by Sharm | Feb 13, 2017 | Articles, Fitness, Health, Lifestyle & Technology, Travel, Travel & Resorts, What I Love
The Clean Living® Experience with Tosca Reno could just change your life. It did mine, so that is why I am writing this today.
I first encountered Tosca Reno in 2007, when a magazine I subscribed to had her graced on the cover at age 40 in tip top shape. Once tipping the scale at 204 pounds she decided enough was enough and dropped the weight by using her eat clean® diet plan and eventually even competed in a figure competition.
The fact that she was older and had been overweight and now looked amazing, peaked my interest, so off to the store I went to get her Eat Clean® Diet book. It was easy to follow and it worked! I lost the weight I wanted to lose and I have been a fan ever since! I have most of her books, follow her on social media and subscribe to her newsletter, which is how I found out about this retreat.
A few weeks ago I got an email from her newsletter that she was hosting a wellness retreat at the beautiful Villa Estrella in Costa Rica through a company called Retreats Unlimited. Enough said for me as I know she knows her stuff and booked the retreat. I could not wait to meet her.
This retreat came at the perfect timing in my life as I have put back on a few of those extra pounds I lost so many years ago. In addition to the weight, my personal life was on the rocks as a move away from family and friends as well as becoming an empty nester all at the same time has thrown me into a tizzy. I know her plan works and thought this is just the ticket I needed to get recharged and back on track.
Once at the resort and meeting Tosca, it was clear I needed this even more than I thought. Not only did she address health and wellness issues, she gets to the core of the emotion. By sharing her own struggles, she became one of the group and made a safe zone where if desired, others could share their struggles. I’m pretty sure I was a blubbering idiot but it felt good to release the emotion.
Come to find out, we all have struggles and hurt, even Tosca. Your hurt looks different from my hurt, but it is still pain. It was comforting to see I am not the only one out there that feels like they are drowning in this thing called life.
Tosca worked ahead of time with the chef and every meal was clean eating® approved and delicious. Just after a couple of days of eating like this, the body starts detoxing as there has been no sugar intake, just clean healthy delicious foods. Some detoxing symptoms the group experienced were headaches and acne which is the bodies way of expelling the toxins we carry around.
With all of the amazing food, I really did not feel like I was losing any weight but decided to go ahead and weigh when I got home. I was down 3 pounds! Not bad for a four day retreat, I’ll take it!
Along with informational sessions on healthy eating, supplements, metabolism, and even a little sex, you will spend time with Tosca in the kitchen.
She will teach you her secret recipe for wetter water, plus easy tips and tricks to clean eating® so you will be able to cook and eat like this at home!
I am now back home and am back on track. My kitchen is stocked and I am not missing the sugar or anything else I have taken out.
Eating six meals a day, I had forgotten how much food you can really eat on this diet. Honestly, it is not a diet but more of a lifestyle way of eating as it is easy to follow and you get to eat real food.
For those interested in the fitness side you will not be left out. Tosca personally leads workouts in the pool, on the beach and fitness facility throughout the day. Nothing is mandatory at the retreat and at any time you may opt out of a session or workout with no judgement.
If all of the above is not enough, you also get a personal coaching session with Tosca if you wish.
There are a limited number of guests allowed on this retreat so the setting is intimate, personalized and Tosca is literally walking beside you!
Our group was very flexible and bonded well. I have made new friends that I will treasure for a lifetime. As a super fan of Tosca I thought it might be intimidating to meet her. It turned out to be the exact opposite. Tosca is humble, gracious, knowledgable, inspirational, strong and truly beautiful inside and out.
She was a blast and joined the group in all areas even accompaning us into the town to do some souvenir shopping and got a fish pedicure at the fish spa. So fun!
She took the time to bond with each one of us and embraced our individual needs.
She was gracious enough to sign all of the books that I brought and laughed when I was labeled the stalker of the group. I am honored to be called her friend now and not just a fan.
If you are in need of getting recharged physically, emotionally, mentally nutritionally or just looking for a fun getaway, I encourage you to seek out this retreat, it is truly a life changer.
