Quck Post: Beauty Recommendation

***UPDATE: I found that the conditioner does contain DMDM Hydantoin which is a formaldehyde releaser. I have been trying to avoid this ingredient and it is in almost everything. I may be looking for another shampoo/conditioner.
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I decided to start doing some "quick posts." I am always thinking of things I should share about but don't really have enough info to justify a full blog post. So, instead of saving up each thing and lumping them together weeks or months after the fact, I am going to do quick and short (and probably barely edited) entries for these things. They could be beauty items I recommend, a book I read that I love, an event happening, an article I read, etc. It's probably something that most people would post about on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, but, let's be real...I like to talk and there just isn't enough room on those media platforms for what I want to share. This brings me to my first quick post.

For months now I have been trying to find a good shampoo that is free of all the "bad" stuff. You know, no parabens, no sulfates, etc. It's been a difficult task as most of those shampoos don't lather the way I want them to or they leave your hair feeling lifeless or straw-like. Well, I found one! Rather, my Mom found it and recommended it to me. I LOVE it.

Maui Moisture. A treasure now found. Here is the link to their website. They have many different types of shampoo and conditioners for all kinds of hair issues. I have thin, frizzy, somewhat curly hair and this Vanilla Bean one is amazing for me. Not only does it smell awesome, it lathers like a normal shampoo, it tames down frizz, and leaves my hair fuller and smoother.

You can purchase at most drugstores like Walgreens, but Ulta Beauty also carries it and their hair products are almost always buy one get one 50% off. The price point is wonderful as well. I believe most places carry it for under ten dollars each.

The best part? This! Straight from their website:

WHAT IS MAUI MOISTURE®?

MAUI MOISTURE^® starts with a unique blend of aloe vera juice and is infused with pure coconut water, unlike some other shampoos that start with deionized water as their first ingredient listed. The results? Moisturized strands, mended split-ends, and a healthy glow with every use.

• No mineral oil
• No silicones
• No parabens
• No gluten
• No SLS
• No sulfated surfactants
• No synthetic dye
• YES eco-friendly
• YES pure coconut water
• YES pure aloe juice

Highly recommended! Let me know if you try it and what you think.

Homemade Granola: Worth the Time?

Every morning I eat oatmeal with granola. I usually throw some wild blueberries and almonds in there, too. It has become my favorite morning meal. It fills me up, keeps me energized, and is healthy. But what about the granola? Every day I am eating 1/3 cup of store bought granola and the bag only lasts a week at most. How much am I spending on this? What amount of added sugar am I consuming first thing in the morning? The answer is a lot.

Even on sale, the granola I purchase is $5.99 a bag when it's on sale. That's a minimum of $24 a month, but usually at least $30. Yes, the brand I buy is Gluten Free, 5 grain, Non-GMO, and relatively healthy by most standards, but I wasn't happy that I was consuming evaporated cane juice, glycerin, and canola oil every morning.

What is evaporated cane juice? Companies that make it will say it's a natural sweetener. Really, it's just sugar with a tad bit of the molasses still included. All sugar, because of the process that makes it, is evaporated cane juice. So really, it's just a fancier, healthier sounding way to say "processed sugar."

Glycerin is a filler. It's used as a sweetener and preservative. I wouldn't think it would be considered an ingredient for "clean eating." Besides, isn't that an ingredient in soap? Just because it is non-toxic doesn't mean it is edible or should be consumed.

Canola oil is not something I have done a lot of research on, but it seems to be a controversy. I prefer to use olive oil or coconut oil strictly for anti-inflammatory properties and health reasons. I don't avoid canola oil completely, but I figure if there is a controversy, there might be a reason to limit your consumption at the very least.

So, this led me to research Paleo homemade granola recipes. I wanted something that was similar to the flavor of the brand I buy (blueberry vanilla). I found a great recipe and it was really easy to make. You can find the original recipe here. My version is tweaked a bit. The original recipe was so large that it required two sheet pans. Not only do I not have two sheet pans, I am only one person and that much granola would go stale before I could eat it all. I cut the original recipe in half. Also included are directions to read as you go, because my pastry chef instructor would reprimand me as I did not read the whole recipe before starting. It's my way of helping you out so you don't make the same mistakes I made.

