Winter Rejuvenation (Yogi Surprise December)

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The holidays are here!

Anyone else feeling a little spread thin?

This is a great time of year to prioritize self-care. Even if it’s just a 30 minute walk in the sunshine, a long soak in a hot bath, or a few minutes of yoga before bedtime, allow yourself some time to rest and rejuvenate. Another great practice you can incorporate into your day is a simple 5-minute self-massage in the morning, or in the evening. Remind yourself of how precious and wonderful your body is!

Here are five simple ways to incorporate rest, rejuvenation and peacefulness into your day:

  • In the morning after your shower, do a five-minute self-massage using coconut oil or sesame oil.
  • Take a 30 minute walk in the sunshine.
  • Roll out your mat and practice yoga for 15 minutes. Do three rounds of sun salutations, a few hip openers, and legs up the wall pose.
  • Take a long soak in a hot bath. (See below for the best mineral salt blend to use, too!)
  • Write for ten minutes in your journal. Reflect on the best part of your day, and the most challenging part. Is there anything you can intentionally release and let go of?

This month’s 

Yogi Surprise

 box contained some lovely products for taking time to be at peace. My three favorites:

Frisky Fish Winter Solstice Kit

This little kit is incredible! It comes with a rough cut citrine crystal, a palo santo stick, and an essential oil roller blend with lemon and lavender. Hands down my favorite item in the box. I can't wait to wear my crystal as an anklet starting when I'm in Hawaii on vacation in January, and to continue burning the palo santo to clear stagnant energy and make space for new growth in 2017! I even saved the box and plan to use it as a spot to store intentions I’ve written down.

Good Medicine Lab: I’m Peaceful Antidote for Anxiety

This jar of bath salts is so fun – it actually turns the water purple when you use it ;) I loved the blend of soothing mineral salts and I was pleasantly surprised that I liked the scent of the frankincense, amber and myrrh. If you want a luxurious, relaxing bath, go for this awesome product.

Seeds of Intention Cards

Love this deck. I’ve been drawing a card each morning and using it to frame my day. I was also able recently to put up some wall décor to display a few of my crystals, so I’ll set the intention card there, too. Awesome!

What practices are helping you stay grounded and peaceful this holiday season?

Tips for Improving Your Posture

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Hi, yogis! I hope your pre-Thanksgiving week is going well and that you're staying as stress-free as possible as the holiday season heats up. :)

 So, I have a question for you...

 I'm curious: how do you feel about your posture?

 If you practice yoga regularly, chances are you're pretty aware of your spinal alignment and stance during standing poses, and things like whether you're lifting your chest, rounding your back, or lacking muscular engagement in a pose.
But how is your posture while you're off your yoga mat? Do you notice your posture when you're working, watching TV, driving in the car, or otherwise moving about your day? Do you spend a lot of time on your feet, or seated at a desk? 

 And do you have friends, family, or colleagues who suffer from discomfort or pain which might be related to poor posture?

 This post is for you! I believe this post is for every one, actually... we all have moments where we forget to notice our posture, and it can lead to feeling stiff or uncomfortable, straining our bodies unnecessarily, or aggravating old injuries. Here are some simple ways to improve your posture, starting today.


5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Posture

 1. Notice your body. Check in with the following areas: your head, neck and shoulders; your arms and legs; your torso; your hips; your upper, middle and lower back; your feet. Where do you notice pain or discomfort? Where do you feel most stable, or unstable? Which areas feel tight or like they've been neglected? Start paying close attention to these areas, and noticing your body alignment.

2. Increase your daily movement routine. Posture is linked to your overall health, and so is the amount of movement you're getting each day. Aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, whether it's walking, running, biking, yoga, swimming, or whatever other activities you enjoy.  By improving your mobility and flexibility, your body will become more comfortable in standing and sitting positions, and you'll have a stronger sense of body awareness.


3. Try LumoLift. I've been using this amazing posture coach tool and I love how effective and simple it is. I simply clip the little magnetic device to my shirt or collar and wear it around throughout my day; if I start to slouch for 15 seconds or longer, the LumoLift vibrates for a moment, reminding me to sit up straight. I find this is especially helpful during my workday, so I remember to have great posture while I'm in front of the computer. What's awesome is that I can also track my daily steps using the LumoLift app on my phone! I'll definitely be suggesting the LumoLift to my yoga students and highly recommend checking it out. It would make a wonderful stocking stuffer this year, too (and it comes in a ton of different colors)!

