We are on the verge of a new year, Treasure Seekers! I have alluded to picking a word to define my 2018 earlier in the week. I picked the word success. I want 2018 to be my most successful year ever.
What does that mean to me? Well, I sat down and wrote a list for my Facebook posts until New Year’s Day. I started this on December 17th, and that gives me a count of 15 days until January 1st.
Here is my list of what it would mean to have a year of Success in 2018:
15.Launching my Website on January 1st, 2018. (I have 14 more days to work on this)
14.Learning how to make a proper Launch and Landing page before the website launch on January 1st, 2018. Also setting up an email list and starting a newsletter.
12. Supplementing my income with sales from my website.
11.Plan a real vacation. 2 weeks. Need to fly to get there and back. 2 days before and after, 10 days at the destination.
10.Jewellery sales increasing after adding the jewellery to the website.
9.Using my 2 new 2018 planners to the fullest extent.
8.Purging things. Lots of things. More than last year.
7.Finishing the Housecleaning challenge. A Bowl Full of Lemons runs it, check it out online here. There is a Facebook Group, but it is a closed group. You will need to ask to join it if you are interested in that.
6.Having a job related to the field of writing.
5.Collaborating with musicians to get at least one of my songs recorded and playable for other people to hear. Writing more lyrics.
4.Getting a new pet (or a duo).
3.Becoming more active.
2.Lose weight the right way
1.Become a Best Selling Author.
I know. That list is ambitious. It reflects my current mindset and goals. I am writing it here and now (and all the rest of December on my Facebook page) because I am not making New Years Resolutions this year. I am just going to set the bar high and do my best to make my way over the top.
I challenge you all to do the same. Let’s make 2018 the best year ever. I am starting now. What about you?
As always, feel free to comment on what this post meant to you when you read it. If you pick a word or want to share a list of your own, I would be happy to see it.
#TreasureSeekerTuesday
Treasure Seeker Tuesday: Photo by Tish MacWebber; Photo Edited by Noa Price
Tish’s Organized Cosmetics Counter
When I post on social media about makeup, my wall literally blows up. People have thoughts, comments, and advice about makeup. I have recently purged my makeup, and have been adding to the collection that you see in the pic above even more since then. I have been using Shoppers Optimum Points to help me do this because, on a day like Black Friday, I got my purchases for half price because I cashed in the points to do it. That adds up to more product coming home, and less planning for the budget. Win-win!
The last time I wrote about makeup, I was asked if I had a favourite red lipstick. The answer is still no, but I did buy one on sale to try out. I have been busy with social media this weekend, asking about the two looks I created for this post. I will share the pics below and list what I used for each one so that you can look for any of the products I used if you want to try them for yourself.
Saturday I want for Drama. I am wearing a black sparkly sweater and red lipstick. I styled my hair instead of letting it dry on its own, and picked a new mascara.
Here is what Saturday’s look turned into:
Saturday, December 16th Makeup Selfie
Admittedly, I see now that it is a little less focused and I should have kept snapping until I got a better pic.
Here is the list of products that I used, in the order, that I used them in:
1: Vichy Purete Thermale Fresh Cleansing Gel
2: Vichy Purete Thermale Perfecting Toner
3: Vichy Double Glow Peel Mask ( This is only used twice a week, and rinsed off after 2 minutes)
4: Vichy Aqualia Thermal Light Cream (Moisturizer)
5: Quo Satin Face Pressed Powder Nude colour
6: NYX Colour Correcting Concealer Palette (yellow under my eyes, the pink beside the purple for concealer)
7: Lancome Colour Design, Sensational Effects Eye Shadow (Impress & Avant Gold, the 2 on the left in the product pic below)
8: Top Lid Eyeliner: NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil (604 Milk)
9: Lower Eyeliner Essence Gel Waterproof Eye Pencil (05 Gunmetal)
10: Maybelline Lash Sensational Full fan effect Waterproof Mascara Black (P70001)
11: Clinique Blush Pop (Ginger Pop)
12: Urban Decay Vice Liquid Lipstick (714)
I used some of the same products on Sunday. Here is my Sunday look:
Sunday, December 17th Makeup Selfie
My hair is also differently styled. This pic is clearer, but my smile is not as nice.
