The Scoop by Danielle

Beauty Scoop: Pangea Organics Argentinean Tangerine & Thyme Facial Toner

2013-06-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

Pangea Organics Argentinean Tangerine
& Thyme Facial Toner $26

I really love toners, especially during summer when I am constantly reapplying sunscreen. I feel like they provide the perfect base and can be a great afternoon skin refresher. However, I can't say all brands are the same. I definitely have my favorites.

Pangea Organics

The Good:
This toner's aroma is very calming and pleasant. When I have a headache, I like to spray it around me and it relieves in momentarily.

The So-So:
When I applied this, it makes my skin feel cleaner and refreshed. I let it dry before applying any other products and makeup, though, because when I don't, my skin doesn't feel like it can breathe. I may repurchase this eventually. For now, there are more affordable toners out there that I think are just as effective, but I enjoy the aroma of this toner over all the others I have tried.

The Bad:
Overall, I do not think the price of this product is justifiable. Unfortunately, I have tried quite a few products by Pangea Organics and have felt this way about most of them. The exception is their Facial Mask which I have repurchased a couple times.

Recommendation:
Check out the Toner's by LUSH. They start at about $10 depending on the size you get. Even the most expensive size ($21) is cheaper than Pangea's $26 price tag.

What is your favorite toner? Share it below!

<3 Danielle

The Scoop on Healthy Living: Exercise Motivation

2013-06-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

Do you every find yourself in a slump when you haven't worked out in a while and you really have no desire to do so any time soon? I know I have. Here are some ways to get your motivation back!

#1 Exercise with Friends
While motivation is actually best when it comes from within, it doesn't hurt to get back in the game with external motivation. Do you have an active friend? Grab them and go on walks, hikes, runs, bike rides, play a pick up game of soccer or basketball, or anything else active! Do something you enjoy, and it will come easier. Also, if you do something a bit competitive, then it might motivate you to work harder.

#2 Set the bar low... at first
Getting back in the exercise game doesn't mean getting off the couch to run 3 miles. Just make a commitment to yourself to do SOMETHING everyday. For example, leave some 2 lb dumbbells by the sofa. While you're watching your favorite show, pick them up and do some arm raises, circles, and curls. If you did this every time you watched tv, you'd start to notice a difference pretty quick! Also, once you start working out, you're much more likely to continue working out. So incorporating small exercises into your everyday routine could definitely be the first step to a healthier lifestyle.

#3 Dance like a freak
Are you low on energy? Well put your favorite playlist on, and start dancing. Extreme moves are especially encouraged. Also, the freakier the better. Get low, then stay low, and HOLD IT! Holy cow, I think you just did a squat. Dancing is a great form of cardio, and I don't see how you could possibly be in a bad mood after dancing like a crazy person.

#4 Join Communities in the Interweb
My personal favorite is the Blogilates community run by Cassey Ho. She puts out free HIIT and Pilates videos regularly and maintains a great blog to supplement the videos. I also find magazine websites like SELF to be motivational and generally have great tips. You could also download apps for fitness like Weight Watchers or Nike+.

What do you do to motivate yourself? Share your tips below!

Did you enjoy this post? Then please 'like' the The Scoop Facebook page and follow me on Twitter!

<3 Danielle

Travel Update

2013-05-31T07:30:00.000-07:00

Hello all!

I am half way through my journey around Europe, currently staying in London until I've finished classes. I leave soon for Italy and hope the weather will be nice enough to do some serious exploring!

I've posted Photo Blogs on EuroScoop, where you can see a few of my photos from Spain (links below):

Alicante

Sevilla

Barcelona

I look forward to sharing the rest of my trip with you all! More photo blogs are coming soon to EuroScoop, including London, Luxembourg, and Trier!

<3 Danielle

Beauty Scoop: Blow Dryer Dry Off

2013-05-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

CONAIR versus GOODY

Conair Photo Credit: shescribes.com

In today's blog, I'm going to compare the Infiniti Pro by Conair and the Flash Dry by Goody Heat. Both dryers have three heat settings and two air speeds. They are excellent dryers, but definitely perform in different ways. Keep reading for my experience with each dryer.

Infiniti Pro by Conair

This is absolutely my favorite dryer for styling. It has noticeably different heat settings, so the hot gets really hot and the cold gets really cold. Couple that with the super powerful blast and your hair dries quickly, and styles easily. As a side note, I do prefer the buttons on this dryer.

However, since the warm setting is still pretty hot, I've noticed that my hair feels dryer and more damaged if I use this everyday. Definitely use a moisturizing heat protectant with this dryer. The first time I bought this dryer was four years ago. I have replaced it twice since then, but that has been my experience with most dryers.

Goody Photo Credit: drugstore.com

Flash Dry by Goody Heat

I bought this dryer about a year ago. I really like to use this dryer for everyday drying. My hair seems much healthier and shinier with this dryer. Since it does not get as hot or blast as strongly as the Conair, I don't recommend this dryer for serious styling. However, I love the defuser for this dryer and despite a gentler blow, it still dries my hair rather quickly.

