DIY Lemon Sugar Scrub

I have recently been using a lot more natural products in my daily regime from food to skincare. Once you read realize just how many chemicals are in some of these things, it can be quite scary! I do not always have the latest and best skincare products stocked in my medicine cabinet, however, some times it is nice to exfoliate or have a great scrub.

My Lemon Sugar Scrub recipe is not only easy (it is ready within minutes and can be made on a dime) it is also completely natural and effective. I find that spring and summer is a great time to exfoliate as my skin my be peeling from the sun or covered in chlorine/sunscreen when at the pool or beach. The below recipe is quick, easy, and also inexpensive making it a great idea for gift giving or Mother's Day as well.

Lemon Sugar Scrub:

1 cup Sugar- I use organic, raw sugar which is more corse, providing a more intense scrub. Use the sugar of your choice

1/4 Cup Coconut Oil

5-8 drops Lemon Essential Oil

Optional: lemon zest


Start by melting the coconut oil in 10 second intervals until it has become liquid. Be sure not to overheat as this will melt the sugar when added. Add in sugar and essential oil. Note: if you want a more intense lemon scent add 10 drops essential oil. Stir together and add optional lemon zest...enjoy!


This scrub is very refreshing. I love to do it in the morning as the fresh lemon scent is invigorating first thing in the morning! Be sure to package your finished product in glass jars only as essential oils cannot be stored in plastic.

Note: I only recommend using Young Living Essential Oils. Learn how to purchase and how you can receive a 24% discount on all your orders!

Men's Spring Hairstyles from American Crew Expert

Everyone is refreshing everything with the spring season. From fresh wardrobes to new decor in the home, it is the new of year for new. I asked Patti Davenport, an American Crew All-Star Educator, what the top spring hairstyles are for men. In addition to her role as an educator for the go-to for men's grooming, Patti serves as the director of shaving and skincare at Groom for Men in Milwaukee, WI. Below are her picks for the top looks for short, medium, and long hair this season as well as tips on how to achieve them.


"Right now the classics are king, regardless of length. We are seeing men from all walks of life parting, combing and taking the utmost care in grooming today. The shapes and styles of our grandfathers’ era are definitely trending right now." 

For your shorter lengths think 'high and tight with a Don Draper twist,' meaning we are seeing fully exposed sides with either comparable length on top or extremely long pomps on top. Style with our medium to high shine puck products to achieve a variety of sheen options. My personal favorite on blondes and dark hair colors is American Crew Grooming Cream. This product will ensure the look lasts all day, reflects tons of light and holds regardless of humidity! For the guys with that longer disconnected pomp, a favorite is American Crew Alternator. It can be used as a finisher to hold it all together while keeping hair touchable.

Medium lengths are definitely still 'Don Draper-esqe.' This shape is the classic contour, a taper hugging the lower neckline and then “comb-able” lengths throughout. The key with this style is showing the comb lines, so keeping it very clean and academic and styled just right with the use of a pocket comb and NEW American Crew Liquid Wax. The best part about Liquid Wax is the ability to style with your comb right out of the shower, then let it air dry and it is complete! Holds all day, and if your client wants to take it from classic to more casual, he just needs to run his fingers through his hair to get a more lived-in texture.

For longer lengths.... shall I dare say man buns?! This is a definite phenomenon we are seeing especially when the 'undercuts' are growing into longer lengths on the top of the head. If this is your style, American Crew Alternator is king here! It holds all the hairs in place but also gives some texture to the surface of the hair so it is not so slippery when putting into a top knot. If your client is going for the Jared Leto look, spray in American Crew Alternator when damp, rake fingers through and let air dry.”

Travel In Style with Suitsupply Race Case

Luggage- it always haunts when it comes time to pack for a trip because it seems like we never have the appropriate piece for the occasion, yet it is something for which we are reluctant to shop. With an impending trip to the French Riviera, I have packing and luggage on my mind. One of my favorite menswear brands, Suitsupply, has recently released a highly functional and versatile luggage piece dubbed the "Race Case." 

The Race Case gives us a reason to rejoice when it comes to packing and stylish luggage with its fashion forward styling and aesthetic. I have found myself with a big, clunky suitcase one too many times in the terminal as well as toppling over on the streets of Manhattan. The Race Case's suspension makes it easy and flexible to move around any setting. Additionally, this suspension frame folds up easily, making it easy to carry on. In addition to the functional design, the trolley features luxurious touches such as leather trimmed handles and face as well as nickel finished zippers.

