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Healthy Instagram Accounts That We Follow
As you know from Insta, we have officially started a wellness series for the month of January (and maybe first week of February) that we are so excited about. You can keep track of all posts in the wellness category on our homepage + here are links to a face wash routine post that went up last week, flu fighting tips, and a post on the practice of oil pulling. Today we want to share healthy Instagram accounts that we follow that always inspire us re: clean + safe products to use, wellness practices to implement, and healthy recipes to try. Enjoy, xo.
Oil Pulling Benefits
Have you ever heard of oil pulling? Normally when I ask people this, the answer is no, and I would have definitely been one of those people before. [show_shopthepost_widget id="2980099"]
Have you ever heard of oil pulling? Normally when I ask people this, the answer is no, and I would have definitely been one of those people before. I was googling natural ways to whiten teeth and discovered articles like this one, this one, and this one. I was immediately intrigued, read up on it more, and decided to give it a try once I learned about all of the oil pulling benefits. P.S. I also read that Gwyneth Paltrow is an oil pulling fan and then discovered this oil pulling kit that is sold on goop.com. I don't use this kit, although the information on the kit is very interesting and helpful; I simply use the coconut oil from Trader Joe's that is always in my pantry.As always, do research on your own before trying a new health practice (and even consult your doctor if you wish), but below are a few notes about oil pulling that I've learned. The gist of it is that you swish coconut oil (about a tablespoon) in your mouth first thing in the morning for about 15-20 minutes, then spit it out. It is supposed to rid your body of toxins by pulling the toxins out of your mouth via the gums. How fascinating is that? Oil pulling originated in India many, many years ago as a medicinal practice. It is especially good for oral health- promotes healthy gums, rids the mouth of bacteria, and also happens to whiten teeth! Not a bad bonus.A few things to note--*Very important NOT to swallow. You want to get the toxins out, not swallow them back in!*Doing it first thing in the AM before drinking or eating anything is key, because bacteria builds up in the mouth overnight.*The goal is 20 minutes, but just make it as long as you can. There are some days that I can only last 10 minutes, other days I make it to 20. Something is better than nothing!*When it is time to spit, make sure you spit out in the trash can-- coconut oil will clog up your sink drain and no one wants to mess with that.*After you spit out in the trash can, rinse with warm water (spit out) then follow up with normal brushing- preferably using clean and natural toothpaste.*I did read that you can use sesame oil or olive oil instead of coconut oil, but I have not tried it so I am not sure how those oils compare.*How often to oil pull? Up to you! I do it about 3 times a week. With anything though, it is better to start slow and not overdue it.Have you ever heard of oil pulling? Would you try it? Let us know in the comments below![show_shopthepost_widget id="2980099"]image via pinterest
Natural Flu Fighting Remedies
You might have seen on Instagram Stories that I have been pretty sick with the flu the past few days, so loading up on natural flu fighting remedies to help me feel better has been such a necessity. [show_shopthepost_widget id="2976285"]
Hey you guys! You might have seen on Instagram Stories that I have been pretty sick with the flu the past few days, so loading up on natural flu fighting remedies to help me feel better has been such a necessity. I know the flu is going around like crazy this year, and our doctor said it's the worst one yet, so I wanted to write this in hopes to help any of you going through it. January and February are key months for picking up germs unfortunately, so I wanted to share my go-to concoctions to boost the immune system and fight-off any bugs that try to get you down + I am going to share recipes I received on Instagram that have been absolute game changers. I can't thank you all enough for your amazing, holistic tips and tricks! Doing all of these things has the flu almost completely out of my system, and it is the morning of Day 3. I am still fully resting, though, and continuing these practices until I am back to one hundred percent.
I also want to state prior to that I am not a doctor; these are simply things that work best for me. The doctor prescribed me with two medications yesterday, and I almost caved because I felt so desperate. I am so happy that I believed in my immune system and stuck to the most effective methods of healing for my body. I have worked so hard to repair my gut health, and after endless research about how destructive antibiotics are to your gut, I avoid them at all costs, especially because 80% of your immune system is in your gut to protect from illness and disease.[show_shopthepost_widget id="2976285"]
WHAT I HAVE BEEN DOING DAILY...
