Why Mental Health Matters

 Hello Everyone!

I had a couple of posts planned for May, but life happened, so bare with me... I have a good bit of drafts, but lately I've haven't been feeling that great emotionally or physically. I figured why not just focus on Mental Health Awareness for this month. Mental health matters because it affects many aspects of your life that include relationships, work, how you feel about yourself etc. 

Do things that make you happy

JOAH Beauty  Use my affiliate discount (20% off for JOAH shoppers, Free gift w/30 purchase, JOAHCJ)

I've been going through a funk, and that's okay. I acknowledge that. Makeup is one thing that makes me happy. I love creating makeup looks and discovering new products. During this pandemic I started feeling like I was losing my passion. I think that was just depression, slowly but surely I'm getting back into creating more makeup looks. 

JOAH Chasing The Sun Eyeshadow and Bronzing Palette

I love this new Chasing the Sun palette from JOAH all these highly pigmented eyeshadows, bronzers, and highlighter remind me of Summer. I mentioned this before, but did you know lack of Vitamin D and sunlight can add to depression symptoms? Get some fresh air and sunlight 🙂

You may remember that glowy makeup is one of my favorite types of makeup looks to create. I've seen JOAH inside a few local CVS's, but this is my first time trying the brand. I'm very impressed!

I've created a natural glowy makeup look. Since its so hot and humid here, I used JOAH Perfect Collection BB Creams and Blur-fection-setting-powder. I love how my skin has a natural all day glow when I used these two products together. The JOAH lip gloss really adds the perfect glossy lip to this makeup look.

Pamper yourself during your period

I'm one of these females that typically hates that time of the month. I feel moody, bloated, people tend to make me angry, and overall I rather be left alone and eat chocolate. Another fun fact...did you know that pms can make depression and anxiety worse during your period? During this time I try to get more rest. Just like on a day outside of PMS, I try do things that make me mentally happy.

Pamper Yourself 

Sunday I had a full facial skincare routine. My skin has been stressed due to allergies and probably stress so I used some of my favorite skincare and  pampering products reduce stress.

Stress Less

Last weekend I wasn't feeling that well and I felt like I had a million things to do. I started to feel overwhelmed so I took a nap. I needed to get groceries, but since I wasn't feeling well I ordered my groceries for delivery from Publix. Easy enough right?

Do a Wellness Check

I'm come a long way with my overall wellness. I've struggled so badly with anxiety and depression. I still have times that I struggle badly with anxiety and depression. You may not think reaching out to someone who is suffering from mental health issues won't matter, but it does. I also reached out to people that I know cared about me.  Talking doesn't always solve how you're feeling, but it can help take away some of those negative feelings and distress.

I wrote this post because I can only hope that it will help someone. To be honest, I wrote this post for myself as well. One of favorite quotes "In a world where you can be anything, be kind" You never know what someone is going through. I mentioned right now I'm in a funk.  I try to practice what I preach, I will be taking a hiatus on my blog. I guess you can call this a part time mental health break. I will post on Instagram, so make sure your following on there as well. I'm wishing you all love, health, and happiness. Talk with you all soon.

Mental Health and the Power of Clothes: Featuring Adore Me

 Hello Everyone!

*Disclaimer: This post is Sponsored by Adore Me. I would like to thank Adore Me for sending these products. All opinions are 100% my own. Product information, courtesy of adoreme.com

I'm a believer that when you look good you feel good. A new hairstyle, treating yourself to a spa day, or in this case new lingerie. I mentioned that May is Mental Health Awareness Month in my last post.  I'm partnering with Adore Me for their Mental Health and the Power of Clothes Campaign.

Lingerie makes me feel like an inner warrior strong, and fearless. A warrior that fights against anxiety and a warrior that fights against depression. 

Lingerie made of lace and ribbons makes me feel like a goddess sexy and sure of myself.  I celebrate every curve, I embrace my imperfections.

Lingerie makes me feel like this is me in all transparency. No hiding my flaws or insecurities. Should I dare even say...vulnerable

As an ode to myself, I owe it to myself to be comfortable in my own skin. I love who I am inside and outside. We live a world where it can sometimes hard not to compare ourselves to others. Each day we should love ourselves a little bit more than the day before. This is me, unapologetically me. 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

 Hello Everyone!

May is mental health awareness month. Mental Health is an area that hits close to home for me because I have depression and anxiety. Many of you that read my blog know that I have shared my struggles, inspiration, and hope for coping with mental health issues.

I mentioned in 2018 that I started going back to counseling. The first counselor I had was very pushy with his beliefs on mental health and he wasn't listening to anything I was saying. I actually started feeling worse after my counseling sessions. After the 3rd session, I switched counselors. One of the best decisions I made. I keep my circle small, but sometimes people give bad advice. Ultimately it's up to you on how you deal with coping with your overall mental health. 

