With so much time at home, I know you have been tempted by the scissors a few times to try a new look, trust me I have too! And because of this, I wanted to share my favorite $36 accessory to take the edge off of cutting that gorgeous hair of yours!
No Commitment Bangs?!
The accessory I am talking about is clip-in bangs! This 30-second installation gives me a completely new look without any regret, maintenance, or commitment. If you have ever cut your own bangs, then you know exactly what I mean. I only want them for a month or two but unfortunately, hair doesn’t grow back that quickly. So if you are curious about what you would look like with bangs before taking the plunge, or are indecisive with your hairstyles as I am, this is truly a game-changer.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of ARC. All opinions are 100% mine.
Anytime I can find a way to save time, or make something more convenient and efficient I am all ears – and yes that includes my beauty routine! So when I found out about ARC has a new whitening pen, I had to give it a try!
A special thank you to NeoCell for sponsoring this post and letting me review their product.
Beauty Regimen
Every year I try to incorporate a new beauty treatment to add to my regimen. This started a few years back with something as simple as taking my makeup off every night, and over the years I have added on things like weekly masks, PM eye cream, teeth whitening, hair treatments, moisturizers, etc. But for some reason taking a vitamin or supplement never dawned on me, so when NeoCell reached out, I knew that was going to be my new beauty regimen addition for 2020.
So, what is NeoCell Super Collagen Powder?
First, NeoCell offers a variety of products, but this particular powder promotes healthy hair, skin, nails and joint support! It’s a mixable blend that can be added to your favorite beverage with just one scoop a day, which is super convenient and means you don’t have to feel like you are taking vitamins, or even change up your routine! You can literally add it to whatever you already drink on the daily. This powder comes in 3 flavors so that blending is so much better depending on the time of day you plan on taking it, and here I will share a few of my favorite ways to incorporate NeoCell Super Collagen into my day.
Since Jhonathan and I moved in together 7 years ago we have had a few different places, and Christmas trees. Our first apartment was only 601 square feet, which meant I went small with a 4-foot tree. It was so tiny, but perfect for the size apartment we had at the time, and since then, we have upgraded our tree a few times. Starting with that tree, and every year since, I have stayed with the same color scheme and “theme” of décor and ornaments for my tree, just purchasing additions every year as the tree got bigger!
This year I had the opportunity to partner with King of Christmas and pick out this amazing prelit 8-foot Prince Flocked tree and I couldn’t be more excited to once again expand our ornament collection, and add this tree to our home for many years to come! This is my first ever flocked tree! Growing up I always wanted to flock our tree to make it look snowy but my mom didn’t want to deal with all the mess. But now that I am on my own I can have the snowy tree of my dreams! I love that there are options now for pre-flocked artificial trees so you get the beautiful tree without all of the work or mess to make it that way!
For those of you who have been following me for quite some time know that I lost my grandmother last year. This was very hard on me as we are like the same person. Same stubbornness, same humor, same love for sweets and honestly we looked quite a bit alike as well! I know that she will always be with me and that I will always cherish the memories we shared, but I really wanted something special to have that when I saw it, or wore it, it would be for her. James Avery has a line of Remembrance Jewelry which was perfect for what I was looking for.
Summer is here and that means a little less accessories for me. For these warmer months I tend to find everyday pieces and stick to those – only changing out earrings with my looks. With the heat here in Houston, it’s all about the shorts, flowy cotton dresses and oversized sunnies. With that said, I still love to make a statement, even if it is subtle. That’s why I fell for this elegant petite script ring from James Avery. It is one of those simple pieces you can wear everyday, but adds such a special touch to your look! This ring is offered in a wide range of sizes, even small enough to wear as a midi ring! I went with my initial, and chose it for my pinky. I have always wanted a pinky ring with my initial but I didn’t want it to look manly so, when I found this piece on the James Avery website it went right into the cart. For size reference I ordered a 3.5.
This outfit is pretty much my summer weekend wardrobe. High waisted shorts and a flowy cotton top. I went for a classic black and white palette to tie this look together with silver accessories including my double buckle belt. This shows how truly versatile a ring like this can be! I wore it with something extremely casual and it still looks as perfect as it would with an evening dress. James Avery has some more the most beautiful sterling silver pieces, all so unique and perfect for gift giving, or treating yourself. Head to their site by June 4th and if you purchase 2 charms you get a charm bracelet or necklace chain for free! See their site for more details!
