Hey y'all- it's been a minute since I've done a blog post. I've been really struggling creatively and with mental illness. This week, I'm ~finally~ beginning to feel a little better, especially since Spooky Season, my favorite time of the year, is in full swing. I feel like I'm finally doing Halloween like an adult this year- I've got an acceptable amount of decorations up for a married lady with no kids, and I've began to marathon my favorite halloween movies. My husband and I are both very into horror movies so we watch these films year-round, but it just feels so right to have the fall weather setting in and curling up on the couch with a scary movie.

I do not like gore-filled horror movies so you will not find these on my list, but you will find some movies I've watched this month and plan on watching, each within their own categories that I've created. This list can be for people who have not seen these movies and want to get into the Halloween spirit, but it can also serve as a checklist to make sure that you're getting the best of the season!




The Classics

The Exorcist (1973)
One of my favorite horror movies. The soundtrack is iconic and it is one of the few older horror movies that scares the wits out of me to this day. I do not recommend watching this alone, and if you do, you'll probably need to sleep with the lights on.

Carrie (1976)
A film about a high school outcast who suffers abuse from her overly religious mother discovers she has telekinetic abilities. The most iconic high school prom scene- while they original is definitely very 1970's, I do not like any of the remakes.

The Shining (1980) 
Another Stephan King novel turned film, this movie has so many classic moments and Jack Nicholson's performance of a man's slow descent into madness is unparalleled. Heeeeere's Johnny!

The Omen (1976)
A man discovers that his son is not actually his- he is something much worse. Reasons why I generally avoid children named Damien.

The Hills Have Eyes (1977)
A family camps out in the desert and discovers they are not alone. I'm a sucker for classics and love the original Wes Craven version.


The Bad Guys

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
1,2 Freddy's coming for you... Freddy Krueger is one of the baddest, not just because of the fact that he kills teenagers by invading their dreams, but because he has a sharp tongue and certain cleverness to him. Robert Englund's performance in the franchise is unparalleled.

Friday the 13th (1980)
A masked killer is loose at Camp Silverlake. Jason Voorhees is one of the most iconic horror movie villian- I have a painting of him in my home. He even crosses over with Freddy Krueger in Freddy Vs Jason (2003)

Halloween (1978)
See how long this theme gets stuck in your head. Michael Myers can't seem to be stopped by anything when it comes to getting to his victims- which is why he is so scary.

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
A guy who kills people with a chainsaw, aka Leatherface, and makes masks out of their faces...yep, sounds pretty terrifying.

Hellraiser (1987)
A door to an alternative dimension is opened and horror is unleashed. The Cenobites scare. the. living. CRAP. out of me.

It (1990)
The movie that made me HATE clowns. A group of children in a New England Town discover a terrifying force in the form of a circus clown named Pennywise. Tim Curry is brilliant in this role.


The Good Guys

Evil Dead (1981)
Ash Williams's introduction to the world- he wields a chainsaw for a hand and fights off supernatural forces. He also appears in Army of Darkness (1992), which continues his mission to defeat the evil that was set upon the world by an ancient spell book.

The Last House on the Left (1972)
Two teenage girls are kidnapped and tortured- but they are avenged. Parents of the year award (well, kind of).


Most Visually Compelling

Suspiria (1977)
A young woman at a ballet academy discovers the school is run by a coven of witches. Visually incredible and an amazing soundtrack by prog rock band Goblin.

Mandy (2018)
A man's girlfriend is kidnapped by a cult that delves in psychedelic drugs, supplied by a demonic biker gang. One of Nicholas Cage's best roles.


Best Reboots

Suspiria (2018)
Less focused on the artistic visuals, this movie takes the original story in a different direction and is very well done.

Halloween (2018)
Starring Jaime Lee Curis's character as an adult, she once again faces Michael Myers.

It (2018)
Just when I didn't think Pennywise could get any scarier...


Dumbest

The Greasy Strangler (2016)
Just straight up crude, dumb, and not particularly scary. Funny if you're very drunk.

Leprechaun (1993)
A Leprechaun does not want his gold taken, and will do whatever it takes to keep it. Warwick Davis is hilarious in these movies, but it's a so-bad-it's-good type of situation.

The Toxic Avenger (1984)
More of a sci-fi movie, but still stupid. A nerd falls into toxic waste and becomes a friendly monster/superhero.


