Saturday, April 26, 2014

Ah, stress.


I've hinted here and there about the way things are going at work lately. We all know that our jobs are on their way out. Everyone I work around knows that, pretty much at any time, we might be told that our last day working there has come. Being someone who tries her best to work hard, and keep things moving, it's been a tough last few weeks. I've watched the morale of those around me sink lower and lower by the day.

So of course it's natural that I feel stressed. No matter how far down I push it, and try to stay positive, it makes itself known. Manifesting in my dreams or keeping me from falling asleep at all. It's tough not to know where you'll be in a few months. The unknown is one of the scariest things for me. I'm a planner.

I feel for the people out there looking for jobs. While I'm still employed, I've been scouring job postings and filling out profile after profile in hopes of finding something worthwhile. It's tiring. It's unrewarding. It's also completely necessary. You might apply for 90 different jobs, and end up being contacted by only 1, but that's the way the game is played.

Needless to say I've been trying to stay upbeat! I'm lucky to have an amazing husband who, since we found out this was coming around the bend, has worked hard to make sure we can handle whatever comes our way. We've paid off debt, we've put money in savings, we've even discussed how to handle it if I have to take another entry level job for a while. So, I guess things aren't as bad as they seem. I'm just trying to get my brain to wrap itself around the fact that the unknown isn't as terrifying as I think it is.

I know this post is just a bunch of word vomit, but it's what is on my mind today. Thanks for listening.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Sample Society - April 2014


As you know, I've been slowly exploring the world of beauty products. Since I'm also completely addicted to subscription boxes (yes, I admit it),  I wanted to try out Sample Society! I followed this subscription for a few months first. I was consistently impressed with the brands and the curation that went into their boxes. 

So, I signed up. They have you fill out a survey when you first start, and mail you a box that caters to your tastes. This is my first box, and I couldn't be happier!

Here's what I received:


 Illume Candle Tin in Anemone 
Size: 2 oz - Value: $5.50

This candle tin is adorable, and I love that it's portable! The scent is interesting. It's very heady, almost kind of musky. I think that's because there is patchouli hanging out in this blend. I don't mind it, but I'm more of a floral scented kind of girl. So I might buy another one of these, but in a different scent!




 Butter London WINK Eye Pencil in Union Jack Black
Size: .04 oz (Full Size!) - Value $18

I am so happy this came to me in black! I've been wanting to try a WINK eye pencil for a while, but it comes in some pretty crazy colors. I'm not a girl who can pull off green or pink eyeliner. What do I love about this? When it says it sets in 30 seconds, it's not kidding. The color stays all day, crisp and clean. I'm impressed!


 Tatcha Original Aburatorigami Beauty Papers
Size: 30 sheets (Full Size!) - Value $12

These are amazing! I've seen blotting papers before, but these are gorgeous. I mean that. There's gold leaf in them, and they are so perfectly made. Besides that, they actually work very well. You can even use both sides and they are biodegradable!


H2O Plus Aquafirm Micro-Collagen Moisturizer
Size: .34 oz - Value $10

I wasn't sure about this moisturizer at first, because I have sensitive skin. I started using it a few days ago though, and I'm so happy with the results! My skin is softer and less blotchy. Plus this smells so good. It actually makes me want to put it on. A little goes a long way, so I might just splurge on the full size version.


Dr. Hauschka Skin Care Cleansing Cream
Size: .34 oz - Value $5.50

I'm on the fence about this facial cleanser. On the one hand, it actually works well. It's made with all natural, holistic ingredients so I don't need to worry about harsh chemicals reacting with my skin. On the other hand, it smells very strong. I think it's the mix of essential oils that are in it. It has an odd scent that I can't quite get over. I'm going to keep using for a bit though and see if the outcome is worth it. So far I'm quite pleased with how gentle this is.




The Verdict?
This is my first Sample Society box and I'm already hooked! I signed up for this intentionally to try new brands, and find items that worked for me. Just based on this criteria, the box is already a win. Add in the fact that I only pay $15 a month, and this box is already worth $51, and you have made me a very happy subscriber. I'm already looking forward to my May box!

