Carrie Ann Inaba is an Emmy Nominated host, producer, choreographer, writer and wellness advocate. She is most recognized from her work on ABC's megahit Dancing with the Stars, and for her previous work as moderator of CBS's The Talk. She was diagnosed with Lupus, Fibromyalgia, and Sjogren's syndrome in 2013 and has since become an advocate for those living with autoimmune illnesses and for those seeking wellness, leading the the way for wellness warriors everywhere.
One of the best parts of winter is getting the cozy feeling of curling up with a warm spirit. This season brings with it so many great flavors and scents; there’s almost nothing that captures them better than the perfect spiced beverage. A cup of spiced cider, hot toddy, or even gin punch can be the perfect accessory to a warm evening in, a way to celebrate with loved ones or enjoy a quiet moment to yourself. Here are 10 recipes for hot toddies and other comforting warm cocktails to keep coming back to no matter how chilly it gets.
Apple cider is always a seasonal favorite, and its combination of sweet and spiced flavors make it perfect to turn into a nice warm cocktail. Make a classic hot toddy by mixing in warm honey, lemon, and your choice of whiskey or bourbon and enjoy.
Ingredients:
6 oz apple cider
1 oz whiskey or bourbon
1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp honey
Heat the apple cider on the stove until boiling, then mix in the other ingredients. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or apple slice.
Who doesn’t love a piping mug of hot chocolate to fight the winter chills? Add a grown-up flare with butterscotch schnapps and a few garnishes and you’ll have a sweet, enjoyable beverage to chase the cold away.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tbsp sugar
dash of salt
1/2 cup milk
1/8 tsp vanilla extract
1.5 oz spiced rum
1.5 oz butterscotch schnapps
dash of orange bitters
Mix the cocoa powder and sugar with the salt in a large mug. Heat the milk on your stove and slowly mix it into the cocoa mixture. Next, add the vanilla, schnapps and rum and top with bitters, whipped cream, and any other garnishes you want!
Go old-school by creating a homemade wassail this winter! This tasty combination of mulled juices and spices will be the perfect way to warm your entire household or just cap off a particularly wintry evening.
Ingredients:
2 quarts apple juice
1 quart apple juice
1 can pineapple juice
1 orange
20 whole cloves
5 cinnamon sticks
Cut the orange into 5 slices and push 5 cloves into each orange slice. Combine the juices, oranges and cinnamon sticks in a crockpot and simmer on low for half an hour.
Strikingly red and seasonably tart, cranberry cocktails can make an atmospheric evening anytime. If you’ve gotten tired of all the sugar this holiday season can bring, you might like the dryer, less sweet option this hot toddy recipe provides.
Ingredients:
2 cups unsweetened cranberry juice
1 small orange
2 cinnamon sticks
1 piece of fresh ginger
1/2 tsp black peppercorns
1/2 tsp cloves
2 star anise
1/4 cup honey
3 oz bourbon
Heat cranberry juice, half of the orange, cinnamon sticks, ginger, peppercorns, cloves, and star anise over the stove until the mixture simmers. Partially cover with a lid and let simmer for 10 minutes before removing from heat. Strain the liquid, return to stove and mix in honey. Pour a shot of bourbon into each glass and add the heated mixture.
If old fashioneds are your go-to drink, you’ll love this seasonal take on your forever favorite. Orange and cherries combine in this deep whiskey beverage, filling it with flavor and holiday cheer.
Ingredients:
1 sugar cube
3 dashes aromatic bitters
1 orange slice
1 maraschino cherry
splash of club soda
2 oz bourbon whiskey
2 oz hot water
Drop a sugar cube into a serving glass and saturate it with the bitters. Add the orange slice, cherry, and soda and muddle. Remove the fruit remnants and add the bourbon and warm water. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.
A tasty mashup of tropical and seasonal, this sweet warm drink will keep you feeling toasty all winter long. If you’ve been longing for the perfect hot toddy recipe that provides a fruitier zip, this recipe will be the perfect choice for any cold day.
Ingredients:
2 cups water
1 1/4 cups pineapple juice
3 tbsp raw honey
6 oz spiced rum
8 oz ginger ale
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Heat juice, water, ginger ale, and alcohol over the stove and mix in cinnamon and nutmeg. Let simmer for 5 minutes and then serve. Garnish with an orange peel, star anise and whole cloves.
An apple pie in a glass, this super simple beverage is the perfect liquid dessert anytime you need a pick-me-up or a special celebration. It tastes exactly how it sounds; this beverage will taste just like a hot apple pie, with an alcoholic zip.
Ingredients:
2 oz Tuaca
1/2 cup hot apple cider
Simply heat apple cider, add the Tuaca, garnish with whipped cream and a cinnamon stick, and enjoy!
Harken back to cozy taverns and old-timey carolers with this delicious buttery treat. If you’ve always been curious about buttered rum, this simple recipe will show you why it’s such a timeless favorite.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup softened butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp vanilla
pinch of salt
6 oz dark rum
24 oz boiling water
Mix the softened butter with sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, salt and nutmeg until all are combined. Combine the butter mixture with rum and boiling water in a large pitcher and mix well; garnish with orange zest, ground nutmeg and a cinnamon stick.
If you love the taste of fresh blackberries this thick, sweet mixture will warm up your night perfectly, mixing the fragrant dark berries with all the spices we’ve grown to love this time of year.
Ingredients:
1 bottle red wine
6 cinnamon sticks
5 whole cloves
2 star anise
1 juiced orange
1 cup apple cider
1/2 cup brandy
1 cup blackberries
1/4 cup maple syrup
Add all the ingredients to a pot and simmer for 30 minutes on a stovetop. Serve and garnish with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
A sweet, fizzy mixture, this punch is full of delicious fruits, spices and garnishes that will bring you cheer anytime.
