Natural Summertime Skincare Essentials

It's no surprise that with the advent of summer comes the need to pay extra attention to your skincare routine. Below, I've lined up the power players in my summer beauty game after a few weeks of heat.

(Clockwise, from Top Left)

A floral water to hydrate. Strong summer sun zaps the moisture from your skin. I like to give my skin a spritz morning and night, followed by my daily and evening serums. Two favorites in my rotation are Evan Healy's Rose Geranium HydroSoul and the Heritage Store's classic Rosewater & Glycerin spray.

An easy-to-reapply sunscreen for the face and décolletage, like Mineral Fusion's Brush On Sun Defense. I swipe this on before leaving the house and keep it in my purse to reapply as needed.

A toner for greasy times. It's likely that you get a little schvitzy in the summer. I like to do a midday facial cleanse using the delicious Neroli Rose Facial Toner from Brooklyn-duo big & Baby, to keep excess oil at bay. 

A natural deodorant that actually works. And hands down, Meow Meow Tweet's Baking Soda Free Deodorant Cream is the only one I've found that doesn't irritate sensitive pits AND smells divine, thanks to grapefruit and sweet orange essential oils. 

A good natural sunscreen to protect your body. This is an essential, and with more exposed limbs throughout the season, you shouldn't go without it. I like local New England company Badger's All-Natural Sunscreen. 

A great refillable water bottle, like the clean and green bkr Bottle. I firmly believe that glowing skin starts from within, and no season requires more agua-intake than summer. To calculate how many ounces of water you should drink a day, divide your weight by two, and then add another twenty ounces for every thirty minutes of exercise or hour spent in the great outdoor heat.

Effecting Change in Our Lives

Last week, I spoke to a peer about how she was doing after a particularly busy period in her life. Her energy was low - I could hear it in every syllable as she managed to share a few matter-of-fact details about having a chocked full schedule and wanting to make changes. Even though we weren't face to face, I could feel a dark cloud hanging over her, bearing weight on her mood, motivation, and happiness.

Change doesn't happen over night - this is a phrase that has been engrained in many of our minds. And in many cases, it's true. Good, sustainable change, for communities, companies and sports teams, comes after deep evaluation, a well-defined approach, careful measurement and iteration after iteration. For people, this can be true as well. In many circumstances, the framework for building strategies and goals that I shared with Financial Services companies could work extremely well for an individual desiring the type of change that I was an expert on. But the thing is - it wouldn't be their change.

Much like selling a product, or getting buy-in from a leader, someone will not own the act of making change until it's theirs. In fact, the core difference in coaching versus consulting someone on something is that rather than sharing a plan and an approach to effect change, you guide someone to find their own desired destination, and empower them to build the map to lead themselves there. Empowerment is the key word here. One can only send all their good juju to another person so much - cheerleaders aren't the ones generally playing the game.

As I listened to my friend last week, I knew I needed to employ some key coaching tactics to elevate her energy, shift her focus, and help her start building waves to sea change. Below are a few quick tactics for doing the same when you find yourself with low energy around a decision or change: 

Quick Tips to Empower Towards Change

• Validation brings the party to the present. You are allowed to feel. Full stop. Acknowledge your emotions when they're low. I would even encourage you to sit with them for long enough for you to determine that they are separate from you. Then you can take the power back from them. As Michael A. Singer shares in Untethered Soul, "To attain true inner freedom, you must be able to objectively watch your problems instead of being lost in them." 
• Talk about what's going well. If you're in a crunch, overwhelmed or stuck, you're likely resonating at a very low frequency, which is the exact place you don't want to be in order to actually take action. Re-living your success stories or conjuring up a good moment has the effect of a smile for your inner self. After doing it for a short period of time, you may actually feel a shift in energy powerful enough to bring you to the present and help you begin to build a plan.
•  Switch on the magical thinking. What would life be like once you're living that change you so desire? How would you feel? What would be doing once you are there? Even though the focus is on the present, the same tactic you would use to help an executive take ownership of a strategy can work in your personal life. Thinking about how it would feel to actually be living the change can help raise your energy to doing, and help you buy in to your own plan for getting there. Sometimes the best way to make something happen is to sell to the most important customer: yourself.    

