Spa Day: Face Mask, Green Smoothie Recipe, Nail Polish

     Hello, friends! Today was a very relaxing day. I spent the day with my very best friend. Don't you love those days? We went out for breakfast, came back to my house, and were at a loss of what to do. We decided that a spa day was the best way to just hang out and have some fun.

     We started by researching (fun, right?) about what makes a good face mask. This is what we came up with:

Face Mask

1 Cucumber, diced and pulsed in the blender, reserve 2 slices for your eyes!

1 Egg White

1 Tbsp Baking Soda

1 tsp Honey

Instructions

Slice cucumber. Dice all but the 2 pieces reserved for your eyes. Once diced, throw in the blender and pulse for a 10-20 seconds. Make sure the consistency is not thin and soupy. You want a thick, green substance. While blending, put egg white it a bowl and mix until frothy. When the cucumber is finished blending, add to the egg white, mix well. Finish off by adding baking soda and honey. Rub on your face and leave sit for 5-10 minutes.

     From personal experience, make sure your mask is thick. As you may be able to tell, there is hardly any substance to our concoction, and we look like we had a fight with bits of cucumber. It was still a pretty good start, though. Lots of laughs!

     Next, we got a bit hungry so we made a green smoothie! We of course had to improvise and drive to the store because the food was lacking in my abode. This is what we created:

Green Smoothie

4 handfuls frozen strawberries

1/2 stalk kale

1/4 cup oat bran

1 green apple

2 bananas

1 handful of purple, seedless grapes

1/2 cup almond milk

2 handfuls ice cubes

Instructions

I think the directions are pretty simple. 

Chuck ingredients in blender. 

Blend. 

Drink. 

TA DA!

So, I'm not sure if this is really qualified as a
"green smoothie", but it was still tasty!

     If you want to see another green smoothie recipe, click here!

     To end our lovely spa day, we did our nails... or I guess, Jadyn just painted mine. I wouldn't trust me to do someone's nails either. This is what she used:

Nails

Revlon Colorstay Gel-Smooth Base Coat

Essie Nail Polish {Bikini So Teeny}

Revlon Colorstay Gel-Shine Top Coat

Instructions 

Paint one layer of base coat.

Paint two layers of nail polish.

Paint one layer of top coat.

Don't f*** them up.

     All in all, it was a pretty fabulous day! Hmm... Why haven't I thought to end all of my posts like that? I don't know... I'm not creative enough. Oh well. I hope you enjoyed this little spa post. I hope you have a chance to experience fun times with your friends in these hectic times! What do you do on spa days or just to relax? Have any DIY recipes I should try? Let me know in the comments! 

xx Amanda (& Jadyn)

Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore

Panic Attacks & Natural Solvents

     Hello, everyone! As so kindly pointed out by my long-lost boyfriend, I have not blogged in almost a week; I am ashamed. Getting ready for college gets really stressful, along with keeping in touch with friends that have dispersed all around the midwest, and upholding this lovely blogging community that bonds us together. 

     As I said, these are very stressful times. Making sure everything is organized, still trying to make sure I'm not forgetting anything, and just flat out, packing my clothes is a difficult task for me to complete. I'll just let you in on a little secret: I am a bit of a perfectionist. I may not be organized 24/7, but I definitely appreciate when things are in their places. Having this little dilemma makes my life more stressful than needed.

     I have had several panic attacks within the last 3 months, all beginning with graduation. Graduation was a chore in-and-of itself. Why make such a big deal out of graduating from high school? Just give me the dang diploma and let me continue with my life! Then I was "required" to attend 8 zillion graduation parties beginning in early May and ending in late June. My stress level increased so quickly, I didn't even want to attend my own party... that's saying something. 

     These anxiety instances continued through the summer while I began my first job at the pool. The environment seemed so carefree and relaxing, but in reality, the manager's office was a horrifying place while trying to handle money and balance the drawer. I allowed myself to slip into a haze of not caring, and I got disciplined on a weekly basis because I wasn't doing my job correctly; I could always improve. I wanted to show that I was a good employee, but being told I'm not good enough made me frustrated. 

     Managing college affairs was also a difficult part of my summer. From answering several emails, taking placement tests, writing checks and watching money drain out of my bank account like the water from my last shower, it was, and still is, a very overwhelming time of my life. 

