health

Homemade Face Wipes using Essential Oils

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I have tried every single face wipe on the market. I am slowly but surely changing all of my beauty products to natural concoctions; not only saving money but improving my overall health using the therapeutic benefits of doTERRA’s essential oils. (If you would like to purchase doTERRA products, please shop HERE).

Here is what you will need to make your own face wipes:

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Directions

  1. Add 5 tablespoons of witch hazel, 20 drops of essential oils (could use more or less depending on your needs), 1/4 tablespoon of Fractionated Coconut Oil, and 1/4 tablespoon of water to your measuring cup. Mix together.
  2. Put cotton rounds into the airtight jar.
  3. Pour mixture over cotton rounds.
  4. Close jar and shake until mixture is well distributed.
  5. Voila! Now you have all natural face wipes!

I have played around with this recipe for the past 2 months. The first time I created this face wipes, I added too much Fractionated Coconut Oil. I have combination skin, so it definitely helped my dry areas but felt a little too slick for my liking on my oily spots. If you have dry skin, I would recommend adding more FCO.

What’s next?

I usually use my face wipes before bed to “wipe away my day.” I also like sleeping on a clean pillow each night. I also use these in the morning and after I exercise. They are super cleansing and keep my face clear of blemishes.

Immortelle

Before bed, I apply doTERRA’s Immortelle. Immortelle is an anti-aging blend. It comes in a roller bottle. I make sure to apply it right below my eyes to negate any fine lines and wrinkles. A little goes a long way; lightly dab the oil on your face.

If you try my face wipes, place an order, or have any questions be sure to comment below.

If you are interested in my other DIY beauty products, check out my Homemade Mouthwash Using Essential Oils. 

Namaste.

Homemade Face Wipes Using Essential Oils

 

come home to delicious plant-based joy.

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Daily Mindfulness for a Healthier You

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by Yolanda of Inspire and Wander

Lucille Ball once stated, “Love yourself first and everything else falls into place.”

She was talking about self-care and taking care of YOU.  

Love Yourself First

Our daily lives are becoming busier and the need for self-care has never been more important. Advertisements for self-care are everywhere, especially social media.

Got my nails done…self-care. √

Created a healthy meal…self-care.  √

Dominated hot yoga class…self-care.  √

Yes, those are all fine and dandy, but they are all temporary band-aids.  Don’t get me wrong, I love all these things too and they are great ways to feel good. But mindfulness is a daily, personal, soulful kind of self-care.

Mindfulness is defined as moment to moment, non-judgmental awareness.  In other words, you are fully aware of your thoughts, feelings, and actions.  Mindfulness is a practice that has been around for thousands of years.  It is commonly associated with Buddhism, but anyone can practice it.  It is very simple to do and has amazing benefits.

Mindfulness can:

  • decrease stress
  • increase empathy and understanding
  • create a more positive outlook
  • increase attention
  • create better focus and memory
  • improved immune system and overall health
  • improve creativity

One would think that with this list of benefits, everyone would be practicing mindfulness every day. However, we let our schedules overwhelm and drain us. Fortunately, you are reading this blog post and one step closer to a healthier you.  With my tips, you can help yourself in 10 minutes a day.  

So what is this crazy thing I want you to do every day?  

Listen to yourself.  That’s it.  When was the last time you listened to yourself?  

Mindfulness is being present in the now.  What are you thinking about now?  Hopefully, just reading this post.  Not what you are going to make for dinner, not taking out the dog, and certainly not what else is going on around you.  Mindfulness is focusing, being in the now.  Do yourself a favor and reteach yourself to focus and introduce yourself to being completely aware of what is going on around you. Don’t judge it, don’t overthink it, just acknowledge it, move on…and focus on that one thing, the present.

I teach this process through a technique called Mindful Art Journaling.  You definitely do not need to be an artist do this, in fact, the less you know, the better.  I invite you to play like a child and listen to your intuition.  It is always fun and always beneficial. Promise.  I teach mindfulness through this journaling technique because quite frankly, we as humans think too much.  This creative art process allows us to step outside the “thinking” and learn the mindfulness technique much faster.  Plus, it is so much fun!  

If you would like a creative guide on how you can bring the benefits of mindfulness into your life, sign up below! 

Dailymindfulness

Meet Yolanda of Inspire and Wander

A special thank you to Yolanda of Inspire and Wander for guest posting on Realm of Vibes. If you would like to contribute, please e-mail realmofvibesdg@gmail.com or fill out the form on the Contact page.

Namaste.

 

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for busy people who love to eat

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Setton Farms Pistachio Chewy Bites

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I love gluten and dairy free products that I can grab and go! I also love everything about pistachios and find freeing them from their shell super relaxing. I was happy to find a new product, Setton Farms 100% All Natural Pistachio Chewy Bites which include pistachios with blueberry infused cranberries with coconut and maple brown rice syrup. 