The major drawback for this dryer is that the cold setting doesn't get cold enough, so it makes it impossible to style with.

So who is the winner?
You may be surprised, but these days, it is the Flash Dry. Since I'm trying take better care of my hair, I do not style it with a blow dryer. In fact, I air dry until it is mostly dry, because as many of you know, the longer your hair is, the easier it gets damaged. That is why I prefer the more gentle heat from the Flash Dry.

Overall, both are great dryers, but depending on your hair needs, one may be better suited for you. If you blow out your hair on a regular basis, you'll love the Infitini Pro. If you have curly hair, or dry/damaged hair, the Flash Dry would be a better choice.

What is your favorite blow dryer? Share the link below! Also, come stop by The Scoop Facebook page and follow me on Twitter!

<3 Danielle

Beauty Scoop: Best Eyeliner Ever!

2013-05-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

I love eyeliner. It's the best.

I have posted reviews on two pen eyeliners in previous blogs (Almay and CoverGirl), and now I want to present to you my favorite eyeliner ever by Mally: 24/7 Professional Eye Lining System.

Now to be fair, I've only tried this kit in "crisp black" so I can't attest to how pigmented the other six colors are, but assuming they all have the same formulation, then they are probably of equal quality. I've actually been meaning to pick up "best brown".

I love the lasting power of this liner. To apply, you first draw on the liner with the pencil, and then set it with the white powder using the fatter side of the applicator. Then I use an angled brush (like you would for eyebrows) and set the eyeliner with the black powder. If you apply it this way, it will stay put ALL day, or all night if you're going out.

I also love how deeply pigmented this liner is and the formula is just so much better than the drug store pencil liners I've tried. It goes on smooth and the powder sets it so it doesn't slide or slip. The powder is the perfect black which definitely adds the most value to this product. This kits runs for $25, which I think is a pretty good deal considering you get a pencil, two powders, and an applicator. While I prefer my angled brush, the applicator sponges are also very user friendly.

I've used this kit for years and it remains my favorite pencil liner. What is your favorite eyeliner? Share it below!

Also, come stop by The Scoop Facebook page and follow me on Twitter!

<3 Danielle

Beauty Scoop: Deodorants for Hyper Sensitve Skin

2013-05-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

I have had such bad luck with deodorants! Apparently, there is an ingredient in quite a few brands of deodorants that I am allergic to! So when I try a new brand, there's always a chance it will give me an underarm rash. It's definitely not the prettiest or most comfortable thing to experience. Thankfully, most of the sensitive or "fresh" formulas are safe for me to use in any brand. The exception is the TOMs brand, which I am extremely allergic to! So if you have hyper sensitive skin like me, then I might just have the holy grail deodorant and antiperspirant for you!

Finally, I found a brand that I could buy in multiple fragrances that I am not allergic to and works really well: Secret Clinical Strength. This brand works amazingly! It's definitely good for 12 hour wear and is great for going out dancing at night. However, it is water resistant, so sometimes it takes a lot of work to wash off the residue in the shower. Though this is probably why it stays on so well during the day. My two favorite scents are the Sensitive Skin Hypoallergenic Advanced Solid and Sport Advanced Solid. The sensitive formula has a light fresh scent that gives you that "just showered" smell. The sport formula is little bit more girly, and it makes me think of summer time. These are definitely my all time favorites!

The only one from the Clinical Strength line that i cannot use is the "waterproof all-day" formula. Again, something in it doesn't react well with my skin. As I said before, the deodorants are water-resistant, and they last all day for me, so the waterproof one isn't a huge loss.

Have you tried the Secret Clinical Strength deodorants? What was your experience?

Come stop by The Scoop Facebook page and follow me on Twitter!

<3 Danielle

Euro Scoop

2013-05-04T17:00:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! If you have been following my other blog, Euro Scoop, then you may know that tonight is the night I leave for Europe! I will be traveling through Europe for two months and return to San Francisco at the end of June. To follow my journey you can subscribe by email or bookmark Euro Scoop in your browser. I will still stick to my normal schedule of posting every week on The Scoop, so stay tuned!

You can also follow me on Twitter and Facebook for travel updates.

Thank you all for reading The Scoop!

<3 Danielle

Beauty Scoop: Maybelline Baby Lips Review

2013-05-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

I had pretty high expectations for this lip balm. Every time I turned on the TV there seemed to be a Maybelline Baby Lips commercial, featuring a gorgeous model which soft, luscious lips. And hey, I wouldn't mind lips like that! However, I was happy with my current lip balms, so it was going to take more than a TV ad for me to switch to a new brand. Luckily, my best friend gave me a pack of Baby Lips to try.

Unfortunately, the Baby Lips lip balm did not live up to the hype, at least not for me. While the packaging was very cute, the consistency feels very cheap to me and it did not absorb into my lips. In fact, I think it made my lips chap, instead of making them soft and supple.

