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Sunday, January 24, 2021

Game Changing Skin Care

Skin care was a very distant thought in my teens and early 20's. I remember sleeping in makeup and never even considered using a moisturizer. When I did wash my face before bed, I remember grabbing the Dove soap bar. My how times change. My habits changed in my late 20's and really made a turn in my mid 30's. Here I sit at 38 and I marvel at how much my skin has changed for the better. I spent most of my early to mid 30's puzzled by break outs while noticing those fine lines increasing. 

Let me just stop and say...the change was not really for aesthetic purposes...it was how my skin felt and how I felt about it. Below, I am breaking down the products and habits that made a HUGE difference in my skin. I know that everyone's skin is different and the products that work for them will vary. I am just sharing what worked for mine in hopes it may help someone else. I am not selling products and this post is not affiliated in any way.

My skin breakdown:
Combination (oily ad dry)
Breakouts and aging 
Super sensitive

My goals were:
feel confident without much makeup
preventative measures (gracefully age)- I know I am 38 but I wanted to start putting in the work now
decrease breakouts

So, here is the line up...



1. Curology-I would say this was the biggest piece of the puzzle. You take a skin quiz pointing out what your skin needs are. They send a customized bottle (you can choose the frequency) and you can even contact them if you think your formula needs to be changed. Mine is targeted for fine lines and to prevent breakouts.
*Use it every night

2. Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Cleaner-I saw this recommendation from the adorable Sister Studio's IG. I was skeptical because my skin is so sensitive. I use this twice a week (usually the nights I use my self tanning drops) with my face cleansing brush and it has helped so much. 
*Use 2-3 times a week at night with face cleansing brush

3. Tula 24-7 Moisture-a reason I had so many breakouts was that I had such an uneven distribution of moisture. I use this each morning before my makeup. It gives skin a glow and I love that it is not greasy.
*Use it every morning

4. Tula Beauty Sleep-the creator/founder of Tula shared this is the one product that is a must have for her and I can see why. It contains probiotics and helps minimize the appearance of fine lines. 
*Use it every night

5. Tula Rose Glow & Get It Eye Brightening Balm-this is magic and I look forward to putting it on every morning after I wash my face. It helps minimize fine lines, is cooling, and helps my undereye look refreshed in the A.M.
*Use it every morning

I didn't add this in the graphic but one thing I love right now are the Isle of Paradise Tanning drops. I just add 5 drops to my moisturizer and I love how it is NOT orange based. I use shade medium.


I usually only have to replenish the products every 3 months. My curology comes every 3 months, as well. I have learned you don't have to use a ton of a product and I am able to make it last longer. 

These products have worked wonders for me but another huge piece is that I made some changes to my habits. 

1. Drinking More Water
I went from only drinking a bottle of water a day and drinking tons of caffeine to drinking around 50-64 oz of water and limiting it to 2 coffees a day. 

2. Limiting Dairy
I love ice cream but I had learned to limit it to a few times a month. I would say this is the biggest impact to my skin. I switched to almond milk in coffee and cereal and limit my dairy intake. Not only has this helped my skin but how I feel. 

I hope this post was able to help someone who may be struggling with their skin. I know it made me feel so self conscious. Interested in posts like this? Leave a comment below.




Melanie

Saturday, January 2, 2021

New Year...New Beginnings

My favorite thing about the New Year is that it brings hope for so many. Although we can make a change anytime we are ready and take steps to move forward, a new year signifies a fresh start for many. 

I don't know about you but during quarantine life and 2020, I had more time than ever before to reflect on what is important to me. I also learned the importance of living in the present. One of the biggest lessons I learned is that being intentional makes a huge impact in all areas of my life. I have never cherished so many moments with my family, took the time for self care, and reflected on goals and the steps I need to take to reach them. Although 2020 has such a negative connotation (because many lives have been so greatly affected), I think we all learned a lot and had the ability to slow down. 

Enough about me. Let's talk about some habits and items that I feel are MUST HAVES for Goal Getters this New Year. 



I rounded up some of my fav things that I think are such simple, new year staples to help you get in that #goalsetting mindset. 

1) Paper Mate Flair Pens-really you could use any pens you have. These are my personal favorite because I love the fun colors and they don't bleed through the pages like my beloved Sharpies. You can find THESE on Amazon. 

2) Planner-again, you can use any planner depending on preference and budget. I love the Erin Condren Life Planner. I have tried Plum Paper, Kate Spade, and great ones from Target but always go back to Erin Condren. I love that you can customize the planner based on what you need and I love adding pictures and my name. A simple planner from anywhere works. The point is to have a way to get organized that works for you. (none of these items are affiliated)

3) Journal-I just ordered a new journal. I think journaling is one of the most amazing things we can do. Whether journaling about your day, writing a quick reflection, writing bible verses or quotes that are powerful-there is something about reflecting on YOU and your feelings. I always feel empowered when I go back and read a journal page where I was having a hard time or bad day and reading ahead to see how I overcame it. This is something I always recommend for my clients to do. It truly is powerful. (I could write a whole post just on journaling).
4) Vision Board Supplies-I LOVE vision boards. It is SO cool looking back at my vision board from last year and celebrating the areas I grew in and the goals I met. It is also cool to see what things I STILL need to work on. A vision board can be as simple or extravagant as you want it to be. The goal is to visualize what you want to work towards. There is such beauty in taking the time to reflect in this. The strategy is when your vision board is complete-put it somewhere you will see it frequently. I have some shelves upstairs with a lot of my counseling books and items (since I currently don't have a counseling office and do telehealth). My elliptical is facing it so I saw my vision board quite a bit. 

You can read last year's vision board post HERE.

Simple Vision Board Supplies:
computer or construction paper or poster board
write or draw on it
magazine clippings
markers, crayons, pencils

If you are wanting to make your vision board a little EXTRA, here are some supplies to use:
cork board or canvas
fabric
ribbon
scrapbook supplies (stickers, letters)
paint
pictures

Digital:
You can even create a virtual vision board in Google Slides Canva, or Powerpoint. You can save it as your desktop or save it as the wallpaper on your phone so that it is a constant visual reminder. Below is a quick example I created in Google Slides. 


Either way, any type of vision board can be a powerful tool to envision your future hopes and goals. 

I wish you all a Happy 2021. I am so thankful for this community and networking with you even more is something I look forward to this year! If you purchase any of the items above or create a vision board, please tag me...I would LOVE to see all of you #goalgetters!

You can follow me at the social media accounts below:
FB (account with my husband): Thoughtful Thoughts

IG: @counseling_and_confetti
IG: @ackersbooks

Twitter: @melroseacker


Melanie