Self Care For Beginners: 5 Simple Tips For Taking Care Of Your Skin

Let's talk skincare, shall we? If you're a newbie like me, you have NO idea where to start. That's why I am loving my partnership with New Life Wellness and Medical Spa. It's because of them and my recent experiences that I can share 5 SIMPLE tips for taking care of your skin.

For starters, I've written before about my age, my skin cancer, and my anxiety. All of these affect my skin - what works, what's best, and what's best for the price. In the last two weeks, I've had the chance to put it all together.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional so please seek one when it comes to your skincare. Do your research and ask questions. Also make sure to schedule a consultation prior to your services. 

VISIT YOUR DERMATOLOGIST

With my skin cancer history, I go every six months for a skin check. But, if you haven't been in a while, go now! They will check you from head to toe for suspicious areas as well as guide you on sunscreen and other beneficial practices and products.

KNOW YOUR SKIN TYPE

Honestly, when they first asked me what my skin was like, I didn't have an answer. Think about the seasons and what they do to your skin. Are you oily? Dry? Knowing how your skin reacts will help guide you on the right product - and there are many!

ASK QUESTIONS/READ REVIEWS/RESEARCH

I follow quite a few bloggers who know the ends and outs of many skincare products. When one stands out to you, ask questions and even better - read the reviews. Take these product possibilities to your dermatologist or your first skin consultation. As you get older, what you use plays a huge factor in how your skin ages. 

GIRL, WASH YOUR FACE

We are tired, and once the kids go to sleep, it's so tempting to face plant right on your pillow. But, don't do it! Wash your face for the night - you don't need a long routine, just one that cleanses and moisturizes as you sleep. Since going to the med spa, I've discovered Yonka products, and this Phyto Contour for dark eyes and puffiness. GAME CHANGER. I've already noticing a difference!

TRUST A PROFESSIONAL/GET A CONSULTATION

I've been trying different products over the last few years - especially since turning 40. I just haven't found the right one. This reason alone is why I am so happy I've found New Life Wellness and Medical Spa. They will start with a consultation to get to know you and your skin. This consultation changed my course of services and what products I use. And their professionalism is outstanding!

And, on September 20th, they are holding their 4th Anniversary Celebration. From 4 pm - 8 pm, you can enjoy (besides spirits and apps!):

Skin consultations

Botox and Fillers (that night!)

40% off Laser (services not delivered that night)

40% OFF Facials, PRP Treatments

$154 OFF HCG

$35 Spray Tans by GloGlow (normally $45)

FREE Skincare consults by Jan Marini and Yonka

Jewelry by Yolanda

You will meet the amazing community who has changed the way I take care of my skin and have opportunities to get your questions answered. If you want to know more about any treatment, this celebration is a great time to ask - plus that cocktail in your hand :)

Special thanks to Sybil and everyone at New Life Wellness and Medical Spa. I've loved my journey to taking better care of my skin. You will, too!

Thank you, New Life Wellness and Med Spa, for partnering on this post. All services were complimentary but thoughts/opinions are 100% my own. To see my post on my first trip to the med spa, click HERE. 

Why We Need To Stop Comparing Hardship - In Our Relationships

Just recently, Carrie Underwood opened up about the miscarriages she has suffered in the last year. Seeing her vulnerable and upset made my heart once again break for her. In addition to this pain, she endured a fall in 2016 that left her face scarred – and left the singer out of the spotlight.

When she returned to perform on television, so many attacked her for making too much out of nothing – as if her story wasn’t “as bad” as others or wasn’t worth the publicity it had received. When hearing about how much she has gone through, all I could think was – this is HER hurt. This is HER pain - who are we to judge if it's really that bad or not. And while others may think she should just move on from something that could’ve been much worse, I began to think of how we compare our hardships.

I am guilty of comparing my loss to others' hardships. I've thought - that’s nothing, do you know what I went through? Or, if someone has a worry or anxiety, I sometimes think that’s it’s “not as big” as mine. I honestly hate that I do that, and stories like Carrie make me realize how cautious I need to be when others are struggling. 

