Selfie Light..Why Yes Please

Selfie Heart Light: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N102UGT

It’s safe to say that 11 years on, selfies have consumed the world. Let’s just look at Instagram for example,  today “#selfie” has 271,363,840 posts.

The word selfie was even Oxford Dictionary’s Word of the Year in 2013. Ellen Degeneres’ 2014 Oscar selfie is one of the most retweeted tweets ever, with 3.3million retweets. There’s even a song about selfies. They’ve entirely changed the way we use social media.

If you have just left your house once in the last five years, then you’ll know Kim Kardashian is infamous for her selfies. With over 61 million Instagram followers and decades of taking selfies, she’s revolutionised the art of taking a selfie. She even has a selfie book, unsurprisingly named Selfish.

Well, have you ever wondered how to truly get that Kardashian glow? Or how Kim Kardashian gets the perfect selfie every single time? Well here’s your answer – the LuMee case. Kim has even taken a LuMee selfie with Hilary Clinton – selfie goals.

It’s like a portable studio light

Selfies have changed the world so is it really any surprise that a company called LuMee decided to come along and create a phone case that enhances selfies even further? They’ve been spotted all over fashion week and they’ve even been featured in Vogue.

Needless to say I finally fell into the Selfie Light Train, which is why I got the Heart Clip Light to put onto my phone. Whats nice about it, is on the back is a mirror so you can do the quick check for anything in your teeth or if the lips need to be touched up. 

Overall, super happy with my purchase!

Why Lavender Essential Oil

Lavender Essential Oil: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075DBJ35T

#natrogixlavenderessentialoil

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has a scent that’s a wonderful blend of fresh, floral, clean, and calm. It’s this dynamic aroma that has made the flower a classic for perfumes, soaps, fresheners, and beauty products. As one of our most popular products, Lavender oil is a great beginner oil and a must for every home.

Lavender essential oil isn’t just a favorite because of its classic scent—it’s also highly versatile. From skin care products to relaxing routines, this oil can infuse many areas of your life

Lavender Essential Oil Uses:

• Treat yourself to this well-loved aroma by adding a few drops of oil to lotions, shampoos, and skin care products.
• Create a spa-like retreat by combining 1 cup Epsom salt and 4 drops oil and adding to a hot bath.
• Make a basic homemade body scrub with coconut oil, sugar, and Lavender essential oil.
• Unwind with a Lavender-infused neck or back massage.
• Use Lavender as part of your evening routine. Rub oil on the bottom of your feet before bed or spritz your pillow with distilled water and Lavender mixed in a spray bottle.
• Create a DIY room freshener with Lavender or diffuse it to banish stale odors.

• How to Use

  Topical: Apply 2–4 drops directly to desired area. Dilution not required, except for the most sensitive skin. Use as needed.

  Aromatic: Diffuse up to 1 hour 3 times daily

  Caution: Keep out of the reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult a health professional prior to use. For external use only. Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes.

  Storage: Keep in a cool, dark place.

A little Relaxation is always necessary

eye mask:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074X4KPHZ

THE BENEFITS OF A SLEEP MASK

The first, and probably most obvious, advantage of wearing a sleep mask is that it blocks light. While we are trying to sleep, the two biggest distractions from that rest can be noise and light. Light, even moonlight, can keep people from reaching a deep and restful sleep. A sleep mask can not only block out the obvious sources of light, like lamps and televisions, but also natural light like the sun and moon. If your alarm clock or other electronics have a small LED light on them, that can keep you awake at night. If your significant other likes to read at night or watch television, that will not be a problem with a comfortable sleep mask blocking the light.

Another benefit is that a sleep mask can actually help to protect the skin around your eyes from damage while you sleep. It may seem like a minor issue, but wearing a sleep mask could pay off in this tangible way in the long run. While sleeping, many people tend to push the side or front of their faces into their pillow or mattress. This may only be done for part of the night, but it can still leave an imprint on your skin from the wrinkles in your sheets or pillows. Those imprints, especially because they can stay on your face for hours, can eventually cause wrinkles and other damage to the skin on your face.

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR

Now, it is important to make sure that you get the right mask for you. Some masks may fit too tightly, leaving marks and impressions on your face. If the mask is too loose, it may fall off while you sleep, in which case it is serving no purpose. If the mask presses against your eyes and nose and causes discomfort, you may want to consider getting a mask with a raised profile. Masks with raised profiles only touch your face in certain places, and will therefore cause less, if any, discomfort.

Waxing at Home?

Get yours here: http://amzn.to/2fUBaAd

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOFT & HARD WAX?

