Things I'm loving in Quarantine

Unsure what day of this “stay home” thing we are even on. Today I tried to bake three loaves of banana bread and they all tasted like mud mixed with a splash of milk and water. It was an epic fail and I’m starting to accept that I really just am not good at baking. Now that this order is extended though, I have some time to keep making a strong effort at trying to be a baker, especially since currently I am searching for all of life’s answers with food. Here’s a few skin care products I’m currently loving and a sugar free recipe that actually tastes like heaven, I promise it’s good and worth all the work.

One of the things I’ve incorporated back into my skincare routine is Vitamin A serum from Vivant Skincare. I use their level 2 which is called Exfol-A. It’s one of the best serums around for treating acne and the hyperpigmentation that acne can leave behind. Vitamin A can thin your skin so I try and stick to using it every other night. I frequently recommend this serum to people and one of the most common responses I get it is “but kaila I’m already using a retinol cream from my dermatologist”. I just want to educate you on why this serum isn’t the same. The retinol you get from your doctor or the dermatologist is typically a cream based product which means it contains Isopropyl Myristate, a top pore clogging ingredient and one of the main ingredients in those cream based retinols. Do yourself a favor and switch to the good stuff if you’re still struggling with breakouts.

Next up: SUNSCREEN. One of the sunscreens I’m currently loving is Tizo Ultra Zinc Face and Body cream. I prefer to use zinc based sunscreen because it physically blocks the suns rays. I’m all about supporting small business’s right now so I purchase mine from Skin Mpls. Bonus points for this one because it is completely acne safe as well. Since I don’t really see people anymore other than my husband, who I’m fairly certain would prefer if he could socially distance from me at this point in time, I keep my routine pretty low maintenance these days. On the days I do run out for groceries (which feels like everyday) I’m loving Alima Pure Satin Matte foundation. It goes on super light, only contains a handful of ingredients and adds extra sun protection. And yes, It’s totally acne safe :)

I’m trying to keep my sugar content in check since I’m spending so much time at home and boredom has been leading me to the fridge non stop at this current season of life. Wine is a sneaky way that high amounts of sugar can sneak into our diet. A 6 ounce glass of wine can contain anywhere from 6-30 grams of sugar. I gave my tip about purchasing wine with the DOC labels but I recently started drinking FitVine wine and I’m a big fan. A 10 ounce glass contains less than one gram of sugar. #Winning.

Last up my latest discovery and current obsession is eating raw cookie dough. Don’t worry it’s egg free so it’s totally safe. It’s also completely sugar free so it’s even better. Added bonus is it’s predominantly macadamia nuts which contain all essential amino acids, various forms of healthy fiber, high vitamin and mineral content and only a small amount of carbohydrates. Here you go!

1 Cup of salted macadamia nuts-Soak 3/4 cup for 5 hours and save 1/4 cup for later

3/4 Cup of almond flour

1/4 Cup coconut flour

1/4 Cup Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Malk (I find mine at whole foods)

1 Teaspoon of vanilla

3 Tablespoons of ghee

3 Tablespoons of coconut butter

Combine all ingredients in food processor until combined, crush remaining 1/4 Cup of macadamia nuts and stir in by hand. Refrigerate and ENJOY!