MY FAVORITE SKINCARE PRODUCTS!

My friend got me this trial set on my birthday and so far, it's on the top of my list for skincare! It's called the "Beautiful Skin Collection" by My Chelle Dermaceuticals. I've been using it for several months now and I feel like it really brightens up my skin after use. I love that they use natural ingredients and stay away from harsh chemicals that can do more harm than good to your skin. When I use it, my face feels really soft and supple. It doesn't dry out my skin like other products and it smells yummy!

Fruit Enzyme Cleanser 4.4 ozStep 1All Skin Types
Exfoliating, sulfate-free cleanser with Fruit AHAs for fresh, smooth skin.
Benefits: Vegan friendly, gluten free
NOP Certified Organic
Ecocert Certified Organic
Recommended for: All skin types
$17.29

Description

Gentle deep cleanser uncovers remarkably fresh, smooth skin. A special blend of natural multi-fruit Alpha-Hydroxy Acids unclog and purify pores, and increase cellular turnover for a more youthfully refined look. Strengthening and antioxidant Turmeric keeps skin calm and eases signs of irritation, while Fructooligosaccharides from sugar promote and protect skin’s health.

Directions

For a smooth, fresh complexion, gently massage a dime-size amount onto skin with warm water. Rinse completely and follow with your treatment, serums, toner, nourishing cream and sun protection.

This product contains natural alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. To protect your renewed skin cells and achieved results, use a sun protection, wear protective clothing and limit sun exposure.

Bioactive Ingredients of Interest

Multi Fruit AHA Complex (Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Fruit/Leaf Extract) -
Naturally occurring alpha hydroxy acids to help promote smoother, younger looking skin by increasing the rate of cell renewal. Stimulates the lymphatic system to encourage detoxification and skin purifying. Exhibits astringent and tightening properties while relieving congestion and limiting excess sebum (oil).

Pectin (Fruit Enzymes) -
Infuses the skin with antioxidants and phytochemicals that assist in skin repair functions, protects from cellular damage and free radical assault, stimulates cell renewal and exfoliation mechanisms. Also used as a natural polymer that increases ingredient cohesion and water resistance.

Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract -
Strengthens the capillaries through vaso-tonic actions, relieves inflammation, provides antioxidant protection.

Fructooligosaccharides (D-beta) (NutraFlora®) -
A pre-biotic from naturally occurring carbohydrates that promote healthy surface bacteria to protect the skin from harmful bacteria invasions.

Fruit Enzyme Mist 4.4 ozStep 4All Skin Types
Antioxidant-rich, hydrating toner to ease the look of uneven skin tone.
Benefits: Vegetarian friendly, gluten free
Recommended for: All skin types
$27.59

Description

Powerfully repairs youthful radiance, firmness and tone while protecting moisture levels and rehydrating for superior moisture regulation. Antioxidant Turmeric strengthens and vitamin c-rich super fruit Mangosteen supports collagen to help skin maintain youthful-looking firmness and structure. Pectin and Pineapple help resurface by boosting natural exfoliation for ultra-soft and smooth skin.

Directions

With eyes closed, hold toner 12 inches from face and mist after cleansing and applying serums. Follow with nourishing cream and sun protection. Use throughout the day to rehydrate.

Pumpkin Renew Cream 1 ozStep 5All Skin Types
Rich Pumpkin formula moisturizes and protects daily cellular renewal.
Benefits: Vegan friendly, gluten free
Recommended for: All skin types
$25.89

Description

Lightweight yet nourishing formula blends antioxidant-rich Pumpkin Seed Oil with reparative Peptides to protect cellular health and maintain hydration. Astaxanthin, from Micro-Algae, neutralizes free radicals while reducing moisture loss. EGF Peptides promote cellular renewal and collagen production. Organic Shea Butter and Tocomin Vitamin E replenish skin’s lipid barrier to prevent dehydration.

Directions

For beautifully hydrated and balanced skin, apply a dime-size amount to face and neck AM and PM after cleansing, serums application and toning. Be sure to follow with sun protection every morning.

Bioactive Ingredients of Interest

Organic Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) -
Alleviates dryness, reduces erythema, provides antioxidant protection, soothes and relieves tight dry skin.

