Tree Huggin'

The time has come to drag myself away from the beautiful Pacific Northwest and head back to the concrete jungle. Here's what I'll be bringing home with me to conjure up the great outdoors back in my little studio...

Happy Holidays!

A heartfelt thank you to all the readers of my fledgling blog!  Wishing you       all the good breaks this Holiday season and in the New Year~

xo Shana

Everyone needs to rock a tiara once and
a while...especially if you're a
hippie princess!

Ayurveda and skincare

Previously I posted about the three Ayurvedic doshas, and I thought I'd round out the topic by featuring a great natural brand like Pratima that is based on Ayurvedic principles. 

Here are some of my picks from the line:

Sandalwood Rose Mask - I'm a big fan of Sandalwood (see more here) and it's a staple in the Ayurvedic community. I'm dying to get my hands on this mask not only for the sandalwood, but also as I love turmeric for its healing properties and for the inclusion of rose and ocean mud.

Ingredients: SANDALWOOD MUD, TURMERIC, OCEAN MUD, MANJISTHA, PURE DISTILLED ROSE WATER EXTRACT.  Rose Oil - I looove me some body oil and this is a totally exotic and decadent blend. Plus it looks cool. Ingredients: SWEET ALMOND OIL, ORGANIC ESSENTIAL OILS OF LAVENDER, CINNAMON, ROSE PETALS, CARDAMOM, CLOVE, VANILLA AND PRATIMA’S LOVE Rose Neem Face Sunscreen - a non-chemical sunscreen that includes Neem, which is great for preventing breakouts, soothing licorice and lovely rose. Ingredients: IONIZED WATER, NON-NANO MICRONIZED ZINC OXIDE 18.6%, ORGANIC EXTRACTS OF NEEM, BRAHMI, SHATAVARI, LICORICE, VITAMIN E, LECITHIN, ORGANIC ESSENTIAL OIL OF ROSE, XANTHAN GUM.

Ayurveda Skin Dosha ABCs

A few people have asked me what I think their dosha is, and while I'm certainly no Ayurvedic expert, I thought I'd do some research and include a quick rundown for my lovely readers here! There are 3 main doshas which really relate to your whole self and body (digestion, overall health, personality and wellbeing, etc.) but I'm going to focus on skincare for this post.

~ Vatta (Air and Ether) 

~ Pitta (Fire and Water)

~ Kapha (Earth and Water)

• Vatta - typically characterized by dry/flaky and thinner skin, this skin type is more prone to lines/wrinkles but on the plus side, less so for acne. Hydration and antioxidants for the skin are essential. In addition to a good oil (oils higher in oleic acid are better for Vatta like avocado, almond and argan) or serum, pick yourself up a hydrosol (recommendations here and here) to keep your skin extra happy throughout the day.
• Pitta - pitta, c'est moi. Prone to inflammation, irritation, redness, etc., pitta skin is easily sunburned and often suffers from rosacea. Pitta peeps often have moles and freckles and skin in general is on the high maintenance side. Pitta skin needs to be calmed and cooled and is the opposite of Vatta. Seabuckthorn, rosehip and maracuja oils are my pick for this dosha.
• Kapha - generally oily and break-out prone. Skin is usually thicker and has larger pores. Key for Kapha is using anti-bacterial essential oils that are skin friendly (tea tree and rosemary are good ones) and moisturizing with sesame and Neem oil. Oil is not your enemy! But harsh cleansers and products that strip your skin are. The good news is, typically Kapha types are slower to show signs of aging, hurrah!

You can also be a combination of doshas, so if you want a more in-depth look, Google "ayurveda dosha quiz" and you'll find a few online that will guide you through what your individual type is. 

Next up, I'll discuss an Ayurvedic skin care line that I like. Stay tuned!

Holiday Treats

I can't believe Christmas is next week and 2014 is almost over, although I must admit, I'm beyond ready to put this year to bed!

Still, I'm trying to soak in as much holiday spirit as possible and I was thrilled to come across these adorable little gingerbread cookies the other day. That, and the discovery that my favorite coffee company Porto Rico Coffee Roasters had Pumpkin Spice on sale, practically made my week!

And, while I usually tryyyyy to avoid processed foods/sugar as much as possible, I gave in to curiosity and sampled the new croissant donut (aka "cronut") from Dunkin' Donuts. Hey, we all deserve our guilty pleasures and I mean, who has the energy to wake up with the pigeons (and tourists) and stand in line at Dominique Ansel??  I feel compelled to tell you guys that it was gooood.  Really good.  This may just be my new thing. It came in its own cute little box, and part of me wondered if it was to make it appear more special, or if it was because it sat on a shelf for a week...either way, it was yumm-o!

