We are unabashed Anglophiles here at wht, and skincare therapist Sarah Chapman is next in line for our throne of adoration! I would hop the next flight across the pond this instant if I could get an appointment with this much sought-after facialist at her London spa. Her client list includes many respected journalists and celebrities, including Jemma Kidd, Naomi Watts, and the Queen of Jordan. People lucky enough to be treated to one of her personalized facials rave about Sarah’s magical fingers! And of course, her amazing line of products.

Sarah is well known throughout England from her numerous TV appearances as a resident beauty expert for various channels. Her 18 years of experience in the field are apparent when you watch her video clips, but it’s not just her obvious expertise in her area, it’s her easy-going style and her own true beauty that make me want to watch and learn more from her. To see what I mean, check out this clip of Sarah comparing faces made up with makeup ranging from just a few dollars to hundreds of dollars.

In it, Sarah shares with us that it’s not so much the high price tag that makes an effective product, but the inclusion of crucial ingredients like antioxidants, vitamin A, peptides, and first and foremost, sunscreen. If your product has those ingredients, it’s going to do the job whether it’s low or high cost – brilliant advice! That being said, if you want to have the utmost confidence in your products, and you can’t catch the next flight to England to have one of Sarah’s signature facials, then you may want to try the next best thing!

Sarah has developed her own line of beauty products packed full of those powerhouse ingredients, with the aim of combining science and technology with luxury. Her products are high strength with hand blended essential oils and are free of parabens. The line is called Skinesis, derived from the Greek word kinesis, meaning “movement with stimulation”, most notably referring to her unique fast tapping, pinching, and knuckling Skinesis facial.

We tested two of Sarah’s most coveted products. First the Skinesis Overnight Facial ($89) which has quite a cult following. I did not personally try this, but our reviewers will be along in the comments to share their findings. It is said to be a potent cocktail of powerhouse antioxidants, vitamins and peptides to recreate the benefits of Sarah’s facials overnight. It is fragranced with a soothing essential oil blend of jasmine, frangipani, rose, and tuberose.

I tried the Eye Recovery ($84), which is one spectacular product! It all starts with the perfect pump. There is no cap to remove (which is a real bonus to me), just a perfectly proportioned pump, which delivers just the right amount of product (Sarah says this airless pump also protects light and air sensitive ingredients such as vitamins and antioxidants). The cream itself is everything you want in a good eye cream – it’s silky soft, lightweight yet rich, absorbs instantly, and leaves no heavy or oily residue.

The results are some of the best I’ve seen on my almost 35 year-old eyes! Smoother crow’s feet, less puffiness, and just generally brighter eyes are some of my initial findings. I’ll share more detail in the comments section, and I’ll also share my 58 year-old mom’s report, who tested this with me.

Testers and Readers that have had the luxury of trying Sarah Chapman’s Skinesis products, are you joining us in our Anglophilic ways?

Wht contributor Mel is a new(ish) Mom to the absolutely adorable Kellyanne, an avid makeup junkie and a junior high science teacher. Beauty and brains – just what we want in a wht author!

Disclosure: This review includes products that were provided by the manufacturer/PR firm for our consideration. For more info, or any questions, please see our disclosure policy.

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Our review of the newest balm from the Rosebud Perfume Co.

photo: we heart this

The product up for review at we heart this today needs no introduction. If you have even a passing interest in beauty, you have probably heard of the Rosebud Perfume Co.’s Rosebud Salve. For years, this little tin of joy has brought delight to beauty lovers of all types, from drugstore divas to magazine editors and everyone in between.

I remember, over a decade ago, on my very first visit to a Sephora, as I stood in line with an overflowing basket, I saw the unmistakable tin of the Rosebud Salve in a bin near the registers. I had read about this salve in beauty insider articles and saw it on top product lists for years. I quickly snatched one up to see what all the hype was about. Since that day, a Rosebud Perfume Co. balm has always been with in my reach on bedside or coffee table.

I discovered, like so many before me, that this adorable and economical tin of sweet smelling balm has a myriad of uses. And since you can’t improve on perfection, the Rosebud Perfume Company hasn’t messed with their formula, a “trade secret blend of essential oils”, when introducing a few carefully edited new scents over the years.