Pre-start tips:
1. Pull out all of your ingredients and measure them out.
2. Pre-heat oven to 325* and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. (I was out so I used wax paper which wasn't ideal, but it worked in a pinch)

Blueberry Vanilla Granola with Chocolate Chunks

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 25 min
Total Time: 40 min

Yield: 5 cups  

Ingredients

1/3 cup coconut oil
1/3 cup almond butter (I used cashew butter)
1/4 cup raw honey
1 teaspoon good-quality vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats (I use the GF oats from Trader Joe's)
3/4 cup raw sliced almonds
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt (I just used a few shakes as I try to keep things low sodium)
1 cup dried blueberries (I prefer the Steve's Paleo dried blueberries because they have no added sugar, but Whole Foods was out)
**1/8 - 1/4 cup at least 65% cacao dark chocolate chunks (I see this as optional) (I used Enjoy Life allergen-free chocolate chip minis)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F and line baking sheet with silicone baking mats or parchment paper. Set aside.

2. To a small saucepan, add just the coconut oil. Melt over medium-low heat.

3. Whisk in the almond (or another nut) butter, honey, and vanilla extract. Continue to whisk until melted and smooth. Turn the pan to low heat while you prepare your dry ingredients.

3. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, almonds, salt, and blueberries. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just moistened.

4. Pour the granola onto the baking sheet, spreading evenly.

Before spreading evenly in pan.

5. Bake the granola in the oven for 10-12 minutes and then give it a good stir.

6. Return to oven for an additional 10-12 minutes and bake until golden brown.

7. Remove granola from the oven and let it completely cool before transferring to an airtight container and stirring in the chocolate chips.

8. Store the granola in an airtight container for about two weeks.

This recipe turned out great. It's nice and crunchy with just the perfect amount of sweet. It's great for breakfast or a snack. I use this on top of my oatmeal every morning. As a snack, the chocolate chips are a fun added sweetness. However...if you are using it on top of oatmeal or in a bowl with almond milk for breakfast, I suggest you cut the chocolate chips. I add fresh blueberries to mine, so the chocolate is a little odd mixed in there.

I hope you all try this! It's a tasty recipe and has no added sugar, especially if you get the Paleo snacks dried blueberries with no added sugar and cut the chocolate chips. My verdict? DEFINITELY worth the time.

Sorry for the lack of pictures. I was so excited to make this granola that I only snapped one. Enjoy! Be healthy.

Nail Products: The Big Debate

First, I would like to apologize for the gap between posts. I am doing my best to get at least one post up a week but sometimes life gets in the way. The last few weeks have been busy and tough. Hopefully, I can get back on track now!

One of the biggest debates I have witnessed in the beauty industry is what kind of nail product or process is the best. People get VERY passionate about this subject. Honestly, I don't really prefer any one style. I like different methods for different reasons. I decided to help others by sharing my experience and thoughts on these four popular methods.

1. Jamberry

Jamberry vinyl nail wraps have a large variety of designs and even partner now with Disney, Marvel, Peanuts, the NBA, the NFL, and various charities. They are fairly easy to apply once you get the hang of it. You don't have to buy all the fancy extras to apply them either, most of what you need you already have at home. Nail scissors, a nail file, a blow dryer or heat source, and your thumb are all you need to put them on.

The downside to Jamberry is that good application and a solid seal are key to getting them to last and if you have curved or domed nails like I do, it can be a constant source of annoyance. Most people have flatter nails and can apply them correctly with no problems. I, however, have them lifting by the next day. After trying every trick I could find, the only thing that solved it was putting the clear gel polish (they have a gel LED system that is pretty good) over the wraps. The main problem with this trick is it's an extra step in a manicure that should be easy and quick to do. If the look and design are more important to you, then you will LOVE Jamberry nail wraps.

