What's the easiest thing that you can do to look fantastic? The answer is a great SMILE! It really is that simple. Having a beautiful smile changes your whole face and invites people to be around you. When you have a pearly white smile you exude happiness and confidence. As the lovely and talented Marilyn Monroe once said, “A smile is the best makeup a girl can wear”.

But here's the thing, as we go through life your teeth can become stained or a bit yellow. There are many reasons for this such as medications, food, wine or poor oral hygiene. Sad to say age also plays a role in yellowish looking teeth. There are a lot of reasons for this dilemma but the important thing is that there are so many products out there that can easily fix this problem. 

There are a ton of ads on social media and TV promoting various kinds of devices or products to help whiten your teeth. So, what’s the problem you might ask? Most of the products or devices advertised either don’t work or they can actually be harmful to your teeth. For example, one product that kept popping up on my Instagram Explore page was this black charcoal looking paste or powder which you brushed your teeth with. First, that just seems messy and gross, also I would assume that rubbing charcoal powder on your teeth cannot feel good. I haven’t tried that trend myself. So I can’t knock it completely and say it doesn’t work. All I can give you are some of the products I have used and have made a huge difference for me. 

The first time I noticed my teeth were stained was a few years back at a Phillies baseball game. My daughter and I took a selfie together and when I saw my teeth compared to hers I was like -“Wait, WHAT???!!???" Since it was such a closeup picture it was the first time I realized how sparkly white her teeth were and mine was, well, not. I got back home and started my search for the best products to get my smile looking healthy again.  

Of course, you need your teeth to be healthy along with being white. In today's world, we can achieve all of these things at the same time in your own home. The products that are on the market make it so easy to have a healthy, beautiful smile.  Being able to do at-home treatments saves time and money for you to be able to care for your smile while working within your busy schedule.

Here are the items that I have used for the last several years and have been able to change my teeth from dull yellow to bright white!
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So the first thing you need to do is make sure you are doing everything to correctly clean your teeth properly. The first thing you can do to improve your dental health is to invest in a good toothbrush. I know this seems silly. You might think a toothbrush is a toothbrush. Also, any toothbrush you see in Rite Aid to infomercials are all “dentist recommended”. This is basically a marketing phrase that has come to mean nothing, same as “fat-free or organic foods”. 

The Sonicare is the toothbrush that my personal (real life) dentist suggested I use! Specifically the “Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 4100” version. This electric toothbrush will remove more plaque than a manual brush and it will also let you know how long to brush for. Meaning it will shut off at the end of two minutes, which is the recommended time for thoroughly brushing your teeth. I never knew that until once again, my dentist told me. The brush is good for sensitive teeth and it lets you know if you're pressing too hard. There are so many more cool and helpful features that really takes the guesswork out of your dental hygiene. 

There are other variations of the Sonicare but this is the one I've been using for some time. After looking at all of their latest versions I may think about upgrading to a newer model soon. If I do I’ll keep you posted on which one I decide to go with. I’ll do my research beforehand, so you don’t have to. 
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Supersmile

Again there are endless options for whitening toothpaste. I’ve tried a few others, but the one brand I swear by is “supersmile”.  I've been using this brand for over seven years now and I must say I saw a difference immediately. I am in no way getting sponsored for this post, so I am not lying when I say that it really does work!

It was developed by a doctor for his patients in 1987 and not only will it safely help whiten your teeth but it will also improve the overall health of your teeth and gums. You know what that means, no gingivitis for you!! It comes with a whitening toothpaste along with an accelerator. You put both products on the brush at the same time. An added benefit is that the toothpaste itself tastes great, which is sometimes not the case for whitening toothpaste out there. My favorite is the Icy Mint. You can purchase this product directly on their website. They have a huge selection of products to choose from, including monthly subscriptions.

Linhart 

​Another teeth whitening toothpaste I have been using for the last few months (and love!!) is Linhart. The Linehart toothpaste was developed by a father and son dental practice and they have been perfecting the formulation for the last 10 years. It is a family-owned company and their story is actually pretty interesting. You can read more about it on their website by clicking here. This year was actually the launch of their newest formulation which is the Linhart I use today. 

I use Linhart both in the morning and at night. Along with the toothpaste I use the whitening gel, it comes with, the same as Supersmile. I switch back and forth between the two brands, but from my experience, they both work equally well. Don’t worry about using too much because you can’t overdo it with these products. It’s not the same as whitening strips where it can cause some discomfort or sensitivity after using it for a long period of time. It also tastes like peppermint which is a delightful new flavor for your senses. Mr. Stafford actually prefers the Linhart taste over the Supersmile. I enjoy both, but it’s really all about your personal preference. Linhart keeps my smile white and it’s also very good for the enamel. Overall, the results are excellent! 

