Getting Through a Quarter-Life Crisis

The quarter-life crisis is no myth. It's the "what am I doing with my life" phase almost every 20 something goes through at one time or another where you just feel lost.  And let me tell you, with my 25th birthday in a few short weeks, I am feeling mine pretty strong. I've tried to keep my blog strictly beauty related, but I've been in a slump for sometime now and it definitely is reflected in my blog. So I just wanted to get on here and kind of explain whats been going on and give a life update.

Honestly, blogging has been the last thing on my mind lately. I have just felt unmotivated, uninspired and just bored with my content. I'm at the point now where I'm just putting up posts once a week just to post because I feel so guilty when I don't, even though I sometimes straight up don't want to be blogging at that moment. I just haven't cared for quite sometime. Everyone gets the blogging blues, and I know I'm not alone because I've read countless posts on them and how to pull yourself out of one.

But what about when your in a life slump?

I've been out of college for a few years now, and I can firmly say I still have no idea how to adult. As I get older, I realize no one really does and we are just all bumbling through life. But the pressure to have it together is still there; to have a successful career. a house and in the not-so-distant-future, kids. The big focus lately has been trying to get going on some sort of a career instead of just having a job where I live paycheck to paycheck. Job hunting is exhausting, time consuming and your self-esteem definitely takes a beating during the process. Going from being hopeful and optimistic about a job prospect to being rejected over and over again can make anyone feel down in the dumps.

Last year, my husband got in a serious car accident and was in the hospital for a few days. Thankfully, he is doing just fine now, but it definitely marked the beginning on a downward spiral financially and emotionally. Between medical bills, other random, expensive (monetarily and emotionally draining) life events popping up, having to buy not one, but two new cars in the past year (my car decided to hate me and breakdown like every month) AND having a car stolen just to pay more money to get it back weeks later from an impound has been difficult to say the least. Because of all the stress, and just the joys of working with small children, I am sick ALL THE DAMN TIME. My health has not been the greatest, and I haven't been eating as well as I should or being as active as I used to which I know has been a product of stress. Luckily, I have someone to get through it all with, and that I am forever grateful for.

The timing of it all has sucked. It's been so overwhelming and it's been hard to stay positive. Blogging was a nice escape when I first started where I didn't care about how many views, comments or followers I got, I just loved blogging. It actually has been a source of stress lately where I feel pressured to put up quality content with amazing pictures 3 times a week, to be a great blogger, which has just been impossible lately. I've also been thinking about morphing my blog from just strictly beauty to incorporating more lifestyle/self-help posts. Why? Because I can! As I'm changing and what I need in my life changes, my blog should change right along with me.

But as I feel like I'm drowning in this thing called life, there is still a lot to be thankful for. And as I feel alone in all of this, I know that I'm not and hopefully after this rant of a post I can assure someone else that they aren't the only ones either.

All I can say is that it's OKAY to not want to blog sometimes and take a hiatus when you need it. It's OKAY to take time to focus on yourself and to do what you want to, self care is important. It's OKAY to not know what you're doing all the time, because who does? Don't pressure yourself and compare yourself to others, or get down on yourself for not being where you want to be ( I'm terrible at this and have unrealistic expectations for myself), you will get there eventually. It's OKAY to eat pizza two days in a row, you aren't going to die. Take one day at a time, stop and breath. Focus on what you do have, not what you don't and be grateful for at least one thing a day. And when in doubt...

Whew! Sorry for this scattered brain rant/explosion of feels, but I needed to get it out of my system and explain why blog has been so meh lately, believe me, I'm not happy with it either.

In light of all this, I think I will step away from my blog for a little while to better focus on my health and emotional well-being. I also want to rethink my blog and what I would like it to be to post better content that I can be proud of and that is helpful to others. I might post sporadically when I actually really want to, and not just because I feel I have to.

How have you pulled yourself out of blogging/life blues? Got any suggestions for content you would like to see from me? Want to vent about how life sucks sometimes? What is your biggest quarter-life struggle right now?

Comment away!

Thank you for all your support!

xoxo

Jessica

April 2016 Favorites

It's time for another round up of products I've been loving in the month of April, and most of them are actually newer products I've picked up some what recently that I can't stop using!

Let's take a looksy...

I just HAD to pick up the new Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer in Bronze that everyone has been raving about recently, and I can see why it's been so hyped. For one, the packaging is always on point from Physicians Formula and this bronzer is no exception. The product itself is a matte, neutral powder that is pretty light yet pigmented and really blendable. Perfect for fairer girls who have problems finding a bronzer that isn't muddy, orange or too dark. Plus, the coconut/pina colada scent is so amazing that I find myself wanting to use it just to smell it every morning! I've also been gravitating towards my Essie Nail Polish in Off Tropic, a dark green, that recently came out in the new summer collection. I love green polishes, and this one is dark and sophisticated looking which is a nice change of pace from the typical lighter and brighter spring/summer colors.

