Happy Halloween Boo-tifuls 👻 #bestswimwear #quayaustralia...

Happy Halloween Boo-tifuls 👻 #bestswimwear #quayaustralia http://ift.tt/2il4fVZ

from The BestSwimwear Blog http://ift.tt/2z3xXJs
via IFTTT

Toxic Timeout: 5 Petrochemicals in Beauty to Know + Avoid

Do a little digging and you'll be shocked by how little regulation there is around ingredients in mainstream beauty. 

As we can't always rely on labels to spell out the whole truth, we need to be our own advocates - and Amy Ziff of MADE SAFE is here to guide the way. Our Toxic Timeout series was created to put a spotlight on the synthetic, health-harming chemicals creeping throughout our daily lives -- and to empower you with awareness.

Below we're breaking down five major chemicals commonly found in beauty products. Take note, tell your friends and shop a little greener...

What Are Petrochemicals?

Petrochemicals are chemicals derived from petroleum. Nearly all beauty products contain them. Although hard for some to imagine, almost all synthetic (man-made) chemicals are petrochemicals, unless they’re derived from an alternative such as coconuts or vegetables. And even those “naturally-derived” ingredients can still have petrochemical components depending on the processes used to derive them.

The most well-known petrochemical ingredient is petrolatum, commonly used in beauty products like lotions as a moisturizing agent.

Petrochemical ingredients are used in abundance because they’re relatively cheap to manufacture and can be used for a range of functions: as preservatives, extending the shelf life of products; as filler to make a product go further; to give a certain texture; or to disperse fragrance ingredients.

What’s the Concern?

It’s important to note that not all petrochemicals are linked to human health problems. The problem often comes with refining: When petrochemicals aren’t properly refined, they can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a class of chemicals linked to cancer[1]. Unfortunately, there’s no way to know if a chemical has been properly refined unless the manufacturer requests its full refinement history, so it’s virtually impossible for consumers to know if their petrochemical products are clean or contaminated.

5 Common Petrochemicals to Know

Some common petrochemicals linked to health problems that aren’t permitted in MADE SAFE certified products:

Mineral oil | Eye shadow, blush, concealer, lip gloss, lipstick, moisturizer, conditioner. Untreated and mildly treated mineral oil is linked to cancer[2].

Benzene | Conditioner and styling cream. Linked to cancer.

Toluene | Nail polish, hair dyes. Exposure to pregnant women is linked to developmental harm in fetuses[3].

Parabens | Cosmetics, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotions. Endocrine disruptors linked to cancer[4].

Phthalates | Found in fragrance.

How to Avoid Them

  

Because petrochemicals are so ubiquitous and it’s difficult for the average shopper to know what’s safe and what’s not, here are a few simple practices for avoiding harmful ones:

+ Look for moisturizing products made with botanical oils like almond, avocado, argan, rosehip, or other oils derived from fruits, vegetables and herbs. We like natural oil-based moisturizers from True Botanicals, S.W. Basics, Kosmatology and Annmarie Skin Care.

+ Opt for lotions made with coconut oil or shea butter like lotions and creams from Alaffia.

+ Try a whole different take on beauty products with a probiotic personal care routine like Mother Dirt’s AO+ Mist, which over time softens skin by restoring the natural balance of the skin’s microbiome.

+ Look for the MADE SAFE seal on beauty products. We examine each ingredient individually to ensure it’s not linked to human-health or ecosystem harm.

+ And, as always with beauty products, look for products made with fewer ingredients and ones that you recognize.

Citations:
[1] http://ift.tt/2iOrnjQ
[2] http://ift.tt/1SXSlfA
[3] http://ift.tt/2aUXYgY
[4] http://ift.tt/1P7kO2s

The Chalkboard Mag and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. 
All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program. 

The post Toxic Timeout: 5 Petrochemicals in Beauty to Know + Avoid appeared first on The Chalkboard.

from The Chalkboard http://ift.tt/2iNx7u1
via IFTTT

5 Fall Beauty Product Launches You Need To Know About

We know it's technically fall, but it's basically Christmas for green beauty obsessees. Gorgeous new products are popping up left and right, and no one can help us navigate better than Hollywood's top green beauty guru, Katey Denno. This celebrity make-up artist lives with her thumb on the pulse of non-toxic beauty, and has crafted a short-list of upcoming product launches every natural beauty lover needs to know. Stap on your fan-girl hat and meet your new faves...

The Perfect Pencil | Burt’s Bees 'Warm Brown' Eyeliner

Back when I was working with Burt’s Bees product development team, I begged them to make a rich warm brown liner with hints of gold, ala MAC’s Teddy (a staple in every makeup artist’s kit and truly great for just about every skin/hair/eye color combo). They did it… and it’s fabulous… and affordable! Thanks Burt’s! CHECK OUT

A Breezy Blush | Kosas 'Longitude Zero' / Saturate and Illuminate Pressed Blush Duo

There’s been a hole in the green beauty marketplace that Kosas just filled: light as air, perfectly pigmented, gorgeous powder blush. The duos come in three shades; this one is a great pink with a soft champagne highlighter. CHECK OUT

The Super Stick | Vapour Organic Beauty AER Deodorant

Being in tight spaces with clients, generally with my arms up, right by their face, means I need to smell good all the time. When I stopped using aluminum based anti-perspirants years ago I began testing every non-toxic armpit product I could find. I have sensitive skin. Although a friend of mine who also has sensitive skin did have an irritation from AER, I didn’t - and haven’t - and I’ve been using it daily for over a month. I love all three of the scents equally: ginger grapefruit, palo santo blood orange and lavender myrrh. The gel-to-powder formula glides on easily directly from the package, and although I can’t promise you it won’t leave a little white residue on the inside of your dark shirts, it checks off every other box. CHECK OUT

The Beauty BFF | Ouli’s All Purpose Beauty Ointment

Yum! This balm smells and feels delicious. I’m always on the lookout for the latest and greatest balm, and because balms are often starter products for green beauty brands, I try at least 50, if not double that, per year. What sets Ouli’s apart? It’s a mix of Grecian organic olive oil, chamomile essence and beeswax. I love that the simple ingredient list makes it gentle enough for rough spots around the eyes, for lips and to soothe hurty spots on little ones. Plus, it smells and feels delicious (I see I already said that). CHECK OUT

The Skin Savior | True Botanicals Antioxidant Boost
If there’s one step to take at night after washing and moisturizing, it should be this: Apply this product, which, with daily use, works to firm skin, smooth wrinkles, even skin tone, clear acne, brighten hyperpigmentation, lighten scarring, calm inflammation, protect against UV damage and reduce redness. Seriously. Basically it prevents and repairs the damage done to skin by exposure to UV, stress and pollution. CHECK OUT

The post 5 Fall Beauty Product Launches You Need To Know About appeared first on The Chalkboard.

from The Chalkboard http://ift.tt/2zlzXNP
via IFTTT

13 Healthy Treats For Late-Night Netflix Binges

LATELY WE’RE MORE likely to spend a night swaddled in our couch throw, healthy treat in hand, than make it out anywhere after 9pm. Scary movie marathon or season blitz, we predict enjoying many a Nextflix night-in this fall.

