My Skincare Routine
First off, none of this is sponsored. I just wanted to share my skincare routine because I feel like I'm finally at a good point with it and maybe it will help someone else find just the right combo of products to get to a good place with theirs.
First, here is my skin background:
Just as a reference (because everyone's skin differs), I thought I'd give you the background and general texture and traits of my skin. I have always leaned toward the oily side of the spectrum. As I'm getting older, it's falling more between oily and normal, but I'm still on the oily spectrum for sure.
Teens:
Throughout puberty, I'd get an occasional zit or small breakout, but it was always manageable. When I hit seventeen, though, acne hit me. It was bad, but not what I'd call cystic so much as just blotchy. T-zone, cheeks, typical breakouts, all over my face. This is when Proactiv became a big seller, and their system kept my bad breakouts mostly at bay until I was about twenty-one or twenty-two.
Just some under-eye concealer and eye make-up. Those were the days!
Adulthood:
As I entered my early twenties, I really struggled to find the right method for keeping my acne under control, and nothing I used during that time seemed to help much at all. You know how you sometimes switch face washes and your skin clears up for maybe a week, and then goes back to being zitty? That's what my early twenties entailed. It was extremely annoying and embarrassing, and I was also just learning how to use foundation (up until then I got away with nothing but concealer - I wish I had appreciated that more haha!). During our engagement, my skin was at an all time low. It was absolutely covered in zits and small bumps and I was incredibly self conscious.
I went to a dermatologist, and whatever he prescribed did not sit well with me. I got terrible flu-like symptoms and had trouble breathing. Living on my own, I couldn't get to an ER, and sometimes I still wonder how I managed during those horrible 24 hours. I did, however, continue using the prescription strength benzoyl peroxide cream and would slather it on twice a day. This dried my skin out to a crisp and I'll never forget the day Tom noticed how flaky and disgusting my skin had gotten while we walked around a Target one evening (haha so funny).
I didn't catch a break until Tom and I were married and I was on the pill for a while. Not to be TMI or get into that topic, I just want to express how grateful I am for what it did for my skin. It was during this time I really learned the value of moisturizing, because for once I didn't have to tend to my breakouts with drying agents. From that time forward, I've been slathering on moisturizer like there's no tomorrow, and I realize now, how incredibly important and revitalizing it is.
Those stupid zits creams made my oily skin, dry at the same time which gave me combo skin. I realize now the serious mistake I was making, and even though EVERYTHING I read told me to moisturize to even out my skin, I couldn't bring myself to do it. I thought it would make my skin MORE oily, when in fact that dang BP was making my oily skin oilier and dryer and in turn caused me to break out to a terrible extreme. Moisture (and even oily skin) is so beneficial (I think) to your skin's elasticity and longevity and will keep your skin youthful and supple, while drying it out and using something as harsh as benzoyl peroxide will only age you faster. I'm so glad I've realized this.
Now, to get into my current skincare routine. Everyone's routine changes a little here and there, and so now and again I may use a different night time face wash, but I always do these same steps.
Morning/Shower
In the shower, I wash my face with Cetaphil (daily facial cleanser) and every other day I use the the Target or name brand Apricot scrub for acne prone skin.
As soon as I dry off, I use three pumps of CeraVe PM (the AM has SPF and though that's great, it makes my skin extremely oily). A friend showed me this lotion in college and even though I didn't use it then like I should have, it came in very handy when I did start using moisturizer. It's very light and once it soaks in, you hardly know you put lotion on at all - but I always notice when I don't!
The last two photos in this set I'm wearing a thin layer of foundation and some concealer.
Night Time
You should know that I'm insane about washing my face before bed. I don't know why it's always been this way, but it has. Even on my wildest nights out on the town in college, I NEVER went to bed without washing my face! It's just a habitual thing for me - I can't sleep in make-up.
Lately I've been switching between Pond's Cold Cream (the original) and normal face wash every few days.
