Moderna Vaccine: My Experience

 Hello Everyone!

Today I'm going to share my experience with the Moderna Vaccine. As of October 6th, I'm fully vaccinated. I was debating if I wanted to post this topic, since it's been a lot of drama concerning this vaccine.

I feel like this, yes I decided to get the Moderna Vaccine, but am I going to condemn those who don't?  Absolutely not. It's not my place to judge anyone if they decide or not decided to get vaccinated regarding Covid. You have to do what's best for you and your family etc. This is a judge free zone. However, if you don't get vaccinated I think you should wear a mask to protect yourself and others. I'm still wearing my mask in general.

I don't think that it's fair to blame the rise of Covid solely on unvaccinated people. At one point we all were unvaccinated since researchers were still developing a vaccine last year. Honestly pointing fingers isn't going to solve anything. People who are fully vaccine can still get a breakthrough case of Covid-19, but hopefully won't get as sick.

1st Moderna Shot: 9/7/21

The shot itself wasn't bad at all. My arm did start itching a few hours later and I had low grade fever. I felt tired for a few days, a little nauseated, and my arm was sore.

2nd Moderna Shot: 10/6/21

This shot hurt a little bit. My arm started itching withing 30 minutes of getting the shot (nothing more than itching) I took a Benadryl Tablet and that helped. I was more tired with this shot and I slept a lot. I don't think it was the Benadryl because I only took one tablet. My arm was swollen where the shot was administered and my arm sore for 4 days. Lifting my arm hurt so much, but Tylenol helped.

Thankfully I didn't experience that many issues with the Moderna Vaccine. I took a few days to get extra rest with each vaccine. Since I have nutrient deficiencies, I was worried about getting the vaccine, but it went okay. I don't have any regrets, and it's too soon for me to get the booster shot. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

Did you get the vaccine? Why or why not? Remember this is a judge free zone, you can be opinionated, but please be respectful in the comments.

Finding Myself After Domestic Violence

 Hello Everyone!

During the 8 years I've been blogging I try to focus on social issues. Domestic Violence is one topic that I have discussed before and after I found myself getting out of a domestic violence relationship. 4 years ago I shared my own personal story. In my initial post when I first shared my story in 2017,  I mentioned that most of the domestic violence I endured was verbal, emotional and mental abuse. 

My Original drawing I created for Domestic Violence Awareness in 2019

Dealing with a narcissistic abuser is exhausting, and it took time for me to find myself again. All the I love yous wasn't enough to make me stay especially when his actions didn't reflect the word love. One thing I did once I ended things is make myself a priority again. I've said this numerous times on my blog, self care isn't selfish.

Unbeknownst to me at the time I didn't realize that I wasn't making myself a priority. All the negativity took a toll on my self esteem and the perception I had for myself. I began to get back to doing things that I loved. I started putting on makeup and dressing cute again just because.  Anytime I started to feel depressed, I thought about how good my life was going to be without him in it. I allowed myself to acknowledge my feelings, but I refused to stay in a dark lonely place. As I mention that was 4 years ago. 

You can find happiness after domestic violence. You have to start with yourself. Self love and self care are two elements that are so important. I love myself enough to know that I deserve to be happy.

Surviving Domestic Violence (2017)

Surviving Domestic Violence: One Year Later (2018)

Surviving Domestic Violence: Two Years Later (2019)

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month (2020)

Glowing Fall Makeup

 Hello Everyone!

It's seems like forever since I last did a makeup look on my blog. Today I wanted to share my latest makeup look I created. Summer is over, but you still wear a glowy makeup look during the Fall. 

Since it's Fall and it's not been humid I wanted to try out Tarte's Amazonian Clay Foundation. It's a full coverage foundation and it applies flawlessly. I typically keep my foundation light to medium coverage since it's so humid here, but I do like when I can wear full coverage foundations that don't feel heavy on my face. I also paired my favorite concealer, Tarte Shape Tape Concealer to go with this look. 35F Fall Into Fabulous Artistry Palette is one of my favorite palette to use during the Fall. I've had this palette for a few years and it has so many beautiful shimmer shadows.

DERMA E recently released their New Nourish & Glow Skin Illuminators from DERMA E in partnership with Celebrity Makeup Artist @colbymakeup and Beauty Guru @makeupjackyluvv!! These highlighters are so pretty! They apply smoothly and both highlighters are creamy in texture and very pigmented. As I mentioned Summer is over, but these highlighters are luminous. Both highlighters will look great with fall makeup looks or you can wear these highlighters without makeup. Either way, your skin will have a healthy looking glow. You can check them out on www.dermae.com

First Weekend of Fall 2021

 Hello Everyone!

The sunny and cool weather in South Carolina has been absolutely beautiful the past few days. I saw on the news it won't last, but I can enjoy the beautiful weather while it lasts.

Since the weather has been fall-like, I've been going on morning walks the past few days. These were gifted to me, but if you're looking for cute and comfy Activewear check out adoreme.com 

I also can't forget about how much I love this cozy oversized waffle knit sleepshirt. It's lightweight, yet warm. The perfect sleepshirt for those cool fall nights.

Publix is one of favorite grocery stores, and I tried their glazed donuts for the first time the other day and the donuts were soooooo good! 

I spent a good bit of this afternoon opening, organizing, and planning for some upcoming PR Sample Posts etc. As always thank you to the brands that send over products for me to review etc.

I also spent some of the afternoon organizing makeup as well. So far I just reorganized some brushes and a few palettes. I wanted to take out more Fall related makeup products so they'll be on hand.

The Original MakeUp Eraser

 Hello Everyone!

