Author Archives: Natalie Lynn Borton

About Natalie Lynn Borton

Natalie is a writer, editor, and blogger who strives to inspire and empower women to live healthy, confident lives of true beauty. You can find her sharing honest talk about beauty, style, wellness and life at www.thoughtsbynatalie.com.

Standing By Our Word: A Lesson In Commitment

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When I was little, my mother taught me a valuable lesson: let your yes be yes and your no be no. If a friend invited me to her birthday party and I accepted the invitation, I was committed. Even if a different girl who I liked more invited me to a different party on the very same day, my mom never let me back down on my first commitment. I hated this as a child, but today I realize the purpose behind the lesson. In a very basic way, she was teaching me to be a woman of my word.

It’s something we’re lacking today (I really never would have learned it if my mother wasn’t so diligent) and it’s something that we all need to learn if we want to have healthy relationships, strong marriages and successful careers. Yes should mean yes, and no should mean no. Period. No excuses, no waffling, no swearing on your future child’s grave. Standing by our word is important because it’s an element of our integrity, which takes years to maintain and one minute to erase.

Integrity is a noun that refers to adherence to moral and ethical principles, soundness of moral character, and honesty. We lose that when we lie, cheat, gossip, and flake out. Integrity requires consistency. Strong character. Discipline. Commitment. Communication.

While our word should be steady, reliable and trustworthy so that others can trust us to follow through on what we say, life happens sometimes and gets in the way. I know we’ve all been there—made a commitment to something and suddenly been unable to follow through. The key here is how we handle it, and we really have two choices:

1. Choose to let our integrity fly out the window, hoping the person or people who are counting on us will understand and forgive us later.

2. Have the courage and wherewithal to say something.

When something gets in the way of our word, the answer is to communicate. We’ve all had flaky situations in our past, but we always have the opportunity to rebuild our reputation. Let’s leave behind the wavering, unreliable ways of our past and choose to be women of our word. Our friends, significant others, co-workers and bosses will thank us greatly.

 

Photo credit: http://awelltraveledwoman.tumblr.com/post/29082871810

Beauty Food: Avocado

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This is part of our Beauty Food series. Click here to catch up on previous posts.

Nature’s butter: that’s the name I use for the creamy, green, pear-shaped fruit we all know as avocado. They come from a tall evergreen tree called Persea Americana, and are sometimes referred to as Alligator Pear because of their rough skin. Ninety percent of the US supply of avocados are grown in California, where they are in season from March through September. Ripe avocados boast the following nutritional benefits:

Monounsaturated Fat. Decreases risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes through improving blood cholesterol levels and stabilizing blood sugar levels.

Vitamin K. Helps blood clot normally and protects bones from fracture and density loss.

Vitamin E. Prevents cells damage from cancer-causing free radicals. Protects against bladder cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Vitamin C. Helps the body make skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels; and repairs and maintains cartilage, bones, and teeth. Acts as an antioxidant to block damage by free radicals, which includes cancer, heart disease and arthritis. Boosts the immune system.

How To Select An Avocado
Color doesn’t necessarily indicate whether an avocado is ripe. An avocado that is ready to eat will yield slightly to pressure when gently squeeze in the palm of your hand. It’s possible to ripen an under-ripe avocado at home by storing in a brown paper bag, but be sure to avoid those with dark blemishes on the skin, sunken spots or cracks.

How To Add Them To Your Daily Life
- Spread half of an avocado on toast with some salt and pepper for a tasty breakfast
- Slice one up and add it to your favorite salad
- Make guacamole: mash up several avocados in a bowl, adding salt, pepper and lime juice to taste. Other add-ins include diced red onions, tomatoes and jalapeños, depending on your preferences.

 

Photo credit:http://www.flickr.com/photos/arsheffield/3462013488/sizes/z/in/photostream/

Bringing the Spa to Your Home

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The spa is a place of relaxation, serenity and peace—three things most of us probably need more of in our lives. Light fragrance, fluffy towels, pretty storage containers and soothing artwork are all signature elements used to create a tranquil atmosphere and that can be easily created at home. That’s exactly what I did after my husband and I took an anniversary trip to Las Vegas in April. Feeling so inspired by the relaxing ambiance at the hotel spa, I came home determined to redesign our bathroom to feel the same.

Want to give it a go? Try incorporating some (or all!) of these items into your bathroom to make every day feel like a soothing vacation:

Scented reed diffuser. This is remarkably effective in the fragrance department. Instead of lighting candles, which require some supervision for safety, a diffuser is a more practical way to keep a room smelling nice at all hours of the day. The scents are not usually overpowering, and the diffuser adds a nice design aesthetic.

