Anthropolgie

I left my old job over a year ago because I could no longer fulfill my duties as a result of my back issues. I never thought that when I was ready to return to work it would take me one year to find one. I spent so many hours looking online, revamping my resume, and emailing companies explaining how I was qualified and perfect for the job. I had a few interviews but no company made me an offer. I reached the point of desperation and I was willing to accept any job and almost any pay. "Vacation time" was coming to a halt and the reality that I needed a job now was creeping up on me. I was discouraged and frustrated. I really began turning to God during this time, after my mom and closest friends had encouraged me to do so, I finally handed over the worrying to Him and allowed Him to take control of our need. I knew in my heart that He was preparing something for me, I never thought it would be this perfect. Matt and I were at Fashion Island on a Saturday with family visiting from Boston and like always I forced Matt into my favorite store there! Anthropologie is the most feel good, unique, warm, and charming store there is. When ever I am there I am happy and inspired. We walked in and Matt pointed out the Now Hiring, please see manager sign on the door and I began envying the girls working at Anthropologie. I knew I had nothing to lose by introducing myself to the manager and asking how I could go about applying for the position. I handed my coffee to Matt and he wished me good luck. The manager I met was so nice and helpful, she redirecting me to their website where their career search was and took my name down to "keep an eye out for my application." I thought that was a pretty good sign but I was not getting my hopes up about this, I know how many girls would love to work at Anthropologie and I assumed they had hundreds of applicants way more qualified than me. (I have no retail experience) I applied anyways and waited a couple of days before calling the store to follow up, the manager I spoke to that day on the phone encouraged me to keep calling back until I could get a hold of the first manager I met the day I was in the store. When I finally did speak with her, she invited me out for a group interview that coming week. I was so thrilled but held some of it back, knowing that they offer group interviews to large amounts of applicants to weed out the weaker ones. I shined bright during the group interview and felt so confident, I was so motivated and on fire because of the sweet words of my family and friends, I really knew they were all rooting me on and praying for me. That night I received an email saying that I was moving to the next step in the interviewing process and I needed to fill out an ethics survey. Within a couple of days of taking the survey I was contacted by a manager to come in for a second interview. I couldn't believe I had passed the first couple of steps and that they wanted some one on one time with me. The second interview was so casual, it was like talking to a friend. As she introduced herself she asked me to take a few minutes and pick out and arrange a Spring outfit. I was unfamiliar with the current collection but made my way around the store looking for pieces that would impress them and show them that I had good taste and that I know what I am talking about! I basically picked out what I would personally wear and she was definitely impressed, so impressed that she had me wait while she grabbed her phone so she could take a picture of it. That really made me feel a lot more confident during the interview. She shared that she was so impressed with my answers and even said that the first manager I met with had really liked me and passed on that she would love me as well! We were coming to the end of the interview and she asked if I had any questions, I asked a few. She then offered me the job. Those words were so unexpected but they filled me with such joy and relief! I immediately realized that God had been preparing this for me, all along I thought I would end up with just what I needed at an office sitting at a desk all day, working for a company that didn't inspire me but paid the bills. Here God was giving me more than what my heart desired. I now get to work for a company that truly cares about their employees and really inspires them in more ways than just fashion. God gave me what I needed and what I wanted! I am so thankful, every single day!

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

My Passion

The other day I read a really cool article about doing what we are passionate about. It wasn't your typical inspirational do what you're passionate about article, it was a lot more honest and realistic. Yes everyone deserves to do what they love and are passionate about but not all are able to. There are plenty of life occurrences that hinder us from being our dream person with our dream career. Since I have been evaluating my career options, I know what I am passionate about and what I dream of doing. But even if I don't become a Veterinarian, Zoologist, or an Animal Behaviorist, I can still do what I am passionate about. I am so passionate about working with animals. I am passionate about educating pet owners and modeling a responsible way of taking care of their animals. I am passionate about bringing an end to disgusting people who are involved in dog fighting. I am passionate about being an advocate for animals who have been mistreated, neglected, and abandoned. I feel okay about not doing what I am passionate about as my career. I know that a lot can happen from here until then that may keep me from fully pursuing it. But if that is not the case, I am ready to work towards that now. I am young and I have time on my side. If I still end up being a Phlebotomy Technician I would be happy to have succeeded at anything. Being a Phlebotomy Tech might mean that I would not become an Animal Behaviorist or an Animal Advocate with a title, but I will still hold on to my passions and make them apart of my life on nights and weekends.

