Ceremonia Bestsellers Hair Welcome Kit | Heritage Scalp Remedy Oil (Aceite de Moska), All In One Shampoo (Champú de Yucca & Witch Hazel), All In One Conditioner (Acondicionador de Cupuaçu & Castor), Deep Hydration Repair Cream (Guava Leave-in Conditioner)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I get commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post.

Not Sponsored: Ceremonia is a Latin, family-rooted, clean hair brand. I first noticed the brand on Sephora's website. I delved a little further and visited Ceremonia's website. Several things impressed me regarding the company: how their products cater to such a diverse assortment of hair types (straight, curly, coily etc), amazing ethical values (sustainability, natural ingredients, community) and their love of family. Babba Rivera, who owns Ceremonia is a Latin American immigrant. Her father was a hairdresser. Growing up, she didn't see products made for her or representation of her culture. She decided to change that, by starting her own business (Ceremonia) and create products for all. I think that is such a beautiful story. When you visit their website, you see representation from many nationalities. 

I decided to purchase Ceremonia's Best Seller Welcome Kit. I didn't want to invest in full-size products, because my hair is just as finicky as my skin. My skin is dry and so is my hair. I want to disclose that several years ago, I practically loss all of my hair. It was due to a shampoo that dried my hair out and me putting a relaxer in my hair. It damaged my scalp. My scalp took years to heal and now my hair is trying to grow. It's been a very slow process. My hair breaks very easily. So that is why, you don't see any hair care reviews on A Very Sweet Blog. I'm just now starting to try some products. I'm very cautious. Let me talk about each product in the Welcome Kit. All of these products come in full sizes.

Ceremonia Heritage Scalp Remedy Oil (Aceite de Moska) 1 oz/ 30 mL

I agree with Ceremonia when they say, "Hair wellness begins at the scalp". Your scalp is the foundation, the root, from which your hair must grow. Problems there? Problem hair. This product contains a number of oils. Many are sourced from Latin America. It promises to nourish your scalp, strengthen your hair, and reduce frizz. You shake the bottle, apply these drops to your scalp, after 10-15 minutes wash it out or leave it in as an overnight treatment. I tried it both ways. My dry scalp and hair really absorbed this oil. Overnight, it provided some moisture to my scalp and hair, but not enough compared to what I'm currently using (Bumble & Bumble Invisible Oil - Nordstrom, Macys, Shop Premium Outlets, Selfridges). I'll talk about my experience with it, right before shampooing below. It's a good oil. Nice tropical scent. But if your hair and scalp (like mine) require a lot of nourishment, you may need something else.

Ceremonia All In One Shampoo (Champú de Yucca & Witch Hazel) 2 oz/ 60 mL

 

This shampoo is described as ultra-hydrating, moisturizing, will boost shine and reduces frizz. It contains Yucca extract and Witch Hazel. This shampoo will not strip your scalp's natural oils. Let me say, what I like about this kit, is that the sample sizes let you try the product at least 4-5 times (depending on the length and thickness of your hair). I got mix results with this shampoo. The first time, I didn't use the oil. The result was a very low, almost non-existent lather. The next time, I used the oil and the shampoo lathered up (which made for a better experience). The next several times (without the oil), very low lather. I felt, if your hair wasn't wet-wet and you didn't use the oil, that the lathering lacked. I never got a "my hair feels really clean" feeling. My hair did feel soft after using this shampoo. It had a nice shine. My hair just didn't feel as clean as I wanted it to be. This shampoo is very fluid, so be mindful when dispensing the product.

 

Ceremonia All In One Conditioner (Acondicionador de Cupuaçu & Castor) 2 oz/ 60 mL

This conditioner was good. It's described as a strengthening and hydrating conditioner. It contains Cupuaçu Butter, which smooths hair and frizz. It also contains castor oil for shine. I put this on my hair, while I was in the shower. I would clean the rest of my body, so it would have a chance to sit and really work its way into my hair. Upon washing the conditioner out, my hair felt nourished. Did it provide the moisture that my current shampoo & conditioner gives me (The Body Shop Banana Conditioner)? No. It's good, but it doesn't provide enough moisture if you have really dry hair.

Ceremonia Deep Hydration Repair Cream (Guava Leave-in Conditioner) 2 oz/ 60 mL

 

This product has won awards from Allure, Elle, Glamour, and Popsugar. I applied this to my hair before giving myself a relaxer. My hair curled up. I was like wow! When my hair was straightened and I applied this cream, it didn't curl up. Sooo! Again (for me), mix results. I thought this cream would hydrate my hair, leave it soft and I could just work my fingers through my hair. It always dried down on my hair and left it a little hard. So that kind of threw me for a loop. I was expecting something else. There is a leave in Guava Rescue Spray (detangler), but at this point I don't know. 

