What are your goals this year?
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Hey guys! I'm excited to share my FREE SPECIAL BLACK FRIDAY GIFT for orders placed this Friday!
Hint....
It's a little salty, a treasure keepsake, and filled with radiant energy!
I can't wait to share my FREE GIFTS with you for Black Friday!
I love you all so much!
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Do you get that feeling sometimes, so filled with gratitude and love for just "being" that you want to shout out how happy you are to be alive? Not every day is that type of day, we (apparently) need to have some downer days to appreciate the highs of life (bummer I know). Lately I've noticed that taking time for myself really helps to incease the spontaneous highs I get and maybe here are a few reasons why:
1. Quiet Time - I love escaping in the mornings to do things solo. Walk on the beach, go to the gym, pull weeds in my garden, or just sit and sip tea flipping through a prayer book to find something that calls to me. Mornings are my everything! Granted it hasn't always been that way with four children - sometimes their needs especially when they were little - were much greater than mine, and somehow though I had some fulfillment out of those moments looking back. I still can't believe how fast time flies!
2. Slow Skincare - you saw this one coming didn't you? Well, it is really easy to rush around and hurry. I always have so many ideas and inspirations flowing through my brain at any given moment. Sometimes I don't make it "intentional" to wash my face, my body, and do overall skincare rituals. My day is so much better when I take time to slow it down especially before bed, using firm pressure to massage products like cleanser, cleansing grains, and serum along my jaw line, neck and upper chest areas. Try it and see what you think!
3. Stretch & Pray - Upon waking up, I try to do some random stretches of my legs, hands, and arms. Then I try to say a few little prayers of my gratitude like wow I get to wake up today! Wow my kids are healthy and my bed is cozy I am so thankful! Even if I don't have time for morning meditation, a little prayer before getting out of bed goes a long way in my day.
I hope these tips help you today.
Love, light, and hope
xoxo
Colleen
PS ~ this pic was taken from this morning's sunrise which is where all these collective thoughts were planted in my mind
]]>RAW DONUT
1 cup flax seeds
1/4 cup cacao powder
1/4 cup honey
a little vanilla extract
1/2 cup purified water or coconut water
Combine dry ingredients then add water, mix and let sit for 30 minutes or so. Press into silicone donut shaped molds and refrigerate. Leave in fridge for a few hours and decorate with your favorite toppings. Pictured is one with cacao nibs and one with shredded coconut flakes colored with hibiscus powder. Bon apetite
]]>February is my favorite month to reflect on all things heart healthy. Did you know that the CDC reports nearly 1 out of 2 adults live with high blood pressure? That means that either you or someone you love can be at risk for heart disease problems such as stroke, heart failure, and cognitive decline. Living a heart healthy life is about lifestyle. Incorporating these heart healthy practices into your daily life routine is the goal.
Here are 10 of my favorite ways to keep your heart healthy.
1. Quit Smoking- this is a MUST - explore all available options including 1-800-QUIT-NOW to receive free guidance on how to quit for good.
2. Be more active - sit less, move more. If you sit for most of your day look into exercies you can do while seated or make working out before or after your seated workday a priority.
3. Substitute water for sugary drinks and remove alcohol (or decrease the amount of drinks you consume) Alcohol is loaded with sugar and leads to long-term degenerative disease later in life.
4. Monitor Blood Pressure - you can purchase a BP monitor to use at home, or you can sometimes find BP monitors at grocery stores. Keeping an eye on your BP is never a bad idea. If you are working out, look up what range your BP should be in for how long, in order to achieve goals.
5. Check in with your emotions. Spirituality is a heart-healthy outlet that will keep things centered. Religion, meditation, prayer....all help feed the heart.
6. Surround yourself with positive people who lift you up and feed your soul. We all need that one special friend who we can count on to fill up our cup when we aren't feeling so great. The cup fillers are such a gift!!!
7. Music - the soul can really thrive with music. When we feel a little "blah" turning on the tunes of something warm and inspiring can really lift our hearts.
8. Physical touch. Things like hugs, holding hands, even a pat on the back are wonderful for our hearts. If anything a massage always helps to improve circulation and the power of touch can really be moving.
9. Words - expressing words of love to those around us can help make our hearts feel warm. A written letter sent in a mail is always such a beautiful touch. Bucket list for me is buying an old typewriter and writing my notes that way to friends and family. Maybe this year I will finally do that :-)
10. Last but not least and my favorite is EXERCISE. We all need some form of exercise in our lives. I call it my happy pill, as I always get a huge mood boost throughout the day when I workout. I love exercise and how it makes me feel, and when I feel good and happy, not only does my body feel happy but I am nicer to everyone around me.