The only major difference between the two is that Linhart is sold in only one size. Linhart toothpaste is priced at $12 and the gel for $24. Supersmile has a much wider range of products to choose from. They have various sizes, flavors, and a few different special selection packages. I would say the prizes even themselves out since they offer just a different range. At first glance, Supersmile looks more expensive, but if you signup for a subscription package you get more bang for your buck. If you rather keep it simple and buy just one tube of toothpaste and accelerator (the gel) then Linhart is the way you should go.
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​Teeth whitening devices can be fun to play with and try out. They are great because it feels like you have this advanced technology right in your own home. It doesn’t hurt that they look cool as well. I’ve used “Glo Science” for many years now. Get this, I still have my original device! You just need to replace the mouthpiece every now and then. I know it seems like a lot of money to throw down on a product that only has one purpose, but believe me it pays for itself. Since I’ve had mine for a few years I know it will defiantly last. That is considering you are careful with it, of course. I assume it will break if you’re throwing it into a drawer mindlessly. Since it is a piece of technology I would suggest putting it in a safe place once you're done using it. 

This will give you the same results that you can get at your dentist office. No appointments needed! Also, you won't have to deal with messy trays, which I know many people find difficult to use and from my own experience just don't work. This kit is super easy to use and comes with everything you need to get long-lasting, professional teeth whitening results at home. The wearable hands-free design lets you multitask while you whiten, shutting off automatically when each application is complete. The GLO Brilliant Teeth Whitening Device combines the accelerating power of GLO warming heat and blue light with specially formulated hydrogen peroxide whitening gel—delivering painless teeth whitening results, in short, pre-timed, eight-minute applications. Currently, I use mine about once a month. When I first got it I definitely used it more often. Since getting my teeth to the desired whiteness once a month is perfect to keep your teeth sparkly and nice! 
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​Now everyone knows and has heard about the Crest Whitening Teeth Strips. There has been a lot of debate for years about whether they are safe to use. The short answer is yes they are fine to use in moderation, meaning I would personally suggest using them every once and awhile. And they should be used as directed on the box. Crest 3D Whitening Strips are meant to be worn for 30 minutes. 

I know one person who would wear them every night all night long, which is not safe or good for your teeth. I’m not a dentist so I can’t say if they wear away at your enamel or what chemicals they contain. All I know is that they do work.

For me, they are great to use on days when I need something quick and easy to brighten my smile. There have been many times where I'm getting ready to go out and I just want an added boost. I'll put these on while I'm doing my makeup and they are ready to come off by the time I do my lipstick. They are fast, effective and great in a pinch. 

FYI, I did not use these to get my smile to the level I wanted. For that, I highly suggest the GLO Device. But once your smile is healthy and whiter, this is a great item to have when you just want to perk up the brightness. You can find these at any drug store, there are all different types, but my favorite is the Professional Effects line.

​Hi All! So if you follow me on social media you know that Mr. Stafford and I were soaking up the sun in St. John for the whole month of March. Can I just say this is what retirement is meant to be. We are incredibly blessed to be able to spend so much time in such a beautiful place, but this is the reason why we worked so hard all our lives. It is pure bliss! 

We've been going to this beautiful island for over 18 years and every time we arrive we fall in love with it all over again. Each time we visit we end up deciding to extend our stay for the next year just a little bit longer. We always find it so difficult when its time to leave.

I’m sure that many of you know that the island of St. John went through a devastating time in 2017. The island was hit with two large hurricanes, back to back, in September of that year. The first storm, Irma, a Category 5 hurricane,  hit on September 7th and pummeled the island leaving residents without electricity, water and fuel. On September 20th, Hurricane Maria landed as a Category 5 storm and destroyed what was left. 

Since tourism is their main source of income, it has been a very difficult time for the residents on the island. Some people we know left and never came back. Homes and business were destroyed and their source of income was gone. Their schools were gone. Water was in short supply and what we were told was if you had ice, you were the man. Many of the residents had evacuated to Puerto Rico and we all know what happened there. How they survived all this and kept their heads up throughout everything says so much about the kind of people who live here. 

When we arrived this year, we were unsure of what to expect. But here is one of the main reasons we keep coming back to St. John - the people. What they went through and the work that is still needed across the island is unimaginable. With everything that they have dealt with in the last year and a half, you could not meet a kinder, friendlier group of people. To say they make our vacation a great experience is an understatement. They consistently go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and welcome on this island. Most of these people worked on getting rental housing back up and running before they even started working on their own homes. The facts are that many are still without their own homes. 
 

As you can see from the photos, it is a beautiful place to spend your time. The beaches are incredible, the food is outstanding, and the views are unreal. The quiet and peacefulness is exactly what we love about visiting St. John. It’s the perfect place to be able to get away, relax, and unplug. It’s not called “Love Island" for nothing! 

In the mid-1950s Laurance Rockefeller donated his vast land holdings to the United States National Park Service. Due to this donation, 60% of the island is protected from further development. This also includes most of the beaches and coral reefs, which is another reason we love St. John so much. It’s not over-saturated, allowing the natural beauty of the island to remain as it is. The existing nature and ecosystem, which makes the island such a desired place to visit,  will not be ruined by continued development. It lets you feel as if you are far away from the hustle and bustle and still having all the comforts of home. 

