Amazing offer from 100%Pure you can't miss (Mother's Day bundles)

Hi Lovelies,



Welcome back! And if you are new here, welcome 💕💕💕

100%Pure April 2017 offer

I have to admit I didn't expect 100% Pure to come up with a make up offer or gift with purchase so early into the year, because they just did a fantastic skincare GWP only a few weeks ago (while I was absent from social media), so it took me by surprise, but this offer is too good to pass up in my opinion, so I will be ordering it myself and I highly suggest you do too. If you are new to 100%Pure and you've been wanting to try it out, now is a good time, but don't delay, because they tend to sell out fast!

Spend $45 on 100percentpure.com and get any of the packages below for ONLY $35

• US: Spend $45 get $129 value set for $35
• CA: Spend $55 get $169 value set for $45
• EU: Spend €40 get €114 value set for €30
• UK: Spend £35 get £92 value set for £30

Starts April 24

Ends May 14th or when supplies run out.

Click here to shop.

100%Pure Mother's Day Natural Glam Gift - Bundle II

Mother’s Day Natural Glam Gift

• Naked Palette 2
• Lip Caramel: Melon Drop
• Maracuja Mascara: Dark Chocolate
• Semi Matte Lipstick: Sonora
• Bag (Petal Power)

100%Pure Mother's Day Bundle II - Perfect Eyes Gift Set

Mother’s Day Perfect Eyes Gift 

(available once Natural Glam sells out)

• Anti Bacterial Wood Pulp Oil Blotting Paper
• Eye Mask: Bright Eyes
• Pressed Eye Shadow: Gilded 1
• Pomegranate Lipstick: Primrose
• Pencil Eye Liner: Blackest
• Bag (Petal Power)

If you've been following me for any length of time, you know I am a fan of this brand, especially their make up, and I have many posts on their products (I will leave all the links below) - admitedly not everything worked out for me, but then again, there is no one brand that would be perfect, I always pick and mix my products from many different brands. In this case, I will forever and ever will repurchase their make up products, because I can get next to nothing here in Dublin when it comes to clean make up that would perform well too. I counted 16 photos on my IG alone, it surely must be love?? 

(be sure to use the products frequently, and not save them "for a treat day" like I used to do, they have a shorter shelf life, so make the most out of it)

Things I am thinking of purchasing to reach 40€ min order:

Gemmed Lip Gloss in Peacock Ore

(my fave lipgloss ever, perfect dupe for Juicy Tube Peach, review here)

Fruit Pigmented Pomegranate Oil Anti Aging Lipstick in Magnolia 

Fruit Pigmented Pomegranate Oil Anti Aging Lipstick in Primrose

Fruit Pigmented Pomegranate Oil Anti Aging Lipstick in Dandelion

Caffeine Masks 5 pack

(my fave masks, makes skin red carpet ready, no kidding! Review here)

Lip Glaze in Daiquiri

Yuzu & Pomelo Glossing Shampoo

Vanilla Bean Body Scrub

As you can see, I am after pink and/or nude lipstick, perfect for spring and upcoming summer, and in need of  those amazing sheet masks, because they are seriously good for my skin! If it's good for my dry and uber sensitive skin, you too can go ahead with confidence and make sure to check out my review for them, because in that post I also talk how I make them last three times longer, and no, it is not wearing the same mask over and over! A good scrub and shampoo never goes amiss. I also recommend Maracuja Oil Mascara and Pretty Naked II Palette, I will leave the links to all the posts below. Come back to those after you have shopped for these awesome deals, I will wait! Sometime in the future I want to try their new releases - Retinol Restorative Overnight Balm and Blood Orange Cleansing Balm. The Green Tea Brow Fiber Builder also intriques me, but both of these shades look way too warm for me. I asked the brand on Instagram to make ashy shades too and they said they passed my request to the product development team. Fingers crossed, because the reviews are good all around!

So without further blabbing, I say:

This link here will take you to the amazing deal, and make sure not to miss it! On your marks! Ready, steady, go now! Pounce now, there is no time to waste, they sell out like hot cakes and rarely come back! I know I am :) 
Ps. this link will take you to the EU part of the website, but no worries if you are from US, Canada, China, Germany or UK - just scroll to the bottom of the website and click on your tag. And fear not, this brand is cruelty free for sure! The reason they are able to sell in China without testing on animals is they found a loophole in their animal testing law. Thanks God!