So I would recommend that you save your money or spend it on a better product. My favorite lip balms are by EOS and Burt's Bees. I've been using both brands for years and love them. Just don't do what I do every summer, and leave them in your hot car! They melt, and they melt FAST!

What are your favorite lip brands? Share them below!

Come stop by The Scoop Facebook page and follow me on Twitter!

<3 Danielle

Beauty Scoop: Split-Ends are Dead-Ends!

2013-04-26T08:30:00.000-07:00

ABOVE: An extremely bright Before and After picture

Last weekend, I decided it was time to chop off a few inches of hair. I've been growing my hair out for about a year. I had every intention of taking extra special care of it, and getting it trimmed every 6 weeks to keep it healthy. But life happened, I only made it to my hairstylist every two to three months, and I used way too much heat on a regular basis without a heat protectant.

So, to make it more manageable, I really had to cut off all the dead, fried hair to start fresh. Hopefully this time next year, I'll be telling you a very different story!

After and Styled

The bright side is that it takes me about half the time to style my hair in the morning. It also looks a lot better when I air dry it compared to before. I plan not to use much heat on it over the next two months while I'm traveling in Europe. My new (or quarter?) year resolution is to air dry
my hair whenever possible and refrain from straightening it! Wish me luck (and patience)!

Do you have a hair fail or success story? Share it with me on the new Scoop Facebook Page!

Thanks for reading!

<3 Danielle

Beauty Scoop: Makeup Brush Care

2013-04-19T14:03:00.000-07:00

Cleaning your make-up brushes regularly is important, not only to make them last longer, but also to keep your skin clean and clear. I have a few brushes that I use everyday that need to be cleaned once a week. The ones I use less frequently get washed once I notice they are dirty.

The cleansers I use for my brushes are the Bare Escentuals Well Care For Brush Conditioning Shampoo and Purity Made Simple by Philosophy. Both work perfectly well, but I find Purity conditions the brushes a little bit better. Since you only need about a pea sized amount per brush, both will last you quite a long time.

First, I dampen the tip of the brush in the sink, and apply a tiny amount of the Purity to the bristles. I really work it in and then I wash it out thoroughly. Then I repeat this. After, I rinse the brush really well and gently squeeze out the water in the direction of the bristles. Then I shake the larger brushes (in the motion of cracking a whip) to get rid of any excess moisture. This allows the bristles to fall in their normal pattern instead of being squished all together.

Then I sit them in a mug by my window so that the extra air flow helps them dry out over night. I found that laying them on a towel resulted in my larger brushes still being damp in the morning.

Something else I started to do a while ago was to use a natural oil to deep clean my brushes about once every four normal washes. I first saw Kandee Johnson do this on Youtube with olive oil in 2009, but thought it would make my skin break out! It totally doesn't. It's actually super good for your brushes, because using them all the time can cause them to become dry and scratchy. Using a natural conditioner like olive oil restores that store-bought softness to the bristles. Since it takes a little more effort, I don't use oil every time. You can use olive oil (cheapest), avocado oil, or almond oil to clean your brushes. You can use coconut oil as well, but make sure you rub it together in your hands to melt it before rubbing it over the bristles. You watch Kandee Johnson's tutorial HERE.

What cleanser or shampoo do you use to wash your brushes? Share you tips at the new Scoop Facebook page! Or share it with me on Twitter!

<3 Danielle

Beauty Scoop: Makeup Remover Do's and Don'ts

2013-04-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

Spring is here! That means more sunshine, more days spent outdoors, and...allergies.

Honestly, on some Spring days, the last thing I want to do is wear eye makeup, and on the days that I do, the first thing I want to do when I get home is take it off. Of course, since my eyes do become watery this season, that means I'm wearing waterproof and smudge proof makeup, which is not the easiest thing to take off.

Usually when I remove my makeup, I will first wash my entire face with Biore 4 In 1 Detoxifying Cleanser. It's extremely gentle and moisturizing, so I don't feel like it's stripping my skin when it washes off my make-up. I follow that with a scrub. My favorite right now is St Ives Blemish Control Green Tea Scrub. Of course, washing your face with eye make up on makes you look like a raccoon when your eyeliner starts to gather underneath your eyes. But it doesn't wipe off all that easy, does it? That's why I'm here to tell you about the best makeup removers out there!

Do's
Do use a natural oil to remove your make-up.

Don't
Don't use a makeup remover with alcohol in it. This will dry out your skin, and if you use it everyday, it will probably prematurely age it. We want to keep that delicate skin moistened! That's why eye creams exist! Check the ingredients in your makeup remover, if you don't know what is it because the scientific names of the chemicals are completely foreign to you, then I would not recommend putting that on your eyes.