I hope you enjoyed these tips and I hope you will enjoy some heart-healthy love today!
xoxo
Colleen
Have you ever tried a Hot Toddy before? Traditionally these drinks have been made to calm the mind and body at the end of a long autumn or winter day.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup honey
1 cinnamon stick
1 star anise
6 bags of Chamomile Tea
1 cup bourbon
Juice of 2 Lemons
Have you tried Banana Nice Cream before? It's a non-dairy "ice cream" you can make easily at home. It has been HOT here in Florida and this has been my go-to afternoon chill snack that gives me the energy to power through the day, instead of a sugary snack that makes me want to crash and nap.
Here's the recipe:
Frozen Bananas
Coconut Milk
Vanilla Extract
Pinch of Salt
Combine iingredients in food processor or blender. Drizzle in the Coconut Water so your nice cream isn't too liquidy. I use about 1/4 cup Coconut Water to 8 bananas, so not a lot. Also you can add vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and even a little sweetener if you like your nice cream on the sweeter side. I sometimes add a drizzle of maple syrup.
Top with your favorite toppings! Today I used cacao nibs, and a blackberry from my garden on top!
Enjoy!
]]>Today is white and I'm highlighting my beautiful essential oil candles. Can you believe I've been making soy candles since the year 2000?
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H I B I S C U S R O S E G E L M A S Q U E
Experience one of the most luxurious masques ever with this plant-enriched gel treatment that glides over skin, provides a tightening effect, and rinses away beautifully restoring tired, uneven skin tones.
I N G R E D I E N T H I G H L I G H T
Hibiscus ~ is a magical plant! Not only is it beautiful on the outside, but the petals from the flower act to firm and lift skin naturally, kind of like a plant Botox! It's anti-aging plant actives work to inhibit the activity of the enzyme elastase, which is responsible for breaking down our skin’s precious elastin.
Rosehips ~ are the fruit of the rose plant and contain powerful anti-oxidants which are another source of neutralizing those free radicals. They contain a powerhouse of vitamins such as C, E, and A to help skin's elasticity and suppleness look and feel healthy.
Rose Petals ~ add vibrancy and are humectant-powered (like a sponge drawing in moisture to help hold the natural moisture on skin) and irresistibly beautiful in aroma.
Seamoss ~ A natural superfood for skin with an incredible source of collagen and vitamin E, seamoss helps to strengthen connective tissues in skin and promote wound healing.
Use this beautiful product by herself, or synergize with Hibiscus Rose Skin Honey for an extraordinary masque experience.
]]>Choose a freebie this weekend! A red, white or blue colored product in a 1.5 oz jar is yours free with any order over $/0! Also use code: mday20 and receive 20% off your entire order!
]]>Thich Nhat Hanh said happiness is possible when we stop running and cherish the present moment and who we are. We don't need to be someone else, we are already a wonder of life. Isn't that amazing if we really think about how we are all so different and that is what makes us beautiful. What a boring world it would be if we all looked the same!
Anyways, when looking for inspiration in your skincare rituals, here are some tips to keep it real, keep it fresh, and keep it working!
!. Skincare needs may change with the seasons. In humid conditions we may need less moisture and more toning to keep the excess oils at bay. In dry hot summers, we need more moisturizing and hydration. I know these sound basic, but it's surprising to find out that many people are afraid sometimes to switch up their products.
2. Mix your Masques - when the seasons change you can combine different masques for different effects. Below, I made a masque combo for my daughter of the Pumpkin Honey Face Masque with the Sea Siren Gel Masque. I am in love with this combo! SO fun, and look at those colors!
3. Incorporate crystals and herbs into your rituals. Sometimes I use crystals to apply my cleansers and masques, I envision it adding positive energy into my skin and spirit.
Wishing you all happy, healthy, skincare rituals as we head into summer!
]]>Our internal forces - thoughts, emotions, traumas - have the ability to make us feel off balance and not in tune with ourselves. Stress is real sometimes and can throw our hormones out of control, leaving our skin with congestion, inflammation, and overall a variety of imbalances.
