Holy Grail Status: Michael Todd True Organics

Michael Todd True Organics became sort of a YouTube "sensation" with a lot of beauty gurus about 6-8 months ago.  I instantly ordered a regimen set to see what all the buzz was about and I have been hooked ever since.

I wanted to share my holy grail products from this line because I think everyone should know how amazing these products are!!!

Charcoal Detox Deep Pore Gel Cleanser

I use this during the night time as my initial makeup removal cleanser.  It takes everything off and I like the fact that it is a "detoxifying" cleanser catering to people with acne-prone skin. It isn't drying at all and washes away easily.  I like to really massage this in my skin with my hands to get the detoxifying effects. This is how I prep my skin for the rest of my cleansing routine. After rinsing it all off,  I follow up with my Olay Pro X  cleansing brush (aka Clarisonic dupe... to me anyway, but that't a whole different post) with my Peter Thomas Roth Beta Hydroxy Acid cleanser  if my skin has been breaking out.

Honey and Oat Gentle Deep Pore Cleanser

After the Charcoal cleanser, and if my skin is normal and has no blemishes, I will use the Honey and Oat cleanser with my Olay Pro X cleansing brush to exfoliate and to deep clean my pores. I use this as my morning cleanser as well.  It is super gentle, smells refreshing, and rinses away easily.  It's just your basic cleanser that has really great ingredients.  I think it is suited for all skin types.  It is moisturizing enough for people with dry skin, but not so heavy that people with acne/oily/combo skin wouldn't be able to use. (For reference, I am acne prone, combo skin on certain days, and extremely flaky dry skin on others- it can be a nightmare).  This cleanser is great overall and I can't imagine using a different one, literally, ever again.

Blue Green Algae Anti-Bacterial Toner

I never was a believer in toners, and I always thought they were more problematic than helpful.  I mainly thought this because of the alcohol content that is in most toners.  (Alcohol is drying and causes your skin to produce more oil to compensate, causing you to become more acne prone, and the spiraling goes on...) When I found out that this toner is moisturizing, contains no alcohol, and has antibacterial properties to deter acne, I had to try it.  I use this morning and night and I truly believe it helps prevent acne and preps my skin for moisturizers.

Citrus Cream Moisturizer with DMAE and Hyaluronic Acid

If you are looking for a moisturizer that is light, yet extremely moisturizing, and is packed with amazing ingredients that feed the health of your skin- this is it! The smell is a mix of citrus and herbs and at first sniff, you might not like it.  It is definitely an acquired scent. I have grown to love the scent and I really can't use anything else now.  I used to have extremely dry and flaky skin around my mouth and chin area.  I tried EVERYTHING to heal it.  I even used La Mer Creme and failed miserably. I use this in the daytime under make up, and  I also massage into my skin at night.  It definitely will work with all the other products in the line to give you an inner glow.

Charcoal Detoxifying Facial  Mask

This mask is AMAZING.  My face is glowing after I wash this off and looks like I have a full face of foundation on.  This really evens out my skin tone and the effects of it last until the morning and throughout the day after.  I use this mask twice a week and it is great at preventing acne.  The consistency of this mask is unlike any other. Along with the rest of the products I've mentioned, it is moisturizing- yet would be ok to use for oily/acne prone skin.  It doesn't prevent acne by drying out the skin like most acne clearing products do- benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.  It is just jam packed with ingredients and anti bacterial properties that heal the skin and feed the skin.


So all in all- Michael Todd True Organics products are TRULY amazing.  The skin problems I mentioned in this post (extreme dry skin, acne prone, combo/oily skin) has been alleviated by using all these products.  Of course, this might not work for every one, as everyone's skin reacts differently.  I just know that I've been using these products religiously for the last 6-8 months and I don't plan on looking for anything to replace them- like ever.  My skin has never been better and I am confident that my skin is being "fed" the right things.   I love that their products are mostly organic.  The price point is just right and they are always offering discounts (I've never paid full price!).

They have skincare lines that cater to all different skin types.  They offer sets so you can try out a little bit of everything for cheaper. Check it out!!! I know you won't be disappointed!!! :)

Workin' It!

Banana Republic, Gemma Wrap Dress, Sale $65

They say the wrap dress is universally flattering.  I've never owned or worn one before, but I thought I would give it shot as I update my work wardrobe for spring. 

Old Navy, Long Sleeved Wrap Dress, $29!!

