How Blue Light Exposure Can Affect Your Health

Most of us spend a huge part of our lives looking at a screen—for work, entertainment, education and communication. Since screens use blue light displays, our faces and eyes are the most susceptible to damage!

Blue light exposure has been linked to eye fatigue, blurred vision, and dry eyes. Additionally, studies have shown blue light is a risk factor for the onset of a condition (age-related macular degeneration) that can lead to vision loss over time! If that alone isn’t wanting you to protect yourself from blue light exposure, there’s more!

Additionally the blue light from our screens impacts our sleep by messing with our circadian rhythm. Disrupted sleep decreases our quality of sleep and we all know how important quality sleep is to our health, mood, energy, etc.

I also read that children are also susceptible to adverse reactions from blue light exposure so it’s even more important for them to protect their eyes!

While there is conclusive evidence linking blue light exposure to increased skin damage I read that:

“The best evidence we have is that blue light ‘contributes to brown spots on the skin and hyperpigmentation such as melasma, and possibly to photoaging and the breakdown of collagen, which leads to wrinkles and skin laxity…’”

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.allure.com/story/blue-light-phone-skin-effects/amp

With it being such a new topic in dermatology, I’m not sure if there are any longitudinal studies yet. However, knowing that early evidence does suggest blue light exposure has the potential to be damaging to our skin is enough for me to take protective measures.

Tula Protect and Glow

I have been using the Tula Protect and Glow cream for some months. It not only protects skin from blue light exposure but also is a sunscreen. Most sunscreens are thick leave a white residue, but not this one. It’s light and not sticky plus it is made with clean ingredients, which is something that’s super important to me.

Non-Toxic Blue Light Face Creams

I found some non-toxic blue light face creams. I wanted to share the ones I found, just in case you’re wanting to add them to your face routine!

Direct links for each cream can be found here! Links also found at the bottom on this post.

Blue Light Exposure Eye Protection

I noticed people on social media start wearing blue light glasses over the past year but never really looking into it myself. It wasn’t until talking with some friends and they shared with the me the importance blue light exposure eye protection. I ordered these glasses for me and Randon that day! They came out to about $7 each so not a huge investment for the protection they offer.

Blue Light Glasses

There are so many blue light glasses options out there. I was surprised that they can cost just as much as prescription lenses! Yikes! If that’s in your budget and you wanna do that, go for it! I did, though, find some budget friendly blue light glasses–ranging from $5 to mid $30s! Also, I shared one option for kids.

Find direct links to glasses here! Also at the bottom of this post.

Small Steps Lead to Big Changes

Protecting yourself from blue light exposure may be really low on your priority list haha it was non-existent on mine. But I think small steps lead to big changes especially when it comes to our health. Thanks for reading today’s post and hopefully you learned something new! much love, –Melissa

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Exercise is a big part of my life. It gives me energy and peace. I look forward to moving my body and have found that the days I skip a workout are more challenging for me.

If I’m not going to a group class (reformer Pilates is my all time favorite!), I prefer home workouts. And free home workout programs are even better

My daughter gets so excited when she sees me getting ready and even tries lots of the exercises. It’s nice to expose her to caring for her body at such a young age!

3 Free Home Workout Programs

To kick off my 3 favorite free home workout programs is…

#1 CHLOE TING

• She has so many free home workout programs that focus on the harder to tone/strengthen areas for us women! (e.g., thighs, abs, booty, etc.)
• She has a day to day plan for each program, with her YT links.
• All of the workouts that I’ve done have the bar that tells you how much percentage progress you’ve made in the workout and for me that’s motivating to see.
• Workout range in times, so you can choose which ones work with your schedule.
• I’ve been doing her hourglass program and my booty has gotten a tiny bit stronger haha
• Her personality is fun and I like her cute accent.

Check out her website here!

#2 WHITNEY SIMMONS

• While she does have a pay-for app, she provides tons of free workouts on her Instagram.
• On her IGTV she has full length workouts and I especially love the no jumping one since I have weak knees.
• She’s very upbeat and optimistic which really help get my mind in the mood for exercise.
• She also has really cute workout sets and I like how she uses music on her videos bc I need music to workout!

Check out here Instagram here!

#3 CARA LOREN

• Free home workout videos are sprinkled throughout her Instagram. She doesn’t have an official program.
• The equipment she uses can easily be substituted with things around your home but she uses pretty basic equipment
• Her workouts are intense! She makes them look super easy too!!
• She is a mom of 3 and is so so strong! So inspiring!
• Her workout clothes is super cute

Check out her Instagram here!