As life goes on and we lose a part of ourselves, we can get knee-deep in our sorrow. We see others happy and wonder when we will get back to that spot. We see others succeed and wish we had the drive to do the same. When we get stuck, we can also get selfish. I'm here to confess that's me, too.

I’ve written before about how I feel we need to be stuck in our emotions as we see fit. When grief sneaks in or panic suddenly presents itself, I believe we should feel all the feelings without rush or anger at ourselves. Maybe it lasts a day or two (often, even longer) – that’s okay, but we have to remember to check on others who may be in just as deep. We have to remember hardships are not limited to us alone. 

Not long ago, I was at lunch with a friend who was telling me some of her recent struggles. We had a  wonderful time reconnecting, but I instantly felt awful because in the midst of my hurt, I forgot to check on her. It happened a few more times – another friend worried about a loved one who had been ill; a friend struggling with work. I see texts I send to friends when they are struggling, and my responses have been to compare my world with theirs. 

Another good friend once confided in me about her poor relationship with a family member. After doing so, she immediately apologized that she shouldn’t be complaining when I didn’t have that family member present on this earth anymore. We talked about that for a bit, and we decided that our hurt is relative. She didn't lose anyone, but her hurt still counts. In my multitude of grief-stricken, anxiety-filled days, my darkness was so deep, I forgot to check on others - the ones who kept checking on me.

What I am MOST thankful for are all my friends who let me apologize and taught me something so big. My hurt may not equal their hurt, but it’s hurt nonetheless. I’ll still have really hard days because that’s how grief works. I’ll still get anxious because I’m a huge work in progress. I’ll still overthink all things because I am champion over-thinker. But, what I have done better is listen. When a friend texts a worry, I don't want to respond with a stress of my own. When a friend goes quiet, I will reach out and remind them of their strength – the same strength they give me.

Carrie Underwood fell and was wounded. She then rejoiced and was heartbroken. My pain is not the same as her; hers is not the same as mine. In the already looming comparison game, let’s not compare our struggles because they are all so very different. Let’s remember when one person hurts, we need to be their punching bag or drinking buddy or soft comfort to land on.

Don’t try to take the spotlight off someone else’s hurt – I’m so guilty of blocking that light. I’m thankful for Carrie sharing her story and for those who let me share mine. Comparing any part of who we are is a constant struggle - we all lose.

And, when life gets hard - any kind of hard - we need one another through it all.  I'm not a perfect friend in the least, but I am learning to let others lean on me just as much as I've leaned on them. Through my hardship and through theirs - there's no measurement for when our hearts hurt.

It IS all relative, and it IS necessary to stop comparing who has it harder. No more comparing. Just more understanding. 

Self-Care For Beginners: My First Trip to a Med Spa

I have a few confessions to make: I know nothing about skin care. I’ve only had one facial, and if it’s not at the drugstore, I don’t buy it. Often, I get overwhelmed with all the products that claim they can take years off your life or take care of your dark circles.  I need guidance or I will be reverting back to Noxzema like I did in 7^th grade.

But, now I’m 41. A Noxzema facial isn’t going to cut it because I can tell I need to take better care of my skin. And with my history of skin cancer, I want to make better choices AND I want true professionals to guide me. So, I am so excited to partner with New Life Wellness and Med Spa to start my journey to better skin. You can bet my anxious self had some anxiety walking in to the spa – with zero experience when it comes to good skincare, I didn’t know what to expect on my first trip.

After two visits with them, I can safely say the ladies who work at this spa are down-to-earth, real, and so much fun. Each one I met made me laugh (goodbye, anxiety) and explained their services in great detail. They were honest and reassuring as well. So, what did I have done?

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional so please seek one when it comes to your skincare. Do your research and ask questions. Also make sure to schedule a consultation prior to your services. 

First up, I had the Hydrafacial which was basically a refreshing shower for your face. I love the special care that was done to make sure I left refreshed, clean, and bright. This facial lasts 30 minutes, and you will leave with the cleanest face you’ve had in a while. In three steps, the facial will cleanse and peel – revealing a new layer of skin that is relaxed and exfoliated. It will also extract and hydrate – remove debris (oh heavens, y’all) and add in moisturizers that will quench your skin. Finally, it fuses and protects the skin with antioxidants and peptides to give you an amazing glow. Not to mention the pure relaxation. Men AND woman can benefit so tell your hubs he needs one, too! And as I write this on the day after my facial, I can definitely see and feel a difference.

