Cassey Ho's Blog, page 21

Are You Team Low Rise or Team High Rise?!

Hey guys!

I’m doing a giveaway!! Tell me which Supershort you like better and I’ll send you AND your friend the outfits you guys pick if you win!

 

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Enter the Giveaway

To enter:

Follow the link above and

1. Tell me if you like A. Low Rise Supershort or B. High Rise Supershort better!
2. Tag a friend and ask if they like A or B better.
3. Share my post to your IG stories.
4. Follow POPFLEX and Blogilates on IG!

You can be any age and from anywhere in the . Enter as many times as you would like! Winners will win a Tone Bra and a Supershort set each!

Giveaway closes Thursday August 17, 2023 at 11:59PM PST and winners will be randomly selected and announced on Friday August 18, 2023 via IG stories. You guys will also be reached out to directly by POPFLEX (@popflex_active) via DM.

The new Low Rise Supershort comes in 5 colors and I’m wearing bubblegum in size small! If you have soft hips like me, go with your normal size. I made the waistband anti-pinch by making sure it’s generous in its construction. If you’re muscly in your hips or prefer a snug fit, it’s totally ok to size down in the Low Rise Supershort ! For High Rise, go with your normal size.

Shop Shorts

Adding a new active dress to the fam

Hey guys!

Please welcome to the fam, a third active dress! This time, she’s less princessy and more sporty, but still romantic and 100% twirlable! She’s the Matchpoint Zipper Dress and she comes in XXS-3X in 4 colors on POPFLEX. I’m wearing XS and I am 5’5”. It’s totally TTS.

 

 

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Shop Matchpoint Zipper Dress

The zip adds a nice contrast to the dress while making it a bit easier to take this off to go to the restroom! I love the simplicity of a romper (aka an all-in-one outfit) so to me it’s worth the nakey in the bathroom situation. Personally, it doesn’t bother me, but if it bothers you, well – I think skorts and tops are your best bet for now until I figure out hygienic pee-thru fabric.

If you already own the Twirl Dress, you’ll notice that this design has less of a circle skirt and more of a A-ish flared skirt. I love how the fabric just skims over my hips along with the contoured seams which really hip bring out my hourglass silhouette.

You can wear this for anything honestly because it’s just so easy and comfy. To me, it’s a perfect dress for theme parks, workouts, errand-running, and lots of eating bc the fabric snatches and stretches in the best way

Any fit questions? Ask me in the comments!

 

How to Help Maui 💔

Maui .

Lahaina is gone. Thousands of buildings…gone. Hundreds of families left with nothing and no place to go, and many still searching for loved ones. My heart is broken.

 

@dailytelegraph Hawaii residents have told how they were forced to flee into the ocean as flames “began to burn their skin” with the death toll from wildfires set to rise. Read the full story and see more photos by clicking the link in our bio. #Maui #Hawaii #fire #devestation #global #worldnews #news #emergency #evacuation #wildfire ♬ Beethoven Moonlight Sonata-High Sound Quality – Amemiya

 

Sam and I have been to Maui a few times, with the most recent being December 2022. We’ve been to the very places that no longer exist, and have likely met some of the people who lost everything. The people of Lahaina are so proud of their town – you could literally SEE the generations of love and hard work that went into the restaurants, shops, and other businesses.

Thinking about those people, and what they’re facing…ugh I just cannot imagine.

How can we help Maui?

So, how can we help?! I gathered some info in case you’re wondering the same thing!

First, I asked for links and recommendations for where to donate because I keep seeing disturbing videos about how locals are not able to get access to food, supplies, or even to one another due to governmental red tape.

I came across this spreadsheet with names and info for over 500 families in Lahaina who were displaced by the fire. There is a link to GoFundMe, cash app, or Venmo for each family to help them directly.

**Disclaimer: Donating to GoFundMe may not be “legitimate” but it’s an option if you’re looking for a way to donate directly to those affected. It’s not like we know who exactly our money goes to when we donate to bigger organizations.

 

 

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Local businesses in Lahaina

Here are donation links for a few families on the spreadsheet with local businesses looking for help to get back on their feet and help their employees.

Doan’s Family (Lahaina Jewelry) – “If you ever shopped around Front St. and walked into Lahaina Jewelry, you would’ve seen my mom’s radiant smile. Mom had her business for over 30 years and her favorite part of the job was meeting all the wonderful customers. My family are currently safe but they lost everything.”

