Get To Know Me- 25 Questions Tag!

1. Do you have a middle name?
Yes I do :) My middle name is Sandra; only my family calls me by my middle name at home, at school& work I have always been called Blanca. I was called Sandy until I was around 10 yrs old, and decided that I didn't want to be called Sandy anymore, but it was kinda cute.

2. What was your favorite subject in school?
I really enjoyed art! I wasn't extremely great at it but I really liked it.

3. What's your favorite drink?
I hot tea, iced tea in hot weather, and my guilty somewhat prohibited drink soda! ugh!

4. What's your favorite song at the moment?

I have too many, love Ellie Goulding, Lana Del Rey, Elle king, Beyonce, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Miguel (which I have gotten into most recently) Rap/hip hop, R&B- I don’t think I could decide because I love music but always rotate what I listen to so I don’t get bored! Gemini trait!

5. What would you name your children?

I used to tell my sister and mom that I would have 3 girls and name them Noemi, 

Nataly, & Nicole…funny thing is that I don’t have kids yet but these names have been coincidentally used by my dear friends& family. One of my lifetime friends named one of her daughters Naomi (which is the English version), my god-daughter’s name is Nataly (my other lifetime friend’s daughter), and Nicole was recently born to one of my nieces. I’m okay with that it just means I need to look up other names and keep hope that I will have at least one child, I think that as I’ve gotten older I really do look forward to it more than when I was a bit younger!

6. Do you participate in any sports?
No! I always hated playing group sports in school, more so when we had to play classroom against classroom. I don’t think I was any good at it. Blah! 

7. What's your favorite book? 
My favorite book is, and has been for a really long time:

Life Lessons by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross & David Kessler

Two experts on death and dying teach us about the mysteries of life and living.

Really a great read, I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a great reminder of life’s perspectives. It’s quite a short book, easy to read and so meaningful, would be the best way to describe it!

8. What's your favorite color?
I will have to cheat here: I like black, blue , brown, purple, aqua/turquoise ..What can I say a Gemini needs options,  that’s really bringing them down for me!

9. What's your favorite animal?( I know technically an insect)
Butterflies!! I don’t even have to think twice. I have a bit of an obsession with butterflies! I love their meaning; at least for me it stands for new beginnings, new found HOPE, FAITH, BEAUTY, GRACE…I have thought of getting a butterfly tattoo for a long time but haven’t had the courage, plus my mom always says that I shouldn't. But, perhaps someday…I might because it’s really symbolic in my life!!  

10. What's your favorite perfume?

I don’t know that I have or can choose a favorite right now, just because I used to collect perfumes (I mean I used to buy more in the past). I’m trying to go through them now, so I never wear the same perfume- I always rotate them (I might do a perfume collection if you want to see them, even if it has been tamed quite a bit in the last few years!)

11. What's your favorite holiday?
 Christmas is my favorite holiday…I really do like the meaning behind Christmas because I am Catholic and I just feel extra cheery around the holidays, plus I love to cook and eat of course!!

12. Have you graduated from High School?
Yes! A really long time ago, gosh I’m old!

13. Have you been out of the country?
Yea, I was born in Michoacan, Mexico! I’m very proud of being Mexican, but really do enjoy my humble life in Los Angeles!

14. Do you speak any other languages?
Yes, my first language is Spanish! Like I mentioned above I feel very proud of my roots. If I ever have children this is definitely something that I would teach them, because in my opinion it’s very important! I also took French in school, so many years ago, that I don’t remember much of it!

15. Do you have any siblings?

Yes! I’m the last of 10 children!! I know that’s a lot! I have 4 brothers, 4 sisters, 1 sister passed away as a baby (the only one born with blue eyes, whom I never met).

16. What's your favorite store?
For clothes I like Macy’s, for drugstore cosmetics Rite-Aid, CVS, or Walgreen's-budget friendly :).

17. What's your favorite restaurant?
I don’t do a lot of fancy eating out because I cook pretty much every day at home. My guilty fast food faves are pizza or hamburger. If I were eating out I love pasta, shrimp, chicken…Real Mexican  food is my favorite. I really am a foodie!! <3….also like to experiment with new recipes!

