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It’s 2017!

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Where has the time gone?  Hopefully the new year has been treating you well.  I realized that I haven’t posted in ages.  Since I am done traveling at the moment, I now have time to catch up on all of the articles that I haven’t completed.  We are starting off the new year (a month late) with a GIVEAWAY!  I did mean to have this giveaway back in December, but life happened, so the giveaway did not.  There are actually two that I will be doing over the next few months.  The first features Tieman’s Low-Acid Fusion Coffee, and the other will be a mix of deluxe-sized beauty/grooming products.  I may be able to squeeze another in, so we’ll see.  I also have post-CES updates, some travel information, recipes, and reviews coming up.

Stay beautiful!

7-Day Challenge: Minimalism

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This week I have decided to focus on minimalism.  I never really thought about how much “stuff” I was accumulating until I moved some things to storage.  Holy s**t!  I have more than enough items.  Do I think that people should never spend or buy things?  No.  But, I want to see what it’s like to focus on being present and here rather than on what I want to buy.  Plus, my wallet will surely thank me.   This will be a huge challenge because I am a sucker for samples.  If it is something I will use, then I’ll take it, but other than that, I will, “…just say no.”

Monday:  Random Thoughts

Today is the first day of this week-long challenge, and there are so many thoughts running through my head.  Am I over-thinking this?  Are the associations I am making valid?  What is consumerism saying about us as humans and as a society?  Why do I keep things thinking I’ll use them later, but in reality I never do?  Do “things” really make us happy?  Why am I so organized with work and school, but not at home?  Will this help increase my productivity?

I never used to associate possessions with the many facets of health.  They were always separate.  The older I get, the more I realize that “things” may really be affecting my health in more ways than one.  There are times when I look around and think that I will go crazy because of all of the clutter.  Or, I look at what I have and realize how grateful I am for everything.  And then there are times when I wonder why I have so much.  Maybe if I scaled down my inventory, I would be happier overall.  Not just because the space would be less cluttered, but there would be less distractions, and I could really focus on just being.  Not to mention the money saved that could be put towards a trip or something really special.  Do you think I’m taking this a little too seriously? Moving on…

It is the first day.  Today I will focus on de-cluttering my sleeping area.  It’s kind of an odd setup, and there isn’t much space.  That being said, I have managed to cram a ridiculous amount of items in this crazy-small space.  After watching tiny house/small space videos, I’ve gotten a better idea of how I want to go about clearing this area.  First I will take stock on what I have.  Then, I will make piles of what I need to keep, donate, and toss.  Until I return…

An hour later, and I already have a trash bag of things I can donate!  The items consist mostly of clothes, but it’s a start.  I love to buy shirts (pants/bottoms, not so much), and I have some that I completely forgot I had.  Many were given to me during CES, and I realized that I’ve never worn most of them.  Maybe someone else can benefit from the shirts I have decided to donate.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday:  Less is More?
I’ve been watching a lot of movies throughout the decades, and even in film, you can see the hike in consumerism just in the props.  I am learning that less really may be more in some cases.  Over the past three days, I went through boxes that ha been stored in the garage.  I found three HUGE storage boxes of items to donate.  While part of me would like to sell off what I can, my heart says to donate.  I will be taking some items down to Skid Row, and the rest will go to Out of the Closet.  Seeing so many items really makes me realize how much I have.  It also forces me to see how much I’ve spent over time.  While the majority of items were given to me, a fair amount are items I’ve purchased.  My next venture will be to go through the shed.
Friday:  Still a Work in Progress
It’s Friday!  The weekend is upon us, and the house is decorated just in time for the holidays.  I am still sifting through everything I have accumulated.  There is a “keep” box, “donate” box, and “trash” pile.  Thus far, the donation box has grown exponentially, and there has been little to toss.  Items I thought I would keep ended up needing a new home, as I no longer use them.  I did find a few appliances I was looking for.  The only thing I’m focused on now is finding a particular collection, and making sure I don’t start the cycle of accumulation again.

Valentia: Night Revive Retinol Serum

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I have been using Valentia‘s Night Revive Retinol Serum for a little over two months.  It is meant to hydrate and rejuvenate skin, while fighting wrinkles, for a youthful, glowing look.  The serum comes with a drop applicator, and has a watery consistency.  The formula absorbs fast, and can be added to your nighttime moisturizer or used alone.  If you choose to apply this during the day, be sure to use an SPF.  You always want to protect your skin.