Setton Farms Pistachio Chewy Bites

Each resealable bag of Chewy Bites comes with 6 individually wrapped bite size chews.

Here are the facts:

  • 100% all natural
  • Dairy free
  • Gluten free
  • Non-GMO
  • Vegan
  • No cholesterol
  • 0 trans fat
  • Made in the USA
  • MSRP Pricing: 2-pack – $1.99 USD, 6-pack – $5.99 USD, 16-pack $12.50 USD
  • Available in major grocery stores and will be available on Amazon.com

My Thoughts

Holy stickiness! After you unwrap the chewy bite from the package, you feel the maple brown rice syrup on your hands. And, unfortunately, you better have a wet napkin or hand sanitizer available or you will be left with sticky fingers. Note to self: hold the chew by the wrapper to protect my hands and clothing! 

Setton Farms Pistachio Chewy Bites

The chew is delicious. I love the crunch of the pistachio with the sweetness of the blueberries, cranberries, coconut and maple brown rice syrup. It’s chewy, gooey, and in a few small bites, they are gone! Bummer. I want more! 

As for health conscious, I am glad the Setton Farms 100% All Natural Pistachio Chewy Bites are dairy and gluten free. A serving size is 2 chews, which is 200 calories. For me, that is a pretty heavy snack so I would stick with one chew. I like how the chews contain potassium, protein, fiber, and iron. I sometimes don’t get enough minerals, and this is a great way to get a healthy amount of nuts and fruit into my diet.

Setton Farms Pistachio Chewy Bites

As for each chew being individually wrapped, I hope that Setton Farms will consider putting the chews into a biodegradable wrapper to cut back on waste. I also think that the bag is rather large for six small chews; perhaps they could add more chews or cut back on some of the packaging.

The Setton Farms 100% All Natural Pistachio Chewy Bites work wonderfully when I am on the go – or if I come home from work feeling ravenous and need something to hold me over until dinner.

ENTER THE SETTON FARMS GIVEAWAY

Fine print: Enter to win 2 packages of Setton Farms Pistachio Chewy Bites. The contest will run from August 28, 2017, at 12 AM until September 11, 2017, at 12 AM. Only continental US residents 18 years or older will be eligible. If you are chosen as the winner, you have 24 hours to provide your full name, address, phone number, and e-mail address. Failure to do so will result in another winner being chosen. 

Good work, Setton Farms!

Be sure to visit Setton Farms on Facebook,  Instagram, Pinterest, and You Tube!

Namaste.

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Full disclosure: Setton Farms sent me 2 bags of Pistachio Chewy Bites complimentary for review purposes. All opinions within are my own. If you would like your product, business, or service featured on Realm of Vibes, visit my Contact page or e-mail realmofvibesdg@gmail.com

Get Your Elements – Real Food for Real People

/ realmofvibes / 52 Comments

After completing the Whole 30 late last year, I discovered I had food intolerances to dairy and gluten. As most of you know from my previous posts, I partake in a mostly dairy and gluten free diet. Unfortunately, I find meal preparation to be one of the most difficult things about eating clean, so I appreciate any quick fix foods that are compliant with my intolerances and make me feel as fabulous as I really am. I am also training for a half marathon, so eating healthy is very important to me during my training.

Enter Elements, a company selling real food, in a bag.

WHAT? Real food? In a bag?

I have to admit, I was super skeptical getting a bag of freeze dried food in the mail. Little did I know that freeze drying only removes the water and leaves the vitamins, micronutrients, enzymes, and taste of the actual food behind.

Get Your Elements

Get Your Elements

Elements bags also have a 2-year shelf life and don’t require a microwave or stove top. All you have to do is tear the bag and add 1 cup of very hot water. Seal the zipper and shake well. Wait 12 minutes, open the bag, stir, and enjoy!

Need a bowl? Tear the bag at the lower hash-line.

So, what’s in the bag of Elements?

  • Fresh herbs
  • Sensational Spices
  • Delicious Taste
  • Self-Respect

 

Get Your Elements Review

Freeze dried deliciousness

 

What’s not in the bag?

  • Preservatives
  • Artificial Colors & Flavors
  • Gluten
  • Dairy
  • Processed Sugars
  • Shame
  • Guilt

 

What I Sampled

  • Broccoli Cinnamon Pork
    • Thoughts: Delicious. I love the combo – pulled pork is tender, the broccoli and squash are cooked perfectly, and you definitely taste the cinnamon. This was the easiest pulled pork and vegetable recipe I have ever made, and certainly tasted the best! 
  • Tuscan Chicken Pomodoro
    • Thoughts: Take me to Tuscany! I love the balsamic vinegar flavor throughout. There was a little excess water after 12 minutes, but it didn’t impact the dish. The chicken was soft and tender, and the tomatoes and onions were covered in the delicious herbs and spices. This was super yummy; my Nonna would be proud!

