Tag Archives: Healthy Lifestyle

Clean & Pure at Credo Beauty

Have you heard of the app Think Dirty? One of my co-workers recently turned me on to it, and the concept behind it is that it allows you to scan beauty and personal care products to understand the potentially toxic ingredients in the products we use everyday. Recently, I found out that most of my products rate at a 7 or higher! Products that rate anywhere in the 7-10 range contain ingredients that have potential serious negative long-term health effects.

That same week, Kali of In Spades mentioned she would be at Credo Beauty in Westfield UTC for a beauty event. “All of the brands we carry at Credo must pass our screening process proving they use only safe ingredients (nothing harmful or toxic), are cruelty-free and committed to ethical sourcing and sustainable production.” What a wonderful coincidence that the day after I discover the Think Dirty app I end up at a beauty event featuring #CleanBeauty products!

One of the lines carried there is called Nu Evolution, which is a green make-up and beauty company owned by two sisters Kali met during NYFW. I received this beautiful lip gloss called “Bliss” in the gift bag from Credo. Their products are gluten and cruelty free, made with all natural and organic ingredients such as Cocoa & Shea Butter, Coconut, Castor & Jojoba Oil. This gloss is rich and non-sticky and “Bliss” is a lovely high-gloss pink, that still appears subtle on the lips.

Innersense is a green hair care line whose products all rate at 0-3 on the Think Dirty app, and I got the chance to chat with one of the founders, Greg Starkman, at the event. My hair is quite thick and coarse, and requires nourishment because it can easily dry out, or overly greasy when unwashed. I purchased their Hairbath (shampoo) and conditioner, and received the leave-in conditioner as a gift. My hair is in dire need of repair, and I already feel the wonderful effect of using an all natural product. My hair is softer and takes product well after use.

Thank you Kali for letting me know about the event, and thanks to Diane, Store Manager at Credo Beauty. She really spent some time with me to explain their concept and product lines, and introduced me to my new favorite deodorant by AER, sold exclusively at Credo. I tend to get irritated under my arms, and I needed a totally clean deodorant that would help to calm the irritation but provide the protection I need. Bonus: it comes in a Blood Orange scent!

Smoothieology: My Morning Work Week Routine

I know I have mentioned this in my ClassPass post about how I’m trying to eat healthier in addition to incorporating exercise. But now that I’ve shared how I’m changing up my snacking habits in the last post (additionally, I’m no longer having any sugary snacks and sodas during the week), I also wanted to share exactly how I make my morning breakfast using Smoothieology from the Good Clean Health blog.

I love this guide because takes the guess-work out of making a nutritious smoothie that fits me perfectly. I’ve made several trials drinks, but this is the one that I have had every weekday morning since March 2014. My version looks a bit green, but it really is quite delicious because I make it with selections from the “Optional” section to take the edge of the “rawness” of the smoothie. Not only do I feel better, but I’ve even lost a little weight by cutting out my crazy fast-food morning routine. Let me know how you are changing up your habits for a more healthier you!

Base – 1/2 Can of Coconut Water
Fat – 1 tbsp Almond Butter
Fruits – 4-6 Strawberries & 1 Whole Banana
Vegetables – 2 Handfuls of 50/50 Spring Mix or 1 Handful each of Spinach & Baby Kale (baby kale is better soluble than regular kale)
Optional – 1 tbsp Flax Seed (superfood), 1/2 tsp Cinnamon (spice), 1 packet Stevia (sweetener)

Introducing ClassPass San Diego!

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know I’ve made some attempts to be healthier through lifestyle changes like The Whole30 (original post here, and additional posts here). I’ve also been making a smoothie every single morning using the Smoothieology formula since March of this year. Now, I’ve been trying to figure out how to incorporate an exercise routine into the mix, so I was very glad when the folks at ClassPass contacted me to try out their fitness start up service. Basically, for $99 a month, you can take unlimited fitness classes at multiple participating studios, but are limited to three classes per studio per month (but once the next month starts, you can visit that studio again three more times). They are currently available in New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington D.C., Seattle, Portland and now here in San Diego. It’s a great alternative to a gym membership because it allows you to build a workout routine through a variety of different studios offering fitness of all types, such as zumba, yoga, pilates, indoor cycling and so much more. Here’s a new and exciting addition to their services: ClassPass Flex, which allows you to also choose unlimited classes in another participating city, which is great for when you are traveling and want to keep up your fitness routine. Just remember that if you can’t make it to a class, you must cancel 24 hours in advance, or pay a $20 “no show” fee.

It was very easy to select a class once registered with ClassPass: all you have to do is choose the date you want, and all of the available classes and times show up under that day. I’ve always wanted to try a Zumba class, and my first one was yesterday. It was a Zumba/Zumba Toning Combo at ZFitness in the Sorrento Valley area. It’s been awhile since I’ve had a workout like that, but now I’m excited to see what else it out there, and I’ll be sure to post my experiences during my first 30 days.

If you want to join ClassPass, you can request an invite on their site here, and also check out their FAQs if you have additional questions. Also, follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, then tag #classpass, #classpassSD, #livingthesweatylife and participate in #PassTheHappy to share the love once you join!

FTC Disclosure: I received a one month membership and was asked to provide a review in return. Although I did receive a membership, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

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