I am a great lover of books, and those that inspire mindfulness and big life changes are always captivating reads. This collection of life changing books to read will make you re-evaluate your life, perhaps see things from a different point of view, take charge of your dreams, and make the most of your time.

1.  4 Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss

Have you always dreamed of ditching your 9-5 job and pursuing a career that doesn’t require you to be in the office? Timothy Ferriss is a (controversial) guest lecturer at the University of Princeton who has spent the last five years pursuing hi own dreams and goals, cultivating a life where he works to live, instead of living to work. If you’re stuck in your job, drowning in the cubicle life, this book is your life raft.

2.  The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

Randy Pausch was a computer science professor at Carnegie Melon University. He took part in one of the university traditions of giving a lecture upon the presence that it was your last chance to talk to your students: except for Professor Pausch, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given only a few months to live, it really was his last lecture. Captured in this book is the sincerity of the professor’s last lecture, caught on tape and transformed into an anecdotal memoir that inspires you to live for a purpose and chase your dreams.

3.  35 Dumb Things Well-Intended People Say by Maura Cullen

Even the title makes me smile, because I know that, even with the best intentions, I often put my foot in my mouth. A simple guide on how to engage in dialogue with those who are different from you, this book embraces the idea of “intent versus impact.” If you’ve ever wanted to bridge the gap of diversity with your dialogue, this is an essential guide to becoming more inclusive with your language (and hopefully your life).

4.  Daring Greatly by Dr. Brené Brown

Dr. Brené Brown  has spent the last thirteen years studying vulnerability, courage, worthiness, and shame. Have you every thought to be open and honest about your vulnerability? To share when you are feeling raw? Whether you’re starting a new relationship, dreading a difficult conversation with a family member, or need that push to get up and lead an important meeting, Dr. Brené Brown wants you to embrace your vulnerability and use it as a tool in your arsenal. Because seeing your vulnerability as a strength, and not a weakness, will have a big impact on how you live your life and interact with those around you.

5.  A Million Miles In A Thousand Years by Donald Miller

After writing a best-selling memoir, Donald Miller is given the opportunity to bring his book to life as a film. There’s just one problem: Donald doesn’t like the way his narrative is played out. So Donald sets out to change his life and lead a better story. This novel inspired me to take a look at my own life and ask: if my life is a story, am I living a good one? Be careful: after reading this, you just might start having adventures of your own.

6.  When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

A fascinating book about how your mindset changes when your future is no longer certain. An unforgettable, life-affirming reflection on the challenge of facing mortality and on the relationship between doctor and patient, from a gifted writer who became both, Paul Kalanithi was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer and went from living his life to fighting for it, from planning his future to living solidly in the present. His story, of carrying on in the face of great adversity, and making a virtuous and meaningful life, is one we can all learn from.

7.  Thirteen Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do by Amy Morin

As a licensed clinical social worker, college psychology instructor, and psychotherapist, Amy Morin wrote an article that went viral and was picked up by Forbes magazine. The article (now the book) focuses on the challenges people can overcome by relying on their mental strength and focusing on the positives, and strategies you can use to avoid habitual decisions that can hold you back in life.

8.  How To Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie

Practical formulas that you can put into action to eliminate debilitating fear and worry and start living a life of happiness. “Fascinating to read and easy to apply,” use this book to find some life changing ideas.

9.  Finding Your Element: How to Discover Your Talents and Passions and Transform Your Life by Ken Robinson

Sir Ken Robinson is an internationally recognized leader in the development of innovation. Although the title might sound a little new age-y, the book is all about finding your passion, discovering it or unearthing it once more, and following it fearlessly to make you happy.

10.  The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun

by Gretchen Rubin

Gretchen Rubin gives a lively and compelling account of a year in her life where she dedicates her time to her happiness project, “test-driving the wisdom of the ages, current scientific research, and lessons from popular culture about how to be happier.”

What books have you read that have inspired you to change the way you live your life?

{This blog post is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the brands or businesses mentioned in this post.}

We all know budgets are helpful, especially if you struggle with impulse shopping, or have a habit of going to the supermarket for one item and leaving with a cart full.

And there are tons of advice articles and listicles that give you formulas to follow, from spreadsheets to pie charts.

But many people make the mistake of living by the example, and with budgets, it’s important to remember that sometimes you’re the exception, and not the rule.

You need to ask yourself: what’s the best way to create a budget that works for my lifestyle?

Don’t make the mistake of creating a budget for the life that you think you should be living – one for the super frugal coupon shopper or the extravagant spender – but for the life you are currently living. With some wiggle room, of course.

1.  Not having an emergency fund.

This is the most important part of budgeting.

You want to make sure that, whatever happens, you don’t dip into these savings because you’ve decided to splurge on a holiday or a new wardrobe.

This is for pet hospital bills, actual hospital bills, mechanic costs for fender benders, etc.

