#Teatuesday Løv Organic Wild Berry Fruit Tea

Hello everyone, I thought I kick things off today by sharing my favorite summer drink with you all. Staying hydrated is super important when it gets hot outside and as much as I like good old water, sometimes you just want something a bit more flavorful. So, for today’s Tea Tuesday I am super excited to talk about the amazing Løv Organic WildBerry Fruit Tea.

To put it bluntly, I freaking love this tea, I originally bought a box with teabags but within a week I went back and got the large metal tin. It’s that good.  This is a mix of hibiscus, rosehip along with fruits pieces and natural wildberry flavors. It makes the most perfect iced tea you can ever imagine! Instead of going for sugary juices and flavors enhancers, infusing the tea in a large pitcher of cold water give you a healthy refreshment to enjoy in the summer’s heat. It has a light hibiscus and berry flavor that is very pleasant and not too sweet. A lot of times fruit teas can be either too tart or overly sweet, especially when enjoyed cold, but this one has a perfect balance without being watered-down.

I have been making it every day for the past month and I still can’t get enough. I’m sure both kids and adults will enjoy it. Also I love that it’s organic and caffeine-free. You can the Løv Organic Wild Berry Fruit Tea on their website and in many health food and tea stores. It truly is one of the best teas I have tried this year!

Hobbry x Indigo Collection: Stationery Heaven

Who doesn’t love good stationery? While I didn’t need a new agenda this year I could not resist treating myself to a few new paper goods. You can never have too many notebooks right?! The new Hobbry x Indigo Collection is actually my favorite stationery line to have come out in years. Everything in it is gorgeous and I love that Indigo (a major Canadian bookstore) decided to collaborate with a great Canadian artist Bryanne (aka Hobbry). I honestly want everything in the collection but here are the things I decided to go for first. I’m sure there will be more to come, who can resist pretty watercolors and inspirational quotes?

I picked up this set of 3 Watercolour Quotes Notebooks, these are beautiful soft bound lined notebooks. You get a blue, a pink and a purple one. They are perfect to write your daily gratitudes, make lists or simply to write down ideas. They are such a pretty way to stay organised!

I also got 2 Letterpress Bookmarks in She Loved (purple one) and Dream Bigger (pink one). I used to have tons of bookmarks when I was younger but they seem to have all mysteriously disappeared. So instead I was using sticky notes, which work fine but they can leave glue on the pages and they fall quite easily. With my new bookmarks I always know where I’m at in my books and they are so pretty I smile every time I look at them.

The entire Hobbry x Indigo Collection is available exclusively in Indigo stores and on their website. Personally I’m looking at the File Folder and the gorgeous pink Recipe Binder, hopefully they’ll be mine soon. They ship internationally, you can read more information about it here. Let me know what your favorite thing from the collection is or if you end up picking something up yourself. 

Bath and Body Works Fall Candles

The weather as suddenly gotten quite cold here in Canada, so it is the perfect time to start lighting candles. I usually like to light one up for a little while, just so my room smells nice without the scent being overpowering. For this purpose I love Bath and Body Works candles and today I thought I would share with you the reasons why I think they are so great.

Obviously with candles, the most important thing is the scent and Bath and Body Works have an amazing range. There really is something for everyone and most of the scents are seasonal, so I find they are always weather appropriate. For the fall, my personal favorites are Mahogany Teakwood (here) and Leaves (here), two classics from the brand. I actually have three backups of these so I feel a bit guilty about buying new ones this year. That being said I really liked Autumn (link), Autumn Sky (link) and Lakeside Sunrise (link) when I went to the store.  

Equally as important as the scents is the quality of the candle and these always deliver. I love how they burn really well so you don’t get an unsightly ring around your container. The scent kick off is also powerful, so you don’t need to let it burn for hours in order to fill a room with the scent. This means your candles will last longer and while they are not the most expensive candles on the market, it is nice to know your investment will not be gone in a matter of hours.        

Lastly, I love the look of these candles, the glass jar with a metallic lid always looks super chic and luxurious. The labels are also really pretty and have pictures that match the seasons so they make great decorations. This applies to all the sizes, small and large, with the medium ones coming in a cute more jar-like container. To add even more to the home décor touch, they also sell super cute candle holders, you can have a look at them here.

The Bath and Body Works candles are available online and in stores. They also frequently have discounts and promotions so it is worth having a look frequently.

                                                                                                                                                                            

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. 

Currently Reading: My Favorite Beauty and Lifestyle Books

I have been catching up on my reading recently and I thought I could share with you what I have on my nightstand. I don’t read as many novels as I used to, they get me too wrapped up and I end up going to sleep way too late. This is why I prefer lifestyle and beauty books to unwind, plus I love learning new things. The following books are the ones I am currently enjoying and they all have a similar short sections format that is great to read before bed.

