativecos.com/product/deodorant-women/

Hair Straightener. Yup. Straight 2003.

http://amzn.to/2BaqcTl

L’Oreal Professional Expert Serie Multipurpose Spray

Shout out to my ahmazing hair dress Julie Withers, she would like you all to know that if she could have her clients buy ANY ONE THING for the health of their hair, it is this product. THANKS JULES!http://amzn.to/2B6yGu7

Books + Hobbies

A Return to Lovehttp://amzn.to/2Be1QIo

Radical Medicine (STILL ON MY XMAS WISHLIST Y’ALL)

http://amzn.to/2AawOgz

Membership to the Secco Wine Club Please 🙂 Do you know how much sugar and pesticides are in American wine? Dude, did you?

https://www.seccowineclub.com/

That’s it y’all!

x to the ohhh, Whitters!

See you next December!

3rd Annual If I Had a Christmas Wish List…

November 22, 2016

It’s the most wonderful post of the year! Due to popularity amongst my own family, my wish list is back and better than EVAAHHH! Enjoy.

Here are editions one and two (links probably don’t work but some good ideas, STILL!)

Haute Mamas

For all the moms you have on your list…

Backpack

I LOVE backpacks. I am always on the go with work and kids and shit, so they are basically the best ever. I am due for a new pretty one because my damn lululemon ones keep breaking. So I have narrowed down my list to two front runners. One is slightly more affordable than the other.

honest city backpack

Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack

A Really Good Point and Shoot Camera. I literally must have this.

Sleep.

Sleep. (No but really, pay for a sitter and let a girl sleep.)

ALL OF THE THINGS from THE REFORMATION

Hot Rollers! (MUST have hot rollers for busy mama mornings. I have some that I do not love and I need these jumbo mamas.)

Oh, and these slippers…

Something Pretty…

Like really, really pretty

Something dope from Child of Wild

Sweat Obsessed

Sweet Nikes… And these will do….

These. Duh.

And This.

These Pants

screen-shot-2016-11-22-at-1-30-37-pm

Coffee Things (I already have a grinder and pot, but I need these now…)

MILK FROTHER!

81p7-tbxo2l-_sl1500_

Copper Gooseneck Kettle

Copper Dripper for Single Servings

Hario V60 Copper Measuring Spoon

A Couple of the Mugs…

For the Hippies…

Birkenstocks. Duh.

I have been wanting to add this Book to my hippie shit collection of books for a LONG LONG time.

Okay these next two, I already have, and literally they are LIFE CHANGING. So I am adding them to my list because YOU NEED them. They are literally the shit.

Squatty Potty

Tushy

Errrm, I couldn’t find a photo, and if you searched Tushy porn comes up sooooo. But basically it’s a spray for your bum, after you poo. It’s the SHIT. Get it.

ONE LAST THING!

Some of you may know that I lost my aunt Connie a week ago. She worked as a lobbyist for Planned Parenthood for nearly 30 years, literally fighting for the healthcare and rights of so many needing humans in our country. So, instead of gifts, I honestly would LOVE for you to make a donation in her name if you do not mind. Connie Perpich. With love! Click here.

Primal Lactation Cookies: low carb – high fat – paleoish – primal – WAPF

July 30, 2016

Milk My Bitties! – Primal Lactation Cookies

I love cookies. Like, I love cookies. But who the eff doesn’t? The thing is, living this whole low carb, low sugar, grain free life makes cookie loving rather difficult. I have experimented with cookie and baked good recipes extensively over the past five years. I have succeeded, and I have FAILED. Like, really really failed in my attempt to combine baking with health/my idea of eating healthy. The difficult part is, I personally have developed a palate that really does not like as much sugar, so my idea of a yummy cookie is a far cry from that of my hubs’. So when I bake things for others, he has to taste them, because he USUALLY spits my creations out.

So anyways, the rant is basically to tell you that THESE cookies are really, really good and really really FILLED with nutrients that nursing mamas need. Like GOOD fats and FIBER and chocolate.

