Amada por El.

Recuerda siempre que las acciones hablan mas fuerte que las palabras.

Diciéndoles eso, les digo lo siguiente: Nunca, en esta vida, he estado frente a frente con Dios, en esta tierra El no me ha dicho que me ama, pero ni dudes que lo ha mostrado, a través de Sus acciones. Dios, mi Padre Celestial, me ha bendecido increíblemente, me ha apoyado, guiado, amado, a pesar de mis imperfecciones. Yo he sentido Su amor, y siempre lo siento. El no me lo tiene que decir. Se con cada fibra de mi ser, que El me ama. Me ama por lo que soy, por lo que no. El ve lo mejor en mi, incluso cuando yo misma dudo mi potencial. El amor de nuestro Padre Celestial por cada uno de sus hijos es algo que no podemos comprender. Es un amor infinito. El nos ama tanto que dejo que Su Hijo, nuestro hermano, Jesucristo, muera por nosotros. Gracias a nuestro Salvador tenemos la Expiación. Y gracias a eso, tenemos el plan de Salvación. Podemos ser salvados. Que gran bendición vivir tu vida sabiendo eso, sabiendo que hay algo después de la muerte, que ha morir, podemos regresar a vivir con El. Muchas veces le he agradecido a mi Padre Celestial, por haberme dado la hermosa bendición de nacer dentro de la iglesia, de crecer con el evangelio, de tener el Espíritu Santo en mi hogar, de saber que las familias pueden ser eternas, y tener mi proprio testimonio que este evangelio, y esta iglesia es la verdad. Su amor ha sido una motivación para mi, un consuelo, esperanza, una luz dentro de la oscuridad.

Todo lo que El pide de mi, de nosotros, es ser obedientes, y en eso, obedecer los mandamientos. Lo cual es tan simple, pero al mismo tiempo, es difícil vivir una vida recta, correcta, sin error - pero no es imposible. Porque Jesucristo lo hico. Y nosotros si lo podemos hacer. Y por eso El nos pide esto. Porque de esa manera le mostramos ha El, nuestra dedicación, nuestra gratitud, nuestro compromiso con los convenios que hemos hecho con El. Esta es la prueba querido hermanos. Y Dios nunca nos hace pasar por ningún obstáculo que no podemos conquistar.

Se han imaginado como será ese día? Como será el día que lo veremos otra vez? Nuestros corazones se llenaran al instante de alegría al estar en frente de El, al ver su rostro, al abrazarlo, sentir su amor y mirarle a sus puros ojos y agradecerle por absolutamente todo.

Quiero que sepan que Dios siempre esta ahí por nosotros. El nunca nos ha fallado. Solo esta una oración en distancia. Y no toma nada arrodillarse y preguntarle lo que uno quería saber, lo que uno necesite de El. Si es bueno para ti, el te lo dará. Siempre contesta nuestras oraciones en el momento adecuado. Abecés no es la respuesta que queremos, pero siempre es lo mejor para nosotros.

Cada uno tenemos un divino potencial, tenemos un propósito y hay un plan. Estamos aquí para desarrollar nuestros talentos, nuestro testimonio y nuestra fe. Estamos aquí porque decidimos venir aquí. Que gozo me da saber que yo estuve con Jesucristo en la guerra pre-mortal.

Dios te ama, te quiere ver feliz, quiere que seas exitoso en esta vida, que escojas lo correcto porque tus decisiones aquí determinaran tu lugar en la próxima. El quiere que regreses a vivir con El y Su hijo, nuestro amado hermano, que estés en Su presencia, como una vez lo estuviste.

Eres su hijo, su hija, y eres amado por El. Eternamente.
 

Julio.

I met a little boy named Julio a while ago. He used to live in an orphanage here in Cineguilla, Peru. He was the first individual there that lovingly offered me his friendship, all it took was one question, "Hola, cual es tu nombre?" And with that, Julio became friends with Princesa Camote Papas Fritas (that's the name I presented myself with). What was so beautifully endearing about this child of God was his spirit. He is one of those people that you'll have the opportunity to meet through out your life and think: where did you come from? He had an angelic look in his eyes and his kindness was infectious. Inevitably, I grew to care for this little criatura just as I have for all the other kids there - Julio taught me to be kind, patient and to love others. I don't think he realized that he did what he did, that he inspired me and unintentionally made me a better person. You see, this is why I love volunteering there. Every time I leave the orphanage, I leave with a lesson learned.


