A Healthy Start: How Turning 30 Helped Me Change My Morning Routine

KatWalkSF 9 Comments

Easy Breakfast - Honey Bunches of Oats

As some of you may know I turned 30 on August 25th this year.

And with that big milestone birthday in mind, I decided to create some goals for my 30-year-old self. These goals included paying off my credit card debt (almost there), eliminating toxic people from my life (easier said than done) and to get healthy!

So, these goals are not easy and led me to make some big life changes. No credit card debt means no shopping and trying to figure out how to get 1500 dollars fast before I spend it on clothes and makeup, getting rid of toxic people drastically reduced my social life…but hey that helped me get healthy!

Another important aspect of overall health is taking care of our nails and skin. Neglecting these areas can lead to uncomfortable and unsightly issues like toenail fungus, itching, and foul smells. That’s why I decided to try out Kerassentials Oil, after reading their Kerassentials Oil Review. It is a product that promises to support the health of nails and skin with natural ingredients. After using it for a few weeks, I can say that I am impressed with the results. My toenails look and feel healthier, and I haven’t experienced any of the unpleasant symptoms I was dealing with before. It’s a small step, but taking care of my nails and skin is just another way I am prioritizing my overall well-being during this time of big life changes.

So to kick off my health push I decided to participate (and create?) Sober September, yep no booze for me. And while kicking the booze I am heading back to the gym and making a conscious effort to monitor just what I am putting in my mouth. I also recommend men to take note of the information given on numan to maintain their health.
Easy Breakfast - Honey Bunches of Oats

So, to kick off my healthy September I made a quick + easy Honey Bunches of Oats® breakfast parfait. I normally start my day with a coffee and my laptop, so this was a welcome addition to my diet and morning routine. The parfait was super easy to make and consisted of simply what I had in my fridge and pantry:

Greek Yogurt

Honey Bunches of Oats®

Raspberries

Honey (found some DELICIOUS local honey in my pantry)

Mint (because I want my shit to look fancy)

I layered the ingredients in a stemless wine glass (because Pinterest told me to), sat on my patio and enjoyed my morning with my dog and the September Vanity Fair issue. Not only was this a welcome change to my normally chaotic morning routine, I started the day with a ton of energy and a positive attitude…maybe chugging coffee, checking emails and watching the news isn’t the best way to start your day.

When did I become so wise?

Easy Breakfast - Honey Bunches of Oats

Easy Breakfast - Honey Bunches of Oats

Easy Breakfast - Honey Bunches of Oats

Download a coupon here and try Honey Bunches of Oats® cereal for yourself!

Maybe you will end up as wise as me.

Photos by Garry Alexander

Beauty: Skincare Chat With Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant

KatWalkSF 2 Comments

Dove Advanced Care Deodorant

Turning 30 has brought on a lot of changes in my daily routine. I kicked off the month of September with all the healthy habits. I cut out booze for the entire month, I’m back at the gym (almost 5x per week) and I am making time in my daily routine to take care of my skin. For unwanted hair removal one could navigate to these guys and to choose and get contour redefinition done, click here.

Skincare can be easily overlooked, but it’s never too late to make it a priority. As I entered my thirties, I realized the importance of taking care of my skin, and that’s when I discovered the transformative power of bareLUXE products. Previously, I had been careless with my skin and only thought about applying eye cream or sunscreen occasionally. However, after learning about the benefits of using products from www.bareluxe.ca, I am now committed to a comprehensive skincare routine. In an interview with the esteemed Dermatologist, Dr. Alicia Barba, she shared invaluable tips on using bareLUXE products that are beneficial for people of all ages.

Dove Advanced Care Deodorant

Dove Advanced Care Deodorant

When should we put antiperspirant on? First thing in the morning? After the gym? Shower? At night?

You can put your antiperspirant on at any time of the day that is most convenient for you. If you have sensitive skin after shaving, it’s ideal to shave in the evening, and apply antiperspirant in the morning after your skin has had a chance to recover overnight. You can also look into a fragrance-free antiperspirant for sensitive skin that has moisturizers, which can be gentler on recently shaved skin. I recommend Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant because it offers 48 hour protection plus added skincare benefits with its NutriumMoisture formula.

What are some harmful ingredients that we should avoid?

While there has been speculation about ingredients within antiperspirants and deodorants, research and independent studies have not shown any health or safety concerns associated with the use of these products. Manufacturers and regulatory bodies, including the Food & Drug Administration (FDA), rigorously assess antiperspirants and deodorants to ensure their products meet strict safety standards before they are made available to the public.

Is there a specific amount of time that you should wait between showering/shaving and applying antiperspirant?

As mentioned above, if you have sensitive skin after shaving, it’s ideal to shave in the evening, and apply antiperspirant in the morning after your skin has had a chance to recover overnight. Be careful with stinging of the underarms with products after aggressive shaving. Deodorant/Antiperspirants should not sting. If this is happening, use one formulated for sensitive skin or cut down on the shaving a bit. Most women do not need to shave their underarms every day. One can click for more info on making their skin better to feel more confident.

Should you exfoliate your armpits?

Be careful with exfoliating your armpits. This skin is very sensitive and under a lot of frictional stress already. Over exfoliating may make this area more sensitive and susceptible to rashes and darkening. I would caution against using scrubs here.