I kept them LOW SUGAR LOW CARB, but you could easily add more maple syrup, or coconut sugar to suit your own palette. You could cut the almond flour in half and replace with coconut flour instead. The combinations to add flavors are endless. This is my gift to nursing moms and moms to be who want to be primal/paleoish and low carb (or not… really!) I’ve tried adding strawberries (delightful) dried apricots (yummmm) and yeah all are delightful. SO ENJOY!!

And shit, moms, new moms especially deserve a goddam cookies. #nomnomnom

x to the ohhhh, Whitters

Ingredients (makes about 18 cookies)

3 eggs
1/2 cup flaxseed meal
1/2 cup almond flour or meal
1/4 cup hemp seeds (optional, I added for protein)
1/4 cup brewers yeast
1/2 cup coconut oil or grassfed butter, melted (prefer actually a 1/4 cup of each)
1/2 cup coconut butter (I replaced this with almond butter and peanut butter in different batches, both were delightful!)
2 tablespoons gelatin bloomed in water (optional but SO good for you)
1/4 cup coconut sugar (could replace with 3 tablespoons of maple syrup, or add more coconut sugar to make them sweeter, this is to keep them low sugar / low carb)(I made these for a friend with 1/4 cup of maple syrup and they were really good, and SHE eats sugar.)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 cup favorite chocolate chips (I like Lily’s sweetened with Stevia)

Directions

1. In a small bowl combine the flaxseed meal, almond flour, coconut sugar, sea salt and brewers yeast. Mix to combine.

2. Melt your coconut oil or butter in a small pan.

3. Mix the vanilla into the coconut oil or butter and eggs.

4. Pour the wet into the dry ingredients bowl.

5. Mix to combine.

6. Add the chocolate chips last and mix it all up.

7. Bake at 350 for 12 minutes. Keep refridgerated and try not to eat them all in two days. GUILTY.

I promise, these cookies help my milks which helps my little Teddy bear. xo

P.S. Have you tried my pregnancy anti-nausea cookies? xo

Natural Deodorant Review : The Holistic Science Co

April 6, 2016

I cannot tell you how many natural deodorants I have tried. Or better, how much money I have wasted in sitting in my own stank.So, I have tried deodorant rocks, coconut oil, Primal Pit, Tom’s brand, Burt’s Bees, and alas going without << worst decision of them all .And then I met The Holistic Science Co., which is luckily local to me in San Diego. I love them. I love what they are about, function, performance, ingredient integrity, oh and they’re whole brand is really fucking pretty.

I’m sorry, I love pretty shit. Oh, and this, just this,

Inspired by the healing wonders of the earth and the remedial properties of precious herbs and botanicals, The Holistic Science Co. was established to deliver healing experiences for the mind, body and soul. We started with one mission: to consistently create and offer a unique line of exceptional skin and body products using time-honored remedies and the finest natural ingredients. Plant-based and free from animal testing, our personal care and beauty products are 100% handcrafted from scratch at our shop in San Diego, CA. Created by and for people who choose natural elements over artificial, our formulas contain no animal byproducts, carcinogens, petrochemicals, irritants, toxins or artificial colors. Our commitment to holistic practices extends far beyond personal care formulation to a passion for home-grown sustainability, a cleaner global environment and, of course, personal well-being. – Holistic Science Co

What I love about this natural deodorant

It works.
It works all day.
It feels AMAZING.
It smells delicious.
ROLLER APPLICATION not a pit paste jar blehhhh
The ingredients are fabulous, non-toxic, cruelty free, vegan and only ever tested on unicorns

I can honestly tell you that this is one of the very few products I do not have anything bad to say. I smell fine after a long day, I never catch a whiff of my own self, and if you are a hippie like me, you have BEEN there.

<<Fact. One time my girlfriend, raised my arm smelled my pit and said, bitch you need new deodorant. We were on a cruise, in Mexico, for her bachelorette which is a whole NOTHA level, but yeah, I retired my Tom’s right there in the Baja.>>

So really, that’s it. I love this deodorant, I love this company. From my research and in talking to them, they really do their very best to create HOLISTIC products that also work. And, they are not sponsoring this post in any way shape or form, I just am throwing some love at some shit that I done LOVE.

