To start off the New Year in the right way, I wanted to talk to you about Tata Harper.  A Vermont luxury skin care company that produces 100% natural products, this is skin care at it’s finest!
 
I use a number of Tata Harper skincare products and also gifted them to our daughters in their beauty box this Christmas. These are game changer products. Tata Harper believes that more matters. What that means is they pack the most ingredients at the highest levels of concentration to deliver maximum results. All of this is without a drop of artificial chemicals. Simply put, no fillers. 
 
Their products can be found in your local Sephora and in some Neiman Marcus and department stores. These are investment products for sure. The price reflects that. These are items for those who are looking for the most results from their skincare.
 
As I said, I use a number of their products. I’ll write a post on some of the best Tata Harper products this coming year. What I want to talk about now are two products that Tata Harper sent to me to review.
 
These are two of the newer products, the Boosted Contouring Serum and the Boosted Contouring Eye Balm. 
 
I have been using them consistently for about 4 months. Whenever I review skincare, I will always use it for at least 3 months to see real results. I just don’t think you can tell what a product is capable of doing (or not doing) with just a few weeks of use. So let’s get started!
​

This Tata Harper serum is specifically made for mature skin. It is a supernatural serum that will help the look of aging, sagging skin to a firmer more lifted look. This is all about helping with firmness, fine lines, wrinkles and dryness. All the things that you deal with as skin ages.
 
So to start, I first need to talk about the experience and the scent of Tata Harper products. I use and have tried countless skin care items and I guarantee you, nothing feels or smells like Tata Harper skin care. Spa-like doesn’t even do it justice. There is a very real effort to make sure your experience is relaxing and uplifting. This is the difference you get with 100% natural, plant-based skincare. 

​Now for the results. I use this mostly in the evening. I was using it under my makeup during the day when I first received it, but I didn’t feel that was necessary for me. I use only two pumps for my entire face. I also use their Hydrating Essence first, spraying my face liberally, and that does make the serum go further. You could use one of your favorite sprays first before using the serum.  
 
I could see a difference in my skin almost immediately. When I started using these products I took everything else out of my routine. No retinol, creams, serums or anything from any other skin care line. I did this for about 3 months. I wanted to get a completely honest idea of how this serum worked on it’s own. 
 
The results were notable. My skin feels more plump, firm and healthy. Waking up in the morning I honestly could not believe it. My skin was less red, which is an issue that I deal with. The texture was also different and my skin felt so hydrated.

​This multi-targeted formula includes 14 sources to lift and firm the look of skin, 22 sources of plumping hydration, 11 sources of antioxidants, and 15 sources to minimize the look of wrinkles. This is what they mean by more matters. 

​Now to the price. Yes, this is top of the line, anti-aging skin care in quality and also in price. What I will tell you is that after using this for the last four months exclusively, I have about a bit less than a third of the bottle. That’s pretty impressive.

​What you are paying for are high quality ingredients and real results!
​

​I have very sensitive eyes and under-eye areas. I am very hesitant about using a product under my eyes because of this. What I have found in the past is that I will wake up with swollen or itchy eyes. There are only a few products that I can use. So I was a bit hesitant in trying this under my eyes. But thankfully, there was no bad reaction. 
 
I get botox and I’ve talked about that often on the blog. But because my eye area is so sensitive, I cannot do any injectables under my eyes. So filler or botox is not an answer for me in this area. I also have an issue with dark circles under the eye. I think many of us do. What I did find was that since this is such a hydrating product, the look of darkness was not as noticeable. 

​While Tata Harper has eye creams, this is a balm. That means it needs to be scooped out of the jar and then when it is placed under the eye it melts into the skin.

​It feels incredible. I love this product at night. It’s been a life saver over the holidays! My under eye area has been hydrated and those bags that always show up because of lack of sleep or just too much holiday fun were not a problem.  

​This multi-targeted formula includes 9 sources to lift and firm the look of skin, 11 sources to depuff, 14 sources to minimize the look of wrinkles, and 13 sources of vitamins and minerals.

​Again, I’ve been using this for 4 months now and I still have product left. Yes, it is more expensive than some products, but a little goes a long way, and you are paying for high-quality ingredients that work.
​

So to wrap this up, yes, I love both of these products and will continue to buy them on my own. Again, I use quite a few of Tata Harper’s products and have always found that they deliver exactly what they claim to.

