Fall Transition Favorites

I'm ALIVE!!!!! It's been well over a month since I posted last. My physical health has taken a bit of a turn down the side of a mountain in an inflatable ball and it's been so much fun finding out that there is something wrong. But of course, I still have to wait for the specialist to find out what that is so that's been super fun. Since I’ve been away for some time does NOT mean I haven’t noticed that the season’s have changed. It’s gotten slightly cooler here and the air has changed. Basically, I know that my face is supposed to be oilier than it is normally. Makeup has to change. Skin care routine needs to be adjusted. Scarves are going to be rotated. I don’t have many sweaters so meh. But the boots are on standby.

Makeup

I have actually not been wearing a lot of foundation because even though more countries have joined the negotiations to the oil on my face, I have been finding my blemishes to be dry and flaky. On top of everything that's been going on, my skin feels like I'm going through puberty. And with that, it’s easy to spot where my foundation tends to slide and gather. But in general, the warmer tones are turning more into cool tones, as they should but on particular sunny days like we tend to have, I don’t mind throwing on a bit of a warmer highlight. Once I find my balance again, then I'll be normal-ish. 

Lip Gook (yes, I’ve tried to call it lippie or just by product but my upbringing called it all lip gook)

As much as I hate to admit, for this transition into fall, I’ve been cheating on my Lancome Juicy shaker.... a lot. It's surprising considering that I’ve been using it all summer. Read up on that here. But still, I’ll occasionally use it but I’ve been going to something a bit more simple. Burt’s Bees. Not as old a brand as Chapstick or Carmex, but it’s nice on the lips and the tinted ones like this one in Sweet Violet do some double duty for me for work since the dry times have already started to attack my lips too.

Skin care

I’ve also noticed that my pores are being more noticeable than needed so I’ve been toying with a few things to help that situation. I have a new moisturizer and face wash that seem to be on the right track. The moisturizer is a simpler one for day or night and made for sensitive skin. I love it because it doesn’t take forever to soak into your skin in the morning before putting on makeup, if I decide to wear it that day, and it’s not slimy like my last one was. On days that I feel like a raisin, I can especially feel the difference in my skin.  It's definitely a start. I won't lie when I say that I've usually tried to avoid brands like Olay because it seems like all they show commercials for is anti-aging made for women twice my age, which is all good, great, and fine however comma, I'm not quite there yet. Now that I'm loving this moisturizer, I'm starting to feel that there is no harm in starting early.

The face wash was purchased on a whim to be honest. When I was getting groceries, I needed some face wipes anyway and saw this. I figure that if the Olay brand has been around as long as it has then I could give it’s $7 face wash a shot. My first look was at the oil control. I always, always, look for oil free but this one also claims to be oil minimizing. I have noticed that I don't get as oily as early, so that's been very nice too. I may have had my reservations about Olay as a brand for twenty something me, but it's safe to say that I am so over it. 

Let me tell you about this charcoal sugar scrub I’ve been using. It’s fun to use and smells wonderful. Even though it’s black from the charcoal, my sensitive skin and I feel a nice exfoliation without my face being super red afterwards. Thank you drug store product and drug store price. Like seriously, it's less than $4. I especially like that it's in a tube rather than a tub. I do love the tubs for the body sugar scrubs, like here, but for just the face, it's less wasted in a tube. 

What changes have you made for the Fall?? Let me know, I know I need all the help I can get.

There's still a lot to be said and done about changing just about everything for the new season all while knowing that you're sick but not having a diagnosis is so much worse. It's been affecting my skin, my hair, etc. But like anyone struggling for control in an uncontrollable situation, I do what I can, where I can and sadly that meant leaving the routine I was working so hard to put in, blogwise. On this last note, if you've been reading my posts, I want to thank you for it. I know it's been a while so I also thank you for the patience. I'm planning on getting back into a groove, it's just been a bit slower than I like. But keep hanging with me and we'll get moving.


In the mean time, catch up on some of my other posts...

The Full Figure Picture - http://bit.ly/HomecomingHelp

How Much is My Face Worth? (tag) - http://bit.ly/MyFaceis

Operation Ducks In A Row - Relationships and Life - http://bit.ly/10GTWODIAR







Follow me on Bloglovin - http://bit.ly/MyBloglovinPg

7 Things to Consider if You Want to Live Alone

Living alone is no joke but I won't lie when I say that I love it. In my sorry but not sorry opinion, I think it's a really great stepping stone on the trail to adulthood but even more so as a woman. The truth of the matter is that while any person is at risk when living alone, it's safe to say that women tend to tip that scale in the risk factor. And if you ask any dad, the risk is the distance from death valley to the moon.

I've done the dorm thing, the roommate thing, the siblings as roommates and I've spent a lot of time with me, myself, and I. Some things are still a trial and error because while there are great perks to living alone, read those here, there are also a few things that you do need to think about if you are planning on going out on your own limb.