And then come back to check out all my reviews and posts about it. 

100%Pure Pretty Naked Review and Swatches 

100%Pure Caffeine Masks Review 

100%Pure Luminous Primer Review 

100%Pure Gemmed Lip Glosses Review 

100%Pure Mascaras Round Up and Review 

100%Pure Collection and Review

That is all for now,
Lot's of Love,
Renata.
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Attention: This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. You would make my day if you used them - this would be at no additional cost to you. I blogged for free for nearly ten years before I introduced any form of monetisation in a form of affiliate links - and even now, I am not doing any hard sales, I am simply leaving links to the products/brands/websites I use and trust myself. I thank you for your support! 

Amazing offer for my readers from Human And Kind

Hello Lovelies,


Welcome back! And if you are new here, welcome 💕💕💕

Human and Kind products

Hope you all are having a wonderful day? I am about to make it better - I have an amazing offer from Human and Kind to my readers!
Little preview - I received these products for a blog review, and I am working on that as we speak. You know me, I use skincare for four to six weeks, and in this case it won't take me that long, but I still want to use the products for a little bit longer before reviewing them. But the reason for this post is that Human and Kind are generously giving my readers a 50% discount on their website! Yes, you read that right, a whooping 50% off their products! Isn't that the most generous offer ever? I think so :) Valid to the end of May, so that's why I am posting now, I don't want this offer to expire on you while I take my time testing products. And what's more, the shipping is free worldwide for all orders above 50€.
Just go to their website here and enter "BLOGGER" as a coupon code, leaving my blog handle in the comment section. That is all. Enjoy!


Happy shopping!
Lots of Love,
Renata.
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Disclaimer: just so we are in the clear - this offer is for you guys. I don't get anything from it, nor I receive a cut from your purchase - I am not on their payroll in any kind of way. The link is not affiliate link either.  Just giving my readers a good discount. Who does not love discounts?? I know I do.
The products were sent to me, but that is a disclaimer for another blog post.

ISUN Skincare Review

Hello Lovelies,


Welcome back! And if you are new here, welcome 💕💕💕

ISUN Skincare products

Today I am coming at you with a review of truly gorgeous skincare line that quickly found it's way into my daily skincare routine and my heart - that is ISUN Skincare. Made of only the best, wildcrafted and organic ingredients, these products are truly luxurious in terms of the whole experience - starting from truly natural ingredients list, to the products feel on your skin, their performance, to the luxurious dark glass packaging the products are housed in. And supercharged with crystals. All this makes my heart sing! You won't find a long list of ingredients, but what you get is truly exceptional in quality, not to mention intriguing - ever heard of spinning structures of single atoms of liquid gold, silver and platinum called "Ormus"? Well, you are about to find out!

ISUN Skincare was started by Bunnie Gullick, who is a is a pioneer way ahead of her time creating wild-crafted organic products before it was even considered important or effective. After more than 20 years of successfully developing and manufacturing skin care products for others, in her late 50’s, the opportunity came to create her own line of skincare products. With a formal background in clinical nutrition and having been self-educated and mentored in botanical chemistry specialising in skin care, combined with an intuitive mind and heart open to helping humanity and our planet in whatever ways she could, she created ISUN.

Read more on ISUN and it's founder here. And for now, let's get cracking, shall we? As always with skincare, I tested and used the products for six weeks before giving you my two cents on them.

ISUN Skincare Ormus Myst

Ormus Myst

Description:
ISUN’s signature mist and sacred aroma is derived from the pure living water pouring out from a hidden forested mountain-side cavern at 3,000 meters in the pristine mountains of Southern Colorado. Called the ‘Shining Mountains’ by the Ute Indians because of the quality of light and vibration in the region, the water is alive with rejuvenating energy to restore health and well-being. Mystically found in the water are tiny rapid spinning structures of single atoms called ‘Ormus’. These lively atoms of liquid gold, silver & platinum are super-conductors of energy that speed up cell communication for rapid repair and regeneration of living tissues. 

