Here we are…2021. I’ll be honest, I’m feeling really good about the start of the year so far. I know there are all of kinds of messed up things still going on around the country, but I’m referring to me personally. 2020 did bring upon a lot of change and the need to adapt to new protocols and procedures, but it has all been taken in stride and I believe leading to a more positive year in 2021.
Enneagrams. I haven’t done a ton of research on them, but I’ve read a book and taken the quiz. I think there are definitely ways that people can exhibit traits of multiple types, but when looking at the types as a whole I do believe I fit the bill for a “Type 1.” The Perfectionist. To a fault, I must say, but the characteristics and descriptions definitely seem familiar. I am really trying harder to embrace the stigma that comes with the word, “perfectionist.” When you read the description of a Type 1, it is very easy to focus on the negative characteristics…rigid, obsessive, controlling, need to feel accepted, black and white, anxious, jealous, fixated on imperfections. But there are so many positive things that also come along with being a Type 1. Many things that help a person be successful and happy…reliable, productive, honest, loyal, self-disciplined, idealistic, orderly, sensible, and committed. The “fixating on imperfections” part of my brain tries to pick apart all of the qualities in myself that I think people find annoying and I perseverate on them. If it weren’t so true I would be wearing the t-shirt, “I’m not for everyone” on repeat. But in all reality, even that, is hard for me to admit. I am a pleaser and wish for everyone to like me no matter what. Some people say they wish they could read other peoples’ minds or that it is a strength to want to hear from others how they really feel about you, good or bad. But both of those things are my worst nightmare. I don’t want to hear the negative things…not because I don’t believe them, but because I will dwell on them and never get past them. I’m working on it…promise….(part of the 2021 journey)
As we start the new year, just like everyone else, I am trying to make some lifestyle changes. I’ve re-downloaded My Fitness Pal on my phone and have been tracking calories and workouts. I find the accountability really helps keep me on track and makes me think twice about eating/drinking certain things. My goal is now roughly 15 pounds away. I’m not being crazy about it or anything, but it just feels nice when your clothes fit a certain way. I’m both lucky and cursed with the ability to gain weight and not “show” it as some may. It just disperses itself so evenly that it’s not very obvious, but shows itself on the scale. I haven’t had to change clothes sizes or anything, but I can just tell when they fit a different way. So…here we are. I’ve lost 8 pounds since starting towards the end of the holiday so that’s a start.
We took a trip to Gatlinburg this past weekend and I gave myself a pass so I didn’t have to track everything I ate and drank while on a mini-vaca. I’ll be back it tomorrow and will hopefully start seeing results again. I believe that making small daily changes are going to be where I benefit the most. For example…instead of drinking coffee with creamer on my way to work every day I’m drinking lemon ice water. Then I drink a cup of coffee when I get to the office, but instead of creamer I am using Unsweetened Almond Milk and a 0 calorie caramel “Skinny Mix.” It’s actually very good and I use it with my iced coffee as well. I’ll link it below if you’d like to try it. I also found them for 1/2 the price at TJ Maxx, but how long those will be there is uncertain.
I’ve linked the My Fitness Pal app with my Fitbit as well so that has also kept the accountability in check. I’m making myself fit some physical activity in after I get home from work to hopefully further the chances of results…so we’ll see where it gets me. For whatever reason I’ve been the type of person that unless making drastic changes, my body doesn’t show results. And I am not interested in making drastic changes at this point in time. Healthier choices here and there…yes. Total life altering changes like a full diet overhaul, giving up everything desirable to eat/drink and working out to excess when I’m tired at the end of the day? Not happening. At least right now. Enjoying life and being happy in your own skin is very important. The balance between the two is the key and I plan to achieve just that.
While on the topic of self-care I do want to say I am quite enjoying taking care of my skin. I have been trying different types of face masks, eye patches, serums, lotions, you name it…and it is so fun! I’ll link a few of the items I have been using below. It feels so good to know you are taking care of your skin and maybe even avoiding wrinkles and aging spots.
I rotate between the products and am enjoying all of them. They make my face feel so nice and the reviews on each of them are very positive. I wouldn’t purchase them if they weren’t. I follow a girl on Instagram that specializes in masks and all things skincare so she has been giving me all kinds of tips and ideas. She’s worth a follow for sure if that’s your cup of tea. @kathleenjenningsbeauty is her handle. One of her posts is below. She’s very fun and has a lot of great content. Very relatable.
I’m still selling Avon and am using many of their anti-aging products. Specifically the Anew Day and Night creams and under eye cream. Their make-up has really impressed me overall. I have been trying to purchase random items here and there just to try them out. For the price point they are very rich and high quality. By far my favorite daily make-up item is the Cashmere Complexion Powder. It is the fullest coverage powder I’ve ever worn. It can be put on with a dry brush or wet and it turns into a creamy foundation. It lasts all day and is great if you have any shine or moisture because of how the formula is designed to be wet or dry. It is pricier than the ones you get at the drugstore, but in my opinion, WAY worth it. And it comes is a large variety of shades. The entire Cashmere line is worth a try. I just purchased the concealer and am a big fan as well. If you have any questions just let me know!
Can we talk about hair for a minute? I have committed to growing out my hair for 2 years now. I haven’t had a full blown haircut since October 2018. I included a picture below that shows what it looked like after my last cut. My favorite cut of all time, the angled bob. But now that it is the length it is now I am loving being able to do so much more with it. I have really gone “all in” with taking care of my hair to ensure it grows out healthy. I have invested in a hair serum, masks that moisturize and strengthen, and leave-in conditioners. I have also trained my hair (with the help of dry shampoo and balm) to look healthy every day with only washing it 2x a week! I have always washed my hair every single night. I never thought for a second that I could last even 2 days without a good wash. But the more and more I read about growing out healthy hair, the more I understood that washing it too much actually hurts its chance to grow out. The pictures below are what my hair looks like now. I’ll admit that most people would probably have hair to their waste by now, but for some reason I am not one of them.
October 2018 
One of the tricks I have learned to help with my ends is to apply Coconut Oil to the ends after you get out of the shower. It dries just fine and isn’t oily at all. It feels oily going on, but since ends are typically dry and need repair the oil is soaked right up. When my hair dries the ends look a lot more healthy than they started. Some of the items I have been using on my hair are below. I’ve been using the growth serum for like 3 washes so I can’t really tell if it’s working or not. Again, I have relied on reviews to guide me.
I’ve also started using powder collagen in my coffee to hopefully help with my hair growth and health. There are many other benefits according to the reviews, but I am hoping it helps the hair growth. Using a vented brush on my hair when it’s wet has also helped. It doesn’t tear out hair as much as other brushes. I’ve avoided blowing dry my hair whenever possible so not to cause more damage as well. I’ve been using towel scrunchies after I shower to help dry my hair as I wait to go to bed. I love them! The best ones I’ve used so far are from Kitsch. Their microfiber towels are wonderful for when you get out of the shower. They dry your hair so well and you don’t have to walk around with your hair dripping wet and cold. I’ll link those below. They have deals if you buy several products at once too. I recommend the scrunchies, towels, and their face masks are so soft and comfortable!
Well, I’ve officially been putting together this post for about 3 hours. I have stopped to take a shower, do Kenna’s nails, check on laundry, but I think it’s time to wrap it up. Another thing I’m going to commit to do is put one of these bad boys together at least once a week. I started this blog a year ago and I promised myself I would keep up with it. I’m pretty impressed I’ve even kept up with it this long, but I really enjoy having this outlet. Goodnight for now everyone…