The biggest pros: No drying time and tons of cute designs.

The biggest con: Having to take them off carefully and properly with remover so you don't ruin your nail surface.

Cost: Inexpensive as one sheet of nails will get you a minimum of two manicures plus leftovers for a pedicure and accent nails. The cost of one sheet is $15 for most designs.

2. Incoco

Incoco 100% nail polish appliques are different than the brands of polish wraps you pick up at the drugstore. These are higher quality and last a lot longer (up to 14 days). Because the strips are delicate, it takes some practice to put them on without ripping them. They are dry polish strips with the base coat, polish coat, and top coat built in. So like vinyl wraps, they are instantly dry. They come in a variety of designs and solids.

My experience with Incoco nail polish appliques was fairly positive. I have experienced a couple of instances with application issues, but for the most part they were easy to apply, instantly dry, didn't lift or chip, and were easy to remove. However, don't open the package until you are ready to apply as the air dries them out. This is good when it's on your nails, not so good when it's still in the package.

The biggest pro: You can easily remove with nail polish remover.

The biggest con: Delicate and easy to rip when applying.

Cost: $8 a sheet but you can find older designs for 50% off on their website.

3. Nail Polish - OPI Infinite Shine

When it comes to nail polish, my nails chip 20 min after getting a manicure. It's been a challenge finding a polish that lasts longer than 24 hours before having to reapply. Then I found OPI Infinite Shine Gel Effects Lacquer System.

OPI has always been one of my top two polish brands. When I saw the Infinite Shine line I really wanted to try it as it claims to last up to 10 days with a "high def gel shine without the light." I was skeptical but intrigued. Step 1 is a base coat/primer, Step 2 is the color, and Step 3 is a thicker gel-like top coat. This system works very well for me. For the first time, I can go 5-6 days with no chips! If I do two coats of the color and two coats of the top coat it lasts even longer.

The biggest pro: Regular polish you can do at home that lasts longer than other polishes.

The biggest con: Still smells like polish with the harsh chemicals and takes five coats total and proper application to last a week.

Cost: $10-$12 a bottle but you get many applications from each. You also need the base coat primer and top coat.

4. Gel Polish - Salon or at home

Gel Polish is easily the winner when it comes to how long it lasts. However, you need to either buy a system to use at home or go to a salon and spend a minimum of $30. But if you are going on vacation or have a big event coming up, chances are this is the method you want.

Salons are moving to less harsh chemicals and lights that are LED vs UV to protect hands from the damage UV light can do to skin. The selection of colors and designs you can get are just like a regular manicure but last longer. If you have the money and the patience, it's worth a try. If you decide to buy a system to do at home, do your research. Some gel polishes only work with certain kinds of light and some polishes are stronger than others. If you like to do your nails all of the time and prefer gel polish, it might be worth the investment to find a great system you can use at home. The downside to doing this at home is the removal. It's a lot easier to have them remove the gel polish at the salon. Trust me, I have tried it at home many times in a lot of different ways and it's always a huge production and makes a mess.

The biggest pro: Instantly dry and you get a bit of a pampering if you go to a salon.

The biggest con: The cost

Cost: $30 a pop, minimum, plus tip. If you are doing this twice a month, you are easily spending $80.

So, there you have it! Different methods to try that are good or bad for contrasting reasons. There is one new method/product that I just heard about within the last week that I have yet to try. I have been seeing many posts on Instagram from beauty bloggers that are trying and promoting them. The brand is called Impress by Kiss. They are gel polish nails that are press-on but require no glue. Similar to the old Lee Press on Nails from the 80's maybe? I find that hilarious, but they seem interesting and I am intrigued by the concept. I plan on trying them soon. Have any of you tried them?

Anxiety: A Dibilitating Condition

Anxiety sucks.

It can suck the emotion, health, and joy out of your life. It can wear you out mentally and physically, keeping you from doing the things that you love, which sometimes makes you look like a flake to friends and family. Many people that don't have anxiety don't understand the impact it can have.

