Kelly Bonanno

Your soulful coach for eco friendly living, organic beauty & wellness Savvy | Sexy | Beautiful | Healthy | You

Kelly

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12 Facts You Need To Know About Men’s Health

It happens to be Men’s Health Week, although there hasn’t been much mention of it, has there? There’s a major fanfare of awareness brought to women’s health, breast cancer prevention, in particular which is important but I’m really happy to see some focus being directed to men’s health, it’s just as important. 

  • Roughly 1 in 7 male Americans will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, 97% of them, over the age  50

Let’s stop and talk about this one for a minute. Screening is important and often life saving as it was in actor Ben Stiller’s case. However, Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test is a blood test that measures a specific protein produced by the prostate. Elevated levels potentially mean prostate cancer but medical experts don’t advise aggressive treatment since it can be a false positive so active monitoring is key. The New England Journal Of Medicine Conducted a landmark study found no statistical difference between active monitoring and observation and surgery in reducing deaths. Discuss all your options with your doctor.

  • When detected early enough, prostate cancer is 99% curable. Know the symptoms and be proactive. There is a 97 success rate of survival with early detection
  • The likelihood of a man being diagnosed with prostate cancer is 35% higher than that of a woman being diagnosed with breast cancer. Surprising, isn’t it?
  • Chances are even higher in African American men
  • A man dies from prostate cancer every 17.5 seconds
  • The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) recently conducted a study that revealed increasing your intake of vitamin K2 may cut the risk of prostate cancer by 35%. Where do you get K2? Cheese, egg yolks, chicken breast, chicken liver (if you can stand it), butter, salami (not exactly a health food), natto and ground beef
  • Only 10% of all cancers are genetic and nearly 50% of premature deaths among men are preventable
  • Think you’re too young to take it seriously? The most common cancer in men ages 15 – 35 is testicular cancer
  • Nearly 8,000 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed this year
  • Testicles should not sag, this could indicate too much heat from the veins. Small is not normal. Hardness is a red flag
  • The good news is that the survival rate is 90% if caught early so get screened, go for your yearly physicals and learn how to self exam, ok guys?
  • MEN NEED TO USE CLEAN NON TOXIC PERSONAL CARE ITEMS TOO! Seriously. You guys may not use as many personal stuff as we chicks do but you use enough – like shampoo, deodorant, soap, shaving cream, etc. that it does matter.
  • Bonus fact: A mere 10% reduction in weight reduces your risk of various weight related diseases by 50%! Maintaining an ideal weight is vital for optimal health. Is your BMI too high? Let’s get you to a healthy weight! Book a complimentary Fast Path To Weight Loss Health Assessment. I’ll evaluate you and give you a crystal clear plan with key steps to get weight off for good. You can check your BMI here.

In the meantime, grab my FREE Healthy Eating On The Go guide with simple tips and habits along with several delicious, nutritious options to grab and go when you are pressed for time.

Avoiding personal care products containing carcinogens is one of the best ways to prevent cancer as well as other illnesses and health issues. It is so important to stay away from products that have endocrine disruptors like parabens. They can seriously mess with your entire endocrine system and mimic the body’s natural hormones increasing the risk of certain cancers.

The ingredients in most personal care items that men use are just as toxic as the ones we women use so do yourself a favor and products that do not contain harmful ingredients. Wondering which harmful ingredients to avoid? Here is a list of the most commonly used.

Healthy guys are sexy

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Check Out The Fantastic Clean Beauty Products You Can Find At TJMaxx & Marshall’s!

I love a good bargain. What Savvy girl doesn’t?! But we want quality too. You can find both at TJ Maxx and Marshall’s for a fraction of the price! (I think that’s actually Ross’ slogan but you get the point  Love that store too).

No, this isn’t an ad or paid sponsorship, they just happen to be two of my favorite places to shop because they carry just about everything at a discount… home goods, clothes (even some designer threads!), accessories, toys, fitness items, stationary, even beauty products. In fact, you can find clean beauty products there!

