Up until this year, I had totally forgotten about Target’s clothing. I usually shop online for clothes because, well, convenience. My go-to site is Revolve. They have so many options from weekend wear to work wear and everything in-between. I bought many items specifically for work; however, I began noticing I wasn’t wearing most of what I was buying because I was concerned I would ruin them while working – I work with kids all day so nicer clothing + delicate fabrics just aren’t the move. Not to mention, almost every time I have complimented someone on their outfit lately, they have responded, “Oh, I got this at Target!”. So naturally, I looked online and found TONS of cute clothing, especially for work! I put together all of my favorite summer finds! Click here for product details + links!
Currently, I’ve been listening to the SelfHealers SoundBoard podcast. Dr. Nicole LePera dives into her book How To Do The Work, released in March 2021. I just completed this podcast series and wow, just WOW!!!It was incredibly insightful and really helped me identify and understand my core triggers – wayyy back from childhood. I’m really looking forward to listening to her other podcast episodes unrelated to the book series.
Dr. LePera takes a holistic approach versus traditional psychotherapy. Her method unites mental, physical, and spiritual wellness to create an interdisciplinary approach to healing. Personally, I have found her work more helpful to my personal experiences than others. Not to say other readings + podcasts haven’t been helpful, but her approach has definitely been the most useful overall for me.
I had her book on my Amazon wishlist for awhile and finally bought it. I haven’t began reading yet but will keep you all updated once I get started. Her new book, How To Meet Yourself, will be released December 6th.
Links to her podcast, book, website, + instagram are linked below!
I have put together a list of my must reads for anyone interested in improving their mental health. I will continue adding to this list so make sure to check back all along!
How to use a beauty blender the Right way + how to clean them!
Beauty blenders, or makeup sponges, are my favorite way to apply foundation. For the longest time, I only used makeup brushes. I thought the concept of a “sponge” to apply makeup was a little absurd – they’re more likely to harbor bacteria, absorb makeup into the sponge, and can cause your makeup look cakey. All very valid concerns. During quarantine, I watched many makeup tutorials and learned the same exact concerns apply to brushes as well. It all comes down to technique
So, what’s the proper technique?
Prep your skin. It’s best to use a hydrating serum, moisturizer, SPF, and a makeup primer. If your skin isn’t properly hydrated, the makeup will clump around dry areas and fine lines.
Dampen your blender. It shouldn’t be wet and water shouldn’t come out when the blender is squeezed. When the blender is damp, it won’t absorb your makeup because there is no room for it to absorb anything else.
Pro Tip: For fuller coverage, use it dry to build the product.
Apply product. Use your finger to dab foundation on your face. I usually put foundation on the back of my left hand and use my right index finger to dab product around my face. I start with a small amount to avoid using too much product.
Bounce + blend. I take the blender and begin to gently bounce the blender all over my face to blend and smooth, starting from the center of my face and moving outward toward my jawline and hairline. If needed, I build coverage using the same method focusing on blemishes and discolorations.
Fine tune with the pointed end of the blender. Once my foundation is applied, I put concealer on the back of my left hand and will use the pointed end of the blender to apply concealer under my eyes using the same bounce + blend method.
Mistakes to avoid:
Dragging the sponge across your face.All this does is move product around your face leaving a very unnatural look.
Getting the sponge too wet. If the sponge is too wet, product will stick to the sponge and not your face.
Not cleaning it properly. If you don’t clean your blender at least weekly, this will be a recipe for acne disaster. Makeup also goes on best with a clean sponge.
Not replacing your blender after 3-6 months. Over time, your blender will wear down and will need to be replaced just like a toothbrush.
How to clean your beauty blender or makeup sponge:
Wet the sponge thoroughly. It should double in size!
Apply soap or brush//blender cleaner to the blender. I use Dawn dishwashing soap because I have found it deep cleans the sponge better than other cleaners I have tried.