Every one should be more like Julio. He exemplifies a love for others that warms the heart and makes you think. How easy it is to be kind but we choose otherwise. Imagine if every one in the world made an effort to be a little kinder to one other - from family to friends to strangers - imagine if we just tried to be kind, even if it's a quality that isn't natural to us.


What the world needs is eyes that will look at you without judgement, ears that will listen with intent, and mouths that will speak with love and sincerity. There are plenty of worldly issues out there, but I'd like to think that if we were kinder to one another, it would be the beginning of something wonderful.


We went to the orphanage on Tuesday. When I arrived I was greeted by Victor, a charming little boy that loves technology, music, and always is eager to hear me rap. I started to look for Julio, but I found out that he wasn't there anymore, as well as Jon. I was told that the government gave them to families. My first initial emotion was sadness. I thought of how I didn't get to say goodbye. I thought of how they might be feeling to have to suddenly leave the only place they know of as home. Then my mama bear complex kicked in. Are they okay? Are they adjusting well to their new families? Are these families treating them with the love and care that they so honestly deserve?


After we got back from the orphanage I was talking with a friend and he explained to me exactly how the orphanages work here in Peru, and how before they are given away to a family, the families go through a rigorous process to see if they qualify. I was told that "the government gave them away to a family", so that's how I thought it literally was.
After learning this, my thoughts changed and my heart grew soft. I thought of how lucky these families must be to have these new children in their homes, I thought of how Jon and Julio will bring so much joy and life lessons to those families. I pondered of how good their life could get now - and in the most sincerest place in my heart, I wished that they would be showered with love and have a life full of happiness, wherever they may be.


Here's to Julio - for teaching me to be kind, patient and loving. Here's to the stranger that became my friend and reminded me what a true friendship is all about. Here's to a child that has been through a lot and effortlessly manages to be happy. Here's to innocence. Here's to what the future could be like - if we all just try to be a little kind.

 

 

Until tomorrow.

Growing up we were always reminded to appreciate everything we had. This not only included materialistic items, but things that in all honesty, doesn't have a price. I suppose that's why to this day, I always thank God for the blessings that seem to be overlooked, like: the ability to walk, talk, see, be free of sickness, the ability to read, live in the country that I do, have the unconditional support that I do, to receive proper education, and the effortless fact that I am alive to see another day.


Coming to Peru really put into perspective of how blessed I really am. Back in Canada, you don't see much poverty - surely you see homeless individuals, you know of people that are struggling to pay the bills, that are in need of food and shelter - but there is help for that. There are food banks, shelters, thrift stores, social workers, services that are offer things for those in need. But in Peru? There's none of that. You don't have a home? Too bad. You're sleeping on the street. You don't have anything to eat tonight? Better luck tomorrow. You can't find a job? Keep looking. You have a family to feed? Well they better start working too. I can't tell you how many times I have seen little kids on the street, or on the highway selling candy. It honestly breaks my heart. I think of them, and how their life must be. I think of how they must think that that is it for them. Their biggest priority is gathering enough money to buy dinner for the night, whereas me at that age, I could've asked for what I wanted to have for dinner. Sometimes small children will get on the micros (which is a type of bus here in Peru) and dance, or sing or just explain their story and ask for money. Many passengers aboard the bus look away, but there will be the few that go into their pocket and give away what they want to give. The thing is, there is a lot of corruption here in Peru, and sometimes parents, or people that have children working for them will make those kids beg for money, and whatever they gather, doesn't go to them - it goes to the bigger fish in the pond. Knowing all that frustrates me to the core, and only ignites so many ideas in reference to what I can do to make a difference, to make a change.


Tomorrow I'll be going to an orphanage with a group of friends, that is located here in Lima, but it is a bit secluded and from what I have heard, a 45 minute drive away. I am scared and nervous. I am scared to see close to the reality of much of the children here in Peru, nervous that I may cry and they may not understand why. You see, to them where they live, that is home. That is their life. That is all they have ever known. Some children have been there for most of their existence, and do not know of the world and all it has to offer.


I know I will go in with an open heart and I will come out a better person.
It is my grand hope that throughout this experience, we will be able to help these children out through fundraisers, donations and so on. Truly I hope that this sparks a feeling of compassion in a lot of beings here in Lima, and that we may all see how much we are really capable of if we unite and comply.


So my dear readers, be grateful for what you have, and work for what you don't. I know we all go through problems and crisises, and at the time, they seem awful, and are. But in my time of need, knowing that others out there have less than me and could use my help, altered my perspective of the term "problem" and helped me focus on the bigger picture.


