Letter from the editor | Christen Michel
It’s true what they say. Your 30’s are the best years of your life. You spend your entire 20’s trying to figure out what your passions in life are and what type of people make you happy. Your 20’s are just a prep for your amazing 30’s. So far my 30’s have included this: launching my own skin care line, marrying the man of my dreams, completing my family of 5, meeting the most inspirational women I’ve ever met, and now…writing about it. With all of the wonderful people that come through your universe on a daily basis, why wouldn’t we share each other’s knowledge and passions? I’ve created this magazine as a compilation of all of the wonderful people, thoughts, and ideas that come my way. If you just take one thing away from this, then my wish has been granted. Enjoy!
Christen Michel
The Garden Glow Team of Inspirations Christen Michel | Esthetician & Skin Therapist Carri Marlow | Certified Personal Trainer & Running Guru Sarah Rallo | Registered Yoga Trainer & Personal Trainer Ashely Gerry | Fashion Guru
Guest Contributors Kimberly Rizzo | Hair Guru
The Fall Issue The Gardens Perfect Discoveries | Discoveries were meant to be shared | 6 Glowing Skin | Are facials a luxury or necessity? |7 People Who Inspire | Casey Messer inspires us with her beauty, inside & out | 9-10 We Love a Guru | How to pick the right look & color for your hair this season | 11
In Every Issue Christen Two Things | The 2 most important ingredients you’ll want to add to your skin care routine with the change of season | 8
What’s In Sarah’s Bag? | Fall fitness must-haves & addictions | 13-14 Ashley’s Closet | Spy on her looks for the Fall season | 15 That’s What She Said | What do you do when you are about to lose control? | 17 Your Body is Yours Forever | Try something new (and sexy!) | 19
Garden Glow: (noun)
A lifestyle or idea in which a person can see the beauty in many different areas of life; a wide variety of passions in life.
The Garden: Perfect Discoveries
Discoveries were meant to be shared!
Nothing screams “Fall” like soup and crackers. What if your soup and crackers were connected at the hip? Perfect!
These adorable little phone (and anything else you can squeeze in there) cases are an easy way to let your personality shine through. Get them on Etsy at Mama Bleu Design’s shop.
Not a tattoo person? Well, here is a more temporary way to express your thoughts on your body. Love! Check it out at www.yoonjunkyun.com
The all-american s’more! Now you can make them this Fall even if you are missing the fire pit or bonfire. www.thefulhamgroup.com
The Garden: Glowing Skin | by Esthetician, Christen Michel
The true benefits of a facial treatment •
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If you think routine facials are just a luxury, think again. Here are some reasons why facials are an important service to add to your overall “selfmaintenance” routine
Your esthetician may catch suspicious spots on your face that you may not have thought twice about before, encouraging you to schedule an appointment with your doctor right away. Most people are using skin care products that are completely wrong for their skin type. Your Esthetician can guide you in the right direction and also tell you what ingredients you should avoid. Many facial steamers use an ozone light. What does this mean for you? Increased blood circulation, cell oxygenation, and skin metabolism. Overall clean, detoxified skin. An esthetician is licensed and qualified to use professional exfoliation, giving you a more corrective exfoliation treatment than you could NOT do on your own at home. Facials decrease waste underneath the skin that can cause puffiness, dullness, and fluid accumulation by manipulating the lymphatic system that lies just under the skin. Facials also aid in detoxification. Facials (and facial massage) help smooth fine lines and promote collagen production, which is the building block of the skin (to prevent premature aging, wrinkles, and sagging). They clean the pores on a much deeper level. Similar to a good dental cleaning, this is what a facial can do for the skin/pores. All skin types need this. Last but not least, facials are so relaxing and therapeutic!
The 2 most common myths I hear (and quickly correct) regarding SPF protection‌ Common Myth #1 You don't need sunscreen on a cloudy day Even on a cloudy day, UV radiation from the sun reaches the earth's surface. So make sure you use sunscreen every day and reapply it every two hours as well as after swimming or sweating. Also, don't fall prey to the myth that you're protected just because you're wearing makeup with an SPF. According to Leslie Bauman, MD, director of the University of Miami Cosmetic Group and author of The Skin Type Solution, you would have to put on 14 or 15 times the amount of makeup that a normal person would wear to reach the SPF on the label of powdered makeup. The same thing goes for foundation and liquid makeup. Make sure you use sunscreen in addition to your makeup.
