Cymbiotika’s Chervin Jafarieh on Where Wellness Is Headed In 2023

Cymbiotika's Chervin Jafarieh is an impassioned advocate for what you could call 'total health'. His approach to well-being is all encompassing -- from caring for the environment to tending to our internal wellness on every levels. His ethos can be clearly seen in his brand, Cymbiotika, one of the most exciting supplements brands we've seen in the last few years.

Chervin's passionate approach can be felt in this recent interview with the health and wellness leader, where we talk personal discipline, 2023 trends and the mind-body issues at the fore for us all...

chervin, what's your mindset as you enter 2023? I am getting crystal clear with my main directives for self-growth and empowerment, and I am finding new and creative ways to share that with my family, friends, and the collective. I also have a deep level of gratitude for all the amazing lessons I have learned over the years. All of our our supplements allow me to stay focused on my goals and stay ambitious, but our Shilajit is the most notable. It's like nothing you've ever tried before.

New routines you’re committing/re-committing to this year: Cold plunge daily, mobility routine and stretching, swimming in the ocean, superior oral care, more time in the mountains, drinking more spring water, better hygiene with blue light from technology, more quiet time.

What lessons did you personally metabolize and let go of in 2022?

On a personal level, I have been metabolizing the reality that my father is no longer here in physical form. I’m coming to a deeper level of acceptance, letting go of guilt around having been unable to save his life.

I’m also refining personal habits. Since we are creatures of comfort, it's good to review all habits from the previous year. No habit is worth holding onto unless it continues to serve one’s greater vision and goals.

What stood out to you about our community’s mindset in 2022?

It is inspiring to witness so many people from all walks of life jumping on board the health movement, not only because it’s trendy but because they realize it will have a profound effect on their lives. People want to feel better inside and out, and they are jumping into the driver's seat. It is exciting to know that these collective actions will dramatically evolve future generations.

What are your most important suggestions for optimal Health this year? 

I recommend going back to the basics, learning the principles of health, and identifying small steps that can help you gain momentum. Other ways you can deepen your wellness approach:

+ Practicing discernment for the foods that you are eating.
+ Drinking clean spring water. I add Cymbiotika’s Molecular Hydrogen in your morning water to reduce free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
+ Receiving optimal sunlight on your body. For those who live in the northern hemisphere and are not able to get enough sunlight, try Cymbiotika’s Vitamin D3 + K2 + CoQ10. The combination of this formula allows for more optimal immune function, supports strong bones, and reduces arterial plaque.
+ Physically connecting to the earth. Get outside!
+ Understanding your supplement needs and why certain supplements are useful. If you aren't sure where to start or what supplements you need, take Cymbiotika’s quiz to get started.
+ Adding more movement into your daily routine, like lifting weights, working on flexibility, and doing breathwork. To reach peak athletic performance, try Cymbiotika’s Longevity Mushrooms.

What do you suggest for optimal Mental And Emotional Health as well? 

My top recommended resources for those who want to strengthen their mental and emotional health include:

+ Taking a non-violent communication course or reading a book to improve relationships and communication.
+ Scheduling personal quiet time daily.
+ Reducing screen time and using an app to reduce blue light exposure on devices.
+ Taking meditation workshops.
+ Staying clear of stressful environments and sometimes stressful people. These days, staying stress free can be hard with so many distractions and environmental factors surrounding us. Cymbiotika created a stress bundle to tackle stress at all angles.
+ Getting involved with a community of like-minded people.
+ Allowing fresh air in the home and keeping the body moving when the sun is up.

what are the Key Wellness Trends you're Watching In 2023?

+ Beauty from within.
+ Women’s wellness and supporting all stages of the life cycle.
+ Perfecting sleep and maximizing efficiency. For better and deeper sleep, try Cymbiotika’s Sleep.
+ Non-alcoholic alternatives for relieving stress and setting the mood. Our Adrenal Super Tonic acts as a great mocktail that balances the mood and relieves stress.
+ Microbiome balance: awareness around how parasites, bacteria, mold, and candida affect physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
+ Regulating the nervous system through meditation and time in nature.

What’s at the forefront of your focus this year? The forefront of my focus is on the things that matter most, like family and building solid relationships with my inner circle of friends. It's easy to get caught up in life’s to-do’s, so I am prioritizing more time to unplug and be present with those I love.

We are also having a huge 2023 here at Cymbiotika. We will be launching very intentional products. We just launched our newest formula, Metabolic Health that my team and I have been working on for years. This product is the perfect supplement to introduce around the new years to help you keep up with your resolutions. Metabolic Health is designed to regulate appetite, enhance satiety and optimize fat modulation.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.   

This story is brought to you in partnership with Cymbiotika. 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 programs. 

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Watch This: Facial Acupressure Points for A Clear Complexion + Lifted Cheekbones

Julie Civiello Polier is a reiki facialist and the author of the new book, Gua Sha & Crystal Massage: Techniques for Healthy, Clear, and Glowing Skin.

In the video above and tutorial below, Julie walks us through a simple technique that improves blood flow and lifts the face dramatically. At is turns out, our mind, body and emotions are inextricably linked, especially when it comes to the face. As Julie shares in this excerpt from her book, this ritual has emotional, as a well as beautifying benefits. If you've never explored the benefits of gua sha, you can review our tutorials throughout the site here.

Facial Acupressure Points for A Clear Complexion + Lifted Cheekbones

Pressing these points improves facial complexion, activates blood circulation, and lifts sagging cheeks. Applying pressure to these two points on the face can remedy acne and facial blemishes. It can also activate digestion, relieve head congestion, a stuffy nose, and burning eyes. It opens up the ears and can clear the sinuses and face.

Location: Under cheekbones, lining up with eye pupils
Energy meridians we come into contact with: stomach, large intestine
Organs and glands that can benefit: stomach, lungs, intestines, liver (right side), stomach (left side), adrenal glands
Gua Sha tools: Use 2 spoons or fingertips

01 | Using the tips of the spoons, or your fingertip, locate St 3 by tracing outward from your nostrils to a point directly beneath the pupil of each eye. Apply pressure to both sides at the same time.

02 | The points are underneath your cheekbones on either side of your face. See if you can hook your thumbs up underneath, pressing up into the bones and letting the weight of your head fall onto your thumbs.

03 | Notice what emotions release or bubble up to the surface so that they can clear.

Letting Go of Sadness | Working in this area, the lung area of the facial map, often a lot of grief and sadness can find their exit through this point.

Read Next: Ice Your Face, Thank Us Later: Green Tea Ice Cubes Are The Ultimate Skincare Treat

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Here’s What A Full Day of Anti-Inflammatory Meals Looks Like

Integrative nutritionist Jennie Miremadi is sharing a full day of anti-inflammatory meals with us - snacks included.

The anti-inflammatory diet is a preventative, body-balancing formula for eating well which we've explored in-depth on the site including this piece with Jennie. If you've been wanting to incorporate more foods that fight inflammation into your diet but wern't sure how to go about it, this menu will help you out... 

