Month: December 2016

5 Days of Holiday Gifts…Gift 5: Do Good

Gift #5: “Do Good” Tees from Cotopaxi

It seems like this past year is sticking out in people’s minds as a tumultuous one. One marked by some negativity, ill feelings, and some uncertainty. My hope is things will turn, and everyone who choose to focus their energy on the good, and not the bad. Take their uncertainty, and create change. Really, just Do Good each and every day.

Cotopaxi (www.cotopaxi.com) is an amazing company because they sell outdoor products, but they equally show a passion for creating change in areas far behind hiking gear…Health (Reducing preventable disease and under 5 mortality rates), Education (Improve primary literacy rates and access to quality education), and Livelihoods (Create opportunity for entrepreneurial training and job skills development). Cotopaxi “creates innovative outdoor products and experiences that fund sustainable poverty alleviation, move people to do good, and inspire adventure.” I love this. I will always buy from these types of companies first. Ones that take a platform and uses it to spread positivity and hope for those who really need it.

The product I love that spreads this message, is their “Do Good.” tees. So simple yet so powerful. They come in baby onesies, kids sizes, as well as men’s and women’s sizes. The material is soft and lightweight, and is available in various colors.

Is wearing this shirt going to change the world? Probably not. But you will be reminding yourself and others that the ability to do good and create change is there. It is inside all of us, and the outside world does not have to dictate that. Make a small impact each and every day, and even if the world doesn’t change…you will.

Strong mind. Strong heart. Strong body.

Val

5 Days of Holiday Gifts…Gift 4: Smelling of Dirt

Gift #4: 100% natural soy wax candles from Rosy Rings

This may be kind of an odd one, but this candle just makes my senses come alive. I was raised as a country girl, but grew into a city girl who loves the outdoors. The smell of this candle instantly brings me back home. It just makes me feel happy. And it smells like dirt…soil…a garden…the Earth. It is called “Tilled Earth,” and it is a candle scent like no other.

This candle is created by a company called Rosy Rings (www.rosyrings.com), is 100% natural soy wax, and hand-poured in Denver, CO. They have other amazing flavors such as Antique Clove, Basil Sweet Orange, Flannel Flower, Honey Tobacco, Moss & Mint, and Tomato Vine. I do not like strong scents or perfume smells, and these candles are are subtle and refreshing compared to most. In fact, they bring me back to a simpler time, when scents like these were compounded by innocence.  When running outside barefoot and carefree allowed me to actually absorb the scents of the world around me.  Maybe one day, the peace of those days will come back to me. Until then, these candles definitely give me hope.

Strong mind. Strong heart. Strong body.

Val

5 Days of Holiday Gifts…Gift 3: Stylish and Charitable

Gift #3: Rising Tide Scarves

When I shop for gifts, I try to keep in mind a few variables…will they actually use it, is it meaningful, and is it a product I believe in. I know what you are thinking…why do you care if you believe in a Christmas gift? I try my best to spend money on companies or people that are ethical, local to the USA (and especially Colorado), products that are more environmentally friendly, and hopefully they are thoughtful in promoting health or the betterment of people. Rising tide is one of those companies.

Rising Tide (risingtide.com) has been around since 1989, when they developed a company based on helping low income artisans from developing countries improve their standards of living. Rising tide then takes their products, and markets them in the United States. They are currently assisting families and workers in northern India with educational, medical, and emergent costs that arise. Nepal is also a main focus, where they have partnered in a project that supplies teacher training, safe drinking water, and building improvements to public schools in rural areas.

One of my favorite products is the Chunky Woven Infinity Scarf. I have given this gift in each and every color, and everyone has loved them. Additionally, I have given this scarf to people of all ages, occupations, and clothing styles, and all have told me over and over how much they wear it. It is soft, warm, and the colors are so vibrant. It really is my go to gift, and if you are close to me, one year you will probably find one beneath your Christmas tree.

With all of the ways the world changes, taking a few minutes to think about the companies and people you are giving your money to, is more important than you may think.  Make your presents count with meaning, with thoughtfulness, and spread love in more ways than one.

Strong mind. Strong heart. Strong body.

Val

 

 

5 Days of Holiday Gifts…Gift 2: Protect your largest organ…

Gift #2: Amber Bath Bathing Essentials

I have always had dry skin. I was one of those lucky people who had cracked, bleeding fingers, and was basically in pain during the winter months of the year.  Picking the nursing profession was probably a poor choice in hindsight, but I battled through it with every hand lotion I could find, and even used to sleep in gloves hoping to provide some improvement before my next shift.  Then came pregnancies, breastfeeding, moving to a more arid climate, and my skin took a terrible turn for the worst.  The doctor actually told me my skin was “allergic to pregnancy.” Yep, super sexy.

But this all changed 2 years ago, when I had a chance meeting at Whole Foods with someone who would save me from this life long battle. I met the owner and creator of Amber Bath, a Colorado based product made of pure “therapeutic ingredients,” and nothing but the “best essential oils.” It is made-by-hand in small batches, with 100% natural ingredients. The owner Elizabeth, suggested a few products that would help my (at the time pregnant) ailing skin.

