My First Ipsy Glam Bag (April 2016 Review)

Happy Monday! This week is a review on Ipsy's Glam Bag!

I've been wanting to try a beauty subscription box for a long time...and I finally decided that time was now. I signed up for Ipsy (one of the more well known subscription choices). I also signed up for Petit Vour, which is a cruelty free and vegan box. I'll make a post about that box, when I receive it. 

For only ten dollars (free shipping), I figured I had very little to lose. Once my payment was confirmed, I took a quiz that helped determine what products would be sent to me. 

I was put on a waiting list - One thing that I didn't love about Ipsy, is that all over their website and in emails, they tell you that you can skip the wait list or receive early access to see what's in your bag....But - the catch is that you must promote Ipsy on all of your social media accounts... 

They ask you to send their link to Facebook friends, follow all their official accounts, etc. Thankfully, unlike many stories I have heard, I only had to wait a month. 🏻

I went to the mailbox a few days ago and was happy to discover a shiny pink package with my name on it. When I opened it, I found a cute, little cosmetic bag with all my surprise goodies inside.  

There are two opportunities ahead of time to figure out what you will be receiving. The first is before the packages are shipped. You can find out all the products for the month...(They send out different variations of their bag each month). They'll want you to promote them on social media to get "early access."  The second, is a couple days before your Glam Bag arrives, you can log in to your account and see what items you specifically will be receiving. I personally like the element of surprise. 

Here are the products I was given in my Glam Bag this month:

1. Tarte Cosmetics - 

LipSurgence™ lip crème in wonder

Retails for $24 

I've liked the brand for a while because they're known for having cruelty free and vegan products. I wasn't sure if I would love the color, but I ended up liking it. If I were buying it myself, I'd probably choose a different shade, but I will definitely use this lip color. It went on easily and has a very moisturizing feeling. Nice and creamy. It didn't require much touch up. I also have been sick the past week and my lips were chapped...Usually that's a recipe for disaster, but after the application, it looked smooth and you couldn't even tell my lips were chapped. No flaking! 

2. Starlooks -

Creme Eye Shadow in Rose Gold 

I love metallic colors and was super excited to try this eyeshadow. It was easy to apply using just the wand it came with and dried fairly fast. This was my favorite item in my Ipsy Glam Bag!

3. Crown Brush-

C427 Duo Fiber Blush Brush

Retails for $23.73...on sale for $9.49

I was happy to find that I received a makeup brush. I love trying new brushes. This particular brush is used for blush and highlighter. 

The bristles are very soft and the handle has a great grip. I would love to receive brushes quite often from Ipsy!

4. Moroccanoil 

(This was a sample size)

I love using argan oil. I'm familiar with this brand, but hadn't tried it before. 

It has a really wonderful smell and helps to make hair softer and tame frizz. 

5. Jor'el Parker -

Fango Face Mask

(This also was a sample size)

I haven't tried this product yet...but I'm looking forward to it. The company is cruelty free and vegan. This face mask is made with almond oil, avocado oil, green tea and volcanic ash minerals. It can also be used on your body. 

In conclusion, I would definitely recommend Ipsy. You get far more than $10.00 in value and who doesn't want to try new products? 

Sign Up For Ipsy's Glam Bag

Have you tried a beauty subscription box before?

As always, if you have any questions, leave a comment below or feel free to email me at TheZenFashionista@Gmail.Com :)

If you would like to subscribe to my blog, I would really appreciate it! You can comment your email below or give it to me personally. If for some reason, you are already subscribed and are not receiving an email in your inbox, check your spam folder.

Until next time,
XOXOTheZenFashionista

21 Things That Make Me Happy

Happy Monday! This week, I am blogging about 21 things that make me happy. :)


1. Getting Inspired - I love the feeling of being inspired. It's like anything is possible and is just an overall good feeling. I get inspiration from nature, reading positive quotes, two of my role models, (Alana Stewart and Yolanda Hadid), when I create a vision board, from other fashion bloggers, from songs, and when I am around like-minded people.

2. Loved ones - Friends and family mean everything to me.

My best friend Ashley

My mom

                                                                                 My dad

Emma, Ashley, and Adrienne 

3. Laughter - I love just talking with someone who makes me laugh. I always look forward to phone calls with my friend Jacqui, because it's non stop laughter when I speak with her.