18. Do you like school? 
Yes, I have always thought that I might go back at some point. Honestly, as we get older there’s less time for the things that we like to do and more is used for the things we have to do. But if you’re a youngster I can’t stress enough-GET YOUR EDUCATION, IT’S SO IMPORTANT!!     

19. Who are some of your favorite YouTubers?
I have so many really! Dulce Candy is up on my list because I share a similar background with her (she’s from Michoacan, Mexico as well) I would love to meet her someday <3 !! I admire her for how far she has been able to go with her work/career; it really takes hard work and dedication to be a high achiever!


20. What's your favorite movie? 
I like a lot of movies; I don’t think I have a favorite though. The genres I enjoy are: comedy, romantic-comedy, horror, drama- (oh! Also animated/cartoons-yes! I’m a big kid!)… I think I recently noticed that I like watching romantic- comedies because I secretly wish that real life were similar, it keeps that light in my heart alive ;)! 

21. What are some of your favorite TV shows?
How I Met Your Mother (which sadly ended recently; re-runs are awesome!),

 Big Bang Theory (Sheldon <3), Two Broke Girls, Grey’s Anatomy!!

22. PC or Mac?
I’m definitely an oldie; I have only owned desktops…because they are most economic, work for me quite well. I have considered getting a laptop in the future-any recommendations??
 
23. What phone do you have?
Most people think that it’s weird that I do not have a cell phone! I don’t really talk on the phone, so I don’t see the need for one. I have owned a couple in the past but gave them up because I really didn't need them.

24. How tall are you?
I’m 5’2 but I really don’t feel too short, unless I’m standing next to someone who is quite tall.

25. Any pets?

Yes, we have a family pet! His name is Rocco, he’s a miniature Pinscher (named by moi). We've had him since he was 3 weeks old!! 

Spring Pop of Color (eyes) !

Hello! I just wanted to show you the look that I have been doing the most recently, now that Spring is here. It has a pop of color in the eyes, yet subtle and still quite neutral. If you feel that it doesn't suit your look or what you might wear on an everyday basis, just omit the colored liner;even though that's really the fun part of it! :) It's too easy not to try-go for it!!

Spring Pop of Color!!

Click below to watch! :)

PRODUCT LIST:

Maybelline Expert Wear Eyeshadow Linen 15S

revlon Photoready Bronzer Bronzed & Chic

Milani Baked Powder Blush Rose D'Oro 02

Milani Baked Bronzer Soleil 05

NYX Single Eyeshadow Chocolate Brown

Jordana MetalRocks Eyeliner Paradise Blue

Victoria's Secret Sexy Spring Eyes Palette

Avon Glow Eyeliner Desert Gold

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Shadow pencil Rehab

L'oreal Voluminous Mascara

Nyx Lipliner Nude Beige

Wet N' Wild Matte Lipstick 902C

Rimmel by Kate Lipstick 14 

Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe

Hello! So, you may have now noticed that I've been into baking recently! I admit that I'm not the greatest baker (even though I do love to cook) but I love to learn new things and of  course enjoy the finished products ;) Give it a try, I must say that I really enjoyed how these cookies turned out (happy me!!)...

Ingredients:

1/2-Cup Butter
1/2-Cup Sugar
1/2-Cup Brown Sugar
1/2-Cup Peanut Butter
1/2-Tsp. salt
1/2-Tsp.Baking Powder
1/2-Tsp. Baking Soda
----------------------
1-Egg
----------------------
1 1/4-Cup Flour

Cover 2-3 hours
Bake at 375 degrees 10-12 min
I made 24 cookies (about 1 tbsp sized)


In your mixer put in butter,sugar,peanut butter, salt, baking powder, and baking soda (mix until combined).
Then, drop in your egg-mix everything again. Lastly, drop in the flour and mix until you have your batter;which needs to be refrigerated for at least a few hours so that it's easier to handle (it will slightly harden a bit).

After taking your batter out of the fridge-choose a spoon, measuring spoon, ice cream scoop (whatever works) to get uniform sized cookies. Once you measure them, take the amount of batter separated and turn it into a ball with your hands. Line your baking pan/dish. Evenly line up the balls of batter so that they will have enough space to spread out as they bake.

I was able to fit nine cookies at a time so that they would have enough space to expand. Then, just taking a fork, you can press down on the ball of batter-then press down in the opposite direction and create the hash tag on the cookie (I found that even if I pressed hard my hash tags didn't show up too much at the end,but really didn't bother me because it doesn't affect flavor!!). Place in your oven 10-12 min at 375. I liked mine best left over a little over 10 min because I got that extra toasty,crispy cookie.