Ingredients:
1 bottle gin
1 bottle Madeira wine
6 lemon twists
1 orange slice
3 pineapple chunks
3 oz honey
1 oz lemon juice
3 cloves
1 pinch nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp brown sugar
Combine the gin and wine over the stove. Add the lemon twists, orange slice and pineapple chunks, then stir in the honey, lemon juice, spices and sugar until dissolved. Simmer for 20 minutes and strain before serving; garnish with orange slices studded with cloves.
A hot toddy can be the perfect way to celebrate the season and warm the chilliest evening. Whether you prefer fizzy, fruity or tart, these recipes will keep you company and help you keep the holidays fun and delicious. Curl up with one of these toddies the next time you need to warm up.
If you have a dietary restriction, you know that it can add an extra layer of stress over the holidays. Having an autoimmune disorder can mean that many of the sugary, starchy holiday staples can have a negative impact on your system and cause painful flares.
The good news is that there are still plenty of holiday foods that fit within the Autoimmune Protocol Diet, which advises you to avoid foods that can cause inflammation or illness and recommends foods that can promote your wellness. Foods that the AIP says can cause inflammation include grains, legumes, nuts, eggs, dairy, processed sugars, alcohol and coffee. Likewise, the AIP recommends sticking to fresh foods with lots of nutrients that can help keep your gut (and the rest of your body) happy and healthy. Leafy greens and many vegetables fit in this category, but they’re not the only things you can have that’ll leave you feeling full and well! The biggest thing you should remember is to always consult your doctor before making big choices about changes to your diet because they’ll have the best advice for keeping you happy and healthy. That being said, here are some guidelines for holiday foods you can eat that will get you into the spirit of the season without compromising your health!
via A Clean Plate
Meals
Even small choices when it comes to cooking can make your food more autoimmune-friendly. When cooking, try to use healthy oils like olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil instead of canola oil, rapeseed oil, safflower oil or sunflower oil.
Potatoes are on the list of autoimmune disorder no-nos, which means staying away from mashed potatoes might be a good call. The good news? Mashed cauliflower exists! Whether you make it from scratch or buy it pre-made, well-seasoned mashed cauliflower can fill the potato-shaped hole in your life while keeping you feeling good. Likewise, sweet potatoes are on the AIPI approved list, so making mashed sweet potatoes another autoimmune-friendly option. Craving hashbrowns? You can fry up spaghetti squash until it’s crispy for a crunchy morning treat.
If you’re dealing with an autoimmune disorder, all sorts of yummy veggies are still on the menu. Sauteed broccoli, crispy brussels sprouts, crispy arugula, roasted carrots: if you’re creative, tasty, fresh vegetables can be used to form so many delicious meals over the holidays.
The AIP also recommends avoiding dairy, but the number of plant-based dairy alternatives on the market means it’s never been easier to enjoy all your favorite sides. Substitutes like oat milk, vegan butter, and even coconut milk whipped cream make baking and cooking an easier process all around.
The gluten content in pasta can be inflammatory and the AIP recommends staying far away; luckily, gluten-free pasta alternatives can be found in almost every grocery store. Pastas made with ingredients like chickpeas or yellow peas are an easy switch that might leave you feeling better after your meal.
via A Clean Plate
Sweets
Any time you can use fresh fruit as a treat, you’ll be getting your natural, AIP-approved sugar fix while also getting much-needed nutrients. Berries like blueberries, raspberries, sour cherries, pomegranates and cranberries also have antioxidants and are great at reducing inflammation.
Again, to avoid dairy, try easy substitutes like baking with vegan butter and plant-based milks, eating ice cream made with oat milk (as nuts and soy are both triggers) and you can even find vegan whipped cream for the perfect topping.
Try cooking with natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, molasses, coconut sugar and date sugar as much as possible and avoid anything made with high fructose corn syrup to make sure your health stays intact even while you’re enjoying dessert.
In general the AIP recommends staying away from alcoholic drinks, but there are some choices that might be easier on your body than others. The sugars and sulfites in wine can make them a bad choice for people with autoimmune conditions. The same goes for beer and colored liquors because of the gluten and sugar. Attune Health thinks that clear liquors might be the easier on an autoimmune disorder, and cranberries are on the AIP approved list, so this cranberry pomegranate cocktail from Paleo Effect might be the perfect way to celebrate the holidays while avoiding inflammation or illness. Healing Autoimmune has a whole list of cocktails (and mocktails) that are tasty and autoimmune-friendly so that you can enjoy a drink without paying for it later. Make sure you always stay hydrated though!
Everyone deserves to have a holiday season that’s cheerful, fun and enjoyable. Even if you have an autoimmune disorder, there are plenty of ways to make sure you join in on the cheer of the holidays. It can be such a relief to know what to avoid and substitute to feel better, and I hope this list enables you to build a holiday that works for you.
I want to thank everyone who tuned in and supported Dancing with the Stars Season 29. It was a unique season because of the pandemic, one where we all worked extra hard to bring some entertainment and light into everyone’s homes. It was also a special season because I believe that it brought us all a lot closer as a family. We did it as a family and we did it with love, and I truly believe you can feel it in every episode we created together. Before we say goodbye though, I wanted to leave you with my top ten most memorable Dancing with the Stars performances of all time.
1. Drew Lachey and Cheryl Burke’s “Save a Horse, Ride A Cowboy” Freestyle, Season 2
via ABC
This iconic piece of choreography performed by Drew and Cheryl in the finale of Season 2 was when Dancing with the Stars became the show it is today. Cheryl broke down boundaries of style and created a perfect vehicle that both entertained the crowd and suited Drew’s style of movement. It was sexy and fun and just a downright show down. I loved this piece and when anyone asks me what my favorite performance of Dancing with the Stars is, this one always pops into my mind first. From the orange and gold costumes tinged with Western themes all the way down to the cowboy boots, this piece felt like it became a bit of American history while entertaining us all.