We're also (thoroughly) aware that a binge can get scary fast when the movie-night snacks start making their way towards our couch-cocoon. It starts with a handful of farmers market kettle corn; it ends with a graveyard of emptied pizza boxes and a three-day sugar hangover. Here's what you should eat instead...

No Prep

Popcorn. While the healthiest way to eat popcorn is to make it yourself, not all of us are equipped with skills for such stove wizardry. Fortunately there are quite a few clean, instant popcorn options out there; check in with this list of ingredients to avoid to help you find pop-perfection.

Sacha Inchi Seeds. We're a little addicted to this crunchy, salty superfood. They taste like how a roasted peanut shells smell, which might not sound that awesome at first but trust us; take another handful and you'll be hooked. They're also packed with protein and plenty of healthy fats to quench your cravings and keep you sated.

Seaweed Snacks. If you're craving something salty that you can munch on mindlessly without the need for damage control, these are your golden ticket. Buy pre-packaged seaweed snacks for spontaneous snacking, or go homemade with poke on top if you're feeling fancy.

Avocado Toastlettes. So simple it's genius. Make mini versions of avocado toast but cutting up a regular avo toast into smaller, movie snack-sized squares.

Low Prep

Veggies + Hummus, Every Which Way.All you need is love... and recipes for pumpkin hummus, beet hummus and a picture-perfect rainbow crudite platter. Learn the no-fail formula for prepping a crudite plate you'll a actually be excited about. If you're looking for an upgrade, we love these convenient dip-filled crudite cups. Keep it simple or take it next level with these bell pepper poppers.

Berry Bowl. Sweet and simple like a bowl of candy, but full of antioxidants and vitamins instead of refined sugar and preservatives. Chamomile in this bowl of berries makes the easy dish just a little more special.

The World's Cleanest Chips. You'll have to heat your oven and do some chopping, which is more than your usual chip bag demands, but the effort is (minimal and) super worth it. Make any of these: baked beet chips and sweet potato fries with avocado dip, rosemary beet chips, oven-baked kale chips or these gloriously gluten-free nachos with vegan cheese sauce.

Make Ahead

Raw Munchies. We love those snacks that you can whip up in a batch, pop into the fridge or freezer and enjoy whenever. Some of our fave recipes include: these blueberry hemp bites, these genius raw oreos, these raw reishi energy bites and this recipe for raw carrot cupcakes.

Faux Ice Cream.If you're craving some personal pint-time, we get it. Feed your craving with a clean creation like this coconut nice cream that only requires two ingredients. You might even decide to get fancy with these GF homemade ice cream cones.

Chocolate Cups. This candy classic tastes so much better when it's homemade using real, nourishing ingredients. Try these chocolate almond butter. chocolate seeds. You might want to make a low maintenance version with these dark chocolate drops.

Dehydrated Veggie Chips Etc. This requires a bit of equipment and patience, but you can't get cleaner than dried veggies. These ranch carrots and these spicy Brussels sprout nachos. are two of our favorites.

Pizza. Delivery could never look - or feel - as good as this breakfast pizza or this veggie-crusted zucchini pizza.

Cookies. Cookies are the ultimate move snack. Make it clean with this recipe for dark chocolate cherry cookies or these one-bowl almond madelines. Go for a gluten-free classic like this chocolate chip situation; make ahead and freeze in a roll wrapped in parchment paper or in dollops and bake up just a few instead of a full batch.

The post 13 Healthy Treats For Late-Night Netflix Binges appeared first on The Chalkboard.

from The Chalkboard http://ift.tt/2zlhqBm
via IFTTT

Walk This Way: Mogul-Yogi Russell Simmons On Work Ethic + A Quiet Mind

This november, we're exploring the wellness habits of inspiring men from  Blake Mycoscie of TOMS Shoes to Movember founder Adam Garone.

To celebrate Pressed Juicery's delicious collab with the Movember Foundation (this protein-rich nut milk is smoothie soul mate material), we're doing our part to support the organization's honorable mission of bringing awareness to men's health issues, raising funds and maybe even saving lives.

Most of the world knows Russell Simmons as a music industry icon, but the mogul is also known for his deep advocacy for meditation, yoga, and for his twenty-year commitment to veganism.

Since launching luxury yogi brand, Tantris, including the brand's eight-thousand square foot yoga center by the same name in Hollywood, Simmons has turned his passion for wellness into a mindful mini-verse.

Get to know the real Russell Simmons below, including his daily diet and insights on a healthy lifestyle. We love that Russell shares this and couldn't agree more: "There are a lot of challenging aspects to sustaining healthy habits, but after they become routine they’re not so challenging." [olists num=1]

The post Walk This Way: Mogul-Yogi Russell Simmons On Work Ethic + A Quiet Mind appeared first on The Chalkboard.

from The Chalkboard http://ift.tt/2yWt9TJ
via IFTTT

10 Fitnesswear Pieces That Double As Halloween Costumes

Whether your week is filled with candy or cardio - these Halloween costume ideas based on our favorite fitnesswear all fit the bill.

Downward dog in animal print on October 31 or hit the streets in a few of our ridiculous costume ideas from catwoman to cowgirl...

