MinimalMish

I was acquainted with this book on a weekend trip to one of the largest independent bookstores - Powell's Books. Although I expected nothing more than your average self-help book I couldn't resist the urge to read it. As jarring as the title may seem, Manson thoroughly articulates the importance of understanding ones values and offers insight on how we can approach complications in our lives. We are reminded that we should "[Not] hope for a life without problems, there's no such thing. Instead, hope for a life full of good problems."

I am someone who is guilty of turning myself into my worst enemy. We, as humans, instinctively try to find ways to feel wanted and valued even if it seems like we sacrifice more than we profit.

“Because when you give too many fucks—when you give a fuck about everyone and everything—you will feel that you’re perpetually entitled to be comfortable and happy at all times, that everything is supposed to be just exactly the fucking way you want it to be. This is a sickness. And it will eat you alive. You will see every adversity as an injustice, every challenge as a failure, every inconvenience as a personal slight, every disagreement as a betrayal. You will be confined to your own petty, skull-sized hell, burning with entitlement and bluster, running circles around your very own personal Feedback Loop from Hell, in constant motion yet arriving nowhere”

Learning the hard way, this is going to tear you apart. The desperate attempt to be liked by others will emphasize and reflect your insecurities. You will start hate yourself when you cannot fulfill the standards that you believe others expect from you. Whether or not these expectations are actually true, you still deprive yourself the ability to be genuinely happy and satisfied with who you are. Growing up, I maintained this mindset of going about life trying to please anyone and everyone I could. This started with just me trying to make my parents happy, which created a snowball effect to me trying to prove to everyone that I was capable. Why does it matter that your friends think your job sucks? Why does it matter if your parents feel ashamed that you do not make as much as their friend's child? Why does it matter if your boyfriend thinks that that sweater you are wearing looks hideous on you? Why does that matter to you, to me, to him, or to her? It matters because we think we are defined by what and how others perceive us to be. It matters because we are human and we desire to feel accepted. And that's perfectly fine. But the moment that it starts to take over your life and degrades your own self-esteem, it becomes a constant reminder that you are not enough. When you are clouded by so much negativity, you lose sight of opportunities and life itself.

There is always a balance and an awareness of that fact that sometimes it is okay to say "no". This is the moment when you have to reel yourself back to reality and reflect on your situation. When we care too much, we get high off of the idea of wanting more and more in order to prolong the feeling of success and pleasure. When does it stop? We forget the simple pleasures in life - popping bubble wrap, getting an extra hour of sleep, the smell of freshly cut grass, and simply the blessings of our family and friends.

"When we force ourselves to stay positive all the time, we deny the existence of our life's problems. And when we deny our problems, we rob ourselves of the chance to solve them and generate happiness."

Problems exist, and it was not until recently that I realized how important it was to face them head on rather than pushing them under the rug, hoping that they would disappear. You know that saying, "sometimes things are better left unsaid"? Well that's definitely not true. Communication is an integral part of solving our problems. We cannot solve them independent of communication. Accept that you'll have problems, because the act of fixing our problems sprouts new perspectives. We cannot be confined by our narrow mindedness and use our past to generate assumptions to avoid our problems. The most selfish trap we can place on ourselves is thinking that we know what we actually do not know. In the end, this leads to putting the blame on others when situations do not bend in our favor.

"There's a difference between blaming someone else for your situation and that person's actually being responsible for your situation. Nobody else is ever responsible for your situation, but you. Many people may be to blame for your unhappiness, but nobody is ever responsible for your unhappiness but you. This is because you always get to choose how you see things, how you react to things, how you value things. You always get to choose the metric with which you measure your experiences."

Hi all!

I've created a new video showing you how to create my signature hair style - soft loose curls! This hair style takes me less than 10 minutes to do.

https://youtu.be/QArOHEEmRZE

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Instagram: @MinimalMish

Twitter: @MinimalMish

YouTube Video -- https://youtu.be/ewOPuIFCTIA

Hi everyone! Check out my newest video -- My August Bullet Journal setup. I wanted to go for a minimal and easy design that anyone can create on their own. Please feel free to share your ideas and thoughts!

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Instagram: @MinimalMish

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Balayage is a hand painting technique used to highlight the hair, creating a gradient and natural looking effect. For those of you that have had balayage done to your hair, you know that having this type of technique done requires time and maintenance. In this post, I'll be sharing with you affordable and effective products that will help maintain your highlights with minimal effort.

1. MATRIX - Biolage Colorlast Shampoo (33.8 oz - $25)

The Matrix shampoo and conditioner duo has been my all time favorite brand to use when having Balayage hair. This shampoo does not dry out my scalp nor does it dry out my hair. The scent reminds me of bathroom bar soap, but I definitely can look past that knowing how great this product is. It doesn't leave my hair looking brassy or faded. The best part about this shampoo is not only it's formula that helps to maintain the color, but it also does a fantastic job at controlling frizz!