This was my final result!! They are really good; not too sweet, they have that peanut butter taste of course but it's not overwhelming :) Give it a try and let me know how they come out! Also, do subscribe to my blog and YouTube Channel. On the blog you find more random posts, and on the YT channel I try to stick to beauty related videos!

See ya!! :)

Haul: Target & Big Lots

Hello! Here's a haul! Go on watch it, I dare you!! haha! Hope you enjoy it :)

WATCH NOW! Haul: Target & Big Lots

Special Lemonade Recipe

Hello friends!
As we are all hoping, some wishing for warmer weather...I will leave you with this "Special Lemonade Recipe". The weather hasn't been all bad in Los Angeles-except for a couple cloudy days in between every now and then. However, I'm sure that sunny days are right around the corner! For those hot summertime days here's is something to cool you off!! Enjoy! :)

You will need:

4 Cups- Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice 

(I will not mention how many lemons because they come in different sizes)

3 1/2 Cups- Water (or more)

2 Cups-Sugar

Ice-(As much or as little you prefer)

Choose yellow lemons that are nice and juicy!

Cut all your lemons in half. Check out these giant lemons!
They really were this big (bigger than the palm of my hand-the picture is not zoomed in).

Measure out 2 cups of sugar.

Here is where the actual work comes in....juice 4 cups of lemon juice; which will be divided in half.

In a pot pour in your sugar and 2 cups of the lemon juice (if you choose you can strain out the pulp and seeds left behind). 
I opted to pour in pulp and a couple seed that escaped,
simply note it can turn it a bit more tart-but it's lemonade, 
so it is meant to be!
Keep/save 2 cups of lemon juice to finish lemonade.

Fully integrate the lemon juice and sugar and start to heat up the mixture on a medium flame.

After 5-10 min you will see the lemon juice
 begin to bubble and you can turn off the heat.

At this point you will see your juice and sugar has turned into a syrup-like mixture and the color is much more vibrant. 
It's almost like creating a lemon concentrate that we 
will add to in order to fully develop it's potential.
This is what makes this lemonade special! Shhh! 
Don't give out the secret (just kidding).
 Let cool, you can place in the refrigerator to chill 15-20 min.

When you are ready to prepare your lemonade simply pour into your pitcher/container. We will combine the sugared-lemon syrup we created, 2 cups of lemon juice that you saved, 3 1/2 cups of water and ice. I like plenty of ice in my lemonade but that is a personal choice. If you feel that it is too tart or too sweet, 

simply add more water.  This will reduce the sweetness or extreme tartness.

What's left to do? Enjoy your lemonade in a shady spot. If you liked the recipe be sure to share with your friends, and let me know! Drop me a line, it would be good to get your opinions.

Oatmeal & Raisin Cookie Recipe

Welcome Spring!! :)

Today I decided to try baking oatmeal and raisin cookies. Baking is not my forte, but I was feeling it today.

So these are pretty easy -at least I thought. This is the first time I make them; they are imperfect but perfectly delicious-golden around the edges and soft/chewy in the center. Give it a try, enjoy, and of course share any tips below!

Ingredients:

1- Cup Room Temp Butter
1-Cup Brown sugar
1/3-Cup white Sugar
2-Eggs
1-Tsp. Vanilla Extract
1 1/2- Cups Flour
1-Tsp. Baking Soda
1-Tsp. Salt
1/2-Tsp. Ground Cinnamon
3-Cups Rolled Oats
1- Cup Raisins

Mix butter until creamy, then add brown & white sugar. When completely mixed incorporate eggs and vanilla (one at a time). In a separate bowl combine dry ingredients and mix well (flour,baking soda,cinnamon,salt). Pour the dry ingredients into buttered sugar and combine them together. Make it all smooth before you pour in your oats and raisins. Grease you pan lightly, drop uniform shapes/circles separated evenly and bake 15-25 min at 350 degrees (depending on your oven). Check for crisp edges and soft centers. Allow a few minutes to cool, then place on cooling rack.

Of course, feel free to use other healthier options into the recipe or substitute any ingredients.

