8 Tips on Detoxing After Lots of Indulging

The holidays are all about indulging, enjoying and I am working on retraining my brain to not feeling regret over enjoying my favorite things. But I do know that I feel it in my actual gut, and my skin when I have indulged. So I have given myself a little routine for "the day after". Scroll down to see my tips.

//My Sweater // My Jeans // My Earrings // Ami's Dress //

#1 One big change that I have been doing for the last few months is having a version of the Bonberi smoothie to break my fast. This is usually around 12, sometimes later if I am not hungry. Before that I have lemon water, and coffee but nothing else.

(I make enough for breakfast and lunch + some for Ami)

To make the smoothie I first blend bag of baby spinach with unsweetened coconut water. Blend until smooth, then add a bunch of cilantro blend really well,

add whatever lettuce we have on hand and blend,

add a a cucumber, half a bunch of celery and blend really well,

2 big handfuls of frozen mango, 2 apples and do the final blend.

#2 Detox Bath - dissolve 2 cups of epsom salt, 1/4 cup of baking soda into a tub full of hot water. I like to add some essential oils like rose or lavender to make it some me time. Remember to rinse off in cold water to close up your pores.

#3 Dry Brushing before every bath or shower. I use this brush and I swear it leaves my skin so smooth but I have also seen a huge difference in some cellulite spots, will report back on this.

#4 Exfoliate in the bath with these gloves, I do this with a body oil right before getting out of the bath. I really love the Beautycounter sugar scrub too.

#5 I use this charcoal face mask once a week (really has helped my pores!!), and this overnight resurfacing mask 2- 3 x a week. No more dark spots or acne scars for this girl!

#6 CHUG water, I drink a lot of water regularly and up the amount a ton after indulging. Bonus point if you add fresh lemon juice to it.

#7 Make time to get active, before my detox bath I make sure to get in a sweat or even stretch session. I will jump on my Peloton, or get outside with the girls. Even some jumping jacks and 15 minutes of yoga will do it.

#8 Lastly, lymphatic facial massages. My face is usually crazy puffy after a night out or little sleep and this massage does wonders. I do these in the morning and at night but up to three times "the day after". I use this brightening oil when I do this in the morning and the cleansing balm (which I leave on at night as a moisturizing mask).

I hope these steps helps you feel and look better! But most of all let yourself enjoy these meals, drinks and if you aren't enjoying them then don't eat/drink them. Listen to your body and leave behind the guilt. We will not get these days/moments back so SOAK IT ALL UP.

xoxox

Natalie

Words To My 6 Year-Old Girl

My sweet angel girl, how in the heck are you six. When it feels like just yesterday I met you for the first time.

You have heard this story before, about how you came into this world unexpectedly early. Leaving us out of breath and scared out of our minds. I remember the doctor preparing us for the worse case scenario, my heart aching and tears falling down our faces as me and dad waited to hear what was next. I always tell you that I listened to my gut, that because I spoke up you are here today as a reminder to you to always stand your ground.

The truth is you were a little fighter from day one, exceeding all odds and coming home right before our first Christmas as a family of three. I hope you always work hard for what you want and continue to exceed all the odds.

This time counting down the days before Christmas sure make me think of the itty bitty you. So I love that you LOVE the holidays more than anyone I know, I hope you always love every part of the holidays.

You have shown me so much about myself, about patience, about commitment and unconditional love. I work hard at being the best version of myself because of you my sweet girl. I am blessed to watch you grow into this smart, feisty, observant, kind and thoughtful girl.

My wishes for you are many but the main one is that I hope you always feel like you can be YOU right here with us and everywhere. I love that we are your safe place and may you always feel that way so you can flourish, grow and continue to amaze all those around you.

You are six today and in a way I too, am six; six years of being this woman I am today, also known as mama.

xoxo

Natalie

Life Lately Spring Edition

(these photos from spring break have me wishing for another trip!)

Hello hello!

We have officially almost made it through our first year in NYC. And holy crap, if I am being honest it was hard AF. Amazing yes but HARD AF.

The best part of this experience has without a doubt been that we have come closer as a family. Forced to physically be closer in 1100 sq ft apartment but also figuratively with new hurdles and challenges that come with big jobs, starting school and parenting in New York City. And doing it all without our families and friends.

We have been forced to communicate more, find our new normal and rhythm. All in time for the school year to end and summer break to begin. hahaha. But I am entering this new season feeling more confident that I know what our family needs, and what the girls need to be balanced. And what I need too.

Which is why I have taken a break from social media, turning off alerts, signing out and only coming back for a tiny chunk of time when I want to. Instead of the mindless scrolling in between appointments, down time, before I fall asleep or sharing on stories because I feel like I HAVE TO, because you know well it didn't happen if it's not on Instagram stories, (all this adds up to WAY more time than necessary on anything that isn't real life).

At first I thought that I would take a break from blogging too but I love this creative outlet. I LOVE being able to share, tips, sales, skincare stuff and recipes so I am going to fit it in as a weekly thing.

So this summer will be about a little social media detox, a lot of fun bucket list items to check off and maybe jumping on to share on IG when I feel like I want to. I have a plan is to continue keeping myself present for my girls and family but still allowing myself to work on my creative outlet.

I am working on two posts for this week: an update on each of us and one on what we are doing to avoid the summer academic slide. So be sure to subscribe and I'll send out a note when there is new stuff on here!

I am hoping that you all find some balance this summer and that it is filled with more of the good stuff than the ick stuff (which is what I say 1000x a day to the girls! ha!

Happy Wednesday my loves.

xoxo

Natalie

#Lifelately #mamadiaries