During these unusual times, camping is the safest, social distancing vacation. My go-to glamping outpost is Getaway House DC in Shenandoah, VA. I camped here a few times last year, but had to stop traveling due to 2020 restrictions (and paranoia). A few months ago, I decided to get out of the city and go back to getaway-glamping. I'm obsessed all over again!

The camping outpost in Shenandoah is a 20 acre plot of land with small cabins scattered about. The cabin (Getaway House) is a thoughtfully designed, cozy space, with all the essentials for a relaxing weekend in the woods. 

The small area surrounding the cabin is perfect. There's a picnic table, Muskoka chairs and a firepit with a grill grate. There's a container containing wood and a few startup logs located by the firepit and basic provisions inside the cabin for purchase. 

I've camped at Getaway House in Shenandoah seven times and have stayed in cabins located all over the map. I've stayed in Philip, Hank, Juanita, Carroll, Thelma and Lionel. The Thelma is my absolute favorite. This is the first time I've stayed in this style of cabin and although we only require one bed, now I prefer the double bed cabin. 

It feels like this cabin is larger than the one bed style and it's nice to have a space to keep your belongings out of the way - We put our stuff on the top bunk. If you've stayed at a Getaway House, you know space is limited and these tiny cabins can get crowded.

When you book your cabin (one or two beds), you can request a cabin style or a specific cabin. Although Getaway House doesn't promise you'll get a particular cabin, they will make a note in your booking and do their best to accommodate you.

The location of the Thelma cabin is perfect. It's on the outer edge of the outpost and has a larger area around the cabin. I highly recommend you take a look at the Getaway House map and try to snag a cabin in this area of the outpost.

While you should put your phone, tablet and computer away, I can't help myself. Here I am trying desperately to get service. The reception isn't great, so it does kinda force you to enjoy camping sans electronics. 

I highly recommend packing board games. My favorites are Bears vs Babies, Exploding Kittens, Throw Throw Burrito and Oh Fruck! 

Every camping trip is a little different. Sometimes we explore the outpost, other times we play games all day and I always change up the food and beverage menu. This trip was focused on relaxing, sitting by the fire and taking naps. 

Of course, I had to snap a few camping inspired pics of the cabin, Teddy and I before messing it up. Here I'm wearing a Moschino Couture! Care Label-Print t-shirt and Pook socks. Pook is one of my favorite brands to shop camping-inspired clothing and accessories. My tote is the Gucci Florentia Lorto Di Giove tote. 

My husband, Teddy and I camp at Getaway House at least once a month. It's good to get a change of scenery once in a while, do something different, put down your electronics (discipline required) and simply getaway from everyday life. 

For more info on Getaway House DC, please see my previous posts in the Lifestyle section of b.a.gorgie.com.

Sephora Collection X OLLY gummies are chewable supplements comprised of all the right stuff to promote healthy skin, lustrous hair and relaxation. The expert blend of antioxidants, minerals, superfoods and vitamins aid your body and contribute to your healthy lifestyle.  

Sounds positive, but the calorie intake?! If you take two of each - Lustrious Hair, Skin Detox, Glowing Skin and Radiant Sleep, you will consume 150 calories per day. As someone who's "currently" counting calories, sugar intake and carbs, these little gummies are packing too much weight for me.

Albeit, the Sephora Collection X OLLY gummies appear to have a good dose of the necessary supplements to aid in whatever you're trying to achieve - hair growth, radiant skin or to sleep better at night.

I should mention that I have a vexing case of insomnia and I score high on the stressed RTFO scale. SO, I have zero expectations for the Radiant Sleep gummies. It would take a mild sedative to calm me down and put me to sleep. I'm gonna give the Radiant Sleep gummies to someone with less issues!

I'm no expert, but after a few minutes researching online, I'm concluding that these gummies are comprised of the same antioxidants, minerals, superfoods and vitamins that you would find in similar supplements. The Lustrous Hair does however have 8333% of the suggested daily Biotin intake. Hmm.. I'm sure it's safe - It's Sephora.

