Marissa Mace

A home decor and lifestyle blog

A Mom’s Beginners Guide to Biohacking

It feels good to feel good. The past 8 months, I’ve been really focused on my health. I’m not perfect and my consistency still needs work, but I’ve never felt better.

On top of consistent movement and focusing on my nutrition (see more on that here!), I’ve also been playing and experimenting with “biohacking.” In case you’re not familiar, biohacking is the idea of “hacking” or boosting your biology and cells to improve your health. Now, there are all kinds of different approaches, opinions, and methods of biohacking out there. I’ve found a few simple practices that I can fit into my everyday life, don’t take up a ton of time, and truly do make me feel better mentally, physically, and beyond. I kind of look at it as an investment into my health. Is it cheap? Absolutely not! Do you need all of these things? Nope. Have they helped me on my health journey? Absolutely.

The one thing that sets apart biohacking from more traditional health improvement methods like exercise and diet – which I’m focusing on as well – is that it creates an immediate improvement. Things like… more energy, better mood, improved blood circulation, or optimizing yourself are all felt pretty quickly! It’s amazing. These also compound over time to improve long-term health, but with most biohacking practices, you also feel some of the benefits right away, which is just plain cool!

For Mother’s Day, I gifted myself the ultimate mom biohacking routine. My new routine focuses on relaxing, lowering stress levels and improving my skin at the same time. I love this routine because it makes introducing biohacking easy. At first, the term “biohacking” intimidated me. But then I realized it could be as simple as taking a serotonin bath and incorporating oils to your skincare routine.

Here’s the best part, since I don’t have too much extra time to spare each day, this biohacking routine takes 45 minutes once a week.

Before I introduced biohacking, I first committed to more movement. I don’t know about you, but if I’m consistently moving – I feel better from head to toe. Next, I gave my skincare routine a glow up. I invested in better products. From serums to makeup. I break it all down in this recent blog post. Next, I stepped into the biohacking world.

My Fave Biohacking Tools for Beginners
  1. Serotonin Bath: I regret all the baths I neglected to take. But it is the most relaxing part of my week. I didn’t think they could get better until I started adding two scoops of the Serotonin Soak – wow! Hello to a more relaxed, calm and happy me! The salts are infused with magnesium which supports serotonin production. Yes please! It also helps heal and restore sore muscles. This is my love language.
  2. Red Light Therapy: I’m a side sleeper… if you’re like me then you see those lines on your chest and neck creeping up on you. Enter the red light neck enhancer (Code: MARISSA15). The tiny red lights help reduce fine lines and wrinkles while also boosting collagen. Red light acts as energy for your cells, and exposure to it allows your cells to function to their highest ability. I know, it sounds too good to be true, but there are studies to support that red light therapy can help promote healthier sleep, healthier skin, reduced inflammation, and improved recovery from exercise! There are so many red light options – face, body and neck!
  1. Supplements: I hesitate to share exactly what I personally take for supplements. Each person has unique needs. I would highly recommend getting some bloodwork and/or lab tests done to learn about any micronutrient deficiencies and DNA methylation you have. But I’ll share two that I have incorporated into my daily routine. I take vitamin D and magnesium. Both my husband and I have started taking these supplements and have LOVED how they make us feel. We have also began taking a methylated multivitamin. We take this one!
  1. Dry Brushing and oils: did you know dry brushing has been around for centuries? Not only is it relaxing but it enhances circulation, stimulates the lymphatic system and enhances your skin’s glow. Yes to all of that! I do this once a week before I take my bath. It also has helped eliminate some stubborn dry skin. After I dry brush, I use Ritual Oil to boost hydration. You’ll feel so good after. This might be my favorite new biohacking tool! Here’s the copper brush and Ritual Oil I swear by! (Code: MARISSA15)

Make sure to follow me on Instagram for all the things. I’ll also be sharing more about my journey there.

Sunburst Inn – Beach Review

Our stay at the Sunburst Inn was very special for me. We’d planned this trip almost a year in advance. I remember watching the premier of HGTV’s 100 Day Dream Home Beachfront Hotel edition when it first aired. While we were watching it, I leaned over to Justin and told him “We need to go there!”

Many months later, we finally made it there. The Sunburst Inn generously hosted us during our magical stay. We were able to enjoy Indian Shores after four days at Disney World. If you ask me, this was the perfect combo – Disney and beach time!

Indian Shores is about two hours east of Disney World – but the drive is scenic and allowed us to explore new areas of Florida, including Tampa and Clearwater.

Once we arrive, it was pretty much love at first sight. Hour by hour the sleepy beach town grew on us. Which made it hard to leave. And, the decor at the boutique hotel is beautiful! The color wallpaper style of each room made you feel “chic-y, beach-y and boutique-y”!

We stayed in the Penthouse which fits six guests. It was the perfect space for our family – the full kitchen made for an extra amazing experience. We went grocery shopping before we arrived and stocked up on breakfast and lunch essentials.

Being able to have lunch just steps away from the beach each day made for uninterrupted beach time. We made lunch, ate on the deck and went right back out to the sand. It really made our experience that much better.