Believe it or not, YOU are the best expert on your skin. Sometimes writing down your needs and struggles can help you identify goals. For example, I receive emails often which are lengthy containing descriptions of skincare challenges. I often find that within these letters, the sender has actually identified some important strengths of weaknesses that can be adjusted, and I can help point them in a healthy direction.
Do you need to double cleanse? Do you need to avoid toners (elixirs)? Do you need to use toners/elixirs a few times during the day? Do you need to cleanse with a beauty balm before a regular gel cleanser? And what works one day, may not work the next depending on the weather, your sleep patterns, and overall lifestyle.
I hope this encourages you today to step out of your "normal" skincare routine, and experiment with something new whether it be a new technique (masking before your shower), massaging your face and neck when applying products, or anything else that may benefit your specific need. If you have any questions always feel free to reach out to me at: colleen@driftingbythesea.com
XOXO
Colleen
]]>1. Make a playlist, and actually listen to it. In fact, make a few! I have one for my workouts, one for when I'm feeling creative, and one for when I'm feeling blah to help pick me up. My daughters contribute to the playlist sometimes too, which I love, especially my work out one as they are more in tune with the latest songs than I am.
2. Spend 20 minutes writing your affirmations for the week. Choosing one affirmation per week to focus on can really make a difference. I like to write out my affirmations on a blank piece of paper, and then color them as I reflect on the intentions. This ia a game changer, and a moost booster for sure. When you feeling down, you can sometimes hear the whisper (or loud voice) calling you out on remembering your affirmation.
3. Start prepping for bed right after dinner. This time of the evening you probably aren't that tired yet, and you can make sure your bed is ready for when you slip in, and maybe even decorate a little warmth next to your bedside. Fresh flowers, a few chocolates, your favorite moisturizer, a book. Light a candle and pour yourself a cup of calming tea, and drink it. That way you won't have too much tea right before you go to sleep and have to wake up to use the bathroom. Stop drinking tea an hour or more before you actually go to bed, if possible.
I hope you enjoyed these tips and have a peaceful, harmonious November :-)
]]>II've been obsessed with beets lately, picking them up about 3 different grocery ttrips and not knowing exactly what I wanted to do with them besides make jjuice. The Beet Hummus always looks so delicious at the market, but it's made with cooked beans, and just isn't as fresh as I'd like. So I came up with a beet hummus recipe I hope you enjoy. Beets are blood purifiers which in turn help to purify skin and improve circulation. Plus, I think they are delicious.
RED BEET HUMMUS
3 beets (with skins cut off)
1/2 c. tahini
1 medium sized zucchini (skin peeled off)
1/4 c. oil (I used olive)
1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley
Salt to taste
1 Tablespoon tamari
1 lemon, juiced
Place all ingredients in food processor and process until smooth. Enjoy with carrots, flax crackers, or whatever you'd like.
]]>Regardless of how charming Autumn is, the season comes with great challenges for your skin. The after-summer effects of possible sun-induced damage and pigmentation, dryness and dehydration or acne can leave us feeling a bit weary. Changing up your skincare routine this time of year makes a great deal of sense.
5 Tips to Autumn-ready your skin
1. Exfoliation: post-summer skin can be experiencing hyperpigmentation and exfoliators provide deep pore cleansing experiences that can aid in a quicker cell turnover rate. Check out my new scrub ~ Mocha Java!
2. Masquing: While skin can possibly suffer effects from wearing Covid-masks on our faces, beauty masques can help revitalize skin that has been under-exposed to fresh air. Masques help to draw up toxins and stimulate circulation, promoting vascular health. Did you see my new Pumpkin Honey Masque yet?
3. Hydrate: Always a priority, make sure you get enough water during the day. Sometimes it helps to change it up by adding some fresh fruit (or frozen fruit cubes) to your water. Also, I love my afternoon herbal tea breaks. At the end of the day, it's fun to do a steam cleanse. Check out my new Face Flower Steam Cleansers in "Pore Purify" or "Facial Calm" for a special skin treat!
4. Love your Body: Don't forget about your body. After the shower is a great time to massage in some cream or skin butter. Exfoliating in the shower, and pressing firmly while applying your moisturizers helps to increase the circulation in our vascular system. I love to apply a medium pressure when applying skin products. Mermaid Mylk is available in a warm creamy Vanilla Spice blend for the holidays.