First up is The New Health Rules: Simple Changes to Achieve Whole-Body Wellness by Doctor Frank Lipman (here). I first saw pictures of this on Goop and I loved the styling. Basically, each page contains a “rule” to follow in order to be healthier, they really are more like tips and not preachy. Some advice you might know, but I am sure you will learn something new. I really love it and all the pictures are stunning.

Next is The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo (here). This has been generating a lot of buzz online and since I was in a decluttering mood, I thought it would be very useful. The book is based on the simple principle that you should only keep things that spark joy instead of cluttering your home with too many things. I cannot wait to finish it and put the techniques to the test.

Another book I am currently enjoying is The French Beauty Solution: Time-Tested Secrets to Look and Feel Beautiful Inside and Out by Mathilde Thomas (here) the founder of Caudalie. This beauty book is based on French health and lifestyle tips that will improve your skin. I already apply most of them in my lifestyle, but it is written in such a fresh and pleasant way that I am really enjoying reading it. I also cannot wait to get to the diy beauty section. 

Last is The Honest Life: Living Naturally and True to You by Jessica Alba (here), a great guide book to living in a cleaner and more natural home. I have been loving my products from The Honest Company and this book is a great companion to the brand. It is has many sections from food, beauty, fashion and home. The pictures are very colorful and I think it offers great advice that you can easily apply to your life.

There you have it, my favorite books of the moment. They are all available in bookstore as well as on Amazon and in iBooks. 

The Honest Company Essentials Bundle Trial

In honor of me receiving my first bundle from the Honest Company (more on it to come), I thought I would share with you my impressions of their great Essentials Bundle free trial. I have been looking for more eco-friendly and natural product to use in my home and on my body for a while and I honestly had not found anything great until now. The Honest Company offers a wide range of both home and personal care products that are free of harsh chemicals, but still perform amazingly well! I also love how their website offers a clear list of ingredients and a great description of the product. They have nothing to hide and are proud of it!

The Honest Company is a family brand so they also offer baby related thing like diapers and other products. They offer free trials (you only pay for shipping) on different bundles so you can pick what is best suited for your needs: personal care, diapers or wellness (supplements and vitamins). It is important to know that if you sign up for the trial, you will be automatically entered into their bundle program and will be charge for the bundle of your choice seven days after receiving your trial. You can read more about all the details of the free trial here, everything is clearly explained, but it is important to know all the terms. Now let’s get into the products shall we. 

First you will be getting a mini Organic Healing Balm (here), an ointment you can use to moisturise and soothe skin. It is great at calming irritated skin and super moisturising on dry patches. This mini tube will last you forever, you only need a tiny amount each time, but I will keep this one for travel and get the larger one (it is that good).

The second thing you get in the Essentials Bundle is the Lavender Hand Soap (here), a lovely gel soap that cleans your hands without drying them. The lavender scent is very pleasant, but I like how it does not stick, making it great when you are cooking. It also foams and rinses nicely, leaving no residues behind. I will purchase the full size once I am done with my current hand soaps. 

Next is the Face + Body Lotion (here), a light and almost gel-like lotion that is super emollient and melts into your skin instantly. Every use leaves my skin nourished and soft without feeling sticky. I truly enjoy using this because it is easy to apply and you will not feel it sitting on your skin for ages like most lotions. This is an amazing body lotion and I love how it contains many organic ingredients.

Up next is the Multi-Surface Cleaner (here), a plant-based cleaner you can use to remove dirt and greasy from every nook and cranny. This was the thing I was most excited about since I have been trying to find a great non-toxic kitchen cleaner for a while. It is so amazing that I already purchased a full size! It really removes any stains or greasy residues from your counter tops and appliances without leaving them sticky. You don’t need to rub really hard to remove dirt because it is a high performing product. It also leaves no weird or overpowering fumes so it feels great to use in a place where you cook food. I don’t ever want to be without it!

Lastly is the Shampoo + Body Wash (here), a gentle and SLS-free cleanser. I have not used it in my hair, but I love it as a body wash, it gets you clean without drying out the skin. It also lathers really nicely for being free of sulfate. The natural orange vanilla scent is pleasant and once again it does not linger so you don’t have to worry about it clashing with any other products you use. I can definitely see myself purchasing the regular size in the future.

I love being able to tryout products before committing so the free trial is great. I was really impressed with everything I tried and I already got my first real bundle. To get your free trial, head on over to the Honest website and have a look at the different offers. If you prefer, you can also buy the products individually on the website.

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. 

Sam Edelman Lynn Espadrilles in Rich Gold

I don’t talk a lot about fashion or accessories on here, but I got the most perfect pair of espadrilles for the summer and I needed to share them with you. Don’t get me wrong sandals are great in summer, but sometimes it’s nice to have a closed toe shoe to wear no matter what the weather is. Meet my lovely Sam Edelman Lynn Espadrille in rich gold.