Now that you’re up to speed on the life changing potential of an anti-inflammatory diet, I want to show you how easy (and delicious) it is to eat this way. So, I’ve put together this day of anti-inflammatory meals for you to try! It not only includes anti-inflammatory foods in every meal and snack, it also excludes the common inflammation-triggering foods I remove in the main elimination diet I use with my clients. Try eating anti-inflammatory meals this way for a day and I think you’ll be hooked!

A Day of Anti-Inflammatory Meals

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A few snack ideas: Walnuts; ½ cup of fresh organic berries; organic green olive snack pack; baked kale chips with extra-virgin olive oil.

We first ran this story from Miremadi in 2018, but the anti-inflammatory diet is lasting the test of time. Discover more healthy snack recipes from Jennie here.

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Meet The Founders Of L.A.’s Latest Design Obsession, Olive Ateliers (Plus A Peek Inside The New Studio)

Kendall Knox, Ben Knox and Laura Sotelo are the founders of Olive Ateliers, the disruptive new interiors shop that has all of L.A. spellbound with their weathered vintage ceramics, limestone troughs, and raw wood benches.

During the pandemic, the threesome began curating imported 'objects with souls' and dropping them during one-off events to their community. Before long, Olive Ateliers drops became a verifiable occasion for L.A. design enthusiasts and lines began wrapping around the block -- and down the Instagram feed.

Celebrity fans of Olive Ateliers' imported vintage objects from Turkey, India, Indonesia, Morocco and Greece include Kendall Jenner, Elsa Hosk, Kristen Bell and countless interior designers. Just last week, Kim Kardashian called OA her "favorite new store for home accessories" via Instagram stories.

Having just moved into a giant new atelier in DTLA, we finally reached out to Kendall, Ben and Laura to talk about their exciting business model, stunning studio and those olive jars...

In The Studio with the Founders of Olive Ateliers

Names: Kendall Knox, Ben Knox and Laura Sotelo of Olive Ateliers

Our brand in a nutshell: We are a home decor importer, experiential retailer, and lifestyle brand born from an adoration for found objects and one-off furnishings that conjure charisma and tranquility.

Our aesthetic: ‘Curious Living’. Curious living is a term we coined that represents what it means to curate your space using collected decor. Stoic, wise objects that have a story to tell, and that instinctually conjure meaningful conversation, curiosity and connection.

When and how we started: Olive Ateliers started in the summer of 2021 dropping small collections of curated, one-of-a-kind objects on Instagram. The following January, after receiving a massive demand and going viral on social media, we quickly opened our flagship in Culver City. This month we opened our brand new 22,000 sq ft flagship in the iconic Los Angeles Arts District.

In the day to day, you can usually find us… at the Atelier, styling.

One the best days, we are… traveling to the most curious corners of the globe, sourcing one-of-a-kind objects with old souls.

What to know to shop with us: We only open to the public when drops occur. Our drops are announced to our community via Instagram, email, and text messages and then take place in-person at our Atelier in the Arts District. Everything is non-refundable.

Our favorite few pieces of all time: The Olive Jar, a vintage object we source from Turkey, traditionally used to store olives and olive oil. Our raw, solid onyx side tables from Indonesia. We’re crushing over our vintage French confit jars too.Home trends we're into now: “Newstalgia”, which is all about vintage and antique pieces getting a resurgence of chic, is on our radar. We obsess over the contrast of old against new — it’s why we adorn our current spaces with 'Objects with Old Souls'.

We get the biggest thrill when… The biggest inspiration for us is seeing our objects re-homed by our community. There’s something so special about the journey these objects take to get here, and the way in which each individual interprets and styles their chosen objects in their space.

Favorite neighbors in our area: Maru Coffee for a caffeine fix, Soho Warehouse the ambiance, Bestia for that special culinary experience, Bread Lounge for unbeatable soups, salads, sandwiches in a hurry, Death & Co. for their incredible cocktails, The Row DTLA for retail therapy and The Proper Hotel for an inspiring, comfortable stay because, Kelly Wearstler.

Best celeb home spotting of A products you loved? Kendall Jenner recently featured our antique Indian Marble Tray and Greek 3-Handle Pot out on her back patio via her Instagram and it was all very *chefs kiss*.

Favorite source(s) for trees and foliage to fit the OA vessels? Dried flowers or branches from the Flower Market in downtown Los Angeles. We also love traditional olive trees and the highly sought after black olive or “shady lady” tree, both of which we retail at the Atelier from time to time.

Biggest business lesson learned: Generally speaking, if you want to start a business don’t wait until it’s perfect to launch. Sometimes that matters, but usually it doesn’t. Start getting feedback on your idea as soon as possible because then you can build your business and your brand around your community, not the other way around.

Best business advice we could give/have received: “Hope is not a strategy.” If you want to succeed, it is going to take a lot of thoughtful, hard work. You will always need to actively re-prioritize, adapt, and carefully consider your vision in each step you take toward success.

Best home styling tip: Prioritize natural fibers, organic materials and items of age, and with character. Our favorite way to style an object is: as is. Let the history and one-of-a-kind nature of the object do the talking.

What's next for us this year that we're excited about: Everything. We just moved into our new flagship and we’re excited to grow into the space, focus on improving our in-person experience, and investigate new ways to serve our community. Whether that be an online experience, additional locations, or expanding upon our lifestyle brand, we are excited about what the future holds.

Follow Olive Atelier on Instagram to catch their next drop and drool over their latest imports! 

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13 Herbs That’ll Change the Way You Deal with Stress

Adriana Ayales is the founder of Anima Mundi Apothecary. Take this deep dive with Adriana on stress, it's effects on our health, and the adaptogenic supports and rejuvenative tonics that can help us find balance again... 

In order to thrive (and not simply survive!), we must become more mindful about our stress levels. Stress hormones play a crucial role in our cardiovascular, nervous and immune systems, but repeated activation of the “flight-flight-freeze” response can take a serious toll on the body and will disrupt almost all bodily processes. Over-adaptation to stress -- the constant disruption of key neurohormones -- is the trigger for countless health issues.

Physicians affirm that 90% of all office visits are for stress-related conditions and/or complaints. Stress can directly affect our entire physical-mental makeup, impacting the nervous system and key stress-coping organs like the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands. It’s dangerous to be in survival mode 24/7...

Research suggests that chronic stress, even when operating silently over long periods of time, contributes to high blood pressure, promotes the formation of artery-clogging deposits, causes brain changes that may contribute to brain fog, anxiety, depression, and addiction. More preliminary research suggests that chronic stress may also contribute to obesity, both directly (causing people to eat more) and indirectly (decreasing sleep and exercise).

Over-secretion of cortisol, for example, suppresses the immune system and can cause symptoms ranging from severe anxiety, hypertension, inflammation and depression to chronic fatigue, PMS, infertility, sex hormone imbalance, insulin resistance, weight gain, insomnia, and polycystic ovary syndrome.

We often forget stress doesn’t just come from a busy life or emotional overload, it can also be inherited (think: intergenerational trauma), or it can be triggered by environmental toxicity, agricultural chemicals, exposure to heavy metals, electro-smog, and viruses.