 
I recently visited both stores and found some good clean skin care so I popped on a live stream on my Facebook page to share my discoveries at TJMaxx and Marshall’s.

There are many clean lines to choose from. Lucky for us savvy girls there is far more variety on the market than there was even just a few years ago. I have vetted and researched dozens of brands and list some that I recommend here on my site.

Clean & organic beauty products at TJMaxx

They are all available online but it’s nice to be able to grab some goodies while you’re out running errands, isn’t it? Which is why I love that we can find nice products at places like TJMaxx and Marshall’s. I’ve also found some at a few of my other favorite stores so stay tuned for those videos.

To make shopping easier for you, grab my list of the top 12 toxic toxins to avoid when purchasing cosmetics, beauty & personal care products for you & your family. This is your personal cheat sheet. Avoid buying products with these ingredients and you’ll be a green beauty. ? 

Clean & organic beauty products at Marshall’s

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Go Green This Earth Day With These 7 Savvy Little Tips

At the height of the flower child era, on April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans held demonstrations across the country rallying for a healthy, sustainable environment.

Earth Day 2018 Theme ~ “End Plastic Pollution”

We still face many of the same environmental issues as we did on that first Earth Day when founder, Gaylord Nelson, a Wisconsin Senator at the time, was inspired to make a difference after the devastation of the 1969 oil spill in Santa Barbara, a beautiful coastal town in Southern California.

Be earth friendly

With the thousands of chemicals that have been introduced into commerce since then, the GMO crisis we now face, deforestation, pollution, soil degradation and other environmental issues we face, we still have a long way to go when it comes to treating this planet properly. There’s definitely a hippie chick inside this savvy girl that compels me to advocate earth kindness. ?

There are many things we can do that help the environment and they are all safer for wild life, marine life, and us humans too. I did a livestream discussing the topic on my Facebook page check it out and post your questions and comments. I’d love to hear your best tip to help keep the earth beautiful.

  • The Planet Loves Healthy Hair Care Make the switch to clean, non toxic hair care. Americans poor hundreds of millions of gallons of shampoo down the drain each year. The waste water treatment plants in this country are designed to remove bacteria but not toxic chemicals so that contamination can end up back into our water supply.
  • In Honor Of This Year’s Earth Day Theme, Stop Using Plastic Water Bottles Enough plastic water bottles end up in landfills each year to circle the globe 150 times and each of those bottles takes at least 700 years to decompose. Plus, the BPA messes with your endocrine system. There are a ton of reusable options out there. I love glass bottles and S’well stainless steel.  Even the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services cautions parents to reduce their kid’s exposure to BPA.
  • Compost Like An Eco Boss  Seems sort of a big project but it’s not. The Spruce has some helpful tips on how to do it. Many cities even provide you with a free composting bin which certainly makes it far easier. Check with your municipality to find out if they offer that service.
  • Leave Your Stillettos By The Door Pesticides, dirt, chemicals, bacteria, dust, lead, coal tar from asphalt (which is carcinogenic) and other substances get tracked into your home by way of those sexy over the knee boots (just got myself a hot pair I can’t wait to rock! Kinda excited about them). According the EWG, nearly 85% of household dirt, pests and pollutants welcome themselves into your cozy home by way of your shoes. Soooo, leave them by the front door in one of those cute benches with shelves and cubbies and you’ll have a cleaner, healthier home.
  • Ditch Toxic Air Fresheners They emit harmful chemicals into the air circulating our gorgeous planet and exposure can contribute to an increase in pulmonary diseases and increase your odds of developing asthma by as much as 71%. The fragrance used is typically very toxic because it usually contains harmful phthalates which are linked to birth defects, breast cancer, infertility, liver cancer, diabetes, obesity, autism and ADHD in first and third
    trimesters of pregnancy.
  • Add A Touch Of Eco Romance With Clean Burning Candles Paraffin candles emit toxic chemicals such as benzene, toulene, and keytones into the air and many wicks contain heavy metals. Soy and palm oil candles are hydrogenated and often contain paraffin. Soy can be a safe option if it’s non GMO. Beeswax and coconut wax are clean, safe options.
  • Hang Dry Your Clothes This will not only save energy and decrease your family’s exposure to the gas, you’re clothes will last longer and look better. It even cuts down on ironing which is one chore I avoid at all costs. Just toss them in the dryer for about 10 minutes to fluff them up, the heat removes many of the wrinkles.

