• Home
  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Contact

Nutrition Nut on the Run

  • Recipes
  • Workouts
  • Running
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
  • Beauty
  • Shop My Favorites
    • Shop Beautycounter
    • 2020 Holiday Gift Guide

Spring Clean Your Skincare Routine

April 10, 2019 by Hillary Leave a Comment

Beautycounter Spring Sale // 15% OFF SITEWIDE

With it being Spring and all, we tend to use this season to “clean up” our life is some way or another. Often we think about incorporating more fresh foods, increasing our amount of movement outdoors, and purging our closets. But what about our personal care products? It seems to me like this area of our lives is often forgotten. When you actually stop and read the ingredient labels on your products (yep, they have labels like food), you will probably be quite shocked by what’s lurking in your daily go-tos. Due to the lack of regulation in the beauty industry, toxic and potentially harmful chemicals are allowed in your products without a bat of an eye. The words “natural” and “organic” don’t carry much significance when it comes to the safety of personal care products.

So what can you do? Download the EWG’s Healthy Living App or use their Skin Deep Database to research the safety of your cosmetic and personal care products.

This is one of my all-time favorite resources for helping to select products, especially when the ingredient labels are difficult to dissect. You can scan the product directly on your phone and it will rate its safety based on the ingredients. Keep in mind that not all products are listed in the app because companies are not required to disclose their ingredients (really, the lack of regulation in the 62 billion dollar beauty industry is unreal!).

Here are 5 ingredients to watch out for when reading ingredient labels on your skincare products:

1. Parabens

Parabens are a preservatives commonly used to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Parabens are endocrine (hormone) disruptors, which may alter important hormone mechanisms in our bodies. Methylparaben, isobutylparaben, propylparaben are the most common in personal care products and are concerning as they have estrogen-mimicking properties that may play a role in triggering certain cancers.

2. Phthalates

Phthalates (pronounced THAL-lates) make plastic more pliable (think shower curtains). In cosmetics, phthalates are used to make fragrances stick to skin, styling products malleable, and nail polish bend and stick to the curve of your nail.

Phthalates are highly suspected endocrine (hormone) disruptors with some reports of fetal birth defects.

Phthalates are not always labeled as they are likely considered by the producing company as an ingredient in their signature fragrance, whose lists are protected as “trade secret.”

3. Fragrance 

“Fragrance” is considered a trade secret, so companies don’t have to disclose what it is. Hundreds of chemicals can hide under the word “fragrance.” It is usually a synthetic concoction that includes phthalates and synthetic musks, which are hormone disruptors, as well as chemicals that are allergens and neurotoxins.

4. Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is used in cosmetic products as a preservative and to prevent bacterial growth. This chemical was deemed as a human carcinogen by The International Agency for Research on Carcinogens and has also been linked to asthma, neurotoxicity, and developmental toxicity.

5. Oxybenzone 

Oxybenzone is a chemical sunscreen agent and ultraviolet light absorber which was added to nearly 65 percent of the non-mineral sunscreens in EWG’s 2018 sunscreen database. Oxybenzone may cause allergic skin reactions and possible hormone disruption. Hawaii just passed a bill banning sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate because studies have shown they have been linked to the bleaching of coral reefs.

All in all, I think it’s just a matter of picking your battles and finding out what changes make sense for you. A whole lifestyle change can be overwhelming, but making little changes one at a time adds up in the long run. For example, switch out your body moisturizer and body wash first (those that you use on your entire body) and then, as your products run out, try a new shampoo, cleanser, moisturizer, etc. Any change you can make is a positive one.

Safer Option: Beautycounter

Beautycounter is committed to a health and safety standard that goes well beyond what is legally required in the United States. Beautycounter excludes more than 1,500 questionable or harmful ingredients. Their high-performing, indulgent products are made mostly from responsibly sourced, plant-based ingredients and are rigorously screened to avoid potentially health disruptive ingredients on The Never List™. This list includes the five ingredients above along with thousands of other ingredients that have been associated with a variety of health disturbances.

Beautycounter Spring Sale // 15% OFF SITEWIDE 

My Spring Must-Haves:

Overnight Resurfacing Peel – a.k.a. the miracle worker! The texture of my skin has improved so much since using this peel 3-4x a week. It’s gentle, but high-performing with 15 botanically-derived acids that both exfoliate and sooth the skin.

Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer – I am obsessed with the sheer, dewy, lightweight coverage of this tinted moisturizer with SPF 20. This is my daily face sunscreen/makeup that also provides moisture and a bit of color.

Satin Powder Blush in Nectar – I have been loving this peachy blush to add a pop of color to my minimalist makeup routine. I plan to wear it all spring and summer with my favorite Luminous Powder Highlighter in Halo.

Spring Clean Your Skincare Routine @beautycounter #switchtosafer #betterbeauty

Click To Tweet


Questions?

If you’re not sure what products would be best for your skin type, fill out this quick questionnaire and I’ll send you an email with personalized recommendations.

Keep in mind that Beautycounter has a 60 day return policy. I have confidence you will love what you get, but if you don’t for any reason, you can return products for a full refund.

Cheers to spring cleaning & safer skincare!

Hillary’s Beautycounter Newsletter: hop onto my email list to learn more about safer skincare, new product launches, and special deals!


