Pucker Up!

A little lipstick or gloss can go a long way. Even if you don't have the time or the care to put on any other makeup, a splash of color on your lips can take you from drab to fab. Just think how glamourous you might look in starlet sunglasses, bright pink lips and a jean jacket. Watch out Taylor Swift and Sofia Vergara! xx....m

Clean Out Your Cosmetics!

Ever notice your eyes water when you use an old mascara - it's probably because it's growing bacteria! Yuck! Keep your cosmetics clean and your face - especially those eyes - out of harm's way!

by HuffingtonPost.

Summertime and the living's easy

Hey pals! Happy Summer Solstice. Here are some fun facts about this day. Celebrating with our grill and some s'mores on the deck! xx....m

Slowing the Sands of Time

In the aftermath of a particularly chaotic period in my life about a year ago, the haziness of craziness cleared and I realized that I had essentially lost a year of my life. I wasn't sure how I managed to get from the summer of 2012 to the summer of 2013, in such a flash. I remember actually feeling like time was slipping through my fingers. I have been told by many that as you age, time begins to pass at a faster pace. This phenomenon has even been described to me as a spiral; life begins on the largest outermost ring and spins tighter and tighter each year. How can it be that time could fly by so quickly and I was still just 29 years old?

While I agree with Dr. Eagleman in the video above, that yes, you must continue to find fresh experiences to create a better memory book and solidify the timeline in your mind, it seems stress can play a role. During my year in the land of the lost, I was absolutely making novel memories and taking in new experiences, while simultaneously riding a tidal wave of stress. I had to make a conscious decision to take more control and slow down. When you are constantly rushing physically and mentally; thinking about your next 5 moves, their possible outcomes and what to make for dinner, it is hard to take a step back. To slow down is to quiet your mind. If even for a few minutes each day, I try to enjoy a little peace and quiet and just breathe. This might be while I am washing dishes or in the shower; I'm not necessarily sitting on the floor in the lotus position deep in meditation. If your mind is particularly busy, try focusing on a specific point. Sometimes I look out my window at the tree in my front yard and watch the leaves rustling. Other times, I might put all focus on whatever it is I am doing. The point is that you have to take control and allow yourself those moments of solace. Doing this should help clear the clutter in your mind and help you to see each day for what it is... a gift.  xx....m

It's OK to be peaceful...

Courtesy xkcd.com

Big Hair Don't Care: Tips & Tricks

1. There is no rule that states you absolutely must brush your hair every day. On rainy or humid days, my curls get a mind of their own. If you have curly hair, try this: Comb through your hair gently with wet fingers and then use a little bit of hairspray to further add definition. You might end up with a Donna Summer 'do - work it, hot stuff!

2. Dry or frizzy hair? Skip the shampoo and use conditioner only the next time you wash. Shampoo, while cleaning your hair, strips the natural oils and moisture in the process. While you're at it, you can use conditioner as a substitute for shaving cream as well.

3. Moroccan Argan Oil is amazing. I have natural curly hair and I find that no other product is needed. Evenly distribute a dime-sized amount through damp hair and it will leave you with nourished locks. I let my hair air dry, but if you blow out your hair, you will notice that oil adds extra shine and will hold better. 2nd day hair is even better - I use a curling wand and create old Hollywood curls in 10 minutes, only needing a little hairspray to set the look.

4. Running short on time? Try this adorable Rosie the Riveter look:

xx....m

Some Days You Give In

Photo courtesy of Buzzfeed.com

"I've never had a problem with the way I look. I'd rather have lunch with my friends than go to a gym." - Adele

We can't be perfect everyday. The paparazzi are not in my shrubs. I am not expected to pose for a swimsuit magazine. My thighs will never have that gap that you see on the models and actresses out there. I will always bear the cross of chub-rub. That is OK. When it all comes down to it, things could be a lot worse than having to size up because I am basically the president of big booty nation. I could have a pancake bottom, which is no fun for anyone. I am happy as I am. Looking back at old pictures, toddler to present, really drives the point home that I was born this way, baby. If I am being honest, I also enjoy ice cream and pizza regularly. Two heavy hitters on team tubby!

Some days, when I eat a spinach and kale salad and put some serious mileage on the treadmill, I get an exercise high and the crazy idea that I could get ripped like Beyonce and wear shorty shorts. I will drink more water, eat less carbs and pass on dessert. I could blow my hair out, put on a freakum dress and drop it like it's hot. Once it occurs to me that if I drop it, I might not get it back up for a hot minute, this wild fantasy passes. I remember that Beyonce is a rare specimen, highly regarded by most everyone. She woke up like this! I am not fooling myself. I am positive that in an extreme circumstance such as being on The Biggest Loser, one of the trainers would yell and scream at me, telling me to push harder because I was not slimming to their expectations. I will never be thin - again, that is OK. I would rather eat cake than kale. Happiness is not equal to perfection. xx...m 

Easy Like A Sunday Morning

Take a few minutes to relax today and breathe. The busy week has not yet begun, so revel in the sound of the birds chirping and the smell of fresh coffee. Try a quick 5 minute meditation exercise to start the day in a peaceful way. xx....m

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