Hi Loves!
It's been quite a summer! Some good, some bad. Mostly bad.... But I'm trying to look towards better days and move forward, not dwelling on the sad/hard times. I'm ok, my family is ok. But we suffered a tremendous loss a few weeks ago and it's been really difficult, to say the least. I wasn't even going to mention it in this post, but I had these grand plans of starting to blog more, doing more reviews, posting more recipes, etc. Losing a loved one really changes things. It knocks you off kilter, makes you see things differently, and start to question everything in your own life. At least it has for me. But I know that I really love my blog and want to put more time into it. So hopefully all of you are still out there reading from time to time!
While I have had time this summer, I've been trying out some new products, watching some new shows, reading some new books. I wanted to make sure to pop on and share a few of my favs. I know everyone is always looking for the next good Netflix binge and that amazing read to cap off the summer! Throw in a few other products and there's an interesting mashup of summer favorites =)
What I've been Using...
I have been on the serious hunt for really good, preferably organic, antiaging skincare. And I've found a few great products that I've really been loving! First up, this oil (shown above) is the first ever oil I've ever been able to put on my skin and not break out! Got it? First Ever! I've tried A LOT of oils and this is one of the best. Prickly Pear Seed oil rates zero on the pore clogging scale and has so many amazing benefits. I initially purchased it to replace an eye cream. I have tried so many eye creams and nothing was working for me. I was starting to get crepe skin that just seemed so parched no matter what I put on it. And lets not even talk about the darker circles that wouldn't go away! But this oil has helped my eye issues so much!!! One drop, seriously, one little drop shared between both under eyes at night has made huge changes.
The next product is one that is not organic, or even completely clean, but after seeing a Facebook Ad, I was intrigued. Plus I had a credit to use and have been in desperate need of a multi-use cleanser. Let me just tell you, I typically don't like cleansers. I've been using Facial soap for years. I know.... soap on the face, even "facial" soap is supposedly really bad, but I just couldn't part ways. My first love was Osmia Organics soap (I professed my love here) and then I found Skin Owl's matcha beauty bar - my skin loooooooves green tea. Like seriously, loves! And since cleansers always seem to dry me out or break me out, I thought this one would be joining the ranks of the many that haven't worked for my skin.
So I ordered it, tried it and loved it. I can't even describe how wonderful it is. It's a Korean Skincare brand called Klavuu and it's like a combo of an oil cleanser/foaming cleanser. It's a bit on the pricey side, but a little goes a long way. You only need about a pea sized amount. And just turns into this gorgeous, luxurious, nourishing treat for your face. I've noticed a huge improvement in my skin. It looks brighter (hello pearl!), is more hydrated, and my pores appear a little smaller. I'm currently using it twice a day with my clarisonic. Like I said, the ingredients aren't perfect, but it's not super toxic either. And as long as it's doing my skin good, I'm not so strict on being 100% clean these days.
What I've been Watching...
Not only am I a major Netflix bingeaholic, but I also love to watch shows when I'm on the treadmill. I'm usually outside, but on the days that I can't get out - due to rain, heat, or my schedule, I like to prop up my tablet and put on a good show. I've been so into this series called The Night Shift! I watched one episode and I was hooked. The acting isn't super stellar all the time, but it's the perfect workout show. It's fun to watch, keeps my attention and it's 45 minutes. Perfect! Another show I've been loving is Ozark. I know everyone has been buzzing over this one! I'm only 2 episodes in, so I need to catch up a bit before I come across a spoiler!! What's your fav binge-worthy show?!
What I've been Reading...
I have to be honest. I haven't read anything that has blown me away this summer. But I have read some decent books. I typically like to sit and read on my tablet while I blow out my hair in the morning. Blowing out my hair is not one of my favorite pastimes and reading while I do makes it a little more bearable! A few fiction books I've finished over the last couple months are - Remember Me this Way by Sabine Durrant, I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid, and The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo. All 3 were just ok for me. The first one I mentioned is the only one that had me wanting to constantly read to find out the twist. But there wasn't really any crazy twist and it was really just a ho hum ending. Don't you hate that? When a book gives so much build up and it feels like there's still so many questions. Or worse, it just drops you flat on your face. I'm currently reading The Sinner, the same book that the new USA limited Series with Jessica Biel is based on. I'm dying to find out what's going to happen. I'm just hoping the ending isn't lame. It's pretty disturbing so far!
What I can't wait to recommend...
So that wraps up the latest products and things I'm loving. I would love to hear what you've been using, reading, watching, etc! Make sure to let me know in the comments!!!
Christy
xoxo
DISCLAIMER: Please note that while this is not a sponsored post, it does contain some affiliate links. Popsugar kindly provided me with a sample box for my review. However, I was not financially compensated and all opinions are my own.