Friday, April 18, 2014

Embracing My Inner Diva


Friends, I come to you with a retraction. I've decided that I don't actually hate makeup. Do I love it? No. Will I wear it constantly? Probably not. Do I understand why people like it now? Yup. More below.

I can tell you exactly why I started disliking makeup because, yes, I still remember the moment. Rewind to when I was 7 years old and in dance class. Every time we had a recital, we had to do our hair and our faces so that we wouldn't look like ghosts under the stage lights. My mom had this little black makeup kit she used to carry with us to these shindigs. When I saw her pull it out of the bag, I'd cringe. Lipstick was sticky, I felt like it was suffocating my face to wear foundation, and don't get started on eye makeup! You're telling me I can't rub my eyes? WHY?

Looking back now, I giggle at that. I'm still the same girl through and through. Minimal. Simple. Practical.

That being said, I'm also starting to work to embrace my inner diva a bit. Being honest, it's kind of nice to pretty up once in a while. I've never minded mascara, but I'm working on learning to do simple eyeliner. I'm trying to take better care of my skin, so I bought a facial moisturizer and some BB cream with SPF in it. You all know my new obsession with nail polish! Still simple, but working on a good daily routine I can stick with :).

I think my 30's are going to be all about embracing new things. I want to step out of my shell, and try things that I was previously afraid of. I want to question my old beliefs, and build good habits. I just want to grow, and I think I'm working towards that. Maybe being a little more of a girl isn't a huge step, but it's a step! And that's what's important.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

O Hai There!


I happened to glance in here and realized that I haven't posted in a while! Time flies when you're... well no, it just flies no matter what honestly. I swear each time a month ends, and a new one begins, I have to shake my head in disbelief. It feels like there's so little time in between. I guess that's why we have to seize the moments where we can.

Like this last weekend. The hubby and I planned a fairly last minute trip to Vegas for his 30th birthday! We're normally big planners, but we decided to go on a lark. It was so much fun. I'd saved up for something big anyway, so I was able to get us tickets to see The Blue Man Group, and we ate some great food. That's the stuff memories are made of. I need to get me some more that.

So what have I been up to? Mainly trying to amuse myself with things I enjoy, to keep myself from thinking about what's coming around the bend. The future of my job is shaky, but I still have one for now so I'm trying to stay positive. In the meantime I've been distracting myself with things like starting a book club, increasing my "me time" and watching movies with the hubs. That's not to say that I'm ignoring this entirely. I've planned and saved for the inevitable. Momma didn't raise no fool.

I'm thinking I'm going to turn this blog into a hybrid of random posts and product reviews :). I already review products now anyway, and I find it to be a lot of fun! It's awesome to be able to try something I might not otherwise, and then share about it. Plus I already review books anyway. Why not add to the madness?

Anyway thanks for sticking with me. I'm here, and I'm good. Just plugging along.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

They say old habits die hard...


but trust me, they are totally able to be vanquished!

I remember reading an article once that said it takes 21 days to create a habit. Their take on the matter was that if you do something for 21 days in a row, it becomes something you no longer need to think about. Intriguing, no?

While I'm not 100% I agree with that, I can definitely tell you that building a habit takes time and perseverance. You will screw up. You will forget. You will have days when you think "Why the HELL am I doing this?" but you'll keep going. And soon? It'll be easy.

I've fallen into a steady groove now in my fitness goals. I counted every calorie I put into my mouth for two months straight. It drove me crazy, but soon I found myself thinking about how much I was going to have to kick ass at the gym just to eat that candy bar. Was it worth it? Sometimes I'd decide yes, sometimes no, but I didn't need a calorie counter to tell me. Now I don't need one anymore :). I know what I should eat. I know what is good for my body. I've just finally gotten the willpower down to make those good decisions.

Best of all, going to the gym has gotten to become a habit that I actually like. I wouldn't go so far as to say I love it yet, lol. The gym and I have a love/hate relationship. I hate going, but once I'm there I'm always happy. So my outlook is slowly getting better. If nothing else, it's the motivation from the way I look and feel that's keeping me going. It feels good to be fit!

There's still a long road ahead of me, but I'm not giving up. This is my year of health and happiness! I'm building happier Jessica to face her 30's head on.