Here is the list of Sunday’s Makeup application:
1: Vichy Purete Thermale Fresh Cleansing Gel
2: Vichy Purete Thermale Perfecting Toner
3: Vichy Aqualia Thermal Light Cream (Moisturizer)
4: Quo Satin Face Pressed Powder Nude colour
5: NYX Colour Correcting Concealer Palette (yellow under my eyes, the pink beside the purple for concealer, green for red skin tones)
6: Revlon Illuminance Creme Shadow Wild Orchids (the bottom 2 in the product pic below)
7: NYX Super Skinny Eye Marker for eyeliner
8: Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara (Black – AAAFB)
9: Clinique Blush Pop (Ginger Pop)
10: Urban Decay Vice Liquid Lipstick (ZZ)
On both days, I used 2 cleansers to remove the makeup, and then I used the toner and light cream moisturizer listed above. I used the Vichy Purite Thermale Soothing Eye Makeup Remover for just my eyes. I found a makeup remover since I bought that one that’s safe for eyes and lips. I really like it. It’s Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water All-in-1 Makeup Remover. It is for normal and sensitive skin and removes waterproof makeup. It is oil, alcohol and fragrance-free. It has to be shaken before each use.
I have two more pics to share here.
Product Picture: The Makeup I used this weekend.
Then I went to my favourite editing program, canva, and made a final picture for my weekend of makeup fun. I need to get more used to wearing makeup as I will be needing it for Book Tours and Author Headshot pictures. There is a goal, but it is also fun!
When I shared my edited side by side picture, I asked on my Facebook wall which picture they liked better, and why. I had an overwhelming response, and the landslide winner was the one in the purple shirt.
Pick your favourite look!
I got some valuable advice, as always, from my fellow makeup lovers. The hair and smile on the left are more liked. The blurriness and red lipstick are not. I was advised to find a different shade of red lipstick. The hunt will continue.
I got quite a few nice compliments on Saturday, before Sunday’s pic was posted.
One person said the blush was too harsh. It is a darker colour of blush, but I wanted a pop of colour for the winter. I think I may need to find a different blush to go with the pink lipstick, and also that I may need to blend it in better, with less applied next time. The Sunday pic was described as looking more like me, and that my eyes pop in this one. People said it was the purple, but I also know that the lady at Shoppers told me that this pink lipstick will make my eyes pop too.
I tried on new glasses this past week. I have not ordered them yet. I may shop around. I can’t wait too long, as I do need them, but if I can find the right look for the right price, I will be ordering them as soon as possible. I have had these glasses for more than 2 years, and I actually enjoy shopping for new glasses because it is like a mini makeover for me every couple of years. I have narrowed it down to 2 frames in the first store I went to. I will try a few different locations and hopefully have a friend join me on the next day I go out. It is hard to do when you have to look really close in the mirror. The last time I had contacts put in just to shop with, and that was a remarkable experience. Now that I am going to be needing progressive lenses it is not a real option anymore. I will stick to glasses, and then I will be able to have more makeup fun when I have the new glasses to complete the look.
Which look do you prefer, and why? If you haven’t commented on my facebook wall, feel free to comment below. I agree that I like the hair and smile better on Saturday’s look, but the Sunday look is more natural for me. I would wear the Sunday look again for a more dramatic look, but I guess I am still hunting for my next favourite red lipstick. I hope you enjoyed this article, and am open to feedback. 😉
#MakeupMonday
Well, another weekend is coming to a close, and I have hibernated for as much of it as I could. Winter is here, and it has been cold outside. Sleeping in was on my list, and I can say that it happened indeed. I woke with no alarm clocks being set for 2 days in a row. It was glorious. My favourite thing about the weekend is sleeping in. Sometimes I have to get up and go do things, but not this weekend. I stayed home and did things here instead.
Friday night I didn’t even go get the car. I came home after a day of Christmas Cheer at work. I had to decorate my pod for Christmas, and I did it up right!
I don’t know why the pic is squished, and I had to add a little bit of graphics to hide the photo bomber. 😀 The wall on the left had a lot more Christmas balls hanging before I was done. My taller Santa is on the top right, and there were 2 gingerbread people behind where my head was by the time I had finished. I had fun, and I am hoping that my efforts earned me a prize.
