Let's talk about eye creams.....

I decided to dedicate an entire post on eye creams because I feel like it's the one product that doesn't seem to get much hype. And why is that?! We know that using an eye cream can do amazing things for our under eyes. So why is it that it's the one product people feel so indecisive over? They either use it but aren't married to the product or can't find one that blows them away so they switch all the time, or there's the group of people that don't use one at all, they feel it's not really necessary in their skincare routine.  I'm going to try and convince you otherwise. Wish me luck.

Let's talk about why they are such an important step in your skincare routine.

1. Your under eye area is usually where the first signs of aging begin to appear on our faces. Dare i say crows feet, fine lines and sagging?! These are the swear words of the skincare world.

Showing signs of aging is one of a woman's biggest fear. I feel like even at a young age we watch either our mom's or our grandma's putting on the face cream in the morning or at night. It's engrained in us to start using anti-aging products early on. Have you ever heard "It's never too soon to start using the Anti-Aging creams" It's a scary thought, but it's true. Woman in their 20's are now beginning to use anti-aging products. It just goes to show that we don't want to grow old, or at least show it on our faces.

2. The skin under your eyes is THE most delicate skin on your face. It is very thin which is another reason it's the first place woman show signs of aging. So if you're not taking care of it and keeping it hydrated by drinking plenty of water and using a product that's nice and moisturizing, it will show signs faster.

3. Which brings me to the most important point.
DRINK YOUR WATER!!! I cannot begin to tell you how important being hydrated is in your skins condition. It can make such a difference if your body is properly hydrated.

FACT: Not all eye creams are created equally.

Going into Sephora or Ulta can be super intimidating when hunting for new skincare in general, but trying to find your perfect eye cream is worse. Do you get one that's for firming, de-puffing, brightening, moisturizing, hydrating, replenishing, smoothing, cooling, etc. OR do you need one of night time, day time, or both? Do you want a gel formula or a cream? The possibilities feel endless when trying to pick out the one for you and your needs.
I'll admit that I hate shopping for a new eye cream for all of those reasons. It's confusing.
I usually research and read loads of reviews before I commit to making the purchase. But I will say this, I truly feel very passionate about good skincare and good ingredients that go into them. If you have good skin then makeup becomes less important. Instead of covering up you'll want to highlight to bring out the beauty. You only have one face, you cannot replace it so that's why it's so important to take care of it and invest in some awesome skincare products. They are worth the money!

Here are a couple new products I've added into my routine.

The first one we have is by a brand called Farmacy. I stumbled on this brand while browsing the Sephora website and I'll admit that I was drawn to the packaging. I am such a sucker for amazing branding. And Farmacy does not disappoint. 

Not only is the packing creative and beautiful, but the product inside is equally as beautiful. 

Here's what Sephora says about this eye cream.

"Eye Dew aids in reducing the appearance of dark circles and brightens the under-eye area. It also moisturizes and helps firm to restore the appearance of elasticity to the skin around the eyes.  The formula contains Echinacea GreenEnvy™, a unique, patent-protected variant of echinacea purpurea that contains the highest known concentration of cichoric acid, which helps protect the skin by supporting natural collagen. Naturally high in vitamins A, D, E and F, baobab fruit oil supports cell membranes and provides antioxidant properties to help fight signs of aging. Ribose supports natural cellular respiration, increasing the appearance of skin elasticity, smoothed wrinkles, and enhanced complexion. Strelitzia nicolai seed aril extract helps illuminate the complexion while also minimizing dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. Rose hip extract combats signs of aging with antioxidants and vitamins, and chamomile and calendula extracts reduce redness and soothe the skin. The result is soothed, smoother-looking skin and more even pigmentation around the eye area for a more rested and youthful appearance. 

Good stuff, right?!

The next one is a night cream and is by one of my favorite skincare brands, Ole Henriksen. I already use their Sheer Transformation moisturizer and LOVE it. So i knew this would be a good go-to. 

This is their Ultimate Lift Eye Gel, the night version. And it's a really unique product because it's a night cream that's a gel formula. Most night time eye creams are a thicker lotion formula. Also, this product smells so amazing. It's very fresh smelling. 

