Smiling at the Mirror

     I smiled at the mirror today. I took a pic of Hubs and I. I didn't try and avoid seeing myself in the mirror, or put away my phone. I was happy with what I saw, and wanted to capture it. Seems like a weird thing to say, but 2 months ago, that's what I was doing.


    In the last 2 months, hubs and I have made some changes. We're going to the gym, regularly, and eating better. I'm taking more time to just love my dog, and treating the TV as more like background noise. I pick up my computer rarely, and am more aware of things I can do to improve my day to day life.

   The last while, I haven't been giving myself the care that I needed. And this was something bugging me. Same could be said for my husband. So we decided to do something about it. The healthy improvements we've made, in my opinion anyway, have not just been healthier physically, but mentally and emotionally.

    We visited with my family over the weekend, and we hadn't do that in a while, that made me feel better.

   So I'm doing better, and wanted to share this. I smiled at the mirror, and took the picture, not necessarily because I can SEE improvement, but because I can feel it.

How Fall has Made Me More Self Aware Of Wasting

     Something people may or may not know about me is I'm a planner, I LOVE planning. And making lists, I love putting a pin to a fresh piece of paper and mapping out a plan. The downside to this is sometimes I can fail to live in the now, because I'm planning for tomorrow. Last year this time, I was in full blown fall mode. Perhaps it's because we had such a long Winter, but I've been finding myself REALLY trying to enjoy the summer this year. But when days like today roll around, overcast, and needing to chuck on a hoodie, well this is when my mind wanders to Fall, or even my FAVORITE time of year, that I won't mention, because some people may get mad at me.  Really people may get mad at me for talking about  Fall, but whatever.


     One major thing I've been doing (because I'm addicted top Pinterest), is pinning outfit inspirations for the season. What is interesting about how I'm doing it this year VS other years, is I'm being realistic. I'm SO guilty of seeing clothes that I think are cute, or pretty and buying them, only to have them hang in my closet...why? They're not my style. People close to me, very well may be shocked to learn, I own about 6-7 dresses and skirts...yup, because I thought they were pretty, and bought them, but feel weird wearing them unless it's for something special. Nope, my look can be broken down to a formula. Step 1, Jeans...these are the foundation of my wardrobe, If I'm not wearing jeans, mark it on the calendar, because it is a rare occurrence. A top to go with the jeans. If they're skinny, generally longer, or the rarer occurrence flowy. Bootcut usually brings about a basic T-shirt or tank. And Finally an over piece. If I'm actually wearing it or not, I've got one with me. It could be a shirt (generally plaid), a cardigan, or my trusty ole hoodies. Then it's accessories and shoes, which is generally, what's easy and looks decent... this is my look. I have accepted and FINALLY understand this.


     SO why am I taking the time to tell people about this? Because there is NO way I'm the only one who does this. wastes money, and closet space buying the pretty stuff for it to just sit there. I guess I'm posting this because I've become more self aware this way, and I think it was for the good. Perhaps this post might help some one else be aware too.

thanks for reading

Quite Possibly my Favorite Facial Product for the Summer

     I'm pretty sure that I've said in previous posts, when it comes to skin care, I try and listen to my skin. I find I've sort of gotten the hang of things when it comes to my skin, and it's helped me A LOT.

    I have shared my skin care routine in previous posts, and I'd love to tell you, I stick to it religiously. Not the case. To keep ANY consistency, I actually have reminders on my phone, that my husband actually hates with a passion, because my phone is usually closer to him, and I don't hear it, and it drives him INSANE, but...that's what I do, and I'm quite unapologetic to him about the alarms might I add.

    My skin is actually relatively clear right now, I'm quite pleased..just a couple mall blemishes on my forehead...as some one with bangs who doesn't wash their hair everyday, I actually think this is fantastic. We're at a time of year I kind of need to keep an eye on my skin though. While the greatest contributing factor to blocked pores is actually dead skin cells (so basically dust) lets factor in, we're sweating and stuff more this time of year. Sweating is good for the skin, but can also contribute to blocking those pores.