13 Herbs For Stress + Burnout Support 

With all these factors in mind, almost everyone can use some support in balancing stress these days. The herbs we most often turn to at Anima Mundi for stress support come in four categories...

+ Herbs for physical + nervous system support

+ Herbs that support stress-related nutritional deficiencies

+ Herbs that support stress-related depressive moods

+ Herbs that reduce stress-related insomnia and agitation

It’s time to relax and restore. Below, I’ve categorized some of the precious nervines, adaptogens, and rejuvenative tonics so you can match the types of stress you may be feeling to a potential remedy to facilitate a return to your normal baseline and better health...

SKULLCAP | An excellent anti-spasmodic, muscle tension reliever, anti-inflammatory and blood flow stimulant, skullcap assists with chronic headaches and relaxation. Used in European medicine and by Native Americans to soothe the nerves and help from body pain recovery, skullcap also supports the treatment of hysteria, insomnia, anxiety, and epilepsy. Learn more

PASSIONFLOWER | A gentle anti-anxiety, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and mild sedative supportive herb. It is traditionally used by Native Americans and curanderos in Latin America to help ease muscle pain, bruises, and insomnia. Quercetin, one of the active compounds, is an exceptionally effective ability in ridding the body from damaging free radicals while helping to inhibit various enzymes that cause inflammation, relaxing the nervous system and helping to relieve nerve-related pain. Learn more

HE SHOU WU | a.k.a. “Fo-Ti” is a powerful root with adaptogenic properties, used for more than 3,000 years as a rejuvenative, 'anti-aging' supportive beauty tonic. Traditionally, it was used to thicken hair, increase virility, and rejuvenate the internal organs. Scientific studies have found a plethora of benefits such as aiding with DNA repair, supporting the bones and cognitive functions. If used in large amounts it might be toxic to the liver, be sure to prepare the right dosage for the right amount of time. Learn more

SUMA | 'Brazilian Ginseng' nutritionally contains 19 different amino acids, a large number of electrolytes, trace minerals, iron, magnesium, zinc, vitamins A, B1, B2, E, K, and pantothenic acid. In other words, it's a powerful multivitamin! Its high germanium content accounts for its properties as an oxygenator at a cellular level; its high iron content may account for its traditional use for treating anemia. Learn more

CORDYCEPS | Prized for their natural ability to help fight free radicals, infections, and inflammation, Cordyceps are impressive disease-fighting fungi that have been used for hundreds of years to reduce symptoms of respiratory disorders, coughs, colds, liver damage as well as energy. A true superfood, the cordyceps mushroom can support slowing the effects of aging and stress and boost energy levels. Learn more

MACA | Grows high up in the Andes mountains of Peru and Bolivia. Maca is an important staple of these diets given it is highly nutritious and able to grow wild, surviving harsh climates. It is also said to help people adapt to the altitude and to thrive in harsh conditions, including severe cold, rugged terrain, low oxygen, strong sunlight, and intense winds. It’s commonly known as a nutrient-dense aphrodisiac; naturally rich in copper, vitamin C, potassium, plus trace elements like iodine, iron, zinc, fatty and amino acids. Learn more 

ALBIZZIA | The Tree of Eternal Happiness. Both the bark and the flowers have been traditionally used for hundreds of years as a calming sedative. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is used to anchor the spirit for those who struggle with worry, anxiety, confusion, and depression. The flowers have been used as a treatment for insomnia, amnesia, and melancholy. Albizzia is thought to enhance all aspects of neurotransmitter secretion and regulation, which is why some find it helpful as an anti-depressant and anti-anxiety supportive herb with no known side effects. Learn more 

ASHWAGANDHA | Ashwagandha has been a popular Ayurvedic remedy for millennia. Ashwagandha may help to balance the hormones that contribute to anxiety. On one hand, it can fire up your body and give you energy when you’re feeling fatigued and burned out. On the other hand, it can also suppress stimulatory hormones when you’re strung out and stressed. It can also depress the central nervous system, inducing relaxation and aiding sleep. This is helpful for stress and anxiety disorders, which tend to involve two extremes of high stress and stimulation, combined with fatigue and adrenal exhaustion. Learn more 

RHODIOLA | Rhodiola has been found through extensive clinical studies to have antidepressant properties by balancing neurotransmitters in the brain. Human-based clinical trials also demonstrated how Rhodiola reduced mental fatigue on stressful work-related tasks by 20% within a 20 day period. In another study, students experienced significantly reduced mental fatigue, improved sleep patterns, and increased motivation after a 20-day intake. Rhodiola is an essential staple as an energizing mental health aid. Learn more 

MUCUNA | is a mood-boosting super herb with adaptogenic qualities. Mucuna is one of the only naturally occurring (and certainly most concentrated) sources of L-Dopa—as in dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that ignites brain performance, along with feelings of joy and bliss. Learn more 

MILKY OAT | A soothing superfood for the nervous system and excellent trophorestorative, milky oat is a nourishing food that brings deep restoration. This remedy has been crafted for over 150 years by eclectic physicians as a tonic remedy to calm shattered nerves and relieve emotional instability, helping restore peace to an already burnt-out system in need of nutrient-dense recovery. Learn more 

MULUNGU | Indigenous Amazonian peoples have used mulungu for centuries as a relaxant, for mental disorders (depression, anxiety, stress, panic, trauma, etc.), liver disorders, high blood pressure, and heart palpitations. Scientific studies demonstrate all of the indigenous uses were highly accurate, demonstrating significant pain-relief, antispasmodic, anti-convulsive, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory results.

KAVA KAVA | Kava is a hypnotic sedative used ceremonially for centuries by Polynesians, Hawaiians, and others. There are over 15 varieties of Hawaiian kava alone, and each one has its own qualities, flavors, and potencies. Research shows that kava root can be used to treat anxiety because it’s a nonaddictive and non-hypnotic anxiolytic. Kava is used to improve mood, ease anxiety, and boost sociability. It works by stimulating dopamine receptors and inducing euphoria. Learn more 

Shop all of herbalist, Adriana Ayeles' top picks for stress and nervous system health at Anima Mundi Apothecary..

Read Next: 13 Ways To Regulate Your Nervous System (Yes, Stress Hormones Are Addictive)

This story is brought to you in partnership with Anima Mundi. From time to time, TCM editors choose to partner with brands we believe in to bring our readers special offers. 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 programs.

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The Pros Whey In: Your Ultimate Guide to Protein Powders

If your lifestyle is even remotely active, odds are you’d benefit from a quality protein powder in your diet. Proteins are the building blocks for hundreds of bodily functions, some of the most important being provision of amino acids for tissue repair, making immune cells and building neurotransmitters.

That said, there are as many flavors of protein powder these days as there are shades of lipstick. Which type is best?

To avoid confusion and ensure you get your needs met, we're sharing this definitive guide to protein powders with Maressa Garner of Mattole Valley Naturals and nutritionist Kelly Leveque -- brass tacks, no fluff, no frills.

