I remember being in high school and every time exam time would roll around, so would a new round of break-outs. It was embarrassing and even painful at times. Even though I could find products that would help temporarily, it seemed like the stress break-outs would always manage to sneak back into my life and force me to use a ridiculous amount of concealer, which only created a bigger problem. Even though my acne wasn't super obvious to the world, it was something that was super obvious to me and made me feel self-conscious. It wasn't until a couple of years ago that I found three affordable products that were the perfect combo for my skin. Now my break-outs are few and far between and I actually get compliments on my skin! So I thought I'd share my miracle regimen that can be found at any drug store, Walmart, or (my personal favorite) Target, with you... Here they are!
All three of these products are put out by Olay. The first is their foaming face wash for sensitive skin. I opted for the sensitive skin formula because other face washes had been to stringent on my skin and would sometimes cause it to peel. With this product, I wipe off my makeup with a warm, wet washcloth. Then put a nickle-size amount of the foaming face wash in the palm of my hand, add a bit of warm water, and rub my hands together until I've created a foam. I massage the foam all over my face for about 30 seconds, wipe it off with a warm, wet washcloth, and pat my face dry with a towel.
Next, I apply Olay's oil-minimizing toner to my entire face and under my jaw-line using a cottonball. This removes any leftover makeup or dirt. An added benefit is that it prevents my skin from getting too oily and shiny during the day.
Finally, I apply a dab of Olay's original active hydrating cream using my fingertips. It smells like baby powder, it makes my skin feel super soft, and it gives my skin the moisture it needs to look and feel healthy. It's the perfect finishing touch!
I typically go through this regimen just once at night. I don't usually wash my face all over again in the mornings because this formula is so effective for me personally that I don't have to. What are your skin care go-to's? Have you tried any of these products or do you plan to? Let me know what you think in our comments section below!
This topic is a little bit different than what we usually cover here at Two Cents Worth, but I feel that it is a very important topic, which is why I decided to cover it.
Monday, federal, state, and local officials announced that there had been 12 arrests made Friday, August 23, 2013 after raiding homes in Alabama and Georgia believed to be involved in illegal gambling and dog fighting. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the Humane Society of the United States assisted in rescuing 367 dogs in Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia. This is believed to be the second-largest dog fighting raid in United States History.
Dogs ranging in age from several days old to 12 years old were rescued. Many were tethered outside in 90 degree weather without food or clean water. Severely emaciated dogs were found biting and scratching at their flea infested bodies covered with scars from their dog fighting experiences. Dogs were found in filthy living conditions filled with trash and feces. There were also many bodies of deceased dogs found during the raids.
Thankfully these dogs are now in the hands of the caring people of the ASPCA and the Humane Society. If convicted, those responsible for the dog fighting ring face up to five years in prison as well as fines.
Yes, you read that right... five years. Forcing dogs to fight to the death, not seeking medical attention for them, abusing them, leaving them without food and water, leaving them in the deadly heat with little to no shade, forcing them to live in deplorable conditions... shouldn't they be left in prison (which undoubtedly is a much better place to live than the places where they kept those dogs) for a lot longer than five years?! How about five years for every dog that they abused? It is a ridiculously low amount of time for the damage and pain that they have inflicted.
Unsurprisingly, most of the dogs rescued were pit bulls. This is one of the many reasons why pit bulls get a bad rap. I do not believe that dogs are born "bad." Like children, they are a product of their upbringing. They are innocent creatures at birth. With loving owners (or parents) they will become a loving creature. With bad owners (or parents) they more than likely will not reach their full potential. One thing you should know about pit bulls... like many of the "tougher" breeds (pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, etc.) they have a strong desire to please their owners. So naturally, if a dog is praised by their owners for fighting, they will fight. If a dog is praised for being a good dog, that is what they will do. These dogs also have a high pain tolerance. While my dog Bella is an American bulldog (not a pit bull), she is one of the "bully breeds" and is not only related to pits, but from the same family line. I have witnessed her high pain tolerance on many occasions. I have seen her get so wrapped up in playing that she ran into a piece of furniture and didn't even seem to notice. She kept right on playing. Obviously, these dogs are not indestructible, but they are able to keep going for much longer than other breeds may have been able to.
I am ashamed to admit it, but I used to be one of those people who were afraid of pit bulls. I was uneducated and only knew the awful stereotypes. After doing a lot of research to come to the conclusion that pit bulls are awesome dogs. Don't believe the stupid stereotypes that the media portrays. There are so many more pit bulls right now that other breeds, so naturally the research you see saying that there are more pit bull attacks on humans than other breeds are biased.
