"Parents just don't understand"... I think Will Smith was on to something all those years ago.
Now, I'm not talking about the whole teen-rebellion, Mum-and-Dad-won't-let-me-do-what-I-want stuff. For one, I'm not a teen anymore, and my parents pretty much DO let me do as I please. But, the problem is deeper than that. It's about the way they make me FEEL.
I have come to a rather sad realization this summer that some people say things to me, and really genuinely don't care when what they've said hurts my feelings. Something so simple as an offhanded comment, a roll of the eyes, or a "talking to"... all they are interested in is saying what they think, and the hell with how it might make me feel. And that REALLY bothers me! As someone who goes to great lengths to be kind to people, and to always consider how what I say, don't say, do or don't do will make somebody feel, I foolishly expect some of the same... However that's not how it's working out. It makes me feel as though my feelings don't matter to others, and I'm not worth taking the time or effort for them to just be kind. And it shows me how I rank in their "grand scheme"... Pretty low.
I'm not going to get into the specifics, as that's not the intention of this blog, but I just needed a bit of a vent. This has been an emotionally difficult summer... I've finally felt that I was making some headway, and then just tonight it gets shot down. *sigh* I'm trying to not let things like that get to me, but it does.
Anybody else have similar problems? Namely, its a boyfriend-me-parents type thing, with "me" stuck right in the middle. How do you deal with it? Is there a way to make things work without someone getting angry or hurt?
I'd love to know your thoughts, and also just know that there's SOMEONE out there who is going through something similar. It's a lonely road over here, I'd just like a little passing chatter.
Loves ya! <3
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
My cheap skincare miracle!
Hello lovelies!!
Over the past few weeks, I've been trying out a new skincare routine. Prior to beginning this, school was just ending, everything was hectic and very emotional, and unfortunately my skin reflected that. I had a lot of redness, some breakouts, and discoloration/uneven skin tone. I was at my wits end, because my foundation was looking horrible, and I didn't know what to do. So, I dug through my medicine cabinet to see what oldies but goodies I could try out.
I got this Clinique liquid facial soap at a CCO about a year ago. I really do like it, but I can only use it in the summer time, as it is way too drying for me in the colder months.
I LOVE the original Neutrogena deep clean cream cleanser. I picked up this one a few months ago because the pink grapefruit smell is FABULOUS!
Now, for the key to this whole new routine... The STAR of the show... What makes it all work miraculously.
And, the best part... it only costs about $2!
Now, this is not the exact one I have. Mine is a Rite Aid brand one and it is pink. I personally recommend checking Rite Aid for theirs first, because they come in a 2 pack!
Here's my night time routine using all these products.
1. Remove face makeup with astringent & cotton ball.
2. Remove eye makeup with eye makeup remover.
3. Use makeup wipe to get any excess.
4. Wash face with warm water and Clinique soap. **Make sure you are using warm, not HOT. The hot water is too harsh, and will REALLY aggravate your skin in the next step with the sponge!** Rinse clean.
5. Rub Neutrogena cleanser all over face.
6. Wet your facial sponge and squeeze out most of the excess. Rub this GENTLY all around your face over the Neutrogena cleanser. (Avoid eye area). This should take no more than 20-30 seconds.
7. Rinse well (I use cool water) and follow this up with a moisturizing eye cream and night cream.
Now, a few words of warning: This sponge will feel VERY rough at first. Be gentle of your skin!! Rub it on your face very slowly and do not use a lot of pressure. As time goes on, the sponge kind of softens up a bit and it is much easier to take.
Remember: The goal is to exfoliate the dead skin - NOT remove the entire outer layer of skin! Ouch!!
The results: I've been doing this same routine every night for about a month. (This is just what works for me. I like exfoliating every night. If that doesn't work for you, or you have sensitive skin, try only 2-3 times per week. Whatever you are comfortable with! :-)
I've noticed a DRAMATIC improvement. My skin tone has evened out. There is little redness. (It can be a little red right after you do this, as you've just got all the blood flowing under your skin!) Also, the breakouts are gone! My skin is soft, even, and glowy!!
I can't even express how much of a dramatic difference this routine has made for me. I'm sure that any sorts of facial soaps and cleansers you have would work wonderfully with this routine. For me, the sponge is the key. And at around 2 bucks a pop, what's there to lose?
Let me know if you try this out, and how it works for you!
Have a lovely evening!!
