Category: Life

Hello Beautiful Review

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Well HELLO beautiful!

So fitting for today.

Why you ask?

Because the lovely folks at Musely sent me two boxes of Hello Beautiful Collagen & Multivitamin Powder to try out. And try, I did!

First let me preface this with some fun disclaimers:

  1. I am not a nutritionist.
  2. I am not even an especially healthy person.
  3. I am a girl who loves my island looking nice, not dying too young and feeling good.

And I’m no fool. I know that a powder you can mix right into yer Swiss Miss cocoa isn’t going to, poof – make me look like a Hadid. But I also know that a good vitamin regime can be a game changer, especially if you remember to actually take them.

Enter: Musely’s Hello Beautiful Collagen & Multivitamin Powders in Unsweetened and Wild Berry

Each box contains 20 packets of powder and retails for $26.

I immediately opened up both boxes and have been switching between the mixed berry and unsweetened versions for the past 3-4 weeks now.

The Pow

Each packet contains .21 oz of powder which for me is a hefty dose. I had a bit of difficulty mixing them into a cold beverage by hand, especially with ice or in anything fizzy. I did blend one into a smoothie however and that was wonderful (I felt so darn healthy!). It dissolves much easier into a hot beverage and the unsweetened version was totally undetectable in my coffee.

The taste

The unsweetened powder does not have a taste so much as a mouth-feel. If mixed into straight up water, you can tell something has been added but it does not have a taste. If mixed into lemonade or a different kind of beverage, the taste is undetectable.

The wild berry flavor is faint. It is not overwhelming or overly sweet. It actually reminded me of the taste of those Propel drinks (flavored water), as opposed to Crystal Light. *I keep my drinks klassy*

Results

I am pleased to report a noticeable change in the health an thickness of my nails. I can also speak to the growth, as right after I started having the powders I got my nails done (shellac).

Not even two weeks later, and my nails had grown out SO much that I had a good 1/8 of an inch of grow out! I had to use some soak-off remover the other night to remove this (so apologies for the state of my nails) but check out this growth!

As for my hair and skin –  I have not noticed any changes as significant as my nails. My skin does feel more hydrated and it seems to be taking better to The Ordinary products I have been using (read more about that here).

The other benefit I have noticed is my energy level. I have felt really great lately. I am not getting tired in the middle of the day as I usually do and I find that I have been sleeping better. Many factors could be contributing to this however the added vitamins probably are not hurting either.

Overall

I am very pleased with this stuff! I find it easy to mix in with lots of different kinds of beverages both hot and cold. The website also includes several recipes using the powders including a breakfast cookie (scroll to the bottom of the page)! I am happy with the results I have seen and experienced. From longer, thicker and more healthy nails to a boost in energy – this stuff actually provides results you can see and feel!

This post is not sponsored. I was sent these products complimentary but all opinions are my own.

Wet’n’Wild Goth-O-Graphic Review

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Oh, hey.

Just your average goth over here, gothin’ around.

But seriously, I have mad respect for goth subculture and fashion.  I love watching It’s Black Friday on the YouTube because she is amazing, beautiful and original. In another life, I wanna be her.

And while the two products I am talking about today hail from the Wet’n’Wild Goth-O-Graphic collection, by NO means are they only meant to be worn in a gothic style. They are just stunning, fun products that I was elated to get my mitts on!

First up, the MegaLast Liquid Catsuit Eyeshadow in Goth Tears.

In the packaging, this is a lilac purple with intense glitter and an iridescent shift.

One layer of product:

Two layers:

Not THEE best swatches but I figured it would better on a primed eyelid.

Next up, the Megaglo Highlighting Powder in White Raven.

This product swatched not so great.

Kinda chalky and I had to really dig in there to get the desired amount.

I decided to try out these two products at the same time to really up my unicorn game!

Lip Color is Lime Crime Diamond Crusher in Pink Pearl

I added iridescent glitter flakes from Forever 21 as well

 

That soft focus tho!

Overall I was happy with both products. I am happy to join this glittery, iridescent fairy princess-goth fun. Especially for $4.99 a pop. The liquid eyeshadow is really pretty and darn easy to apply. The highlight is not my favorite but is a fun change-up from the normal champagney highlights I usually reach for.

