Shiseido Sun Protection Eye Cream SPF 32

There are many contributing factors that lead to aging and unfortunately one of the first places you see it is around your eyes.

I started using eye creams around the age of 20, but I don't know if it did anything considering that was the time in my life I would bake in the sun for hours..sometimes with sunscreen and sometimes without.

UVA/UVA rays are the leading cause for wrinkles, discoloration, sagging, etc. While I realize that lifestyle plays into aging as well, the sun plays a much bigger role than we think.

I don't always use SPF in my daily lotion, but if it's not in there, then it is in my foundation. So I always have some sort of protection. I have been using the same eye cream during the day and night, but find that it is a bit heavy for daytime, so I thought I would try this instead. The reviews are wonderful and it's made specifically for the eye area.

Here's the description-

A rich eye-area cream that minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and enhances skin's radiance while providing exceptional protection against UVA/UVB rays. Protects the delicate eye area from UVA/UVB rays to prevent signs of premature aging. Minimizes the appearance of UV-induced fine lines and wrinkles and promotes resilient-looking skin. Concentrated cream texture defends against dryness. Contains rose apple leaf extract, an antioxidant that prevents the production of free radicals. Formulated with Light Diffusing Powder to give a brighter look to eye area skin.

Sounds great right?? I would take this with a grain of salt, but applying SPF will prevent damage in the future.

Had I known that my years of laying out on the beach and pool would catch up to me, I DEFINITELY would have done things a bit differently. And I do mean a bit since being tan when I was younger was more important than listening to your mother.

A little goes a long way in this little tube that retails for $32.50. You can find it at Nordstrom or Sephora.

To My Readers

I really want to express my appreciation to everyone that has read and continues to read my blog.

I think I would probably write it if no one ever read it, but it's truly nice to hear that people actually enjoy it.

My favorite emails are from people who get inspired to try something new or get motivated in some area of their life.

This makes me very happy.

For the rest of the year I'd like to focus on getting my blog out there a little bit more, so if you like it and want to tell your friends, family, and co-workers I would LOVE it. And if you are reading this and haven't joined...well I like new readers and if you don't want to..that's okay too.

SnAcK TiMe

I love to eat. All the time. I have breakfast for dinner and chocolate for breakfast. Not all the time. But I eat whatever, whenever.

I have never been a picky eater, mostly because I had to eat what was placed in front of me for 18 years...not a bad thing, but not necessarily good either because I haven't met a food I don't like and it's just very difficult for me to say no even when I'm not hungry.

The most important thing I have learned about eating is to exercise portion control. It really allows you to satisfy your sweet or salt cravings in small amounts and that way you don't over eat when you have meals. I know that when I get super hungry (I am mean), I go to the fridge about 1o times. That is not a good thing for me or my waistline.

I try really hard not to keep many processed foods in the house, but sometimes if I don't keep some then I end up going overboard on ice cream or cookies when I am out and about. So it's good to keep a little I think.

Here's a little list of the foods I eat in between meals:

Nuts- Almonds are my favorite and I usually make my own trailmix with dried cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips

String Cheese- Try to make it organic if you can

Carrots, Celery, or Peppers

Yogurt- It's almost always low-fat or no fat plain greek, but it can get boring so sometimes I add fruit (frozen mango chunks or berries are great) or sometimes organic cocoa powder

Turkey Slices

Tuna

Pumpkin Seeds

Hard Boiled Eggs

Luna Bars

Zone Bars- These are my backup as I really love the Chocolate Mint flavor, but these have to much stuff I can't pronounce

Barbara's Bakery Cinnamon Puffins Cereal- I try not to eat much cereal because of the additives, but this one is not too bad if I need something crunchy and sweet, you can get this at Trader Joe's or Whole Foods

Mini Whole Wheat Crackers- I get these at Trader Joe's

Popcorn- I get the white cheddar from Trader Joe's...it is SO good

Almond or Peanut Butter- I like to spread it on crackers or have it with veggies

Hummus- Trader Joe's has a great spicy flavor

Smoothies with Protein, Flaxeeds or Chia Seeds, Almond Milk or Coconut Milk and Fruit; I sometimes have this as a meal replacement and add a little bit more ingredients to like yogurt or extra fruit.

I am always looking to add to my list and I try to keep it low sugar and high protein as much as possible so please let me know if you guys have any other ideas!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale July 15...and my Favorite Deodorant

Has it really been a month since I've posted!?!

