Beautycounter...

Not too long ago, I was shooting a wedding and overheard some of the bridesmaids and makeup artists talking about if they have ever found a clean beauty product that they loved. I did not speak up since my job that day is to capture the day through the lens, but I kept my ears open with intrigue. They threw out a few brands, the top being The Ordinary. I have never tried these products nor have yet to check to see how clean they really are, but was happy to hear that the ladies were aware how important what they put on their skin really is. Now the next statement got me, “Always love to hear about clean brands, especially when it’s not from someone who sells them.” UGH. That was/is my number one reason I hesitate being a consultant for Beautycounter. The next day I thought about it more and realized if someone did not introduce me to Beautycounter originally I would have never known how great the products are for me. I truly love helping people find a product that may work for them. What I love even more is that Beautycounter is not only supplying products that are actually good, but also doing more by fighting with legislation to make ALL skin care products clean for EVERYONE. When I began Beautycounter I knew my end goal was not to be the top sales person or even sell it at all honestly. What I did know is that if I can be part of making a nationwide change then that I am so in on. You can hear more on all that, here.

I have so many favorite products for Beautycounter, but I finally tried one that I haven’t yet used. For the last few months, I have been actually using my charcoal cleansing bar rather than just keeping it to clean my makeup brushes. Folks, it is good! I know I have mentioned it before, but I struggle with blemishes on my back and it has been clearing it up. I then tried it on my face due to all the new found mask blemishes and it has helped there too. Now this bar is STRONG and can strip the skin of needed moisture if you happen to be on the dry side like me. I use it in the shower at night and am sure to follow up with a good cream. I use Countertime Supreme Cream {I don’t put it on my chin since it is problem area for me} and Ellie who has more normal skin uses Countermatch Recovery Night Cream. Also, I find the best way to make the bar last is to cut it into quarters. I can’t stand a messy bar in the shower.

*By the way the new holiday collection is coming out soon and the preview is amazing. I should be getting my products in soon and can’t wait to share. I thought last year was good, but this year is even better. Like WAY better.

hydrangeas {making them last}

Limelight hydrangeas have been my favorite for years. Every move we have made I was sure to plant at least one in every yard even if it was a rental. Here we have over 20. They take the Alabama heat well and can tolerate direct sun. In Alabama they bloom around late june or early july and give us cuttings well into October. The more you cut the more they flower. Can you believe these have have lasted 2 weeks thus far without becoming crisp. The method is so simple. Cut and be sure to put directly into water. I normally carry around a bucket with shallow water and use my favorite multitool clippers from Lauren Liess. They seem to go in and out of stock so keep your eyes peeled if you are in the market for a pair. Once you are ready to make your arrangement be sure to have your vase filled with water, hot is best. Then remove any leaves that would sit below water level, trim the stem at an angle and dip into Alum Powder. Put directly into water and enjoy.

This is the vase from the Studio Mcgee collection for Target that was released at the start of quarantine. They are out of stock online, but maybe they have one in store by you. I also shared a few more that are similar below {affliate links used}. I love to see an oversized vase on a kitchen island, entry way table, bedroom dresser, etc. It’s a great way to add interest without going knickknacky…

*Alum Powder ~ be sure to label and put in any other place, but the kitchen. Don’t want to accidentally bake with something you dip your plants into.

FORTY

I remember being in grade school and thinking 40 seemed like a lifetime away and those that already had arrived were ancient. Then fast forward to college and my twenties I felt like by the time I turn 40 I would then have all of life figured out. Now that I have reached this mark I have come to know that I am truly just beginning. Some things do come with age. I am more secure in who I am, but that little voice of doubt who I thought would be long gone still remains. I am just now a little bit better at telling it to go where the sun does not shine. Face lines grow deeper, but my laugh lines show years of joy. I find silver strands in my hair, yet the years of needing to have every hair perfectly aligned is not even a thought now. I am comfortable and that is a nice place to be after years of striving to be more. I am a mix of both my mother and father. American raised with Latinx roots. I am a child of God who has seen the unthinkable yet still has the greatest joy. I am a wife and a mother to a family I am still in awe of. Ellie has slowly been teaching me the piano which has been a life long dream that my dyslexic brain could never quite concur. I want to relearn spanish so I can talk to my papa with fluidity. I hope to continue to grow my business and still share here when it feels right. Most recently I started a newsletter that shares my monthly musings. It’s what I hope to be a fun happy to your inbox after months of heavy. You can subscribe here to see more. Thank you all for the years of being on this journey of life with me. You have truly made me better for it.