Cook the Veggies: Sauté the sliced red peppers and mushrooms in a pan with a little olive oil or avocado spray for 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
Cook the Teriyaki Meat: Cook the vegan teriyaki meat in the same pan according to package instructions. Set aside.
Warm the Wraps: Heat the gluten-free mini wraps in a pan or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Assemble the Fajitas: Spread black bean dip on each wrap. Add in the sautéed red peppers, mushrooms, and teriyaki meat. Top with vegan cheese.
Serve: Roll up the wraps and enjoy!
Benefits:
Red peppers are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. This antioxidant helps protect the skin from sun damage and wrinkles. Mushrooms are one of the few plant-based sources of vitamin D, which is important for skin health. Vitamin D helps with skin repair and rejuvenation.
**Feel free to message me if you would like to learn more healthy skin tips.
If you’ve been in the beauty world long enough like me, you’ve likely tried a few treatments to enhance your appearance. I’ve certainly explored my share of options, and recently, I’ve been reflecting on the highs and lows of my beauty journey. One treatment I would highly NOT recommend is Ultherapy—and it’s a story that I think is worth sharing. Not mine but a close friend.
A friend of mine tried Ultherapy at a local med spa. The idea behind this treatment is to boost collagen production through ultrasound technology, which is marketed to help lift and tighten skin. It sounded promising, but after going through her procedure, she noticed some volume loss in my face months later, which was particularly concerning because they already had a petite face. I realized that if you’re a thinner person … this might not be the best fit for your beauty goals.
It’s possible that the treatment was new at the spa and wasn’t as refined as it could have been, but this experience led me to take a deeper look into how treatments like Ultherapy affect different people—especially those with thinner faces. This journey sparked an idea: why not share these experiences to help others avoid bad advice and prevent beauty blunders?
I dig into beauty treatments—both the good and the not-so-good—and share expert advice on how to confidently navigate the beauty industry. It’s not just about looking good on the outside, but also about feeling great inside, too. I believe that when you truly love yourself, inside and out, you show up better in every area of your life. So, it’s disheartening when you spend money on a treatment with the expectation of feeling better, only to end up feeling worse. Thats why I started my passion for skin consulting and my book.
Ultherapy, in particular, can be a tricky treatment to navigate. As it’s a non-invasive skin-tightening procedure, it has been marketed as a facelift alternative, but it might not be the right choice for everyone, especially if you’re on the thinner side and already have a delicate facial structure.
What Is Ultherapy?
Ultherapy uses ultrasound technology to stimulate collagen production beneath the skin’s surface. It’s designed to lift and tighten skin, especially around the face, neck, and chest. The procedure involves using ultrasound energy to target deeper layers of the skin, which helps to tighten and firm the tissue. While it’s non-invasive and doesn’t require surgery, Ultherapy can still result in some discomfort and, as I experienced, can lead to volume loss in people with a naturally leaner face.
Key Facts About Ultherapy
What it targets: Ultherapy is typically used for tightening and lifting the skin on the face, neck, and chest, particularly for individuals who are starting to see signs of sagging and loose skin.
How it works: It uses focused ultrasound energy to stimulate collagen production deep beneath the skin. This process can help firm and tighten skin over time.
Treatment Duration: A single session usually lasts between 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the area being treated.
Recovery Time: There’s minimal downtime after an Ultherapy treatment, with some patients experiencing redness or swelling for a few hours.
Results: While results can vary from person to person, most people start to notice lifting and tightening in about 2 to 3 months after treatment as collagen begins to rebuild. The full effects can take up to six months.
Should You Try Ultherapy?
While Ultherapy has worked for some, I would urge caution if you’re someone with a more petite or thinner face. Since Ultherapy’s goal is to lift and tighten, it can sometimes lead to volume loss, which might make your features look more hollow or gaunt. It’s important to consult with your provider about whether this treatment is right for your specific needs. And remember, just because a treatment is popular doesn’t mean it’s the best option for everyone.
As I’ve learned firsthand, the beauty industry is full of potential pitfalls, and it’s easy to be swayed by the latest trends. That’s why I continue to record episodes of Reawakening Beauty, where I talk about the best ways to enhance your beauty while protecting your confidence.
Remember, self-love and confidence come from within, and when you take care of yourself—both mentally and physically—you’ll show up better in every part of your life. I hope my story helps you avoid any missteps and empowers you to make more informed choices on your beauty journey.
Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more on Reawakening Beauty.
Add organic chickpeas, organic paprika, lemon, MCT oil, and salt and pepper into a large bowl and mash together with a fork until well mixed. Spread onto gluten free bread or rice cakes. Optionally, you can top with organic strawberries, organic blueberries and organic mint leaves as desired. Enjoy!
Benefits:
Chickpeas are high in protein and fiber which is said to help keep you feeling full longer. They are a great source of plant-based protein for a vegan which is important for muscle growth and bone health.
Berries are full of antioxidants which are amazing for good skin health and helping fight free radicals, which can cause premature aging and wrinkles.