Again, here's what Sephora has to say on this product:

"This new and improved formulation features 30 percent more peptides, 600 percent more botanicals, and an enhanced silky texture. Wake up to younger-looking, refreshed eyes. The cooling eye gel instantly soothes and de-puffs the undereye area with cucumber and algae extracts while Ole Henriksen’s ultimate firming complex—a proprietary blend of bio-peptides and hyaluronic acid—helps to lift, firm, and diminish the appearance of crow’s feet and wrinkles. The unique formula works around the entire eye area, from the undereye to the eye lid and upper browbone for unparalleled results. "

Skincare doesn't have to be a scary thing just pick products that will work for your specific skin type. Or if you're really stumped just ask on of the girls in Sephora, they're there to help you and make your shopping experience less stressful. 

If you're younger than look for products that are lightweight and hydrating, something that you can wear during the day that will look great under make up or can be worn alone. If you're older then look for one that's thicker in consistency, that uses words like anti-aging, lifting, firming and moisturizing. 

So hopefully I've helped in making the eye cream experience a little less intimidating and maybe even given you a couple ideas of products to try out. If you have any favorites i'd love to hear about them, so feel free to comment or tweet me :) 

Until Next time loves......

XO 

Sam. 

Twitter:

@LittleGreyDove

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@littledove

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29. A birthday post.

Today i am 29. 

The last year before I turn 30 and start a new decade. 

So, with that in mind I decided to do something a little unconventional. 

I wanted to write a letter to myself. What 29 year old Samantha would tell the past 28 year old version. Sounds weird I know, but i find there's healing in writing it down. So without further ado, my Birthday Letter to my 28 year old self. 

Dearest Samantha,

I realize this past year has been a tough one, but you've come out on the other side victorious. I know that you've dealt with many heartaches and confusion and that finding out endometriosis could be a possible battle you'd be faced with was the hardest blow of all. But take courage dear heart, you are stronger than you realize. You can fight this and overcome and you will be a mother in the end. People always say that things may not come to you how you think they will and I think that maybe in this case that might be true. But don't be afraid, the blessing is coming. It's on it's way. 

I'm so proud of you that you branched out of your shell and formed new and wonderful friendships with some amazing girls. It was scary for you, I know. You tend wear your heart on your sleeve and expect people to treat it with love and understanding. Who would have thought that'd you'd finally find some genuine souls that you could connect with and call your friends. That are genuine and true. I am so happy for this, they came into your life when you needed them most. Funny how that happens isn't it. 

You've experienced so much healing this year, mostly in your heart. I know that was hard to let go of, you've been carrying it for so long. But it was never your fault to begin with, it was never your burden to carry. But you being you, took it on yourself and kept it close because it had become a familiar friend. But the healing is truly in the release and the true forgiveness is what follows. I feel like now you can take a huge step forward into all that God has for you. 29 is going to be your best year yet. 

Don't lose sight of your dreams, Samantha. Don't get discouraged when things appear to not be going your way. You will look back on this past year and remember that God is always faithful. You are an overcomer! You are strong and confident. Don't be intimidated by others. Keep dreaming, keep running after what you want. You are enough. You are brave. 

I can't wait to see what this new year brings for you. 

Happy Birthday!!! 

A letter to my husband on our anniversary.

Today is our 8 year Wedding Anniversary and I decided to do a little something special. I always feel like getting a thoughtful letter is better than receiving an expensive gift. That's probably because one of my top love languages is Words of Affirmation. *Side note: For all you marrieds out there that haven't read The 5 Love Languages, read it! It will change your marriage for the better. Enough with the bunny trails and now let's get to the letter.

*This post is dedicated to my wonderful husband*

To my forever man crush.

I wanted to get you something special this year, but since it's another anniversary we have to spend apart I thought I'd express my love in a different form and write you a letter.

8 years has flown by so fast. Looking back, we were babies when we stood at the alter and had no idea what was to come in the years following. We were young and in a deep love and thought we could take on the entire world.

Who knew that we'd be spending half our marriage away from each other. It was hard for me sending you off to Boot Camp. I was scared that I wouldn't know how to function alone. I was scared to be without you. Who knew that I would embrace that time and grow and blossom into a strong and confident woman. And then the biggest challenge came when I packed up our home to move across the country away from everything I've known and everyone in my life to make a new home in a new state. Again I was so scared but I knew that as long as you were by my side I could take on any challenge and overcome it.
You push me and challenge me to be a better person, you believe in me and encourage me when at times I feel like I can't do it. You have made me a better person.

I know there are times when I get on your nerves and my sassy self comes out, and there are times when you annoy the crap out of me lol But then you say something funny and make me laugh and we both snap out of it. I love that we can be so silly and ridiculous together.