Go Wet’n’Wild! Have YOU tried anything from this collection??

Home Additions & Springtime Fun

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Hello chocolate bunnies!

Everyone get their obligatory bag of 75% off jelly beans after Easter? GOOD.

When we moved into our new house, David and I immediately knew we wanted to do something about the state of the back deck (see below). And while the realtor pics ALWAYS make everything look 328934 times better with their fancy cameras and wide angle lenses, believe me when I say that the deck was def pretty old and splintery. No bueno!

So, last fall David and his stepdad ripped the sucker right on out and replaced the wood with Trex! A wise choice indeed. Then in March, David (along with the help of many) planned out, purchased lumber for and built a motherf*cking pergola. THE PERG.

He then strung lights through it (my only request).

So yeah. Go us!

Next on the docket was buying a Q. David happily scampered off to Lowe’s and literally purchased (much to my chagrin) the largest barbecue ever made. Behold:

Not even Meira can comprehend it’s great size.

“But Natalie, it has a charcoal AND gas side!” he says.

I was literally picturing the good ol’ Smokey Joe of yesteryear so I had to let out a good chuckle and let bygones be bygones. The man likes his fire machine and I like this man.

Up next it was high time to address this modern monstrosity:

And absolutely no shade to anyone who fancies this light fixture (you can have it, btw). It just doesn’t seem to “fit” the  house (read: it’s a size behemoth) and the decor (read: could be a prop from The Matrix). Luckily, I had Nan and Meg in town so we went to Home Depot and I scored this adorable, weathered-wood number for a mere $99. We think it was an online return (read: limited edish).

With the lights on.

SO. Much. Better.

Then I decided our very white kitchen needed  a splash of color so I decided I wanted a valance for the window. Yes, a valance. For any of you readers our there that are NOT little old ladies, a valance is a very short curtain for a window that is typically in the home of (you guessed it) a little old lady. So, I scoured the stores and the web for such a thing and surprise surprise – good options are NOT easy to come by. I ended up custom ordering (what I thought) was a perfect pattern in lovely, complimentary colors to the room.

Here is what I ended up with:

NO. Just, no.

It looked like the Copa Cabana up in hurr.

And it really sucks because the fabric was nice and the lady who sewed them from Etsy did a great job. I just made a $25 bad choice. Again, any takers on some beautiful, albeit vibrant little kitchen curtains?

And then of course, there are these stunningly beautiful Portland days we randomly get that wet our whistle to the forthcoming months. These days are best enjoyed outside and preferably with a canine companion. Namely, Meira.

Yes, she is my flower child.

And then there are overalls.

Note the gingerbread socks. I’m sorry Meg (she can’t stand when people don’t take their socks off when trying on short items).

I did not buy these and have realized a few things when it comes to myself as I relate to overalls.

  1. Much like bodysuits and the dreaded romper/playsuit/onesie – overalls are just NOT made for us Amazons.
  2. Despite my best, most well-intended efforts, I may have to fork over more cash than I want to spend if I want a pair of these.
  3. Overalls are not going to happen to me as easily as I thought.

Darn.

Happiness Is…

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An ice-cold G&T right when you need it. AMIRIGHT!?

But also. There has been so much friggin’ happiness in my life as of late I just feel compelled to share it. Because I’ve got the joy joy joy joy down in my heart.

Where?

Down in my heart!

WHERE?

DOWN IN MY HEART!

But srsly, it ain’t just Tate. It’s a whole lotta things.

It’s getting together with my cousins.

One of which, I haven’t gotten to see in like 2983 years!

And meeting my cousins precious baby Tony (Tate is his mentor).

It’s getting to see my sis Rachel and filtering the absolute bejesus out of our faces.

It’s getting a random bouquet of flowers from my Dad, the OG man in my life.

And E bein’ the best Girl Scout she can be! Juliette Gordon Low would be proud.

It’s my main squeeze Dah-vide who I get to marry in like a month. I am SO excited.

 And last, but certainly NOT least.

My Meira. The best doggy in the whole world.

Let me know what is making you happy these days. I’d love to know :).

