beauty Archives - now & gen

1.21 What’s On My Nightstand

Nowandgen Author — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 18:05:11 +0000

Ten clean beauty products I’m obsessing over this month.

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7.20 What’s On My Nightstand: Camping Edition

Nowandgen Author — Fri, 17 Jul 2020 20:45:58 +0000

After three-and-a-half months of quarantining, I wanted to take advantage of the open road and try to find a new horizon for our family. While it seems like an odd time to consider a summer vacation, I find that I do my best thinking when I can get outdoors and into nature. I knew the change of scenery would do us (well, me) good. Traveling by road with three children under 8 is hellacious in itself, but add in a pandemic and it means a whole new set of challenges. But I wanted to get moving, and graciously, my husband obliged. So we packed up and hit the road. (Look for a blog post with information on how we traveled safely soon!) Instead of sharing what’s on my nightstand like usual, this month I wanted to share what’s on my nightstand: camping edition. From my favorite toiletries to water bottles to apps, my bag is chock-full of travel essentials. Read on to find six of my favorite things for the next time you go exploring. Beekman Shampoo Bar Since it’s Plastic Free July, I’m trying to do our best at using plastic less. Everyone in our crew has different creature comforts, […]

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6.20 What’s On My Nightstand

Nowandgen Author — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 21:31:59 +0000

Y’all (as we say in Texas), this has been quite the month! COVID-19 doesn’t seem to be easing up—cases in Texas are on a very fast rise—and we are all taking a hard look at ourselves and the racial bias in this country. It’s a heavy time, but I hope in a few years we can look back on Summer 2020 and be proud that we forged ahead with a more progressive, equal and brighter future. As I recently mentioned, I’m trying to do a better job of seeking out diverse companies and perspectives to feature on the blog. That change is reflected by what’s on my nightstand, so I wanted to show you some of the items I’ve been keeping close by. Of course, there are several books about racism and how to navigate a different narrative around being antiracist, and I’ve found a handful of beauty products from Black-owned businesses that I’m simply obsessed with. Read on to find out what seven items have a dedicated spot on my nightstand this month. And then let me know what’s on your nightstand right now in the comments below. Between the World and Me I know, I know…this is the […]

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5.20 What’s On My Nightstand

Heather Catania — Thu, 14 May 2020 17:39:09 +0000

We’re still adjusting to the new normal over here—will life with coronavirus ever feel normal?—and it’s very evident by what’s on my nightstand. The six items I’ve been obsessing over lately focus on my mental and physical well being. (And one is courtesy of my kiddo.) Every day we are all just trying to keep it together. What about you? How are you feeling these days? Are you still quarantining and social distancing, like we are? Let me know what items can be found on your nightstand—and keep scrolling for a peek at mine. The New York Times I feel overstimulated and frustrated by watching the news, so lately I’ve been switching out TV news for a good old-fashioned newspaper. Reading the newspaper has allowed me to sit in quiet and digest the current climate. I also get to change it up with different sections (I especially love the Cooking section), so that I’m not bombarded with just breaking news. Bonus: Home delivery is 50 percent off for teachers and students. And online subscriptions are just $5 a month. Gundry MD 24 Strain Probiotic A healthy gut equals a healthy immune system. It is so crucial we keep our […]

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3.20: What’s On My Nightstand

Nowandgen Author — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 19:22:23 +0000

Well, folks. We’re living in a whole new world right now. This is absolutely crazy, and I hope everyone is doing okay. I’m sending solidarity to people who are working from home and homeschooling kiddos, and sending huge thank yous to all the brave healthcare workers, first responders, grocery store workers, and more, who are doing so much for our country right now. While it feels trivial to talk about what’s on my nightstand, I know that I, for one, am looking for some mindless ways to escape reality at the moment (and get some sleep). Maybe you are too? Here are the six items I’ve been obsessing about lately. Several of them are from women-owned companies, in case you’re in the mood for some retail therapy or just want to infuse some dollars into worthy companies. What’s On My Nightstand Dry-line hand sanitizer I hate the smell of hand sanitizer, which is a problem right about now! Recently, I met Evelyn, Dry-line’s founder, through a mutual friend, and she told me about the hand sanitizer she created using essential oils. I was blown away by the great smell and the pretty packaging, and it’s 65 percent alcohol—perfect for killing […]

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How to Start a Greener Beauty Routine

Nowandgen Author — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 14:00:46 +0000

