Interview with Lauren Singer, Founder of The Simply Co.

Last month, perusing my Facebook feed, I was stopped mid-scroll by this New York Magazine article headline: “All My Trash Fits in a Single Mason Jar.” While we live in a country in which the average person produces 4.4 pounds of trash per day, this was no click-bait voodoo, but a legitimate, and important exposé. Lauren Singer is a 23-year-old New Yorker who in the last two years has produced so little un-recyclable waste that it all fits into one mason jar. Inspired by a particular incidence during her time at NYU, Lauren vowed to herself to live a trash-free existence in 2012. Read on to learn how she gradually made this change, and how you, too, can make small, but significant changes to positively impact the environment.

Courtesy NY Magazine

Twyla Shelmire: What inspired you to practice a “light footprint” lifestyle?

Lauren Singer: Everything started around 2012 when I was an Environmental Studies major at NYU. I was in my senior culminating course for my major, which every environmental studies major has to take, and there was a girl in my class who everyday would bring in plastic bags and a plastic container of food and a plastic water bottle. I would watch her every class throw all of this into the garbage. I would get so frustrated, because here we were, we’re in the Environmental Studies unit, about to graduate knowing about sustainability, and she was making all of this trash! One day I was particularly upset after watching her do this, and I went home to make dinner, and I opened my fridge and saw that I had so much plastic in my fridge. Literally everything that was in there was in a package in one way or another, and I felt like such a hypocrite, thinking oh how bad are you, when I was just as bad. So I decided in that moment to stop using plastic. And it wasn’t just a one time decision, it is a gradual process, I had to learn how to find alternatives for things that were already packaged in plastic like deodorant and toothpaste, so I had to start to research those kinds of things. As I was researching, I came across a blog called the Zero Waste Home by a woman named Bea Johnson out in California, and she lives a totally waste-less life with her husband and two kids. So I thought if a family of four can do it, I can do it. So yeah, over two years and no trash!

TS: What was the hardest change you had to make?

LS: There wasn’t a hard change, but there definitely was a learning curve for me. For instance, I didn’t know how to make toothpaste, I didn’t know how to make deodorant, so I had to try out a lot of recipes. It’s a lot of trial and error. It’s definitely typical to get frustrated, but now that I have everything that I use, and I know all of the recipes that I like it’s super easy.

TS: How long would you say the transition period into a trash-free lifestyle was?

LS: I feel like I’m still in a transition period, I never believe that I am done – we can always be better.

TS: What are some necessities to live trash-free?

LS: I like to have organic cotton produce bags to go to the market, a mason jar, a stainless steel straw if you’re going to get something like iced coffee, I like to have a stainless steel container to bring lunch really easily, a washcloth instead of paper towels or napkins. There are so many different alternatives, and I list them all on my website. There isn’t like one thing, you acquire them over time.

TS: Can you list a few immediate changes that anyone could make today to cut down on the amount of trash in landfills?

LS: I have three things that I like to suggest, and these are for anyone, not just for someone who wants to live a zero waste lifestyle. The first is look into your garbage can and see what your garbage is because you can’t solve a problem until you know what the problem is. So the first is doing an audit on your trash. For me it was a lot of food packaging, plastic packaging, and organic food waste, like orange peels and stuff like that. So I learned how to reduce the amount of packaging, like buy in bulk, and I learned to compost. By doing those two little things, I eliminated all of that trash that I was producing. So that’s the first one, look in the trash, see what it is, and then learn how you can reduce it. The second one is changing things in your everyday life, small things – instead of getting a plastic bag at the supermarket, you can get a reusable one. Instead of buying a plastic water bottle, you can bring a glass one. Instead of getting a paper cup at the coffee shop, you can bring a mason jar or a reusable to-go cup. So just little things that make a big difference. The third one would actually be the DIY, so learning how to make your own toothpaste and moisturizer.

TS: Do you make all of your own beauty products?

LS: I do.

TS: What are some of your favorite DIY beauty recipes?

LS: My favorite DIY recipe is for toothpaste, it only takes me 30 seconds to combine and it’s three ingredients. For deodorant, I use coconut oil, arrow root powder, baking soda, lavender oil, and tea tree oil.

TS: Does practicing a light footprint effect the kind of clothing you can buy?

LS: Yes, I shop exclusively secondhand.

TS: How can you minimize the amount of trash produced by pets?

LS: If you have a backyard, there is absolutely no need to pick up your dog’s poop with a plastic bag, you can compost it or bury it. And as far as food goes, there are a lot of places that you can buy in bulk or in larger containers as opposed to buying little bags in dog food. You’ll also save money by buying larger bulk size containers of dog food.

TS: At this day in age, everyone is always wanting the latest and greatest in electronics – which all end up in a landfill once they are replaced. What’s your advice on electronics and the recycling programs in place?