Let’s love our glorious planet Earth and treat it as though every day is Earth Day. The Earth Day Network works all year with over 22,000 partners and organizations to fight for a cleaner environment. Don’t overwhelm yourself, but connect with your inner flower child and make a few positive changes for Mother Earth, we will all reap the benefits. ? 

Want more advice and tips on going green? Download my free guide: The Savvy Girl’s Guide To Eco Friendly Living. Implement the tips in this checklist and you’ll be a green movement rockstar.

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The Savvy Girl’s Guide To Eco Friendly Living: Detoxify Your Home In 10 Easy Steps

Going green is easier than you might think.

The truth is, we live in an extremely toxic world. Being healthy requires detoxing our personal care and beauty routine and our home environment. But it can be confusing, can’t it? It’s not easy to know which products to use, what eco habits to adopt, which methods really work and which resources to trust.

I created this free guide to help you go green with ease. It’s your personal cheat sheet with simple tips that will not only reduce your family’s carbon footprint, they will also help improve your health by reducing your body’s toxic burden. 

“Earth is not a platform for human life. It’s a living being. We’re not on it but part of it. Its health is our health” ~Thomas Moore

A healthy, eco friendly lifestyle is not a luxury. Detoxing your lifestyle is simply not an option if you want to be healthy. It’s just as important as eating a healthy diet!

It might surprise you to learn that your home has up to 10 times more pollutants than there are outside.Toxicity levels in our system can wreak havoc on our health. The good news, it’s really not difficult and I am here to help you do it.

A fantastic aspect about adopting this particular healthy habit is that you don’t have to go on a cleanse or crazy diet or start some intense workout routine to reap the benefits. It’s easier than trying to lose weight or get in shape. Seriously!

Make some changes in honor of Earth Day, which is the 22nd of this month ?

The healthiest individuals make detoxing a natural part of their daily routine and you can too. Get my top tips to go green, detoxify the environment inside your home & be kinder to our planet delivered to your inbox.

Start slow if you prefer, implement just a few of the tips. Even small changes will make a difference.

Grab your free guide now!

You want to live in a toxin-free environment, putting both your mind and health at ease, right? My free guide will show you how.

Want more helpful tips? Grab my other free checklists too:

The Savvy Girl’s Guide To The Top 10 Toxins To Avoid

& The Savvy Girl’s Guide To Looking Younger Without Toxic Chemicals

A votre sante!

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World Water Day 2018 ? 5 Things You Can Do To Help Alleviate The Global Water Crisis

We luxuriate in bubble baths, enjoy hot showers, swim in our pools, wash our cars, water our house plants, clean our dishes and clothes, drench our lawns, gulp our 8 glasses all without much thought. Water is probably the resource that is most taken for granted because it seems so abundant but it’s really not.

We can’t live without it yet there are currently about 844 million people on this planet who do not have access to safe, clean water in their home.

World Water Day is about bringing awareness to this global crisis and supporting those suffering every single day deprived of clean water and adequate sanitation.

A child dies every 20 seconds from a water-related illness. 

90% of the nearly 2 million deaths caused by diarrheal diseases each year from lack of proper sanitation are in children under the age of 5. Truly heartbreaking.

It’s a problem even here in the United States, 8% of us do not have access to clean drinking water. The issue needs awareness but like all serious issues, we need to take action and do our part to alleviate the problem today and every day.

 “The crisis of our diminishing water resources is just as severe (if less obviously immediate) as any wartime crisis we have ever faced. Our survival is just as much at stake as it was at the time of Pearl Harbor, or the Argonne, or Gettysburg, or Saratoga.”

