Here are some fun ideas to get the dad in your life what they truly want for being the Best father!
Changes in Latitudes, changes in attitudes
I had been looking for a place to whisk our little family away thanks to COVID-19 and all of its travel restrictions that came along with it. If you know anything about me, it’s that I love to travel and am always in search of a new adventure. Enter Margaritaville Cottages. It’s like a little slice of key lime pie smack dab in the middle of Orlando. An escape from the hustle and bustle if you will. Your daughter’s 5th birthday only comes along once and since we had to cancel our plans last year to the happiest place on earth, there was nothing coming in between my family and the mouse’s house this year! We packed up our stuff and went there just for the night and man do I wish we had stayed a week!
All of the cottages are just darling! We were in a 1/1 called “Twist of Lime,” this tiny, adorable lime green mini house decorated to the nines in a Key West vibe. There’s no shortage of options when it comes to stays for your entire crew! Whether you’re looking for a few bedrooms or just simply one, a pool or just a deck sitting atop shells (V was in absolute heaven), there are price ranges fit for every budget.
Most of the cottages come equipped with a Margarita maker and you betcha I took full advantage of it and all of the creature comforts like a dishwasher, washer/dryer and linens and place settings you need to feel like you’re at home. It’s a short walk to the little downtown area called The Promenade at Sunset Walk, so you won’t have to worry about blowing out your flip flop. See what I did there? lol With lots of shops and restaurants to choose from and even a live band and car show which we were lucky to catch, (I believe they’re on Saturday nights), it was literally the perfect little getaway for our family.
We made our way over to the hotel to walk around, smell the scent of coconut and feel like we were in the Keys (another one of my FAVES) and when the fireworks are back in business, I hear their top floor is the best seat in the house. We unfortunately weren’t able to catch any this round.
Will definitely make it a point to stay there again, especially because we want to check out Island H20 Live! A waterpark right on property, where you’ll most likely find me knee deep in the water somewhere once they open this summer! So the next time you shoot up to Orlando from South Florida or perhaps you’re making O-Town your home for the week, I would most definitely recommend Margaritaville Cottages, because after all, no passports are required!
-Briana D.
Mother’s Day gift guides!
Happy Earth day!
5 ways to protect our mother earth!
Happy Earth Day! Protecting mother earth is more than just tree hugging and riding your bike when you can. It’s about making small tweaks to your everyday routine! Here are the top 5 ways you can pitch in and play a part!
- Reusable Water Bottles: There are so many great options for reusable water bottles, not only is it more affordable for you, but according to plasticfreechallenge.org “We produce roughly 300 million tons of plastic each year and half of it is disposable!” Recent studies have shown an increase in toxic chemicals in our bloodstream, thanks to it seeping into our bloodstream causing cancer, infertility issues and birth defects to name a few! Imagine what an impact you canmake! These are my fave water bottles!
- Recycle: You know what to do renew, reuse, recycle! According to the University of Southern Indiana, recycling a single run of the Sunday New York Times would save 75,000 trees.
- Reusable Bags: There are so many cute reusable totes these days, you’re bound to find something you dig! Plus, how annoying are plastic bags piling up or even the paper ones you have to then fold up?! Come on people check some of these cute bags out and make the switch today!
- Plant a tree or just plant anything!: Trees give off oxygen and oxygen is LIFE! Why not grow a garden or if you’re like me and can’t keep anything alive, plant a tree in your backyard! Here are a few fun options for the kiddos!
- Coral Reef Safe Sunscreen: Not all sunscreens are created equal. It’s important to support companies who walk the walk. Lots of companies out there “greenwash,” a term used to bogusly convince consumers to buy their “safe” or “all-natural” products. Be your own advocate and do your research. Beautycounter’s Countersun Mineral Safe Sunscreen is not only good for your littles, but it’s also good for the coral reefs! Why is that important? Places like Hawaii have banned sunscreens deemed unsafe for our reefs, because it was not only killing the little fishes and our reefs.We recently launch our sustainability report and our blueprint for clean launched 12 safety standards for our manufacturers! Check them out here!
