Celebrating International Women's Day

Today is International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating everything women offer and achieve, both on a social, economic, cultural, political and personal way! This year specifically marks a call to action for accelerated gender balance #balanceforbetter - if you better the balance, you better the world.

You may not know this but I had a 10-year career in marketing on Wall Street at Bear Stearns (RIP) starting in 1987 when things were quite different for women. It was a tough environment then - I could write an entire book on my experience working with some of the most powerful men in New York. After having my two children, I later decided to follow my passion and embarked on a career in journalism. Soon after, I founded the lifestyle websites AskMelissa and then PageDaily. That lead to becoming a lifestyle expert and contributing editor to many TV news shows, Huffpo and several magazines. Flash forward to my move to LA six years ago where I started my own style, beauty and wellness blog now known as The Glow Girl. I am now happy to say that I work alongside incredible and inspirational women on a daily basis. Without these women supporting me and cheering from the side lines, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I want to celebrate this and some of the women who inspire me.

In light of a more holistic direction I am planning for 2019, today also marks the launch of a new female partnership series on The Glow Girl blog. One which celebrates women and invites them as a guest feature every month. Bringing their unique knowledge to The Glow Girl audience, I am honored to collaborate with some of these women who bring me joy, support and inspiration on a daily basis through what they do but most importantly who they are.

I am proud to introduce all of these incredible women living their best life, glowing from the inside out, making a positive difference for other women in the world and in partnering together we are immeasurably stronger.

What is a GLOW GIRL?

A woman who feels good in their own skin, adopts trends that work for them, pays attention to overall health and wellness, practices self love and kindness, has the attitude of gratitude! -Melissa

Green Juice time at Cafe Gratitude with Elissa Goodman & Janet Gunn

Janet Gunn and I always know how to have fun when shooting for LA fashion designer Franne Golde!

ELISSA GOODMAN

Holistic Nutritionist and Lifestyle cleanse expert, Elissa Goodman is on a mission to educate and encourage healthy, mindful living. Helping others to embrace the concept that we are a product of what we eat and how we treat ourselves, Elissa’s wealth of knowledge on nutrition and cleansing developed from personal experience.

Having experienced corporate burnout, personal run-ins with cancer and then sadly losing her husband at the young age of 45 after an 18-month battle with cancer, Elissa saw first hand that food was the root of many problems--and also that food could be the solution to those problems. Elissa’s feels that no matter what your story or history, you can cleanse your body through nutrition to lead a happier and healthier life. She offers cleansing programs like The S.O.U.P Cleanse and 7-day reset program and she is committed wholeheartedly to helping people experience the joy found in good health.

Elissa’s wildly popular cleanses are now available outside of LA and ship throughout the US. Her book, Cancer Hacks is a comprehensive plan that offers natural and holistic advice to deal with the fear and uncertainty so many people face when confronted with this terrible disease.

*Elissa’s monthly top nutrition and health tips now being shared on the Glow Girl blog. Read more about Elissa and sign up for her newsletter at www.elissagoodman.com

JANET GUNN - The Grateful Gardenia

Texas girl and former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, flight attendant, American actress, jewelry designer and now LA lifestyle influencer, Janet is one of the most talented bloggers in the 40+ lifestyle space. She started her blog from a place of gratitude and shares her every day tips and tricks on how to lead a more fulfilled, beautiful life. She also creates the most gorgeous style, beauty, and travel content through her Instagram, stories, articles and videos that help women to enrich their everyday lives. I adore her aesthetic and impeccable taste plus she does everything with grace and style. Janet also works regularly with Focus TV and partners with several of the brands she loves. We met at a charity lunch three years ago and have been working together and partnering on projects ever since!

Janet takes time each day to get in touch with everything around her and finds a mantra that allows her to connect with abundance. She shows us that by making this connection with the universe, your positive affirmations start to play out. Follow Janet’s blog, The Grateful Gardenia for encouragement on feeling alive, inspired and empowered, whatever your age.

*Information from Janet’s #mantramonday newsletter will be shared with you monthly. You can also subscribe to her newsletter here. Feel Janet’s infectious personality through her blog www.gratefulgardenia.com.

The joy of laughing with Lauren Roxburgh following one of her GOOP workout events!

Celebrating achievement with Suze Yalof at her book launch party!

LAUREN ROXBURGH

Body Alignment Expert, Lauren Roxburgh is all about aligning your mind, body and spirit while boosting your metabolism, releasing stress, regulating your hormones, helping you breathe better, look better and feel more youthful. Lauren’s philosophy will rejuvenate your body and spirit. She is one of the most inspirational health and wellness leaders in the space. Founder of BeAligned, creator of Lo Rox Aligned Rollers, fascia and movement healer Lauren has worked with some of the world’s top athletes and celebrities. She developed a method to improve posture and strengthen the core and intrinsic muscles, increasing connectivity and flexibility all of which help to find a healthier, happier stance in our bodies and lives. Dubbed as the “The Body Whisperer” by Gwyneth Paltrow’s GOOP, Lauren has also be named on of the W20 Top 20 Wellness Warriors to watch by Mind Body Green. I took one of her classes at a GOOP event a few months ago and immediately felt inspired by her energy and knowledge of all things wellness. She delivers her information and tips in an approachable manner.