Woven baskets. Nothing robs you of relaxation quite like clutter. Storage baskets help keep things like toilet paper and extra towels out of sight, while also acting as decoration.

Calming art. Black and white photography, nautical paintings, images of flowers, abstract art in a complementary and soothing palette—whatever makes you feel at peace is what should be on the walls. Not sure what to look for? Try something predominantly blue or green, which are known to be calming colors.

Hanging magazine rack. One of the best parts of a spa visit is sitting in the waiting room before a treatment. It’s typically well-stocked with flavored water, healthy snacks, and unlimited amounts of magazines to read while waiting. After all, who has time to read a magazine unless they are, in fact, relaxing? Keep the rack stocked with current issues of positive magazines, such as Whole Living, Real Simple and the upcoming print issue of Darling.

Eucalyptus oil. Keep it in the shower and sprinkle a few drops on the shower floor while rinsing off. The scent rises with the heat of the water, making the whole room smell like a sauna. So refreshing and energizing!

Soft robes. What’s a spa without a robe? Keep one hanging in your bathroom so it’s ready to wear when you’re getting ready or waiting for your hair to dry—and try to find one that has some weight to it. Studies show that pressure can calm the nervous system.

Cushioned bath mat. Place one right outside of the tub or shower, and another by the sink where you get ready. Letting your feet sink in to softness is soothing and cozy, not to mention good for your feet, legs, and back.

While expensive vacations are not in most of our annual travel plans—or budgets—simple home transformations can create the much-needed daily relaxation to hold us over until we can get away. Bring the spa to your home today and enjoy the simple gifts of less stress and more serenity. It’s the little things that make all the difference.

 

Photo credit: http://jesuisunlapin.tumblr.com/post/10143385904

Beauty Food: Figs

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Darling believes that beauty is more than skin deep; it’s a complex attribute encompassing mind, body and soul. This is the first in a series of articles on what we call “beauty food.” Each article will profile the health and wellness benefits of in-season produce to help you navigate the grocery store and feel like the true beauty that you are – from the inside out.

Juicy, sweet, soft and chewy. There’s nothing quite like the texture and flavor of fresh figs. Figs are the fruit of Ficus carica, or the common fig tree, and are in season from June through September. Figs contain these beneficial nutrients to keep you beautiful, healthy and radiant from within:

Fiber. Fights against heart disease, colon cancer, diabetes and obesity; reduces cholesterol; normalizes blood sugar; and promotes healthy digestion.

Potassium. Helps regulate major body functions including blood pressure, electrolyte balance, digestion, and pH balance.

Calcium. Promotes bone health, helps blood clot properly, reduces blood pressure and helps prevent colon cancer.

Manganese. Helps form connective tissue, sex hormones, enzymes and joint fluid; and is essential for proper calcium absorption.

Here are a few ideas for incorporating fresh figs into your daily life:
- Pack a few in a bag as a filling and nutritious snack
- Add them to a fruit bowl for breakfast
- Slice them up and add them to a salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette

 

Sources: http://www.whfoods.com, http://livestrong.com, http://cancer.org

Photo credit: http://modernhepburn.tumblr.com/post/16210386985/shokoofeh-vahan-vinoon

No Shoes Required

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Have you ever moved to a new city and felt uncomfortable or completely out of place? I recently did, exchanging the beachy, moderate city of San Diego for hot and humid Austin, TX. We’ve had weather above the 90s since March, and while it may not officially be summer yet, it certainly counts as that time of year in my book.

Considering that I’m the kind of girl who brings a sun-blocking umbrella to the beach, it’s fair to say that hot climates are not my comfort zone.

However, since there’s no chance of moving back to a beach town any time soon, out of my comfort zone is where I am. So instead of complaining about it, I finally decided to seek out a solution to the problem and came upon this: hot yoga.

I know, I know. Hot yoga for someone who hates the heat? What problem does that solve? Doesn’t it just make it worse? Well, let me tell you, it solves more problems than you’d think:

-Helps with heat acclimation and tolerance by helping us control our internal body temperature.
-Improves circulation and blood flow to limbs.
-Increases athletic performance in all weather conditions.
-Builds up immune function by reducing stress.
-Promotes unity between mind and body, contributing to higher levels of self-awareness and self-acceptance.

As with all kinds of exercise, it’s important to listen to our bodies: drink plenty of water, take it slow, stop if any pose is painful, and return to child’s pose or a simple resting position when the temperature feels too confrontational.