Now, it is a chore to get from where we live in Vermont to basically anywhere, but St. John is quite the adventure. Our travel includes catching two planes, three shuttle rides, and even a water taxi to get to our final destination. Once we reach the actual island of St. John we then have to get our rental car and drive up the winding roads to get to our home.

Needless to say, this makes for a long travel day and that's only if you end up making every connection. Which this year, we did not do. Honestly, it seems like every year we deal with some kind of delay or change in plans. Everyone in our family says I jinx it by stressing too much. Note to self, you have no control over this. So I need to stop stressing about it. I need to try that next year. 

This year really was the winner though for our most difficult experience of getting to St. John. To start, we woke up at 2 AM to drive an hour to Burlington to catch our first flight at 6 AM. The plane was delayed because a flight attendant called out sick. Which was okay, that kind of thing happens all the time. No big deal, right? This meant we could not catch our connecting flight in Charlotte, NC, so we had to spend the night, which was fine. We booked a hotel room, had a nice dinner and went to sleep early. The following day we woke up well rested for our flight to St. Thomas. Everything was going great, we boarded our plane and then we were told that due to mechanical problems with the plane everyone had to get off!  So we were delayed another six hours while they found a new plane with a new crew.  At this point, we were like “come on, really!” Once we landed we had to take a taxi to our water taxi. It was now 10 PM. So off we go in the boat,  in the dark and in very rough seas. I was holding on for dear life. Finally, when we arrived our rental car wasn’t there, so we had to hunt down our driver who was so kind and stayed working so late to take care of us.  By the time we got to our house, it was close to midnight. What a trip! It took us about 42 hours to get there, but no one said getting to paradise was easy! 

Once we arrived Vince and I popped a bottle of champagne took in the warm island breeze and enjoyed that fresh ocean smell. Then we slept for about 10 hours!

 Our winters are extremely long and very cold in Vermont. So by the time March rolls around, we are more than ready to leave the frigid cold of the East Coast and head somewhere warm and sunny. St. John is that place for us, and the strenuous travel is all worth it once we get there! 
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So our days were filled with early mornins at the beach, Trunk Bay being one of our favorite this year. Getting there at 8:30 AM and having that beautiful beach all to ourselves was amazing. Lazy mornings were filled with swimming in that magnificent ocean, reading, walking the beach and just relaxing. If you are able to wake up early that is the best time for the beach. You feel as if you are on your own private island. I know waking up on vacation is not what most people like to do, but that’s why God invented naps, which we did a lot. That sun and relaxing beach smell just puts you right to sleep. 

Maho Bay is the beach we normally would go to in previous years. This year when we got our first look, we couldn’t believe the destruction. All of the lush greenery and foliage that were on the beach was completely gone. The beautiful palm trees that hung over the beach were no more. It was heartbreaking. This beach is wonderful for snorkeling with turtles and the water is shallow and calm. It’s also one of the favorite beaches for the locals. Hopefully next year Maho will be looking healthier.

Driving in St. John is, well, different. They drive on the left side of the road and that can be tricky to get use to. Also, all roads are one way in each direction and they can be quite narrow and very hilly. I'm just going to say it, Vince does all the driving!

Having time alone is so important for us. No phones, no TV, and just a few good books that we passed back and forth was all we needed. When we vacation, we're not the type that plans activities each day and just go, go, go. We like to relax, take each day as it comes and just go with the flow. We both like to come home from vacation well rested and ready to get back to the all that needs doing in the real world!

Now for the food. Obviously there is an abundance of fresh fish. This year we went out for lunch/dinner more often than we usually do. We found three restaurants that we fell in love with, each with their own special style. I'll put the links for these restaurants below. This year from what we were told, those living and working on the island were very surprised and incredibly happy with the amount of tourist that arrived. That being the case, I don't think the food markets were ready for the crowd. As soon as food was stacked on the shelves, it was gone just as fast. This made us try more local restaurants and we were so happy that we did.  Here are a few of our favorites places to dine. 

​First, the Greengos Cantina was by far our favorite restaurants. It was great for a late lunch after spending the morning at the beach. It also has outdoor seating and is in a central location with parking, which is hard to come by in St. John. Yes, the food was to die for! So fresh, so good, it was fabulous! The freshest nachos, the tastiest shrimp tacos, and Cadillac Margaritas were our go to.  I also highly recommend their MexicanStreet Corn, Mango Chili Shrimp, and their freshly made guacamole & salsa. I’m not exaggerating when I say we ate there almost daily. It was that good. Honestly, I could go for that shrimp taco right about now!

The Extra Virgin Bistro was another spot that we enjoyed several times on this trip. With an Italian menu and their own roof top garden this was a wonderful place to spend a few hours and enjoy some incredible food. The “catch of the day” was often our first choice to order. Their crab cakes and appetizers were also wonderful. I'm so hungry right now!

