MY SMALL APOTHECARY.

over the past year, i have slowly grown my apothecary collection to match my needs. growing up, i always said that my lack of knowledge in the makeup/hair/skin department was because i never had an older sister (i still use that as an excuse when it comes to my hair because i am terribleeee at it.)  i always thought all my friends with older sisters were always five steps ahead of me because they learned by doing. i on the other hand, was incredibly awkward and thought that applying heavy gothic penciled eyeliner to the bottoms of my eyelids was the only way to go.

i am in my mid 20s now and i'm learning how important it is to take care of our bodies from the insides out. i have learned that the less ingredients any product has, the better. i try to apply that to how i feed my family, too (though, sometimes it's hard).

my makeup routine is incredibly simple and rarely changes from day to day. a bit of foundation under my eyes, mineral powder, mascara and a lip stain or matte pencil. i wish i was experimental but i'm truly not. i am a deep creature of habit and end up rubbing anything off that feels too heavy (which is why i don't wear lipgloss, ever) and always end up sticking to what i know. and when it comes to my skin and hair routine, i think that like most women, it's a work in progress.

my hair is usually duhl and dry (thanks postpartum!) and i haven't owned a blow dryer in like a year. but, i've found that adding some moroccan oil at night and after i shower has added a lot of shine and silk to my very bleh hair. i've also massaged coconut oil into my strands and then into a braid at night. i've also started taking gummy vitamins dedicated for hair, skin and nails.

for my skin, i always wash with cetaphil and have now completely fallen for my sweet friend lauren's new line, moonrise creek. i cannot even begin to explain how incredible her products are and how much my skin loves them. i spray the rose astringent when i'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and absolutely love her oils and moisturizer. i make sure to rub it into my pores and down my neck. the fact that she makes all these products by hand with a little one at her feet and one on the way just astounds me. (you can find her on instagram @moonrisecreek)

i also really love using my essential oil drops for pregnancy. just a few drops into sparkling water works wonders on my soul.

i would love to know what are your favorite natural products that you use on your beautiful bodies. i always find it so fascinating to see how other women love their body.

from left to right:

favorite lotion (from world market) 

argan moroccan oil

moonrise creek essential oils

moonrise creek tightening astringent + rose spray

burt's bees facial scrub

moonrise creek moisturizer

oil drops (from whole foods)

intensive hair oil

vitamins

chapstick (from whole foods)

moonrisecreek berry balm

favorite hair ties

xo

RECIPE: POST WORKOUT BLACKBERRY/PB2 PROTEIN SMOOTHIE

if our bodies are mere vessels for our spirit, then how we treat them matters. lately, i have been giving myself daily affirmations and have allowed a gentle opening of space to devote to working out my body, each and every day. it has been so empowering and surreal giving myself strength when i've felt so weak, and working through my negative thinking defaults through pure and salty sweat. each day i leave the gym, i feel a sweet wind move through my lungs and my entire outlook shifts. perhaps that's where all the work really comes from anyway, shifting old habits and replacing them with new ones.

when i get home from the gym, the first thing i love to make are simple smoothies. sometimes i add leafy greens, other times honey, sometimes a handful of almonds or frozen berries or agave. this particular one was made with PB2 which you can find at most local health food stores (i absolutely love it, steve, not so much). if you are in the "not so much" category ~ simply add your own favorite nut butter.

POST WORKOUT BLACKBERRY/PROTEIN SMOOTHIE

ice

rice milk 

half or whole banana

handful of blackberries

greek yogurt (any flavor)

 2 large tablespoons of PB2 peanut butter

1 scoop whey protein

chia seeds (optional)

in a blender, mix together all ingredients until well blended. top with chia seeds and enjoy