  Looking for that natural glow? Ditch sunless tanners and utilize the amazing effects of beta-carotene by loading your diet up with carotenoid-rich fruits and veggies! It will take some time to notice the effects of this one, but most people report significant changes when they start consuming higher amounts of the following fruits and vegetables within two weeks. Juicing seems to be one of the most optimal ways to get these nutrients to the upper layers of the skin. What foods are high in carotenoids? ☼ Sweet Potato ☼ Squash ☼ Carrots ☼ Melon ☼ Bell Peppers ☼ Apricots ☼ Papaya The warm orange pigments of these fruit and vegetables actually enhance your skin’s natural color and provide even the most sun-deprived of us with a little extra glow.  How can we best utilize beta-carotenes for our skin? Eating a low fat diet is key to getting vital nutrients, like carotenoids, to the surface layers of our skin. This is because a low fat diet will promote more oxygenation in the blood, allowing nutrients to travel much more deeply into the tissues and organs. Try lowering your fats down just a bit and get loads of these beta carotene rich foods in to glow a little brighter!      When you are healing your skin from acne, sometimes it is actually best to NOT to eat tons of fruit. Especially if you are coming from a high fat diet, like I was, it’s important to take it slow when you are reintroducing these glucose-rich, healing foods.  I say this only from my own experience, as I remember a time when I could could barely eat any fruit without my skin reacting. This response was likely due to an insulin resistance of sorts. I had been eating so many fats (which block glucose) and the sugars couldn’t absorb properly. My goal was to be eating a high carb diet, low in fats. However, it took me some time to get there and to lower the fat that was in my bloodstream and to feel really good eating the way I do now.  So my journey began, looking something like this: ♡ Start my day with lemon water ♡ Eat a banana with some strawberries and celery for breakfast ♡ 1/2 papaya and dates for a snack ♡ Then for the rest of the day I focused on sweet potatoes (I ate sooo many!!) ♡ Eventually I added in lots of potatoes, too! This kind of simplicity worked for me. I know it sounds limited but it was how I created a baseline for myself. Over time when I added in more variety I could easily tell what was affecting my skin and what wasn’t.  Fruit is a TRUE miracle— and as time went on I was able to tolerate more and more. But for a while it was so important for me to give my body time to adjust to the changes. If you are reading this, I know you are probably willing to try anything to help your skin, and you’ve likely been trying to do everything “perfectly” with your chosen lifestyle plan. Trust me, I know that mindset so very well! T one where I am trying to do everything by the book (take all the supplements, herbs, all the foods, do it ALL) thinking if I do it perfectly, I will heal faster.  But for me it was never this way. I have had to learn take it slow and listen to my body. I have introduced powerful supplements and foods little by little. For so many of us, we can not rush this process but we can TRUST our process. What works for you may look completely different than what worked for me when it comes to how much fruit and what fruits I was consuming. Don’t fear experimenting to find what works for you. As many of you know from my Finally Healing Acne guidebook, digestive enzymes can be a powerful way to support your body while you do experiment to find what foods work best for you.  Some general, helpful transition tips when you are coming from a high fat diet: ♡ Focus on keeping your fats very low— this is what will allow you to bring in more and more carbs (like all the fruits!) ♡ If you are in a place of transition, especially coming from a high fat diet, focus on simple fruit meals, and low-glycemic fruits like berries and kiwi and see if that helps you. ♡ Chew your fruits instead of blending them in a smoothie. ♡ Eat your fruits with celery (or cucumber) to balance your blood sugar most optimally. you may find this helps you tolerate fruit much better! ♡ Try cutting out all oils (even coconut oil!) for a while. ♡ Keep track of foods that seem to be working for you and how you are responding to changes. listen to your body first and foremost! Developing this relationship is truly everything.      IT IS SUCH AN HONOR to have Detroit based yoga teacher, Sitara Bird, on the blog today for the Sacred Skin Series! Sitara’s beautiful spirit graces the pages of Instagram influencing thousands. Photos of her active yogi lifestyle and “high vibin’ eats” give us all some major soul candy to swoon on! Her unique sense of style is magnetic— and her tattoos are such a gorgeous extension of that creative, soulful energy she imbibes.   