expert advice: natural health remedies from Ellie Whalen of Sprayology

Ellie Whalen and her sister Patricia Connell started Sprayology to help people around the world regain their balance and improve their quality of life through natural health. Here, Ellie offers her inspiration for the brand, her favorite products, advice for moms, and more.

Prettyisprettydoes: What was the inspiration for Sprayology?

Ellie Whalen: "Sprayology was inspired by my own physical exhaustion and disillusionment. I am an extremely hard worker and thus burn the candle at both ends most of the time. This left my system stressed, weakened and totally compromised. I was prescribed 2 asthma inhalers multiple times a day, antibiotics seasonally, as well as signs of premature aging and low energy. All in all, I was burnt out nearly flat-lining. I took some time to educate myself about homeopathy to incorporate it in my daily life, which ultimately lead to the creation of Sprayology. Today, I no longer take any prescriptions or allopathic drugs. The power of homeopathy is remarkable."

PIPD: Why do you think there is a need for it?

EW: "Today’s world is full of physical, emotional and environmental toxins and stressors, which can knock the body off balance. Homeopathy helps to bring the body back to a functional balance and addresses not only symptomatic relief but also the root cause of wellness issues. In addition, the healthier we get our bodies on a daily basis the better suited we are when we need to go to the doctor. My doctor is always so impressed to see that I’m done with prescription medications. To get on my soapbox for a minute…our society has gone through an era of medicating and turned into a pill-popping culture. Thanks to the new laws requiring TV commercials to disclose the side effects of medicines, today’s informed consumer is more aware of the impact and possible negative effects that prescription medicine can have on our body. Sprayology has no side effects and no contraindications. It is safe, effective and affordable. It’s a natural solution for longer-term daily self-care."

PIPD: Which do you think is the most innovative product in the brand?

EW: "Honestly, all of our products and delivery systems are innovative due to our meticulous formulating beliefs. Homeopathy has been around for over 200 years and it is the second most widely used form of medicine worldwide. I would say Body Balance is the fastest acting. I’ve had women tell me right after they have sprayed Body Balance sublingually, they feel less pain from muscular aches and more energy and positivity. It’s because today’s woman is burned out and this is an immediate and all-natural way to address exhaustion without any stimulants."

PIPD: Is there one product you personally can't live without?

EW: "I have three that I never miss taking daily - SleepEase, Rejuvenation Plus and B-12 + Folic Acid. These three supplements keep me balanced, revitalized and rejuvenated to do what I do best: help others learn about the power of homeopathy and what it can do for them."

PIPD: What advice do you have for women who are hesitant to try it? What do you have to lose?

EW: "Sprayology’s products are all natural, FDA regulated, simple effective, safe and affordable. We also back all of our products and have accessible, wonderful customer service to answer any and all questions. Sometimes we have to explain to a customer to stick with it longer for results depending on the product but they always call back happy and ready to order more. We rarely have returns."

PIPD: Which products would you recommend for new moms and not-so-new moms?

EW: "We are an FDA regulated OTC medicine. All over the counter medicines suggest that pregnant or nursing moms consult a medical professional before use. That being said, my advice for women in general is to start with a homeopathic formula and vitamin formula that meets the most pressing issue(s) for her. She will find over time that she can shift all of her household medicines and prescriptions to Sprayology. If she is getting sick frequently, I would suggest the ImmunoBooster and the Daily Multi. If her sex drive is low, I would suggest Woman Power and B-12 + Folic Acid. If she wants to lose weight, I suggest Diet Power and Daily Multi. If she is concerned with bone density, I suggest Bone Builder and Daily Multi. There is something for every woman to get her groove back."

Get Ready for Gilt Groupe’s “Beauty Travel Essentials” Exclusive Offer Celebrate Beauty & Wellness this Season with a Special Sprayology Sale! Starting: Today, Thursday, July 15th at noon ET, Ending: Monday, July 19th at midnight ET. Go to www.GILT.com, Promotion: 35-38% OFF RETAIL PRICES.

go natural

If you thought trying to get your two-year-old daughter to get dressed was a challenge, try lotioning up the kids every day for camp! Talk about a stressful morning! JASON Naturals Sunbrellas Collection makes it easier with six all natural, non-greasy sunblocks that really feel like they're offering the maximum protection. Try Mineral Based Natural Sunblock SPF 30, Kids Natural Sunblock SPF 45, Family Natural Sunblock SPF 45, Facial Natural Sunblock SPF 20, Sport Natural Sunblock SPF 45 or Lip Balm SPF 25. They go on smoothly and absorb quickly, which means you can get them dressed and off to camp in...well, let's just say quicker than with other brands that take a while to rub in. I throw the tubes in their bags so they can reapply during the day. The best part: You'll have relief knowing they're protected when you're not around. Check out www.jason-natural.com for more info.