 

The Ordinary Skincare Review

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Hello lemon-heads!

Today is an exciting day. A VERY exciting day.

Today marks the official first day of my adventures in a new skin care line! (not spons’d. i wish)

Never in MY LIFE have I been a one-brand girl. In fact, those of you out there who always buy the same exact soap, cereal, laundry detergent, etc., I ask you – WHY!? There is just too much variety out there for me to want to stick to THE SAME stupid brand each time. I prefer to mix it up and get a little crazy. Except when it comes to dry shampoo because YOU KNOW the best brand for that, obvs.

But when I caught wind that there was a skincare brand boasting powerful concentrations of quality ingredients with price points as low as $6, I was SHOOKETH.

Give me a bargain  or give me death, I always say. And while you’re at it, make it work.

After I wrote about how I wrecked my skin just shy of a year ago, I had all kinds of folks giving me all kinds of advice. “Don’t try lasers!” they said. “Try this $200 set!”, they said. And I was intrigued. I DO want the spots to fade, the lines to disappear. But at what cost? In my book, $200 for a 90-day supply of product just isn’t worth it. I’d rather go to Paris, or buy us a nice dinner out or maybe the 6-foot Pusheen plush at Fuego. Doing a laser treatment is also not off my radar but I am pretty much going to need a 100% guarantee that it will work.

So in the meantime, I decided to give The Ordinary a shot. This brand is now available on Sephora.com but I placed my order on deciem.com.

Here are the products I purchased and the reasons I purchased them:

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalene

  • Should help fade my sun spots
  • Also helps fine lines and signs of ageing

I went with the Retinoid versus Retinol because I read that they are stronger. I decided on the highest percentage because my sun spots are pretty intense.

The Ordinary 100% Plant Derived Squalene

  • Helps with hydration
  • Also great for my damaged hair

I decided on this product after reading multiple articles about how great it is. Plus, I like the word squalene :).

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2%

  • Amazing for hydration
  • Helps “plump” the skin

OF COURSE I got a hyaluronic acid. This ingredient is produced naturally but the production slows down over time. I have seen first-hand the amazing effects of hyaluronic acid and how glowy and plump it makes the skin appear.

The Ordinary Alpha Arbutin 2%

  • Also helps with hyperpigmentation and spots

I purchased this one because of the high concentration of the active ingredients at 2%. The standard is 1% and Mama needs all the help she can get.

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

  • Intense Hydrating  lotion

I wanted to try at least one product that was not an oil-based serum from the line and this lotion is regarded very highly. Also, you get 100 mls for less than $8!

Over the past few days of using these pups I can attest to their keen absorption into the skin, the wonderful absence of scent and the ease of the packaging.

And since I am so very excited to see how the results pan out, I am doing before and afters! So here is my BEFORE in all her eye goop and age spots, morning glory.

Let me know if YOU have tried any products from The Ordinary! I hear they make a nice foundation too :).

L’Oreal Elvive Damage Erasing Balm Review

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Howdy doo!

Today I bring you a review of a recent product from Influenster. If you haven’t already signed up for Influenster, you should! It is free, really easy to use and best of all – they send you free things. Sign up here!

This time it was the new L’Oreal Elvive Total Repair 5 Damage Erasing Balm.

I have zero complaints about the packaging, smell and consistency. This product smells nice, has a nice weight to it and comes in large tub making it easy to scoop.

After showering and using the Melu Shampoo from Davines, I busted out the balm and coated the ends of my hair. I let it sit (per the directions) for 3 minutes and then rinsed out with hot water.

I immediately noticed how soft my hair felt as I rinsed the product away. MUCH softer than the Melu and Oi Conditioners I’ve been using. However, I didn’t let that fool me! SO many drugstore conditioners use ingredients that create a silky soft feeling when rinsed out (…PANTENE…) but actually just coat the hair in wax. Then the product just builds up on itself but is really doing nothing for the hair.

I also am not an idiot. I know that a split end is not repairable by any product, no matter how expensive. The only way to effectively get rid of split ends and damage is to CUT THEM OFF.