Personal Favorite

The Devil's Rejects (2005)
A follow up to House of 1000 Corpses (2003), a trio of murderous outcasts on the run from the law. These characters have become cult favorites and I will forever treasure meeting Sid Hadig and Bill Moseley in person. (RIP Sid)

For those of you non-Floridians, hurricane season is like playing cards. You never know what you're going to get dealt. Finding yourself in the potential path of a hurricane can be scary, anxiety-inducing, and all around exhausting. People are scrambling to get gas, water, bread, milk, and various canned goods and break-neck speeds, not even knowing if they will be impacted directly by the storm. While at least 3 days worth of non-perishable foods and water are essential for hurricane preparedness, I find that so many people go buck wild and buy foods that are high in sugar, sodium, and fat in extremely large quantities. The anxiety can also cause people to stress eat all these snacks, which in turn, can make you feel pretty crappy if you aren't used to it.



Most people don't really think about "healthier" options as they are prepping for a hurricane, and that's ok! Your safety is paramount. However, I just thought I'd drop a little note on some healthy hurricane options that you can keep in your pantry, or stock up on if you happen to find yourself in the "cone of uncertainty". Please note, I am not a health expert. These are just foods that I find to be delicious and a little bit better for you.


1) Dry/Canned Beans
 Any kind of dry or canned beans are great to keep around. They fill you up and are packed with protein, and can feed a lot of people with only a can or 2. I like to keep garbanzo beans on hand, as these can be roasted, eaten as is, or mashed to make hummus. If you can, try and make sure any canned beans you buy are low sodium.

I'm not one of those people who is easily iNfLUenCed by things I see on social media. I don't feel the need to have the latest fad beauty product or clothing item, mostly because I don't like having the exact same things as someone else just to feel like I'm one of the cool kids. I'm more of the type to be inspired by something I see, and find what version of it will work best for me. However, there are a few items that have been floating around my Instagram wishlist for a while that I couldn't help but pick up with some birthday gift cards. I've been using them for a few weeks and they do not disappoint.



1) Supergoop Glow Stick SPF 50
This is a Dena (@leowithcancer on Instagram) staple that she just made look too good to pass up. I am a big fan of beauty products that can be applied on the go, with one hand, and don't need to be rubbed in. Not only does this give you a dewy, just-got-off-the-beach glow, it is also clear (bye white caste) and sits well under makeup. This is perfect to throw in your beach bag, purse, fanny pack, etc and makes reapplying sunscreen so easy.

2) Kosas Tinted Face Oil
I've been wanting to try this as I literally own 1 liquid foundation- ever since I moved to Florida, I basically ditched most of my heavier makeup. I've been looking for something that gives my skin an even canvas, has buildable coverage, and won't cake up or cling to dry patches. This stuff is perfect for an everyday tinted moisturizer/foundation. It is surprisingly hydrating without being greasy, and makes my skin look and feel soft as a feather. I got shade #2 and it is a perfect match for me.

3) Kevyn Aucoin Glass Glow
Anything @thecriticalbabe on Instagram recommends is always fire. I have been meaning to pick up a new highlighter but there are so many on the market that I honestly didn't even know where to start. To me, the perfect highlighter is one that basically makes my skin look like glass and isn't glittery, and this is Kevyn Aucoin liquid highlighter does exactly that. It is seriously stunning. I purchased the shade Crystal Clear and I think it would work beautifully for all skin tones.



4) Glossier You Solid Perfume
This scent is one of my favorites. I hoarded the glass vial samples when the fragrance first hit the market, and as I ran out I would miss it so. My sister came through with a Glossier gift card for my birthday and I decided to pick up the solid version since I had some travel coming up. I absolutely love the packaging- it feels super luxurious and is easy to travel with. The scent? Already a favorite of mine, so I'm glad I can now take this TSA friendly version with me everywhere.

5) Boy Smells Votive Candles
This is my first 'fancy candle' purchase. I've seen this brand online for a while, and the reason I purchased these over Diptyque is largely due to the price point, but also because they have some very unique fragrances that aren't overly sweet or artificial. I decided to try mini versions of some of their best selling candles: Ash, Cedar Stack, and Kush. All 3 are wonderful unisex fragrances that have a clean quality to them, with subtle differences- Cedar Stack is more earthy and woodsy, while Ash is slightly dark & smokey. Kush has an incense-y, musk, almost powdery fragrance that is perfect next to my bed. I saw that they have another votive set with 3 other scents, which I may pick up as well to try!

