Jul28

Face Mask Festivities: GlamGlow BrightMud Exfoliating Treatment Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: GlamGlow BrightMud Exfoliating Treatment Edition

Howdy and welcome to the last Face Mask Festivities post from my Sephora Haul! My online purchase provided me with fun new eyeshadow palettes to play with as well as lots of freebie products to try out too. Today, we are going to be discussing the BrightMud Exfoliating Treatment by GlamGlow which was free after spending twenty-five dollars. And, let’s be honest, that’s not hard to do at Sephora! Let’s get to it:

I have always been interested in GlamGlow products so I was very excited to have the opportunity to test the BrightMud Exfoliating Treatment out. It actually reminded me a lot of the Korres Pomegranate mask that was featured yesterday in terms of its texture and effectiveness. However, that mask was specifically for oily to combination skin and wouldn’t be something that I would use again.

What I liked about the GlamGlow treatment was that, even after twenty plus minutes of having it on, my skin didn’t feel tight like it did with the Korres mask – and that was only on for three minutes! The texture of the mask had a lot of grit to it so that was a pleasant surprise. To activate the Exfoliating Treatment, I applied it in circular motions as advised and did the same when washing it off. I was definitely eager to see the results because it was one of lengthiest amounts of time that I had a mask on.

My primary fear about the GlamGlow BrightMud mask was that it would leave my skin feeling really dry but that wasn’t the case at all. After removing it, my skin felt oh so clean and smooth and looked bright. This was very welcomed because I used it in a hotel room after a long drive to Indiana with my husband and mom and I was glad to see my skin didn’t look as tired as I felt!

Despite enjoying the BrightMud treatment, I can’t say that it would be one that I would purchase a full size tube of. When it comes to exfoliating, I am extremely partial to the St. Ives scrubs and just bought three different ones from TJMaxx. While it is so fun for me to test out new products, you just can’t beat the price of good ol’ St. Ives for the amount you get and how well they work. In fact, I think they are even better than the GlamGlow BrightMud Exfoliating Treatment. Sometimes you can get a lot more bang for way less buck with drugstore brands and this was the case for the GlamGlow treatment.

What is your favorite high end skin care brand? How about your favorite drugstore skin care brand? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul27

Face Mask Festivities: Korres Pomegranate Ahas & Enzymes Resurfacing Mask Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: Korres Pomegranate Ahas & Enzymes Resurfacing Mask Edition

Hello and welcome to another new edition of Face Mask Festivities compliments of my Sephora Haul! The best part of online shopping with Sephora is all of the freebies and promotions on the site and during my last haul, I received five items FO FREE. This never happens when shopping in store and I feel like I get so much more bang for my buck when I need to restock my beauty must haves.

Today, we are going to be discussing the Pomegranate Ahas & Enzymes Resurfacing Mask by Korres. This mask is made for people with oily or combination skin and, despite having normal to dry skin, I figured it couldn’t hurt to try! Now, let’s get to it:

My first impression of the Korres Resurfacing Mask was how good it smelled! I caught a strong strawberry scent and was reminded even more so of them by the crushed pomegranate seeds. This mask had a sandy texture, applied easily, and dried quickly so if you use it, you do not want to have it on more than the recommended time. I had the mask on for roughly three minutes before washing it off and that was plenty as my skin started feeling slightly tight.

Although I don’t have oily skin, I do sweat a lot in the summer because my apartment is so hot which is why I thought the Resurfacing Mask could still be beneficial. I was right on the money because my skin both looked and felt much better after using it. My skin had a nice glow to it thanks to the exfoliating pomegranate seeds and it didn’t look as shiny, either. Any tightness I felt also dissipated as soon as I put my serum and moisturizer on.

I wouldn’t be able to get away with using the Korres Pomegranate Ahas & Enzymes Resurfacing Mask regularly as it would really dry my skin out. However, I can definitely see how it would be great for people with oily or combination skin and recommend this mask if you have that skin type. It had a wonderful scent, worked quickly, and had instant results. It doesn’t get much better than that!

How would you describe your skin type? Which products benefit your skin the most? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Jul26

7 Home Decor Ideas For Any Budget

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7 Home Decor Ideas For Any Budget

Want to do some serious home improvement but have no idea where to begin? We’ve got you covered. Listed below are seven home decor ideas that work for all budgets, so keep on reading to find out more:

Add a pop of color:

Bring your dull faded walls back from the dead with a fresh lick of paint. Color can help you achieve any atmosphere – so paint is a powerful home improvement tool. It is also DIY too! Painting yourself is not only super fun but is ideal if you want to cut back on costs. Ensure you know what you are doing first by first reading some simple instructions.

