How Did Mom's Do This Before Hand Sanitizers?

Maybe it's because we are at the tail end of a horrific stomach bug and just about the only thing helping my peace of mind is the strategically placed hand sanitizers around my home that I use religiously between equally as frequent soap and water washes- but seriously how did moms maintain their peace of mind before hand sanitizers??  I know hand sanitizer is no substitute for good old fashion hand washing, but when we are constantly on the go or attempting to feed kids with a baby in one hand, just a little squirt gives me the peace of mind needed to balance out the guilt I feel for feeding my children french fries and TGIF jalapeño poppers for dinner.

A version of this post originally appears in February 2014

My Pre-Parenting To Do List Vs. My Parenting To Do List

Pre-Parenting:
7am Wake Up
Shower
Wash Hair
Blow Dry
Pick out outfit
Change outfit
Flats...no, heels
Grab coffee
Get to office for 9:30am meeting (who freaking schedules a 9:30am meeting?...)
Get to meeting at 9:35am
9:30am-6pm crank out the projects I've been procrastinating
6pm Casually leave office to meet up for Book Club
Finish book on the way to book club
Stop at ATM
Grab a Mani before book club
Drink wine
Talk about book how busy our days were
Consider a post-book club night cap
Over indulge
Head Home
7am wake up and regret post-book club night cap and wish I had just gone to bed

Parenting
5:45am Wake Up
Negotiate with toddler to get him to sleep more
Fail negotiations
Find (sort of clean) clothes on bedroom floor
Find matching slippers
Make coffee
Make breakfast
Wipe coffee off the ceiling (note to self: one-year old can now reach the top of high chair tray and send your coffee flying everywhere...including the.freaking.ceiling)
Change a diaper...and pajamas....ugh, and changing pad cover
Change laundry (and curse myself for not emptying the dryer first)
Wipe yogurt off the dogs' backs (notice the plural possessive- that's TWO dogs with yogurt on their TWO backs...)
Intervene in toddler altercation
Threaten a Time Out (or ten)
Watch one episode of Curious George
Realize you're late to gymnastics
Get kids dressed
Get self dressed
Get kids in car
Backout of driveway, back in to driveway (to change out of slippers)
Arrive at gymnastics
Carry 30lb one-year old through obstacle course and zipline
Put sneakers and socks back on toddler and one-year old
Get into car
Return home
Free three year old from car seat
Finagle sleeping one-year old out of car seat
Stealthily open front door
Sneak upstairs with sleeping one-year old before toddler notices you're gone and insists on following you upstairs
Put sleeping one-year old down
Realize you need a shower after "mommy and me" gymnastics
Agree on one Curious George while Mommy showers
Shower
Exit shower in time for one-year old to wake up...but by the grace of God, fall back asleep
Get lunch ready for toddler
Feed Toddler
Get one-year old who is now up for good
Put down toddler for nap (one book.  fine...two books.)
Play, engage, stimulate, and bond with one-year old (am I doing this right?)
Prepare dinner
Greet three year old at the bottom of the stairs after nap (or, at the very least, open baby gate)
Try to make dinner with two tiny people around your ankles
Play. Engage. Play. Engage.
Go outside (shoes, shirts, shorts...no shorts? Fine....I don't care anymore)
Chalk. No, swing set. No, chalk.  Cars.  Balls.  Back to swing set.
Two more minutes and it's time to go in for dinner
Ok, one more minute...
Ok, two more pushes on the swing.
Two more minutes (wait, what was my last warning?)
Ok, inside.  NOW!
Eat (bribe)
Clean up dinner
Bath time
PJ Time
Dad is finally home!!! (Sound the trumpets!)
Mom sneaks away into bedroom for five.freaking.minutes.
Bedtime for kids (two books.  Fine...three books.)
Adult conversation over cold dinner
Bedtime for adults
5:45am wake up and regret adult conversation and wish I had just gone to bed

Obagi ELASTIderm Eye Complete Complex Serum- "How To" Video

Hi Guys!  The verdict is still out and I will be checking back in with an "after" photo soon.  In the meantime, here is a "before" look (I'm smiling).

Also, check out my "how to" video below for Obagi's ELASTIderm Eye Complete Complex Serum if you want to see how you apply!  It's so easy to use that I was able to shoot this video and demo the product while my kids ran wild (no toddlers were harmed in the making of this video!).

VIDEO:  How To- Obagi ELASTIderm Eye Complete Complex Serum

BEFORE: So, here's what I'm working with...

