Happy Valentines Day!Valentines Day is one of my favorites! I just love an excuse to tell others how much I love them and spread a little chocolate indulgence. A little chocolate never hurt anyone right?! Good news, studies have now indicated that a little chocolate does the mind, body and soul some good. Here is why…
Chocolate, such a decadent and indulgent treat, contains plant-based chemicals known as flavonoids that produce positive health benefits. Yup, that’s right! I just said chocolate was good for you. In moderation of course… Cacao trees, which thrive in tropical regions, produce cocoa beans that are used to make chocolate. Cocoa beans contain antioxidants, mostly in the form of epicatechin. Epicatechin has actually been linked to improving memory function and learning. So what are those flavonoid things? Well, flavonoids are a group of phytonutrients that occur naturally in fruits and vegetables and have been shown to have various anti-inflammatory and immune system benefits. I am sure you have read a headline on a magazine article or have seen an ad stating, “Eat these 12 Superfoods” or something along those lines in your past. All of those Super foods you often hear mentioned are “super” because of their flavonoid content. Some of the most common foods rich in flavonoids are kale, berries, green tea and onions, and one of the most recently studied flavonoids have been found in the cocoa bean. Here are the Facts on Chocolate
The Take Away Eat a little chocolate, indulge, share with a loved one, but be aware that all chocolate is not created equal. Before you run to the store to grab your favorite candy bar, NOT all chocolate contains high levels of the beneficial flavanols. You want to aim to eat chocolate that is made with 60% or higher of cocoa and low in sugar and fat. The higher the percentage of cocoa, the more benefit! And remember, moderation is key! Obviously consuming large amounts of chocolate will contribute to unwanted weight gain, so use it as a treat. Here is one of my favorite dark chocolate treats, Avacado Chocolate Mousse What are some of your favorite ways to indulge in chocolate? Do you have little traditions that make your valentines day sweet? I would love to hear in a comment below. Have an awesome day and spread some love. xoxoxo
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Safer Skincare Holiday Gifts For Everyone on Your Holiday Shopping List this Season! I have put together a user-friendly list of safer skincare holiday gifts for everyone on your list this year. Gifts starting from $28, there is something to fit every budget and list. After all… we have four weeks between thanksgiving and Christmas, its time to start thinking about our shopping lists! Beautycounter is the one stop shop for all of the women in your life and now we have a product line exclusive to men: Counterman, which is super exciting! The product hit the shelves Thursday morning and sold out in 9 hours…seriously. But they are looking to restock and have the product available again by November 27th, phew. This year my holiday shopping is relying heavily on the incredible Holiday Gift Sets that Beautycounter has to offer. Whether you're looking for a lip gloss stocking stuffer for your daughters/nieces, fabulous eye color palette for Mom or Mother-in-law, baby care set (with the absolute cutest stuffed raccoon) for that dear family with a new baby, or maybe a contouring trio for your best friend, bold + nourishing lip sticks for your sister, and some holiday soaps + hand lotions for your colleagues at work, you're covered with the list below. I am choosing Beautycounter this year for my one-stop shop because they are the only company that can offer such high-performing products, but still keep their skincare and beauty care products safe. These gifts not only perform, but they are a safer alternative to anything that you can find on the shelf in your stores. The way that I see it, I am not just giving the gift of fabulous skincare, but I am giving the gift of health. That my friends… is a win/win and makes my love of helping others and giving the gift of health heart explode! Also I want to note that if Beautycounter is a brand that you have wanted to try or get a hold of some products in the past, but haven’t because of cost etc. NOW is an awesome time to take advantage of our holiday gift sets that offer many of our top selling products in smaller sizes for a lower price.