Color-wise, pale light colors like yellow and peach will work great if you want to recreate a vintage style home, while colors like red or dark blue will leave a bold statement. You don’t have to pick just one color either – you can combine colors. And, remember, paint doesn’t have to be reserved for just your walls. You can paint the floorboard, the front door, your picket fence, or your cabinets.

Remodel:

If you want a bigger home improvement than paint, opt for a full remodel as this is a change that will not go unnoticed. You can remodel any room but one of the most common rooms that people remodel is their bathroom. Source out a professional bathroom remodel company who can get the job done at a reasonable price. When it comes to the design of your new bathroom, there are so many options that you can choose from, and it can be overwhelming to know where to start with this. If you are looking for some inspiration for a bathroom remodel, check out these ideas for an updated bathroom to get started.

Accessorize:

A home just doesn’t feel right without the little quirky things. You can visit thrift and antique shops or browse Ebay to get your hands on some adorable nick-knacks that will add character to your home. A bonus is that these will be pretty cheap too!

Get a fireplace:

If you’ve got a chimney, make the most out of it by getting a stylish fireplace. This will be in the heart of your home and is perfect for those cozy winter nights. There are many styles to choose from and you can even modernize your current one.

Invest in a stair runner:

Improve the aesthetic of your boring staircase by purchasing some stair runners. You can get whatever color or patterns you like, regardless of design it is a sure way to add charm to your home. Don’t be afraid to purchase a few because you can change them out accordingly to the season!

Change your lighting:

You don’t have to settle for the typical light bulb in a plain lamp. You can get fairy lights (of whichever colors) to achieve a story book look, a chandelier if you’re feeling classy, or if you’re a lover of all things retro – buy some lanterns. You can improve the lighting anywhere in your home – including the garden.

Buy flowers:

Don’t neglect the exterior of your house! Decorating outdoors with flowers really helps to beautify your property. If you’re scared of bees or don’t trust yourself to look after plants, get artificial flowers (nobody will be able to tell the difference anyway). Read more on exterior home decor tips.

Restyling your home is so fun but don’t forget that these things cost money. Set a budget, stick to it, and see what you can achieve!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jul26

Face Mask Festivities: Innisfree Pore Clearing Clay Mask Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: Innisfree Pore Clearing Clay Mask Edition

Hi! During my last Sephora Haul, I got a bunch of trial sized face masks to try out FO FREE. I have used and enjoyed both the Water Sleeping and lip mask by LANEIGE and tested out the Innisfree Pore Clearing Clay Mask this morning. The clay mask was definitely not my favorite in the world and that’s fine by me since it was a freebie! Take a look at some pics and let’s discuss:

I was very excited to try this Innisfree mask because of the “Super Volcanic Clusters”. I thought that it would be similar to the huge pieces of charcoal in my favorite face mask from The Body Shop. The Himalayan Charcoal mask by TBS gives me a skin treatment and an exfoliater in one and it is ultra effective. When using the Innisfree mask for the first time, I was a little disappointed by the smooth texture. It also applied really thin for a clay mask and I never care for that. One positive first impression, though, was how good it smelled! This mask had a beachy scent and that was so refreshing in the morning.

I let the clay mask sit for eight or so minutes before washing it off and was still eager to see the results. Unfortunately, I wasn’t blown away once the mask was off. There were no instantly recognizable improvements to how my skin looked or felt. While I am not expecting miracles, it is nice to see a little something something after using a new mask!

Despite not being crazy about the Innisfree Pore Clearing Clay Mask, it is always fun to try out a new product. This mask just didn’t pack enough of a punch for my liking. As I mentioned before, I am glad that it was free because I do not recommend it. #whompwhomp

What is your favorite face mask? What is your favorite type of skin care to test out? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul25

Flower Power OOTD

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Flower Power OOTD

Hello! One of my favorite hang outs in July was when mine and Johnny’s friend, Shannon, stayed with us for a weekend. Shannon is an excellent photographer and made the trip from Marietta to photograph Johnny’s band, The Outside Voices, when they played at Musica in Akron. He was also kind enough to snap some shots of yours truly after the show was over! Take a look at some exclusive pics from my Flower Power OOTD:

Who? What? Wear?

My Flower Power OOTD was one that I felt insanely confident in and it feels so good to get all done up and go out with my husband after a long year and change indoors. When Johnny plays shows inside or out in the summertime, it is usually really hot so I like to sport something that is both cool and comfortable while still being cute, of course! This look featured all of the three Cs to the T and I had myself a little superstar moment being photographed at the concert venue.

What I love about this OOTD is its testament to my Summer Wardrobe Refresh. I stand firm in saying that you only need a few new pieces with each season change to keep your wardrobe looking and feeling new. My Flower Power outfit is a perfect example of this because while the skirt is brand new, the top and shoes are both at least six or more years old! Just one new piece in this OOTD had two over half a decade old items feeling like I was wearing them for the first time because they were styled in such a different way.

