The joy and anticipation of Memorial Day usually peaks in high school, when classrooms make way for trips to the beach and backyard pool parties, but just because you’re all grown up doesn’t mean you can’t get psyched for summer!

Now you can drive yourself to the beach, lounge by your own pool, or explore your favorite hiking spot in the warm weather- you just need to make sure your skin is ready too! The higher temperature and stronger ultraviolet rays mean that your skin is more susceptible to damage, which means more wrinkles, age spots, and sunburn so prepping your skin before the BBQs start is the best way to be sun smart. 

Here are some great tips to keep your skin glowing through Labor Day and beyond!

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate….And Then Hydrate Some More

Hot weather and sun exposure are the leading cause of skin dehydration, so keeping your skin full of moisture is of utmost importance, whether it’s topical or from the inside out. Drinking water throughout the day is the easiest and most effective way to keep hydrated - you can even set a reminder on your phone to drink a few ounces every hour. During the hotter months, you’ll want to drink at least the daily recommended amount of H2O, which according to The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, an adequate daily fluid intake is about 15.5 cups of fluids a day for men and about 11.5 cups of fluids a day for women - depending on your height and weight. 

If water just doesn’t excite you, our Minerals and Antioxidants is the perfect way to disguise your H2O with either a cherry or tropical twist. It only takes a second to shake up in your to-go bottle and we even have individual servings that you can pop in your beach bag. Not only will this all natural formula keep you hydrated, it also helps protect your skin from free radicals with its blend of 11 nutrient-rich super fruits like acai, cranberry, goji, maqui and pomegranate. It’s free from added sugar, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, and the coconut water is full of electrolytes, which need to be replenished after a day in the sun.  

If you’re living in a dry climate, skin will most likely see the effects of this dry heat in a more obvious way. Signs of dehydrated skin look like fine lines, dullness and flaking. To avoid this, keep skin damp with water after washing and apply a light facial oil or moisturizer to lock in all of the beautiful moisture you’re feeding your skin. 

Want even more tips on how to prepare your skin for the summer heat? Check out part 2!

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If your dogs are like ours, they love nothing more than a walk outside with their favorite person: you. Getting out and about with your dog on regular walks is a great way to bond, spend time together, and get in some much-needed exercise.

However, if not equipped with the correct tools, tricks, and information, a calm, relaxing walk can quickly turn into a stressful mess. Dogs that pull, get easily distracted, or seem determined to sniff every blade of grass within a 10-mile radius can make a walk seem impossible. Luckily, there are easy ways to train your dog to behave appropriately on a walk. Follow the five tips below, and before you know it, your little (or big) buddy will be a world-class on-leash walker.

Don’t Pull On The Leash

This may seem counterintuitive, but when your dog gets away from you, the last thing you want to do is pull on their leash. Dogs have a natural opposition reflex, which means as soon as they feel a tug on the leash, they’ll pull in the other direction, resulting in a futile tug of war.

Instead, consider training your dog to walk with a loose leash. One way to do this is by stopping and walking in another direction every time your dog gets ahead of you. Every time your furry friend turns and catches up with you, be sure to reward them with lots of praise, and some of their favorite treats. 

Allow Time To Sniff And Explore

A dog’s sense of smell is about 10,000 times stronger than ours! This means that, to dogs, the outdoors is an explosion of scents coming from every direction, offering them information about their surroundings. For this reason, it’s important to allow them to sniff and explore on walks.

Additionally, try not to rush your dog during bathroom breaks. Dog urine is sort of a calling card among canines. (We know, we know. Gross. But true!) By sniffing another dog’s urine, your pet can tell the gender, age, and general health of that dog. In return, they’ll often urinate right on top of another dog’s scent. This is sort of like dog graffiti telling the world, “I was here!”

Pay Attention To Positioning

Rather than allowing your dog to walk far ahead of you, try to keep them by your side. This is especially important in crowded or city areas. Having your dog walking right next you allows you to control their behavior, pay attention to them, and keep them safe. As always, treat them regularly for good behavior! 

Handle Distractions

Whenever possible, try to anticipate upcoming distractions before your dog has a chance to. For example, if you see a wild animal, like a bird or cat, or even people or a leashed dog approaching, train your dog to sit and look at you until the distraction has passed. When they do this correctly, be sure to treat them. If there is a stationary distraction, position yourself between the dog and the distraction, so they’re less tempted to check it out.