I’m sorry.  I cut of the top of the bottle,
but you can see the dropper lid in the
photo to the right.
Bottle, dropper cap, and serum.

In the time I have been using the serum, I have noticed a difference in my skin’s texture.  It feels smoother, and my face always feels fresh when I wake.  Since the weather has been all over the place, my skin has been flaky and dry around my hairline as well as at the start of my eyebrows.  This serum doesn’t deliver the amount of moisture my skin currently needs, so I combine two to three drops with No. 7 Beautiful Skin Night Cream in Dry/Very Dry.  It is recommended to apply the serum two to three times per week until your skin adjusts.  Then, you can increase use to every day or every other day.    

This little jar contains all sorts of effective ingredients such as:  Retinal (Vitamin A), Vitamin C, Vitamin E,  Aloe Vera, and Olive Oil Squalene.  Want to know more about the ingredients?  You can read the full ingredient list here.  If you are unsure  about how your skin will react, I suggest doing a patch test on a small area.  Should your skin react negatively, discontinue use.  The serum is currently on sale for $35.00/35mL (normally $59.99).  You can keep in touch with Valentia on Facebook or Instagram for updates, new products, and promotions.

Stay beautiful!

**I received this product in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.  Powered by BrandBacker**

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Festival of Holidays at Disney California Adventure!

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I love Disney, especially during the holidays!

Epcot had the Food & Wine festival, where guests could experience foods from varying cultures.  This holiday season, Disney California Adventure has put on the Festival of Holidays.  Like Food & Wine, guests have the opportunity to try out all sorts of foods, drinks, and entertainment.  This multicultural food fair will last through January 8th.  I can’t wait to try out what they have to offer.  I have heard that it is quite pricey (but it’s Disney, so that’s not a surprise).  Here is a list of all of the offerings, courtesy of disney.go.com:

  • Abuelita’s Kitchen cooks up Feliz Navidad wishes with warm tamales and sopes
  • Brews & Bites clinks flights of beer for yuletide cheer
  • Fiesta en Familia makes merriment with savory dishes like pozole and ceviche
  • Southern Home Holidays spreads southern comfort classics like spicy chicken sausage and sweet potato pie
  • Good Fortune’s Feast adds a little flair to the festivities with pork bao and winter mint milk tea
  • Heritage Cottage serves up tasty goodies with hardy holiday short ribs and rice pudding
  • Making Spirits Bright shows what fun it is to celebrate with wines and seasonal beverages
  • Mistletoe Morsels melts hearts with Swedish meatballs and eggnog
  • Mosaic Delights moffers mouthwatering munchies like roasted lamb and baklava
  • Nosh & Nibbles is horsera-dishing out brisket potato croquettes and sweet spiced noodle kugel
  • Spicy Salutations celebrates with inspired cuisine like curry and mango lassi
  • Treats for Santa twinkles with fruit punch and holiday cookies
  • Winter Sliderland roasts and toasts with succulent sliders and hard cider
  • Yuletide Yummies puts a twist on the traditional, with creations like pumpkin spice hot chocolate and gingerbread Bundt cake

As we try out the various small plates, I will update this post with my thoughts on each dish that is sampled.  Hopefully this list will help you decide what to try on your next visit.  What are you looking forward to the most this (Disney) holiday season?

Valentia: Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer

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My bottle had a misprinted date.  I did contact them,
and everything was worked out.
I have been using Valentia products for some time.  This review is for their Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer ($25.00/4oz here).  Normally my reviews are done after 30 days, but there has been a lot going on, which I will address in a different post.  Therefore, this has been about two months in the making.  After my typical day and night cleansing routine I apply this combined with their Night Revive Retinol Serum.  The pump controls the amount of product dispensed.  Typically I use two to three pumps.  Texturally, this lightweight moisturizer feels similar to a light lotion, and has a slightly citrusy-floral scent.  I don’t find that it makes my skin oily after it is applied, but every skin type is different.  This moisturizer absorbs fast, and I have noticed that my face looks more even, but I don’t really feel a difference.  Ingredients like kojic acid, Vitamin E, shea butter, and green tea work together to help brighten, moisturize, and protect all skin types.  If you would like to read the full ingredients list, click here.  You can also stay in touch with Valentia by visiting their Instagram and Facebook page.  
The amount from one pump.
Since the weather has been changing, my skin is starting to become more dry along my hairline and at the start of my eyebrows.  I hate it because it looks like I’m peeling.  How do I combat it?  Well, most use Clarisonic a couple or few times per week.  I use it daily, as it does most of the work.  If I don’t use Clarisonic for a couple of days, my skin gets worse.  That being said, I also need a stronger moisturizer.  I couple Valentia’s Pure Glow Brightening Moisturizer with No. 7 Beautiful Skin Night Cream for Dry/Very Dry Skin.  They keep my skin hydrated and the dryness lasts for about a week.  Prior to this regimen, it would last for at least a month.  
What are your weather-changing skincare go-tos?
Stay beautiful!
**I received this product in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.  Powered by BrandBacker**