I had to pack it all up at the end of the day and brought it all home. I have just encouraged Roy to clear a space for the Christmas tree and village in the living room. Since it is a small tree, I will set it all up in the little spot I had him clear. I will share pics of that next weekend after I have time to set it all up. There is just the two of us, so no need to make a big production. I do want to set it up, though. Tis the Christmas Season, and I am wanting to take a pic with it after it is all done.
Saturday was spent working on Social Media. I am working on building my author profile, as you know if you are reading my blog, and I came across a post by a friend asking about what word I would want to use to define my 2018. I thought about it, and 2017 was worthy of 2 words. Learning and Challenges. As I thought about it, really not that long at all, a word came right to the forefront of my mind that I wanted it to be. I then turned it into a graphic and made it my cover pic on my wall.
Also this weekend, I have set goals for working on my website, done 2 completely different profile pics in preparation for my Author Headshot, and also for my Blog. I am launching the monthly Makeup Monday category tomorrow. I will not be posting there every week, I have 3 weekly posts now, and if I add too much more I will not have any time to write my books! I can say that I am steeping the GGMS I wrote about making on Thursday, in Trust Your Gut and that I have 3 types of chicken cooking in my oven as I write this. Last week was more of a ground beef week, this week it is all about the chicken!
I will be sharing more about my word choice for 2018 in Treasure Seeker Tuesday this week. Which means the one I wrote for this week is now scheduled for Boxing day. What? I actually have a Tuesday already drafted for 2 weeks in the future AND I know what I want to write about this week? I think I might actually be getting a handle on this blogging thing. I would love to get ahead enough that I don’t sweat missing the deadlines anymore. But, as I have said before and will again, progress is progress.
I did not go out into the cold and snow this weekend, but my Ambivert Personality has to be balanced somehow. I found out this past week that when I do the personality type quizzes, that I am sometimes an Extrovert, and other times an Introvert. That tells me I am a little of both, which is called an Ambivert. I like being social, and outgoing, but not all of the time. Sometimes I need a weekend or two to just be at home relaxing. I can do either when I want to, but I also equally enjoy both activities.
Do you have a Defining Word picked out for 2018 yet? If you do, please share it below, and keep it in mind for Tuesday. If you are up for a challenge, I have an idea that you can participate in if you want to try an experiment with me.
#WeekendWarrior
Trust Your Gut is a series of stories about real people with weight issues, and complications arising from those issues. It will explain what the person is facing, what their options are, what they have decided to do to take action, and why they chose the path they are on. Each person’s story will be based on truth, so it won’t all be happy, but it will be real. The goal of this series is to get people talking about options that are available for people who have weight issues, on either end of the scale. If you would like to contribute to this series, there is a contact form linked on my Homepage for this blog. I know there are people out there that want to help people like them; as I do.
The names here may or may not reflect the person’s real name. If someone wants to remain unknown, we will choose a different name for that person’s story. The goal is to help people, and anonymity is a valid personal choice for contributors. I will use a person’s name only if they give permission to do so.
This week I am pleased to share another of my own stories.
Here is Trust Your Gut: Tish’s Story; Part 42
I got creative in the kitchen, yesterday. It has been a while. I made brown rice and added fresh mushrooms, green onion, and leftover roast beef in it. I used hoisin sauce. It was in the cupboard, so I used it. It made supper for 2 last night, and my lunch today. I have a little roast beef and green onion left for my roast beef special sandwich for lunch tomorrow. I really love roast beef, green onion, tomato, mayo and A1 sauce done up like a roast beef salad sandwich. My mom named it The Roast Beef Special, and I make it every time I cook a roast beef in the oven.
It has been a busy year for me. I have been working hard on the book, the website, the organizing, the blog, and building my business from the ground up. I have spent hours working on all of these things, but I think I forgot something along the way. Me. My health. I got lazy.
It is so much easier to be lazy and not do the work needed to live a healthier lifestyle. I have lost and gained. I am again scared to weigh myself. I am just not wanting to know the bad news. I am getting back into the practice of making better choices. I have to. My health depends on it.
I have had to work on the insulin levels again. That means I am doing better, when I start having lows it means I am needing to lower the dose. That means my body is responding to the things that I am doing right.
We are on the edge of a food-centered holiday. I am not sure how well I will do. On one hand, I can make treats and try to stick to the THM plan. It is a good way to try to plan ahead. There will be times, though when I will not be in control of the meal, and I will have to make the best choices that I can at the time. Other times I will make things that I know will be good choices to have to eat when I can. So I do have a plan. Sort of.