LS: More than recycling, I’d say just try to take good care of your electronics. I think people treat their electronics not that well because you can always get a new one. But by not throwing it everywhere and taking precautions you won’t have to get a new one. And before you recycle it, try to do something like sell it on eBay or Craigslist to try to get some reuse out of it. Because recycling it takes a lot of energy and resources.

Courtesy The Simply Co.

TS: Tell me a bit about the detergent you’re making and The Simply Co.!

LS: My detergent is a recipe that I’ve been using since I began this lifestyle. It has three ingredients, baking soda, washing soda, and castile soap, it’s really effective and you hardly need any at all to get your clothes clean. And I like it because imagining chemical manufacturers and cleaning product manufacturers don’t have to tell you what’s in the product they’re selling you, so a company could easily say it’s a green cleaning product when they are really filled with dangerous things, and I don’t think that’s fair to the environment or to the consumer. And so I wanted to start a company that gives the consumer the ability, and what I believe is right, to have a choice to choose what they are putting on their body, in their home, and eventually into the environment.

TS: Do you see yourself adding other product offerings to The Simply Co.?

LS: I hope to have a whole line of cleaning products. So that’s definitely a goal of mine – the options are limitless, we’ll see what happens!

TS: Lastly, would you encourage people to practice a no-trash lifestyle if they aren’t morally invested?

LS: I don’t encourage people to do it if they aren’t morally invested. It takes time and effort to change any habit, even if it has nothing to do with the environment. I would never suggest to anyone to live the way I live unless they’re invested in it. But if they are invested in it, it’s a really simple process when you do it – it’s baby steps, little by little. Transition one thing out at a time, do one thing per day, or one thing per week. It’s saved me a lot of time and money, buying in bulk, buying unpackaged foods, buying clothing second hand is a lot cheaper than new things or packaged things. Generally I’m happier, I feel like the byproduct of living this lifestyle is worth the transition period.

Review: WeYogis

This month, we’ve taken you on a tour of our favorite places in Dallas that will help you jumpstart your best year yet. From surfboard cardio to fresh-pressed juice, DFW Beauty Guide hopes to have reinvigorated your approach to health and happiness in 2015. Our last stop this month is WeYogis, one of the best yoga studios Dallas has to offer.

Courtesy WeYogis

WeYogis is a great place to start for yoga novices. With a contemporary approach and non-intimidating environment, WeYogis feels modern and inclusive upon first arriving. WeYogis has two studios, a bevy of skilled instructors, and a whole list of classes to choose from. It’s safe to say that any and everyone who’d like to like to participate at WeYogis can find a class to fit their age range, yoga experience level, and busy schedule. Yoga for kids? Check. Prenatal yoga? You bet. And speaking of moms and kids, one of the greatest aspects of this studio, and what largely sets it apart from others in our area, is that it offers childcare while parents are in class.

Courtesy WeYogis

If you’re a yoga skeptic, I’ll tell you that I used to be one of them, but the class I took at WeYogis was a different experience – no chanting, no aggressive, synchronized breathing that always tempts me to laugh. The Yogis Power Hour was fast paced and engaged every muscle in my body. Even though I wasn’t running or lifting weights, when the class was over, I felt that I was sweaty and sore enough to have come from an intense gym session, which I liked. Another thing I liked about this studio was the infared heat. This specialized heating system does not make it “hot yoga” per se, but keeps the studios comfortably warm so you can stretch further, faster.

So by all means, if you’re looking to mix up your workout routine, take yoga at WeYogis. Practicing yoga is said to enhance your overall wellness, increase longevity, and (best of all) help manage stress. Added benefits include flexibility, Zen, and yoga pants. Check out the convenient location, class schedule, and class descriptions at www.weyogis.com.

Written for DFW Beauty Guide

New in Dallas: City Surf Fitness

Courtesy City Surf

Bored of cycling but enjoy the group fitness environment? Check out City Surf Fitness in uptown Dallas for an intense, hour-long workout that is the first of its kind. City Surf is an innovative, surf-inspired fitness boutique, founded in the spirit of the surfer dude. City Surf offers a handful of classes, from Beach Body Bootcamp to Big Kahuna, all of which recreate the kind of workout you’d get while actually surfing.

Courtesy City Surf

While you won’t be in the water during class, you will be atop a surfboard 80 – 85% of the time. The City Surf studio in Dallas is home to 10 surfboards, each secured to two exercise balls with cords. When you’re on the board, it naturally shifts around on the exercise balls underneath to mimic the movement of the board while riding waves. As if the surfboard didn’t transport you to the beach fast enough, a video loop of crashing waves is projected on the walls of the space during class for a completely immersive experience.

Courtesy City Surf

At City Surf, most people have little to no surfing experience. Not surprisingly, you can expect to be doing surf-inspired actions during class, such as paddling, pop-ups, and carving. Each of the six classes are different programs but work on the same principles. Regardless of the class you choose, it will include cardio elements and strength training. With regular City Surf training, people see increased flexibility, endurance, and agility. Overall, class at City Surf is fun, relaxed, and enjoyable, but physically challenging.