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RevivHair Placode Booster Serum Review

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Thanks to RevivSerums and BrandBacker, I was able to try out RevivHair Placode Booster Serum.  My hair is thin, but I have a lot of it.  Due to medications, my hair has been falling out, and I have issues with my scalp.  Whenever the weather changes, my scalp goes crazy, and it takes a medicated shampoo to help things.  This serum is supposed to encourage new hair growth, strengthen hair against breakage, and help problem scalps.  The serum contains various peptides and act ingredients that are meant to revitalize, strengthen, etc.  You can read more about the product here.  The box includes enough for 30 days and a syringe, and you have to use it daily for best results.   

Day 1:  My hair is a bit frizzy (thanks to the weather).
The pictures were taken with an iPhone 7 Plus w/flash.

I used the product at night, after I showered.  After drawing 1mL into the syringe I applied it to my scalp.  The serum was cooling, but only for a few minutes.  I worked the serum in with my fingertips, giving my scalp a nice massage.  I washed my hands, rinsed out the applicator, put the lid back on the vial, and went to sleep.  In the morning, on days I wouldn’t shower after waking up (sometimes I shower at night and then in the morning) I would style my hair as usual.  Because of the texture of the serum, I expected my roots to be oily, but they weren’t.  

End of Week 4:  Instead of having
my hair up, I put it down.  It looks like
there was no change, but it definitely feels fuller.
After the end of Week 2:   My hair looks
lighter than it is.  I can’t see a difference
at all, but my hair did start to feel different.
While my hair didn’t (and doesn’t) look different, I do think that it feels thicker.  The change in thickness was something I noticed about a week in.  Don’t expect results overnight.  It has not affected the hair loss, and I didn’t really expect it to seeing as the loss is due to medication.  If you are sensitive to smells, the serum has that slightly sweet, generic haircare scent.  You will also want to read the ingredient list and ask any questions in case your scalp is sensitive.  I wonder how my hair will be since I have stopped using the product.  My assumption is that my hair will return back to the way ti was since the treatment isn’t being maintained.  The site recommends maintaining treatment three times per week after the first 30 days.  Overall, the product did most of what it said it would, though I don’t really see any difference.  On the plus side, my hair does feel fuller.       
The serum system is currently on sale for $44.00 (normally $79.00).  Have you tried this?  Let me know your thoughts on hair revitalizing serums.

Stay beautiful!

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Minimal (Zero) Waste Swaps & Repurposing

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I am currently writing an opinion piece on the Zero Waste Movement and minimalism.  Until then, I thought I would post up some of the things I have purchased that help control the chaos in my tiny space.  While I have some issues with zero (I prefer minimal) waste, there are some things to be said for it.  Here are some products you may be interested in:

1.  Facekins

Image courtesy of Connie @ Facekins.


I really love these, and have purchased a few packs (7/pack).  Yes, they come packaged in plastic, but that’s okay.  Each pad is cut, hand-sewn, and packaged by hand in the USA by founder Connie and her team–no factory involved at all.  These reusable, washable face pads are ultra-soft and virtually stain-resistant.  They are perfect for travel, and will last ages.  Facekins will save you from having to buy cotton balls, and can be used twice before washing.  Use one side in the morning, the other at night, wash it, and let it dry.  You can also toss them in with your washing.

2.  Reusable Bags

image courtesy of badpickletees.com


We have been lucky to have received several reusable bags/totes from various events.  I have used them for shopping, as a purse, and while we travel.  I love how compact they are, and most are relatively durable.  When they get dirty, just pop them in the wash with your next load of clothes!

3.  Jars

I just love this jar from Mini Monster at the Anaheim Packing District!
It holds about the same amount of liquid as a Trenta at Starbucks.