 

LEOPARD: Varley Biona Tight | Channel your inner jungle queen with these cheetah-print leggings. We'll be slinging on this animal-print number long after the last Jack-O-Lantern of the seasons has been lit. Now all we need is some Tarzan arm candy... CHECK OUT

HIPPIE: Teeki Sisters of the Sun Bell Bottoms | Who says Halloween is all about being spooktacular? These petal patterned bell bottoms bring some peace and love into your sweat sesh... no matter how scary that HIIT class might seem. CHECK OUT

WONDER WOMAN: Ultracor Ultra High Lux Knockout Leggings | You're already Wonder Woman as is - so this costume is an easy one! Let your superhuman self shine in these leggings that are ready for action. Eat your heart out, Linda Carter. CHECK OUT

BALLERINA: Ballet Beautiful Open-Back Stretch Jersey Leotard | We're suckers for that ballet vibe. We love this ladylike leotard for barre class and beyond. Pair with leg warmers and a top-knot, and you're Swan Lake ready. CHECK OUT

COWGIRL: Teeki Buffalo Princess Sienna Mermaid Tank | This crop is just begging to be taken on a ride through the wild, wild west -- or Coachella -- but, for now we'll settle for galloping to and from yoga class. CHECK OUT

CATWOMAN: Olympia Activewear Olympus Stretch Bodysuit | Ever since the jumpsuit trend took off, we've been counting down the days until we could dress this up, Halloween-style. Create the perfect Catwoman costume with this stretchy number, the purr-fect October 31st fitness ensemble.  CHECK OUT

MARTY MC FLY: Moncler Chany Shiny Quilted Puffer Vest | Take your outdoor run back to the future by zipping up our take on Marty's iconic red vest: this cozy puffer that's perfect for the cooler temps of the season. Who knows, you might just hit 88 mph. CHECK OUT

SKELETON: Terez Skull Performance Leggings | These sleek and pseudo-spooky skull print leggings are just the right blend of edgy and spirited. Wear them with a cozy sweater for a subtler vibe, or during a HIIT sesh to tell the gym how you really feel. CHECK OUT

UNICORN: Terez Iridescent Oil Spill Leggings | We'll admit we (collectively) went a little crazy with the unicorn trend this year, but if there was ever a time to indulge again it would be Halloween! Pull on these magical leggings, douse yourself in glitter and frolic into the night. CHECK OUT

HARRY POTTER: Puma Women's Swan Cape | If Hermione Granger were a gym rat, we're positive she would wear this cape pre- and post-workout. This number is stylishly adaptable, and makes us feel just a little bit more magical each time we throw it on. CHECK OUT

The original version of this story ran October 28th, 2014.
Check it out here for even more inspo!

The post 10 Fitnesswear Pieces That Double As Halloween Costumes appeared first on The Chalkboard.

from The Chalkboard http://ift.tt/2z2A8wC
via IFTTT

Meet The Chinese Body Clock: Is This Why You’re Waking Up At Night?

Ever woken up from a dead sleep at 2:30 AM after an evening of one too many martinis? You might be interested to find that, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the liver is in power-cleansing mode from 1 to 3AM.

In fact, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the body has a strict schedule of self-care, self-regulating various organs within the body at specific times of day and night.

Having trouble sleeping at a specific time? Or feeling "off" at a specific time each day? The Chinese body clock is one of our favorite tools to begin deciphering the meaning behind our imbalances.

Bookmark this link for future reference and take a look at the model above and descriptions below. You may find clues as to why your body is trying to get your attention...

The post Meet The Chinese Body Clock: Is This Why You’re Waking Up At Night? appeared first on The Chalkboard.

from The Chalkboard http://ift.tt/2yYaDL1
via IFTTT

The only thing getting lit this weekend are these sweet smelling...

The only thing getting lit this weekend are these sweet smelling candles 🔥 #bestswimwear #meetmeinhermosabeach http://ift.tt/2gQSBWe

from The BestSwimwear Blog http://ift.tt/2i9JJaR
via IFTTT

Podcasts We Love: The Balanced Blonde with Our Co-Founder, Suzanne Hall

The only thing we love more than listening to a good podcast is talking about that podcast to everyone we know. Can you relate?

We're spotlighting a few of our favorite wellness-leaning podcasts episodes here in a new series with that in mind (see the first pick here).

Jordan Younger is The Balanced Blonde - check out her incredible health journey here. The Balanced Blonde podcast is called Soul on Fire and has quickly climbed the health and wellness pod charts thanks to her devoted following. This week, she launched her latest episode with ours truly, TCM co-founder and Editor in Chief, Suzanne Hall. Here's why we loved it...

The Pod: The Balanced Blonde podcast, Soul on Fire; Episode #59: The Art of Living Well with The Chalkboard Mag

The Message:  Jordan's podcast, Soul on Fire, covers everything from blogging and branding to fitness and spirituality through casual chats with wellness community pros.

In this episode, Jordan chats with friend and "mega-wellness-branding inspiration", Suzanne Hall, about how she turned her passion for living well into the TCM mini-verse. The two talk natural beauty secrets, their favorite LA wellness haunts, clean living rituals, how to build a brand team and wellness empire, how to turn your passion into your career, intuitive eating, why they’re both obsessed with living well, and so much more.

Why We Loved It: Clearly, we're partial - but we loved hearing Suzanne's personal take on everything from juice cleansing, health trend pros and cons, and life balance. Jordan and Suzanne throw out a few killer takeaways on meaningful content creation, finding life balance, and how wellness is evolving these days.

Looking for more pods to love?
Check out this fascinating episode from wellness pro, Luke Storey.

The post Podcasts We Love: The Balanced Blonde with Our Co-Founder, Suzanne Hall appeared first on The Chalkboard.

from The Chalkboard http://ift.tt/2yQdVSZ
via IFTTT

The Give + Take: How Chinese Medicine Deals With Infertility

For something that's so natural, getting pregnant is sometimes shockingly difficult. While modern factors can make it more challenging, infertility isn't anything new; even the ancients needed a little help. We asked our go-to acupuncture pro, Mona Dan of Vie Healing, what solutions Traditional Chinese Medicine can offer women experiencing infertility. From food to environment and everything between, discover the first things that need to change to increase fertility naturally, and successfully...

In Chinese medicine, there are two main components that may be causing infertility: deficiency or excess. There is either something lacking in the body causing this issue, or there is too much, causing internal congestion or ‘traffic.’

