August 17, 2018

My Favorite Things - Beauty Edition 2018


I decided to put together a list of some of my favorite beauty products that I am using right now.

Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer with SPF 30 (Not in Image).
I have been using Olay's moisturizer with SPF 30 for over 15 years every day. Before using this, I used Pond's moisturizing cream for years, but unfortunately it did not have SPF. Olay's Moisturizer with SPF is not only moisturizing, but it is also light, so I don't feel like it is clogging my pores. I use it as soon as I finish washing my face in the morning. I wait about 15 minutes and then apply my makeup over it.  It also has Vitamin E, B3, aloe, and it is oil-free and my face feels so soft.

OleHenriksen Truth Serum.
Olehenriksen truth serum contains vitamin c, collagen, orange, and green tea extracts. Since using it I noticed my face looks brighter and more hydrated. I use it right before I put my Olay Moisturizer on and I also put it on after I wash my face before I go to bed.

Peter Thomas Roth Hydra-Gell Eye Patches.
These Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydra-Gel Eye Patches come with 60 patches (30 pairs) are so hydrating and cooling. I only use them about once or twice a month or when needed. These eye patches are perfect for hydrating under the eye, crow’s feet, and under-eye darkness. It contains ceramide NP, collagen, and marshmallow root extract to help smooth and soften the look of fine lines. Caffeine helps de-puff the look of the eye area. Arnica helps diminish the appearance of dark circles. 

Kopari Coconut Melt.
I heard great things about Kopari's Coconut Melt. It is 100% pure, organic, and unrefined coconut oil.  And I use it for pretty much everything. I use it as a hair mask, my skin, cuticles, lips.
And I love that it is sustainably source, hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and organic.

Essie Nail Polish.
Essie's brand of nail polish is one of my favorites. I found a great deal on some of my favorite colors for my hands, such as Limo-Scene, Ballet Slippers, Mademoiselle, Vanity Fairest, and Marshmallow. I usually wear light colors on my hands and dark or fun colors on my toes.

Coola Radical Recovery After-Sun Lotion
It's an ultra-moisturizing lotion that uses organic aloe vera and lavender oil to defend against environmental aggressors and calm sunburns. I do my best to be very careful when I am out in the sun to avoid sunburns. I wear hats, sunscreen, long sleeves, but sometimes, even I get burned on certain areas that I missed. I use Coola's Radical Recovery After-Sun lotion right after and have found that I have quicker recovery and it hydrates the skin.

Becca X Chrissy Teigen Glow Face Palette.
This is a limited-edition palette, created in collaboration with model Chrissy Teigen.
I love that it is for the entire face, there is a highlighter, blush, and bronzer.  The are two Pressed Highlighters, one in Rose Gold (subtle gold with rose) and the other is Beach Nectar (bronzy apricot with gold). The Blush is Hibiscus Bloom, which is a golden-pink coral color. The Bronzer is Malibu Soleil, which is a medium amber. I use this palette almost every day and absolutely love it. I might get one more to have as it is limited edition and I don't want to be without this one.

Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara
My absolute favorite mascara. I have tried countless mascaras and this one is the best one I have ever tried. It elongates, thickens, and curls my eyelashes.


Not Your Mother's Blonde Moment Treatment Shampoo
During the summer months I lighten my hair a bit and this is a great shampoo to neutralize brassiness and hydrate. It is infused with dark violet pigment to prevent brassiness & and gives a cooler tone to brassiness that happens to my hair.

August 12, 2018

Chocolate Peanut Butter and Banana Oatmeal Breakfast


Almost every morning for breakfast I make the yummiest treat with organic oatmeal (1/2 a cup) that I put in the microwave for about 2 1/2 minutes with water (I just eye it and make sure that all of my oatmeal is submerged in. Next, I add the toppings.  

My current favorite toppings are Trader Joe's Crunchy Peanut Butter with Flax and Chia Seeds. It is not as sweet a traditional peanut butter and I love it.


Next, I add a half of a banana, dab of honey, shredded coconut, fresh fruit (if I have any), and top it with chocolate granola.


I buy Target's Archer Farms "Double Chocolate Chunk" granola.  It is so delicious. I look forward to breakfast every morning. Isn't that what life is all about, enjoying what makes us happy and this my friends bring a smile to my fave every morning.

It is very filling and has lots of protein and fiber. I have tried quite a bit of granola and many times my stomach hurts a bit after eating it. I don't have that problem with this granola.