Rub the blender between your hands to get all the product out of the blender.
Rinse + squeeze the blender until it rings out clear water only.
Blot the blender into a clean towel to remove excess water.
Let your blender air dry. If you put it in a closed space, it will grow mildew – yuck!
I tried Apres Gel-X Nail Extensions – here are my thoughts!
I’ve always been a lover of acrylic nails. I got my first set in the 7th grade and was immediately obsessed. I continued to get them for special occasions (and sometimes just for fun) throughout high school and college. However, I quit getting them due to upkeep not fitting into my schedule and health concerns that come with using acrylic nails. Check out articles regarding the health concernshere and here.
For the past three years, I simply painted my own nails. During that time, I considered buying press-on nails from various brands I saw on Instagram ads. I chose not to because I was concerned about damaging my nails. So…I continued painting them. It became somewhat annoying because the polish would chip within two days and not to mention, I have a bad habit of picking the polish off once they begin to chip. Not ideal.
A month ago, I finally decided to make an appointment at this adorable nail salon. When choosing my services from their online booking system, I noticed the Apres Gel-X option. I had limited knowledge about them but I thought I’d give them a try.
After having my first set for a month, I can honestly say I will NEVER get acrylics again. As I’ve learned more and more about cleaner and safer beauty care & products, I feel totally comfortable using these gel nail extensions. I won’t be keeping them on all the time, as there is some upkeep and become expensive to maintain overtime. I’ve also learned it is best to allow your natural nails time to breathe in between sets to maintain natural nail health. But every now and again, I will definitely be treating myself!
Some Education
What is Apres Gel-X?
Apres Gel-X is a soft gel nail extension system (think salon quality press-ons) which are attached to the entire natural nail bed using Extend Gel Polish, a non-toxic, vegan nail base adhesive, and using a blue UV light to cure. To remove, the nails are soaked in acetone and require little to no drilling to complete removal. To make it even better, they last up to 4 weeks minimizing your time in the nail salon.
Are Apres Gel-X Nail Extensions better than Acrylics?
In my opinion, YES!!! As mentioned, Apres Gel-X is placed on the entire nail bed, making them far less likely to break and tear your natural nail. Gel is more flexible as well, allowing your nail to move normally. Acrylics are placed on the tip of the nail increasing risk of breaking or damaging your natural nail. Acrylics are harder and don’t allow the nail to move naturally, meaning they are more likely to break and rip your natural nail. Apres Gel-X can be removed by soaking in acetone, just like gel nail polish. They require little to no drilling, preserving integrity of your natural nail. Acrylics require hard drilling which thins the nail bed drastically leaving you with thin, brittle nails. In addition, Apres Gel-X does not have the potential health risks associated with acrylics. Additionally, gel doesn’t have the strong, chemical smell acrylics have. Apres Gel-X for the win!!!
What’s the difference between an antiperspirant & deodorant?
A deodorant masks odor, whereas an antiperspirant reduces how much you sweat.
Both work equally well. However, the ingredients used are significantly different.
Deodorants are often alcohol based and when applied, turn the skin acidic, which makes it less attractive to bacteria.
Antiperspirants, on the other hand, usually include aluminum-based ingredients that block your sweat pores.
As you may know, the research on aluminum in beauty products has mixed reviews. There is potential that it could have negative health effects, as your skin absorbs around 70% of what you put on it. In addition, there is a concern if your skin absorbs the aluminum, it can affect the estrogen receptors of breast cells potentially causing or increasing the risk of breast cancer. While research doesn’t necessarily support this theory (see links 1 & 2 below) , there are other issues with aluminum in deodorant such as skin irritation → see 3rd link for more information.
Interested in trying an aluminum free deodorant?Try our CLEAN DEO!!!