Courtesy City Surf

Currently, there only 10 boards available per class at City Surf. It is suggested that beginners should start out with a class either taught by Mitchell or Katherine, but that being said, all classes are beginner friendly. Be sure to reserve your board in advance online to get the class and time that you want. You can either purchase one class for $15 or a pack of 10 classes for $130. So what are you waiting for? Get your board and paddle out to the only place in Dallas where the surf’s up!

Courtesy City Surf

Written for DFW Beauty Guide

The GEM Juice Bar

So you’ve made those New Year resolutions, but are you sticking to them? If you’ve vowed to do something along the lines of “get healthy,” or “lose weight,” this year, keep in mind that ingesting good food is part of that commitment. While many think that going to the gym a few days a week is enough to reach your health and fitness goals for the year, in most cases, that’s not going to make much of a difference if that’s all your doing. Instead of spinning your wheels at the gym and getting nowhere, look critically at what you are putting in your body – it is an easier (and faster) way feel better internally, and in turn, look better externally.

If the state of your health has you feeling overwhelmed, one of the best ways to get back on nutritional track is through drinking organic, cold-pressed juice. As it turns out, juice is the best way to get your recommended daily amount of fruits and vegetables. When ingesting fruits and veggies in the form of juice, your body doesn’t have to work as hard to break down the bulky material component. Thus, you can quickly absorb the juice’s natural vitamins, phytonutrients, and enzymes. As for other amazing benefits of drinking fresh-pressed juice regularly? Expect weight loss, reduced unhealthy food cravings, a clear complexion, and increased energy.

Intrigued? Head over to our juice bar of choice – The GEM – located in Preston Center at 6030 Luther Lane. Not only do we love their glam tagline, “diamonds on the inside,” but everything on their menu, from the juice to the salad, is downright delicious. The GEM was opened in (YEAR) by health-conscious Dallasites, and juice alchemists, Mary Kathryn Bass and Leslie Needleman. Bass and Needleman are committed to crafting recipes that are not only highly nutritional, but approachable and tasty, too. At The GEM, juicing is more than a passing trend, but the key to leading a healthy, happy life. Head over to The GEM today, open from 7:30 am to 2:30pm Monday through Saturday, for a fresh juice, a filling smoothie, or to sign up for a toxin-eradicating juice cleanse. We don’t know about you, but The GEM keeps us feeling bright and shiny even when it’s cold and dreary out.

From the Menu: DFW Beauty Guide’s Top 5 Picks

Green Glow Juice, kale, cucumber, lemon, apple ginger (6.5/8)

Golden Glow Juice, fresh tumeric, lemon, orange, agave, fresh ginger, cardamom, Himalayan sea salt, filtered water (5)

Peridot Lemonade, cucumber, lemon, agave, filtered water (5)

Tahitian Pearl Smoothie, banana, almond butter, cashew milk, coconut manna, dates, maca, bee pollen, cacao (8)

Sparkle Berry Smoothie, seasonal berries, banana, mango, pomegranate, hemp milk (7)

Written for DFW Beauty Guide

Interview with Danielle Marie, Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader

This Sunday, the Cowboys play the Packers in hopes of getting one step closer to Superbowl glory. However, even when the tension runs high at my house as the ‘boys fight it out, I can’t help but notice the expert hair flips happening on the sidelines. My friend Danielle Marie is a third year on the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders team, which is undoubtedly the cutest, most talented squad in the NFL. In our interview she shares a useful DIY beauty recipe, secrets for getting Texas-sized hair, and tips for getting fit in the New Year.

TS: On a daily basis, what is your beauty routine to keep your hair, skin, and nails in tip-top condition?

DM: My daily routine is pretty simple. If I don’t have to put on a full face of make up or put heat on my hair with curling irons and whatnot, I won’t. You need to let your skin breathe and give your hair a break sometimes. However to care for my dry, damaged ends that were caused by excessive heat, I use Kérastase Cristalliste Cristal Dual Sculpt serum. Just use 1 pump and apply it to the ends of your hair to add shine – it smells amazing, too!

TS: Do you do have any DIY beauty recipes you’d like to share?

DM: I love anything DIY! My favorite DIY beauty recipe of all time is my homemade makeup brush cleaner. This is so easy to make and so important to do in order to keep your brushes clean and your face fresh. The recipe uses distilled water, lemon witch hazel, grapefruit essential oil, and 1 tbs of your favorite hair conditioner. The witch hazel cleans and disinfects your brushes and your face, the conditioner softens the brushes, and the essential oil makes it smell awesome! I loved this brush cleaner so much, I made a bunch of it and put it in little spray bottles to give to some of my teammates to try.

TS: What is your number one beauty splurge?

