by Tara Mackey | Blogroll, Health
Hey guys!
I was thinking, and you know what I miss about blogging? Simple lists without ten years of backstory. Right? Yes? No? Is it just me? Can we all get on board that maybe not every post of mine should be a novel? Cool? Because I already have books. So. Maybe lets try to keep these things shorter? Yes? Really? Sweet. OK COOL. SO glad you’re on board!
I’m excited to share 5 Healthy Things with you that are currently changing my life. Ready? Here goes:
Lympathic Drainage with the Best Facial Massage Tool Ever
I absolutely LOVE this little tool for an at-home facial massage and lymphatic drainage. Here’s why facial massage is so important:
-Stimulates collagen production
-Regenerates tissues
-Reduces scarring
-Improves immunity
-Super relaxing
-Helps TMJ and other muscle-related jaw injuries and pain
-Keeps skin clear
Simply use this tool once or twice a day for 15-60 minutes and watch your skin transform. Mine always gets an instant glow and lift!
Everything But the Bagel Seasoning
… seriously, if you don’t have this in your life yet, GET ON IT. I put this on everything – avocados, eggs, bagels, dinner, salads. I’ve yet to try it on a hot fudge sundae, but hey, you never know…
Skincare Combos
My favorite beauty hack is combining stellar skincare items into multi-purpose combos! My newest regiment that uses this ritual is to combine Genetix Cellular Recovery Serum with organic probiotics. The combination of ingredients works to tackle fine lines and heal trouble spots, as well as makes an incredible exfoliator if you want to do an oil cleanse.
- Simply add a few drops of Cellular Recovery Oil to a pinch of probiotic.
- Rub hands together and apply to your skin.
- Let sit for 5 mins and rinse with a warm or dry washcloth.
- Finish with a toner and moisturize with a few more drops of Cellular Recovery Serum.
Your skin will thank you!
Books That Blow Your Mind
I’ve been reading about 5-10 books a month now-a-days, which has always been the goal. I got really good at speed reading while proofing my new book these last few months (it’s out on May 8th, YAAAY!), and now I can easily devour about a book a day. Some of my favorites that have blown my mind the last few weeks (and ones I’ve re-read that I already love) are:
-Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
-My Life and Work by Henry Ford
-Autobiography of Andrew Carnegie
-Expert Secrets by Russell Brunson
-Fat For Fuel by Dr Mercola
-The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur
-A Wrinkle in Time (this was one of my very favorite books as a kid!)
-Out of Everywhere by Isaac Asimov
Nature Always
If you follow my instagram (specifically, if you catch my stories), you know I’ve been traveling a LOT lately. And so honestly, the most simple pleasures for me now-a-days are the times where I just get to be out in nature with my dogs. There’s nothing like it. If you haven’t had a chance to step outside today, I want to remind you to do it. Even if it’s cold. Even if it’s uncomfortable. Even if it seems impossible. Do it. Bundle up or put on your running shoes or encourage your significant other to push you out the door. I guarantee you your entire day will be different. It’s so healthy for your mind as well as your body. It boosts your immune system, lowers your blood pressure… and oh yeah – it’s beautiful.
Pick up my book, Cured by Nature, to learn more about how nature can heal you.
Liked this post? You’ll love How To Be Inspired to Stay Healthy (No Matter What!) and My Health & Wellness Faves!
by Tara Mackey | Activism, Blogroll, Happiness
Altruism.
It’s one of the most important words I learned while studying genetics and evolution.
By its principals, it supports the very idea that none of us would be here without each other’s kindness. Somewhere, sometime, someone saved one of your ancestors from certain death so that you could be here today. Maybe someone even risked (or lost!) their own life so that your ancestors could survive and you could be here. That’s still such a raw truth to me. We exist because of one anothers’ kindness.
***
When I travel, I’m reminded of just how much there truly is to go around. I’m also constantly hit over the head with this fact: the idea that we need to be greedy because ‘there aren’t enough resources’ or there’s ‘not enough money’ or ‘not enough land’ is a complete fallacy.
