All of my selections have one thing in common: they are EFFORTLESS. It’s crazy to think that my new baby is due to arrive in less than seven weeks, so I’m definitely focused on finds that are easy, effective and, of course, clean. Whether you’re expecting a new kiddo yourself or just on the hunt for new seasonal products, I guarantee you’ll be inspired as you scroll. Don’t forget to leave your thoughts in the comments!

Lano 101 Ointment Multi-Balm Fruities Trio – There’s nothing Lano’s ‘101 Ointment’ can’t do. It keeps lips soft, hydrates cuticles, restores cracked heels, soothes insect bites and even keeps your eyebrows in place. Each formula in this ‘Fruities’ trio is packed with Vitamin E and Lanolin to mimic lipids naturally found in the skin. The texture is like Aquaphor, but leaves a glossy and not-in-the-least-bit sticky shine.

Susanne Kaufmann Detox Oil Scrub – Organic, plant-based ingredients sourced in the Alps valley, Bregenzer Forest were used to create this supersonic scrub. It’s formulated with healing sesame oil, soothing Bisabolol and gently exfoliating poppy seeds to stimulate circulation and invigorate dry-looking skin. It also contains alkaline apricot kernels to help your skin retain its natural PH. I use it on dry skin and I swear my skin hasn’t felt this soft from a traditional scrub EVER.

True Botanicals Vitamin C Booster – This reparative treatment features vitamin C in its freshest, most potent form mixed with ferulic acid, which has been proven to stimulate collagen and brighten skin. It’s in powder form to retain potency until the moment it’s used. Mix with serum, mist or water to activate. You won’t be disappointed.

Kate Young Ally Cat-Eye Sunglasses – Okay, okay, this isn’t technically beauty, but it’s a major trend you have to try for summer. I know, it’s everywhere, but why not jump on board and have a little fun? These super-flattering sunnies will be perfect with a white off-the-shoulder top and frayed denim or patterned summer dress. I’ll be living in them. Plus, sunglasses help protect the skin around your eyes from sunburns. Fun fact. They come in black and white.

Memo Paris Tamarindo Perfume – This legit smells like Tahini in a bottle. Pineapple and vanilla dreams linger softly behind patchouli and bergamot. The scent really blossoms like a flower beneath the summer sun. You have to try it.

Dr. Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Ampoules – This is an intensive treatment for an instant skin refresh and hydration boost. These give a similar effect to the SKII masks, delivering firm dewiness in minutes. I also traveling with these and put one on before I go out or at the end of a long day. Long-chain hyaluronic acid moisturizes intensively plumps fine lines, while short-chain hyaluronic acid rehydrates the skin’s deeper layers. Purslane extract is also involved and is rich in antioxidants. It protects sensitive cell membranes against attacks by free radicals.

Rebecca De Ravenel Claudia La La Hoop Earrings – Nothing livens up your look like a pair of fresh statement earrings. I’m loving this pair from Rebecca De Ravenel. It’s an update to her signature tiered babble style and I am craving one in every color. I don’t have my ears pierced, but I’m able to wear these babies. Perk: they are really light and don’t kill yours ears. PS – They are on SALE!

Supergoop! Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil with Meadowfoam SPF 50 – How cool is this? An oil and an SPF combined. This water-resistant, non-greasy (can you even imagine?) formula protects your complexion, diminishes signs of damage and even enhances skin hydration. I love that its SPF 50 because I never mess around with that 30 nonsense. The meadowfoam seed oil also reinforces your skin’s natural lipid barrier, preventing moisture loss from the sun’s rays. Boom.

Kosas Color & Light Crème Blush in 8^th Muse – I kinda forgot about crème blushes, but now I am back on board. This completely organic version by Kosas is one part blush, one part illuminator and serves as a shortcut to a sun-kissed complexion. Enhanced with nourishing face oils including marula, rosehip seed, grape seed, green tea, and myrrh, the creams offer effortless, blendable layering and the smoothest finish.

SKII Overnight Miracle Mask – Get the look of a full night of sleep without actually having one with this brilliant mask. It’s filled with Pitera and all of the same glorious benefits of the famous Facial Treatment Mask, but in a travel-friendly and super easy to use overnight version. I am going to take these little capsules with my on all my travels (and on international flights!) to ensure my skin always looks super plump and hydrated. I think these are going to come in really handy – especially with the new baby.

