Monday Motivation \\ How to Inspire Yourself Every Day when You First Wake Up

Over the weekend, I checked out some house/apartment tour videos on Youtube.  One video, in particular, featured a loft style apartment with a modern aesthetic and killer views.  I loved the minimalist decor and monochromatic design.   Everything about his apartment was intentional and perfect.

There was one moment in the video that caused me to pause and reflect.  As he showed us his bedroom, the points the camera out towards the amazing city view.  He then informs us that when laying down on his bed, he has a clear view of the city skyline.  This, he says, was one of his biggest life goals (to wake up every morning to amazing views).  What he said next is what inspired me to write this post.

This exclusive city view, according to the blogger is, "what motivates me to get up in the morning and to do the most."

Let's Discuss Your Plan for Flexible Passive Income

I'd like to bring up a topic that has been an interest of mine for many years.  Early on in my financial journey, I stumbled on an audio book that forever changed my viewpoint on the most effective way to earn money.  That book was called Multiple Streams of Income by Robert Allen.  In the book, Robert encouraged us to diversify our income sources.  I loved the premise of the book and contemplated someday putting his ideas into practice.

As time when on, my career began to take off and I relied solely on a paycheck.  But that wasn't a bad thing because the money came every two weeks.  But as I moved up the ladder, I noticed a flaw in this system.  One article I read even called a job a risky way to make money.  In my mind, I'm like "how can that be?"  The money is always there on payday.  What could go wrong?

But over the course of my career, I fired a countless number of people.  Most of them came to work that day not expecting their income to suddenly stop.  Sure, you can get another job, but who knows how long that'll take or if your earning will be similar to what you had before.  Basically, your livelihood is in the hands of strangers.  That is completely risky if you ask me.  One day, I was at a seminar and the speaker said something I'll never forget.  While speaking on one topic, he suddenly proclaimed to the audience "I don't work for a paycheck, I live my life and I earn money while doing so."  That's all I ever wanted.  Since then, I've wanted to live up to this mantra.

This past week, I spent some time in the wonderful country of Belize.  I rented a luxury villa and relaxed as I experienced all the amenities the island has to offer.  As I ate fresh seafood at restaurants on the beach, the only thought that constantly went through my mind is "how do I make this last forever?"

[MUST TRY] Your DIY Post Shower Hair Oil for Sleek, Shiny Moisturized Hair

I've been known to randomly poke around Amazon in search of unknown beauty products that could potentially change my life.  This morning, I stumbled on a wonderful little gem and I couldn't be any happier.

The actual product itself is manufactured by a well known Japanese beauty brand.  In fact, they are the makers of one of the most popular cult facial cleansing oils on the market.  It just so happened that they also carry a line of "after shower hair products."  These items are specifically made for application post shower.

We already know the value of adding product to damp skin post shower.  Applying an oil/lotion to wet skin enhances our skin's moisture retention levels in a wonderful way. Why not apply this same principle to our hair routine?  Thanks to the inspiration I received from DHC, I may have found a way to replicate the perfect DIY after shower hair oil recipe.

Palmer's May Have Created the Perfect Summer Glowing Skin Product

Years ago, I met a gorgeous flight attendant who let me in on the secret to her glowing skin.  During our convo, she made certain that I was aware of oil gel.  Unlike lotions, oil gels have the ability to hydrate and nourish the skin for long periods of time.  Plus, they leave a layer of shine on the skin which gives it a nice glow.

As soon as I got the chance, I purchased my first bottle of oil gel and I've been hooked ever since.  They basically save my skin in the winter.  Now that summer is here, I'm eager to integrate these gel based oils into my daily routine.  Although I like the ones I currently have, I still kept my eyes and ears open for a better version for summer.   I'm happy to report that my wish has been granted because I may have stumbled on the perfect drug store oil gel for summer.

First Impressions // Did a water softener make a difference to my hair + skin?

A few weeks ago, I allowed my mind to wander in the shower as I typically do.  Out of no where, I said in an audible voice "I need a whole house water softener."  A water softener is something I've wanted for many years.  Hard water has been the bane of my existence for as long as I can remember.  It coats my shower doors and dishes with a thin layer of mineral deposits.  But, worst of all, is how it affects my hair and skin.

Within days of me making that random comment in the shower, I received an unsolicited sales call.  The people on the other line wanted to schedule a time for me to have my water tested in exchange for a $25.00 gift card.  I happily obliged.  Soon, a slick talking salesman was at my home hoping to convince me of the benefits of having a whole house softener.  Most of the his sales pitch consisted mainly of information that I was well aware of.  But I wasn't completely sold until he gave a demonstration that changed everything.

Let's Discuss the Waist Length Hair Retention Secrets of the Women of Chad

One of the most important aspects of a successful hair journey is our ability to retain length.  Even if you aren't trying to have hip length hair, retention serves as an indicator of how solid our hair routines are.  If we're constantly loosing length, there's a problem somewhere.   Either we need to improve our products or our practices.