Best Make Up Removers
Avocado Oil
Avocado Oil is very gentle and a little bit thicker than Coconut Oil. You just apply a pea size amount to your fingers or cotton swab and use it to gently remove make up. It breaks up the make up without any effort and moisturizes deeply. I prefer the Now Foods Avocado Oil.

Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil is actually my oil of choice, mostly because if you look at the cost per oz, it's much cheaper than Avocado Oil, and they're both equally effective. The difference is that coconut oil comes in a jar. So you have to scoop out a pea sized amount of the solid form and rub it between your finers to warm it and create the oil. Then you remove your make-up the same way you would with Avocado Oil. I use Dr Bronner's Fresh-pressed Virgin Coconut Oil White Kernel Unrefined. I buy both oils at Whole Foods, but you can usually find them on Amazon, or in your local vitamin or health shop.

Do you have any tips for fighting off allergy season? I'd love to hear them! Share it with me on The Scoop Facebook page and on Twitter!

Thanks for reading,

Danielle

Food Scoop: My Healthy Spin on Breakfast!

2013-04-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

Are you tired of having the same bowl of cereal day in and day out? Then check out the three recipes below for a well balanced breakfast!

Peanut Butter Fruit Rollup

Ingredients:

Flour Tortilla

Apple

Peanut Butter

Cinnamon

Make it:

Wash and cut the apple into small bite sized pieces. Evenly spread peanut butter on the tortilla. Slice the tortilla into three strips. Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon. Arrange the pieces of apple on the tortilla in a row. Roll the tortilla up. Eat it.

The scoop: the protein from the peanut butter keeps your blood sugar levels stable, which helps maintain a consistent energy level.

EDIT 29 MAY: If you have a sweet tooth, switch the peanut butter out for Nutella for a yummy mid afternoon treat!

Oatmeal and Fresh Fruit

Nothing is quicker or easier in the morning than making a bowl of oatmeal, but take it to the next level by adding a variety of fresh fruit, sliced almonds, and even dried fruit like raisins and dates. Switch it up every now and then so you don’t get bored. For a quick and basic version follow the recipe below.

Ingredients:

Instant Oatmeal (unsweetened)

Milk

Fresh Blueberries

Ripe Banana

Cinnamon (optional)

Make it:

Heat the oatmeal according to the package directions. While that’s cooking, slice the banana into bite sized pieces. Add the banana and a handful of fresh blueberries to the hot oatmeal. Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon and enjoy!

The scoop: Oatmeal is high in soluble fiber, which digests slowly and helps you feel fuller for longer.

Avocado and Egg Muffin

Avocado Toast

Ingredients:

English Muffin

Ripe Avocado

Egg

Salt and Pepper

Make it:

Fry the egg over easy in a skillet over medium heat. Add a dash of salt and pepper for taste. Toast the English Muffin until lightly brown. Cut and pit the avocado, scoop the insides into a bowl. Mash it with a fork. Spread the avocado over both sides of the English Muffin (the more the merrier). Add the fried egg and eat as a sandwich.

If you're vegan, you can simply spread the avocado over your favorite toasted bread. Avocado toast is seriously one of my favorite snacks in the world!

The scoop: Avocados are an excellent source of Omega 3 and Omega 6, the good fats that support brain and heart health.

What’s your favorite nutrition packed breakfast? Come on over to the new Scoop Facebook page and share it with me!

<3 Danielle

Beauty Scoop: One of a Kind Accessories

2013-03-29T11:00:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you guys, but there's something about handmade accessories that I really love. Sometimes in the world of Forever 21s and Department superstores, it's easy to forget that there is a person behind every fashion item and accessory. When you purchase a handmade accessory from Amazon or Etsy, there's usually a seller's profile with a picture and it allows you to put a face behind the piece of art.

One of my favorite "shops" on etsy is THIS PITCH -
Basically, you send a recording of your voice (i.e. saying "you are my sunshine" or "i love you" or even your name) and the artist creates a bracelet or necklace by modeling it after the sound wave. I think it's an extremely creative and unique idea. For those of you from the Bay, the artist is based out of Berkeley, CA.

Overall, the accessories section is pretty fun, even if you're just "window" shopping. I also like to peruse the handmade bag and purse section, and I've found some beautiful vegan 'leather' bags that were right on trend.

Do you make your own accessories or shop on etsy? If so, share some links below so we can all check them out!

<3 Danielle

EDIT (4/6) - "This Pitch" is now called Frequenci on esty.

Beauty Scoop: Body Honee

2013-03-22T08:00:00.000-07:00

You know I'm always raving about all natural products! Well, now I get to introduce you to a 100% natural home wax kit: Body Honee ( only $14.99 ). Body Honee contains THREE ingredients: salt, sugar, and lemon! WHY is this fantastic, you ask? Because it washes off wtih WATER. If you have used home wax kits before, you know how messy and sticky they can be. It's so nice to be able to simply wash off any left over residue!

Every year, I try a new wax product and I usually come out disappointed. Last year I used NADs prepared wax strips, and actually ended up repurchasing it. However, I just wasn't impressed with the quality and it was pretty painful.

