making the switch.

If you met middle school Andrea, you might laugh. You might like her - it is indeed quite possible - but it is even more likely that you would laugh. She was just a little silly.

In middle school, I was so confident in my beliefs and I was not afraid to hold back from leaping about into a diatribe when the moment called for one (or even if it didn't call for one...). Regardless of what the topic was, I was sure to have some deep seeded emotional connection that was terribly relevant to everyone's lives and it NEEDED TO BE HEARD. Quite popular was the topic of animal treatment, or mistreatment, rather. As an on again/off again vegetarian since the age of 8 (what hasn't changed?), I was sure to have a rant conveniently waiting in my pocket. This won't be a post to remind you that Babe has feelings, I promise. Bacon tastes good, I understand. This will be a post will be dedicated to another animal rights issue, though. It is one that probably involves the eye lashes that are fluttering on the eyes with which you are reading this now. It is about MAKEUP, oh my goodness. It is about makeup and all things related to making you feel like a gussied up lady (or gentleman) and the ability to use compassion and knowledge when making selections that will make you feel gussied up on the inside, too. ;)

I made the switch to Cruelty-Free products in, oh, September or October of this past year and so far, I'm still going strong (and plan to continue going on the same way). It has been a learning curve and a little product testing has been necessary but no longer feel like I'm living without. I make sure to google companies before purchasing and honestly, it is quite nice for my brain to help me pick out products and not just my eyeballs reacting to pretty packaging. The reason I feel the need to post this is because from here on out, this blog (when in reference to beauty and yada yada) will be based on this mindset and view point. I'm not quite as bold and forthright as I was when I was fourteen, but this is an issue that I feel deserves to be recognized.

I am now going to refer to a Facebook post I typed up in November of this past year:

"...I've been talking a lot lately about making the switch to cruelty-free cosmetics, and it seems like the biggest reason most people haven't made the switch is simply not knowing which companies test and which companies do not. Although there are a few brands that are willing to say they will NEVER test their products on animals (e.l.f, Coastal Scents, Tarte), a lot of companies seem to live within a gray area-maybe they do not test, but the companies they get their ingredients from do. Perhaps they do not believe in animal testing but allow their products to be tested simply so they can sell to China (Rimmel London). Perhaps they do not test but the belong to a parent company that does (Burt's Bees/Toms). All of these are factors that confuse the consumer and eventually become the reason people are apathetic to the cause. I can honestly say I was one of them...and on the third issue-the parent company issue-I'm still a little confused about how I should be spending my money. Personally, I feel that directing your money to a cruelty-free brand will show its parent company how valuable going cruelty-free can actually be and will eventually end up doing good...but I digress.

Regardless of where you fall on the issue, I do believe it is something we should all be aware of. Cosmetic testing is so unnecessary and only exists anymore to expand a company's demographic into the Chinese market (that requires testing). You don't have to be a vegetarian/vegan (or even remotely sympathetic their cause) to understand that cosmetic testing is a wasteful venture and is nothing but unnecessary cruelty.

We are all on our own paths and so I cannot ask anyone to make a switch they are not yet comfortable with, especially when it has taken myself so long to do so, but I can ask that you get informed and use your dollar to speak for you. I can honestly say that the past few months have shown me that there isn't a single cosmetic out there that I desire (and boy do I desire all of them) that doesn't have a cruelty-free dupe to replace it. It isn't hard, it just requires a little research, and continuous research as companies continue to wiggle in and out of that gray area..."

Did that sound too ranty? I hope not. Basically what I'm saying in one sentence is: 
"I am choosing to use compassion in my beauty selection and I hope you will choose to do so, as well".

If you are thinking of making the switch (or are perhaps just curious - and that is OKAY!), I will attach a few helpful websites. I'm going to be doing a blog post in the next few days allll about my favorite Cruelty Free products, so look out for that! 

http://www.leapingbunny.org/indexcus.php

http://www.gocrueltyfree.org/shopper

http://www.crueltyfreeinternational.org/

xo

Currently listening to: Sylvan Esso's "Coffee" 

why hello there, stranger.

It's been a little while since we cozied up and had a chat. How have you been? How's the family? How's that mole? I jest.

But it haaas been a while. Just a brief recap:

-I got a new job! I now pour wine (and make up a lot of wine knowledge) for wealthy conservatives, lion tamers, and girl scouts alike. It's quite a bit of fun, actually, even if it means I am now restricted to black dress pants and "natural" nail polish. What on earth.

-I chopped my hair off! I'm not sure if the exclamation point is from happiness or horror, but off the hair went. It's a nice change, but I'm definitely drooling over human mermaids and cannot wait to have my long locks back.