Whether you’re just starting a fitness journey or super active, I’m hoping one of these free home workout programs is new and fresh for you and helps you get closer to your fitness goals!

I think we can all agree that when you feel good about yourself, it’s easier to do hard/challenging things. Which is why I try to change into a workout set that hypes me up so I can push through the burn.

Fitness Gear Wishlist

My fitness gear wishlist is much longer ha but I condensed it to the items that I have been eyeing for quite some time! Get links to each item here!

• APL sneakers—they have great reviews and look super cute!! A major splurge and not sure I’ll ever be able to justify purchasing them!
• Free People Square Neck Crop Top—The ribbed fabric and the square neck did it for me! Obsessed.
• Blogilates dumbbell and yoga mat—doesn’t just looking at these items makes you want to workout?! I love the colors and look of them! And their price point is amazing!!!
• Lululemon Align Tank—all over the internet with great reviews. And since purple is my favorite color this lilac tank is calling my name!!
• Lululemon align yoggers—the comfort of wearing leggings but with a fresh silhouette! I saw a lady at Costco wearing them and they looked so great! Then a mom at the park had them paired with a boxy tee and I loved them! I’m seeing them everywhere so I think that’s a sign
• Zella 7/8 leggings—I ordered these a couple years ago during the Nordstrom’s sale but returned them bc they felt too thick. Everyone raves about them so I think it’s time to give them another try esp with this blue color and great price point!!
• Vuori Tank— I really like the high neck and design. And I’ve heard really great things of this California based brand!

Fitness Finds Under $30

I also wanted to share some budget friendly fitness finds under $30! Get links to each item here!

• Free People Sports Bras—I’m really into ribbed material and the quality of the fabric is so soft but thick.
• Free People Shorts—I like the boxer look to them and they come in several cute colors!
• Blogilates Equipment—the colors of the equipment really caught my eye. And so far reviews are great!
• Lululemon align dupes—The reviews rave the quality of these leggings! They come in many colors too.
• Mesh sports bra—the mesh detail is cute and there are so many positive reviews! Such a great price too!
• Knotted crop top—a fun spin to a standard workout top. The knot is a way to show a little but not so much skin.
• Active tank top—target tank that can be knotted or worn longer! Other fun colors available.
• Biker shorts—for the warmer days, these biker shorts are inexpensive and are a best seller.

Find Joy in Fitness

I believe that in order for us to get all the benefits of exercise we must find joy in fitness. Try different settings, classes, types of movement until you find one that bring you joy! Thanks for reading my post and hoping you find joy in your fitness journey!!

Also, if you didn’t have a chance to check out Kari’s blog on the Valentine’s Day toddler book guide, check it out here!

Much love, beautiful friends. —Melissa

ps. If you purchase from our links we do make a small commission from it! Thanks for supporting us!

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Until recently I never wore lip color! I was a loyal lip balm/chapstick girl (still always have chapstick on me!). But about a year ago I got some Kosas lip colors and have been loving adding some color to my lips. Lip color seems to add an immediate pop and helps me look more put together…and these days I’ll take all the help I can get bc you know, mom life.

Kosas lip color 1-Rosewater

The first of the Kosas lip colors is Rosewater. It’s the prettiest pink and a very subtle tint. If you’re not used to seeing yourself with lip color or would like to keep things subtle this color is for you! I also think this color is great if you’ll be ringing in the New Year with your family at 7pm, which is what I’ll be doing!

Kosas lip color 2-Thrillest

The Kosas lip color, Thrillest, has a red-orange hue. This color really complements my skin tone and I think it would look great on most skin tones! I like to pair this color with a monochromatic or dual tone outfit to give it some edge. Perfect for a virtual ball drop!

Kosas lip color 3-Electra

Of course I had to include a classic red, Electra! Red can be super intimidating to try but on the other hand it looks so great on every skin tone once you get past the boldness factor, you won’t regret it! The first time I wore red I thought everyone was staring at me and maybe they were, so be prepared to turn heads 🙂 I don’t wear it everyday but when I do, I can’t help but feeling a little spicy and your New Year’s kiss recipient won’t be complaining.

Kosas lip color 4-Royal

The last of the 4 Kosas lip colors, Royal, has a deep berry hue. It’s cool berry tone combines feminine and sexy, making your pout irresistible beautifully radiant. This will be perfect to apply after the kids go to bed and you can finally sneak in some kisses.

