CW: body image stuff, food/diet talk For the last CW: body image stuff, food/diet talk

For the last couple of years I’ve worked hard on (mostly) being at peace with my body. I work out for my mental health and because it feels good, I stay off the scale, I don’t see any food as “bad” anymore.

The thing I haven’t been able to adjust is giving my body nutritious foods without diving into diet culture. If I don’t track foods I won’t eat veggies like....ever. If I do track foods, I start worrying about calories, losing weight, etc. So I’ve chosen not to worry about it, for fear of falling back into an unhealthy relationship with food and my body.

Smoothies have always been a good way for me to get fruits and veggies but it’s a lot of work and tbh making a good smoothie requires a LOT of ingredients and then I end up with a massive smoothie. That’s why when I first heard about @kencko, it seemed too good to be true. Freeze dried fruits that you mix in water or any milk, like a protein shake. 2.5 servings of fruits/veggies per packet. (The packets are compostable btw). LOADS of flavor options with various benefits.

I was sold.

I signed up for three months to get the best deal, PRAYING they would taste good and y’all......they are incredible. I am shocked at how much I love them, even the flavors I didn’t think I would be crazy about. I signed up for 20/month and will def be increasing that quantity.

Sorry this is soooo long winded but I wanted to share in case anyone else had similar struggles. They do have a referral code so if you want $10 off your first box just let me know 💕
“Every day is a gift.” That’s what I said t “Every day is a gift.”

That’s what I said to myself when I woke up on Monday. I got dressed in an outfit I loved and promised to make it a good day. And the universe said “okay let’s see how far we can push this gratitude thing” and threw A LOT of shit at me 😂 I still ended my day with a smile and a @onepeloton @jesskingnyc ride. Then I couldn’t sleep because I worked out too late but it’s fine.

Woke up today with the same attitude. Drove an hour to get my second vaccine, arrived for my appointment and they told me they didn’t have the vaccine I needed. Even though I had called to check last week to ensure this didn’t happen. 2.5 hours in the middle of the work day wasted. After working until 10:15 last night and getting four hours of sleep.

I’m still not going to let it break me. (And yes, I was able to find another appointment and I’m SURE it’s the right vaccine.) Life is so precious and I’m so grateful for what I have. I’m especially grateful that in just a few weeks I finally get to see my family for the first time in over a year. What a joy. Sometimes I never thought that moment would come - I shed a lot of tears over it. But it’s almost here.

The only bad thing is now I have to find another vaccine outfit because I wasted this one today.
I guess I’m posting outfit photos again! They wo I guess I’m posting outfit photos again! They won’t be very aesthetic but I’m excited to share and also document what I wear. I know a lot of y’all are here from my fashion blogging days so thanks for sticking around 💕

A wardrobe shift usually means having to buy a bunch of new stuff. For me, what I really “needed” more of was plain tees. I tried to look at sustainable brands but honestly they were just too pricey especially considering the sub-par reviews. So instead I went with my old standby...Target. Their shirts have always lasted me a really long time and the one I’m wearing here is linen 😍 I was very picky and took back a few that didn’t quite fit me properly. All in all I spent around $40 and now have a wardrobe that feels really filled out - here’s to hoping they last me a few years like my current Target shirts have!

I guess all this to say...sometimes you just have to make the best choice for you. I intend on keeping this shirts in my closet for a long long time and know they will get tons of love. Now I’m back on my super low/no buy and can’t wait to wear in my new goodies! 

Ps VERY excited to be wearing sandals! It’s finally spring (?????)
This feels extremely 2014 IG but I’m fine with t This feels extremely 2014 IG but I’m fine with that. My style has changed so much and this is where I’ve been living lately - simple neutrals, plus a couple of necklaces. Color correcting cream, mascara, brows, Fenty gloss bomb because it’s literally the only lip product that doesn’t make my lips crack the next day. 

Anyone else’s style completely change in the past year? My closet looks so different and past me would think it’s “boring” but I feel good and getting dressed is easy now so who cares. 

Ps @roseybeeme influenced me to buy this letter necklace and it makes me feel like a mobster and I love that.
Little Plop got an upgrade to his playpen today (a Little Plop got an upgrade to his playpen today (a pillow) and he is OBSESSED. 

I’m going to keep saying this, if you’re in the denver area and looking for a puppy...he is perfect. It’s going to be hard for me to let this little guy go. Message me if you’re interested in adopting him and feel free to tag someone!

