Shen Dove

personal style, musings and inspiration

Current Favorites – Winter 2018

Here are my favorites that got me through a seemingly long winter, 2018.

Bordeaux Faux Leather Jacket // My favorite layering piece of the moment. I wear it under dresses for work or over jeans on weekends.

Pixi Glow Mist // A make-up setting spray that gives my face a nice finish for the day.

Thayers’s Rose Petal Witch Hazel // This is year-round favorite! I love putting this in a spray bottle and spritzing my face before moisturizing and applying make-up.

Leuchtturm1917, Berry // Since I’m trying this Bullet Journal thing again in 2018, I chose this as my 2018 bullet journal.

Gaia Herbs RapidRelief™ Echinacea Goldenseal  // I’ve been taking this supplement for a boost to my immune system wince it seems like everyone around me is getting colds, flus, etc.

Hi-Wildflower Candle – Mojave // I bought all of the scents of the trio I purchased and will definitely go back and order larger sizes of my favorite, Mojave.

Primally Pure Charcoal Deodorant // I tend to rotate my deodorants and I really like this deodorant by Primally Pure because it’s formula doesn’t irritate my underarms (that are sensitive to baking soda), but it’s still effective.

Spirulina Powder // I’ve taken to adding Spirulina into my daily morning Matcha for a nutritional boost.

Hex Ferments Glow Sauerkraut //  I’m not that consistent with taking a probiotic on a daily basis, but I am pretty consistent as having spoonful of sauerkraut as an after lunch snack. This one is my favorite. I purchase it from DC area Whole Foods or the Dupont Circle Farmers Market in DC.

Dr. Teals Pure Epsom Salt with Lavender // My favorite winter time ritual is to take Epsom salt baths in the evenings. It’s a great way to decompress from a long day and has other health benefits.

Pantry Staples: Tea Favorites

Though I am an occasional drink coffee, I’m a true tea drinker at heart. Here are my  few of my favorite teas and a few of their health benefits.

1 // Green Tea is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients that have powerful effects on the body. These include improved brain function, fat loss, a lower risk of cancer and many other impressive benefits (source). When I Typically Drink It: During the work day (typically prior to the late afternoon).

2 //Matcha is very high in antioxidants, amino acids, and chlorophyll, which is responsible for its beautiful bright green color. Of the amino acids contained in matcha tea, L-theanine is the most prevalent and is known to have a relaxing effect on the mind and body, hence why traditionally monks would sip matcha tea to help ease their mind for meditation. Plus the subtle caffeine content helps with focus, which could be because theanine increases serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and glycine levels in the brain (source). When I Typically Drink It: Matcha has been a part of my daily morning  routine for years (before it became so trendy).

3 //Stinging Nettle is used to help a number of ailments. Studies have shown stinging nettle has antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-ulcer, astringent and analgesic capabilities. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the plant has been used most commonly throughout history as a diuretic and for treating painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. Today, it’s used primarily to treat urinary issues, as well as allergies and joint pain (source). When I Typically Drink It: Any time of day.

4 //Raspberry Leaf is naturally high in magnesium, potassium, iron and b-vitamins which make it helpful for nausea, leg cramps, and improving sleep during pregnancy. The specific combination of nutrients in Raspberry Leaf makes it extremely beneficial for the female reproductive system. It strengthens the uterus and pelvic muscles which some midwives say leads to shorter and easier labors (source). When I Typically Drink It: Any time of day.

5 //Hibiscus Health benefits of hibiscus tea include its ability to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol, disturbed digestive and immune system, and inflammatory problems as well. It helps cure liver diseases and reduces the risk of cancer. It can also speed up the metabolism and help in healthy, gradual weight loss. It is rich in vitamin C, minerals, and antioxidants and helps in the treatment of hypertension and anxiety (source). When I Typically Drink It: Any time of day.

7 //Ginger tea made from ginger has high levels of vitamin C and amino acids, as well as various trace elements such as calcium, zinc, sodium, phosphorus, and many others (source). When I Typically Drink It: Mornings.

8 //Mint soothes digestion and relaxes the esophageal sphincter that can help improve digestion (source). When I Typically Drink It: Any time of day.