1. BUDGET - no joke. Roomates are great because you aren't paying for rent AND utilities AND internet AND food by yourself. So really think about what's important when it comes to satellite or cable or just living off some decent internet. How much of a 'home' can you afford when you consider the deposit AND first month's rent and the full amount of your bills every month?

Pinterest Provides this time

2. Insurance - Some places require renter's insurance and some don't. Think about it though, if you are working full time, no one is home and it becomes a bit easy to figure out your routine. Now look at what you own. Can you and are you ready, willing, and able to replace your belongings if there is a break in or a leak from where the pipes burst on your trip home for Thanksgiving or even worse a fire? The homeowner will have insurance on the place because they own it and they have to protect it. Protect your own too. Depending on where you live, the belongings in your car could be covered too. In the state of New Mexico, your car is an extension of your home, so if your car gets broken into, your stuff in there could be covered too.

3. Pets - A big plus to diminishing the silence and the impending moments of loneliness is to get a pet. Whether its a loyal dog or an evil cat, everyone has that idea. But if you aren't allowed pets at your place, aim for fish. Even dorm rooms will be ok with a fish or three. I can attest that I spent my sophomore year of college in my dorm room by myself. I had just changed majors and my roommate moved out. I never got a new one and the silence was killer sometimes. So I bought a beta fish, Jethro. He was the absolute best fish I've ever had in my entire life. Never judged and always ready to listen. Now that I'm in my own place, I've inherited a turtle from my ever-so-loving sister (not by choice). He's more maintenance than I ever wanted, but he's still there when I get home to yell at him and as long as the water is flowing, I'm ok.

4. Protection/Security - I am a happily taken girl but I still live alone and have for a really long time. My previous roommates have been guys but I've had my fair share of incidents and potential incidents. From coming home at night after work and having a couple guys knock on my car window right before I get out to wondering if I should be calling child services on my neighbors. I'm not saying you should get your concealed carry license, though I know plenty of women that do. But it couldn't hurt to have a stun gun or a baton or even just some pepper spray. Be smart ladies because it's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it, especially if dogs are a no go. To help with that, I've found a company that seeks to help women out in times of distress. I've got my own wishlist because there is a lot of good stuff. It's not sponsored by far but still good info with Damsel in Defense http://damselindefense.net/.

This is from their website, isn't it pretty?

5. Crockpot - it seems random yes but you are cooking for one. Take it from me when I tell you that it's easy to just go out and buy for yourself. Eating out is easy and a favorite meal of mine is one that I don't have to make or clean up after. But a good little crockpot can provide lunch and dinner for a few days if not a week. Gotta save the moneys where you can.

6. Entertainment - I don't care what kind of hobby you have, but you're going to need it. Being alone doesn't mean you have to be lonely. But if you read some of my perks here, I don't do well with complete silence since I come from a loud, musical and Hispanic family, I've had everything from movies to music blasting in the background to keep me going or else I may lose my mind. Books are great as are video games, movies, Pinterest, etc. Most people are not used to spending over half their time by themselves. It's not easy but when you are comfortable in your own company, you'll know that you'll be ok and that is the biggest hurdle you'll face.

7. Health - The thing about getting sick is that you are alone. Mom won't make your doctor's appointments and you will more than likely have to get time off work if you aren't a complete incubus of viral plague. If anything, you should at least have a first aid kit. My sister was wonderful enough to make me a little one and I've added to it. Keep a good pile of EmergenC to prevent the seasonal bugs that fly through and you know your own body when it comes to allergies, sinuses, and things of the like. Best thing to have is a thermometer, regular or digital, just know how to read it. It hits fever range and you call in because things are going down and it's time to hit the remedies like I have here. If you have to be sick and miserable, at least make it bearable.

These are just a few of the things that always come to mind when someone asks how I like living alone or how I handle it. This list has just started but it will more than likely grow because we learn as we go.


Now read back on definite pros to living alone.
http://bit.ly/7Perks

Do What Scares You

There comes a point and time, I think, for a lot of people where you become stuck in your routine, however routine-y that may be. I know it has for me because my routine for a really long time was work, home, boyfriend time occasionally, sleep, and repeat. It’s come to that point where the majority of my friends have moved on to their lives and we’re scattered across the country or even just scattered at work all day in the next town over. Work hours have kept me from keeping in touch with a lot of the groups I was in in college, namely my theatre group. I remember not long after I started my job I auditioned and was in a show and I didn’t have the best memories for that show. I was proud that I was able to do it and I learned a lot about myself but that was the last performance for me on the stage.

I came across this post on the Facebook from a friend who’s become her own little entrepreneur in town and it struck a chord with me.

Talk about a brick wall. A little backstory on me is that I’d been performing since I was five, dancing, singing, and in college acting and backstage work. Then I came into the workforce; everything just stopped. And I’ve wanted to try things but I fall into that category when I get home between 5:30 and 7pm, I don’t want to be out and about or around people for a while. “I’m tired and I don’t have a lot of time.” 

