Friday, January 31, 2014

♡ (Mostly) Raw Work Lunches ♡

I take my lunches to work, here are some of them...






 Lunch #1-

A bunch of lettuce- romaine, and butter lettuce.
Grapes, carrots, tuna, cherry yellow tomatoes.
Prunes,
Banana Larabar, 
2 apples.
I never eat all of this, I just like to be prepared.







 Lunch #2-
Tuna salad,
black and blueberries,
a banana,
apple,
fruit snacks,
larabar,
dates
fresh carrot, orange, and apple juice.
For this lunch I only are the banana, fruit snacks, dates, and larabar. I had the salad the next day for lunch.


Thursday, January 30, 2014

♡ Most Loved This Week- Skincare (Sensitive, Acne) ♡

Hey everyone! I wanted to start sharing with you my top 3 favorites of the week. (It will probably end up being more than 3 in future posts ;))

You know how I am with skincare...Just a little obsessed. ;P
All of these are good for sensitive, dry skin. 

 Rainwater Botanicals Antioxidant Serum-
I love RB serums! This is the third I have tried and once again, I was not disappointed. It's moisturizing and smells amazing! (Review to come)

Devita Solar Protective SPF 30 Moisturizer-
I am almost out of this and it's great. I like that it has hyaluronic acid in it, (my skin likes that) and it doesn't leave a write cast. It also has aloe which is good for acne, and sensitive skin. (Review)

Andalou Naturals Blossom + Leaf Toning Refresher-
I just started testing out Andalou Naturals and like most of what I'm using. I can't believe this is half way gone though! I've actually been using this in place of a cleanser this week, (giving my skin a break) and It works very well. It's not drying at all and refreshes my skin. Only down side....the scent! It smells a bit like alcohol an witch hazel (which I don't like) but isn't so bad if you use a cotton round instead of just spraying it. (Review to come)


Those are my most loved products of this week (and last week....and the week before ;))
What have you been loving this week?


Wednesday, January 29, 2014

♡ Natural Brands To Try in 2014- COLLAB ♡

We all have those brands we want to try but never get around to it. This is to help me keep track of the natural brands I want to try or try more of. So here they are...

Skincare-
Rainwater Botanicals- I already love their stuff so of course I want more!
Andalou Naturals- Want to try more.
Weleda,
Nourish Organics,
Deep Steep,
Pacifica.
Sweet Creek Herbal Care

Makeup-
The All natural face (for skincare too),
Brija,
Silk Naturals,
Pumpkin & Poppy,
Oh Sudz,
Shiro Cosmetics 

Sobe botanicals
Zosimos botanicals
Darling girl

Geek Chic Cosmetics
 




 (Brija eyeshadows)

 (Pumpkin & Poppy cream shadow)

What have you tried from these brands and what are your thoughts? Be sure to let me know in the comments!!

I will link everyone else' posts when they are up :)

Other Bloggers Post on this-
Paula- post
Anapost
Caitie-
(possibly) Ria-
Karen- post
Amber- post

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

♡ Skin Diary- Update, Skin Roller Coaster ♡

Time to rant about my skin. It actually pretty good right now, for me anyway. Of course I still have acne... more than I prefer. 
But it's healing more lately.
Just a few days ago I had that "smoothie" from our coffee shop and there was so much sugar that it broke me out that SAME day. Really bad on my neck. Red, itchy and swollen. I was so mad at that smoothie too :P
Now I'm drinking so much water and skin detox tea it's really helping. If I don't touch or pick at it it's even better.
It seems like whenever I have ANY sugar it makes my acne worse... No sugar, less acne. It's just crazy hard to not have any sugar...and annoying, I feel like I never eat. Tips for avoiding sugar?

For me, skincare doesn't help much. The only things that seem to help the most are the Rainwater Botanicals Troubled Skin Serum, Repair Serum, and Pimple Potion. (I'm out of all of those :P) As well as the Blissoma Rice Cleanser.

The more water I have the better, my skin is more even and a lot less red and irritated.

So there's the secrets for me... No sugar, lots of water, and Rainwater Botanicals, and Blissoma cleanser. 
I will continue to try different skincare for my acne to heal it but what can ya do? It's like a skin roller coaster for me.

Monday, January 27, 2014

♡ Long Distance Relationships- Part 1- My Love Story

Hey everyone! My friend Rebecca was kind enough to let me guest post on her website! I wrote about my long-distance relationship. Here's part one! 

http://elephantsrememberlove.com/taylor-and-micahs-long-distance-love/

Saturday, January 25, 2014

♡ Skincare Saturday #5 Micheal Todd Honey & Oat Cleanser ♡

Time for another Skincare Saturday!
I've heard from tons of beauty youtubers how amazing Micheal Todd True Organics products are so I wanted to try something out! I picked the honey and oat cleanser... Bad choice for me. And I'll tell you why.