Difference between dry-brushing and exfoliating: Although dry-brushing is a type of exfoliation, the term exfoliation is used to describe the removal of dead skin while taking a bath or a shower, aka wet. You typically use your hands or sometimes exfoliating gloves. Dry-brushing, on the other hand, is done completely dry (pre-shower) and using a brush. The benefits of dry-brushing are a little deeper and more holistic, including lymphatic stimulation to assist in detox and waste removal. It also helps with blood circulation and promotes collagen production. Hooked yet?

Important note for those who are expecting: Get the OK from your doctor first before dry-brushing. Also make sure to be extra gentle, especially around the stomach. Use very light strokes or avoid the stomach area completely if it feels uncomfortable.

What is dry-brushing? Dry skin brushing is one of the most natural, effective and inexpensive methods for reducing cellulite and promoting healthy, glowy skin. It buffs away dead skin, boosts circulation and lymphatic drainage and rids the body of toxins. Interested? Uh, who wouldn’t be.

I spoke with Joanna Vargas, New York City based esthetician, celeb facialist (clients like Michelle Williams and Rachel Weisz, NBD) and skin care expert, for the low-down on dry brushing.

Why: “The main purpose of dry brushing is to stimulate collagen production, which will help thicken the skin and lessen the appearance of cellulite. It also increases blood flow to the skin, and helps the lymphatic system release toxins by aiding digestion and kidney function. It also dramatically increases elasticity, so it’s great for lifting and toning problem areas. Results usually appear within the first two weeks!”

How often: “Dry brushing every day on heels, elbows and knees considerably improves their texture. Dry brushing immediately increases circulation, so you will feel warmer when you are done—perfect for winter! Try it before you get into the shower in the morning and you will see a difference in your skin quality and cellulite in days. But you can also just attempt to do this once a week.”

Type of Brush: “Look for a course bristled brush. The bristles should be natural, not synthetic, and preferably vegetable-derived. Find a brush with an attached handle for hard to reach spots.”

Direction: “Start at the tops of the feet and brush upwards towards the heart, making long sweeps, avoiding an overly harsh back and forth motion. Start at your feet, moving up the legs on both sides, then work from the arms toward your chest. On your stomach, direct the brush counterclockwise. Spend extra time on areas that tend to be more stagnant, like the inner thigh, and don’t forget to include the backs of the arms and your back.”

Post brushing: “I like to follow with a nice body butter containing Shea and Cocoa Butter, especially in the winter for ultimate softness and hydration.”

Thanks Joanna for your incredible insight! I recommend this brush from Cap Beauty and using only clean body butters. These are my favorites: Pai, Tata Harper, Earth Tu Face and Susanne Kaufmann. Try Pai if you are sensitive or allergy-prone, Tata if you want to get rid of cellulite or stretch marks, Earth Tu Face if you are a coconut or cocoa addict and Susanne for the best absorbing and most deliciously smelling.

Spacemasks Self Heating Eye Mask – I am obsessed with these! Each single pouch contains a self-heating eye mask that basically transports you to another dimension. These babies relieve relieve eye strain and restore a restful glow. Pro tip: I love using these when I fly!

8 Faces – finally got my hands on this! 8 Faces is an all-in-one balm that is truly one of a kind. Made with Amla Berry, a super-fruit rich Vitamin C, this transformative solid oil boosts collagen, fights free radicals and brings a fresh glow to the skin. I absolutely adore the smell. The grapefruit, geranium and lavender blend is super calming. I use it right after masking to lock in the moisture.

Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil – I am using this oil just about everywhere. Jessica Richards of Shen Beauty got me really into Rosehip and I’ve been addicted ever since. I add a few drops to my moisturizer and a few drops into my stretch mark oil. This beauty oil is totally clean and clinically proven to improve skin evenness, add brightness and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Patyka Intensive Moisturizing Mask – I popped into the coolest French beauty store Oh My Cream! and asked them what the best facemask is. This was their answer. This French brand is totally new to me, but I have been super happy with the results of this intense mask. It’s the kind of mask that you can use bi-weekly to plump and firm the skin. Highly recommend.

