June Food Challenge

Happy June!! This is my birthday month; I am so excited!

Despite it being my birthday month and the beginning of summer I am still challenging myself {for the last time} with one month of eliminating one food item from my diet. This will be a little difficult since my birthday is around the corner and all those festivities just wait for me to fail. Yet, I can do this. I have been so good for the past five months. I gave up sweets, alcohol, dairy, sodas, and snack food. Some challenges were indeed challenging. Some were easy to tackle. This month is the last month of getting back into shape and feeling healthier. It's been a fun ride, and I can honestly say it has been rewarding.

This month I am giving up sugar!

Of all the things I am giving up sugar during my birthday month. What was I thinking? I must have blanked for a second when I committed to this because I so want to eat a cupcake on my birthday {or two!}. Oh, did I mention my birthday is tomorrow? Well, yes, it is. So, maybe I can overlook the fact that June is a sugar free month and ignore tomorrow and eat my cupcakes!!!? Yes? No. I don't know. I really didn't think this through. 

Wish me luck!!

image via here 

May Food Challenge

Happy Friday everyone! Can you believe it's already May? Time sure flies but this doesn't stop me from living life and exploring new things.

For the past four months I have been eliminating certain foods from my diet to not only challenge me but to get back into bikini/swimsuit shape. I have given up sweets, alcohol, dairy, and sodas/sweet teas. It has been a great challenge so far. My taste buds still love me, and I have a better appreciation for food and drinks. Giving up certain foods has helped me be more conscious when it comes to grocery shopping and cooking. Also, I decided to continue to give up sodas unless we go to a BBQ and there are sodas available. I may give in for a day which will be fine. After all, my month of no soda is over so I can squeeze in a soda or two. 

This month I am giving up any snack food like chips or popcorn or there like. This won't be as difficult but it will be still challenging. Popcorn basically is kind of a healthy snack yet I love to add butter to it and then it becomes bad. Chips are my weakness. I love barbecue flavored chips. I could devour an entire bag when I'm bored. Plus, with warmer weather and spring events happening all over chips are always around.

At home I can easily replace snack food with veggie sticks, unsalted nuts, and fruits. Yet, when you are invited to parties this will be a challenge. Then again, we won't be invited around here, so this shouldn't be an issue. I know I can do this, it will be just interesting to go around my beloved {unhealthy} snacks.

Wish me luck!

image via here
also linking up with Globetrotting in Heels 

No Soda Food Challenge Update

Do I really need to say it? It's an easy challenge. I don't get tempted, save a ton and my teeth love me again. The only time I had to take a sip or two of coca cola was when I felt nauseous one day. I think it was because I didn't eat that day and was a total stressed out wreck ball. Those sips helped me not to faint that day. Plus, yes, I ate something afterwards. 

No soda is absolutely no problem for me. Also, not drinking soda or sweetened anything made me noticed that my favorite person is also not drinking as much. I asked him to do this month's challenge with me but his heart is set; he's in love with his bubbly drinks. Ha! At least he drinks less than before, so that's a start, no?!

Oh, and if you were wondering...yes, I have noticed that my pants are not as tight anymore as they used to be a few months ago. I thought I'd let you know. Some of you were like "why are you doing this?", and "crazy idea, you won't see results". Well, I may not have lost 20 pounds {I'd be a little underweight if I did, just saying} but I have noticed an inch or even two of looser pants and somewhat a lighter feeling. I have to say I am pleased. I didn't start this challenge to lose a ton of weight but to see how my body feels each month, and how I can change my diet towards being healthier. Also, this whole challenge has helped me appreciate certain foods more after I introduced them back into my diet. You are what you eat, and I still strongly believe in that.

Two more weeks of no soda...and I know I won't fully go back once this month's challenge is over.

xoxo

April Food Challenge

Today marks the forth month of my food challenge. I have given up sweets, alcohol, and last month even dairy. Reintroducing all these foods back into my diet was the most fun. There is no way to describe how much I missed each one. I love wine so naturally holding my first glass after one full month of no alcohol was beyond fantastic. It's a fun challenge and allows me to appreciate food more. I thought going gluten free over two years ago was a challenge {and yes it certainly was and still is} but eliminating one specific food for one month into my diet was an eye-opener. Still is. We really take so much stuff for granted.

