Travel Essentials

Whether it's a luxurious beach vacation or just a local business trip, there's no need to pack a lot for your getaway. I believe that the splurges should be saved for home. It doesn't cost a lot to look put together, wherever your trip may be. Down below are some examples of things you can carry and still be chic. Enjoy!

DIY Product Holder

I am very OCD when it comes to my things being all over the place. I was on Pinterest like always and came across a couple of jewelry tier holders, but I decided to make one to store my skin care products and a couple of my everyday jewelry in a tiny bowl. I will be posting some photos down below and steps on how to do this. It is very simple and can find all these items anywhere even a goodwill.

YOU NEED:
♥ Hot glue gun
♥ Glue sticks for the hot glue gun
♥ Lazy susan (optional)
♥ 2 to 3 plates of your choice
♥ Candle holder to use as a spacers
♥ Spray paint

STEPS:
♥ Spray paint plates or spacers if you would like them a different color. I only painted the spacers, the plates      I was able to find at Target for a little over a $1.
♥ Glue the lazy susan at the bottom of the largest plate, and I also suggest to glue a small piece of wood at the bottom to make it rotate more easily.
♥ Glue the spacers and keep adding as many plates as you would like, I suggest using the two largest and a small at the top, but I didn't want mine too long.
♥ That's all guys! Enjoy your holder for whatever you would like.

NO MORE MAKEUP MELTDOWNS THIS SUMMER!

I am from Texas so the heat is not so forgiving to girls when it comes to makeup. This past weekend I was
out with some friends and I have to admit it was so hot outside, I felt as if my makeup was melting off my face. For this post I will be giving you tips on how to keep your makeup in tact this summer.

1. BLOTTING PAPERS are a must for me year round due to my oily skin, but for anybody this can come in handy. Make sure to blot and NOT rub!

2. If you can not skip foundation apply PRIMER before hand to keep your makeup in place. Make sure to also only apply were needed, you do not want to over apply.

3. I recommend using a TINTED MOISTURIZER or BB CREAM. If you have redness only apply a tiny bit of CONCEALER were needed.

4. Set with TRANSLUCENT POWDER because this will give you a more natural look instead of that cakey effect.

5. If you HAVE to use eyeshadow use a EYE PRIMER this will prevent your eye makeup from slipping. I also recommend using CREAM EYESHADOWS since they tend to stay in place better than powder eye shadows .

6. Now for those lashes I recommend using a WATER-RESISTANT MASCARA instead of water proof since is less harsh for your lashes. Test it out in the shower and see how it holds up.

7. I know that summer is all about the pop of color on your lips, but unless your not going anywhere fancy try to stick to a LIP STAIN instead of a lipstick or lip gloss.

8. Now if you must use a lipstick. Apply a bit of the TRANSLUCENT POWDER OVER YOUR LIPS and then apply the lipstick. This will act as a primer and will last a lot longer.

9. Make sure to carry a SPONGE OR BRUSH to blend in makeup later on through out the day. To keep your makeup looking the way it did when you stepped foot out the door.

10. No matter what skin type you have, your face produces oil even more in the summer months, so make sure to CLEANSE YOUR FACE to prevent more oils later on.

11. If you have oily skin like myself, try using a CLAY MASK once a week to reduce oil production.

12. Also do not forget to use a MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY to prevent from everything melting off your face. You do not want that especially after working so hard to put it on.

Voila I know this seems like a bunch of stuff but it is all helpful especially if you want to avoid looking like a hot mess this summer :)

Eye Know...Do You?

There are myths that our eyes are  the windows to our souls. Well I don't know if that is really true but, what I do know is that I don't want someone to look at my eyes and get scared of my baggy dark circles. I've been using eye cream since I was eight-teen and it has always been a routine I follow. I believe that you should prevent instead of treating. Why let people see the redness, fatigue, premature lines, puffiness or dark circles.