feed your skin right

There's more to worry about in the summer than sun protection. I personally agonize over the way my skin gets so dry, especially on my elbows, knees and feet which are exposed more often than they're used to. Luckily, I found Weleda's Skin Food ($17.50) for dry and rough skin. I've always been jealous that my two-year-old daughter gets to use Weleda's diaper cream--it feels so nourishing and smells so intoxicatingly of calendula. Skin Food offers the same amazing benefits. The ultra-rich whole-body cream deeply hydrates, restores and protects your skin especially on those stubbornly dry areas. Essential fatty acids and vitamin E in an organic sunflower seed oil are used to hydrate the skin. Organic pansy calms dry, irritated skin. Soothing rosemary leaf extract ’s mild antiseptic properties and the anti-inflammatory properties of Biodynamic® and organic calendula flower extract gently nourish and care for your skin. I rubbed it on my trouble spots and my skin really drank it up. It even helped my dry, cracked feet which suffer from working mommy-overtime. NOTE: This is a deeply moisturizing cream so be sure to try it only if you can handle the rich texture. Go to www.usa.weleda.com to purchase.

Win $12,000 Worth of Prizes from Magic Beans

Everyone loves a good birthday party--and today Boston-based Magic Beans is hosting several. Today marks the stores' sixth anniversary and, as a result, there will be in-store birthday party celebrations in four locations. Customers can save 6% on all merchandise and local musicians and businesses will help make it a community-oriented event. In addition, July 1st marked the launch of a special program called 31 Days of Giveaways--more than $12,000 in prizes will be distributed!--which will run through the end of July.

“This is our second year running this promotion,” explained Magic Beans co-founder Eli Gurock. “Last year we were blown away by the incredible response from our customers, and we can’t wait to give away even more of our favorite products this time around.”

Each day at noon EST, the new giveaway will be announced on the Magic Beans website, mbeans.com, as well as on their blog, their Twitter and their Facebook page.The idea originated as a way to celebrate the anniversary of the first store’s opening day.

“We love birthdays here at Magic Beans,” said Sheri Gurock, Eli’s wife and co-founder. “And everyone loves getting birthday presents, so we thought this would be a fun way to thank our customers for their support.”

The Gurocks won’t spill the beans about how many entries they received last year, but they say that they far exceeded any expectations. “That shouldn’t discourage anyone from entering,” Eli emphasized. “Last year, one lucky woman even won twice, so anything can happen.”

The prizes lined up for this year include the best and brightest new products for babies, including high-end strollers from Bugaboo, UPPAbaby, and Orbit Baby, car seats from Britax, Clek and Sunshine Kids, modern nursery furniture from Monte and Bloom, and baby carriers from Baby Bjorn and Ergo Baby. There will also be a Santa-worthy assortment of toys for all ages, specially featured on Toy Tuesdays each week.

Go to http://mbeans.com/31-days to learn more about the amazing prizes you can win and http://mbeans.com/magic-beans-6th-birthday-events-schedule.html for store celebration info. Check out www.mbeans.com for general info about the company and the products/services it offers.

let the sun shine

When it comes to kids and sunscreen, what's easiest and fastest triumphs. Slather it on and get them on their way--before they get too antsy and wriggle away from you. So in these challenging days when you're trying to get them off to camp on time, SuperGoop comes to the rescue with some great news delivery systems. My favorite: SPF 30 Sunscreen Swipes ($34 for a pack of 40, or $12 for eight travel packs). They contain zinc, a powerful UV protector, so they're great for sensitive skin and you can use them on their face or body. I also love the SPF 30 Everyday UV Protection Spray ($24) in a convenient pump spray that lets you get to hard to reach places like behind ears and necks. It's water-resistant and moisturizing and has Parsol 1789 which offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Go to www.supergoop.com to stock up for summer and the rest of the year.

expert advice: get into shape ten minutes at a time, from personal trainer/bodybuilder Kevin Richardson

When you finally find ten free minutes in your day to so ANYTHING but take care of the kids, how do you spend them? There are a million things that come to mind--and taking care of yourself is probably not at the top of the list. Personal trainer/bodybuilder Kevin Richardson offers five easy ways to stay in shape in only ten minutes. Here, his expert advice for moms on the go...

