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Holy Headspace: 10 Days of Guided Meditation

Meditation is a beautiful thing, and there are so many ways to practice it. After a bit of a down spell, I decided to try guided meditation with Headspace. I had previously heard about Headspace through multiple podcasts that I listen to. It seemed simple enough, it was free, and it was only a few minutes a day. So, I wrote a little entry for each day that I did it... Check it out!

Lately, I've been unbelievably angry. For nearly 3 weeks now, I haven't been able to go a single day without having a moment where I can actually feel anger well up inside my chest, and I really don't like it. At first, I figured it was because my time of the month was approaching, and mood swings are a big sign of PMS for me. Then when PMS was no longer able to be blamed, I thought maybe I was just a little stressed, then the anger continued. And, honestly, I can't take it anymore. I was miserable being angry all the time. So, I decided I had to do something about it. I had done guided meditation a couple of times before, but have never really thought to take it up regularly. Regular meditation wouldn't do, simply because I cannot keep my mind from wandering. I looked around for a few apps, and settled on Headspace simply because I had heard of it before. I thought it would be a great idea to log my experience and share it with anyone else looking to dispel their anger, or maybe for those just wanting to give guided meditation a try.

Day 1: I have just finished my first day of Headspace's Basics 1 pack. I was given the option of a 3 or 5 minute meditation, and opted for 3 since it was my first session.  I loved the guide's voice; he was soothing and evenly paced. I felt relaxed very relaxed after, although I noticed my mind wandering easily during the session. The one thing that threw me off was the guide would give pause, my mind would wander, then he would encourage me to let my mind wander. It kind of pulled me out of the experience. When the session was complete, I did feel incredibly relaxed. I didn't want the session to be over, and I didn't even want to lift my arms. Right after I was finished meditating, my fiance called me. He is working out of town, so I was excited to talk to him. Unfortunately, he immediately began to talk about work, and I felt myself tensing back up and becoming angry. Then, the fact that I was instantly angry after just having meditated made me even more angry, and I could feel it building. Luckily, he noticed I was getting angry and quickly changed the subject. i explained that I was trying to quell my angry with guided meditation, and he was quite supportive. So far, I'm quite impressed with Headspace. I was able to set reminders for when I get home from work, They recommended different courses based on what I want to get out of the meditation, and the app is quite simple and easy to navigate.

Day 2: Today was not so great. I felt antsy and couldn't even focus when the guide was talking. I did another 3 minute session, but it felt like no time. I could feel how tense my legs were, even at the end of the session. I kept yawning during the breathing exercise which really took me out of the session.

Ended up having to skip a day, had a dentist appointment and was on pain medication, so meditation seemed counter-intuitive.

Day 3: I love the little reminder notes at the beginning before the session starts. Encourages weird animation videos. Haven't even watched them. Don't even really wan to do it today, just not feeling it. The exercise seemed futile today. I was annoyed through the whole thing just at the fact of doing it. I had an extra stressful work day, so perhaps I carried the anger through the exercise. And I got a text in the middle and definitely opened my eyes to see who it was

Day 4:  This is starting to feel like a chore. I had a really annoying day, and this is the last thing I want to do today. And the guide constantly mentions "allowing thoughts to come and go...", which is something I do on a daily basis, so what is the point of the meditation?! What was really neat today was that I found myself falling into my meditation breathing before he even mentioned it, although meditation breathing makes me yawn over and over. Whenever he mentions the mind wondering off, all I notice is that I'm pre-writing the daily entry and critiquing in my head. I actually laughed out loud at something the guide said about "falling asleep.”

Day 5: It's been a rainy relaxing day, in which I am forever ready to meditate. But relaxing along with meditation breathing just makes me yawn, and not only does that really put me out of the session, it makes my locked jaw really hurt. Please stop telling me to watch the animation. I have not watched a single one, and I refuse to "study" before meditation. Today was wonderful though. I let my mind wander freely, as suggested, and I honestly don't know if I heard even a quarter of what the guide said. I feel relaxed and free of my anger and anxieties that I pushed aside this morning.

Day 6:

Day 7:

Day 8:

Day 9:

Day 10:

Needless to say, I only made it halfway through. It was really hard. When I was upset or angry, the last thing I wanted was someone telling me to relax and breathe. It may be the right thing for some people, and it may help me at a different time, but for now it’s a hard habit to create and keep.

Have you ever had a chance to use this app? What was your experience? Did it help you? Let me know!

Thanks for droppin’ in!

[taylorhuestonlifestyleblog-blog]

A Weekend in D.C.