Hey y'all- I've been MIA for a little bit on the blog scene. I've been focusing a lot on self care as I continue my mental health journey, as well as caring for my two new little furry family members! We are now the proud parent of two kittens and couldn't be happier.



It's officially Leo season, aka the definition of #hotgirlsummer in my opinion. This is the time of year that's filled with days in bikinis, pool/beach days, fresh fruit, cold drinks, warm nights, and general good feels. It's also important to have a fire playlist. Spotify has been doing an awesome job with customizing my account based on what I'm listening to, what my interests are, etc. My favorite right now are the Astrology playlists. I've been bumping the Leo playlist since the beginning of the summer and since it's mixed up with new songs weekly, it never gets old. Check out my summer playlist curated just for all my lionesses!

After reaching my quarter life mark, I looked back and couldn't think of any time since the age of 12 that I hadn't had at LEAST 1 pimple. I was fortunate to have birth control be so effective for me as a teenager in combating my hereditary cystic acne - the few pimples I had didn't really bother me, and back then we just seemed to cake makeup on it and not even use an oil cleanser to remove it (gasps in Leo).

As an adult, especially upon entering my professional life, I found my cystic pimples to be so frustrating. I didn't feel confident in my own skin, and hated having to constantly apply concealer so I didn't have my co-workers staring at Mount Everest next to my mouth while I was speaking. For a while, it seemed like no matter what I did, I would never be free of pimples. I desperately wanted to get my skin to a no-makeup level of comfortable, especially during the Florida summers where no matter what, you're going to melt.

After much trial, error, trial, patience, and success, I have had my longest streak of NO acne. Not even one little whitehead. The past 2 weeks I have gone at least 3 out of 7 days makeup free- and I only feel like I wore minimal makeup because I felt like it, not because I was hiding my skin. So what's the secret sauce(s)? Let's review:




Cleanse + Tone / Exfoliate



Whenever my skin is feeling congested, the Tatcha Deep Cleanse is my go-to cleanser. I always remove my makeup with Bioderma as a first cleanse, and then follow up with this. It is gentle enough for daily use and doesn't irritate my skin, even if I have active breakouts. My skin feels super soft and clean after I use it. Glossier Solution is my favorite chemical exfoliant because it is gentle enough to use every day and it is extreme effective at preventing clogged pores. It also helps with any texture issues I may be experiencing- at under $25, it is something I always keep on backup.

Serums + Retinoid



Niacinamide is my favorite ingredient for reducing redness and inflammation. I have tried several brand's Niacinamide serums and I find that I prefer ones that have a more watery texture, as I feel that they sink into my skin better. Once that has absorbed completely into my skin, I follow up with this Azelaic Acid lotion. This has been a game changer for me- azelaic acid is naturally produced by yeast that lives on the skin. It helps reduce any blemishes, but also helps prevent them by acting as an effective antioxidant. It also helps brighten and even skin tone. This formula with a silicone suspension feels so soft and silky on the skin and leaves a beautiful finish. Not mad about the price point either! I also have found that Retin-A has been extremely effective for me in preventing cystic acne, as it helps with cell turnover so bacteria isn't able to become trapped deep in the skin. Differin has been around for years and is now available over the counter. I love the gel formula and prefer the Adapalene formula as opposed to the cream formula of Tretinoin.

Re-Texturize / Hydrate



I am absolutely obsessed with this new moisturizer from Marc Jacobs. I received it complimentary through Influenster. It has the best gel texture which is perfect for the climate in South Florida, and is extremely hydrating. It also helps with texture and skin tone using pineapple enzymes, so it's very gentle yet effective. I wake up every morning with this beautiful glass skin, and I largely think it's because of this moisturizer. It also smells incredible, so applying it is a wonderful experience. 

