Monthly Goals/April

photo

After I made a list of goals to complete this year, I realized just how much I needed month-by-month goals to fulfill all of my goals for the year. At the beginning of each month, I'm planning on making a small post about what my goals for the month are. So, let's get started!

My goals for April may seem really cliche, maybe even stupid, but they are things that I really feel I need to work towards/on.
1. Take time for myself - because of the craziness that has been this semester, I haven't had any time to just chill out by myself and catch up on reading through blogs and watching YouTube videos like I love to do. This month, my goal is to take at least thirty minutes a night to myself during the school week to watch a few YouTube videos, read a few blog posts, or pamper myself.
2. Exercise - ever since I entered college and wasn't playing volleyball everyday, I've really struggled with exercising. I always remember feeling so good during high school because I was fitting in physical exercise every day. This month, I'm planning on focusing more on finding an exercise routine that I enjoy.
3. Eating - after Gary and I returned from vacation, I realized just how bad I've been eating. I've been so lazy with cooking because I haven't put forth enough effort to make it to the grocery store. Plus, I realized I love sweets way too much. This month, I'm going to try to balance my food diet by incorporating more meat, vegetables, and fruit.
4. Try something new - since I was probably around thirteen or fourteen, I've had this thing for calligraphy. I tried and tried when I was younger, but never really kept with it. This month, I want to buy a few supplies and take a calligraphy class.

Do you have any tips for helping me work on my goals? Leave any advice in the comments below!

Birchbox/6

I have another Birchbox peek today! I picked out the Beauty Solutions box this month. This box is one of my favorite boxes I've received so far.
March's box:

Dear Clark Volumizing Hair Tonic| Full-size, $26
Problem: Thin, flat, or tired hair that could use a rejuvenating boost.
Solution: Spritz this formula onto roots of damp hair for added bounce, lift, and shine.
My Thoughts: I love the idea of this product! It has the nicest smell and is perfect for my thick hair that has no body at the top.

derma e Evenly Radiant Brightening Day Creme SPF 15 | Full-size, $27.95
Problem: Dull complexion, uneven skin tone, or missing UV protection from your daily regimen.
Solution: Apply this antioxidant-rich cream with SPF each morning for smoother, more luminous skin.
My Thoughts: I also really like the idea of this product. I use a moisturizer for day and night, so this will give me a chance to try out a day cream.

Laura Geller Beauty Baked Blush-n-Brighten| Full-size, $27.50
Problem: Post-winter paleness or cheekbones that want extra oomph.
Solution: Sweep on this multihued blush and highlighter combo for a healthy, natural-looking flush.
My Thoughts: The color of this baked blush is really intimidating to me because of my fair skin. However, I'm looking forward to trying it out!

Supergoop! Advanced SPF 37 Anti-Aging Eye Cream| Full-size, $45
Problem: Undereye area showing signs of aging (and lack of sleep).
Solution: Dab on a pea-sized amount of this brightening, peptide-packaged anti-aging cream.
My Thoughts: I love eye creams, but right now this is the last thing I need in my box. I received one two boxes ago and haven't managed to even come close to finishing it.

Whish Three Whishes Body Butter - Almond | Full-size, $24
Problem: Skin that's rough, itchy, or just plain dry - and majorly in need of moisture.
Solution: Smooth this luscious, antioxidant-rich hydrator onto skin after showering.
My Thoughts: This stuff smells so good! It was one of the first things in my suitcase while packing last week.

What did you receive in March's box?

TruBlend

I recently picked up Covergirl's TruBlend foundation in the shade Ivory. I was interested after seeing so many good reviews about it. Plus, I've been looking for a drugstore foundation that would be safe to wear on my sensitive skin. After testing it for a little while, I've found that I really like this foundation - it takes a bit of blending to work into the skin, but it is very build-able and feels very light on the skin. For me, it's definitely one of those foundations that I'd wear if I was having a good skin day. It gives more of a natural, "I woke up like this", "no makeup makeup" look. The coverage allows my freckles to show through, but still gives a nice coverage. I would definitely recommend this foundation, especially with the summer months quickly approaching.

Have you tried the TruBlend foundation?

Birchbox/5

I'm back again today with another Birchbox!