Fun with some of my favorite people!

My girly, Jacqui

4. Cooking/Vitamix - I love creating a delicious meal. It's very satisfying to know I made it. For the holidays, I received a Vitamix. It's one of my favorite items. I just want to take it everywhere.

5. Traveling - One of my passions in life is traveling. It feeds my soul. I feel incomplete when I haven't traveled in a while. My favorite place to travel is to Denver, Colorado. I have a really close friend who I stay with and I'm at peace when I am there. The mountains and sunsets are beautiful, and I feel spiritually connected to the area.

Wandering around Venice Beach in California

                                                                        The sunset in Denver
    

                                                                          With Dee Dee <3

6. Sentimental items - Some of my favorite belongings evoke a smile and bring me joy.

When I was three, I was given Megan. She was my favorite doll growing up (You can tell she's been loved over the years).

This ring belonged to my grandmother. She was my best friend. When she married my grandfather they took a trip to Arizona, where they met with his family. The ring was given to her by my great grandfather. I wear the ring on a necklace, so that it stays close to my heart.

One of my spiritual mentors and friends, gifted to me a sarong of hers. Whenever, I go on a trip, I take it with me. I feel her positive energy and love and it brings me comfort at times when I am upset. Purple is also my favorite color!

My favorite accessory are rings. I sometimes wear six or seven at a time. A friend of mine gave me a thumb ring that I have been wearing every day for over a year and a half. What is so special about this ring, is that it is a grateful ring. I spin it during my day and think of what I am grateful for. It's a wonderful way to stay in the moment and to foster positive thinking.

7. My dog - Tony. He's my first pet and I can't imagine my life without him.

8. Performing random acts of kindness - My heart is happy when I can help someone. It can be something small like opening a door, or helping them learn how to use an app on their phone. Or it can be something bigger, like volunteering at an assisted living facility or helping with a project. I love to be able to put a smile on someones face.

9. Gratitude/The Universe - I am very spiritual. Manifestation, gratitude and mindfulness play a big part in my life.

10. Smell of a new book

11. Receiving snail mail / Having a package waiting for me

12. Naps

13. Going to temple - Connecting with my faith always makes me happy. My favorite time to go to synagogue is during the summer months. The services are outdoors and it makes for a wonderful evening.

14. Music - I love listening to music. It relaxes me, puts me in a good mood, and inspires me. Some of my favorite artists are: Stevie Nicks, Rod Stewart, Carole King, James Blunt, Tove Lo, Luke Bryan, Melanie Safka, Cher, Neil Diamond, Jewel, Shania Twain, Sarah Brightman, Demi Lovato, and k.d. Lang.

15. Singing - Growing up, I always wanted to be a singer. I've taken vocal lessons and just love to sing.

16. Meeting authentic people - People who are living their truth, and spreading love and positive vibes.  

17. Avocados

18. Colourpop Cosmetics - I am obsessed with this company. I love finding cruelty free/vegan makeup products and their lippie stix and highlighters are some of my favorite beauty products that I own.

                                                              Wearing the "Brills" Lippie Stix

19. Sunshine - The sun is an automatic mood enhancer. I love being able to go for walks and to just sit and be one with nature.

Labyrinth in Sedona, Arizona

                                                                   Sunset at Lake Las Vegas
                                     
20. Learning something new - I love to learn new things. Whether it be from a conversation, a book, a course....I'm always learning...Learning is something that lasts a lifetime. :P

21. Getting out of my comfort zone - Initially, I may feel apprehensive about trying something new and challenging myself to do something I am not so comfortable with. Once I do, I feel accomplished. I obtain new skills and opportunities and am always glad that I chose to go for it.


I hope you enjoyed this post....I'd love to hear what brings you happiness! Let me know in the comment section below.


As always, if you have any questions, leave a comment below or feel free to email me at TheZenFashionista@Gmail.Com :)

If you would like to subscribe to my blog, I would really appreciate it! You can comment your email below or give it to me personally. If for some reason, you are already subscribed and are not receiving an email in your inbox, check your spam folder.

