It has been awhile since my last blog post. If you have followed my blog in the past, you know this is not something new. What can I say? Life gets in the way.
I was inspired to blog today, however, because I have been reading my fair share of blog posts lately. You see, I turned the big 3-0 in November 2014. Hence, you may have noticed why I had to change my blog name from “Confessions of a twenty-something journalist” to “Welcome to 30: Bills, Beauty, Books and a Beau,” which better sums up my life right now. For a woman, 30 can be a pretty scary age. It’s a milestone of all you have done –good and bad—up to this point. While I feel accomplished in some areas of my life, I am unfilled in others.
I read somewhere the habits and regimens we employ by age 30 are ones we will adhere to for at least the next 20 years. It is scary to think that some of my bad habits may drag on that long. Therefore, I’ve made a commitment to myself to “get my life,” as they say.
While I’ve never done a vision board, I see the value in them. It is important to lay out a plan of action. So far, I have decided these are the main areas I would like to work on in my life (in no specific order):
1. Beauty (Skin, Weight, Hair)
2. Health ( Living as much of a chemical-free life as possible)
3. Time Management/Organization
4. Better Student, Teacher, Daughter, Friend, Girlfriend, Pet Mom
5. Money Management (including couponing)
My recent consumption of blogs has mainly been due to the No.1 area of attention on this list—beauty. Between years of unprotected sun exposure, medication, irregular salon facials, biotin breakouts, mild melasma and a bad habit of putting my hands on my face, my skin, although not refuse to come outside without a bag over my head horrible, was left with some unwanted blemishes and dark spots. I am a dark tan complexion (according to MAC Cosmetics). So, my skin needed some serious T.L.C. to get that glowing, even tone back.
I recently got my first V.I. chemical peel and my first microdermabrasion. As a newbie to this level of skin revitalization, I wanted a second opinion from my esthetician’s suggested skin treatment plan. Although she is a nice lady, I tend to be skeptical about people’s motives. At the end of the day, she needs to make a profit.
Therefore, I took to online reviews about the peel itself, what to expect, after care and maintenance and other general information from everyday people and other doctors on the subject. As an African-American woman, I was particularly concerned about possible negative side effects (my blemishes getting even darker) after the peel. I’m happy to say the blogs put my mind at ease, and I’m happy with the results of my peel. Although, I will likely need another round or two to get my truly desired results.
In the meantime, I am now using a doctor-recommended skincare line—Obagi NuDerm— in addition to tretinoin that will hopefully help. Once again, I resorted to researching online reviews and blogs before making my decision to try Obagi. My student budget wouldn’t allow me to purchase the entire $500+ skincare line (7+ items) from my esthetician. So, I piecemealed the most essential items (6 items) from the line from both the esthetician’s office and reputable sellers on Amazon for less than $200 (winning!). Plus, I opted against the pricey Obagi 20 percent vitamin C serum ($56.99 on Amazon); instead purchasing Sano’s 20 percent vitamin C serum and eye gel with Hyaluronic Acid, Jojoba Oil and aloe among other great natural ingredients for $19 from Amazon.
The verdict is still out on whether Obagi coupled with future skin treatments will help me reach my desired end results. Only time will tell, but I'll be sure to give my endorsement if it does, which brings me back to my original point. Online reviews and blogs have played a huge role in my decisions of whether to try products on my limited budget.
I am not naïve enough to believe everything I read online. I am a Christian, former full-time journalist and forever X-Files fan so my worldview falls somewhere in the amalgamation of people are inherently good, trust no one and the truth is out there. Therefore, I am open to what people have to say, but I do take into consideration the validity and trustworthiness of the source and look at how many other people expressed similar sentiments.
My journey to a new year/new me is ongoing. As the year continues, I hope to blog (as time permits) and offer my own reviews on products and services that can hopefully be of help to others. You can also expect some general musings from my journey to becoming a better me, which includes academic-oriented subjects. I hope you’ll stay tuned!