DM: My number one beauty splurge is definitely getting as much sleep as I can. Between working a full-time job, maintaining a hectic schedule with DCC, and being a good mommy to my little French bulldog named Lulu, rest and relaxation is a MUST! During the work week if I have no rehearsal I will probably be in bed by 9pm.

TS: On game day what is your beauty routine? Do you do your own hair and makeup?

DM: On game days we all do our own hair and makeup. Everyone has their own routine when it comes to getting “game day ready.” We’ve all got our hot tools on, blowdryers blowing, hair spray flowing, and makeup everywhere. Since our game day is usually a 9-10 hour day, my beauty routine along with the rest of my teammates consists of A LOT of reapplying makeup and re-curling hair.

TS: What is the secret to getting that DCC-approved volume in your hair? Are there any beauty tips you picked up from DCC vets?

DM: I use rollers when trying to get big Texas-sized volume. I curl my hair normally and then quickly roll it up and pin it in my Velcro rollers while it’s hot. When I’m done, I’ll spray some hairspray and let it sit in the rollers for a while. Once I take the rollers out my hair is bouncy and voluminous. If you want to go for extra volume, tease your hair at the root when you take it out of the rollers. Va-voom!

TS: In season, do you do anything fitness-wise other than practicing the dance routines for the game? When the season ends, how do you stay in shape?

DM: Although free time is limited during the season, I try to make time to workout when I can. I am a runner and I enjoy running outside and getting some fresh air. I also LOVE boxing. I have been taking boxing classes for a few years now and it is such a great work out. I guess you can say I love cardio! On occasion I enjoy a hot bikram yoga class too. When offseason comes around, I have more time to switch my routine up and fit all of these activities into my schedule.

TS: Lastly, do you have any advice for people who are trying to get back into a healthy routine after becoming lazy during the holidays?

DM: We all splurge a little bit during the holidays, it’s understandable! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying to get back in shape, but don’t let it get the best of you. What works for me is setting small goals for myself each week. One week, I will focus on my diet and eating as clean as I can. The next week, I will focus on exercise and make it a priority to work out a few times a week. Remember a little goes a long way – start with small, achievable goals and stay with it!

Photo courtesy DCC

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Interview with Ashleigh Foster on Plant-Based Diets and Eco-Friendly Beauty Products

Ashleigh Foster is a filmmaker, a new mom, and a proponent of plant-based diets and eco-friendly beauty products. Ashleigh, a Hockaday alum, writes a lovely, inspiring blog called “I Spy the Beautiful,” that covers everything from the story of her daughter’s home birth, to her favorite vegan recipes. Keep reading to pick up a green smoothie recipe, directions for a DIY sea salt hair spray, and useful tips on transitioning into a vegan diet.

Twyla Shelmire: What is the difference between a vegan diet, a raw diet, and a plant-based diet?

Ashleigh Foster: A plant-based diet is the broadest term and it just means that you try and base most of your meals around plant foods: vegetables, grains, legumes, etc. This has become a very popular term with all of the recent research suggesting that a diet largely comprised of plants is the healthiest long-term approach.

A vegan diet has more of an ethical basis. It excludes all products that are derived from animals, so any meat, poultry or fish but also and dairy products, eggs, even honey isn’t considered vegan.

A raw diet means you’re not cooking anything and are eating a lot of raw vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Some people choose to include animal products in a raw diet—raw fish and raw (unpasteurized) dairy, which is why you will hear people describe themselves as “raw vegan” to specify that they are both raw and vegan.

TS: Have you always been vegan? Was there someone or something that inspired you to make the transition, or did it just make you feel better?

AF: I wasn’t raised vegan at all and it has been a very slow transition for me. About seven years ago I was struggling with on going depression and just general lethargy. I didn’t wake up with energy in the morning and I just sort of went through life feeling tired. I began to really look at the connection between what I was eating and my energy. As I transitioned towards a healthier diet, I felt better and better. I lost weight. My skin cleared up. My energy increased.

You’ll get a lot of people telling you that making these kinds of big changes to your diet is extreme. They say that like it’s a bad thing. But I love extremity. I’m not about balance at all. I don’t believe in it. The thing that I see is that the place we have gotten to culturally with our food choices is extreme. You know what’s extreme to me? Hot Cheetos. I was drinking a green smoothie in front of a girl eating a bag of hot Cheetos once and she told me it looked weird. Her fingers were dyed BRIGHT ORANGE! It only makes sense that we’re going to have to take some extreme measures in order to get back to a place that is more natural if we want to feel good.

I didn’t go vegan right away, that part came last. When you start feeling better you’ll want to do good things for the world and you’ll start really looking at the effect your choices have on the world. You’ll start caring about things more because you’re becoming more connected to yourself and that is always going to connect you more to the planet. So eating vegan as much as possible just becomes what you want to do because you want to be more loving and compassionate. And I don’t want people to think it’s so out of reach either, you don’t have to be perfect at it, I’m definitely not. But you just keep aiming to be compassionate in your choices and it ends up being amazing for your health and for the planet.