When using Pond's (which is what my grandmother swore by and she had beautiful skin) I simply take a generous amount to my finger tips and massage it all throughout my face - makeup and all. When I've loosened my makeup (mascara too), I wet a washcloth with hot water, wring it out, and gently wipe it over my face making sure to remove all the most heavily made-up areas until my face looks and feels clean. Then I take another small dab of Pond's and use it as moisturizer.
When using face wash (pictured is Burt's Bees Skin Brightening - which I love right now!) I just wash my face like normal, dab dry with a clean hand towel, and use four pumps of CeraVe PM.
The last two photos in this set I'm wearing a thin layer of foundation and some concealer (and Hondo is photo-bombing which is what made me laugh).
Here are the products I use:
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Things Creatives Are Tired Of Hearing
Do you know someone who works in a creative field? Maybe a freelancer or an entrepreneur who works from home? A small business owner? You probably do. And since you do, I would very highly recommend you watch this short video on why asking one of these people for free work is downright crazy.
Now I'm not the "how dare you utter that" police, because people can say whatever they want. In fact, I am actually the queen of foot-in-the-mouth syndrome (it happens to the best of us). That being said, I love a good satire... partially because all sarcasm has a lick of truth behind it and that's the kind of humor I enjoy (aka teasing). My readers today can rest easy in knowing that this is all meant in good fun, but I hope some of these open your eyes to the ridiculous requests people make of creatives. Here it is... a long overdue sassy post:
1. I just have this little project, and it would probably take you five minutes. It'll take me all day! Do you think you could do it instead? Anyways, you like doing it, don't you?
Would you ask your hairstylist to cut your hair for free since it'll only take them five minutes? Especially since they like doing it? How about your plumber? Electrician? Babysitter? Or anyone, really, who offers a service they enjoy doing? Asking a favor of someone because they have a skill (that they're normally paid for) that you don't, makes you look very presumptuous.
2. Do you get paid for that? How much money do you make?
How much do you make?
Yikes. Such private, personal info.
That's rude, guys.
That's a really rude question. And tacky.
3. So is that just a hobby, or a real job?
Did you know that scores of people make over six figures a year from their own home? Of those people, many started their businesses from just a hobby. I know more than a handful of ordinary people who have done this, yet it's often not considered "real work."
Just because someone genuinely loves what they do, doesn't mean it's not a viable job. Also, what defines "real job?" Moms don't get paid monetarily, but I'm pretty sure they have a "real job."
Some of us would rather work to live than live to work, and just because our work isn't defined the way you define it, doesn't make it less than any other "typical" job.
4. I want something new and unique.
This is then followed up with visual examples of 'exactly' what they want. So, actually, you want to plagiarize that person's exact site/product/style? Oh, okay.
5. If you do this and I like it, there will be lots of follow up work and exposure.
Sadly, this happens to almost all freelancers who are trying to get exposure without having to pay an arm and a leg. Schemey people out there know freelancers can get desperate, so they play this line and never hold up their end of the bargain.
6. Please, don't spend more than a few minutes on this.
...until they come back with some "little tweaks" that obviously turn into revision, after revision, after revision. These people are so sneaky!
7. I know you don't do this for other people, but can you make an exception for me?
Nope.
Side note: this is my favorite gif of all time.
8. Don't worry about the cost, I'm willing to pay!
Until they get the bill, and then they suddenly don't remember saying they were willing to pay that much. Or they weren't actually willing to pay to begin with.
Annnnd this is why deposits are the freelancer's best friend. Helps weed people out!
9. Clients who want their freelancers to know every creative skill known to man.
Must be a rockstar at: marketing, social media management, web design, graphic design, photography, Adobe Creative Suite, photo editing, editing, copywriting, coding, UX, content development, styling, PR, email campaigns, sketching, wire-framing, etc...