AJ: What was your very first tattoo experience? SB: My first tattoo experience was interesting to say the least. I was 16 years old and had convinced my folks into letting me get a tattoo tinkerbell on my low back. #trampstamp haha! AJ: What inspired you to get more? SB: Probably to make up for my terrible first choice! Jokes aside, I remember someone forewarning me of how addicting tattoos can be and they were absolutely right. Moving forward, I've been happy with my tattoo choices!  AJ: Many of your tattoos are memorable ones. What inspired your flower of life hand tattoo? SB: Moving out of the corporate world to pursue my passion of teaching yoga full time is what inspired this specific piece. In my younger years, I remember being told "you will never find a job with visible tattoos on your body". This was a rebellious, "I broke free from the corporate world" inspired tattoo. Blooming into this journey of becoming a full time teacher. Constant evolution.  AJ:Another memorable tattoo of yours is the moon phases on your arm. What was the inspiration behind this piece? SB: This is a piece my husband and I got together on the Buddha supermoon in 2012. Just prior to heading out to Symbiosis gathering which was held on sacred land in Nevada. Specifically, Pyramid Lake where we had to opportunity to witness the eclipse.  AJ: Have any of the tattoos you’ve gotten helped you overcome an obstacle in your life? SB: Every piece has a specific meaning. Reflecting upon them helps me remember my journey and how far I've come. Especially in those humbling moments when I may question the path I'm on. They offer silent words of encouragement.  AJ: Do you have a favorite tattoo artist that you go to? SB: Yes! His name is Sam Wolf and he works at Signature Tattoo in downtown Ferndale, MI. I love Sam and his work because he isn't heavy handed. By that, I mean, his line work won't bleed and thicken as your skin heals. Some of my pieces by him are nearly ten years old and they still look fresh! AJ:We all know that tattoos can painful—some more than others! What was your most intense tattooing experience? SB: My most intense tattoo experience oddly enough was not my ribs, which everyone warned me about. But rather it was the little bird I have on my left shoulder just above my armpit. Theres a pocket of nerve endings there that had me going! Thankfully, the bird is quite small and only took ten minutes to tattoo.  AJ: How do you view the pain of that experience? What helped you get through it? SB: I have a high threshold for pain which definitely helps assuage the experience. But in moments where the sensation rises, I remind myself that this moment is fleeting. AJ: Do you have any dreams of being tattooed again in the future? SB: Yes! I have been dreaming of getting a piece my the artist @merakilabbe on my outer right thigh. Her art is so dreamy. I would be honored to flaunt her work.  AJ: Do you have a specific aftercare routine that you follow? SB: Wash once a day with a fragrance free soap and keep that baby moisturized! AJ: What advice would you give someone looking to have a more positive, healthy tattoo experience? SB: Swallow your fear and dive right in! Don't let overthinking dissuade you.  Sitara, thank you for taking the time to share your stories behind your tattoos and for inspiring us all to be true to ourselves! You can check Sitara out on Instagram @sitarabird where she shares even more of her inspiring lifestyle and beautiful stories!  RELATED LINKS: Why It Matters What’s In Your Tattoo Ink • How Tattoos Impact Autoimmune Conditions • Tattoos + Regrets      This recipe is not only delicious, it’s nutritious! Sweet Potatoes are loaded with beta carotene, a vital skin healing nutrient. These fries are based off the infamous Medical Medium Sweet Potato Fries, but with a spiced up lil’ twist! When it’s just me, I make these without oil. but today I made a large batch using coconut oil for my family to snack on. This recipe makes 1 batch of fries. INGREDIENTS: 2 large sweet potatoes 2 tsp Frontier Coop Curry Powder 1 tsp Frontier Coop Smoked Paprika 1/2 tsp Bragg’s Sprinkle Spice 1 tsp coconut oil (optional) DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 425° 2. Slice sweet potatoes up into wedges 3. Steam for 5 minutes on the stove 4. Remove from heat, drain water, and add spices + oil to the pan 5. Smother your fries with the spices + oil! 6. Lay them out on a baking sheet (use parchment paper if you are going oil free) 7. Bake for 35 minutes I don’t usually flip mine half way through, but you can for a more even bake! To get an extra crisp, broil them for an extra minute or so.  Dip in ketchup, maple syrup, guac, or all 3! These babies won some hearts around here today, I hope you enjoy them too!! If you liked this recipe, check out THE GLOW CLUB for more healing recipes that keep you beautiful inside and out!      Whether you have come across this blog post because you are seeking to heal acne, hair loss, or other seemingly “surface level” symptoms — or maybe something deeper, symptoms that keep you from taking care of your family, living your life, and pursuing your passions — you can do this. But like all worthwhile accomplishments, it will take time.  