Need more proof that pit bulls are really awesome dogs?
Also, check out HelloBully.com for more information at pit bulls.
Please see the following links for more information about the dog fighting arrests: MSN.com Money.MSN.com
Now, I'm not saying that pit bulls are the dogs for everyone. They need an owner that will train them well and will nurture them in order for them to become the best family dogs that they can be.
Marissa and I are both involved with a movement that is very close to our hearts called The World Needs More Love Letters. I first learned of the movement while watching The Jeff Probst Show, during its one and only season. The founder of the movement, Hannah Brencher, explained that it all got started when she was overcome with loneliness while attending college in New York. In order to feel more connected, she began writing anonymous love letters and leaving them around the city for strangers to happen upon. She posted many of her letters on her blog and eventually it grew to a worldwide movement through which passionate love letter writers, like yours truly, write letters to inspire strangers and to send love to those who have been nominated by a loved one. Listening to Hannah describe how she had figured out a way to change the world one letter at a time ignited something within me.
I loved the magic and mystery of unknown beings finding themselves connected by something as beautiful and pure as a handwritten letter. I passed along the interview and blog to Marissa right away. We knew what it was like to feel alone and to desperately need someone to notice you, compliment you, believe in you, or care enough to want you to smile… even if that someone was a stranger. Needless to say, we were both hooked. In no time, we both began scribing notes of encouragement, cheer, and love. We hid them in odd nooks and crannies in our respective hometowns without any idea if anyone had found them or if they were still tucked away. We didn’t worry about that. We simply let fate be our messenger, hopefully steering the perfect person toward the ideal letter for them at the perfect time. Eventually, we began writing letters to specific bundle requests for people in need of a little love all around the world. It was surreal addressing letters all over the US as well as to the UK, New Zealand, and even Brazil.
About a month ago though, I decided that I wanted to be more than a scriber. I wanted to be a messenger as well for a woman who has truly inspired me over the last year… Donna. Donna is not a person that I know personally. My brother looks to her husband as a mentor, and I learned of Donna’s amazing journey through him and eventually her facebook journal. I sent this love letter nomination into moreloveletters.com describing the challenges that Donna has faced over the last year and what an incredible human being she is.
To be honest, I wasn’t so sure that her nomination would be selected. I hoped and prayed for days, knowing that a bundle of letters would do wonders in lifting her spirits. And wouldn’t you know that after a week or so I received the news that Donna’s letter request would be sent with the very next batch. I squealed, overcome with joy that I would be able to send a bundle of sunshine to a woman so deserving as she. Stay tuned as I share the progress of Donna’s bundle over the course of a few upcoming posts! If you have any questions about MLL or if you’d like to get involved, check out their website--- moreloveletters.com. You can also post any of your questions in the comments section below. I am happy to share my experiences with movement.
Women's Equality Day was established in order to commemorate the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. The observance not only commemorates the 19th Amendment, but it also brings attention the continuing effort at securing the rights of women.
There was a time when I once started sentences with "I'm not a feminist, but..." Thankfully, a wonderful coworker of mine clued me in to what the definition of feminism really is. Believe it or not, you can be a feminist without burning your bra or refusing to shave your armpits. In reality, a feminist is anyone who believes that men and women should have equal rights. So if you believe that women should have the right to vote, to own property, to have equal pay, then you are a feminist.
Here is the definition of feminism according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary...
So guess what? You are probably a feminist and you didn't even know it! Feminism has nothing to do with bashing men. It has nothing to do with wanting to be men. It has nothing to do with abandoning femininity. It just means that you believe that men and women should have equal rights.
For an even better description of what feminism is, watch this adorable video of a super smart (and super cute) girl who tells it like it is...
So happy Women's Equality Day! Do your part in supporting the rights of women by passing this post along to your friends who don't realize that they are feminists yet.
I believe that we all have secret goals and dreams. Many times, we don't go after those goals and dreams. Maybe we are afraid of failing. Maybe we don't know where to begin. Or maybe we are just too lazy to try. How do I know? Because I am one of those people. For years I have had a wide range of dreams and goals for myself. My problem? I have been too much of a chicken to go after any of them. I'll have an idea of something that I want to try, and then don't do anything about it. A couple of weeks ago, I was thinking about one of my many dreams (once again) and decided to finally do something about it.
