Shin Pains and Shopping

Hey everyone. Ugh, I am so incredibly tired...probably because it's late. That would explain everything. Anyways, yesterday I started feeling a pain in my shins. They feel sore, but it also feels like the pain you get from pressing on a bruise. It's funny though, because my right leg which I drive with hurts more than the left...huh. How wierd. But my dad says it's probably because of my job since all I do is stand the entire time I'm there. Sounds legit. Anyways, yesterday and the day before I got to do some shopping online and at the mall near my school. I decided that this is my last paycheck to really spoil myself until after Christmas. So, I bought some cute things and necessary things...I think? I went by Forever21 at the mall and bought some cute items!

I bought a new pair of shoes that are really simple yet they zip up in the back. They are cute and they work with basically any casual outfit. I am so excited to finally have a large belt! I can't wait to try it with my red knit dress or my fair isle knit dress. I also got USAMIMI! I found it at Spencer's actually. I was walking around trying to find my boyfriend a domo blanket (which they didn't have...) and I found them...and I rememebered Bubzbeauty's tutorial on an irregular braids. So I'm glad I found it...and now...I HAVE FOUND A PINK BLAZER. Actually it's more of a peach color in person but I saw it and I knew I needed to have it. Plus 10% of the proceeds go to Breast Cancer research, so it was for a good cause!

Such a cute tag. Anyways, I also ordered from sasa.com for the very first time and I am so excited. I ordered facial masks and a hair mask that I saw on Bubzbeauty's video. I can't wait for them to come in~!!! Shipping was so cheap too...$6!! So...what exactly did I order?

So I ended up buying a 10 piece Face Q box of facial masks! Which kind? Grape Seed and Green Tea! It looks refreshing~! I can't wait to try them...ahhh I just want to spoil my skin and hair!!! I also got...

Essential Ultra Honey & Shea Butter hair mask~! I saw this in one of Bubzbeauty's videos and looked up reviews and turns out...this stuff has worked great for so many. They also said that it adds some volume to their hair which is always a plus for me since I always had flat hair since I was little. Ahhh, and the they say the smell is nice too. Mmmm. Ayeeee, I'm so excited.
So, change in topic. I am thrilled. This upcoming Monday is a holiday which means: 1. NO WORK. 2. NO SCHOOL. 3. FULL FREE DAY. Finally!!! So since this is this first Monday I've had off in a while, me and Anthony are trying to go out to downtown to do our first photoshoot together. I don't know what to wear!! Aiya~! And after that, my dad is trying to get some of his family to come down for a barbeque. I haven't been able to visit my family because of work and school, so it would be nice to see them! Then Tuesday, I am getting my hair dyed!!! I am think either auburn or a light brown. I am going to see what my hair dresser says because she's normally right...haha! I am excited~! Anyways, it's almost midnight here, so I am going to get some rest. Good night guys!!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend and please feel free to check out my twitter! http://twitter.com/whiteoutxtaylor :)
Thanks for reading~! <3
With love,
Taylor Rae

Raw Chocolate & Skin Benefits! Yummy~

Hi ladies. It feels good to be back on my laptop posting! I've been busy lately with work and what not! Also, my boyfriend's grandmother is in town and so, I really like to spend time with her because...honestly, my grandmothers weren't really around in my life. So to be around her is refreshing. Anyways...let's get on with this post!
CHOCOLATE! Not milk chocolate or dark chocolate, but raw chocolate. I personally am always looking for natural ways to take care of my skin, body, and hair and I have an addiction to chocolate especially Hershey's Cookies n Creme bars and hot chocolate. I am so excited to be sharing this post with you guys because I'm stoked to try this out myself.

So raw chocolate has a lot of anti-oxidants in it which degrade when cooked, that's why milk chocolate and all the others aren't really helpful to your health or skin. First off, chocolate CAN make you happy. The "love chemical" and "bliss chemical" is packed in cocoa which makes us happy. Plus cocoa has plenty of magnesium and iron and can balance out your hormones. Cocoa also hydrates our body and the MAO inhibitors also promote weight loss in our bodies by curbing our appetite.
Now, how is chocolate good for our skin? Well, like I said before, chocolate has a ton of anti-oxidants. So, these anti-oxidants are the main reason why chocolate is great for our skin! So what can these anti-oxidants do? Well...
1. Smooth out wrinkles on your face.
2. Prevent free radicals from causing damage to our skin's elastin.
3. Exfoliates dead skin cells and regenerate new ones.
4. Rejuvenates the skin.
Also, chocolate has so many flavanoids that it maintains collagen and protects our skin against sun damage and...it's an awesome moisturizer. So, since chocolate is so great for our skin...why not a few recipes?