Imagine the thing that you are scared of the most is in front of you at all times. Scared of heights? Visualize you are standing on the edge of a cliff all day long. What does that do to your body? Scared of snakes? Envision one is following you around every minute of the day. Sometimes it will hide, you will forget about it, and the anxiety will subside, but that fear can return at any moment.

Anxiety can manifest itself in many different ways depending on the individual. For me, some days it's just a gentle "buzz" all over my body as if I were standing on top of a wood sander and the vibration is reverberating back into my body. It's similar to when you get the chills, the tingling all over, but it never leaves and you can't shake it off. Another day, it will be just my stomach, and the tightness and sourness will make me think I ate something bad or I am getting sick, but if I take anxiety medication it goes away. On the worst days, I get the buzz, the stomach upset, intestinal discomfort, shallow breathing, light headed/dizziness, and I am fatigued yet restless as if I drank 5 cups of espresso on an empty stomach. I will cry at the drop of a hat, with no trigger. A panic attack can add nausea and hyperventilation into the mix and the feeling of running away from whatever situation you are in as if a bus is barreling at you and you are desperate to get out of the way. Those days...those are the days you don't want to get out of bed. It's hard to call in to work "anxious". It's just not a viable excuse.

To combat anxiety, you have to combat the fight or flight response the body creates. When you come across a scary situation, your body automatically decides to fight or to run ("flight"). Well, with anxiety, that reaction happens for no reason at all. Sometimes there will be a trigger, such as a phobia or reminder of a traumatic event, but sometimes it will hit you out of nowhere. The key is to prevent it in the first place. Easier said than done.

There are some "key" tips that help prevent anxiety: exercise, regular meditation, breathing techniques, healthy eating, limit or omit caffeine and alcohol, and adequate sleep. The only one I have been able to keep up on consistently is no alcohol and limited caffeine. I feel that when I AM doing all of these things, my anxiety is lessened.

There are also foods that help with anxiety. For example, blueberries, chamomile tea, dark chocolate, avocado, and oatmeal all have a calming effect on the nervous system. Any foods that contain a decent amount of magnesium are sure to assist, as magnesium contributes to hundreds of reactions in the body and a deficiency in magnesium has been proven to be a contributing factor to increased anxiety. Magnesium supplements or magnesium drinks help drastically, especially if you are already super low in the mineral.

What do you do if anxiety hits you like a ton of bricks? Well, there are a couple of tricks that help lessen the effects, besides popping some Xanax.

1. Stop and breathe

Put those breathing techniques to work. I will usually stop and close my eyes (if I am not driving), take a deep, slow breath in while counting to 6, hold for 4 seconds, then blow out slowly through pursed lips as if blowing out a birthday candle for about 7-8 seconds. I repeat this rhythm until I find that my heart is slowing down and my breathing is under control.

2. Legs up the wall yoga pose (Viparita Karani)

If you have the ability to plop down on the floor at a moment's notice, this one helps dramatically for me. Lay down with your butt pushed up against the wall and your legs straight up. You will be in an "L" position in line with the floor and the wall. Put your hands on your stomach and practice the breathing technique above. Gravity works in your favor here. This allows the blood and flow of fluids to head back to your central body, helping to rebalance circulation. It will bring down your heart rate and can aid in controlling blood pressure.

3. Essential Oils

I personally prefer DoTerra brand, but just make sure it is a reputable brand that is certified therapeutic grade (DoTerra) or known to be 100% all natural (Plant Therapy). (Do not buy on Amazon as often times these are scams where they have diluted the oils and resealed the bottle). I use a few different oils for anxiety. Lavender is the most common and can be used aromatically, or put on wrists, temples, or on the bottom of the feet to help calm you. Frankincense is also a great one but can get pricey when you are purchasing a pure and proper oil. Right now Balance by DoTerra is helping me the most. I put this on the bottom of my feet and rub a few drops on the back of my neck and in 15 minutes I have usually calmed my nervous system. Bergamot is another fantastic oil to use for calming your system. I also have a diffuser in my office at work as well as in my bedroom at home. They keep the rooms smelling nice and help bring down my anxiety no matter what blend I use.

