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 · August 14, 2017

Sephora Haul + Mermaid Inspired Makeup Look

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

Mermaid inspired makeup look - click through for more on this (fairly simple) makeup tutorial and a Sephora haul! | beauty blogger | mermaid makeup | blue hair | kat von d alchemist palette | too faced unicorn tears | makeup inspiration

Mermaid inspired makeup look - click through for more on this (fairly simple) makeup tutorial and a Sephora haul! | beauty blogger | mermaid makeup | blue hair | kat von d alchemist palette | too faced unicorn tears | makeup inspiration

Mermaid inspired makeup look - click through for more on this (fairly simple) makeup tutorial and a Sephora haul! | beauty blogger | mermaid makeup | blue hair | kat von d alchemist palette | too faced unicorn tears | makeup inspiration

Makeup purchased with a gift card c/o Sephora

I don’t think I’ve ever had a harder time spending a gift card than I did at Sephora this week. I had such a long list of products and narrowing it down to a few “must haves” was difficult, but I think in the end I made the right decisions. I tried to mostly buy practical things but…of course I ended up with one “fun” purchase that inspired my mermaid makeup look. Let’s dive right into the mini haul, y’all!

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation - Sephora haul

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation

Oh boy. I knew when I walked into the store that I wanted to get color matched. I’m so sick of just grabbing whatever foundation I *think* works for me and then being unhappy. Thankfully getting your Color IQ at Sephora is SO quick and easy, y’all! I couldn’t believe it! I walked in, asked to be matched and Tanner, a Sephora employee, helped me right away. At the Color IQ kiosk, he took three photos of my skin and the computer instantly spit out my Color IQ with a list of foundations that would be a perfect match. After scrolling through the options, MUFE was probably my best bet so Tanner grabbed it for me, and swatched it on my cheek so we could see if it was a match. It was! He offered to apply it to the rest of my face and since I wasn’t wearing any foundation, I happily obliged. Did I mention this whole process was free?! 

Honestly, this foundation really hits all the major points for me – it covers my redness, has a natural finish, it’s buildable (medium coverage with one coat, full coverage with two) and it applies flawlessly with a beauty sponge.

Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade - Sephora haul

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade (Ash Brown)

Honestly…..I don’t even know how old my other Dipbrow Pomade is but it is DRY and has been in need of replacing for quite some time now. Even though my brows are microbladed, honestly they still need some work (don’t even get me started on that), so a brow product is a must for me. Sometimes I’ll use a pencil but this product is still my ride or die – I feel like it gives you a really defined brow without looking too blocky or intense. 

Kat Von D Lock It Setting Powder - Sephora Haul

Kat Von D Lock-It Setting Powder

My foundation moves a LOT if I don’t set it with powder and I’ve never been thrilled with the powders I’ve purchased before so I decided it was time to just splurge. If it can keep my makeup looking great all day, it’s worth it. I’ve worn this powder a few times and so far I’m REALLY happy with it! There’s no scent or color and the finish looks VERY natural. It sets my foundation without making me look too dry and powdery and it doesn’t settle in the dry patches on my cheeks, even after wearing it all day. So far, so good!

Kat Von D Alchemist Palette - Sephora Haul

Kat Von D Alchemist Palette Review - Sephora Haul

Kat Von D Alchemist Holographic Palette

Ohhhhh y’all. This was NOT something I had planned on purchasing and I’ll be the first to admit it was 100% impractical. I already have plenty of highlighters, including the Anastasia Moonchild palette BUT I swatched this on a whim (along with a lot of other similar highlighters) and I couldn’t say no. There’s NO hint of glitter in this palette, people. It’s sooooo beautiful on the skin and honestly, I like it even more than my Moonchild palette! A little goes a LONG way which makes me feel a little better about the pricetag. Also, if I’m being honest, most drugstore powder highlighters I’ve tried don’t look great on my skin so it’s something I’m willing to spend a bit more on. 

For this mermaid inspired makeup look, I am wearing everything I got on this trip (plus a few other things, of course!) The Kat Von D Alchemist Palette was used as a highlighter and I also patted it over black eyeshadow on the middle of my eyelids – GORGEOUS, right?! I seriously just applied black shadow all over lid, blended it out with a medium brown shadow and patted Emerald on top. Super easy! So glad I bought that palette. Don’t forget strong brows, lots of colorful highlight and an iridescent lip.

