When I'm bad, I'm really bad

I'm supposed to wake up at 7:30 a.m every weekday morning. Spring out of bed, bounce into the shower, dress, make my bed, get the coffee pot going and begin making breakfast for my zoo crew. With me taking the lead we are supposed to start our day on schedule, tackling our home school work bright eyed and bushy tailed. Ending our day with a smile because we accomplished our daily goals. Proudly checking off the items on our "to-do list."

THAT'S WHAT I'M SUPPOSED TO DO

Waking up at 9:00 a.m , begrudgingly rolling out of bed, clutching my comforters for one last snuggle. Dragging into the shower...or not (don't judge me). Getting dressed. Maybe. Getting that coffee pot going. I have to, otherwise I suffer withdrawals, not a pretty sight. And school? not even starting until after 12 noon. Working on assignments with one eye open, a far cry from a bright eye. At the end of the day, there is no smile on my face because my "to-do" list is undone.

THAT'S WHAT I'VE BEEN DOING FOR 2 WEEKS

Help me...

next week

;0

Change is good

I recently went out on a limb and ventured off into unfamiliar territory. I did not go out of the country or into a bad neighborhood. I made a change in my makeup choice. oooohhhh, that is very scary for me. All of my close friends know that I am a M*A*C cosmetics kind of girl and on the occasions that I am wearing makeup, I rarely will use another brand with the exception of eyeliner, and mascara.

Recently, though I was involved in an event and I really wanted to look really pretty. I did not want my dark acne blemishes to be visible, I hate them. However, I had run out of my usual Studio fix powder foundation and was really freaking out. Freaking out because I did not want to spend $26 for a new compact, and I was unsure of where to turn for a comparable yet less expensive product.

I was searching high and low trying to find the right color match, texture and application style. For some people this is a simple task, but for me, it was a cause for much anxiety. I'm used to just walking up to the counter and having it all picked out for me. Walking away as a satisfied and confident customer. Having to pick out my own foundation color left me feeling anything but confident. I did not want to be one of those women that you see with two toned skin, their neck obviously lighter or darker than their face. Can you see my dilemma?

Eventually I just gave up, and enlisted the help of my cousin, a great makeup artist. We chose the Maybelline Dream Matte mousse foundation and I love it! It is so light and airy, and a little goes a long way. I was amazed at how well it covered my dark spots, giving me a beautiful even tone that looked natural. The best part of it all? It can be purchased for under $10. I am so happy that I have found something that provides me with the same quality, look and feel of my beloved M*A*C Studio fix. Needless to say, I attended my event with great pride and confidence and a little extra change in my pocket.

BYE-BYE M*A*C...HELLO MAYBELLINE!

*I am not in any partnership with Maybelline, to promote this product. I simply loved it and wanted to share my feelings about it*

Therapeutic Thursdays : my cup o' tea

I love a good warm cup of tea. There are so many varieties to choose from for all purposes. A nice cup of tea is perfect when winding down after a long day. It is soothing when you are experiencing some anxiety and cozy when it's nippy outside. Most are familiar with the internal goodness of herbal teas in a cup but how many are aware of the herbal teas in the bath?

A few years ago I was introduced to the herbal bath teas and have been hooked ever since.

A Single or a group of healing herbs nestled in a muslin bag or cheesecloth and steeped in a hot bath can do wonders. I used a combination of lavender, chamomile, Valerian root and passion flower. It was a very sleep inducing concoction. Perfect for when I had a hard time sleeping or really needed to relax. Once the bag has been steeped for 10 minutes you will enjoy the aroma that fills your bathroom.

There are bath teas for all purposes and intents ; cold & flu, menopause relief, inflammation, pain relief and even romance. Herbal Bath Teas may also be used for facial steams: Add a tablespoon of Herbal Bath Tea to a bowl of boiling water to create an infusion. Using a soft towel to cover your head and the bowl, place your face over the bowl and relax allowing the tension to release as you breathe in the purifying steam.

Give it a try, grab your favorite herbs and have yourself a cup of tea..."ahem" or a tea BATH.

Don't get it twisted

I am the type of person that has deep emotion. I am a peacemaker and a peace lover. If I have a serious problem with someone or something, it is important for me to set matters straight by eventually making my feelings known. It helps me to move on from the situation and not hold on to it. Holding on to negative feelings often create a place of bitterness and resentment, hiding in small crevices of the heart and mind. It never really allows a person to be free, causing one to be stagnant in life. Some people get it and some do not. Those who don't, seem to misunderstand the whole point. Feeling as though talking about things is a waste of time and energy. However, If done properly it can create a bridge to better understanding and a strong foundation in all relationships.
Recently I was told that I was making myself a victim because I chose to discuss a situation that hurt me deeply. I had the impression that my choice to express myself gave the other person the perception of weakness. How untrue that perception is. In fact, it is because I try to think through various issues, getting to the root of them that I am NOT a victim. Of any given serious situation which involves me. In fact I consider myself a survivor, because I fight everyday to push myself ahead. Doing what I do in spite of my trials. Going through my thoughts, I was reminded of that song ; Survivor, by Destiny's Child. How appropriate to post it up here today. It goes right along with my feelings.