I just finished the book...

Miss Minimalist: Inspiration to Downsize, De clutter, and Simplify. by Francine Jay. I read something that really stuck with me, that I wanted to share.

"Their very ephemerality is what makes cherry blossoms so special. They only bloom for two weeks each year--and sometimes less, if rain and wind strip their branches of petals prematurely.  We have no control over when they enter or leave our lives: we can only wait patiently for them to flower, appreciate every minute they're in bloom, and then watch the petals fall to the ground.  In fact, Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) can teach us much about minimalist living:

1.) Seek beauty in nature, rather than in stores.
You can't buy a beautiful sunset, a star-filled sky, or a field of wildflowers at the mall--nor can you wrap them up, take them home, and display them on a shelf.  Instead of filling your home with decorative objects, look outside to satisfy your desire for aesthetic beauty."
2.) Appreciate things without owning them.
Don't feel the need to acquire everything you fancy.  Be satisfied to "window-shop," and appreciate the beauty of a necklace or artisan vase--just as you would a spring flower--without bringing it home.
3.) Go with the flow.
Don't try to control the events, things, or people in your life with an iron fist.  You'll feel much happier, and more serene, if you let things happen of their own accord.
4.)Nothing lasts forever.
Recognize that you can't hold on to everything indefinitely, and that some of the most beautiful things in life are the shortest-lived.
5.)Let things go.
Chery blossoms fall at the height of their beauty, rather than withering on the branch.  Allow possessions to fall from your life in the same way, like petals scattered to the wind.
(For example: donate your wedding dress or heirlooms before they deteriorate in the attic.)"

~Quote, Francine Jay

Wow, that was so thought provoking for me! In America, and other developed countries as well, we have moved into an insta-world. We want things, and can buy them at a click of a mouse. Remember what is was like to wander stores and just browse things, you had no intention of buying, or could afford? Remember what it was like to want things, and then dream about them but the dream was all you would ever have. I think there is a reason people "long for the simpler times." I know I do....

If you want some easy to digest tips on how to simplify your life you should consider Francine Jay's book.  She's sell both a full book, and a full guide:
The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide: How to De clutter, Organize, and Simplify Your Life

Also if you own a Kindle you can purchase: Miss Minimalist: Inspiration to Downsize, De clutter, and Simplify[Kindle Edition] *Note this is the one I purchased it's only 0.99cents. It's all her blog-post in one guide. I thought it was a full-book. A very good deal.

 

~Love...Monique

How to make an at-home Pumpkin enzyme Facial Peel.

The reason why my title is peel versus mask is because although the mixture will have a mask consistency, it will have strong enzymes thanks to the pumpkin it's self and especially from the the papaya.  I will have a few variations. I recommend making the large size suggested. Get into your tub and put it on your whole body. 

So what are enzymes anyway? I think most of us can relate that word to meaning something useful in cosmetic products.  Enzymes are a synthetic or natural product used to chemically exfoliate the dead skin cells.  If you are using a natural enzyme such as a pumpkin or papaya then you are getting not only the strong chemical benefits needed to keep your cells turning over, but also a natural and safe alternative.  Natural enzyme skin peels are just as effective! The enzyme penetrates more deeply into the top layers of the skin to give a effective improvement to peoples skin textures. 
The enzyme skin peel works to
Get rid of acne
Help diminish scars
Improve texture
Improve ruddiness
Moisturize
Firm
Lessen fine lines.

Seriously... And it's only the cost of a can of pumpkin and a papaya, plus a few other things you may already have at home!

Pumpkin has the skin healing:

Vitamin A: Which heals skin, and corrects scars.  Very helpful for acne sufferers and those with skin pigment issues (so basically everyone.)

Vitamin C: Most of us have seen Vitamin C in skin care products. Vitamin C is an antioxidant, and a powerful one at that. The problem with Vitamin C, is that if not used correctly or not used in the correct doses, can have no effect.  Most face washes, lotions, and serums with Vitamin C probably have such a low concentration of it, that it does little good at all.  The best way to deliver Vitamin C is through food at it's purest source IE. Pumpkin face peel.  Antioxidant's are great for all skin types. For restoration and prevention of skin damage.

