I have always been an active person, though usually that meant dance class or yoga. I played sports in school, but I always hated running. Seriously? You want me to silently run in circles until I've gone a mile? Whoopie.... Well, this year I decided to push myself and try something new. Guess what? I actually do like running! I am shocked actually, but one of my 30 things to do before I turn 30 was to run a 5k. I discovered that if I have music and a path that doesn't just take me in circles like a hamster, I have fun! This is me after my first 5k, the Run or Dye in San Diego. Since then I have run the Idyllwild 5k and continue to run once or twice a week, in addition to my normal workouts. One thing I notice that keeps me hydrated and feeling good for a run is Synergy Black Chia Kombucha. Kombucha has a tendency to have a strong, footy taste, but the black chia is so nice and smooth. Chia is supposed to help runners with endurance; the research on that is still young, but I feel a difference when I drink this. Mmmmm....delicious probiotics.
Alright, so this blog is mostly dedicated to the things in life that are fun and interesting. However, this one item in my influenster Something Blue Box needs to be addressed, as I have a very strong view point on this issue. While I appreciate the thought, it makes me sad that this trend of the diamond engagement ring continues with complete disregard for consequences.
Included in the box was a brochure with discounted diamond rings, but come on ladies, we all know this is ridiculous trend right? Apparently not. The Atlantic published an article about the history of diamond ring, the whole article can be found here, but in summation it explains that the diamond ring is basically collateral in a loan where the bride is the object on loan. When a groom to be has made an investment on a ring, he is making a promise that he will fulfill if he doesn't want to lose money. If the man doesn't follow through with the agreement, the woman leaves the deal with a shiny little something. So fine, you say, what if I like diamonds and I like the idea of being property on loan? What if I like having my worth measured by my intact virginity? Do you know where diamonds come from? I don't mean how they are formed inside the earth either. What are the politics involved in mining and selling them?
Here is an excerpt from Brilliant Earth, that discusses the origin of most diamonds:
It’s become well-known among diamond consumers that many diamonds
have histories tied to violence and human suffering. But most people
looking for a diamond never receive any more information than this basic
word of advice: avoid buying a “blood” or “conflict” diamond.
That advice is well-intentioned, but it’s not always enough. The
truth is, many so-called “conflict free” diamonds are not actually free
from bloodshed and other serious injustices including child labor,
worker exploitation, and sexual violence.
How is it that reputable jewelers could be misleading customers
about such serious issues? Why isn’t the diamond industry being held
accountable to a higher standard? The simple answer is that the industry
has done a masterful job of setting the terms of the debate – and of
encouraging any discussion about blood diamonds to end before it even
starts.
But if you want a more complete answer, it’s helpful to take a
deeper look at what happens in jewelry stores, at the history of the
blood diamond issue, and at how the diamond industry developed a
marketing strategy that misleads consumers and makes real change a
challenge.
There is ample information about blood diamonds online, and the Amnesty International website has lots of information about them.
Finally, if you need a more persuasive argument against diamond engagement rings, I present to you Henry Rollins:
What about my ring? Elton gave me an antique family heirloom with a square cut amethyst; it can be seen in this post. My ring is beautiful, meaningful, and shows Elton's dedication and love without making me feel like piece of property on loan. Maybe I'm unusual, but if I knew that the bling on my hand cost someone their life, I couldn't be comfortable with myself or my jewelry choice.
Well hello there Birchbox for June ;) This box has definitely made up for last month's Birchbox. The dry shampoo is nice, though the instructions are all in French so I hope I'm using it correctly; I took French in high school and college, but really don't know that I'm all that good at translating beauty instructions. I like the lack of strong scent though, it's simple and refreshing. The face scrub is fantastic, and I will probably be buying it in a full size; it smells like lemon Theraflu, which is not unpleasant, but leaves my skin so soft. The lip crayon is a super bright pink that I probably wouldn't have purchased myself, but I actually like a lot. The nail polish is nice, though I suck at painting my nails, so it may be awhile before I use it. Seriously, I like everything about this month! Thank you Birchbox!
"I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes."
My first influenster box came! It is full of fun things that are supposed to help me plan my wedding. Some of it is pretty sweet, some of it is just okay, but all of it is exciting; mail is always exciting. So far my favorite item is the Luster Now! Instant Whitening Toothpaste. I don't know about the "instant white" claim, but I do notice a change in my teeth brightness. The paste itself is a bright blue, which is described as "Bluverite," a formula to boost the optical effect of bright white teeth. Most importantly for a toothpaste, it leaves my my mouth feeling amazingly fresh and clean.
I have to admit something, I am new to the beauty subscription box; I know, how could I have missed the bandwagon on fun sample sized products delivered to your door every month? I started with the Birchbox last month; the one for May was sort of meh; interesting, but nothing so amazing that I even forgot to take a picture of it. So after hearing about a slightly more luxurious sample box, Glossybox, I subscribed to that too. I cheated though, and checked Instagram to see what people had received for May. Once again it all looked sort of meh for May, but the previous months looked like they had some good stuff. So I signed up for that too, not realizing that my subscription would start with the May box. Seriously? The serum was nice, the mask was fun, but everything else kind of um....sucks. I don't wax, I don't use gel in my hair, the fragrance sample is kind of vomit inducing, and the lipstick/gloss combo is a color that gives me mannequin lips. Why did I pay $21 for this? Hopefully June will be better.
One of my favorite books of the year is 'Drinking with Men' by Rosie Schaap; Rosie also writes the monthly "Drink" column for The New York Times Magazine. While I am a beer fan myself, this book is not about alcohol consumption, it is a memoir that is much more about the culture of a good bar. The people Rosie meets and the bars she stumbles upon all have unique personalities that seem to blend into the events of her life. Her perspective is unique and refreshing, and the journey from her fortune telling youth to her experiences as a chaplain for the Red Cross in New York during the aftermath of 9/11 are engrossing. For those who have extra time to read during the summer, or for those who never seem to stop reading, I highly recommend 'Drinking with Men.'
Also on my list of favorites is this ring that Elton (aka The Hoser, aka my fiance) gave me for my birthday, but my nails are never pretty enough to photograph with it. I got a manicure today, and my hand suddenly seems too pretty to ignore. Just look at that gorgeous family heirloom <3
Tarte is one of my favorite makeup brands; they use natural ingredients in all of their products, which makes them a dream for my sensitive skin. Tarte has also mastered the art of beautiful package design. Case in point, the latest seasonal pallet based on the synchronized swimming entertainers The Aqualillies. I have been using this pallet for about a month now. The idea is that the whole collection, available here, is water proof. I have not tested this claim, though I have worn it during humid conditions.
The pallet consists of a blush, a highlighter, a bronzer, and six eye shadows. As with other Tarte formulas, the powders have a soft texture and a dense pigmentation. I love the natural, glowy, look these shades give me. I have heard complaints that there isn't enough variety in the pallet, as the bronzer and one of the shadows are really close in color; I have to agree with that statement, though the bronzer is slightly darker than the eyeshadow. It's a fun pallet to use though, and since that is my one complaint I have to recommend this; it's a wonderful summer pallet.
