hbekins_livingwell

20/01/2024

A new year means deep cleaning for a lot of families. Cleaning is so much more fun without having to worry about toxic chemicals🙅 If you want to start to make the switch to safer products, here are my go to's for household cleaners. 

•DIY Soft scrub
3/4 cup Baking soda
1/4 cup Castile soap
1 TBS Distilled water
8 drops lemon EO
5 drops Lime EO
2 drops orange EO

*great for cleaning sinks and bathtubs

•All purpose Cleaner
3 cap fulls Thieves household cleaner ( I also love and )
Fill rest of container with distilled water

* perfect everyday cleaner for kitchen counter tops, cleaning dirty surfaces, cleaning baby toys, mirrors, etc. 

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Small changes can make a BIG difference for you and your family!

If you would like to dive deeper into detoxing your home, I now offer a virtual Healthy Home Swaps consultation via link in my bio👉

18/11/2023

S•E•V•E•N
Happy birthday to the boy who made me a mama! We love your creativity, love for your friends and family, your big smile and your wise soul. You are my greatest teacher and my biggest motivator! We love you so much buddy! Cheers to YOU! 🎉🎈🎂

04/10/2023

Are you struggling with your mental health?

Our brain is the most amazing organ in the universe! We need to nourish and fuel it properly. When we focus on our brain health, our mental health will follow. Did you realize the foods you eat could impact your mental health?

Consider adding brain healthy foods like wild caught salmon, nuts/seeds, leafy greens, rainbow vegetables and fermented foods to your diet. These foods are high in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, magnesium, vitamin B12 and phytonutrients, which also support a healthy gut microbiome. These are foods our brains thrive on.

Try to crowd out added sugars, processed foods, and minimize alcohol and stress, as these can cause more anxiety and depressive feelings.

Prioritizing sleep, staying well hydrated (our brains are 80% water) and moving your body in a way that brings you joy and feels good to you, are additional ways to support brain health.

Taking small actionable steps everyday can greatly improve your mental health.

This week consider drinking half your body weight in water daily, adding nuts/seeds to your afternoon snacks or getting in movement 30 minutes a day doing something you love!

Report back and let me know your thoughts 💭❤️

03/10/2023

Happy 4th birthday to our baby boy! It has been so fun watching you grow into the sweet, energetic, silly boy you are today! We love you so much! ❤️

27/09/2023

It's time to take back your health! 

I have seen too many young people being diagnosed with chronic diseases like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. This is not normal. It might be common, but it is certainly not normal. 

I have to wonder if the amount of environmental toxins we're exposed to in a day is contributing to our overall health decline. From the toxic chemicals used in personal care products, the air we breathe, the water we drink and the foods we eat. 

Don't wait until you are sick to make a change. Take charge of your health NOW. What we consume can play a major role in our genes and how they will respond in the body. Either positively or negatively. We have more influence over our genetics than previously thought.

Don't become a statistic. Beat the odds! 
YOU have the power to take back your health in the foods you eat, the products you buy and the companies you support. 

This is not to intimidate but to educate and send a gentle nudge to make changes to your health today. 

If you need ideas on how to get started, I want to help! Please reach out with questions or safer product recommendations. I have many resources available in my bio as well 👉 

18/09/2023

Sometimes all we need is support, encouragement and small, attainable steps towards our health goals.

What areas could you use support?

18/09/2023

14/09/2023

Try incorporating just one small, attainable step from these tips this week and see how you feel! Report back and let me know if this post was helpful😊👍

***Remember that individual responses to dietary changes may vary, so it's important to consult with your physician for personalized advice.

06/09/2023

We live in an era of information. Information is abundant, cheap or free. Anyone can get information on nutrition, the best exercises for weight loss, supplements, diets, etc. It's really awesome to have all this information and knowledge, but what we DO with the knowledge is the hardest part. 

This is where health coaches can be an amazing resource. We're here not to give you more information you already know, but to help you identify what drives your habits and behaviors. There's not an information gap, there's a transformation gap. 

For me personally, I am most inspired by hearing others stories and not feeling like I'm on this journey alone. Stories encourage me and others to change and transform our lives. 

What an honor it is to help others transform their lives just by listening to their stories, asking lots of questions and helping them come to their own conclusions based on where they are on their journey!