4. Talk to your yoga teacher, fitness coach, chiropractor, doctor, or other health professional about your posture. Ask for information and insight from those you trust.

 5. Track your progress. Keep a checklist or small calendar with you, and mark down some notes each day about how your posture is improving. Set specific goals for yourself, and ask others to help you stay accountable. You could also consider having a friend take a daily or weekly photo of you, so you can see how your posture is looking.

Do you have any tips for improving your posture? I'd love to hear!

 Photos by Ken Johnson of CKCImage.com (1, 5), Brynna Bryant of Respiro Photography (2, 3, 6), and Lucid Reflections (4).

Yogi Surprise October: Celebrating Abundance

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This is a wonderful time of year to cultivate gratitude for the abundance in our lives.

The air is colder and the nights are longer, giving us a stronger desire to turn inward and spend time in our cozy homes, share sweet moments with loved ones, and take more rest.

The theme for Yogi Surprise October is harvest celebration. These were my favorite items from the Yogi Surprise October box, all of which give me reasons to celebrate fall, to find gratitude for abundance, and to take time to reflect and rest.

I've been lighting this candle in the evenings when I write in my journal. I love the invigorating scent of balsam, lavender and sandalwood; the candle helps me feel calm and present.

 Banyan Botanicals Daily Massage Oil
This oil is lovely! Do you practice abhyanga, or a daily morning ritual of self-massage with warm oil? Truly a life-changing practice that can help set the tone for your day and help to calm your entire nervous system. If you've never tried it, read this article from Banyan Botanicals on Ayurvedic self-massage.


These are amaaaaazing. Best chocolates I've had in a long time, not only flavor wise but you can tell the handmade truffles have high-quality raw cacao. I went to order more but they're already sold out on their website! (No surprise.) Highly recommend!!


First and last photos in this post by Brynna Bryant of Respiro Photography.

Calling All Yogi Cyclists

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Hi yogis! I hope your week is off to an awesome start.

So, I'm curious: do you ever bike to yoga class? Do you like to take cycling adventures on the weekend, so you can practice yoga in the park or take your mat with you on a hike?

Practicing outdoors is an amazing way to change up your practice, and connect inward without any distractions.


When Sponsored Yogini Kels and I heard about the new incredible invention called MyMogi, I was stoked. 'How has someone not created this yet?!' I thought, reflecting back on my days living in Chicago when I biked everywhere.

A perfect yoga mat carrying bag that connects effortlessly to your bike rack?!

YES. Yes. (Duh!)

I was excited for Kelsie to have the chance to try out the Mogi bag, and she absolutely loves it.


If you're a cyclist who loves yoga, or a yogi who wants to get more into cycling, this Mogi bag is definitely for you. I can think of several friends and fellow teachers who would adore this bag as much as any other yoga prop, so I'm setting my intention to share as many of these as I can!

Mogi is currently on Kickstarter and I encourage you to check out the brand and support a fellow entrepreneur who is out changing the world for the better.

A big heartfelt thanks from Alive in the Fire and the Sponsored Yogis team for sharing Mogi with the world, and cheers to all you cycling yogis out there who are going to love using Mogi!

Namaste.

PS Learn more about Mogi on their website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

What to Look for In a Pair of Yoga Pants

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Yogis, I'm sure you've been there before: you're at your favorite studio, five minutes into class, and you realize... "Sh*t. These yoga pants suck!"

Or maybe you're new to yoga and trying to decide where to shop.

Well, let me help you out a little bit :)


What makes a pair of yoga pants awesome?

To me, finding a wonderful pair of leggings to wear to yoga is about three things:

1. Comfort. I like my yoga pants to fit snugly, but not so snug that they're uncomfortable. Yoga pants should be comfy enough that I can wear them for half the day, or more. 

