How I Spend My Me-Time (Tag, You’re IT!)

December 5, 2014December 5, 2014 Caitlyn5 Comments

Today I read a blog post–about a blog post–about me-time. Both posts invite readers to play along with a me-time questionnaire, so I’ve decided to give it a go myself!

What do you watch or read during me-time?
I tend to read a lot of articles online. I mean, a LOT. I also really enjoying reading blogs, crafty books and magazines, cookbooks and cooking magazines, and of course, BOOKS! As I mentioned before, right now I’m reading Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and his Years of Pilgrimage.

What do you wear during me-time?

I could probably live in leggings. Or shorts over leggings. In the wintertime, fleece leggings.

Otherwise I love wearing running shorts and tank tops, hoodies, etc., and I’ve almost always got my red snuggie on when I’m lounging around the house. Oh yes! And I am rarely without slippers!

What are your me-time beauty products?

I actually don’t tend to go wild with beauty products during me-time. Once in a while I will use a face mask, like Garnier’s Skin Care Renew, or paint my toenails. I used to love the face masks in Japan–you could find tons of really inexpensive ones that worked really well and were really fun. I’ll keep you posted on some of my favorites when we get settled in next month!

Current favorite nail polish?

Unfortunately I’m not allowed to wear fingernail polish at work, but I loved this Sally Hansen Hot Tamale color in the summer, and I like this snowflake-like Blue Marks the Spot in the winter for my toesies.

What do you eat/drink during me-time?

It’s hard to really nail down a specific food for my me-time, but one of my favorite pastimes is exploring the worlds of chocolates, pastries and sweet breads.

If you know me at all, you must be able to guess that my beverage consumption tends to be almost on a daily routine: coffee in the morning, water throughout the day, and beer and/or tea at night. Favorite coffee at the moment? Probably Starbucks Christmas Blend. My favorite, favorite (favorite!) beer is Ranger from New Belgium Brewing Company. And my favorite tea? Tazo Refresh Mint or Henry & Sons Sencha.

Usually any moment I get to drink or eat anything counts as me-time, because eating and drinking are two of my favorite things.

This is my favorite tea cup ❤

Current favorite candle?

I love Bath & Body Works “Party Dress” scent (currently unavailable through their site, but you can find it on amazon!). Not only does it smell really nice, but it reminds me of when one of my best friends visited me from Japan last year (I bought it when we were shopping together!).

Do you ever have outdoor me-time?

Definitely! In the summer I love riding bike around town–especially to the library, little shops and the beach. I also enjoy running and going for walks in the summer. In the winter I go for a lot of walks (I have to, as a matter of fact, because my car was totaled about a month and a half ago. Luckily I live close to work!). I really enjoy listening to podcasts when I’m running or walking. My favorites are Dinner Party Download and Radiolab.

Would you ever go see a movie alone?

I’ve considered it, but if I were to see a movie by myself I think I’d rather just watch it at home (with my kitty cats and my snuggie).

Favorite online shop?

I don’t really do too much online shopping, but if I do I suppose it’s from amazon, and I usually order books.

What else do you do during me-time?

I do a lot of baking, cooking, writing and crafting (drawing, wood burning, painting, art journaling etc.) during my me-time.

I made these easy Mexican Wedding cookies yesterday and they were dangerously addicting!

I almost always am listening to music, too. I really like classical guitar music for me-time, especially when the weather is rainy. I also enjoy yoga when I’m not distracted by the million other things I want to do (I like Jillian Michael’s Yoga Meltdown). Oh yeah, and going to cafes and bookstores. And art stores. Annnnnnnnd, I think I have way too many hobbies!

Okay, TAG! It’s your turn to tell me about your me-time 🙂

xxCaitlyn

Review: Nail Rock

June 18, 2014 Caitlyn2 Comments

I used to hate painting my finger nails because they always turned out looking like a kindergartener painted them. Not to mention I sort of have sausage fingers, so solid blocks of colors on my nails only tend to make them look stubbier. If I ever had my nails done in the past, it was only some version of French tips for me. But nothing makes a girl want to paint her nails more than being told she can’t, and since my occupation prohibits nail polish, I’ve been DYING to spruce up my fingernails! (And by occupation I mean I’m currently a barista. Yes. A barista that’s not allowed to wear nail polish *cries*)

Source

Fortunately for me, I somehow got four solid days off in a row. I got a stupid cold, but can you guess what else I got? I GOT TO DO MY NAILS. It’s the little things. I decided to try out the Nail Rock I had gotten months ago when I was still a Birchbox subscriber, and I just adored the pretty sparkly pink!