Within deficiency and excess, there are different diagnoses we look for in order to see what's going on with your body. Let's start with deficiency -- but first a note: we are proud to say we work with many fertility patients who’ve had very rewarding results. Even if you're not yet interested in fertility, it's always important to regulate your hormones, because flow coming to town every month is very important for us ladies.
Roots of Deficiency
Heat Deficiency Causing Cold |  Internal cold is mainly caused by the foods we eat, and, honestly, this is the one I diagnose most of my fertility patients with. When we consume too many raw/cold foods, we create a cold environment in our uterus, which is a very unpleasant place for a little follicle to attach. Imagine walking into a cold room and staying there for weeks on end. Not very appealing, right?

Fluid Deficiency | This is true and deep dehydration, where the body's fluids are so consumed, they’re literally burned up. A lot of time, as women age, they naturally fall into this category, but it's not uncommon to see this in young women as well.

Energy + Blood Deficiency | These deficiencies cause weakness, fatigue, exhaustion and paleness. This is because people are rundown by day-to-day life. Some of these patients have been yo-yo dieting for a long time or their lifestyle isn't nourishing and replenishing. Lack of physical movement and mental fatigue can also be factors.

Roots of Excess
Poor Blood Flow Causing Stagnation | Inflammation comes to mind as the main word to describe this issue. When blood doesn't flow properly, there is stagnation that builds up in the blood vessels causing a backup of proper fluid and energy flow as well. This is what we call inflammation.

Stuck Energy - Stress! | Major stress stunts the part of our nervous system that is supposed to relax us and assist with processing everything. This includes digestion, emotions and everything in between. When this happens our flight/flight response kicks in, which creates issues with major processing of hormones and chemical releases, hampering proper and easy fertilization.

Excessive Fluid Accumulation | A fatty diet — eating foods that are too greasy or fried — can cause this. Too much meat, alcohol, coffee, can also cause an accumulation of damp in the body. Also, disease! Poorly treated sexually transmitted diseases can cause overgrowth in the uterine area creating issues with proper circulation.

What can you do to protect yourself from all the above?

9 Simple Ways to Heal

It's good to note that you can have a combination of a few of the diagnoses mentioned below, and truly, all the suggestions for prevention are great for overall health and wellbeing.

Blood-Type Diet. My favorite diet recommendation, with which I’ve seen the best results, is the blood type diet (learn all about it here). You would be very surprised by the few foods you should avoid; take some time apart from them and you will feel and see the difference. I do also believe that there are certain foods on the avoid list that are more or less triggering. The point behind this diet is to relax the nervous system to allow it to focus on what needs the most attention.

Avoid Greasy food. The less we consume of these foods, the healthier we are overall. However, when we do consume these foods, it takes a lot longer for our bodies to digest these foods, creating stress on our nervous system, which triggers our fight/flight mode, reducing our chance of healthy processing.

Reduce, Reduce, Reduce. Decrease alcohol and caffeine intake, reduce meat consumption, certain fish...etc - If we’re talking about prevention, I don't say avoid anything; although, when talking about the blood-type diet, there are a few things I do say to avoid. When it comes to alcohol and caffeine, the point of decreasing these drinks is to reduce too much external stimulation. We want our adrenals to be as relaxed as possible. When it comes to meat, we want to reduce the amount of cholesterol and fat because they trigger hormones in the body. When it comes to fish, we want to reduce exposure to mercury poisoning. Learn about how to start (and survive!) an elimination diet here.

Warm up your diet.  Starting the day with a warm meal makes our adrenals happy. Our adrenals are responsible for releasing cortisol. Having a warm meal (eggs, oatmeal, breakfast burrito) with a hot tea is the best way to go. Coffee in the morning can stress out the adrenals, making them release cortisol too early on in the day (causing the midday crash). Try to save your coffee for after breakfast and before lunch!

Hydrate. Hydration nourishes cells, and nourished cells replicate healthy cells. Healthy cells relax the nervous system. It’s very simple and very necessary! Make it more fun to toss back bottles of h2o with easy fruit-infused water recipes like these.

Adaptogen-Filled Supplements. Adaptogens give the body the extra oomph to adapt to stress better; they assist our bodies in switching from fight/flight mode into processing mode by filling the blood with nutrient-dense minerals and nutrients.

Self Care. Take care of yourself, constantly monitor your body and take the proper steps for treatment.There are many people who find out later in their life that they’ve been exposed to viruses and bacteria. If you're ever diagnosed with an STD, be sure to address the issue immediately and thoroughly. This is rarely talked about, but it’s a big deal for infertility.

Acupuncture/Moxa. Acupuncture regulates the nervous system, and moxa physically warms up the midsection of the body, allowing for quick nourishment. Learn all about the benefits here.

Rest. Last, but definitely not least, make sure you're rested and you sleep well. Proper sleep nourishes the body like nothing else! Learn how to improve your sleep hygiene and get a better night's rest here.

The Chalkboard Mag and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. 
All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health related program. 

The post The Give + Take: How Chinese Medicine Deals With Infertility appeared first on The Chalkboard.

from The Chalkboard http://ift.tt/2gLNxSW
via IFTTT

Oh Autumn we have been waiting for you…. #bestswimwear...

Oh Autumn we have been waiting for you…. #bestswimwear #californiafall http://ift.tt/2hcoYM8

from The BestSwimwear Blog http://ift.tt/2i7gPrP
via IFTTT

7 Killer Sheet Masks For A Halloween Night-In

Who needs costumes when you have Korean beauty?

If you're craving a chill Halloween this year, ditch the hype -- you will survive the FOMO. Instead, curate a night of indulgent self-care starring these (mildly spooky) sheet masks.

We love a good sheet mask; it's like candy for the face -- a delicious little luxury we won't indulge in every day, but are straight-up delighted when we do. Whip up one of these pumpkin recipes (pancakes? truffles? hummus dip?)Then try one of these seven creepy, but glow-inducing beauty treatments below...