Golden Zinger

A few years ago, I bought a juicer and used it for about six months. And then I remembered why I never truly hopped on the juice cleanse train in the first place: I'm more of a smoothie girl. I prefer getting the full fiber of the fruits and vegetables I blend, for their benefits and a more satiating drink. And so, my little juicer slowly made the journey north in a box, and went in a cabinet somewhere in our new apartments. 

Until this week.

Over the past two months, I've been undergoing a bit of a dental overhaul, and, as a result, have been dealing with a bit of jaw pain while recovering. After sleepless nights, dentist adjustments, and one too many ibuprofen, I determined there had to be a better solution. And then I remembered turmeric.  

Turmeric is a relative of the ginger root, and long praised for it's anti-inflammatory capabilities, which are found in the curcumin within. Remembering how a friend used the root to help manage pain in the past, I decided to pull out the juicer, and extract it's golden magic, along side ginger, which is an equally as powerful anti-bacterial adaptogen, and citrus-boosting lemon. A swirl of raw honey also adds some good immune system boosts and a touch of sweetness to balance out the bite.

This shot is a true zinger, and also helps warm and invigorate the body, while infusing some good healthy benefits. While I'm hoping that time might also be doing it's job, I'm happy to report that the pain is finally subsiding, as is my increased use of allopathic medicines. Give it try, and let me know what you think!

Golden Zinger Shot

Juice of a 4-inch piece of turmeric

Juice of a 3-inch piece of ginger

Juice of 1/2 a lemon

1 teaspoon raw honey

Put first ingredients through the juicer, as directed. (I put mine through whole, but follow directions for your juicer!) Pour into a glass and mix with raw honey, to taste.

Green Mango Smoothie Bowl

I'm now at the end of my time between jobs, and I find myself doing things that are truly nourishing to my soul. Facial massage that lasts a little longer than usual. Chia seeds in my water. Long walks for the hell of it. I'm determined to squeeze out every ounce of "me" time before starting this exciting new journey. 

Several moons ago, I was a food blogger, and old habits die hard. Quite often, styling food is simply just cathartic to me, as if placing things just so had the same effect as a brush stroke or a good stretch for the soul. And so, what better way to really get into it than by making smoothie bowls? A smoothie bowl is a delicious, spoonable smoothie, yes, poured into a bowl, and topped with goodness that is otherwise not easy sipped: chopped fruit, nuts, granola and seeds. I don't know about you but there's something about the art of spooning that really makes me savor a dish.

Below is a new favorite recipe that combines luscious soft fruits like banana and mango, which deliver a potassium and beta-carotene boost, along with Vitamin C-packed citrus and a healthy dose of cruciferous kale. I've topped with more mango and banana, and a slew of Omega and fiber-filled seeds like Hemp, Chia and ground Flax, as well as immunity-supporting bee pollen. Add a bit of protein powder, and you've got yourself the perfect summer breakfast.

Green Mango Smoothie Bowl

1 small banana, sliced

1/2 lime, peeled

1/2 orange, peeled

1/4 grapefruit, peeled

1 small bunch of kale, de-ribbed

1/2 mango, cubed

1 packet of raw protein powder (I prefer this kind)

1 tsp bee pollen

1 tsp chia seeds

1 tsp ground flaxseed

1 tsp hemp seeds

Chopped fruit (I used banana and mango, but feel free to add berries, stone fruit and more!)

Combine first six ingredients in blender, and top with filtered water or preferred nut milk and 3-4 ice cubes. Blend until combined, and pour into a bowl. Top with bee pollen and seeds and enjoy. 

Making Space for our Thoughts

This weekend, I had the pleasure of finding some alignment in my intentions and my actions. At the end of the week, I set a goal to better begin my days with a slow start and to disconnect from my cell phone. Over the weekend, my fiance and I were fortunate to attend a retreat in preparation for our upcoming nuptials, and spent the majority of the three days without phones or internet - completely present to the moment and each other during this part of our journey. 

It's no surprise that we are all more connected to devices than was even possible a decade ago. To some extent, our over-connectedness has been wonderful - we are able to keep in touch with loved ones, and even virtually cross oceans. We can attempt to be more productive than ever, with the flick of a finger on a keyboard or screen. But often, having a phone glued to our hands and eyes can prevent us from truly  being in the moment, and letting ourselves listen to the organic thoughts and emotions that naturally arise in our minds. 