Happy Friday everyone!

Lip Lovin'

Sometimes I forget that in the winter our lips need a little extra lovin', so I've done a quick round up of some good natural options (your kisser can thank me later).

• Marble & Milkweed Rosy lip tint - coconut and sesame oil base, with rose clay and precious rose otto
• Fig & Yarrow Rose and Vanilla Lipblush - this cute little tin is full of great antioxidants and moisturizers like avocado oil, shea butter, rosehip seed oil, plum seed oil and cocoa seed butter
• Aster & Bay Lip stain Beetroot and Hibiscus- looks beautiful on with a natural beetroot tint, but is also super hydrating thanks to rosehip seed oil, coconut oil and mango seed butter
• Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask in Champagne - heavy in Resveratrol, an antioxidant from grapes, along with jojoba, shea and agave make this a lightly tinted and powerful lip treatment

Don't forget to exfoliate once and a while with an easy homemade sugar scrub. Just combine honey and/or coconut oil and sugar. Gently rub, follow afterward with a moisturizer and you'll be mistletoe ready!

Monday Mood Board

"Hi, I'm Shana and I'm into crystals." There. I said it and it's out in the open now.

I have to say, if I could turn my apartment into Planet Krypton (*editors note: extreme nerd reference - this is the planet Superman is from and it's full of crystals) I would. And to avoid it looking like the Fortress of Solitude (sorry people, another extremely nerdy Superman reference) I'd maybe throw in a plant or two...except I don't have a green thumb and giant crystals aren't that cheap.

So, to infuse some more crystal power into my life (literally), I turn to some interesting small brands like Aquarian Soul & Earth that are incorporating crystals into their products.

I must admit, they had me at "desert shaman" when they described their Cactus Flower and Quartz spray as being created with "The wanderer who roams the desert drawing on the energies of the earth to journey to another place" in mind.

 They also do some interesting crystal infused massage oils, and I very much liked their disclaimer: "All gemstones used in our massage oils were cleansed by the light of the full moon  & are energized with healing reiki energy. This means they have a very high vibrational energy that can be used to heal, raise and transform your vibrational alignment." Now we're talking!

Are you into crystals? Share below!

It never hurts to get your crystal
with a side of rum..

Stocking Stuffers $15 and under

Out shopping for last minute stocking stuffers? Here are a few quick ideas that are sure to please...

(Clockwise from top)

• Karuna masks - a favorite amongst celebrity jetsetters like Rachel Zoe and Kim K., these are easy to apply, biodegradable masks that come in a variety of treatment options. Now I don't think I'm bold enough to sport one on a longhaul flight (Jason anyone?) but on a Sunday night in? Absolutely!
• Bliss Fabulips and high intensity hand cream - the perfect stocking stuffer for someone who travels often, these little babies will definitely come in handy during the cold weather months.
• Kula Herbs Holiday spice soap bar - this smells warmly of pumpkin and clove, is full of natural oils and I'm a fan of anything made in Maui for some reason..
• Queen Bee Cocoa Body Butter - I mean, the name...enough said! But if you need another reason, it's made with wildcrafted beeswax, macademia nut oil, sweet almond oil, shea/mango/coconut butters and vanilla bean in (where else?) Maui!

I hope you have a fabulous weekend beauties!

Head in the clouds...

Holiday Wishlist Round-Up Part 2

As the holidays creep closer, it's time for round two of my holiday wishlist roundup!

• One Love Double Cleanse kit - while I'm much too lazy to actually do it, the concept of "double cleansing" is intriguing, so I thought I'd include this adorable kit. The pack includes the Skin Savior cleansing balm, foaming cleanser and rose clay konjac sponge. The balm has received rave reviews from other bloggers, and I'm a huge fan of the rose clay konjac sponge (great for sensitive skin!), so this kit is something I'm actually really interested in checking out.
• Kjaer Weis foundation in Paper Thin - the oft-blogged about and cult favorite Kjaer Weis foundation is at the top of my list (not that I need any more foundation at the moment!). Touted as "Your skin, but better", it's full of great natural ingredients like sweet almond seed, coconut and jojoba oil, and for lazy bones like me, you can easily apply with your fingers. The good news is, despite the high price tag, you're getting both quality packaging and ingredients, and they sell refills so you don't have to repurchase the whole shebang.
• La Tierra Sagrada Treatment - part of me is curious about the much ballyhooed hallucinogenic ayahuasca, but I'm afraid the closest I'll get to trying it is via this Treatment.  Apparently this product sends your hair on a trip it'll never forget, thanks as well to the inclusion of babassu, meadowfoam seed and coconut oils.  I'm in!
• Pendleton travel blanket and leather carrier - the cuteness of this ensured that I had to include it in the round up. As someone who regrettably spends more time in the great outdoors vis-a-vis the Nat Geo channel than in actual nature, if I were more outdoorsy, this would be a must in my arsenal.
• Belle Fleur Palo Santo candle - palo santo is one of my favorite scents for the home, its sacred woody aroma instantly brings calm and peace of mind. I'm keen to try this candle from Belle Fleur that combines palo santo with violet, amber and heliotrope. Perfect to warm up your home this winter!
• Jurlique Rose Hand Cream - unlike other rose scented creams/lotions, this really smells like the actual flower. Sweet almond oil, honey, echinacea and calendula make this a satisfyingly rich hand cream, yet it also absorbs quickly. Really, the best part of it is that I can't stop sniffing my hand like a weirdo after I put it on..