The Retreats Unlimited staff go above and beyond to make sure you have the most amazing experience. They have more wellness events scheduled through out the year with various health and wellness ambassadors. Tosca’s are in March, April, May and October. Get more information at the Retreats Unlimited website. For more information on Tosca Reno or to order her books visit toscareno.com.
by Sharm | Dec 21, 2016 | Beauty, Health, Lifestyle & Technology, Products & Reviews, What I Love, Whole Foods Market
Products from the Mineral Fusion Makeup Line available at Whole Foods Market, will keep you looking gorgeous with minimal effort.
The Mineral Fusions company is based in Denver, CO and they make skin care and cosmetics (in the USA) that are free of gluten, parabens, talc, artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, SLS, and phthalates. They’re also committed to sustainability and utilize wind power, soy inks, packaging from recycled materials and packaging that is recyclable.
I am a huge fan of Mineral Fusion and use quite a bit of their products so when the chance came to write about them as a Whole Foods Ambassador, I decided to share with you my favorite Mineral Fusion products.
#1 Hydrating Primer. My dry skin loves this primer. It smoothes and evens my skin tone and allows my foundation to glide on smoothly for a flawless look.
#2. Lash Curling Mascara. The curved brush on this lash lengthening mascara separates and defines lashes and is made with a hypo allergenic formula.
#3 Lip Pencil. I use this lip pencil to line my lips and also use it to fill in as a base layer under my shear moisture lip tint which come in at number four.
#4 Sheer Moisture Lip Tint. This sheer lip tint adds shine and color without drying out my lips.
#5 Nail Polish. With 61 shades to choose from that are free from formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl, phthalates and camphor, this polish is long lasting and goes on streak free.
These products with just a touch of foundation and blush can give you a glamorous look with minimal effort.
Whole Foods Market is committed to carrying products that are up to their body care standards and Mineral Fusion fits the criteria. You can check out their standards here along with a list of 400 unacceptable ingredients that cannot be in any of their body care products.
Whole Foods Market carries the Mineral Fusions Makeup line and now for a limited time you can pick up this Whole Foods exclusive eye shadow palette that includes six neutral colors, eye shadow brush and eye pencil.
Disclosure: Whole Foods Market provided me with some samples of the Mineral Fusion products and gift card, but all opinions expressed are my own.
by Sharm | Nov 28, 2016 | Beauty, Health, Lifestyle & Technology, What I Love, Whole Foods Market
The Trilogy Advanced Skincare Line will hydrate dry skin and is New Zealand’s number one skincare brand, where a bottle of Trilogy Rosehip oil is sold every 22 seconds.
When sisters Sarah Gibbs and Catherine de Groot discovered the powerful benefits of rosehip oil for skin, back in 2002, they created Trilogy, a natural skincare line that started out with a range of five rosehip skincare products.
The Trilogy line now crafts over 40 incredibly effective natural alternatives to use in place of all the synthetic skincare, body care and hair care products that are out on the market. These natural and effective alternatives are sold in over 20 countries around the world.
The Trilogy Skincare Line has been added to the Whole Body Department at Whole Foods Market as it falls in line with their philosophy that what you put on your body is just as important as what you put in your body.
All of the beauty products at Whole Foods Market meet the strictest standards for quality sourcing, environmental impact, results and safety. For more information on these standards, as well as a list of 400 unacceptable body care ingredients visit Whole Foods Market Whole Body Page.
As a Whole Foods Market Ambassador we are occasionally sent samples and items to try that meet Whole Foods Market quality of standards. This set of samples included items from the Trilogy Skincare Line.
I’ve been using these products for about a week and I am loving the way my skin feels and looks.
The samples included a holiday limited edition Bare-Faced Beauty Kit, Ultra Hydrating Face Cream and Vital Moisturizing Cream.
The Bare-Faced Beauty Kit included a mini bottle of the rosehip oil antioxidant plus. Hydrating beauty mist and make up be gone cleansing balm.
My skin is on the drier end of the spectrum and I found it soaked up the rosehip oil without leaving a greasy film. I have been applying it to my face after I shower to help lock in some moisture then again at night before the ultra hydrating face cream and my dry skin is loving it!
I carry the hydrating beauty mist with me in my purse. The scent is intoxicatingly floral and when I just need a little refreshing pick me up during this day this mist does the trick.
