Neutrogena Light Therapy Mask Review

Light Therapy!
Technology once only available per treatment in the comfort of your dermatologist office. It is now becoming more popularized in the form of at home treatment systems.

This is a great thing because it has been proven to have many benefits from promoting collagen production to acne treatment.
Not only are at home treatment systems becoming more popular but with more and more companies making their own version pricing is becoming more competitive and therefore more affordable.

One of the more affordable light therapy options out there would be the Neutrogena Light Therapy mask. Retail price $40 for the mask itself and then $14-$16 for the 30 use activator.
Pretty reasonable!
But is it effective?

I just picked up one for myself and I am happy toe let you know!
YES!
I made a point to pick up this product when when skin was fully freaking out due to stress the winter months and everyones favorite hormones.
This lack of sun is not my skins favorite thing.

My cystic breakouts diminished in size after one use and then continued to disappear leaving no damage after 10 days of use.
This is amazing. As I’m sure so many of you know cystic breakouts are very deep and having them disappear quickly is only wishful thinking.
I am currently on my second round of 30 day sessions and I am only seeing more improvements. Breakouts vanish before they even appear. I believe I have found my winter skin saver.

Needless to I can’t recommend this product enough.
I may even branch out to higher end light therapy products just to do a comparison.
But in my book this product is successful and worth the investment. 

Have you had success with light therapy at home or at the dermatologist?
Have you tried the Neutrogena Light Therapy Mask for yourself?

Let me know in the comments!

xoxo

-Rachel

The Ultimate Galentine’s Day Party Guide

The Decorations 

The Menu

We had a wonderful collection of things ranging from shrimp cocktail to pasta salads and hummus platters.

The Lady Drinks

We had three feature drinks for the evening!
A Margarita & Cosmo Satiation!
As well as a selection of wine! 

The Party Activities

Honestly I was having so much fun! I really didn’t take any photo’s but here were our activities for the evening!

Cupid Toss

Manicure Party

Girlfriend Game Night

Photo Booth Fun

The Party Favors

I wanted to do something unique for favors so I made everyone some lovely Galentine’s Cupcakes! Vanilla Cupcakes with Butter Cream Icing!
Then I put them in adorable takeaway boxes for easy transport!  

Regardless of your relationship status I hope you had a wonderful Valentine’s, Galentine’s or Palentine’s Day!
Remember you don’t need it to be Valentine’s to express your love to the people you care about but it’s nice to have a day where love is abundant!

I hope you had a wonderful February 14th

xoxo

Rachel

Getting Ready On A Bad Day

Everyone has a bad day sometimes.
It is completely normal and part of what makes us human.
It may be end of the semester stress, school stress in general or personal reasons.
The list can go on and on really, but no matter the cause everyone has experienced feeling a little bit out of sorts.

Here are some things that I do to get ready on a bad day to make the day a little bit better.
I hope if you try them it will help you as well.

Firstly, it is also important to remember when going through a rough patch that there are lots of good things going on too.  There is always a light in the darkness and sunshine peaking through the clouds.

Put on some: Makeup

 The one thing that always makes me feel better on a bad day is when I put on my makeup. I don’t put makeup on to hide or cover anything up. It is just another way I choose to show creative self-expression and something that I enjoy. It also is a nice way to show self-care and doing something productive with your hands can make you feel better too.
Although on days like these I tend to stick to the looks I know and like (tending to stick to my favorite products; a bad day is not the time to try anything new).
I also tend to opt for a more natural makeup.

Foundation: I usually can’t be fussed pulling out a beauty blender and all that so I typically reach for my cushion compact. It provides just enough coverage but also provides a natural look. I can just whack it on and it give me enough coverage to feel a bit more human but still looks very natural. My favorite cushion compact is by the brand Laneige.

Eyeshadow: Aroma Therapy is great; what is ever better is when your makeup smells of chocolate. On bad days I reach for my Too Faced Chocolate bar and Bon Bon palettes.

