Hello Wednesday!!

ACV is at it again!

My trainer at work who has since become a hero of mine has taught me a lot about the body, accupressure, nutrition, etc.  She is definitely someone I can look up to because we have very similar philosophies.  Every day I trian with her we seem to have a new talk about something new and this time it was none other than my favorite product, Apple Cider Vinegar.  The end all cure all for just about anything! OK, not anything but pretty dern close!

She was telling me she had talked to a lady on a cruise ship with drop dead gorgeous skin and wanted to know her secret.  She used ACV as a toner all over her body.  This wasn't the first time I have heard of such a thing, but I have always been a tad hesitant to try it.  Vinegar is very acidic, and the idea of putting it directly on skin just didn't seem right.  However, I decided to give it a go. 

I diluted my concoction with 3 parts water, 1 part vinegar and applied it at night to a clean face.  I must say I think it is working! I went online to check reviews and others said that it minimized dark spots, caused acne to disappear, and gives the skin a healthy glow which is everything I have experienced thus far (its only been a couple days).  The only downfall seems to be that the skin may get used to the acidity and it fails to work over time or even worse, make the bacteria come back stronger.  :/ So the verdict is still out!

Things To Be Thankful For!

Ok, while I'm still prepping my Italy posts/pictures, I'd like to make just a short blog post about what I'm thankful for this holiday season.  I recently read a letter from my aunt, Luana who has been struggling with cancer for a while now.  It was an update on what her and my uncle have been up to and special moments that make her feel happy to be alive.  This moved me like no other, and truly made me realize how precious life is.  She talked about the joy she gets when the seasons change, the beauty of her garden, her recent trip to Catalina seeing smiles on everyone's faces for the Fall festival.  It was a look through the eyes of someone that is enjoying everything life has to offer with not one ounce of hopelessness or negativity.  It was incredible.

Sometimes I forget those little moments to stop and enjoy what surrounds me. Feeling the aliveness to my breath, the satisfaction of a good meal, laughing so hard I'm crying are moments I need to stop and be thankful for.  We all have our bad times, and sometimes life can kick us in the ass, but that's more reason to embrace the good in life. Even my aunt, who is struggling to live, is more positive than many people I know. 

I am thankful this year for my free-spirited family, my loyal friends, the amazing people I have recently met this past year who have all made me an extremely happy girl.  :) 

"My religion is to live and die without regret" - Milarepa, Buddhist Quote

Sulfate-Free Shampoo

So I have been doing a lot of research lately on hair products, generally because I have fine, thin hair and I'm always looking for an instant boost of health.  I've really tried everything, the volume shampoos, the expensive hair condition treatments, shampooing every other day, and even clip in extensions.  Of course, we all want long luscious Jessica Rabbit  (granted she's a cartoon) hair but sometimes it's just not in the cards for some of us-thanks mom! 

I am always wary of hair products, skin products, even vitamins and food these days.  It seems like everything is a carcinogen and seeping deep into our cells wreaking havoc.  Through some research I found that Sulfate, which is ofund in 95% of shampoos is causing hair to be dry, brittle and even fall out! Sulfates in hair products are cheap to use and it gives the hair the lather effect while washing and the super clean feeling afterwards.  Who knew that the "clean" feeling is actually causing harm to our hair and scalp!  This chemical is stripping the hair of natural oils, causing them to overproduce much faster than normal which explains why my hair gets greasy after 1 day of not washing. 

My next venture was where do I find this gold in a bottle that DOESN'T contain sulfates.  After a quick Google search, I found my new daily shampoo - L'Oreal Everstrong shampoo and conditioner which is Sulfate-Free and says it right on the label!  After the first time I used it, I noticed my hait was clean but not dry and wasn't falling out as much in the shower.  Could this be the secret to long, thick hair?? Only time will tell!

AAANNNDDDDD I'm Back!

Ok so after a long drought of not writing and almost completely abandoning my blog I felt compelled to bring it back to life!  A lot has happened since I have been away, but all of that isn't as important as the NOW.  Right now, I am in a good place, although I need to get back to a healthier lifestyle and be more focused on what direction I want my life to go.

Currently I am moving back in with my mom, planning a trip to Italy and just got a new job.  I'm having too many "transitions" but in the end, change is good.  I am ready to be inspired again, and share everything that's going on in this crazy head of mine.

More posts to come!!

<3 Rosie

Things I'm Excited About ~ Volume 6!

1. Italy!

Yes, I'm going, I HAVE to go!

2. Will & Kate Coming to Hollywood

Totally a dork, I know!

3. New Opportunities

I'm welcoming change and maximizing my potential. Holla!

4.  Happy People

They make the world a better place. 

5. Rembrandt Toothpaste

Move over Crest and Colgate this is by far the best toothpaste ever!

FREEdom

With our anniversary of Independence right around the corner, I wanted to make a post about freedom and what it means to us.  I can honestly say that freedom is probably the greatest gift a human can have. Without it, we are enslaved in many aspects of life. Our country has allowed us to choose our career path through a capitalistic society.  However, in many aspects we are still bounded to the fundamental success-driven attitude of the masses.  Better some freedom than none, right?

Is it possible to be completely free? Can we be mentally free? Sometimes I'm a slave to my own mind.  Even in our sleep we are taken over by our subconcious.  I guess the closest we can get is through Enlightenment and surrendering to the present moment.  If we are no longer prisoners of the past and worried of the future we can approach freedom in every moment.  So heavy.

Ronald Reagan stated that "Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream.  It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."  With this, I feel lucky that I do live in a country that stands on freedom because it can definitely be a lot worse.  I have the freedom to choose my path in life, thanks to my country and my family.  Deep down, I know that my soul cannot be contained by anything.  Being rebellious, speaking what's on my mind no matter how dumb, makes me feel free.  I appreciate that feeling.