Archives for April 2015

5 obviously important guidelines for clear skin that you may not follow

April 18, 2015 2 Comments

Nothing is more frustrating than broken out skin, especially if it pops up right before an important event. Skin imperfections can drastically lower your confidence! So… how far do you go when it comes to trying strange things that people swear by working, that appear absolutely crazy? Well my skin irritations have gotten me trying all sorts of “I swear by this” tricks. Just the other night I was smearing honey all over my face in a desperate plea. I can’t say it helped, but I can’t say it hurt. It did make me really want to lick my face clean in a Pooh like fashion.

However, clear skin may be easier to achieve than you think with a few simple tips. Sometimes a breakout is inevitable but try to hold them back by following these essential guidelines. None of these are crazy, but common ways to keep your skin bacteria free and clear!

Take off your makeup

You should NEVER NEVER keep your makeup on. It clogs your pores and doesn’t allow the skin to breathe as it should each night.

Eat healthy

Give your skin those nutrients they need. Avoid sugar and dairy. Get in many darker greens! Have skin strengthening Omega-3 acids from chia seeds, salmon, etc. As always, drink more water!

Exfoliate

Exfoliating off that dry skin is important. Do it about 1x a week.
Oatmeal Acne Scrub – 2 tbsp oatmeal, 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp honey
Honey Coconut Oil scrub

Wear sunscreen

No matter if your skin is broken out or clear, wrinkles aren’t cute. Protect your face from burning and future wrinkles by wearing a sunscreen. It’s easy to just buy a moisturizer with a SPF of 15.

Moisturize

Even if you skin is oily, don’t over dry. Cracking open skin lets even more bacteria in!

Do you have any crazy tricks, or do you follow more simple conventional ideas for skin care?

Books to Curl Up With

April 10, 2015 2 Comments

Books can completely invite you into another era, time, universe. Recently, I have been completely captivated by two authors, Kate Morton and Liane Moriarty. Can you say brilliant? If you have never read their stories – get to the nearest Barnes & Nobles immediately, grab a comfy chair, and leave your life behind. Hours will pass before you even look up, never mind that screaming child or comically ridiculous loud whisperer.

Let’s talk Morton. Morton’s combination of romance and mystery creates the perfect attention hogging read. I adore how she packages family history and generations in each book. Distant Hours, Secret Keeper and House at Riverton are all simply amazing. Kiss your loved ones goodbye before you pick up one of these books.

Moriarty is brilliant. Each story keeps you engrossed the entire time. It’s almost unhealthy for my day-to-day living when I am in the middle of her book because that’s all that is on my mind. Each character is so well crafted and charismatic. What’s going to happen next to so-and-so?! They are dear friends by the book’s end.

Moriarty books are typically more light hearted than Morton’s but leave you with a meaningful message and challenge your way of thinking. Life is messy, not black and white, and Moriarty perfectly gets this message across in her character’s beautifully messy lives.

What books should I add to my list? Do tell!

Portion Control Challenge

April 8, 2015 2 Comments

Portion control, you are a challenge. My biggest challenge in fact. Granted I eat healthy so it’s not like I’m gorging on potato chips, but excess is still excess. It has to go somewhere. I’m looking at you thighs.

Now that lent is over, the challenge of being dessert-free is gone (yes!) opening up my self control to accomplish another challenge. I never do two challenges at the same time, that is unreasonable for me and it’s important to do what you can do. Take it slow so it doesn’t backfire in the end.

My challenge for the next month (that should hopefully continue forever) is portion control. Instead of reaching into a bag of pretzels a “couple” times, which quickly turns into aimless snacking, I will take it out of the bag and put it on a plate. Basically Healthy Eating 101 but I have failed on that task and am looking to change this bad habit!

Now, think of your “problem food” that you know you just eat way TOO MUCH of when you purchase it. Try to avoid those altogether. But if you can’t, be sure you take out your allowed portion and put it away immediately. This allows you to know how much you are eating each time, not just when it is alarmingly empty two days after purchasing.

Portion control check up –

Steak – 140g. This is about the size of your palm. Really savor your meats and fill the plate with more veggies!

Avocado – 3 slices. 1/2 of it is too much and often the amount I have. Avocados are a healthy fat but that doesn’t mean you should go over board!

Nuts – Ohhhh how I mess up on this one. You should have a small handful of nuts. There is too much fat in them for you to eat way too many in one sitting. Snack on these if you can control yourself, if you can’t buy those portioned packages.

Cheese – 30 g. Cheese is high in saturated fat so don’t eat too much, a little goes a long way!

Nut Butter – Watch out with this one. A healthy snack of apple and nut butter can quickly turn into a fattening mistake if you’re not careful! Two tablespoons is plenty.

Pretzels/Chips – Check the bag portion!! It typically is less than you would think.

Who would like to join me? I think the results will be staggering!

Home Decor and Painting Giveaway

April 3, 2015 8 Comments

Paintings are so fun to decorate your spaces and places and are full of such personality! There is also just something special about having a one of a kind painting. I love how each piece has such uniqueness. They serve as your room’s personal accessory.

How you decorate can create a whole different feeling in each room. I like to decorate my bedroom with calming paintings and comforting quotes. While my kitchen should be bright and cheerful! And no bathroom is complete without an abstract pretty girl putting on some type of makeup. Love these!

My sister has really gotten into painting over the past few years and has become an amazing artist! She has been kind enough to allow me to give one of them away to a lucky winner!

Comment below your favorite painting and you will be entered to win. Simple as that! Winner will be selected at random 4/17.

Bachelorette Party Fun and Low Cal Cocktails

April 1, 2015 5 Comments

This weekend was packed full with fun adventures in Denver. It was the highly anticipated bachelorette party for my sweet cousin Caitlin.We enjoyed walking around the city and spending time outside. On one single walk we managed to get the bride to be photographed with a model, police officer, fire men and a random parade that happened to be going by. That’s why I love you Denver. Your excitement and unexpected surprises!

Saturday began with a proper brunch with omelets, mimosas and…drag queens. We played Drag Queen Bingo during this brunch. It was pretty spectacular. Can’t say I remember the last time that I played bingo! Grade school? Throw in a Drag Queen and it’s bachelorette party approved.

Of course we enjoyed some cocktails and beverages over the weekend. Too much fun! But it’s always good getting back into your usual workout routine and eating habits after indulging in too many treats…

Here are some great low cal cocktails to have when preparing for fitting into a small dress. Summer weddings will be here before we know it!