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Floradise

A lifestyle blog by Marette Flora

Recent Cruelty-Free Beauty Empties, Vol. 12

Recent Cruelty-Free Beauty Empties

It’s been some time since I shared my recent cruelty-free beauty empties! I’ve been compiling most of my empties in order to share my thoughts about the products and whether I would repurchase them. Not all of the products are pictured in this post because I may have been traveling when I used them up, or I might have accidentally recycled them by them.

My most recent empties:

  • Mama Bee Belly Butter: I used this throughout my entire pregnancy, but now that I’m not pregnant I don’t think I’ll repurchase. I have other lotions I can use. If you’re expecting you might want to give this a shot. It doesn’t claim to prevent stretch marks but it does keep skin nice and soft.
  • Bio-Oil: It smells great and during pregnancy I felt like it was working, but now my skin on my stomach is wrinkly and has a bunch of stretch marks. I don’t know if they’ll ever go away, but I hope they will become a little less visible. I have already repurchased this. The package suggests using for at least three months during pregnancy.
  • Kenra Volume Super Hold hairspray: I searched online for a cruelty-free hairspray and this came up as an option (though I am not 100 percent sure if it is). I bought a travel size to use in my hospital bag and to try out before committing. It did the job.
  • Yes To Triple Masking Kit: I enjoyed these clay masks more than the Yes To sheet masks. I would buy these again but wish there was a way to be less wasteful about using these masks. I would love it if they came in little containers similar to Lush masks. You can use the three masks at once or one at a time. The Grapefruit/Vitamin C Glow Boosting is my favorite of the three. It’s super affordable, as are all of Yes To masks.
  • Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Chamomile And Lavender: I have used this 4 ounce spray as a sort of setting mist lately. I love the smell but I think the Rose is the best option. It’s not a necessity but it was nice to have.
  • Colourpop Brow pencil: I liked this pencil and that it has a spoolie on the other side. It allows you to make natural looking strokes and the formula is creamy and easy to use. I also use the Colourpop brow pomade.
  • Thayers Natural Remedies Thayers Witch Hazel Alcohol Free Toner Cucumber: I wouldn’t recommend this scent, but I love the gentle toner. Get the lavender or rose scent instead. The bottle lasts for months too!
  • Milk & Honey Vanilla/Coconut deodorant: I used this for months and enjoyed it. It is a different experience putting it on because it’s a cream and not a deodorant stick. I found that it worked well and has a nice scent.
  • Lush Mint Julips lip scrub: I loved the taste, though mine started to dry out after a while.
  • Pacifica Pineapple Wipeout Oil Cleansing Face Wipes: I bought these for travel and my hospital bag and they did the trick. I got tired of the pineapple scent after a while though. They were gentle and overall worked well for me.

What products have you been using up and loving lately? Share them with me in the comments! Have you tried any of these products?

Shop my empties**:

 
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Related posts:

Recent Empties, Vol. 11
Recent Empties, Vol. 10

Postpartum Fitness Goals

I’m now eight weeks postpartum and I’ve finally been cleared to work out. I am feeling back to normal for the most part and I’m ready to get back to running after months off! I’m sharing my postpartum fitness goals in hopes of finding others who are going through the same phase of life or who are also looking to get back in shape or improve their health and well-being. I plan to post weekly recaps of my half-marathon training when I officially begin later this month; watch out for those, especially if you need motivation to find time for working out. I am a mom of two now so it will be challenging to make the time for fitness and I’m sure that will come up in my recaps. I’ll share any tips I learn along the way!

My Postpartum Fitness Goals:

  • Running: My goal is to train for and run the Chicago Half Marathon in September. I haven’t run a race since the Chicago Marathon in 2016, so I can’t wait to get back out there! I plan to sign up for group training as I did in the past. My goal is to finish the race in whatever way it takes, meaning walking as much as I need to. I don’t have a time goal this time around.
  • Weight: As of last week I was 3 pounds below my pre-baby weight thanks to breastfeeding, so I don’t feel like I need to drop more weight, but I’ll take it if it means I feel more toned and stronger. Right now I don’t feel either way.
  • Yoga: My goal is to get back to practicing regularly after some time off. I hope to also make it to two classes in a studio a month. (I can practice as much as I want at home because I am trained as a yoga teacher.)
  • Meals: I tracked my food intake throughout most of my pregnancy but I have gotten off track over the past few months. I want to get back to reviewing what I am eating and making sure I eat enough protein!
  • Family: I want to incorporate the kids into my fitness routine as much as possible by pushing them in the running stroller or practicing yoga at home with V. We also go on family walks sometimes and I want to continue that.

