Check-Up: How Are Your New Year’s Resolutions?

We all talk a lot about our New Year’s Resolutions during late December and early January–especially on the blog scene. We get really excited about losing weight, eating more vegetables, and washing our hands after using the bathroom. We buy apps, make charts, and tell our significant others how dedicated we are. So now its late February–How are we doing?

I think its good to check in with our resolutions and ourselves and see how its going. Do we need new resolutions? Or are we right on track?

If you haven’t been sticking with your New Year’s Resolutions, there are a couple of questions you may want to ask yourself:

Is this an achievable change for me?

Is this a good or necessary change for me?

What’s preventing me from achieving my resolution?

Is there a slightly easier or more apt resolution for me?

Here are my resolutions and how I’ve been doing with them:

Drinking more water

Bad, bad, bad. I haven’t been good about this at all. I haven’t made any life changes that allow me to drink more water. I bought a water bottle, but I don’t carry it around.

How to Fix it:

Make a change!! Recently, I haven’t been drinking soda and instead I’ve been going for water. Also, I’m making myself drink at least two cups of water at every meal. I may not turn into the water guzzling beauty that I want to be, but I can try.

Doing strength training once a week

Yeah…no. This hasn’t really worked. I’m in season for a sport so I don’t have time nor do I feel like doing strength training on off days. Maybe, I’ll work on this when season is over.

What I’m doing instead:

Yoga! My new resolution is to do yoga at least twice a week. I like to use the Fitstar Yoga App on my phone. But, if I want a longer video I go to Yoga with Adrienne (she’s great!!)

Journaling

I literally have not done this once. Not once!!!!

How to Fix it:

Make time for it. I need to schedule a time when I have the opportunity to journal. Over a nice cup or tea. Right before I go to bed. Or even when I’m just in a bad mood.

How have your resolutions been going?

Some New Favorites, Some New Likes, and Some New Hates

Clarisea Sea Salt Solutions “Deep Pore Detox Activated Chorcoal Exfoliating Mask,” The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Hydrating Toner, Neutrogena’s Moisture Wrap Daily Repair Body Lotion, The Body Shop’s Tea Tree Pore Minimiser, Essential Element’s Body Lotion, and Garnier’s Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gell-Cream

I love to try new products (you might have noticed that by now). Sometimes my desire for beauty adventure pays off, and sometimes it doesn’t. Here are my reviews of some of the new products I’ve been trying.

LOVES

Clarisea Sea Salt Solution’s Deep Pore Detox Activated Charcoal Exfoliating Mask

This product is my new obsession. I absolutely LOVE it. I have tried dozens of masks and this product makes my skin look and feel great. In not only reduces the size of pores and blemishes in the short-term, it only makes my skin look great days after using it. DAYS! I also love this product because you can use it up to three times a week without irritating your skin. It feels good and it makes you look good.

Neutrogena’s Moisture Wrap Daily Repair Body Lotion

Yes. Yes. Yes. During the winter my skin gets unreasonably dry. I swim a lot and the chlorine on top of the cold and wind really takes a toll on my skin. This moisturizer is the best one I’ve tried so far. I love it. I put in on right before I go to bed. It has a nice, subtle scent that smells good and helps me to relax right before going to sleep. When I wake up in the morning, my skin is still moisturized and still feels great. The moisture lasts in my skin all day long. I absolutely recommend this product to anyone with dry skin or who is looking for a new strong daily moisturizer.

LIKES

The Body Shop’s Tea Tree Pore Minimiser

I like this product. I tend to have blemished skin so this product is a great safeguard against new breakouts and a great treatment for current breakouts. It definitely matifies my skin and prevents shininess all day. These aspects of the product are great, but the reason I don’t love it is that it doesn’t do what it promises to do: minimize my pores. It may make my skin look better, but it doesn’t do anything at all positive for my pore size. If you’re looking for a pore minimizer, don’t get this one. But if you are looking for a product to help out with blemished skin or shininess, get it.

Garnier’s Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel-Cream

Eh. This product does its job which prevents me from hating it. My skin is moisturized and looks fresh after I’ve put it on. However, when I bought this product I was hoping for a moisturizer that would both moisturize and prevent dullness. Maybe that was a little too much to ask. My skin looks good with this product, but not great. I was really hoping for great.

HATES

The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Hydrating Toner

This product neither tones nor hydrates. Its a lot to ask of a product to both hydrate the skin and clarify, but this product can’t do either. I HATE it. It doesn’t do anything negative to my skin, but for the cost of the product it should do something good. Yuck. Don’t get it. Damn you Body Shop.

Essential Elements’ Body Lotion

I think this product’s design was more focused on scent rather than moisture. It does smell great. But it doesn’t moisturize and even feels a little irritating on my skin. I don’t recommend this product, even if you don’t have dry skin. Even a little irritation is too much for me.