Common Myth #2 The higher the SPF, the better the protection There are three kinds of ultraviolet (UV) rays: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA rays penetrate the skin fairly deeply, altering your pigmentation to produce a tan. UVB rays are the primary sunburn rays. These rays also damage your skin's DNA and cause photoaging, pigment changes, and carcinomas (cancerous tumors). UVC rays are absorbed by the atmosphere and don't make it to the ground. The SPF on a sunscreen refers to the amount of protection the product offers from UVB rays or sunburns. Many sunscreens, therefore, need to offer protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Broad spectrum means protection against UVA and UVB. Look for an SPF of at least 15 and one of the following ingredients: mexoryl, oxybenzone or avobenzone (Parsol 1789) for UVA protection, or titanium dioxide.
Follow Christen for glowing skin tips and advice Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website
The Garden: People Who Inspire
When your beauty shines inside & out, you really can have it all. Casey Messer, a TV Host, Actress, and former Miss New Mexico, tells us how she manages to live a wonderful life and keep that beautiful smile on her face every day. Christen: At about what age did you dream of being an actress & TV Host? And winning a major beauty pageant? Casey: I used to love watching Wild on E! with Brooke Burke, Mary Hart on Entertainment Tonight was another favorite and who doesn't love Kelly on Live! With Regis and Kelly now Kelly and Michael. And I believe it was in high school watching Channel 1 News when I knew I wanted to go into broadcasting. I got involved in pageants when I was 21. I didn't grow up doing child pageants--my mom wanted me to have a normal childhood. But when I came to her in college wanting to compete she supported me. Christen: When did you discover your love for running? How many marathons/half marathons have you done? Casey: The summer I was 24, turning 25 in the fall, I met a man wearing a knee brace and a triathlon shirt. He was 66 and had ran 104 marathons and triathlons and had only began racing when he was 40. I thought, "If he did this at 40 surely I can run a marathon at 25." A few months later, with little training, I did. I knew after finishing that first marathon I'd run another. Now with 6 marathons under my belt including New York, Chicago and Athens Greece (where it all began) I'm itching to do another. Christen: How do you find time to run and train for races? Casey: The best way to find time to run and to stay on track is with a friend or partner. Find someone who is also training for a race around your marathon. I was lucky for two years in a row to have co-workers also training for fall marathons and we would run in the mornings before work. Having someone else to hold you accountable for 5am even 4 am runs will pull you through the mornings you want to stay in bed.
Christen: What keeps you motivated in life if you reach bumps in the road? Casey: Just as in life-running a marathon is full of highs and lows. Not every minute is enjoyable. But you look for the little things you're grateful for and keep going. I remember my first year running the New York Marathon, I was not prepared and in pain. At mile 15 I was crossing one of the bridges, I looked up and the runner in front of me was wearing a t-shirt running for his fellow fallen Marines and he had no legs. At that moment I decided I had nothing to complain about and pushed on. I get it, everyone has bad days, but no matter what your situation is someone always has it worst. Christen: Have you had any disappointments in life that ended up making you more determined? If so, what was the one that stands out the most? Casey: In 2007 I competed as Miss New Mexico USA for the title of Miss USA. And when I wasn't called to the Top 15 it was disappointing not just for me but I felt for my friends and family who had spent time and money to travel to Los Angeles to see me compete. I still had a once in a lifetime experience at Miss USA and meet some wonderful people in the process. Christen: If you had a 16 year old daughter right now, what would be the biggest, most important piece of advice you would give her about personal growth and always staying true to herself? As in, how to get back on track and get your head back up when life throws you a couple lemons or let-downs as a woman. Casey: I would tell her to try and not stress about what people say or think about you. Surround yourself with friends and people that are positive, will uplift you and you want to be around. Forget the negative ones. They're just there to try and bring you down. And if high school isn't a great experience hang in there because college and beyond is an amazing time where you can choose anything you want to do and you'll meet some of the most wonderful people. Christen: What’s your secret to time management? Casey: It's definitely not always easy. There's so much going on right now with work and preparing to be a first time mom this October it can get overwhelming quick. I say take it week by week. What needs to be done this week or even what needs to be done today? Prioritize. What has to be done and what truly can wait?
Follow Casey Messer on Twitter to see what she’s up to and watch clips of her lifestyle segments on Good Day New Mexico.
The Garden: We Love a Guru | by Guest Contributor, Kim Rizzo You could be your hair’s worst enemy… Are you choosing the right styles? Master Hair Stylist, Kim Rizzo, tells us to consider these 3 things before you even begin to style your hair this Fall
When choosing that new fall hairstyle, be aware of the following things: -Face shape -Hair texture -Skin color It can make or break your new look! Not everyone should wear their hair like Jennifer Aniston or Victoria Beckham....let's be real”.