If you still haven't quite yet grasped the proper techniques to help you retain length, you've come to the right place.  Because today, I'm featuring a video that details the regimen of women who have truly mastered the art of length retention.

4 Ways That Summer is Ruining Your Beauty (and how to stop it).

Summer is in full swing.  I'm sure we're all enjoying the longer days and the warm sunshine.  While you're enjoying fun filled days outdoors, I want to you keep a little something in mind.  Summer, may be one of the most damaging seasons when it comes to our beauty routines.

Let me explain.  Winters may seem like a harsh season when it comes to our skin, hair & health (and it is).  But we are well aware of the issues that arise from cold weather.  The side effect of dry air is pretty obvious. So we minimize the risk by amping up our moisture routines.

Summer is a bit trickier because the dangers aren't quite as obvious.  I believe that summer has the potential to accelerate aging and other beauty related concerns.  Worse yet, we might not even be aware of what's happening.   Let's discuss the potential downside of summer and how we can avoid it.

Study Claims that Fewer Trips to the Gym Still Produces Similar Results.

I'm about 12 lbs down from my heaviest weight.  At my height, 12 lbs makes all the difference in the world.  I attribute the weight loss to a change in my eating habits.  While I appreciate being a bit slimmer, I'd prefer to have a bit more muscle tone.  I take full responsibility because I barely visit the gym.  The thought of driving to the gym 3-4 times a week for workout sessions seems so laborious. So I avoid it altogether.

All hope is not lost.  Because I've recently discovered that going to the gym 3 times a week may not be necessary to build muscle.

How I built a Six Figure Business without working with Mentor

When I decided to leave corporate America, I set an intention to link up with a mentor that would help guide me through the process.  I envisioned meeting a successful woman who ran a highly profitable business.  She would give me all the advice, motivation and inspiration necessary to carry me through every phase of my business.  I told all of my friends about how badly I wanted a mentor. I wrote it down as a goal.  At networking events, I made my intentions known.  But, in the end, I never found that mentor I was looking for.

Even without the mentor, I still was able to launch a relatively successful business.   Someone once asked me the question of how to find a mentor.  Since I was never able to find one myself, I couldn't really respond.  But after reflecting I realized that we can still gleam the valuable advice from successful people and apply it to your situation to create massive results.

Try This // The Lash Trick That Instantly Creates Bolder Lashes

I'm on a constant quest for new, innovative ways to enhance my non-existent lashes.  For someone who has tiny lashes, like me, every bit of advice helps.

Today, hubby and I stopped by a popular taco restaurant for lunch.  While waiting for our chips and salsa to arrive, he leans over and tells me that my lashes are getting longer.  Truth is, my lashes are the same pathetic length they've always been.  The only difference is a new lash application technique that changed everything.

Lily Ghalichi reveals her favorite Drug Store Beauty Must Haves

I've followed Lily Ghalichi's journey for many years.  Before she became a reality tv star, Lily was a lawyer turned entrepreneur who launched a successful swimwear line.  Back in the day, Lily had a simple blog where she'd post honest articles detailing what she currently loved along with interesting moments in her life.  I'm not ashamed to admit that I stalked Lily's blog on a regular basis.

But as her business grew (along with her celebrity status) Lily could no longer keep up with her blog. I was bummed but I still followed her career from a far.  Then I learned that Lily relaunched her YouTube channel.  She promises that her videos would be reminiscent of her old blog.  Meaning, she would only talk about things she genuinely loves.  Lily even stated that product she features will be 100% bought by her and that her channel would NOT be monetized.  I fee like I have the old Lily back!!!

When she published a video of her favorite drug store products, I rushed over 'cause I knew that Lily was about to reveal her real secrets.  As a financially successful business woman, Lily has access to pretty much any beauty product her heart desires.  So when she promised to reveal her favorite drug store brands, I was all ears.  Let's discuss the notable products from her list of faves.

Finally found The Glam Glow Dupe that I've been looking for.

Years ago, I stumbled on a cult mask that made me fall instantly in love.  This mask was touted as a facial in a bottle by those who had the pleasure of trying it.  I adored this product because the mask seemed to handle multiple skin issues at once.

It exfoliated, absorbed oil, and even had ingredients that faded acne scars.  My only issue with it was the price.  For such a small amount, it required a pretty substantial investment.  Since then, I've kept my eyes and ears open for a suitable dupe.

I've tried a few but no other mask really seemed like a true replacement for GlamGlow until now.

This is The Most Powerful Technique for Beating Procrastination.

On Father's Day, I paid my dad a visit.  During my visit, I shared some ideas on how he could make improvements to his store.  As we discussed possible scenarios, I noticed a blank expression on his face.  Eventually, he informed me that he'd been having difficulty executing the things that he needed to do because of a lack of focus.

I knew exactly where he was coming from because I constantly battle with procrastination.  Having been on a personal development journey for years, I've learned countless strategies for overcoming procrastination and getting things done.

