Month: August 2015

Living Your Life

by Rachel Barkules

priorities

“I don’t have time” really means “it’s not a priority”

I am a big believer in prioritizing my life and spending my time and energy where it is most important.  Every month or two I sit down and think about what is the most important to me.  Then I analyze my life to make sure I am spending my time and energy in the correct place.

Without having these honest conversations with yourself it’s easy to get busy in life and go thru on “auto pilot”.  It’s easy to say your kids or your spouse is the most important to you, but are your actions showing it?  Actions always speak louder than words.

I make a conscience decision to put my kids and husband first before anything or anyone.  This means if I want to spend quality time with my kids instead of cleaning my house, I do it.  And if someone shows up at my house and sees it dirty, I don’t care because I know I spent my time where it matters most to me.

For me, this means having strict boundaries with my phone.  My phone can be a huge distraction if it is at arms length.  I always put my phone away during family quality time; this includes all meals, bedtime, after school and any time I want to give my family undivided attention.  During date nights with my husband I only check my phone in case the babysitter called, and for nothing else.
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Grey & Black Stripe

by Rachel Barkules

Express Top / Frame Denim / Peep Toe Booties (similar) / Rebecca Minkoff ‘Love’ Bag / Marc by Marc Jacobs Earrings / Michael Michael Kors Sunglasses / MAC ‘Chatterbox’ Lipstick

I got this tunic tee last week and I’m almost embarrassed to admit how much I have been wearing it (almost every day!).  I heard about this new line of ultra soft tees that Express came out with called One Eleven.  They did not disappoint!  The tops are seriously the softest things I have ever felt!!!!  I was worried that they would pill right away because of the ultra softness of the fabric, but they do not.  I also got this hoodie that you saw me wearing in this Instagram picture.

I know I don’t talk about casual/weekend wear to often on my blog.  But tees and comfy tops is something we all wear and need.  So I had to share these tops because they are the softest, most comfortable to wear and at a great price!

Let me know if you are interested in my posting more casual looks similar to this one.  I wear outfits like this a lot but never post them.  But I will start if you want to see :)  Have a great weekend!!!!
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GLAMGLOW Flashmud Brightening Treatment

by Rachel Barkules

GLAMGLOW FlashMud Brightening Treatment

I have always been a fan of GlamGlow masks.  I think they work amazingly and deliver great results to the skin.  Naturally, I was so excited when I saw they came out with a new one.  The new one is Flashmud Brightening Treatment.  Or if you are like me I call them by their color, this is the orange one.

Here is what Flashmud Brightening Treatment does for the skin:

  • Brightens, lightens skin
  • Creates most luminous, younger looking skin possible
  • Color-balanced & evens skintone
  • Skin appears more radiant & attractive

The directions say to use it on pre-exfoliated skin 3 days in a row when you first get it, then 2-3 times a week to maintain results.  I used the mask as directed 3 nights in a row before bed.  I would definitely use it on pre-exfoliated skin as directed as this is a little rough and will exfoliate your skin.  Leave it on for a minimum of 20 minutes then wash it off with warm water.

This mask may leave your skin a little red, so I recommend using it before bed.  The first time I used it I noticed minimal results.  The 2nd night I noticed a lot more results.  But I did notice my skin was feeling dry after using it 2 nights in a row.  Keep in mind my skin is very dry.  The 3rd night of using it I followed with Fresh Rose Face Mask (a moisturizing mask).  The combination of the 2 masks left my skin amazing!!

Results I noticed on my skin:

  • More even skintone
  • Brighter, more radiant skin
  • Natural, glow from within appearance
  • Lightening of dark spots

This mask works on all skin types.  If you are dry like me this mask may dry you out a little.  Using a moisturizing mask after will give you the best results.

If you are looking for a mask that brightens the skin I have not used one that compares to GlamGlow Flashmud Brightening Treatment!!!

Forever Summer

by Rachel Barkules

summer lovin

Lush Dress (on sale) / Loeffler Randall Sandals / Rebecca Minkoff Bag / MAC ‘Chatterbox’ Lipstick

Summer is my favorite time of year.  I love hot summer days, warm summer nights, staying up late, catching fireflies, running around barefoot, everything at a slower pace, living in swimsuits and sundresses.  The thing I love most about summer is I get to spend every day with my kids.

I love having them crawl into my bed every morning and wake me up with kisses and snuggles and “I love you Mommy”.  I love making breakfast and staying in our pj’s as long as we want because we don’t have a schedule to keep.  I love letting my house get messy because we are having too much fun to take the time to clean.  I wish I could live in an endless summer of fun, giggling and eating ice cream cones.
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