This post was written in collaboration with Zappos & Columbia. As always, all opinions and expressed thoughts are my own.

When people think of California, they don’t always think of cold weather. I live in a Northern California city called Chico located near the foothills of the Sierra Mountains. While Chico itself may not typically drop below 32°F, it can snow a mere 20 minutes up the road. I’m also a 2-ish hour drive from places like Mount Shasta, Lassen National Park, and North Lake Tahoe where it can snow heavily and often start as early as October.

I recently traveled to the beautiful alpine town of Mount Shasta with my fiancé. We are always adventuring around California and exploring new locations every chance we get. I love visiting Shasta after a fresh snowstorm as it reminds me of my childhood back in New England.  Though, traveling during cold weather requires careful planning and diligence. Preparation can often be a key factor in the quality of the trip outcome (so I’ve learned through my own trial and error over the years). As Ben Franklin said: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When traveling during cold weather, I always make sure to pack warm layers — and bring a high-performance coat and durable boots.

Specifically, I love Columbia’s fall collection because it’s chock-full of high-performance styles. I’ve been a fan of the brand for more than a decade now. I have a fond memory of my mom purchasing my first Columbia coat a little over 15 years ago before my first afterschool snowboarding class. Besides the vivid memory of falling more times than I could count, I distinctly remember having a high tolerance to the cold weather. After a few runs, I looked around and could see my classmates retreating to the lodge area while I was perfectly comfortable because of my warm Columbia coat.

Fast forward 15 years later and Columbia is still my go-to for outdoor gear. I love their commitment to creating functional, high-performance, and dependable styles. If you’re an adventure lover like myself, I can’t recommend them enough — they make the outdoors so accessible to everyone! Before my Shasta trip, I was sure to pack my Columbia Autumn Rise Trench Jacket & Nikiski Boots. The Autumn Rise Trench Jacket has an Omni-Tech shell with a two-layer water-proof design. The taped seams keep the elements out while adding strength to the areas that receive the most stress. I also think it’s important to note that it’s a breathable design that allows passage of moisture vapor from perspiration. A dependable jacket like this one is crucial for a colder adventure. Think of the outer jacket layer as being the necessary armor to brave the cold & other unfavorable elements.

The Nikiski Boots are also durable and versatile – with 200g of insulation that provides fantastic warmth against the cold. They can take on temperature rated at 25°F/-32°C. The Waterproof membrane of the boots provides breathability and keeps out cold/wet elements. I also love that they’re wildly comfortable —  I wore them for 11 straight hours without any issues! Both the Autumn Rise Trench Coat and Nikiski Boots kept me warm and comfortable during my long, Shasta adventure. With the nonstop rainy & cold weather we’ve been having in Chico recently, the Autumn Rise Trench Jacket has assuredly turned into my every-day jacket as well. Whether you’re seeking a distant journey or an every-day adventure, Columbia has something for you. You can purchase Columbia products on Zappos. Zappos is renowned for their fast, free shipping and a 365-day return policy. It’s perfect for anyone who has a busy, hectic lifestyle like myself.

So… Where will you take Columbia on your next adventure?

This post was written in partnership with Beam. As always, all opinions and expressed thoughts are my own. I am not a doctor, certified nutritionist, or a medical professional – these expressed opinions are my own personal experience and findings with using CBD.

Let’s jump right into it. Here are the 5 Benefits of  using Beam CBD:

1.Manage Stress and Anxiety

Incorporating CBD into your daily regimen may reduce stress hormones and your body’s natural stress response according to growing evidentiary support. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, 18% of adults suffer from an anxiety disorder. – where compounding feelings of despair, failure, and even impending danger can impact overall mental wellbeing. If left unchecked, anxiety sometimes can cause a physical reaction in the body to ensue — and the largest culprit of anxiety is oftentimes stress. Stress can wreak serious havoc on the body and ultimately lead to serious consequences like depression, headaches, and a weakened immune system. I’ve struggled with anxiety for my entire adult life and have tried to remedy it through a variety of different practices. Some measures contributed to improving my anxiety slightly while others had zero impact. I only felt a noticeably large difference when I started taking the beam CBD oil called ‘The One’ every day. The tincture is chock full of phytocannabinoid-rich CBD oil and it’s third-party tested to ensure quality and purity. I also think it’s worth mentioning that they ensure the oil is free of THC. I like to have a serving (under my tongue for maximum potency) first thing in the morning. Over the last few months, I’ve realized that this one small ritual has made a HUGE difference in how I handle stressful scenarios over the course of the day. My stress feels way more manageable and as a result, I no longer feel totally derailed by my anxiety.

