Review: Angie Frog Natural Soaps

If you've read my previous posts, you know I'm been transitioning to a chemical free, minimalist lifestyle. After years of acne I don’t want anything to send me back there. Our skin is our largest organ. Think about how much your skin is exposed to and everything it absorbs. When you think about how many times a day you use soap, it adds up quick, so I strongly prefer natural soaps without mysterious chemicals added.

Angie Frog’s mission is “providing natural products to keep you and our natural environment clean.” Sounds great to me!

I received the Rana Lavanda Bar. This is a bar designed to gently exfoliate for dry skin. I currently live in the desert, battle the water from the movie Erin Brockovich, and have some crazy feet after training and running a marathon. My dry skin needed some TLC.

The Rana Lavanda bar is their most popular soap and is made with lavender and oatmeal,100% Organic Saponified Palm, Coconut and Olive Oils, Essential Oils, Organic Oats, and Organic Bran. I loved that the bar was made with organic ingredients. I believe in organics and love to see homemade organic products being made.

When I received the package in the mail the envelope smelled amazing. I was filled with a relaxing aroma as I pulled Rana from the Angie Frog box. I could see the bits of oats in the soap which would help for exfoliating.

We just so happened to have finished up our previous soap bar, and Rana went right into the shower. Every shower is filled with an amazing fragrance to begin the day. My feet are beginning to recover from my running although the water is so harsh here I didn’t notice a huge change in my skin with just one bar of soap.

The bar of soap did last a decent amount of time, about two weeks with a family of 3 using it regularly.

Angie Frog also carries Evergreen and Rosemary's Relief (specifically for people battling excema) soap blends.

Individual bars are available for purchase on site for $9.99 each, or $22.29 for 3 bars of a specific blend (a much better value per bar).  Shipping is a flat rate of $5.75, which also makes it more economical to purchase more than one bar per order.

A unique fact about Angie Frog is that they are so committed to preserving the environment that for every ten bars purchased a tree is planted in the United States! Pretty cool how committed they are to safe products for our skin and helping the environment.

http://angiefrog.com/
https://www.facebook.com/angiefrognaturalsoaps/

Review/Giveaway: My Urban Garden

I’m a wellness nut and do my research before something comes into our home and bodies. I battled acne for 14 years. After trying product after product, I decided to eliminate rather than add one more. I have not worn make up in 6 years, went a year without any product in my hair, and switched to all natural products.

In a short time, my skin cleared up and I no longer battle acne. After years of struggle with it, I don’t want anything to send me back there. I knew our skin is our largest organ. Think about how much your skin is exposed to and everything it absorbs - when you consider how many times a day you use soap, it adds up quickly!

Pre-baby, my husband and I dabbled in soap making. My husbands had a dream of living in Hawaii and making soap as a profession. Post-baby, we’ve passed the soap making supplies on and have a higher appreciation for all those homemade bars.

My Urban Garden has been making soap since 2012, their experience shines through strongly in the detail, color and beauty of each bar.

As soon as I opened the box, it was an oasis of beautiful aroma. I received 4 bars - Cranberry Pomegranate, Green Sea Clay, Blackberry Sage, and Avocado Mint. They all were great combinations filled with high quality ingredients.

My Urban Garden crafts each product in small batches to ensure the freshness and quality. Their recipes include simple ingredients and are focused on sourcing the finest ingredients for products that are as naturally chemical free as possible.

You have the option between vegan moisturizing soap and goat milk soap, and each of these types come in many wonderful blends.

One bar of soap lasted us over two weeks for a family of 3. No one had any negative reactions to the soap, including our 2 year old son. I loved starting my day with a hot shower filled with the amazing aroma. The bar did not crumble apart like some homemade soaps I’ve experienced.

Not only are My Urban Garden’s soaps beautiful, effective, and high quality. They also focus on helping others and supporting local.  For every bar of soap that is purchased, they donate a bar of soap to a local homeless shelter near Alexandria, VA.