If you know of people that need help, it is not enough to have the desire to help, but to implement that desire into action and DO.

Until tomorrow,

Laura

To the future child that will bless my life:

I was cleaning out my storage on my laptop today, and I came across an assignment I had written forever ago for my English course. I can't recall it quite exactly, but we had to write to our future child for their 18th birthday on our concept of success. It was one of those assignments that really made you analyze yourself for a little bit, made you ponder about everything you're about to write down. It was an assignment that caused me to reflect on myself and my abilities, which I really enjoyed because it opened my eyes to personal improvement - and there is always room for improvement!
So without further ado, here it is!

Dear Parker,

 You've now reached a point in your life where you are going to start to make decisions that will affect you in the long run. You have grown mentally and emotionally, matured graciously,  and it has now come upon you to think of the future and to fully understand how you are responsible for the type of future you can have. I've chosen to write this e-mail to you because as your mother, I am your example, I am your role model, and what you see me do, how I handle myself in life will reflect on how you do as well. With your 18th birthday being today, and with this year being your last year of high school, I know now would be a more than perfect time to share with you my beliefs on personal success. Personal success does not only refer to the financial, educational and social aspects of life, but also the emotional, familial and spiritual aspects of life as well. I believe that to be personally successful, you must first be 100 percent happy with yourself. What I mean by that is that you must be happy with what you've done in life. You must feel at peace with how you've treated others and how you've carried yourself. You must know that you've been honest in your doings, that you've been a humble individual, always had your priorities in order and tried your best against the obstacles you've had to face. I know that you are all those things, but I want to encourage you to always continue to be those things, because I guarantee you that you will be faced with events that can tempt you to become a non-honest person. You will encounter people that will have the ability to influence you negatively, but you must always stick to your morals and standards despite the pressure there is in this world today.

I know you love to spend time with your family, especially your grandparents and your cousins. The entire family can truly see how much you care about them and their well-beings. My mom never stops telling me how you're going to be such a family man and a wonderful father to your kids in the future time. I want you to know that you have the capacity to be an exemplary father to your future children, to teach them righteously and to never let them down, as you have never let me down. Family is the most important thing in life. They are the people you have been blessed with to be biologically connected to forever. They are the group of people that will never fail you. They may anger you, disappoint you, make you upset, test you and it is more than likely that they will, but when it comes down to it, they will be there for you up front and center. I wish for you to never isolate yourself from them, or your father and I, to always keep us up-to-date and let us know how you're doing. Family is the internal force that will support you, guide you and love you unconditionally. Along with family, comes the spiritual aspect of life. Being that we are Mormons, I know that for me, being personally successful includes exceeding in my religion. I never cease to try to improve in my knowledge of the scriptures, to stay constant in saying my prayers, to regularly attend church and be an example for the people around me. Where I stand with my religion hugely impacts my life in general. I know I never want to just be stable in my knowledge and in my own personal salvation in the church, I always want to strive to be better and improve in that part of my life.

Of course, being financially successful is a component in being personally successful. I can't imagine myself not being pleased with myself if I didn't have a career, because without no career, I wouldn't be able to provide for my family, much less, myself. Having a career is not exactly about the money, but it also has to do with the fact that it shows that you did something with your life. Having a career shows that you've made something of yourself. That's where education comes in. That's why I urge you to continuously work hard to achieve the best result you possibly can when it comes to getting an education. I know in university you will be presented with time to slack, to party and just go crazy, but you must stay focused. I advise you to choose a career that will make you happy. Don't do it for the money, do it because you like to do it. I chose my career because I love to help people. I love listening to people, being that outlet for them. I so enjoy knowing that I can be someone to count on, to depend on. Someone that can help others see different solutions. Knowing that what I do makes a difference in people's lives makes it all worth it. I think of you and I know you are such a social butterfly and you have so many friends that I am sure you will have a very busy social life. This is why balance is key. Balance out your life between friends, family, school and church. I know with balance you can have a successful life.

Being personally successful takes work. It doesn't just come to you. You can't just make a wish upon a well and it'll happen. You have to work for your happiness. You have to endure obstacles, move on, gain knowledge, learn from experiences and try your best in all that you do. You have to be persistent, determined, strong, brave, accountable, innovative, honest, loyal, observant, caring, patient and so much more. If you don't acquire those qualities now, they will develop as you live your life. I know from experience that personal success is worth all the trouble you go through, it is worth the fight, just like your dreams are. Don't ever give up on your dreams.