2. Performance. Do the yoga pants move around too much while I'm practicing, or do they stay put? Do I feel hot when I wear them, or is the material breathable, so if I start to sweat I don't feel stuffy or overheated? Consider how well your yoga wear will perform as you practice, especially if there's heat involved.

3. Fun design. Let's be honest-- the new trends in yoga wear offer a variety of fun, creative print designs. Long gone are the days of boring yoga pants!

My new favorite yoga pants? Ginger Orange. I've been wearing my awesome purple leggings a lot lately and I've noticed that they are super comfortable and they stay put when I practice. Plus, they're gorgeous!

On the Ginger Orange website it says that their brand offers "activewear for rebel yogis, urban nomads and barefoot hippies." Now that's an awesome approach for yoga pants, if you ask me!


Photos in this post by Ken Johnson of CKCImage.com, featuring classic royal purple Ginger Orange leggings.

PS Regardless of what yoga pants you're wearing, I think you're beautiful.

Finding Balance (Yogi Surprise August Review)

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Balance is an ongoing challenge for me.

Finding the right mix of doing and non-doing, of excitement and relaxation, of seriousness and levity, of saying 'yes' and saying 'no'...

I believe this will be a continual process, and I'm grateful for the moments when I feel in balance.

I'm also grateful that yoga helps me find balance.


In this month's Yogi Surprise box, I discovered a wonderful mix of items designed to restore and re-harmonize my body's natural energies. I love the sense of calm that I found when using any of these products, and I'm glad that the monthly arrival of the little purple Yogi Suprise box on my doorstep is a reminder to find time to slow down and rejuvenate.

Here are my favorites from the Yogi Surprise August box:
Root + Willow lemon geranium lava scrub

I've been craving a body scrub for months and was so pleasantly surprised to find this one in the box! The smell reminds me a lot of a lotion we used to have at one of my favorite yoga studios, and that extremely relaxing feeling of being in Shavasana when the teacher comes around at the end of class and gives you a shoulder press (amazing!). This scrub is my absolute favorite item from the box. Its invigorating aroma with the lemon really perks me up, and I love the feeling of soft skin after the sugar scrub. I'll definitely be heading to the Root + Willow site to buy some more when I run out. :)
Tiger Balm patch pain relieving patches

These are genius! I've loved Tiger Balm ever since I started yoga and I used to use it quite a bit during my Bikram days. Usually I'd end up making a mess whenever I'd apply it, and then would have to be careful to wash my hands afterward and not to rub it off on my clothing or yoga mat. These patches are a clever way to keep your hands free of the pain-relieving ointment, and they stay sticky for hours! I highly recommend these for after a strenuous workout or yoga class, or if you're like me and you get home from work at the office and your neck is sore. Highly recommend them for all yoga teacher trainees, too!
Navitas Naturals superfood bar (goji acai)

This bar was delicious. A perfect afternoon snack or pick-me-up before yoga class. And it's certified organic, plant-based and made with superfood ingredients. Yum!

Stamba superfoods travel supplement

I haven't taken this supplement for long enough to know that it's making a big difference for me in terms of energy and immunity support, but so far I like the results! You can tell that the brand takes great care in making a high-quality supplement, and I absolutely love the little glass container that the capsules are in (I'll be reusing it for sure). Thanks, Stamba, for being a part of this month's box!


What practices help you stay in balance? Do you have any go-to products you use to help bring things back into balance?

Sending big hugs to the team at Yogi Suprise, and as always, to you, dear readers. Much love and cheers to finding balance throughout this month!

All photos of me in this post by Ken Johnson of CKCImage.com. CKC Image is a Humboldt County photography business; check out their Facebook page for more awesome photos. Other photos via Root + Willow (3), Tiger Balm (4), Navitas Naturals (5) and Stamba (6). Leggings by Ginger Orange Activewear.

Summer Sun Salutation (Yogi Surprise July Review)

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Are you enjoying your summer, yogis?

I can't believe July is already halfway over! Hope you're enjoying slow, sunny days whenever you can. The summer season is one of my favorites, and I've been especially grateful for cooler weather on the coast lately.

