January 21, 2021 by Sandra

Makeup Tips Over 40

Let it be said that beauty does not have an age restriction. However, makeup tips over 40 need to be talked about more. When you enter your 40s, your skin starts to go through some rather dramatic changes. Most of these changes are related to the loss of collagen and elasticity. While these changes are inevitable and aging is completely natural – the main trick to aging gracefully is to embrace it. If you’re in your 40s, you can still maintain a youthful appearance with the right makeup choices and application techniques (besides investing in a good skincare routine, and maintaining a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.) Read on to find out all you need to know about makeup for women over 40.

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Let’s begin with the basics. Here’s what you must absolutely remember:

Once you’re in your 40s, it’s crucial to choose the right skincare regime and makeup. It’s a transitioning period for your body and skin, and it’s about time you switch up your beauty routine. These are a bunch of makeup products and tools that will help you enhance your features and look the best version of yourself.

Makeup Tips & Products

Hydrating Primer – A primer does for your skin what lingerie does for your figure – it smoothens, conceals, flatters, and holds things in place so that everything you put on top of it looks even better. Whether you want to blur out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles or minimize the appearance of pores or even out your skin tone, all you need is a good primer. Mature skin needs extra moisture and hydration to achieve a healthy-looking complexion.

Expert Tip – Make sure you prep your face before applying any makeup using either a hydrating primer or a balm – anything that soothes your skin. By doing so, you’ll have to use less makeup, and it’ll also blend far more seamlessly on well-hydrated skin.

Foundation – It’s essential to use the right foundation as we age – it can take years off your face. Never settle for a foundation that settles into your wrinkles and fine lines. When it comes to mature skin, a foundation formula that is suitable for dry complexions and leaves skin even and supple without emphasizing fine lines is your holy grail. Learn to love a good luminous foundation for a lifting effect. If you’re worried about shine, simply powder your T-zone.

Also, did you know that skin grows more pallid as you age? You can add life back into your skin with a slightly warmer tone of foundation (or mix an exact-match shade with the next darkest shade.)

Expert Tip – Blending is key – it’s the main secret to a flawless-looking base because there are no harsh lines that you’re left with. Also, less is more, and we can’t stress upon this one enough.

Concealer – The perfect concealer can have you looking like you had a full 8 hours of quality sleep. What you need to cover those dark circles, spots and blemishes is a creaseless concealer that lasts all day long. Since skin is much drier around the eyes in your 40s, it’s best to choose a concealer with a more liquidy consistency than a heavier stick or even a waterproof formula (these tend to settle and dehydrate your skin.)

Expert Tip- To keep your concealer from grabbing attention to wrinkles or crow’s feet, apply it only on the inner halves of your under-eye area to cover up the darkness.

Blush – Blush is essential for your beauty routine. Want to know why? It instantly adds a radiant, healthy glow in one quick sweep. When it comes to wearing blush – ditch anything that’s too frosty. Peachy/pink shades are perfect for all skin tones and can be worn day or night.

Even if you like to keep your makeup routine to a minimum, skipping blush will wash you out and make you look older. On the other hand, a gentle sweep will add a warm, healthy glow and make a huge difference.

Expert Tip – A common mistake lot of us make is applying blush too low on the cheeks. Begin applying the product at the height of the apple of your cheek and blend it upwards and back to define and lift your features. Add some highlighter to your cheekbones and the tip of your nose for some definition.

Eyebrow Pencil – As we age, our eyebrows tend to get sparse and lose their shape. It’s a fact that fuller, shaped brows give your face a more youthful look while giving it structure. Also, to make your eyes really stand out, you need to pay attention to those brows. A good pencil is the best thing to fill in gaps and make your sparse eyebrows appear fuller.

Expert Tip– First of all, put your tweezers away and invest in an eyebrow growth serum. Fill in your eyebrows with gentle hair-like strokes to fake naturally dense and balanced brows. Be careful to not overdo it with your eyebrow product and end up with cartoonish brows.

