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Thursday, September 24, 2015

Ipsy & Scentbird Reveal & Mini Makeup Haul

Hey friends! Here's what I received from IPSY and Scentbird this month! I also share some of my recent new makeup items I picked up.

Sign up for Ipsy!: https://www.ipsy.com/new?refer=7d9s
Sign up for Scentbird!: http://bit.ly/1ZITFHh
This link will earn you a free perfume!

My Pura D'or Review Video (Argan Oil): http://bit.ly/1LAsklx
Samantha Schuerman's Channel: http://bit.ly/Xqrwtp
Richie's Instagram Account: @callmerichiev or http://bit.ly/1YE4fzE

Thank you for watching! Please subscribe, comment, like, and share if you liked my video!
 
 

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Zodiac Makeup Look | Aquarius

Zodiac Makeup Look for Aquarius - BeautyMindSpirit
 Welcome back to my Zodiac Makeup Series! Today I will be showing you how to achieve an Aquarius makeup look. I chose white and blue to symbolize the water bearers and created a look that can be used both subtly or dramatically, depending on how you feel and what kind of look you're going for. If you want a more natural look, skip the dramatic eyeliner and lashes. I hope you like this makeup look! Don't forget to check out my Zodiac Makeup Series for other signs!
 
As always, here are some fun facts about Aquarius!
If you're new to astrology, I highly recommend checking out Dr. Turi's "I Know All About You" Book - It's one of my favorites! Here's some of Dr. Turi's insight about Cancers: http://www.drturi.com/star-signs/aquarius/

Traits and Colors: https://crystal-cure.com/aquarius.html
 
Video:
 
 
Products Used:
Smashbox Photo Finish More Than Primer
L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation
Real Techniques Sponge
L'Oreal True Match Concealer
LA Girl Pro Conceal
Sephora Airbrush Concealer Brush
Nars Translucent Crystal Powder
L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Face Powder
Tarte Park Avenue Princess Bronzer
Elf Complexion Brush
Canmake Blush 01 - Candy Flower
Real Techniques Blush Brush
Elf Pinktastic Highlight
NYX Eyeshadow Base in White
Sonia Kashuk No. 110 Brush
Morphe 441 Blending Brush
Wet N Wild Hemporary Solutions & High Flying Colors Eyeshadow Palettes
Elf Contour Brush
NYX Retractable Eyeliner in White
Physician's Formula Black Eye Booster Liquid Eyeliner
Covergirl Eyelash Curler
Maybelline The Falsies Mascara
NYX Micro Brow Pencil - Ash Brown
Shi Di Shang Pin False Eyelashes T06
Revlon Precision Dark Eyelash Adhesive
Covergirl Super Sizer Mascara
Rimmel Lasting Finish Lip Liner in Rose Quartz
Pacifica Power of Love - Compassion Passion Lipstick
 
 
 
 
 


Monday, September 14, 2015

Pura D'or - Natural and Organic Haircare and Skincare Company - Brand Review


I had the pleasure of trying out Pura D'or products. I've been seeing their products circulating the social media world and getting some great reviews. When the company contacted me to try some of their products out, I was very interested. I like the fact that this company uses organic and plant-based ingredients, as well as science, to create products with solutions to skin and hair concerns. I've been trying out these products for a couple months in order to get a feel for them for this review. I like what this company stands for and what they are passionate about. To learn more about their story click here.

First of all, let me state that these products are truly pure. I can tell from the fact that there are no artificial scents. They smell like an organic based spa. I like that this company upholds to the values they are passionate about and it's very evident through their products that they do.


Let's start out with their Hair Loss Prevention Therapy Shampoo and Healing Conditioner. I've heard about these two products the most in social media. The Hair Loss Prevention Therapy Shampoo has DHT blockers within it, which is something I never heard of before. DHT, which stands for Dihydrotestosterone, is a male sex hormone, an androgen. This synthesizes DHT in the adrenal glands, hair follicles, testes and prostate. Male and female adults can lose hair as a consequence of changes in the metabolism of androgen in the body - men more commonly than women. DHT plays a major role in the loss of hair. With the help of science, Pura D'or combined plant-based ingredients which naturally help prevent and block DHT from occurring. So many people are experiencing benefits from this shampoo and it's all over Amazon. Aside from DHT Blockers, the shampoo is formulated with argan oil, B vitamin complex, biotin, nettles extract, saw palmetto, he shou wu (fo-ti) and other clinically proven natural ingredients to help stimulate hair growth. The Healing Conditioner contains coconut and vegetable proteins that assist with hydration, healing, and repairing damaged hair.  It also contains organic argan oil. This conditioner is meant to reduce frizz, smooth, add shine, and add moisture to the hair as it heals any damage that may have occurred.