    Last week I was noticing a cluster of small pimples on my nose... which is odd for me. So I knew I needed to get deep in the pores. In previous posts I've mentioned, Now European Clay powder. This has become a bestie for me in the last month or so. When I saw this little cluster, I used the mask. I've read some descriptions recommend using oil, essential oils, apple cider vinegar, honey etc. I'm boring I guess because I just go with water. I'm not sure I'd recommend it for those with dry skin, and here's why. I can actually feel as it dries my skin tightening, and it getting deep down in my face.  

     My cluster has since disappeared. I wanted to give this product a special post. I' did purchase it for the first time in the Winter, at the Feel Good Store (I know you're shocked right) and I liked it then, but I've come to LOVE this product for the benefits I'm seeing now that it's gotten warmer, and upped my usage to minimum twice a week. After I get it off with warm water and a cloth I follow it up with my Apple cider vinegar/water toner, and use Grape seed oil to moisturize.

Thanks for reading

Very Basic Drugstore Makeup kit

     Ever since I did my blog post the other day about  my Holy Grail Makeup products, I've had another makeup themed post that I've been itching to do. I think I put on the post twice that while my makeup bag included typically higher end products...because apparently that's where my head is at with my makeup choices,, there are some really good drugstore products out there. So I decided to do a post where I would put together a very basic makeup kit that would be strictly drugstore products. could potentially be considered a starter pack even. I'll exclude tools, primers, contouring etc, this will be as basic, and kind of a natural every day look. So let's get started.

     I honestly haven't used a drugstore liquid foundation in a very long time. I've used powder or BB cream. But if you were just starting to use makeup, I would think you'd want to go lighter weight, so I'll stick with BB. I'm also going with liquid, simply because it's my formulation of choice.

    The BB I would pick would be the Maybelline Dream Fresh. It was the first bb cream I ever uesd and as far as drugstore BB's go, still my favorite. I tried the garnier, because once upon a time, it was supposed to be the best, and I hated it. The Maybelline retails for about $9.

     One of the biggest mistakes new makeup users make (myself included) is piling on foundation because it needs to cover imperfections... while a full coverage foundation COULD do the job, concealing, is a job for a concealer. AND there are a tone out there, and some do very different jobs. But I chose one that can cover most of your issues, and it's one of my favorite drugstore products of all time, Covergirl Smoother. It gives you coverage, you can heat it up with your fingers and it blends nicely. It's a fantastic product and costs $6 roughly

      After using these products, you'd want to use a setting powder, or odds are they'll just slide around on your skin. This is a product I've used for years and I keep in my makeup bag, not to mention it lasts forever. Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Face Powder. It's about $20.

     As far as blush goes, Physicians Formula wins me again. This is my favorite blush I've ever used, and Physicians Formula is a line that has some pretty good ingredients, so this bodes well for me as well. This one retails for roughly $15.50.

     Every fiber of my body wants me to get into eye shadow, liner, and eyebrow pencils, but because I'm going super basic, as far as eyes go, I'll only introduce you to  mascara, because all 3 of these products require using the proper method to not be obvious that you're wearing them, and if you're just going for a super natural (not supernatural) look, mascara is really all your eyes need for a little bit more polished look. I actually bought this about 2 months ago, because I was doing makeup for a friend's wedding and wanted it as an alternative choice for her makeup. What's more is the shelf life of mascara is 3-6 months.. so the fact that this product is only $7, and btw is often at checkouts with impulse buy products is amazing, and potentially one of the best impulse buys you'd ever make. I'm talking about L'oreal Voluminous. If ever I ran out of my mascara I use and didn't have any on hand... I'd buy this stuff. PS if you're like me and your eyelashes do not hold a curl, the waterproof formula may be your very best friend.