This is a luxury brand with all natural ingredients and delivers real results. If you do buy Tata Harper products think of it as an investment in yourself, and that's worth it!

As I mentioned I am not shy about the fact that I get Botox. I know that many women aren't  comfortable with such cosmetic procedures but they still want to take care of their skin and age gracefully. If you are one of these women Tata Harper is the answer for you. 

Also, did I mention Tata Harper is originated right here in little old Vermont?! 
 
What do you think about the Tata Harper brand? Have you tried any of their products? Let me know your favorites, and if you have any skin care questions down below!

Drunk Elephant’s The Trunk 3.0 is the top-of-the-line, most wanted gift in skincare for 2019! 

​Everyone has been talking about it. Drunk Elephant has put together 10 of their top-selling skin care products and stocked them all in the coolest (pun intended) neon fridge on the market - and I’m so excited to include it in my Ultimate Holiday Giveaway this year!
 
I use all the products in this collection and have been a huge fan of Drunk Elephant for the past few years. Drunk Elephant is a “Clean Skincare Company,” but they go beyond just “Clean.” They make “Clean Compatible Skincare,” meaning they are committed to using only ingredients that either directly benefit the skin’s health, or support the integrity and effectiveness of their formulations.

​Drunk Elephant is also cruelty-free, and a lot of their products are vegan.

​The trunk set contains some of the best Drunk Elephant products, along with a fully-functioning fridge. While it isn’t necessary to refrigerate these items, chilling them definitely makes product application so refreshing!

This Drunk Elephant Kit includes:
- 1 oz/ 30 mL A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream
- 5 oz/ 150 mL Beste™ No.9 Jelly Cleanser
- 1.69 oz/ 50 mL Protini™ Polypeptide Cream
- 1.69 oz/ 50 mL Lala Retro™ Whipped Cream
- 1.67 oz/ 50 mL B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum
- 1 oz/ 30 mL C-Firma™ Day Serum
- 1 oz/ 30 mL T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum
- 1 oz/ 30 mL Virgina Marula Luxury Facial Oil
- 0.5 oz/ 15 mL C-Tango™ Multivitamin Eye Cream
- 3 oz/ 90 mL Umbra Sheer™ Physical Daily Defense SPF 30

I use the Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum along with their C-Firma Day Serum every day under my makeup. From Retinol Creams to Jelly Cleansers, to Moisturizers and Facial Oils, they are all here in this highly sought-after vault. ​

​Sign up below for your chance to win Drunk Elephant The Trunk 3.0! It is sold out everywhere and certainly the ULTIMATE gift this year in beauty to give - or keep for yourself!

Welcome to the Mrs. Stafford Community where no topic is off limits! I want this blog to be a forum for women my age to be able to discuss everything beauty and fashion, as well as the more sensitive subjects such as menopause and healthy aging. I’m starting my sixties and I feel the best I have in years, and I want to help other women feel the same way. As a community, I think we can come together and start the conversation. This is all about women supporting other women, and trying to have some fun in the meantime.

Attention Ladies: We’d love to hear from you! Your questions are driving the discussions. Don’t hesitate to comment, especially on the “Can We Talk” series as well as “Glowing with Mrs. Stafford”. Without you there is no discussion, so don’t be shy!

The third item in my Ultimate Holiday Giveaway this year is the GloPRO Microneedling Regeneration Tool kit by BeautyBio. I have used my GloPRO for several years and love the results! This is another one of those treatments that you can now do at home, anytime you want, instead of having to do a costly, in-office procedure!
​

​Microneedling is a non-invasive way to improve the look of scars and boost collagen by creating microscopic punctures in the skin. I know that may sound a little scary, but the GloPRO microneedling regeneration tool is completely safe! 

The device is made up of micro-fine needles that cause slight injury to the skin, which then encourages the skin to create new, collagen-rich tissue. It will help to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, dullness, uneven texture, acne scars, and puffiness in the face and neck. It will help make the skin firmer, too!

Microneedling can also provide amazing benefits for the body. It can reduce the look of stretch marks and scars, and even help with hair loss.
​

This kit comes with a travel-friendly storage organizer that’s fully loaded with the award-winning BeautyBio GloPRO Microneedling Tool and all five attachment heads.

