a latte lipstick

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

Moisturize 

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

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, 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!