The Good Stuff: Nina Sits Down with the Owner of Type A Deodorant

Type A Deodorant review

As you all know by now, I am always trying to make safer choices for myself and my family whenever possible. But let’s be honest, these switches have to be easy and they have to work.

In my quest to find a safer, healthier deodorant, I have tried several different ones. This is tricky because I work out every single day, which means the deodorant I use has to stand up to my workouts. While I have had moderate success with some of these safer brands, I have not been 100% satisfied. And as we wait for Beautycounter to launch a safe deodorant (we hope soon), I have finally found a new option that I love, and it’s working great for me! Plus, it does NOT stain my clothes.

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Five Things I’m Totally Obsessed with Right Now

things I'm obsessed with for spring 2018

Happy spring everyone! As the weather begins to slowly change (I am still waiting for the weather to warm up here in coastal Connecticut—I know it’s coming soon), so does my appetite for trying new things.

From food to fashion, here are five things I am totally obsessed with right now. Here they are in no particular order:

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Be Sun Safe and Stylish this Spring Break

Cabana Life 2018 Promo Code

It’s time to think about spring break!

As I sit here on snow day number three  in Connecticut, I’m looking forward to lots of sunshine and beach time on our spring break in Florida.

Some of you know I have skin cancer,  and I have to be very careful when I’m out in the sun. This is why I am always on the hunt for stylish UPF clothing, and one of my favorite brands is Cabana Life. I’m excited to share my collaboration with this awesome company.

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Ready for a Clean Swap

switching to safer products

Are you ready to make a clean swap?

My initial thought was to update the Healthy Switches blog I wrote a year ago, but because I have learned a lot in the past year—and have started using some other clean, safe products in our house—I decided to write a whole new post about what I’ve learned. This is a journey, and I am constantly discovering as I go!

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What You Didn’t Know About Beets

beets benefits

Have you been hearing all the latest buzz about beets? Those small, red, earthy and sweet vegetables seem to be everywhere. And it’s no surprise so many use it to make beet juice or beet salad (or even lip balm!), given its many benefits—from boosting the immune system with vitamin C and minerals, to supplying the body with fiber, manganese and B vitamin folate, which helps reduce the risk of birth defects. And that’s not all, beets have amazing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, detoxification and energy-boosting benefits as well!

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What’s In My “Go” Bag: Everyday Essentials

go bag everyday essentials

We all have our everyday essentials that we cannot be without, no matter where we go—from parks and beaches to running errands and hanging out with friends. Whatever I do, I always keep my health and skin in mind, which is why I cannot be without sun protective gear such as sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. It’s important to protect your skin no matter the season (I switch up my hats once the seasons change, of course!)  Some friends have asked me what my favorite goodies are that I always carry around with me, so here’s a peek inside my bag.

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How Do You Hydrate In the Heat? Water Alternatives and Their Benefits

hydrate water coconut water aloe vera

We are now in a heat wave here in the Northeast. Other parts of the country are experiencing this scorcher as well, and for many it can be dangerous. The best way to protect yourself in a heat wave (besides applying sunscreen) is to hydrate hydrate hydrate!

Are you familiar with the 8×8 rule? It’s a an easy way to remember, on average, how much water you should drink in a day. Experts recommend drinking eight 8-ounce glasses a day, which equals about 2 liters, or half a gallon. However, some people may need to hydrate themselves more than others, depending on their gender, age, weight, urine color (yes, urine color) activity level and the temperature outside. A great way to calculate how much you need to drink is by checking out this awesome hydration calculator. Try it! It’s quite interesting—everyone is different!

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Purifying Charcoal Mask: the One You’ve Been Waiting for

purifying charcoal mask

It’s finally here! The Purifying Charcoal Mask is now available from Beautycounter. It’s the perfect solution to clear out your pores and improve the overall condition of your skin, an all-in-one. Plus, you’ll get that spa-quality facial right at home (in only 10 minutes!), so no need to step out and spend more at your local beauty salon because this magic in a bottle can perform all the same miracles (and a study to prove it). I love this magical mask! Safe for kids too :).

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Keeping It Safe: Sun Protective Clothing and Why It’s Worth It

sun protective clothing

Go biking, hiking, running, picnic-ing, swimming, boating, and all the other -ings out there that you love to do. Have fun in the sun but remember to always protect your skin!

Dealing with skin cancer is challenging. I have to take extra precautions to make sure I’m protecting my skin as much as possible since I live at the beach, so I am ALWAYS surrounded by sunshine. That’s why I wear sun protective clothing on top of sunscreen when I know I’ll be out in the sun for a long period of time.  I wish I had done this a long time ago when most of the sun damage was done to my skin.

Clothing is the single most effective form of sun protection for the body, but you shouldn’t rely on just any clothing, because regular clothing only protects you from 1/15 of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. So if you’re planning on going to the beach for the whole day, taking a long hike, riding your bike for miles, or any other outdoor activity, then opting for sun protective clothing will provide you with the right amount of added protection. And it doesn’t mean you have to look like grandma either ;). There are so many fun brands out there that are chic and modern.

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Your Luscious Lips Deserve the Best Lip Gloss (S.W.A.K.!)

best lip gloss beautycounter

I have been addicted to lip products ever since high school. To this day I love lip gloss and the way it makes my lips shine, plus it gives me just the right amount of moisture my lips need. The Lip Gloss from Beautycounter is my ultimate favorite—it’s not sticky or goopy and the peony pink is the perfect color for summer.  It’s my must have!

This lip gloss goes on smoothly, and has a unique teardrop applicator that gives you just the perfect amount of sheer. The gloss comes in five different shades to choose from: peony, buff, sienna, opal and ruby.

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