More Makeup Reviews: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

W3LL People’s Bio Brightener Stick, the Balm’s Staniac, Miracle Skin’s Treat and Conceal Concealor, and Revlon’s Colorburst Matte Balm in Elusive (205)

I haven’t seen any new makeup products I’ve been super interested in on the blog scene recently, so I decided to try some random products. Here are my thoughts

W3LL People “Biobrightener Stick”

I’ve been really interested in highlighters lightly. I think they make anyone’s makeup automatically look three times better. I’ve been exploring powder highlighters because they are usually easier to use and are better for “highlighter beginners.” But, I gave the cream highlighter from W3LL People a shot. Sorry guys, I just don’t like it. It doesn’t show up on the skin well and does not show up at all if you have any foundation on underneath it. This might be a product for you if you’re going for a VERY natural look and don’t wear any foundation or powder. Even then, I’m not sure I would recommend this product.

Miracle SKIN Transformer Treat and Conceal “Miracle Concealer”

Nope, nope, nope absolutely not. This product neither treats nor conceals. In fact, it sits in fine lines and makes them extremely noticeable. I’m 22! My fine lines should not be that noticeable. I do not recommend this concealer to anyone. Pull a Nancy Reagan, “Just Say No.”

the Balm’s Stainiac  

I know some people swear by stains, but I find them hard to use sometimes. I found this to be especially true of this stain. Even worse, almost as soon as I bought this stain, it started to congeal and is almost solid now. This stain congeals on the lips and does not spread well on the cheeks, so that it looks like you are having an allergic reaction. I would not buy this product–EVER.

Revlon’s Colorburst Matte Balm in Elusive (205)

If you’ve seen any of my others reviews you know I love Revlon’s Colorburst Matte Balms. They are absolutely amazing. They apply easily, stay on well, and seem to work on any skin coloring or complexion. I especially love this color because its subtle, but gorgeous. I absolutely recommend this product AND this color to anyone who is looking for an everyday lip color or who is going for a natural look. GET IT.

Skin Product Reviews

Juara’s Turmeric Antioxidants Radiance Mask, Balance Me wonder eye cream, Suki exfoliate foaming cleanser, and Acure’s Sensitive Facial Cleanser

I love skin products. One of my greatest satisfaction’s is trying and loving a new skin care product. Below are my reviews of some of the products I’ve been trying lately.

Juara’s Turmeric Antioxidants Radiance Mask

Nope, nope, nope, definitely not. I HATE this product. It does not make my skin look or feel any better. In fact, my skin burns and feels irritated whenever I put this product on. I would not buy this mask under any circumstances. It also smells really weird. Don’t do it.

Get it? NO

Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream

The Balance Me skin care line has been exploding on the blog scene. I was a little skeptical to be honest. But I really, really like this product. It provides great moisture to my skin and I really think its making me eyes look way better–especially when I don’t sleep enough. I would absolutely recommend this product to anyone and now I’m eager to try more Balance Me products.

Get it? YES

Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser

Eh. This product is eh. This cleanser simply isn’t great. It doesn’t cleanse well and it certainly doesn’t exfoliate well. I would have to double cleanse with this product. This cleanser alone does NOT leave my skin feeling clean or fresh. Even though it smells really good, I wouldn’t recommend it.

Get it? Probably not.

Acure Sensitive Facial Cleanser

In general, I don’t love “sensitive-skin” products. My skin never feels particularly good or clean after using them. But, I LOVE this cleanser. It’s great!!! It removes makeup and dirt from my skin and it leaves my skin feeling absolutely great. Of all the products removed in the most, this is the one I recommend the most. I especially recommend it if you are interested in using “natural” or “sensitive-skin” products.

Get it? YES

Book Reviews #3

1. “Kitchen Confidential” by Anthony Bourdain

In groundbreaking book, Bourdain introduces his readers to the ugly side of kitchens and cooking in New York City. He talks about working in the industry in the late 70s and 80s when quality cooking was exploding in New York City. I learned so much about cooking, restaurants, and the arrogance of Bourdain while reading this book. I absolutely recommend. You have to read this.

4/5

2. “The Ocean at the End of the Lane” by Neil Gaiman

I haven’t read much Gaiman, I’ve only ever read “Stardust” which I LOVE. So, I was excited to read this book which I had read good things about. BUT, this book was extremely disappointing. It started with a great premise–a young boy who lives down the lane from three “witches” or magical women. Adventures ensue as the line between the magical world and normal world dissipates. This book wasn’t particularly interesting. It was difficult to become invested in the flat and uninspired characters. I wouldn’t recommend this Gaiman novel.