Elevating oils of frankincense, rose and jasmine are added to enhance the infused energy of the water and offer an aroma to awaken the senses. Bottles made of dark violet glass are filled by hand and a small crystal is consciously dropped into each filled bottle to hold the energy of the intentions that are imparted to whomever receives the fragrant mist. 

Ingredients:

Aqua (spring water infused with gemstone energy); Rosa centifolia (rose) flower extract; Jasminum sambac  (jasmine) flower extract; Boswellia sacra (frankincense) oil; Embedded clear quartz crystal.

My experience with it:
I truly love it, I think it is my favorite item from what I tried! After so many years of using only rosewater on my face, I am catching up with this truly luxurious face spritz. It really refreshes the face, and moisturizes it too. With the seasonal change I find myself going off face oils and just using face cream and this mist for most of the days, and it is enough moisture for my dry skin. If I feel I need to up the nourishment, I do either face oil or balm at night, but that is every few days only, not all the time. Although I am using Ormus mist all the time! Several times per day to be exact. After washing my face, before make up, after make up, to refresh myself a few times during the way, to wind down in the evening, you get the idea. I also really love the idea of supercharging product with crystals.
I am really intrigued by these mystical Ormus spheres now and must research them further. (I also found them in Living Libations products) And who does not want rapid repair and regeneration of living tissues? Umm, yes, please! I forgot to mention that it smells amaaazing - it reminds me a lot of Lotus Wei Infinite Love mist, if you like that product, you would love this mist too. I am definitely keeping the bottle once I am done with it too, you probably know I am DIY inclined, so I am sure I will find a use for it. And I am definitely repurchasing the product, even before I run out.
Verdict? I am in love! Don't tell my husband :)

ISUN Chlorella Algae Mask

Chlorella Algae Mask

Description:
A calming, hydrating gel mask with superfood chlorella algae, sea plants (algae extract) and aloe vera, calms, nourishes, soothes and firms skin while nutrient-rich moisture is absorbed to deeply hydrate skin layers.
To keep mask moist on skin, lightly mist as needed with purified water or for even better results, mist with ISUN Ormus Myst. For acne-sensitive skin, blend Chlorella Algae Mask with ISUN Rhassoul-Neem Mask (50-50). For hyper-sensitive acneic skin, blend plain yogurt with the Chlorella Algae Mask (50-50). For dry skin, blend raw honey with the Chlorella Algae Mask (50-50) for deeper penetrating moisture and skin nourishment. For an exfoliating mask, mix ¼ teaspoon ISUN Rhassoul Exfoliant into the mask before applying. Leave on for about 15 minutes, then add water and gently scrub the mask off. Add more water as needed.
For a greater sensation of cooling, store the mask in a refrigerator (Do not freeze). This works especially well to help remove puffiness from the face and around the eyes.

Ingredients:
Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, Algae (macrocystis pyrifera, laminaria, fucus vesiculosus (bladderwrack) leaf extract, phaeophyceae, rhodophyceae) extract; Glycerin; Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, Calendula officinalis (calendula) flower extract, Chamomilla recutita (chamomile) flower extract, Camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract, Lavandula intermedia (lavender) flower extract, Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) leaf extract, Glycyrrhiza glabra (licourice) root extract, Helichrysum arenarium (helichrysum) flower extract, Plantago major (plantain) leaf extract, Rosa centifolia (rose) flower extract); Avena sativa (oat) kernel extract; Cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit water; Chlorella vulgaris (algae) powder; Populus tremuloides (aspen) bark extract; Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) oil; Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) flower oil; Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid concentrate); Xanthan gum; Citric acid.

My experience with it:
This was the product that I came across first from this brand, and I knew I wanted it immediately! I tend to look up ingredients on the products I want immediately, and I am really pleased it is truly natural, without any fillers or other forms of green washing. When I was offered to try it out, I was like the little girl who just candy - it instantly cheers you up to no end! Upon getting the actual mask and trying it on, I was not disappointed, this stuff work and works really well - my skin is really happy afterwards, calmed down, brighter, plumper and really nourished. I find I can skip the moisturiser for the day that I use this mask. Will I want more once I am out? Absolutely!