Mascara: Waterproof mascara: All of it. Since it is a bad day there might be some crying or a lot of crying and that is okay. Either way, I would rather be safe than sorry.
My Too Faced: Better Than Sex Mascara (waterproof addition) does the job. The packaging is very cool because the bottle is texterized and looks like it has water droplets on it.

Blush: Adding a little bit of color to my cheeks i reach for my Too Faced: Love Flush Blushes. I really like these because they look very natural.

Lip Oil: Lip oil’s are the perfect way to add some hydration to your lips. My favorite lip oil as of late would be Julep’s tinted lip oil, they add not only hydration but also a little bit of color.

Pick out an: Outfit

Comfort is key for me on bad days.

In the winter and fall I reach for cozy knit sweaters or a button up flannel.
But sometimes I also reach for favorite articles of clothing that hold a special memory for me. When I put on a favorite shirt that I got on vacation years ago or a cozy sweatshirt with a witty saying gifted to me by a friend. I tend to reflect on all of the memories made in them and those memories can’t help but make me smile.

Read a good: Book

When I am feeling down words are a great comfort. I think one of the best books I’ve ever received was Don’t sweat the small stuff by Richard Carlson, PhD

“Treasure the journey. Before your mind skips to the trials and tribulations that you may face today, or the fact that today your life might not be what you had expected or hoped for,take the time to repeat these words to yourself; Today, I will treasure the journey”

-Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

Have yourself a: Cuppa….Tea

Tea or any warm beverage instantly gives me comfort.
The warm porcelain of my favorite mug beneath my fingers, the steam rising from the cup. Something about that just lifts my spirits.

Have a good: Cry

Although I am not a fan of crying (and really who is) but sometimes it can be exactly what your body, soul and mind needs. Crying is a stress reliever and it may help get out all of your feelings and talk out what’s wrong.
Never be afraid to have a good cry for yourself.

Do something that: Spark(s) Joy

Go and do something fun!
Treat yourself. One of my favorite things to do when I am feeling sad is to go see a film or even painting my nails.
But going shopping, going to a favorite cafe or just watching a favorite program at home can be great too.
Doing something that makes you smile can make you breathe a little easier.

If you are having a bad day  just know that I am thinking of you.
I’ve been there too.
It will be okay.
Just take the day one moment at a time.

How do you get ready on a bad day?
What makes you feel better?

Let me know in the comments
Love you lots

xoxo

Rachel

You Are Safe With Me | Safety Pin Project

A safety-pin. It may be a simple item found in most sewing kits but lately it has taken on a bigger meaning.

I’m sure you have seen the articles circulating around Facebook and other various social media, but I wanted to touch upon it here.

This is bigger than the election, it is about safe space FOR EVERYONE.
Wearing a safety-pin means you are a safe place and will stand up for everyone.
That you are safe place for people who may be and are being discriminated against.
It is a message of hope, small but mighty.

Although this election may have brought the “hate” into the eyes of the media awakening the masses. We as the human race cannot just pretend this idea of discrimination and hate is a new concept or idea.
Discrimination has been happening for years, decades and centuries.

But now we have a chance use social media for good, a chance to educate and spread the word about this movement.
We have a chance to come together stop bad situations from occurring and put those situations to an end.

You are safe with me.

I am also going to link the well written blog post by Isobelde Debrujah
I really enjoy her honest writing and this post has some great information you may need to arm yourself with, making a plan for tension diffusion and de-escalation.
It is seriously worth the read.
https://isobeldebrujah.wordpress.com/2016/11/12/so-you-want-to-wear-a-safety-pin/

 

Stay Safe out there everyone.
Love may trump hate but it never hurts to be vigilant.
I still believe humanity is good but this a chance for unity and I am not throwing away my shot to make the world a better place.

What do you think of the safety-pin project?
Let me know in the comments.

xoxo

Rachel

Get to Know Me!

