Post Flood Update: I Had to Move

Hello Everyone! 

Unfortunately I had to be moved into another unit since my apartment was declared uninhabitable on Friday, and I had to move out quickly. The plan was to move out by Wednesday, but mold and water damage made living conditions unsafe so today was moving day. Since I suffer from chronic allergy and sinus problems I could barely breathe due to the all the mold and dampness. A good bit of my belongings also had to be left behind because of mold and contamination. Even though I loss some of my items, whats most important is being healthy and safe. The last few days have been very hectic and stressful to say the least. The management staff at my apartment complex handled this flooding situation VERY POORLY, but instead of ranting I will focus on the kindness of my neighbors who helped in the moving process. As always, I'm still blessed to have a place call home in my new apartment. 

Once again I want to thank you all for the prayers and kind words! I'll probably take a small hiatus from blogging until things are settled, but I'll keep you all posted!

Vaseline's Intensive Care Spray Moisturizer Review

Hello Everyone!

This post is sponsored by Vaseline. Thank you for sending me this product for review. All opinions are 100% my own.

Now that Fall is in full swing, this is a great time to talk about skincare. As we know, the cooler weather can be harsh on our skin. For today's post I'm going to review Vaseline's Intensive Care Spray Moisturizer (Advanced Repair). I was able to test this product last month before it hit Walmart shelves on October 14 (today). 

My Thoughts 

This is a amazing spray lotion, by far the best one I've used so far! I mention in the beginning of this post that I was able to test this product last month before it was released, and I've been using this spay since I first received it (about three weeks ago). The cap comes with a convenient twist lock and it sprays on your skin easily. I haven't had any issues with the sprayer being stuck with lotion, and the twist cap doesn't leave a mess once I'm finished spraying the lotion. This lotion is unscented, but I noticed a slight medicated scent. When applying this spray lotion it feels slightly watery, but the moisture holds well. I think this spray lotion will work well for my skin during the colder months (and in general) because my skin felt hydrated all throughout the day. When I used this after my shower or bath, my skin still feels hydrated by morning. 

You probably have noticed when I discuss skincare products such as lotions, I like to mention which products I like to use for the slight Eczema on my elbows. This spray lotion works fairly well for my Eczema, and I applied the lotion twice during the day on my elbows. I can see results on my elbows and my elbows (and in my skin overall) feel really smooth. I highly recommend trying Vaseline's Intensive Care Spray Moisturizer. If you're interested in trying this product, this and the other spray lotions that are displayed on the fact sheet can be found at Walmart!

I provided the fact sheet so you can read more information on this spay lotion as well as the other spray lotions by Vaseline.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

If you've been keeping up with my blog recently, you may have read my notice from last week. I'm still posting content that I had drafted to publish. My commenting and responding etc may be delayed since I'm still dealing with the aftermath and cleaning etc from the flooding in South Carolina. Thanks for understanding and thank you for your kind words! I appreciate it. I'll keep everyone posted!

- Pilar



Palmer's Olive Oil Dry Shampoo Review

Hello Everyone!

Disclaimer: The product in this post was sent to me from Palmer's for review purposes See First Impressions Post. All opinions are 100% my own. 

Do you use dry shampoo as a part of your hair care routine? If so, today's post may interest you. This was my first time using a dry shampoo. Let's get into the review!

* This dry shampoo is tinted for brown to black hair

About the Product and Claims Etc.

Description:

This refreshing dry shampoo uses waterless oil absorbing technology to refresh and volumize hair between washes, extending the life of your style. This subtly tinted matte formula leaves no white residue on brown to black hair colors. Olive Oil contains naturally occurring vitamins and minerals which act as antioxidants protecting hair and skin from damaging free radicals Botanical Scalp Complex: Nettle: soothes irritation, redness and itching Sage: refreshes and stimulates scalp Hyssop: prevents dullness and fading

Key Ingredients:

- Olive oil

-  Vitamin E

-  Tapioca starch

How to Use:

I provided a link from Palmer's website on how to use this dry shampoo

http://palmers.com/dryshampoohowto/desktop.html


* This product is NOT animal tested. Palmer's is against animal testing.
* There are NO Sulfates or Parabens in this product


My Thoughts

Where has dry shampoo been all my life? I love how this dry shampoo refreshes my hair between regular washes (yes you should wash and care for your hair even with box braids) . After usage, my hair is so refreshed, and it looks like I just washed my hair even with my box braids. This dry shampoo is lightweight and has a nice clean olive oil scent. Since finding hair care products can be challenging for my hair type, I'm glad that this product doesn't contain any sulfates and parabens. I also like the botanical scalp complex Nettle, soothes itching. When my scalp is dry it becomes itchy, but using this dry shampoo helps alleviate an itchy scalp. If you have ever worn box braids, you know sometimes you scalp can become itchy so this works well to stop any itching. When I sprayed this dry shampoo on my hair, I didn't notice any streaking or residue on my braids. Overall I like using this dry shampoo and being a first time user of this product, I was quite impressed.