Lauren certainly inspires me to obtain true well being from the inside out. If you want to join one of Lauren’s 10 week transformation programs or read her books, Taller, Slimmer, Younger and The Power Source, check out her website at www.laurenroxburgh.com. You can also buy the LoRox Aligned foam roller here.

More from Lauren on The Glow Girl coming soon!

SUZE YALOF SCHWARTZ

Suze Yalof Schwartz is the CEO and Founder of Unplug Meditation, the author of Unplug: A Simple Guide To Meditation for Busy Skeptics and Modern Soul Seekers, and the creator of the Unplug Meditation App.

I knew Suze from when we lived in NY and she was the Editor at Large for Glamour.com back in the day and hitting all the shows at New York fashion week. Suze worked in a high pressured role as fashion editor, and “makeover guru” for Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire and Glamour Magazine with regular national television appearances on GMA, The Today Show and CBS Early Show as a style expert. When she realized that meditation needed a makeover, she came up with the concept of the Drybar of meditation - Hello Unplug!

What changed Suze’s life forever was a three minute meditation. Now a full convert, her mission is to make it simple, powerful and interesting enough that everyone will want to practice and experience the benefits for themselves. Suze’s in depth knowledge has come from hundreds of hours of classes and courses, reading every book possible, and listening to podcasts, lectures, and more from the world’s most famous meditation teachers. Unplug is the world's first drop-in, secular meditation studio that offers classes and private sessions where you leave feeling present, happier and more focused. I’m awe of how Suze is using decades of hard work and personal experience to filtrate more awareness in lives of others.

For more information on Unplug visit www.unplug.com or download the Unplug app for daily mediations.

*Mediation tips and tricks from Suze to look forward to on The Glow Girl blog coming soon!

Exploring Chinese Astrology with Anita Rosenberg

ANITA ROSENBERG

Former movie director, award winning writer of Feng Shui Luck, Anita Rosenberg is the ‘go-to expert’ in Los Angeles, Aspen, India, Panama and Vietnam for Feng Shui & BaZi Chinese Astrology. She helps people reach their wealth potential, improve their businesses and enrich personal relationships. Working with notable clients including Miranda Kerr, Virginia Madsen, Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow and many fortune 500 CEO’s. Anita’s unique blend of Western and Chinese Metaphysics along with a vast knowledge of many spiritual modalities, from tarot to kabbalah, crystals and wicca allows her to transform and illuminate homes, businesses and lives. I had the privilege to work with Anita recently and experienced the true power of intention of wellness she manifests. Anita provided me with an extensive review including a 15 page report of my personality and what I need to do to break bad habits and patterns, and to manifest the changes I am looking to achieve.

*Anita will be offering tips and some of her magic on the The Glow Girl blog monthly! For more information on Anita and her services, check out her website www.anitarosenberg.

 FAVORITE PRODUCTS TO ENHANCE YOUR WELLBEING
CLICK IMAGES TO SHOP DIRECTLY

I am excited to introduce you to these women and look forward to sharing the collaborations coming soon to the blog. I am a true cheerleader for celebrating women and if you think globally, act locally and collaborate with unbelievable women around, we can change the world.

Hop over to my Instagram and tag a friend in today’s post who empowers and inspires you. As I enter a new focus in 2019, there’s never been a more exciting time to remind women everywhere to be connected, fearless, brave and find the confidence within them to discover their dreams. Thank you for reading and Happy International Women’s Day!

With gratitude,

xxMelissa

P.S. I also want to mention that Credo, my favorite boutique for clean beauty, is proud to donate 20% of all proceeds to Lipstick Angels, an organization Credo donates 1% to daily that empowers and boost confidence in women undergoing Chemo treatments through in-hospital beauty services. Credo and Lipstick Angels believe that upholding the human dignity and self-respect of a patient is crucial to each individual's successful encounter and defeat of a chronic disease like cancer. PLUS did you know the clean beauty industry is the ONLY industry that is being dominated by women. Credo is proud to celebrate 90% their brands have a female founder/CEO – not to mention, Credo’s HQ is all female.

CLICK IMAGES TO SHOP CREDO CLEAN BEAUTY

From a recent event at Only Roses with Founder Sabine Schmitt, Erica Zohar, Jose Davis, Isabel Madsen, MM, Janet Gunn
Photo credit: Jester Jungo

Did you know you can shop some of my looks in the post that are now on sale at Shopbop? Yes please!