Zinc:  A mineral that aids in soothing inflammation.  Anti-aging is inflammation, so is acne, and redness of any sort. Zinc will soothe and also heal.

The average cost of a can of pumpkin puree is $1.50. The average cost of a typical Spa's Pumpkin Enzyme Facial is $100.00. 

Now the second ingredient and the most potent.  Papaya. A very fast acting and effective natural peel. The vitamins and minerals in Papaya that balance skin are:

Papain, which exfoliates at a stronger level than any other natural peel can. Papaya is a powerful skin corrector, especially for skin pigment issues! Acne or scars are healed quickly with Papaya as well. 

Papaya can also help aging skin with fine lines, by increasing cell turn-over rapidly. Papain will remove the dead skin cells, forcing your skin to create new "healthy" ones while leaving the skin cells that are alive,alone.  So basically nature doesn't need our technology, it has it all figured out!

So here we are. You are so swept up in the magic peel that could be yours for about $5.00 and you want to know how to do it. Okay I hope you have about 5 minutes, because that's all you'll need to make it.  Yep some things are that simple.

Pumpkin enzyme mask for cell turn-over (all skin types) Please test on your hand first, if you have sensitive skin. And also caution that I'm an esthetician not a dermatologist. I'm not a doctor. Make these peels at your own risk. If you have any questions, please see your physician or dermatologist!!!

1 (15oz) can of pumpkin puree or cooked fresh pumpkin that has been pureed.
1 whole papaya, taken out of shell.

1 egg (for adhesion)

for dry skin types:you can add
1 tbs Honey
or two tbs of Greek yogurt or both.

For oily or acne skin types you can add:
1 tbs of apple cider vinegar or
a hand full of steamed carrots, save steamed carrot juice and add some of that (not to much or it will be to runny!)  or both the carrots juice and apple cider vinegar.
* These ideas are an addition to the pumpkin, papaya, and egg, not a substitute for, unless you have an allergy.

Mix ingredients together, mash into a mask consistency or put into food processor. 

Apply to clean skin for ten minutes, can be used twice a week.

If you sit in your bathtub you can do a full body treatment. Remember to keep out of the eyes.

*Note for Estheticians (or those that want to class this up a bit) Feel free to use gauze with this mask/peel. Also use the seeds in the pumpkin in a food processor to have as a back scrub to go along with this as a back mask!

If you are not an esthetician, the guaze is desigined to have a hole in the nose area, it allows the chemicals to penetrate and allow for easy clean-up which is essential when your at a SPA in a facial chair.  If your home this may not be necessary.  You can get facial gauze here <--- and it can be used also for oatmeal masks. Which i'll talk about soon:)

~Love...Monique

Project 333

If your a frequent flyer of the blogger world, than you might already know of Project 333. If not let me explain.  A person, such as myself takes a pledge to only wear 33 pieces of clothes for 3 months or 333.  There is a small amount of rules, such as: Shoes count in the 33 items, as well as outer wear of any type including scarves or wraps.  What doesn't count in the Project 333 is under-garments of any variety, sleep clothing, and work-out clothing. The stipulation to workout clothing, is if you wear workout clothing throughout the day then it needs to be counted as part of the 33 items. If you only wear workout clothes to workout, then it will not count.  Let's just take a step back and think about this for a minute. If you wear workout clothing throughout the day? Why would someone do that? Okay I'm joking I'm a stay-at-home mom I totally do, but I shouldn't and neither should you!  I would rather look good everyday if only for my self. 

