Sunday Inspiration: Judgement

Beauty on a Budget

 I first discovered e.l.f. cosmetics several years ago. At the time, they were a little known, low cost brand that did a few things very well. And there were a couple of items that quickly became favorites of mine.

Over the last couple of years, it seems as if e.l.f. cosmetics has been releasing so many good things.  They have several products that are comparable to, or even better than, similar products at much higher price points. And while the newer items do cost more than the $1 to $3, I used to pay in the early 20-teens, they are still on the less expensive end of pricing for beauty products. 

I now have a selection of favorite e.l.f. products in my makeup bag with enough variety that I can create a full face. And be very the results.

Some of my personal e.i.f. favorites include:

• Power Grip Primer + Niacinamide 
• Camo CC Cream
• Instant Lift Brow Pencil 
• Wow Brow eyebrow gel
• Bite Size Eyeshadow 
• Expert Liquid Eyeliner 
• Putty Color Correcting Eye Brightener
• Putty Bronzer
• Camo Liquid Blush
• Lash 'n Roll Mascara 
• Stay All Night Setting Mist
• O Face Satin Lipstick 

Finding an e.l.f. foundation that works for was a journey.  A lot of people really love their Flawless Satin foundation. I like the way it looks freshly applied,  but it didn't hold up well for me.  The Camo CC Cream works so much better for my skin. Applies and blends like a dream. Great coverage. Lasts all day.  And has been spf 30.

The Instant Lift Eyebrow Pencil is a long time favorite.  It may have been the first e.l.f. product I ever fell for.  I always keep it in my makeup stash and reach for it again and again. 

The Camo Liquid Blush is so good. It blends easily and lasts better than many other liquid and cream blushes I've tried.  One warning  - they are incredibly pigmented.  Use a lot less than you think you'll actually need!

The Last All Night Setting Mist is my current favorite.  I like the fine Mist spray. And it performs better than a much more expensive brand that I have used in the past.   

Other e.l.f. favorites of mine not pictured: the Mad for Matte eyeshadow palette,  Hydrating Camo Concealer, and Lip Plumping Gloss.

E.l.f. cosmetics gets bonus points with me for being certified cruelty-free! 

This isn't a paid post. I didn't receive any freebies from the company.  Every item was bought and paid for by me. I am just a fan who uses these products on a regular basis.

Have you tried e.l.f. cosmetics? What are your favorite items?

Thankful Thursday: May 16, 2024

 

I Am Thankful For:

Tulip poplar petals falling like rain

Sunshine after the storm

Productive days

Safety during the storms

Texting with family

Eye drops

Grapes

My husband home safe from work related travel

Vacation planning

Peonies in bloom

 Foods that nurture my body

My kids

My grandkids

When my husband does all the cooking for the day

The bird symphony just before dawn

Book club

Key lime pie

Family coming to town

Nurture

2024 has continued to bring challenges and stressors.  After a while, even the little things just start to feel like a LOT.  I finally reached a point where I realized I needed have to force myself to withdraw, slow down, and focus on myself and tending to the things that truly matter the most. 

That's why my word for May is "Nurture". 

I started by looking at the definitions of the word "Nurture".  A few of my favorites were:

• to care for and protect someone or something while they are growing and developing

• to help somebody/something to develop and be successful

• to supply with nourishment

I feel as if my health has taken a hit lately.  I continue to struggle with stomach issues.  I'm still on medication and I am scheduled for an upper endoscopy in July.  I have had to change my diet quite a bit.  I'm focusing on healthy foods that nourish my body and help to soothe my stomach and nurture my gut health.

I closed my Etsy shop over six months ago.  As the days and months go by, I have found myself feeling a little unmoored.  I'm trying to figure out what my next season of life is going to look like and I am at completely at a loss.  I'm lacking direction.  I need to start nurturing my dreams and develop some new goals for myself.

After all the stress, hurt feelings, frustration, and anxiety of the past couple of months, indeed to nurture my mental health as well. This means limiting or eliminating exposure to situations and people that don't make me feel like my best self. It also means seeking out activities and situations that nurture my sense of well-being.

The Man of the House and I started the month with a weekend on the beach near Charleston, SC.  It was nice to have time away together as a couple. A few days away from the routines and demands of daily life is a good way to nurture our relationship.

The time away was also definitely nurturing to my soul. Spending time on the beach, just listening to the waves crashing against the sand, feeling the rhythm of the tides, and watching the movement of the water is always soothing for me.  

I am trying to make a point of doing something everyday that nurtures who I am.  One day that may be writing in my journal. The next it may be listening to music I enjoy, The day after that it might look like curling up with a cup of tea and some crochet or a book. It it may be as simple as standing outside for a few minutes and feeling the sun shining on my face.

May is about focusing on the things that nurture my body, mind, and spirit. What things do you do to nurture yourself?

Sunday Inspiration: Mother's Day 2024

 

Thankful Thursday: May 9, 2024

 

I Am Thankful For:

Packing for a weekend trip

Getting an earlier start than expected

Safe travels

Sunrise on the beach

Watching the waves

Time with my husband

Lighthouses

Seafood dinner

Sunset over the salt marsh

Strolling through Charleston

A pretty new mug

Being back home

Waking up early

Box of treats from Canada

A Foggy morning

Morning playtime with the dogs

Sunday Inspiration: Nourish Your Soul

Thankful Thursday: May 2, 2024

 

I Am Thankful For:

Green grass

Foggy mornings

Trips to Lowes with my husband

Health insurance

The dog chasing a butterfly

Hugs from my oldest grandson

A morning cup of tea

Thunderstorms 

Good results from blood test

Cute new sundresses

Breakfast

Fresh watermelon

Morning sun

Bedtime

A pair of cardinals flying around the yard 

A clear mammogram

Hello, May!

Here we go again.  Another new month stretches out ahead of us, full of hope and promise.  May feels like a month for fresh starts and new beginnings. 

May is always a joyful month for me. It is the month we celebrate the birthday of my second born and only son. He may be turning 26 this year,  but to me he'll always be my baby boy.  (I'm sure he would love to see me saying that.  Haha)

The Man of the House and I have a short getaway planned to the beach this month.  A long weekend just outside of Charleston,  South Carolina.  And it can't come soon enough.  I need some time by the ocean to calm my spirit. 

My reading list for April includes: The Cemetery of Untold Stories by Julia Alvarez,  finishing Normal Women by Philippa Gregory,  and The Gunseller by Hugh Laurie.  Yes, that Hugh Laurie.  That last one is the selection for book club.  It's not one I probably ever would have picked up for myself,  so I'm very curious to see what I think of it.

I'm in the last stages of crocheting a granny square sweater vest for myself.  It feels as if this ribbed edging is going to take forever. But when it's done I will have another fun item to wear that I made with my own hands.  I am also about to begin a cute crossbody bag for my daughter.  I knew I wanted to make it,  and it seemed like a perfect accessory for her style.

My word for the month of April is "Nurture". It's a great word,  one I need so very much right now. But we'll talk more about that soon.

If you read yesterday's post,  you know that April completely threw me off my goal completion game.  Because of that,  most of May's goals are things I didn't accomplish in April.  

May Goals:

• Clean out and reorganize pantry 
• Finish sweater vest 
• Meditate for fifteen minutes at least three days per week 
• Walk three days per week 

What are your plans and goals for the month of May?