Lov Organic Lovely Glögg: Tea Tuesday

Although I love tea all year-round, the colder weather makes the perfect cup that much more enjoyable. Having some nice herbal tea before going to bed is one of my favorite ways to unwind which is why I’m always on the hunt for a good caffeine-free brew. One of my seasonal favorites is the amazing Lov Organic Lovely Glögg.

This tea is an organic blend of cinnamon, hibiscus, blackcurrant, almond flavoring and other ingredients that create an amazing sweet but warming tea. I absolutely love this blend because, unlike many other seasonal blends, it’s not too spicy but it still gives you that warming feeling that we all crave when the weather gets colder. Lovely Glögg is actually inspired by Scandinavian mulled wine and spending cozy evenings in during the winter. It feels really relaxing to drink and you don’t have to worry about having it in the evening as it is theine-free.

Lov Organic Lovely Glögg is available online from their website and you can find in stores that stock the brand. I believe this is limited edition for the winter so I wouldn’t hesitate if you are looking to treat yourself.

My Favorite Workout Videos for January 2016

Can you believe we are the 3rd of January already? Like most of you have probably done, I took the time to write down my resolutions for 2016 and obviously being healthier and in better shape made the list. To help all of you take full advantage of that new year motivation, I thought I’d round up my favorite workout videos to inspire you if you are also looking to be stronger and fitter this year.

First up we have two videos from Blogilates, I love Cassey’s videos and she is actually the one that got me into Pilates. I love how all the exercise are fairly easy to do and you don’t need any equipment besides a yoga mat. The Bubble Butt Workout and the Butt Lift and Slim Thighs Workout from the Beach Series are a great way to start working on getting those lean muscles and a perky behind.

Next are the Cardio Kickboxing Workouts from XHIT Daily videos. I love doing those for cardio, they look easy enough but they leave you sweaty which is exactly what I am looking for in a quick cardio session. I am not a runner so I love how this is a great way to get my blood pumping without the stress running can put on my body.

Last but not least, is the Exercise TV Incredible Abs Video, this is actually the first ever workout video I did. It is a great ab routine for beginners and a good starting point if you are just wanting to get into the fitness world. I also love that you can download it for free on iTunes which is where I first discovered it.

I hope this will help you harness that motivation you are currently feeling to develop new fitness habits and be healthier in 2016.

Disclaimer: I am not a health/fitness expert, the workouts above are only suggestions to help inspire you. Before starting any new fitness or diet regime you should always check with your healthcare professional to make sure they are suitable for you. 

Tea Tuesday: Stash Green Tea Pomegranate Raspberry with Matcha

It’s the holiday season and along with gingerbread cookies, tea becomes an everyday staple for me. This is why I’m bringing back Tea Tuesday, my collection has grown quite a bit in recent weeks and I want to share the love with you all. I see a lot of green tea and herbal teas in the future for this blog. Let’s start with the Stash Green Tea Pomegranate Raspberry with Matcha.

I rely on fruity green teas a lot because I want to get those antioxidants, but I’m not a fan of plain green tea. This Stash one is the perfect solution for my problem and I love that it contains matcha because it is even better for you than regular green tea. It has a great balance of sweetness and tartness so it is not too fruity, but it completely masks the taste of green tea. It leans more towards raspberry than pomegranate which is what I prefer because I don’t need to add any honey to balance it.

I love Stash’s herbal teas in general, they have flavours that are different from other brands, but I think this is a very unique concept. I feel like this is such an easy way to add a healthy boost of antioxidants to your diet, why not do it if it tastes delicious!

You can find the Stash Green Tea Pomegranate Raspberry with Matcha in most grocery and health food stores as well as on the Stash website. 

The French Beauty Solution by Mathilde Thomas

Today has turned out to be pretty gloomy outside (where’s the snow!), which makes it a perfect day to stay inside and curl up with a good book. There could not be a better time to introduce you to one of my favorite books of the years: Mathilde Thomas’ The French Beauty Solution. Be prepared to be inspired and soak up loads of beauty knowledge.

