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...

Hello, Neighbors to the North, I’m taking the show on the road this summer — this week, I’m in Toronto for my first time ever. As part of our plan for Kari Gran to go big or go home, we’ve gone international, first in Hong Kong and now with The Detox Market stores in Canada.  Seriously, we are beyond excited that we’ve come this far.  It’s kind of a big deal for us, especially as I remember the early days when it was just Lisa and me, a tiny workspace, and a nugget of an idea. It’s humbling and thrilling,...

How much sleep do you get a night? Most sleep experts recommend getting 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Is your response an automatic “Are you kidding!? I’m lucky if I can fall asleep and not toss and turn all night. I can’t shut off my brain.”  A good night’s sleep isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. Most experts agree that getting enough sleep is equally as important to your health as diet and exercise. A consistent lack of sleep can contribute to many health issues, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, weight gain — the list...

Have you noticed a shimmery feeling in the air lately? Days are getting longer and warmer, and the prospect of dining outdoors beckons. Summer's almost here!  Memorial Day weekend has become the unofficial kickoff of the season, and it's the perfect time to fire up the grill, host a potluck or plan a picnic. So, you'll want to have a few go-to, crowd-pleasing recipes for shareable dishes that are quick to prepare. If the word potluck makes you shudder (Another vegetable platter? Haven't I seen that pasta salad before), don't fret. You can easily change it up. I often turn...

Yes, you heard me right. Round it up to $7, and it’s still a bargain.  I’ve talked before about meditation and the role it plays in my daily life. However, it’s a time commitment practicing TM (Transcendental Meditation) and doing the full two 20-minute sessions every day can feel like I’m carving out hours. Enter, “The Shift.” “The Shift” app is a curated selection of practices inviting you to make intuitive choices about mood, energy, mindset, and whole health. Cultivate awareness in your daily life through practical ritual, diet, and physical activity. Using all the senses of the body, The...

Do you find all the talk about UV filters in sunscreens a little overwhelming?  Let’s face it - there’s a lot of information out there, and it’s hard to know what’s best for you. For instance, I find there’s a lot of “chemical confusion” surrounding the different ways to filter UV rays.  At its most basic, there are two types of filters in sunscreens: Physical (aka Mineral) and Chemical. Physical (aka Mineral) sunscreens sit on top of the skin and act as a protective barrier.  These contain either zinc oxide and/or titanium oxide.  I’m a big fan of Zinc Oxide,...