Our eye area is very sensitive and needs hydration. Yes, your daily face moisturizer will do it, but there are eye creams that are designed for the eye area. I use two at the moment, and anti-aging eye cream(Line Reducing Eye Brightening Concentrate) and a more hydrating eye cream(Kiehls Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado) for the daytime. I also overlap the moisturizing eye cream over the anti-aging eye cream since it can be a bit drying underneath the eye area. Ideally you should be applying eye cream both in the daytime and nigh-time. Make sure you use your ring finger since the eye area is delicate and the skin is thin as well. In my photos down below you will see what is ideally for the daytime application and the nigh-time application. There is also a correct way to apply eye cream and incorrect way to apply it.

Eye cream tends to travel upwards when you're sleeping and that is why you should apply it further down to prevent from causing even worse puffy eyes. If you have been using eye creams and still suffer from puffy eyes or dark circles it might just the technique you're using. Change it up and start seeing the difference.

Pantry Essentials

Just like we have our fashion staples in the closet it is also to have your pantry staple essentials. When you cook there are always some products that you use more than others. I will be giving you my essentials that I have on hand at all times. Let me know on the comments down below what you're pantry staple essentials are.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This is the one kitchen essential I am never without. It benefits both my cooking and my health. Did you know that cooking withe extra virgin olive oil can reduce the risk of heart disease. It is also high in "good fats" that's what we like to hear too.

Extra virgin olive oil can be used to cook as well as on dressings, soups, sauces, poultry, vegetables and fish. Also why not substitute it with butter.

Honey

We all use honey as a sweetener in our hot cup of tea. Honey it also has a bunch of antioxidants and due to antibiotic properties it can be used for cuts and scrapes. Drizzle honey in tea, granola, bread, and use it with baking.

Tamari Soy Sauce

This soy sauce is high in protein, it also contains amino acids that help your body produce niacin and serotonin, which can improve your sleep and mood. This soy sauce has been used for centuries in the Japanese culture to enhance flavors int their food, this sauce is made from fermented soybeans that's wheat free. 

This can be used for marinades, dressings, sauces, and soups, or to drizzle on vegetables. 

Sriracha

Now they have declared this the best tasting hot sauce but I will have to disagree since I do come from a Hispanic family where Valentina is our go to hot sauce. The hot peppers in it causes to boost the metabolism. 

Sriracha can be used in soups, eggs, and tacos and pretty much anything you love a spicy kick of.

Balsamic Vinegar

Balsamic vinegar is a low-calorie essential. This can add the right amount of acidity to salads, pastas and more. Vinegar contains antioxidants that can help lower cholesterol levels and improves your body's immune system. It also has been shown to boost the activity of pepsin, regulate metabolism, and control your blood sugar. 

Other Pantry Essentials Include:
♥ All Purpose Flour
♥ Limes or Lemons
♥ Salt and Pepper
♥ Sugar
♥ Garlic and Onions
♥ Potatoes
♥ Beans
♥ Chicken Broth
♥ Tuna
♥ Marinara Sauce
♥ Rice
♥ Oats
♥ Pasta

Gym Essentials

We all work out some time or another some more than others, but whether you go to the gym before work or fit a mini workout during lunchtime, cutting your time in half is essential. So are these essentials for your gym bag. Leave your comments down below and let me know your gym essentials.

Itzy Ritzy Travel Happens Sealed Wet Bag - $18

Keep sweaty clothes away from your work outfit with this travel bag, made especially for wet clothes

EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balm - $3.29

Because of its unique shape it will be easy to find in your gym bag

Batiste Tropical Dry Shampooo - $12

You've just finished an intense workout but you don't have time to wash your hair before work. Use a dry shampoo to get rid of all the sweat and oils. 

Lapin Vilardi Coco Walk Toiletry Bag - $46

A small cosmetic bag is useful for keeping items like makeup, hair ties, and jewelry all in one place. This cute and water-proof print is a must for your gym bag.

Yes to Cucumbers Towelettes - $5.99

After a sweaty workout we don't want to feel icky so these refreshing towelettes can do the trick.

Bobble Sport Water Bottle - $9.99

This unique sport bottle is specialized for workout junkies. It features a flip top and handle for ease of use around the gym, along with a replaceable filter. Just keep this in your gym bag and fill up at the gym so you don't have to keep making trips to the water fountain. Each bottle holds 24 ounces.