“I’m as guilty as anyone of using my phone as a crutch, either to avoid talking to people I don’t know at a party, or to stave off boredom while waiting for a friend in a bar. I’m also easily distracted by the various pings and vibrations coming from my iPhone, and often find myself drawn into an endless loop of checking alerts, reading my social media streams and replying to non-urgent email and text messages. Often, I can’t resist sneaking a peek at the screen during movies or other outings. And as much as I hate to admit it, I’ve occasionally been so preoccupied by a text message that I’ve almost bumped into someone on the street.”

— Jenna Wortham, "Trying to Live in the Moment (and Not on the Phone)"

I've noticed lately that my craving for what I've deemed "updates" is something that I'd like to step away from. These updates surround anything from buzzing text messages and emails to the change in weather or the status of a train delay. They are things that keep me constantly in motion, plugged in, and often, tuned out.  Quite often, things like true introspection, personal insight, and awareness can get lost in the mix of digital noise.

One way to begin cutting the electronic cords in our lives is the begin the day without them.  For many people, their first instinct in the morning is to reach for the phone, even before getting out of bed. While sleep experts herald the positive effects of limited screen time before bed, I wonder if we could all also benefit from limited attachment before we arise. It might allow us to begin our day slowly, and let our first thoughts evolve from a sleepy subconscious atmosphere to a more gentle focus on daily intention. This type of practice encourages true inward listening, and doesn't allow noise to disrupt the mission we set around our daily purpose. 

I've made it my goal to begin disconnecting at the start of my day, just as I've worked to limit my evening screen time exposure. I'm working hard to remember what David Whyte says in his poem on beginning the day intentionally, "In that first hardly noticed moment in which you wake, coming back to this life from the other more secret, movable and frighteningly honest world where everything began, there is a small opening into the new day which closes the moment you begin your plans." 

Interested in beginning to reset the way you arise? Here's my challenge to you:

• Set an attainable goal for a certain number of days each next week that you'd like to invite yourself to wake up quietly and not peek at your phone. You could start with one day or three, but make the goal one that isn't too easy but not impossible to reach.
• Consider a method of reminding yourself to do this. It could be a note next to your bed, a reminder with your morning alarm (again, no peeking at that email once you turn off the alarm!), or a reminder from your bedmate.
• Think about what might get in your way of reaching this goal. An important part of reaching a goal lies within personal accountability. For example, I worried that using my phone to wake up and remind me to start my day slow would push me to begin looking at messages. In order to prevent that, I chose to print out David Whyte's poem, which moved me greatly, and place it next to my bed as a moving reminder to start slow. If you're interested in a similar practice, I'd also recommend "Why I Wake Early" by Mary Oliver or "The Waking" by Theodore Roethke. 
• Before you get out of bed, take a few deep full body breaths and set an intention for the day. It could be an intention around how you want to feel, what you want to explore, or what gratitude you might want to incorporate in your day. Whatever you do, avoid thinking about your "to-do" lists.
• Consider a quick 5-15 minute meditation to allow yourself the time to make even more space and let those intentions you set truly marinate. 
• Finally, begin your day, and take notice of how those mornings that you incorporate this act differ from the others. Make note of changes in how you feel at the start and end of each day.

Weekly Words: Discovering the True Wonder of You

"What may be is always potential for discovery. It's never too late. This knowledge should give man his greatest challenge - the pursuit of self - his own personal Odessey; discovering his rooms and putting them in order. It should challenge him not only to be a good person, a loving person, a feeling person, an intelligent person, but the best, most loving, feeling, intelligent person he is capable of. His search is not in competition with anyone else's. He becomes his own personal challenge.

Loving yourself involves the discovery of the true wonder of you; not only the present you, but the many possibilities of you. It involves the continual realization that you are unique, like no other person in the world, that life is, or should be, the discovery, the development and the sharing of this uniqueness. The process is not always easy, for one is bound to find those who will feel threatened by a changing, growing you. But it will always  be exciting, always be fresh and like all things new and changing, never be dull. The trip into oneself is the grandest, most enjoyable and longest lasting. The fare is cheap; it merely involves continual experiencing, evaluating, educating, trying out new behavior. Only you can be the final judge in determining what is right for you."

- Leo Buscaglia

Summer Rolls with a Spicy Peanut Sauce

We're amidst a bit of a heat wave here in Boston, and despite the fact that we have yet to install our air conditioners, I'm still filled with joy over the change in season after a very long winter.