Read on to discover which protein powder best fits your lifestyle, then enter to win our giveaway of 6 full-sized protein powders from Kelly Leveque below!

Animal-Protein Sources
Look for grass-fed, pasture-raised sources that are raised without the use of hormones or antibiotics for the most nutrient-dense protein.

Bovine Whey protein

Pros: Grass-fed whey has high amounts of cysteine, which helps the liver make glutathione (master antioxidant and major detoxifier!); Complete amino acid profile, particularly branched-chain amino acids, which stimulate muscle growth and maintenance; Quick and easy to digest for those who tolerate dairy; Contains compounds called bioactive milk peptides that reduce stress

Cons: When poorly sourced, there is potential for contamination with hormones, antibiotics, heavy metals; It's often heated and refined, which denatures proteins, destroys nutrients and eradicates growth factors. Look for a whey concentrate, not an isolate; Dairy is a common allergen, those with sensitivities may experience cramping or bloating, poor digestion or inflammation

Who should use: Athletes or anyone with specific fitness goals, vegetarians, those on an alkaline or primal diet

Our top picks: Mattole Valley Naturals Whey Protein Powder

Goat Whey protein

Pros: All the same benefits as bovine whey, plus a few more; less allergenic than bovine milk, oligosaccharides found in goat’s milk can ease digestion in the intestinal tract; easier to digest than cow’s milk; smaller fat globules and higher levels of medium-chain triglycerides amount to larger surface-to-volume ratio resulting in more efficient digestion; slightly more alkaline-forming than cow’s milk; molecularly closest to human milk

Cons: See above for cow’s milk cons; goat’s milk has a strong characteristic flavor, which some love, others loathe.

Who should use: Athletes or anyone with specific fitness goals, those with sensitivity to cow dairy, vegetarians, those on an alkaline or primal diet.

Our top picks: Mattole Valley Naturals Goat Protein Powder

Beef isolate protein

Pros: Beef protein is in its own category from why or collagen because it’s a complete protein containing 24 g of protein.16 g of that are collagen amino acids. While bone broth and collagen are incomplete proteins, beef isolate gives you all the benefits of collagen with a more robust amino acid profile.

Cons: Not suitable for vegans. Just like why and collagen protein, when poorly sourced, there is potential for contamination with hormones, antibiotics, heavy metals. Be sure to select grass-fed and responsibly sourced powder.

Who should use: Athletes or anyone with specific fitness goals, or primal diet.

Our top picks: Be Well by Kelly Swedish Grass-Fed Beef Protein Powder 

Collagen protein

Pros: Supports connective tissue repair; High levels of glycine help to buffer cortisol and encourage restful sleep; improves skin appearance; gut bacteria turns collagen into butyric acid, aiding digestion. Learn more about it here!

Cons: Incomplete amino acid profile (needs to be supplemented with another protein source); Heat processing reduces the benefits of collagen, look for a hydrolyzed source

Who should use: Athletes or anyone with specific fitness goals, those with compromised gut health, anyone with a dairy sensitivity, those specifically seeking joint support, anyone on an elimination diet, alkaline, paleo or primal diet

Our top picks: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder

Plant-Protein Sources
When shopping for a plant protein, you want to seek a multi plant-based blend to cover your bases with a complete amino acid profile. Look for organic, sprouted grains for optimal digestibility as plant proteins can be difficult to digest.

Chocho protein

Pros: Chocho is a special type of lupin bean from South America, offering a fiber, iron, and calcium-packed plant-based protein.

Cons: Be sure that your chocho is harvested ethically. This crop has traditonally ben cherished by indigenous farmers in the Andes with regenerative methods and we want to ensure this trending protein continues to serve them well.

Who should use: Those looking to build lean muscle. The perfect choice for sustainability-minded customers.

Our top picks: Mikuna Chocho Superfood Protein Powder or Be Well by Kelly Plant-Based Protein 

Pea Protein

Pros: Hypoallergenic; high amounts of arginine, an essential amino acid that aids in building tissue; relatively easy to digest.

Cons: Incomplete amino acid profile, must be supplemented with other forms of dietary protein; contains phytic acid that blocks nutrients; contains lectins that trigger inflammation and autoimmune response.

Who should use: Athletes or anyone with specific fitness goals, vegans, anyone with a dairy sensitivity, anyone on an elimination diet, paleo diet, or alkaline diet.

Our top pick: Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+

Hemp Protein

Pros: Hypoallergenic; Boasts a near complete amino-acid profile, unique in a plant protein; Generous quantities of vitamin E and lecithin, which supports healthy liver and brain function+ Rich in anti-inflammatory fatty acids and over 20 trace minerals; High amount of GLA, which promotes hormone health

Cons: Large amounts can cause bloating and indigestion, due to fiber content

Who should use: Athletes or anyone with specific fitness goals, vegans, anyone with a dairy sensitivity, endurance athletes (higher fat and carbohydrate content), anyone on an elimination diet

Brown Rice Protein

Pros: Hypoallergenic and easy to digest; excellent source of complex carbohydrates, vitamin B and fiber; scores low on glycemic index relative to most plant proteins.

Cons: Potential for high levels of heavy metals, particularly naturally-occurring arsenic; Incomplete amino acid profile, must be supplemented with other forms of dietary protein.

Who should use: Vegans, anyone with a dairy sensitivity, anyone on an alkaline or elimination diet.

Our top pick: Terrasoul Organic Sprouted Brown Rice Protein Powder

Our Protein Powder Giveaway!

We're giving away 6 full-sized bags of Kelly Leveque's best-selling protein powders in both Beef and Chocho. Never tried these excellent sources of daily protein? Enter to win and start adding a scoop to every smoothie, latte and baked good you make!

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Crystals for Skeptics: Here’s How 5 Incredible Minerals Really Work

Before you get too skeptical about crystals, stop to consider that your watch is likely running on quartz. Our bones and teeth have crystalline properties, we ingest a variety of minerals (also crystals) for our health, and it could be argued that tech from fiber optics to semiconductors are crystals at their core too.

We asked best-selling author of Crystal Healing for Women, Mariah K. Lyons to share about a few crystals that would 'convert skeptics' and this is what she had to share....

When we think of crystal healing, the word “science” doesn’t always come into the conversation right away. In fact, in the wellness space, we tend to discuss the energetic properties of crystals, more than their scientific compositions and modern applications.

In reality, not only have crystalline structures been a focus for scientists for millennia, they are also documented in every ancient culture across the globe as a tool for balancing the body.

Even the strongest skeptics must agree that these minerals play an important role in a wide-array of applications across disciplines. If both ancient mystics and modern scientists have seriously engaged in mineral exploration, maybe there is cause to learn more.

5 Incredible Crystals + How They Function

Here are five crystals and the unique properties that make them so fascinatingly useful...

01 Calcite | Calcite is found in micro-crystals within the pineal gland of the body. The pineal gland is responsible for melatonin secretion, maintaining circadian rhythms and also is thought to excrete natural DMT during expanded states of consciousness, or during birth and death.