David Mallett Hair Serum #DM027 – another recent Paris find. David himself recommended this product to me (right after he told me that I remind him of Jennifer Connelly!!!). The serum is great for girls with not-so-thick hair. Apply to wet hair post-shampoo and conditioner. It’s also a dream for taming flyaways.

Tata Harper Crème Riche – I honestly don’t think there is a better nighttime moisturizer out there. If you do, can you please let me know what it is? This super rich cream is formulated with sixteen sources of hydration and twelve sources of age-defying botanicals that lift and plump the skin. Hyaluronic and essential fatty acids help lock in moisture for an instantly soft, supple, youthful appearance. Pro tip: make sure to really massage the product in your fingers before applying it to the face. (You know, it’s the same with La Mer.)

RMS Beauty Myth Eye Polish – I just picked up this baby in Paris last weekend and how was I living without this for so long??? UGH it’s good. It’s flesh colored so it gives the lid a slightly darker, more dramatic look. It feels a little 90s in the best way ever and gives that wet look too. I use it without any liner both day and night.

The Nue Co. Plant Protein + Gut Food – I was devastated to learn that the Clean Program shakes were a no-no during pregnancy. I emailed them myself and they said that Vitamin A levels were too high. During my 1^st trimester and pre-pregnancy, I was following a strict TCM diet and so I gave up smoothies. Starting this year I am back on them and NOTHING makes me happier to get out of bed in the morning. This pea/ hemp mix has been the perfect replacement.

Tata Concentrated Brightening Essence – Pre-pregnancy, I was addicted to the SK-II Facial Essence Treatment (who knows maybe I’d still be using it but I literally just ran out). I used it for years and I still swear by it. In place of the SK-II version, I starting using Tata’s. I’ve been using it for about 3 weeks and it too is incredible. The lightweight essence is infused with Alpha and Beta Hydroxy technology and gives the complexion a toned and refined look, helping minimize the appearance of dark spots for a more even, luminous glow. It also boosts the performance of whatever serum I’m using. Need I say more?

Anything by Dr. Barbara Sturm…ok, her Glow Drops – Ok, so I know that this isn’t technically clean, BUT, I did watch Dr. Sturm apply these products onto her very own child and she used all her own products on herself when pregnant. And if anyone knows what is in them and the effects of this, it’s Dr. Sturm. Im going to take her word and incorporate her Glow Drops into my routine for added dewiness. It’s something I could really use a little more of right about now (hello, pale me). The point of her newest product is to transform and revitalize tired, dull skin and restore its radiance. Light reflecting pigments instantly create a visible youthful radiance and even cut out irregularities in complexion. I am mixing a few drops in with my serum and applying all over my face, eye area and neck. Voila.

Images, Bella Badid by Ben Rayner for Wonderland September / October 2015.

I’ll rewind and tell you the full story.

I was back in New York hosting a baby shower at my apartment for my best friend. Two weeks prior I had moved from New York to Switzerland with Henry and therefore this week was to be used very productively: I scheduled all the necessary appointments, my dentist, doctor and, of course, my facialist Dangene. I saw my doctor the Thursday before the shower and asked her to give me a pregnancy test. I didn’t actually think I was pregnant, but I had lost track of my cycle (you know — flying, stress, moving to a new continent) and just wanted to make sure I could booze over the weekend. There were moments of light bleeding before I arrived in New York, but I didn’t think anything of it. I brought this up to my doctor and she said it could be implantation bleeding, something that occurs when your egg actually gets fertilized. This obviously caught my attention, but I quickly dismissed the idea while leaving her office. She promised me the results by the following day.

For the next day and a half I ran around the city getting ready for the party and tying up all my loose ends. I also greeted one of my best friends who was visiting from Charleston. She was staying with me and I was thrilled! On Friday evening, a little before 6pm, I got a text from my doctor that read, “Annie. You are pregnant.” My heart dropped. I couldn’t believe the words I was reading and my body collapsed into the wall. Without speaking, I walked over to my friend and showed her my phone. I was stunned.

The weekend flew by and before I knew it I was getting ready to leave New York. I had already shared the news with another friend and my sister but the person I really needed to tell was Henry.