He’s ten weeks, some kind of mix but definitely has wire hair like a terrier. Will probably be small/medium like 25-30 pounds. Very smart and spunky but has a neurological disorder that causes him to have a bit of weakness in his back legs.
Meet Duke, our newest foster puppy. He is a precio Meet Duke, our newest foster puppy. He is a precious brindle wiry haired pup, who also has a neurological condition that makes his legs a little wobbly. Duke doesn’t let that slow him down though. He is curious, playful, loving, and I can’t wait to spend the next week with him. He will be up for adoption next Saturday via @coloradopuppyrescue 💕
Current obsession: this weird little centerpiece I Current obsession: this weird little centerpiece I made using dried flowers that I used in a @brennancandleco shoot. Trying to be better about reusing and giving things a second life like this cute little fox(?) skull.
We are not fans 😩 We are not fans 😩
“Less is more” was a phrase that never resonat “Less is more” was a phrase that never resonated with me. I used to always jokingly say “more is more” and honestly, one of the most surprising outcomes of the pandemic is I’m….becoming a minimalist. I’ve decluttered LOADS of stuff (I wish I had documented it, honestly) - at least 50% of my wardrobe, probably more. I’ve been on a serious low buy since the start of 2020 with only a few additions. We’ve even sold off about 1/3 of our furniture! 

And I have to be honest….I love the breathing room. I feel more at peace. I feel lighter in the spaces where I’ve decluttered more. 

I still have a lot of work to do. And I want to be intentional about my minimalism - it’s not about the aesthetic. It’s about only having things that I love or that serve a purpose. I want to continue to minimize my carbon footprint by buying less. Minimalism for me is not purchasing a new capsule wardrobe every season. It’s finding a style I love and sticking with it, with a few additions here and there. It’s a “1 in 1 out” rule for clothing. It’s getting rid of things responsibly when I want to change things up. It’s a space that’s easier to clean because I don’t have to spend HOURS tidying up and trying to find a space for all of my stuff.

So anyway, here’s my new dining room - we got rid of a coffee table and relocated two big chairs. I’m sitting in one of them while I take this photo. I feel at peace.

Any other minimalists out there? Has the pandemic made you think more about your space since you’re in it more?
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Beauty, Fashion · June 19, 2017

Mail Monday + I’m in Denver, now!

This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click and/or make a purchase, I may earn a few cents at no additional cost to you. Any products gifted by a brand will be marked "c/o." Thanks for helping make this blog possible! <3

Well friends, I’m officially a Denver resident now! My husband and I are all moved in (well, lots of boxes but ya know) and so far we’re loving it! Of course I miss my Dallas friends and family so bad, but other than that life is pretty much perfect here. So if y’all could all move to Denver that would be greaaaaat.

Since I’m officially a homeowner, get excited for some home decor posts in the near future! For now, you can follow along with some of my mini projects in my Instagram Stories. Spoiler alert: right now, I’m repainting a HOT pink room and I still have a turquoise one left!

You may or may not have noticed that I haven’t done Mail Monday in quite a while so most of these packages are a few weeks old (sorry!) It’s been really crazy moving but things are falling back into place and I’m so happy to have some great content lined up for you guys. Get ready for more fashion and beauty, comin’ atcha! For now….let’s celebrate Mail Monday!

The Ordinary products

Y’all. Y’ALL. I first tried out Deciem/The Ordinary/The Abnormal Beauty Company last year shortly after their launch. I even threw together a Saturday post to tell you all about their amazing Hyaluronic Acid + B5 serum. Last month, I FINALLY placed another order after doing lots and lots of research to see what would best suit my needs. The main skin issues I deal with are acne, rosacea, uneven skin tone, sensitive skin and (now) wrinkles!

I chose the Advanced Retinoid 2% ($10.50) to help deal with wrinkles but (apparently) it also helps with acne! Holla. The Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% ($6.50) is to help treat acne, and is similar to my Curology prescription. The formula is more of a lightweight serum, whereas Curology was a cream, so I definitely prefer this one. I actually haven’t tried the Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA ($9) yet, but I got it to help treat hyper pigmentation. The only reason I haven’t tried it is I didn’t want to overdo it with new products on my skin since it’s so sensitive. I also ordered the Serum Foundation (literally two days before they released their full coverage. Sigh.) The foundation is okay – I am hoping for better luck from the full coverage, it just doesn’t do enough for me. If you’re looking for something VERY light, give it a try.

All in all, I LOVE the products I’ve tried and they’re doing great things for my skin – I’ve especially noticed a difference in texture and tone. I plan on adding in the Alpha Arbutin 2% + HA soon! In case you’re wondering, in the morning I just use face wash + moisturizer, then at night I use face wash, then the Retinoid, Niaminicide + Zinc, and (finally) a few drops of Hyaluronic Acid + B5 in my moisturizer – making sure to let each product dry between layers.