The Lustrous Hair tastes like sweet grapefruit, the Radiant Sleep like blackberry and mint, the Skin Detox has a similar flavor of berries and mint and the Glowing Skin tastes like blueberry and pomegranate (essentially, it also tastes like berries). These gummies are TOO SWEET. I'm a salty kinda girl, so two of each supplement is asking a lot of me. 

I realize making tasty chewable gummies or candy supplements is a great way to get people to take vitamins, but does it have to be sweet? I vote for vitamin-enriched chips. Not dehydrated fruit and veggie chips - I want salty, ruffle chips.

I'll slowly get through these gummies and probably share, but the Sephora Collection X OLLY supplements are too sweet and the calorie intake is too high. I'd prefer to swallow a giant flavorless vitamin.

I just bought my first home and am cheating on fashion for furniture and decor. I'm having so much fun decorating and and recently added a lifestyle section to the blog, so I can share my home style.

I was beyond excited to host a few special folks (Erin and Bob) a few weeks ago and wanted my table setting to be modern and memorable. I had a blast shopping for table decor. AND, I'm confident that I created a trendy table that represents me as a host. I got a few compliments!

I realize my oversized, Game of Thrones table is not trendy, but I lost the battle on that one. All I can do is jazz it up and make it my own..

I already had classic-white Le Creuset plates, so I decided to go with a black, white and gold theme. My inspiration came from hours of perusing the internet and the perfect set of brushed gold and resin flatware from CB2 - we'll come back to flatware..

I approached this project like I would a fashion shoot. The theme, vibe and color scheme must be cohesive AND I can't afford five different table settings (I spend too much money on shoes and bags), so the theme of my trendy table setting has to be suitable for many occasions. A neutral color palette, with a little gold is perfect.

I recently started a subscription at Dry Farm Wines. It's an online health-focused wine club. Each month I receive six natural wines curated from family farms. There is a long list of benefits, but most importantly, these wines have lower sulfites (< 75 ppm) and lower alcohol (< 12.5%). 

Some of the wine bottles are intriguing. Pictured above is a white wine in a green wine bottle with a beer cap. It resembles a giant beer bottle and adds a little interest. The details of Dry Farm Wines is also a great dinner conversation.

I also opted for unique pieces, like this handcrafted and painted mango wood bowl from CB2. The suggested use is for bread or napkins, but I like to use this as a salad bowl (dry salad of course).

These oversized salad serving utensils from IKEA are nice, but basic. I'm still looking for the perfect set - maybe gold or olive wood.

I have too many unique glasses to choose from - wine and champagne flutes, goblets, mason jar mugs, whiskey glasses, hand painted glasses and a wide variety of colors. I have a glass for every beverage - Even port sipping glasses! The one thing that changes on my table each occasion are the glasses.

For this neutral, trendy table setting, I'm using my personalized b.a.gorgie stemless wine glasses. I like stemless wine glasses, cause you can serve red or white wine, as well non-alcoholic beverages in the same glass.

I love this marble and brass cheese board from William Sonoma. I think it's suitable for casual dinning or a formal setting. The handles make it easy to carry this heavy marble board. The brushed brass handles and "cheese" lettering give this board a modern vibe.

This witty cheese board started my obsession with white marble. I also purchased marble coasters with gold pineapples from William Sonoma. They're fun and combined with the marble cheese board, my trendy table has personality.

I also like to display mismatched coasters. These antique brass hammered coasters from William Sonoma are festive and standout. The antique brass matches the gold tones on my table perfectly.

This CB2 flatware set prompted me to go with the black, white and gold theme. This Earl brushed gold and resin 20-piece set is modern and quirky. I love the pinstripe detail. 

I'm considering to purchase a brushed black flatware set as well for casual dinning. This pinstripe and gold set is suited more for festive occasions.

This flatware set is super-light. I was hesitant to keep them, in fear that the light-weight would seem cheap, but the mixed material and contemporary look outweighed the lack of heft.

The CB2 vapor black and white salad plates placed on the Le Creuset dinner plates are intriguing and add a little texture to the setting. They are created by dipping porcelain into a white and black soapy glaze.

