EXPECTING - 25 Weeks Pregnant!!!!

I'm back with great news to share.... SURPRISE!!! I'M PREGNANT!!!  25- weeks pregnant!  And IT'S A GIRL!!!! We are ecstatic and can't wait to welcome our first baby together.

She's saying "Hi Everyone!"

According to the app I use to follow the baby's progress, she's the size of a cabbage right now.  She seems to be growing quite fast during this time.  I see bigger changes in my body each week, which is crazy!  What use to fit the week prior would be tight this week.  Luckily, no stretch marks yet...crossing my fingers I didn't speak too soon  :-) She's also kicking a lot now too. I love feeling it!  It's definitely MY special bonding moment with her knowing no one can ever experience this feeling but me  :-)

I've had a great pregnancy so far.  No morning sickness, no major smell annoyance, no craving, no moodiness.  The first 3 months (1st trimester), I was extremely tired and sleepy, but once my 2nd trimester started, I had my energy back and was up and moving.  I'm near the end of the 2nd trimester so I'm trying to LIVE IT UP before I get too heavy and start to wobble.  LOL! 

We went to Sonoma County for 1.5 weeks for my baby-moon when I was 5-months pregnant.  (We visited friends in Santa Rosa for a couple of days, then drove to San Jose to see the Tour of California bike race finish, then drove and stayed in Santa Cruz right on the beach for a few days, San Francisco for 1/2 a day, and ended our trip back in Santa Rosa.  It was the PERFECT getaway and it's only a 2-hour flight away.

My nesting stage definitely kicked in. The baby room is done!  I'm keeping the room neutral because we plan on having baby #2 shortly after if every goes as planned and it might be a boy. 

J putting together the crib

Here are some of what I did to avoid constipation, stretch marks, and gaining weight too fast:

Constipation:
     During my first trimester, I was really constipated (which is normal and part of pregnancy).  It was not a feeling I'm very familiar with because I live quite an active and healthy lifestyle and THAT has never been a problem for me. Oh BOY!!! It was so uncomfortable and painful!  Luckily, I don't think I ever went past 2-days of not going before I added fiber to my water and took care of the problem.  Heard some ladies can't go for a week!  I can't imagine.  I prefer not adding fiber in my water because it usually gives me a cramping pain.  I decided to start JUICING and drink lots of coconut water with chia seeds.  I haven't had a problem ever since!  I'm quite regular actually :)  So, I highly suggest juicing and coconut water to help with THAT.  Whatever you juice, make sure there is veggies in there and not all fruits.  Fruits has a lot of sugar so I would suggest not drinking any juice in the evening.

Stretch Marks:
     DRINK LOTS OF WATER!  I try drinking lots of water but I have to admit, I'm not always good at it.  I add a couple of slices of lemon into my water so I won't get bored. 
     I oil/cream up twice a day (morning and night).  It's time consuming!  But the thought of getting stretch marks motivates me to do it.  I alternate between organic coconut oils, shea butter, almond oils, almond cream, Burts Bee Mama Bee butter, and my expensive Mama Mio Tummy Rub and Oil.  I use my cheaper oils and creams mornings and nights on days I didn't shower.  I use my expensive Mama Mio line after I shower because that's when your skin is most absorbent.  I shower every other day.  I apply from my chest down to my knees including my waist and mid/lower back.  I use regular lotion on my arms, knees to feet, and upper back to save my other stuff for where it counts. 
     This part probably sounds weird to a lot of people if you have never heard of it.  I also do dry body brushing right before every shower if I could.  This helps circulate your blood and good for the skin (your largest organ).  There is a certain technique to it, so I suggest you look into it before grabbing a body brush and randomly brushing.  I've done this before I was pregnant so I'm just continuing it but being more regular at it.  I don't know if there is proof that dry body brushing will help with stretch marks but I think it works.  I also read that Miranda Kerr from Victoria Secret also did this while pregnant... Hey, if she's doing it.... I'm doing it!  Maybe I can try out to be the next Victoria Secret model after I give birth.. hahahaha!! 

