September 29, 2017
The Perfect Un-Lazy Day
I've written previously on how I like to enjoy my days off, being both lazy and productive while keeping myself relaxed and comfortable. Playing on that same note, I thought I'd talk about how I spend my days "on." That is, days I have either the morning or evening off from work. If done right, it's like a mini-off day. If done wrong, it's just miserable all day.
I yearn for the day I'm able to finish school and have a regular schedule. Better yet, making a career out of what I love doing is a dream. But that dream isn't my reality (yet). I work weird hours and looking at the next week's schedule brings about a special type of anxiety. For years I'd treat any day I had to work with disdain. I'd spend the x amount of hours before my shift(s) mentally preparing myself for the worst-day-ever. I'd force myself to sleep in, which won't leave you feeling any more relaxed. I don't know about you, but it leaves me feeling like I just wasted hours of my day that could have been spent anywhere else. My thoughts and disposition would be all-around negative.
I've since changed my attitude on these days-- which are most days. I've compiled for you some of my personal favorite ways to actually enjoy the days you still have to go to work. I'd like to point out that I don't like leaving our apartment if I know I have to work later. This includes any type of leisure activity like shopping or eating out. I become hyper-aware of the clock and put pressure on myself to get home with enough time to get ready. Instead, I make the most of my time at home.
But first, coffee. A good day almost always starts with a cup of coffee. I love all things zodiac, and my coffee mugs are no exception. I have more than a couple Capricorn mugs and I actually added this one to my collection just yesterday. I'd seen it a few weeks ago while out shopping but didn't buy it because I was only there for what the new apartment "needs." While out yesterday I found that it'd gone on clearance and I took that as a sign that it was meant for me all along. :p
If you follow me on Instagram or just about anywhere for that matter, you know I'm an avid reader. I almost always carry a book around with me, just in case. They're the perfect way to get out of your own mind, while also disconnecting. I have a Nook, but prefer a hard copy. I don't have to worry about charging it, but best of all, I won't be bothered with notifications and other distractions. I'm currently reading (and loving!) The Rocks by Peter Nichols. I remember this book making quite a splash when it was published in late 2014, but I'm just now getting to it. I also like to know what I'm reading next and keep that book on deck. Currently, that's Abandon Me by Melissa Febos.
You can't have reading without writing, and this is no exception. I keep different notebooks for different things. This pink one houses blog ideas and plans, but I have others for different reasons. Life can get overwhelming and sometimes it feels like I'm losing control or merely going through the motions. I found that writing is really effective and cathartic. My overall wellbeing is much more in balance when I listen to my inner-voice telling me it's time to write it out-- whatever that "it" may be.
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| Frankincense - Lavender Mist |
This room and body mist is a new favorite. I had some errands to run, but I was in no rush, so decided to really browse the grocery store. I came across a selection of these intriguing little bottles and after smelling each, I couldn't leave without trying one out. I have a lot of lavender scented soaps and candles and oils and wanted something a little different. This mix of lavender and frankincense felt right. I use this as a room mist more than I do a body mist. I keep this handy in whatever room I'm in for an immediate pick-me-up. I spritzed this around the bathroom before soaking in a bath and it was perfection.
This part probably just looked like a prop I added to the photo, but it's serving a purpose other than looking pretty. I recently picked up some spray paint and wanted to try out the spray painted pinecone thing. We have these pretty much all over the place and I thought it'd be a cute decor DIY. Crafting in general is really relaxing to me. Simple things like this take minimal concentration and you'll have something to show for it after.
Lastly, the blanket I used for the photos. Again, not just a prop/backdrop. This is the softest blanket I've ever had, I think. You can't be in too terrible a mood when you're snuggling with something this soft. More often than not, you'll find me curled up under this thing (or another blanket if my boyfriend claims this one before I do) watching Rick & Morty or surfing the web, or anything, really. It's all about being comfortable before getting on with your daily duties.
I know reading isn't most people's ~thing~ but you can replace any of my favorite things with yours. My boyfriend plays video games as a way to unwind before and after work. The key I've found is to not focus on what's coming later in the day-- dreading something that hasn't even happened yet-- and instead focus on the right now. Because right now you're not at work, right now you're not having to deal with rude people or do some mindless task. Five hours from now isn't right now. So why not choose to enjoy your right now instead of making it just as miserable as the length of your workday? After all, everything we do is a choice.