- GloPRO® Microneedling Regeneration Tool 
- Face Microtip™ Head
- Eye Microtip™ Head
- Lip Micotip™ Head
- Body Microtip™ Head
- Rose Quartz Attachment Head
- 5 x GloPRO® Skin Prep Pad
- Pack N' Glo storage organizer 
- Refillable sanitizing spritzer bottle

Total Value: $389
​

Step 1: Use GloPRO® Microneedling Tool with MicroTip™ Attachment Heads at night after cleansing and clarifying skin with GloPRO® Skin Prep Pads.
Step 2: After choosing target area, select appropriate MicroTip™ for the GloPRO® and press power to activate the LED red light and VibroTactile™ stimulation.
Step 3: Roll across area (face, eyes, lips, body) in a combination of vertical, horizontal, and diagonal directions for a total of 60 seconds. Let the weight of the tool work its magic, no pressure needed.
Step 4: Immediately apply your favorite serum and moisturizer to see 200 times better absorption.
Step 5: Seal in serums and facial oils by rolling skin with the Rose Quartz FACE + Body Attachment Head at the end of your skincare routine

While microneedling doesn’t really hurt, it can be a little uncomfortable. Keep in mind that afterwards, your skin will be red and sensitive for some time. But it’s totally worth it, because it works!

Sign up for my Ultimate Holiday Giveaway below for your chance to win The GloPRO® + Pack N' Glo Microneedling Regeneration Set and see for yourself!

Welcome to the Mrs. Stafford Community where no topic is off limits! I want this blog to be a forum for women my age to be able to discuss everything beauty and fashion, as well as the more sensitive subjects such as menopause and healthy aging. I’m starting my sixties and I feel the best I have in years, and I want to help other women feel the same way. As a community, I think we can come together and start the conversation. This is all about women supporting other women, and trying to have some fun in the meantime.

Attention Ladies: We’d love to hear from you! Your questions are driving the discussions. Don’t hesitate to comment, especially on the “Can We Talk” series as well as “Glowing with Mrs. Stafford”. Without you there is no discussion, so don’t be shy!

The Personal Microderm Pro and PMD Clean Holiday Bundle is one of my Ultimate Holiday Giveaway items this year. I’m so excited about sharing this product with you, because it provides all of the great skincare benefits of a microdermabrasion, without the hefty cost!
​

One of the best things you can do for your skin is a microdermabrasion treatment. Exfoliating away dead, dull cells from the surface of your skin allows new cell growth.

The results? Your skincare products will work even better on your fresh, new skin barrier! Normally you would need to do an in-office treatment, but now you can do it in the comfort of your own home.

​There is no down time, and your skin will feel so soft and smooth!
​

PMD Pink Personal Microderm PRO and PMD Pink Clean Facial Cleansing Device - Along with the Personal Microderm PRO microdermabrasion machine, you will also receive the PMD Clean Facial Cleansing Device.

​With 7,000 vibrations per minute, this exfoliating brush will not only deeply cleanse your skin, but also provides a way to visibly lift, firm and tone problem areas for a more fresh appearance. Say bye-bye to fine lines and wrinkles… did I mention that both of them are also pink and absolutely adorable?! 

Total Value: $298

Personal Microderm Pro:
-Use white disc to practice on arm before using on face
-Pull skin tight and glide over skin in an upward motion
-Wash cap and filter after each use
-Use on standard speed for an intense treatment, or on slower speed for delicate areas

PMD Clean:
-Apply cleanser
-Move brush head in circular motions
-Use on modes 1 and 2 for optimum cleansing results, or on modes 3 and 4 for massaging and applying skincare via the back side of Clean

Be sure to sign up for my Ultimate Holiday Giveaway for your chance to win the PMD Microdermabrasion PRO & PMD Clean Bundle! You can signup below for a chance to win:)

It’s the perfect way to treat yourself this holiday season.
​

Welcome to the Mrs. Stafford Community where no topic is off limits! I want this blog to be a forum for women my age to be able to discuss everything beauty and fashion, as well as the more sensitive subjects such as menopause and healthy aging. I’m starting my sixties and I feel the best I have in years, and I want to help other women feel the same way. As a community, I think we can come together and start the conversation. This is all about women supporting other women, and trying to have some fun in the meantime.