Eyeliner, Eyeshadow & Mascara….oh my! – The right eye makeup techniques can make you look younger and take off years from your face. If you always look tired no matter how much sleep you get, use a double-duty concealer – choose a shade with yellow or orange undertones to conceal dark circles and highlight the area. When it comes to eyeshadow hues, go for warm, matte tones – mocha bases and peachy oranges will create the illusion of being well-rested. A good gel eyeliner, with a line that’s drawn as close to your lashes as possible, helps create the illusion of a thicker, darker lash line. Finally, curling your lashes and applying mascara will create definition and add depth to your eyes.

Expert Tip – Stay away from shimmery eyeshadows and cool-toned browns and greys as these hues will make your eyes look tired.

Lipstick – Lipstick is the best way to finish off any look. One swipe of color can add so much life to your face and make you look polished. As we age, we tend to get lines around the mouth area, and you need to adopt a different lipstick application technique.

Here’s how you can apply lipstick with perfection in your 40s:

Exfoliate your lips well to get rid of all the dead skin, so you’re left with smooth lips.
Hydrate your lips using a moisturizing lip balm and let the formula absorb into your lips. Wait it out and wipe away any excess lip balm using a towel or a wipe.
You can add a tiny dab of concealer on your lips if they’re pigmented.
Use a lip liner pencil that matches your chosen color to lightly fill the mouth shape to prevent your lipstick from bleeding.
Apply your lipstick straight from its bullet in a single application.

Expert Tip- Don’t be afraid to try bold colors. Just because you’ve entered your 40s doesn’t mean you will need to stick to neutral shades. There’s a shade for everyone, and it all depends on your personal preferences.

Please share with your friends who may need to try these tips, and as always, comment back here if you try something new and let me know how it works for you. I hope these tips help you look and feel more youthful and beautiful!

December 31, 2020 by Sandra

5 Tips for Choosing a Word of the Year

Word of the Year vs. Resolutions

I don’t know about you, but each year I like to pick a word of the year instead of making a New Year’s resolution. I ponder and pray about a word that I want to define my year.

It can really help bring clarity and focus to what we want to create in our lives.

Are you struggling to pick your word for the year? Have no fear because I am here to help you along the way. Let’s start with these 5 tips:

1. Reflect

The first thing I like to do is reflect upon the year.

What could I use more or less of?
What characteristics could I use more of?
How would I like to feel?

2. Visualize

I recommend that you sit in prayer or meditate to think of the word you would focus on for the upcoming year. This works best in a relaxed state, so go ahead and light a candle, or burn a diffuser with your favorite essential oil. Maybe even take the time to write it down in your gratitude journal. Take the time to tap into your feelings.

3. Make a List

Spend 10 minutes creating a list of the words that come to mind. No self-editing! Need some help? I created a free Word of the Year Ideas for you that you can download to help.

4. Review & Narrow Down Your Options

After you make your list, narrow it down by highlighting or circling your top 3-5 choices.

Chances are you will see a theme going on between the words you highlighted. Do any of the words jump out at you, make you feel excited, nervous, scared, uncomfortable, or at ease? Sometimes the words that scare us most can mean we’re on the right track because change isn’t always easy. At the same time, I think finding your word can also bring peace and empowerment.

Think about the words, try them on, and see what feels right. No need to over-analyze this process, trust your gut instead.

5. Ask Yourself Questions

Ask yourself if you are interested in the word or committed to the word!

If you’re merely “interested” then chances are you’ll make excuses as to why you’re not putting forth the effort to actually make changes. But if you’re “Committed” to your word, you’ll do whatever it takes to implement that word and bring more of it into your life.

If necessary, allow yourself a day or two, even a week to really think about this.

Last year the word was balance. In the year 2020, balance was definitely found, but not in the way I intended it to be. When everything was canceled, closed, or quarantined, I was definitely forced to balance what I had and survive.

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My word of the year for 2021 is: PURPOSE

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It means the reason for which something is done or created, or for which something exists.

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My hope is to do everything with purpose. Don’t live life aimlessly, but face every aspect of life with a purpose. I want to be a more loving, resilient, faithful, adaptable, courageous, and giving wife, mom, friend, leader, and daughter.

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I’ll remember 2020 as the year when chapters closed and new doors opened. Where pivots and priorities took the place of things that really didn’t matter.

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What if the year 2020 was a year of balance in preparation for the year 2021 – a year of purpose?! Read more about life lessons learned in 2020.

