I like my poodle better than most people.

Alas, y'all.  It's true.

My poodle, Cooper, has taken my heart.  On Christmas morning "Santa Paws" came and saw him with a stocking of new toys and some chewie bones....but his favorite part? The wrapping paper & ribbon.  My family gives me crap about him being a little "light in the britches" because he looooves tissue paper, ribbon and anything that sparkles.

Cooper the poodle with a broken leg.

Which, is fine if he is.  I'm all about equal rights, even for poodles. I will love him regardless. I think pink would look fab on him.



But, on to the real reason for this post.  I have so many food photos to show y'all and a few new recipes that I really think y'all should try, but before that I have a business proposition for y'all.

I need help staying accountable for my New Year's resolution.  I got a wonderful gift from my mom this Christmas, the Clarisonic Mia 2, in black leopard, of course.  It came in a gift pack from none other than QVC with a travel case, their 'deep poor cleaning' brush head along with their sensitive skin and a trial size of Philosophy's Purity Made Simple one-step facial cleanser.  All of it looks like this:

Here's where my NYR comes in.  I have been awful to my skin in my *almost* 21 years of life.  I was a tanning-bed devotee since the early age of 14, until now I have used heavy makeups and not always taken them off at night, I have popped my zits, picked at my skin, not always worn a sunscreen....I'm sure you get the point by now.  So fine lines are already beginning to form around my eyes (smile lines they like to call them) and mouth.  And to top it all off about two months ago my skin changed.  I used to be dry/sensitive which is usual for fair skin/fair hair ladies.  I suddenly started breaking out, not excessively but enough to make me uncomfortable because I hadn't really had any problems with my skin before.  Mainly in my T-zone, but I also would get deep nodules on my forehead and cheeks and have a few scars now.  SO, I'm going to use my Clarisonic at least once a day, maybe twice depending on how my skin reacts to it.  I'm also going to give the Philosophy a try since so many women rave about it! 

Here's what the Clarisonic website says: 

Traditional methods of cleansing don’t get your skin as clean as you’d think. Fortunately, the lead inventor of Sonicare discovered a breakthrough in how we cleanse. Using Sonic Technology, Clarisonic’s patented micro-massage motion works within skin’s natural elasticity to gently remove the impurities traditional methods leave behind- leaving skin softer, smoother and more beautiful.

• Cleanses 6x better than with your hands alone in just 60 seconds
• Works with skin, not against it, to gently massage away impurities trapped within pores
• Prepares skin for better absorption of creams, serums and moisturizers
• Gentle enough to use 2x a day

And Here's what Philosophy says' about their cleanser:

"our award-winning daily facial skin cleanser is formulated to gently cleanse, tone and melt away all face and eye makeup in one simple step, while lightly hydrating the skin."


features & benefits

• deep cleans pores and eliminates makeup build-up
• natural oil extracts help condition skin
• fragrance-free formula

And here's a list of other skin products I use on a routine basis so y'all know what is going on my face:
Cleanser: Clinique Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam
Toner: Clinique Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion
Day Moisturizer: I alternate between Clinique Acne Solutions Clearing Oil-Free Moisturizer and Garnier Skin Renew Radience Moisture Cream 
Night Cream: Olay Anti-Wrinkle Replenishing Night Cream (Age Defying series)
Makeup Remover: Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover

And I am currently looking for a good eye cream/serum so let me know what y'all use!

Okay, here's the challenge: I will post a weekly blog about my skin and the Clarisonic system. Here's the starting photos & problems.

Okay, so there it is.  No makeup, all my issues.  We'll see how this works! I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday & is gearing up for the New Year! I'll be posting later this week about all the food & other fun things!

xo,
Meg