Chocolate Facial Masks!

Recipe #1
Ingredients:
1/3 cup cocoa
1/4 cup of honey
2 tablespoons of heavy cream
3 teaspoons of oatmeal powder
First off, oatmeal is great for sensitive skin as an exfoliate. Honey also opens up clogged pores and an anti bacterial agent! So all you have to do is just mix the ingredients until the mass is consistant. Apply on your face and gently massage so the oatmeal can exfoliate the dead skin cells. Leave on for 15-20 minutes then rinse off with lukewarm water. Easy as pie.

Recipe #2
Ingedients:
1 tablespoon of green tea powder
1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
And enough honey to make a thick paste.
With this recipe I found, it says you can also add essential oils to the paste if you'd like. But just mix and apply to your face by gently massaging. Rinse off after 20 minutes. BAM. This recipe will definitely be packed with anti-oxidants from both the green tea powder and the cocoa powder! Great for anti-aging too.

Recipe #3
Ingrediants:
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup honey (preferably raw)
2 tablespoons of avacado
3 teaspoons of cornmeal
Cornmeal is a wonderful exfoliant! Just incase you didn't know...lol. Anyways just mix into a creamy paste, apply on your face with clean hands and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Then, rinse off and enjoy a beautiful glowing and healthier face!

So I hope you ladies got something out of this! I also hope you guy enjoy the facial mask recipes! Please be sure to comment and let me know how the cocoa masks helped!!! Anyways, I'm going to get some rest as I wait for the boyfriend to call! I hope you all have a wonderful week! Be safe and take care~!!!
Thanks for reading~! <3
With love,
Taylor Rae

Still Sick but Good News!

Hey everyone. Unfortunately, I'm still sick...it seemed to be getting better yesterday, but I woke today and my chest is feeling tight and congested, I'm coughing a lot more, and so much fatigue. I actually had to take my mom to our family doctor today to get checked out for her bronchitis. My doctor overheard me coughing in the background and told me that I need to get rest, drink warm fluids to get this drainage out, and if it doesn't get better...I gotta come back. Right now, I'm heating up some water to make some green tea and I have my SpongeBob pajama pants on and my pink slipper booties. Ultimate comfort. All I'm missing is my boyfriend. :/ It seems like everytime I'm with him, I feel a lot better...although he always complains that I get super hot and he has to make me sit up so I can actually feel the breeze from the fan. Ugh, I really dislike this feeling. I've been wanting to sleep all day and I did manage to take a nap when me and my mom got home. Bahhhhh~!

Not from today, but I'm wearing the same shirt and pants...just different socks...I was too tired to take a pic today. :( I was going to use this for a different post, but that never happened I think.

SOOOO I am super excited!!! Even though I'm sick, I managed to buy my own URL! Say hello to a shorter link to this blog! http://taylorrae.co I am so happy. I feel like I'm starting to move forward and actually really starting to use this blog the way I intended to. ALSO. The t-shirt line I've been dying to get started is now in the designing stage. We're creating my logo, and we're gonna start on the first couple t-shirt designs. I am estatic. I love fashion and being able to create my own is just...amazing. So when we have the logo created, I'll be sure to share it with you all! So please, keep checking up!

Ahhh, I feel like things are starting to pick up! Me and Anthony have been thinking about doing a photoshoot together. Why? Just because. Ain't nothing wrong with a couple wanting to take pro pics with each other...right? Well we found 2 photographers! One is willing to go on location for us for only $25 while the other is willing to do it for free. So we may just do both. I don't know, but...Anthony's grandmother is in town...and her food is BEAUTIFUL. Homemade tortillas...oh gosh. So lovely. She is so nice and funny too! I can't wait to see her hopefully tomorrow after my last class of the day.

I guess I'll end this post...I'm going a bit far off topic maybe? Well before I go...I just want to share a little scripture.

"A happy heart makes the face cheerful,
but heartache crushes the spirit." - Proverbs 15:13

I've been kind of re-evaluating myself and I kind of realized that sometimes my smiles weren't making my face cheerful. I've noticed that when my heart isn't fully happy, my boyfriend can tell when something is wrong. He can tell when my spirit has been crushed, and not only does he see but so does God. I kind of felt like I was lying to God and those around me. My smile was not entirely genuine. So after praying, I just...began to laugh and something inside me felt light and I actually feel a need to smile. If you ask Anthony, the past couple nights I had little laughing fits and silly moments where I imitated Bill Cosby and just acted like a complete dork. So, just remember, life is too short to be upset and faking smiles. Let them be genuine and have a happy heart!