I've been using this product a lot last week since I can't wash my braids due to the boil water advisory and the water pressure has been extremely low due to last week flooding in South Carolina (see notice near the end of my post). Until I can wash my box braids properly this dry shampoo has been coming in handy!

I used the dry shampoo on my hair in this picture I took earlier in the week as I sit in the hallway for the carpet cleaners to start the first treatment on my flooded carpet.

 

 

NOTICE FROM MONDAY 10/5/15:

If you've been keeping up with the News and weather lately, you may have heard that South Carolina experience flooding over the weekend. Well I live in SC and the weather was terrible,

and the aftermath is terrible as well. The carpet in my apartment was completely flooded by Sunday morning when I woke up (and other damages), but I feel so blessed and grateful to have a home. I should be posting content that I have drafted this week, but my commenting and responding may be delayed since I have to take care of cleaning etc. Please keep the residents of South Carolina in your thoughts and prayers. Thanks for understanding!

Pilar

Girl Talk: PMS The Struggle is Real

Hello Everyone!

Welcome to another Girl Talk post. Today I will be discussing the struggles of PMS. PMS varies from every girl and woman, and some women don't experience many PMS symptoms. I'd be lying if I said I wish I didn't experience PMS symptoms! I can be super moody, emotional, irrational, and sensitive. Let's not forget the headaches, cramps, bloating, and hunger.

One of my favorite PMS comfort foods

Another one my favorite PMS comfort foods

Even though PMS is very annoying, I try to keep my emotions in check when dealing with others. When I'm not having such a good PMS day, I deal with others on a need or have to basis. It's not really good to lash out because I'm PMS-ing lol. Seriously the struggle is real. At least on the bright side these symptoms only last a few days and then I'm back to feeling like myself again.

* This is NOT a sponsored post.

If you ladies were unaware, U by Kotex is giving away free samples on their website. You can get your free U By Kotex sample HERE

 

 

 

NOTICE FROM MONDAY 10/5/15:

If you've been keeping up with the News and weather lately, you may have heard that South Carolina experience flooding over the weekend. Well I live in SC and the weather was terrible,

and the aftermath is terrible as well. The carpet in my apartment was completely flooded by Sunday morning when I woke up (and other damages), but I feel so blessed and grateful to have a home. I should be posting content that I have drafted this week, but my commenting and responding may be delayed since I have to take care of cleaning etc. Please keep the residents of South Carolina in your thoughts and prayers. Thanks for understanding!

Pilar 

October is Depression Awareness Month/ Causes for Depression

Hello Everyone!

As the title for today's topic states, October is Depression is Awareness Month so I thought I would write a post. Those of you who read my blog know that I started a depression awareness series on my blog in January of this year. I'm going to be honest when I first hit that publish button on my first depression awareness post I felt afraid, but I set my fears aside because I felt I could help someone by sharing my story and my insights on the subject.

Having depression can make even the most simple tasks like getting out of bed and taking a shower can leave a person feeling tired and or overwhelemed. Even before I was diagnosed with clinical depression, I always felt that you should check on people that you love and be kind to people because you never know what someone may be going through. It makes me feel so good to know in the comments section that many of you find these posts inspiring and helpful when dealing with depression.

When I was first diagnosed with Clinical Depression in 2009 I had a really hard time accepting it, but at the same time I was relieved that at least I knew that there were treatment options for my feelings of sadness. Depression may be a part of my life that I deal with, but it isn't my whole life. Depression doesn't define who I am as a person. For today's post I also wanted to shed light on a few causes for depression.


Some Causes for Depression Include:

- Genetics/Family History

- Life Events

- Personal Issues

- Abuse

- Substance Abuse

- Death, Loss, and Grief

- Certain Medications

- Environmental Factors

* I'm not a health professional, but I know that those are some of the causes for depression.

I've mentioned in my previous posts that my clinical depression typically comes from stressful life events. Typically I cope pretty well with depression, but I have my days that my mood is low. When I feel like this I just remind myself that I know that I will and can feel better. If you struggle with some of the items I listed above or some other issues related to depression or any other mental illness, remember there is treatment and help available to help you start to feel better.


October is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I wrote posts on these two topics in 2013. Here are the links. You will notice that I updated some information.

Domestic Violence Awareness:
http://plovesfashion.blogspot.com/2013/10/domestic-violence-awareness.html

Breast Cancer Awareness:
http://plovesfashion.blogspot.com/2013/10/october-is-breast-cancer-awareness-month.html

NOTICE FROM MONDAY 10/5/15:

If you've been keeping up with the News and weather lately, you may have heard that South Carolina experience flooding over the weekend. Well I live in SC and the weather was terrible,

and the aftermath is terrible as well. The carpet in my apartment was completely flooded by Sunday morning when I woke up (and other damages), but I feel so blessed and grateful to have a home. I should be posting content that I have drafted this week, but my commenting and responding may be delayed since I have to take care of cleaning etc. Please keep the residents of South Carolina in your thoughts and prayers. Thanks for understanding!