Attention Ladies: We’d love to hear from you! Your questions are driving the discussions. Don’t hesitate to comment, especially on the “Can We Talk” series as well as “Glowing with Mrs. Stafford”. Without you there is no discussion, so don’t be shy!
​

Thanksgiving🦃 Christmas🎅  & New Year’s Eve🎉!
​

16 oz Starbucks Mocha Latte – which contains 8.3 Tablespoons of sugar =immune suppression.  If this is a favorite pick up during the season, consider asking for less chocolate, no whipped cream, and no added sugar to the drink.
 
Don’t consider the holiday season something you have to “pay for” on January 1.  Stop the madness now, and be mindful of your choices.  You will feel better and the pressure is off when the New Year rolls around.
 
If you would like the Triple Crown of immune support before the holiday season, please contact the office to place an order.

In addition, if you would like to set up a new year, optimal you for 2020, please contact the office and we can start the process!
  
Disclaimer:
I am a clinical nutritionist, not a medical doctor. I do not diagnose, prescribe for, treat, or claim to prevent, mitigate, or cure any human diseases. Please see your medical doctor prior to following any recommendations I make in articles or on my website.
 

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  ​

I’ve posted about the NuFACE microcurrent device previously and have used it for quite a few years. This is a microcurrent skincare kit that will tone, lift and contour your face and neck. And if you’re wondering if it works… the answer is YES! The results are immediate. That’s why I’m so excited to include it in my Ultimate Holiday Giveaway this year!
​

Also referred to as a “natural face lift,” a microcurrent facial helps give you a more defined look by lifting and sculpting the face and neck.

​The microcurrent machine emits very low-voltage electrical currents, mimicking your own body's electrical currents, which help repair damaged skin and stimulate collagen and elastin production. You can use this every day and there is no down time!
​

​This kit has everything you need to do a microcurrent facial at home, including:

- NuFACE Trinity®  Device 
- Hydrating Leave-On Gel Primer
- NuFACE FIX™ Serum
- Adorable Pink Shimmer Compact Mirror & Dust Bag
- Charging cradle
- Power adapter

This set is perfect for a spa night after a long day, and leave your skin feeling brand new!

Total Value: $399

Here is a step by step process of how to use this device:

​Step 1: Cleanse skin and apply a mask-like layer of the NuFACE Hydrating Leave-On Gel Primer directly on to skin working in sections as you treat. 
Step 2:  Glide the NuFACE Trinity® Device along the natural contours of face and neck as instructed. 
Step 3: Massage remaining Hydrating Leave-On Gel Primer into skin. 
Step 4: Throughout the day, gently tap on NuFACE FIX™ Serum to awaken the look of tired eyes, revive dull-looking skin, and restore radiance. 
Step 5: Use the NUFACE Trinity® Device with Hydrating Leave-On Gel Primer five days per week, five minutes per day for the first 60 days, then maintain results using two to three days per week. 
Step 6: Use FIX Serum anytime skin needs a refreshing boost.

​Don’t forget to sign up for my Ultimate Holiday Giveaway for your chance to win the NuFACE Trinity Shimmer All Night Collection and reap all of the amazing benefits of microcurrent therapy! 

Sign up by filling out the form below~ Good luck & Happy Holidays!
​

Welcome to the Mrs. Stafford Community where no topic is off limits! I want this blog to be a forum for women my age to be able to discuss everything beauty and fashion, as well as the more sensitive subjects such as menopause and healthy aging. I’m starting my sixties and I feel the best I have in years, and I want to help other women feel the same way. As a community, I think we can come together and start the conversation. This is all about women supporting other women, and trying to have some fun in the meantime.

Attention Ladies: We’d love to hear from you! Your questions are driving the discussions. Don’t hesitate to comment, especially on the “Can We Talk” series as well as “Glowing with Mrs. Stafford”. Without you there is no discussion, so don’t be shy!

The BIG day is almost here! That’s right, Thanksgiving is just a few days away.