Time seems to be going so quickly these days and I have had a very busy month. Thankfully things are slowing down so I can get back to what is truly important like shopping and blogging.

In all seriousness, I miss it when I don't do it.

It is no secret that Nordstrom is my go-to store for anything and everything under the sun. I even like their cafe on the 3rd floor for lunch and many times plan my shopping trips around eating.

This is normal right???

This is by far my favorite month. Not because I get to celebrate my birthday, but because the sales at Nordstrom this time of year are out of control. I tend to stock up on lotion, deodorant, gloss, etc in the cosmetics department. Unfortunately, most shoes I like never go on sale so I don't waste my time there and I love to look at the handbags, but I find that my favorite brands don't go on sale either and I'm not one to branch out in the accessory area. They say looking can lead to buying, but not if you know what you need and make a LIST and stick to it.

Today I went to stock up on deodorant. Who the heck buys deodorant at Nordstrom?? For the longest time I had no idea that you could until I tried Donna Karan Cashmere Mist about a year ago. I don't remember who told me about it, but I think they have it strategically placed by the registers sometimes and I may have gotten hooked that way.

It is fantastic, smells great, and reasonably priced. They are $12 each ($18 at Sephora), but they have a trio for $32 during the sale. And did you know that if you are a cardholder you can shop a few days before so you have priority?

Bulk items actually run out quickly since they tend to bulk items that are in in high demand. Feel free to read reviews online about the deodorant, it gets 5 out of 5 stars!

Today I was taken behind a pretty white curtain in the cosmetic department. It's a bit strange I'll admit, but you have to accompanied by an associate and have to be a cardholder.

Did that make my feel special? Not reeaalllly, but a little bit.

JCrew Sawyer Hobo

This beautiful textured leather hobo comes in amber

military green and this blush pink

and black shown above.

It retails for $298 and is on sale for $229 online. Their might

be some available in store,

but I would call

ahead just to make sure they have it in the color you want.

It has a strap so that you

can wear it on

your shoulder or cross-body. It is a very functional and classic

bag for everyday use.

Trader Joe's Peanut Butter Cream Cheese

I use to say that there is more wine and chocolate running through my veins than anything else.

Well these days I am drinking A LOT less and maybe eating a bit less chocolate. I have been on the cheese train for a couple of years now and can't seem to get off.

I love it on almost everything. I spread it on a tortilla for an egg burrito, I have it shredded on tacos, I eat quesadilla's like the world is going to end and I love provolone by the slice.

There isn't a day that goes by where I don't have at least one serving, okay usually two.

Lately I have been REALLY trying to calm down. I think it's getting out of hand, especially since I am trying to eliminate my dairy intake to once or twice a week and eventually just once a month. It hasn't happened yet, mostly because I keep buying it...

I'm going to stop now, but first I wanted to tell you about Trader Joe's Peanut Butter Cream Cheese. Two of my favorite things in one! This is really going to be difficult as it is VERY GOOD.

Have it with fruit, an english muffin, or by the spoonful. It has a thick consistency, not like whipped cream cheese, and a little goes a long way. I still have some in my fridge, though I imagine it will be gone by tomorrow..

Banana & Butter Breakfast

I am always searching for new healthy combinations for any time of day, but I also don't believe in eating certain foods for breakfast or dinner, I just eat what I feel like eating. I eat every 3 hours, 4 if I have no choice, but it's not always easy coming up with a variety of foods so I am really trying to find some new things.

For breakfast today I found a nice combination of protein, fat and carbs. It's light, filling and tastes good too! Well you have to like cottage cheese...and I know not everyone does so maybe try substituting plain greek yogurt.

In a bowl I put half a cup of low fat cottage cheese, cut up a very small banana, sprinkled some cinnamon and put a tablespoon of organic creamy peanut butter on top. If you need it to be a bigger meal, I suggest doubling up on everything as mine was pretty small. I don't really eat bananas often, maybe once a month, but sometimes I crave them. I usually stick to blueberries, strawberries, mangoes, or peaches.

Rose Gold Accessories

I am really loving anything rose gold right now. It's pretty, feminine and seems a little vintage.

I think it stands out a bit more since it isn't your typical gold or silver and it accents a tan nicely too! Most designers are also doing a rose gold collection now because of the high interest.

I have always liked Michael Kors watches since they look good on my small wrists.

This watch retails for $180, but is on sale for $107!