Black Friday, 11.24
Shop this Holiday weekend @ my Beautycounter. Okay… Now lets get to my holiday shopping list! #1 The Ultimate Nudes Eyeshadow Palette I have been using Beautycounter eye shadows since I first discovered Beautycounter almost two years ago now and I have to say that it puts my old eye shadow products to shame. The colors of this palette are beautiful and creamy, rather than dusty, and they stay on really well. At the end of my day my eyelids don’t look oily and greasy like some products have done in the past. This palette has 18 colors that are organized into 3 finishes: satin, metallic and matte and can support any daytime or nighttime look you are going for. The palette also comes with a double-end brush and a removable mirror. What is most impressive about this product is Beautycounter puts all eye shadow products through a third-party test for heavy metal contaminants. Meaning this product is tested by three different rigorous tests to make sure there are no heavy metals. Who is this gift for? Mom, Mother-in-law, Sister, Sister-in-law, Wife, Girlfriend Cost: $88 (Value: $116) #2 Multi-Masker Set This set is probably my favorite. It is such a treat! This gift set includes one of each of the three masks by Beautycounter. There is a brightening mask (my favorite), the plumping mask (firms and tones) and the balancing mask (uses charcoal to balance aggravated skin). This set also comes with an awesome reusable tin and a brush to apply the mask. This gift is great for any person in your life that loves to treat themselves and try new skincare products. Who is this gift for? Mom, Mother-in-law, Sister, Sister-in-law, Wife, Girlfriend Cost: $68 (Value: $105) #3 “Perfect Pout” Lip Glosses (Nudes & Pinks) This set of three glosses comes in two color options: Nudes & Pinks. These make a great stand-alone, under $50 gift OR you can grab a few sets and divide them up! They make great stocking stuffers or bonus gifts to attach to something handmade. These, like the lipsticks, have a wonderful limited-time peppermint flavor. Who is this gift for? Stocking stuffer, colleagues, friends, Wife, Girlfriend, Mom, Mother-in-Law, Sister, Gift Exchange with a $50 Price Limit. Cost: $48 (Value: $87) #4 Holiday Soap Trio I really love this gift set, especially because it is so easily divided up. You can buy the Holiday Soap Trio and Perfect Pout Lip Gloss gifts set and divide and conquer… creating little gifts with multiple products, which I think is just awesome. Another great idea is to break this set up, tie each soap with a holiday ribbon and pair it with a nice bottle of wine that you bring to your holiday party this year. Who is this gift for? Hostess Gift, Mom, colleagues, friends, gift swap, neighbors, stocking stuffers Cost: $30 (Value: $45) #5 Glow and Go Mini Oils This gift set is dynamite because it is an incredibly low price and it allows you or your loved ones to sample the famous lipid layer replenishing oils from Beautycounter collection with minimal investment. My face oil is honestly the STAPLE of my skincare routine. It is my absolute favorite product by far. This is such a great gift for the beauty and health conscious a like. Who is this gift for? Stocking stuffers, Mom, sister, YOU, mother-in-law, daughter Cost: $28 (Value: $51) #6 Color Intense Lip Set This formula is amazing! Beautycounter took their original lip sheer formula and upped the pigment. These lip colors provide intense, beautiful color in just one swipe. This set comes in one of the awesome reusable tins too! The set includes 5 fabulous colors and is great for anyone looking to add some bold lip color to their Fall/Winter look. They all come with a nice peppermint finish that is just so lovely too. Who is this gift for? Mom, Mother-in-law, Sisters, Girlfriend, Wife, Best friend, Yankee swap Cost: $88 (Value: $150) #7 Better Baby Care Set This adorable gift set is perfect for the health-conscious expecting or new parent in your life this holiday season. This set includes Gentle All-Over Baby Wash, Baby Soothing Oil, Baby Daily Protective Balm, and an adorable cotton “Remy the Raccoon” from Finn + Emma toys. Who is this gift for? Friends, family or colleagues with a baby or a baby on the way! Cost: $58 #8 Illuminating Trio This trio is great for anyone that is looking to figure out how to contour their makeup or for any makeup lover on your list. It comes with a cream blush, bronzer and highlighter. Bonus: The blush can also be used as a lip color! Who is this gift for? Mom, Mother-in-law, sister, friend, YOU Cost: $55 (Value: $111) #9 Eye Trios (Nude & Smokey) These two sets of eye shadows are awesome. You have two color options: Nude or Smokey, and each set comes with a silk cream eye shadow, a volumizing mascara and their NEW liquid eyeliner. I am a huge fan of liquid eyeliner and absolutely love this one. Finally, safer alternatives to one of my favorite make up staples. Who is this