Okay, no witches, but who frequently wakes up between 1-3 AM?

I call this the “liver hour” which in Chinese Medicine is a 2-hour window of time located on the Chinese Meridian Clock which correlates with the liver physically and energetically.

If you consistently wake between 1-3 AM, your liver is trying to communicate with you whether it be the emotional, physical, and digestive. The liver has over 500 jobs. I remember having this many jobs in college!  Everything we consume must be shuttled to our liver to be broken down into pieces and parts to be utilized in the body.  

Here are a few examples of the liver’s role in our health:
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Paige Kelly has worked in the healthcare field for over two decades. She graduated from the University of New Orleans and later returned for postbaccalaureate work in Biology. Paige ended up graduating with honors from New York Chiropractic College, receiving a Masters of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition.

Her nutrition and therapeutic massage experience comes from working in chiropractic offices, physical therapy clinics. As well as owning a wellness office in Louisiana called “All About Health” which included colon irrigation and therapeutic massage. Paige began her journey toward health long ago when she was presented with several of the chronic lifestyle diseases many of us face today. Paige brings a unique understanding and compassion to her clients based on many years of trial and error with her own experiences which have been heightened by research and higher education. 

Paige Kelly is very passionate about sharing nutritional information and the tools to use in order to make changes in your health. Nutrition is an integral part of everyone’s health and healing. 
​
“I feel privileged to share my knowledge with you and grateful for your trust in me. I hope in writing these monthly blog posts I can help you begin your new journey toward optimal health.” - Paige Kelly
​

Paige Kelly  BA, MSACN, CNS
paige@FunctionalNutritionVt.com
802-644-8440
​Follow me on Facebook  ​

Hi Everyone! In this installment of our Can We Talk series, I wanted to discuss how our busy lifestyles can negatively affect our general health and well-being.
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​Self-care is something many of us women are lacking in today’s chaotic world. The majority of women interpret self-care as selfishness, but that is the furthest thing from the truth! 

As women, we are natural caretakers, but it’s also expected from us. From our husbands to children, grandchildren, and even sick family members; we bend our lives around the needs of those close to us and tend to forget about ourselves. 

I have been right there with all of you. There are moments where I feel like a dumping ground for all of my family's problems. While I’m trying to help, give advice, and lend a hand wherever I can it can be draining. That’s why we need to slow down and remember to take care of ourselves, because if we aren’t around to do everything then all hope is lost for the rest of them!

I know many of us feel like we can do it all, but unfortunately, there aren’t enough hours in the day. We are all superwoman for what we can accomplish, that’s not even a question! Still, we’re not responsible for the whole world without any breaks in-between. 
​ 

​I recently had a wake-up call about this very issue. I feel as if I give myself enough time to recharge and incorporate some self-care weekly. Where I do fall short though are matters of health in terms of the long haul. 

I tend to cancel or reschedule doctors' appointments for myself. At the time, it never seems of immediate importance. Now if my husband or daughters did this I would get on the phone and make the appointment myself. So we need to start taking our own advice. 

Maybe I unconsciously postpone doctor appointments because I’m scared of hearing bad news. Logically this is counterproductive. 
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The surgery was much more difficult to recover from than I thought. Even after my surgery I still wasn’t listening to my body and taking care of myself properly! It sounds a little crazy, but that’s what happened.

I thought I should be feeling better but I wasn’t. I was exhausted and stressed, feeling overwhelmed because I couldn’t get the things done that needed doing. I wasn’t sleeping well which didn’t allow for my body to heal. 
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My good friend and nutritionist, Paige Kelly, just wrote about this topic in her monthly article for the blog. We all know someone, or we are that someone, whose health is affected by this constant whirlwind life we lead. 

Check out her post by clicking here.

She has some great tips on how to slow down and take care of our bodies. Exactly what we have been talking about here.
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​Back in the 1970s, there was this idea that women could have it all. There was even this commercial, I think it was for a perfume, and I still remember the words. Here goes: 
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Good God, I’m exhausted!! She probably has to clean the pan too! 

This concept still extends in today’s culture only tenfold, and without the added sexism. This is an ideal version of life, but it isn’t reality. You will face plenty of roadblocks and bumps along the way derailing your plans to “have it all”.

Having it all, unfortunately, does not mean that we can DO it all. We might try but eventually, you will fall short in some area of your life. If something suffers usually it’s our health that gets neglected first. 
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So how can we start to care for ourselves? I think a great way is to start saying “NO”. Say NO to overextending ourselves. Say NO to adding one more thing to our to-do list. As a matter of fact, say NO to the damn to-do list.

Take time for yourself to do exactly what you want to do. 
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• Quiet time is not overrated. Take a nap! Sleep is something that so many of us are lacking and that plays major havoc with our health if we don't get enough. 
• I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Exercising, in any form, is a great stress reliever. So how about hitting the gym or hitting something in the gym! Boxing classes are everywhere now and there’s no better stress reliever than punching that bag! 
• Take some time out of the day to detox from technology, or take a whole day if you can on the weekend. 
• Have a spa night. 
• Read a good book.
• Take a walk on a beautiful day and appreciate everything around you. 
• Lay in the sun and soak up some Vitamin D, just put your sunscreen on first. 
• Most importantly, get your yearly medical check-ups and mammograms. Listen to what your body is telling you. Listen to what your doctor has to say. Also, most importantly, make sure your doctor listens to you. Don’t leave that office until all your questions or concerns have been answered.​

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​So let’s start to think about ourselves first. Take some pressure out of our lives and put some joy in its place. Find that thing that makes you happy and do it. Even if it’s just closing your bedroom door, putting a face mask on and relaxing for an hour. 

