Because I'm Over This Year, Here's How I'm Getting Positive

This post has been sponsored by the PRIMP Network. All opinions are my own. 

Y'all, 2017 has been a doozy. Was it for you as well? I always say odd numbered years are bad luck for me, and this one has proven to be just that. Just this year I've dealt with depression, anxiety, a beloved job ending, various health issues, and more. It was enough to make me crawl into a hole.

But y'all, I can't live in the negative. That "poor me" attitude had to go. And that's when I decided to partake in the 21 Days of Positivity challenge. I found out about it through Pamprin.




In case you haven't tried it, Pamprin Multi-Symptom contains three active ingredients: an antihistamine to relieve irritability, a diuretic to fight against bloating and water weight gain, and a pain reliever to alleviate cramps. I get mine at Walmart.

I like it because Pamprin Multi-Symptom has the same strength as Extra Strength Tylenol PLUS the added benefits of fighting against bloating and irritability.

Pamprin allows me to pamper myself during my period. And self-care is important, y'all! And speaking of self-care, that's where the 21 Days of Positivity comes in:

I'm already kicking off the new year with these positive changes! This is the BEST idea. Simply repeat all 7 days for 3 weeks. They say it takes 21 days to make a habit, and this is a great start. I keep my card on my mirror in my bathroom. These are easy little changes to incorporate into my day. 

Here's an example, say, of Day 3: I have so many things to be thankful for! I lost 40 pounds, I got healthy after being sick with the flu and pneumonia, a new job that I am in love with, and I've gotten so much support over my anxiety. 

I can't wait for 2018! I can't wait for more positivity! Will you take the challenge?

How I'm Surviving The Homestretch of the Holidays

This post has been sponsored by the PRIMP Network. All opinions are my own. 

Okay y'all, what is up with this year? It's one that I want to have end, for a million and no reasons at all. I feel ridiculous sharing my problems on here when other are in worse predicaments than I am and how lucky I am, but isn't that always how it is? But I'm feeling so hopeful about things to come.

But first, the holidays.

Ah yes, those. We're nearing the finish line, friends. 

I'll be honest here--I'm not one of those who has a lovely curated list of presents that I shop for year 'round. Nor do I have the presents wrapped months in advance. I'm kind of a OMG-IT'S-DECEMBER kind of girl. Exhibit A:

So if you're in the same boat, dealing with holiday stress (that dang Elf on a Shelf is enough for a holiday breakdown right there), let me offer you a few of my tips:

Self-Care...trust me on this.

We're so busy taking care of everyone else, that we forget ourselves. Especially around the holidays. Does this sound familiar or what?

In a perfect world, we'd have time for a bubble bath to relax away all of those stresses, right? But for me, using body butter changes everything. It's thicker than lotion, and let's face it, it's colder out there and your body needs that little something extra. Speaking of extra, I actually MADE the hot cocoa body butters pictured above. If you want to try this RIDICULOUSLY EASY DIY for yourself (it's really easy, y'all) click here.

Another step of self-care is stopping those pesky breakouts. Oh you know those stress-zits, as I call them, that just loveeee to pop up around the holidays. And in all of the holiday party pictures. And when you see family you haven't seen all year. Or, if you're like me, you'll run into everyone you know when you visit your hometown. But seriously, get the ZAPZYT Acne Wash Cleanser (I get mine at Walmart, while I'm picking up MORE tape and wrapping paper). It's oil and alcohol-free. I love it because it contains aloe and chamomile, which soothe skin. I use it with the scrub and the ZAPZYT Acne Gel. I use it twice daily. And did I mention it's satisfaction guaranteed?

So those are two easy ways that I survive the homestretch of the the holidays. What do you do?

Is Rihanna's Stunna Lip Kiss Proof? FENTY BEAUTY BY Stunna Lip Paint Longwear Fluid Lip Color Review

Well, look who's back? Me! So let's talk--how have you been? I've been WONDERFUL. And I am SO ready for this year to end. So ready.

But first--the holidays! I can't go through the holidays (or really a week) without a red lip. Red lipsticks are my shopping weakness, y'all, so it was a given I had to try out Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Stunna Lip Paint, available at Sephora. Singer Rihanna's Fenty Beauty line has been flying off the shelves at Sephora. Have you tried it?


So yeah, I love a red, but why did I get this one?

Rihanna wanted a universal red, something that looked great on ALL skin tones.

She wanted something feels light on the lips, not an easy task for a matte lipstick, as most are drying.

She also wanted a long-wearing lipstick, and thus (side note: who uses "thus"? Me!) this fluid lip to matte was born.

$24, Sephora (YES I think that's a ridiculous price)

Cruelty-free

Unscented

And what really piqued my interest? Rihanna said, "I wanted a lipstick that wouldn't budge—even as you eat, even as you make out,” I had to try it.

More on that in a minute! Let's get to the swatch:

So the consistency is liquid to matte. It doesn't take too long to dry. I did have some initial transfer, but not anything too drastic.

It's easy to wear and feels very light on the lips and not drying. I would say it's a true red, more like a traditional red. It is VERY VIVID on. You will definitely be noticed wearing this.

The application, to me, is not that easy. The applicator isn't too hard to work with, but the liquid consistency might make it difficult for the occasion red lip wearer.

Speaking of wearing, here it is on! I would highly recommend using a lip liner, which I did not use because I wanted you to see what it looks like without it.


BUT is it kiss-proof?

Um no. 

Not even close.

Eating with it I had transfer too, but it really seemed to stay on and stain the lips. But it didn't last 12 hours as I'd heard.

Overall, it's a pretty red, I love the formula, and great for those who don't love a dry matte lip. Reviews online boast of it's kiss/eating/longlasting-ness of it, but I didn't encounter that. I'm glad I tried it though, but I still prefer my orange-reds.

Would you try this?

Have you tried anything from Rihanna's line?

PS: I'm featured TWICE on MSN--click here for 88 DIY Stocking Stuffers