CANDY WASHINGTON

WRITER | PRODUCER | ACTOR | MANIFESTATION + SELF-LOVE MUSE

lifestyle

Shaking Up My Dating Routine with Colgate® Total Advanced Health Mouthwash!

Candy WashingtonComment

Thank you Colgate® for sponsoring this post. 

"vs. ordinary, non-antibacterial mouthwashes"

"vs. ordinary, non-antibacterial mouthwashes"

Hi lovelies,

Summertime is for lovers. That's why I'm shaking things up when it comes to my dating routine. This summer I'm all about trying new things, meeting new people, and thinking outside-of-the-box when it comes to finding love in a healthy and happy way. This revelation came after I upped my morning routine by adding in meditating before starting my day and switching up my evening routine by incorporating drinking hot sleepy time tea 30-minutes before bed in order to unwind and relax from my busy day. 

Since I was getting happy and healthy from the inside-out, the next area of my life that needed a reboot was how I approached dating. I evaluated how I could shake things up when it comes to spending quality time with my main squeeze. But whether or not you have a full-time honey, you can still apply my three ways to shake up your dating routine while looking for love. 

Shake up tip #1: Boost your confidence with Colgate Total® Advanced Health Mouthwash 

"vs. ordinary, non-antibacterial mouthwashes"

"vs. ordinary, non-antibacterial mouthwashes"

My pre-date routine to make sure that I feel confident is working out the morning before my date so I feel strong, refreshed, and energized. Another way that I build confidence before my date is picking out an outfit that I feel comfortable in and that really shows my personal style. Then I make sure that my hair and make-up are flawless, without being overdone, so that I make sure that my inner beauty is shining through. I've been shaking up this routine by incorporating Colgate Total® Advanced Health Mouthwash to ensure that I feel confident throughout my date while we laugh, smile, and talk the night away. 

Since Colgate Total® Advanced Health Mouthwash builds on the dual phase trend seen in many health and beauty products, and contains a two-layer technology; combining freshening power with germ killing ingredients (cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), it makes the perfect addition to my getting ready routine and boosts my confidence to get cozy with my date knowing that I have a happy and healthy smile. 

All I have to do is shake the bottle, next I let the mouthwash clean and remove 24x more bacteria than ordinary, non-antibacterial mouthwashes, and then I see the actual results in the sink! It's that easy: Shake, Clean, See – for a healthier mouth. It reduces the amount of plaque in my mouth, helps prevent gingivitis, and freshens my breath so I stay cool and calm all night long. 

Shake up tip #2: Plan daytime dates

"vs. ordinary, non-antibacterial mouthwashes"

"vs. ordinary, non-antibacterial mouthwashes"

Another way that I'm shaking up my dating routine is planning fun day dates for my main squeeze and myself. It's super fun to do active and creative dates during the day rather than the same-old dinner-and-drinks routine. Day dates allow my beau and I to bond on new levels and create new memories together. 

A few easy and fun ideas for day dates includes going to brunch rather than dinner, taking a pottery class together, going for a hike together, volunteering together, taking a cooking class together, picnicking in the park together, going to an amusement park together, going to the beach together, and so on. The key is to spend quality time together during the day rather than just after hours. 

I also love bringing my Colgate Total® Advanced Health Mouthwash with me on my day dates so I can quickly refresh my mouth by simply shaking the bottle to activate in the mouthwash, a dual system that freshens breath and kills germs, and then I let the mouthwash clean my mouth, and then I can see in the sink the bacteria that’s been removed and then I return to my date feeling refreshed with happy and clean smile.

Shake up tip #3: Make time for mini-dates

"vs. ordinary, non-antibacterial mouthwashes"

"vs. ordinary, non-antibacterial mouthwashes"

I love to shake up my dating routine by planning fun mini-dates to create quality time with my sweetheart even when we're both super busy. Some of my favorite mini-dates include grabbing coffee at our favorite local coffee shop, meeting up for ice cream when we both can take a break, going for a quick walk in-between meetings, and sending each other fun videos throughout the day when we can't sneak away but want to stay connected. 