Let’s all show ourselves some self-love. Take care of yourself before you are forced to. Our families will thank us for it!

Does any of this sound familiar to you? 

Do you know someone who can’t sit down and take a minute for themselves, or is that person you? Let me know if you can relate in the comment section. I would love to hear some of your stories on this subject! 

What do you do for your self-care? If you paused to think about that then your routine might need some work. If you come up with nothing as an answer I hope this post will encourage you to change that!
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​Digestion is a HOT topic in my Functional Nutrition practice as all roads lead back to digestion.  

Are you a Gasey Gus? Or a Stinky Pete? Well, this is due to fermentation of, no not beer, your food!

If what you consume isn’t moving through the digestive tract in a timely fashion, it ferments; creating gas, bloating, undigested food in the stool, constipation, nutrient deficiencies, and more.

FYI: Rotting food AKA compost should stay on the outside of the body, like in the vegetable garden, not in your “gut garden”. Gas, cramping, constipation, reflux, are all signs of digestive imbalance. Below are simple steps toward improving your digestion:

1. Fermented foods(2) such as cabbage, carrots, and beets support a healthy “gut garden”.
2. Drinking 1 Tablespoon Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar + 1 Teaspoon of raw honey of dissolved in 6-8ozs water 1-3x per day is helpful with digestion, immunity, weight loss.(1). 
3. Maintaining a balanced, and acidic pH in the stomach is the beginning of balanced digestion and the maintence of health.

Stay tuned for next month’s topic, “The Witching Hour” – why you may be waking at 2:00AM. Remember, there is no shortcut to health - small changes over time= long term wellness!

This information above is not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or is a substitute for medical intervention.
​

Paige Kelly has worked in the healthcare field for over two decades. She graduated from the University of New Orleans and later returned for postbaccalaureate work in Biology. Paige ended up graduating with honors from New York Chiropractic College, receiving a Masters of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition.

Her nutrition and therapeutic massage experience comes from working in chiropractic offices, physical therapy clinics. As well as owning a wellness office in Louisiana called “All About Health” which included colon irrigation and therapeutic massage. Paige began her journey toward health long ago when she was presented with several of the chronic lifestyle diseases many of us face today. Paige brings a unique understanding and compassion to her clients based on many years of trial and error with her own experiences which have been heightened by research and higher education. 

Paige Kelly is very passionate about sharing nutritional information and the tools to use in order to make changes in your health. Nutrition is an integral part of everyone’s health and healing. 
​
“I feel privileged to share my knowledge with you and grateful for your trust in me. I hope in writing these monthly blog posts I can help you begin your new journey toward optimal health.” - Paige Kelly
​

Hi Everyone! So, who out there is constantly ordering from Amazon? If you're like me you have a package on your doorstep at least every other day. I might be more extreme than most. I have to do a majority of my shopping online. Mainly because of where we live. The closest place for any shopping for us in Burlington, which is an hour away. Currently, the mall in Burlington is completely shut down for reconstruction which will probably take ten years to complete.

So in general Amazon has made my life so much easier. It has almost become like Google in the sense that we can't remember what life was like without it. Now we do have a handful of great boutiques in Stowe, but that's not enough to fulfill my shopping addiction to clothes. I know Amazon has been selling clothes for a while, but I just recently noticed them promoting Amazon Prime Wardrobe. They really do have it all!

I found that they were carrying some of my favorite brands. I wouldn't typically trust ordering clothes from Amazon because I assumed the quality would be subpar. Seeing that Amazon upped the ante in the clothing department I decided to try some items out. Believe me, I was more than surprised at how many great finds there were as well as the quality. In this post, I share some of my favorite pieces I got from Amazon, and maybe help you find some great items too:) 

Now, this dress is so my style! It's classic, tweed, and it's Karl Lagerfeld, on Amazon!! Not only is this dress perfect down to every little detail on the flower buttons and perfectly fringed seaming, but the price was unreal. I actually ordered this dress on Prime Day (where everything is discounted) and only paid $63.24. What a deal! 
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Now I know you're like okay we just saw this dress in red, but I had to include the pictures because the black showed up so beautifully. I think in these images you can really see the detail involved in this dress, plus I love a little black dress. I also got this dress on Amazon Prime Day for $63.24. It is now available for $99 which is the same price you would pay for a J.Crew dress. 
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Now forewarning, if you haven't clicked on the link already, this dress is in the higher price range. This Rebecca Taylor dress costs $237. I don't mind splurging for a well made beautiful dress. What was more nerve-racking for me was purchasing it on Amazon, but it showed up to my door in perfect condition and was a perfect fit. The material of the dress makes it so comfortable to wear. The midsection's details aren't too forgiving, but with a pair of Spanx, I was extremely happy with how it looked on me. For me it was definitely a great find:)
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These Karl Lagerfeld Cotton Twill Legging, which is priced at $75.70, are beyond comfortable to wear as well as looking stylish. The zipper pockets, as well as the seaming, make these comfy legging look like dress pants. You can wear them to work, dinner, or even just on a casual day running errands. 
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Jeans are a hard find for me. I'm only 5'2 and I have a short waist, which makes it very difficult to find pants that fit me in general. These Levi jeans fit me right out of the box! I was shocked I didn't need any alterations. The size guide on all of the Amazon clothing is very true to size, so if you're wondering what size you are take a look at the size chart. These were only $65.50 and I'm extremely happy with them. 
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This T-Shirt is Lark & Ro Tee shirts. I ordered both black and white. They are perfect basic for under a blazer or just to wear around the house. They are priced at $19. 
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These T-shirts a part of Amazon Essentials collection. They come in a set of two, and there are various color options to choose from. You can get them for only $16 and delivered to your door the next day through Amazon Prime. You can't get any more convenient than that! 