I tend to overthink a lot. I can admit trusting the process can be struggle for me. Sometimes I question did I make the right decision or why something bothers me the way it does. I have let things bother me until I have anxiety. In life things happen beyond our control. 

I'm learning to trust myself more. Your worst critic can be yourself. I've learned that a lot over the years. When you trust yourself you should be able to do so without judgment or guilt.  

You can't run on empty. One of my goals has been eating more foods that help combat anxiety and depression. Since I have severe nutrient deficiencies (i.e. Iron Deficiency Anemia etc) low iron levels can also be a factor for some of my mental health symptoms. I take medication, but eating right, exercise, and getting rest does help. I still suffer from insomnia, but some nights are better than others. 

You have to take each day one by one. You can't be fully sure of what tomorrow will bring. You have to take the good with the bad. It's okay not to know all the answers. Sometimes you have to figure out things as you go along, and that's okay.

Over the past few years I've realized that taking a mental health day(s) are necessary for me to cope with my depression and anxiety. I can't always stop what I'm doing to take a break, but once I fulfill important obligations etc. I take a few days to myself. Life can be overwhelming, but it helps to take a mental health day. Remember, self care isn't selfish.

It's 2021 and mental health still comes with stigma, and that is something I don't understand. Honestly with all the things going on in the world, it can become overwhelming to cope especially when your dealing with your own issues. If you're struggling with mental health issues, know there is help and hope to feel better. 

Pond's Anti-Aging Rejuveness Skincare

Hello Everyone!

*Disclaimer: This post contains PR Samples from Pond's. I would like to thank Pond's for sending these products. All opinions are 100% my own. Product information, courtesy of ponds.com

If you remember when I first started blogging, I featured Pond's Skincare products numerous times in my posts. Pond's recently released a few new Anti-Aging Skincare Rejuveness products that I've been using on my skin.

Pond's Anti-Aging Rejuveness 

Anti-Aging Skincare Rejuveness Lifting & Brightening Eye Cream

Description 

From the first use, Pond's Lifting & Brightening Eye Cream visibly reduces the look of wrinkles. This hydrating formulae improves elasticity of skin, creating the appearance of tighter and lifted skin around the eyes. The Blur System technology instantly improves the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

My Thoughts 

I don't have any wrinkles around my eyes, but I do like this eye cream for hydration. My allergies have been horrible lately so it leaves the area around my eye feeling dry. This lightweight eye cream has restored hydration and tightens the skin around my eye as well. This eye cream isn't irritating and fragrance free.

Anti-Aging Skincare Rejuveness Skin Tightening Serum

Description 

Pond’s Skin Tightening Serum visibly tightens the appearance of skin and hydrates to help slow new signs of aging in just one week with twice daily use

My Thoughts 

I typically don't like floral scents, but this serum smells so good! There's a light floral scent, that fades as I use this serum on my face. This serum feels like a gel (no residue) and gives my skin a dewy appearance. I like that this serum contains retinol and vitamin b which has many benefits for the skin. 

Anti-Aging Skincare Rejuveness Advanced Hydrating Night Cream

Description 

Pond’s Advanced Hydrating Night Cream is to be used as the final step of a nighttime skincare regimen, reducing the look of wrinkles and hydrating to help slow new signs of aging.

My Thoughts 

As with the serum, this moisturizer is very hydrating. I notice when I opened the jar I accidentally tipped it over and the moisturizer was runny in texture. Thankfully I was able to catch the jar before I made a mess. If you try this product be careful! I noticed that I did have a burning/tingling sensation after usage, but I think that was from the retinol. The burning/tingling only lasted for a few minutes. It was a little uncomfortable, but not painful. 

Overall

The products are really good. The eye cream is my favorite product so far, followed by the serum. The moisturizer is okay, if it didn't have that burning sensation. As I mentioned the burning sensation doesn't last long. I think these products are good to use in your 20's and 30's if you're trying to prevent fine lines and wrinkles. If you have more mature skin, these products would be good to use to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I definitely can tell my skin does feel tighter after using these products. The serum and moisturizer could be looked as a face lift in a tube/bottle/jar.

Have you tried Pond's New Rejuveness Skincare Line? You can find Pond's at your local drugstore, online, and retail stores.

Spring Essentials: Adore Me Haul

 Hello Everyone!

*Disclaimer: This post is Sponsored by Adore Me. I would like to thank Adore Me for sending these products. All opinions are 100% my own. Product information, courtesy of adoreme.com

I love that Adore Me is focusing on fun, bold, bright  colors for their Spring Essentials. As much as I love pastels, I also love bright and bold colors during the Spring. Hotter days ahead mean cooler and comfortable undergarments especially here during South Carolina's humid and hot Spring and Summer.