I also need to start making the moonshine again. Yes, you read that right. THM has a recipe for Good Girl Moonshine. GGMS as it is called, has water, apple cider vinegar, and ginger with a sweetener in it. I add Black Cherry Berry Celestial Seasonings tea to mine. I really enjoy drinking it, and it makes you run to release it if you catch my drift. I have learned that I should not drink it during the day while I am at work. I can have it after work and on the weekends, though. I bought a mason jar with a spout just for the GGMS. I think it is time for a test run. I need to start making little changes now so that I will be on track for 2018.
Have you started thinking about New Year’sResolutions yet? I have, and I will get them organized and plan things out better this year. I did a lot in 2017. What do I want to accomplish in 2018? More. I want to take everything I have done in 2017 and do it better in 2018. It is a place to start, and to build on. That is something I can do, start with little things, and push my limits and go for everything. One thing at a time, then another, and another. I have to start somewhere, and I am not going to wait. The only one that loses out if I keep putting things off is me. And the only thing I want to lose is weight. The time is now.
#TrustYourGut
Double Digits. Do you remember when you turned 10 years old? I remember that it seemed like a big deal at the time. I had lived through my first decade. I never had any real big parties for my birthday, it was in the summer, and I lived outside of town. I remember the day I found out in grade one that my phone number was long distance and nobody wanted my phone number to call me. That broke my little six year old heart. I didn’t understand what it even meant at the time, except that none of my new friends wanted to call me because of my phone number.
I am still feeling a bit out of the loop in the modern world. My household budget does not have room in it for a cell phone. I don’t NEED it to survive, I am getting along just fine without it. However, I work in the industry, and it is hard to not want to be connected in the land of text messaging as it happens, literally all around me every day.
I don’t want just a cell phone when I finally get the go-ahead from my hubby to get one. He manages our household budget, and I am eagerly awaiting the day when I can make plans for purchasing things like the next pet we bring home, 2 cell phones, attending an event that I really want to go to, my next bottle of wine, and a second car. For now, we make ends meet, and we work hard to get what we can within our budget.
One of the most important features for me when I finally do get a cell phone will be to get one with a really good camera. I use Pixabay and Canva as resources in most of my blog pictures. The picture above was actually taken by me with my Olympus 2.8 x Optical Zoom 5.0 Megapixel camera. I try to get good quality pictures with it, but sometimes they are a little out of focus because I am not a photographer. I will need a camera that is so advanced that it makes me appear to be a good photographer so that I can feel more confident about sharing my own pictures here and on my website. I am still working on that project in the midst of everything else, and I have a lot of the planning done in my head, just not executed on the internet. It will happen. I am going to plan a launch for it, and I hope that all of my current followers here will follow me and the blog to my website.
The other thing a cell phone is going to need for me to consider purchasing it is an ease of transferring the pictures for storage on my computer. I need the phone and computer to be able to work together. As I have a PC, I am guessing I may have to go with an android phone. I do know that there are many opinions out there about cell phones, and I would love to find out more information on which ones have the best cameras, work well for listening to music, and are easy to get to talk to my computer. It also needs to be reliable and wants to be easy to use. I have not yet owned a smartphone, and I am impatiently waiting for the day that I get to share my digits with my friends and family. It would be useful for blogging in my spare time, too, or checking out how the blog looks on a smaller screen.
With the recent change in Canadian Laws regarding unlocking cell phones, I am less restricted by what phone I can get, as I can use it with any Canadian carrier, including the company I work for; if I decide to go with that company. I am not as concerned with what provider I choose as I am about the camera. So I pose the question here: What cell phone would you be getting if this was your decision, with these requirements in mind? I know there are some people out there that are fiercely brand loyal, and that is OK, but if you only buy one type of phone, it may be harder for you to be objective in answering this question.
Double digits. Phone numbers. Megapixels. Optical Zoom. It all goes back to numbers. Which I am not all that crazy about. I am passionate about writing, and in the Blogging world, a good quality picture can mean the difference between someone choosing to stop and read your article or not. Blogging is something I am still fairly new at, but I know it is something that I enjoy. I will keep working with the tools I have until I can purchase something better. So, I ask you, Treasure Seekers, what would you be spending your gold on if you were in my shoes?
#TreasureSeekerTuesday