Stay tuned for the "after" in a few weeks!

B12 Vitamins

Let me start by saying that this post is completely devoid of scientific studies and medical expertise.

That being said... B12 Vitamins are a.mazing.

I've been hearing about B12's for a few weeks now- mostly on the "mommy circuit" from exhausted moms who swear that the B12's help them get through the day.

As a mom, I had become comfortable with walking around in a fog- assuming that between the late nights and early mornings I was just sleep deprived and overworked.

Always eager to learn of HEALTHY ways to stay energized and engaged, I did a little online research and consulted Dr. Google...

Vitamin B12...

"...may protect against brain atrophy or shrinkage associated with Alzheimer's Disease and impaired cognitive function..."

"...plays a key role in normal functioning of the brain and nervous system..."

"... deficiency can potentially cause severe and irreversible damage...to the brain and nervous system..."

"At levels only slightly lower than normal...symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and poor memory may be experienced."

"B12 deficiency can cause symptoms of mania and psychosis"

Needless to say, I added these into my diet immediately.

NB: My husband is quick to point out that my clarity of thought and peaceful calm might not be the B12's at all.  Instead, he thinks it's because my post-nursing hormones are finally getting back to normal.  Guess this is just another example of agreeing to disagree...

Ok, maybe he's on to something...

A version of this post originally appeared in Aug 2014

New Eye Product Testing!

One of my wrinkle problem areas is the thin skin around my eyes.  It's very thin and when I smile, it looks like crepe paper!

I started adding a few drops of vitamin E to my water and have continued to make a conscious effort to stay hydrated in order to prevent that area from becoming dry- dryness only makes it worse.  Hydration has helped a bit but I still thought it was worth mentioning this "crepey" skin to my esthetician.  Without hesitation, she suggested the Obagi ELASTIderm Eye Complete Complex Serum.

The ELASTIderm Eye Serum is intended to help improve the strength and resilience of the skin on the outside and underneath the eye area to help minimize the appearance of wrinkles.

I'm only on day one so no conclusions to be drawn yet, but if you also have that thin, fine skin around your eyes, stay tuned and I'll let you know if this product is a "must have" before you invest!

Here is a quick and easy "How To" video: How To- Obagi ELASTIderm Eye Complete Complex Serum

Eliminating Sugar for Healthier Looking Skin

I forgot to buy sugar...again.  Maybe this is fate's way of telling me that I really should just eliminate it all together.

I have a serious sweet tooth and I get a little cagey if I can't get my hands on something sweet.  But, if I need just a bit more motivation, learning that sugar is actually bad for my skin might be enough to put me over the sugar-free edge.


According to recent studies, sugar, and the way it is broken down in our body, can actually cause premature aging in two ways...

1. When our blood sugar spikes after eating a sugary meal or a sweet, inflammation increases throughout our entire body

2.  When we ingest sugar, a natural process knows as glycation takes place- essentially glycation is the process in which sugar attaches to proteins and attacks collagen and elastin proteins- which are essential in the prevention of wrinkles and sagging

So, I'm going to give it a shot and eliminate as much added sugar as possible!  Want to try with me?!

(Translation: Kate forgot to buy sugar and is just trying to justify it by turning it into some skincare diet trend).

Source: Prevention, Huff Post

B12 Vitamins

Let me start by saying that this post is completely devoid of scientific studies and medical expertise.

That being said... B12 Vitamins are a.mazing.

I've been hearing about B12's for a few weeks now- mostly on the "mommy circuit" from exhausted moms who swear that the B12's help them get through the day.

As a mom, I had become comfortable with walking around in a fog- assuming that between the late nights and early mornings I was just sleep deprived and overworked.

Always eager to learn of HEALTHY ways to stay energized and engaged, I did a little online research and consulted Dr. Google...

Vitamin B12...

"...may protect against brain atrophy or shrinkage associated with Alzheimer's Disease and impaired cognitive function..."

"...plays a key role in normal functioning of the brain and nervous system..."

"... deficiency can potentially cause severe and irreversible damage...to the brain and nervous system..."

"At levels only slightly lower than normal...symptoms such as fatigue, depression, and poor memory may be experienced."

"B12 deficiency can cause symptoms of mania and psychosis"


Needless to say, I added these into my diet immediately.

NB: My husband is quick to point out that my clarity of thought and peaceful calm might not be the B12's at all.  Instead, he thinks it's because my post-nursing hormones are finally getting back to normal.  Guess this is just another example of agreeing to disagree...

