Simple FOTD Using Gym Friendly Essentials

Packing light is key when going to the gym during the day and getting ready afterwards, especially in terms of bringing makeup. Leave your large palettes at home and instead take small eye shadow quads that have a mirror. Take cosmetics that have lightweight packaging, and are also multifunctional. 

Birthday Haul Part I

This year for my birthday I kept it a bit low key and didn't buy as much. My birthday gift to myself was a trip to New Orleans and that experience was incredible! But of course, I had to get some stuff from Sephora. To start, I got myself the Naked Smokey palette. I collect ALL of the UD Naked palettes, but this one in particular is different from everything they've put out because it's got a much bigger variety of smokey dark colors, which is a big contrast to their neutral ones. All of which I love though. Their eyeshadows are my go-to, no matter what event. I don't own other palettes (with the except the of the Too Faced Chocolate, because...CHOCOLATE). That was an easy pick for me. Unfortunately, I didn't use the F&F 20% Off. I got that email 2 days later after I purchased this so of course I made another order. 3 in total. That to come later ;)

I also got a bunch of Dirty Works creams. If you're big into Soap & Glory, these have IDENTICAL scents. I got these at TJ Maxx. I could have DIED. My favorite scent ever! EVER. I love the way the cream feels, and smells. It's a beautiful mix of sweet florals. I don't know how else to describe it, but it truly is beautiful :)

I also had to replenish my contact lens. These were not a gift to myself, haha. These are a must. I have been using BioInfinity lenses for more than 10 years. They're really great, and have the highest water content of any contact lenses i've ever tried. These are monthly disposables, which I love!

I also picked up a pair of Sperry loafers. I love Sperry and the look of boat shoes. These are the ones lined with fur inside to keep my feet warm. They look great casual, and are perfect for fridays at the office. They're just super comfortable. I am usually not a black shoes type of person but I kind of like this one. I own another pair of Sperry's in a more traditional shoe - it's the blue nautical colors with the leather shoelaces.

With my Naked Smokey purchase, I also got a bunch of samples from Sephora. 

- Glam Glow mini - YESSS. I love.

- Sephora oil infusion lippie - this is great. Such a nice shade!

- Lancome mascara - my absolute favorite high end mascara.

- UD face setting spray - not sure i'll be using this but I'll try it for the holidays!

- Jack Black lip balm - I love this stuff! Minty and with SPF 25!

- Nars Audacious Mascara - Been wanting to try this SO. BAD.

- Nars Lip Pencils - for the VIB bday gift. I have loved Nars pencils in the past! yay!

I also got a Chloe perfume. I love this scent. My usual is the Coco Mademoiselle but to switch it up I got this as well. So feminine and girly...I love! :D

Stay tuned for my next haul - coming from Sephora, this time using the 20% F&F. 

Have a fantastic weekend, friends! :)

Take Me Home to New Orleans

If you've been following me on Instagram, you'll know I took a few days to visit the beautiful city of New Orleans! I did a lot of prior research to maximize my time in Nola and I'm so glad I did. The city is absolutely fantastic - beautiful culture, beautiful scenery and every corner of the state has rich history that spans back hundreds of years. 

We started our morning off flying into Nola from California - it was a four 4 or so hours. The moment we landed, i saw that it was raining. SAD. I knew it already but it never really hits you until you're there ;) When we exited to get our rental car, I felt a surge of humidity that is not comfortable. It was hot and humid. Not the best of feelings but we got on. Rented a comfortable car and drove to our destination. We rented a 3 bedroom house in a really nice neighborhood near the French Quarters using AirBnb. I've used Airbnb for years and that San Francisco based company is ON PAR. Fantastic experience every time. I've never been disappointed in all the years I've used them!

Battle of the Oils: Josie Maran, Algenist, Ole Henriksen, Tarte Maracuja Oil

If you guys read my blog regularly, you'll know that I am a huge fan of rich creams, oils and serum treatments for a nighttime routine. Our bodies repair itself at its height during our sleep cycle, and I truly believe that's when quality skincare works its magic on us. 

That's why I have an obsessions with oils. So much so that I buy loads of them at once. Pictured above are 4 oils that are currently on rotation right now. They're all about 90% empty. Not pictured is my favorite marula oil, which is also in rotation as well.