Becky xoxo
Over the past few weeks, I've been trying out a new skincare routine. Prior to beginning this, school was just ending, everything was hectic and very emotional, and unfortunately my skin reflected that. I had a lot of redness, some breakouts, and discoloration/uneven skin tone. I was at my wits end, because my foundation was looking horrible, and I didn't know what to do. So, I dug through my medicine cabinet to see what oldies but goodies I could try out.
I got this Clinique liquid facial soap at a CCO about a year ago. I really do like it, but I can only use it in the summer time, as it is way too drying for me in the colder months.
I LOVE the original Neutrogena deep clean cream cleanser. I picked up this one a few months ago because the pink grapefruit smell is FABULOUS!
Now, for the key to this whole new routine... The STAR of the show... What makes it all work miraculously.
And, the best part... it only costs about $2!
Now, this is not the exact one I have. Mine is a Rite Aid brand one and it is pink. I personally recommend checking Rite Aid for theirs first, because they come in a 2 pack!
Here's my night time routine using all these products.
1. Remove face makeup with astringent & cotton ball.
2. Remove eye makeup with eye makeup remover.
3. Use makeup wipe to get any excess.
4. Wash face with warm water and Clinique soap. **Make sure you are using warm, not HOT. The hot water is too harsh, and will REALLY aggravate your skin in the next step with the sponge!** Rinse clean.
5. Rub Neutrogena cleanser all over face.
6. Wet your facial sponge and squeeze out most of the excess. Rub this GENTLY all around your face over the Neutrogena cleanser. (Avoid eye area). This should take no more than 20-30 seconds.
7. Rinse well (I use cool water) and follow this up with a moisturizing eye cream and night cream.
Now, a few words of warning: This sponge will feel VERY rough at first. Be gentle of your skin!! Rub it on your face very slowly and do not use a lot of pressure. As time goes on, the sponge kind of softens up a bit and it is much easier to take.
Remember: The goal is to exfoliate the dead skin - NOT remove the entire outer layer of skin! Ouch!!
The results: I've been doing this same routine every night for about a month. (This is just what works for me. I like exfoliating every night. If that doesn't work for you, or you have sensitive skin, try only 2-3 times per week. Whatever you are comfortable with! :-)
I've noticed a DRAMATIC improvement. My skin tone has evened out. There is little redness. (It can be a little red right after you do this, as you've just got all the blood flowing under your skin!) Also, the breakouts are gone! My skin is soft, even, and glowy!!
I can't even express how much of a dramatic difference this routine has made for me. I'm sure that any sorts of facial soaps and cleansers you have would work wonderfully with this routine. For me, the sponge is the key. And at around 2 bucks a pop, what's there to lose?
Let me know if you try this out, and how it works for you!
Have a lovely evening!!
Becky xoxo
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
A little bit about me...
Greetings, all!
I have been on a kick lately of finding new beauty blogs or YouTube channels I've never seen or heard of before and checking them out. It's really inspiring to watch someone new, learn about the products and things they love, and just get to know them. Tonight, I found the YouTube channel of zoella280390. I've watched nearly all her videos just tonight. She is absolutely beautiful, and I love listening to her accent! One of her videos was a tag of "about me" and "personal questions". Since I don't do videos myself, I thought it would be a good idea to post a little bit more about me on the off chance that I might have a reader or two someday. (Dare to dream, Beck.) So, here goes!!
About Me Questions:
1.Do you have a middle name? Yes! My middle name is Jo and it's after my dad, Joe.
2. What was your favorite subject in school? English Literature or Music.
3. What's your favorite drink? Coffee!
4. Favorite song at the moment? "Judas" by Lady Gaga, or "Give Me Everything" by Pitbull
5. What would you name your children? I've been giving this some thought lately... (And NO, not because I'm pregnant!) I originally liked Emily for a girl and Daniel for a boy. Now, I'm really liking Caroline or Allegra for a girl, and Noah or Jason for a boy.
6. Do you participate in any sports? Not anymore... I used to play softball.
7. Favorite Book? To quote "Ever After", "I could no sooner choose a favorite star in the heavens!" I love to read. My favorite series are The Black Dagger Brotherhood books, The Midnight Breed series, The Sookie Stackhouse (Southern Vampire) novels, and the House of Night series.
8. Favorite Color? I love black, white, hot pink, and purple. I also love cool grey-blues to decorate with.
9. Favorite Animal? Birds.
10. Favorite perfume? Viva La Juicy has been my favorite for years. I'm also really loving Pure DKNY and CLEAN warm cotton.
11. Favorite holiday? Christmas
12. Have you graduated High School? Yes, I graduated in 2003.
13. Have you been out of the Country? Yes, I travelled to Spain and Portugal after graduation! I'd really love to see England and Ireland someday.
