Category Archives: LIFE + STYLE

But Is Your All Natural Deodorant Also Mood Boosting?

May 26, 2021

Is it also gender-neutral, cruelty-free, aluminum-free, 100% natural, paraben-free, clean, clean-free, and packaged in a stunning sexy little roll on?

Didn’t think so. Clearly, you need mindalt in your life.

mindalt, elevates your mood with the proven science of essential oils. As someone who has 2 diffusers running at all times, this product is right up my alley.

No aluminum or anything toxic doesn’t mean it doesn’t work. With endless testing, mindalt learned that using fewer ingredients has nothing to do with deodorant being any less effective.

mindalt delivers a rich combination of ingredients that target mood, sweat and odor in multiple ways.  

The right combo of essentail oils = 4x the mood boosting power.

Each of their 22 specific essential oils have been scientifically proven to impact your brain’s nervous system and positively alter your mood state and wellbeing.

The power of 5.

Five powerful sweat absorbers,  five natural ingredients to attack sweat from different angles, from reducing pore size to wicking away moisture to absorbing wetness. Five potent antimicrobial odor fighters that stop the bacteria that cause body odor from forming.

Mood enhancing essential oils

Lemon: EWG Clean Rating 1
Boosts your metabolism and mood. That’s why it’s nicknamed liquid sunshine. Refreshing citrusy. Slightly sweet scent.

Bergamot: EWG Clean Rating 2
The triple treat and why Bergamot is found in all our products. Positive mood enhancer with antimicrobial properties that also helps absorb sweat. Fresh citrus scent with a hint of spices.

Sage: EWG Clean Rating 1
Steels against negativity and uplifts your mood. Smells balmy and herbal.

Vetiver: EWG Clean Rating 1
Balances your mood reducing irritability. Smells much like uncut grass with a woody undertone.

Sandalwood: EWG Clean Rating 1
Aids mental clarity and promotes creativity. A woody scent offset by floral, balsamic and sweet accents.

Ingredients that absorb sweat

Zea Mays: EWG Clean Rating 1
Corn starch, highly effective in the dampening of wetness.

Pullulan: EWG Clean Rating 1
Produced from starch and provides excellent moisture protection.

Citrus Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil: EWG Clean Rating 2
An essential oil with a surprisingly high astringency, allowing it to reduce or contract the size of sweat-producing pores.

Witch Hazel Distillate: EWG Clean Rating 1
Derived from steaming the twigs of the Witch Hazel shrub, this essential oil is an astringent that constricts the tissue under the arm to prevent sweat and also reduces moisture.

Silica: EWG Clean Rating 1
A mineral component of sandstone, it acts to soak up moisture from sweat.

Ingredients that prevent body odor

Propanediol: EWG Rating 2
Derived from the glucose obtained from corn, it’s a highly effective bacteria inhibitor (especially Gram-positive bacteria, most commonly responsible for causing body odor). Gentle on the skin. it causes no irritation and acts as a moisturizer.

Triethyl Citrate: EWG Clean Rating 1
A citric acid that prevents bacterial decomposition of sweat ingredients that directly cause body odor.

Glycerin: EWG Clean Rating 1
A naturally occurring organic compound that has strong antimicrobial properties.

Pentylene Glycol: EWG Clean Rating 1
Naturally occurring in sugarcane, it is a longstanding antimicrobial agent which helps stabilize liquids that don’t mix well. It is an emulsifier and therefore a good ally of Sunflower Oil, our emulsion.

Citric Acid: EWG Clean Rating 1
An organic fruit derived acid (from lemon or lime) that combats armpit sweat as it reduces sweat production.

OP+ also includes:

Polyglyceryl: EWG Clean Rating 1

Derived from vegetables this plant based antimicrobial effectively targets all the types of body odor.

Zinc Ricinoleate: EWG Clean Rating 1

Found in castor oil this odor absorber rather than merely killing bacteria, traps and absorbs odor molecules making them imperceptible to the odor receptors in your nose.