I feel the most alive when we are together. You make me come out of my shell and try new things and overcome fears that I wouldn't have dreamed I'd ever do. You took this midwestern girl, who hated the outdoors, who is scared of heights and bugs and made me confident enough through encouragement and believing I can do anything, and helped to bring out my true self. Going on adventures with you is one of my favorite things. Who knew I'd love hiking, rock climbing and being in nature. (my mom sure didn't lol)

You knew I could do it.

You encouraged me along the way even when I'd get scared and didn't think I'd be able to climb that mountain, or move across the country, or overcome the fears and the pains of infertility. You have always been there by my side. You truly are my other half and i am made better because you are in my life. I can't thank you enough for believing in me and always knowing I could do anything. Thank you for being my strength when I felt I couldn't stand on my own, for being the voice of reason in times of chaos and for being my comfort when times have been so hard. You are the greatest love I've ever known, this is true. I am beyond honored to be your wife and to get to be a witness to your life. You are the man I dreamed of and the man I prayed for. There is no love like ours and there never will be. I love you now and forever.

XO

How these oils changed my life.

Hello Friends.

I realize that there are so many gimmicky products out there. Literally you can find everything from body wraps that claim to make you thinner to creams that claim to reduce fine lines and wrinkles in just 5 uses or better yet, give you a face lift after just 1 use! WHAT?!

And then there's this one..... the ESSENTIAL OILS category. We've all seen them, whether it be the ones a  friend  uses  or sells, or  the ones you can purchase at your local heath food market. There are many different brands out there as well. The top ones being Young Living, doTERRA, Edens Garden, Mountain Rose Herbs, just to name a few.

Now I'm not here to tell you which ones are better for you to purchase or look into, because I have my own opinions  after doing some research. I have to say how completely skeptical I was with the essential oils craze. Many claim that you can make extra cash on the side by having your own business. That's all well and good, but that's not why I'm dedicating an entire post on this.

Apparently essential oils have many health benefits and also, they just smell SO good. Lets get into the main reason I wanted to share this with you all. As  I said before, I was extremely skeptical with all the oils and hype surrounding them, not to mention the fact that some of them are very expensive. The brand I use uses the purest grade of oils that are on the market, and due to that, many companies have tried to copy what Young Living is doing. They may have the  same price tag or a little cheaper but lesser quality of the oils themselves. Now that statement may get some people riled up, but like I said, I have done my own research on these companies.

Let's give you all a little background, I'm about to get really personal with you so if you don't like talking about womanly issues, time to click out now.

I started my period when I was 14 years old. (See I told you, personal, womanly issues.) Ever since day one i struggled with extreme cramping and PMS. Right before I got married my OBGYN put me on birth control and all the bad things that came along with my period went away. I was a normal person again. I went off the pill a couple years after being married because we wanted to start trying to have a family. The first few years being off birth control were great, my periods were normal with hardly any pain. Fast forward to about a year ago; all the horrible period symptoms came flooding back with a vengeance. I would be so sick during that time of the month that I wasn't able to get out of bed for 2 days sometimes 3.  I wasn't able to work or have a normal life.  I went and saw a Dr. about this and they put me on pain killers, which was HORRIBLE. So those ended up not working at all for me, can anyone say trip to the ER :(

It was at this point where i was really willing to try anything. So, my in-laws came for a visit and my Mother in law is huge into the oils. She had brought a bottle of Progessence Plus and gave it to me to try out. What could it hurt right? Like I said, I was willing to try anything to see if it would ease my pain.

This specific oil claims to help regulate your hormones, decrease in symptoms of menopause and PMS, fertility, endometriosis, fatigue and all other issues that come along with hormonal imbalances.

 

                                            

What I'm about to say may be surprising...... This oil has CHANGED MY LIFE. I have used it constantly along with 2 other oils I'm going to mention, for the past 3 months now and I have seen a huge improvement in my periods and PMS. I used to suffer terribly from extremely painful periods and I had friends who never had any period issues and I always used to wish that could be me. I'd talk to them about how bad my pain would be and the bloating that comes along with and they'd never understand because they never dealt with these issues like I did. Not only that but I also get cystic ovaries which are another pain all on their own. But this oil has changed my life. 

The other 2 oils that I love and use along with the Progessence Plus are: 

                                                                   

  ENDOFLEX: 

 Supports endocrine function, improves adrenal glands, helps pituitary glands, 

          increases metabolism.  

          

 Clary Sage Oil: 

 Helps regulate hormones. 