Masks + Spot Treatments



I have a few tricks up my sleeve when it comes to extra treatments. The Ordinary's AHA/BHA peel is amazing and affordable for sloughing away dead skin cells and getting deep in the skin to unclog pores and bring anything that may be brewing to the surface much quicker. I use it 1-2 times per week because it is VERY strong. It may not work for people who have sensitive skin. For pimples that have already come to head, the Clinique spot treatment helps keep the spot free from bacteria and speeds up the healing process- a little goes a long way. Desitin cream is a secret weapon of mine for cystic pimples- because its main ingredient is zinc, it greatly helps in reducing inflammation and ultimately helps bring the pimple to head faster. I use it sparingly as a spot treatment. I think that this could work for anyone in a pinch- just remember that it's safe enough for a baby's butt! Lastly, any sort of pimple patch is a godsend. Not only do they help practically eliminate whiteheads, they remove all the gunk and protect the spot from further irritation. They are also practically invisible on the skin, and it has become socially acceptable to wear them around during the day because no one will really notice them. These ones from Mighty Patch are what I'm currently using, but you can also find them at just about any Drugstore. 

Hi everyone! May was such a good month. Some changes at work have been allowing me to flourish by expressing my creativity, as well as learning new skills. I've also started my medication for depression and have an appointment for therapy at the end of the month, which I really think has helped me navigate real life struggles a little easier. I was also finally able to attend another Palm Beach Blogger event - I attended the one at Grandview Public Market in February and was super excited to get back into it. This past month, we talked about how to use Pinterest to increase traffic to your website. I learned a lot about how important Pinterest really is, especially since the content has a much longer shelf life than posts on Instagram or Facebook. Tennille Martinez, aka Ms. Virtual Maven, was amazing and provides great resources for those who are just getting into blogging, or those who already have a blog and want to know ways to grow their audience in an extremely competitive space.

May's meet-up was at the beautiful PGA National Resort. It was a humid day and I wanted to express my personal style without dying of heatstroke (the usual struggle for a city girl turned Floridian). My latest favorite look is layering strapping tans/dresses over tees. I decided to pair one of my many graphic tees with a sundress in complementary colors. I picked this sundress up from Goodwill and it is seriously the perfect 90's floral and fits like a dream. I wore my most reliable sneakers - mainly because I didn't have my toes done - and a great vintage bag. Since everything I was wearing was made out of cotton, I felt cool and comfortable even while layering. My friend Melanie got some great shots!

Dress / Vintage T-Shirt / Brandy Melville (old) Bag / Vintage Shoes / Adidas

This outfit was especially ideal for our lunch outside which consisted of delicious sweets, finger sandwiches, and a Mimosa bar. I love these meet-ups because it allows me to connect with local bloggers, learn new skills in the world of social media, and enjoy beautiful spaces in the Palm Beach area. Everyone in our chapter is so kind, down to earth, and really wants to build genuine connections. I'm truly honored to be part of such a great chapter!

It's no secret that I have a plethora of skincare products. I like nice things, and I want to feel beautiful in my own skin. For me, this starts with skincare that helps keep my skin hydrated, clear, and bright. I definitely took advantage of the Sephora VIB sale at the beginning of May to replenish and build upon my skincare routine, really looking for products that were effective and traveled easily. I also wanted to try and find some products that wouldn't be so painful on my wallet to replace once I ran out. Sephora offered me a 15% discount as I am in the VIB tier of spending with them. All of these products, with tax, came out to less than $120 and I feel like I was able to add some great essentials to my collection. Here is what I decided to purchase, based on the following skin concerns:

• Congested Pores in T-Zone
• Hyperpigmentation / Acne Scars
• Dull/Uneven skintone
• Hydration

1) Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum - This was my splurge purchase. A holy grail for me, this is an extremely effective serum for brightening acne scars and leaving my skin with an overall radiance. I would hoard samples of this until I finally purchased during the November VIB sale, and finally ran out just the other day. I will continue to repurchase, even if it isn't on sale. That 15% off definitely makes it a bit easier though!

2) The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% - According to the brand's website, "Azelaic Acid is produced naturally by yeast that lives on normal skin. It brightens the skin tone while visibly improving the evenness of skin texture and reducing the look of blemishes. It is a multi-functional support ingredient for all skin types and also acts as an effective antioxidant." I have been wanting to try this product for a while, and it's only about $8.00. I have been using this every other night after serums but before moisturizer. I love the velvety texture and definitely feel like my skin tone is more even. I will continue to use and report back!

