A Mother's Day Message For My Mom

Hello Everyone!

A yellow frosted cupcake for my mom. She loves the color yellow

Today's post is dedicated to my mother. Since Mother's Day is this upcoming Sunday, I thought it was a perfect time to post this dedication. I always put God first in my life, and next comes my mom. I'm a mama's girl, and my mom is my best friend. No mother daughter relationship is perfect, but for the most part I'm very close to my mother. It's kind of funny because a lot of people think my mom is my sister (my mom had me 20 exactly two weeks to the date before her 21st birthday. I look a lot like her, and she looks young).

Throwback picture of my beautiful mom from 2008

She has truly been a rock of support throughout my whole life. She has wiped away many of my tears, calmed my fears, celebrated my accomplishments, encouraged me throughout my failures and so on. My mom has been my biggest inspiration since I was a little girl, and I admire her very much. I don't have any children of my own yet, but I can only hope that I will be a great mother to my own children one day, as my mom is a great mother to me.

I remember specifically 2010 my Senior year second semester in college I started freaking out about everything. I had no job lined up after graduation in my field, I was ending a friendship with my best friend at the time, I wasn't sleeping well, I was forgetting to eat and I called my mom at 3 in the morning in complete hysterics meltdown mode. She calmly told me that everything was going to be alright and that she loved me. Sometimes you just want your Mom. I went to college in my hometown. For the few times a call wasn't enough my mom was there knocking on my dorm room to make sure I was okay.

Last year's Mother's Day gifts for my mom

Having depression for half of my life, and having anxiety the past 10 years has been very challenging. My mom has always been the one to remind me that I'm much more than my mental health issues. Sometimes even now I need to be reminded of that. She has told me that no matter what life throws at me, I can get through it.

Mother's Day Weekend 2018 when my mom cut her hair

My mom taught me at an early age that in life nothing is just handed to you, and life doesn't owe you anything.  You have to work hard for the things you want to accomplish in life.  She taught me to be independent, but if I need help it's okay to ask for it.
Honestly I'm glad my mom instilled these values of life within in me because it prepared me for the real world. When I need to hear the truth whether I ask for it or not, my mom is always going to be 100% honest. Even with some of the fears I have as an adult she always says I can do anything through Christ that strengthens me. Give my fears to God, pray about it, and go to sleep. It's very humbling to have Christ in my heart. It's also very humbling to knowing that my mom loves me unconditionally.

As Mother Day approaches, Mama I want you to know I celebrate you on Mother's Day and everyday of the year. I cherish all the happy moments, I push through the tough moments, and throughout it all you're always there showing love and support. I strive to continue to make you proud as your daughter. Your love, hugs, sacrifices, and strength throughout the years are greatly appreciated. Thank you mama for everything that you do. Words can't express how much you mean to me. You are a beautiful person inside and out. I love you so much 💛💛

Wishing my mother, and all mother's and mother figures etc. a wonderful day. Enjoy your upcoming day ladies!


May 2019 Posts

Hello May

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Clinique Skincare and Makeup

Clinique Skincare and Makeup

Hello Everyone!

Clinique is one of my favorite high end skincare and makeup brands.I have a long history with this brand! Depending on what you're buying Clinique can be a little pricey, but for the most part I've been able to save money with Clinique recently sending a few products and discount/rewards at Ulta. All the Clinique Links below are from Ulta's website.  

Clinique Skincare

I remember using a few of my mama's Clinique products when I was a teenager. I may have even snuck a few of my mom's Clinique skincare products when I went off to college lol. The skincare products below in asterisks were sent to me from Clinique except for one of the of the towelettes.

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

* Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips

* Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly 1.7 oz Tube 

In speaking of the towelettes, they're really good to use to remove makeup or to refresh your face. These are going to be good to use during the Summer. I also like these towelettes don't leave my face feeling dry. I do think the towelettes are a little pricey ($14.50), but they're worth it.

I absolutely love the makeup remover! If you use liquid lipstick or lipstick that stains this will makeup remover will take it off easily.
I've been using the samples of the hydrating jelly and my skin feels so hydrated. I'm glad this product lives up to it's claims. You can use this before you put on your makeup, but I typically like to use this at night or in the morning after I cleanse my face.

Clinique Clarifying Lotion 1- Very Dry to Dry 6.7 oz

Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2- Dry Combination 6.7 oz

Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3- Combination Oily 6.7 oz

Clinique Clarifying Lotion 4 - For Oily Skin 6.7 oz


In my opinion to have flawless makeup you should have a skincare routine. Using a good cleanser helps decrease oil and bacteria. I usually have combination skin, but I think it's good to have all four clarifying lotions. When my skin is oily, the cleanser reduces oil without making my skin feel dry. When my skin is dry the cleanser replenishes hydration.