The calcite micro-crystals in the pineal gland have been show to conduct piezoelectricity, which means, when the micro-crystals are pressurized, they release energy or light. Calcite is a polymorph calcium carbonate mineral, most commonly seen in marble and limestone composites. Calcite, is also the bicarbonate found in the inner ear, responsible for maintaining equilibrium and balance. There is scientific suggestion and discussion now, that these micro-crystals exhibit the possibility to respond as a type of antenna to external stimuli.

In practice: Calcite crystals are found within the human body and throughout the natural world. They have been shown to create an “electric” effect when pressurized, creating mystical experiences and shifts in consciousness. The pineal gland is often called the 'third eye' in ancient traditions and perhaps calcite has something to do with that. Work with the calcite crystals within your own body through meditation, breathwork, dark room retreats and balancing your circadian rhythm.

Link To More Learning 

02 Selenite | Selenite is a naturally occurring form of gypsum, or calcium sulfate. It contains 25% calcium and 18% sulfur, making it an incredible nutrient for enriching soils on farms and in garden. Selenite is formed by water evaporation and is found in alkaline lake beds. While is it toxic to the human body if ingested, selenite it wonderfully cleansing to the body’ energetic field.

In practice: According to Dr. Daniel Davidson, by adding selenite to soil we can “…reduce aluminum toxicity, which is often found in acid subsoil. Calcium sulfate dissolves and leaches down in the soil displacing the aluminum that is toxic to root growth.”

Farmers and home gardeners working with selenite may be on the forefront of agriculture productivity and improvement. You an also work with the cleansing effects of selenite by holding it in meditation or simply having a piece in your home.

Link To More Learning

03 Clear Quartz | Clear quartz is labeled the “Master Healer” in the wellness world, but what you may not know, is that scientists, such as Nikola Tesla and Dr. Marcel Vogel have been studying the incredible properties of clear quartz for a very long time. In fact, new research shows that information can be stored in a clear quartz disc almost permanently (for up to 14 billion years). This speaks to the fact that clear quartz can “store” information within its structure. It is nature’s original USB drive. With that in mind, it is not too big a step to understand how your monthly intention could be “stored” within a clear quartz.

In practice: In a meditative space, hold a clear quartz in your hands and focus on your breath. Bring your attention now to an intention you would like to create and experience in your life, say it out loud and imagine the intention being “programmed” into the quartz, just like you might write code for a website. Your intention is now “stored” within the quartz, and can act as a energetic and physical reminder of your intended outcome.

Link To More Learning 

04 Lepidolite | Lepidolite is a member of the mica mineral family and is the most abundant lithium containing mineral. Because of its high amount of natural lithium, it has been dubbed the “Xanax of the mineral world.” Lithium salts have been shown to have mood stabilizing qualities and can help to calm the nervous system.

In practice: Holding a lepidolite in your hand or resting a lepidolite on your forehead can help to soothe an overactive mind and bring a feeling of calm to the body. It is a great stone to use in meditation or place in your bedroom for a restful night sleep.
Link To More Learning 

Link to more research

05 Pearl | Pearl has been seen in many ancient healing traditions and now is being studied by scientists to find new ways of mimicking pearl’s light localization for material innovation as well as biomedical and defense application. Natural freshwater pearls are high in minerals and amino acids, proving to be a great gemstone for both internal and external application. Traditional Chinese Medicine works with pearl for both healing physical imbalances within the body as well as a topical beauty application.

In practice: Work with pearl internally in your morning adaptogenic latte or nighttime tonic to strengthen and support your skin, hair and nails. Product we love: Moon Juice Pearl.

Link To More Learning 

Learn More: Enroll in Mariah's intensive 5-week crystal course, Quantum Crystal Healing

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6 Fun Ways To Get Kids Excited About Healthy Eating

We're obsessed with the new children's book This Is What I Eat from private chef and wellness enthusiast, Aliza J. Sokolow. Filled with beautiful illustrations and fun activities, we've rarely seen a resource with such promise to get kids connected to what they eat and are picking up copies for all our favorite families!

Inspired by Aliza's mission to get kids thinking about real food -- and where it comes from! -- we put together this short list of ideas that parents can use to get their children more engaged in nutrition...

6 Fun Ways To Get Kids Excited About Healthy Eating

01 Start 'Em Young | This Is What I Eat from author Aliza J. Sokolow and illustrator Lauren Lowen is one of the best children's books we've found on the topic of kids and mindful eating. Aliza once worked with Jamie Oliver on his school nutrition initiatives and was inspired to help more kids connect with healthy eating on a deeper level. Put this book in rotation at bedtime or playtime and see which topics your children are drawn to from inside it's pages!

02 Get them involved in the kitchen | Cooking together might be a slower process than going solo, but there's no faster way to get kids engaged with where there food comes from. Material Kitchen's Kids Set is a fun way to get kids excited about joining you in the kitchen with their very own (mini) Air Whisk, The (mini) Spatula, and The Cook Deck, a kids cooking card game. Put those mini sous chefs to work once a week and watch their interest in whole foods grow.

Allison Oswald and family reviewing Hiya 

03 Introduce the right supplements | Ensure that kids' basic nutritional and gut health needs are well met with a smart supplementation routine they can get excited about.

We love the pressed, whole food-based and low sugar multivitamins from Hiya that come with their own reusable container (and stickers!).

Just this year Seed leveled up the pediatric probiotic game with the launch of a ground-breaking new product for kids aged 3 to 17, PDS-08™ Pediatric Daily Synbiotic—a scientifically-validated 2-in-1 powder with 9 probiotic strains and a fiber-based prebiotic blend.

04 Engage the "Flavor Window" | According to nutritionist Kelly Leveque, kids have a flavor window in their first 18 months that helps to develop their palette for years to come.

Kelly told Levels that she encourages introducing new flavors and foods at this age -- especially bitter and sour flavors with ingredients like Brussels sprouts and kale that help to develop a balanced sense of taste early in life. Focus on exposing kids to a diverse range of flavors.

05 Garden as a family | If you have room to add raised beds in your outdoor space at home or have a full garden, be sure to get a little dirt under those tiny fingernails!

No garden? No problem: a kit like this one from Gardenuity will let the whole family learn with everything you need and requires very little space. You can also plant a single herb in a windowsill pot - here's a great story on that!

06 Visit the Farmer's Market | Try to hit a local farmer's market once a month, even if it means driving across town. Let kids see the variety of produce available and try one new piece of produce on each trip, whether it's a basket of strawberries, a handful of green beans or a ripe peach.

Read Next: The 5 Most Beautiful Things We've Ever Seen At The Farmers Market

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La La Land Kind Cafe: Inside The New Location + Their Incredible Mission

When the Texas-based cafe chain La La Land first opened in my neighborhood here in L.A., I assumed it was just another well-designed coffee shop ready to attract the Influencer crowd with it's layered lattes and well-branded merch. Then, I discovered the brand's mission and became really intrigued.

La La Land employs and mentors young people who are aging out of the foster system -- their team of high-energy baristas behind the giant espresso machines and stacks of iced latte shakers aren't just making a living, they're also part of the La La Program that begins with 8 weeks of personal mentoring.