Enjoy! A great way to welcome the beautiful Spring.... cookies are a great way to welcome 

anything!!haha! ;)

Lasagna (without pasta) Using Mexican Squash/Calabacitas

Hello friends! Yesterday I decided to try out a new recipe, you know you may see something similar then put your twist on it. I didn't know if or how it would work, but I have to say for the first time making lasagna without the pasta it was good! You know there is nothing diet related about lasagna because it's cheese,pasta,meat, and more cheese on top. Well, I thought I might try doing a variation using Mexican Squash or calabacitas. I prepped my meat, sauce and condiments and instead of using pasta I used slices of the squash (length-wise). Of course no lasagna can be called a lasagna without delicious bubbly cheese, yumm!! So, this is not necessarily "healthy", but hey lets do it one step at  time! For now I only substituted the pasta and the rest of the ingredients were added as per usual in the creation of a delicious lasagna.

Ingredients:
1 lb. lean ground beef
1/4 onion roughly chopped
2 garlic cloves
1 tbsp oil (to add to your pan to cook meat)
garlic salt to taste
oregano
basil (4-6 leaves or as wanted)
4 med tomatoes chopped not too small
6 Mexican Squash-calabacitas (sliced length wise)
1 can tomato sauce
chili flakes (if desired)
1 lb mozzarella
1/4 lb cotija cheese

Start out by mincing your garlic, and cutting the onion so that they can be sauteed in a lightly oiled pan. After they have released their aroma and you gave them a couple minutes, proceed to add the ground beef meat and incorporate the onion and garlic into the meat.Keep your stove on medium to low heat to give the meat enough time to cook without burning. Add garlic salt over the meat,oregano, chili flakes as needed (I don't measure these things,you just have to eye it,taste,if you're not happy add more). As the meat has fully cooked pour over your chopped tomatoes and basil (about 4-6 leaves or more). Wait for the tomatoes to incorporate, release some of their flavor and add your canned tomato sauce.

In an oven-safe container add sauce to the bottom of your dish and begin assembly. Since the squash will be cut length wise you can comfortably form rows then begin to add your meat and sauce over the squash. Continue with a layer of the cheese mixture (mozzarella&cotija grated), and again add a layer of squash. Continue adding the layers until you are both finished with the meat/sauce and squash. Remember to leave enough cheese to be used as a delicious topping for your lasagna.

Put in the oven at 350¨ for 30-45 min depending on your oven. You can cover with foil for most of the cooking and uncover the last 10 min to get a golden-cheesy layer! Bon appetite!! Enjoy it, food is meant to be enjoyed-we may not eat this very often because it's so rich but when we do, we must enjoy!!

Fish Soup (Caldo de pescado) Recipe

Hello friends! Today I made fish soup/broth for lunch and being that cooking is also one of the things that I find so much enjoyment and passion over I wanted to share. I might periodically try to post up some other recipes as time goes on. If you try it, you might be pleasantly surprised and like it or you can tweak it to what ever you like best! See ya!! ;)

Catfish whole (ask your butcher to cut for you)
6 carrots
4 large potatoes
2 celery stalks
4 tomatoes
1 onion
3 garlic cloves
1 chile pasilla
cilantro bunch
lemon (optional)
salt
Knorr chicken bouillon
oil (I used vegetable oil)
pan
stew pot

In pot start to boil water about halfway full with onion and garlic clove and salt.
Cut up your potatoes, carrots, and celery and drop into the pot that you have started with the boiling water.
In a pan heat up some oil, open up your chile pasilla,clean it, and fry/toast in the oil (without burning it). Cut up your onion, tomato, garlic (roughly cut) and cook in the extra oiled pan until tender. In your blender take the chile pasilla with a little bit of the water from the vegetables and blend until smooth. Use a sifter to add your chile pasilla to the broth/soup.Once the tomato and onion mixture has softened in your pot blend it all smooth and pour in your pot as well. To the pot add roughly cut cilantro and chicken bouillon-taste for salt preference. At this point all your vegetables should be soft, and your catfish entirely cleaned out so that it can be added to the soup. Cook the fish until tender and once the soup has attained the desired consistency. Best served hot,optional with a drizzle or lemon.

*keep your flame/fire at a med level because you don't want all your vegetable to break down.
*When you add the fish bring flame/fire to lowest temp for a slow simmer so that your fish does not fall apart.