Hanaleee Unlined Plus 

This is one of Adore Me's new sets. The lime green color is perfect for Springtime. The material is stretchy. The lace detailing within this set is beautiful.

Nare Contour Plus 

This is another new set from Adore Me. How cute is the pattern on this set?! The set has black lace, but the pattern is reminds me of a warm climate.

Cinthia Unlined Plus 

This is one of my favorite sets because it's so comfortable. Last month I purchased the blue and white set as well. The material is lightweight and lacey. 

Marca Contour Plus

This is a beautiful blue set. The straps on the bra and panties give the set a sexy flare.

Enny Contour Plus 

This set is so pretty! It's feminine and flirty with lace, ribbons, and bows. I've never owned a bra that is like this one.

Rema Plus

In addition to bra and panty sets I picked out two slips. This soft racer back slip fits true to size. I really like the polka-dot and lace detailing. I like that I can wear this around the house or I can wear this out and bit paired with a pair of leggings. 

Primrose Plus

When I'm lounging around the house, I typically like to wear slips like the Primrose. This slip runs a little big, but it's a nice fit. The material is super soft, and I like that the straps on this slip are adjustable.

Suave Pink Hair Care Collection

 Hello Everyone!

*Disclaimer: This post contains  PR Samples provided by Suave. I would like to thank Suave for sending these products. All opinions are 100% my own. Product information, courtesy of suave.com

On Wednesday's We Wash With Pink! Today I'm sharing my wash day routine featuring Suave. To promote their new line, Suave focused on the movie Mean Girls! How cute is the Burn Book Packaging. I'm a huge fan of the movie Mean Girls! I have the DVD :) Mean Girls was released during my senior year of high school in 2004! 

Suave Luscious Curls Amino Acids Conditioner for Curly Hair

Take care of your gorgeous curls. This hydrating conditioner formula, enriched with Amino Acid Complex softens and defines curls for a gorgeous and defined look.

- Conditioner for curly hair moisturizes and detangles for gorgeous, workable curls

- Formulated with Amino Acid Complex to strengthen the inside of the hair fiber while protecting the outside from everyday breakage

- Created to keep hair strong and more manageable, leaving curls ready to style into any look

Step 1:

My hair needed a little TLC this week because I skipped my wash day routine last week. I try to prevent skipping wash day because my hair gets easily tangled which can be annoying when you have curly hair. So I had to do a prepoo (pre shampoo) To deep condition my hair I part my hair into four sections and use a spray bottle with warm water to help loosen my hair. Once my hair starts to loosen I started adding conditioner throughout my hair and sit with a shower cap on for about 45 minutes. This conditoner smells so good and it's so moisturizing on my hair. As I lathered my hair, I could tell the conditioner was detangling and moisturizing my hair at the same time. Moisturized hair is so important when you hair dry frizzy curly hair.

Suave Luscious Curls Amino Acids Shampoo for Curly Hair

Show your curls some love. This sulfate free shampoo for curly hair formula, enriched with Amino Acid Complex, nourishes curls and leaves hair looking defined, gorgeous and smooth.

- Cleanses for gorgeous and workable curly hair

- Formulated with Amino Acid Complex to strengthen the inside of the hair fiber while protecting the outside from everyday breakage

- Amino acid shampoo created to keep curls strong, more manageable and, when used with Luscious Curls Conditioner, ready to style any look

Step 2:

After I rinsed the Conditioner out of my hair I used a detangling comb to comb my hair. A detangling comb really helps the wash day process go easier. Both the shampoo and conditioner have a creamy lightweight texture. The shampoo lathers well and my hair felt really cleansed after usage. My curls looked more defined and healthy. While I shampooed my hair, I noticed that I didn't have much breakage considering I skipped wash day last week. I'm very happy about the minimal breakage.

Suave Luscious Curls Defining Cream with Amino Acids

Treat your curls with some TLC. This formula, enriched with Amino Acid Complex, moisturizes and defines your stunning curls for your best style ever.

- Curl defining cream moisturizes and shapes curls

- Adds bounce and long-lasting definition and light hold for curls

- Amino acid hair treatment created to keep hair strong, more manageable and ready to style any look

Step 3:

I used this Defining Cream on my wet hair to keep moisture locked in my hair. I love leave in creams such as this one that doesn’t dry my hair. Since my hair is thick, I used two pumps of this cream and it doesn't leave my hair feeling greasy.

Overall

These products are so fetch (lol)! Since my hair is frizzy, dry, and curly, I look for hair products that will help me maintain good hair health. I'm glad that these products are so moisturizing and help define my curls. These products are paraben and sulfate free which is also a plus. The amino acid in the products help soften my hair and make it more manageable. All the products smell so good and reasonably priced at Walmart.