July Summer Challenge (and June Updates)

It’s July…JULY!

Making note of how quick the time flies will never get old to me.  I’m always in awe at how QUICKLY time is NOT waiting for ME or anybody for that matter.  With this Summer heat comes a bit of relaxation and laziness, but I’m fighting the latter to the best of my ability.

Let’s Talk Skincare!!

So I know I talked smack about Urban Skin RX during my last post, but I think I spoke too soon.  I took a really good look at my face one day in June, and said, “Wait, I think some of my dark spots faded a bit”.  And it’s not until I took another picture and placed them side by side that I noticed a slight difference.

I think I was so quick to bash them because there was one product that absolutely did not work and was way too drying for my already dry skin.  It was the Hydranutrient Radiance Radiant Oil.  It made my face soooo dry.  I used it along with three other products, but didn’t know which one in particular was the issue.  Someone with the UrbanSkinRX team suggested that I remove the oil from my regimen.  Once I did, I realized that was the culprit.  No more excessive dryness after that. 

Overall, the combination of the products (mentioned below) worked somewhat, but I still have some work to do.  So, I’ve done a skin consult, a bit of research on my skin type, plan to choose some new items, incorporate them into my regimen, and tweak as necessary to achieve my desired outcome.  So, my apologies to Urban Skin RX for my rash judgment. 🙏🏿

 

And apologies in advance for the rawness of these images.  I was taking them for my personal use to track my own progress, but then figured I should show the difference for anyone interested.  Both were taken in my bathroom, via natural skylight, but at different times of day and during different seasons.  In taking them myself, I didn’t pay much attention to framing either.

I’ve been using the following products consistently since February 16, 2018:

Anti-Aging Cleansing Bar, HydraBalance Instant Moisture Infusion, and Even Tone Night Treatment

 

Financial Progress…

In getting my Finances together, I met with my Business coach and he totally flipped the script for my financial plan.  My plan was created with the goal of solely paying off credit card debt and continuing to increase my credit score.

I’ve come across many people who worry day and night about their student loans.

I am THE COMPLETE OPPOSITE.  When I tell you that my life continues perfectly fine with paying the absolute minimum, I tell you no lies!  If I could pay them $4.99 a month I would.  I’m of the mindset that Sallie Mae and Nelnet didn’t help me get a job/career after college, sooooo why should I have to pay them back?! 

WHY?!?!

Definitely not the best attitude to have, but it’s honestly how I feel.  One of my favorite podcasts is MyTaughtYou, and the host, Myleik would always say, “Feelings are not facts”.  And she’s absolutely right.  My coach gave me some raw truth, told me I need to remove my emotions from the equation, and get rid of them now because it’ll only hurt me in the long run.  So, I’m not at all happy about paying them back, but I’ll get over myself.  I’m just glad to know that I’ll be rid of them forever a year from now.

To eat meat or not…

I did alright with not eating meat up until June 14th when my family went out to celebrate my mother’s birthday.  I ate meat about four or five times after that, but didn’t go overboard.  I’m realizing that it is quite alright not to have meat in my meals and even threw a few vegan dishes into the mix.  I’m still using Pinterest to find new meals to test out.  With this summer heat though, I may be team salad right through.  

What are some of your favorite, quick meals to create during the summer?!

 

For July, I challenge myself to:

Mental health awareness.  July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, thus I’m going to reflect on what to continue, add, or subtract in order to better myself in all areas of my life.  I’ll also do a better job of being aware and respectful of those that are battling mental health issues.

Fitness.  Clearly this goal isn’t going anywhere – With the heat comes major excuses when it comes to my exercise life.  So just keep me in your prayers lol

Video Production.  I haven’t been working on any of my video projects due to my real estate endeavors.  But as I get a handle on the real estate, I’m going to get back on track with my video production goals.

Summer plans?  What is one thing that you must do before this Summer comes to an end?!

What are you challenging yourself to do this month?

“Our dreams live outside of our comfort zone”