How to Make Collagen Peptides Gummies at Home! (Easy!)
Check out this easy way to make collagen and gelatin gummies at home! This recipe takes about 5 minutes to assemble, and 20 minutes to harden. It’s so easy! You’ll love it.
This recipe literally takes 20 minutes or less! You won’t need to buy collagen gummies ever again, and you can experiment with different gummy flavors depending on which juice you use! Once you get the hang of making these collagen gummies at home, you can mix up your recipe and add marine collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid peptide powder, beef liver peptides, and more, into the recipe!
Scroll down for the recipe and kitchen tools you need to make these collagen and gelatin gummies!
Shop the ingredients and kitchen tools you’ll need to make homemade gummies with gelatin:
*By using my link to shop you help support my blog. However I only want you to buy what you love and need.
Collagen Gummies Recipe (1 serving) and What You’ll Need :
1 cup of spring water or fresh juice of your choice (cherry juice, guava juice, beet juice, etc….)
2 scoops of Collagen powder
2 scoops of gelatin powder
Whisk
Silicone candy mold
Baking sheet (s)
Food dropper (optional)
Directions:
Mix 1 cup of spring water or fruit juice with 2 scoops of collagen powder and 2 scoops of gelatin powder in a stove pot.
Whisk the juice (or water), collagen powder and gelatin powder together.
Place the pot on the stove and continue mixing together on medium heat for 5 minutes.
When the collagen gummy mixture is fully mixed, use a food grade dropper (or pour, if you’re really careful!) to distribute the mixture evenly into the silicone candy molds.
Place the silicone molds on baking sheets.
Place the baking sheets into the refrigerator for 20 minutes to harden.
You’re done!
Store your homemade collagen gummy peptides in an air tight container in your refrigerator. Enjoy!
I hope you enjoyed making and love your homemade collagen gummies!
See more posts!
Turn Your Home into a Spa with These 4 Must-Haves!
Turn your home into a place of pampering with these 4 devices!
Here are a few devices that will help turn your home into a spa! Simple changes add up. I’m absolutely loving these few changes I’ve made at home that upgrade my wellness routine. Best of all, 3 out of the 4 (5!…see the bonus) are changes that you don’t actually have to DO, but once they are set up, you’ll still reap the benefits.
Mini-Fridge
A light pink skincare fridge set up in your bathroom and storing your favorite skincare essentials will elevate your daily routine! I have heard of storing skincare products in a personal mini-fridge in your bathroom for a while. It’s a thing in Japan and Korea. I’ve also stored a few serums and products in my regular refrigerator, so I never actually thought a mini-fridge was needed. Maybe it was a bit too extra.
However— how cute is this mini-fridge?? After taking the plunge in my commitment to a beauty fridge it has definitely altered my morning and night routine. Having your personal mini-fridge for your favorite skincare products keeps your essentials chilled and adds a touch of luxury to your daily routine. It also gives you the feeling you really are taking care of yourself. Plus, it’s so cute!
What’s inside my mini-fridge?
2. Shower Head that filters Fluoride and Chlorine
There are so many shower filters out there. I browsed a few shower filters and found that many filters filter chlorine and other unwanted materials, but it seems there are few that also filter fluoride. So, I did an internet search and found that this small company, Pure Water Freedom, removes fluoride and chlorine. Apparently, showering with extra unwanted material in your shower water adds up over time. It’s a nice feeling to add to your wellness routine to make you feel like you’re taking a pure shower water escape each time you take a shower.
3. fluoride water pitcher
Drinking pure water makes a difference in your body over time, too. Just as with the shower filter, there are so many water pitchers to choose from. However, it was harder to find a water pitcher that removes fluoride from the water. What you ingest and put into your body makes a difference over time, and it’s a nice feeling to know you’re drinking pure, filtered water.
4. Juicer
I love this juicer because it’s simple, it’s smaller, and it has an easy clean-up. There are so many amazing juicers out there, but what I needed was something simple, that I will actually use. Things I like to juice with this include celery juice, leftover vegetables for a vegetable juice, and I’m excited to try watermelon during the Summer. It’s super cute and doesn’t take a lot of space. I leave it on my counter and it’s a little routine that I actually use whenever I want.
BONUS <3
Now for the bonus! If you love Epsom Salts Baths, you’ll also love a Betnonite Clay Bath. Betonite Clay Baths are also detoxifying, while it cleanses the pores on your body. It’s like a sulfur mask facial, but for your legs, arms, and back. Love it.
shop more from this post!
I hope you found an idea or 5 to add to your home wellness spa! Let me know how you like it in the comments below.
XX,
Check out a few more posts!
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Small Businesses to Buy From that You Will Love!
Check out some great small businesses to shop from!
In 2020 many small businesses have had to close up shop or give way to easier accessible bigger businesses. It’s important to help where we can and keep small businesses in mind, too. Sometimes that is easier said than done because they aren’t as easily found as large businesses. However, just because a business is smaller doesn’t mean the quality or customer service isn’t “on par” with bigger businesses. The majority of the time, it’s quite the opposite. Here are are a few ideas and hidden gems of where to shop for gifts, your own personal needs, or for fun!
Photo credit: Stephanie’s Soap Shop and @joannehawker.
For SOAP: Stephanie’s Specialty Soaps.
I randomly came across Stephanie’s Specialty Soaps on the Facebook marketplace and am so happy I did. These soaps are very well priced, I received my soaps as expected within a few days and they are made with minimal and natural ingredients. Not only is their customer service on par, but the quality and selection of their soaps are FUN and reliable.
I ordered pumpkin cheesecake soaps and they look and smell like pumpkin cheesecake. More of Stephanie's Specialty Soaps include peppermint mocha soap, Halloween gift soap, pumpkin pie soap, lemon loaf soap, and more...
Their email: specialtysoaps@yahoo.com and phone number: 903.624.0330.
2. ETSY.COM
Etsy is the perfect website to buy jewelry, gifts. home supplies, purses, and so much more, all from independent small businesses.