They love to use local ingredients from Virginia in their products.

“We use fresh and dried herbs grown in our urban garden in Old Town, Alexandria. We use fresh, locally sourced goat's milk in our speciality soap for sufferers of eczema, psoriasis and dry skin. We use Virginia honey; a wonderful natural addition to our moisturizing Oat & Honey soap and Lemon & Honey Sugar Scrub.”

In addition to buying My Urban Garden soaps by the bar for $4.99 - $6.99, you can order a gift basket of 4 soaps through their Etsy shop for $19.99.  They also carry a range of sugar scrubs and bath bombs - if you're looking for a few good Valentine's Day gift ideas, this may be just what you're looking for.

My Urban Garden has a few deals for you!  Head over to their Facebook Page and "Like" them, and you can get a 10% off discount.  Just contact her in Etsy, and she'll give you  that code.

And for our readers, you can have a 20% discount!  

Enter THANKYOU20 when you check out - happy shopping!

Finally - one of our US readers will be winning a Four Bar Soap Gift Basket of their own!  Keep reading to see how to enter to win.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/myurbangardensoap
https://www.facebook.com/myurbangardensoap

To enter the giveaway, you must leave a comment in this entry as instructed by the Rafflecopter below, then leave the name you commented under and your email in the box in the Rafflecopter entry. (This allows us to contact you if you win!) This will open up additional optional entries to increase your odds of winning.

This giveaway is open to US RESIDENTS ONLY and will end just before midnight ET on 2-17. 

The winner will be notified by email within 24 hours after the end of the giveaway. In order to claim the giveaway prize, the winner will need to respond within 24 hours of notification, or an alternate winner will be selected.

Once the winner has responded and confirmed, their first name will be posted on our Giveaways  page.

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Why I Don't Wear Make-Up

Six years ago I moved to Hawaii, found the lifestyle I wanted to live, and haven’t looked back. I want to share with you one change I made that was simple, saves me so much time, money and energy.

I battled acne for 14 years. I tried every product out there and medications. Nothing worked. Until I gave up make up.

Like most American women, I started wearing make up when I was in middle school. In high school I wouldn’t be caught without it, even while playing sports.

In college I started to sometimes not wear it. Then I went through basic training and you were not allowed to have make up, but once I went back to college I continued to wear it pretty regularly.

But when I moved to Hawaii, the island life encouraged me to be more natural in both my personal care and in my home. I cleared the house of everything we didn’t need, including chemical filled products. The hair straightener, curling iron, blow dryer, and make up all left the house and have never returned.

My skin cleared up for the first time in my life. I felt comfortable and confident in my skin.

I enjoy how weightless my face fills with nothing on it, not needing extra time to get ready, or needing to keep up with products. I save money, time, bad “make up” days, and truly live a natural life.

I work in the wellness industry and teach women everyday to love themselves and their bodies.

Society is full of you need this, this and this. You don’t need any of that. You need to be you. You are beautiful, and if you enjoy the make up, then enjoy it. If you don’t enjoy it, take a break from it and see what happens.

A Breathing Exercise that Will Transform Your Day

How do you feel as you wake up and begin your day? Are you overwhelmed by everything surrounding you or are you calm, ready for a new day?

How do you feel as the demands begin falling on your shoulders? Are you tense or ready to enjoy each task?

I’m guessing most of us are overwhelmed, tense, and stressed for a good portion of our day. Why is this? What’s the key to finding a peaceful, calm foundation to live by? You have the answer, you have the power to change, and it’s available to you at any time for free!

So what’s the answer to a calm, happy life? Your breath.

It’s true, I know it sounds so simple and easy that it can’t be effective but it is. Let’s look at how powerful breathing is.

Mindful Breathing Corrects Posture

When you take that deep breath in you immediately correct your posture. With correct posture you reduce & eliminate bodily pains. The most common areas of pain include back, neck, and shoulder.

