Spotlight: VERED Organic Botanicals

About a year ago, I bought VERED Organic Botanicals Anti-Aging Face Treatment Oil. I fell in love with how soft and improved the texture of my skin became. It was pricier than other products I have used, but I found that a little goes a long way. Vered founder, Vered Black, uses high-quality, herb infused oils that aren't watered down. Once I open a bottle you enhale the amazing scents and it's truly luxury in a bottle. What I think is more amazing than the products is Vered's story.

She is a master esthecian and herbalist that began integrating holistic methods to her profession. Like me, Vered faced challenging health issues. She had come down with an undiagnosed illness, which had sent her to some of the best doctors conventional medicine had to offer. A year later, and several expensive tests behind her, she was still no closer to a diagnosis. The doctors dismissed her and suggested anti-acids for her chronic stomach pain. She turned to her own herbal remedies and applied her knowledge into taking control of her own health. Almost immediately, she started to experience the positive effects  of her remedies and felt immediately empowered. She not only started to regain back life-force energy, but also some of the pounds that she had lost during her illness. Vered is a beautiful person inside and out and her products are a testimony to her story. They are incredible, 85-100% organic products where you will see positive differences in your appearance. I know, because I have.

Love,
Jennifer

For My Boys

When I was growing up, I suffered from eczema. It was worse in the summer since I lived in a hot and humid climate, and I would get rashes on the inside of my elbows and the backs of my knees. I was prescribed steroidal creams and told to bath in tepid water since eczema didn't like hot water. These recommendations provided temporary improvements, at the least. One thing I did notice was as I continued to have stomach problems, I continued to have eczema. As I started to change my diet and products, the severity lessened and eventually went away. And it's never been back. For any of you suffering from eczema or have a child or friend suffering, I suggest taking a look at both your bath and skin products and your intake of packaged foods, non-organic lunch meat and dairy.

I have two precious boys and when I was pregnant I changed all my skin and bath products to organic. When they were babies, I never wanted to put anything unnatural on their bodies. Even products that claimed to be natural still contained chemicals. I love using Little Twig Baby Wash and Lotion and BABYBEARSHOP Cheeky Baby Butter. Both brands use organic ingredients and are perfect for sensitive to normal skin. Cheeky Baby Butter is excellent for dry skin and healing to skin with eczema or atopic dermatitis. It sounds like a product for kids, but I love to use it too!

Love,
Jennifer

Essentials Supports Pink!

October spotlights breast cancer awareness, and as pink products are all around us, it's a great time to stop and think about our own health. I've been through difficult times with my health and seen a bevy of doctors from coast to coast, but I've been fortunate that none of my problems have been life-threatening. My journey to rid myself of harmful chemicals and toxins has always been to find an alternate cure for my current health issues, but also to try and prevent any future more serious problems. I also wanted to give back to amazing non-profit organizations that provide incredible support to those in need. One of those organizations is Bright Pink.

Bright Pink is a national non-profit organization focusing on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women while providing support for high-risk individuals. I am lucky to have an incredible supportive community of family and friends around me and that's what Bright Pink gives plus resources to help with prevention. We are all at risk and there are things we can do today such as maintaining a low-fat diet, regular exercise that can help reduce our risk.

How can you help Bright Pink achieve their mission? For every bottle of ACURE Organics Argan Oil, $1 will be donated to Bright Pink. Argan Oil helps fight lines, repair imperfections, minimize scars + stretch marks, restore texture, elasticity and tone, and reduce inflammation. Do something good for you while supporting an amazing charity!

Love,
Jennifer

Introducing VERED Oragnic Botanicals

I am so excited to introduce VERED organic botanicals! VERED organic botanicals is an organic skin and body care line integrating therapeutic botanical essential oils that are 100% chemical and preservative free. Creator Vered is a master esthetician and herbalist who brings 23 years of combined experience to VERED organic botanicals - integrating holistic modalities such as phytotherapy, medicinal plant research, skilled esthetician expertise, extensive bodywork and aromatherapy - to develop and share these high quality 85%-100% organic products for face and body.

