HELLLLLO, 2021!
It’s a new year with new favorites that I’m stumbling across or using, and I love having this platform in which I can share my thoughts with y’all.
And I’m going to continue to schedule these posts for every other Friday because, well life is busy, and I don’t have time for a weekly in-depth post. I got a full-time job and a life 🙂
Also, you might have noticed that my blog has a bit of a new look! I’m consistently adding to and adjusting my site, and I’m excited to share it with you! Maybe one day, be able to look at it one day and say “Alright, I’m done with the changes”…. but let’s be real. That won’t happen for quite some time because I’m a perfectionist whose never quite satisfied.
Anyway, here we go!
This Week’s Favorites:
- This podcast’s info could save your life.
- Want shiny, looks-like-you-just-paid-for-a-blowout hair?
- Your steaks have never tasted better with this magical marinade.
- Add a little pep to your step with this delightfully fruity pick-me-up.
- Your skincare routine didn’t even know it needed this!
Note: All of the following recommendations and opinions are of my own, and this is not sponsored post.
“If I Go Missing” Folder – Crime Junkie Podcast
I just recently got into podcasts, mostly because my commutes to and from work needed a little bit more excitement.
I enjoy Crime Junkie (I listen on Spotify) because the true-crimes they talk about are told more like a story rather than an unscripted conversation about the crime. I just want to get to the facts, people! So, that’s why I very quickly fell in love with this podcast.
Something discussed in earlier episodes was that it is very difficult to obtain access to a loved one’s personal info (banking, social media, computer logins, etc.), in case of an emergency. In the event that one of you or your loved ones was to (heaven forbid) go missing, the Crime Junkie hosts, Ashley and Brit, have created something called an If I Go Missing document. Some might think this to be morbid or unnecessary, but I think it’s brilliant. If you have all of this information in a safe place, with at least two important people whom you trust who know where it’s kept, this could absolutely come in-handy one day.
You just NEVER know, y’all.
Below is the document to either edit on a computer, OR to print out and complete by hand. And check out their podcast while you’re at it!
Your Best Hair Yet – Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer
I had been staring at this product on the shelves of Target and Walmart, always wondering if this hair dryer truly lived up to its hype. It seemed like everyone was using one, and the online reviews were outstanding; it’s got a 4.6 star rating on Amazon, with over 135k reviews. So, I had to give it a try.
This hairdryer is one of the things Chris got me for Christmas (best husband ever), and I was SO excited to try it out for the first time.
I’m honestly not that great at fixing my own hair (I mean, I learned how to properly curl my hair at 30 years old), so I honestly thought me using this would be quite the spectacle. Turns out, it’s very easy to use, the bristles on the brush are soft and forgiving, and my hair never got knotted or tangled.
TIP: Do NOT just randomly go and buy one that you see on Amazon. Not all of the ones being sold online are the real deal (trust me – I learned the hard way on this… Thanks, China.) I suggest buying it at Target, Walmart, or Ulta. That way you KNOW you’re getting the true product. And it randomly goes on sale, so keep an eye out for that!
They normally run about $60, but this is in amazing investment that you’ll wish you would have bought it sooner! Worth every penny!
** A full video review and before/after photos coming soon! **
Save This Recipe – My “Secret” Steak Marinade
During Quarantine this past year, Chris and I had to get creative in the kitchen. We would quickly get tired of the same old boring meal, so we not only found new recipes, but we developed some of our own!
We found an 8-pack of sirloin steaks at Sam’s Club for a REALLY good price (less than $25!) and we used this marinade on all of them.
Game changer! Let me know if you try it out – I want to know what you think!
**ALSO, check out my new Recipes page, where I’ll periodically be posting yummy stuff! **
Energy Drink – Alani Nutrition
I’m not usually a big fan of energy drinks (I have enough natural energy for about 5 people), but every once in a while I need a little pick-me-up. I found these at Target, grabbed the Tropsicle flavor to try (it tastes like a pineapple popsicle), and I LOVED it. I bought more flavors to try, and all of them have been delicious and not too sweet. There’s no added sugar, and there are a bunch of vitamins (Biotin, B6, B12, to name a few) in each one, so you can choose the one that is more tailored to your needs.
Check them out at Target!
Change Up Your Skincare Routine – L’Oreal Face Serums
Okay, so I’ve been oh-so curious about face serums, but I keep seeing photos and video of people using that little dropper on their forehead, cheeks, and chin.
Let’s face it (ha, pun intended), we’re not getting any younger, and it’s never TOO early to start taking care of our skin. With having to wear face masks all the time, and now having to deal with the rough winter air, our skin has been through the wringer. I knew I had to try something new! So, I started doing some research.
The most common active ingredients in face serums were puzzling to me – I’d heard of them, but I didn’t know what they did exactly. Hyaluronic acid and glycolic acid are two of the most commonly used types of acids, and I’ve broken them down for you here: (If you don’t have time to read the details about the acids, you can skip ahead to the In Summary section) 🙂
Hyaluronic Acid
Also known as hyaluronan, this popular acid already exists in our bodies. The eyes and joints contain the highest concentration of hyaluronic acid. Aging and environmental factors, among other things, play a critical role in the amount of hyaluronic acid our body retains, so we naturally lose some of that amount as we age.
Although it has many functions, its main objective is to keep the skin hydrated and moisturized, and it does so by retaining the water in our bodies. This is why it’s a perfect option for people with dry skin. It enhances the moisture content that’s on the skin, so if you do suffer from dry skin or dry patches, it’s a good idea to invest in a skincare product that contains hyaluronic acid. When applied topically, it hydrates the skin and prevents it from being dull-looking.
In addition, hyaluronic acid lubricates the joints and other connective tissues, as well as providing a protective coat in the cells of the articular cartilage. Interestingly, it’s also the main acid used for lip fillers.
It also works by decreasing the inflammation in the body while a wound is healing. Due to its antibacterial properties, it also reduces the risk of infection during the process of healing.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA), a group of acids referred to as ‘fruit acids’. As the name suggests, it’s mainly found in fruit and it’s usually derived from sugar cane. It’s said to be one of the safest AHAs for the skin.
Just like hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid is also naturally occurring in the body. It breaks down and loosens the substances that are located on the top skin layer and it provides natural exfoliation, which is why it’s very effective for rejuvenating the skin and shedding off dead skin cells.
Due to these anti-aging and replenishing properties, it’s the main ingredient found in many chemical peels. Other than that, it’s commonly used in many cosmetic products such as creams, gels, and toners that treat scarring, hyperpigmentation, and even acne.
In Summary
Both acids seem to be extremely beneficial when dealing with dry, flakey and dull-looking skin. They both have great anti-aging properties, making them an incredible option for mature skin types.
However, it appears that glycolic acid is a better option for those who want to treat acne or those who are looking for an effective skin exfoliator.
If you suffer from extremely dry skin or dry patches and are looking for a great moisturizer, then you should go for one that contains hyaluronic acid. Make sure you do a patch test first.
Here’s some articles I found where the team(s) have reviewed (and loved!) the L’Oreal Face Serums:
Elle
BestProducts.com
Popsugar
SO, I’ve been using my L’Oreal Glycolic Face Serum for a week now, and I can already see a difference in my skin. Less breakouts and irritation from wearing a mask, and I feel like I have more moisture in my skin than before. They say you can use both if you want to take advantage of their benefits, but all-in-all, you have to choose what’s best for your skin. You know it better than anyone!
And that’s all of today, folks. As always, thanks for stopping by! Let me hear from you – Leave a comment and let me know what you thought and/or what you’d like to see me blog about next time!
Pineapples & Puns 
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