Spring has finally sprung and if you’re ready to put your freshest face forward, check out these top beauty finds that will help keep you gorgeous, all season long!

Love it or hate it, grocery shopping is an essential part of life. But, for almost as long as I’ve been doing it, I’ve been doing it wrong. I’ve been purchasing the wrong things, overspending and inevitably, tossing out too much of what I buy.

Have you read the ingredient lists on some of your favorite seasoning packets recently? Yikes! They are full of some of the most questionable, highly processed foods and flavorings that none of us wants or needs, and worse yet, absolutely aren’t necessary. From MSG to GMO’s (bioengineered ingredients), nasty seed oils and more.

If you’re like me, you don’t think about foot health too often - until something goes wrong and you realize exactly what you’ve been taking for granted.

I’m 47 and aside from an occasional ingrown toenail, my feet have never bothered me, so I never really gave them any thought. I’d get up, go about my day, jog or walk or do yoga and all was good.

Until it wasn’t.

The more I delve into food, specifically the ingredients that go into our food supply, the more I realize how truly tainted the food industry has become.

If you’re a label reader like me, you may have noticed something in recent months. The EXTREME use of bioengineered food ingredients. They’re everywhere, and yet, these ingredients are a bit obscure. Do you really know what they are? How they’re made? Or why they’re showing up in everything?

One thing I hear from friends over and over is that they would like to use products that are more “clean,” BUT, they can only get those items at specialty stores, and “they’re SO expensive.”

Not so, my friends! I’m here to tell you, that you can get GREAT skincare that’s readily available, and much less expensive than the brands you’re likely purchasing, or have grown up with, such as Olay and Neutrogena.

Who else gains that fun “winter 10.” I’ve always gained 5-10 pounds in winter and it “used” to be fairly easy to take them off….BUT, then something happened: I got older and pounds don’t come off nearly as easy as they used to.

I’m never sure how fall “happens,” but each year it comes at us hard. And while (at least in the Midwest), the scenery is gorgeous and the colors breathtaking, the sudden change in temperature can do a number on my skin. Not to mention, I go from getting out and moving all day long, to really just wanting to sit under a blanket and watch TV.

I know traditionally, right now is not the time people focus on their health. That’s what New Year’s is for, right?

Why wait!? Life is short and “getting healthy” means something different for every single one of us. Instead of unrealistic expectations, I think it’s important to focus on smaller goals that can more easily be attained and achieved. Your bodies will thank you!

There are several types of phthalates, but, in general, phthalates are chemicals used to make plastics more durable. A specific type of phthalate, DEP, is also used in fragrance, as it extends the life and aromatic strength of the fragrance. These types of phthalates are really in many types of fragrances, from body lotions to skincare, from cleaning products to candles. Phthalates in shampoo and other haircare products are also common.

The Summer holidays often means spending a day or more at the beach, under the sun and splashing around. Sun exposure can be really good for our health, as it gets us some much-needed natural Vitamin D. The salty water of the ocean is ideal for detoxing your skin and also getting rid of breakouts. It is essential you do all this in moderation and remember to look after your skin and hair at the end of the day. While the beach is generally good for you, it can have adverse effects on your skin and hair. Sun exposure leaves your skin dry and may lead to skin damage and premature aging. You may also deal with parched hair after dipping into the salty water.

For the past year or two, I’ve been making a concerted effort to buy more products made the USA. Generally speaking, I feel like these American made brands are way better quality, plus, their efforts are supporting the communities in our states and country by employing our friends, family and neighbors. And to be honest, I loathe how some people, more specifically how some groups of people, are treated by employers and their own governments in other countries.

From summer beauty products to the best drink of the season, check out my summer “It-List” with my six favorite essentials for the warm-weather months.

Selfcare is essential for helping us manage stress while keeping us refreshed and feeling good about ourselves. Today, I’m sharing three products that you can easily work into your selfcare routine, without taking up any additional time from your schedule!

Have you looked at the ingredients in your home cleaners lately (insert spooky, suspenseful music here)? I’ve never been someone who is all about everything must be natural in my home-cleaning supplies. To be honest, I haven’t paid that much attention, until the past few years. Did I think they were probably not the greatest for me? Yes. Did I do anything about it? Nope. Until now.

If your skin is extra dry this time of year, you’re not alone! Below, I’m providing tips for kicking that dry skin to the curb, through the use of my favorite skincare products and implementing a healthy habit or two.

Oregano Oil for a Cold, Flu and More

You’ve been hearing about Vitamin C for immunity likely since before you could talk. You’ve even started taking Zinc and Vitamin D. Elderberry? Yep, you’re taking that too.

You might be asking, “What else is there?” Oregano oil. And because you likely haven’t heard about it’s immune-boosting properties, I’ll let you in on a secret: it’s kind of a big deal!

Working to get healthy and worried about preservatives? You should be! Preservatives for food are a bit scary, as we’re seeing more and more of them linked to serious diseases such as cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s.

Whether you know it or not, the FDA had taken a significant role in our everyday health and well being. What they approve gets stuffed into our bodies, usually without our knowledge that their might be something unhealthy about it. Learn more about FDA labelling and why we should question some of their practices.