What I've Been Up To- Summer 2018

You guys,
I've been enjoying Summer so much this year.
I was unsure if I would enjoy it, seeing as I'm off work later this year than last.
I'm making the best of it.
To start off the Summer right I took an extra long weekend for Victoria Day (which I never do) and we went camping!

It made me want to do a lot more camping this year (which we haven't yet, but will) and I ended up investing in a double sleeping bag.

After that trip my love was gone for about a month, luckily our weather wasn't that great for the month of June so we weren't missing out.
Then July I had holidays and the weather was hot.
We took day trips here and there and did a big clean where we got rid of a lot of things we're not using.

It's fun exploring where you live.
I've lived in the same town for 30 years and had never been to Port Renfrew, so we finally went there.  Unfortunately the trip was cut short due to truck issues, but it was neat to see none the less.

Tonight I made shrimp cakes and they were freaking delicious! Both the boy and I decided it was a keeper recipe.
Since my last post we've lost three family friends, so that's been rough and one hit me harder than expected, but at least they're all no longer in pain and that's what I keep telling myself.

I have a few long weekends coming up and some holidays on September 1st.
I really want to start writing and blogging again, I've missed it more than I thought I would.

Anyone else scoping out Autumn decorations and candles?
Too early?

Anyways, I feel like I've been really trying to love life lately.
I'll have a post coming soon about the supplements I've been using and what's been saving me from my anxiety.

Standing Up To My Anxiety

Lately I've been living the life of a single girl. . . sort of.

My fiancee is working away at the moment and so I am by myself.

I know lots of couples do this, and it's tough.  I'm lucky that it hasn't been for months at a time, yet, but it's still hard to have him away.

I have really bad anxiety when I have to go out and do stuff by myself.

Like groceries? If I go right after work or early in the morning I'm good, but if I have to go on my days off in the middle of the day? Forget about it, I end up calling my parents and getting one of them to go with him.

Lately I've been challenging my anxiety, or myself I guess.

I meet my mom for coffee at the mall every Sunday when she's working, once she goes back to work I make myself do a lap around the mall by myself and if I'm brave I go into a store or two.  The longest I've done this for lately is about twenty five minutes and then I get sweaty and panicky and have to leave.

So yesterday I decided I was going to take about a 3 hour drive to my favorite beach.  I made myself do it, I almost have to bully myself into doing things...it's pathetic.

But I did it, I spent 3 hours there and even went body boarding.

Proof:

 Once I was on the road I was having a great time blasting my favorites songs on a beautiful, sunny day.  The beach was busy, but it's so big and honestly, no one else cares what you're doing.

I have to keep reminding myself that.

Like if I want to make myself start running again and I have to remind myself that no one else actually cares what I'm doing, I'm bettering myself and will feel great after.

I just thought I'd give a quick update on my anxiety, and while not everyone has a partner that works away so it forces you to do things alone...it helps.  I would suggest bullying challenging yourself to do things outside your comfort zone.

My Travel Makeup & Skincare Routine

I recently went to Las Vegas, not far from me but far enough.
Traveling means I get to use up a bunch of my miniature products, which I was psyched for (ask the boyfriend).  It also means that I really need to figure out what makeup products are really essential to me, which was hard because I have a blush palette I love, but it is rather large.

I had a method to my madness.
I packed everything I would normally use, which sounds ridiculous but it was my system, then I went through it all again and asked myself "do I really need this for the three days I'm gone?"
I would narrow it down to if one product could do the work of two, do I need a blush palette when I'm going to be in forty degree Celsius weather?, do I need two highlighters?
The only thing I couldn't get myself to agree on was mascara. . .I brought three. . .did I end up using three? No.  I used the same one every day.

What I started with was excessive. Not pictured, is an eye shadow palette that I brought and used once.  And all I used it for? my inner corner highlight.  I brought a lipstick, but all I ended up using was my Lancome Juicy Shaker (in cotton candy), love these things!  The Nars soft matte complete concealer was awesome for the hot weather and I think I claim it as my all time favorite concealer after this trip.  I just want to mention that I never hear anyone talk about the Buxom lash mascara, I freaking love it.  It never flakes or clumps on me and makes my lashes look so good, I need to invest in the full version.

I thought for sure I would be into wearing a lot of makeup but a)I was wearing sunglasses half the time and b)it was sweltering!  I was more into caring for my skin and hair, as the heat attacked it.

