Review: Kramers Health Foods

Today, I wandered across the street from one of my downtown classes and I came across a great hidden gem in Chicago. Kramers Health Foods on South Wabash in the Loop. I saw it as I was exiting my class building so I thought I'd go in for a bottle of shampoo... I was shocked by the size of the store and the amount of products they had.

You walk in and there are coolers of healthy pre-made foods from kale salads, to sandwiches, to vegan and gluten free nachos. Not to mention the amount of cold drinks they had with the most healthy ingredients. I got a Bragg Organic ACV Apple Cinnamon drink and it was delicious. Only 32 calories!

Keep walking down the store and there are aisles and aisles of nutritious protein bars, vitamins, supplements,
homeopathic remedies, healthy snacks, teas, and a mini grocery section FILLED with non-GMO, vegan, vegetarian and gluten free foods that were priced fairly well. It will make you want things you never knew you needed. Never thought you needed bee pollen capsules? You do now. I don't know what Fenugreek Seed is but I want it.

The right side of the store has everything beauty related ranging from makeup, to hair products, to mouth care, to soaps and everything in between. Of course I picked up a few things... An aloe vera shampoo for oily hair, a bee pollen soap, and Now Solutions sweet almond oil. So excited to try out my new products and expand my cabinet of natural products.

Upstairs they have a Cafe that I unfortunately didn't have time to go in, but from the looks of it, it seemed great! Pressed juices, salads, soups and sandwiches. I'll have to go back one day after class.

I'm so happy I finally went into Kramer's because I know it will become a staple store for me.

--Ms. Makeup

Spring Skincare Routine

Spring is finally here! Because it is getting warmer, I've switched up my skincare a little with my products from iHerb.com

I wash my face morning and night with the NutriBiotic Non-Soap Skin Cleanser. I love this stuff! It's a PH balancing cleanser so it doesn't leave that tight, dry feeling. It's fragrance free, paraben free, all that good stuff. Highly recommend! Purchase

I'm still using the Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner (morning and night.) I don't think I'll be using a different toner for a very long time. This one is natural, smells amazing and gives your face that extra step of feeling really clean. And it's alcohol free! Purchase

During the day I use the Aubrey Organics Every Day Basics Moisturizer. I do like this moisturizer a lot, but it's not the absolute best I've ever used. You need a very minimal amount because a little goes a looong way with this stuff. I rub it between my hands and apply a layer to my face to where the moisturizer gets very white. I let it sit for a few seconds and then I really rub it in. You can tell upon using this product that it really sinks into your skin. It controls my oily skin without drying. Purchase 

At night I have been using the Now Solutions Avocado Oil. Now, although I do have oily skin, for whatever reason, avocado oil doesn't increase the oilyness in my skin over night. It really seeps into the skin and doesn't just sit as a layer above your pores. This is the greatest way of moisturizing I have ever found for my skin type. Purchase

Finally, before bed I apply a little 100% cocoa butter to my lips for extra moisture at night. Purchase 

My skin has never looked so "normal" and clear before and I really believe it's from these products. Using more natural products has really helped me and I encourage others to make the switch. I have even received a few compliments on how nice my skin has looked lately, which is always a great boost of confidence!

--Ms. Makeup