For a while, one of my many dreams has been to start my own side business selling homemade dog treats. I know, sounds kind of silly, right? I love animals, especially my doggies (in case you haven't noticed yet) and I enjoy things like crafting and baking. I wanted to put together some of my passions and got the idea for making my own dog treats. So a couple of weeks ago, I did some research, went to the store, picked up some ingredients and got to work. I made a few batches, had Bella and Luna taste test them and logged onto Etsy. For those of you who don't know, Etsy is a wonderful website where sellers create their own stores selling handmade products and vintage items. I created my own shop for my creations. I named it Bella Luna Bakery and Gifts (after my pups, of course). In my shop, I plan to sell all natural pet treats and handmade gifts.
I have to say, they turned out quite well. Since starting my shop, I have made several varieties of treats including regular and special dog treats that are gluten free, wheat free, and soy free. I also have dog cookies and I even make cat treats! So far, I have gotten a couple of orders in. But more importantly, I am having FUN! To me, baking is relaxing. It is something I do to unwind and have a little fun. The only downside is that when I bake, I want to eat my creations. So baking dog treats is a win-win situation... I get to bake, but I'm not tempted to eat any. Bella and Luna, however, are my official taste testers and get to enjoy sampling from all of the batches of treats that I make.
Bella with a heart shaped peanut butter treat.
Right now, my shop features mostly pet treats. But I have a lot of supplies ready to start some new gifts for my page. Be sure to check it out often for new products.
Luna trying to get to her treats.
So the moral of this story is to go after your dreams. Even if they seem silly to other people. It doesn't matter. Go for it. If it makes you happy, it is worth trying. Don't let what other people say hold you back. I'm telling you now... you can do it. So go after your dreams today. Don't put it off. The sooner you start, the sooner you will reach your goals.
P.S. Once we gain more followers, we may do a giveaway! So if you enjoy reading, click the blue "Join This Site" button on the right side of the page to follow us. :)
It's that time of year again! Kids are heading back to school, college kids are moving into dorms, and the smell of fresh school supplies is everywhere. After enjoying summer break, it is often hard to get back into the swing of things.
This week, I had the privilege of helping my younger sister, Darby, move into her first dorm room at USF. I am so excited for her as she starts her first year of living on campus as a full-time college student. That is why this week, I am dedicating this Three for Thursday segment to my little sis (you are awesome already, D, but I hope that you will find these tips useful in starting classes next week). While this post is dedicated to my sister, I feel that this post will apply to anyone going back to school (high school or college) or even just anyone who needs some tips for reorganizing their time.
Tip #1: Make a schedule
My nifty planner. A must have for staying organized.
Schedule time for everything you need to do: studying, exercising, relaxing, etc. I have found that when I have a set schedule, it is easier to stick with it. Yes, you need to study hard and go to all of your classes, but that doesn't mean you can't have some fun every now and then. Schedule it in so that you won't skip your "me time" and it won't run over time you need to be spend working.
Tip 2: Make good habits
A few awesome cookbooks I borrowed
from my local library.
Eat healthy. Exercise. Drink enough water. Get enough sleep. All of these things are essential to getting through school alive. It's a proven fact: junk food makes you feel crappy. Eat foods that aren't processed. Stock up on fruits and veggies as snacks. Things like apples and bananas are easy to stick in your backpack to eat later. Pack healthy lunches rather than buying them at school. Exercise is important too. When you exercise, your body is filled with these amazing things called Endorphins (which are basically feel good hormones that your brain releases). Not to mention, exercise helps you keep in shape. Remember Freshman, there is a reason why the term "Freshman 15" was created. As tempting as it is, drink water, NOT soda or sugary, caffeine filled energy drinks. Water is the most important beverage for your body. After all, about 60% of your body is made out of water. You need to replenish the water that leaves your body, not to mention it helps flush out toxins. Last, you need to get plenty of sleep. Sleep helps increase your performance, memory, and even can help improve your grades! Click here for more info on the benefits of sleep.
Tip 3: Be yourself
One of my new favorite quotes...
Written in my handwriting for day 2 of our August Photo Challenge.
When starting a new school year or semester (especially when starting a new school), it is difficult for many people to make new friends. You were created to be wonderful, fantastic, amazing, you. Don't waste your time trying to be someone else. If people can't like you for who you are, they aren't worth your time. If you don't like doing something (or don't feel comfortable doing something), don't do it. Period. Don't act like an idiot to get people to like you because it doesn't matter. Those people aren't your real friends. Get to know people who like you for you. You deserve to have real friends.