     Along with the fact that I have to go to college, my friends and my boyfriend had to depart as well. The love of my life has slipped through my fingers. We talk almost daily, but it gets really unnerving to read a text from him saying, "I have to go to class. Talk to you later." It gets hard having to wait around. I spend this time by going on Facebook and scroll through pictures of my friends making new friends and experiencing the collegiate life. I'm still home for 4 more days with two friends in town. Woohoo.

     Fortunately, my panic attacks are getting a little more bearable. My doctor-sister-lady (my sister, who is a lady and doctor) has acquainted me to many, many natural solvents to relieve stress, and they're all natural products! Woohoo! *How redundant!*

     Below is a list of all the products I have been using the past week and a half to help control and settle my anxiety through this tough journey.

From Left to Right: Arctic Cod Liver Oil, Pea Protein Powder, Vitamin Code Raw B-Complex,
Aura Cacia Essential Oil, Solaray 5-HTP Hydroxytryptophan, Vitamin B8, Now Magnesium Citrate

Arctic Cod Liver Oil

     Arctic Cod Liver Oil has several benefits for those with high cholesterol, heart diseases, arthritis, woman who are pregnant, children, and people like me who are nut jobs... KIDDING! But it does help with mental conditions including Alzheimer's disease, psychosis, ADHD, or bipolar disorders.
     Suggested Serving: 1 Tbsp per day. I pour it into a shot glass and chase it with some orange juice. For children, I suggest just mixing it into a glass of orange juice. I suggest obtaining a citrus flavored oil so it is more bearable to take.

Pea Protein Powder
     I'm not sure if this is well known, but peas are a highly bioavailable protein and they have no major allergens. This makes it an excellent source of post-workout nutrition for those who have trouble or cannot obtain protein in other manners.
     Suggested Serving: 1 level scoop per day. I like blending this in with a green smoothie every morning as a part of my breakfast. If you are in a hurry, mix in with juice or any other beverage in a blender bottle.

Raw B-Complex

     There are a variety of benefits to this one vitamin. It helps maintain a healthy heart and blood, supports the immune system, increases metabolism, relieves stress (yay!), and stabilizes mental and physical energy.

     Suggested Serving: 2 capsules per day. I usually take them with dinner so they work in my body overnight. I usually drink water with them. If you cannot handle the taste, drink a flavored beverage.

Essential Oils

     Essential oils are a great way to relieve stress. Opting for a calming scent can really relax the brain in busy and stressful times. I prefer lavender because it's refreshing, calming, relaxing, and it's light. On the rare occasion that I have a massage, I ask the masseuse to use lavender oil, if available. 

     Suggested Serving: I guess it depends on how you're feeling. When anxious, I rub a bit on the back of my neck or on my wrist. You can also apply the oil on the bottom of your big toes before bed.

L-5 Hydroxytryptophan

     L-5 is widely used to help with obesity/dieting, PMS, migraines, depression, anxiety, insomnia and addictive behaviour. 5-HTP increases production of serotonin. Decreased levels in serotonin have been associated with obesity, PMS, migraines, depression, anxiety, insomnia and addictive behavior. Serotonin plays an important role in controlling anger, aggression, body temperature, mood, sleep, human sexuality, and appetite.

     Suggested Serving: 1 capsule per day. Similar to the Raw B-Complex Vitamin, I take it 

at dinner time with a glass of water.

Vitamin B8

     Also known as inositol, this powder is a really convenient way of getting your daily dose of Vitamin B8. It really helps with keeping your mood and cognition stable and also maintains healthy cells within the body. 

     Suggested Serving: 6 tsp per day, can be separated. On days I do not use the Pea Protein Powder, I use this in a smoothie or a glass of juice. 

Magnesium Citrate

     If you're not interested in all the vitamins and solvents to help decrease anxiety, at least pay attention to Magnesium. Magnesium is a panacea of most body functions. It helps with anxiety, depression, insomnia, headaches, insecurity, irritability, restlessness, talkativeness, sulkiness... the list goes on. If you're going to get anything out of this post, please don't neglect taking Magnesium on a daily basis.

     Suggested Serving: 2 tsp per day. It already taste like oranges, so what better way to take it then in a fresh glass of orange juice? You can mix it in whatever drink you'd like, just don't forget to take it, please?!