Monday Mood Board

For the past month I've been pretty consistent with a morning yoga practice- something I'd always read about other people doing, followed by an internal eye roll...until now!  I must say that it's kind of stuck as a morning routine and has been really helpful in grounding myself, getting rid of residual ickyness from any nighttime anxiety dreams and readying myself for the day. And hurrah (!) my new mat has arrived from La Vie Boheme yoga. Can't wait to get down(dog) and dirty with this puppy!

Before I get my ohm on, I like to apply some essential oil to help me get zen.  Currently I've been using Valentina's Home Brewed roller ball in Psychic Detox (reviewed here) which is an uplifting blend of mint, citrus and neroli.  But as the weather gets colder and I get more into meditation, I'm jonesing for something a little more woody. Enter Aster & Bay's Sacred Incense oil...containing Palo santo, white sage, frankincense and myrrh in an organic jojoba oil base,  this is just the ticket to complete my morning ritual.

“If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present.” Lao Tzu

Winter skincare saviors

As the temperatures drop, our skin needs a little extra TLC.  Above are a few products that I have in heavy rotation to keep my skin protected and happy in the colder weather.

(Clockwise from left)

• Alterna Caviar dry shampoo - I like to wash my hair less in the winter if possible as the drier air tends to wreak havoc on my highlighted hair. This dry shampoo is specially formulated for color treated hair and helps me go longer between washes. A good rule of thumb is to apply dry shampoo at night so that it helps absorb scalp oils while you sleep. I'm not crazy about the smell of this one so likely won't repurchase, but dry shampoo is definitely a staple for me.
• Goe oil - beloved by celebrities, this power-packed tube is multi-purpose (hair, skin, lips, etc.) and chock full of oils. It comes out creamy but quickly turns to oil once warmed by your hands. Terrific for extra dry parts of the body and a little bit goes a looong way.  It contains tiare (a tropical gardenia) and that is definitely the top note, so if you're not a fan of gardenia, you probably won't like this.
• Heritage Store rose petal hydrosol - I use this puppy all the time. Before I apply oils to my face post cleanse I mist with this; I use it to set make-up; I spray on my hair and pillowcase to lightly scent...the list goes on and on. A hydrosol is a must in the winter to help keep your skin hydrated and absorb products better. There are tons of great ones on the market. The Heritage Store one is super affordable (you can also purchase with glycerin if your skin is mega dry), but if you're in the mood to splurge, you can't beat Evan Healy's collection (reviewed here).
• Honey I Shrunk the Pores by Simply Divine Botanicals - I recently reviewed this brand and one of the standouts was this mask. It oh-so gently polishes your skin with enzymes, which if you have sensitive skin like me is a necessity. It's important to exfoliate once a week in winter as dry skin can build up and block your dermis from receiving the moisture it needs. It's also equally important to find the right exfoliant that won't irritate or harm your skin. I wrote more about this here.
• Essential oils - if you read this blog on the regular, you know I'm a big fan of EOs. Currently I'm using a peppermint/lemon combo to tackle allergies, but for this post I'm featuring clary sage.  Clary sage is not only a great oil to include in your skin care for its anti-aging properties (you can add a drop to whatever cream or oil you're using to moisturize and Burt's Bees has a whole line featuring it), but it's equally great in winter to help fight the blues. An uplifting aroma, many use it to help deal with anxiety, depression, insomnia and hormone imbalance. I love its fresh scent and count it and patchouli as my two favorite mood boosters.
• Destiny Boutique argan oil - when winter hits I find myself reaching for my oils more than ever. This age defying blend by Destiny Boutique is a great one (more info in my review here) as it contains carrot seed oil which is also a fantastic moisturizer, especially for mature skin. You can use alone with great results, or if your skin is especially dry, pat on top of a cream.
• Giovanni Ultra Sleek Hair and Body Potion - this diminutive bottle boasts a host of moisturizing oils like macadamia, argan, grapeseed and coconut, along with keratin and shea butter. The crazy thing is, despite all that, it doesn't weigh my hair down. You only need a small amount and it's fantastic for moisturizing dry ends, calming frizz, adding shine etc. It's an extra bonus that you can use it on your body too - and both that and the ability to lock the spout make it a great product for travel. I love getting all that effectiveness in a natural product!