2.Reduction in Pain & Inflammation 

Research suggests that both topical and sublingual (under the tongue) application can help alleviate pain and inflammation. I’ve struggled with joint pain & arthritis for nearly 16 years (wild I know, considering I’m only 30) and I become increasingly more symptomatic during the change of seasons. Using Beam’s ‘The Fixer’ Salve has helped alleviate my joint discomfort + inflammation tremendously. Considering that this is something I’ve battled with for more than a decade and a half, I’m thrilled to have finally found something natural that works well for me. It’s made with pharmaceutical-grade full spectrum CBD Oil (500 MG) – combined with the soothing aroma of lavender essential oil & eucalyptus essential oil. Moments after using it, I feel almost instant relief.  I also love using the salve to help combat post-workout soreness. I believe that recovery is one of the more important aspects of a healthy workout regimen. I love to throw some of the Beam salve on any sore muscles (or my knee when I’m experiencing the occasional joint pain) – and voilà! I feel like I’m ready to conquer another challenging workout the following day. I also love to have the beam protein bar if I’m feeling like I want a boost of protein with my CBD intake.

3.Improved Gut Health

Since I’ve been taking Beam CBD daily, I’ve seen a huge improvement in my overall digestion and gut health. Many believe that the gut microbiome is the root of all wellness and some have even referred to the gut as being our “second brain”. Research has suggested that full-spectrum CBD oil can have a positive effect on the microbial bacteria in our gut. CBD has been shown to not only improve inflammation in the gut but it also helps restore balance in our endocannabinoid system.

4.Improved Quality of Sleep 

Sleeping is a necessity to replenish all that our bodies endure during the day — but that doesn’t mean that we always sleep soundly. There is mounting evidence that suggests CBD attacks the root cause of insomnia and also improves stress reduction, having a positive effect on sleep. I’ve personally noticed that I can sleep through the night more soundly since incorporating CBD into my daily regimen. I love to have the CBD oil about 30 minutes before bed — & as of recently,  I’ve also been putting the Beam ‘Dream Blend’ into an evening adaptogenic brew. The blend contains relaxing components like melatonin, magnesium, L-Theanine and their nano CBD powder. I find it so soothing – and a huge bonus that it tastes AMAZING. My bliss mode seriously goes up to 100 when I know that I’m about to drink this before bed!

5.Boost Your Brain Health

According to some studies,  CBD can help with Neuroinflammation and promote healthy brain cells. Inflammation in the brain can be linked to a variety of issues like depression, anxiety, and trouble with memory. There are also some studies that suggest that CBD helps improve our neuroplasticity and the ability to make new brain cells. I’ve always had a great long-term memory but as I get older, I’ve noticed that my short-term memory has worsened. I’ve seen a large difference in my memory and clarity throughout the day when I have CBD in the morning shortly after waking up. Now, this could be for a multitude of reasons as I also believe that finding a moment in my morning to be intentional and slow down helps set the tone for me to focus more assiduously on my tasks. Regardless of the exact reasons, I’m happy to have an improved short-term memory throughout the day and I recognize that CBD plays a role in that for me.

I hope you were able to learn something new or helpful in this post about the benefits of CBD. The quality of the CBD is also hugely important which is why I chose to partner with Beam. I trust their products and the quality of their ingredients. I highly recommend integrating Beam CBD into your daily regimen if you want to elevate your well-being. #ForBetterEverything 

Avana + My Other Hiking Essentials

This post was written in partnership with Avana. As always, all opinions and expressed thoughts are my own.