ISUN Soothing Relief Balm

Soothing Relief Balm

Description:
A soothing, calming and cooling balm that supports rapid and effective repair of inflamed and sensitive skin conditions while it moisturises and protects tissues. Gives a feeling of immediate relief from burns, bug bites, plant stings while it provides healing to irritated or damaged skin. For all skin types. Especially beneficial for sensitive skin and hyper-sensitive skin conditions. Excellent for sunburned skin to relieve pain, prevent peeling and promote rapid healing. May be used as a day or night moisturiser as needed.

Ingredients:
Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil; Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, Calendula officinalis (calendula) flower extract, Chamomilla recutita (chamomile) flower extract, Symphytum officinale (comfrey) root extract, Lavandula intermedia (lavender) flower extract, Azadirachta indica (neem) leaf extract, Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, Melissa officinalis (lemon balm) leaf extract, Centella asiatica (gotu kola) leaf extract, Camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract, Helichrysum arenarium (helichrysum) flower extract, Urtica dioica (nettle) leaf extract, Olea europaea (olive) leaf extract, Plantago major (plantain) leaf extract; Rosa damascena (rose) distillate; Beta-glucan (oat-derived); Glycerin; Cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit water; Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf; Ozokerite (mineral wax); Helichrysum arenarium (helichrysum) flower extract; Populus tremuloides (aspen) bark extract; Tocopherols (vitamin E); Cetearyl alcohol, Cetearyl glucoside (vegetable wax); Xanthan gum; Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) oil; Sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid concentrate); Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf (concentrate); Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) extract.

My experience with it:
This is yet another great product from ISUN, albeit I have to admit I used it the least - I got it at the tail end of winter, so I got a bit less use out of it, but nonetheless, I am loving it. As I already mentioned, I use it as a night moisturiser once or twice per week and I am waking up to happy and plum skin. It says it is good for irritated or sunburned skin, so I am sure this product will come in handy in upcoming summer months too. At first I was a bit concerned about coconut oil in it as it tends to break me out, but I am pleased to say it didn't. Must be a magic combination with other ingredients. I also get reactions (redness) from aloe vera, again, none of it from this product. (I am a lucky gal, I know, I know! Not only I battled dermatitis, but my skin is so sensitive that I react to so many thing, including aloe vera. I mean who reacts to aloe?!).
Verdict? This is a great product, and definitely the one to consider if you want to treat yourself.

So, all in all I am really happy with all these product I tried, so pleased that they worked for me - with skin like mine there is always hold-the-breath moment. But now I know I can use their products with confidence, and I will be back for more for sure. I won't be getting all of the products at once, as that would be kind of expensive, but I will replace at least two out of three products I own. (Due to downsizing the stuff I currently own to my perfect capsule collection. My aim is to have just one open product in each category. At the moment I own too many balms and face oils - I made good progress in other areas, and I am due to update my Project Pan post. Also see my two cents on downsizing - I am not sure where it is taking me as a blogger, but that is what I want to do. Aimless consumerism drives me crazy. But that is another story for another time).

ISUN Skincare

So that is all for now my dear friends! Have you tried anything from ISUN Skincare? What is your favorite product? Please share with me, I really want to know :)

Check them out at ISUN Skincare UK

Or at Dutch Health Store

See 250+ posts in this Facebook album here.

Ta ta for now,
Lots of Love,
Renata.

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Disclaimer; all these products were generously sent to me, for which I am really grateful. (Thanks Tracey, you are a real star!) This does not affect my opinion on them. If anything, I judge a product that was sent to me even more harshly than if I bought it myself. And with these products, I have nothing to nit pick. I got you, boo.

