Spring Smoothie

To mark the first day of Spring, I wanted a thirst-quenching smoothie that would keep me full for a few hours before lunch. Enter the smoothie:

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Grapefruit: is high in enzymes that burn fat, has a high water content, helps shed pounds, prevents arthritis, works as an antiseptic, lowers cholesterol levels, prevents cancer with its antioxidant compound naringenin, treats cold and fever, dissolves gallstones, boosts immunity, promotes better digestion, and contributes to healthy and smooth skin.

While banana is an ideal base for all fruit and veggie smoothies because it adds an element of creaminess, it can be a bit bloating and sugar-heavy. It’s always a challenge to make a smoothie without the crutch of the banana, so keeping things simple, as I do, I simply pulled together two cucumbers, one apple, and one grapefruit, blended them together, added a few drops of liquid stevia (everyone should have this on hand—such a lifesaver!) to cut the grapefruit’s bitterness, and then had me a delightful start to a sunny day.

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Yeah yeah yeah…the color. I know. Slurp it away!

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Enough fruit sugar to get me through the morning and feeling awake and ready to conquer the day!

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Bon Appetit!

xo Aylin

Skincredible…

…is incredible.

My predilection for pretty, shiny things extends to those beyond sequin dresses. Christmas lights stream the contours of my bedroom ceiling year-round, my favorite pair of shoes glow in the dark, and when I used to drink alcohol, I couldn’t host a party without the attendance of my dear friend Goldschlager, the cinnamon Schnapps liqueur with gold leaf flakes floating around in it.  And now this.

Ingredients: Unconditional Love and Gratitude, Spring Water Electrolyzed with 24kt Gold, Organic Cold Pressed Tamanu oil, Organic Cold Pressed Rose Hip seed oil, Essential oils of : Hyssop, Austrailian and East African Sandalwood,Spikenard, Rosewood, Geranium, Lavender, Cinnamon, Chamomile, Fennel, Frankincense, Myrrh, Helichrysum, Rose, Patchouli, Palmarosa, Jasmine, Neroli, Idaho Tansy, Marestail, Clove and Lemongrass, Potassium and Magnesium. 100% organic ingredients.

Um...where can I get this?

All bow to Simply Divine Botanicals–the company has perfected skin lotion and I shall never go back to anything else. Of course, the first thing that intrigued me was the 2nd ingredient (the 1st one was cute, though): “Spring Water Electrolyzed with 24kt Gold”.  What can I say, it’s the glow!

Sandalwood oil

The first thing you notice upon application is Skincredible‘s sandalwood scent.  To me, sandalwood is androgynous –rich, sweet, fragrant yet delicate, woody, floral.  One of my guy friends is a recent convert and uses it every day!

If you have typically dry skin, like me, I suggest applying a thicker layer and letting it set in before heading out in the blistering cold.  In warmer weather, though, it suffices as your moisturizing lotion with a simple, light application.

Just looking at the label, you’d think Skincredible is meant for serious skin conditions, but its ingredients are simple, organic and meant for everyone. I’ve been using the Skincredible lotion for the past 4 months, and I’ve noticed my skin become noticeably more even-toned and I haven’t broken out in pimples or experienced outbursts of redness (typical with me in the past).

I think I see something shiny…

xoxo