Skincare Goodies

The other day, I came home and found a box left at my front door. It was a surprise package filled with skincare and makeup goodies! After a long day at work, this definitely made my day. This couldn't have showed up at a better time because I was telling myself a few days earlier that I need to visit Sephora and Nordies to replenish some skincare products.

Lancome Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector     1.7 oz     $109

It claims to "correct skin appearance of wrinkles, skin imperfections appear reduced, pores look tightened and complexion more even". Reviewers say that it's one of the best skincare products that people have used, loved it, totally recommend it, would buy again, and it has significantly transformed their skin.

Lancome Huile Douceur     6.8 oz     $37

It's a "remove all deep cleansing oil for face and eyes". Reviewers state it's an excellent cleanser but it's too oily for some people.

Lancome Savon Fraichelle     6.8 oz     $32

It's a body cleansing gel. It smells really strong fresh scent, and has great reviews.

Lancome Color Design Pallette     $49

It is an eye brightening all-in-one 5 shadow and liner palette. I looked online and it comes in a ridiculous number of palette combinations. The one I have is Golden Frenzy 103.

Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara     $28

It's a waterproof mascara that has pretty good reviews.

Lancome Artliner   $30

A liquid eyeliner. I've been very used to using an eyeliner brush with MAC's Fluidline for years and have had no problems. Some people say it dries out, but I haven't had the issue for the past few Fluidline's I've purchased. Instead, I have the drying out problem with my Paint Pots.

Kiehl's Calendula Herbal Extract Toner, Alcohol-Free    $35

It is an alcohol-free toner for normal to oily skin type. I have the 16.9 oz bottle and use it everyday. This was a pleasant surprise because this is one of my routine skincare items that I would have purchased again.

Vichy Laboratories Capital Soleil 50 Sunscreen      $30

Sunscreen is a must, and I was getting bored with my Laura Mercier and Kiehl's sunscreen/SPF moisturizers. This is a non-greasy, non-sticky, air mousse, multi-layer protection from UVA/UVB rays + free radical damage. It's oil-free, alcohol free, non comedogenic, and allergy tested.

I'm very excited to try out all these products, and I'll be doing some reviews.

Side Topic: I bought a pair of pinkish/nude ballet flats from Miu Miu, which I'm still debating whether or not it's a keeper. It's still sitting in the box. I've taken it out to wear around the house twice and feel they are okay. I'm not completely sold on them, as I find the AGL ballet flats (just bought the AGL's after these Miu Miu's) are a lot more comfortable and has good support. The Miu Miu flats are cute, very casual, and I love the color. I'm concerned about how comfortable it will be if for a weekend day out.

First Home

In two days, we are closing escrow! This is my biggest purchase and my very first home!

Here at the accounting firm, it is the busiest of the busiest time of year. This is just about the toughest time I could put myself in the position of going through escrow. Especially being a first timer, I would have definitely chose any other time to purchase if I had known just how much work really goes in to acquiring property, whether it's personal, rental, commercial, you name it.

Luckily for me, I've had so many wonderful friends and family to help guide me through this journey that opens the next chapter of my life. Everyone has been so caring and attentive when I ask for advice. It's such an honor to have amazing people who share their best resources with you and give you advice on decisions as if the situation was truly their own.

To sit back and realize just how crazy I am,  even my boss, who has been really getting into investment property has told agents to stop calling until tax season is over. He's someone who will jump at most opportunities. As for myself, I've been meeting with my agent on weekends, before work, after work, in-between work. Everyday, I find myself yawning and sigh-ing. I'm completely exhausted.

Instead of shopping and lusting over bags and shoes, I find myself at furniture stores and the Home Depot more than I ever thought I would step foot in during my lifetime.

To all you CPA's out there, don't buy a house during tax season unless you have family or assistants of some sort to help you!!

Three things that I've learned:

1. Take one day by one day.
2. Always be positive and smile.
3. Don't be afraid to let go. While packing, I realized how much of a hoarder I am of certain things I should have tossed or donated ages ago. Stop accumulating!!

Happy tax season!