Follow:
Monthly Archives

December 2015

    Lifestyle, Wellness

    Ultimate Detox Bath Soak {January Jump-start}

    Detox Bath

    There are plenty of detox bath remedies out there for many different ailments. The detox bath I have been using for years is great because it can be used to remedy a bad cold, a bad diet, or even a bad night of partying. I thought my ‘January Jump-start’ series was a perfect time to introduce you to this detox bath.  A detox bath is one of the easiest healing therapies we can do to facilitate our body’s natural detoxification system. In this day and age, our bodies are subject to more toxins than ever. It’s also that time of year where it seems everyone is either sick or on the verge of getting sick. Blame it on the stale air floating around those airplane rides home from holiday vacations or co-workers bringing it in to the office, but either way, it’s out there! Whether it’s been a year of nothing but processed food in your diet, or you’re dealing with the nasty crud, whatever your ailment, I have just the thing to help you get back on your feet and feeling better in no time.

    A Detox Bath.

    Detox Bath

    As a health-nut I hate to admit this, but I’m a skeptic about many of the ‘home remedies’ out there. But take it from me – this one is a keeper! Whatever my reasoning for taking this detox bath is, my symptoms actually subside and I feel better by the next day. The ingredients below facilitate the elimination of toxins which cleanse the liver, kidneys, and thyroid. In other words: it gets that cold over quicker, and helps facilitate the healing of those organs that we’ve put through the ringer with all the toxins that consistently enter the body.

    Detox Bath

    How does it work?

    Sulfate is in Epsom salt and baking soda. When absorbed in the skin, it rids the body of toxins we pick up from pollution and processed foods. I add ginger to enhance the detox process, because it has anti-mucus properties, is a natural decongestant, and opens up the pores. Just a little word to the wise: the ginger in this detox bath will make you sweat your ass off! Luckily for us, that’s a good thing. Sweating is one of the best (and cheapest) ways to detoxify, and if you don’t have access to a sauna, this is a fantastic alternative. Another bonus: it’s a powerful antioxidant with potent anti-inflammatory properties, so it’s amazing for your skin as well.

    A few words of advice before getting started:

    If you’ve never done this before, I’d say that 20 minutes is plenty. With the added ginger, the bath will cause you to sweat more than usual and it will feel quite hot. Any longer might be too intense for a newbie. Also, don’t feel badly if you can’t stay totally submerged the entire time. Honestly, I move around a lot and try to distract myself with reading so I can stay in long enough to get all the benefits it promises. That being said, I have to reiterate, you will sweat! Even after you get out of the bath, you’ll probably continue to sweat (a lot) for the next hour or two, so wear light clothes or a towel so you can easily change. Just like you would after a massage or sauna treatment, drink plenty of water afterwards.

    I cannot stress enough, this is an intense treatment. I even have my kids do this if they have a bad cold. If you weigh less than 120 pounds, add less Epsom salt and ginger. Conversely, if you weigh more than 175 pounds, add a bit more to your comfort level. I strongly discourage this detox bath, if you’re pregnant.

    Detox Bath

    What’s your favorite go-to home remedy for a good old fashion detox or cold? Please share in the comment section below. I would like to encourage you to scroll, not only through mine, but other bloggers comment sections. You can get some of your greatest tips and advice from utilizing that tool. We are a community of helping one another. Let’s make the best of 2016 by opening ourselves up and sharing our personal gifts, as well as welcoming the gifts others bring to this health-driven circle.

    If you are looking for other ways to hit the detox button this new year, please check out this blog post and this blog post.

    5.0 from 1 reviews
    Detox Bath
     
    A therapeutic detoxifying bath to induce sweat and improve circulation. The ingredients in this bath facilitate the elimination of toxins which cleanse the liver, kidneys, and thyroid.
    Author:
    Recipe type: Detoxification
    Ingredients
    • 1 cup epsom salt
    • ½ c. baking soda (yes, the kind you keep in the fridge)
    • 4 T. ground ginger (more or less depending on your tolerance)
    • 15 to 20 drops of essential oils of choice (I always use lavender, and pair it with at least one other. I like ylang ylang, tea tree, and eucalyptus.
    Instructions
    1. Fill your bathtub with hot water - as hot as you can tolerate it. Once it fills about half way, sprinkle in your ingredients and give it a few big stirs with your hand to help it all dissolve.
    2. Once it's full, get in and submerge yourself to your neck.
    3. Soak for at least 20 minutes. but you can stay as long as 40 minutes. The first 20 minutes is to extract toxins while the second 20 minutes is when the body begins to absorb the minerals.
    4. Once you're out, simply towel off and rest for about 30 minutes before showering.
    Notes
    Do NOT do this detox every day, but instead once or twice a week and build to three times a week from there if you want to do so.

      
    xoTracy

    Fashion

    Little Black Dress for Valentine’s Day Date Night Look

    Little Black Dress
    When I think of the little black dress, simplistic elegance comes to mind. By definition, the Little Black Dress, otherwise known as the ‘LBD’ is a short black cocktail or evening dress with a simple feminine design and style. It is a closet staple with timeless appeal and has inspired designers over the years to keep it classic. It can be affordable, and it can be expensive. The little black dress can get a bit risque, but can be polished up for any professional setting you may attend. With it’s versatility, you always have the option to find a stylish and attractive balance between the two.