3) The Ordinary Buffet Serum - This serum is an all-in-one that contains peptides, skin-friendly amino acids, and hyaluronic acid. I've been using this at night and my skin feels super bouncy the next morning. I'm hoping this will also help prevent wrinkles. Less is more with this serum, and really make sure it has set into your skin before layering other products as these serums have a tendency to pill when not totally dry. 

4) The Ordinary AHA 30% BHA 2% Peeling Solution - This is supposed to be a great, affordable dupe for the Drunk Elephant Babyfacial. Since it was under $10 and has pretty decent reviews, I decided to give it a go. ALWAYS spot test if you can, especially products with actives. I used this on my face the other night and the results were great- my skin felt so soft the next day, and it did not burn or sting. 

5) Ouai Wave Spray - This spray travels well and I really do notice a difference in my natural waves when I don't use this product. This helps control frizz and gives my pretty, beachy waves. I always pick this up when I can. The mini size is very affordable at only $12 and usually lasts me a few months. You can read more about this product in my haircare blog post. 



PERKS: Mini Drunk Elephant products, Amika Dry Shampoo, and some fragrance samples

A while back, I saw Captain Marvel in theaters. I thought it was excellent, while my husband the movie critic / apparent expert on everything thought it was overhyped. I talked to my co-worker who loved it as well and we discussed how many Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies we would have to watch until Avengers : Endgame comes out. This got me to thinking about how many face masks I would be doing during these movies- and which ones I would do. This then led me to wonder, I wonder what kind of face mask Captain America would use? Would he even use one? Tony Stark would definitely use one. Okoye definitely practices self-care. But the burning question is - which character would use which mask? I've used a lot of masks in my life and I've narrowed down some good character/mask combos.




Captain America - The OG Avenger. He's old school, doesn't like anything complicated, yet is always clean cut and has pristine skin. So how does he do it? He's got Queen Helene's Mint Julep mask. Readily available, reliable, uncomplicated.

Iron Man - Tony Stark is the master of all things boujee and luxurious in the MCU. I picture him using the Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Mask Pure Luxury Lift & Firm Mask. This mask is designed to help re-energize skin and minimize the look of the aging effects of stress. I mean, what else would you use after flying a Nuke through a wormhole into outer space? So stressful. 

Hulk - Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay. Strong, effective, and green. Clogged pores? SMASH. 

Thor - Skyn Iceland Arctic Hydration Rubberizing Mask. This peel off mask supercharges skin stressed and depleted skin with an instant dose of hydration. Kind of like how Stormbreaker destroys the Children of Thano's army with one swing. 

Black Window - A deadly assassin that you can always count on to have your back. The perfect match for Black Widow is the Origins Clear Improvement mask, a black charcoal mask that is gentle and non-drying to the skin but deadly to pore-clogging bacteria. 

Hawkeye - He's a tough one; the silent, underrated avenger. I've decided to make him the Summer Fridays Jet Lag mask. This is a mask that you don't think you need but once you try it, you see how valuable it really is. Not to mention that the motto for the mask is 'Give your skin some time off'. Hawkeye loves to spend time with his family when he's not saving the world - he probably wasn't a fan of being on house arrest after Civil War, but what else is there to do besides mask??

Antman - Antman is one of my favorite Avengers. His mask would be the Origin's Out of Trouble 10-Minute Mask. Quick and easily outmaneuvers potential breakouts, yet calming and non-irritating to the skin. Perfect for Scott Lang, a witty microscopic cat-burglar with a big heart. Also usually saves the day.. HINT. 

Nebula - Ole Henrickson Cold Plunge Pore Mask: A detoxifying, cooling clay mask that instantly reduces the look of pores, smooths skin texture, and controls oil all day. Despite her cool exterior, Nebula really cares about her family and will help them any way she can. This mask is perfect for her. Also because it's blue, don't @ me. 

Okoye - Okoye is my favorite character from Wakanda. She is tough, loyal, and charasmatic. The perfect mask for her would be Kiehl's Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energizing Radiance Mask, which is An energizing radiance mask that helps visibly brighten dull, fatigued skin - much like how Okoye will also protect those that she is loyal to. 