2. Nyle DiMarco and Peta Murgatroyd’s “The Sound of Silence” Freestyle, Season 22
via ABC
Some dances just take your breath away, and this one took mine away for so many reasons. Set to a darkened stage with a piano on fire behind them, Nyle and Peta began in such an intimate way. The details of each movement and the lyrics both remind us that Nyle DiMarco is, in fact, Deaf (He’s an activist and created the Nyle DiMarco Foundation to help Deaf people all over the world). The poignancy of this piece added a depth to each of the movements. His connection to Peta and the music was beyond what we normally see in a couple because of his unique attributes. Not only did this performance leave behind a passionate and artistic masterpiece but it also left behind a message. During the season, Nyle had an interpreter who would always sign for him, as well as translate everything that was being said to him. I was inspired and learned to sign so that I could tell him how I felt that day about his performing on our show.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqVB638qHfI
3. Kaitlyn Bristowe and Artem Chigvintsev’s “Toxic” Argentine Tango, Season 29
What was so special about this number was the journey that led up to it in Season 29. Kaitlyn had received a few low scores leading up to this dance, and I had given her some stern feedback. Kaitlyn had potential and, in my opinion as a judge, she had more to give. I gave her honest feedback about her Paso Doble and there was an outcry from Bachelor Nation that I was being unfair to Kaitlyn. I’ve noticed that around the 7th week of each season of Dancing with the Stars, people get very impassioned about who they are rooting for and the social media feedback can get quite negative towards the judges. I’ve seen it happen from Season 1 on. It’s always happens. But I believe in honest feedback because I want people to have the ultimate experience on our show, and that kind of experience only happens when you challenge yourself and push yourself to go beyond what you thought was possible.
We all witnessed Kaitlyn find her perfection in the expression of her Argentine Tango. Together, Kaitlyn and her partner Artem faced that Argentine Tango with a fire and determination unlike any prior performance. And it was incredible! It was sheer and utter perfection. Every movement was executed with the right balance of passion, power and intention. Every line was stretched to perfection, every step placed with meticulous attention to detail. It was truly amazing to witness. And this moment was one of pure joy not only for them, but for all of us in the ballroom. Magic is magic, after all. I love when people who join our show can experience a dance of perfection, where you surpass your own expectations, where you are almost beyond human, where you and the dance become one. I remember my perfection moments in my own dance career and I love when our contestants can have that moment for themselves, and can look back at that instance of pure ecstasy and can claim it as their own. There is nothing like earning a moment in your life, through blood sweat and tears, and to be at one with pure expression and creativity. Bravo!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMgeUYA9PwA
4. Amy Purdy and Derek Hough’s “Only Human” Contemporary, Season 18
via AmyPurdy,com
It was only Week 3 in the competition, and it was the first time Amy exposed her prosthetic legs. Amy is a double amputee, snowboarder, Paralympic medalist, and inspirational speaker. In my opinion, she was one of the most inspiring people ever to be on Dancing with the Stars. Her ability to compete so strongly while being a double amputee was eye-opening. We had to hold her to the same standards as everyone else that season, and she stood up to that test and smashed the concept of “limitation.’ This performance showcased the power of vulnerability in dance. It demonstrated so clearly that when you open your heart and share of yourself in dance, or in any venue, you can touch the world in a way that’s life-affirming. In dance, the only tool is the person dancing. Dance is truly the artistry of a human being. This performance is etched in my heart as the dance that touched our nation. Amy showed me and everyone else that anything is possible when you take it one step at a time. There is a move in that choreography that I will always remember: the final steps where Amy suspended in the air by her partner Derek and she was walking on air. And I think we all could see ourselves in that moment, walking towards our dreams.
5. Mel B and Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s “Free Your Mind” Pasa Doble, Season 5
via EW
This was a Paso Doble that set the bar for all Paso Dobles to come. Maks and Mel started in an embrace. Suddenly Mel turned around and marched right down center stage, owning us all with her attitude. Her costume was one of the sexiest we had ever seen, and she had her breakthrough with that dance. We had never seen something so risqué before, something so daring and on the edge. It had an “in your face” and rebellious attitude that left us all with our mouths agape. She was dressed as a dominatrix and she had never danced with that much passion or precision before. Mel B’s in my hall of famers for her powerful performance, command of the dance and that aggressive but controlled Paso. Whenever I hear that song I still see Mel B, coming down centerstage and ready to blow your mind.
6. Meryl Davis and Maksim Chmerkovskiy’s “Feel So Close” Tango, Season 18
via ABC
This performance proved Meryl Davis to be one of the absolute greatest female celebrity dancers in the history of Dancing with the Stars. She delivered everything you could ask for in a perfect Tango. What was so incredible was the way she mastered the technique. I can still see her hold in my mind’s eye, with the fingers of her left hand placed just perfectly. She had an elegance and grace to her, but it was matched with a ferocity and a power that was focused like a laser. She had the most elegant and elongated neck and her head was always at the absolute perfect angle. Meryl was a perfectionist, and the magic was also in the immense and palpable chemistry she had with her partner. She brought out the best in Maks; I believe that was his best season as well. It’s wonderful when you see someone firing on all cylinders as Maks was in his season with Meryl. His choreography was intricate and extremely challenging, and she pushed him to his outer limits as well. Dancing with the Stars is so many things but it is also a wonderful showcase of alchemy of partnerships, and how people can change people and bring out the best in each other. This was one of those partnerships and this dance was one of their best. Artistry in motion.
7. Hélio Castroneves and Julianne Hough’s “Hey Pachuco” Quickstep, Season 5
via ABC
This was my favorite Quickstep ever! I still remember Hélio in that yellow zoot suit. Len, Bruno and I would often refer to his Quickstep with Julianne as the “gold standard.” It was filled with content and was jam-packed with energy and excitement, at least until he dropped her a little roughly at the end in the final pose. I think she hit her head, but was ultimately fine. She stood up and laughed hysterically. It was such a vibrant performance, and the way they glided by us in fantastic form, body contact on pointe, incredible and basically flawless footwork… It was one of the brightest moments in Dancing with the Stars history.