1/5

3. “Bridget Jones Diary” by Helen Fielding

I have always loved the movie version of this book. I wanted to try the novel version just to see if it might be interesting. I LOVED it. This book is going on my go-to shelf for whenever I’m sad or need a little dose of humorous reality. This book is so poignant and so funny, I think that every twenty and thirty something woman should read it. Every single woman. All of them.

4.25/5

4. “The Winter People” by Jennifer McMahon

This novel is set in rural Vermont and centers around the strange disappearance of several community members over a span of 80 years. One young woman, wakes up one morning to find that her mother is missing and she is forced to solve this mystery. This book combines some mystical elements with some great mystery. Its not the greatest literature ever written, but its highly entertaining. I absolutely recommend it during a rainy or wintery day.

3.75/5

3.

Hair Product Reviews

Aussie’s “moist 3 minute miracle” deep treatment, Amika’s “nourishing mask,” Beauty Protector’s “Protect E Oil,” Toni&Guy’s “classic shine gloss serum,” and Amika’s “perk up dry shampoo”

I love hair products! I’ve been trying some new ones recently and I wanted to give my thoughts. As a PSA, I have wavy hair that is often on the dry side.

1. Aussie’s “Moist 3 Minute Miracle” Deeeep Treatment Conditioner $3.99

This is a great product! I use it about every other week just to give my hair some added moisture. I absolutely love it! I totally recommend. AND its super cheap!

2. Amika’s Nourishing Mask $40

LOVE, love, love this product for the smell. It may be the best smelling product I’ve ever put it my hair–like ever. This mask provides the hair with an acceptable amount of moisture. But, if you have dry, curly hair like me, I wouldn’t recommend this product. If, on the other hand, you have normal or fine hair, I think this would be a great hair mask.

3. Amika’s Perk Up Dry Shampoo $20

I’m not very familiar with dry shampoos. To be honest I haven’t used very many. But I really liked this dry shampoo. It smells great and makes my hair look and feel great. It seems to work effectively for all hair types, even curly, dry-haired girls like me.

4. Beauty Protector’s Protect E Oil Argan Oil in Ruile Dragon $23

This was one of the first oils I’ve tried on my hair. I really, really love this product. I don’t use conditioner, but I use this oil after I get out of the shower when my hair is a little damp. It provides a perfect amount of moisture to my hair without weighing it down. I’m interested in trying some more oils before I totally commit to this oil, but I’m definitely considering this as an oil back up.

5. Toni&Guy’s Classic Shine Gloss Serum $10

I like to put this in my hair if its dry right before I go to sleep. I like to let the oil work into my hair during my sleep. I get to wake up with shiny, moisturized hair that isn’t oily or weighed down. I definitely recommend this product to anyone who doesn’t need a lot of moisture, but who would like some extra shine or a little extra moisture. Get it.

Minimalist Packing and Makeup for a Weekend Away

Like every ignorant white biddie, I like to think I know a lot about packing. But seriously, I know a lot about packing. Packing seems to be so difficult for so many of us. How much do I need? What do I need? What does “need” really mean anyway?

I was away this past weekend at a friend’s house and I practiced my minimalist packing and I wanted to share my tips with you.

First, what does minimalist mean to me?

For me, minimalist means taking what you need, not what you want. It also means thinking ahead and anticipating what you will definitely need. Not what you might need or what you might want to have.

Here’s what I packed for a long weekend (4 days) away at a friends house during the winter:

• 2 skirts
• 1 pair of jeans
• 3 tops
• 4 pairs of socks
• 5 pairs of underwear
• makeup and toiletries
• 1 pair of warm, winter boots
• 1 pair of “cute” boots

BOOM!

Here’s why I packed the above.

You only need one pair of jeans for a long weekend. Just make sure they fit well and are flattering–easy. You can make several outfits with different tops and the same pair of jeans.

I packed skirts that I can fold and can wrinkle a little bit, but still look good.

During the winter, you can never pack too many socks or pairs of underwear. I usually bring one or two days extra of underwear. There is NOTHING worse than being on a trip without a clean pair of underwear. NOTHING.

Makeup Packing for Four Days Away

Here’s the makeup I brought for four days away.

• 1 lipstick
• liquid foundation
• powder foundation
• 1 shadow palette
• 1 blush
• 1 highlighter
• 1 mascara
• 1 eyeliner

You DO NOT need:

Lots and lots of lipstick colors, you need one good everyday wear color for the weekend.

Several blush options, wear one blush for the weekend. Just commit to a mild, slightly pink blush.

Several eyeliner, eyeshadow, highlighter, or foundation options. Choose “day” look wear makeup and make it work for night and day.

Things I Didn’t Bring:

• pore minimizer
• skin masks
• skin treatments
• under-eye concealer

I love my makeup products and I know its odd for a blogger to say that you don’t need all your makeup and skin products, but you don’t. When you pack, take what you need–not just all the shit you have in your room.