2021 Holiday Gift Guide
Happy holidays friends! For this holiday season, I created a holiday gift guide with some of my favorite gifts for anyone you're celebrating with this season highlighting many small businesses who create products with love, intention and dedication to quality. This holiday season my wish for you is peace, presence, love and rest!
2021 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
Happy holidays friends! For this holiday season, I created a guide with some of my favorite gifts for anyone you're celebrating with this season. In this guide I wanted to celebrate products my family and I really love and highlight many small businesses who create products with love, intention and dedication to quality.
This holiday season my wish for you is peace, presence, love and rest!
For the Coffee or Tea Drinker:
Soar Matcha is my all-time favorite, quality brand and the owners are amazing. I drink their Everyday Matcha….everyday! They also have beautiful ceramic cups and matcha accessories to enhance your morning tea sipping experience. Use the code LIVEWELL15 for 15% off.
The Bialetti coffee maker is such a classic and I’ve been loving making a beautifully strong Italian style coffee on the weekend as a treat!
Peak and Valley Adaptogenic Herb Blends are an awesome coffee/tea alternative (caffeine-free) that have adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms to support a healthy body and nervous system. I use them to make almond milk “lattes”! (Plus their owner Nadine is awesome, cares so much about the quality of her ingredients and is a Seattle local).
For the Poet and Dreamer:
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer was my favorite book I read this year. A balm for the weary soul and a guide to get back into the right relationship with the earth.
The Sure Song of Here by Cass O’Neil is a dreamy poetry book full of inspiring words that get right to the heart.
My husband got me a Ukelele last year and it has been SO much fun to learn. If you’re longing to be musical but it doesn't come totally naturally (like me) the Uke is a great instrument to start in my opinion.
For the Conscious Beauty Lover:
Primally Pure 100% natural and toxin-free skincare - I swear by the Clarifying Serum for glowing skin. The Jasmine Body Oil is luxurious and smells SO good. And the Geranium Deodorant is one I’ve converted many of my friends too! One of their Kits is a great place to start if you want to try a few different things. For all Primally Pure products use the code “LIVEWELL” to get 10% off your first order.
Araza Beauty has Paleo-certified makeup with awesome ingredients. I love the Mango Cream Color Pot in Dusk and the Jojoba infused Mineral Powder Foundation!
For the Health and Wellness Seeker:
I’m someone that loves giving experiences and non-material gifts as well. The Live Well Online Program is something I would have LOVED to have received as a gift when in the thick of my autoimmune healing journey. This program includes 12 carefully crafted modules to help you take control of your autoimmune disease using the principles of Functional Nutrition and lifestyle shifts. It's not just about information but helping you translate knowledge into action. It would be a great gift for anyone struggling with autoimmune disease or chronic health issues to feel really supported.
Get it for someone you love here! Once you purchase it, send me an email at info@christinatidwell.com and I’ll create a personalized digital gift certificate for you to give to your loved one, and send them an email with their unique log in details on the date you’d like them to receive it :)
For the Queens and Kings of Cozy:
Cozy Earth sheets have changed my life. They are the softest things you’ve ever felt and make me excited to get into bed in the evening!
I also have their PJ set and robe (I’m a fangirl). They are definitely an investment but so worth it.
For the one with the Awesome Accessories:
My all time favorite earrings and accessories handmade by Whisky + Wine. These are my secret weapons in Zoom meetings for looking put together (while wearing sweatpants!)
Stunning handmade clay earrings by an amazing woman Hello Myrrh. I have these hoops in Caramel and get SO many compliments!
For the Outdoor Enthusiast:
How cool is all this National Park gear? This Parks Project collaboration works to help fund vital projects in national parks around the US. I’m obsessed with this Mushroom fleece and am putting it on my own gift list!
I live in these rubber Birkenstocks. They can handle many different terrains and are super easy to slip on and off!
For the Crafter:
Wool and the Gang knitting kits were a big feature of my 2020 and 2021. They make it super easy to learn and create!