In Conclusion: I don't think Ceremonia is for me (and that's ok). Sometimes products will work great for some and not for others. I feel I need every product they offer, in order for any of them to work. Even after going through all of these steps, I'm not getting the results I would like. I'm not going to give Ceremonia a rating, because I looked at reviews on a couple of sites. The reviews go from I LOVE THIS STUFF to I RETURNED EVERYTHING. Its either going to work for you or not. All the products have a really nice fresh & tropical scent. Nothing alarming or loud. The cost of their products are great (very low cost). I would try a Welcome Kit before committing to full size. They give you an ample amount of product to use. It's an excellent way, to see if their products work for you.

 

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7 Blocks All Small Businesses Need To Tick

There are many things that go into making a successful small business. But if you could boil it down to the essentials, what would they be? Here is our list of seven blocks that all small businesses need to tick in order to be successful. Keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list – every business will have its own unique needs and requirements. But if you can make sure that your business ticks all of these boxes, you'll be well on your way to success!

Photo by Tara Winstead from Pexels

A Clear and Concise Business Plan

This is the foundation of any successful business. Without a solid plan, it will be very difficult to make your business thrive. Make sure that your business plan is clear and concise and that it outlines your goals and objectives. If you're not sure where to start, there are plenty of resources available to help you write a business plan. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a great place to start. Once you have a plan in place, make sure you review it regularly and update it as needed. A good business plan should be flexible enough to adapt as your business grows and changes.

A Compelling Value Proposition

What makes your business unique? What can you offer that your competitors can't? This is what your value proposition is all about. Your value proposition should be clear, concise, and easy for customers to understand. It should be the first thing that someone sees when they visit your website or walk into your store. Make sure that your value proposition is strong enough to stand out from the competition. If it's not, you'll need to go back to the drawing board and come up with something better. Once you have a solid value proposition, make sure you promote it heavily on all of your marketing materials. This is what will help you attract new customers and grow your business.

A Passionate and Committed Team

No business can succeed without a great team in place. Make sure that you surround yourself with people who share your passion for the business and are committed to its success. Your team should be made up of people with different skills and backgrounds. This will help ensure that you have all the bases covered and that everyone is working towards the same goal. It's also important to make sure that your team members are aligned with your company's values. This will help create a cohesive culture and ensure that everyone is on the same page. If you're not sure where to find passionate and committed people, try looking for them in your personal network. Chances are, you already know someone who would be a perfect fit for your team.

A Well-Defined Target Market

One of the most common mistakes that businesses make is trying to appeal to everyone. This is a recipe for disaster. Instead, you need to focus on a well-defined target market. This is the group of people who are most likely to be interested in your products or services. When defining your target market, make sure you consider factors like age, location, and interests. This will help you create a profile of your ideal customer. Once you have a good understanding of who your target market is, you can start tailoring your marketing efforts to appeal to them specifically. This is how you'll attract new customers and grow your business.

Licenses, Health and Safety, and Insurance

If you're going to be running a business, there are certain things that you need to have in place. This includes licenses, health and safety procedures, and insurance. Licenses and permits vary depending on the type of business you're running. Make sure you do your research and find out what's required in your area. Health and safety are also important, especially if you have employees. You need to make sure that your workplace is safe and that everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency. Have key employees trained in CPR and First Aid to prepare them for anything. For more information, you can visit site. Insurance is another essential for any business. This will protect you from liability in the event that something goes wrong. Make sure you shop around and get the best coverage for your needs. While these things may seem like a hassle, they're essential for any business. Make sure you take care of them before you start operating.

Photo by Vlad Deep on Unsplash

These are just a few of the things that all small businesses need to tick off their list. If you can check all of these boxes, you'll be well on your way to success. Just remember to always put your customers first, and you'll be sure to achieve your goals. 

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7 Essential Technology Tools For Small Businesses

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Small businesses have to operate with limited resources. Without the funding and staff a larger company would have, small business owners need to get creative about leveraging technology to streamline their business operations and free up time to focus on growing their business. A study found that over 90% of small companies utilize technology to help them improve communication, with 80% using it for essential operations for increased efficiency and effectiveness. Fortunately, plenty of affordable tools are explicitly designed for small businesses that don't require an IT department to implement. These 7 essential technology tools for small businesses can help you improve efficiency while saving time and money.

Secure USBs

USB drives are often used to deliver presentations or information to customers or clients. They're also a great way to share data between employees or departments. However, if you're sharing data between computers, you want to ensure it's encrypted. If you're transferring sensitive customer data that could be used for identity fraud or other data you want to keep secure, use an encrypted USB drive, so it isn't accessible to other people. If you're transferring sensitive information, you can use an encrypted USB drive to protect any information you don't want others to see or access. You can encrypt files on a USB drive using a utility or app on your computer. Ensure you're aware of laws regarding storing sensitive and identifiable data to ensure you are maintaining protocols.