This month I am giving up soda and sweet ice tea. I will only drink water or juice {limited amounts} or cold tea and nothing with added flavor, sugar or artificial color. I'm still drinking coffee, tea, alcohol etc but will eliminate sugary sodas and teas. This challenge should be no problem. When eating out I won't order my beloved raspberry iced tea but go with simple water {free anyways!} or a glass of wine {if I feel festive}. This will save me some money sans the wine love. Plus, I easily gain when drinking sodas so giving them up will be perfect.

Wish me luck!

image via here
 also linking up with Globetrotting in Heels

No Dairy Food Challenge Update

Ten {okay, maybe 13} more days and this month's food challenge will be over. I am having the hardest time this month and I cannot wait until it is over. Finally. I have been a good girl though. I have to admit there were a few instances where I failed; I realized too late and ate something with dairy. Oops. Then again, I chose to do this challenge to see if I am strong enough, and I didn't do this because of health issues. Failing is okay. I am a human being after all. A human being loving her cheese apparently.  It is not the end of the world. 

What I have learned is that vanilla almond milk definitely saved my life. Yes, the sweetened one. It is not my favorite but it does its job well. However, almond milk with my gluten free cinnamon flavored cereal is downright disgusting. I cannot explain how awful it is. So, I switched to eating more gluten free bread with different toppings for breakfast. Also I made gf oatmeal with water or almond milk, cooked up eggs and hash browns and ate a ton of fruits for breakfast. Smoothies were fun too, and I have to say I like smoothies with vanilla almond milk.  I learned to be more creative in the morning that is for sure.

As far as the rest of the day goes...well, I made sure none of the dishes I had planned for the month had or still have any dairy in them. If they did I would either eliminate it {at least for me, and make another batch for the man of the house} or change the menu. I am making zucchini boats tomorrow and technically it asks for cheese, but I have bread crumbs and that will be just fine. It worked for my stuffed mushrooms I made two nights ago. Also, by eliminating dairy calcium and certain protein are missing. I googled, pinterested, and what not...and well, learned that it's easy to find substitutes that work {for me}. If you are a picky eater this may not work for you though. Here's what helped me out what to incorporate more into our March Diet {thank you, Pinterest}:

I have eaten a ton of spinach, broccoli, romaine, mushrooms, quinoa, avocados, kale, onions, almonds, and what not. I love it all. Making my morning smoothie with fresh spinach was so much fun.

Now, if you were wondering if I felt anything different when it comes to, you know, using the daily bathroom ritual...well, let's just say in the beginning my stomach was pissed off. It reminded me to when I had to go gluten free. Oh man, my favorite word was constipation. And then, after about two weeks {yes, right about now} it all went back to normal. Changing a diet, or just challenging your body to adjust to something new or different for a while is definitely interesting and will always add some sort of challenge to the digestion routine as well. That is how far I go with this topic. Ha!

Ten more days. I can do this. I am so sick and tired of this month...this challenge really got on my nerves {yes, even with my spinach smoothies}. It is interesting to see me and my body go through this. Knowing I can do this gives me personal strength. Never thought I could do this but oh my I have become stronger and more determined for sure.

"Ten" more days!

xoxo

image via here

March Food Challenge

For the past two months I have been challenging my diet. I have given up alcohol and sweets. I have been positively surprised by how strong I am, and by how my taste buds have come to appreciate reintroduced foods again. They really took a lot for granted. I appreciate a glass of red wine much more now, and yes I already had one. It was an interesting way to see how I feel when giving up specific foods or drinks.

This month I am giving up dairy. This I think will be one of the hardest challenges. I eat cereal every day and I drink coffee each day with a splash of milk or creamer. Not so much this month. My breakfast routine will be challenged but in a good way. I'll be trying to change it up by incorporating more fruits, gluten free oats and bread. I may drink black coffee {which I have no problem doing} or switch it up to tea. My trips to Starbucks will be less or stopped for a month {also, I am fine with that} and I will find ways to make my dairy free month a fun one. I may try almond milk which I never really liked.We shall see.

Hoping to find some fun new recipes. If you know of any dairy free recipes let me know, please. Any idea is greatly appreciated.

Wish me luck!

image via here
also linking up with Globetrotting in Heels 

No Alcohol Food Challenge Update

As you know I am doing a food challenge for the first six months of this year. January I gave up sweets, and this month I am giving up alcohol. I like these kind of challenges because they give me a chance to better myself and to live healthier. Giving up sweets was an interesting experience and giving up alcohol is an even better experience. It is not difficult but it is still challenging. You know, on date night we are just drinking water or sweet tea. A glass of my favorite red wine would be just perfect. Either way, I am doing great so far and even though I do miss a drop or two of my favorite wine I am not having a hard time. I have to say though that my consumption of sweets or sweeter drinks has increased; just water and tea was boring over time. 

