A VERY MINIMAL MAKEUP COLLECTION FOR NATURAL BEAUTY LOVERS

This post has been a long time coming. Outside of holistic beauty tricks, I try to make sure my makeup purchases are always cruelty-free and vegan if I'm lucky. For starters, my makeup collection NEVER use to be this small. I was someone who once loved spending money on clothes, shoes, accessories, and makeup.

Like seriously, I hoarded some of everything!

SEE: Flirty+ Fabulous Beauty Haul (2013)

A few years ago when I was heavy into purchasing various makeup and beauty products, I literally had a collection that could have me looking like a legit MUA. This was before I had kids, of course.

After becoming a mom, I really just wanted to purge and get rid of the overwhelm I felt when going through piles of my things. So, I got rid of a lot, including makeup over the years - hence, my love for the more minimal and simple things in life now. I love having the more natural look and glow. Keep it simple.

Not only does my keep it simple mantra really reflect how I purchase and collect things, everything I have now all merge with each other. From a specific set of colors in my wardrobe to my jewelry to my makeup. I stick to the basics, which allows me to not have to worry about whether I have clothes to wear that I won't have to take hours piecing together alongside going through an entire forever makeup application, and so forth.

Looking back now on the amount of money I spent and wasted - I'm glad I grew out of that phase entirely because.... ridiculous. Let's get into what I use now.

I don't wear makeup often at all but when I do it's for things such as events, photos, my birthday, or date nights. Any other day, it's au natural baby! I always say there's no point in wearing makeup if your skincare routine doesn't exist - I definitely like to make sure my skin is cared for properly before, during, and after. 

Moisture is my personal friend so I make sure to moisturize and prep my face before using makeup. I'm a fan of the Black Radiance BB creams so that is all I use to lightly apply to my face along with a concealer that I mostly use for my under-eyes and eyelids.  

Pictured:

• Black Radiance BB Cream - 8917 Cafe (or 8921 Coffee Glaze), whichever is available.

• L.A Colors Pro Conceal HD Concealer - GC984 Toffee

SEE: A Tale of Black Radiance (2015)

I own three small and compact makeup palettes these days but this one is my go-to every single time. All the colors reflect the taste of my wardrobe and love for neutrals. I usually rock browns and golds on my eyes. I don't use a primer on my eyes - only the LA Colors concealer. My liner of choice has been a liquid liner as of late. When I have more time, I may use my cream liner and angled brush to get my wing on - both in the color black.

My other two palettes feature one with 5 colors on the smoky + shimmery side (blacks, silvers, coppers, etc) and the other features 4 more "colorful" shades (Indigo, Red, Deep Purple, and Magenta Pink)...just for when I'm feeling fun and wanting to play with my look.

Pictured:

• Coastal Scents Go Palette - Cairo

• Coastal Scents Liquid Eyeliner - Jet

My favorite part of wearing makeup when I do - lip color. I am head over heels with matte lips. I own three matte liquid lip colors that I love - the red being my ultimate go-to usually for just a pop of color. I have a color for a different type of look I go for - sultry, vamped, and laid back. Make sure you prep those lips and make sure they're nice and smooth before rocking a matte lip - or any lip color for that matter. 

Pictured:

Coloured Raine Cosmetics - Cherry Blossom

Coloured Raine Cosmetics - Roulette

Coloured Raine Cosmetics - Mars

Of course I have tools - one set of makeup brushes, my favorite mascara, and even a finishing spray. That's the bulk of it, literally. 

STAY AT HOME MOM-LIFE + RIWBOX HEADPHONES [VIDEO]

My everyday life often consists of a daily routine that either stays the same most of the week or takes a few shortcuts throughout the day - lets say both on a regular basis. I get up every morning and usually have a nice cup of tea, then read chapter or so of any book I'm enjoying. My biggest task to meet on a regular however is being a mom. The greatest and sometimes hardest position ever! Especially doing it alone. I've been handling single parenting quite fine this year also - so I'm quite proud of myself. 

Single mom? Not quite. I have a pretty great partner in my life now that does A LOT for me that's made things just a bit easier. From taking initiative to clean my entire kitchen effortlessly when I'm too tired to or giving my pregnant behind much-needed breaks and enjoying quality time with my super active (sun)shine Channing. It's the little things. 

So in between running behind a carefree two year old to running multiple online businesses, work/life balance is something I don't even think exists because so much requires attention from me. The balance for me comes in the form of a "gut feeling". In my world, it's just much easier to go with the flow of things and not get so hung up on having such a strict "schedule". This is what works best for me.... just saying. 

Two things that allow me to get work done and still juggle playtime with my firstborn - creative thinking and LOTS of music. Gotta keep the vibrations high. 

