THE BEST thing I ever did for my face!!

Do you want to know the #1 best thing I ever did for my looks? There is ONE single thing that made the biggest impact for my face. Can you guess what it is?

No, I never had Botox.

I thought about fillers…but, no.

It’s not a spa treatment or cosmetic product.

I GOT MY EYEBROWS MICROBLADED, Y’ALL!

And OH MY GOD, was it ever worth it! I have used every type of brow product known to mankind. Brow pencils, gels, kits. The cheapies, the high end products. I was sooo embarrassed by my natural eyebrows that I never left the house without my brows done. You wouldn’t even catch me at the gas station without my brows on!

My poor eyebrows were victims of the overplucking movement of the 90’s and early 2000’s. Remember those pencil thin arched eyebrows everyone was rocking circa 2000? Yea, I had those. I’m not proud, but I was keeping with the times! Sadly, although I came to my senses, my eyebrows never recovered. Over the years since, they continued to become more drastically uneven and sparse. As if in retaliation, every wrongfully plucked hair would refuse to ever grow back.

SO…I faked my eyebrows! I began filling them in with pencils and powders before good eyebrows were even a “thing.” When did good eyebrows become suddenly become so important anyway? It seemed like an almost overnight beauty obsession. The term “brows on fleek” was coined in 2014 and went viral. Suddenly, everybody everywhere was paying attention to eyebrows! EEK!

My go to product became NYX Waterproof Eyebrow Gel. It’s cheaper than most eyebrow products on the market, and far cheaper than products comparable in quality. This stuff really stays put. I found that if I avoided the eyebrow area when washing my face, I could get a full 48 hour wear out of one application. It survived sleeping, swimming, rain.

gel

NYX Professional Makeup Long Lasting Waterproof Eyebrow Gel

My eyebrows looked good – they were on fleek – but I felt like I was hiding something. I was hiding something. I hated to be seen without my eyebrows made up. I did everything to avoid it. So when I heard about microblading, it seemed like the answer!

What is microblading you ask? Microblading is a tattooing technique where tiny needles are used to add semi-permanent ink to the skin, applied in strokes that resemble tiny hairs. It lasts between 12 months and 3 years. The pigment will gradually fade and can be touched up every 6 months to 1 year.

I visited Natech Cosmetics in Belair, Maryland for my microblading procedure. My technician, Natalia, began microblading long before most people ever heard of it. I showed Natalia some photos of the way I do my brows on a daily basis so that she could replicate the shape I wanted with the microblading procedure. She sketched an outline onto my brows and checked for symmetry and balance. I gave the go ahead and she began! It did hurt, I can’t lie! It is comparable to getting a regular tattoo, but imagine that feeling over your brow bones. However, the headache I developed during the procedure was far worse than the actual pain from the needles. My eyes and forehead were constantly contracting and squinting as a response to the microblading needle on my face. The headache got pretty intense but the entire microblading procedure only lasted around an hour. Not bad at all! I would do it 10x over for these results!  Take a look at the before and after photos…

26952183_732174950321301_3207163880132982257_o

Look at those brows on fleek!

I left my appointment feeling and looking like I had a brand new face! Now I don’t worry about waking up at my boyfriend’s house with one brow rubbed off! These babies are a (semi) permanent part of my face.

That’s right ladies, I woke up like this!

 

Best Ways to Make Your Bedroom Better

Clean Up

The #1 way to make your bedroom look better is to clean it up! Make the bed, dust, vacuum. Put your dirty clothes in the hamper and put all clean clothes in your closet or dresser. Don’t forget to wash the sheets while you’re at it!

Image result for clean the bedroom

Keep it clean by spending 5 minutes each day doing a quick clean. Remember, it’s easier to keep something clean rather than clean it once it’s dirty. Spending that 5 minutes a day goes a long way toward keeping the overall appearance much nicer than before. That doesn’t mean you’ll never have to do a deep clean, but by keeping up with the cleaning, the need for a deep clean will be rare.

Visit The Spruce for tips on How to Clean Up Your Bedroom in 15 Minutes.

For an even bigger impact, clean out the closet!

Declutter

Declutter causes stress. It can be paralyzing. I know it is for me. It’s overwhelming to look at all the clutter piled up and scattered around your home. Where do you even start?  Luckily, we know exactly where to start (the bedroom).

Image result for declutter your bedroom

Check out this article from Good Housekeeping on How to Declutter Your Bedroom.