The One Product you need in your Beauty routine
“I’ve got a pocket, got a pocket full of sunshine!” Oh great another beauty product, I barely have the time to wash my face! Trust me, I get it and I hear ya sis! You HAVE to believe me when I say the Counter+ Brightening Serum is the number one product your face has been missing! With 2 forms of vitamin C, this sunshine in a bottle is the perfect punch needed to leave your skin glowing and radiant! Not only will you say bye bye to the appearance of dark spots, but the anti-oxidant rich turmeric and camu camu will shield your beautiful face against new spots popping up! Not only will you see an instant brightness to your skin, but your mug will be protected against daily skin agressors too! Can I get an AMEN?!
After just 8 weeks of use, 100% of clients said their skin looked brighter, 94% said their skin looked more even and their dark spots diminished and 97% said their skin looked more youthful!
So what are you waiting for? Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone! New clients get 20% off right now with code “CLEANFORALL20!” Happy 8 years to Beautycounter! Go on and get your glow on and #findyourbright!
Featured Ingredients:
5% Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C): Antioxidant that reduces the appearance of dark spots and boosts skin brightening, to reveal more youthful-looking skin.
5% Bis-Glyceryl Ascorbate (Vitamin C): Moisturizes skin while providing antioxidant benefits known to protect skin from damaging environmental stressors. Helps improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract: The serum’s vibrant hue? That’s thanks to turmeric, an antioxidant superstar that helps even skin tone and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Myrciaria Dubia (Camu Camu) Fruit Extract: This powerful antioxidant helps reduce the appearance of dark spots while brightening, to visually improve signs of skin fatigue.
-Briana D.
Happy Birthday Beautycounter!
If you had told me four years ago, I would have been a part of a direct retail brand, I would’ve laughed in your face! However, after the insane year our nation has faced, I can’t help, but to be so grateful for Beautycounter and the blessing it has been! When the world shut down and people lost their jobs, I was able to say nothing changed aside from the fact that my family was home full-time. Zoom? I was doing it for years. Working from home? Had it down pact. In 2020 alone, my team was able to bring in $70,000 in sales, helping to change the lives of so many during a time in which they needed it most!
8 years ago Gregg Renfrew had a vision, to change the status quo. To flip the script on beauty companies as we know it and our 60,000+ network of independent consultants are coming in HOT!
According to Beautycounter’s social mission report:
- We’ve increased our Never List™ to more than 1,800 ingredients that we’ll never use in our formulations.
- We’ve conducted phone audits for 100% of our mica suppliers, as part of our best-in-class responsible sourcing program.
- We supported Congress’ first vote on cosmetics reform in more than 80 years.
- We diverted an estimated 76% of our HQ waste from ending up in landfills.
In 2021 we passed 9 nine laws & the best part is we’re just getting started! The Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, Safer Sunscreen Bill, Clean Product Right to Know Act, Safer Salon Bill, Microbead-Free Waters Act, Pollution Prevention for Our Future Act, Safer Fragrance Bill, Sustainable Chemistry Research & Development Act & most important to me The Toxic-Free Kids Act!
I for one feel like this business opportunity is personal development with a paycheck! I’ve learned so much about myself and my skills and ways to improve my efficiency. I get to mentor some of the most amazing souls on the planet and watch their businesses grow, collaborate and learn from the brightest and the best. I create my own schedule and work on my terms. Setting goals for myself both personally and financially. I am there for all of life’s most precious moments and some not so precious, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! This business is a gift and if someone is offering it up to you, trust me when I say #takethejob!
-Briana D.
A hidden wellington gem
Tucked away all the way back in horse country in Wellington, Florida is a little slice of farmland home to some of the most exotic animals in the world. You’d never know it was there, unless you were looking for it and lucky for me and my family, I had my eye on the Wellington Conservation Center for quite some time now. I truly didn’t know what to expect and I can honestly say my family and I were blown away. It’s a place where rehabilitated animals go to get a second chance at life, a place where unwanted, abandoned and injured species find their second home and a sanctuary where each sweet soul has a truly unique story to be told. From orphaned birds, to mammals and everything in between their website says they “specialize in conservation of South American exotics who are endangered from habitat loss and poaching,” a truly commendable feat.
If you ask my 4-year-old daughter Vera, her favorite animal on property was the unnamed little kitty, the horse we were able to feed apples to and the little bunnies she was able to snuggle up with. My son was thrilled by the lemur who grabbed bananas off a stick with his lefty hand and my husband thought the pot belly pigs were a sight to see. I especially loved getting up close and personal with the Brazilian Porcupines named Bonnie and Clyde and the 2-toed sloth family, especially the momma and baby duo. Feeding the sloths lettuce was an incredible experience, we won’t ever forget! I still have fomo that we never were able to get a front row seat to see the sloths while on our honeymoon to Costa Rica ten years ago and now I can finally say I was able to interact with them right in our very own backyard! How cool is that?!
