self care

A New Caffeine Fix: DirtyBird Energy Soaps

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My husband and I often joke that we need an IV of caffeine since we make 8-10 cups of coffee every morning. Working in law enforcement and healthcare brings long, uncertain shifts, fueled often by a good attitude and numerous amounts of caffeinated beverages.

DirtyBird Energy Soaps are a new kind of caffeine fix. This new brand features caffeinated energy soaps in a reusable travel tin.

Dirtybird Energy Soaps come in three 5.5 oz varieties:

  • Original – Peppermint
  • Recover – Eucalyptus
  • Relax – Lavender (This is decaffeinated.)

DirtyBird Energy Soap

The Original soap bars are infused with caffeine and peppermint oil to energize the body and mind.  Scientific studies show caffeine absorbs through pores and hair follicles, which will energize the body even before your first cup of coffee in the morning.  Caffeine has also been used for years in spas on the skin as an anti-oxidant to reduce the look of aging and cellulite.

The Recover bars also contain caffeine and are specially formulated bar helps to gently exfoliate away the day’s dirt and grime to allow optimal absorption of arnica, Eucalyptus and Rosemary extracts. These therapeutic agents encourage faster healing of bumps, bruises, and inflammation so that you can prepare for your next day at school, big game or whatever life has to throw at you (or vice versa).

The Relax bars are perfect for anyone who has had a long day and just wanted to relax. They are infused with lavender, chamomile, rosemary, and ylang-ylang essential oils.  Each of these oils absorbs to relax the body and mind as well as soothe the skin.  An evening shower with Relax helps to promote a restful sleep allowing you to wake up refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

The soap isn’t the only thing that’s special! DirtyBird Energy Soap comes packaged in their patented reusable container, that snaps shut and allows you to take your soap anywhere; the gym, camping, or vacation. If you don’t have a need for the container, you can recycle it!

DirtyBird Energy Soap

DirtyBird Energy Soaps are available in singles ($5.99 USD), a 2-pack variety ($11.95 USD), 6 packs ($34.95 USD) or in a monthly subscription (6 for $29.95 USD), delivered right to your door every month!

DirtyBird Energy Soaps are made in the USA, all-natural, plant-based, and never tested on animals. They are dedicated to creating products to help productivity for active, busy lifestyles.  Whether it is at the office, during a workout, or raising children, they want to help everyone be at their best and most productive!

My Experience

Jason takes and morning shower and I take an evening shower. (And, sometimes, we swap or take 2 showers a day depending on our moods. Cleanliness is next to Godliness, people!)

I love how the soaps are round, big, and have the DirtyBird logo etched into each soap.

I think the soap container makes an awesome dish and prevents my tub from getting yucky.

DirtyBird Energy Soap

The Original is an ivory color soap smells like Peppermint. It wakes us right up and is super refreshing.

The Recover is an orange color soap and smells like Eucalyptus and Rosemary. I used this after my half marathon and enjoy that it invigorated my sore legs.

The Relax is an ivory soap with purplish jojoba specks throughout. It smells like Lavender and Chamomile. I love this soap right before bedtime. It is super relaxing.

All of the soaps lather nicely and wash without leaving any residue on my skin. The smell is present but subtle.

I would absolutely purchase DirtyBird Energy Soaps and would love to gift them for the upcoming holidays.

Do you want to win a 6 pack of DirtyBird Energy Soaps?

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 6 pack of DirtyBird Energy Soaps (2 of each variety, $29.95 USD value). Contest begins October 10, 2017 at 12:00 AM EST and will conclude October 24, 2017 at 12:00 AM EST.

 Enter the DirtyBird Energy Giveaway!

Make sure you visit DirtyBird Energy on Instgram, Facebook and Twitter.

Disclosure: A 6 pack of DirtyBird Energy soaps were sent complimentary for review. All opinions within are my own. If you would like your products to be featured on Realm of Vibes, please contact realmofvibesdg@gmail.com or visit the Contact page. 

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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Milestones for Grown-Ups: Life is a Journey

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I call my mom every day when I commute to work. She is my best friend. She is the woman who wrote down every developmental milestone into my baby book. She will still brag about how I was potty trained and walking at 12 months. No one could ever be more proud of me and my accomplishments.