The Terrace restaurant was another one of our favorites. The location is stunning and outdoor seating gives you some of the best views and sunsets you could ask for. This is a French influenced restaurant and again, fish was in abundance on the menu. Whatever the daily catch was, that's what we ordered. 

So where do we stay in St. John? Right now a few of the larger resorts are still closed or just partially open. Caneel Bay is unfortunately still very devastated. The Westin is open but they are still doing construction and maintenance from the storm. 

We have always rented a home through a company called “Catered To”.  They have a great selection of villas for rent. They have been in this business for a long time, so they know how to make our stay very easy and special! There is nothing too small or too big for them to take care of. Tyler, who owns “Catered To” and his staff are incredible. Their company name is perfect because they really do cater to your every need. They can setup a chef made a meal delivery service. You can request certain meals you want before you arrive and they will bring it right to your house.  Meals are freshly made and well prepared just for you. It is nowhere close to takeout. They can also stock your refrigerator with food for your arrival, which came in very handy this year! Since we have used “Catered To” for planning all of our trips to St. John for the past 18 years, it feels like going home and seeing family.

St. John is one of the most amazing places to visit. But even with all this beauty, sunshine, relaxation, and great people we are always homesick toward the end of vacation. That's a good thing though! Paradise is wonderful, but eventually home is where you want to be. We missed our dog Buddy, sleeping in our own bed, and our girls. But mostly, we missed Buddy! 

Like Dorothy Gale says "There's no place like home".

Hi Everyone! A few of you requested a blog post about what makeup you can wear to the gym. I thought this was an excellent idea for a post, so let's get started!

 *Disclaimer: If you are strongly opposed to wearing makeup while working out then this article is not for you. I completely understand the reason behind not wanting to wear makeup at the gym, but I would also like there to be no judgment passed on those who do want to wear makeup while working out. 

I know there are those out there who are like “makeup at the gym, no way, you need to sweat at the gym”. Well, I work out pretty hard at the gym, believe me, and my trainer Charlotte Brynn makes sure I'm sweating! But I also wear makeup while working out. I wear makeup to go to the mailbox. I wear makeup to run errands. 

I. Wear. Makeup. Period! 
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I'm not saying I need a full contoured face to leave my house. I just feel better with a little coverup and some mascara on. So for those of you out there who feel like me, here are some of the products I wear when I’m busting out a tough workout. 
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First of all, no matter what makeup I wear or for what occasion, I always make sure I moisturize. I don’t like to put heavy moisturizing cream on but I always put a moisturizing serum on my skin. My two favorites that I wear every day are both from Drunk Elephant called "The B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum" and "C-Firma Day Serum". I’ve mentioned their products in a few other posts, but that's because its a quality brand that works! Really well.

You can use either one under your makeup on a daily basis. I like combining the two at the same time, especially in the winter. The Vitamin C serum brightens the skin and makes it look healthy during these brutally cold winters. Used together your skin receives great hydration without a heavy cream feeling. On a side note, I keep both of these products (along with whatever eye cream I have) in the refrigerator to keep them nice and cool. This makes your skin feel so good upon application.
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​The B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum 
This serum is so hydrating but also incredibly lightweight! It's perfect for underneath your makeup. It will continue to hydrate throughout, while also not leaving you with that oily feeling. This is really important if you’re kicking butt in the gym.
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C-Firma Day Serum
You can use this alone or as I prefer to use it, combined with the B-Hydra Serum. So along with the brightening effects of Vitamin C, you also receive a big boost of hydration. 
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Now that your skin is hydrated and ready for your foundation here is what I use to make my skin look healthy. Since I’m only going to the gym, there isn’t all the contouring, highlighting, full coverage foundation, eyeshadow thing happening. This is just a routine that will make your skin look fresh and healthy. That’s why I think its really important to start off with good skin hydration so just a light touch of foundation is all you’ll need.

​My favorite foundation for the gym is Dior Airflash Spray Foundation. Yes, it’s a bit pricey but I will tell you it last a very long time. Since it is a spray it is super light on the skin but gives you amazing coverage. The way I apply to my face is spraying the foundation directly onto a flat Kabuki brush, 2 or 3 short sprays are enough for one side of your face. It feels like nothing on the skin but gives you super nice coverage.
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​If you think foundation is too heavy to wear to the gym another way to lightly cover your skin is with Tarte Shape Tape Concealer. I use this only on the areas that I need to cover. Such as under the eyes to get rid of those dark bags. I then blend it in with a damp beauty blender. This is a really fast, quick way to get out the door without too much fuss. Covers the skin beautifully and it’s America’s #1 concealer. This is that product that I would name on my must-have list!