The wht review team, who had already nominated this balm to our Mag 7 Lip Balm List, recently received the latest Rosebud flavor, Mocha Rose, for review. Packaged in a charming pink tin with vintage graphics, this balm is a “special petrolatum base infused with mocha, chocolate and vanilla ‘coffee shop’ flavors”.

I found the strongest scent to be the sweet vanilla, followed by a hint of mocha. While some sense a strong coffee scent, I did not find it too heavy. It does not have that old-fashioned candy coffee flavor; it’s more like a modern sweetened coffee drink. The shade is a super sheer, light pink that leaves the barest trace of color on lips, and is soft enough that you can use the salve all over your body.

I found my Mocha Rose lip balm shares all of the traits that have made Rosebud Perfume salves a beloved favorite all over the world:

It’s a multi-tasker – this balm not only soothes chapped lips and protects against further damage, it also can be used all over the body. From cuticles to toes, and everywhere in between this balm moisturizes skin, soothes minor burns and calms skin irritations, including diaper rash.

It’s economical – this salve for the whole body is affordably priced ($7) so everyone can enjoy finding new uses for the miracle balm. Plus, this tin is generously sized and lasts a very long time.

It’s adorable – This tin looks great either sitting on a vanity or being pulled from a purse (it travels well too) and is always a conversation starter. Plus, when you finally reach the bottom of one of these charming tins, it can be washed and reused. I’m already planning on using my Mocha Rose tin as a purse pill container (won’t my monthly advils look cute in it?) Your tin could be used for vitamins, sewing or crafting supplies or as a teeny treasure chest.

Readers and Testers – I know we have Rosebud Perfume Co. aficionados out there! What are your favorite uses for this cult balm?

Get yours at drugstore.com – Mocha Rose Lip Balm
Or pick up a trio of tins at Sephora – Three Lavish Layers of Lip Balm

Tyna, co-founder and co-editor of wht, worries about becoming a crazy cat lady, reads at least a book a week, checks in at a Flyers fan forum every morning and is forever (some say obsessively) organizing her closets and drawers.

Disclosure: This review includes products that were provided by the manufacturer/PR firm for our consideration. It also contains an affiliate link, a link that gives us a small commission if you purchase the item. For more info, or any questions, please see our disclosure policy.

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Work out with Hollywood trainer Mandy Ingber and her Yogalosophy DVD

Maybe you’re like me and could use a bit more exercise. Trying to maintain some sort of regular exercise schedule can be a seriously difficult task. I’ve had many a battle with the elliptical… and, sadly, the elliptical won. I’m also always on the hunt for new exercise DVD’s and have been through pilates, ballet, and yoga routines a plenty. The problem with DVD’s? If I get bored, or can’t relate to the instructor, it’s all over, and the DVD finds a permanent place buried in the shelves of my TV cabinet. That was until I discovered Yogalosophy.

Yogalosophy is a yoga DVD developed by L.A. based fitness instructor, Mandy Ingber. For those of you who haven’t heard her name, Mandy has trained Jennifer Aniston (who introduces the DVD), has been featured in Self, Vogue, InStyle and Glamour, and was also named “Best of LA” in both Los Angeles Magazine and LA Weekly for her sell out classes and exercise tips.

I couldn’t wait for this DVD to come out. I’d read about Mandy and I was extremely impressed with her philosophy and style. Plus, who wouldn’t want a body like Jennifer Aniston’s, right? I was very excited to give it a try. It’s a little bit pricier than the average exercise DVD ($29.95), but I figured (based on what I spend on makeup and hair products), I could splurge this one time!

I’m so happy I plunked down the cash for this one. For me, what makes Mandy’s DVD better than most I’ve tried is that I can relate to her and really enjoy listening to her lead me through the routine. (As a fellow exercise DVD fan, that’s a nice compliment, why are so many exercise instructors so relentlessly peppy? ~Tyna) She is amazingly down to earth and funny and her DVD feels like I’m working out with one of my girlfriends.