Gaining too much weight too fast:
     This part I didn't do too well in because I was told by my doctor during my monthly visits that I'm gaining too much.  At the rate I was going, I would gain 60lbs by the time I gave birth.  She lectured me about NOT having the "eating for two" mentality and how having a baby is not a license to eat everything, etc....  I swore to her that I NEVER ate for two or went crazy on my eating habits.  I'm a pretty clean, healthy eater.  Then she asked if I use to work out.... I told her I use to work out on average 5 days a week and have stopped since.  LIGHT BULB WENT ON!!!  "That's it!" she said.  "You kept the eating habits of an athlete but not working out like one."...... MAKES COMPLETE SENSE!!!  Since that appointment a month ago, I've been good with my workout and lowering my eating portion a little. My follow up appointment a month later, I DID GOOD!!!  Only gained 3 lbs vs 7lbs!
     What I did that I think helped control my weight was I tried to get at least 10,000 step/day (it takes some effort), started juicing, smaller portion size, add more light weights toning.  I was avoiding the gym before but now I try to at least go once a week to use machines I don't have a home.  I'm thinking of adding swimming to my weekly routine but I haven't done it yet.  Plus, I've been accepting invitations to go out more (like I said, trying to LIVE IT UP before the baby arrives) and that forces me to doll up and it makes me look and feel good which in turn motivates me to continue to workout and be active.


As the dates gets closer, I must admit, I'm getting nervous about the labor part (the pain and if something goes wrong).  Plus the aftermath recovery part as well.  Guess all I can do is prepare ahead of time as much as I could.

I can't wait to meet her!  Love you so much already!

Making a Difference in 2015

In my blog I don't usually get too personal and talk about myself.  I talk about my adventures, give make-up tips and product reviews, but I steer away from sharing personal stuff about myself.

Today, 2015, I'm going to be more involved in my blog, my side writing project, and journaling.  I've been journaling since I was in middle school.  It's a great habit if you haven't started yet.  I truly recommend it.  I still have all my journal books and I would read random pages every once in a while and can still recall that particular moment in my life.  It's great therapy for me especially since I have so much thoughts and so much emotions.  I can only imagine what my therapy bill would look like if I didn't journal.  :)   

2014 was a fun but also tough year for me.  Fun because we did a lot this year.  Some highlights... we were in Times Square for New Years, Maui in Feb., bought our first home together in April, moved in in May, sold my townhouse in June, had my first hiking and camping experience, went on a week long road trip to Banff, Canada for our 1-year anniversary in Aug., Cozumel for Thanksgiving, and tons and tons of home improvement project hours.  

It was also a tough year because J's ex wife is always causing negative drama.  Constantly asking us for money and using visitation with his son as blackmail.  Although we paid every dime she asked for, she puts no efforts in making the son available and had the balls to claim we never paid her.  Glad we have tons of proofs.  I thought not allowing J to see his son for 6-months during our wedding in 2013 was the worse it can get, but I was wrong.  It got uglier and uglier with lies after lies to the son and on legal documents to damage J's relationship with his son. She doesn't care how her lies affects her son's happiness, she just want to get back at J because she's bitter he moved on, the better parent, and we're happy.  The funny part is that she has a long term live-in boyfriend.  I'm not sure why she can't just be happy with him and stop trying so hard to ruin our relationship.  All I'm going to say is that she's manipulative, sneaky, and smart.  Anyhow, glad the lawyers are involved now so things can finally be fair.