That's all for now. I hope you enjoyed and maybe found some items for yourself. Let me know if you liked this post in the comments. If you did I'll be sure to do another Amazon Wardrobe post in the future. I'm thinking maybe the next one can be exclusively workout clothes. 

WHO LOVES BREAD, PASTA, AND PASTRIES?! 

Well me too! I think that goes without saying for most people. But some things you should be aware of before treating yourself to a generous serving of spaghetti and meatballs.
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​Do you have a foggy head, bloated belly, the inner tube around the middle – consider ditching your wheat.

Why is this food such a terror to our bodies when spread with butter, tastes so delicious?

Because the wheat we eat today is not our grandmother’s wheat. Our traditional wheat, such as Einkorn, Emmer, and other wild strains of wheat of long ago has been replaced by higher-yielding crops resistant to disease, drought, and heat in order to feed the masses. (1) This wheat has been genetically altered for this purpose. (1)  

In addition to the altering of this grain, we also spray these crops with glyphosate. (2)  Glyphosate is a known carcinogen in addition to being a chemical which not only alters our own gut microbiome but over time can create disturbance in our gut lining. (3) Our gut lining contains approximately 70% of our immunity. (4) The bottom line, the consumption of wheat, because of genetic changes and chemicals used on crops, has shown to be connected to many chronic diseases such as Celiac Disease, Insulin Resistance, Heart Disease, psoriasis/eczema and more. 
 
So you might be saying to yourself, “I am going to go gluten-free”

BUT WAIT! Not so fast, the problem with gluten-free bread – it is still made with gluten-free WHEAT – which is still the genetically modified version and contains glyphosate.  
 
Where to start:

• Consider using alternatives like almond flour, coconut flour for cooking.  
• Also, replace wheat and opt for quinoa, wild rice, brown rice.   

 
Remember, there is no shortcut to health - small changes over time, long term wellness!
​

Paige Kelly has worked in the healthcare field for over two decades. She graduated from the University of New Orleans and later returned for postbaccalaureate work in Biology. Paige ended up graduating with honors from New York Chiropractic College, receiving a Masters of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition.

Her nutrition and therapeutic massage experience comes from working in chiropractic offices, physical therapy clinics. As well as owning a wellness office in Louisiana called “All About Health” which included colon irrigation and therapeutic massage. Paige began her journey toward health long ago when she was presented with several of the chronic lifestyle diseases many of us face today. Paige brings a unique understanding and compassion to her clients based on many years of trial and error with her own experiences which have been heightened by research and higher education. 

Paige Kelly is very passionate about sharing nutritional information and the tools to use in order to make changes in your health. Nutrition is an integral part of everyone’s health and healing. 
​
“I feel privileged to share my knowledge with you and grateful for your trust in me. I hope in writing these monthly blog posts I can help you begin your new journey toward optimal health.” - Paige Kelly 

Paige Kelly  BA, MSACN, CNS
paige@FunctionalNutritionVt.com
802-644-8440
​Follow me on Facebook  

Hi everyone! So, I’ve been wanting to write a blog post dedicated to organizing your closet for a while now. If you follow me on social media you can see through my stories that I have been on an organizing bender for the last few weeks. That’s correct I said weeks! During this process, I have taken notes on my process and hopefully, I can teach you some helpful tips. 

Okay to start who needs a bedroom when you can have a glam room. What is a glam room, you might ask? Let me define it for you. 

glam·room
noun: 
1. A customized room that sparkles; completely dedicated to accessories and wardrobe.
2. A chic extension of the walk-in closet for the stylish individual. 

Just about every woman fantasizes about having the ideal closet which we often see on television shows. To refer to these glamorous rooms as “closets” is an understatement. But overall a glam room is something that is earned!

I decided to convert the guest bedroom into my personal glam room; and why not if you have space and own accessories equivalent to art? The reasonable thing to do is to display them properly, which they deserve. Would you put a Monet or a Picasso in a closet to gather up dust? No! Obviously not. Well, I think the same should go for Jimmy Choo and Gucci.

Even though these items may not be among your collection of clothing and accessories, it’s all about the appearance. We can take some helpful ideas and tips from these customized rooms for our own bedrooms and wardrobes to make Marshalls look just as chic as Prada. Our bedrooms are a reflection of ourselves, so we should try to mimic these glam rooms in terms of organization and how to display your own items. Look even if your closet is a mixture of brands it doesn’t matter how much it costs we should all take pride in all of our clothes, shoes, and bags. This means treating everything with respect and not just rolling clothes into a ball and throwing it in a drawer.

Organization is all in the details ladies, and that’s what a glam room is about. It’s a specific formula. Merchandising your best pieces to be showcased to draw the eye in on items you want to be displayed. The rest is color coordinating, while also pairing similar styles together to look more appealing.