Organic Cucurbita Pepo (Pumpkin) Seed Oil -
Antioxidant, lipid balancing oil that infuses the skin with phytochemicals that prevent disease while lipids normalize the lipid barrier to protect from infection.

rh-Oligopeptide-1 (Epidermal Growth Factor) -
A polypeptide responsible for growth and repair of epidermis (cellular tissue healing). Stimulates growth of fibroblast cells responsible for collagen production and encourages production of hyaluronic acid. Stimulates various pathways that lead to tissue growth, strengthens tissue, assists in thickening over processed skin, improves cellular matrix.

Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil (Tocomin®), Tocotrienols, Tocopherol (D-Alpha) -
Component of natural full spectrum Vitamin E family (tocotrienol / tocopherol complex) extracted from palm fruit. Abundant in antioxidants and phytonutrients such as plant squalene, phytosterols, co-enzyme Q10 and mixed carotenoids.

(Information taken from: www.mychelle.com/Beautiful-Skin-Collection)

If you are almost out of skincare products and you are looking for something new and exciting, I definitely recommend this trial kit! It's $34.99 so if you just want to test it out for your skin, it's probably much cheaper to go that route than to buy each individual product on its own. I think out of the three products I like the cleanser the most. The one in the trial kit is small enough to take on travel with you so I just keep it in my toiletry bag. You only need a small drop each time you wash your face so it'll last a few months. The pumpkin renewal cream will last you much longer than the cleanser and spray. Anyways, I hope you give it a try!

Another facial cleanser I really like is the "Bliss - Fabulous Foaming Face Wash". The first time I ever used it was at the "W Hotel" because they give you sample sized bottles during your stay. I love the smell and the way it makes my face feel clean and tingly afterwards. My husband and I both used this product for a few months. The only thing I don't like about it is, I think it over exfoliates your skin if you use it too often.

Product Description
2-in-1 oil-free exfoliating face wash Contains rose hip extract, milk thistle, passion flower & chamomile Lifts away daily debris, dead skin cells & impurities Cleanses without stripping moisture Leaves skin clean, pure & fresh Perfect for all skin types - Bliss - Cleanser

Right now you can buy a 6.6oz bottle for $22.00 on Amazon or Sephora.

OTHER SKIN CARE PRODUCTS I'VE USED IN THE PAST THAT I LIKED:

Shiseido’s Skin Care

Perfect, soft and supple skin holds sufficient hydration. In order to retain the right amount of moisture, skin needs a natural moisturizer and sebum. Perfect skin has an exquisite balance of water, sebum, and humectants.

The Shiseido Skincare 1-2-3 brings your skin moisture and smoothness better than the average cleansing and moisturizing routine. The first step is to cleanse the skin. The gentle cleansers lift off the dirt and other environmental factors that have settled upon the skin and leaves the natural sebum your body needs. The secret is the second or softening step. Unlike other multi step systems that involve stripping the skin with toners, Shiseido actually softens the outer layers of skin with lotions that allow the following moisturizers to effectively penetrate deep into the skin. The final step in Shiseido’s 1-2-3 regimen is the moisturizing step. The moisturizer helps to repair the skin and reduce the signs of aging. The moisturizer also acts as a barrier against environmental pollution and UV rays.

I personally love Shiseido products because I think it fits the Asian skin very well. I like their facial cleansing products, their toners, their night and day moisturizers and I LOVE their sun protection line.

$27.99

The sun does the most damage to your skin so it's important to apply sunscreen every single day whether you are going out or not. I'm really sensitive to a lot of sunscreens so I try to pick the ones that don't feel too oily or melt into my eyes.

$26.90

I've been using their "Sun Protection Compact Foundation SPF30 Face Powder" ever since I started to wear face makeup. It's super light and covers well. Plus it protects your skin from sun damage and doesn't leave that yucky feeling foundation does. It also matches my skin tone very well so sometimes people can't even tell I'm wearing makeup. I've tried other face makeup before but I always seem to come back to this one. If you guys have any suggestions, please let me know! I am always very curious to know what other facial products people use.

"Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant"
$31.95

A skin care system researched and developed by The International Dermal Institute. Recommended for all skin conditions This unique Rice-based powder formula activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes that micro-exfoliate dead cells, instantly leaving skin smoother and brighter. Our unique Skin Brightening Complex of Aspergillus, Grapefruit and Licorice helps to balance uneven skin pigmentation while a super-smoothing blend of Green Tea, Ginkgo and Colloidal Oatmeal helps to calm the skin, leaving it extraordinarily clear and refreshed. Gentle enough to use on a daily basis. Not recommended for users of medically-prescribed exfoliation products. Contains no artificial fragrance or color. Ask your skin therapist for a Face Mapping session and your customized zone-by-zone prescription.

I used this product for 3 years or so. Because it's in powder form, it lasts a REALLY long time. I think the only thing I didn't like about this one is the fact that sometimes I felt like I was inhaling some of it through my nose! Other than that, I loved the way it felt on my skin. It is very gentle and makes your skin smooth and even.

"MD FORMULATION MY SOLUTION: Adult Anti-Blemish Kit 5pcs Skincare"
$38.00

My Solution: Adult Anti-Blemish Kit: 1x Facial Cleanser 60ml 1x Vit-A-Plus Cleaning Complex 10ml 1x Moisture Defense Antioxidant Lotion 15ml This clinically formulated kit effectively clears blemishes 1x Sun Total Protector 30 10ml 1x Continuous Renewal Serum 30ml Not irritating or over-drying of skin Helps diminishes visible signs of skin aging Fills out acne scars of past breakouts Perfect for adults experience blemishes - breakouts & enlarged pores

If you have acne prone skin, this really helps get rid of any pimples or blemishes!

ADD POMEGRANATE TO YOUR DIET!

So I did some research on pomegranate because I heard it had a lot of great health benefits for both men and women. Some say celebrities like Oprah and Heidi Klum LOVE pomegranate. Find out why! Here are some random facts I gathered together from different health websites.

- Rich in antioxidants: According to (Alive+Well Magazine) pomegranate is one of nature's richest sources of antioxidants. They contain more polyphenol antioxidants than green tea, blueberries, cranberries and red wine. This makes them a powerful tool to help combat heart disease, premature aging, Alzheimer's disease and even cancer.

- Studies published in the (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition) found that pomegranate juice lowered blood pressure in people with hypertension. The study found that blood pressure was reduced up to 5 percent after two weeks spent consuming pomegranate juice.

- Promotes Heart Health: There are both numerous studies and benefits pomegranate has for your heart and they all seem to tie together. It includes...

Lowering & stopping the oxidation, or breakdown, of LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) which will...
reduce plaque from building up in your arteries, leading to
A decrease in blood pressure & increased blood flow to the heart and therefore...
Less chance of having a heart attack!

- Great for Men’s Health: There are 2 parts... protects against prostate cancer & fights off erectile dysfunction. Some of the cancer-fighting properties in pomegranate help to delay the development of prostate cancer by “blocking” the production of PSA (the marker used to detect prostate cancer).

This combined with the juice’s antioxidants & its ability to improve blood flow may help in the fight against erectile dysfunction. It’s been dubbed as a “Natural Viagra” and has some interesting history to it.

- Anti-Aging and Healthy Skin: May help to slow down the aging process and beneficial in maintaining the elasticity/health of your skin. Probably explains why so many celebs love it!

- Women's Fertility: Drinking pomegranate juice for women's fertility is one way to increase your sex drive, enable you to become pregnant, and also help to ensure that you’ll give birth to a healthy baby. Since the beginning of time, the pomegranate fruit and its juice have been hailed as an amazing promoter of fertility. In Armenia, the pomegranate fruit is a symbol representing marriage and abundance. The fruit has often been seen depicted in drawings and mentioned in historical writings as a powerful fruit with amazing health benefits, including increased fertility, fighting against the natural aging process, and protecting people from diseases.

- Pregnancy: It can protect your unborn baby from brain injury. Pomegranate juice is a great source of folic acid which is essential for the healthy development of babies. Folic acid, also known as "folate", is vital for the formation of red blood cells and DNA, which contains every individual's particular genetic code. New research has also demonstrated a direct link between folate levels and birth weight. Women with higher folate levels during early pregnancy were more likely to have heavier, and therefore healthier babies. Drinking a daily glass is almost certainly the easiest and most delicious way for pregnant mothers to ensure that they and their babies get 100 per cent of the recommended daily allowance of folic acid. So if you are expecting, add this to your diet!