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I’m declaring it over my life and encouraging you to declare your word over yours.

Please share your word for the year ideas with us in the comments below!

December 28, 2020 by Sandra

Life Lessons Learned in 2020

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that I may receive a small commission should you purchase through one of these links. I only recommend products and services that I personally use, know, like, and trust.

Life Lessons I Learned in 2020

This year has certainly brought life lessons learned and I will carry them with me for years to come. I don’t think that anything has happened according to anyone’s plan this past year. There has been tragedy, loss, sickness, uncertainty, and loneliness to name a few.

We have all struggled in one way or another in 2020, and some of us have definitely had it harder than others. I think it is important to note that without any bad, we would not be as appreciative of the good. I want so badly to choose joy and look for the important life lessons that this year has given me.

7 Life Lessons I Learned from 2020

There is absolutely nothing more important than your family.

We try our hardest to keep our families safe, healthy, and happy. My children can handle much more than I ever thought possible. They have coped beautifully through lockdown and are growing and shining beautifully in their own way. They have really grown this year physically and mentally through a crisis.

Find happiness in the small things.

Look forward to that warm cup of coffee each morning, or watch the sunset at night. In the past, these were simple things that I took for granted, but when everything was canceled or closed in 2020, these small things got me through each day. This is one of the life lessons I learned that I deeply cherish. One thing that has really helped me do this is writing in a gratitude journal. Pick up my favorite one from Amazon here.

Self-care is a priority, not a privilege.

I think it’s more important to note that self-care isn’t always bubble baths and candles. Self-care is literally caring for yourself whether that is physical, mental, or spiritual. There are a million different ways to practice it, and the important thing is to always do something for yourself. It is so important to recharge yourself so that you are able to be the best version of yourself and care for all the other people who you love. I always say, even if you’re not at the top of the list, you should at least be on it!

If this is something you are really struggling with, grab my free 30-day self-care calendar here.

Take time to slow down.

We have been forced to do this in 2020, but if I’m choosing joy, this can be a positive. Life is too short to spend it with your calendar booked with commitments and activities that really don’t matter much in the long run. Enjoy the moments. Put the phone down. Really take time to have conversations with your family and friends.

Life Lessons I Have Learned is to Have a backup plan.

So many people have lost their jobs or had a loss of income in 2020. Make sure to have a backup plan. Every day we hear of brick-and-mortar stores closing. Online business is the future. There are so many options out there such as remote work, social marketing work-from-home opportunities like the brand I represent, or you can even start your own money-making blog. Look at all the options and see what you can do to have a backup plan if you were to lose your main gig.

Never stop learning.

I seriously love to learn skills. I love to read self-development books or listen to podcasts. It’s so much fun to cook and try new recipes. When the world stopped around us this past year, diving into these hobbies and working towards a goal kept me motivated and inspired. The life lessons I learned in 2020 is that you can always take these new skills and use them as an opportunity to open new doors in your career or life.

Be kind.

The saying is true: everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind always. If people react to you ina negative way, chances are it has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them. The motto that I try to teach my children is to always be kind. People can disagree with you. They can even say things you don’t agree with. It is always better to treat others with love and respect. We are all humans and we should be kind to one another in spite of our differences.

The life lessons that 2020 brought me might be different than what it taught you. What did you learn in 2020 and how will this year affect you going forward?

I would love to hear more in the comments below.

December 24, 2020 by Sandra

The Best Holiday Bourbon Vanilla Sugar Cookie Recipe

‘Tis the season for holiday baking. Today I am sharing a recipe created by my husband, James for orange bourbon vanilla sugar cookies. This is seriously the best cookie I have ever eaten (and I have had my fair share of cookies.)

We have tried to bake a lot of things together before that weren’t the best, but he totally nailed it with this batch. So, of course, I had to document and share it here with you. Whether you’re baking holiday cookies for the first time or looking for something different to add to your usual assortment, this recipe is sure to be a winner!

Let’s get started with the ingredients for Bourbon Vanilla Sugar Cookies:

3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 orange (optional and adds an extra layer of flavor)
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla bourbon extract (I used Trader Joe’s brand which can be ordered if you do not have a Trader Joe’s near you here.)