So let me take you through the steps I took when I tackled my closet. 
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​Put everything you own on your bed or even the floor depending on how much you have. Just get it all out of your closet or wardrobe so you can see everything you have in one space. It’s overwhelming at first seeing everything you own in one huge pile. It made me a little frantic because it seems impossible to even get started, but the idea is that you go through it one piece at a time.

I got this step from the KonMari method which was created by organizing guru Marie Kondo. She actually has a Netflix show and it’s totally addicting to watch! I highly suggest it, but I digress. Her whole philosophy is about keeping items that bring you joy, which is a genius way of putting it.
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We all know how difficult it can be letting go of our clothes, even if it doesn’t work for us anymore. Be brutal! Have you worn it in the last year? If not, let it go.

Looking at each item one at a time will make you reflect on how much you really need that piece. You don’t realize but the articles of clothing that are just taking up space are making you and your life feel more cluttered than it has to be. It might be painful at the moment, but once it’s gone it leaves more room for items that can “bring you joy” now!
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Make up bags for donations and one for dumping. Let’s face it, everything cannot be donated. Some items have seen better days and served their purpose. Let them rest in peace. The items that are going to be donated will serve their purpose for someone else who needs it. I brought all my donations to the Goodwill closest to me.
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Go through everything one more time! I know this seems time-consuming and tedious, which it is, but it’s the only way to do it. Going through everything one more time will make you reevaluate the items that might be more difficult to let go of. 

Let’s face it some pieces of clothes may not fit us anymore but they carry good memories with them. Keep one or two pieces just for the nostalgia they bring you. For the rest, you just need to give it up because it is taking up space. Some items you still might wear but they are basically falling apart. Some pieces were an impulse buy that you have never even worn. Or other pieces might be there in hopes that you will eventually fit into it again. Get rid of all those items.

Also, do you really need all those grey sweaters? How many white tee shirts can you have? By going through everything again you are really getting to where you need to be and also freeing up that valuable space.
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At this point go back to your closet and drawers to clean-up any dust or random items that have fallen through the cracks. You might be surprised at what you find. I often find money or change which is always a nice surprise! Or you could come across that belt that you were looking for two years ago. You never know, haha! 
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Start by focusing on the storage for your accessories and clothes. This includes bins and basket organizers, display cases, cubbies, and clothing racks. You can get a lot of inspiration for the look you want by scrolling through Pinterest. 

In most glam rooms the majority of clothes are hung up. This makes it easier for you to see all your clothes and to put outfits together. Bin organizers are great, but only use them for last seasons clothes as storage. Try to hang the items you get the most use out of, so you don’t have to pull apart every bin or drawer you have to find that one shirt you’re looking for. If you don’t have the closet space you can purchase individual garment racks from places like Bed Bath and Beyond to make your life easier. 

Pottery Barn is a great place to visit for closet solutions, as well. They offer a range of different closet collections with a mixture of shelving and clothing racks. Each delivers a different style and designed to maximize your space. I’ll link a few of my favorites below. 

• NEW YORK CLOSET COLLECTION - Limited Time Offer $79–$319
• BUILD YOUR OWN - SUTTON MODULAR CABINETS - Sale $189.99–$699
• DECLAN CLOSET ACCESSORIES - Limited Time Offer $59 – $209
• MIA MODULAR JEWELRY STORAGE COLLECTION - Limited Time Offer $29 – $29.50

​If you find some of the Pottery Barn collections pricey Ikea is another great website to browse through. 

Velvet hangers are the best because they are non slip. You will need both regular and clip hangers. Make sure they are sturdy enough for your heavier items such as coats and jackets. Amazon has two great options for both; the Zober Non-Slip Velvet Hangers and these Velvet Hangers with Clips 20 Pack. Also, make sure they are the same color and they are thin. This allows your closet to be more pleasing to the eye and saves on space.

NO WIRE HANGERS! 

I hope everyone got the reference, (cough) Mommie Dearest. If you’re still clueless you should click out of this blog immediately. Back to the point. Consistency is a big factor that comes into play. Most people overlook the important role hangers play in the look of one’s closet. Having the same hangers throughout your wardrobe will give it a more sleek look. Plus hanging up the majority of your clothes makes it easier to see what you have to wear. Often when I fold certain items I tend to forget I have it. You can also find the same velvet-like material hangers at any HomeGoods or Marshalls closest to you. I have to reiterate it’s all about consistency, and simplicity.
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Folding t-shirts and tops can be tricky. There are many different ways to fold a shirt. Even if it looks pretty folding it a certain way does not guarantee that it’s easy to go through without messing up the whole pile. 

The best way to fold shirts and t-shirts is to fold in half and then half again. Easy enough! Layer them next to each other. This allows you to see what you have instead of stacking and needing to look underneath items.
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It’s the easiest way to do it. Trying to separate by winter/summer is exhausting. By organizing by color it is again pleasing to the eye and you only need to look in one spot. I don’t put things away by season. Living in Vermont you never know what the weather will be. By having everything accessible you won’t forget that you do have that big bulky sweater that you may need in June.

For example, with jeans, organize them by wash. Darker to lighter wash makes things look more organized. You can then organize by style, skinny/flare/boot cut, etc. Sounds time-consuming but it makes things easier in the end.
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​Pants go in one area together. Jeans in another. Sweaters in one area, and blazers in another. Skirts in another and so on. Again, this makes choosing an outfit easier when you have all your items organized this way. What I find helpful is also arranging tops and dresses by the length of the sleeve. This is helpful so your thin spaghetti strap tanks don’t get lost in the mix of long-sleeved tops. 