My experience:
I did notice that I had less fall out with my hair while using this shampoo. I noticed this change after a few weeks of trying it out. So, I agree that the DHT blockers in this shampoo work. It also did a great job clarifying my hair. I also enjoyed the aroma of the healing conditioner and it did help smooth my hair. However, I've come to realize that oil-infused shampoos and conditioners tend to either dry out, dull down, or weigh my hair down. I noticed that my hair began to feel dryer, and not as soft as it was before while using these two products. If your hair doesn't have this issue, then I think you will really like these products. Especially the shampoo if you're having an issue with hair loss.
Pura D'or Argan Oil Review - BeautyMindSpirit
Next up is the Pura D'or Argan Oil. You can use this oil for your hair, skin, and nails. It provides so many benefits! It can diminish wrinkles, stimulate skin cells, reduce the appearance of scarring and stretch marks, soften skin, relieve eczema and psoriasis, restore nutrient content to skin cells, moisturize dry scalp, help with hair regeneration, and it can help repair hair that has been damaged.

My experience: This is one of my favorite products I tried. I love how soft and smooth it made my hair feel. Because of my fine hair, I concentrated this oil on the mid shaft down to the ends of my hair, and it doesn't seem to weigh it down as long as I use a small amount and spread it around evenly. I've tried this on my face and it did a great job moisturizing it and healing some of my dark spots from recent breakouts. I like this product a lot and I highly recommend it if you're looking for a pure and great quality of argan oil.

Pura D'or Professional Strength Vitamin C Serum Review - BeautyMindSpirit
This is the Professional Strength 20% Vitamin C Serum. Vitamin C has so many benefits for the skin! It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, spots and loss of elasticity. It can brighten skin because of its antioxidant properties. This serum contains pure vegan hyaluronic acid to leave skin soft, firm, and youthful. Vitamin C serum increases skin's absorption. Place this serum on your skin before anything else to help your skin absorb it better.

My experience: The aroma of this serum is really strong. I do like that they do not put artificial fragrances in their products. It doesn't smell pleasant to me, but it didn't bother me - in fact, it made me respect the company for keeping it stripped down and simple. I think when it comes to Vitamin C... having it formulated as purely as possible is essential. Unfortunately, this serum was too much for my skin and my skin wouldn't adjust to it. My skin remained red and sensitive. If you have sensitive skin, keep that in mind. I really like to use Ole Henriksen Truth Serum® Vitamin C Collagen. If your skin is not sensitive - give this product a try. I think it's powerful and potent.  

Pura D'or Argan Oil Organic Face Cream Review - BeautyMindSpirit


Next up is the Argan Oil Organic Face Cream. This cream is designed to improve the look of wrinkles, sagging skin, and dullness. It is also designed to promote smoothness, calming the skin, and promoting radiance.

My experience: I like the ingredient list. There are many good things inside of it that you can check out here. However, I don't feel that this cream did anything special for my skin.
I do need help with fading dark spots, acne scars, and wrinkle reduction as well as winkle prevention. I also like products that help promote radiance to my skin. It was great at moisturizing it, but aside from that - I didn't see any noticeable difference from before I used it.

Pura D'or Scar Treatment Solution Review - BeautyMindSpirit
I also received their Scar Treatment Solution to try. In 2011, I had surgery and have had a couple scars remain. I was really curious to know if this would work. This solution is designed to remove and revitalize scars and stretch marks, reduce inflammation and regenerate new tissues, and reduce the overall appearance of many scar types.

My experience: I noticed a slight fading of my scar while using this product. I saw no drastic results or change, however, this is a product that takes time to fade away scars. I've only been using it for 2 months. When I was discussing this product with the company, they did say that the most powerful ingredient in this solution was the argan oil. You can buy their pure argan oil for scar fading instead and it will also help reduce the appearance of scars and regenerate the tissues.I'm not sure if they will continue to carry or sell this product or just sell and market their argan oil for scar fading going forward. In the meantime, you can still buy this scar treatment solution at amazon.  
Pura D'or Nail Therapy Review - BeautyMindSpirit
 Lastly, I received their Nail Therapy product. This is supposed to help strengthen your nails, and bring overall the best nutrients to them for overall healthy nail support.