For dinners, we ate at local restaurants (tip: make reservations ahead of time. They get busy!). Our favorite spot for dinners and views was Caddy’s in Indian Shores. We went twice. Their food was super good. Also, Justin raved about their key lime pie.

To top it off, all the amenities the boutique hotel offers! From paddle boards, corn hole, bikes and so much more. They have everything you’ll need for fun in the sun!

Each night was gathered to watch those sunsets. They were so gorgeous. Pink and orange game skies like I’ve never seen. It was an event for all. Perfect way to wind down each day.

All and all, you will fall in love with the Sunburst Inn just like we did. We are already dreaming of going back and enjoying more time on the sugary sand of Indian Shores. Here is a quick video on my Instagram of the top 4 reasons we love the Sunburst Inn!

If you’re looking to stay at the Sunburst Inn – make sure to use my code “Marissa” to save on your first visit! Tell them I sent ya 🙂

I’d love to know, did you want the Sunburst Inn on HGTV?

Caraway Cookware – A Holiday Must Have

With the holiday season in full swing, this year I feel beyond ready to host family and friends for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. My obsession with Caraway Cookware all started when I was gifted two of their non-toxic, nonstick pans. It has been true love since. My cookware collection has grown from two pans to a full cookware set, a full bakeware set and my beloved Caraway tea kettle. I recently welcomed the monochrome crème Caraway Cookware set into our home and it is a staple on our kitchen countertop. If you are looking for the perfect cookware set or non-toxic cookware in general, let me show you what I have and why you’ll love Caraway, too!

Plus, right now Caraway is having their once-in-a-year savings event where you can get up to 20% off! It is the best time to add Caraway to your home or gift it to someone special this holiday season.

Caraway Cookware Monochrome Set

If you want to impress and splurge just a little bit, then you have to treat yourself and your guests to Caraway’s monochrome cookware set. We currently own the crème color in this set. The monochrome cookware set is all one color – from the handles to the body of the cookware. Instead of having chrome handles, you get a beautiful, clean look. They’re even more stunning in person. Other colors include moss and blush.

The classic Caraway cookware set is just as impressive. This cookware set currently lives on my kitchen countertops. It is so pretty. Full cookware sets come with storage dividers and a lid hanger – this is how I keep my cookware looking good on my counter. Sure, you’ll get a couple nix and scratches on them, but it all depends on how you treat your cookware. I hand wash all the pots and pans and dry them immediately. I also own a small and large pan and a sauce pan in the Perracota color from the classic cookware line. This color is a gorgeous, warm rose color that gives any kitchen a subtle pop of color. I use these cookware items as my daily go to and weekday cooking.

Caraway cookware set

All Caraway Cookware is non-toxic, comes with nonstick coating – which makes cooking and clean up a joy. I’ve owned Caraway Cookware for over a year and they still cook like they did on day one. Absolutely nothing sticks – eggs, bacon, pancakes, you name it… it cooks all foods beautifully. I really love knowing that my family’s meal is being cooked on a non-toxic cookware set and those nasty, harmful chemicals are nowhere to be found. Another neat thing about Caraway is that you can place the cookware in the oven. I didn’t know this until I had my own set. It makes for one dish meals on the weekdays a delight.

If you’re thinking of buying one item at a time to give Caraway a try – you’re going kick yourself for not buying the entire cookware set. My recommendation would be: take advantage of the once-in-a-year sale and buy the entire cookware set.  

Caraway Bakeware Set

After I fell in love with my Caraway Cookware set, I knew I needed the bakeware set. Justin bought me this bakeware set for Mother’s Day this year. The bakeware set comes with 11 pieces which are also all ceramic coated, non-toxic and nonstick. In this set you’ll get two baking sheets (small & large), a 12 cup muffin pan, 9×13” rectangle pan, a cooling rack, 9” square pan, 1 pound loaf pan and two circle pans. An added bonus when you buy the entire bakeware set is that it also comes with two storage organizers to keep your kitchen and bakeware tidy.

We have used this set for meal prepping, week night dinners and, of course, baking our favorite gluten free goodies. Before owning this set, I loved baking, but dreaded the clean-up. Now, I love both! I posted a few stories on my Instagram page showing how easy the brownie in the pan came out. It’s a baking game changer. We have the classic set in the cream color.

Caraway Tea Kettle

My Caraway tea kettle is so beloved. I use this daily for my coffee. I make my coffee using a French press, so boiling water is necessary each morning. I look forward to using my Caraway tea kettle every day. It just adds a cozy element to my day. The tea kettle is also non-toxic and free of harmful chemicals. It has the cutest little whistle when the water comes to a boil. The tea kettle sits right on my stovetop almost serving as a decorative piece. I have the cream color from the classic line of tea kettles. It also comes with a square pot holder!

Caraway tea kettle

During the once-in-a-year sale going on right now, you could earn a free tea kettle with your purchase. Once you get your hands on it, you’ll love it, too.  

Honestly, I know you’ll love Caraway Cookware as much as I do – no matter what you get!

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