out with the old (skin)

I went to the spa this morning for my chemical peel. I received a medium strength glycolic acid peel that was safe to be administered without the assistance of a dermatologist. She prepped my face, applied the acid, and left it for a little over ten minutes. I tolerated it well. It stung a bit, but nothing too terrible. Then she applied a dark spot treatment mask. Afterwards, she moisturized the skin and applied a very protective sunscreen.

For the next 48 hours, I can’t wear any make-up. Just moisturizers and sunscreen. I bought the spa’s brand of sunscreen, which contains 10% zinc oxide and yet glides on like a dream with no white residue and a dewy finish. I think I’m in love. Holy grail sunblock alert! I’m all about the sunscreen, and hats, and generally just avoiding the sun at all costs.

She said my face would start to feel tight, and it definitely does. She told me to expect my face to peel over the next few days, kind of like having a bad sunburn. So far, I have no redness. My esthetician said she was impressed by how well my skin handled it.

I’m excited to see the results! I’m doing a second peel in 6 weeks and I’m thinking I may do the next step up, which has a higher concentration of acid and throws retinol into the mix as well.

I’m getting addicted to the spa. I needed a new addiction, though. Clothes shopping has gotten boring. I have shit hanging in the closet that still has tags. I’m thinking of doing a challenge in August where I can’t re-wear an outfit for the entire month. It’s time to wear these damn clothes!

T is for…

Tarot.

I recently purchased my very first Tarot deck and I’m very pleased with it. The cards are gorgeous, and the guide is easy to understand. I’m currently concentrating on one-card readings while I familiarize myself with the deck. The Hanged Man, in my reading, symbolizes something I need to let go of, and I knew instantly to what it was referring. More on that in a later post maybe.

When D reads this, he will be rolling his eyes like whoa. Love you, my babe. 😘

*this post is related to an April photo a day challenge in which I will be participating. 

Powder dip mani

I got one of these today for the first time and it was an interesting process. You dip your finger into a small pot of colored powder with a bit of adhesive applied before and between dips. After some filing and top coats, you have the same look as a gel manicure, but without the UV light. 


It’s said to last several weeks, and doesn’t weaken your nail beds. I’m interested in seeing how this plays out. 

one new thing

A good friend of mine has inspired me to try one new thing per month in 2017. January’s one new thing? Lash extensions!! I’ve been thinking about trying these since right after I finished chemo in 2013. It was time to bite the bullet. 


I’m wearing no makeup in this pic. (I know, right?!)

Verdict: I’m in love!! I can’t wait to see how they look with eyeliner and a touch of mascara. 

The downside: expensive and high maintenance. However, my vanity knows no bounds. Haha. Just kidding. Kind of.