Ingredients that improve the product experience

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower Seed) Oil: EWG Clean Rating 1
Sunflower Oil is the formulation’s key carrier oil that ensures the essential oils don’t lose potency on contact with the skin and are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Works to make the essential oil combinations more effective and ‘bio-available’.  It also acts to delay the oxidation of Bergamot, our formula’s most versatile essential oil.

Tocopherol: EWG Clean Rating 1
A naturally occurring organic compound known to have Vitamin E activity, a potent antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage by fighting off highly reactive free radicals.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: EWG Clean Rating 1
Made from palm. Beyond smoothing your skin, it helps agents bind together to make the mood enhancing essential oils longer lasting.

Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice: EWG Clean Rating 1
Aloe Vera is well-recognized to sooth and soften the skin.

Menthol: EWG Clean Rating 1
A crystalline compound found largely in Peppermint oils that provides a soothing and momentary cooling sensation upon application.

For example: Ingredients that maintain formulation integrity

Lecithin: EWG Clean Rating 1
Found in the tissue of plants, it is an emulsifier that extends the product’s shelf-life.

Hydroxyacetophenone: EWG Clean Rating 1
Found naturally in Cloud Berries, it is a preservative booster.

Phenethyl Alcohol: EWG Clean Rating 1
Occurring naturally in essential oil plants, it prevents or retards bacterial growth and in turn protects the product from spoilage. It is a natural preservative.

Sclerotium Gum: EWG Clean Rating 1
A big sugar molecule used as a thickening agent.

Xanthan Gum: EWG Clean Rating 1
An all-natural sugar molecule used in tandem with Sclerotium Gum, acts to stabilize our emulsions.

Glyceryl Oleate Citrate: EWG Clean Rating 1
A natural compound of citric acid and vegetable oils. It’s an emulsifier and stabilizer for water. It contributes to even the distribution of products during use, keeping the ingredients from separating.

SHOP for mindalt here! And check out their bundles. 

The Year Scotch Got Even Sexier

May 17, 2021

Oh heck yes to cocktails and the gift that keeps on giving. A great bottle of scotch (Father’s Day anyone?) These delightful recipes by Anna Mains, the  Monkey Shoulder Brand Ambassador, make getting your scotch on fun, sexy and delish.

I Make Monkey Moves

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ½ parts Monkey Shoulder • ½ parts fresh lemon juice • ½ part fresh orange juice • ½ part honey syrup • 3 dash orange bitters • Top with dry prosecco or dry champagne • Orange twist

Combine all ingredients except prosecco in shaker with ice. Shake, double strain into coupe. Top with prosecco. Express orange twist, and then drop into drink as garnish.

Fronds with Benefits

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ½ parts Monkey Shoulder • ½ part green tea syrup • ½ part pineapple juice • 3 parts coconut water

Shake, strain over ice in Collins glass. Garnish with pineapple fronds.

Hollywood Reporter

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 ½ parts Monkey Shoulder • ½ part Aperol • ½ part honey syrup • ¾ parts fresh grapefruit juice • Top with soda • Grapefruit twist

Combine all ingredients except soda in shaker, shake and strain over ice in Collins glass. Top with soda (Topo Chico if available). Garnish with grapefruit twist.

INGREDIENTS:

Strawberry Daiquiri, but #makeitmonkey

• 2 parts Monkey Shoulder • ¾ part simple • ¾ parts fresh lime juice • 1-2 strawberries (sliced)

Muddle strawberries in shaker, add ice, Monkey, lime, and simple. Shake. Double strain into coupe.

Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

Refreshingly approachable and tailor made for mixing, Monkey Shoulder’s commitment to the unconventional is bringing great Scotch to a new generation. Monkey Shoulder is made from 100 percent malted barley – not a drop of grain is used – and aged exclusively in first-fill Bourbon barrels for exceptional smoothness. 

We Tried The Aromatherapy Showerhead You Always Wanted

May 12, 2021

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For years we have been craving to try the Moen® Aromatherapy Handshower In Chrome With INLY™ Shower Capsules – Alas, with Mother’s Day approaching, we decided it was for the plunge. Our only question is, why did we wait so long?

I think I had a block about changing out a showerhead for some reason. I thought I would need to hire a Task Rabbit. Alas, all it took was wrench and two minutes.  The whole deal took five minutes to install. Easy peasy.