With that, go take a bath, and shave your armpits, please. But, I mean if you don’t want to I get it. Just not for me.

x to the ohhhh!

Whitters

F*CK Botox: Skin Tightening + Moisturizing Mask

March 23, 2016

Here’s the thing, I cannot promise I will never get Botox, but I WOULD really like to never get it, because, let’s talk about long term effects? Anyone have any data? No. Great.

Well, I am super duper into green beauty, so I am just here to share some shit I have found to be helpful. Up today, skin tightening mask that you can make from shit in your kitchen already. Two ingredients. Honey and organic, full FAT yogurt. (Preferably grass-fed or pasture raised, but organic and full fat will suffice.)

CHEAP AND EFFECTIVE DIY FACE MASK TO REMOVE DARK SPOTS

GREEN BEAUTY HACKS + FAVORITE BRANDS

DIY Beauty Skin Tightening Mask

Equal parts honey and yogurt, this might be my most favorite mask of all time. Maybe because it is also one of my favorite snacks? But really, it helps you tighten your skin. So do it.

Yogurt for your face

Yogurt is loaded with vitamins and minerals that nourish and revitalize dehydrated skin. If you have acne-prone skin, use yogurt face masks to banish those pesky pimples. Yogurt (like most dairy products) contains lactic acid (a natural form of Alpha-Hydroxy Acid), which exfoliates and smooths out your skin by gently dissolving the dead cells on the surface and stimulating cell-turnover. It is rumored to soften your skin and helps you to prevent wrinkles, WITHOUT THE BOTOX. So we hope.

Honey

Honey fights bacteria and the high sugar content robs bacteria of the water they need to survive. Use honey, not chemicals. Okay, honey?

How to

Yogurt and Honey Mask

1. Wash your face.

(My fave is the beautycounter routine clean)

2. Exfoliate your face with a scrub.

(My fave is the Facial Scrub from the Holistic Science Co.)

3. Rinse with warm water OR steam it to open up your pores.

4. Mix equal parts yogurt and honey and leave on thirty to forty minutes. To nourish your body from the inside out.

(Get you some grass-fed, organic and FULL FAT yogurt and some LOCAL honey.)

x to the ohhh, Whitters

green beauty overnight firming and lightening mask

March 15, 2016

So, I posted on the insta last night I was trying this mask and did not want to share the recipe unless I believed in it. So, I tried it. Loved it. AND it’s on my face again tonight. So I wanted to share the recipe.

DIY overnight firming and lightening mask

Mix together:
- 1 tbsp almond oil or coconut oil (almond is a better FIRMING agent, but sticky)
- 10 drops of lemon essential or about a tablespoon of fresh lemon (I think fresh lemon is more effective)
Rub thoroughly all over your face AND NECK, and then apply some extra to any trouble spots BUT be careful around your eyes
Sleep
Good morning beautiful!

x to the ohhh,

Whitters

Green Beauty Hacks + Favorite Brands

March 10, 2016

Green Beauty Hacks

If there is one thing I have noticed about myself in the past few months it is that I am incredibly passionate about green beauty. Green beauty kind of goes hand in hand with eating well, taking care of your body, feeling wonderful inside and out, oh and giving a shit about the planet.

See posts

Here’s the thing that I discovered on my path to green beauty which is ever evolving; green beauty products are difficult to find and you will spend a ton of money finding effective products if you do not have recommendations to go off of.

Fact. I have tried cleansing my face with only coconut oil and apple cider vinegar, BLEGH, made my own body whips, made countless masks, and gone weeks without makeup in the name of clear and radiant skin. Essentially I have bio-hacked my face in the realm of being green. So today I thought I would share with you my very favorite green beauty hacks. Because there is simply no greater accessory than beautiful skin. (That sounded WAY less lame in my head though.) And there is nothing less glamorous than trying a DIY face mask that stains your skin and gives you a rash. YEEEE! BEEN THERE. Allow me to save you some agony.