     I have yet to find a red lipstick that I like on myself. Not sure if it's because I tried wearing it when I was a kid and my my grandmother told me I looked like I ate a man, or if it's because I tend to prefer a slightly bolder eye look, and bold lips with bold eyes are...well...too bold. I tend to be more of a fan of natural looking lip colours, as such I love, and have on my person right now, Burt's Bees tinted lip balm. goes on more like chapstick but gives you a pop of colour, and retails for about $7 

    So that's a Starter/Drugstore/Everyday makeup kit, that equals out to roughly $65...which is actually blowing me away right now. I will stress, these are the products I like, makeup isn't one size fits all, these are just some products I've used, and like, there may be better ones out there, and it's even possible the formulation has changed on a few of them and they're not what they used to be, but were I on a shoestring budget and starting from scratch. These are the products I would buy. Thanks so much for reading. 

   

Products in my Makeup bag that Replace Themselves

     Much like my skin care products, I like to try new products when it comes to my makeup. So it takes quite a bit for me to repurchase a product, and say I will 100% stick with it. BUT there are a few in my makeup bag, and they're all products I tried in the last year, and I'm just addicted to, and wanted to share them. 

    Before I get into the ones I will 100% stick with, I'd like to mention 2 products that are likely products I would repurchase, but am not 100% addicted to. 

First we have Urban Decay's Priming potion. It's an eye primer, and I purchased the anti-aging formula. This is a super popular product, and has a fantastic reputation. I can honestly say it's the best eye primer I've ever used in my life. It holds my product on, and most of all, doesn't crease. The ONLY reason this product didn't make the cut, is because I'm trying a new primer soon that is for both the face and eyes. I love double duty products. I could go back to this depending on the outcome, time will tell. 

The second honorable mention is Pacifica's Enlightened Natural lip gloss in poppy. when I was a teenager, I tried a lip gloss that was 100% the perfect colour for me, and then it got discontinued. I saw this in the store, and had something that I wanted a glossy finish for my lips. Completely different line, but this was the same colour as the long lost gloss. So the reality is I will likely repurchase this product, however, I'm not a huge lip gloss wearer anymore. 

# 1) The first product I will forever repurchase is Nars Radiant creamy concealer. I remember when I first was introduced to concealer, and fell in love... and there ARE good concealers you can buy on the cheap, but THIS is the best concealer I've ever used in my life. The product has a great reputation and basically that's why I decided to give it a shot. I love the coverage, I love how it blends. I originally purchased a colour too dark for me, but with blending, I made it work. to apply it, I use the wand, and to blend I use a knock-off Beauty blender, and it does the job perfectly. In love with this product and I'll never stray. 

# 2) Couldn't begin to tell you how many different mascaras I've tried over the years, and again I will stress, you can get good mascara on the cheap. But I tried this mascara and haven't looked back. This is Younique's 3d fiber lashes and it's spectacular. A friend of mine sells Younique products, and it's a friend I've been friends with since I was 5, so when I got wind of this product, and asked her about it and she absolutely gushed about it, I decided to give it a shot. And now here I sit gushing. My lashes are short, ad straight... and this product covers my main concerns. As a fiber mascara, is gives you unreal length. We're talking people swear your lashes are fake lashes. It also holds, well. I curl my lashes, with a hot eyelash curler. I get this beautiful curl and couple hours later, it's gone. This product makes my lashes hold it's shape, so I look awake and don't get raccoon eyes.  

# 3) The final product on this list, I purchased in a sample size in hopes of making my friend's makeup stay basically GLUED to her face for her wedding day... Mission accomplished. This is Urban Decay's All Nighter setting spray. I ADORE this product, I don't know about you, but I kind of hate having to touch-up my makeup during the day... I don't have time for that, I want it on in the morning, and that's it...done. Well this makes it so. It's summer, and guess what, we're gonna sweat ( I know, charming). So instead of having your makeup melt off... no, I DID describe it as glued to your face for a reason.

      These are my Holy Grail Products, hope they were helpful. What are your Holy Grail Products?