The recommended amount for an emergency fund is usually two months pay, so whether you deposit this cash into your savings immediately or chip away at your weekly/bi-weekly paycheck until you have this saved up, this is an important step of budgeting.

And if you do have to use this money, make sure you save it back up again, however long it takes.

Better to be saving in the long term, than panicked in the moment!

2.  Not saving for the future.

This is money you should be putting away after (or during) saving for your emergency fund.

Whether you’re putting money into your retirement account, a savings account, or hiding it in your mattress (not recommended), saving for the future means you’re keeping your best interests in mind.

Whether you want to put aside some money for retirement, your kid’s college funds, an extension on the house, or that dream vacation you’ve always wanted, your rainy day fund should be slowly building up, safe from daily spending and rash credit card swipes.

Use automatic deposits that pull from your checking account, or use a round-up system that saves for every dollar you spend. Cents add up quickly!

3.  Not planning for the worst.

There’s nothing worse than assuming you’re bills will come out low, and being proved wrong.

Whether it’s high heating costs, your monthly auto insurance payment going up, or your kid leaving every light in the house on while you’re away for the weekend, high bills can sneak up on you.

It’s best to budget high, and have money left over, than it is to low-ball your bills and have to constantly tweak your budget to fit.

Always expect to pay more for heating in the winter and electricity in the summer (thank you air conditioning).

Better yet, install a meter that lets you know how much your energy output is costing you, and adjust accordingly.

4.  Not leaving wiggle room.

Life shouldn’t always be about pinching pennies. “Work hard, play hard” is a mantra we all should follow, because if we’re only living to work, and not working to live, we’re not enjoying life to the fullest. So make sure your budget isn’t all about bills, mortgages, and retirement accounts (although these are important too).

I only know one person who enjoys making budgets, and she is really experienced in spreadsheets.

The rest of us find it a chore, or worse, depressing, when we see how much we’re in the red every month, or how little we have to spend on fun stuff like nights our or spa days or ice cream trips with the kids.

The best way around this?

Find a budgeting app, like Every Dollar Budget App, that takes the stress out of budgeting. Created by Dave Ramsey, this nifty app shows you how to create a budget and plan ahead, with no complicated spreadsheets, and easy accessibility straight from your phone. Other great apps include Qapital and Mint. So stop stressing, and start saving!

{This blog post is not affiliated with or sponsored by any of the brands or businesses in this post.}

Featured image via Stocksnap

Did you know that your skin is your body’s largest organ?

It is your body’s barrier to the world, and the first point of contact for germs, pollution, and UV rays.

Your skin plays a key role in protecting against these harmful outside influences, while also helping to regulate your body’s temperature, insulate your from the environment, prevent excessive water loss, host the nerve endings that help you feel and experience the world around you, and more.

But our skin is often the most neglected part of our beauty regime (and our most abused organ too)!

How often have your rushed out the door without sunscreen, or skipped moisturizing after a shower?

It’s so easy to care for your skin properly, but the first step to a good regime is knowing what’s true and what’s false when it comes to skincare.

1.  Myth: Washing my face with water and a washcloth is just as effective as any cleanser.

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that we cleanse our faces twice a day (and after sweating) using a gentle cleansing solution. Sadly, water and a washcloth will not remove the layer of dead skin, bacteria, and dirt that have built up on your skin throughout the day. A cleanser that suits your skin type will be much more effective in cleansing your skin than a simple rinse with water.

2.  Myth: I only need to clean my face once a day.

While it may seem unnecessary to wash your face twice a day, it’s actually an important habit to get into. Your skin repairs itself overnight, so cleansing your face before you go to bed creates a clean canvas for your body to work with. And washing your face in the morning primes your face for the day ahead, removing any dirt or dead skin cells that may have collected while you slept.

3.  Myth: Exfoliation is too damaging to my skin. If I have sensitive skin, I definitely shouldn’t exfoliate.

Exfoliating with harsh soaps can be damaging to the skin, as some contain ingredients that actually scratch or cut your skin as you use them – not what you want from a face wash! But it’s important not to skip this step in your routine, as exfoliation helps your skin shed dead cells and dirt while increasing circulation, which brightens skins appearance and reveals fresher, softer skin.

If you have sensitive skin, the trick is to only exfoliate once a week, using a very gentle product. I have sensitive skin, and am wary of the ingredients in store bought exfoliators, so I recommend a combination of sugar and coconut oil, or even more gentle is baking soda and coconut oil.

4.  Myth: If a corrective product doesn’t work quickly, it won’t work at all.

Just like when you start a new work out regime, it takes time for results to show. You can’t go from couch potato to marathon runner in a week, and you shouldn’t expect your corrective product to work magic in just a few days. There is no miracle formula, but patience and consistent use will produce subtle results that you’ll begin to notice over time.

