The Best Version of Yourself

Hello Everyone!

I couldn't sleep a few nights ago I decided to work on my blog and write an inspirational post. I actually started writing this post a few months ago, but I didnt finish it until the other night. As I get older, I like to think that I grow wiser. Since I  have both depression and anxiety, I'm usually coping with trying to manage both. I learn so much about myself. My fears, my ambitions, and most importantly becoming a healthier (physically and mentally) better version of myself.

Trust God's Process

As always I'm not one to push my religious beliefs on anyone. With that being said, trusting God's Process isnt always easy or least for me it isn't. God has a plan for me. I've gone through things I dont understand. I'm still going through things I dont understand. It's all apart of the process. I'm a believer that you may not understand what or why you're going through certain things, but I feel eventually everything will make sense or you'll be better and stronger for things you've gone through.

Trust your process

I've never understood why do people put so much valuable time and energy into things and people that just don't matter. I'm guilty of this as well. I know that sounds harsh, but let me explain. Why do we as people allow others define how we feel about ourselves? I've learned over the years anyone or anything that adds that negativity and toxicity to my life I need to remove ASAP! You're the one who ultimately has to live your life, so why would you live it according to others? Do you and just live your life, happily.

Live your best life, not your best lie

Piggybacking off my last point, I see this so much on social media. People seeing others living extragant lifestyles etc, so you may feel you should be doing the same or even feel insecure. Living your best life isn't defined by how much money you have, in my opinion living you best life is partly defined by your happiness.  You should never go into debt to keep up with others or to show off for social media.

Be the best Version of yourself, not the perfect version of yourself

No one is perfect, we all are human and we're bound to make some mistakes in the journey we call life. Forgive yourself for those mistakes and learn from them. I used to put so much pressure on myself to the point I was starting to feel unhappy. I stopped putting that type of pressure on myself years ago. I embrace who I am, and that's truly best the version of myself.


October 2018 Post

Projects with Pilar: Fall DIY Decor

Yes Hipolito Ulta's Favorite Box

Surviving Domestic Violence: One Year Later

All About Pink Makeup for Breast Cancer Awareness

All About Pink Makeup for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Hello Everyone!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

About 10 years ago when I college, I had to attend an outside of class seminar as part of an assignment. I can't remember the name of the class, but I do remember that I chose to attend the seminar about Breast Cancer. During the seminar the speaker gave so much information and pamphlet about Breast Cancer. Some information I knew, and some I didn't. The seminar lasted about two hours and even to this day the important information I learned during the seminar that day left an impact on my life.

One of the local news channels has a buddy system where you call your buddy and remind her to do her monthly self breast exam. My mom was my buddy while I was in college...shes still my buddy now and she would always ask or remind me to do these checks each month. These self exams are good do after you have your monthly period as well. Women over 40 should be getting yearly mammograms or if you find lumps etc. Also for men reading, Breast Cancer can also affect men as well.

Urban Decay Elements Palette 

This eye makeup look was created using Urban Decay Elements Palette.

Staying informed and doing these types of makeup looks are a few ways of showing my support for Breast Cancer Awareness.

I kept this makeup up look very subtle. Of course pink was my focus color, but I didn't want to overdue it. This look is very wearable even though the lighting clashed with my eye makeup. 

I used the pink shade, Dream Weaver in the crease and kept the rest of my eye makeup neutral with a winged liner.

My makeup look is completed with MAC's Pink Nouveau Lipstick. This is one my favorite lipsticks and one of my first MAC Lipsticks.

Breast Cancer Awareness Inspired Makeup (2017)

October 2018 Post

Projects with Pilar: Fall DIY Decor

Yes Hipolito Ulta's Favorite Box

Surviving Domestic Violence: One Year Later

Surviving Domestic Violence: One Year Later

Hello Everyone!

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October 2017: All the name calling and put downs...All the I'm sorrys and I love you's...All the text messages saying it won't happen again...only for the next time he and I got into an argument it would likely be worse than the last time... 

When I look back it's still surreal that I wrote those words in my post telling the world I was a survivor of domestic violence last year. I still feel that post was the most courageous post that I'd ever written on my blog. When I first started my blog, I shed light on domestic violence awareness.  Fast forward a few years later, I thought I never be a survivor of domestic violence sharing my own story.

When I wrote my Surviving Domestic Violence post last year, I had stopped talking him months prior in March of last year and I've still had no contact with him. Fast forward almost 6 months later in October 2017 the emotional hurt was still there, but I had began to heal. I'm still healing from all the hurt he caused me, but I don't let it control my life.