Four Places I’ve Lived

1. Mountain Top, PA : This is where I grew up and so began my love affair with nature in this rural area.
2.  Rockaway Beach, NY : My home away from home when I was a model full time. I miss it so much, the hustle and bustle of the city only 2o minutes away. The beach right across the street from my apartment.
3. State College, PA :Where I went away to school at Pennsylvania State University. It’s a very cute college town.
4. Scranton, PA : Where I am currently living finishing up my degree in Human Development/Family Studies and Psychology.

Four Places I Have Visited

My list is very long but these are my four favorites:

1. The Bahamas : Probably one of the best vacations I’ve ever been on, the beaches are stunning.
2. Orlando, Florida : Home of Disney World and now made even better because two of my best friends live there!
3. Los Angles, California : Sunshine, need I say more?
4. London, England : It may not be the sunniest place in the world but I’ve enjoyed every visit.

Four TV Show’s I Watch

1. Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries : This is an Australian show that can be found on Netflix if you love the 1920’s and murder mysteries this show is for you too.
2. The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt : I always appreciate a show that can make me cry-laugh and this show does just that.
3. Crazy Ex Girlfriend : I’ve been a fan of Rachel Bloom for years and pretty much any time a show has musical numbers that show will be my favorite thing.
4. Scream Queen’s : With an all star cast and dialogue that pushes the boundaries of what can be said on TV this is just a fun show with an amazing all star cast.

Four Favorite Food’s

1. Pizza (aka rebel produce) I will have a pizza at any time! I just love it.
2. Sushi : It is a joke amongst my Asian friends that I was born on the wrong country.
3. Gyro’s : If you’ve never had one you need to go to your nearest Greek Diner IMMEDIATELY!
4. Salmon : Ive had a love hate relationship with salmon. But my Uncle convinced me to try some last summer and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Four Thing’s I Like to Drink

1. Tea : I have a cup every morning and I feel really out of sorts when I don’t partake in my daily cuppa!
2. Lemon Water : I find it so refreshing!
3. Sweet Tea : The addiction is real, my Southern friends will understand.
4. Wine : Because I am a classy lady.

Four of My Favorite Books

1. The Glass Magician by Charlie Homburg : The first in a three part series this story follow’s the journey of young magicians apprentice learning her assigned craft.
2. Kitty Kitty (Sequel to Bad Kitty) by Michele Jaffe : This series is one of the most unique I’ve ever read. The cast of characters are full of personality what I will always enjoy about this book are the little breaks from the story, full of relevant conversation between the characters in side notes.
3. Ticker by Lisa Mantchev : Set in the exciting steampunk era this book has so many twists and turns. I often find myself reaching for this book because of the lovable characters and exciting plot.
4. Black-Eyed Susan’s by Julia Heaberlin : One of the best mystery books I’ve read this year, I would highly recommend this book. It is a little bit on the creepy side but the ending was wonderful.

Four Interesting Jobs I’ve Had

1. Dog Walker : Best job ever because so many adorable animals.
2. Marketing: Street Team Member at Harper Collins : A great experience and if you ever get a chance to work on or with a street team, go for it. It is truly unique experience to work with author and fans to spread the word about the series.
3. Model : One of the longest job’s I’ve had although it’s not my full-time job anymore it allowed me wonderful opportunities, I made so many wonderful friends and let me see the world.
   (the pictures up top were from the last photo shoot I did this year for an urban photography magazine)
4. Birthday Party Princess : Who doesn’t want to want to make a child smile and wear a sparkly dress.  I’m going to write a blog post on this later so stay tuned!