 

 

Disclosure: Please keep in mind that I’m not an esthetician. This information is based on my own research, personal experiences and training as a Beautycounter Consultant. 

Filed Under: Beauty Tagged With: Beautycounter, Safer Skincare

A Few of My Favorite Things: 2018 Holiday Gift Guide

November 26, 2018 by Hillary Leave a Comment

Hey hey! Happy (Cyber) Monday! It’s been a while friends, too long!

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are easing back into the week. Mondays are now work-from-home days for me, so I’ve been up since 6:00am working away on all things Beautycounter (see below for the incredible Cyber Monday sale!).

Truth be told, I have mixed feelings about Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and holiday shopping madness in general. On one hand, I LOVE a good deal, but I am also a minimalist-in-the-making and don’t like to give or receive “stuff” without a purpose. I am more of a practical gifts kinda gal. With that, here are a few of my favorite things (some arguably more practical than others). The best thing is 90% of them are on sale today!

A Few of My Favorite Things | 2018 Holiday Gift Guide

1. Best of Beautycounter

This is my absolute favorite set from the 2018 Holiday Collection. Why? Because it includes four of our best-selling products: a bit smaller in size than our regular products, they are ideal for a Beautycounter newbie to try our signature products, or for someone who adores our safer skincare already and wants the ideal travel size. Plus, they all come in a classy white box that needs nothing more than a simple bow.

2. Lucky Brand Basel Flat Bootie

I’ve had these booties for a few years and they are a staple in my wardrobe; they can be dressed up or down and literally go with everything. I have another pair in my cart because mine are pretty worn and well-used. They are so comfortable and such a classic bootie that can be worn for years (I’ve got proof!).

3. Beautycounter New Nudes Lip Gloss Trio

These glosses are stunning! High-impact shine, non-sticky moisture, super flattering, and the best part… a hint of mint! I’m obsessed with the Spice color. This set is perfect to break-up and turn into three separate gifts for girlfriends, hair stylists, etc.

4. Kleen Kanteen – Insulated

I use my Kleen Kanteens every day! I take two to work with me: one with coffee, one with water. They do the best job at keeping hot liquids hot, and cold liquids icy cold. I’m partial to Kleen Kanteen because they are a local (to me) company. Tomorrow, I am purchasing a few of these California canteens as 100% of the profits will go to the Camp Fire relief efforts.

5. #GirlGetAfterIt Muscle Tank

Cassidy, of The Wellness Rookie, has got a good thing going: “MORE THAN JUST A HASHTAG. WE’RE A WELLNESS MOVEMENT BRINGING WOMEN TOGETHER THROUGH MOVEMENT, CONVERSATION, AND COMMUNITY.” I’d totally rock this #girlgetaftertank for an Orangetheory workout. Plus, I love supporting other small business and female wellness entrepreneurs… and she’s based in Bozeman, Montana (another special place to me).

6. Stasher Bags

I’m hoping Santa brings me a set of Stasher Bags, as, well, we haven’t bought plastic bags in forever (and it feels really good!). We currently wash and reuse the handful that we do have, but mostly use glass tupperware. Our beautiful Earth needs more attention than ever before, and reducing waste (especially plastic!) is something we can all work on. Plus, Stasher bags come in a variety of colors and sizes that make packing and storing food all too convenient; they can be used for travel, too!

7. New Balance Thermal Vest

Before moving to Florida, puffy down vests made up 75% of my fall/winter wardrobe. I’m itching for the day when I can say that again! A black down vest is so versatile – not only do I wear mine for outdoor running and hiking, but they’re also a staple with jeans and booties for casual weekend outfits.

8. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

I use Vital Proteins unflavored collagen peptides in my coffee every morning. Curious about collagen? Read this post: Why I Love Collagen Peptides.

 

A Few of My Favorite Things: 2018 Holiday Gift Guide

Click To Tweet

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As always, opinions are entirely my own. 

Filed Under: Beauty Tagged With: 2018 Holiday Gift Guide

The Skincare Duo That Changed My Skin

October 13, 2018 by Hillary Leave a Comment

I wasn’t born with flawless skin.

Let’s be real, who is!?

Then enter nearly a decade of battling acne and not wearing enough sunscreen for my fair, freckled skin… here I am at 29 already treating acne scars, sun spots, and fine lines.

Luckily, I have a better understanding now how to take care of my skin (hello SPF and moisturizer!), so – fingers crossed – my thirties will be a better decade for my complexion than my twenties.

My skin has responded well to Beautycounter products, but it wasn’t until I started using the Overnight Resurfacing Peel (a.k.a. the miracle worker!) in tandem with the Rejuvenating Radiance Serum that I started to see a noticeable difference.

For the past 8 weeks, I have been using the peel 3-4x per week, and I have been using the serum 1-2x per day. I can’t wait to see how my skin looks and feels after 12 weeks, and 16…

Both products help to increase radiance and even skin tone, but I imagine the peel is doing a lot of the work with 15 botanically-derived acids that gently yet effectively exfoliate your skin. It also works to minimize the appearance of pores, fine lines, and dark spots without irritation or over-drying. The biggest difference I’ve noticed is the texture of my skin – it’s so smooth!

Overall, my skin tone is more even, fine lines aren’t as prominent, and any dullness has been replaced with a year-round glow – hallelujah!

