FMG TV: Dream Life Manifesting with Tara Mackey

We've all heard about the power of the mind, but do we realize the impact both negative and positive thoughts have on our lives? Tara Mackey is the author of Cured By Nature: How to Heal from the Inside Out, Find Happiness, and Discover Your True Self and the blogger behind TheOrganicLifeBlog.com. Overcoming a challenging past, she's created the life of her dreams using her thoughts. Her story of 'being born on drugs' as a child of a heroine addict, and the early exposure she had to trauma in her life propelled her into a dark cycle of pharmaceutical drugs prescribed by doctors trying to treat and remedy her emotions and health issues. By the time Tara was 24 she was on 14 different medications, and hit the tipping point where she decided to reclaim her life.

(Disclosure: This site uses affiliate links. All products are chosen at my discretion and promoted as other blogs promote products that reflect the lifestyle of the blogger, brand, and ethos. I only post brands and items I support.)

“Choosing challenge over comfort, adventure over safety, or visibility over invisability is an investment in ourselves.”

— Tara Mackey, Cured By Nature

What follows is an amazing journey of self discipline and commitment to creating the life she wanted for herself... drug-free and full of happiness. With a biology background and a researcher's mind, Tara replaced all of her prescribed medications with natural herbs, and self care practices that completely transformed her life. The biggest takeaway for me is how powerful the mind can be in keeping you stuck where you are or helping you to create a life more fulfilling than your wildest dreams. Tune into this episode of FMG TV to see how Tara shaped her mind into a positive powerhouse and learn her tried and tested tips for manifesting that which you desire. 

I'd also like to share that if you are looking to come off of pharmaceutical drugs that you may be using to treat chronic symptoms or conditions, a really good option is to consult a naturopathic doctor. I just learned about a company called Parsley Health that offers such a service. Use this code for $100 off at Parsley Health: RADIANCE

For all you clean beauty junkies, there's a fabulous chapter on green beauty that helps you approach the green beauty scene from a very holistic place with supplements, diet (including fermented foods and smoothies), and home beauty recipes for masks and treatments. One gem that she talks about in the book is DIM, a supplement made from cruciferous veggies that helps to balance hormones (namely estrogen) and clear skin. My skin has become calmer and happier in the last couple of years, but I am still susceptible to breakouts and flair ups from product buildup or traveling. I took two capsules of Solaray's Dim Supreme and literally overnight my skin was happier and without irritated bumps that started to show up the day before. Thank you Tara! (To be safe, check with a healthcare provider first before you take any supplements.)

Tara and I would love to hear from you! Weigh in with your comments and questions in the comment section below and find us both on social media: Tara Mackey @organiclifeblog and Greta Eagan @gretaeagan.

Gym Bag Essentials with Credo Beauty

Growing up in a ski resort town, with nature's playground offering a course for just about any kind of exercise, I'm not sure how or why I came to love gyms so much... I suppose I can trace it back to my time in London. When I lived in London, I ran outside a lot and played tennis too. But London is notorious for rain, and rain it did. So, I got a gym membership and really came to love the reliability of always having a place to get my exercise in- rain or shine, day or night. I also treat the gym a little like a spa. It helps trick my psyche into going in the first place! I shower, and steam, and sometimes even meditate in the sauna if I have it alone for a few minutes. I've found that taking a little extra time to pamper myself at the gym makes all the difference.

(Disclosure: This site uses affiliate links. All products are chosen at my discretion and promoted as other blogs promote products that reflect the lifestyle of the blogger, brand, and ethos. I only post brands and items I support.)

When Credo Beauty sent me their new clean beauty starter kit, I thought, "This will be great for my gym bag!" Here's a peek at what have become my gym essentials:

FLIP FLOPS- for post workout showers, and steam room or sauna sessions.

EARBUDS- when I want to plug into my tunes or the TV while I sweat it out.

I'M GLASSY WATER BOTTLE- this is  a new addition that I am loving! I used to recycle plastic bottles from buying bottled water when I'm running around (not always BPA-free) and reuse them. I know this isn't great because when they heat up (like when I leave them in my car and the sun bakes them) toxic molecules from the plastic release into the water and then I am basically drinking chemical water. My I'm Glassy water bottle is made of glass and perfect for reusing in a safe way. (gifted- thank you!)