Oil of Oregano Liquid Concentrate
*2-3 drops under the tongue, 4X a day
*2 tsp every 4 hours
*Take every six hours
Epsom Salt Bath with 1/4 cup of baking soda and 5 drops of Thieves oil
*Take twice a day + drink a lot of water during and after
Vitamin D Drops - with at least 10,000 iu's
*Take under tongue twice a day
OTHER TIPS...
Constantly disinfect handles, phone, and anything you touch with Tea Tree Oil
Clean counters often with Thieves Cleaner
Wash sheets every day or as often as you physically can!
Take showers daily and wash your hands more than you can count
Drink tons of Water!!
Diffuse essential oils
Use essential oils on bottom of feet - I use Thieves and Lavender endlessly!
Get plenty of sleep!
P.S. A baked potato is my favorite, easy-on-the-tummy meal when I am sick.
I MAKE THESE DRINKS SEVERAL TIMES A DAY...
Drink One
*2 drops thieves oil
*2 drops lemon oil
*2 drops peppermint oil
*1 tsp manuka honey (this is basically an antibiotic in itself)
*half of a freshly squeezed lemon
*hot filtered water
Drink Two
*1 tsp apple cider vinegar
*half of a freshly squeezed lemon
*cinnamon
*1 tsp manuka honey
*hot filtered water
MORE OPTIONS...
*One packet in the morning on an empty stomach
*Put under tongue twice daily
Erewhon Sore Throat Tonic (they concocted this for me at the Tonic Bar to relive a sore throat)
*Available at Erewhon Market
Ingredients:
-Gyostemma Tea
-2 Caps Golden Voice
Praying that this list helps you during sick-season and beyond! Share this post with friends and family members who also might be interested in natural feel-better solutions. We would love to hear any of your tips and tricks in the comments section, too! Here's to feeling our best and staying healthy. xo
Two-Step Face Washing Routine
Hey guys, Melissa here! I am so excited to share my simple two-step face washing routine that has truly changed the state of my skin. For years, I struggled with finding a face wash or makeup-remover that worked for my skin. Then when I became more aware of toxins in products, the struggle became even more real! Some of the best products out there still irritated my skin and caused breakouts on my chin.Then two amazing things happened...first, Primally Pure reached out to Lauren and I and we became more knowledgable about their incredible line of clean skincare products. I told their founder, Bethany, and their holistic esthetician, Courtney, about my face wash issue, and they were kind enough to send me their cleansing oil for oily skin. I was of course SO NERVOUS to wash my face using oil, but I trusted their recommendation and thank goodness I did! After the first evening that I used it, I could already tell a difference in my skin the following morning. That being said, after a week, I could REALLY tell a difference. My skin looked brighter, less oily, and blemish-free. It also felt well-nourished and smooth to touch.The second amazing thing that happened was that I discovered Face Halo via this blog. It is a microfiber pad that you simply wet with warm water and gently wipe makeup off your face. You can read more about the facts, here, and the method, here. The pads come in a set of three and can be easily washed in the washing machine. I was amazed by the simplicity of this method and was THRILLED when it worked!I just realized that I totally wrote the two steps backwards, but that is because I discovered the cleansing oil before the Face Halo. That is a peak into how my brain works :) Anyway, to summarize, the first step is to remove makeup with Face Halo and then the second step is to clean with cleansing oil- this article has great directions and details about the cleansing oil method. Also, important to note, I use the oil for oily skin, but they also have cleansing oil for normal skin and for dry skin.I would love to hear from you in the comments about any face washing tips and routines that you swear by. Also, if you try this clean two-step routine, I would love to hear if it works for you as well! Praying that it does. xo Mimage via primally pure // #notsponsored
Cherishing Time
I was observing my sweet little niece, baby Kate, as we were in Dallas for Christmas, and she was fully enamored by a leaf at the park and becomes full of joy when she sees the most simple things that the Lord has created. [show_shopthepost_widget id="2953968"]
I was observing my sweet little niece, baby Kate, as we were in Dallas for Christmas, and she was fully enamored by a leaf at the park and becomes full of joy when she sees the most simple things that the Lord has created. It seems that as we get older, we get more complicated, but we don't have to. It seems that as we get older, we are tempted to get lost in the hustle and bustle of requirements, to-do lists, and busy schedules. We tend to get wrapped up in the opinions of others and forget that it lies in something that is constant and never-changing - Jesus. We seem to get stunted by new seasons that keep us from what we consider full freedom, and we tend to desire avoiding unnecessary responsibility for as long as possible. I have been reflecting on these thoughts recently as our life has slowed down in the holiday weeks, and I have had time to think and process. I have cherished every moment of having TIME; time to read a book without my check list distracting me, time to go with Jase to work for the day, time to wake up and rest and lay in bed a little longer than usual, time to cook dinner and go to the grocery store without that puncturing my time maintenance, time to rest, have conversations, work out, watch movies.
