Lifestyle

My first time going to see a motivational speaker & it was freaking TONY ROBBINS!  You guys.  I don’t think you understand how much I used to obsess over this man & his story.  I saw him on Ellen years + years ago.  I bought one of his books while in Dubai & when I finished it, Wafiq read it too.  We’ve both tried to steal his energy in our day to day living, so to get the opportunity to see him live was so fortunate!

I wanted to quickly pass on a key point or two that we took away from hearing him speak.  Obviously in no way will I be able to reproduce any of his information, you’ll have to go see him for that, BUT there were a few things that gave both of us a beautiful refresher on this wonderful life we have.

I’ll set the tone, Tony started his speech by saying we had nothing to truly complain about.  If we were able to afford tickets to that convention & had health enough to participate – we are fortunate.  I always remind myself of that exact same thing.  If we’re functioning, if we have our health & we can walk around – we should be grateful.  (You HAVE to watch this 2 minute YouTube video.  I stole it from Joe Rogan’s podcast. OMG it’s fucking everything.  Watch: here)

Tony Robbins doesn’t see himself as a motivational speaker because he doesn’t tell you to change your mind, or to think positively.  He believes & teaches a strategy.  He said, if there’s a weed growing in your backyard he’s not going to tell you to go think really hard & be as positive as possible about this weed going away & any future weeds coming into the garden.  Instead, he’s going to tell you to go out to the backyard right away & pull out the fucking weed.  He’s more than simply thinking positive.  Strategy.

He major believes in movement & energy.  Physically moving.  That’s why he jumps around a lot at his conventions & “Go Crazy!” is flashing on the projector screen.

His energy is UP.  And ours should be too.

Today is for beauty & makeup; a foundation review from me to you!  I know I’m always telling you guys how much I don’t like wearing full foundation, & that’s true, but I wear it anyway.  I made an online purchase from Sephora months ago & they were doing a promotion.  With the promotion, you received almost 20 different top brand foundations w your purchase.   When I received the package I realized Sephora wasn’t messing around – so much fucking product.  If you’ve ever bought brand name foundation, you’ll understand this was $$$$.

Lucky me, each brand came with a range of colors & I got away with using about 3 different shades of each brand, depending how tan I was.  A lot of testing happening.

For the past 5 or so months I’ve been experimenting with a different foundation, daily.  My goal was always to wear the foundation in the morning & throughout the day so I was able to see it’s lasting powers.  

Here’s what I found out.  Most foundations are the same.  Boring?  I know. 

Because I obsess over Beauty YouTubers, I was expecting some major moments w each of these foundations, but nope.  Not for the average girl like me.  Which leads me to saying, I’M NOT A BEAUTY GURU.  I like makeup, fashion, sparkle – but I’m not a professional.  So this review is for the everyday girl at home that’s also not a major beauty guru (but may dream about being one someday).  My descriptive language will quickly give away I’m no pro, so take this as different, unique feedback on some top foundation brands.

If you follow my Instagram Stories you may be wondering why I never touched the topic of my extremely dark spray tan I got for a wedding a few weeks ago.  Eeeeeeek.  When I say I have no fear w a fake tan I mean it.  Here’s a little update on sunscreens & spray tans, because – SUMMER.

Let’s start with something we can all agree on: Sun Protection.

I think it’s pretty obvious that using some kind of sunscreen is important.  It’s 2018.  We’re smart.  We know.  Whether it be for your face, your entire body, every day, at the pool, or everywhere – sunscreen is happening.  I also think we’re learning what types of sunscreens we should be wearing & when.

I choose to wear sunscreen often, but not all the time.  I don’t know if any product is safe enough to wear all over our bodies, every single minute, of every day.  But I try to be conscious & cautious by picking out better sunscreens & knowing when to wear them.

QUICK!  It’s selling out!  ALL OF IT! The yellow that is.

Yellow is a bright color that reminds people of the sunshine & warm summer weather.  Be the sunshine.

With our summer (fake) tans & the sunshine out all day – yellow is the perfect compliment & totally the in color.  Pay attention & you’ll notice it everywhere.  You saw Amal Clooney at the Royal wedding?  Rocking full & particularily vibrant – YELLOW.

Yellow promotes energy, cheerfulness & joy.  Bright & draws all the right kind of attention showing off your confidence.  I’m here for it.

I was always afraid to wear yellow, because… do you remember when you were a kid & drew the blonde, white kids with a yellow crayon?  How can I wear yellow when I’m already yellow, you know?  I thought it would wash me out, but with a little summer tan action happening it totally doesn’t.  And that applies to a lot of different skin tones & hair colors – yellow just works!

Popping on a bright red or pink nail polish & lip will really seal the deal.

Eeeek! I have a story for you!  I debated shoving this story into my Washington DC post but thought it was too special for that.  Things like this story stand out to me, give me good feelings inside & inspire me.  They pull my mind away from nonsense.  SO, I wanted to give it it’s own space.