Ok, maybe he's on to something...

The Laundry Files

If it weren't for an occasional leaky diaper or Pull Up malfunction, I'm not sure our sheets would ever get washed #momconfessions

What's Your Morning Routine

As moms (and/or busy women in general!) we've come to rely on routines.  We've learned to appreciate structure because, after some trial and error, we've realized that the day just works out that much better when we have some sort of agenda (or, when we can, at the very least, count down the hours before nap time!).

Since my days take me from mi cama to mucho chaos in a matter of seconds, my morning routine has become pretty efficient- Here it is!

1. Wake up with a toddler in my face whisper yelling, "Mama, you awake?...Oh, you eyes a open.  You awake!"
2. Hush whisper yelling toddler so that my adorable, but not yet ready for independent play, one-year old doesn't wake up
3. Begrudgingly whip back covers since my adorable, but not yet ready for independent play, one-year old is. in fact. up.
4. Stall while I put on my  LL Bean flannel button down and juicy velour pants that I've had since college Lulu pants and recently washed J.Crew sweatshirt
5. Carry one-year old down the stairs...oh, you want to walk? OK!...no, you want me to carry you?...no, we're walking...OMG, let's just get down the stairs already!
6. Breakfast- cereal in a bowl with milk for three year old.  Cereal in a bowl with yogurt for one-year old.
7. Vitamins- ok, so this is really the meat of this post
1. Mom- Daily Vitamin with Hair, Skin, Nail supplement along with 1,000mcg of B12 (the B12 honestly helps me make it through my day...more on that in another post).
2. Toddler- Daily Vitamin chewable
3. Mini-Toddler- Daily dropper of liquid vitamins (ew).
8. Coffee
9. Chaos
10. Commence (the day)

Looks like someone has a case of the Mondays

 

Hope your week is off to a good start!  Come back this week for some great insights and tips!

Draw My Pirates

"Draw my pirates," my toddler asked as he admired his chalk outline on the driveway.

"A pirate??  I'm not so sure I can draw a pirate, bubby."

"No, my pirates!" 

"Honey, I'm not that great at drawing, I don't know how else to draw a pirate." I shrug while I turn around and think about a stick-figure parrot.

I'm squatting next to the mini chalk outline of my (as of today) three year old- wondering if I can actually make this little chalk body look something like a pirate.  How does he know the word "pirate" anyway?  Has that been a recent topic in our home?

I swivel back to see what has caught his attention- surprised to see him pulling down his pants...

"Mom, Draw. My. PIRATES!"

Privates are ALWAYS a topic in our home....

Baby Boot Camp

Your baby is almost here!!  You've had a successful baby shower that included a diaper cake and a completed registry!  Woop Woop!

So now what?...Baby Boot Camp, that's what!

Here are some (hilarious) strength, agility and flexibility exercises to help you prep for the impending arrival!  I've never been stronger!

Materials:

• Infant Car Seat
• 8-12lb "baby" body double (or family pet)
• Cumbersome, *but trendy*, stroller

Strength:

1. Hold open your storm door and unlock front door while carrying your infant car seat with "baby"
2. Lift infant car seat with "baby" into car and accurately attached to adapter 
3. Now lift infant car seat and "baby" out of adapter
4. While holding car seat with "baby" search for lost car keys in a deep and cluttered diaper bag
5. Using proper squatting technique, lift "baby" off of playmat and up to chest
6. Again, using proper squatting technique, hold "baby" at chest and sit in glider
7. Remove stroller from back of car and unfold (without help...which includes YouTube)
8. Fold stroller and place into back of car (without help...which includes YouTube)

Flexibility:

1. While sitting in driver's seat, reach around and attempt to touch the the top of "baby's" head (repeat with pacifiers, bottles, and iPads to increase accuracy)
2. Position TV remote, cell phone, tablet, etc two inches beyond your arm's reach while seated on couch.  With "baby" on chest, attempt to reach TV remote, cell phone, tablet, etc...without disturbing "baby"
3. Using "baby", simulate a diaper blow out by strategically removing soiled diaper, onsie, and, if we are being totally honest, the diaper pad cover- all while "baby" rests safely on the changing table

Beauty & Style

1. Stop wearing make up
2. Stop brushing your teeth (and if you actually floss, stop doing that too)
3. Stop washing your hair (it might not be so bad)
4. Wear the same shirt, at a minimum, three days in a row (regardless of appearance and/or odor)

Now repeat!