Word to the wise: If you want someone who is a rockstar at something, they won't be a rockstar at EVERYTHING. Each of the areas I listed above are often separate job titles and specific areas of study and/or expertise. Creatives, like many other jobs, do not know about every other creative function known to man. As they say, "the jack of all trades is the master of none."
10. I don't know what I want, but I'll know it when I see it.
If you can't articulate it, I don't know what you want or where to even start. Please don't waste people's time with this ridiculous phrase. That's like having someone with a different body type go try on wedding dresses for you. It's a waste of not only your freelancer's time, but yours too!
11. I'll give you some products in exchange for your services.
Again, would you pay your plumber with a pack of gum? This one happens in blogging particularly often and can be really annoying. The only time I find this one acceptable is when a brand sends you a product with little to no requirement from you. I've received products from brands who are just hoping to get the word out authentically via influencers who may genuinely like something so much they'll share about it. (More on the topic of bloggers + sponsored content coming soon)
12. When the client delays the deadline they gave you:
There you have it, friends. Just a few of the silly things creatives and freelancers hear on the regular. It's okay. We're used to it. And we talk to other creatives and laugh about these silly comments. That being said, keep a few of these in mind the next time you're tempted to ask your web designer friend to "help" you build a website.
Don't forget to follow me on social media to stay up to date and connected. Feel free to message or email me with any content requests, ideas, or collaborations!
Minimalist Style | 3
I love having a minimal wardrobe and it definitely forces me to get creative, but sometimes I just want to wear something else. Something I haven't worn a thousand times over, and feels "new to me." Well, those are the moments it's nice to sneak into the husband's side of the closet and steal his clothes! Haha - am I alone in this?! Depending on what I steal, he either loves it or gets irritated, but I can't help it - his clothes are the comfiest!
In today's example, I'm showing you how I style a typical men's t-shirt three different ways. It's been a while since I've snuck this particular shirt of his (we used to fight over it, and I finally gave it back up to his keeping), but I just think men's t-shirts are the best for styling purposes.
Minimalist Style | 1
Minimalist Style | 2
Here are my easy outfits broken down:
1. Patterned pants, flats
2. Flowy skirt, necklace, heels
3. Jeans, belt, hat, flats
Boyfriend/husband/oversized tees are so easy and fun to style. You could also throw on a cardigan, shorts, and sandals. Or a maxi skirt, skinny belt, floppy hat, and sandals. So many amazing options out there, but below are just a few to get your wheels turning. Go "steal" that hubby's t-shirt!
Excuse my little photo bomber :) Hope you enjoyed these simple ideas!
Don't forget to follow me on social media to stay up to date and connected. Feel free to message or email me with any content requests, ideas, or collaborations!
June | 2017
After such a busy May, it was nice to have a quieter month to follow. It still involved a week-long trip, but it was mostly a month we used to nail down our Iceland/Europe trip details and itinerary. I've been obsessing over this trip and it's honestly been really hard for me to focus on anything else because I don't want to feel like we're booking anything last minute (as in, a month or less before). Now I'm sorting through shoes, compact hygiene ideas, useful travel accessories, and backpacking tips.
This month, we did have some fun though. We...
- explored San Francisco
- saw family
- took Hondo swimming
- made sushi (so yummy and fun!)
- watched the Giants play
- ate gyros at Kouzina Christos
- started looking at new couches (not happening soon, but we're thinking about it)
- witnessed our dog grow another 10lbs from last month (he's 75lbs now!)
- had a coffee date
- enjoyed some seafood (trout and swordfish) at REEL
Don't forget to use my code: JOYpass2017 to get yours for only $35. It's filled with BOGO entrees at many of Atlanta's best restaurants. It has truly has become our date night sidekick!
In the next couple of months I'm hoping to share with you all the products and ideas I'm gathering up to pack for our trip in only a backpack. We'll be using the backpack pictured (but in black).
It's about the size of a typical carryon, so it's going to be a challenge to pack for nearly three weeks in a bag of this size, but I'm really looking forward to packing light and putting a greater focus on just being in these amazing destinations!