8. Alfonso Ribeiro & Witney Carson’s “3-6-9” Jive, Season 19
via ABC
This dance woke up the house at Dancing with the Stars! It was Alfonso’s first dance of the season and he came out of the gates and blew us away. It was so strong and so powerful, but so much fun! There’s a naturalness to they way he performs, and this routine left an impact that told us all to watch this guy! Alfonso’s musicality and his innate ability to feel the moments and know when to stretch out a move and when to bring it tightly gave him the nuances that make a performance really come to life. This dance is all about his showmanship and ability to bring it out in the best way. When Alfonso stepped off the lifted stage onto the hardwood, he lit the place up. Some dances just make you wanna dance and they make America feel good. This was one of those and Alfonso is a showman through and through. Whoop Whoop!
9. Allison Holker and Riker Lynch’s “He’s A Pirate” Paso Doble, Season 20
via ABC
This dance was so fantastic. It was epic! Riker transformed in the role of Captain Jack Sparrow and danced as a man possessed. He was brilliant, and so was Allison! At the end when the cannon went off, that was how I felt inside. I felt so much joy for what they just accomplished that it was like my heart exploded. The room exploded into wild and well-deserved applause. Riker’s performance was larger than life and like a live-action Disney ride come to life. He danced with more enthusiasm and precision than he had ever danced before, hitting all his lines with incredible shaping and and dancing like the leading man he was meant to be! You could tell that he was just “living his best life” at that moment. The performance had all the excitement of the film right there on the ballroom for all of us to witness, up close and personal. He had a flourish to every step that made this dance worthy of being called Disney Magical.
10. Nev Shulman and Jenna Johnson’s “Black Swan” Paso Doble, Season 29
This dance was powerful and had a certain gravitas that makes it a stand out to me. Yes, I am a fan of Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake which I do believe this was a tribute to or was inspired by, and that could have worked against it because his dancers are quite spectacular. I’m not comparing the two, but this dance dug its way into my heart by sheer determination. Jenna and Nev threw themselves into this dance and infused the element of drama into it. This dance proved that Nev deserves be on a stage performing and entertaining people forevermore. His killer smile always lights up the room, but here in this dance, he ignited our imaginations. They truly transported us into a world of imagination, and I love when dance can take us out of this world and let our imaginations light up and lead us. This was a magical performance and Jenna’s choreography was a highlight indeed!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuEfxcGroV8
HONORABLE MENTION: The Judges Partner Dance featuring Paige Vanzant and Antonio Brown with Mark Ballas and Sharna Burgess, Season 22
In Season 22 of Dancing with the Stars, the judges were asked to create numbers for the couples on the show and I created this Paso Doble for Antonio Brown and Paige Vanzant. Each judge was assigned two teams and tasked with creating a performance to feature them and help them in their journey towards the Mirrorball Trophy. Antonio and Paige were very different types of performers and were at very different skill levels, but I love a creative challenge. My goal and strategy was to use the one thing they had in common: their incredible athleticism. I had a few ideas floating in my mind, but I kept thinking about the film Prometheus by Ridley Scott. I wanted to put Antonio and Paige in that type of raw, dark, alien and otherworldly environment where it took pure physical strength and a beyond-human desire to survive. These two titans Antonio and Paige had that kind of energy and I wanted to highlight that because, in that aspect of things, they were equals. I knew it would create a more balanced performance if I highlighted their physicality and incredible prowess. I used this song because the lyrics emphasized the competitive spirit and nature of the competition: “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.” I knew this would help them tap into their inner gladiator spirit.
The element of man (and woman) versus nature was the main theme here and it was imperative that I create that kind of environment not just through lighting but through actual texture. I asked for the box of chalk that they started in. It took a few attempts to find the best way to create the effect without overdoing it, but with the right camera angles and with the jib moving in the right direction, it created the impact I was looking for. I wanted my dancers to seem as though they came from the earth and were of the earth element. It was an epic battle within a battle, even though they were actually and ultimately a team of four. They needed to survive and fight with all their might to survive. In the end, they survive…. they make it to the promised land, where the water flows and they can keep going. I chose to end with them walking into the water with a “less is more” energy for the most impact; my goal was instilling hope. The whole piece was very heavy and physical and it needed the energetic relief, so I saved it until the end. It was powerful to witness. We only had one chance to rehearse it in the water, and we had never done it in full costume until it was showtime. I’ll admit I was a bit nervous, but I loved creating this for them.
Sharna Burgess and Mark Ballas were great to work with as choreographers. I had worked with Sharna before with Noah Galloway and I have always loved and respected her talent. Mark was not as comfortable or trusting at first but ultimately, the piece spoke for itself. My role as creative director was to create the world, choose the costumes and add the lighting and sound effects. I also created the beginning and the end of the piece (I’m always hands-on for the beginning and the end of anything I direct— that first impression goes a long way). I directed the moments, beat to beat: what happens where, who dances with whom and for how long, what we are going for at each moment as far as storytelling goes, what we want to feel and what intensity we need and where. That’s all my part, but I cannot take credit for the steps. At Dancing with the Stars, the pros are always the choreographers and are responsible for their partners. Here, in the role of creative director, I was very happy with the outcome. I am proud of this number and truthfully, I am always happiest when I get to be creative.
It’s been an amazing, truly unprecedented season of Dancing with the Stars, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the chance to look back through all that our performers have accomplished so far. I’m so proud of every member of this incredible family, and I can’t wait to see what next season holds!
I’ve been asked a few times to share my skin care routine; my Sjogren’s Syndrome and lupus naturally leave my skin dry and fragile, meaning that I have to work hard to take good care of it. I’m also facing menopause and many of my current medications can cause my skin to dry out even more. I’ve given my recommendations on how to battle dryness when it comes to your hair, but skincare might be even more crucial to living a happy, healthy life when you are dealing with daily dehydration. Whether you’re struggling with autoimmune conditions or not, many of us have to deal with dry skin and know how challenging it can be, so I wanted to share how I keep my skin looking its best.