What you might not know about our foster system is that it ends abruptly at age 18, leaving many participants to fend for themselves without the support of a family unit.

The statistics around young people in that post-system stage are daunting, to say the least. (Think of it: do you know an 18 year old who could thrive in total independence?) Seeing a business tackle the issue in such a practical and sustainable ways give me a huge thrill.

There are a few other food-based services in L.A. who take a similar approach, from Homeboy Bakery to Heirloom LA. On-the-job training programs can be challenging to manage for any business, but can provide a slew of solutions for those aging out of foster care.

Mission-driven retail shops are rarely as experiential and well-designed as La La Land and our team is happy to see them expand with this month's opening at The Grove (photos throughout!).

Francois Reihani is the founder of La La Land Kind Cafe. With a background in hospitality and a personal passion for supporting his community, Francois and team operate with a “kindness first, coffee second” mentality. We asked him a few questions about the business as they hustled to open their beautiful new location...

LaLaLand at The Grove, Los Angeles

there are many non-profits serving the foster system. Why a coffee shop?

After a year of pouring our hearts into the non-profit, We Are One Project, and doing our best to provide youth with housing, mentorship, job placement, and therapy my team and I realized that it wasn’t working.

Our youth couldn't get or maintain enough jobs. That’s when I realized that I could join my two passions of hospitality and non-profit work and that’s how La La Land was born.

We wanted to choose a concept that allowed us to positively impact as many people as we could. For that reason, we chose to do coffee shops because they see so many people throughout the year, and even become part of people’s everyday lives.

Tell us what you hope employees are equipped with when they're done. Of course we hope that they’re able to learn the regular job skills that they might have been deprived of growing up. But more than that, we hope that they learn the importance of human connection. That we all should love and understand each other to the best of our abilities.

Each location employs foster youth and those that have aged out of the foster care system. The cafe offers an eight-week internship program with paid on-the-job and customer service training, mentorship, and assistance with job placement, housing, schooling, and therapy.

Are there other organizations you'd like to highlight on this issue? We've partnered with the Alexandria House, a transitional home for women and children located here in Los Angeles.

What is next for the brand? Any additional LA locations planned? We have eight locations across Texas and two in L.A. We want to keep expanding. Just this month, we opened the second location LA locaion at The Grove.

Favorite order on the La La menu? La La Latte, our iced latte with la la froth, honey, espresso or matcha, milk.

What would you like customers to know about their experience with you? Our only hope and goal when a customer walks in is that they feel a sense of happiness and acceptance -- that they are reminded of how important simple acts of kindness are, whether it’s through a compliment or a 'love you'.

Read Next: What I've Learned: Jay Shetty On Kendall, Kobe + Finding Joy On Your Own

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Our 2023 Wellness Trend Report: Longevity, Trend Fatigue + Regenerative Everything

Is it safe to say that trends aren't trending? In the liminal space that was 2022, self-care necessitated a healthy dose of boundary-building and a slower pace of life for many. Meanwhile, Tiktok accelerated the pace of trends of all kinds, ironically contributing to some pretty major trend fatigue as we kick off the year of 2023. With the breakneck speed of trends mashing up against the slower pace of life, many of us were left holding our relationship to trend adherence at arm's length.

We have a complex relationship with trends overall here at The Chalkboard. As a niche, L.A.-based site, we're ahead of most wellness trends by years. And we sometimes find ourselves exhausted watching things like dry brushing or chia pudding get shoved through the morning show and social media circuits years after we know our readers have made them part of their daily routines.

That said, trends often help us to discover and learn, and -- ultimately, if we don't take ourselves too seriously -- they can be really fun. If it takes a celebrity tweet or viral video to normalize lymphatic massage, clean makeup or daily meditation, we'll take it.

Trends also clue us in to emerging technologies, which is where we start this year's 2023 report below.

If you want to learn more on what to eat, the growth of Dry January, and the top supplements, herbs and adaptogens, you know that we'll be covering all of that in our continued daily coverage!

personal health monitoring tech | For years now, biohackers and nutritionists have shown us how to harness the direct feedback from a wearable device like a Continuous Glucose Monitor or HRV device to take our health into our own hands. We expect this space to grow as consumer interest widens and as the tech itself advances.

At this year's CES tech event, several personal health monitoring devices were debuted, including  The Withings U-Scan, a pebble-like monitor that fits inside your toilet bowl and measures many of the biomarkers you'd get in a traditional urine test, from hormone levels to ketones -- including actionable daily health advice.

3 Incredibly Good Reads On The Future Of Wellness + Longevity

The Future of Longevity  | All eyes are on Harvard genetics professor and author of Lifespan, David Sinclair PhD. Lifespan: Why We Age―and Why We Don't Have To was published in 2019, but we'll be unpacking the nuances of this book for years. Echoing many of Dan Buettner's learnings in The Blue Zones, some of Sinclair's insights are practical --  intermittent fasting, cold exposure, and exercising with the right intensity. Others depend on technologies in medicine that are still emerging such as NMN supplementation and gene therapy. 

The father of biohacking, Dave Asprey is also a lead voice in this space. Asprey plans on living well beyond the age of 100 and continues to share all of his personal testing and research with a rapt wellness audience.

2022's Life Force was also a sign that this topic is trending with consumers in a big way. The book brought together self-help guru, Tony Robbins, Dr. Peter Diamandis of the X Prize Foundation, and biotech's Dr. Robert Hariri to unpack the latest in 'precision medicine' and its promise to optimize 'healthspan'.

That brings us to our next trend which is precision medicine and personalized healthcare itself...

precision medicine + personalized healthcare | Life Force Diagnostics puts it well: "Stop guessing, start addressing." Are your supplements, herbs, workouts and sleep schedule really working for you? Precision medicine will tell you.

There has been an absolute boom in personalized healthcare clinics over the last few years from  Forward to Parsley to Sollis Health. Most often, these clinics offer frequent diagnostics, such as blood and hormone testing, along with the clinical reporting and medical consultations necessary for consumers to make faster, better decisions about their health.

These highly attentive, personalized services are the future of preventative health and true wellness. Many of them take a holistic or functional medicine approach, which we love to see, but are still financially inaccessible for many. Like so many important trends, this one holds promise to trickle down into broader models that more consumers can hope to take advantage of in the future.

at-home wellness testing | We're also seeing a boom in at-home test kit services lately which adds depth and accessibility to the personalized healthcare trend overall.

Brands like Everlywell offer every kind of health test you can imagine from food sensitivity to heavy metal testing. Others offer more specialized testing, such as the fertility testing provided by reproductive health brand, Natalist.

Some going as far as to match you with supplements or skincare that fit your personalized outcomes. Viome offers a Full Body Intelligence® test before providing consumers with precision supplements. Skincare brand Veracity assesses factors in skin health with a saliva test, followed by custom product recommendations.

