The Fourth Wall

August 24, 2015

Hey guys, I've been spending a lot of time going through older posts and reread a few (okay a lot). There were some that got deleted cause inapprops, a lot about music + films, but most of them were honest.

I really miss that - having a platform to express my opinions, art work and more. In a way this blog really started out as my scrapbook (and dating horror stories). From coffee shops, classrooms, and delayed trains, I'd write from from anywhere that was steady enough to make sure I captured my thoughts from that day. I've even had a few encounters with readers - my mom didn't even read my blog back in 2008! But they connected with my honest posts of going through bouts of depression & PTSD struggles, dating, work woes... You know, life in general. You'll still find me writing on the subways (some habits never break) but not as frequently or as intimately.

The first time a reader approached me in real life I realized how strongly they resonated with my entries. How I made a difference just by being open - they didn't feel alone in their struggle. Over time though I haven't been as candid because well... Employers tend to google you and girlfriend didn't want any awkward moments. But I'm kind of over that if it means being able to tell my story and let the world know - shit happens, we get through it, and we get stronger.

Hopefully I didn't come off as corny but it's time I started being a little more honest so we can all connect on a deeper level. And if not that, at least you can all laugh with me. From now on expect monthly updates or vlogs where we can catch up and be real.

Besos!

Five Friday Favorites

August 21, 2015

Ahh, finally it's Friday. I'll be spending my weekend catching up on lots of work and prepping for my vacation. There's also a 5K, a few home improvement jobs, and lots of blog shoots - so basically no sleep. Since I'm running on no sleep I wanted to share a few things from this month that have been keeping me sane.

1. Thin Tea Detox
Anyone else been seeing all sorts of teas & tea detoxes pop in and out of your feed for the past summer. I'm no stranger to juice cleanses so I immediately said yes to Thin Tea when they offered to let me try their 28 Day Detox. Curiosity got the best of me but I'm glad I said yes. They have a free eating plan listed on their site to go along with the detox which is bookmark worthy - it's robust and filled with helpful information. After my first initial week of tea-toxing I feel less bloated and more energetic throughout the day. Drinking tea twice a day has also helped me increase my water intake.

2. Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Shampoo + Conditioner
I'm a huge fan of Carol's Daughter and regularly stop by their booth in the Atlantic Terminal Mall to pick up a few hair musts (usually conditioner). I tried a few other collections but never their Black Vanilla one so I gave it a go this month. The scent is fabulous, not too heavy, and the frizz control and moisture prolong my curls. So instead of washing my hair every other day I can go two days without a wash (or massive tangle problem). There's nothing to hate so make sure to add this to your shopping list.

3. Devachan Salon & Spa
How weird that I would list two brands known for their curly hair expertise back to back right? Well, the truth is that I love the DevaCurl line just as much as I love Carol's Daughter but the price points for products are a bit easier on my wallet. I go through conditioners biweekly if not weekly and for some reason I go through DevaCurl conditioners even faster. So I rather save on the products and splurge on the haircut - which Devachan does a fantastic job at! I always feel leaving like a million bucks and each cut is customized to your curl structure. No hack jobs here! If you're in the city I highly recommend it and bring pictures when you go too.

4. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
My co-worker recommended this book and you guys... IT'S REALLY GOOD. It took me a little bit to get into the story at the beginning only because I've been so overwhelmed with work - BUT, it's really good. Add this to your reading list and prepare for the movie which is coming out next year!

5. Frank Original Coffee Body Scrub
I've been a fan of this body scrub for a few years now. I especially love using it during my morning shower - the smell just wakes me up. Besides being filled with natural good-for-you ingredients it also targets and smoothes out cellulite, stretch marks, eczema, and psoriasis. Since last year they've expanded to include a few face products along with body lotion and body balm which I plan to try out soon!

What are you guys loving or hating this month? Let me know in the comments down below!

A New Routine: Good For You Cleansing Oil

August 20, 2015

Today's shop has been sponsored by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible! #ANaturalClean #CollectiveBias

I’ve mentioned my flare-ups with hormonal acne in the past and wanted to dive into a few products that help keep the whiteheads at bay. I know, doesn’t sound very glamorous does it. Now image how I feel walking into meetings with these huge beauty brands and a major break out – not cute when you’re trying to do a major pitch.

I’ve tried everything under the moon (including derm visits) to help keep the situation under control. Although my skin can handle a lot I’ll admit it’s not always gentle on my skin. For August I figure it’s time to let my skin to breathe (i.e. take a makeup cleanse), simplify my skincare routine, and use products that are all around gentle and natural.

I did some research online and learned that washing with cleansing oil is not only gentle on the skin but really effective at washing away the day’s gunk from your skin. Some oils can even have an aromatherapy effect on you – depending on its scent. The second part of my research took me to Target, where I always end up leaving with more items then needed. Oops!

Target carries some amazing brands but wanted to stick with Burt’s Bees since their products are always 99% natural and their natural ingredients guide is made readily available on their website. I beelined straight to the Burt’s Bee Facial Cleansing Oil - a new product from their line - easily found in the skincare aisle at my local Target as shown below. I decided to grab their Natural Acne Solutions Pore Refining Scrub as well since I love to use 1x a week to get rid dull skin and dark spots (it works wonders on elbows + knees as well). If you use Target's Cartwheel app make sure to save 10% with this deal.

For a simplified cleansing routine all I do is first apply the Facial Cleansing Oil onto dry hands and massage over my dry face followed by a rinse. I'm never left with oily skin either. Once a week I follow this with the exfoliator, which follows the same directions except on wet skin. So far I love the ease of this perfect duo and how my skin feels moisturized (not at all oily) and refreshed. There haven’t been any new breakouts either - this cleansing oil is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores). At night the scent of the cleansing oil lulls me to sleep.

Overall my skin has been feeling hydrated and clean at a time it needs it the MOST with this duo.
Have you tried Burt’s Bees? Which product is your favorite?

Learn more about Burt's Bee Facial Cleansing Oil and what other bloggers are saying about it!