Before hipsters popularized jars, we would keep and reuse the glass kind, especially if they had a metal cap.  We still do, but over time I have had to buy some to replace those that have broken.  I use them for drinks, picnics, and travel (except on airlines since some won’t allow them).  It’s a spill-proof way to take what you need.  They also take up less space, and they can be washed & reused after.

4.  Feminine Hygiene Products

Hopefully this helps to
show the capacity differences.
Large (green) and Small (clear).


Yes, I periodically purchase liners (I don’t like the feeling of reusable pads/liners.  They remind me of those huge bricks that we had before ultra thin pads came out), and I have tampons in case someone needs them since I no longer use them at all.  That being said, I prefer to use a period cup.  Years ago I had tried them (read more about that, here) and it was the worst experience ever.  I also dislike tampons in general– a plug that absorbs blood seems more gross to me than a cup that will hold it, plus, I was more prone to leaks with tampons.  For years I only used pads.  I figured I would just let it flow out, since that’s what nature intended anyway, but it’s not always easy to get to a restroom every 30 minutes or so.  The first 2-3 days are extremely heavy for me, so I am always in need of a restroom.  My favorite cup is Anytime (yes, they are manufactured in China, and have the testing reports if you want them).  I have four (4) total:  2 small and 2 large– it’s better to have a couple of extras in case of travel or they get lost.  The large cup holds more than the Lena, which I also have, and is the most comfortable for my body.  Menstrual cups will stain over time (it happens), but that doesn’t mean they need to be thrown out.

5.  BeautyBlender & Blotterazzi

Image courtesy of
BeautyBlender & Sephora.com
Image courtesy of
BeautyBlender & Sephora.com


Since BeautyBlender was introduced, I have been using them.  I love that they are reusable, washable, and perfect for personal.  you can use them in a professional setting, but for sanitary purposes, I recommend only using disposable.  If you have the extra disposable income, you can give the used one to your clients, which I have done in the past.  Depending on the set, it may be easier to use disposable sponges, but I’ve found that these little beauties last for ages, and provide a flawless finish.  They also work well in place of oil blotting papers.  They’ve recently launched Blotterazzi, which I like, but could have just used a sponge since they are essentially the same thing.

6.  Miscellaneous/Re-purposing

I also purchase drinks that come in packaging where I can get the CRV back. The packaging is recycled, and we get some money back in return.  I use LUSH knot-wraps as handbags, lunch sacks, and hair accessories.  Empty medication bottles are perfect for storing toothpaste tablets, Q-tips, and more when you travel.  They are also great for storing screws, nails, bolts, and other hardware in your toolbox.  Just don’t forget to label them.  It’s not a swap, but a repurposed item, which saves money.  I have also repurposed my letter trays for makeup and skincare, which stacks easily on the bathroom counter.

—–

What are your favorite zero-waste swaps?  Do you re-purpose?  Let me know in the comments.

Stay beautiful!

Mini Haul: Ursa Major VT

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I love, love, love Ursa Major VT.  They have amazing skincare (read my first review here) that reminds me of being in the woods.  Many of their products have a pine-y note.  Even if woodsy scents aren’t your thing, you will love their face wash, body wash, and my personal favorite– face wipes.  The face wipes are cooling, hydrating, exfoliating, and make perfect travel buddies.  I used them while I was away, and they were the best.  If you need to freshen up, no matter where you are, the little wipe will meet your needs.

Anyway, I had a promo code and knew that I wanted to get some things.  This mini haul, I purchased a shirt, citrus body wash, and a bag of wipes.  Since you can choose samples at checkout, I picked:  A wipe, sticker, and bob of matches.  They also had an awesome promo for a free travel deodorant, so I got that as well.  I am really excited to try the deodorant as it smells so fresh!  The shirt (American Apparel) is VERY soft and will probably be a new favorite.  They do run a bit big, so if you like more form-fitting shirts, I suggest going down a size.  In case you were wondering, they are unisex.

Have you tried Ursa Major VT?  If you have a favorite (or any questions), let me know!

It’s Almost Fall!

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It’s hard to believe that summer is almost over, and it’s already September.  Where did the summer go?  Where I am, it still feels like summer, which means we can still hit the beach.  At some point I will have a “What’s in My Beach Bag” post, and depending on where you are, you can prepare for the upcoming beach (or lake) weather.

I love the fall (or autumn).  While the trees don’t really change much (where I am) until around November/December, the weather cools off, and fun fall decor is in stock.  Recently, I went to Disneyland, and they had several Halloween-themed items.