​If you want an even lighter coverage than foundation or concealer can offer a good CC Cream is the best product for you! CC Creams are different from foundations because they are lighter wear. Also, they will easily color correct any redness or dark spots while hydrating your skin at the same time. What I would suggest is the "It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream With SPF 50+" which has a long-lasting effect great for the gym. "Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream" is another one I've heard great things about, but I have never personally used it before. 
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To set my makeup I use "Bye-Bye Pores Pressed Powder". It’s super light, translucent and covers pores, giving you an airbrushed finish. I just use a big fluffy brush to apply all over my skin. Easy as that!

​Now on to the eyes. Just a really simple mascara like "Benefit Roller Lash Curling and Lifting Mascara" is all you need. It does all the work for you. Curls and lifts your lashes, giving you a nice fresh, wide-eyed look, and one coat is all you need. Really simple and one of my favorite mascaras out there.

Now here’s what I think is the most important step. A setting spray. My all time favorite that I’ve used for years is "Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray". I use this product whenever I do my makeup. I feel it truly makes a difference in keeping your makeup in place and making it last for hours. I can leave the gym after a super intense workout and my makeup still looks as perfect as it did when I applied it. All you need to do is hold the spray about 12 inches from your face and spray all over. This may sound like you’re ruining everything you just did but that fine mist that lays on your skin will set and hold your makeup for hours. I know for some of you this might be a new step in your routine but try it. You will not be disappointed. After spraying just let it dry for a minute and you’re ready to go.

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I hope this post had some helpful tips for everyone. This routine should really only take about 15 minutes to do. It’s easy, fast and you’ll end up with healthy, fresh looking skin. So hit the gym ladies looking FAB and let me know in the comments what you think. Don’t forget to drink lots of water at the gym and throughout the day. It keeps you hydrated but is also one of the best things you can do for your skin. Remember this blog is for all of you so keep those questions coming and we’ll be working on getting you the answers!

What is the most important item to remove from my diet for wellness?
You guessed it – SUGAR!
Sugar was once called “white death”!
 
I know, I know, you have heard this over and over again, but the reality:  
Sugar is making us sicker and sicker.  
  
The Avg. American consumes appx. 152 pounds of sugar in 1 year = 6 CUPS per Week!
 
70% of adults are overweight
40% of children are overweight
 
Consequences of sugar intake:  

• Cardiovascular disease
• Type 2 diabetes (this is a lifestyle disease)
• Depletion of minerals (eg: magnesium), enzymes, and vitamins
• Brain Degeneration

And more…
 
Looking for hidden sugars is one step forward to decreasing sugar intake. Start looking at the foods you are eating which have labels such as those yummy power bars or snacks at the checkout. Loaded with sugar! Also, are you eating a cereal that “looks healthy”, what about ketchup? Read the labels, you will be surprised! It's also a great idea to go through your pantry and read the labels on all your products. It's pretty surprising to find how many dressings, condiments, canned goods, tend to have a high percentage of sugar. Even when you feel you are eating clean those hidden sugars will slip you up."  
 
What can I substitute for the sugary snacks? Try adding nuts/seeds and an apple for a snack instead and don’t forget more veggies. What can I substitute for processed sugar? Local honey, maple syrup.  
 
Just one small change is one step forward toward success!

Hi! My name is Paige Kelly and I have worked in the healthcare field for over two decades. I graduated from the University of New Orleans and later returned for postbaccaulaureate work in Biology. I ended up graduating with honors from New York Chiropractic College, receiving a Masters of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition.

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

I am 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 am able to help you begin your new journey toward optimal health.
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Be kind to yourself,


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

Hi Everyone! If you have been following me on Instagram or Facebook you have noticed that my husband and I have been away on vacation. St. John is one of our favorite tropical places to visit. We haven't been out there since they had the big hurricane over a year ago and I'm delighted to say that the area has recovered well. There is some still noticeable damage. Especially, visiting some of our regular beach spots, which use to be filled with greenery and palm trees is now bare. But I'm happy to say the town itself looks like nothing ever happened. 

As for our vacation, we have been going to St. John for years. Each time we visit we extend our stay because we love it so much! This year we decided to stay for a whole month. We time it so that we leave at the end of February and come back April 1st. It really is perfect timing. Anyone who lives in Vermont or the East Coast in general February is when the winter becomes unbearable. It gets to the point where we forget what warm weather even feels like. So we typically come back home when Spring is just beginning and the last bit of snow is done with. 

I wanted to share some of my favorite dresses I got from Free People just for this trip. I bought these three beautiful dresses just before I left thinking they would all still be available but of course two of them are sold out. I guess that just says they are so popular because they are that great! Anyways, here are the dresses and some other similar options Free People currently have available. 
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This dress definitely gives be Italian Street Fashion Feels, even though I'm 100% Irish:) This Free People dress is called the "​Gaia Fitted Midi Dress" which is sold out as of right now. 

Free People has another dress that is a very close style called the "​Tibitha Midi Dress" for $88. 

Baby blue is my color, but besides that this dress is just flowy and comfortable. You can find this dress on Brixleyisle.com for $118, hurry while it's still available. 

​Free People also offers a similar style called the ​"Let’s Get Lost Midi Dress" for $108.

