Showing posts with label Self Care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Self Care. Show all posts

Products I'm loving - Skin & Hair care update August 2025

Sunday, 31 August 2025

 



I thought it would be fun to do this again... so here are some recent additions to my self-care routine that are making a difference:

Bond Repair:  Early 2024 my hair was full of split ends due to water damage, styling while wet, and a lack of pre-pooing. So, I decided to cut it, and I've started using Elvive Bond Repair shampoo and conditioner, which has worked wonders. It's now a staple in my routine. I begin with a dandruff prevention shampoo, then use the bond repair products, and finish off with a moisturizing or protein mask. I'm not using expensive products, yet I'm seeing results. I’ve also restarted pre-pooing my hair with either olive oil or coconut oil, depending on what I have at home. My hair is growing and is healthy, though very uneven from my terrible blunt cuts, but it’s thriving!

Eye Cream: I've added an eye cream to my morning and night routine—it's about time I guess! I'm using MIXSOON Bean Eye Cream and Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum.

Night Cream ad Sunscreen: The Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Spot Correcting Glycolic Night Cream is really making a difference. When I first bought it in late winter or early spring this year, I thought I’d been duped by social media influencers. However, now I’m not sure if it’s the combination of the Italian summer (making me sweat like crazy) and the cream that’s enhancing my glow. Either way, I’ve definitely noticed a glow over the last few weeks. The Caudalie Vinoperfect Dark Spot Brightening Serum didn't really work for me, but I absolutely love the Caudalie Vinosun Protect Very High Protection Cream SPF 50+. It kept my face protected and tan-free during the two heatwaves. I also used the Vinosun Protect Invisible High Protection Stick SPF 50, which I would reapply regularly throughout the day.

Collagen Powder: I’ve been adding collagen powder to my smoothies for the last three weeks and have noticed a glow in my skin. I can’t prove that it’s solely due to the collagen since it could be because I’m in a calorie deficit, drinking more water, or perhaps even from the eye cream or Caudalie night cream. Anyway, stay tuned; I'll loop back later this year with an update on this post.

Perfume Tok: I went in to a Douglas Italia store to buy Bianco Latte but ended up with Bianco Oro. The most popular perfume in the world, did nothing for me! I only smelt  a plain simple white body soap bar . I know its me and my nose because I can't smelt it. Every video on perfumetok talks about how amazing this vanilla with a blend of milk and honey perfume is, so I thought why not. But I guess not...  I used to love sweet and floral scents, but now I’m really into patchouli. Seems I no longer want to smell delicate.... I adored Gucci Bloom and My Way; those were my go-to scents. Anytime I was passing through an airport, I would stock up. I want to feel feminine, assertive, attractive, and confident. It wasn't a gradual change—I just woke up one day and felt different. I have added Lush's Karma Perfume to my collection too. Let's see where this goes. 

What about you? What’s new in your skin and hair care routines? Share in the comments so we can inspire each other!




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Products I'm loving - Skin & Hair care update August 2025

Attempting to adult: self-care and the quest for balance in the disappointment that is 2025

Saturday, 23 August 2025

 

Attempting to adult: self-care and the quest for balance - Happily Flawed Blog

Every time I time I think this year will be different and we are finally on our way up after the pandemic...it IS different but we are not on our way up😰... so in spite of it all it's nice to be in a space where I am starting to feel good about myself again

For months, I've been focusing on self-care by:

  • Eating healthily, even while being on a calorie deficit. It manageable one, I don't in the least bit feel heavily restricted, I just keep asking myself why I allowed myself to overeat in the past.
  • Staying active and starting to enjoy exercise, while also seeing the benefits of strength training home work outs. I wanted to make changes that would gradually become part of my lifestyle.
  • Taking a couple of days off here and there for my mental health, and spending them reading books, listening to classical music or calming lofi, then watching the latest #cdramas.
  • Doing small things to make my apartment a cozy and a safe haven, and enjoying being a home body for now.
  • Continuing my journey to build self-confidence, being assertive, and reflecting on other areas for personal development.
  • Having no guilt....absolutely no guilt for choosing to take care of myself

I now have time to think about my next life goals, including prioritizing the completion of my master's degree.

I decided to take a moment to acknowledge my efforts here on the blog. I'm trying, despite what's happening around the world😭. The uncertainty is high💩. It feels like a paradox; I feel like I should wait for everything to be perfect, but who knows when that will happen.
What about you? What are you up to? How are you practicing self-care? How are you creating balance?