I’ve had my fair share of hiking trips where I completely winged it and waited until the last possible minute to pack. This has often resulted in hanger, dehydration, and overall crankiness. Now that I road-trip around California and hike often, I’ve come a long way and entirely understand the importance of proper preparation. Often times, it ends up being a huge contributing factor in the duration and the quality of the overall trip.

Another tip: checking the weather and keeping up with the forecast beforehand is important to adjust plans accordingly as well.

I like to segment my packing essentials into two categories: Essentials and Non-Essentials

I fill my backpack (preferably one that is durable and functional) with the following essentials:

1. Navigation: Assuming there is going to be minimal to zero service at the hiking location, I like to download the map on Google Maps beforehand so that I can utilize the GPS offline during my hike. A hiking navigation compass is always a great advantageous tool to have as well.
2. Hydration: This is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of effective preparation. The amount of water that you require is contingent on both the length and level of difficulty of the hike. If I know that a hike is going to be more than 4 hours, I will pack all 3 of my Avana water bottles: the Beckridge, the Makai, and the Ashbury. This ends up being a total of 75 oz of water. I also make sure to pack Iodine Tablets so that if I find a water source to refill my water bottles with during the hike, I can ensure that the water is purified and safe to drink. {For more information about each water bottle, please refer to the second half of this post}

1. Food/Nutrition: I like to bring calorie and nutrient dense food with me. This usually includes protein bars, sandwiches, and trail mix. Anything that is high-protein is ideal.
2. First-Aid Kit: Everyone has individual medical needs, so you should definitely cater to those first and foremost. For me personally, I have arthritis in my knees, so I’m always sure to pack my knee brace. A basic first-aid kid is imperative as far as preparedness goes. You can purchase a first-aid kit at any Pharmacy store. Be sure that the kit includes the following:

• Bandages and gauze
• Medical tape
• A pair of small scissors
• Antibiotic ointment
• Anti-inflammatories + painkillers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)
• Tweezers
• Antihistamine creams or tablets (for bee stings or bug bites)
• Antiseptic wipes
• Safety pins
• Multitool set
• Skin rash cream such as hydrocortisone
• Eye drops + eyewash
• A card with all contact information for each individual hiker in the group
• Bear spray (if hiking in an area with bears)
• Snakebite kit (if hiking in an area with poisonous snakes)
• Any personal medications or epi-pens

6. Hiking Attire + Gear: A heavyweight fleece or pile jacket (depending on the weather), Rain-jacket, fleece hat, hiking boots, thermal socks (I like to pack two extra pairs of socks should any water permeate my shoes), comfortable pants, and a hiking pole.
7. Sunscreen: Even if it’s an overcast, cold day – most hikers still get a decent amount of UV exposure. At higher altitudes, the atmosphere is thinner which in turn filters less UV radiation. It’s also important to note that on a sunny warm day, snow can actually reflect up to 90% UV radiation.
8. Flashlight: It’s always a good idea to have a flashlight handy. Should you get lost or your phone die, you’ll be happy you chose to bring one. Make sure to choose one that has all-weather reliability and is ideally compact.
9. Portable Phone Charger: I’m always taking so many photos when I hike that I often drain the battery. No hiker ever wants to be in the middle of wilderness with a dead phone, so definitely bring an external charger.

Non-Essential Packing List

1. A notebook: there is something so cathartic to me about being in nature and journaling my thoughts down. I usually feel these random surges of creativity when I’m hiking and I often accredit it to being immersed in the moment.
2. Camera: I’m always so captivated my the drastic landscapes I encounter during a hike. I love to memorialize those moments by taking photos along the way.
3. A book: Sometimes I just want to get into some long overdue reading. I find it incredibly peaceful to read a book while I’m listening to the sounds of the wilderness.

Being out in nature has deepened my gratitude for our planet and all that it provides us with – which is why I’m so excited to be partnering with Avana. Over the last year, I’ve become a far more conscientious consumer and have improved my sustainability efforts. I’ve significantly reduced the amount of plastic I use – which is why I love taking my Avana water bottle with my on-the-go. They’re perfect for my every-day adventures and even my faraway travels.