Galentine's Day Gift Guide: Top 10 Picks that Enhance Health & Wellness

As part of the reorganization of The Glow Girl brand this past month, I’ve been taking the time to purge all the things in my life that do not serve me (think Marie Kondo…if it does not spark joy, then it’s OUT)! I am in the process of organizing my office space, home, photos, employees, work projects and just about everything in between—and, slowly but surely I’m getting there! While I’m still in the throes of this massive reorg, I’ve learned a lot lately by reviewing my blog analytics and see that most of you are enjoying my wellness content! So, this years Galentine’s Day gift guide is focused on all things stylish wellness from the most delicious and effective CBD chocolates to some of the best clean beauty and self-care products! With this fun “girls day” around the corner on February 13th, it’s a perfect time to shop for your special friends with gifts that encourage self-love and enhance overall health and wellness!

Spoil the special ladies in your life with my top 10 Galentine’s Day Gift picks below. Scroll down for descriptions and why I think these products are best in class!

Click on the photos directly to shop!

1. Saje Diffuser

2. Kopari Beauty Face Kit

3. Calivolve Dark Chocolate Restore CBD Truffles

4. PJ Salvage Leopard PJ's

5. Glaace Crystal Water Bottle

6. The Worm Roller

7. The Clean Plate

8. Rose Glow Drops

9. Karen Laazar Gold Bracelet

10. Sage Lifestyle Perfume Oils

1. Essential Oils Diffuser: The Aroma Gem Saje Diffuser is the perfect ultrasonic diffuser as it helps create a soothing environment and adds a bit of modern decor to any home. This diffuser revitalizes the air space by using 100% plant-based and beneficial essential oil blends. Benefits include the release of negative ions to elevate well being.

2. Best Natural Skincare Kit: The Kopari Beauty Face the Day & Night Coconut Care Essentials Kit is a great cult beauty gift for any friend who loves to pamper themselves. The clean beauty kit includes Kopari’s best coconut skincare system and it even has pink packaging to make the Galentine’s Day theme complete.

3. CBD Infused Dark Chocolate Truffles: I love the Calivolve Dark Chocolate Restore CBD Truffles and they are a perfect twist on the classic luxury chocolate gift for Galentine’s Day. These vegan, gluten-free, dark chocolate treats have added adaptogens and superfoods that make them restorative and nourishing for the mind and body. They come in three flavors (cherry is my favorite) and are presented in a gorgeously designed box! The brand also makes a line of THC infused chocolates for girls who like yummiest edible Cannabis treats (California only). Use code GLOWGIRL10 for 10% off your entire Calivolve order!

4. Water Bottle with Crystal Stone: The Glaace Crystal Elixir Water Bottles promote positivity and purification with the all-natural, energizing effects of raw crystals. A pure crystal stone is inside each glass bottle, creating an elixir that supports revitalization and clarification of the mind and body. The luxurious and beautiful bottle is perfect for your spiritual and fit gal friend.

5. Softest, coziest PJ’s: Encourage your special friend to relax in her pj’s all day by giving her a pair of these chic leopard print ones by PJ Salvage. They are SUPER soft and the perfect loungewear pieces to stay in all day long! I lived in mine during my trip to Cuba.

6. Massage Roller: The Worm Roller is a great gift for an active or athletic girlfriend who could use some instant muscle release by rolling out all the kinks! The compact size make this a perfect travel companion. too—I used mine throughout my trip to Cuba and Miami to roll out stiff muscles and it was a true lifesaver!

7. Clean Eating Cook Book : The Clean Plate book by Gwyneth Paltrow delves into the power of clean eating, focusing on her exclusive recipes and tips. I recently ordered her book and can’t wait to try some new dishes that are healthy, clean and delicious.

8. Rose Glow Drops Face Oil: A bottle of the Olie x Melissa Meyers Rose Glow Drops Daily Radiance Face Oil is the perfect gift to give to your bestie! This light-weight formula will leave her skin with that perfect, dewey glow—it deeply moisturizes with the purest ingredients and is loaded with antioxidants. $5 from every purchase is donated to Project Angel Food. Use code GLOWGIRL10 for 10% off RoseGlow Drops face oil and all Olie face oils.

9. Energizing Beaded Bracelets: This Karen Lazar gold beaded bracelet mixes style with the healing properties of labradorite beads and it’s the perfect accessory to layer with other bracelets for every day wear. These crystals have healing properties that are linked with the third eye chakra, the energy field that ignites spiritual expansion and higher levels of the mind and spirit. Use code GLOWGIRL10 for 10% off all Karen Lazar jewelry. You can check out some other cute gemstone bracelets and more jewelry here.