Other health benefits of pomegranate juice include its anti-inflammatory properties, antibacterial/antiviral benefits, and the ability to control diabetes.

SOME COOL POMEGRANATE RECIPES I FOUND ON THE WEB:

Pomegranate Spritzer
Add a fruity splash to the festivities

Ingredients

5 oz champagne, sparkling cider, or seltzer, chilled
3 oz pomegranate juice, chilled
3 fresh pomegranate seeds or frozen cranberries

Directions
1. Pour champagne into a festive 8 ounce glass. Slowly fill almost to brim with pomegranate juice. Drop in pomegranate seeds and serve

Caramel Apple Pomegranate Parfait (serves 2):
Print this recipe!

1 C granulated sugar, plus 1/8 C, plus 1 t
6 T butter, plus 1 T
1 t vanilla extract, plus 1 t
1/2 C heavy/whipping cream, plus 1 C
2 macintosh apples, chopped into small cubes
1/8 C brown sugar
Arils from 1 pomegranate

POM Passion Smoothie by POM Wonderful
Time to Table: 15 minutes
POM Passion Smoothie Ingredients:

2 oz. freshly squeezed pomegranate juice* or POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice
6 oz. non-fat yogurt
1 cup fresh strawberries
Handful of ice

Preparation:

Blend all ingredients together until the desired consistency is reached.

Notes:

* This smoothie can be made with freshly squeezed juice from a POM Wonderful Pomegranate or by using POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice. To juice the pomegranate, cut it in half (as you would a grapefruit) and juice using a citrus reamer or a juicer. Pour mixture through a cheesecloth-lined strainer or sieve. One large POM Wonderful pomegranate will produce about 1/2 cup of juice.

POM Ginger Muffins by POM Wonderful
Time to Table: 30 minutes
Servings: 12
POM Ginger Muffins Ingredients:

1/2 cup arils from 1 large POM Wonderful Pomegranate or POM POMS fresh pomegranate arils
2 cups flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chopped candied ginger
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
1 cup milk
1 egg
1/3 cup butter, melted and cooled sugar for muffin tops

Preparation:

Score 1 fresh pomegranate and place in a bowl of water. Break open the pomegranate underwater to free the arils (seed sacs). The arils will sink to the bottom of the bowl and the membrane will float to the top. Sieve and put the arils in a separate bowl. Reserve 1/2 cup of the arils from fruit and set aside. (Refrigerate or freeze remaining arils for another use.)
Preheat oven to 400ºF. Generously grease 12 muffin cups.
In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir in ginger, orange peel and pomegranate arils. Make a well in the center.
In a measuring cup, whisk together milk, egg and cooled butter. Pour liquid into well. Stir just until batter is moistened and ingredients are evenly mixed.
Spoon batter into 12 prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle tops with sugar.
Bake in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until lightly browned. Let muffins cool in pan for 10 minutes before removing.

POMEGRANATE SWIRL POP

Ingredients
Serves: Prep: 6min |Cook: 0min |Total: 8hr 6min

8 oz pomegranate juice
1/2 cup plain 2% Greek yogurt

Directions
1. Fill two-thirds of each ice-pop mold with pomegranate juice. Add enough yogurt to fill the molds to the top, about 2 tablespoons per mold. Slide a knife or chopstick into each mold and swirl until a pattern forms. Insert sticks and freeze for about 8 hours.

PINK POMEGRANATE LEMONADE!

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 cups pomegranate juice
2 cups granulated sugar
7 cups water

Instructions

In a large pitcher, combine the juices, granulated sugar and water. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
Refrigerate until ready to serve, up to one day.
To serve, stir pretty pink pomegranate lemonade, then pour into tall glasses over ice. Add a splash of coconut rum for an “adult” lemonade.

FOR MORE POM RECIPES GO TO - http://www.pomwonderful.com/recipes/


Pomegranate juice is available in many supermarkets so be sure to read the label to make sure you’re getting a quality product. Make sure it’s 100% pure juice, or 100% pure juice from concentrate at the very least. Also make sure that no sugars are added.