Breathing becomes easier when you maintain good posture. Combining good posture with a deep breath and you will feel the pain leave.

The more pain you release the more your muscle balances can correct and eliminate future injuries.

When you slouch you lose your core muscles and you prevent good digestion. There’s no need for 1000 sit ups when you have the opportunity to maintain good posture throughout your day. Your core’s endurance becomes off the charts.

Correcting your posture improves your muscle tone, flattens the stomach and improves your confidence, body image and self esteem. If you slouch, you are suppressing your stomach and colon preventing good digestion.

Mindful Breathing Establishes a Mind-Body Connection

When you breathe deeply you give yourself the opportunity to feel your breath, feel what your body is holding on to and where, and feel where your mind is distracted. As you connect your movement to your breath it becomes more mindful. As you connect your breath to your thoughts you decide what really matters.

Mindful Breathing Creates Positive Change

With a few deep breaths you can change the moment you are in, your day, and your entire day. With every inhale you can manifest. With every exhale you can release.

The sort of breathing I am speaking of doesn't need to be difficult - I've created a free guided video for this breathing exercise. Are you ready to enjoy the benefits of breathing through your day?

Visit: A Breathing Exercise that Will Transform Your Day.

As you continue to practice your breathing, give yourself an advanced challenge to see where you are at. Just for fun, choose the longest line at the bank or the grocery store. Breathe slowly and pay attention to your bodily sensations. Put those waiting times to work for you, instead of regarding them as the enemy as you rush to the next thing.

Do you use mindful breathing as a part of your wellness routine?

Review: ProYog Yoga Wear

When you mention the word yoga, you instantly have my attention. My journey in yoga began 10 plus years ago. Proyog’s line of yoga wear is designed for serious practitioners.

Would I call myself a serious practitioner? I have a toddler and I’m continuing my yoga practice the best I can. I teach a yoga class to my fellow mom’s two days a week, and practice yoga more off the mat than on the mat. Toddlers teach you to be more present than ever and remind you the only thing you have control over is how you react.

So am I a serious practitioner? I feel I am, much of my life is lived through what yoga has taught me.

Aside from yoga, I am a very active person. I exercise daily, am training for my third marathon, lead a mom’s workout group, keep up with a toddler, and embrace everything outdoors. The majority of my wardrobe is active gear. For the first time in many years, I now own one pair of jeans - I prefer active wear, and everyone is shocked when they see me not in it. Most of my clothing is form fitting.

When I was browsing Proyog’s website, their dhoti pants instantly caught my attention. I have always wanted a pair of pants in this style. I was beyond excited for the opportunity to finally try them.   
I love that this clothing comes from India. Yoga originates in India and until I one day get to travel their myself this is my little piece of the heart of yoga. 



I received the Vira Dhoti Pants in India Ink Black ($65.00) and Mala Comfort Tee Salmon ($45.00). I could not wait to put them on! As soon as I did I was instantly inspired to put on music and flow. These clothes are so comfortable you can pretty much say it’s all I want to wear.

Proyog advertises that their clothing is not too tight and not too loose. I absolutely agree. The majority of my clothing is tight because it is the easiest to exercise in. While practicing my yoga flow I never once felt like I needed to adjust or mess with my clothing. I’ve been in so many yoga classes where the teacher encourages us not to mess with your clothing, wipe the sweat off, or be distracted. Let’s acknowledge it, it’s annoying when you are constantly messing with your clothes. You don’t have to worry about that with Proyog clothing.

Check out my video of me going through a yoga session while wearing my Proyog apparel - see how organically it moves with me?

Prolog’s size chart is helpful and accurate for their clothing when you are deciding on which size is right for you.

Proyog’s focus in their design is

“Naturally breathable, Proyog is meant to liberate. To free the body so the mind can focus. Soft and stretchable, neither too tight nor too loose, Proyog moves along with the body as you breathe in and out of asanas. Our purpose is pure and simple. The perfect yoga wear can distill your yoga experience” 

I completely agree and look forward to every practice in my Proyog clothing.