Mandy is far from a boring fitness instructor, and while some may want more structure in their exercise DVD’s, I found myself wanting to use this one more, because it isn’t as rigid as most. Mandy doesn’t spend the whole time chanting out counts, and it shifts into many different moves, to keep you on your toes and keep you interested.

Yogalosophy combines traditional yoga moves with some toning exercises to whip you into shape. It has two, thirty minute routines and, if used consistently, you will definitely feel the results. I’ve been using it for about a month now and while it doesn’t replace all cardio, I can feel the pain the next morning and already, dare I say, have started to look a little more toned!

I am by no means a yoga guru, so I was also a little nervous the DVD would be too intense and include crazy yoga moves that a beginner wouldn’t be able to do. I was pleasantly surprised to find the yoga moves were basic, traditional and fun. I also really like that it isn’t ALL yoga and incorporates some lunges and other toning exercises that give you that extra push.

All in all, I would say I have been very pleased with Yogalosophy. It’s a refreshing break from the typical exercise DVD and Mandy makes it fun and something I actually WANT to do on a weekly basis. So, if you’re looking for something new to add to your exercise repertoire, consider giving Yogalosophy a try… I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!

Readers – are you a fan of Mandy too? Share you favorite exercise DVD’s in the comments!

Erin is a secondary science teacher who adores makeup and fashion. She spends her free time pursuing her other passions which include cooking, antiquing, and decorating.

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Our review of the mascara and brush that deliver killer lashes

photos: we heart this

I love experimenting with new makeup and since becoming a tester for this fabulous site I’ve been introduced to a slew of products and brands I would never have tried on my own. And while it’s fun to try new things, I still remain faithful to a few choice items. One of those is my mascara; that infamous, affordable mascara in the pink and green tube has been my trusted brand for years. But, I have to admit, I may have found a mascara that’s not only worth shelling out a few extra bucks for, but one that could become a permanent addition to my makeup collection. It’s Peter Thomas Roth’s Lashes To Die For, The Mascara.

Lashes To Die For, The Mascara ($22) is a special formula created to deliver great looking lashes while nourishing and protecting. Thanks to Roth’s background of natural Hungarian skin therapy, his concern for beneficial products not only draws upon those traditional treatments but a variety of advanced and innovative technologies to offer a line of products to make you look and feel good. True to philosophy, with ingredients like bamboo, aloe vera, macadamia nut oil, silk powder, vitamins A, C and E and Pro Vitamin B, this mascara not only conditions but protects against moisture loss and makes your lashes look gorgeous too!

One of the secrets of its success is in the special brush applicator. Unlike a traditional mascara brush, this is like a rounded plastic comb (check it out in the top photo). The applicator has two sets of bristles: the longer for lengthening, separating and enhancing curl, the shorter for coverage and thickness. I found that if I turned the applicator one way I could fully coat my lashes without looking clumpy. Another turn and they were lengthened, separated and nicely defined. I haven’t touched my eyelash comb since using this mascara and my lashes have never looked this thick, long and lush before! And while it goes on smoothly with only a couple of sweeps for full coverage, I can still build up the product for a dramatic look while still keeping my lashes soft and natural looking.

The one issue I did notice is that while it’s advertised as water resistant I found it tends to smudge a bit if it gets wet. I’m actually ok with though, this since I’ve never been fond of the waterproof mascara death grip. So unless you’re standing in a downpour or jump in a pool, this will actually last all day without flaking or running.

Peter Thomas Roth Lashes To Die For, The Mascara’s ability to deliver long, voluminous lashes while using beneficial ingredients makes it a nice addition to my collection. And has it given my go-to brand a run for its money!

Testers and readers, do you agree?

Kari is a Minneapolis based artist who drinks too much coffee and enjoys taking pictures of the strange foods she eats. She’s always running 10 minutes behind despite her clock being an hour fast. You can find her musings on art, music and food at her blog, Tuna Fish Casserole.

Disclosure: This review includes products that were provided by the manufacturer/PR firm for our consideration. It also may contain an affiliate link, a link that gives us a small commission if you purchase the item. For more info, or any questions, please see our disclosure policy.