Besides that headache and mess, I also lost our baby girl at 3-months pregnant.  Probably one of the saddest and toughest situation I've been through.  After trying for a while and having two miscarriages, to finally have one that made it that far, you can only imagine how happy I was. We were on vacation when J and I discussed how although we don't care if it's a boy or a girl, a girl would be nice. When we got home, we got the results back and found out it was a girl.  We were so happy!!! Happy news was quickly followed by bad news the next day at our regular scheduled appointment.  Our baby girl did not make it and had passed.  I wish I was never told the sex of the baby because I became more attached and it made hearing the bad news even tougher.  

During this tough time, I realized my reaction to deep hurt was to act strong.  I realize that I pretend to be strong in front of others (including J) when I'm really hurt so people don't have to worry about me or pity me.  I didn't want the spotlight or to feel like a victim, so I kept busy and pretended to be OK.  But the truth was, when no one was looking, I would cry to myself.  I see HGTV home improvement shows with them decorating a baby room and tears would come down.  I go to Target and see the baby aisle and want to cry.  I was able to be more vulnerable with J but it was still tough to be completely broken down in front of him because I wanted to be strong for him especially.  He was hurting too and I didn't want him to be more sad having to see me sad.  I'm sure it's not an abnormal reaction from people dealing with tragedies.  But it definitely made me see a part of me I never saw before and how strong I can act to hide the pain.  
  
With the lost and feeling incredibly sad and broken, I came out seeing the light and seeing life differently.  Being that the lost happened in early December, the new year felt like it was the right timing for the new me and new beginning.  This year, I'm not going to let baby making each month stop me from making plans.  For New Years Day, we started it out just right.... we went showshoeing (which is like hiking without the mosquitoes) .  It was a beautiful, dry, blue skies, perfect snow day :)  For 2015, we already bought tickets to go to Palms Springs in Feb, Santa Rosa, CA in May, and Maui in Nov.  

This year I'm going to say yes to things I want to do that always intimidated me or scared me.  And say no to things that I don't want to do but do it for the sake of others or others asking.    

I joined this amazing girl running and biking group and I've run with them weekly.  They are so fast but that's good... it pushes me.  I've also got back into doing my High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) routines.  Because J is a different kind of active, I always felt like my HIIT and gym time was lame in comparison (probably is...hahahaha) but "I" enjoy it and love creating my own HIIT routines.  I'm passionate about it! What I've learned is that if you're passionate about something, keep doing it.  Just because it's not your hubby's passion (he has a much cooler and crazier passion) :)  doesn't mean my passion is any less great.   

What's great about J is that he opened my eyes to being more active outdoors.  This year, I'm saying yes and doing whatever comes up.  I figure, I'll try everything once and who knows, something might strike a cord and be something I'm good at and really enjoy.  :)  I know for a fact I don't enjoy running long distance... then why join the running girl group this year when I say I won't do anything I don't want to do, you ask?... good question... hahaha... it's because I like pushing myself and surrounding myself with great people that pushes me to be better.  They know I'm not in it for long distances so I'm only invited when they do their shorter runs (shorter runs to them is more like 6-9 miles).  :-O

This year, I'm going to make more time to hang out with amazing friends/people that inspire me and less with those that are a downers, catty, fake, and too lazy to put in the effort for friends (luckily for me, I don't have or know many people like that).  I also plan to not let J's ex wife's negative energy and evil schemes affect me.  I notice I tend to get fired up and passionate about "what's right/righteousness" a lot..... so you can see why his ex and the situation can gets me fired up inside  because everything she does is morally wrong and unspeakable.  I wrote a blog telling people the TRUTH about her and her manipulating games but then removed it by the end of the day.  I realize that the truth doesn't change anything.  She's still who she is.  And people that are on her side probably belongs there (like attract like).  God knows the truth and doesn't need me to spread it.  I'm a strong believer in karma (what goes around, comes around).  I've decided to step back and let God take care of her karma however ways He finds fit. Although it would be super nice to be there and see karma give her what she deserves, I've decided to step away from it all and not really care about what happens or don't happen to such a person in my life.  I'm washing my hands and head from her and enjoying my happy life.  Money is just money.  We'll make more.  She wakes up every morning and lives with herself and the demon in her soul and head daily.  She can never be truly happy cause she doesn't know how to love beyond herself.... THAT in itself is her punishment.  :)

