the truth serum

If someone asked you, “What makes you happy?” what would you say?  That’s basically the idea behind this very watchable documentary. The film crew went to different places around the globe to find out how different cultures measure happiness. And what’s a documentary without some professional researchers, educators, and scientists weighing in? The good news is the research is enlightening and fascinating – not at all a snoozefest.  One of the findings: about 50% of “happiness” is genetically predisposed. Only 10% is attributed to circumstances – the things people often say they need in order to be happy: income, social...

This essay was written as part of an empowerment campaign, “Wear Yourself In,” led by eco-luxe skin care company Kari Gran. In response to the beauty industry pushing an impossible idea of flawless youth for years, the campaign encourages women to be kind to themselves, and their skin, as they reflect on beauty, aging, wisdom, and self-acceptance. Jenny Patinkin is a highly sought-after makeup artist, beauty expert, entrepreneur, and author known for her Lazy Perfection approach to beauty. As Chicago’s premier makeup artist, Jenny’s devoted clientele includes celebrities, high profile and everyday women who count on her for honest opinions, product expertise, and her...

Whether you are shopping for your friend who has everything, the green beauty lover in your life or even yourself, here are my favorite go-to-gifts.  Soft Surrounding Silk Pillowcases are great for your skin and your hair. I suggest getting two -- one for home and one for travel or to swap out to wash. They come in a zillion colors and they are machine washable. Having an extra for travel makes your hotel room feel a little bit special. Home for the holidays? Loohoo dryer balls are the gift that keeps on giving because I don’t have to buy...

If you’re like me you have a love/hate relationship with the holidays. On one hand there are lots of fun events and parties and on the other hand, there are a million things to do that are not so fun. Maybe you end up spending far too much time in airports, or with difficult relatives and over-obligate yourself because you feel guilty saying no. By January you’re exhausted, your nerves are fried, and you’re just glad the holidays are over so you can return to your normal routine. I can relate! December is my birthday month which I love because...

This article was shared with permission from Lone Wolf Magazine as part of an empowerment campaign, “Wear Yourself In,” led by eco-luxe skin care company Kari Gran. In response to the beauty industry pushing an impossible idea of flawless youth for years, the campaign encourages women to be kind to themselves, and their skin, as they reflect on beauty, aging, wisdom, and self-acceptance. ******************************* If you think about aging in a very basic way, stripped of its social implications, what is it about the accumulation of years and experiences that distresses so many? With every tick of the clock and turn of the calendar’s...

Bone broth has become quite a hot topic in the nutrition world as of late, but this incredibly nourishing and healing food is no Johnny-come-lately. People have been making broths for centuries as a rich source of nutrition and in order to use parts of an animal that would otherwise be inedible. By boiling bones, ligaments and other animal parts, the healing compounds in the food are released to create an easily digested source of protein and minerals. These compounds (collagen, amino acids and minerals) have the ability to transform your health, so why not reap their benefits with a...

Forget football! Here is YOUR game plan for enjoying a healthy, feel-good Thanksgiving weekend! 1. Don’t show up hungry. When you sit down for the Thanksgiving meal, you don’t want to be “starving.” Studies show that skipping meals on the big day won’t save you calories – in fact, you will end up eating more! 2. Start Thanksgiving Day with two things: : 1) A healthy, satisfying breakfast and stay hydrated. There is not one right meal choice for everyone; if you need help figuring out what breakfast is best for you – let’s talk. 2) An intention for the holiday, such as “I will...

This essay was written as part of an empowerment campaign, “Wear Yourself In,” led by eco-luxe skin care company Kari Gran. In response to the beauty industry pushing an impossible idea of flawless youth for years, the campaign encourages women to be kind to themselves, and their skin, as they reflect on beauty, aging, wisdom and self-acceptance. Julie Caprio is the owner and creative director of the Ballet Technique Studio and Hamilton Ballet Theatre in New Jersey. She has traveled extensively as a company member of The Harkness Ballet NYC, The Kansas City Ballet, and The Washington Ballet, and is now dedicated to educating and...

Aging gracefully is a topic of conversation among my friends these days. We are all late thirty or early forty-somethings who are either paying for our youthful sun folly (yes, tanning beds are bad) or just realizing it takes about an hour for our face to settle into an acceptable shape in the morning. I was aging gracefully until my eye doctor told me I needed glasses. After putting on my new frames, I actually SEE my lines, wrinkles, and what looks like the feet of a thousand crows who have danced around my eyes. So who is this Grace...

At Kari Gran, we pride ourselves on choosing nutrient-rich ingredients that benefit the skin in more ways than one. One of our favorites? Sunflower oil. Essential sunflower oil, found in a handful of our products such as our Cleansing Oil, Essential Serum, and signature Lip Whips, is essential to our bodies’ health as it is packed with vitamins and nutrients that strengthen our bodies, both internally and externally. Here are just a few wonders on how sunflower oil works: Sunflower oil has a higher source of Vitamin E than any other vegetable oil, and the vitamin acts as an antioxidant....