Thankful

Hello Everyone!

For today's Thanksgiving Inspired post, I wanted to write my yearly thankful post. Sometimes it's so easy to get consumed with all the negative things going in the world, but I always count my blessings. It's so important to be thankful everyday. Can you believe Thanksgiving is exactly a week from today?

Home

Home is where there is love, and where you are loved. Materials things don't make a home. Love is part of what makes a home.

Family 

Family doesn't have to be blood related. Family are the people who are there for you , love you, and share a bond with you.

Harvest

Food comes to mind when people typically think of harvest. There are so many people who are hungry and have nothing to eat. Please donate to you local food banks, churches, shelters, etc. They need various types of donations in addition to food all during the year, not just during the holidays.

Make a positive difference in this world

Do good in this world. People can be so cruel and uncaring. Hug the ones you love, apologize to those you hurt, and most importantly forgive those who hurt you. I've said this before forgiveness is not about the other person. Forgiveness is about you and your ability to move on from the pain someone caused you. Be kind to others, but don't forget to be kind and gentle to yourself.

I'm a believer that saying is true. The things we take for granted someone wish they had. No one is perfect, but what you have today, may not be here tomorrow. Remember, don't take people and things for granted.

Next Thursday as we give thanks and approach the holiday season, let us not forget those who are ill, those who are no longer with us, etc. I want to wish you all a very blessed (if you believe in God), and wonderful Thanksgiving!



November 2018 Posts

My Life in October in 2018

Come Along with Me! Christmas Previews 2018

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser and Foaming Scrub

Aromatherapy Love: Rose and Vanilla Collection

Zoya Jubilee Holiday 2018 Collection 

Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving

Tips for Hosting Thanksgiving

Hello Everyone!

Thanksgiving Meal 2017

Since Thanksgiving is right around the corner, my next few posts will be focused on Thanksgiving. Today I wanted to share a few tips on hosting a hopefully stress free Thanksgiving. This post has tips for hosting holiday guest and gatherings in general.

Set a menu and write down your grocery list

Example Thanksgiving Grocery List

I may only be 32 years old, but yes I'm still one of those people that will still handwrite my grocery list. I always have and I proably always will. I can't express the importance of composing your grocery list. Thanksgiving planning can get hectic so plan your list and take it with you while you shop. There's nothing worse than either getting to the store and forgetting your list or trying to remember items and forgetting what you need.

Recruit help if you need it

After years of doing prep work and helping my mama cook, I can pretty much handle Thanksgiving by myself. If you're not good or advanced with cooking or you get frustrated cooking, ask for help. You really don't need to be overwhelmed, especially during the holidays.

Early Cooking

When I was growing up and even now some of the Thanksgiving food was prepared and cooked a day or two prior to Thanksgiving. For example we always cook the Turkey Breast the Morning of Thanksgiving and the Ham the night before. Foods like macaroni and cheese, and desserts can be prepared early...just not too early as I stated before.

Clean and (decorate optional) your home 

I'm a neat freak, so I like things clean, neat, and tidy, but you should clean your home especially when you're expecting guest. If you're not one of these people that like seasonal decor decorating can be optional for you. Also if you're entertaining out of town overnight guest, make sure you have clean linen, towels, etc. Make your guests feel welcome.

Set your table/have dinnerware 

If you're eating at a table, set your table, and if you're more non traditional make sure your guest have the required dinnerware. In my house we usually eat off dinner plates and use glassware for the holidays, except last year. Last year's Thankgsgiving was very laid back. You don't have to go the traditional route if you're using foam plates and plastic ware etc.

Set a dinner time and try to stick with it

Let's be honest here nobody wants to come to Thanksgiving dinner and the dinner starts hours later. Setting a time for dinner sets boundaries.

Enjoy your Holiday

A feast, giving thanks, and spending time with family and friends can be so special! Wishing everyone a chaotic free and wonderful Thanksgiving!


November 2018 Posts

My Life in October in 2018

Come Along with Me! Christmas Previews 2018

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser and Foaming Scrub

Aromatherapy Love: Rose and Vanilla Collection

Zoya Jubilee Holiday 2018 Collection

Aromatherapy Love: Rose and Vanilla Collection

Hello Everyone!

Over the Summer, Bath & Body Works released their new Rose line of fragrances. I'm typically not a Rose scent type of girl, but the new Aromatherapy Love: Rose and Vanilla smells absolutely AMAZING!

Summer Display 2018

Aromatherapy Love: Rose and Vanilla Collection 

My Thoughts

I really don't like comparing other items when talking about a specific product, but just like the focus and sleep aromatherapy line, these products just smell good... That's it. I'm not necessarily complaining, but I would appreciate if these products were moisturizing and lasted longer. When I wear this fragrance I get so many compliments. The scent is a perfect blend of vanilla and rose without being overpowering. Did you know you can use the pillow mist as a body spray?! Just like the Aromatherapy products, I usually buy these items during a $5.00 or $6.00 sale or as a free item with a coupon.