14. Do you speak any other Languages? I used to speak Spanish almost fluently, but I've gotten kind of rusty over the years of not using it.
15. Do you have any siblings? I have a younger brother who is 22.
16. What's your favorite store? Barnes and Noble, Sephora, Ulta, Marshalls, Target.
17. Favorite Restaurant? TGI Fridays or the Olive Garden.
18. Do you like school? Yes! I guess I'd have to, as my career centers around it!
19. Favorite YouTubers? Michele1218, Lollipop26, FleurDeForce, JLovesMac, JuicyTuesday, Kandee Johnson, LisaLisaD1, Makeup by TiffanyD, Love Peace and LipGloss, sardun1... I could go on forever!!
20. Favorite Movie? I love the Lord of the Rings movies, and Harry Potter. My favorites of all time are probably Pretty Woman, The Breakfast Club, and V for Vendetta.
21. Favorite Tv show? The Vampire Diaries and True Blood
22. Pc or Mac? I have both, and I honestly prefer a Mac these days. Never thought I'd say that!!
23. What phone do you have? I have a Blackberry Pearl... almost time for a new phone!
24. How tall are you? 5'3"
13 Personal Questions:
1. What do you order at Starbucks? My default is a cinnamon dolce latte for cold weather and the shaken passion fruit lemonade in the hot weather. My all time favorite is the Peppermint Mocha holiday drink! Also, the new Mocha Coconut fraps are amazing! (Bit of a Starbucks junkie, haha!)
2. One thing in your closet you cannot live without: Flip flops. I don't like wearing shoes, and a good comfy pair of flip flops is hard to find!
3. What's one thing most people probably don't know about you? I'm an observer. I'm much more likely to be the girl sitting in a coffeehouse watching all the people and wondering about their lives, than the girl who's the life of the party.
4. Name one thing you want to do before you die . Find happiness, get married, and have a family.
5. What's one food you cannot live without? Pizza.. my ultimate favorite!
6. What quote/phrase do you live by? "People come into your life and people leave it. You've just got to trust that life has a road mapped out for you."
7. What do you like/dislike about the YouTube community? All the negativity! I don't make videos, but I see all the hateful things people say about others and it is just sad. Life's too short to be such a jerk!
8. What's your most listened to song on Itunes? "Everlong" by the Foo Fighters
9. What kind of style would you define yourself as having? Classic & casual
10. Favorite number? 3
11. Two Hobbies? Reading and cooking
12. Two Pet Peeves? Bad drivers and being inconsiderate.
13. Guilty Pleasures? Bubble baths, sleeping late, reading a trashy romance novel, Sex and the City.
I have been on a kick lately of finding new beauty blogs or YouTube channels I've never seen or heard of before and checking them out. It's really inspiring to watch someone new, learn about the products and things they love, and just get to know them. Tonight, I found the YouTube channel of zoella280390. I've watched nearly all her videos just tonight. She is absolutely beautiful, and I love listening to her accent! One of her videos was a tag of "about me" and "personal questions". Since I don't do videos myself, I thought it would be a good idea to post a little bit more about me on the off chance that I might have a reader or two someday. (Dare to dream, Beck.) So, here goes!!
About Me Questions:
1.Do you have a middle name? Yes! My middle name is Jo and it's after my dad, Joe.
2. What was your favorite subject in school? English Literature or Music.
3. What's your favorite drink? Coffee!
4. Favorite song at the moment? "Judas" by Lady Gaga, or "Give Me Everything" by Pitbull
5. What would you name your children? I've been giving this some thought lately... (And NO, not because I'm pregnant!) I originally liked Emily for a girl and Daniel for a boy. Now, I'm really liking Caroline or Allegra for a girl, and Noah or Jason for a boy.
6. Do you participate in any sports? Not anymore... I used to play softball.
7. Favorite Book? To quote "Ever After", "I could no sooner choose a favorite star in the heavens!" I love to read. My favorite series are The Black Dagger Brotherhood books, The Midnight Breed series, The Sookie Stackhouse (Southern Vampire) novels, and the House of Night series.
8. Favorite Color? I love black, white, hot pink, and purple. I also love cool grey-blues to decorate with.
9. Favorite Animal? Birds.
10. Favorite perfume? Viva La Juicy has been my favorite for years. I'm also really loving Pure DKNY and CLEAN warm cotton.
11. Favorite holiday? Christmas
12. Have you graduated High School? Yes, I graduated in 2003.
13. Have you been out of the Country? Yes, I travelled to Spain and Portugal after graduation! I'd really love to see England and Ireland someday.
