XIOX MAGAZINE Volume 1 Issue 6 | Page 8

BALANCING FOR FALL As the sun sets earlier and the leaves begin to fall, we say farewell to the lazy days of summer and begin to move back into the frenetic months of deadlines, meetings and trying to cram in all the extras of the holidays. Being from the Midwest, I love the autumn months, although in Southern California, it isn’t filled with falling leaves and gorgeous colors, but instead of little girls and ladies, too eager to wear knee high boots and sweaters! Not only are we busy as ever, possibly stressed by holiday spending, but we tend to be sweaty messes wishing for east coast weather that doesn’t mock our fashion sense, or maybe our fashion senseless. I can’t wait to rush out and purchase a leather jacket and a new pair of boots, but I am a big believer in balance in all things. While I am a believer in balance, I equa lly fail at this daily and it is something that I am in constant pursuit of. This tends to be easier for most of us to spout off our pretty pink lips, as opposed to real life application but we should really take a moment to look at our lives, to even put it under a microscope and correct our imbalances. When we are imbalanced in one area, it has a trickle down effect into all areas! For instance, I am a freelance artist, so when work comes my way; I often feel like I have to take it because what if next month is slow? This can lead to weeks of very little sleep, dietary mishaps, missed vitamins, sallow skin and dehydration and a lack of patience and feeling less in control of my emotions. I struggle the most when I lost my sense of patience and control over my emotions! There are many times when our lives will be out of balance and while we must perform and push forward, there are small things we can do to help us perform, look and feel better and that is what I am here to address for our Fall Season of Xiox! I don’t have the answer to everything, but I can share what I have learned along the way and I hope it helps you enjoy small moments in the midst of your crazy. I know that summer ending means cooler days, which makes many people drink less water but hydration is important whether we are in a warm or cool season! When you drink enough water, you are also less likely to snack since your belly is full of hydration! Upon waking up, I drink (8) oz. of filtered water, which is filtered by Big Berkey, which is a brilliant water purification system. Not only is my water purified, but I am not adding pollutants into the earth with plastic or hindering the earth with a carbon footprint due to a water truck dropping water off to my house. The Big Berkey, typically needs to be refilled once a day, which I do before bed and after the initial cost, a new filter costs about $100.00 annually. And if you’re a secret survivalist who is hoarding food and waiting for the world to end, then you should have this anyway. The Big Berkey can be purchased at Amazon. com and here are some very interesting things that it has to offer as well as the link for purchase. 8 **The Big Berkey system removes pathogenic bacteria, cysts and parasites entirely and extracts harmful chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, VOCs, organic solvents, radon 222 and trihalomethanes. It also reduces nitrates, nitrites and unhealthy minerals such as lead and mercury. This system is so powerful it can remove food coloring from water without removing the beneficial minerals your body needs. Virtually no other system can duplicate this performance. ** https://www.amazon.com/Berkey-BK4X2-BB-Stainless-Filtration-Elements/ dp/B00CYW3EVO $258.00 I am surrounded with brilliant, smart, inspiring creatives almost every day and if there is one thing I know, it’s that most of us have major dietary issues. We eat on set, which means snacks, salt, caffeine, and let me tell you, set-life has literally killed my love affair with pizza, which is shocking. This was a rare love that I thought would never do me wrong. Oh pizza, why have you forsaken me? I have never been out of control with my weight, but I started sprouting muffin tops and a softness that I just disliked on my own body. I don’t think we are all meant to be the same size, but we should all want to be healthy and that means different things to different people. Me personally, I was no longer comfortable in my own skin and I needed to rein it in! There are little things that you can do to improve your health, both physically and mentally! Make sure to bring along healthy snacks full of fruits, veggies and almonds. Eat a healthy breakfast before your day starts and you lose track of time, find a meal replacement program that works for you and make sure that it is food based and not chemically and sugar based. Personally, I use Isagenix Isalean Shakes, which have been a wonder to my diet and energy levels, but there are many options out there, so do your research. Check in with your holistic health practitioners and medical doctors for checkups, bloodwork, and chiropractic care. I am also a huge fan of massage and acupuncture and a good acupuncturist is gold to balance out our crazy and bring us back to our Zen! **They also come in dairy free and kosher.