What a joy it is to slow down during the holidays, but at the same time, going back to the normal schedule seems highly undesirable yet equally exciting. Who's with me? I am overwhelmingly grateful for my job - this blog and this sweet community that I love so dearly, our dry shampoo company, Stranded, and my charity that is so close to my heart, The Lauren Scruggs Kennedy Foundation; these all are such blessings that the Lord has so graciously put into my life, but they also require a lot of time and energy. I continuously go back to the question - how do I BALANCE? How do I balance career, social life, self care, travel, rest, and seeing my family enough? I am not sure if we ever fully get there, but I am so thankful for and positively challenged by the journey. I am so grateful that I can pray through these things and be reminded of the joy of rest - how important, renewing, and necessary it is. I am grateful to be reminded to cherish the simplicity of life. This month always puts everything into focus - relationships are key and faith is the foundation of everything. Sending so much love to you all and wishing you all the most intentional, purposeful, hope-filled year ahead!
THE LOOK
hat (similar) | top (similar) | skirt| bag (c/o) | boots (c/o)
[show_shopthepost_widget id="2953968"]images by felicia lasala
10 Favorite Posts From 2017
Happy last Friday of 2017, friends! Today we wanted to share our personal top 10 favorite posts from 2017- links are below.[show_shopthepost_widget id="2969835"]
Happy last Friday of 2017, friends! Today we wanted to share our personal top 10 favorite posts from 2017- links are below. We would also love to hear from you in the comments about what you would like to see more of on LSK in 2018. January will be a month of wellness-focused posts...everything from the practice of oil-pulling to facts about almond milk, a Q&A with the founders of one of our favorite clean beauty brands, plus favorite wellness-guru Instagram accounts to follow. One thing that has been on our hearts a lot lately is the desire to share more recipes with you guys in the new year. What do you think about that? Also, we shared quite a few faith-based posts in 2017 and want to continue that in 2018, as that is a big part of the heart and soul of LSK. Let us know your thoughts! With love, team LSK. 
ONE: q&a with jase on life, love, & marriage
TWO: an answer to a health prayer
THREE: the beauty of smiling
FOUR: living above worry, stress, and fear
FIVE: a surprise malibu escape
SIX: ten ways to rest the mind, body, & soul
SEVEN: the beauty & power of transparency
EIGHT: nine clean self-care items that we love
NINE: loving the skin you're in
TEN: the power & joy of worship music
CURRENTLY WEARING:
sunnies | tank (c/o) | denim (c/o) | belt| coat (c/o)
[show_shopthepost_widget id="2969835"]
The Year Of Pinterest
We are calling 2018 the year of Pinterest- the year where we will be inspired more than ever by the style, the recipes, the interiors, the words, and the general beauty discovered on Pinterest. Out of all social platforms, it is hands-down the most inspiring, encouraging, and refreshing. In 2017, we were blessed enough to connect with a now dear friend, Lauren Curry. Lauren lives in LA, has a heart for the Lord, loves all things that LSK represents, and has a crazy talent for finding the most lovely pins and curating a page that genuinely reflects the heart and soul of LSK. Below are a few favorite pins from a few favorite boards, but be sure to check out all of our boards, here. Get ready for 2018 too, we are going to do regular inspiration posts featuring current pins and how they are inspiring us. We would love to hear from you in the comments- let us know how Pinterest inspires you and what you would like to see us pin in 2018. xo Lo, Melis, and Lauren.