Cloud-Based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software

CRM software is designed to help you track your customers and prospects, manage leads, and stay organized. It's an essential tool for any small business that depends on generating leads or closing sales. The problem is that CRM software is often expensive. That's why many small businesses opt to host their CRM software on the cloud rather than purchase software that requires installation and maintenance. Cloud-based CRM software is less expensive, more flexible, and allows you to access your data from any computer or mobile device. Several CRM software options are designed specifically for small businesses, including Zype, Streepbit, and Nimble. Some larger enterprises use cloud-based CRM software, but it's designed for companies that sell to other businesses.

Drone Technology

Small businesses can use drone technology to inspect buildings, bridges, and other structures as part of their operations. They can also use drones for marketing and advertising. For example, a roofing company could use a drone to take aerial images of a roofing job and post them on social media or to an online portfolio. Drones such as the DJI Mini 2 are relatively affordable and can be used to accomplish many different tasks. It's essential to be aware of any regulations surrounding drone use in your area. Drone technology can be used in various industries, from construction and real estate to agriculture, insurance, and journalism.

Employee Time Tracking Software

You need a time tracking tool if you have employees who work in different locations or are allowed to work remotely. Time tracking software can track employees' hours, keep track of work schedules, track billable hours and generate reports on team productivity. Time tracking software can be integrated with other business tools such as CRM or help you create a virtual terminal where employees can clock in and out of work assignments. Time tracking tools are efficient and accurate, and help organizations comply with government and industry regulations. Several time tracking software options are designed for small businesses, including Time Doctor, Hubstaff, and Zoho Projects.

Location Based Tools

Small businesses can use location-based tools to track employees or contractors in real-time. For example, if you use a ride-share app such as Uber or Lyft to hire delivery drivers, you can follow the drivers in real-time. For employees, you can use a GPS tracking app to track fleet vehicles or track employees who are on company cars. The best way to use location-based tracking is to have employees sign up for the app and share their location voluntarily. You have no right to track employees without their knowledge and consent, so be careful not to overstep any privacy boundaries. Several location-based tracking tools are available, including Waze, Here WeGo, Apple Maps, and Google Maps.

Cloud Storage

You can use cloud storage if you need to store large amounts of data. Cloud storage lets you store data remotely and access it from anywhere. You can set up a cloud storage account to host data such as photos, videos, or documents. You might need cloud storage if you're a real estate agent who needs to store large amounts of pictures for prospective buyers or a small business that needs to store large volumes of data, such as medical records. Several cloud storage providers include Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. Be sure to read each service's terms before signing up to ensure you understand how you can access your data.

Secure WiFi Network

You'll also want to secure your WiFi network if your business has a physical location. You can do this by setting up a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt all the data on your network. You can also configure the network only to allow specific devices to access the web so you can shut out hackers or other unauthorized users. If you use public WiFi at your business, you should also use a VPN to encrypt all data on your computer or mobile device before it's transmitted over the public network. There are several VPN services available, but check the terms of service to ensure you understand the level of security you're getting.

Conclusion

As a small business owner, you might have to wear many different hats and take on multiple roles. That's why it's essential to find ways to improve efficiency and reduce any unnecessary effort that could eat up your time and energy. These 7 critical technology tools for small businesses will help you stay organized, track data, and eliminate bottlenecks that can slow you down and prevent you from accomplishing your goals.

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Lawless Beauty Forget The Filler Overnight Lip Plumping Mask And Lip Plumping Line Smoothing Gloss Review

Not Sponsored: I've never tried anything from Lawless Beauty, so I thought I would give them a whirl this year. They are a CLEAN makeup brand. The founder's story, Annie Lawless, is really compelling. She suffered from many skin and health issues from a very young age (eczema, asthma, allergies, Celiac disease). She changed her diet, became a holistic health coach & yoga instructor, wellness blogger and founder of Suja Juice (one of the largest cold pressed juice companies in the country). I had never heard of Suja Juice. So while trying these products, I learned something new. I love reading about a company's history, especially women-owned companies. History outlines a person's story (how and why the company got started). I always enjoy giving you a little background history on a company, because I love learning and feel it would be beneficial to you. Now, onto the review of the two products I tried! The Lip Plumper Set!

I purchased Lawless Beauty's Forget The Filler The Perfect Lip Plumper Set from Sephora. It contains two (2) popular products by Lawless: Forget The Filler Overnight Lip Plumping Mask and Mini Forget The Filler Lip Plumping Line Smoothing Gloss. I'm excited to talk about my experience with each, so let me review each below.