2. MATRIX - Biolage Colorlast Conditioner (33.8 oz - $27)

Between the Biolage shampoo and conditioner, I would highly recommend investing in the conditioner -- It leaves my hair feeling smooth and soft after each use. Incase you are someone who is sensitive to smell, the conditioner smells identical to the shampoo. When washing my hair, I generally concentrate the majority of the product on the bottom half of my hair to help moisturize the ends which tend to get a little more dry with Balayage.

3. eSalon - Tinted Love Color Enhancing Treatment (4 oz - $15)

I have never used products quite like the eSalon color treatment. It claims to "intensifies, enhances or neutralizes hair color..." and I definitely think it does exactly that. You can see an immediate differences in the color of your hair after using this toner. It helps to brighten and tone down brassiness in your hair. I find that using this once a week is sufficient in maintaining the vibrant colors of your Balayage.

4. OGX - Argan oil (3.3 oz - $8)

After a complete wash, while your hair is still damp, use Argan oil to help rejuvenate and add moisture back into your hair. A little goes a long way with this product!!! Concentrate this on the lower half of your hair -- you want to avoid adding more oil to the roots/scalp. Let it air dry and you are done! The oils are generally the most effective products and take minimal effort and time.

5. Garnier Fructis - Sleek & Shine Leave-In Conditioning Cream (10.2 oz - $4.50)

Another alternative aside from oils are leave-in conditioners. The Granier Fructis leave-in conditioner is one of the few out there and the best part is, it's under $5! Distribute about a dime to a quarter size of this product throughout your hair while it is damp and let it air dry. After using this product, my hair feels lightweight and so smooth. If you're ever at the drugstore, pick up one of these bottles and I guarantee you won't regret it.

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Instagram: @MinimalMish

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YouTube Video -- https://youtu.be/oTBVUdNVNPg

It's been a while since I've posted -- But I am back with a new video! This month's video is inspired by bullet journaling. I started my bullet journal about two months ago when I came across a vast community of bullet journalists on Pinterest and Instagram. This month, I wanted to share what I learned from last month's planning and hopefully give you guys some inspiration as well!

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There are three drugstore products that I can't seem to live without in my daily routine. Not only are these all drugstore products but they are quality products that are worth your buck! I have been following Physicians Formula, Milani and Essence for many years as they have come out with new, evolving formulas. If you're looking for cheaper alternatives for your everyday makeup kit, check out the three below!

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer (Bronzer) // Let me start off by saying, this product smells like a summer vacation on the beach. The coconut scent permeates through the originally sealed packaging. Bronzer is my favorite step because it adds dimension and color back into the complexion. Choosing the right color is equally if not more important than finding the right formula. The color Bronzer best suits my skin tone (I'm about an NC20-25). The color is buildable and wears all day, up to 8 hours.

Essence Pure Nude Highlighter (Be My Highlight 01) // Where do I begin? When I first heard Kathleenlights rave about this in her monthly favorites, I knew I had to get my hands on it. When I finally found it at my local Ulta store I was ecstatic! And when I applied it, I fell even more in love. One drawback is that the formula is not as smooth as I anticipated but I have no complaints on the color payoff. This highlighter does not emphasize any large pores or dry patches, which is a plus in my book!

Milani Baked Blush (Luminoso) // I can't express enough how much I love this blush! It has an amazing formula, color, and finish. I have purchased this blush at least three times and it never seizes to amaze me. It's less than $10 and is definitely a must-have in your makeup kit. This blush provides a flattering rosy pink finish with slight shimmer. I'm a huge fan of natural looking makeup and if you're anything like me, you won't be disappointed!

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If your skin is anything like mine, I get extremely oily throughout the day and am in need of a good setting spray. Setting sprays have different effects depending on the type of finish you prefer. There are setting sprays that make your makeup last longer and some that give you a dewier finish. I, gravitate towards long lasting setting sprays.

Price/Purchase - The popularity of this product has made it almost impossible for me to find. Milani is only sold at Walmart and Fred Meyers. They are always sold out! Luckily, I was able to snatch one at my local Walmart a few weeks ago. The Milani setting spray retails for $8-$10 depending on where you purchase it which is still less than half the price of a higher end setting spray.

Product Details - The Milani setting spray comes in 2.03 fl oz. which is comparable to MAC Fix + (3.4 fl oz.) and the Urban Decay (4 fl oz.) setting sprays, relative to the price. If you have a strong sense of smell, this product may not be appealing to you. Let's be honest, the biggest deal breaker in any setting spray is the consistency of the spray. I was surprised at the quality of the nozzle. There is an even amount of product distributed to the face after each pump. However, I do find the mist to be slightly too heavy on the skin. I have yet to find a comparable drugstore product with a nozzle quite like the MAC Fix+.  

Application/Use - What I particularly enjoy about this product is the finish that it leaves on my skin - flawless and natural. It keeps my makeup lasting up to 10-12 hours. Most other setting sprays leave my skin feeling oily and too dewy by the end of the day. With my skin type, I prefer sprays that add moisture but helps control the oils on my face to reduce the shine.