Peptide therapies | Don't let the controversy over celebrity-driven weight loss trends fool you, peptide therapies are here to stay. While semaglutide made big waves last year as an off-label weight loss drug Hollywood adhered to in droves, peptide therapies extend far beyond the promise of fat loss with benefits in areas like longevity, muscle gain, and brain health. Most peptides require daily shots over the course of several months to see results and we recommend at least one specific blood test before starting. We'll be talking about all of that and the breadth of peptides available more later this month!

Adequate Sleep > hustle culture | Hustle culture is still down-trending and one thing is for sure -- Americans have had a collective awakening around just how hard we grind.

New research and a fresh transparency around sleep hygiene was just beginning to emerge before the pandemic and a large swath of wellness pros had begun beating the drum about this often neglected health metric. (We can all thank Arianna Huffington for originally cutting through the BS on the topic.) However, it wasn't until the stress of a global pandemic that this message really began to take root. In addition, a large swath of the workforce was able to trade their regular commute for an extra hour of sleep -- and the benefits became more than just theoretical.

Just in the past three months, a whole swath of health pros are now advocating that women get up to 10 hours of sleep daily! More on this topic soon.

Women's Health - Differentiated | Many of the women's health and hormone pros we're paying attention to this year have one thing in common: they are espousing the benefits of female-first research when it comes to fitness and healthcare.

We're following women like certified hormone coach, Misty Myler who is helping to popularize the notion that while men run on a 24-hour hormone cycle that peaks every single day, women run on a 28 day (average) hormone cycle that peaks once a cycle. According to Myler, "women were left out of clinical trials until 1993, meaning that the majority of what we've been taught is based off the findings of the male body and then simply 'sized down,' and taught to women as fact."

As we learn more about the history of male-based research, we're beginning to better understand the differentiation required for women's health and the protocols that best serve it.

Christy Dawn's regenerative cotton farm

regenerative everything | We've talked a lot about regenerative agriculture over the years and organizations like Kiss The Ground and Regenerate America continue to drive change forward. We're now seeing the regenerative movement move into fashion and healthcare.

Kiss The Ground just announced a new regenerative cotton farming initiative with luxury denim brand, Citizens of Humanity that will roll out in the brands' 2023 collections. LA womenswear brand, Christy Dawn is also leading the way, establishing their own regenerative cotton farm from which many of their pieces are made.

Giving less F*cks | (I can't tell you how many 'f*cks' we've painstakingly edited out of interviews from people you love and trust here on the site. Despite it's shock value to a good cross-section of readers, there's just nothing in the English language that conveys the punch worthy of this burgeoning sentiment in 2023.)

After the greatest groundswell of connectivity in human history, we are experiencing a healthy retraction. Most individuals have made drastic (or even subtle) edits to their social relationships and overall social calendars. Thousands have left city life for good, and some of the biggest trends of last year had to do with our changing relationship to the workplace.

People are staying in, building boundaries, and being more mindful about where they spend their energy. It may not seem like a wellness issue at first, but the ramifications of this trend run deep when it comes to our emotional and mental well-being. The ramifications for brands and services in our space are also significant, as consumers experience these meaningful lifestyle shifts.

Lymphatic health | We've been covering lymphatic massage, dry brushing, foam rolling, gua sha and more for years now, but, somehow, in 2022, lymphatic health finally went mainstream. Most lymphatic health practices are pretty visual, so we're guessing that Tiktok is partly to blame, however, don't let its trendy nature dissuade you from learning more and making this a focus of your personal practice. On this topic, we're huge fans of lymphatic health pro, Lisa Gainsley, body worker, Lauren Roxburgh, traditional Chinese medicine pro, Sandra Lanshin, and the women of Wildling. Dig in and find a pro or practice that resonates with you.

fashion Trends in fitnesswear | We can't talk about trends without talking about fashion. On TCM, fashion shows up in two ways; sustainability and fitnesswear.

Per our notes above, brands like Christy Dawn and Citizens of Humanity are embracing regenerative farming at a rapid rate we didn't expect to see for years. Expect more sustainable fashion coverage from us all year.

When it comes to fitnesswear, we expect to see the loungewear trend stay as strong as ever. Top fashion trends like head-to-toe monochrome color, throwback streetwear, cutouts, midriff-bearing tops, and bike shorts all promise to stay with us. Mermaidcore, Barbiecore and all the other 'cores', easily find their place in fitwear sets from Carbon38 to Girlfriend Collective and beyond.

I also loved seeing this take on leggings on recent runways from WhoWhatWear fashion editor, Sierra Mayhew, which I think is spot on! Layered under coats or sized up and worn in fashion colors, this trend has legs.

Sculptural quirk at home | Last, but not least, I love to include design in our trend forecasting, as good design is such an important brand value for us. After all, one of the biggest trends in wellness overall this decade has been the incorporation of modern design trends!

While most design and fashion forecasters have been calling for drama as a backlash to pandemic-era calmness, I foresee many more years of close-to-nature styling, organic shapes, timeless neutral colors and a nod to ancient cultures and patterns. That need for drama will likely be expressed in the burgeoning trend of sculptural quirk we're seeing lately in statement lighting, oversized objects, and unusual natural textures and patterns in marble, stone and wall-coverings.

At home, we continue to see a boom in office and gym renovations. See one of our recent favorites here. Home equipment newbies like Frame's digitally-driven reformer, and the rise in popularity of home fitness instructors from Melissa Wood Tepperberg to Lia Bartha of the B Method mean that working out from home has never been so fun.

What did I miss? Tell us in the comments! Look forward to our massive reader poll later this winter as we take stock of all the big changes we've all been through and what you're looking forward to finding our pages in 2023. 

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The 6 Best New Clean Skincare Product Launches of 2023 So Far

We've been busy, testing a nightstand's worth of new skincare products this winter. From November to January, it seems all our favorite brands have had something to reveal and we're sharing the best of it below...

The 6 Best Clean Beauty Launches Of The New Year

Vintner's Daughter Active Renewal Cleanser | Every skincare lover know Vintner's Daughter for their obsession-worthy serum and essence. Nearly four years in the making, the brand's third product, a foaming cream cleanser launches today, just in time for the brand's 10th anniversary and new status as B Corporation® certified.

We've had the cleanser on hand for more than a week now -- infused with powerful, slow-extracted botanical nutrients, it's the combination of water-based and oil-based infusion that makes this vitamin C-rich cleanser easy to use and completes their minimalist three-step regimen in just one step.

Marie Veronique Multi-Retinol Night Emulsion | A microbiome-friendly alternative to prescription retinoids from one of the most trusted clean skincare brands we know. This new night treatment uses a combination of encapsulated retinol (read: non-irritating!), retinyl sunflower seedate (a pro-retinol derivative composed of retinol and sunflower fatty acids) and bakuchiol (a natural retinol alternative we're guessing you've heard of by now) to deliver the well-loved benefits of retinol without causing redness, discomfort, or irritation.
Agent Nateur Holi Filter Face Crème | Like a salad for your skin. The sun-protective, skin-plumping ingredient in Agent Nateur's new face cream will give you the same feeling you have after eating a refreshing stack of greens  -- rejuvenated, alive and glowing. The new cream contains a blend of six trademarked active ingredients -- all from plants. Calcium Ketogluconate is a French-patented molecule that plumps, sculpts and contours. Tomato Fruit Extract provides sun protective benefits with a slew of antioxidants. We expect this nourishing, matte cream to become an instant hit.