I love Mathilde Thomas’ way of writing, it feels like you’re chatting with a friend and everything feels effortless making it a super pleasant read. The book contains loads of skincare, beauty and health knowledge to approach beauty the French way. Now I read a lot about the subject and I have French roots so most of the information was not new to me, but the way it was presented made it feel fresh and fun. It actually inspires and motivates you to really take care of yourself and your skin. I also love how it really focuses on skincare to make you look your best instead of relying on loads of makeup. The tips are all about common sense, so you don’t have to be scared of crazy routine or applying weird things on your face, it’s all sensible.

Honestly, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed reading The French Beauty Solution and I think most would enjoy the way it is written. It is actually more about a lifestyle than skincare and I believe it might provide you with the little boost of motivation you need to start taking better care of yourself. After all, we all want to be healthy and having beautiful skin is a pretty great bonus. You can easily peruse the book for specific information or simply settle down and enjoy it cover to cover.

You can find Mathilde Thomas’ The French Beauty Solution in most bookstores, iBooks and Amazon. You can also read more about it here.

The New Health Rules by Doctor Frank Lipman

Last week, I mentioned a few books I was reading and today I wanted to share a more in depth review of one of my favorites. The New Health Rules by Doctor Frank Lipman has become a favorite of mine and I was blown away by how great such a small book could be.

This book is divided into sections that each give rules, which are more like tips and advice, on how to improve your health using food as well as other small lifestyle changes. Now you might already know some of them, but I found the whole thing quite informative and super interesting. It’s written in a way that is not pushy, but it still manages to get the point across and gives you the motivation to make the effort to be healthier.

Each tip is quite short and direct, so this is a quick and easy read. I love how each page has a different tip so you can easily pick one at random daily and try to apply the advice. That way you can start to develop good habits and start living a better lifestyle. Also there are loads of pictures accompanying each piece of advice making them livelier. The photography is truly inspiring and stunning, it is the perfect coffee table book. I think The New Health Rules would also make a great present for anyone, after all don’t we all want to be healthier and have more energy?

You can buy Doctor Frank Lipman’s The New Health Rules in bookstores, on Amazon and iBooks.

Disclamer: I am not a health specialist/doctor and before making any changes in your diet/lifestyle you should speak with your physician. I wrote this review purely because I found the book inspirational and it does make interesting points you can discuss with your physician to see if they would work for you. 

Feed Your Face by Doctor Jessica Wu

I love reading and I love skincare, so what better than a book on skincare to unwind at night. That being said not all books on the topic are great, some are too preachy and others don’t really offer any new or useful information. Well, Feed Your Face: Younger, Smoother Skin and a Beautiful Body in 28 Delicious Days by Doctor Jessica Wu is nothing if not informative and fun.

I found this to be really enjoyable to read, the author is never preachy, and I feel like I actually learnt something instead of re-reading the same information for the thousandth time. Jessica Wu is a dermatologist so she obviously knows what she is talking about. Each chapter goes into different skin issues, from eczema to acne and wrinkles, explaining their causes, but also giving you advice on how to deal with them.

What makes this book different from others however is that it focuses on food, showing the link between what we eat and our skin. Thus for each section she talks about different things you can include in your diet to help you improve and hopefully solve your skin issues. The book also includes a meal plan (great for inspiration) and a list of healthier options in popular restaurant if you have to eat fast food. Lastly you will find product recommendations throughout the book and an informative section on in office treatments and procedures doctors can perform to help your skin (if this is something you are into/considering).

I loved how Feed Your Face motivates you to have a healthier lifestyle while making it about something we care about (our face) instead of focusing on all the things you have to cut out or being very strict and restrictive. I think most people can learn from this and as they say “knowledge is power”, so you will basically have all the necessary tools to get better skin and improve your health at the same time. The multitude of sections make it an easy ready and I liked that it is written in a simple way, it does not get lost in too many details or scientific terms, but it is not something written for kids either. Overall this is a must-have book and something useful you can always turn to when in need.

Doctor Jessica Wu’s book Feed Your Face is available in most bookstores and you can find it on Amazon and iBooks. For more information on Jessica Wu and her book, you can visit her website here. 

Pukka Elderberry and Echinacea Herbal Tea

For today’s Tea Tuesday I bring you a nice organic herbal tea. I personally prefer going for organic teas and blends whenever I can, which is why I really enjoy teas from Pukka. The Pukka Elderberry and Echinacea is a very unique blend and I really felt a need to review it.