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Clueless about organizing for back to school? Don’t worry – I’ll school you! So much has changed since the days when I was getting ready to go back to school each fall. Seems cell phones and laptops are necessities and that’s just for the kindergarteners!

Thankfully things haven’t changed so much that I don’t recognize any of the essentials. Some of my favorites are still necessary, and they will have your honor student racing to homeroom before the whistle even blows.

But school isn’t all about beautiful binders and new backpacks. (Although they are the best parts!) Starting the school year organized creates a fertile ground in which to learn. If your child is prepared, it is likely they will be relaxed, confident and free to express themselves academically and socially.

Basically, their performance will be better. We know this is true for ourselves so why wouldn’t it be true for our kids? When we prepare our own job materials, tools, and schedules we feel ready to take on the world! It is never to early to learn the benefits of organization.

So we are agreed. Organizing children is a good idea! That takes care of the “Why?” Now on to the other important questions…

WHAT you’ll need: The supplies (all green!)

Notebooks/paper

• New leaf notebooks are all recycled and cool enough for school.
• Re-Cover Journals have covers from old books – keep track of assignments and deep thoughts with a fun, vintage flair.
• Post-its are now recycled! This is the one paper source I can’t live without. Yet.

Binders

• Whenever you are ready for a new binder, this one lets you remove the metal rings, recycle the case and reuse the rings in a new case (from 1”- 4”). This function is truly amazing. I’ve seen so many plastic binders get thrown out – never again!
• This Rebinder is also all about removable, replaceable and recyclable (from .5” – 3”).
• Russell+Hazel are my favorite binders. The first binders I knew that were made from made from 100% post-consumer materials. I’ve had mine for 10 years and counting. They are stylish, come in all the colors of the rainbow and cost a pretty penny. Worth each and every one (1 ½”).

Pencils/pens

• Writing is low impact this school year: choose from pens made from biodegradable corn, green pencils (no wood!), colored pencils made out of newspaper and natural markers.

Backpacks

• Theirs: Organic, sturdy, adjustable and fashionable too!
• Yours: Environmentally sound and cute. Didn’t want you to be jealous of your mini-me.

Lunchbag

• These eco lunchbags from Hero are definitely all ages.
• This specialty lunch set from Kidskonserve is all about a waste-free lunch. Teaching kids to conserve is kool.

WHERE to put essentials: The containers

Signatures

• Put one of these wall mounted file holders in your child’s room near their door. It will serve as the in/out box for paperwork between the two of you. They put papers in for you to sign and you place them back in when complete (in a folder to indicated “signed”).

Memorabilia

• For your child’s artwork that you want to keep for posterity get an art portfolio.  For the art that is special, but maybe not a Picasso – take a photo and discard the art. Then at the end of the year you can make a photobook of those pics. Your child will have an art book for the year.

End of year papers

• Scan them and put on an external drive. If they must keep them for sentimental reasons (or you must) here are some container options.

WHEN: A calendar is key…

• Have your child use a planner of some kind to schedule their assignments. If they are very young then a large family calendar can double as their assignment calendar as well.  Everyone can help show them how to track assignments.

HOW: Enforcement

• This is your part. Organization is all about keeping up with your systems. Keep it simple and keep it up! Otherwise…detention!

Be true to your school! And let me know how it goes.

Jennifer Palais clears chaos and brings order to offices, business systems, schedules and minds and is known as an organizing expert and coach. Her approach is 10-years in the making: Inspirational, well informed and practical. It is a process filled with fun, joy and discovery. For more organizing tips, follow her on Twitter.

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It’s available for preorder now at Amazon, as well as Borders, Barnes and Noble, walmart.com and target.com. Order by September 6th and receive a free AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, a $65 value and the only skincare item we’ve reviewed at wht to receive a 5-star rating!

All you need to do is forward your online order confirmation (from any of the above retailers) to TheWaterSecret@Murad.com and you will receive the cleanser shipped directly from Murad. One of our members has already done this and received her confirmation.

Healthy tips directly from the Dr. himself and a fabulous free gift? You can’t lose!

Disclosure: This post contains an affiliate link, a link that gives us a small commission if you purchase the item. For more info, or any questions, please see our disclosure policy.