Do you have fun and new ways that you're shaking up your life? Then join Colgate Total® Advanced Health and share how you shake up your routine with #ShakeCleanSee! Shaking up your routine can be trying a new workout, trying a new hairstyle or using the Colgate Total®  regimen to help improve your mouth health.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of CLEVER and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Pink is Pure: 3 Healthy Habits with Harmless Harvest Organic Coconut Water

Candy Washington1 Comment

Hi lovelies,

With warmer weather right around the corner, I want to make sure that I look and feel my best so that I can enjoy every single drop of sunshine during the spring and summer seasons. This means incorporating new, fun, and healthy habits into my every day routine. Luckily for me, there's Harmless Harvest Organic Coconut Water.

Harmless Harvest is the first coconut water in the United States to use Nam Hom coconuts which is known to be one of the most flavorful types of coconuts globally, it's the first coconut water to be 100% certified organic, and it's even the first coconut water to achieve Fair for Life certification. The coconut water is created by using organic agroforestry process based in Thailand, where Harmless Harvest established an innovative manufacturing facility, giving it a unique sweet yet subtle taste and smell.

But what I love most about Harmless Harvest is the fresh taste of the coconut water, how I immediately feel hydrated and refreshed after enjoying it, and the healthy boost of antioxidants that my body receives from the organic coconut water.

Since Harmless Harvest is my healthy body and lifestyle partner-in-crime, I've compiled a list of three ways I use Harmless Harvest to stay motivated, refreshed, and dedicated to living my best life. I hope you enjoy!

3 Healthy Habits with Harmless Harvest Organic Coconut Water

#1: Start your day with a Harmless Harvest Organic Coconut Water Smoothie

One of my favorite healthy habits is starting my day with a fresh smoothie. Adding in Harmless Harvest Organic Coconut Water to my smoothie recipes adds an extra flavor boost, extra hydration, and extra antioxidants that keeps me going throughout my day and keeps me fulling full in-between meals so I'm less likely to cheat with non-healthy snacks. Check out below for my favorite smoothie recipe.

Harmless Harvest Organic Coconut Water Berry-Banana-Spinach Smoothie

  • 1 Cup of Harmless Harvest Organic Coconut Water

  • 3 Chopped strawberries

  • 1 Small handful of blueberries

  • 1 Small handful of blackberries

  • 1 Chopped medium banana

  • 1 Cup of fresh spinach

  • 2 Scoops of your protein powder of choice

Combine all ingredients into a blender and puree until the smoothie is liquidized to the consistency of choice.

Pour and enjoy!

#2: Replenish your antioxidants after your workout

I'm obsessed with staying active and living in sunny California, there's no shortage of fun activities to keep me in shape, happy, and healthy. Some of my favorite things to do is to go hiking in Runyon Canyon or at the Griffith Observatory, take a new Pure Barre class, take a cardio-kickboxing class, hit the gym, run outside, or try a new hot yoga studio.

After my workouts, I love to replenish with a Harmless Harvest Organic Coconut Water to make sure that I'm rehydrated, my muscles are refreshed, and my body has a healthy boost of antioxidants and potassium to get me recharged.

#3: Swap out sugary sodas and juices for fresh, organic coconut water

I've given up soda a long time ago, but I still crave a sweet and bubbly beverage from time-to-time. My healthy habit trick to satisfy my sweet tooth in a healthy and body-friendly way, is to swap out soda or juices for Harmless Harvest Organic Coconut Water that has a naturally sweet taste and I add in sugar and calorie free sparkling water to my coconut water to get that bubbly taste and feeling that I'm craving. Just like that, I have a tasty and sparkling beverage that's good for me. All of the taste and flavor, and none of the guilt.

Want to stay connected with Harmless Harvest? Check out their social media channels below!