** For more information – Erika@ erikaleeartistry.com Prices vary. Skin is in! This statement sounds ridicules to me because, in my opinion, skin should always be in and not an item on trend, however, we have been in a haze of makeup madness for some time now. Social media has been amuck with full-coverage foundation and contouring to the point of not being reconginzed, but someone decided that skin is back in, so here we go and I say, hallelujah! Before you grab that foundation or BB cream, don’t forget your skincare and now that the cooler months are approaching you want to make sure the winter months don’t take advantage of you like a bad date. Sheet masks are what it’s all about right now and I am in love with them because not only do they hydrate, brighten, soften and boost your skin, they actually force you to lie down and relax. What is not to love about that? I have enough sheet masks in my home, that I could body-wrap my whole family twice over, but I have a new favorite and a side perk of this mask is that it is created by a local esthetician who works wonders with everything botanical! This amazing sheet mask is all about hydration that will boost and plump your skin and oh what a glow! This mask offers up the following - “100% cultured & pressed coconut cellulose Mask - A great moisturizer for every skin type. It hydrates the skin without making it greasy. Naturally occurring electrolytes support hydration. A natural isotopic fluid in coconut contains the same level of electrolytes found in human blood.”. Not only can you be smooth and supple, but also you can support a woman run company from the U.S.! I am obsessed! http://saraelizabethskincare.com/product/ coconut-electrolyte-cellular-mask/ $7.99 Did someone say facial oils? Hot! Hot! Hot! Fear not my oily faced friends; you too can enjoy the bliss of facial oils, with guidance. Are you not a believer? Well, I am here to change your mind because, with proper guidance, oils are for everyone. If you have very dry skin, then feel free to use your oil both morning and night and if you need a nooner, have at it but, for those of you trembling in the corner with normal to combinations skin, then follow the rules of Debra Jaliman, M.D. who states, “you might want to use an oil only once a day.” I love to try new products but for the past year, I have been in a very happy marriage with Limelights by Alcone facial oil, by the name of, MUST DEWPALMAROSE & SUNFLOWER OIL. This oil leaves my skin smooth and supple and while it is an oil, it seems to penetrate my skin quickly which means my pillowcase doesn’t absorb it when I use it each evening. This oil is meant for all skin types. What is its claim to fame? Well read on and learn more about this sweet, sweet product. “This blend of vegetable and therapeutic essential oils restores, refreshes and protects skin cell growth. Helichrysum stimulates new cell growth, while Schisandra fruit extract stabilizes cell membranes for overall healthier skin. This can be used instead of a moisturizer or as an additional moisturizing layer. A very small amount can also be applied a few minutes before using our Botanical Foundation to create a dewy, youthful glow”. I add a pop of this to my moisturizer and it is BLISS! https://www.limelightbyalcone.com/upliftedbeauties/product/LLSCMD?category=Boosters $28.00 I could go on and on since I am skincare and makeup obsessed but lets close this out, so that I have something to write about for our winter issue. I’ve addressed hydration, hunger, and skincare and now that I’ve built a base of beautiful skin for your makeup, let’s talk coverage for our fall issue. Since skin is in, that is an easy lead to the Korean beauty culture which seems to blast past U.S., when it comes to beauty. The Korean beauty market is all about BB creams, BB Cushions, and concealers for a fresh-faced look, which is just in time to wipe off all of the contouring. Can I get an AMEN?! The Korean beauty market glows with a technique called Mul-Gwang, which to us Americans equates to a beautiful and healthy glow. The brilliant Lisa Eldrige even has a video to hold our hands while we learn about this trend. While it’s old news in Korea, we’re a little late to the party, so jump on board! Lisa’s video -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OAHNuE3Nw0 This look is fresh faced and on trend and while many think that glowy skin is summer skin, I revolt, because I think glowy skin is beautiful, healthy, and everyday skin. Isn’t it youthful skin that we’re chasing? When was the last time you saw a lovely little girl with matte skin? You can try out this look with the Lancome Miracle Cushion, which also happens to be an Allure winner. Who doesn’t love a winner? Check it out here…. http://www.lancome-usa.com/miracle-cushion/1010654.html $47.00 While deadlines loom, kids are being run all over town for after school events, and holidays come roaring in, don’t forget to take some time to snuggle up with your loved ones and take note of the small special moments that truly make life matter. Remember, if we don’t take care of us, who will? By: Erika Lee 9