For more information on the Obagi skincare line, check out their website here.
I was inspired to blog today, however, because I have been reading my fair share of blog posts lately. You see, I turned the big 3-0 in November 2014. Hence, you may have noticed why I had to change my blog name from “Confessions of a twenty-something journalist” to “Welcome to 30: Bills, Beauty, Books and a Beau,” which better sums up my life right now. For a woman, 30 can be a pretty scary age. It’s a milestone of all you have done –good and bad—up to this point. While I feel accomplished in some areas of my life, I am unfilled in others.
I read somewhere the habits and regimens we employ by age 30 are ones we will adhere to for at least the next 20 years. It is scary to think that some of my bad habits may drag on that long. Therefore, I’ve made a commitment to myself to “get my life,” as they say.
While I’ve never done a vision board, I see the value in them. It is important to lay out a plan of action. So far, I have decided these are the main areas I would like to work on in my life (in no specific order):
1. Beauty (Skin, Weight, Hair)
2. Health ( Living as much of a chemical-free life as possible)
3. Time Management/Organization
4. Better Student, Teacher, Daughter, Friend, Girlfriend, Pet Mom
5. Money Management (including couponing)
My recent consumption of blogs has mainly been due to the No.1 area of attention on this list—beauty. Between years of unprotected sun exposure, medication, irregular salon facials, biotin breakouts, mild melasma and a bad habit of putting my hands on my face, my skin, although not refuse to come outside without a bag over my head horrible, was left with some unwanted blemishes and dark spots. I am a dark tan complexion (according to MAC Cosmetics). So, my skin needed some serious T.L.C. to get that glowing, even tone back.
I recently got my first V.I. chemical peel and my first microdermabrasion. As a newbie to this level of skin revitalization, I wanted a second opinion from my esthetician’s suggested skin treatment plan. Although she is a nice lady, I tend to be skeptical about people’s motives. At the end of the day, she needs to make a profit.
Therefore, I took to online reviews about the peel itself, what to expect, after care and maintenance and other general information from everyday people and other doctors on the subject. As an African-American woman, I was particularly concerned about possible negative side effects (my blemishes getting even darker) after the peel. I’m happy to say the blogs put my mind at ease, and I’m happy with the results of my peel. Although, I will likely need another round or two to get my truly desired results.
In the meantime, I am now using a doctor-recommended skincare line—Obagi NuDerm— in addition to tretinoin that will hopefully help. Once again, I resorted to researching online reviews and blogs before making my decision to try Obagi. My student budget wouldn’t allow me to purchase the entire $500+ skincare line (7+ items) from my esthetician. So, I piecemealed the most essential items (6 items) from the line from both the esthetician’s office and reputable sellers on Amazon for less than $200 (winning!). Plus, I opted against the pricey Obagi 20 percent vitamin C serum ($56.99 on Amazon); instead purchasing Sano’s 20 percent vitamin C serum and eye gel with Hyaluronic Acid, Jojoba Oil and aloe among other great natural ingredients for $19 from Amazon.
The verdict is still out on whether Obagi coupled with future skin treatments will help me reach my desired end results. Only time will tell, but I'll be sure to give my endorsement if it does, which brings me back to my original point. Online reviews and blogs have played a huge role in my decisions of whether to try products on my limited budget.
I am not naïve enough to believe everything I read online. I am a Christian, former full-time journalist and forever X-Files fan so my worldview falls somewhere in the amalgamation of people are inherently good, trust no one and the truth is out there. Therefore, I am open to what people have to say, but I do take into consideration the validity and trustworthiness of the source and look at how many other people expressed similar sentiments.
My journey to a new year/new me is ongoing. As the year continues, I hope to blog (as time permits) and offer my own reviews on products and services that can hopefully be of help to others. You can also expect some general musings from my journey to becoming a better me, which includes academic-oriented subjects. I hope you’ll stay tuned!
For more information on the Obagi skincare line, check out their website here.
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