Greet Others Appropriately

Depending on your dog’s temperament, they may love (or hate) meeting other dogs and people along your travels. Always make sure to follow proper greeting etiquette. This means always asking before allowing your dog to approach another animal or human. Even if your dog is gentle and friendly, others might not be, so this is an important safety measure.

Always keep your dog on leash during meetings. Train your dog to sit or lay down and allow the other animal to approach and sniff them. Then allow your dog to calmly engage. If your dog isn’t social, or isn’t yet trained to interact calmly with others, that’s okay! Simply alert approaching dog owners that your dog isn’t ready to socialize or cross the street and allow the other party to pass.

With these five tips and tricks, walking your dog should become a cherished activity that you and your dog can enjoy together. Enjoy the fresh air and bonding time with your best bud!

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As great as life can be, it’s not always rainbows and salted caramel gelato; obstacles come up at work, your kids misbehave, a family member gets sick, or sometimes people don’t treat you nicely. The good news is that you can decide not to allow outside circumstances to affect your peace and happiness. How?

By practicing mindfulness. 

Mindfulness can simply be described as paying attention to the present moment without judgment of what is; it’s about learning to “mind the gap.” That instant between action and reaction where we choose a response. 

So when you’re sitting in traffic for an extended period of time, you’re mindful that you’re stuck in one place - not moving, but you don’t judge it and get irritated about it. You don’t honk and lean your head out the window, cursing the person in front of you for not moving up the extra two feet ahead of him as if that’s going to get you to your destination any faster. You become so rooted in the now that you accept where you are and what the situation is at hand. You’re so mindful of what’s going on in the present that it doesn’t pull you back to the past or project what this moment is going to turn into in the future. Many people discover this place of presence through meditation, but it can also be reached through something as simple as watching your breath. 

Connecting to your breath is one of the most simple and effective ways to pull your thinking out of the past or the future in order to consistently live in the present.  

The act of breathing is the body's most vital and basic function, and it’s the simplest tool we have to slow down, get present and focus on the now. It’s been said that “the breath is a mirror of the mind” and whatever is going on in your head can usually be seen in your breathing. Anxiety and fear create short, shallow breathing; peace and calm present as a smooth, slow inhale and exhale. 

Just to be clear, we want to be on the peaceful, smooth end of the breathing scale. Here’s one of our favorite, and most accessible ways to connect to your breath and the present moment. 

Practice 1:2 breathing

Find a comfortable seat and close your eyes; this can be in a quiet room in your house or a crowded subway - in fact, the more noise the more you’ll notice it working. This breathing method has you double the time of the inhale on your exhale. So if you normally inhale and exhale to a count of four, then you would double the exhale to eight. Take a deep full breath in - all the way to your upper chest, and then exhale it all the way out until your navel contracts. On the next inhale silently count to four as your ribcage expands fully, and then on the exhale extend the count to eight as you release the breath all the way out. Doubling the breath on the exhale calms the nervous system and helps you focus on the present by dropping all thoughts while you consciously count.

In many cases, people go on autopilot and react to a circumstance in a similar way they’ve been conditioned in the past, or have an instinct to instantly think the worst of any situation. Instead, mindfulness teaches us to take a moment, breathe, and think about the most appropriate way to respond to a situation. Try it - your family, friends, and coworkers will thank you for it!

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In recent years, there has been concern about using grains in pet foods as they’re sometimes seen as cheap fillers. Corn and wheat in particular are two grains that pet parents try to steer away from when looking at the ingredients. One of the issues is that they’re not particularly high in nutritional value and aren’t easily digestible. Of even greater concern, corn has caused multiple recalls of kibble due to increased levels of aflatoxin, which is a mold commonly present in this ingredient.

This has led consumers to look towards grain-free diets. While there is nothing wrong with choosing a grain-free food, grains are still an important part of your pet’s diet. Just like humans, our furry friends need a well rounded diet that consists of carbohydrates, high quality proteins, and healthy fats. One of the best carbohydrates that can be included in pet foods are whole grains such as brown rice.

