Goals for Summer

With my August move quickly approaching I have been on a mission to make my life as clutter and stress free as possible.
I want to:

• de-clutter my bedroom (I live with my parents, so all I have is one room of things)
• minimize my wardrobe (goal is to fit my clothes into 1 suitcase)
• donate unused makeup, nail polish and personal care items to Beauty Bus
• work for extra spending and travel money 
• read a myriad of books
• get my reading speed up 
• eat plant-based 85/15
• drink tea to calm my nerves and relax my mind
• travel lightly, California is too beautiful not too
• spend much needed time with family and friends
• begin an ongoing bucket list
• do yoga

My biggest hope is to embrace a more minimalist lifestyle and to enjoy the simplicity and peace of mind that comes with that. My goal for the next three years is to complete law school, gain experience in the working world, and to travel. I hope that with my goals this summer I can make my overall goals a reality.

A Change of Perspective

With my impending departure for law school I have been in an odd mood. I've mentally critiqued my lifestyle and have more or less purged my bedroom. I'm in the process of letting go over several items (clothes, makeup, paperwork, etc.) 

In a sense I'm trying to accept the fact that I'm moving 2,000 miles away in August by trying to live with less. It's something in my life that I can control for monetary and mindful reasons. Having less stuff makes me feel invigorated. I'm not saying that I do not enjoy shopping, but rather that I'm in the process of developing a sense of self that is beyond tangibles. 

The things that matter most are intangible, and by having less you can feel more connected with you.

Releasing all my unneeded clutter has decreased my stress level and has led me to think more about what a necessity really is. 

If anyone has any recommendations or tips on this minimalist approach, please comment.

Skincare Overhaul

The day I started following Caroline Hirons, the skincare God, I should have shredded my credit cards. She's bad on your bank account but sublime for your skin. I haven't had someone indirectly speak to my skincare soul in a long time. (Yes, your skin has a separate soul). This woman has captured my heart and my skin has thanked me for her wisdom.

My skin: acne-prone, sensitive, combination, fair.

The most important thing in my skincare routine has to be my prescription strength Retin-A. The stuff is a pain in the ass to get used to. I've been using it for over a year and my skin still goes berserk if I apply too much of this stuff. It is great for scarring, acne, and for anti-aging. My skin is not mature, but I do like to think of it as a preventative measure.

REN No.1 Cleansing Balm/ Balance Me cleanse and smooth face balm/ REN Hydra-calm cleansing milk/ REN Clear-calm Clay Cleanser/ REN Clarifying Toning Lotion/ Retin-A 0.1% Cream, Mario Badescu Aloe, Herbs and Roewater spay, Hydraluron/ REN Hydra-Calm Global Protection Day Cream/ La Roche Posay Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid/ Dermalogica Gentle Cream Cleanser.

Here is my new-er morning routine:
1. Wash face with non-foaming cleanser.I prefer either REN Hydra-calm Cleansing Milk or Clear Calm Clay Cleanser. (I'm not the biggest fan of foaming cleansers.)
2. Spritz toners, currently using Mario Badescu Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater Spray or REN Clarifying Toning Lotion.
3. Hydraluron
4. moisturize, REN Hydra-calm Global Protection Day Cream
5. sunscreen, La Roche Posay.

&Night Routine:
1. Balm Cleanser: REN No.1 Purity Cleansing Balm or Balance Me.
2. 2nd Cleanse either Cleansing Milk or Clay Cleanser mentioned above.
3. Spritz face with toner(s)
4. Hydraluron
5. moisturize
6. wait a few minutes, than apply half a pea sized amount of Retin-A nightly or bi-nightly.


This is a REN heavy routine. I cannot help that I love their products. I purchase all of my products with my own money. Retin-A is a prescription only product. Contact your GP or dermatologist if you feel that your skin might need it. For me it was either Topical Vitamin A or Accutane. I chose the topical because of the nightmarish side effects of Accutane and my uneasiness around needles and medical offices. :)

I find that this routine keeps the skin clear, makeup free, not as clog prone (sometimes I won't have active acne but am susceptible to blocked pores), hydrated, glowing, and healthy looking.


Are there any products that you would suggest? How does your skin regiment look?
Should I do a body regiment next? It's pretty darn simple...