And that’s really what I want to talk with you about today. I want to talk about how healing takes time and how cultivating a mindset for the long run is important. Much like you train for a marathon versus a sprint, this journey takes a unique endurance called determination. And unlike successes that you can show off, hang on your wall, and brag about to your friends— your healing process lives quietly inside of you, but shines out in everything you do and in every life you touch. Your determination for life begets life.  If you are here reading this, I assume you are a very determined person. And because of that, I really respect you— and know you are going to reach your goals! It is easy to get frustrated, scared, and feel trapped when the journey has felt so long. This is your sign to not give up! Instead, I invite you to consider the possibilities of the gifts you are being offered through enduring and overcoming your struggles. Nurturing a mindset that is focused on longevity is your superpower in this journey.  Prepping for your journey ☼When we understand that healing takes time, it removes a lot of stress surrounding why something doesn’t seem to be working or when it will. Preparing ourselves for the commitment to a healing process takes some deep digging into our souls. Just know it’s okay to go there— it’s okay to feel it all; the frustrations, the grief, the hope, and the joys. It’s also okay to ask for help from others and to ask questions. This preparation can also take some far reaching— up to the heavens! Our willingness to experience a better quality of life will often lead us into our spiritual center. This is where we find ourselves opening to ask for the support and help we need from god and the universe. I have witnessed in my own life that by adopting an attitude of willingness, new learning experiences have opened for me; mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  Nurturing your mindset ♡It is very easy to get distracted by what isn’t isn’t working. During your healing time, instead of focusing on your external appearance (especially if you are struggling with skin conditions, weight gain or loss) take this opportunity to discover your beauty in other unique ways. If you are dealing with something invisible, like anxiety, take this opportunity to spend time connecting to your own inner being to discover what really lights you up and brings you peace. It is okay to step back from the roles you are used to playing in your life. This calling to look deeper into yourself will provide a priceless foundation for your life. Try to take this time to pause and see what other opportunities are present for you. Trust that your dreams will be waiting for you— that you are actually being shaped for them at this very moment.  I felt a deep calling early in life to work in the beauty industry— but when I started struggling with acne breakouts I lost confidence in my work. I knew appearance was important in my job and was crumbling under that pressure. So you know what? I left the industry. I started exploring meditation, yoga, new ways of eating, new ideas around spirituality, painting, dancing and music. I took a job at a local wellness center and even started my own etsy business creating apparel. I had no idea where life was leading me but I refused to just give up. I was determined to follow my path, despite it not being the one I had planned. Without that experience, I would have never learned so much about who I am and what really lights me up! My resistance really was (and still is) my greatest teacher— it has led me deeper and deeper into my truest sense of self. There, I discovered a form of confidence that was absent from my being. A confidence that had nothing to do with how I looked.  Finding our balance on a healing path takes practice. It takes falling down and rising up, each time a little higher. With the foundation of a longevity mindset— knowing that this will take time and require for you to take a break— you can be more compassionate with yourself as you are called to let go in certain areas of your life. Remember, this letting go is only for a season— not forever. Trust that all the most beautiful, loved and treasured parts of you will be in safe keeping. This compassion and understanding will help you to embrace something new; a healing path created just for you, a path that you weren’t even aware existed! Healing may be three steps forward and two steps back, but your baby steps will add up. The fruits of your determination will be unimaginably satisfying and sweet. All you need to do right now is to just keep going— slow and steady is the key.       Hi everyone! This is a grain-free, fat-free, vegan SWEET POTATO crust, which is based off my original recipe for a potato crust pizza which you can find here. That link will provide you with the fat-free “cheese” topping, as well! I made this modified version last night for the first time and I am super in love. If you crave a little more sweetness to the overall taste of your pizza, this does it! The only drawback is that because sweet potatoes are not as water-rich as potatoes, you will need to add water to your blender to get it into a liquid consistency— and then strain it all out... If you have a Vitamix you can probably get away with not adding water. I have a Ninja and definitely needed to add a little. But trust me, the extra effort is worth it!  This recipe makes 1 mini pizza. Double it for a full size! INGREDIENTS: 2 sweet potatoes (medium size) 1 russet potato (small size) DIRECTIONS: Oven: 425 degrees | Time: 20-30 minutes 1. Peel your sweet and russet potatoes. 2. Place in a high speed blender + liquify. Tip: If you don’t have a Vitamix you will need to add extra water. Add a little at a time. I used about 1/8 cup. The less water, the better! 3. Strain liquid through a fine muslin or cotton cloth. Squeeze out all the water you can! You will want to get your “dough” as dry as possible otherwise you will have a soggy crust. 4. Using your fingers, spread the dough out into a pizza like shape. Aim for a 1/4 inch thickness. Make sure your edges aren’t super thin, otherwise they will burn! 5. Start checking it around the 15 minute point to be sure your edges aren’t burning. Mine takes 25 minutes total time. You can flip it around 20 minutes to ensure an even bake. 6. Add your toppings and enjoy! [sidenote: I did not add the pizza seasoning to the crust like in my first recipe, so in this one you can simply sprinkle Frontier Co-Op Pizza Spice right on top — or add it to your cheese topping] Don’t forget to check out My Grain Free Fat Free Vegan Pizza for topping ideas and a fat-free cheese recipe! Also, please tag me on Instagram @freeyourglow so I can ogle your beautiful works of art! You can also peep my stories there, for so many beautiful pizza creations from the community. Enjoy your pizza and be well!      My Grain-Free, Fat-Free Vegan Pizza I love sharing my meals with you guys, but because they are so simple they usually do not require a fancy recipe. However, when it came to this plant-based, fat-free, grain-free, dairy-free pizza— a good recipe share was a must! This recipe is not intended to perfectly mimic your favorite traditional deep dish pizza, but it will hit the spot if you have been on a healing diet and avoiding inflammatory foods. It is crispy, has all the savory pizza flavors, and is Medical Medium protocol friendly! It’s been a loooong time since I have had a traditional pizza, so I have to give that fair warning. However, it was a very positive sign when my non-vegan brother tried it and gave me two thumbs up! There is not any dairy cheese or nut-based cheeze in this— although you are welcome to add all the goodies you’d like on top of this crust. The most indulgent part of this meal is the sea salt, which can be adjusted to your preference. This recipe is intended to create a healthy, healing pizza! I was inspired by two amazing accounts on Instagram @breakingfreewithwhitney and @holisticallythriving while creating this— thank you both for sharing so many of your epic creations.  My Fat-Free + Grain-Free Vegan Pizza Bites  CRUST INGREDIENTS: Makes 1 personal pizza or 3 pizza bites. The bites bake better, but the personal pizza is much more traditional and fun! The personal pizza size will take some extra nurturing and watching to ensure it is cooking evenly. Tip: Be sure to build your crust up just slightly, to prevent burning. 1/2 head of cauliflower 2 large russet potatoes 1 tsp Frontier Co-Op Pizza Spice 1/2 tsp himalayan sea salt CRUST DIRECTIONS: Oven Temp: 425 degrees | Time: 25-30 min 1. Cut cauliflower into florets and blend in a high-speed blender. Blend into “rice” consistency. 2. Use a fine muslin cheesecloth or thin washcloth (I love the washcloth thing) to strain the extra water out of the blended cauliflower. Squueze out as much water out as possible. 3. Peel and chop raw potatoes into small cubes. Place in a high speed blender. Blend into a purée. 4. Strain out excess water from the potatoes using your straining cloth. You will end up with a small amount of potato “dough” after straining that should equal about 1 cup. 5. Mix 1.5 cups of your cauliflower into your potato dough. 5. Add pizza seasonings and sea salt as desired. Mix well! 6. Using a fork, gently press out your dough into desired pizza shape on a baking pan. Tip: I line my pan with parchment paper so that I do not need to use oil. 7. Get your crust about 1/2 inch thick (or a little less is fine) Tip: Using your fork, poke little holes in the dough. This will help it cook more evenly. 8. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Your timing will depend on how crispy you want your crust. It helps to flip your crust around the 20 minute mark to ensure that everything is cooking evenly.  Mini Pizza Crusts FAT-FREE “CHEEZE” TOPPING INGREDIENTS 1 large russet potato 1/2 cup blended up cauliflower (from your leftovers!) 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp onion powder 2 tbs coconut aminos 2 tsp lemon juice a dash of himalayan sea salt (to taste) FAT-FREE “CHEEZE” TOPPING DIRECTIONS 1. Chop up and steam 1 large russet potato. 2. After it’s done, add it to 1/2 cup of blended up cauliflower (what you have left over from making the dough) 3. Add spices, coconut aminos, and lemon juice. 4. Mash together. This is basically glorified mash potatoes! TO SIMPLIFY IT: The addition of cauliflower adds a bit of texture but you can omit this if you aren’t big on cauliflower. Mixing together lemon juice + potatoes + garlic powder on its own is highly satisfying. Or, you can use your pre-made cheese of choice!  Fat-Free “Cheeze” Topping TOMATO SAUCE 1/4 cup tomato paste 1 tsp lemon juice 1/2 tsp onion powder 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp Frontier Co-Op Pizza Spice a dash of himalayan sea salt (to taste) * if you like sweetness in your sauce you can always add 1 tsp + of apple juice Mix together! TO SIMPLIFY : just spreading a light layer of tomato paste as a “sauce” or your store-bought sauce of choice works, too. The rest of this recipe is pretty self-explanatory. Just layer your toppings of choice and you have your pizza! I personally love tomatoes, green onions, red onions, spinach, and sprouts! Tip: After I add my raw toppings, I put this back in the oven for about 5 minutes just to warm it up. And that’s it! I hope you enjoy!     I am so honored to have one of my dear client, Cate Alexis, on the blog today! I first saw Cate in 2014 for a Microblading session and then saw her annually for touch-ups. We have laughed and cried (tears of joy, of course!) and created some gorgeous brows together. Cate has been one of my most loyal clients, making the drive all the way from the Detroit, Michigan area. She’s nothing short of amazing, so be sure to check her out cute fashion feed on Instagram at @catealexis !  Cate Alexis for Dottie Couture Boutique Let’s kick this off with the burning question everyone wants to know: “Does Microblading hurt!?” So, I am a total baby when it comes to pain! Alana was so sweet to me and made me feel so comfortable. But to answer the question I would say that the numbing process is the most painful which would about a 4 out of 10. I totally got use to it and didn’t feel anything after that! What was the hardest/weirdest part of the process for you? Probably doing it when it wasn’t as popular as it is now. I got mine done in 2014 and my family and husband looked at me like I was crazy! I would say that after the process your eyebrows look like you sharpied them, but it wasn’t really weird just a little “bold” looking for a few days! Did you experience anxiety before getting it done? What helped you relax? Before my appointment I was super anxious, but Alana is the sweetest soul. She really calmed me down and her experience really made all of my worries go away!  Cate Alexis PhiBrows Microblading What was the best part of the process? The very best part is two weeks after when you see your new amazing brows and love them! It is the best feeling!!! That makes it totally worth it! What made you consider getting Microblading done in the first place? Over-plucking like anyone who grew up late 90’s early 2000’s! Some areas just never grew back. After getting microblading even in my sparse areas I noticed new hair growing there! WIN. Would you recommend it to your friends? I most definitely would! Has Microblading enhanced your confidence or life in any particular way? Alana made me love my brows again instead of being mad I had over plucked them my whole life!  Cate Alexis PhiBrows Microblading What does your family think of them? Did anyone in your family freak out when you told them you were first going to get it done? At first they thought I was crazy, but when they saw the results they totally understood! How many times have you got them done? 2 full times and 2 touch ups. Would you do it again? Yes I am totally overdue for another microblading session! Cate, thank you again for sharing your Microblading experience! You can catch more of Cate’s amazing wardrobe on Instagram at @catealexis!      Meet artist and health coach, Chloe Anselmo I am honored to have Chloe Anselmo of Clementine Crossing on the blog today talking about ALL things tattoos, veganism, art, & plant based healing. Chloe is an artist, an impactful influencer on social media, and has conquered (and is still healing some) major health obstacles including Lyme disease, RA, IBS, pituitary cyst, vertigo, POTS/ dysautonomia, asthma, manic depression, OCD, and anxiety. Her passion for wellness spills over into the realm of art and tattoos, where a beauty of it’s own is being born. “Look, tattoos are not healthy. But there’s always the lesser of two evils. If you want tattoos, there’s ways to make it work.” Chloe, you live in NJ, what is the culture like there? Do you feel inspired by your surroundings? I’m not quite inspired by NJ, per-say. It’s too congested for my liking. When it comes to inspiration, I’ve always gone inward / by my mood, events, and by other artists who’ve inspired me over the years. Though, I am thankful to be near the beach. What has inspired you to first get tattooed? I got my first tattoo on my 16th birthday. Honestly, my first tattoo is nothing special, just a star on my hip - haha! But as a teenager, I really wanted to be a tattoo artist/makeup artist/ designer. Kat Von D was my Muse - really aspired to be just like her in a lot of ways. I was always unique / the outcast growing up. She was a woman who I related to greatly as a teen.  “The clouds no longer shadow me.” (Latin) Kat is so rad, such a true artist— like yourself. You have drawn up most of your own tattoos, right? All of my tattoos I designed / hand-drew. Although I don’t have many, I have designed a bunch for myself over the years that I still have saved in my sketch books. Plus, I used to design tattoos for people, especially for people who’ve lost loved ones to suicide. Tell us about the your artistic process. How long does it take you to draw your tattoos? What goes through your mind while you are creating artwork that you’ll wear on your body forever? It’s hard to explain my process, especially when it comes to myself. I have to be “in the moment.” I get more inspired by ideas rather than actual designs. So I tend to draw a lot of different ideas, and end up eventually pieces the fragments together. When I think of it in terms of permanence, I tend to go through my old designs and see what still resonates with me at the time I’m about to get tattooed. Although, I’ve always been a fan of fine line work, sacred geometry, flowers, and mandalas. I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of that. I also place my designs in a mirror and look at it daily before I get. If you get sick of seeing it in a mirror, you sure as hell won’t want it on your body forever.  Chloe you’ve been a plant based vegan for a while now. How many years? How has this impacted your art? I wish I could say I am super creative, but the last few years have been so focused on healing and my mental health, that I haven’t had the head-space to really draw or create anything new, aside from my recent tattoos. I would love to get back into art again, once I get back in touch with my creative side. For now, I love using my coloring book. How has going vegan impacted your tattoos and tattooing process? It’s made me extra conscientious of what I’m putting in my body. “ I also place my designs in a mirror and look at it daily before I get. If you get sick of seeing it in a mirror, you sure as hell won’t want it on your body forever.” “Isshin Ryu” (Okinawan) Meaning: One heart way. Tell us about your tattoo process. After drawing up your tattoo, how do you choose an artist to actually tattoo you? What matters most to you in this process? I think for me, since I design my own tattoos, I look for an artist who reflects my own style, and is consistent in that style. And that goes for anyone: find an artist that reflects your style. There are some amazing artists out there that can do any style, but typically, I would still recommend someone who is within a radius you’re comfortable, accommodating to your ink/request, and to your liking. There’s things to look for, too. For example, if you’re like me and you love line work, floral work, mandalas, etc… you want to look for a good line artist. Typically GOOD traditional tattoo artists will have clean line-work. You’ll be able to tell by really going through their previous tattoo gallery, too. If you’re looking to get more of a shaded tattoo, look for an artists that accommodates to that style.  www.kirknilson.com What advice would you give someone who is looking to get tattooed and also be health conscious? Look, tattoos are not healthy. But there’s always the lesser of two evils. If you want tattoos, theres ways to make it work. Also know there is more healing required with shading due to the extra ink / shading needles. In your opinion, how can tattoos be dangerous? How do you protect your body and stay strong while getting tattooed? I think it’s important to go to a good quality artist, who you can trust and feel comfortable with. it’s worth the wait and the money. Also, go at a time where you’re not under tremendous stress or detoxing. Tattoo’s tax the adrenals, so you want to make sure you’re really in a stable place - mentally and physically - prior to getting one. Focus on detoxifying foods that support adrenals, provide hydration, and eliminate metals: fruits - berries, melons, apples, citrus, mangos, dates - lemon water, green juices, cilantro, celery, parsley… CELLULAR hydration is key. this means eating and drinking hydrating foods, especially weeks prior and weeks to come. Balance it out with grounding foods and cooked veggies at night. Focus on herbs prior and after getting tattooed, either in forms of teas, infusions, and/or tinctures. (Do some research, consult with a detox specialist, such as myself, and consult with your physician prior. You don’t want to just take a bunch of herbs at once, not knowing). Nervine and adaptogens are your best bet. Nervine examples would be St. John’s Wort, lavender, lemon balm, valerian, chamomile, etc… and adaptogens ashwaganda, astragalus, holy basil, reishi, etc. If you don’t have high blood pressure, taking licorice root for a few weeks can help improve adrenal function as well. You don’t want to be in FULL detox mode while getting a tattoo. You’ll feel really shitty! Just focusing on hydration, eating well, some herbs to help your central nervous system and glands (nervines and adaptogens). Focus on more of a deeper detoxification in weeks to follow. WARNING: I am not a doctor. This is just info!  Ink is important to you. Do you have a favorite ink? I personally will only use black ink now, just for health purposes. Plus I personally love fine line work / black work. I find back ink to the safest. My two favorites are Eternal and SkinCandy. I know most artists also like using those brands as well, since it’s a good quality ink. I would contact the artist ahead of time and ask if what ink they use, and if it’s not vegan, if they can order ink for you. You may have to pay extra but usually the artist won’t mind, at least if they’re accommodating they won’t! Do you have plans for getting tattooed in the future? Tell us about that. Yes, I plan on finishing the sleeve I started. More of my art work of flowers, sacred, geometry, and mandalas. I most likely will never get another color tattoo, just for the chemical factor. Plus I’ve grown to really love simple, black, line-work. What is one thing you’d like to see change in the tattoo industry? Regulation of ink! There’s really little to no regulations as far as what is organic, what is good quality, or what is vegan. Tell us about your most recent art project. What has inspired that? I recently created an e-calendar of seasonal fruits, including fun facts & ways to eat them, to make it easier to find and eat fruit that is in season. It’s original art and illustrations + content, made by me. I put a lot of love and good vibes into it. The idea literally just popped into my head one day. I have a lot of people who come to me, asking what fruits they should be eating, or they fear eating fruit. I figured this was a great way to get people to ease their fruit fears and have fun exploring a new fruit each month! I wanted this e-calendar to be a fun guide and monthly reminder. Or if you’re focusing more on detox, use these fruits as a guide for mono-meals and cleanse ideas! You can print, save to view monthly, or use as a screen saver each month!   Isn’t Chloe amazing, you guys? To peep more of her artwork visit https://www.clementinecrossing.com/e-calendars where you can purchase her latest release: Clementine’s Calendar Catch up with her on Instagram & get inspired at @ClementineCrossing ! Thank you all for spending time with us today. I want to hear your tattoo stories and can’t wait to share more of these! Now, it’s your turn— we all have a dream tattoo, what’s yours? Comment below!      I want to talk about something pretty real with you guys today. I want to talk about how healing takes PATIENCE. I know many of you are frustrated with your skin, dealing with chronic acne, as well as so many other symptoms that have stripped your confidence. And so you start this healing diet full of fruits and veggies, you have high hopes, and you’ve been working sooo dang hard to stay on track! And yet, days, weeks, and months pass— & somehow nothing seems to be changing. In fact, your skin is looking even worse than it did before. This must not be working, right!?? You start to question yourself & this information. You get frantic and start looking for other answers. But wait. Please— stop right there!! I know this process. I’ve been there. I get it and want to help you understand what is happening. Your body is working hard to clear out all the toxins which is why things seem to be worse. Take the image that Anthony William uses of the dirty fish tank. When you start to clean it, the water gets stirred up and things seem even dirtier! Or the visual that Whitney DeMaria uses of remodeling a house! And how as you begin this process things get MESSY. You work, room by room, ripping out old appliances and replacing them with new ones. It takes time for this house to feel like home. Please, don’t give up. I have experienced firsthand how slow this can be— but how over time it dramatically changed my life for the best. Slow things down if you need to. Fruits especially, are very powerful!! Add more steamed veggies in if it’s too much. Because healing takes time, it’s vital to keep your vision of your future-self strong. She/he is the one who will be thanking you for sticking it through the hard stuff! Hang onto that vision with all you’ve got. The journey may not be easy but you WILL get there. I am rooting for you all the way!    |
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