Clinique Makeup

Clinique Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15 (WN 98 Cream Caramel: medium, warm-neutral undertones)

Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer (Cream Caramel: medium, warm-neutral undertones)

Clinique Stay Matte Sheer Pressed Powder (04 Stay Honey)

A few months ago I was looking for a few new foundations and makeup powders to try. When I went to Ulta, I asked for a few samples for two different Clinique foundations. After using each foundation sample for about a week, I went back to get the full sized bottles. I love how Clinique's foundation feels and looks natural on my face. Since it's already hot and humid here, these lightweight foundations will be good to using during the Summer.

What are your favorite Clinique Products?



May 2019 Posts 

Hello May

May is Mental Health Awareness Month 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Hello Everyone!

Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month? I was going to write about this topic last year, but if you remember in one of my recent posts I mentioned this time last year I was an emotional mess. Everytime I would start typing I would start to cry. I guess I was crying because I was letting depression and anxiety get the best of me. Thankfully I don't feel like that now.

Strength and Wisdom

I actually had a counseling appointment yesterday morning with my new counselor. It was best I switched counselors because my last counselor wasn't beneficial to my treatment. He was very negative and somewhat rude. I've been in counseling throughout college so I know how it goes. Some counselors will work for you, and others will not, and that's okay. I mentioned last year that I felt hopeful at my first session, and I did, but just not with my old counselor's method of treatment.

New fish tank in the waiting room at the doctor's office

I've only had one session with my new counselor, but for the first time since last Summer I feel like I truly can express my feelings and talk about my thoughts.

A butterfly represents many things such as endurance, change, hope, and life.

Examples of things you shouldn't say to someone with mental health issues

You're so dramatic...

You'll get over it...

There are people who have real problems...

Just shake it off...

You don't look like you have anxiety or depression...

Speaking from personal experience these are some of the things that I've heard from people over the years. If you're wondering I no longer associate with those people. Having mental health issues can be sensitive topic for some people to discuss, so please think about the things you say to someone.

I find it troubling that in 2019 that mental health is still considered taboo. I don't understand why there is such a stigma about mental health. This is a topic that should be discussed more. Education and awareness about mental health is so important.

Life happens and sometimes you need help to cope. There are days I feel great and there are days I don't feel so great. Over the years I've learned to keep my emotions in perspective and not lash out when people don't understand depression and anxiety.  Kindness, patience, and understanding can make all the difference in helping someone with mental health issues and helping yourself with mental health issues.

I'm glad there is a month to focus on mental health in the community, but this is a topic that needs attention in general. Please educate yourself about mental illness. Check on your loved ones, friends, etc.
If you're struggling with mental illness there is treatment. You don't have to suffer in silence or struggle alone.


Here are a few of my motivational/mental health etc. Related posts

Counseling

Surviving Domestic Violence (2017)
Surviving Domestic Violence: One Year Later (2018)

Reflections 2018/Almost 33 Years Old

Planning and Goals 2019

What is Love

A Different Direction

April is Stress Awareness Month

Courage Believe Inspire

Rediscovery

Soak up the Sun


May 2019 Post

Hello May

Hello May

Hello Everyone!

Happy 1st day of May! I went to CVS over the weekend and I came across Milani's new Bold Matte Lipsticks. I love the inspirational theme of these lipsticks. Since I love nude lipsticks I picked up "I Am Awesome" (I saved money with coupons and extra care bucks) I think that we as people need to remember that we are awesome. Self confidence and positive self esteem are very important in molding who we are and how we feel about ourselves.

I am fabulous, you are fabulous 

Life is full of distractions. There's no denying that fact. When I wrote my Rediscovery Post, I was this path of self awareness and self assurance. I'm still on that path. Over the past few months I've become a better friend to myself. I love all that I am, and all that I'm becoming. 

A new month means new opportunities. I mentioned at the beginning of the year that my word for 2019 would be opportunity.  I stated in April's Montlhy Lifestyle Post, April was an alright month, but I'm speaking it into existence this month will be even better! This morning started off a little rocky, but I pushed through it. As the sun sets on another day, I am grateful and look forward to opportunities tomorrow will bring 💛


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

Sunday Night Skincare Routine

Avengers: Endgame

Sample This

My Life in April 2019

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