Milestones are an interesting concept; they represent a notable point in one’s development. Some children and adults follow a typical path, while others stray far from the norm. Regardless, everyone has a different journey.

Milestones for Grown-ups
Milestones for Grown-ups

 

Today’s review features Milestones for Grown-ups, an Australian based company bringing you 20 unique milestone cards for adults entering their 20s and 30s. Anna, the creator of Milestones for Grown-ups, realized that babies and toddlers were having all of the fun celebrating developmental milestones, but older folks never received any recognition for hitting adult milestones. (Graduating college, anyone?) The postcard size, environmentally-friendly cards are intended to be used as photo props to share with family and friends on social media to document adult milestones.

Two sets of Milestones for Grown-ups cards are available for purchase:

  • Milestones for your 20’s:
    • I finally bought myself ________. (you fill in the blank)
    • Graduation Day
    • I am a Quarter of a Century Old
    • I got a job!
    • Yes! I cooked this!
    • I am moving out!
  • Milestones for your 30’s:
    • I found my first grey hair.
    • I paid off my student loan.
    • I ran a marathon.
    • Today I was called madam/sir (circle one) by a teenager.
    • Actually…I am doing quite well.
    • My new tattoo.

Milestones for Grown-ups

Each deck is $29.95 AUS (About $23 for my United States readers at the current exchange rate at the time of writing this post). Australian shipping is free; other shipping runs $5-$8 AUS.

My Thoughts

Life is to be celebrated. I always say, “Every day I wake up is a good day.” Am I right?

I reflected on my 20s earlier this year when I turned 30. I hit so many milestones in my twenties. I do wish I had the “Yes! I cooked this!” card from the 20s pack since I successfully cooked a whole chicken the other day. I ordered one by mistake on my supermarket online order and I called my mom to ask her, “What the hell do I do with this thing? I wanted a rotisserie chicken, not a whole chicken!” My mom giggled and told me to get out my roasting pan (buried in the back of my cabinet) and to make sure I take the giblets out. (Thanks, Mom!) My chicken and potato dish came out fantastic. I was so proud that I accomplished cooking something that I normally wouldn’t attempt. Mistakes can be a good thing. 

Milestones for Grown-ups understands that everyone hits different milestones at different times. For some of us, we never hit them. And, that’s okay. The Milestones for Grown-ups cards can be used at any life stage, and make terrific gifts for those turning 20 or 30.

Milestones for Grown-ups

The “I ran a marathon” card looks daunting, however, I am going to scribble a “1/2” in front of marathon and will proudly hold up that card after my mom and I complete our first half marathon in October. Isn’t it a little ironic that the woman who wrote down all of my developmental milestones will be accomplishing a huge fitness milestone with me? It’s never too late to reach your goals. 

I can’t wait for the day to hold up the “I paid off my student loan” card. I pass by that card really quickly in the deck, as I currently have another 2.5 years left. (I accept any and all donations.)

“Actually…I am doing quite well!” is my favorite card. Wherever you are in life, be proud of yourself. I am proud that I can hold up the “I am starting my own business” card since I became a doTERRA Wellness Advocate this year and Realm of Vibes is doing well with reviewing products for small businesses like Milestones for Grown-ups. I have a wonderful husband and family, a fulfilling career, and love my very blessed life.

Milestones for Grown-ups

Let’s see how many Milestones for Grown-ups I can accomplish the next ten years…

Who is with me?

Namaste.

Make sure you visit Milestones for Grown-ups on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Milestones for Grown-Ups

Disclosure: I received Milestones for your 30’s in return for an honest review and promotion on my social media sites. All opinions within are my own. Realm of Vibes is looking for small businesses to feature; if you are interested please fill out the form on the Contact page or e-mail realmofvibesdg@gmail.com for more details. 

Plan a Cruelty-Free, At Home Spa Night

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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

by Leah of Skin & Satori 

Every now and then, everyone needs a little me time; and what better way to pamper yourself than to have a cruelty-free, at home spa night!  So light some candles, put on your PJ’s and get your favorite movie on the big screen.  This post will contain 5 simple steps to have a relaxing and revitalizing experience that only uses cruelty-free products. Before we begin, click here to read some interesting information on why you should buy cruelty-free skin care…

First Step – Treat your Hair

Give your hair a big messy hug with a home-made hair mask.  To give your hair some extra shine try this Honey Banana Shine mask.  Or to add more moisture, try the Avocado & Egg Yolk Mask.