A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to receive a Fraxel laser treatment with Dr. Rednam, in Houston. I wanted to wait to give you my review and experience once my skin had a chance to fully heal, and I could truly share all of the results with you. So let’s get started!
The process first started with a consultation. Here I met with Dr. Rednam one-on-one in her office so that we could discuss my wants, current skin care routine, and provide her the opportunity to give my skin a full assessment before the procedure. – Yes, you need to take off all of your makeup for this, so it’s best to show up fresh faced. I get cyclical breakouts, some of which can be cysts so before I could schedule my Fraxel session she put me on a round of antibiotics to clear up my skin, as well as, started me on Alastin Skin Nectar day and night to prepare my skin for the treatment. *This is the secret, and most important step to a quick turn around after Fraxel! And finally, we discussed what would happen the day of, and what results I could expect.
FAQ
What is the laser like?
There are 2 lasers used to penetrate, and target specific skin needs such as redness, fine lines, discolorations, and scarring. During the treatment, a pass is made over the entire face with one laser; in a sort of crisscross pattern, and then again a second time with the other grade laser.
How long does the treatment take?
The actual treatment itself takes about 20-30 minutes, but you have to numb first for about 40 minutes; so prepare to be there for around 1.5 to 2 hours total.
Treatment Walk Through
When I arrived at her office the day of my treatment I was first escorted to the photo room to take before photos and sign waivers. After, I went to the procedure room and met with the nurse who applied the numbing cream to my face. After that, you get about 40 minutes to sit and relax while your face “falls asleep”. Next, it’s time to actually get started. The numbing agent was wiped off and I was handed a tube of air which contained Pronox. This is a gas to assist with anxiety and pain management during the treatment. Dr. Rednam wants you to be as comfortable as possible, and for you to have a pleasant experience, so she offers wonderful services such as this! I took about 8 breaths through the tube and we got started!
The first passes are over the forehead, and if you are curious, yes you feel it… but it is a tolerable sting. The best way I can describe it is a hot sensation…sort of like poking at a sunburn. Certain areas of the face are more sensitive than others, and at any time you desire a break she stops and you can breathe in more Pronox. Once both passes had been made across my face with each level of laser, she applied the Alastin Skin Nectar and then Oxygenetix foundation which is seriously the BEST thing! It is the lightest foundation which also includes aloe and SPF with full coverage! This foundation, along with the Alastin Skin Nectar was my routine for the next month, and allows you to continue on your day as normal without anyone being able to really tell you had anything done!
After Care, Healing & What to Expect
Because I had been using the Skin Nectar before the procedure my healing time was very quick, as it preps your skin and gets it into the best condition. So when I arrived home after the treatment I was to ice my face. It was still very numb, but I could feel a lot of heat on my face. Later that evening there was quite a bit of swelling but not much discomfort at all; even when the numbing agent wore completely off. The next morning there was quite a bit of swelling still on my face, as well as redness, but nothing the Oxygenetix couldn’t help with! I was even able to do a photo shoot the very next day! *However I will add you need to keep your face out of direct sunlight and wear SPF!
Now over the next few days my face got super itchy and began to peel. I continued with my routine and no one was even able to tell what was happening under the Oxygenetix! The swelling completely subsided by the end of the first week, and most of the peeling had finished. For me, peeling is the worst! It just grosses me out – but that’s just a personal struggle, lol. I’ll add in a close up pic just so you can see how crusty it got, lol!
SO….How’s My Skin Now?
Everyday that passes I notice brightening and softening to my skin, as well as, less redness in my cheeks. I was starting to get fine lines on my forehead and those are pretty much entirely gone and my smile lines have softened. I have a scar on my forehead which is also much lighter now. – And again, this is all just from one treatment. On average Fraxel is done in 3 sessions depending on the desired results, each spaced out over 6 weeks, with results lasting over a year. Again, this is dependent on age, and desired results.
I am very impressed with the results, and also can’t speak any higher about Dr. Rednam, her staff, along the products used. Every step of the way I knew I was in good hands and have seen amazing results from the Fraxel treatment, the Oxygenetix, and the Alastin Skincare Skin Nectar; which is my absolute favorite product now! It even helps to keep my skin clear of breakouts!
I hope you enjoyed this and if you are interested in Fraxel, or any of the products mentioned just click on the words and you can get everything you need!