Lahaina Grill Employees – “So many of you have reached out in search of the best way to help. Our staff is our first priority therefore, all donations made will be distributed DIRECTLY to our staff who are houseless and need basic life necessities and relocation. 40+ employees at Lahaina Grill have lost everything.”

Gazebo Family – “At least four Gazebo employees and their families have had their homes destroyed and were displaced by the Maui fires, specifically The Lahaina fire. The Gazebo is a special place to many people. A magical place. As new details emerge it is becoming clearer that several employees and families have lost homes and belongings. This fund is for anyone who works at The Gazebo and was displaced.”

Joey’s Kitchen & Macadangdang Restaurants Ohanas – “Funds from this GoFundMe campaign will go directly to our Joey’s Kitchen Whalers, Joey’s Kitchen Napili, and Macadangdang staff and their families – who have been impacted by the wildfires Lahaina, Maui.” Also accepting Venmo.

Sunriders Bike Shop – “We have 16 employees that we would like to take care of and keep as many on payroll as possible merging them into 2 stores. We will also use donations to help cover employees’ personal items, cars, bikes and other belongings lost in the fire. As well as relocation assistance. Financially with all the refunds and struggles ahead, we could end upside down, but our passion and drive will remain strong and we will push forward.”

Haleakava Employee ‘OHana – “While we are crushed at the loss of the place we worked so hard to build, we are even more devastated for the members of our teams who lost EVERYTHING. To be able to provide a bit of comfort through donations would be tremendous.”

'Help Maui Rise' Spreadsheet

808 Grindz Cafe

Finally, a special request to donate to the cutest cafe that Sam and I eat at every time we’re in Maui. We were just there in December, and I enjoyed these amazing ube pancakes. The employees are always so friendly and full of aloha and now… they’re gone.

 

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A post shared by 808 Grindz Cafe Maui (@808grindzmaui)

 

Please consider donating if you’re able! This is a great way to directly help a small business affected by this disaster. Give what you can, even if it’s just the $5 you would have spent at Starbucks this week.

Help 808 Grindz Cafe

Our last visit to Maui in December

Larger organizations

If you’d rather avoid Venmo or GoFundMe, here are a few larger organizations providing relief directly to Maui.

Maui Strong Fund

The Hawaii Community Foundation is using donations to award grants to nonprofit organizations seeking funding to serve on the frontlines of the wildfire. So far, grantees include Aloha Diaper Bank, Maui Humane Society, Blue Water Rafting (to deliver supplies), and Regenerative Education Centers (serving as a relief site alongside FEMA).

Maui Food Bank

Make a monetary donation or hold a virtual food drive.

American Red Cross

According to the Hawaii Community Foundation, the Red Cross’ primary focus is providing shelter to those displaced by the fire. To donate, click here and select “Hawaii Wildfires” in the “I want to support” drop-down.

Or, you can text the word HAWAII to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Travel to Maui

The best way to help Maui is to give the island space while they process and rebuild. At the time of writing this, Hawaii strongly discourages any non-essential travel for the time being, especially to West Maui.

Thank you to everyone who sent me links and information! If you’re someone affected by the wildfire, I’m thinking of you and sending love! And if you know of any other opportunities to donate, please share in the comments!

 

7 Ways to Honor and Appreciate Your Body as a Mom

*This piece contains information about my personal experience with a negative body image and can be triggering. No advice in this piece should replace recommendations from a medical professional.

My distorted body image began at a young age. I’ll never forget whipping out a workout DVD in 5th grade, thinking to myself this is my golden ticket to being beautiful: losing weight. When I see photos of myself at that age, I’m shocked by how thin I was compared to what I remember seeing in the mirror. I wasn’t skin and bones by any means, but certainly a healthy 10-year-old with slowly widening hips, growing shoulders, and full cheeks. Nothing to be concerned about, much less to focus on “losing.” The next year I began a pre-professional ballet track at a local Russian academy. Needless to say, this didn’t exactly improve how I viewed my developing curves and the strong legs I was born with.  

Fast forward to middle school, high school, college, and early 20’s where my barometer for weighing my self-worth was heavily influenced by my weight…until I became pregnant with our son.