September 21, 2017
August and September Favorites
First of all, I want to thank each and every one of you for sticking around during my hiatus. As a lot of you know, my boyfriend and I very recently moved in to our own apartment. And as many of you also know, moving into an entirely new space all at once isn't easy either. It broke my heart every time someone asked when my next post would be up, and although I have a dedicated notebook with quite a few outlines for future posts, I was not in my usual headspace. My stress levels definitely broke some of my personal records. Nothing I could have hoped to churn out would have come out up to par. But, here I am, writing to you from the half-empty apartment I'm already calling home.
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Some of my favorite posts are my monthly favorites because I get to play with my makeup and take pictures of my makeup and write about my makeup... you get the picture. So I thought it would be fitting that I come back with the August (and September) Favorites post that never was. August was especially stressful and I couldn't be bothered to put any extra effort into my look as what was necessary. My everyday makeup consisted of my foundation, a little something on my cheeks, mascara and brows. Sometimes-- if I had the time or energy or willingness to-- I'd throw some eyeshadow into the mix. Swipe some quick color on my lips (or not) and I was done. No frills, none of those "full face" looks I have so much fun with.
First up is probably the saving grace to my face this month. While I'm loyal to my go-to mascara, I was running low and I'd heard such great things about this one, I couldn't pass up the opportunity. I know it's been compared to Too Faced's Better than Sex mascara, and I admittedly haven't tried it, but after my run with this one, I'm definitely going after it. I'm probably one of the few people on the planet who like mascara that clumps. I'm not saying I build my lashes into one mega-lash, but I like to build up a little volume. And technically, clump=volume. Just don't go overboard *insert sassy girl emoji*
Next is my MAC eyebrow pencil in the color Spiked, which is a rich burgundy. This is a self-propelling, self-sharpening pencil with the greatest formula I've ever used. I'm typically not a fan of eyebrow pencils because they're either so creamy I immediately ruin my face, or so stubbornly difficult to apply, I end up just irritating the area in trying to fill in my brows. My favorite thing about this one, though, is the shape of the applicator. It's perfectly flat and I propel it through ever so slightly so I can't really go overboard. Also, the flat tip helps in keeping the the application more consistent and hair-like, as opposed to having a pencil go from sharp to dull while still on the same eyebrow.
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Some of my favorite posts are my monthly favorites because I get to play with my makeup and take pictures of my makeup and write about my makeup... you get the picture. So I thought it would be fitting that I come back with the August (and September) Favorites post that never was. August was especially stressful and I couldn't be bothered to put any extra effort into my look as what was necessary. My everyday makeup consisted of my foundation, a little something on my cheeks, mascara and brows. Sometimes-- if I had the time or energy or willingness to-- I'd throw some eyeshadow into the mix. Swipe some quick color on my lips (or not) and I was done. No frills, none of those "full face" looks I have so much fun with.
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| L'Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise |
First up is probably the saving grace to my face this month. While I'm loyal to my go-to mascara, I was running low and I'd heard such great things about this one, I couldn't pass up the opportunity. I know it's been compared to Too Faced's Better than Sex mascara, and I admittedly haven't tried it, but after my run with this one, I'm definitely going after it. I'm probably one of the few people on the planet who like mascara that clumps. I'm not saying I build my lashes into one mega-lash, but I like to build up a little volume. And technically, clump=volume. Just don't go overboard *insert sassy girl emoji*
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| MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Spiked |
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| Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Volume II |
Like I said, sometimes I had an extra few minutes to work on my makeup and other times I carved out the time. When I was in somewhat of an in-between, I gravitated toward this palette. The beautiful (and obvious) thing about palettes is the colors correspond in such a way that you can pick one up and have a variety of complete looks. As you can tell from the photo, the colors Sunset, Marina, and Seaside got the most use this month. My favorite look made use of the entire palette. I'd extend my blending and smoking into the shades Siren, Breezy, and Riptide for a more dark and sophisticated look. Pearl makes a great highlight while Conch is my base. I don't think I own another palette I'm able to use entirely.
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| L.A. Colors Eyeshadow Singles |
Finally, we have my drugstore find of the month. I actually found these singles at our neighborhood Dollar General at two for $1. I initially had fallen in love with that deep brick red, but soon found three others I knew would make a great addition. To say I was blown away with their performance is an understatement. The colors are so creamy and pigmented, I was sure there was going to be some caveat, like they crease like mad or start coming off in an hour. I initially tested them (wore them to work and sweat and ran around the restaurant like crazy all night) without a primer to really see what they could do on their own. To my honest surprise, they outperformed most of what I own. Even the aforementioned Tarte palette will crease over the course of the night without a primer, but these .50 cent singles stayed put. The blend stayed blended and shimmer stayed shimmery.
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This is not a sponsored post. All products depicted were purchased by me. All opinions expressed are my own.
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