Jewelry sellers, I’ve bought from on Etsy are Moods in Gold, Turrin, and MLStudioJewelry. (Jewelry is pictured in the top picture of this post).
Cute patches: Natural mind, PatchParlor , and MyVintageChildren.
Photo credit: MyVintageChildren.
Dry Erase Board: PrimeBoard.
Pampas Flowers: Hitomigift.
3. Streaming WORKOUT VIDEOS: Amandakloots.com.
Amanda Kloots also sells cute jump ropes and tshirts for your workout needs.
What are some of your favorite go-to small businesses? There are sooo many more to choose from, you just need to keep an eye out for these gems. Please leave a comment below of your favorite small business. Happy shopping!
xx,
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Find me on Instagram! @ooohlalastone
4 Easy Beauty or Wellness Routines You Can Make in Your Kitchen!
Have you tried any of these 4 easy beauty treatments?
Below are 4 easy beauty remedies you can buy from the grocery store. Each remedy is easy and effective to incorporate into your lifestyle. How about give one of them a try?
FOR AN EXFOLIATING AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FACE MASK—
use organic full fat plain greek yogurt.
The natural probiotics and lactic acid found in organic plain greek yogurt are what will benefit your skin in the use of a face mask.
Benefits of using plain yogurt as a face mask:
Studies show that probiotics can also help strengthen our protective moisture barriers, boost hydration and possibly turn back the hands of time.
Skin issues stemming from chronic inflammation — like acne, eczema, rosacea and even premature aging — can be addressed by incorporating topical probiotics, which can destroy harmful viruses, fungi, and bacteria before they stir up trouble. NY Times, Dr. Whitney Bowe, a New York City dermatologist.
Yogurt contains lactic acid, which gently exfoliates your skin.
This study from 2011 may replenish moisture in the skin, thus helping your skin’s health.
What you need to buy and how to apply it:
Buy plain flavored, full fat organic Greek yogurt. It is important that the yogurt is without added sugar. Buying organic, if possible, will allow for a better quality of the yogurt and thus lactic acid and probiotics to be applied to the skin.
Simply apply the yogurt to your clean skin.
Wash the yogurt off after 10-15 minutes.
FOR A BODY SCRUB—
USE COFFEE GROUNDS.
Exfoliating your body in the shower with the coffee grounds left over in the paper filter after you’re finished brewing your morning coffee, is an easy way to incorporate an effective and natural scrub into your routine. Coffee grounds contain natural caffeine content, caffeic acid, which may help prevent premature aging in cells and boost collagen. Medical News Today.
Coffee grounds do not dissolve in water, which makes them perfect for scrubbing dead skin cells away.
WHAT YOU NEED:
Coffee grounds (the grounds that are leftover in your coffee maker after you finished brewing your morning coffee.)
Lavender essential oil (optional).
Coconut oil or olive oil.
Step 1: Brew coffee as usual
Step 2: After turning off your coffee maker, let the coffee grounds in the paper filter cool down.
Step 3: Add the coffee grounds to a jar.
Step 4: Add coconut oil or olive oil as needed (I don’t measure, I just eye it out). Generally, it should be a ratio of coffee grounds: olive oil or coconut oil, 3:1.
Step 5: Add a few drops of lavender essential oil to the mixture.
Step 6: Mix the 3 together.
Step 7: Exfoliate in the shower and then store in the refrigerator after.
HELPFUL TIP:
Coffee grounds are an easy and great body exfoliater, however don’t allow the coffee grounds to travel down your drain. Seal off your drain when you exfoliate and then clean up the grounds from your shower. The grounds are too thick to travel down the shower drain.
FOR EYELASH AND EYEBROW GROWTH—
USE CASTOR SEED OIL.
Applying organic castor seed oil for hair growth is a long-time beauty ritual. I never tried it before until one month ago, and my eyelashes HAVE grown thicker (see results after one month below). To apply, simply take a drop of castor seed oil and coat your lashes with the oil. Do the same with a drop each for each eyebrow. The best time to apply is before bed, when your skin is rejuvenating. *I wish I had a “before” picture up close of my lashes, but I will update here again after another month.
Date: 4/3/2020
Castor Seed Oil Precautions
Hair matting. “….the hair becomes twisted, entangled as a hard stony mass resembling a bird's nest. The high viscosity of castor oil and long hair had contributed to the sudden felting of hair. This disorder of hair is irreversible and the hair should be cut off. Acute nature of this disorder will result in a serious psychological impact on the patient and the family.” Castor Oil and Hair Felting.
FOR your body—
DRINK warm LEMON WATER FIRST THING IN THE MORNING on an empty stomach.
Drinking warm lemon water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach has many proven benefits (sources posted at the very bottom of this post).
Warm lemon water in the morning on an empty stomach BENEFITS:
Helps maintain PH balance in the body.
Acts as a detoxifying agent.
Helps maintain digestive health.
Helps cleanse the liver.
Flavonoids from citrus fruits are often linked with benefits for blood circulation, insulin sensitivity and other aspects of metabolic health.
Lemon flavonoids also have the potential to reduce oxidative stress and damage, at least in rats.
Thank you for stopping by!
XX,
LAURA
IF YOU LIKE THIS POST, CHECK OUT:
DISCLAIMERS:
I am not a doctor, physical therapist, dermatologist, or nutritionist. My blog posts are not meant to give advice but purely to share my own experience and to entertain. I cite references taken from my own online research and post them to routines that I choose to move forward with. What I use may not work for you. We all have unique health conditions and concerns. Always do your own additional research.
FIND ME ON INSTAGRAM! @OOOHLALASTONE
Have a Relaxing Spa Night at Home with These Easy Steps!
It’s time to relax and unwind…
It’s time to relax and unwind…
Sometimes you just need to give yourself some self-care, relaxation and take some time to unwind. Outlined below are a few easy steps to relax and unwind your body for some rest and rejuvenation. Minimal “tools” are needed for this spa night at home.