9 // Dandelion Root is used for many conditions, but there isn’t enough scientific evidence to determine whether or not it is effective for any of them. Dandelion is used for loss of appetite, upset stomach, intestinal gas, gallstones, joint pain, muscle aches, eczema, and bruises. Dandelion is also used to increase urine production and as a laxative to increase bowel movements. It is also used as skin toner, blood tonic, and digestive tonic (source). When I Typically Drink It: Any time of day.

 

Red Stone Mug | Court Mug | Copper Gooseneck Spout Coffee and Tea Kettle | Sur La Table Mesh-Ball Tea Infuser | Bodum Latteo Milk Frother | Bodum Eileen French Press | Glass Tea Pot | Black Walnut Wooden Coffee Scoop | Porcelain Coffee & Tea Canister | LOHOME Half Pint Creamer Glass Mini Milk Carton Container Water Glass Cup | Life4u Fruit,Tea Infuser Borosilicate Glass Water Bottle

 

Image source: Unsplash

On Finding Light and Gratitude

As a sensitive person who also happens to have a penchant for reading up on political news, I waffle between wanting to follow the news closely and wanting to stay far away from all screens to avoid seeing the latest headlines. I’m going to make an effort to focus on finding the light and gratitude when the news headlines  can look so bleak.

Focusing on what I can do to positively impact my community and highlighting my gratitude for my personal blessings is a better use of my energy then staying upset over the state of the country and the world. While many people are suffering and in fear for an array of reasons today, I realize how blessed and privileged I am in my own life.

For the remainder of June, I plan to take the time to write short lists of things I’m grateful for and things that make me happy on a regular basis. I will likely enter these things into my Bullet Journal.

How are you coping with media, politics, and policies these days?

Image: Unsplash

Healthy Travel Practices to Adopt on Your Next Vacation

The summer travel season is upon us! But it can be challenging to maintain healthy practices while traveling. But no matter the duration, it’s important to not let healthy habits go out of the window. Here are tips to maintain some healthy travel practices for travel to nearby locales or far flung destinations.

Drink Water (As Much as Possible) – Particularly if you are traveling by plane, pack an empty water bottle and make it a practice to refill and drink it throughout the day. Note: If you are traveling to a locale where you can’t drink the tap water, just drink bottled water instead. 

When Possible, Bring Snacks – Some of my favorite snacks to pack include Lara Bars, Trail Mix, Herbal Tea Bags, and Fruit that travels well (like oranges and bananas). Other packable snacks that work well include oats (just add water and you have breakfast) boiled eggs, sweet potato chips, and plantain chips.  

Stick to Your Supplement Routines – When I travel on longer vacations, I also usually pack magnesium packets to add to water, powered green packages like Amazing Grass, Ashwagandha powder to add to beverages, and Matcha packets. 

Take a Probiotic or Digestive Bitters to Avoid Tummy Trouble – Taking a probiotic is a good practice when not traveling, but since travel can sometimes upset people’s digestive systems (upon the advise of your health practitioner), take your probiotic and digestive bitters. Having an upset stomach while traveling is no fun. 

Be Mindful of Food Intolerances + Allergies…Order Your Food Accordingly – If you have food intolerances or allergies, it’s best to avoid foods that give you issues just in case. Be sure to speak with your nutritionist, doctor, or health coach before deviating from your normal diet. In other countries because of the differences in food cultivation and production, it may be possible that you can tolerate foods abroad that normally avoid while at home. But is best to first speak to the professional you go to for nutrition/food advisement. 

Try to Add Fitness Activities into Your Itinerary – Walking Tours, Bike Tours, Jogging to Enjoy the Local Scenery, or Trying a Fun Fitness Class are just a few ways you can add activities into your travel itinerary. Making time for fitness while on vacation doesn’t have to be a chore. It can be a fun, memorable way to enjoy your trip. If adding fitness into your itinerary isn’t an option, there are thousands of fitness routines or various types on YouTube that you can try such as Yoga, HIIT, or Pilates. 

Don’t Beat Yourself Up if You Indulge – Indulging in treats is a fun way to experience a new place. If you are in Italy don’t deprive yourself of that Gelato! But try to aim for one indulgent meal/treat a day rather than indulging all day long. Make trying delectable treats a part of your routine by walking to the destination at least part of the way which makes your efforts a reward. 

Image: Unsplash