Not ready for color…

If you still aren’t ready to try color, no worries! Here are some options for you that give your lips a subtle shine and softness.

–Glossier Coconut Balm Dotcom: it gives lips a nice clear gloss. I use this daily!

–Young Living Lavender Lip Balm: I got earlier this year and I love the texture of the balm. It glides on so smoothly and offers moisture and shine! Unfortunately I left it in the pocket of my shorts and it get destroyed in the dryer :/

–Burt’s Bees Lip Balm: This was one of my first lip balm obsessions and still carry one around to this day!

–Sun Bum Coconut Lip Balm: I’m a sucker for the coconut scent and this one does not disappoint. The balm isn’t as smooth as the other ones but its SPF 30 so I use this when I’m going to the beach.

Fun colorful pout

Whether you’re prepping for your New Year’s kiss or just want to try a fun colorful pout for the first time, I hope this post gave you some inspo to just go for it!

Make sure to check out Kari’s most recent post on how to give your skin some much needed lovin’ during the winter.

Thanks so much for reading and giving us love! Muah . —Melissa

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ps. we make an itty bitty commission if you purchase via our links. so thank you so much!

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What is a Toxin?

I briefly wanted to explain toxins. So what are toxins?

Disclaimer—I don’t know all the terminology and am far from an expert so please do your own research especially if my toddler level explanation leaves you with questions 🙂

Toxins are harmful chemicals that are added to products for any given purpose (longevity, color, scent, functionality, etc.). Exposure to toxins have/ been linked to cancer, hormone disruption, auto immune diseases, and so many more gnarly conditions. It’s so scary to me! Which is why I’m so passionate about raising awareness to the harmful toxins that get snuck into most products!!

Educational Resources

I’ll do another blog sharing more extensive resources but I wanted to share the two I use repeatedly!
• EWG.ORG is my go to for all things clean and non-toxic. They share lists of safe alternatives for all household/beauty/baby products. They have articles with news on legislative changes and just tons of informative posts.
• Think Dirty App — I try to shop local as much as possible within my budget which means my purchases are limited to what’s on the shelves. The Think Dirty App allows you to search an item and provides a profile of toxic/potentially harmful ingredients in the product. It gives each product a score from 0-10. I love this app when I’m shopping with my kids and i don’t have the luxury researching each product before purchase.

Let’s get into the 3 budget friendly ways to create a toxic free kitchen.

Toxic Free Kitchen with Cast Iron Pans

I know what you’re thinking.
“Cast iron pans are too heavy.”
“Is it true you’re not supposed to wash them? That’s gross.”
”What’s wrong with my non-stick pan?”
Maybe you don’t have those questions/reservations, but I initially did! Until I learned about the toxins found in the huge majority of cookware! The amazing lining that prevents food from sticking to the pan is actually not amazing and is seeping carcinogens into all the food cooked in it! Eek…not cool, especially after I invested in organic food!

Cue the budget friendly, toxic free, cast iron pan!! It’s Teflon free and will last you forever!!! I picked up a pair at Costco for around $30. Here is a similar one I found on Amazon.

Since cast iron pans don’t have a non stick coat, cooking on them have a little learning curve but don’t get discouraged. Stirring frequently really helps me avoid food from sticking. Another alternative is stainless steel cookware, and they can also be relatively inexpensive. There are actually toxic free, non stick pans, like our favorite Always Pan, but it’s more of an investment piece.

Toxic Free Kitchen with Silicone + Glass Storage

The second way to have a toxic free kitchen is with silicone storage. Not only is eliminating plastic from your kitchen great for your health, it’s also great for the Earth. So why do I say no to plastic storage? Although most plastic is made BPA free, I read an article saying that most manufacturers have found a way to make BPA without calling it BPA so we still get all the harmful chemicals from the plastic into our food and eventually into our bodies. That’s the biggest reason why I made the switch, and of course the 1,000 year life span of plastic!!

What do I use instead? I own a few Stasher bags that I use for packing snacks for my kids, storing leftovers, and dry foods I buy in bulk. Recently I learned about Zip Top bags and their standing feature seems incredibly helpful.

Aside from silicone bags I also use glass for storage for dry foods, snacks, and frequently used foods. Not only are they a better alternative to plastic but I really like the look of them. Mason jars are so cute to me and when I saw these glass jars with bamboo lids for sale during Prime Day I had to get them. We also use glass mason jars for storing too!

I’m slowly replacing all of my plastic Tupperware and want to get these!

