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.

The Process // How to Make Your Dream Life a Reality

I've worked long and hard on the art of goal setting & achievement.  The longer I've focused on manifesting my goals, the better I've become at it.  One thing I've realized from experience is that certain goals seemed easier to reach than others.  The ones that have taken me the longest (or that I haven't yet achieved) have eluded me because of how I perceive them.

Some of my intentions are viewed achievable and while others seem completely separate from my reality.   We are either working on our goals or fantasizing about them.  The goals that we're working on tend to eventually show up in our lives.  The fantasies, on the other hand, remain stuck in their imaginary never land.

Once I figured out the difference, I changed my entire goal achievement approach.  Instead of continuing to indulge in my fantasies, I contemplated how to draw those desires nearer to me.

Lori Harvey Reveals Her Favorite Skin Care Must Haves. Let's Discuss.

Model, socialite, and fashionista, Lori Harvey, is quickly building her personal brand.  If you don't quite recognize the name, you may know Lori as the daughter of tv & radio personality Steve Harvey.  Lori lives an interesting life which is part of the reason why I followed her on Instagram in the first place.  Immediately after following, I mumbled a silent prayer hoping that one day, she would reveal her favorite skin care products.  And that I would be there if that day ever came.

By chance, I just happened to log into Snapchat on the very day that Lori decided to bless us with a series of images detailing all of her product faves.   Let's take a look.

Forget the Spa. Here's How to Give Yourself an At Home Back Facial

Whenever I review the menu of services offered at a spa, my interest is always peaked by treatments that involve scrubbing/exfoliating the back. I've wanted to experience a back facial forever but my other skin issues have always taken priority.

But as summer draws nearer, I've realized that I can't neglect this important aspect of my self-care routine. Our back and shoulders will be exposed more now than ever. Last night I attempted my very first at home back facial and I have to admit, it was a huge success. I even received a compliment on the softness of my skin this morning so my efforts didn't go unnoticed.

I'll break down exactly what I did plus how you can execute your own variation of the back facial at home.

[Try This] The Multi-Step Cleansing Method that Completely Clears Out Your Pores

Years ago, I had a horrific acne problem.  Luckily the breakouts have diminished over time.  But one lingering concern still persists.  Although my skin might appear clear, I'm still plagued with an issue that impacts my skin almost as much as a breakout.

My pores tend to get really congested.  Although my skin may look ok from afar, congested skin is lackluster and doesn't appear smooth.  Let's be real, blocked pores are ticking time bombs that can easily develop into breakouts at any given moment.  

I've implemented a few strategies to counteract that problem.  That's why I'm so addicted to my Clarisonic.  My skin needs the deep scrubbing action.  Although the Clarisonic does a decent job, it does not compare to my ultrasonic skin scrubber.  That thing really performs when it comes to removing gunk from my pores.  

Before the skin scrubber came into my life, I used a manual technique that was excellent at clearing out my pores.  The other day, I learned of another method that somewhat mirrored mine.   This technique is so effective that people are actually boasting about seeing their blackheads removed right before their very eyes.

No lotion needed? The Supplement That Hydrates & Plumps Your Skin From the Inside Out

I've been an avid consumer of collagen supplements for years.  When I learned about how rapidly collagen levels decline starting at the age of 21, I immediately added it to my routine.  Collagen supplements have really served me well.  Within the first 30 days of regular consumption I noticed a difference.

Since then, I've graduated from collagen supplements to introducing collagen peptides into the mix. Because collagen peptides have a low molecular structure, I figured that perhaps my body would better absorb it for even more benefits.  Although I'm not 100% sure, I feel as if taking collagen has helped speed up the results of my multiple micro needling treatments.

Things are going well. But then I wondered if there was anything I could do to make it even better.  Synergistically, I needed to pair my collagen with another supplement to maximize benefits.

RAVE | Etude House's Moistfull Collagen Emulsion

After reading the findings from a NASA skin study on how to minimize the damaging effects of space travel, I decided to recommit myself to the practice of keeping my skin as hydrated as possible at all times.