My Results Using the Overnight Resurfacing Peel & Rejuvenating Radiance Serum

  • The texture of my skin is smooth and soft
  • My skin tone is more even and brighter – it glows!
  • My pores are less prominent

Benefits of the Overnight Resurfacing Peel

  • Promotes cell turnover for a smoother complexion
  • Minimizes the appearance of pores
  • Reduces the appearance of fine lines
  • Reduces appearance of dark spots and age spots
  • Evens skin tone
  • Boosts radiance

Beautycounter’s Chief Scientist called the Overnight Resurfacing Peel their “most high-performance product to date.” This peel will give you quick results versus some of the other Beautycounter products that take continued use to notice a visible change.

How should I use the peel?

  • Use the peel 3-4x a week at night in place of your serum, before a moisturizer
  • Wait 3-5 minutes after applying the peel before applying your moisturizer and eye cream
  • Leave on overnight and complete your usual morning skin regime – no need to rinse off

How does the peel work?

  • 15 botanically-derived acids resurface your skin without causing irritation – it’s gentle, yet effective!
  • 9 of those are resurfacing acids that work to renew the skin by sloughing off dead skin cells
  • 6 are soothing acids that rehydrate and replenish skin
  • Note: skin does not actually peel or flake off like a peel that you may get from a dermatologist


Benefits of the Rejuvenating Radiance Serum

  • Helps even the look of skin tone
  • Reduces the appearance of wrinkles
  • Improves hydration
  • Lightweight and easily absorbed

How should I use the serum?

  • Use morning and night after cleansing, before applying moisturizer
  • Massage gently into face and neck with upward strokes, follow with moisturizer

Beautycounter is proof that safer products can be high-performing, too.

Beautycounter is committed to a health and safety standard that goes well beyond what’s required by U.S. law. They prohibit the use of more than 1,500 questionable or harmful chemicals, all while ensuring the products perform and that they’re as indulgent as any other luxe personal care product on the market.

Get a bottle of the Overnight Resurfacing Peel here.

Get a bottle of the Rejuvenating Radiance Serum here.

If you don’t have a skincare routine you love, fill out this quick questionnaire – I’d be happy to help you!

Cheers to safer skincare and happy, healthy skin!

xx Hill

Filed Under: Beauty Tagged With: Beautycounter, Overnight Resurfacing Peel, Rejuvenating Radiance Serum, Safer Skincare

My Favorite Safer Skincare is on SALE!

August 9, 2018 by Hillary Leave a Comment

You’ve probably caught on by now that I have a major crush on Beautycounter products. They are significantly safer than any other skincare and makeup products on the market and the results are amazing without using 1,500 questionable or potentially harmful ingredients. If you want to learn a little bit more about my why behind Beautycounter, check out this post: My Skin Story + Why Beautycounter.

Essentially, for me (and probably you too), I emphasize my focus on eating wholesome, nutritious foods, exercising consistently, and minimizing stress… so why would I slather potentially harmful ingredients on my skin to be absorbed into our bloodstream? Considering the safety of my personal care products just makes sense. It fits in line with my lifestyle, and once I began to learn about the unregulated beauty industry, I wanted to be part of the mission of getting safer products into the hands of everyone.

I am glad I discovered Beautycounter when I did because as I close out my twenties, I find myself more focused on preserving the youthfulness of my skin while simultaneously using products that are not only better for my body, but the environment too.

I’m so happy that Beautycounter is finally doing a % off sale (rather than the usual free gift with purchase) so that those who have been curious about it, can give a try. If you’re like me, switching to safer personal care products doesn’t have to happen overnight. Even if you start with one item (your body lotion, shampoo, or face wash) and make a slow transition, it’s better than nothing. #switchtosafer

Shop the Sale: beautycounter.com/hillaryparker

At check-out, enter promo code: LOVE

Beautycounter has never done a sale like this (and probably won’t for a while), so if you’ve been curious to try the products or want to stock up on your staples, you won’t want to miss this. Offer available until 8/13 while supplies last.


My Skincare Must-Haves:

No. 1 Brightening Facial Oil – 7 plant based oils that will not make you break out! They are full of antioxidants and fatty acids to fight aging. The brightening oil has added vitamin C for an additional radiance boost. I also like to add a drop or two to my hand cream or rub in to my cuticles — it’s multipurpose!

Rejuvenating Radiance Serum – The Rejuvenating Collection is great for anyone wanting to combat signs of aging (sign me up!). I use this serum both morning and night under my moisturizer to reduce fine lines and pore size, and improve skin tone.

No. 3 Balancing Facial Mask – I love this charcoal mask that balances the skin by absorbing excess oil, draws out impurities and reducing the size of pores. I use it about once a week, and sometimes more during that time of the month.

Overnight Resurfacing Peel* – a.k.a. the miracle worker! The texture of my skin has improved so much since using this peel 3-4x a week. It’s gentle, but high-performing with 15 botanically-derived acids that both exfoliate and sooth the skin.

My Makeup Must-Haves:

Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer – I am obsessed with the sheer, dewy, lightweight coverage of this tinted moisturizer with SPF 20. This is my daily face sunscreen/makeup that also provides moisture and a bit of color.

Lip Gloss – Peony is my daily go-to that I always have on hand. It’s shiny without being sticky and is great to layer over a Sheer Lipstick.