Then I ran into a few friends from a show that changed my life and talked me into doing a show. I can admit that I’m scared about it. My voice lessons have left my voice. My lungs aren’t as strong as they used to be and where I was not usually a person with stage fright, I don’t know what will happen when I get back on there.When I wanted to call and back out of the show, which, trust me, was a lot, I would think back to this pic.

So now I’m still in it. I’m panting in the choreography for our opening number to make sure I’m on time and have enough air to sing and I’ve started walking so that it will lead to jogging to get my cardio because girl….

We all need something to remind us that we are working to live and not living to work. I found that we need something to keep us grounded in who we are. Your work isn’t who you are. At least it isn’t for me. My work is very technical and I miss being creative. So this show may seem small to some but for me, this is as big as Broadway. Don’t be afraid to do what scares you, because life is too short and like this post, you are Strong.





Had you read my last post? 

Operation Ducks in a Row – Downsizing...

While I don’t plan on this post being about making a new me in the new year, I will say that attempting to downsize, especially in my wardrobe, needed some new motivation. My goal for 2016 is to be more positive and that in itself is harder than it looks for someone who’s picture can be found in the dictionary under pessimist. Part of being and feeling positive is to see a light at the end of this tunnel.

I started the downsizing process a few months back when I started the Operation Ducks in a Row series. I’ve had some great moments about shopping my closet instead of buying more. About packing up pieces to donate and sell to free up space, but I’m currently at a plateau in the process. I’ve taken a lot out but it’s still not enough, so I’m trying something else and it’s starting to work out pretty well.

Keep in mind that I love me some retail therapy especially when it comes to plus size clothes. I really have two stores in the next town over that I can consistently find clothes to fit my shape and my height in store, thank you maurices and Cato. So if I’m going out of town and there’s a Torrid, then I could definitely find myself in trouble. But in these past few months, I have resisted the urge for flash sales, clearance sales unless I was in absolute need. An example is that I had to get a pair of black pants that I could wear boots with to work because my only pair, from Old Navy, had finally fallen victim to the chub rub after two years. A tragic moment that every B3 woman must face at some point…

Back to the point is that what I’ve been doing lately is doing laundry. I’d been running short on time and have put in a bit of overtime, so pieces that I hadn’t worn in forever and a day were popping up in the wash. Instead of taking them out before washing, I’ve been washing them and putting them in their own pile but not separating what to sell or donate. The reason for that is that I have a couple friends who are around my size and them being awesome, have first dibs. After that, then I could probably sell some on Facebook garage sales group and just get rid of it or donate it.

So here’s what I’m planning….

For now, I want to get this plan in motion and give an update when it’s said and done. Maybe pick up some more tips on the way, so if you have a tip that helps you, let me know! Any and all help is much appreciated.

Sometimes You Have to Remind Yourself That You Are Strong

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about the person I was in college and the person I'm becoming. If it's not obvious as to the difference with that sentence, then think about it. Transitioning into this adult type person has taken a toll on the happy student I used to be. Not to say that I can't find happiness or I'm not entirely happy, but if you opened up the dictionary and looked up the word pessimist, then I would be surprised if my picture was not there under the 1st definition. I'm not the most optimistic person on the planet by far but I also really try not to attempt to disprove a good thing.

Life has made me very cautious for reasons and excuses but I surprised myself a couple weeks ago. Mockingjay part 2 came out and I was ready to go finish the saga. I read the books a couple times before the movie was even thought of and honestly it's a pretty good representation of the series unlike a certain vampire series, just saying. The only problem was I initially didn't have anyone to go with. The few friends I have left in the area were both working and my boyfriend isn't huge on movies. I'll drag him if necessary but even he was unavailable. So I thought about it, can I go to the movies on my own???

Going to the movies alone is like going to eat alone. It goes against the societal norms because these particular activities are things that are generally done in a party of at least 2 because it's a social act. I had to think back to a particular time in college when New Moon came out. Yes, I was a total fan girl of the Twilight series and I had the stamina to go to every midnight release. But no one could go and that was not a small group of friends. It took me a split second to tell myself that well I'm going to go anyways because duh!

My mentality told me that if I could do it then, I can do it now. And I did, the theatre was packed and there was me with my small popcorn and pickle, because duh. Normally it would have been a pain to find a seat but because it was just me, then I had some pretty good choices. Planted myself and was on top of the world. It reminded me that sometimes you are ok to do things yourself. It was a risk I hadn't taken in a long time and I wasn't sure if I was going to take it again but I'm super glad I did.

One thing that hasn't changed in this life transition is that I'm strong and independant. Granted, sometimes I take it to a fault but one thing that every person, and I think especially women have to do is remember that we are who we decide we are. I think things like this are a testament of our strength and some self care. Take yourself out to dinner because you can treat yourself. Take yourself out to a movie because you can watch whatever you want and talk back to the screen shamelessly. I am strong and rest will follow and the same can be said for you.