Benefits of Brown Rice

Brown rice is made from the entire grain with only the inedible outer husk removed. It’s not considered a cheap filler and is a great addition to dog and cat foods.

• It contains seven minerals and five B vitamins which are essential for promoting heart health and metabolism.
• Brown rice leaves some of the rice bran intact meaning it is a source of fiber. Fiber aids in your dog or cat’s digestive system and heart health. Not to mention it can also increase their energy levels!
• Being a complex carb with over a 90% digestion rate, it burns slowly which helps to support their blood sugar levels for longer periods of time.
• Brown rice keeps your pets feeling full so you can feel even better knowing it aids in your pet’s weight management.

At Life’s Abundance, we include brown rice in both our dog foods and cat foods, as it’s a healthy addition to their diet and provides them with sustained energy. And, you can take comfort knowing we routinely test for hazards such as arsenic in our foods so your dog or cat can live a long, happy and healthy life by your side!

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There’s no doubt about it - choosing the right skincare can be tricky. More than tricky - overwhelming! Throughout the past decade, more and more clean skincare brands have emerged with countless new “green” and “eco-friendly” products on the market. Why? That’s all thanks to smart consumers like you who are demanding better quality, clean ingredients and better results. 

You might often find yourself asking, where do I even begin? In order to wade through the masses, we suggest narrowing your search to natural skincare. Unfortunately, with the rise in popularity of “natural skincare,” the definition of what constitutes natural often seems to be up for debate. As we discuss natural skincare throughout this post, what we mean is; safe for your body, safe for the planet, and plant-based or naturally derived ingredients. Although, here at Life’s Abundance, we like to take that commitment even further by committing to sustainably-sourced ingredients, too. 

Why choose natural skincare?

Consider the possibility that what you’re putting onto your skin could very well be absorbed by skin and enter your body. In a sense, skin is seen like a sponge - absorbing much of what we lather, rub, massage, or spray onto it. Although, it’s important to distinguish that what is actually absorbed by skin depends on the molecular size of individual ingredients in a particular product as well as the overall health of the skin barrier (our skin’s outermost protective layer).

What does ‘natural’ mean?

Sadly, not very much. Because this isn’t a term regulated by the FDA, natural can mean very different things from company to company and person to person. To some, natural may just mean synthetically derived ingredients from “natural” sources, sulfate or phthalate free but to others, it can be organic, whole-plant, vegan, etc. 

So, how can you differentiate between “natural” skincare claims? Read your labels - you are your own best researcher. Look for latin names on the ingredient list, check for high-quality ingredients, and research the brand’s environmental mission when deciphering which brand or product is best for you. 

How can I start switching to a natural skincare routine?

Our best advice is to start slow. Rather than tossing out all of your current skincare and buying new, pick the one step in your routine where you’d like to start. Is it your cleanser or moisturizer? Identify which product is leaving you wanting more or potentially irritating your skin.

Cleansers can be a great place to start because it’s a product that you’ll be using 1-2 times everyday, as opposed to a treatment mask or exfoliating scrub. Spend one to two full weeks using this new product consistently in your routine and then assess the state of things. Look for obvious signs of an adverse reaction like increased dryness, redness, irritation, congestion of blackheads. If these aforementioned side effects are non existent, you’ve found the right option!

We recommend our Facial Cleanser, a creamy, makeup-removing, and moisturizing option for dry, sensitive or balanced skin state. If you’re on the oiler, acne-prone spectrum, the Charcoal & Sea Salt Soap is an excellent, natural bar soap that feeds skin essential nutrients while fighting off harmful bacteria.

After you’ve narrowed down what is working for you, you’re ready to address the next step in your routine that’s ready for a natural upgrade, like your moisturizer, serum or facial oil. 

What kind of results can I expect from a natural skincare routine?

The plant-based, naturally derived ingredients that make up each of natural skincare products work effectively over time to keep skin balanced, clear and healthy. On the flip side, many over the counter (OTC) brands promise quick results because they manipulate the skin unnaturally to function a certain way and achieve those promised results. These quick fixes may yield near-immediate results, but they are often at the expense of your skin’s barrier function, and more often than not, do not last in the long term. 