But only one method has truly worked.  This technique not only helps you overcome procrastination, it transforms you into a superhuman capable of accomplishing almost anything.

Summer Lookbook // The Flirty Dress.

I'm way overdue for a wardrobe update.  Summer's here and it's getting unbearably hot.  The hotter it gets, the less I focus on looking cute.  Comfort seems to trump style whenever temperatures rise.   I've been in search of a happy middle ground between style & comfort and I've finally found it.

The flirty summer dress is the answer that I've been looking for.  They're are so easy and laid back.  You can dress down the look with a pair of white sneakers and a crossbody bag.  What I love most about this type of dress is the flirty length combined with the cute sleeves that balance the look.

Want a more polished look that can transition from day to night?  Opt for a dress with full-length sleeves.  

I'm on a mission to acquire several of these dresses that I can live in for the duration of summer. They're feminine, care-free, and save a ton time when getting ready in morning.  In my opinion, you can't go wrong with acquiring a few flirty dresses as your perfect summer essential.

Bedtime Beauty | Try this before bed to wake up to glowy skin.

I'm in the process of overhauling my entire night time routine.  If I were perfectly honest, I really don't have much of a routine in place.  That's a huge mistake because evenings are the perfect opportunity to really focus on our self-care rituals.

So much goes on while we sleep that anything we do prior to bed seems to amplify our results.  We already know to remove our makeup and that sort of stuff.  But I recently learned of another beauty ritual that we should all consider doing at night.

Tired of the Same Results? It's Time to Up-Level

Lately been playing around with the idea of how to "up-level" my current results.  The urban dictionary defines up-leveling as to "transform or grow in an area that was previously stagnant."  Stagnancy is something I try to avoid because, in reality, nothing really remains stagnant.  As far as I'm concerned, standing still is the equivalent of declining.

For this reason, we must always be moving forward.  Yes, we should always be appreciative of our current blessings but, at the same time, we should move our eyes to the horizon towards our next goal.  Working towards our next goal sounds easy to do.  But no one talks about what to do once you hit your invisible ceiling.

What is the invisible ceiling?  It's what happens when we find ourselves continuing to produce the same results over and over again.  Maybe those results are decent, but for some reason, we can't seem to get to the next level.

Drinking Vinegars are all the rage! Let's Make Our Own

Recently I discovered and fell in love with a new brand in the healthy juice market.  I was instantly hooked on how authentic their juices were.  The taste was reminiscent of the pricey freshly bottled options from the fancy juicers.  The minute I finished my first bottle, I wanted more.  Somehow I found myself on their site searching for nearby locations that carried their full line of options.

My attention was diverted the instant I learned that Suja offered "drinking vinegars."  I didn't know what drinking vinegars were but I knew that I wanted 'em.  After reading the product description, I learned that these juice vinegars were tonics that combine the health benefits of apple cider vinegar with probiotics for optimal gut health.

Minutes later, I sourced a nearby location that sold these vinegars. Within an hour, I had my first taste.  It was pretty good.....but, in all honesty, I wanted more.

Rave // This Nutrient Rich Oil Has Taken Over My Life

Ok, guys, I have to introduce you to my newest love.  I've been on a buying spree lately and have stumbled on a few gems.  This most recent find has to be one of my absolute favorites.  The inspiration for this purchase came after stumbling on my other favorite product Etude House's Moistfull Collagen.

In their product description, they boasted of having superior moisturizing powers thanks to the help of a special ingredient.  That ingredient is an oil from a tree native to Africa. Thanks to this oil, Etude House was able to formulate one the most moisturizing facial products ever.

 I needed to get my hands on the source.  Instead of acting on my intentions right away, I let a few days pass.  As the days passed, I noticed something interesting.  People I followed online shared images of their favorite products.  Baobab oil seemed to a common ingredient in their faves as well.

via @bu.ke_products

Without thinking twice, I purchased a small bottle of baobab oil and crossed my fingers hoping that I made the right decision.

[Updated] Simone's Summer Skin Care Favorites (w/video)

I'm back with another Instagram Beauty Routine reveal.  This one's special because it's more of an update.  You may remember when I once featured Simone a.ka. @cocoaflowerr's favorite skin products.

I'm pretty sure the girl is inundated with comments and requests to share the items responsible for her amazing skin.  Luckily for us, she's pretty accommodating.  Just recently, she posted a few snaps with her current line up.  The first thing I noticed is that a lot has changed since her last reveal.  Perhaps she's switched up her routine to stay flawless for summer?

Let's check out these quick vids as Simone pays homage to the products her skin loves.

Game Changer? Take This Facial Product with You Into the Shower for Ultra Moisturized Skin.

Showers are an integral part of our beauty rituals. Not just from the hygiene aspect but also the numerous activities that you can layer into your shower routine.  We've talked about "in shower beauty tips" before.  I thought I had it all covered.  But I recently picked up another idea from a Korean beauty expert.  This one is so simple, that I wondered why I hadn't thought of it before.