Magnesium - benefits, DIY and two brands reviews

Hi Lovelies,


Welcome back! And if you are new here, welcome 💕💕💕

Magnesium oil, it's benefits and DIY

Let's talk about Magnesium today, shall we? Are you like me and suffer from anxiety (I swear, my brain and imagination are working overtime at all times, running all these "what if this happens" kind of scenarios, which is quite frankly, exhausting), difficulty in falling and staying asleep, muscle cramps, numbness and tingling in some parts of your body? They are surefire ways of telling your body is low in magnesium, as well as PMS, chronic fatigue, constipation, tension, migraine headaches and so on. Magnesium is vital for our optimum health, and yet so few of us are thinking or researching into it. I highly suggest you do your own research, as sadly our soil is very depleted of crucial minerals including magnesium and it is practically impossible to get all you need with the diet alone. Research shows that up to 80% of us are deficient, with 55% of us falling way below RDA. And let's not forget that RDA or Recommended Daily Allowance is very far from Optimum Health Level, again, I urge you to do your own research, you might be astonished to find out that RDA is the absolute bare minimum our bodies need for surviving, not thriving! Turns out the industry does not have best interests for people's health, but that is another topic for another time. Magnesium deficiency is also majorly under-diagnosed condition, as it does not show in the blood test. Turns out only 1% of it is stored in our blood and the rest are stored in our bones. Needless to say, severe deficiences lead to chronic illnesses.. If you want to delve deeper into it, Patrick Holford books are a great way to start. 
Anyways, back to my own story - once I connected to dots on my newly developed insomnia and other stuff (I've had eye twitches and have been an anxious person for years but I kept soldiering on) to magnesium, I purchased a magnesium spray immediately. I chose a spray because it is better absorbed that way and you can feel the difference way faster than if I took the pills, with pills it might take a couple of months to notice any difference, and with my liver working at only 20% rate, anything I can do to make it less taxable on it, I will. And what can I say, the first time I sprayed it onto my skin, it tingled like crazy (that is how you know you are deficient) but I slept like a baby for the first time in months! I can't say it was the best sleep I ever had and I heard angels sing when I woke up, it was more like exhausted heavy sleep and I had an argument with the alarm clock the next morning, aka real difficulty waking up, but I can honestly say I slept through the night without waking up at all, whereas before I had a real difficulty falling asleep, AND I used to wake up a few times a night too. Needless to say that resulted in a groggy Renata. We developed a inner joke about it, "don't pull a dragon by the whiskers" - aka don't annoy the sleep deprived mommy! The following nights were better and better, and I can honestly say I was amazed at how simple the solution to a mass of the ailments was, and it kind of made me feel stupid - I have tried a ton of remedies for insomnia and nothing worked. Apart this. By the way, I followed the instructions and was applying the oil (the spray is rather oily and a bit hard to rub in, but I am putting up with it) on my arms, legs and tummy, but my tummy being the sensitive area, it resulted in ...errr. more frequent trips to the bathroom, (without going over the recommended limit of ten sprays I should say) so if you are using magnesium spray and too have this problem, I say leave out the tummy and spray it onto your legs only. It works perfectly fine now.
The very first brand I got was Better You and I thought it was kind of expensive at 16.99€ at first, but I quickly changed my mind seeing how little I needed each day, and I am pleased to say the bottle lasted me well over a year. Little did I knew I picked up the best stuff in the market without even knowing, because when I ran out, I purchased Holland & Barrett own brand magnesium spray (not pictured) as it was half price at a time. I perused the ingredients to make sure not to get any nasty surprises (H&B own brand vitamins and minerals are full of fillers and I stopped buying them because of it) and the bottle said "super concentrated formula" so assumed it must be the same as the other brand I had, and oh boy how wrong I was! Not only it is watery as hell, I am halfway done with it in a month! Needless to say I won't purchase Holland & Barrett own brand anything from now on! Take it from me, do yourself a favour and skip this product as it is complete waste of money whether half price or not. 

 

Magnesium oil DIY

Then I remembered I can DIY it too, I have seen videos of Sophie Uliano and Vita Lives Free doing it, and it seemed a no brainer - all you have to do is pour boiling water over magnesium flakes. So I immediately did that following their instructions (both recommended 50% water and 50% of magnesium flakes, but I have to say I was disappointed with the results, the end result was very watery (just like my H&B spray) and not what I wanted at all, so after trying to use it for a couple of days, I re-did the whole thing, I poured the oil from the both bottles into the double boiler, and added as much of the magnesium flakes as I could cram aka melt into it, I was much happier with the result, it was much more thicker and oilier, and I imagine, much more concentrated. So my recommendation is 70% of the magnesium flakes and 30% of the water. Water has to be distilled. Tap water won't do, because it can grow mold over time. This is what I use now, but when I will be finished with them, I will go back to the Better You one as I liked it the best. So I am giving you one more option for DIY, and it is up to you if you want to do it or not. Some people just won't DIY anything at all, and that is ok with me, as I do realize we are all different - and some people are super into DIYs and just won't buy anything they can make themselves! I fall somewhere in the middle, I am happy to make some of the stuff on my own, when I feel the results are the same or better then a shop bought one, but many of the things (like face creams and foundations, as well as any SPF product) I prefer to leave to the professionals, even though I know how to make the exact same thing.
 
