Abundant Energy | FOUR WAYS TO LIVE A FULLER LIFE AND BEAT FATIGUE

By Katie G.

Recently, I had the good fortune of being invited to an IVY Connect panel discussion with Dr. Holly Phillips, a contributor to CBS News and author of the new book The Exhaustion Breakthrough. I have  always been intrigued by the idea of energy in the body: where it comes from and how it affects our everyday lives. During this event, I had an a-ha moment. I realized that many of the behaviors viewed as "normal" are actually telltale signs that we need to take a step back and be honest with ourselves. For example, do you find yourself yawning uncontrollably at 3:00 pm when you're in the umpteenth meeting of the day? Do you make excuses not to exercise or socialize because you're just not feeling up to it? Are you nodding out every night on the couch at 9:00 pm? Do you just wish you had a little extra oomph? Do you feel like you're in a fog when you wake up in the morning? Are you drinking more than one cup of coffee and/or eating sugary foods to keep your energy "up?"

If the answer is yes to any one of these questions, then you, my friend, need to read on.  The secret to energy isn't found solely in sleep (although don't get me wrong, it's important), but in various lifestyle choices and patterns that you can control.

Night Magic | A NATURAL DIY SERUM THAT IMPROVES SKIN'S TEXTURE OVERNIGHT

By Katie G.

I have to admit something. I am a true beauty junkie – always up for trying the next greatest trend in skincare. But, as my skin sensitivity has become heightened like never before, I've become ruthless with what I put on my skin. I pore over ingredient lists, accost sales people, and scan product bar codes using the ThinkDirty app (highly recommended by the way). But then it hit me. Why am I constantly struggling to try to find a product that works, compromising on ingredients or scents, when I can make my own? After doing some research, considering the skin's needs, and knowing what ingredients trigger flare-ups for sensitive skin (coconut oil is a no-no), I created an easy DIY Essential Oil serum, using pure, food-based ingredients, that really does wonders for smoothness, evenness, and texture. Ready for better skin?

Cold Snap | YES, YOU CAN FIGHT DRY SKIN AND MAINTAIN A HEALTHY GLOW

By Katie G.

By now, it has probably hit you: winter is coming, fast. I woke up this morning to find a chill in the New York City air and – as a result – dry skin on my face.  Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we are officially in dry, flaky skin season. Luckily, there's a quick, easy, and all-natural way to combat chapped skin and restore a natural glow. Best of all? You can make it with ingredients found in your kitchen (well, some of them anyway).

Before & After Yoga | THE ULTIMATE DIET FOR ENHANCING YOUR PRACTICE

By Dominick H. 

Nine years ago, I walked into a yoga studio here in NYC to begin my journey towards flexibility, better breathing, spiritual connection, and healthy living. I initially got into the practice with much resistance. I didn't know much about poses or how to do them correctly. I felt like I would never advance. But, I grew a liking towards the practice. I would sweat and stretch. I felt like I was getting some work done and that my body was becoming healthier and more flexible. But, after about three months of practice, something strange started to happen. I would notice that after the intense yoga showdown, I would feel good but not amazing. I would start nodding out and getting super tired an hour or two after class. I felt groggy in the mornings and never wanted to get up for work. In the middle of the day, I always felt like I could fall asleep. Needless to say, for an avid yoga practitioner, I felt pretty sluggish and very low energy, which seems counter-intuitive. And then, I discovered something that would change my practice forever.

DIY Beauty | SOOTHE YOUR SUMMER SKIN WITH THESE SIMPLE INGREDIENTS

By  Katie G.

 

Ah, summer. We're down to the last two weeks where we get to fully enjoy the great outdoors. But between sun worshiping, salt water, chlorine – and let's face it, drinking– your skin suffers. Do you find yourself hot, flaky, or peeling after what seems like an amazing beach day? Yeah, me too.

Luckily for us, there are some easy fixes for your skin that you can find right in your kitchen.

The End of Sadness Forever | THREE WAYS TO TELL DEPRESSION AND STRESS TO PISS OFF

Can you say, "Fuck Depression"? I knew you could. Some of you who are super upright, religious, or of high moral standard would never say such a thing. But let's be real: if there were ever a time you wanted to use a colorful expletive like fuck, it would be towards depression and stress. Sometimes we experience depression and stress in small doses. But sometimes those moments can be overwhelming, burdensome, woeful, and extremely terrifying. We turn to family, and they don't get us. We turn to friends and they "kinda get us", but not really. We turn to teachers and mentors, but sometimes their perception and understanding of our situation sounds like it comes from a cloud in heaven where white doves fly and trumpets sound: almost if they can't even relate. We read self-help books, and sometimes the advice there is good: really good. But then, our ability to sustain the tactics necessary to keep us strong, loving and blissful begin to wane and become mundane again. And that in turn puts us back to square one. And then what? WTF.

So how do we eliminate depression and sadness?