The bracelet is from Banana Republic and retails for $35.

These actually look nice together on the same wrist, but you shouldn't wear anything else or it will seem like a bit much.

Lotus Biscoff Spread

Have you ever heard of Biscoff Cookies???

I first heard of Biscoff when I was traveling to Europe years ago and they were being served on the plane as a snack.

I was weary of cookies being served on a plane thinking there is no way they would give out two-hundred free cookies if they were really really good right?!

Well they are FANTASTIC so I asked for a couple more packs...I was hungry.

Because of the high popularity of their cookies, the company started making a spread.

This is very similar to peanut butter, but with a hint of more sweetness. It is wonderful on bread, waffles, a dip for fruit, or with ice cream.

This cookie spread has all natural ingredients, doesn't have preservatives or artificial colors. It's also vegan and nut-free.

These cookies now have a cult following after being served on several flights, which have probably increased sales in general.

"Light, fantastically crisp, just-sweet-enough and tasting of caramel and warm spices, they're like everything you've ever wanted in gingerbread or graham crackers." Francis Lam

Heartbreaker Bentley

How do you think they cast the 25 lucky men that get out of the limo during the first episode?

They interview hundreds, if not over a thousand guys for the show, and it's not just one interview, it's several.

Different personalities equal good TV right? They like guys whose personalities clash, they like guys who are into themselves, they like guys who talk too much or not at all, they like guys who are silly. And by "they" I mean the producers of the show. They know exactly what to do and are doing it well with the show in it's 21st season.

I have watched the show on and off, but was never really invested in it and remembered watching Brad Womack's first time around when he didn't pick either of the last two girls- which by the way both women are planning weddings.

So I watched my very first ENTIRE season when Brad Womack got a second chance.

The two women at the end couldn't be more different in appearance and personality, but he chose the blonde that spoke minimally. (Guess that answers what guys really want...)

Sooo it didn't work out. Those who watched knew it wouldn't. She wasn't that into him and don't know why she did the show. I found her, Emily, to be a bit boring with zero inflection in her voice when she spoke about anything.

Supposedly Emily is back with her ex and the other girl, Chantal, is in a relationship with someone that is MUCH better looking that Brad Womack.

See? Women like good looks too..

The girl that is the bachelorette now, Ashley, was one of four women remaining of Brad's season and so far it's shaping up to be a quite entertaining season, largely due to a guy name Bentley.

While she's not good looking (as my boyfriend says), she seems sincere and fun. I don't know why I am watching this season...I actually think the guys are making it good. (And there's not a lot of good TV during the summer).

Bentley, a divorced father, has been the talk of the show. He REALLY doesn't like Ashley. I don't think he came on the show to promote anything, I think he just came on for something to do and get a little bit of fame. He seems like an easy going guy who doesn't find Ashley attractive. I don't think he's shallow (well maybe a bit), he just knows what he likes. I can't begrudge him for that.

He is taking it up to a level that I don't appreciate, but I have laughed out loud many times. Here's some Bentley quotes, though I should warn you if you haven't been watching they are harsh (and yes I do feel bad that he is messing with her).

I do have to tell you, Ashley, that 60 percent of guys are not here for the right reasons. The reason I know that is because 60 percent of guys in America are boob guys. But her ass makes up for it, I'll tell you that.

I had the opportunity and I played everyone. That's something that's never been done before.

I've been saying from the beginning, like, she's just not my type. I'm not feeling it. I feel like it's a waste of time and it's better to just walk away, to the point where all I want to do is be on the first plane back, ASAP.

I’m gonna make Ashley cry… I hope my hair looks OK.

These tools, these freakin' idiots, they believe me.

I can tell you that 24 guys out of 25 are here for the right reasons.

It's, like, she's such a standout. She's so breathtakingly beautiful that Ashley kind of looks like an ugly duckling to me.

Even if I'm not coming back, like, I still want to keep the dot dot dot there. … Dot dot dot's better than just a period.

Ashley, she's not somebody that I'm not necessarily smitten by, but definitely the type of girl that I would totally hook up with now and then.

Looking back, things could've turned out differently if the Bachelorette was Emily.

Did you know he is actually coming back during the season after he just left the show???

He told Ashley he missed his daughter and that it's time for him to go home, but really he just doesn't care and is over it. Supposedly Ashley begged producers to get him to come back...and I guess he does, but word has it it's only because he wanted a free trip to China...