I am using magnesium for a second year running, and I really see the difference if I forget to use it for a couple of days. I also use it on my four year old too, just a couple of sprays, and I really noticed a difference in her sleeping pattern - she sleeps much more soundly and for the first time in years I can have a peaceful night sleep too - just like she can't sit still in the day time, night time is equally un-resting, she is constantly tossing and turning, kicking off her duvet, coming to me asking or water or accompany her to the bathroom - you get the picture. Magnesium helped so much with it! I am now facing a battle of persuading my other two family members to get into it too, and I will get there, damn it! One way or another, I am going to get you, get you, get you good! (gettit?)
Of course, diet is to be adjusted too, and that perhaps should be done before adding supplement, but again, my thinking is that it is nearly impossible to get what you need for diet alone, because quite frankly I could never eat cups upon cups of spinach or swiss chard every day, and half of a cup of beans only gives 15% daily norm. Of course I do what I can, but I will happily supplement too, as I know how good it is for me from experience. Top ten magnesium rich foods are spinach, swiss chard, pumpkin seeds, yogurt or kefir, almonds, black beans, avocado, figs, dark chocolate and bananas. Less rich in it are salmon, coriander, cashews and goats cheese. Plus artichokes. 

So, here are my two cents on magnesium, and if this post helps at least one person, I will be a happy women and consider my work done. Oh, if only I knew about this remedy when I was suffering from those dreaded leg cramps in both of my pregnancies! No doctor ever mentioned magnesium, I was told it is the third trimester thing and it will pass, and I was expected to relax as much as possible and do gentle stretches. Yes, those things helped to a certain extend, but I remember crying in pain every time it happened, and the leg used to be so painful for three days after that! Forget walking, I was limping. Now that I think of it, I will make sure to gift this to any girlfriend of mine if anyone happens to get pregnant.

How about you, do you take magnesium? In what form, pills, spray, lotion? Has it helped you? Please share with me below, I would love to know.


Please like and share this on any of my social media and you will forever have my gratitude. Know someone who would be interested in seeing this article? Please send them the link.


That is all for now,
Lots of Love,
Renata.
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Update a couple of weeks later: I completely forgot to add that you can use magnesium as a foot soak too (mainly because I don't get a chance to do so in the madhouse that is my home, haha)
Interesting discussion developed on my IG page here, so make sure to check it out, and follow me once you are there.

Want to check out my other social media channels? See here. Please make my day and subscribe!
Disclaimer: Products featured are bought with my own money. Please also remember that I am not a doctor and I am not qualified to give you medical advise on what to take or not. I am only sharing what works for me, and I can't be held responsible for what you will do with this information. Thanks for readind the boring but necessary bits.
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Information sources from DrMercola, DrAxe, Wikipedia, Drugless Doctor and Health.com

I am ok

Hi Lovelies,

Many of you asked why I disappeared from the digital world, and I will try to explain it here. Something happened in my real life that left me completely broken, and it wasn't just single event, it was few of them, one straight after another. It was like someone pulling a rug from under my feet, and it was too much for my little heart to bear. I haven't stopped crying for a month and for the longest time ever I didn't know if I was alive or dead myself. And that is exactly why I stopped posting here or on my other social media, suddenly all this talk about natural lipstick didn't make sense. I was going to quit it altogether, but my hubby encouraged me to keep it going, and I later realised what would be the point in leaving what I love to do and just sitting staring at the wall and replaying all the horrible slides in my head over and over again? Some of you send me sweet messages in my darkest times, and for that I am extemely grateful  - real connections like these are the best thing to come out of my blogging journey, and for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
One month on, I am trying to glue together a thousand of broken pieces that used to be my heart. I am forever a changed woman, and even though my heart hurts so bad still, I am trying to rise from the black hole I am in, I am trying to make this grief a passing stop, not a final destination. I am different as a person, and it made me revaluate my life in different ways, and there's one thing I want to ask of you - hugs your kids and your loved ones tightly and tell them how much you love them right here right now! Life a such a fragile thing and yet we take it for granted.
Sorry if you were expecting me to list the tragic life events in detail here - I won't, as it is private, and I am a very private person in real life. Always happy to talk green beauty products, yes, but my private life will remain my private life and I hope you are OK with it. This post was written and rewritten a thousand times, and I am still not happy with it, but I don't think there's a way to translate pain via blog, no matter how many times I will try, it will come out dry and wrong, so let's leave it at this.
Love you loads and let's continue our journey together.