Face shapes are important when choosing a haircut. The most desired face shape is oval...think Halle Berry. Oval faces can wear the most styles. Pick a cut that accentuates the right areas to create an oval shape. For example, if you are more triangular, you will want fullness on the top to add width and less weight between the cheeks and shoulders so that it appears more narrow. ATTENTION: if you have a square face like Steven Segal, DO NOT go for a chin length bob! When coloring, warmer skin tones and eye colors like Mila Kunis or J-Lo look best with golden tones in blondes/browns, or copper tones if you like reds. Cool toned skin like and eyes like Cameron Diaz need to veer more toward neutral to ash based browns/blondes or violet and blue based reds. If you aren't sure what tone you are, check your cheeks for pink or gold undertones or even check the veins on your wrists. Green usually means you are warm toned and blue is cool. When all else fails, Pinterest is great for getting new ideas for your shape and skin tone.
Are you a guru? gu·ru / go͝o ro͞o
(noun ) An influential teacher or popular expert Share your knowledge and spread the love of your expertise in beauty, health, fitness, travel, or anything else inspiring. Email us and tell us why you would make a good guru and guest contributor for a season’s issue. gardenglowmag@christenmichel.com
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I’ve had this app for a couple years now and have
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Everyday I’m Meal Preppin’! Over the last year,
I’ve really focused on my nutrition and coordinated my daily intake with my fitness goals. I’ve found that the key to my success has been to never be forced to make meal decisions when I’m hungry. That means I always have a meal or two prepared ahead of time so I can immediately eat without the temptation of making an unhealthy choice while hungry. I cook up lean proteins like chicken breast or ground turkey, a big batch of brown rice or quinoa and lots of green veggies like broccoli, green beans and brussel sprouts. I portion each of these out into Tupperware containers and then when it’s time to eat, I have the basics ready and just need to heat or jazz them up with spices or different sauces or add-ins. Although these meals aren’t necessarily stored in my bag (although sometimes they quite literally are), prepared meals are definitely a MUST HAVE to keep me on the fit and healthy track, which is a huge priority in my life. Fail to plan, plan to fail. This method works for me!
used it to log my food to keep myself accountable and aware of my nutritional intake each day. I love that I can search the database of foods and find pretty much any product. And I can also just scan the bar code with my iPhone and the nutritional facts pop right up. The nutritional math is done for me! Just recently I have started using this app for my business. I am a Bootcamp Challenge owner and trainer and part of my coaching includes nutritional guidance to my clients. I require all of my clients to “friend” me on My Fitness Pal and allow my access to their food diaries. This app makes my coaching so much easier because I can pop in at any time of day, check out their nutritional intake and offer suggestions on how to better reach their nutritional goals. It’s a great tool for encouragement and kudos as well. I love this app!
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Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes by Younique
I’m sure by now you’ve seen a few friends posting on Facebook about the amazing Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes by Younique. Well, as a girl who has never had more than a few puny lashes, I’m here to confirm that YES, it is amazing! A very simple three-step process using 2 different wands to apply each coat and WOW! I have eyelashes for the first time in my life. This stuff is great! Definitely my new favorite makeup must-have.
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Oh, my beautiful yoga strap! It’s such an
understated but wonderfully useful tool. I am a Yoga Alliance registered yoga teacher and am currently teaching 5-7 classes per week. The yoga strap is a great prop that can be used to guide the limbs into poses in which otherwise there may be struggle. I always encourage my students to challenge themselves but to never feel force or struggle in their poses. The yoga strap can assist those students who want to attempt more intermediate to advanced poses while still honoring their bodies and their current abilities. It is also a great tool for RELAXING. For example, Hammock Pose!
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Christen Michel Glow Replenished Spritz
How could I possibly do a must-have list without my Glow Spritz? I love this stuff! A facial product created by my favorite skincare expert Christen Michel, includes a mix of essential minerals in a perfectly sized little bottle that I can carry with me everywhere. I use it in the morning, during the day and in the evening too. To apply, simply spray onto your face under or over makeup for a quick skin hydration and a healthy glow. It’s an instant pick-me-up and I feel refreshed with every spritz!