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Attempting to adult: self-care and the quest for balance in the disappointment that is 2025

Fitness Update #9: Maintaining a calorie deficit while keeping fit and sane during an Italian Summer (Heatwave!?🥹)

Sunday, 17 August 2025

 

Fitness Update #9: Maintaining a calorie deficit and keeping fit and sane during an Italian Summer (Heatwave!?🥹)


-No Canestrelli

-No biscotti

- No double chocolate muffins

- No Starbucks Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso (with cream)

- No almond croissant

- No pistachio croissant

- No glazed donuts

- No juice

- No lemonsoda

- No prosecco

- No piccolo from La Romana

- No Aperol spritz with ice (no aperitivo either)

- No cocktails

- No Burger King

- No KFC

- No brownies with cream!


Just counting calories and making sure I reach my daily macro goals because I decided to go on a calorie deficit at the end of July in Italy, just after the first heatwave and before the second one. 


It may seem foolish, but this pandemic weight has over stayed and it needs to go. 

I know... I know ....It may not look like it, but I am putting myself first. 


I’ve become more active and improved my eating habits; now I just need to stop wearing XL sizes in Italy. Surprisingly, everything has been working well. I’m battling through the hunger pangs and still managing to stay active every day with walks and resistance training.


On August 13, a heatwave warning came through online. I left the office for my evening 40-minute walk and kept a good pace because I needed to stop by the supermarket. Ferragosto was just a day or two away, and the population of Turin was dwindling as people retreated to the beach, with all the shops, bars and cafes closing. I didn’t want to worry about food for the next couple of days. 


I came home with three shopping bags, drenched in sweat. The sunscreen was peeling off my face in order of the layers of application and re-application throughout my day. Using the last reserves of my energy, I climbed the last two flights of stairs to my apartment on the top floor. My neighbor, whom I hadn't seen in three months, swings open her front door and looks at me with pity. "I’m so sorry; it must be hotter than where you came from. I'm here if you need anything."


Yes, it is hotter, I thought, but I did this to myself, Signora.😭😭😭 I need to keep up my routine so I can lose the weight. I didn’t have the heart to tell her all this, so I simply nodded.


On August 14, it was 36 degrees outside, and I was working from home, with occasional dizzy spells while sitting on the couch. I finished my work early and did my resistance exercises with heightened awareness because I couldn’t afford to faint in this heat when everything is closing for the August holiday. Luckily I felt fine afterward, had dinner, and slept like a baby.


On August 15, I headed to work, and it was humid; I felt sticky within four hours of leaving home. I was surprised that I managed to have protein and fiber at lunchtime, with only complex carbs and protein—my body had no complaints. As I proceeded with my evening walk, it felt like I was walking through a sauna for 40 minutes with no cold plunge breaks. I made it home without feeling dizzy, but my back and knees ached. After dinner, I checked to see if I had reached my daily macros and slept like a baby again.


I am using an app to track my meals, and it is dawning on me how much I was overeating pre-deficit. That muffin with my cappuccino in the morning, that Starbucks coffee every other week, the occasional ice cream and cone on the way home, the dessert with my lunch then KFC burger or wrap for dinner... all while lying to myself that because I am now active I am burning it off...not good...not good at all. I also learnt I wasn't drinking enough water and yet somehow I thought I was🤦‍♀️... this app and the heatwave helped me double my intake, especially now that I am eating more fiber. 


Now I have to be creative...I want to maintain my exercise routine because my mood has improved, and I feel good about myself, so I need to ensure I’m fueling my workouts while staying in a deficit. This is a great challenge for me and I am enjoying using my motivation and self-discipline tackling it.  A lot of this is mostly pacing myself, being in tune with how I am feeling and knowing what my body can do in the moment. 


What about you? What crazy things are you up to this summer? How committed are you to putting yourself first? Share in the comments.


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Fitness Update #9: Maintaining a calorie deficit while keeping fit and sane during an Italian Summer (Heatwave!?🥹)

Fitness update #8 : Nutrient dense food adventures and eliminating empty calories

Sunday, 9 March 2025

 

a black woman with pink hair making a smoothie



This time, I think something has finally clicked. I've been sharing my fitness journey for quite a while, which has primarily revolved around stubborn weight gain.

For breakfast, I've been having smoothie bowls and incorporating high fiber foods throughout the day while eliminating empty calories whenever possible. I'm also still committed to a no-alcohol lifestyle, allowing myself a drink only once every couple of months.
During the first two weeks, I felt extremely bloated—like BLOOOOOOOOAAATED. I decided to stick with it and thankfully I noticed something significant: I no longer had sugar cravings, and I didn't experience energy dips between meals. A snacker is what I thought I was, but it turns out I was just hungry for nutrients.