***Note: Balance does contain Blue Tansy which can leave a blue tint on the skin until you wash it off.
***If you want to purchase DoTerra, please contact me at hstarbBLOG@gmail.com.

4. Walk

That's it. Just walk. I take two walks a day while at the office. I put on my sneakers and get outside. The fresh air and movement help so much. I usually get in 10-15 min morning and afternoon. Exercise is key for prevention and helps calm anxiety in the moment, too.

5. Ear seeds

You are probably saying "What the heck are those?" I did too when my acupuncturist first suggested them for me. They are tiny seeds on a little piece of sticky tape that you place in your ear on the acupuncture/acupressure points that are associated with relieving anxiety. Once they are placed you can press on them to stimulate the point and calm your uneasiness. The first point is Shen Men, which is located at the top of the ear. The other point I use is the heart point. This one is a little harder to place. It is located in the deepest part of the ear. However, this website contains videos, diagrams, and different types of ear seeds for purchase.

When all else fails, or I am having a major panic attack, I have no choice but to take some rescue medication. However, if I follow all of the ideas above, I am usually on track.

Anxiety is the worst. It's something I battle with almost every day. But with proper education about how it manifests and how to calm it, we can live normal lives. I work with a doctor, an acupuncturist, and a naturopath for my anxiety. They all support my natural approach. Don't get me wrong, I still keep meds on hand for those days when I just can't kick it, but I wanted to share with others who might be suffering from this sometimes debilitating condition that there is hope.

***If you suffer from extreme anxiety or panic attacks, please see a doctor/psychiatrist. They can help enormously and not all of them are drug pushers. Find one that works for you and supports your natural approach to life.

Podcasts: My Top Three Favorites

For a couple of years now I have been obsessed with podcasts. I rarely listen to music, especially during my work day. I would much rather laugh, be distracted on slow days, or learn something new. Friends and family know that music is a big part of my life, so the fact that I have found something else to take its place at times is huge. I am always looking for new pods to add to my listening queue. I have fallen in love with these people, even following them all on social media. They have become a part of my work week as if they were friends and coworkers sharing an office with me. In the last year I have found myself always going to following three podcasts first.

1. Alison Rosen Is Your New Best Friend

I found Alison Rosen via "her former employer" (as he is so called now due to shady reasons), Adam Carolla. Alison was on his podcast doing the news. Through that, I found her personal podcast on his network. I became a huge fan and started listening religiously. Then when "things went down" (you will have to listen to back episodes to catch up) Alison took her show from his network and started producing it on her own. It's the best thing that ever happened to this podcast. I loved the podcast enough already but the new "Thursday gang" is better than before. 

Thursday's show is a panel of friends, comedians, and people in the entertainment industry. Alison's husband Daniel Quantz has been a great addition to the podcast, bringing in a funny and real dynamic between husband and wife. Jenna Kim Jones comes from the old Thursday gang, and I am so happy she stuck with Alison. She brought her husband, Allan Moss, commonly referred to as hashtag Al (#AL). The fifth spot is always rotating now even though we all miss Greg Heller as the comic relief and enjoy when he returns for a guest spot. Jeff Fox is the quiet producer, only chiming in here and there, usually to defend his love of cats or with an unexpected nugget of knowledge. The Thursday show has been called the Seinfeld of podcasts. It's fun, silly, and a whole lot of random, yet all about life and how we get through it. Alison is one of the most open and honest people. She really makes the listener feel like they are her best friend. She loves her fans and tries to interact with them as much as possible, even having a few segments dedicated to questions they send in. She makes the listener sense that they are not alone, no matter what they are going through. If you don't like real talk about life, bodily fluids, and fart jokes, this podcast is probably not a good fit for you.