**Feel free to message me if you would like to learn more healthy skin tips.
Montreal did not disappoint. Many people are on the go and don’t get to truly pause and enjoy a place in its full beauty. But Montreal? It’s like a dream for anyone who loves culture, architecture, and of course, self-care should come to montreal.
My day started at the cutest nail salon, LYLY Nails—and I can’t recommend it enough! The moment I walked in, I felt completely at ease. The team there is so welcoming and made me feel like a queen. I decided to go for a custom design, and wow, they exceeded all my expectations. My cuticles have never looked so perfect, and the whole experience was just so relaxing. I have fabulous nails, thanks to them!
But it doesn’t stop there. As I was walking around, I stumbled upon a beautiful spa right next door, Dermalogica, which immediately caught my attention. Fun fact: I actually started training to work with Dermalogica a while back, even considering carrying their products. Though I didn’t finish that course (life happened), I’m always down to chat about skincare—and that’s exactly what happened here. I met the lovely Rebecca, one of their skincare experts, and we got into the details about all things skin. If you know me, you know I could talk skincare for hours, but Rebecca? She could probably out-geek me. We had a great convo about natural ways to care for your skin, and I picked up some samples to try out (stay tuned for my thoughts on them!).
Many get all sorts of cutting-edge treatments, from micro-needling to cryotherapy lasers. Some work for tightening skin initially, but over time, People can start noticing some loss of volume, When using the wrong treatments. I’ve been focusing on restoring elasticity for my clients and learning new treatments to help with this process and chatting with Rebecca about some natural methods felt like a refreshing. It remind me of how important it is to nurture your skin from within. I’m all about that healthy glow that comes from the inside out, which is why I wrote my recipe book on it!
After some skincare chit chat, I decided to take a stroll through Old Montreal—such a magical place! The cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and cozy vibe make it a must-see. But then, the weather turned on me, and the snow started falling. Not one to let a little snow ruin my day, I made my way back to my hotel for some warmth.
For dinner, I went to the cutest vegan sushi spot “bloom” which was a total gem. The food was absolutely delicious, and I can’t wait to share the name with you once I dig it up (because trust me, you’ll want to visit). To finish it all off, I grabbed a hot chocolate to warm up—perfect for a snowy evening.
To wrap up my day, I treated myself to a luxurious body scrub at the hotel spa. Honestly, if you’re in Montreal and want to unwind, these are definitely some places to check out for a day of relaxation, skincare, and delicious eats.
I also saw the Habs play so much fun!
If you’re on a healing journey, or just want to treat yourself, Montreal offers so many spots to relax and rejuvenate. I’m already looking forward to my next visit!
Reawakening Beauty Birthday Cake Glow Up Protein Balls
Ingredients
1/2 cup Organic Peanut Butter
3 scoops Vegan Keto Chocolate Protein Powder
1/2 cup Organic Coconut Flour
1/3 cup Monk Fruit Sugar
1/4 cup Vegan Sprinkles
1/4 cup Keto Vegan Chocolate Chips
3 tbsp MCT Oil
1 tbsp Hemp Seeds (optional)
Instructions
Makes 10-12 Servings
Mix organic peanut butter, protein powder, coconut flour, monk fruit sugar, and MCT oil in a bowl until well combined.
Stir in sprinkles and chocolate chips.
Roll the mixture into 15-20 balls.
Refrigerate for 60 minutes to set.
Store in the fridge for up to a week. Enjoy!
Benefits:
Protein powder is your body’s best friend when it comes to muscle repair, recovery, and growth. It supports lean muscle mass, helps curb cravings by keeping you fuller longer, and aids in healthy metabolism. Plus, it’s a great source of essential amino acids your body needs to stay strong and energized.
**Feel free to message me if you would like to learn more healthy skin tips.
We are continuing the conversation on breakouts because I have a lot to say about acne. If that’s something you are struggling with, keep reading.
Here are some do’s and don’ts for acne. If you have acne, sometimes less is more especially with active breakouts. I believe that anyone with active breakouts should do a double cleanse. Having a makeup remover is essential because congestion is trapped dirt and oil and a make remover helps to eliminate this congestion. So you want to make sure that you’re using something to properly cleanse your skin. I recommend using a makeup remover to get your off your sunscreen and make up. Next you will cleanse with a regular cleanser.
Ideally you should have a makeup remover, a cleanser, and a toner because depending on which cleanser you have it raises the pH balance of the skin. Finally use a moisturizer, using a non clogging, over top, spa treatment that is non comedogenic would probably be a great place to start.
After this you can then start to assess what’s really happening with your skin. Now everybody’s acne is so different, for some people they thought they had acne, however they discovered over the years that it was in fact rosacea. Rosacea and acne can sometimes seem very similar, in fact they can actually look very similar too. Both acne and rosacea can look like active pustules, so if you are dealing with this issue on your skin make sure you know which skin issue you have. I’ve talked a lot about exfoliating the skin and being careful to not over exfoliate because we all have a natural barrier on our skin. If you strip away too much of your barrier, basically this is what’s protecting your skin, you can make it more vulnerable and than it will start to break out and produce more oil. So if you are struggling with this issue, make sure that you’re not overly stripping your skin because in fact it will start to produce more oil.
