Cotton Candy

One of my favorite childhood memories is the joy of eating COTTON CANDY! I was introduced to the sweet fluff back in my toddler years…and I never looked back. Cotton Candy till this day is my favorite guilty pleasure. 

 

My favorite brand is “Rainbow Cotton Candy” because it is full of flavor and has a creamy texture unlike any other brand out there.

Ben and Jerry’s recently introduced their idea of a frozen cotton candy treat. (One of my new favorites!)

Starbucks has also brought Cotton Candy to a whole new level! On their secret menu you can order this delicious non-caffeinated beverage by asking for a vanilla bean frappuccino with one pump of Raspberry syrup!

If you’re not into the whole sugar thing…what about grapes? Yes, Grapes! You can find these healthy yet delicious treats only 3 weeks out of the year in the state of California.

 

Fun Facts:

·      National Cotton Candy Day is on December 7th

·      Cotton candy was originally called fairy floss

·      In 1920 fairy floss was re-named cotton candy

·      Cotton candy contains only one ingredient: sugar

Enjoy The Moment

I often find myself thinking of past memories and future “what ifs” I have recently re-discovered to be focused in the present and appreciate the current moment. I took a 3-week vacation to Montana this summer with my boyfriend and his family. After about eight days I was really able to completely relax. I was able to let go of any worries or concerns I had prior to flying to the beautiful state (Montana). Every morning I had a warm cup of coffee and sat on the porch while listening to the birds sing. The air was refreshing with a subtle hint of pine trees and huckleberries! One morning while doing my morning routine it dawned on me that I was enjoying the current moment that was happening in my life. I haven’t felt this way in quite sometime. I wasn’t distracted by people talking, cars driving, or big malls filled with brand name items. It was just me and good ol’ nature. I don’t typically think of my self as the “country” type but all I know is I felt at such peace.  

I encourage you to explore what it is that YOU enjoy in life, whether it be singing, painting, or just drinking coffee on the porch. What puts you at ease? Take sometime to explore who you are/what puts a smile on your face…. I promise you won’t be disappointed :) 

                

Save Your Skin In The Sun

Our skin is the bodys largest organ and it is extremely fragile especially when exposed to the scorching heat from the sun. Here are 4 quick and simple ways to save your skin for the summer! 

 #1 Exfoliate

The surface of our skin is made up of dead skin cells, every 28 to 40 days our skin cells renew. If we do not exfoliate the skin cells will clump up together and remain sitting on our face until we remove them. After a period of time our skin will turn dull and lose its natural glow. There are multiple ways to exfoliate the skin… my personal favorite is to use the clarisonic Mia 2 and dermalogicas gentle cream exfoliant.

  

* I exfoliate twice a week (Try not to use an exfoliator everyday as this can be aggravating to your skin.)

#2 moisturize with sunscreen 

I use cetaphils daily moisturizer because its great for people with sensitive skin. It is a relatively thin consistency and a little goes a long way. A full pump is way too much so be light handed when pushing down. It feels really good and moisturizing and has pretty much no scent, which is great for the face. It also has an SPF of 15, which is great for when I will be in the sun.

* Remember that the sun's rays are the strongest from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m, especially during the late spring and summer. So lather up on that sunscreen (try for 30 SPF) and put on a hat if you are planning on spending the day poolside.

#3 Almonds & Berries

Eating a handful of almonds every day boosts levels of vitamin E, one of the most important antioxidants for skin health. Make a snack out of it and add some blueberries, they are known to be one of the most antioxidant rich foods in the world. Antioxidants are substances that may protect cells in your body from free radical damage that can occur from exposure to certain chemicals, pollution, and radiation.

 

#4 Water

You should be drinking half your body weight in ounces every single day! (For example, If you weigh 120 lbs. then aim for 60 oz. of water a day) Water is the primary mode of transportation for all nutrients in the body and is essential for proper circulation.

You Are What You Drink

Summer is just around the corner and everybody wants to get glowing skin.But how many know the right way of getting such a natural glow? Juicing is a quick and healthy way to get the glow back in our skin! Juicing allows you to consume an optimal amount of fresh fruits and veggies all at once. By drinking the juice your body can easily absorb all the nutrients much faster then if you were to eat the produce. Juicing is great for your immune system and can keep you healthy all year round! It also helps your hair, skin and nails while shrinking your tummy region :) 

Recipe # 1

1C Kale

2 Granny smith apples

1 large cucumber

½ lemon

Recipe # 2

3 large carrots

1 Apple ( Red or Green )

3- 4 celery stalks

2 cups of spinach

1 large cucumber

1 small piece of ginger 

*Tips:

1. Try to buy all organic to eliminate pesticides or synthetic chemicals. If you don’t buy organic then make sure to wash well and peel all the skin before putting in your juicer (most of the pesticides are sitting on the skin of a fruit or vegetable)

2. Don’t juice produce with low water content, like avocados or bananas. (Save them for a smoothie instead!)

3. Drink your juice right away to get the maximum benefits! The juice can last up to 24 hours if refrigerated.  As time goes on the juice will start to oxidize and loose its nutrients.