TS: What are some common misconceptions about being vegan or eating all raw?

AF: I think one of the biggest problems is that people feel it’s inaccessible. They hear vegan or raw and they think “Oh I could never do that”. And that’s a huge mistake because this is not about perfection, nothing is. This is just about learning and growing. So I’d encourage people to go vegan for one day a week. Eat a raw breakfast in the morning (a green smoothie for example). See how you feel. Just keep moving in a positive direction. People get overwhelmed and it immobilizes them into not making any changes and that’s sad. Even little changes will add up in an amazing way.

The other huge misconception is that eating healthy has to taste bad or be miserable. If it tastes bad, you’re not doing it right. Granted, there does need to be a transition period where you’re getting used to new flavors. But what a lot of people don’t realize is that your tastebuds are constantly changing. If you give yourself 3 weeks to get used to things you’re going to find a whole new palette of foods that appeal to you. Then the harder work can happen of letting go of some of our emotional connections to foods that are unhealthy because your Grandmother fed you donuts every time you saw her and she really loved you so now when you eat donuts you feel loved. You can start to see those things and rewrite those thoughts in your head. The truth is, you are loved. Grandma loved you. It had nothing to do with the donuts. And then you can start to believe that you deserve to be healthy and to feel good. Once that happens, there’s no holding back.

TS: When you are cooking certain dishes or putting together juices, is it intuitive what ingredients to use, or do you work from a cookbook?

AF: This is the most fun thing and something that I really love is that once you become familiar with a new palette of foods to cook with you can get really creative, especially when you’re cooking raw because you can taste exactly what is coming out as you go. I make a lot of stuff up as I go. But I love to use cookbooks too and often will flip through them for inspiration. One thing I’ve learned that I use a lot is that we are most satisfied by a balance of flavors. We’re looking for something salty, sweet, acidic, and fatty all at once. If you think of your favorite foods, most of them have all four of those going on at once. That’s where you get chocolate chip cookies with sea salt on top. Chocolate is a little acidic. Cookies have sugar and butter. And then you add some salt and it’s like tastebud crack. When I’m making any dish, I always try and remember that.

TS: What are some of your favorite foods, dishes, and juices?

AF: A favorite salad dressing of mine is cashew butter, sage, garlic and lemon juice with a little salt. It feels super indulgent because it has all of those components I just mentioned that your mouth is looking for. You can use that as a template for making your own dressings. Pick a nut butter, your favorite herbs, some garlic, and lemon. Blend that with a little water and maybe some maple syrup if you want it a little sweeter. That’s a great dressing in so many combinations. I love tahini + ginger or almond butter + basil. The options are endless.

I love doing that, creating a sort of template to experiment within. I make a ton of green smoothies by combining frozen fruit, fresh fruit, light greens and dark greens with a liquid. I think people can sometimes be scared to experiment because they don’t want to get it wrong, so having a guide can help. For smoothies you want to use about the same amount of frozen fruit, fresh fruit, and light greens, with about half that amount of dark greens. Add liquid like coconut water or almond milk until the consistency is what you like. My favorite is frozen banana, ripe banana, coconut water, and kale. In that one I leave out the light greens completely. It’s not an exact science. Don’t overdo it on the dark greens or you wont want to drink it. My sister makes green smoothies that look like swamp water because she thinks that is healthier and then she won’t drink them. Make it taste good and you’ll do it over and over again.

TS: Do you stick to non-toxic beauty products? If so, what are some of your favorite brands or products? 

AF: I really believe in non-toxic beauty products. You absorb everything that goes on your skin. Not only that but those products that get rinsed off in the shower get into our water system and wreak havoc on our whole ecosystem. My favorite beauty products are no products at all. Our bodies are beautiful. Our imperfections are straight up beautiful. I try to wear make up as little as possible. Maybe a few times a year. I know some people find it fun but I find it fun to feel healthy and glowing from the inside out. If you really feel good inside and you’re treating your body right, your skin is going to be healthy and your hair will shine and your eyes will just glow. People are going to notice and more than that, you’re going to radiate from the inside out. Make up is just trying to make people look healthier. Covering blemishes, creating brighter eyes, giving cheeks a flush. It’s all designed to give the appearance of health but I say just go for the real thing.

My skin care routine is really basic. I rinse with water and exfoliate with scrubby gloves daily. If my skin is getting a little dry in colder weather I will use a little bit of moisturizer. I use Detox Moisturizer by Sonya Dakar. When I do use makeup, my absolute favorite brand is RMS, which is created by a woman who did makeup for Victoria Secret models for a long time. They’re all based in coconut oil and she has a great really natural color palette. Definitely check them out. There’s a store called Evolue that only carries really awesome products that are all good for the environment and your skin. You can check them out online. Oh also, I LOVE the Weleda citrus deodorant. It’s the best natural one out there. A lot of natural deodorants don’t work. That one smells fantastic and it works.