CREDO BEAUTY DETOX BEAUTY KIT- with travel and sample size haircare, deodorant, cleansing balm, eye cream, face moisturizer, and a resurfacing mask (which I use after the shower and before I steam so it can sit while I steam for 10 mins), it really is the perfect gym bag companion. (gifted)

CLEAN UNDIES- a clean pair after a workout and pamper session make all the difference. 

What are your must-haves in your gym bag? Oh- and if you are loving any classes or workout exercises please share those too! 

The Lazy Girl's Guide to Natural Beauty with Juice Beauty

Whether you're pressed for time or traveling with limited toiletry space, this lazy girl's guide to natural beauty will help you get a low maintenance look with just three products (and an eyelash curler, which no one should be without!). 

(Disclosure: This site uses affiliate links. All products are chosen at my discretion and promoted as other blogs promote products that reflect the lifestyle of the blogger, brand, and ethos. I only post brands and items I support.)

I had the pleasure of testing out some of Juice Beauty's new phyto-pigment makeup items. I selected neutrals and did my makeup for an upcoming shoot (you can check out that shoot here). In using the products I found that they are seriously perfect for creating a no fuss natural look that helps enhance what the good Lord gave you without over complicating things. Then, when I went on a recent trip, I threw those beauty basics into my bag and wound up using them for my daily look. Loved it! 

So, my newest go-to routine involves three Juice Beauty products. Here's the deets:

CREAM SHADOW STICK in Pale Gold. Use across lid, and as a highlighter on cheekbones and the cupid's bow.

LAST LOOKS BLUSH in Flush. Tap color onto apples of cheeks and blend up and out towards ears. Dab a touch of color on to lips and top with chapstick for a very wearable (and kissable!) look. 

ULTRA NATURAL MASCARA in Black. One coat for a super natural look. Two to bump it up. Always with a curl from the eyelash curler first.

Many thanks to Juice Beauty for providing products for review and this post.

Home Spa Day with Kai

Taking time to truly relax seems like a rare experience these days, yet it is so important. Since my move to California, I have tried to set a new intention for work-life balance, which includes time to read and just chill, sans screens. In an age where we are uber connected and constantly updated, I find myself yearning for some restorative offline time. The Universe must have heard my pledge, because a home and beauty brand just up the the coast from me in Malibu recently reached out to collaborate. I instantly said yes and began to craft my at home spa day with their intoxicating signature gardenia scent... Kai. 

As a Malibu-based company, Kai is very connected to the beauty of the world around them. All of their products are paraben, sulfate, phthalate and phosphate-free. They are also a cruelty-free brand that is made in the USA. All of these things attracted me to Kai, along with the quality of their products. 

An assortment of a few of my favorite things... RADIANT ROSEWATER by Shiva Rose (thank you Garden Collage!), KAI SKYLIGHT CANDLE, EXTRAORDINARY FACE OIL by Circ Cell, KAI LINEN SPRAY, NECKLACE AND EARRINGS by Padgett Hoke #madeinUSA

At Home Spa Day Essentials

• Relaxing music. I like to play the Spotify playlists under 'Chill' where you will find a classic Spa Treatment list and something a bit more hip with the Mellow Beats Playlist.
• A Kai Candle and Kai Reed Diffuser to set the stage with a fresh gardenia scent.
• Hot water + fresh lemon. Simple and satisfying.
• Good reads. I recently read Super Rich: A Guide to Having it All by Russell Simmons and really enjoyed the connection of spiritual mindfulness with the work you do. A great reminder to give freely to the world the gift you have to give and it will all work out beautifully.
• Healthy snacks. Fresh fruit and snap peas are my go-to snacks these days and are perfect for keeping digestion light.

The Perfect Bath

I love to unwind with a bath, and over the years I have learned a few things that make baths not only enjoyable but beneficial. 

