, ,

Real Women. Real Results.: Discover Ali’s Transforming Skincare Journey

For those of you who don’t know Ali Lizzi (aka LadyLentils), you need to now. Ali Lizzi is a New York City based freelance fitness, health and beauty writer and an active member of the fitness community. She is worldly, inspirational, funny, and speaks our language with wellness at the top of her world.

We had the pleasure of partnering with Ali on documenting her skin before Goldfaden MD and then after using a customized regimen after 4 weeks – see below for photos! Dive in deeper to get a full-rounded idea of her experience with using the products below.

Tell us about your current regimen before transitioning to the Goldfaden MD collection?

I always have cared about my skin. I always wanted to find products that are cruelty -free and work for my skin to give it it’s the healthiest glow, however, I never found an entire line that works for me. So it often led to me trying many new products all the time, trying to find the right match for me and I was just not seeing the results that I was promised.

What have you experienced in your time with using Goldfaden MD – how has your skin improved?

Since using Goldfaden MD, my skin has never been clearer, I have had maybe one or two spots the entire month of transitioning to only using these products, when usually I am breaking out multiple times in a week! My skin is also beginning to look more even. I have a few dark spots from past breakouts that limit me from going out make-up free. But since using Goldfaden MD, I have been going out in the world without makeup and feeling confident!

How do you practice sustainability?

Sustainability is very important to me in my life, I always use products that are cruelty- free and care about sustainable packaging. I make sure that when I buy products, I vote for sustainability with my dollar. I have cruelty-free transitioned all my produce to be purchased locally by making a weekly trip to the farmers market and have set up water filters throughout my house so that I can limit the amount of water bottles I use.

What are your favorite Eco-Friendly Products?

Goldfaden MD, of course! However I also love using swell bottles for my everyday water consumption since water is the number one key to a healthy life in my opinion. I also have fallen in love with sustainable clothing brands such as reformation and naadam.

What does wellness mean to you?

Wellness to me means balance. I find that if I make small changes to help the earth and myself, I feel my best. However, when I push myself to look at every part of my life and want to make a switch to a healthier, more sustainable life it can cause me stress. So, instead of being 100% healthy and eco-focused, I instead make small decisions that I know I can maintain. It’s all about balance.

Any advice for people wanting to make the switch towards a more mindful existence (increased wellness) but who are not sure where to start?

Start small and do your research. Figure out what area of wellness you are most passionate about and what you would be excited about sharing with others. When I first took on a plant-based diet, it was due to doing a TON of research and seeing how animals are being treated in factory farming and my heart could not align with participating in that, so for me it was easy for me to stick to that. From there, I learned more and more about what the earth needs for us to be healthy and made small changes over time. Just start with what you feel passionate about and the rest will come.

What are your go-to daily beauty products and why?

Sunscreen is my number one! Even if I spend the day inside doing work, I use a sunscreen that blocks from blue light. I also use Goldfaden MD Moisturizer about three times a day since I live in Miami and spend a lot of time in the sun and need a little extra moisture in my life. I also love using face oils, and hair oils. I like to keep things as natural as possible. But hydration and protection is the way to go for me.

Why is clean beauty important for you?

Clean beauty is just as important to me as eating clean, what goes on my body matters just as much as what goes in my body. Keeping it clean helps not only you, but the earth itself. I am always so thankful for what this world has brought me and want to do my part in giving back and taking care of it just like it takes care of me.

How do you de-stress?

If I’m having one of those days that everything has gone wrong, I put on a Ella Fitzgerald album and my stress just slips away. But, some CBD never hurts either 😉

Favorite mood-boosting meal?

I’m going to be honest, it’s not a veggie smoothie or a super healthy option, it’s a bowl of pasta. For me pasta reminds me of my family dinners that I had when I was younger, it reminds me that I don’t have to be focused on my health 24/7, it gives me the freedom to just enjoy and feel full of love. I always think whatever food reminds you of the people you love, or a memory you have surrounding food is always going to light up your heart.

What is your daily mantra?

“Love yourself, and spread that love to everyone you see today.” Be the light that the world needs, and that light always comes right back to you, karma is real folks.

Goldfaden MD Regimen: Before & After Shots:

Before

After
by
,

Everything Gjenmi: A sparkly interview with founder Jenny Pak

Gjenmi jewelry was born from a love story. An adoration for the feminine, a belief that beauty is discovered within, a dedication to feeling empowered, a respect for the past and a commitment of the future.

Their story begins in 2013, when founder and designer, Jennifer Pak created a bespoke jewelry collection for her bridesmaids to wear for her nuptials. After noticing the joy the pieces brought to her bridal party, she embarked on creating a line of fine jewelry for the classic woman in a modern world. Our name Gjenmi, is derived from her Korean American background – “Gjen” for half of her English name Jenn and “Mi” half of her Korean name Mi Reh [translating to future]

Gjenmi creates modern heirlooms. They cherish the art of making things by hand and are inspired by the timeless grace of antique and vintage designs.

We sat down with the powerhouse founder and designer Jenny Pak to learn more about how to navigate one of life’s greatest (and often times hardest) pleasures – motherhood.

Do you have any beauty shortcuts that mom’s need to know about?

I am all about shortcuts! I love taking a shower in the evening, rolling up my damp hair in buns and waking up with beach waves ready to go! The mornings are so hectic and it’s always so hard to get out the door- this is my favorite time saver.

Everyone has that ritual that makes them feel confident and pulled together, what’s yours?

Good hair and good skin can make me feel like a new person. Getting a monthly facial and quarterly trims are always things I make time for in my busy schedule.

Do you have any first-time mom advice?

Everyone has a different story, solution, family. Don’t be so hard on yourself and do what feels right and what works for your family. My solution may not be yours and vice versa. The best mom, is a happy mom!

What beauty product can you not live without?

Sunscreen! After two babies and a handful of Melasma spots to prove it, I have been really good about applying sunscreen daily. Skin damage is no joke!

How do you find balance?

The best way to find balance for me, is to either hang out with my closest friends over dinner or go on a date with my husband. Juggling life can be so UNBALANCED and being the best version of yourself with people that support and love you has always helped me blow off steam or relax me after a wacky week!

How do you de-stress?

Korean Spas! My favorite right now, is Crystal Spa in Koreatown after my old favorite (Natura) closed. Second to that, is something relatively new I have been doing- which is taking 1 creative class a month. It really lets you un-wind and look through other outlets of creativity. I recently took a figure drawing workshop and it was so freeing and different from what my mind and body does everyday, all day. I highly recommend it!

 

by
,

For Moms, By Moms: Mother’s Day…with the duo behind Oat Mama

OWe had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Oat Mama founders: Eliza Larson and Kristy Kohler – they are the Mamas behind Oat Mama (the most delicious Oat Mama Bar + range of products for mom’s from pregnancy to postpartum). Eliza and Kristy bonded a lot over a mutual passion for food and for feeding themselves and their kiddos well.

Oat Mama’s products are delicious AND effective (speaking our language!). Developed to keep moms to keep mom’s feeling loved, nourished, and supported. They are a company by moms for moms.

Do you have any beauty shortcuts that mom’s need to know about?

Eliza: A good dry shampoo will be your best friend during that newborn stage, and regular mom life, tbh. My favorite is Aveda Shampure Dry Shampoo.

Everyone has that ritual that makes them feel confident and pulled together, what’s yours?

Eliza: I feel the most pulled together when I have my jewelry on. I honestly feel naked without my earrings or a necklace on. I also feel like my best self when I have mascara, bronzer, and lipgloss on.

Do you have any first-time mom advice?

Eliza: Find a group of moms to connect with and share stories about birthing, diaper blow-outs, sore nipples, breastfeeding advice, or just to talk about this new journey of motherhood you’re on, the good and the bad. Having a baby for the first time can feel so isolating. Find moms that you can connect with.  

What beauty product can you not live without?

Eliza: I can’t live without my Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum. It was a splurge, but so worth it.

How do you find balance?

Eliza: Still working on that, haha. But making time to exercise every morning helps me to be a better version of myself.

How do you de-stress?

Eliza: I love walking around my neighborhood while listening to a podcast. I also try to treat myself to a pedicure or put on a face mask at night. Doing any of those things feels relaxing and luxurious and like I’m taking care of myself.

Do you have any beauty shortcuts that moms need to know about?

Kristy: I live in the desert, so chapped lips are a major concern. Each night before bed, I apply a little vaseline or aquaphor to my lips for an extra soft and hydrated lip in the morning.

Everyone has that ritual that makes them feel confident and pulled together, what’s yours?

Kristy: I love a good facial. When that is not an option, I do all of the things at home: exfoliate, mask, oils and lotions. Fresh glowing skin always gives me the most confidence.

Do you have any first-time mom advice?

Kristy: Trust yourself. You already have everything you need, everything it takes, to be an awesome mom.

What beauty product can you not live without?

Kristy: I know it is crazy, but I don’t love mascara, so an eyelash curler is my best friend.

How do you find balance?

Kristy: I actually schedule in fun on my calendar alongside meetings and work engagements. I’ll schedule in date nights, dinner with friends, and even one-on-one time with my kids. When it is on the calendar, it is way more likely to happen.

How do you de-stress?

Kristy: For the last year, I have been meditating with the Calm app first thing in the morning. It gets me in the right frame of mind to start the day. I also make a point of getting out into nature regularly. The fresh air and sunshine really clears my head and helps relieve any tension built up through the day.

by