I grew up in Hawaii, so having good skin has always been important to me, not just because I don’t like to wear makeup when I’m not working, but because of the way that healthy skin reflects both health and vitality. When it comes to skin care there’s no substitute for eating well and getting proper rest, but there are several other ways I keep my skin looking and feeling vibrant.
Every day, I wash with Kate Somerville Gentle Daily Wash. It’s light and smells delicious, with hints of lavender, bergamot and sage. It’s gentle enough that it doesn’t strip the natural oils in my face and neck and always leaves my skin feeling fresh.
On the days that I have a lot of makeup on, I like to use Dermalogica’s Precleanse oil. It melts away everything that’s on my face and somehow always makes my pores feel smaller. I just use one squirt and it removes everything, including my eye makeup, with ease.
If I’m washing my face in the shower, IT Cosmetics’ 3-in-1 melting balm does it all in one step, removing my makeup and washing my skin. The nice, whipped butter consistency is so luxurious and I find it always leaves my skin feeling moisturized. This balm saves space in the shower by acting as a cleansing balm, makeup remover, and de-aging serum all at once, and it’s sulfate free so it’lll never strip your skin. If you want extra hydration, leave it on for 60 seconds.
Once I pat dry my skin, I apply a layer of Sisley’s Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream. This cream is plumping and gives my skin radiance, but the truth is that I really just love the way it smells. I’m very sensitive to scents and this one is always a pleasure to use. The cream feels great and always keeps my skin hydrated so that my Sjogren’s Syndrome doesn’t eat up the makeup I’m wearing. It’s a bit costly, but the texture is so light and feels like it is cooling even if it hasn’t actually been in the fridge.
My second favorite (and a lot less expensive) cream is Tarte’s Rainforest of the Sea Drink of H2O Boost. I received this in a gift bag once and loved it instantly; if you like moisture that feels like dessert for your skin, this is it! It’s a lifesaver for dry skin and really does feel like “a drink of water for your skin,” as advertised.
A Note On Eye Cream
I don’t use eye cream. Because I have to pull on my eyes when I put in my contacts and apply my eyedrops for Sjogren’s Syndrome, I decided that I didn’t want to introduce lotion to my eyes as well. It felt too irritating, and ultimately I was just too lazy to introduce it into my routine. It’s worked so far, and I’m happy not to have the additional step if I don’t need it.
To keep your skin in good condition, sometimes you have to do a deep cleaning. I use steam once a week to make sure my skin is healthy. This steamer is fantastic because it can also be used as a humidifier, which is essential for anyone with Sjogren’s Syndrome or dry skin. The steamer can also serve as a towel warmer; you can put your washcloth inside until it’s heated and then rest it over your eyes for better circulation and more moisture in your eyes. It’s a great way to clean the pores and so many other things; I like tools that multitask and this one has an abundance of uses.
Because we haven’t been able to go to the spa for any facials this year, I’ve started doing my own. After every facial I use this device. I use the red light for collagen and I always receive compliments after I’ve done my mini at-home facial. I like to incorporate the light skin therapy with my meditation routine; I’ll turn on my Insight Timer meditation app and lay down for twenty minutes to get my daily nap or meditation in as my skin repairs itself. It’s become such a nice way to “get away from it all” without going anywhere.
Another tool I use to keep my chin on my face and not on my knees is this facial toning kit. It’s so easy to use that I usually use it on my way to work. Our faces are full of muscles, and just like any other muscle, we need to exercise them to keep them tight and supple. I apply moisturizer to my face and then use this toner on my cheeks, jawline and forehead.
Skin Care for the Body
Our facial skin might get more attention when it comes to our skin care routine, but our entire bodies need care, attention, and nourishment to stay healthy and glowing.
This is a staple that I’ve used since I was a kid; it’s gentle, moisturizing, and smells familiar to me. I can also get it in extra large sizes from Costco which is an added bonus 🙂.
After showering, I like to apply Neutrogena Body Oil to my whole body to seal in the moisture right away. I put it on while I’m still in the shower, but if you do this be careful because it can make tile extra slippery.
I switch between two creams for extra moisture; this one is my favorite. It absorbs the best and can even prevent stretch marks during pregnancy. Made from cold pressed virgin coconut oil, macadamia oil, dilo nut oil and skeci oil, this mixture is pure moisture. My favorite scent is coconut, but there are many other amazing scents including pineapple, orange blossom, white ginger lily, and mango. I use this oil for so many other things as well. I’ve found that if I put it on my feet and ankles before I go to bed it somehow alleviates my restless leg syndrome. When I want to lock in hydration, I’ll wear socks over the lotion while I sleep. I even use it as a styling aid on the ends of my hair when I’m experiencing dryness from styling, medications or Sjogren’s Syndrome. People always comment on how great I smell when I wear this; you’ll love it! It’s heaven in a jar and nothing moisturizes better. It’s free of any harmful chemicals that can aggravate sensitive skin and is definitely my number one product.
For extra shine on my skin, I’ll put on this nourishing oil over the body butter. This is a tip I learned working from exotic dancers; mixing the oil with the body butter helps lock in moisture and gives your skin a dewy look. It also smells amazing.
If I ever run out of my body butter, I use Nivea’s Original Cream to moisturize instead. It’s a German brand and the consistency is just thick enough to do the trick. The scent is fresh and if you want to add moisture, you can mix it with Johnson & Johnson baby oil to keep your skin protected and moist all day.
If you have Sjogren’s Syndrome, lupus, or just suffer from chronic dry skin, you know how uncomfortable or even painful it can be when you’re not properly hydrated. These products have helped me treat my skin with love and care every day, keeping myself moisturized so I can face the world with confidence and comfort. I hope some of these products can help you find the same peace and maybe even a little luxury at the same time.
The holidays are a great time of year to show the people in your life that you care about them, but it can get stressful fast. The pursuit of the perfect gift is neverending and finding a gift that encompasses a friendship can sometimes feel impossible to get right. If you’re in a Secret Santa gifting situation and you’re worried about getting them something that they’ll love that’s within your financial limits, you’re not alone. Here are 12 cheap and easy gifts that are sure to brighten your Secret Santa’s day, no matter where their interests lie.