Tips to keep mind when shopping for natural skincare

1. Read your labels. Are the ingredient’s latin names listed? Are there whole plant ingredients you recognize? Any organic ingredients listed?
2. Start slowly. Introduce one product at a time and assess.
3. Be realistic. Long lasting results with natural ingredients can take time. Commit to your product for a minimum of two weeks to one month. Skin needs time to adjust from OTC ingredients.

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To cat parents, our furry friends are more than pets; they’re cherished members of our families. We work hard to make sure our cats are happy and healthy by feeding them the best food, making sure they get enough exercise, and providing them with comfy and interesting spots to lounge.

But have you considered how certain smells might impact your cat? Like humans, cats are unique and have individualized interests. However, there are some scents that are universally loved by felines. Try incorporating some of these scents cats love to enrich your cat’s life and keep them contented and entertained!

Lavender

Many cats are attracted to the sweet, soothing smell of lavender. Much like their human counterparts, the scent of lavender can induce feelings of relaxation. Some might even show their approval by rubbing against plants or sitting nearby them. Unfortunately, lavender is toxic to cats when eaten or absorbed through their skin barrier so we recommend being extremely careful when introducing lavender into your home. Lavender essential oils should be avoided altogether as it is the most toxic form and can be quickly absorbed through your cat's skin. If you have a lavender plant, it should be placed out of your cat's reach.

To make your cat happy while still keeping them safe, use our lavender and aloe vera infused Soothing Mist. It uses lavender extract in small amounts instead of essential oil which is much more highly concentrated. This herbal blend is formulated to keep your cat’s skin healthy, and their coat nourished. Plus, it smells divine!

Roses

While we’re on the topic of plants, let’s chat about roses. This is where you and your cat can find some common ground. It’s not just humans that enjoy the intoxicating scent of freshly bloomed flowers. Cats love it too, and they’re especially attracted to roses.

Unlike fresh lavender, it’s safe to keep roses in your home, because they are non-toxic. That means it’s alright for your cat to chew on some rose leaves now and then… although your rose bushes might beg to differ.

Olives

Okay, we know it seems random, but trust us on this one. Many cats absolutely adore the scent of olives and olive oil. In fact, it’s thought that the smell has somewhat of a narcotic effect on house cats.

This is due to a compound in olives called oleuropein, which can make cats feel excited, or even euphoric! They may share their joy with you by energetically rolling around on the floor whenever they get a whiff of that olive goodness.

Food

Yes, your cat may love the smell of your human food. But you know what they love even more? The smell of their own food. With a sense of smell 14 times more powerful than that of humans, cats can identify different ingredients in their food blends, just by using their noses.

Our cat foods contain healthy ingredients that smell great and taste delicious. Packed with chicken or turkey, and fish and, your cat will always have lots of interesting scents to enjoy while eating food that helps them grow healthy and strong.

You

Although their aloofness might make you think otherwise, your cat really does love being a member of your family. You make them feel safe, taken care of, and loved.

Your unique scent gives them a sense of security and contentment. They might express this by rubbing up against you, laying on your bed, or jumping into your overflowing laundry basket. No matter how independent your cat may be, rest assured that your scent is one that they hold dear.

Whether your cat is a rambunctious kitten, an independent adult, or a laid-back senior, introducing new scents into their environment can help keep them entertained, enriched, and content. It’s just another way to show your cat some love. We hope you’ll have fun exploring together!

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If you’ve found yourself left with stubborn eye makeup or remnants of your perfect red lip after washing your face, it’s time to practice an effective face washing technique that will leave skin clean, refreshed and makeup free. Introducing (or re-introducing) the double cleanse. If you’ve been following our skin care insights along on the blog, chances are you’ve already discovered this skin-changing face washing technique by now. Double cleansing utilizes two separate products to cleanse the skin one after the other; one product might be a creamy or oil-based one, and the other a foaming, water-based cleanser, for instance. Learn how this cleansing duo can effectively break down makeup for fresh skin each night.

Remove your makeup nightly

Whether you’ve had a light layer of foundation or powder on during the day, or you’ve worn a bolder look at night, it’s equally important to thoroughly remove your makeup each and every day. But, are you washing your skin and still left feeling like your skin hasn’t been completely cleansed? Without the right products and face washing approach, oil buildup, SPFand makeup can stick around. The next time you wash your face, you can test the results of your current solo cleanse by washing as normal, patting dry and wiping skin thoroughly with a wet cotton round (spritz with your favorite facial toner or water until damp). If you notice any residue left behind on your cotton round, your makeup removing routine is ready for an upgrade.

