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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be kind to yourself,


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here is how to use it:  

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

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

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

PRICE: $26.90 1.33 OZ.

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

Here is how to use it:

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


PRICE: $24.90 1.33 OZ.

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

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

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

Here is how to use it:

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

Here is how to use it:

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

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


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

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

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

Here is how to use it:

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

PRICE: 1.67 OZ. $9.90

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

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

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

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

Here is how to use it:

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

PRICE: $4.90 0.14 OZ.

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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