Goal #9: Make an at-home face mask for a sister date

When my sister and I decide to hang out for a morning, afternoon, evening or entire day... we call them Sister Dates. Basically that means, its me and her, 100% attention and focus is on each other and our sisterly love. It doesn't really matter what we do, just as long as we're together. It's dates like these that I truly believe have kept our friendship so close and connected.

For this sister date, I wanted to do some fun at-home masks. You always read articles about using items in your own pantry for beauty treatments: avocado, eggs, cucumbers, olive oil, lemon, etc. But who knew honey was such a beauty resource? When searching for "great at-home face masks," I was shocked by how many posts and reviews I read that include one, single ingredient - HONEY.

And as you can see, I had JUST enough for two face masks for my sister and I.

BEFORE: honey is ON!

AFTER: beauty with attiTUDE.

Thought Catalog: 10 Frustrating Gender Myths

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4. Ladies don’t curse.

Fuck you, man. There is absolutely no reason that peppering your conversations with curse words (or smothering them in swear-filled ranch dressing) makes you any less of a woman. In what alternate universe does inserting a “shit” or a “god damn” to an otherwise hum-drum, church-approved sentence negate your femininity? What, because you are a “lady,” your life is relegated to fainting on ornate couches and hiding your coquettish giggles behind your lace-trimmed fan? And what if I don’t want to be a lady? Frankly, I prefer to be a dame, or a broad — but even if I did want to be a lady, the idea that zesting a sentence up with a blue word would make that an impossibility is an insult to intelligent conversation. Sure, if your entire vocabulary is reduced to Jersey Shore-esque bleep sounds, you might want to pick up a dictionary and brush up on your communication skills. But being inarticulate knows no gender, and cursing certainly isn’t confined to the linguistic arsenal of manhood. Bitch.

{read the rest over at Thought Catalog}

I think it's time to ask the audience... Ladies, how often do you curse?



Ladies, how often do you curse?
	Never. I blush when I say "I have to go #2"
	Only when it's really deserved. And I mean really.
	Maybe, 1-2 times a day.
	More like, 3-5 times a day.
	I'd say 6-8 times a day will do.
	Probably 10 or more, but who's counting?
	Every F#CKing chance I get!
pollcode.com free polls

A Woman in Love

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It has been far too long...

My lovely friend Madalyn over at From These Lips has reminded me at least ten times this week how long it's been since I've blogged. Then today when she said, "U HAVE NOT BLOGGED SINCE MAY?!?!?!! shame on you" that is when I went fuck. So consider this my public message that I'm coming back. And to prove that I haven't been completely living in a hole the past 7 weeks, ouch. Here are 7 of my latest saved and favorited photos for your enjoyment. Missed you!

While forgetting I shattered my ankle skateboarding at 16, this photo reminded me incredibly how adorable tom boy babies are.

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Here is some sexy inspiration for you when trying to decide to workout or not. Yummm.

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Talk about a dream wall of goodness. Wanted.

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Such a blue-eyed beaut. Reminds me of Mickey Blue Eyes, the puppy we had in our family for such a short time before realizing our apartment has banned these cuties.

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A field of flowers. I could lie in one all day.

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One day, if I ever fit into a little kids size, ha! I'll pick this baby up.

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I am currently in succulent heaven. The grocery store nearest my apartment currently has a grip of these beauties for sale. Want, want, and more want.

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Goal #38: Do something completely spontaneous!

Spontaneity is probably one of the top sought after qualities people aim to be in their daily lives. The structure of having a continuous routine can make people koo-koo and therefore have this desire to break away from the monotony and just do somethin' crazay!

That, is not what I did.

I didn't set this goal because I'm too rigid and structured. While some may argue that my planning side definitely can come out more often than my spontaneous side, I am by far one of the lesser rigid members of Orange County. And with completing this goal, spontaneity kicked structure's ass!

And this is what happened...

Back story #1: Life is fucking hard. Period. Everyone knows it, and believe me! I know I'm not the only one fighting. Everyone is struggling with something. We're all fighting through bumps in the road to achieve an over-arching goal... whether it be finding that perfect career, the blissful relationship, that adorably-put-together-home, the bestest friends, the sweetest and most supportive family and the cutest pets. We're all going through life to reach that perfect plateau.