     How do you get started? Well the first thing I did was go through and put-aside all clothes that don't fit!  LISTEN to me! I'm screaming through my fingers, if the clothes don't fit, if they are one size to small and your HOPING they will fit soon, they cannot be in your closet anymore.  You will have three months and only three months to decide how important they are to you.  If any of your items are ill fitting, worn-out, have stains of any kind, or you simply bought an item on a whim and don't really like it (but you don't want to throw it out because it's new and was expensive) that too shall leave your closet.  You will now have 33 of the best, classiest, current, and form flattering clothes in your closet. If you set aside all the above mentioned clothing and you have two items left it is time to update your wardrobe.  If you have the money, please do it now. You owe it to yourself to have 33 items to wear for the next three months that make you look and feel good. If you do not have the money, but can go to a consignment shop or thrift store, you would be surprised at what wonderful, new, and well made clothing you could find! I have found some great clothing items in thrift stores. Nobody will know but you...and me!  If this is you, try Project 333...

Lovely example of dressing for your body and doing it with only 33 items! Awesome! Jeanine Byers Hoag is featured in these pictures, and her blog is: 30 Day Wardrobe Challenge

About All and Nothing at All: Showing pictures of Project 333.

So, why would you do this? If your new to minimalism and you LOVE clothes, why?  Well there are a million reasons so I'll name what's important to me.  First off the best dressed friends that I have had or still have, have never had tons of clothes.  My best dressed friends were dressed the best, because they knew what worked for them, and they wore only flattering clothes.  They had less cheap clothes that they didn't really even like, and a more items that were expensive, classic, and timeless.  They were expensive, not because there was a gigantic logo across it, but because they were well made. Also when you buy an expensive cashmere sweater and a cheap ROSS sweater which one do you take care of? What about cheap purses? How many of those are piled up in women's closest all over America. There cheap, dirty, and unused. If you add the cost of the cheap purses up, you could likely buy yourself one nice handbag (preferably in a neutral color IE. black, gray, brown, white).  If this is you, try Project 333...

How can you possibly make 33 pieces of clothing and shoes work for 3 months. Well look at the below pictures retrieved from The Saved Quarter, and was originally from REDBOOK.

As you can see from the above pictures, there are many ways a few clothing items can be worn. Even if this isn't your style, it's a universal concept.

     What about brand recognition and marketing? What about it, well if your new to minimalism you may want to consider why you buy certain brands. Do you really want to support a multi-billion dollar industry that is creepy and shallow?  Do you feel compelled to market products for a company that only charges you to market, instead of pay you? The more you start to minimize your home, the more you can recognize how wrapped up we can all get in the fast moving world of fashion trends.  Who Set's these trends anyway? I do not need an industry declaring what's "in" write now. It's odd, and it's okay to question the whole thing. If this is you, try Project 333...

I'm not saying don't wear brands, sometimes especially with sports, it's hard not to IE dirt-bikes, snow
boarding, even surfing. But don't get wrapped up in it, you know to the point where your shaving it into your head!

Yes, I'm a bit on a soap-box, 

but I'll hop off now and talk to you about the power clothes can have over you. I'm going to speak very deeply to you now.  I'm sorry if I offend you, I sincerely want you to feel and look your best.

What are you wearing, and why?

Are you:
Project 333...

Are you wearing mom jeans?  Do your jeans have elastic and your under the age of 60? Let me guess, they are a faded blue denim type substance called "jeans" but there much softer than jeans aren't they? There really like pajamas.  Do you wear kitten sweatshirts, sweetly padding a ball of yarn?  Can I tell what Holiday it is, by your outfit. Oh, I guess it's Halloween look at your adorable orange sweatshirt with a kitten in a black cat costume, isn't that funny! NO, no it's not.  It sucks, for lack of a better word, and your to young for that, I promise you, if your eighty, your to young for that!