For the first time in my life I was at peace with my body, no matter what it looked like. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t still have days during those 9 months where I didn’t feel my sexiest, but my gratitude for being able to carry life outweighed any negative thoughts that popped up. I was growing our first child and let go of restricting my intake, overexercising, and trying to squeeze into pants that I’d outgrown years prior. 

Between pregnancy and the raw, sleep-deprived postpartum months, I relied on a handful of strategies to keep my mind right when it wandered toward harmful (and all too familiar) dialogue about my body.

How I honor and appreciate my body as a mom

These 7 tips helped me through my first pregnancy and journey as a new mom, and continue to carry me through as I prepare for my second baby.

Fact check: your body is incredible

You’re looking in the mirror after a shower. Slipping into a swimsuit for a beach day. Or shimmying into pants that you swear fit last week!. Whether you’re expecting, are a new mom, or have little ones a few years old, remembering the work your body does on a daily basis is powerful. When unwanted thoughts creep up, flip through the Rolodex of reasons your body is amazing.

You grew and carried a baby, often for close to 9 whole months. Or maybe you adopted the missing piece to your family’s puzzle and still spend endless hours carrying, hugging, and wrestling your child. You fed your baby for hours on end, at all times of day and night. Or maybe you spend endless hours on your feet preparing mac and cheese, pancakes, and their favorite tasty snacks.

 

Every journey looks different, but there’s one constant amongst moms and that’s this: you and your body are a force to be reckoned with. When you feel like you can’t physically give anymore, remember you’re stronger than you think. That strength is invaluable, and no number on a scale or sewn into a piece of clothing dictates your worth.  

Don’t try taking control in the chaos

A crying baby, major changes to your body — or maybe changes aren’t happening “quickly enough” after delivery — a messy house, a sink filled with dishes at all times. It’s easy to feel like things are out of control when you’re a mother of little ones. I rode my fair share of postpartum emotional rollercoasters, and some days I still find myself desperately searching for the EXIT sign so I can get off the ride. In these moments, it’s easy to grasp for control over just about anything. 

When life feels overwhelming, avoid turning to your body for a form of control. Instead of limiting your input or overdoing your exercise output to control the size and shape of your body, how about pausing? Yes, just stopping. 

Give yourself a moment to think. What is it that has you on edge? Write it down. If it’s the dust bunnies constantly rolling by your feet or managing your kids’ busy drop-offs, pickups, and everything attached to their jam-packed schedules, identify the stressors.

Is there a way you can outsource getting the house cleaned once a month?

Can you and Jake’s mom alternate taking the kids to practice so you each get a few hours back once a week?

Would your mom or friend come over to watch your newborn so you can shower, turn on good tunes, and light your favorite candle?

Even if there aren’t any immediate supports that come to mind, take the much-deserved break. Acknowledging what’s causing your head to spin can be the first step to finding relief, even if it’s temporary. It’s a good gut check that your body is not the enemy and instead might be screaming at you to take a momentary time out. Remember: you deserve the pause no matter what.   

Go shopping!

Clothes are made to fit you…not the other way around. Treat yourself to new pieces that make you feel (and look) good. There’s nothing wrong with keeping an old fave top in your closet because you know your body is still changing and it may fit in a few months. But, if it’s multiple sizes too small and is a “goal” piece – aka something you want to *transform* your body to fit into – now’s a good time to invest in clothes that highlight your body’s beauty as opposed to hanging onto pieces that require changing your body to wear.

Months after my first son was born, I went through clothes I’d held onto for way too long. Finally parting ways with old denim that surely wouldn’t fit my now wider hips felt liberating, and exciting, and gave me peace of mind.

Don’t get me wrong. I would’ve loved to wear my favorite distressed jeans just a few more times, but accepting that my body’s shape had changed actually made me feel more confident. I no longer opened my pant drawer and saw a cute style I longed to wear but couldn’t because “I was too big.” My body had delivered our greatest miracle, and I was genuinely happy with my new figure. Yes, it was broader from my ribs to my hips. It was also stronger than ever before and absolutely amazing. Now my dresser is filled with clothes that fit me and make me feel cute, not cute clothes that make me feel bad about myself. 

Pro tip: Old Navy has killer denim at the right price. One of my girlfriends recommended their jeans to me postpartum, and I loved the fit variety. It made it incredibly easy to find flattering (and chic) styles.  

