The Fourth Wall

Last time we touched based I was running around NYC with my head cut off. If we’re being completely honest – not much has changed.

On top of that, The SO and I are figuring out whether we should renew or find someplace new – so everything, and I mean everything is up in the air. Why is NYC so expensive? And why is there this sudden need to move? (Quickly runs & cries in a corner after viewing a Craigslist rental ad).

It’s an unsettling feeling, not knowing where you’re going to live or if there’s even enough money to relocate. I’ve spent a lot of my childhood moving from one apartment to the next, and never really felt like I had an actual home. So, it kind of sucks that for the first time in my life I feel at “home”, not to mention the amount of time and money spent on creating our special atmosphere. And yes, I'm not at all for the move but relationships are about compromise... Right?

Since we don’t really know our next steps on where to live, I’ve been hauling ass to Beacon’s Closet and listing new things on Poshmark whenever time allows. It’s been a couple of stressful weeks, which left me feeling blah-ish and withdrawn. It makes me wish I was still vacationing near the Mediterranean Sea. You know happier carefree moments.

Instead of dwelling on all these woe-is-me feelings (which can eat you alive if you let it) I’m flipping the switch. I’m going to do a few things that make me feel amazing (long runs, Classpass, hangouts with friends) and of course, keep my head up. Things always work out in the end – and if it’s not working out then it’s not necessarily the end.

Besos!

Five Friday Favorites

You guys, my kitchen cupboards are brimming with product I can't wait to tell you about that I may just up my Friday Faves to a weekly thing. But then, there's the issue of time and how little I have. That's the conundrum that I'm in. I could also stop buying everything I see in Target/online - but, that would be too easy.

1. ORG Skincare Mineral Peel Face
The first time I heard about this Mineral Peel I absolutely knew I had to try it. I'm currently on a Retina-A routine which means lots of dry skin and peeling. It's so not sexy but it's the only thing keeping my acne at bay. Another thing I love was my ability to create a smooth surface before any makeup application. If you're dealing with dry skin and hate seeing the flakes underneath your makeup - pick this up and give it a try. It does take some getting used to, so I'd highly recommend using it on a slow day when you have time to play around it. And if you're really curious watch a few YouTube videos on how others are applying it.

2. Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk (on the left)
This isn't your average leave-in conditioner, it's more of a leave-in moisturizer. The rich cream hydrates every single curl on my head which is a great thing BECAUSE it means my curls are less likely to frizz up. With the threat of frizz being absent I haven't used any sort of gel or hairspray (bye crunchy curls!). My hair feels soft to the touch and stronger + the scent is pretty amazing. I find that using less product is best for me and I've been able to hold onto the bottle for a month. Plus, the pricing is very affordable and there are no parabens.

via Facebook

3. EVA NYC's Flat Iron
I've started getting into the habit of treating myself to monthly blow-outs and mani-pedis - it's been such a game changer in lifting up my mood. (Sidenote: I encourage all of you to find a nice way to treat yourself once a month. It's okay to put ourselves first especially when we work hard). I tend to keep my blowouts for at least five days, so dry shampoo and a flat iron are key. Besides the fun design, I found that the EVA NYC hair heats up quickly and the ceramic plates are gentle on my strands. With the price set at $50, this makes for a pretty great gift too for those hair savvy gals in your life.

4. Hairiette Co-Wash
I'm still on board with co-washing. Hairiette Co-Wash cleans my hair but without stripping the moisture from my curls. Fun fact, this line was created by Tanya Wright, a cast member from Orange is the New Black. The co-wash is made with all natural ingredients like Kokum Butter and Marula Oil + smells amazing. I went through the jar within three weeks - so pretty good when compared to other brands I've used. On top of that, this made it really easy to detangle my curls with my fingers which I always have a tough time doing.

via Facebook

5. Pixi Skintreats Glow Tonic
I've been hearing about this for a while now, and finally got the chance to try it. You guys, I'm obsessed with this and it really does live up to all the "Holy-Grail" hype. It's alcohol-free (which is a must when it comes to our skin), my previous acne scars have started fading, my pores have gotten tighter (after use), and one exfoliating swipe gets my skin so smooth. In my regimen (when given the time) I use the ORG Skincare Mineral Peel Face first and then swipe my face with the Glow Tonic. If time is tight, I only use the Glow Tonic. The light rose scent is also amazing, but I'm biased towards rose-scented goods.

Giving Back With: glassybaby

Hey guys, so I wanted to try out a new feature on the blog. Well, an old feature I used to write about – brands that give back.

Every now and then I’ll include a mention but some of these companies are doing such GREAT things that they deserve more than a mention. In the past, I’ve mentioned MUJUS, DellaLA, OneSight and even Old Navy.

Today, I’d like to shine some of the spotlight on glassybaby. I had the pleasure of meeting their impassioned team a few weeks ago and I could not stop thinking about their project. Which brings us to today’s post and restarting this old blog column.

glassybaby are votives with a motive, giving – and giving back – inspirational stories since it’s inception. The concept was started back in 1995 after the founder Lee Rhodes was diagnosed with cancer for the third time. She met with other patients and heard their stories about not being able to afford basic necessities for either themselves or their children because of the cost of treatment. During this, she had an “Aha” moment with a tea candle and a glass cup – and glassbaby was born.

With that, she starts up glassbaby and hires artists to make more glass votives for us to gift. Each sale, she donates a portion to charities that are committed to helping their patients heal. For example, the ‘true white’ glassybaby gives 10% to help cancer patients with day-to-day needs not covered by basic health insurance. This has now grown to something even bigger – the white light fund – which supports the same cause and provides a family housing service at the university of Washington Medical Center.

Since 1995, Lee and glassbaby (and their amazing team) have raised over three million to go towards their cause. They’ve also expanded the list of causes they give to - specific votives give to specific causes too. And in case you’re wondering no two glassybabys are the same since they’re all made by hand which makes them a unique gift.

As we head into the holiday season (or simply need gift ideas as party favors), keep this brand at the top of your mind.

www.glassybaby.com