I've used similar products to Body Honee in the past, but they had to be heated up on the stove top, which is just too much work, in my opinion. Body Honee can be easily heated up in the microwave. Watch the short video below to see what comes in the kit:

Definitely read the instructions front to back before starting! You want to make sure your waxing safely and effectively. For example, when pulling back the wax strip, pull it parallel to the skin, NOT up and away. Pulling up and away is more damaging to the skin, less effective, and hurts A LOT more. For more safety tips, check out the Body Honee website. When I followed their tips and instructions, I found the waxing process to be a lot less painful. I waxed my bikini line, under arms, and legs with this kit, which are very sensitive areas. If you wax regularly, it actually becomes less painful every time.

If you'd like to try Body Honee, head over to their online shop, and be sure to like them on Facebook and Twitter (@Bodyhoneewax) for great deals!

Have you tried home wax kits before? Leave your experience on the brand new Scoop Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thescoopbydanielle

Disclaimer: The products in this post were sent to me for purpose of review. I always give my honest opinion.

Two Scoops??

2013-03-14T12:33:00.001-07:00

I wanted to update you all real quick on some Scoopy business.
I've created a second blog dedicated to travel and my upcoming two month trip to Europe. You can check it out at euroscoop.blogspot.com or by clicking on the "EuroScoop" link under pages on the right side of the page.

As always, you can send me questions on twitter @danielle0090 or come by the BRAND NEW Facebook page dedicated to all things Scoop. I'll keep the page updated with posts from both my lifestyle and travel blogs. Come by Facebook.com/thescoopbydanielle and say hi!

Thanks for reading The Scoop!

<3 Danielle

Beauty Scoop: Live Love Dew

2013-03-13T19:54:00.001-07:00

If you've been following my blog since the beginning, then you know how crazy I am for natural products! I'm also a huge supporter of small businesses, because I feel that large corporations tend to lose touch with their customers' wants and needs.

Recently, I was lucky enough to try some products by Live Love Dew, an all natural skin care line made right here in the US in the state of Ohio. They make everything from face creams, body scrubs to bath bombs and soy candles. I love the scents of their products. I have a very sensitive nose, and therefore I can't use products with strong scents. Live Love Dew scents all natural and therefore not overpowering. I found them to be very relaxing, especially the Lavender Peppermint Sweet Feet Butter ($10) and the Citrus Fizz Bath Bombs ($8 for 6oz).

I would compare Live Love Dew to LUSH. There are a lot of similarities between the two brands, except for I'd say Live Love Dew is more natural, and just as importantly, MUCH more affordable. If you haven't tried bath bombs or bath salts before, I'd definitely say to pick up your first batch at Live Love Dew, you won't be disappointed!

Product Spotlights:

Intense Face Cream ($14) -- This felt so soothing when I applied it. It has the consistency of a light, whipped cream and it makes my face feel like silk. Even though it is "intense", it sunk into my skin perfectly, and is light enough to wear under makeup in the morning. You can read my nighttime face routine here.

Lavender Peppermint Sweet Feet Butter ($10) -- The consistency of this reminded me of coconut oil in that it started out as a solid and as I worked it into my feet, it turned to an oil. It smells wonderful, I LOVE the peppermint! It was very aroma therapeutic. How I used it: I applied it to my feet directly after my shower. I lathered it on my feet, focusing on my driest areas and then immediately put my socks on. My feet felt SO soft the next morning.

If you'd like to try Live Love Dew, be sure to check out their online store, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter for great deals!

What are your favorite aromatherapy brands? Share them below!

Thanks for reading!

Disclaimer: Live Love Dew sent me the products mentioned in this post for consideration. I always give my honest opinion.

Beauty Scoop: Aloe Protective Restoring Mask

2013-03-04T11:00:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite moisturizers right now is the Aloe Protective Restoring Mask by the Body Shop. I bought it in November 2012 as part of the 3 for $30 sale they had going throughout the holiday season. It normally retails for $22 and you can purchase it online or at their physical stores. The first time I tried the product, I used it as intended. I applied a slightly thick layer all over my face for about 20 minutes and then rinsed it off. It worked perfectly fine, but I honestly wasn't that impressed. Since it had soothed my skin while it was on, I decided later that week to try it as a moisturizer. That night onward, I have used it pretty much every single night. It really helps balance out my skin's oils and it feels so light and refreshing.

At night, I wash my face in warm water with St. Ives Green Tea Scrub. I pat my face dry and apply a pea sized amount of Tretinoin Cream all over my face. Tretinoin is the generic version of Retin-A. I originally purchased the cream on Amazon, where it is no longer available, but I found the same brand on The Swiss Pharmacy. If you have oily or acne prone skin, I recommend you add a Retin-A cream to your routine.