Early February, I bought myself a blender because I wanted to return to my daily habit of juicing vegetables and fruits. However, I had heard that juicing removes all the fiber, so blending seemed like a better option.
To tackle the bloating, I've been drinking mint and fennel tea, which works really well. I also did some research on TikTok and discovered terms like "satiated" (thanks Abbey) and "nutrient-dense." I learned that eating empty calories and ultra-processed foods spikes insulin, which prevents the body from burning fat during that period. Now, I make it a point to eat my vegetables first and aim for whole grain carbohydrates.

I have stopped buying my weekly Burger King and McDonalds. I even baked myself some whole grain carrot and banana muffins! When I do have processed food. I eat my vegetables and protein first, as I hear this reduces glucose spikes.

I feel good—less lethargic and less tired. I have balanced and consistent energy.
Let's hope this works. Stay tuned!

What about you? How's your journey going? In the comments drop me a line. 
( Just a quick note—this blog post is based on my personal experience and isn’t meant to be a recommendation. I'm not a doctor, just someone sharing.)

You can also enjoy these informative videos




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Fitness update #8 : Nutrient dense food adventures and eliminating empty calories

The Journey to Mindfulness: Saying NO to your worried thoughts

Sunday, 29 September 2024





I am a creative person, which means my imagination muscle is strong. Unfortunately, this also means I am extremely talented at catastrophizing.

For the last 40 days, I have made time for a 10-minute Headspace activity every morning after breakfast. During one of the sessions, the instructor assigned a little task for the day, an 'awareness check-in'.

As simple a task as this is, it was really insightful and habit-changing. Checking in with myself throughout the day made me realize how much I let my thoughts run the mental show, leading to background anxiety and feelings of hopelessness.

"Why?" I asked myself, "Nothing is happening except in my head." 

So I have been experimenting with quietly saying 'NO'. This reminds me to be fully present, and to let go of trying to control things that are out of my control.

Just a simple NO.




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The Journey to Mindfulness: Saying NO to your worried thoughts

Fitness Update #7 - No alcohol for 60 days

Thursday, 22 August 2024

 

Fitness Update #7 - No alcohol for 60 days




From 20th February to 29th April 2023  I didn't let a single drip of alcohol enter my body.  

Due to the pandemic and the 'stay home' preventative measures, I humbly admit that my drinking was quite a bit more frequent than it needed to be.

I am a cocktails girlie at heart🍹

But watching multiple You Tube creators share how alcohol was super-charging their anxiety I realized that I wanted join this new movement.

So I did. 

The temptation to make a homemade cocktail  at the end of the day was  reAAAAAL, most especially after a rough day  of Teams and Zoom peopling. 

The first week my body silently rebelled with heighten feelings of doom and the little devil in my ear asking me 'why? why? why?'

Twenty days in I noted something that is hard to explain but I could feel my stomach  when I started to work out, I felt my abs working again....

Secondly, after my exercises I was tired, I used to avoid cardio heavy sessions because I would be unable to sleep at night.

Thirdly I lost a little weight

 My anxiety started to be manageable. I had also started my regular headspace activities so my confidence in calling out the fear monster when it appeared increased. I am building my thought observing muscle.

 I caved into friendly peer pressure and started socially drinking in May 2023 and two intense anxiety attacks followed. 

I promptly stopped again. 

Now I really only drink once in while for very special occasions. 

This challenge made me realize that I spent the majority  of 2021 and 2022 in drowning in paralyzing anxious spirals.

I feel sad that I allowed this to happen. 
 
In the comments, let me know if you are on this journey too...How is it working for you? Any epiphanies?

Here  are some the videos  that I watched...

 









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Fitness Update #7 - No alcohol for 60 days

Fitness Update #6 : 10000 steps and Protein Shakes

Saturday, 17 February 2024

 

Fitness Update #6 : 10000 steps and Protein Shakes on Happily Flawed Blog


In September last year, on two days out of the seven day week,
 I started walking home from work. 

Why?

I wanted to incorporate some exercise into my routine again. 

My fitness activities became non-existent after moving to Zambia.

Fortunately, I am still committed to losing this pandemic weight, in spite of failing to do so, so far. 

It takes me one hour and thirty minutes, which if I am not mistaken is around 10,000 steps. 

I don't need to change into fitness attire because,
it's the end of the day, and I am heading home anyway. 

I hydrate throughout the day.
At least one point five liters before 5.00pm.

I get to actually notice things along the way that I wouldn't on a bus.

Like cafes and restaurants that I should try,
the location of ATMs that I have never noticed before, 
and shops with home essentials at affordable prices

When I get home I am exhausted.