Thanks for reading~! <3

With love,

Taylor Rae

Ugh, I hate Colds!!!

Hello! How is everyone? I hope you all are well. Unfortunately for me, I have become sick. Yesterday and earlier today, I felt so tired and my boyfriend said that my face was hot. Luckily, after my class yesterday and before work today, he took care of me. He told me to rest up and he even gave me medicine. I was worn out. I am thankful he put up with me while I am sick...I act like such a child! I didn't want to take the medicine because it had a powerful smell to it and I didn't want to go to work because I was too tired. Augh, I am ready to go to bed! But before I go to bed, I just wanted to do a quick post! <3
So my guy's suprise gift came in! Plus my slippers and...MY TOTORO WALLET CAME IN!

The slippers and pillow are extra comfy!

Yep, I got me and my guy matching Super Mario pillows! They are so cute! I love them and my guy likes his too. :) Slowly starting to REALLY decorate my room~. I am so happy with my order. Oh, and my wallet is so freakin' adorable and it's smaller than my other wallet so I can fit more into my purse when I go to school. Ugh, I just can't stop sneezing!!! Alright guys, I'mma take some *shivers* meds and head on to bed! I'll let you all know if I'm any better tomorrow! Take care everyone!!!

Me and Anthony on Wednesday before this stupid cold! I look tired~!

Thanks for reading~! <3

With love,

Taylor Rae

2nd Post of The Day~!

Yep, I'm back. I decided to do two posts today just because I have a lot of time left before my next class, plus, I just enjoying writing on my blog. :) I know there days where I am too busy to blog, but when something happens or when I get time, the first thing I do is check my blog and post! I love "Simple Days..." although lately my days haven't been seeming simple with school, work, and what not. But, it's the thought that counts. Anyways, yesterday was great fun. My mom, my sister, and I ended up having a girl's day out lunch. It was nice to get out of the house to a place that is not considered work or school. It was also nice to just spend time with my family. I wish my dad could've made it, but he has work too. He promised me lunch though one day...ONE DAY. Haha, anyways we went to Hibachi Buffet (again) since my sister loves it and my mom has yet to have gone. I love buffets. I love how I don't have a limit. $8 for ALL YOU CAN EAT. I love it. I have no shame! Food is my game! Oh gosh...

My lunch: Miso soup, gyouza, teriyaki chiken, mustard greens, Korean chicken, mushrooms, and steak. Plus there's a little cup for my green tea. :)

Just for the record, that picture is one of 6 plates I made...I'm surprised I haven't gained weight from all that food. I shouldn't question though, should I? It's a blessing. Haha! Anyways, after lunch we went to WalMart and picked up a few things then headed home. I was so tired when I got home and I was dreading going to work with this food coma hitting hard. I just laid in my bed and watched "Tangled" (Yes, it is one of my favorite movies...) until I had to leave. Oh, what a day it was. The night before, I managed to order a few things from amazon.com! I got a new pair of slippers, a new wallet, and a surprise for my boyfriend. Well, let me also add that I liked my boyfriend's surprise so much that I even bought me one. I hope he likes it, but he said he got me a surprise too...so now I'm curious.

So, I bought a drink yesterday at my job. I've seen people buy it before, and I've been intrigued by it, but never bought it til yesterday. It's called Cascade Ice Sparkling Water. They only have 2 calories per serving and honestly, they taste amazing. I had the Strawberry Lemonade flavor and it was to die for. Plus they only cost $0.87 at my job. So they're cheap and affordable. I highly reccomend it. There's not fat or anything in it. It's awesome. Here's a link to the website~! No, this isn't sponsored. It's just delicious.

So I really wanna share my outfit from yesterday because...I was in love with it!

I. Love. My. Oxfords. I love how they give an outfit a certain feel. I love them. So this was my outfit for lunch with my mom. I have my Forever21 Blazer and Striped shirt, my jeans, my oxfords, and my Louis Vuitton bag. Simple and classy. For work though, I just took off my blazer and oxfords and put on some comfy shoes since all I do is stand...ugh. I really like this outfit though. I want to wear it on a date with the boyfriend soon!

Ahhh, so many things I wanna do. I guess I should just end this post. :P Thank you all so much! I hope you have a wonderful day! Take care everyone!!!

Thanks for reading~! <3

With love,

Taylor Rae



Cold Showers for Health and Beauty~!

Hey ladies! So I've been thinking all day about what to write about next...and it hit me right after I took a shower. See, I always have a nice hot shower, but at the end...I always turn my water to cold and just shiver and soak up all the cold water. Why? Because cold water actually does help you! I've known this for a couple years now, and I must say...I've yet to take a shower without cold water. It's great for your skin and hair, but also great for your health! So, how is cold water healthy for you?