I also picked up one of the new NYX Ombre Blushes in Mauve and got an Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Liar that was on mega sale at Ulta. This blush is the perfect blend of mauve, purple and rosy tones that looks absolutely gorgeous on the skin. I keep picking this one out of my blush collection almost everyday since I got it I love it so much! The lipstick is a fabulous pinky mauve shade that has amazing pigmentation and the right amount of shine; perfect as an everyday nude. 

Lastly, I have some oldies but goodies that I've been using a lot through April, and they are the Hard Candy Baked Bronzer in Tiki and Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Truffle. The bronzer isn't a bronzer obviously, but a beautiful golden highlight that leaves a glowy sheen on the cheeks with no chunks of glitter. The lip butter is basically a sheerer version of the UD Lipstick in Liar, and is great for days when I'm not feeling a full-blown lipstick but more of just a wash of color.

Top: Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Truffle
Bottom: UD Liar

Top to bottom: Tiki, Butter Bronzer, Nyx Mauve

What were your favorites this month?

xoxo

Jessica

Spring Nail Picks

As we all start whipping out our spring and summer wardrobes, it's also time to put away those deep, dark nail polishes (or don't and do what you want!) and start wearing lighter spring colors! I scoured my nail polish shelf for some of my favorite spring-like shades to share with you all, so let's take a look!

When I think spring, I think light, pastel colors that are really feminine. I LOVE Essie Rose Gold, that is well, a true rose gold with a gorgeous metallic finish and Essie Mademoiselle, which is a light, natural pink. In the bottle Rose Gold looks kinda meh, but on the nails it's straight magical and one of my favorite all time nail polishes. Mademoiselle is the perfect natural, pink nude that just makes your nails look polished and clean.

For colors more on the bright, bold side of pastel (if that's even a thing), I enjoy LVX in Mynt, Trust Fund Beauty in Elegantly Wasted and Defy & Inspire in Stagecouch. The LVX and Trust Fund Beauty polishes I got in subscription boxes, and Defy & Inspire polishes can be found at Target. LVX Mynt is the perfect mint green shade because it doesn't lean too green or too blue but is a true mint. Elegantly wasted is a beautiful dark lilac that is also one of my favorites to rock year round, but is great for spring. Stagecouch is a new found favorite and is a iridescent periwinkle blue with orange, pink and peach shifts. It's seriously a stunning color and pictures do not do it justice!

Those are my spring nail picks! What are yours?

xoxo

Jessica

April 2016 Birchbox Unboxing!

My Birchbox is finally here, and OH MY GOD it's beautiful! The box is designed by Rifle Paper Co. and it's a stunning vintage floral print. Definitely keeping this one!

Let's get into it!

As a bonus, we also get a promo code for 20% off Rifle Paper Co. online. Score! They always have such beautiful notebooks, so I might pick one up.

I got a (MALIN + GOETZ) Grapefruit Face Cleanser and bonus (MALIN + GOETZ) Vitamin E Face Moisturizer. I've really enjoyed products from this brand, and this face wash smells amazing so hopefully it agrees with my skin which has been extra sensitive lately. I'm looking forward to trying the moisturizer too!

I was also super stoked to see a Marcelle 3-in-1 Micellar Solution deluxe sample! I love micellar waters, and this is the perfect size to throw in my travel bag. I've used it once and seems to be a nice micellar water for gentle cleansing.

I am so excited to see an Obessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar sample in Strumpet! I've never tried the infamous lip tars before, and let me just say the color is GORGEOUS! It's a super rich, pigmented raspberry red that seems to have crazy staying power by how hard I have to try to scrub the swatch off my hand. I can't wait to wear this!

Lastly, I got a one time sample of the WEI Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask and a Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask. One time use samples are annoying to me because I end up wasting a lot of product by being forced to throw it away since it can't be sealed back up. I have quite a few hair masks I have in rotation at the moment, so it might be a while before I try this one.

Seriously, this month's Birchbox has blown me away. I like and look forward to using all of these products! Birchbox has slowly become one of my favorite subscriptions over the past few months; keep up the good work!

What did you get in your box this month?

xoxo

Jessica

Products I Used Up #5

I'm a little behind on getting this post up, but better late than never right? I'm particularly stoked about some products I finished because I'm a weirdo who actually loves finishing a product. There is something so satisfying about it! Plus, it's an excuse to buy something new. :) Anyways, let's see my March empties!

Last month I finished my Freeman Charcoal & Black Sugar Polishing Mask, Organix Argan Oil of Morocco Hair Oil, and a sample of the Embroylisse Laite-Creme Concentre Moisturizer. I love love love this mask because it's super exfoliating without being too harsh. I like using it as a scrub instead of a mask, and leaves my skin looking fresh, smooth and clear. I'm currently using a different scrub and I'm missing this one dearly.

 I've had this argan hair oil for YEARS, and I finally finished it! I use it sparingly when I feel my hair needs extra moisture and to help tame frizz. I liked it, and might repurchase it again after I get through some others I have.

