Beauty, Gemstones, Animals, Politics ...

Just a daily diary of things I like to do, see, and talk about.

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It is fun when mother & daughter both enjoy skincare, antiaging, and makeup.

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Cosmetic Treatments

Botox, Fillers, and Fibroblast

This is going to be a long post. Just skim through it as you may find that you can relate to it.  I am hopeful it will encourage others will share their skincare ideas, concerns, and treatments.  Also, I am NOT affiliated with any of these products listed, and I am writing this simply as my diary to share with others that have the same interests. 

I’ve been thinking about getting some botox, fillers, and Fibroblast treatment. First and foremost it will be for preventative reasons, and to fix some current issues. The Doctors that have nice reviews with before/after photos -- are up north and in the NYC area which is a 2 to 3 hr drive for me. I am hopeful to find someone closer to home here in NJ. 

I am going to post some photos that show the areas of concern. I will also explain treatments I’ve tried and point out what has and has not worked for me. My eyes have come a long way, but I think I’ve done as much as I can with DIY.

📢Critical Beauty Alert:

The most important part of ALL skincare is drinking plenty of WATER and using a broad spectrum SPF like EltaMD UV Facial Broad Spectrum SPF 30+. I highly recommend it for sensitive skin. I’ve used this SPF after TCA Peels and it did not sting. Dr’s recommend this SPF for after treatments.  On sunny days when I do not wear makeup -- I like to use Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen SPF 50 Tinted Face Mineral Lotion. 

Before I start I want to mention what has NOT worked for me. Not drinking enough water, not getting over 7 hrs of sleep each night, smoking, a bad diet, and stress. It is just that simple -- treat yourself better and you will see results. 

I had Melasma which is a dark pigmentation of the skin due to years of abusing it in the sun. At that time I was only in my early 30′s and it looked like I had age spots starting on my face so I had to act quickly to stop it.  It took several 12.5% TCA Peels, Lactic Acid, and Vitamin C over the past two years to get rid of it. It has been over a decade and I’ve been able to keep those issues from returning. I wouldn’t dare go out without protection on my face after all the hard work, time and money I’ve put into my skincare.

Here are the products I used to help with melasma, fine lines, texture, and scars. I purchased these from MUAC #MakeupArtistChoice Please note that the sample sizes of these products is enough for a few treatments. Visit their site to see before & after photos. 

Uneven Hooded Eyes

My main concern is the hooded eyes that I’ve been fighting for at least two years. I’ve seen a decent improvement by using Coenzyme Q10,  Retinol eye serums/creams, RetinA near brow bone, diet, and sleeping with a wedge pillow. 

1: The photo below you will see a difference between my left and right eye.  The left eye is more hooded than my right eye. Some of it is from swelling which is due to me not sleeping with my head elevated on a wedge pillow. This seems to be an almost daily issue with me and it is a real chore every day when I try to get both eyes to match when using eyeshadow.

I am would like to go for a consultation to see if Fibroblast treatment is the best and only option for me. If Botox alone can lift this area I would be so pleased.

Some products I’ve used around my eyes. 

2: The photo below will somewhat show my Bunny Lines, 11′s, and Forehead Wrinkles. I am thrilled with how well my RetinA 0.01%, Vitamin C 20%, Matrixyl Synthe 6, Glycolic Acid, Derma Pen, have worked on my forehead wrinkles. I have no complaints there. My 11′s are also fading very nicely, BUT my bunny line is just being super stubborn!  I have seen a small improvement with the RetinA 0.01% and DermaPen 0.5mm and 1.0mm treatments at home. I think Botox would help to prevent it from getting far worse. Please note that I’ve also had a few TCA Peels (12.5%) and Lactic Acid Peels in between my morning/evening routines.

The three photos below show left side 11′s, the middle photo shows the Bunny Lines, and right shows the Forehead Wrinkles that are not bad at all.  I did have to change coloring to get them to show up better in the photos. The center photo blurs the line, but it is pretty bad.

