Horse Races

We visited the Santa Anita Race Track today and had such a blast. I love gambling and I love animals. The sport combines the two. I don't know anything about horse races so I based all of my bets on horses who's names I liked. We walked away with $18 total in winnings. Matt and I talked about wanting to go back, it was a beautiful race track and well maintained for having been built in the 1930's.

Have you ever been to the horse races? Have you ever won money?

Beatriz

"Empties"

I've gathered enough empty products to make an "empties" post! If don't know what that is, let me tell you! I'm going to share some products that I've used the very last drop of and I'll tell you a little bit about their purpose, also whether or not I plan on buying it again. I like watching "empties" videos on YouTube so I thought I could transition that into a post of my own. If you have any questions about any of the products, let me know in the comments. Anything I write about these products is strictly my opinion or experience, if you happen to try any of this stuff remember that we are all very different and what works for me may not work for you. Enjoy.


Mac Brush Cleaner. Pros: It is a versatile product, perfect for spot cleaning brushes, my white haired brushes prove how well it works. It breaks down gel eyeliner from brushes very easily. The second use is for weekly deep cleaning, with a small amount in your hand it foams and breaks down all color and product from brushes. It cleans, disinfects, and conditions brushes. It is great for cleaning a beauty blender as well. I would recommend it to anyone who uses many makeup brushes on a daily basis. I have repurchased my 3rd bottle.

Oscar Blandi Pronto Gloss Instant Glossing Cream. Pros: This cream does a great job at controlling fly aways and frizz. Use dry or wet, before or after styling. Gives your hair shine without looking greasy or heavy. Helped give my curls definition and smoothed them out. I use it on it's own when I want to air dry my locks, leaves my hair feeling soft. Cons: Even with short hair I felt I had to use more than the recommend amount. I would recommend it for people with wavy or curly hair for a very light hold, I would not recommend it to people with thin or straight hair. I may buy it again when I use up another product I am trying,

Deva Curl No Poo. Pros: Perfect shampoo for naturally curly hair. Replenishes moisture to damaged hair. This shampoo gave my curls life and redefined them. It does not lather therefore does not strip your hair. Man Friendly. Sulfate free. Cons: The "no lather" takes a bit to get use to. I would recommend curly hair only. I don't think I will be buying it again any time soon since I have not been wearing my hair natural as of lately.

Redken Powder Refresh Dry Shampoo. Pros: Aerosol spray, easy to use. Perfect for in between washes. The smell is refreshing. Does not leave a gray cast on your hair. Cons: not a spray and go kind of product, you must rub it into your scalp to absorb the oil. I would recommend this to everyone who gets greasy hair in between washes. I have already purchased 3 bottles when on sale at ULTA so I am good for a while, and when those are done I do plan on repurchasing.

Laura Mercier Face Polish. Pros: Creamy scrub with lots microbeads, little to no smell. Exfoliates skin by removing the top layer of dead skin. Leaves my skin very smooth. Okay for my sensitive skin, can be used with a Clarisonic brush. Cons: expensive for a 3.4 oz bottle ($30). I would recommend to everyone because I believe that it is one of the best textured exfoliators out there. I have already invested in a much larger bottle (6.8 oz $42)

St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse. Pros: Safe tanning option. Great smell! Natural color. Mousse texture makes it easy to apply and see where you are applying. Dries in 60 seconds (so work fast!) Cons: That great smell wears off a couple hours later and you are left with the faint smell of that typical sunless tanning. Expensive. Maybe not good for beginners. I would recommend it for spring & summer tanning. I did repurchase a larger bottle. I'm definitely going to be tan this spring!

Degree Clinical Protection Deodorant: Pros: Motion Sense actually worked while I was being very active at the gym. Great smelling options. Didn't stain my clothes. Cons: It recommends 2 clicks for application and I think that is way too much. I'm good with just one. I would recommend it for anyone, especially those who work out or are highly physically active. Have already repurchased it, but trying a new scent.

Origins Starting Over Age-Erasing Eye Cream. Pros: Origins is known for their natural and plant ingredients in their products, which I really appreciate. It is for both morning and night. Creamy and feels like it moisturizes instantly. I did notice it help fine lines around the corners of my eyes. Cons: Seemed like it did all it could, only helped fine lines so much and that was it. I would recommend it to those who find they don't need too much help with wrinkles but want to be proactive about fighting against future aging. I will not be repurchasing it.

Soap & Glory Flake Away. Pros: Amazing smell! Creamy and moisturizing body scrub. Leaves skin feeling smooth and soft. Did I already mention how wonderful it smells?! Cons: It smells so good I want to eat it. I would recommend it to anyone who likes nice smelling body products. I have already repurchased another tub and plan on buying it forever.

Let me know if there's any questions you have about these products or if you decided to go out and get any of them, then let me know how you like them.

Beatriz

Living With Chronic Pain

It's 11:07 pm and it is the fourth or fifth day I have spent in its entirety, in bed. Today was the best day in all of this since I chose to be productive rather than wallow in my pain and frustrations. I got up and moved around the house more. I watched a movie in the living room, (lying down of course) I took a tiny walk outside to check on the hummingbird who built its nest on one if our wind chimes (she is safe despite the strong winds of today) I even went out to dinner to celebrate my mother in laws birthday and managed to sit for about 45 minutes. That's a huge accomplishment. I was a bit uncomfortable and started feeling some pain but I made it through, got home & immediately laid down. I suffer from chronic low back pain and sciatica which is caused by my herniated L5-S1 disc and its stage of degenerative disc disease. Most of you may know bits and pieces of the different therapies I have undergone to control my pain and ability to function properly like the 25 year old that I am. I don't want to say that those things have failed but I suppose that when you're dealing with chronic pain, there aren't too many successful procedures. I've relied thus far on exercise, stretching, and when extremely necessary, narcotics. The pain has been with me for almost two years now and after 1 spinal epidural, dozens of physical therapy visits, adjustments, spinal decompress sessions, & prescription drugs, I have continued to deal with this annoying pain. A few days ago I began having this excruciating pain down my left leg. The pain was familiar and I knew that it was my sciatic nerve acting up. I brushed it off and went to the gym. Bad idea! 15 minutes later we were on our way home and I was begging for an ice pack. I didn't get up for four days after that. Walking to the restroom was a challenge, but worse was having to sit down. Somewhere in between I went to see my old pain management doctor and I was prepared to move forward with a more aggressive treatment. He recommended a more centralized injection into my nerve that would block the pain down my leg and in my low back. On the side I will be taking Neurontin (which is a nerve pain reliever) Percocet (everyone knows what that is) & Somas. (for helping me sleep, which right now is not proving to be effective) Now it is just a matter of waiting for my insurance to authorize the injection and I'm ready to go. This experience has really encouraged me to share with friends and family the importance of taking care of your back. Our spines are so delicate. Of course they are strong and hold the rest of our body up, but they are fragile and need our care. I would not wish this on my worst enemy, so please friends, take care of your back; sit with appropriate posture, always support your lumbar spine, do exercises to strengthen your core muscles and hamstrings, be at a healthy weight for your height and age, always pick up heavy things using your legs and not your back, don't let friends crack your back, flex your stomach muscles when standing for long periods of time, wear good shoes that have good arch support. There are dozens of steps you can take to take care of your body. At 25 years old I am realizing how important it is to take care of our bodies now and not down the line when it is more difficult or painful to fix. If you read this far, I applaud you. Take care of yourselves my friends.

Beatriz