Now that you have all of the ingredients you need, let’s get baking these Vanilla Sugar Cookies!

First, you will sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together, and set aside. On low/medium heat, melt the butter in a pan on the stove. Secondly, combine the melted butter and sugar in your mixing bowl. I use an electric stand mixer. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla bourbon extract. Use a micro-plane on the orange and zest the entire outside into the mixture. Gradually blend in the sifted ingredients until fully absorbed. Finally, you are ready to cover the dough and chill for 2 hours. I use plastic wrap, don’t handle the dough too much here, just get it in a neat ball and get it in the fridge. If you don’t have plastic wrap, you can dampen a kitchen towel and cover the dough in your bowl.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (200 degrees C). On a cookie sheet, line with parchment paper. On a clean floured surface, roll out small portions of chilled dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Don’t get these too thin, it will make them crispy. Cut out shapes using cookie cutters.

Firstly, you will want to bake these for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, they won’t look done, but they are, just give the middle of the cookies a touch and if they are solid in that 8-10 minute window take them out.
Next, let them sit on the cookie sheets for another minute before moving them to cool on wire racks.

Finally, If you want to add decorations like those crunchy glitter things add those to the top of the cookies before baking!

The Perfect Royal Icing

Royal Icing is the best icing for cookies. It is not too sweet and really adds a beautiful, classic look to any cookie. Now take into consideration that this is the first time James has made these cookies, and the decorating skills are not quite there yet………LOL! I don’t even care because they tasted amazing. He used Alton Brown’s royal icing recipe to top these cookies. Here is the link to his recipe.

Homemade Buttercream Frosting

We have made these cookies with both icing options, and homemade buttercream wins for me! The sweetness combined with the savor of the cookie is a match made in heaven.

Buttercream recipe

1 cup room temp butter
3 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups confectioners sugar
3 tablespoons milk

Cream butter until fluffy. Add 1/2 cup of confectioner’s sugar at a time, once it’s incorporated continue adding until you have added it all. Now add the vanilla extract and let it incorporate. Add milk. Let mixer beat for 2-3 minutes on medium speed.

That’s all for now. I hope you set aside time this Christmas season to do a little holiday baking with someone you love. Let me know in the comments below what your favorite Christmas cookie is or if you try this amazing recipe yourself this holiday season.

Happy Baking!

I would love to hear from you if you try this recipe for the vanilla sugar cookies in the comment below and how your family enjoys them.

December 7, 2020 by Sandra

How to Use an Eyebrow Pencil in 5 Simple Steps

How to use an eyebrow pencil is one of the most common questions I get asked. There are so many ways to style and shape your brows. It can be really intimidating. It’s true that no two brows are exactly the same. Your eyebrow shape is uniquely you, and the technique will vary from person to person. With that being said, I am here to break it down and give you 5 easy steps so that you can achieve your perfect eyebrows.

Don’t over-pluck your brows

The days of pencil-thin brows are long gone. Over-plucking your brows can have long-lasting effects. If you have a random hair out of place, use the tweezers to remove the one. Also, look into using a clear brow mascara to tame your wild hairs into place.

Use an Eyebrow Pencil

I have tried a lot of different brow products, but a brow pencil is the easiest to use and the most widely known brow product out there. When shopping for a formula, look for something that is either lighter or darker than your natural hair. You do not want it to be too matchy. I personally love the brow pencil from Farmasi because it is water-resistant, glides on smoothly with an easy-to-use formula, and is very affordable for all budgets.

Apply Products from the Center of Your Brow

If you feel like you only need to amp up your arches at the beginning of your brow, start at the arch and work toward the bridge of your nose. That way you’re left with the least amount of product when you reach the start of your brow, making the application look more realistic. Then, use that same product at the tail of your brow so it doesn’t end up looking uneven.

Use a Soft Touch and Build from There

It is always easier to add product versus take it away, so build your brows slowly. Another key to making your brows look darker yet natural? Not getting the formula you’re using on your skin. If you have a bald spot you’re trying to fill in, that’s one thing, but if you’re just trying to deepen your brow hair color overall, your best bet is a brow mascara that you can lightly swipe on for a more dramatic yet believable effect.