     Wow, that was a bit longer than I expected. I help you all benefit from this post by making your lifestyles a little easier... aka... less stressful! I hope you have a great day! What do you use to relieve your stress? Let me know in the comments because move-in day is going to be insane!

xx Amanda
Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore

How to Fill in Your Eyebrows

     Hello, lovelies. I hope you all are having a wonderful week. Today, I'd like to talk to you all about something that (in my opinion) is very important when it comes to doing your make up: the brows. 

     I'm sure that most of you have seen those edits of celebrities without eyebrows. They're a bit disturbing, right? Well, when you cover your eyebrows with foundation, powder, and whatever else, you look like that. I think it is so important to fill and define your eyebrows. They shape your face and give your face a much more defined look.

     ***Note: Everyone has their own preferences on products, tools, and techniques. In this post, this is just what I prefer to do, and I am in no way saying you are required to do anything I do in order to achieve pristine eyebrows. 

Products/Tools:

Brow Filling (powder, pencil, gel)

• Too Faced Brow Envy: Brow Shaping & Defining Kit. I use the brunette shade since I have darker hair. (*claps for Amanda*)

Concealer

• Maybelline: Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer {Ivory}

A Highlighter (highlighting powder, translucent eye shadow)

• If you're in a hurry or just lazy with your eye make up, I suggest using a highlighting powder (less products to apply). I use Physician's Formula: Powder Palette {7B: Mineral Glow Pearls}.

• If you are an eyeshadow lover, I would use a light or translucent shade. I like Urban Decay: Naked 1 Palette {Virgin}.

• If you're on a budget, Almay: Intense iColor Shimmer Eye Kit {Brown Eyes: Top Color}. It is very similar to Virgin, just a lot cheaper.

Detailing Brush

• Real Techniques: Detailer Brush

Eyeshadow Brush

• RC: Flat Eyeshadow Brush

What To Do:

     I start by swiping on a bit of the setting wax included in the Too Faced Brow Envy: Brow Shaping & Definig Kit. You don't need a lot, just enough to set the hairs in the direction you want them to be in. Then, I use the spool included to comb and make sure they look just right. Also, tweeze any stray hairs.

     Next, I take the tiny angled brush and apply the brunette shade to my brows. The trick is to use the most powder where there is already hair, and use the left overs on the parts that are more sparse. This will make the brow look more naturally full, and not pencilled in like your grandpa's pocket calendar. Once my brows are filled in the way I like, I brush a final layer of setting wax, just to be sure they stay in place.

     Now that my brows are filled, I like to make them a bit more defined by outlining them with my highlighting concealer and blending with my detailer brush. This really makes your brows stand out and the brightness of the concealer adds that extra "oomph" to your brow bone! 

     Once you've concealed, I take my eyeshadow and my flat eyeshadow brush and run a bit of eyeshadow on top of my brow bone for an instant brow lift! Who needs botox?! It really does make all the difference!

RANDOM QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Eyebrows are sisters, not twins." 

Don't be too troubled if they are not exactly even.

     I hope this helps you one your journey to beautiful brows. What products, tools, and techniques do you use to create perfect eyebrows? Let me know in the comments!

xx Amanda

Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore

Open When... Envelopes (Long Distance Relationships)

     Hello, friends! This post is going to be slightly different than what I usually do, but I hope you get some inspiration from this. I think I've made it clear that I am headed to college very soon. Many of my friends are already gone, beginning their journey into adulthood and making friends. I am stuck in town for another two weeks. TWO WEEKS! *Sigh*

     On the other hand, I have been happy to leave later enabling spending time with my boyfriend for a few extra days. However, he is still leaving tomorrow. We will be between 3 and 4 hours apart. I'm sure there are some of you screaming at your computer, "My significant other is on the other side of the globe, and you're complaining about being 3 hours away?!" I definitely sympathize those of you who feel that way. 

     Let me enlighten you: We met in school, we both live in town, we see each other almost on a daily basis. This is the first time in our relationship that we will be apart for a significant amount of time. Now I hope you understand my dilemma. 

     The worst part of not being together is being able to be there for your other half. I decided it might be fun to write letters to "be there for him" when I cannot be there physically. I'm sure he'll enjoy reading them as much as I did writing them. It's fun to share inside jokes, old memories, thoughts, etc. 

     Don't get me wrong, we're still planning on visiting each other, calling, texting, and Skyping, but if there is ever a time when it is inconvenient to contact one another, he can just read the designated letter to feel a bit more at ease.

