Victoria's Secret PINK 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Collection

 Hello Everyone!

Today I have a nostalgic post. Victoria's Secret PINK is celebrating its 20th anniversary. 

I remember going to mall with my mom in Summer 2004, I had just graduated from high school and we went into Victoria's Secret. I saw this new selection of items called PINK and the sales associate was telling us about it. It was geared towards young women/college students and guess who was getting ready for college lol?

What better way to spend some of my graduation money than on items that I wanted to try?

Anybody else ready for Fall? I'm over this heat. I'm ready for football, hot chocolate, watching seasonal movies, and sweater weather (if South Carolina is lucky it will be a cool fall lol)

I loved that PINK had such fun bright colors and comfy clothing perfect for running errands, college etc. I can't count how many times I went to class in PINK Leggings, fur boots, and high bun during the Fall and Winter. You couldn't tell me I wasn't cute! I can't forget about the Victoria's Secret Love Spell perfume and lotion. I went through so many bottles of this scent through high school and college lol!

Fast forward 20 years PINK has released a limited collection of their collection. To be honest I wish PINK would go back to these styles. If you remember I used to do Victoria's Secret and Pink Hauls, but the quality of their items particularly their clothes and underwear has gone down in quality within the last few years. It's such a shame because the brand had such good quality of clothing.

Feeling Glamorous

 Hello Everyone!

Have you ever taken a picture(s) that made you feel glamorous? With all the recent craziness of life going on in the past few months I felt it was time for a little pick me up.

Being in the hospital can be frustrating and stressful. I felt bad and tired. All the constant blood work and IV's to get better can be draining. 

After a few weeks out of the hospital and while I was on medical leave, I made myself get up and take a few photos. My Blogiversary was coming up and I wanted to take a few photos for the occasion. 

When you look good, you feel good. I may still be getting my strength back, but it felt good to get a little dressed up, do my makeup, and hair.

A little effort can go a long way in the way you feel. ALSO, Thank you for the kind words on blogger, Instagram etc for my 11th Blogiversary. You can read about it HERE

Happy 11th Blogiversary to Beauty and More by Pilar!

 Hello Everyone!

Today is a special day, it's my 11th Blogiversary! Last year marked my 10th year, but I didn't really celebrate or acknowledge it because my mom died a few weeks earlier and I wasn't in the headspace to concentrate on my blog.

I know that my mom wouldn't have wanted me to miss such a milestone, so this year I'm making up for it with celebrating my 11th year blogging.

How does one celebrate 11 years blogging? Honestly I don't know lol. I will start by saying that blogging has been life changing and therapeutic for me. I have engaged with some amazing followers over the years and made blog friends along the way as well.

I originally want to do a fashion blog, but I had so many ideas hence the name of my blog. Beauty and More by Pilar. This is my little space on the internet that I share my love for beauty and all my other interests.

I may not have a mainstream blog and thats okay. I blog because I truly enjoy it. There have been a few times throughout the years I thought about ending my blog, but I would miss it too much.

I've shared the good times, bad times, and everything in between here on my blog. Mostly I wanted to create a blog that shows the realness of life. I wanted my blog to be a safe place where my readers could take some kind of meaningful.

Thank you all for joining me these past 11 years! I'm looking forward to continuing my blogging journey!

Meal Prep: Chocolate Chip Overnight Oats

 Hello Everyone!

Before I start this post I want to thank everyone for their kind words on my last post. I truly appreciate it. Since I'm going back to work next week from medical leave, I thought it would be a good idea to start on some meal prep/meal prep ideas.

I've been wanting to make overnight oats for a long time and I finally got around to doing so. I was glad they turned out pretty tasty.

1 Cup Old Fashion Oats

1/2 Cup Milk of your choice

1 Tbsp Honey

1 Tsp Pure Vanilla Extract 

1/4 Cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips 

Place in a jar with a lid. I use a 16 ounce Mason jar. Let Chill in the fridge overnight. I usually let my overnight oats set for at least 8 hours. I eat mine with 3 days. Some people choose 5 days, but to each its own.

Since I work 12 hours shifts I tweaked the recipe so I can eat this throughout the day

1 1/2 Cup of Old Fashioned Oats

1 Cup of Milk of your choice

1 TBSP Honey 

1 TSP Vanilla Extract 

1/4Cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips

As I mentioned I'm new to making overnight oats, but so far I can see me making this for breakfast, snacks etc. I like that the overnight oats are filling and a quick go. I'll probably try blueberries next time.

What are your favorite go to overnight oats?

Where Have I Been?!

 Hello Everyone!

Surprised to see another post from me?! I didn't mean to take a three month hiatus, but once life happens. Working 12.5 hour shifts and everything else in between can be a little challenging to get everything done.

Back in April My landlord decided to sell the rental property last minute so I ended up moving. To be honest, I was ready for a change. I didn't like that I had limited time to move and working 12.5 shifts just to come home to pack, but thank God everything worked out for the best.

I moved into my new apartment during early May. I still haven't set everything up or unpacked everything and I've been living here for almost two months.

Fast forward to June, as you can imagine I was exhausted emotionally and physically. By the end of June I had a pulmonologist appointment and she wanted me to take a few days off. Going against doctors orders I ended up going back to work a day early due to feeling pressure from my job.

Well not 48 hours later I was in the ER. Guess what came back?!..Sepsis (3rd time) and pneumonia again, and a small blood clot in my lung. There was no doubt I was being admitted in the hospital's critical care unit. 

One year ago on July 4th 2023, I posted the most difficult post about losing my mom. A year later it still hurts. I don't think you ever get over losing your mom, but learn to adapt to life without them. She may no longer be here physically, but she's always here with me in my heart. She loved the 4th of July, so as I continue to recover from my recent hospital stay. I will celebrate and cherish the wonderful memories we shared. 💛

Lately my personal and work life have been stressful, but in moments I feel unsure, worried, and doubtful, I have to remember God is in control. Despite a few setbacks and challenges I'm still blessed. I have a couple of follow up doctor appointments this week, so per doctors orders I'm going to continue to get rest so that I can get better.

Almost 1 Year Later

Hello Everyone, 

I know that I've been m.i.a. for almost 3 months, but more about that in my next post. Today I want to focus on my mom.

Her 1 Year Heaven Anniversary is coming up. I rather call it that, because the word death is still hard to accept. There hasn't been a day in the past year I haven't thought about my mom. I miss her so much. I miss her on good days, bad days, moments I wish I could share things with her, moments I need her guidance and love. I miss seeing her beautiful face, hearing her angelic voice and laughter.

I won't sit here and pretend the past year has been easy because it hasn't. Emotionally, mentally, and physically it's been tough. My mom died on the the 4th of July last year and ironically it was one of her favorite holidays. I have no idea how I'll feel on the 4th of July, but I want to celebrate her life as she would have wanted. She may be gone physically, but she lives continously in my heart. I love and miss you mommy.

Talk with you all soon

Pilar

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.