The biggest challenge has yet to come. I will be giving up dairy next month and I believe this will be difficult. I am currently researching breakfast options to keep me going throughout the day, and believe me or not it is not as easy as I thought. The Internet is a vast place and it helps tremendously. I have found a few options and I know what I can eat or substitute or change. Giving up sweets and giving up alcohol was one thing but next month will be very interesting.

I am almost done with this month and I cannot wait to go out on a date and enjoy a glass of red wine with my favorite person. Almost done. Almost done. Almost done. YES.

Any suggestions for me for next month are greatly appreciated. Nutella bread was one option, and lots of lots of fruit and granola only. Yet this can be boring after about a week, so I need to spice it up.  So, if you know of a few fun substitutes please let me know! Thank you.

Hope you are having a great Monday!
Cannot believe this month is halfway through already, time sure flies.

xoxo

images via here and here

February Food Challenge - No Alcohol

Last month I posted about an idea or dare I say challenge I found in this vast blog world. I am following through.

For the month of January I nixed sweets {NOT sugar}. It wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be. Living gluten free has made me more conscious about what I eat; I had to give up lots and lots of sweets. Over time I found foods to replace my urge for desserts. Remember, I don't like chocolate and even though chocolate is naturally gluten free I won't touch it - so if you thought I suffered because I couldn't have chocolate anymore you were mistaken. However, having a major sweet tooth and being gluten free has been an obstacle; one I learned to live with. Gluten free bakeries exist but none never rocked my world. Kara's cupcakes is the only place I go weak when it comes to gf cupcakes. They are to die for. Literally. They are the most delicious and moist cupcakes ever made. Perfection. Enough about them, I'm already drooling. So, giving up sweets last month wasn't difficult. I basically made sure I didn't get close to candy, gf cookies {glutino's gluten free wafers are my favorites}, cake mixes, sugar cubes or anything dessert-like. Sweets to me are more cookies and candy. Staying away from sugar will be the worst challenge I believe...so stay tuned, it's in a few months. 

This month I am giving up alcohol. In all forms. No more wine, gf beer, mixed drinks {as if I am drinking this much}, martinis, etc etc. No more! Lucky me, I chose February to go through with this challenge. It's the shortest month; I chose wisely because I love wine!!!

Wish me luck, and excuse me while I devour a cupcake.

xoxo

Linking up with Globetrotting in Heels

 images via here and here

Water is important - So drink up!

For years I have been struggling to drink right even though I know it is important! It is known that the body needs fluids. Some bodies need more and others less, but we all know that we need to drink throughout the day not only to hydrate our body, our whole system that keeps up going {or living} but to actually feel energized, well, and just healthy. 

Last year was the worst for me. I struggled a lot through the entire year to keep up with my drinking.  Even in the 110-degree heat. At school I would have my water bottle with me and I would make sure to drink a bottle per class sessions. Free refills all over campus allowed me to drink generously, but once I went home I kind of forgot to drink. I didn't even drink coffee or soda instead. I just forgot. That is how bad it was. Granted, my body was probably telling me it was okay to not drink since I had so much earlier in the day but at night I felt thirsty, and one should not feel thirsty before bedtime.

So, I had to come up with a solution to trick myself to drink more. After all, it is said that the amount of water we drink each day can change our health, our looks, and the way we feel. Who wouldn't want that?

My only Trick

I learned that when there is no soda or similar stuff in the house I will end up drinking water. So, I started eliminating those drinks. I bought a big bottle {32oz} with infuser so I can add freshly diced lemons, oranges, cucumbers, and even strawberries to my water. That way it won't taste boring and will still hydrate me. I also make sure that I am drinking something warm {decaffeinated tea or just water} about an hour or two before bedtime. Best idea ever. It calms me.

Also, my 32oz bottle will now be used to fill my body three times a day. That makes roughly three liters a day and that is definitely all I need. I read this article and got inspired. Yes, the photo could be photo shopped after all but I still want to give it a try and see how I am feeling with three liters of water per day - not to mention the water I "eat". Coffee won't be eliminated but enjoyed in moderate consumption. I will give this a try, especially since I have been struggling for so long. Plus, with spring and warmer temperatures approaching it is essential to drink water. I want to be ready for when it gets hotter.