February's box:
Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle | Full-size, $21.95
What: Best-selling elixir that locks in color, protects from heat damage, and adds silkiness.
How: Spray generously onto damp hair before styling. Warning: Their signature scent is addictive.
My Thoughts: I was so excited to see this product in my box. Although I don't like the look of the packaging, the scent of this product is amazing! It genuinely does help detangle.

BeeKind Shampoo | Full-size, $16
What: Made with moisturizing honey extract, this cleanser leaves hair soft and shiny.
How: Work through damp hair, rinse, and follow with conditioner.
My Thoughts: Although I'm pretty stuck on the shampoo and conditioners I use, I think receiving a sample size of shampoo is great. With an upcoming spring break trip next week, this shampoo will definitely be on my packing list.

CoTZ Face Natural Skin Tone SPF 40 | Full-size, $20
What: Oil-free, mineral sunscreen that bends in sheer for a matte finish.
How: Fifteen minutes before stepping outside, smooth a nickel-sized amount over face and neck.
My Thoughts: This is not one of my favorite things to receive. Because I have such fair skin, it is very difficult to find a shade of any kind of product that matches my skin. The product comes out really dark, is somewhat slippy, and then dries matte. 

Cynthia Rowley Beauty Creamy Lip Stain - Poppy| Full-size, $20
What: A long-wearing stain from the NYC-based designer that gives unbeatable moisture and shine.
How: Sweep over lips with the applicator wand. Repeat for a heavier dose of pigment.
My Thoughts: This was an interesting product in my box. I'm not usually one to wear bright lip colors, but this shade of lip stain has totally drawn me in. I am definitely going to wear this out soon.

TOCCA Crema da Mano - Cleopatra | Full-size, $10-$20
What: Loaded with natural botanicals, this grapefruit and cucumber lotion absorbs in a flash.
How: Rub generously into hands - and anywhere you need a moisture boost.
My Thoughts: As usual, I always love receiving any kind of hand lotion/cream. I use them up so quickly!

What did you receive in February's box?

Better than Luxury Eyeshadow Sticks

I've been in the market for eyeshadow sticks for quite a while, but have never been brave enough to spend $17+ on one. I began Googling drugstore eyeshadow sticks and stumbled upon Rimmel's Scandal Eyes Cream Eyeshadow Sticks/Crayons. Oh my gosh, you guys! These are amazing. Seriously. For just $3 each, these are such a great alternative to more pricey eyeshadow sticks. I bought 011 Bluffing, 014 Bootleg Brown, 003 Bad Girl Bronze (from left to right in the photo above). These three shades combined create the perfect smokey eye. I am so impressed with these because of their lasting power, color pay off, and blend-ability. The sticks are so creamy and you can blend them with your fingers if you're on-the-go. Once blended and let set for a few minutes, I've found that they last for at least eleven hours (I use an eyeshadow primer underneath for extra long lasting power).

Have you tried Rimmel's shadow sticks?

Taking time

photo

I have to admit, I'm the worst at taking time for myself these days. Between school, interning, working, and schoolwork, I haven't been able to find any balance. For example, I felt guilty last week when I came home from class and painted my nails because I knew there was something I could be working on that was due in a few days. I have been neglecting things that I like doing such as blogging, scrapbooking, cooking, being outdoors, and reading. The list goes on. I just don't have time.
I realized when I came back to Birmingham from being home all weekend just how continually stressed and tired I am because I never do anything I enjoy doing. Yes, I really enjoy and take pride in working and I really love my internship and my classes, but I need time to relax and not have to think so critically all the time. Two weekends ago, Gary and I ran a few errands and then binge watched Homeland all day and it was the best day ever. I need more days like that.
So, I am thinking about setting some goals for myself every week about incorporating more things I love doing into my daily life.

Please let me know if you have any ideas or tips in the comments below!

Bronzing

I've recently been into this whole bronzing thing after noticing just how un-alive I've looked all winter. I was using a bronzer from Rimmel, but I realized it was too orange for my skin tone. However, on one of my weekly trips to Target, I found Physician's Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting Bronzer in Light. This bronzer lasts a good amount of the day and is the perfect bronzer for my fair skin tone. The bronzer is not one bit orange - just purely and subtly adding color to the skin. I use this bronzer with my Real Techniques contour brush which really helps focus the product to the cheekbones.

What bronzer do you use?