5.  Myth: I can use any product on my skin and it will work on me just as effectively as someone else.

You may not know this, but you really are a unique little snowflake. At least, when it comes to your skin. Your skin is unique to you, so a product that works great for your sister or best friend may not work so well on you.

Unfortunately, a lot of this is trial and error, but trying to find products that match your skin type is a good first step to finding out what works and what doesn’t. So whether your skin is dry, oily, combination, sensitive, normal, or prone to breakouts, look for products that will combat your problem areas and promote healthy skin overall.

For example, if your skin is dry or sensitive, you don’t want something with alcohol that will dry your skin out more and irritate it. So start paying attention to what you’re putting on your skin and how your skin feels, and soon you’ll be on your way to a healthier, happier complexion.

6.  Myth: The more expensive the product, the better the results.

Money does not buy happiness. Nor does it buy healthy skin. Sure, the top brands are chock full of fancy ingredients that are usually hard to pronounce and promise amazing transformations. But as long as you pay attention to what’s on the label, you can get the same results from affordable products without having to spend your life savings.

Here are a few things to look for in your skincare products if you have sensitive skin: avoid fragrances, alcohol, and artificial colors, and look for natural ingredients that work with your skin type.

7.  Myth: Anti-aging products are only for women 40s+.

Prevention is easier, I promise you. As we age, our skin gradually looses the ability to retain moisture, and without moisture the elastin and collagen in our skin break down, making our complexions look dull and flat.

But you can actually prevent the signs of aging by adopting a good moisturizing routine early on. Including a rich, anti-aging moisturizer in your skin care regime can help your skin look and feel younger, longer.

Skin that is well protected against the environment (think pollution, dust, UV rays, etc.) and moisturized regularly will remain healthy, look younger, and feel better for longer.

It’s never too late to start looking after your skin, but the younger you start the better the health benefits for your skin as you age. And remember, the best regiment for your skin is: cleanse, tone, moisturize. Exfoliate at least once a week, and don’t forget to use sunscreen!

Looking for a new book to read?

I’m an avid reader, and I’m always looking for new books for my shelf (e-book or otherwise) that will not only entertain me, but also maybe teach me a few life lessons.

I know I’ve got more to learn, and rereading the Harry Potter series for the 10th time isn’t the most beneficial use of my time, especially as I’m learning to tackle new challenges in work, relationships, and life. So I’ve compiled a list of books that focus on self-help, wellness, confidence, and embracing life to the fullest.

1.  Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience and Finding Joy by Sheryl Sandberg & Adam Grant

Sheryl Sandberg, reeling from the loss of her husband, feels empty and fears she will never experience joy again. Enter Adam Grant, a psychologist and friend who begins to teach Sheryl the steps you can take to recover and rebound when you’ve hit rock bottom.

Grant combines his research on adversity and recovery with Sandberg’s unique insights to create this story of healing, hope, and perseverance.

2.  You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero

Are you ready to create real change in your life, stop practicing negative self-talk, and begin to live a life you love?

Jen Sincero combines humor and sage advice in this novel of self discovery and inspiration. She’ll guide you step-by-step to help you kick bad habits, take big risks, set life goals, and finally get what you want.

3.  Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain

Introverts are here, we’re just not making much noise in this crowded, noisy world. But that doesn’t mean we can’t make a big impact, succeed at work and in life, and learn how to pretend at being an extrovert when we need to.

You may never come to enjoy public speaking, but this book will inspire you to get up and speak out.

4.  Defeating Your Self-Bully: A guide to stop beating yourself up and start building confidence for a life you deserve by Renee Hines

This is a book all about positive self-talk, and silencing the inner voices that tell you you can’t, you shouldn’t, you won’t.

Instead of beating yourself up all day, take a stand against your self-bully and start focusing on your health and wellness, and most importantly, your happiness.

5.  The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller

The concept is simple, but the effects are extraordinary: “What’s the ONE thing I can do such that by doing it everything else will be easier or unnecessary?”

The author helps you answer this question, focusing on the one thing you should do, instead of the many things you could do. This is definitely one of those books that will change your life.

6.  The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brené Brown

Every day, we are told through the media (or social media), who we are, what we should look like, and how we are lacking.

Author Brené Brown guides readers through the steps necessary to embrace their imperfections, and have the courage and compassion to love who they are, not who they think they should be.

7.  Live More, Work Better: A Practical Guide to a Balanced Life by Gayle Hilgendorff

Do you feel as though your work life balance is a little skewed, making you feel like you’re working more, and living less? Uniquely, author Gayle Hilgendorff isn’t suggesting you shed your 9-5 life, but wants you to find balance with a work/life detox, so you have more life outside of work, without giving it all up.

8.  The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well by Meik Wiking

Denmark is well known to be one of the happiest places on the planet. Author Meik Wiking explains why, using the principals of Hygge, which can most easily be described as cosiness of the soul.

Meik is CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, and has spent years studying Danish life to bring us these little nuggets of wisdom.