The little aromatherapy pods are adjustable in strength – though I like it all the way turned up. Even then it’s totally subtle. My kids are really loving the different level changes and pressing the little button, lol.

Buy it on Amazon here!

Five Sun-Loving Houseplants We Actually Kept Alive

May 6, 2021

Like any other plant, houseplants have their specific needs; soil, nutrition, water, and sunlight, etc. Everything must come in a balanced amount and correct appropriation according to the plant’s need. Some plants need less water, and others don’t. Some also grow in slightly acidic soil, while some on basic or sweet soil. Others also thrive on peat soil while some on lime.

Sunlight is also one of the essential needs of the plant for its survival. Every species needs sunlight for the manufacture of their food, the process known as photosynthesis. Without sunlight, they can not produce their food, and therefore, they starve and die.

Depending on their needs, different kinds of plants need varying amounts of sunlight. Some need partial sun, while others need direct sun exposure. To know more about their needs, read this list below to guide which flower in your garden needs much sunlight and which is not.

Marigold

This flower enjoys the crisp rays of the sun. The flower thrives well and blooms in summer even more in direct sunlight, such that if deprived of sunlight, it is prone to powdery mildew and won’t give its bloom.

The flower is not very sensitive to any kind of soil, but it does best in moderately fertile, and well drained soil. Learn More about its care tips and propagation if you want to grow a lush and healthy Marigold in your garden.

Sunflower

Sunflower is an ornamental plant. The plant gives spectacular flower heads, which bloom up to 15 centimeters wide. The plant stands from 3 feet up to 25 feet tall. It has a rough hairy stem and rough leaves in spirals arrangement. Sunflower is heliotropic because of its love of the sun, where the flower turns to follow from east to west from sunrise to sundown.

Aside from its ornamental beauty, you can benefit from the flower’s edible seeds. Likewise, you can use the leaves as fodder, and also, the yellow flower will yield a yellow dye for art use. Also, the seeds give a yellow oil which has various uses in cooking, baking, paints, lubricants, and soap manufacture.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a species of succulents that comes from the genus Aloe. It is an evergreen perennial plant that grows wild from the Arabian Peninsula. The plant grows in tropical and semi-tropical climates and is widely known for its medicinal use.

Aloe vera has plenty of scientific studies because of its therapeutic properties and use in the cosmetics industry. The plant has a jelly-like substance that is best to fight teeth cavities. It is also suitable for the treatment of constipation, foot ulcers, and protection from ultraviolet radiation.

The plant thrives well in dry and fast-draining soil. It cannot tolerate moist or long-standing water wherein long exposure to moist soil will cause root rot. And thus, because of its intolerance to water, aloe vera needs much sunlight to have its optimum growth and fast reproduction.

 

Burro’s Tail

Burro’s Tail, also known as Donkey’s Tail, is a succulent plant that originated from South Mexico. The plant loves exposure to a good amount of direct sunlight. But despite its heat resistance, the plant has a fragile stem that is prone to dropping. Likewise, its small green leaves that resemble a jellybean, are as fragile as its stem.

Because of its drought-resistant characteristics, the plant grows in well-draining soil, with its roots well aerated. Even at the early stage of propagation, Burro’s Tail needed not much watering, but beware,  if you see browning leaves, you may have deprived it of so much water, and it signals underwatering.

Likewise, when you see them wilting and have soft leaves, it signals that you have overwatered them. Under enough appropriation of the plant’s needs, it gives attraction to your windowsill in a hanging planter because of its beautiful trailing stem where a rose-color flower will develop.

 

Ti Plant

Known as luck plant, this is commonly planted outside of homes believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune. The plant was original from Southeast Asia and Western Pacific Ocean areas. The plant is trendy in Hawaii because Hawaiians make it into hula dance skirts and surfboard covers.

Ti plant is commonly grown as garden ornaments because of its attractive evergreen foliage. The plant grows up to about a meter tall when fully mature. Its foliage comes in many colors and variations, such as glossy green, deep red, green, orange, pink, and yellow shades. In bright sunlight, the plant gives its immense vibrant colors. Avoid direct afternoon sun because it will result in scorching leaves.