From my understanding, money isn’t going to run out: it stopped being backed by gold a long time ago and they keep printing more of the stuff every day. There are countless opportunities to make it! There are millions of acres of untouched fertile land. There are zillions of experiences out there you can create for yourself to enrich your life. Someone else’s success is also your success because they are paving the way for YOU.
Photo by Cameron Offer
No one should be driven to hate. No one should feel driven to take anything (rights, land, lives, opportunities) from another person. Because when one of us wins, we ALL win. And when one of us loses, we ALL lose. We’re here to pave the way for each other. We always have been. Yes, of course population density and hatred and its consequences are real.
So, what can we do about that?
We can acknowledge that human kindness is also real. We can prove it to other people by being the example.
You can choose to do better than your parents did. You can choose to define justice for yourself in a positive way. You can choose to create the world you wish existed. You can creative positive, important things, instead of dwelling in negative thoughts. You can acknowledge that people face different challenges than you do – in your words as well as your actions. You can be different than how you were taught to be.
Love is real. Miracles are real, too and they’re happening every single day. It’s a miracle that we all woke up this morning. It’s a miracle that we can do better than we did yesterday. Our choices change the world. If you want to see a change, start to change. No justice, no peace.
Here’s my challenge:
Start creating miracles instead of denying them.
Start appreciating daily miracles instead of allowing anger get the best of you. You don’t need to deny reality. You need to swallow reality, then be exactly what you want the world to be, and the world will start to reflect you. Acknowledge that someone saved your ancestors so you could live.
Appreciate that fact in everyone you meet.
THAT’s where change begins.
You got this, my love. Now go live it.
Health & Happiness,
Tara
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by Tara Mackey | Blogroll, Happiness, Health
We all know how important it is to give our bodies a break from “toxic” food and alcohol, but what about giving ourselves a break from toxic attitudes? Just like any toxic thing—like food or poison—toxic people are extremely dangerous. They distract us from our positive or productive habits. They’ll be the people who discourage you from exercise or make fun of you for wanting to be a better person. They’ll come up with reasons for you to stay in other bad relationships. Toxic people get you stuck in the past and focused on the negative, and in that mentality, you can’t move forward and you can’t succeed. It is impossible for them to share in your joy.
It’s worth noting that there is a difference between people who are truly toxic to your well-being and people who have a negative outlook because they struggle with depression. It’s important to let friends and family members who suffer from clinical depression know that you love and support them, not cut them out of your life. But interacting with toxic people who constantly cut you down or manipulate you to their own advantage can take a toll on your own mental health. And yet, it can be difficult to distance yourself from them.
Toxic people can try to cling on—sometimes for years! They can make you feel guilty and because of that, are not always easy to remove from your life. To help you detox your relationships once and for all, here are her tips for getting rid of harmful personalities.
1. IDENTIFY THE TOXICITY.
The first step of getting rid of something—or someone—toxic is actually recognizing the fact that it’s harming you. Toxic people are manipulative and often selfish. They’re difficult to please and impossible to work with, even when you’re trying to help them. They have a hard time owning their feelings or apologizing, and they will consistently make you prove yourself to them.
If a relationship is weighing on you constantly or bringing you down significantly more than it’s building you up, it’s time to let go. Toxic people are a distraction from your true purpose.
2. BE FIRM.
Toxins have to be met with a powerful force. It’s likely that they won’t just respond to ‘Go away,’ and will perhaps even dig their claws in deeper if you try to create a separation. Don’t let this discourage you. Be very, very clear with the person about your intentions, then keep the necessary distance to make sure your message isn’t misconstrued.
3. SET BOUNDARIES…
… and stick with them. Stick with your boundaries long-term or [toxic people] will use any weakness over time to sneak back into your life. If you told yourself you wouldn’t respond to their texts, don’t. Block their number and block them on all social media. Don’t send them any e-mails and don’t check in six months from now. Once you’ve made the decision to end a relationship, you’re responsible for keeping the guidelines clear after the fact.
4. DON’T BE TOO NICE.
It may sound harsh, but since toxic people tend to take advantage of any kindness that’s imparted on them, being overly nice can be detrimental. Realize that they get their energy from draining your loving, good nature. They thrive on your trust and kindness. It doesn’t mean you have to be cruel (to paraphrase Michelle Obama, when they go low, you want to go high), but you should stop going out of your way to be overly accommodating.