Website
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Pinterest

Glop: A Goop Parody for the Everyday Girl by Gabrielle Moss

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

The New Year is officially in full swing and one thing on my 'Live Your Best Life Now' resolutions list is to laugh more and to try new things. Luckily for me, I have Gabrielle Moss' book, Glop, to help keep me on track.

The hilarious book is a light-hearted spoof on Gwyneth Paltrow's lifestyle site, Goop. Although I'm a huge fan of Gwyneth Paltrow, Gabrielle Moss' adaptation of Goop, has something for everyone and appeals to a broader audience because it takes the super seriousness out of “finding our purpose and balance in life” and allows us to just laugh at ourselves while we run from a pliates-barre class to a vaginal steaming session, all while on a gluten-free-paleo-coconut-oil-steamed-everything-planted-based diet.

3 Favorite Glop Experiences:

#1: Sitting Very Still & Staring Blankly Ahead: A 21-Day Plan
One of my top New Year's resolutions is to take the time to meditate for at least 15 minutes everyday and I have to admit, taking the time to set an intention for the day and calm my mind has already been a game changer in my life.

However, Gabrielle's take on meditating includes having a stress intern that writes down all of your stressful thoughts and I can't lie, I'm seriously thinking of employing my 12 year old niece to be my stress intern as I continue my journey of decluttering my head space.

#2: Ultra-Refined Vibrance Powder Detox
I've been a pescatarian for awhile now but I'm always on the hunt for new ways to eat healthier and to rid my body of any unwanted toxins and impurities. If real, Gabrielle's Ultra-Refined Vibrance Powder Detox would have been the perfect addition to my diet to make sure that's full of fairy dustand leaves me light as a feather and stiff as a board.

#3: How to Leonardo DiCaprio Know That Your Carbon Footprint Is Smaller Than HisWell, I'm single, and this one is totally gratuitous and shameless plug to have the opportunity to talk about Leonardo DiCaprio. And in the spirit of Gabrielle's super funny and witty writing and personality, Leo, if you're out there, hit a girl up and let's talk global warming, melting ice caps, and fracking.

About the Book: A wickedly funny, full-color, illustrated sendup of the trendy lifestyle publication GOOP.

What is Glop?
Glop is a business and a website. But Glop is also a feeling. It’s about picking the right expensive organic eye cream that will make you fit seamlessly into the top tiers of high society and sits next to Bono at a 42-course seitan tasting dinner held in a sex dungeon deep beneath the North Pole. Glop is about being conscious to the tiny details of our lives—what to eat, where to buy your cashmere yoga pants, which juice cleanse will remove the most mercury toxins from both your body and your cashmere yoga pants. Glop is about you.

In this scathingly humorous parody, Gabrielle Moss skewers the vanity, elitism, and silliness of the lifestyle website everyone loves to hate. Here are favorite recipes, detoxes, activities, cleanses, beauty tips, juice cleanses, vacation destinations, and a selection of hand creams that will open your third eye—plus lots of celebrity namedropping and more.

Glop includes everything from the silly to sublime—make-at-home stem cell moisturizing repair masques, weekend colonics, restorative yoga poses (for when Sting is mad at you about that thing you did), and even the freshest bones for your bone broth. Here, too, are G’s essential tips on parenthood, relationships, work and finances, entertaining, food (well, maybe not food), spirituality, beauty, fashion, home, gifts, kids, and more. Nothing in Glop is sacred—except for a few Indian cows you can’t afford.

The Ultimate Guide to Girls Night In with Stirrings

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

Last week, I tried a lemon drop cocktail created with Stirrings® Simple Lemon Drop Martini Mix, and it's sweet yet subtle taste reminded me of when I was in college. Back then, lemon drop martinis were all my friends and I would order when we went out. It brought back memories of us laughing endlessly over our inside jokes, crying over silly boys, rewarding ourselves for acing a test, dancing the night away to bad pop music, and everything else in-between. 