1. Sit Down And Have A Proper Breakfast. It may not sound like much, but with all the focus on the kids, it’s easy to forget to do something as simple as having a good breakfast. Studies continue to show the importance of the first meal on the way our body is able to perform, and on our ability to maintain a healthy body weight. Just ten minutes in the morning to sit down and eat a proper breakfast will not only help you be healthier, but will also improve your mood by keeping your blood sugar regulated throughout the day. Healthy breakfast choices include oatmeal (not the instant kind), eggs and fruit. You can get more information on healthy breakfast choices from my free weight loss ebook on healthy breakfast choices.

2. Take A Ten Minute Walk. It isn't much to ask for in terms of time, but at least four to five times a week go for a brisk ten minute walk. It will do wonders for your stress levels and will give you a regular break that you can look forward to!

3. Keep A Food Journal. Take ten minutes at the end of each day to write down what you ate for the day and how you felt after you ate it. People that track their food intake are far more likely to recognize eating habits that lead to unwanted pounds around the waistline and are better able to lose weight from a real understanding of what they are eating. Most people are surprised at how different how much you think you ate measures up to how much you really ate when they take the time to reflect and write it down. Don't ever feel guilty if you find yourself eating the wrong foods- as guilt has no place in the quest to get in great shape and will only make you feel miserable. Instead use it as a guide to give you a handle of how you can avoid some of the cues and situations that lead to eating the wrong foods.

4. Take Ten Minutes To Learn A New Healthy Recipe Each Week. Take the time to go online or get a book on healthy eating and learn just one healthy recipe a week. Try out your new foods as well and you’ll soon find yourself cooking healthier meals on a regular basis; the whole household will benefit as a result.

5. Follow A High Intensity Training Program. Not only are high intensity training programs more effective than conventional ones, but they are also much shorter. Studies have shown that you can increase your strength, build endurance and lose those extra pounds with a high intensity workout of only ten minutes three times a week. It's the perfect solution to the problem of not having enough time to exercise.

Learn more about Kevin Richardson's program at www.naturallyintense.net.

happy father's day: gifts for all dads

Most guys claim they don't "need" anything, but when Father's Day comes around, there are plenty of gift ideas for the women in their lives to choose from. Here are some favorites...

Not just another tie! Votre Vu's Tie One Off gift set ($63; a $93 value) includes these must-have, travel-sized products: · Formule 1 Men’s 3-in-1 Hair, Face and Body Wash · Habitude Men’s Daily Face Crème (SPF 15) · Beau Baume Organic Shave Balm · Ten Gauge Health & Energy Slam (Five 2.5 oz. bottles). Go to http://www.votrevu.com/ to order.

He'll never have to have a bad hair day again with Sculpt Wax ($22). Light-reflecting shine polymers to give hold, separation and definition. Dry hair, then twist, bend and shape into desired style. Peyton Manning and Josh Duhamel are fans. Get some for dad at http://www.emmettcooperhaircare.com/.

If he already has an iPad, get him a case to tote it in. TARGUS introduces iPad cases ($49.99 each) designed to protect it while you're on the go. They come in multiple color options, including black, blue, brown, and plum, and have a new A7 Neoprene Sleeve that holds up to 17" widescreen laptops. Available via http://www.targus.com/.

Make sure he doesn't neglect his feet! The Pedicure Salon Kit ($9.99) from Kiss contains a Toenail Clipper, Cuticle Nipper, Foot & Brush Stone, Cuticle Pusher & Cleaner, Toe Separators, 4-Way Bugger, Nail File and Manicure Sticks--all basic necessities. Available at www.beautyonlinesupply.com.

If he prefers the slightly scruffy look but still wants to appear well-groomed, give him the Remington Complete Grooming System ($19.99). It has a wide trimmer, a fine trimmer, and 16 different comb lengths to trim any beard length. At Target, Walmart and www.remingtonproducts.com.

Don't let him sweat the shaving routine. Give him the BLACK OPAL Razor Bump Solution Shave System ($21.95)--complete with Anti-Bump Cleanser, Anti-Bump Shave Gel and Anti-Bump Treatment for smooth, soft, non-irritated skin. Go to www.BlackOpalBeauty.com, enter promo code DAD20 at checkout and receive free shipping on your entire order.