I would go on, but it is Three for Thursday after all. As you may be able to tell, I am kind of sad I am not going to school this semester. You read that right kids... after you graduate, you will miss being in school. Trust me. But if you are like me and aren't heading back to school, I feel that you can use this tips to help make the most out of the rest of this year.
Okay, readers. Now I want to know... what your tips are for going back to school? How helpful do you find my tips? If you try any of my tips, I would love to hear how they work for you! :)
For those of you heading back to school, good luck! I hope that this year is an awesome year for you and that you learn a lot of cool new things!
For all of you teachers out there (like my bestie, Amy), good luck to you too! You need it! I hope that this year brings you lots of well behaved kiddos! ;)
Okay, readers. It's back-to-school time for this girl, so I have been spending the last week setting up my classroom. Moving boxes in and out of a second floor classroom in the heat, rain, and suffocating humidity of a typical Florida summer. And the kicker? I've been rearranging furniture, decorating, and organizing in a classroom that hasn't had AC for most of the time. Let's just say that it hasn't been pretty. Many of my fellow teachers have been complaining of sweating their makeup off. While the heat and humidity have made me feel uncomfortable, I haven't had any trouble with my makeup. In fact, I wear the same makeup whether I'm going out to eat, to work, or even to Disney or an outdoor concert... Not to mention the fact that I have oily skin AND I'm working with a teacher's budget! Since my makeup selections have proven that they can withstand some rough conditions without melting off, I thought I'd share three of my favorites. Here we go! 1. Covergirl 3 in 1 Liquid Foundation in creamy natural Choosing a liquid foundation can be tricky. It can sometimes be difficult to match it to your skin tone and blend in without feeling caked on or chalky. Plus, it can be messy to pour out onto your fingers or a sponge and apply. However, this foundation was super easy to blend and it comes in a user-friendly pump. It only takes one pump (which is about the size of a dime) to cover my face and totally even out my skin tone. I also love the 3 in 1 aspect! This one product is a primer, concealer, and foundation! And as a bonus, it also contains an SPF 20 sunscreen... In Florida, that is a must! This makeup feels very light and natural on my skin and I even wear it with a little lip balm when I go to the beach.
2. Covergirl LashBlast Fusion I've been using this mascara for a couple of years now and refuse to switch unless they discontinue the product... In which case, I will right a very strongly worded letter. Haha! But seriously, this mascara is easy to apply, it makes my lashes look thicker, longer, and more defined. It really makes my eyes pop while still looking natural. I love that! Want to know what I love even more? It doesn't flake off or even run when I sweat or cry. Mascara can't get much better than that!
3. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain
Up until a couple of months ago I was a die-hard Covergirl fan. As in, I never bought another brand. But my curiosity about Revlon's Balm Stain finally got the better of me and I had to try it... And I'm so glad I did! It doesn't get goopy or wipe off easily like a gloss does, and it also doesn't dry out your lips. I apply it once in the morning, blot with a tissue to remove the excess and make it look more natural, and I'm good for the rest of the day even after eating, drinking, brushing my teeth, etc. The color remains and so does the moisture to keep your lips smooth and kissably soft. My favorite shade to wear everyday is Honey, which is a natural rose color. But when I like to have more of a pop of color or retro look, I wear Romantic, which is a reddish-coral shade. Both colors are pictured below.
So those are a few of my favorite beauty products in honor of Three for Thursday... Do you use any of these products or plan to try them out? Do you have any other favorites? I'd love to hear all about them!
I think that everyone can agree that these days, we could all use a little more good in the world. That's why for today's Three for Thursday post I wanted to share with you my three favorite websites that are doing good for our planet.
The World Needs More Love Letters is one of our favorite websites and you will definitely hear more about it later (as Amy and I are both very involved in the movement). MLL is movement dedicated to spreading love through pens and paper. MLL encourages people to write love letters to strangers to leave in random places around the community. They also organize love letter drives and create love letter "bundles" to send to people all over the world who need love and encouragement.
MLL mission statement: "The World Needs More Love Letters is an organization lifting, empowering, and mobilizing individuals through tangible acts of love."
The Kind Campaign is a movement designed to get girls to stand up against "girl-on-girl 'crime.'" They teach girls that
The Kind Campaign mission statement: "Kind Campaign is an internationally recognized movement, documentary and school program based upon the powerful belief in KINDness that brings awareness and healing to the negative and lasting effects of girl-against-girl 'crime.'”