Hot yoga is a new practice for me, but one that is already producing powerful results mentally, physically and emotionally. I’m getting stronger, feeling more comfortable in the Texas heat, and even starting to have more positive self-talk about my body. The best part? No shoes required.

 

Photo credit:

http://pinterest.com/pin/120541727495861158/

Solutions for Bad Hair Days

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We’ve all been there: we sleep through our alarm clock and wake up feeling groggy and frazzled. We look over at our phone to check the time only to see that we’re late! Very late! We rush to the bathroom to quickly get ready for the day, only to see that our hair is absolutely shameful looking.

It’s never a good moment, but inevitably it happens all the time. I can honestly say that I have a bad hair day at least once a week. Between limiting my shampoo sessions to keep my hair’s natural oils distributed and tossing in my sleep, it’s always a surprise when I get up and look in the mirror.

Know what I’m talking about? If you can relate, then you’ll be thankful to know that I have some solutions to share for getting through those bad hair days (and none of them involve a shower, because we all know that the last thing we want to do on a bad hair day is spend an hour fixing the problem).

THE SOCK BUN

Ever seen a girl with a big, perfect-looking bun on top of her head? I’ll bet she had a sock bun. A what? A sock bun. Here’s a quick run-down on how it’s done…

1. Find a clean sock that you don’t need anymore and cut out the toe so the sock is one big tube.
2. Roll the sock inside of itself so it ends up looking like a donut.
3. Pull your hair up into a ponytail at the height you want your bun to be.
4. Pull the end of your ponytail through the center of the sock donut and begin rolling down toward your head, getting the hair. As you roll it down, smooth your hair over the donut, tucking the ends underneath. Your hair will naturally spread out and you can tuck as you go, but you may have to adjust it a bit to make sure the sock is covered.
5. To finish, tuck in any straggler pieces of hair (you may have some if you have layers like me), and voila–you have a glamorous looking bun instead of messy, greasy hair!

DRY SHAMPOO AND SALT SPRAY

If you have even the slightest bit of wave in your hair, this will work miracles for you. To start, you’ll want to use baby powder or your favorite dry shampoo to wipe out the greasiness and also create volume at the roots. Then, spray a sea salt spray (either store bought or homemade) on your ends to create some texture and promote the natural waves. The amount you use will vary based on the texture and thickness of your hair, and on how big and messy you want it to look. My preference? The bigger and messier it is, the better!

HAT IT!

Well, any non-athletic hat will do in this case. I personally love the fedora, but if another style works better for you, then stick with that. If the bottom half of your hair looks good, you can leave your hair down underneath. Otherwise, pull it into a side bun or braid.

 

Photo Credit: prettystuff.tumblr.com, glitterandpearls.com, sleepingtigers.tumblr.com, http://dream-dream-killa.tumblr.com

Body Image and the Wedding Season

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How many of you have ever bought a dress for a special occasion, and come the day of the event realized that it doesn’t fit quite like it did when you first purchased it?

With wedding season ahead, I know that many of you will be investing in nice dresses and aiming to look your best very soon. Although weddings are really supposed to be about the bride and groom, they tend to breed self-confidence and body image issues like no other. Whether we’re a bridesmaid standing at the altar or just an attendee that’s going to see friends for the first time in a while, we feel pressure to look our absolute best to impress everyone in attendance.

A few years ago I was a bridesmaid for one of my best friends. I ordered my dress within the right time window and made sure it was in my closet well before the day of the wedding. It was a little snug to start, I admit, but I figured, the wedding is months away—surely I’ll lose a little weight before then and it’ll fit perfectly!

I was so wrong.

If anything, I think I gained weight before that wedding. By the grace of God I was able to zip that snug little dress with some assistance, but it was far from the perfect fit I’d hoped for. It was tight in all the wrong places and showed off all of the wrong curves. I was self-conscious all day during photos, and definitely not my usual self on the dance floor. Who can bust out their moves when they’re wearing a dress that’s not even close to their size?

I’ve also attended several weddings in the past few years, and without fail I find myself in the same position I was in as a bridesmaid. Sure, I wasn’t going to be up in the front to be stared at and judged by the rest of the guests; but I was sure to run into people I hadn’t seen since college—or even high school. Regardless of my size (or my feelings about my size before the save the date postcard arrived), I always bought a dress that was a little small and aimed to fit in it by the day of the event.

As I think about it, I realize I’ve done nothing but torture myself and breed low self-esteem. Have you been there before?