Let me start with Lawless Beauty's Forget The Filler Overnight Lip Plumping Mask. Every overnight lip treatment that I use (Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Balm, Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Recovery Lip Mask, Emile Cordon New York Classic Lip Balms), provides excellent moisture to my lips. However, I've never used an overnight treatment that provides BOTH MOISTURE AND SIGNIFICANT PLUMPING. That's why I'm excited about this product. It does what it says! It says what it does! Results are INSTANT! Isn't that what we merely want when purchasing a product!?! More often than not, companies fail us. I LOVE this overnight lip plumping mask. In just one use, my lips looked full, soft and smooth. The plumping experience doesn't hurt or sting. It feels like a cool tingling effect on the lips. Also, the plumping effect doesn't wear off after you remove the product. My lips stayed plump. They also looked natural. I found that to be so impressive. This overnight mask adheres well to the lips. It doesn't slide off. It's not runny. It really adheres, which is important at night. Let me talk about the key ingredients in this product! It contains MAXI-LIP™: Scientifically and clinically shown to visibly increase lip volume by 40 percent and decrease the look of wrinkles by 29 percent. Shea Butter: Deeply hydrates and soothes the lips. Hyaluronic Acid: attracts moisture to the skin to help plump and hydrate. Rosehip Oil: Makes lips feel pillowy soft. Ceramides: Help protect the skin barrier. The clear shade (as shown below) is called Sweet Dreams. This also comes in a sheer cherry shade called Cherry Vanilla. If your lips need a little fullness, pick this up. It will not disappoint you! I love it!

The second product I tried in the kit was Lawless Beauty's Forget The Filler Lip Plumping Line Smoothing Gloss. It's also a plumping, smoothing, and nourishing treatment for the lips. It has a hint of color. It has a little stick-tack to it like most lip glosses, but the results are awesome! My lips looked so much fuller, smoother and lines were less visible. My only gripe with this product, is applying another lipstick or lip gloss atop it. It will conflict with it. The only way I can use this, is to immediately after showering apply this to my lips ... let its effect work ... remove it and then apply my favorite lip color. The other option is, just using it as a gloss on the lips. So that's why I only see myself using the overnight lip plumping mask, instead of this product. Those are my personal thoughts. Besides those two quirks, you will have softer, moisturized and plumper lips. This product contains the same ingredients, as I listed for the lip plumping mask above. This gloss comes in three (3) shades: George (medium taupe nude), Glazed (pale pinky beige with pearl finish), Rosy Outlook (sheer baby pink). This set contains Rosy Outlook. Again, nice if you want to wear it alone. Conflicts with other lip products. I'm impressed with Lawless Beauty and will try some of their other products.

Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet

supersweet(run & buy it) sweet(really good,buy it) bittersweet(ok, issues)not sweet(not good,don't buy this stuff) 
  Lawless Beauty Forget The Filler Overnight Lip Plumping Mask is Supersweet

  Lawless Beauty Forget The Filler Lip Plumping Line Smoothing Gloss is Sweet

 

Lawless Beauty Forget The Filler Overnight Lip Plumping Mask

Lawless Beauty Forget The Filler Lip Plumping Line Smoothing Gloss

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Events You May Need To Plan In Your Lifetime

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There are certain events in your lifetime that you are going to need to plan. While this might not be something that you are particularly looking forward to, it doesn’t mean that you’re going to be able to get out of doing it. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the events that you’re likely going to need to plan so that you can get on top of them! Keep reading down below if you would like to find out more.

For Your Kids

First, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the events that you might need to plan for your kids. Of course, birthdays are going to be top of the list because what kid doesn’t want some awesome birthday parties that they can look back on in the future? Think about the age of your child, the things they like, and what’s affordable when looking at this.

You might even need to look into first holy communion dresses if you are religious and are throwing a party afterwards. This is a big deal if you are a Catholic, so the event is going to need to be planned carefully to celebrate such a special day.

For You

Of course, there are some events that you’re going to need to plan for yourself. An example of this is going to be your wedding. Of course, you can do this with your partner, but it’s something that you are going to be putting a lot of time and effort into to make it perfect, as most of us will only ever have one!

You may even want to throw yourself birthday parties if you’re someone who likes to be in control of the planning, and anything else that you feel like celebrating.

For Your Friends

When it comes to your friends, you might find yourself throwing birthday parties, bridal showers, bachelor parties and so much more, depending on your friends. Baby showers are also a common one, so there’s so much to think about here!

For Your Business

Finally, if you own a business then you may end up needing to plan an event for this. This might be so that you can mingle with some of the other business owners, or it might be to get your business a leg up in the industry. Whatever the reason, it’s got to be fantastic and people will need to be talking about it for ages to come.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the events that you may need to plan in your lifetime. There are many events that you’re going to need to plan, especially if you have children, so it’s well worth getting prepared as soon as possible, just so that you know what to expect. We wish you the very best of luck, and hope that you manage to plan all these events without a whole load of hassle.

