Hair Care Products I've Been Loving

Hey guys!

I've had a busy couple of months and I can definitely say it's starting to feel like summer here in the great state of Texas. I had done some traveling last month and decided that I would try out some new products and maybe give some a second chance as I may have overlooked them initially. 

First lets start with hair care. As many of you know I have always had thick, long, wavy not so much curly hair and then I decided to cut and color it. My hair has always been my security blanket so if it doesn't look or feel good then I'm right there with it. So when Maple Holistics reached out and asked if I would like to try their Silk 18 Conditioner, I decided I would give it a whirl. Maple Holistics specializes in cruelty free and natural personal products and you can definitely tell by their products. My hair felt so soft after just one use and the light smell of vanilla lingers without being overwhelming. It made my hair more manageable and easier to style than ever before. I have been using it every time I wash my hair just because I feel my hair is much healthier and looks it too. Definitely go check out their products and see what they are all about. Click HERE for more info about the Silk18 Conditioner! Check out Maple Holistics Here!

*this product was gifted to me

I don't usually like dry shampoo but I've tried a few and have felt like they didn't really work with my hair type or maybe I just wasn't using them right. On my trip to disney I knew that I would be having early mornings  and late nights and I wouldn't have time to wash my hair when I wanted to so I thought I would give one another try. I got a travel size of the not your mother's clean freak dry shampoo, and after a full day of sweating and wearing mickey ears at the park in the Florida humidity and sun, my hair had seen better days. The next morning my hair looked a tad greasier than normal and I have to say that the dry shampoo really picked it up. My hair had more volume and "umph" in it than it looked the previous day freshly washed. I was so excited that I finally had gotten it to work. It was definitely a life saver not only for my hair but for my trip.

It may not seem like much but these two items have definitely made a difference in my hair care routine. Like I said previously I'm super picky about my hair and the products I use on it but these are worth a try if you are looking for some new items.

Are there any hair care products you would recommend? I would love to hear any suggestions you guys may have.


Until Next Time ,

Noshka XOXOXO

Disney Essentials

Hello Everyone,

I did it! I went to Disney again!  I went to Disney at the end of April, and thought I'd share with you all a few of my essentials. I of course had multiple packing lists, and had some smaller things back in my suitcase but I wanted to talk about the things that I had in my backpack for when it comes time to go to the parks. I don't visit the parks quite frequently so I like to take advantage of my time while I am there. I usually like to stay from park open to park close, I've never been during extra magic hours or any special events so I'm not sure in that aspect but that is just my game plan so I like to be prepared.

My backpack is this one, just a regular jansport one, with a bigger pocket in the back and a smaller on in the front. The less pockets the less condensed stuff I have to carry, believe me if it had more pockets I would feel it necessary to pack more.



Front Pocket:
Souvenir Penny Money
Portable Charger
Charging Cable
Ziplock Bags
Sharpie/Pens
Chapstick
Hair Ties/Bobby Pins


Big Pocket:
Rain Jacket
Water Bottle
Autograph Book
Snacks
Wallet (if necessary)
Trading Pins
Sunglasses Case


That's it! That's everything I like to carry in my Disney Bag.
Try to narrow it down to the minimal things you need so you aren't lugging around too much on your park days.

Is there anything you would add or take out? Let me know in the comments below!

Until Next Time,
Noshka XOXOX

Self Care

For those of you who don't know me won't know that I'm not much of a reader.

I can read I just don't. I know people find reading calming and something they can do just for fun or to escape our world for one of fantasy. I've just never been that person. Nor is there something wrong with reading, I wish I liked to read its just never been a hobby as I probably associate it with school and being assigned read.

If you read my previous post then you know that one of my goals for this year is to work on myself. I like most people deal with a lot of demons and monsters, and more often than not that can affect my mental health and the people that I care most about.

 Let's be honest, being vulnerable is scary, let alone telling complete strangers what you are dealing with. So this part for me is rather hard and I know you must be thinking what does this have to do with reading, I'll get back to that in a second. 

I have no self esteem, no self confidence, I compare my life to those around me, depression to name a few. Although these things may not seem as bad, they cause harm to my life and make it difficult for those around me to help me because I quite honestly wont listen to them and will stay in my funk. 

To try and make sense of all of these feeling and emotions and to try and better myself and take care of myself, I've decided to read some self help/motivational books. I was gifted the first book by my boyfriend who found a thread about it on Reddit and decided to purchase it, of course without knowing how I would react he hadn't given it to me until I told him I wanted to work on myself.