~Jim Wright, U.S. Representative, The Coming Water Famine, 1966

Jim Wright made that statement 52 years ago and here we are 5 decades later and it’s still a dire situation. Where I live, here in California, we have had years of drought so saving water is at the top of mind for many of us Californians but there are things we all can do that will make a difference when it comes to the water shortage.

  • Experts agree that the best way to help is to simply use less water. Conserve and realize that it’s not an infinite source. Be respectful of that fact; take it into consideration each time you use water for any of your daily activities. Don’t allow the water to run needlessly. Little things like turning off the faucet while you brush your teeth helps.
  • Do not clean small loads of clothes. About 41 gallons of water is used per load in most washing machines. Fill ‘er up.
  • Make sure none of the faucets in your home have leaks. If they do, get them fixed!
  • No one loves a hot shower more than me. I’m not a bath girl but the feeling of the warm water cascading all over my body is relaxing and heavenly but taking shorter showers is important. Even just a quick 5 minute shower uses 10 to 25 gallons of water. So get clean and get out. And, dry bathe whenever possible.
  • On a daily basis, children and women around the world spend roughly 258 million hours each day collecting water. In developing countries they walk up to 6 hours EVERY day just to get water. Can you even imaging doing that each day Your donation to WaterDay.org  will help empower them with safe water and sanitation. Another way to help is buy Stella Artois beer. Each limited edition chalice sold equals 5 years of clean water.

“I really think we focus too much on ‘scarcity.’ Water is, and always has been, scarce. The truth is, we really need to go back to grade school Earth Science class and remember that water on the planet exists in an interconnected cycle.” ~ Alexandra Cousteau

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11 Natural Ways To Ease & Prevent Cold & Flu

This is one of the worst cold and flu seasons in years. It understandably has people on edge. Particularly with the deaths that have occured. A few people in my Facebook group have asked about natural methods to prevent and treat the nasty flu bug so I thought it would be a good time chat about it.

Truth be told, we don’t get sick from extreme temperatures, we catch it from one another. Flu is the cause of roughly 36,000 deaths each year and over 200,000 people are hospitalized because of it. It’s sad how many have lost their lives to it this year. In some cases, they ended up having sepsis.

We’re most contagious the first few days we have symptoms, however, we can even be contagious 24 hours before the first sign of cold symptoms and up to 4 days before flu symptoms appear so it’s not easy to avoid the nasty little germs but there are measures you can take to prevent or at least lessen the severity.

1) Drink up

You’ve heard it before but it’s sage advice: stay hydrated, it helps ease a stuffy nose and sore throat and helps flush out those germs. Drinks plenty of water! More and more doctors, including Dr. Oz recommend Elderberry extract. One way to get it that will  also aid your hydration is in an herbal tea. Drinking 4 – 6 cups of elderberry tea a day at the onset of symptoms because medical trials have shown that it helps block viruses from entering your cells and aids in shortening the duration of the flu. He calls it a ‘natural tamiflu’.

2)  Catch your zzzz’s

Sleep is restorative, our bodies rejuvenate and repair while we sleep. Inadequate amounts of shut eye compromise the immune system and make it difficult for our bodies to fight infection and illness. While you are resting, your immune system is better able to produce cytokines, chemicals that attack virus cells.

3) Manage stress

Stress depresses our immune system and makes us more vulnerable to illness. Things that cause major stress like the loss of a job as well as little stressors like the jerk that cuts you off on the freeway both take their toll. Meditation helps but if getting your om on isn’t going to happen at least give yourself  10 minutes of downtime to do some deep breathing and get yourself centered.

4) Eat the right foods

The Real Age docs also say that lean protein rich foods such as turkey, tofu, chicken, nuts, nonfat dairy, beans and fish enable your body to make disease fighting antibodies. They also recommend loading up on foods that contain flavonoids and vitamin C like oranges, strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, tomatoes and broccoli because they help your body produce protective immune cells. Whole grain foods are also beneficial because they have immune enhancing nutrients like zinc, selenium, and beta glucan.