Your great grandmother fought very hard to be where she is today. She was a single mom, she raised three rapidly growing boys all on her own. She raised them in a time where the world was very sexist. Women weren't treated equally in her time. Men were very chauvinist. She didn't have a very supportive husband. She had to play the father role as well. Not only did she provide for her children, she was also a housewife.  She raised her kids to become grown, honest men. Although she had a brain stroke, and she can't recognize any of us, she is at peace. You can tell by looking at her face and her presence that she is calm and happy. She raised good children, good workers and good fathers for their children. I admire her for that. I think my grandmother is a swell example of what it means to be personally successful. She may be in a state right now where she is like a child again, but I know deep down she knows that her sons are doing well in life and that she did an excellent job in being an admirable mother to them.

I wish the best for you Parker, I really do. You are my only son and I love you so much. Soon you will go off into the world and spread your wings. In a way, you will take the position I've had all these years. Soon, you'll be the one taking care of yourself, making sure you eat healthy, taking care of yourself when you're sick, doing your own laundry, dropping yourself off at school and all the other things I've done for you. I will always be here for you. If you ever need anything don't be proud like your father, and just ask. I'm only a call or drive away.

Well, my lunch break is almost ever and this e-mail is longer than I expected but I just want to finish with this: I want the best for you in life. I want you to be successful in all areas. Beginning with being happy with yourself and your doings. I want you to try to think tonight before you go to bed, "Am I glad with what I did today?" Life is short, honey. It is too short to be wasting time on treating others unfairly, to be bitter, to sit around and waste time instead of getting what you want yourself. Life indeed is not long enough to contemplate on what you want, because too much contemplating will let all the opportunities that are presented to you slip away. Fortunately, life is long enough to be a child and be spoiled by your parents, to grow into a young adult and make choices in life that can positively affect you, to go to school and get that degree, to find somebody you undeniably love and put a ring on their finger, to have kids and teach them what you know is right and hope that as a parent, your children achieve all their goals in life and for them to be happy. That is what I wish for you.

 

Happy birthday, Sweetie.

Love,

 Mom

"I do".

Like Lao Tzu once said, "being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage". Today I witnessed such an act of courage, an act of love from two young individuals that have had quite the journey before this day.

When I entered the room, I saw how lovely my cousin looked. She looked gorgeous with all her makeup done, her flowing white gown, down to her frizzy-free, flawless hair, yet that still didn't take away from the reality of the situation - she's only 18. At 18, she has made a commitment that as a bride and a mother, one hopes is everlasting. She held her groom's hand and walked down the aisle into the main room filled with her loved ones, smiling as she looked around, taking it in that in a few minutes she was not only going to hold the title mother, but she would now be a wife. The ceremony was beautifully pure, and just honest. What really got to me was the following line from her speech at the dinner, which was: Te amo, nada mas, y quiero ser feliz a tu lado.(I love you, nothing more, and I want to be happy by your side). The look of sincerity in her eyes, and the sound of genuineness in her voice, showed me just how much this day meant to her. Today she sealed her future with a kiss, and strengthened her own family more than ever.


A part of me still can't believe it. I recall when I met her in 2010, she was only 15 - taller than me, but the look in her eyes and her personality just screamed youth. Now she's 18, with her own family, and a big future ahead of her. I wish her the best, as a wife, a mother, a daughter and as an individual. Everybody deserves a slice of the happy pie, and surely she has a great one cut out for her ☺


How right must it feel to stand before all the people you care about, next to the man or woman you love the most, to look them right in the eyes and declare your love for them in the most respectable way. To me, legally and emotionally binding yourself to someone represents your incredible love for them. If someone wants to marry you, it is because they accept you for all that you are and all that you are not. They want to spend the rest of their life trying to figure you out, loving you, supporting you, and yes - fighting with you. Contrary to popular belief, fighting in a relationship is suppose to happen. It's okay if it happens. Differing opinions is what makes the world go round, but you must also know how to see eye to eye, to accept different opinions, to be open-minded and to try to fix a situation, not make it worse than it is. Relationships are meant to have ups and downs, so not only will we shed tears of joy and happiness, but tears of anger and sadness. It is inevitable. Sometimes the person we love can drive us out of ever-loving mind, but they also hold the power to magically put a smile on our face, even when we couldn't imagine it possible. Their arms will be the arms we seek to be held with in our saddest moments, their words of comfort and love will be the words we yearn to hear when we feel like we can't go on, just as their presence will be the presence that we are hoping to be right by our side in our most cherished moments.