10. Travel Perfumes Made with Natural Essential Oils: I love giving the Sage Lifestyle Perfumes as gifts because they are packaged as beautifully as they smell. They are housed in a small roller ball bottle, perfect for those who are always on the go. My fave scents are Onyx and Diamond (they are intoxicating)! I am allergic to many department store perfumes so discovering these natural scents were a serious find for me! Use code GLOWGIRL10 for 10% off all natural perfume oils and all products when ordering from the website here!

I hope you enjoy giving one of these to a special friend. I would love to hear your feedback on some of these ideas and if you have some things to add to the list, please do so in the comments below!

Wishing you all a Happy Galentine’s Day!

xxMelissa

P.S. Click here for some ethical fashion gift ideas!

Galentine’s Day Gift Guide

10 Tips for Leading an Active Lifestyle + Best Activewear

Happy 2019 Glow Girls! I hope you are all recharged and ready to get your game on for the new year. We all know how important it is to stay active as we get older (and wiser)! Leading an active lifestyle helps us stay mentally balanced, healthy, and focused! I usually make it a priority to start off my day with some form of exercise whether it’s yoga, The Class by TT, Soul Cycle, pilates, tennis, a hike or even a brisk walk. I always feel happier and more productive after starting my morning with some type of physical activity and love the endorphin rush that goes along with it! Below are some tips that help me stay motivated and active on a consistent basis. Plus, check out my favorite activewear looks to rock from the gym to around the town.

1. Buy a ClassPass and try a variety of the classes in your area. Once you find the ones that work best for you, it will be easier to stick to your commitment to work out on a regular basis.

2. Try to exercise in the morning so the day does not get away from you. When I miss my morning workout window, chances are I will not get one in that day!

3. Switch it up and cross train so you don’t get bored. This will also help you stay in the game long term. I try to do something different each day of the week.

4. Treat yourself to a new workout outfit to feel like you look your best when hitting the gym or exercise class. You can find some of the best styles and selection at Bandier and Carbon 38. My favorite brands include PRISMSPORT, ULTRACOR, Sweaty Betty, Koral and Alo Yoga! Shopbop has a ton of great fashion activewear styles to choose from too.
(Scroll down to see and shop more activewear looks).

5. Try intermittent fasting or eating strategically. There are many forms of it so see if there is one that you feel comfortable trying. I am currently cutting out breakfast by doing the 16 hour fast. I feel so much more energized and lost 3 pounds in a few weeks time. For some more guidance and information, read the newest book released by Dr. Mike Roizen and Dr. Mike Crupain, What to Eat When. I just received it myself from Amazon. According to the book, when you eat is as important as what you eat-I can’t wait to dive into it for more tips to help me maximize my energy levels throughout the day.

6. Roll out your muscles with a moderate density foam roller. My favorite one was developed by fascia and alignment expert Lauren Roxburgh and I like to roll out my muscles in the morning before I exercise and again at night. Daily rolling improves blood circulation and decreases inflammation. It also tones the body while providing a regenerative massage. You can learn more about the benefits of foam rolling and how to achieve best results from Lauren’s book Taller, Slimmer, Younger: 21 Days to a Foam Roller Physique .

7. Set goals for yourself but do it in baby steps. Make sure to pace yourself and build up to your optimal cardio or muscle toning capacity by pushing yourself just a little harder each time you do something physical. Be sure to pay attention when you body tells you that it’s tired.

8. Wear an Apple Watch to help you track your fitness levels and activity. Not only do they look great but can help you to stay motivated and reach your fitness goals.

9. Make sure to get enough sleep. I know that I need 7-8 hours a day in order to feel rested and ready for the day. If you have the time and access, try taking a 20-minute cat nap during the day to restore your energy!

10. We all know that we should be drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day! I personally do not love the taste of water so to help me get the required amount daily, I add a dropper of the Pure Inventions water enhancer drops into my water bottle. I’m obsessed with the coconut and many of the antioxidant fruit flavors! The taste is subtle but it’s just enough to make drinking water delicious plus these drops are free of sugar, calories, gluten, caffeine, artificial colors and sweeteners!

Scroll down to see all my favorite activewear picks in the carousels below.
Glow Girl Deal: Use discount code GLOWGIRL10 for 10% for 10% off all PRISMSPORT!

PRISMSPORT has some of the cutest activewear styles- check out these amazing high-waisted camo leggings! Scroll down to see another favorite look!

The PRISMSPORT leggings below have a touch of camo above the ankle! I find myself wearing them to the gym straight through to lunch and errands. You can also find PRISMSPORT activewear on Amazon and Shopbop!

What motivates you to get to stay active and what are your fitness goals for 2019? Also, if you have any questions regarding this post or experience with intermittent fasting, please feel free to ask in the comments below!

Happy New Year and keep glowing girls!

xxMelissa