My experience: I didn't notice a change in my nails. The same story applies to this product in regards to the scar treatment. The contact from the company stated that argan oil is a powerful ingredient in this product and helps with nails. They no longer sell this from their website and I can't find it on amazon. My suggestion is to use their argan oil instead for your nails if you need some extra help with them. I will be trying the argan oil on my nails to see if it helps.
 Pura D'or carries some other products that look promising. I am intrigued by their Rosehip Seed Oil and have found other brands of Rosehip Seed Oil to be really beneficial to my skin. Whenever I need some extra healing from acne scars or dark spots, I like to use Rosehip Seed Oil. That might be worth checking out if you're curious about some of Pura D'or's other products :)
 
Click here to see my video review on this brand:

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Forever Transient

tran·sient
ˈtranSHənt,ˈtranzēənt/
adjective
  1. 1. lasting only for a short time; impermanent.

    noun
  1. 1.1 a person who is staying or working in a place for only a short time.


  2. 2. a momentary variation in current, voltage, or frequency.

How I'm feeling lately. Or what I'm being reminded of. Life is a beautiful, temporary pattern of moments. ⭐️✌🏻️⭐️

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Fade Into Fall with Julep's Ombre Welcome Box - FREE to New Maven Subscribers Ombre Welcome Box

Ombre Welcome Box
 
Fade into fall with our FREE Ombre Welcome Box featuring an ombre-perfect trio of polish shades and a smoky taupe gel eye glider. You’ll get this limited-time Ombre Welcome Box valued at $50+ (just pay $2.99 shipping) when you sign up for a Julep subscription.
Ombre Welcome Box
As a Julep Maven you’ll receive a box of brand-new, full sized nail color and beauty products each month – and you deserve it!
  • Julep Maven is affordable. Every month you get more than $40 of full-size products for just $24.99 per month (tip - prepay for three months at a time and save $15).
  • Julep Maven is the only customizable box of full-size, limited-run nail colors and beauty innovations. That means no surprises, no dupes or colors you don't like. You can see what is in your box each month and have the option of swapping out colors/products you already have or don't want.
  • Julep Mavens get 20% off all single product purchases, free shipping, early access to secret sales. If you are passionate about your polish, that adds up to some amazing savings!
Join Maven and get the 4-piece Ombre Welcome Box FREE ($50+ value) - just pay $2.99 shipping with code FALLGIRL. Want an even better deal? Pre-pay for your first three months of Maven and get the Welcome Box and shipping FREE. Either way, you are going to LOVE being a Maven.
 


 

A little reminder...

Sunday, September 6, 2015

The Precious Moments Made With Family | My Indiana Vacation

 
I love seeing my family. As we have gotten older, most of us are scattered in different places. Now, we only see each other a few times a year, if that. As I've grown and started my own little family, I cherish the precious moments spent with family. Whether it's the family you were raised with or a new family you had to create for yourself - creating memories with them are comforting, healing, and beautiful. Life is fleeting. So are moments.

I took my son, Aven, to Indiana. My father picked us up from MN and we headed down to Indiana which is about a 10 hour drive. It's a nice drive and one that you can relax on. We arrived last Sunday to my mother who waited for us in her driveway. Big hugs were exchanged and our vacation began! My grandmother, Wilma, is turning 89 on September 13th. She is one of the most loving, and caring grandmother's in the world. She is the best cook and baker. She loves to cook for us and makes the best food. She tends to get tired, so we don't let her do too much - just allow her the satisfaction to cook for us when she can and to see us all fall in love with everything she makes.

My mother makes the best breakfast meals. She has also cooked a lot for us. A couple nights I made my famous chicken linguine and mushroom dinner that my grandma loves and a new spaghetti dish that I created - by using a different kind of sauce than the standard tomato ones. I love using butternut squash or pumpkin sauces for my spaghetti along with turkey meat. Toss it with angel hair noodles and you have a very light and refreshing kind of meal for the stomach. It's delicious.