The challenges I foresee:
- shoes
- hygiene products
- hair styling tools
- clothes that roll up really small and wash/line dry easily
- fitting electronic stuff and chargers
It's going to be a serious adventure! If you have any brands or products you think I might love for this trip, please share!
Don't forget to follow me on social media to stay up to date and connected. Feel free to message or email me with any content requests, ideas, or collaborations!
May | 2017
I'm pretty sure that the month of May is crazy every single year of life. School's out, graduations, spring trips, parties, etc... and this one was packed full for us!
I'm so thankful we were able to see a lot of my family at the confirmation of our oldest niece, and then later on in the trip see more family in friends in Wisconsin. We could have done without the emergency car repair in some random suburb of Chicago and the bill + a night in a hotel that went with it, but such is life! We also started a gym membership at the beginning of the month and have faithfully been going twice a week, and soon will add a third day. I have been loving it and am even finding myself doing random sets of body weight exercises at home.
The baking challenge is coming to a close in the next month, but it's been so much fun to share and get done every week - especially since my mom is doing it with me! We've always loved to bake together, so even though we're miles apart, we get to feel close while we bake over Facetime :)
Also in relation to food, I'm so excited to be an ambassador for this amazing Dining Out ATL Passbook! We are saving so much money on dates (almost all the deals are BOGO) and having a blast while we're at it!
Well, enough rambling on. Here's the photo tour of our month!
Minimalism: Where Do I Start?
When people learn about our aspirations towards minimalism, the first thing they almost always ask is, "Okay. Where do I start? What should I throw out first?"
Though their heart is in the right place, the real heart of minimalism isn't actually about getting rid of things... or even things at all! Yes, it's about owning less, but that looks different to each of us. The answer their question of where to start, is more of a defining nature.
Where do you feel there is excess in your life?
Can you even recognize it?
Do you feel like you're always, always cleaning?
Are you forever picking things up in the house?
Is your work draining and causing you to have very little steam left for your family at the end of the day?
Do you feel burdened by financial issues or debt?
Are you barely getting by and feeling as though there's never enough money?
Are you constantly at various functions for your kids, work, community?
Do you fill your plate too full (literally and figuratively)?
Do you feel like you're constantly playing catch-up with your basic life to-dos?
Are you just spread too thin and can never seem to spend time on the things you truly enjoy?
The excess in your life could be tangible or not. It could be the excess of your mind's constant to-do list. It could be the excess from your job stresses. The looming bill you're having trouble paying. The many times a week you eat out because you don't have time to cook or grocery shop. On and on...
I talk to friends who just don't seem like they even have time to take a breath. They're tired. They're stressed. They're weary.
And don't get me wrong, sometimes that's just part of a season. "Busy" can be a short term thing. In fact, I'd say that right now, we're in one of those seasons. We have work, engagements we're committed to, trips to plan and go on, an endless to-do list, and appointments to make. Unfortunately none of these things can "give" and we have to just muddle through, but I know there will be slower seasons to come. However, I can tell you most assuredly, that having less home to deal with, and less stuff to clean or organize or use, makes even the busiest of seasons far less weary.
So to answer your question... where should you start?
Start practicing minimalism by...
1. Deciding where your excess lies.
Excess can look so different from one person to the next. Start by looking at the activities you do or things you own.
Working full-time? Raising kids? Kids in activities? Volunteering? Going to every social gathering you're invited to? Leading everything and anything you're asked to head-up? Taking on projects or tasks you can't really dedicate to? Working too much? Keeping a large house in order? Hosting all the time? The sight of your cluttered garage or closet is giving you anxiety? Don't think, just answer - what is pushing you over the edge?
It's essentially up to you, but just figuring out what it is that causes you to feel overdrawn will be the first freeing step of many. It doesn't have to be something big. It could be as small as feeling stressed every time you open your overstuffed pantry.