The make-up be gone cleansing balm gently removes make up and I really like using it under my eyes to get that last bit if eyeliner off that my face soap just can’t seem to get.
I have been using the Trilogy ultra hydrating face cream at night after I wash all of my make up off. The ultra hydrating is no joke. This face cream is thick and rich but glides on smoothly and is easily absorbed and no greasy film.
The vital moisturizing cream is lighter than the hydrating cream and absorbs well. I have been using it the mornings as a moisturizer for under my make up.
My niece is an esthetician at a dermatology clinic and is always giving me samples of other high end and high priced skincare products so I have tried quite a few and I have to say, so far the Trilogy line seems just as good and it is half the price!
I encourage you to pick up a variety of Trilogy products at Whole Foods Market to try for yourself. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
by Sharm | Oct 26, 2016 | Hotels, Spas, Travel, Travel & Resorts, What I Love
The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida
The Breakers Resort in Palm Beach Florida may just be the perfect spot to relax and unwind. Whether you are traveling, as a couple, with family or friends or even solo, The Breakers Resort will not disappoint.
History buffs will enjoy the hearing the story of The Breakers dating back to 1896 and seeing the architecture that was modeled after the magnificent Villa Medici in Rome. 75 artisans were brought in from Italy and together they completed the intricate paintings, detailed across the ceilings of the 200-foot-long main lobby and first-floor public rooms, which remain on display today.
The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida
The Breakers Resort, Palm Beach, Florida
The room accommodations are perfectly polished and well maintained for the age of the property.
The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida
The bathrooms are sleek and modern with the Breakers own amenities and nightly turn down service will leaves you with a sweet treat to end the evening.
The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida
The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida
Families will enjoy the many activities available such as bike rentals for a family ride, game room, bungalow rental and convenience of the zero entry pool. There is also a kids club available with all day activities so parents can have a little beach time alone!
Foodies will appreciate the amazing dining and delicious dishes from over eight dining options including the historic Flagler Steakhouse to the modern Seafood Bar with its incredible views of the ocean along with the fish tank countertop bar you must see to believe.
The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida
The outside dining options include incredible views of the pristine beach along with dishes to match.
The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida
If you love fitness, golf or tennis there is no better view than the one from The Breakers well equipped gym facility and personal training center. The golf course facilities are fit for pro’s with a magnificent 18 hole course as well as a training academy for the novice. There are 10 tennis courts available for play from 7 am to 9 pm and private lessons, clinics and junior programs for those wanting to learn the game.
The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida
If you are looking to relax and unwind, the spa and many lounge chairs by the pool and beach will do the trick. The spa offers a variety of treatments including massages, skincare, hair and nail services and more.
The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida
The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida
The beach and pool offer a variety of bungalow rentals and lounge chairs and an infinity style 21 and older adult pool.
The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida
I have traveled to quite a few resorts and The Breakers is by far one of my favorites and on my list to go back too. For more information You check out The Breakers website.
The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida
by Sharm | Jul 13, 2016 | Lifestyle & Technology, Products & Reviews, What I Love
I will admit I am a Words with Friends junkie, so when I got contacted to try the new Word Addiction game app, I was very intrigued to see how it worked. After downloading the app and playing a few games, I decided to do a little research about the game. It turns out the game was recently developed by a lady in Washington, Missouri, a suburb just outside of the St. Louis metro.
This is a girl after my own heart as she is a WWF addict as well as avid scrabble player. Word addiction is an elevated rendition of the other popular word games but takes the challenge a step further by offering a variety of boards to choose from, the ability to start a word wherever you choose and bridges and blocks to detour opponents from scoring more points.
Games can be played with a friend, a random opponent or solitaire.
I currently have all three types of matches going on at the moment. My phone is quite full of game apps as I like to play to pass the time when we travel. I really like the solitaire option of this game as it can be played while the phone is in airplane mode or when I’m looking for something to pass the time while waiting on an opponent to take their turn.
If you like scrabble or other word games similar to that, i would suggest you give word addiction a try. Download the app and then come find me under sharminmeadows.
I look forward to playing you soon!