I can't go in to a CB2 store and not purchase something - it's the Sephora of decor. The in-store and online displays are inspiring. I purchased my center piece in-store. It is comprised of a petrified wood salt and pepper set, and oil and vinegar cruets atop of a marble and brass server.

I leave this display on my table at all times, or if I'm doing a charcuterie at the kitchen counter, I'll temporarily place it there.

The marble server floats on a sculptural gilded base, elevating the salt and pepper set and cruets. This CB2 marble server comes in two sizes. If you purchase both, you can place the small one slightly under the larger for a tiered display. 

The porcelain oil cruet and vinegar cruet have a Gatsby-esque vibe and contrast nicely with the textured glass cruet. I combined oil and dry herbs, along with dried hot peppers in the glass cruet. 

I also purchased a marble and brass wine coaster for red wine and a marble and brass wine chiller for the white wine. These wine holders are a stylish addition to my trendy table setting. They're also great for serving wine on my marble countertop - they protect the fragile marble.

The Kuleto wine pictured above is not from Dry Farm Wines, but rather a long-time favorite red wine. 

Always make sure to serve a pitcher of water. I place one or two (one on each side of my giant table) IKEA Korken bottle's with a stopper. Of course, I serve Evian water. YES, people can tell the difference between tap water and bottled water. You can also serve one still and one carbonated water.

My go-to stores for this table decor were CB2 and William Sonoma. Other great decor and furniture stores that I frequent are Crate and Barrel and The Pottery Barn.

I had so much fun creating a trendy table setting. I had no idea shopping home decor would bring me so much pleasure - I kinda wanna create two different settings. Stay tuned..

As of late, I find myself perusing home decor and neglecting my long-time beauty and fashion fixation. A few months ago, I purchased a home. I've been obsessing over decor, storage and lifestyle. SO, my fashion hiatus has prompted me to launch a lifestyle section on my blog..

One of the first decor ideas that came to mind when I initially viewed my soon-to-be new place was the oversized shelves in the kitchen - It is the perfect space for growing Modern Sprout hydroponic herbs. 

I've been growing hydroponic herbs inside a countertop, LED lit greenhouse for years, but my new open space urged me to ditch the greenhouse and install a Modern Sprout LED grow light. 

Modern Sprout was started by two regular, but thoughtful thumb-colored people. The indoor gardening company focuses on hydroponic growing methods of herbs, flowers, small trees and salad greens. Modern Sprout also has grow kits for outdoor gardening. 

Initially, Modern Sprout sold herbs, but they've expanded into other plants with new jars, vases, hydro planters and biodomes. This in-home gardening method is perfect for small spaces and for folks that live in the city and are lacking outdoor space. 

I'm partial to herbs, especially basil, oregano and sage. I use these herbs regularly and love that they're grown in my home, without chemicals. I also find these herbs last much longer than an herb plant purchased at the grocery store.

I tried growing mint many times and was unsuccessful, but the herbs listed above are low maintenance and always a success. The mint plant pictured above was purchased a the grocery store. 

The start-up process is easy. Each Garden Jar comes with a steel net pot, polypro wick, coco pith disk, growing medium, activated carbon, organic seeds and instruction Manuel. 

Pull the polypro wick to one inch below the edge of the steel net pot, fill the pot with the growing medium and run warm water over the medium for 30 seconds. Fill the Garden Jar with water (about 2 cups). Place the coco pith disc on top of the growing medium and gently run water over it until the pith completely expands and you are able to spread the soil around. Add the activated carbon and then the seeds. Push the seeds into the soil (mint seeds should remain above the soil). Set your Garden Jars under a LED grow light and wait..

When your little herb garden begins to sprout, empty the water. Mix a little plant food with 2 cups of water - pour most of it in the jar and a little over the soil and through the net pot. Repeat..

This is basil, sage and oregano after one week. The herbs take a little while to get going, but if you maintain them, they will grow up to 12" high. I suggest moving your LED grow light higher as they grow. 

The basil Garden Jar is my favorite. The leaves are a good size and it smells amazing. I use fresh basil in everything; pasta sauce, over baked chicken, in salad and beverages - Add a few basil leaves to hot water for a refreshing beverage.