VLOG: Diaper Bag Beauty Hacks

Ok, so I was going to get all techy and edit this Vlog with graphics to make it look less obvious that it was shot in my bedroom (a special thanks to my camera man and lighting tech- my husband :)!  But in an effort to stay committed to my courageous goal of adding the occasional Vlog, I figured I shouldn't use a crashing iMovie program or a Blogger error message as an excuse not to post.

Enjoy :)

Diaper Bag Beauty Hacks

How Often Do You Wash your Hair?

So this is one that us moms can appreciate!  Finally, a beauty benefit derived from sleep deprivation, time constraints, and a complete lack of attention to our own personal needs!!  Woop Woop!!  Hooray for no hair washing!!...sort of.

Ok, it's gross...and maybe I pushed the envelope my junior year in college when I went two weeks without a shampoo...but over-washing your hair can throw off your body's ability to balance natural oils on the surface of your scalp.

Often times when we wash with shampoo, we strip our hair of oils that help our hair and scalp stay moisturized and healthy.  This can result in dry and frizzy hair as well as split ends and breakage.  Ironically, it can also result in an increase of oil production as our body tries to counteract the drying effects of shampoo.

Of course it all depends on your hair type, but most professionals recommend washing your hair no more than three-times a week.  If you have color treated hair, long hair, or very curly hair, you might even be able to get away with once or twice a week!

Your hair may appear greasy when you first attempt to cut back, but over time, it should balance out and align to your cleaning schedule.  Start by washing every other day and slowly cut back- giving your scalp time to adjust to the new washing routine.  As you wean off from your washing, think ahead and try to wash only on days when you have important events (like date night, for example :).

Need some ideas on how to manage in between washes:

• On the days you wash your hair, wear it down to show off your newly groomed 'do.  On subsequent days, opt for low pony tails or buns (hairstyles that are higher on your head may draw attention to the lower tiers of your hair which are often darker and may appear "dirty" next to lighter hair)
• Limit hair products like gels and sprays as this contributes to build-up and can weigh hair down
• Using a flat, bristled brush, comb out from your roots to help redistribute some of the oil
• If your hair is light, you can sprinkle baby powder in your hand and run it through your roots to absorb some of the excess oil

Some folks think you can drop shampooing and conditioning altogether.  For more on that, check out this post I found.  I'm not there yet.  I respect it.  I'm just not...well, "there" yet.

Change Your Skin with Chia

The last time I experimented with Chia seeds, a five lb bag of them ended up all over my kitchen floor.  Do you know how hard it is to clean up after a chia seed spill?  Impossible.  In fact, there's probably a chia plant sprouting up underneath my refrigerator right now (mental note #1: research "how to market homegrown chia seeds").


Here are three good reasons to add chia seeds to your skincare routine- via your diet, of course (mental note #2: research "do chia seeds make a good exfoliant").

1. 1.5 tablespoons of chia seeds pack the same omega 3-fatty acid punch as 5oz. of Salmon*
2. Chia seeds are rich in antioxidants which fight free-radicals- the pesky predators that destroy collagen and cause our skin to sag
3. High in fiber- Why is good digestive health essential for healthy skin?  When your body is unable to expel toxins naturally, some toxins may creep to the surface of your skin.  This causes congestion and clogged pores on the skin's surface

So now what:

Try adding chia seeds to smoothies, cereals, and yogurts! Chi-chi-chi chia!

Sources: 5 Beautifying Smoothie Recipes, Authority Nutrition
*NB: It is widely believed that plant Omega 3-fatty acids, while still good for you, may not be as potent as animal-derived Omega 3-fatty acids

My Momtra...for days when I'm just about to lose it

"Mommy I'm leaking," says my (presumably) potty trained toddler who, after weeks of dry overnight Pull Ups, decided to test his diaper durability with a "doodoo".

He tells me this while sitting on my husband's side of the bed (thank God)- half on his pillow, the other half on the duvet cover.

My eyes are still closed as I try to register what he's telling me- glad that it's my three year old who is awake and not my (clings-to-me-for-dear-life) one year old.  

He says it again, "look mommy, I'm leaking.  It's a poopoo- biiiiiig poopoo".

There is nothing like leaky poop on a duvet cover to get you out of bed in the morning.

Please baby Jesus and Pull Up powers that be...has it gone through the duvet cover?!? 

Ugh, it totally has.

Looks like it's laundry day....