Here is a preview of the Kind Campaign documentary which will show you what they really stand for:
Smart Girls at the Party was founded by the fabulous Amy Poehler and a few of her friends. SGATP is all about changing the world by being yourself. The girls who run the site post adorable videos showing that girls are awesome just the way they are, as well as encouraging girls to do good in their community.
Their motto is: "CHANGE THE WORLD BY BEING YOURSELF!"
Here is an adorable video from Smart Girls at the Party's YouTube channel. I couldn't resist sharing it with all of you!
While the Kind Campaign and SGATP are geared towards younger girls, I feel that the messages are powerful enough that even as adults we can gain insight from them to share with the next generation of women. I hope that you have enjoy this week's Three for Thursday and that you will find these websites fun and interesting. I'd love to hear what your favorite websites are that do good for our society!
As you may or may not know, my husband and I have been remodleing our house for what seems like forever. While it hasn't really been forever, it has been quite a few years. It all started in 2010. My husband (then fiance) was home on his R&R (that's military speak for going on leave) halfway through his deployment. I got to his house one morning to see him halfway finished pulling a row of cabinets (which hung over a bar) off the celing. I ran to help, and as soon as he was finished, he said matter-of-factly, "Well, I thought I would go ahead and get started on our remodeling." Three years later, we are still remodeling. Granted, there was some parts of that time when we weren't living in our house (more on that later).
As of today, we are almost finished remodeling our kitchen. We took out some walls and floors, ripped out all of the cabinets and appliances, and replaced everything. Our house had not been remodeled since it was built, so it was definitely due for some updates. Travis and I have had fun seeing what we would like to change about it. It has been quite a process... full of ups and downs. It has been a lot of fun seeing our plans turn into reality and seeing our house transform into a home. We try to work on the house every day and have found that over time, small steps result in major changes. Yes, it is a LOT of work, but we both agree that it will be worth it all in the end.
Along the way, I have tried a few new projects to find the easiest (and most affordable) ways to update our home. Be sure to check back as I post DIY projects that I have tried, as well as tutorials for you to try them out yourself!
Some of our projects: (Once I post about these topics, I will replace them with a link to the corresponding post) - Painting - Staining fireplace - Updated appliances - New cabinets - New flooring - Updated fixtures - Choosing room theme/decor I look forward to sharing more of my remodeling journey with you!
Have you been through a major home remodel? What was your favorite (or least favorite) part of it all?
Last year, I took a leap of faith and accepted a temporary teaching position at a school that I knew very little about. I was both excited and anxious about all of the possibilities that this new opportunity would hold. Even more than that, I was terrified that another opportunity wouldn't come along. It was getting later in the summer and other schools I had been interested in didn't have any available positions. So all of my fear, anxiety, and excitement as a new graduate propelled me on a new adventure into the unknown. Unfortunately, that adventure wasn't as wonderful an experience as I had hoped. I’m not saying that it was a mistake… quite the opposite, actually. I became much stronger as a teacher and as a person. Plus, I was able to learn from my first experience job hunting and discovered exactly what I needed to do to get to where I wanted to be. I had to be positive, patient, and persistent. I had to walk away from my last experience proud of what I had accomplished, despite many obstacles that were thrown my way and look forward positively. I made up my mind that I wouldn't fixate on finding a new job. Instead, I sent out resumes early in the summer to schools I had researched and felt would be a good fit for me, and then I left it up to God. I truly enjoyed my summer and was optimistic that everything would work out the way that it was meant to. I had to put my anxiety aside and remind myself constantly that I had done all that I could and now it was time to be patient. Patience isn't always my strong suit, but I reminded myself each day that I was one day closer to my goal. Finally, I got a window of opportunity and that’s when my persistence kicked into high gear. I called and emailed relentlessly until I was offered an interview. So I put on my favorite purple dress and my nude heals, curled my hair, and calmed my nerves. Once again I had to be positive, optimistic that it would go well… patient, carefully listen to questions and answer them thoughtfully without rushing… and persistent, make it clear that I wanted the job and that I was the best person for the job. Those three P’s didn't let me down all summer, and they sure didn't let me down during the moment of truth. I got the job! And at my dream school, no less. I’m not saying that being positive, patient, and persistent was easy or totally within my comfort zone. What I’m saying is that it was SO WORTH IT. Beyond this, I think that the 3 P’s could be used when going after any goal in life. So in honor of our Three for Thursday tradition, here are three quotes to encourage you when you are fighting your own insecurities in pursuit of your dreams.
Now I’m curious… What goals and dreams are you working toward? What quotes do you find encouraging? I’d love to hear all about them in the comment section below!
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