What about the muffin wear.  Okay I'm not being mean. This is actually the group I feel the most passion for, the group of the women, that are so comfortable with their body they will wear outfits two sizes to small and it will be very obvious, yet it's all good.  Muffin-top was coined for this category.  To tight of shirts showing strangers every aspect of their body.  Shorts that are two short for the heavier body type.  Oh' and they will work it! That's right honey, take a good look. If this is you, you are the hardest to deal with, because your thinking it's not you. Your thinking that your have it right, your thinking about someone else that might have this problem, because you look goooood! Project 333, is for you, you just don't know it yet...
There is also the women in the muffin wear category that are not like the above women, in that they are aware they don't fit great in there clothes yet they will anyway because, they are in denial about there actual size. They dress for the literal size they are. I'm literally a 10. I fit into a size 10, and I can't breathe in this 10. O' Lord, don't let me drop something, I cannot bend over in this skin-tight, ten, but I refuse to go up a size because I'm a 10 damn it! Or maybe your a 12, and that's okay. Because the 12 will actually fit you. The twelve will sit nice on your legs, cover areas that you may not enjoy, and you want to know that best part about dressing for you size???? You'll look smaller! Yep you will give the illusion that you are a ten, when your a 12 wearing the correct size. This goes for any size. I'm just using the American women's averages. If your clothes are ill fitting try Project 333...

     And last but not least, and this is going to be as personal as how women fits into clothes.  Are you dressed well? Are your clothes the right fit for you, and do you really look good? You'll know because you probably have common sense and you get compliments.  But, what about your credit cards? You know where I'm going with this.  Do you really have the money to have as many shoes as you do? Do you have to much of everything and your bank statements show it.  You don't have to answer this.

The reason why I point out women's fashion problems, or credit history. The reason why I'm passionate about minimizing my life from consumerism, is because the second, and I mean the second. I realized that I wont be buying "stuff" anymore. I lost 100 metaphorical pounds.  I was so light and free of the idea of not buying into buying! It was so freeing to not want... I don't really want anything, that means I have nothing to buy. That means my money can be spent on cooler things like...Property, or travel. I embraced minimalism because I wanted too. I wasn't forced into the idea. Our house is by no means the most minimalist "although I'm trying to get there." I have lots of cosmetics, more than other people I bet.  But I never just buy stuff anymore.  I think my purchases through. I'm not interested in nick-knacks. I don't want clutter. I want clean spaces, with simple furniture. I want to have room to breathe and move in my own home. I want less to clean. I want less to purchase. I want to have less choices.  I don't want to be a slave to credit card debt. I want to use my time of restlessness when I usually shop, to instead learn, or move my body, or play with my child, or laugh with my husband. I'm getting less stuff, but I'm getting so much more out of life. 

This translates to my house. It starts with my closet. I have pieces of clothes that flatter my body. I feel good and happy when wearing these items. I feel pretty, light, comfortable. People compliment me. The look is timeless and appropriate for "my" age.  When something wears out of my items, I replace it with a new item as needed.

This concept moves into every room of my house.  It follows me when I go to the store, which I tend to do less often.

These concepts have changed my life, and so I'm sharing it with you...Embrace it or don't. I will not judge you. I will only love you.  Please enjoy following the links of all mentioned ideas, blogs, and personal websites. Thank you!

~Love Monique...

Update on dying brows.

So I used an at home color treatment "box color." and with a cotton ball I used a little on my brows to "dye" them.  It worked just fine, far as I can tell. It's been a couple weeks now and I don't see any gray. However my next issue is that the small amount of gray I have on my head wasn't covered up very well with the "box color" I'll try it one more time, then I may have to head to the salon :) I guess it could be worse.

~Love Monique

Gray on brows,

Yep, that's what I'm dealing with. I'm getting very bright white gray strands on my brows, but I'm not really getting them on my head. What the heck do I do about it?  Seriously, I use brow make up, but it doesn't really work. I can pluck them, but what happens when  my brows are solid gray, do I pluck them all? I did some research on the web and didn't really find anything that was a cure-all, but I did find a common theme. Dye them! So apparently most colorist at your salon ( assuming you go to one ) probably wont do them, tinting brows is against the law, according to State Board of Cosmetology act. However you can buy brow tinting online and do it your self. What about hair color, it's been said that hair color from the store unless it's the correct tint and volume wont do the trick. And last but not least there are products that can hide gray's all day? I will list those that have good rating for covering the non-pigment hair growing in the eyebrow region. Yippee, what a sad and depressing post.  I'm actually covering my roots tonight, and I'm going to use a q-tip to dye my brows as well using color from the drug-store.  I will report back in a couple weeks to let you know if it worked, lasted and anything else I may find.  In the meantime I'm going to list some products that will get you through the day. Also be advised I'm dying my brows on my own regard. I do not suggest or condone of any other person doing it. There is a risk for dying your eyebrows or tinting your eyebrows. If you choose to dye or tint your eyebrows you are doing at your own discretion and risk! You were warned!