There are many different types of waxes that you can use (ever heard of sugar waxing?  ) but today I’ll be using hard wax. I prefer it, personally, and if you plan to wax sensitive areas (summer is around the corner….biniki line, anyone?) I highly recommend you use hard wax. The most popular type of wax on the general market is soft wax — where you use the clothe strip to place over it — so I want to compare the two of them really quick for you. 

Soft Wax — This is very liquidy and is applied to the skin in a thin layer. A muslin clothe is placed over the wax, rubbed down to fully adhere the wax to the cloth, and then once it starts to harden you pull the clothe away, bringing the wax — and hair — with it. You can’t go over the same area twice, as it removes layers of dead skin and repeating on the same section will results in more skin damage and possibly bruising. This type of wax is best used for large sections of the body, tougher areas, and if you have particularly fine hair — your thighs/legs, for example. Also, this method of waxing is most commonly more painful.

Hard Wax — It gets it’s name from the fact that it does not require a clothe strip to be placed over it to remove it, you simply let it dry and it’s thick and firm enough for you to grab an edge and pull it off. This wax is a lot thicker than soft wax and when it cools it adheres — or ‘shrink wraps’ — around the strands of hair (as opposed to sticking to your skin). It still strips away a layer of skin, but is comparable to using an exfoliate. This wax is ideal for sensitive areas of the body that has coarse hair — bikini lines, Brazilians — but can be used anywhere and on any type of hair. Which is what I do. Also, if you don’t have a high pain tolerance, this is the wax to go with.

While ripping your hair out in one big chunk can’t be painless, using hard wax greatly reduces the amount of pain you feel. I know this is kind of TMI — but, hey, we’re talking about waxing here! — I use this wax for my bikini area and while there is some level of pain the moment the hair is pulled out, it goes away instantly and there is no lingering pain afterwards — which I always experienced with soft wax.

So, yes, in a nut shell soft wax is commonly available and hard wax is gentler and less painful. My recommendation is hard wax, all the way! 

Using the wooden applicator take a gumball size amount out and twirl it to keep the wax from dripping. Then apply it to your hair, following the natural direction your hair lays. This gives you the best results when you go to remove the strip. When you are gliding it on, make sure you make it a decently thick layer. Too thin and it will just crack and break into a million pieces when you try to remove it!

Also make sure you leave a thicker piece at the end so you can easily create a ‘lip’ — as pictured above — and remove the wax strip. If you can’t get a lip, you’ll have to slowly pick at the wax until you bring enough up to create that lip…and that’s not a pleasant feeling to slowly be pulling at a few hairs at a time.

Once the wax has cooled and is firm to the touch, grab the lip and pull in the opposite direction of hair growth. Do this in one  quick motion, if possible, to lessen the pain. Also make sure you keep your hair close to your skin as you pull it — you never want to yank the strip straight up as this intensifies the pain and can bruise or damage to your skin.

And you should be left with a clean, hairless patch of skin! Repeat the steps until you’ve removed all the hair that you want to.  Keep in mind with hair wax you want to work in small sections. This may make it longer, but the results are worth it. 

flower crowns FTW

Flower Crown available at: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072KJVDK5

A Brief History of the Flower Crown over the decades

The Ancient Greek Flower Crown

Flower crowns were common in ancient Greece; it was especially popular to wear them at special occasions to honor the gods. Going along with that idea, during the same era, the laurel leaf wreath came into fashion as well (think: Julius Caesar). These laurel halos would be awarded to army victors to honor achievements and signify respect.

The Medieval European Flower Crown

During this period, flower crowns actually fell out of fashion. The reason? Many pagan religions that used flower crowns in religious ceremonies and to adorn statues of their gods were condemned for their associations to blasphemy. In other words, it wasn't safe!

The Ukrainian Flower Crown

Flower crowns (known as a vinok) are a part of the traditional folk dress in the Ukraine. Oftentimes, girls of a marriageable age would wear them. During the Ukrainian wedding ceremony, wreaths made out of periwinkle and myrtle are placed on top of the couple's heads after the vow exchange. Today, traditional Ukrainian flower crowns are more often seen at festivals and special occasions, including weddings.

The Ancient Chinese Flower Crown

In China, the orange blossom flower crown was customarily worn during a wedding. Since orange trees blossom and bear fruit at the same time, they're meant to symbolize fertility and were thought to bring children to a marriage.

The Victorian Era Flower Crown

Like the white wedding gown, Queen Victoria also brought the flower crown into fashion in Europe. She wore an orange blossom wreath (the idea borrowed from the Chinese) in her hair for her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840. After that, orange blossoms became so closely associated with weddings that the phrase "to gather orange blossoms" took on the meaning "to seek a wife."

The 1960s American Flower Crown

The late 1960s are practically synonymous with hippie culture—and flower crowns became a fashion accessory mainstay associated with peace and love, all ideals of the movement. Though the hippie style was a subculture of the time, it influenced mainstream fashion, thus bringing flower crowns back into style at weddings.