gift for? Stocking stuffer, friends, YOU, Wife, Mom, Sisters, Girlfriend Cost: $38 (Value: $71) #10 CounterMAN Shave Set A matte-black, travel-friendly tin contains everything he needs to prep, shave, and soothe—including a Shaving Brush made with soft, animal hair-free taklon bristles. Start Fresh Exfoliating Face Wash gently exfoliates with biodegradable jojoba beads to ready skin for shaving. Clean Shave Shaving Cream conditions without harsh ingredients for a smooth, close crop. About Face Moisture Lotion calms and soothes to help keep razor burn at bay. Soft Touch Beard Oil softens and conditions facial hair and helps prevent skin irritation. Each product is formulated with sustainably harvested sequoia stem cells to help firm skin and protect against free radicals. Who is this gift for? That special man in your life! Husband, Boyfriend, Brother, Son, Grandfather… you name it! Cost: $68 Shop these and many more holiday gift sets at Beautycounter and give the gift that means the most. The gift of safer beauty. The gifts that last this holiday season! & Please feel free to comment below or email me with any questions, comments or if you need help finding the perfect gift for someone on your list! xoxo https://www.beautycounter.com/katherineperkins/holiday Categories
Wow… it’s been a little over two months sense any of my readers have heard from me. This summer was so bizarre. The weather really never got very nice here on Cape Cod, so the opportunity to just keep working and taking very little down time presented itself often as I pushed through the 3 months of summer. Now here we are. When so much time passes sense my last post it becomes difficult to figure out what I should discuss with you guys! Part of me wants to fill you in on every exciting (and not so exciting) detail of my life the last three months. But, rather than take all the time to do that, I am just going to thank you for still clicking on my blog and taking a read. I promise to work harder at consistency here. Because after all.... consistency is the key to success!
Ok, so I think I am just going to take the “dive right in!” approach. So… here we go! “Gluten Free” “Gluten Free” “GLUTEN FREE” You can’t walk through your local supermarket without seeing gluten free labels all over the shelves. The truth is, not all gluten free foods are healthy gluten free foods. Some of you may have already known this… but I am here to explain what all this gluten free is about. While the demand for gluten free products continues to sore, companies are keeping up by creating these gluten free snacks, breads, pastas, and cereals in order to keep up with the demand. While this variety of options for gluten free eaters is important, its even more important to know how to look at the products and make sure they have healthy ingredients. Why are People Choosing to Eat Gluten Free? An estimated 4,000,000 people are living with Celiac disease. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that leads to damage in the small intestine as a result of eating foods that contain gluten such as wheat, barley, and rye. It is also estimated that 7 million people are choosing to eat gluten free to help with headaches and fogginess while 9 million people eat gluten free because of gastrointestinal symptoms (like me!). Some of the common symptoms people often experience that may lead them to try a gluten free diet are abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, weight loss and constipation, weight gain, skin rashes and/or eczema, fatigue, depression and anxiety. As with any sort of intolerance or disorder symptoms affect each person differently, but may people do find relief from their symptoms when they switch to a gluten-free diet. How to Make Healthy Decisions When Shopping for Gluten Free Foods: When making healthy choices for you and your family at the grocery store it is so important to take some time and read labels. I can’t stress this enough! Far too often I have clients who are excited about a gluten free product they just tried and when we look closer at that particular product we see that the main ingredient is Corn and/or Soy. But I am going to provide you with a few simple tips to help you shop for healthy options for you and your family.
Eating and shopping for healthy gluten free options can be really easy and doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Just take some time at first to read the labels and look for real ingredients that can help heal and fuel your body. After awhile you will have some go to products that you shop for and you will not have to read as many labels. Remember, what you decide to put into your body either works for you or against you. Fuel your body with confidence and know you are giving yourself what you need to feel energized and healthy! What is your favorite healthy gluten free snack?? Share below! Xoxo |
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