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Versa Gripps
Have you ever been doing pull ups or a heavy set of barbell rows with the intent of working your back, but your grip fatigues faster than your back muscles? Enter Versa Gripps! I love these. These grips fasten around the bar or dumbbell with your hand, and help to take the pressure off the fingers, hands, and forearms. With these, you can concentrate on the muscles you are trying to work and the form you are trying to achieve. Try these!
Follow Sarah for daily fitness motivation and fit tips! Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website
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Fall is one of my favorite times for fashion and weather! This
seasons' trends are a personal favorite of mine. Pull out your fur, feathers and fringe to be on trend for the Fall. Pair it with lace, leather or plaid. A few looks from my closet include Haute Hippie's lace jacket paired with Phillip Lim leather shorts and top and Dolce and Gabbana lace booties for a night out on the town. For a fun daytime look, throw on Haute Hippie's feather sweatshirt dress with military boots (Stuart Weitzman). And for a date night- pair up a beaded animal print dress (also by Haute Hippie) with a fur vest and boots by Rag and Bone- love the Michael Kors fringe bag with it. Now, look through your things, add to it and Play! - Ashley
Inspire with us.
Learn more at www.christenmichel.com
That’s what
she
said
The question: What do you do when you are about to lose control (aka freak out!) at home or at work?
The top answers we received: • • • •
Pour the wine. (Top answer) Call a friend (or mom) and vent. Go for a walk or run. Deep breathes with a personal “time out” moment. • Read a book and try to escape for a while.
It’s no secret…working out and practicing meditation are two of the best ways to let go of a moment or clear your head. Wine is a wonderful way to sit back and relax, however too much wine can have the opposite effect and can also disrupt your sleep that night.
Christen’s never go a day without beauty companion What did I do before I discovered the Norwex cloths? These little gems only require water. Yes, water! I’ve always had sensitive eyes and really tried to avoid makeup removing products around my eyes. However, the result was a constant raccoon look, as I never quite fully removed my eye makeup…until now. I highly recommend you take a moment to learn about the technology behind these products. The micro silver in these cloths are able to completely clean and remove bacteria in a way that nothing else can. Check it out at http://carrimarlow.norwex.biz
Love this? Get it www.christenmichel.com
Have you tried Pole Fitness yet? Yes, fitness using a pole! Let’s be honest - your daily gym routine can easily become redundant, no matter how many different machines you try. Boredom turns into lack of motivation and once you’ve lost motivation, it becomes that much easier to abandon a workout routine. That’s where trying something new comes into play. Fitness trends are constantly evolving. From Zumba to CrossFit, it seems like new forms of exercises are constantly popping up. I think this is great because in order to be healthy and active, you must find an activity you enjoy. So, don't worry if you still haven't found your fitness forte. Step outside your comfort zone and try something new! With new trends popping up so frequently, you're bound to find one that you enjoy sweating to. I was recently invited to try a pole fitness party with friends. I'm always up for trying different things, so I jumped at the chance! I have done similar classes in the past and loved them. They are a great workout and having friends with you is always a bonus! What is pole fitness? Pole fitness is a group fitness class or private party that incorporates dance moves around and using a pole. Since this class format is centered on a piece of equipment, the class sizes are often capped at less than 10 participants, which allows for a more individualized, intimate class experience with personalized instruction.
My experience with pole fitness? I think these classes and parties are great for any fitness level - no expert dance skills are needed, just a fun attitude and a willingness to have fun! The class started with a dynamic warm-up, then we learned a couple options for walking around the pole - toe drags and steps. From there, we worked on some fun choreography, with moves like hip circles and shoulder rolls before progressing on to spins. Practicing with and without music, we learned spins and spent a time working on safety-oriented skills, such as establishing proper grip and learning correct positioning of the shoulders to protect the delicate muscles of the joint. We even learned how to (safely) climb the pole. I was surprised to learn it's all about the legs! Finally, we learned a few sexy floor moves and then put it all together into a short routine with the music. The bottom line on Pole Fitness. If you’re in the market for a fun way to be physically active while focusing on improving your coordination, balance and strength, then pole fitness might be right up your alley. The moves we learned focused a great deal on strength, in a way that is much different from simply lifting weights. I consider myself to be in pretty good shape, but my arms definitely felt it the next day! The class was relatively slow-paced, allowing time to focus on proper form, yet there were also options to make each move harder or easier depending on your ability level. All in all, a fun night out with friends that I would highly recommend to anyone looking to shake up their fitness routine!
Are you ready to try something new this Fall?
Follow Carri for daily fitness motivation and fit tips! Facebook | Twitter
Keep your eyes out for the Holiday Issue this November www.gardenglowmag.com
xxoo