14. Do you speak any other Languages? I used to speak Spanish almost fluently, but I've gotten kind of rusty over the years of not using it.
15. Do you have any siblings? I have a younger brother who is 22.
16. What's your favorite store? Barnes and Noble, Sephora, Ulta, Marshalls, Target.
17. Favorite Restaurant? TGI Fridays or the Olive Garden.
18. Do you like school? Yes! I guess I'd have to, as my career centers around it!
19. Favorite YouTubers? Michele1218, Lollipop26, FleurDeForce, JLovesMac, JuicyTuesday, Kandee Johnson, LisaLisaD1, Makeup by TiffanyD, Love Peace and LipGloss, sardun1... I could go on forever!!
20. Favorite Movie? I love the Lord of the Rings movies, and Harry Potter. My favorites of all time are probably Pretty Woman, The Breakfast Club, and V for Vendetta.
21. Favorite Tv show? The Vampire Diaries and True Blood
22. Pc or Mac? I have both, and I honestly prefer a Mac these days. Never thought I'd say that!!
23. What phone do you have? I have a Blackberry Pearl... almost time for a new phone!
24. How tall are you? 5'3"
13 Personal Questions:
1. What do you order at Starbucks? My default is a cinnamon dolce latte for cold weather and the shaken passion fruit lemonade in the hot weather. My all time favorite is the Peppermint Mocha holiday drink! Also, the new Mocha Coconut fraps are amazing! (Bit of a Starbucks junkie, haha!)
2. One thing in your closet you cannot live without: Flip flops. I don't like wearing shoes, and a good comfy pair of flip flops is hard to find!
3. What's one thing most people probably don't know about you? I'm an observer. I'm much more likely to be the girl sitting in a coffeehouse watching all the people and wondering about their lives, than the girl who's the life of the party.
4. Name one thing you want to do before you die . Find happiness, get married, and have a family.
5. What's one food you cannot live without? Pizza.. my ultimate favorite!
6. What quote/phrase do you live by? "People come into your life and people leave it. You've just got to trust that life has a road mapped out for you."
7. What do you like/dislike about the YouTube community? All the negativity! I don't make videos, but I see all the hateful things people say about others and it is just sad. Life's too short to be such a jerk!
8. What's your most listened to song on Itunes? "Everlong" by the Foo Fighters
9. What kind of style would you define yourself as having? Classic & casual
10. Favorite number? 3
11. Two Hobbies? Reading and cooking
12. Two Pet Peeves? Bad drivers and being inconsiderate.
13. Guilty Pleasures? Bubble baths, sleeping late, reading a trashy romance novel, Sex and the City.
I hope that was enlightening! For now, I'm off to indulge in two of my guilty pleasures: I'm curling up in bed with my book and sleeping as late as I can!
Goodnight loves!
Becky xoxo
Saturday, July 2, 2011
I'm back!
I know, I know... I suck at life. And updating my blog. :-)
Another school year's come and gone, and I am very glad it is summer! I've found a lot of great new products to share that are perfect for these hot summer days.
For the past week, I've been enjoying a relaxing vacation at the beach!
So far, I'm on my fifth book for the week. Trashy romances are just MADE for beach reading! Somehow, falling asleep to the sound of the crashing waves outside my window, and watching the beautiful colors on the horizon here always inspires me. Hopefully, I can channel some of that inspiration into blog posts. Here's to hoping the inspiration lasts!
So, for today, I thought I'd share some of my beachy favorites! Enjoy!
1. Books - if you couldn't tell from the absolutely obscene amount of books I've read just this week, I'm an avid reader. This week, I've read:
One Amazing Thing by Chitra Banerjee Divakarun
Fireworks Over Toccoa by Jeffrey Stepakoff
Nantucket Nights by Elin Hilderbrand
When You Dare by Lori Foster
and I'm in the process of finishing Awaken the Highland Warrior by Anita Clenney
So far, the overwhelming favorite is When You Dare *swoon* I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of this series. The next book is Trace of Fever.
Also in books, I'm dying to read the newest installment in the Midnight Breed series by Lara Adrian: Deeper than Midnight! So excited! They don't carry it in any of the bookstores here at the shore, and it only just came out on Tuesday, so I've got to wait till we're home to pick that one up!
2. Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Perfume
This is my favorite summer scent. It reminds me of a mixture of suntan lotion and spice.. It is perfect for hot summer nights!