(Credit: Hyperbole and half is one of my absolute favourites !!!!)

I slouch on the couch for an hour or two eating my dinner before I shower and head to bed. 

I like using LUSH After massage bar for my aching calves and feet.

And oh...the sleep... the deep sleep that follows that night 
and the next is so sweeeeeet and black that every kilometer is wooooorth it!

I judge how well I am doing by noticing at which point in the walk I start trying to talk myself into quitting and taking the bus home. When I started reaching home without the thought crossing my mind I knew I was adapting well.

This month, I added an extra day and spent two weekends barely able to function. 
I took a nap every two hours...lol.
 

So last week I upped my protein intake with a good breakfast before heading to work and a protein shake mid-morning before lunch. I snack on a fruit and crunch some carrot sticks in the afternoon before leaving office.  There are more vegetables in my main meals. 

It seems to be working cause this weekend I managed to carry out my chores without needing to recharge with a quick siesta.

I am motivated!




What about you?

What's your fitness routine looking like in 2024?


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Fitness Update #6 : 10000 steps and Protein Shakes

Products I'm loving - Skin & Hair care update August 2023

Tuesday, 8 August 2023

 

Products I'm loving - Skin & Hair care update August 2023

 I have been enjoying some hair care and skin care products and thought I should share...

  1. Olaplex no. 3 Hair Perfector  and no. 9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum. By the end of 2022, the ends of my hair were long and messy. Despite a largely no heat year, I had split ends for days!!! In July I jumped on the bond repairing bandwagon. I will try and share results at the end of the year. 
  2. Yves Roche Italia body washes, Mango and Coriander and  Pomegranate and Pink Pepper. The scents and suds are refreshing at the end of  my work day. 
  3. Laniege Lip Sleeping Mask     I totally understand the hype, this product is worth every euro. I know it looks like  a small container but I bought it in May and its now August. We are still together...lol. I think I will be using it up until October before I buy a second one. My lips are now soft and supple. It is worth it in my humble opinion.
  4. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution. I used this to help with my inflamed flaky itchy scalp in June, and now after  Tik Tok consultations I use it on my body to help with anything that it can. My scalp is flake free, my heels are summer-ready and those ingrown hairs on other parts of my body don't stand a chance with this new weekly routine. It will be a must-have in my home moving forward. 
  5. The Ordinary Sulphate 4% Shampoo and Behentrimonium Chloride 2% Conditioner , I was one of those people that thought I had to buy products specially targeting black people. I would buy products that do too much. But I have been listening to the Blowout Professor. Stay away from products that promise a lot. This duo works sooooo well for me, I am surprised and reformed. There are no gimmicks. It simply does what it says on  the bottle. My dandruff prone scalp is happy. 
  6. Patchology Posh Peel Pedi Cure, My feet looked terrible, dry heels and white peeling skin across the edges and in-between my toes. No matter  how much I soaked and scrubbed I couldn't fix it. I couldn't wear sandals, it was too ugly. I was in Sephora and decided to try this . Within a week I had a new layer of skin and four months later we are still looking better than 2022. I plan to do another one later on in the year. 
  7. Lush Renee's Souffle Hair and Scalp Oil, I didn't  know Lush could make such products. I didn't know I was included in their target demographic. I didn't know they could make a product that closely resembles what I would buy in my home country. I love it! It smells sooo good.
  8. Sephora Purifying Scalp Serum AHA + Zinc and the Hydrating Scalp Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, I am no longer putting oil directly on my scalp because You Tube says I should starve the thirsty entitled dandruff causing bacteria that lives on my head rent free. These two serums help me to not pat my scalp incessantly in-between weekly washes. 
  9. Sephora Coconut Foot Mask  If you are prone to dry feet like me, using this mask once every two weeks is a good self pamper session. 
  10. Patchology Restoring Night Eye Gels, My undereye areas  looked pump, young and cute when I tried these for a week despite a lack of sleep then. 
  11. This is a beauty product but worth a mention none the less, Huda Beauty Matte Lipstick Drama Mama, I adore this shade! I bought this at the airport in Rome and it has quickly become my daily-go-to. 
They have really made a difference in my life as I settle into my new home. 

Spending ten minutes in a Sephora store really helps lower my anxiety lol....

In the comments, are you using anything new in your self care routine? Do share.

(Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, These products have worked for me but they may not work for you. Always seek professional advice if you intend  to use any of them) 
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Products I'm loving - Skin & Hair care update August 2023

Making peace with my mind

Tuesday, 25 April 2023

 

Using Headspace to make peace with my messy mind



My mind and I have been getting to grips with each other ... 