-I have been successfully avoiding working on my thesis. In a few weeks, school will be starting back and it is FILLING ME WITH DREAD/ANXIETY/DESPERATION. Anybody want to run away with me? If you invest in a gypsy caravan, I'll bring all my sultry dark lipsticks. We can read fortunes. I have Tarot cards...

-My little pup Annie has packed her bags and has moved in with us. It's been a few months now, and I can't believe there was ever a day when one of us *didn't* nudge the other at 6:30 in the morning, begging to be left alone while the other takes the pup out. She's perfect, even if she wakes up early to greet the sun.

-Oh, my face has a new friend. Have you done your Warby Parker at-home try on? I did a few months ago and fell in love with the Finch frame. Eventually my lazy tuchas got around to getting a new glasses prescription so the Finch can become mine! Well, it is here and my eyeballs could not be happier. It's the first time since (the freshman year of high school?) that I actually have owned a pair of glasses and I am loving the change. Oh, and I'm obsessed with Warby Parker as a brand. If you know nothing about it and you are needing a little change, go check it out! Everything there is so affordable, stylish, and the best part? With your purchase, someone in need is also able to obtain a pair that will help better their life.

warbyparker.com

I consist of flesh and citrus and lots of words.

A few posts ago, I mentioned my Khaleesi-worthy dragon skin and how it was ruining my life. Basically. Although those shiny scales make her baby dragons look fierce, they don't do the same thing for me. The skin around my mouth, nose and chin was so dry and stiff that I felt like I was wearing a mask constantly. Blame the weather all you want, but something had to be done about it. I don't know where I began seeing Vitamin C moisturizers in conjunction with repairing dragon scales, but all of a sudden I just knew that I had found the cure for my woes. And I did indeed. 

Snooping around CVS, I stumbled upon a little pot of moisturizer by the name Lumene that just so happened to also have the happy little phrase "Vitamin C+ With Arctic Cloudberry". Now, I do not know what a cloudberry, let alone what an arctic one is, but I knew it was coming home with me. According to Ulta's website, "the plant sterols in the Arctic cloudberry seed oil rejuvenate the skin's natural protective layer". Okay, whatever. Sounds good, let's give it a try. There were two sizes (one regular and another miniature) and seeing as the price of the full size pot was around $20, I went ahead and said hello and thank you very much to the mini ($4). 

YOUR SKIN WILL SMELL LIKE DESSERT AND YOU WILL SEE RESULTS IMMEDIATELY. 

Am I selling it yet? How about when I tell you that Jonathan (who fears cleaning his face as much as a cat fears a lake) willingly offered to test it out because he said it smelled so good? Really, it just smells like a lemon cake and an orange had a baby after getting it on in a really clean bathroom. It smells fresh and clean and everything you could ever want in something that goes on your face. Not only does it smell nice, but it actually works. I think everyone who knows me knows that I'm a freak for St. Ives Timeless Skin Collagen Elastin Facial Moisturizer (it is clean, soaks into your skin within minutes and leaves your face/wherever feeling plump and hydrated) but I think this Lumene is replacing St. Ives...at least for night time use.

I bought the night cream, you see. As you can imagine, it is thicker than a day cream and hangs out on your face for quite a while. Within an hour or so of using it for the first time, my skin felt human again. I could noticeably see my skin becoming smoother and alive. When I finish my little pot (I'm about a third of the way through in a week's time) I will definitely suck it up and go spend the money on the full size one. I just wish I had known about this miracle worker ages ago, when winter made my skin want to hide. Now I know, and now YOU know. 

Lumene isn't the only citrus I'm embracing! 

^swatches shown left to right, starting with Rendezvous and ending with Tutti Fruity

Corals and oranges are colors that I have always enjoyed. On other people. I've always found them hard to wear and have always been so self conscious when they're on my lips. However, with the changing of the season, I have finally embraced the lighter lip. Move over orange pop sickle, I'm here for the real thing. I'm currently fangirling over:

-Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Rendezvous.
This isn't as long lasting as the other Just Bitten stains, but it sure is beautiful and gives a nice foundation for my favorite orange-y lip glosses. Plus, the minty scent makes your lips wake up and makes you feel refreshed.

-Almay Color + Care Liquid Lip Balm in Cantaloupe Cream
For a long time I avoided Almay's Liquid Lip Balm line for fear of an allergic reaction that ended up being caused by another product. I had put blame on these poor things an

d now I deeply regret it because the whole line are my absolute go-to's now. Cantaloupe Cream is a lovely little shear pop of orange without making commitment to the color. No stickiness and all the shine!

-NYX Butter Gloss in Peach Cobbler
Like the Liquid Lip Balms, the Butter Glosses have turned into a go-to to put over my Balm Stain. It's juicy, smells like childhood and doesn't break the bank. What's not to love?