Next photo is a scar that I have. I have a few scars from hormonal breakouts, but on the tip of my nose, it is very noticeable. I have tried to remedy them with RetinA, Glycolic Acid, and my 0.5mm Derma Pen (several treatments) and now moved up to a 1.0mm Derma Pen. The photo below is of one I would really like to have fixed. I am guessing a filler or maybe the Dermatologist can go under the skin to remove the scar tissue that is pulling that skin inward and release the skin so it can lift back up eventually. 

My lips. Has anyone seen my lips? 

They’ve been missing for about 5 yrs now. No, really what happened to them? LOL. I want to just get a slight plump back to my lips. 

Also in the picture below: Some people get bags under their eyes, and some get hollow eyes -- I am the one that got the hollows. I would like to have them plumped back up because I can only take photos at a certain angle or I look weird with those hollows. Here it slightly captured it (and my roots :)

Now to be honest with you I would look at this post and say “This girl is crazy, I don’t see anything serious enough to consider having medical procedures”. Well, the camera and lights can be very flattering at times, and if I was better prepared for this post I would have taken photos in a terrible light with hopes it captured my flaws better. In the end, it is how I feel. 

I will be 49 yrs old next month. I am trying to prevent wrinkles while I can! If anyone in NJ knows of a Dermatologist or Cosmetic Surgeon -- or even an experienced PA/RN -- please let me know.

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#sleepingbeautyturquoise #jewelry #rings https://www.instagram.com/p/Bsd8OmfHScD/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=11wrz3tztfs6g

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Make America Laugh Again: The Comically Incorrect Cartoons of A.F. Branco, Volume Two

Such a great book to add to your #MAGA #Trump collection. I honestly LOL’ed while reading it. I purchased my copy from this Book Company. 

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Taming the Wild -- My Squirrel “Knucklehead” and her friend “Prayer”. I really enjoy sitting outside and watching the wildlife (Squirrels, Birds, and Chipmunks). We use to see Deer and Fox often, but since the area is building up so fast we lost that beauty in our yards. 

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#WalkAway Campaign

Anyone that knows me -- knows I support President Donald J. Trump. Today, I was reading and watching the stories of those that did #WalkAway. If you have been wondering what this campaign is all about you can check out the  #WalkAway Campaign Official YouTube. A recent article I read stated that the #WalkAway Campaign is drowning the Blue Wave Democrats.  As of July 2018, the #walkaway campaign was well over 100,000 strong and was done in just a few weeks, and as of October 2018, it has doubled. The #WalkAway Campaign, founded by former liberal Brandon Straka, a true grassroots movement. It is mainly a Facebook video campaign movement, dedicated to sharing the stories of people who can no longer accept the current ideology of liberalism and what the Democratic Party has become. Some of us left long ago, while many have recently been “red-pilled”. Some have wanted to leave for some time but have feared the consequences they might suffer from friends or family if they were to walk away.

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Cop Watching and Civil Rights

I’ve been watching and subscribing to many channels on YouTube lately. The channels of interest have a few titles they use. Copwatching, CopBlocking, Civil Rights Activists, First Amendment Auditors, and more. I am making this post to keep a list of some of the auditors I find to be the most interesting, educated, and helpful.

I wish more people would watch these channels to learn more about their rights. If we do not know our rights and continue on as we are -- we will lose them! It is time we study Supreme Court and State Laws so we are prepared to protect ourselves against crooked tyrant cops. Not all cops are bad on purpose -- they are simply doing what they are told and do NOT know our rights are being violated. This is a reality and I hope anyone that reads this will take the time to view the channels I have shared here because they truly are outstanding channels to learn from. 