Remember, it's not always about having all the information, but being able to inspire and encourage. That's when the real transformation happens! 

01/09/2023

Little man first day of preschool 😭 I'm not ready for this!

31/08/2023

Rory's first day of first grade! He was so excited for school. Have the best year buddy!

31/08/2023

Rory's first day of first grade! He was so excited for school. Have the best year buddy!

29/08/2023

Another tough "goodbye for now"

We are going to miss you Donaghy family! I remember the first night we met at PEPS over six years ago we were going to be fast friends! I love how quickly our little ones bonded as well! Megg will always be Rory's first BFF!

We will miss all our adventures around the neighborhood together, but luckily B-ham is only a couple hours away! We'll be up to visit soon❤️

27/08/2023

It's been a rough couple weeks of "goodbyes for now"

We are going to miss you so much Churchill family! So incredibly grateful to have met such amazing friends that feel more like family! Sending you all the best on your new adventure in Colorado❤️

Better get that spare bedroom set up, we're already making travel plans to come visit! You can't get rid of us that easily 🤣😝

22/05/2023

What is health? 

*Physical health - genetics, exercise, what you eat- this usually comes to mind first when we think of health

*Mental health- our beliefs, personal narrative, stress and how we cope with situations

*Emotional health- how we feel, to be present with and how to manage the emotions we feel everyday and how we relate with others and ourselves.

Spiritual health- feeling a sense of purpose and connection to something greater than ourselves. Finding meaning in your values through thoughts, words and actions. 

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The health and wellness industry is a multi-billon dollar industry constantly coming up with all the new diets, tips and tricks, instead of viewing health as a whole, connected through mind and body.  Our thoughts, finances, food, home environment and creativity have just as much impact as diet on our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.

I used to think of health as just physical, focusing more on my body and nutrition and not focusing enough on my mind. I have found the biggest transformation when I started to dig deeper into my mental, emotional and spiritual health and realized how interconnected they are through mind and body. Only when I started focusing on this idea of multidimensional health, or the idea of health as a holistic approach that extends to all areas of health, (physical, mental, emotional and spiritual) have I found true connection to my body.
That huge question of "how do I become healthy?" lies within YOU! With a little support and guidance, you too can live the life you want on your terms. 

How has your views on health changed over the years? I would love to hear. 

21/03/2023

Thinking about switching to safer products? Looking to stay within a budget? Not sure where to start? I can help with that!

Switching to safer doesn't have to break the bank or be overwhelming. Just start small. Little changes make a BIG impact 👍

My recommendations? Switch out body lotion, deodorant, and skin care first. These cover the largest and most absorbent parts of your body and most likely used on the daily. When you run out of one product, switch to a safer option. You can even scan products for their ratings with the free EWG app.

If you have any questions or need help with product selection, just send me a DM. I'm here to help and available for consultations. More resources in my bio👉

07/03/2023

Yes, I'm an advocate for Crunchi, but more importantly I'm a better beauty educator.

What does this mean? It means I educate on the importance of ingredient safety, advocate for more health protective laws within the beauty industry and recommend safer products for customers to reduce their exposure to toxicants.

You may think the products you use everyday are safe and why wouldn't you? They are sold on the shelves at our local stores everyday. But did you know out of the 80,000+ chemicals on the market today, only 1% have been tested for human safety? (1) According to the Office of Cosmetics and Colors at the federal Food and Drug Administration, “…a cosmetic manufacturer may use almost any raw material as a cosmetic ingredient and market the product without an approval from the FDA.” (2) 😳✋Whoa! Let that sink in for a minute...

Unfortunately until major laws change within the beauty industry, it is up to us as consumers to take back control of our health and arm ourselves with the knowledge and resources to make the best choices for ourselves and our families. You should never have to sacrifice your health in the name of beauty. This is where I can help!

If you would like more information on making the switch to safer products, let's chat! My DM is always open!

1. https://www.nrdc.org/issues/toxic-chemicals
2. https://www.ewg.org/news/testimony-official-correspondence/fda-warns-cosmetics-industry-follow-law-untested-ingredients

06/03/2023

Change is scary, but change is the only guarantee in life except...well, you know.

So....

✨Start that new workout routine!

✨Change careers!

✨Go for that personal goal!