5. REALIZE IT’S NOT YOUR JOB TO SAVE THEM.
Toxic people are great at showing up when they need something, particularly during crisis moments in their own lives. They’ll ask for a shoulder to cry on or an ear for you to lend. They may disguise it as wanting advice. All of these are ploys for your time and attention. Do not give in to them, no matter the circumstance.
If things are truly dire for your friend, you can direct him to resources that specialize in his particular issues. Solving his problems is not only not your responsibility, it’s likely beyond your capabilities.
6. KNOW THAT WHEN IT’S DONE, IT’S DONE.
Toxic people will keep coming back if you let them, so when you decide to say goodbye, make sure you’re ready to make it permanent. They will always find a way to create a problem or drama in your life. When you’ve decided to move on, move on for good.
If the toxic person is family, and it’s therefore impossible to make a clean break, you can still establish clear limits for your interactions (be it, we will only speak on the phone once a month or you will only visit during the holidays).
7. TREAT YOUR SEPARATION LIKE THE BREAKUP IT IS.
Yes, we need relationships, but we don’t need every relationship—especially ones that bring us more pain than support. Energy flows where attention goes. The more selective you are about where your focus is, the more successful you’ll be. The more time you spend away from toxic people, the more time you have for yourself and the people that are positive, uplifting, and important to you. Make time for people who bring you happiness, and let go of those who bring you anything less.
This piece was written by Zoe Weiner for Mental Floss and features a lot of commentary by yours truly.
It was originally shared on Mental Floss + MSN.
by Tara Mackey | Blogroll, Book, Events
I have a little secret to tell you guys….
… I’ve never thrown a party before in my life.
I’ve never had a Sweet 16. I never went to Prom (or did an after-party). I’ve never invited friends to party at my house on the weekends. I’ve never thrown myself a birthday party, an engagement party or indulged myself in a party for any other reason you’d ever have one.
So this was a first.
And I really surprised myself.
The Detox Market and I threw a book launch party last Saturday in LA to celebrate my premier book, Cured by Nature. The Detox Market is one of my favorite wellness spaces and I really wanted to celebrate them carrying my work in a way that would encompass everything that the book was about. Instead of stressing out about the event like I tend to do with workshops or speaking engagements, I was so excited, because this night was my way of sharing all of my very favorite things with you!
And, as a pleasant gift to me, it couldn’t have been more perfect.
Before we even put the “OPEN” sign up, people were peeking their heads in.
As far as LA parties go, the night went off completely flawlessly. The off-beat Beverly Hills rainstorm had stopped mid-afternoon, so by the time the party started at 7, it was clear, cool and comfortable. No delays, no problems – even traffic was kind to us!
Soon enough, the room was packed with all my favorite people, from best friends I haven’t seen in years to spiritual healers, musicians, photographers, models I’ve worked with for ages, friends I’ve known online (some for over a decade and some I’ve never actually met in person before!), health and wellness leaders, fellow bloggers and authors, as well as the occasional lucky LA lady who stumbled in from her stroll on Beverly Blvd. to a free festive party with food and drinks!
The food and drinks may have been one of my favorite elements. Todd grabbed some true Champagne that guests could mix with the GT’s Kombucha. GT’s is a huge staple in my life and in our house. Kombucha is an effervescent probiotic beverage that can help with skin issues, digestion, gut flora, body balance and much more. Drinking GT’s Kombucha daily has helped Todd incredibly with his celiac and has cured me completely of gut issues related to pharmaceutical withdrawal. I haven’t gone a single day in 6 years without drinking it, so it just felt RIGHT to have them there.
They were so kind to sponsor this event, and they even came, took photos, shared on their social media and were so sweet. The company is chock full of amazing people and all the guests were thrilled to try some of the newly released GT’s flavors that we served, like Cayennede and Tantric Turmeric.