From wallabys to foxes and even a crab-eating raccoon that bunks up with a Patagonian Cavy, the amount of animals we encountered exceeded our family’s expectations and I’m sure won’t leave you on the side of disappointment! Cole was an exceptional and knowledgeable host on the farm and we can’t wait to come back soon!
Sloths and lemurs are one of the primary focuses of the center due to the fact that these animals are an endangered species. The Wellington Conservation Center is a non-profit organization and they receive all of their funding through donations from their tours, grants, trusts and local sponsors. Tours are by appointment only taking place Wednesday through Monday and offered three times daily. Adults are $20 and kids 6-10 are $15. Those 5 and under are only $5. To book a tour call 954.448.1044. For more information visit their website at wellingtonconservationcenter.org.
-Briana D.
the top 7 harmful ingredients lurking in your deodorant
Let’s be honest, sweating is the pits and most of us are desperate to find whatever it is to keep our stink & sweat at bay. However, there’s a difference between a deodorant & an anti-perspirant. Most anti-perspirants traditionally use aluminum, which pretty much just blocks the sweat. Sounds good right? Wrong! What ends up happening is it plugs your sweat ducts, which has long-term adverse effects. Typically the cells end up re-growing and could lead to some pretty scary scenarios. Plus, our bodies never get to really have a natural detox! If we don’t detox, then the heavy metals never leave our body. Scary to think about right?? Deodorants help to absorb sweat & fight odors caused by toxins to keep you feeling fresh as a flower or coconut! Best place to start is with a charcoal mask detox on your pits and find a safe deodorant that works!
Pit Detox Challenge
Why Detox?
Think about it. Every day you are in constant contact with hundreds of different environmental toxins on any given day. From industrial to pollution, to different types of foods, cleaning products and yes deodorant, you are subjecting yourself to lots of toxic ingredients. Now, I say this not to scare you, but to be mindful of the products you are choosing to place and SIT on your skin every single day just like we choose safer beauty products.
The toxins like to sit and store and multiply in the cells within tissues of your body. This can cause some serious health, hormonal and reproductive issues.
When we choose to “detox,” we are giving our bodies the permission to release all the toxins from our bodies and improve our overall health and well-being.
Let’s talk pits…
I know what you’re thinking, well don’t I want to look like a sweaty pig?! The short answer is yes, but we need to let those toxins we talked about be released from our bodies.
Please remember these two things:
- Our skin, which is our largest organ is constantly absorbing all of the things. Simply layering harmful ingredients to our bodies suppresses their functionality and leaves us subject to illness and disease.
- When it comes to our armpits, where our lymph nodes like to hang out, switching to a clean and non-toxic deo is a great way to put an end to the possibility of toxic and harmful ingredients entering the body.
Steps of Detoxing and what you can expect:
Step 1: The Detox
In this stage you’ve got to consider mind over matter. Your pores are going ot open up and let out all of the toxins. You will probably sweat more and even stink a little. Using the Beautycounter charcoal mask should help to speed up the process some!
It could take up to 2 weeks before you fully release all of the toxins. Stay strong and drink lots of h20.
Use the clean deo just as you would your regular one and reapply when you feel like it.
Feel free to use the deo at night too, bc you’ll definitely be doing some detoxing in your overnight rejuvenation process!
Remember to STAY STRONG! The heavy sweats and stinky pits means your body is working to release the gunk! Mind over matter, YOU GOT THIS!
*Quick Tips:
Drink lots of water during the detox process! 8 cups at a minimum.
Ditch the processed foods and alcohol whenever possible to make the transition a little smoother. The less your body has to detox the better equipped to make the transition to clean deo seamless.
Let your body sweat! It’s a natural occurence and needs to happen and don’t sweat the small stuff! K?
The most harmful thing you can do is clog the pores that are working to cool and regulate your body and its temperature!
Step 2: Adjustment
At this point your armpit has rid of more than 50% of the toxic yuckiness stored and believe it or not your pits are starting to work the way they were intended to! That’s a win! At this point the smell and sweats will begin to subside!
