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Pain and Patience

February 8, 2017 by whoorl

I visited my yoga studio for the first time in three weeks yesterday. Upon arriving, my teacher asked how my injury was, and I told her I was very much improved and ready to dive back in. She looked and me and said, “Sarah, you need to be patient with your body. Please take it easy.” I thought to myself, “of course!” I thought I was ready.

The class was so frustrating. My body was frustrating. The pain was there. The grace in which I flow through postures was most definitely not. Even dialing back my effort by half, it was hard not to grimace.

Leaving the class, I felt so defeated. When would I be able to enjoy something I love so much again? When would the pain leave? “I’ve done ALL the stuff I’m supposed to do to heal!,” I thought.

Oh, Sarah. Patience.

Practicing patience is so incredibly difficult. Harder than any asana. No one wants to be in pain, whether physical or emotional, but we simply must give ourselves the proper time to heal. Because with every day that passes, those muscle fibers, bones, and ligaments will heal. Even the heart will heal…it’s a muscle too, after all. Maybe not exactly the way it was before, but in a way that allows you to experience life from a new perspective. However, until that time comes, you must give yourself grace. You must soften into the pain, not fight it. Be gentle with yourself, as you would with any of your loved ones.

Because the pain will subside. It always does.

Green Beauty Recap – September

September 29, 2016 by whoorl

Whoah, this month flew by, didn’t it? This month I have some fun finds in green cosmetics and skincare!

First off, W3LL PEOPLE. Love their Bio Brightener, Bio Bronzer, and the Universalist Multi-Sticks. I mean, come on, I am such a sucker for makeup sticks…they are so easy to apply! I tried a few new shades this month – #8 (Nude Rose), #10 (Nude Berry), and #11 (Nude Peach). And I love them all. Seriously. Didn’t think I would like #11, but it was such a gorgeous sheer wash of peach. So impressed, truly.

Here are the swatches, which I applied heavily, so you could see the true tones. You can definitely blend these out to a very sheer wash of color, though. These are everyday staples, in my book. My only issue is deciding which one to wear!

Oooh! Ilia Beauty has some new goodies too.

Ilia Fade Into You Powder and Finishing Powder Brush. This new powder is great for giving a soft focus look to the skin, and doesn’t contain talc. Now, up until a month or so ago, I wasn’t much of a powder fiend, but I have been setting my undereye concealer with powder recently, and I’ve been really happy with the result with this particular powder. Now, the brush was love at first swipe. The soft bristles are made with high-grade, synthetic Taklon, which is an easy-to-clean, cruelty-free material.

But let’s talk lipstick, shall we? Oh my goodness, I tried two of Ilia’s new shades and I am obsessed with both.

Madam Mina on the left, and Lucy’s Party on the right. Madam Mina is the perfect blush mauve for my pigmented lips. It doesn’t wash me out like most lighter blush colors, and I find myself grabbing it all the time during my day-to-day grind. Lucy’s Party is such a killer oxblood for fall. Check it out.

A favorite, for sure.

Finally, let’s talk about Petit Vour’s September box. Petit Vour is a monthly cruelty-free and non-toxic beauty box (only $15/month) with great brands, as well as a fantastic online shop!

This month’s box contained my favorite deodorant brand, Meow Meow Tweet. (Really, peeps. I’ve tried ALL OF THE NATURAL DEODORANTS, TRUST ME.) Love this specific grapefruit-scented one without baking soda, which I alternate with this one. (What can I say…once again, I love sticks.) I don’t use any other natural deodorant brand. Meow Meow Tweet is the way to go.

Also in the box this month: Osea Ocean Cleanser, Odacité Radiance Serum Concentrate, and ADORN Hydrating Cream Foundation in Light/Medium. My favorite of this lot is the Odacité Serum – designed to create radiance, it is made with green tea and lemongrass, and oh my, it smells so good. (I’m a huge lemongrass fan.) You just put a few drops into your facial oil or moisturizer and it gives such a nice glow.

I have been very pleasantly surprised with the Petit Vour box, and will continue to subscribe. If you have any particular questions about this service, hit me up in the comments!

That’s it for this month. Anything new that you are loving in the green beauty realm?

My Guide to Laguna Beach

September 26, 2016August 2, 2023 by whoorl

I’ve been involved in quite a love affair with Laguna Beach for some time, as many of you have witnessed on my Instagram account and blog over the past decade. It all started 14 years ago, when my boyfriend (now husband) and I were living, working, and freezing our tushes off in Chicago. I recall, on one particularly frigid evening in our drafty kitchen, I looked at him and said (through chattering teeth), “maybe we should move to Southern California.” Two weeks later, we signed a lease on a tiny apartment in Laguna Beach.

We lived in Laguna Beach for a couple of years, moving on to Corona del Mar and finally Newport Beach, but Laguna has always held a very special place in my heart. However, my love for this town has grown leaps and bounds over the past two years since we relocated to Oklahoma. Due to work commitments (thank you, career!) and family trips, I’ve been back to visit Laguna six times, which has been so lovely.

Any coastal Southern Californian will agree that living and visiting the area are two very different beasts, so the past couple of years have given me the opportunity to experience the town again as a tourist, despite my experience as a local from years past. This month, I collaborated with Visit Laguna to create a guide of my favorite Laguna haunts coupled with some unfamiliar, suggested stops. So, sit back (no really, sit down…it’s long), relax, and enjoy my guide to Laguna Beach.

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Refine for Fall with These Beauty Favorites

September 2, 2016January 30, 2020 by whoorl

This might be my favorite giveaway post of all-time. As some of you know, I am an Ambassador for Beauty Heroes, and I’ve written about my love for this service and shop before. (I was a member of the monthly service long before I became an ambassador for the company, so it was definitely a love at first sight deal.)

What I love most about Beauty Heroes is the very careful curation of items that the founder Jeannie sends in the monthly box and carries in the online shop. It has helped me become acquainted with great brands and products that I might have never discovered on my own.

So, today’s post is all about my favorite items from the Beauty Heroes shop. This isn’t a roundup of reviews of new products…these are my tried-and-true-will-repurchase-again-and-again products, specifically ones that are great for refining your skin and body after a long summer. And. And! We have joined forces for a great giveaway, which I will tell you about a little later.

First off, let’s get to talking about my fave products!

Uma Absolute Anti-Aging Body Oil

I have been on a search for a body oil for years. I enjoy body oils because it feels like more of a ritual to me…you need to rub your skin a bit firmer and longer than a traditional lightweight lotion, which really gets the blood to the surface of my skin. And what does more blood to the surface of the skin do? Increases circulation, thus keeping the skin youthful.

However, I don’t enjoy oils that take a long time to apply. So my #1 requirement is that the oil absorbs quickly. I mean, I don’t have the time in the day to apply body oil after a shower and s l o w l y wait for it to absorb. I’m a girl on the go, people! That stuff needs to get in my skin STAT. Well, look no further, because Uma has done it again. (I’m a huge fan of the line – more of my thoughts here, and I absolutely adore Shrankhla, the founder of Uma. She’s become a dear friend over the past few years.)

It absorbs quickly, and you guys, the scent. THE SCENT. It is intoxicating. So lovely, I can’t even express. (It doubles as a perfume for me since I don’t wear a traditional one.) A sandalwood base with rose and neroli…oh, it’s good. This is THE body oil for me. No need for others, as far as I’m concerned.

Organic Hair Perfume by Tabitha James Kraan

While we’re talking smell-good, let me tell you about the hair perfume by Tabitha James Kraan. (Does anyone else think of Tabitha’s Takeover when hearing that name? That show was such an awesome trainwreck. No relation, FYI.) This spray makes your hair smell amazing. Neroli, Bergamot, Lavender and Myrrh…but it also has a slight citrus scent. It’s such a great pick-me-up in the middle of the day, and I’ve been known to spray it all over my clothes and my body as well. My only beef? I wish it lasted longer. :( (Could you work on that, Tabitha? I’d love you forever.)

The Super Couple by Maya Chia

I’m on my first bottle of this product, which makes it the newest of this roundup, but I had to include because it continues to impress me every day. What I love most about this facial oil is that it simplifies my beauty ritual by treating, protecting, and moisturizing all in one. I’ve been using this on nights when I don’t feel like doing the whole shebang.

Plus, Super Couple combines the potent skin-repairing power of astaxanthin from Hawaiian algae, with omega bursting supercritical chia oil. (Astaxanthin has been clinically proven to have 65X the strength of Vitamin C to fight free radicals. Um, yeah. This 41-year-old will take as much free-radical-fighting as she can!)

Josh Rosebrook Hydrating Accelerator

Looking for a toner? The Hydrating Accelerator by Josh Rosebrook is totally on point. First off, Josh Rosebrook is a Green Beauty God, as far as I’m concerned. He is SO passionate about organic beauty, and it shows.

This multi-functioning spray acts as an anti-inflammatory, instant hydrator, toner and light moisturizer. (SO good on planes, btw.) Smells fresh and herbal, and my skin just loves it as a pick-me-up or before I apply serums and/or moisturizer. (I totally just sprayed this on my face while typing this.) This and the toner by MUN are my two favorites.

Josh Rosebrook Active Enzyme Exfoliator

Another favorite by Josh Rosebrook is the Active Enzyme Exfoliator. Summer’s over, and it’s time to give our skin some love, am I right? Well, this exfoliator will do the job without being too harsh. I see a difference immediately after using – improved skin tone and firmness, and reduction of the appearance of pores. It also has a lovely herbal scent. (Another great quality of his products – the scents are earthy and fresh, not heady or perfume-y in the least.)

Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen + Primer

Sunscreen! Even though summer is over, sunscreen on the face is a must. Trust me on this, Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen + Primer is the way to go. I’ve used Suntegrity’s 5-n-1 tinted sunscreen the past, but I really enjoy this non-tinted version better. (Probably because I have other foundations and tinted moisturizers that I like more.) This sunscreen feels so good on the skin – provides hydration, yet absorbs right into the skin. No greasy residue or anything. And the scent is light and fresh. I truly have no need to look for another sunscreen product for my face.

Innersense Color Awakening Shampoo and Color Radiance Conditioner

As for hair, *surprise surprise*, I must mention the Innersense Color Awakening Shampoo and Color Radiance Conditioner. I’m not going to sound like a broken record today, so my thoughts on Innersense are here and here. My favorite organic hair care brand. Tops!

Okay, folks. Let’s get to the nitty gritty. You know makeup is my passion, so I must tell you about these lovers of mine.

Stratus Soft Focus Instant Skin Perfector by Vapour Organic Beauty

This stuff is gold. I have no idea how it works (organic black magic?), but it literally lights you up. It’s considered a primer, and while I don’t see much of a difference on my face alone, it does magical things when you put makeup over it. Like a glow from within kind of thing? TELL ME HOW IT WORKS, PRAY TELL.

Aura Multi Use Radiant Classic Blush by Vapour Organic Beauty

My favorite blushes. First off, stick applicator. LOVE. Just swipe that bad boy on your face and go. I have Courtesan, Spark, and Eros. Hell, I might as well get Crush and make my collection complete. (Wore Spark all summer long, and am switching over to Eros and Courtesan for fall and winter.)

Radiant Lip Whip by Kari Gran

This is such a unique product, as it’s really like a “lip whip.” It’s balm meets lipstick, but not like waxy balm, more like a…wait for it…lip whip. The texture is light and airy, but it lasts on the lips forever. Radiant is my favorite barely there natural pink shade. I wear it all the time. (Also, Jolene is a really great shade if you like more of a punch.) So moisturizing…a must-have for the upcoming cooler months.

Eye Shadow by Modern Minerals Makeup in Rose Quartz

Look around…pale pinks, rose golds, rosé, blush…it’s THE color of the moment. This loose eye shadow by Modern Minerals gives a lovely sheer, shimmering color to the lids (not glittery, though, blech), and it’s infused with Lotus Wei gem and flower essences. Embrace your inner hippie while looking gorgeous doing it. #fistbump

I’m wearing the above four products here. (Skin Perfector, Blush in Courtesan, Lip Whip in Radiant, and Rose Quartz eye shadow.)