3. Tinted Lip Balms
My lips get so dry in this hot weather, and I love a lip balm that has a pretty pop of color in addition to being moisturizing. My favorites for this summer include:
- Fresh Sugar Honey lip treatment
- Korres Lip Butter in Pomegranate
- MAC Hello Kitty tinted lip conditioner in Popster
4. Bronzer
Too Faced Chocolate Soleil is my current favorite (I won't lie... it's partially because of the yummy smell!)
I also love Benefit Hoola
5. Glowing blush
Estee Lauder peach nuance is a great peachy blush (and an awesome dupe for the MAC ripe peach blush ombre!)
Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzer in Maui (this is labelled a bronzer, but it's pink/coral)
Cargo Beach Bronze in Miami Beach
6. Sunless tanning
I'm very fair skinned. I could spend hours in the sun and all I would get is sun poisoning. My favorite sunless tanner is the Sun Laboratories in Very Dark. It is wonderful! It is pricey, but a tube will last all summer long.
7. Body Butter
I think it's the water down here at the shore, but my skin is so dry! It's like winter time all over again! There is something so satisfying about quenching your parched skin with a luxurious body butter.
I love the Body Shop Satsuma body butter! Yummy refreshing orange scent.
My favorite for summer is Hawaiian Tropic after sun body butter. It has the same coconut scent as their suntan lotion, and is the most moisturizing thing I've ever used!!
Well, that's all from this beach bunny for now! I'm off to enjoy the rest of my book on my last night of vacation. Wishing you all sweet ocean breezes!
Becky xoxo
Another school year's come and gone, and I am very glad it is summer! I've found a lot of great new products to share that are perfect for these hot summer days.
For the past week, I've been enjoying a relaxing vacation at the beach!
So far, I'm on my fifth book for the week. Trashy romances are just MADE for beach reading! Somehow, falling asleep to the sound of the crashing waves outside my window, and watching the beautiful colors on the horizon here always inspires me. Hopefully, I can channel some of that inspiration into blog posts. Here's to hoping the inspiration lasts!
So, for today, I thought I'd share some of my beachy favorites! Enjoy!
1. Books - if you couldn't tell from the absolutely obscene amount of books I've read just this week, I'm an avid reader. This week, I've read:
One Amazing Thing by Chitra Banerjee Divakarun
Fireworks Over Toccoa by Jeffrey Stepakoff
Nantucket Nights by Elin Hilderbrand
When You Dare by Lori Foster
and I'm in the process of finishing Awaken the Highland Warrior by Anita Clenney
So far, the overwhelming favorite is When You Dare *swoon* I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of this series. The next book is Trace of Fever.
Also in books, I'm dying to read the newest installment in the Midnight Breed series by Lara Adrian: Deeper than Midnight! So excited! They don't carry it in any of the bookstores here at the shore, and it only just came out on Tuesday, so I've got to wait till we're home to pick that one up!
2. Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Perfume
This is my favorite summer scent. It reminds me of a mixture of suntan lotion and spice.. It is perfect for hot summer nights!
3. Tinted Lip Balms
My lips get so dry in this hot weather, and I love a lip balm that has a pretty pop of color in addition to being moisturizing. My favorites for this summer include:
- Fresh Sugar Honey lip treatment
- Korres Lip Butter in Pomegranate
- MAC Hello Kitty tinted lip conditioner in Popster
4. Bronzer
Too Faced Chocolate Soleil is my current favorite (I won't lie... it's partially because of the yummy smell!)
I also love Benefit Hoola
5. Glowing blush
Estee Lauder peach nuance is a great peachy blush (and an awesome dupe for the MAC ripe peach blush ombre!)
Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzer in Maui (this is labelled a bronzer, but it's pink/coral)
Cargo Beach Bronze in Miami Beach
6. Sunless tanning
I'm very fair skinned. I could spend hours in the sun and all I would get is sun poisoning. My favorite sunless tanner is the Sun Laboratories in Very Dark. It is wonderful! It is pricey, but a tube will last all summer long.
7. Body Butter
I think it's the water down here at the shore, but my skin is so dry! It's like winter time all over again! There is something so satisfying about quenching your parched skin with a luxurious body butter.
I love the Body Shop Satsuma body butter! Yummy refreshing orange scent.
My favorite for summer is Hawaiian Tropic after sun body butter. It has the same coconut scent as their suntan lotion, and is the most moisturizing thing I've ever used!!
Well, that's all from this beach bunny for now! I'm off to enjoy the rest of my book on my last night of vacation. Wishing you all sweet ocean breezes!
Becky xoxo
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