This is the kind I bought from Costco. It was less than $7.

WARNING: Drinking too much of it can cause you to have constipation so don't over do it. According to www.NaturalNews.com, a daily 8-oz. serving of pomegranate juice is enough to benefit your health

MY $12 EYESHADOW PALETTE FROM CVS!

I was at CVS just browsing through the makeup section and came across this cute little eyeshadow palette. I usually never wear eyeshadow but I love these metallic nude colors! Not bad for $12 bucks. :)

I also got this felt-tip brown liquid eyeliner. I tend to avoid most eye makeup in general because I hate having raccoon eyes when I wash my face and I tend to rub my eyes unknowingly when I'm tired so this liner does the job. Because it's felt tip, it's very easy to apply and doesn't make a mess when you rub your eyes or wash your face. It comes right off with no need for makeup remover. I love it! Only $8.49 at CVS.

Speaking of eye makeup and not liking things that smear easily or hard to remove, I love love love this mascara. It's called "Kiss Me" by "Blinc" and you can buy it at any Sephora store for $24. It comes in Black or Brown. Not only does this mascara make your lashes look super long and volumized, but it's ideal for people with sensitive eyes or for people who wear contact lenses. It's clinically proven to be non-irritating and I love it the most because it washes right off with no need for eye makeup remover and no matter how much I rub my eyes, it wont come off unless I wash my face with warm water.

Kiss Me Mascara
What it is:
The famous pioneering, tube-technology water-resistant mascara.

What it does:
Blinc Kiss Me Mascara is the original tube-technology mascara. It's invented to form tiny water-resistant "tubes" around your lashes for maximum amplification and hold, rather than painting them like conventional mascaras. Once applied, the tubes bind to your lashes and cannot run, smudge, clump, or flake, even if you cry or rub your eyes.

What else you need to know:
This mascara adds both volume and length, to give you a radiant natural look that lasts all day. Neither water nor pressure alone will remove Kiss Me Mascara. Only the combination of lots of warm water and gentle pressure (no need for harsh makeup removers) will slide the tiny tubes effortlessly off your lashes into your hand. Upon removal, you will actually see the tiny tubes slide into your hand.

MAKE YOUR OWN PIZZA IN 15 MINUTES

My husband and I like to make our own pizza at home. This weekend we stocked up our refrigerator with lots of fruits and vegetables. We are going to challenge ourselves to eat a healthy meal everyday and resist the urge to eat out.

Here is a simple pizza recipe you can use at home:

- Flat bread or Naan
- Spaghetti sauce or pizza sauce (they seem the same to me)
- Ricotta cheese (go light with 2.5g of fat)
- Fresh Spinach
- Roma Tomatoes (sliced)
- Olive oil and balsamic vinegar to drizzle over the top

Preheat the oven to 375 before you begin putting together your pizza. By the time you are done layering all the toppings on you should be able to stick it in the oven and wait about 15 minutes or a little longer until the bread gets crispy on the bottom.

Anyone can make it! It's super easy and much healthier than store bought pizza.

WHEN TO TOSS OUT YOUR OLD MAKEUP!

Did you know your makeup expires? Here is a little video clip and a list of guidelines from "Good Housekeeping" magazine to give you an idea of when you should throw out your old makeup.




Face Makeup

Toss-it time: Six months for liquids; two years for powders
Insider info: You increase the odds of bacterial growth — and, hence, of breakouts or irritation — when you repeatedly dip your brushes and fingers into liquid foundation. Also, as it ages, foundation can go on unevenly, creating a streaky, inconsistent finish. “Oils rise to the top, and the consistency thickens,” explains New York City makeup artist Mathew Nigara. Powders present less of a problem because bacteria can’t grow where there’s no water. However, over time, powders with botanical ingredients like aloe or jojoba can become harder to blend and are more likely to crumble, as their trace amounts of water evaporate.