This specific tea contains a blend of aniseed, elderberry, echinacea, ginger, elderflower, beetroot and licorice among other ingredients. Pukka categorized it as a “super fruity” tea, but I have to say it is not very fruity at all. In fact, the stronger notes are definitely aniseed and beetroot with a hint of ginger and licorice. This gives it a very unique taste and while it is pleasant I would not recommend it is you are looking for a fruity infusion.

The ginger and orange peel actually give it a warming/spicy quick, but the licorice and elderflower add a sweetness that keeps it from being an overly wintery tea. Also, it leaves quite a fresh feeling and aftertaste in your mouth because of the peppermint it contains, thought you cannot actually taste the mint. I told you it was very special!

Honestly, I was a bit disappointed when I first tried it, because it was not as sweet or fruity as I expected. That being said, I do enjoy drinking it and I think it will make a great transitioning blend into the fall. It is something worth trying for yourself as it might be an acquired taste, but most tea lovers should enjoy its very unique flavor.

The Pukka Elderberry and Echinacea Herbal Tea can be found on the Pukka website and in tea/health food stores that carry the brand. 

Tea Tuesday: Kusmi Green St. Petersburg

I reviewed the Kusmi St. Petersburg tea a few months back and I really liked it. It also made me very curious to try the Green St. Petersburg to see how it would compare and which one I would like best. So for today’s Tea Tuesday I am bringing you my review of Green St. Petersburg by Kusmi.

This green tea version of the blend contains the same notes as the original: bergamot, caramel, red fruits and vanilla. The main difference between the two for me is the taste of the base tea. The green tea is quite strong and the main thing I taste, whereas the original blend with black tea allows for the different notes to be more present. Here the caramel and red fruits are more present but the green tea can be a bit overpowering.

It is still a very pleasant tea to have and the added antioxidants are a great bonus, but I have to say the original St. Petersburg is more flavourful and complex. That being said, I found that a touch of honey really helps tone down the bitterness of the green tea and it nicely brings out the sweetness of the vanilla and red fruits notes.

All in all, I think green tea lovers will probably enjoy this quite a bit and it is a nice way to incorporate more green tea into your diet if you prefer something a bit sweeter. You can find the Kusmi Green St. Petersburg in many health food/tea stores and the Kusmi website ships internationally. 

Tea Tuesday: Kusmi Anastasia

Once again, it has been a while since my last Tea Tuesday. Honestly, the main reason is that I have been drinking the same fruity herbal tea for weeks. I really want to complete all of my Kusmi tea reviews soon, so today I am bringing you my thoughts on one Kusmi’s most emblematic and oldest blends: Anastasia.

I have always been fascinated with Anastasia’ story, so when I first heard of this tea I had to try it. When I first smelled this, I really did not like it. It smells very strongly of Ceylon and I really don’t like that kind of tea, so let’s just say my expectations were quite low as to how it would taste. Well, this turned out to be quite a nice surprise and while it is not my favorite, it is quite good. The Anastasia tea contains a blend of black China tea, Ceylon, bergamot, lemon and orange blossom.

Like I said, the Ceylon scent is very strong, but the taste is far more delicate with the black tea being the main flavor. The bergamot and orange blossom add a very light floralness to the blend and you can taste just a hint of citrus fruits. In the end, you will get a light and floral black tea perfect for mornings or afternoons when you want a simple cup of something relaxing. The more I drink it, the more I enjoy it, it is a very classic and while that may seem odd, classic is the perfect word to describe one of Kusmi’s most iconic blends.

You can buy the Kusmi Anastasia tea from their website and in many tea/health food stores. Also, like most teas from Kusmi it comes in different sizes and packaging and it is also part of the Kusmi Russian Blends Assortment. 

Tea Tuesday: Pukka Cleanse Tea

So let’s be honest here, I haven’t been drinking a whole lot of tea recently, which explains the lack of Tea Tuesdays. I have really missed how calming drinking tea was in my daily routine and I can’t say no to the health benefits either. That being said, a new health food store recently opened in my city and their tea selection is incredible. This led to a few purchases and I can now introduce you to my new favorite tea, the Pukka Cleanse Tea.