5. Layering: Layer your skincare for added benefits. This can mean first applying a moisturizer balm or lotion, following with a mist of elixir, followed with an application of serum. Yum! Also, laying the lips is so much fun. Try my new Pumpkin Berry Lip Plumping Serum with Red Raspberry Oil, Pomegranate Seed Oil, and Pumpkin Seed Oil, and then apply a layer of your favorite Lip Butter (I'm crushing hard on Pumpkin Vanilla right now) for lip layering.
Drifting by the Sea has got you covered! Take a look at these products, designed to help you keep your skin glowing even when the rain (or snow) comes!
I love me some jicama! I have used this beautiful veggie in many different recipes but recently I was browsing a menu from a restaurant in the southwest US which listed "Jicama Tacos." I looked all over their website for a picture of the dish, but couldn't find any. So after picking up a jicama yesterday, I decided to play around and make my own jicama taco (salad). This is what I came up with and it was delicious!
I Jicama, peeled and chopped
Any Mexican taco-inspired kind of veggies - I used avocado, mango, and black olives. Fresh cilantro would be a great addition!
1/2 Cup Sun-dried Tomatoes
Salt
Chili Spice
Cayenne Pepper Seasoning
Place Jicama and sun-dried tomatoes in food processor with tamari and salt. Process until you get that meaty texture.
Chop your veggies up and add your jicama meat.
Devour :-)
]]>This special limited edition collection includes:
Pumpkin Spice Latte Handmade Soap
Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub (new)
Vanilla Spice Mermaid Mylk Body Cream
Vanilla Honey Face Cleanser
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Raw Zucchini Hummus
1 zucchini with ends cut off and chopped (not peeled)
1/2 cup tahini (raw if possible)
1/2 red pepper, chopped
1 lemon, juiced
1 garlic clove, peeled
1 Tablespoon Nama shoyu (or liquid aminos)
salt to taste
Place everything in food processor and process. Garnish with sesame seeds.
I like to enjoy this with raw carrots & celery, or flax chips.
Raw Flax Chips
1 cup flax seeds
1 cup water
1 Tablespoon sea salt
Let soak for an hour or so. Rinse. Place on teflex sheet in dehydrator in a very thin layer. The thinner the better in my opinion for "chips." Dehydrate at 105 degrees for 12 hours or overnight, or whenever they feel crispy.
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Today August 8th is said to be the luckiest day of the year as Sirius' alignment with Earth coincides with the Orion constellation aligning perfectly. Each year on the 8th day of the 8th month (August 8th) a spiritual gateway (or portal) opens at its peak. Actually, this portal is said to open up between the 26th of July and August 12th. It’s a highly magnetic and apparently cosmic alignment that takes place.
Astrologically, this portal is called the "Lion's Gate Portal" due to the sun being in the sign of Leo (the lion). The manifestation portal opens as the moon aligns with the sun in Leo, creating a fresh lunar cycle, bringing passions to the forefront, and supercharging our ability to start fresh.
Soooo....how to manifest? I read up on a few different ways, and combined what I thought sounded perfect. Your version may be different but I believe that if you are throwing out to the universe your intentions, today and over the next few weeks it may be more successful than other times of the year.
Here is what I did:
1. Write down your manifestations. I used a special natural handmade paper I use for my soap labels. Now is the time of year for these to not be simple manifestations. Ask the universe for your wildest dreams!
2. Fold your paper in half (folding the paper toward you).
3. Set crystals on top of your paper. I selected crystals based on my manifestations (e.g. love for rose quartz).
4. Light a candle.
5. Stand in a steamy shower thinking about the life you want. As the water hits your skin envision how you want your life to be, closing your eyes.
6. Place your paper with crystals on top outdoors, protected from the elements, so they can charge during tonight's moon..
My daughters first discovered these tips on Tik Tok and I spent some time with them yesterday and today looking at various ways to create and manifest your best life. I know.....the things you learn on Tik Tok these days but it can't hurt to try, right?
]]>1. Start by applying a serum to the skin and massage into skin. Remove with compressing warm washcloth over face.
2. Continue with your favorite cleanser by dampening skin and massaging over skin and neck making sure it lathers up before rinsing.
3. Follow with your favorite moisturizer.
And, that's it! So easy, and I am sure you will see results quickly. If you have more dry skin, you may want to do a double cleanse only a few times a week, or for very dry skin use a serum for both cleanses. If your skin is more oily, you may enjoy using an exfoliator like the Lemongrass Sage Brightening Scrub for step 1, to really get the hidden oils cleansed.
I hope these tips help and you enjoy cleansing that is twice as nice :-)
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