Four Favorite Hobbies

1. Writing : One of my biggest dreams is to be a published author one day. But I also really enjoy writing, I started this blog to push myself to write more often because it truly does make me happy.
2. Water Color Painting :  I’ve always loved how painting can free your mind. You don’t even have to think of anything specific to create something beautiful. Just put brush to paper and creating is so wonderful.
3. Dancing : Good or bad at this activity it’s just a lot of fun. You can dance to a powerful ballad with so much emotion or just be silly.
4. Nail Art : I love nail art because even if I don’t have the time to sit and paint everyday  I can still design something on a small scale. I really love how much joy nail art can bring to my friends as well, regular nail art parties have become an monthly  occurrence. I love sharing what I love with them and there are never a shortage of giggles, sweets and fond memories!

 

Thanks for taking the time to get to know me!
I hope you are having a wonderful week!

xoxo

Rachel

October Julep Box

It’s my favorite time again!
Time for another monthly Julep Box that makes me feel #bravepretty

The theme for this months box was Dark and Stormy Night this theme really showed in the nail polish  received this month.

The nail colors in my box this month were a lovely deep chocolate brown, the perfect shade of emerald  and a lovely sparkle polish that will look great with anything in my collection.

The deep chocolate brown nail varnish named Skylla and categorized under the style “Boho Glam”  is dark coffee color. Beautiful for fall and very unique. I have not come across a brown like this before and it is sure to be one of my new fall favorites.

The emerald nail color named Krystle falls under the category “Wonder Maven” and quite frankly I’m not surprised by the placement. It is the perfect shade of emerald (and I’ve been seraching for a good amount of time I might add)
This deep hunter/emerald green will not only be lovely for fall but also carry your manicure  into December too!

The finial nail polish shade I received this month named Desiree and is categorized under “It Girl” which is very appropriate! This shade is a clear holographic top coat that will pair perfectly with any shade in your nail polish collection. The little flecks of fine glitter will shimmer like stars on top of your chosen shade.
I also may just be me but I found this shade fit the quote for this month well.

We are all of us stars, and we deserve to twinkle
-Marilyn Monroe 

I think this shade can be a perfect reminder of just that.
Don’t forget that you twinkle and shine bright everyday!
Don’t forget that you are fabulous and fierce and that you can do anything.

The next product I received was a wonderful deep sleep mask.
You apply this mask after your nightly skin routine and leave it on overnight.
Then in the morning rinse off the mask to reveal wonderfully moisturized and glowing skin.
This is perfect for the change of season because it gives your skin the extra boost of moisture it needs.
The Night Shift mask is also very nice because it doesn’t feel sticky and also doesn’t feel as if you are stuck to your pillow. This will help overall with your skins complexion, as we all know moisturized skin is happy skin!

Real talk: The night shift mask was exactly what I needed with the change of seasons.
If your anything like me the sudden drop in temperature is making my skin very grumpy. Using this mask has improved my grumpy skin problem so I would highly recommend this product.

The Products 

Nail Varnish: Skyla: Coffee Brown Ghost Shimmer

Nail Varnish:  Krystle: Emerald/Hunter Green

Nail Varnish: Desiree: High Gloss Holographic Top Coat

Night Shift: Deep Sleep Facial Mask

Don’t forget to be brave pretty today and to have a wonderful week no matter where you are in the world!

What products make you feel brave pretty?
Would you try any of the products in my October box for yourself?

Let me know in the comments!

xoxo

Rachel

Halloween Party

Halloween is easily one of my most favorite holidays because it involves everything I love fairy lights, candy and all things spooky.

Naturally, since I am such a lover of Halloween throwing a party is a must and of course I go all out.

From cocktails to the new inclusion of dry ice infused props this Halloween party was the spookiest and most fun yet!
I hope my decorations give you a bit of inspiration to create your very own version of a spooktacular Halloween celebration!

Happy Halloween Everyone!

xoxo

Rachel

Just Say Yes: Part II

After the overwhelming response from my “Just Say Yes” published on August 22nd,
I decided to turn Just Say Yes into a series.
I hope it inspires you to say yes to things, as I jump out of my comfort zones by doing the same!