Once the weather beings to cool down, we can break out the warmer clothes.  I also love the colors.  There are also fun color palettes that are released, and while I think that pretty much anything can be worn regardless of the season, there is something about a plum lip that looks extra special during the season.  Neutrals, oranges, greens, plums, etc. takes the place of the lighter summer colors.  Everything has a real warmth to it that persists through winter.  For me, fall sets the tone for the holiday season– like a kick-start to the rest of the year.

I will be having a giveaway soon, reviews, food finds, and some other fun things coming up.  

Stay beautiful!

Foodie Finds: Anaheim Packing District

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So, I’m a little late discussing the Anaheim Packing District.  I went for the first time last night, and it was something.  I was expecting it to be a bit more open in terms of space.  Every inch of space has either a food/drink/merchandise stand or is covered with tables, chairs, and swings (yes, SWINGS!).  It’s a foodie paradise in a way because there are so many options.  Unfortunately I only tried two places because I arrived about an hour before closing.  I will have more pictures of the interior next time I go, since there aren’t any of downstairs, except for where I ate.
 

 Giant chickens were on either side of the doors! 

Upstairs, right.
Upstairs, left.

Strawberry lemonade w/boba
& cotton candy, in a jar.
A sticky mess that ended up on me sweater.

First stop:  Mini Monster.  They were running out of jars, and had run out of vegan Thai Tea. That was the one thing I wanted to try.  Instead I had the strawberry lemonade.  The same given tasted better than what I got, perhaps because it was more concentrated.  Anyway, since it was my first time, I  got my drink in a jar ($2.00 extra) & added the cloud, which is just some cotton candy (also extra).  There were also options to add Fruity Pebbles or Tajin.  The novelty of the cotton candy quickly wore off, as it became a sticky mess after it was gone.  The residue mixed with the condensation.  You can imagine what that was like.  Fun for one’s first time, but I wouldn’t get it again.  Since my drink wasn’t really sweet–it was actually a bit watered down, I added the cotton candy to it.  There wasn’t much boba either.  On the plus-side, there were a lot of strawberries.  Their cotton candy was okay.  Not as melt-in-your-mouth as the stuff from theme parks.  I want to say the whole drink was around $10.00.  Yes, that is insanely expensive, but considering the jar is take-home, it was worth it.  I heard they give a discount if you come back and use it.  They also had split cups.  I was tempted to get one with two different drinks in order to try everything that they had, but I didn’t.  There is quite a gap between the halves (it’s not a cup with a divider inside), and you don’t get a whole lot of liquid.  Plus, I’m not sure if the cup is reusable.

Hot pot!

Next it was time for dinner.  There were so many places to choose from.  I wanted to try the poutine because it’s one of my favorite dishes.  One place had all kinds of poutine:  chicken pot pie, katsu curry, and others.  There was also a pho place, a bar, ramen, and many more options.  Decided on hot pot at Rolling Boil.  It’s good quality, but for the price I expected a lot more.  I was satisfied at the end, but could have had a little bit more to eat.  My broth combo was sukiyaki & miso (I mixed 2 broths together).  The sukiyaki definitely overpowered the miso.  Just by looking at it, I could tell there wasn’t enough miso, but it was still tasty.  Sukiyaki is sweet, so I figured the miso would balance that out because it’s saltier.  You get to pick two sauces, and I chose the goma (sesame) and ponzu.  For protein, I picked the 4pcs each/2 types:  New York steak and Gulf Shrimp.  The proteins were very good.  I was a bit iffy getting seafood because you never know, but it was very fresh– definitely recommend trying it.  According to the server, everything is made from scratch.  Yes, I would go back…even though the prices are ridiculous ($17/my order).  Next time I will try a noodle soup and the s’mores mochi balls (s’mocha).

The insert. Sorry about the liquid on it.
Happens when it’s tilted w/the cap on.
The bottle w/iced chai latte.

There was also a smoothie/shave ice place.  They had these really cute bottles.  I’m a sucker for reusable bottles, and at $3.00, I figured it’d be worth the purchase.   They had a few of them.  This one says, “i am Awesome”.  It also has a neat little insert to keep ice from hitting you in the face.

*Parking is definitely at a premium.  The lot fills up fast, but there is street parking if you’re lucky enough to find a space.  When you go, give time for parking, especially if you get there later at night.

Have you been?  What’s your favorite place to go?