Recently I found myself in just the right place at the right time —serendipity!  I was attending an event at the Seattle Follain store that grabbed my attention because it was all about the lymphatic system.  It might sound geeky, but for me, it’s pretty fascinating. My interest was piqued several years ago when I read an article by Lauren Roxburgh (wellness educator & “body whisperer”).  She talked about why it’s important to have a healthy one, and what it takes to get one.  Since then, I’ve kept learning and trying various techniques to keep my lymphatic system happy given...

Think of the lymphatic system like a garbage disposal.  It traps and flushes toxins from the body, but you have to “flip the switch” to make it work. When the lymphatic system is stagnant, toxins rise to the surface (where built-up toxins are stored) and must be excreted through the skin and can contribute to breakouts and congestion. To be effective, the lymphatic system fluid needs to circulate through the body - in a way similar to blood circulation. Unlike the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system doesn't have a pump -a heart- to promote circulation. Instead, the lymph system relies...

Next stop, rose quartz roller. Before we get into the review: what are the supposed benefits of facial rollers? According to Jenny Patinkin, "They are used to help improve the appearance of the complexion while also providing energetic healing." Also, they should aid with lymphatic drainage and the release of toxins, while reducing inflammation and instantly de-puff.  I have to say, this one is much easier to use than the spoons and looks quite pretty on my nightstand. I find that I’m naturally reaching for it first thing in the morning if I’ve overdone it on salt or sugar the...

Photo Credit: Tom Pilston, Save the Children, 2017 “You must be the change you want to see in the world.”- Mahatma Gandhi These are words to live by for us at Kari Gran.  Giving back is a way for us to feel more hopeful and connected in the world —we call it Simple Giving. We’re drawn to causes that help women, children and our planet —each deserves loving care and attention. How do we choose which to give our time and money to?  It comes down to what sparks compassion in our hearts — and what our gut tells us...

I don’t mind being the first to admit I’m coming to the Gua Sha party pretty late.  (better late than never!) Given how well they work with our Hydrating Duo, I’m still a little shocked it took so long for me to even give it a try. For anybody who doesn’t yet know what Gua Sha is, it’s a natural facial massage technique, where you use a special tool to gently scrape your skin to improve your circulation and flow of oxygen. These two little tools appeared to be the least intimidating of the Gua Sha bunch to me.  I...

Spoon Time As I begin the path of testing all the little tools I’ve accumulated, the ones that spoke to me were the rose quartz spoons.  This time of year my allergies are completely bonkers and the sinus pressure and allergic shiners (super dark circles) make me feel a little crazy. Luckily, my path crossed with the lovely Paige Gayle of  https://www.samatvaskin.com/  and we instantly connected over all things skincare, especially MLD (manual lymphatic drainage..more on that later) and she is well versed in the art of Gua Sha (read more information here)   I’ve been drawn to learning more about...

I get asked quite often about the ingredient Mica and how we source it for our products. Mica is one of the most widely used ingredients in the entire global beauty industry; any product that makes you shimmer, sparkle, or glow most likely contains Mica. However, we’re aware the mining in the mica industry has raised concerns.  Roughly 70% of mica produced in India comes from two areas in India, and too often children are employed in the mining. That’s why we source our mica from a company that has a zero-tolerance policy toward child labor at all of their...

There are so many amazing ingredients I get the opportunity to work with.  I have a little crush on each of them equally and for different reasons. Today, my love goes to organic avocado oil. First off, we’re talking about avocados here. It’s like they have a special magical pull to them. Also, anything I can eat or put on my skin wins the multitasking prize. You can imagine my delight that this delicious little fruit (technically a berry) is also one of my most important ingredients when it comes to skin care benefits.  I don’t just stop at topical...

TIME FOR LUNCH:  BYOB! Nope, I’m not proposing a boozy lunch, we’re talking about a Build Your Own Bowl lunch. Recently, our team took a field trip to JuJuBeet, a local shop that specializes in juices, smoothies, and bowls, using fruits and vegetables from apples to zucchini.  Their food is mostly vegan and gluten-free and is so good we could happily eat there every day. They were hosting a book signing for the new cookbook “Plant Power Bowls:  70 Seasonal Vegan Recipes to Boost Energy and Promote Wellness” with author Sapana Chandra. You can buy it here.  The book is...

Here’s a little something about me you that might surprise you.  I am not a fan of professional facials.  Say what?  However, I am a big believer in DIY daily facial massages, which I do during my nightly skin care ritual.  Just like the rest of your body, facial muscles require exercise to help you keep your skin looking its best. Only 1 to 2 minutes per day to is enough to relax your muscles (though a minute or two more can’t hurt).  That’s doable, right? In a nutshell, stimulating the face muscles with regular massage has many benefits Relieves...