Plants need sunlight for their food production but in varying amounts. Thus, in your garden, it is essential to know the specific sunlight needs of each plant. Knowing each requirement will prevent you from mistakes and frustrations in propagating them. And most importantly, giving the plant the appropriate sunlight makes them grow healthy, beautiful, and lush.

Is Telehealth The New Secret Weapon To Company Mental Health?

April 12, 2021

Excessive wait times and a spike in demand for mental healthcare during Covid has given birth to an innovative experience: mental telehealth.  And in an effort to support employees, forward-thinking employers have begun to offer this service as part of their employee benefit packages.

So what does this service look like? Mental telehealth typically includes the patient services in highest demand — virtual talk therapy, psychiatric medication, and mental health education.

Concerning statistics, such as 40 percent of Americans struggling with mental health during the pandemic, have led many companies to announce new ways they are supporting mental health in the workplace – improving employee care, corporate productivity and perhaps, even becoming chic, given the latest workforce reports:

  • Mental and neurological disorders are a leading cause of disability in the United States.
  • In a 2019 survey of 1,500 respondents, 61% said their productivity at work was affected by their mental health and over 50% said cost and poor insurance coverage are key barriers to accessing mental healthcare.
  • And mental health is experienced differently by age in the workforce since the Covid-19 pandemic. According to a recent survey of 1,400 workers, a generational difference exists among those most likely to face mental health issues: Gen Z: 71%, Millennials: 59%, Gen X: 36% and Baby Boomers: 22%.

Now, with more people beginning to head back to the workplace after working remotely — or not working at all — during the pandemic, profound changes must be made in how they approach employees’ psychological and emotional well-being, advocates say.

While many California companies are prioritizing mental health, what is stopping some from offering expanded mental health support, despite the rise of mental health needs, and the proliferation of mental telehealth alternatives available?

Reasons commonly cited by employers include:

  • Perceived stigma toward individuals with mental health conditions. Employees harbor concerns that if they used company mental health benefits, their careers may suffer, which would leave these benefits unused.
  • Privacy limitations make it difficult for companies to measure the positive impact these benefits have had on their employee population.
  • Navigating a new territory of employee benefits and not knowing where to begin.
  • Companies already having insurance-based plans in place that include psychologists and psychiatrists for employees to access; they believe they can’t afford the incremental cost to add additional company-funded services.

What some employers fail to factor into their decision is the ease and convenience of these newer mental telehealth services. Individuals can often get video appointments within 24 hours from the comfort of their home — days, nights and weekends — while many insurance-based offerings can take weeks to months for an appointment, and have availability only during work hours.

Remedy, a telepsychiatry company based in Los Angeles, was founded by Dr. Kirsten Thompson because she wanted to make psychiatric mental care more accessible to all needing help.  Remedy provides psychiatric medication telehealth care for adults in California (expanding to other states in future) for all symptoms including depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, bipolar, insomnia and more from the comfort of one’s home – days, nights or weekends; and is encouraging California business owners to expand support for their employees to include mental health. Remedy recently launched an effort targeted to companies to offer their employees affordable access to medication treatment services to meet their employee mental health support needs.

“With mental health being the most important driver of productivity and happiness, companies are now realizing that offering improved mental health benefits is a clear win-win for both employees and the business. The disconnect is that our current insurance-based system is over-taxed, so companies relying on their existing medical insurance offerings are unknowingly behind the times and under supporting their staff. Luckily, many new telehealth companies have arisen to fill the gaps- but employers need to be aware of this deficit, and then take action.”

–       Dr. Kirsten Thompson, Founder & Supervising Psychiatrist, Remedy

If employee mental health becomes normalized as part of the business culture just as quarterly performance reviews and professional development, organizations will be rewarded with higher performance, fewer disability claims, and reduced employee turnover.

Sources:

https://jamanetwork.com/channels/health-forum/fullarticle/2770050

https://nationalinterest.org/blog/coronavirus/survey-nearly-half-us-workers-suffer-mental-health-issues-during-pandemic-178105

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness.shtml

https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/healthcare-systems-and-services/our-insights/mental-health-in-the-workplace-the-coming-revolution