Don’t Forget to Blend

This is one of the most important steps to creating natural-looking brows. An easy way to fill in your brows is by drawing an angled line under your eyebrow at its start with a brow pencil and then using a spoolie brush to blend and brush through your brows. The only catch? You have to remember to blend it entirely or else it will look too harsh.

If you’re still at a loss, here is a short tutorial I did showing the basics. I hope that you will watch and find value in this tutorial.

December 2, 2020 by Sandra

Lumi Radiance from Farmasi – Brightening Skin Care Line

The Lumi Radiance from Farmasi is a Brightening Skin Care Line that just released in the USA on December 1, 2020, and it is already making waves. It is now possible to improve dark spots and even out your skin tone even with it being super affordable.

I have personally been waiting on this skincare line to come to the US for almost a year now. I mean, what woman doesn’t want her skin to look more radiant and bright?

Lumi Radiance: What You Need to Know

Lumi Radiance from Farmasi will help to visibly improve the look of dark spots and even your skin tone out. This product is a TOP SELLER in other markets. It is a new release to the US, but not a new product line for Farmasi.

The primary ingredient is White Sand Lily. This active ingredient is what helps to lighten age spots and even out your complexion. Here are the steps. You can purchase all products individually or as a set. But hurry, it is sure to sell out fast!!

Products

Now that I have piqued your interest, you are probably wondering what Lumi Radiance products are available.

Step 1 – Cleanse with LumiRadiance Exfoliating Cleanser $12.90

Deeply cleanse and exfoliate the skin, removing dull, dry, and dead skin cells to reveal a brighter complexion.

Step 2 – Tone with LumiRadiance Brightening Tonic $15.90

Refreshes moisturizes and tones the skin after cleansing.

Step 3 – Treat with LumiRadiance Brightening Serum 24.90

Reduce dark spots and balance uneven skin tone. This formula absorbs quickly into the skin to deliver a perfect level of moisture.

Step 4 – Treat with LumiRadiance Brightening Eye Cream Balm $11.90

Helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, dark circle, and under-eye bags. Open your eyes to a smoother and radiant appearance.

Step 5 – Protect with LumiRadiance Brightening Cream with 22SPF $12.90

This is an exquisite Brightening Cream with UV production that helps to maintain skin brightness and balance uneven skin tones. This special cream delivers luminosity and intense hydration.

Bonus Product – LumiRadiance Soap

Gently wash away dirt and oil from head to toe (including your face) without drying out your skin. I don’t know about your man, but this sounds like the perfect cleanser for mine.

To learn more or order your products, SHOP HERE!

Lumi Radiace Natural Ingredients and Advanced Technology

You’re probably wondering how can these products work and still be clean for your skin? The answer is European Standards and these high-powered ingredients like these:

White Sand Lily – hello brightness thanks to this powerhouse. This active ingredient lightens age and pigmentation spots while ensuring an even complexion throughout the face.

Algae Extract – formed from seaweed and contains a slew of healthy vitamins. The ingredient is rich in bioactive compounds and provides skin hydration. White Sand Lily and Algae extract work in synergy with each other producing a mutually reinforcing effect for up to a few weeks.

European standard, amazing plant-derived products will yield you results. What are you waiting for?? Lumi Radiance from Farmasi is for you!!

October 21, 2020 by Sandra

The Ultimate Work-from-Home-Mom Gift Guide

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I absolutely love online shopping. If it was an Olympic event, I am pretty sure I would win the gold medal. I love keeping up with the trends and sharing all of my finds with you. Since I, myself, am a work-from-home mom, I thought I would create the ultimate work-from-home-mom gift guide.

My hope is that this guide will help your loved ones buy for YOU this holiday season. Truth be told, I either already own or really want all of the items for myself that I am about to share with you.

I am so glad you found this list, and hope you find it helpful

Happy Shopping!!

Clothing & Accessories for the Work-from-Home-Mom

Jessica Simpson Memory Foam Slippers

These slippers are not only cute and stylish but oh so comfy for those work-from-home office days.

Women’s Leopard Lounge Set

The perfect compliment to your slippers is a super soft loungewear set. I personally love all things leopard print, and this is one of my favorite work-from-home outfits I own!