I let that sit on my face for a few minutes before gently patting on a very thin layer of the Aloe Protective Restoring Mask. Before I started using this as a moisturizer, my face never felt quite right. I was using the Origins A Perfect World Antioxidant Moisturizer With White Tea, and it never penetrated as deep as the Aloe mask. I definitely recommend you try it, and just remember to use it conservatively. As a moisturizer, a little bit goes a long way and the tub should last several months. Recently, I've been alternating between this moisturizer and the Intense Face Cream by Live Love Dew (review coming soon!), depending on my mood.

What are your favorite Night creams and products? Share them below!

Danielle

Healthy Eating and Living: Time to Cleanse, Vegan Style!

2013-02-26T21:18:00.000-08:00

Look at what came in the mail today!

It's that time of year again. If you want to read my review and experience with Kaeng Raeng, then head on over to my previous post: "Healthy Eating and Living: 3-Day Raw Vegan Detox". This will be my third time doing the cleanse and I highly recommend it. As I mentioned before, there is A LOT of confusing information out there about cleansing, and quite frankly, I find a lot of it misleading and a little bit dangerous. Kaeng Raeng's program is completely safe and they have tons of tips on their Facebook page and website on how you can customize the cleanse to your lifestyle. TIP: Before ordering, check their Facebook page to see if any celebrities have posted about their product. They will share it and usually link it to a discount code. Today's discount code was HEALTHY20, but it expires tomorrow Feb 27.

Basically, if a liquid only cleanse is too much for your first go at it, then try eating a raw vegan diet along with the drinks to ease into your first cleanse. If you cut out processed foods a couple days before starting the cleanse, it will go even smoother.

This cleanse has made me feel incredible and provides amazing health benefits. It helps you think clearly about everything you put in your body, a habit that we should all have but tend to ignore (I know I do!). It also helps you get off sugar cravings and carb cravings, especially if you do the six day cleanse. Due to my lifestyle as a graduate student, I will be doing the 3-Day cleanse again this time around. Some day I will make it to the sixth day!

Have you tried this cleanse before or another safe program? Share your experience in the comment section below, I would love to hear about it!

Thanks for reading!

<3 Danielle

Healthy Living: Lazy Girl Fitness

2013-02-25T19:32:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to do a quick post about another blog I came across called "Violet Sage". The author has some great posts she has coined "Lazy Girl Fitness" that exemplify how you can fit in exercises during any part of your day. Head on over to her blog to check it out!

http://violetsage.wordpress.com/category/lazy-girl-fitness/

Beauty Scoop: Smashbox Photo Op Mega Palette Review

2013-02-16T09:00:00.000-08:00

Last June, I received the Smashbox Photo Op Mega Palette as a gift from my lovely mother. Some of my first makeup was by Smashbox. My first eye shadows, primers, and brushes were all by Smashbox (and Bare Escentuals). However, the more I used makeup, the more I stopped using my Smashbox eyeshadows. The formula they used back then just wasn't as good as many others on the market. So I stopped buying it.

After using this palette for several months, I can definitely see that Smashbox worked to improve the quality of their eyeshadows. Though, I still use my Urban Decay eyelid primer any time I apply eye shadow, including Smashbox. These eyeshadows look great on and last just as long as my Naked Palette, and although I love the colors in the Naked Palette, I have used the Smashbox palette way more over the last few months. This palette is much more travel friendly and efficient since it has eyeshadows, blushes, and eyebrow colors.

Here is what's included:
56 eye shadows
4 brow powders
1 brow wax
8 cream eye liners
5 blushes/highlights
4 lip glosses

To be honest, I don't use the cream liners nor the glosses. I prefer my Physicians Formula gel liner for its staying power and hardly ever wear color on my lips.

Overall, for quality and convenience, I'd rate this palette with 4 out of 5 stars. It would have been 5 out of 5 if the glosses and liners been more usable, or better quality. If you have the spare change laying around, I'd recommend you try one of their palettes. They do a limited edition palette a couple times a year, usually at QVC, Sephora or the Smashbox website. I really can't stress enough how great this palette is for traveling. I wouldn't go on a trip without it!

Thanks for reading,

Danielle

The Scoop on Healthy Living: Winter Cold Relief

2013-02-04T11:00:00.000-08:00

I hardly ever get sick. This was the first year in a couple years I've had a serious cold, and I think I'll blame it on the fact I take public transportation five days a week. However, I only have myself to blame. Since I started taking an Elderberry supplement everyday, I haven't gotten sick. In December, I had a few too many busy mornings and forgot to take it and low and behold: I got stung by the cold bug. So if you're not sick, run to your local drugstore and start taking Elderberry everyday to improve your immune defenses. It's available in pill capsule and syrup form (I prefer the capsules).

If you're already sick with a chest or head cold, here are some remedies I grew up with that make it suck less. Unfortunately, colds tend to last about a week no matter what you do, but lessening the symptoms at least helps you go on with your life.

Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is especially helpful for sinus and congestion relief. In a bowl the size of your head or bigger, drop a single drop of Oregano Oil and one drop of Tea Tree Oil. Pour about two cups of boiling water into the bowl. Sit at the table, with a towel over your head, and you head over the bowl for about ten minutes. Breathe in deeply, alternating between your mouth and your nose for full benefits. Basically, if you have a chest cold, this will help loosen the mucus which can lead to more productive coughs. For nasal congestion, it does the same for more productive sneezing. If you do this once in the morning and once in the evening if works best. It definitely makes your work day more bearable!

Jogging (not for everyone)
If you do not do cardio regularly, then don't do this. It will make your cold worse. Also, don't attempt this if you have a chest cold. If you are a runner, and have a mild cold, try going for a short jog outdoors, or on your own treadmill (don't spread germs at the gym!). You could also take a brisk walk up a hill or incline. When doing this, it is very important to listen to your body very closely. Your goal here is to break a sweat to release some of the toxins in your body. You don't want to stress your body out by pushing yourself too hard, or you can extend your cold. I usually run about 3 miles, a few times a week. However, when I'm sick, I keep it between a half mile and a mile, which is enough to get my heart rate up and break a sweat. This helps increase my energy level, and can loosen up the mucus for a head cold.

Vitamin C
Whether you're sick or not, taking Vitamin C everyday is good for you. I prefer to drink the Emergen-C packets, which are available at pretty much any grocery or drug store. I usually buy the Emergen-C+Immune in blueberry acai, but sometimes only the original orange are available. The Emergen-C packets have a range of vitamins, so I prefer to drink these in the morning instead of taking a multivitamin. It's easier for me to remember.

Healthy Eating
When people get sick, they are uncomfortable. Sometimes, this may make you want to seek out unhealthy comfort foods. Try not to do this. Skip the drive-thru. Eating well balanced meals when your sick will help your body fight off the bad guys. A well balanced meal has grains, vegetables (or fruit), and protein. One example is peanut butter and banana sandwich on multi-grain toast. Another is apricot chicken with asparagus and rice (or quinoa). It's important to drink plenty of water when your sick. Women should aim for about 2 Liters of water, and men for 3 Liters.

Sleep
Your body does some of it's best healing when your asleep. Try to get plenty of rest during your cold, and fit in an afternoon nap if your day permits it.

Which cold remedies do your family use? Share them below!

Thanks for reading,

Danielle

Guest Scoop: Fashion Tips from Celebrity Stylist Anya Sarre

2013-02-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

Flaunt Your Fashionable Flair

Written by Anya Sarre

Your dreams for the new year might not specifically include a new wardrobe, but adding a little flair to your personal style is a great way to get 2013 off on the right foot. Whether or not you have plenty of spending money to use on the latest trends, you can afford to refresh your look. Here are a few simple tips:

Look for deals online
In addition to great prices, you can find a little help developing your personal style online. At StyleMint, you can take a brief quiz that will point you in the direction of fashion trends you’re sure to love. Then browse about for outfit basics and add a few accessories that suit you as well. For jewelry lovers, Stella & Dot hold a wealth of vogue designs, and you can earn rewards and savings by hosting your own trunk show. No outfit is complete without the shoes, and sites such as ShoeDazzle will help you find the perfect pair for any occasion. Don’t forget to pamper your skin. It may be your most valuable accessory. Stop by Birchbox for a selection of the best cosmetics of the season.

Shop retail outlets
Shopping the old-fashioned way is still a great option for finding fabulous bargains on trendy duds. For a fun-filled day of value, take a couple girlfriends with you on a trip to an outlet mall. Outlet stores for retailers such as Forever 21 and H&M all proffer stylish outfits at rock-bottom prices. At these stores, you won’t have to sacrifice quality or service in order to get the very best deals.

Make your own accessories
Accessories can revitalize a tired look and breathe new life into your wardrobe. This season, handcrafted jewelry and hair accessories are particularly popular, and you can save money by making your own. Online resources can help if you're stumped. Pinterest and more have photos and instructions for making accessories and adding personal flair to a range of fashions.

Looking good isn’t particularly difficult, and online resources can help you find your personal style. Then make a few purchases without breaking the bank by shopping online and in retail outlet stores. Add an extra personal touch to any outfit with handmade accessories designed using online photos and templates. With a little investment, you can flaunt your fashionable flair.

Anya Sarre is one of Hollywood’s most influential trendsetters. A nationally recognized celebrity stylist, Sarre is known for her impeccable eye and ability to tie any look together with the perfect accessory. Named “Best Television Fashion Stylist” for her appearances on Entertainment Tonight, The Insider and countless other media outlets, Sarre is the go-to fashion expert for Hollywood’s biggest celebrities.

How do you add flair to your style? Let us know in the comment section below!

Beauty Scoop: Foundation Routine

2013-01-23T11:00:00.000-08:00

I have a few new products I've added in the last few months to my foundation routine and wanted to share them with you!