Two disclaimers before diving in:

Numero uno – I have good skin genes. My mom has great skin AND she taught me how to have great skin. My brother on the other hand suffered from some wicked acne! So gene expression, luck, who the F knows. What I do know is that my half Swedish/Norwegian and half mutt gene pool gave me some nice skin. But, it is incredibly, incredibly sensitive. IE I will get hives if someone washes my clothes in Tide. I basically need Baby Detergent. Oh, and this is my favorite detergent of all time, if you give a shit. It is literally the best smelling detergent ever in the history of man without being full of crap.

Numero dos – Anything I link to on this page I will receive an itty bitty buy me cappuccino in 5 years type of commission with. And, I did get into bed with one company in particular I really believe in, but more on that later. Please know, that I am super super selective with the companies that I work with. I have turned down many brands that wanted to pay me for content, simply because I would personally never consume their products. SO, anything I point you to, I actually use, would use or would give to my family.

My Top Green Beauty Hacks

Wash your face every night before bed

My mom told me once that your skin ages 20 days for every night you go to bed without washing your face. I have no idea how accurate this is, but I have washed my face AND flossed my teeth, may I add, every night before going to sleep since about age 12 I want to say…

Old Wives Tale: Warm your face up with warm water to open the pores, wash and get the shit out, and then rinse with COLD water to close the pores back up. My college softball coach’s momma taught me this one, and at 80 something, this gorgeous woman had GORGEOUS skin. So, that’s how I wash my face every single day.

Exfoliate at least once a week

This one is totally new for me and I really, REALLY think it has made a difference in my skin in the last year I would say. You could buy a scrub to do this, you could make a scrub, you could use a hand towel. You just really want to get rid of dirt and old skin as much as possible so your skin renews itself. (<< Holy shit, does L’oreal need any copywriters? I sound like an advertisement.)
Moisturize.

Moisturize. Moisturize. Moisturize. If you want soft supple skin, lather yourself in toxin, chemical free moisturizer. For a really long time I only used coconut oil. Now, I use Weleda and beautycounter as my daily moisturizers, and I am feeling supple my friend. Supple.

Oh and moisturize your decolletage. Your decolletage is basically your neck down to your chest. DO it. Fun fact: I once wrote all site content for a major pharmaceutical grade skincare line, and you would not BELIEVE how much money they make off of their decolletage products. Everyone neglects it.

Beauty Tip: Add moisture to your skin BEFORE you moisturize. I like to spray my face with some sort of hydrating flower water, like rose, lavender or jasmine water, and then I add the moisturizer. It just really helps you sop up the delightfulness.

Less is more

Wear less makeup. I really do not understand the contouring game. I could not do it if I tried. I legit watched about five how-to do a cat eye vids on the YouTube before finding a trick I can actually master. And by master I mean I do it when I wear eyeliner which is not often. And by not often I mean once a month-ish?

The more makeup you wear particularly if it is full of chemicals and crap, the more your skin will suffer. It just will. I love natural beauty, play that up. You know who else does? Every man I have ever met. I will ask my best friend the lesbian what her opinion is here, too. (<< Fact: Lipstick Lesbians have the best nicknames in my opinion. I am sure it can be considered offensive, but if I were gay and someone were to be like oh yeah, Whitney, she’s a Lipstick Lesbian, for sure, I would be like yeah I dig that.)

The only makeup I wear basically everyday is this

Tinted Moisturizer (beautycounter) or BB Cream (pacifica but the coverage is not as good)
Mascara (pacifica, but I need a new one, I don’t love it)
Blush (inika)
Eyebrow (beautycounter)
Lip balm (coconut oil and I am obsessed with Trader Joe’s peppermint one they made)

If I have a business encounter or a date, I will add foundation, MAYBE concealer, lipstick and POSSIBLY liquid eyeliner but no promises.