Traveling and Getting around Town with Teddy

http://amzn.to/2bfFkn8

I love my Furbaby and as you can tell by the look on his face, he loves me too. 

I snapped this pic just after picking him up from the Groomers, he was so happy to get in the car and I am pretty sure he was pretty happy to be clean too!

I love traveling with Teddy, tho recently San Diego had its first pretty big storm for the winter time and trying to take him anywhere normally would be a pain in the butt because of all the mud, and wet paws that could be on my backseat. Meaning extra towels in my car, so the smell of dog would linger in my car and it is just an overall makes me want to leave him more often at home and not take him for the car ride.

However, I came across the INNX Quilted Dog Seat Cover and saw my prayers of saving my car answered. Super easy to put on the back seat, 4 clips to go around the front and back seat head rests which makes a little cloth ditch that he can lay in. It's waterproof and easy to clean, so when it rained and his paws got a little muddy, he didnt make a mess in the car!!! YAY for that. 

In my opinion that is money well spent and less laundry to do :)

Highly recommend this product for the dog lover who likes to take their pup for rides. 

#innxproducts

Why Retinol

https://www.amazon.com/Joyal-Beauty-Unique-Stabilized-Hyaluronic-blemishes/dp/B01F0SSQS4/ref=sr_1_2_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1479266201&sr=1-2&keywords=retinol+cream+joyal+beauty

What is it?

Retinol is simply another name for vitamin A. It’s a type of retinoid, the family of chemical compounds related to vitamin A. Other retinoids include: retinoic acid (also known as tretinoin), retinyl palmitate, and retinaldehyde, all of which can be found in skincare products. Tretinoin is the active ingredient in Retin-A, the prescription acne cream, while adapalene—another retinoid—is the active ingredient in Differin Gel. In addition to being a trusted treatment for acne, retinol is famous for its antiaging properties, cropping up in a range of antiwrinkle and skin-brightening products of every stripe.

What does it do?

 Namely, retinoic acid works to increase cell turnover, stimulate collagen and elastin production, fade hyperpigmentation, and help skin stay hydrated and glowing without irritation. Thanks to all this healthy turnover, retinol can treat and prevent everything from stubborn cystic acne and eczema to sun-induced wrinkles and dark spots.

Introducing Joyal Beauty Retinol Cream into my skincare routine!!!

This Retinol Cream by Joyal Beauty contains just the right amount of Retinol so that it can be used everyday without irritating your skin.  Plus, it also contains skin healing ingredients like Pro-Vitamin B5, Vitamin B3, Vitamin E, Argan Oil and Organic Herbs to help soothe and soften skin.  It's basically the perfect Retinol Night Cream!

As a general rule Retinol products should only be used in the evening since it can make skin ultra sensitive to sunlight.

I have been using this for about 2 weeks now, every other night and I am loving how my skin is looking. I due use a foundation when I wear make up that has spf 30 in it, on the days after I apply this in the evening. Gotta keep the skin safe, as retinol can make skin more sensitive to sunlight.

I would highly recommend this product for anyone who is looking to add a little extra love to their skin care routine. 

#Retinol

Laila London has me again

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0108FYEJO

The second product from Laila London I tested is the nourishing day facial oil. 

This oil is 100% natural and organic and it is suitable for all skin types. I need to mention that my skin has been going crazy due to the change in my horomones. I recently have been off birth control, so my body is going back to it's own levels and my skin is kinda suffering from it. 

Prior to this I had combo skin that was normal to more dry. Recently my skin has been more combo to oily which is always interesting when trying new products, because you never know how the skin is going to react to it.

 Usually I am pretty sceptical to use a day oil on my skin before I apply my make up. Simply because I think I will end up looking greasy. However this facial oil proved me wrong, if you watched recently I did an Get Undready with me due to a fail of a Get Ready with me and I used this before going to bed. Well I did use it that day as well before I put on my make up. I have been using it since then and been happy.

I will say applying makeup after I let it sink into the skin, ended up with really flawless results. My skin was looking so glowy and healthy. Also I have to say my makeup was easier to apply onto my skin. Right now, I am using it very day, that is how much I felt in love with this day facial oil. All and all, if you want to spoil yourself and your skin, it is worth it to invest into Laila´s London awesome organic products.

Decorating outdoors cause its fun!

We have an amazing view from our back deck of the area that we live in. I am pretty sure that is what convinced the man to actually purchase the house. Mind you, I love the view and with the recent rain I did miss sitting outside and having my AM coffee out there.

But the rain cleared up for now, which means its time to clean up and decorate ever so slightly.