9.  The Fringe Hours: Making Time for You by Jessica N. Turner

It’s easy to get lost or sidetracked in all of the many activities that build up as the day goes along, but author Jessica N. Turner teaches us that pushing our own needs aside isn’t necessary (or healthy) in order to get through the day.

Taking back your time in the “fringe hours” to do the things you love and practice self-care is so important, and this book is a perfect guide to help you do so!

10.  #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso

Sophia Amoruso is not your typical CEO. In fact, she isn’t typical in anything she does. Her backstory is colorful, and when she did decide to pursue a career, it was on her terms, and she did it with style.

Now the Founder, CEO and Creative Director of her own company, Sophia’s book is perfect for women in their 20s who need inspiration starting out on their career path, or for those of us who need a little nudge to explore a new direction.

{This blog post is not affiliated with or sponsored by any of the brands or businesses in this post.}

Which books are on your reading list? Share with us in the comments below!

Have you been forgetting things lately?

It’s a common misconception that as you get older and your memory starts to fail you, that you’re on a sinking ship with no way back to land.

In fact, science has proven otherwise, with the study of neuroplasticity, which is the brains ability to change and grow throughout your life. Which means, you don’t have to give up your memory as you grow up! The opposite is true, in fact, as your brain continues to grow and your memory can improve over time, if you only choose to challenge it.

Here are a few ways you can combat your brain fatigue and help improve your memory!

1.  Stay hydrated

We all know that it’s important to drink lots of water and stay hydrated. That’s because your brain is 73% water, and it only takes 2% dehydration to start having an effect, diminishing your memory, attention, and other cognitive skills. Even a short physical workout where you lose some of your body’s reserves of water through sweat can have an impact on your short term memory due to dehydration. How much water should you drink to stay in your prime? Divide your weight in pounds by half, and drink that many ounce of water per day (and forget the 8 glasses of water rule). You can always download an app to help you remember to chug H2O!

2.  Make a mental note

Psychology Today suggests making mental pictures of what you want to remember. “Of all the ways your brain tries to help you recall information, for most of us it does so in a visual fashion.” Do you ever try to recall a quote or fact on a page, and know where, roughly, the quote was (top left, bottom right) even if you can’t remember the wording? That’s your brain feeding you mental pictures to help with recall.

Try this experiment by Christopher Taibbi to see how it works:

3.  Drink green tea

In small amounts, caffeinated beverages can help with memory, energy, and focus. But too much of a good thing dehydrates your body, making your irritable and anxious, impacting your sleep, and making your heart race. Opt out of artificial and sugary sodas and energy drinks with their synthetic caffeine, and instead reach for beverages like coffee and green tea with their naturally occurring caffeine content.

4.  Use essential oils

I’m a big fan of essential oils for their many positive properties. They can help you relax, change your mood, help you sleep, and now science has proven that certain oils can also help you improve your memory! Rosemary and peppermint oils (when applied to the skin or inhaled) can help with focus, alertness, and memory retention. Be Brain Fit suggests you “sniff undiluted rosemary essential oil, inhale with a diffuser, or apply diluted oil to your wrists or temples and “chew peppermint gum or mints, drink peppermint tea, or sniff peppermint essential oil for an immediate memory boost.”

5.  Do brain aerobics

Dr. Katz coined the term “neurobics” back in 1998 with his innovative book Keep Your Brain Alive: 83 Neurobic Exercises to Help Prevent Memory Loss and Increase Mental Fitness. The title is a mouthful, but basically Katz recommends fun, challenging activities like using your non-dominant hand to do stuff, using chopsticks, or folding laundry with your eyes closed. All in an effort to use other parts of your brain instead of just going through the motions.

6.  Get your om on

I’m a big advocate for practicing meditation. Not only can it help you sleep better, feel happier and more relaxed, reduce anxiety and stress, it can also help improve your attention span and focus, which are both important for memory retention. Over 1,000 published studies have demonstrated the health benefits of meditation. But don’t just take their word for it. Get cross-legged and try it yourself today. Just two minutes daily can have a massive impact on your brain health!

7.  Learn something new

As I mentioned before, our brains have the capacity to grow and change throughout our lives, and a big factor of this growth is through stimulating our little grey cells through learning. Get artsy, by knitting, quilting, drawing, or taking photos. Work on your home by gardening or doing DIY projects. Take a class that has always interested or even learn a new language. It’s never too late to pick up a new hobby or skill, and anything that makes you focus and pay attention to your task will stimulate your brain!

A few other, everyday things you can do to beat brain fatigue? Get more sleep, stop multitasking, exercise more, eat healthier, and take brain-boosting memory supplements. There seems to be no end to the ways we can improve our brain functioning and memory.

How do you exercise your brain? Share with us in the comments below!