Mascara

Toss-it time: Three months
Insider info: “A mascara tube is a dark, wet environment — the perfect breeding ground for bacteria,” says New York City optometrist Andrea Thau, O.D. “Preservatives in a mascara only work for so long.” Dr. Thau knows from firsthand experience: She once developed a sty from a makeup artist’s mascara wand. Plus, three-month-old mascara is a nonperformer. “It’s chalky and powdery, and any lengthening or thickening fibers often separate from the fluid, so the mascara stops going on in a smooth, even coat,” says makeup artist Cristina Bartolucci. To avoid hastening the demise of your mascara, never pump the wand — that pushes air into the tube, causing it to dry out faster. Instead, slowly draw out and twist the brush to scrape the tube’s interior and pick up product.

Eyeliner and Eye Shadow

Toss-it time: Liquid eyeliners, three months; cream eye shadows, six months; pencil eyeliners and powder eye shadows, two years
Insider info: As they do with mascara, bacteria tend to flourish in liquid-eyeliner tubes, and the product dries out. Pencil eyeliners have a longer shelf life because you can create a fresh, clean surface each time you sharpen them. (Just be sure to regularly sanitize your sharpener with rubbing alcohol.) Powder shadows, like pressed powders, are less prone to contamination because they, too, lack water (if you wet them, toss after six months). But aging eye shadows have performance issues: They get packed down, making it harder to pick up pigment with your brush, says Bartolucci.

Lipstick and Lipliner

Toss-it time: Lipstick and gloss, two years; lipliner, two years or more
Insider info: Lipsticks’ water content makes them potential mini reservoirs of bacteria. No surprise, they also dry out with age, says New York City makeup artist Tina Turnbow: “They no longer look creamy on the lips.” Long-wearing formulas may have an even shorter life span since they often contain ingredients that evaporate more quickly than creamier formulas. Pencil lipliners, like eyeliners, may last a little longer since putting them through a sharpener removes the old surface.

Nail Polish

Toss-It Time: One to two years
Insider info: When polish expires, the consistency turns gooey or stringy, says Ji Baek, owner of Rescue Beauty Lounge in New York City. Formulas are especially sensitive to temperature extremes and humidity, so avoid storing in the bathroom.

Skin Care

Toss-it time: Acne creams and other over-the-counter products that contain drugs are FDA regulated and usually carry expiration dates. But cosmeceuticals (products claiming to have anti-aging and skin-changing benefits) are not regulated, and once they’ve been used, they shouldn’t be kept for more than six months — or, if they’re in pump bottles, a year — says Wilson.
Insider info: “Some ingredients [such as vitamin C, retinol, and hydroquinone] degrade even more rapidly if they’re left in direct sunlight or exposed to air,” says Tina Alster, M.D., a Washington, D.C., dermatologist. Less frequently — but more alarmingly — certain products can actually become more potent over time, says Boston dermatologist Ranella Hirsch, M.D. The reason: Active ingredients like retinol and glycolic acid become more concentrated as their bases degrade, separate, or evaporate. And when proportions change, your skin may get irritated. To prevent problems, store cosmetics properly, discontinue use after six months, and look for products that come in a pump, which helps keep air out. Another option that’s starting to hit shelves: special jars that dispense creams through a tiny hole or slit when you press the top (an internal “floor” rises with each push).

Sunscreen

Toss-it time: Six months
Insider info: Sunscreens are FDA regulated, and though they usually have expiration dates of at least one year, that date indicates the purchasing time frame, says Wilson: “When you open a tube, water may start evaporating, causing the formula to eventually become unstable. Once that happens, the ingredients are no longer evenly distributed, so you may get a lot in one dose, but nearly none in another.” Protect your tube by storing it out of the sun.

Hair Products

Toss-it time: One year
Insider info: Always close the caps of shampoos, conditioners, and styling products tightly. Otherwise, water and air can get in, breaking down the formulas or causing them to separate. (Good news for hairspray users: Aerosol cans are the best product protectors going, so sprays should stay good even longer.)

Fragrance

Toss-it time: Two years — or potentially many more
Insider info: “Eau de toilettes and perfumes can last for several years, as long as they’re kept out of humidity and sunlight,” says Robert Gerstener, co-owner of Aedes de Venustas, a New York City fragrance emporium. “Both of these elements can alter notes in a fragrance, which will then change the overall scent.”