I'm headed to Washington, D.C.! By the time that this post goes up, I will be at least 4 hours into my 10 hour drive. I am making this 10 hour drive excitedly to visit my fiance while he is out of town for work. I didn't dare leave him alone on his birthday! I am also quite excited to visit this wonderful city that has been on my bucket list since I was a kid. I only have two days to see the city, and such a list! Where do I start?!

Smithsonian Museum - Free

There is nothing more exciting than 19 museums in 1, with everything from Art to Space to Natural History!

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier/Changing of the Guards - Free

A somber monument dedicated to the unknown soldier and all the soldiers killed in war, that deserves my respectful visit.

Library of Congress - Free

The biggest library in the world.. What else can I say?

Lincoln Memorial - Free

I mostly have to see this one in person because I have seen it so many times on television. 

White House - Free

1600 Pennsylvania Ave... I didn't memorize that address in elementary school to not see it.

JFK Gravesite - Free

Another monument that deserves a respectful visit.

Washington Monument - Free

The ultimate American phallic symbol.

Capital Building - Free

I've actually heard that this building is immensely beautiful on the inside, with a fascinating history.

National Mall - Free

It's a giant mall.

National Archives - Free

I want to see where Nic Cage stole the Declaration of Independence from.

Mt Vernon - $20/person

I hear they sell George Washington's beer recipe and Martha Washington's ice cream recipe.

National Gallery of Art - Free

One of the finer Art museums on the east coast.

Washington National Cathedral - $12/person

There's a rumor that there is a Darth Vader head somewhere on the building as a result of a contest in the 1970's.

International Spy Museum - $21.95/person

A great place to check out some of the neater spy stories in American history.

Ford's Theatre - $3/person

A tour of tragedy. You can follow a guide through Lincoln's assassination.

JFK Performing Arts Center - Free

Nothing like a 16th century chandelier to draw people in. The performances are probably good, too.

CityCenterDC - Free

A shopping area that usually has local artwork throughout.

I've been looking forward to seeing this city for almost 20 years, and I hope that the incoming Hurricane Florence doesn't put a damper on my trip. The important part is that I get to spend the weekend with my fiance on his birthday. I guess we will have to see.

Have you ever visited Washington, D.C.? What were your favorite attractions? Did it live up to your expectations? Let me know what you thought!

Thanks for droppin' in!

[taylorhuestonlifestyleblog-blog]

Old House Issues: What to Expect

Old houses are beautiful. They come with history, character, and a special feeling you don't get in a recently built home. Unfortunately, most of the time they also come up with problems that new homeowners wouldn't have to deal with for another 50 years. When I first moved into my 114-year-old house, I was ecstatic. It was beautifully built, with a rich history, on one of the large lots in town. About 6 months in, the problems started. Sagging floors, plumbing issues, 2-pronged (ungrounded) electrical outlets, etc. The list went on and on. Then I started looking at other people's stories of their old houses, and they all seem to be about the same. So, here are a few of the most common problems in old homes.

Hazardous Building Materials

Do lead paint, asbestos insulation, and carbon monoxide worry you? Maybe an old home isn't for you, because unless your home has been completely gutted and redone by a professional, all of these things are a possibility. Lead paint was banned from use in 1978. most spray-on asbestos products were banned in 1973, which was pretty early compared to some others, but it wasn't fully banned until 1989! And let's not even get started on how much carbon monoxide your old furnace might be putting out. Let's just say that if you are a worrier, then maybe old un-remodeled houses aren't for you.

Electrical

If your house is 50+ years old, then you've had 50+ years of electrical work done. That also equals 50+ years of different electricians, and 50+ years of electrical technology advancement. Unless your home was owned by an electrician or a millionaire, your wiring is not consistent. All of the outlets in my house, but four are 2-prong outlets. And I'm not even sure that the 3-prong outlets are actually grounded. The only outlet in my house that I know is completely safe is the 220-volt for the stove, and that is because we had it put in when we moved in.

Plumbing

Let's just start with the fact that lead piping was acceptable according to the U.S. National Plumbing Code until the 1980's. Old home plumbing is kind of like electrical, inconsistent. I'm currently having plumbing issues, and we found a segment of copper pipe connected on one end with cast iron and on the other with PVC. A month or so ago, we replaced the PVC drainage pipe under our sink, only to find out that the lines running to the sink are sweated copper. Needless to say, it's a bit of a mess.