I made a trip to visit friends and family in the Sacramento area last week and it was over 100 degrees-- too hot for me! When we returned to the green forests and cool breezes up here in Humboldt County, I felt quite relieved :)


I love that summer encourages us to celebrate. To be outdoors. To invigorate our hearts, be creative, and strengthen our determination!

I believe with all the heat and passion of summer, it's also important to find ease and balance even in this active time of year.


What are some of your favorite ways to wind down on warm summer nights?

I absolutely love my new Yogi Surprise July box, which was filled with summer essentials to help me relax and unwind.


These are my three favorite products from the box:

Shea Radiance whipped shea butter with apricot oil. Oh. My. Goodness. This stuff is incredible! I've been using it on my feet at bedtime and it feels so luxurious. It's also great for moisturizing my feet, especially the area around my heels which has been dry and a little cracked lately from walking around barefoot and going to the beach. I'll definitely be buying a new stash of this amazing butter after I run out.

Gypsy Soul Organics sun salutation salve. This little guy is my new favorite lip balm. It's now at home in the easiest-to-reach-pouch of my purse -- 'nuff said :)
Manduka Equa yoga hand towel. This super-soft microfiber towel absorbs sweat quickly, and is now an essential in my gym bag or whenever I take a sweaty hot yoga class. It's perfect for someone like me, because as you know, I sweat a lot! :) I'm grateful that Yogi Surprise has partnered with Manduka because I believe they're one of the best brands out there for yoga gear (you can read my review of their lightweight travel mat, or check out how much the Sponsored Yogis team loved their cushy, supportive eKo mats.)


Cheers to keeping cool, calm, and refreshed all weekend, and throughout the rest of summer, too! Namaste.

Solstice Celebration (Yogi Surprise June Review)

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Summer is here!

Are you doing anything to celebrate the summer solstice this weekend?

I don't know about you, but here in California we are definitely already feeling the summer vibes :)


During the summer months, I'm grateful for sunshine, longer days, barbecues with friends, staying up late and sitting on the back patio, live music, time in nature, naps on the beach, and of course, sangria, Caprese salads, garden tomatoes, and watermelon! ;)

What are you grateful for during this time of year?


This month's June Yogi Surprise box reminds me to take time for centering, and to balance the fiery energy of summer with time for resting and renewing.

Here are my favorite items from the box:


Kate's Magik Moon Goddess anointing oil. I love the Jasmine scent and have been using this often in my essential oil diffuser. It really does make me feel more like a goddess!


Anima Mundi Apothecary Palo Santo Mist (Bad Vibe Killer). Palo santo is soooo amazing! Have you guys tried it? It has this rich, earthy, woodsy, masculine smell that reminds me of being around a campfire. Apparently you can spray this on the body for pain relief, but I just love the scent so much I spritz it around the house!


GoMacro Organic Cashew Caramel Bar. We were just talking about these bars on Alive in the Fire recently and how they are great energizing snacks for before or after yoga! I agree with Kelsie's conclusions about how delicious they are :)

Thank you, Yogi Surprise team, for always knowing exactly which seasonal items will make my day.


Photos in this post by Brynna Bryant of Respiro Photography.

PS More Yogi Surprise goodness from May, April, and March.

Don't Be Stinky After Yoga Class

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Do you sweat a lot in yoga? Do you practice in a heated studio?

 Well, this post is for you :) 

 (And by the way, I do both of those things, too!)

 Here are some ideas about how to refresh before and after a sweaty practice.

Come to class having showered and brushed your teeth. You can also do oil pulling or use a tongue scraper. 

Please refrain from eating pungent foods right before class, smoking a cigarette on the way in, or wearing unwashed clothes from the previous day's practice.

Simple saucha practices go a long way!


Use a yoga mat spray like Mat Mist. This amazing, aromatherapeutic spray comes in scents such as Sandalwood lavender geranium, Thyme Douglas fir, Lemon myrtle peppermint vetiver and Colloidal silver water.

 What's especially rad about Mat Mist is that all you have to do is spray down your mat after class, roll it up, and go. The essential oils will disinfect your mat without requiring you to wipe it down, plus, next time you practice, there's a little scent there to awaken your senses and encourage deep pranayama breathing.