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How To Find Fulfillment In Life

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There are many reasons why you don’t feel right and wonder if there’s something more you could do. This is not uncommon, and it undoubtedly happens to everyone. Life is about finding fulfillment, but you don’t need to discover something new and exciting or save the planet. Sometimes, finding fulfillment is easier to locate than you think. But how can the average person achieve this? Here are some areas to consider.

Establish A Healthy Lifestyle

When looking for fulfillment, a healthy lifestyle is a must. This isn’t just because it's expected. A healthy lifestyle, even if you only focus on the basics will make you feel better. Your diet and activity improve your appearance and mental well-being.

Eating better can improve your skin and boost your energy. This improved energy means you can exercise more, which enhances your body image and helps you to get into better shape, which are crucial components of finding fulfillment in life.

Surround Yourself With People You Love

Even the biggest introvert needs some human interaction. Whether friends or family, it’s important to surround yourself with people you love and who love you back.

Human connection is vital for learning about new things and preventing loneliness and isolation, which can affect your psyche. You don’t need to spend all your time with people, but a couple of hours each week can help you refresh.

But Find For Yourself, Too

Alone time is just as important as socializing, though. You should spend time by yourself to wind down and recalibrate. This helps you rest, turn your mind off, and indulge in things you love. It could be a video game, reading or writing, or practicing an instrument, among a plethora of activities that make you happy.

Push Yourself As Far As You Want

If you always look for new things to do and new goals to achieve, pushing yourself is a superb way to find fulfillment. Exploring new activities and adventures helps you discover experiences you’d never otherwise find, and you will realize what you're truly capable of.

But pushing yourself too far can cause problems, so you must recognize if you feel like you’re burning out. There’s nothing wrong with slowing down slightly and checking your health. Otherwise, you risk doing too much too soon.

Choose A Career That Makes You Happy

Although you shouldn't focus your entire self-worth on your career, some still find joy in what they do, especially if they can help people. Many jobs allow you to give back and help others, whether you become a teacher or want to share your love of fitness. If this sounds appealing, visit https://www.americansportandfitness.com to learn more about becoming a personal trainer and improving other people’s fitness and lifestyle.

Fulfilled

Everyone should want to find fulfillment in their life, but don’t stress yourself out about doing something special. Instead, you can find fulfillment in the everyday. Whether you want to surround yourself with friends and family, find a career that matters to you, or emphasize your health and well-being, fulfillment is just around the corner.

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Twitter Blue | Bookmark Folder Ideas

Not Sponsored: I subscribed to Twitter Blue the beginning of this year. Twitter Blue is a monthly subscription, that offers premium Twitter features. The most useful feature I'm enjoying is the Bookmark Folders option. With Twitter Blue, you can Bookmark tweets and then organize them into Folders. I've amounted quite a number of Folders on various topics. This feature (Bookmark Folders) is also helping me organize all of my Likes (you know the tweets you heart). Do you know how many tweets you've liked? I have over 7,000! So now, I'm going through those as well and placing them in Folders. You obviously liked those tweets for a reason. Have you ever gone back to them? Sometimes, I don't have time to read things when I see them. Many contain useful information. I thought I would share how I'm organizing tweets I bookmark & place in folders and give you inspiration to categorize the tweets you save as well. 

Photo by Jeremy Bezanger from Unsplash

Travel (Folders by State, Country and Travel Tips)

On Twitter, I subscribe to The Travel Magazine (@TravelMagazine), Conde Nast Traveler (@CNTraveler), Conde Nast Traveller (@cntraveller), Travel + Leisure (@TravelLeisure) and New Orleans Airport (@flyneworleans). These companies always suggest (via their tweets) great places to go, both nationally and internationally. I bookmark tweets that interest me and make Folders accordingly. I now have Folders for Greece, France, England, Scotland, Turks and Caicos, Canada, Germany, Italy, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Bahamas, Texas, Florida, Tennessee, New York, South Carolina, Massachussets, California, Nevada, Virginia, Illinois, Washington, Arizona, Maine, Montana, Wyoming, Philadelphia and Utah. Whew! That's a lot of places! HaHaHa These tweets contain interesting and informative suggestions as to where to stay (hotel, lodging accommodations), dine (restaurants, local eateries, patisseries) and shop. I've also started a travel diary, with a section for each destination. From the information I've gathered, I'm going to write down what I would like to do when I visit each destination. I also have a Travel Tips folder. I have tweets that contain awesome information on topics such as how long your vacation should be, when traveling solo, what to do if your flight is cancelled, suitcase locks, luggage size restrictions, TSA liquid rules, travel apps, packing cubes and much more. The travel bug hit me several years ago and I want to go everywhere! You can keep up with me on my personal blog, My Dreams Wishes and Desires. 