These 3 oils i use 2x a day on a consistent basis and have seen amazing results. My period symptoms have greatly decreased, I can live my life again during that time of the month, and I don't have to dread that time coming like I did before. Along with hardly having any more period issues, my skin has completely cleared up! I have dealt with painful cystic acne since I entered my 20s and now after using these oils my skin has never looked better. I can now, if I want, go out of the house without makeup on. And if any of you have dealt with cystic acne you know that's a huge deal to not have to wear makeup. I'd get breakouts so bad that i would go to my dermatologist and have to get them injected, OUCH! which is so painful when you already have a massive planet on your face. 

I will freely admit that i was that person that was so skeptical in thinking the oils wouldn't actually work, but they truly do.  I have my life back, and I realize that's such a huge statement, but when you've suffered for as long as I have with so much pain and then to finally feel relief, it's the most freeing feeling. 

If you're still skeptical please go on the website where you can read hundreds of testimonials about these amazing oils and many others. You owe it to yourself to have freedom with your health. 

                                                        www.youngliving.com 

                        If you'd like to order from this website, here is my member number

                                                                    3366580

XO

Sam. 

Where the heck have i been?! And some life updates.

Hello Everyone!

Yes, the rumors are true! I have returned to the blog world and I'm so excited to be back. If you were sitting in my living with me right now, I'd jump up and hug your beautiful neck.
So let's jump into where Sam has been.

If you're new to this blog, Welcome, I am Samantha or better known as Sam.
Here's my whole I love long walks on the beach speech......
I have a dog named Marley, she's a schnauzer and loves pumpkin. My amazing and stunning husband is my whole world and did I mention he's incredibly handsome?! (photos in this post) We love to go hike on the weekends and anything to do with being outdoors. I mean hello! We're in sunny SoCal for crying out loud.
I am a HUGE coffee snob and was a barista for 5 years. I am a lover of all animals and would gladly have 10 dogs if my apartment would fit them all. I love Christmas music all year round, and am currently listening to James Taylor's Christmas album as I type this up. I also am obsessed with interior decorating and anything Mid-Century, my family always jokes that i was born in the wrong era. Case in point, I have seen every season of Mad Men at least 7 times and still adore watching it. I am also a lover of the Golden Girls, my mom raised me right and I still will reference that show on a daily basis. Fashion was instilled in me from a very young age, and for this reason I have a major shopping addiction. Pizza is life. period.

                          This is my nice face, but let's get real here, most of the time I feel like this.
                                                                         (see photo below)
                                                   And my very patient husband would agree:)

In this post you will see a few photos, mainly of myself, our dog and my beautiful, handsome husband. And yes, husbands can be both beautiful and handsome. Mine is both. 

So let's reintroduce ourselves. 

I am a midwestern girl from Iowa that was transplanted to sunny San Diego, California. My handsome husband is Military so like any good military wife i picked up everything we owned and our dog and we moved out here. Our story is a pretty crazy one and one that I will share in a later post. But for now let's keep this light.

Andrew and I have been married 8 years this December, we were babies when we got married. And along the way we've had many hard times as well as good ones and have learned so much about ourselves and each other. I can honestly say, and so can he that we are more in love today than we ever have been. Mushy stuff right?! 

Our dog, Marley is everything to me. She's been my constant companion and loyal friend, she's my fur baby. Andrew and I don't yet have children so she's a very spoiled puppy as you can imagine. I think my family is more obsessed with her than they are with us. How can you not be in love with this little face. She melts hearts let me tell ya. 

And for now we live here in California. We feel incredibly blessed to have such an amazing support system surrounding us as we travel this life together. It's been a long road to get to where we are, but it feels good to be able to call San Diego our home. The holidays are coming up and I'm returning to Iowa to spend it with my family. Andrew will join as soon as some training gets finished up. With his job he's always training. I can't really talk too much about what he does but his job is very dangerous and very important. I am that proud wife that cries when I talk about him and what he does for this country. You'll never meet anyone more in love with his country or his family. I am so honored to get to witness his life and be apart of it. It's a crazy adventure but I wouldn't want to be on it with anyone else. 

Let's see, what else do you guys want to know? For now I think i've taken up enough time talking about our new life out here on the West Coast. Keep an eye out for my next blog post and please check out my YouTube Channel (shameless plug) where I talk about all things beauty and fashion and lifestyle. Thanks for stopping by and checking out who I am and admiring the pics of my sexy husband. 

XO

Sam. 

www.youtube.com/littlegreydove