Being that this year is more about being a better me, every morning so far, I make sure I drink at least 1 glass of detox water and read a passage in my DailyOM book by Madisyn Taylor or my Awaken book by Mark Nepo.  I think everyone should have these two books in their collection.  If anything, it's the quiet "me" time I make sure I give myself daily.  Although my plan is to do it every morning, sometimes the mornings can be hectic and it doesn't happen... if so, I just make sure it's done some time within the day.  I'm a lot more forgiving toward myself I've noticed as I've gotten older.  This year in particular, I'm more aware of what I say to myself.  My remaining baby weight doesn't seem to want to melt away and it has gotten me down a couple of times (not only because I look and feel fat,... it also reminds me of the baby I could have had)  :(  I allow myself to feel a little down, then I just march forward and create a plan to do something about it rather than criticize my
body.  Don't get me wrong, the voices inside my head (thankfully) are pretty positive.  I'm just harsh on myself when I set a goal and don't achieve it.  

I'm excited about 2015.  I feel stronger than ever inside.  I feel truly happy and at peace and have not let anything/or anyone bring me down yet so far.  This is MY YEAR!  And hopefully also a new baby year too!  :)  

I must admit, the energy you give out, gets returned 10 folds.  This year has been so amazing so far.

LIFE IS GOOD 

SEPHORE VIB 2014

I tried to keep it to "needs" over wants this year.... didn't quite happen... still came out to be over $300.  :(

What I bought this year:

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo (Brunette) - this is my 3rd refill.  So natural and stays on well for a powder.  I use the lighter of the two shades more often and use a little of the dark at the ends where I'm missing a few hair spots.  :) 
PROS: natural looking, stays on well, duo shades
CONS: a brow brush is needed to apply it (but I prefer applying my brows with a brow brush)
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz (Brunette) for my mom - it's a twisted brow pencil.  I've tried this as well as the powder duo and I like the powder duo better.  It looks more natural.
PROS: no sharpening needed (just twist), long lasting
CONS: gives a pencil not natural looking stroke. 
Anastasia Beverly Hills Perfect Brow Pencil (Dark Brown) for my mom as well.  - I have this one in my purse and wanted her to try this pencil version over the twisted one.  The pencil version strokes on more natural and the color seems like it might fit my mom better. 
PROS: easy to throw in your purse, stays on well, lots of color selection, have a brush wand on the other end to blend.
CONS: have to sharpen it (but not often)
Josie Maran Winter Dream Argan Skincare Collection - bought this for a friend's birthday gift.  I normally buy gifts I would like myself.  AND BOY DO I LIKE THIS ONE!  I was tempted to buy myself a set because I use and love this line. 
PROS: small travel size samples of all their best skin care products
CONS: don't care for their oil cleanser in the collection
Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47 - love that it's natural high SPF and natural moisturizer.  This was my second refills.
PROS: natural SPF and moisturizer, light-weight, non-greasy
CONS: pricey
Make Up Forever HD Press Powder (travel sample size) - to travel with and is less messy on-the-go.
PROS: not messy like their loose powder version, flawless finishing look
CONS: can sometimes make you looks powdery if you don't blend well.
SMASHBOX Step-by-Step Contour Kit - been wanting to try this for a while but it was sold out at multiple Sephora when I went looking for it several months back.  I've been using a bronzer to contour my face but learned that a contour color should have a gray undertone like a shadow (which totally makes sense).  I was happy to see it was available during my VIB shopping spree :)  This kit has a contour color, bronzer, and highlighter.  I don't care for the bronzer as much because I already have a favorite bronzer.  But the contour is the perfect shade for contouring.  I do see a difference between using a grey undertone color vs a bronzer to contour your face.  Game changer!  The highlighter is a matte white/bone-like color.  The highlight color is nice but somehow it doesn't brighten/highlight the area as well as my NARS contouring kit duo.  Even though I prefer the NARS highlighting powder in their contour duo, the SMASHBOX contouring color is much more like a shadow.
PROS: perfect shade on their contouring color (more grey undertone than the other brands I've seen). Comes with a bronzer and highlighter and brush.
CONS: The highlight color needs more pigment or something.  Didn't do it for me.