Are you working toward a fitness goal? Share yours in the comments so we can hold each other accountable and encourage one another!

Related posts:

Chicago Marathon 2016 Recap
Future Moments of Yes: My 2018 Goal

Third Trimester Update and Favorites

Third Trimester Pregnancy Update and Favorites

It’s getting real, folks. I am currently 34 weeks pregnant with a fast-approaching due date. Today I wanted to share my third trimester pregancy update and favorite products, which are items I am loving because they are making me more comfortable as our baby girl’s birth nears.

My most persistent symptom this trimester has been heartburn. I cut back on cheese and citrusy and spicy foods to try to alleviate it as much as possible. I’ve had mixed success with that. I use heartburn chews and my sister-in-law sent me some heartburn tea, which helps for the most part!

The hormones have made me even more emotional than I already am, which hasn’t been easy to deal with. I am extremely sensitive to the things people say and my reactions can sometimes be heightened. I think everything’s going to be OK, though!

I’ve also had some physical pain. I feel a pulling in my hip area that has not gone away. I thought yoga would help, but I am also afraid of overstretching so I tend to be super careful in many poses. I stopped running completely because I believe it makes the pulling sensation worse, but I have been able to use the elliptical and do such exercises as squats. I also was able to hike in Phoenix, Hawaii and San Francisco while I was there, so I’m grateful for that. As probably every pregnant woman will say, I also have back pain. My belly has expanded exponentially in just the last two or three weeks. I have a small, short frame, so really it makes sense that the baby has nowhere to grow but outward!

I feel our baby girl moving constantly, and I love every second of it. It’s just so special! I’ve definitely felt the nesting instinct lately, too: I have been nonstop decluttering and cleaning since February. I just could not wait any longer. As far as baby prep, we have everything we will need when she arrives. Because we don’t know when we will be moving, we are holding off on such items as a crib.  Luckily our friends and family have been generous enough to gift us pretty much all of the essentials and a ton of baby clothes and items. (I will be sharing the remaining items on my baby wish list soon in a post!) I’m super eager to pack my hospital bag because I like to be prepared AHEAD of time, but I’ll wait a week or two longer.

My third trimester favorites are those items that help me make more comfortable and happy in general. While every pregnancy is different, I’m convinced these items would be appreciated by any pregnant woman.

Third Trimester Pregnancy Favorites:

  • Bio Oil: I read about this in January in a blogger’s pregnancy update and immediately purchased it. It smells amazing! The bottle says it must be used for at least three months, so I won’t know how well it works until later on, but I feel like it keeps my skin soft and I haven’t developed any new marks.
  • Baths: I love my daily baths, whether using bath bombs or just foaming bath. It helps me relax and soothes my sore muscles. Baths have become a part of my nighttime routine after V’s bedtime story. I take the time to listen to an Audible book or music or watch a YouTube video (usually on hospital bags! haha).
  • Slippers: I wear them all the time. Who wants to wear real shoes?
  • Prenatal massage: Why did I wait so long to get one? Oh yeah, I don’t like to spend money! Graham booked one for me and it was much needed and appreciated. I would love to book another before baby as well. I’m also still loving our neck and shoulder massager.
  • Boppy/Pillows in general: I use them on my back, to support my belly, between my legs, you name it. I would love to spend all day cozied up in pillows. As I write this I have about five pillows behind my back.
  • Belly bands: They make a huge difference at the end of the day. On days I don’t wear them I can hardly move by the end of the day. When I wear them I feel 1,000 times better! I have tried two kinds. One that is just an elastic band (They say to buy one size larger than pre-pregnancy.) and one that adjusts. I like both!