Alison's Monday episode is a one on one interview style show. She brings on a variety of guests and dives deep into their lives in a way that doesn't seem intrusive, making the guests comfortable and willing to give information they don't give elsewhere. I have heard many a Monday guest say things like "wow, I have never said that on air" or "I don't usually talk about that" but yet they are relaxed enough when talking to Alison. She has had guests such as Mindy Cohn, Greg Fitzsimmons, James Gunn, and Rachel Bloom, just to name a few.

If you are looking for some fun to add to your day, check out Alison's podcast at her website here.

2. Sorry Not Sorry with Jenna Kim Jones

Jenna Kim Jones: clean stand-up comedian and lover of candy and snacks. I found this podcast through the one mentioned above (ARIYNBF). Jenna, like Alison, is a sweet and funny woman who really cares about her listeners. Her husband Al joins her in this almost-hour-long podcast where they talk about everything from the fun and trials of raising their daughter Samantha to what kind of new snacks are on the horizon. Jenna and Al are what some might call #relationshipgoals. Together Jenna and Al are the epitome of love, laughter, and true respect for each other. This is a light and fun podcast featuring the most adorable married couple ever. With funny moments that led to catch-phrases such as "quench the parch" and "city kitty," and segments like "what are we eating this weekend" and "today's win tweets," you have to check it out. She even has a segment called Dear Jenna, where listeners can write in and get advice or ask questions. Sometimes it is fun and silly and sometimes the questions are serious. Jenna and Al have such a healthy outlook on life and really look out for the well-being of others. They might think they aren't good at it, but if I ever have a problem that I need guidance from an outsider, you better believe I will be writing to Dear Jenna. They also try to do live tweet movie nights with the fans where they choose a movie as well as a hashtag and everyone starts the movie at the same time and live tweets about it. The movies are usually old and silly movies that can easily be made fun of but you secretly love; Mighty Ducks, Gremlins, Three Men and a Baby, You've Got Mail have all been movies that have been live tweeted. If you are looking for some good, clean fun, check out the Sorry Not Sorry podcast on Jenna's website here.

3. Hollywood Babble-On

Kevin Smith and Ralph Garman. That should be enough said. I have been a huge fan of Kevin Smith since his movie Clerks. This podcast, all about Hollywood, pop culture, and nerd news, was born out of a segment on KROQ (where Ralph does the entertainment news) where Kevin Smith came in as a guest. The chemistry between the two was instant and the Hollywood Babble-On podcast was born. This podcast is not for the feint of heart. It's dirty, ridiculous, and will have you laughing hysterically, as long as you are not easily offended. I have been to one live taping and it was one of the best times I have had. Their love of all things nerdy and mutual hate for Justin Bieber is just hilarious. With all the impressions Ralph can do, you never know what you are going to get each time you listen. Kevin is so sweet and sincere, yet dirty as all hell. You learn all about what is going on in the field of entertainment from two seriously funny guys. If you get a chance to check out their live tapings, I highly suggest it. I have a secret fantasy of getting married by Kevin Smith (who is legally ordained) who performs weddings sporadically for fans at the show who don't mind their vows being the Green Lantern Oath. Now I just need to find that man that wouldn't mind it. If you love to laugh, hearing nerd news, finding out the entertainment goings-on, and dirty genitalia jokes, you will love Hollywood Babble-On. Check out their website here.

Some special mentions:
Edumacation - another Kevin Smith podcast with his friend Andy McElfresh where you learn new and interesting strange facts.
Stuff You Should Know - a learning podcast with hosts Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant who take a topic and teach you everything they can about it.
Doug Loves Movies - a movie game show podcast hosted by Doug Benson with comedian and actor guests who play games about movies.
Throwing Shade -  a hilarious "political" podcast with Erin Gibson and Bryan Safi that focuses on females as well as the gay community and what is going on in the world. They also have a TV show on TVLand.

Have fun discovering and happy listening!

Staycation: My Canceled Vacation Turned Local Relaxation

There is something super disappointing about planning a well-deserved and needed trip somewhere only to have it canceled/postponed due to weather; weather we don't usually get in California. Of course, because I am a planner (lists and extensive research about places I want to go and see are more common than not), the storms decided to ruin that. Now, that seems silly to most people in the US and probably the rest of the world, however, California has been in a drought for years and this last weekend experienced record rainfall in a 24-hour period and mild hurricane force winds. So....road trip canceled.