Volumizing Mascara – I fell in love with the Volumizing Mascara first, as I love bold lashes, but the Lengthening Mascara is a close runner-up. I switch between the two depending on the mood I’m in.

Makeup Remover Wipes – I can be a bit lazy sometimes about washing my face at night, and these are perfect for just that. They are larger in size than many other wipes I’ve tried and truly leave your skin feeling clean. Plus, you can compost them — woohoo! These are a must for camping, the gym, and for lazy nights!

20% OFF ALL @beautycounter PRODUCTS! #switchtosafer #betterbeauty

Click To Tweet


Questions?

If you’re not sure what products would be best for your skin type, fill out this quick questionnaire and I’ll send you an email with personalized recommendations.

Email me if you have any questions at all: hillaryannparker (at) gmail (dot) com …or leave a comment below!

Keep in mind that Beautycounter has a 60 day return policy. I have full confidence you will LOVE what you get, but if you don’t for any reason, you can return products for a full refund.

Cheers to safer skincare!

xx Hill

*A few exclusions apply: all sets and collections are excluded from this promotion. Countersun, Flawless in Five, Get the Look, and the Overnight Resurfacing Peel are also excluded from this promotion.

 

Hillary’s Beautycounter Newsletter: sign-up to learn more about safer skincare & to stay posted on specials and giveaways!

Filed Under: Beauty Tagged With: Beautycounter, Beautycounter Promo Code, Beautycounter Sale, Safer Skincare

5 Ingredients to Avoid in Personal Care Products

July 11, 2018 by Hillary Leave a Comment

My dance years were a non-stop show of 90s music, loud costumes, and a lot of make-up. Backstage was a rain shower of sticky, shiny hairspray, buns and bright red lipstick, and layers upon layers of liquid foundation. We toted around miniature duffel bags of drugstore brand cosmetics from competition to recital to competition. Luckily I didn’t know then what I do now.

Safer skincare and make-up hasn’t always been one of my interests.

But now it is. It makes complete sense for me. For someone who has cared about what I put IN my body for so many years, why would I not give the same attention to what I put ON my body? Personal care products have ingredient labels just as food products do, yet they do not get the same critical consideration.

The U.S. law that governs the multi-billion dollar cosmetics industry was passed 80 years ago(!) in 1938 and does not give the Food and Drug Administration the authority to ask cosmetic companies for safety data or issue recalls of cosmetics found to be unsafe.

Say what!?

In the United States, we ban a whopping 30 ingredients from cosmetics, while the European Union bans close to 1,400. In the U.S., it is entirely legal for companies to use toxic chemicals in the products that we put on our bodies every day – even if the ingredients are linked to health issues. Essentially, there is lack of regulation in the beauty industry when it comes to ingredients, and we slather them on ourselves and our families every day.

Not all chemical are bad. But toxic chemicals are, as you guessed it, not good for us. “Toxic” means those chemicals that can harm cells or organs, cause neurological damage, and/or alter important biological systems. In the case of cosmetics, toxic chemicals can enter our bodies through our skin, lips and nails when we apply products, and through our airways when we inhale particles from powders and sprays.

This post isn’t meant to overwhelm you as you make a mental note of all the products you have in your shower and bathroom cabinets. Rather, it is intended to shine a little light on this commonly ignored component of wellness so that the next time you’re restocking your shampoo or mascara, you’ll have more confidence selecting products as an informed consumer.

5 Personal Care Ingredients to Avoid

1. Parabens

Parabens are a preservatives commonly used to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Parabens are endocrine (hormone) disruptors, which may alter important hormone mechanisms in our bodies. Methylparaben, isobutylparaben, propylparaben are the most common in personal care products and are concerning as they have estrogen-mimicking properties that may play a role in triggering certain cancers.

2. Phthalates

Phthalates (pronounced THAL-lates) make plastic more pliable (think shower curtains). In cosmetics, phthalates are used to make fragrances stick to skin, styling products malleable, and nail polish bend and stick to the curve of your nail.

Phthalates are highly suspected endocrine (hormone) disruptors with some reports of fetal birth defects.

Phthalates are not always labeled as they are likely considered by the producing company as an ingredient in their signature fragrance, whose lists are protected as “trade secret.”

3. Fragrance 

“Fragrance” is considered a trade secret, so companies don’t have to disclose what it is. Hundreds of chemicals can hide under the word “fragrance.” It is usually a synthetic concoction that includes phthalates and synthetic musks, which are hormone disruptors, as well as chemicals that are allergens and neurotoxins.

4. Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is used in cosmetic products as a preservative and to prevent bacterial growth. This chemical was deemed as a human carcinogen by The International Agency for Research on Carcinogens and has also been linked to asthma, neurotoxicity, and developmental toxicity.

5. Oxybenzone 

Oxybenzone is a chemical sunscreen agent and ultraviolet light absorber which was added to nearly 65 percent of the non-mineral sunscreens in EWG’s 2018 sunscreen database. Oxybenzone may cause allergic skin reactions and possible hormone disruption. Hawaii just passed a bill banning sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate because studies have shown they have been linked to the bleaching of coral reefs.

5 Personal Care Ingredients to Avoid @beautycounter #saferskincare #betterbeauty

Click To Tweet

Safer Option: Beautycounter

Beautycounter is committed to a health and safety standard that goes well beyond what is legally required in the United States. Beautycounter excludes more than 1,500 questionable or harmful ingredients. Their high-performing, indulgent products are made mostly from responsibly sourced, plant-based ingredients and are rigorously screened to avoid potentially health disruptive ingredients on The Never List™. This list includes the five ingredients above along with thousands of other ingredients that have been associated with a variety of health disturbances.

— My Skin Story + Why Beautycounter

— My Current Favorite Beautycounter Products

— Shop Beautycounter

Download the EWG’s Healthy Living App or use their Skin Deep Database to research the safety of your cosmetic and personal care products.

Do you have any favorite safer skincare brands?



Filed Under: Beauty Tagged With: Beautycounter, Better Beauty, Personal Care Ingredients to Avoid, Safer Skincare

What I’m Loving Lately | June 2018

June 1, 2018 by Hillary 2 Comments

Hey hey, happy Friday & happy JUNE! I’m definitely excited about this month as it includes another trip to Cali, the official start to summer, and my birthday! ☀

Before we get the weekend started, I want to share a few things that I’m lovin’ lately.

First things first, breakfast. I stumbled upon these paleo toaster waffles at Sprouts, and I’m obsessed. I’ve been trying to reduce my grain and sugar consumption (yet again) in order to heal my gut, and these are surprisingly good. I don’t typically crave savory breakfasts, so a couple of these topped with nut butter, sliced strawberries, and hemp seeds is my new favorite way to start the day… with collagen coffee of course.

Another recent food find is this Deep Dark Blackout Organic Chocolate by Alter Eco®. While I’m trying to reduce (key word) my sugar consumption, I still enjoy breaking off a piece of a quality dark chocolate bar on the daily. This bar is ridiculously smooth, buttery, and flavorful! It’s definitely a new favorite, and I hve tried a lot of 80+ percent cocoa dark chocolate bars.

This isn’t anything revolutionary, but I’ve been all about roasted potatoes. It helps that I finally figured how to cook them to perfection: cut up into fairly small pieces, toss in avocado oil + Trader Joe’s Everyday Seasonsing, and roast at 425F for 45 minutes. A hot oven makes all the difference.

What I’m Loving Lately | June 2018 ☀

Click To Tweet

I can’t help but laugh at this one as I reminisce of my 16-year-old self and distressed Abercrombie & Fitch jean jacket that was a staple in my high school wardrobe… but, I recently found some cute finds at both A&F and Aerie (American Eagle). Thanks to killer Memorial Day Weekend sales, I scored a few new pieces for summer that were affordable and will probably last me another 12+ years. ?

Lastly, I announced earlier this week that I am now offering customized skincare consultations as a Beautycounter Consultant. This is an individualized skincare consultation that allows me the opportunity to tailor specific Beautycounter product recommendations to fit your unique skin care needs. This complimentary service is for anyone who is interested in Beautycounter – whether you are a past, current, or prospective client. I would love to help you make the switch to safer skincare enjoyable and rewarding! Click here to complete the skincare questionnaire; I will follow-up with you personally with customized recommendations based on your answers.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Chat soon,

Hill

What are you loving lately?

Any new food or fashion finds?

Filed Under: Beauty, Life, Lifestyle Tagged With: Alter Eco Deep Dark Blackout Organic Chocolate, Beautycounter Personalized Skincare Consultation, Birch Benders Paleo Toaster Waffles

California Dreamin’

May 25, 2018 by Hillary Leave a Comment

Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

While Nick and I are both ecstatic about the fact that he has four days off (woohoo!), there is a hefty storm in the forecast: Tropical Storm Alberto is our first official storm since moving to The South. It doesn’t look like it will be a typical sun-filled, bbq-ing Memorial Day weekend for us. Instead, I am going to be daydreaming of last weekend’s trip to California [read: My Healthy Travel Essentials]. Nick and I both agree that we wish we could relive that trip all over again, and we wouldn’t change a thing. I am sharing some footage from our trip because it’s a weekend I don’t want to forget.

California Trip | May 17-20, 2018

Sacramento & Chico

— lunch with friends at Zocalo, al fresco

— sweet rehearsal dinner at The Red Rabbit

— two amazing (gluten-free) brunches at Pushkin’s

— all the Philz Coffee (nothing beats it!)

— ride in style in our rental Prius (when in Cali, go green)

— watch one of my besties, Court, marry her person #weddinggoals

— drinks & dancing with Kayla + the kiddos

— trail walk in Upper Bidwell Park with my bestie, Kendra

— stroll the farmer’s market with Sweet Cottage iced tea in hand

— soak up the sun in Lower Bidwell Park

— B Street chips & guac, obviously!

— downtown shopping with my BFF

— Parkside Tap House, for good measure

— the ultimate vegan pizza at OneSpeed with Grace

Philz Coffee | Midtown Sacramento

The best (gluten-free) avocado toast with poached eggs at Pushkin’s | Midtown Sacramento

Picked up a 6-pack of juice shots at Pressed Juicery | Midtown Sacramento

My dapper wedding date.

The stunning Mr & Mrs!

My forever happy place | Chico Certified Farmer’s Market

In my element.

Bidwell, always beautiful.

Bursting with joy, literally.

This girl, my BFF — I miss her so.


Thank goodness we’re headed back to NorCal in just a couple of weeks. Until then, I am going to ride out the storm this weekend by cozying up and doing all the online shopping (hello holiday sales!)…err, job searching. Speaking of Memorial Day deals…

Beautycounter has a steal: with any order of $125, you get a FREE travel-sized Cleansing Balm or Body Butter. Plus, I am throwing in FREE SHIPPING for anyone who takes advantage of the weekend deal.

>> Shop Safer Skincare

Have a fun & safe weekend!

xo Hill

Filed Under: Beauty, Travel

My Current Favorite Beautycounter Products

April 20, 2018 by Hillary 2 Comments

Don’t miss out on my Vital Proteins Giveaway!

Enter to win a large container of my favorite collagen peptides.


Hey friend, happy Friday!

You’ve probably caught on by now that I’ve joined the Beautycounter movement. If not, read this post where I share my personal skin story and why I am a Beautycounter consultant. Aside from standing behind Beautycounter’s mission get safer skincare into the hands of everyone through education and changing legislation, I have a big crush on their luxurious products. Today I want to highlight a handful of products that I am particularly loving lately.

My Current Favorite Beautycounter Products

Rejuvenating Toner Pads

Love these so much that I just ordered more! I use these after cleansing my face or using a face mask for tighter pores and a youthful glow. Using a toner helps the following product (i.e. serum, moisturizer, or oil) absorb better into your skin.

No. 1 Brightening Facial Oil

I adore Beautycounter face oils, like a lot! They are not heavy or greasy and leave your skin feeling pampered and hydrated.

Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer

One of my top favorites that I recommend to everyone. I apply over a thin layer of the Adaptive Moisture Lotion for a dewy, sheer coverage & dose of SPF!

Volumizing Mascara

Obsessed with this. Bold lashes plus a little lip gloss are all I need.

Lip Gloss in Peony

My everyday go-to. The Peony color is perfect for spring, on its own or layered on top of a Sheer Lipstick.

By the way, 5 new Lip Gloss shades + 3 new Sheer Lipstick shades launched this week!

Body Butter

A little goes a long way. I love to slather this on my feet and hands for luxurious moisture. The citrusy scent is heavenly!

Makeup Remover Wipes

Also a new product, I wanted to see if the new wipes lived up to all of the hype. YES! I can be a bit lazy sometimes about washing my face at night, and these are perfect for just that. They are larger in size than many other wipes I’ve tried and truly leave your skin feeling clean. Plus, you can compost them — woohoo!

My Current Favorite Beautycounter Products | @beautycounter #saferskincare #betterbeauty

Click To Tweet

Want to learn more about safer skin care and stay posted on specials and giveaways?

— Subscribe to My Beautycounter Newsletter

— Join My Beautycounter Facebook Group

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

Filed Under: Beauty Tagged With: Beautycounter, Beautycounter Body Butter, Beautycounter No. 1 Brightening Facial Oil, Beautycounter Rejuvenating Toner Pads, Safer Skincare

5 Tips to Spring Clean Your Life

April 6, 2018 by Hillary Leave a Comment

Truth be told, Spring is not my favorite season (Fall is by far my favorite). Yes of course there are many wonderful things about this time of year, including budding blossoms and bluer skies, but for the past few years I’ve battled with seasonal allergies (I am currently broken out in hives), and they are a drag. I also tend to feel my thickest or heaviest during the spring/early summer – which makes little sense to me – but it’s an unfavorable pattern I’ve noticed. Petties aside, spring is undoubtedly a time to rejuvenate our lives with positive energy after a long winter that my have bogged us down.

One spring “trend” I can get behind is spring cleaning. If you didn’t know, I am a clean freak, minimalist, organizer, and persistent purger. I don’t leave spring cleaning to the second quarter of the year, rather you’ll find me cleaning out my closet and whatever other cupboards I can get my hands on all throughout the year. I don’t think spring cleaning needs to be left to your closet clutter, however.

This season is a time to weed out anything that is not serving you – thoughts, habits, relationships, emails, schedules – anything that is cramping your style. I encourage to do a little cleaning to make space for positive and fresh inspiration to grow — whether that’s a little more room in your closet, a few less emails in your inbox, or toxic relationships that steal too much of your energy. Here are a few tips to clean up and make room for peace of mind and serenity this spring.

5 Tips to Spring Clean Your Life

1 // Clear Up Your Calendar

I live by my color-coded Google calendar. If your calendar, whether it’s electronic or on paper, is stressing you out from being over-scheduled (and you, under-rested!), say no to social engagements and extracurriculars that don’t “fill up your cup.” If that’s easier said than done, at least schedule “me time” on your calendar – whatever that looks like to you. Writing it down will make it much more likely to happen. When you fill up your own cup, you will have more energy to give to your work and others.

2 // Swap Your Skin Care

If you’re wanting to clean up your health, don’t forget about your skin care and beauty products — questionable and harmful ingredients aren’t just found on food labels, but in your personal care products, too. Did you know that the European Union bans over 1,400 harmful chemicals from cosmetic products? How many do you think the United States bans? A mere 30! But Beautycounter is doing something about that by providing high-performing products that exclude over 1,500 questionable or harmful ingredients. Hello, safer skin care!

I encourage you to skim The Never List™ and then spend 10 minutes looking at the ingredient lists on your personal care products. You can even download the EWG’s Healthy Living App to assist you. Then, chose at least one product to swap out for a safer alternative.

After reading my ingredient list on my shampoo, I swapped it out for Beautycounter’s Daily Shampoo & Conditioner — my hair feel soft and clean, and it has a delicate citrus scent.

3 // Get Outside

If you’re like me, you might be a bit apprehensive about spending time outdoors during allergy season. But after a dark and cold winter, sunshine on your shoulders will inevitably boost your mood. Whether it is a hike, walking the dog around the neighborhood, a 15-minute backyard workout, or eating a meal al fresco, a dose of Vitamin D is good for anybody (just make sure to wear your SPF).

4 // Purge Pictures & Apps… and emails, too!

Clutter doesn’t have to be physical. It’s hiding on your phone, your computer(s), and all of your other devices, too. Whether it’s 10 minutes or one hour, block off time on your calendar to delete unnecessary files — all that data is takin’ up space somewhere. Delete apps, empty your trash, clear your browser caches. If your email inboxes are an eye sore, try using an unsubscribe service to manage the mess by mass elimination.

5 // Mellow Out Your Mornings

Chronic stress is good for nothing. Getting a handle on it can be as simple as managing how you start your mornings. This will look different for everyone, but maybe it’s sitting in a comfy chair as soon as you wake and spending five minutes meditating or focusing on your breath. Maybe it looks like keeping your phone out of reach until after you have sipped half of cup of collagen coffee technology-free, or maybe it is taking a few minutes to write down your intentions for the day. I’ve been enjoying The Five-Minute Journal for such.

5 Ways to Spring Clean Your Life

Click To Tweet

Leave a comment!

How are you “spring cleaning” your life?

Did you swap out a skin care product for a safer alternative?

SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

Filed Under: Beauty, Lifestyle Tagged With: Beautycounter Daily Conditioner, Beautycounter Daily Shampoo, Spring Clean Your Life, the five minute journal

Florida Life // Month 2

April 1, 2018 by Hillary 2 Comments

It’s not hard to believe that it has been two whole months since moving across the country. Thinking back to when our house was lined high with cardboard boxes somehow feels like a far away memory. Perhaps this is a sign that I am feeling more at home in my new southern environment. If Month 1 was all about settling in, the chapter of Month 2 would be titled: Exploring Our Surroundings.

Florida Life // Month 2

Feeling // Self-love was a struggle this month. I’m adamant about making positive self-talk a priority as I continue to adjust to this new season of life, figuratively (and literally), in Florida; part two of Loving Myself Through A New Season of Life is planned to appear on the blog here soon. Overall, I am feeling rather comfortable. I adore being a dog mom, and I may be a tad obsessed with my puppy. #newmom

Missing // Family and friends, period… but luckily we have some special guests visiting this month!

Doing // I began a new venture with Beautycounter this past month (this season of new beginnings is endless, no?). I shared why I decided to join the Beautycounter movement (along with my personal skin story), in case you missed the detailed version. In short, I am excited about this fresh opportunity to educate others about safer skin care, and to get safer products into the hands of everyone (Beautycounter or not). Needles to say, this new gig has taken much of my attention the past few weeks, and I’m not mad about it.

Enjoying // Learning a new job, a.k.a. the business that is Beautycounter.

Exercise // Exercise looks nearly identical to Month 1. I have a feeling that the almost daily dog walk and runs will look a little different starting this month or next as the humidity and heat start to turn for the worse. We did try out one crossfit-esque gym, and while it was conveniently located near our house, we were unimpressed with the coaching. We have plans to try out a true crossfit gym this week… but home workouts are doing a fair job for now.

Eats // While we certainly ate out more this month than the first (see below), I am nonetheless enjoying cooking for two. The best part is eating said homemade meals outside on the back deck. All we need now is a barbecue. Our go-to neighborhood market is a brand new Sprouts that opened its doors at the end of February; I don’t know what I’d do without it.

Restaurants // First, I forgot to mention in the Month 1 recap that we stumbled upon The Hyppo in Hyde Park Village; the coconut popsicle hit the spot on a warm day. We found a local Mexican food joint, Romi’s Tacos, that does the job when we’re craving tacos and guac and/or don’t feel like cooking. But… the cream of the crop for tacos is by far Bartaco (Tampa). After our first visit, we declared it our new go-to chips and guac (and cocktails!) spot. Our second visit was on St. Patrick’s Day where we enjoyed matcha margaritas. Not only is the food on point, but the atmosphere is totally fun! We tried Boca in Brandon once more, and while the atmosphere is lovely, we decided that the Tampa location has significantly better food, and is worth the drive when we want a really nice meal. I hardly ever go to coffee shops for speciality drinks these days, but we tried Buddy Brew Coffee this past weekend for iced lattes — two thumbs up from us. And, lastly, we enjoyed some fish tacos at the Saturday Morning Market in St. Petersburg. I guess you could call us taco fiends.

Florida Life // Month 2 #floridalife

Click To Tweet

Adventures // Feeling more settled in our new abode left more time to get out ‘n’ about the neighborhood and explore! Nick and both crave the outdoors, so we are quite happy that we found a couple of nature gems in our neck of the woods. We went to Lithia Springs Regional Park for a couple of trail walks with Koba; the trails are her happy place, too! We also went to Alafia River State Park for a very brief outing one afternoon. We will be back for more adventuring, no doubt!