✨Plan that trip!

✨Ask for that promotion!


You get one life to live and it's YOURS! You are capable. You are deserving. You are worth it. You can do hard things!! Just GO FOR IT!

The biggest growth we see in life is when we step out of our comfort zones and continue to CHANGE!

04/03/2023

At first glance, this is amazing and incredible. At second glance, it reminds me of just how important what we put on and in our bodies is, and that it doesn’t just affect us, but future generations.

Did you know that studies are showing that babies are being born pre-polluted?😲 That the things we put on our skin and our environmental toxin exposures are breaching the safety of our wombs and according to a study by EWG, roughly 200 toxic chemicals have been found in the cord blood of newborns? BPA, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, heavy metals and other hormone disrupting chemicals are poisoning our most cherished and vulnerable population.

Making sure ingredients in our products are screened for safety, keeping those especially vulnerable, like pregnant women and babies, matter more than you think. Need help making the switch to safer products? Dm me or leave me a comment 👇

01/03/2023

Some of the biggest perks of working for yourself is being able to build the schedule you want!

With two little ones, it's hard to find a work schedule that aligns with school pick-up, extracurriculars, and full time day care, not to mention the expense of it all!

Finding businesses that align with my lifestyle and more importantly allow me to support my family from home or part time, is a total blessing!

If you are looking for a way to supplement your income, change your career, be your own boss, advocate for safer beauty, or just need an outlet to celebrate the things YOU love, let's chat! This community has been so amazing and how fun is it to share what you love and get paid for it?! A no brainer am I right? 🙋‍♀️🫶

28/02/2023

DAY 28: LOVE YOUR SKIN- Masking benefits

One of my favorite parts about skincare is the mask.

Using a mask 1-2x week can help to detox, brighten, smooth irritations, improve hormonal acne or even just the feeling of being clean. It really is just a fun way to pamper yourself and make it feel like you went to the spa.

As so many of you have shared, one of my favorite masks is Charcoal Mask. Every time I use it my skin feels so clean and smooth and my pores instantly look smaller! I can't get enough!

All you have to do is apply about a quarter size amount to face, relax for 5-10 minutes, and rinse off. It’s so easy! It you want a little extra exfoliation, use a warm wash cloth to remove...so good! 🥰

✨ Right now new customers (or new emails) can save 30% on this amazing Charcoal mask! Just use promo code in bio👉! Ends TONIGHT!!

27/02/2023

DAY 27: LOVE YOUR SKIN- Top 5 reasons you SHOULD moisturize daily

Moisturizer can have sooo many benefits beyond just keeping a hydrated face (though that is SO important)

1. Reduce the appearance of other blemishes. Freshly moisturized skin has a healthy sheen, which can even out any existing blemishes.

2. Help your skin stay young. The most sensitive areas of your skin - the face, ears, neck, and chest - replace themselves more often than any other area on your skin. This daily loss of skin cells leaves these areas vulnerable to the dryness and the elements. Moisturizing can help give your sensitive skin the boost it needs to repair itself and stay healthy.

3. Fight wrinkles. That plump, firm feeling in your face after moisturizing isn’t an illusion. People with properly moisturized skin accumulate wrinkles at just a fraction of the rate of those with dry skin.

4. The perfect end to a shower. Let’s face it - a shower feels great and invigorating, but it strips the moisture right out of your skin. Taking just a minute to put on some moisturizer will make sure your skin isn’t only clean, but protected from the stresses of the day.

5. Help your skin naturally repair itself at night - This is why night cream's are so helpful! That's when the metabolic activity of the skin's cells is at its peak, so using a night cream with beneficial ingredients can enhance the skin's natural repair process during the night shift.

I currently use Beautycounter's Countertime Antioxidant Soft Cream (AM) and mix it with Hugh and Grace Night serum and Biossance gel moisturizer. All deliver high amounts of hydration AND anti-aging benefits. It's a win-win.🙌 Link in bio👉

26/02/2023

DAY 26: LOVE YOUR SKIN

Give me all the serums! 🙌😜

Known for their effectiveness, face serums are often used to manage specific skin care concerns, such as wrinkles, dullness, dry skin, uneven skin tone, redness, etc. A serum will typically be thinner than a moisturizer, which makes them perfect for layering.