Wafiq & I debated going to Washington DC while we were visiting Charlottesville VA because we knew it would have to be a super short trip, & wondered if the drive was worth it.  Once Wafiq’s family found out the option of D.C. was on the table, they pushed for it; one of his Aunt’s was also in D.C. at the time – we thought it was a good idea to all meet up.  (This is life when you don’t live near family, you have to make it work wherever/whenever!)

We met up with his aunt, Hala the first day, right after checking into the hotel.  Now let me tell you my condition, I just came from Charlottesville where I was in an extravagant wedding that truly exhausted me.  Not just the day, but the extravagance of everything too.   You can’t help but be a part of such a huge experience & eventually start comparing yourself… right?  I also had allergy frustrations come up, new people, grand things & overall… A LOT.

We met Hala at the tiny cafe inside the entrance of Nordstrom’s & found a little table outside, in the mall.  Wafiq’s aunt is TINY.  (PS.  there’s nothing like meeting Arab girls that makes you realize you could shed a few LBS.  lol!  They’re so small!)  Back on track, she was the tiniest little lady.

Also, let me tell you.  Meeting any “mom figure” Arab woman is always a gamble in my mind.  Sometimes they’re extremely kind to me, I’ve had unkind experiences as well.  Some are traditional, some judgemental, some curious, some opinionated – so I was hesitant to see how our meeting was going to go.

We started talking, she asked about my allergies right away, making sure I was ok.  After that quick conversation Wafiq threw in how smart his Aunt was, almost teasing – but if you know me, I had to get in there.  Smart people? I love.  Doesn’t matter what kind of smart.  I’m into it.

The day is finally here! I get to express my thoughts on WEDDINGS!  I’ve been waiting for this moment for approximately 47 days, 10 hours, and 19 minutes.  Is this post for you? or me? Me?

Like I’ve mentioned, I have 4 serious friends so weddings have never been a full time thing for me.  I haven’t been to 9 weddings every “wedding season” that rolls around – but, I have been to enough to know.

Know what?

That I don’t like them anymore.

I don’t really believe in wedding season because I’ve been to weddings.. in every season. Each of them so pretty & special.  But I get it; spring is colorful, fresh, lush, & the weather is just right.  Below is a list I put together of the rather uncommon tips I have for the first time Maid’s of Honor (aka MOH).

There are millions of girls out there that have been in a million weddings, but then – there’s girls like me.  I have 4 friends. One of them is my dog.  I invest in the other 3 really well, but it’s hard for me to manage more than that. (Remember, this post?)  I’ve accepted I’m not a 36 BFF’s type person.  So this was the first wedding I had to wear a Maid of Honor hat.

If you’re like me & one of those 4 friends of yours is getting married & wants you to be their Maid of Honor – this post is for you.  Because you’ll likely be the only newbie, & w the coveted position next to the bride.

10 Uncommon Tips For A 1st Time Maid Of Honor

Show Up:  This sounds obvious but I’ve been to other weddings where the Best Man or the Maid of Honor is missing from particular events, if at all possible don’t be that person.  Just showing up, being present, smiling, is already making you a star at the duty.  And not just wedding day, I’m talking bridal shower(s), bachelorette parties, wedding weekend events, all of it!  Everyone wants to see the Groom, Bride, Parents, & then bridal party.

Only Do What the Bride Wants:  Don’t do more.  Have good communication w the bride so you know what she wants & listen to her.  Then stick to just that.  Something that’s cool or important to you, might not be to them, & vice versa.

A Petit Four is a Small Cake: Yeah.  I guess everyone else knows this?  Good term to have in your pocket, thank me later.  They’re served at bridal showers.  If you’re in charge of bringing dessert, this is probably what they’re expecting.  (You have no idea the amount of time I googled this)

This is my favorite post to find on YouTube & through blogs because anything empty must mean it’s TRUTH!  Whether someone is paid to post something or given free products, if they’ve used it until it’s empty – it must be good.

There are a few things that I’ve had to repurchase recently, so I thought it was perfect timing to share!

Current EMPTY Products I’ll Be Repurchasing:
Rose Water Spray: I’m actually very satisfied w the Rose Water spray from Trader Joe’s, but I hate the packaging; it shoots your face too directly.  I had an empty Mario Badescu Rose Water Spray bottle that I love, now I pour the Trader Joe’s Rose Water Spray in the that bottle, & continue to refill + use.  I love this stuff! I always use it after I’m done w my makeup, before bed when my face is clean, when I travel, throughout the day.  I used to think it was a gimmick, but I can’t go a day without it now.

Mario Badescu Cellular Lotion:  This face moisturizer goes a LONG way.  A pea sized amount covers your entire face leaving it moisturized.  It’s perfect for my skin because I have a drier face, but it might not work as well if you have very oily skin.  I love the amount of moisture it provides, the price point, the consistency, the packaging – everything!  This is actually the only thing I’ve been wearing on my face recently, with rose water spray on top.  Leaves an oily glow, which I strive for.

Nivea Essential Enriched Body Lotion:  Apparently this is the secret lotion that everyone knows about?? I recently emptied a huge bottle & had to buy another from Amazon.  I was bragging about how smooth it was making my skin to Wafiq, and he said “oh yeah, Nivea, it’s the best, everyone uses it.”  ?? Likeeee, you couldn’t have told me that 19 years ago bro?!