Water is important!!!

Am I the only one struggling to drink enough throughout the day? 

What is your trick?

image via buzzfeed

No Sweets Food Challenge Update

Remember my monthly food challenge? {you can read about it here}. I thought today, mid-month, would be a great idea to share an update...progress if you will. I am "only" giving up sweets, and not just sugar by itself. So, no candy, gum, cookies, cake, cupcakes, you get the picture. This is definitely not a difficult task. It is doable. My gluten intolerance helps me with this challenge. I cannot eat regular cookies or cake or what not anyways, so if I crave these I need to pay some extra money and visit different grocery stores or even cities to get my sweet tooth in line. YET, my body still longs for some sweet stuff; even after two weeks.

How to handle those cravings? Simple. Just find healthier snacks and desserts. I had to get creative and research a little but it all worked out.

Whenever I feel like I need a cookie, or see my favorite person snack on sweet stuff {he's so skinny I wonder how he does that?!} I started taking a handful of cranberries, almonds, grapes, or even raisins. If I had vegetables at hand, I'd chew on those during the day. This wouldn't work for a dessert though but that is then when the cranberries or pomegranate seeds came in and some yogurt. I was in heaven. Also, since this month is a no sweets month and not necessarily a no sugar month {that will happen in June} I added honey to my granny smith apples, or just added it to my teas. Also, cinnamon, banana and some milk helped me ease my cravings for sweet stuff.

Two more weeks and my month of no sweets will be over. I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.

images via livestrong and deliciously sprinkled

Get Healthier and Shape Up

As you know I am not a New Year's Resolution girl. I know myself well enough; I won't ever go through with it. Also, I would rather set goals with a time limit to make sure I can accomplish that goal and be happy with the result. While browsing for ideas to make 2015 a fun year I found this idea to give up certain things for one full month. This idea includes a major bonus because it improves your body and hopefully physique by early summer so you are ready for your new {or old} swimsuit.

I love this challenge. It's not a diet. It is not forcing you to entirely give up everything at once {which is unhealthy anyways}. It allows you to focus on one thing and nix that thing for one full month. You don't even have to follow the above idea. You can tailor it to your own needs and dietary preference. I have to replace the month of February and May. I cannot eat gluten and fried food is mostly done with gluten/wheat based coating so that's a no go as well.

What would you give up? 

It usually takes up to three weeks to give up a habit {or create one}, so giving up certain foods or drinks for a month may mean something bigger for you. You may stick with that new idea. You may not but instead appreciate its taste better. I cannot wait to try this out. I already started not eating any sweets. Fun so far!

I'll be giving up the following:

January: sweets

February:  alcohol
March: dairy
April: soda/ice tea
May: chips/popcorn/snack-food
June: sugar

Wish me luck!

image and idea via here
Linking up with Globetrotting in Heels

12 Healthy and Relaxing Bath Ideas

With temperatures dropping the time has come for more bubble baths. During summer I never took a bath. California is known for its constant drought, so why waste extra water just to soak up when it is actually 100 outside? Exactly. When it cools down though, and the state doesn't tell you to preserve water etc, then it is time again. Plus, I am cold all the time I need my warm baths. 

I found this over here on Picklee, and I cannot wait to try some of these out. My favorites are the honey, oil, lavender, and cinnamon. Plus, what's so good about this is that I have all these ingredients at home. I don't have to run to the store and buy anything, nor do I have to add weird soap to the bubble bath. It may not be bubbly, granted, but it will be beneficial to my skin, mind, and probably health. Cannot wait.

What are some of your ways to get into fall, or to keep healthy?

Garlic Love

Oh garlic!!
Are you like me loving this stinking rose?!

For years, well thousands of years, garlic has been used as food and even medicine. My mom always said it is good for the heart and soul. She had a point. After a little research on several medical centers' websites garlic was used as an antiseptic to prevent infections during war times. It was also used to fight plagues. Today it is commonly used to prevent heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even boost our immune system, and help with iron metabolism. Some say it may also protect against cancer.Since it is rich in antioxidants it helps to fight off free radicals which contribute to heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. I am sure it has many more benefits but to go into details here, or for me to research would be too much.