Y’all probably know that I deemed the Chico Certified Farmer’s Market my church. Well, I have yet to find my replacement “church” in Florida. This past weekend, we drove across the bay to St. Pete to check out the seasonal market. We scored some loot (superfood sourdough, lavender mojito kombucha, fresh strawberries, jalapeño jam, and more), and enjoyed live music and the local vibes of St. Pete (supposedly it’s as close to Cali as we’ll get). However, I am still on the hunt for a market closer to home that can serve as my weekend church ritual.

Alligators // Zero.

What were you up to this past month?

Favorite March eats and/or adventures?

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

 

Florida Life // Month 1

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

Filed Under: Beauty, Florida Life Tagged With: Alafia River State Park, Bartaco Tampa, Boca Brandon, Buddy Brew Coffee, Lithia Springs Regional Park, The Hyppo

  • 1
  • 2
  • Next Page »
  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Search by Topic

Instagram

I’m sure Koba is wondering why we ever lived in I’m sure Koba is wondering why we ever lived in Florida for two years.

#takemetothemountains #snowday
dog [noun] companion, loyal comforter, playmate, f dog [noun] companion, loyal comforter, playmate, forgiving, loving, energetic, protective, best friend.
this is the season ✨ she will make beautiful th this is the season ✨

she will make beautiful things

not perfect things 

but honest things 

that speak to who she is

and who she is called to be 

— Morgan Harper Nichols 

#happynewyear
❷⓿❷⓿ - moved clear across the country to ❷⓿❷⓿

- moved clear across the country to a new state for the second time
- hopped from one AirBNB to the next for 6 weeks while looking for a house to call home
- made new friends, virtually & IRL
- binge watched more TV shows than I can recall
- leveled up as an entrepreneur: hitting milestones with my virtual assistant and @beautycounter businesses
- voted for a new president 
- ascended new trails and explored alpine lakes of the Pacific Northwest 
- adapted: to Zoom holidays, takeout, and masked faces becoming the (temporary) norm

This challenging year was all about appreciating the little things while living through some really BIG things. 2020 had more than a few lessons to teach us all. Through a pandemic, pivotal change in presidency, and loud cry for human rights, I see very clearly how privileged I am. It was the year to let go of plans and lean in to a new perspective. 

After all, hindsight is ②⓪②⓪.
From my quaranteam to yours, happiest of holidays From my quaranteam to yours,

happiest of holidays! ❄️

#happyholidays #wintersolstice
#GIRLGETAFTERIT GIVEAWAY 💯⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Best th #GIRLGETAFTERIT GIVEAWAY 💯⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Best thing about 2020... for me, it’s been relationships - virtual and IRL.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
One of the goals that I set for 2020 was to make one new local friend in Seattle (seriously something I wrote down as I began the new year moving across the country). While I’m happy to say that I did so (during a pandemic), I feel fortunate for the virtual friendships that developed, too.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
I’ve gotta take a second to give a shoutout to my newest soul sista @weeksofwonder. You helped me get after it during my second year of entrepreneurship with a hefty dose of #2020 mayhem. 🙏🏼⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Wendy and I met here on IG, and what started as a business relationship and accountability partner has turned into a special bond that transcends any walkie-talkie or social media app. This creative spirit has not only inspired me to get after it and dream bigger as an entrepreneur, but in the same way has encouraged me to honor rest and play: whether it’s giving each other kudos on Strava for tackling a run, building badass business plans and packages, or simply holding space to share the wins and the many woes, personally and professionally, of a memorable year. Having Wendy in my corner has led to some serious momentum and a sense of consistent community.⁣⁣
⁣⁣
2020 has been a shit show, but it delivered GRL PWR 👊🏻⁣⁣
⁣⁣
We want to hear from YOU: Who has been your supportive soul sister through the ups and downs of 2020? ⁣⁣
⁣⁣
One lucky winner will receive a @girlgetafterit swag bag with hoodie, beanie & water bottle. ⁣⁣
 ⁣⁣
HOW TO ENTER:⁣⁣
1. 👆🏼LIKE this photo⁣⁣
⁣⁣
2. 👇🏼TAG a womxn who has helped you GET AFTER IT this year - virtually or IRL⁣⁣
⁣⁣
3. 👯‍♀️ FOLLOW @hillontherun, @weeksofwonder AND @girlgetafterit⁣⁣
⁣⁣
BONUS ENTRY: Share this post to your story and tag us!⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Winner will be announced Sunday @ 5pm PST. This promotion is not endorsed by Instagram. Must be 18 and over to enter. Only available to ship in the U.S.
Follow on Instagram

10% off Primally Pure

My Favorite Collagen Peptides

Recent Posts

  • A Few of My Favorite Things: 2020 Holiday Gift Guide
  • Six Months in Seattle
  • My Amazon Favorites
  • Farewell Florida
  • 10 Years + A Life Update!
  • An Inside Look at My Health Using InsideTracker

Connect with Me

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Keep in Touch

Get the Nutrition Nut Newsletter delivered to your email inbox.

Follow
Privacy Policy & Disclaimers

Copyright © 2021 Design by Deluxe Designs