TS: Do you have any DIY beauty recipes you’d like to share? Or do you keep any specific kitchen ingredients on hand for beauty purposes?

AF: The one thing I’ve had fun making myself is a sea salt hair spray that can give you those beachy waves. I’ve seen it sold by different hair product lines. It’s really easy to make. You basically simmer 16 oz of water on the stove and add about 1/3 c of sea salt until it dissolves. Then cool the water and add 10 drops of lavender essential oil. I add a few drops of coconut oil, maybe like an 1/8^th of a teaspoon just to give a tiny bit of shine. Let it cool and store it in a spray bottle. If you spray it on damp hair, it’ll give you that beachy look of being out at the ocean. I have curly hair and it works great. I’m not sure what it would do on straight hair.

I keep Epsom salts around for some great hot baths. I love to add some essential oils of lavender or chamomile to the water. I use jojoba oil to moisturize because I don’t really like to use coconut oil, which a lot of people love. Jojoba oil is a really mild seed oil that you can add scented oils to if you want. I always keep some castor oil around which is great for healing cuts or dry patches of skin. If I want to feel absolutely fantastic, I take a long hot bath and then shave. Then I rinse off in a cool shower and exfoliate with scrubby gloves. Then I get out and immediately use jojoba oil to moisturize my arms and legs and neck, etc. I put some moisturizer on my face. Comb my hair and spray with the salt spray and then brush my teeth and put on comfy pajamas. You will feel like a million bucks. Clean from head to toe and absolutely naturally gorgeous, which I guarantee you are.

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Interview with Mary Helen Bowers, Founder of Ballet Beautiful

Courtesy of Ballet Beautiful

Have you ever wondered how the Victoria’s Secret Angels get so toned? Or how Natalie Portman reached tip-top dancing shape for her role in blockbuster film Black Swan? The secret to both is Mary Helen Bowers, former New York City Ballet dancer, Columbia University graduate, and founder of fitness sensation Ballet Beautiful.

Ballet Beautiful is a transformative system of exercises based on the athleticism and grace of classical ballet. This workout is not made up of traditional ballet sequences per se, but is a system of exercises that target these same “ballet” muscles to sculpt and lengthen the body. From Dallas, tap into the world of Ballet Beautiful through live class via online platform, customized workout subscriptions, and a whole range of streaming videos and DVDs.

Ballet Beautiful is the perfect workout for dancers and non-dancers alike. This workout is a great option for those who are overwhelmed by the gym, and dislike the group fitness environment. Read on to learn more about Ballet Beautiful, and get some inside tips from Mary Helen on wellness and beauty tips to practice in 2015.

Courtesy of Ballet Beautiful

Twyla Shelmire: For people who haven’t done Ballet Beautiful before, how should they get started? Is there a certain DVD you would suggest?

Mary Helen Bowers: We have an amazing subscription, called Custom Workout. You purchase the subscription and get instant access to everything. You go in, you plug in how much time you have, what your fitness goals are, and then you’re off to the races. The subscription gives you full access to our online library so you have access to over 50 videos. We built them into really customized workouts for people, so you can update and change as you go based on your needs and how much time you have and things like that. So that’s a great way to use the workouts. As for DVDs, the classic DVD bundle on our website, the 60-minute, and the Body Blast are great places to start if you’re a DVD user. We have a new one coming out this January, so that will be fun, too.

Coming to the Ballet Beautiful online store the week of January 20th

TS: If you have a certain DVD and love it, would you suggest mixing it up? How often should you be using Ballet Beautiful to see results?

MHB: I would say once a week is not enough, you really need to Ballet Beautiful workouts three hours a week to see a change. And when you do that, the workout is really targeted, and I created it to deliver results because that is what fitness is all about. It’s not just about feeling better and feeling stronger, but I really want people to see a change in their body and the way their muscles are shaped, and a change you can measure visually. We recommend a minimum of three hours of Ballet Beautiful a week – if you want to mix in other workouts you can, but it’s going to change you result. This workout is geared to your ballet muscles, it’s lengthening everything, it’s adding a lot of lean muscle tone. So if you go in and are spinning or doing a workout where you’re lifting heavy weights and doing lots of squats, exercises where you’re building lots of muscle, in the side for example and the arms, bulky muscles that make you look more dense and short, that’s going to make it harder to see what Ballet Beautiful can really do.

TS: What are some key words for how your body is going to change when you start targeting those ballet muscles?

MHB: For most people, everything is going to tighten, lift, and elongate as well. Generally it’s your best butt and legs ever. It improves posture for most people too.

TS: For people who have become lazy over the holidays, what tips do you have for easing back into a healthy routine – whether that’s fitness, eating, or just motivation?