HighDesert Community Watch News Network 

San Joaquin Valley Transparency

IRATE Productions

James Freeman

Tom Zebra

Tulare County Cop Watch

News Now California

America Flagged

California Guardian

SAEXTAZYPREZ

BLACKLAB3L COPWATCH

POLICE STATE: NEW JERSEY

News Now Patrick

Ida Foxy Queen

Photography is Not a Crime

Maxamillionaire

Here is a great Cartoon by A.F. Branco from 2016

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Ebates really is worth it! 

This post is for my friends that I link it to because some of you do not understand how Ebates works. 

I tend to make most of my purchases online. I buy from Ebay, Sephora, Ulta, various Home Shopping Channels, Walmart, Target... the list goes on. You can see the full list of stores that use this system at the Ebates website. 

How I got started with Ebates...

I was invited to Ebates by gal on YouTube that makes videos about testing out makeup. I enjoyed her work so I knew if I signed up with her link, Ebates would give her a $25.00 bonus. The only way she would get the $25.00 sign up bonus from Ebates was IF I actually completed a purchase. I did NOT have to make a purchase that day. I made the purchase a few weeks later, and she did get her $25.00 bonus (I asked her if she did). OH and I would also get a $10.00 sign on bonus, so I automatically had $10.00 placed into my Ebates account. I think Ebates runs random events where it could be higher bonuses at times.

Here is how easy it was for me. I use my computer to make purchases. I installed the application that activates your shopping trips. I noticed a small icon on my favorites bar with the letter E. The icon was red around the E, and that meant Ebates shopping was not active. So when I went to a website that supports Ebates (like Ebay, Shop LC, Sephora, the list goes on and on) it would pop up a small window telling me to activate my shopping with Ebates. The same for phone users... you activate upon visiting the website of your choice.When Ebates is active it will show that small E icon with a Green outline.

Here is the great part...

I wanted to shop at a jewelry channel that day. When I went to the jewelry website, the Ebates tiny window opened up and it said it was a special offer day with Ebates and I would get 14% back on my purchases on that site via Ebates. I hit the button to activate and the Ebates icon turned green. The timer does count down during your shopping trip (I am not sure but I think an hour countdown). The item I wanted was $199.00. The site itself was having a sale of 40% off AND Ebates was going to give me 14% back on top of it. My savings was really 54% off.  I immediately saved the 40% off, and I earned 14% with Ebates (which I will get back with my next payment from Ebates).

I did these exact steps with all my online shopping trips, and every three months Ebates will deposit my cash back into my PayPal account. If you do not have a PayPal account that is fine because they have an option to mail you our check.

Above is a screenshot...

The first screenshot you will see my next Ebates deposit as of this moment is $56.00. I will not get that deposit until August though. I will likely make a few more purchases before August so I can estimate my check will be around $70-$80. I will easily hit making over $200 back from Ebates this year. It may not sound like a lot, but if you use it on top of a sale at a website... it really adds up!

The second screenshot you will see some purchases I made online during one week. You will see the price I paid, and in yellow is the % amount that Ebates put into my account. From the numbers you will see the % amounts vary on different days. That is why I make it a point to visit my favorite shopping sites daily to see if they are having a big sale. 

ALSO... if you allow it in your preference settings with Ebates, they will email you when one or more of your favorite stores is having a sale and also if it has a special % back with Ebates. You can also go through the list of stores and select them as your favorite stores (this way you get special alerts for sales at those stores)

I am pretty sure that you would get $10.00 bonus if you sign up. Then you could tell your family and friends about it (like I am doing right now) and get the sign on bonus, give them a bonus, and SAVE!

Here is the link to try it out if you like. https://www.ebates.com/r/SALLYW525?eeid=28187

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I’ve noticed my hairline seems to be receding. I am taking pictures to watch, and if so I will buy the product https://www.makeupartistschoice.com/BellEvolve-Hair-Growth_p_294.html from Makeup Artists Choice which is meant to help regrow your hair. I will also start using black castor oil on my scalp.