Next, I did something I’ve wanted to do for a while. I researched places, types, prices, and reviews then would get freaked out at the thought of it. The amount of information overwhelmed me, but after meeting with Victoria at New Life Wellness and Med Spa, I knew I was in such good hands. Ok – you ready for what I did? BOTOX. Me! This naïve 41-year-old mama who crinkles all her face at all times. This anxious mama who has had her share of grief that blatantly shows on her face. Yep, I did, and I am SO happy I did. More than that, I am SO happy I put my faith in these awesome professionals.

Victoria took her time explaining how aging also occurs beneath the skin – signs of aging exist at every layer! I also took great interest in hearing about the Triangle of Youth. When we are younger, our facial features are well contoured, like a triangle on our face with the point being at the top. As we age, that triangle becomes inverted – meaning our facial features can droop downward. Life and stress show on our faces - I know mine hasn't been cared for in so long that I wanted this extra boost to give me a little life back. When you're anxious about all things, a boost like this does wonders!

I’m not a vain person in the least (I love dry shampoo and yoga pants), so this experience was out of my norm. But, my time at New Life Wellness and Med Spa did make me feel like Kim – the woman behind the anxiety, stress, and all the mom things. And while you may disagree, I know that for the first time in a while, I felt a boost I needed.

My favorite part of my experience was easily the ladies there. I don't want to be a Kardashian or a real housewife; I want comfort within myself. At New Life Wellness and Med Spa, that is what they strive for with each person they meet. They want you feeling whole again - that in itself did wonders for my anxious self.

Are you curious as to what would work for you? Have you wanted to try facials or maybe even Botox, but you have no clue where to start? Join me and the beautiful staff at their 4th Anniversary party on September 20th. Learn more about their spa, their staff, their services, and more about YOU. 

Stay tuned for more in this self-care series. I will be going back and learning more about skincare - finding the best fit for me. This type of self-care has been on my "must-do" list for so long; I am so thankful to have found this spa, these ladies, and a new sense of myself.

Peace out, Noxzema :) 

Special thanks to New Life Wellness and Med Spa for partnering on this post. All services were complimentary but thoughts/opinions are 100% my own. 

Baked Goat Cheese Dip with Tomatoes + Italian Herbs

This post is sponsored by Montchevre but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Maybe if we keep planning fall festivities, the weather will get a clue. Texans know that the heat sticks around longer than we'd like, but every year about this time, we pray this is the year September really brings crisp, fall temps. Until then, I'm going to put up some pumpkins, wait for falling leaves, and make a few fall recipes. 

If you want an easy appetizer for some fall dinner plans or a tailgate party, you need to make this dip ASAP. Don't forget to PIN the image below and add to your fall and/or tailgate recipe boards!

Warning: this dip is ADDICTING. The hubs and I mowed through this warm cheesy goodness before dinner. Just us. The two of us. It's that good, y'all. 

What you will need:

Montchevre Goat Cheese - sliced into rounds
1 tsp. of Italian herb seasoning
1/2 C of chopped tomatoes
Balsamic vinegar, to taste
Crackers, pita chips, or veggies for dipping

Place goat cheese rounds into a small casserole dish (I used an au gratin pan).
Be sure to cover the entire pan.
Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 10 minutes or until edges are brown.
When done, use the back of a spoon to spread the cheese.
Top with seasoning and drizzle with the Balsamic vinegar, to taste

Serve, dip, and enjoy!

Cheese makes life so much better, and this goat cheese does the trick! Montchevre Goat Cheese is made with fresh, high quality goat's milk collected from local, independent family farms. Their traditional French cheese-making expertise allows Montchevre to have a rich and smooth texture, along with the mild flavors that chefs and cheese-lovers know so well. This goat cheese is high in protein, calcium, and vitamin D - it also contains less lactose, too! All of these factors and this delicious taste make it a perfect addition to any dish - like this savory dip.

Learn more about Montchevre Goat Cheese HERE. You can find the store locator as well as the flavors available. Impress your guests or keep it to yourself. I won't blame you!