Step 3: Acclimatization
At this point your pits are able to regulate themselves. Most of the toxins have said their goodbyes to your pits and and your lymph nodes are pretty clean. Although you may not be as sweaty, you will still sweat, because we our jobs are never done when it comes to detoxification.
Important to note*: Try not to introduce toxins back in, this is a lifelong commitment and journey to your health and well-being.
Give yourself some grace:
There will be instances when you need to reach for that anti-perspirant when necessary or on special occasions. The most important thing to remember is to NEVER GIVE UP! Your mind is stronger than you think and your body will thank you in the long run!
Have questions? Just ask! Shoot me a message at brianabeautycounter@gmail.com or visit my site to order yours today!
*I do make a commission based on sales as an independent consultant with Beautycounter.
-Briana D.
4 steps to your best skin!
I feel like I get this question all the time…what do you use on your skin?
Let me start off by saying that no two skins are alike and all skins aren’t created equal!
Here’s the thing, I don’t care what products you use, but you should most definitely wash your face at least twice a day! Think of all the dust, grime and pollution you face daily, it’s important to wash the crud to not only feel good, but to keep your skin looking radiant and young! Isn’t that what we all want?
Here is the 4 step process you should commit to at least daily:
Step 1: Cleanse- Remove any makeup or excess oil.
Step 2: Prep- Get your skin ready for treatment. When you cleanse your skin, especially with hot water, those pores open up. It’s important to shut those puppies back up so you can get your face ready for the real deal!
Step 3: Treat- This step packs powerful benefits and is often times overlooked. Do you have dull skin? Dark spots? Wrinkles? Whether you’re in the market for a serum or peel it’s important to stay focused on keeping this a step as a part of your regimen!
Step 4: Protect- Last but not least it’s the step that locks it all in. The moisturizer step! Whether you need a cream that’s going to counteract your oily skin or one that will boost hydration it’s important to understand your largest organ to treat it with only the best. You can skimp on a pair of earrings or jeans, don’t skimp on your face!
Not sure where to begin? Take this quiz, enter your concerns and see what is recommended.
Remember, your regimen is like an ingredient to you favorite recipe. If one item is missing, then it won’t give you the optimum results you’re in search of!
You wouldn’t make chocolate chip cookies without the chocolate chips right?
It’s important to get adequate sleep, h20 and minimize the stress as best you can! I know what you’re thinking…ha! You got this! I like to double cleanse with the Countercontrol Cleanser and Countertime Cleansing Oil.
*Video features Countermatch Toner, Overnight Resurfacing Peel, Countertime Supreme Cream & Countertime Eye Cream. Music by Outkast.
*I do make a commission based on sales as an independent consultant with Beautycounter.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES
I was putting together my family’s holiday wish list and I thought I would share some gift guides this year!
Started with my own! From boots to accessories and clothes at all different price points! I hope this inspires you to start your own list! 🛍 You can shop the links below or head on over to liketoknow.it/brianadandrea! Make sure you’re following me in the app! Let me know what lists you want to see and stay tuned for more!
Good American Jeans//Loft Fur Slippers//Lilly Pjs
Sam Edelman Blake Bootie//Luminous Liquid Cream Shadows//T3 Curling Iron//Winter Warmth Duo//Apple Watch
Gucci Marmont Shoulder Bag//Dyson Hair Dryer//Brights Jellies//Etsy Name Necklace
Marble Cookbook Holder//Beyond Gloss Trio//Gold Threshold Vase//
Clean Deo Minis//Marble Coasters//Body Butter Trio//
Frozen 2 Fly Wheels//Kids Smart Watch//Adjustable Roller Skates//
Bright Lip Jellies//Crayola Trolls Set//Nintendo Kids Lite//
Osmo Little Genius Start Kit//Cream Shadows//Lego Friends Set
Razor RipRider//Mandalorian Lego//National Geographic Microscope//
Junior Metal Detector//Marble Run//Star Wars Operation//
Osmo Coding Kit//3D Doodler//Beautycounter Kids Bath Collection//Hot Wheels Smart Tracker
Hershel Backpack//Old Skool Vans//Yeti Rambler//
Mongoose Mountain Bike//Counterman Essentials//Bowflex Adjustable Bench//
Weighted Blanket//Bose Wireless Bluetooth Speaker//Apple Watch