I am by no means a doctor or expert in this field of garlic awesomeness. However, I know that a little garlic won't hurt any meal or body. I try to use it as often as possible. When I make my Turkish cucumber-yogurt dish, prepare pasta and its sauces, and to spice up and add some flavor to my fish dishes first thing I use is garlic. My favorite person likes garlic and is okay with it as long as he doesn't see it. I'll crush most of it or really thinly slice it anyways, so that's fine.

Garlic smells best {not tastes best} when I brown it slowly with butter. It's to die for. Ever done that? Love garlic? Then you know how yummy it smells. Knowing that when I use garlic I add some beneficial factor to our daily diet is just makes me happy. I cannot get enough of this 

Oh, and just if you were wondering if there is a place dedicated to garlic go check out The Stinking Rose in either Los Angeles or San Francisco!!! If you're into garlic I think that's a pretty good place to go, too. I'm already hungry. I might cook something garlic-y tonight!!

images via 1 | 2 |

Mango Coconut Smoothie by Monic

Coconut and Mango are my favorite, so today I decided I would combine the two for a refreshing green smoothie.

Ingredients:

1/2 of a Mango

your favorite coconut watter

1/2 of fresh lemon juice

handful of spinach

handful of kale

2 Tbs of unsweetened coconut

Recipe:

Add your greens, fruit and about a cup or more to your liking of coconut water, then toss in your unsweetened coconut, BLEND and sprinkle a bit more coconut just because it's soo yummmmy !

What do you like to combine coconut with?

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Thank you, Monic, for filling in for me again.
I love how yummy this smoothie sounds, so I will definitely try this today or tomorrow, 

depending on when I find my blender. :) 

We are almost settled in.
It's all coming together, and I have so much to tell you.

Hope you are having a fabulous day my lovelies.
I will talk to you soon again (and catch up on gazillions of blog posts)

xoxo

Healthy Eating on a Budget

 

Most people have the notion that healthy eating is difficult to maintain, not to mention expensive, but it’s actually the other way around. It may be expensive compared to the common unhealthy choices available, but these unhealthy choices may lead to expensive medical problems in the long run…. so do the math.  It’s also easy to maintain healthy eating, as long as you know where to shop and how to shop wisely. Here are several tips that can help keep your food budget intact, while providing yourself with all the healthy nutrients you need.

Plan your meal

Meal planning is one of the best ways to stay on budget, while allowing you to monitor your selection of healthy food choices. It can also reduce the time it takes to shop and prepare for food. Try to prepare manageably-sized portions of food to control your intake of calories, as well as to be able to use your leftovers for additional meals. One-pot dishes such as casseroles, soups and stews can make great leftovers. For example, you can turn that additional stew into tasty burritos for tomorrow’s lunch.

Shop wisely

Healthy eating and sticking to your food budget can be easier than you think. It all comes down to how good you are in choosing the right store and shopping wisely.  Here are some tips:

• Discount stores - There are several discount stores or warehouse clubs that offer great bargains for fresh produce and meats. Products that are in season are often cheaper in these stores, but proper meal planning is needed since they are offered in bulk or large portions.

• Farmer’s market - Many cities host a weekly farmer’s market, where local farmers offer their products at reasonable prices. Some farmers offer cheaper prices for perishable items, especially at the end of the day or at the end of the season.

• Generic or store brands - Generic brands are more economical than products with brand names. They have the same quality product with less advertising and packaging costs.

• Take advantage of coupons offered - Couponing is also a great way to save money without compromising healthy food options. There are numerous supermarkets that offer cheaper products by using coupons, which can be printed from their website or through magazines and newspapers.

• Get customer card - Supermarkets and grocery stores offer customer cards that provide additional discounts on purchased items. Some even hold sales exclusively for customer card holders.

Order non-perishable in bulk

Though this idea can look expensive because of the upfront cost, it can actually save more money in the long run. Dried beans, grains, canned foods, herbal teas and olive oil are a few non-perishables items that can be purchased in large packages.

Grow your own food

Even if you have limited space in your yard, growing vegetables can be doable. This will allow you to have the freshest ingredients on hand, while keeping the food budget down. Some cities also offer garden plots for rent, which can be convenient if you don’t have the space. There are also books and online articles that instruct you on how to maximize space in small yards and manage container gardening.

Have your own livestock

Having your own livestock such as chickens, pigs or cattle can significantly cut down on your food bill. However, this may not be feasible if you only have a small backyard. Chickens can be easily raised even if you have a small space.  Additionally, there are some farmers that offer grass-fed beef at much cheaper prices than the supermarkets.