With the heat comes a positive shift towards spending as much time as possible outside - grounding feet against the grassy earth and taking full inhalations of every blooming tree and flower as they ripen in our neighborhood, allowing ourselves to get fully intoxicated by the earth, in bloom.  We've also been squeezing out every minute of daylight, only to head indoors at a final glimpse of the pink and gold sky.

This weather also has me craving cold foods, liquids and little else. While woman cannot subsist on smoothies alone, salads and bowls for every meal can get old fast. Enter the new favorite bite in our household: homemade summer rolls. Filled with fresh vegetables and paired with a delicious spicy peanut dipping sauce, we totally ate these for three days straight this week.

Summer rolls pack delicious flavor for something so quick and easy to make (you can whip up a batch in twenty minutes flat). They are a nice way to get an abundance of raw vegetables and herbs, which are naturally hydrating on hot days and add a nice crunch. Speaking of the crunch factor, feel free to mix in whatever vegetables you have on hand. Some favorites to include are peppers (bell and jalapeno), cucumbers, carrots,  and some good leafy greens like spinach or kale.  You can also add in simple lean protein, such as shrimp, chicken or egg, to help sustain energy.

My suggestion? One evening this week, whip up a half-dozen rolls, pack them between parchment and bring to the park, along with a vat of the spicy peanut sauce. While this summer weather may be temporary, it's a sign of what's to come. Spring is still full in her breezy splendor. Enjoy as much time outside as possible and soak up that natural air.

Summer Rolls

(Makes 4 small rolls)

1/2 cucumber, sliced into thin 2-inch strips

2 carrots, sliced into thin 2-inch matchsticks

1/2 avocado, sliced into small wedges

1 jalapeno, sliced into thin circles (seeds in or out, depending on preference)

1 scallion, sliced into rings

1/4 cup cilantro leaves, stems removed

4 rice paper sheets (I prefer brown rice paper, and use these)

For summer rolls, first make a clean surface. Soak one rice paper round in warm water, until slightly soft (about 20-30 seconds), and transfer to surface. Arrange 1/4th of each of the vegetables neatly towards middle and left half of the sheet, leaving a one-inch border along edge. Roll up rice paper tightly around filling and fold in sides and continue rolling. Transfer summer roll to a plate and cover with damp paper towels.

For Spicy Peanut Sauce: 

1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter

1/2 tablespoon tamari (low sodium) or soy sauce

1/2 tablespoon mirin sauce

1/2 tablespoon lime juice

1/4 tablespoon red pepper flakes (to taste)

1/2 tablespoon sliced scallions

Combine first four ingredients in a bowl, and whisky until creamy. Add more liquid or peanut butter, depending on consistency. Mixture should be smooth and easy to pour. Top with red pepper flakes and sliced scallions and serve in a small dipping bowl.

Happy weekend...

Happy sunny Friday! This has been some week. Today is my last day of work with my current company, and I'm thrilled to be taking on a new challenge starting after Memorial Day! As Stanley Kunitz says in his famous poem "The Layers," "No doubt the next chapter / in my book of transformations / is already written. / I am not done with my changes." The next few days will be all about celebrating. I hope you have a glorious weekend!

• Listening to classic Beach Boys albums "Pet Sounds" in honor of the summer-like weather we've been having here in the Northeast. The record was released in May nearly fifty years ago.
• Adding these brilliant Chia seed packets to my daily smoothies for an extra hydrating and Omega-packed punch... all while preventing the typical scatter of tiny beads all over the countertop. Genius, really.
• Feeling mesmerized by Korean artist Kwangho Lee's exhibition entitled "Touch," which is comprised of the most lush looking cacti (an oxymoron, if I ever saw one) you've ever wanted to caress. Nature is amazing.
• And finally, a gorgeous poem on transformation from Rilke, that speaks volumes to finding purpose and peace in our ends and beginnings:

"Want the change. Be inspired by the flame
where everything shines as it disappears.
The artist, when sketching, loves nothing so much
as the curve of the body as it turns away.

What locks itself in sameness has congealed.
Is it safer to be gray and numb?
What turns hard becomes rigid
and is easily shattered.

Pour yourself out like a fountain.
Flow into the knowledge that what you are seeking
finishes often at the start, and, with ending, begins.

Every happiness is the child of a separation
it did not think it could survive. And Daphne, becoming
a laurel,
dares you to become the wind."