I’m on a shopping role for you guys, woot woot!  Here’s why: SUMMER.  Near the end of winter, and into Spring don’t you just want a refresh?  You’re getting out all the extra stuffy clothes, extra pounds on your body, and bringing in lemon water + daisy dukes. Right?

In order to do that you need to workout.  Mmmkay?  That’s just the reality of the situation.  And new workout clothes is the most motivating way to do that. Not really, having a group that holds you accountable & establish friendships with is truly the best way to stay motivated.  Besides the hot body you’ll get, you’ll also be HEALTHY.  Praise Jesus.  But nice workout clothes helps MAJOR, too.

However, workout clothes are expensive.  F.

I found the sneak around: OLD NAVY.

That’s right, Old Navy is the shit when it comes to workout clothes.  And because the clothes aren’t super expensive you won’t feel bad sweating your body weight in them, laying on the ground of exhaustion, or getting them a little dirty in the grind.  You know what I mean.

I’ve had a lot of Old Navy athletic wear for awhile but just recently committed to purchasing more pieces, & am finally bragging about them.  The quality you guys, is not compromised.  It’s strange how comfortable & quality the pieces feel.  I’m here for it.

As if the clothes aren’t already affordable enough, Old Navy is constantly having sales.  I think yesterday, they had 40% off everything??  They’re always updating the styles.  You can keep buying new new new as long as you want to add to your personal inventory.

A couple things;  I have fallen down a long, dark path that is Target Online Shopping… AND I hate throw away plastic more in the summer than any other time of the year.

UGH.  Throw away paper plates, red solo cups, plastic forks equal the sounds of summer days at the pool & BBQ’s.  I’m NOT into it.  I can’t stand how much trash accumulates.  Because glass isn’t allowed near the pool, boats, water – plastic is the next best thing.  Enter >> paper throw away crap.

This year I figured out a quick, cute, easy way to avoid this mess.  NICE PLATES that are plastic & reusable. Dishwasher safe.  Easy.  Pretty.  All from Target.  I was UBER inspired by the Opalhouse Collection at Target recently which is what sparked this entire shopping adventure.  Opalhouse is my summer style to the T.  And incredibly more affordable than it’s pretty counterparts: Pottery Barn, CB2., ect.

I happen to love makeup, hair & clothes.  Makeup specifically.  Similar to playing w glitter crayons & sequins as a kid; I now play w makeup.   So I buy a lot of it, whenever there’s something new, pretty, or interesting; I try to add it to my collection.  BUT, I know that’s not for everyone.  I spent a lot of time on YouTube copying & learning from all the real makeup artists while I was in Dubai – but I’m fully aware ain’t everybody got time for that.

This list is a makeup starter kit OR it can be a makeup refresh kit.  So if you’re not totally into makeup, but want to have your basics covered, this list is for you!  Or, if all your make up is 37 years old & in desperate need of a refresh, this list has you covered!  Full face, start to finish, products.  I thought about this a lot.  I had trouble in the beginning of my makeup journey because I would buy all the glittery & colorful eye shadows (they’re the prettiest, so obviously).  But I could never make a full face come together.  Or I didn’t know what product goes where.  I either looked 198 years old or 3 years old.  Needless to say, it wasn’t working.  I wasted a lot of money.  Which is why I came up w this list!  I would’ve found it helpful before the dozens of glitter pink, purple, and blue purchases I made in the past.

I also didn’t want this list to be too expensive or overwhelming.  Anything that is a little more money, is simply because I think it’s worth it, for your starter kit.  You feel me?  It’s the same things I would save my precious pennies for while I was in Dubai, so trust me, if I could do it then – you can do it now.

Ting tangs are the subject for today! Wonderful ting tangs!  (But are they actually wonderful?  Thoughts?)

Whether or not you’re in denial, backless & low cut clothing have been all the rage for a few YEARS now.  I denied it for a long time, because I don’t have the option of going free willey w my chesties, but the envy has taken over!

I tried everything, over a period of years, to go backless.  It all started in Dubai with a beautiful backless gown I had to wear to a wedding.  I went hunting & found those silicone bras that stick to the front of your chest & don’t wrap around.  These are a decent option, you can find them: here.  BUT, they aren’t the best because they pull your tits down.  SoOoO if you’re ok sagging a little, they’ll work in a pinch, but not ideal.  Although I do keep them handy.

I’ve also transitioned to these Gel Petals from Target.   You’d be surprised how well these babies work, they really lift!  Stick on the bottom, pull up, stick to the top.  You’ll get it when you try it.  I actually really love these, also super cheap.  They’re never in stalk, so I know I’m not the only one that’s found them as a secret trick.  If you do find the Gel Petals, get a few so they’re always on hand!  The other nice part of these is they’ll work for any cut – backless, low cut, almost nude, whatever!  I also like them because they’re pretty much summer resistant.  Meaning, if you sweat, they’ll stick.  Even with these little guys, sometimes – you want more…