I used my regular shampoo and conditioner, and just transferred them to small containers (hair routine coming soon), but this soy leave-in treatment from SexyHair helped so much while down there.  I am a blush person and I only brought this one from Charlotte Tilbury/Norman Parkinson Color of Youth, and I only used it the first day. My Charlotte Tilbury bronze and glow was a must though, along with the Becca under eye corrector.

I recently used my points to get the First Aid Beauty set at Sephora and have been dying to use these minis and finally got the chance. 
Face cleanser- While it is good and didn't effect my skin in a bad way, I'll pass and stick to my Neutrogena.
Coconut Primer- I am not sure. . .I like the way it felt and the scent wasn't bad, but I just didn't notice much difference if that makes sense. I would save my money.
Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum- I liked this quite a bit, but seeing how I have other serums I like slightly more I'm not buying the full size.
Ultra Repair Cream- I did not like the scent of this but I really like the cream, a lot.  The scent goes away quickly so I may the full size in the future if suddenly Eucerin stops making my favorite.

I brought my bum bum cream by Sol de Janeiro and never used it once!  But trust that I've been using it like crazy since I've been home...plus I did transfer my Brazilian Crush spray into a smaller container to bring on the trip and wore it every day.

Since we've been home I've been embracing a no makeup makeup look more than usual, mostly just concealer, bronzer and highlight.  It feels very summery and I'm loving it.

What are your travel essentials?
Expect a beach post later this week as we're headed out for some waves today!

Health & Fitness Update (4)

Well, these updates are few and far between.
I feel quite possibly, the best I have felt in a long time.
I still have quite a ways to go fitness wise but I've been working out about 5 days a week for roughly 20 minutes, doing mostly weight training and just natural body resistance exercises.

I skipped the last two days but I am not feeling guilty about it as I was tired from a long work week and Friday night I just wanted to have fun.
I am eventually going to do a what I eat in a day post but for now I'll give you a quick look into my daily routine.

First, I have a notebook that I keep track of my food and workouts in, I find it helps me plan and be accountable.  Plus I like to see when I had a good day and it makes me just feel good.
I usually write in this at the end of the day but I always write my breakfast and lunch in for the next day as I usually have those meals already planned.

Breakfast- 3 eggs and smoothie (if we don't have smoothie stuff I will have oatmeal)
Snack- A big bottle of my homemade green juice (recipe coming soon) and maybe some fruit if I am still hungry
Lunch- usually a salad, Kind or Cliff bar, fruit (strawberries, pineapple, banana)
Dinner- Usually protein with a vegetable and rice
Snack- Sometimes I snack but lately I haven't been except for a couple pieces of dark chocolate

I usually work out around six thirty, after my dinner has digested and then after that just get chores done or relax.  It's a routine that is working out really well for me lately, just hopefully I can keep it up as it starts to get hotter here.

Have a great week!

Summer Essentials 2017

Time for my annual Summer essentials update!
I feel like this year is different than years previous.
Normally I have a BB cream or tinted moisturizer and so far this year I haven't put one on my face, I've been embracing my skin while it's behaving.


I have been loving freckled, bronzed skin and natural looking mascara.
Not much skincare is included in this post, but you can check out my current routine here.

 -Sunscreen has become a must for me as I am all about skincare.  This one from Aveeno is 30SPF, doesn't feel greasy, blends into the skin nicely and is the last step in my skincare routine.
-I am loving bronzer, I've never really been one for it until this year and this Hourglass one (Diffused light) is killing it for me.
-While I am not using a tinted moisturizer or foundation, I still feel the need to conceal and I like the Nars complete concealer (vanilla) for this.  It blends in nicely to my own skin tone and creasing is almost non-existent.
-I received this Charlottle TilburyXNorman Parkinson Color of Youth healthy, happy lip & cheek glow, in my lucky bag from Beautylish earlier this year, and I thought nothing of it at the time.  But the coral color and the fact that it's a multi use cream has been amazing for this warm weather!
-Hylamide HA Primer, provides a nice blurring effect and canvas for all this rose-y cheeked, bronzey-ness.