Headspace made me realize that I was constantly rejecting all the internal chit-chatter,

 leaving chaos to inshrew.


I always tell people I don't like meditation or yoga.

"It  is much too much quiet for me!"

What I really mean  is "I don't like being left alone with my mind". 

I still don't....

but suddenly I am not happy with the fact that I have been 

comfortable with this statement for so long. 

 I have been using headspace for the last couple of weeks. 

I am a proud paid subscriber.😁 

This is the year of improving my mental health. 

365 days of commitment to internal self care. 



I thought it would teach me how to make the anxiety, sadness or even loneliness stop 

but instead it is teaching me how to sit and make peace with ALL of it. 

Sometimes my mind is loud, anxious, impulsive, paranoid, mean and downright ruthless, 

especially when I am feeling low.

 I am learning to sit with it and sometimes quietly and sincerely question the messiness. 

So far the longest session has been 51.26 minutes . 

Honestly it's a struggle most days.

Headspace says its okay to struggle,

and just be accepting of it all. 


Is it strange that I can visualize 

what the source of my rapid fire thoughts looks like?


I want my mind to be safe space,

just like my future home. 



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Making peace with my mind

Fitness Update #5: 30 days of Intermittent Fasting

Wednesday, 30 November 2022

 

Fitness Update #5: 30 days of Intermittent Fasting


I have already shared on this blog that I gained a lot of pandemic weight and  the struggle to lose it once we returned to regular 'programming' has continued. 

Exercise wasn't working and I am too much of a foodie to diet. 

So I joined the fasting trend!

"Intermittent fasting is an eating pattern during which you refrain from consuming any calories for an extended period of time. Usually, this period lasts between 12 and 40 hours ."

I decided to go straight into the 16:8 method which in hindsight may not have been the best approach; 16 hours of fasting and an eight hour window to eat. I should have eased into it. However I was surprised at how my body took to it. It wasn't always easy but it was less of challenge than I thought it would be.  My diet didn't change, though I did eat more fruits and vegetables.

Below are short diary exempts of my experience. 


Day 1 to 3: I think I can do this! I am surprised how am I functioning for the first three hours of the day!? 


Day 4 to 7: The last hour  before 11.00am is hell in my body and in my mind. I have to work on getting my brain to trust me and focus on everything else. On the weekends hungry creeps in at 9.45am; at work I can distract myself but at home I feel helpless. It affects my mood. The funny thing is when do I break my fast I eat very little and feel satisficed quickly. Why? I use the  early morning hours to get my daily intake of water that immediately get my stomach moving; this is good because less bloating. Hardly any in fact. 


Day 7 to 14: I am still hungry in the last hour. I feel better able to handle it this week. My mornings are not sluggish because I am awake by 6.00am. WIDE AWAKE. no sleep in sight. I think I will add exercise to my morning routine. I eat breakfast late so yogurt or a smoothie can work for me at lunch time. 


Day 14 to 21: This week the pangs made me hangry. I lost my temper a few days ago. On days when I am really busy I break my fast at 12.30pm and sometimes I break it as early it as early as 8.30am due to the fact that I will not eat again till I get home in the evening. My bloating is gone. My water intake has increased. I still struggle with sleep. Four hours and I am done ...my brain is charged. 


Day 21 to 30 : Is it strange that by the time I get to eat I don't want to eat anymore? I take three bites and if  I am exhausted from work I tend to eat less.  I can have cupcakes on my desk and chocolate and not be tempted to eat them. My body now waits for 11.00am. We have established trust...lol..


After 30 days there was  NO weight loss. I was sad but not sad. I still accomplished something.  I felt less bloated throughout the day. I was no longer tempted to eat just cause food was near me. I had more energy in the mornings despite not eating in the early hours. This totally changed my perception that you need coffee as a mood and energy boost in the morning. My body was fine with out coffee till 11.00am. . My sleeping habits are still odd but the hours wake are reducing. I watched some videos and heard that this was due to hunger, once I can regularly consume the right amount of food in the eight hour period it should get better. 


QUICK UPDATE: Four more weeks later and there is weight loss, I can tell from my clothes. I have not stepped on the scale in case I get disappointed. My hunger pangs have reduced drastically. My body is patient it knows it will eat eventually. I am heading home from Zambia for the holidays but I am going to keep going!


Feel free to comment below if you are on the journey, would love to hear your thoughts. 


These are videos that I found really helpful.