Recommendation - I recommend this product to anyone looking for a cheaper alternative to the more expensive setting sprays. The product does all that it claims and for the price, you can't beat that!

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This past winter, I practically lived in my mock neck sweaters. Turtleneck sweaters were definitely a trend for 2016 and will continue to be a trend in 2017. The style of the neckline is so flattering and feminine! Mock neck sweaters can be found fitted or bulky. Being slim, I prefer the bulkier fit to wear with leggings or skinny black jeans. What makes the mock neck sweaters so great is the versatility. You can dress these sweaters up or down depending on the occasion. You can throw on a jean jacket or a leather jacket to create a casual and edgy look or dress it up by pairing it with a long trench coat and an A-line skirt! You can look sophisticated and trendy without having to put in a lot effort -- Definitely a must-have in your wardrobe!

Mock Neck Sweaters:

H&M

Topshop

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"Make an understated statement with a true classic that always looks effortless" - DW

Recently gaining it's popularity from Instagram, the classy, professional, and simple Daniel Wellington watches have slowly become my all-time favorite everyday accessory. I bought my first DW watch when I graduated college and started working at a corporate job. I wanted an accessory that would complete my business professional wardrobe and this was perfect! I received so many compliments on this watch and even convinced some of my family, friends, and coworkers to purchase it as well! I find myself reaching for this one on the daily!

Purchase/Price: The Classic collection retails for $199. It's definitely a cheaper alternative to other growing luxury brands like Michael Kors, Movado, Michele, Tory Burch, etc. There are always promotional codes that are available online that could save you 10-15%. You can purchase a Daniel Wellington watch online at https://www.danielwellington.com/ or at an authorized retailer which can be found here. When you find it is time to replace your band, you can purchase a leather or a NATO band which costs $65 and $35, respectively.

Product Details: The Classic collection for women is available in 36 mm (I believe it also comes in 40 mm). It's available in two different colors -- Silver and rose gold. The best feature of Daniel Wellington watches is the interchangeable bands. You can choose from a wide variety of leather or NATO bands to compliment each outfit! I also enjoy the ultra-thin style -- it sits on your wrist weightlessly.

Whether you are in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or 50s, it is important to take care of your skin by having a customized skincare routine. However, searching for the right products can seem almost impossible -- Finding the right skincare routine requires understanding your skin type, texture, and condition. While I am not an expert on skincare, I can provide insight from my own experiences and share products that have made a difference in my skin.

I have dry skin and texture around my nose, forehead, and chin area. I do not have major issues but will occasionally get breakouts on my forehead/perimeter of my face as well as redness around my cheeks and nose. Next, I will be sharing with you two skincare products that have helped me combat some of these issues, especially through the winter months.

SON & PARK | Beauty Water

Apply the Beauty Water with a cotton pad before applying the rest of your skincare, but after you've cleansed your face, to help restore the pH balance in your skin. This multi-purpose product acts as a toner and a cleanser. An added benefit is that it provides a thin layer of moisture to the skin. I personally love applying this as part of my skincare routine at night and also in the morning. After using this product for 2-3 weeks, I noticed that the texture of my skin started to change -- the little dots around the bridge of my nose and around my forehead started to diminish. If you can get past the scent (cheap bathroom soap) this product is worth the purchase. I would recommend this to all skin types, especially those with dryer skin.

Ingredients: Water, Rose Damascena Flower Water, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Orange Fruit Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Butylene Glycol...

Click for more detail (Sokoglam)

MANYO | Galactomyces Niacin Special Treatment Essence

Apply this essence with clean hands using a patting motion. The amount of drops applied is dependent upon your skin type (With my skin, I apply about 5-6 drops). I would suggest testing this product on a small section of your body before applying it to the entire face. When I first applied this product, I expected it to be slightly oily. It is not oily at all. It has a thick water consistency, which I really love! This treatment essence is extremely effective! Many high-end anti-aging skincare products include Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate as a key ingredient. There are many claims that Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate helps protect the skin from wrinkles, large pores, skin texture, tone, etc. After using this product, I noticed that my skin tone changed drastically! I feel so much more confident in my own skin and have seen less breakouts over time. Try it for yourself!

Ingredients: Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Niacinamide, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Usnea Barbata (Lichen) Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate

Click for more detail (Memebox)

LANEIGE | Bright Renew Original Cream

Apply cream with clean hands using a patting motion. As someone who has very dry skin, this product helps rejuvenate my skin by adding tons of moisture! Apply the cream after all of your toners, oils, and essences. I wouldn't recommend this product for those who have oily skin, as it may irritate your skin more. The Laneige cream leaves my skin feeling extremely supple and moisturized. I only use this cream in my nighttime skincare routine and remember that a little goes a long way. The scent is refreshing, which is a plus!

Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Niacinamide, Cyclohexasiloxane, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Yeast Extract...

Click for more detail (Laneige)

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