“Proyog’s trademarked HYPERBREATH™ fabric is non-restrictive and designed in a way that the practitioner is barely aware of its presence. 

It draws from cotton and modal, two of nature’s most breathable fibers. A proprietary blend of fiber, yarn and fabric structure, HYPERBREATH™ offers all the airiness and comfort serious yoga practice deserves. ORGANIC COTTON ELASTANE JERSEY and ORGANIC COTTON MODAL JERSEY” 

Along with Proyog’s attention to creating a high quality product, their focus is on Creating a harmonious ecosystem for people, society and the planet, as a whole through their product production.

The Proyog webiste's "Save Yoga" page has a really interesting explanation of the importance - for ourselves and for the planet - of practicing yoga in natural materials rather than synthetic.  According to ProYog:

"Did you know that most people are unaware that they are wearing plastic or PET fabrics for yoga? In an extensive study done by us, we found that 9 out of 10 yoga practitioners in US and Canada are wearing clothing made of polyester and nylon!” 

Proyog apparel can be online via their website.  Order over $100 receive free shipping.

If you're ready to add Proyog apparel to your yoga wear, they are offering a 15% discount to our readers from now through January 25th.  Just enter PROYOG15 at checkout.

https://proyog.com/

https://www.facebook.com/proyogindia

https://twitter.com/DoYouYog

Is 2016 Your Year?

We all know January is the time for a New Year, A New You, and New Years Resolutions.

Do you remember what your resolutions were last year? Did you achieve them? If you didn’t achieve your 2015 revolutions or don’t even remember them, don’t worry - you’re not alone.

So how can you make 2016 different? Find something that is so inspiring to you, you are filled with the drive to make change happen. Every time you find yourself putting your goals on the back burner return to your inspiration to push through that wall.

So what inspires you? How do you find that thing which will help you become that person you’ve always dreamed of?

Over a year ago, we were in a transition time of leaving Hawaii and moving to California. One day I was driving the car around to get my 2 year old son to take a nap. I saw Jim Carrey's Commencement Address at the 2014 MUM (Maharishi University of Management) Graduation and was interested. I played it in the car as I drove, which was great because I had no other distractions and could fully listen. Within minutes I was completely absorbed in his words.


You can listen to the full speech here:

Here are a few of my favorite parts:

“Fear is going to be a player in your life, but you get to decide how much. You can spend your whole life imagining ghosts, worrying about your pathway to the future, but all there will ever be is what’s happening here, and the decisions we make in this moment, which are based in either love or fear.”

“You can fail at what you don’t want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love.”

“Everything you gain in life will rot and fall apart, and all that will be left of you is what was in your heart.”

“Your job is not to figure out how it’s going to happen for you, but to open the door in your head and when the doors open in real life, just walk through it. Don’t worry if you miss your cue. There will always be another door opening. They keep opening.”

For me this speech always re inspires me on how to follow my passion. My 2016 goal is to focus on my small business; inspiring and helping others to live a active, healthy, and happy life.

This speech may not be what inspires you to change your lifestyle, set new years resolutions, or achieve your resolutions. But there is something out there that will. So start searching and live your life to the fullest.

What will you achieve in 2016?

Review/Giveaway: Dive in Deck

Dive in Deck: 33 Cards to Ignite & Inspire Deeper Dialogue.

I am very excited to share this wonderful little inspiration / conversation sparker deck with you!  According to their website:

Dive In Deck is like a cosmic permission slip to put down your devices and DIVE IN to deep and meaningful connection with your Self and others. Each unique conversation card features an igniting question or statement paired with inspiring visual art, serving as an access point for inquiry & exploration. There are no rules, every answer is right, and evolution is totally allowed. Choose a card and DIVE IN!”

This is right up my alley of interest! I’ve been saying for years how hard it is for me to engage in “the normal” conversations. And these cards offer the sort of inspiration for deep dialogue on the sort of topics that get me charged up. Sign me up!!!