What You Will Need:
Epsom salts
Lavender essential oil or your favorite oil (optional)
Water
Stretch strap, body roller, pressure point balls (optional)
Your favorite face mask
SPA NIGHT PREVIEW:
STEP 1: TURN YOUR PHONE OFF.
STEP 2: STRETCH OUT AND UNWIND.
Stretching is important to relax and unwind your body. You would be surprised how much we actually need to stretch once you sit down and do it. Afterward, your body will feel much better!
Caroline Jordan Fitness has amazing tutorials on Youtube for stretching out, no equipment needed. Just search “Caroline Jordan" on Youtube. Her stretch videos are my favorite on Youtube so far. After each session, I really feel like I got a GREAT stretch in. The equipment I use, I’ll link at the bottom.
Step 3: Bath/Spa Time
Time to relax in the bath! Turn on your favorite music or podcast and have your drinking water ready. Add Epsom salts into the bath, and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Enjoy!
Step 4: Finish your bath session with a cold shower.
This sounds like a very unrelaxing thing to do, but, there’s a reason why there are hot pools and cold pools for soaking in at Korean and Asian spas. Alternating from hot water to cold water is actually called Contrast Water Therapy (CWT). Studies suggest that CWT helps reduce muscle pain. Whenever I finish my bath with some cold water after hot water, my body feels even more relaxed. Fortunately, I am in good health and it works for me, however, if you have any doubts then just skip this step or check with your doctor. Sources cited at the bottom.
Step 5: Moisturize.
Treat the skin on your body, too! Moisturizing after your bath, while your skin is still damp, helps lock in moisture to your skin. Use your favorite moisturizer, my favorite is a Shea Butter moisturizer.
Step 6: Face Mask
Time to apply your favorite face mask. My favorite is a sulfur-based face mask, however, it depends on your skin type and what works great for your skin.
After this simple, relaxing routine, you will feel relaxed and rejuvenated in no time.
XX,
Laura
PRODUCTS USED:
PRESSURE POINT BALLS
TRIGGER POINT FOR QUADS, THIGHS, ETC.
Stretch strap <3
LIKE A DEEP MASSAGE, BUT FOR YOUR BACK (ROLL ON IT)
DISCLAIMER:
I am not a doctor, physical therapist, dermatologist, or nutritionist. My blog posts are not meant to give advice but purely to share my own experience and to entertain. I do my own research and ask my doctor before starting any wellness routine, and recommend that everyone does the same. I cite references taken from my own online research and post them to routines that I choose to move forward with. What I use may not work for you. We all have unique health conditions and concerns. Always do your own additional research.
Find me on Instagram! @ooohlalastone
Morning Chocolate Bone Broth Smoothie!
You will love this chocolate bone broth recipe.
You may have heard of bone broth soup, but have you heard of a chocolate bone broth smoothie?
I decided to try a morning chocolate bone broth smoothie after I watched Dr. Axe’s video “Dr. Axe’s Morning Smoothie” (video posted below). Raw cocoa, blueberries, organic unsweetened coconut milk, cinnamon, and goji powder (or acai powder) are ingredients I already know and love. I appreciate the fact that bone broth protein comes from a source of pure and natural protein, and, I never tried it before. I didn’t know you could add bone broth into your morning smoothie….in a chocolate flavor….and I LOVE chocolate, so I gave it a try.
Dr. Axe’s morning smoothie tastes chocolate-y and amazing, and I’ve been enjoying having it with my breakfast the last week! I like how I can pack in a ton of nutrients into a smoothie and feel good the rest of the day.
RECIPE, “Dr. Axe Morning Smoothie”:
1 cup frozen cherries or blueberries.
1 cup coconut milk or almond milk.
1 teaspoon of Chia Seed powder.
Bone broth protein in ancient nutrition- Chocolate flavor.
1 tablespoon Goji berry powder or acaii powder.
Add a little cinnamon
1 tablespoon raw cacoa powder.
1 scoop MSM powder (not in Dr. Axe’s video tutorial).
I also added in a teaspoon of MSM powder into my smoothie due to the benefits documented of MSM:
*Sources posted about MSM at the bottom of this post.*
MSM supplementation appears to benefit skin health and gene expression. #1
MSM appears to dampen the release of inflammatory molecules in response to exercise, resulting in a less incendiary environment, allowing cells to still have the capacity to mount an appropriate response to an additional stimulus after exercise. #2
Initial human exercise studies have suggested that MSM supplementation may reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress and muscle damage. #3
“Dr. Axe’s Morning Smoothie”:
PRODUCTS USED:
Hope you enjoy your chocolate bone broth morning smoothie!
Xx,
Laura
If you like this post, check out:
Sources:
Dr. Axe’s Morning Smoothie | Ancient Nutrition, Youtube.com
https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-017-0181-z #3
Disclaimers:
I am not a doctor, physical therapist, dermatologist, or nutritionist. My blog posts are not meant to give advice but purely to share my own experience and to entertain. I cite references taken from my own online research and post them to routines that I choose to move forward with. What I use may not work for you. We all have unique health conditions and concerns. Always do your own additional research.
I am an Amazon Associate. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I am providing links to products I mentioned in this post for your convenience. I personally use these products. They work for me but might not work for you. So please do your own research.
I purchase all products used in my posts and I am not sponsored by any company.
6 Cute Hats for Sun Protection that aren’t Beach Hats and Perfect for Los Angeles!
Cute hats w/ UPF 50+ fabric!!!
ADDITIONALLY—
CLICK THE VIDEO BELOW AND FOLLOW A SIMPLE TUTORIAL ON HOW TO IRON ON AN IRON-ON PATCH TO A BUCKET HAT.
6 cute hats that are casual and easy to wear during Fall/Winter in Los Angeles. 5 hats contain upf 50+ sun protection!
It’s important to protect your skin from the sun year-round, even during the Fall/Winter months. The problem is the difficulty in finding cute hats with UPF 50+ fabric that aren’t beach hats! When Fall and Winter arrive, pairing your favorite wide brim beach hat with your leather jacket just doesn’t look right.