Captain Marvel - The most powerful MCU character should have a mask of the same caliber. The Drunk Elephant Sukari Babyfacial is one of the strongest and most effective chemical exfoliants on the market. Babyfacial delivers incredible brightening and enzymatic action, improves skin’s elastic feel, and reveals the look of a more even, radiant, baby-soft complexion. Your skin will glow like Captain Marvel's quantum bands. 

Thanos - Some would argue that Thanos is the real hero of the story - I'd say it's up for debate. Thanos is a character that has spent ages searching the universe for the infinity stones to achieve his goal of establishing "balance". He probably hasn't ever had time for a face mask- until now. As he's sitting on his little bachelor planet, he can finally indulge in a little bit of self-care. The mask for Thanos would be the Tatcha Violet-C Radiance Mask. Lord knows he needs only the best things to help relieve signs of aging. After all, wouldn't your skin be stressed after literally wiping out half the universe? 

I may not be the most active person in the world (I'm working on it), but I do appreciate all the beauty that our National Parks have to offer in America. From April 20-28, the National Park Service and National Park Foundation encourage everyone to celebrate our nation's most treasured spots. While I have not yet experienced popular attractions such as Yellowstone and Jackson Hole (you can see my friend Melanie's awesome posts about Yellowstone and others here), I did experience one of Florida's most remote and truly beautiful National Parks on my honeymoon to Key West.

Let me introduce you to my latest obsession: cycling shorts. In my teenage years, these were reserved purely for the chicken-legged teenage boys who ran cross country. These days, the Kardashians are wearing them and people are losing their minds. Thankfully, the Kardashians were not the ones to invent this trend, just like they didn't invent big butts, full lips, breathing, etc. However, they did play a large part in reviving and updating the classic cycling short look. A lot of inspiration has been coming from the late Princess Diana. Her go-to casual outfit was a pullover sweatshirt, cycling shorts, tube socks, and athletic shoes. This was the perfect look for Diana, who was often referred to as 'the people's princess' due to her philanthropy and being relatable to her subjects.

While this is the classic way to wear cycling shorts, ways to style them have evolved in 2019. They are not only limited to athleisure, but mixing with band t-shirts and soft blouses creates effortless looks that can transition from day to night. It's also a great way for me to get away with a black-on-black outfit in the summer without dying of heatstroke.


Here I've style 3 outfits with different kinds of cycling shorts. Not going to lie, the first one is inspired by Dena Smith, the Leo Queen behind Leo With Cancer and the creator of the cult beauty favorite, Leo Oil. While these all align with my personal style, each look is very different and can cater to many different kinds of personal style. (Click the photo for deetz) Find the style that works best for you. Play with patterns, texture, layering, and accessories. In fashion, rules are meant to be broken. Nothing is off limits!

I recently acquired my first pair of cycling shorts this past weekend. I styled them with one of my favorite graphic tees and white Adidas to go to a concert in Wynwood, Miami - I was cool, comfortable, and felt very stylish all evening without feeling overdone. This will probably be my go-to look for the summer. I could also get away with it year-round because, well, Florida.

T-Shirt / Pizza Party Printing Shorts / EleVen by Venus Sneakers / Adidas Bag / Rebecca Minkoff / Similar Here

If you are interested in trying out this look and want to know some good places to shop, check out these options. Most fast fashion places like H&M and Target will likely have these, but if you want good quality, sustainable items, I recommend these:

LHLL Store

EleVen by Venus (these have pockets!)

Girlfriend Collective

Outdoor Voices

I'm all for the movement in social media lately aiming towards 'self care'. However, I feel like a lot of people assume that this just means taking a hot bath with a face mask and eating your favorite comfort foods. Granted, while I think taking time to pamper yourself is PART of self care, I also think it's important to really sit down with yourself and figure out what you really need long term. For some people, like me, this can mean asking for help when a face mask may just not be enough to lift the spirits.

I have undergone major life changes in the past 6 months. I got married in September to the man of my dreams, and I've dealt with the shifting trials and tribulations of working for a small startup company. While a lot of these changes are positive, there are also a lot of things to adjust to. Marriage is not always easy - society and social media has conditioned us to believe that marriage is a a constant blissful weekend of shopping, cleaning, brunching, and cuddling. It's also a lot of work- remember, you and your partner are both only human. Sometimes you come home from work in a bad mood and take it out on your partner. Sometimes they get upset at you for not washing their favorite pants with your load of laundry. While these are all 'sometimes', the feeling of knowing that something is forever can make the difficult times feel that much more difficult. I also live in Florida, while the rest of my family and friends live in Chicago. It is hard being away from them for long periods of time, especially when times are difficult. In addition to all these feelings, we moved locations at work which caused every day issues that are normally easily resolved to be amplified and 10x more stressful than ever. I would shoot out of bed every morning in a panic to check my work email, and sometimes would even cry- something that I've never done in a work environment.