5) Try Probiotics

I take a good probiotic every day because gut health is vital for a strong immune system. 80% of our immunity is in our gut. The connection to our health cannot be denied. Find a quality probiotic and make sure your doctor agrees it’s right for you. I take a good probiotic every day because gut health is vital for overall health. a review of 10 studies revealed that those who took them were 40% less likely to get that yearly cold or have a bad season with 3 or more colds. If you do come down with one, a probiotic will reduce your need for antibiotics if you get a bacterial infection along with it. If you do end up needing antibiotics, probiotics help replace the good bacteria which is very important!

Get free access to my resource library of checklists, guides, worksheets with more tips & info that will get you well your on your way to a healthier, more eco friendly lifestyle

6) These Natural Remedies Are My Must Haves

Oregano Oil strengthens the immune system which is what your body needs when fighting off illness. It is very anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory. Lots of ‘antis’ against bad stuff which is good! Its benefits are far reaching including healing skin issues, digestive problems and so much more! Grape seed extract is another rock star immune strengthener to take at the first sign of illness. Colloidal Silver is a good flu fighter to keep in your medicine cabinet. A study from the Journal of Virological Methods showed that Silver kills various types of flu viruses. Winter Tonic & Winter Balance are homeopathic remedies that help prevent the flu, I have thankfully found both to be very helpful at warding it off. I can’t give you medical advice, just sharing what works for me and my family.

Bonus natural remedy…

 

7) Gargle with warm salt water

The saline solution has a sanitizing effect that helps flush out viruses and bacteria and clears mucous and irritants, it also reduces inflammation by drawing out excess water from throat tissue. Saline nasal spray (non-medicated) and nasal irrigation systems like a neti pot (when used with the proper solution, not just tap water) help ease congestion and clear out sinuses.

8) Coat your throat with honey

1 – 2 tablespoons of organic honey help sooth your throat and curb a cough. You want organic honey because regular honey is often contaminated, especially if it’s manufactured in China. Raw organic Maunuka honey (one that has a minimum of UMF 16) has the most healing properties. I highly recommend taking a teaspoon of Manuka honey if you feel you’re coming down with something and if you do get sick, take one everyday, it’s my get well quick secret.

9) Wash your hands

You touch a door knob after someone who is sick or getting sick has, then grab your cell phone, your Ipad – their germs are all over your stuff. I’m a regular hand washer although I try not to be too crazy about it because exposure to harmless germs and bacteria strengthens our immune system. But seriously,want to get sick LESS often? Do Not eat with your hands unless you have just washed them! Use good old soap and water, NOT the antibacterial type because they kill good bacteria and weaken our body’s ability to fight germs; many health professionals claim that they are to blame for the increase of deadly ‘super bugs.’ Even the FDA is investigating triclosan, a very toxic chemical found in most antibacterial products. I keep eco-friendly chemical free hand sanitizer and baby wipes in my car to wipe away germs my kids and I come in contact with. I use the sanitizer sparingly and only when necessary because overuse of hand sanitizers can be detrimental as well.

10) Have a bowl of soup

We’ve all heard that chicken soup can help ease a cold, apparently it’s true. According to the doctors at Real Age, sipping chicken soup cuts the duration of a cold by 50%. They believe it’s because cooked chicken releases an amino acid called cysteine that has a similar chemistry to the bronchitis drug, acetylcysteine. Add garlic, a natural infection fighter to your recipe along with some hot red pepper, a strong decongestant and you should feel better.

11) Exercise

Physical activity boosts the immune system so staying active and working out on a regular basis will help keep illness away. When you do get sick, it’s ok and even beneficial to keep up your physical activity as long as your symptoms are above the neck – stuffy nose, scratchy throat. However, if you have the chills, a hacking chest cough, stomach flu, fever, etc., rest.

Fortunately, I rarely get sick, I’m blessed with a strong immune system but I also have adopted most of these habits that help keep germs at bay.