MHB: For getting back in, I think it’s important not to get too obsessive over how far you have to go, just jump in and take it one workout at a time, one week at a time, and then it doesn’t feel as overwhelming. Focus more on each workout, having fun and feeling good, and not “Oh my gosh, I have so much to do.” I think it’s about getting to a place where you’re exercising regularly and it’s part of your life, you’re eating better and not on a rollercoaster that a lot of us are on or have been on at one point.

TS: I read on your website that during your time Columbia University you took a break from dancing for a while. Do you have any tips specifically for dancers about how to get back into fitness or working out even if it might not involve dancing?

MHB: I think when you have been dancing a lot, your body has just been so used to movement, and being active and keeping those muscles in use. It can be physically quite a shock when you stop moving, but for me it was really about finding a way to reconnect with my body and with those muscles that I knew and was so familiar with from dancing, and trying to find a way to do it on my own terms, on my own time and from the privacy of home. I think I’m stronger now than when I was dancing with New York City Ballet, I’m definitely leaner and I have a much more relaxed relationship and healthier one with my body too.

TS: Do you have any foods or snacks that you like to eat throughout the day or after a workout that are both healthy and keep you energized?

MHB: I think it’s important to eat foods that make you feel good. I just had a piece of cheap Christmas chocolate we have here in the studio and it made me feel really sick! Sometimes if you want something, just make sure it’s really high quality – dark chocolate for example. And with cheese, I try not to eat cheap, processed cheese, but save it up for a really lovely cheese from France or a sharp, sharp cheddar and things like that so you’re satisfying your craving in a way that helps you maximize.

TS: Your hair always looks so good in your videos – what are your favorite products, and do you have any tips for keeping your hair healthy?

MHB: With ballet, I feel like it’s really tough on the hair because you’re always pulling it back super tight, so I try not to use rubber bands, I only use them when I’m filming and I need my hair to be secure. So I try to baby my hair quite a bit, and limit the use of pulling it back super tight with rubber bands and things that pull on it and damage it. And in terms of care, I take my vitamins and try to use my shampoos and conditioners. I love the Seaberry line from Fresh, it’s a nice moisturizing, nourishing line. And I think what we eat has a big outward impact on us as well.

TS: Do you have any skincare products that you love and depend on?

MHB: I’m really obsessed with the facials at Ling lately, and they have a very nice skincare line, it’s not inexpensive, but I feel that it’s totally affordable, they have a very hydrating toner that I use after I wash my face, and a really nice face mask that I sleep in a lot. I also love the Honey Face Mask from Fresh, that’s a great one. I use that all the time, whenever I take a bath at night.

TS: What is your post-workout skincare routine?

MHB: I don’t touch my skin throughout the day – I try not to touch it, or put my hands on it. I try to leave it alone and let it be balanced, but I also don’t wear a lot of makeup because I want my skin to breathe during the day. I only wear concealer under my eyes and a little cream blush, and maybe a highlighter under my brows.

TS: Do you have any DIY beauty recipes you rely on? 

MHB: Mostly facemasks, hair masks, especially when you have long hair just are so much more involved. I love hot baths with Epson salts as a soak, and then you can wear a facemask then – so that’s a really good way to multitask. I don’t do a lot of professional beauty treatments because I don’t have the time, so I’m a big fan of DIY to take care of your skin and stuff like that.

TS: Having been a professional ballerina, were there any makeup tricks that you learned backstage that you still use today for everyday wear?

MHB: I’m not wearing false lashes on a daily basis, or ever really, but you become very comfortable with wearing heavier makeup, with liquid liner and things like that. So those are skills you can always pull out when you need a more dramatic look.

TS: Congratulations on the launch of Ballet Baby! Are there any upcoming Ballet Beautiful developments we should keep our eyes peeled for?

MHB: We are releasing a new cardio DVD so that’s very exciting, and that’s coming out in late January!

Source: Ballet Beautiful Instagram, photo by Sonja Georgevich.

Stay current with Ballet Beautiful via Instagram: @balletbeautiful 

Written for DFW Beauty Guide

Beauty List: January 2014

1. Winter Skincare Must-Have: Aromatherapy Associates, Polishing Body Brush, $23.00

If you moisturize and moisturize and still have dry, flaky skin, it might be because you haven’t yet incorporated a polishing dry brush into your beauty routine. Use one of these brushes all over your body (pre-shower) for revitalized skin. Not only will one of these brushes remove dead skin cells, but it even reduces cellulite and in-grown hairs. With continued use, dry brushing boosts circulation and aids the lymphatic system.