So just to be clear here is how it should go: 

• Separate by article of clothing - (these are the groups I make) pants, jeans, skirts, tops and tanks, dresses, blazers, jackets, and sweaters. 
• Within each group organize them by the color - at one end I usually start with black and have white on the opposite end, in the middle is a color range based on what you have that should flow together 
• Finish my organizing each group of tops, dresses, and jackets by the length of the sleeves. 

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What I mean by this is keeping items such as clothing brush, link rollers, shoe care, scissors, safety pins, and double-sided tape in one specific drawer. Everyone has their own essentials they keep close by for when they are getting ready to contour the day. Having all these random items together in one place makes it much more easy! You’re not running all over the house looking for a safety pin when you need it!
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Here’s the deal with handbags. I love to see my handbags. I don’t use the dust cover bag that comes with it because it’s not convenient for when I need to find a specific one. I stuff my bags with tissue paper to keep their shape and makes it easier to display them. 

Shoes. I can give away clothing easy enough but I have a VERY hard time saying goodbye to shoes. I have a shoe thing but I know I’m not alone in this! 

I organize my shoes by style than color. High heels altogether, then by color. Boots same, flats same and so on. 

Now you might not have the floor space that I do to display each pair without stacking them. You want to be able to see all your shoes and at the same time keeping them clean and safe. I don’t suggest you get the shoe storage that hangs on the back of your door. They just don’t look nice and they don’t last. What I did was make cubbies in my closet, which you can do as well with this 12-Pair Shoe Organizer from the Container Store.

Another trick I have for storing tall boots is to put magazines inside of them. It keeps the boots upright and holds their shape. We all have magazines laying around the house so it serves two purposes. Clean up table tops and storage bins of old magazines and care for your boots at the same time.​
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Simplicity means having a clean look. This rule of simplicity tends to be more difficult to follow. You might be like me and get a little carried away with decorating ideas, and most times this can look like a clutter of nice stuff. Picking the items to display might be difficult. You don’t want to neglect certain pieces or items, but you can always change things around with each new season. 

Focus on neutrals such as white, black, or beige for the majority of your room. Also, silver furniture with glass accents can still give the classic look with a modern twist. Make these your main color schemes for your room and furniture, and then stick to one or two of your favorite colors to feature in the decor. Remember the majority of the decor is your own accessories. You should be focused on highlighting your best bags or hats.

Another reason you should keep things simple is that each glam room (or bedroom if it’s the case) should have a little sparkle. Shimmer and shine always trump color, aesthetically that is. I know that I already mentioned HomeGoods, but I got to say most of their table lamps emulate the same glitzy effect as any expensive chandelier. In general, a good tip I’ll give you is to stop in your nearest HomeGoods at least once a month. They constantly have new items in stock, and my favorite section to look at is their table lamps. 

Keep in mind not to overdo it on the bling. One or two pieces is all you need. Once you finished off your room with some touches of sparkle and twinkle you can call it a day. Glam rooms are built-in home boutiques, but like I said it’s all about appearance. We can use glam rooms for ideas to make our own closets just as beautiful. Even though we might not have the budget to buy designer items that doesn’t mean we don’t love our thrift purchases just as much. 
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Straighten your hangers, leaving a finger width between each one. Sounds nutty and really OCD but again your clothes will look neater. 
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Here’s the hard part. When you wear something - hang it back up at the end of the day! I’m not saying I do this all the time but it does make it much easier instead of having that big pile of clothes laying on a chair at the end of the week.
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To sum it up, treat all your clothes as if they were expensive designer brands and put them on display. Let me know in the comments some of your favorite organizing tips. 

A dear friend of mine was recently diagnosed with a serious illness and her life dramatically came to a standstill. Before her diagnosis, her life was very full of checklists, kids, and work. A non-stop life that she loved but it was very stressful, all gas pedal no brakes. After the diagnosis, everything grinded to a halt for her healing to begin. We all have a story like this to tell, either it is ours or that of someone we love.

Why do many of us allow ourselves to get completely run down, exhausted, and sick before we nurture our precious bodies? Yes, Yes, Yes, taking time off can be stressful. The planning, coordinating the kids/pets/house/office just to leave for the weekend. However, vacation from daily life is a necessary tool in maintaining a healthy body. Nurturing yourself to maintain an optimal and healthy YOU instead of waiting until your body is screaming “STOP!” by manifesting an illness is essential. 

What in the WORLD does this look like???!!!!

Consider finding a cabin/hotel/house within your budget for 2-3 days. Unplug all internet/phone/tv as these disturb your nervous and immune system – just be in the quiet. Consider the location such as on a lake, stream, or even in a cabin in the woods. Allow your body to spread out mentally/emotionally/physically. Go to bed with the sun, and rise with the sun. Maybe do some light yoga, meditation, and napping is a must. Just rest, rest, rest. Notice during this time how your breathing changes, priorities shift, and time slows down.  Allowing your body to settle down in this way will reset the connection with yourself and create a healthier baseline within your body. 

As a nutritionist, nurturing the body is one piece of the puzzle for true wellness. Consider trying to live with an attitude of loving kindness toward yourself each day (see below), then when you need a few days off as stated above, it will be to enhance what you are already doing daily, and not because you are completely exhausted from life. 
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A few ideas for daily nurturing;

1. Go to sleep 1 hour earlier than normal.
2. “Bird TV”: listen to nature in the morning with your favorite cup of tea.
3. Read your favorite book instead of surfing the web or watching TV.
4. A hot bath with Epsom salts, your favorite candle.