Karuna Cleanmud Face Mask | This brand new product from the sheet mask masters of Karuna harnesses the purifying power of charcoal and lava clay without making a mess (if you've ever tried washing off a charcoal mask, you know it can get real ugly real fast). The two-piece design offers a comfortable and targeted fit and peels off easily when you're done. CHECK OUT

Wish Formula Bat Eye Mask With Fermented Centella Honey | Hello, Halloween costume (from now until forever). This on-theme eye mask delivers a dose of vitamin C and soothing fermented honey essence to brighten bags and wake up sleepy , sensitive skin. CHECK OUT

Make P:rem Firming Sauna Foil Mask | It ain't called the "sauna mask" for nothing. This double layered Korean Beauty invention traps and retains heat to increase circulation, promote natural detox and help the other hydrating ingredients absorb deeply. CHECK OUT

KNC Beauty Collagen Infused Lip Mask | You've probably seen this pout-perfecting baby in action all over celebs' Instagrams. Collagen and hyaluronic acid hydrate and plump while rose oil and vitamin E nourish deeply. Use it before a lipstick kind of night to create a smooth surface for color to stick to, or maybe toss it on to abate a Halloween candy binge. CHECK OUT

Whamisa Organic Facial Mask Trio | The Korean Beauty industry continues to blow our minds with innovative products that often use natural ingredients. This trio of botanical soaked hydrogel sheet masks -- including flowers + aloe, fruits + tomato, and seeds + rice -- incorporates the art and science of fermentation to increase ingredient absorption and to act as a natural preservative. CHECK OUT

100% Pure Ginseng Collagen Boost Hydrogel | Yes, you will definitely look creepy wearing this mask, but the results are well worth a few frightening minutes. The mask's material -- a "hydrogel" made of 95% organic aloe water and 5% plant cellulose -- hydrates intensely while delivering a dose of ginseng to firm and brighten. We love tossing these in the fridge for an extra cooling, de-puffing effect. Best of all, the mask can be worn more than once! CHECK OUT

Florapy Calendula Sage Sheet Mask | These single-serving, coconut cotton sheet masks are saturated in a blend of healing botanicals that gently nourishes skin -- and smells amazing. This one features sage, calendula, aloe, rose, chamomile, olive oil, carrot oil and a few others for the most fall-scented mask experience ever.  CHECK OUT

The post 7 Killer Sheet Masks For A Halloween Night-In appeared first on The Chalkboard.

from The Chalkboard http://ift.tt/2hc4naD
via IFTTT

Microcurrent: The Anti-Aging Hack We’re Trying (Before Lines)

With two wands to conduct the treatment, and results that make us do a double take every time, microcurrent therapy is nothing short of modern day magic.

We've been obsessing over the lifting, sculpting, glow-inducing beauty therapy with LA's go-to pro, Mila Morgan. With so many requests to learn more (maybe you've caught our funny Instagram stories of the wands in action!) we're sharing a special opportunity to try microcurrent for yourself.

Eyeball the offer below and have the exclusive rates sent directly to your in-box. We specifically had milennials in mind for this offer. The reduced rate is perfect for those looking for preventative beauty benefits -- and a little break on a treatment most women only shell out for after a certain age.

Learn all about the beautifying effects of microcurrent therapy here. The basics: microcurrent works with the electrical current that our bodies naturally produce to reset imbalances caused by stress, environment, diet, exercise and age. Internally, it helps increase collagen and reduce inflammation. Externally, it can dramatically prevent and reduce visual signs of age, clear acne and create a level of glowiness normally reserved for Photoshop.

The post Microcurrent: The Anti-Aging Hack We’re Trying (Before Lines) appeared first on The Chalkboard.

from The Chalkboard http://ift.tt/2gKaQN1
via IFTTT

The Dehydrator: A Modern Way To Master Holiday Cookies

Like clockwork, the weather cools down and suddenly we're Julia Child. There's nothing more satisfying than baking up a storm on a cozy fall night, but having mountains of butter and sugar-filled baked goods isn't exactly supportive of our broader wellness goals. Thankfully, these raw cookies are.

We've turned our office into a test kitchen since our Excalibur dehydrator moved in, whipping up clean snacks from watermelon jerky to Brussels sprouts chips. This protein-rich cookie recipe is adapted from Raw: The Uncook Book. Try them raw as cookie dough balls (they're totally safe) or dehydrate them for a more traditional cookie - the cookies are rich in nutrients that don't get diluted through the baking process.

[olists num=1]

Get more dehydrator inspo with these gorgeous recipes watermelon jeky and sprout chips.

The post The Dehydrator: A Modern Way To Master Holiday Cookies appeared first on The Chalkboard.

from The Chalkboard http://ift.tt/2liJAqA
via IFTTT

Back in stock! Beat this California heat wave with a pair of...

Back in stock! Beat this California heat wave with a pair of Black Fade High Keys just restocked today 👓 #bestswimwear #quayaustralia #desiperkins http://ift.tt/2lgCWkE

from The BestSwimwear Blog http://ift.tt/2z8ggcs
via IFTTT

In Her Closet: LA Designer Christy Dawn on Longevity In Style + In Life

For LA-based designer, model and mom, Christy Dawn, authenticity is the beating heart behind everything she creates.

Sustainably-produced in artfully limited batches of deadstock (read: vintage) fabrics, Chirsty's designs are both physically and stylishly durable: the kind of timelessly-cool pieces we can keep forever. Her of-the-moment dresses sell out faster than it takes a kitten vid to go viral, but if obsessively checking Instagram for restock announcements is the cost of high-quality, low-impact fashion, we're happy to pay up.

With  production model inspired by her small town roots, a lifelong passion for creating beauty in all parts of life, and a dedication to intentionality across the board, Christy is a vision of modern wellness. Get to know her and her honorable mission a little better below... [olists num=1]

Get to know a few other faces shaking up sustainable fashion
with our full 'In Her Closet' series here!

The post In Her Closet: LA Designer Christy Dawn on Longevity In Style + In Life appeared first on The Chalkboard.

from The Chalkboard http://ift.tt/2z5KPiC
via IFTTT

We’re Making Caramel Apples With Maple Syrup + Ghee

Meet your new Halloween hero: cute and clean mini caramel apples from Laurel Gallucci of Sweet Laurel Bakery. With only four extremely clean ingredients, Laurel's maple and ghee caramel promises to become a new October staple in homes everywhere.

Try this at home and let us know if the kids' approve!