Do you find yourself prone to getting sick often? It could be an underlying issue or your immune system just needs a boost. Simply balancing nutrition and blood sugar can help. Set up a free health assessment with me, I’ll evaluate you and offer some guidance and tips.

Stay well!

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Go Non Toxic In 2018! Get Started With These 5 Tips

I hope 2018 is off to a wonderful start for you! I began my year on a family cruise to the Mexican Riviera which was fabulous. I was offline for most of the week, no wifi at sea. It felt so good to take a break, have fun with loved ones, unwind & unplug! The average person checks they’re phone 50 – 300 times a day. It was nice to not have the temptation. I highly recommend taking a tech break whenever possible, even if it’s just for a day.

I love the holidays so I do get a tad blue as they come to an end but there is something very exciting about starting fresh with a brand new year and diving into a world of new possibilities.

Most of us want to make changes when a new year begins; those changes typically involve getting healthier. This could be losing weight, exercising regularly, quit smoking, eating more fruits and veggies, adding a meditation practice… You know I take a very holistic approach to wellness so I advocate all those goals and I am here to help you reach them.

My suggestion? Go non toxic. Most people don’t realize how important it is to reduce our body’s toxic burden. Toxicity levels in our system can wreak havoc on our health.

A healthy, eco friendly lifestyle is not a luxury. Detoxing your lifestyle is simply not an option if you want to be healthy.

The truth is, we live in an extremely toxic world. Being healthy requires detoxing our personal care and beauty routines and our home environments. The good news, it’s really not difficult and I am here to help you do it.

The other fantastic thing about adopting this particular healthy habit is that you don’t have to give up any of your favorite foods or start some intense workout routine to reap the benefits. It’s easier than trying to lose weight or change your diet or get in shape. Seriously!

Whether you are just beginning your green non toxic journey or you are already living a pretty clean life but want to go further, all steps to detoxing will improve your health. Period.

The healthiest individuals make detoxing a natural part of their daily routine.

Even small changes will make a difference. Here are a few things you can start doing this year to detox and improve your health:

  • Start your day with a detoxifying drink. A cup of warm water with the juice of 1 organic lemon will set you up with a healthy start to your day by helping to flush the kidneys, aid digestion, boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, balance pH levels and the acidity stimulates liver to produce acids that help detox the body… how about all those benefits without much work?! Oh and you’ll also get a nice dose of potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, vitamin B and C and other antioxidants, which all help combat wrinkles savvy girls! 
  • Ecofy your cleaning routine Use products that do not contain harmful toxins to clean your home, car and office. Just like using non toxic personal care products, this is far healthier for the environment and your family
  • Steer clear of Bisphenol A. I have written about the dangers of BPA in several posts over the years. It’s found in everything from plastic containers to the lining of canned foods to cash register receipts. BPA is problematic because it imitates estrogen so it disrupts our endocrine system and messes with hormones. It’s been associated with many cancers including breast cancer. The truth is, most plastic has estrogenic chemicals so it’s healthy to avoid plastic as much as possible.
  • Toss toxic air fresheners  Exposure even just once a week can increase your odds of developing asthma by as much as 71% and can contribute to an increase in pulmonary diseases. Plus there is no evidence that they disinfect the air in any way but research is showing that chemicals in these products harm us. Try Master Blaster, it eliminates odors and blasts stain (even tough laundry stains!) or  John Desilvia‘s natural version instead: 2 T baking soda, 5 drops of essential oil, 2 C water in a spray bottle.
  • For the love of all that’s good in the world, DITCH TOXIC DEODORANT & ANTIPERSPIRANT! They contain parabens (which mimic the body’s natural hormones increasing the risk of breast and other cancers) and aluminum. Both have been found in breast cancer tissue. Our underarms absorbs even more than other areas of our skin. Want a safe, healthy alternative that actually works ALL day and night? You’ll find it here in my list of clean personal care products that I approve.

You know sipping your daily h20 intake from plastic water bottles is no good because of the BPA and phthalates not to mention how horrible they are for the environment. Another disposable item habit to break is coffee pods, 30 million go to the land fills each day. Start using reusable K-cups for Keurig. You’ll save money and help out the beautiful environment!