Critters

With lots of nooks and crannies, critters tend to get into old houses. One thing that I learned growing up in an old house in the country is that September through December is mouse season. With animals knowing that winter is coming and with farmer's harvesting crops and running things out of their fields, mice are looking for a place to stay. So, you're either looking at lots of mouse traps, or like us, you can get yourself a good mousing cat. Hint: Black cats tend to be the best hunters.

If you're looking for an old house with charm and character, make sure that you are ready to deal with its demons as well. Also, remember that some of these issues have to be dealt with by trained professionals, so if you want them dealt with you will have to pay upfront. And don't forget... Old houses are always haunted.

Thanks for droppin' in!

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Expectation vs. Reality: Starting a Blog

It's been a month and a half or so since I started this blog, and it is much different than I expected it to be. As Craig Lounsbrough said, 'Most often, what I don’t know will have a vastly greater bearing on my life that what I do know.' So, here is what I thought vs what I have found out about starting a blog.

Connection

Expectation

When I started blogging, I thought that there would be an instant connection between myself and my readers. I would make great blogging friends, and feel like I was a part of something bigger than myself.

Reality

Blogging feels like high school.  There are the popular kids, and the cliques, and the kids that don't fit in. And strangely, I still feel like the kid that doesn't fit in. Maybe I haven't found my niche yet, or maybe just my click, but it is dicuraging to not feel supported that people that have so much in common with you.

Posting

Expectation

I have lists upon lists of blog post ideas. I have an opinion on everything. And I have certainly never have had a problem sharing my thoughts. Blog posting should be simple, right? I have tons to say.

Reality

I have nothing to say. I have lists upon lists upon lists of ideas, and absolutely NOTHING to write. How is it even possible that I decided to start a blog, and genuinely hate the thought of people reading my work. How?

Money

Expectation

I'll be honest. I thought I could make a little side cash. There are articles all over the internet about how to monetize your blog in three easy steps. Three steps is simple. Anything that can be done in three steps has to be effective.

Reality

I work harder on this blog that I do my full time job for absolutely no pay. I would work for pennies at this point, and be damn proud of it... But a this point, I will take three views and no pennies.

Lifestyle

Expectation

I can wear makeup and do my hair and dress cute all the time. I am always doing really cool things that I will use in my blog and Instagram posts. People will definitely want to be me.

Reality

I literally sit at home constantly, and I got mad the other day because I tried to put mascara on before work and messed it up. I can't pretend to be this person.

I've learned that blogging is not easy, and it definitely is not what I thought it would be. I have learned one thing about blogging that I didn't expect, but has surprised me. I learned that blogging has forced me to think, not only about myself, but about everything that I want to be.

Thanks for droppin' in!

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Mental Health: My Journey with Depression

My name is Taylor Hueston, I am 27 years old, and I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety at the age of 20. I think, perhaps, I should have been diagnosed earlier, at 16 or 17 when I first considered suicide. I should have been diagnosed, but I never went to the doctor. And I never went to doctor because no one ever told me that what I was feeling wasn't healthy. Almost 4 years later, I would have to find out the hard way. Three weeks before my 21st birthday, I would be rushed to the hospital in an ambulance and would stay there for the next 14 days. Those 14 days changed my life. I had to hit rock bottom, before I would find out how strong I really was.

Please be advised, some of the content in this article may be triggering for those with depression, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety.

I went to a small college to play softball, the sport I had loved for many years. I had spent my entire life preparing for this, and wanted nothing more than to take advantage of it. Little did I know, it was not in the cards. The day before I was supposed to move to college, I was in a car accident that kept me from playing for my whole first semester. After that, things were never the same. I partied too much, I stayed up to late, I didn't practice enough. Then summer came, and things changed, although I wouldn't be able to see it until much later. I wasn't eating. I didn't go out. I had no desire to play the game that I loved. I wasn't who I used to be, and I ended my two years of college softball on the lowest note of my athletic career. I was devastated. 

I soon moved to a new town, closer to home, but still about an hour's drive. I started my first job, waiting tables; I enrolled in classes, my dream was to be a dietitian; and I met a guy. Things went really well for about a month. Then the news came that my dad was terminally ill, organ failure, and without a transplant he had 18 months to live. I though that my life couldn't go any lower, and fate had proven me wrong. I ate less than before. The only time I was productive was at work. The guy I was with cheated on me and left. I was sleeping 18 hours a day. And then classes started.

