Probiotics: A Spring Celebration Recipe

Good morning and happy March!

First! It's the day after Mardi Gras. And in days of past that would mean I'd be going on a serious cleanse or detox plan to combat all of the sugar fueled foods and drinks I'd consumed over the past several weeks.

This year, however, is different. I've been at our home in Nashville quite a bit, and traveling still too. 

In Nashville the weather is still fluxing between grey cold winter vibes and hints of sunshine on occasion, and even last week in Los Angeles temperatures were cooler than I've ever experienced there. Soon, however, Spring will be here. And for a sunshine loving girl, it couldn't come soon enough. (YAY!) After days of travel and a pretty serious halt in my usual self care routine I'm committed to re-upping my health game this week. 

Sugar filled foods, blasting heat, moisture sucking air travel... I've had a case of it all.

(Must I remind you of that king cake that's been on repeat at my house. Le sigh!).

If you're in the same boat and feeling like your skin is showing it, I find the fastest way to recover that healthy glow is by working nutrient rich, probiotic filled foods and drinks into the daily routine. You'd have to truly be living under a rock to have not heard of the benefits of probiotics to your over all well-being. Probiotics are the "good" kind of bacteria that help maintain total body wellness - however while you might know that probiotics keep the gut healthy they're also effective in improving our skin health. (HANDS UP!)

I honestly hear girlfriends of mine talking regularly about the topical products they're using to care for their skin. In the meantime, the wellness world is sharing more and more about the importance of what you eat and drink in regards to how your skin looks. I'm a serious advocate for considering what you're ingesting (green smoothie obsession over here) when it comes to your outer glow. However, if you're out on the road like I am so often, and skipping a day of smoothies here and there, my recommendation is to consume lots of leafy greens (challenge yourself to adding kale to every meal, and minimally order a salad when all else fails) and add probiotic rich foods to that.

Here's a list of 5 probiotic rich foods that are easy to find anywhere:

• Yogurt
• Dark Chocolate
• Miso Soup
• Pickles
• Tempeh

Each of these foods are quick menu additions and things that, as a traveler, I can get anywhere.

Want to know a little more about how it works?

A way probiotics support skin health is by aiding our natural moisture levels through the production of hyaluronic acid. HA is a "natural substance our body produces and is a major contributor to the elasticity, tightness, and strength of our skin."

According to Dr. Roshini Raj of Mind Body Green "probiotics strengthen our skin so that it can act as a physical barrier to the negative effects of winter by keeping out pathogens, bad bacteria, pollution, and other toxins."

I definitely need all of that. Count me in.

And, because, hey, I am from New Orleans and even though Mardi Gras is over we still have the oncoming Spring days to celebrate (and c'mon! cocktails are a serious part of my culture) I've got a fun little probiotic cocktail recipe for you too!

Pomegranate Blueberry Probiotic Mimosas

• 1 bottle of champagne or prosecco
• 2 - 1 liter bottles of Indian River Select Brand Prohealthy Blend Orange Juice
• 1/4 cup wild blueberries
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
• Oranges, sliced
• Squeeze of lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
• Dash of Cayenne Pepper (optional)

Add the bubbles to a large pitcher first, and then top with the OJ and stir. From there, add the berries, pomegranate and orange slices. Mix in the ACV, squeeze a bit of lemon and garnish each drink with a dash of cayenne. If you're not an OJ lover you can sub in Indian River Select Brand Prohealthy Blend Grapefruit Juice.

The ACV increases nutrient absorption, reduces water retention and has antioxidant properties. 

The Indian River juices (both are available in 1 liter bottles at Harris Teeter) are non GMO and have GanedenBC30® Probiotic. I'm also stocking the 59oz grapefruit and 1 liter OJ on my brunch bar for this recipe this coming weekend (good to have extra for those that want several rounds of mimosas)!

I hope these beauty tips have been helpful to you guys. I'm seriously committed to living my healthiest life, while having a bit of fun along the way! Btw - send your ideas my way. I love hearing from you.

Here's a few probiotic skin care products I'm testing out too. 

Enjoy the coming Spring days you guys. I'll see you outside!

Wanderfully yours,

Andi

This post is in partnership with Indian River Select Brand. As always, creative direction and content is my own. 

3 Products That Are Actually Good For Your Face

Products featured in this post were received c/o the brand featured. As always, opinions are my own.

As the year winds down I've been taking a look back (as we all do of course) and thinking about the ways I evolved in 2016 - celebrating the high moments, releasing the low - and reflecting on how I intend to move forward with fresh possibility in the New Year.

As I mentioned last week I'm also thinking deeply about how this space will evolve in the New Year...

I spent most of 2016 traveling, researching and writing, and in 2017 I'll be home a bit more. As my book goes through the design, layout and marketing/sales process, there just won't be quite the need to see every single national park and every little artistic hideaway. It doesn't mean I don't have travels planned - however, the frequency will slow down a bit. 

And really, I'm good with that. 

I want to practice the art of slow traveling - slower living for that matter - holistic wellness, natural beauty routines, inspired nutrition and enjoy the experiences as they come. 

As I looked back I did a little research on the posts that attracted the most attention on Oui We this year. The #1 post? 3 Essentials for Timeless Beauty. It seems I'm not the only one considering new fountain of youth approaches. 

As I mentioned then I'm asked sometimes about my routine (I spent 10+ years in the beauty business so fair enough) and I shared a bit about my self care, my essentials to live a healthy life, and a few Ayurvedic techniques I live by whether out traveling or at home.

I also consider myself to be fairly knowledgeable about the subject because - hey - I traveled for a year meeting the girls whose lifestyle, gorgeous good looks, wardrobes and beauty bags we all have a tinge of envy for. I excavated the bottoms of those bags and discovered secrets that girls with that effortless chicness all seem to know. 

So, in the new year I'm adding a new category to Oui We.

Beauty.

To make it into this category however, the products needed offer healthy care options, be harmful of toxins, cruelty-free and made with high quality, natural ingredients. 

So, the first company that made the list for my new category? Well with a name that's super fitting it's the color cosmetics beauty brand 100% PURE®.

100% PURE is a fruit pigmented organic cosmetics brand that meets those requirements. The brand offers a healthy line of nourishing personal care items, 100% free of artificial colors, artificial fragrances, synthetic chemical preservatives and all other toxins.

It's beauty, as pure as it is powerful. Truly, health food for your skin.

I've personally sampled the Maracuja Black Tea Mascara, the Semi Matte Lipsticks and the BB Cream. Each of the products are vegan and gluten free and infused with natural moisturizers to hydrate the skin (and the lashes in the case of the Mascara). I'm including those 3 products in my 2 minute day wear makeup routine. That routine? Simple:

BB Cream, Brow Definer, Mascara, Lip Color

If I've got even one extra minute I'll add a swipe of black liner. And voila! Done. 

To me it's so good to know that the things I'm putting on my face treat it as well as my skincare does. 

I hope you all enjoy this addition. Let me know if there's certain topics you'd like to hear more about of course. I'm listening! And, if you're interested check out 100% PURE here!

xoxo,

Andi