There you have it, a new year’s detox that doesn’t require fasting or juicing for a cleanse. How about that? Pretty easy way to detox, right?!

Want even more great tips on how to reduce the toxins in your home with ease and live a healthier, more eco friendly lifestyle in 2018? Grab my free healthy home checklist, The Savvy Girl’s Guide To Eco Friendly Living: Detoxify Your Home In 10 Easy Steps ?

And if you want to green your beauty routine grab The Savvy Girl’s Guide To Looking Younger Without Toxic Chemicals In 10 Easy Steps. 

I am ready to start this new year with a bang, how about you?! I am developing some very exciting things that I can’t wait to share with you.

Happy 2018!

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Martin Luther King, Jr. Fought For What Was Right, Not What Was Popular

This inspirational man who led the civil rights movement championing the cause to end segregation and fight racial discrimination is the first and only U.S. Citizen to have a national holiday named after him. He was guided by fighting for what was right, not what was popular.

“Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal” ~MLK, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was instrumental in desegregating buses in Montgomery, Alabama in the mid-1950s. He helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and served as its first president in 1957.

We could all learn from him and his admirable actions. It’s not always easy to do what’s right or champion a controversial cause that pushes people out of their comfort zone but that is what helps us grow and live at our highest vibrations which enhances our our well being, even if the road is not always smooth.

MLK quoteLook at all the good that has come fro the #MeToo movement. A select few women spoke out which gave an onslaught of women the courage to finally speak out.

This quote rings true with regard to the issue of sexual misconduct in our country. Women are no longer staying silent about this subject that matters so very much.

“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character…”  Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous speech at the Lincoln Memorial in August, 1963, to a group of civil rights supporters at the March on Washington.

It’s shocking to me that his dream that he spoke of in one of the most iconic speeches in history is not yet realized. It’s shocking to me that there are still people who judge others by the color of their skin and not the content of their character. It’s shocking to me that, although it is much better than it was when he made that speech nearly 55 years ago, we still have so much hateful racism is the world.

“Life’s most persistent question is: What are you doing for others?” ~MLK, Jr.

Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by doing something kind. Donate your time, help someone out, say nice things to others, start a conversation about Dr. King’s vision that individuals of diverse backgrounds come together rather than stand divided to discuss injustices and create an action plan. Make someone feel good today.

King was the first black American to receive Time magazine’s Man of the Year honor in 1964, and the youngest to win the Nobel Peace Prize that same year. Upon receiving it, he announced that he would use the prize money to further the civil rights cause.

“The time is always right to do what is right.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

He graduated high school at the age of 15, received a B.A. from Morehouse College in 1948 and attended Boston University where he received his Ph.D. in systematic theology in 1955. In 1960, he followed in the family footsteps and became pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church.

It is believed that he said he would not live to 40. Sadly, his premonition was correct. King was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee in April of 1968 at the age of 39.

A life cut way too short yet left an indelible impression on the world.

“Free at last, free at last. Thank God Almighty, we are free at last”  ~MLK, Jr.

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My #1 Tip For Staying Sane During The Holidays

Last week it hit me. Christmas is in less than TWO weeks! I admit, a little panic set in. And now Christmas is less than 1 week away. Quite honestly, it ticked me off to feel stressed because I want to enjoy the holidays. I happen to love this time of year ?

Shopping, wrapping, decorating, entertaining, cooking, baking, attending parties… There is just so much to do on top of everything else we do on a daily basis, isn’t there?!

What keeps me sane when I feel out of control during the holidays (and all the other hectic times that come up)? Living in the present.

Yep, it’s that simple. Although, it’s really not so easy. You have to be mindful to live in the present and that requires some work because it’s so easy to let your mind future trip and worry.

So, how’s it done? I have a quick little exercise that will do the trick.

Stress is the root cause of a lot of illness and premature aging so managing it is vital for our health. We’ve all heard that meditation is one of the best stress and anxiety relievers but I’m sure the last thing you want me to recommend at the moment is to get your om on for 45 quiet minutes every morning.