I truly believe that people don't want to end up in verbal or physical relationships or situations with someone, but I do think there are usually warning signs of the abuse that's going to impact your life. It's a known fact that abuse usually starts with verbal, emotional, mental abuse.

Speaking for myself, I know there were signs that I overlooked. That's the mistake most people make ignoring signs of domestic violence. Domestic violence isn't always physical. In my situation he was very verbally and emotionally abusive.

I'm very close to my mom. She's not only mom she's my best friend. I've always been able to talk to my mom about anything. He even tried to break the bond I had with my mom. He was very unsuccessful with trying to do so, but nonetheless for a while it did put a strain on our mother daughter relationship. He tried to isolate me from my friends, wanting all my attention and time. It was to the point if I was talking to one of my friends he would start an argument and try to manipulate me into thinking everything was always my fault. As you may have figured out, I rarely talked to anyone about what was going on.

Last year when I wrote my surviving domestic post, I talked about some of the things I endured one could even say that I scratched the surface with speaking my truth. Looking back I'm glad I decided to share my story. Today I'm at a place of peace that it doesn't hurt so badly to discuss all the things I endured. For the longest time I used to feel ashamed, alone, and I ultimately suffered in silence because I didn't tell anyone what was going on. The tears don't fall like they used too.

How did I end up a survivor of domestic violence? I didn't grow in an abusive household, I've never seen my father or any man disrespect or mistreat my mother. My mom instilled important values of always know my worth and to love myself. How did this happen to me? I've come to this conclusion, it's a part of my story. Thankfully and by the grace of God I finally had enough.  I feel blessed that I'm here today writing as a survivor of domestic violence rather than being a victim of domestic violence. For anyone that is going through domestic violence please leave and be safe. I know that may seem easier said than done.

Remember if you're in a domestic violence relationship, you can get out and there is hope for a better a brighter future for you.


Surviving Domestic Violence

October 2018 Post

Projects with Pilar: Fall DIY Decor

Yes Hipolito Ulta's Favorite Box

September 2018 Posts

FabFitFun Fall 2018

Coconut Lime Eye Makeup

BH Cosmetics Galaxy Chic Palette Tutorial

Hurricane Preparations 2018

Update: Hurricane Florence

Bath & Body Works Fall Candle Haul 2018

Urban Decay Elements Palette

Target Bullseye Playground Haul: Fall Edition

My Life in September 2018

Yes Hipolito ULTA's Favorites Box!

Hello Everyone!

* Disclaimer: This post contains PR Samples provided by Derma E in collaboration with Yes Hipolito with Ulta for review purposes. I would like to thank Derma E for sending these products. All opinions are 100% my own. Product information is courtesy of ulta.com and yeshipolito.com

As some of you may know, Derma E is one of my favorite skincare brands. So when I was contacted about an opportunity to review Yes Hipolito's favorites box which includes some of Derma E products I said yes!

About Yes Hipolito 

Yesenia Hipolito a.k.a.Yes Hipolito is a 25 year old beauty and fashion loving on air personality. She also has a fashion blog & youtube channel. Derma E recently did a collaboration with @Yeshipolito in which Derma E curated an ULTA Favorites box with her! I don't think this box is still available, but you can find all of Yes Hipolito's favorite products at ULTA stores and online at ULTA.com

Derma E SunKissAlba Radiant Glow Oil

Details

Be Sunkissed with Radiant Glow Oil form DERMA E and SunKissAlba! This face oil helps soften, illuminate and add nourishing hydration to your skin. Radiant Glow is a luxurious oil to help create an unforgettable glow.

Luscious organic Jojoba Oil and replenishing organic Argan Oil moisturize to help combat dehydration and the appearance of wrinkles while promoting radiance. Rejuvenating organic Seabuckthorn Oil helps to smooth and add shine while mineral-rich mica adds a natural-looking brilliance to your skin.

First Impressions 

I was glad to see a Derma E Face Oil included in this box! Derma E has a variety of face oils that keep my skin hydrated and looking radiant. I can't wait to use this face oil!

DERMA E Daily Detox Scrub

Details

DermaE's Daily Detox Scrub is a natural exfoliant that lifts away micropollutants and impurities for a fresh, healthy radiance.

My Thoughts

This Daily Detox Scrub is another one of my favorite Derma E products. I actually wrote a review about this scrub over the Summer. You can read that post HERE.


ARDELL Faux Mink Wispies

Details

Ardell's Faux Mink Lash #811 are luxuriously lightweight lashes. Ultra-soft fabulously full lashes create an effortlessly glamorous look.

