Wednesday, July 12, 2017

The Test Lab: My Mane Care Hair Mask



Welcome back to the test lab friends! This week I decided I had used enough Sun-In in my hair to cause major dryness and breakage, so it was time to do some damage control. I headed to Ulta with my birthday reward in hand and stumbled upon this packet near the checkout counter. 
This My Mane Care Hydrating Mask is vegan, cruelty free, and filled with great ingredients! Nutrients in Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, Broccoli, Avocado Oil, and Coconut Oil left my hair feeling really soft. It was extremely easy to use which is always a plus for me, and it smells amazing. I used about half the packet to coat my hair from root to tip, then clipped it up and killed time for half an hour. The formula wasn't drippy and didn't dry or get sticky in my hair. 
After letting it sit for half an hour, I followed with my usual shower routine. I could tell after washing and conditioning my hair that it definitely felt smooth and easy to comb through. I tried to let my hair air dry for as long as possible, hit it with a blow-dryer before bed. My hair was definitely uber shiny- and still is the next night! My hair is a little more oily than usual, but I'm not complaining, my hair needs the moisture! 
I look forward to seeing how my hair responds after using this mask again in the coming weeks. So far though, I highly recommend if you're looking for something that adds a lot of moisture and smells SO good. It is an oil mask, so I don't suggest it if you have trouble with a greasy scalp, but the company has a few different varieties so I definitely encourage you to check them out! 


*This post is not sponsored*

Thursday, June 29, 2017

A New Start

Well hello again pals.

It's been a while hasn't it? I got distracted. I was working full time, I graduated, I was enjoying my post-grad/pre-adult life panic free existence for a few days. 

Well guess what?- ya girl is back and better then ever before. Messy & Thriving will be getting a make-over! Not only will our content be getting a face lift, but also the blog layouts and our logos! And why not change around our Instagram theme while we're at it? Keep your eyes peeled for our new Facebook page as well! This will be another platform for me to share the latest posts, and latest pics! As always, you can find us under "Messy And Thriving". 

I am excited for the future with you guys! I think it's going to be a good one. Now that I'm done with school, I will have the time to focus on making this blog the best it can be. Let me know what you want to see featured on here! More DIY's? OOTD posts? Travel posts? I'm up for ANYTHING. 
Happy summer y'all! 

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

The Test Lab: Garnier Micellar Water


Hey Pals,

It's been a while since we entered the The Test Lab! I recently purchased the Garnier Micellar Water. Now that I've been using it for about a month- I wanted to give you my thoughts!


First of all- it's so easy to use. I usually pour some on to a cotton pad and apply it to my skin in circular motions starting with my eyes (because that's where the most gunk is!) The water really breaks down my mascara, and takes off the rest of my makeup easily. I'm usually done after wiping down with just two cotton rounds.

I really like this product because there really isn't much to it. There aren't a million chemicals, it's really light weight, and it's not harmful to my sensitive skin. It smells really clean, and it doesn't kill you if you accidentally get it into your eyes.

Here's the problem- it's winter. The air is freezing. My skin is already dry. This product- thought it claims to be hydrating, really dries out my skin. I had irritated dry patches after a week or so of using it. I had to really amp up my moisturizer routine after using this product which maybe isn't such a bad thing, but still I expected it to add to my moisturizing routine, not so drastically negate it.

Overall, I recommend this product. It's so easy to use, it is a great tool for those late nights when you feel like you just don't have it in you to take care of your skin, and it really is pretty natural. Just be careful if you have sensitive skin like I do, and make sure to moisturize daily!

Monday, January 16, 2017

First Week of Spring Semester Inspiration

Well hello pals.
The time is here. Spring semester is beginning! If you're like me, you're feeling excited, exhausted, stressed, and definitely behind on packing.
I'm here to tell you you're not alone! I'm sitting in my dorm right now, in my pajamas ready to head off to bed before starting my spring internship tomorrow. My winter break sailed by, I have so many things I didn't get to do, and my bank account is frighteningly low.
I am here to help you get through the first week struggle. Scroll down for some cute puppies, inspiring women, and quotes that will push you towards success.

 The first day sucks. Being away from family again takes its toll, but girl you got this! Keep your eye on the prize and look at this new semester as 4 months of opportunities. 


This cute little pup would be terribly upset if he knew you were feeling down in the dumps! Buck up and take on the day with a smile! (For the pups sake of course) 
So your first day wasn't so great? Don't stress! Tomorrow will come, full of new opportunities and new chances to do something incredible. 


This queen inspired little girls to be strong, and taught us all that being smart was something to be proud of! If Emma Watson could be a major movie star, an advocate for education and women's rights, AND graduate from Brown- you can get through today, I swear. 


Make today the day you start to fight for what you love, and do what brings you joy. 


Take time for yourself. Go for a drive, get yourself a delightful iced caramel latte with almond milk. Self care is so important. You don't have to be superwoman all the time! Take a nap, read a book,ease yourself back into the school routine. 


LEAVE F**K BOYS IN THE FALL SEMESTER. You have no time for them, this semester is the one where you find happiness in yourself.


Don't worry about other people. Seriously. Just do you. Make this semester about you and your own success! Don't compare yourself, don't stress about the competition, just be proud of yourself. Every day you do something remarkable, no matter how small. 


You got this. Breathe.
Happy Spring 2017. <3

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Favorite Christmas Cookie Recipes

Hey Y'all! 
When we get close to the holidays, I absolutely love to bake. Something about warm cookies in the cold weather puts an instant smile on my face! I have celiac disease, so these recipes are modified to fit a gluten free diet, but feel free to use regular flour if necessary! 
I hope you enjoy! 