The other book I purchased because I had heard so much about it and saw other people talking about it that I figured what the heck I might as well go for it. Plus I noticed there were other books in the series if I enjoy it and decided to continue to read it. 

I was thinking about posting updates on thing I learn or just my thoughts on the book overall if you guys would be interested in that let me know. 

What are your thoughts on self care? Any books you recommend?

XOXO

Noshka

2019...

Happy 2019!

Last year I wrote a post at the beginning of the year about all of my goals for the year. I decided to not call them resolutions as I knew I would be working on that list through out the year. Needless to say 2018 was a rough year. Like most resolutions, they end before they even got started and honestly I think after I wrote that post I never looked back until today. And that my friends is why I don't make resolutions; not because I find them hard or daunting but I don't like the feeling of being let down by my own self. I have a really bad habit of being down on myself and just living there and letting it fester and build until it becomes something unbearable. But like most things you should celebrate even the smallest of wins, right? 

Instead of looking back on all the things I failed or struggled to do last year I decided that yet again I would make a list of some personal goals that I would like to achieve. Mind you I have been thinking about these for quite awhile (again) and some I will need a little extra help with. 

Personal Goals:

Self Care (positivity over negativity)

Get out of my comfort zone

Be vulnerable 

Travel

Be Organized

Try something NEW

Blog Focus

Life happens and instead of getting upset that things didn't happen or did happen I want to be able to go with the flow and just adapt to those changes of life situations. I want to stop anticipating things and just let them happen, sometimes it take some extra work and thats okay my life isn't suppose to be like everyone else's cause that would just be boring now wouldn't it.

Phew! Glade we made it through that. Are you guys working on anything specific this year?

Do you have any suggestions on what kind of posts you would like to see? 

Please let me know in the comments!

Here's to 2019, we have GOT this!

XOXO,

Noshka

Year in Review: 2018

It's the last day of the year and with that comes self reflection. I have seen quite a few of these posted on Instagram with a few highlights of what happened each month this year. I decided that I wanted to share with you guys a few of my highlights as it will serve as a special memory to look back on as the years pass. I many not included every month just because some months weren't as exciting as others.

I would love to hear what your favorite highlight or what your favorite memory is from this year down in the comments below.

Let's get started!

January:

Kicked off  2018 with a few fireworks

BF got his dream car

Houston Rockets Game

Day trip to Houston

March: 

Houston Rodeo 

April:

DISNEY, first time ever traveling with friends and my boyfriend

First time Motorcycle rider

July:

Blue Bell Factory 

Weddings

Super Exciting Project 

August:

Schliterbahn Trip

Galveston's Pleasure Pier

September:

Austin Day Trip

October:

Asked to be a Bridesmaid

Disney-bounded

November:

Thanksgiving w/Family

December:

Graduations

Santa's Wonderland

Trail of Lights

My Birthday 

Christmas

And just like that its a wrap on 2018. It's definitely been an exciting year with ups and downs, and challenges along the way. I am excited to see what 2019 has in store, i'm sure it will be filled with change and new and exciting adventures.

XOXO,
Noshka

Blogmas Day 8 : Last Minute Holiday Gifts

There are only 5 days until Christmas which means we are down to the wire for wrapping up our Christmas shopping; and if any of you out there are like me you still have some shopping to do plus the wrapping of presents that you do have. Plus the holiday parties and gathering where you aren't really sure if you should bring something or not.

I've rounded up some easy and inexpensive last minute gift ideas that are sure to thrill those who receive it.

1. DIY Hot Chocolate
All you need is some hot chocolate mix, marshmallows, chocolate chips, mason jars, some ribbon and peppermints. All you have to do is assemble the jars add crushed peppermits or chocolate curls for an extra flair and you have an easy yet simple gift. You can also dip a spoon in melting chocolate let it harden and tie that to the side and it will give you the perfect stirring spoon.

Heres some that I made for a raffle at work.

2. Spa Basket
This would be perfect for a mom, daughter, friend and even coworker. You can grab a festive basket, add a couple of face masks, nail polish, chapstick, cozy socks, a bath bomb, candle, and some snacks  and you have the perfect me time box.

3. Snack Basket
Simple as it sounds, make your way to the nearest dollar tree load up on some snacks and treats and put them in a nice basket together and your go to go. This would be perfect for any guy in your life, its simple yet enjoyable. Again here is some we made for work, who wouldn't want to win one of those.