Henry wasn’t in Switzerland. He was on an annual trip with some of his friends in Georgia and completely out of reach. I wanted to tell him SO badly, but the thought of telling him on the phone and then having the call drop wasn’t the romantic story that I had dreamed up. I decided that I would wait until he arrived back in Zurich to tell him in person. I knew he would be beyond ecstatic (and that he would probably cry) and it would be beautiful and perfect and there was just no way I would want to miss that moment. The last thing I did before leaving was call my doctor to ask if it was okay to fly. She said yes, so off I went.

What went down on the plane is something that I wouldn’t wish for anyone. I woke up from a long sleep and went to the bathroom to find a tiny bit blood where there shouldn’t have been. While this was my first pregnancy, I still had some idea of what was happening. Of course, my mind jumped to the worst case. Was this a miscarriage?

I was alone and unable to use my cell phone to anxiously Google (“What does bleeding mean at 5 weeks pregnant?” “What does a miscarriage feel like?”). I was totally frozen. For the next 5 hours, I lay awake, staring at the blank TV screen in front of me. I just couldn’t be having a miscarriage, right? The plane eventually landed, but the bleeding had not stopped.

I’ll never forget the snowstorm that welcomed me home that day. I waited until it was past 9am New York time before calling my doctor to confirm with her what I had feared most and what I should do. She calmly told me that I had probably suffered from a miscarriage, and that I should go to the hospital just to be sure. I held onto the word “probably” with my dear life. Maybe there was a chance it didn’t really happen?

I had to find a hospital. At this point, I barely knew where the grocery store was, let alone the hospital and I didn’t even have a doctor. On top of that, there was the snowstorm escalating outside. And, let’s just say, my driving skills were rusty. The world was caving in on me.

I sat on my couch in a living room full of boxes and sent Henry a message that he needed to call me immediately. He did. It was heartbreaking telling him the news and my words were covered in tears. After the call, Henry sent me the address of a clinic that was just a few minutes from our house, so I dragged myself into my car and drove there slowly. Luckily, I didn’t have a wait more than a minute or two to see a doctor who spoke perfect English. Lucky me. After taking a quick look, she confirmed that I had suffered from a miscarriage, but because I was only five weeks pregnant, she assured me that this was very normal and I shouldn’t expect any other side effects. I asked her why this happened to me. Was it the flight? Was it my diet? Did I have too much to drink over the past few weeks? Was it the move? Is it stress? Is there something wrong with me? Why, why, why, why? Sometimes there is just no explanation.

Over the next 9 months we tried to have another baby. I tried everything: acupuncture, lymphatic massage, yoga, meditation, hypnotherapy, a fertility diet, ovulation sticks, long walks, I gave up coffee, I gave up Matcha, I used essential oils, I drank bone broth, I met regularly with a Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor, we bought a dog. Everything, but still nothing. I cried every month after unsuccessful pursuits. Henry and I went in for all kinds of testing and there was nothing they could find that could be preventing us from becoming pregnant. Unexplained pregnancy. As a consolidation I would often hear, “for many women it can often take one year to get pregnant.” Dude – this doesn’t help.

In August, my doctor asked me what I thought about in vitro fertilization (IVF). I hadn’t really considered it. It felt like such a last resort, like the end of the line. But it wasn’t the first time I’d heard of it. Many of my close friends in Europe and back in the states have used IVF both with successful and unsuccessful outcomes, and many were struggling with infertility, so I was of course very familiar with the concept. I knew that my impatience was getting the best of me and without a second thought we said let’s do it. So we did. I was referred to one of most advanced clinics in Switzerland. Some of their staff members were trained in Denver, Colorado at what is considered the best treatment center in the US. And it worked. (More on my IVF experience to come. It was an experience in and of itself.)

Today marks my 15th week of pregnancy and I am so beyond thankful. My family, friends, the doctors, nurses, fertility specialists, acupuncturists (Esther Denz, you’re an angel)… I am so grateful for all your support and humility. Getting pregnant is a really funny thing. For some, it comes so easily, and for others, it takes patience, a lot of tears, even more work and an incredibly supportive partner. There were so many nights, too many to count, that I’d cry myself to sleep wondering what I could have done differently.