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I'm obsessed with Free People's "Heart This Midi Dress" for $108, CURRENTLY STILL AVAILABLE


Each of these three dresses are perfect for vacation or even for Spring which is right around the corner. They are all comfortable and stylish. They can be worn lounging or for a night out. Either way Free People delivers once again! Follow me on social media to check out the rest of our vacation:) 

Hi Everyone! Here is my third and final Health & Fitness video for this series, which I filmed with my trainer and good friend Charlotte Brynn. If you haven’t watched our first 2 videos you can find the links below. 

#1 Health & Fitness with Charlotte Brynn - Expert Video
#2 Health & Fitness with Charlotte Brynn, Month 2 - Expert Video​
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In the first video we cover tips on how to get started if you’re new to working out, as well as a first month plan to get yourself ready! In the 2nd video we add some strength training exercises that you should incorporate during that second month. We demonstrate a 6 part workout routine you can do from the comfort of your home. 

This final video we go over some of the workouts I am currently doing. These are a little more advanced. Since I have been working out with Charlotte for about 5 years now I definitely had to build up my strength to get to where I am today. If you are someone who is more advanced hopefully you can incorporate these workouts into your own routine. 

To get the PDF version for this video check out the link below. Let me know in the comment section what you guys think or if you come across any issues when trying to download the PDF. Hope you enjoy:) 

Hi! Before I get right into my first monthly post I wanted to introduce myself and give everyone some background information about myself. My name is Paige Kelly and I have worked in the healthcare field for over two decades. I graduated from the University of New Orleans and later returned for postbaccaulaureate work in Biology. I ended up graduating with honors from New York Chiropractic College, receiving a Masters of Science in Applied Clinical Nutrition.

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

I am 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 am able to help you begin your new journey toward optimal health.

In my first post I wanted to go over some of the most common questions I receive from new patients:
​
Q: Why is weight loss later in life, such a challenge?

A: Weight loss and Diet – for women a lot of negative emotions, expectations, and stress come with these two words.  Re-thinking the approach to your body is the first step to optimal wellness, see how I did that – not diet and weight loss – but OPTIMAL WELLNESS.
In life, we have 3 Cycles of life in years:

• 1-30   
• 30-60
• 60-90

We cannot expect our bodies to function or look the same as they did in our twenties when we are 30-60 years or 60-90 years old as our hormones are different, body chemistry shifts, and our life experiences shape our wellbeing (which can be an awesome asset!).  What years are you currently living in? Are you placing demands on your body to lose weight, but may not understand the underlying reasons for achieving your optimal wellness goal?

Q: Why is optimal wellness a challenge?

A: Here are some of the reasons you might be struggling with your optimal wellness. This can include skin issues, weight loss, and even organ functions. Some might seem obvious. But take a good hard look at your lifestyle and choices when reading over this list. You might find a few that you could improve on. 

• SUGAR
• Food Sensitivities - you might be unaware of a certain food sensitivity until you get tested. In these cases keep in mind when you have an upset stomach or any other symptoms when eating certain foods. It’s helpful to keep a food journal to keep track. 
• Trans Fats from processed food 
• Equal, Splenda, sweet n low, diet drinks/foods – can make you gain weight
• Eating low fat – eating healthy fats do not make you fat!
• DNA – your genetic makeup
• Environmental toxins – makeup, lotions, or gas fumes. 
• Emotional, Mental, and Physical Stress
• Not consuming enough fresh vegetables
• Dehydrated – how much water do you really drink?
• Underlying health challenges
• Nutrient deficiencies from pharmaceuticals, poor diet, poor digestion, GERD, Thyroid conditions, diabetes, and many more.

Over the next few weeks, consider shifting your perspective from Diet/Weight loss to Nourish/Optimal Wellness.  

Keep it Simple:  

• Drink approximately  ½ your body weight in water.   Urine should remain a light yellow – the color of lemonade.  Majority of people are chronically dehydrated!
• Remove any fake sugars from your diet – research has shown that these fake sugars can cause a decrease in stomach health and weight gain.

I hope my first blog post was helpful! If you would like me to focus on any specific topic please feel free to let me know in the comment section. 

Be kind to yourself,

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

Hi Everyone! Here is my second video (of a 3 part video series) with my trainer and good friend Charlotte Brynn. If you haven’t watched our first video you should check it out. In that video we cover tips on how to get started if you’re new to working out, as well as a first month plan to get yourself ready! 

In this video we add some strength training exercises that you should incorporate during that second month. We demonstrate a 6 part workout routine you can do from the comfort of your home. 

To get the PDF version for month #2 check out the link below. Let me know in the comment section if you are unable to download it. 

Hi Everyone! I'm really excited to publish the first installment of a 3 part video series with my trainer, and good friend, Charlotte Brynn!! Charlotte is one of the experts I wanted to collaborate with for my blog. If you have been following along you will see that I make it a priority to give you expert advice for some specific topics. I enjoy giving everyone my perspective and sharing my experiences, but hearing from someone who does have expertise is twice as valuable. Charlotte is definitely one of those people! 