The deck is a collaboration between the Heather, Jessie, and Kristina, three ladies who are ambassadors in the Connection Revolution.

I would love to sit around a fire with them and go through these cards. I love sharing conversations with like minded people and find such deep discussion empowers us to follow what is next for each of us. I believe daily conversation should lift us up, inspire us, and challenge us to do something better. You can’t say the daily gossip or drama quite does that.

There are endless ways these cards could be used. On their page, several ideas are listed, including:

• SPICE UP YOUR DATE NIGHT
• MAKE A NEW PAL
• GO DEEPER WITH A BESTIE
• MEDITATE ALONE OR TOGETHER
• BRING THEM TO THE PARTAAY!
• ENLIVEN A ROAD TRIP
• INSPIRE A JOURNAL ENTRY
• IGNITE FAMILY DINNER CONVO
• SKYPE AND CONNECT LONG-DISTANCE
• KICK OFF A BUSINESS MEETING

Over the last few weeks, I've used them for:

• Personal meditation
• Journaling
• The daily question at the Momma and Kiddo workout I lead
• A surprise random act of kindness note on two of my friends door steps
• Around the fire conversations

Dive in Deck comes in a cute, easily transported, durable case. The cards are all different and inspiring in their unique ways. One may resonate with you more than others do at any given time. That’s the great thing - pick a card and if it’s not right you have an abundance of choices.

I want to share with you how the cards inspired me and can inspire you. This was a journal entry that I found very meaningful and worth further thought:

“What adventure would you embark upon if there were no limitations?” 

I’m a small business owner in the making, stay at home mom/work at home mom plus volunteering 20 hours a week inspiring other moms. The adventure I would embark upon if there were no limitations is never owning a home or car and traveling the world to inspire others through movement and food.

Why am I not doing this? Is it fear? Am I not ready to take a risk? I haven’t quite figured it all out yet but I know what I want and now I know I can focus on how to get there.

“When do you feel most empowered?”

I feel most empowered after a great workout whether its a long run or yoga class, reading an inspiring non fiction book, or surrendering into a yoga training, festival, or retreat. I now know when I’m feeling like I need a reboot to choose one of these activities to spark the fire.

January is coming and this means it is a new year, a new you.

I’ve been working in the wellness industry for eight years now. I know January is the month most of us are focused on changing who we are and where we want to be. The Dive In Deck is a great tool to help you get there.

With the ladies I help, I plan to use these cards to ignite some deeper conversation and spike some motivation to make it past that point where most give up on their “New Year’s Resolution” and are back to where they have been for years.

The Dive in Deck brings back meaningful conversations, with yourself, your family and friends, your children and organizations.Order your Dive in Deck on their website for $20 and see where it leads you!
  
“You know that feeling you get in your soul when you experience face-to-face, heart-to-heart, meaningful connection with someone through conversation? It's just so... good. But in a world where "likes" and text messages have become the communication standard, we often fall into a pattern of small talk and meaningless chatter, boring our minds and isolating our souls. It happens. We totally get it.” 


We're very happy to be able to offer one of these decks to one of our US readers - keep reading to see how you can enter to win one of your own!

http://www.diveindeck.com/

https://www.facebook.com/DiveInDeck


https://www.instagram.com/DiveInDeck/

https://twitter.com/DiveInDeck

https://www.pinterest.com/DiveInDeck

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpcHK0IQ3F6cxsSumEgLUtQ

To enter the giveaway, you must leave a comment in this entry as instructed by the Rafflecopter below, then leave the name you commented under and your email in the box in the Rafflecopter entry. (This allows us to contact you if you win!) This will open up additional optional entries to increase your odds of winning.

This giveaway is open to US RESIDENTS ONLY and will end just before midnight ET on 1-12-16.

