How to Survive a 12.5 Hour Shift

 Hello Everyone!

I'm no stranger to working long hours, but when it comes to working a 12.5 hour shift. I must admit I'm a newbie lol. I've done 10.5 hours but never 12.5.

Get Rest

I cant stress this enough! Please get rest and enough sleep. Working 12 hours is exhausting enough now imagine working that long without proper rest. You can become cranky irritated, and likely won't have a good day at work.

Eat Well

I feel like I shouldn't be speaking on this much since I'm bad for skipping meals due to being busy at work.

Check in on your mental health

12 hour shifts can be emotionally exhausting, overwhelming, and demanding. I try my best to check in on how I'm feeling. I work with the public all day,  which in itself can be exhausting. Have you noticed the entitlement of people?! That's a tooic for another blog post lol. My therapist had me do a homework assignment. Write down my negative thoughts or things others say to me and then we'll process those feelings about it. I must admit it does help. 

Disconnect from Work when not Working

Once I clock, I leave work at work unless its something I have to get done for my job. My job takes up most of my day, and during my off days I want to focus solely on me or other things I need to get done. After a long shift the first thing I want to do when I get home is taking a relaxing shower.

Engage in Self Care

I was so happy to receive these Pacifica skincare items to add to my skincare routine. 

Daylight Saving Time

 Hello Everyone!

We may have lost an hour of sleep, but honestly I'm glad that the sun will be setting later. I need sunlight. Today was one of these days where it was a beautiful day outside.

Happy Sunday

A Personal Year

 Hello Everyone, 

Okay so I'm not going to start this post off with a new year, new me vibe. That's not what this post is about lol. You ever go through one of those times in your life that elevation means everything to you? That's where I am right now. I've always been a go getter and this year I'm going hard for becoming more of the woman I'm destined to be. At 38 years old I still don't have life figured out and that's okay. 

I'm also learning to accept and embrace these few stands of grey hair lol

2024 is very personal. I owe myself a lot. For the first time in a long time, I'm putting myself first. Self care and protecting my peace isn't selfish. I'm not entertaining personal relationships with people that aren't adding any value or meaning to my life. I'm not doing things or staying at jobs that leave me feeling stressed or feeling miserable. In order for new doors to open you have to have courage to close old doors. 

New Beginnings

2024 iI still in the early stages, but I'm optimistic about the future. After the year I had last year I'm definitely taking charge over things I can control. The things I can't control I'll continue to view them as life lessons and proceed forward. 

Valentine's Day Inspired Brownies

 Hello Everyone!

I haven't made brownies in so long! Since Valentine's Day is coming up, these are a great treat to make and share with those you love. 

To make these brownies more festive, I added sprinkles and powdered sugar. 

I'm not sure of why I've never added sprinkles to brownies before now, but the brownies are delicious!

Are you doing any baking for Valentine's Day? Happy Baking! 

Zoya's February Color of the Month "Love"

 Hello Everyone!

Disclaimer: This product was pr gifted by Zoya. Thank you so much for sending this product over! All opinions are 100% my own.

Last year Zoya started their color of the month series and today I'm going to share their color for February 2024, Love

Love is perfectly balanced, dynamic red, infused with both micro and macro glitters, creating a magical gemstone as it it dances between cool and warm tones, ensuring it flatters everyone. With just two coats, LOVE transforms your nails into the ultimate Valentine's Day accessory.

Whether adorned with Ultra Glossy Topcoat for a classic finish or paired with the Naked Manicure Defend & Shine Gelie for an encapsulated, multi-dimensional gemstone look, LOVE offers endless possibilities.

With ZOYA's signature ZWide brush inside, each application is a stroke of perfection, offering flawless coverage.

Color Family - Red

Finish - Glitter

Coverage - 2 - Coat Coverage (1 = Sheer - 5 = Opaque)

Tone - Neutral

Zoya has done it again with their nail polish release! I'm in love with Love! This hue of polish reminds of the Ruby Slippers that Dorothy wears in the Wizard of Oz. The polish is so sparkly and vibrant what's not to love? I think this polish adds a little razzle dazzle to the color red in time for Valentine's day or throughout the month of February in general. 

Pacifica Sunny Glow Bronzing Drops

 Hello Everyone!

Disclaimer: This product was pr gifted by Pacifica Beauty. Thank you so much for sending these products over! All opinions are 100% my own.

Since it's Winter, my skin tends to look pale on those extremely cold days or when I'm not feeling the best. Pacifica Beauty recently released their Sunny Glow Bronzing Drops and I was happy to try this product for my skin.

