Because You Can't Exfoliate Too Much

Actually you can...
Maybe I should re-think that title.

So, hello Texas summer with your 100+ degree days.
I left work Friday and was met with a most unpleasant summer side-effect: bum blisters.

Ok, not really blisters but you know the thing that happens when:
A) you have a car with leather interior
B) you forget to crack your windows before you head into work that morning,
C) it's Friday and you're in such a hurry to get off that you ignore the pizza-oven-type heat waves emanating from the open car door and hop right in anyway.
Beware friends, yelping, crying, and searing pain are sure to follow. 


I was afraid to move my hind parts at first. There was a split-second when I truly feared my bum and thighs might be permanently seared to the seat. Fortunately, I was able to protect my posterior by sitting on my delightfully over-sized purse for the duration of the drive home.

source

Don't crack your windows, buy one of those silly reflector thingies, or wait for the car to cool off.
Nah, just sit on your handbag and blast the AC. You'll cool down eventually.


Clearly I've been sweating a lot lately. And applying gobs of sunscreen.
I'm kind of a sunscreen snob truth-be-told. Well, only if buying the spray stuff counts.
Why bother smearing white goop all over when a gentle misting-spray is available? Plus, I always miss spots w the lotion and it takes like 20 years to absorb. Ick. No, thanks. Give me the spray. 

source - my fav btw

Speaking of sunscreen,  my brother keeps telling me that SPF protection over (I can't remember...think it was) 35 (?) is ineffective. He told me the reason but I can't remember. 

Any smarties out there know if that's true or not? 

All this sweating and poor-clogging is leaving me with a bit of an exfoliation complex so I was excited to run across this blog post about dry brushing the other day from Delighted Momma. 

BTW - I read the post then took a look around her blog. Love it. Check it out if you're looking for simple recipes, diy tips, pics of adorable babies, and loads of skincare/beauty tips from a former esthetician. 

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I bought a dry brush last weekend and am happy to report pleasant results so far.
The only thing was (and I didn't realize this until afterwards), I bought a synthetic brush instead of natural bristle. Oops. I shall rectify this soon, but in the meantime I use it extra gently.
I will say it feels great in the morning and my skin is looking soft and healthy despite all the summer skin spoilers.
I'll keep you posted. 



Anyone else ever tried dry brushing? 
What is your favorite sunscreen? Are you a spray or lotion kinda person?

Catching Up

It's always awkward beginning a post like this.
I've been an absentee blogger for a few weeks.
You may have forgotten me. I may have forgotten you (never).
Where do we begin? What do we say?
Oh, the pressure.

 My personal life has needed my entire focus of late.
And though I hope to continue blogging {because I genuinely love it}, it has had to take a backseat to my real life.
So just fyi - things may continue to be spotty around here for a bit.
Thanks for understanding.

Moving on...

I've had a few revelations these past 2 months that bear sharing.

1. I missed you blog friends! (A given, duh)

2. I just started watching How I Met Your Mother.

Source: google.fr via Jacqueline on Pinterest

Seriously, how is it possible for my head to have been in the sand this long?
A friend made me watch the first season on dvd and now I'm about to start the 4th.

I've been calculating the year he MUST meet his future wife in order to have those kids.
They're at least 15-17, right?
Anyone else have a theory?

3. Try this: 1 tsp baking soda + your favorite face wash = best face scrub ever.

Source: walmart.com via Danielle on Pinterest

The baking soda granules are very fine which I really like, but also super effective, especially on sweaty, sunscreen-filled summer days.

I know I've told you about other scrubs before (sugar, honey, etc.) but I think this is the easiest for weekly exfoliation. I keep a little container of baking soda right by my face wash now and use it twice a week.

A pump of Cetaphil (my fav) + a tsp (approx) of baking soda. Lather and Rinse.
This is also great for those of you with sensitive skin (hello me).


4. Tone It Up Bikini Series

Source: toneitup.com via Meghan on Pinterest

Did I tell you guys I signed up for this? 

I can't remember. 

Anyway, 8 weeks ago I signed up for Karena & Katrina's 2nd Annual Bikini Series.

Drumroll, please...

I ended up losing about 13lbs.

I honestly didn't think I could do it but am pretty proud that I stuck w it to the end.

Best part?

I feel great and learned so much about proper nutrition and exercise.

And it actually makes sense!

I'm NOT after the perfect body or diet...those things are like unicorns or sasquatch. 

But I do want to continue to take care of my body and train it well. 

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Happy Monday, friends!

Source: blog.atelier1a.com via Abdullah on Pinterest