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Tick Season

6/5/2022

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□ Erik Karits
Earlier this month I was working out in the yard planting flowers, herbs and vegetables when I felt a tick on my leg. Try as I might I couldn't get that tick off. I tried a tick spoon, eventually I had to have my husband get the tick off with tweezers. This tick was small and hard to remove we did manage to get all of it. Thankfully!! 

To be on the safe side I attempted to put on betonite clay, I couldn't get the mix right. However I remembered that I had a charcoal mask on hand, it works wonders on bug bites taking care of the sting and itch. Thus I reasoned it would do the same if the tick left me an unwanted gift of a virus. So far I am healthy and I have not seen any rings or irritation at the bite sight. 
I do have the following recommendations if you spend anytime outside. 
After spending time outdoors, check for ticks. Know where to tick check to defend against a tick-borne infection. Start with these 10 spots going from bottom to top.
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 Check children, pets, and yourself for ticks. If you don’t have someone to help you, use a mirror to check all parts. Work your way up from bottom to top. Ticks like warm spots, so don’t miss any of those. Feel for bumps. Look for tiny dark spots. Most ticks are very small. 
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If you do find a tick, don’t worry. The earlier you spot it the better. Your odds of catching Lyme disease in the first 24 hours is extremely low.
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If you do find a tick, don’t worry. The earlier you spot it the better. Your odds of catching Lyme disease in the first 24 hours is extremely low.

To remove a tick, use tweezers, tick spoon or tick key. Do not use your fingers! Do not use a lighter to burn it, that will make them regurgitate and increase the chance of infection. 

Removing a tick with fine-tipped tweezers by grasping the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Squeeze & pull upward with even, steady pressure. 
If the head remains in the skin, see if you can pull it out but don’t dig or rip the skin.

​Clean the bite area

Dispose of the tick by putting it in alcohol or flushing it. Or place it in a sealable bag to send it to a tick testing site. (I don't have any recommendations for a lab to test ticks. If you do please let me know.)  Do not crush it.  Check the rest of the body.

I purchased this tick key for removal.  You can find it online or at any outdoor store. I got mine at REI-Greensboro. 
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Alzheimer's

5/13/2022

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​Did you know beside the COVID pandemic there is also an Alzheimer's epidemic. That Alzheimers is the leading form of dementia in the elderly. That subtle changes in memory start as early as 20 years before diagnosis. In fact according to a recent Forbes article, Blue Cross Blue Shield has seen 200% increase in diagnosis of this disease in 30-64 year olds. Now don't despair there are things you can do now to help protect your brain. First grab this book, The First Survivor's of Alzheimer's and also this book The End of Alzheimer's Program: The First Protocol to Enhance Cognition and Reverse Decline at Any Age Both are great and I read the first one in just under a week while on vacation last month, it has first hand accounts. 
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Some of the simplest things you can do right now is change your diet. Choose fresh whole foods. Choose organic if that is financially hard to do, choose organic for the dirty dozen. Don't worry about organic when purchasing fruit and vegetables that are on the clean 15. (see below) However I will say if you having any inflammation at all, even if it's not memory related, please steer clear of corn. It is very inflammatory and hard to process. Just check your poop 💩 the next time you eat corn. If you see it in your poop your  body is not digesting it. 
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Grab Dr. Bredesen's book and start implementing some of his strategies. If you need help deciding where to begin schedule a discovery call with me to see if working with a functional nutrition counselor would be beneficial for you.  
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Seasonal Allergies

4/8/2022

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April showers bring May's flowers and with that pollen. If you live in the southern part of the United States you'll experience pollen season earlier in the spring.  Are you suffering from an itchy scratchy throat and eyes? Is your nose all stuffy? 
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When we experience the symptoms of seasonal allergies our bodies are showing us it is inflamed.  Ways you can decrease the inflammation is to shower when you get home after being outside. Rinsing your nose with a neti pot.  Slowly crowd out the bad process foods by eating healthy whole foods such as fruits, vegetables and proteins. Reach for complex carbohydrates versus the simple ones like bread, baked goods, soft drinks, and dairy products. 
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Even when you are treating your body right by eating whole foods and drinking plenty of water you can still experience the symptoms of seasonal allergies. 
Instead of reaching for an anti-histamine consider reaching for a supplement that diminishes the release of histamine without drying out your mucus membranes. 
Options you can choose from are: 
  • Quercetin comes from the apples, onions, teas, berries and brassicas family of vegetables. Quercetin helps decreases the release of histamines in the body. 
  • Perilla extract comes from an aromatic, sweet-tasting plant used as a culinary ingredient in many Asian countries. A key active ingredient in perilla is rosmarinic acid which may help sooth the allergy symptoms. 
  • Visit my fullscript page for more recommendations. 
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Reflect Effect AHA Smoothing Mask

3/24/2022

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This mask was originally released as part of Beautycounter's holiday collection, which usually means it's a speciality product that will only be available during the holidays. The response to this product was overwhelmingly positive, hence why it's has been brought back as a staple product. 
I finally tried it this month and was blown away by the effects of this mask. In a short ten minutes you can have soft smooth skin. Many has said it makes your skin as soft as a                          (insert your own adjective and noun). I tried it by myself and with my teen. We both loved how well our faces felt afterwards. 
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In a short 10 minutes this mask will make your dull tired skin feel smooth as baby's skin, full of bounce and be more radiant.
The Reflect AHA Effect mask contains: 
  • Glycolic Acid: The smallest AHA molecule, it absorbs easily into skin, effectively removing dead skin, leaving a brighter complexion.
  • Phytic Acid: Helps exfoliate buildup on skin to reduce dry, flaky skin leaving a more even complexion.
  • Bamboo Particles: A gentle physical exfoliator derived from the stems of bamboo.
  • Saccharide Isomerate: An ultra-hydrating sugar-based moisturizer that combats dryness while soothing skin.
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Are you ready to try this mask now? Grab one here. On the fence I have a limited supply of samples. Message me here to try a sample. I only ask that you report back to me with your results. 
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Post Mask
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PREDICT 2 Study

3/13/2022

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I can't believe I never wrote about the PREDICT (Personalized Responses to Dietary Composition Trial) 2 Study that I participated in back in March of 2020.  Wonder what was going on back that?😉 This was in depth nutrition study, covering blood glucose, and fat levels, activity, inflammation, sleep and gut microbiome diversity.  Participants wore a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) and an activity tracker.  We took finger prick blood samples to monitor blood fat levels and collected stool samples for microbiome analysis. 
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We were required to eat muffins that has differing levels of fat and sugar. We also had to drink a glucose solution. After we ate the prepared food, finger blood samples were required. However in return we were able to see how the foods that we choose to eat responded in our bodies through the CGM and blood work drawn at the end of the study. ​
Here is just an overview of the foods I ate and the samples I supplied. The results were published here. 
About 9 months after I completed the study they sent me a report about my blood glucose and fat levels. I also received a report on my gut microbiome. It was fairly healthy, so apparently I am eating the right foods for my gut. Where as my blood glucose and fat levels need a little work. I am pretty sure my lack of a gall bladder is contributing to my fat levels, I will try adding in an ox bile supplement to help my body digest the fats coming in. As for the blood glucose levels, I still need to tweak what is raising them. 
Would you ever participate in a study like this? 
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Important Beautycounter News

1/26/2022

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Products that will be discontinued

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Every year, Beautycounter makes the tough decision to remove a few products from our line. They're always products that aren't best sellers, and they're eliminated to make room for more products coming soon (a good thing!!).

Still, some of these are favorites of mine (and I know many of you love them, too), so I wanted to be sure to share this list in case you wanted to grab anything before it's gone.

Some products will be gone for good, while others will be replaced with updated versions. Those new versions are TBD timing-wise, though, so stock up now if you have any favorites on this list:
  • One-Step Makeup Remover Wipes
  • Counter+ No. 2 Plumping Facial Oil - my favorite  (The Brightening Facial Oil is a good alternative for this one, as is the Glow First Priming Serum.)
  • Counter+ No. 3 Balancing Facial Oil (This will be gone for good in this packaging, but the same formula with a new name will be released down the road. If you love the Balancing Oil, stock up now because we aren't sure when the new version will be available.)
  • Retractable Foundation Brush. 
  • All Counterman Products
  • Color Outline Eye Pencil (These will be replaced eventually, but not anytime soon.)
  • Countertime Adaptive Body Moisturizer
  • Color Intense Lipstick (These will be back at some point.)
  • Color Define Brow Pencil (These will also be back after some tweaks.)​
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  • The Jellies Duos grab one now, they make a great valentines gift. (These will become a staple in our holiday line, so you'll see them at the end of every year.)
  • Lip Conditioners (Not to worry -- these will be back and better than ever.)
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Today I also want to share an important pricing update from Beautycounter that begins February 1st, in light of that and the above product changes I am hosting a mystery New Year New Skincare pop up. This will be an opportunity for YOU to win host rewards for spending as little as $50.  This pop up closes January 31, 2022
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February 1st - prices increase by about 10%