{This blog post is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the brands or businesses mentioned in this post.}

I’m sure you’ve heard by now the many accolades of detoxifying drinks, whether it’s fruit infused water, whipped smoothies, or warm teas. Why all the hype? Possibly because there are more brands than ever promoting their recipes or selling their teas for those who want to loose the bloat, amp up their health, and slim down. Detox teas have become popular because faithful drinkers feel they are an effective and easy way to look after their health. But does detox tea really work?

1.  What is detox tea?

Detox tea is usually a blend of herbs (usually not disclosed and specific to each brand of tea) that promotes gut health.

It isn’t a meal replacement, but is usually a day-to-day program that instructs you to drink tea before every meal, or morning and evening. Some contain caffeine, others don’t.

The detox teas that we found online do not contain laxatives, which is important, since laxatives are known to be dangerous and not a healthy option when trying to loose weight (which is a big reason people drink these teas).

2.  What does detox tea do?

The herbs in the tea are specifically chosen to help flush toxins out your system. They promote healthy skin, good digestion and sleep habits, and even help with weight loss. They can also reduce bloating and help boost your mood, especially with regards to PMS symptoms (although detox teas are just as effective for men, too). The tea shouldn’t irritate your system (stomach or bowels, specifically), but should gently cleanse your digestive system so it works more effectively.

3.  Is detox tea good for you?

As with any detox, it’s important to read the instructions, the listed ingredients, and consult with your doctor if you’re worried about how the tea may effect you.

It’s also good practice to make sure you don’t do the detox back to back. For example, you should take at least a week long break after a 14-day detox before starting another detox regime.

Most programs will tell you their recommended waiting time between detoxes. But if the tea is gentle enough, you may be able to drink it daily, safely.

Taking time to detox regularly is definitely good for you, as external and internal pollutants can build up in your body, causing break outs, indigestion, IBS and bloating, nausea, trouble sleeping, liver lethargy, and more.

If you’re feeling sluggish and feel like you need your body could use some TLC, tea detoxes are definitely a good option to look into.

4.  Where can I buy detox tea?

There are so many different brands of tea on the market, it can be hard to figure out which one would work best for you, which is why it might take some trial and error to find your favorite.

Some teas are gentler, others can be brewed hot or cold, some need to be consumed 30 minutes before a meal (which is sometimes a little tricky), some contain caffeine and others taste a little …odd, at first.

That said, there are tons of options online for you to browse through, such as:

• ASAPSKINNY, which has a morning tea and an evening tea, which you drink every morning and then every other night. Can be consumed hot or cold, and it’s gentle enough to drink daily with no break between detoxes!
• TINY TEA by YourTea suggests you drink the tea hot three times a day 30 minutes before your meal. You can do two 28 day detoxes back-to-back, and after that Your Tea says that your system should be good to go, no need to keep detoxing (but keep a stash on hand for whenever you need a refresh). They also have teas for mood, skin care, liver cleanse, and more.
• SkinnyMint also has a day and night tea, which you drink every morning and then every other night (they also have a handy ingredient list on their site). They do, however, suggest taking a six-week break between every cleanse (using them morning and evening tea) but say that the morning tea can be used daily to keep the results of the teatox going strong!

These are just a few examples of the many, many teas on the market that promote a healthy digestive system and weight loss. Want to do more research? Check out Instagram pages, tea websites, or even Amazon reviews to find more options. And before you add detox tea to your diet, be sure to check with your doctor first.

{Editor’s Note: This blog post is not affiliated with or sponsored by any of the brands or businesses in this post. The opinions in the article are the author’s own opinions. This article is for educational purposes only. Be sure to consult your doctor before adding a detox tea to your diet.}

When was the last time you cleaned your makeup brushes?

And I don’t just mean wiping excess product off with a tissue. I mean, actually washed them? I’m ashamed to admit that for the longest time, I didn’t realize how crucial it was to wash my makeup brushes.

Consider this: your face isn’t always the cleanest. And time and again, you’re applying foundation, concealer, blush, eyeshadow, and more, with the same brushes, to the same areas of your face. And then you wonder why you get breakouts or eye infections or adverse reactions to products?

Face it, your brushes need a good clean. But you shouldn’t just use hand soap to wash your brushes. Please, spare them this fate. Ready to learn how to clean makeup brushes the right way?

Here’s an easy to follow tutorial for brush maintenance:

How do you wash makeup brushes?

Start by running the bristles under warm water, rinsing out any built up makeup. Then, using a gentle soap work up a lather with your fingers or the palm of your hand. Run the bristles under the warm water once more, until the brush runs clean of soap. Lay your brush out on a flat surface to dry.

How often should you clean your makeup brushes?

Every few weeks will give you the best results. It may seem like a chore, but it will stop bacteria building up on the bristles, and also make your brushes last longer – and if you’ve got nice makeup brushes, you want to get the most out of your investment. Between applications, you can actually just a makeup brush cleanser on them to help keep them cleaner for longer.