Towelmate Gym Towel - $25

If you're a germophobe then this gym towel is the one for you. It has two sides, one for your face and comes with a germ shield in between. The coolest thing is the zippered pouch for your ID and phone. How cool is that!

Yurbuds Inspire Earphones - $29.99

If you're anything like me, when I run I'm having to fight with my earphones because they tend to slip out constantly. With these earphones you don't have to. They stay locked in your ears no matter how hard you're working out. 

Vaseline Spray & Go - $8

When you're in a hurry this spray lotion will get you going in a breeze. It absorbs quickly too.

Ban Roll-On Deodorant - $4.34 

After working out we do not want to be smelly, so make sure to throw in your favorite deodorant. Ban it's cheaper than other brands on the market but it does the job. 

No Crease Hair Ties - $8.50

These hair ties can be bought anywhere from eBay to Sephora, but also are very easy to make. These are perfect because they don't leave a crease in your hair.

Close Your Eyes To Sweet-Green Sleepy Time Juice

I've had a hard time sleeping in the past. I fall asleep for a few then wake up in the middle of the night once again. I was prescribed Ambien but honestly I will wake up almost hungover and let me tell you I've not heard pretty things about Ambien either. Many people suffered from sleep walking and doing some outrageous things. I recently began drinking more hot tea at night and picked up some of the Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime Herb Tea. I do notice that after sipping on some of their tea I do get quite drowsy, but I'm wondering if is a pyschological thing too. Anyways I recently picked up juicing too and I am loving it. Not only does it fill me up but I know exactly what I'm putting in my body every day. Depending on my mood I take sweet juices or feeling a bit more risky with vegetables because I don't like much vegetables.

I've heard that the rich nutrients in the juice recipe that I will posting down below to help you count sheep. Nekka Pasquale, founder of Urban Remedy, invented this recipe using ingredients to calm your body.

Sweet Greens Juice For Sleep

RECIPE:

♥ 2 large organic oranges, peeled

♥ 1 organic lemon, peeled 

♥ 1/2 bunch organic watercress

♥ 8 stalks of organic celery 

♥ 1/2 head organic romaine lettuce

♥ Celery Juice- Nekka says ...is a calming effect on the nervous system, "which can help the body unwind. "It also contains a high level of magnesium, which promotes muscle relaxation and a sense of well-being."   calming effect on the nervous system," which can help the body unwind. "It also contains a high level of magnesium, which promotes muscle relaxation and a sense of well-being." 

♥ Watercress and Romaine Juice- these ingredients are high in calcium which can help relax the body after a long day

♥ Lemon and Orange Juice- Nekka says ...citrus in this recipe contains inositol, which Nekkas says can help enhance REM sleep.

Fake a Summer Tan

We all desire an olive complexion that the celebrities rock from day to day in the summer. Sometimes is a bit difficult to get a faux glow but it is possible. I know from first hand because I am naturally very pale and have a light complexion. I do not hate it at all but when I see girls with beautiful olive skin I cannot help but want it too. The only way to do that is to fake tan. I do not like tanning beds and tanning outdoors due to the harmful UV radiations, causes premature aging.

There are many products out there that work flawlessly, but my all time favorite is St. Tropez. Don't get me wrong though the drugstore has awesome dupes that can give you a natural tan. I will be giving you some tips on how to get that beautiful bronzed skin for this summer.

1. PREP
Prepping your skin before hand is important to a perfect tan. Exfoliating with a scrub is crucial in order to get all the dead cells off. I tend to notice that the fake tan companies tend to make very good aggressive scrubs. Once you have done this you will notice that the tanner goes on smoothly.

2. SHAVING
If you happen to shave, try to shave the day before. This will help with any irritation on the skin.

3. APPLY TANNER
This is the time to apply the fake tanner. I do suggest either using a mitten or non-latex gloves, this will help to not stain your  hand palms. Do the largest parts of the body like: legs, stomach and back. Then work your way to other parts and focus on ankles, elbows and hands. Many like to do their face as well and they do sell tanners made especially for the face, but one trick I like to do is to just mix in some of my body self tanner with a bit of my face lotion.

EXTRA TIP:
Run a shimmer stick along shins of your legs to elongate your legs further. St. Tropez Skin Illuminator is an awesome one.

Pearly Whites

We all want pearly white teeth but just like losing weight in order to keep it off you have to eat healthier and
maintain your diet. With teeth you have to make sure to avoid foods and drinks that can stain your mouth as well as maintain them by visiting your dentist. Stained teeth can occur as we age.That is why is important to prevent teeth staining overall, because the outer layer of the tooth enamel wears away. I will be giving you some tips on what can get you those pearly white teeth you have always wanted.

DIY
♥ The old school way of just using baking soda or peroxide is an option
♥ There is also many at home whitening kits that contain carbamide peroxide
♥Whitening strips have become very popular but do need to be used regularly to keep seeing results
♥ Eating some foods can avoid teeth staining like: celery, apples, carrots and pears trigger saliva, which helps wash away food debri on your teeth
♥ Chewing sugar-less gum can also trigger saliva
♥ Avoid drinking red wines
♥ Avoid smoking which can stain your teeth
♥ Avoid dark juices and caffeinated drinks

If you take care of your smile with foods and drinks that discolor teeth, the results of whitening may last up to a year.

Crest 3D White Whitestrips

Aquafresh Advanced

Plus White 5 Minute Speed Whitening Gel 

Silky Summer Legs

Is that time of year to get our mini skirts and shorts out. I have to admit I am in need of a leg scrub and very much hydration on my legs. I have always been very bad about applying lotion all over my body. I tend to be very good on applying my skincare products but I always tend to neglect my body. From hot showers, to applying harsh soaps. After getting a allergic reaction all over my body, that until this day I am not sure what caused it. I tend to use less harsh body washes and lotions. I went fragrance free with body my body wash and body lotion. 

Why is it important to apply body lotion to your body? Because body lotion is one of the most active ways to prevent signs of aging. When we also do not drink enough water, it causes the body to pull water from the skin and into the vital functions that happen withing the body such as immune function and digestion. Once the skin becomes dry then it can crack and separate or even pull away. This is when you can begin to see stretch marks as well. So, next time you become lazy and think twice about applying body lotion think about the consequences. Also, try try a body lotion with alpha hydroxy acids to peel off dry skin and allow moisturizers to penetrate more deeply.

I will be posting photos down below of the products that I have been loving lately and have not given me any allergic reactions. 

Cetaphil Skin Restoring Body Wash is free of fragrances, parabens and nut oils. It is also a  gentle, non-irritating foaming cleanser that can help maintain the skin barrier function.

Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash is soap free, fragrance free and hypoallergenic. It soothes dry and itchy skin.

Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream helps for mild and severe dry skin, as well as symptoms with eczema. 

Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion is a rich unscented and hypoallergenic lotion. 

Happy Birthday To My Little Angel!

Happy Birthday to my little angel that four years ago made me the happiest women in this world. My baby is now 4! I cannot believe how time has flown by. Because of financial reasons his birthday party will not be until a month from now. I also scheduled him a themed Sesame Street photo shoot. I hope everyone is having a great day and until next time guys.

Summer Wants

With summer around the corner I have been preparing my closet for what I've been eyeing for. A juicer will be my motivation to begin my healthy clean diet and a couple of fashionable things never hurts to have. After the first clarisonic came out I have been wanting to get the Mia 2 which is more portable and small. 

1. Love Culture - $36.90

2. Madewell - $138.00

3. Beginning Boutique - $39.86

4. Ulta - $149.00

5. Breville - $149.99

Workout In Style

I have been finding it hard to workout lately and decided to begin motivated by buying active clothing items. Everywhere I went I could never seemed to find cute fashionable active wear. Then I heard about Ellie which is a monthly subscription, but you can also just purchase their items. I do believe is less inexpensive to just subscribe to them. They also put looks up for you to get inspired from which I love. Check them out if you are interested.

All you have to do is have the option to become a member or not and proceed to take their style quiz.It does not cost you anything for shipping. Now if you are a member you get the new release pieces before hand as well as sales and etc.