What happens if I don’t remove my makeup before bed?

Not to sound alarmist, but your skin can suffer. Going to sleep with makeup still intact can introduce you to a whole slew of skin woes; from clogged pores that can lead to breakouts, dullness, irritation, dryness and more. Wash your skin at night and your skin will thank you in the morning.

Double Cleansing - the foundation of your makeup removing routine

Ready to commit to your skin and thoroughly remove your makeup? Let’s start from the beginning; consider your current skin type. Are you dry, dehydrated or oily? It matters. The first step of any makeup removing routine should be with an oil-based option that breaks down hard to remove pigments from products like eye shadow, blush and lipstick, while the second cleanser should be more tailored to your specific skin needs and focused on removing any remaining makeup residue.

For dry/dehydrated skin, the second cleanse should be aimed at restoring moisture and hydration, and for oily, restoring balance and keeping pores clear. If you’re using skin care products that are not formulated for your specific needs, you may end up causing further dryness and/or irritation. Use this simple guide below to help you determine the best makeup removing products for you!

Dry Skin:

Step One: a creamy, oil-based cleanser
Step Two: a honey-based cleanser

Oily Skin:

Step One: a creamy, oil-based cleanser
Step Two: a foaming or water-based cleanser

How to remove your makeup

Step one
For the first step of your nighttime makeup removing regimen, choose a creamy, oil-based cleanser to break down your makeup & any other buildup. Start by concentrating our creamy Facial Cleanser around the eye and lip areas, where more hard-to-remove makeup is concentrated, & then gently massage the rest of your face. This cleanser’s base of argan, apricot kernel, and hemp seed oils work collectively to break down and wash away buildup without stripping skin, while sugar cane and sugar maple extract gently exfoliate to help keep pores clear. Rinse with water or remove with a warm face cloth. You can leave skin damp, no need to pat dry.

Step two
With the first layer of buildup cleansed, it’s time to pick your second step. Don’t forget to use our handy guide above for picking a good option for your skin.

If you’re experiencing dry/dehydrated skin with some flakes, grab the Hibiscus Mask + Scrub (used here as a cleanser!), a good option thanks to its base of raw honey and gentle exfoliants. The mask’s raw honey acts as a humectant, meaning it helps keep moisture in the skin, while its natural AHA's, enzymatic exfoliants & blend of natural berries help to remove flaky skin and any remaining makeup remnants. If your skin is feeling extra dry or sensitized, you may only want to perform this double cleanse routine 2-3 times per week.

For oily skin types that experience breakouts or blackheads, your second cleanse go-to is the Charcoal & Sea Salt Soap. This foaming cleanser will effectively cleanse any remaining makeup and buildup on the skin’s surface. Simultaneously, it draws out impurities and buildup in pores thanks to the activated charcoal, and delivers bacteria-fighting oils like neem and tea tree, along with a dose of minerals found naturally in sea salt.

Going to sleep makeup free

Clean, refreshed and ready for sleep. To lock in all of the goodness and love you showed your skin, always apply a facial oil or moisturizer to your skin after removing your makeup with a double cleanse.

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Pet parents love to give their pup something to chew on instead of letting them gnaw on a favorite pair of shoes. You’ll be happy to hear that there are a few safe alternatives to rawhide bones that could lower the risk to your dog (and your shoes).

So, why not give rawhide? Being made from the leather industry’s leftovers, rawhide could contain harsh chemicals or harmful bacterias. Remember, as a byproduct of the leather industry, rawhide can go through a series of processes including bleaching, coloring and preserving with chemicals. In addition, because of their toughness, rawhide chunks broken off and swallowed by enthusiastic chewers can become a choking hazard, and even cause intestinal blockage. This life-threatening risk has led to a raised awareness of the need for alternatives to rawhide.

The question then becomes how to satisfy your dog’s drive to chew in a way that’s safe, and maybe even healthy. Dogs should always be supervised whenever they’re given a treat, but there are ways to add to your peace of mind while your dog is happily chomping away.