The Makai is my favorite everyday water bottle. I bring it with me to the gym, during errand-running, and everything in-between. It has an all-glass spout – and it has a wide-mouth top that unscrews for easy cleaning or adding ice. I think the design is super sleek and I often get compliments on it. It’s available in 4 different colors.

The Ashbury bottle has a patented FreeSip ^TM  Spout, stainless steel construction, and double-walled vacuum insulation. I love the fact that the integrated straw allows me to sip casually – and I have the choice to open it/remove the straw feature for easy swigging as well. It keeps hot liquids hot for 12 hours and cold liquids cold for 24 hours. It’s available in 9 different colors (including a Terrazzo design which I’m absolutely obsessed with).

The Beckridge also contains the patented FreeSip ^TM  Spout, stainless steel construction, and double-walled vacuum insulation. One of my favorite features of this bottle is that it contains a retractable carry loop which is super convenient for carrying it around by hand. It keeps hot liquids hot for 12 hours and cold liquids cold for 24 hours. It’s available in 4 different colors.

Not only does Avana care about the planet – but they’re passionate about offering aid to humanitarian organizations. They actively support a variety of water projects all around the world. For every Avana bottle purchased, they provide safe water to communities in developing countries by funding wells, dams, rainwater catchments, and more. If you’re curious about exploring this more after your Avana purchase, each bottle contains a unique donation code that allows you to track actual water projects.

I can’t recommend Avana enough. I am incredibly grateful to partner with a brand that not only am I wild about their products – but I feel so aligned with their ethos and compassion towards humanity!

I recently traveled to Napa Valley and had the opportunity to stay at Hotel Yountville.  The last time I had traveled to wine country, I was just shy of 21 years old. Needless to say, the first time I visited I didn’t feel that I had the complete experience.

Hotel Yountville is a charming hotel conveniently located on Washington Street – a short walking distance from a myriad of restaurants, tasting rooms, and shops. The two days I spent there was a perfect escape from the noise of my every day.  The entire hotel is thoughtfully decorated with river rocks, heavy timber beams, and copper accents. The overall feeling of the décor is as though you’ve entered an old friend’s home and a space of luxury all at the same time. It’s charming, cozy, and beckons you to unwind within moments of arriving.

The rooms are spacious and stunning! The first thing I noticed when I entered, was the large, canopy bed with beautiful flowing white drapes in the center of the room.  A few short steps across from the bed were two large French doors that opened up to the most serene, private patio.

One of the features I enjoyed most about the resort, was the tranquil pathway outside of the back entrance of our room. The landscaping featured a variety of greenery, a distinct red maple tree, and an impressive statue of a large deer. Around every corner, it seemed as though there was a unique water feature. I was told the water fountains were carefully placed throughout the resort with a purpose. They emit negative ions – and as a result, they purify the air, promote relaxation, and improve overall mood. I found this hugely beneficial and worth mentioning as I personally found it soothing to step outside of my room and hear the easing sound of flowing water in the near distance.

The staff is equally as notable as the rest of the hotel. They were warm, informative, and incredibly helpful! I was excited to learn that they have ongoing partnerships with various wineries and tasting rooms – and offer special promotional incentives to their guests. My friend Brit, and I, went to the Domaine Chandon tasting room (a mere 10-minute walk from the hotel) and were able to do a buy one tasting get one free special.

There’s also a hotel driver service available to certain locations. Brit and I took advantage of this during our first evening there when we went to their sister hotel Bardessono for dinner. This is a convenient option if you’re feeling tired, have been drinking, or if you’re simply wearing high heels. Upon arriving to Bardessono, all of the modern design touches were instantly apparent. Symmetrical lines, abstract art installations, and stunning water features.

The dining experience at Lucy Restaurant & Bar was incredibly memorable. It’s quite literally field-to-fork cuisine as they grow a lot of the herbs, vegetables, and fruit in their on-site garden. We were fortunate enough to be able to tour the hotel garden with the chef. I ordered the Gnocchi with Italian tartufata & kale pesto. It was absolutely delicious but even more satisfying knowing that it was prepared with ingredients directly from their garden.