 -I'm all about mermaid colors for the eyes.  The new Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Highlighting Eyeshadow Palette volume 3 and NYX single eyeshadow in Mermaid, are perfect for this.  Some may not like the shimmers in the Tarte palette, but I am a fan.
-I just started using the Lancome juicy shakers about a month ago and I am in love.  I'm not much of a lipstick person so these are perfect for me.  I love this one in Freedom of Peach for Summer.
-For bright under eyes I've been using this Becca under eye corrector for quite awhile now and would highly recommend it.
-Lastly my favorite mascara this year, Buxom Lash Mascara.  I love the wand, love the separation, love the length it gives, and best of all I can work all day and not have a smudge under my eye.

-Becca's Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal, I can't believe I haven't used this sooner.  Such a pretty glow for Summer without looking 'shiny'.

-CoverFx click highlighter in bubbly, I love highlighting my top lip with this or using it under a powder highlight for an extra glow.

-Clarins lip perfector in 04Petal, is a great sheer Summertime gloss.

-Another product from the company Deciem (I know, I'm obsessed), this time from The Chemistry line, Heel Chemistry has saved my dry feet.  I just think it is amazing.  I apply it either before I go to work or right before bed, once a day and it's just been like magic.  I'm not embarrassed to wear sandals or go barefoot.

-Last but not least, the brand as a whole that's been a winner for me is Sol de Janeiro.  The smell of everything they produce is amazing and just is Summer to me.  I was ecstatic when they released the 

Brazilian Crush body spray and scooped it up instantly. I've never religiously used a body cream until now and this is my second tub of the Bum Bum cream.  The shower gel, Brazilian 4-Play, I could just sit and smell it all day.  It can be Summer all year long using this brand.

What are your Summer essentials? Please let me know in the comments!

Fireworks, Music and Food

This past weekend was just the best.

I really planned to take more pictures and video, but I was just too busy enjoying myself to do so and that's why I make a terrible blogger.

Saturday after work we headed down to the Bathtub Weekend festivities, which basically we go just to people watch.
You're probably all "what is Bathtub Weekend?"
It's this festival my town has every year that lasts 4 days, there's concerts, lots of activities and vendors, fireworks and of course the Bathtub Race itself. 

Around dinner time we played this game called Fibbage, to sum it up it is a game of lying.  Tons of fun if you have more than two people playing!

After a few hours of that we headed down to the fireworks.  These fireworks are kind of special, just because it was our first real date together.
The trick to the fireworks is go early, bring coffee and/or a snack, and do laps around the park people watching, it's just the best.  Then settle into a spot about 30-40 mins before the fireworks start and continue people watching and playing the game 'Pokemon or Texting?'  It's a new game we play and it's just funny to think everyone is playing Pokemon.

Sunday!
Sunday was Rock the Shores day 3 in Colwood.
We didn't do Friday or Saturday as I had to work and didn't feel like taking the days off to see bands I was so-so on.

We arrived about an hour after the gates opened, which was kind of perfect because parking wasn't a nightmare and we got through the line super quick.  We then did a lap around to check out the food trucks and made sure we found the water fill up, then just took a seat and, you got it, people watched.

Playing Scrabble while we waited

First up was The Motorleague, and we just sat in the grass eating lunch and had a beer (me) while listening.  Next The Stand Stills played and same thing just chilled out.

After that was when the real fun started.  I've seen Yukon Blonde before and they put on a good show, so we decided to get into the crowd for a bit.  Even if you don't like a band, you just feed off the energy of everybody and have a great time.

It was time for a break, so we headed up to the water mister they had spraying and stood in front of that to cool off before July Talk went out, oh and refilled the beer.

 July Talk killed it.
Leah Fay is my new girl crush.

Between July Talk and Metric, Eagles of Death Metal and The Arkells played so we had a food break.
Poutine and mini donuts for dinner, yes please.
We ended up running into some friends right before The Arkells went on, so our two person group suddenly became six.

The sun was slowly beginning to set but it was still hot out and Metric was going to close this three day festival down.

We got home around eleven thirty and passed right out after the long and hot day.
Monday was a recuperating day.

Such a fun weekend, this is what Summer is all about.
I feel so refreshed and like myself again.

A Bumpy Camping Trip

I told Nathan that he can't go to work until June.
So I planned us a camping trip from May 30th-June 1st, and being my luck he got called for a job for June 2nd.  So we had a partial camping trip and it was enjoyable for the most part, except for the bout of food poisoning he had. . .Enjoy these Tofino and Uclulet pictures!

 My crazy dude decided it was a good idea to jump into the freezing ocean.