    Little Black Dress

    Unlike any other color, wearing black slims and defines your body type. A simple LBD can be worn for any occasion. It can be worn both day and night. These little numbers are seen in board meetings with blazers, and on dance floors at the hottest night clubs. It pairs with every shoe in your closet. You can pair a little black dress with pumps, heels, sandals or wedges. The little black dress can easily be dressed up or down with jewelry, hair style and layers. Did I mention that everyone needs to have a little black dress hanging in their closet?

    Little Black Dress

    When it comes to holiday party and date night outfits, by no means do I feel you should limit yourself to the little black dress.  As you can see from my blog posts on previous date night outfit ideas … Cobalt Blue Day-to-Night, Lady in Red, and Faux Fur + Leather, the options are endless.

    Little Black Dress

    Little Black Dress

    If you don’t have a little black dress, get yourself one. When shopping, look for a dress that is simple because simplicity equates versatility … and that makes for a real investment piece. Valentine’s Day  is right around the corner, a perfect occasion to bring out that LBD and bling it up. I hope you enjoyed inspiration in my holiday party outfit ideas series. Let me know what you will be wearing to impress your Honey, this Valentine’s Day. 

    Little Black Dress

    LBD: Forever 21 { old }  |  Shoes: Nine West { old }  |  Clutch: Macy’s { old }  |  Hose:  Berkshire from Macy’s  |  Lipstick:  Sephora Cream Lip Stain in 01

     
    xoTracy

    Fashion

    Cobalt Blue Day to Night


    Cobalt Blue {2 Ways to Wear}

    Today’s post is the third in a series intended to inspire you as you plan out your holiday party attire. I decided to get a little creative with this post and bring to you an outfit inspiration that you can style two different ways. Not taking away from the key element, which is this vibrant pop of cobalt blue, I was able to create an office or daytime party look that can easily transition into a nighttime party look.

    Cobalt Blue + Winter White

    This is great when you are on limited time, which is pretty much 24-7 this time of year. But it’s also nice because if you’re anything like me, you hate having to pull a piece of clothing, especially a turtleneck, over your head. I’ll take the little bit of messed up hair, but there’s nothing I hate more than getting make-up on the top that I’m taking off, or worse yet, the one I’m putting on. No Shout wipes gonna fix that!

    Cobalt Blue + Winter White

    We already know that cobalt blue looks stunning with black. But I’m sure you know by now, I’m always up for a wildcard.

    Cobalt Blue + Winter White

    Winter White is just chic! This snowy shade communicates richness and elegance. Wearing white in winter is modern, especially when you pair it with black accessories. I love this suede fringe bag with the outfit. It creates a little edge to a more conservative look. What makes these ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ unique, is the black heal they have. It catches you off guard. And that pop of cobalt peeking out from the trousers, WOW! Winter white is something you don’t see worn enough. Although women of my age and older are generally reluctant to wear white, I personally believe a lot more can pull it off, than they think. Don’t be afraid that white makes you look bigger, but instead focus on finding the perfect fit for your body type. You have to be willing to invest the time to try on different styles that suit you. When purchasing winter white trousers, this isn’t a time to go cheap. The color white is not very forgiving. Winter white is no exception. You are going to have to invest the money in a good quality fabric, one that’s plenty thick. Nobody wants to be sporting any dimpled skin, or panty lines through their trousers. Whether it’s Spanx or Target’s, knock-off version (Assets), shape wear is a ladies best friend. Buy yourself a good nude pair ‘AFTER’ you purchase your winter white trousers. Take the trousers & a purse-sized, hand held mirror with you to the store, grab every nude colored shapewear they offer and get down to business. If you shelled out some good money for those trousers and you take good care of them, you’ll have them the rest of your life. They don’t go out of style, and neither should you. It makes no difference what size or shape you are, we all have a sense of style. Find yours. Maybe this year it’s Winter White. Who knows, be adventurous, surprise yourself.

    Cobalt Blue + Black

    I don’t need to delve too much into the nighttime look. If you go to this blog post …. you’ll see the exact same skirt, hose, boots and person wearing them. Little can go wrong with this pairing. Bear in mind, unless your 25, when going more daring on the bottom, keep the top more covered & conservative. Like my husband often says, ‘Ya gotta keep something for the imagination!’

    Cobalt Blue + Black

    Cobalt Blue + Black

    This amazing Calf-hair clutch is my go-to when I want a pop of animal print. Because of the light background and large prints its a real show-stopper. I also, cannot get enough of these earrings. The cobalt blue tassels with the shiny gold details, make a real statement, adding the icing on the cake to this look.

    I hope you found inspiration in this post of creating one outfit – worn two ways. Whether its red, green or hot pink, you could create this exact look in any color you find most flattering on you. Gold, paired with winter white or black, would be beautiful and festive this time of year. Which look did you like best? The first, wearing winter white? Or, are you more the black leather mini type? Share your thoughts in the comment section. Again, thank you for stopping by. If you would like to see a holiday party look using the color red, click this blog post. If you haven’t already, please subscribe to my newsletter, where you will receive an email with all new posts. Follow me on social media. And as always, may your holidays be Merry and Bright!

    Cobalt Blue + Black

    Cobalt Blue Sweater by Ralph Lauren purchased at T.J.Maxx $24.99

    Trousers Express {old}

    Shoes Target {old}

    Fringe Handbag H & M $24.99

    Leather Mini Skirt Forever 21 {old}

    Boots Forever 21 $44.90

    Michael Kors Calf-Hair Clutch {old}

    Hose Berkshire from Macy’s $10.00

    Earrings Bar lll from Macy’s $24.50

    Lipstick Dior {Holiday Collection} #430 Radieuse at Nordstrom + Sephora $38

    Black Nails

     
    xoTracy