Here's a list of all the topics/occasions I wrote about:
Open When...

• You receive these letters
• It's your birthday
• It's Valentine's Day
• It's our 2 Year Anniversary
• Things get rough between us
• You need a study break
• The distance between us is killing you
• It's the day before you come home
• I'm back in your arms
• You want to take a walk down memory lane
• You have doubts
• You are jealous
• You need God
• You are angry/upset
• I make you mad
• You make me mad
• You can't sleep
• You are imagining our future together
• You are bored
• You forget how amazing you are
• You're having a bad day
• You are stressed
• You need some motivation
• You want to know some things that remind me of you when I get lonely
• You're missing me
• You are sick
• You are happy
• You want to know how happy you make me
• You need a laugh
• You're finished reading these letters

Bound the letters together with some twine.

     What do you think of a gift like this? Have you done something similar to this before? If not, would you do it for someone? Let me know in the comments! 

xx Amanda
Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore

My Summer 2014 Favorites

     Hi, friends. Sorry it's been awhile since I've written. It's surprisingly been a busy week...and of course I don't have plans on a Friday evening. It's normal. 

     Anyway, it's getting close to the end. I don't mean to be dramatic, but summer is almost over. However, I thought this would be an excellent opportunity to share with you the things I have loved throughout Summer 2014!

Aveeno Active Naturals: Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer (SPF 15)

• This moisturizer does wonders for my skin. It has a light feel, not heavily fragranced, and helps my skin feel smooth throughout the day. I also love that there is SPF in there, especially during the summer months!

Tree Hut: Shea Extra-Rich Moisturizing Lotion {Tropical Mango}

• I was given this lotion as a belated Christmas gift this year from a close friend of mine (hey, Jay!). I love putting it on my legs after shaving and on my elbows since they get quite dry. It's light, goes on easily, and it's not sticky. It's a one-of-a-kind lotion, and I will definitely buy another bottle when this one is empty!

Burt's Bees: Beeswax Lip Balm {Vitamin E & Peppermint}

• This is a lip balm that never gets old. I've been told it's weird to use a lip balm in the summer: "Who's lips get dry in the summer?" MINE DO! The get dried, sunburnt, cracked...everything! This lip balm makes my lips soft without peeling, and the chilling sensation from the peppermint keeps them cooled!

Suave: Moroccan Infusion Weightless Dry Shampoo

• Have you ever heard that it's bad to wash your hair frequently? Well this is true, and something I live by (also, I'm kinda lazy when it comes to washing my hair). Dry shampoo is a staple during the summer: I may get sweaty or a bit of sunscreen in my hair that may result in greasy-looking hair, but dry shampoo always leaves my hair shiny and voluminous. 

TRESemmé: Thermal Creations Mousse

• I am in love with the idea of adding volume to my hair while I am styling it with hot tools. It makes the job a lot quicker and more bearable. Once I get out of the shower, I let my hair air dry a bit, then I just pump about a nickel-sized amount of mousse into my hand. I just apply most in the center down to the end; leftovers go on the roots to avoid any crunchiness. 

Real Techniques: Blush Brush

• How have I only discovered this brush within the last two months? I regret not having this in my possession sooner. It makes applying blush onto my face with much ease and makes it look... dare I say... FLAWLESS. The fibers are so soft and now I always desire to put on blush just to feel the bristles. 

Almay: Intense i-Color Shadow Stick {Brown Eyes}

• I'm just a child and like drawing on myself. Kidding! No, not really, I'm not kidding at all. If you're lazy with your eye make up, like me, this is the way to go. I love using the natural color for a lovely, shimmery base. On occasion, when I'm feeling a bit rebellious (not often), I'll apply a bit of the green in my crease and blend it in for a nice, colorful look. It looks amazing and fierce!

CoverGirl: Nail Polish {Coral Silk 240}

• I've really been loving coral this summer. I am in no way able to pull it off, but I don't mind. I love wearing this nail polish. It's so bright and well... Summer-y. Plus this nail polish is so shiny, it truly looks like I've just come out of the salon when I wear it. I'm going to have to stock up on more colors!

Ulta: 3-in-1 Beauty Smoothies {Yum Yum Yumberry & Berrylicious}

• This stuff works great and smells so good. Like, I can't stop smelling myself... Okay, moving on. I love this product because it's a triple threat: shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath. I usually use it for just shower gel and bubble bath, but I've heard it leaves your hair clean and smelling fresh, as it does your body.

