Two months of Beautycounter

Greetings readers!

It's been awhile since I've been able to write but I wanted to give you a two month progress report on my skin.

In July I started using Beautycounter products (see previous posts).  I'm entering my twelfth week using the products and I couldn't be happier. Let me tell you a little about my skin journey.

As many of my readers know, I've struggled with many illnesses throughout my life and struggled with acne (not as bad as some relatives but pretty bad).  I was pretty self-conscious of it and didn't really know what to do. I had this patch on my face (photo below is the closest I could get to showing you) on the right side of my face that never went away. This was my problem area for as long as I could remember. When I transitioned to Paleo/gluten free, for the most part, after about six months, my skin started clear but I still struggled with some blemishes and pimples every few weeks.

Well, in July I started to use Beautycounter and I got a compliment on my skin this week. I have NEVER been complimented on my skin. I fully attribute it to Beautycounter.

Beautycounter is now in Target for a limited run and it's a little expensive (cheaper in Target than online FYI) but it's worth it.

Here are the products I own: http://www.beautycounter.com/skin-care.html

-Nourishing Rosewater Mist
-Body butter
-Lip conditioner
-Nourishing Day Cream
-Charcoal bar
-Purifying Charcoal Mask
-Eyeshadow
-Mascara (I'm allergic to most kinds and I'm not allergic to it.)



 

Self-care

Self care is very important. I have been going at full speed since January between work, love, and school and this summer was no exception. As many of my readers know, I changed jobs and moved from LA to Monterey Bay. Honestly, this move was partially motivated by self care. The ocean is my happy place. There is healing in the air and in the waves. I become rejuvenated by the sea. This move has been so healing. While I miss my friends, chosen family, and students in SoCal, I am feeling more and more myself every day.

This morning I woke up pretty early and decided to drive to the beach. I've been working pretty hard since I started my new job and haven't really had a moment for myself during the week. I jumped in my car and headed to Lover's point. I walked and reflected. I took my self-care one step further and went to the best breakfast place for gluten free pancakes. I'm taking my time this morning before I have to be at work. I'm taking time for me and getting energized. Take time for you today. It's so important to make sure you put your body and mind first for a few minutes every day.

Beautycounter order has arrived!

I came home from work today to find my order!

I promptly laid it all out and checked it out. My first desire to was to try the peppermint lip conditioning balm. It's amazing. My lips feel so good. I am very pleased with it. It looks grown up and smells amazing. There's no weird taste and I really like how shiny my lips are with it on.

I washed my face with the charcoal bar and applied some cream afterward. The bar is so cool. It doesn't look black or grey on but really cleanses the face. My face felt soft and light afterwards. I applied some of the day cream post cleansing and that smells great and also feels very light.

I'm heading out in a bit and thought I'd throw on some mascara for kicks. It's the lengthening one and my lashes look so long. The mascara doesn't clump and so far my eyes aren't burning. I'm amazed at how long my lashes look. I'll take a before and after pic tomorrow. I'm also going to put on the eye-shadow tomorrow.

Overall, I'm very satisfied with my order!!!!

BEAUTYCOUNTER safer skincare

All over instagram lately, I've seen some Paleo folks raving about Beautycounter so I decided to check it out. I went on the site and they are having a deal so I went ahead and ordered some safe makeup and skin care. Yes, I use FatFace and it was great for my skin but it's expired so I thought I'd try something new :)

I ordered a few things: a charcoal bar, nourishing cream, and lip moisturizer. In addition to face care, I got some makeup. Many of you know, I do not wear mascara because it has gluten and it effects my eyes. But this mascara is the best out there for my allergies! I'm pretty stoked!!! I also ordered some eye shadow. There are days when I would like to wear a little makeup but don't trust just any brand. Once I saw some folks with SEVERE allergies using beautycounter, I looked into! I'm excited to be able to have the option to wear some makeup. 

Check them out! 

I'll review products when they arrive!

Balance

Good morning friends and readers!

This past weekend I celebrated my 31st birthday! And during the process, I thought a lot about balance and lifestyle. I believe it's important to maintain balance especially during times of celebration! I indulged this weekend but I balanced it out with some Pilates--focusing more on stretching than anything and getting a massage. Balance is key to a healthy life. I can drink hard cider, eat gluten free tiramisu, gluten free pizza, and whatever else my heart desires as long as I know my limit and can regulate my activity to balance it out. I find what works for me.

This post is to serve as a reminder that you all should strive for balance. Whatever that balance looks like for YOU. No one can or should dictate that for you. Look at your life. Where are you missing balance? How can you achieve balance? Take an inventory and try to change one thing a day to help you achieve a balanced lifestyle!

Meditation

Yesterday I decided that I would diffuse some oils, listen to a peaceful Spotify station and meditate. For those of you who know me, or don't, this is somewhat challenging for me. While meditating I remembered going to a meditation class sometime within 2004-2006 (yes large span) and I remembered being very uncomfortable, fidgety, and unable to turn my brain off. It made me so uncomfortable that I was being vulnerable in a room full of people I didn't know.

Well last night, I meditated for 13 uninterrupted minutes....I tried for 15 but heard someone at my door so stopped at minute 9 and restarted the timer for 10 minutes. It was my first time intentionally clearing my head and pushing every thought out. I did use that time to focus on quiet, clear, breathing, and the universe.

I asked during my meditative state for my journey to become clear. There are so many things I want to do and I get so caught up in the could be and excitement of all the new things. I just need to figure out my path, whatever that may be.

There are major health benefits to meditation. My goal is to meditate for 15 minutes 3-4 days a week working up to every day.

I challenge you today, to take 5 minutes in stillness and just listen; to your body, your desires, your heart. Take 5 minutes of quiet to hear what you've been missing.

Updates :)

Good morning my fun and friendly readers,

It's been a minute since I've posted so let me take a minute and update you:

1. I was in the Bay area last week. Eating was fascinating! I went armed with RXbars, Primal Kitchen Primal Fuel, some gluten-free Kind granola, and a host of other goodies. Eating in a city is sort of easier than eating here in the Inland Empire. I was able to go to Mariposa Bakery a few times which lead me to eating a lot of amazing gluten free amazingness! I was so excited. If you are in San Fransisco, please go there! I HIGHLY recommend it (though I haven't written my yelp review yet--I don't think). Please do yourself a favor and go there. It was incredible. I had cinnamon buns, chocolate chunk cookies, and the most amazing sandwiches. SOOOO GOOD! Other than that, I listened to my body and had some delicious sushi, Korean food, and Peruivan food. Let me tell you about this place: Pica Pica was worth the 10 minute Muni or Bart ride. I ate SO well. I had the Taro Nachos and it was like I died and went to heaven. Please go there, too! Being gluten-free or Paleo isn't so bad as long as you don't give it too much power.

If you are worried about elimination or trying new things, there are resources. Allow yourself to grieve for the food you will leave behind but please know there are good alternatives out there! I'm so happy with my choice and it's all about find what works for you.

2. I stopped Barre a few months ago. For a variety of reasons but I've been feeling like I wanted to do Pilates again recently. It really helped heal my knee, which I kinda messed up again and my back :D but that's another story.

So I started Pilates again on Tuesday close to my new apartment. It's like Classical Pilates and Barre had a baby. It's fun and energic. It was interesting to see my body remember all the Pilates moves. You may or may not know this, but I did Pilates for two years before switching to Barre. Now I'm switching it up again. I haven't given up on Barre forever, just taking a break.

The Pilates class was great. I enjoyed being on the Cadillac again, it felt like being home. I've always thought I would someday take classes to become an instructor so maybe when I have "normal" job ;)

3.Coffee update!!!! While at the conference in SF, I really wanted to drink coffee but I resisted. Until Sunday! We were on the ocean, having brunch and I just wanted the cup in my hand. So I asked for decaf and put regular milk in it. I only drank half of the cup and was fine. This morning...I'm drinking a small amount of cold brew with almond milk. I feel good and am feeling like maybe every once and awhile, I can do this. I've been without coffee for 2 months and I'm in no way wanting to go back to what I was doing before. So here's to trying it out!

4. I started diffusing essential oils before bed and it's life changing! I have a beautiful diffuser and oils from Do Terra. It's such a good choice to diffuse oils. I feel like it calms me down and makes me sleepy, well the lavender does. I'm waiting for more oils, so stay tuned!

Thanks for reading!