The Fourth Wall: January 2023

A glimpse into my month so far…

The Fourth Wall

In a few weeks, I'll be heading to Norway but today I'm going through my emotions wondering, why me and why on repeat. OR, is it me putting myself in the middle of avoidable situations. It's really been a big month for self-reflection lost in a layer of confusion.

So instead of dwelling in my misery, which can be so easy to do right now, I can accept my current place on the path and ride the wave out. 

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Easier said than done, my friends.

But, it is possible. Similar to this post, I've been trying my best to stay cool, calm and collective in the moments that are completely and utterly mine. Those moments range from my early mornings spent sipping on lemon water, setting an intention and sometimes tweeting them out into the universe, and lately meditating with the Headspace app

Actually, I've really been loving the Headspace app since it has these bite-sized sessions that make it super easy to meditate on my commute to work. (For those days, when every minute really does matter.)

In the end, it's all about staying positive and breaking patterns with awareness and action.

Have y'all try mediation or setting intentions at the start of your day? How do you like it?

Photo by Lydia Hudgens.

Five Friday Faves

Happy Friday friends! As we near the end of June (and the fiscal year for my clients), all I want to do is walk out of work, board the LIRR, and lay on a beach out East. Unfortunately, there's this thing called rent that has me chained to my desk.

So instead, I've been settling for new beauty (and not-so-beauty) finds that make things a little more easier on the soul.

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1. DevaCurl Decadence Line: No-Poo & One Condition
When it comes to products that actually work time after time, DevaCurl is my holy grail! But, I will admit that since going blonde I've gone astray and entered a new world of purple shampoos. Lately, my hair has been feeling a bit dry and the curls no longer curly so I re-accessed my current routine and opted for DevaCurl's new Decadence collection. 

You guys, the formula is so rich and creamy and made my strands feel so soft and easy to detangle. I honestly don't know why I stopped using this power duo! The line is made with chufa milk and quinoa protein to deliver moisture, strength, nourishment, and protection to each ringlet.

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2. Completely Bare Moisturizing No-bump Shave Gel
I've never really been one to really rely on shaving cream. If anything, the ol' conditioner trick did the job pretty well. BUT THEN, Completely Bare sent me a trio of products to test out and their Moisturizing No-bump Shave Gel really impressed me and has earned a permanent spot in my shower caddy.

The gel leaves me bump-free and my legs incredibly moisturized (thanks to the Sunflower seed oil). The gel is also infused with Chamomile extract to help soothe skin and prevent irritation. The price is on par with other shaving gels too!

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3. DermAppeal Microdermabrasion Treatment
In my quest to combat cystic acne and clear up old scars and marks, I decided to give DermAppeal a three-month trial. This tube of magic resurfaces and revitalizes skin by using minerals from the Dead Sea.

The formula also encompasses five different stabilized forms of antioxidant Vitamin C Crystals to give our skin all the benefits of a professional brightening microdermabrasion treatment - at home! I use this no more than twice a week and love the refreshing tingly feeling it leaves behind.

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4. Royal Rose Stem Cell Mask
This straight-from-spa mask made the list for top hydrating masks. After a long weekend in the sun, accompanied by drinks or not, this mask instantly hydrates and calms my tired, dull skin. So every Sunday without fail, you can find me lounging on my couch letting my skin drink up all of the nutrients (shea, jojoba, soothing rose oil, and grape cell extract). Oh, and it smells divine!

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5. Runa Drinks
I've always been a huge tea drinker but lately I've fallen into a bad habit of relying on coffee & cream to get me through the day. We're talking three to four cups every Monday through Friday. So after a little research and review-reading I came across RUNA. They pride themselves on making iced teas and clean energy drinks from Guayusa, a naturally caffeinated tree leaf found in the Amazon which they exclusively source from indigenous farming families in Ecuador. It's pretty neat how they work directly with the source.

As for the drink, RUNA teas contain the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee, with no crash! Their drinks are naturally sweet and organic. You can find their clean energy drinks and iced teas on Amazon prime too!