LUNA Bar: Peanut Honey Pretzel

• I have sort of a busy schedule, and I usually don't have time to eat real meals often. I usually pack fruit (which is not filling at all). I like bringing along one of these LUNA Bars. They are so tasty and healthy for you, as well. There are so many flavors to try, Peanut Honey Pretzel is just my current fave.

AriZona Beverage Co: Green Tea

• This tea has a different taste, but I'm so in love with it, I can't stop drinking it. Yes, I do realize there is a bit more sugar than needed, but that does not change the way I feel about this beverage. It's so refreshing, and is just fun to drink. The bottles and cans are so adorable!

EduSkate

• EduSkate is a skateboard shop that I was introduced to a day ago. For a belated birthday gift, my boyfriend took me to this shop to get me my first cruise board.The owner, Nate, was great; a perfect fit for this store he gets along with everyone. Just so you know, I am a very awkward individual, but we had over an hour conversation with this man and I felt like I've known him for forever. If you ever get the chance, do pay him a visit. No need to buy a board, just say hi, and the shop looks so cool!

Ed Sheeran's Album: X

• So I'm only a little very obsessed with this album. Ed Sheeran has his own style, but within his own style, he has several unique sub-styles. Every song is related in the slightest, but the songs all are so different and still good makes this album so irresistible. 

Troye Sivan's EP: TRXYE

• For those of you who don't know, Troye Sivan is a part of the YouTube community. I discovered him while Zoe (Zoella) Sugg waxed his legs in a video of hers. I've been subscribed to him ever since. He recently released his first single "Happy Little Pill" which is a slower but very powerful song. Let's just say, I've played it 218 times and it hasn't been on my iPod for more than a few weeks. His full album "TRXYE" was just released today, and all of the songs have already been memorized. It's been a productive day. Whatever. I 100% recommend it to you all. Give it a listen!

Ellen Degeneres' Book: Seriously...I'm Kidding

• I personally am not the biggest fan of reading. I have to get really into the book or have had to have heard a lot of good reviews on a book to keep myself focused. This book got me hooked instantly. I've always looked up to Ellen and watch the show often. She just has the best sort of humor, and this book is literally for everyone. I kid you, not. There are coloring pages in it for the little ones, there are chapters about tweeting and "teenage" slang, and there is adult humor, too! I don't care if you hate reading, if you check out this book, it will feel like you are just talking to Ellen, herself, and who wouldn't like that?

     So that concludes my summer favorites. Do you like or use any of these products? What do/did you enjoy this summer? Should I do proper reviews on any of these products? Let me know in the comments.

xx Amanda

Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore

The 411: Henna

My friend, Emma, created these cute little designs with Henna!

     Hi there! How is your summer? Have you ever noticed this strange trend come about? Maybe it's been out for awhile, but I only started getting into it recently. What is this trend? It's Henna! Henna is a paste to create temporary tattoos. Derived from India, Henna is becoming a contemporary and stylish summer trend. 

     I personally love this stuff, you could even call me "obsessed". Let's just say, I have a lot of strange little doodles and bits on my wrist and fingers, along with large, more intricate designs on my foot and hand. 

 

Left: A little flower on my foot. Right: My hand and foot covered in Henna.

     I think the thing I enjoy most about Henna is that you don't necessarily have to be artistic in order to do it. I don't consider myself artsy at all, but I can manage to create designs. It naturally looks cool and unique; no one questions a little mistake. It also doesn't irritate the skin so it won't bother you throughout the day.

     Another great thing about Henna is that it is temporary. It has a good lifespan, but it is still quite manageable to remove. I've heard of people practicing patterns or designs with Henna to see if they would like it as a real, permanent tattoo. I think it's brilliant. Even if you can't be bothered to attain a real tattoo or can't commit to one, Henna is a great substitute. 

I doodled on my friend, Kelli's, foot at work.

     Seriously, Henna is a wonderful and amazingly cheap product that I suggest anyone to get if they want to add a bit of body art this summer. Yes, I know summer is coming to an end soon, but that doesn't mean that it's too late to get it. 

     I buy Henna from Taj Mahal, an Indian restaurant in Iowa, at $1.75/tube. If that isn't convenient, I'm sure there are places closer to you that you could purchase Henna from. There are also online options, or even make a DIY version.