Now if your family is anything like mine, Thanksgiving is really steeped in tradition. We all have those special things that remind us of childhood, family, and home. Most of them center around food and specific dishes. Well at least in this family it does! This day is based around stuffing our faces and being around those we love. I’m sure your family is not that much different. 

Thanksgiving is all about being grateful and all I can say how grateful I am to all of you following me in this journey over the last year! 

In this post I want to share my turkey recipe with all of you to ensure your day goes as smoothly as possible! I have spent years perfecting my technique and I have definitely mastered it. My recipe is easy to follow and very simplistic, so here we go...
​

​We all have stories of things that can go wrong on Turkey Day! Recipes that didn’t turn out the way we expected. We all have a great stories that become family lore over the years.

For instance, this could look like a turkey sliding across the kitchen floor. That was my Mom and yes we still ate the turkey that year. This is the other fun part about Thanksgiving, remembering the fiascos!

​I’ve had more than my share of stories over the years. Just last year I put the turkey in the oven to cook but forgot to turn the oven on! It wasn't until two hours later I even realized it! Or back to the first time I cooked our family's Thanksgiving meal when I didn’t know to take out the giblet bag and cooked the turkey with a plastic bag inside of it.
​

So to take some of the stress off all of you who have to cook this important meal, I thought I would share my incredibly easy recipe for the main attraction - the turkey. So many people stress out on this but I have a foolproof way of making the most amazing, juicy tasting turkey you’ve ever had. Well, at least that’s what my family says. So here’s the simple recipe I’ve used for the last 15 years to add to our family memories.

Before I get into the actual method, there are a few small things that are so important to get the best results.
​

​OK, so here’s my recipe. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
​

This method is so easy it takes the stress out of cooking such a big meal along with cutting down the cooking time.

Because you are blasting the turkey on high heat along with brining it, all the juices will be held inside the bird and the crispy skin that everyone loves will be consistent over the entire turkey.

So trust me on this one, try it this year! Enjoy your family and make those memories that will be talked about in years to come.
​

With the holiday season upon us, once we know it we will be celebrating the New Year! I wanted to write a follow-up post to “Best New Products (So Far) of 2019!” I posted way back in May! My, how the times flies!! Since then there have been a few stand out new products that I had to share with you all, so here we go…
​

​The first product that I want to cover is the Pat McGrath Skin Fetish Foundation. My love for Pat McGrath products is deep! I own way too many of her lipsticks. Her eyeshadow palettes are the most beautiful on the market, and I’m obsessed with her mascara.

So when word came out that she was releasing a foundation I was on the waitlist immediately. The beauty community as a whole was very excited about this launch and people were itching to try it first!

I purchased The System, which consisted of the foundation, primer and setting powder. I love the entire kit but I’ll focus on the foundation for now.

This is more of a serum in consistency, which means it is much more fluid and silky than a normal liquid foundation. Why I love this so much is the weightless feel on the skin and the ability to build easily to medium coverage. This foundation is perfect especially for fine lines because it doesn’t cake into creases. I will say if you have a lot of blemishes or skin imperfections to cover this may not be the foundation for you. It is like I said a buildable foundation to medium coverage at the most. 

What you will see in your application is a beautiful radiance and luminosity to the skin. This is a result of the polymers, amino acid-treated pigments and what is listed as Diamond Core Powder. This is what gives you that beautiful glow.

This is a luxury foundation and the price of $68.00 reflects that. With that being said a little goes a very long way with this foundation. There are also 34 shades to choose from, which is very inclusive to all skin tones.

I have been using this foundation exclusively since August and I love the way it looks on my skin. I constantly change my foundation, always switching up with how my skin looks on a particular day or the type of coverage I’m after. For me, it says something that I’ve used this foundation every day. It’s covered gym days to more date night glam makeup. The weightless feeling is incredible and my skin looks radiant as soon as I apply. 
​

I’ve written about how much I love KUSH Mascara and I still do. It’s incredible!

I now have started using the Milk Makeup, KUSH Lash Primer and together with the KUSH mascara, my lashes are killer! I wear this under all my mascaras now which helps my lashes look more full and thick.

Just like the mascara, the primer has the benefits of Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil. This helps condition your lashes to add volume and thickness.

Now just one thing when using a lash primer. Normally lash primers are white when you apply as is this one. So when you layer your mascara over the primer you must make sure that you cover all your lashes, you don’t want that white primer showing through!