Backpack Purse

Because every female entrepreneur needs a stylish, yet functional bag that can keep them super organized, but to also travel with their ipads or laptops for on-the-go-work.

Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Exposure to screens skyrockets our doses of HEV – High Energy Visible light – which can be just as damaging as UV rays. This not only causes premature aging, wrinkles, and sagging skin but has been linked in recent studies to an increased risk of cancer. Yikes!!

Tech Gadgets for the Work-from-Home-Mom

Tabletop Ring Light

If you are a work-from-home mom, chances are that you utilize live video a lot!! A tabletop ring light is perfect to create amazing lighting so that you always look your best on camera.

Rose Gold Airpods Case

Is it just me, or is everything in rose gold just a little bit cuter??? I love this air pods case. It is also easy to keep mine separated from my husband’s too.

Echo Dot – 3rd Generation

The Echo Dot is the perfect size for the home office. It comes in different colors (but of course, pink is the cutest.) Also, Alexa can be a pretty good assistant for the work-from-home mom.

Silicone Keyboard Cover

Sometimes it’s just fun to customize your workspace to add in some personality. I get so tired of looking at the same things all the time, and this silicone keyboard cover is a nice pop of color. It’s also really good to have to protect your keyboard from dust as well as those spills.

Office Extras for the Work-from-Home-Mom

Boss Lady Quote Candle

Every female entrepreneur needs some desk flare, and this candle fits the bill. I love the cute little saying, which is great for decoration but it also smells good.

Daily Planner

If you live my to-do lists, this one is for you. I love having something like this on top of my desk for accessibility.

Himalayan Salt Lamp

Pink Himalayan salt is known for its therapeutic health and air purifying properties. Himalayan Salt Lamps (also known as Rock Salt Lamps) are said to emit a stream of negative ions that can purify the air against allergens and pollutants to relieve stress.

Office Organizer Set

Office supplies don’t have to be boring. Grab this super cute pink set to keep your office space organized.

Laptop Stand

This ergonomic design is super helpful if you spend hours at your desk working. This slim compact stand elevates your laptop by 6-inches to a perfect eye level and prevents you from hunching over your screen, which reduces neck and shoulder pain. Moreover, the edge of the stand is so smooth that protects you from being scratched.

Miscellaneous Home Items for the Work-from-Home-Mom

Most work-from-home-moms love coffee, wine, and keeping their office space clean. This brings me to this work-from-home-mom gift guide category. Every lady I know loves these items, so you can’t go wrong with purchasing one.

Stainless Steel Cup

Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker

Eco-friendly multi-purpose cleaner

Stainless Steel Wine Tumbler

Books Worth Reading

The Miracle Morning

If you struggle with a routine while you work-from-home, this book is for you. It will give you a new perspective and ideas to be your most productive self in business and in the home-life.

Get Over Your Damn Self

This book was life-changing for my mindset and thinking outside the box.

Romi Neustadt is passionate about helping others build lucrative direct sales and network marketing businesses that help create lives with more freedom and flexibility, greater purpose, and a lot more fun. In this book, she offers you the same direct, no-BS coaching she’s given to tens of thousands to help you acquire the skills to build this sucker and teach your team to do the same. And, equally important, she’ll work on your mindset so you stop over complicating it all and stop letting the negative voices in your head win. You’re going to learn:* The Posture to confidently connect with anyone about your business and your products.* The Possibilities for a lucrative, efficient, and enormously rewarding turn-key business.* The Power that’s already within you to build the life you really want…if you dare.

Good Days Start with Gratitude

Good Days Start With Gratitude is a 52-week guide to cultivate an attitude of gratitude! It is a self-exploration journal designed to focus on being thankful for what we have, the big things in life, as well as the simple joys.

Girl Code

This book won’t teach you how to build a multimillion-dollar company. It won’t teach you about systems or finance. But it will teach you how to build confidence in yourself, reconnect with your “why,” eradicate jealousy, and ultimately learn the power of connection. Because at the end of the day, that’s what life and business are all about.

This wraps up this work-from-home-mom gift guide. I hope you found some new items to add to your list, or maybe even to gift to your favorite female entrepreneur.