Another thing that I really enjoy about the Flower Power look is the monochrome palette. No abrupt pops of color in the black and white clothing meant for a long, lean silhouette and I felt ten feet tall rather than five foot one! While no one appreciates a good pop of color more than Lil Red, a minimal color palette like the one seen above can be just as effective.

Something I always mention in OOTD posts is styling a look that makes the eyes dance. This can be achieved by playing with color and accessories. In the Flower Power outfit’s case, however, it came from showing some skin in just the right places. From the peep toe heels to the peek a boo top, this look had enough going on so that one main area wasn’t the focal point of the entire outfit. I like to think people’s eyes were doing the Tango when I stepped out in my Flower Power OOTD!

What is the oldest item you have in your wardrobe? How do you refresh your wardrobe with the season changes? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul24

Whirlwind Weeks

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Whirlwind Weeks

Hello! I don’t know about you guys, but this summer has been flying by for me because it has been so busy. I got married, my husband and I celebrated our birthdays, and I started a new job. Not to mention that over the weekends, Johnny’s band, The Outside Voices, is usually performing. While these are all incredibly exciting things, it can also be incredibly exhausting!

Busy? Yes – but I am LOVING my new schedule thanks to the job I accepted and never get home any later than four o’clock Monday through Friday… It is beautiful and I feel much more well rested. And, although my weekends haven’t been the most relaxing this summer, it is so nice to see all of our friends again as Johnny and I have been fully vaccinated since May.

My favorite hang out to date this summer was when our dear friend, Shannon, stayed with us for a weekend. He is a wonderful photographer and he took pictures of The Outside Voices playing at a gig. Shannon also was kind enough to take some pictures of yours truly too – some of which are taken on a Polaroid camera which was really cool. Tune in tomorrow for an OOTD with some of the sneak peek photos he has sent me!

^^^ This was the first picture Shannon took with his new Polaroid camera and it is one of my favorites of me and Johnny. ❤

What has your summer been like so far? How do you relax after whirlwind days? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul23

Face Mask Festivities: Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask Edition

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Face Mask Festivities: Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask Edition

Hi! Recently, my mom surprised me with the Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask by Yes To Tomatoes to test out. She is the literal sweetest and knows how much I enjoy doing face masks so every so often when she sees one for a good deal, she will treat me to it. While it wasn’t the best face mask I have ever used, the sentiment behind it was a ten out of ten stars for me! Now, let’s get to it:

I am a huge fan of charcoal skin care products, especially my favorite face bar by Destiny Boutique. I am always eager to test new charcoal products out because they are so effective in clearing the blackheads on my nose. I was expecting two results when using this Yes To Tomatoes mask: Clearing up my problem area as well as giving a nice glow to my skin since my fave face mask by The Body Shop does both. While this mask did clear up a lot of blackheads, it really didn’t do too much else for my skin.

Although I wasn’t overly blown away by the Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask, it did apply very easily. This was nice because some mud masks can be so thick. I had this mask on for about twelve minutes while I did some housework but it dried in roughly ten. I would definitely recommend washing it off right at the ten minute mark because it started feeling uncomfortably tight on my skin after just two additional minutes.

The Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask by Yes To Tomatoes is one that you could take or leave. However, if you’re like me and enjoy testing face masks just for the sake of trying something new, then it wouldn’t hurt to give this one a try if you find it for a marked down price!

What was the best face mask that you have used? Do you have a favorite ingredient when it comes to skin care? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul22

Tone Up With These Exercises

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Tone Up With These Exercises

If you’re ready to take control of your life, becoming active is the greatest place to start. It means getting up, breaking out of your old pattern, and creating a new one that will improve your life. Here are the best exercises for working up a sweat and toning up your muscles:

Boxing:

Boxing is fantastic if you want to work on your core muscles while still getting a solid workout for the rest of your body. It also enhances your balance, mobility, and coordination while simultaneously working your muscles, all of which may be applied in your daily life.

If you’ve never boxed before, it’s a good idea to practice alongside someone who understands what they’re doing, such as a trainer or a buddy. That way, you can be sure that you’re doing everything correctly and that you’re not injuring yourself.

Swimming:

Swimming could be the exercise for you if you have aches and pains because water relieves all of the strain on your body and allows you to focus on moving around freely. This is why many physiotherapists recommend swimming. Not only that, but it works every muscle in your body, which means you not only burn calories but also tone up. That being said, if you are struggling with joint pain such as in your knees or shoulders, it’s always best to consult a knee or shoulder specialist before starting any physical activity.