So I know cold showers sound so unappealing. Believe me, I was hesitant to try it also...but when I did the research, turns out: Cold Showers are Amazing. They can do so much for your health and beauty! However, do not take a cold shower when it's your time of the month! Cold water on the body puts too pressure and strength on the reproductive system...Anyways...onto the positive effects of taking cold showers~:

Number One: It detoxifies your body. Cold water contracts your muscles to the point where they eliminate toxins and poisonous wastes. The more waste you lose, you begin to build immunities and also purify your blood. Cold Showers + Green Tea = ULTIMATE DETOXIFICATION!

Number Two: Your skin could use it. When we bathe or shower with hot water, it dries out our skin and enlarges our pores which makes it easier for dirt and pollution to clog them up. Yes, you can start off your shower warm, enlarge your pores to clean them out, but end your shower with cold water so you can shrink the pores so more dirt doesn't get in. Also, cold water makes your blood vessels restrict...which means if you have dark circles, a cold shower will reduce swelling and dark circles giving you a healthy glow.

Number 3: Shinier hair. Need I say more? Apparently, you can shinier hair also if you use the "cool" setting on your hair dyer. Wish I learned that sooner. Anyways, in the same way cold water shrinks your pores, cold water shrinks the cuticle of your hair making it difficult for dirt to accumulate. It's also building strength, which means that when you're brushing or combing your hair, less hair will come out.

Number 4: Less stress and more energy! Cold showers can reduce stress by regulating your autonomic nervous system and of course less stress has many benefits in the long run! If you're depressed or have depression, take a cold shower. When we take a cold shower, there is a mild electroshock that is sent to our brain and stimulate the brain's "blue spot" which delivers a chemical that causes depression. And just the cold water alone will wake you up!

It's crazy that a single element can have this big of effect. There are more effects too by the way. Here's a website that has 21 Benefits of a Cold Shower. I personally love my cold showers. I love hot water, but heat also makes me sleepy and tired. When I need energy, BAM cold water. I may be shivering, but it's worth it. I tried to look cool little things you in a cold shower to help your skin even more, but to no avail. So, I hope this was helpful ladies!! Let me know if you decided to try a cold shower out and how felt afterwords!!!
Thanks for reading~! <3
With love,
Taylor Rae

Chilly, Autumn Days are here!

Hooray! I have been looking forward to Autumn since the summer started! I dislike heat so much, I break out instantly when I sweat...it's so embarrassing. So when Autumn comes around, I get all giddy. Plus, fall clothes are awesome. So, I'm sorry it took me a couple days to post! I have been working Thursday through Sunday and we were so incredibly busy..plus I had so many rude customers. Bleh, I am mentally drained. But I got overtime hours too which means MORE PAY. Wahooooo~! But my feet hurt so bad. They are so swollen and red. Ewww, ugh. I don't want to walk anymore, haha. It's SO painful.
Anyways, I'm thinking of doing a youtube channel. Just to kind of add stuff to my blog and give advice, tips and such for people who don't even know what the heck my blog is. I really just feel like I have a lot to say, so why not share it? I don't know, what do you guys think?
Bahhh, I have so many ideas! One at a time, Taylor, one at a time. This chilly weather is making my skin rough already...I have to put on lotion twice a day now on my hands and I have to use twice the amount of chapstick. But, I do love all the warm drinks and food I get to eat now. Hot chocolate, Cappuccinos, ohhhhh so good! Today I enjoyed a warm cappuccino and some fruit outside after class. So nice! But today, after my last class, I'm heading over to my boyfriend's house for hot chocolate, popcorn, and a movie. I should've brought my SpongeBob snuggie just to make it even more official. Two nights ago we watched "Ponyo" because it always cheers me up after a long or terrible day. Oh how I'm easily entertained. This weather is just...I can't even describe it. Autumn has always been my favorite season. After the long heat wave, the sudden chilly air and breeze is so refreshing...So I'm tempted to buy a pair of Totoro Slippers or something...I am so tired of my feet hurting that I want to pamper them with slippers of comfort. Room socks look comfortable too...
Another idea! The next post. I think I am going to talk about imperfections and positive self image. I remember how I wrote an entire research paper on how the media affects female self image and even male body image. I really think this is a topic dear to me though, since I've struggled with low self-esteem for a long time. I think I have an attention problem, because I keep switching from one topic to another...
I'm sorry for such a random post! Tomorrow or tonight I shall do a self image post! I hope you guys have such a wonderful week! Please be safe and take care~!
Thanks for reading~! <3
With love,
Taylor Rae