What are you excited about in this new season? Do you have any current favorite items?

Related post:

Current Nighttime Essentials and Bedtime Routine

Pre-Baby Spending Ban

I have been in decluttering, organization and cleaning mode for a couple of weeks now. There’s something about the approaching change of seasons that inspired this, but mostly it’s preparation for the baby’s arrival! As part of my simplifying, I decided after analyzing my February expenses that I also want to implement a mini pre-baby spending ban in March (and possibly April, too!). The main idea is that I don’t want to spend money outside of baby items, groceries and replacing necessities.

Pre-baby spending ban categories:

Gifts: I don’t have any occasions I need to buy gifts for in March, so this should be easy. I do have a wedding gift to purchase in April.

Makeup/hair products/skin care: I already replaced my mascara after I ran out, so I should not need anything else. It’s possible I will run out of foundation in March and I’ll replace that if needed, but I won’t buy more makeup. I’ll admit it’s hard for me to not want to try new cruelty-free products after watching YouTube videos or reading blog posts, though.

Nail polish: I will use the polish shades I have.

Audible books: I have three books to finish, which might be enough reading material until after maternity leave. I put my membership on hold, so I am not buying more monthly credits.

Clothing: I won’t be buying any clothing until after the baby is born. I am instead selling and donating items I don’t wear. (I’m not counting nursing bras/tops because those are considered items for the baby.)

Planner stickers: I stretched out a mini kit for two months and I still have $3 sticker set from Target that I use. I used a birthday gift card to order another mini kit, but other than that I don’t plan to buy any stickers until after our baby is born. If I run out I can always decorate with markers.

Home decor items: We don’t have a need for it, nor do we have space! I just replaced an old rug under my desk chair, but I plan to not buy anything else unless it’s something we need for the baby.

Plants: We typically buy plants/seedlings in the spring or summer, but I’m not sure if we will this year. It’s probably not a great idea to add to our plant collection or start our summer garden before moving, which we want to do this year. (Note: We want a bigger place; we’re not leaving Chicago. Another note: I can’t control the actions of my husband, who loves to buy plants. haha)

Starbucks: I am not completely cutting it out, though I have already cut back. I want to keep it to once a week. (I haven’t been drinking much coffee but I do enjoy a refreshing drink or a breakfast while I’m on the go.)

Dining out/takeout/food delivery: I want to limit this to once per week in March. This will be the hardest category to even cut back on for us and I am the least optimistic about how we’ll do. Just being honest! But we are going to try. I am going to allow myself a couple of friend dates that will involve going out to eat.

Not included in the ban: Blog expenses, transportation, groceries and other essentials.

I’ll be posting an update at the end of March listing any times I break the spending ban. I hope it’s not too long! Have you ever done a spending ban? What are expenses that are worth it to you? Let me know in the comments!

Related posts:

Decluttering and Items I Wish I Didn’t Buy
End-of-Summer Cleaning and Decluttering List

Nighttime Essentials and Routine

Nighttime Routine and Bedtime Essentials

Recently I’ve been working on establishing a solid nighttime routine to ensure I get the best night’s sleep possible while I can before our baby arrives.  I want to make sure I’m as comfortable as possible during my pregnancy, a goal I plan to carry on after baby as part of my self-care routine. I find that this bedtime routine has been working well so far and helps me wind down after some busy days lately. First I’m sharing my nighttime essentials, followed by the evening routine I’ve been loving. If you, too, have an established end-of-day routine please share it with me in the comments!

My nighttime essentials and bedtime routine:

  • Belly butter
  • Castor oil
  • Lip balm
  • Lip scrub
  • Body lotion
  • Water bottle
  • Diffuser
  • Cleanser and facial spray
  • Denture cleaner tablets (for my Invisalign)
  • Yoga mat
  • Bath bombs/bubble bath
  • Face masks
  • Massager
  • On my wish list: a pregnancy pillow

My get-ready-for-bed routine:

My nighttime essentials help me regain my clarity, balance and overall sense of well-being at the end of the day. I use them in my bedtime routine, which varies in terms of order, but in general consists of:

I often soak in the tub while listening to a self-improvement book on Audible. Lately it’s been “You Do You” by Sarah Knight. If I’m not taking a bath/soak, I like to shower after any sort of workout (or just because) while playing a book.