I celebrated my birthday here, along with my sister's...and we also had some amazing sister-time dates as well. I love my sisters (I have 3), and when I get to see them and do things with them, it makes me really happy. Sheila and I have a lot of fun together. She basically just laughs at me a lot because I'm quite eccentric at times (hehe), but it makes me happy that someone thinks I'm that funny, so I'm all for it. She has the best heart and we have the most amazing conversations. I love hanging out with her so much. When we do we just have a great time and any stresses we've had falls away. I've also played with my nephew Mateo on the xbox and watched my other nephew, Tristan's, marching band performance at a local football game. It's so fun to see them at their activities and to celebrate their passions.

I changed up my hair! I went darker and the cosmetolgoist added some more layers into it. I love how it looks. I highly recommend her if you're in the Dunlap/Goshen area of Indiana. Her name is Laura Yoder and she works at Cutting Loose Salon.
Thank you for reading this blog. Where do you go to see your family? What are some fun things you do together? I wish all of you so many beautiful memories and great moments with your loved ones.
Here is my vlog of my trip to Indiana:

Friday, September 4, 2015

Life is a Dream; It is Your Seed

So many people I adore have been struggling tremendously with life's rocks and rivers. The tides have become big and tumultuous. The horizon, unknown and monochromatic. Difficult moments in life affect us all; no one can avoid hardships. Sometimes, there is nothing that can be done but to dive right into that gigantic tidal wave and embrace it...taking it on and knowing with your heart, that although life's unpredictable hardships do happen, it doesn't mean you can't turn them into something useful when you're ready to. I consider some of life's harshest experiences as our greatest teachers, because they push us to see certain things we need to see or they push us in the areas we need to cultivate and grow. 

Life is a dream; it is your seed.

This human experience is a temporary journey that your spirit is having. You are continuous, this journey is not. Life is a constant reminder of this truth through the inevitable changes that unfolds within it. What most people do not realize is how powerful they are in this experience they are living. My dearlings, we are powerful in our human experiences and we can make life be what we want it to be. Most people do not realize this because, we often give our power away to so many different directions in our lives. As an example, it could be relationships, jobs, fears, beliefs, insecurities, etc. Because of this, we think we are powerless, or that we can't change our circumstances. In some ways, we almost become addicted to a certain kind of chaos. We don't know how to function without it. When we are so used to living with chaotic relationships or environments, it feels so strange to function without it. And for some, a sort of boredom forms. Was this chaos something that we used to fill ourselves with something? Was it a sort of distraction from making necessary changes for us to move forward?

Life is YOUR seed. With your focus and action, a seed can grow and become whatever it is you envision for yourself. Society life is formed by our choices as a collective. We organize our lives by the things we do. What we choose and how it looks is decided by all of us. We think, we choose, we act, things become. What you think, what you say, what you do - becomes who you are. What we are as a collective, becomes what we are as a whole. The world is then shaped accordingly. This truth inspired me many moons ago when I wrote a song called What You Are for my album, Prism.

Your personal life journey will look and be whatever it is you want it to be. When it is not what you want it to be - ask yourself, are you an active participant in making the changes necessary to create life to look like you want it to? Are you going within and healing parts of yourself that keep you from creating it? Are you asking yourself what you actually want in life? Are you then taking action and making those things happen?

If you are depressed and unhappy because of the way your life looks, what will you do to change it?

If you are depressed and unhappy and life is what you want it to be, is your body unhealthy? Do you need to see a doctor? Do you need to take some time out of life to connect with yourself and nature?


Sometimes, it's okay to just be sad for a moment. There's also beauty in sadness.

Just remember what you are capable of and that you can be an active participant in the unfolding of your human experiences. What your soul craves, you can become. Find your truth by actively being in touch with yourself and never let fear keep you blinded.

Life is a beautiful, but temporary dream. And like a lucid dream, this one can be shifted, too.
 

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Cheek to Chic: Julep's NEW Skip The Brush Crème-to-Powder Blush Stick

Skip the Brush Cheek Stick

Julep recently launched their new ‘Skip the Brush ’ Cheek Sticks that go on oh-so-easy and give you color that lasts all day long. Are you ready for the easiest highlighting and contouring you’ve ever done? Yeah, me too. Get the look in three easy steps:

Skip the Brush Cheek Stick
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
 
1. Dot, don’t swipe
2. Gently pat & blend upwards until the powder is just right
3. Add a little extra! All four shades add pizzazz to eyelids or lips
For more tips and tricks, check out the Julep blog post about the sticks here: http://www.julep.com/blog/skip-the-brush/
LIMITED TIME – save 15% on your purchase with code 15PRETTY.
 Save 15% at Julep.com with code PRETTY15 now!