The “Beginner” or “Easy” kits are great places to start for anyone wanting to get crafty.
If we haven't met before, I'm Christina Tidwell and I'm so excited that you're here! I am a RN & Functional Nutrition Practitioner that helps those with autoimmune disease, hormone imbalance and gut issues heal without overwhelm so you can feel better in your body in a way that honors your unique needs and feels sustainable for the rest of your life.
If you suffer from:
Fatigue and energy crashes
Brain fog
Poor digestion
Painful periods and PMS
Symptoms of autoimmunity
Stress and overwhelm
...and aren't getting the support you need, I’m here to help guide you! My job is to clear the overwhelm, help you put the pieces of the puzzle together and co-create a sustainable path forward to help you reach your goals and feel better in your amazing body. When we work together you can’t fail.
In my health & nutrition coaching programs I support you in the quest to get back into balance by listening to your story, understanding your needs, getting to the roots of imbalance in the body and co-creating a sustainable path to healing together. These sessions weave together functional nutrition and science, lived experience, breathwork, mindset shifts, and intuitive guidance for a unique and full-spectrum approach to nutrition counseling and holistic health.
I always offer free 20-minute discovery sessions to get clear on your major health concerns and identify what’s standing in your way. Click the button below to set up your free consultation and we can create a plan of action specifically for you.
Live Well Podcast | Ep #57 How to avoid toxins in our food and environment with Beth Chen
Today on The Live Well Podcast I’m speaking with Beth Chen about how to avoid toxins in our food and environment. Beth Chen is an AIP blogger, and self-taught cook and photographer. She finds joy in eating to heal and sharing her recipes and wellness tips, on her blog bonaippetit.com, with others. Join us as we speak about how to reduce the toxic load in your life.
Today on The Live Well Podcast I’m speaking with Beth Chen about how to avoid toxins in our food and environment. Beth Chen is an AIP blogger, and self-taught cook and photographer. She finds joy in eating to heal and sharing her recipes and wellness tips, on her blog bonaippetit.com, with others. Join us as we speak about how to reduce the toxic load in your life.
Here are the resources we spoke about on the podcast:
LISTEN BELOW (AND DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE SO YOU'LL NEVER MISS OUT!)
Click here to listen in iTunes
Click here to listen in Stitcher
Show Notes:
0:00 Intro
1:39 Beth shares her personal story that lead her to the work she does today.
7:02 Why Beth is so passionate about avoiding toxins in her food, wine, beauty products and environment.
11:35 Beth discusses some of ways you can empower and educate yourself to reduce your toxic load while considering your budget, availability ect.
14:28 What to look for when buying eggs, seafood and meats; Beth recommends her top websites and apps to reference the quality of your produce while at the grocery store.
20:26 Why wine today is not made in the traditional way. Beth talks about what is in most conventional store-bought wines.
34:06 Why toxin-free living is really about an abundance mindset…and Kale Oreos.
41:11 Outro
If you loved this episode, I'd be honored for you to give me a rating on iTunes. This helps me to get content out to others who are interested in getting control of their health through diet, lifestyle shifts and personal empowerment.
If we haven't met before, I'm Christina Tidwell and I'm so excited that you're here! I am a RN & Functional Nutrition Practitioner that helps those with autoimmune disease, hormone imbalance and gut issues heal without overwhelm so you can feel better in your body in a way that honors your unique needs and feels sustainable for the rest of your life.
If you suffer from:
Fatigue and energy crashes
Brain fog
Poor digestion
Painful periods and PMS
Symptoms of autoimmunity
Stress and overwhelm
...and aren't getting the support you need, I’m here to help guide you! My job is to clear the overwhelm, help you put the pieces of the puzzle together and co-create a sustainable path forward to help you reach your goals and feel better in your amazing body. When we work together you can’t fail.
In my health & nutrition coaching programs I support you in the quest to get back into balance by listening to your story, understanding your needs, getting to the roots of imbalance in the body and co-creating a sustainable path to healing together. These sessions weave together functional nutrition and science, lived experience, breathwork, mindset shifts, and intuitive guidance for a unique and full-spectrum approach to nutrition counseling and holistic health.