I do all of my work from the comforts of my laptop and as of late, on the floor. What's the point of owning a office desk right? - to easily say yes to the seat at the carpet level, duh? With my beverage of choice, playlists, and tasks awaiting my attention - I get to work. 

I bought my son this super affordable art easel from Ikea last month along with a couple of other things meant for his upcoming birthday to enjoy. So while he's being an artist or mechanic, I can actually accomplish some things. Lately, I've been vibing to my playlists on SoundCloud and Spotify using my new RiwBox Foldable Headphones. I LOVE THEM! 

The brand sent me a discount code to give them a try. They're foldable, comfortable, noise cancelling, and definitely nice to look at. Plus the packaging wasn't bad either - the leather pouch that protects the headphones are a nice touch. My music sounds pretty good through them and I can work without getting annoyed by them. My last pair of headphones were too "itchy" and left me with questions. So if you're in the market for a new pair of headphones, you have my blessing on checking these out for sure. 

If you're curious, yes they work with all devices (with 3.5mm jack) - Apple, Android, Tablets, etc. The audio cord that's attached can control both your microphone and volumes. The cushy earpads are a lovely comfort too. You can see how I rock these and juggle mom-life in my latest YouTube video. I'M BACK... so subscribe if you enjoy!!!  

FTC Disclaimer: I was not compensated with monetary offerings to share this product, but given a discount to purchase and review. All imagery and opinions are 100% mine. 

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RED LENTIL TACOS + HOMEMADE DILL SAUCE

Another delicious recipe from my go-to arsenal of good eats and yes, it's completely vegan. My journey with eating a plant-based diet has definitely not been easy as slicing pie. I took a few corners in my time - craving things I wanted to avoid and such- then ultimately giving into temptation. If you're looking to improve your eating habits, definitely start off slow and replace your faves with healthier alternatives as you go along. The more you read up on and learn about, the better chance you have to find your happy place again with food that won't kill ya. 

I am a HUGE lover of tacos. Any Mexican-inspired dish really so naturally, instead of wasting your money on crappy Taco Bell, give these red lentil tacos a try. What the hell are lentils you ask?  They're a type of bean or what I know as a legume. They also come in various colors - like green, brown, and yellow. Super easy to cook and has a delicious nutty/earthy flavor. There are some pretty cool benefits to them too.  They also contain more protein than most other beans and legumes. 

I love using lentils in recipes like tacos, vegan sloppy joes, soups, burgers, and more. Follow my food diary on UhOhVegan for more food ideas to get your body a little lighter on the deathbed spectrum (lol) - too dramatic? Eh, sorry. Moving on.

RED LENTIL TACOS + HOMEMADE DILL SAUCE

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• Red Lentils - (recently tried these )
• White Onion
• Chopped Mushrooms
• Taco Salsa 
• Hemp Seeds - ( I Use These )
• Avocado Oil

PIN IT

Spices:

Chilli Powder | Garlic Powder | Red Pepper Flakes (optional if you want some extra spiciness)

How To Make Homemade Vegan Dill Sauce: (dill is great for digestion)

You will need mayonnaise (vegan, of course), a lemon, ground black pepper, and fresh dill. I'm not the measure your stuff out type of girl, I simply use enough for what I'm making (for seconds, thirds,and fourths). Take a small bowl and add the mayo (I used 1 cup), the juice of half a lemon, some black pepper, and finely chopped dill, then mix altogether. Add a bit of water if you desire a more fluid consistency.

NOTE: There are several ways to make a vegan dill sauce - you can add avocado, ground cashews, etc. It's all preference. 

Instructions:

Begin by prepping your ingredients for the dressing of your tacos by taking your chopping up your onions and mushrooms. Give your lentils a nice soak in water while you prep. Grab a saucepan and add your lentils along with 2-3 cups of water. This depends on amount of lentils being cooked. Bring to a boil then turn heat down and allow it to simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain any excess water when done. While lentils cook, lightly sauté your onions and mushrooms in avocado oil  - add 1 tsp chilli powder and 1 tbsp garlic powder for some extra flavor if  you like. 

Grab your taco wraps (here's a vegan option or simply use lettuce), add choice of lettuce (I used romaine) and some cooked lentils. Top off with your veggies, some delicious salsa, and sprinkle with hemp seeds. Enjoy! 

What's a dope recipe you've tried lately?

3 SIMPLE HABITS TO A CLUTTER-FREE HOME WITH SMALL CHILDREN

Over the past 2 years I’ve learned to master the art of living clutter-free (for the most part). Aside from my biggest battle with having a small child - the toy collection that seems to always grow thanks to family who truly believe children need every eye-catching thing in store, living clutter-free has become the ultimate way of life for many people.