Naturally Radiant: CH--CH--CH---CHIA SEEDS! Our Secret Weapon To Get Through the Morning News!

I am talking chia seeds...just like the Chia pet commercial!
I have been hearing a lot about these tiny seeds and decided to give them a try.
I love them because they are hailed as the new hot superfood- packing protein, fiber, vitamins, antioxidants and Omega- 3s (1 tablespoon is equivalent to a piece of fish).


It's easy to incorporate chia seeds into your diet.
Gina and I throw it in our greek yogurt to get through our marathon morning news show. They barely taste like anything; just adds a little texture. You can also add them to smoothies or sprinkle into most food you cook.  Recent research shows, chia seeds can give a great energy boost and possibly promote weight loss...I am sure I have your attention now!

Disclaimers:

-Don't go too crazy with the chia seeds at first--there is a lot of fiber-if you know what I mean! (wink)
-Pregnant women--please ask your doctors first.
-If you suffer from high blood pressure, you should also double check with your doctor.

Do your own research:

Dr. Oz promotes Chia seeds in his "5 Supplements You Need" segments and my fave health blogger Kymberly Synder eats them everyday. (I have included both links for your viewing pleasure)

http://kimberlysnyder.net/blog/2012/02/23/enjoying-chia-seeds/

http://chiaseeds.net/chia-seeds-health-benefits/

http://voices.yahoo.com/chia-seeds-weight-loss-7-pounds-lost-2-weeks-8140198.html?cat=51

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/5-supplements-you-need


Xoxo,
Britt

Tweet me if you try 'em...@brittneyshipp

"Beyond the Green Screen" Blog Party Launches at One of the Hottest Hotels in the WORLD (Hotel Palomar)

                                                 

Hotel Palomar just made the Top 10 list on Trip Advisor for one of the hottest hotels in the world. It also set the back drop for the green-themed official blog launch party for "Beyond the Green Screen."

The rooftop bar is the perfect location for any type of party, considering our great weather year round especially at night. Throw in a genius private room attached to the rooftop bar and you have a delicate balance of  privacy and "big-city" ambiance overlooking downtown Phoenix. Ty and Shelby with Salt PR (hotel's marketing company) worked wonders with the staff to transform the space into the party I dreamed of.



Inside the rooms, very swanky and urban chic layout. Features a great location--inside of Cityscape, walking distance to many restaurants and US Airways Center. I must rave about the customer service-it is superior!!

Josh One (resident DJ at Hanny's) and DJ Kim kept the party moving--in the right direction.

Cake provided by local bakery: Barb's bakery...they also get my stamp of approval for design, taste and with a reasonable price tag.

Complete with a champagne toast at midnight- the blog launched- Midnight: October 14, 2012.
Beyond the Green Screen is here to stay- I hope you will join the conversation.

I had fun reseaching and planning the party...but let me save you time with a few recommendations.




-Salt PR
-Travis @ Hotel Palomar (Keeper of that fab room!)
-Barb's Bakery
-DJ Josh One


**Tweet me for any questions @brittneyshipp


Xoxo,
Britt

Beauty FORECAST: Next time you brush your teeth, don't forget your skin!

That's right, I said, don't forget to brush your skin.
There is something great you can do for your skin--dry brushing!!

All you need is a body brush-found at most stores!
Brush your whole body..especially the places we forget, like the back of thighs and elbows--always start at the feet and go upwards towards the heart in a circular motion.
This extra beauty tip can help improve blood flow,  decrease the appearance of cellulite, and help with dry patchy skin.
Even supermodel Molly Sims swears by it...I'll include her article.

 I keep my skin brush right outside the shower and try to scrub down every morning before hopping in the shower. It's only takes a few minutes and you are doing something great for your health.

Let me know if you try it!

Do your own research:

http://drybrushing.net/

http://www.naturallivingmamma.com/2012/05/17/dry-skin-brushing-a-gentle-detox/

http://www.glamour.com/health-fitness/blogs/vitamin-g/2010/08/molly-sims-swears-by-dry-brush.html (Molly Sims)

** My regular disclaimer...these are things I do and enjoy...and I not promising any results. I love these tips and love sharing them. Good luck!



Xoxo,
Britt

Naturally RADIANT: Get a TV White Smile Using Oil Pulling?

                                                 Want whiter teeth?.....Try Oil Pulling!

