Quotable

"Life comes with many challenges. The ones that should not scare us are the ones we can take on and take control of." 

- Angelina Jolie on receiving a preventative double mastectomy

xo-K

{image}

Weekend

I am off to New York City this weekend to visit with two of my girlfriends from college! We have a lot, and I mean A LOT, on the agenda. I'll be back next week with a recap!

xo-K

{image: collage vintage}

Kora Organics by Miranda Kerr

Miranda Kerr developed an organic skincare line called KORA Organics designed to nourish, rejuvenate, beautify, and transform the skin. The nutrient rich products contain the highest quality certified organic and natural ingredients in accordance with Eco-Cert's OFC's strict certification guidelines. No parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrance, synthetic colours, T.E.A., D.E.A., Glycols, Silicones, PEGS, Ethoxylate, Formaldehyde, or Formaldehyde derivatives. Her products are vegan, cruelty-free and are not tested on animals. Perfect! Some key ingredients found in KORA Organic products are noni, rosehip oil, roman chamomile, lavender, and aloe vera. 

KORA Organics and NET-A-PORTER.com have come together to offer US and European residents a selection of KORA Organics products and an exclusive Revitalizing Body Pack that contains four of Miranda's favorite products:

The Revitalizing Body Pack contains: Enriched Body Lotion, Energizing Citrus Mist, Exfoliating Cream, and Luxurious Rosehip Body Oil. The pack is priced at $220 or you can purchase products separately. 

This line sounds very promising to me! While on the more expensive side, you know you are purchasing products that are organic and full of all the good stuff! What do you think? Do you want to try Miranda's KORA Organic Skincare line?

xo-K

{image}

Healthy Bit: Apple Cider Vinegar

I know what you're thinking, what is apple cider vinegar? Apple cider vinegar is made from apple juice and is fermented to hard apple cider. It is then fermented a second time to apple cider vinegar. Simply speaking, apple cider vinegar balances your pH levels and brings your body to an alkalized state when you drink it or use it on your hair and skin. Yes, apple cider vinegar can be a little intimidating to pour into a glass with a straw {please don't} and yes, I do understand not wanting to smell like a salad, but when used appropriately, apple cider vinegar can have many benefits. Here are just a few:

Hair treatment: When mixed with water and applied to your hair after shampooing, apple cider vinegar removes product buildup and adds body and shine.

Facial toner: Apple cider vinegar regulates the pH of your skin and is a great natural toner. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water and apply with a cotton ball to your face after cleansing.

Sleep aid: A tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a cup of hot water with honey before bed is said to induce sleep.

Digestive aid: Malic acid found in vinegar can help digestive issues such as constipation and acid reflux. 

System balance: Like I said earlier, apple cider vinegar helps your body to maintain an alkaline pH level. Studies have shown that high acid levels {low pH levels} lead to lack of energy and high incidences of infection. 

Detoxifier: Apple cider vinegar can help stimulate cardiovascular circulation and help detoxify the liver.

Weight loss aid: Studies have shown that a daily intake of acetic acid {a main ingredient of apple cider vinegar} can have weight loss benefits. A 2009 study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry found that subjects that consumed acetic acid for 12 weeks experienced significant declines in body weight, abdominal fat, waist circumference and triglycerides.

So how do you drink apple cider vinegar? If you want to drink it throughout the day, you can mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with 12-14 ounces of water and add either stevia or honey to taste. 

You can also start your mornings with an apple cider vinegar cocktail. A few weeks ago I read about Tone It Up's Bombshell Spell. While I do not know the exact recipe because I am not a member of their site, I have made a variation of a few recipes I found online: mix 1/2 cup of organic pineapple juice with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of honey, pour over ice and enjoy.  There is also the Dr. Oz Secret Slim Down Drink: mix 1 cup of grapefruit juice with 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, pour over ice, and enjoy. 

There is also an apple cider vinegar cleanse: mix 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 8 ounces of water and drink it before every meal.

Looking for where to buy apple cider vinegar? I picked up a bottle of Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar at my local Safeway so check your local grocery stores. Be sure to purchase apple cider vinegar that is raw and unpasteurized. 

Find more healthy bits {here}

xo-K

{source | source | image}

Trend Alert: Asymmetrical Wrap Skirt

The asymmetrical wrap skirt was a big trend last fall but I believe it is something that can easily be carried over into spring and summer. It is an easy way to add a little edge to any look and I especially love the idea of wearing a wrap skirt with either a sweater or a pair of oxfords. This orange Jenni Kayne Wrap Skirt and this pink Kaelen Neoprene Wrap Skirt are my personal favs at the moment. 

What do you think? Would you carry the wrap skirt trend into this spring & summer?

xo-K 

{images: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5}