It was surprisingly hard to find cute bucket hats and casual hats with UPF 50+ fabric! However, I found 6 hats off Amazon that are casual and cute and WILL work with Winter and Fall outfits! (See them all below!)
—>What is UPF+ fabric and why is it importanT for Additional sun protection?
UPF is like adding sunscreen SPF to your clothing.
UPF measures the amount of UV rays that penetrate fabric and reach your skin. UPF measures both UVB and UVA rays, while SPF measures only UVB.
What you need to know: A fabric must have a UPF of 30 to qualify for The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation. A UPF of 30 to 49 offers very good protection, while UPF 50+ rates as excellent.
Most beach hats have UPF coverage, but most bucket hats, or any other type of hat, don’t contain UPF fabric.
REVERSIBLE WIDE BRIM DENIM/CREAM BUCKET HAT WITH UPF 50+
This bucket hat has a wider brim, which offers more sun protection, AND contains UPF 50+ fabric. The denim is a nice touch since denim can easily pair with many outfits. The cream on the reverse is a nice contrast. Made of cotton.
2. REVERSIBLE WIDE BRIM BUCKET HAT WITH CUTE EMBROIDERY UPF 50+
This wide brim reversible bucket hat is super cute! I’m not a huge fan of embroidery, but this hat turned out to be one of my favorites. The design gives off the feel like you’re traveling to Mexico, or Palm Springs. The fabric contains UPF 50+ fabric.
3. BLACK BUCKET HAT WITH UPF 50+
This black bucket hat has a shorter brim and contains UPF 50+ fabric. This hat is one of my go-to’s since it goes with most everything and is casual and simple.
4. REVERSIBLE COTTON BYCKET HAT WITH UPF 50+ (BLACK + GREY)
This reversible wide brim bucket hat contains the UPF 50+ fabric and has a pretty contrast of black on one side and grey on the other. I plan to iron on a patch on the back to give it a little more personality.
5. CUTE SHINY LIGHT PINK RAIN HAT. *NO UPF 50+ INCLUDED. but STILL CUTE.
This shiny light pink bucket hat is actually a rain hat. It’s glossy, simple, and chic. The color says khaki online, but actually it is light pink in person. There’s a shiny black one, too, which I have my eye on.
6. BLACK FLOPPY HAT WITH TAN BOW IN COTTON, UPF 50+
This lightweight floppy cotton hat with UPF 50+ is elegant and chic. I could see myself wearing this to a brunch. The cute tan drawstring in the back is for tightening, just in case you need to ride in a convertible ;)
These 6 hats are easy to wear during the Winter and Fall months in Los Angeles and will offer you the sun protection that a beach hat does! Hope you enjoyed them!!!
Xx,
Laura
Sources:
Disclaimers:
I am not a doctor, physical therapist, dermatologist, or nutritionist. My blog posts are not meant to give advice but purely to share my own experience and to entertain. I cite references taken from my own online research and post them to routines that I choose to move forward with. What I use may not work for you. We all have unique health conditions and concerns. Always do your own additional research.
I am an Amazon Associate. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I am providing links to products I mentioned in this post for your convenience. I personally use these products. They work for me but might not work for you. So please do your own research.
I purchase all products used in my posts and I am not sponsored by any company.
Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen Lavender Lemon Powder with Vitamin C
There are lots of exciting collagen beauty, collagen powders, collagen gummies, and more, now in the beauty industry. One way you can benefit from collagen is by adding collagen powder peptides into your water with slices of lemons, pink grapefruits or limes!
Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen Lavender Lemon Powder with Vitamin C
Collagen powders and collagen beauty waters are all super popular in the beauty industry at the moment. Cool collagen waters, collagen gummies, collagen supplements, collagen face masks, collagen dissolvable tablets, collagen serums, collagen deep creams, and collagen infused lip masks can all be found in Sephora, Whole Foods, boutique beauty brands, and even Costco.
Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen Lavender Lemon Powder contains 120mg of hyaluronic acid already in it, and it also contains 1,246mg of Proline. After you mix the collagen powder into your water, add vitamin C into it, this will help your body absorb the collagen even more. Some vitamin C options to add into your collagen water are lemons, limes, and pink grapefruits. The lemon flavor of Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen Lavender Lemon Powder is already nice to work with for adding some extra vitamin C into.
According to this study by Nutrients, COLLAGEN POWDER health benefits include:
Improved skin laxity.
Decreases the appearance of wrinkles.
Repairs collagen fibers and helps reorganize the collagen fibers that became disorganized.
Oral administration of collagen peptides increased the collagen content and ratio of type I and type III collagen in the skin.
Skin benefits and effects take about 6-12 weeks to notice the effects.
Collagen taken with hyaluronic acid can have a beneficial effect on chronologically aged skin.
BONUS: Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen already has 120mg of Hyaluronic Acid in it :)
According to this same study by Nutrient, EATING OR DRINKING PROLINE (which is abundant in collagen) also improved skin laxity. Proline also has these health benefits:
Proline has a beneficial effect on chronologically aged skin in terms of skin laxity.
Proline has a beneficial effect on collagen content and ratio of type I to type III collagen.
Collagen could increase the collagen synthesis of fibroblasts
Proline intake has a beneficial effect on chronologically aged skin by increasing the collagen synthesis of skin fibroblasts.
BONUS: Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen already has 1,246mg of Proline in it :)
According to this journal by Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, the health benefits VITAMIN C:
Vitamin C accelerates bone healing.
Vitamin C accelerates tendon healing.
Vitamin C increases type I collagen fibers and scar tissu formation.
Vitamin C increase type I collagen synthesis.
Four of 5 studies found that vitamin C was effective by stimulating biochemical pathways associated with collagen synthesis.