Thus, with the holiday season upon us, it's time for my friends and I to make more memories and priceless moments. There’s no better way to do this than by hosting a Girls Night In. I want to show my close group of girlfriends just how much they mean to me by inviting them over for a night full of yummy cocktails, delicious treats, and a queue full of streaming Rom-Com flicks on Netflix. 

Of course, as the host, I want to make sure everyone has a good time and feels taken care of. Since my girlfriends are all special and unique, I want to create a variety of tasty cocktails that would have something for everyone, but without overwhelming myself. To achieve this, I turn to Stirrings to be my party-planner-partner-in-crime in creating an awesome night for my girls with delicious cocktails. 

So if you want to create lasting memories and precious moments with your friends, then check out my guide to hosting a fun and easy Girls Night In that will be sure to leave you laughing, crying, and dancing the night away. 

The Ultimate Guide to Girls Night In:

Easy Party Planning Tip #1: Décor

 
You don't have to spend a ton of money to spruce up your place for the evening. I suggest just adding a few vases of fresh flowers. This simple addition will add new life and dimension into any room along with leaving a pleasant aroma. 

Another tip to easily up your décor game when hosting a party is to light scented candles. The lovely scent and added warmth will make your guests feel welcome, comfortable, and right at home. 

Easy Party Planning Tip #2: Get creative with your cocktails


My friends are a beautiful group of smart, strong, funny, eclectic, and inspiring pack of #GirlBosses, so I want to make sure I have a cocktail to match each of their personalities without being a slave to the kitchen all night. 

This is where Stirrings comes in. I just have to add the mixer of choice, a splash of spirits (liquor), and any additional ingredients for extra flavor, and then I'm all set with a yummy cocktail in no time. 

For my Girls Night In, I choose to provide a yummy cocktail to fit each of my fabulously fierce friends’ personalities, check them out below and let me know: which cocktail are you?

The Blackberry Bestie Blood Orange Cocktail

This cocktail is for your closest BFF, you two have been through thick-and-thin together and you're basically blood sisters. You trust her with your deepest secrets and you know that she always has your back. Think: Carrie from Sex and the City. 

How to make the cocktail:

  • Combine 1.5 oz of Ketel One® vodka and 3 oz of Stirrings Simple Blood Orange Cocktail Mixer into a shaker of ice
  • Shake for 10 seconds or until chilled
  • Strain into a glass of your choice 
  • Lightly squeeze a few blackberries until softened and then add to them to the cocktail 

This cocktail is for the friend who also doubles as your own personal cheerleader.  She is your go-to friend whenever you need cheering up and a dose of #MondayMotivation positivity. With effortless ease, she can always add an extra pep in your step while you're busy taking on the world. Think: Charlotte from Sex and the City.

How to make the cocktail:

Don't be fooled by its name! This cocktail is for the friend you admire most for her fearlessness, keen fashion style, go-getter mentality, and enviable leadership skills. You can sit with us and wearing pink on Wednesday's is totally optional. Think: Samantha from Sex and the City.

How to make the cocktail:

  • Combine 1.5 oz of Don Julio® Tequila with 3 oz of Stirrings Simple Margarita Cocktail Mixer into a shaker of ice 
  • Add a teaspoon of Organic Blue Agave Sweetener
  • Add a splash of 100% Lime Juice 
  • Shake for 10 seconds or until chilled
  • Strain into a glass of your choice 
  • Use fresh mint as a garnish 

This cocktail is for your ultimate partner-in-crime, who’s fiercely loyal and tells it like it is, in a kind, yet firm way. Just like the Lemon Drop, she gives you the bitter with the sweet. She's the kind of friend that you can call at any time of the day or night for a much-needed reality check and an even more needed hug. Think: Miranda from Sex and the City.

