My Life in April 2019

Hello Everyone!

Another month is ending, so it's time for a monthly lifestyle post! April was a alright month. I spent a lot of April being busy with different things.

I started April off by visiting Verizon. I held onto my Galaxy Note 5 for the longest time. It was time to upgrade since my old phone was starting to give me so many problems.

Looking around 

 I received good deals and a free tablet. I love my new Galaxy Note 9!

Treat yourself 

Back in my December 2018 Lifestyle Post, I mentioned the post office was my least favorite place. The DMV comes is strong second lol.

I'm just glad I was at the DMV about 30 minutes.

I've received so much positive feedback for my Lake Murray pictures. This is becoming one of my favorite places.

Courage Believe Inspire

Incase you didn't know I'm a huge Marvel fan! I can't wait to see Avengers Endgame! How cool is it that Ulta has an Avengers Makeup Based Collection!

So glad I got the last Avengers Makeup Bag! 

April has been full of PR Samples 🙂 Goose Creek Candle. These are my current favorite Spring Candles from the brand.

Thanks Chique Tools for these pretty brushes. You can find this brush kit at 5 Below.

Thanks Clinique! This is my favorite high end skincare brand.

How sweet of NARS to send over these products! Thank you! I have a few sample of NARS that I love so I can't wait to try these new goodies! Thank you!   

Random fresh face selfie

I had to stop by the UPS store to drop off and pick up a package. 

Happy Easter

Thanks mama for the Easter Goodies! :) (now I have two packs of the Clinique Towelettes!)

Recent Sunday Night Skincare Routine 

Have you tried the Dove Foam Mousse? I saw these at CVS over the weekend. You can use this mousse as a body wash and/or shaving cream. All of them smell great, but my favorite scent is the Rose Oil.

Captain D's

Grabbing a quick lunch to go with my mom

You guessed it another Lake Murray picture. This one has to be my favorite. I snapped this photo as the sun was setting.

Wishing everyone a wonderful May!


April 2019 Posts

My Life in March 2019

Lake Murray

Goose Creek Candle: Spring Favorites

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

Rediscovery

April is Stress Awareness Month

Courage Believe Inspire

Soak up the Sun 

Avengers: Endgame

Sample This

Sample This

Hello Everyone!

As a influencer, I can only hope that I provide my followers and friends advice on different aspects in life. I discuss many topics on my blog, but my first love is beauty. I wanted to start a series on my blog called Sample This. I see these types of posts all the time and I thought it would be fun to start a series of my own. This is NOT a PR Sample Post, this most contains regular samples I have in my collection.

Personally I love samples. Samples give you an opportunity to try a product before you commit to buying the full size. Samples are also good for travel, and you can also include samples in makeup goody bags. There have been a few mini size products that I've purchased such as the Dove Moisturizer, but it was only 77 cents at the time of purchase. For the most part, all the other samples were free.

Skincare Samples

In my opinion, foundations and skincare products make the best Samples. I can't tell you how many times I've been at a makeup counter and a representative has tried to sell me a foundation that doesn't meet my skins need or the wrong shade...thats a post for another day... Some makeup and skincare samples usually last for a few days or even a week(s) depending on the size and how much you're using.

Makeup Samples

Did you know that you can ask for samples? There are some beauty advisers that offer you a sample of a product, but most times I notice I have to ask. Did you know you can go into Sephora and come out with a bag of free samples? If you shop online, make sure you look for promo items associated with the product you're buying. You may also find sample options at checkout  online.

Clinique Makeup and Skincare Samples

What are your favorite skincare and makeup samples?



April 2019 Posts

My Life in March 2019

Lake Murray

Goose Creek Candle: Spring Favorites

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

Rediscovery

April is Stress Awareness Month

Courage Believe Inspire

Sunday Night Skincare Routine

Avengers: Endgame 

Avengers: Endgame

Hello Everyone!

Photo courtesy of Google 

I'm pretty excited today to share today's post! Avengers: Endgame will be in theaters tomorrow (April 26th). If you didn't know I'm a huge Marvel fan, especially the Avengers movies! I don't really like going to the movies when it's extremely crowded hence opening day, but I will see this movie very soon after its release!

How cool is it that Ulta released an Avengers: Endgame Collection?

 As you see, I purchased an Avengers makeup bag :)

Throwback Thursday to my Captain America Tshirt 

Are you excited to see Avengers: Endgame? Did you get anything from the Ulta Collection?

April 2019 Posts

My Life in March 2019

Lake Murray

Goose Creek Candle: Spring Favorites

Here Comes Peter Cottontail 

Rediscovery

April is Stress Awareness Month

Courage Believe Inspire

Sunday Night Skincare Routine

Sunday Night Skincare Routine

Hello Everyone!

Happy Easter! For all those that celebrate, I hope you're having a wonderful Easter. For those that don't celeberate, I hope you're having a wonderful weekend! Here we are at the beginning another week. My skin has been back and forth between feeling oily to dry and vice versa. After a busy week last week, I wanted to take some time tonight and pamper my skin. Side Note: I included links for all the products that I mentioned in this post.

SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Cleanser & Waterproof Makeup Remover

I had to go to an Easter event this morning, and when I got back I ready to take off my makeup. Today I'm using this Micellar water from Garnier. I loved the sample size so much, I bought a large bottle. I like how this removes my makeup without leaving my face feeling oily.

Clinique Take the Day Off Micellar Cleansing Towelettes for Face & Eyes

After I took my makeup off with the Garnier Makeup Remover, I used these Clinique Cleansing Wipes to go back over my face. I've used these Towelettes in the past, and I recently got a pack gifted from Clinique, and a pack from my mom for Easter :)

Drunk Elephant Beste No.9 Jelly Cleanser
Clarisonic Mia 1 Facial Cleansing Brush 

Next it was time to take out Clarisonic Mia. I received an extra birthday sample from Sephora, and I was sent this years gift. I'm new to Drunk Elephant products, but this cleanser jelly smells so good and works well on my face. The cleanser jelly is very hydrating paired with my Clarisonic as I cleansed my face. I would like to have the full sized cleanser in my collection.

Derma E Essentials Microdermabrasion Scrub

I haven't exfoliated my face in almost two weeks! I try to do this at least once a week, but lately I was doing a lot of quick skincare routines.  It was time to exfoliate because my face had some minor flakiness.


Derma E Essentials Overnight Peel with Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Last, but not least after exfoliating my face, I used this exfoliating Overnight Peel by Derma E. I won this product as part of a giveaway I won from Derma E a few months ago. I'm fairly new to using an overnight peel, but I like the results so far. I'll rinse this off in the morning when I wake up. I haven't decided what moisturizer I'm going to use in the morning, but I always use a moisturizer after my finishing my skincare routine.


What are some of your favorite nightly skincare products?


April 2019 Posts

My Life in March 2019

Lake Murray

Goose Creek Candle: Spring Favorites

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

Rediscovery

April is Stress Awareness Month

Courage Believe Inspire

Soak up the Sun

Soak up the Sun

Hello Everyone!

Today I wanted focus on Vitamin D and the importance of getting natural sunlight.  It can be hard to soak up the sun when you have allergies or live in a state that is incessantly hot and humid getting accurate sun consumption can be a challenge. If I'm being honest Summer typically starts mid April here in South Carolina.

Last Summer I was diagnosed with Vitamin D Deficiency and Iron Deficiency Anemia. That diagnosis explained a lot. The paleness, weakness, and tiredness was coming from Vitamin D Deficiency and anemia.

I looked at the list of foods reccomend for Vitamin D Deficiency and iron deficiency anemia and let's just say I'm not a fan of most of them lol.

A picture I took last Summer on one of my morning walks.

Did you know that Vitamin D Deficiency can attribute to depression? Another reason why sunlight exposure is healthy. Letting sunlight in your home is helpful, but going outside is a much better option. The picture above is from last Summer. I found walking and being active outdoors early in the morning before it became scorching hot outside helped me.

Another option is being prescribed Vitamin D medication. Usually these are pills that you take once a week to bring your Vitamin D levels up. My physiatrist prescribed Vitamin D medication after she noticed my blood work indicated my Vitamin D levels were low.

Over the last few months I have noticed a difference. I'm not feeling as tired as I used to feel. I'm still taking the Vitamin D medication, but hopefully my Vitamin D levels will be up when I go back for blood work. Remember when spending time outdoors, please use sunscreen and protect yourself in the sun.

Also, I wanted to say how much I appreciate all your comments on the last few inspirational etc. posts! If you missed them, you can check out the links below :)



April 2019 Posts

My Life in March 2019

Lake Murray

Goose Creek Candle: Spring Favorites

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

Rediscovery

April is Stress Awareness Month

Courage Believe Inspire

Courage Believe Inspire

Hello Everyone!

I guess on a roll with these motivational posts. Recently I was drinking out of one of my favorite water bottles which is the inspiration for today's post. The words on the bottle are courage believe inspire. Over the past few months I've been in treatment for my depression and anxiety issues. These words on the water bottle mean so much to me in various ways.

Courage

I had the courage to admit to myself I was struggling emotionally and I sought treatment last Summer to help me cope. It takes courage to face all the things life can throw at you. I don't know who needs to hear this, but keep going. You're doing the best you can. Courage is facing life even when you feel the odds are against you.

Believe

I believe in God and that God has a purpose for me that I don't always understand. As I try to become closer to God, I'm learning to turn to God when I feel lost and worried. I constantly remember that I have to let my faith be bigger than my fears. I also believe there is hope.  I have the belief that God will take care of things for the best. As I stated before, I'm not one to push my own personal religious on anyone. If you're going through something you may want to turn to God. Just a suggestion.