I actually really liked this moisturizer I got in a Birchbox! It was a nice moisturizer that wasn't too heavy and even helped prime my face for makeup. I might look into the full size version of this!

When it comes to finishing makeup products, I feel particularly proud of myself because it hardly ever happens. I've been working on my Physicians Formula Mineral Glow Pearls Bronzer in Light and Wet n' Wild Bronzer in Reserve Your Cabana for what feels like forever. Physicians Formula does bronzer so well, and this glow pearls bronzer was the second one I bought because I liked it so much. It looks super shimmery when it's new, but once you scrape off the annoying glitter over spray it's a beautiful satin finish bronzer that doesn't look orange or muddy. It's one of my all-time favorites!

 I am also in love with Reserve Your Cabana as an everyday highlighter because it's more subtle and work appropriate. My skin looks naturally glowy and beautiful when I use this! It's super affordable  Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder dupe and lasts a really long time since it's a giant pan.

I also used up a Skindinavia Oil-Control Finish Spray, one of my favorite setting sprays. It controls my shine and locks in my makeup all day wonderfully. I order it from the Skinidinavia website and they almost always have free shipping and sales.

What did you use up in March?

xoxo

Jessica

March 2016 Favorites!

Spring is in full swing now as we head into April, and that means it's time to reflect on what I've been loving the past month.

Let's take a look at my March favorites!

I recently picked up the Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion for Very Dry Skin because I've heard rave reviews about it. It's a body lotion you put on while your still in the shower and rinse it off before you get out. This is so convenient because I often skip putting on lotion after my showers (too much of a hassle for my lazy self). This stuff is AMAZING! My skin has never been softer and this is now a staple in my shower.

I've discovered my all-time favorite primer combination that I've been using every. Single. Day. It's my Nivea Post-Shave Balm and NYX Pore Filler Primer. I first apply the Pore Filler to the areas with the largest pores, namely my cheeks, and then go in with the Nivea Post-Shave Balm all over my face. The combination is perfect for getting flawless looking skin that keeps your makeup shine free and in place ALL DAY. I highly recommend these two if you have problems with pores and makeup meltdown, because this combo is straight magic.

I've recently re-discovered my sample of the tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer in Park Ave Princess as my go-to bronzer because it blends like a dream, has the slightest amount of shimmer and is a more neutral brown that isn't too warm but almost golden in shade. It's perfect for adding the right amount of warmth and life to the skin and helping to blend out matte bronzers or contours if they appear a little patchy.

I also picked up this Defy & Inspire Nail Polish in Stage Coach, a seemingly new brand at Target, and it's a gorgeous pearly iridescent periwinkle/lavender with pink and gold shifts. Stunning! Lastly, I purchased the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Silk HD Anti-Aging Micro-Powder because it was one of the steals during the Ulta 21 Days of Beauty and I am definitely going to repurchase this when it runs out because it's LIFE. It's a super finely milled, light weight, translucent powder that minimizes pores like no other powder I've tried and sets my foundation beautifully without look cakey. It's loose so it does tend to get messy, but I don't mind because I love it so much. It also works well for setting under eye concealer!

What were your favorites in March?

xoxo

Jessica

March 2016 Birchbox Unboxing!

Hey guys! I'm finally putting up a post on my March Birchbox, even though we are now headed into April. Oops! Let's take a closer look at what I got!

On of the the things I was most excited about was this Cargo Eye Shadow Duo in Joey & The Rocks, shadows from the Down Under Palette. The lighter beige shade is a wonderful light transition shade and the darker brown is perfect for the crease. They don't blend as well as I hoped, but I'll still get some use out of them, especially when travelling.

... and a perfume sample from Blocki This Grand Affair. BOOOOO!

I was also stoked about this Keihl's Since 1851 Super Multi-Corrective Eye-Opening Serum. I've heard great things about Keihl's products, and I love getting eye creams and serums in subscriptions so I don't ever have to buy them! Right now I have so many in my rotation I doubt I'll run out for a verrrry long time. I've tied this one a few times and I've been enjoying the lightweight, moisturizing texture under my eyes. So far so good!

I also got a Juara Radiance Enzyme Scrub, that I have yet to try. I love exfoliator samples, and I can't wait to see if it lives up to the claims of minimizing pores.

Lastly, I got a Number 4 Hydrating Shampoo and a sample of the Hydrating Conditioner to go along with it. These products are very fragranced, and have a strong floral perfume scent which I didn't mind. The shampoo however, wasn't that hydrating in my opinion, and felt like it was stripping my hair of natural oil. It might just be me and my curly/wavy, thick and course, hair type that many shampoos that claim to be hydrating do the opposite for me. The conditioner was pretty good though! I just wish the conditioner was in the bottle, and the shampoo was in the packet.

That's it for my Birchbox! This box is going into my saved boxes stash for sure because I'm a sucker for metallic/mint. :) Not a bad box at all! Birchbox is $10 a month and is perfect for those who don't just want mostly makeup samples, but higher end skin and hair care products.

What did you get in your box this month?

xoxo

Jessica