Experiment with masks

When my skin needs some love, I love to make my own masks. Masks are like my former secret singles behavior that I now just shamelessly rock at home in front of the hubs. I think they are effective, but they will not be a solution if the rest of your beauty game is crap.

charcoal mask My favorite masks are these:

Start thinking Inside Out

If you eat like shit, your skin will look like shit. There actually is no way around this. BUT, I will say, up your consumption of fermented foods and bone broth if you can hack it. Why broth? Bone broth contains collagen which creams like to tout, but it’s a pretty dirty rumor that your body cannot absorb collagen topically. Why fermented foods? Probiotics. Probiotics are amazing for the bacteria that haunts your skin.

Now the only problem I have in self-experimentation is that I do not control for variables. So in the last three years or so I have really gone really green in my beauty products, and in the last 6 months I have REALLY upped my consumption of fermented foods and tonics. Like my beloved beet kvass which I have every single day, twice a day. My skin has never been better. Neither has my waistline, YEAAOOW!!

Find brands you love and support them

Dude. There are some bad green brands out there, meaning you could end up looking like a drag queen who just took the first stab at doing her own makeup, not yet a Geish, without a dragmother, and who does not know the first rule about cooking her makeup. Translation = you is gonna look busted.

So, I have had some great brands and some bad, bad ones. The brands I love are

Pacifica BB Cream Lipstick
Bare Minerals liquid foundation (mixed reviews on their greenness and ethics, I have heard)
Inika (Concealer, Blush and Mineral Powder for a super night out)
And finally, the brand I am in bed with: beautycounter.

A while ago a friend of a friend gave me a little sample of beauty counter and I was instantly drawn in by their packaging. Flawless. Ingredients. Flawless. Conscious. Having been asked to try Nerium a million times and HATING the chemicals they use and knowing about 16 million people who sell beach body, I was really reluctant to even try the product. I was like, blegghhhh I already have a jar of coconut oil, essential oils, yogurt, and a few hippy brands I love, I don’t need shit! But, then I tried it, fell in love. Ran out of my sample pack and decided I needed more and needed to share it with the world. So, now I guess I am a consultant, meaning yes, you can buy this shit from me. But I would prefer to call myself a green beauty hustler, so that is the title I am going to give myself.

beautycounter faves

Tinted Moisturizer
Lipstick in nude
All facial care products. Literally all of them. I will have them all.

my beautycounter page

And, onwards. Those are my hacks. Those are honestly my favorite brands. And if you have a favorite mascara can you let a girl know because I have yet to find THE one.

P.S. If you give a shit about eating organic real food, you should start giving a shit about using real beauty products on the largest organ of your entire body. (Chelsea, the self-proclaimed hypocritical hippie, I am looking at you, bitch. Put down the Chanel, and walk away, slowly.)

x to the ohhh,

Whitters

Program Review: Baby Knows Best (an intro to first foods)

March 9, 2016

review! baby knows best :: an intro to first foods

You may remember the lovely Carley of Oh Baby Nutrition from my previous post of her. If not, take a gander, she is amazing. I love literally anything she touches because she does so with knowledge, compassion and beauty. Beauty in that everything she creates is really well done AND thoughtful. So, I have been STALKING her for the release of Baby Knows Best (an intro to first foods), and it is FINALLY HERE.

Here’s the thing, I received it in my inbox today, already read through everything and watched the video, and again I am SO impressed. Carley, you have my heart.

And, you should know I am not receiving any type of compensation for this post. She gracefully gifted me the guide and is so kindly offering all of my readers.

What I loved

Super easy to read
Relatable
Beautiful to look at
Her voice is wonderful and soothing on the video
The 40-minute video explains SO SO much and so well done
An amazing place for ANYONE to start regardless of your food knowledge, beliefs, etc.
She makes you feel like you are simply evolving your baby, and not shaming you for whatever you may have previously believed
She makes a SUPER compelling case for baby led food weaning

What I want more of

All of her recipes
One on one time with her (I want to be her real life friend. If I lived in Vancouver, I would just sit at her house and raid her fridge.)