If your friend loves essential oils and scents, a diffuser can be the perfect addition . Even if they already have an essential oil diffuser, a second one will always be welcome to fill a bathroom, living room, or any other space with your Secret Santa’s favorite scents.
Growing your own herbs isn’t just an investment in fresher meals, it’s the gift of a new hobby and fresh life around the home as well. Your Secret Santa will love watching their herbs grow in and then using them on their favorite meals.
With this portable speaker, your Secret Santa’s music an go wherever they go, whether it’s at the beach, the park or even in the shower. It’s small but powerful, giving your friend more access to their music as it’s supposed to be heard.
This set of lenses that easily fits any smartphone is the perfect gift for the amateur photographer in your life. They’ll love getting to elevate their phone photos with the different angles and distortions this lens kit provides.
If your friend loves their books, you know they’d like to add a personal touch to them, including their name in each one. These old-fashioned book plates can make your Secret Santa feel like the owner of the greatest study in the world.
We all know someone with a passion for sweets who has more than likely had a few failed experiments trying to recreate everyone’s favorite camping treat in the oven. This nifty gift will save your Secret Santa time and cleaning and produces perfectly crispy s’mores every time.
Beauty sets are always a great gift for around the holidays. Not only is this set gorgeously eye-catching, but it’s also a guilt-free purchase as Smith & Cult is proudly cruelty-free and vegan. Help your Secret Santa out with their New Year’s Eve look by giving them this curated gift collection.
If there’s someone on your list who’s impossible to shop for, sometimes you have to think outside the box. For someone with eclectic tastes, this self-contained carnivorous plant might be the perfect gift. Low-maintenance and fun to look at, this will add a bit of intrigue to your Secret Santa’s desk or shelf.
For the gamer friend who already has everything, this mini arcade equipped with hundreds of games might be the exact dose of nostalgia and fun they needed.
Your favorite traveler might not have gotten to see the world as much as they’d wanted this year, but this gift might be the next best thing. Atlas Obscura’s Explorer’s Guide will transport your Secret Santa to fascinating places all over the globe and might even inspire a few travel plans in the future.
Sometimes we get so stressed out by the pressure of gift giving that we can forget it’s supposed to be fun. Each of these gifts will brighten your Secret Santa’s day no matter and take one more thing off of your list so you can get back to enjoying your holidays.
Anyone who knows me well has heard me talk about how much power our sense of smell has. Our most familiar smells will always have a special place in our minds and hearts, connecting us to memories we might otherwise have forgotten. Some of my favorite smells are connected to the holidays, and many of you probably feel the same; the smell of a crisp tree, a crackling fire, or our favorite desserts can always help signal that the holidays and all the joy and connection that they celebrate are here again. Whether you live for the smell of cinnamon spice or want to curl up with a dark, musty winter scent, we have 11 winter candles that will help bring holiday cheer into your home.
Wax Cabin makes great candles for every season but, as their name suggests, the cozy winter months are where they really shine. Merry Mule has all the sparkle and cheer of our favorite copper cup beverage. Light notes of fizzy champagne and ginger will bring you cheer while deeper hints of Frasier fir will make you feel like you’re on your own alpine getaway.
If for you the holidays aren’t complete without a Christmas tree, this candle is the perfect wintry staple. The notes of evergreen and cedar wood are fresh and pure without being overpowering, bringing the smells of a snow-dusted forest with every lighting.
If you spend your days fantasizing about a cabin in the woods where someone’s always baking, Snowed In might become your new go-to winter candle. Sugary sweetness layered with all the best holiday spices will bring you comfort and warmth with every burn.
Sweet mornings smells exactly like warm honey drizzling onto a freshly baked breakfast pastry. If your biggest delight in the holiday season is sugary sweets, the warm scents of vanilla and oats that waft from this candle will be the perfect companion for winter.
The deep, rich notes of plum brandy and dried fruit will instantly transport you to a stately study lined with leather-bound books; this deeper and muskier take on the holidays is perfect for someone who prefers to stay away from sweeter scents, and the gorgeous gilded casing makes is the perfect centerpiece for any room.
If the chilly weather always leaves you craving a crackling fire, then this limited edition candle filled with rich wood and leaf scents will be the perfect addition to your evenings.
The holidays are all about celebrating while staying snug, and this clear, crisp scent of prosecco will bring you an abundance of both. Perfect for bath time or a nightcap, this winter candle will bring a little something special to any occasion.
This winter candle smells like the perfect peppermint hot chocolate, dripping with rich cocoa, warm vanilla, and fluffy whipped cream. If the holidays always make you think of peppermint bark, you’ll never want to put out this candle.
Sugar, spices and pine are all wonderful, but sometimes you might need something a bit simpler. Black Fig smells like walking through a musty forest on a winter night; it’s rich but subdued enough to bring you a woodsy winter whenever you need it.
Familiar scents can be such a comfort for us as we navigate our lives and create comforting spaces for ourselves. No matter which smells remind you of your treasured memories, favorite places, and loved ones, a winter candle can be the perfect way to create all those feelings wherever you find yourself this winter. I hope you find a new favorite on this list that you’ll keep coming back to every time the weather gets chilly.
For centuries we’ve been using the power of herbs to solve all sorts of ailments from upset stomach to lethargy. Herbal teas have always been an easy way to create calm and promote sleep; aside from the benefits in the leaves, the ritual of brewing and drinking a cup of tea has always had a magical effect. If you’ve been experiencing racing thoughts or are just trying to establish a better nighttime routine, drinking a fresh, warm cup of tea can put you in a peaceful state and help sleep to come easier. Many herbs are known to lower anxiety and stress; finding the one whose flavors and effects suit you the most can be a fun (and tasty) process! Hopefully, your new favorite tea for decreased anxiety and a more restful night is below.