💫 SERUMS:
Skin care products that are designed to deliver high concentrations of specific active ingredients to the skin. The molecules are able to truly pe*****te the skin and hydrate on the deepest level, while the heavier creams sit on top of those layers.
When layered underneath moisturizers, serums act as targeted treatment for wrinkles, pigmentation and redness.

My daily must haves are~
🍋 Counter + All Bright C serum: instantly brightens skin and helps reduce the appearance of existing dark spots while preventing future damage from environmental stressors

🌱 Countertime Tripeptide Radiance Serum: increases skins firmness and elasticity, while reducing the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles
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I layer them in the morning and my skin has never felt better!

has three AMAZING serums to choose from and bonus, they’re all EWG verified🙌

25/02/2023

DAY 25: LOVE YOUR SKIN- Why is exfoliating important?

Exfoliating your face is an important step in taking care of the skin on your face. Most experts advise that you exfoliate two to three times per week — as long as your skin can handle it. Chemical exfoliants tend to be fine to use more regularly.

Exfoliation is important for anti-aging as well.
Plus, for all skin types, exfoliation simply gives the face an instant glow, both by clearing away the dead skin cells that cause dullness and by allowing your other anti-aging products to pe*****te the skin more effectively. Not to mention acne prone skin benefits from the bacteria removed in exfoliation.

Great ways to exfoliate

1. Use a washcloth (daily)

Wet, clean, and remove cleanser with a natural fiber washcloth. I’ve found some natural bamboo ones from Amazon that I am loving!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081F1NBH8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_KV017SE4GDBTSMRCWMJ5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

2. Chemical Peels (every other night)

Wash face, tone or apply essence to balance your ph after cleansing. Apply Beautycounter’s Overnight Resurfacing Peel and let it soak in for 5 minutes. After, moisturize like normal. This should be done at night and followed by an spf the next day. It exfoliates so well your new skin is more vulnerable to the sun. I do this 3-4 times a week

3. Gentle exfoliating cleansers
(I’ve searched EWG for some).

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How often do you exfoliate?

04/07/2022

Eighty-four years ago, (yes 1938) the last major legislation governing safety in personal-care products was passed—and it (REALLY) needs an update. That's why, in addition to creating safer skin care and makeup for all💄, actively works on legislation year round!🙌

Flex your FREEdom and voice! Want to show your support? Text "BETTERBEAUTY" to 52886 in the U.S. or 70734 in Canada and shop via link in my bio👆

✨New customers save 30% on your first order using promo code CLEANFORALL30 🇺🇸
💄

16/06/2022

Little man's last day of preschool ❣️😭🥰

15/11/2021

🖤BLACK FRIDAY SALE IS LIVE!!!🖤

📯Here are the deets!! 📯

✨Save 15% site wide AND free shipping on orders $50+!!

🌟Now is the time to grab those holiday🎄 gift sets for friends/family and save!!💰

With holiday shipping delays📦📨, Beautycounter wanted to get an early start on holiday shopping!

🛍️🛒Get your shopping carts ready and let me know if you want me to place an order for you!! Happy to be your personal Christmas elf🧝 this year! 🎄🎁

***While supplies last. Conditions apply***

08/10/2021

Looking to refresh your skin care routine this Fall? Look no further! Mini Must Haves set is here! Stock up on this giftable set featuring three of our best selling serums!

🌟Countertime Radiance serum visably reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while increasing skin firmness. The formula features a powerful blend of peptides, amino acids, and our plant-derived Retinatural Complex with hero ingredients bakuchiol and Swiss alpine rose.

🌟 Counter+ All Bright C Serum uses two forms of ultra potent vitamin C which instantly brightens skin and reduces dark spots. With a beautiful earthy scent of citrus and turmeric, this formula helps protect against environmental stressors giving your skin a beautiful glow✨

🌟 Overnight Resurfacing Peel features a multi-acid complex. This leave on AHA and beta hydroxy acid peel helps improve skin texture. With glycolic, malic, and botanically derived lactic acid, the formula clears away dull surface cells revealing a brighter, healthier- looking complexion.

The perfect set to refresh any skin care routine!

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Message me if you have questions or need help with product recommendations! Receive free shipping on orders $50+ all this month using link in bio➡️