TIP: Add lemon, limes, pink grapefruit, or another fruit with high vitamin C to your collagen beauty water :)
WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
There are lots of exciting collagen beauty and health products now in the beauty industry. One way you can benefit is by adding collagen powder peptides into your water with a slice of vitamin C! It’s a refreshing and effective way for your body to absorb the benefits of collagen. Enjoy your collagen beauty water!!!
Xx,
Laura
Spa Night at Home by Yourself Essentials
#relax #restore #rejuvenate
Spa Night At Home by Yourself Essentials
photo by Christian Mackie
Full Body Spa Night from the Inside Out
One of my favorite things is a spa night at home. Below, I will go over a 3-step day spa routine and the long-term benefits backed by research of each step in this at home spa experience. The spa essentials recommended for each step are linked at the very bottom of this blog post. This 3-step spa routine is a simple way to bring the spa home.
photo by Marks of Mana
Here’s How We Will Bring the Spa Home
Step 1: Stretch.
Bullet points taken from International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy’s article and this pubMed study. Physical benefits of stretching include:
photo by Laura Stone. Using a stretch strap.
Increases muscle length.
Aligns collagen fibers during muscle healing.
Increases connectivity in muscles that are aged.
Will allow blood to flow to the areas that are stretched. *This will prepare you for the next step, step 2 in your spa night at home (BELOW).
Recommended Spa Essential: A stretch strap. *Spa essential linked at the bottom of this blog post.
A stretch strap will give you an even deeper stretch. Stretch straps are super easy to travel with after a long day of sitting in a car or plane. Here, I also mention a stretch strap in my blog post Packing Light for a Girls Trip! Which Products I Picked!
Step 2: Infrared Sauna Blanket Treatment.
Bullet points taken from this study from the National Institute of Health , this study by Mackay Medical College and this study by Dr. Cheng-Lung Lee, the health benefits of an infrared sauna blanket include:
photo by Laura Stone
Far infrared sauna heat penetrates deeper into fat and the neuromuscular system than traditional warm sauna air.
Decreases cortisol levels (stress levels) in the body.
Growth hormone (HGH) increases during and after a sauna session (this is an anti aging hormone).
Reduces inflammation in the body.
Far infrared sauna’s are effective in “scavenging superoxide anions in blood.” This means it has an anti-oxidative effect in the human body, even through the blood.
Step 3: LED light therapy facial mask. Listen to your favorite music while enjoying the many benefits of benefits of LED phototherapy.
Bullet points taken from The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology and this study at the Department of Dermatology at the National Medical Center , LED phototherapy has many benefits and has an “excellent safety protocol.” Some of the benefits of LED light therapy include:
photo of Dermashine PRO 7 Color LED Face Mask
Acne clearing.
Wound healing.
Psoriasis.
Skin rejuvenation.
Collagen synthesis.
Growth factors.
Extracellular matrix production by activating cellular mitochondrial respiratory pathways.
Lifting and tightening of the skin.
No adverse effects were reported with LED lights.
Brightened skin tone.
Improved skin texture.
Recommended Spa Essential: Dermashine PRO 7 Color LED Face Mask. *Spa essential linked at the bottom of this blog post…..This is the LED face mask I have. My review on the Dermashine PRO 7 Color LED mask is I love how there are 7 options of wavelengths to choose from, and this mask so easy to use.
Bonus Recommended Spa Essential: Alpha Lipoic Acid 5% (30ml) by The Ordinary. *Product linked at the bottom of the blog post.
Apply Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) on your skin before your LED phototherapy session. According to The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, “Photodynamic therapy with ALA has been used to treat a range of conditions, including from pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions and photoaged skin.”
THE SPA ESSENTIALS. HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
I hope you enjoy your spa night at home by yourself and enjoy how you can bring the spa home with these spa essentials. This 3-step spa routine is very simple, yet delivers research-backed and long-term results. Cheers to your spa night!
Xx,
Laura
Insta: @ooohlalastone
DIY Coffee Body Scrub!
3 ingredient DIY coffee scrub
~Lavender, Coffee and Coconut Oil Body Scrub~
I love this body coffee scrub and it’s so easy to make! It’s definitely an easy, lazy DIY coffee scrub. We’re going to approximate the amount of the 3 ingredients used. Play around with the consistency you like! If you’d like a more moisturizing scrub, add more coconut oil. If you prefer it like a sugar scrub, add more coffee grounds. It’s really that easy!
If you’re a coffee lover, this will put to use the leftover coffee grounds that are left in the coffee filter after you make your morning coffee!
The coffee grounds exfoliate, and the caffeine content in the coffee promotes blood flow.
The coconut oil moisturizes your skin.
The lavender essential oil adds an aromatherapy and relaxing experience to your scrub.
If you would like to stick with organic skincare, simply keep your 3 ingredients organic! :)
What you’ll need:
Organic coconut oil
Organic lavender essential oil
Organic coffee grounds
Coffee Maker
Jar
Directions:
Brew your morning coffee.
Add leftover coffee grounds to your jar.
Add about 1tbsp - 2tbsp of Coconut Oil to the jar with coffee grounds.
Add a few drops of lavender oil to the coconut oil and coffee grounds.
Mix all 3 ingredients together.
Each time you make coffee, keep adding the coffee grounds to the jar, and continue replenishing your coffee scrub jar.
I especially love the smell of coffee, lavender and coconut oil while I’m exfoliating with this scrub in the shower.
That’s it! Enjoy!!! :)
X O
Laura
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Easy DIY Healthy Detox Tea Recipe!
Metabolism boosting. Detoxifying. Natural caffeine content. Simple vegan recipe for beginners!Oolong Tea Metabolism and Detox Recipe!
Save this recipe to your Pinterest!
This recipe makes 2 large mason jars to refrigerate for the whole week :) In this recipe we will brew the tea using a coffee maker!
This is a detoxing tea great to drink first thing in the morning to stimulate your metabolism. It also aids in digestion to drink before eating.