True love isn't easy. It's not like how you see it in the movies. True love is real, with a balance of happiness and hardships. I believe that true love occurs at the right place, at the right time. You should be with someone that makes you happy more often than not, not with someone that creates pain, instead of laughter. Sadly, sometimes it doesn't work out.  Every so often, two people love each other, but it's just not meant to be. The Mr./Mrs. Right-For-Nows teach you things that will strengthen you and help form you for when Mr. or Mrs. Right comes along. From each trial, there is something you learn. :)
It's amazing, isn't it? How somewhere out there, roams a person that will love us for our grouchiness, stubbornness, indecisiveness - for all the things we don't like about ourselves. Perhaps it is a person that you already know, someone you don't picture yourself with - or someone you've already loved but somehow gone your separate ways. It doesn't matter, for in the end, true love will prevail.

Your battle, our freedom.

Today I was watching a fantastic film called The Lord of the Rings. I didn't watch it completely as I had other chores to do, but I came in before the battle scene where the good guys (Aragorn, Pippin, Merry, Gandalf, Legolas, etc) were going to fight the dark-hearted, evil creatures.

The scene alone was very powerful. It was so powerful that it made me do a text-to-world connection. I thought about all those immensely brave soldiers that have seen their death, have come face-to-face with it, and tried to deny it victory. I thought about the incredible loyalty and faith that they must've had, to remain at their post, in formation, to not run and quake, but to stand firm with their brethren and head onward. What dedication and everlasting allegiance must they have had to their leaders and their country. I honestly can't even imagine what it must've been like for them to have seen the things that they have seen, to see the life of their companions leave their bodies at the strike of a sword from the "enemy". I sigh because personally, I believe war can be avoided. Yes, there are some matters that do require violence, that requires us to risk our lives and protect what we know and love, to do what is right. But, if there are matters that turn into arguments, that turn into wars - all because of a simple disagreement that could've been worked out - then that just involuntarily forms a frown on my face.  I believe that people can meet half way. Everything isn't just black and white. People can choose to open their minds and see other perspectives. In the following link, Martin Luther King expresses his wise thoughts on war, a definite must read: Words from The King.

Like President Kennedy once said, "Mankind must put an end on war or war will put an end on mankind." As ridiculous as it sounds, sometimes our words can influence someone or a group far more than our weapons. Individuals like Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks made differences without violence. Their only weapon was their intent for the greater good of the masses.

Before ending this post, I want to thank all the selfless individuals that have fought for our country, for our liberty, for our families, for us to live a beautiful tomorrow. I want to thank all the families that have had to bid adieu to their husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, daughters and sons, fathers and mothers - to their loved ones, for they have been so ever strong. I want to thank all the friends and family that have given those soldiers their love and support from a distance, that prayed a little prayer every night so that their solider could make it home. I say a little prayer with you.
I want to thank any and all those that have honored and remembered fallen and current soldiers. Your gratefulness is one of  the things that empower them to do what they do.

A solider doesn't necessarily always go out into battle, but they contribute their time and their life to the army, time spent away from their loved ones and although their wounds wouldn't show on their bodies like a typical solider you picture, their wounds can be internal (ie. doctors, nurses).


If you see a man or woman in uniform, know of, or have a friend who's father or mother, or brother is in the force - turn to that person, and thank them. Thank them from the bottom of your heart, not just for what their loved one does, but for them being strong.


"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others". - Nelson Mandela

For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.
Nelson Mandela
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_freedom.html#3fcR8MAwSe34wrQy.99

For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.
Nelson Mandela
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_freedom.html#3fcR8MAwSe34wrQy.99

For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.
Nelson Mandela

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_freedom.html#3fcR8MAwSe34wrQy.99

Look good to feel good ☺

I'm probably one of the few people that I know of that is really into face care. I do it for myself, not to impress, not because I'm vain, but because I personally am not a fan of imperfections on the face and if I can take care of them myself, then I will ☻
 

My view on face care is that it is very important and should be an essential part of your every day routine. The face holds so many target areas to work with - under your eyes, around the mouth, your nose, your forehead and your face. Depending on your situation, you could be battling with dry skin, oily skin, combination skin, wrinkles, dull skin, acne (ie. blackheads), etc. We live in a world where first impressions can be everything, so if you can look your best, why not do it? Unfortunately we, as the human race (generally speaking), initially base our opinions on others on their appearance, rather than one's manners, behavior, intelligence and personality. We don't meet someone with our hearts, we meet them with our eyes, so it is understandable as to why we are the way we are. But, that still doesn't change an infinite fact - it's what's on the inside that counts.

