Tuesday Talk | Self Care

Hey, Hey Tuesday!

I'm linking up with Ashley and Erika for...

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty cheap when it comes to most personal care things in life.
Today I am specifically talking about razors.

Every blogger under the sun these days has been promoting the Billie razors.
Honestly, I thought $9 for razors was a bit much.
I typically buy the Bic Soleil Bella Four Blade package that has 3 (sometimes 4-5) of them for about $6.

I have tried cheaper and more expensive razors, but these always worked out the best for me.
However, no matter what I use I always end up with strawberry legs :(

I'm also someone that shaves every single day of the year.
I don't know how some of you do it less than that!

So a few months ago I decided to test the Flamingo razors.
Why did I buy that brand instead of jumping on the Billie bandwagon?
I'm not a huge fan of subscription services, and I like instant gratification :/
I want to walk in the store, buy what I want/need, and be done.

Honestly, I like the Flamingo razors.
I did notice I still need to change the blade head just as often as I change disposable razors.
I got a closer shave which I loved, but I still had spots of strawberry legs.
And the razor tugs ever so slightly on my skin.

Then one of my favorite beauty bloggers shared that she had been using the Billie razors and loves them.
One key thing she said that got me to submit an order for the Billie razor was that she shaves every day.
Every other blogger that mentioned this razor said they only need to shave once or twice a week.

So fast forward to a month ago...my Billie razor I picked out arrived.

I immediately started using my new Billie razor the next day.
Because I already had the Flamingo razor set up in my shower, I just set this one off to the side with I was done using it each time.

I don't recommend that :/

There is a charcoal strip on the razor that if not left hanging upright ended up all sticky and goopy :(
So I quickly added the magnetic holder next to the Flamingo one in the shower and the problem was solved.

The only other negative I have is that I tend to press firmly down when shaving.
A couple times now the razor head pops off because of the pressure, and isn't super easy to put back on.
I should say it is easy if the head has a cover on it, but by itself those blades are sharp!

I did go back and try the Bic Soleil and Flamingo razors to see if I really liked the Billie more, or if I just needed to switch out my razor/blade more often.
Even with a brand new razor/blade head I didn't get the shave I got with the Billie razor.
I also ended up with razor burn/strawberry legs as soon as I used them :(

In conclusion, I now totally get the hype of the Billie razors.
They really are worth it to me.
Since I shave daily I am set up to receive four new blades monthly, and my new blades just shipped :)

This is not a sponsored post. This is just my own trial and error of way too many years of suffering using the wrong razor :(


Do you shave daily?
What razor and shaving cream do you use?
Have you tried Billie?


XOXO ~ Vanessa

How We...Take Care of Ourselves

First let me say...

I hope you all have a wonderful day with loved ones, friends, etc.!

Today I am linking up with Shay & Erika for...

Today is about how we take care of ourselves!

Maybe it should be titled, How I wish I took care of myself ;)

As a full-time, work outside the home mom, I get very little time to do things for myself.

#momlife

#wouldnttradeit

There are a few things that I must do to take care of myself,

a few things I would like to do more often,

and quite a few things I would love to do.

What I Do

I get my hair professionally cut and colored/highlighted every 8-10 weeks.

I schedule my appointments for the entire year so I don't have to worry about getting in last minute, and my hair (fingers crossed) lasts that long in between cuts and color.

I invested in better styling tools and products to keep my hairstyle looking good/how I want it to look.

Who would have thought that a curling iron and hair dryer that were in the $30-40 range would make such a difference vs. the $10 tools.

#imcheap

I have invested in quality skincare products that work well for me.

I have tried some other products over the last few years, but I invest in Rodan and Fields because it really works for me.

I workout at least 5 days a week for 30-45 minutes until I have that oh so good exhausted feeling :)

If there was one thing I would pick from this list that is an absolute must for me it is this one!

Working out - yoga, barre class, cardio, etc. - totally transforms my mood!

What I Like To Do

Painting my finger and toe nails makes me feel so much more pulled together.

Finding the time to do it is tough though.

But I just started using a quick dry top coat and it has changed my world!

Sunless tan at home.

I used to go to the tanning bed back in my high school days and it just isn't worth it.

Yes, I would love to be tan year round but not at that cost!

This stuff works really well...when I remember to use it ;)

And it doesn't make me look orange in the middle of winter!

Drink more water!

I already drink a ton of water, but there are days when I slack :(

What I Wish I Did

Get more quality time with friends!

And at the same time be able to say no.

Why don't I get much time with my friends.....because we ALL over schedule ourselves :(

I need to work on my schedule this year for sure!

Dance!

This goes right along with working out for me!

Dancing is so much fun for me.

I need to see if there is a hip hop class offered for adults around here.

Goof off!

I have a REALLY hard time letting loose.

I just can't seem to stop thinking about responsibilities or possible problems that could arise.

Sleep more!

I go to bed way too late...I always have really.

I need to work on getting my mind to shut down every night before 1am so I can get some good sleep.

Hire a maid/house cleaner.

This needs to be the first thing I get on my schedule!

I have been talking about it forever, but I never pull the trigger.

I think I am nervous for some reason.

How do you take care of yourself?

What ways would you like to improve on taking care of yourself?

Self Care

Being an adult is hard work.
Being a wife and mom is even harder work.
But if you know how to take good care of yourself, I truly believe you can be pretty darn good at them!

Now don't get me wrong, I don't have this adult/wife/mom thing figured out my any means.
But I do have a few tips or tricks that help keep me sane through it all ;)

1. Move Around

I say move around versus workout, because I know some of you don't like working out.
So move around, do yoga, take a workout class, get outside and take a walk, dance to the radio.
Whatever it is, do it for at least 30 minutes a day and it will instantly put you in a better mood and frame of mind.


2. Grocery Shop Alone

Going to the grocery store is not something I would call fun at all, but it needs to be done.
I typically go on Sunday morning by myself.
I have my grocery list on my phone, I grab one of my favorite drinks from the Starbucks in the store, and then tackle the store.
It isn't terribly busy on Sunday mornings, so it is calming.
When I don't have X with me (or even Mic), I can get in and out of the store, I don't have to stop and check things out, and by going that early I don't run into anyone that I have to stop and talk to.
It is great!
If you order your groceries online, pick them up by yourself.
It just gives you that little bit of time away that is helpful :)


3. Invest In Things That Make You Feel Good
That could mean so many things really.
What makes you feel confident and on top of things?
For me, that means my hair and skin.

The hair salon I go to is a bit pricier, but that is where my stylist is.
Kasey always makes my hair look good!
And because I know I am getting a good cut and color done by her, I feel good!

I also invest in my skincare items.
The older I get I notice that some of the drugstore brands just don't work as well as they used to for me.
I have tried a few other brands over the last couple of years, but I kept coming back to Rodan and Fields because that is what works best for me.
They aren't the cheapest products out there, but they aren't the most expensive either.
I am more confident when my skin looks good.
The products I use help me feel that way.

Honorable Mentions
Time with friends
Alone time with your spouse

How do you take care of yourself?
What tips do you have for others?

Linking up with The Blended Blog :)