Makeup sponges, even cheap ones, should be cleaned after every use, because they soak up makeup and whatever they’ve picked up from being applied to your face and if you don’t wash them out (warm water and gentle soap, see below for instructions) they will just retain all of that dirt and makeup for the next use.

How long do makeup brushes last?

This all depends on the quality of your brushes. Obviously nicer, better quality brushes will last longer (and are also going to give you a better result, application wise). But a good cleaning routine will also make brushes last longer, as it keeps makeup from building up and drying on the brushes.

Just make sure you don’t submerge your brushes in water, as this will loosen the glue that holds the brush together, eventually causing them to fall apart.

Related Post: How To Do Cat Eye Eyeliner | Beauty School

How long does it take for makeup brushes to dry?

You should definitely clean brushes after you’ve applied your makeup for the day, as they can take up to 24 hours to dry, depending on the brush (or sponge). They should be laid flat to dry, on a paper towel or flat surface. I don’t recommend using a regular towel, as this can promote mildew growth on your brushes, which defeats the point of cleaning them in the first place!

What can I use to clean my makeup brushes?

There are a few ways to clean your brushes, so you can experiment and see which option works best for you. I prefer to use a soap made especially for makeup brushes, which you can pick up at most any makeup counter.

You can also use a mixture of dish soap, water, and olive oil or vinegar if you don’t want to splash out on an expensive cleanser. Baby soap or shampoo also works as a gentle cleanser. Try different options and see how your brushes feel after you’ve cleaned them.

Of course, this all depends on how often you use your makeup brushes, what sort of makeup your using (eye shadow and blush won’t build up on the brush the same way a concealer or foundation will) and the quality of your brush.

Poor quality brushes might not hold up after a few good cleanings, so be gentle with them, and definitely make sure you don’t get the handle wet when you wash them! Overall, use your common sense when cleaning. You know what brushes you use the most, and how sensitive your skin is.

But healthy, clean brushes, will promote healthy, clean skin, so a good brush cleansing routine will benefit you in the long run!

Related Post: 10 Easy Hairstyles for Lazy Days

How do you wash your makeup brushes?

Good weather means grilling, family gatherings and lazy long days outside enjoying the summer sunshine. It also means you may not want to eat large servings or particularly hearty, heavy meals. This list is packed with fresh, light recipes perfect for serving at BBQs or with your family as you enjoy the grill and the summer sun. It’s also full of salads, because in my mind, BBQs don’t have to centre around burgers, buns, and hotdogs. Stray from the ordinary and experience these delicious recipes that are sure to be seasonal favorites for the whole family!

Hawaiian Chicken Kebabs

Credit: Cooking Classy

This dish caught my eye because it has pineapple – the best summer flavor there is! Plus it’s colorful, healthy, and easy to just throw on the grill and enjoy. Chicken paired with sweet pineapple, bell pepper, and tangy red onion. There’s even a marinade if you want to amp the recipe up a notch.

Shrimp Foil Packets

Credit: Happy Go Lucky

Perfect for grilling on those long lazy days, this recipe is quick yet hearty, with a combination of sausage, shrimp, and potatoes along with the fresh veggies and seasoning. The corn especially combines the taste of summer with the smoky flavors of the grill, and provides a contrasting light texture to the meat. Inspired by Cajun cooking, this is sure to become a favorite meal!

Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad

Credit: Tastes Better From Scratch

Easy, light, and fresh, the instructions for this salad are literally just one step. Combine avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers, onion and feta cheese in a bowl, drizzle on delicious dressing, and enjoy. Have as a main course of combine with an grilled protein from the BBQ for a healthy, colorful summer meal.

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Credit: Chelsea’s Messy Apron

For those of you wanting your carb fix while also eating healthy, this salad is packed with veggies and also has a great (but simple to make) creamy chili-lime dressing. And alongside the avocados, lime, cilantro, jalapeños, cheese, green onions, there’s also bacon. You’re welcome, bacon lovers.

Summer Corn, Avocado and Black Bean Salad

Credit: Produce On Parade

Perfect for a BBQ, a starter, or even a dip, this salad is bursting with flavor and freshness. Creamy avocado, sweet corn, tart cherry tomatoes, black beans, and cilantro all in a tangy lemon dressing, you really can’t go wrong with this dish.

Grilled Lime Salmon with Avocado-Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice

Credit: Cooking Classy

If you want to switch it up and grill something other than burgers this summer, throwing pieces of salmon on the grill is a different (and healthy) alternative. And how can you resist avocado-mango salsa? I certainly can’t. Plus, this salmon and mango dish looks fancy, so if you’re hosting and want to make an impression, it’s a nice touch.

