Ask the PFMs: How to Fight Cold Season

It's that season, and I'm not just talking about the holidays. Every winter it seems unavoidable that we all get a common cold or flu, especially when stress comes into the picture. I tried my best to stay strong but something's had me feeling under the weather for the past few days. The good news is that I've been digging into my trusty stash of healthy remedies to boost my immune system and recover quickly. I've been asked to share my tips for those days when you are feeling run-down with flu or cold symptoms, so here's my routine. Please remember, I'm not a doctor! xoxo Becca

1. Sainsbury's Vitamin C Tablets are amazing, but too bad I can't seem to be able to find them for sale in the United States! One a day in a tall glass of water is all you need. My brother brought them back from a trip to England and now I'm hooked, but this version by NOW Foods is my alternative.

2. It's an Owl Mug. Better to make it a cute one because you'll be sipping hot tea out of this every morning. Try brewing something soothing like raw ginger root tea with a splash of fresh lemon juice (here's the teabag version) or just drink plain warm water to stay hydrated and keep things moving in your system. 

3-4. Be sure to avoid sugary and processed foods and get a super healthy dose of energy by mixing Green Vibrance into your morning green smoothie. We have recipes here and here. Fresh foods (veggies and whole grains) will go a long way in making your recovery a fast one. 

5. The Sinus Rinse Kit is something that I've grown to like (not love.) It feels pretty weird at first, but the results will have you coming back for more. Hint- you will be able to breathe through your nose again without taking antibiotics.

6. You know that I'm the soup queen, so there's really no reason for me to need an excuse to have soup for lunch and dinner...but being sick is a darn good one. I have a simple homemade soup twice a day like this one. And when I'm feeling up to it, I give this recipe a go.

7. Get more sleep and stay warm. I rest as much as possible with a pair of socks like these to keep me cozy.

8. The only thing more frustrating than feeling under the weather is having breakout prone skin on top it. That's usually the case with me...if I'm not feeling well, my skin bears the brunt of it. LUSH Cosmetic Warrior Face Mask contains a mix of garlic and tea tree oil which are powerful antiseptics and disinfectants. I love it- my face feels fresh, clear and moisturized thanks to the natural ingredients like honey, eggs, and grapes. If you're worried about the smell, don't be. It's pretty odorless.

9-10. Choose high quality vitamins and supplements. My multi-vitamin of choice is MegaFood, recommended by Kris Carr. It can be taken anytime, with or without food. Plus, I make sure to have zinc on hand at the first sign of sickness.

PFMs on the Town: Green Glam at Fashion Week

 

There's a craving I get every so often and surprisingly it has nothing to do with the latest recipe or handbag. It's a longing to get together with like-minded people who want to celebrate and share mutual passions...anyone else with me? So, when I was invited to the Green Glam Fashion Week Tweetup there wasn't a doubt in my mind that I would end up joining the party.

Hosted by 4 green beauty and fashion experts (including our friend and Eco-beauty goddess Rebecca Casciano) the event was a meeting of the green beauty-savvy minds...we bonded over our shared love of all things healthy and stylish. The boutique-like setting of Organic Avenue's Space of LOVE* was the perfect spot to sip fresh green juice and swap good vibes with dozens of other beauties. I met many amazing women from a variety of industries (can't wait to get together with them again) and had the chance to introduce my girl Jazmin to the awesome world of green beauty. Plus, we took home a sweet swag bag full of healthy treats! Looking chic and enjoying beautifying foods while spreading the message that vibrant health starts on the inside...now that's an ideal night spent during NY Fashion Week!

If you are inspired to be in the know about the next green beauty event in the New York area, I encourage you click the links above to follow or tweet any (or all) of those lovely ladies mentioned previously. Feeling like you want to empower yourself to make healthier choices in life, but don't know where to start? Of course you can always Ask the PFMs! This is just the beginning of a growing movement towards natural, healthy, and stylish living that is anything but boring. As green beauty-fashion-wellness enthusiasts, Sesheta and I are so proud to be setting a hot trend that can become an incredible lifestyle if you let it. xoxo Becca

*images via Rebecca Casciano, Jon Gordon, and MavenFresh

PFM Obsession: Becca's Beauty Fresh Five #1- Fragrance

Since hopping on the green beauty bandwagon, it's been an impulsive couple of weeks full of  sampling, researching, and purchasing a variety of different healthy beauty products. But when it comes to choosing your signature scent, it can be a very personal thing; many ladies (and gents) don't like to stray from what they know and love. 

I've come to realize love is a coconut. Drumroll please...the all-natural organic french perfume brand Honore des Pres has made it to our #1 spot on the Fresh Five Beauty Countdown with their concoction of coconut, vanilla, and coriander. Love Coconut is an intoxicating light coconut fragrance that's so fresh and so clean (clean!) This special mix of 100% natural and certified organic essences lasts like a long-overdue nap on a tropical beach, where you're sipping an icy cocktail and melting your cares away in the heat. It's vacation in a bottle...and I plan on extending mine by using this perfume all year round. 

I hope this countdown inspired you make some changes in the products you use...there is a healthier side to beauty! xoxo Becca