In the study, researchers applied an emulsion to protect the skin from dryness related concerns.  I wasn't exactly sure what constitutes an emulsion so I skipped over to Amazon and did a quick search to find a few examples.

One of the first results was a product with over 100 reviews and nearly a 5-star rating.  I immediately wanted to know more.  What was this product and why did so many people like it?

Etude's Moistufull Collagen Emulsion is a Korean beauty product.  As you may already know, Asian women are obsessed with having moist, plump skin. Hence why there are so many layers in their beauty routine.  After skimming over a few of the reviews, I immediately purchased.

Here's short product description:

The small particles of the super collagen water and Baobab water in the Moistfull Collagen Emulsion, endlessly provide moisture and leave your skin feeling bouncy like jelly. Moistfull Collagen Emulsion has a light but firm texture that adheres moisture and nutrients to the skin.

What really sold me was the addition of a fruit extract from the African Baobab tree.  If you weren't aware, Baobab trees are known for their unusual lifespan.  Some living for over 800 years.  They survive in harsh deserts thanks to their ability to maintain hydration by storing tens of thousands of gallons of water in their trunk.  It makes sense to add this extract to skin hydration products.  Best of all, it's the 4th ingredient on the list which makes me happy.  They also included Baobab seed oil in the emulsion as well.

What makes me even happier is that collagen is the 2nd ingredient.  I know there's some debate out there as to whether topical collagen is effective for penetrating the skin but, in my experience, collagen based products tend to hold in moisture just a bit longer than their counterparts.

When I purchased Moistfull Collagen, I also decided to grab one of these mini skin moisture readers. Days later, my goodies arrived.  Immediately, I rubbed a little Moistfull Collagen in between my hands to get a feel for the consistency.  It looks and feels like a very lightweight lotion.  But when applied, it melts like water bringing a rush of hydration to the skin.  The moment I applied it, I knew that I found my newest favorite product.

Ladies, this is the perfect summer moisturizer.  It's lightweight and melts completely into the skin. There's no trace of greasiness left behind.  This is the perfect layering product.  You can use it under a sunscreen by day or layer it under a thicker cream and/or oil at night.

Sometimes, I'll randomly pull out my skin moisture meter and quickly do a reading on my face.  Whenever the numbers aren't favorable, I'll quickly apply a thin layer of Moistfull and suddenly my skin is ultra-hydrated again.  Best of all, this product is pretty affordable considering how well it works and how much product you get per bottle.  I highly recommend this Moistfull if you are looking for intense moisture in a weightless product.  Next on my purchase list is their Moistfull Collagen cream.  Can't wait to try it.

NASA has a SkinCare Division. They Confirmed this is the Key to Healthy Skin

I'm grateful for all the contributions that NASA has made to the health & beauty industry.  Some notable examples that come to mind include vibration plates and mini trampolines.  Both help rebuild bone and muscle mass because space exploration really does a number on the body.  Once astronauts return home, their bodies are ravaged by the effects of their zero gravity environment. That's when their scientists get to work on discovering ways to rehabilitate and prevent long term damage.

Obviously,  preventing the negative physical effects to the body is a top priority. Which is why rebounding and vibration plates were discovered so long ago.  But recently, NASA has also come to realize another huge issue that needs to be addressed.  Not only were there astronauts dealing with bone and muscle loss, they realized that an antigravity environment also accelerates skin aging.

DIY // How to transform your water into an Anti-Aging Beauty Tonic

It's no secret that I have a mild obsession with consuming nutrition in liquid form.  The possibility of enjoying a higher absorption rate as the nutrients bypass the digestion process excites me so much.  Last year I discovered the wonders of adding chlorophyll drops to my water. Since then, I've never stopped contemplating the idea of amassing an arsenal of powerful boosters to I can add to my water anytime.