There are so many differnet easy and simple ideas that you could come up with the possibility are endless, and if you find yourself struggling check out pinterest for some extra fun ideas.

Do you have any last minute shopping to do? 

XXX,

Noshka

Blogmas Day 7: Gift Wrapping

Wrapping paper, bows, labels, sticker, ribbons, gift bags, tissue paper you name it all of these things go into wrapping presents during the holiday season. I'm not sure about you but I love seeing how people wrap presents. Everyone has a different style, different theme, it gives you a little look into their personality I think.

I have acquired a lot of Christmas items over the years but because I still live in an apartment I haven't reached peak Christmas storage status, or else I would have one room dedicated to wrapping paper and Christmas decorations and all of the above. lol. I keep to keep my Christmas tree theme more traditional red and green, which means that I can play around with wrapping paper. Now I get my wrapping paper when it goes clearance so I may go a little crazy depending if I feel like I have enough to last me through next year. (which I normally do but I still buy a roll or two)

This year I have also decided to keep my wrapping paper more traditional with the reds, greens, and craft paper. I have never used craft paper to wrap presents before because I thought it was just plain but some times plain is better and can just bring everything together, just take a look...

The craft paper I bough from target in the dollar spot and then the wrapping paper I got from Kohls. I like to use ribbon,washi tape, and bows to decorate the craft paper to give it a little bit of personality from being so plain and simple. 

The washi tape is also from target in the dollar spot and the ribbon is from Micheal's. They have a bunch of different varieties and options to choose from. 

I always have to much fun wrapping presents and just find it overall calming. I would honestly wrap presents any day just because I find it so soothing. Warm up a cup of hot chocolate, get your scissors, your Christmas music or movie and just unroll that first roll of wrapping paper. 

Apparently this is what I look like to my boyfriend when I wrap presents.. Thanks babe!

Do you guys have a theme for your presents? 

Comment down below!

XXX,

Noshka

Blogmas Day 6: Dear Santa

It's been a while since I wrote my last letter to the big man in red. I honestly am not sure when my last letter even went out or if I have just always written a list that I gave to my parents for when they would go talk to Santa himself.  That's why I decided that I would write Santa a letter, now I know it's a little bit late in the game to be writing letters but if I could this is what I would write...

Dear Santa,

Its been a while. I've grown up...but I haven't lost the magic. I know it may seem silly me writing you this letter because of my age and I no longer am asking for toys so your elf's are safe on that one, but if you could please try your best to help me with my wish this year I would greatly appreciate it. Again these things may not seem common but I hope you can help. 

Here is my wish list:

• health,love, and happiness for my family and friends
• spend uninterrupted time with my family
• happiness and joy for the world
• first ever Disney Christmas
• travel the world/ dream vacation

Thank you so much Santa

What's on your grown up Christmas list?  Comment down below I would love to know!

XXX,

Noshka

Blogmas Day 4/5: Favorite Childhood Memory

"Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional." - Walt Disney

This is one of the many quotes that I love by Walt Disney and I feel like of course it can contribute to every day life but falls perfectly for Christmas. The spirit of Christmas isn't just for children but for adults as well. Once we "grow up" we become part of the magic and creating what is the spirit of Christmas; so I wanted to walk down memory lane and talk about my favorite Christmas memories. 

I'm not sure on the age ranges of course but I will try to include as many details as possible, and some of them aren't even about the presents but they are about family. 

I'm sure this year you guys have all seen the ornaments that say Santa cam on them so that they kids can try and catch Santa in the act, coming down the chimney and putting the presents under the tree. I remember one year my dad told us that we should set up the actual camera in the living room where we had our tree would would hide it so that he wouldn't be able to catch us. The first year, we were so excited to wake up to all the toys that we had forgotten about the camera until my dad mentioned it. We all rushed to his side and checked the footage and of course Santa had covered the lens. We were so bummed out, but the excitement was real we started to plan how we were going to out think him for next year. 

Christmas in Puerto Rico is probably my most favorite! We get to spend the most magical time of the year with all of our family and it just makes it all the more magical. The last time we spent Christmas in Puerto Rico we spent Christmas Even with our family all dressed up and ate and enjoyed each others company. We were sitting outside when across the street we saw Santa. My little cousins were so excited and he was just suppose to be visiting the kids across the street, but he came over and talked to the kids and took pictures with them. It was such a heart warming experience, they were scared at first but still had fun. 