What I took away from this year-long experience is that sharing my story helps. Miscarriage, IVF and problems conceiving shouldn’t be so concealed. We shouldn’t be afraid or embarrassed to tell the not-so-bright side of our story. My bond grew tighter with old friends through shared stories and I was able to make new friends by talking over our parallel experiences. So here I am opening up to all of you. I hope that my story will inspire you to never give up on what you want, to never feel ashamed, to find patience, and to find the happiness, even when you feel like there is nothing left. Because there always is. If you are going through something similar, I encourage you to be open and talk to people you trust. This is what really nurtured my soul.

It’s fall in Switzerland, and it’s actually my first fall since moving to Europe in January. The leaves here turn bright orange and yellow and the air is super crisp. It reminds me of New England fall, but just grander. One Sunday afternoon, I whipped up this simple, delicious and nutritious purred soup for Henry and I, and we have been making it ever since. Like literally once a week. I will make it over the weekend and it will last me throughout the whole week for lunch or easy dinners. I like this recipe because it uses ingredients that are seasonal. I bought everything from the bio stand a the farmers market, so I know that nothing has been effected with chemicals. Butternut squash is so awesome – its low in fat and is full of fiber. It also has lots of potassium and Vitamin B6 which is essential for the proper function of the nervous and immune systems.

Ingredients

4 tablespoons good olive oil
4 cups chopped yellow (or white) onions (3 large)
3 cloves garlic
5 pounds butternut squash (2 large)
1 1/2 pounds sweet apples (4 apples)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 cups water
2 Tbs vegetable bouillon
Hefty splash of white wine

Directions

Warm the olive oil and onions in a large stockpot uncovered over low heat for 10-15 minutes, until the onions are tender. Stir often, scraping the bottom of the pot. Peel the squash, cut in half, and remove the seeds. Cut the squash into chunks. Peel, quarter, and core the apples. Cut into chunks. Add the squash, apples, pepper, water, vegetable bouillon and the white wine to the pot. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook over low heat for 30 to 40 minutes, until the squash and apples are very soft. Remove from the heat and puree the soup (in intervals) using a heavy-duty blender or Vitamix. Pour the soup back into the pot. Check the salt and pepper and serve hot, or let it cook and store it in your fridge for the rest of the week. If the soup is too thick, add in water to change the consistency.

Also…Where do the ingredients come from? How many should I actually take? How’s it going to impact my body? So many questions.

Luckily, the vitamin market is getting better. There are a few things I’ve discovered recently that make finding (and remembering to take) the right vitamins a little easier.

For starters, Goop recently launched a really cool subscription service that delivers your daily dose right to your door. A fresh supply of your regime will arrive every four weeks, so you’ll never run out. There are four doctor-defined regiments to choose from. They cover four acute needs as well as covering all the basics. For example, you can try “Why am I so effing tired?” (for energy) or “High School Genes” (for metabolism) The best part? They’re formulated with super-duper tested raw ingredients. You can trust that these vitamins were sourced from the highest quality ingredients, and underwent rigorous testing to ensure their purity and potency.

Next up: Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Skin Food. This amazing product promotes anti-aging and skin health. The hallmark ingredient is a mixture of a “fountain of youth” compound Purslane, which is also in all her skincare products. Purslane is clinically acclaimed for its remarkable anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and nutritive properties. It also activates the “fountain of youth enzyme” Telomerase and contributes to a fresh and clear appearance. It’s also formulated with Japanese Knotweed Root Extract that helps promote anti-aging. (This is what I am currently taking).

Last but not least, Ritual is another really cool subscription service that makes vitamin routines easy. At $30 per month, you get 60 capsules. One bottle delivers the 9 essentials nutrients that most women lack. Like Sturm and Goop’s versions, this is also vegan, gluten and soy free and free of synthetics and colorants. It’s also non-GMO. The idea here is to promote joy, energy and defy age. Simply, of course.

Image, Irving Penn. 

Here’s the scoop.

During my three night stay at the Hotel Post, I slept in one of the special “sleep therapy rooms.” My bed was made in a particular way to ensure deep sleep and at night, the wifi actually turns off to encourage further relaxation. The design of the room is very simple, no TV, just very zen. I ate from her Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Detox Diet, which was delicious and left me totally satisfied. The cuisine supports purification, detoxification and de-acidification of the body and the connective tissue. I could get down with that.