Beatriz

What's Keeping Our Lives Busy

It's been quite some time hasn't it? Our lives are getting busier and I'm really enjoying it. There are a few big things happening currently that I'd like to share. The biggest of them is Matt beginning nursing school sooner than we thought he would and finishing sooner than we thought as well. We are both so happy that this ball is rolling and that Matt is a big step closer to becoming a Nurse.

I on the other hand have yet to decide what I want to do for the rest of my life. I have been in a pretty difficult and demanding history class for almost two months and I have really proven to be a good student. (except right now I should be reading. oops) I have received several compliments from my professor and received an A+ on my first exam. (90% of the class got D's. eek.) I think I am a lot smarter than I ever gave myself credit for. I was an average student in high school, mostly because I didn't apply myself and completed the bare minimum just to be done and get out, I suppose I associated that with not being capable of being an A student! I have obviously matured since then and realize how important an education is, because of that I believe it is what makes me such a good student. Matt's words have really convinced me that I can do or be anything I want. Everyone tells you that when you're young, rarely as a 25 year old who has already attended 2 years of college for something you don't see yourself doing anymore and spent the time after that working entry level jobs. I wouldn't take back the route I chose to take after high school, I gained a lot of experience and learned many different skills, that I hope will help me find a job soon. When I think of long term for me there are a few things I can really see myself doing. Up until now I didn't think I had the brains, but now I know that I need to apply myself and be dedicated to learning if I am going to succeed.

We're getting close to moving out of Matt's parents house! We are officially debt free as of last month and it has been great watching us save money. I've never been able to save money, I am so glad that Matt is so good with finances. Once we meet our goal we're outa here!

Matt and I have been a one car family for a few months now and it has been challenging at times but never a real problem. Now that he'll be starting school (and hopefully I find a job) we're definitely going to need another car. This is probably the biggest dilemma because Matt wants a Prius and I want a Subaru. Another option that is still on the table is getting a scooter, for shorter distance driving. We both like the idea of having a scooter but I really want a new car! I hope we can make up our minds soon.

That's what's keeping The Morins busy these days. Hope you're having fun with your busy days!

Beatriz

Turning A New Page

One year & one month ago I made the decision to live healthier & lose weight. My doctor had just informed my that my blood test showed I had high cholesterol & high triglycerides which put me at a high risk for heart disease; heart attack & stroke. Those are some scary words & as a then 24 year old it was a difficult diagnose to swallow. It was unexpected. After that I really put all of my energy into exercise & eating healthier. I thought that I could lower my cholesterol the natural way. To my surprise it helped a little bit. In September I followed up with new blood work & my results showed that my triglycerides went from 262 to 143, my LDL (bad cholesterol) from 150-149 & my HDL (good cholesterol) had gone down even lower (not a good thing) numbers were weird & still not healthy but I was so happy that with my lifestyle change I was able to lower my bad numbers, even if just by a little bit. Over the last 5 months I have lost some weight but mostly have maintained. I am ready to go further  & meet my goal weight. Today I signed up for Weight Watchers. My great friend Amber (& others I know) have had such a great success with this program. So today I turned a new page on this journey to being healthier & more fit. I've missed the gym for a few weeks because of pneumonia but I am ready to get back tomorrow. This process has been a roller coaster no doubt! This one year & one month has left me feeling successful & proud of myself. So far I have lost 25 pounds but plan to lose another 19 pounds. Although it did take me a long time to lose the weight, I am happy that I did it at my pace, the way that it worked for me, & with the support of my husband, family, & friends. I will soon be getting new blood work to determine how much this weight loss has helped lower my LDL cholesterol. I am confident & ready to take on this new challenge. 

Are you taking on any new challenges health wise? What are some of your successes? 

Beatriz