The first few weeks of school went by like a blur. I met a few friends, and I thought things were going well. Then, one day I pulled into a full school parking lot, and I lost it. I had my first ever panic attack because I couldn't find a parking spot, and it felt like the hardest thing I had ever faced. I know now that it was more than a parking spot that triggered me, but I didn't at the time and I felt ridiculous. I didn't make it to class that day... Or the next. By the end of September, a mere month and a half into the semester, I was having panic attacks everyday, I had missed all but two of my English classes. I was spiraling, and the suicidal thoughts had set in.

It has been almost 7 years since I spent time in that hospital. I still have good and bad days, and sometime good and bad months, but the longer I am acquainted with my depression the easier it is to control. For the first few years, I was on and off my medication whenever it suited me, but I quickly learned that I wasn't a person that could stay healthy without it. I have now been on my medicine for three years straight. I still have ups and downs, bad days and good, but the bad days are easier without a chemical imbalance. 

I can't remember what my life was life before my depression. I don't remember not being worried that a bad day will turn into a bad month. What I do remember is feeling desperate and not having an answer. I can live with depression. All I need is the knowledge of what is happening a the support and understanding of those around me.

You are not alone.

If you feel that you have depression, please talk to your doctor. Help is the first step to healing. If you are feeling suicidal please talk to a friend or click this link to find your local suicide prevention hotline. I promise there is always someone there for you.

Thanks for droppin' in!

[taylorhuestonlifestyleblog-blog]

My Top Ten True Crime Podcasts

I spend a lot of time on a computer, so I always need something to fill the silences. Since I am not much of a music person, I listen to a lot of podcasts. Currently, many of my favorite podcasts are true crime, which is definitely not for everyone, but I enjoy the psychology behind it. Since I spend so much of my time listening to these podcasts, I though I would share them with you. In no particular order, here are my favorites.

Serial

Creator: This American Life

Episodes: 23 over two seasons

Episode Length: 1 hour or less

"Serial is a podcast from the creators of This American Life, hosted by Sarah Koenig. Serial tells one story—a true story—over the course of a season. Each season, we follow a plot and characters wherever they take us. We won’t know what happens at the end until we get there, not long before you get there with us. Each week we bring you the next chapter in the story, so it's important to listen to the episodes in order. Serial has won several awards, including the Peabody, Edward R. Murrow, duPont-Columbia, Scripps Howard, and Silver Gavel Award for Media and the Arts. Serial, like This American Life, is produced in collaboration with WBEZ Chicago."

  S-Town

Creator: Serial and This American Life

Episodes: 7

Episode Length: ~1 hour

"S-Town is a new podcast from Serial and This American Life, hosted by Brian Reed, about a man named John who despises his Alabama town and decides to do something about it. He asks Brian to investigate the son of a wealthy family who’s allegedly been bragging that he got away with murder. But then someone else ends up dead, and the search for the truth leads to a nasty feud, a hunt for hidden treasure, and an unearthing of the mysteries of one man’s life. Brian, a longtime This American Life producer, started reporting this story more than three years ago, when he got an email from John with the subject line “John B McLemore lives in Shittown Alabama.” S-Town is part of Serial Productions, a production company from Serial and This American Life."

 Accused

Creator: Wondery

Episodes: 20 over two seasons

Episode Length: Less than 1 hour

"Season 1: When Elizabeth Andes was found murdered in her Ohio apartment in 1978, police and prosecutors decided within hours it was an open-and-shut case. Two juries disagreed. The Cincinnati Enquirer investigates: Was the right guy charged, or did a killer walk free?"

Up and Vanished

Creator: Payne Linsey of Tenderfoot TV

Episodes: 66

Episode Length: Less than 1 hour

"Atlanta filmmaker Payne Lindsey of Tenderfoot TV originally envisioned Up and Vanished as a true-crime documentary. Lindsey selected a missing-person case from his home state, Georgia, and embarked on a journey as an amateur investigator. After starting his research and initial interviews, he decided to present the project in audio form as a podcast. Season 1 of Up and Vanished explored the 2005 disappearance of beauty queen and high school teacher Tara Grinstead from her home in Ocilla, Georgia. The cold case was the largest case file in the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s history, with no arrests in 11 years. The podcast quickly drew attention, both in South Georgia and nationwide. Reviewing old leads and uncovering new ones, Up and Vanished quickly expanded from a planned six-episode season to a final count of 24 episodes with numerous bonus episodes. As the people of Ocilla began talking about the case again, new leads and stories emerged. In February 2017, the GBI arrested two suspects for Grinstead’s murder. Up and Vanished will continue to provide updates on this no-longer-cold case as the criminal trial proceeds in 2018. A second season of Up and Vanished, covering a completely different true crime story, will debut on August 20, 2018."