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Me, that’s who! We are thrilled to announce that we heart this has been added to the extended LA County Fair family with the introduction of me as the very first Official Fair Foodie. (And lucky for me, Tyna’s coming too!)

So, what does that mean exactly? Well, if you’re in the LA area, get ready to to see me all over the TV on Friday September 3rd, eating assorted goodness and discussing the fun that the fair has to offer. Not a local? We’ll be tweeting all day and uploading photos (which can be see in the bottom of our left column, and on our Twitpic page). It will be like you are there with us!

Plus, we’ll be bringing you posts throughout the month of September detailing our LA County Fair adventures (and hosting a few giveaways as well). Every goat fed, every ride screamed on, every chocolate-covered bacon-wrapped Oreo eaten; we’ll fill you in on the experience. I am all in, and you will be too!

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Our Green Monday Review of the unique seasonally themed skincare collection.

photo: we heart this

Our routines and desires change with the seasons. In the summer I want fresh fruit, sandals, and bright colored clothes. While in the fall and winter I tend towards jewel tones, soup, and thick tights. But how often does your skin care routine change? I know my routine tends to remain pretty constant, so why am I always surprised when my skin bucks at the change of the seasons? As the weather around us changes, so should our skin care.

Elemental Herbology was founded by Kristy Goodger, a spa consultant with over 10 years under her belt. She says, “I don’t believe in the classical skin types as we can all be a little dry, a little congested and so on as skin reacts and changes. It’s seasonal, plus lifestyle and hormonal factors that underpin these changes.” With this belief she created not only a line of skin care products for the face and body but a whole slew of daily, weekly, and special occasion ‘“prescriptions and rituals” to help your ever changing skin adapt to the ever changing seasons. The wht team had a chance to put this unique perspective to the Green Monday test by reviewing two Elemental Herbology products.

Not surprisingly, a company so in tune with seasons and nature is eco-minded as well, using potent levels of botanical, mineral and marine actives that clean and calm in the warmer seasons, and hydrate and repair during the cooler ones. Elemental Herbology believes in responsible harvesting and production and are “100% committed to sourcing their ingredients from the world’s most reputable suppliers.” Additionally, the entire line of products is free of mineral oils, synthetic fragrance and colours, sulphates, PABA sun screens and paraben preservatives (and of course, are all cruelty-free).

Our testers each received the Facial Glow Radiance Peel and the Biodynamic Facial Soufflé intensive hydration and repair mask. I was immediately struck by the packaging. I really love the simple and elegant design. It’s classic and adds a touch of easy class to any counter top. The entire package can be responsibly recycled and all Elemental Herbology packaging components use lipoanimated, SLS-free surfactants that are 100% bio-degradable.

The two products are meant to be used together, and I thought they did a really beautiful job. Following the weekly ritual almost exactly (I’m a sucker for routines and guidelines with products), I began with the Facial Glow ($64, 50ml) which exfoliates gently with tiny micro beads about the same size of a sugar crystal. It has a great citrus scent that really perks me up in the morning and it leaves my skin feeling fresh and cool. This “Radiance Peel” uses apple serum, papaya, orange peel and tangerine to naturally polish away flakes and reveal fresh skin and is bursting with more great green ingredients like vitamins A, C and E, green tea and pomegranate (for protective qualities) and sea salt and kelp (for purification).

Next comes the Biodynamic Facial Soufflé, ($75, 50ml) a relaxing and silky super moisturizing mask. Created to hydrate, plump and calm skin, this lush treatment uses rice bran, shea butter, chamomile, macadamia, jojoba and argan oil to “infuse the skin with essential fatty acids” and increase moisture levels while marine collagen, wheat protein and cocoa helps “stimulate new cell proliferation”, firm skin and increase elasticity.

The scent reminds me of that familiar spa scent; and brings to mind clean white towels, calming music, and relaxing voices. I almost didn’t want to wash it off the next morning. Leaving it on overnight, I awoke to smooth, clean feeling skin.

The real proof, as they say, is in the pudding. Since I started using the Elemental Herbology products my “combination” skin has become, dare I say, normal! The products haven’t helped much with my breakouts or blackheads, but all those pesky flecks of dry skin on my cheeks and around my mouth have vanished. With the increased moisture in my skin I’ve even noticed that the oil production on my face has noticeably decreased.