 

 

Secondly, I think that it is critical to feel comfortable in our skin. When you look good, you feel good. That statement doesn't just apply to your face, but to your body (so always eat healthy - but more on that later!). Apart from looking good on the outside, feel good on the inside. If you're not happy internally, it'll show externally.

 

 

Growing up, I reall always seeing my mom exemplify an excellent face care routine. Even now, she still holds that same dedication. In grade eight, I was hit hardest with the unlucky stick. That was the first time I started dealing with acne. I remember freaking out and not understanding what the heck was going on, and as a female teenager about to begin highschool the following year, I knew I needed to fix this problem fast! I looked online (google was my best friend then!) for a solution: "how to get rid of acne". Then came a bunch of at-home solutions, that to be frank, I didn't really have the patience for then. I wanted something that was created soley for the purpose of my problem, that would almost guarantee me results, not just a waste of time. I remember going to the mall and just looking around at stores that could hold the answer to my prayers.

 

 

Now this is where The Body Shop comes in. I've been a faithful costumer for about 5 years now. The Body Shop has many divine products that really do achieve what they claim to do, and apart from having products worth buying, their prices are affordable. Throughout time I have made some fabulous discoveries from brands like Aveeno, Clean & Clear, Clearasil, Nivea, Loreal, Freeman and Skinplus (a brand from Spain). The thing is, some consumers tend to go for what is more expensive, and big, known brands that claim to perform miracles (appealing advertisement tactics also lure you in!) but really never do. Sometimes one forgets drugstore products that are capable of doing much more than a big brand product (that makes you pay more for less).

One thing I always share with my friends that ask me for skin care advice, is to have a routine! That is how I got rid of my acne and remain with a clear face. Whether you have normal, dry, oily or combination skin, it is important to have a morning and night routine based on your skin type - this would include a face wash, a toner [essential], and a moisturizer with a minimum of spf 20 in it. If you feel like you have the time, add an under eye cream with vitamin E.

 

 

My routine isn't concrete throughout the week. My facewash and my moisturizer changes depending if it's day or night, but my toner remains the same.

 

 

Remember, it is more than likely that you won't be seeing results the very next day when you use a product. To achieve results, you must be consistent with the products you use, and you must use them day and night. Even the worst cases of acne can be blessed from the simplest products.

A quick list of some of my favourite products are:

1. The Body Shop Tea Tree Blackhead Exfoliating Wash [whether or not you have acne/blackheads, it really helps to prevent them]
2. Aveeno Positively Radiant Moisturizer
3. The Loreal Paris Waterproof eye makeup remover [sincerely the best make up remover I've ever had!]
4. The Nivea aqua effect refreshing toner for mixed, oily skin [mattifying and my current toner]

     5. The Body Shop Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream [I swear by it!]

This is just a list of a few wonderful products that I am infatuated with, the ones named have been in my routine for a long time now so they are beyond recommended!

* If you are battling with acne scars, I suggest using an exfoliating face wash like the face wash I first named in the list, it really does help! Exfoliation assists in getting rid of the dead skin cells. The scars won't be gone in one week but with dedication they will surely fade and you will love your skin :)

 

A few tips:
- If you don't watch what you eat and eat everything your little heart desires (like me), then I would enforce a skin care routine on you vs. someone who takes care of their skin via diet.
- Never pop a zit or squeeze a blackhead with your fingernails! This can lead to acne scars. Use face wash and wait it out, trust me, the better solution!
- Drink lots of water!
- If you are a girl, sleep with your hair tied up, away from your face.
- First thing to do when you wake up is wash your face! Get it over with so you won't forget to do it and then it'll become a natural process.
- Face care is just as important for boys as it is for girls.
- Even if you don't have pimples, still wash your face, tone, and by golly, moisturize!
Finally, do this for yourself. Take care of your skin because it's YOUR skin. But don't get obsessive over it. Results will come.

Sometime this week I will post an in-depth list of my products, their prices, where I got them and how they work.
My hope is that this post served whoever is reading this well and that you do not fail to forget: what is on the inside reflects on the outside.


[If you have any questions please leave a comment!]

Have a wicked Wednesday! ツ
Note: All the face care related advice that I post on here is spoken from personal experience, I'm not a professional. Not every product works the same for every person. If you have a certain skin condition that may be affected by any facial products, please consult a professional before use.