 

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“I love you because…”

When your little ones are old enough, share what you love about one another. There’s nothing better than feeling adored by someone you love, and I can only imagine what my son’s words will do to me when he’s able to express them. Until then, I rely heavily on hugs, snuggles, and loads of kisses when I’m having a rough day…and when I’m not. 

If your child is a newborn, infant, or toddler, telling them what you love about them out loud can still be a wonderful exercise. Looking at them and expressing your love is a reminder not only of the miracle that they are, but it takes the focus away from far-fetched physical standards that impact moms. Talk about your little one’s sweet smile. Their contagious laugh. The way they wrap their fingers around yours. Focus on the good. There’s a lot of it.   

If your child is older, you can create a fun “Self-Love Jar” where the whole family writes what they love about themselves and one another each week. Read them aloud at the dinner table to share your gushy feelings about how awesome each of you is! This idea can also manifest in a cheer that you and your little ones recite, emphasizing support, love, and encouragement Take Lindsay Gurk’s viral chant lead if you need inspiration.

Strength in numbers

Finding your mom community is key when navigating life as a parent. Call, FaceTime, or text a girlfriend if you’re struggling in any capacity. Lean on them for advice, a pick me up, or a good laugh. Chances are whatever you’re up against, they are in some capacity, too. Connecting with a loved one or group that makes you feel understood can alleviate feeling isolated, and in turn shift the focus from feeling down on yourself and your body toward feeling supported and empowered.   

I’ve found solace in listening to podcasts, Audible books, and even Instagram stories of moms navigating their body’s changes. Everything from listening to women openly talk about the discomfort of growing larger to postpartum exercises that pique my interest is a near-constant reminder that I’m never on this journey alone. Resources abound, and you just have to find what ways of connecting or consuming content work best for you.

Pro tip: Two of my fave mom community IG accounts are Karrie Locher and Big Little Feelings. Their content is incredibly helpful, makes me laugh, and definitely drives home the universality of the motherhood grind.

…And strength training

If you’re a product of the early 2000’s crash diet and cardio culture like myself, strength training programs for women is a fairly new concept that’s only been adopted widely in the last few years. And I have to say, I’ve never felt sexier than when I feel strong (not *skinny*).

No, I haven’t taken to heavy-hitting gym machines or racking up major squat bar reps, yet. But, I have increased the weight I use when I work out, and I tote around my 30-pound toddler all day which has done two major things for my body and my mind.

First, it’s given my body a beautiful shape and tone, one I’ve never had since I used to actively avoid weights for fear that they would make me “bulky.” Excessive cardio never did what I thought it would do, which is exactly what strength training has given me quickly: definition.

Second, it strengthened my mind. Every time I’ve felt like I couldn’t lift my son one more time, take him on one more walk in the carrier, or lift the unpacked junk box that has been sitting in my bedroom for months, I could…and I did. Overcoming each step quite literally strengthened my body and made it easier to keep going when I thought I had reached my limit. 

This isn’t to promote overdoing or consistently pushing yourself. Remember taking that pause we talked about? But, as all moms know, this job certainly isn’t a 9-5. So, knowing in your heart that you can push through when needed is a reason to celebrate your strength, inside and out.

 

 

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Did someone say self-care?

It sounds simple, but here’s your reminder that when your inner dialogue about your body is going in the wrong direction, take time to give yourself extra TLC. 

Book a massage where the only thing you can hear for 60 minutes is the soothing sound of spa music. Pro tip: If you’re on a budget, look for deals in your area at massage schools where graduating students’ rates are deeply discounted!

Schedule a mani-pedi with your bestie and catch up on the latest episode of The Kardashians, what it was like trying to serve your little one food on the blue plate (not the green one!?!?!), or go solo and listen to your fave podcast. Or, buy that new nail polish you’ve been eyeing and do a DIY mani-pedi at home.

Whether you opt for a facial or face mask, carve out time for self-care. Your body and mind deserve it!

We’re human, and not every day is the same. I hope even one of these strategies helps you along your journey in motherhood, even if simply reading this piece serves as a reminder that you’re worthy, strong, and beautiful exactly as you are!

In honor of 1989 (Taylor’s Version)

Hey guys!

In honor of 1989 (Taylor’s Version) please swipe to the end for that one time I was invited to a random place where I wasn’t allowed to take my phone and ended up at Taylor’s house for the 1989 Secret Sessions .