 Nathan was up at 4am and headed down to the beach to try and catch a sunrise, this is what he ended up with.

 Coffee in class.

 Had to get a ring shot in there.

Besides the few mishaps I had a fun time camping with this guy!  We learned that you can boil an egg in a beer/pop can in the fire and that the more blankets the better (we learned that the hard way).

Let me know your camping tips in the comments below!

Summer Essentials

Long time no see?
I feel like when I write I need to have a refreshing beverage or coffee in hand, good tunes and have had a good work day.
Today was good and I have a cider in hand, so I am happy.

I hope everyone had a fantastic long weekend! Even though it was not sunny or hot here it felt like the beginning of Summer, therefore I needed to compile my list of Summer essentials.

This will mostly likely differ from my Summer favorites that will come in September but this the overall plan.  Enjoy and a let me know your Summer essentials in the comments!

 BareMinerals Complexion rescue, Fresh Tinted Lip Treatment Sugar in Rose, 'We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson, L'oreal Magic BB Cream, maison martin margiela Replica 'Beach Walk' perfume, Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzer by Chanel

1. Tinted moisturizer/BB Cream.  I usually go lightweight with my skin for any time of year but definitely for Summer. 
2. A lip treatment.  My go to is Vaseline which I feel like I talk about in every essentials/favorites post, but I do like the Fresh treatments as well and thought I'd sneak that in there this time.
3. A good book.  I hope to do a book post this Summer as I have been getting back into reading again as I now have the time to.
4. A Summer scent.  There are scents that smell like Summer and then there are scents that remind you of Summer (watermelon, a boy's cologne, bbq hot dogs, the ocean etc)
5. A go to bronzer, one that enhances your Summer tan or just makes you look like you were at the beach all day even though you were slathered in your SPF like me.

 L'oreal EverSleek Precious Oil Treatment, Essence All About Sunrise Eyeshadow, Stila Aqua Glow Serum Concealer, The Lumineers 'Cleopatra', TooFaced Hangoverx,Maybelline Full 'N Soft Mascara

6. A good hair product to keep your hair feeling smooth and silky after all those UV rays. 
7. Summer-y, shimmery eyeshadows for those days or nights you feeling like looking like a mermaid.
8. Lightweight concealers.  I tend to tan pretty well in Summer, so I do need to go a shade darker but at the same time I rarely need concealer so I stick to light coverage ones that will just make me look more awake.
9. Awesome tunes! A Summer playlist is a must-have for me and has been for years.  Let me know your Summer songs in the comments, I would love to know!
10. A primer, specifically a hydrating one.  I tend to ignore the fact that I have dry skin in the Summer as I am already looking oily from the hot days, but you shouldn't ignore your skin type even if you are a sweaty mess.
11. Natural looking mascara that will have people questioning if those are your natural lashes, oh why yes they are!

Maybelline Better Skin Concealer, Tarte Cosmetics Rainforest of the Sea palette, Hawaiian Tropics Silk Hydration Sunscreen, Stila Aqua Glow Cushion Blush in Rosewater, Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer

 
12. SPF.  Sunscreen is a must for me.  It wasn't in the past, but as I near thirty I've realized the importance of it the last few years.  No more of that 4SPF tanning oil for me, okay well maybe but only because it smells so good and then I'll slather something more on over top.
13. I love having rosy cheeks, so a cushion or cream blush is perfect for the Summer. It looks natural and feels light on the cheeks.
14. Moisturizer.  Something to hydrate your skin before hitting the heat, as well as something for your skin to drink up at the end of the day.

So, go on let me know what you tend to reach for in the Summer months.

I hope you have a great week and I hope to talk to you soon!

Five Things From Vacation

Hello Lovelies!
I am back from vacation and while I'm loving the Autumn weather that is happening here I am not happy to be back to reality.

Boyfriend and I both got used to the California heat and as soon as we made it back up to Washington we were freezing.

I don't know if I mentioned it or not but we drove to California.
We learned some things on our journey:

1. Next time we want to go to Southern California we'll fly.

2. Boyfriend enjoyed his first vacation and wants to go on more. AND he loved Disneyland.

4. Seeing a Tapir in real life was just as exciting as we thought it would be.

5. Fireworks in front of the castle is one of the most magical things I have ever experienced.

Goodbye Summer! You will be missed but thank you for hanging around so long this year :)

What are your Summer highlights?