What are some of your favorite Christmas Memories as a Child?

Let me know in the comments!

XXX,

Noshka

Blogmas Day 3: Spreading Christmas Cheer

Every year we plan out the perfect gifts for everyone on our lists. Sometimes even checking that list twice; that is if we didn't already start thinking about Christmas in April like some of us do. We take notes on what is said or how people react to certain objects and if you are like me you keep a list of those things in your phone to reference when it becomes Christmas time. But what we fail to realize is that although we are busy buying for the ones on our list some people don't have the same luxuries. Christmas isn't about the presents like I explained in a previous post but about joy, happiness, and giving.

Every year my family and I would go to our local Walmart and donate to toys for tots; but since having moved away for my job 2 almost 3 years ago it has been a struggle to find somewhere here like back home where they donate to toys for tots. Toys of tots is a program run by the Marine Corps, where they collect toys and donate them to children whose parents are in a tight situation and can't afford to buy them. When I saw that Disney (my favorite) was partnering with toys for tots I knew I needed to make the trip to Houston to donate. It combined the perfect combination of something I loved and such an amazing cause. 

I was scared at first picking out a toy for a child can be so stressful, what if they don't like it? what if its not the one they wanted? But then my boyfriend made me realize it isn't about the toy you pick its about the magic. The magic of sharing what you love about Disney , with a child who may share the same love and even grow up to love Disney because of this gift. He was right it wasn't about picking the most expensive toy, or the cheapest one for that matter it was about giving someone a gift they would cherish a gift that would spread the magic. We ended up donating an Anna doll and some figurines form Big Hero 6, and it left me with such and amazing feeling of Christmas spirit. 

I encourage all of you to find areas where you live to help spread the magic of Christmas; whether it be a Salvation army, Toys for Tots, Food Bank, Angel Tree, and more. These are all great ways to remember it isn't about the quantity of the items it that you had the thought to help those in need. 

I have linked below to some of my favorite organization that help spread that magic during Christmas time. Remember anything helps and it will leave you feeling more in the magic of Christmas than when you started. These are all clickable links and they will redirect you to the website so you can learn how to help. 

Toys for Tots

Salvation Army

Operation Christmas Child

Angel Tree

Do you guys plan on donating or already donated? Let me know in the comments below!

XXX,

Noshka

Blogmas Day 2: Beauty Routine

During the winter months our skin can go through different phases. It can be really tricky to navigate especially when you already have complicated skin. I tend to have combination skin, oily and extremely dry. I have eczema so there are certain parts of my skin that are drier than others, those areas tend to be in the corners of my eyes and my upper lip. I have also been dealing with some acne spots.

In Texas, it doesn't get as cold as in the northern states although it does get rather cold for Texas. I've never been really good at having a skincare routine so the past couple of months I've been trying out different products to see what works best with my skin. Some of these product I have used several times and have become a tried and true staple for me. Along with several new products that I am interested in trying. Let's jump right in!


Morning:
Right after I brush my teeth, I like to use a moisturizer. I usually just use the neutragena moisturizer but I found this one at TjMaxx and decided what the heck I'll give it a go. I've been using this for the past couple of weeks and I like it. It doesn't have a weird smell or a sticky residue. I feel like my face hasn't been as dry.



After I moisturize if I still have dryness in my problem areas then I use my dermatologist prescribed medication.

Night:

I don't do this every night but if I feel like I'm starting to get an acne spot or just feel like my pores are a little bit cluttered I like to use the Clean and Clear Deep Action. It gives your face a cool tingling feeling and just makes my skin feel a bit more awake.


On night that I don't want to exfoliate my face I like to use the first aid beauty face cleanser. It gives a good lather and its of a milky consistency. It doesn't make my skin break out or feel any less dry. Sometimes I just use this on my lazy days.



If I am struggling with break outs I like to use the so totally clean deep pore cleanser. It contains salicylic acid which helps with breakouts and help prevent them. It smells like oranges and also gives that clean feeling.



Then I will finish off with the Olay night cream, its a rose color that smells great and gives me that added moisture. Not sure if I have noticed any firming but let's hope for the best.



Now I'm not saying by any means that I do this every day because let's face it we forget and are just lazy sometimes but I do try to take care of my skin as it is one of the things that makes me a little self conscious.

Is there anything you think I should add or take away from my routine?

Let me know!

XXX,
Noshka