Cooking / Recipes (Folders by Cuisine)

I'm not a great cook, but I continue to try! Whether you're a novice or expert, there are some excellent resources on Twitter. For all of my novices out there, subscribe to BuzzFeed Food (@BuzzFeedFood) I love them, because they show you really quick video tutorials on how to prepare a dish (whether it's breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert). I have bookmarked so many of their recipes! I am now organizing them into Folders such as Breakfast, Dessert,  Appetizers/Snacks, Chinese Food, Drink Recipes, Chicken dishes, Meat dishes, Spanish recipes, Salads, Instant Pot, Pasta recipes, Soups, Seafood recipes and such. My goal is to transfer what works into a notebook to keep. But when I need a cool salad idea, I go straight to that folder and wallah! There it is! 

Holidays (Folders by Holiday)

With the holidays quickly approaching, this is proving to be extremely useful. I have made folders for all the big holidays, such as Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. My Halloween folder is already filled with tweets I've saved on such things as the history behind black and orange as Halloween colors, local Halloween attractions & events, Halloween traditions, Halloween candy, Halloween movies and television programs, pink pumpkins (breast cancer awareness - month of October), teal pumpkins (food allergy awareness). There are so many cool things regarding the holidays on Twitter, that now I can gather, save and share all this wonderful information.

Coming Soon! Movies & Television Folder

How often do we forget, what movies or television shows are in the works and forget about them or they sneak up on us. Seriously, how many cable channels are out there? How many streaming channels? What's in the works at the movies? I often see things on Twitter and lose track as to when something is suppose to come out. It's hard keeping up with them all. So now, I'm placing upcoming movies (articles, movie trailers, interviews etc) and tv shows in a folder. It makes it so much easier. 

Local Events & Restaurants Folder

Support your city. Support your state. It's important to support your local economy! I subscribe to a number of local Twitter accounts (news media and sources, restaurant guide magazines, local parks, theatre, state tourism, orchestra, local hotels etc). It's a great way to keep up with local events such as concerts, plays, events, attractions, restaurant week, etc that are happening in your area. As events come up, I put them in this folder and revisit it as things are approaching. 

Beauty, Fashion, Wellness Folder

If you read A Very Sweet Blog, you know I love all three topics! It's important to work on yourself from the inside out. Your inner self is as important as your outer self. I think even more so. Whenever I see an article, product, short video or event that talks about one of these three things, I place it in a folder. This is more of a revolving Folder for me, because I usually purchase the product or attend the event. Once I do, I delete the tweet out of the Folder. It just keeps me abreast as to what is current, new and the latest and greatest.

Tutorials Folder

I just started this folder and I only have one thing in it so far, How To Use Chopsticks HaHaHa but if there is anything I want to learn, I can place it here. I often use YouTube as a resource for tutorials, but there are some good ones on Twitter as well.

Emergency or Hurricane Preparedness Folder

I've lived through a number of hurricanes. Last year, I put together a hurricane guide to help others. Even after all these years, I'm still learning new things to do to prepare for a hurricane. There are always new supplies, technology and equipment that comes out. I'm always reading articles about the topic and now I can gather all of that useful information and place it in a Folder. It seems nowadays, no matter where you live there's some type of event that affects you (floods, wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes). Gather information that will help you get through these situations and place them in a Folder.

Inspirational, Motivational & Funny Tweets, Calm and Headspace Folder

When you're on Twitter, do you ever come across someone that has written something inspiring? Something positive, uplifting, encouraging, funny etc? There's a popular hashtag called #MondayMotivation, apps such as Calm and Headspace, and even your personal friends! There's such an inundation of negativity we're flooded with on a daily basis (locally, nationally, internationally, at your job, at home etc) that when we see something positive it really stands out. I'm taking those positive words, phrases & overall tweets and placing them in a Folder.  It can be your own personal collection. When you need a little pick me up, go to that Folder and let other's inspiring words LIFT YOU UP.

In Conclusion

I wrote this blog post to give you a sampling of how I'm using the information on Twitter to help me. There are SO MANY topics out there! It all depends on what interests YOU! Write those things down. Start researching and collecting information on those topics. I'm sure my Twitter Blue Bookmark Folder Collection will grow! Twitter contains a plethora of useful information. While using it, make it work for you. Take note of ALL the resources made available to you. We all live busy lives. There's never enough time to read everything. Make a Folder. Save that Tweet. Read it another time. Read it when you're on a plane, waiting for a ride share, or when you have a moment of peace. I hope this blog post gives you inspiration.

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Fashion With Comfort: Tips To Make Your Outfits More Comfortable

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When you think of comfortable clothing, a pair of sweatpants and pajamas come to mind. Unfortunately, that's not the appropriate attire for a lot of occasions. Although you may want to be on top of the trendiest clothes and fashion, they can make you a bit uncomfortable. But that shouldn't be the case. So, how can you ensure you're comfortable in your outfits, no matter what? Here are some tips to make them more comfortable.