How Being a Future Focused Individual will Transform Your Life

One of the most positive traits I have that's allowed me to create ideal outcomes is my ability to focus on the future.  I took a personality assessment once which identified one of my strengths as "futuristic."   Here's the synopsis of someone who's strength is futuristic:

The future fascinates you. As if it were projected on the wall, you see in detail what the future might hold, and this detailed picture keeps pulling you forward, into tomorrow. While the exact content of the picture will depend on your other strengths and interests, it will always be inspirational to you. You are a dreamer who sees visions of what could be and who cherishes those visions. When the present proves too frustrating and the people around you too pragmatic, you conjure up your visions of the future and they energize you. 

Currently Loving.

It's time for another quick roundup of recent beauty purchases that I'm currently loving.

NARS concealer
I'm losing count of the number of concealers I currently own.  I have a couple from MAC, some from Makeup Forever. I even have a few shades from the cult drugstore brand L.A. Girl.  Not to mention my all time favorite concealer, Kevyn Aucoin.  I had no business buying another one.  But time and time again, I kept hearing about NARS' concealer and how it was an absolute must have.  So I grabbed one.  Best decision I've made in a while.  I love this concealer for several reasons.  First, I like the packaging.  I don't have to get any product on my fingers thanks to the handy application brush.  Secondly, the packaging makes it extremely portable so I just throw it in my purse without having to worry about any mishaps.  But what makes me love this product more than anything is its formula.  NARS creamy concealer is a perfect consistency.  It offers the perfect amount of coverage. It blends perfectly into my skin with no creasing.   I love NARS creamy concealer so much.

How Enjoying Red Wine Can Promote Healthy Hair

For the past several months, I've really neglected my self-care routines.  I haven't been eating all that healthy, my sleep has been sporadic and I haven't placed my well-being as a high priority.  Since it's a new month, I thought now would be a great time to get back on track.

On a whim, I went online and purchased a round of cryotherapy sessions which happened to be on sale.  Once that was done, I started looking around for IV Drip centers nearby.  Once I learned that we could feed our bodies a cocktail of nutrients that nourish from the inside out,  I wanted in.

A friend happened to text me the other day that she scheduled an acupuncture treatment nearby.  I immediately told her that I was thinking of trying cosmetic acupuncture and maybe we could go together.  We agreed and I proceed to locate the info for the alternative health office.  But once I got on their website, I was immediately distracted by the fact that they also offered IV therapy.

Minutes later, I was on the line with a rep. But instead of asking about acupuncture, I inquired about the IV.  "Do you guys offer any beauty cocktails that benefit the hair, skin and nails?"  After a moment of silence, the woman on the other line asked me to hold on while she asked around for more info.

After, what seemed liked forever, she finally returned with some good news.  "We offer a resveratrol drip which has beauty benefits."  I thanked her for her response and politely ended the call.  My first thought was "resveratrol? Isn't that the stuff in red wine? How is that gonna benefit the hair and skin?"

Is it Possible to Maintain Muscle Without Stepping Foot In the Gym?

In the movie, The Secret, there's a scene where the Law of Attraction experts discuss the power of the mind and visualization in the reality creation process.  They discussed how athletes visualized themselves performing at a high level on the field of play.  As they created mental pictures in their minds, their muscles would signal as if the activity were actually happening.

Soon they realized that visualizing the successful execution of game moves in their minds brought nearly as powerful benefits as hours of real practice.  This is why visualization is so well-regarded  when it comes to the manifestation process.  We see it in our minds, and it feels so real.  Our belief skyrockets but, more importantly, our bodies really respond.

Today I learned that this physical response might actually help you in your fitness journey.  Let me explain.

Stop Choosing to Live In the Same Situation. Change it.

I had multiple conversations recently that inspired this post.  In both cases, the women wanted to transition from working full time to running a successful business.  In both cases, the women were holding on to their jobs a bit too long.   This was my opinion.  I based the opinion on personal experience.

Prior to taking the big leap, I lived with a high level of anxiety and stress on a daily basis.  I hated my situation and I couldn't keep it up much longer.  But I did.  I kept it up for months and made plans to keep going for another year even though each day felt worse than the last.

Nothing was going to change because I was too afraid.  But then I asked myself a powerful question that changed everything.