A Rant

     I'm actually QUITE good at ranting, it's in my blood. No really, some of my family members are some of the finest ranters to walk the planet. I'm good at it genetically, really! Today something happened while I was on my way into work and I've been thinking on it a while now. I'll be completely upfront, I got my license in October, so I'm still a new driver. I took drivers ed, which is quite honestly the ONLY reason I am a confident driver (not without fault, but confident). One thing that our instructor tried to enforce with us was not to be afraid to use our horns.

     Considering I've been driving for a few short months, I've been a passenger a long time, and it really seems to be a legitimate fear with drivers. I can honestly say, most people I've driven with don't use their horn... and I've been in 3 accidents as a passenger... there was no horn.

     People actually misuse the horn. They honk to say hi, or like I've shared in a previous rant, to sexually harass some one, or because you're pissed off. When really the horn is to get the attention of another driver, to avoid an accident. why would people AVOID honking for that purpose? Is it because you've been honked at and gotten angry and shouted, "I see you"?! Do you feel like the sound is loud and rude? Not quite sure where that puts me, because I use it...often. Part of our training was to be prepared to use the horn (it is still fresh in my head).

    So all ranting aside, I did something today, that is supposed to be a major no no when it comes to being a passenger in the car. So we were at a green light waiting to turn left, and were second in line to do so. The car in front of us was a big truck that pulled out into the intersection... when a large group of grads (Or a choir... they were wearing gowns) decided they were going to jaywalk (a rant for another time) when he was clear to turn. So the light turns red, and Mr. Truck decided to back up instead of turn. My husband looks to see if he can reverse... nope, no room... guy is still backing up. It happened pretty fast, I shouted honk the horn because buddy was getting close... and then i did the no no.... I leaned over and honked the horn... the guy stopped, VERY close to my car.

    I felt AWFUL about honking the horn... and my husband so no, I did good, because he wasn't going to.

   I guess I just don't understand why people as a whole are so against using their horns...

Skin care= Self care

     Exceptionally pleased to inform, the routine from previous posts is still working for me. I really have nothing to talk about as far as altering my ACTUAL skin routine goes. However there have been some recent tweaks to things I do in my day to day life, that I THINK might be helping my skin along.


     I'm only going to share one of these things today simply because I'm not sure I've been doing the other things long enough to share them.


     So each night when I get home from work, I either shower, or take a bath. I don't wash my hair every night, and will actually go as long as I can without washing it. If you're here to judge, let me tell you, EVERY hair dresser I've ever met has told me I have incredibly thick and healthy hair, and they attribute it to the fact I'm not stripping my hair of it's natural oils on a daily basis. I also don't get split ends as fast, and as a result, don't need my hair trimmed as much.

   But I digress. The point of this post is actually to explain how my baths have helped. 1 thing I try and remember to do regularly, weather I'm in the shower, or in the bath, is oil pulling. If you're not familiar with this, you take about a tablespoon of coconut oil, let it melt in your mouth and slosh it around for about 20 min or more. Some people do this INSTEAD of brushing their teeth... I'm not one of these people, I do it in combination. Now I have noticed a slight difference in my skin as a result of this, but the real results are in my teeth. they're stronger and whiter as a result. If you plan on trying this out, I'll mention one thing, when you're done spit out the oil in the garbage. Don't swallow, because you just used this to pull gunk out of your mouth, and don't spit down the drain because coconut oil will harden and clog your drain up. I follow this with brushing my teeth normally. I do this as I bathe because my husband informed me, my sloshing around the oil is the grossest thing he's ever heard.

     The other thing I've been doing is strictly on bath nights and I give credit to Anne from the Feel Good store for this one. She mentioned Salt baths. I'd done these once in a while in the past, but they've become a once to twice a week thing now. I probably should measure out how much I use, but in all honesty, I don't... I just pour some in while the water is running. I make the water hot, just cool enough for me to stand, do my thing, and try and stay in for 20 min or more. I actually buy my bath salt from the Feel Good store...so was it an attempt to boost sales? LOL doesn't sound like her style, but BIG thanks to Anne for mentioning that in passing :)

    I don't do these things specifically for my skin care routine, but more so for my self care routine, it just seems to benefit multiple aspects.