I always offer free 20-minute discovery sessions to get clear on your major health concerns and identify what’s standing in your way. Click the button below to set up your free consultation and we can create a plan of action specifically for you.
LIVE WELL PODCAST | EP #40 - Toxin-free skincare with Courtney O’Connor of Primally Pure
Courtney Joy O'Connor is a licensed holistic esthetician at Primally Pure who has been involved in the beauty industry for nearly a decade. Her in-depth knowledge, hands-on experience and heartfelt passions inspire her to educate others on the positive impact of pure, simple ingredients. Tune in to learn about why it’s important to consider what products we put on our skin, some of the most harmful (and sneaky!) products to look out for, and how to become conscious consumers when it comes to skincare.
Courtney Joy O'Connor is a licensed holistic esthetician at Primally Pure who has been involved in the beauty industry for nearly a decade. Her in-depth knowledge, hands-on experience and heartfelt passions inspire her to educate others on the positive impact of pure, simple ingredients. Tune in to learn about why it’s important to consider what products we put on our skin, some of the most harmful (and sneaky!) products to look out for, and how to become conscious consumers when it comes to skincare.
LISTEN BELOW (AND DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE SO YOU'LL NEVER MISS OUT!)
Click here to listen in iTunes
Click here to listen in Stitcher
Or if you’d like to play the episode right now in your browser, use the player below:
Show Notes:
0:00 Intro
0:57 Introducing Courtney Joy O’Connor - Holistic Esthetician at Primally Pure
1:56 Courtney speaks about her experience in the beauty industry for the past 10 years
9:48 Why is it important to think about what we put on our skin?
13:37 The importance of being your own advocate when choosing products
Lack of standards for words like “organic” “natural” or “pure”
14:10 The #1 sneaky ingredient to be on the lookout for!
What does “fragrance” really mean?
22:00 Why choosing natural deodorant is so important for our overall toxic burden and hormonal health
25:30 Where to start if you want to make the switch to natural skincare without feeling overwhelmed?
30:46 Outro
Want to know where to start? Check out my all-time favorite natural beauty products here!
Connect with Courtney
Primarily Pure | EWG - Skin Deep Database | Think Dirty App
Get 10% off your first Primarily Pure order with the code “livewell“
If you loved this episode, I'd be honored for you to give me a rating on iTunes. This helps me to get content out to others who are interested in getting control of their health through diet, lifestyle shifts and personal empowerment.
If we haven't met before, I'm Christina Tidwell, founder and owner of Live Well with Christina. I'm so excited that you're here and have begun to delve into your health and wellness journey! Here at Live Well we help people with autoimmune disease take control of their health through nutrition, lifestyle shifts and personal empowerment.
If you suffer from:
Fatigue and energy crashes
Brain fog
Poor digestion
Symptoms of autoimmunity
Stress and overwhelm
...and aren't getting the support you need, I can help guide you through 1:1 health and nutrition coaching.
Health coaching is a necessary extension of the health care system in that together we have more time to uncover issues, implement strategies and assess outcomes together. Autoimmune disease is complex and to address it we need to come at it from all angles (pharmaceutical therapies from your doctor while also focusing on root cause factors like gut health, diet, sleep and stress). I offer accountability, a knowledgeable resource and most importantly support.
I always offer free 30-minute discovery sessions to get clear on your major health concerns and what’s standing in your way. Click the button below to set up your free consultation and we can create a plan of action specifically for you.
The best natural skincare products!
We are exposed to so many chemicals and toxins in our world today, and our amazing bodies can process and handle a lot! The things that make the biggest impact, however, are those chemicals we put on our bodies every single day. That’s why switching to products that don’t contain harmful chemicals can take the toxin burden off of your body. If your body is already dealing with a poor diet, underlying infections, autoimmunity, stress, and gut health issues those small, cumulative toxic exposures overtime cause build up and cause downstream issues. So let’s help our bodies out!
