Random

  • Random,  Tips

    How to Read More (& 2019 Book Favorites!)

    ?A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies.” – George R.R. Martin I frequently get asked how I manage to read so much on a yearly basis. Yesterday, I officially hit my Goodreads reading challenge of 50 books for 2019! Yay! By the end of the year, I anticipate having read another 10 books or so. The simple answer to how I do it is… pure love of reading. I love entering new worlds and getting lost in them. It truly is a hobby for me. But there are a few little things that make it a bit easier for me to read as much as I do. So…

  • Random

    October Mood

    ?I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.? ? L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables Happy October! It still feels like summer down here in Texas after an unseasonably warm September. I’m hopeful for cooler days by Halloween though… Until then, I’ll live vicariously through these images (and a short trip to New York to enjoy some chillier temps). I decorated the home with some amazing pale pink Porcelain Doll Pumpkins from the local grocery store. At the end of the season, the flesh will make pumpkin soup and the rind will go into our compost.

  • Minimalism,  Random

    Minimalist Nighttime Skincare Routine with Differin

    Last week, I talked about my minimalist morning skincare routine so, this week, we’re getting into what I use at night. Again, we’re dealing mostly with plastic packaging (except for one metal tube + facial oil in a glass bottle) BUT, overall, a lot fewer products that I have to deal with recycling in general. Also, 4 of the 6 products below are used in my morning routine as well. Oil Cleanse: I bought this with a Macy’s gift card when I had no idea what else to buy. And, you know what? I love it. It smells delightful and is both gentle and moisturizing. Great at helping take off…

  • Minimalism,  Random

    Minimalist Morning Skincare Routine

    A mindful morning routine doesn’t just have to apply to what you do. Minimalism and mindfulness can also take place in your skincare routine. I’ve mentioned before that skincare is one of my “luxury items” — however, lately, that’s been changing. While most of my skincare isn’t plastic free — there are overall a lot fewer products that need to be recycled or TerraCycled. In addition, I stay mindful of the ingredients in each product. Ultimately my goal is for my products to be simple, effective, and with a hint of luxe — because, why not? Oil Cleanse: I bought this with a Macy’s gift card when I had no…

  • Random

    Finding Joy in the Cold, Dark of Winter

    I recently read this article on the “bad season” aka the few months every year (winter, summer, doesn’t matter) where everything just feels BLAH and self care becomes critical. For many people, THIS is the bad season. The part of winter where it’s been dark and cold and rainy/snowy for weeks. When the cheer of the holiday season has worn off. When we can’t be bothered to care about our yearly goals and resolutions. I personally have two bad seasons — one, right now, for 2 months or so and another in June-July when the heat is heavy and oppressive and I have to shower 3 times a day to…