Health & Beauty

Milani-Baked-Blush-is-Beautiful-and-Affordable

Milani Baked Blush is Beautiful and Affordable!

By / Health & Beauty

I recently bought the Milani Baked Blush at Walgreens. You can purchase it at CVS, Target, or online too, of course. This blush is supposed to be a dupe for Nars Blush in Orgasm. I love that blush, and this is close…but, not a dupe in my opinion. Milani’s Dolce Pink Blush is beautiful though, and much cheaper! So, there’s that. It comes with a little brush inside the case, but I rarely use the brushes included in makeup products. In case you missed our recent article on which makeup brushes you really need (on a budget), click here! Milani Baked Blush in Dolce Pink is a highly pigmented, long-wearing, pink blush with a plum base. I think it would look great on just […]

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5-Everyday-Essential-Oils-for-Beginners

5 Everyday Essential Oils for Beginners

By / Health & Beauty

If you’re like me, when you get a headache you probably run straight to your purse to retrieve your maraca, more commonly known as Excedrin. If you have just one more cup of coffee—maybe with an extra shot of espresso (or two)—you will get through this day. While you’ve probably heard and seen much talk about essential oils, you may also have some doubts. I was first introduced to them after searching for a natural way to take better care of my sun-damaged skin. Since then, I’ve slowly built a small collection. I have zero plans to become a distributor, professional, or to even write any more about them (though there’s nothing wrong with any one of those things); I just want to share my top five essential oils

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Let-Go-of-Perfection-and-You’ll-Make-More-Progress

Let Go of Perfection and You’ll Make More Progress

By / Health & Beauty, Purpose

“Strive for progress, not perfection” has been something of a motto for me over the past year. I spent most of my life trying to be perfect and falling extremely short of the goal. I can’t say exactly at what point I decided to give up on perfection, and it still sneaks up on me sometimes and threatens to choke the joy out of life. Do you suffer from a secret, or even perhaps overt, obsession with perfection? I feel your pain and hope to offer some words of wisdom and relief. Here are 5 ways to strive for progress, not perfection. 1. Look around you; no one is perfect. All those posts on social media that show a seemingly sweet life never give

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Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer Review

Full Product Review of Tarte Maracuja Creaseless Concealer

By / Health & Beauty

The Tarte Maraca Creaseless Concealer has a mixed group of lovers and haters. I actually do like it, but it is very different in some aspects. So let’s dive into that… First, Tarte is a cosmetic company that leans toward the “healthy” side of things. This particular concealer is actually vegan friendly. As a company they are relatively “cruelty free”—except to beetles. They use those to achieve a carmine color (bright red) for some of their makeup products. Moving along…what is Maracuja? It is an oil made from the seeds of passion fruit and it’s an excellent emollient for our skin. Ooo…so exotic! The packaging for this product is so lovely and nods toward the green side of life. I’m sure you know by now

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On-Losing-My-First-Best-friend

On Losing My First Best Friend

By / Faith, Health & Beauty

Today I am savoring my Cuban pastries a little bit longer and listening to Bob Dylan and George Harrison in the car. I’m taking more of my time in garden centers and missing Jupiter, my hometown, a little bit more. I would give just about anything to listen to a story I’ve heard countless times; to hear what store he snuck the dog into this time; to have The Concert for Bangladesh up to full volume on the living room TV; to pick up the phone on a lonely lunch break and hear a “love ya, kid … call your mom, she misses you. We both do,” or to have to pull the phone away from my ear to protect it from the blaring laugh coming

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These 4 Denim Trends are Heading Your Way

These 4 Denim Trends Are Heading Your Way

By / Health & Beauty

I am so enthralled by the four hot denim trends of 2017! I have never seen such edgy and unique denim trends come alive all at once. Plus, these trends are ones that your kids or significant other may actually like! I don’t know about you, but there are some trends that my guy just doesn’t get… Without further ado, here are 4 hot denim trends of 2017: 1. The Raw Hem The raw hem summons a 60s and 70s vibe—two decades when hemlines were simply deemed nonexistent, according to Donna Ida, founder of denim boutique Donna Ida. In the fall and winter, tuck a thin turtleneck into a pair of raw hem denim for a simple, streamlined 70s look. For a fun

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Ginger health benefits and starter recipes

Why You Need to Try Ginger, the Magic Spice

By / Health & Beauty

From nausea to indigestion, I have struggled with stomach issues for as long as I can remember. When I became pregnant, these symptoms seemed to heighten with morning sickness and a growing baby. That’s when I did a little research and learned about a magical food: the ginger root. Ginger root is most commonly found pickled and sliced, accompanying your sushi. That’s how I was first introduced to it, and I absolutely fell in love. However, I began to see its true benefits when I started adding it to the meals I prepare at home. Here are just a few of the amazing things ginger can do for you: 1. It curbs nausea and helps to eliminate indigestion. 2. It is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, which can also ease muscle aches and pains while

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how-to-up-your-brow-game

How to up Your Brow Game

By / Health & Beauty

A few years back a new trend emerged that was a little overwhelming, and frankly, it still exists on too may faces: the bold brow. You’ve seen it. You’ve been caught staring. The big, bold, über-defined brow. Just typing it makes me cringe. I’m here to say that every woman should most definitely up their brow game. But not like that! Making a point to fill in your brows can make your face look finished. It can pull your makeup together and make a significant difference. And it can be done quickly and easily! Now a simple Google search for “defined brows” can land you on a 15-step tutorial using 5 products. 15 steps for your brows? As a makeup junkie, I can’t even get behind