The beauty of swimming is that it truly is a form of exercise that you can do your entire life. From fast paced laps to water aerobics, there are aquatic workouts for people of all ages. If you are serious about swimming as your main form of exercise, you might want to search for a Swimming pool contractor in Rockwall, TX (or your local area). With a pool in your backyard, your whole family can experience the benefits of swimming.

Cycling:

Cycling is a favorite go-to workout because you can do it both indoors and out. You can get in shape in front of the television if you have an exercise bike! Just thirty minutes of riding each day can significantly increase your physical power and stamina and the more you sweat, the more fat you’re literally melting away.

Circuit training:

If you prefer to push yourself to your limits, circuit training is the ideal cardio workout for you. High-intensity workouts with minimal recovery time make for a difficult session, but one that is well worth it once done. It’s a fast-paced workout, so make sure you’re hydrated and eat something before you start; otherwise, you won’t have the energy you need. Make sure you have a bottle of water within reach for when you have a little rest period. You’ll see why.

Whatever you choose to do, give it a fair chance before deciding whether or not you like it. Not everyone is the same and just because your friends say running is the best thing for them doesn’t imply it will be the case for you. This is when trial and error comes into play. Don’t give up on getting healthier if you don’t like something; simply keep going until you find something you truly appreciate.

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jul22

T-Shirt Time!

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T-Shirt Time!

Hello!! My husband and I are HUGE fans of the TV show, Impractical Jokers. We have watched the show in its entirety and have been rewatching it every evening for the past month. Unwinding after a day at work in stitches over Joe, Sal, Murr, and Q’s antics with Johnny is the best and we are constantly quoting it to each other. This past week, we took our love for Impractical Jokers one step further by purchasing some novelty T-shirts and Johnny and I are obsessed with them lol. Check it out:

My favorite Joker on the show, Joe, is always wearing the funniest T-shirts and I mention to Johnny how much I want his shirt with a Bichon Frise on it every time we tune in for the evening. While he couldn’t find that shirt online, he surprised me with the “Larry” T – it’s safe to say I have the best husband ever! In fact, I’m wearing it as I write this post now. 😀

One of our favorite games on the show is when the Jokers work as a receptionist in focus group waiting rooms. They have to call out ridiculous names to the people waiting and in one episode, Sal had to ask for a “Crangis McBasketball”. It has been a running joke on the show since and when Johnny showed me the Crangis T-shirt, I just had to get one for each of us. In fact, Johnny is wearing his as I write this post now. 😀

While literally none of our friends understand these Ts since they don’t watch the show, Johnny and I get a kick out of them enough for everyone. Now, is there a one mister Crangis McBasketball in the house?

What is your favorite game on Impractical Jokers? Who is your favorite Joker? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul21

What’s Holding You Back At The Gym?

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What’s Holding You Back At The Gym?

If you are someone who prides themselves on staying fit and healthy, then you probably have a gym membership and go to the gym on regular occasions. This is definitely one of the best things you can do for yourself in general, but it is also the kind of habit that you can often find yourself holding back on for one reason or another. As it happens, there are many reasons why you might be struggling to achieve what you want to at the gym, and in this article we are going to take a look at a few of the most common:

Lack Of Confidence:

Everyone has had the experience of feeling a little shy when stepping into a gym. This often happens the first time you try out a new gym or if you are feeling self conscious that day. Working on improving your confidence more generally is a great way to go, as is ensures that you are being easy on yourself when you are at the gym itself. With a little more confidence, you will approach your workouts in a better way and get more out of them.

The Wrong Shoes:

It’s amazing what a difference wearing the wrong shoes can make. Whether you are on the treadmill, rowing, or doing weights, you need to have the appropriate footwear. This will help you to keep your balance, avoid injuries, and feel comfortable during your workout. If you are unsure about what footwear you might need to wear for a particular activity at the gym, check out Whichfootwear.com for all the advice you’ll need on that subject. With the right shoes, working out will be much easier on your body.

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Too Rigorous Of A Routine:

If you are following a workout regime of some kind or another, you will need to make sure that it is not too rigorous. If it is, then that is a sure sign that you are going to struggle to do it right and you’ll find that you end up performing worse than you would have done otherwise. You’ll get a lot more done by being a little gentler on yourself, relaxing your schedule, and not trying to achieve too much in one go. Remember: you are not competing against anyone but yourself.

Going Alone:

There is plenty of research to suggest that going to the gym with a friend helps make so much more of the experience. When there are two of you and you are both equally dedicated, it provides encouragement and accountability. Find yourself a good gym buddy and you’ll find that each workout becomes more effective and easier to do. It’s amazing what a difference a friend can make.

Ready, set, hit the gym with the advice above!

Featured Image By: Pexels