ALSO, basil freshens your breath - So, chew on a few leaves when necessary.

AND, basil is an excellent source for vitamins. The extracted oil can be used to treat wounds and skin infections.

You can purchase a Modern Sprout Grow House with an LED grow light. It fits nicely on the countertop, is appealing to the eye and can hold up to four Garden Jars. It's super expensive, but mine lasted years - I gave it away and I'm sure it will keep glowing for a few more. 

My oversized kitchen shelf is the perfect space for a hydroponic garden. But, this time I went with the Modern Sprout LED grow light. I purchased two (one for each counter), but..

I struggled (REALLY HARD) with the idea of drilling holes in to my cabinetry to accommodate the grow light, but after a full day of contemplating, considering different options and having a breakdown, I went for it. I'm beyond happy with the outcome. 

I screwed two small holes in the roof of the cabinetry to hold small black chains, attached the grow light and drilled a larger hole in the side of the cabinetry for the power cord. Luckily, I have an outlet in the cupboard next to the shelf (for the microwave). 

The grow light has three settings and an automatic on and off option. I opted for the 12 hours on and 12 hours off. Choose the time of day you want the light to come on, set the timer, press the on button and hold till the light reaches maximum strength. Each day, your grow light will turn on and off at the same time. 

The Modern Sprout hydroponic indoor garden is easy to maintain, looks great, is a conversation starter and will give you plenty of fresh herbs. I LOVE this gardening method. 

October 30th - It's been about two months since I planted my Modern Sprout herb garden jars and this is the result. The herbs are growing fast and the basil is delicious. Once a week I empty the old water, add plant food to two cups of fresh water and pour most into the jar and then a little on the soil. 

An indoor herb garden is perfect for colder seasons. I love my indoor herb garden and wish I had more space to expand.. 

HUM is an all-natural line of supplements that include tablets, soft gels, gummies and powders. These 'beauty' vitamins have been thoughtfully developed to address lifestyle and beauty concerns. The founders of HUM believe diet alone will not address all of your beauty concerns and regular intake of targeted supplements will give you a little extra boost.

There are currently twenty-five HUM supplements sold at Sephora, ranging from cleansing vitamins, dietary supplements, skin, nails and hair vitamins, collagen boosters and sleep supplements. I initially purchased many products from the HUM lineup, but the dietary and cleanse vitamins didn't agree with my stomach. I also struggle with taking vitamins and pills, (especially the large ones), so taking four huge vitamins a day wasn't for me. I did however like the gummies, Collagen POP dissolvable tablets and Beauty zzZz supplements.

The Collagen POP tablets consist of premium marine collagen peptides and vitamin C. Combined these supplements boost skin hydration, elasticity and firmness. HUM's type one collagen (premium marine collagen), is the same found in the body AND Vitamin C increases natural collagen in the body. Of course, as we age, the collagen in our body decreases, so it's important to take supplements that encourage collagen production.

I've only gone through one container of HUM Collagen POP fizzing tablets and it's too early to say whether or not these tablets make a difference. I do however prefer dissolvable tablets over hard pills and super-sized vitamins. The taste is kinda strange and floral-like. I'm not into drinking or eating flowers, so that's a deterrent. Maybe HUM will produced a fruity flavored tablet - hint hint HUM! I will however continue to drop these dissolvable tablets in my water every other day. If anything, HUM Collagen POP tablets intrigued me and now I'm set on finding a collagen supplement suitable for me.

HUM Beauty zzZz vegetarian tablets will absolutely promote a good night sleep. I started taking these sleep enhancing tablets last year - I had so much on my mind, was stressing about life and only sleeping a few hours a night. I was exhausted all of the time and felt like a zombie during the day. These sleep supplements definitely improved my sleep habits. Thankfully, I sleep much better now, BUT once and a while I take these melatonin and B6 supplements when I'm restless.

If you're anxious and need to catch up on your zzz's, try taking a Benadryl. This allergy medication puts me right to sleep and keeps me under for hours. I'm not a doctor and am not recommending regular use, but I don't see anything wrong with taking allergy medication - you would after all take one Zyrtec a day during allergy season!