A typical menu sounded like this. Breakfast: hot oat cereal with fruits, pudding of chia seed with coconut and cardamom, juice freshly squeezed with linseed oil, and Susanne Kaufmann Detox Tea. Lunch: fennel tomato soup, quinoa with cucumber, bell pepper, olives and capers and SK Peppermint Tea. Dinner: stewed saffron fennel with celery, cream of parsnips and wild herbs, fennel tomato soup and SK Acid Alkalizing Tea. The teas became my addiction over the course of my stay, especially the Acid Alkalizing Tea.

The best part? I had the opportunity to meet with Susanne. I, obviously, asked her everything – from the inspiration behind her skincare line to her under-the-radar beauty secrets. Read on for my full interview with the guru.

Tell me about how you got involved with the spa.

“When I took over [the spa in 1994], there was one masseur, one therapist, a doctor, a little spa and a sauna. It was the typical European detox center, but very simple. I quickly realized I wanted to develop and focus on the spa.

A lot of the spas at the time were influenced by Greek and Italian architecture, very heavy, so I was always striving to be unique, which is why I decided to keep the spa clean, sterile, white and very medical. I wanted to have nothing in the rooms – no colors, pictures, sounds – so you can focus on yourself.”

When concepting the spa, how did you decide to develop your own line of products?

“We had tried all the big name brands – Shiseido, Estee Lauder, but nothing natural. And I was very lucky because I was told about a producer that was only 15 minutes from the hotel that has his own line using whey in his cosmetics. And at the beginning there were 24 products, now we have around 80 products. And people really came to the spa, and I didn’t know if they would like the products and would ask for Clinique or Estee, but they didn’t, they loved our line. So after a year, we fazed out all the other lines and we used only Susanne Kaufmann products. And that’s how it started.

How would you describe your skincare line?

“It’s about taking the best quality and bringing it into the skin in the most natural and effective way and really do something and work. When you bring something in very deeply, you have to be careful about what you take and which quality. For me, cooking and cosmetics are a bit the same. It all depends on the ingredients. If you make a fish that isn’t good quality, and you put on the best sauce in the world, the fish still isn’t good. And the same goes for cosmetics. You can disguise anything with fancy packaging, but if the quality isn’t right, it’s harmful.”

 What ingredients make your products stand out?

“Ectoine. It’s a wonderful cell repair ingredient. When it comes to anti-aging and radiance and beautiful skin, it’s always about helping your cells work better. After we turn 25, the cell regeneration diminishes. The ectoine helps the cells regenerate and protect themselves. We have it in the whole A-Line, the advanced anti-aging line as well as well as the sun production creams. It’s from an algae, so they do it in the lab. They put the algae’s under stress by freezing them. To prevent the algae from dying, they give the algae a little ‘coat,’ which is the ectoine. This protects from the coldness. So when you go back and de-freeze them, they release the ectoine! It’s so natural and it’s a wonderful botanical active.

I also use arnica. In the summertime as a child, my parents would send me and my cousins to the mountains [to visit my grandmother]. We always had time to collect things. There were blueberries and ingredients for tea. And my Grandma was obsessed with arnica. She would make arnica schnapps. And whenever you had something, if it was a scratch, a sore throat, if you had problems with you knee – arnica cured everything. So whenever we would go up into the Alps, she would ask us to bring it. And it wasn’t for drinking; it was just for the cure.”

Have any favorite products in your collection?

“The Line A Eye Cream (which contains that entoine) and also the Skin Lighting and Radiance Complex. It makes your skin really even and removes the sunspots and age spots. But it takes time to really remove the pigmentation. If you really have those dark spots, it takes a year but it works. You don’t need lasers; the creams and serums will really work.”

You are known to be fascinated by Traditional Chinese medicine. How does that influence the spa?

“I was looking for something a bit deeper than only doing facials and massages. I always thought there was more more about being beautiful or healthy, so I tried a few different courses. I went to a Panchakarma course [aka the most effective healing modality in Ayurvedic Medicine] and it was a really wonderful experience but I couldn’t introduce this into the Hotel Post. Your hair needed to get really oily and this was more of a retreat, so it wasn’t right kind of experience.

Traditional Chinese medicine is all about preservation. You basically go to prevent getting sick. I thought this was the right thing. I didn’t want to be a medical center but I did want to prevent people from getting sick. If you come to the hotel for the whole detox program, you are seen by a Chinese medicine practitioner and your plan is based on your diagnosis.