 Sponsored yogini Kelsie recently tried the product... she took it to class and not only did she love it, but she said all the yogis around her loved it and were asking where they could find some :) She also sprays it around her house because it's that good (!!) and she loves that it is all organic and natural.

Shower right after class, and do a pre-rinse of your yoga clothes, towel, and headband before washing them in the washing machine. You can wring them out by hand and also consider having a laundry detergent with baking soda.

Once every few weeks, let your mat air out. Some mats do well in the sunshine and others don't, so be sure to check whether your mat should be left in the sun (you can usually find this info on the manufacturer's website, and I know for sure that Jade yoga mats do not like sun!).



What other things do you do to stay fresh before and after a yoga class?

Photos in this post by Tom Huynh.

Bringing saucha, one of the niyamas, into your life.

 “The body is your temple.  Keep it pure and clean for the soul to reside in.” – B.K.S. Iyengar

Energizing Snacks

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What are the best foods for yogis to eat before and after class? 

This is a question I often return to, especially on days when I have intense, sweaty workouts and need to keep my energy levels up.

Recently lovely sponsored yogini Kels was given a chance to try some yummy GoMacro macrobars, and these may be our new favorite pre- and post-yoga snacks...


GoMacro loves flavor. Healthy, wholesome, flavor. They’re macrobiotic, meaning they’re made from wholesome ingredients. 

They are minimally processed and help you maintain health and balance in your life. 

Go Macro’s mantra is that if nature didn’t make it, they don’t use it in their bars. They’re delicious, nutritious and life-giving.





My favorites are the GoMaco Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip and the Apple Walnut. Trust me on this one.

What snacks do you like to eat before or after a workout?

I'd love to hear! 

A heartfelt Namaste to the team at GoMacro and to Kelsie for sharing her review :)
Photos in this post courtesty of Kelsie and from GoMacro.

Finding Time in Silence (A Book Excerpt to Get You Grounded)

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Do you spend time in silence?

 I love being in a calm, quiet environment, whether I'm practicing yoga or just relaxing. I tend to be very noise sensitive so taking time away from sounds helps me feel calm, both physically and mentally.

 Recently I read On the Verge: Wake Up, Show Up,and Shine, a great book for inspiration about how to settle the mind, shift out of 'overthinking' mode, and live purposefully. Here's a lovely little excerpt from author Cara Bradley on how to make use of time in silence.
Finding Time in Silence

I’ve grown to appreciate that silence truly is golden. It settles and steadies me in a matter of minutes. I didn’t always feel this way. I used to surround myself with noise. I’d fall asleep with the television blaring, have music playing in my car and home, and talk, talk, talk until my throat was sore. Now I seek silence every day.

There are two types of noise and two types of silence — outer and inner. It’s important to understand the difference.
Outer Noise
Outer noise is the stuff you hear in your environment: talking, music, machines humming. Are you aware that there’s noise almost everywhere you go these days? Music plays in stores, restaurants, and hotel lobbies. Beeps, gongs, and whistles sound all around us. News is broadcast 24/7. Our species is overstimulated with outer noise. We are conditioned to require constant music and entertainment. It’s become the norm.
Inner Noise
Inner noise is the phenomenon of being in a quiet room yet feeling as though a whole crowd of people are talking to you all at once. It’s the voices in your head continually reminding you to do this or to figure out that. Inner noise is your busy mind in action, continuously bouncing around from one thought to the next and filling your mind with constant chatter.
Outer Silence
You can stop the incessant outer noise by finding pockets of outer silence. Turn off the noisemakers such as your laptop or television. Your mind and nervous system will naturally settle down. Your car is a great place to find outer silence — this means turning off the news, music, and your phone. Drive in silence, and you turn your car into a four-wheeled Zen center. Take a few minutes of peace and quiet. Take control of outer-noise pollution in your car, office, and home, and you’ll notice a shift in your energy right away.

Inner Silence

Inner silence cannot be found by shutting down your computer or by being alone in your bedroom. Inner silence emerges from the space beyond your busy mind. You can’t force it to emerge or make it stay. Inner silence arises from your natural state — when your mind is calm. It’s a sense of being quiet from the inside out, when your mind is steady and your body is relaxed. You can learn to access inner silence through practice.