Last but not least ladies and gents, don't forget the wonders of a humidifier in the winter. It's a game changer in keeping your skin moisturized and plump, in addition to helping your airways. You can find models that allow you to add essential oils and this is also a great way to diffuse mood-elevating or cold-fighting oils through your rooms.

Whether you're out and about or staying snug and warm inside, hope you have a great weekend!

Morning Routine

Since we bloggers like to overshare, I thought I'd do a quick blog about my current morning routine!

No matter how parched I am upon waking - which can vary depending on how much I uhmm, overdid it the night before - I try to let the first thing that hits my stomach be a cup of warm water with lemon and a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.  Loads of celebrities and health gurus alike have raved about the benefits of the warm water/lemon combo. It reputedly aids metabolism, alkalizes your body and gets your p.H. balanced, wards off colds, etc.  I throw in some apple cider vinegar (ACV) as it's known for the same kinds of health benefits and because I feel like it's like a carwash for my insides! If I don't have time to do this step, I somehow feel a bit less refreshed and healthy.

I then follow this wonderfully healthy start with a nice big cup o' Joe!  Now I know, there are a LOT of coffee naysayers out there in the green world, but I simply can't do without it.  Sorry, not sorry.  Lately I've been loving Porto Rico coffee's cinnamon blend and I prepare it in this awesome cone drip that lets you brew the coffee for a few minutes before filtering into the cup.  And if anyone's interested, I take my coffee with milk and no sugar (sidebar, haven't you always wanted to be one of those people that drinks their coffee black? I think it's ridiculously cool, but maybe that's just me!)

If there's time next, I try to do at least 30 minutes of yoga. I either do my own thing or follow a video on Youtube (I'm liking this lady lately), and I'm so excited to try out my new mat coming in the mail tomorrow, yay!

Finally, I'll fuel up with a smoothie and then hit the shower. I posted a recipe I really like here, and lately I've had in heavy rotation a strawberry/banana/almond butter combo with plain yogurt, protein powder, cacao, chia and almond milk.

Phew! I didn't think that'd turn out to be as long winded as it was! What's your routine?  Share below!

Simply Divine Botanicals review

Back to business! I've been a fan of Simply Divine Botanicals for quite a few months now. So much so that I featured one of their products in my very first blog post.  The problem is, I want to buy ALL their products. Lo and behold, on a recent trip to Live Live (if you're in or around NYC I highly recommend this store; they make Bee Yummy and also carry RMS) I spied a sample pouch from Simply Divine and thought that this was the perfect way for me to try several of their products without breaking the bank.

Contents include:

Amazing Face 1/4 oz.
Black Velvet Foaming Facial Cleanser 1/2 oz.
Body Butter 1/4 oz
Body Cream 1/4 oz.
Creme de Rose 1/4 oz.
Crystal Ally Deodorant Spray 1 oz.
Feet Treat 1/4 oz.
Gypsy Rose Tea 1/2 oz.
Honey, I shrunk the pores1/4 oz.
How Now Brown Cacao Chocolate Butter 1/4 oz.
Keeping Abreast of It 1/4 oz.
Melon Medley
Outer Body Experience 1/2 oz.
Peel Me A Papaya 1/4 oz.
Rose du Jour
Skincredible 1/4 oz.

At $39.95 this was actually a really affordable way for me to try many of their delightful items (and some of the small pots actually lasted me for weeks!).  This would be far too long of a post for me to discuss every sample, so I'll highlight some of the standouts for you.

Monday Mood Board

I spent the weekend communing with nature up in Lake Placid (okay, well, I went for a walk or two in the snow), and I'm still finding it hard to adjust back to big city life this Monday morning..

Hot apple cider with spiced rum by the fire? Check. Walking around charming Adirondack towns and window shopping? Check. Visiting a local farmer's market and bee-lining it to homemade skincare items whilst pointedly ignoring all vegetables? Double check!  

Cabin life sounds pretty good to me right now - complete with wood burning fireplace and a claw-foot tub of course!