Sunday holds the spot as my favorite day hands down. As the time designated for rest, I look forward to the time when I know I will slow down. You may have noticed I paint my nails each week during what I call my Sunday Ritual. Even if I don’t get to spend the day relaxing the way I want or should, I have that time set in stone.
Sunday evening is the one time specifically set aside for myself. I enjoy the process of painting my nails: the straight strokes made with the brush, the careful articulation I must use to draw my design, the movie I get to watch so I sit still while my nails fully dry. The movement of the brush strokes lets my mind walk some of its thoughts out as I focus on my physical task. I also put my creativity to use as I generate a design based on the colors featured for the upcoming week. All of this provides my body and soul its adequate rest.
I encourage you to take regular time to rest as well. Sunday works well as you can start the next week refreshed. I know most people don’t like Mondays, but I always go into the week feeling ready to go because I recharged the previous day. Taking time to relax keeps you feeling healthy and balanced. Recharging makes it better for you to continue tackling your situations and tasks and can give you a fresh look as you return to them. It’s an extension to the concept of walking away from walking away from a problem and being able to solve it upon return. Productivity can rise when we step away from our busy schedules to relax. So take the time to be good to yourself so you can continue feeling fully charged and at peace.
I received my first Birchbox this month! This marked new beginnings in my beauty routine and writing styles. The box came filled with beauty products to try, and I decided to use the new exposure and experience to write my first review.
I provided a little description of my experience with each product, providing you with the feedback here.
100% Pure’s Nourishing Body Cream: I tested this product first, and I would recommend it. The lotion went on smoothly. Rather than leaving a heavy or greasy feel on my skin, it left it noticeably softer and more moisturized the following day. It smelled good as I applied it too; I could sense the soft scent of cocoa in it.
TanTowel’s Classic Formula Self-Tan Towelettes: I felt a little hesitant about the towel because I have very fair skin and work to keep it light and healthy. I gave it a shot so I could still review it, figuring it would fade soon anyway. Fortunately, it hardly darkened my complexion. I was pleasantly surprised at how natural it looked too. I mostly noticed it on my legs. The color went on pretty evenly but not perfectly.
COOLA’s Classic Face SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face: This item became my favorite in this box after my first use. It had a light feel, not like a sunscreen despite the 30 SPF. The cucumber gave it a refreshing feeling upon application, and it maintained a coolness throughout its wear. I wore it during my jog, and my face felt really good.
Benefit Cosmetics’ Hellow Flawless Oxygen Wow!: The foundation was okay, but I wouldn’t buy it. I liked that it had a higher SPF for sun protection, but I wasn’t satisfied with the look. It described itself as brigthening, but I equated that with shine. I eventually accepted that was probably the intented look, but I don’t like a shiny face, which in this case was accompanied with a greasier feel. It went on smoothly and didn’t have a heavy or cakey feel, but the color was slightly off for my tone. It was a little more brown than my pink complexion.
Number 4’s Super Comb Prep & Protect: I was expecting to feel nonchalant about this because I was a little skeptical of the “leave in” concept and already use conditioner in the shower every morning. At first, I was unsure about how it made my hair feel, but it grew on me, especially after I straightened my hair after applying the spray (the first couple days I didn’t style my hair). It gave me hair a little more moisture, and I ended up liking it.
The items in this month’s Birchbox have provided some fun additions and twists to my beauty routine, and I look forward to future batches of products!