Of course that would be great and if you can, go for it but if you’re feeling overwhelmed, give yourself a mindful minute. This will help center you, bring you to the present and live in the moment.

Take just 60 seconds to focus on your breath. Inhale for 8 counts, hold for a second, exhale for 8 counts and you will feel yourself start to calm. It’s quick and easy but it works wonders. Place your hand on your stomach to make sure that as you inhale, it contracts and as you exhale, it expands.

Tuning into our breath isn’t our first thought when we get pushed to our limits but try it any time you feel scattered, irritable, worried, anxious, pissed off, stress, overwhelmed or any other unfavorable feeling.

During my inhales and exhales I focus my thoughts on a few things that I’m grateful for because gratitude is the highway to peace and happiness.

You deserve a little self care and with the pressures of the season it’s especially important. Self-care is the new trend but it isn’t just a buzzword, it truly is important.

Remember that you can’t please everyone and you may not get everything done. Be gentle with yourself, let some things go and enjoy the spirit of the season ❤️

As crazy as it can get, I LOVE the holidays and all the glitzy, sparkly, glamour that goes with it. The parties, the beautifully decorated homes, time with friends and family and the true spiritual meaning of the season that we celebrate, whatever our beliefs.

I don’t want a frantic energy to round out 2017 and I’m sure you don’t either. So give it shot, next time you feel the stress begin to rise give yourself a mindful minute and be present.

Enjoy the holidays!

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InLight Organic Skincare Review & Giveaway

Allow me to gush for a moment… I simply love this line. The products I tried for this review are sublime. They prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that we can have luxurious, effective, high performing skin care products without turning to toxins.

Inlight Organic Skincare is formulated with effective organic food-grade and cold-pressed oils, herbs, the purest essential oils and beeswax. The products are formulated by homeopathic doctor, medical herbalist and skin expert Dr Mariano Spiezia, the company’s founder.

One of the products they sent me to review is their facial cleanser. It’s a deeply hydrating oil-based balm that lifts skin impurities, fights blackheads and spots and removes makeup. The scent of this cleansing balm is absolutely divine. My first thought was ‘do they make a fragrance in this scent?!’ I seriously want a perfume version of it!

It’s different from any cleanser I have tried. You leave it on for a few minutes to allow it to deeply decongest and cleanse then wipe it off with the ph balancing floral tonic or for added exfoliation remove it with their organic cotton glove or your own wash cloth. This lovely cleanser is the recipient of beauty awards such as Anti-aging Beauty Bible and Green Parent Natural Beauty.

The face oil is one of the best that I have tried. It glides onto the skin beautifully giving a silky feeling. The scent is very nice; subtle with notes of vanilla and rose. Every ingredient is clean as is the scent but even some organic fragrances can be too overpowering, this is not! It’s designed to moisturize and nourish the skin as well as balance production of skin sebum.

My skin felt wonderful after applying it. It absorbs nicely and works very well under make up. I also used it at night and do believe I see some improvement in my skin.

The packaging is also lovely. Performance is what really matters but presentation is important, baby!

Check out my latest video, I give my full review and interviewed Lucie Husarkova, founder of Hug Your Skin. She shared interesting information about some of the effective anti-aging ingredients they use.

Holiday shopping is under way so I know you’re looking for great gift ideas, luxurious skincare is always a wonderful gift. Treat yourself and the women on your list.

Enter the giveaway for your chance to win an InLight product. There will be 2 lucky winners! One of you will win the chocolate mask and one of you will win the face oil.

They are also kindly giving all of my fabulous savvy readers 15% off any purchase. Just head to my affiliate link and enter coupon code KELLY15 at checkout. Discount valid through end December 31, 2017.

If you purchase Thursday, November 23 through Monday, November 27 you’ll get the special Black Friday deal: 25% OFF with promo code BFCB25. Purchases over $60 will include beauty glove made from 100% organic cotton.

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