I woke up today and my eyes were so puffy. I had made some homemade chicken noodle soup and I wonder if the salt from the broth caused it. I really need to get another wedge pillow so I can sleep upright (it really works).

Anyway.... I am thinking of getting some Botox on my forehead and my 11′s. I’ve been using Retin A 0.025%, for 5 months, then moved up to 0.05% for another 8 months. I alternate between 0.05% and 0.1% now, and I am not thrilled with the results on the right side. I must make expressions that cause me to wrinkle my forehead more. I think Botox just may help. 

Under my eyes are a bit dry right now because I used 0.025% on the apples of my cheeks and as you know Retin A will spread/travel so it is doing its job under my eyes.

I had a growth removed on the edge of my eyebrow, so I’ve been treating that so it doesn’t scar. So far its looking great. 

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I wear SPF 30+ everyday on my face, neck, chest, arms, and hands. Remember, SPF is the #1 anti aging beauty serum in the world! Here is a wonderful “Coolibar UPF 50+” hat that I wear to protect my face and hair from the sun. This hat has been worn so much and still is going strong. I can fold this hat up and put it into my purse... pop it out and put it on when needed. The hat looks great every time. I purchased a few of my Coolibar hats on a “last season” sale. They can be a bit expensive so I always buy the last year design. This hat has really saved me from a lot of sun damage over the years. I live on the Bay/Beach here in NJ, so I really need that extra protection.

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Sleeping Beauty Turquoise 

100% Natural stone size 5.500 carats with 0.60 points of Cambodian Zircon.

As a collector of gemstones I am thrilled to have picked up this beautiful ring.  This stone comes from the Sleeping Beauty mines located in Globe Arizona. The bright robin's egg blue color of Sleeping Beauty turquoise is one of the most sought after varieties of turquoise.

Those that do not know anything about this gemstone, you might find this very interesting.  The mountain where this gem is mined resembles the figure of a sleeping woman lying on her back with her arms crossed, and that is why it was named “Sleeping Beauty”. Cool huh!

While miners were mining copper and gold they found this exceptional specimen of Turquoise. The mine is is no longer mining for turquoise because there was not enough rough to be profitable anymore, so they now focus on mining copper.

The investment value of this stone is growing exponentially. Back in 2016 the rough would average $1,500.00 per pound of rough. Today, in 2018, it is rising fast and is $20,000 to $25,000.00 per pound of rough. Late 2017, I heard there were only two collectors left that had enough rough available for manufacturers to buy up, and both of those collectors have sold off all their rough with the majority of it going to one manufacturer. According to the manufacturer they only have enough stock to last 5 months, and it will be gone. 

The price of this stone will grow and I am very happy to say I have a few other pieces of Sleeping Beauty Turquoise jewelry. These will certainly become heirloom family pieces for generations to come. 

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Marropino Morganite & Diamonds with Rose Gold

This was my mothers day gift this year (2018). Tanzanite is my all time favorite gemstone, and Morganite is my second favorite. This morganite is 1.7 ct with 0.30 diamonds. This morganite came from the Marropino mine in the  Mozambique’s Zambezia Province. The best specimens of this gemstone come from this area and Madagascar. 

Rose beryl, pink emerald, pink beryl and cesian beryl are all nicknames given to Marropino morganite. This member of the beryl gemstone family shines in pale pink to rosy tones.

Tiffany & Co.'s chief gemologist George Frederick Kunz discovered this stone in Madagascar in 1911. He dubbed the stone morganite to pay homage to his best customer American banking magnate John Pierpont Morgan.

The stones true beauty will show in candlelight and to me it looks best set in Rose Gold.