She has over 30 years experience within the health and fitness field and devotes most of her time helping others improving their health. Charlotte has a very impressive background, which she does cover in the video above. She is currently the Executive Director of TSH Non- Profit Community Pool & Fitness Center in Stowe, VT. This is where we have our training sessions, and it's an amazing local establishment. ​Charlotte also has a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Otago University in New Zealand. Plus, she is a certified swim instructor, swim coach, personal trainer, and a group fitness instructor.

When I started working out with Charlotte I never thought it would be such a life-changing decision. I look back on pictures and I can barely recognize myself. As you can see from the pictures above I have made some major strides, but it definitely didn't happen overnight. I have personally been working out with Charlotte for over 5 years now, and it has been a wonderful experience all around. I always hated working out, and sometimes still do, but Charlotte knows how to motivate me and make it fun. 

The key is consistency! By uploading these pictures of myself I hope it helps motivate some of you if you're feeling uneasy about where to begin. It's not easy for me to look at these pictures either, but it is a great reminder of how far I have come. 

For our first video, we wanted to sit down and answer the most popular questions I have received about weight gain in relation to menopause. We will also be giving you ladies tips on how to get started as well as workouts for when you start to progress. In this video, we will cover the first month of where to begin, but first, we suggest you consult your doctor before starting any new program. Below I have attached a downloadable PDF covering the first month's plan and some key points we review in our interview. Please notify me in the comment section if you are having trouble with downloading the document below:)

Hi Everyone! I want to start off by saying how blown away I am by the response from the first “CAN WE TALK” post. When I started this blog I did state that I felt that social media, or society in general, was not looking at the issues of women who are of a certain age. I can see that there are so many women who felt the same way! When I was checking the comments every day I could not get over the positive response. There was not one negative comment out there. I also loved reading all the questions and subjects women wanted to talk about.

It’s incredible when you start a conversation and begin to have feedback, realizing that you are not alone in your thoughts. So THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to read, like the post, and give me your thoughts and/or feelings. It’s so empowering to know that we can start our own group and feel comfortable enough to discuss anything. I hope it continues and more of you comment to let me know topics you want to address. That is what is driving the discussions we’ll have. I will provide answers to all of your questions based on my personal knowledge along with extensive research of trial and error on my part. I will never suggest a product or procedure that I have not personally used.

Now let's get right into it! I would say one of the most popular topics women were talking about was gaining weight during and after menopause. My feelings were confirmed by all of you who said:
            “I’m gaining weight for no reason”, or 
            “I’m doing everything I can and just can’t lose weight, especially in the midsection”. 
So that’s the first thing we’re going to really get into and talk about for our follow up. 

The reason I want to start with this topic is that menopause affects essentially every woman’s weight. At the very least women will see some kind of change in their body type. So, I want to take an in-depth look at this subject. I also personally feel like looking your best makes you feel your best.

I was doing research on why weight gain happens during this stage in a woman’s life. What I kept reading was that menopause does not make you gain weight. Everything said that you just need to watch your diet and exercise more, which is definitely part of the solution. To read this over and over again was so frustrating for me to see. It goes back to that feeling that most women have throughout their lives, that this is all my fault. Which is commonly reinforced through society and the male perspective. Honestly, my doctor even said this to me at one point, but it really just comes down to a lack of knowledge on the subject. Mostly due to the faux pas of discussing menopause openly. 

Gaining weight during and after menopause is a real thing and it’s not your fault! Menopause does make you gain weight due to the change with your hormones. The fact that women lose estrogen during this stage in life will trigger the change in your body, especially in your midsection. This means you have to re-evaluate some of your eating habits as well as trying to incorporate more exercise into your routine. For any woman going through menopause, you have to tweak your diet. This doesn’t mean you are eating unhealthy by any means. It just means your body is reacting differently to certain foods during this time than it did previously. Strength training during menopause is also very helpful for many reasons, such as preventing osteoporosis. But, these are not the only things you should be doing. 

Going to your doctor and getting on the right plan for you will really help balance your system.  Whether it be a natural plan or HRT therapy, find out what is right for you. 

For me, the first two years of going through menopause were, simply put, miserable. I was extremely depressed and uncomfortable in my own skin. I ended up gaining about 25lbs and it took a lot for me to start actively dealing with menopause in a healthy way. I first went to my doctor and started HRT, hormone replacement therapy. This might not be the avenue some women want to go down, but as I stated previously there are other natural options as well. After this, I began changing small things within my diet such as cutting out wine with dinner every night. When I lost the first ten pounds that's when I signed myself up for the gym. It took me about five years of working out to get me to where I am today. But, once you see even a little change it will keep motivating you to continue. 