Tackle the clutter and you will be so glad you did! For an even bigger impact, tackle another room’s clutter next!

Add Throw Pillows

Sprucing up your bed can take $20 and a quick trip to the store. For a plain or neutral bedroom, add a pop of color. Be bold in your choice! For a room with lots of colors or patterns, opt for neutral colored throw pillows.

Related image

Pay attention to texture! Consider choosing several pillows in different textures.

For a bigger change, splurge on a new bedspread and higher quality sheets. You won’t regret it!

Add a Rug

Adding a rug over a hardwood floor can be an eye catching change. A rug over carpet can make it feel even cozier. Either will transform the feel of your room. Try an extra soft or shaggy rug for a feel-good texture.

This shag rug is from Amazon. I have personally purchased two of these are they feel so great. You’ll want to walk on them barefoot all day.

Wayfair.com offers over 10,000 rugs to choose from. You can also find cheap but quality options by Amazon or Target.

Fresh Cut Flowers

The finishing touch! Whether it’s a single flower or several large bouquets, flowers make your room feel more lively.

Image result for long lasting cut flowers

Check out this simple list of 12 Long Lasting Cut Flowers.

Make it Smell Good

A few candles can make a big impact on sight and smell. Discount stores like TJ Maxx are good places to find great candles for cheap prices. Bath & Body Works is another popular favorite. Keep an eye out for holiday sales.

White Barn Champagne Toast 3-Wick Candle - Bath And Body Works

Use a DIY room spray for long-lasting scent without the added chemicals. The recipe below can be used with any of your favorite essential oils.

Image result for diy room spray

Steps to make room spray:
  • Start by adding your 10-15 drops of essential oil in the spray bottle.
  • Add your 1 tsp of Salt, I typically use Himalayan Salt. Using a small funnel like this one makes this step easier.
  • Stir bottle to mix essential oil and salt.
  • Fill rest of bottle with water. …
  • Add sprayer top and shake well.

Enjoy your new space! Comment with any other tips you have to share!

About Me Post

So, I saw a blogging post idea for new bloggers and decided to do it myself. If you’re curious about me, here you go!

all about me

me 3

Why are you blogging publicly, rather than keeping a personal journal?

There are a few reasons. I’m all about evolving and growing and my own journey has taken some exciting, unexpected, very dramatic turns. I want to share my stories and advice with others just beginning their journey and get the same in return. I’m an introvert by nature but my new focuses have me so excited that I’ve found myself reaching out and connecting more and more. My mind is my own personal journal, so might as well put my writing here!

What topics do you think you’ll write about?

Anything and everything related to self improvement, or the GLOW UP as I like to call it. I believe that a person should never be stagnant and should always be improving themselves some way, whether that’s physically, mentally, financially, spiritually.

What are you about? Why should they read your blog?

I just want to be honest about the totally awesome things in my life and the failures too. I live by the motto “Create a life that feels good on the inside, not just one that looks good on the outside.”

Who would you love to connect with via your blog?

Other women in general – young, old, happy, unhappy, moms or not, married or not, etc, etc. Also anyone who shares my interests in yoga, meditation, and spirituality, especially people in the Baltimore area.

If you blog successfully throughout the next year, what would you hope to have accomplished?

I’d hope to reach a lot of people, inspire others and be inspired by others.

Professional Reader

hearts

Learn Something New Everyday…in 15 minutes or less!

The childhood years are jam packed with learning – school, homework, sports, after school programs, summer camp. Then comes all the new and exciting learning in college – choosing your own courses, study groups, activist groups, clubs.

brain

But what happens then?

We get into a rut. The kids, the 9-5 jobs, the car pools, the laundry. Learning doesn’t seem to fit into the day anymore. We are “frazzled.” We have “mommy brain.” We are busy. And tired.

mommy brain

But learning new things has benefits.

  • It’s empowering
  • Makes you more interesting to others
  • Makes you more creative
  • Makes you more confidant
  • Adds a new skill to your resume
  • Sets a good example for your kids
  • Builds self-esteem

 

Learn Something New in 15 minutes

You don’t necessarily have to commit a lot of time. By spending 15 minutes a day (or even 10 (ok, some days 5)), you can reap the benefits of learning.