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Fitness Update #5: 30 days of Intermittent Fasting

Fitness Update #4 : Pandemic Weight Gain, Recuperation & Rest

Tuesday, 10 May 2022

 

Fitness Update #4 : Pandemic Weight Gain, Recuperation & Rest


I felt  King Crissie's tweet in my soul and I want the t-shirt! I hope she eventually sells some. 

A whole twelve kilograms gained in the last two years, and each one shows on my face, arms and tummy.

It is bad... it's really baaaaad. 

I don't like being in photos anymore.

When I take a selfie I post the 437th one. 



Everyone who knows me, then sees me has made it a point to inform me of my weight gain, then wrap their dig in the 'But you look good though.' Maybe it's to soften the sting? It still hurts.  All I can say is working in close proximity of my fully stocked fridge, kitchen cupboards and the gas stove plus the strict lockdowns escalated things.... Life had been fixing it's adult responsibility claws around me and my general coping skills were lacking. I was working out at home with dumbbells/weights, but I had refused to address the stress, grief and burnout that had been piling up over the years. Forgetting that I had left the decade of my 20s and the adaptable metabolism that comes with it, my body went on strike and refused to respond until healthy actions were put in place. I didn't realize how bad in was until in July 2021 I emerged from my apartment to cover a work event and my colleagues' eyes just widened and widened and widened in quiet surprise. The concerned driver asked if I was okay, as I cluelessly lobbed my body into the back seat of the car. Later that week a colleague made a joke about my 'new fat bum' . Then my regular boda boda guy looked at me for a good thirty seconds before responding to my greeting, he then proclaimed, "Eh...you have really been enjoying this lockdown!" And lastly, my former boss was a saint she didn't say a word when we met for lunch,  Lord knows she must have wanted to tell me about myself, but knowing what I'd been dealing with over the last year she bit her tongue. The extent of my weight gain dawned on me after seeing the photos that were taken during our meeting. I  knew I had to act.  



As much as I want to, I can't beat science

Yes laugh with me 

I repeat, I wanted to use shortcuts and ignore the science of weight loss 

However, you can't... you just can't cheat and win with a bad diet, overeating, anxiety, insomnia, stress, burnout etc....




So...I took a few months off from my workout, removed the pressure from myself.

Took time to fix my sleeping pattern, confront my anxiety and intrusive thoughts,

refocus and re-prioritize. 




Now I am back in the fitness game, more conscious of what I consume and my general mental health. 

Balancing being in a new country, I am learning new things while managing to keep self care at the top of the daily to-do list.


What about you? In the comments tell me how have the pandemic restrictions affected your overall fitness and mental health?  Let's encourage and support each other.

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Fitness Update #4 : Pandemic Weight Gain, Recuperation & Rest

The Skin Wars: 5 Korean beauty skincare habits that changed my skin for the better!

Tuesday, 19 October 2021

 

Now that there is a  nation-wide curfew at 7.00pm and  I spend majority of my time working from home, the pandemic and it's lockdowns continue to provide opportunities for me to appreciate and optimize my personal time. 

One of areas that my online-content-curiosity-consuming-evenings has taken me down, is improving my skin care habits, in particular my face. I haven't always had  the best relationship with  my skin. After talking myself into trying just one more time at the end of 2020, I committed to dabbling in the Korean beauty/ #Kbeauty product trend for a period of six months, after which I would review and decide if it was a trend worth sticking too. 

Korean beauty skincare requires dedicated T.I.M.E out of your daily schedule. There are people who have up to  15 steps in their routine...I know...I know...I am tired just thinking about it.... but if one wants to see incredible results ...one may need to be devoted...lol!  My routine is at most five steps... that's all  I can manage for now. 

Once I was decided, I started looking for Korean beauty products in Uganda. Honestly I think Instagram was just reading my mind or stalking me online because out-of-the-blue Instagram Explore recommended  Skinfix, Aiolaug and hbeauty on my newsfeed. I tried a lot of products  for combination skin. I learnt A LOT from my premature-over-excited-skincare-product-junkie ways and now I have some wisdom to share. BIG DISCLAIMER, I am not a dermatologist or an esthetician. This is not an area one should experiment in without expert advice so enjoy reading my blog post but pretty please consult a professional before purchasing or using any new skincare products.   

 Here are the six new habits that have REALLY generated serious 
positive results for me in the last year.... 
 