Healthy cost-effective choices

Foods that are fresh and nutritious can be expensive compared to commonly available foods on the market today. Here are several tips on choosing healthy food options:

• Meat - Choose cheaper cuts of meat, which can be used for more meals such as casseroles, stews, soup and sauces. You can add in extra vegetables for more hearty and filling dishes.

• Vegetables - Some vegetables can be expensive, but there are ways you can get their key nutrients at a reasonable cost. Leafy greens, such as kale and collard, are just few superfoods that can be bought cheaply. Frozen vegetables are also great choices since they are usually picked and frozen at their peak of ripeness, making them nutritionally dense.

• Fruits - It is best to purchase fruits that are in season to ensure you’ll be getting optimum nutrition and taste. Canned fruits can also be handy additions for last-minute meals. Some fruits that are cost-efficient include watermelon, bananas and pears.

• Drinks - Cutting down on unhealthy drinks -- such as sodas, canned drinks and processed juices -- can free up extra cash for much healthier choices. These beverages don’t offer much nutrition and are often expensive to boot. Water is the safest, most nutritious and most economical beverage around, but if you’re not too keen on drinking water all the time, you can alternate it with other healthy options. Herbal teas, for example, have lots of nutrients and antioxidants that can be beneficial to your body. 

David Novak’s byline has appeared in newspapers and magazines around the world.  He’s an avid health enthusiast, and frequently is featured in regional and national health publications. He is also a weekly writer for Healthline.  To visit his other stories on Healthline, visit http://www.healthline.com/. 

Gluten Free Moi

Most of you already knew that but yes, my lovely readers I am trying real hard to live Gluten Free; for lent that is. I luckily am not gluten intolerant BUT I might be. Months ago I experienced rough tummy aching days and my friends were concerned. I was concerned, too. I mean, having constant stomach aches for no real reason stirred some questions. 

What did I eat? 

Am I sick? 

Do I have allergies? 

Clearly I can't be pregnant nor is it the time of the month, so what is it? 

It bothered me. My doctor told me to cleanse my body week by week by let's say not eating gluten for a whole week if not two, then a week or two of no dairy products, etc. It wasn't easy. I think having a gluten intolerance is the worst (and I know a few that are gluten intolerant - sorry guys I'm sending you a hug!). I survived my funky eating weeks and thought I was just under immense stress and pressure and therefore broke out and had stomach issues. Well, those issues returned. I am a little under pressure but not like before so clearly I must have some sort of intolerance. Needless to say I was happy to see lent come around so I can finally work on that "healthy plan" of mine.

So....Gluten Free it is...for now.
It's not as big of a problem so far. I'm only on day 7! I don't like bread (yes, shocker!!)...then again, if you have been to Europe you know what I'm talking about...bread there and bread here are two different stories. :) I love the one there, not so much the one here and I'm not willing to go out all the way to get "real" bread. Glad I am doing well so far. Luckily I am not craving my beloved pasta either. Yet. Let's hope it stays that way. 

And I really don't want any tummy aches anymore. I'm done.

Are you gluten intolerant?
Or have you tried going on a specific diet?

Let me know.

Anything you could recommend helps, really.

Seriously, let me know.

xoxo

Winter Skin Care - It's Important!

Winter is slowly coming to an end for most of us and this means that our skin is automatically going through changes. This happens regardless of where we live. Most people ignore this fact or just keep doing what they have always been doing to keep their skin moisturized during the sometimes harsh and colder winter days. Since our skin is the largest organ of our body it is crucial to pay special attention to it on a daily basis.

Whether or not you use the same products or brands all year round, make sure you pay a little more attention to your diet and skin while giving it some extra care during this time of the year. Don't we all want to look radiant and reveal fresh and healthy-looking skin even on brutal winter days? Give your skin and even your body a boost and let it shine, and click here for puritan's pride coupons where you can get great deals on products. Both your skin and your wallet will be happy.

But for now, here are a few tips on how to keep your skin and ultimately your mood alive and well:

Drink Lots of Water - Water is the best and probably also the cheapest solution to most skin problems. By drinking at least three to five big glasses of H2O each day, this will not only keep your skin moisturized but will also make sure you feel good about yourself. Too much water apparently isn't good either, so make sure you balance your liquid intake.

One Day of No or Less Makeup - Yes, skip the daily liquid foundation, powder, or anything else. Just moisturize, and reapply if needed. Let your skin breathe and take advantage of its natural color.