Wanted to buy Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Lip Stain & Shine in Honeymoon Honey but they ran out.  It was gorgeous on my friend!  :)

To justify the spending, 3 of the items weren't even for me!!!! Guess I did pretty good :) 

My First Backpack Camping Experience

"Camp??!!! Heck ya I camp! I go camping every year with my family and close friends." was my proud response when J asked if I've gone camping before. "I'm not talking about the kind of camping by the car, I mean REAL camping... carrying all your sh*t and hiking it in and camp"... umm, ok... well, then the answer is no,... but I slept outside in the tent and not in a cabin... I think that should count for something... hahaha... apparently not. :)

Shortly after that conversation, J got a permit for us to go camping at Stuart Lake in early August (for 3 days, 2 nights). I bought my first hiking backpack and lightweight sleeping bag for this trip. Sprayed all our clothe, our backpacks, and tent with permethrin (mosquito repellent). Bought natural deet-free repellents just to find out a couple days before our adventure that the bugs/mosquitoes are extremely bad where we're going during this time. I'm allergic to mosquito bites and all mine tends to swell up like a golf-ball. Have you seen the movie Hitch? My mosquito bites look like Will Smith's face! LOL!  The moment I heard of this update, we went out and got "jungle juice" at REI (99% deet).... If this sh*t doesn't work, I'm OK to say I did the best I can.

The hike up was about 5 elevated miles. It wasn't so bad but I was ready to find a spot, sit, and take the heavy backpack off my back. We went with another couple and the two guys found the most beautiful spot I can imagine. It was a small spot out of the forest and slightly above the water. Either we got lucky or the camp location saved us (being slightly out of the woods), but we had little experience with mosquitoes.

Day 1, was basically hiking to our camp spot, relax, eat dinner and call it a night.









Next morning, we woke up to the sun rising over the water. It was breathtaking. There is definitely a feeling of humbleness when you wake up in nature and surrounded by the beauty and simple living. I sat on the rocks looking into the sun with a cup of coffee in my hand and leaning against my husband. I took a deep breath and remember feeling like this was the most perfect moment. And most of all, I felt extremely grateful.
                                     

Day 2, we decided to do a day hike to Horse Shoe Lake.... it was mostly all OFF TRAIL hiking (I mean, climbing over huge boulders, using branches to help pull us up, and stepping over plants and dead branches) all at a 45 decree incline the whole time. It was crazy but a lot of fun. We made it to the top with a beautiful view of our Stuart Lake and had lunch there. With Horse Shoe Lake not in sight, we decided to head back to camp.

We ended the day with dinner and playing Pictionary! It was so funny and a lot of fun!

Day 3, I had another wonderful, quiet, coffee morning on the rocks looking over the water as the sun rises. This day we took our time breaking down camp and hiked back down. Downhill was easy and felt super fast to me. I sorta wished it was a few more miles to be honest. Seeing that we were already at the parking lot, I felt a little disappointed.  It was a great first-time backpack camping experience!  I'm hooked!!! :)

       There were some people that didn't think I was a backpack camping type of girl because I enjoy wearing makeup. I don't understand how wearing makeup makes you not a sporty or active girl but I've been told I look very girly-girl and feminine.  I'm actually a lot stronger and tougher than I look.... SURPRISE!!!!... hahaha! I know when people think of camping and being in nature, they think you should go all-natural and wear no makeup.... UM, not me... I know a nice face won't save me from the mosquito bites, poison ivy, or bear attack... but I ENJOY makeup... here's the difference though.... I wear a tinted moisturizing sunscreen as my foundation and light natural looking makeup vs how I would look normally if I were to go out to a nice evening dinner.