     Have you used Henna this summer? Love it? Hate it? Do you have a DIY recipe for Henna? I'd love to know how you make it!

xx Amanda

Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore

The Restaurant Review: The Retreat

Like this photo on Instagram!
@amanda_wymore

     Hello, ladies, gents, and fellow food lovers! I've never done a proper review or critique on a restaurant {or anything, really}, but I went to a coffee shoppe and bakery today and took photos so that calls for a review! Right?

     The Retreat is located in Ely, Iowa right along the main drag. Upon arrival, you are greeted by a charming refurbished house with an antique-esque to it. The inside, much like the outside, is very vintage-looking and has lots of character. It is also very homey; it is a comforting atmosphere. There are high tables with bar chairs, lower tables with matching wooden chairs, and even love seats with coffee tables; a bit of everything. 

     The furniture does make the place look like home, but The Retreat also has a lot of little decorations and trinkets that give this eatery that extra bit of je ne sais quoi. Most tables are topped with small glass jars with fake flowers and fairy lights. Some genius hid the shower in the public restroom by covering it with a plain sheet, added a swing, some candles, and fairy lights to make it look like the utmost decorated bathroom I've ever encountered. They detail the place with bowls of coffee beans and small candles. The candles, when lit, illuminate the scent of the coffee beans for that genuine coffee smell. 

     Now, I know that a dining place is not all about the look, but it is important. The food is freaking amazing. The Retreat offers a wide variety of bakery items, along with meals. I personally fancy the cinnamon rolls when I'm in there in the morning; turkey panini in the afternoon. The drinks also range from every type of coffee, teas, and smoothies. I recommend them all! Today though, I ordered a cinnamon roll {duh} with a Snickers Iced Latte, which contains chocolate, caramel, and peanut butter flavorings. 

     Do you have allergies to dairy, gluten, certain syrups? No worries. The Retreat offers to create your favorites with alternatives. Being lactose intolerant, I order my drinks with almond milk instead of original dairy milk. 

     ***COLLEGE STUDENTS: I love oatmeal. Like, I really love oatmeal. The Retreat sells oatmeal from a company called Straw Propeller. They have offered to order this oatmeal for me/us in bulk to take to college. What? Yeah, you heard me! I/we can choose the oatmeals I/we want, and they will order them for me/us. Holy oatmeal!

     Continuing on, the people are my favorite, and I'm not being biased. P.S. I'll be honest, my aunt owns this place. They are so kind to everyone! Everyone! They don't mind waking up and opening the shop at 5:30 am, they have a smile on their face anyway. I witness them converse with their customers, and they always treat them with utter respect and love; we're a family. 

     The Retreat is a one-of-a-kind dining place for those who love coffee, eating, chatting, and peace. Along with the food, The Retreat does offers merchandise with The Retreat logo, along with merchandise from other venders. I love the essential oils the most.

Alrighty then! Did you like this type of post? What are your favorite {unique} eateries?

Should I review them? Let me know in the comments! 

xx Amanda

Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore

Find The Retreat:

https://www.facebook.com/Theretreately

The Wake Up Call

     Hello, my wonderful readers! I am not completely sure what my demographic is at this point, but I am guessing it's mostly women, maybe ranging between 16-36 years old. Tell me if I'm completely wrong. 

Apologies for the cracked screen. I'm clumsy. Oops!

     If I'm correct, I'm sure a lot of you have busy schedules that require you to wake up early. Do you have troubles with getting up? I know I sure do. Here are a few ways to make waking up a little easier.

Step 1: Wake Up...Obviously
     Set a realistic alarm. ONE ALARM. None of this 6:30, 6:35, 6:40, 6:45... crap. Hitting the snooze button actually makes your brain more tired. By falling back asleep, you're making your brain believe that it can rest longer, when in reality, it has to wake up again. 

Step 2: Scrub-a-dub-dub
     Take a shower (or bath if that's your cup of tea). I personally prefer warm water, but if that will make you sleepy, try a lukewarm or cold shower. I always like using a shampoo/conditioner duo that I haven't used in awhile, just to switch it up. You could even try a new body wash or face wash.

Step 3: Spooning...?
     Don't judge this title; I can't be creative all the time. Anyway, put a couple of clean spoons in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. Once they're chilled, place them under your eyes towards the inner corners. This will help decrease baggage or puffiness. This is a great way to decrease the look of exhaustion, as well.