Pixi Peel & Polish

Courtesy of Pixi Beauty

I wish I could say I’ve tried this but honestly, I just haven’t had the time. I’m REALLY excited to give this a spin though – I’ve never had a salon peel and this is supposed to be a great alternative. Bonus: it says it’s gentle so…fingers crossed it works for sensitive skin!

Shoe Dazzle – Vivica Sandals

Some of you guys gave me feedback on Insta and Facebook when I was deciding on what shoes to get this month. Sadly, this pair was WAY too big (like they ran a full size too big), so I had to return them. I did order a new pair to replace them so be on the lookout for those – hopefully they’ll be here for next week’s Mail Monday post! Click here to shop, but make sure to size down!

elf Cosmetics goodies

Courtesy of elf Cosmetics

elf nailed it once again with the box I got this month! These shadows are really beautiful and a perfect duo for people who want a quick eye look without much fuss. My only complaint about these shadow duos is they don’t contain a matte crease shade so if you have hooded eyes, this won’t be a good option for you. Their eyeshadow primer is one of my old favorites, plus it’s CRAZY affordable!

Tanwise products + Heel to Toe moisturizer

Courtesy of Sally Beauty

I cannot WAIT to try out these Tanwise products but (alas) I haven’t had time yet. Y’all know I’m VERY fair so if I can get a little more color on these legs for summer I would be soooo happy. This Heel to Toe Coconut Heel Moisturizer is a MUST HAVE product! For real. After using it a few nights in a row, I could tell a huge difference in how soft my feet were! It’s especially great if you’re (like me) and you rarely make it to the salon for a pedicure.

Thanks for sticking around, y’all! See you tomorrow for a new fashion post!

xoxo
Valery

In: Beauty, Fashion

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Mail Monday (on a Tuesday) + A Life Update

Comments

  1. Melody Taylor says

    June 20, 2017 at 9:34 AM

    I first heard about the Ordinary skincare from you and when I clicked a link in a post and saw the price I was like WAT. HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE. They’re so affordable! I am so into my Curology subscription (also thanks to you) but I’ll have to try out this brand. I have super sensitive skin and also deal with acne and some uneven texture (are we twins?) so these products would probably work well for me too.

    Good luck! Also CONGRATS ON MOVING AND NOT DYING!

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CW: body image stuff, food/diet talk For the last CW: body image stuff, food/diet talk

For the last couple of years I’ve worked hard on (mostly) being at peace with my body. I work out for my mental health and because it feels good, I stay off the scale, I don’t see any food as “bad” anymore.

The thing I haven’t been able to adjust is giving my body nutritious foods without diving into diet culture. If I don’t track foods I won’t eat veggies like....ever. If I do track foods, I start worrying about calories, losing weight, etc. So I’ve chosen not to worry about it, for fear of falling back into an unhealthy relationship with food and my body.

Smoothies have always been a good way for me to get fruits and veggies but it’s a lot of work and tbh making a good smoothie requires a LOT of ingredients and then I end up with a massive smoothie. That’s why when I first heard about @kencko, it seemed too good to be true. Freeze dried fruits that you mix in water or any milk, like a protein shake. 2.5 servings of fruits/veggies per packet. (The packets are compostable btw). LOADS of flavor options with various benefits.

I was sold.

I signed up for three months to get the best deal, PRAYING they would taste good and y’all......they are incredible. I am shocked at how much I love them, even the flavors I didn’t think I would be crazy about. I signed up for 20/month and will def be increasing that quantity.

Sorry this is soooo long winded but I wanted to share in case anyone else had similar struggles. They do have a referral code so if you want $10 off your first box just let me know 💕
“Every day is a gift.” That’s what I said t “Every day is a gift.”

That’s what I said to myself when I woke up on Monday. I got dressed in an outfit I loved and promised to make it a good day. And the universe said “okay let’s see how far we can push this gratitude thing” and threw A LOT of shit at me 😂 I still ended my day with a smile and a @onepeloton @jesskingnyc ride. Then I couldn’t sleep because I worked out too late but it’s fine.

Woke up today with the same attitude. Drove an hour to get my second vaccine, arrived for my appointment and they told me they didn’t have the vaccine I needed. Even though I had called to check last week to ensure this didn’t happen. 2.5 hours in the middle of the work day wasted. After working until 10:15 last night and getting four hours of sleep.