Skincare meets a sunny glow with the power of Vitamin C. Get your glow–up with skin-loving and brightening benefits of Vitamin C, Glycolic Acid, and Kakadu Plum. This all-in-one complexion enhancer instantly illuminates dull-looking skin. Perfect for cheeks, forehead, the tip of your nose, or any area you want to add a little sunshine.

DETAILS

Good For: All skin types

Skin Situation: All, especially lackluster in need of a pick-me-up

Smells Like: Light citrus

Feels Like: Silky serum

Skin Looks: Healthy + glowing

Skin Feels: Hydrated + dewy

Adds a touch of glow with a natural-looking finish

Brightens, smooths, + refines

Sheer finish for all skin tones

Formulated without parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, silicones or talc.

Always 100% vegan + cruelty-free made with compassion for the planet, animals, and you.

My Thoughts

After the zoom meeting Pacifica hosted last month, I was looking forward to trying the Sunny Glow Bronzing Drops. I like that this product is affordable ($16.00) and a little goes a long way. You can see this by swiping left on my photo. The Sunny Glow Bronzing Drops feel apply so smoothly on the skin and smell amazing! It's a light citrus scent. During the cold Winter days, my skin has been looking a little pale and dull so I'm definitely going to be using these drops to achieve a healthy Bronzy Summer Glow all year long. 

10 Things I Learned in Therapy

 Hello Everyone, 

If you follow my blog regularly, then you know that I've gone to therapy off and on over the years. The past 6 months have been some of the most challenging times in my life. After my mom died last Summer and then I got sick back in August and September I decided to go back into therapy. Here are 10 things that I've learned over the years. 

1. My Thoughts and feelings are valid

There have been many times in my life that I've felt like my thoughts and feelings weren't valid. Other the years I've learned that they are.

2. Continue to set boundaries

My word for 2024 is boundaries. I will not allow people to overstep their boundaries in my life. 

3. I don't owe an explanation to anyone about my personal choices. 

Piggybacking off number 2, I don't have to explain myself to anyone about the way I live my life. This my life.

4. Healing is an ongoing process 

Life will have many challenges, but I'm learning to cope with them better. Healthy ways to deal with challenges helps me put things into perspective.

5. I'm not alone in the things that I'm experiencing.

Some experiences just suck plain and simple. As badly as I might feel about something, I'm not alone. There are others that can relate to my feelings.

6. I need to give myself more grace 

I'm constantly working on giving myself more grace. These past few months have been challenging and I'm too hard on myself. I'm working daily to change that. 

7. Stop putting effort into relationships with people that don't put in the same effort.

I stop doing this a long time ago and I notice that I'm happier. It doesn't matter whether it's a friend, family members, or relationships effort should be mutual not one sided.

8. Therapy is a safe space

When I feel like I need a safe space therapy is my go to place. I emphasize having a therapist that you can communicate with and trust.

9. What does the other side look like?

When you face adversities constantly it can become easy to get stuck in feeling like you deserve it. I started looking forward to the other side. Good days are coming. 

10. It's okay to start again

I've started over numerous times in various areas of my life and I'm okay with that. Starting over is better than quitting.

Cold January Days

 Hello Everyone!

I can only wherever you reading this post that you're somewhere warm and cozy. Meanwhile, it's been freezing in South Carolina. 

Since it was a little warmer yesterday (not much) I took a few photos outside. The time outside was very short lived lol.

Stay warm and safe during the frigid January days.

Breakfast for Dinner

 Hello Everyone,

Do you ever get a craving for breakfast foods for dinner? I did Friday night. I wanted homemade pancakes, bacon, and hashbrowns, so that's what I made

When I was in the hospital last Summer I was given Smucker's Sugar Free Breakfast Syrup, and I've been using this syrup every since. Honestly I can't tell much of a difference from regular syrup. The consistency is a more loose, but not runny. It's not as thick as regular syrup, but the taste is pretty good. Last check my A1C was back to normal, but I've been eating low sugar, no sugar food to help control my blood sugar.

I can't cook hashbrowns on the stove top if my life depended on it lol, but I think it's good that I can't since preparing them in the oven is much healthier. I usually set my oven to 425 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes, Season to taste (add toppings) and you're done.

Happy Monday! 

Don't Forget to Hydrate

 Hello Everyone, 

For my birthday and Christmas people gifted me a few new tumblers. How ever did they know?! Since having covid last year I stopped liking water. It's funny because I used to love water. Now most water I drink tastes weird. Lately I only enjoy water when I'm really thirsty or hot.

Hydrapeak Voyager 40 oz Tumbler

I got this cup for free with coupons, extra care rewards, and a birthday perk from CVS.