How to make the cocktail:

  • Combine 1.5 oz of Smirnoff® Vodka with 3 oz of Stirrings® Simple Lemon Drop Martini Cocktail Mixer into a shaker of ice 
  • Add in a few splashes of champagne
  • Shake for 10 seconds or until chilled
  • Strain into a glass of your choice 
  • Use fresh lemon slices as a garnish 

Easy Party Planning Tip #3: Tasty Treats

Admittedly, I'm not the best cook in the world, so when it comes to hosting parties, I get a little intimidated by the idea of cooking for my friends. 

So if you're like me, and you want an easy way to make sure that your guests are full and satisfied without sacrificing hours next to the oven then opt for food items that don't need much prep or cooking time. Check out the list below for my go-tos. 

My party food go-tos:

  • Hummus and pita bread
  • Meat and cheese platters
  • Mini pizzas that come pre-made (just heat and serve)
  • Veggies and dip
  • Sushi and edamame 
  • Mini sandwiches 
  • Pre-made sliders (just heat and serve)

You can also do a potluck where you ask your friends to bring their favorite dish and you simply supply the delicious cocktails and entertainment. 

Easy Party Planning Tip #4: Automate the entertainment

The last thing you want to be worried about during a night in with your girls is what to do for entertainment. That's why I suggest to make your entertainment automated and all queued up before my guests arrives. 

An easy way to do this is to create a list of movies in the “My List” section of Netflix that is in alignment for the theme of the night, for us, that's tear-jerking and laugh-inducing romantic comedies. Having a list of movies already put together to choose from eliminates a ton of time of scrolling and searching throughout all of Netflix for the ultimate chick flick.

You can also create a playlist on Spotify of fun, upbeat songs for the night, so you and your friends can rock out to tunes without missing a beat. Also have a few games on deck, like Cards of Humanity, and Truth or Dare, to keep the laughs and fun going all night. 

Now you're ready to plan your very own awesome and super easy Girls Night In! Share with us on Twitter (@StirringsMixer) and Instagram (@Stirrings) how you plan to celebrate, and don't forget to let us know, which Friend Cocktail are you?

5 Ways to Get Happy and Healthy with Kura Nutrition

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

As I continue on my journey to happiness, health, and wholeness, I wanted to share with you my 5 Ways to Get Happy & Healthy in 5 Days.

I've outlined the 5 ways below, but be sure to watch the video in order to get the insider details on how to achieve happiness and health in just 5 days.

#1: START YOUR DAY WITH KURA NUTRITION

#2: MEDITATE

#3: MOVE YOUR BODY

#4: JOURNAL

#5: CELEBRATE

Share your questions, comments, and journey with us @KuraNutrition and @CandyWashington. 

Shine from the inside-out with Kura Nutrition

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

As many of you know, I've been on a personal journey to happiness, health, and wholeness. I've started meditating in the morning, maintaining my running schedule, keeping a journal, and incorporating fresh fruits and veggies into my daily diet. Rather than just being selfie-ready, I want to also have a sense of true self that comes from an inner sense of completion, pride, and confidence.

In the spirit of full transparency, this new imperative of wanting to shine from the inside out, has also led me to seek new ways to make my personal platforms, my blog and social media channels, as valuable and empowering to you all as possible. To ensure that I'm doing my part to share content that adds meaning and not just noise, clutter, and hashtags.

This lead me to seek out one of my most inspiring brand partnerships yet. I had the pleasure of connecting with Louise Anderson of Kura Nutrition and through an open and honest discussion, we realized that we shared the common goal of adding true value to others by offering a quality product to help them lead happy, healthy, and whole lives, and I'm so honored to be able to share my journey of happiness, health, and wholeness with Kura with you all.

Kura is a New Zealand sourced, US-made protein smoothie powder that provides a crucial blend of nutrients consisting of 14 grams dairy-based protein, four billion probiotics, 26 vitamins and minerals, Omega-3s, and antioxidants, to give you a fun, easy, and yummy way to take care of your body from the inside out.