For concealer I use CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless Concealer in shade 205. I apply this with my finger tips to my eyelids, underneath my eyes and at the corners of my nose. I have been using this concealer for years, and after trying every drugstore brand that I can find, this remains my favorite.

My current foundation is Givenchy Fluid Foundation Airy-Light Mat Radiance SPF 20 in shade 1 (Mat Porcelain). I love this foundation, but with the $51 price tag, sometimes I switch back to MAKE UP FOR EVER Mat Velvet+ Matifying Foundation (in 15 Alabaster). The Givenchy foundation is so lightweight that I don't feel like I'm wearing anything on my face at all. It doesn't break me out and lasts for about 8 hours. Make Up For Ever in comparison, provides more coverage and does stay more matte for longer. For both foundations, I use a mineral powder brush I bought at the drugstore to apply and blend the the liquid makeup all over my face. It's the best brush I've ever owned for foundation, but CVS no longer carries it. I found a dupe online, but it is a tad more expensive.

The pressed powder I use in Origins Silk Screen Refining Powder in Light Spice. I apply this to my T-zone, and finish off the rest of my face with ELF Studio Tone Correcting Powder. The Origins powder has a bit more tint to cover the redness I experience around my nose, but I don't feel the need to apply to the other areas of my face.This process takes me about three to five minutes in the morning. I usually apply liner to by upper lid and a dash of mascara to finish off my daily "face".

What are your favorite foundations and powders? Share them below and link to your blog if you have one!

Thanks for reading,

Danielle

Food Scoop: Restaurant Spotlight - The Plant

2013-01-17T22:43:00.001-08:00

Last week, I finally took the time to stop and eat at a cafe in San Francisco I walk by most days of the week. It's called The Plant and they offer organic cuisine that includes meat, seafood, vegetarian, and vegan dishes.

Ambience
Inside it was loud with chatter and movement. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, although many customers took their food to go since it was too crowded. It seems to be a favorite lunch spot for many people in the financial district.

Servers
The cashier and waitress we interacted with were both very kind. They asked for our names and greeted us by them when we left the restaurant -- This was no small feat in crowded room!

Location
The location I ate in was located on the corner of Front St. and Pine St. and had a line that weaved through the restaurant and out the door. That is always the first clue in San Francisco that a restaurent has great food, especially when it's not located on a main street. Their other locations are listed on their website: http://www.theplantcafe.com/

Food
I ordered the Quinoa Bowl (menu) and added the baked tofu. This meal was vegan and gluten free. The group of friends I was with ate outside, so we ordered the food to-go. The portion was perfect, I was able to finish it all without feeling uncomfortably stuffed. Most importantly, the food was delicious! The ginger sauce was perfect and I was very happy I had added the tofu. My friends ordered Swiss and Mushroom Plant Burger, the Green Curry, and the Spicy Red Thai Curry and were also very impressed. I look forward to trying more items on their menu. I think my next choice will be the Cobb salad or one of the plant burgers.

Parting Words
I would recommend this place to meat eaters and vegans alike -- one of the few places both can sit down and enjoy equally delicious meals!

Thank you for reading,

Danielle

Beauty Scoop: CoverGirl Lineexact Liquid Eyeliner

2012-06-22T10:57:00.000-07:00

CG LineExact

My new favorite eyeliner is CoverGirl Lineexact Liquid Eyeliner! For a few months I used Almay's Liquid Eyeliner Pen but I found that after just 2 to 3 weeks, the pen started to dry out and lose pigment. I'm just not interested in buying a new eyeliner every month.

I have tried three of the four shades of the CoverGirl Lineexact Liquid Eyeliner. I'll probably pick up smoke once my brown starts to dry out. These also dry out over time (like any liquid liner) but not as fast as Almay's pen. They seem to last a couple months before they need to be replaced. I would recommend Very Black as a starting color--it's definitely my favorite. Like the Almay liner, this one is also waterproof. However, I find it is much easier to draw cat eyes with this liner than the Almay.

What's your go-to eyeliner? Let me know below!

keywords: best liquid eye linear clean line dark pigment review

The Scoop by Danielle

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Food Scoop: My Healthy Spin on Breakfast!

Peanut Butter Fruit Rollup

Ingredients:

Make it:

Oatmeal and Fresh Fruit

Ingredients:

Make it:

Avocado and Egg Muffin

Avocado Toast Ingredients:

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Beauty Scoop: One of a Kind Accessories

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Two Scoops??

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Healthy Eating and Living: Time to Cleanse, Vegan Style!

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Beauty Scoop: Smashbox Photo Op Mega Palette Review

The Scoop on Healthy Living: Winter Cold Relief

Guest Scoop: Fashion Tips from Celebrity Stylist Anya Sarre

Beauty Scoop: Foundation Routine

Food Scoop: Restaurant Spotlight - The Plant

Beauty Scoop: CoverGirl Lineexact Liquid Eyeliner

Avocado Toast

Ingredients: