Tag Archive for: wellness

We had the intimate pleasure of sitting down with Laura Rubin, Founder of AllSwell Creative – AllSwell started as a passion project launched to encourage creativity in all its forms. It’s the brainchild of Laura Rubin, founder and creative director of the communications agency Left Left Right (LLR) Consulting.

Born from a morning surf check with uninspiring results, Laura decided to sit on the beach and journal instead. “Swell or no swell, all’s well.” As an inveterate scribbler and journal-keeper, she wanted to invite more people, like you, to reap its benefits. It’s known that creativity comes in all forms and we have learned about the incredible benefits of getting our creativity, thoughts, visions on paper as it acts as a powerful outlet – free form creativity at its finest.

We love Laura’s simple, yet powerful stance – Write it down, draw it out. Put pen to paper.

Purchase a notebook and put the words on the page or draw your vision in images. Need help leaping over the mental hurdle that you’re not creative or simply jump-starting the process? Attend one of her workshops and, trust us, that hurdle will fall away and you’ll be on your way to tapping into your innate voice. For the adventure seeker, join her on an AllSwell Excursion and see for yourself what a change of scenery can do for resetting your inspiration and mindset. Make sure follow Laura to stay up-to-date on all the incredible activations that she is spearheading – @lauralrubin.

How do you practice sustainability?

As a consumer I vote with my dollars. That extends to all aspects from clothing, to furniture to wine and food. I try to support small, local businesses and do a weekly shop at my greenmarket as my primary source of groceries. I eat as organically as I can and limit my animal protein intake to trustworthy sources, skipping meat at least 1 day a week. 

As an entrepreneur I chose to lower the carbon footprint of my brand by manufacturing domestically out of thoughtfully chosen materials. 

What are your favorite Eco-Friendly Products? 

I’m trying to take the non-toxic ethos I bring to my bodycare / skincare choices and apply it to my wardrobe. For instance, I usually buy a fresh pair of Vans sneakers each spring to wear with sundresses but this year I discovered Bangs Shoes through a friend and made a switch to a more environmentally friendly option. Similarly, Outerknown – a brand by pro surfer Kelly Slater – recently launched their women’s collection and I snagged a few cozy basics (that perfect cropped white sweatshirt, an oversize white button down to wear as a beach coverup) to brighten up my summer wardrobe. 

The fashion industry is such a massive source of global pollution so making choices that are savvy is important as a consumer. That said, repurposing, choosing vintage and repairing your own wardrobe favorites instead of replacing them is even better than buying more new stuff. 

What does wellness mean to you?

Wellness is balance. As careful as I am about living a supportive lifestyle, I don’t want to live in a bubble. If fall out of alignment, I have the tools to get back on track. I try to have some fun every day, enjoy my life, keep learning and give back.

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

I’m a life-long journaler but it wasn’t until I started AllSwell that I dug into the substantial body of scientific research into the benefits of journaling. It turns out that this practice is mentally, emotionally and physiologically good for you. And it’s incredibly accessible. No mantras, mats or special outfit necessary. You just need a few minutes a day, paper and pen. For someone just starting out I suggest 4 x 4 x 4: try out 4 minutes of free-writing a day, do it 4 times a week and stick with it for 4 weeks straight. 

I also suggest becoming more mindful about your screen time. I don’t think it’s realistic to go full-luddite, but a simple commitment to an analog practice like putting pen to paper helps you unplug and reconnect with your own innate voice.   

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

I don’t wear much makeup but I’m a nut about my skincare. I’m prone to breakouts so I use EIR’s charcoal face wash morning and night. It deep cleans without stripping my skin. Before I apply a serum at night sometimes I like to do a deeper clean line Goldfaden’s Doctor’s Scrub. I feel like it helps all the good stuff in the serums penetrate more deeply. 

I just went on a motorcycle trip up the California coast to Carmel (and back). I had to travel extra-light, no space for my usual arsenal of skincare products. All I brought were Goldfaden’s Needle-less line smoothing concentrate, Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Glow Drops and Take Care’s Levity mist. Even after 5 long days on the road I still looked fresh, no small feat.   

Why is clean beauty important for you?

The concept of “toxic load” is one I became aware of as a young breast cancer survivor. I was diagnosed at 31 and in the process of going through treatment I began investigating the factors I had within my control to prevent a recurrence. We absorb everything we put on our skin, it passes directly into our bloodstream, so it’s a no-brainer to choose non-toxic skin, bath and beauty products. 

There have been thousands of new chemicals invented in the last 100 years. They’re tested singly by the FDA for safety but that’s not how we encounter them. We’re inundating our miraculous immune systems all day long with these new chemicals, taxing our immunity. But we’re not powerless and the more you educate yourself about easy switches you can make, the better you’re likely to feel. Check out Keep A Breast’s Non-Toxic Revolution program or the Environmental Working Group for more information. 

Happily, I’m cured of breast cancer but I’m still vigilant and committed to a healthy lifestyle so I get to fully enjoy my time here. 

How do you de-stress?

When I journal regularly I’m less anxious overall as well as being more creative and productive. So, I journal twice a day. At night in bed I tend to write whatever’s banging around in my head. I jot down whatever I need to remember for the next day and in doing so it helps me get more nourishing rest. In the morning I make myself a matcha latte and journal again, usually a gratitude list and a short free-write. 

My other de-stress go-to tool is time spent in nature. I moved to California from New York in order to spend more time outdoors. I love a good hike or a morning surf session. It completely rewires my mood. 

What is your daily mantra?

“Fear is the cheapest room in the house. I’d like to see you living in better conditions.” – Hafiz 

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

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.