Inspire

When I first started my blog I wanted to inspire people. I can only hope that when you all read my blog you take something meaningful from it. I know there are so many people that struggle alone and in silence with mental health. To tell the world that I struggle with anxiety and depression was one of the most bravest things I've done. To tell the world that I'm a survivor of domestic violence was also brave. I hope by sharing my stories of strength, struggle, and determination that I inspire people that you are more than your obstacles.

April 2019 Posts

My Life in March 2019

Lake Murray

Goose Creek Candle: Spring Favorites

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

Rediscovery

April is Stress Awareness Month

April is Stress Awareness Month

Hello Everyone!

Honestly I'm a little surprised that I'm writing a post about stress awareness since I constantly feel stressed. I'm working on getting better at learning to handle stress better though. I wasn't even aware there was a month dedicated to stress awareness.


Take a long bath

Lately I've been taking showers, but I miss my baths! I might put that on my agenda this week, to take a long bubble bath. It's so relaxing!


Letting Go and Reconnecting 

One of the things I realized when I wrote my Rediscovery Post , I've been surrounding myself around people that uplift me and inspire me.
In order to control my stress level, I've learned to let things go. I don't harbor anger like I used too, I worry (due to anxiety), but I try not to worry incessantly.  I try to embrace and enjoy life.  I've noticed one thing that can cause stress is anger. Some situations aren't even worth getting yourself upset over. As I said before acceptance can help you heal. I keep my inner circle small in general, but sometimes it's good to reconnect with people.


Treat Yo Self aka...treat yourself

I needed a new phone phone. I was holding on to my Galaxy Note for 5 the longest time. I'm not one to go buy a new phone just because it's a new release. Honestly I needed a new phone over a year ago when my battery kept dying. I finally upgraded to a Note 9. I must admit I love my new phone. The representative even threw in a tablet. Which is something else I needed as well.

After I got my new phone I was feeling pretty good and I treated myself to a large Vanilla Milkshake from McDonald's. I know I know...so many calories! It was so worth it and talk about delicious! Treat Yo Self! :)


Alone Time

Spending time around others is healthy, but so is spending time alone. I'm not really a person that I always have to be around people. Sometimes I like to spend time alone. No plans, no running errands, just staying in and enjoying a peaceful environment.

It may sound like I have it all together when dealing with stress, I don't lol. I'm truly a work in progress. How do you handle stress?



April 2019 Posts

My Life in March 2019

Lake Murray

Goose Creek Candle: Spring Favorites 

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

Rediscovery 

Rediscovery

Hello Everyone!

Start each day with a grateful heart 💛

I was lost and I felt like my world was falling apart.
I sometimes wondered how is it that I can solve other people's issues, but I struggle with my own?...that was me about a year ago.

When I started going back to therapy last Summer I felt like an emotional mess. My anxiety and depression issues were at an all time high, and affecting many aspects of my life. I was becoming increasingly withdrawn and distant from those that I loved. I have my good days and I have my bad days. Shortly after I moved out of my apartment I had several bad days..about two bad weeks actually. If you missed that post you can read about it here.

I realized the cycle of Familiarity was holding me back. It's so easy to go back to what you know, people you feel comfortable around etc. Fearing the unknown was keeping me from stepping into my destiny. For the record I'm still unsure of what exactly my destiny is supposed to be, but I feel I have a clearer vision as I work towards it.

Throughout the last few months I've lost friends, moved out of my home, and I realized these things are not always a loss. Forgiveness doesn't require reconnection. Acceptance can help you heal. I'm no where near perfect, but I've learned to be kinder to myself. I surround myself around people that love and accept me for who I am.

I put this thought into perspective...how can I expect to walk in the right direction if I'm constantly having the wrong people or things in my life? You can't  progress by standing still.

Lake Murray at Sunset. So Beautiful 

As I rediscover myself, I've learning a lot of the things along the way including make peace with the past. Rediscovery and long traveled roads can lead to beautiful destinations.


April 2019 Posts

My Life in March 2019

Lake Murray

Goose Creek Candles: Spring Favorites

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

Hello Everyone!

Here comes Peter Cottontail Hoppin' down the bunny trail Hippity Hoppity Easter's on its way.... and Easter is one of my favorite holidays. In addition to my religious beliefs, I love Easter Decor.

I love Spring so much! All the pretty pastel colors especially for Easter. It's something about blue that looks so pretty during Spring! I remember as a child how my mom would get my Easter outfit and we went to Church. My mom would typically fill a basket full of goodies. You probably guessed where I get my love for DIY's?! Even as an adult she'll get me a basket filled with my favorite things or a little Easter gift. 

Target Dollar Spot has done it again!

Carrot Patch and a Peep. 

I didn't realize this looked like a one eyed rabbit when I took the picture, but the rabbit does have two eyes lol.

Do you decorate for Easter? If so what are your favorite Easter decorations? Also, don't forget to checkout my prior post
Goose Creek Candles: Spring Favorites 



April 2019 Posts

My Life in March 2019

Lake Murray

Goose Creek Candles: Spring Favorites