I have recommended these products to so many people, gave them as gifts to teachers, moms, sibling, etc., because it has been the only thing I have ever found to work. The feedback I received has been very positive from everyone, so I am definitely not alone in my belief in this brand.

Although there are many amazing products, I am going to tell you about my two favorite.  The first is called the Shea Shower Frappe. This product is so unique, and I have never found anything like it.  You keep it in the shower, and use it after washing and rinsing (while the warm water is still running), or immediately after turning the water off. This is all due to the fact that the product itself does not contain water, so it uses what is left on your body. The Shea butter is thick, and it becomes smooth as it combines with the water and warmth of your skin.  For me, it absorbs immediately, and my skin doesn’t dry out from those long, hot showers I take in the winter months.  Additionally, due to my laziness, I don’t have to stand and freeze, while I decide whether I should put lotion on, or just get dressed since no one is going to see my skin for the next 6 months anyway; it is done immediately before I can change my mind.

And now to the salves, which are the holy grail of my hand health. These salves, made by Amber Bath, consist of bees wax, cocoa butter, and coconut oil, along with all natural essential oils. Not only does it help your skin, the ingredients provide some aromatherapy as well! Additionally, one of the things I love the most about this salve is the fact that it can be used not only on your hands, but also on elbows, heels, and get this…your lips! So much of my body craves moisture, and I have loved buying one product that can do so much. It is thick in consistency, but for me, it all gets sucked up and absorbed and instantly smooths (in case you were wondering, it is also not too thick for the lips).  By morning, my body feels so much better, and my hands have transformed back to health.  I have had cracked fingers every winter since I can remember, but since I have found this product and use it consistently every night, I have not had a single crack in my skin. Not an exaggeration!

Don’t worry, I am not going to pull a Dr. Oz on you, and recommend every product out there that is said to be a “superfood,” or the “next big thing” in healthy living.  I have been on this journey for roughly 11 years, and I have tried many, many things. I am only going to recommend products that I have extensively used, definitely work, and in relation to how your body functions…things that makes sense.  I am writing this blog because I am super passionate about making peoples’ life better, and making it realistic and achievable by all.  Health is not generational, racial, ageist, or sexist…it is about finding a quality life, and treating yourself well. Keep up the good work.

Strong mind. Strong heart. Strong body.

Val

5 Days of Holiday gifts…Gift 1: Medicinal drinking

Gift idea #1: Strongwater bitters and shrubs

I will be honest, I am very impartial to Colorado products. There is just a love of wholesome simplicity, and a belief that being healthy comes with a foundation of enjoying life.  I chose this company because their philosophy is “Enjoy life to the fullest and play as hard as you work.” It is important to be as amazing as you can each and every day, and never settle for the mundane.

Based in the Rocky Mountains, their founders include outdoor athletes, a sommelier, chemist, and a herbalist, who combined their knowledge and passion to create some of the most unique cocktail products on the market. With traditional apothecary processes, and a modern twist on healing plants and botanicals, your holiday cocktails will become something truly memorable. How amazing to receive health and medicinal benefits, while you get a little buzz off that alcohol…

Check out their website (sipstrongwater.com), and you will see the amazing ingredients and flavors utilized to enhance things you already have in your liquor cabinet. For example, Chocolate-Vanilla Bitters is made with Cacao Nib, Vanilla bean, and milk thistle. This concoction has natural benefits including a boost of antioxidants, libido (maybe not a gift for grandma), and lowers blood pressure. Pairings include: Bourbon, Champagne, Vodka, and Tequila. That is only the beginning; with other bitters flavors including Spicy Lemon-Ginger, Aromatic Turmeric, Wildflower, and Orange-Licorice.

I drink apple cider vinegar every day for it’s health benefits, so when I first found this next product, I bought every one on the shelf.  It is their Strongwater Shrub, which is a sipping vinegar.  The term “shrubs” originated in colonial times as a method of preserving fruit during the winter months. It consists of an organic apple cider vinegar base, infused with organic fruit, herbs, and honey.  With the health benefits of apple cider vinegar, along with the added ingredients, this daily health tonic was created to be a “cure all,” and to be “used to heal ailments and increase vitality.” With flavors such as Persimmon & Lavender, Peach & Rose, Blueberry & Mint, Cherry & Thyme, and Ginger & Pear, you will find something for everyone.

Also check out www.sipstrongwater.com/pages/recipes for ideas for cocktails or mocktails. These products also pair really well with soda water, and kombucha! Bitters starts at $19.99, and shrubs is priced at 24.99 for an 8.5oz bottle.

If you are looking for a stocking stuffer or something to spice up your holiday party, I highly suggest these amazing and unique spirits and botanicals. Finding any way to make the holidays a little more healthy is difficult to do, but products like these definitely make it a little more realistic.

Strong mind. Strong heart. Strong body.

Val