First Impressions

I'm unfamiliar with the brand ARDELL, but these lashes are so pretty! I don't wear lashes since my own lashes are fairly long, but I have been wanting to try a pair!

Big Sexy Hair Powder Play Volumizing & Texturizing Powder

Details

Big Sexy Hair Powder Play Volumizing Texturizing Powder is a product that instantly liquefies when applied allowing hair to absorb the product and provide full, voluminous hair that everyone wants. Ideal for instant volume on dry hair it is the fastest, easiest way to get big sexy hair in a few seconds! It is weightless, odorless and colorless on any hair color and is great for adding texture.

First Impressions

I'm interested in how this hair spray will work on my frizzy and sometimes dry hair.

E.L.F. COSMETICS Online Only Aqua Beauty Aqua Infused Blush & Bronzer

Details

This hydrating e.l.f. Cosmetics Aqua Beauty Aqua Infused Blush & Bronzer duo gives skin a radiant looking glow, thanks to cushiony color that's infused with purified water and Vitamin E. Blend the complimentary shades across cheekbones for a gorgeous, dewy flush. This formula has a soft touch, bouncy, cushion-like texture. It's light like a powder but melts into the skin like a cream and allows you to build customizable color from sheer to bold. Cruelty free and vegan.

First Impressions

I don't use bronzer a lot in my makeup looks because most bronzers tend to make me look orangish rather than bronze glow. I know your probably thinking less is more, but I'm telling you most bronzers give me an orange glow that looks even worse in pictures lol! I'm optimistic this bronzer will hopefully be different. I love the pink blush it's so pretty!

ARDELL Online Only Sensual Eyes Eyeshadow Palette

Cabana

Details

Color, contour and turn up the contrast with Ardell Beauty's Sensual Eyes Eyeshadow Palette's. Pigment-saturated powders provide intense color payoff. A balanced tonal range of shimmer and matte finishes play light against shadow to bring depth and dimension to eyes. True-to-pan: the shade you see in the palette is the shade you see on the eye. These shades are flattering under every light, every day, every night.

First Impressions 

These colors are perfect for Fall. As mentioned under the first eyeshadow photo, this quad palette is named Cabana. I hope the shadows are pigmented because the colors are beautiful!

BIOBELLE Online Only My Diary of Beauty Secrets Facial Masks

Details

Biobelle's Diary of Beauty Secret 6 sheet mask set gives your skin an instant boost, tightens pores, brightens skin, evens skin tone, and gets that glow!

Use it 1 to 3 times a week to quickly and visibly minimize lines and wrinkles, firm, and boost radiance for more vibrant, youthful-looking skin.

Biobelle's Award-winning Tencel fiber adheres perfectly to every facial contour, like a second skin, and delivers the antioxidants faster and deeper than if you just applied a cream or serum.

Contains:1 Brightening Sheetmask with Blueberries & Yogurt1 Fine lines minimizing Sheetmask with Avocado & Collagen1 Firming Sheetmask with Pomegranate & Hyaluronic Acid1 Age-Defying Sheetmask with Red Wine & Retinol1 Natural glow Sheetmask with Wild Rose & Vitamin C1 Hydrating Sheetmask with Almond Oil & Vitamin E9 out of 10 women felt their skin smoother, clearer and brighter.
8 out of 10 women showed a diminishing of the appearance of fine lines.

(In a consumer perception survey of 33 women who used the product 3 times a week for 2 weeks).
Parabens free, Gluten free, No GMO's.

First Impressions

Since I started using face masks last year there's been no turning back! I've seen so many positive results since I started using them. Since it's Fall I'm glad this is a gel mask since some clay masks tend to be a little drying to my skin once the weather turns cooler.

Final Thoughts

Overall I can't wait to try the products in this box! I mentioned that the Derma E Detox Scrub is one my favorite products. The products sound promising and I look forward to testing them more in depth! Once again you can find all these products at your local ULTA or ulta.com.

Projects with Pilar: Fall DIY Decor

Hello Everyone!

It seems like it's been forever since I did a DIY post! Over the past few weeks I've been working on a few new Fall projects that I wanted to share in today's post!

For the past two years during Fall, I used the same flowers, but different arrangements for the front door wreath. This year I wanted to do something totally different. I used maple leaves, glitter pumpkins and glitter leaves. I thought the glitter pumpkin ribbon would look nice for hanging the door wreath. 

I'm always Thankful. This is sign is most likely to displayed in the kitchen since a lot of my decor in the kitchen is blue. Those pumpkins were originally speckled orange, but I didn't like the color so I painted them white instead.