This 40 oz Tumbler from Hobby Lobby, and it's so pretty.  This is another insulted tumbler.

My post wouldn't be complete without a couple Tumblers from Starbucks. I mentioned this on my birthday post, that my Godmother usually gets me two tumbers. One for my birthday and one for Christmas. 

This is a bonus item that was free. I forgot that I had a gift card that I recieved last year so I decided to get a ceramic tumbler. I went through so much drama to get this tumbler. The Starbucks near my house didn't have the mug I originally ordered in stock so I got this one similar to tumbler above. I get home and find out it had a huge crack on the side the ultimately broke. I had to call back to customer service. They refunded my gift card and told Starbucks to replace my cup. I guess third times a charm. 

Before I end this post, I want to thank you for leaving such kind words about my mom's Birthday on the last post. It means a lot to me. You can read about how I celebrated her life and birthday HERE

Happy Heavenly Birthday Mommy

 Hello Everyone,

Today is my mom's 59th birthday. She may no longer be here, but today will always be special to me. My mom has been gone six months and honestly it doesn't get easier. I miss and think about her everyday. Sometimes it's hard to process that she is really gone. I think when you lose a loved one especially a close loved one you learn to adapt to life without them. I mentioned this before she wasn't just my mom, she was best friend.

Birthdays were always special to my mom. A little back story. My mom had me exactly two weeks to date before her 21st birthday. She used to tell that I was supposed to be born on her birthday, but I decided to come earlier. She used to joke that I was impatient then as I am now lol. She used to call me her Christmas Day and early birthday gift. 

This was one of my moms favorite pictures of herself taken years ago. This is one of my favorite pictures of her as well. She looks so beautiful.

My mom died on the 4th of July and ironically that was one of her favorite holidays. Technically my first holiday without my mom was the day she died. I survived all the other holidays without her, but it was hard. I woke up crying on Christmas/My Birthday knowing she was gone and not telling me happy birthday and Merry Christmas. Then I remembered she wouldn't want that for me. So today I'm going to try not to cry and remember all the happy memories of my mom because that's what she would've wanted.

Since today is her birthday I decided to make her homemade pound cake. Since it's just me, I made a small loaf cake instead of a regular sized lemon pound cake. I'll probably give a few slices and freeze what's left.

Today as I celebrate my mom's birthday I remember her favorite color yellow, her beautiful singing voice, her laugher and comedic sense, her love of horses, her kindness, and most of all her love.

Happy Heavenly Birthday Mommy. I love you.

Pretty in Pink

 Hello Everyone!

We have been having some freezing cold temperatures in South Carolina lately. One week it's a little warm then it's super cold. Well last month during one of the cold weeks I did my makeup. I haven't worn pink in so long. 

As many of you know pink is my favorite color. I paired my the handmade popcorn stitch scarf and my handmade hat to match my outfit.

Happy Pink Thursday 

A New Year 2024

Happy New Year Everyone!

I hope that everyone's new year is off to an amazing start. I know that technically you start over when you want, but honestly I was ready for a new year. The past few months have been challenging. I'm looking ahead to a fresh start.

What better way to get the year started than by doing a little monthly planning? This planner was my mom's and she didn't get to use it last year so I changed the dates to match 2024. Last year when we got the planners (I had the pink one) they were on sale for 50% off and we used a 15% off coupon. Erin Condren planners are expensive, but worth the money if you chose to pay full price. If you're a budget saver like me, I'd wait until the planners go on sale.

Last week I had a consultation with the pulmonologist. Since I was hospitalized back in August and September I have to continue to make sure my lungs are functioning properly. I'm still having breathing issues at times, but the pulmonologist is going to have me breathing and walking tests later this month to see what is the best treatment for me. I've been making my health more of a priority and I plan on continuing prioritizing my health. You can read my latest health update HERE

You may have noticed that I'm getting back into makeup. I missed doing my makeup. Last month I wasn't feeling best with being constantly congested, but I made myself do my makeup. I forgot how much I loved creating makeup looks. 

It's a new year and I'm focused on various things. I don't like like making  New Year Resolutions. I've mentioned that before because I feel making resolutions can put pressure on myself. I've learned a long time ago that life doesn't always go the way you planned. As long as I'm doing the best I can and taking things one day at time I have faith that I will accomplish my goals. Wishing you a Happy Prosperous Healthy New Year!

Don't forget to check out my recent posts!

Christmas Cocoa

Holiday Health Update

Happy Birthday/Merry Christmas to Me!!

A Bombshell Glamour Kind of New Year