Lots of Love,
Renata.

Both pictures from Google, source unknown.

Natural Beauty Series - meet Linda (or Lindalu19)

 Hello Lovelies,



Welcome back! And if you are new here, welcome 💕💕💕

Today I am continuing my Natural Beauty series, and I am so glad to present you with gorgeous Linda! I had to sit and think for a minute on how to present her to you - she is one fine woman who is kicking it at 60, and kicking it in style! I am hoping I can also use that hashtag on Instagram when the time comes :) Her videos on Youtube are always full of wisdom and funny stories, and so are her comments on my Instagram page - some of them have made me laugh for days. She is one compassionate human, and dare I say it, highly sensitive to others (it takes one to know one) - and I highly appreciate her extended hand during the hardest period in my life. She is also a contributor to a TeriMiyahira.com - and that explains a lot in itself - all I can say you all have to go and subscribe to her on all of her social media, I will leave the links at the end of this post. Are you ready for her interview? You are in for a treat :)


💕 Tell us a bit more about yourself? Name and where are you from?

Linda DePina Born and raised in Massachusetts, New England. I am a Mom of one, Grandmother of 2, Wife, 61 yrs old in June, a True Gemini, retired Police Officer/ Rape & Sexual Assault Investigator, college drop-out, Warrior, Survivor, Friend, Blogger/YouTuber, Yogi, Meditator, Mentor, Volunteer, Jokester, Champion of Human Beings, Vegetarian, Reader, Student of life, Swear like a sailor, Love like it's gone tomorrow!

The reason I started my blog/YT channel was because I craved connection with like minded individuals. In 2012 I filmed my first video and Ive been quite an irregular presence since then. I often become conflicted, between the increasing materialism associated with beauty blogging and my desire to use less/ love more. So, I struggle to find balance. As I do in life generally . In the summer of 2016 I switched to cruelty free and cleaner products. It was a natural progression from living a clean lifestyle and plant based diet. It seemed the logical next step.


💕 How has going natural and non toxic in your beauty regimen changed your overall health and beauty?

Going Green with my lifestyle in its entirety has changed my view on many things I once took for granted. In the past I purchased conventional products with any thought except efficacy and cost.

Now, that I know better= I do better. Shop discerningly and avoid media hype [as much as possible] Sometimes, still to this day, I get caught up in the frenzy of the "next greatest thing". Not going to lie!! I have seen and learned what animals endure to give us product and food and now, I cannot un-know the horror so I shop ethically.


💕 Three things that make you happy?

Three things that make me happy is too confining so I'll condense my answers. -1-PEACE! [mind, home, public, global] All of the above LOL I crave PEACE. 2- LITTLE THINGS, the small daily moments that make me smile on the inside as well as outside, [random acts of kindness-nature- children in their innocence, compassion.} 3- LOVED ONES expressing love and kindness to each other and random strangers. My grandchildren putting another persons needs before their own. Simply watching them become good hearted adults and knowing that I influenced that behavior in my own way - this makes my burst with gratitude and faith in the future.


💕 What is the best advice you've been given?

Best advice i've been given was regarding my worries about my newly teen-aged daughter many years ago. I was told to have faith that she will make good choices based on the fact that I had raised her { alone BTW} by building a"good foundation" I had done my job well for the past 18 years and now I had to let go and trust the foundation was solid. BTW, this advice came from a male friend who was single and had no children! How could he know anything about my situation? IDK! But, guess what? He was right, she is now 40 and amazing and best of all.

I married that man ! BOOM!! LOL


💕 What people inspire you?

People that inspire me are the everyday warriors that accomplish big and small victories everyday . You know who they are and they are ever where, Brainy, quirky, unusual people inspire me - i.e. Einstein, Eleanor Roosevelt, Maya Angelou, Pema Chodron, I'll stop here! Ha Ha Older women that are allowing themselves to age naturally and have the BALLS to embrace it!! HEROES


💕 What are your three (or five) can't-live-without-it beauty products? Pic please!