-Revlon Color Burst Lip Butter in Tutti Fruity
These puppies have received so much love it's almost silly to try and convince you to love them, too. You probably already have a stock pile of them in every shade. It goes without saying that this little number is well worth a go. It is moisturizing and a lovely pop of color once again without too much commitment. My only issue is that it picks up on any dry patches my lips may have. Solution? Glide on Cantaloupe Cream or Peach Cobbler and you're good to go.

Back to St. Ives. You know I can't go more than a few paragraphs without giving a shout out to perhaps one of my favorite product lines. As a long standing lover of the Apricot Scrub, when I saw this (is this new) new product, I had to give it a try. The promise of a pink lemon and mandarin orange scent was enough to get me to toss it into my cart, let alone the "even and bright" bit. 

After having played with it for a few weeks, I do believe it has replaced my apricot scrub, at least on a more regular basis. For a deep deep scrub, I would still reach for the apricot, but this pink lemon and mandarine orange scrub has weaseled its way into my nightly routine. The exfoliating bits in it are unlike any I have ever tried. Have you ever played with that fake sand stuff? If so, you'd know what I'm talking about. I am of half a mind to suggest that is what this is made of. Either way, this gives the perfect amount of exfoliation. The little beads do not dissapear a second after rubbing yet they are not rough and scratchy. Your face smells great and feels clean and you didn't even have to sit through an awkward and expensive session with an esthetician! As far as evening and brightening...eh...that is rather subjective, isn't it? My skin is always in a state of change, for better or worse. Sometimes I wonder if it is controlled by the moon. Regardless, this puppy won't be leaving my shower anytime soon and I will continue to walk around smelling like an orange.

And there's nothing wrong with that. ;)

xoxo

*I used the photo of Lumene Bright Now Vitamin C Cream found on Dermstore.com*

http://www.dermstore.com/product_Bright+Now+Vitamin+C+Night+Cream_23886.htm

is oil pulling worth the hype?

How long has this whole oil pulling fad been around? I've at least been hearing about it for a year or so - if not longer, and have always written it off as something that probably works but requires too much effort to attempt. I have long-since been an extreme believer in coconut oil (thank you, mom) and use it in pretty much every way possible. I deep condition my hair with coconut oil. I shave my legs with coconut oil. I cook with coconut oil and even feed it to my dog (she loves it!). All these things have had me in awe of this wonderful product of nature - so why was I so hesitant to take a spoonful and swish?

First let's hammer down exactly what oil pulling is. Oil pulling is an ancient method of maintaining oral health. Typically, one uses sesame seed oil and swishes it around in their mouth (don't swallow!) for 10-20 minutes, daily. The oil absorbs harmful bacteria and toxins, pulling them from your gums/teeth/etc. It also (bonus!) whitens your teeth along the way. I don't know about you, but the thought of oil just hanging out in my mouth, having a pool party or some nonsense is not exactly a pleasant thought and honestly, I almost gag at the thought. When I was in high school and had to wear a retainer (so hip), I gagged at just having THAT in my mouth for a length of time. How am I supposed to stand a glob of oil? Regardless of my hesitations, this morning I gave it a try. 

I chose to use coconut oil because:

A) I am already a firm believer in coconut oil.

B) Everyone on Instagram uses coconut oil in THEIR oil pulling sessions and you have to fit in, right?

C) I am a poor college student who cannot afford to run about, collecting oils. I already own coconut oil so the prize pony picked itself.

Despite my reservations, I am here to tell you that it wasn't so bad. Once everything melted. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature and the spoonful I put in my mouth was spit RIGHT back into the sink on impact. I just was not prepared for the feeling of a cold chunk of slippery oil to exist in my nice, safe and unsuspecting mouth. It was very unhappy at first. 

A little word of advice, go slowly. Try a little oil at a time, building up to swish-ability. If you put a giant heap in your mouth (like I did) you will be sick and hate your life, okay? Take your time and adjust to it unless you are some Bizarre Foods kind of gal...or guy. Eventually it'll melt and you'll be left with a relatively tasteless but very silky liquid. 

I was able to go beyond what I thought I could - about 15 minutes before I had to run out the door. I checked my teeth when I got to the car and although I am willingly suggesting that it could simply be my overactive imagination, they did appear a tad whiter. 

Regardless, I'm on board with this band wagon. My sun, my moon, my coconut oil. 

xoxo

Have you guys tried oil pulling? Let me know your experiences! 

any excuse necessary.

Do you have those products that you just stalk? You visit them in stores and you exchange loving glances with them, flirting, only to leave empty handed? You have something so similar at home that you know is waiting for you and you can't really justify spending $40 on this new one? If so, we have something in common, nice to meet you. 