Yes, the Nail Rock was pretty. But I’ve got some important things for you to know before you go out with excitement and get your own.

1. It can be messy. The instructions tell you to put on two coats of the solid foundation before dipping your fingers in the textured topper (aka glitter), and the glitter will get everywhere. It’s like a preschool craft nightmare, so be sure to put some paper underneath your little glitter pot for easy cleanup.

2. Put on your first coat of solid foundation, and then alternate your second coat with dipping your finger in the topper. If you wait until you’ve given each of your nails a second coat, they won’t be wet enough to hold the topper. Dip each one after the second coat, and press on to help the topper stick.

3. After you’ve let your nails dry for the recommended 15-20 minutes, apply a top coat. I didn’t do this because the instructions didn’t say anything about a top coat being necessary, and because I’m not super patient and I didn’t feel like investing more time in what was supposed to be a little treat. In retrospect, I wish I had because 1) I really didn’t like the texture of the topper, 2) the texture of the topper occasionally led to snags on thread or fiber, and 3) by the end of the day, more than half of the topper had come off ALL of my fingernails! It is my hope that a top coat would solve these problems, but ultimately–despite being very pretty initially–I can’t say I recommend this product. A lot of time + short-lasting cover = disappointed girl.

What do you think? Have you tried Nail Rock? What’s your favorite nail polish brand?

Friday Five

Products I’m Loving 💚

March 8, 2014March 8, 2014 Caitlyn2 Comments

For a belated “Friday Five” post, I thought I’d share some products I’ve sort of been obsessing over:

1. Embryolisse

I found out about Embryolisse through my monthly Birchbox subscription, and I am so glad! Embryolisse is known as a 24-hour Miracle Cream, and can be used as a primer, moisturizer, and make-up remover. Although it is probably the most expensive “beauty” product I buy, Embryolisse has been totally worth every penny. My skin stays moisturized without feeling oily or like it has heavy lotion on it, and the overall quality of my skin is improving as well. I use it morning and night 🙂

2. Bath & Body Works Amber Blush Body Lotion

I just love the smell of Amber Blush. I tend to moisturize my hands with it, but I always rub a little extra behind my ears and on my wrists, too. Like most Bath & Body Works lotion, Amber Blush tends to keep its subtle scent throughout the day. (I love the Golden Shimmer Body Soufflé and the Sheer Perfume Mist, too!). Bath & Body Works describes the scent of Amber Blush as “a sensual blend of raspberry champagne, gardenia petals and magnolia blossom with a seductive kiss of crystallized amber and creamy vanilla suede.” So pretty!

3. Revlon PhotoReady Concealer

Since moving back to the states, I went through some sad, crazy breakouts for a good few months there. Things are under control now, but unfortunately I have a bit of scarring. So far, Revlon PhotoReady concealer is the absolute best concealer I’ve tried; PhotoReady creates the appearance of an even skin tone, almost completely hides any scarring, and lasts for hours. After trying several other brands, I was so pleased to find that Revlon PhotoReady worked for me.

4. Wet n’ Wild MegaLiner Liquid Eyeliner

Several years ago, I read about Wet n’ Wild’s MegaLiner in a beauty magazine that toted it as an inexpensive liner that many makeup artists use on celebrities. I gave it a try, and have been addicted to it ever since! I love the Black MegaLiner because it lasts all day long, it can be used to create even, clean-looking wing tips, and the brush offers a lot of control.

5. Burt’s Bees Cleansing Towelettes

After a long day, sometimes (okay…often) I feel really lazy and don’t feel like washing my face. But that’s where Burt’s Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes really come in handy. These remove make-up, cleanse and tone, leaving my skin feeling fresh and moist. I love that the ingredients are recognizable for the most part, and that the wipes easily remove even makeup products meant to stay put (like the MegaLiner I just mentioned, for example!).

These five products have become key inclusions in my daily routine, and I’ve loved sharing them with you! Here’s a picture after using all of them (except for the Towelettes, because those come later, obviously 😉 )