About three years ago, I met makeup artist Campbell Ritchie at a photo shoot. We hit it off immediately and have been besties ever since. Not only is the Australian native a talented makeup artist, but she is also a two-time cancer survivor, a committed vegan, and an eco-friendly enthusiast who is an expert at starting a greener beauty routine. Whether she’s doing makeup for a fashion show, magazine editorial, or the red carpet, she only uses beauty products that are vegan and cruelty-free. As you know, I’ve been trying to be more green in my everyday life, from making reusable beeswax food wraps to buying eco-friendly fashion brands—and that includes starting a greener beauty routine. And while I don’t think anyone should feel like they need to go out and buy a bunch of new beauty products, I’ve been looking for greener alternatives when I run out of favorite products. The interesting thing is that the beauty industry is kind of like the Wild West in regards to the toxins and additives in products. The FDA doesn’t even approve cosmetic products or ingredients (other than color additives) before they go to market, so you really have to do your homework […]

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2.20: What’s On My Nightstand

Heather Catania — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 14:00:04 +0000

Confession: I’m not a huge fan of Valentine’s Day. It feels so manufactured to me, probably because it is! But I do think the Hallmark holiday can be a good reminder to celebrate love. And you can tell from what’s on my nightstand this month that February is all about love—and I don’t just mean love with a partner. Loving yourself by indulging with self-care rituals and celebrating the love you give and receive as a caregiver are equally important. The items on my bedside table this month, which run the gamut from a rejuvenating face mask to a ground-breaking book that examines the sex and emotional lives of women, are a mix of things that get me thinking about sex and self-love. Read on for the four items on my nightstand right now, plus an adorable sweatshirt that celebrates my biggest role of all: Mother. What’s On My Nightstand Moon Juice Sex Dust Add this blend of herbs to your morning coffee or smoothie to boost your sex drive, reduce stress, balance hormones, and even increase your creativity. Maybe it’s a placebo, but just the thought of taking this gets me in the mood. Necessaire The Sex Gel You […]

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Austin Gem: Lake Austin Spa Resort

Heather Catania — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 15:09:19 +0000

The city I call home is lucky to have a world-class spa right in it’s backyard. Lake Austin Spa Resort is consistently rated one of the best spas in the world—and for good reason. The 19-acre lake-front property is blissfully peaceful, offers more than 100 spa treatments, and is the perfect place to relax and recharge alone, as a couple, or in a group. Jared and I have escaped to the resort several times for a staycation or just a night away and have always had a blast. I love the beautiful grounds, how quiet it is, and the fact that it’s on the water. (I could spend an entire day in the hammock overlooking the lake!) And when I heard about the resort’s new green initiatives—including organic gardening, low toxicity products, and recycling and composting practices—I immediately booked an appointment to go check it out. GRAND ENTRANCE You can drive to Lake Austin Spa Resort—or you can take the resort’s very cool water taxi. The taxi picks up passengers at a variety of spots around Austin. It’s a great way to see the city from one of it’s highlights, the Colorado River—aka Lake Austin. It’s also a fun way to […]

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Skincare secrets to live by: A Q&A with Dr. Barney Kenet

Nowandgen Author — Wed, 30 Jan 2019 18:30:10 +0000

Ok, I resisted the 10-year challenge as long as I could. Here you go… Us in 2009 And us in 2019 Ahh, how fresh-faced and well-rested we looked before having three kids. If we only knew then what we know now…we would have savored sleeping in so much more! If we’ve learned one thing over the past 10 years, it’s that being a parent certainly does keep you humble. When I compare them side-by-side, I can’t help but think that we were babies – complete with baby faces – back then. Now, life looks more full of love than I thought possible – even if we aren’t so fresh-faced any longer. The incredible moments we’ve experienced over the past decade have been worth every laugh line—but I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t mind erasing a wrinkle (or two). My current beauty go-to to hide tired eyes: First Aid Beauty Skin Lab Retinol Cream. I’m a long-time fan of the cruelty-free brand and this new formula is amazingly gentle—which I love because I’ve always been a little intimidated by retinol creams. It also has these micro-pearls that instantly help brighten dark circles—a godsend after a late night with the […]

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Simple Ways to Practice Gratitude

Heather Catania — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 06:00:34 +0000

Thanksgiving gives us the opportunity to pause, sit down, and reflect on what we are thankful for. Every Thanksgiving, like many of you, my family has a tradition of going around the table to say what we’re grateful for. (Me? I’m most thankful when someone else does the cooking.) I know it’s a little cliché, but it’s a sweet ritual and I look forward to hearing what the boys come up with each year. It also reminds me that I should be practicing gratitude more often—not just when I’m shoveling another bite of stuffing into my mouth. Because between diaper changes and shuttling the boys to school and sports practices, the days can feel like a blur. And I’m not exactly thinking,” I am so grateful for this moment.” No. I’m usually thinking, “Oh crap—I’m late, I suck at this mom thing, or what time exactly is too early for a glass of wine?” Gratitude really is good for us, though. Research shows that it can lower blood pressure, improve sleep, boost our immune function and reduce our risk for depression. In a recent study, they even found that the simple act of writing gratitude letters—regardless of whether they’re sent—can […]

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