I’m still not going to let it break me. (And yes, I was able to find another appointment and I’m SURE it’s the right vaccine.) Life is so precious and I’m so grateful for what I have. I’m especially grateful that in just a few weeks I finally get to see my family for the first time in over a year. What a joy. Sometimes I never thought that moment would come - I shed a lot of tears over it. But it’s almost here.

The only bad thing is now I have to find another vaccine outfit because I wasted this one today.
I guess I’m posting outfit photos again! They wo I guess I’m posting outfit photos again! They won’t be very aesthetic but I’m excited to share and also document what I wear. I know a lot of y’all are here from my fashion blogging days so thanks for sticking around 💕

A wardrobe shift usually means having to buy a bunch of new stuff. For me, what I really “needed” more of was plain tees. I tried to look at sustainable brands but honestly they were just too pricey especially considering the sub-par reviews. So instead I went with my old standby...Target. Their shirts have always lasted me a really long time and the one I’m wearing here is linen 😍 I was very picky and took back a few that didn’t quite fit me properly. All in all I spent around $40 and now have a wardrobe that feels really filled out - here’s to hoping they last me a few years like my current Target shirts have!

I guess all this to say...sometimes you just have to make the best choice for you. I intend on keeping this shirts in my closet for a long long time and know they will get tons of love. Now I’m back on my super low/no buy and can’t wait to wear in my new goodies! 

Ps VERY excited to be wearing sandals! It’s finally spring (?????)
This feels extremely 2014 IG but I’m fine with t This feels extremely 2014 IG but I’m fine with that. My style has changed so much and this is where I’ve been living lately - simple neutrals, plus a couple of necklaces. Color correcting cream, mascara, brows, Fenty gloss bomb because it’s literally the only lip product that doesn’t make my lips crack the next day. 

Anyone else’s style completely change in the past year? My closet looks so different and past me would think it’s “boring” but I feel good and getting dressed is easy now so who cares. 

Ps @roseybeeme influenced me to buy this letter necklace and it makes me feel like a mobster and I love that.
Little Plop got an upgrade to his playpen today (a Little Plop got an upgrade to his playpen today (a pillow) and he is OBSESSED. 

I’m going to keep saying this, if you’re in the denver area and looking for a puppy...he is perfect. It’s going to be hard for me to let this little guy go. Message me if you’re interested in adopting him and feel free to tag someone!

He’s ten weeks, some kind of mix but definitely has wire hair like a terrier. Will probably be small/medium like 25-30 pounds. Very smart and spunky but has a neurological disorder that causes him to have a bit of weakness in his back legs.
Meet Duke, our newest foster puppy. He is a precio Meet Duke, our newest foster puppy. He is a precious brindle wiry haired pup, who also has a neurological condition that makes his legs a little wobbly. Duke doesn’t let that slow him down though. He is curious, playful, loving, and I can’t wait to spend the next week with him. He will be up for adoption next Saturday via @coloradopuppyrescue 💕
Current obsession: this weird little centerpiece I Current obsession: this weird little centerpiece I made using dried flowers that I used in a @brennancandleco shoot. Trying to be better about reusing and giving things a second life like this cute little fox(?) skull.
We are not fans 😩 We are not fans 😩
“Less is more” was a phrase that never resonat “Less is more” was a phrase that never resonated with me. I used to always jokingly say “more is more” and honestly, one of the most surprising outcomes of the pandemic is I’m….becoming a minimalist. I’ve decluttered LOADS of stuff (I wish I had documented it, honestly) - at least 50% of my wardrobe, probably more. I’ve been on a serious low buy since the start of 2020 with only a few additions. We’ve even sold off about 1/3 of our furniture! 

And I have to be honest….I love the breathing room. I feel more at peace. I feel lighter in the spaces where I’ve decluttered more. 

I still have a lot of work to do. And I want to be intentional about my minimalism - it’s not about the aesthetic. It’s about only having things that I love or that serve a purpose. I want to continue to minimize my carbon footprint by buying less. Minimalism for me is not purchasing a new capsule wardrobe every season. It’s finding a style I love and sticking with it, with a few additions here and there. It’s a “1 in 1 out” rule for clothing. It’s getting rid of things responsibly when I want to change things up. It’s a space that’s easier to clean because I don’t have to spend HOURS tidying up and trying to find a space for all of my stuff.

So anyway, here’s my new dining room - we got rid of a coffee table and relocated two big chairs. I’m sitting in one of them while I take this photo. I feel at peace.

Any other minimalists out there? Has the pandemic made you think more about your space since you’re in it more?
Fuck yeah. 💪🏻 Fuck yeah. 💪🏻

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