Inner silence leaves an indelible mark. It feels like coming home. It feels so good to be steady and stable. It feels so good to be energized and in harmony. It feels like home to be in sync. Once you get to know inner silence, you’ll want nothing else but to live in that space all the time. 

Cara Bradley is the author of On the Verge.  She has taught yoga, meditation, and fitness internationally for more than thirty years and is the founder of Verge Yoga.   Visit her online at www.carabradley.net.  Excerpted from the book On the Verge: Wake Up, Show Up, and Shine. Copyright © 2016 by Cara Bradley. Printed with permission from New World Library. 


If you're looking for ways to make positive change in your life, I'd highly recommend checking out On the Verge! The book is approachable, encouraging and filled with lots of creative ways to get out of your own head and start living your life in a way that is fulfilling and engaged.

Photos of me in this post by Jobi Otso. 

Fun, Funky Shoes for Summer

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Summer is here!

Well, not officially... but it sure feels like summer here in northern California :) 

Which for me means it's time to be barefoot or wearing comfortable, lightweight shoes. Recently I found the perfect pair from Iguaneye -- these little slip-ons are perfect for around the house, walking, hanging out on the beach, and kayaking (my favorite!).



I also like to wear them to and from the yoga studio, since they're perfect for on-the-go since they slip on. 

The other thing about Iguaneye that's rad is that these little shoes were inspired by the Amazonians. As the Iguaneye website reads, "Amazon Indians dipped their feet in the latex from hevea tree and smoked them in a fire to coagulate the rubber first tennis shoes...”

So cool!



Last weekend I wore these on our little kayak trip and was grateful to be comfortable during our walk on the trail down to the water.


These seamless slip-on shoes are lovely, and you can customize your order to pick any color combo for the sole and outer part of the shoe.

Plus, Iguaneye shoes feature little slits on the side for ventilation which means they don't get stinky and they dry out quickly. You can even opt to leave the sole part out.


Apparently the shoes are a big hit among minimalist runners, too, and are made from all recyclable material. 

I love my Iguaneye shoes and will definitely be rocking them all summer long!
What fun, funky summer shoes are you wearing?

Honoring the Divine Within (Yogi Surprise May Review)

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Do you ever pause to honor how truly amazing you are? :)

 I love that this month's Yogi Surprise box is themed around honoring the divine within.

 As we transition from spring to summer, this is the perfect time of year to take a pause. Honor the changing energy, the momentum that picks up as summer arrives, with its heat and ferocity. Give yourself a moment to breathe and simply sit with what is.

 Honor the changes that have happened to you so far this year, and recognize that the space you're in is only temporary; things will change again.


 This may even be a good time to take a break from some of the activities and plans that have been keeping you in a rush. If you slow down and savor the moment, what do you notice?

Here's a lovely quote from the Yogi Surprise box -- maybe take a few minutes to sit somewhere quiet and reflect on it.

 This is a moment to savor. A space between the day's demands to give yourself nourishing time to dive inward and shake off any mental turbulence that you've picked up throughout your day.

 ...Allow yourself the extra space to connect with your pure divine self that is connected with all living things.

 It is from this place that true balance, creativity, and nourishment are alive and reside in us all.


Here my two favorite items from the box:

These are lovely! I'm always grateful to add stones to my collection, and this set is complete with one for each chakra.
  • root chakra: red jasper for stability
  • sacral chakra: carnelian for creativity
  • solar plexus chakra: citrine for willpower (citrine is my absolute favorite!)
  • heart chakra: aventurine for love
  • throat chakra: sodalite for communication
  • third eye chakra: amethyst for intuition
  • crown chakra: quartz crystal for clarity

This lip gloss makes me feel so pretty! :) I love that it's a subtle color and adds a lot of shine. It has argan oil and echinacea and has a really nice texture, too. My new favorite makeup item (and I hardly ever wear makeup).


Be kind to yourself! XO

PS In these photos I'm wearing my favorite necklace from The Sattva Collection. If you like it or are interested in finding a beautiful piece of high-vibration jewelry, check them out! And save $10 on your order using the coupon code ALIVEINTHEFIRE. Namaste, loves.