Unbox & Unwind

Memorial Day unofficially kicks off summer. It's the perfect time to soak up the sun, unwind, and dive into a great book. If you’re anything like me, there’s nothing better than finding a cozy spot by the beach or pool and escaping into another world. Whether it’s a thrilling mystery, a steamy romance, or a heartfelt story - after a long fall and winter, being whisked away to another realm gives me new life! Here are some summer book picks that’ll help you relax, recharge, and make the most of your sunny days. _________________________________ ROMANCE Can't Get Enough by Kennedy Ryan If you're looking for a book that gives spice, freedom, bad-assness with real life challenges of caring for a parent while learning to love through it all, Can't Get Enough is for you!  Hendrix Barry lives a fabulous life. She has phenomenal friends, a loving family, and a thriving business that places her in the entertainment industry's rarefied air. Your vision board? She’s probably ...

The first time I used mascara was when I was 16 and bought my first department store mascara. It was a famous popular brand that is known for their products that target sensitive skin. Because of my own sensitive eyes, I needed to find a quality mascara that didn't irritate my eyes or feel heavy, and that mascara worked very well for me; the only thing - it was costly. Years later, I was at an event with a Mary Kay Consultant and she raved about the Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara . I was skeptical due to my eye sensitivity but I bought it, tried it and I must say - it is the BEST mascara I have ever used.  Over the years I've sampled and bought many different brands of mascara and as a beauty enthusiast, I'm not ashamed of that at all. My product tests have allowed me to catalogue the mascaras that work for me and if I am ever in a pinch and I have to choose something based on where I am (location or finances), I always know the options that will work best. So here's what I...

Finding a mascara color can be a big task. And if you take care of a family, are a caregiver, work a 9 to 5 job, are in school, or you just don't have a lot of spare time throughout your day - standing in front of the mascara wall in a drugstore or at the beauty counter in a department store isn’t anything you want to do.  When most of us think mascara, we think black. But the truth is, the right mascara color can elevate your whole look depending on your vibe, your features, and what you’re going for that day. Here are a few tips to help you pick the shade that fits you best: 1. Start With Your Natural Features   Hair color, eye color, and skin tone all play a role. Here's a quick cheat sheet: Dark brown or black hair + brown or deep eyes:  Black or blackest black will give you definition and drama without looking too harsh. Lighter brown or hazel eyes:  Try brown-black or deep plum to enhance your eye color wit...

Now, why didn’t anyone ever tell us that growing older is  hard ? Sure, there are some perks we get to enjoy with age: telling it like it is, not caring so much about what others think, watching whatever we want on TV, and the occasional glass of wine or spirits to wind down. But there’s a lot about aging that doesn’t get talked about enough, especially when it comes to  beauty . At the time of this post, I’m in my early 40s. I feel more confident and in tune with my body than I ever have before. But watching younger women face constant scrutiny online and in real life saddens me. It makes me wonder how they see themselves and how often they’re told that their worth is tied to their appearance. If I could tell them one thing, it would be this: Beauty is only skin deep and your value goes far beyond what’s visible. Beauty as You Define It As a beauty and lifestyle blogger, I know how important it is for every woman to look and feel her best based on  her  own definiti...

When I turned 40, I experienced something like a rebirth. The way I thought I  should  have felt at 20 - that excitement, confidence, and sense of endless possibility - I finally felt it at 40. It was as if the world had opened wide, and I could truly be and do whatever I wanted. I remember the days leading up to my 40th birthday were heavy - solemn, reflective, even tinged with melancholy and regret. But when I woke up on that morning, I felt something completely different: Gratitude  for another year of life, Joy  knowing I would celebrate intimately with close friends, and Motivation  from the awareness that no day is promised to any of us. That realization pushed me to look at myself with fresh eyes—to believe in myself in the way I should have long before 40. The Result? This Blog and My Permission to Build the Life I Desire Now in my early 40s, I’m leaning into my dream of starting a beauty and lifestyle brand. I’m stepping fully into the woman I once hid ...

I remember being a young girl. My mom was paid every week, and each Saturday we’d head to a mall to shop. The day always started with me recognizing the trees and streets that led to my favorite place. As we pulled into the parking lot, I’d get excited because I just knew it was going to be a good day. Since then, I’ve always loved to shop. Finding a new outfit or the perfect pair of shoes, then wearing them to school, work, or an event, gave me a boost. That feeling of knowing I looked as good as I felt is something I believe every girl and woman deserves, without guilt or shame. But now, as a young middle-aged woman who has lived through a lot, and in a world filled with taxes, inflation, and economic shifts, things feel different. Honestly, they haven’t felt the same in years. Early in adulthood, something changed in me. Depression and self-doubt crept in and lingered for more than 15 years. The things I once cared about no longer mattered. I stopped caring for myself—physically, em...