Toxic Free Kitchen with Parchment Paper

Just as the majority of cookware is created with toxins, most bakeware is as well. From what I’ve read, there is a way to still use that has a toxic non-stick surface—parchment paper. Parchment paper is a way to protect your food from making contact to the toxins. The parchment paper that I use is biodegradable and compostable, which to me is the cherry on top of the primary benefit (not allowing toxins into the foods we bake)!

Parchment paper is very affordable and a great option to continue to use your current bakeware and not have to repurchase all new items.

Toxin Free Kitchen and Life

Living a toxin free life is part of my core values and I love sharing what I learn with anyone willing to listen or read 😉 My hope is that I’ve sparked some curiosity in you to perhaps make some changes in your life to also have a toxin free kitchen—and life! Kari’s post on an armpit detox is another way to embrace the toxin free life 🙂

So grateful for you, beautiful friends!

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Basic but BETTER!

The extent of my face skincare routine was washing my face with an occasional mask session. I know, so basic!! Living in constant humidity I found I needed something more to really help my face feel clean and really wanted to address my age spots that had been popping up since becoming a mom. My husband must have picked up on my obsession bc he bought me the first item I’m going to share for my birthday! So now I can do the basic but better face washing we all should do!

Look Younger with a Facial Sponge!

This Supracor facial sponge uses a unique honeycomb pattern to exfoliate the skin. When you add your favorite nontoxic cleanser, it’s next level! (This Tula cleanser is my current favorite!) One side is a little gentler for faces and the other is slightly tougher for neck, hands, or other body parts! It leaves your face feeling soft and fresh! Definitely key ingredient for younger looking skin! It comes in different sizes too for full body use!! I love that the Supracor products are sustainably made, eco-friendly and 100% recycle-able! You can return your products to them and they will recycle for you!!

Instant Facial for Younger looking skin!

If you’re on Instagram I’m sure you’ve seen practically every influencer share about Tula. I for sure got influenced to try out the Tula Instant Facial exfoliating pads. I was a bridesmaid this past summer in my brothers wedding and I wanted to brighten my skin for the big day. These Tula exfoliating pads lived up to the hype!! My face was soooo soft and it felt like I really did get an instant facial!!! Also, it still managed to clean my skin even though it was washed! The pad lifted buildup that a superficial face wash doesn’t. The makeup artist at the wedding complimented my skin and didn’t believe I was 35…umm that basically made my year haha. They use clean ingredients, probiotics and cotton plant fibers to help you improve the look of your pores, get baby soft skin, exfoliate dirt and reduce oils! They really are so good!

Facial Rolling for Younger Looking Skin!

Until recently I hadn’t even heard of a facial roller! Then I started seeing them everywhere and I added one to my wish list. When I won this Refa Facial Roller on Instagram I was so stoked to finally have a facial roller and add it to my daily routine.

I have been using it pretty consistently since I got it and can feel the difference…although it might take longer consistency to see results but call me wishful but I think I see some changes too!! Specifically with tighter skin around my jawline and cheeks. The rollers come together and lightly pinch your skin to reduce puffiness and create a firmer, looking skin. Certain days the pinching will be stronger which I think means my face is more inflamed. On the days I do it more than once I notice it’s a lot less of a pinch on subsequent sessions. So to me that means it’s working

This particular Refa facial roller has a solar panel that a powerful, soothing microcurrent!! How fancy! I didn’t know about that feature till I wrote this blog. This particular one is a bit of a splurge but Amazon has much more affordable options (like this one or this one) with great reviews!

True Beauty

It is easy to place our self worth in our outer appearance. I know I’m guilty of that from time to time! But we are so much more than our wrinkles, under eye bags, smile lines, etc. So while this post shares ways that have helped me with my aging skin, I do believe that beauty has much more to do with our hearts and characters with younger looking skin at 35 being just a major bonus

Thanks so much for reading! I have so much gratitude for you, beautiful friends! —Melissa

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Rain season has started on our little island. After an entire day of enjoying the showers we decided to search for the last bit of the sunshine and enjoy a Kauai sunset and turtles.

Since Kauai began requiring visitors to complete a mandatory 14 day quarantine, less visitors have been vacationing here. As a result, our wildlife has flourished. Our friends saw 30 turtles come up to Poipu beach at sunset. This is unheard of since that beach is a tourist attraction and filled all the time! So we decided to go see if we could witness the magic of turtles at sunset. 