Your When-to-Toss-It Timeline

Every season: Toss your mascara and liquid liner
Every six months: Toss your skin-care regimen, sunscreens, and liquid foundation
Every year: Toss your hair products (except hairspray)
Every two years: Toss your powder-based cosmetics (such as pressed powder and shadows), lipsticks, and nail polishes

Read more: Beauty Product Expiration - Nail Polish - Skin Care Products - Good Housekeeping

STARTING OFF THE NEW YEAR WITH A FRESH START!

If you have a ton of shoes in your closet and don't have enough space for more, I recommend you get this hanging shoe organizer for your closet door! It seriously saves you so much room and neatly organizes your shoes. I put my heels on one side and my flats on the other side. It's easily visible and super cheap to buy. Now I'm officially done cleaning out my closet, cleaning out my shoes, and cleaning out my makeup bags!

Another thing I bought two years ago that I highly recommend for the car:

I tend to carry around a lot of shoes in the back of my car because I always figure I might need a few extra pairs for last minute emergencies or a change of plans! For example, if you are going to the gym after work or you want to switch to heels after walking around in flats all day, its nice to have some extra pairs of shoes readily available. This collapsible shoe organizer sits in the back my of trunk and not only does it store my shoes, but when I buy groceries, I can expand it and make sure my stuff doesn't roll around and make a mess in the back of my car.

REFLECTING ON THE NEW YEAR

Today marks the first day of 2012! Looking back on 2011, there were a lot of challenges that also brought forth many blessings. I am really excited because I think 2012 will be a year of many great changes. I pray that God will urge my husband and I to serve our church and our community more this year. We have been really lazy in that department and really want to start getting more involved. We also want to keep up with our daily workout routines and eat healthier. The holidays sort of messed us up for a few weeks but we are ready to get back on track!

Over the past few weeks I spent a lot of time meditating and reflecting on the things I've done in the past and the things I want to do in the future. Keeping a daily journal is something that has helped me tremendously over the years. Writing has always been a way for me to express so much of myself and sometimes it helps me to better understand my own wants and desires through a process of self reflection, re-evaluating what's important and what matters, and being able to see the hardships and struggles manifest into something so beautiful and worthwhile. It also feels good to just let it all out instead of holding it all in (and the best thing about it is, it doesn't talk back).

Sometimes when you are in the pit of darkness and distress, it's hard to see things clearly and understand why God lets bad things happen to people. However in retrospect, I've learned the most from my greatest mistakes and my greatest hardships. God is so good and he knows us so well. His timing is perfect and his love is so deep and unconditional.

Today I feel most blessed that God has blessed me with the most incredible husband in the world. The more I spend time with him, I find that he truly is my soul mate... He's my best friend, my lover, my rock, and the reason why I smile so big each and every day. Traveling to different places and trying new things together has been the most exciting part of our marriage. I love the fact that we both love it so much because we are able to explore the world together and create lasting memories that will forever be cherished between the two of us. Since I was a little girl I specifically prayed everyday for my future husband and God was so faithful to that prayer. He truly matched me up with someone that is so perfectly compatible with me. I truly believe that God has and will always be faithful to our prayers.

I love this following bible passage because it helps me to trust in God even when times are tough. Sometimes when I get anxious or when I doubt God is hearing me out, I am reminded of this verse.

Proverbs 3:5-6
New International Version (NIV)
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.[a]

Submitting to God has been a great struggle for me up until more recently. I hate to admit it, but I guess I can be a little bit of a "control freak". I'm so used to being in control of my own life and believe it or not, I have very little patience when I have to wait for something longer than expected. Perhaps that's why in 2011 God has been teaching me to be "patient" and in the process of waiting for him to answer my prayers, he has taught me to appreciate life as is. To count my blessings and to know that everything I already have is a gift that I did not deserve in the first place. I am re-learning to appreciate my body, my mind, and most importantly my spirituality and really trying to deepen the core of who I really am. It's all very new and exciting for me. :) Sometimes masking your life by keeping too busy can do more damage in the end because you don't get to the root of any of your problems. Blogging about fitness and health has become a tool for me to not only keep myself accountable this year but to also stay motivated in living a healthier and happier life for a brighter future. I hope 2012 will be a fantastic year for everyone! Thanks for reading my entries! Happy New Year!


SOME MOTIVATION FOR 2012: