Rainy Day Do's and Don'ts

Hello everyone! It's finally Spring! There are now flowers, and milder weather which makes me so happy. And now there is also rain. I love rainy days. I find the sound of raindrops falling relaxing and rain is just pretty. However, don't let your style get dampened by the rain. You can still look absolutely fabulous. Here is my list of rainy days do's and don'ts:

1.) DO:  Invest in a fun, colorful pair of rain boots. Rain boots now come in a crazy selection of patterns, colors, heights, etc. Don't be afraid to go for the really bold colors and patterns. I used to have a peak of hot pink boots with orange polka dots. They were so fun and I got lots of compliment on them. They really helped brighten the day. I currently own a pair of Hunters and I love them so much. However, Hunters can be quite expensive so it doesn't hurt to look at different options. You can also buy rain boots in different heights so if the tall boots don't work for you more petite ladies, then give the shorter boots a try and they'll still keep you felt nice and dry.

2.) DO: Wear colorful clothing. Rainy days are not an excuse to let your style look sad. A pop of color gives you a cheerful look and it may just brighten someone else's day too. Accessorize with a fun umbrella and cute rain jacket and you are all set to go. Be bold on any days. I promise it is really fun and it's a great chance to showcase your unique personality. Just because the sky is grey, it doesn't mean you have to wear dull colors. Create a happy wardrobe.

3.) DON'T: Let the weather keep you stuck indoors. It's perfectly okay to be a kid and splash in puddles with your awesome, fun rain boots. Adults need to play too. It's stress relief and it will help your mind feel beautiful as well.

4.) DON'T: Allow the weather to determine your mood or attitude. Like I said above, I personally love rainy days, but if they aren't your favorite, try to find time to find something admirable about your day. Maybe write down a few things that you are thankful for, or compliment someone at the office. Always stay positive and the weather shouldn't have to power to get you in a bad mood.

I hope these tips were helpful to you. Have a blast splashing around in puddles and remember to own your look. You are gorgeous and you deserve to have fun with your clothes. Show off your smile and have an amazing day!

Love and Peace Always,

-Chloe

Essential Oils 101

Hello! My goodness I've been away for some time but what can I say? It's been one crazy semester so far. Today's topic is on the benefits and uses for essential oils. We all encounter the not-so-nice ailments that attack us such as migraines, body aches, nausea, insomnia, IBS, and of course stress and anxiety. Essential oils are phenomenal when it comes to treating said ailments, and they are also natural which eliminates the need to use harsh chemicals or drugs. That being said, always talk with your doctor and make sure it is completely safe for you to use essential oils. They can help treat mild symptoms but are not always intended to be a replacement for prescriptions from a doctor. 

1.) Lavender Essential Oil:

-Great for stress relief and relaxation: use in the evenings to help wind down and ease stress and tension that has built up over the day. I like to put a couple of drops on a cotton ball and use the cotton to breathe deeply.

-Wonderful for headaches/migraine relief: Try rubbing 1-2 drops on your upper lip so you can inhale the oil and bring some soothing goodness to a pounding head. Or you steam hot water and drop 1-2 drops of lavender into it and again inhale, but do NOT drink the water.

*NOTE: LAVENDER SHOULD NOT BE INGESTED.

2.) Peppermint Essential Oil:

-Amazing for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): dilute the oil in some coconut oil and rub it on your abdomen 

-Menstrual Cramps: use the same way as you would for IBS treatment

-Nausea: Put 1-2 drops in some hot water and drink it

-Energy: Put a couple of drops on a cotton ball and inhale, this can also help to wake up the mind and bring alertness and/or dilute the oil in some coconut oil and but on the back of your neck and shoulders for an extra alertness/energy boost

-Sore/Tired muscles: We all know working out/exercising is good, but it does cause some soreness every once in a while.I love using peppermint oil on my rest days. I dilute the oil in coconut oil and massage it into the areas where I'm feeling sore or stiff. 

-Freshen breath: Put 1-2 drops in water and drink it

-Great for headache/migraine relief: Use a cotton ball to inhale this amazing stuff

 

*NOTE: WHEN APPLYING PEPPERMINT OIL TO YOUR BODY, ALWAYS DILUTE IN A CARRIER OIL SUCH AS COCONUT OIL, OTHERWISE IT COULD CAUSE IT BURNING/PAINFUL SENSATION AND THAT IS NOT RELAXING NOR BENEFICIAL. NEVER APPLY STRAIGHT UP PEPPERMINT OIL TO YOUR SKIN, USE A CARRIER OIL.