Until next time,
XOXOTheZenFashionista

10 Items for $10 Or Less

Happy April! This week's blog post is a list of 10 items that you can get for $10 or less (these would make great gifts)!

Bunny Sleep Mask -  $5.99

How cute is this sleep mask?

U Stole A Pizza Of My Heart Socks - $6.00

No explanation necessary. Who doesn't want a pair of pizza socks? 

Tony Moly - I'm Real - Red Wine Face Mask Sheet - Pore Care - $3.75

I love face masks and I have seen this particular one mentioned numerous times. They sell it at both Ulta and Sephora. It is formulated with red wine, green tea, jasmine, and rosemary extract and is paraben-free.

Complete Precision Blending Set - $9.99

Beauty blenders are extremely popular right now. What I love about this duo is that it comes with a blending brush...the perfect combination!

The Experimenter Bath Bomb (Lush) -  $8.95

Lush is my go to place for bath bombs and this is one of their featured choices.

Look how pretty it is!

(Photo credit goes to vvnightingale)

Friends The TV Series Central Perk Mug - $10.00

Any fanatic of the TV show Friends would really appreciate this for a gift.

Messy Bun and Getting Stuff Done Coffee Mug - $10.00

I love shopping on Etsy because the majority of the items sold are handmade. How cute is this mug? 

Lace Print Makeup Bag - $9.90

I love anything with lace and think this would make a nice overnight or travel cosmetic bag.

 Van Gogh Cafe Spiral Sketchbook 8.5 x 11 -  $9.95

I bought this sketchbook as a gift for my best friend and she loves it. It's great quality!

Vogue Coloring Book - $8.88 (Current sale price)

This officially goes on sale tomorrow, April 5th...but is available for pre-order today. I've been waiting for this coloring book for at least six months. Being the fashionista that I am, I can't wait to get my hands on this! 

Let me know what you think! Have a wonderful week!

As always, if you have any questions, leave a comment below or feel free to email me at TheZenFashionista@Gmail.Com :)

If you would like to subscribe to my blog, I would really appreciate it! You can comment your email below or give it to me personally. If for some reason, you are already subscribed and are not receiving an email in your inbox, check your spam folder.

Until next time,
XOXOTheZenFashionista

Vegan Chocolate Banana Shake

Happy Monday! If you celebrate, I hope you had a nice Easter. :)

I get a lot of requests for smoothie/shake recipes and so I thought I would share a very simple and yummy shake. Best of all, it's dairy free! 

print recipe

Vegan Chocolate Banana Shake

by TheZenFashionista March-28-2016

Looking for a sweet, but healthy treat? One that is vegan/dairy free?

Ingredients

• 2 Bananas
• 1/2 Cup Almond Milk
• 1 Tbsp. Baking Cocoa
• 1 So Delicious Vanilla Mini Sandwich
• Optional: Spinach, Kale, Flaxseed, Wheatgrass Powder

Instructions

To enhance the enjoyment of this beverage, you'll want to chill a container or mug. Or if you prefer, you can stick your drink in the fridge for five to ten minutes.Add a half a cup of almond milk into your blenderPeel two bananas (You can also use two frozen bananas)Add a tablespoon of baking cocoaAdd your mini ice cream sandwich (I don't eat dairy, but if you do, you can substitute the mini vegan ice cream sandwich for one with dairy)If you want to add some greens/fiber to this shake, you can add in spinach, kale, flaxseed, whatever you like. I like to add some wheatgrass powder. Blend for 30 seconds to a minute (I use a Vitamix)And Voila! Enjoy!

Details

Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 1 mins Total time: Yield: 1 Serving

 

If you would like to subscribe to my blog, I would really appreciate it! You can comment your email below or give it to me personally. If for some reason, you are already subscribed and are not receiving an email in your inbox, check your spam folder. 

Until next time,

XOXOTheZenFashionista 

Putting Out The Flame - Raising Awareness for Chronic Pain and Invisible Illness

Today's blog is a personal one....It's been eight years since I was an inpatient in Children's Hospital of Michigan. Nine years ago, in 2007, I stumbled in gym class. I didn't think much of it, except for the fact it hurt! I figured I could wait until the end of my school day, and so I went on with my day, hobbling along. Little did I know, this so called "stumble" would change my life. 