If your skin is on the red side and you are not comfortable leaving the house without any make-up on, try tinted moisturizers or green-tinted oil-free primers to camouflage any redness you may experience on your face. 

Go out - Fresh air and a little sunshine never hurt. But, please don't get sunburned because that will, as we all know it, ruin your beautiful skin as well. Just make sure you have a bottle of water with you, and put some sunscreen on as well. Speaking of...

Use sunscreen - Yes sunscreen is important. Most people forget this very important fact but our skin must be protected every single day. Even on gray days it is crucial to put sunscreen on, maybe not as intensively as you would on a hot summer's day but please remember that the sun is always out, even when you don't see her. So please, do not forget to use sunscreen.

Take Your Vitamins - Sometimes it is just impossible to stay healthy and maintain a healthy all of the time. It is normal that we do not feed our body the essential minerals and vitamins it needs. So, do not hesitate to take supplements BUT make sure you take the right ones AND ask your doctor or pharmacist before you buy any. Get tested to see if you have any allergies (if you don't know already) or need special minerals or vitamins for your body. Also if you don't feel like taking pills or drinking something new, just grab an apple and an orange on the way to work or school.

Remember, we are all different. Our bodies and organs react differently to change as well. So, listen to your body, and listen to your skin and know what it needs or doesn't need. Just because you have never had issues with the change of seasons in your life doesn't mean it remains that way. Things change over time, and so do you. Just keep your eyes open, but don't forget to enjoy these last weeks of winter.

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My awesome friend Sierra (also personally blogging over at Ocean Dreams) was kind enough to guest post for me today. Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. It is never wrong to know more about your skin, or to rethink how your treating it. I learned a lot and will make sure to remember to use sunscreen. I always forget. I know, a big no no!

Have a wonderful day.

xoxo

My Cleanse Drink

Are there times when you think you are just plainly full and bored of what is in your body? You know, those times after all those big holidays, or a long summer full of BBQ's, chips and drinks? I know you are feeling the pain as much as I do. :) That is when it's time to cleanse, detox, or even just simply make yourself feel healthier. 

Years ago I swore the cabbage soup cleanse was the best thing ever for me. I'd eat cabbage soup (with all kinds of green veggies) for an entire week, drank only water (no more coffee, tea, alcohol and sodas), no meat or fish, just the soup for three days and a bunch of veggies and fruits, and then slowly added bananas and milk, and lean meat later on. It worked, I lost pounds but I was also too lazy to cook that soup. My energy was back though and I was more aware of what I put into my body after my week full of cabbage soup. Though my laziness was stronger and I needed to find something else.

Today, I'm going to share another cleanse that has worked for me. It is easy to make, doesn't cost a fortune, doesn't need to be delivered and is healthy and good. I read it in a healthy magazine while I was waiting for my hairdresser to work on my hair, and well, this little cleanse has beautifully worked for me so it may also work for you, or not.

All you need is fresh ginger (preferably, 2 to 3 inches long, not longer), two oranges, and cranberry juice (one bottle; fresh juice...not the sugary stuff - and yes, that may be a bit costly but it's worth it). 

• bring the cranberry juice to a boil
• peel the fresh ginger, then cut it into thin slices
• once the cranberry juice is brought to a boil, let it stand and add the ginger to it
• let it all stand for 20 minutes
• squeeze the oranges (fresh orange juice is sooooo delicious)
• remove the ginger (up to you how)
• put the juice in a pitcher/jar/whatever works
• add the orange juice to the warm cranberry-ginger juice
• let it cool
• drink
  

  Enjoy the cool drink!

I made up to five new drinks in a week. I drank it instead of coffee, tea, or any other soda temptation. I ate regularly and may have cut out a lot of fatty foods, but literally felt my body was being cleansed. No need to get into details here, right?

I don't like ginger. I made this drink anyways and I like it a lot. It clearly is a refreshing drink whether or not you use it as a cleanse!

We all know that detoxing and cleansing our bodies can be a horrible, quite boring thing and just difficult to "maintain"... The temptation to just stop is sometimes stronger. So I was pleasantly surprised to know that I could follow through with this drink. And it was so easy!

If you like cranberry juice, fresh orange juice and even ginger...go for it.

If you don't like it at all, then well...

Just kidding...you'll be fine even without my cleanse drink!

Hope you're having a good day.

xoxo