From there everything falls into place and you get specific cuisine, treatments, movements and products. It’s a 360 degree approach. We see beauty in a holistic way. You have to look at the whole picture – not just at the skin. It’s what how eat and sleep, so we try to integrate all of this into your treatment.”

How did you choose the hotel’s menu?

“The food was really important to me because I love food. If I have a 5-course menu or if I just have some cheese and potato, I always look for good quality. Food is how you feed your cells, everything. It’s really the base. Now we see, that people eat to much yogurt and have these sugar shocks so again, its so important what we give and feed our bodies from the inside.”

What’s the deal with your famous Whey Bath?

“We are doing so much cheese here in this area. If you have 1 liter milk you are only doing 90% cheese out of this, so the remaining 10% is the whey. And there are so many vitamins and minerals in this whey. My grandmother made all these different things with whey, because it was so good for you. She even made whey soup, which I never liked. She lived to 99. The reason that it’s so good for you is because of the lactic acid. We have heard all these theories about how Cleopatra bathed in milk. Well she actually bathed whey.”

Are you now as obsessed as I am with Susanne? I thought so. To give you a little mini crash course in her skincare line, I put together a shortlist of my favorite discoveries….

It was really hard to choose, but because I am such a bath addict, I love her Whey Bath (duh) and her Mallow Blossom Bubble Bath. Both look and feel incredible and actually make your skin more hydrated. The cooling and warming foot creams are really incredible products too. I bought the warming cream for myself and the cooling for my mom and she absolutely loves it.

For skincare, I am an Hyaluronic Acid lover, so it was only natural that I gravitated towards her Hyaluron Serum. The super concentrated plant-based formula is enriched with Hyaluronic Acid to help the skin retain moisture, as well as Citric Acid to reduce the appearance of fine lines.

After experiencing the anti-aging facial at her glorious spa, I knew that I needed the power trio in order to get my pre-party facial on. This means that the Enzyme Peel, the Moisturizing Mask and the Skin Lightening and Radiance Complex are now integral parts of my skincare routine. I’ll have a tutorial on how to do this coming up!

If you try any of my recommendations, you have to keep me posted! I know they will help you get that lit-from-within glow in no time.

Earlier this year, I flew back to New York for my friend’s baby shower. While in the city, I spent some quality time with my college bestie Taylor (just wait for her Glow Girl!) who came in from LA. She stayed at my apartment and gave me a glimpse into her amazingly over-the-top skincare routine. It involved the usual suspects like serums, hand creams, the works… but what I was most intrigued by was her essential oils ritual. It’s her last step before bed and one that I noticed was an integral part of the routine. She uses it to enter sleep in the most peaceful and positive way possible. She used Young Living.

Around the same time, I had my sister talking about how she had recently gotten really into oils. As a mom of two young girls, she’s constantly battling whatever her kiddos bring home from the playground. She uses oils to stay healthy and centered. Genius, right?

After testing Taylor’s Peace and Calming Essential Oils and listening to my sister’s rave reviews, I couldn’t NOT get involved. Essential oils have been around since the Roman times to improve health and well-being. They work on physical and emotion levels to relieve stress and deal with with emotion, immunity, tension and mood. Are you feeling overly stressed? Theres an oil for that. Are you tired, sore? Do you have back aches, depression? Poison ivy? There’s an oil for these too.

To start, (I became a member of Young Living) and ordered a bunch of different oils and a diffuser and it was waiting for me when I arrived back in Switzerland. If you watch my Insta Stories then you saw when I finally got around to opening up the box and playing around with all the oils. I guess I had always been really intimidated by oils because there are sooo many to choose from and each of them do something different. Pinterest has been great in getting me started, too. There are so many helpful charts that break down what every oil does and helps you to create really powerful blends. You feel like a amateur chemist, mixing and creating your own scent. My favorite way to use the oils is with my diffuser. It just changes the whole vibe – for the better.

So, this is how I got started. I bought the Premium Starter Kit which comes with the 11 most popular oils and a diffuser.

Comes with 5ml bottles of:

-Thieves
-Lavender
-Peppermint
-Lemon
-Panaway
-RC
-DiGize
-Stress Away
-Frankincense
-Copaiba
-Purification

You get to choose your diffuser (I have the you choose which one), a roller ball attachment and some more samples.
AMAZING.