I would love to know which one of these items is your favorite, or which one is on your wishlist.

September 8, 2020 by Sandra

The Face Cleanser Device That You Need

I am so excited about new things to come, like this high-frequency face cleanser device that you need in your life if you’re into skincare, you will be too!! ????????

((Refresh • Purify • Hydrate))

A BRAND NEW high-frequency sonic face cleanser will be releasing September, 2020. It removes more dirt, more oil, and more makeup than a washcloth or towel alone. Plus, It is very reasonably priced even if you don’t have the 50% off membership discount!!

I love that I can get a facial massage, deep clean, and exfoliation all in one easy step from using a face cleanser device.

This new skincare tool is launching, along with our new FRAGRANCE-FREE skincare line that is good for all skin types. I’m particularly excited about the serum which is enriched with red algae, which is packed with skin benefits like increasing moisture, moisture retention, elasticity, and skin smoothness. It’s like a Superfood for the hydration and health of your skin!

Check out this demonstration using the new Foami cleanser and moisturizer serum with the face cleanser device.

LIVE DEMONSTRATION

I am so proud to represent a company that cares about its customers and listens to requests for cleaner products. If you have more questions about the new products, please comment below or email me at thesandrahudson@gmail.com. These will sell out fast!! You can also shop online from my website at anytime.

August 20, 2020 by Sandra

Confessions From a Recovering Stay at Home Mom

I am a Recovering Stay-at-Home-Mom

It’s hard to believe that 5 years ago, I was a “stay-at-home-mom” who lived her life at home with the kids, recovering from post-partum depression for the second time, and slowly losing my identity, confidence, and purpose. (Read more about my story here)

I do not want to seem ungrateful for being blessed with this opportunity. I know how blessed and privileged I was to have the opportunity to stay home with Stella, my youngest after she was born. We tried for two years to have another baby and suffered through 3 back to back miscarriages along the way. I savored every moment with my rainbow baby. But anyone who has left a competitive workforce before to take care of the kids and home knows how challenging this can be. There is another side to this “job” that many will never see or understand unless you’ve done it.

You know, the no-makeup days, workout clothes or leggings for days on end, days without showers, TV binges and emotional eating…just me? Maybe so…

I’m not here to say being a SAHM is easier or harder than working outside of the home, I’m just here to shed light on the struggles that do come with the job that people may not understand.

Loneliness, depression, feeling unworthy, feeling useless, and that I could not manage anything well. When I would go to social events, and others asked me what I did for a living, I would feel embarrassed to say that I was“a stay at home mom.” People would smile, say, “oh that’s so nice…” then the conversation would go nowhere because we lived different worlds and had nothing in common. I began to forget how to speak to adults. “Toddler” was my main language.

I love my role as a mom…most days. Let’s face it, I’m a crappy housewife. I love to cook but I hate to clean. Let’s not even get started with the laundry situation… I’m not good at it…or rather, I just hate it. Does hating those things make me a bad MOM? Or a bad wife?

Finding Myself

So…cue my introduction to direct sales.

Yes, I know that this industry gets so much backlash because people don’t understand how to market and work their business. So many people are doing it all wrong!!! Heck, even I had my stigmas but do you know what I learned in the 5 years that I’ve been in this industry?

Giving a woman the power to find her voice again with this type of platform can be so incredibly empowering for her. This industry allowed me to be creative, which I NEED. This industry gave me the ability to have my OWN accomplishments to be celebrated. It gave me my confidence back and a purpose outside of a rotating laundry and carpool schedule. It gave me financial independence and the ability to contribute back to my family in a way that personally made me happy to do. Maybe that’s not everyone’s mission as a SAHM but it was something I wanted.

So, my #1 goal in my network marketing career will always be to crush stigmas. (When you know better, you do better.) I have truly discovered a passion of mine is to lead and coach other women to build an income and an influence by showing them first hand the things I have learned along the way to be successful.

It’s Not for Everyone

Network Marketing cannot be for everyone. That’s impossible. However, it CAN be everything to so many. It can mean the difference in someone’s self-esteem, purpose, and self-worth.

Let’s lift up other women trying to be greater. This business saved me and I continue to strive to help other women find this outlet for themselves every day.