------

So, when my mornings start like this, and my days involve washing heavy duvets and duvet covers (and searching for missing articles of clothing in aforementioned duvet covers), I sort of want to lose my shiitake mushrooms (if you will...).

But, the thing is, you can't.  When you're a parent, you've got to keep your shiitake mushrooms together.

So on days like this, I repeat my Momtra and it goes like this:

Patience....

Grace....

Calm...

Patience....

Grace....

Is that @#!$ dog food in his mouth?!

Patience...

Grace...

Where did he get that screwdriver from?!

Patience...

Grace....

Why the !@#! are their Fruit Loops in my coffee?!  No, seriously...there are Fruit Loops in my coffee.

Patience...

Grace...

Ok, we are so done. Two is enough... I think...

Patience...

Grace...

Of course this is all in my head- fighting over the other voices taking up residence in there- as I try to keep my cool and remain in control.

In addition to repeating my momtras, I also try to frame the experience in a more positive way.  So, in this case:

• I guess it has been about (insert embarrassingly long amount of time here) since I last washed the sheets.  
• At least it was my husbands side of the bed.

Ommmm.....namaste!

Perfect Brows

The shape of your eyebrows is so important to the overall symmetry of your face!  Do you have eyebrow envy?  Well, here is your best bet for getting perfect brows!

1. Abort all self-tweezing exercises- the truth is that serial tweezers do more harm than good.  When you focus on one brow in the mirror and pluck away hair-by-hair, you lose perspective and often end up with uneven, poorly arched brows.  Stop tweezing your own eyebrows.  No...seriously, knock it off.

2.  Grow them out- If you have the self control, try to let your brows grow out for a few (gasp) months.  Letting your brows grow out to their bushiest...er...fullest gives your aesthetician a lot to work with in terms of shaping and aligning to the natural angles of your face.  Unfortunately, the more we tweeze the longer it can take for the hair to return which can eventually lead to really fine and thin brows.

3. Go to a professional.  And by professional, I don't mean the corner mani/pedi place!!  Go to a legit waxing center where the staff is trained in the aesthetics of waxing.  There really is a science behind how your brows should be waxed (how far apart they should be, where the arch is, how "long" they should be).  Going to a standard nail salon will likely get you a standard wax- lacking alignment.

Are your eyebrows the right shape for your face?  Find out by using this technique:

1. Using a pencil, align it vertically from the outside of your nostril all the way up to your forehead.  The start of your brow, should be inline with your outer nostril.

2. Tilt the pencil so that it runs from the edge of your nostril through the end of your eye.  The end of your brow should be inline with the pencil.

A version of this post was originally published in April, 2014

Today's Quick Beauty Fix- Diaper Bag Diva

Does your morning routine consist of getting kids dressed, packing diaper bags, and making brown bag lunches?

Do you have exactly zero seconds to focus on you before rushing off to your next activity- daycare, swim lessons, Gymboree?

Do you do most of your heavy lifting on to changing tables and with overstocked diaper bags?

If you've answered yes to any of these questions then you might be a mom.  Here are two diaper bag staples that will help you look (semi) put together the next time you run out of the house.

1.  Aquaphore

• Lipgloss- use a little to give your lips the high shine they deserve
• Eye Shimmer- smear a small amount on your eyelids (careful to avoid your eyes) for a natural yet shimmery look

2.  Baby Powder

• Dry Shampoo- massage into your scalp to absorb excess oil (note: this is for blondes only!)
• Deodorant- sprinkle a small amount on your hand and rub under your arms if desperate
• Root Touch Up- use a small amount to lighten up dark roots (note: this is also only for blondes...sorry!)

I demonstrated some of these techniques in a video!  Check it out here: Diaper Bag Beauty Hacks

How to survive Being a Stay At Home Mom

This job is extremely hard from the physicality of chasing busy toddlers to the emotional challenges of setting aside your "to do" list to keep your children engaged.  

Here is a list of things that will help you survive the early years of Stay-At-Home mommihood- hope it helps!

1. Lower your expectations.  Some days you'll be able to manage it all- You will have stayed on schedule, arrived early to activities, the laundry will be put away and, miraculously, the toys will have stayed in the playroom.  Other days you'll be running thirty minutes late to a forty-five minute Gymboree class, the wet laundry will need to be washed....again, and it will look like your home was just broken into by robbers searching for the very same puzzle piece you've spent weeks looking for.  Only the robbers were a bit more motivated and took the term, "turn this place upside down" literally.  Some days are just going to be messy and chaotic.  Try not to have an overly ambitious "to-do" list, or just prioritize one item on that list.  It's important to feel like you've accomplished something during the day, but manage your own expectations.