Organization has always been something I have thoroughly enjoyed doing. Even as a child, I enjoyed organizing anything and everything I could get my hands on. Yes, I’m weird. I know. When I heard about The Home Edit, I became obsessed with the way they organize. If you don’t know who they are, I’ll link their instagram at the bottom. My skills aren’t quite as refined as theirs but I implemented their ideas in this small linen closet.
On the top two shelves, I used baskets to contain toilet paper, fresh linens, bath towels, and beach towels.
On the middle shelf, I used the clear Modular All-Purpose Bins for bathing items (left) and bath + body care items (right). In the center, I used the clear Stackable Drawers and Tall Bin Organizers for Beautycounter + Monat samples.
On the second shelf from the bottom, I used the clear Modular All-Purpose Bins as well as the iDesign Clear Pantry Bins to contain various skincare items.
On the bottom shelf, I used the Hair Tool Trio to contain back stock hair care + styling products (left) and hair styling tools (right).
I keep everything labeled as a way to prevent me from getting into a hurry and just sticking items in a random place.
When I first moved into my current apartment in 2020, I chose to used to use baskets to contain my back stock items and left towels + linens folded on the shelves. I realized I was unable to see the back stock items which grew frustrating when I needed to look quickly while making a shopping list.
After reading one of The Home Edit’s books & watching their show , I decided to recalibrate my linen closet in a more visual and functional way.
I already have an extra toilet paper holder out in the bathroom and I have towel rods, so these are things I don’t need to access as often. I chose to keep those items hidden away in baskets. I decided to use the clear bins for skin care and hair care items because they allow me to see what I’m getting low on and also give me easy access to items I don’t use every day but tend to use at least weekly.
I kind of hate the wire shelving because you can’t set most things directly on the shelves without them tipping over. These clear bins are the perfect solution. I can still see everything, it is all contained, and nothing tips over!
I hope my linen closet organization gives you ideas for your own linen closet or other small closet space! Click here for specific product details & click here to check out The Home Edit on Instagram!
Headspace is the perfect app for guided meditations. It has a plethora of resources including options for sleeping, moving your body, focusing, and general meditating. Additionally, it pulls choices from the library for a “start your day”, “afternoon lift”, and an “at night” section on the home page. You can log your progress regarding reducing stress and anxiety management in the app every 2 weeks as well. One caveat is you have to buy the annual subscription of $70.
Years ago, someone told me about this app and I considered it. At the time, however, I was unwilling to spend $70 on an app I felt certain I wouldn’t use. With that being said, I have struggled with my ability to fall asleep for years. I have tried everything from essential oils, medication, melatonin, Benadryl, literally everything you can possibly think of. My struggle to fall asleep has negatively impacted my daily life as you can probably imagine. I was desperate to find something that worked for me. One day I was scrolling through my instagram feed and noticed an ad for Headspace. I had forgotten all about this app until that day. I figured I might as well give it a try since nothing else had worked well for me.
I began my 7-day free trial and chose the sleepcasts option which are essentially calming visualization stories narrated by someone soft-spoken with peaceful sounds in the background. The narrators all go through guided wind-downs with you prior to beginning the stories. The wind-downs range from breathing exercises, “noting”, or visualizing. I was SO amazed by how quickly I was able to fall asleep!!! I normally lay for hours before I am finally able to drift off to sleep. With headspace, I have been able to fall asleep within 15 minutes most nights.
Since I was enjoying the sleepcasts so much, I began using other features within the app. Each option I have tried has been so helpful in keeping me grounded throughout the day. I often use the afternoon lifts on my lunch break or while I’m in the car traveling from one work location to another. I can’t recommend this app enough. It is truly the best $70 I have ever spent.
There are many free apps out there with similar features and functions. I recommend looking through the App Store prior to spending money on Headspace. You may be able to find something that works for you free of charge. I personally tried several other apps first but didn’t find what I was looking for. In my opinion, Headspace is the easiest to use and the quality of content is significantly better than others I tried.
Feel free to share your favorite meditation apps in the comments!
Main + Meg 