If I’m being really honest, I was a pretty late adopter to the whole natural skincare thing. I started to become really interested in the food I put into my body and how it made me feel when I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease (Adult-Onset Still’s Disease) at 18 years old. Up until that time I had no idea that food really made a difference in how I felt and functioned aside from making me gain or lose weight. Really.
It wasn’t until many years later that I began to get curious about the products I was putting on my skin as well. I remember working as a RN and applying Fentanyl pain-killer patches to patient’s skin to ease pain from various ailments. I was always so amazed that a topical application of a drug onto the skin made such a big impact. It took this example for me to think, huh, I bet that the products I’m putting on my skin through makeup, face wash, lotions and serums are having an impact on me as well.
And the truth is they are. The average woman puts 515 synthetic chemicals on her body every single day without even knowing. That’s quite a bit considering the chemicals we get from our environment and food as well! There are more than 80,000 chemicals on the market today and many don't have any safety data. This is particularly true of those used in the skin care and beauty industry. Many of these chemicals are linked to cancers, asthma, endocrine disruption, autoimmunity and more [1].
If you’re thinking what I did back in the day, “Well this product can’t be that bad if it’s made it to the general public!” you’re unfortunately wrong. There is surprisingly very little Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation for beauty products. The FDA has no authority to require companies to test cosmetics products for safety and the agency does not review or approve the vast majority of products or ingredients before they go on the market. Additionally, there are no legal standards for personal care products labeled as “pure,” “natural” or “organic,” so we really have to look beyond marketing and become conscious consumers to know what we are putting on our bodies.
We are exposed to so many chemicals and toxins in our world today, and our amazing bodies can process and handle a lot! The things that make the biggest impact, however, are those chemicals we put on our bodies every single day. That’s why switching to products that don’t contain harmful chemicals can take the toxin burden off of your body. If your body is already dealing with a poor diet, underlying infections, autoimmunity, stress, and gut health issues those small, cumulative toxic exposures overtime cause build up and cause downstream issues. So let’s help our bodies out!
No need to go throw out all of your products immediately, ok? The main message here is just to become a conscious, informed consumer like we do with food, and work towards using more toxin-free products. I recommend just swapping one thing out at a time so it doesn’t feel overwhelming. My #1 recommendation is to start with deodorant as that’s a product that can contain a lot of unnecessary, harmful chemicals and is that you use daily in a very absorbable part of the body!
Here are a few of my favorites to get you started:
Natural Body Care
Primally Pure Deodorant. The best natural deodorant on the market. Hands down. I’ve successfully converted all of my girlfriends (and fiance and male friends as well!) to this deodorant. When transitioning to natural skincare, deodorant is one of the easiest and most important steps we can make because it’s something we use every day in our highly absorbable lymph area! Read more here about why you want to make the switch and trust me, this is the best I’ve found (and I’ve tried them all!). For all Primally Pure products use the code “LIVEWELL” to get 10% off your first order!
Dr. Bronner’s Body Wash. This has been a go-to of mine for years as a good, toxin-free body wash. I’m partial to the peppermint one but they have tons of lovely, natural scents!
Lavender & Eucalyptus Body Butter from Primally Pure. This stuff smells amazing and leaves your body feeling so buttery soft. I use it after showers and it keeps my skin soft and moisturized for the entire day!
Flower Bath Soak from Primally Pure. This bath soak is pure heaven. This mix of relaxing epsom salts, coconut milk powder, organic flower petals and essential oils of lavender and geranium leaves your skin feeling insanely soft. For me it transforms a bath into a spa-like experience and makes me feel very cared for. I’ve yet to try the Sea Soak but that’s next on my list!
Dry Brush. Ok so this isn’t really a “skincare product” but it’s part of my bodycare routine so I thought I’d share. Dry brushing helps to exfoliate skin and to promote lymph flow and drainage. I usually dry brush before I take a shower (using small, light strokes in an upward motion towards the center of my body) and then moisturize after. It has made my skin so soft and feels so invigorating that I actually crave the process!