1. Try flowy and loose-fitting clothes

The great thing about flowy clothes is that they're comfortable, versatile, and easy to wear. There are also different options and styles to choose from, so you can find one for any event. For example, if you're attending a wedding as a bridesmaid, you can find modest bridesmaid dresses that flow elegantly on the body. And if you're going for a walk, meeting up with friends, or even going to work, you can find various flowy and loose-fitting clothes perfect for the occasion. Plus, loose-fitting clothes are becoming super trendy, so keep this in mind.

2. Choose comfortable fabric underneath

From bras and boxer shorts to singlets and undershirts, you want to ensure that anything you wear underneath is comfortable. You should also ensure they aren't harsh against your skin. Your undergarments have the first contact with your skin. So if they make you uncomfortable, nothing else you wear over them will help. In most cases, the tighter your undergarments are, the more uncomfortable they'll be as they'll press too deeply into your skin. So, it's best to opt for gentle and breathable undergarments on your skin.

3. Stretch out your jeans

Yoga pants and leggings are comfortable, but they aren't the most appropriate options in most cases. But a pair of denim jeans may do the trick. And they may not seem as comfortable as your yoga pants, but you'll be glad to know they actually are! However, for many, jeans aren't so comfortable. In that case, you can consider stretching them. When you purchase a new pair of jeans (whether a pair of classic wide-legged jeans or an eccentric skinny option), take the time to stretch them out first. 

Stretching your jeans means getting a couple of wears out of them before you 'officially' head out in them. For example, you can wear a newly purchased pair of skinny jeans at home for a couple of days to allow the fabric to stretch a little, especially the thighs and waist. You can try this hack for pretty much any other close-fitting clothes aside from your jeans.

4. Know your body type and preferred fabric

Knowing your body type is important. And dressing to suit it will make you more comfortable. For example, if you have a wider torso, dresses that flow on your body may feel more comfortable than a button-up blouse, especially one that feels constricting. Also, know what fabrics you prefer or work best for you or feel more comfortable on your skin.

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4 Energy-Draining Habits You Should Avoid

Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay

Life's challenges can make or break you, and it is advisable to keep this in mind in decision-making, relationships, or choice of habits. Some research has shown that habits, in particular, are important for achieving success. However, you must be careful when choosing them since some unhealthy ones can easily pass as harmless in the beginning. But over time, they may get in the way of your self-improvement efforts. Here are four energy-draining habits you should avoid.

1. Overstressing

Stress triggers are more common today, and it is nearly impossible to go through each day without confronting some of them. It can be exhausting to deal with workplace pressures, manage your personal and family relationships, and deal with health issues. Fortunately, you can take a few basic measures to reduce stress. For instance, many people get stressed from their inability to be present. They may either be worried about the future or stuck in the past. A good solution will be to celebrate and be grateful for your current progress, no matter how small, while working on improving the aspects of your life that need some makeovers. However, remember that you’re right where you're supposed to be.

2. Taking everything personal

It is often exhausting to relate your interaction with somebody to how they feel about you. There is a good chance their feelings aren't necessarily about you, so taking it personally wouldn't help the situation. You can save yourself a lot of stress when you don't take things personally, whether at home or in the office. You will feel happier and more energized if you maintain neutrality and avoid misinterpreting or over analyzing others' words or actions. Where you can, make an effort to seek clarification before taking things personally.

3. Too much sleeping

Building up sleep debt can affect your body's ability to function. However, oversleeping does not enhance your energy levels. Maintaining a good sleep balance develops your energy reserves and boosts your awareness while awake. Too much sleep can have the reverse effect of making you feel drowsy. For instance, research has established a connection between oversleeping and insufficient energy. Any considerable deviation from typical sleep patterns disrupts the body's cycles and increases daytime weariness. Consequently, getting at least seven hours of sleep each night is vital to maintaining your health and energy levels. You can also get a sleep drink to promote sleep quality and relaxation to wake up feeling energized.

 4. Always complaining

It is always advisable to practice gratitude instead of always complaining. You are human, and you will have negative moments like everybody else. However, the best way to handle this situation is to focus on what makes you happier and healthier. It can be draining when you think or say more negative than positive things. So take action or concentrate on the current moment by appreciating what you have.

There are several more behaviors to avoid that might drain you of energy daily. The above habits are a few to start with. However, some habits are more ingrained than others and may sometimes require professional assistance to break.

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Clinique Even Better All-Over Primer + Color Corrector In Peach Review And Swatches

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I get commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post.