Enjoy!! Hope you like it...It's not too fishy-not too spicy,just right!! Leave me comments below :) !!!

1 Year Anniversary!!- B3beautybyblanca/ YouTube

Hello Friends!
I'm super excited to share that it has now been one year since I started my channel B3beautybyblanca on YouTube! It's pretty awesome because it was something that I wanted to do, but wasn't sure I'd be good at-because I'm not a pro. I just happened to become pretty much addicted to beauty videos on YouTube; with plenty of time on my hands thought it might be something that I could try to do.

When I started my channel I wasn't expecting to become any YouTube star, which I haven't become- and that's o.k. I asked my friends on Facebook to come over and watch me, which probably sounded pretty annoying. But I'm really grateful to those that did and continue to take the time to watch a video or read my blog. It's really meaningful to get that support and it makes a big difference.

I should explain that I didn't start my channel because I'm egocentric or even think that I'm so beautiful that I can't get over myself....that's far from it! I have always felt normal,regular, I guess?! I do however believe that doing what you like and really enjoy makes you feel good and gives you a particular satisfaction. So, even though I'm not a professional make up artist, I don't have the funds to try the millions of beauty products that I would love to try and be able to tell you how awesome they are-I really enjoy doing this!!

I started the channel in the hopes of having something positive, to keep my mind entertained and distracted from problems/life. Not that I would be escaping reality, but rather bringing some beauty to it-did you catch that ;) ? This seemed like a new adventure when everything seemed to be going wrong. I needed pretty much desperately to feel that I could create, be productive, and learn. I don't know if my make-up techniques are all that great, but I think I've developed them a bit (or I'd like to think so! you can be the judge of that! haha!). When I started doing the videos I had no idea how to edit them,NO CLUE! I won't say that I'm a miracle worker now, but I'm content with the fact that I have learned so much about how to make a video/tutorial. And it's not as easy as it seems when you see it.

When we look at a video/tutorial within the first few seconds have enough time to decipher whether it should be allowed our view or not. Meanwhile, on the other side of the screen preparing, creating, revising the project takes so much time even for a video that will only be a few minutes long.

Well, even at my inexperienced level it has taken a lot of time which I have enjoyed for the most part. I guess the joy doesn't come in knowing that thousands of people will watch the video, rather in the fact that you put the work into it and completed it! I would have loved to have done more with my channel in the past year but because of health reasons I did not feel balanced enough to continuously produce more work (because it is work even if the only thing you earn from it is self satisfaction).

O.k. so this has been stretched a bit long...I have to say THANK YOU again for being supportive!!

-P.S. official date 2/17/13-first video published on YouTube
(I had other issues to attend to this week and had not been able to post this! ahhh!)
-Oh! I saw a beautiful humming bird today in my back yard near the basil plant I like to believe they're good luck and anytime I see one I will make a wish! Hope it works!

Dyeing My Blonde Extensions Brown "Test Strip"

Hello Friends!

Today I spent the day dyeing my truly overgrown roots at home. I have done it many times, mostly successfully and a few times quite disastrous. Because I knew that I would have some hair dye left over I decided to do a dye test on my clip in extensions, which are blonde. I bought them this color because the color that I wanted was not available in the length and you know how that goes: A woman wants what a woman wants! O.k. just a little joke but you get my point if you're buying something you want exactly what you desire and no less. So, these extensions can be dyed, curled, washed, treated like real hair. But also the picture on the website was darker than what I actually received and I said well I'll still be able to dye it so I will work with it. I've had them for probably a year and really haven't worn them because of the extreme contrast in color..now much less because I chopped my hair much shorter about four months ago. Well, let's get on to this...I had never even washed the extensions because I had only tried them on. I added my extra hair dye to the smallest clip in extension just to test how the color would take to the blonde extension.

These are the extensions-blonde. I have not yet dyed them all only the smallest test strip

The color that I used to dye both my natural hair and the blonde extension was a light brown. I was aware that the strip would take the color a lot faster than natural hair because they have been processed and blonde catches a darker color quite easily.

I won't lie and say that I timed the process but I left the dye only for about ten minutes because I could see the color absorbing quite quickly. They looked quite dark, and I proceeded to wash them and condition them just as if I were washing my hair.

Now, the top clip in extension appeared much darker as it was freshly washed 

and sat next to the the blonde extension.