Dove Advanced Care Deodorant

Well, there you have it. I can now add skincare to the completed side of my 30-year-old checklist.

This post was sponsored by Dove + Simply Stylist but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

 

 

 

 

RELAX: With Burke Williams – San Francisco Centre

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Burke Williams - Ayurveda TreatmentsThe last place you would think to go to relax would be the mall…

Right?

But, one of the best-kept secrets in San Francisco is that one of our best day spas lives in the Westfield San Francisco Centre.

The San Francisco Burke Williams pays homage to Paris with its striking black and white décor and “Parisienne Fantasy” theme (as seen on my Instagram). It is one of their largest and most luxurious facilities (trust me). I would splurge for a treatment just to spend an afternoon in this facility (think hot tub, steam room and sauna).

Burke Williams - Ayurveda Treatments

I was treated to a very special afternoon at Burke Williams this month as they introduced Ayurvedic body treatments to their list of services. Walking into the spa I had ZERO idea what Ayurvedic medicine was…but lucky for me the team at Burke Williams walked me through the treatment and ensured that I left probably the most relaxed I have ever been in my ENTIRE life.

The Ayurvedic body treatments use traditional herbal blends and warm aromatherapeutic essential oils. These time-honored Ayurvedic body treatments will calm the mind, balance the three doshas and create a profound sense of bliss and contentment. This practice of Ayurvedic medicine has been in existence for over 5,000 years and judging from my treatment it will be around for another 5,000.

Check out the three Ayurvedic treatments offered at Burke Williams:

SHIRODHARA “Head-flow” – Profound – Flowing – Clarity

This deeply soothing traditional Ayurvedic treatment calms the central nervous system and integrates the mind and body to achieve a heightened state of awareness, relaxation, and contentment. The treatment begins with selecting the herbal massage oil specific to the mind-body constitution, or dosha. Guests will be expertly massaged with the warm herbal oil ending with the Shirodhara, a constant and gentle stream of oil poured over the third eye to create a profound state of happiness and mental clarity. 

ANANDA “Bliss” – Rhythmic – Hydrating – Vitality

Traditional Ayurvedic practice focuses on the 5 energy channels of the head, feet and hands. Ayurvedic herbs are applied to the five points followed by a nourishing, rhythmic flowing massage with heated therapeutic oils. Special emphasis is placed on the Marma points, the vital energy points that move electromagnetic energy through the body. Finally, the traditional Ayurvedic Balancing Bowl is used on the feet to balance the doshas and remove excess heat or energy from the body.

BALANCING BOWL ENHANCEMENT “Balance” – Realign – Uplifting – Peace

Made from three of earth’s metals, the Balancing Bowl contains specific properties to balance vital subtle energies within the body. Addressing the needs of the three doshas, silver balances Pitta, copper balances Kapha and brass balances Vata.  Performed with any of our massage treatments, this Ayurvedic enhancement will leave the guest relaxed with a profound sense of contentment.

Burke Williams - Ayurveda Treatments

The Burke Williams spa is an absolute treat in the heart of one of my favorite places to shop in San Francisco. Check it out for a relaxing afternoon alone or a day with the girls at the spa.

It is a San Francisco spa day must!

Friday Forecast: Real-Life Cinderella Shoes

KatWalkSF 1 Comment

Public Desire - Clear Booties

Clear plastic and lucite shoes are popping up on the feet of every fashionista.

This shoe trend is a little odd and probably VERY uncomfortable – but I’m into it.

Maybe I didn’t play enough dress-up enough as a kid (Thanks, Mom), maybe I just want to take all the shoe inspiration this season from Kim and Kanye – I don’t know.

I just snagged these booties from clear shoe master, Public Desire. These bad boys have a glimmering heel and serious attitude with a completely see through upper and a peep-toe that will hopefully keep my toes free to wiggle.

Will you be wearing clear heels this season?

Check out some of my favorite styles below:

Santana Row – Street Style

KatWalkSF 10 Comments

KatWalkSF - Santana Row - Marissa WebbMy San Francisco street style hit the streets of San Jose this weekend…

But the weather in San Jose does not call for layers, like San Francisco.

The streets of San Jose’s Santana Row are well manicured and much warmer than San Francisco. So the Marissa Webb jacket that I insisted on wearing was a little much for the weather but -it satisfied my itch to get fall fashion going in my wardrobe.

This weekend trip down to San Jose also helped with my serious case of FOMO when it comes to New York Fashion Week.

Am I the only blogger who didn’t attend this year?

And with Marissa Webb and fashion week on my mind, can we take a minute to talk about the Marissa Webb show? Homegirl can do no wrong.

KatWalkSF - Santana Row - Marissa Webb

KatWalkSF - Santana Row - Marissa Webb

KatWalkSF - Santana Row - Marissa Webb

KatWalkSF - Santana Row - Marissa Webb

KatWalkSF - Santana Row - Marissa Webb

What I Wore:

Jacket: Marissa Webb, Erna Hooded Utility Jacket (sold out). Love these two new options from Marissa Webb here + here.

Jeans: Current/Elliott, The Cropped Straight Leg Jean

Shoes: Donald J. Pliner (c/o), Kasper – woven and metallic kid leather bootie

Sunglasses: Banana Republic, Caitlin Sunglasses

Bag: Alexander Wang, Rocco