The following day, I experienced the Yountville Signature Experience treatment at the Hotel Yountville Spa. To say that it was the ultimate pampering would be a massive understatement. It included Chardonnay Wine Therapy products that contain natural antioxidants and stimulate the renewal of cells and collagen.

This entailed a full-body exfoliation followed by a 90-minute massage. I’m often always on-the-go and sometimes forget to practice self-care. This spa treatment was the perfect reminder to slow down and take time for me. A spa day guarantees that I have some time to solely dedicate to myself without giving outward energy to work, people, or plain distractions.  It was truly the perfect pick-me-up if you’re suffering from stress or exhaustion. I’ve always found that spa treatments are a huge way in which I can unwind, reset, and let all of my outward problems melt away.

I carried on with the theme of relaxation after my treatment and spent a couple of hours by the hotel pool. The pool area is perfectly landscaped with tall cypress trees surrounded by stone walls. You truly feel as though you’ve been transported to Tuscany, Italy!

If you find yourself in Napa Valley, I highly recommend stopping by Hotel Yountville – whether it’s for an overnight stay, a glass of wine, or a spa treatment. You can thank me later 😉

I’m so excited to give you all a glimpse of my new apartment. I’ve partnered with Framebridge in creating my dream gallery wall. My interior style is a blend of Scandinavian, minimalism, and bohemian. Most of my core furniture pieces are neutrals, so I knew I wanted to bring in different pops of color through different accents. The art gallery wall has brought so much warmth and joy into the new space. All of the frames are so different from one another and yet they cohesively tie together so well. I feel as though gallery walls are the perfect way to add a layer of sophistication to any room.

One of my favorite aspects of Framebridge is that not only can I select from their large assortment of framing options but I can customize and tailor the sizing of specific prints. For me personally, I love purchasing art that is in PDF file form because it provides me with a lot more options as far as sizing. You also own that file forever (assuming you store it on a drive of some sort) and can reprint it countless times. I’ve always found framing my own images/prints to be tedious but Framebridge has made it an incredibly accessible and affordable option.

You can either send in your physical prints and they will provide you with prepaid packaging or in my case, upload your file directly to their website, select the frame style, the size and voilà — your frames will arrive at your doorstep a mere couple of weeks later.

You don’t have to worry about going out and purchasing nails beforehand either as they will provide you with individual nails with each frame. I’m so impressed by the quality of the frames and prints. This gallery wall has infused the space with so much color and joy.

Check out Framebridge if you’re interested in creating your own gallery wall!  For 15% off this Labor Day weekend, use the promo code: LABORDAY.

Below is each frame included in my gallery wall:

Marin || Beverly || Olympia,||  Monroe ||Wren||Beaumont||Buckhead||Monterey||Avalon||Dorado||Palmer

The Importance of Honey with Herbal Essences’ bio:renew Collection

This post was written in partnership with Herbal Essences. As always, all opinions and expressed thoughts are my own.

I’ve always loved Herbal Essences and their incredible variety of different scents and ingredients. I can vividly remember being 9 years old and my then best friend introducing me to the brand during one of our many sleepovers. “You’ve got to smell this shampoo. It’s my favorite”, she insisted excitedly. She put the bottle up to my nose and it became immediately apparent as to why that was… it was an amazing aroma!

I’m excited to announce that I am partnering with Herbal Essences on their bio:renew Honey & Vitamin B collection.  I’ve always been fascinated by the different benefits of honey and how it starts out as something as simple as flower nectar. When I was younger, my grandmother taught me that honey is a natural humectant and can lock in moisture. She helped me in creating my first multi-functioning hair + skin masque at the age of 10 – it contained the simplest of ingredients: honey + olive oil.  I would often wear my hair up during my teenage years and experienced a lot of hair breakage as a result. Honey was one of the only things that not only reduced further breakage from happening, but it also stimulates hair growth. Though honey has plenty of noteworthy hair & skin benefits, it extends far beyond the beauty industry as it has both dietary and medicinal benefits as well.