Step 4: Passion For Fashion
     Pick an outfit (preferably the night before) that is appropriate for the occasion, season, etc., but make it fun and unique. If you are looking forward to a new outfit, you will be a little more excited to wake up in the early morn'.

Step 5: Delicious & Nutritious
     Bored of those boring Eggo Waffles or nasty Jimmy Dean Breakfast Bowls? How about you splurge... just a bit?! Make your favorite pancake recipe and a green smoothie! Running short on time? Eat your favorite cereal with almond milk or mix a quick bowl of yogurt and fruit together. 

Step 6: The Finishing Touches
     Primping and pampering is the last thing you do before heading out for a busy day. After moisturizing, try a new look! It doesn't need to be a dramatic change, something small will do the trick. Try a new eyeliner, lipgloss, or blusher. Once again, if you look forward to something new in your morning routine, you'll be a lot more enthusiastic about waking up early.

     I hope these easy tips help you get ready for a busy day, week, month! What do you do to wake up early? Let me know in the comments! I'm going to college soon and will take any tips you have!

xx Amanda
Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore
     

My Summer Make Up Routine

     Good day, lovelies! Needing an easy, flawless make up routine for these last few months of summer? I'll show you what products I have used (and am still using) throughout the season. I hope you enjoy!

    
     After my daily face routine is completed, I begin with Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser and put that on my nose and on my cupid's bow. Following, I use Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream and buff it into my skin with a RC Buffing Brush. I like this product because my skin looks smooth and has a nice, dewy finish. Once that's buffed into my skin, I drag the Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer {Ivory} under my eyes and around my noes and blend that it with a Real Techniques Crease Brush. With the same brush, blend in the concealer {Buff} on any blemishes I may have. Finally, I powder my T-zone with Clinique Blended Face Powder and use a RC Face Brush to apply that.

     For my eyebrows, I use the Too Faced Brow Envy Shaping & Defining Kit. I just use the included brush and spool to shape and define. Finish with a swipe of setting wax. 

     I am extremely lazy when it comes to eye makeup on a daily basis. I usually prefer a look that appears natural. I use my ring finger to rub on some of Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion onto my eyelids so my eyeshadows don't crease. Then, I take an Almay Eyeshadow Crayon, draw on the neutral color for a slightly glittery base. Then, I take a RC Crease Brush and dust a bit of Buck from the Urban Decay Naked 1 Palette into my Crease; this helps my eyes look a bit more defined. For an extra bit of highlighting, I take a RC Flat Eyeshadow Brush and use Virgin from the Urban Decay Naked 1 Palette on the inner corners of my eyes and on my brow bone {instant brow lift}! Tightline with Maybelline Define-A-Line Eyeliner for a bit more definition to the lash line. Finish off with a couple coats of Maybelline Great Lash.

     Coming back to the face, I use a Real Techniques Contour Brush to add a bit of Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer in the hollows of my cheeks and along my temples and forehead. With my RC Face Brush, I brush a bit of the bronzer down my neck just to make sure that it matches my face! Then, with my Real Techniques Buffing Brush, I dab a small amount of Clinique Powder Blush onto the apples of my cheeks for a bit of color {not that I need it, my face is red enough as it is}. For the finale of my face make up, I use my RC Contour Brush to swipe on some Physicians Formula Powder Palette onto the higher part of my cheekbones and once again, on my brow bone. This highlighter just gives an absolutely lovely finish to the skin. 

     Last, but certainly not least, I finish off this summer look with Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter. This color is absolutely beautiful in the summer!

     There you have it! I have a list of the products I used in this post below with links so you can "explore" my summer make up routine in a little more depth. Tell me what you think of these types of posts! I'd love to hear what you use during the summer!

Products:

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream {Light 100}

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer {Ivory & Buff}

Clinique Blended Face Powder {Transparency 3}

Too Faced Brow Envy Shaping & Defining Kit

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion {Original}

Almay Intense iColor Shadow Stick {Brown Eyes}

Urban Decay Naked 1 Palette

Maybelline Define-A-Liner Eyeliner {Blackish-Brown}

Maybelline Great Lash {Very Black}

Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer {Light/Medium}

Clinique Powder Blush {Berry Delight-Limited Edition}

Physicians Formula Powder Palette {7B: Translucent Pearl}

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter {025: Peach Parfait}

xx Amanda

Twitter & Instagram: @amanda_wymore