The post We’re Making Caramel Apples With Maple Syrup + Ghee appeared first on The Chalkboard.

from The Chalkboard http://ift.tt/2z5KKvk
via IFTTT

Why Blake Mycoskie Does His Best Work While Adventuring

What do coconut ice cream and ancient Roman literature have in common? They are both small but meaningful elements in Blake Mycoskie's balanced approach to wellness.

The philanthropist and founder of TOMS Shoes is the latest in our Movember interview series on men's health: a special collection of interviews featuring inspiring males in and around the wellness space. Pressed Juicery and Movember have collab'd on a protein-rich almond milk we love and so we kicked off our series last week with the man behind the Movember movement himself. Watch for more killer interviews in the weeks to come.

We know that Blake works hard -- TOMS' mission to bring shoes to children in need around the world has redefined the scope of success for modern social entrepreneurship -- and we love learning about the healthful ways he keeps his crazy schedule in check. How often do we hear of CEOs carving out time to spend outdoors every single day? Not enough, by our calculations.

Get to know Blake Mycoskie below, then pop over to the story from which we pulled this image - our gathering in Malibu with TOMS and Sunset Magazine!

The post Why Blake Mycoskie Does His Best Work While Adventuring appeared first on The Chalkboard.

from The Chalkboard http://ift.tt/2xmBC0Z
via IFTTT

because Stranger Things. Obviously. #bestswimwear #netflix...

because Stranger Things. Obviously. #bestswimwear #netflix http://ift.tt/2i2OSRY

from The BestSwimwear Blog http://ift.tt/2y4Rdlq
via IFTTT

Join Our Fall Beauty Series: Vintner’s Daughter + Helen’s Wines At The Detox Market

Wine. Beauty. Wellness. We're hosting the ultimate ladies' night-in and you're invited!

Join us at The Detox Market this November for one of our most fun gatherings yet: we'll soak up glowy secrets from April Gargiulo, creator of the cult-status face oil Vintner's Daughter, taste a curated selection of wines with Helen Johannesen of Helen's Wines, and shop the city's finest collection of green beauty.

Our beauty series at TDM has played host to some of the wellness world's most knowable, innovative and inspiring pros: We've sipped adaptogenic tonics with Scott Linde of Sun Potion, scored life-changing beauty wisdom from the founders of RMS and May Lindstrom, and most recently, learned how to fake perfect skin with celebrity makeup artist Katey Denno. Pop over to our Facebook to watch them all!

If you missed our other events (or just have great taste) RSVP for our next event below, and soon!

Guest will get to try five to six different wines -- including red, white, orange and sparkling -- and nerd out with two ultra knowledgeable pros. Can't make it? Be sure to watch a live stream of the evening on our Facebook (wine not included)...

The post Join Our Fall Beauty Series: Vintner’s Daughter + Helen’s Wines At The Detox Market appeared first on The Chalkboard.

from The Chalkboard http://ift.tt/2gG3aeW
via IFTTT

Take The Quiz: Which Ayurvedic Dosha Is Your Period?

We're sharing a guide to period "personality types", according to Ayurveda from Deepak Chopra-approved expert and author of Idiot's Guide to Ayurveda, Sahara Rose. Take the quick quiz and discover exactly what your bod needs most during that time of the month...

Periods are like belly buttons. No two are the same.

Periods vary as widely as types of digestion (which I discuss in this article), except it’s way less talked about, so we often don’t know what a “normal” period is supposed to look and feel like!

Believe it or not, periods aren’t supposed to be painful. You’re not supposed to have a week of cramps and a pile of Hershey’s Kiss wrappers every time your body flows.

According to ayurveda - the world’s oldest health system, in which I am an expert (and best-selling author) - our menstruations are sacred cycles that tell us a lot about our internal health. In fact, we can tell which dosha is out of balance just by observing our periods!

Doshas are based on the natural elements; the word dosha in ayurveda means energy. The three doshas are vata (air), pitta (fire) and kapha (earth). We are all comprised of these three doshas, but in varying amounts. Some of us are naturally more vata and airy (think cold, bloating, gas, constipation) while others are more pitta and fiery (think hot, acidic, aggravated digestion, inflammation) and others are more kapha and earthy (think cool, easily gaining weight, slow digestion and metabolism).

Our doshas can fall out of balance from not eating the right foods for our dosha, toxicity, hormonal imbalance, stress, inactivity, over activity, lack of sleep and a host of other reasons. Periods are great indicators of our imbalances because they’re a reflection of what is going on inside our body.

It’s important to address period problems before they manifest into graver illnesses such as early menopause, PCOS, amenorrhea, osteoporosis, fibroids, cysts and other issues we do not want to be dealing with. Ayurveda gives us an even closer look by giving us the framework of the three doshas so we can narrow down the exact cause of our menstruation mishaps. We always must treat the root cause of our imbalance with diet and lifestyle so it doesn’t reoccur in the future. Taking a pill is only masking a symptom rather than addressing the cause of the problem. Through ayurveda, we are able to pinpoint the root of the problem and build a healing lifestyle around it to bring our bodies back into balance.

[tqb_quiz id='136828']

The post Take The Quiz: Which Ayurvedic Dosha Is Your Period? appeared first on The Chalkboard.

from The Chalkboard http://ift.tt/2iwJPNL
via IFTTT

10 Creepy Candy Ingredients To Avoid According To The Food Babe

Ghosts, ghouls and children gathering buckets of sugar from strangers aren't the scariest parts of Halloween. Commercial candy ingredients are becoming notorious for including creepy chemicals, and no kid (nor adult-child) should consume without considering the facts first.

Self-proclaimed former candy addict turned food transparency advocate, Vani Hari, aka The Food Babe, is breaking down ten ingredients to take note of. Treat yo self this Halloween; but if you're not conjuring up sweets from scratch, be sure to read labels and do your homework to avoid these ten chemical creepers...

The post 10 Creepy Candy Ingredients To Avoid According To The Food Babe appeared first on The Chalkboard.

from The Chalkboard http://ift.tt/2z4S7U5
via IFTTT

This Pumpkin Tiramisu Is Like Halloween Candy For Foodies

A Halloween Celebration could look like you just robbed Willy Wonka -- or it could look like this: savory chicken alla diavola with lemon roasted veggies, succulent persimmon caprese, and homemade pumpkin tiramisu so good you'll forget all about your trick or treat nostalgia.