Josie Maran Argan Oil Light 

I liked this oil, but didn't like it as much as I wanted to. I have many argan oils I've purchased in the past and was reluctant to try this one because it's pricey for what it is. I get the cold pressed, organic 100% Argan oil from health stores and it's a much better value than this one. Aside from the price, this didn't absorb into skin - it just sat on top and didn't feel very light, despite its name. 

Ole Henriksen Youth Activating Oil 

I also wanted to LOVE this product but unfortunately it was anything but. The scent is way too overwhelming and not one bit soothing. It has a very sharp citrus scent that lingers for hours. I felt that the oil quality was actually quite good, and it absorbed into my skin fairly quickly, but it is very oily... not smooth like other oils. Another thing I didn't like about this is the bright orange color. A good thing about this product is that I noticed less redness in the mornings, probably because of the potent vitamin C in it, and possibly omega oils. I actually wouldn't mind adding a drop or so of this oil to a moisturizer to see if it's any better.

Tarte Maracuja Oil 

Of the bunch, I have to say this oil is is one of my favorites. It really absorbs super quick, and has helped with my acne a lot. Whenever my skin felt like it was going to wreak havoc, I apply this on at night and it calms my skin down. I don't know why that is, but it just works incredibly! This definitely has a healing property to it. It's even lightened some of the blemish marks on my face.

In conjunction with a light moisturizer, adding this on top has been a staple for me the past few months. 

Algenist Advanced AntiAging Repairing Oil 

This oil is really unique because it is advertised as an "anti-aging" oil which is really interesting. This is actually my favorite of the bunch because it is extremely lightweight but also powerful. It moisturizes really well and has a nice subtle scent. I only apply a bit of it onto my skin when I'm on a flight and it's given my skin a glow. I think this oil really helps combat tired stressed skin and repairs it well. Perfect "reset" oil for tired skin. The only thing is that this product is extremely expensive, at nearly $80 for 1 ounce. OUCH!

What are your favorite OILS? :)

"Be Someone Who Makes Everyone Feel Like a Somebody"

Happy November, peeps! :) Sweater weather is in full swing.

Over the past year, I have been on a journey to positivity. I tend to think the glass is half full in most instances but because i wanted to make a change in my outlook, I decided to make a lifestyle change to be more happy. Which is why I started traveling more, seeing the sights and sounds and engulfing myself in experiences as substance. I think it's definitely made it a much easier journey, and identifiably more enjoyable. My wallet, though, is not the happiest haha But that's to be expected.

Some of the things I've been doing outside of work and blogging is enjoying staycations and visiting family and learning. Learning about anything and everything - from reading books to having conversations over coffee. Being immersed in finding solace and peace through small towns and big cities. There is a piece of the old world sense in every place I've visited and i find it excruciatingly charming and something I want to hold onto dearly. 

Source - Pinterest

We journey through life in a series of ups and downs, goals and projects. Do we ever really just sit for a moment and observe ourselves? We probably don't. More often than not, I don't. Once I fall victim to failure, I become disappointed in myself, not because I failed but because I have so many excuses to blame regret. And throughout my journey, i've learned that regrets are bad. Regrets are what makes us question our decisions, hesitate, and not succeed. A culminating negative experience. I am a firm believer that things happen for a reason so regrets or not, things will fall into place by way of attraction (the Law of Attraction). Which is why thinking positive and being accountable has helped in my life. I also think it's with age and experience but mostly it's outlook. 

Life is too short to dwell on small things.

Experiences are fleeting but memories last forever. I've come to abide this self imposed mantra in my life and have been so much happier because of it. It is a continuous journey of self improvement and learning and I am not perfect. I am student of life, gravitating toward meaning that makes me whole and happy. Like experiences, happiness is also fleeting, and it's a continuous endeavor to chase. Because will we ever be truly happy? Is true happiness attainable? Probably not. We experience happiness, fleeting or otherwise, but to go after it is a lifestyle in itself. The best kind.

I hope to transform this blog into a travel blog someday, interlaced with beauty and skincare but with a hearty well-roundedness of world and culture. Of life and experiences and memories.