Last month, I had the incredible opportunity to stay at Solage Resort in Calistoga, CA, with True Botanicals. It was a very memorable trip, not only because the hotel is amazing, but because the things that I learned have changed my perspective on skincare and self-care completely.
Ever since I was pregnant with my first child, I’ve become more and more conscious about natural products and all the chemicals that are used in so many of the things we have in our home. We talk about this quite a lot on Glitter Guide (A Guide To Natural Oils + How To Use Them, My Clean Beauty Swaps). Prior to this trip, I had heard many great things about True Botanicals, but I had yet to try any of the products. Getting to test them with the guidance of the founder and CEO, Hillary Peterson (she is total ‘goals’—she’s like the wonderful Meryl Streep), really proved to me how crucial it is to use skincare products that are non-toxic. I’ve been using the products consistently for more than a month now and can confirm that they are high-performing. I’m loving the results I see on my super-dry skin!
It’s refreshing to use non-toxic products and know that they produce results. Some of my current favorites are: True Botanicals Pure Radiance Oil (my absolute favorite, and works really well on my dry skin) and Cellular Repair Serum (which is helping me with my postpartum pigmentation mixed with the Vitamin C Booster). I also love the Resurfacing Moisture Mask for days when I feel like my skin is extra dull and dry.
Another thing I love about True Botanicals is it thinks outside the box when it comes to natural skincare products. The company recently launched Basics, which is a line that is targeted toward 20-somethings. I think that is fabulous because a lot of young women want to start using non-toxic skincare, but it’s usually really pricey and they don’t yet need a lot of the things in the higher-end skincare yet. I really wish I started this kind of regimen when I was younger.
The skincare wasn’t the only highlight of the trip. Everything the company introduced to us and that the hotel offered made me realize that I’m not prioritizing self-care. Being a mom of two and juggling a small business leaves very little time for anything else. I tend to put myself last on my to-do list.
We got the opportunity to do a breathework session with Ashley Neese. This was something completely new to me. I’ve never even meditated before! Taking the time to focus on my breath and calm down my mind was actually quite scary for me. I’m always on-the-go and always busy, so I barely stop to think. This made me realize how unhealthy that is, and that even just 10 minutes of meditation and breath work a day can be transformative for the mind and body.
The signature True Botanicals facial at Solage Resort was the best facial I’ve ever received.
The best fish tacos I’ve ever had!
A unforgettable dinner at Auberge du Soleil.
Being in that environment with so many people who truly care about wellness and natural products made me want to value these things even more at home. It’s something I am gradually doing. Here are a few of the things I’m trying to implement daily:
- Don’t look at my phone or email first thing in the morning. I allow my kids to be my alarm clock and focus on them for the first half hour. If I wake without the kids, then I take 30 minutes to meditate or simply just evaluate how I feel that day.
- Try to do some kind of physical activity daily. Some days that means I go to the gym or do a fitness class. Other days, it is simply a walk with my dog or a vigorous clean of the house.
- Incorporate as many non-toxic products into my life as I can. I’m continuing to learn about what’s safe and what I should eliminate.
- I’m scheduling regular check-ups. I’m being more proactive at making sure my entire family is going to the doctor, dentist, etc.
- Eating wholesome, organic foods. Our family eats pretty healthy, but now more than ever, I am really trying to think about our overall wellness and all the food and vitamins that we need to be healthy. I really feel that food is huge for overall heath and how your skin looks and feels.
- Trying to limit alcohol. Since having kids, I have started the habit of having one glass of wine a night. It’s really relaxing for me and I enjoy it. However, I really want to cut back and see how I feel.
- Pamper myself once a month. This may sound indulgent, but I think it’s crucial. It means many things. It can be getting a manicure and pedicure, scheduling a much-needed massage, grabbing a drink with a girlfriend or even going to a work event (I hardly get to anymore, so it’s a luxury when I do!).
I’m really excited to start this new journey and I feel so inspired to be more proactive with my wellness routine.
*This post was not sponsored by True Botanicals or Solage. I chose to write this based off the incredible experience I had and all that I gained from this trip!