All of a sudden an excuse falls in your lap. You saw a cute dog = you deserve a splurge. Someone made you cry = you deserve a splurge. YOU GOT A NEW JOB = splurge. By the way, I GOT A NEW JOB. (I'm trying not to get too excited just yet because apparently the training could require missing classes and my professors aren't exactly accommodating this semester...) However, let's all clap our hands (while keeping our fingers crossed) because I'm going to be a wine server at the Biltmore Estate! Woohoo, classy. I got the email and literally within the hour was at Ulta with the Lorac Unzipped palette in my paws. Any excuse necessary. 

Although the picture doesn't exactly show it, the colors in the palette are very similar to those in the Naked3 one. Except these have a more champagne-drinking-fancy-dinner-night look about them. I'm very excited to start testing the Lorac out and let you guys know if it's worth the addition to your collection. Until then, you'll find me in my bathroom, smothering eyeshadow all over myself in the name of celebration. 

Makes sense to me. 

xoxo

it is spring and look at this table.

^Morning 8 of Whole30. This is a fruit salad and not a bowl of cupcakes. :'(

I hate being hot. I hate being sticky. I hate when you have to watch your fruit bowl like a hawk because dumb ole fruit flies walk fly this earth.

BUT I do believe I'm ready for the sun.
I'm ready for happy Sunday farmers market adventures.
I'm ready for brilliant colors that greet you the moment you step outside.
I'm ready to try my hand at gardening, even if I'm bad at it.

If we all put our energy together, maybe we can make this warm weather stay. I swear, if I walk outside in a skirt one more time, only to be met by a harsh winter wind...

Oh, and check out this coffee table. It's a goooood looking coffee table, made by wonder-boy Rodney Coulston. He's amazing and shortly we'll be creating a little social media for him, so get your wallets ready!

P.S the table is actually pretty big, the couch is just a mammoth. 

xoxo

Day five of hell.

How many of us have rolled our eyes when our friends have sighed and said "Oh I would eat that if I weren't on Paleo". "You should try Paleo, it will change your life". "You know the cave man diet..." Whatever. I have spent so much time rolling my peepers that I'm surprised my world isn't spinning.

...until I became one of those people.

To be fair, Whole30 isn't exactly Paleo, but it's close enough that recipes and guidelines can pretty much be swapped at times. Whole30, for all intents and purposes, is a more strict and controlled version. No sugars, no breads (NO BREADS, ANDREA), and no processed junk. Basically, anything with a list of ingredients is out of the picture. Stick to apples, kid.

Whole30 is supposed to last a month, and I don't know if magical fairies are supposed to descend from the heavens when you make it through without cheating, but I'm expecting results. When I decline offers to go eat all the tacos in the world, I expect something to happen...and I think that might in fact be what is happening. Perhaps there are no fairies guiding me through this, but I do already feel more energized, my skin is clearer than ever, and after five days, I'm feeling slightly less bloated (is it in my mind)?

Regardless, even if I'm still the same old Andrea as before, I do believe that there is an importance in taking the time to really examine what you're eating and the relationship it plays with your body and your health. I know after this cleanse/program/etc. I will be quickly implementing certain foods back into my diet, such as greek yogurt and black beans, because let's face it, it's cruel to deny a girl certain human rights. Although there are certain things I feel are silly to omit, I am starting to realize that for the majority of my life, I've had an unhealthy relationship with food. I have loved it dearly and have accepted it into my life without question. Hey french bread, want to get in my arms? Hey cheese mountain, you're looking good today.

A few months ago, I had this realization about my life and the people in it. I finally came to the understanding that if people are draining you of happiness, of positivity, of creativity or of stamina, they really are serving no purpose for you. If someone doesn't challenge you to grow, show you love or truly want you to succeed, it is only healthy to cut them from your social circle and refuse to let them affect you any further. If this can be said so easily about people, I needed (and am in the process of understanding) that the same can be said for food. Yeah, that bread looks about as good as that negative person was, for whatever reason, attractive to you. In the same way that a negative person, although funny and charasmatic, can drag you down, unfortunately so will that cheese pizza. Too bad it tastes so good while it's doing so. ;)

Although I'm only on day 5 of 30, I'm beginning to really see the correlation and I am starting to see the positive benefits and how they are coming from the food I choose to fill myself with. I am truly excited to see how the rest of the month plays out (oh Easter, I know you'll be filled with deliciousness...). Wish me lot's of luck when those chocolate bunnies stare me down. ;)

Oh, and here's a new find! While at Kitchen and Company, I ran across a fun little device called the Veggetti, which transforms your favorite vegetables into pasta! I've used it twice and can honestly see this being used for ages to come (even after whole30 is over) when the pasta craving kicks in. Here's lunch yesterday: zucchini pasta, roasted tomatoes, spinach, grilled chicken and mixed together with a little olive oil. As a pasta lover, I honestly think this meal ended up as good as any spaghetti/etc. dish I've ever made. I highly insist upon making this little gizmo yours!