As I thought about what I could do to further push myself something obvious popped into my head.
Saying yes to making time for my best self.
This may be a normal thing for some people but not really for me.
Between school and almost three full time jobs it can be hard to make some time just for me.
I try to take baths and have some pamper sessions as often as I can to combat the stress but sometimes that just isn’t enough!

But what to choose in the limitless options we have in the world to do just that?
I decided to take classes at a new studio at least three times a week.
But not just any classes, some yoga classes and some dance classes as well.

Now some of you may be wondering, what is so special about that, so many people take classes all over the world.
Well I haven’t taken any kind of class in ages and to challenge myself even more, I decided to take these classes just by myself.
Not bringing anyone with me.
Saying yes to the challenge of sparking a conversation with someone new and opening myself up to new friendships.

I often feel that others in our age bracket are so hesitant to venture off and do something new or old by themselves.
I understand why of course but I think it is often important to just be by yourself.
I feel like generationally the fear of being alone is so prevalent it can rule over almost everything we do but we must fight that fear.

It was very nerve racking, I was nervous but I’m very glad that i went ahead with it!
I have now fallen in love with Aerial Yoga.
If you haven’t tried it and if it’s offered at a yoga studio near you, I would highly recommend it for sure.
There is an extra level of spirality added to this practice of yoga, hanging in the air and trusting the coupling of the scarves and your body to support you.
Its truly a unique experience.

As for the dance classes so far I have taken out of my comfort zone are Contemporary and Hip Hop.
Two of which I have never taken before.
I work in a dance studio and I can dance but its a whole new game when you take a style you’ve never tried and in a new studio with new instructors.
Half of the challenge is learning how to learn the choreography, how the instructor teaches said choreography and breaking your original motor plan of what dancing is in your own mind for that particular style.
It is a struggle but for the three times I’ve gone these past few weeks it has been amazing totally worth it.

I feel more relaxed and more energized and who doesn’t need more of that in life?!
In fact I find myself so excited to attend the classes I’ve committed to thus far!

I guess the take away once again is don’t be afraid to Just Say Yes!
Don’t be afraid to try something new by yourself and open your life up to new people!

Although it was a bit nerve racking I now have the confidence to go anywhere even without the support of a friend group by my side.
In fact my enthusiasm for trying something new has changed my friends perspective on this topic.
You don’t always have to have a big group with you to try something you’ve always wanted to try!
Just say yes!
Go!
Take that class, learn some new dance moves, take a walk by yourself getting in touch with your thoughts and gain even more confidence along the way!

Say yes to becoming your best self.
Just say yes!

Have you tried something you’ve always wanted to try recently?

Let me know in the comments!

xoxo

Rachel

 

Daily Prompt: Fierce

via Daily Prompt: Fierce

I feel like “Fierce” is a word that has a negative connotation.
But I never want it being said that I didn’t live my life to the fullest.
That I didn’t live life with  ferocity.

I will tell you what I’m thinking.
I will tell you what I’m feeling.
I will never be anything less than my authentic self.

I will life my life to the fullest.
I am fierce.
I am strong.

Summer Getaway: Avalon, NJ

 

We all have one.

That one vacation spot that holds a special place in our hearts.
Not so much because of the location, but rather because of the people you get to spend time with while you are there.

Avalon is that place for me.
It is the one time of year where the majority of my family gets together for a week of sun, sand and laughter.

No matter how many times I walk the beaches in this tiny cozy town I never get tired of the sights or the people.
I especially will never get tired of the ice-cream.
That ice-cream shop pictured above is pure heaven and if i could have one wish it would be to have a window to that ice-cream shop in my home.

It could be because of my amazing family or the ice cream.
Silky sandy beaches or the sunsets that can steal your breath and make you appreciate the little things.
Avalon slows down time for me, I can catch my breath.
A week of worry free bliss.
I only leave with good memories and a countdown set to next year.

Where is your special vacation spot?
Have you ever visited Avalon?

Let me know in the comments!

xoxo

Rachel