The Herbal Essences Sulfate-Free Honey & Vitamin B Collection is made with real botanicals and is infused with honey. It infuses my hair with moisture and makes my hair smell, feel, and look absolutely dreamy! These real botanicals are endorsed by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. I love the fact that they’re PETA cruelty-free & that they’ve incorporated natural ingredients (without any of those harsh parabens, glutens, or silicones). The best part is that it keeps my hair soft and smooth which is what I need an extra boost of these days due to all of my travels.

I knew that this partnership was an opportunity to really dive deep and learn more about the important role that bees play in our ecosystem as well as all of the important benefits that honey provides. I visited a local Chico bee farm, Olivarez Honey Bees, to explore the essential attestations of honey bees.

They work with bees in not only Northern California, but they also have hives located in Montana and Hawaii. The honey varietals and difference in taste are a direct result of the local honey bees’ diet. Quality honey is a result of happy & healthy bees that have access to a myriad of different flowering plants. I learned that over the years, the amount of natural pollinators has dropped significantly. It’s suspected that pesticides, viruses, and harsh environmental changes have directly contributed to the decline in these species.

Beekeepers are a monumental aspect of persevering the existence of these honey bees. Bees aren’t only essential to creating honey but they also promote flower growth, pollinate different agricultural crops, and maintain flower pollination. Here in California, bees have become an important facilitator in sustaining almond trees, avocados, and countless other crops. There’s truly so much synchronicity between beekeeping and agriculture. The continuance of flower pollination also creates aesthetically desirable habitats to other insects, birds, and mammals… in which you could say has a direct impact on us humans.

Honey bees are truly magical and as I’ve mentioned, there are bounteous benefits that come from using honey in a beauty routine. Have you tried the Herbal Essences Honey & Vitamin B Collection yet?

I choose to be conflict-free!

If you’ve been following me for a long while, then you know how much I love MiaDonna. They are spearheading the ethical diamond movement and shedding a whole new light on lab-grown diamonds. I recently became engaged to my wonderful fiancé, Dave and we partnered with MiaDonna to create and customize my dream ring. 

I can distinctly remember us having a conversation over a year ago about how we were both in agreement about having a conflict-free diamond when the day would come. It was truly a no-brainer for both of us and it felt really good to know that we were on the same page. I, personally, could never fathom wearing a piece of jewelry that could have potentially caused any bloodshed. 

This is my third partnership with MiaDonna and I feel so fortunate to not only have THE ring of my dreams – but to be in a position where I can spread the word on all of the amazing things this company is doing! 

My engagement ring is a 2.5-carat oval cut Diamond Hybrid simulant. I catch myself staring at it at least 30 times a day still {no exaggeration} -– and I wish I had kept track of each time someone has stopped me in mid-conversation to both admire the sparkly details and ask for more information. Almost a year ago, I sent MiaDonna the details of what I conceptualized for my customized dream ring. I sent 4-5 images of the best depictions I could uncover on Pinterest. 

I also outlined that I wanted an oval cut center Diamond Hybrid, with a hidden halo, and a 3-row pave band in white gold. {To read more about MiaDonna’s Lab-Created Diamonds & Diamond Hybrids, refer to my other blog post here}.

I forwent being involved in the process from that point onward as I wanted there to be an authentic element of surprise. Dave took over completely and didn’t reveal anything about the ring until the day he proposed… 8 months later. 

Needless to say, when he got down on one knee in a gondola 3,000+ feet above South Lake Tahoe (one of our favorite places in the world)… I was overjoyed!

He had chosen the perfect moment to present me with the perfect ring. After the initial tears and laughter subsided, I examined every single detail for as long as I could without interruption. To say it is everything I wanted feels like a profound understatement. It has far exceeded anything I could have envisioned and I’m so proud to wear it every day.

Not only is it the ultimate symbol of our love for one another, but it is also a beautiful reminder that our purchase contributed to a project that helps sub-Saharan African communities in a big way. 

MiaDonna has launched The Greener Diamond  – a charity foundation that works as a leading part of the solution, by empowering communities to grow food instead of mining for diamonds.

