My Favorite Tonic | An Elixir of Sorts

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A tonic is something, sometimes medicinal, that makes one feel better or restores his or her health. This summer, I've (Emily, here!) discovered a new favorite drink of mine that makes me feel refreshed, powerful, and truly cleansed. I'll be drinking this all year long, especially into my crazy busy season when I need to know I'm running at my optimal level. It's prime gold for digestion, staying hydrated, and making skin all glowy and clear. Think spicy lemonade -- yum!

Why I love what's in this tonic: Hydration is so important for getting that glorious glow in our skin -- helps with elasticity of the skin meaning no wrinkles (!). I've already talked up Himalayan salt enough here on the blog, but say hi to balancing pH levels, stabilizing blood sugar levels, and naturally detoxifying the body. Lemon kicks butt by helping to debloat (if that's not a real word, it is now), packing a punch of citrusy goondness - vitamin C, and giving your skin a happy glow. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is absolutely amazing. Not only is it a digestive kick starter, but it also lowers blood sugar levels, helps with heart function, and contains friendly bacteria, enzymes, and proteins. Cayenne neutralizes acidity in the body, stimulates circulation, is a great anti-agent for inflammation, colds, and other illnesses, as well as a whole slew of other great things. Honey helps with seasonal allergies, lasts forever as long as it's properly sealed, and like cayenne, helps stave off various illnesses. Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants, helps lower blood sugar levels, may be protective against cancer, and does some other pretty fantastic things.

recipe after the jump.

Feel Good Tonic

+ 2-4 cups room temperature water
+ 1/2 lemon
+ 1 tsp - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (if you've never had ACV in a drink before, start small)
+ Dash of cayenne
+ Dash of pink Himalayan salt
+ Dash of cinnamon
+ Optional: maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)

Fill up your cup with water, pour in your apple cider vinegar, squeeze in the lemon, dash in your spices and salt, and if adding, stir in maple syrup or honey. Once combined, drink up! It'll be a zing of energy - cayenne is a hiney kicker! Enjoy! Xx.

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+ what do you think? do you have a favorite system-starter drink? share in the comments or on facebook!

Be sure to tune into my snapchat (@efriend216) or follow me on instagram or twitter (both @yourfriend_em) for my adventures and foodie finds! xx

Did you catch the launch of my new bridal program? Find out how you can get $25 just by sending someone my way --whether you're a bride or not!

Puppy Love || 7.24.15

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Heading over for a quick stop in Jersey this weekend. No weekly finds! Buuuuuuutttt, go find something lovely and exciting and enlivening that's away from the computer, and take part in the adventure of the unknown!

Be sure to tune into my snapchat (@efriend216) or follow me on instagram or twitter (both @yourfriend_em) for my travel adventures and foodie finds! xx

 

My life in a series of snaps | Vacation 2015

just a few pretty visuals of the trip so far to new york city after having been in florida. enjoying every day. xx Emily

+ where have you gone so far this year? + if you can't get away, where would you go? + how can you find bits of vacation bliss in everyday life?

| Q & A with Em | What camera did you use?

This is just my phone camera or snapchat camera! Amazing, huh?

Well, how'd you make them look like that?

I use an awesome app called VSCO Cam. It's free for phones, but there is also a computer version that syncs to photoshop lightroom that's supposedly amazing.

Be sure to tune into my snapchat (@efriend216) or follow me on instagram or twitter (both @yourfriend_em) for my travel adventures and foodie finds! xx