Not Sponsored: Okay, you guys! Clinique says we can be EVEN BETTER! So let's put them to the test! If you have under-eye dark circles, dark spots, dark anything ... LISTEN UP! Did I get your attention? Good. Ok. THIS IS A COLOR CORRECTOR ... NOT A CONCEALER! But when you have dark ANYTHING, what do you want to do? You want to COVER IT UP! Well, I have both dark under eye circles and chin spots. I saw where Clinique came out with a NEW Even Better All-Over Primer + Color Corrector (Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue). It looked promising, so I purchased it in Peach (it also comes in Apricot, but that shade looked too dark for my skin tone). In this one tube, you get Clinique's color-correcting formula AND sponge applicator. The key ingredients in their formula include: Vitamin C and niacinamide, which helps visibly brighten skin tone. Hyaluronic acid, which helps hydrate and plump fine, dry lines. Caffeine and Phytosphingosine, which are known to help energize skin and reduce under-eye puffiness. I love how Clinique incorporated the sponge applicator into the design of the packaging. The sponge applicator is not only great for applying the product, but it's also useful while traveling (very portable). So let me share my experience and thoughts with you! I love the packaging. The formula is creamy and it lays beautifully on the skin. From here on, it gets a little chippy. This formula will work for you IF you don't have serious under-eye dark circles or dark areas. Even though it did a good job making my dark areas lighter and brighter, it isn't THE BEST (I've ever used). If you look at my pictures below, you will still see some darkness peeking through despite using this product. TWO PRODUCTS (in my opinion) that do a much better job at hiding darkness, Tarte Shape Tape Creamy Concealer (reviewed here) and Smashbox x Becca Under Eye Brightening Concealer (reviewed here)(Macy's, Amazon, Nordstrom Rack, Nordstrom). Pictures always speak a thousand words! As singer Shakira, says Hips Don't Lie ... I say, Pictures Don't Lie! So you be the judge, and look at my pictures below. Another point I want to bring up is skin type! If you have normal, combination or oily skin, then this Clinique formula should work for you. If you have dry skin (like me) or dryness in your under-eye area (like me), this formula will be problematic. Although this goes on creamy, it dries down like a powder. This leads to emphasis of fine lines. You would have to put on under-eye moisturizer to counteract something like this happening. I kept waiting for the hyaluronic acid to kick in to hydrate and plump those areas, but that never happened. So for this product to work for you, there are a couple of if's, and's and but's. Clinique has also come out with a NEW Even Better All Over Concealer + Eraser (Saks Fifth Avenue, Harrods, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales). One could probably use this in conjunction with the color corrector. However, if you have dry skin or serious darkness, I would suggest using the Tarte Creamy Shape Tape or Smashbox x Becca Under Eye Brightening Concealers instead. Dear Clinique, we need you to make another formula that stays creamy (for us dry skin types) and offers more coverage. 

Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet

supersweet(run & buy it) sweet(really good,buy it) bittersweet(ok, issues)not sweet(not good,don't buy this stuff) 
  Clinique Even Better All-Over Primer + Color Corrector In Peach is Bittersweet

Tarte Shape Tape Ultra Creamy Concealer (Better)

 Smashbox x Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector Medium to Deep (Best)

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Farmacy Peaches N' Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm: Feeding America and Second Harvest Collaboration

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I get commission for purchases or clicks made through links in this post.

Not Sponsored: I love supporting a worthy cause! Don't you!?! Farmacy Beauty has recently collaborated with Feeding America and Second Harvest Food Banks. They have come out with a Limited Edition peach-scented version of their award winning Green Clean (reviewed by me here) cleansing balm, called Peaches 'N Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm. It smells delightful you guys! To me, it's scented just like a dreamsicle/creamsicle popsicle or ice cream. I love that scent! It works just like Green Clean (you can read my review, by clicking on the link above). This cleansing balm will take off your foundation, blush, primer, sunscreen, eyebrow shading and lipstick. A little more effort will be needed for any type of heavy mascara and eye liner. I have dry skin, so I want my dry skin readers to know, you will need a moisturizer after using this cleansing balm. It doesn't dry you out, but your skin will feel a little drier in comparison to using Clinique's Take The Day Off (reviewed here)(Nordstrom, Harrods, Shop Premium Outlets,  or Drunk Elephant's Slaai Makeup Melting (reviewed here) Cleansing Balm. Normal, Oily and Combination Skin Types should not have a problem using this cleansing balm. For every purchase of Peaches 'N Clean, Farmacy will help donate 20 meals* (*$1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America® on behalf of local member food banks) to Feeding America, the largest domestic hunger relief organization. I love that! This cleansing balm is limited edition (but so worth it). It supports two great organizations, I love the cute packaging and scent of the product. Some other important things to know about this product! It is paraben free, synthetic fragrance free, mineral oil free, formaldehyde donor free, phthalate free and cruelty free. The cleanser and packaging is also TSA approve for travel.

Sweet-Bittersweet-NotSweet

supersweet(run & buy it) sweet(really good,buy it) bittersweet(ok, issues)not sweet(not good,don't buy this stuff) 
  Farmacy Peaches 'N Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm is Sweet

 

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