We enjoyed golden hour at the tide pools and wondered why we hadn’t headed south earlier! (Typically when it’s raining on the island, there is sunshine in Poipu….remember this for the next time you visit!!) After some time at the tide pools we headed to the beach. When we first arrived there was one cute turtle enjoying the sunset alone. By the time we left we counted 12 turtles on the shore. Turtles are such magical creatures, people of all ages enjoy watching them, making turtle watching a perfect family activity!! We found a beautiful Kauai sunset and turtles. It was the best way to end the day!

more Kauai sunset + turtle magic

cute + comfy

This Legoe jumpsuit is one of my favorites. It’s a maternity piece but I’m still constantly reaching for it (am I the only one still wearing maternity clothes 1+ years postpartum?!?!). It’s super comfortable and is easy to slip in and out of for beach days, river adventures, or hikes but is also cute to look put together enough for errands and play dates!! I love adding hats to my outfits. They are functional here in Kauai and add a fun change to my mom-iform. I borrowed the hat I’m wearing from my son, but I don’t think he minds sharing 🙂 One of the pros for being 5’3!

I hope the Kauai sunset and turtles brought you as much joy and peace as they did to me. Have a beautiful day, beautiful friends.

Melissa

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Get to know me! • Melissa

Hi, I’m Melissa. I was born in Santa Cruz, CA but moved around quite a bit growing up! We lived in Tucson, AZ then Scottsdale, AZ then my parents decided to move back to the East Coast to Leominster, MA till we finally made our way home to Southern California. I actually didn’t mind moving when I was younger and I’m grateful I got to experience different cultures and ways of living.

My mom came to the states from Peru when she was 15 years old and my dad was born in Puerto Rico and came to the mainland when he was around 10. My dad fell in love with my mom through a picture before even meeting her and are still together to this day (46 years later!). They are my biggest role models on love! Growing up Latina with Latino values really influenced me and I’m trying to pass those values along to my kids

I’m excited to share even more about myself and learn more about you too! I actually always love reading people’s q + a’s since it allows me to get to know them better. Getting to know someone on a deeper level rather than keeping it superficial is really important to me!! I love meeting new people and getting to know them but can be really awkward in big group settings since I’m an introvert.

Q + A Time!

Here are some basic q + a:

Name: My name is Melissa 

Where I live: I live on Kauai, HI

Favorite food: My favorite food is Mexican and pizza!! 

Pets: no pets 

Morning or night: by mid morning I feel like I’m in a groove but I’m most creative and inspired at night! 

Dream vacation destination: New Zealand in a camper van!! 

Let’s get a little deeper!

Now it’s time to get a little deeper. These were fun to answer!!

I can’t live without: eyelash curler, lip balm, lotion, salsa/chili peppers, music, a hair tie around my wrist, friendships and sunshine! 

What talent do you long for: I’d love to be musical! Singing and just pick up any instrument and play! 

When were you the happiest: when randon (my husband) and I did a cross country road trip in 2015. Adventure + my bestie = happiest me!! 

What do you value the most in friendship: I value sincere care and genuine interest in me! When someone goes out of their way to show they care and value me, that means so much to me! 

Celebrity BFF wishlist: Do insta “celebrities” count?!?! Well for me they do!
•Mimi Ikonn—she’s so positive! They way she lives her life is so inspiring. Her relationship with her husband and daughter is beautiful and I love her story of making her dreams come true through hard work and perseverance. 

•Morgan Harper Nichols—quotes and words really hit me. Morgan has such a way with words that makes me feel she’s going though everything I’m going through. Plus her artwork is beautiful too. Her faith is inspiring! 

•Amber Fillerup Clark—I admire her commitment to her family and pursuing her passions! I love seeing her family activities and her style and home decor! She has 2 successful businesses yet still prioritizes family! I love that.

Chosen super power—eliminate single use plastic and harmful toxics from food and health/beauty products!! Haha…I’m such a nerd but it’s true, I would love to have a fully sustainable Earth!!

I’m really great at—helping people. I love to give, serve and be there for people!! If I can do anything to make your life easier and make you feel loved, I try to do it!! 

In the morning—I make lists of what i want to accomplish that day. I typically think I’m going to be able to do much more than what I actually get done which leaves me feeling like I’m constantly trying to catch up! I love making to-do lists and having a planner!!!

Excited for this journey !

You made it to the end! Thanks so much for taking time to learn more about me! I promise to always keep it real and be me!! I’m so exited for this journey and couldn’t be happier to do it with one of the best women I know, Kari!

have a beautiful day, beautiful friends!

-Melissa

ps. This is the dress I’m wearing and once again I borrowed my son’s hat!!

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