U-Turn: Grab Me a Green Smoothie!

When life throws you a curve ball, it's time to re-direct your energy and make something of it. I've been feeling this way lately, and it's brought me back (in a big way) to something I've always had a huge interest in: health and wellness.

This can be defined in so many ways, as it's different for everyone--but I've been an advocate of organic/local nutrition for years now. When we first started (the now hubby and I) the journey, the changes we began to see in our energy, skin and overall wellness were enough to never look back. That doesn't mean that I don't slip in a saimini (Top Ramen) or Wattie's spaghetti every once in a while. I give in when I feel I'd like to. But what you put into your body (and we've heard this a million times) is unquestionably revealed on the outside, so if that's something you want to change or improve, why not start from the ground up?

Lately, I've been on Kimberly Snyder's health tips site non-stop. Every once in a while I'll pick up a book or journal to read about someones "healthy living" tips, and find myself bored, or of opposing opinion. Not so, here. Her thoughts and feelings are very similar to mine, and (of course this is a great side note) she has spent so much time traveling throughout the Pacific that I can't help but respect her views on all things sprouting in the sea. Her green smoothie recipes--and there are several variations--are amazing, and have been implemented into my morning routine. Also, I've switched from Spirulina supplements to Chlorella tablets. Honestly, these things taste (if you chew them--which is best) like sea vegetable. That's fine by me--I'll eat anything that comes out of the ocean, right down to the sand.

Chlorella is amazing, and you can read about it on her blog--I owe my original introduction of Spirulina (which is very similar) to my dear cousin in New Zealand who would drink it daily. And that's the other thing--is it just me, or does every other country in the world get hip to healthy eating habits years before the US? I can't be in Sydney for example, without seeing masses of people jogging and exercising throughout the day.

So, winding back to beauty. Take a chance on examining your health directives--see what it can do for your hair, nails and skin. I get a lot of questions about those things and what I do to keep them in this or that condition. When I start dissecting my routine, I realize that what I put into/do with my body is the biggest factor that affects what ultimately materializes on the outside.

Just a thought for the beginning of the week..and by the way, Happy Palm Sunday to those of you who celebrate!

Have you implemented anything different into your health/wellness routine lately? What do you feel is a good tip for those of us looking for new ones?

PxP is Over!

That's right folks...about one week ago, I finished Project 10 Pan. I can't believe I finally did it, but it's true. With the end of a Victoria's Secret lipstick in Xhibitionist (a fave that they no longer carry), and my very last brow pencil from old school Hard Candy (honestly, if there was ever anything this soft these days...), it's all over.

Meaning, I had to celebrate. So on over to Guerlain I went, with the hopes of loving the entire Terracotta Summer collection. It was all very nice, however, this project has given me a bit of a change of perspective when it comes to purchasing beauty products. If I don't work hard at using up the things I do have, they will ultimately go rancid before they will ever be used. No, this isn't rocket science..but when your hobby takes over more than what your vanity will allow, you need to draw a line. So of course, I picked up a bronzer (apparently this is where my reasonable thinking ended...but, I limited it to this). My apologies, but I can't resist a pretty bronzer. If that means that I'll have an eternal glow far into my 90's, so be it.

Look at the casing on this pretty little clam. It's half the fun! The shade that drew me, was the Brunette shade, but the artist kindly explained to me that I would be looking all kinds of oompa loompa if I were to attempt it. Although..now that I think of it, it wouldn't be bad after/during a vacation.

So anyhow, I got the Blonde shade. Never have I considered myself a blonde (although some of you may have), but this works fantastically on my skin. The slightest bit of pink blends naturally into medium skin, providing a healthy glow--not a burnt out mess. Yes, it does contain shimmer (due to the compacted mother of pearl), and also a faint floral scent. Either are overpowering, which is why it has been used daily for the past week.

Are those of you who participated in PxP still chugging along? Or did you finish before me (this wouldn't be a shock)? What's your favorite bronzer this Spring?

American Apparel Strikes Again!

Clockwise: Mouse, Rose Bowl,
Passport Blue, Office

I picked up a few more American Apparel nail lacquers, but I'm not sure my days are numbered long enough to fully utilize all of the polish I store. The shop has had me convinced that I've needed to own their deep v-necks in every shade--apparently the same goes for these guys. Have any of you tried these? What's your take?

Anybody want to play nail polish?

Hello, March!

I needed a little sparkle in my life, so I went and did this:

Zoya's Trixie is about as close as one can get to a self-done Minx job. The effect is pure foil and dazzle. It's been going strong for four days now--something that I appreciate with Zoya polishes. They don't carry the strongest polish fume, and the lacquer tends to last longer than other brands.

The last couple of weeks have been busy busy busy. Amongst it all, my nephew and sister came into town. We went to a 1st birthday, and some of the kids volunteered to participate in a doughnut eating contest. This kid loves string, so when they tied his arms together he was thrilled. However when it came time for them to bite into their doughnuts and compete, they all looked as though they were about to cry. It's my understanding he "needed privacy". Mind you, they ate those doughnuts in two bites, the minute they were untied.

Also, a dear friend of mine is expecting twins (both and girl and a boy!), so we threw her a baby(s) shower. The event was gorgeous (it didn't hurt that she looks amazing, WHILE carrying two!), and I'm pretty sure that when they arrive...say three or four weeks down the line, she'll be all set and ready to go.

And in other random news (because you wanted to know this?), I've been having the strangest dreams! One night, I'm buying boxed cobbler to prepare for a group of 100...the next night, I'm dreaming that I've met beauty blogger friends (and their significant others, of whom all are wearing matching nail polish). As if I needed to encourage anymore weirdness during my otherwise peaceful sleep, I picked up the complete set of Grimm's Fairy Tales. It includes my childhood favorite--The Bremen Town Musicians. For those who know how strange these un-Disney-fied originals can get, I'm probably only asking for it with the continued dreams.

So, that was a quick update on what I've been up to. There are several boxes that I'm meaning to get through in terms of reviews and interesting products. It hasn't been due to a lack of ideas, but rather a lack of energy that my posts have been so few and far between lately.

Is everyone excited for Spring? Any major collections you're looking forward to?