1. Sunscreen every day!  Apparently no amount of  skin exfoliators and treatments will show results unless you protect your skin during the day.  I was one of those people that thought because I was black I didn't need sunscreen, I used to believe that wearing shea butter was as good as wearing sunscreen. I know better now. When I started to use these Korean products almost every video I watched stressed the importance of wearing sunscreen to help with pimple scaring and hyperpigmentation. Since buying these products is quite an investment, sunscreen became an essential part of my daily routine!  My favorite product is EltaMD UV Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 46, but I have also  used Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum 45 and Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun cream SPF50  . Watch the videos to learn more information on how best to incorporate sunscreen into your life. 


Lab Muffin Beauty Science's Sunscreens Do's and Don'ts 


Dr Alexis Stephen's Best Sunscreen For Darker Skin 


Dr. Vanita's Rattan's Mineral Vs Chemical Sunscreen For Skin of Color



2. The  miracle that is Snail Mucin! Yes I know when you think about those slimy slow gooey things that make your body curl in disgust as  you pass  them along the road on a rainy day, or accidently squash with your car wheel when you're not looking... how could they be so useful!? But the stuff that's bottled and packaged comes from snails that live in a clean area and are bred just for skin care product  production(whether it is ethically is another discussion all together).  Hands down , it is the most amazing ingredient I have used on my skin. My favorites are the Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence and the Advanced Snail 92 All in One Repair Cream. I saw results within the first week of using these products. When those occasional-monthly-period-induced-stubborn-breakouts happen, they help soothe the area and my scars are less pigmented, some marks disappear after a few weeks. One thing I am learning is the formula of the product is really important, don't just believe the hype! It's your skin, you need to take care of it and understand what you are using and how it can work for you.  Below is where you can learn more.

 

Dr Gray's Cosrx Advances Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence


Dr Vanita Rattan's COSRX K skincare Review 


Odile Monod's Snail Mucin Debunked 



3. Using a BHA product two to three times a week!  No matter how much I clean my oily skin with my cleanser it just won't get deep down into my clogged pores like a good  BHA  product can. BHA in long form is Beta Hydroxy Acid. You need to understand the difference between BHA and AHA products and you need to visit a  doctor who specializes in skin care before adding one to your routine. Different skins types use different acids, and different products have different percentage concentration strengths for different skin type treatment needs. We are talking about acids here,  and we want to never cause permanent damage on this journey. Please do ask a professional.  Skin exfoliates  help with my mini breakouts. As I wrote in a blog post I have learned to see salicylic acid  as a friend rather that a foe. My favorite product right now is Cosrx BHA Blackhead  Power Liquid.  From the videos below you can learn more about what may work best for you.  


Beauty Within's Beginners Guide to Exfoliating Acids 



Doctorly's How to Exfoliate Your Skin


                                       Dr. Vanita Rattan's How to Exfioliate Skin of Colour



4. Retinol every other day! I am from the generation that watched recorded movies and music videos on cassette tapes.  Those who know know, so my anti-aging routine was over due. It takes a while for the effects of the retinol to show. I only noticed when others started telling me how plump and glowy my skin looked. My favorite products are Cerave Resurfacing Retinol Serum and Cerave Skin Renewing Retinol Serum. When I first used them, they  irritated my skin so I had to start slowly, applying a teeny tiny amount every other day after applying my moisturizer at night. I still put it on top of my moisturizer but I use the recommended amount now. It requires time and patience but I feel it is worth it. Here's where you can find more information.


Dr Vanita Rattan's Beginner's Guide To Retinol for Skin of Colour


Dr Gray's Best Retinols  for hyperpigmentation and anti aging


The Style and Beauty Doctor's How to Use Retinol + Retinoid 101



5. Double cleansing every night!  I have combination skin. I was one of those people who struggled with keeping my face clean, no matter how many times I used my normal cleanser. There would always be some dirt or grim somewhere that would result in an uninvited pimple a few days later.  Adding an oil cleanser changed my life! All my makeup especially the lipstick, eyeliner and mascara melted and dissolved in seconds and the tenacious daily sebum and sweat just gave way without leaving my skin tender and dried out. The second cleanse just focuses on removing  the remaining guck and pores. I use the Inkey List Oats Cleansing Balm followed by the Cosrx Salicylic Acid Cleanser as part of my night time routine. My daughter will gain all this wonderful knowledge for sure, unless she has perfect skin like her late grandmother then she will need nothing! Below are more videos for you to watch and learn. 


Hyram's How to oil cleanse


Dr. Vanita Rattan's Mistakes When Double Cleansing 



Dr Gray's How to double cleanse


So those are my five....for the first time in many years I have a regular morning and night time skincare routines. Each routine consists of different products catering for different needs. Honestly taking the time to follow them is really the best self care gift I could  give my self. It is  a  REAL treat! My own-everyday-home-spa-time. If you haven't already you can still start this journey too, but once again, I repeat,  ensure you seek professional advice a long the way. 