The warm, soft taste of chamomile tea has always been synonymous with peace and rest. Not only can the smell be perfect for setting the tone for rest before bed, but some of its ingredients have been found to improve sleep quality. Other studies found that this herb can also alleviate depression and anxiety, making it an excellent tea to keep stocked when you need a dose of rest.
Who doesn’t love the scent of lavender? Aromatic and light, lavender is a powerful soother in all its forms, and often its scent alone can be a signal to your body that it’s time to get rest and power down. Scientific studies have found that it’s not just in our heads; drinking lavender tea can help relieve anxiety and boost our moods while also helping us sleep.
Last year, Healthline published an article titled “Drink A Cup of Passionflower Tea Every Night for Better Sleep,” confirming what many people have known for generations. Tea made with this powerful flower isn’t just aromatic or soothing; it can actually act as a sedative if consumed before bed and can even ease anxiety. This tea has even been proven to help prevent hot flashes and relieve pain, making it one of the more powerful teas in existence.
The striking warm zest of a cup of lemon balm tea can be a great choice any time you’e feeling the need for a moment of calm in your day, This tea has the ability to increase our bodies’ levels of GABA, a neurotransmitter known for reducing stress. Because of this, a cup of lemon balm tea can help keep stress and anxiety levels down, replacing it with a feeling of calm and quiet.
In our society, the sweet scent of roses has always been a symbol of deep love, affection and happiness, but did you know the plant itself also has very real health benefits? Rich in antioxidants, rose tea can help to promote a lot of positive side effects from calming inflammation to reducing the risk of certain cancers. It’s also known to be a great relaxer, helping those who drink it to find a sense of calm and get to sleep easier.
Valerian root has been used as a treatment for insomnia going as far back as the Roman Empire; this beautiful pink plant can be great for dampening worried thoughts and promoting rest. Science has found there’s a good reason Valerian root tea is often recommended as a homeopathic solution for sleep and anxiety. One study found that it shortened the amount of time it took people to fall asleep and another found that it can increase GABA levels similar to other calming teas. If you’re looking to add to your before bed regime, consider joining others who have experienced insomnia across history and brew a cup of Valerian tea.
Of course, Sleepytime Tea is always an excellent choice for bedtime. It contains leaves from all sorts of plants that promote calm and rest like chamomile, spearmint, blackberry leaves, orange blossoms, and rosebuds. This calming mixture can help to pull you out of nagging worries or restlessness and create a peaceful time that’s just for you.
Sleep is one of the most important ways we can give ourselves self care and invest in our health. Often, sleep is more of a process than simply powering down; creating a restful environment for ourselves beforehand will always enhance our experience. If you’ve been struggling to get good sleep or calm your anxiety, consider adding regular herbal teas to your nighttime routine.
As someone who’s lived with rheumatoid arthritis for years, I know the toll that swollen or painful joints can have on the quality of your life. Living with arthritis can mean having to ask for help or changing your routine to exclude the things that are too hard or painful. Thankfully, living with arthritis doesn’t have to mean losing your independence; sometimes it just means finding new solutions. If you’ve been trying to figure out how to live an independent, comfortable life with arthritis, help could be just a click away. Here are 9 products that can help you overcome some typical obstacles easily and painlessly.
Getting silverware that suits your needs is one of the easiest ways to help your arthritis out. These wider utensils are easier to grip and will prevent any pain or difficulty while you eat.
Opening cans and bottles can be a tall order for someone with arthritis as gripping, pulling and twisting can all cause wear and tear on your joints. Using a multipurpose tool like this one means you won’t have to wrestle with lids or stubborn tops anymore.
If your arthritis makes it hard for you to reach a blow dryer around your head, this is one easy way to help make your daily routine less taxing. Freeing up your hands and joints from more painful angles will make getting ready easy and comfortable.
You wouldn’t think of reading or writing as being particularly demanding, but with arthritis these tasks can quickly become painful. This board has been specifically designed to help those with arthritis, using a comfortable ergonomic angle that won’t leave you distracted from your work or reading by aches or pains. It’s also magnetic so you can keep your pens or anything else exactly where you need them.
Most of us use scissors on an everyday basis, but many pairs don’t offer comfort or convenience to people with arthritis. Make this everyday tool work for you instead of against you by buying a pair of scissors that you can easily maneuver.
If picking things up off of the floor has become something you dread, a grabbing tool can be a helpful way to help avoid movements that aggravate your arthritis. Having this one tool around can help you avoid a whole range of motions that can cause discomfort or lasting pain, saving you time, energy and effort in your daily life.
If you’re someone who likes to do their own maintenance or tend a garden, you know that kneeling can be especially hard on your knees and can cause you to tap out before you’re finished with the task at hand. These kneeling pads can soften any irritation, letting you stay in position for longer without needing to get up or shift around.
If you love jewelry but have started needing help with the smaller clasps due to arthritis, a small tool like this can be a life saver. This fastener can give you back more control over the jewelry you’re able to wear, no matter how difficult the clasps are.
Dressing yourself is a big part of independence for many people; if you’ve found it hard to maneuver belt loops, sleeves, shoes or even socks because of arthritis, this multi-use dresser stick can help. Just a few simple hooks and clasps can give you command over a whole range of motion, making it easier than ever to get ready for the day on your own.
Living with arthritis isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. Helpful tools like these can reduce everyday pain and discomfort and even help maintain independence and agency for people with arthritis. Being able to regain the ability to do certain things easily again has its own special joy and freedom; I hope some of these tools will help you reclaim your own power to live free of pain or discomfort.
If you’ve ever found yourself frantically Googling symptoms after your dog or cat ate something it shouldn’t, you know that you can’t always tell what’s going to present a hazard to your furry companions. Some dangerous substances can come from unexpected places; you probably know that chocolate is toxic to dogs, but did you know that sugar-free gum can be just as poisonous? As pet owners, we want to know we’re doing out best to protect out pets and keep them safe and healthy. One of the easiest ways to keep your pet safe is by taking preventative action and making sure you aren’t exposing them to danger via your choices of houseplant, bouquet or even essential oils. Knowing the common products that are toxic to dogs and cats can better prepare you to keep them safe and happy in your home.