Here was my skincare routine at camp:
- At night I used a makeup wipe to remove my makeup and build-up of sunscreen, then I wet a little clothe and use it to remove any lift over makeup and to feel more fresh.
- I use a light moisturizer (not a night cream because I try to minimize what I bring).
- In the morning I wet a clothe and wipe my face. The cold water is really refreshing.
- I put the same light moisturizer on in the morning,
- and then applied a heavy layer of sunscreen.

Here was my makeup routine at camp:
- I use a tinted moisturizer foundation I created myself and put it in a small sample container I got at The Body Shop. I love their sample containers! (get a sample of their products and re-use the container)
           - Several drops of Maybelline Super Stay in Nude (love this foundation because it stays on  well in humility and when you're active).
           - A squeeze of primer
           - A couple drops of sunscreen
             Now the foundation is diluted and sheer enough to looks like a tinted moisturizer.
- I put some bronzer on to add some color
- Light pink blush
- Gotta do my brows
- And brought a gift-with-purchase eye shadow mini-case sample with multiple colors I got from Estee Lauder and used the natural gold and gray colors to create my look.
- I lined my eyes with a black eye liner pencil and smudge it to look more natural and less harsh.
- Applied SPF 15 chapstick, a natural nude rose lipstick, and for the rest of the day I simply applied gloss.

TA-DA!!!! DONE! :)

House hunting

Just got married, now looking for our FOREVER home. This will be the home we plan to raise our kids in and grow old in. Being that it's our FOREVER home until our kids put us in a retirement home, :) we have to make sure it meets all our requirements or at least have the potential of a remodel to meet our requirements.

The sucky part is that all the good ones are selling FAST and we keep getting screwed. It can be very depressing especially when you have your heart set on one and can see your future in it and the seller accepts the other offer paying in CASH…. WHAT THE? CASH??!! Are you kidding me??!! I can’t beat that one!

Now back on the drawing board and feeling like nothing compares to the one I just lost. Lots of our friends and family tells us to not worry because there are plenty out there, blah, blah, blah…. I get it but it still hurts and SUCK-ass! My husband’s metaphor last night was “it’s like going through a breakup,…. You know there are others out there, but not what you want to hear at that moment.”

We did put in a backup offer for that house in case the other person’s drug deal doesn’t go through (crossing my fingers):)

Anyhow, I’m excited for that day to come when we find our perfect home. J thinks I should take a break from it a while since I get so invested and emotional when we don't end up getting it. Sorry, can't help it. That's the way I'm engineered. Passion can come with a price. But that's what my husband loves about me. :)

Wish us luck!... I think I'm in the wrong buisness... I need to be in the cash-only business too... the power of CASH. Damn you CASH!

SEPHORA VIB sale 2013

SEPHORA VIB sale 2013

I am so EXCITED for this year's VIB sale from Sephora. VIB members get 20% off their entire purchase. CAN'T BEAT THAT!!! :) This is always a dangerous time for me because I go CRAZY and can justify every purchase... which is bad for the wallet :( One year, I spent almost $800 in one day!!! Oh man, makeup and shoes are my weak spots.

I thought it might be a good idea to blog about what's on my list to buy at Sephora for this year's sale...