I hope these tips are inspiring as you must put yourself first. As we say in the south, “If mama ain’t happy, ain't nobody happy!”

Here’s to nurturing and napping for health!
​

Paige Kelly has worked in the healthcare field for over two decades. She graduated from the University of New Orleans and later returned for postbaccalaureate work in Biology. Paige ended up graduating with honors from New York Chiropractic College, receiving a Masters of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition.

Her nutrition and therapeutic massage experience comes from working in chiropractic offices, physical therapy clinics. As well as owning a wellness office in Louisiana called “All About Health” which included colon irrigation and therapeutic massage. Paige began her own journey toward health long ago when she was presented with several of the chronic lifestyle diseases many of us face today. Paige brings a unique understanding and compassion to her clients based on many years of trial and error with her own experiences which have been heightened by research and higher education. 

Paige Kelly is very passionate about sharing nutritional information and the tools to use in order to make changes in your health. Nutrition is an integral part of everyone’s health and healing. 
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“I feel privileged to share my knowledge with you and grateful for your trust in me. I hope in writing these monthly blog posts I am able to help you begin your new journey toward optimal health.” - Paige Kelly 

Be kind to yourself,


Paige Kelly  MSACN, CNS
paige@FunctionalNutritionVt.com
802-644-8440
Follow me on Facebook  

Hi All! I’m excited to say that today I will be writing a review for the first company, Bioderma, that has sent me a few of their products to try out! I feel like I’m an official blogger now! If you have been following me over the last year of my blogging journey I have included Bioderma in past skincare posts, including "Daily Face Wash Regimen". I also incorporated Bioderma throughout my holiday giveaway. So, even before now I am a true fan of the Bioderma line. I’m very excited to be able to review a few of their products that I have yet to try and share my thoughts on each one.

Before I get into it, let me tell you how I plan to review all the products I mention in my blog. 

First, I will use the product for at least 30 days or more to see how each one works overtime. Using any product only once or twice will not give you an honest review, period. I have noticed some beauty gurus have been doing this more recently, and I find those reviews to be uninformed and pointless. I will do my due diligence by taking notes on the results throughout the process. 

Also, I will never promote a product that I do not use myself. That is a guarantee. Anything that I have talked about on my blog I use personally and that will never change. 

In this post I'll use a Star System, 5 Stars being Excellent, 1 Star Terrible. You get it!

Bioderma has been in production since the 1970s. They have a fascinating approach to skincare. Click here if you are interested in reading more about their company philosophy. Their products range from face, body, hair, and scalp and cover an array of issues. Some of their products can be used for infants and children as well. 

So, let’s get into it!
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Bioderma’s Hydrabio Serum is for extremely dehydrated skin. This product was a lifesaver at the time I started using it! It just so happened that at the beginning of May, I underwent an unexpected surgery, which I will write about in a future post. I don’t know about you, but when I am under stress it shows directly through my skin. Therefore, my face became incredibly red and my skin began to peel. I think between stress and probably the effects of anesthesia and recovery, my skin was reacting to all of this. Honestly, my skin hadn’t been that damaged since I went through menopause. 

So I started using the Hydrabio Serum, in the evening before going to bed. In just a few days the redness was gone and my skin began to heal. Needless to say, I was amazed because I had never had a product work so quickly before, and I’ve used a considerable range of products over the years. I began by using the serum every morning and night. Within a week my skin was back to normal! I didn’t have any adverse reactions and that’s saying something since my skin is very sensitive to new products. This serum was my favorite item that I received from Bioderma. Going forward the Hydrabio Serum will be a staple in my skincare routine!

Here is how to use it:  

For an intense, immediate and lasting moisturizing effect, Hydrabio Serum can be used once or twice a day, morning and night, seven days a week. Apply Hydrabio Serum to clean, dry skin. This is a concentrated serum so a little goes a long way. I used two pumps for my face and one pump for my neck that I massage into my skin for about 30 seconds.  It is a light gel so it can be easily used under makeup. Leaving you without a greasy, heavy feel on your skin. Its moisturizing effects are both immediate and long-lasting. It softens your skin and brings back radiance. Wait until you see your skin in the morning!

When trying any new skincare item, try to use only that product alone so you can see if you have a reaction. If all goes well, you can use this serum in conjunction with your other skincare items or pair it with other Bioderma Hydrabio products.

I also find that all of Bioderma’s products are affordably priced, especially for a high-end skincare line. I have been using this product every day now and I still have a good amount of product left. 

PRICE: $26.90 1.33 OZ.

Skin Types:  Very Dehydrated, Sensitive Skin
Skin Concerns: Lack of Radiance
What else you need to know: Product Highlights - *Paraben-free  *Non-comedogenic  *Hypoallergenic  *Lightly scented, allergen-free formula
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The Hydrabio Gel-Cream is a light, moisturizing product that I found worked amazingly well. It hydrates, soothes and restores moisture to the skin. It also contains Vitamin E that helps to protect against stress. Another important ingredient is Salicylic acid, which smoothes the skin’s texture. I found in using this that my skin, which again was probably at it’s worse, seemed to heal and recapture moisture. After my skin returned to normal I used this product as my moisturizer under my makeup. 