Whether it’s the delightful scent or the power punch the line throws, I’m a believer - there’s something from Elemental Herbology for everyone. Testers – is this new seasonal philosophy the solution for your skin issues?

Amanda loves all things yummy, shiny, beautiful, and fun. On any given day you’ll find her in the kitchen, walking her dogs, or catching a concert with friends.

Disclosure: This review includes products that were provided by the manufacturer/PR firm for our consideration. For more info, or any questions, please see our disclosure policy.

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How the Murad Inclusive Health Approach is helping my skin (and mind, body and soul!)

When Stef and I were invited to the world renowned Murad Inclusive Health Spa to visit with the man himself, we could not say yes fast enough. We’ve been beauty obsessed since our teens, have a lifetime of careful shopping behind us, plus over 5 years in the make up review industry and if asked today to name a great, affordable skin care line, both of us would place Murad vey high on the list. We were thrilled to receive a detailed look at one of our most beloved brands.

If you are like me, you may have I imagined the Dr Murad in some white on white, uber-high-tech laboratory in the Swiss Alps; nope, he’s here practicing his extraordinary skills in the Los Angeles area. Our trip to the Murad Inclusive Health Spa included quality chatting time with the legend himself and we walked away with skincare knowledge that will stay with us forever.

In fact, some of these profoundly simple, but effective “secrets” to healthy skin have already made an improvement in my skin, body, mind and soul. After all, when you physically look better, you definitely feel better emotionally. Which means you’re more likely to stick to those good habits and the cycle keeps repeating. We’ll be listing some of these simple steps that have started to make a drastic difference for us at the end of this article, but first, an introduction to Dr. Murad and the Inclusive Health philosophy.

Howard Murad, M.D. has devoted his life to “to making beautiful, healthy skin attainable for everyone”. Murad Inc., his highly effective, affordable skincare line was established in 1989 as his way of sharing pioneering skincare formulas (from years of practicing medicine and clinical research) with the world. These “scientifically-proven formulas and (Dr. Murad’s) inclusive approach to overall skin and body health have helped millions to live better lives.”

You can add Stef and I to that list, as just one morning spend with Dr. Murad and his Inclusive Health Practitioners, has helped us both make some positive differences in our lives! While Dr. Murad is a true skin visionary (he pioneered many innovative, now commonplace, treatment concepts including alpha hydroxy acids, antioxidants, infusion technology and the introduction of pomegranate into skincare), the concept behind the Inclusive Health Approach is simple and classic.

Dr. Murad’s Inclusive Health philosophy sets Murad apart from other dermatologists, spas and brands because it “emphasizes that skin is not only the body’s largest organ but is connected to, and reflective of, the health of all systems in the body.” In other words, if you take care of your entire body (fuel it properly, give it both enough exercise and rest) your skin (as the body’s largest organ) will reap the benefits as well. Not to mention your figure, your confidence, and your happiness!

During our talk with Dr. Murad he explained one of the main principles of this inclusive health approach, “What we should do is look at the one indicator of health and youth. And it’s at a cellular level. The one thing that is present in young and healthy cells is that they have more water. We are born with 75% water, we die with 0. Along the way, we lose more and more water. Your skin probably feels drier than it did 10 years ago. Your hair is probably not as shiny and a bit thinner. And many of these things happen so gradually that you don’t even really pay attention to it.”

Of course, part of this is just a fact of aging, right? Not entirely, according to Dr. Murad, “It’s true, you are getting older. You can’t change the fact that you are here on this earth for so many years. But what you CAN change is how well you look and how well you feel during that time. And one thing that will absolutely do that is to encourage and increase the cellular water.”

The Science of Cellular Water™, of which Dr. Murad has been a pioneer in, studies the “ability of cell membranes to hold water…the fundamental marker of youthful good health”. It’s considered the most comprehensive approach to understanding health and aging. The Inclusive Health concept was created to “help the body create stronger, healthier cells” leading to a healthier body and younger looking skin.

