Lacey Bourassa

Remote communication is a safe and convenient way to stay connected with friends, family, colleagues, and even healthcare providers.

Relying on screens for every interaction can be draining, but this shouldn’t prevent you from maintaining your social life, work life, routine health checkups, and mental health visits.

Nowadays, prioritizing mental ...

What are the different skin types? What is my skin type? What skincare products are best for my skin?
There is a lot that goes into identifying skin type and caring for each type of skin. If you’ve ever wondered, here’s how to determine your skin type, skin needs, and most suitable skincare routine. Plus, clean skincare product recommendations for each skin type.
Different Skin Types
Skin types are like hair types — hair can be curly, straight, thin, thick, and so on. Like hair, skin comes in...

How to moisturize dry skin in the winter? What are the best holiday makeup looks? Are cool or warm tones recommended for the cooler months? How can I get my skin and hair to shine as bright as the festive lights?
We’ve all asked ourselves these questions in search of a confidence booster during the holidays. As you look forward to spending time with loved ones during this special time of the year, don’t forget to take a moment for yourself. Showering friends and family with gratitude and gene...

What is mica? Why is it in makeup? Should you avoid mica in your beauty products? All of your questions about mica in cosmetics all in one place.
If you have an interest in non-toxic and clean beauty products, you’ve probably started to read some of your cosmetic ingredient labels. One ingredient commonly found in makeup products is the mineral mica.
Though mica is likely a non-toxic ingredient, there are some concerns about using mica in cosmetics. Specifically, these concerns are related to...

Pu-erh tea, also known as pu’er tea, is a type of aged and fermented tea traditionally consumed in Yunnan Province, China. It is made with leaves from the Camellia sinensis var. assamica plant, which is the same plant used to make green tea, black tea, and oolong tea. Pu-erh tea is known for providing the health benefits of tea and fermented foods since it is rich in antioxidants and beneficial bacteria.
What is Pu-erh Tea?
Pu-erh tea is unlike traditional herbal teas, which are made by dryin...

Classic Christmas dinner main courses, like roasted turkey and baked ham with pineapple, aren’t vegetarian-friendly options. This usually means that vegetarians have to rely on filling up with side dishes on special occasions and holidays.
Fortunately, a fully vegetarian Christmas dinner is possible with meat-free recipes. Even if you aren’t planning a totally vegetarian holiday meal, incorporating some vegetarian and allergen-friendly dishes will make everyone feel included at the dinner tab...

A traditional Christmas dinner generally includes main dishes like turkey, roast beef, and ham, which are not vegan-friendly foods. However, veggie-based side dishes like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and roasted root vegetables are compliant.
To replace dishes made from animal products, opt for hearty vegetable, grain, and legume-based recipes. These healthy vegan Christmas recipes are fully plant-based, satisfying, and sure to capture the festivity of a traditional holiday meal.
Ap...

Quinoa is a nutritional powerhouse. This whole grain is full of nutrients like fiber, iron, magnesium, and vitamin E. It is also a complete vegan protein with approximately 8g protein per 1 cup of cooked quinoa.
Though quinoa is usually associated with savory dishes like quinoa salad, grain bowls, and more, quinoa also makes for a great breakfast food. Since it is high in plant-based protein and complex carbohydrates, quinoa breakfast recipes are a great way to start the day.
If you’re skepti...

Oatmeal is a classic breakfast option and can easily be incorporated into many diets. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and low-calorie diets can all include a hearty bowl of oats. The versatility of oats explains the vast oatmeal breakfast recipes suitable for a variety of dietary preferences and health goals.
Whole grains like oats are naturally rich in fiber, complex carbohydrates, and plant-based protein. They’re also a good source of minerals like manganese, zinc, and selenium.
The nutriti...

Tempeh is a plant-based protein for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone looking to incorporate more protein sources into their diet. It is usually made from fermented soybeans, but it can also be made with fermented grains and other legumes.
Since it has a meaty texture that is thicker and firmer than tofu, it is often used as a meat replacement in meatless recipes. If you want to introduce more meatless proteins into your diet, start with these tempeh recipes.
Vegan Barbecue Baked Tempeh
This bar...

Washing your hands several times a day is a necessary (and highly encouraged) task. Every time you handle food, use the restroom, or touch something that harbors a lot of germs, you should wash your hands thoroughly.
The drawback to good hygiene? Frequent handwashing can make your hands feel dry and irritated, especially in sensitive skin. Seeing as you likely use your hands a lot, you probably want them to feel soft, hydrated, and smooth.
Fortunately, you can avoid or minimize dry, irritated...

Many people use skin care products these days, so naturally, they make for excellent holiday gifts. Still, seeing as skin care is personal, you'll want to consider the recipient's skin type, concerns, and lifestyle when deciding which product is right for them. If you're unsure, these versatile skin care gift ideas from EltaMD will come in handy as you work your way through your holiday shipping list.
Skin Care Gift Ideas for All
The perfect gift is often something the person wouldn't think t...

As the seasons change, you may also notice a change in your skin. Shifting from the sunny warmth of summer to the dryness of autumn can be a shock to even the healthiest skin. Suddenly, skin is faced with temperamental weather conditions like rain, wind, dry air, cold temperatures, and indoor heating. It is possible, however, to avoid dry skin as the seasons shift.
Wondering how to prevent dry skin as the cooler months set in? The answer is simple with these handy tips.
Understanding Seasonal...

Ginger root extract benefits the human body in many ways. It's well known for its medicinal properties, such as reducing inflammation, aiding digestion, and fighting illnesses.
The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial components of this plant explain why ginger root extract, formally known as Zingiber Officinale, is making a splash in anti-aging and protective skin care products. Given that ginger root extract can improve sun-damaged skin, boost antioxidant levels, and even out s...

Plant-based meal planners are a savvy way to plan vegan meals ahead of time and avoid the back-and-forth that goes along with the question, “What do you want for dinner?”
Whether you’re a new vegan or simply looking to introduce some plant-based proteins into your rotation, it can be overwhelming to come up with three meatless meal ideas per day.
Switching to a new way of eating is challenging enough without having to figure out what to eat at each meal. That’s when using a plant-based meal p...