It is also important to understand your skin type better. There are so many different skin types that we all have. One common misconception is that sensitivity is a type of skin, this is in fact not true. The types of skin are oily, combination, normal and dry. There’s different conditions that we can have for the skin, so understanding your skin type is super essential to combating your acne. If you would like to learn more about your specific skin type or if you have any questions about the products you’re using then reach out to me or book a personalized one-on-one skin consultation through my website.
It is also very important to understand if you have any underlying issues, so always check things such as your hormone levels to make sure they’re balanced.
Regarding your cleanser, you’ll definitely need to use an oil based cleanser to remove your makeup and sunscreen. Oil is basically the only thing that’s really going to get off your makeup. If you don’t like oil there are some bombs that will emulsify into an oil and that’s really going to break down your makeup and sunscreen. Once you have removed all of that your skin can breathe a little bit more which will help reduce or limit your active breakouts.
So in conclusion, these are some simple tips that you can do to help with active acne breakouts; use a cleanser, a toner, ideally a moisturizer, a spot treatment and a sunscreen. That’s where I would start and then if your skin doesn’t improve, I would recommend looking at things like your hormones, your stress levels, and the foods you’re eating. I hope you found this blog helpful and if you would like a personalized skin assessment and recommendations you can contact me or book a personalized skin consultation through my website.
Start by pressing the organic tofu to remove excess water. Once pressed, cut the organic tofu into bite-sized cubes or strips, depending on your preference. In a bowl, mix the BBQ sauce and peanut butter together until smooth. Next, add in the tofu pieces and toss gently to coat. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours. While the tofu is marinating preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the marinated tofu pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and flip the tofu then bake for another 15 minutes. Remove from the over and flip the tofu again and bake for a final 10 minutes. Enjoy your BBQ tofu bites on their own or serve with rice and veggies
Benefits:
Organic tofu is high in protein which contains amino acids that are said to help build collagen and keratin, which are the structural proteins in your skin. Organic peanut butter contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and soothe skin irritation.
**Feel free to message me if you would like to learn more healthy skin tips.
Vegan Caesar Wraps with Spicy Tofu & Romaine Lettuce
Ingredients
1 block Firm Organic Tofu
1 tsp Organic Olive Oil
1 tbsp Hot Sauce (adjust to spice preference)
5-6 large Romaine Lettuce Leaves
½ cup Vegan Caesar Dressing
¼ cup Vegan Shredded Cheese (optional)
1/3-1/2 Organic Avocado (cubed)
2-3 small Organic Radish (chopped)
1/2 cup Organic Cauliflower (florets)
*Pro Tip: To make it a full meal see my roasted vegetable recipe and cook up some gluten free keto noodles or lentil pasta 🙂
Instructions
Makes 2-3 servings
Press the organic tofu to remove excess water. Cut the organic tofu into long strips. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the organic tofu strips for 4-5 minutes on each side or until crispy. While to tofu is cooking throughly wash and chop the organic avocado, organic radishes and organic cauliflower. When the tofu is cooked toss them in hot sauce for added spice. Next, assemble the wraps by laying down the romaine lettuce leaves flat. Place a few tofu strips down in the centre and add in the avocado, radishes and cauliflower. Drizzle the vegan caesar dressing overtop or use it as a dip. Sprinkle some vegan cheese over top, if desired. Lastly, carefully fold the sides of the lettuce over the filling, then roll it up like a burrito. Enjoy!
Benefits:
Organic tofu is a good source of protein and is a very important part of your diet as it is said to help build muscles, protect your bones and keeps you feeling full longer.
**Feel free to message me if you would like to learn more healthy skin tips.
Grab a big bowl and toss in the Lesser Evil Vegan Cheddar Popcorn and Holiday Blend Popcorn.
Add in the Frankie’s Jalapeño Puffs for a little extra heat.
Give it a quick toss to mix everything together.
Serve, snack, and enjoy—because this popcorn’s ready for your movie marathon.
It’s easy, it’s spicy, and it’s a great movie night snack.
Benefits:
Popcorn basically makes you feel full helping you to crave less foods. It also helps with digestion and pushes toxins out of the body, but overall this just a fun snack so don’t get too wrapped up in the benefits.
**Feel free to message me if you would like to learn more healthy skin tips.
Preheat the oven to 275°F. Start by cooking the chickpea pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta and set aside. Next heat a skillet to medium heat and cook the beyond meat ground beef until browned, this takes about 5-7 minutes, ensure to stir often. Stir in the pasta, tomatoes, hot sauce, fibre boost and vegan cheddar cheese until well mixed. Transfer to an oven-safe dish and place in the oven for 50 minutes.
Enjoy this simple, nourishing meal for healthy, glowing skin!
Benefits:
Protein is important to build and maintain your muscle mass. Vegan cheddar cheese contains calcium and vitamins which are said to help support skin elasticity and hydration. Organic tomatoes are loaded with vitamin C which is said to help fight wrinkles.
**Feel free to message me if you would like to learn more healthy skin tips.