I LOVE SkinnyMint Teatox. The two-step detox program is comprised of 28 day teas and 14 night teas (for every second night). The creators of SkinnyMint Tea have carefully curated all-natural ingredients that compliment each other. The 'food synergy' is potent.

The Morning Boost contains green tea (the list of green tea benefits goes on and on..), Yurba Mate to curb your appetite and boost your metabolism, Nettle Leaves are a natural diuretic, Dandelion for digestions and Guarana fruit for cleaning. The fruity flavor is light and delicious. I'm addicted!

The Night Cleanse Tea has anti-bloating Ginger Root, Orange Leaves to aid with sleep, Senna Leaves are a natural laxative, Peppermint for digestive and colic relief, Licorice Root as an antacid, Hawthorn Berries for anti-anxiety and the natural laxative Psyllium Husk. Each of these all-natural ingredients have additional benefits. This ingredient combination is super-cleansing. You will frequent the bathroom, but feel less bloated and possibly shed a little belly fat.

Of course, you should maintain a healthier diet and exercise for optimal results. SkinnyMint Tea should be used to aid in your weight-loss program and kick-start your new lifestyle. This two-step detox program is famous around the world for a reason - IT WORKS! Visit the SkinnyMint website to see miraculous results, before and after pics and read the always positive reviews.

I purchase these teas regularly and a while back received an anti-cellulite silicone cup in the Anti-Cellulite Detox Bundle. It's hard to believe a little silicone cup could make a difference, but with continuous use and patience, you'll probably see some changes in the appearance of your cellulite-prone areas.

You simply add oil to your skin and massage your problem areas for 5-8 minutes. This can be time consuming. The little cup suctions onto your skin and with back and forth, up and down motions. breaks down fatty deposits and eliminates toxins. This method requires commitment - 3-4 times a week for 6 weeks and once a week thereafter.

I'm not a patient person, but working this anti-cellulite method into my routine was easier than I thought. Luckily, I only have cellulite on my buttocks and on the back of my legs, so 5 minutes a day 3-4 times a week isn't too time consuming. It's only been a few weeks and I do see a slight difference. This DIY anti-cellulite method is easy and inexpensive. I also recommend getting a body oil or oil-based body cream with anti-aging properties and exfoliate your cellulite-prone areas on the off days.

Thanks for the little silicone anti-cellulite cup SkinnyMint! I'm looking forward to more innovative gifts with purchase in the future.

I was really intrigued by the concept of 'Green Juice' Gummy Bears by Sugarfina. I'd wouldn't mind squishy 'greens' flavored candy with the added benefit of 'real greens'. I ordered these gummy bears in all three sizes AND had high expectations. These gummy bears weren't exactly what I expected..

Although I was expecting a 'greens' flavored candy, I can understand why that wouldn't work. I'm not a sweets person, but I'm sure those who crave sugar, want sweet - NOT spinach flavored bears. These squishy candies taste like sweet-lime gummy bears. They have apple, lemon, spinach and ginger (even turmeric), but the candy aspect is strong. I had hoped for a 'greens' flavored gummy.

I am a greens juice fanatic. Who has time to eat raw and cooked greens, along with all the other healthy stuff we're suppose to consume in a day? My go-to fruits and veggie juices make maintaining healthy lifestyle little faster and easier. Albeit, I do think spinach/kale flavored gummy bears may have a chance out there.

If you're a candy-craving person, these might a be a 'semi-healthy' solution. There is apple, lemon, spinach concentrate and each serving (11 bears) contains 20% of your daily vitamin A and C. What if you only eat 11 'baby' bears (they're half the size of the momma bears), does that still count as 20% or do you have to eat double.

Hmm.. I wonder why there's mama bears and baby bears? Did dad miss the gummy bear mould fitting? Dear Sugarfina, you're gonna upset few people with the mama and baby thing - maybe you should give dad another chance and allow him a spot in your 'Green Juice' Gummy Bears bottles! I have a baby bear - my Toy Poodle Teddy, looks like a Teddy Bear. I'm the momma, BUT he favors his daddy!