MAKE HYDRASCAPE MOISTURIZING REVERSE EMULSION | Violet Grey alum, Carrie Barber is the founder of MAKE Beauty. The MAKE team has been tearing through launch after launch of new makeup products this year (don't miss the Microsuede Blush or Volumizing Mascara!), but it's this moisturizer that has us stopped in our tracks.

With a tacky texture akin to Augustinus Bader's culty The Rich Cream, this unique, water-in-oil emulsion is packed with ceramides, phytosterols and fermented aloe. Incredibly light for all those looking to avoid heavy creams, and layers very well under makeup.
ILIA Bright Start Brightening Eye Cream | As much as we've always loved ILIA for their multisticks, foundations and mascaras, we didn't expect to love their brand new eye cream. Makeup is one thing, but eye cream is a whole other level of need. Turns out, Bright Start, with its unique, gentle applicator, touch of pearlescence, dose of de-puffing caffeine, and ever so subtle cooling factor is an instant hit and feels so good going on. Given that the true benefits are only seen over time from a plant-based retinol-alternative and peptides, we have a hunch this eye cream is going to rise the charts as a best-seller.

Tata Harper Superkind Bio-Shield Face Oil | Another new launch from a brand that's easy to love. Tata Harper's brand new Bio-Shield Face Oil is made for stressed-out skin. If your skin gets overwhelmed by dry winter weather and indoor heating, this oil deserves a spot in your seasonal skincare rotation. Omega fatty acids from chia and noni help restore the skin barrier and improve dry, irritated skin, oat seed oil helps with moisture retention, and adaptogenic reishi and holy basil calm, soothe and enhance resistance to irritation.

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How To Protect Your Home From Mold In This Wild Weather

California is being hit with record-breaking rains this month, and across the country the weather is wilder than ever. With all of these conditions in play, we asked mold expert Michael Rubino to share his advice on what do before, during and after a storm to ensure that our homes are safe from potential mold-causing conditions from flooded basements and beyond.

Michael is  the author of The Mold Medic, an Expert’s Guide on Mold Removal and founder of HomeCleanse, a revolutionary company with the vision to end the worldwide health epidemic caused by poor air quality and toxic indoor environments.

Bookmark this story and consider sharing with loved ones enduring this year's rain and snow.

How To Protect Your Home From Mold
During A Rainstorm + Recover From Flooding

Start by taking steps to protect a home proactively...

+ Seal any cracks in the foundation of the home. This will help avoid any water making its way into basements or crawl spaces.

+ Ensure that landscape grading slopes down and away from home in all directions. This helps divert water away from the home so that it doesn’t pool near the foundation.

+ Schedule a professional to come in and assess the water lines regularly. Busted pipes can lead to water collecting in the basements and crawl spaces of homes. Keeping them in tip-top shape will help to avoid this scenario.

+ Install a backwater valve or floor drain plugs. This device will help prevent backed-up sewage and water from entering the home.

+ Elevate low areas or improve the surrounding space by adding layers of topsoil. This helps to redirect water more efficiently so that it doesn’t pool around the foundation.

+ Plant a rain garden. This will help capture high levels of rain and slowly release it into the soil so that it doesn’t pool near the foundation and cause flooding.

+ Ensure that trees and plants are far enough away from the home so that roots will not crack the foundation. 15–20 feet is ideal but look at each specific plant's growth characteristics.

+ Raise the thresholds of any exterior doors. This will give them a bit more protection against any rising water levels outside of the home.

+ Improve sealing around doors and windows and ensuring that they’re properly installed. This will prevent moisture from creeping inside and help maintain the ideal humidity range of 35-50% to avoid mold growth.

+ Invest in water sensors for the home. This will help alert you to a problem when it happens so that it can be tackled ASAP.

A few things you should tackle right before a storm include...

+ Install and activate sump pumps or french drains. These will help direct any pooled water away from the home so that it doesn’t continue to build up. If possible, get a battery-operated backup pump as well, so that it can still be used in the event of power loss.

+ Clean out the gutters and make sure that they’re ready for the oncoming watery event. This will help properly divert as much water as possible from the home.

+ Opt for flood damage-resistant and moisture-resistant building materials. These materials are designed to sustain little or no damage after 72 hours of water exposure and can be successfully cleaned after a flood to render them free of harmful pollutants. Check out this guideline by FEMA for more information.

+ Create a list of professionals to contact to help handle the situation properly. This can include a qualified remediation team, a qualified mold inspector, professionals who can repair anything in the home, insurance companies, and contractors for major construction damage.

+ Elevate appliances and utilities. This will not only help you save money, but also help your home continue to function properly after a rain/flooding event. The use of utilities can help you dry out your space faster, which is key to avoiding mold.

+ Make sure you have a generator ready and that it’s in working order. With flooding and heavy rains often comes a loss of power, which can interfere with the sump pump’s ability to drain water.

cover yourself with the right Insurance

+Having the correct insurance for water damage and mold is a crucial piece of the puzzle.

A key point to remember is that standard homeowners' and renters' insurance typically does not cover flood damage. Oftentimes, you need to purchase additional protection or look to the National Flood Insurance Program for assistance. That way, you’re covered for any unexpected events.

Coverage for mold is also not standard in homeowners' and renters' insurance, so this should be another additional layer of protection added to any policy. It may be covered by flood insurance, but double-check to be sure. Also, pay attention to how much coverage is offered. Usually, the amount is around $10,000, which does not always cover the hefty price tag of remediation. That can leave you with a huge bill to decontaminate the space. Weaving in other policies like property damage, flood damage, loss of use, and personal damage can help mitigate what could be an expensive remediation treatment.

Even with all this protection, it’s important to look at what exactly those policies cover, the amount that you’ll receive for damages, and any specific exclusions prohibiting coverage. While this may seem like a lot of work or extra money, having extensive coverage can help you as a policyholder focus on rebuilding instead of fretting about the high cost or potentially cutting corners that will not resolve the toxic indoor environment.

Steps to take after rain + flooding include...

+ Determine where the moisture intrusion is occurring and resolve it ASAP (this may require professionals).

+ Put on protective gear, including clothing, gloves, and a respirator.

+ Pump out any standing water.

+ Use a shop vacuum to remove any remaining water.

+ Toss out any porous items.

+ Mop, clean, and dry the area thoroughly.

+ Turn on the dehumidifier.

+ Contact a qualified mold inspector to come in and assess the home.

+ Get in touch with your insurance company and start filing your claim.

If high levels of contamination are found during the mold inspection, the best option is to call in a qualified remediation company to come in and decontaminate the space as soon as possible. The longer the mold is present in the building, the more particles will be released into the air and surrounding indoor environment. Deep cleaning to remove the contamination released by the microbial growth should also be performed on all surfaces in the building.

Read next: 5 Ways To Prevent Mold In The Kitchen According To The Mold Medic

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