eats.
the pins: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6
Comfy Clothes To Live In
Who else has been living in comfy clothes lately? The winter season definitely brings upon an urge and desire for coziness, comfort, and relaxation and comfy clothes fit that bill perfectly. [show_shopthepost_widget id="2967563"]
Who else has been living in comfy clothes lately? The winter season definitely brings upon an urge and desire for coziness, comfort, and relaxation and comfy clothes fit that bill perfectly. We rounded up some New Year's Eve outfit ideas last week for the party-goers and dinner dates, but this post is for those that have a movie date at-home planned. From joggers to slouchy sweatshirts and comfortable yet pretty bralettes, scroll down to see a list of comfy clothes to live in. Wear them to ring-in the New Year at home or stock up for nights-in and slow mornings in January and February. Enjoy xo[show_boutique_widget id="675535"]
12.21.2017
I have always said that there are negatives and positives to social media, and these last 48 hours have proven that to be true. I believe in female empowerment and gender equality, but it is heartbreaking that a network that is employed by 80% women (that truly cares about its employees) is being deemed as sexist when that is simply not true. There is a difference between not being paid what you deserve and unfair pay because of gender inequality. I fully understand and am burdened for her feeling of not being paid the amount she felt she was worth, but that is in the hands of the agent and proper negotiating over the years. No company will offer you more than you ask for. Not to mention, that is a different issue than gender inequality and the right battle must be expressed. At one time my husband had a female co-host on E! News who made three times his salary and another female co-host was paid more than him as well, and they had the same role, one where Jason had more responsibility. My point in this is, the company proves to VALUE women. Simple as that. Take a look at the Kardashians, Joan Rivers, and the list goes on and on. Women are paid accordingly on this network, and the difference in his salary versus theirs did not affect Jason whatsoever because he knows there are always more components to consider when determining one’s salary.On that note, and also important to mention, in a New York Times article from yesterday, an E! spokeswoman confirmed quote “Ms. Sadler’s and Mr. Kennedy’s roles were not comparable.” Since Jason was named the permanent anchor of E! News over two years ago, he has had various co-hosts that rotate throughout the week. A permanent co-host has never been named since the last one left six months ago. Jason is the host of E! News; Catt is a correspondent who does E! News twice a week and was given daytime focus.As you all know, there are two sides to every story. I am posting this to tell the other side, which everyone deserves to know before jumping to conclusions about a place he has called home for the last twelve years. If he ever heard that gender inequality was occurring at his workplace, he would take action. Instead, it’s the contrary, and the numerous phone calls we have had these past two days from both current and former female employees at E! only support what he has seen in his time there. These women have assured us that they never felt gender inequality was at play at any time.Jason is the most tender-hearted and respectful person and it’s so sad to see him unfairly publicly shamed by social media, especially when he is legally bound to speak truth and defend himself. His name has been dragged through the mud regarding nothing he did, except be a great friend and colleague to those who work alongside him. It absolutely breaks my heart to watch, and it is devastating and frustrating to see how this all played out. I will always stand on truth, and I cannot stand by and be silent when the foundation of a story that affects my family is not based on that. I do, though, want to thank Catt for defending and supporting Jase even though this narrative brought insurmountable amounts of hate towards him on social media. I wish her all the best in what’s ahead.To conclude, I am so proud of and inspired by my husband for constantly being prayerful, surrounding himself with wisdom, being calm and patient during hard times, and being the definition of a class act even in unfortunate circumstances.Love you forever, Jase, and am honored to be by your side.