Fast forward a bit...I ended up being diagnosed with RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, also known as CRPS...Complex Regional Pain Syndrome). RSD is a chronic pain condition. False pain signals are sent to the brain. Think of it as a fight or flight response...The body reacts as if it's under attack.   

Symptoms include:

Pain (burning sensation), sensitivity to touch, swelling, changes in color, etc. 

There are also cognitive symptoms such as fatigue, depression, short term memory loss, etc. 

You can contract the condition from a fracture, a surgery to a limb, or from something as minor as a mosquito bite or a paper cut. Many people familiar with this condition think it only affects a limb; it can affect a person internally as well. The condition is known to spread. If you contract it in one limb, over time it may affect the other. 

I believe things happen for a reason. I believe in turning pain into purpose. I've been in support groups and mentor and lend assistance to people afflicted with this condition. I've raised awareness, been featured in a local publication and I support foundations raising money for research so that we can "put out the flame" and find a cure. 

In 2011, four years after my initial injury, I was involved in a car accident. My condition ended up being exacerbated and as a result, I also have Fibromyalgia. 

The Fibromyalgia has caused me neck and back pain as well as chronic fatigue, brain fog, etc. Each day is different. I may not have an illness that is readily apparent and can be seen, but that doesn't mean I'm not struggling. As a chronic pain sufferer, one of the most difficult things I experience is that people don't understand and pass judgment. Chronic pain sufferers live with this 24/7 and some days we can leave the house and enjoy ourselves, and some days we can hardly get out of bed. I've certainly been judged and told "Oh, but you look great or you look healthy." You might see me out on a Friday night, but what you don't know, it's probably taking everything I've got to make it through the night. A long time ago, I decided I would not let this condition take control of me. So sometimes, I would rather be "miserable" and outside doing something enjoyable, than miserable, in bed. My illness may be invisible, but it doesn't mean that I'm well because you can't physically see anything wrong with me.  

People with chronic pain may be fine to go out one moment, but have to cancel last minute. We can be having an ok day and then all of a sudden, it hits us all at once. As family and friends, you might not understand what we are going through, but we need you to do your best to support us. We can't control what we are feeling and experiencing. 

In the chronic pain community, there is a popular story called "The Spoon Theory."  It gives you an idea of what someone in pain goes through on a day to day basis. Below you can click the link to read about it. http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/

While some may look upon my journey as unfortunate, it's also been a blessing in disguise. Sure, I'm twenty years old and have been in pain since I was eleven, but despite it all, I've dealt with the challenges and I am grateful. It's made me the person I am today. I'm very empathetic and have gained knowledge on a variety of topics in the medical and holistic field. It's because of my condition that I've experienced holistic treatments and want to go into alternative medicine myself. I've made lifelong friendships, learned who my real friends are and who I could truly count on. I had to be homeschooled for the majority of my high school career and on one hand that can be seen as a negative, but I choose to look at it as a positive. I was able to travel and do things I could never have done if I had been in school full time. 

I often get asked what helps me because I do not take the traditional route in treatment. I personally like to be as natural as possible. 

I'm a big believer in meditation and biofeedback. Calming the body can really make a big difference. 

Energy healing modalities such as Cranio Sacral, Reiki, EFT... 

EFT is one of the techniques that you can learn to do on yourself. 

I have done EFT (Tapping) on myself and others with positive results. If you have any questions about it, please don't hesitate to send me a message. 

EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Technique and is also commonly referred to as Tapping. You tap on meridian points and it's said to help pain, negative feelings, anxiety, etc. I like to describe it as a mix of acupressure, self hypnosis and energy medicine all wrapped into one. 

I've also found that essential oils can be very helpful for inflammation and pain. 

Electric stimulators such as a TENS Unit if you can handle the sensation. 

Diet plays a major part in our health and well-being. I noticed a few years ago that certain foods inflamed my body. Foods I recommend staying away from...sugar, caffeine, processed foods, aspartame and dairy products. Of course, everyone is different and moderation may be key for you. 

Movement - Do what you can! Today, you might not be able to fathom getting out of bed; but tomorrow, you may be able to make that attempt to walk outside, to get the mail. And praise yourself even for the smallest victories that you accomplish. 