*ALSO PEPPERMINT OIL SHOULD NEVER BEUSED ON INFANTS OR CHILDREN. THE MAIN COMPONENT TO THIS OIL IS MENTHOL AND IT CAN CAUSE A CHOKING REACTION TO LITTLE ONES. 

3.) Lemon Essential Oil:

-Great for energy/alertness: I like to put a couple drops on a cotton ball and inhale when I wake up. It wakes up my brain and it's quite refreshing.

-Cleaning: You can add lemon oil to your cleaning regimen around the house because lemon is well-known for it's disinfecting properties. Clean, sanitized home=all around happiness and health

-Skin Blemishes: I dilute the oil in coconut oil and place on acne or any other blemishes on my skin. It works really well and is safe and natural compared to using harsh chemicals such as benzoyl peroxide. 

-Allergies: When used with lavender oil and peppermint oil, it can help sooth seasonal allergies. Spring is beautiful for new growth and life, but pollen can be a pain in the neck. I take one drop of each oil and dilute it in coconut oil then I place it on my temples and around my sinuses. It's better than Claritin or Allegra and again it's natural. 

*NOTE: LIKE WITH PEPPERMINT OIL, LEMON ESSENTIAL OIL SHOULD BE DILUTED IN A CARRIER OIL SUCH AS COCONUT OIL BEFORE BEING APPLIED DIRECTLY TO SKIN. 

I hope this information was helpful and I hope you all stay healthy and safe. I love aromatherapy and I'm so thankful that I have lots of awesome people who have introduced me to them. They help me relax after a busy day and can ease yucky things like a stomach ache or migraine. Treating and managing  stress is one of the best ways to stay both beautiful and healthy. For those of you that have asked me, I buy my oils off of a medical/health supply chain called PipingRock. They are based out of New York and their products are quite nice yet affordable. Have a fantastic weekend and enjoy!

Love and Peace Always,

-Chloe 

Hydration Station

Hello everyone!
Today's beauty/fashion reminder is all about making sure to drink enough water. Water obviously prevents dehydration and serious medical complications, but it also helps keep skin clear and smooth and additional it re-energizes the body. If you are someone who struggles with less than desirable skin, you can use all the expensive products out on the market, but if you don't drink enough water, you just waste a whole bunch of money. Our bodies are composed of mostly water, and the cells in your body (skin cells) need water in order to regenerate and repair any damage. Winter can be harsh and dry out skin, and drinking lots of water can help make you feel dewey and fresh. Who doesn't want that. Water is also great for energy and alertness. Yes, coffee is a very dear friend of mine. It does do wonders, but when you are tired, water is your best friend. To your brain, water is sort of like the premium fuel. Coffee, and sugar are more like the regular grade fuel. If you want healthy skin and improved brain function, maybe try a bottle of water instead of a $5 coffee. Who knows you wallet might benefit from it too. Have a fantastic day and happy Friday!

Love and Peace Always,
Chloe

Your Skin Needs Your TLC!

Happy New Year everyone! I hope the holidays were merry and bright and filled with precious time with family and friends. I also hope Santa was kind to you and made wishes come true. I'm sitting here at my counter and locking out of my window. The backyard looks like it has been covered in sugar. So much snow and the thought of snow makes me shiver. Today Chicago is supposed to get a high of a toasty 1 degree Fahrenheit. But with windchill it is -25 degrees Fahrenheit. Yay?

Today I wanted to cover the importance of skin care. It seems that many people suffer from chronicle dry, itchy skin. I've asked a few people what they do about it, (Because I also suffer from dry skin) and so many of them say they just slap lotion all over and hope for the best. But the thing is is that lotion can't work strictly by itself. First you need to to exfoliate and scrub off the dead skin. Then I've found that my biggest weapon is coconut oil. I put a few drops on my "problem areas" and make sure I work it gently into the skin. Then the thick creams and lotions can be brought out to top it all off. I love to also carry chapstick because not only does it help with cracked lips, but it can also be used on cuticles and especially dry fingers and hands. I love it!

Always make sure to put sunscreen on your face. When it's snowy out, the sun will reflect off the bright white snow, and you can still get sun damage. (even on days when it's 1 degree out) Protect your skin and take care of it. We only get one body and although outward appearances are not everything, your skin will thank you for the extra TLC you give it. Have a beautiful day and enjoy it!

Warm wishes,
-Chloe