DLS: Magazines Galore...

I admit it - - I'm a magazine junkie! There's something about those glossy pages that scream my name, making it nearly impossible to pass them up as I check out in the grocery store.

You'd think I'd just get a subscription, but nope... I actually like browsing the covers, flipping thru the pages and buying them each month.

I love reading the articles, finding inspiration in the stories, escaping in the photos, and finding cool things to add to my vision board.

Despite things gravitating towards more of an online nature, no laptop, iPad or Blackberry can replace the joy I get from real, print media!

DLS: Chronic Paranoia

When it comes time to get ready for bed there's one task that I always dread: washing my face. Now, it's not that I'm someone that loathes taking the energy to wash away the day's dirt, grime and makeup... but I have this chronic paranoia - - eerie sense that the exact moment I close my eyes there will be someone standing behind me! I used to think I was absolutely crazy until I came across friends that shared the same thoughts. One of my girlfriends even has to use a clear shower curtain b/c of the nagging feling that someone will be standing outside waiting for her.

I don't know when my anxiety started, or what even caused it, but it's something that I have to consciously give myself pep talks about every night. No joke... the moment I splash water on my face I start "rebuking the devil" and trying to calm my nerves lol. It's really getting out of hand. I'm fine during the day, but at night it's a different story.

I'm curious to know if anyone else out there experiences anxiety like this? If so, where did yours come from? What have you done to improve it?

DLS: True Beauty

It may come as a shocker because I go hard for MAC Cosmetics, but I feel prettiest right before bed. Yes, with face cream on and my hair twisted in perm rods, I feel like I'm at my best.


As for my nighttime regimen, I've been using the Bliss No 'Zit' Sherlock Complete Acne System for about 2 months and loving it. I was never someone that suffered from sever acne, but did have the occasional blemish here and there. This treatment is the best stuff I've come across as it's perfect for those that don't want to have their skin dried out by stronger treatments out there (i.e. Proactiv, Murad, etc). This stuff has no parabens/sulfates/synthetic dyes or fragrances, etc... and is the most moisturizing acne treatment I've tried, consistently leaving my skin super moist! I used to be hooked on AcneFree, but this has replaced it. If you're someone that has a few blemishes but look nothing like a "before" picture for Proactiv this could be great for you. You can get the complete system from Sephora for $32 (a great value). The best thing? Sephora has a great return policy so if you're not pleased with it just save your receipt and take it back. Pretty simple.

I always finish by topping off my lips with Yes to Carrots 'Playful Nude" gloss (far right) before bed. Amazing!

From the site:

No 'Zit' Sherlock Complete Acne System ($47 Value)

What it is:
An acne-fighting regimen formulated with salicylic acid and probiotics.

What it is formulated to do:
Breakouts, beware! This fast-acting ensemble for pimple-prone skin helps treat and repair acne blemishes. When used regularly, it can help foil future flare-ups. Formulated with salicylic acid to break up dead cells and oil, plus probiotics like yogurt and meadowsweet extract to boost skin's natural defenses against bacteria, it leaves skin soft, fresh, and in the clear. Case closed!

This set contains:
- 2.0 oz Purifying Cleanser + Toner
- 0.5 oz Correcting Serum
- 1.0 oz Oil Control Moisturizer

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

What else you need to know:
Purifying Cleanser + Toner is a foaming formula that deeply purifies and de-clogs pores while toning, calming, and softening skin. Correcting Serum reduces redness and hyperpigmentation with glucosamine, lessens the look of large pores, and refines the skin's texture. Oil Control Moisturizer helps regulate sebum production without drying, and leaves irritated skin feeling soothed and supple. Probiotics, like yogurt and meadowsweet extract, found in this regimen are beneficial bacteria, similar to those found in your own body. They help boost skin's natural defenses against 'bad' bacteria and create a healthier environment.

Research Results:
In an independent clinical study with the No 'Zit' Sherlock Complete Acne System:
- 95% of subjects saw clearer skin in 31 days.
*Individual results may vary.