While it's normal to feel down every now and then, I noticed that I was down all the time. starting around New Years. I couldn't sleep very well, had little appetite, and no motivation to do anything that I didn't have to. My husband would try to help, but just didn't have the right words. One day I woke up and looked in the mirror, and didn't like the person I had become. I wanted to be a good wife, a productive worker, and most importantly, happy with myself. I decided to make an appointment to see some mental health professionals, and have them evaluate me to see what the best treatment. Whether this is medication, therapy, etc I am open to any options - my appointment is at the end of the month, so I'll try to keep the journey updated through my social media channels. I also downloaded Headspace, an app that a co-worker recommended for me. They have daily meditation sessions that can help you sleep, help with stress, etc. In addition to this, I began to avoid even looking at my phone at all first thing in the morning. I've decided to get myself ready for work, eat breakfast, have tea and then check my phone/emails once I got to work. There was no point in frantically checking emails while I was still in my pajamas- I wouldn't be able to do anything until I got to my office, so why make myself anxious? Subtle changes like this can make a world of difference.

While I love a good bath, rom-coms, ice cream, and epic skincare routines, I think an important part of self care that people are missing is taking the time to advocate for yourself and ask for help when you need it. No one is going to do this for you - it's a bitter pill to swallow at first, but with the increasing awareness around mental health, I feel a bit more confident in asking for the help that I need and have probably needed for a long time. I am not a doctor or expert on mental health, but I hope that if you are reading this and have similar feelings. you can find resources for your self care. Many college and high school campuses, and even certain employers offer counseling service free/included with tuition. Take advantage of these services. It is the most important thing in the world to really take care of yourself, and ultimately love yourself. Don't wait.

I'm a lucky girl to live in South Florida- the near constant humidity keeps my skin dewy all times of the year and I am not mad about it. However, my skin still tends to be on the dry side, especially after spending time at the beach. I've spent years trying to find the perfect moisturizer, which can be difficult when you are surrounded by trendy, Instagram-pushed products and a fear of breakouts. It is important to find what you really need and what works for you - don't worry so much about what other people are doing. As long as you are taking care of yourself and feel good in your own skin, that's all that matters. This past year, I've found 6 moisturizers that I've enjoyed and will probably repurchase. These can work for many different skin types, but my type is combination / dry and they've worked great for me.



1. La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV
This was a great find at my local drugstore. French Pharmacy products seem to be a theme in my skincare routine this year, likely because they usually have great ingredients and are reasonably priced. I also find that the packaging is usually very simplistic and looks great on my shelf, because you know, aesthetics. This moisturizer not only has SPF 30, but also their prebiotic thermal water and niacinamide. Each of these ingredients protects and restores the skin barrier for healthy looking skin, while the latter helps minimize and calm redness/irritation. And don't forget ceramides for extra plumping. This is the perfect moisturizer to use in the morning as it eliminates the extra step of SPF and provides all day hydration.

2. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
This is a great evening moisturizer that provides 24 hours hydration. It also contains plant-derived squalene, which is known to strengthen and restore skin's moisture barrier, as well as Glacial Glycoprotein, which helps prevent water loss even in extreme climates. This would also make a great daytime moisturizer for someone who lives in a colder climate. PS they also make a version with SPF 30 - hooray!

3. Avène Tolerance Extreme Cream
This is probably one of my favorite moisturizers of all time. It sinks so beautifully into the skin and leaves me feeling hydrated all day long. This is a great super hydrating moisturizer for someone who has sensitive skin. I personally do not but I just love how it makes my skin feel. I wish that it wasn't marked up online to purchase but honestly, totally worth the price. The French people seem to know what they are doing when it comes to skincare.

4. Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
This is a multi-purpose face cream that acts as a primer, moisturizer, and makeup remover with super hydrating natural ingredients, including shea butter and aloe vera. This is an excellent, non greasy daytime moisturizer for those with dry skin. It looks amazing under makeup!