Essential oils are subtle volatile liquids distilled from shrubs, flowers, trees, roots, and seeds. They are oxygenating and help transport nutrients to the cells of our bodies and maintain our health and skin. They are highly concentrated. The distillation of an entire plant may produce only a single drop of an essential oil. Essential oils are extremely different than vegetable oils, they are not greasy and do not clog the pores.

The fragrance of essential oils can directly effect your emotional state and your lifespan because the limbic system is directly connected to those parts of the brain that control our emotions, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels, and hormone balance.

It takes 60,000 rose blossoms to produce one ounce of rose oil. It's definitely luxury in a bottle.

I use VERED organic botanical anti-aging face treatment oil every night. Just a couple drops goes a long way to softening and balancing my skin. The body oils are wonderful to add a couple drops to a soothing bath or to pat on right when you get out of the shower. Using these products is the best way to start and end your day, leaving your skin soothed, hydrated and balanced.

Love,
Jennifer

Spotlight: Love & Toast

My favorite beauty obsessions are definitely lip glosses and body lotions. I carry them in my purse, gym bag, car, you name it. I love the natural ingredients in Love + Toast products. They not only smell great, but leave your lips and skin hydrated. The Lip Glazes are filled with extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, and jojoba oil. I also love the Body Butter! Clementine Crush is my favorite. It's packed with mango and shea butter and goes on super smooth.

The best thing about Love + Toast is their mission. Their simple philosophy is "It is just as important to do good, as it is to look good". So it's good to know that with every Love + Toast purchase you are doing both. A portion of every Love + Toast sale goes directly to Regional Affiliates of Girls Inc.

Love + Toast products have been featured in Organic Spa, Better Homes and Garden, Fitness, Real Simple, InStyle and New Beauty.

With most products under $20, what not to Love + Toast!

Love,
Jennifer

Get More Energy

Now that you're on your way to a more natural lifestyle, it's always good to take a look at your current fitness routine. If you're doing the same thing over and over, your body will begin to plateau, and it will take longer to see results. I've listed a few suggestions below that may keep you moving forward.

• Set a Goal and Try Something New! I started running years ago, but only until I signed up to run my first marathon did I stay committed. Knowing that I had 3 months to train for 26.2 miles was more motivation than ever. Maybe your health club offers a group class that you've always wanted to try. Jump in! Dancing is all the craze right now and many places are offering Zumba, adult Hip Hop and Ballroom. What a fun way to learn something new and burn calories.
• Update your IPOD! I always seem to run longer or stay longer at the gym when I'm listening to good, new music. I try to pick songs that are upbeat with a fast tempo. That way I'm not staring down at the clock every minute.
• Grab a Friend! Holding each other accountable is a win/win plus it's a great time to connect when our busy schedules get in the way. Grab a friend for a run or walk or to try that new class at the gym. You may feel more comfortable doing it together versus going alone.

Love,
Jennifer

Spotlight: Pangea Organics

I fell hard for Pangea Organics' line of organic skincare. Their products are free of Petroleum, Sulfates or Detergents, Synthetic Preservatives, Artificial Colors or Fragrances, or GMOs. Instead they produce high quality, highly concentrated formulas that eliminate the practice of watering-down or adding fillers to obtain a lower price point. Their products are full of cold-pressed oils, natural antioxidants and botanicals.

Pangea Organics was founded by Joshua Onysko who is committed to smart, successful eco-living for both civilians and corporations alike. To propel the momentum of this new paradigm of social responsibility, a portion of Pangea’s profits go to support the important work of Women for Women International, a non-profit dedicated to helping women survivors of war rebuild their lives through rights awareness education and job skills training.

Pangea Organics products have been featured in Organic Beauty, Lucky and Vanity Fair and many of their products have received beauty awards. My favorite? The Egyptian Geranium with Adzuki Bean & Cranberry Facial Scrub. I've stocked my home with their Italian White Sage with Geranium and Yarrow Hand Soap. It has the best natural fragrance and leaves my hands hydrated.

Love,
Jennifer