Hiya beauties!

It’s almost that time when everyone compiles a list of resolutions for the new year. Some of us keep these resolutions throughout the year and someone of us keep resolutions a week into the new year (guilty).

As I was daydreaming about what my resolutions would be, I decided to share my resolutions on my blog to help keep me accountable.  And hell, maybe I’ll inspire you to make some resolutions too! My resolutions are not all beauty related and not all completely serious and thought-provoking, but I think they will make me a better busy beauty bee regardless.  So, here goes:

1.  Fully embrace my naturally wild wavy hair.

Figure 1: Evidence of my childhood wild child hair.  Photo cred: Momma Bee’s facebook

I have had always crazy wild hair since I’ve had hair.  But like any other woman on earth I have decided that the grass is greener on the other side, and have straightened my hair for years.  My biggest issue with embracing my curl was a lack of consistency throughout my hair.  As as kid I had Shirley Temple curls, then I had more wavy hair in high school, then curls, waves and stick straight patches after years of straightening in college.  Over the last few weeks I have researched the best ways to enhance naturally curly hair.  I’ve found that the type of towels you use to dry your hair can affect the pattern of your curls, that shampooing daily can dry and disrupt curls etc. etc.  So this is my resolution to stay true to my roots and give my poor old hair follicles a rest. Those of you that know me and my compulsive desire to change my hairstyle know this may be a challenge. Let’s be clear though, I make no promises about haircolor.

2.  Get back on track

While I love the variety and deliciousness of San Diego cuisine (mmmmh fish tacos…), my waistline does not.  Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a “oh, I need to lose 100 lbs” resolution.  My resolution is to get back on track to a diet centered on fresh veggies and fruits instead of processed junk, green tea instead of Red Bulls and water all day long. I haven’t felt good about my diet and exercise decisions in a while and I’d like to get back to being proud. I’d like to get back to putting on anything in my closet and feeling really damn good about how I look…. and still make an occasional trip to Roberto’s or Baja Betty’s.

3.  Be a better future Au.D.

I was really blessed to have been taught by one of the best clinical audiologists you could find.  He really instilled in me the value of always striving to be a better clinician: more compassionate, more introspective and always adapting to the patients’ needs.  I have decided to actively work on a reflective journal in which I reflect on each patient: what did I do well? what could have I done better?  Did I really address the concerns of the patient or did I address my agenda? The journal is a tangible way to track progress and an easy way to set aside time to reflect and improve.  To other future Au.D.s, I got this idea from IDA and a template is available through the organization’s website at  http://idainstitute.com

4. Put down the remote, pick up a book

Simple as that, cut back on my time glued to the ‘tube and replace it with time spent in a book.  On that note, read anything good lately?

5. Embrace the domestic side

I’m super spoiled that I have a fellow vegetarian future hubs who is an amazing cook.  I’ve always said that I would like to cook and chip in but never really made the effort.  This year, it’s going down.  But only after I get an adorable apron so I can dress the part, of course.

Figure 2: Yeah, this will do.  Photo cred: Modcloth.com

6.  Commit time to things I love, no matter how silly/selfish

I am going to commit to writing on the blog once a week.  Sure some posts won’t be earth shattering, and probably will not be all completely beauty related.  Still, I think a large percentage of my “readers” are just friends and family who are interested in what kind of nonsense I am up to.  But don’t worry, most of that nonsense is likely cosmetic related.  I just love playing dress up with makeup too much.

So there it is, beauties.  What are your resolutions, beauty or otherwise?  Do you think I can keep my resolutions?  What ones will I break?  Any suggestions to keep me on track? Leave it in the comments!

XO,

3C

Hiya beauties! 

  Now that we’ve been introduced via my favorite luxury and drugstore products and best beauty subscription finds, I think its time we establish what else you want to see from me.   I have a few ideas of things I want to research/try/blog.  Tell me what YOU want to read?

It’s a Thing

A re-occurring feature where I talk about a favorite product or technique, or maybe something new and noteworthy for me.  For example, did you know all the wonderful things you can do with coconut oil?  I recently discovered a blog advocating incorporating coconut oil into your beauty routine and diet for better hair, skin, weight loss benefits and improved digestion.  I spent some time investigating tutorials for treatments for hair and skin using the oil, the best brands to use (organic versus non) and other facets of giving this thing a try.  Would you be interested in reading about my new tips and tricks? Coconut oil, it’s a thing. 

Tutorials

Tutorials are my personal favorite from beauty blogs.  Are you interested in tutorials on a specific look (i.e. smoky eyes and nude lip) or tutorials using a specific product (i.e. a look using the new Urban Decay palette)? This could be makeup, hair treatments, hair styles etc. etc.  I’m always up for trying something new, and if it goes well, I’d love to share it with you!

Reviews

I’m kind of a sucker for the latest and greatest.  Interested to hear my thoughts on the latest product or trend?  I’ve been dying for an excuse to try a CC cream.  Want to see what I think before you buy?  

Versus

Comparing two like products head to head.  Drugstore brand versus luxury? Organic versus non?  Latest and greatest versus the tried and true classic?  

So, beauties, what do you think? Leave it in the poll and we’ll have a post later this week!

 XO, 

3C

Hello beauties!

The other day I had an in-depth discussion with my fellow Au.D-to-be about our love for all things beauty: what products ushered us into this obsession, what products we use on a daily basis, what are our favorite brands etc. I LOVE swapping tips, tricks, and product recommendations with other girlie girls. Our discussion gave me a great idea for a post: a few of my favorite beautiful things. There are SO many things that I love that I’ve decided to break my favorites into three lists: “luxury” products, drugstore finds and products I’ve found from subscriptions services like MyGlam and Birchbox. Let’s start with the good stuff, my favorite “luxury” products.

Benefit’s They’re Real! Mascara

Lengthens, adds volume and separates like no drugstore mascara. That said, the cost is well above drugstore mascara at $23 a tube. Good news is a deluxe sample size ($10) is offered from Benefit and Sephora so you can sample before the big investment.

Benefit’s The PoreFessional


Another great product by Benefit. This primer smooths skin for even makeup application, reduces shine and evens skin tone. Some days I don’t even use makeup, just this dandy little primer and a bit of powder. Again, a bit pricey but definitely worth it in my opinion. I use it daily and a little goes a long way.

Sephora Collection 12-Hour Eye Wear Liner
I am a sucker for a dramatic cat eye. I have been using this product for years and really love the ease of use with the wand. Definitely recommend this along with any Sephora collection product.

Urban Decay’s 15 Year Anniversary Eyeshadow Collection

I LOVE Urban Decay shadows: highly pigmented, staying power and amazing array of shades. This palette includes subtle neutrals like Flow and Deeper, and bold brights like Junkshow and Deep End. This palette is my go-to for weekend looks.

Buxom’s Big and Healthy Lip Polish in Samantha

I wear this literally almost every day. I got a deluxe sample from Sephora forever ago and have been hooked since. It’s the perfect amount of sheer gloss and plumper. Looks great on fair-skinned (pasty) girls like myself.

NARS Pure Radiance Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 in Alaska

Just like Benefit’s the PoreFessional, this product is great alone or as a base. I love the coverage: light-weight with a dewy glow. Although it isn’t marketed as a BB cream, this product includes all the benefits of a BB: SPF, agents for improving skin tone and light coverage.

So beauties, what are your favorite products? Any of my products on your list? What are you favorite indulgences? Let me know in the comments!

xo,
3C