When I first bought the orange pumpkin I had no clue of what I wanted to do with it, but I did know I was going to make it into a DIY project. The candle stand is an old DIY project and I just painted it white and used the left over ribbon from the door wreath to make a bow. 

Bonus Fall DIY

Here are some glitter leaves that I made into refrigerator magnets. I have more Fall magnets, but I'll show those in another post.

Have a wonderful October!

September 2018 Posts

FabFitFun Fall 2018

Coconut Lime Eye Makeup

BH Cosmetics Galaxy Chic Palette Tutorial

Hurricane Preparations 2018

Update: Hurricane Florence

Bath & Body Works Fall Candle Haul 2018

Urban Decay Elements Palette

Target Bullseye Playground Haul: Fall Edition

My Life in September 2018

My Life in September 2018

Hello Everyone!

It's time for another monthly lifestyle post! This month was a pretty good month. Sure I've been sick from a sinus infection and general sinus and allergy issues, but I always count my blessings. Remember to keep those who were affected by Hurricane Florence in your thoughts and prayers (if you pray...as always I don't push my religious beliefs off on anyone).

A Makeup look using Urban Decay Elements Palette 

Chick Fil A for lunch with my mama

I ate quite a few salads this month

A morning slush for a hot day

I'm still in awe that I have this beautiful palette from Urban Decay in my collection! Love the Elements Palette! Thanks again Urban Decay!!

FabFitFun sent over their awesome Fall 2018 box! So many goodies! Thanks again FabFitFun! As a gift to my followers and readers FFF gave me a discount code: PILAR to receive $10 off of your first box. You're first box will only be $39.99! For purchase FabFitFun Boxes and information visit their website fabfitfun.com

At the dealership getting a rental until the car is fixed.

2018 Chevy Equinox. This is a really nice SUV!

Summer Sunset

Fall Sunset

Part of my Target Bullseye Playground Haul

Preparations for Hurricane Florence 

The car packed up and ready to go. I went with my mom to her job since the lights were prone to go out in my area and possible flooding. Thankfully Hurricane Florence wasn't too bad in my area.

Thanks for stopping by my blog! Wishing everyone a wonderful October!

September 2018 Posts

FabFitFun Fall 2018

Coconut Lime Eye Makeup

BH Cosmetics Galaxy Chic Palette Tutorial

Hurricane Preparations 2018

Update: Hurricane Florence

Bath & Body Works Fall Candle Haul 2018

Urban Decay Elements Palette

Target Bullseye Playground Haul: Fall Edition

Hello Everyone!

Who else loves Target's Bullseye Playground? Well I know that I do! A few weeks ago...and recently lol, I went Target hopping to 3 different locations to check out the Dollar Spot. When I went to the 3rd Target, I got there just in time that morning because the sales associate was stocking the Dollar Spot! I was excited since this never happens to me. I got first dibs on the products! A week later I went to the Target that I normally visit, and they were stocking the Dollar Spot as well! As you may tell I visited the different locations a few times over the past month!

Target #1

Not my favorite Target, let's see what they have inside

This Target just had a lot of Halloween items.

More Halloween Items

Target #2

Bright and Sunny Day to go to Target lol. This Target is okay. This Target just restocks the same things over and over.

Halloween Items

So many cute Fall items! 

Target Cafe

Target #3

Last, but not least my favorite Target! 

I didn't want to take pictures of the Dollar Spot during this trip since the Target sales associate was stocking and I wanted to respect her privacy.

Another day when I went to Target 

Fall 2018

Halloween items

Haul Time!

Some of the items in my haul

Part 1: so many goodies for Fall! Signs, Halloween Decor, pumpkins, ceramic dishes, tray, fruit holder, and cookbook stand

Part 2: signs and decor

I plan on painting those orange speckled pumpkins white.

Part 3: more signs and a new ceramic mug

Since I was sick with that sinus infection and now regular sinus problems, and preparing for Hurricane Florence the other week, I haven't had much time to decorate for Fall. Once I'm fully better I know I'll have more energy and be focused to decorate for my favorite season. Once I finish I'll likely do some kind of Fall home decorations post! 

What did you get from the bullseye playground at Target?

September 2018 Posts

FabFitFun Fall 2018

Coconut Lime Eye Makeup

BH Cosmetics Galaxy Chic Palette Tutorial

Hurricane Preparations 2018

Update: Hurricane Florence

Bath & Body Works Fall Candle Haul 2018

Urban Decay Elements Palette