Through that bumpy road, some of those bumps are big, some of those valleys are low, and it can feel so hard and borderline unbearable.

Some days I find myself having to talk myself out of bed. Push myself to be presentable and not just a lazy mess. I'm literally giving myself a pep talk in the shower on most days, and praying so hard for positivity to push me through the day.

I can proudly say I get the job done, and by the time I'm standing in front of the barista at Starbucks, my coworkers, friends, family, puppy, I have a smile on my face. I have a pep in my attitude. I have hope for the sun to shine, because I have found a state of mind where I really am, hopeful.

If I couldn't acheive this state of mind, I would find myself holed up under the covers never to come out. Believe this.

And so, the planning side of things: I've been searching for a quote that I wanted to get tattooed that basically said, "life is hard, but keep moving forward." Something to remind me to keep my head up even at my lowest of lowest points, and serve as a visual pep talk that takes only a single look.

I would come across a few little lines here and there, but nothing ever stuck. Then one day I saw a photo of a girl's side-tattoo of this poster and I was furious! While I'm all about unique-make-it-your-own tattoos - that's what they're for anyways, right? - but this chick defamed this poster by changing the font, changing the crown, *grrrrr* oh my goodness!! *clenched-fists* I instantly thought, how could you ruin such an already perfect design??

And that's when it hit me.

Why am I searching for that perfect quote, when this crown says everything I could ever want it to say and more. Thanks to that awful tattoo, I decided, this is what I want - when I'm ready.

Back story #2: The poster. Not many people even know the history behind the Keep Calm and Carry On posters, but here's the make-a-long-story-short story... During WW2 the British gov't designed a series of morale-boosting-propaganda posters and used them across the country to motivate and uplift the people during the testing times that were to lay ahead.

Here's a quick three minute video that gives you the background, plus how it came to be commercialized:



Now, where spontaneity rules all: I had a rather tough week last week, followed by receiving some piss-poor news on Monday that completely thrusted me in one of the crappiest valleys of emotions where even a smile was just not going to happen.

The following morning I was going through some of my favorite blogs, one of which being Fuck Yeah, Tattoos! and I decided this needs to happen, today! I called my tattoo guy Todd at Ace's High in Fullerton, CA and not to my surprise he was completely booked up! Although he promised to call me if anyone cancelled and an opening would spring up, I was immediately bummed out and my spark was starting to fizzle.

I decided to, Keep Calm and Carry On with my day. I went home and started a mass amount of laundry and then *BOOM!* fate must have been on my side because one of his appointments finished extra early, and I found myself trying to decide if I was going to get this tattoo or finish drying my six loads of wet laundry (not an exaggeration). Todd gave me a window to get my shit done and get my ass in there no later than 8:30pm and I was in just under the clock. Next thing I knew, the stencil was on, needles were preped and it was done 'n' done.

I couldn't be happier.

For me, this tattoo symbolizes my daily motivation, my three-second morning pep talk, and my instantaneous reminder that no matter how hard life gets, keep my head up, Keep Calm and Carry On, because there's a light at the end of this tunnel.

Hump Day Fave: Compliments, Giving & Receiving!

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Who doesn't like a good compliment here and there? I know I sure do! Whether you're the giver or receiver of a compliment, you both really win. It feels good to receive them, and being able to make someone feel good - well, it just feels good! And for both my selfishness and attempts to "do good" reasons, this is something I've been extending more often as of late.

For instance, the other morning while standing in line at the coffee shop I was admiring the girl's scarf in front of me. There I was thinking to myself, that is a gorgeous scarf! I wonder where she got it? Is it new or an old favorite? hmmmm...

Well why the hell not just say it aloud?! What do I have to lose right?

So I tapped her shoulder and complimented her *seriously* gorgeous scarf.

What did I lose? Nothing.

What did I gain? A good conversation about the scarf she bought on her post-college trip to NYC, how she was sooo excited to bust it out this morning! and how I just made her morning!