This blend contains nettle, peppermint, fennel seed, dandelion root, licorice root and aloe vera. I love the effects of peppermint and dandelion on my health and I supposed this particular blend is made to help cleanse your system (dandelion is great for the liver). In the bag, it smells quite strongly of fennel, which is not my favorite, but once you steep it, the taste is not strong. In fact, this tea tastes mostly of peppermint and licorice with a little something else I can’t put my finger on. Personally, I like adding a bit of honey for added sweetness and benefits, but it tastes great on its own too.

Pukka makes great teas and like their other blends, the Cleanse Tea is organic and fair trade. You can both buy it on the Pukka website and see a list of stockists here. I found mine in a local health food store so keep your eyes peeled for it. 

How to Get a Brighter Smile

Who does not wish to have a bright set of pearly whites? Having a nice white smile is something most of us aspire to, however using whitening strips or getting your teeth professionally whiten will not do much in the long run if you don’t take care or your smile. Today I thought I’d round up my favorite products to keep my smile radiant and give me more confidence.

First of all you need a good toothbrush. Please ditch your old/frayed toothbrush and get yourself a GUM Technique Deep Clean Toothbrush. This is what your teeth have been dreaming of, a toothbrush with super fine and tapered bristles that allow you to get to hard to reach areas. I have never used anything like it, my teeth have been cleaner and even my dentist noticed a difference since I switched to this.

Now for your second most important tool: toothpaste. I have been loving the Crest Pro-Health Sensitive and Enamel Shield Gel Toothpaste in Soothing Smooth Mint for the last two years. It’s a gel toothpaste with little particles that really deep-cleans your teeth and mouth. It creates a finer foam than traditional toothpastes and my mouth always feels fresher after I use it. Unlike other products, it never made my teeth sensitive and the soothing smooth mint flavor is refreshing but not too strong.

Next is the bane of any routine, yes I’m talking about floss. I used to hate flossing, don’t get me wrong I still don’t like it now, but the Oral-B Glide 3D White Floss makes it more bearable. Unlike other floss, this is not a string that hurts your gums, it is a thin flat ribbon that smoothly goes between your teeth. This floss is never uncomfortable to use and the minty flavor does not burn but instead leaves a nice taste in your mouth.

Lastly is something that I don’t consider a must-have, nonetheless I like to use it from time to time. In the past, I could not use mouthwash because I found them too strong, the Crest 3D White Glamorous White Rinse Mouthwash was the perfect solution. I can now enjoy the feel of a super clean mouth without the burn of alcohol/mint. I don’t use this every time I brush my teeth, but it is nice to use after flossing or before going to bed. 

I hope you find this post helpful and that it will inspire you take better care of your teeth. You can find all these products in most drugstore and they are all affordable. Do you have any favorite products or tips to get a whiter smile? I would love to hear from you?

Tea Tuesday: Kusmi BB Detox Tea

The main reason I like to drink tea is for its known health benefits, but as with everything else, certain teas are much better for you than others. Luckily, choosing a healthier tea does not mean you have to drink something weird and grass-tasting. Kusmi makes some of my favorite teas and its BB Detox Tea is my pick for today’s Tea Tuesday.

This is the first detox tea that actually makes sense to me in terms of ingredients. This blend contains a base of green tea (antioxidants), mate, rooibos (anti-inflammatory), guarana, dandelion (detoxifies the liver) and it is flavored with a hint of grapefruit so it tastes great. The taste is quite light and sweet with a definite citrus base and I surprisingly enjoyed even though I am not typically a fan of citrus fruits. It is great to have in the morning as the grapefruit scent/taste is very uplifting and energising.

In all honesty, I have not experienced any spectacular effects from drink this, but I haven’t been drinking it daily. Kusmi does not state you should use this for a tea cleanse or a detox so it is different from other detox teas on the market. In my opinion this more like a great tea that can have health benefits over time and that contains ingredients that are known to have positive effects on the body. It can be a healthier option for your morning drink of choice and it is simply a good-tasting tea.

I have almost finished my little tin and I will purchase the larger size when it is done. Out of all the Kusmi teas I have tried, this is my favorite and the one I would recommend most. You can find the Kusmi BB Detox Tea on their website as well as in many health food/tea stores.