Doing nothing instead was not an option. I had prepared for a weekend away. I NEEDED at least a night away for quiet and relaxation, to just recharge. I had an extra day to do something fun on this long weekend. So, I booked a room at the fancy Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa and looked for something to do in Orange County before staying the night there. 

Recently I had come across the fact that the Orange County Museum of Art was in Newport Beach. I had always assumed it was in Santa Ana with some of the other museums in Orange County. Upon further research, I found that OCMA also had a current pop culture exhibit featuring some pieces from Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. I was sold. I also realized that Fridays are free at OCMA. Which...is probably a good thing.

The Orange County Museum of Art is located just next to—or behind—Fashion Island in Newport Beach. It's not exactly easy to find. I drove past it once and because of the streets there, had to circle around the block and come back to turn in the proper driveway. The main entrance is not clearly marked. I saw more than one person try to go through the first double doors past the driveway entrance and be pointed in the right direction (which, for them, ended up being a walk in the rain with no umbrella). These doors DO look like they are the main entrance and if not for seeing those people make that mistake, I would have tried to enter there myself.

The museum is very small. When you enter, there are two small exhibit rooms to the left and the main exhibit halls are on the right. Being that these are modern art and pop culture exhibits, I had some idea of what I was in for. Even though I was an art history major, and I can appreciate all kinds of art, some of it just makes me go "Huh? Why?" These were the rooms on the left. I quickly made my way to the main exhibit after walking through those rooms. I found these pieces a lot more fascinating, with funky furniture, posters and paintings with a comic book feel, and the ever-famous Warhol prints. There are a few of his serigraph pieces (the cow wallpaper and one from the Mao series), and some of his Campbell's soup art. It was amazing to see these in person as they have been so widely publicized and reproduced over the years. To see originals was quite stunning. However, one of my favorite pieces at the museum had to be a Superman comic book from 1941 that was on display because of the art and artist on the cover but excited me because it was the original full book inside that plexiglass case.  

I made it through the whole museum in about 45 min, and I went through the main exhibit twice. If you enjoy seeing pop culture art in an intimate setting, I suggest going. Go on a Friday when the admission is free and there are extended hours and put a small donation in the donation box. Admission is $10 on other days and, in my opinion, isn't really worth it unless you love modern art.

After leaving the museum for a quick jaunt to Fashion Island for lunch and shopping in the rain and wind gusts, I decided to just head up to my hotel. The short yet scenic drive up Pacific Coast Highway was interesting with the streets beginning to flood. Luckily this 4-star hotel has a covered valet area that leads straight to the main lobby and check-in.

The hotel is beautiful, with a grand foyer and a feel of elegance dripping off of the chandeliers. With the rain and the wind the way they were, I didn't get to explore the grounds as much as I would have liked. Every person on the staff that I came in contact with, from the front desk check-in to the room service on the phone, were all incredibly nice and helpful. They even had complimentary umbrellas for use when you had to cross a courtyard outside. I had access to the Hyatt Regency Club which was nice for an afternoon tea and snack as well as morning coffee that tasted incredible. They have an automatic espresso machine that unfortunately only has regular whole milk. There were waters, sodas, tea, coffee, and afternoon snacks of nuts, fruit, and cookies. In the morning they had a full continental breakfast. I chose to order room service as they had some great Gluten Free options including a pastry trio basket which you can never find at hotels. The staff was also very knowledgeable about gluten and food allergens in general. This put my mind at ease.

The food was great, the people were great, and the private balcony made for a nice breakfast outside when there was a break in the rain. My view was great, but having a 3rd-floor ocean front room with growing palm trees below, lent itself to a view that is beginning to be compromised. Poor planning on the landscaper's part. My only other complaint besides the growing palm trees beginning to block the view was... the very comfortable bed had no blanket, only a down comforter. Which, to some is fantastic. To me, a broiling oven. I woke up multiple times drenched in sweat and the only thing I could do was turn down the A/C as far as it would go to offset the heat in the bed. I should have called down for a regular blanket, but it was the middle of the night and I had taken a sleeping pill. So, either bring a blanket or call down for one before you retire for the evening!