If you or someone in your life loves candy, these are fun, but if you're a salty person (like me) and love greens, these 'Green Juice' Gummy Bears fall short. They taste like every other gummy bear with a hint of citrus. I'm a little disappointed and hope to see 'real' green juice gummies in the candy section soon. I'd go out of my way and spend a small fortune to avoid actually eating real green veggies on the daily!

These little green gummies are available in 7.6 oz, 15.4 oz and a seven day 'cleanse' consisting of seven 1.7 oz bottles. Let's be clear, this is not a cleanse. There's a reason 'Green Juice' is in quotations. Sugarfina does state that these gummy bears are 'inspired' by Pressed Juicery greens juice.

Sugarfina is an amazing candy company. I purchased custom candy boxes for Valentine's Day gifts and they were much appreciated. The candy flavors are unique and you can custom by color, flavors or a theme. This place is my new go-to candy shop.

The famed teatox SkinnyMint now has SkinnyMint Fat Burning Gummies. The two-step fat burning gummy program combines Green Coffee Bean and Garcinia Cambogia to support your health regime and give you 'best fat burning results'.

Step-one - Take two Power Up gummies in the morning for an enegery boost. These green coffee bean infused gummies are sugar-free and taste like espresso. I love the flavor. The texture is not like your typical gummy - they melt in your mouth fairly quickly. 

Green coffee beans haven't been roasted or highly processed and have a higher concentrate of nutrients. Typically, green coffee beans are crushed and taken in pill form, but as of late, many other diet products contain the weight loss aid.

Caffiene is a natural stimulate and is proven to boost energy. I love the taste and scent of coffee, but too much caffeine has a terrible effect on me - I get the jitters and feel nauseous. Each Power Up gummies contains 200 mg, which meets the recommended dosage. I drink Daily Harvest Cold Brew + Almond every morning. It also contains green coffee. These two combined definitely puts me into overdrive.. If I had to choose (in an effort to avoid jitters), I'd go with my Cold Brew + Almond. You gotta try this smoothie - it's amazing!

Step-two - The Hunger Buster gummies contain Garcinia Cambogia and are said to curb your snacking desire mid-afternoon. The Hunger Buster gummies are also sugar-free and taste like pineapple. The flavor is a bit sweet for me (I prefer the Power Up), but I'm not one to snack on sweets anyway (HUGE salt fan here). The texture is the same as the Power Up.

Garcinia Cambogia is a tropical fruit and is also found in many weight loss supplements. The fruits rind contains an active ingredient that is said to boost fat burning and curb your appetite. Each SkinnyMint gummy contains 250 mg of Garcinia Cambogia extract. The recommended daily dose of Garcinia Cambogia is 500 mg to 1500 mg - SkinnyMint gummies are well within the safe range.

Two espresso flavored Power Up in the am and two Hunger Buster gummies as a snack. Who wouldn't want to incorporate delicious gummies into their weight loss regiment?

Here's the reality of this two-step fat burning gummy program. It is highly recommended that you also stick to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise regularly. Most weight loss supplements do. If you're watching what you eat, maintain a healthy lifestyle and exercise, you're gonna lose weight - you don't need supplements. Albeit, I do believe that purchasing weight loss products may kickstart your desire and commitment to lose weight. Especially, tasty gummies! It's mostly in your head.

My opinion is to find a reduced-calorie diet that works for you, don't starve yourself and indulge once and a while. Drink green tea and lots of water. EXERCISE and maintain a healthy lifestyle. You'll feel better and slim down. Weight loss supplements aren't gonna do a damn thing on their own, but if they help keep you motivated, incorporate them into your diet. 

10 days left in Amsterdam and then I'm moving back to the U.S. - YAY! The house is packed, and 'I've' been packing my body with all the yummy (unhealthy) foods Amsterdam has to offer. After weeks of consuming anything and everything, I'm feelin' a little heavy (in every sense of the word). I need to kickstart a healthier lifestyle and rejuvenate my body. 