15 min

Udemy

Offering over 100,000 high-quality, on demand online courses, Udemy.com is a one stop shop for your learning! To say there is something for everyone is an understatement!udemy

I have personally taken several Udemy courses that were highly fulfulling and worthwhile. Courses cost as little as $9.99! Many come with a certificate to show for all your hard work. The courses are self-paced so you can spend as little or as much time as you need!

Podcasts

This one doesn’t even have to take up any of your time! Hello, multitaskers! 

Podcasts are one of my favorite ways to squeeze some extra intelligence into mundane day. I listen to podcasts in the car, while washing dishes, you name it. With a recent surge in popularity, you might just want to create your own!

College Info Geek gives his take on the 40 Best Podcasts of 2019.

podcast

TED Talks

Each time I watch a TED Talk, I feel like I’ve been taught the key to life. Seems a little dramatic, but an expert speaker will do that to you. TED Talks live up to the slogan “ideas worth spreading.” Each inspiring video is short, concise and delivered by an expert speaker. Watch and you’ll see.

ted talks

TED-Ed is a branch of TED derived from the ideas of teachers and students with the goal of sparking curiosity and supporting learning.

YouTube

youtube

YouTube. Of course. In the land of tutorials, anything is possible! You can anything from the endless tutorials on YouTube. Literally endless. But you can also gain knowledge from experts or listen to speakers on topics that are more difficult to find information on. One of my favorite type of videos to learn from on YouTube are Bob Proctor’s videos. He discusses The Law of Attraction and offers several great affirmation videos.

Bob Proctor on Changing Paradigms

Read

What a shocker. The good old fashioned book. Or e-book. Whatever you’re into these days.  Whether it’s a book on a new skill, a different culture, a how to or a self help, every book is a winner!

books

So learn a new skill! Learn a new language! Learn how to meditate! It doesn’t matter what you learn; as long as you learn something, your brain will thank you. The new and improved you will thank you.

How to Have Kissable Lips

Who doesn’t want to be kissable, AMIRIGHT?! Your chapstick or favorite lip color looks bomb already, but to glow your lips ALL the way up, do a little extra (and it won’t take much time!) Keep your lips smoother, prettier, and better smelling with the tips below!

TIP #1 EXFOLIATE

The first key to kissable lips, is soft lips. Yes, chapstick is your friend, but you must first exfoliate! A sugar scrub will remove any dead skin cells and leave your lips feeling smoother than ever. Add a scrub to your face care routine twice a week. Etsy sells almost any flavor you can think of. My favorite is Bubble Gum by SweetClementineSoaps. Visit the Etsy shop to buy this amazing flavor or tons of others, including Cotton Candy, Cake Batter, Watermelon, Pineapple, Coffee, Green Tea and Cabernet Crush!

lip scrub

https://www.etsy.com/listing/593907055/bubble-gum-lip-sugar-scrub-lip-polish?ref=shop_home_active_5&sca=1

While deciding which delicious flavor to order, mixing up your own lip scrub takes just a few minutes!

DIY Lip Scrub Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp white sugar
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • Your choice of flavoring (lemon, lime or orange zest, instant coffee, cinnamon)

lip scrub 2

TIP #2 FLAVORED CHAPSTICK

Make your chapstick even more kissable by buying a flavored scented chapstick!

I bought a bunch of flavored chapsticks after watching a YouTube video by LoveYourNatural. After trying multiple brands from drug stores and online, these handmade flavored chapsticks are hands down my absolute favorites!

chapstick

Beeswax Lip Balm by Honeyrunfarm is one of the best! These are smooth, smell and taste great and come in a variety of flavors.

TIP #3 Lip Plumper

If you’re like me and wish your lips had a little more umph, go for a lip plumper. No, you will not get the dramatic results most of these products claim, but you will see a difference. My personal favorite is Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme. It tingles and gives you that little extra umph.

plumper

Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme

 

Aside from our usual chapsticks, lip sticks and glosses, these tips give you that little something extra for extra kissable lips!

Be Your Best Self

Thanks for joining me on the glow up!

Don’t be a lady. Be a LEGEND.”

My name is Sarah Christine – mother, sister, friend, entrepreneur. Born, raised and thriving in Baltimore, Maryland with my two sons. I believe we are all perfectly imperfect and this blog is to share my journey to “glow up” my life – mentally, psychically and spiritually. As women, we are continuously evolving and we can choose to support and empower each other! Join me as we guide each other on our collective journeys. This blog has been a long time coming and I can’t wait to share it with all of you!

Xoxo Sarah