A special thank you again to Dr. Rednam and her team for providing me the pleasure of experiencing a Fraxel treatment first hand and for treating me with the upmost care!
UPRIGHT GO reached out to me to collab and honestly I was truly excited because I struggle with bad posture, and have for the last few years. Ever since I graduated from high school, my posture has steadily gotten worse! I attribute this to the fact that I used to be in dance and was always conscious of my posture but once I stopped, I guess that stopped as well.
Posture is super important and makes a huge difference in your daily life! I decided that one of my resolutions for 2019 would be to have better posture, which also inspired me to get back into dance again. To get things kicked off I started using the UPRIGHT GO. This gadget sticks to your back and is synced to an app you download to your phone. When setting it up you input a little data about yourself and your current lifestyle habits, which leads to building out your training plan.
Currently I am set for 25 days at 9 minutes. When you wear the device it easily sticks to your upper back, and once you are connected via bluetooth, it will start the countdown of each session. When your posture is good you will be in the green zone on the app, and when you are slouching/have poor posture, you will be in the red zone which will trigger the device to vibrate until you correct your posture.
I have really loved using this device, and am growing more conscious of when I am slouching and am able to correct it! With only a few days down, I can’t wait to see the long term results from the UPRIGHT GO!
To get one for yourself, and have perfect posture in 2019, check it out from the UPRIGHT GO site! And if you want a little discount, use HALEY10OFF!
Femme Luxe reached out to me to try a few of their pieces and I of course had to say YES! I have been looking to try out their brand, as they cater to a curvy figure so was super excited to give their brand a review! I went for 2 completely different styles, but with the same color scheme; shades of pink and white!
Lookin Sporty
First for the sporty look, we have this 2-piece jogger set. The material is stretchy and warm and love that the top is cropped with a hood. This is such a great quality set for the price! It is super flattering and looks adorable on! I normally don’t feel comfortable in cropped pieces, but this one lays just right! The elastic band at the waist is just the right thickness and the top is not too tight.
City Femme
My more feminine selection was this adorable sweater dress with oversized sleeves! The shade of pink this is offered in is so perfect, as is the chunky knit. The material is heavy enough to wear alone, no need for a slip or spanx! I paired it with my favorite white sock booties, which complemented this dress so well! Also it comes in a few other colors so you are definitely going to want to snatch it up in all shades!
Check out Femme Luxe for some super cute affordable co-ords and dresses! No matter your style, they will have something cute for you!
Jewelry tells a story. It holds memories, represents milestones, and helps to establish ones style.
Since I was young, James Avery has always been a familiar jewelry brand to me. When it comes to mind, the first thoughts I have are; charm bracelets, sterling silver, and impeccable quality. The pieces I have received over the years are still in tip-top condition, and have yet to go out of style! James Avery artisans craft their pieces to last, and with such beautiful detail and care!
For this holiday collaboration, I selected 2 pieces to add to my collection. Those pieces each represent something special in my life, which I am going to share with you now!
The first piece I selected was the Eiffel Tower Charm. I selected it in sterling silver and decided to wear it as a pendant necklace versus adding it to my charm bracelet. At this point in my life, a necklace fits in more with my lifestyle and I love that their pieces are versatile enough to accommodate! I chose this charm because this year for my birthday, Jhonathan and I traveled to Paris for the first time. This has been a travel destination for me for as long as I can remember, and to have the opportunity to visit the “city of lights” was such an incredible blessing! I wear this necklace as a reminder of our adventure, memory of our trip and my birthday, as it was a cornerstone one!
Next up is this incredibly detailed Compass ring. I absolutely love this piece and selected it because of my desire to travel, and explore the world. There is so much out there to see and appreciate, I wear this ring to remind me of where I’ve been and to represent all of the places I’ll go! I suffer from anxiety which, for a short period of time, greatly depleted my ability to live a normal life -much even think about traveling. I promised myself that if I got better I would not let my fears keep me from experiencing all of the things I wanted to with my life and that’s exactly what I have been doing! This ring serves as such an important reminder to me, to not give up, and honestly makes me so proud for all of the things I have accomplished.
Although many people may have the same piece of jewelry, the memories attached, and stories the pieces tell, are as unique and special as the person they belong to, and I love that! So consider picking out a piece for that special someone in your life this season, and if you are in the Houston area, there is a new location off of Post Oak and Westheimer, perfectly located near the Galleria!