2. Train Like an Angel: Ballet Beautiful, Custom Workout, $39.99/month

Fulfill your fitness goals in the New Year by committing to a monthly subscription of customized workouts from Ballet Beautiful. Ballet Beautiful videos are my go-to for a workout that is intensely toning, and done from the comfort of my own home. Mary Helen Bowers, founder of Ballet Beautiful, is a former New York City Ballet dancer and trains the Victoria’s Secret Angels (along with other A-list celebs) with this body-blasting system. If that’s not motivating enough to try, I don’t know what is. Check back in with DFW Beauty Guide tomorrow for a full interview with Mary Helen.

3. Multitasking Product: NARS, ‘Eye-Opening Act – The Multiple’ Stick’, $39.00

Like to keep your makeup routine simple? Me too. This NARS product is brand-new this month and is already a must-have for those who like a natural look. Apply this multi-purpose product to your face with your fingertips for a highlighting, and subtly shimmery effect. Use it for allover color, contours, and accents.

4. Go Local: GEM Juice, 3-Day Cleanse, $155.00

January is the universal month to refresh and reboot. Kick-start your health with a 3-day juice cleanse with GEM Juice Bar in Preston Center. If a full cleanse isn’t your thing, committing to one fruit or vegetable juice a day to balance out the holiday-season-toxin-consumption surely won’t hurt!

5. Daily Dose of Luxury: Beauty Counter, Lustro Face Oil 2 – Jasmine, $64.00

It’s important to baby your skin during the winter months – the cold outside, and the central heat inside are sure to do a number on those with dry and sensitive skin. Beef up your skincare routine for the next few months with an extra layer of moisture underneath your current cream moisturizer. I love this face oil from Beauty Counter, it absorbs quickly and packs a punch with rosehip and sea buckthorn.

Written for DFW Beauty Guide

2015 Beauty Resolutions

Once again, the time has come to write your New Year resolutions. If you’re not yet sure what to commit to in 2015, get inspired by the following 10 ideas. Whether you have a vision of the way you’d like to reinvent yourself come January 1 or not, basic beauty goals like adequate sleep, water consumption, and vitamin popping are good additions to anyone’s resolution list.

1. Convert to green beauty products. Not only will you be doing yourself a favor by avoiding non-toxic products (whether it’s skincare or makeup), but you’ll also be endorsing brands that don’t test on animals. To make a complete conversion, you’ll have to do your research on companies that are green. Keep in mind that many of the big beauty companies – M.A.C., Neutrogena, L’Oreal are bad guys when it comes to chemical use and animal testing.

2. Drink more water. Hydration is key to everything from weight loss to glowing skin. As for how much to drink? Aim for eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.

3. Take beauty-enhancing vitamins. Probiotics, biotin, vitamin D, vitamin c, and fish oil are all good go-tos for beautiful hair, skin, and nails. As always, do some research and talk with your doctor about supplements for specific ailments.

4. Stop picking your skin. Regardless what you pick at, whether it’s your lips, your nails, your face, or pesky ingrown hairs, picking only makes the issue worse! Head over to Into the Gloss for some expert advice on underlying anxiety issues and how to dissuade yourself from this obsessive and harmful behavior.

5. Quit biting your nails. Not only is nail biting not cute to watch, but it also leaves you with stubby nails and chipped polish. If you’re ready to take action and end this bad habit once and for all, try out a miracle product called Bite It. This matte-finish polish has a bitter taste to discourage nail biting, and simultaneously promotes nail growth.

6. Schedule regular haircuts. Your hair and friends alike will thank you. Even if you’re working on growing your hair out, getting a trim every few months will help keep your hair in shape. While you’re in the salon, get a conditioning treatment as well. Unshapely hair and split ends aren’t flattering on anyone.

7. Cut out dairy (or consume in moderation). Digesting milk as an adult is a genetic adaptation – no other species besides from humans drink milk after infancy. Survival of the fittest, sure, but we are not baby cows and therefore should not eat like them. Even if you think you can digest cow’s milk just fine, cutting out milk will drastically (and quickly) improve skin, help you lose weight, and generally make you feel less sluggish. By the way, almond milk has more calcium, potassium, and vitamin D than the milk sitting in your fridge right now.

8. Initiate Meatless Monday. If you’re not vegan or vegetarian, but nonetheless disagree with the obsessive meat consumption in our society, commit to Meatless Monday – one day a week in which you don’t eat meat. Cutting out meat, even for one day, is good for your health, your wallet, and the environment. If you’re feeling inspired, consider a Wheatless Wednesday as well.

9. Make time for breakfast. It is easy to fall prey to the cup of coffee and nothing else habit in the morning, but eating a healthy breakfast is important to starting your day on the right foot. Weight loss, improved concentration, and physical endurance are only a few benefits to consistently eating a well-rounded breakfast in the morning.

10. Get at least 8 hours of sleep. Ahh, sleep, the magical cure-all. The benefits of sleep are numerous, from improved memory to better moods. As for beauty benefits of 8 hours of sleep every night, expect weight loss, less inflamed skin, and a more youthful complexion.

Happy New Year!