Why I don't like it-
It's so drying for me. I have normal skin I'd say- dry in winter, in summer.
This foams up a lot and it really gets off everything on my skin, makeup (I only wear eye makeup for the most part and it removes it well), and oil. But it takes off so much of my skins oil that it dries my face out and makes it fel tight.

Honestly- the only thing I like about this is that it takes off makeup, and since I'm not a makeup junkie that's not my highest priority. I want something that will clean my face without drying it out, and this isn't it for me.



Let me know if you have tried anything from Micheal Todd and how you liked it. 

 ingredients-
Aloe Barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Leaf Juice, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coco Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Oat Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C), Beta-Carotene, Honey, Panthenol (Vitamin B-5),  Potassium Sorbate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange)  Peel Oil, Cananga Odorata (Ylang Ylang) Flower Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Phospholipids, Disodium Edta, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol.

Friday, January 24, 2014

♡ Tea Time! ♡

Hi everyone! I wanted to share with you the teas I have been enjoying drinking.





Yogi Skin Detox Tea- 
I feel like this actually helps my skin and makes it more glowy. The taste is a little sweet and very herbal. Can drink without honey.
Yogi Berry Detox-
This one is more herbal tasting and is to detox your kidney and liver. Can drink without honey.
Celestial Blueberry-
Blueberry is a great antioxidant. I can have this without honey as well.
Bigelow Green Tea with Pomegranate- This is a great green tea but can't do it without honey, it's a little too bitter without.
Tazo Refresh Mint- A great mint tea but a little bitter without honey. I love the minty taste and it soothes a upset tummy.
Celestial Peppermint-
A sweet minty tea, once again soothing for a upset tummy. 


Thursday, January 23, 2014

♡ Hope Journal for 2014 ♡


Last year I got this little journal from Target for about $3
I decided to use it for a full year journal. 
I'm using it to write...
-New Years Goals,
-things I'm doing to work towards them, 
-to do lists,
-video/blog lists,
-to buy list, 
-wishlists, 
and more.

I am a very list and  goal driven person so this has been really helping me work on my goals. It makes me happy when I make checklists and keep track of everything. I've really been enjoying this little guy. :)

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

♡ Cook It Yourself- Gluten Free, Vegetarian Pad Thai ♡

For my first Cook It Yourself I'm gonna share my gluten free and vegetarian pad thai! I made this the other day and made double for my work lunch and it was great!

 What You Need-
- Pad Thai noodles
-1-2 cups of veggies
- 1 egg (optional)

For Sauce- Just add how much taste good to you
- soy sauce (a couple of teaspoons)
- lemon or lime juice (fresh) (about 1 teaspoon)
- honey or sugar (about a tablespoon)
-pepper and garlic (a dash)


How I made this-

1. Cook veggies in a pan- I cooked carrots and onion. (If you use carrots, cook them first about half way, then ad other veggies)
2. Bring water to boil and add pad thai noodles.
3. When noodles are done rinse in cold water.
4. Scramble an egg (optional)
5. Mix together veggies, noodles, egg, and sauce.


 

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Calling all Green Beauty Bloggers/Youtubers! Collab?

Hey girls and guys! I want to do a post/video for " Natural Brands I Want To Try in 2014"...
I think this would be a great collab post! That way we can get more natural brands to check into and share them with each other. I'm really excited to try this and I would love if you joined in with me. 
If you want to join this collab be sure to comment below to let me know if you're in or tweet me to let me know.
My Twitter

For this post is for natural brands you want to try or brands that you have tried but want to try more of. I think it'll be really fun!
Let me know if you're in! Be sure to send my your blog link.

My Post date will be January 29th, ideally we'd post all on that day, but if it's past that and you want to join you still can.

Monday, January 20, 2014

♡ LuckyVitamin Haul- Weleda, Andalou Naturals & More ♡



Hey everyone! I made a lucky vitamin order in December and actually got it over a week ago so here's what I got! 

I also wanted to show you what Micah got me for Christmas-
Pink Warm and Cozy,
Village Naturals Bath Salt,
One Direction Midnight Memories,
and a awesome cat shirt! (He has one to match ;)

Okay getting on to the haul.. I've wanted to try the skin detox tea from Yogi for a while! I actually love this tea! I feel like it does help my skin look better too!