 

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A reminder to all that if we don’t take care of the people who lift us up, we cannot continue to thrive. And also…being intimate and vulnerable may be scary, but it fosters the deepest relationships when done with the people who genuinely care about you, and respect and accept you for who you truly are.

 

The Blogilates Build-A-Bowl Challenge!

Hey guys!

I’m SO excited for this month’s challenge! Sorry it’s a little delayed, but it’ll be worth it. Promise!

So far this year, we’ve touched on all of the components of wellness in our challenges, paying extra attention to fitness and mental health.

August is all about FOOD! Get excited for…

The Build-A-Bowl Challenge!

You could call this a meal prep challenge, but it’s really more about finding new yummy meals to love with less stress. We’re ALL here for that, right?!

My love for bowl meals runs deep. You can put in as much effort as you want and the options for creativity are endless! Any time I’m not sure what to eat or don’t feel like cooking, I raid my kitchen and create some type of bowl.

Oh, and there are literally no rules when it comes to a bowl meal, which means it’s also SO EASY to pack them with tons of nutrition.

If you’re new to bowls though, it’s kinda hard to know where to start. And honestly, even if you’re as obsessed with them as I am, it’s really easy to get stuck making the same one over and over. Not saying this is a bad thing, but is there anything better than discovering new recipe inspo?

Download PDF

Here’s how this challenge works!

The Build-A-Bowl Challenge will help you learn how to build a nutrient-packed, balanced bowl meal and/or expand your bowl-making horizons. The rules are simple:

Choose your ingredientsFollow the formulaSpice it up how you likeEnjoy!

 

Four weeks. Four yummy, nutrient-packed bowls!

We’re making FOUR different kinds of bowls in this challenge – one for every week!

WEEK 1: Smoothie Bowl

WEEK 2: Nourish Bowl

WEEK 3: Warm Breakfast Bowl

WEEK 4: Greens Bowl

The formula for each bowl will guide you to build a balanced, nutrient-packed bowl. There are no macros and there are no rules about portions or ingredients you can add!! We’re keeping this high level, so you can discover new recipes to add to your meal rotation, build some meal prep skills, and have FUN!

Some examples!

Here are two example bowls to get you started!

Smoothie Bowl 

Banana + strawberries (2 fruit)Peanut butter + slivered almonds (2 fat)Protein powder (1 protein)Spinach (1 veggie)Almond milk (1 liquid)

 

Greens Bowl

Mixed greens (greens base)Sweet potato + bell pepper (2 veggies)Black beans + grilled chicken + hemp seeds (3 protein)Avocado (1 fat)

 

Print the calendar and plan ahead

My advice? Plan your bowls ahead to make meal prep as quick and easy as possible! Choose to make the same bowl all week, or opt to switch it up every day! You can write out your plans on the blank calendar to stay organized.

Download the Challenge

Speaking of meal prep…

Prep your bowls as you go OR prep some of the ingredients ahead of time – I like this option because I always love myself later! Here are some easy things you can prep ahead of time:

Wash and cut veggiesCook grains like rice, quinoa, noodles, etc.Cook proteins like shredded chicken, hardboiled eggs, etc.Make “smoothie packs” for your smoothie bowls, so all you have to do is pour into a blender with your favorite milk and blend!

 

At the end of the month, you’ll have a new set of go-to recipes to add to your rotation. You might even gain some new meal prep skills.

Okay now let me know if you’re IN!!

Tell me in the comments!!

Oh and post your Build-A-Bowl creations on IG and tag me @blogilates and @blogilatesdotcom!!! I wanna see allllll the food pics so I can get some inspo too!

 

What I Wore to Eras 💜🌈✨🦋🖤

Hey guys!

Thank you for helping me choose what to wear! In the final moments, it was between 1 and 2, and I just had to do the purple for Speak Now – probably my favorite album right next to Red.

 

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Now before we even get to the concert…I have to say that one of my favorite memories of the night happened on the freeway. In the thick of the traffic, everyone annoyed, cars barely moving, we saw one car that had the words “Swifties on board” painted on their back window. When we spotted each other, we rolled down our windows to wave at each other! Complete strangers making a connection on the 405. I suddenly had this surge of something rush through my body and it felt like we were all headed to be a part of a special moment in history.

The show was full of energy, full of sparkle, and full of love for a woman who has touched us with the same lyrics in different ways. I kept thinking to myself…who are we all thinking of right now as we sing these songs? Who made us feel this way? Who made us need these songs so bad? Ha. Dramatic. But how else do you cope with relationships in your 20s? Thanks Taylor Swift for helping us heal our broken hearts as you were healing yours.