Not only does MiaDonna donate a portion of the proceeds from each conflict-free purchase to The Greener Diamond, but they also donate countless hours to further organizing the projects and as well as ensuring that they run efficiently.

Read more about these programs and the considerable impact that MiaDonna is having on these communities here.

This blog post is sponsored by Nordic Naturals and highlights their Marine Collagen product.

What is Collagen? 

Collagen is the most bountiful protein in the body. Without getting too much into the scientific description, concisely put, collagen is a structural protein found in skin and other connective tissues. It’s an incredibly important building block for the skin. Collagen offer a wide array of benefits but the one that has been of particular interest to me lately in overall skin health. The type of collagen that is most abundant of the 20+ variations is type I. The type I collagen fibers support the layers of skin from within as well as play a role in the body’s natural cycle of replacing dead skin cells.

Bioavailability is a very important component of the efficacy of how well any supplement is absorbed but particularly when it comes to collagen. A key factor of the absorption process is that the body must be able to absorb and circulate collagen peptides both speedily and efficaciously to experience the best results.

I love the Nordic Naturals Marine Collagen because it was formulated with optimal absorption in mind; it delivers small, hydrolyzed collagen peptides & vitamin C to help stimulate and support collagen-producing cells throughout the body. I love taking it in both warm + cold drinks. The BEST part – no fishy taste! I really enjoy the subtle strawberry flavor so much so that I can even add it to water and consume it as is. This is my go-to method when I’m in a rush or on-the-go.

Since using the Nordic Naturals Marine Collagen, I’ve noticed a dramatic difference in my skin. My skin looks & feels more supple and softer. I even have a healthy, vibrant glow sans moisturizer or serums! Traveling has assuredly taken a toll on my body + skin over the years. Usually the days following a long trip, my skin looks dull or dry.

This makes sense as sitting on a plane for hours at a time has a dehydrating effect on the skin. Over time, dryness can be a catalyst for signs of aging.I’ve been making more of an avid effort to take Nordic Naturals Marine Collagen daily but especially while I’m traveling – and woah, has it made a world of difference. Not only has the Marine Collagen helped me maintain a healthy glow, but it’s improved my skin’s overall elasticity and reduced signs of wrinkles. I had a few subtle wrinkles around my under-eye show up over the past year and now there’s barely any sign of them at all. I’ve also seen an improvement in texture & discoloration.

While I tend to take the Marine Collagen in water 50% of the time out of convenience (the flavor is plenty yummy as is), I also really like to add it to my lattes or smoothies. I’ve been obsessing lately over my Collagen Turmeric Latte and Green Collagen Smoothie.

Turmeric is something I have just about every day. Not only can it do wonders for your skin, but it is chock full of anti-inflammatory & antibacterial properties.

Combine these benefits with those of the Nordic Naturals Marine Collagen, and you’ve got yourself a new potent skincare ritual to add to your regimen.

Below you can find both recipes:

Marine Collagen + Turmeric Latte

• 1 part hot water
• 1 part hot milk of choice (I personally love coconut or almond milk)
• 2 teaspoons of Nordic Naturals Marine Collagen
• 2 tsp of turmeric a dash of black pepper
• a tablespoon of manuka honey

I like to blend all of the ingredients for 30 seconds — & voilà enjoy the creamy goodness!* If you want to switch it up and have a different Nordic Naturals Marine Collagen latte – you can replace the turmeric with some apoptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, or Chaga. If you want to switch it up and have a different Nordic Naturals Marine Collagen latte – you can replace the turmeric with some apoptogenic herbs like Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, or Chaga.

Green Marine Collagen Smoothie

• 8 oz of almond or coconut milk
• 2 teaspoons of Nordic Naturals Marine Collagen.
• One banana
• One cup of greens (I like to use kale)
• One avocado
• 1 teaspoon of spirulina

*You can easily add protein to this to make it more filling as well. As I continue to inch closer to my 30’s, I try to often educated myself on skin health. Through my tireless research and many practices, I’ve realized that healthy skin truly starts from within. I highly recommend Nordic Naturals Marine Collagen – and I would love to hear your guys feedback if you try it or make either of the recipes above that I mentioned!