I've heard great things about Wededa so I wanted to pick up a couple of things from them.. I got the Everon lip balm. Which is a thick rich balm, great for nights and winter time.
I also got a body wash from them but it had to be back ordered, must be good though ;)


Also been hearing great things about Andalou Naturals, so I got the Ultra Sheer Daily Defense Lotion with SPF 18. Not gonna give too much away but I love this already, I might end up liking it more than the Devita SPF 30! :O
Also I got the Argan Stem Cell Shampoo. I wanted something to ad some volume to my hair. I don't really like the scent though, it smells pretty musky.



Lastly I got the Blossom + Leaf Toner. Once again I'm not crazy about the scent but it works well so far. All of these are for Dry and Sensitive Skin. Plus are for anti aging. (not really what I got it for though but hey, why not.)


They gave me 2 samples of Toms Toothpaste. And I got the FutureBiotics Enzymes.

So that's what I got! I'm so excited to try out everything! :)

Sunday, January 19, 2014

♡ Skincare Saturday #4- My Favorite Bath Fizz ♡

Hi again! Yes it's Sunday...not Saturday, but I worked most of the day yesterday then we took Micah back right after work so I didn't get home till about 10. I was just too tired. But one day late is better than not at all so here it is...

This may not seem like much.. just a little bath fizzie can't be THAT great right? BUT IT IS!
The Briar Mnt Farms Bath Fizzie is SO nice!

(Pay no mind to the lip balm, picture was taken for my spa night favorites)
Why I love it-
1. It smells amazing! Very sweet and like almonds.
2. It makes your bath water so moisturizing and almost creamy.
3. You can use it as a scrub, just break of  little pieces and rub it in your hands to break it up then just scrub away.
4. You don't even need a lotion after.

I don't even use half of this at a time, I just break off a small chunk and it works fine.

They used to only have one scent online but there's more now, I can't wait to try other scents.
These are a spa night must have for me.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Coffee Shop Lunch & Noodles and Company

Time for a more chill most. More so on the life side of things..
Over the weekend I went to the movies with my sister, boyfriend and a friend and we saw Walter Mitty (which was amazing), after the movie we went to eat at Noodles & Company. I got the Pasta Fresca. It actually wasn't my favorite but it was good.

 So far my favorite has been the Pad Thai from there which I didn't realize does have gluten in the sauce :P

The coconut curry is pretty good too but a little spicy, maybe next time I'll see if they can make it less spicy.

For our lunch at the coffee shop the other day I had a lovely cranberry walnut chicken salad, it was really good.

I also got a pineapple coconut "smoothie" but it tasted more like a milkshake because it was so sweet and actually broke me out really badly that same day Red, swollen, itchy acne. Not good.
 
 Micah got a vanilla caramel smoothie. Both smoothies tasted great but not worth it for me.
 Micah got a chicken salad as well. Looks great right? I honestly love salads!

 

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

♡ Challenge Yourself January- #NoBuyJanuary ♡

Yes this is a little late but I have been pretty busy and I knew it might take me a while to write this. I'm having a little Challenge month.
I'm doing a 2 week sugar detox- http://taylorssimplyjoy.blogspot.com/2014/01/2-week-sugar-detox-diary.html
No Buy January with a bunch of other natural bloggers- http://saintschick.blogspot.com/2013/12/no-buy-january-nobuyjanuary.html?showComment=1388612780395#c4247420050532973781
And I'm starting a 52 Week Money Challenge.

For No Buy January I'm not buying anything I don't need. Which I already do pretty well but I do like taking a month at a time to not buy ANYTHING I don't need.
As of the 14th (today) I've done good! I've only bought drinks and snacks a little.
I have a haul coming but that's from December.

I'm gonna try to get a Wednesday Wishlist  up this week or next week, I love doing those.
Are you doing no buy January? If so how's it going for you?

For my sugar detox it's not as well as I thought. I've been avoiding sweets and candy but still been having sugars in sauces, tea, ect. I need to be a little more strict with it for my skins sake. It's so hard not to have honey in my tea :P

The 52 Week Monday Challenge is to save up money all year. 
The first week of the year you save $1,
the next week you save $2,
week three $3,
week four $4, You get the picture.
You do that for the whole year and by the end of week 52 you have over $1,000!
I would love to use that money for a new camera to advance my youtube and blog more. (What are really good camera's for video and picture but easy to work?)


Monday, January 13, 2014

♡ Vita Care Acai Toothpaste- Best Natural Toothpaste?!

Okay so I have been loving this toothpaste! Best natural toothpaste I've tried so far (out of like 4 I've tried)





I love this toothpaste! It makes my mouth feel SO fresh and clean with a very small amount! It's pretty natural, but not as natural as you can get. I do plan on trying other flavors though. 
It doesn't burn my mouth and it taste great. I have fairly sensitive gums and teeth and this works fine for me.
It's only about $4 I think from the Vitamin Shoppe, I'm sure you can also find it online somewhere.