• Run a bath at a temperature that feels warm (but doesn't scald) when you hold your elbow under the stream of water. This usually ensures a perfect temperature.
• Add Kai Bathing Bubbles or Body Wash for a delicious smell and some fun bubbles.
• Add one half cup to one cup of epsom salts to help pull toxins out and ease sore muscles.
• Drop five to ten drops of argan oil for an extra level of hydration that soaks into your skin.
• Use the Kai Body Buffer to gently scrub away dead skin cells and increase circulation for a healthy glow.
• Add rose petals for a special touch.
• When you get out of the bath try to air dry and let the oils soak in. Follow up by misting Kai Body Glow on arms and legs and rub in for added moisture that is lighter than lotion, yet still hydrating. Perfect for summer.

Clothing by Averti. #madeinLA #naturalfibers Check out this post to see more from Averti. 

Jewelry by Padgett Hoke. #madeinUSA

Photos: Davis Bell (thank you, thank you!) Many thanks to Kai for sponsoring this post.

Thanksgiving makeup with a side of Cranberry lips

Balancing a festive look with a modern sensibility seems daunting, but with this season's lip stain trend it's one of the easiest looks to pull off! All you need is a great lip color in a berry hue (cranberry red for lighter skin tones moving into the deeper blackberry purples for richer skin tones). Follow this step by step tutorial for a Thanksgiving look that's family appropriate- whether you are with yours or his- and brings a little something special to the table.

For my T-Day outfit, I usually pair jeans with a sweater and tee underneath, and layer on a scarf that might double as a blanket during my flight, as well as a puffy jacket that ensures I'll be warm without bulk. I find a low heeled boot is the perfect travel shoe. It's comfortable enough to wear all day and is perfect for any arrivals in snow. Finally, I cannot travel without a tote. A great carryall to stash work, mags, overnight toiletries (just in case you get stuck somewhere) and snacks makes traveling so much better. What are your travel must-haves? 

Thanksgiving beauty look

1. Create a fresh face base. This look is all about the lips, so to keep this look fresh you'll want to use a lighter application to create even skin tone and naturally healthy looking skin that isn't mask like. The key is to start with well hydrated skin by using a thick cream. After traveling, you may even need the extra hydration! Apply a layer of thick cream and let soak in for about ten minutes. This is also a great time to moisturize lips with lip balm. Put a dollop of foundation on the back of your hand and mix with a touch more of your face cream. Apply to face- really massaging it in. Add foundation with fingertips (tapping into skin) to red areas around the T-zone (nose, sides of nose, around mouth and under eyes). Brush any remaining foundation on your hand over eyelids.

2. Bronze or sculpt. Using a cream bronzer, add a touch of color below your cheekbones and at temples of forehead, as well as a touch under nose and bottom section at the front of the chin. Blend well.

3. Highlight. Using a cream illuminizer, apply to cheekbones, brow bones, cupid's bow, down bridge of nose and just above eyebrows. Blend well.

4. Brush brows and lightly fill in any gaps with a pencil (should be one shade lighter than your eyebrow hair). Brush through any applied color and shape into natural shape.

5. Eyes. Choose a neutral brown, mauve or grey color shadow. Also pick out a brown or grey eyeliner pencil that you can easily smudge into lashes. Start with the pencil and with small dashes line upper lid from the outer corner in. Using a stiff pointed brush, smudge pencil into lashes and slightly up lid. With a medium fluffy eye shadow brush, apply eye shadow at outer corner and pull in over lid and towards the inner corner. Stay light handed with the eyeshadow to avoid creating a heavy smokey eye. It should bring in a bit of color, but not be the focus of the look. Curl lashes and apply one to two coats mascara. Try to lengthen and separate lashes.

6.  Cheeks. Choose a color that is fresh and natural looking- rose pink or peachy. Swirl a small amount onto blush brush and tap off extra. With a light hand, apply at apples of cheeks and blend up and out as well as slightly down into bronzer. Layer lightly until desired effect is reached.

7. Cranberry Lips. Using a tissue, blot off lip balm. Warm your lip stain on your middle finger and press into lips. Lip stains are not meant to be perfect. Press in layers of color until you reach the hue you want. Then, go back in with a brush with a touch of stain on it and touch up any areas that need help (ie: corners of the mouth and outline). 

Going to give this makeup look a try? What other holiday looks do you love and fall back on? Would love to hear what beauty looks you are leaning into this Thanksgiving. 

shop this look with eco chic products below