If you’re ready to make a change, I would be honored to chat with you about it.

If you’re looking to connect with a community of supportive women, I want to personally invite you to join our Facebook Community Group called Inspiring Beauty Society.

July 14, 2020 by Sandra

The 10 Best Work-from Home Jobs You Can Do While Simultaneously Homeschooling Your Children

Work-from-home jobs seem to be in abundance these days. We have seen some pretty unprecedented things happen in 2020, including a global pandemic that has shut down schools, jobs, and economies. My family has felt the brunt and I am sure yours has too. This leads me to think about sharing a list of the best work-from-home jobs you can do while simultaneously homeschool your children because the real-life school isn’t happening this year.

The 10 Best Work-from-Home Jobs You Can Do While Simultaneously Homeschooling Your Children

10. None

9. Not a One

8. Nope

7. Not That One

6. Or This One Either

5. Worth a Shot, But No

4. Not The One In a Box

3. Not Even the One for the Fox

2. That’s a Hard No

1. Or You Could Mutate into a Superhero Who is Able to Clone Yourself so That You Can Do Two Really Hard Things at Once!

I hate to break it to you, but homeschooling your children combined with working to make an income is really, really difficult. The truth is that I look and feel like this face on the left most of the days. The last quarter of distance learning with our school system was not a pleasant experience for our family. You need some serious time-management and organizational skills. The whole situation is just stressful. It’s hard and out-of-the-ordinary. It is not for the faint of heart. As a mom who loves her children and wants to keep them safe, I will do whatever I can to make that happen. I will sacrifice my time and my needs to help them continue to learn and grow. I pray that you are able to make the best decision for your family this coming school year as well.

In Closing

If you are looking for a way you can make extra money while managing your homeschooling and family, I would love to chat with you about what I do. Minimal investment, no inventory, and I can mentor you and teach you all the ways to be successful with a minimum time commitment. Comment below or email me at thesandrahudson@gmail.com for more info.

Makeup Tips Over 40

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. THIS MEANS I MAY RECEIVE A SMALL COMMISSION SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO PURCHASE THROUGH ONE OF MY LINKS. I ONLY RECOMMEND PRODUCTS AND SERVICES I PERSONALLY USE, LIKE, KNOW, AND TRUST.

Makeup Tips & Products

Here’s how you can apply lipstick with perfection in your 40s:

Word of the Year vs. Resolutions

1. Reflect

2. Visualize

3. Make a List

4. Review & Narrow Down Your Options

5. Ask Yourself Questions

Please share your word for the year ideas with us in the comments below!

This post may contain affiliate links. This means that I may receive a small commission should you purchase through one of these links. I only recommend products and services that I personally use, know, like, and trust.

Life Lessons I Learned in 2020

7 Life Lessons I Learned from 2020

There is absolutely nothing more important than your family.

Find happiness in the small things.

Self-care is a priority, not a privilege.

Take time to slow down.

Life Lessons I Have Learned is to Have a backup plan.

Never stop learning.

Be kind.

The life lessons that 2020 brought me might be different than what it taught you. What did you learn in 2020 and how will this year affect you going forward?

Let’s get started with the ingredients for Bourbon Vanilla Sugar Cookies:

Now that you have all of the ingredients you need, let’s get baking these Vanilla Sugar Cookies!

The Perfect Royal Icing

Homemade Buttercream Frosting

Don’t over-pluck your brows

Use an Eyebrow Pencil

Apply Products from the Center of Your Brow

Use a Soft Touch and Build from There

Don’t Forget to Blend

Lumi Radiance: What You Need to Know

Products

Lumi Radiace Natural Ingredients and Advanced Technology

Clothing & Accessories for the Work-from-Home-Mom

Tech Gadgets for the Work-from-Home-Mom

Office Extras for the Work-from-Home-Mom

Miscellaneous Home Items for the Work-from-Home-Mom

Books Worth Reading

I would love to know which one of these items is your favorite, or which one is on your wishlist.

The Face Cleanser Device That You Need

I am a Recovering Stay-at-Home-Mom

Finding Myself

It’s Not for Everyone

The 10 Best Work-from-Home Jobs You Can Do While Simultaneously Homeschooling Your Children

In Closing