The winner will be notified by email within 24 hours after the end of the giveaway. In order to claim the giveaway prize, the winner will need to respond within 24 hours of notification, or an alternate winner will be selected.

Once the winner has responded and confirmed, their first name will be posted on our Giveaways page.

Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Bellicon Rebounder (Conclusion)

I’ve now been a Bellicon fan for over three months. I always tell my clients if you can not maintain a lifestyle change for more than 3 months, it is not the right route for you. After 3 months I can happily say this rebounder continues to be a staple to my fitness.

I use the Bellicon rebounder trampoline every day. I sneak in 10 minutes of rebounding on my own during my son's nap time, use the rebounder as a meditation space, or play with my son as he bounces.

My son also continues to love the rebounder as much as I do. Everyday we practice his counting as he jumps. He's learning at a young age to be active, and I'm able to teach him through movement.


How the Bellicon has helped me:

- My joints feel amazing! We hear it over and over that running is not right for everyone. It’s true, I pass this advice on to ladies all the time. I am a runner though, my mind craves running. The Bellicon has helped me keep my joints healthy so I can maintain my ability to run.

- I’ve loved the opportunity to explore more creativity with movements I’m use to on a new surface.

- Jumping like a child helps bring my inner child out regularly. It’s good to remember life is only as serious as we chose to make it.

- Rebounding is a very freeing, invigorating, and rejuvenating experience.

- My physical body has more tone, definition and endurance.

The Bellicon uses bungies rather than springs. I noticed a spring rebounder while visiting a family members house recently. Without thinking, I stepped on and was eager to feel the difference.

With that first small bounce I was like ugh, this hurts! It was not a smooth, graceful bounce like I was use to on the Bellicon. I could barely get off of the mat, and each time I landed my joints were asking me “what are you doing to us!?” The owner was commenting on how much she liked having it and would use it to get all her steps in for the day.

I was instantly like, you have no idea what you’re missing out on, YOU NEED A BELLICON!

I put together one last Bellicon Rebounder video for you, sharing a few important features as well as a Pilates workout demonstration to show you one of the many ways you can use the Bellicon to develop a fun and productive activity habit.

Looking for something to make you feel lighter, stronger, healthier, and happier? The Bellicon Rebounder has you covered with good health on the route of fun. If you love movement this is a great product to take your fitness to an entirely different level. If you are not a movement enthusiast this is a great product for you because it makes exercising fun!

In conclusion, this is a product I highly recommend to anyone wanting to live a healthy lifestyle.

https://www.bellicon-usa.com

https://www.facebook.com/bellicon

https://twitter.com/bellicon

https://www.pinterest.com/belliconus/

https://plus.google.com/+belliconusa/posts

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXK9mZC6PaGJ9GYsCVEBWAg

The Word My Son Taught Me to Eliminate From My Vocabulary

A few months ago I realized I was starting to tell my son “to hurry”. One day as we were out walking, I stopped in the middle of telling him to hurry to our next location. Were we really in a hurry? No. Did we need to hurry? Absolutely not!

I started thinking about why I was telling him to hurry. Was it the constant reminder of society that tells us to rush? Was it that his little legs don’t walk as fast as mine? Was it that we are on a military base and hear “hurry up and wait”?

I had to remind myself: Slow down, “hurrying” means you’re missing what’s right here.

Every time I was telling my son to hurry, what was I missing out on? The world is all new to him and he is an explorer ready for adventure. He often shows me things I have never noticed before.

When he wants to stop and smell the flowers, why not!? I could use some aroma therapy to rejuvenate the day. We now stop at dirt piles in odd locations, pull out the construction toys and dig.

I now let him take his time and show me everything from his perspective. He’s taught me to be present, slow down, and not rush through his childhood. If we really need to be some place at a certain time I backwards plan and allow way more time than we actually need.

I don’t want him to learn “to hurry” as a child. The world of rushing can wait for him to decide on his own if he wants to be a part of it or not.

Slow down, and enjoy life. Let the “hurrying” go.