***This recipe is not a replacement solution for any health ailments. It is simply a metabolism boosting and detoxing drink with a high antioxidant content! :)
BENEFITS OF THE INGREDIENTS USED:
Oolong Tea-Filled with antioxidants such as calcium, manganese, copper, carotin, selenium, potassium, and magnesium and detoxifying alkaloids. Helps improve mental alertness, helps manage stress, increases metabolism, and contains a natural caffeine, and more.
Apple Cider Vinegar- Helps stabilize blood sugar and insulin. Helps detoxify your liver and lymphatic system. Great free radical protection from inside the body, and more.
Ginger- Improves digestion, reduces inflammation in the body, reduces blood sugar, anti-microbial properties, and more.
Lemon- Helps create digestive enzymes in your liver, high in vitamin C, high in antioxidants, and more.
Scroll down for a step-by-step gallery and the directions! Products are linked for your convenience.
What You’ll Need:
1) 3 Oolong tea packets.
2) 6 lemons
3) 2 large pieces of ginger
4) 2 shot glasses of apple cider vinegar
Directions:
1) Take your 3 Oolong tea packets and simply rip the tea bags open to use the tea inside the packet.
2) Sprinkle the oolong tea into your coffee maker, where you would normally put your coffee.
3) Fill the coffee maker with the maximum amount of water it can hold.
4) Cut 2 large pieces of ginger and place inside the coffee maker before brewing.
5) Now turn on your coffee maker.
6) After the tea is finished brewing, allow the tea to cool down on the counter before adding the lemon and apple cider vinegar.
7) Once cooled, distribute the brewed tea into 2 large mason jars.
8) Now, squeeze 3 lemons into one jar and 3 lemons into the other.
9) Add a shot glass of apple cider vinegar to each jar.
10) Shake each jar. You’re done! Place the jars in the refrigerator for the week.
Enjoy!
X O,
Laura
Chia Seed Pudding! Easy Vegan Breakfast Recipe!
Vegan. Low carb. Could be a breakfast or dessert! Make individuals for the whole week! :)Chia Seed Pudding DIY Vegan Recipe
Vegan, Low Carb and Sweet
Perfect for breakfast, or even a dessert
Save this recipe to your Pinterest board!
I just made Chia Seed Pudding for the first time this week and already know this will be a daily breakfast and dessert for me. Since I don’t like eggs, and I’m vegetarian, my go-to breakfast has been oatmeal for the last 2 years. But, I needed a change, and something that wasn’t too heavy, but where I still felt full.
Ok, so this whole recipe of throwing it together took me about 15 minutes to make.
Ingredients (1 serving):
Chia Seed Pudding:
-Coconut Milk, unsweetened (3/4 Cup)
-Coconut Nectar (1 tbsp) *or maple syrup/fav sweetener
-Chia Seeds (1/8 Cup)
-Vanilla Extract (1 tsp)
Toppings:
-1 Apple
-Cinnamon (not measured)
-Cocoa Nibs (not measured)
Directions:
Add coconut milk into each bowl.
Add chia seeds into each bowl.
Add vanilla extract and coconut nectar. Stir mixture.
Allow the pudding to sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes and stir mixture every few minutes.
Finally, cover each bowl with foil, or a top, and place in refrigerator overnight.
Tip: If the mixture is too liquid-y, you can add more chia seeds to thicken it.
Tip: In the morning, you can put any toppings you want on top your pudding. I chose apples and cinnamon with cacao nibs. However, other ideas are strawberries, blueberries, your favorite fruits, shredded coconut flakes, or granola.
Scroll down for linked products used in this recipe and a gallery!
Chia Seed pudding and morning coffee <3
Healthy lifestyle and wellness tip—>
If you’re wondering what Coconut Nectar is, it is the sap from the flower of a coconut tree. Coconut nectar has a low glycemic index, which means it does not spike your blood sugar compared to agave, or maple syrup, or processed sugar. Coconut nectar has 17 amino acids and a ton of other beneficial minerals in it. I buy mine at Whole Foods, Sprouts or Pavilions. It comes in 2 flavors, Blonde or Amber…I use both! (For this chia seed pudding I used Amber just because that’s what was in my cupboard at the time :) )
Hope you love chia pudding as much as I do!!!
XO XO,
Laura
A Remote Escape in Huatulco, Mexico
Fresh coconuts off the palm trees. Waves crashing as you fall asleep. Slowing down, enjoying. Scroll through my travel blog!
Huatulco, Mexico
Fresh coconuts off the palm trees. Waves crashing as you fall asleep. Slowing down. enjoying.
Gracias y hasta luego Huatulco.
Raiding Products in the Pharmacy in France!
Scroll through and see my French pharmacy product picks! :)
One of my favorite parts of France is visiting their pharmacy.
French FDA regulations for cosmetics in France are different than in the United States. So, certain skincare ingredients are found in French products, but these ingredients are not found in the U.S. version of the same product.
Here are the products I picked and why….
La Roche Posay Sunscreen, Anthelios line
Star ingredients: Mexoryl, other names for Mexoryl…. Mexoryl SX (Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid or ecamsule), Mexoryl XL (drometrizole trisiloxane)
In Europe, skin care manufacturers have the option to choose out of 7 UVA-ray filtering ingredients that deliver better performance advantages than UVA filters available in the United States. The sun’s UVA rays cause premature ageing while its UVB rays cause sunburn. Mexoryl, protects against both UVA-1 and UVA-2 rays.
Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and avobenzone are UVA-ray filters used in the United States which don’t compare to the UVA protection offered by Mexoryl. **Mexoryl is a safe ingredient as far as I know, and is currently under FDA review in the United States **
“Research data has shown that Mexoryl in particular is more effective than either zinc oxide or titanium oxide alone in blocking UVA/UVB rays, and in fact blocks in a similar range to zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in combination. Mexoryl, available as SX (water soluble) and XL (lipid soluble), is very effective for two reasons: one, it is very stable [as a benzylidene camphor derivative], and two, because it absorbs light at a broader range of UVA wavelengths than many other chemical sunscreens. ”
My first choice for the La Roche-Posay, Anthelios line was Dermo-Pediatrics SPF50+ since its formula is sensitive enough for children, while still containing full UVA protection. I just prefer sensitive skin formulas in sunscreen.
The second choice was Anthelios XL 50+ since it contains Mexoryl XL and Mexoryl SX, and nice for everyday use, but also still perfect for the beach since it’s waterproof. It also comes in a 250ml bottle as opposed to the smaller bottle!!
Caudalie Vine[Activ] eye cream
Star ingredient: Resveratrol
Caudalie uses the antioxidant found in red wine, resveratrol, which is the highly coveted anti-aging antioxidant found in red wine. Researchers have found that topical resveratrol has a 17-fold greater antioxidant content than idebenone, which is also an expensive and powerful antioxidant used in anti-aging products. What better way than to invest in some anti-aging resveratrol when it’s sourced right from one of the main wine regions in France, Bordeaux and is at a bargain price when compared to the price sold in the U.S.!
Vine[Active] is amazing because it uses a high concentration of grape polyphenols, I like to apply this antioxidant defense in the morning lightly patting under my eyes, under my eyes and under my brow bone.
Caudalie Masque Purifiant
Star ingredients: Kaolin clay and Bentonite clay
I love Caudalie’s Masque Purifiant because it’s purifying with Kaolin (the second ingredient used) and Bentonite clay and also delivers a high concentration of antioxidants from plant origin. You can use this mask 2-3 times a week, and I like to apply to my face and décolletage. **All the ingredients are the same in this formula as in the United States’ formula, but the price is lower!
Nuxe Paris Huile Prodigieuse, a shimmering dry oil
Star ingredients: Camellia Oil, Argan Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Olive Oil, Rosemary extract, Tomato fruit extract
The next product I had to snag is by Nuxe Paris, Huile Prodigieuse. Not only does the bronze/gold oil contain shimmering gold particles, but it contains skin benefitting ingredients to nourish your skin at the same time. The finish is non-greasy and the scent is like wearing a perfume in itself. Definitely a favorite of mine, and of course, the price is unbeatable and cheaper than in the U.S.! The application is via a spray glass bottle accentuated by a beautiful gold cap. I love to apply it to my legs, arms, and décolletage when I’m wearing a dress or shorts on a night out. It can also be applied to your body or hair.
Savon Liquide de Marseille a’l’Huile d’ Argan
Star ingredients: Argan Oil, Rose essential oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Coconut Oil
The last product I grabbed on my pharmacy haul was Savon Liquide de Marseille a’ l’ Huile d’ Argan, for only 5 euros and at a 500ml bottle. With Argan Oil, Rose essential Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E) AND Coconut oil, the price for this body wash is a steal. I saw this product as I was checking out and was amazed at the price for the amount in the bottle and the quality of ingredients within this. What’s great about body washes like this is that they are moisturizing enough to use as a shaving gel.
Tip—> If you aren’t headed to France anytime soon, check pharmamundi.com or frenchcosmeticsforless.com to order products overseas. The shipping time could be up to a month.
XO
Laura
Packing Light for a Girls Trip! Which Essential Products I Picked!
Packing light with only a carry on is no easy task when you like to bring a separate little luggage just for your wellness and beauty products. BUT—Here is what I chose and why!
Hola
Cabo San Lucas! yesss
For a ladies trip to Cabo San Lucas, a friend and I decided we would pack one carry-on piece of luggage for our 4 night, 5 day trip instead of checking the big bag. Both of us love our products, but we were up to the challenge of fitting our chosen products into a 1-quart-sized-bag for TSA.
I was sitting on my bed with a pile of products the night before my flight with my roommate, where I begrudgingly had to eliminate most products in order to fit into that TSA-1-quart-sized-bag. How could I leave my Hyrdro-Peptide serum behind? or rosewater with hyaluronic acid spritzer? Well, it had to be done, for the sake of traveling light for our girls trip to Mexico!! As we sat on my bed laughing at my pile of product, I picked out my product essentials. The chosen ones had to go in little plastic bottles.
Here’s what I chose to bring!
Products I picked!
*Scroll down to the bottom of the post to purchase products I mentioned
1. Face Wash. Neutrogena Clear Pore Cleanser/Mask with benzoyl peroxide. I’ve used this face wash since high school and it does its job by keeping my skin clear. It’s super easy to restock with, and I believe spending more on serums, etc. is more beneficial than a face wash that washes off in a few seconds.
2. Eye Makeup Remover. Beauty 360 Gentle Eye Makeup Remover (CVS brand). Again, nothing fancy, but it does its job of taking off my eye makeup. I picked this up at CVS when I was heading to the premier of Fifty Shades Darker. I worked at the Sisley Paris “Which Shade are You?” lipstick booth. This eye make-up remover did its job of removing all lipstick shades efficiently off everyone’s hands and mine, so who could ask for more?
3. Shampoo. Enjoy Professional Hair Care Sulfate-Free Luxury Shampoo. I love this shampoo because it keeps the integrity of my blonde highlights and it’s sulfate free. Even though, depending on the hotel, they may have shampoo that is sulfate free and suitable for color treated hair, I didn’t want to risk it!
4. Conditioner. Big Sexy Hair Volumizing Conditioner sulfate free. My hair is very fine and color treated, so with the right conditioner I can leave my hair de-tangler spray. This conditioner brings my hair volume and makes it easier to brush out when wet–yay, two products in one!
5. Retinol. Tretinoin. Prescription only. This is a strong retinol cream that I apply every other night. This is an essential to me since retinol is one of the few proven anti-aging ingredients in today’s current world. I started using retinol when I was 18 or 19. Also, I would never attempt to take Tretinoin and put it in a smaller tube. (Thankfully the tube is under 3.4 ounce anyway). The packaging of Tretinoin keeps the active ingredients safe, so this product should never be removed from its packaging.