Food
You probably know that dogs can’t have chocolate, but there are a few more dangers lurking in your cabinet that you might not expect. The reason that chocolate is bad for dogs is primarily the caffeine content, which means coffee is equally toxic for pets. Xylitol, an ingredient found in a lot of sugar-free gums, is toxic to both dogs and cats. Grapes and raisins are both dangerous for dogs, as are onions and garlic. Nuts, like macadamia, almonds, pecans and walnuts, have a high fat content that can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Your dog might beg for raw or undercooked meat, but they’re just as susceptible to salmonella and other bacteria-related illnesses as you are; make sure if you’re giving your dog some meat that it’s been cooked thoroughly.
Plants
Everyone loves a bouquet, but there are several blooms you might want to skip if you have animals in the house. Lilies are well known as toxic to pets, but they’re not the only plant that can do harm to your best friend. The American Animal Association’s official list of plants that are toxic to dogs and cats includes azaleas, daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips. If you’re shopping for a bouquet, it’s always a good idea to look up the flowers to make sure they’re safe to bring into a home with pets. Another common but dangerous plant is aloe vera; it’s safe as a topical treatment for pets and dogs can even drink aloe juice, but chewing on the plant itself can expose your pet to toxins they can’t handle. There are a few plants that are specifically dangerous for cats like mistletoe, poinsettia, rhododendron, pothos and eucalyptus. Oleander is poisonous not just to pets but to humans as well; the blooms might look appealing but if you have pets or children in your home you might want to look for a different plant.
Home Goods
We might not think of fabric softener sheets as particularly toxic, but they’re coated in many chemicals that can cause acute distress if your dog or cat gets a bite of one. Coins are another hazard to be careful of; they can not only cause your dog to potentially choke or put them in intestinal distress, but the metals in coins can be toxic to dogs and do damage to their kidneys and livers.
You should obviously be careful about storing cleaning products as many of them are toxic by nature; an easy non-toxic cleaning alternative is vinegar distilled in water. If you’ve been worried about the Swiffer Wet Jet as potentially toxic to dogs or cats, though, we have good news: the ASPCA deemed that the ingredients involved are safe for use in homes with pets.
Essential Oils
One thing you might not be thinking about when pet-proofing your home is your essential oil diffuser, but the truth is that some essential oils can be dangerous for pets due to the high concentration of different substances. Essential oils can affect cats more than dogs; ingesting any oil could harm their organs, inhaling could cause pneumonia, and skin contact might cause irritation.Whether an essential oil is toxic or not depends on the ingredients, so it’s always best to check before using a new essential oil in a space your pet has access to. Essential oils that are toxic to pets include nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, tea tree oil, thyme, oregano, lavender, wintergreen, peppermint, pine and eucalyptus. Anything with citrus (like lemon or orange) can be especially toxic to dogs.
If you’re worried that your cat or dog ingested something toxic, you can check the Pet Poison Helpline for information and next steps. Pets are a part of our family, and it’s always good to check when they eat something they’re not supposed to. Prevention and anticipation are often the best ways to make sure you can breathe easy about your pet’s safety.
As our dining options have been limited in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve found ourselves having to choose between cooking and takeout more often than ever before. For me, cooking often requires energy, especially when I know prep is going to take a long time. So many of us want to make the healthier, often less expensive choice of cooking at home, but sometimes we just face too many obstacles between shopping, setup and cleaning afterwards. Sometimes a few items can transform your entire experience, making cooking an act of self-care that’s not only easy and nourishing but fun as well. These innovative and unique kitchen gadgets might make you look at cooking a bit differently; one of these products might transform your cooking process from a chore to a treat overnight.
If saving leftovers has become an ordeal because of an unruly stack of Tupperware, these reusable silicone lids might be the perfect solution. Taking the place of Saran wrap, Ziploc bags and other containers, these earth-friendly lids can stretch to fit around a variety of containers.
This unique gadget can help declutter your kitchen and leave you with one less dish to clean! The combination strainer and cutting board fits over your sink to save space and cut down on mess.
It’s always a drag when cleanup involves wrestling a mop or broom out of the closet. These easy grippers will keep your Swiffers separate and accessible whenever you need them, saving you from getting overwhelmed by your cluttered broom closet.
Who says something can’t be convenient and cute at the same time? This set of nesting measuring cups isn’t just a space saver but a cute new kitchen companion as well.
Have you been trying to save counter space and keep your kitchen from getting cluttered? This tidy drying rack is there when you need it and can be easily stored when you don’t, leaving one less thing on your counters.
Pasta is a great staple for many meals, but it can come with a lot of mess and dirty dishes. If you ever want to make pasta without all the setup, this unique kitchen gadget will make ready-to-strain and serve pasta in the microwave. The whole process only takes 15 minutes and will save you valuable time and energy as you make yourself a meal.
If you’ve ever struggled to pull the right spatula or spoon out of your overcrowded drawer or cluttered Lazy Susan, this set of stacking utensils is sure to make your life (and your cooking process) simpler, easier and more enjoyable.
Whether you buy in bulk and need more room or are just tired of your dry foods going stale, this storage and dispenser is a unique gadget that will keep your kitchen running smoothly! You can use it to store whatever you seem to run out of the most: cereal, oatmeal, baking supplies or even dog food will stay fresh and accessible whenever you need it.
Cooking meals for yourself can be such a crucial act of self care, an investment in nourishing your body and your mind. Now more than ever we are aware of the energy it takes to do even small things; why not make a choice to make this one action easier than ever?
There are so many facets that make up a healthy, happy life, and I believe a few choices can compound for greater wellness. If you’re looking for more ways to organize and streamline your home, you can find our suggestions for home organization here. To make the process of eating healthy even easier, you can click here to read our guide to smoothie supplements that can supercharge your diet. I hope a few of these pieces can help make daily life easier, giving you more time and energy for the things that truly matter,
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