A timely new meal kit from our fave hyperlocal service, Out of the Box Collective, has everything you need to make a week of easy, elegant Halloween-inspired meals. These gently thematic recipes are made with real seasonal ingredients that will actually leave us feeling nourished -- not high on refined sugar and artificial dye. Order your Halloween Box below, and make this pumpkin tiramisu recipe immediately...

These days Halloween is far more adorable than it is scary; kids and their dogs trotting around the neighborhood in tiny costumes isn't exactly the stuff that nightmares are made of. Similarly, our Halloween Box is just a fine collection of our favorite fall meals, dressed up in spooky names! The kit also includes pumpkins from Rancho San Julian, organic popping corn and hand-crafted chocolates to make your Halloween night extra special. [olists num=2][olists num=1] 

The post This Pumpkin Tiramisu Is Like Halloween Candy For Foodies appeared first on The Chalkboard.

from The Chalkboard http://ift.tt/2gz0HPn
via IFTTT

6 Shocking Truths About American Beauty Products

As a Chalkboard reader, you may feel quite familiar with the idea that, as a consumer, you've got to act as your own advocate.

Trends and popular ideas about health and wellness change all the time. At some point, as health-oriented people who shop in a marketing saturated world, we learn to do our own homework and make as educated a choice as possible about the products we buy every day.

As much as we know about natural beauty, after chatting with Beautycounter's Head of Community Affairs, Lindsay Dahl we still found it tough to wrap our brains around a few of these facts on American beauty products and our personal care industry as a whole....

 

 

the FDA does not screen the safety of ingredients in personal care products.

 According to Beautycounter's website, "There are more than 80,000 chemicals on the market today. Many don’t have any safety data. This is particularly true of those used in the skin care and beauty industry.

What’s worse is that the Food and Drug Administration (the agency that regulates cosmetics in the United States) allows companies to use chemicals known to be extremely harmful in the products we put on our bodies and on our kids’ bodies every single day, day after day, and to make their own judgments about safety."

In our chat with Dahl, we talked about the history of the beauty industry and why there is such a lack of oversight from the FDA. Historically speaking, the beauty and personal care industry has aways been quite small, including the list of commonly used ingredients. But flash forward, through the growth of the American economy after WWII on through today, and the amount of products now available in beauty is staggering. There has been no other period in human history where so many new chemicals, formulas and products have been introduced into the marketplace.  And along the way, no specific body of people have ever been designated to stop and consider safety.

There are nearly 1400 personal care product ingredients banned in the EU.
The United States has only partially banned 30.

One of the most compelling stats for those who are new to the idea of switching to clean, non-toxic personal care products is the above. Many of the beauty world's "worst offenders" are banned around the world, but not in the U.S. Based on the regulatory differences, Beautycounter's Dahl even noted to us that many large personal care brands create different formulas for EU retailers than they do for the U.S.

A Few Ingredients Banned In The EU, But Not In The US: 
Hydroquinone: Used in anti-aging products; banned over 1% concentrations in the EU.
Parabens: Two parabens are banned in the EU over .14% concentration.
Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen in hair and other personal care products. Banned.
Phthalates: Three types of phthalates are banned completely from personal care products in the EU.

1938 was the year the last comprehensive federal law regarding chemical safety in personal care was passed.

How many beauty products do you think stars of the 1930's like Greta Garbo and Jean Harlow had on their vanities? How do you think your makeup bag would compare? There's no doubt that, when it comes to beauty products, the innovations in technology we millennials enjoy are out of this world. But, while most of the beauty product ingredients we use today are prized for their innovative formulas, many have not been screened for safety approval. Some ingredients have been studied, have been proven dangerous, but are still unregulated.

The Good news. 

The natural beauty industry is booming. Along with the swell of interest in health and wellness these days, more of us are paying attention to the quality of the ingredients in our food and personal care products.

Many of the changes and improvements we're seeing in what hits the shelves have come in response to consumer demand. A few things we've noticed? More personal care products marked phthalate, paraben or petrochemical free.

Additionally, the growing interest in wellness has effected the product's producers themselves. According to Dahl, more companies are starting to pay attention to the compelling science coming from major trusted medical organizations on personal care products. Savvy companies are also seeing international regulatory policy changes and getting ahead of the curve.

We applaud Beautycounter for taking a strong lead on new regulation in the beauty industry. Learn more about Beautycounter's Counteract Coalition and their active engagement in D.C. for over three years, including their support of Senators Feinstein and Collin on the new Personal Care Safety Act. The Coalition hopes to push Congress to take the bill into hearings soon.

Just learning about natural and non-toxic beauty? We've got loads of resources for you!
Find our Lifestyle + Natural Beauty section here and let us know your questions and comments below!

The post 6 Shocking Truths About American Beauty Products appeared first on The Chalkboard.

from The Chalkboard http://ift.tt/2hZu0uP
via IFTTT

The Sugar Cleanse We’re Trying Before The Holidays Even Begin

Wild weekend or savage holiday season - we love a good cleanse to help reboot our systems. For some, that commitment can feel overwhelming -- especially after a thoroughly DGAF food frenzie --  and we get it.

For yogi and superfood master, Sophie Jaffe of Philosophie, learning to love cleansing, and making the most of each one, comes down to a matter of perspective... and the right snacks. Thanksgiving isn't for another month, but we're already working out ways to keep things in balance.  If you're planning a detox period too, be sure to check out these tips from Sophie, then enter to win a sugar cleanse package from Philosophie over on our Facebook page today!

In our fast-paced world where packed planners and pinging phones are the norm, it’s no wonder that our bodies, minds and souls crave and require moments of stillness and rejuvenating rest. There’s truly no better way though to counterbalance everyday stresses and give our soul some R+R than through doing a restorative cleanse.

After over a decade of doing food-based cleanses full of beautiful, wholesome ingredients, I’ve made cleansing a regular part of my life. They’re not just a fad, they’re not only for pre-festival preparation or post-holiday bloat relief – cleanses are here to stay. In helping clients like Gerard Butler, Stacy Keibler and George Clooney detox in safe and manageable ways, I’ve come to hold a deep respect for these magical detox periods that are best practiced with the change of the seasons.

Beyond the obvious physical benefits, cleanses also allow you to connect to your natural cycles and rhythms of nature – you notice the ebbs and flows of your energy levels and discover things that drain you (so you can eliminate them as much as possible), as well as what best nourishes your body.