When we moved to Georgia, I was feeling disheartened by the workforce I had been in previously and I didn't want more of the same. So, I chose a riskier route, and because of my choice to work from home instead of pursuing a career in the corporate world, I've had the freedom to travel, create my own hours, host often, not have to drive in the insane traffic (saving me boatloads of time!), and spend lots of time with my husband. It wasn't the easier route by any means, but it removed the excess that burdened me, and instead gave me the opportunity to explore entrepreneurship.
2. Figure out how to pare down.
Think about these things, and I mean really think about them. Which of these things could you pare down in some way? Could you go to part-time work if the financials allowed it? Could some of the activities your kids are involved in be pared down to one activity per kid? Would downsizing your home or investing in a cleaning service take that off your plate? Could you ask others to host the next time there's a get-together? Could you take a weekend to re-organize and purge your kitchen - even just a few drawers or cabinets?
Break those seemingly big tasks into smaller ones. Get creative with solutions that work for you, but get out of your comfort zone.
If you can't seem to let things go, have a friend or relative help you put things in keep, donate, and toss piles. If you can't quit your job or go part-time, what can you let go of to create more time for yourself or your family? Can you hire a sitter every other week for a couple of hours so you can get dinner with your spouse? Can you split up the housework more evenly with your family so you can spend more time being together? Can you say no to the next volunteer opportunity until work slows down? Can you start ordering your groceries online and simply pick them up to save you the time? (This is a free service at a lot of places these days).
Now, this is just the start, friends. It doesn't have to be earth shattering, and you don't have to make it difficult or overthink it. Simply look over your current state, define what is important to you, figure out what's keeping you from those things, and remove or pare down those excesses over time. I'll get into other steps and tips to help you live simply and minimally in future posts, but for now, I hope you've got an idea of how to begin.
And if there is anything specifically regarding minimalism that you're curious about, drop me a comment, message me on Facebook, or contact me - I'd love to hear your questions!
April | 2017
What a full month we've had! Not only terms of our schedules, but full in joys and accomplishments and celebrations. See below for the photos and summary!
This month's happenings:
Favorite Links
Now that we've announced our trip to Iceland and Europe this fall, I can show you guys the fun tips, videos, and articles I've found on travel to these places. I love this video by Gal Meets Glam on their visit to Iceland this past winter.
In preparation for our big trip, we're also working on making some lifestyle changes. We've joined a gym and I've been working at keeping my portions under wraps. Recipes like this make it seem like a totally enjoyable change to make!
We've been on the hunt for water resistant jackets for Iceland that can roll up really small as we'll also be going to France, and we found them at Target! I'm so excited to wear this blue jacket!
As today is May 1st, check out this post on my Facebook page where I explain my FAVORITE song about the month of May. Hint: it's from a 1960's favorite movie of mine!
P.S. Don't forget to check back this Wednesday for a special guest bake by my Star Baker, Cameron!
Minimalist Style | 2
Have you guys been seeing this 'kimono' trend? I have been seeing it around the last couple of years, but was unsure of the point. I try to be more functional than stylish these days, so I kept thinking "Is it like a cloak? But it doesn't keep you warm..? Is it mostly for tall people? Or moms? Is it supposed to be fancy?" ... and then I tried one on. All those question blew out the window and I got hooked. So this is my first kimono and three simple ways to wear it - trust me, it probably won't be my last one.
On the topic of the functionality? I actually love it for summer. The summers here can be sweltering, and I love that the breathable material actually helps keep you cooler. The sun beating down on me doesn't feel nearly as hot, and somehow I've felt far less sweaty and gross when I'm donning it. It's also just really dang comfy while also feeling cute. I'd say kimonos are a win-win-win. Let me know what you think.
There you have it! Super simple ways to mix up the same item. Of course, these could be adjusted by switching out different types of shoes, or adding jewelry, or trying different hairstyles, but I figured I'd focus on the basic adjustments you can make with staple items you probably already own!