Both her and I walked out with smiles on our faces.

Uhhh two words for you: win-win!

So the next time you're thinking to yourself, nice scarf!, cute shoes!, ohhhh I love that top!, or that's exactly how I want my hair! - I encourage you to say it aloud!

Spread the positive vibes and be excellent to each other!

Dear blank: mascara,

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Tell me... do you wear spectacles, contacts or are you a lucky 20/20?

I'm curious. I'm a contact girl.

Goal #64: Have a spa day with my sister

Thanks to my lovely sister, we had such a relaxing Sunday morning at Glen Ivy.  We enjoyed some refreshing beverages, dangled our feet in the relaxing jacuzzi, got a fresh pedicure side-by-side and finished our zen-like experience in some comfy chairs under the sun.

Thanks sister! Great birthday gift! Absolutely loved it.

Lucky Palette

If you don't know yet, let me tell you how badly I try to find the perfect palette as often as I can.  Rarely do I find one that meets all of my needs, wants, desires, etc.  But I always stop at counters in the mall or visit specific brands in Sephora, and I must say - this palette from Too Faced that Lucky featured in their February issue does not only hone in on the practical aspect of wearable colors, compact size and expected quality, but it also goes for a slim price of $19.50!

May I repeat, $19.50?!

Now I'm speechless.

I'll see you guys tomorrow...

It's Time For...

...a change.

Sometimes you come to a crossroads in your life,
That reveals a whole new you.
Something you’ve somehow missed before,
But now is in your view.

It’s like you're peering through a looking-glass,
A reflection you couldn’t see.
It’s like seeing your life through another lens,
A person you couldn’t be.

But whose lens is it anyways?
Is it yours or mine? Is it even real?

Real it is, for I’m seeing it now,
It’s more than within my grasp.

It’s at my fingertips,
And beneath my feet,
And in sync with every beat.

If seeing means a desire to make changes…

Then I give thanks to the crossroads,
And what it’s given me.
Thank goodness for the view,
And what I couldn’t see.

I give thanks for the looking-glass,
The reflection that will be.
Thank goodness for my new lens,
And the person that I’ll be.

Goal #31: Get a bikini wax

Just in time for my trip to Laughlin, I paid Miss Terri Hall a visit.  She was the nicest lady you'd probably ever meet.  With over 10 years in the business of business, she is not only experienced, but has great energy about her.  So, anyone in Orange County looking for a new Skin Care Specialist should pay her a visit at Kallisto Salon & Spa.  Oh, and word is she just might be looking into vajazzling in the near future, and airbrush tanning for a ridiculously reasonable price.  So give her a call and let her know I sent you!

Hot Yoga for 2 Please!

Two as in - two weeks, and two people!  My sister and I signed up for two weeks of hot yoga and started today at 6 AM this morning at a Fullerton studio called purple yoga.  The studio is small and quaint.  The instructors and members were kind and welcoming - a great start to our morning!

Hot yoga (also called Bikram yoga), is a demanding series of postures that are perfect for all ages and experience levels.  Every posture stretches and strengthens your body in the perfect sequence.  Let me tell you, this fabulous 80 minute class was smokin' hot in a 99 - 105 degree room and believe it or not, I loved it!

And! Now my sister can cross this off her DZP list! What a great start!

Happy Happy Birthday!

I remember the day this crazy blog began and I can't beleive it has already been a year!!! Well, Happy Birthday The Lime & The Coconut! I love love love pretty much everything that goes up on this blog and I just wanted to share some of my all time favorites that have either inspired me or just simply made me smile!!!

Here are some of my favorite posts over the past 365 days...

Fashion ...

If you know me.. I am a huge shopaholic and I cannot stay away from clothing websites to save my life. One of my new favorites of the year is http://www.lulus.com/ where I found my graduation dress that Erin posted about. This dress was so stinking comfortable and totally adorable! I got it in gray and am thinking of sporting it this weekend in San Diego for my 5 Year Anniversary!

Wedding...