Here is how to use it:

The Hydrabio Gel-Cream can be used once or twice a day, morning and evening, 7 days a week. It’s active ingredients reduce the risks of reaction and increases your skin’s tolerance. Start with clean skin, I applied two pumps to my face and one pump to my neck. When applying in the evening you can combine this with the Hydrabio Serum, which is what I did. 


PRICE: $24.90 1.33 OZ.

Skin Types: Dehydrated, Sensitive Skin
Skin Concerns: Lack of Radiance 
What else you need to know: *Paraben-Free. *Non-conedogenis  *Excellent tolerance  *Hypoallergenic. *Lightly scented, allergen-free formula  *Excellent makeup base
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I have been using Bioderma’s H2O micellar water to remove my makeup for years. At least five years to be exact! The product that I used was from their Sensibio line, which is for sensitive skin. The Hydrabio H2O water worked just as well and did all the things that I loved about the Sensibio H2O. The major difference I did notice was that it helped to hydrate my skin and keep it hydrated throughout the day. 

I have never used a makeup remover on my eyes that did not sting and leave my eyes blood-shot. The skin around your eyes is probably the most sensitive. Most makeup removers can leave that area dry to the point of a burning sensation. That never happens with this product! 

When I wear eye makeup I tend to go with a more dramatic look. Why not right? Go big or go home! I wear eyeliner, dark mascara (with at least two coats) and eye shadow. Removing all that makeup at night takes a bit of an effort to get my eyes completely clean. With Bioderma’s H2O micellar water it cleans heavy makeup usually with one cotton pad. I not only use this product but I gift it to friends at Christmas and even did a giveaway with it on my blog. 

Here is how to use it:

Hydrabio H2O water can be used once or twice a day, seven days a week. 

If you have noticed I have said this for each product so far, but that is the great thing about Bioderma. The product itself isn’t over-saturated with alcohol or fragrances allowing you to use it often without causing skin sensitivity. 

The first step is to soak a cotton pad (not a cotton ball but cotton pad!) well enough with the solution. It will gently clean your skin and/or remove your makeup from your face, eyes, and neck. The product does not need to be rinsed off but if I am using it to take off my makeup, I do a rinse. I then use a gentle gel cleanser to clean anything left behind. In the morning you can use this as your cleanser, no need to rinse and continue with your usual routine.

The Shiseido Facial Cotton pads are the only ones I use to remove makeup or any buildup from the day. Since they are especially soft and thicker it makes taking off your makeup much easier. 


PRICE: 3.33 OZ. $5.90 (Great for travel!)
               8.33 OZ. $9.90
               16.7 OZ. $14.90 (Most economical)

Skin types: Dehydrated, Sensitive Skin
What else you need to know: *Parben-free. *Non-Comedogenic *Hypoallergenic. *Lightly scented, allergen-free formula
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​Now we’re moving into another line of Bioderma’s products, Atoderm Cleansing Oil. This line is specifically made for very dry to atopic sensitive skin. Atopic skin is itchy, inflamed, swollen skin, such as eczema. Unfortunately, babies can have this issue. My daughter has dealt with eczema her whole life, mostly on her arms. It can be very painful and flare up at any time leaving scars if untreated.  

The good thing about Bioderma's Atoderm Cleansing Oil is that it can be used on babies, children, and adults, both on the face or body. It is made to soothe and protect the dry skin. It’s active ingredients increase the threshold tolerance of the skin and helps toward healthier and more resistant skin. 

Both my daughter and I used this product over a month. Since I do not have atopic skin issues and my daughter does I thought it would be a good test to see the difference in results for both skin types. 

The reason I gave it 3.5 Stars is that she did not see a decrease in the redness or itchiness that comes with her skin type. This is unfortunate since those are the main symptoms that this product should target in reducing. What she did see, as did I was the noticeable difference in our skin texture right out of the shower. Literally, your skin feels baby soft. Bioderma calls it a “sense of comfort”. It’s the hydration level that we liked and it will last all day. So even though it did not help with my daughter's symptoms, her skin did feel more soothed directly after use. For me, my skin had never felt so soft before, which is why I still highly recommend it. 

Here is how to use it:

Use in the shower or bathing 7 days a week. The product is suitable for the entire family (even infants) and can be used all over the body and face.

PRICE: 3.33 OZ. $5.90 (Again, great for travel)
                               $10.90 6.67 OZ.
                               $19.90 33.4 OZ. (This is a lot of product for the price!)


Skin Types: Very dry to atopic sensitive skin
Skin Concerns: Atopic sensitive skin
What else you need to know: *Paraben-free. *Soap-free  *Does not irritate the eyes. *Without conservative agent. *Hypoallergenic. *Non-Comedogenic. *Excellent cutaneous (affecting the skin) and ocular (eyes) tolerance *Without coloring agent
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Atoderm Hands and Nails Cream is for dry and damaged hands and nails, as implied. Now, should I get super excited about hand cream? The answer is, Yes! Over the years your hands tend to show your age the most. Keeping your hands hydrated at all times will help keep them looking young. This also applies for younger women who for instance work in restaurants. Constantly washing your hands will dry them out no matter how young you are. 

The reason I loved this product is very simple. It was not greasy! So yes, it did help with dry hands immediately. Since I wear jewelry every day a greasy hand moisturizer just will not due. This was the real reason I found this product to be a winner. In the summer, my hands tend to swell, especially if I have a ring on. I’ve been keeping this in my bag and when my hands start to feel tight and dry I’m able to apply it and not worry about my ring being clumped with cream. 