Cleanses aren’t only about what you’re putting into your body; they’re also a time to come back to a ritual of meditation, a spiritual yoga practice, hiking or being in nature. A three-, five-, or ten-day cleanse program can be a transformational time where you experience breakthroughs in your personal and spiritual life. As a reliable tool that can challenge your edge and expand your growth, they’re something that we can and should return to again and again.

To make the most of your cleansing journeys, I encourage you to practice these 5 tips:

Completely shift the way you think about cleansing. It’s not about deprivation. Cleansing shouldn’t be about calorie-counting or leaving your plate half full. When you eat meals bursting with colorful, nutrient-dense fruits, veggies, herbs, nuts and seeds, you can eat to your heart’s content! Think a cacao almond-butter smoothie for breakfast, a superfood salad full of avocado, and a creamy, dairy-free butternut squash soup made with Philosophie Green Dream Superfood + Protein Blend for dinner. This special time is all about celebrating your body and connecting to beautiful, wholesome foods.

Stock up on nourishing drinks + snacks. Try Pressed Juicery’s chlorophyll lemonade paired with a handful of Brazil nuts. When you have a wholesome, nutrient-dense juice or snack in your kitchen (or your purse), you’ll have an easy time doing your cleanse. It’s when we’re hungry and without healthy options that we tend to grab whatever processed, greasy item is within reach. When you’re shopping or preparing foods for your cleanse, pick items that you’re genuinely excited to try so that you can’t wait to eat them.

Make water your new best friend. Drink water all day long. Lemon water when you wake up, water after a superfood breakfast smoothie, water after lunch, water after dinner. In the evening, wind down with a detox herbal tea. If you like to jazz up your water, drop in some cucumbers or strawberries and basil. To keep your water cool and refreshing, invest in a quality, stainless steel water bottle that you can bring with you everywhere.

While cleansing, say ‘no’ to others and ‘yes’ to yourself. Make this a time about recharging your batteries. Detoxes are a time for you to prioritize you. It’s best to minimize socializing and pouring out your energy; instead, shift to activities that help preserve and revitalize your energy. If you’re an extrovert, this can be hard but when you cultivate some quiet time for yourself, you’ll come out of your detox brighter than ever. Journaling serves as a rewarding practice during cleansing, in which you’ll discover more about yourself, what patterns you don't want to take into the next cycle, and how you want to further grow and blossom as a human.

Create other cleanse rituals. From a bath at the end of a long day to keeping your phone on airplane mode for several hours while you restore your heart and mind, cleansing comes in all forms. When you spend time away from situations that drain you, even for a little bit, you’ll feel radiant, energetic and have an easy time finding gratitude for all of the little beautiful things in your life and on your path.

The post The Sugar Cleanse We’re Trying Before The Holidays Even Begin appeared first on The Chalkboard.

from The Chalkboard http://ift.tt/2hXNDDK
via IFTTT

Tiny Honeynut Squash: The Biggest Foodie News of the Season?

Mini things taste better. It's science. When it comes to seasonal eating, there's not much more satisfying than squashes come mid-fall and this tiny honeynut squash is making all our fall food dreams come true. Honeynuts are a tiny hybrid version of butternut - and taste just about the same.

Some of our favorite kitchens in LA are feeling the love; here's where you can find honeynut squash on plates around town...

Huckleberry Café
Featured as a new seasonal special, one of our most-loved local spots, Huckleberry in Santa Monica, is now serving up honeynut squash flatbread with red onion, olive oil, rosemary and thyme.

71 Above
One of the best views in LA just got even better with the latest addition to this downtown resto's seasonally rotating: honeynut squash with maple, harissa, brown butter, sage and saturtium.

The Bellwether
Brand new to the market-inspired menu of The Bellwether in Studio City is a sharable plate of Weiser Farm honeynut with bulgur, currants, tahini, mint, and pomegranate molasses.

Baltaire
This classic-meets-contemporary steakhouse in West LA recently added a mediterranean-inspired side dish of grilled honeynut with za’atar, feta and tahini.

Does all this cuteness have you craving?
Be sure to check out these fall-ready squash recipes (homemade hummus and cocktails included)!

The post Tiny Honeynut Squash: The Biggest Foodie News of the Season? appeared first on The Chalkboard.

from The Chalkboard http://ift.tt/2gwZfNB
via IFTTT

This Kimono is on the top of our must have list for Fall!...

This Kimono is on the top of our must have list for Fall! #shoplinkinbio #musthaves #bestswimwear http://ift.tt/2gyMZQd

from The BestSwimwear Blog http://ift.tt/2xUnWts
via IFTTT

NYC Bite of The Month: Clean Japanese At Brooklyn’s Tiny Okonomi

Here's your vocab lesson for the day: "mottainai" is a Japanese term that captures the feeling of regret concerning waste. It's also the philosophy that inspired Okonomi, a verifiably authentic Japanese micro-restaurant in Brooklyn that sources sustainably, serves seasonally, and seats fewer people than your own dining room table. Our fave foodie, Kat Odell, recently sat down for lunch at the little eatery, here's everything you need to know...

What I Ate: Okonomi’s set-menu lunch.

Why I Ate It: Because I am obsessed with Japan and Okonomi, a micro-restaurant in Williamsburg with just 12 seats, which transports you to Tokyo via its super Japanese breakfast and lunch prix fixe. During the day there’s only one menu on offer featuring a central fish protein, plus seven-grain rice, miso soup, various vegetable preps and an egg. All ingredients are in season and sourced locally, and the meal itself celebrates the Japanese concept of ichiju sansei - a set menu aimed at offering a healthful, balanced meal that's rooted in kaiseki. All ingredients are either boiled, roasted, seared or pickled, minus any trace of butter or oil.

Why You Need It: Because this is one of New York’s most authentically Japanese eateries. And beyond adhering to authentic and super clean (and highly delicious!) Japanese small plates, Okonomi embraces sustainability, disposing of only one bag of garbage per day.

Explore more awesome healthy restaurants around NYC with our monthly series here!

The post NYC Bite of The Month: Clean Japanese At Brooklyn’s Tiny Okonomi appeared first on The Chalkboard.

from The Chalkboard http://ift.tt/2xShROv
via IFTTT