cleaning up my beauty products

On the whole, my makeup routine is wildly unimpressive. My mom doesn't wear much makeup and, therefore, neither my sisters nor I do; powder & mascara girls here. 

Last summer, I had some trouble with my scalp reacting negatively to my shampoo. I went to see a dermatologist and he said that while some products can seem really clean (I was using a plant-based vegan shampoo), they can have hidden ingredients that cause harm. Ever since then, I've been pretty diligent about shampoo purchasing, but hadn't given much thought to my makeup.

Then, last month all of the bridesmaids got our makeup done for Abby's wedding around 9 a.m. for a 6:30 p.m. wedding. By the time the event rolled around, I had to have mine redone because my skin had completely absorbed the makeup. Ever since then, I haven't been able to shake the fact that all of that makeup was in my body - I may as well have eaten it! 

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A while back I saw that Sarah Tucker suggested an app from the Environmental Working Group for finding beauty products with fewer toxins, Skin Deep. At the time I didn't think much about it - my powder can't be that bad, right? But then, after the wedding weekend I realized that even if it doesn't seem like much, I'm putting it on daily.

I put my products to the test last week and am now, officially, making some changes. Fortunately the Bare Minerals powder I've been rocking since I was 20 (told you I'm not good with this!) got a score of 2 out of 10, which is good. Lower is better and higher means RUN. 

Sadly, the Garnier BB Cream I use and love love got a score of 5. I hate to give it up, but now when I put it on in the morning I can't stop thinking about the fact that I put all this effort into being healthy through my diet, exercise, sleep habits and lifestyle in general and yet I can't give up my BB Cream? C'mon. 

The best part of the app is that it suggests better products, which means you don't necessarily have to spend an arm and a leg cleaning things up - you can see a lot of options all at once. 

For a new BB cream, I'm going to try out Batty's Bath Quick Tint Antioxidant Moisturizer, which got a score of 1 and is only $6 more. 

The one piece of makeup I do care about is mascara, but I'm always trying new ones, so I don't have much loyalty here. I decided to try out Rejuva Pur Lash Volumizing Mascara because it got a score of 0. That's right, 0! 

That's all for now on the makeup front. Next to tackle? Body lotion. My brother, Sam, got me hooked on Malin + Goetz, so that'll be my first line to try. 

life lately

I told Chris recently that I love doing life with him. This sweet summer pace that offers events and busy right alongside slow and humid. These sunshiney days and sticky patio nights coupled with air conditioned sleeps. Just life; good life. 

It's warm and happy with big events like my beautiful friend, Abby's, wedding last weekend at the Fox. I was blown away by her elegant affair.

And the Summer Supper Series at Two Urban Licks to celebrate Chris and my Meetiversary.

Yes those special nights, but also the slow and easy - the normal.

Like grocery shopping, making dinner, going to church, building absurdly huge salads at Whole Foods, pool days, workouts and everything in between. It's easy and steady and reminds me daily not to create chaos, but instead to enjoy every sweet summer minute. 

I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Almond Flour/Grain Free Zucchini Bread

Nine months out of the year, I don't think too much about zucchini. But in the summer I crave it, right alongside tomatoes and cucumbers. I can't get enough!

Last week at work, we had a farmers' market and I loaded up on up zucchini, with the intent to pile it on salads and, most importantly, make zucchini bread. 

I laughed when I realized I did the exact same thing last June, but this year I changed the recipe a bit. It's not vegan this time around (bring on the eggs and honey!) and it's actually totally grain free. Not because I'm not loving oats, but just to mix it up a bit. 

I followed this recipe from Against All Grain, but made a few small changes. The result was great - it has such a buttery, moist flavor about it, even though it doesn't contain butter. I'm not sure why, but I ain't complaining. 

So here we go...

Almond Flour/Grain Free Zucchini Bread

(Adapted from Against All Grain)

Ingredients:

1 & 1/2 c. almond meal or flour

3 t. cinnamon

1 t. baking sode

1/2 t. salt

3 eggs

1/4 c. honey

1 1/2 c. shredded zucchini

To make:

Preheat oven to 350

Mix dry ingredients in medium sized bowl

Combine wet ingredients and zucchini in medium sized bowl, beat on medium speed until frothy

Pour wet ingredients into dry; stir until mixed

Poor into medium loaf pan or muffins

(Optional: sprinkle sugar or brown sugar on top for extra tastiness)

Bake for 30-35 minutes

Top with sunbutter and enjoy :)

Happy summer eating!

8 Things I'd Tell Myself at 20

Last week at work, my coworkers and I were joking about what it would be like to be 20 again. We were talking about what we'd do differently had we known how we'd feel five to 10 years later. I felt pretty strongly that, if given the opportunity again, I wouldn't go back to being 20. But, if I were to, here's what I'd tell myself:

1. Remember, you're part of something bigger. Whether you're religious or not, the world is so much more than just you and your campus. I know it doesn't feel that way when you're in the college bubble, but you are one part of a much larger body of our human population. Don't live like you're the only one that matters.

2. Wear sunscreen. You really don't need to be that tan. And also, don't go to the tanning bed. Ever. It's the winter in Indiana; it's cool if you're ghostly.

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3. Date nice guys. And keep your standards high. There are way, way too many good people out there to make space in your life for those who aren't kind. (Also, if you're looking for love, check this out).

4. And be friends with nice people. You often become similar to those you spend your time with. Who do you want to grow into?

5. Don't change yourself for people. Being authentic is so much more fun than trying to fit in. And, you glow a whole lot more when you're doing you. 

6. But don't be afraid to change. I remember someone I was friends with in high school told me in college, "you've changed". And it hurt my feelings at the time. Now? I'm thinking: well thank goodness! If I was the same at 22 as I was at 18, I'd wonder what I'd learned the last four years.

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7. Don't forget that you WILL have to answer for the decisions you make in college. I made decisions in college that I wish I hadn't and I've had to reconcile them personally. But that's not always the case. Many people will answer to graduate programs, future employers, etc. Oh, and also, you're representing your family - make your mama proud. 

8. You don't have to figure out your whole future now. Move forward - yes. But know that life is constanlty changing. I've used my major a lot since college, but in different ways than I anticipated. Life is full of beautiful surprises. Don't stress so much about controlling everything - just focus on building the best version of yourself that you can.