I wasn't a fan of the candles on a cold sniff, but the scent grew on me. These candles smell similar to the body care items, but I can tell a difference.  The candles still have a wonderful scent and fill a room very quickly!

November 2018 Posts

My Life in October in 2018

Come Along with Me! Christmas Previews 2018

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser and Foaming Scrub

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser and Foaming Scrub

Hello Everyone!

*Disclaimer: I partnered with @Neutrogena to review their  Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser and Foaming Scrub. #PinkPowerUp I want to thank Neutrogena for sending these products for review. All opinions are 100% my own. Product information is provided by neutrogena.com

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser

Neutrogena Oil-free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit clears breakouts with an uplifting blast of pink grapefruit. With maximum strength Salicylic Acid acne medicine, this formula powerfully treats and helps prevent breakouts – even blackheads. Its unique formula contains naturally derived grapefruit extract and Vitamin C, to eliminate oil and dirt. Rinses clean, without over-drying.

Oil-free

Non-comedogenic (won't clog pores)

Salicylic Acid

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub:

The Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Foaming Scrub powerfully clears blemishes and blackheads with maximum strength Salicylic Acid acne-fighting medicine plus an uplifting blast of grapefruit. With naturally derived grapefruit extract plus vitamin C, this oil-free scrub features gentle exfoliators that smooth away roughness without over-drying or irritating acne-prone skin.

Oil-free

Salicylic Acid Acne treatment

Does not contain plastic microbeads

My Thoughts

I love that these Neutrogena products contain extracts of grapefruit and salicylic acne treatment. It's been known that some citrus fruits such as grapefruit can help reduce hyperpigmentation.  I usually have hyperpigmentation issues on my cheeks during PMS, and last week was no different.  I noticed a change after using both products. The dark spots were fading quicker than usual.

Both products are oil free acne washes which is good for me because during PMS I have acne prone oily skin. I use products with Salicylic acid since salicylic acid may helps reduce my acne acne temporarily. Over the course of last week, I  used these products every other day since salicylic acid tends to dry my skin. By using these products every other day, my skin doesn't feel dry. Outside of PMS week, I'll only use a facial scrub once or twice a week. The cleansers makes my face feel refreshed and the scrub is gentle and lathers well.  I thought these products were going to have a strong grapefruit scent. The grapefruit smells really good and  the scent isn't overpowering, or at least to me the scent isn't too strong.

If you have combination skin (normal/oily) like I have, this cleanser and scrub may work well for you. Both products are oil free, but as I mentioned they're not drying. the Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Acne Wash Cleanser and Acne Wash Scrub have become a staple in my skincare routine!

Come Along with Me! Christmas Previews 2018

Hello Everyone!

For the past month or so when I went to a few stores I took pictures of their Christmas displays etc. I also picked up a few items here and there. Hobby Lobby, Walmart, Dollar Tree, and Ulta are the stores in this post.

Since the theme for Winter/Christmas in my are silver, teal, and royal blue, this display quickly caught my attention. I think that I like Winter Wonderland themes since it doesn't show here too often. 

Glass, silver, and metal Christmas decor 

Classical Christmas 

Who else love Winter flowers? 

I purchased these products at the end of August. Don't judge me lol! Also, you may have noticed those pink ornaments. Stay tuned!

Walmart

Walmart recently stocked their Christmas decor the day I went. 

Such cute decor! Side note I keep telling myself that I'm going to make a gingerbread house. I haven't made one since I was little.

Wooden Christmas Decor

Shatterproof ornaments

I love that most of the items are reasonably priced. 

Dollar Tree 

I noticed that the local Dollar Trees I went to only had a few Christmas items displayed. I guess this year the stores were more focused on Halloween.

A few more Christmas items. 

Ulta

I even added Ulta to the list this year for Christmas displays!

This is a bottle of lotion shaped like a Christmas ornament. It's so pretty, and the lotion smells good too! I forgot the name

I absolutely love the quality of ECO Tools brushes, and these brush sets are gorgeous! Underneath are beautiful brush sets from Real Techniques. This is another brand of brushes that I like.

Hair care products

It Cosmetics and Too Faced

The makeup bags for the brushes are so pretty and sparkly!

Jaclyn Hill and Morphe Palettes

Small Christmas Haul

The HAULidays are coming!

I love plain ornaments don't get me wrong, but I have a few DIY's in mind!

I have so many ideas and projects that I want to do for Christmas! For those of you that may be wondering, yes I've started on Christmas DIY's

Another DIY project!

I loved these snowflakes so much last year! I wanted to get a few more for the tree this year!

November 2018 Posts

My Life in October in 2018

Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser and Foaming Scrub

October 2018 Posts

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

The Best Version of Yourself

Fall Decorate with Me!

Urban Decay Naked Cherry Collection

Cherry Inspired Makeup Looks Feat. Urban Decay Naked Cherry Collection

Fall Ulta Haul 2018

Halloween Decor 2018

Happy Halloween from the Ice Queen!

My Life in October 2018