Avocado & Egg Yolk Hair Mask

  • ½ an avocado
  • 2 egg yolks

Mix ingredients well. Apply to wet or dry hair and allow to sit for 15-20 minutes before rinsing and washing hair.

Hair Mask

Apply a Hair Mask

Second Step – Draw a Bath

After you have washed your hair mask out, draw a bath!  It’s so relaxing and gets your skin soft for the upcoming steps. To get your skin soft and moisturized then you can either add a DIY Soothing Oatmeal Bath sachet; find the recipe here.  Or, add a bath bomb!  LUSH have the best cruelty-free bath bombs with heaps of options.

Soak for as long as you want and make sure you take your book with you!

Bath Balls

Third Step – Give your Face some Love

Working from the top down, start with giving your face some intense hydration and nourishment.

My top pick would be to start with a mask such as the Leahlani Mermaid Mask, which is suitable for all skin types.  This gorgeous mask will help to purify and renew the complexion. This emerald beauty will feed your skin a nutrient dense blend of super food ingredients that will strengthen the skin cells, boost circulation, fight breakouts and add moisturize.

Next, use a hydrating toner such as Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator.  This toner is full of so many amazing organic ingredients that help not only hydrate and tone but calm any redness or irritation.  Improves elasticity, detoxifies and brightens your skin.  This is one of the best toners on the market!

Lastly, use a facial oil or moisturizer.  My picks for a decadent spa night would be either The Jojoba Company Jojoba Oil or Korres Balancing Cream-Gel Moisturizer in Pomegranate.

Fourth Step – The Hands and The Feets

Mani/Pedi time!  Moisturize your hands with Burt’s Bees Ultimate Care Hand Cream. And for your feet use Heel Chemistry by The Chemistry Brand (part of the Deciem company)  For your nail polish some great options are e.l.f., Wet n Wild, Barry M, China Glaze and ORLY.

Fifth Step – Look after your insides!

Your insides are just as important to look after so make sure you finish your night with a light, healthy meal and a refreshing fruit infused water:

Strawberry-Basil Infused Water

  • 2 cups of water or sparkling water
  • 2 cups of ice
  • 1 cup strawberries, sliced
  • handful basil
Strawberry Basil Infused Water

Strawberry-Basil Infused Water

OR

Blueberry-Lime Infused Water

  • 2 cups of water or sparkling water
  • 2 cups of ice
  • 1 cup blueberries, whole
  • 1 1/2 limes, sliced

The Importance of Self Care

Self-care is important for your mental and physical health. If you don’t practice self-care, your relationships may suffer.  Self-care is important for your physical body as well as your mind, soul and overall health.

Yoga Pose

Some people think self-care is selfish or inconsiderate. Self-care can actually make you more effective and energetic. When you avoid things that make you feel physically and mentally capable, you deplete your confidence and self-esteem. Self-care is important to maintain a healthy relationship with yourself, and can be called self-love. It produces positive feelings, which improves confidence and self-esteem.

Self-care is important for your family and friends. They can learn from you, so setting functional boundaries to take care of yourself shows them that they also need to put themselves first and not overextend or overwork. Unhealthy relationships form when you don’t take time for your needs.

Have an Cruelty-Free Spa Night

Plan your next Cruelty-Free Spa Night!

Click here for more self-care ideas.

Don’t feel guilty to take time for yourself to have an at home spa night.  It’s not only good for your skin, hair, and nails but your mind and overall health. It recharges your mental batteries when you focus on something that makes you happy.  So be sure to try to have an at home spa night at least once a month or when you need to feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

Do you have any steps that you include in your at home spa nights?

Thank you, Leah of Skin & Satori for guest posting on Realm of Vibes.  Make sure you follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.

An At Home Spa Night Using Only Cruelty-Free Products

If you would like to guest post on Realm of Vibes, please go to the Contact page and fill out the form. Realm of Vibes believes very strongly in using cruelty free products, and encourages you to only support businesses who don’t test on animals.