I debated on whether I should go the cheaper route with the Old Navy dress, but I didn't like the color selection.  Black was the only color that appealed to me, but I just don't need any more black. Luckily the Banana  Republic dress was on sale, but still double the price.  I essentially paid for the color, but I am hoping that the style and quality of  BR won't make me regret my decision.

One thing I AM happy about is using ebates.com to get an additional 2% off at bananarepublic.com

It's nice to get things on sale, but its even sweeter to get another discount on top of it! 

I guess its not technically a discount, but you get 2% back from whatever you purchase. So I like to think of it as a discount because eventually I get that back (hence ebates...like...rebates..)

Anyway, look it up, check it out.  I never purchase anything online without going to ebates first to see what kind of rebate they're offering.

Ok bye!

Top Shop Dress: A tad too much??

I hear black and white is all the rage this spring.  But I think bodycon is out.  At least in my opinion, I am so sick of bodycon!  Like the whole Herve Leger bodycon deal, OVER IT.  And the knock offs are even worse. But gah,  I love this dress.

Scratch Graffiti Midi Dress $64, TopShop

Now I ask is this a tad too much because I am planning on wearing it to a Spring wedding.  I just feel like it may err on the side of inappropriate.  It's too loud. Too tight.

If I can't come up with anything else, then this will just have to do.

Just Fab: Caprice

Caprice

I purchased these bad boys from Just Fab  and I finally got down to the post office to pick them up.

 I know its almost springtime but being in Seattle, boots will be acceptable up until June.  I got these in a 7.5 (I am normally an 8).  With boots, I tend to go a half size smaller. These fit like perfection!  And they are even cuter in real life! I was worried they wouldn't be comfortable upon first touch when I grabbed them out of the box, but when I slipped them on and walked around, they're very cushion-y and extremely comfortable.  Although I will have to put it to the test on my next long outing, but I'm pretty confident I'll feel the same way.

I absolutely love the red zipper detail! 

I don't have a casual pair of boots and these are perfect for every day wear.  I got sick of wearing my fuggs (fake uggs...from Target...) everywhere... everyday.  So hopefully these new boots will implore me to not wear yoga pants all the time.

Anyway, I will have to post an OOTD with these boots soon! I absolutely love em!

Juice juice baby!

I always make a night time green juice/smoothie. I prefer night time over morning because the juice is kind of like a fruity dessert/treat so its a great alternative to unhealthy stuff, and still satisfying. And I'm not a fan of anything cold in the morning. Will never give up coffee.

I added cucumbers for the first time and it was delicious!

organic cucumbers, kale, spinach, and parsley

Banana's sweeten up the juice.  Organic apples really give it nice flavor, plus fiber beneftis!  I also add a chunk of organic lemon skin plus the juice of half of lemon. Then I add ice and water.  I don't really know exactly how much, it just depends on how I feel that day. Haha.  

Try to always use organic ingredients whenever you can.  The only ingredients I'm OK with buying non organic are banana's and lemons (but I will only use organic lemons if I am going to use the skin).  We don't want no pesticide smoothies in heah!  These juices help me cover all my bases as far as daily nutrients go, all in one glass!

Look at that beautiful green!  It's super cleansing and detoxifying.   The lemon really alkalizes your insides which is apparently a good thing.  This juice does miracles for my digestion, skin, and immunity! 

Why did Shane have to die?!!?!!!!

My new favorite number is going to be 22.  For no reason other than the fact that Shane is wearing that 22 necklace. I wish I was that 22 necklace.

I am SUPER late jumping on The Walking Dead bandwagon.  I just finished watching seasons 1 and 2 on Netflix.  My timing could not be any worse since the third season is still going on and won't be available on Netflix until who knows when! UGH! 

Jon Bernthal is one sexy piece of man and I will never understand why anyone would kill him off of this show! Yeah yeah, I get it. He was just getting too crazy and hot headed and blahblahblah.... he was dangerous. Mmmm....  Ok I'll stop.

I'd still hit that.

I am trying not to read any facebook statuses for any shocking twists and turns.  But I am DYING to know what happens!  Oh well.

I will leave you with this YouTube video of  Jon Bernthal and his beautiful pups. Heart melts and the beginning of an unhealthy obsession @ 2:38 and 2:53. Love.