Remember, you know your body better than anyone else! 

I've come a very long way. I'm immensely proud of myself. There was a time, if I were to walk into a CVS with my father, you would find me sitting on the floor, crying in pain. A time when my foot was literally rotated outward to a 90 degree angle and there was nothing I could do to move it back inward. A time when I could hardly walk down a hall without it wearing me out. Of course, I still have my bad days! I've made significant strides and progress and know that it could always be much worse. I'm so blessed to wake up each day and knowing I'm not in the same place I was eight years ago, when I first arrived for my inpatient boot camp therapy stay. 

I'm considering making a blog post about my two week inpatient experience. The program originated at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. It is used as a prototype throughout the country, for children and teens affected by RSD/CRPS. I've come across many children diagnosed with this awful condition and think my post might provide some insight. 

This blog is dedicated to all those afflicted with an INVISIBLE DISEASE. You're not alone! I'M ALWAYS HERE and so are many others out there. ️

This blog is dedicated to the friends I've made...Janis, Jamie, Karen, Terri, Jennifer, Susan, Wendy, Ali, my friends at RSD Hope, and my mentees. And to everyone who has stuck by me throughout the years and supported me along the way. 

This blog is also dedicated to one of my role models, Yolanda Hadid. She suffers from Lyme Disease and has gone through more than you could imagine, but she keeps a positive mindset and raises awareness. I send so much love and well wishes to you, Yo!

Thank you for reading this blog. It means lot to me.

If you have any questions, send me a message, email me at TheZenFashionista@Gmail.com, or comment below and I will do my best to answer to them.

If you would like to subscribe to my blog, I would really appreciate it! You can comment your email below or give it to me personally. If for some reason, you are already subscribed and are not receiving an email in your inbox, check your spam folder. 

Until next time,

XOXOTheZenFashionista 

My March Must-Haves!

Happy Monday! Do you believe we are already in the middle of March? Where is the time going?

This week's blog post is on my current favorite things!



1. Wildfox "Je Taime Eiffel Tower Sweatshirt"

Now, I've had my eye on the cute clothes that Wildfox makes for a while. I never could justify spending $100 on a sweater though....Then about a month ago, I checked out Saks Off Fifth and saw their Wildfox clothing. It seemed more reasonable at $54.99...I still was on the fence...Until I tried it on. It is seriously my favorite thing to wear. Super soft and comfy and I love Paris, so it's the perfect sweater for moi!



2. ColourPop Lippie Stix- Brills

I've pretty much fallen in love with this cosmetic brand...I intend to make a future post about ColourPop. This is my new go to lip color. I actually went and ordered three more of this color, since I love it so much. Their Lippie Stix's are only $5 each and are cruelty free. 



3. Herbal Authority - Roll-On Tea Tree Oil Blemish Stick

For the past week I have been carrying this roll on stick with me wherever I go. I use a Tea Tree Oil face wash and it's said to help with blemishes...So, when I saw this product, I decided to give it a try. I didn't honestly have high expectations for it, but after using it a few times, I noticed it diminished the size of any blemishes I applied it to. I purchased it from Lucky Vitamin for half the retail price.  



4. Earth Balance Vegan Cheddar Squares

While shopping on Lucky Vitamin, I came across Earth Balance snacks. Not eating dairy, I look to that brand for mac and cheese, crackers, etc. I had been craving something like Goldfish/Cheez-It's lately, so I ended up getting a box. I may have finished almost the entire box in a day! Definitely yummy and something I will be purchasing again soon!

5. The Wisdom of Your Face 

I have a lot of reference books on health, spirituality, etc. From time to time, I'll get inspired to pick one up, and read a chapter or two, Currently, I am reading this book on Chinese face reading. I find topics like this very interesting and recommend this book if you're interested as well. 

What is your favorite item at the moment? Tell me below in the comment section below!


As always, if you have any questions, leave a comment below or feel free to email me at TheZenFashionista@Gmail.Com :)

If you would like to subscribe to my blog, I would really appreciate it! You can comment your email below or give it to me personally. If for some reason, you are already subscribed and are not receiving an email in your inbox, check your spam folder.

Until next time,
XOXOTheZenFashionista