I'm back with things I'm loving lately. These posts include books, podcasts, products, social media accounts, you name it...if I love it, you'll find out about them here in these posts. 

Podcast episode: Rich Roll's interview will Frank Lipman, M.D. 

This one is a must. Dr. Lipman touches upon how his functional medicine/wellness practice came to be, his thoughts on how to "be well", and how we need to focus on the root of our wellbeing and move away from suffering. He believes in looking at where your body is imbalanced and try to help it move back into balance. It's a great conversation, as all Rich's podcast interviews are, and worth the time to listen! Also, he has a new book coming out that will be on my nightstand at some point. Click on the book cover to read more...

Candid Essentials Tanning Lotion:

I soooo wish I would've had this lotion in my life back then when I was trying to bake myself to death in Tanning Bed Hell. This lotion has been my go-to for the past two years and I'm a loyal fan for life. Yes, I still lay in the sun on vacation nor hide under an umbrella sitting on the bleachers because I believe in getting Vitamin D naturally. I think store-bought sunscreens are more harmful than helpful and I like the more natural approach (nut oils and the like). 

Rather than risk a sunburn and the long-term skin damage, I create the perfect tan with Candid Essentials tanning lotion.* I have received more compliments on my tan than any other product I've used. The only time I've had a better tan is when I went to Hawaii. Costa Rica comes in a close second.  

I use this lotion at night before bed about one to two times a week. Sometimes less, sometimes more depending on how deep I want my tan. Once you get it to where you are satisfied, you' just go into maintenance mode. I don't have streaks nor that weird orangey tint. Bonuses: it doesn't smell and if I wait the recommended dry time, it doesn't stain. If I workout without washing it off and wear white, then there's a good chance there will be some staining. Don't do that. Let it sit on overnight then wash off in the morning and you'll be set!

(Full disclosure: The link above is an affiliate link and I will be compensated with 1/8 of a penny if you purchase it through this link.)

Charlie's Soap, Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent

I have boys. I have boys that play baseball. Many a uniform, most of them white <eye roll>, have passed through our doors which have never transformed back into their original pristine states after stepping foot into the dugout. There have been stains on parts of the uniform where it has been physically impossible to get unless sliding butt cheeks first. I have tried it all, even spraying them down with a sprayer hose on the jet setting. Nothing has workednuntil Charlie came along. I purchased this bag at my local Sprouts store and was really intending to use it as a laundry booster as I have yet to find one product that works fully on its own. My normal laundry routine goes as such: non-toxic liquid detergent (ECOS), a scoop of baking soda directly in the tub and white vinegar loaded in the bleach dispenser. Often I soak the whites in a baking soda/white vinegar/hot water mixture in the sink prior to washing. It works to the point the clothes are acceptable to the general eye but upon closer inspection, there are still some stains hanging around. I'm definitely not OCD about the laundry, because boys, but this new find is worth sharing for all of you who are.

I add a tablespoon to each load (I'm still using the other items because I'm scared not to) and voila! I have seen white baseball pants again! My son experimented with placing the powder on the pants directly then balling them up before putting in the washer. No scrubbing or soaking involved. The results were the best we've ever had! I have made my own pre-treat spray by adding a tablespoon to a glass bottle, topped off with water and about 1/2 cup of white vinegar. I wish I would have taken a before and after photo just now as I used it to spray my white jean jacket that I had accidentally rubbed up against by Jeep tires. As I sprayed, the black almost melted away. I didn't even have to scrub! 

What I love the most is that this laundry soap is non-toxic, biodegradable, unscented (you can add your own with essential oils), and hypoallergenic. It's fantabulous and you should get some ASAP. Even if you don't have kids, it can clean basically anything. I'm as bad as my children so I'm loving it for my own clothes. If I wear anything white, I can guarandamntee that there will be some sort of stain before the end of the day, whether I wear it for 5 minutes or 5 hours. It can get out grass stains, grease, tar, red wine, oil, etc. and you only use one tablespoon for a large load. Another bonus is that makes it super cost effective. I'm not sure why you are still here. Click, little baseball mamas and papas, click away to purchase your sanity in a bag.

I found it at these locations: 

• Sprouts

• Amazon

• Target

• Thrive Market

Tenzo Matcha Tea

I started drinking matcha tea by accident. I went to Starbucks and ordered the Green Tea Latte. I assumed it was brewed green tea that was used for the latte, but to my surprise, it was matcha green tea powder. I fell in love instantly. Of course, their powder was sweetened as well as their coconut milk so no wonder it was so delicious. Since then, I've been buying various brands and making my own version at home. 

I've tried many brands at various yet reasonable price points. Many were okay but nothing wowed me. Until now. The makers of Tenzo Tea asked if they could send me some of their tea since they had seen my many IG stories about matcha. I was over the moon when I received their package because it included the bamboo whisk and everything. I felt like a real matcha master using that baby! 

Matcha tea is an acquired taste. There is a pungency to it, depending on the brand, and can be almost bitter if not sweetened. There is definitely a difference between culinary (used in cooking/baking) vs. ceremonial (drinking). Tenzo Tea was a winner from the very first sip. I followed the directions that were included in my starter kit and I found that the bamboo whisk makes a huge difference in the texture of the tea! It is smooth and easy to drink solo, but even better with a little creamer (my favorite is still unsweetened coconut milk) or Bulletproof style. 

Another reason I love this tea is because of the story behind the brand. The founders of Tenzo Tea, Robbie and Steve, are two friends who are from the same hometown and both attended UCLA to play volleyball. They founded this company as a way to provide themselves with a clean source of energy but also as a way to help others. For each bag of Tenzo Tea you buy, they provide clean water for one person for an entire year. The more boxes you buy, the more people you get to help. I'm a huge supporter of companies who give back to others so Tenzo Tea has been added the Socially Conscious Brands list I keep. I highly recommend giving them a shot, (matcha tea shots even!)

Go to their website to learn more about how to make matcha, what it is, where they source it, the health benefits as well as various recipes to try. It's a great company with a great product that is worth giving a try!