Out Take

Took an unintentional break for my trip back to a Ohio, and what a lovely 30 hours it was. I wish I had more time, but Mom and I are back in Chicago for a bit, and then my friend is flying in for New Year's! Most excellent. Thanks to everyone that made my trip hilariously wonderful. Not pictured: my friends hamming it up with my parents in a bar moments after I stepped off a plane. Priceless.

Au Naturale

Since natural beauty products are becoming more en vogue these days and the ever-present threat of toxic chemicals in cheap products always seems to linger in the back of my mind when I pick up a new $2 lipstick (and because I'm susceptible to trends and advice from strangers via their blogs) I've been wondering, should I go with more natural beauty products?

I gave you my rave review about making my own mud scrub and that worked out well, but what about shampoos? Is sulfate going to make my hair fall out? No, but it probably isn't doing any good for my scalp or eczema. Will the toxins in lipstick give me lead poisoning?  Maybe if I sat down and ate it like a pack of cherry lifesavers, but I think I can restrain myself. But would I rather be safe than sorry? Yes, yes I would.


All in moderation. You won't see me chucking my deodorant out the window, but slowly I'm using up what's left of my regular stock and moving on to something better for my health. It also goes well with my 24 Before 25 List in getting rid of beauty products that aren't absolutely essential. So here's what I'm thinking so far:

Photo Via

By recommendation of Joanna Goddard via A Cup Of Jo I really want to try Mama Bee Body Oil, and I was sold on Kiss My Face's shampoo until I smelled it. A leetle too "herby" for my olfactories.  I guess my strands will have to suffer with sulfate until I can find a better alternative. I really want to try Paul Mitchell's Awapuhi and Wild Ginger after a visit to the salon, but my wallet says no. You can see all of her organic beauty picks here.


I also did a quick search on lead-free lipsticks and it turns out that one of my favorite brands: Clinique (who is also scent and allergen free) makes lovely colors sans poison. The Body Shop also makes some great shades that I would love to take for a test drive.


Are you concerned with toxins in your beauty products? My only recommendation would be to do your research rather than taking Whole Food's word for it. I even went to Bliss Tree and after they published a story on Lipsticks Without Lead they discovered after publishing that a Burt's Bee's product still had lead in it. It's kind of a difficult commitment to make right now, but hopefully cosmetics companies start doing the right thing, and natural products in the mean time will pay off.

Z-Pak Holiday

Back in November I had a debilitating  phlegm-y nasty cough for the majority of the month. I kept convincing myself that it would get better on its own and I couldn't possibly break from my busy schedule just to see a doctor. Then a new hire, on his third week of training said: "You know you've been sick since I met you."

I tore myself away from my Saturday of coffee drinking/leaf watching/rain avoidance to go to my local Minute Clinic. Lifesavers those RNs. Ten minutes later and I was out the door with bronchitis and four different medications to get me through the rest of the week.


I got home, took the medications and despite their lack of codeine fell instantly asleep on the couch only to wake up and hour later and discover that the cough medicine had "disagreed with me". As I was hugging the porcelain throne, I lay there uncomfortably warm against the cool tile waiting for someone to come in and ask if I was okay. But Roommate was out and the Captain can't move, so I crawled back out to the living room and nestled myself back on the futon. All at once I just wanted my mom.


24 years old, independently moved out to Chicago to pursue my own goals, have the ability to pay rent all by myself and yet, I still need my mom. Running Buddy and I laughed about it: college degrees, full time jobs, almost to our thirties, and I still want my mom to check up on me and bring me ginger ale. Of course when I'm sick isn't the only time I need my mom. Other times include when I want to see that new musical/romantic/Brad Pitt movie and no one will go with me, when I can't figure out how to switch a magazine subscription, and when my new healthcare plan just doesn't make any sense...

That's why I'm pumped to be seeing her on Sunday!

Sunday

I allowed the week to just slip away from me, but I'm glad I did. Only 9 more days until Christmas, then I get to escape back home for a little bit. Mom and I will be driving back to Chicago Christmas night and I'll be at work the next day. All that's left to get me through this next week is to let everything slip some more. Go with the flow and enjoy the holidays in Chicago while I still can.

Enjoy your Sunday!


-K.K.

24 Before 25: 6 Month Review

A little under 6 months in and I thought it was time to do a review of what I have left to do on my 24 Before 25 list...and so far it appears that I have a lot. Being the fanatical list maker that I am, I put a check mark next to the things that I'm well on my way to doing and crossed out the one that is for sure done. I did have to make some edits to the list but that's the way it goes. I think the new goals are more reflective of how I feel about myself and what direction I'm taking my life.

24 Things To Do Before I’m 25

1.) Travel to one place I've never been before (Atlanta) ✓ 

2.) Write something every day (Blog) ✓

3.) Be happy and self-sufficient with my employment (getting there!) ✓

4.) Find a work-out regiment that makes me happy

5.) Complete a full length play

6.) Save up enough money for a puppy (money, no time) ✓

7.) Take a class (free at work!) ✓

8.) Finish reading all the books on my shelves (three to go) ✓

9.) Wear a bikini

10.) Start sewing/crafting again (Knitting) ✓

11.) Check off every place on my foursquare brunch list ✓

12.) Start shopping vintage/thrift more often

13.) Get a credit card

14.) Promote myself without being embarrassed ✓

15.) Pair down my beauty supply (organizing and finishing products) ✓

16.) Shop my closet and wear all of my clothes. If I don’t I have to donate it at the end of the season ✓

17.) Donate money or time to charity ✓

18.) Run a 10k (Researched, just not training) ✓ 

19.) Learn to cook for myself (Cooking, but same five things) ✓

20.) Get out of my comfort zone professionally

21.) Find a way to manage my stress level ✓

22.) Get a bike

23.) Go to the zoo with my Goddaughter

24.) Dance or sing in public ✓