And yes, it does work. I also love the scent. This is a product that is safe for children and adults so there’s another plus.

Here is how to use it:

Apply on clean, dry hands, massaging into skin delicately. Repeat as often as needed throughout the day. 

PRICE: 1.67 OZ. $9.90

Skin Types: Very dry to atopic sensitive skin
Skin Concerns: Dryness
What else you need to know: *Paraben-free  *Fragranced Formula. *Hypoallergenic *Non-Sticky
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I know you’re probably thinking, she given out a lot of 5 stars in this review! But believe me, if I didn’t like it I'd say so. Bioderma's products are just extremely well formulated and do their job!

This is a great lip balm and works very well. Honestly, I would have never thought to try a lip balm from Bioderma. Not that I thought it wouldn't be a good balm, but I didn’t know they even made a lip balm. The Atoderm Lip Stick uses vaseline and shea butter along with Vitamin E. 

I have a few favorite lip balms that I have used for years including Bite’s lip mask and Pat McGrath’s lip balm. I would put Bioderma’s Atoderm Lip Stick right up there with both of those products. What's even better is the price! This is also safe for children to use much like most of their other products.

It does exactly what it’s supposed to do. I know that seems like that would be intuitive and not something to brag about, but unfortunately, it is. Think about it. Have you ever used a lip balm or chapstick that you find yourself constantly reapplying?  It almost seems like some make your lips feel more chapped than before you used it. 

Here is how to use it:

Apply directly on the lips as often as needed. I applied this before I put on makeup, so my lipstick was on top of it, which leaves your lips looking lush and hydrated throughout the day. This is great especially since matte lipstick can leave your lips looking EXTREMELY dry and cracked!  Also, it did not change the color of my lipstick. I loved using it before bed. I’ve been using it for over a month now and I still have product left.

PRICE: $4.90 0.14 OZ.

Skin Types: Very dry to atopic skin
Skin Concerns: Dryness
What else you need to know: *Paraben-free  *Hypoallergenic. *Lightly scented, allergen-free formula


In Conclusion:
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​Bioderma as a whole produces high-quality products that are both dependable and affordable. I have never experienced a bad reaction from any of Bioderma product. I can’t even say that for some of the luxury skincare brands out there. Since Bioderma is geared toward sensitive skin and formulated to be light and gentle it works for all skin types. 

If you have heard of Bioderma before, most of you might not realize the array of products they offer. Hopefully, this review opened your eyes to a whole new line you can add to your skincare routine.

Hello Ladies ~ so today is National Lipstick Day!!! 💋💄💄💄💋

I decided, at the last minute, to do a blog post specifically dedicated to this "national holiday" since I have a bit of a lipstick obsession. 
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If you have been following me you already know that I enjoy playing around with makeup and I wear a full face nearly everyday. I know some women don't like wearing too much makeup, but that's why lipstick is so great! You could be an all natrual gal but if you have a fancy night out a nude pink gives you that something extra. Or if you're like me you try on practically every color out there! I'm not scared of a deep red or even glitter finished lipsticks. The more options the better. 

In this post I share some of my favorite lipsticks (not in order) and I say some because I can't even begin to cover all of them! I truely am addicted to lipsticks I have multiple drawers just full of them. I hope you enjoy the post and I would love to hear what some of your favorites are:)

*** Disclaimer - My photos do not properly reprsent the exact lipstick colors, so I encourage to follow the links provided 

TOM FORD 
Extreme Lip Spark
Color - 09 Powertrip - purple shimmer
Metallic finish
$55

​Yves Saint Laurent
ROUGE VOLUPTÉ SHINE OIL-IN-STICK
​50 - Fuschsia Stiletto 
​$38

MAC
RETRO MATTE LIPSTICK
Color - Ruby Woo
VERY MATTE
VIVID BLUE-RED
​$18.50

Charlotte Tilbury
K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick
Color - Bitch Perfect, peach-toned nude
Satin finish
​$34

​TOM FORD
Fucking Fabulous Lip Color
Limited Edition 
​$60

Charlotte Tilbury
K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick
Color - Penelope Pink, nude with pink undertones
Satin finish
​$34
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PAT MCGRATH LABS
MatteTrance Lipstick
Color - Polaroid Pink,  midtone blue pink
Matte finish​
​$40
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NARS 
Color - Orgasm,  peachy pink w/ golden shimmer
Satin finish
​$28

PAT MCGRATH LABS
BlitzTrance Lipstick
Color - Flesh, glitter bronzed rose neutral with golden sparkle
Glitter finish
​$40

PAT MCGRATH LABS
MatteTrance Lipstick 
Color - Elson, blue red 
​$40

Hi ladies! Today is officially the one year anniversary of the Mrs. Stafford Blog 🎉🎊
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I can’t believe it’s already been a year! It took me a very long time to gain the courage to start this blog and the positive response from everyone has by far exceeded even my highest expectations. It has been amazing to build a community of women who are so positive and supportive of each other.
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Through this blog I wanted it to be a safe place for women my age to talk about some topics that are considered faux pas. I started this blog with the focal point being on menopause, but the conversation has evolved so much and opened a floodgate of so many other great topics. I’m grateful to all the women who have been able to share their own stories and keep the conversation going!


Throughout the whole month of July, I will be celebrating by reposting some of my favorite blog posts I've done this year on my social media. Of course, I had to dedicate an actual blog post including my top 10 favorites 🤗 
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