*Disclaimer: This post contains PR Samples and affiliate links from MakeUp Eraser. I may earn money from the company mentioned in this post. I would like to thank MakeUp Eraser for sending these products. All opinions are 100% my own. Product information, courtesy of makeuperaser.com  #sponsoredpost #MakeUpEraser

I typically use makeup remover and makeup remover wipes, and cotton rounds/cotton balls to take off my makeup. Today I wanted to focus on a few products from MakeUp Eraser. 

Photo Courtesy of makeuperaser.com 

Photo Courtesy of makeuperaser.com 

 

Photo Courtesy of makeuperaser.com  

The Original MakeUp Eraser 

MakeUp Eraser comes in a variety of different colors and patterns. I choose the solid pink, white, and black colors.

The Original Pink MakeUp Eraser 

Cute floral headband from MakeUp Eraser 

Does MakeUp Eraser Work? 

YES!! Makeup removal has never been easier until I started using MakeUp Eraser. MakeUp Eraser removes all my makeup and leaves my face feeling so clean and smooth. I've been using MakeUp Eraser for about a week and I noticed my complexion also looks better.

I really like the simplicity of MakeUp Eraser, just add warm water and wipe away all of my makeup. I'm very impressed with how easy it is to remove my eye makeup. I'm very impressed that I didn't have to tug or pull at my delicate eye area to remove my makeup with MakeUp Eraser. If I'm using darker eyeshadows it can be a challenge to remove all the makeup with a cotton wipe or cotton round. MakeUp Eraser also helps reduce the amount of time it usually takes me to remove my makeup. 

I also like that MakeUp Eraser is Eco friendly since the cloth is machine washable and reusable. I've been trying to use more Eco friendly and vegan makeup products accessories. MakeUp Eraser is also 100% vegan.

The Sponge by MakeUp Eraser 

I also wanted to review MakeUp Eraser Sponge. Washing makeup brushes and sponges can be such a chore, so I love the concept of a machine washable and dryable makeup sponge. 

The sponge it's self is pretty durable, and it applies powder, foundation, and concealer well. The sponge absorbs foundation and concealer well without absorbing too much product. The sponge makes applying powder effortlessly. 

I've been using the sponge for about a week, so I decided to put it in the washing machine. The sponge looked brand new. The sponge came out really clean and so soft. The sponge didn't tear after washing or drying in either machines. Overall all the products I've been using from MakeUp Eraser are great quality and I look forward to continuing using these products in my beauty routine. For more information about MakeUp Eraser and my affiliate link, Click Here

End of Summer

 Hello Everyone!

I hope you're doing well! Let's catch up! The last time I wrote a post was on July 27th commemorating my blog's 8th anniversary! I mentioned that I was still taking time off my blog, but now I'm back.

I think every now and again it's good to disconnect from Social Media. There so much going on in the world right and inner peace is much needed. I watch the local news, CNN, etc, but I do limit myself. I like to stay informed, but it's also important to not get overwhelmed. 

Yesterday marked 20 years since 9/11. I spent a good bit of yesterday offline. 20 years later it's still hard to process that awful day in history. I remember being at school 15 years old in the 10th grade. As many people are saying "I remember that day just like yesterday."  9/11 is a day we remember those lives lost and the survivors and their love ones etc, but 9/11 is also a reminder to value and love the people we care about.  

I look at all the tension and division the world is experiencing. Whether it's racial discrimination and injustices, the Covid Vaccines and mask mandates, to general politics. The world has become so divided. Are we all supposed to agree on everything, no and is it okay to have a difference of opinion, yes. You can disagree with someone even if they're wrong, but keep it respectful. 

As I mentioned back in May, I took time off my blog for my well being and mental health. I needed a break. Over the past year, I've been focusing more on self care and I can tell a difference in how I feel.

The weather has been nice outside the past few days. There has even been a bit of a cool breeze in the air during the morning. I know the heat and humidity will likely return this week, but it does feel nice to wear a comfy oversized knit sleepshirt during the cooler nights and mornings.

Since this post is called End of Summer, I thought I would share one of my favorite Summer snacks, Boiled Peanuts! I've been eating boiled peanuts since I was a little girl. I guess you can call me true South Carolina Girl for my love of boiled peanuts (and of course Carolina Chopped BBQ!). Summer is almost, and look forward to (hopefully) cooler Fall days!

Happy 8th Blogiversary to Beauty and More by Pilar!

 Hello Everyone!

Long time no see! I hope that you all have been doing well! If you read my last post back in May I mentioned that I was taking a break. I'm still taking a hiatus, but I didn't want to let today pass without celebrating my 8th Blogiversary. I started my blog on July 27th 2013. There was no significant reason I chose that day to begin my blog, but July 27th has become significant to me ove the past 8 years. 

A Blogiversary Gift

In a world we're we often face so many of life's challenges and even chaos, it's so important that you celebrate yourself and your accomplishments, big or small an accomplishment is an accomplishment.

These past 8 years I brought you along on various journeys. I've shared some of my experiences coping with anxiety and depression, inspirational posts, fashion, cooking, and my first love...all things beauty related. Makeup was the main reason I wanted to start my blog. I wanted to share my love for makeup and skincare, but I also knew I wanted to explore and discuss other topics here on my blog as well.

Recent PR Samples from Too Faced, Plum Beauty, CVS Beauty, and Adore Me

First I want to thank those in my life that support my blogging and encourage me to continue to do things that I love. Second I want to thank all the brands that I have worked with past and present. I appreciate you sending PR Samples/Products, sponsoring, and valuing my opinion to share with my audience. Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank you all for taking time to visit, read, and comment on my blog! I appreciate you all so much! I hope that when you visit my blog that you enjoy and find inspiration from my posts. Here's to another wonderful year of blogging!

As I mentioned I'm still on a hiatus on my blog, but I will be back soon! ❤

Pilar