Pilar

Fall Makeup and Nail Polish Essentials 2015

Hello Everyone! 

You can probably tell from Fall Week on my blog, that I love this time of year! The weather is cooler (well at least usually around mid October where I live) I can wear sweaters and boots. The leaves, hot chocolate, the holidays, this list could be endless lol. Oh how love Fall!  Anyway it's that beautiful time of year when I switch up my makeup. I still wear bright colors, but I can't deny I've missed wearing darker makeup. Here are a some products that I'll be using throughout the Fall.

Lipsticks 

1. Revlon Lip Butter: Berry Smoothie

2. Revlon Lip Butter: Raspberry Pie

3. NYX Butter Lipstick: Sweet Tart

MAC Lipsticks:

1. Rebel

2. Media

3. Pure Heroine 

4. Dubonnet

5. Flat Out Fabulous 

6. Russian Red

Eyeshadow Palettes

1. Urban Decay Naked Palette

2. Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

3. BH Cosmetics  28 Color Palette Smokey Eye Edition

4. Maybelline The Smokes Palette 

5. Urban Decay Vice 3 Palette

Next I'm going to share some of my Fall Nail Polish Essentials. I love wearing darker nail polish colors during this time of year!

Sinful Colors Professional

1. Black on Black

2. Graped

3. Cold Leather

4. Ruby Ruby

5. Dream on

BH Cosmetics Nail Lacquer

1. Night

2. Wine

3. Truffle

4. Berry

What are some of your favorite makeup and nail polish essentials for Fall?

Here are all the posts I have on my blog this week for Fall Week!

 

http://plovesfashion.blogspot.com/2015/09/all-in-packaging-macaron-and-lipstick.html

http://plovesfashion.blogspot.com/2015/09/i-love-fall-tag.html

http://plovesfashion.blogspot.com/2015/09/hello-fall-fotd.html
 

http://plovesfashion.blogspot.com/2015/09/bath-and-body-works-haul-fall-candles.html

 

http://plovesfashion.blogspot.com/2015/10/clarisonic-mia-1-review.html

 

 

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Clarisonic Mia 1 Review

Hello Everyone!

It wouldn't Fall Week on my blog without talking about skincare. The Clarisonic MIA series are some of the most popular facial skincare devices on the market. Today I will be sharing my thoughts on the Clarisonic Mia 1


Product Information is taken from http://www.clarisonic.com/

Our smallest one speed wonder, Clarisonic Mia 1 is the perfect start to sonic cleansing.

FEATURES
	1 Speed (Universal)
	Clarisonic Mia  features Speed 2 (Universal), suitable for all skin types. Cleansing six times better than hands alone, the Universal speed is developed for normal daily use.
	Interchangable Facial Brush Heads
	Choose from a variety of interchangeable facial brush heads for your Clarisonic Mia 1, each uniquely designed and engineered for specific skin types or conditions. Visit our Brush Head Comparison Chart for more information.
	1 Year Warranty
	Clarisonic Mia 1 comes with a warranty covering any manufacturer defect-related problems resulting from everyday use of the product

               Cost: $99.00

I guess you all get a little sneak peak of my makeup collection. Stay Tuned!

My Thoughts

I received my Clarisonic Mia 1 for a birthday gift last year for my birthday (December) from my best friend. I had been wanting one for ages and he got it for me :) For the past few months since I've been using the Clarisonic Mia 1 I can definitely see positive results. This device only has one speed, but it's very powerful in getting the job done to cleanse my face. My face feels softer and smoother. I've even noticed that when I'm  having oily skin issues, it helps reduce the oil after usage. I also noticed that my when I apply foundation on my face it goes on smoother after usage.

When I first started using the Clarisonic my face felt slightly irritated because the bristles on the brush felt hard since the brush was brand new. As the bristles softened over time the irritation went away. I used the sample skin cleanser that came with the Clarisonic and it cleanses pretty well. I don't use the cleasnser very often, so I still have a little bit left. I haven't purchased the full bottle, but the cleanser is something to look into purchasing. I typically use Cetaphil to cleanse my face when I'm using my Clarisonic because it has worked well for me the past few years.

I love using this device after wearing makeup and I have to agree with the claims; this device helps remove makeup well! My face feels so clean after I take my makeup off. You can use this device on your face twice a day, but typically I use mine once a day three times a week. It comes with a charger and the charge holds for a while. I've used my Clarisonic a couple of times without having to recharge in a short amount of time. I also like that I can use it in the shower since the device is waterproof. I know the Clarisonic is a bit pricey, but it's worth the money!



Do you own any of the Clarisonic devices? What are your thoughts?



Here are my other posts I have on my blog this week for Fall Week!

http://plovesfashion.blogspot.com/2015/09/all-in-packaging-macaron-and-lipstick.html

http://plovesfashion.blogspot.com/2015/09/i-love-fall-tag.html

http://plovesfashion.blogspot.com/2015/09/hello-fall-fotd.html

http://plovesfashion.blogspot.com/2015/09/bath-and-body-works-haul-fall-candles.html



Thanks for stopping by my blog!