I'm assuming you might have a blank look on your face, wondering what is oil pulling!
Well, I was looking for a way to cure my allergies and stumbled upon a way to do that-- plus, whiten my teeth, improve my oral health and detox toxins from my body-all in one! It's an ayurvedic therapy called oil pulling.

How to Do It:

Take a tablespoon of cold-pressed oil and swish it around. Do it when you first wake up on an empty stomach. Do not gargle or swallow the oil, but pull it through your teeth. It's just that simple....I thought it sounded crazy until I tried it.

What to Use:

Sunflower and sesame oils are popular but I like to use coconut oil from Trader Joe's...because it's cheap- just 6 bucks- organic, and the taste doesnt bother me as much as others.

How Long Do You Pull:

The goal is to do it for 15-20 minutes. I know that's kind of a long time, but to help pass the time, I swish when I am in the shower or cleaning up in the morning. You can work up to it.

There will be a lot of toxins from your body in the oil after swishing. Be sure to spit it out in the toilet when you are done and brush your teeth and tongue right after.


Research it Yourself:

Here are a few link to articles, so can do your own research. Let me know if you try it!

http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/article%20oil%20pulling.htm

http://www.oilpulling.com/


Happy pulling!


Xoxo,
Britt

Community RADAR: Inside Phoenix Suns/Suns Nite Hoops Charity Party

Fall is here, but we are still feeling the heat of summer in the Valley, making for the perfect rooftop Havana inspired charity party at the W Scottsdale Thursday night.

It's a top fundraiser for Suns Nite Hoops, bringing out Suns players like Jermaine O'Neal, Jared Dudley, Morcin Gortat and PJ Tucker- to name a few. 

The program, started by the Phoenix Suns, has a very special mission for young men who need it most.

"The idea is to give them a positive alternative to drugs, gangs, crime and violence while teaching life skill development such as discipline and anger management. Basketball is merely the lure to attract these young men. Nite Hoops was established with the pre-game workshops and case management as its priority."

A labor of love for Program Director, Shannon Smith (pictured above), this year's event brought together Cuban dancers, sweet treats from Caketini and casino play for a festive night under the stars benefiting at-risk Valley youth.

To learn more, attend the next event or donate visit http://www.sunsnitehoops.org/


Xoxo,
Britt

Community RADAR: Prada Puts Best Fashion Foot Forward For Phoenix Children's Hospital

 Beautiful Fashion, Hot Athletes, Music & Cocktails--All For Charity!

If you didn't make it to the Prada Party benefiting the Phoenix Children's Hospital on September 20th, don't worry, Beyond the Green Screen has all the details. The Italian fashion house teamed up with our local hospital by throwing a gorgeous cocktail party to help raise money for a fantastic cause.

The store transformed into a bit of a catwalk, outfitting models and local athletes like Shane Doan (Phoenix Coyotes), Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona Cardinals) and Jared Dudley (Phoenix Suns) in Prada suits. This girl was not complaining.

Complete with a DJ and cocktails, the luxury store at Scottsdale Fashion Square is lending it's fashionable hand for one of the best Children's hospitals in the country. Philanthropists Barbara Adelson, Deborah Bateman, Jennifer DeStefano, Karie Dozer and Debbie Gaby made the night a success.

                                                

And it's not too late to help! From now until September 30th, if you shop at Prada, part of the proceeds will go back to Phoenix Children's Hospital.

Xoxo,

Britt

Beyond the GREEN SCREEN: The Launch of My New Personal Blog!

Welcome everyone!

I love my career as an on-air meteorologist, but I want to go beyond the green screen of the studio.

I'm embarking on a new adventure with my own personal and informal blog-on-the-go. I upload all pictures and posts right from my phone.

From community highlights, new hot spots, beauty trends, latest fitness movements, natural beauty remedies- let's talk about it!

Plus, I'll show you some of the behind-the-scenes craziness of TV news. And, you can look forward to some pretty cool guest bloggers.

Beyond the Green Screen is a conversation, so let's get this party started!

Xoxo,
Britt

Naturally RADIANT: Forget Coffee, Give me a Cup of Leafy Greens??

I am the person who will not crack a smile, care to hold a conversation, nor remember anything of little importance before that first cup of morning coffee. Throw in the crazy hours of TV news- I really need a serious dose of caffeine to get me through the day or least to turn me into a cordial person. (I am exaggerating, a bit here)

Speaking of the studio, we have a ton of books laying around and I came across Kimberly Synder's Beauty Detox. She is a nutritionist to the stars and I like subscribing to her blog for natural health and beauty tips.