Other Elements

  • Maple Mustard Pork
  • Sesame Garlic Chicken
  • Chipotle Turkey Scramble

Thoughts

Elements are super simple to make and absolutely delicious! I love eating clean, and in 12 minutes I have a hot, delicious meal that fuels my body for or after a long run. I never would have imagined freeze dried food would taste so good!

Elements are great for anyone on the go who wants to eat well – perfect for busy moms, athletes, people who work long hours…or if I am on a long hike!

Elements has the perfect amount of calories, protein, carbs, and fats! Each bag is anywhere from 270-310 calories, just the right amount for a meal!

Get Your Elements Review

Kickstarter

Elements is on Kickstarter! One bag of Elements retails for $11.99 USD. During the Kickstarter campaign, you can get your Elements at a cheaper price, depending on how many you would like to purchase. Make your pledge today!

Elements Giveaway

Rules: Must be 18 years of age or older and a resident of the continental USA. Winner must provide name, address, e-mail, and phone number within 24 hours of the close of the giveaway or another winner will be selected. You will receive a sampler pack of Elements ($60 value) at the end of their Kickstarter Campaign. Giveaway begins on 8/14/17 at 12:00 AM and ends 8/28/17 at 12:00 AM.

Enter the Elements Giveaway!

Make sure you visit Elements on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Namaste.

Disclosure: Two bags of Elements were sent complimentary for review purposes. All opinions within are my own. If you are interested in having your products featured on Realm of Vibes, fill out the form on the Contact page. 

 

 

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Hello Fresh Food Subscription Review

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I am a woman who is easily tempted by a coupon code. I am also that woman who orders her groceries online because setting foot in a supermarket, although a necessary evil, is not my cup of tea. Most of the time, I don’t feel like being creative with dinner, so after I was able to secure a coupon code for Hello Fresh, three dinners for two people came to $40. What a steal!

Food subscriptions are a new rage. Hello Fresh is a food delivery service that ships dinners right to your door. You can choose from the Classic (meat and fish), Vegetarian, or Family plan for either 2 or 4 persons.

Our Classic Carnivore menu consisted of:

  • Juicy Lucy Burgers
    • 840 calories
    • 10-minute prep
    • 40-minute total time
  • Zesty Crusted Catfish
    • 650 calories
    • 5-minute prep
    • 30-minute total time
  • Gremolata Strip Steak
    • 880 calories
    • 10-minute prep
    • 40-minute total time

These are the 3 meals we chose out of 8 offered options.

Hello Fresh is packaged in a cooler box, so I didn’t have to worry about rushing home from work to find spoiled food. Everything is neatly packaged in recyclable cardboard. I like how Hello Fresh keeps all of the different meals organized.

The first meal I made was the Jucy Lucy Burgers. I was happy I had the additional ingredients on hand (olive oil and sugar). The burger was cooked perfectly and Jason kept raving about the dressing on the arugula salad. However, I did have quite a few pots, pans, and bowls to clean up, which makes for a fun after dinner chore.

The second night we had the Zesty Crusted Catfish, which was deceivingly filling. I love roasted broccoli and jasmine rice (staples in my home). I rarely have catfish which was a nice treat. The panko breading was crunchy and flavorful with the included fish seasoning.

The third meal was the Gremolata Strip Steak. I love strip steak! Cauliflower mashed potatoes is also a great way to include vegetables into my diet. The pesto on top of the steak really added flavor. I would absolutely make this again!

 

The Good:

  • I didn’t have to think about dinner. It was nice to grab a box and get to work.
  • Each dinner was tasty and flavorful. Jason and I really enjoyed the variety.
  • The variety offered is plentiful. I love adding different meals to my nightly menu.
  • You won’t spend more than 40-minutes preparing a meal.
  • Good portions.
  • Easy to follow, step by step directions with pictures.
  • Cost effective with a coupon.

The Bad:

  • I used more pots, pans, bowls, and utensils than usual.
  • The calories are a little high. (I try to stick around 500 for dinner).
  • No leftovers. (I usually have leftovers for lunch the next day).
    • I could order the 4 person option to solve this problem.
  • Expensive without a coupon code

Verdict

I would absolutely use Hello Fresh again, especially on crazy busy weeks where I don’t have enough time to order groceries online or get to a supermarket. I would also use them if I am in a “dinner rut” and want some new ideas.

Hello Fresh, you certainly made dinner much easier!

Sign up HERE to get $40 off your first box!

Namaste.

PS. This is not a sponsored post. I wanted to share my experience with Hello Fresh with you. All opinions within all of my posts (whether sponsored or not) are my own. If you would like to have your product/brand/service on Realm of Vibes, please visit the Contact page or e-mail realmofvibesdg@gmail.com. Realm of Vibes is also looking for guest bloggers in the lifestyle niche. 

 

for busy people who love to eat

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