I recently began seeing a nutritionist here in Vermont. One of my reasons for seeing her was because my immune system was really being taxed. After we got home from our vacation to Italy I was sick with the flu for over two weeks. I was getting sick every time I traveled and it seemed to just get worse and worse. Also, I was ready to stop taking estrogen and progesterone and wanted to work with someone to keep myself healthy during that transition. My nutritionist's name is Paige Kelly, MSACN, who has worked in the health care field for over two decades. She has been a breath of fresh air because she is able to give me real nutritional solutions and reasons for the problems most women face. Since I always want to share expert advice with all of you, as well as my personal choices, I decided to ask Paige to collaborate with my blog for a monthly article. When I talked to her about the subject of gaining weight during/after menopause here is just a bit of information that she gave me.

“Q: I seem to be eating properly, so why do I have such a difficult time with weight loss?  

A: It may not be what you are consuming, but subtle clues from the inside out. Did you know that “inner tube” around the waist that decides to join the body during menopause can be a sign of adrenal stress?

This is one component of our endocrine system which is often overlooked as a reason for weight challenges, but is ALWAYS overtaxed and can be a cause of excess weight around the middle. 

Let’s explore this possibility and many others when you join us in 2019 to gather tips on why you may be running into roadblocks to obtaining your goals and optimal wellness.  

Until then try to make good choices such as including protein and fat with each meal, one less dessert, one less drink, to minimize suffering when you begin your weight loss plan”       - Paige Kelly, MSACN
 
Having Paige join our community is so special, and once again goes back to my original idea of women supporting women. Again, this just makes me feel so proud to be a part of something that I know will help other women going through the same experiences. 

Another expert we are going to bring onboard is my trainer, Charlotte Brynn, who I have been working out with for the last fives years. Charlotte is the Executive Director of the Swimming Hole, which is where I workout and swim in Stowe. She has been teaching, coaching, and mentoring for the past 30 years. You’ll find out more about her when we post her first video. I credit her with making me strong, fit, and confident in my ability to always push myself. This month we will be posting three videos with Charlotte. Our first video will be an interview with her and talking about how to get started. In the other two videos, we will demonstrate a basic beginner workout we came up with, and a more advanced workout as well. The workout video will come with a PDF of each workout, which might be easier for some to follow.

As I’ve said, getting into the gym was a big change I made in my life. I was not someone who was into working out, EVER! This was a real game-changer for me mentally and drove me to try other things out of my comfort zone. That was when I learned to swim. This also became a social experience for my husband and I. We found so many friends at the gym who became great friends in our personal lives. 

Since I started working on this blog, which my daughter and I started in May, I’ve been busier than usual. Unfortunately, this means I wasn’t making it to the gym as often as I should. Due to this, I could see my body starting to change and put on weight. This taught me was that yes, the gym does work in keeping weight off. Plus, making me feel good along with giving me more energy.  So, for the new year, I am going to get back into the gym and the pool more often. It’s always important to make time for yourself, which as women we sometimes forget to do. We have a tendency to take care of everyone else in our lives first and maybe think about ourselves last. Making your needs and your health just as important as everyone else’s in your life is something I think we can all work on.

I am again excited to share the expert information that these women are willing to give. I hope that you’ll be just as excited to follow along. I’ve been lucky enough to find people who are talented at what they do. It makes changing things in your life a bit easier. If you’re working with someone who loves their job that in return will impart some of that love and enthusiasm to you.

My feeling has always been that there is an answer to every problem. You may not always like the answer but there is an answer!! Stepping outside your box is scary but believe me, it will make you feel great about yourself once you accomplish it. It won’t always be easy, and sometimes you may fail, but keep at it and you’ll love yourself at the end for just sticking with it. 

There are so many other things we’re going to cover in 2019 based on your requests. I got a ton of comments about skin care and what I personally do to care for my skin. Let me just say I do a lot!! First, I consistently change up my skincare routine and the products I use. I will continue to share all my regimes with you ladies throughout the year. I’ve also been very transparent about getting botox and fillers. I even posted a video of me getting Botox. 

Another way I take care of my skin is always using sunscreen if I’m in the sun. If I’m at the beach it’s a big hat and bigger sunnies. Growing up in Philadelphia our vacations were always at the Jersey Shore. So from a young child, all the way through to my 40’s I was a big sun worshipper. That ended after a very bad burn on my face, which resulted in my skin becoming a mess. With all the products and tools that are out now, you can correct sun-damaged skin and make it healthy again. We’ll discuss all of that along with going to a Medical Spa to talk about laser treatments. It’s amazing what laser treatments can do to help with all different skin issues. 

One idea I decided to start this year is “Glowing Skin with Mrs. Stafford”. This will be a monthly post in which we ask all of you to share your skin issues for me to answer. Since each individual has unique skin I thought this would be the most effective way to approach the subject of skincare.

We have so much in store and I can't wait to share with you what we’ve been working on. Again, I would love to hear your comments and what you are interested in since this blog is for all of you. So PLEASE keep those comments coming!

Happy 2019 to all of you and cheers to making the Mrs. Stafford community a great place to be!