For reference, here is the ingredient list and as you can see, the fourth ingredient is wax. I did a bit of research on this particular one and it isn’t necessarily “bad” but I discovered it is typically “added for increased lubricity and to keep liquids and oils from separating”.

So how did it work?

Meh. Being a somewhat educated woman in the realm of haircare has taught me that (as with lots of things in life) you absolutely get what you pay for. And this product costs $6.99 for 8.5 ounces. Although I do not think it did any further damage to my already damaged hair, I do not think it lives up to it’s “damage erasing” claims.

See evidence:

Still some damage there, me thinks.

All in all, it was fun to try out and my hair kinda smells like marzipan so #winning.

*I received this product complimentary for testing.

Christmaukkah 2017

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You know I love the holidays but MAN am I ready for some free weekends AMIRIGHT!?

So, let’s just get straight down to business and talk about all the sh*t we did.

Hanukkah was nice and early this year! David and I accompanied his grandmother to an auction for the Jewish Academy to kick off the season. The 80’s theme was everything.

Each night of Hanukkah, we lit those candles and I sang my best blessings. We dispensed little gifts to E and of course Jack, our “mensch on a bench” kept a close eye on us.

I also got to see the Nutcracker with my friend Kelly and her daughter! We had a fabulous time but I was a little disappointed there wasn’t any audience participation because I had my ballet shoes in my purse.

Soon enough December 22nd rolled around and David and I took the train to Pasco to spend 5 days in lovely Kennewick.

The train was SO MUCH FUN and I felt like I was on the Polar Express. We watched a movie, purchased little bottles of wine and split a king-sized Snickers.

The next day, we woke up and headed over to Megan and Ben’s to see none other than….

TATE MAXWELL!!!

Tate is in the cutest phase right now. I mean, yes he throws fits sometimes but his little face scrunches up so cutely that even when he doing the blood-curdling scream, it’s adorbs.

We decided to head to Beaver Bark to get him Santa pics and see the reindeer.

OF COURSE right before it is Tate’s turn to meet Santa this DUMB-ASS employee dressed up like the Grinch, complete with the long, green, furry fingers comes over to us. So obviously Tate is  absolutely terrified of him and the Grinch is like, still trying to interact with him so I just shout “Go away Grinch!”. Hahahaaa.

But then Tate was a little sheepish and was expected to sit down and smile, so we got this little face, which is still pretty cute:

And then we made Nan take 2934733 pics of us with these huge hats on because #Christmas.

Later that night, we took Tate to the trampoline park and really it was all I could have asked for my birthday because homeboy LOVED IT. And nothing makes me happier than my nephew laughing. It’s like crack.

We played in the toddler area most of the time and quickly discovered that Tate sucks at jumping…but he did love sliding around and being thrown in the foam pit.

Here I am trying to push him up to Megan…unsuccessfully.

And yes I did wear a giant pair of David’s basketball shorts the gym.

That night we played shanghia rummy and I put on the new rainbow highlighter I got from Kelly’s daughter. 10 out of 10 unicorn.

Also of course we went to the Sports Page with Ray-Ray and got turnt.

Just kidding. We basically hung out and then went to Ron’s for chips and cheese.

On Christmas Eve my birthday, it was ALL ABOUT ME! So I put a bunch of glitter on my face.

Actually, we just went to the mall and my mom bought me 7 pairs of underwear at VS for $28. But it was pretty fun picking them out. We also went to Claire’s. Claire’s is overly stimulating for me, much like the store Justice.

But we did find this gem:

That night I opened up some prezzies and we had DQ ice cream cake.

The next day was Christmas and all just kinda mozied around until like noon, when Amy and Shannon got up (Amy had to work x-mas eve, so they couldn’t come until  midnight).

Annnnd, they brought their precious dogs Ellie and Toby!

That night after dinner we hung out, played games and watched TV like the Americans that we are.

We did a little shopping on the day after Christmas, but I didn’t find anything too amazing. My mom and Megan however, randomly found me a really expensive leotard and ballet skirt at T.J Maxx (of all places) for $10. So THAT rocked.

David and I came back home to Portland on the 27th and spent the next few days being deathly ill! We started to feel better right around New Years.

My resolution? Improve my ballet.

Peace out 2017.