One alternative to rawhide’s inner skin material are cow ears, which are made of cartilage. It’s important to make sure that the treats you find are free of preservatives, colors, or artificial flavors. These Premium Cow Ears are dried through baking, without the use of bleach. Even better, they’re gentle on tummies in case they are swallowed.

To reduce the risk of intestinal blockage, look for treats that are easy on the digestive system. This could be treats such as Water Buffalo Bully Sticks or Lungs. Bully sticks in particular are also great for dental health. When you choose an appropriate treat, your dog’s chewing action helps to reduce tartar and maintain their teeth.

Lastly, rawhide is sold by a vast number of different brands whose values and priorities are unknown. Picking up a plastic-wrapped treat at the grocery or pet store leaves unanswered questions about what sort of contaminant testing the treat underwent, if any. Find a chew treat that is backed by a brand who prioritizes safety, and has testing protocols.

As with any chew, you should always supervise your pet. The good news is that it can be quite entertaining to watch your dog thoroughly enjoying a good chew session. Just watch for any large pieces that break off and remove them to help keep your dog safe. Settle in and enjoy the show!

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You’ve tried sipping Sleepytime tea, turning off all your screens an hour before bedtime, and even spraying your pillow with lavender - but you still can’t sleep. And less sleep equals more stress, which increases our cortisol levels, negatively affecting the quality and quantity of sleep we get - so you need it.

Yoga can help. A Harvard study on insomnia found that when people practiced yoga for 8 weeks, their sleep improved significantly, including their total sleep time and quality of sleep.

Losing sleep can turn into a vicious cycle and it’s best to break it ASAP, so ditch the late-night Candy Crush, and instead try these five poses to catch a solid eight hours:

Supine Twist

Practiced before bed, this yoga pose helps your spine release tension and relax to stress less and sleep more.

Lie on your back and hug your knees toward your chest. Bring your arms out into a T and lower your knees down to the right, keeping them in line with the navel to stretch the lower back. Hold for 1-5 minutes and repeat on the other side to ring out spinal tension.

Child’s Pose

This pose is known for helping to reduce stress while encouraging sleep, due to the forward folded position. 
Start in a tabletop position with your wrists underneath your shoulders and knees underneath your hips; big toes to touching. Shift your hips back toward your heels as you lengthen the hands in the opposite direction; gently creating more space in the spine. Rest your forehead on the floor, or on a block or firm pillow. Hold for 1-5 minutes to calm the nervous system and relieve stress. (If your hips don’t reach your feet, don’t worry, just go as far as you can until you feel a stretch).

Legs up the Wall with Extended Exhale

Bringing your legs above the head, in a restorative position, allows the nervous system to calm down and increase blood flow and circulation, combined with a breathing exercise, it’s the ultimate turn-down pose.

Sit with your right hip up against the wall or the headboard of your bed, with your hands back behind you for support.  Slowly bring your legs up the wall as you lower onto your back with your, hands by your sides. If your hamstrings are tight, your hips may be a few inches away from the wall. Take a deep inhale through the nose, to the count of four, completely inflating the lungs. On the exhale, slow down the breath and empty to a count of eight until the navel contracts back into the spine.  Stay here, continuing this breathing pattern, for 5-10 minutes to calm the mind.

Supta Baddha Konasana

Supta Baddha Konasana is a wonderful pose that helps you to reach a deep state of relaxation by improving circulation and calming your nervous system.

Start by placing a pillow or a bolster at the base of your back. Bend your legs and gently place the soles of your feet together, but don’t push – just relax. Lie your body back across the pillow or bolster, and allow your body to open up and relax into the position. Breathe slowly and hold the position for at least 5 minutes.

Supported Savasana

This is the final pose before you go to sleep, as it really helps your mind to relax.

Lie down on the floor, with either a yoga mat or other cushioning, letting your arms and legs relax, palms facing up to open your shoulders. Focus on breathing slowly and deeply, and close your eyes. Stay like this for at least 5 minutes. Come out of the pose by slowly drawing your knees into your chest, then lie down to sleep. (Alternatively, you can do this pose in bed and fall right asleep).

Think of these poses as a restorative meditation and focus the mind solely on the breath as you inhale and exhale. Resist any temptation to lie on your back, hold your phone in the air, and scroll through your social media feed - your sleep is more important than your friend’s latest selfie.

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