Dr. Murad has just released his latest book, the groundbreaking approach, dubbed The Water Secret. It’s methods are simple, effective and attainable for everyone. Many celebrities (including beauty expert Jean Godfrey-June) have raved over the changes they experienced with this approach. And now, everyone can benefit and take steps towards a healthier body and beautiful skin.

Of course, if you can get to the Murad Inclusive Health Spa for a consultation, I highly recommend you do so. This 1 hour assessment with a specially trained Murad Practitioner focuses on three key markers of health: skin health, sense of self and cellular health. A complete physical and emotional review is conducted including a reading of the water levels in your cells and a “MiHi” rating, an indication of overall health. (on a 1-100 scale I rated a 56, Stef a 60). More importantly, your Inclusive Heath Practitioner will then set a 10 week plan (that you can either follow on your own, or with their guidance along the way) to help you achieve your health related goals. From losing weight to stress management to glowing skin, Murad has a plan to build the foundation for any goal.

Since our day with Dr. Murad, I have made a number of changes in my life and I am looking and feeling better for it! I’ve dropped a number of pounds, my skin is clearer and I am happier. Best of all, I started by following just three simple steps gleamed from our day at the Murad Inclusive Health Spa:

• Mom was right, you are what you eat (and what you drink). I know you think that you can drink your 8 glasses of water a day and things are cool, right? Not true, if your diet is full of unhealthy “extras” like sugars, salts and fats, the water you consume will work to flush those from your system, instead of absorbing into your body and cells. A healthy diet full of good, clean food allows the water you drink to do its job.

• EAT your WATER. You do not have to be chained to a water bottle all day. In fact, the more water you can eat, the better. Fill your diet with foods containing lots of water and reap the benefits. Snacking on a cucumber not only gets you a couple of ounces of water that your body will better retain, this snack comes also comes with vitamins, antioxidants and fiber (to help keep you full).

• Don’t just wash your face. Just yesterday a friend said my skin was “glowing” and I owe it to this tip. My Inclusive Health Practitioner advised me to treat all of the skin from my face down the neck to my decollete , the same way and with the same products. In hindsight, this makes so much sense! The skin on my chest acts much like my face (it flushes when stressed and is prone to break outs), and using all of my regular face products – cleanser, toner, moisturizer, even masks) on the entire area has worked wonders in giving me that healthy glow.

Just five weeks since our visit (half the time of all the standard Inclusive Health Plans), my skin, my body and my overall happiness is much improved. Thanks Dr. Murad!

Tyna, co-founder and co-editor of wht, worries about becoming a crazy cat lady, reads at least a book a week, checks in at a Flyers fan forum every morning and is forever (some say obsessively) organizing her closets and drawers.

Disclosure: This review includes products that were provided by the manufacturer/PR firm for our consideration. It also contains an affiliate link, a link that gives us a small commission if you purchase the item. For more info, or any questions, please see our disclosure policy.

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Think of today’s 4 for Friday as quick shopping trip with a friend. A friend who calls you and says “I need a new necklace but I don’t know which one to pick.” I am said friend, please help me decide! (clockwise from top left)

• I’ve got a thing for both chunky silver and anything hand crafted. This Hammered Link Necklace fits the bill on both counts. Completely handmade, starting from fine silver wire, then fused with a torch, hammered and tumbled for shine and strength. A true artisans necklace! $98

• In an ideal world, I could buy the one-of-a-kind Monet’s Garden Bib Necklace (which just may be the prettiest necklace I’ve ever seen). Comprised of 6 strands of pure jewels; precious and semi-precious stones are individually knotted and finished with solid white 14K gold findings with diamonds. LOVE! ($2750)
(I wouldn’t be mad if someone bought this for me. Just sayin’…)

• The artist calls this her Wind necklace. I could call it my throw on and look super cute but not like you tried to hard necklace. I can even choose the length I’d like (17, 19 or 21 inches). Plus, how can you beat that price? $24

• Who knew a simple layer of fringe could make such a huge statement? This threehorses original is a hand dip dyed, black and nude fringe that hangs from a simple leather strap. Can you imagine how amazing this would be with a really low cut V-neck? $36

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