Snowball Cookies


Ingredients:
              1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, lightly softened
              5 tablespoons granulated sugar
              2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
              1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
              2 cups all-purpose Red Mill Gluten-Free flour
              2 cups finely chopped walnuts (Optional)
              1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar for dusting 


Prep:
1. Cream together butter and sugar, beat in the vanilla and salt
2, Gradually add gluten free flour; beating after each addition
3. Stir in the nuts; mix until fully incorporated (optional)
4. Divide dough in half and refrigerate in plastic wrap for approximately 45 minutes
5. Arrange oven rack in middle of oven and preheat to 350ºF. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside. Place confectioners’ sugar in a small bowl; set aside
6, Measure dough using a small, 1-inch spring-loaded scoop making sure each scoopful is level
7. Roll dough between palms of hands to achieve a small rounded ball
8. Place dough balls 1½ inches apart on prepared baking sheets
9. Bake in preheated oven until the cookies are just beginning to brown, about 12 to 14 minutes. The underside of the cookies should be only lightly browned
10. Cool cookies on baking sheets on wire racks for approximately 2 minutes
11. While cookies are still warm, gently roll them in the confectioners’ sugar. Place the sugar-coated cookies on wire racks to cool completely. 
12. Roll cookies once again in the confectioners’ sugar.




Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies


Ingredients:


                1/2 cup Butter
                1/2 cup Peanut Butter
                1/2 cup Sugar
                1/2 cup Brown Sugar
                1 tsp Vanilla
                1 Egg
                1 1/3 cup Gluten-Free Flour
                1 tsp Baking Soda
                1/2 tsp Salt
                24 Hershey Kisses (unwrapped)

Prep:

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Cream together peanut butter, butter, sugar and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Add egg and vanilla and beat until smooth.
4. Whisk together flour, baking soda and salt in a separate bowl.
5. Slowly add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, beating until incorporated.
6. Roll into 1″ balls and place on cookie sheet several inches apart.
7. Gently make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
8. Bake 12-14 minutes.
9. Place a Hershey Kiss in the center of each cookie.



Monster Cookies


Ingredients: 
                     1/2 cup softened butter, margarine or coconut oil
                       1 cup packed brown sugar
                         1 cup sugar
                           1 1/2 cups peanut butter (I prefer using creamy, but you can use crunchy)
                             3 eggs
                               2 tsp. baking soda
                                 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
                                   4 1/2 cups gluten-free rolled oats or instant oats
                                     1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
                                       1 cup plain M&M's
                      Prep: 
                      1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
                      2. In a bowl, cream together butter, sugars, peanut butter and eggs until light.
                      3. Add baking soda, vanilla extract, and gluten-free oats and mix on low speed until well mixed.
                      4. Stir in chocolate chips and plain M&M's.
                      5. Use a large cookie scoop to scoop rounded balls of dough and place on lined cookie sheets, leaving space between them for them to spread. I only do 12 per cookie sheet, less if using a smaller sized sheet.
                      6. Bake at 350° for 10-15 or until they don't look gooey in the center. These are better slightly under-cooked than overcooked.
                      7. Remove from oven and leave on the cookie sheet for a couple of minutes before moving cookies to wire racks to cool.

                      Friday, December 9, 2016

                      Holiday Gift Guide for Moms

                      Welcome Back!
                      I'm here to hit ya with some snazzy gift ideas for mom! I know with my mom especially, it's sometimes hard to figure out a great gift that doesn't break the bank, and isn't too generic like a necklace with a heart pendant, or a cookbook.

                      So here we go!

                      1. FitBit
                          It can be so hard for moms to get out and get movin', but having a FitBit tracker can really work wonders! Hey if it got my butt off the couch, it can help anyone! These can be used to track your steps, to track you sleep, to log your water, and to monitor your activity levels. Plus they come in a ton of fun colors!

                      2. Outlander DVD Set
                          All moms love this show. I don't get it. It's about time travelers in Scotland, the leading man is heckin' sexy. So get your mom a box of chocolate and this box set so she can transport herself to the land of kilts and swords. 

                      3. Facial Gift Set
                          Let Mom pamper herself for once! Sephora has a ton of different gift sets with fancy face masks and serums available in a variety of price ranges which is awesome! Check out this one from Boscia- only $39 for $75 worth of products! 
                      4, So here's the deal with Slow Cookers- they're genius. You put all the ingredients in one pot and then leave it there for like 8 hours. Suddenly you have MAGIC when it's time for dinner! These are a lifesaver for busy moms, and families in general because you can make a large portion. 

                      5. Smart Phone Gloves
                          Because now mom can poke at her phone and text with her index finger even when it's snowing.


                       6. Fancy Sunglasses
                          Because mom deserves more than the Target clearance section, try some designer shades this holiday season. They might be a bit on the pricey side, but hey she squeezed you out the day you were born, she probably deserves it. This super cute pair from Warby Parker are under $100!

                      7. Netflix Giftcard
                          Let mom have an hour an a half to herself to sit and cry watching Love Actually for the third time!! She deserves it!!!
                      8. Silk Pillowcase
                          This is a perfect example of a gift that mom really needs, but would never buy herself. Silk pillowcases are great for your skin and hair. They're breathable, and they don't get hot and sweaty like normal pillowcases do! Every time she lays down it will feel like she's at a fancy hotel

                      9. Heated Blowout Brush
                          This is a killer multipurpose tool and perfect for moms on the go! They can give their hair a slight curl and great lift without having to use 4 different tools and 10 different products. This one from Amika works WONDERS!

                      10. Fancy Champagne
                          Who doesn't love alcohol for Christmas?


                      So who will we conquer next week? You'll have to come back to find out!
                      xoxo, Courtney