                                               

One thing she reccomends, for extra energy is starting your day with a Glowing Green Smoothie.
It was a little hard to wrap my mind around swaping my beloved coffee for a smoothie packed with 6 cups of leafy green vegetables-first thing in the morning- but I must admit, I feel great when I do.

 It's also a good way to up your fiber intake if you find yourself slacking throughout the day. Make a batch at the beginning of the week and it will hold in your fridge almost 3 days. It's my go-to when I need an energy boost or feel guilty for not eating enough fruits and veggies. I have included the link to the exact recipe for you to try. I like to skip the cilantro ;)

http://www.kimberlysnyder.net/blog/2009/07/11/green-smoothie-recipe/


I hope you try it!
Xoxo,
Britt

Naturally RADIANT: Dry Hair? Fix it for Pennies...

I don't know about you...but this desert heat does a number my hair, nails, skin--everything! But let's just focus on one for now-hair!

Although, I am a fan of using great quality shampoos and conditioners. Occassionally, I notice my hair decides to have a mind of its own and not act right! Is anyone else with me on this? Anyone?

When I want to solve a problem, especially beauty issues, I search for natural remedies first. That's when I discovered Apple Cider Vinegar! You probably have some already at your house. It works wonders to reset the pH balance in your hair and tones the scalp. It always gives my hair a boost and extra shine.

ACV Rinse:
1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar ( not white)
2cups water ratio

**Try keeping a bottle of the rinse in your shower. I use it on a weekly basis.

 This rinse is on a ton of blogs, some say dont rinse it out, some say do it before shampooing or after condtioning, but I like use it after shampooing-to get rid of the residue, and before conditioning-to get rid of the smell.  You can play around and see what works for you.

Good luck!

Xoxo,
Britt

THE SILVER LINING: Top Secret to Success

It's easy to get caught up in comparing or thinking about what you don't have in life. I know I am guilty of that from to time to time-especially with social media.

But how often do you take the time to appreciate all that you do HAVE even down to the smallest details. Do you practice being grateful?

I recently read an article on Yahoo, saying a top secret to success is GRATITUDE! It suggested actually writing down everything that you are thankful for in an effort to reprogram your thinking.

I love this idea! I just finished a full week of entries! Is this something you think you can do?

Article:
http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/advisor/true-secret-to-success--it-s-not-what-you-think-.html

Xoxo,
Britt

SHINE Bright on a Budget: Father's Day Ideas

Four Seasons is a fab spot to head for Father's Day and really, any special occasion. Here's the secret...go in the summer! It's such a good deal. I file this blog under "ballin' on a budget."

Lots of world-class resorts in the Valley drop their prices when temperatures get too hot for tourists. But, us locals, can handle it and should take advantage. Rates drop from $350 to $150.

This Father's Day, I took my dad and uncle to the hotel for a Dad's BBQ class, with special marinade recipes, hand rolled cigars and beer/whisky floats.

Nice way to treat dad...keep it in mind for next year.

Xoxo,
Britt

Community RADAR: Street Art Goes High Class

A father-son art duo blessed us with their art at MIM (Musical Instrument Museum) on Father's day. Artists, Such and Champ, have been creating art together for 20 years. Champ, Such's son, started with crayons at 8 months and now owns his own t-shirt company called from "One Generation to the Next." My favorite piece cites a biblical scripture, "And thou shall write them upon the post of thy house (Duet 6:8). I also loved their edgy "civilized" Hello Kitty.

It's a big step for aerosol art, also known as, street art or graffiti art.

If you want to checkout their work on Facebook, search champstyles.

Xoxo,

Britt

Beyond the GREEN SCREEN: The Beginning and Beyond....

I love my career as an on-air meteorologist, but I want to go beyond the green screen of the studio.

I'm embarking on a new adventure with my own personal and informal blog-on-the-go. I upload all pictures and posts right from my phone.

From community highlights, new hot spots, beauty trends, latest fitness movements, natural beauty remedies- let's talk about it! Plus, we will peek into some of the behind-the-scenes craziness in our newsroom. And, you can look forward to some pretty cool guest bloggers.

Beyond the Green Screen is a conversation, so let's get this party started!

Xoxo,
Britt