I then put on comfortable pajamas and apply my belly butter and lotion. I want to start using castor oil again for specific areas (cyst, stretch marks, eyelashes).

I take off my contacts and start wearing my glasses.

I take out my Invisalign and drop a denture cleaner tablet into warm water. I soak them for about 30 minutes before bed. I also brush my teeth and floss.

I wash my face and use my skin care products. Sometimes I use a face mask.

I use lip scrub and lip balm.

I fill my water bottle/glass and place it next to the bed.

I often take a look at my planner and see what I have going on in the morning. This helps me mentally prepare to get out of bed on time on days when it’s absolutely crucial and it lets me know when I can sneak in some extra Z’s. I don’t find this to be absolutely essential, though.

I write in a journal (or two). I am still experimenting to find what works for me.  One journal is a gift I want to give; the other is a sort-of bullet journal that I am figuring out how to use. In recent months I jotted down a daily gratitude but I stopped during the holidays. I know for sure I want a brain dump page for all my ideas and random thoughts, but the rest of my journal spreads are up in the air at the moment.

A goal this year is to also do some yoga poses before bed every night (if I didn’t already go to a class). I don’t always do this, but I also want to get back into using a meditation app or doing it on my own, perhaps after listening to my book. Lately I’ve been using our neck and shoulder massager on my lower back and neck if not already stretching or doing yoga.

Lastly, I add oils to my diffuser and turn it on.

Goodnight!

Why is a nighttime routine important to me?

I haven’t always followed a routine before bed, but I have found that an established nighttime ritual has helped me wind down, decompress and prepare for the next day. Relaxing has helped me achieve better quality sleep, which is important since I don’t always get the quantity of sleep I’d like, and that quantity is only going to go down when our baby girl is born. I’ve learned that a solid night routine is the basis for a productive and more zen morning as well. Do you agree?

What does your nighttime routine look like? What are your essentials?

Related posts:

New Routine: Working From Home

Owning Your Choices: Tips to Reprioritize to Achieve Your Goals in 2018

10 Ways to Feel Like You’re on Vacation

Cruelty-Free and Green Products

** This post contains affiliate links. Also, it is your responsibility to check whether products are cruelty-free. That information may change.

In addition to looking for products that are cruelty-free, I was recently inspired to look for those with less packaging and that are more eco-friendly. I have made a few switches lately that I am happy with and wanted to share. This is part of my effort to be more mindful of how much waste I create. Sometime soon I’d love to take a class on making some of my own products such as candles and lotions.

The products I’ve been trying recently:

  • Tom’s Lavender Tea Tree With Raw Shea Butter Natural Beauty Bar: I had reservations about using bar soap because I had been using body wash for years, but I have no complaints about it so far. (I am the only person who uses it in my home.) It combines one of my favorite scents, lavender, with tea tree and shea butter. Also, there’s no plastic packaging. I use it along with my Eco Tools recycled bath sponge. I find that I use less product because with body wash I tend to squeeze too much out of the bottle, and this costs me less than body washes I had previously been using. 

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  • Preserve Shave 5 Razor System: I initially tried Preserve’s cheaper razor and hated it. The blade came off easily and was inconvenient to use. The Shave 5 Razor is a thousand times better. It’s easier to grip and the blade stays on. I ordered my razor in coral, but it comes in six color options. You can recycle the handle with Preserve and it comes in a reusable container that is great for travel. (It’s made from recycled plastic.)

  • Lush Massage Bar in Hottie. This is great to rub on tired muscles and doesn’t use any plastic packaging. It also leaves the skin soft and maybe a tad oily/silky. The massage bar has a molded side to help with massaging and it smells like vanilla and spices. It doesn’t come in any wasteful packaging when you buy it at a Lush store.
What products have you been using and loving lately?


P.S. If you’re interested in reading about creating a zero-waste kitchen, Not Entirely Perfect has a post on this that I enjoyed.

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