Disclaimer: I am not a health specialist, I just listed some of the known effects of the ingredients in this tea. Before making any substantial changes to your diet or starting a cleanse/detox you should talk with a health professional. 

My Favorite Workout Buddy: The iPod Shuffle

When it comes to music players, Apple has dominated the market for years. However not all of their products receive the same amount of love from the press and general public. I know many like to use an iPod Touch or iPhone to both listen to music and track their workout, but personally I don’t enjoy having to wear an armband and prefer something sleeker and cuter. This is why the iPod Shuffle has turned out to be my best workout buddy.

This tiny little device allows me to listen to my favorite workout playlists without getting in the way of my movements. It’s super tiny: 29 mm by 31,6 mm and only 8,7 mm thick. The clip at the back makes it super easy to attach to the hem of your shirt or the band of your pants and it’s super secure so you don’t have to worry about it falling down.

The control pad covers the face of the iPod so it’s very easy to change songs or adjust the volume. I know some might be deterred because it doesn’t have a screen, but it really doesn’t stop me from enjoying it. Since I only use it to workout I know what songs are on there anyway and you can still use features like shuffle play, so being able to have a look at the songs doesn’t really matter. There is however a VoiceOver feature that can tell you the name of the songs and artists but I don’t have a use for it.

To me this is such a great gadget to have when I go to the gym because it is so small and portable. It’s fuss-free and I love that it comes in 8 different colors, making it a colorful accessory. Nonetheless, the best part probably has to be the price, for about 50$ it’s a great way to make your workout sessions more enjoyable.

You can get the iPod Shuffle from any Apple stores and authorized sellers as well as on the Apple website. 

Tea Tuesday: Kusmi Imperial Label

People often say there is nothing a cup of tea cannot fix and I have to say, there is something undeniably comforting about a nice cup of hot tea. The key is in finding the right blend, some are invigorating while others relax you. When I’m seeking comfort, I usually opt for the Kusmi Imperial Label, a lovely tea that I want to introduce you to for this Tea Tuesday.

Label Imperial has a base of green tea enhanced with orange, cinnamon, liquorice and a hint of vanilla. Just the scent of this is comforting, the cinnamon is quite strong and it feels like a warm blanket for your senses. Taste-wise however, the orange comes out more and it is actually made softer with the vanilla that adds just a hint of creaminess and sweetness. When I first read all the ingredients and notes, I was not sure how this would turnout but it’s a truly unique and lovely blend. 

The Kusmi Imperial Label Tea is available online here and from many health food/tea stores. 

Tea Tuesday: Twinings Pomegranate and Raspberry Herbal Tea

Tea always makes me think of England and even though I don’t take mine with milk, I enjoy the whole experience and tradition of tea drinking. One of the most iconic tea brands in my opinion is Twinings. The British brand makes some of my favorite teas and their fruity herbal tea blends are delicious. In the spirit of spring and tea time, I bring you the lovely Twinings Pomegranate and Raspberry Herbal Tea for this Tea Tuesday.

This is a true fruity tea, it is sweet but you can actually taste real fruits in it and there is a light tartness to it. I love a cup of this in the morning or in the afternoon, it just feels refreshing and reminds me of nice summer days. It is actually quite similar to the Twining Cranberry and Raspberry Herbal Tea but it is not as fruity. I personally prefer the cranberry and raspberry over the pomegranate one but it is not available in Canada. If you live in the U.K., I highly recommend you give these a try. I feel like fruit teas are not as popular as other but they are perfect to curb sugar cravings and they can bring so much diversity to your cupboards.   

You can find the Twinings Pomegranate and Raspberry Herbal Tea in most grocery stores as well as on their website. 

Tea Tuesday: Kusmi Bouquet of Flowers No. 108

I am back with more Kusmi for this Tea Tuesday. I have slowly worked my way through half of my Kusmi collection but you can expect more reviews on this amazing brand in the next few weeks. For now, I bring you a perfect tea for spring: the Kusmi Bouquet of Flowers No. 108.