How to Avoid Being an Awkward Creeper

 My line of work requires me to provide "world class customer service" and this usually involves me smiling a little too much and projecting my voice in an annoyingly high pitch, jolly way (I don't know how else to do it).  It also involves me making eye contact with my customers... and I mean... like really make eye contact, really hard eye contact.  I've learned to deal with that awkwardness on my end. I mean, have you ever really made eye contact with complete strangers longer than  2 seconds? Its weird! But I do it! Because apparently it makes customers feel special!  So I've learned to ignore the internal awkwardness of being overly nice and polite to a complete stranger, but I have yet to deal with the awkwardness that comes when they mistake my politeness for flirtation.  I mean, can a girl just be genuinely nice (because your work forces you to be) without it translating into I wanna bang you?

Here are some tips for you boys on how to avoid making yourself look like an Awkward Creeper:

1. When you are asking my co-workers where I am, and then suddenly spot me, do not say "Oh there's my girlfriend!" and walk over to me.

2. Do not do number 1 especially if you are a married man.

3.  If you are a married man, do not ask me if I have a boyfriend.  Ok, its fine to ask that question I guess.  You're just trying to get to know me.  Valid question, kinda. But don't poke and prod as to why I don't have a ring yet.

4.  The next time you come and see me, don't say "Still no ring yet huh?!"  It might not be creepy, but damn, its awkward (and YOU'RE MARRIED!).

5.  If I tell you we share the same birthday, do not respond with "Oh really?? I like your body. You have a boyfriend?"

Extra Tip: A more appropriate response would be "Oh really?! People born on April 24 are REALLY awesome!" or "Us Taurus' sure are stubborn huh? Mwauaha"

6.  When you ask me out to a lunch date- out of no where- and I politely decline because I inform you my boyfriend probably wouldn't be comfortable with it, do not try and  make it out like I am the asshole here. "Oh, it was just for business!" And maybe I am an asshole for automatically thinking that your politeness was flirtation, but seriously, who says "I'd really like to take you to lunch sometime when you're free" and expect someone to be naive enough to think it's just for business?  You've just made things awkward, and you're an asshole.

Extra Tip: If its truly for business, preface that question with something like... "Oh hey, I have a business proposition for you and I'd like to discuss it over lunch sometime. Whatyasay?!"  That way I can follow it with "What kind of business?"  and you can answer that with something really professional and not at all sketchy. 

7.  Do not ask me to be in your music video and follow it with "I wouldn't be able to pay you though".

8. Please do not  put your hand on my hand.  Boundaries people! We can professionally shake hands, but please do. not. put. your. hand. on. top. of. my. hand. and leave it there. Thx.

9. Do not randomly insert "Hey my son is single!" in our conversation and then pause. Things like that catch me off guard and I have no other way of answering that other than with a sincere "Oh I have a boyfriend.." and doing one of these :-/ faces with a shoulder shrug.   It's not awkward at this point, but it gets there when you follow my  :-/ with an  "Oh I was just sayin :-o" Again...trying to make me be the asshole here!  WHAT AM I SUPPOSE TO SAY TO THAT???  "Sorry....That sucks. :-( " ????!

10.  If my sparkly accent nail catches your eye, please do not take it upon yourself to rub that nail to feel what the texture is like.  Again, BOUNDARIES PEOPLE! I don't even know you! SMH.

11.  "I hear Asian women are really obedient" is NOT a compliment and is completely inappropriate to say to anyone.  You are now an Awkward Racist (and I have plenty of tips and examples of how to not be an Awkward Racist...but that is a whole other post...)


I get that there are guys that just want to genuinely get to know a girl.  There is probably an initial attraction there.   Do not argue with me and tell me "Damn, I just want to get to know the girl as FRIENDS! Not get in her pants!"  Please.  Why else would you want to get to know a girl if you didn't want or see the opportunity  to be more than just friends?  IT'S COMPLETELY FINE.  But there's a time and a place and a non-creepy method for that stuff.   And if you get the timing, place, and method right, don't turn the girl into an asshole when she is up front with you about not being interested, whatever reason that may be.

Don't be an Awkward Creeper.


Thanks :)

You've Been Duped: J Crew Ankle Cuff Pumps

J Crew Ankle Cuff Pumps

I've had my eyes on these puppies for a while now.  I think they're simply gorgeous.  Professional for work, yet it has a subtle sexiness for play! However, I cannot justify the $275 price tag.  But in comes Forever21 to save the day!

Forever 21 D'Orsay Ankle Strap Pumps

Not an exact dupe, but I think they capture the essence of the J Crew pumps.  These are probably less appropriate for work, and more suitable for play.  Either way, I purchased these immediately at a whopping $26.80.   These also have a zipper in the back for easy wear, versus the J Crew ones that have the two button closure. I'm loving the modest heel height and ankle cuff style.