I combed the extension and set it to dry flat on a towel. When it was finally dry I could see that a lot of the blonde was still peeking through. The hair although visibly darker in this picture, looks more like an ash blonde... the color looks beautiful but still does not match my hair color. I don't plan on cutting the extensions too much if at all; I rather wait to grow out my hair a bit because it would defeat the purpose of buying longer extensions if I get rid of the length. So, I still have time to process how I want to proceed with this.

I know that through doing this test strip I would have to wash the extensions to try to strip some of the extra products that the extension manufacturer added and that way the dye would grip better. Also, I might leave it in for a bit longer when I decide to do all the extensions. Or, as I have already seen how much of the dye changes the hair in ten minutes I could do all for ten minutes to get them evenly toned-then if I'm still not content I can go back for maybe another 5-10 minutes.

I'm not a hair dresser and these are the first extensions that I dye, so it was quite experimental. I'm sure that it will be better to add a little of product at a time and perhaps get a lighter tone than desired because taking out a darker color might just be a bigger headache. I will plan to record the video of when I actually dye them all to be able to show you results and maybe be able to give you a few tips.

Remember to subscribe to my channel on YouTube and this one too..Thank you!!

Hypothyroidism...Today...

Hello friends :) ......

If you recently read my previous post about how I found about hypothyroidism and symptoms you'll most likely be somewhat familiar or at least recall them (if not, it's the previous post before this). This post, although it is about the same topic is not directly about me. Rather, this story came to me from my mom, who spoke to my sister, who lives in another state (in the U.S.) Yes, it's one of those...

The story (real life of course) is that a lady with the same health issue (hypothyroidism) , taking her medication, did end up in a comma. Even though, I don't know this person or all of the details of how it happened, I was told that the medicine she was taking was not doing what it was supposed to do. I was a bit shocked at first to hear this because as I had researched this seemed to be possible as an extreme effect of not taking the medication. So, it just seemed quite irregular that inadequate medication will also have an adverse effect and probably one of the worst case scenarios. As a result this person did end up in the hospital and was treated for the comma, which she was brought of it. First, it makes me think...that even if you're doing what you know to be the best for your health it can sometimes still affect you in  negative way without you even knowing it. But, in hindsight I think that if this is the case there must be symptoms that tell you that the medication is causing some negative effects, so that you will be able to talk to your doctor about the possibilities of a new prescription. And, well even if medicine as a field has long been bringing people in and out of commas for different reasons sometimes they too make mistakes; or not exactly, rather, they give you recommendations to follow but only you know what is best and the actual effects that any medication is causing your body. Then, I know that even if doctors can bring you out of this state, that because the body fell ill to an unnatural state it will need time to recover back to being normal (coming out of  comma sometimes may mean re-learning basics). Whether it is good or bad, your body is the best determining factor that will ultimately tell you if it accepts this or any treatment.

I know that this was quite recent to my previous health post (and no not all of my posts will be about this) but it's like when there is something introduced to you-whether a product or idea-every time you see it,it's like there is now so much of it/them (if products) that seemed never to be there before. When in fact everything has always been there, we just don't pay particular attention to them because it may not be in our interests. I hope I'm not too confusing, but for example: you see a beautiful car that you would love to have or just think looks gorgeous (dream car status), now every time you see a car like it you stop to look at the details, different colors, whether there's a new model, sometimes even who was driving it, if in fact you like it the way it is or you would change any details if it where your car. This is the same concept with anything really... yes, even makeup!!   

Finally, I will end this chit-chat by saying that....I wish I where not a natural worrier always, but I am forced to be a realist as I see things like this changing my life as days go by. I'm not saying that this will happen to me, but it simply makes me aware and informed of other factors. Always be proactive in your medication regimen-this means yes following what your doctor has recommended for you but his advice has to be completed as best you see fit for you as you are the sole responsible person for your health as an outcome of any treatment. You know, I love learning and I hope that you may find some of it interesting, if not appealing. Have yourself a lovely week!! <3

Finding out about Hypothyroidism...