Whether you use the KUSH mascara or your own choice of mascara, this primer will help nourish and condition your lashes to make them more full & lush. And who doesn’t need that! This is by far the best primer I've ever used!
​

​Ok, so the Lucas Pawpaw Ointment is one of those Amazon finds that I’m always amazed by. It has a cult following which comes as no surprise. This ointment which sells for $6.94. Yes, you read that right, it costs only $6.94! It is an incredible night time treatment for your lips.

Now on their Amazon site, they list all the things this Australian made product will help with. The only thing I have used it for is my lips. I apply the ointment when I go to bed at night and when I wake up in the morning my lips are no longer chapped and flakey. It took one night for this to work for me. I mean really for basically $7 how can you go wrong! This will be my go-to for my dry, chapped lips the winter months.

I purchased this in June and I still have a fair amount left in the tube. Incredible!
​

Using a facial razor is something new that I have been doing in my skin routine. I know it sounds weird, but even for someone like me who barely has any peach fuzz, it makes a difference! Applying my makeup is so much easier and it goes on so smooth.

I purchased my first pack of these razors in June. I use the smaller razor to trim underneath my brow and the larger one to rid my skin face of peach fuzz and help exfoliate my skin.

Now you’re probably saying “Are you, nuts lady!” But this really does help my makeup apply better and rids my skin of any flakiness. 

I have very sensitive skin so this is how I go about using the razor on my face:

First, I spray my face with a rosewater spray, my favorite is the Mario Badescu Facial Spray. Then very gently, on an angle, take the larger of the blades and do each side of my face and upper lip area. I then spray my face once more. You cannot believe how smooth your skin will feel afterward. I suggest using this method in the evening. Your nighttime routine will absorb so much better into your skin too.

I use the smaller razor under my brows. Now if you follow my blog you know I have almost no eyebrows. But lucky me, hair grows under the brow like a weed! Why??!!?? So I apply a cream, then run the razor, which fits well into that very small area, to clean up any stray hairs. I then apply cream after shaving.

The cost of $7.00 for a pack of 6 allows you to toss the razors after a few uses. I always will wipe the razor with alcohol after using it if I am going to use the razor again. 

Try it and let me know what you think!
​

I am always looking for an easy way to clean my makeup brushes. Since I have WAY too many brushes, I tend to use all of them until every one of my brushes needs cleaning. The pile of dirty brushes takes forever to clean and then of course to dry.

I saw this product I believe on Refinery 29 and thought why not try it. So glad I did.

Here’s how you use it. You pour a bit of the product into a bowl. Just slightly dip your brush (do not submerge as I did the first time I used it) into the liquid. Just touch the very end of your brush with the liquid. Then take the brush and run over a paper towel to clean. No water involved! Makeup is left on the paper towel and not only is your brush clean but it’s also conditioned. They also dry almost immediately.

This works for both natural and synthetic brushes. It cleaned liquid foundation (which can be tough to clean), eyeshadow, powders, and cream eyeliner products extremely well. 

I still dislike the pile of brushes but at least now the process is so much faster and way simpler.
​

​Okay, these pimple patches are a godsend! Breakouts are never fun, but we have all been there. This usually happens during the worst time possible. Especially, during the holiday season, there is so much to do plus the extreme temperatures don’t help our skin. You might wake up one morning with a big red pimple on the tip of your nose looking like Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer. Well, we now have a solution!

Put on one of these acne patches and you will see that blemish deflate overnight! When you remove it the next morning you get to see all that junk that was pulled out. 

Wash your wash as you normally would before applying any patches. I would suggest putting on your patches before applying your moisturizer, so they stay on throughout the night. You don’t have to mess with your blemish before putting one on to get it started. Just leave it as is. These patches even work for cystic acne, which is very impressive. If you deal with cystic acne you will have to use it a few nights in a row, but it will still take care of the problem area without leaving any scarring. 

The Mighty Patch comes in two sizes, one is the small pimple spot dot good for covering just one blemish. If you have a larger breakout area you want to tackle there is the large acne pimple patch available. 

I suggest to keep these patches handy during this time of year, you’ll be happy you did. 

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:
​

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. 
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​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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