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She Trusts me! Meet Knucklehead the Squirrel

Video date: June 5th, 2018. This is me feeding a young Squirrel that I named “Knucklehead”. She is so sweet and I enjoy her company. After she is done eating she sploots (lays on her belly with limbs out) and just watches me. My mornings usually have 4 Blue Jays, a few pairs of Cardinals, several of each Titmouse, Chickadee, Downy and Red Bellied Woodpeckers, Sparrows, Mourning Doves, Gray Cat Birds, Wrens, and anywhere from 2-8 squirrels. (gasp)

One thing I noticed that squirrels do is they will test a shelled peanut for cracks. If there are no cracks they mostly likely will go bury the peanut for later. If it is cracked already they will eat it. I also wonder if they lick the peanut shell to put their scent on it before they bury it. Anyone know?

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ANTI-AGING over 14 months. 

The top picture was taken April 2017. You can see the loose hooded skin on my eyes. My eyelashes are thin and short. You can also see the 11′s lines between my eyebrows, and the straight bunny line across my nose between my eyes. You will also see my eyebrows were going gray. I started using Refractocil in light brown to dye my brows and I love it. NOTE: You must use a developer with the eyebrow dye. I’ve enclosed pictures of what I used.

The next three photos were taken in May/June 2018. You can clearly see my hooded eyes and the skin have lifted, and my eyelashes are very long. You can also see my eyebrows are starting to get more shape and they are not as thin anymore. 

WHAT DID I DO?

April 2017, I started off using TimelessHA Coenzyme Q10 serum in the mornings, and  Matrixyl Synthe'6 Serum in the evenings. I also started using Retin A 0.025% on my brow bone, crows feet (more towards temples because Retin A will spread beyond where you put it so be careful). I used the same dosage of Retin A on my 11′s, and bunny lines. I did the serums daily, but only used the RA 2 or 3 times a week.

Six months later I moved up to using Retin A 0.05% 1 to 2 times a week. Stopped using the other serums around my eyes. Actually I likely used them randomly but no real pattern. I also liked to use Duo Stem Cell Serum (plant cells) from MUAC. 

Starting in March 2018 (end of the month) I added a new product. I started using the Olay Pro Retinol Eye Cream all over my eye area. Today is June 7th, 2018, and I believe the Olay Pro Retinol was the kicker I needed. I use my RA 0.05% on my brow bone and micro amount on my crows feet area. I then use the Olay Eye cream on the areas where I did not put the RA. 

MY EYELASHES!

I was using Black Castor Oil for about 2 months, and I really did see a thickening of my lashes. I was super pleased. NEXT: This is a secret that I’ve been keeping for a long time. I was going to mention it to some of the beauty vloggers I watch, but felt some people would have a fit because it was a prescription in the US, but non script elsewhere. Actually it is NOT latisse or careprost, but it has the same main active ingredient. I started using it every other night, and on the nights I did not use it I used Black Castor Oil (no salt added). The secret is a product that I think is from Czech and it is called Long4Lashes. It has the active ingredient Bimatoprost. I use it twice a week to keep my lashes full and long. One tube lasts me around 3 months (or more). 

I take great care when removing my makeup. I use oil free Neutrogena on a cotton round and very gently remove my makeup. I never pull on my eyes EVER. 

I will post more about my full face routine and what has worked and what has not soon. 

So to sum it up I think the products that I have use really worked well for me. I would love to hear other peoples advice, ideas, and see how far they have come with their beauty, anti-aging routines.  

[expressingmyselfdaily-blog]

New book I am reading from Mark Dice. The True Story of Fake News: How Mainstream Media Manipulates Millions. -- 

I’ve not been able to put the book down. Historical facts on how #FakeNews came about. The book is juicy with well known and not so well known Social Media information wars. Points out so many attempts at disinformation to smear the oppositions for their own agendas (both political and non). How Facebook, Google, Twitter, and other mega corps are becoming the gatekeepers when it comes to social media and news. 

I now see just how deceptive the news organizations are with their methods of manipulation, and collusion with the top tech companies. I now know it is critical that I do my own research and not rely on CNN (the worst of them all is CNN), MSN, NBC, ABC (mainstream news). So far Fox News has been the most honest to me!