6. Night Under-Eye Treatment. Replenix All-Trans-Retinol Eye Repair Cream. This is another product I’ve been ordering for years. It has 90% green tea polyphenols to neutralize free radicals, retinol, vitamin K and vitamin E. This product’s retinol can also be seen by the color of the product (retinol is a yellowish color in its true form and green tea is a brownish/green). Again, I would never separate the formula from this packaging since it keeps these ingredients stable inside. Luckily, this eye cream is 0.5 ounces.
7. Oil and Blemish Control. Mario Badescu Drying Lotion. I chose to bring this product because during these summer months with the combination of sweat, sunscreen, and how active I am, I’ve found that an oil absorption and blemish control underneath sunscreen helps my skin stay clear. This product uses Zinc (great for oily skin), Sulfur (great for oil absorption) and Salicylic Acid (great for blemishes). A little goes a long way, as it does dry slightly pink.
8. Mascara. Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils-Luxurious Mascara in Purple 4. I will normally only wear this mascara for eye make-up. I’m in love with this deep purple hue, it’s fun and makes eye color pop even more.
9. A wide brim hat. A must. Tans are beautiful, but smooth skin for years to come is even more beautiful! Protect your gorgeous skin! No TSA questioning necessary.
10. Blush, bronzer and pressed powders do not need to pass for TSA inspection!
11. Sunscreen…I decided to buy sunscreen at the hotel market. I use so much sunscreen and especially during a vacation out in the sun, pool and ocean, that 3.4 ounces would not cut it, and a full new bottle just for the trip would work!
Ladies in white in Mexico
oooh…this pool…
1. Digestive Enzymes. I was recommended by a nutritionist in Los Angeles to take 2 enzymes before every meal. Although I don’t follow that all the time I will definitely take 2 before dinner when it’s mixing all sorts of tasting things and drinks.
2. Vitamin B-12. I follow a mostly vegan diet and so gotta have that B-12!
3. Maxi Hair Plus. You can order these on Amazon, or get them at Sprouts. I take this every morning with breakfast, it’s recommended to take another at dinner. My hair stylist Anush told me to take these and my fine hair has finally been growing!
4. Nuun Tablets. Electrolyte tablets you can stick into your water. I love love love these! You can buy these at Whole Foods, Sprouts or (of course) Amazon!
Wellness Lifestyle DIY Tip—>
You can wrap supplements in little tin foil pouches <3 Easy to throw in your purse!
Water
It’s so important to drink a lot of water every day, but especially while traveling. I used to drink diet coke or other sparkling drinks on the plane and now refrain and only drink water. A habit that was very hard to break, but am so glad I did. Try it next time you travel. Just drink water the whole travel day, and lots of it, and see how you feel.
Wellness Lifestyle DIY Tip–>
If you are staying at a hotel you could buy the biggest sized water bottle and re-fill it at the hotel gym. Hotel gyms (most) always have complimentary water. I drink two of those a day.
Travel-Friendly Work Out/Wellness Gear
1. Stretch Strap. (the pink strap) I ordered this off Amazon. This long pink rope is a life saver for me while traveling. I am a person that is constantly moving, and I especially like to walk and check out the city all day.
You can put your foot in the padded part and stretch your legs or arms any way you like. There are tons of Youtube videos on this, for now I’ll give you an idea with a little chart. It feels amazing and gets your lymphatic flow going and your body feeling all stretched out and relaxed!
2. Resistance Loop Band. I also ordered this off Amazon. This is great to travel with and barely takes any space. There are many types of toning exercises you can do with this in your hotel room. Again, there are so many Youtube videos and charts to follow and choose from. Here is one of my favorite positions!
What are your must have products when you travel light???
XO
Laura
*This* Ruby Balm Still Woos Mandy Moore
Mandy Moore mentions one of her all time favorites. Camellia Ruby Balm by Julie Hewett, in a Refinery29 interview, even 10 years after Moore discovered the Camellia Ruby Balm on the “Because I said so!” set! Camellia Ruby Balm has a sheer red tint…..Multi-Use Beauty Product Ruby Balm is Still a Favorite of Mandy Moore’s!
Golden Globes, 2017
Mandy Moore mentions her love for Julie Hewett’s Camellia Ruby Balm in an interview with Refinery 29 on January 9th, 2017. In the interview with MI-Anne Chan, “The Weird Thing That Makes Mandy Moore Break Out– & How She Deals,” Moore says that Julie Hewett’s Camellia Ruby Balm is a product that she discovered on the “Because I said so!” set in 2007, and that she likes so much, that she has kept it for herself and mentions it in the Refinery29 interview 10 years later!
“I am obsessed with Julie Hewett’s Camellia Ruby Balm. It looks bright pink, but gives the perfect tint on the lips and it’s pretty much all I wear for my character in 1988, but now I use it in my day-to-day life, too.”
Moore’s favorite—shop it here ->Camellia Ruby Balm by Julie Hewett
Camellia Ruby Balm has a sheer red tint that is perfect for every day casual use, or natural enhancement of the lips. At the same time, the main ingredient base of this balm is camellia oil and makes up 70% of the tinted balm stick. Camellia oil is touted for its high content of vitamins A, B, C & E and other minerals like Potassium, Zinc, Calcium, Iron, Manganese and Magnesium. It’s non pore clogging and the molecule of Camellia oil is small enough to penetrate the deepest layers of the skin, more so than other plant oils.
Camellia Ruby Balm also contains rose oil and grape seed oil and orange oil. This balm promotes healing of imperfections, contains natural UVA protection is rich in anti-oxidants and anti-aging polyphenols.
The Julie Hewett team is ecstatic that Mandy Moore still continues to use their Camellia Ruby Balm as a staple in her beauty arsenal since she discovered it on the movie set “Because I said so!” back in 2007.
Mandy Moore looked astounding at the 2017 Golden Globes on January 8th. Clearly, she is doing something right!
OXO
Laura
Your guide on how to wear lime green this Summer 2022. Plus current fashion trend pieces (Summer 2022) in shades of lime green for you to shop.