I’m glad to say that I’ve learned a valuable lesson through these wedding experiences: little dresses aren’t worth it. Big confidence and healthy body image come from knowing who we are and owning it. At the end of the day, nobody knows what size we wear—they only see whether we’re comfortable in our bodies or not.

Here are some tips for you as you prepare for wedding season:
1. Accept yourself as you are today. You are loved, you are valued and you are beautiful. You need not do anything to be accepted by anyone—you are good enough as you are right now. Believe it!
2. Buy the size that you are, not the size you hope to be. It’s tempting to get a smaller size and fall into the trap of fantasizing about being thin; but it’s unhealthy, unrealistic, and un-satisfying. When you shop for your dress, focus on how it fits rather than the number on the tag.
3. Rip out the tag. Speaking of the tag, just rip it out. Yep, cut that thing right off the dress. Every brand has different sizing, and if the number is causing you to think negative thoughts about your body, it really doesn’t need to be staring you in the face every time you pull your dress off the hanger.
4. Walk with confidence. If you believe you’re beautiful and choose to be the radiant, confident woman you’ve been created to be, nobody will be thinking about anything–except how much they want to keep spending time with you. Rather than waste time obsessing over how others perceive your appearance, choose to cultivate real beauty with the way you act.

 

Photo Credit: weddingsfresh.blogspot.com

Safe Beauty: Paraben-Free Products to Try

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Last month Monica Dadivanian wrote The Dirty Word in the Business of Beauty, warning of the dangers posed to us by parabens—potentially “dangerous additive[s] that our previously beloved beauty products contain in order to maintain their longevity, and justify their value.”

Poisonous chemicals in my cosmetics and toiletries? No, I think I’ll pass. I want to follow up on her article by sharing some of my favorite natural beauty products, which I’ve discovered as I, too, have tried to eliminate chemicals from my daily routine.

FOR HAIR
L’Occitane Aromachologie Repairing Shampoo and Conditioner. Although definitely on the pricier side (about $20 per bottle), they are a worthy investment. I first discovered this shampoo and conditioner combo on my honeymoon in Whistler, and have been a loyal user ever since. Not only do they have a scent makes you feel like you are at a luxury spa, but they also leave your hair soft and silky.

365 Everyday Value Shampoo and Conditioner. At just $3 per bottle, these are a nice alternative to pricier paraben-free hair products out there. But don’t let the low price point fool you—the formulas are effective and work better than many of the more expensive natural brands I’ve tried.

FOR FACE
Burt’s Bees Facial Towelettes with White Tea Extract. If you’re like me and you hate washing your face, you will love these easy breezy facial wipes. They remove all of your makeup, clean, and tone all in one step—and you don’t have to rinse! These are also an excellent option when traveling.

Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser. Ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, this face wash contains willowbark—an extract rich in Vitamins C, B, and E and a natural source of salicylic acid. 

Josie Maran GOGO Instant Natural Volume Argan Mascara in Pitch Black. This product is good for you, and good for others: it contains Argan Oil to nourish lashes and promote healthy growth, and for each one purchased, Josie Maran Cosmetics donates one mascara to a City of Hope cancer patient or survivor. Natural beauty that also pays it forward? Now that’s something I can get on board with!

Kiss My Face Treat Mint Lip Balm. This smooth, minty lip balm nourishes dry lips and prevents future damage with SPF 15 protection. And don’t worry if mint isn’t your thing—this hydrating balm comes in several other flavors including sliced peach, cranberry orange, ginger mango, vanilla honey, strawberry and coconut pineapple.

FOR BODY
Tom’s Of Maine Long-Lasting Deodorant. The Tom’s natural formula uses hops (which inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria) and zinc salts to fight off and trap underarm odor for up to 24 hours. Though my personal preference is the wild lavender scent, it also comes in apricot, lemongrass and unscented varieties to suit your own personal taste. 

Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Basil Liquid Hand Soap. This soap is a must-have for kitchens and bathrooms alike. It contains aloe vera gel, olive oil and natural essential oils that cleanse and soften to keep hands happy and smelling fresh.

Alba Botanica Natural Very Emollient Body Lotion. This is an ideal daily body lotion for any skin type. The light, quick-absorbing moisturizer contains aloe vera, green tea and chamomile extracts to keep skin nourished and healthy.

It’s important to note that I have not been compensated by any of these companies. My recommendations are strictly based on my own personal discoveries and preferences, and I hope they will help you as you start to explore the world of paraben-free products. Let’s remember that with each purchase, we vote with our dollar. The more we invest in natural products, the more of them we’ll see on the shelves in the future.