Kura is also a big supporter of Animal Welfare. The cows that they use are healthy and are able to happily chomp on real grass, 365 days of the year while roaming in beautiful pastures. Unfortunately, some animals are not as lucky and Kura donates to and partners with an incredible organization called Global Animal Partnership (GAP for short). GAP has a 5 Step Rating system to help you understand the treatment of animals in the food production process and enable you to support positive animal welfare practices with your purchase. You can read more about Global Animal Partnership here.

Creating a space for balance and peace while nurturing your body is Kura's goal. The protein smoothie powder is both gluten and GMO free with no preservatives, added sugar, or antibiotics. Made with all natural ingredients, Kura allows you to start your day from a place of wholeness and health, which sets the tone and pace for the rest of your day.

Kickstarting your day with Kura is as easy as adding the nutrient-filled smoothie powder to your favorite beverage and then for added flavor and nutrients, blend it with your fruits and vegetables of your choice. Stay tuned for some of my favorite recipes using Kura Nutrition, but in the meantime, see below for a sneak peek on how I incorporate Kura into my daily routine.

FabFitFun: See what's inside the Summer Edition

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

There's nothing that I love more than receiving boxes filled with beauty, fashion, health, and lifestyle goodies at my doorstep. That's why I literally squealed and jumped for joy when my FabFitFun Summer 2015 Edition box finally arrived.

The box itself and wrapping was so cute that I almost felt bad opening it up to see what was inside. Almost! Once I opened my box my smile only widened with delight.

Check out below why this FabFitFun box just might be the best one yet.

  • Wren 14Kt Gold and Black Sapphire Necklace: $100
  • The Everyday Wireless Speaker by FabFitFun: $29.99
  • Inkling Scents Sultry Roll-On Oil Perfume: $25
  • Gorge "I'll Make You Look Amazing Daily Spray: $24.95
  • Tarte LipSurgence Lip Gloss: $ 19
  • FabFitFun x CosmoBody Jump Rope: $14
  • Scratch Nail Wraps: $12
  • Headspace 3-Month Subscription: $38.85
  • Hello Konjac Cleansing Sponge: $12
  • Vaseline Intensive Care Aloe Soothe Spray Moisturizer: $7.99
  • Total Value: $275.79

Want your own FabFitFun box delivered directly to your doorstep filled with awesome beauty, fashion, style, and health products? Then check them out here.

PINCHme Beauty and Lifestyle Haul

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

I just got my PINCHme box and I can't wait to share all of the goodies I got with you!

Sign-up to get your own PINCHme box delivered to your front door here. 

Let me know what you think of beauty and lifestyle goodies!

​

Sweet like Scentbird

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

If you're in the market for a new signature scent or just looking to spice things up in the fragrance department, then you're in luck. I had the pleasure of experiencing Scentbird.

It's a really fun way to see which fragrances you'll like the most and the smell the best on you based off of your own personal preferences. Each month you can get a new fragrance to try so you don't have to choose just one.

 

I'm 'Fruity, Flirty, Everyday,' and was just sent Delicious by Juicy Couture, to see what you and get your very own fragrances customized just for you, check out Scentbird.  

I love lucy: Activewear for the everyday girl

Candy WashingtonComment

Hi lovelies,

I love being active. I love working out. I love feeling great and I love looking great in my clothes. 

I also love my lattes as a yummy reward afterwards. But what I love even more is my lucy Activewear. 

What I love most about my workout pieces from Lucy is that they are super comfy, super breathable, and super stylish, all at the same time.

I can easily mix-and-match pieces for being casually cool around the house, perfecting my Pilates poses, stretching to the max during yoga, going the distance on my runs, or hitting up a long brunch with the girls. 

Below are some of my favorite pieces from lucy Activewear:

Which ones are your favorites? How do you like to stay in shape while looking and feeling fab?

  • Ultimate X-Training Capri: Shop here.
  • Workout Tee: Shop here.
  • Perfectly Posed Long-Sleeve: Shop here. 
  • Workout Bra: Shop here.
  • Get going Capri: Shop here.
  • Crossback Tank: Shop here.