Crab and Avocado Summer Rolls

Credit: Savory Tooth

Light and low calorie, this recipe is easy and healthy (two words I know we all love). Not your usual summer fare, perhaps, but crab meat is another source of protein beyond burgers and hot dogs, and variety is the spice of life. Vietnamese and Thai inspired, this recipe combines crab meat, sliced avocado, cucumber, and carrots wrapped together in a summer roll with a spicy red dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Broccoli Apple Salad

Credit: Cooking Classy

I’m not usually one to advocate raw broccoli, but the apple in this salad caught my eye. What’s more “summer” than adding fruit to your recipe? Plus, the tart apple will definitely out weight the crunchy broccoli. Colorful and full of flavors, you can even make the dressing lighter by substituting greek yogurt.

Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers

Credit: Salt and Lavender

With only three ingredients in the marinade, these skewers are not only quick, but a bright, happy addition to your table. Sweet, tangy honey mustard and grilled chicken – simple, delicious, and summery.

Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Peppers

Credit: Get Creative Juice

This dish has four simple ingredients: bell peppers, chicken, couscous, and cheese. During the summer, I advocate grilling as much as possible: why not take advantage of the good weather and healthy meal prep? Couscous is easy to throw in a pan and prepare ahead of time, and then everything gets thrown in the peppers and they go on the grill. The peppers and couscous keep this meal light, and you can always go easy on the cheese (I never want to, but it’s an option!)

Summer Orzo Pasta Salad

Credit: A Cedar Spoon

Orzo pasta isn’t a stodgy starch but it does bulk up a simple salad and give you an option other than rice. With this salad mixes orzo, chickpeas, feta cheese, crisp summer vegetables, fresh herbs and top with a light vinaigrette. Pairs nicely with protein or enjoyed all by itself!

Avocado Chicken Burger

Credit: A Dish Of Daily Life

I had to include at least one burger recipe on the list, even if it is a chicken burger. This is a burger you can actually make from scratch, so you know exactly what you’re feeding your family, and it’s all natural flavor, I can assure you. Topped with mashed avocado and chipotle mayo, this will quickly become a family favorite! Head over to A Dish Of Daily Life for the full recipe!

As I mentioned before, summer is all about flavor, colorful dishes, and sticking fruit in as any recipes as possible, like this Strawberry Salsa. It also means experimenting on the grill, by throwing Grilled Peaches with Cherries, or maybe trying Brown Sugar Grilled Pineapples. Don’t let the BBQ get the best of you: you can grill out and still have some variety on your table.

Here’s to a healthy, happy summer!

{This blog post is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the brands or businesses mentioned in this post.}

Featured image via royalty-free stock photo

Whether you want those carbs, want to satisfy that sweet-tooth, or you’re dreaming of Taco Tuesday, there are days when you want to get your fix your favorites without blowing your diet. If you’re looking for healthy alternatives to your favorite indulgent meals, read on for some new twists on some old classics!

Pasta alternatives

Credit: Running On Real Food

I crave carbs on a daily basis, especially pasta. But too much of a good thing isn’t good for you, so I’ve searched for alternatives to the simple “spaghetti and tomato sauce” staple to add some variation to an old routine. Not only can you make delicious noodles out of zucchini and butternut squash, but finding some healthy-for-you sauces that are quick and easy to make isn’t too difficult either. Bring it back-to-basics with this lemon pasta recipe, or indulge a little with this guilt-free creamy avocado and spinach pasta.

Mac and cheese alternatives

Credit: Vegan Yumminess

If you want to lower the calorie count in the sauce, here’s a recipe that uses greek yogurt, and still makes a tasty mac and cheese treat. And for those looking for a dairy-free recipe, there’s a vegan option too. For all the mac and cheese fans out there that want a low-carb cheesy alternative to the tried-and-true original, cauliflower mac and cheese is still indulgent, as it avoids the “mac” but still goes heavy on the cheese. At least you can say you’re getting a serving of veggies!

Ice cream alternatives

Credit: Two Peas And Their Pod

Whether you’re looking to get your ice cream fix but want to avoid the sugar high, or you’re a vegan that misses a pint of your favorite soft serve, using bananas to make ice cream is super simple, delicious, and dairy-free. Simply chop the bananas into bite-sized chunks, freeze them, then throw them in a blender or food processor with a cup or two of non-dairy milk for ‘nana ice cream. Want to add a little extra flavor? You can make peanut butter, chocolate banana, and mango ice cream. You can even make avocado ice cream if that’s your thing!

Pizza alternatives

Credit: The Lucky Penny Blog

Pizza is my guilty pleasure. What’s better than melted cheese? Not much. But all that dough and cheese can make you feel a little sluggish, so here are two ways to cut the crust. You can use cauliflower to make a slightly thicker crust, or pitas/tortillas for a skinnier crust. You don’t even have to add cheese to these pizzas, so experiment with toppings and find your favorite combo!

Mashed potato alternative

Credit: Ahead of Thyme

Mashed potatoes are my favorite comfort food (are you sensing a carb theme here?) but some people prefer a low-carb, lower-calorie alternative. Meet cauliflower mash, your new favorite “vegetable masquerading as carb” recipe. And this one includes a healthy dose of garlic, so if you’re worried about that all-cauliflower taste, this is a good recipe to ease you in.