                                   In the comments share your skincare wisdom with us too. 

Thank you for reading and too-da-loo! Till next time. 


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The Skin Wars: 5 Korean beauty skincare habits that changed my skin for the better!

Four Hours Of Self Care

Friday, 4 June 2021

 

Four Hours Of Self Care


There are times when you need to stop.

stop doing, 

stop worrying,

stop wanting,

stop pushing,

stop sacrificing, 

just S.T.O.P!

Yesterday was that kind of day for me. 

I returned home from office, ready to marathon through my never ending to-do list,

 and my body was like 'NO!' 

"Why do you keep saying YES to stuff?'

'Today I am saying NO!" 

So the rest of the day was a self care day....

I know what burnout looks like.

I don't need to return to the worst of that state.

I am writing this blog post to encourage you, my dear one,  to STOP.

Stop when you need to.

Stop when you can.

Give yourself  permission.

 Rest and recuperation are part of the process and progress too. 

Comment below with what self care means to you.

Let's help each other. 


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Four Hours Of Self Care

Skin Wars : Salicylic Acid is My New Best Friend

Thursday, 29 October 2020

 




So as I mentioned in my earlier blog posts, I have continued down the wonderful addictive dark hole that is You Tube, and now the algorithm has introduced me to some of the most popular personalities in the skin care & beauty community.  

It's as though You Tube was watching me through my phone thinking that I clearly needed an upgrade in my skincare routine; and who am I to argue with you tube?

Here is a list with links to my favorite people so far...

Mixed Makeup
LaBeautyologist
Dr Alex Stephens
Hyram
Dr Dray
The Style and Beauty Doctor
Beauty Within
Dr Vanita Rattan
Shundara Castion
James Welsh
Matt Randon

This is going to sound extremely ignorant , but after watching several videos (probably on my 100th by now...) I have a new budding appreciation for the science of skincare. I am embarrassed to be openly admitting it but I honestly thought there was not much to it.  Either you had good skin or you didn't was my line of thought, and those of us 'inbetweeners' who didn't have extremely bad skin nor extremely 'perfect' skin just had to play the cards we got dealt with and suck it up. 


In my head going to a Dermatologist to get treatment for the five stubborn colossal pimples that appear during my worst period and decide to remain for next the five months of the year, was something only  rich models and actors got to do. 


When puberty hit and my skin started acting up in my early teens (13 and 14 years).  I would get sporadic breakouts mostly on my forehead and nose sometimes chin.  My Dad went to consult with a  Pharmacist and came back with  Johnson's and Johnson's clean and clear products. 


My Mum who had always had clear flawless plump looking skin, felt that this was an adolescent 'phase', and that it should be left alone to come and go as it pleases. My Dad on other hand had had this same experience in his teens, and felt it was his responsibility to help since his genes were causing what he deemed a problem. 

Unfortunately for me the products didn't work. They dried out my skin and my breakouts got worse. That was my first experience with salicylic acid, and its didn't go very well at all! 


Then in my late teens ( 18 years old) I went for  a facial at a skincare spa. They promised they had miracle products, however my face broke out a day after the treatment. The breakout was much worse than my usual ones. Small tender whiteheads scattered themselves across my face for a whole week. I have now come to learn  my skin was purging.  I was mortified. It further re-emphasized my belief that I just had bad skin. No one had sat me down before or after the facial to explain that this would happen when introducing a chemical exfoliant to one's skin.


Again later in my mid 20s, I went for another facial with the same promise that it would help my bumpy texturized skin, and once again I confused a breakout with purging. In fact I thought it was a allergic reaction , because not enough information was provided to me about the products and what to expect in the coming days. 


Years later, as I said at the beginning of this post, you tube dragged  me into the beauty community  and I started watching and thinking about my past experiences; which lead to me doing some amateur research to see whether Korean skincare products were available in Uganda. 


That was three weeks ago..so far I have good news. 

My skin loves it! I am using the Cosrx Salicylic Acid Gentle Cleanser  

I had some purging in the beginning, now my skin has settled and I have to say it's working better than any other cleanser I have ever used. 

Which made me realize that I have been washing my face all wrong....

Here are some helpful videos on why you should use Salicylic acid and how to cleanse your face..







*Disclaimer: I am not a dermatologist or esthetician. Please seek  professional advice before incorporating anything into your skincare routine.* 

Comment below with your skin care experiences and fave products...can't wait to hear them...

 (btw find me on twitter @mariajulietrose 😀)


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Skin Wars : Salicylic Acid is My New Best Friend

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