I have a thing with lights and candles. There is pretty much a candle in almost every single room here in the house and I have some form of string lights in every room (minus the den..which is the man cave...but I assume one day I will find the perfect something for it and it too will be apart of the club).

So since I got the inside all set, I have been slowing working on the outside. Adding Solar lights single stakes here and there in the driveway to make it easier to see going up or down at night.

I figured it was time to work on the deck, since we have only a flood light and two tiki torches

Day View

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073GL5Q9T

If you look close in the picture you can see a string of lights wrapped around the deck. I did only get one set of them, as I first wanted to see if they would go well with our view.

Night View

As you can see, both the lights of my city as well as the lights now string along the deck perfectly. They add just enough little bit of light to make it feel homey and just enough light to see my pet Teddy, hanging out by my chair.

What is even better about these lights, just like my Solar Stakes..these are Solar powered which means I wont have to worry about finding or replacing batteries to keep them going. THANK GOODNESS.

Now if we could just get Solar on our house...we would be set! 

Magnetic Lashes...Yay or Nay

Can you tell? I have falsies on? Now wait...they are halfies and they are MAGNETIC!!!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07588QBDR

I love the way false lashes finish a look, and make the eyes really pop. Especially when they are styled cat eye, shorter towards the front and longer towards the end. 

My biggest issue with wearing falsies is lash glue. I dont mind using Lash glue...the issue is the removal of the lashes and the residue that is on the last line. I have used oil based make up remover products, eye make up remover and I still have to work on trying to figure out how to get the glue off. 

Hence why I was very interested in trying out Magnetic  Lashes. Though they are pretty controversial in the make up community, and its the application of why it is problematic.

The first time I tried them on, was a failed attempt at a Get Ready With Me for my make up channel on YouTube, the file was corrupted. So I will have to film one and show how I apply them.

But let me share some selfies in different lighting so you can see how the lashes look 

Natural Light by Window

Natural Lighting at Window Sill

Natural Light outside

Since then I have worn them again and it looked at lot better and took me less time to get them on. Hence the pic from the beginning of this blog post.

I will have a final review of the lashes within the next upcoming week, because I am going to continue to practice with them and see what someone who is actually paying attention to my make up thinks. 

Daily Dose for 2018

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0749CCRXM

It is my goal for 2018 to get healthy again, if you have been following me, you would know that starting January 2016 to about May 2016, I lost 25 pounds. Going from 210 lbs to 183 lb at my lightest weight, which was amazing. I felt strong, healthy and my actual Resting Heart Rate, besides cholesterol rates were amazing. I attribute alot of my weight loss was using my Fit Bit HR and inputting my daily food intake into the journal it has, besides my work out of yoga and running at the gym. But as it goes, life happened..a new relationship and being happy I gain about 20 lbs of it back. 

So I am starting at 200 lbs as of 2018..ugh I know! 

My goal this year will be to get healthy again, the difference is in body, spirit and mind! 

With body, I do plan on calorie counting again and inputting my food journal with Fit Bit as well as adding my vitamin routine completely into effect. 

The picture above includes what vitamins I will be taking:

NOW Magnesium Citrate 

Nature Made Multi Complex (multi vitamin)

Zone 365 Cranberry Concentrate 

Zone 365 B Complex including B-12

Premium Health Chewable Papaya Enzyme 

Nature's Bounty Hair, Skin, Nails

So here is to a New Me, the Best Version of Myself 

Crystals that I am loving

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076CZT3ZS

 KISSPAT Choker Necklace Clear Quartz Crystal Pendant

If you didn't realize it, but you regularly watch my youtube videos you will see me wearing some type of Crystal, or semi precious stone. I believe I have done a video explaining the jewelry I wear most often. However I have a recent addition at the tail end of 2017 and I am super thrilled with it.

Did you know:

Quartz is a silicon dioxide mineral with a hardness of 7. Its crystal system is hexagonal which grows in a large variety of formations. It is one of the most abundant minerals, found on every continent of the Earth, though much of the quartz available comes from Arkansas, Brazil and Madagascar. Crystal Quartz exhibits the property of piezoelectricity, by which it can transform mechanical energy (eg pressure) into electromagnetic energy and vice versa.

Spiritual Meaning behind it:

Clear Quartz encourages clarity of thought and purpose to one’s heart and mind. It works on all levels of the energetic and physical bodies and resonates with all chakras. Clear Quartz will amplify any energy with which it moves into resonance, including other stones, constantly broadcasting that energy into the Earths electromagnetic field. This makes Clear Quartz an excellent stone to use for healing, manifestation or prayer work. Clear Quartz helps to establish a strong, clear connection to higher guidance.

Overall, the piece itself is beautiful black cloth with gold besides the crystal itself. 

It is fashionable for 2018 but still keeps with the hippie, crystal lover in me!