2. Try to get out at least once a day.  Some mornings I wake up and I'm so relieved that we don't have swim lessons or gymnastics or whatever scheduled activity I impulsively signed my kids up for.  But it's those mornings- the ones with no plans- that are always SO challenging.  The kids start climbing the walls by 10am and my easy morning of sipping coffee and watching the TODAY Show turns into pulling kids off coffee tables and wiping yogurt off my walls...again.

3.Television is Not the Enemy- we are media limited in our home.  Generally, the TV is only on long enough for me to accomplish a necessary task* (cooking, for example).  It's usually our last "go to" when independent play has resulted in one too many toddler altercations.  The key is to watch so little television (or use technology) that when you are desperate, you don't feel guilty watching Curious George on repeat.  Proactively DVR shows you like so that when the time comes, you can pull them up versus having shows that don't interest little one or, for lack of a better term, are just junk. *Maintaining my sanity IS a necessary task

4. Get comfortable with the mess.  My home is never as clean as I want it to be. Even when I have help, it always seems that they've cleaned just enough to uncover other areas that need cleaning.  I am, admittedly, a bit OCD- a complex I could indulge freely before becoming a parent.  But if I were to let my OCD tendencies get the best of me, I would not spend any quality/playtime with my kids.  Don't get me wrong- there are some days when I just can't take the mess anymore.  And on those days I revert to tip #1 and focus on one room in my home- making it my goal to tidy and clean it up by the end of the day.

5. Speaking of cleaning- hire help!  You don't need to get someone every week, we have help about two times a month.  I always try to declutter so that she can get to the big stuff (dusting, mopping, etc).  Once you get comfortable with your cleaner, book him/her for when you will be out of the house.  There is something so emotionally satisfying for a SAHM when she walks into her home- the same home that she spends so much time trying to maintain- and it's been professionally cleaned by someone whose only task is to clean and organize her home.  I am never happier than when I return home to a clean house.  Truth.  I am also never more inclined to repeatedly chant my "momtra" (more on this here) when, after exactly seven minutes of returning to our clean home, someone spills an entire squeezie pack all over the floor.  

6. Take a morning off.  The thing about being a SAHM is that you are constantly doing the same job...24/7.  You are constantly and actively caring for your kids- from the second they wake up in the morning (or in the middle of the night) until they finally go down at the end of the day.  Other adult human beings may have independent breaks throughout their day.  Time to gather their thoughts between meetings, independent bathroom breaks, lunch outings, and, if nothing else, a commute.  SAHMs don't get that.  So be your best advocate and acknowledge just how hard your day is and "block out your calendar" one morning a week, hire a sitter and do something for yourself- a mani/pedi, massage, or, as is often the case for my "me days", go grocery shopping alone- oh! What a luxury!!  No, seriously, it's amazing when you actually leave the grocery store because you've gotten everything on your list, not because your toddler is screaming or your youngest just dropped the mega-sized container of blueberries all over the produce department.

And when all else fails, there is wine.  I can always rely on wine (Thank you BabyCenter friends for pointing out this glaring omission).

Kate's Cosmetic Case

Here is the latest addition to my cosmetics case.  I am always eager to try new products that will help keep my skin looking healthy and I may have just found the secret potion!

WHAT:
Nature's Bounty Vitamin E Oil (30,000iu/bottle)

WHY:
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that promotes immune function (huh, ironically I actually have a cold...so, hmmm).  It also helps support cardiovascular health.  Vitamin E is naturally found on the outer-most skin surface where it provides protection and encourages the reparation of damaged skin.

The antioxidant properties of vitamin E protect your skin from free radicals- the culprits that breakdown collagen and elastin, causing skin to sag and wrinkle.

HOW:
Every morning I fill up my Camelbak with 750ml of water topped off with about five drops of Vitamin E Oil and sip it throughout the day.

RESULTS:
It's been less than a week and I can 100% see a difference.  One morning I woke up and my skin actually felt oily (new for me as I tend to fall on the "dry skin" side of the scale).  While my skin felt a little oily, it didn't feel greasy or clogged.  I also have very fine wrinkles under my eyes and since using the Vitamin E oil, they've filled out a bit- in other words, the skin seems softer and less inclined to wrinkle when I smile.

This is definitely a keeper.  I am excited to see what this will do for my perpetually dry hands and skin come winter time!