All in all, the quiet, ocean view room with the large tub that actually allowed me to cover both my boobs and knees in water at the same time (a woman's bucket list dream) was worth it. Expensive, but worth it. I was able to relax in a quiet space and recharge. I highly recommend the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach. Next time I hope to be there in better weather and be able to visit their fantastic spa facilities. Maybe I will have to take a trip back up there just to go to the spa.

ELF: Where Have You Been All Of My Life??

I was sort of a late bloomer when it comes to makeup, fashion, and beauty in general. Maybe it's the fact that I grew up in the 90's grunge era when flannels and Birkenstocks were kings. (Which, to be honest, was a hell of a lot easier than teenagers have it with trends these days).

Makeup, especially, was not something I was way into. I am sure the fact that I was a dancer and performer and spent Friday nights and all day Saturdays in stage makeup for all four years of high school, had something to do with that. I was also never taught the proper way to apply basic makeup. I learned from those around me, and from what I had to do for dance and colorguard. Fast forward to college when it was the mid 90's and burgundy lips outlined in black were all the rage. **cringe** Then...then I turned 40.

I have spent the majority of my adult years in minimal or no makeup. Then the big 4-0 happened and I suddenly got obsessed. It all started when I wanted to learn how to do better eye shadow and started searching YouTube for tutorials. I was sick in bed one weekend and I spent HOURS on YouTube. Then I found JamBeauty89. Sweet Jessica Braun. Her face always looks flawless and her reviews of products are so honest. She's adorable and I now feel like she's my little sister, waiting anxiously for her next video. I saw a video of her talking about a line I had never heard about before, ELF Cosmetics. It's because of her that I am now obsessed with ELF.

I found that Target now carried ELF, so I went and purchased a couple of items that Jessica had talked about on her channel. Then the spiral happened. I can't even tell you how many ELF products I now own. It is by far the best inexpensive cosmetics line I have ever used. Most of their products are hits, but there are some products that are misses. The price is so cheap, though, that I never feel bad for having spent the money to try a product that turns out to be a dud. The majority of their products are truly AMAZING. (Makeup and brushes ranging from $1-$12, with the majority of products in the $3-$6 range).

The first product from ELF I would recommend is their Flawless Finish Foundation. I have had numerous compliments on my face and makeup when I wear this foundation. I have really sensitive skin and this is the first drugstore brand that I have been able to wear without breakouts or skin irritations. I usually use a beauty blender or this Beautifully Precise Multi Blender by ELF to create a blended application. 

The second product from ELF I would recommend is from their skin care line: the Hydrating Bubble Mask. It's become a weekly ritual for me. It's kind of a weird sensation, tingling a bit when the bubbles start to form, but my skin never feels cleaner and softer than it does after I use this. Men and women both will love this mask. Plus, it's a fun way to spend a quiet evening at home.

It's been hard to choose the last product because I could write about dozens of their products I love, but, I will recommend their bronzer. I had the one in warm, but I used it all up and need to repurchase. I used it every single day until it was gone. It was such a subtle and gorgeous glow to the skin, making this California girl still "sun-kissed" in the fall and winter months.

Jessica started my obsession with ELF Cosmetics, which then led to my obsession with everything else she recommends. That led me to other YouTubers and other brands that I now love. Too Faced and Tarte have become favorites of mine as well. 

So, if you are just starting out with this beauty thing like I was, or if you just need a change, I highly recommend ELF. It's also great if you have a teen that is just starting out their journey into the cosmetics world and wants to try different products. I also highly recommend checking out Jessica's channel. I have learned so much about beauty and products from her. If you want some other recommendations, let me know in the comments. Happy shopping! .....and sorry not sorry about your impending obsession.