My cant be without products are, Tweezers, brow darkening pomade, sunscreen, Oils, UMA hair oil, Shea butter {raw}, Red Lipstick, Non-Toxic perfume

💕 Your best DIY recipe?

Best DIY, Baking soda mixed into a cleanser to add mild exfoliation and purification.


💕 What do you like and dislike about yourself?

I like my strength, loyalty, kindness, compassion, sense of humor. I dis-like my habit of procrastination, chronic anxiety, bouts of depression, and tendency to want to fix everything/ everyone.


💕 Your proudest achievement?

Proudest achievement is graduating from the Police Academy with highest honors, cuz the physical training was brutal on my "mature ' body LOL Notice I didn't choose the typical 'family " things cuz thats part luck, grace, and hard work. But this was all me fighting all them and I won.


💕 What are you currently reading?

Currently reading- too many things at the same time, as usual! Mostly non-fiction because my brain is always hungry for knowledge!

💕 What food do you like to cook/eat?

Favorite foods? easy !!! Kale/ Sweet potato Curry, Huge salads, and any stir fry with Broccoli. My happy food..


💕 Your guilty pleasure?

Guilty pleasures are always found in Ice Cream or Chocolate.


💕 Your top tips for being healthy and happy?

Tips for health & happiness? Self care rituals, eat clean, move your body, find your passion, laugh often and hard aka { tears streaming & belly aches]


💕 What scents excite you?

Exciting scents? Always incense, spicy, earthy, Casablanca Lilies [swoon], cut wood, clean babies, ocean's salty air, UMA hair oil [Intoxicating] !!!!!!


💕 What is your mantra in life?

Mantra for life -- Every morning is a new beginning, a chance to get it right.


💕 Favorite affirmation if you have one?

Affirmation -- Breathe, just breathe, Will any of this matter in a year? ALSO Start with baby steps and keep moving forward.


💕 What's your favorite beauty trend at the moment?

Favorite beauty trend is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!! LOL I'm too old and smart for trends. Been there done that!!


💕 3 resources every girl needs..

3 resources we all need - trust your gut feelings, Google and the wisest elderly person you know. [ They have seen a lot and can tell you what is important]. Trust me on this!


💕 Once an week for my health...

1X per week I indulge is junk food! for my body and my brain. Sweets and mindless entertainment. It's a MUST !


💕 Crazy health idea that actually works?

Crazy health idea that works, Using a Neti Pot daily This is only thought of as crazy in the west but, normal hygiene in the east Just do it!


💕 What do you do to de-stress?

To de-stress I regularly give myself spa at home treatments, Walk outside in nature, meditate, spend time in my Sanctuary, spend time with kids and animals, visit with good 'real' friends.


💕 Last thing you do at night?

The last thing I do at night is contact my daughter and grandkids to tell them I Love Them, Kiss my husband & pray.


💕 Tell us a secret!

One secret about me. HA I have several LOL BUt, This is my third marriage but my one and only wedding. The whole traditional affair! at 42yrs mind you!! Shameless & Happy


💕 A few words to Green Life In Dublin readers?

Parting words - Laugh hard & often- Get outside and move your but - Notice the little things and mindfully embed them in your memory - Spend time with people who lift you up and eliminate the "emotional vampires" - limit social media or, loose your day down a bottomless rabbit hole - Don't take yourself so seriously - Learn how to say " Hell NO" when your gut tells you "something's wrong".


Thank you Renata

Thank you readers

Thank you to all the people, experiences, mistakes that have made me who I am

In Love & Light

Namaste


Lindalu19 aka Linda Depina

So, how did you guys liked the interview? Told you she is fabulous! Now, if you are not following her already, I will leave links to her below, so you can go and check her out - and say hi from me while you are there!

Linda's Youtube

Her Instagram

Blog

That is all for now,

Lots of love,

Renata.


P.S. Want to check out more Natural Beauties? Check out:

Michele from BVGAN

Vita from VitaLivesFree

Balanced Beauty Bristol Sasha

Andrea from Organic Beauty Lover

Andie from AndieTheGreenQueen

 

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