Everyone Natural Hand Sanitizer. As a RN I’ve used my fair share of harsh handwashes and sanitizers loaded with chemicals. This hand sanitizer spray is 99.9% effective against most common germs, thanks to alcohol derived from non-GMO sugar cane. It’s also got aloe and vegetable glycerin to keep your hands from drying out. It’s EWG verified meaning it’s met rigorous standard for safety. I have it with me in my purse to use when traveling!
Natural Skincare
Organic Cleansing Oil from Primally Pure. If the thought of rubbing oil on your face to cleanse it sounds totally counterintuitive, I get it. I used to blast my face with harsh cleansers to try and clear up my acne, and I always just made it worse. I started using this oil cleanser and was so in love with how it gently cleansed without over drying or irritating my face that I haven’t looked back! Oil cleansing works for all skin types when the correct oil ratios/types of oils are being used. Here is a guide for how to properly use an oil cleanser for maximum effect. Hint: you need a warm washcloth!
Blue Tansy Beauty Cream from Primally Pure. I use this beauty cream at night for serious hydration. I’ve used it for about 6 months now and It’s made my face so soft and hydrated and has really changed the texture of my skin! Love it.
Heritage Store Rosewater Facial Mist. You guys, I go through bottles of this stuff. It’s a beautifully smelling and refreshing facial mist made of rose flower oil and water (specifically “Vor-mag Water or water that has been vortexed and magnetized to raise the energy to a higher vibration) so, hey, there’s that too! I use this as a refreshing facial spray anytime throughout the day when I need a little pick me up. It works wonders!
Everything Spray from Primally Pure. I use this as a toner after I wash my face (instead of spraying it I pour some onto a cotton pad). It’s a combination of organic lavender hydrosol which soothes and calms irritated skin. Organic witch hazel which tones the skin and reduces inflammation. Organic raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar (antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral) which balances pH levels and contains powerful healing enzymes. Organic tea tree essential oil which acts as a disinfectant and organic lavender essential oil to heal and regenerate.
ProSkin Eczema from Mama Nature. A few years ago I dealt with perioral dermatitis on my face (so frustrating and awful!) and in addition to a lot of gut healing and inside work, this lotion was the only thing I could use on my face that didn’t irritate it further. I don’t use it daily anymore, but highly recommend trying it out if you’ve ever had issues like this! It’s a little bit pricey (so tell me if you have a similar version!) but to me it was so worth it and the best lotion I found.
Balancing Charcoal Facial Mask from Beauty Counter. I use this mask about once per week to absorb excess oil and draw out impurities. The activated charcoal in the mask minimizes the appearance of pores and makes my skin feel really smooth and exfoliated. Overall it has help my complexion immensely. It can be a little drying so I only leave it on for about 10 minutes max and that seems to do the trick!
Natural Beauty
RMS “Un” Cover Up. To be honest I’m still working on compiling my favorite non-toxic makeup products. I’ve been using this concealer for about a year now and it’s stuck with me! I use it to cover up blemishes and as an under-eye concealer. It rates a 1 on the EWG Skin Deep Cosmetic Database which means the natural ingredients present a low-level risk.
Dew Skin Moisturizing Cover (with SPF 20) from Beauty Counter. This has become my favorite tinted moisturizer that I use every morning. It’s light weight, goes on smoothly and gives a nice, subtle tint to cover any sort of redness or uneven skintone. It also has this nice “dew-like” quality to it and makes my skin look like it’s glowing!
Love and Salt Beach Hair and Body Mist from Olivine Atelier. I use this spray in my hair after showing to get some nice, beachy waves! It smells so good and gives hair a nice, messy texture without being crunchy or sticky.
*Some of the products in this post contain affiliate links meaning I get a small commission if you purchase them through my website. The commission I earn helps me keep my small business, Live Well, up and running. Thanks for your support!