Super easy and natural, right?

Wow. That was a lot of information. Are you still with me? Um, hello?

Glad you stuck around for the best part! Jeannie from Beauty Heroes generously offered to provide one lucky winner their choice of three of the above items. You can see all my curated picks in one spot here, and click here to enter the giveaway. (Official rules here.) Which ones would you pick? It’s a toughie, that’s for sure. Good luck to you all!

My Favorite Yoga Leggings

June 27, 2016June 27, 2016 by whoorl

I’ve given you the lowdown on my workout faves over the years, but I feel it necessary to wax poetic about the leggings I keep comin’ back to, over and over, again and again.

They are from Fabletics – specifically called the Salar leggings and the Salar capri. And I am obsessed. Truly.

So obsessed, in fact, that I’ve noticed I won’t wear any of my other leggings from other brands. Popular brands. WAY MORE expensive brands. Nope, no thank you, not interested.

What do I specifically love about the Salar leggings, you ask? Well, they wash well, wear well, aren’t see-through when you bend over, and most importantly, don’t budge when I move through yoga postures. You see, ladies, for whatever reason, yoga leggings tend to sliiiiiide down my waist and hips when I flow through postures. IT DRIVES ME ABSOLUTELY BATTY. Yes, I’m the one on her mat yanking at her pants all the livelong day…at least, when I’m not wearing the Salar leggings/capris.

However, when I have the Salars on, they just stay put. End of story.

Plus, it doesn’t hurt that they come in about 20 shades and/or patterns. (For what it’s worth, I find the patterned leggings to feel a bit stiffer than the solid colors. But truly, the black ones just can’t be beat for feel and longevity, although I have many colors and patterns.)

So, here’s the deal about Fabletics if you haven’t tried the brand. It’s a monthly service, in which you are billed $49.95/month UNLESS you decide to skip the month, in which you aren’t billed anything. I skip all the time. In fact, I go months and months without purchasing anything. All you need to do is log into your account and hit the skip button within the first 5 days of the month. It’s that easy. (I just have a reminder on the first day of the month on my Google calendar – I log in and then buy or skip…I skip more than I buy, personally.) I’ve been using the service for about 2 years and have no complaints.

As you will see, Fabletics has quite a robust workout collection – not just for yoga. I’ve tried the tanks and bras, which were fine, but I actually prefer other brands. However, the leggings are #1 for me.

Best part? Your first outfit is $25. Yep, three pieces for 25 bones. I mean, come on now. Oh, and they have free shipping and returns, so there’s really not much to lose. I think you should check it out.

Let me know what you think! Have you tried Fabletics before? Also, can my ass look like Kate Hudson’s? Thanks.

New Faves in Green Beauty (+ A Fab Giveaway!)

May 23, 2016May 23, 2016 by whoorl

I have some new loves to share with you on this lovely Monday. (Oh, and psst, I’m giving away one of each of the above items, care of Joy Provisions, which I will tell you about in a bit!)

Ilia Beauty has been one of my favorite green beauty brands since I started this whole transition to natural thing, and the brand recently came out with a line of SPF products, including the Radiant Beauty Balm SPF 20 and some great tinted lip conditioners with SPF 15, just in time for summer.

I decided to put together an easy, approachable look using a few of these products, as well as my favorite Lily Lolo Bare Eye Palette.

First off, let’s talk about the Radiant Beauty Balm in All Your Gold. Loving this! It’s like a primer with very subtle pearl pigments to make the skin look luminous while evening out the skin. Ilia says you can combine this with foundation, but I really liked wearing it on its own. I’m wearing it in all the photos below. For those of you who want a tiny bit of coverage with a luminous finish, you would love this.

Next up. the Lily Lolo Bare Eye palette.

Ooh, this is fave because the shadows give a nice sheen, but do not have any glittery specs of mica, which I detest. (Just to be clear…there is mica in the shadows, but it is very finely milled, so the overall effect is a sheen, not glittery.) There are also a few matte shades as well, which is a nice mix. Looking at the palette from left to right, my favorite shadows (and the ones I’m wearing in the photos) are #2, #4, and #5.

Onto the lips!

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