  Hello friends, today I will be including a more personal blog post about being diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I feel that even though it's something that can be very common, it's said to be mostly found in elderly women (60 and above as shown by case studies). Why do I want to share this with you? Because I feel that it's important to know that sometimes we may have all the symptoms that our body is trying to let us know that things are not right and we refuse or cannot comprehend. Even if you personally may not suffer from this, there might be a relative or friend that does and this way you can just let them know you understand. Even though, I initially debated whether I really wanted to put this out there because I"m a very introverted person and don't like to discuss my problems with other people, I decided to do it in the hopes that it may help someone.

 I had seen/researched a bit about the possibility of having thyroid problems way before I was diagnosed, but never took it seriously enough to ask my doctor to test me for it. I have been having weight issues, fatigue, irregular cycles and other things for a long time but did not know they could be related. I initially went to the doctor for my anxiety about seven months ago(which I may discuss fully in another post/video because I'm still dealing with that). I told him, I wasn't sure what was affecting me for certain but I wanted to be tested. How do you test for it? I simply took a blood exam (this was a few months after that first visit-I really dislike blood tests) ;Surely enough it came back positive as I suspected. I came home and jokingly told my sister, "See, I have a reason to be fat". Which honestly is not even funny but what else could I do. It's not something that I provoked by not eating incorrectly or any such case. So what is it? There are two types of diagnosis, you can have an over active thyroid(known as hyperthyroidism) or in my case under active thyroid (known as hypothyroidism). It's a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. What are the symptoms? The symptoms can be easily confused with other health issues, or attributed to getting older. As I myself have been caught saying many times," I can't lose weight as easily because with age your metabolism slows down". Although, this may be true, the fact is that having hypothyroidism does not make anything easier. Common symptoms are described as fatigue,lower energy levels, depression, weight gain, excessive sleepiness, sluggish feeling, constipation, aches/pains, high cholesterol, muscle cramps, swelling of the legs, cold intolerance, dry skin/hair, muscle cramps, and decreased concentration. If the disease should escalate it can lead to puffiness around the eyes, slower heart rate, drop in body temperature, and heart failure. In the most severe cases, it  can lead to a life-threatening coma(rare) (myxerdema coma), as the onset result of serious illness, surgery, stress, or traumatic injury (in this case the person must be hospitalized and treated with hormones by injection);or cancer of thyroid gland. How can it be treated? Hypothyroidism is treated with thyroid hormone replacement, but if it's not treated it can lead to an enlarged heart (cardiomyopathy), heart failure, and an accumulation of fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion). 

So, although, I knew a bit about thyroid issues I was not educated nor did I receive a crash course by my doctor. I was told, that the blood test showed that my levels were high and he'd give me a prescription that would regulate my metabolism. Also, he asked me to eat healthy since my cholesterol came back a little high (I wasn't told exact numbers); eat lots of greens, salads, avoid late dinners, and exercise to reduce weight (although it was not a priority at this point because he told me not to lose weight too quickly). I came home did some online research, was initially scared by what I found, did some of the healthiest eating ever, cut out a lot of the bad stuff and began taking my prescription. I was prescribed Synthyroid-Levothyroxine in a low dosage(1 pill 30 min-1 hour before breakfast). At first I noticed I had lost weight, then after a few visits had gained a few pounds. Even if this seems a bit discouraging, I am glad that I know that I'm doing the best that I can to help my body try to maintain at its potential health. This is hard, because I love to cook and of course I love food, but I find myself having to say "No", even if I really mean"yes" (of course I cheat all the time).

At my last doctor's visit I was told that it's under control with the medication (I've been on it for about 4 months).He said normal levels are 0-5, and I was at 4 (4 point something). So definitely my advice, if you see any symptoms that you may recognize ask for the test, best thing that can happen is to be told that you don't have it. But in case that you do, it's better to be able to treat it early on before it should worsen.

Another thing that I cannot forget to mention is that we really need to be sensitive to others. What I mean is that people can say hurtful things without even taking the time to understand that someone might have a health issue that causes a weight problem. I mention this specifically because there are at least three very specific instances that I felt very hurt by people's comments regarding my weight even though they were not people that were near me(also at this time I did not know about any thyroid issues,I just felt over weight),those comments are still etched in my memories. Please take the time to understand others, understand their situation (not only specific to this or to me). 
A kind word uplifts and hurtful words tear down..use your words wisely.