When it comes to functionality, Suitsupply has delivered with interior pockets to keep your things and gear (up to a 15" laptop) secure and organized. I love the overall modern design of this piece- who said luggage had to be ugly or boring? I think this might just have to make a voyage to the Cote d'Azur with me!

Note: Quantities will be limited and are available for pre-order. $499

Images: Suitsupply

Tips for Naturally Relieving Seasonal Discomforts

After the long winter most all of us experienced no matter what part of the country you live in, I think it is safe to say that we are excited for the spring season. However, for many, the arrival of the spring seasonal also comes with seasonal discomforts that can last well into the early summer...I am talking the seasonal sniffles and stuffiness that comes with the season.

Traditionally, I have used various Western medicine routines to combat this annual event. This year, I am trying something new after having introduced essential oils into my life. Since incorporating them into my daily routine, I have been researching and study various uses, and found that a few key oils can help support the respiratory system.

The go-to combination for relieving seasonal discomforts is the lemon, lavender, peppermint trio or as many call it "LLP"

Tips for Using Lemon, Lavender, & Peppermint this Season:

I have been using Lavender for a variety of things as it truly is a "go-to" oil that is so versatile and can be used for a myriad of occasions. The scent of lemon is so fresh and inviting with the oil being useful for cleansing, circulatory support and energizing.* Finally, peppermint has become one of my favorite oils with its energizing, uplifting scent.

Diffuse

Place 4 drops each of lemon, lavender, and peppermint into a home diffuser. Let the aroma fill your room or home. This is especially useful if you are doing some cleaning or an activity that might stir up quite a bit of dust into the air. I also enjoy placing my diffuser right by my desk as I work to provide relief throughout the day.

Topically

Using an empty bottle, create your own LLP mix so it is ready to go. Fill a bottle with about 40 drops each of lemon, lavender, and peppermint. Apply this mixture to key points on the body such as the bottom of the feet and back of the neck.

Internally

Young Living Essential Oils can be ingested. An easy way to naturally provide relief to seasonal discomforts throughout the day is to make ready-to-take LLP capsules. Utilizing vegetable gel capsules, fill them with 2-3 drops lemon, lavender, and peppermint. Add a few drops of carrier oils such as grapeseed oil and take with a glass of water.

Notice: I only recommend using Young Living essential oils. Not all essential oils that you can find in the stores are suitable for ingestion.


Do you get seasonal discomforts in your area? With warmer weather finally, the buds on the trees are just starting to pop open so I am excited to use this natural remedy throughout the season!

If you are interested in learning more about Young Living Essential Oils, read about how to get started here. All the oils I mentioned are available in the Premium Starter Kit.










*Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please confirm any information obtained from or through this web site with other sources, and review all information regarding any medical condition or treatment with your physician. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on this website.

Springtime St Germain Cocktails

One of my favorite things about the warmer weather, longer days, and spring season is enjoying refreshing cocktails on the patio in the sun or next to the fire bowl during warm evenings. St. Germain, the artisanal French liqueur, is a great way to elevate cocktails for the spring season. I love the refreshing flavor it brings to any recipe to which it is added.

One of my favorite, and easy, springtime cocktails to make is the classic "Signature St Germain." This drink is super easy and is great for serving to a crowd as it is simple enough to serve in a carafe or pitcher. Not to mention I simply love the flavor of St Germain and their slogan says it all "La Vie Parisienne en Bouteille"....who could want more?

St-Germain Cocktail

1 1⁄2 parts St-Germain
2 parts Champagne or dry white wine
2 parts club soda or sparkling water

Stir ingredients in a tall, ice-filled Collins glass, mixing completely. Garnish with a lemon twist. If necessary, substitute sparkling wine, Prosecco or Cava for Champagne. For the dry white wine, Sauvingon Blanc works best.

*I like to add my own personal touch and add a few fresh seasonal berries. This particular time, strawberries fit the bill!

Looking for  more great ways to incorporate St Germain into your springtime sips? Try these additional recipes below!

Springtime Punch
14oz Bombay Sapphire gin
7 oz St-Germain artisanal French elderflower liqueur
1 spring of sage
6 oz Fresh guava juice
6 oz Lemon juice
Black peppercorn

Sangria Flora 
3 Cups Sauvignon Blanc or Dry white wine
¾ Cups St-Germain artisanal French elderflower liqueur
5 Fresh Strawberries (halved)
5 Fresh Raspberries
5 Fresh Blackberries
10 Fresh Grapes

Stir ingredients in a carafe. Let the mixture soak for 15 minutes (or longer if desired), then pour into ice-filled glasses. *The fruits listed are merely suggestions. Many combinations of local, seasonal fruit will work nicely with St-Germain. Be creative! Serves 4-6 people.