Taco alternatives

Credit: Delish

Instead of using a boxed “instance taco” recipe from the grocery store, try those homemade version for veggies, veggies, and more veggies. Pack an extra punch and add some jalapeño peppers with these skillet veggie tacos. And if you love snapper, there’s a fish taco recipe for that, too.

With all these delicious new recipes to add to your repertoire, you’ve got no excuse to order takeout until you’ve tried these delicious alternatives.

{This blog post is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of the brands or businesses in this post.}

Laundry is never truly “done”.

As soon as you’ve finished one load, you notice that pile of clothes hidden behind the door, or that outfit you threw on the bed and forgot to put in the hamper. And there’s always at least one pair of dirty socks knocking around.

Bras are their own special category of laundry. You don’t want to wash them too often, afraid that they will begin to fall apart, and you know you shouldn’t wear the same bra day in and day out. But bras do need to be washed every two to four wears. So how do you keep them in good condition with regular washing?

Here are six laundry tips to help your bras last longer:

1.  Wash on gentle.

Don’t, whatever you do, put your bras in on a regular cycle, as this will add to the wear and tear your bras experience in the wash. Always wash your bras on the gentle or delicates cycles, preferably with cold water (as hot water can break down the elastic in straps). Gentle cycles keep elastic intact, as well as protecting any lace, bedazzling, or fancy extras on your bra safe.

2.  Wash your bras in a mesh bag.

If you’ve never seen a laundry bag before, they are the small mesh bags, usually with a zipper, that you should be throwing your delicates (bras) into every time you wash them. They keep your bras from being battered by the other clothes in the wash, stop your bras from getting wrapped up and stretched out if they get caught on something, and also stop the hooks from snagging on other clothing. They really are the only way to wash your bras, and they don’t cost much either!

3.  Never ever put them in the dryer.

I’m guilty of doing this (sorry bras). The heat from the dryer can break down the elastic in the straps, and the rough and tumble nature of the dryer can ruin the shape of the cups and damage the underwire too (causing it to break out of the fabric, not good!) Bras are usually made of delicate fabric too, which can be damaged in the dryer.

Overall, it’s best to avoid the dryer altogether and either lay your bras flat to dry, or hang them. Cosmopolitan suggests hanging bras to dry by the center gore, not the straps, which will get stretched out because the wet cups will pull the garment downward. The more you know, right?

Related Post: The True Cost Of Buying Cheap Lingerie

Parfait Enora Bikini P5273 in Whisper Blue | Parfait Tess Unlined Wire Bra P5022 in Charcoal Gray | Parfait Marrianne Unlined Wire Bra P5152 in Cobalt Blue | Parfait Enora Minimizer Bra P5272 in Whisper Blue

4.  Use the right detergent.

Of course, you can take all the precautions possible for protecting your bras in the wash, but if you don’t use a good detergent, it’s all for nought. You need a detergent that will get the bras clean, without doing damage to the delicate fabrics you’ve paid so much money for. Look for something with “gentle” on the label, or skip the detergent aisle entirely and use a mild soap specially formulated to be gentle enough for babies and anyone with allergies or sensitive skin.

5.  Hand wash your lingerie.

I can feel the guilt looks from here. Yes ladies, we’re all meant to be hand washing our bras. But that’s so time consuming, right? If you want to make your quality, expensive undergarments go the distance, it’s the best way to guarantee the long life of your bras. No rough treatment in the wash, just a dunk in the sink.

6.  Or don’t, and use this lingerie washing hack.

I too dislike the idea of hand washing my bras, so I looked for a way out. And I found this delightfully different way to wash your bras that doesn’t include the washer, but does let your bras go for a spin: using a salad spinner. It simulates the washer without all the potential damage. Definitely something to try next time you want to give your bras a wash, without the hassle of washing each one individually in the sink!

Related Post: 12 Reasons Why You Should Invest In Beautiful Lingerie

We Highly Recommend

Whether you’re shopping for new everyday bras or lingerie for a special occasion, it’s always a good idea to seek out a second opinion. We know how hard it is to find bras that fit well and feel good, especially when you’re doing it on your own. If you’ve ever felt unsure about your bra size or you just don’t know where to go to find good bras, it’s time to let a bra fitter help.

Many specialty lingerie boutiques offer bra fittings. Their expert bra fitters will take the pain and frustration out of bra shopping and do all the work for you. Even better, their product knowledge can save you time and money. Plus, they know where all of the best bras are hiding.

If you’ve struggled with finding bras in the right size, it’s time to make a change. Visit our specialty store locator to find a store near you and schedule an appointment.

Happy bra shopping!

Featured image lingerie:

Parfait Matilda Contour Plunge Bra P5311 in Bisque | Parfait Charlotte Bikini 6905 in Bronze