5. Caudalie Brightening Glycolic Overnight Cream
This moisturizer is a holy grail night cream for me. I got a small size of it in a kit with their Essence and Serum, and I've been rationing it ever since. It is just the right texture for the evening and also contains glycolic acid, which helps increase cell turnover leaving my skin hyrdated and glowing in the morning. It shrinks pores and improves texture literally overnight. Once I run out of my baby size I will be purchasing the full size product.

6. First Aid Beauty Hello Fab Coconut Skin Smoothie Priming Moisturizer
This is a perfect, lightweight moisturizer for all skin types. It hydrates, primes for makeup, reduces redness, and smells good enough to eat. This is my second tube of it and I'm almost finished. I will likely repurchase for the summertime. I wish they would make a version with SPF!

I can honestly say I have only had 2 professional facials done in my entire life. Each of them was wonderful - especially when it came to the extractions. I was more than willing to deal with the slight discomfort knowing that all the gunk that was trapped in my pore was being removed. So incredibly satisfying! Since professional facials can be expensive and time consuming, I'd been searching for other methods of really clearing my pores. I am prescribed Tretinoin, a prescription Retinol cream that helps increase cell turnover so there are less clogged pores. While this has helped immensely, I was still finding that I had congestion on and around my nose - little blackheads that were impossible to remove. I did not want to buy extraction tools and try to do them myself, for fear of scarring or other accidents. The charcoal masks in my collection, while great at stopping active breakouts, weren't really the solution to clearing pores. I did some research online and kept finding amazing reviews on this mask: The Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay.



First of all, this tub is HUGE - 15.5oz! You get all of it for only $8-$10 depending on the retailer, which is a huge plus for me as a budget-conscious millennial. It is 100% natural calcium bentonite clay, which is a type of absorbent clay that forms from aged volcanic ash. It absorbs negatively charged toxins, and has been used for centuries to detoxify the body and skin. I honestly love anything all-natural rather than harsh chemicals, so that box is ticked. I ordered my tub from Amazon, but you can also get it at select Target and CVS stores. The description on the back of the tub is as followed : "Removes impurities and dirt from the pores. Deep pore cleansing. Feel your face pulsate. WORLDS MOST POWERFUL FACIAL." So how does this almost 5 star rated mask on every website measure up?


This mask is very easy to prepare. You can mix it with water or raw apple cider vinegar. I personally love apple cider vinegar as it is an astringent that helps detoxify the skin in addition to the clay itself. It also makes the mask mix more smoothly while it fizzes and bubbles when combined - it is quite fun! I use a plastic bowl and this little face mask spatula to mix the mask. Once it has been mixed to a smooth texture, I apply to my face. It feels very good on the skin during application - it does not burn or sting at all. I then let the mask sit for 20 minutes. Those who are more sensitive may need less time.



As the mask dries, you really can feel a pulling sensation. This is the mask doing it's job - it is literally pulling all of the impurities to the surface, which leaves me feeling so satisfied. After the 20 minutes is up, I wet my face with warm water and wash off the mask. Since this is natural clay it is safe to wash down the sink. My face is a little red in the areas where the mask was, but this is totally normal - as long as you are not itchy or irritated, this redness will go away shortly after the mask is done.

My skin after removing the mask

The results? My pores appear much smaller after the mask, and I did find in the initial applications of this mask some purging - little blemishes did appear a day or so after I used the mask. This, however, is normal, as the mask is literally bringing the impurities trapped under the skin to the surface. This small blemishes were much easier to eliminate than if they had been a full-blown breakout. Now that I have been using the mask once a week for over a month, I rarely find that I get breakouts at all - only clear, glowing skin! My favorite time to use this mask is right after traveling. All of the excess sebum and dirt from recycled airplane air is a challenge for me and this mask nips that in the bud. I rarely get bad breakouts anymore since using this mask.



So if you are looking for an economical way to eliminate breakouts, clear pores, and detox your skin, I highly recommend this mask. You can even use anything extra that doesn't go on your face on your body, for extra pampering or relaxation. Just be sure that you have enough room on your top shelf - like I said, this tub is huge. The size also makes it great to have a masking party with friends - and trust me, everyone will love it!