For the next 72 hours, I'm focused on my go-to juice cleanse by Juice Brothers and favorite teatox, SkinnyMint. No food, just liquids! It's not as hard as you think - you just gotta stay focused on the benefits. I've done many juice cleanses and favor the green juices over fruity blends. Too much sweet, makes me crave salt, but the bitter greens deter me from sneaking salty snacks. Master cleanse is my favorite; maple syrup, lemon and cayenne make the perfect morning drink. Oh, and the nut milks are a nice treat at the end of the day. I honestly don't struggle with juice cleansing; especially the hard cleanse by Juice Brothers. I think they key is to find juices that taste good. 

I'll also consume about 4 cups of green tea, SkinnyMint tea and 2 liters of water a day. Yeah, Imma be on the toilet all-day long! Green tea is a miracle beverage. I drink Sencha green tea everyday to keep the bloat to a minimum, and reap the health benefits the antioxidants and nutrients have on the body. After I finish the juice cleanse, it's salad, fruit, veggies and chicken for the next few weeks. Imma look fabulous, my skin will glow and I'll feel energetic again. Sometimes your body just a needs a restart and after 3 days of liquids, even green beans taste good! You will be inclined to eat healthier.

Juice/tea cleansing tips: 

Set reasonable goals (you can't go a week without food). 
The end of your cleanse should land on a weekend, so you can relax and avoid overexerting yourself.

If you absolutely have to eat something, opt for avocado with olive oil or lemon. Salt-free nuts will also curve your cravings.

Choose juice blends that you'll enjoy (well, mostly).

Do the cleanse with a partner, so you can support each other and smack the other if they're dreaming about french fries!

Flat Tummy Tea is a two-step herbal detox claiming to cleanse your system, stimulate digestion and reduce bloating. I posted a review about Flat Tummy Tea a few months ago and thought I'd do a comparison to another natural teatox program, SkinnyMint. This 28 day, two-step teatox is designed to kick start a healthy lifestyle, increase your energy levels and naturally cleanse your body. Basically, both teas make the same claims, but in different words. I'm not gonna get into the ingredient details for each tea, cause I'd be writing for days, but I will give you a quick review and my personal thoughts. 

Both Teas work! Combined with healthy eating habits and just a little exercise, you will look and feel better. Tea detoxing is no weight-loss miracle, just an addition to your healthy lifestyle. Tea in general is really good for you. I am partial to green tea and recently read a post about tea detoxing compared to simply drinking green tea. I followed their suggestion, drank five cups of green tea a day (no teatox) and had great results. I didn't loose weight, but my stomach was much less bloated. If teatoxing is not for you, I suggest green tea after every meal. It increases your metabolic rate 4 to 5 percent and is an excellent source of antioxidants.

What is similar about these two detox programs? They both contain green tea and other natural diuretic ingredients. Flat Tummy Tea 'Activate' should be consumed every morning and 'Cleanse' every third evening. SkinnyMint 'Morning Boost' should also be consumed every morning and 'Night Cleanse' every second night. Both have a mild laxative effect and reduce bloating. Both morning teas contain caffeine and thus your energy levels increase!

What's different? Flat Tummy Tea is a loose tea in resealable packets. You can use a tea defuser - I am partial to individual tea filters (less to clean). Either way, this is an additional cost. I like that SkinnyMint comes in individual tea bags (also in resealable packets), each with a tag 'Morning Boost' or Night Cleanse'. As far as taste goes, SkinnyMint is much better. The Morning Boost has a fruity flavor and the Night cleanse has notes of lemongrass, ginger and orange. 

Not that this matters, but the Flat Tummy Tea comes with a small zipped case (great for travel). My SkinnyMint purchase came with an 'insert your own photo here' fridge magnet. I guess it's for inspiration and I suppose it would make a cute Instagram. Oh and it will bring social media attention to SkinnyMint! 

A two week pack of Flat Tummy Tea currently retails for €28.28 and a SkinnyMint 14 day teatox for €24.90. Not much difference there, but you will have to purchase a defuser or filters for the Flat Tummy Tea.