Espadrilles have been gaining popularity and it’s easy to understand why, they are super cute and comfortable! That being said I didn’t want to spend a fortune on a pair and honestly all the ones I have tried before were not as comfortable as I thought they should be. Well that all changed when I tried the Lynn espadrilles, they are not too stiff and the color is perfect. The gold shade looks good with everything but it’s not in your face gold either. I think they will also look great both in the early fall and next spring because they have quite a classic shape that makes your feet look nice. That can be hard for flat shoes to do.

These espadrilles also come in tons of other colors and fabrics so you are sure to find a pair that suits your style (see them all here). If you have very sensitive feet, I recommend trying them on first just to make sure the woven sole does not irritate you and that it is bump free (I have seen a few pairs with that defect since it’s not a typical leather sole). That being said, mine are very comfortable and a nice lightweight shoe to where on a daily basis. I am so glad I found them, they are the perfect addition to any summer wardrobe.

You can find the Sam Edelman Lynn Espadrilles on their website (they are currently on sale) and in department stores that carry the brand. 

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. 

Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Baby-Mild Castile Liquid Soap: The Best Way to Clean Makeup Brushes

When it comes to beauty I am pretty good at following the rules, I always take my makeup off before going to bed, I don’t wash my hair every day, etc. However, I am not so diligent when it comes to washing my makeup brushes, I know this is a bad habit and I don’t like to use dirty brushes full of bacteria, but I always put it off. I used different soaps and even shampoo to get my brushes clean but the process was never enjoyable or fast. Well now, the laziness is gone, my brushes are clean and the whole process is super quick thanks to my new ally: Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Baby-Mild Castile Liquid Soap.

This is an organic and Fair Trade soap that can be used for a myriad of uses, from basic house cleaning to hand washing. I personally have only used this to wash my brushes and I was really impressed by how great it works. This soap left no residue and all the makeup was thoroughly removed, even brushes with white bristles looked as good as new. While this is powerful (you only need a little), it did not dry out the brushes or alter the bristles in any way. I also found that it took less time and rubbing to remove the makeup and it washed away very quickly, unlike other soaps that keep foaming.

I went for the mild unscented version because I did not when my brushes to be scented since I’m using them on my face and eyes and I would not want to use anything that could be irritating. There are however different scents to choose from so I you are looking for a great multipurpose soap to use around the house, you can opt for something I bit more fun like peppermint, rose, lavender or citrus orange and there are also 3 more scents to the line.

I found the Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Baby-Mild Castile Liquid Soap in my local health food store but you can get it on the Dr. Bronners website and if you scroll to the bottom you can find a list of international stockist.  

Tips for Focusing When Writing Essays

When you’re a student (especially in university), spring time can mean several things: nicer weather, spring break and one step closer to the summer holiday. It’s generally all nice and well but spring also means that an insane amount of work and essays are about to be due. The workload can be overwhelming at times and staying focus is key to writing quality papers. I know it’s difficult but procrastinating has to stop.  

Over the years I have discovered tricks that help me get in the zone and really focus on those papers. I’m the kind of person that always needs to have some sort of background sound to concentrate, a quiet library doesn’t work for me. So depending on your personality these can prove helpful or they simply might not work for you.

Source

For me, the writing process has two sections: the research part and the actual writing part. I like to start by doing research because it makes it easier for me to write afterwards and it also helps alleviate the stress of having to find sources that substantiate your paper at the last minute. Spending hours online looking things up can get a bit boring, which is why I like to put a movie or a TV show on that I have already seen while I do this. Since you know what will happen it’s less distracting than having something random on and it makes the whole research process more enjoyable because you’re listening to something you like. Your favorite parts can also make for really nice breaks to have snack and stretch.

Source

Once you have most of your references comes the most difficult part: coming up with an insightful, cohesive and well written paper. Depending on your topic this can turn out to be quite fun, but usually, for some mysterious reason, essays you write for university are hard to do. The word count seems impossible to reach, the topic is uninspiring or you can’t find anything on it. This is why you need to get in the zone, that wonderful place where brilliant sentences just flow and you can write thousands of words in an hour. For this, television becomes too distracting, I need something repetitive. I like to find a song that’s calming and will almost hypnotize me into focusing. One song I highly recommend for that is Erase by Hyorin and JooYoung (listen to it here), this is the song that got me through my final essays last semester. It allowed me to concentrate without having silence mocking me during my writer’s block.

I hope these tips will help you with any essay writing you might have to do. Most importantly, don’t worry too much and try to plan ahead so you have enough time and less stress on your mind. If you’d like I would love to share with you all other tips for essay writing, but for now good luck!