I'm at least glad that this was found in a very treatable stage, even if from what I understand I will have to continue with this medication indefinitely. But on the other hand I'm pretty certain that this will not be any "crippling disease"-in the sense that everything seems "pretty normal". I will try to keep you posted if there are any significant changes. Thank you for taking the time to read this post, I know it's not beauty related directly; but it is- 
Our health is optimum to be able to feel at our best.

Hope to hear about any thoughts or comments you may have down below, or if you have any questions I will try to answer them as best as I can...

Glamorous Holiday Look (New Year's)

Hello Friends! Now that the year is nearly ending it's your time to shine! This is definitely the classic holiday look, just enough for you to sparkle! I used silver shades on the eyes, smoked out with some matte black. I also decided to include two different lip options, but I have to admit that I personally prefer the deep-dark red that will give you that festive sex appeal! Or you can opt to use a nude,lighter pink that suits your skin, or let's be real if you love it-then wear it :) Happy holidays remember that what makes you beautiful is not reflected in the mirror, it's deeper than that; makeup is just what we do for fun, but true beauty lies within....
                                                         ♦♦♦Products listed below♦♦♦

                                               

                                  WATCH TUTORIAL NOW!!

♦♦♦PRODUCT LIST♦♦♦

Face:

                                                               e.l.f Eyebrow Kit Med

                                            NYX Above&Beyond Full Coverage Concealer Beige 

Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm

Clinique Perfectly Real Compact Makeup 106 (N)

Lorac Blush Peach 

Maybelline Fit Me Shine Free Foundation Coconut 355 (contour)

theBalm Bahama Mama Bronzer

theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer

Eyes:

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil Milk 604

Wet n wild Eye shadow Trio Don't Steal My Thunder

L'oreal Infallible Primped & Precious

Urban Decay De Slick Oil-Control Makeup Setting Spray

theBalm Bahama Mama Bronzer

L'oreal Voluminious Mascara

e.l.f. Cream Eye Liner

Lip #1

Jordana  Lip Liner Tawny

Revlon Rosy Nude

Lip#2

Avon Pencil Lip Liner Wild Berry

Wet n Wild Matte Lipstick Sugar Plum fairy 

  

Influenster Jolly Voxbox

Hello friends! I'm excited to share what I received in my Influenster Jolly Voxbox....quickly if you're not familiar with Influenster, it's an awesome site that lets you review things according to how you score on the surveys taken on their website. If you are chosen to receive a themed box, it's free;however you are expected to share on social media (participate) and answer a survey at the end. So, it really is a nice thought to know that you will have something coming in the mail that you are essentially gifted, in exchange for your opinions. That being said, let me show you the Jolly Voxbox (Christmas theme)...In a red box I received 5 items, all full size. Below I will show you pics and a little description of each <3 <3 <3 Thank you Influenster!!http://www.influenster.com/

This little red box arrived to my house jammed packed with goodies inside...the card on top says "Influenster #JollyVoxBox Can you hear the children's laughter? Do you see the candy-colored lights lining the street? It's the most wonderful time of the year: Filled with treasure to keep you smiling from ear to ear,the Jolly VoxBox is finally here!". On the reverse side it has the items listed on the box with individual prices for each (which I will list below next to pics).

VIEW VIDEO REVIEW NOW!!

As you can see this little red box was filled right up to the brim!! 

Puffs  Ultra Soft & Strong To Go Tissue Pack: $0.49/single pack

Yes, we all need some tissues...because even though it's that happy-jolly time of year, it's also that

 time that everyone gets sick :(.But even if you don't get sick you can use them for makeup removal!

NYC New York Color HD Color Trio Eye shadow: $2.99

This trio comes with some wearable neutral shades..

Rimmel London NEW Show off Lip Lacquer: $5.49-$5.99

The lip lacquer applies like a lip gloss but it's opaque

 enough to resemble a lipstick, that means less time putting on your makeup.

Skinny Cow Candy: $3.99/Box, $1.09/Single bar or pouch

These chocolate treats are delicious and you can enjoy guilt-free because each pack (3 pieces)

 is only 130 calories. They're so good and the caramel center is definitely a plus :)

 (full box comes with six individual packs)

#Iamachocolatelover

Ducklings Mini Rolls: $2-$3

Since, you'll be busy wrapping up your presents all cute and fancy, some cute tape is always handy.

Disclaimer:  I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

 However, I was not paid in any way or form to speak/write about these products.