Who ever thought of using cotton to make a wedding dress??! Well I think it is a genius idea and when my day comes I will definitely be sporting a cotton gown. This one is Erin's all time favorite and I can't deny it. The bottom of the gown zips off for two separate looks and I think it's incredible! I hope I see you wearing this some time in the near future!

Etsy...

I have yet to purchase from Etsy but I think the site is amazing and offers such great products. This is one of my favorites. If I was bold enough to wear this I definitely would.. Maybe I'll made a DZP list and put "Wear a daring accessory" on it and purchase this..

Books...

Erin recently completed this book for her DZP and handed it over to me and I cannot put it down! I find myself laughing out loud while on the stairmaster at the gym.. and then realizing I'm in public. Chelsea Handler is a genius in this book, and probably her other ones, if you haven't thought to pick this up - I strongly suggest you do! Just to be able to LAUGH

Family...
I love when I see posts about our family, friends, animals, etc. This is one of my favorite pictures of me and my lovely sister from over the years and I can't even tell you how much I love this woman. She's pretty incredible, to keep it short and sweet. This blog has thrived because of you and I just want to wish The Lime & The Coconut a Happy 1st Birthday!

<3 alex.dehart

Benefit Crazy!

This weekend I ventured over to the Benefit counter at Macy's to visit their brow bar I read about on their blog. Wow! The entire service was amazing. Not only do they wax your brows perfectly, they do your entire makeup for you which is included in the service. I was completely shocked with the pampered treatment I received! And because of it, I am now completely Benefit crazy in love with so many things!
You're Bluffing stick is my new best friend! I am a definitely a red faced woman when my face is clean of any sorts of makeup, and this stick allows you to apply the least amount of makeup to even out your overall skin tone.Erase Paste is something my girl Shans got me hooked on after she let me test drive the one she keeps on her at all times. It completely refreshes your entire face! Just dab a bit under your eyes and you look completely alert and awake. A must in the business world.

Now here is where my complete wish list begins for all my future purchases...

Sugar Bomb is one of their newest additions and its a great Spring shade. I love the four shades of peach, soft plum, shimmering pink and rose powders. It is subtly glamorous and instantly sexy.

You Rebel is awesome for fair-skinned rebels. It's defiantly different from any other tinted moisturizer I've ever tested out. It gives your complexion complete coverage, moisturizes and provides SPF protection all in one. What more can a girl ask for?

Play Sticks in paperdolls (my color) is seamlessly amazing! It's a cream to powder foundation stick that not only helps promote a healthy complexion it has a totally natural look.The Pocket Pal I've definitely talked about before, and I wasn't completely sold on it when I first tried it. But since I received a free gift from Benefit this weekend that included the Poise tint, I'm officially a fan of the Benetint in the form of the Pocket Pal. Their famous rose-tinted lip and cheek stain on one end and a shiny clear lip gloss on the other, a new must for me.

High Brow is a fun little pencil that you use to line the underneath of your brow and it makes your eyes and arches pop. It has a nice shimmery look that definitely adds a great highlight to compliment any shade of eyeshadow.

And that concludes my future makeup conquests. I will let you know as soon as I get these babies in hand and fill you in on any exciting details.

BaByliss Professional Hot Set

Check out this colorful hot set by BaByliss Pro offered at nearly a 40% discount by Amazon. This 30 roller set with ceramic and ionic technology is said to be a great product! I confirmed with my very reliable hair source, Jena Hagen who is an amazing hair stylist, that BaByliss Pro products are really great products to add to your collection.

Sephora Holiday Kits

Sephora has some blockbuster holiday kits this year that are seriously catching my eye and seriously worth checking out for anyone on your Secret Santa lists.

{bareMinerals: Sweet Obsessions}

{T3: Smooth Operator Set}

{smashbox: Lights, Camera, Action}

Hump Day Fav: Beauty Products

Here are a few of my favorite beauty products that I've tried and would recommend to anyone, anyday...
1. Philosophy's very own, at home, Oxygen Peel Kit

2. Bobby Brown's miracle Creamy Concealer Kit.

3. Smashbox's super light Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder.

4. MAC's ultimate palette, Pro Palette Eye Shadow X 15 (of your very own customizable choice colors)