THE ARCHIVE
RECENT BLOG POSTS
Transitioning to Clean Beauty
Sharing my transformative journey towards embracing clean beauty. Motivated by a desire for a holistic approach to wellness, I began to question the ingredients in my beauty products, inspired by online communities and my commitment to a mindful lifestyle. With newfound awareness, I delved into the world of clean beauty, prioritizing natural, non-toxic ingredients that nourish and support my skin. While the transition hasn’t been without its challenges, I'm excited to align my beauty routine with my broader ethos of self-care, embracing a balanced yet intentional approach to skincare.
My Favorite Books of 2024 (So Far…)
In 2024, I set out on a literary adventure with a simple yet ambitious goal: to diversify my reading palate beyond the comforting confines of my beloved historical fiction bubble. While historical tales have long held a cherished place on my bookshelf (OK, let’s be honest, Aley… historical fiction makes up my entire bookshelf!), variety truly is the spice of life. As the year unfolds, I have found myself pleasantly surprised by the treasures I've unearthed within the pages of novels spanning a multitude of genres. From heartwarming contemporary stories and thought-provoking non-fiction (and yes, more historical fiction), my reading journey has been nothing short of exhilarating. As I reflect on the books that have captured my imagination and stirred my soul thus far, I am thrilled to share my favorite reads of 2024 with you. So, without further ado, let's dive into the literary delights that have illuminated my year thus far.
A Gentle Reminder on Social Media and Comparison
I’ll start by acknowledging that this post is definitely out of my normal “hunt country chic” content. However, I have been mulling over my thoughts about social media and comparison for a few weeks now and, even if nobody else reads this, this blog post serves as a gentle albeit important reminder for myself. In full transparency, I’ve been struggling with social media over the past few months — whether it’s simply due to the time of the year, the stress of a house remodel and career, general burn-out, or something else — and this mental turmoil has left me feeling uninspired, unmotivated, and frankly, quite ‘blah’. And, while what I’m writing is neither ground-breaking nor shocking, it’s important to stop and think about every now and then, especially when so much of our daily life is spent consuming content either consciously or unconsciously.
My Favorite Beauty Pie Products of 2023
Step into the world of beauty indulgence as I embark on a delightful journey to share my top picks from Beauty Pie in 2023. From trusted old favorites that have seamlessly integrated into my daily skincare routine to exciting new discoveries that have become instant essentials, each product adds a touch of luxury to my everyday moments.
Cold Weather Skincare Essentials
The temperatures have rapidly dropped here in hunt country and the heating and fireplace are working overtime to keep us warm inside. But, if you’re like me, these changes mean that your skin is probably feeling tight, dry, and maybe even flaky. Despite how much water and tea I consume on a daily basis, my skin refuses to stay hydrated without the assistance of my cold weather skincare essentials.
My Go-To Lip Products
Lip products are the unsung heroes of my beauty routine, the final brushstroke that completes the masterpiece of my outfit. They have the power to elevate any look, adding a dash of color and confidence that makes all the difference. For me, the magic begins at night, when lip care products work their wonders, rejuvenating my pout for the day ahead. And to me, it's not just about what's inside; the allure of high-quality ingredients is only enhanced by beautifully designed packaging that adds a touch of luxury to my everyday makeup ritual.
Learning to Embrace a Slower Lifestyle
These days, it seems that we are all constantly being pushed to do more — working longer hours, accomplishing more at home, having a side hustle. I’ll be the first to admit that I bought in to that mentality, particularly in college and my first couple of years after graduate school. However, I’ve quickly come to realize that true joy and contentment in life (at least for me), doesn’t come from working 24/7 and constantly striving to be #1; instead, my truest moments of contentment in the last few years have been when I’m truly balancing work and my personal life. It’s the mentality of “work to live, not live to work”, and it’s made a profound difference in my stress levels and the things I value in life.
My Current Skincare Routine
In the pursuit of radiant, healthy skin, our journey often starts with a quest to find the perfect products. But behind every skincare routine lies a unique story, and mine is no exception. Picture a teenage me, grappling with the daunting challenge of cystic acne that seemed to defy every remedy. It was a battle that greatly tested not only my patience but also my self-esteem. I've come to learn that true skincare isn't just about the products we slather on our faces; it's a holistic journey that encompasses hydration and nourishing food choices, as well as a mindful skincare regimen. I invite you to join me on my quest to share my current skincare routine, one that has evolved through triumphs and oh! so many trials, and discover how I've come to embrace the harmonious blend of good skincare, inner hydration, and wholesome eating to achieve the glowing, healthy skin I once thought was unattainable.