Café Gratitude, one of my very favorite healthy LA and San Diego restaurants, also sponsored the launch – delivering incredible bite size vegan appetizers for each guest – as well as the most delightful desserts. I am forever grateful to them. Nutrition is a huge part of my work, has played a great hand in my life and Café Gratitude does an exemplary job of making finger-licking vegan food that’s delicious and healthy for you, but also filling and uncompromising. The chocolate covered strawberries were a big hit!
Badass beauty brand W3ll People treated guests to mini makeovers, amplifying the gorgeous glow everyone already walked in with! Jenn, who provided her makeup services, was awesome and had me laughing so much!
Finally, at the back of the room, vegan nail guru’s from NCLA spent their night doing mini-makeovers for our guests – many of whom told me that they felt this really topped off the night! All I know is by the time they got to the back where I was signing books, everyone looked fab!
Josh Rosebrook (who was kind enough to write the forward to my book!), Taza Chocolate + Waxelene all sponsored and donated to the gift bags, which the first 30 guests received (and loved!) So happy you guys get to experience my very favorites!
Many people asked me for my recommendations at The Detox Market and I said I recommend EVERYTHING (haha! So helpful!) because it all has incredible people, causes and intention behind it. Each product is bomb. They’ve helped you on their website by splitting it up into every category imaginable. Explore for yourself. You won’t be disappointed. From beauty to teas to supplements to oral health, The Detox Market carries just about ALL of my favorite brands.
Around 8 o’clock they asked if I would give a little speech. I hadn’t prepared anything, so I took a minute in the back to think and then I just went out there and spoke from the heart. I have no idea what I said. I was really choked up because seeing everyone’s wonderful, smiling, beautiful faces out there really got to me. I kept it short and sweet – and I think everyone really felt me. I felt you guys. Each and every one of you. Thank you. To everyone who came out, who bought the book, who chatted with me, who told me how this work has affected them – thank you. Seriously. I’m still blown away. I love you.
Every guest was glowing, smiling and had tons of fun. We went an hour over the scheduled time and no one minded at all. Best of all, my favorite people got to connect. It was a huge success! We sold out of each copy of the book plus some from a personal stash that I brought (just in case!), but I left one before the night ended – plus more are on their way. If you’re in town, be sure to check out your copy of Cured by Nature at The Detox Market in Los Angeles!
Check out the rest of the photos from our fun night:
Thank you guys so much for coming, for supporting, for sending your love from afar. You’re incredible. You’re fierce and fabulous and I am so happy to have you as my tribe! So much love to you all!
Big thanks to super talent and beauty Monica Baddar for taking all of these incredible photos, and to The Detox Market, Cafe Gratitude, GT’s Kombucha, W3ll People, NCLA, Taza Chocolates, Josh Rosebrook + so many more.
by Tara Mackey | Blogroll, Events
Join us Saturday, January 7th for a New Year Party with The Detox Market!
Looking to start your new year off right? Me too. So when The Detox Market picked up my new book, Cured by Nature, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to throw a little soiree to celebrate new beginnings, new years, green beauty, healthy living + more! I am SO excited about this event! LA hot spot Cafe Gratitude will be hosting with delicious and healthy food and there will be GT’s Kombucha + drinks on tap! First 30 people to RSVP get a deluxe goodie bag!
Come by, hang out, check out the incredible wellness space that is The Detox Market and start your year on an upbeat, healthy note!
The best part? This event is totally free + open to the public. If you’re in LA or nearby, enjoy beauty products, great food, fab drinks, gift bags and hanging out with amazing, like-minded people, this party is for you! Plus, it ends at 9, so you still have time to Netflix and chill at home.
What: New Year party with me celebrating new beginnings and my new book “Cured by Nature”!
Plus! Mini makeovers and mini manis by W3LL PEOPLE and NCLA!
Enjoy vegan hors d’oeuvres from Café Gratitude and refreshments from GT’s Kombucha!
When: Saturday, January 7th 2017 | 7:00pm-9:00pm
Where: The Detox Market | 8380 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048
A Gift For You: Be one of the first 30 people to RSVP and take home a deluxe goodie bag!*
Event sponsored by: Josh Rosebrook, W3LL PEOPLE, GT’s Kombucha & Taza Chocolate
*no booking fee required.
RSVP HERE!