Mermaid inspired makeup look - click through for more on this (fairly simple) makeup tutorial and a Sephora haul! | beauty blogger | mermaid makeup | blue hair | kat von d alchemist palette | too faced unicorn tears | makeup inspiration

Mermaid inspired makeup look - click through for more on this (fairly simple) makeup tutorial and a Sephora haul! | beauty blogger | mermaid makeup | blue hair | kat von d alchemist palette | too faced unicorn tears | makeup inspiration

I just started using the brand new Sephora Community and I’m *really* loving it so far! Don’t get me wrong, I love following my favorite bloggers, but sometimes it’s nice to ask direct questions to people who are active in the beauty community. They have different groups you can join (based on skin concerns, beauty interests, and more), which really helps narrow down where to post and where you’ll want to be active. My favorite part is it’s a place for everyone! You don’t have to be a beauty guru – even if you’re someone who is just starting out with makeup, it’s a perfect place to get active and chat with others about beauty! Next time I need suggestions, I’m definitely heading to the Sephora Community – hope to see you there! Join the community and then follow me here!

  • What beauty purchases have you made lately?
  • What’s on your Sephora wish list? I still have a few things I want to buy (yikes) but I’m always open to suggestions!

xoxo
Valery

Mermaid inspired makeup look - click through for more on this (fairly simple) makeup tutorial and a Sephora haul! | beauty blogger | mermaid makeup | blue hair | kat von d alchemist palette | too faced unicorn tears | makeup inspiration

In: Beauty

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Comments

  1. Amanda Kruse says

    August 14, 2017 at 3:41 PM

    This mermaid look is awesome! I love the lips!

  2. Alissa says

    August 14, 2017 at 4:12 PM

    I AM SO. DAMN. HERE FOR THOSE BANGS GIRL! Like you don’t even know! I am so glad you got them!!!!!!!!!

    The Adored Life

  3. Mariah Klee says

    August 14, 2017 at 5:25 PM

    Loving those shimmery mermaid inspired hues, especially with your hair! This is perfect summer makeup.

    Mariah
    http://www.likehoneyblog.com

  4. Tami says

    August 14, 2017 at 7:36 PM

    My daughter uses this foundation and absolutely loves it.

  5. Annekennedy says

    August 15, 2017 at 6:55 AM

    You are totally killin’ those blue bangs!! Love the hair

  6. Pomi says

    August 15, 2017 at 6:57 AM

    That dipbrow is my fav!
    Posh Pomi | http://www.poshpomi.com

  7. Melody Taylor says

    August 15, 2017 at 2:36 PM

    Uhhhhh, there’s a Sephora Community?! WHAT.

    I LOVE my Dipbrow, but there’s SO. MUCH. PRODUCT. in there. I don’t think I’ll ever use it all. I mean, damn. I’d have to do my eyebrows twice a day.

    Also, LOVE those bangs, love the ‘maid look, and I’m so glad you love those products because those have been on my ‘must try’ list for, like, five years.

  8. Louisa says

    August 15, 2017 at 3:09 PM

    Obsessed with this mermaid look Valery. I’m totally digging the bangs too.

  9. Sami says

    August 15, 2017 at 5:32 PM

    That holographic palette is seriously dreamy! And I’m kind of obsessed with this look!

    xo
    Sami
    http://www.theclassicbrunette.com

  10. Alyssa Arraya says

    August 16, 2017 at 11:36 AM

    This look is so pretty and I love your picks from Sephora! Gorgeous

  11. B says

    August 17, 2017 at 9:09 AM

    You look so amazing! *sobs* Like a unicorn dream come to life! (I know you said mermaid, but I see unicorn lol)

  12. Kate @ GreatestEscapist.com says

    August 18, 2017 at 11:52 AM

    You look GORGEOUS, & I lovelovelove the bangs. I’m a big fan of that foundation, which I first got free from Influenster & now am obsessed with. I won’t buy any Kat Von D products, though, because of some of her personal beliefs that I find offensive – which is too bad, because she’s got some great makeup! Congrats on this super-fun collab with a big name, too. Excited for you!

  13. Rachel says

    September 18, 2017 at 4:54 AM

    I have heard nothing but amazing things about the Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation and I’m dying to try it, but first I need to head to Sephora and get Color IQ’d. Also, your eyes look amazing!

    xo Rachel – Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation

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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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