Baby Led Food Weaning

What is it? Exactly as it sounds, the baby is in charge of eating food as he/she is ready. Baby eats what you eat, basically. You want to avoid purees and allow the baby to eat a mixture of soft finger foods. ALL OF WHICH, Carlie explains beautifully in her guide. We do actually do some purees with Teddy bear, but for the most part, he eats what I eat.

“In short, Baby Led Weaning (BLW) is skipping thin and runny purées and not feeding your baby with a spoon. Baby Led Weaning means offering your baby (age appropriate) foods that are soft-cooked and cut or mashed into small easily manageable pieces.” (source)

Bottom Line

If you are pregnant, want to have babies, have a small baby who will soon be thinking of solids, you need this guide in your life. Purchase it, download it, save it and thank me later. I really, really, REALLY wish I had this when Wynston was born. We did not do the baby led food weaning way of eating, and he is the PICKIEST man you ever did meet. Teddy on the other hand is 8 months old and will eat basically anything, ANY GODDAM thing you put in front of him.

Carley is being super generous and gifting my readers 10% using the code “glitter” at checkout. Friend, her guide is worth it full price. And then some. Trust me, solid foods are more daunting than breastfeeding or even sleep training, when you are clueless. Get her guide.

babies know best

an intro to first foods

x to the ohhh,

Whitters

My Favorite At-Home Gym Equipment

February 25, 2016

Here’s the thing, bodyweight workouts are my jam. You know this already. But, if I could only pick two pieces of equipment to have at home or in my car for a makeshift gym anywhere, it would be these two bad boys. Oh, and actually I DO own them and they are actually the ONLY pieces of equipment I own besides this rockin’ vessel. Heyooo. See what I did there?

Number One

Kettlebell

There are thousands of exercises you can do with a kettlebell. It’s really the only weight I ever add to my workouts. Occasionally you will see me mess around with dumbbells, but I find them to be dumb. Not to say they are pointless, they just bore me. My favorite two movements are the kettlebell swing and the deadlift. Think: booty, booty, booty.

My favorite move is the classic kettlebell swing, but I also love doing RDLs with a kettlebell and just adding it in where I see fit.

P.S. If you DO NOT know how to do a kettlebell swing, ask a personal trainer AND watch this video from Tim Ferris.

At home kettlebell workout in 20 minutes! Go for four rounds:

Number Two

Ab Roller

Boom, you got $10 and an amazon prime account? Boom, you got abs. This legit in my mind feels like an infomercial, but dude, this thing is effective. Not only does it activate big and small muscles in your core, including my fave the transverse abdominis, it also forces you to stabilize your shoulders, giving your entire trunk an effective, ab loving, see you this summer bikini workout. You dig?

As GHETTO as this thing looks, it is MONEY. Ab Shredder, braugh.

Bloated after lunch but fell back in love with myself, recently.

Honestly friends, that’s ALL the equipment I need. Well, strike that, I would LIKE a pull-up bar just as much as I would LIKE to do a pull-up unassisted.

Hey PS did you see my Workout of the Week?

Workout Posts to Explore:

Postpartum Abs: Working on my Transverse Abdominis

Legshred

20 Minute HIIT Workout

Cheap and Effective DIY Face Mask to Remove Dark Spots

February 22, 2016

So I am a really, really big fan of natural products and home remedies when it comes to my skin. Food for thought: The body absorbs roughly 60 percent of what we apply to our skin, so whatever you are putting on your skin, your body is absorbing right into your BLOODSTREAM (1.). Fact.

Over the years I have really, really reduced my use of commercial skin and body care products. For example, here are some posts with some of my hippie shit skin care routines:

Recently, lots and lots of my friends have been getting Botox. Botox. Which, to be honest, I have not done my due dilliegence on from a research perspective, but my heart and bones tell me to be against it and avoid it at all costs. I mean, you are INJECTING who the fuck knows what into your face. Repeatedly. I GET that some women love it, and it is a choice and if it makes you feel good, I am all for it. I just cannot get behind it until someone shows me real evidence that my face will not melt in 20 years.