I had the bestttt time with Jackelyn belting out the lyrics to our favorite songs. Also it was so lovely to meet some of you guys yesterday! Thank you for saying hi!

PS: In the video we are wearing the Corset Bra and Supershort from POPFLEX and then I changed into the Shira set from 12th Tribe with Matisse boots. (Also I saw like 100 people wearing some form of these boots but I bet there were probably 8,000 more ha). The set was so cute but made me sweat a lot from the lack of fabric ventilation (it’s plastic). The boots overall were as comfortable as a boot can possibly be for walking over 15,000 steps that night!

Choosing My Eras Tour Outfit!!

Hey guys!

Thought my try-on for deciding what I should wear to Eras should live permanently on the blog. The options were just TOO GOOD.

When I posted this asking for your help, Jackelyn was on her way so we could head to Eras and celebrate the beginning of her bday extravaganza!

Eras outfit options

 

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For those of you who have followed my journey for a long time…you probably know that I’ve been a T Swift fan for a while.

It all started with Teardrops on my Guitar when I was in college…Speak Now was my soundtrack through the icy winters of Boston as I cried my way to work every morning…Red got me through heartbreak and healed me over the course of several months…1989 was when I got to meet Taylor in person at a Secret Session…Reputation came at a time when some of the closest people in my life turned against me.

This whole time I’ve been watching Taylor Swift evolve as an artist, a businesswoman, and a brand – her force is magnetic, POWERFUL, and empowering. No matter what people say, she keeps doing her thing HER WAY. Sure, attracting haters, but also creating many more lovers along the way and most importantly, always staying true to her changing self. “Inspirational” doesn’t quite encompass how I feel about her. It’s something deeper and I don’t have the word for it.

The poll results

Here are the outfits you voted for on my IG! Which one do you think I went with?!

Try-on details

Some of these are sold out, but here are the details on a few things!

I bought the silver boots in 2022 before there were a bunch of copies on Amazon. Mine weren’t cheap but the quality is good! They run true to size. The rainbow tassle dress is from ASOS but sold out . The black tassle romper is from Amazon and I love it! The lavender rhinestone crop top and mini skirt have NO STRETCH but I still love them. The halter dress was from ASOS and had a terrible fit. 0/10 recommend.

Anyway, let me know your fave outfit! And check out this post to see which outfit I chose .

This post may contain referral links for products, and all opinions are my own. We earn a small commission from these links, at no additional cost to you.

Meet Your New Go-To Adventure Skort!!

Hey guys!

I have never put so many pockets on a skort AND I DO NOT REGRET IT ONE BIT! If you haven’t jumped on the cargo skort trend yet…get ready to fall in love.

So many things to say about this new Hiking Superskort design that I started working on last fall:

It’s my first non-twirl POPFLEX skort design and I am LOVING the structure!The asymmetrical slit took forever to get right but we’re here now and it’s exactly what I wanted!Cargo is in and these pockets are BIG. Yes that is a Trader Joe’s banana chip bag in one pocket (see below). Yes, that is a peanut butter jar, spoon, and protein bar in my other pocket. These are PROVISIONS POCKETS!How many things can you for in the 4 pockets!?I’m obsessed with the outer technical stretch fabric.Longer back skirt for booty coverage.

 

 

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Shop Hiking Superskort

This cargo skort honestly came out soooooo good and I cannot wait for you to take this with you outdoors! Or even just wear walking your dog, work from home-ing, grocery shopping, lifting, running, dancing, whatever!

It comes in XXS-3X and I’m wearing S. And 3 colors! Dark Olive, Pecan, and Black.

Any q’s lemme know!

Snail Mucin: A Secret to Glowing Skin?

Today, we’re diving headfirst into the world of skincare and uncovering the unexpected secret that’s been making waves in the beauty industry – snail mucin! Yep… you read that right.

There’s no denying how weird this sounds (is there really not a better name?), but according to skincare professionals, 40,000 Amazon reviews, and , it’s a game-changer when it comes to achieving radiant skin.

So, let’s take a closer look at this viral ingredient and discover why it’s the latest buzzword in skincare routines everywhere.