After you get it as a wholesale member, you will have the discount forever after on anything you ever need which is 24% off. I will also add you to the Happy Oils Facebook group – your one stop place for all essential oil questions and needs.

You can grab yours here.

Click the signup link above, and follow these steps:
1. Be sure to check Wholesale Member to earn your 24% off any future orders.
2. Then choose the Premium Starter Kit you’d like (the kit with the Home or Dewdrop diffuser is $160)
3. Unless you are ready to dive in and know you want to be ordering often, go ahead and just say No Thanks for Step 3 about Essential Rewards. No need to worry about that right now!
4. Now add another Dew Drop diffuser (the two free oils will show up automatically) and anything else you want with your brand new 24% off discount. Some of my suggestions are Grapefruit, Cedarwood, Valor II, Oregano, Citrus Fresh, Tea Tree, and Deep Relief.  Let me know if you want support for anything specific and I’ll help!

Follow the process all the way through to the end, where you will receive a confirmation email. Let me know if you don’t get that order confirmation email for any reason.

They are global, so they ship internationally. Oh, and to give to a little help, here are my 5 favorite oils: Orange, Stress Away, Peace and Calming, Geranium and Ylang Ylang. There are endless way to use the oils too. Upgrade you bath routine, mix an oil with your face or body lotion, create a relaxing linen spray and my personal favorite, purify your living space with a diffuser.

Pro tip: If you venture out on your own to find oils, make sure you buy ones that are super high quality. Sometimes it’s tempting to reach for the cheap options, but I assure you, investing in the most concentrated natural formulas will give you the best results.

Next up, I’ll be sharing with you my favorite oils for bedtime.

The Diffuser (with these oils – more on this coming soon!) — Every zen space needs a diffuser that can keep your work zone nice and fresh. You’d be surprised how a signature office scent can really up your productivity. I am obsessed with Young Living.

The Hand Cream — A good desk hand cream is about as crucial as pen and paper. And I couldn’t be more head over heels for this duo by Lano. The lemon and rose scents are out of this world and the rich formula actually keeps your skin soft all day.

The Aromatic Stress Treatment — Good work can’t happen when you’re stressed, which is why you NEED to keep this Tara Harper gem on hand at all times. Roll the product on your palms and cup your hands over your nose. Breathe in and out until you feel a sense of calm. I like keeping this baby by my bed too.

The Lip Balm — You’re going to love this lip balm. It’s perfect for all day application and is unbelievably soft. Enough said.

The Facial Essence — Raise your hand if your skin gets ultra dry during the day? Same, especially when I’ve been sitting behind a screen all day. Make sure your complexion stays hydrated by keeping a mist nearby. My favorite right now is by Caudalie. It’s a cult classic, so you know it’s good.

An LED Light Device – 3 minutes per eye, 5 days a week. Don’t even stress about overly puffed out eyes again. This portable (and discrete) handheld tool lifts, brightens and tightens the skin around the eye in only 3 minutes. Sip your coffee with one hand and LED with the other. I am not kidding.

I’ll be honest with you. Henry and I often find ourselves glued to our iPhones, scrolling endlessly through that deep dark trap that is social media in those precious final moments right before bedtime. It’s a terrible habit that I want to break in the new year. Especially now that we are living in a new country, in a new home, and in a bedroom that currently doesn’t include a TV. I want to keep us on the right track by making no before-bed cellphone usage a RULE. After all, who wants to enter sleep with all those digital vibes and social media stories bopping around our minds?

So who’s with me? Here’s what we have to do.

To ease into this cell phone free zone is by ending your day with a digital detox bath. Pursoma, Jane Inc. and Dr. Singha’s Mustard Bath are three of the most powerful ways to transform an ordinary bath into a super cleansing and balancing experience by eliminating waste and even balancing your pH.

I would suggest making the bath as hot as you can deal, and stay in there for 30 minutes minimum. Make sure to drink a lot of water (the more water you drink the more you will detoxify) and then ALSO follow up your bath with a super hydrating oil. The Organic Pharmacy’s Detox Body Oil actually contains ingredients that reduce inflammation and circulation.

I feel more relaxed already, don’t you?

Images, Daria Werbowy for Celine by Juergen Teller.