So here is my first tip. Get a good thick wax, and apply it first to your combed brows before color. Then after you brows have a sort-of glue on them, the brow filler you used will "stick better" and keep. If you only have a few grays, then put the wax on the specific grays first, not the whole brow, and color as normal.  Then reapply the wax to hold color in place. Sounds like a waxy mess? It's not,  you don't need a lot of wax for the color to stick, just enough. 

Givenchy stick for the eyebrows has good reviews...

Then I prefer a brow powder as you can really get more pigment that way. I use Bare Escentuals brow powder. It is inexpensive and lasts...

I hope these tips help. I know graying brows aren't fun, but there here to stay. 

~Love...Monique

Lastly I wanted to throw out another Fall must have before I forget. Is it just me, or is every single necklace available at Anthropologie the cutest? So I'll show you a few, and they are priced well too!

 

Although, the picture is only half-a-necklace, they are all larger statement necklaces!

~Love Monique

Numero Uno....

NARS Cosmetics Orgasm duo. The popular shade of Orgasm has always been my favorite, but now it comes with a highlighting powder as well.

The beautiful flush of blush, which is so very Fall.....So please put on some blush, add a glow and enjoy wearing a thin jacket while it's still a little warm out!

Isn't this product perfect?

Look at what it looks like on a human.

Thank you model and actress for showing Fall makeup using NARS Orgasm blush (Best for light/medium skin tones) However don't fret, there is also NARS Super Orgasm (for darker skin tones)

Isn't this color awesome too!

It's not a question.

So pretty...

~Love, Monique

Number 2...

Is a lip product that not only gives off the perfect fall makeup look, but is long lasting 8-hours to be exact. It also has balm that comes with it! SMASHBOX Limitless Lip Stain & Color Seal Balm will literally be all you need. That fresh lipped, just came in from a cold stormy day look....

Doesn't Alexis Bledel have the perfect Fall look?

~Love, Monique

Number 3...

Eyeshadow. Enough said. Product Line, well known. Quality, great! So what eyeshadow would work for the months during Fall; and beyond?

Take a good look...

"Experience the newest generation of luminosity as silky lustrous powders transparently wrap the skin, allowing a seamless layering of pure color for a silky sheen and radiant finish." Lancome~
I would know, I have it. So if you want to get a full-look that will last you, then try this pigmented color from Lancome.<------click there, if you interested:)
~Love, Monique

 brightening, 5-in-one, with eyeliner.

Number 4...

The best marcara on the block; Lash Injection by Too Faced Cosmetics. It covers, It doesn't clump, It gives long lashes, It stays on, It pulls off your lashes in little tubes when your washing your face. Somehow this  makeup is a long lasting mascara that also comes off easily when needed. Hard to explain i'm really trying, but look at the reviews it's awesome. One of the best mascaras.

Love, Monique

Number 5...

Forget chalky, forget liquid and weak, it's time to wear a real women's eye-liner. Okay all eye liner types serve there purpose, but Eye Studio, Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner by Maybelline is not only top quality,but afordable, long wearing, and full of pigment. Maybelline Eye Studio,Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner (TM) also provides drama when needed as well as a clean sharp line with the right brush, so my top 10 for fall is going to be a two parter this time because you'll need a great eyeliner brush to make it work.  So count both of them as five, and get over it already. This Mybelline eyeliner does come with a brush, however I recommend MAC Studio's Precise Eyeliner Brush #210 So there you have it. Buy both of those, and look like this...

~Love, Monique