For those who receive Beautycounter emails, you may have read this in a recent email from Beautycounter HQ, but I wanted to be sure to address it as well.  Effective February 1, you'll see an increase of about 10% on pricing for all Beautycounter products. Please know that this is a carefully considered increase, and it's to account for rising production/material costs due in large part to the pandemic and the strain it's put on so many industries.

Two quick notes about this increase and ways to avoid it:
  • If you need any products in the next couple of months, go ahead and buy them by the end of January and you'll bypass that increase. Remember to attach your purchase to the New Year New Skincare pop up so you have the opportunity to win the host rewards.
  • Lots of our products are available for auto-replenishment, which launched last summer. (You can read about that program here, and see all the products included in this program! Look for the "Subscribe, Save 5%" option under a product, which means it's eligible. You'll get 5% off the first time you use auto-replenishment on that product, and 10% on any subsequent auto-replenishment of that item!)

*Another way to save even MORE on all of your Beautycounter purchases is to join as a consultant. You'll receive a 25% discount on all personal orders that way! Some teammates and I hosted a call last week on what being a consultant looks like, and you can check out that replay here if you're interested.
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Thrive and Survive this Holiday Season.

12/17/2021

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□by: Alexandr Podvalny
As we all feel the pressure of the Holiday’s barreling on towards us, we need to find tools that will help us thrive, survive and actually ENJOY the season. As with any problem, if we don’t fill out toolboxes with helpful tools we will not be successful. Here are some tips and tricks to try this holiday season.
  • If you are really stressed about gift giving, try speaking up and suggesting omitting the gifting or doing a white elephant gift instead? Even better, suggest a gift of experiences with the ones you love. Memories can be cherished for a lifetime, objects can be lost or broken.  
  • Make sure you carve time out for yourself, be it to read a book, take a walk or hike. All of those activities will recharge your body and mind. 
  • Choose low stress activities to do with your family. How about binging out holiday themed movies? 
  • If you are recovering from a loss, make sure you have your support people in place to help you through the first holiday without them. 
  • Keep your life in balance by sticking to your healthy habits of eating right, exercising and getting enough sleep. When we are sleep deprived, it can trigger our bodies for depression, loneliness and illness. 
  • For holiday gatherings away from home, ask how you can help the host. Especially if you have different dietary needs than the host. How about asking to bring a dish delicately by saying, “you know I’ve been hijacked by plant eaters, do you mind if I bring a few meat free dishes to the feast?” 
  • As you wish people to be generous with you, please remember to be generous with the host. They have worked hard to prepare a meal for everyone to enjoy.  You can also defuse an explosive situation by simply saying “Oh, that actually hurts my feelings because I worked so hard and wanted you to enjoy it.’”
  • The best way to deal with bad drunken behavior is by not serving alcohol. Here are some creative recipes to serve instead from Shatterproof, Spruce Eats and A Squirrel in the Kitchen (an AIP site).
Happy Holiday and hoping to see many of you next in our Metabolic Reset.

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PaleoLove Gift Guide

12/1/2021

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If you are anything like me, I'm always looking for gift ideas. Because you know someone might have a cooler or better idea than me. Or maybe I'm plumb out of ideas. At any rate I always love a good gift guide. I hope you enjoy the one I put together for you.
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  1. Cookware: The pots and pans you use are important to your health. When you heat the cookware it can leach toxins into your body, so it’s best to use non-toxic cookware. My favorites are: Lodge cast iron skillet, Le Creuset ceramic coated skillet and now I am coveting the Our Place pans and Caraway set. These pans offer non-toxic coatings that will perform and be safe for you and your family
  2. Cookbook recipe tags: If you still use cookbooks, grab some recipe tags that way you can easily find your favorite recipes. I personally love the tags from Danielle Walker’s site. 
  3. Silicone bags and glassware: I took the plunge in April in honor of Earth Day to grab a set of silicon bags. My favorite thus far are the stasher bags. I use them in the refrigerator to extend the shelf life of kale and in the freezer to store the 1 cup servings of bone broth. The uses are endless and you are not polluting the earth and your body with single use plastic bags.  I love snapware glass containers. I even discovered you can order replacement lids, when one of them broke. So it's well worth the money folks. 
  4. Water bottles: It is so important to drink plenty of water. What better way than a bottle that helps you keep track of how much water you are drinking per day. Also make sure your bottle is BPA free, preferably glass or stainless steel. I am yearning the Hydrate-Mate and the filtering bottle from Aquasana. 
  5. Food covers: My personal favorites are the beeswax covers and silicone covers. Both are great options to use in replace of plastic wrap.
  6. Cookbooks: Oh cookbooks, this is something of an addiction of mine. However it’s always great to have a few on hand. I LOVE Danielle Walker’s Cookbooks, Michelle Hartwig’s books and Diane Sanfilippo books. ​
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  1. Weighted blanket: For those that love to feel hugged all night a weighted blanket works well. My husband has found that using a weighted blanket helps him go to sleep and sleep more soundly. 
  2. Apron: I love my aprons, I was a late adopter to using aprons, but once I found the Angel Apron I was sold. These aprons have saved plenty of my clothes from getting stained. If you are making a change to cook more at home, make sure you have a stash of aprons. 
  3. Glass Storage Containers: Storing leftovers in glass is a healthier option for your body. My favorite container is Snapware.
  4.  Le Petit Chef: America’s Test Kitchen voted this kitchen knife as the best knife for kids. The Le Petit Chef blades are stainless steel and sharp, making this knife for slightly older kids (ages 6+). The blade is rounded at the end, and of course, the overall size is smaller than an actual chef’s knife, which makes it a great option for cooks in training. There’s a smooth wood handle with a built-in ring, so that kids can properly position their hands. And the plastic guard is designed to protect tiny digits. 
  5. Brain.fm: Brain.fm creates functional music to help people focus, relax and sleep better, backed by science, research and evidence. Get a 3 day free trial
  6. Instant pot: For everyday meals an instant pot will make cooking a breeze. 
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12 Days of Art with the MJ's

11/11/2021

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Do your kids or grandkids need a break from the screens? Give them the opportunity to learn about themselves as an artist while they explore art in the safety of their home. When my daughter was young she loved going to Art with the MJ's Art Camp. She did their summer program and their holiday edition program. I still have several projects she created during that time. My daughter loved their projects. I bet your favorite young person will love the projects in this carefully curated 12 Days of Art box. Check it out and download the below file to learn more. 
12_days_of_art_with_the_mjs__in_a_box_.pdf
File Size: 445 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File

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Gift Guide for the Holiday Season

11/11/2021

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As the year is barreling towards the holiday season, many of us are trying to make decisions on the holiday gifting season. What items should I get for my spouse, family, friends or teacher.  Will they arrive in time? Shouldn't I support local? What does supporting local mean to me? Does that mean I only buy items from a local business that makes and creates items here locally? Or does that mean I purchase an item(s) from a friend who reps a product(s) from a larger organization. I feel any and all the above our important questions to ask.

I will try to make my purchases where it will have the most effect on my local economy. I will purchase items from local artisans or markets. I will purchase items from friends who rep a product line that I value, knowing the money they earn from my purchase will be put back into the local economy. Especially during these new times, we need to be supportive of each other and of our local businesses. Only together can we all thrive. 

In the vein, here are a few gift items for the holiday. 
  •  Bedtime Basics: Setting the stage for a goodnights sleep is so important for our bodies. Sleep supports our immune system, helps to clear and reboot our brains. It helps with weight control and boosts our moods. The list goes on. For me, I like having a good book, comfy pjs and complete darkness when I sleep. I also love to use Beautycounter's Overnight Peel and Supreme Cream on my face at night. Since I have started using their products the quality of my skin has improved. It is less splotchy and stressed. This holiday season you can purchase both items in gift set for your favorite person, Clean Dreams Set.
  • Cold Winter Days: In the northern climates, winter can be so harsh on our skin and hands. The constant washing  and use of hand sanitizers has done a number on my hands. So using the Clean Scents Hand Cream Trio has been a life saver. I love that it fits so nicely in my bag. I also love how purchasing this set along with the Beyond Gloss Mini Vault makes a great gift item for teachers, friends and even stocking stuffers. My favorite color is Cinnamon Shimmer. Plus your lip will thank you for keeping them moist and healthy. Another recommendation for dry skin in the winter, make sure you are drinking plenty of water. This will help your skin stay healthy and support your bodies detoxing process. 
  • For The Girl on The Go: who always wants to be put together and have all her personal needs covered.  She will have her favorite warm beverage in a sustainable mug like above, my favorite is from Vida Pour Tea right here in Greensboro. If you want to get your favorite girl on the go a nice new hand bag check out the Greensboro Curb Market on Saturdays or at their two, Made4 the Holiday's Arts, Crafts & Pottery Markets on November 14th and December 5th this is where Handbagz and Gladbagz earth friendly fashion will be. I love her handcrafted handbags. They are the best!! Make sure you girl has her lips covered with Beautycounter's new Clean Swipe Hyaluronic Lip Duo in translucent and warm rosy pink. Both balms are formulated with ultra-moisturizing murumuru and mango butters that keep lips happy and healthy-looking.  You can even split this package up for 2 gifts. 
  • At Home Mani & Pedi:  is a fun gift to give or receive or even give yourself. Who hasn't often thought I really need to get to the nail salon but either don't have time or are not really comfortable doing it during these times. One of my favorite birthday presents I received from a friend is a manicure kit. So many times I have used it at home or on the road and always think of my friend who gave it to me. Because she was thinking of me, taking care of me with out me realizing it. Heck I wasn't buying one for myself and I actually should have, because I use it ALL the time.  On that thought who has thought they need to take care of their nasty looking feet but procrastinate because A: it's winter and who is really gonna see my feet or B: ugh it'll be so much work. Why don't you give that person or yourself the gift of a luscious exfoliating kit from Beautycounter - Solemates Exfoliating Duo (check out this before and after)
  • For the Man: in your life grab him a case of his favorite fermented beverage from a local brewery or cidery. Here are a few of our favorites: Bull City Ciderworks, Southend Brewery, Oden Brewery and Ginger's Revenge, ya that last one is in Asheville.  Or if he is living the alcohol free life pick up a case of kombucha from Susan's Table at the Corner Market. Then grab him the Counterman Collection, and if it's sold out grab  him the items individually. My husband LOVES the Charcoal Body Bar  and he has tried plenty of bars of soap over the years and this is the best! He even takes it on business trips. 
  • A Night Out:  If you're a mom of young children I bet you're in need of a night out, heck if you have been being really good at social distancing I bet a night out or in is on your holiday list. Give the gift of experience, a gift certificate to a local restaurant, here in Greensboro we have a quite a few to choose from. Then grab the Good Glitz Duo to give yourself that special holiday look for the occasion. This set I love, I even used it to help with my costume for Halloween.
  • At Home Spa Day:  who hasn't want to go to the spa, but doesn't have the funds or time. Grab the Good Scents Bath Oil Trio and give yourself a nice soak in the tub and grab a bottle of clean crafted wine for a nice relaxing bath. Heck use one bottle for yourself and gift the other two. Then finish the experience sampling Countertime Regime in the mini size for anti-aging skincare. This regime is my all time favorite. It has made a difference in my life. 
  • For The Trendy Teen:  that age where parents, aunts, uncles and  grandparents all wonder what the heck should I get my favorite teen. Well we all know they LOVE Amazon Gift Cards, heck who doesn't love one of those. LOL A new fancy phone case and airpods will always be a hit. Heck help them clean up their skin with the Counterstart Cleanser & Moisturizer, my daughters favorite or help them get ready to go out with the Ready, Set, Makeup Trio.  This last one is a great way to introduce them to clean, sustainable makeup.
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    ​Mary Bryan-Stewart

    Mary, is the creator and founder of PaleoLove Company, Mom, wife, friend, partner in crime, and entrepreneur. She has been a lover of art, food and traveling since she was very young. She began her paleo journey just out of curiosity, then her oldest daughter developed health problems where she needed to consume a low carb low sugar diet. It is here where she developed her skills in creating and making low sugar low carb treats and eats. 

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