@ashleysmixon Advanced Skincare for Beginners: Snail Mucin #advancedskincare #snailmucin #skintok @cosrx_official ♬ original sound – Ashley S Mixon

What is Snail Mucin?

Snail mucin is a naturally occurring substance found in the slime secreted by snails. Before you cringe, let me assure you that this magical goo isn’t anything to be grossed out about. In fact, it’s jam-packed with essential nutrients and compounds that work wonders for our skin.

Rich in Nutrients

Snail mucin is a treasure trove of skin-loving nutrients! According to Dr. Stella Bulengo, MD, FAAD, FASDP, these include hyaluronic acid, glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and peptides that have antimicrobial properties and copper, as well as trace elements like copper, zinc, and iron.

“The presence of hyaluronic acid ensures robust moisturizing effects, and the peptides and glycoproteins aid in the repair and rejuvenation of skin, possibly decreasing the visibility of scars, blemishes, and wrinkles. Moreover, it’s celebrated for its healing and soothing capabilities, making it helpful for skin conditions that involve inflammation, such as acne and rosacea,” Bulengo says.

With all these powerhouse elements, it’s no surprise that it has become a star ingredient in numerous skincare products.

 

Hydration Hero

The presence of hyaluronic acid in snail mucin provides unparalleled hydration, making it an excellent choice for a variety of skin types, especially those with dry or dehydrated skin. Dr. Cameron Rokhsar, MD, FAAD, FAACS explains that these hydrating properties “help to retain moisture in the skin and improve skin barrier function.”

Say goodbye to dull, lackluster skin, and hello to a dewy, plump complexion!

 

Combats Aging

Who doesn’t want to age gracefully? Snail mucin’s ability to stimulate collagen production is a real game-changer in the anti-aging department.

According to Dr. Michele Green, Cosmetic Dermatologist & Research Advisor of Gya Labs, increased collagen “can enhance skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”

Sounds a little like a mini-facelift in a bottle to me!

 

Soothes and Heals

With its anti-inflammatory properties, this wonder ingredient helps calm redness and soothe skin woes.

It has also been shown to stimulate angiogenesis, the formation of new blood cells. This process is crucial to wound healing and contributes to the healing process of acne scars and blemishes. This leaves you with a smoother, more even complexion.

 

@dermguru Exactly how to apply snail mucin according to a dermatologist #snailmucin #snailmucinessence #snailmucinskincare #howtousesnailmucin #dermtok #dermguru #skintok ♬ original sound – Dermguru

How to Incorporate Snail Mucin into Your Routine

Now that you’re convinced about the magic of snail mucin, it’s time to incorporate it into your skincare routine. The best way to experience its benefits is through serums, moisturizers, or masks containing snail mucin. Look for products with a high concentration of this wonder ingredient for optimal results.

Step 1: Cleanse

Dr. Green recommends starting your routine by cleansing your face thoroughly. Use a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type to remove dirt and impurities, allowing your skincare products to work their magic effectively.

Next, she recommends using a toner to balance out the skin’s pH level.

Step 2: Apply Snail Mucin Serum

After cleansing, apply a few drops of snail mucin serum to your face. Gently pat the serum into your skin, allowing it to absorb completely.

Step 3: Moisturize

Follow up with your go-to moisturizer to lock in all that hydration and goodness. Massage the moisturizer into your skin, and you’re all set!

Step 4: Protect

As always, never forget to apply sunscreen before heading out. Sunscreen not only protects your skin from harmful UV rays but also ensures that the benefits of your skincare routine aren’t compromised.

Are you going to try it?

I’ve been influenced! My bottle came in the mail today, after raving reviews from other members of the Blogifam and I’m excited to see how this works for my skin.

Some brands that dermatologists recommend include:

CosRx’s Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power EssenceMizon’s All-in-One Snail Repair CreamSnail Bee High Content Essence by BentonSnail Repair by Gya Labs

 

Before you start

Dr. Green notes that “everybody’s skin is unique, and some individuals may have sensitivities or allergies to specific ingredients. Patch testing any new product, including snail mucin-based ones, is advisable before incorporating them into your routine.”

She adds, “If you have specific concerns regarding your skin or are unsure about incorporating snail mucin, I recommend consulting with a dermatologist who can provide personalized guidance based on your unique needs.”

Remember, skincare is a journey, and snail mucin is just one of the many incredible ingredients you can explore on your path to beautiful, radiant skin.