Winter Essentials

                                 

It finally feels like winter here in Southern California, well slightly, and I've been truly loving a few items that comfort me during this type of year. 

Pacifica Body Butter- Tahitian Gardenia 

My skin gets soooo dry during the winter months, especially after shaving my legs. I have found this lotion to be the most hydrating. And wow does it smell so good. On the plus side its vegan and doesn't contain any weird chemicals. 

Bath and Body Works Candle- Marshmallow Fireside 

So I started to feel really left out when I started to see bloggers post their favorite winter candles. Unfortunately, I can not stand anything cinnamon or anything too sweet so that gave me limited options. OMG can I just say how amazing this smells. Its slightly sweet, with a woodsy smell, does that make sense?? Anyways, its perfect for winter. 

Ecotools Dual-sided Facial Buffs

With dry skin comes gross flakes which I can not stand! It ruins my makeup and I feel as if everyone can tell I'm crusty and dry (gross right). Exfoliating twice a week is my lifesaver. I love to use these in the shower with my face wash and scrub all over my face, neck, and chest. These are gentle enough for my sensitive skin and leave me feeling so soft. I like to follow up with a hydrating facial mask. 

Glamglow- Thirstymud Hydrating Treatment 

This is my face mask of choice in the winter. Oh wow ! Can I tell you how amazing this smells/feels/is! I use it as an overnight mask after exfoliating and it works wonders! I even use it under my eyes and they wake up looking refreshed and happy. 

Boots- 100% Organic Facial Oil 

Yes, yes, yes! I cannot even explain my love for this facial oil. This was the first oil that I ever tried years ago, and despite many others this is my one true love. When I first started using this I saw a dramatic change in my skin. It gives it a great glow, but never leaves me looking oily. I even use it under my moisturizer during the day, and under my face mask at night for an even bigger moisturizing boost. 

Twinings Organic Green Tea with Mint 

I am a huge tea lover. I usually have at least one cup a day, sometimes even more. I can't say this is my ultimate winter tea, but it has been the one I have been reaching for the most. There is just something so comforting and refreshing about it. The mint flavor is very slight, and is just so satisfying to drink while I am freezing my butt off. 

EOS Chapstick- Coconut Milk 

Okay so chapstick is my favorite accessory in the winter. I have probably around 5 different types floating around my room and my purse. But this is my favorite for the night time. It smells amazing, and makes my lips feel smooth and hydrated. 

So this was my first kind of beauty post! I am slightly nervous about it partially because it is a post that everyone seems to do. I want to be different, but I haven't quite found my niche. Now that I am done with school I really want blogging to be part of my regular routine. Any tips? 

Ahh, nature!

                                          

                                

The past two days have been quite exhausting with all my school work that I need to get done. I have spent hours inside sitting at the computer, or lounging on the couch. Being inside for almost two days straight, barely seeing any sunlight, has put in into a "slump" of some kind. While I am happy to have two days off of work to focus on my studies, it also gets tiring staying at home. 

When I find myself waking up with no motivation I know its time to make a change. Lately, I feel too close to Netflix, and too far from nature. This morning I woke up around 8 AM and decided to go on a walk. The minute I stepped outside I felt better! It was foggy, but not too cold. Walking through the hills near my hours, I started to feel calm, cool, and collected. I felt myself breathing in the crisp air, and I felt refreshed! 

Here I am sitting back at home writing this post, and I feel completely alive! Its a great feeling, but I know I need to step up on connecting with nature more often. In turn, I will be more connected with myself. This is nothing I didn't know before, but somehow between the hussle and bussle of "real life" I forget to take a moment with myself, and notice how beautiful the world really it. That may sound cheesy but its the truth! 

finals week (hell week)

So before I head off to my 2nd to last class of my college life, I just wanted to take a minute to collect my thoughts. Finals week has officially started. I know this time comes around when I start to see random people in the school library crying, yup, happens every semester. Hey! I don't judge, Im just one of those people who would rather hide in the bathroom and cry my eyes out, rather than sit at a computer in the middle of the library. 

Along with finals this year I also have to deal with my internship, work, and MAJOR car issues. Leaving me stressed, broke, and pretty much negative. ALL THE TIME. 

Blah, blah, blah, Im sure no one wants to read about my issues. And thats not the point of my post. I just desperately need to learn new ways to deal with my stress instead of sobbing every night before bed. 

Any ideas? 

After College Life

Hello blogging world! 

Although I am not completely new to the blogging community (i have spent years reading and obsessing over blogs), this is the first time I am creating my own. I have never started one, and actually stuck with it. This is due to my lack of direction in my life (hint: i don't have a niche). My favorite blogs tend to be makeup/ lifestyle blogs, simply because they talk about simple, everyday things that I can relate to. I am 23 and I find coming home to a post about a target haul exciting! 

Anyways, I am currently in the middle of the last two weeks of my college career. And with the new year starting I am ready for a new chapter in my life. I honestly don't know whats going to happen after I graduate, but I thought this would be a great way for me to keep track of my "after college life" journey.  So here it is, my first post!