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in color Perversion
I'm planning on stocking up and buying 2 of this pencil. I love this eye liner pencil and color so much because it glides on so easily, doesn't smear, and doesn't fade. I'm normally a gel liner and liquid liner girl because pencils just doesn't give me the look of a gel or liquid liner gives me that I like.. until... I found this pencil in Perversion. OMG!!! Perversion is their blackest black and it looks as intense as gel or liquid liners but much easier and faster to apply. They have two types of black color (Perversion and Zero). Zero is a nice color if you like pencil black look. This pencil is also a really good pencil for your waterline as well (if you like that look). Like any pencil, however, it's hard to create a very thin sharp wing-look at the end of your eyes because the tip just isn't pointy enough. This is when I grab my liquid liner and create a wing at the end (but I only do this when I go out somewhere nice).
PROS: Doesn't fade, intense color, glides on easily, waterproof, smear/smudge proof, lots of color options.
CONS: You have to sharpen often so therefore the pencil doesn't last as long

MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Liner in color black #13
I've never been a strong pen liner fan BUT I'm slowly coming around to it. I love how easy it is to apply. Pen liners seem to dry out faster than other liquid liners I have tried, which is unfortunate because that is my ONLY reason for not being their 100% fan. When the tip drys out a little, I'm confused as to what to do at that point. Shake it? Put the cap back on? I've tried them all! Putting it back in the tube or cap and shaking it refills the tip a little but not much. It's usually the next day that the pen is moist in color again.... am I the only one having this problem??... I wouldn't be surprised. :) Anyhow, after saying all that,... I'm planning on buying this MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Liner pen in black because I've used it before and love the staying powder. I use this to create my eye liner wings-look.
PROS: Easy to apply, waterproof and amazing staying power, small size so it's easy to throw in your purse.
CONS: Runs out faster than I prefer (but it IS a small tube), a little pricy ($23) for a small amount of liner.

Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel
This is my 3rd re-purchase of this Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing gel. This cleanser makes my skin feel very clean and it disolves makeup well. But the main reason why I like this cleanser is because of these two ingredients: glycolic acid and salicylic acid. These ingredients lightly exfoliates your skin giving it a nice new-skin glow. I normally wash my face with this once a day (no more). I usually use it at night and use a more gentle cleanser in the morning. I read that it's not recommended for sensitive skin so if you have sensitive skin, this may not be for you... unless maybe you can use it once a day like I am. Although it's pricy, the product last a long time because a small amount goes a long way.

PROS: Has glycolic acid and salicylic acid along with other great ingredients that is great for wrinkles and maintains a nice skin. Clean finish, and product last a long time.
CONS: pricy

Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Night
I've never tried this particular product before but have tried a lot of the Peter Thomas Roth brand and I think this brand has a high-quality skincare line. I wanted a creme that has retinol and peptide because these ingredients does wonders for wrinkles and skin turnover. As much as I'm into makeup, I'm even MORE into skincare products. :) I'll give you a review on this one once I give it fair try. My only CON without using it yet is the price so far ($110).

Favorite Dry Shampoo

Favorite Dry Shampoo

Garnier Fructis - Volume Extend Instant Bodifier Dry Shampoo

I LOVE the idea of dry shampoo but have yet to find one that I love until now. I almost gave up on the idea of dry shampoo being for me because every single one that I've tried (from expensive salon brand to the ones sold at Sephora) either leave my roots feeling gross, a little heavy, and/or I can see a light powder on my roots. All the other products also started off spraying well, then after a few use, the powder would clog up the spray and I would have to throw away a full bottle.

This Garnier Fructis Volume Extend Instant Bodifier Dry Shampoo is the best dry shampoo ever! Everything I thought a dry shampoo should be! It completely makes my day or two old dirty hair feel light, full of volume, not oily, smells great, and leave no powder or grayish/white case on my roots. I use this product often, especially after I hit the gym during my lunch hour. Not only does it make my hair look clean the day I spray it on, but also last until the following day. But usually by then, I shower... not because my hair is oily but because I don't want the people around me (my hubby especially) to suffer... hehehe...

PROS: Instant volume, hair looks oil-free, smells great, hair feels light and clean, no white powder showing on dark hair, cheap, can be found at many drugstores, spray doesn't clog
CONS: None