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making time for self care even as a mom

How I Find Time for Me (Even As a Mom)

By / Health & Beauty

Self-care is becoming a buzzword in our society. As we are able to work from home (or anywhere), connect with hundreds of people at the touch of a button, and multitask like true professionals … but we’re only getting busier. The call to slow down and take care of yourself is simultaneously getting louder and more difficult to heed. As a SAHM mother of three children under five, who also works part-time, finding time for myself is often not at the top of my to-do list. But I’ve also realized that I’m a better wife and mother if I have a little time to myself. It looks different each day, and I spend it differently each time. Here are a few things I

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simple affordable conditioning hair mask

A Simple, Affordable Way to Condition Your Hair Weekly

By / Health & Beauty

Today I’m looking at the HASK Argan Oil Repairing Deep Conditioner Packette. I color … and curl … and straighten my fine hair on a regular basis. Because I color, curl, and straighten my hair on a regular basis, it needs some extra “love!” Repairing and restoring shine and strength is my M.O. for my hair. I love this Hask Argan Oil Repairing Deep Conditioning treatment because it hydrates my thirsty, damaged hair. The argan oil helps the product absorb into the hair shaft. It also smells awesome with notes of citrus.  I pick this up at Wal-Mart or Target and can get two treatments out of one package. I try to use this (or some type of) mask weekly. This particular one is inexpensive

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5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Nutrition

5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Nutrition

By / Health & Beauty

If you want to eat healthier but you aren’t sure where to start, here are some suggestions for you! I’ve learned these on my own, from family members (especially my hubby), and from other healthy friends who have walked alongside me on my health journey. I hope these are helpful to you! 1. Get to the grocery store. This is where it all starts. Getting more groceries and ordering less take out is often the first step in getting and staying healthy. When you go to the grocery store, the best way to shop is for ingredients, not finished products. Processed foods (things that are pre-made, like freezer meals, boxed meals, etc.) have more preservatives and added ingredients that you don’t need, and aren’t

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3 Pieces Every Millennial Needs in Her Closet

3 Pieces Every Millennial Needs in Her Closet

By / Health & Beauty

I know, I know, the term “Millennial” has become a bit sour to those of us who were born between 1982 and 2004, and especially to those of us who are hard-working, appreciative, and resourceful when it comes to our time and technology. When I use the term “Millennial,” I mean to distinguish our specific generation of youth—no stereotyping or sweeping generalizations allowed! Many of us millennials, although unique individuals, love what’s currently in style, and we love fashion in general. To narrow it down, I’m giving 3 must-have staple pieces for every Millennial: 1. Cropped Denim. Cropped denim comes in many colors and washes and is a refreshing style to rock with booties, a pair of Converse, fashion sneakers, wedges, or strappy sandals! It is

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How-to-Wear-White-Jeans-All-Year-Round

How to Wear White Jeans All Year-Round

By / Health & Beauty

White jeans have the ability to add a fresh vibe to any outfit. There are still some nay-sayers out there who think white denim has an expiration date each year, but let this article be an encouragement to you to go ahead and disregard the “wear by” date and sport white denim year-round. You don’t need permission to set a good style example, so just go for it! Hold your head high, reach for a great pair of white jeans, and commit to rocking them every season. Here are a few styling ideas: during the spring and summer, pair white jeans with tank tops or cold shoulder tops and wedges. In the fall, wear white jeans with tunics and flowy black tees plus a little denim vest or a jean jacket and booties. For winter, try a cozy

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What to Wear When You Meet His Parents

What to Wear When You Meet His Parents

By / Health & Beauty

I remember meeting my now husband’s entire family for the first time at The Cheesecake Factory. My nervousness eased up a little because The Cheesecake Factory is one of my favorite restaurants, plus, I quickly found out that my now mother-in-law’s favorite dish was mine, too. But what to wear? While singing was optional for Mariah Carey on New Year’s Eve, dressing to impress is not. Not to add more pressure, but meeting your guy’s parents is like an interview! No matter your age, first impressions are very important when it comes to potential in-laws, but another crucial thing to remember is to be yourself! Another tip? Keep your look conservative. Here are three cute outfit ideas for when you’re meeting the

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Why Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder is a Must!

Why Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder is a Must!

By / Health & Beauty

Today I’m looking at Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder. Beach in a box! This is a must have staple in my makeup tool box. Not even kidding friends! This is the best! This bronzing powder will give you that sun-kissed glow and contours your face like a professional makeup artist! I love this stuff! I was told about this product from an amazing makeup artist who regularly makes the stars look like … well, stars! Benefit has some of the best products, and they package them to look so cute! I love the packaging of Hoola. This is one of the very rare cases where I think a product’s included brush works like a dime! Swish brush over bronzer, tap off excess, and sweep across cheeks, chin, and

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What to Wear on a First Date

What to Wear on a First Date

By / Health & Beauty

Let’s admit it: most women want advice on what to wear for a first date, and even on second and third dates! First dates are exciting! The feeling of butterflies and anticipation is often remembered for the rest of our lives. Even dates with the guys who didn’t woo us so much can be memorable. First dates give us funny stories to share—I always love hearing about the awkward ones! Whether you’re going to a coffee shop, eating at a classy restaurant, or having fun at a carnival, you’ll have three haute looks to choose from in hopes of a first date on which some warm and fuzzy memories are made! 1. Casual & Relaxed First Date If your first date consists of sharing stories

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