Fun fact, this was actually the first recipe created by the brand’s founder Pavel Kousmichoff and it dates all the way back 1880. This particular blend is a mix of black tea and Ceylon with citrus, flowers and bergamot notes.  I really liked this one, unlike most black teas it is quite light and the flower notes really soften the taste and fragrance. I’m personally not the biggest fan of Ceylon but I thought the bergamot really helped sweeten the bitterness and balance it with the flowers and citrus notes. Not only is its name spring-like the taste is as well: it’s light, delicate and needs to be savored. It does not pack a punch flavor-wise, but it makes it really nice to sip when you want to have a relaxing cup of tea.

You can purchase the Kusmi Bouquet of Flowers No. 108 online from the company and you might be able to find/order it in any stores that carry the brand. 

Tea Tuesday: Kusmi Troïka

For some unknown reason I went on a tea break recently, but now it’s back in my daily routine. To get started again, I decided to go for something fragrant and sweet: the Kusmi Troïka blend.

This is a lovely of black teas with a combination of bergamot, orange and mandarin. It’s one of my favorites from the Russian Blends Assortment and makes for a nice energizing beverage in the morning. I’m typically not a fan of black teas because of their strong taste and slight bitterness, but the Troïka one has a nice sweetness to it. You can really taste the bergamot and mandarin, making it pleasant to drink as well as smell. The scent is very uplifting and comforting which is something most of us enjoy when trying to wake up.

You can find the Kusmi Troïka tea online here and in most tea shops. 

Tea Tuesday: Kusmi Spearmint Green Tea

Today, I’m back with more Kusmi tea for this edition of Tea Tuesday. I chose to feature the Kusmi Spearmint Green Tea as I felt like this is a great basic tea everyone should have.

Green tea is known for its amazing antioxidant properties and is a beverage we should aim to consume more of everyday. The thing is, not everyone likes the taste of green. I personally find it a bit bitter and it’s not my favorite, which is why a tea blend like this Spearmint Green Tea one is so great: it kind of masks the taste of green tea and it offers added benefits. Mint in general is great to sooth upset stomachs and its refreshing scent can clear your mind and uplift your senses.

In this particular case, the spearmint scent is very strong and I find it super refreshing and invigorating. However it doesn’t taste very strongly of mint which I was a bit disappointed about. The taste is very hard to describe but know that it’s not as bitter as regular green tea and while it doesn’t taste like a typical mint herbal tea; there is a minty aftertaste that feels cooling in your mouth.

At the end of the day, I think the Kusmi Spearmint Green Tea is a nice addition to any collection and you can find it in a variety of size from the Kusmi website and stores that carry the brand.

How I Managed to Drink More Water

I’m the kind of person that doesn't mind drinking plain water, I actually really enjoy it’s taste and find it refreshing. However I know many people don’t share my love and find water boring, which encourages them to turn to powder and liquid flavour enhancer to help motivate them with their water intake.

I understand the appeal but it also seems counterintuitive to drink something highly processed or full of sugar when you’re trying to be healthier. You can make flavoured water very easily by adding different fruits and herbs to your water. This is not something I feel a need to do, but I really think it is worth the effort in the case of lemon water. Yes it’s taste is pleasant, however the reason I do it is for the detoxifying properties of lemons and I find it has had the most incredible effects on my digestive system (I have had difficulties with it in the past).

I know lemon water is not ground breaking, it’s benefits have been claimed by many, but I still felt the need to mention it (in case any skeptics are reading this) and say that what you hear about it is true and you should give it a chance.

In the past few days I have really upped the amount of water I drink, I went from 2 liters to 4 liters and I can already feel a huge difference. Drinking more water gives you energy, clears your mind, I also find that my skin looks better and my sleep is more peaceful. The best way to do this I found is to keep a water bottle with me all day and write down every time I finish it. The action of writing it down really motivates me, it brings out my competitive side, making want to drink more. This desire to drink more is key, it transforms a chore into something you want to do and doing it becomes incredibly satisfying. Another tip is to be mindful of the water’s temperature, I find ice cold water harder to drink in large quantities, water slightly cooler than room temperature works best. Lastly start by fixing yourself an achievable goal, if you only have a glass of water a day, drinking 4 liters is unrealistic. You can start with 1 liter and gradually work your way to the amount that will benefit you most.

Hopefully this will give you the extra motivation needed to increase your daily water intake as well as try lemon water.