Beauty routine for dry skin

Because the air is so dry in wintertime, my skin has a hard time during these months. Therefore my beauty routine is different depending on the season. My skin tends to be normal and sensitive in the summer, but very dry and sensitive in the winter. So if you are blessed with the same pain in the butt, or you want to help someone out, keep on reading. 

How to get ready for summer

Only one month until the official start of summer! We're all finishing up school or work and getting ready to take time to relax, read, swim and tan. I will be in school for another month, which means 40 days to get ready for Summer!

Body

As most summers, I spent -like many other people- a lot of time camping, hiking, swimming and hanging out at the beach. I noticed that one of my most important ''tasks'' is to be in shape. With being in shape I don't mean size 0 shorts and an eeniemeenie waist. I mean to look decent, be in shape and feeling comfortable. Like many other people I tend to start hitting the gym in February, realizing winter is almost over. I usually keep up for two months and then it gets boring. I have now started pilates, focusing on toning my body rather than trying to loose weight.

My TIP: Have a realistic goal in mind. Don't go after a victoria secret model look, but a realistic and healthy picture of yourself. It is so important to stay healthy and comfortable rather than too skinny and feeling like crap. 

I hit the gym for two months and had a very healthy diet, but I only gained weight. Yes my body was tighter, but my pants didn't fit anymore. I was very unhappy so I quit the gym and started doing pilates. My pants fit and my waist has slimmed down. (Besides, it is very relaxing and takes your mind away from all the stress in your life)

Skin

A lot of people probably don't want to walk around the swimming pool/beach looking very pale. So before you go public, you might want to get some colour. In the past two weeks I laid in my own backyard, (privately) and tanned like crazy. Don't forget to put on sunscreen, you will still get a tan when using it. If that takes too much time you can use lotion, spray tan or make use of a tanning bed. It is up to you of course but don't forget to check the effects. Organic options are available. 

Hair

You might want to get a new fresh look when summer starts. I have long, thick hair and it gets HOT! Even though I refuse to cut it, it would be a tip for some people. And this is also the time to try something new with your hair that you didn't dare before. You won't see your fellow students for three months, so be crazy and do it! You have enough time to fix it before school starts. 

Clothes

The year is over, you made it so you deserve to treat yourself. Get a new summer wardrobe so you can go out feeling comfortable and happy about your look. I usually start saving money around January so I can buy summer clothes. With a new wardrobe I also mean beauty supplies, so think of cute nail polish colours, fresh body sprays and bows for your hair. 

Holiday

Treat yourself with a nice get-away to a tropical island, the mountains or a city trip. Get away from your daily life and create time to relax and gain energy for the new year. Start looking around November for nice places before everything is booked. Of course you can still go places. If you want to visit a city you will be sure to still get a hotel. Flight tickets might be more difficult. If you find something nice but it is full, book it for next year, so you are guaranteed a spot.

Events

During the summer a lot of fun (music)festivals are going on. Get your planner out and mark data where fun and exciting stuff is happening. Think of the 4th of July, fireworks and BBQ's. It is also a great time to meet up with -old- friends that you didn't see for a while, and go together. 

Cleaning

And lastly, summer (or just before) is a great time to clean. When school finishes get all your paperwork and notebooks out. What do I want to save and what can be thrown away. Take care of past years finances and make an overview for the next couple of months. Clean up your dorm or room, your car and your mind! Start your summer fresh and cleaning up will guarantee that your break will start feeling relaxed and less worries. 

 Of course there is no handbook on how to get ready for summer, but this is kind of how I get ready for my summer break

Much love <3

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I have been ridiculously (is that a word) busy. And so many things are happening at the same time, it's crazy. First I want to give an update which is kind of good news. My grandfather was diagnosed with prostate cancer, yet has quite a good diagnosis. He refused any kind of treatment, which is OK, he is almost 90 years old. Instead he's getting hormones, and all his levels dropped and he is simply doing just wonderful. Here I was so frightened to loose him, but for now he is actually healthy. He can still live on his own, does groceries on his bike, goes to the chess-club. I was so afraid having to say goodbye to him, and the opposite happened, he is in great shape! That is such a big thing that I couldn't be more thankful for.

London!

Well furthermore I got to travel to London in December for school, to attend a conference. It was great, and I just love that city. All the Christmas decorations were out, and I just finished the semester, so no better start to my well deserved break. 

Look at the pretty-ness!

At the moment I am searching for an internship, which is a pain in the butt.  It is so difficult, so many organisations and places I would love to go to. Next to that I'm attending college full-time, trying to squeeze in gymtime 3-4x a week and still working on school when I get back to my dorm. Overall, I am just too busy, or at least thats how it feels. My head is just full of stuff and I really need to take it a step back and find some peace and quiet. Which is more difficult than it sounds, especially when you don't have the time for it. My weekends consists of doing NOTHING, literally. I try to plan nothing so my body and mind can relax for two days, to gain back fuel for the next week. 

 Don't forget to take a step back every once in a while (or every day if you can/want to) and think about what is happening in your life, during your days and in your mind. What are your dreams? What are you doing at the moment to make them come true? Who do you love or care for? Do they know? I find out almost everyday that 24hrs is just not enough...yet we often do not make the most out of it. Life is so simple yet so complicated. Do what makes you happy. That's all. 

And if you want to take a time out of working, doing homework, going to classes, working at your office job, or WHATEVER you do, I have so tips

- Paint your nails (yourself, or treat yourself and get a mani/pedi)

- Go to a park, pack some fruit, walk around and sit on a bench. Inhale the fresh air, look around, life's good :)

- Find an 'impossible' recipe online, go to the store and get the ingredients. Prepare and make a picture of it. How much does it (not) look as the recipe? Maybe it tastes delicious!

- Go to the beach (my favourite place in the world ) sit in the sand and let the wind blow in your face. Close your eyes and listen to the waves. You can also go to a lake or river, it's so peaceful. Don't forget your little picknick!

- Simply do nothing. It is probably harder then it sounds


Don't count every hour in the day, but make every hour in the day count
&

A happy heart makes the face cheerful (proverbs 13) Have a great and peaceful Sunday!