Now we all know that I eat a lot of odd things, and lately I have been making some odd concoctions to take care of my skin and avoid the need for Botox, chemical peels, chemical anything, really. And here’s the thing, plants and fruits are AMAZINGLY effective, and hey, they were medicine before labs decided they could make a dime off of humans with the promise of looking and feeling better. I digressed. The point is that I discovered a really easy, cheap and effective at-home mask for dark spot remover that you likely could create from ingredients in your kitchen already!

no filter. no photoshop. little bit of tinted moisturizer.

DIY Yogurt + Lemon Dark Spot Remover

Yep! You read that right. Yogurt. Lemon. Done.

Lemon juice and yogurt both have natural bleaching properties that help to lighten the skin. Lemon juice is known to diminish scars and age spots, helps heal acne, exfoliates the skin, AND fights wrinkles! HOLLER!

Yogurt contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, that dissolves dead skin cells. AND the anti-inflammatory impact of bacteria in yogurt helps improve the overall health and youth of your skin.

So, when topically applied to the skin, this simple homemade face mask can help moisturize, fight acne, prevent premature aging, relieve sunburn, and reduce discoloration.

Here’s what you need

2 tablespoons of organic yogurt
1 tablespoon of lemon juice (about the juice of one lemon)
1 tablespoon of corn starch
1 teaspoon of raw honey or coconut oil to moisturize with AFTER the mask

Step 1: Wash and Exfoliate your skin

Step 2: Mix yogurt, lemon and cornstarch to make Your Yogurt + Lemon Mask

Step 3: Apply mask all over your face or trouble areas and keep on for 25 minutes (less if you have sensitive skin)

Step 4: Rinse off and moisturize with honey or coconut oil for 10 minutes (I find honey is pretty amazing for this step, but can sting after the mask)

Step 5: Add some simple tinted moisturizer, shape your brows, a touch of mascara and you out the door!

Repeat this mask a few times a week for 5-6 weeks to really see results. This recipe will keep in the fridge for a while and I use it all week!

x to the ohhhhh!
Whitters

Other skincare posts:

Gelatin for the Inside Out

The Best DIY Face Mask Ever

I’m Obsessed with Activated Charcoal

Footnotes:

Brown et al. The role of skin absorption as a route of exposure for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in drinking water. Am J Public Health. 1984 May; 74(5): 479–484.

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COFFEE THINGS

HOUSE THINGS

THINGS TO WEAR…

ALL THE (almost) GREEN BEAUTY THINGS

Books + Hobbies

Haute Mamas

Sweat Obsessed

Coffee Things (I already have a grinder and pot, but I need these now…)

For the Hippies…

ONE LAST THING!

Milk My Bitties! – Primal Lactation Cookies

What I love about this natural deodorant

DIY Beauty Skin Tightening Mask

Yogurt and Honey Mask

DIY overnight firming and lightening mask

Green Beauty Hacks

My Top Green Beauty Hacks

Wash your face every night before bed

Exfoliate at least once a week

Less is more

Experiment with masks

Start thinking Inside Out

Find brands you love and support them

my beautycounter page

review! baby knows best :: an intro to first foods

What I loved

What I want more of

Baby Led Food Weaning

Bottom Line

babies know best

an intro to first foods

Number One

Kettlebell

Number Two

Ab Roller

DIY Yogurt + Lemon Dark Spot Remover

Step 1: Wash and Exfoliate your skin

Step 2: Mix yogurt, lemon and cornstarch to make Your Yogurt + Lemon Mask

Step 3: Apply mask all over your face or trouble areas and keep on for 25 minutes (less if you have sensitive skin)

Step 4: Rinse off and moisturize with honey or coconut oil for 10 minutes (I find honey is pretty amazing for this step, but can sting after the mask)

Step 5: Add some simple tinted moisturizer, shape your brows, a touch of mascara and you out the door!

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