Atlanta Monster

Creator: The producers of of Up and Vanished, Tenderfoot TV, and HowStuffWorks

Episodes: 19

Episode Length:  Less than 1 hour

"From the producers of Up and Vanished, Tenderfoot TV and HowStuffWorks present, ‘Atlanta Monster.’ This true crime podcast tells the story of one of the city’s darkest secrets, The Atlanta Child Murders. Nearly 40 years after these horrific crimes, many questions still remain. Host Payne Lindsey aims to find truth and provide closure, reexamining the disappearance and murder of over 25 African American children and young adults."

Serial Killers

Creator: Parcast

Episodes: 78

Episode Length: ~1 hour

"Serial Killers takes a psychological and entertaining approach to provide a rare glimpse into the mind, methods and madness of the most notorious serial killers with the hopes of better understanding their psychological profile. With the help of real recordings and voice actors, we delve deep into their lives and stories."

Someone Knows Something

Creator: CBC Radio

Episodes: 34 over four seasons

Episode Length: From 10 minutes to over 1 hour

"Someone Knows Something is a podcast by Canadian award-winning filmmaker and writer David Ridgen, first released in March 2016. The series is hosted, written and produced by Ridgen and mixed by Cesil Fernandes. Using investigative journalism, Ridgen narrates a nonfiction story about a criminal cold case over multiple episodes. Episodes are released on a weekly basis; most of the Season 1 episodes ranged from 15 to 40 minutes in length, with Season 2 episodes ranging between 32 and 80 minutes in length. Season 3 was released in November of 2017. Season 4 began in February of 2018. Someone Knows Something is Ridgen's first podcast experience; it is also CBC Radio's first true-crime podcast. Episodes of Someone Knows Something are also sometimes broadcast on CBC Radio One as substitute programming, such as on public holidays and during the summer when some of its regular shows are on hiatus."

Missing & Murdered

Creator: CBC Radio

Episodes: 18 over 2 seasons

Episode Length: ~1 hour

"Connie Walker is a senior investigative reporter whose most recent work focuses on unsolved cases and root causes of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.  She was nominated 'Best Host in a Web Program or Series' by the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television in 2018 for her work on Missing & Murdered: Who Killed Alberta Williams?, and in 2017 received a YWCA Women of Distinction Award.  Walker's work on the first season of Missing & Murdered was also nominated for a 2017 Webby Award for best podcast, and received the RTDNA's Adrienne Clarkson Award.  Walker is Cree, from the Okanese First Nation, in Saskatchewan. She lives with her family in Toronto."

Hollywood & Crime

Creator: Wondery

Episodes: 39 over 3 seasons

Episode Length: ~30 minutes

"Hollywood and Crime is a ground-breaking true crime series about the most infamous murders in Tinseltown history. In our twenty-six episode series opener, The Black Dahlia Serial Killers, host Tracy Pattin investigates the sensational unsolved murder of Elizabeth Short. Known as the Black Dahlia, Short was a star-struck young woman whose body was found completely severed at the waist in January 1947. Many remember her tragic story, yet few know that more than a dozen other women died in similar circumstances around that same time."

Dirty John

Creator: Wondery

Episodes: 8

Episode Length: ~40 minutes

"Debra Newell is a successful interior designer. She meets John Meehan, a handsome man who seems to check all the boxes: attentive, available, just back from a year in Iraq with Doctors Without Borders. But her family doesn’t like John, and they get entangled in an increasingly complex web of love, deception, forgiveness, denial, and ultimately, survival. Reported and hosted by Christopher Goffard from the L.A. Times."

If you have any interest in true crime, or are looking to break into the world of podcasts, I would definitely recommend starting somewhere on this list. Without many of these podcasts, I think I would have lost my wits long ago!

What are some of your favorite podcasts or genres? Have you listened to any of the ones previously mentioned? Would you add anything to this list?

Thanks for droppin' in!

[taylorhuestonlifestyleblog-blog]

What a Boy Wants: Gifts for Him

My fiance's birthday is only about a month away, and I need to start thinking of a birthday gift to celebrate his 25th year of life. Luckily, my gentleman isn't too difficult to shop for, and is great at telling me exactly what he wants. Unfortunately, not every woman is so lucky. So, I've compiled a list of gifts to get for your special guy, no matter what that special guy is into. Whether you are currently saving (like a wedding) or able to shell out a little more, this list will cover every thing and guy from tech to sports to foodie!

The Techie

The Artist

The Foodie

The Sports Nut

The Man's Man

Now, get out there and show your special guy how special he really is. And no matter what he is into a big fat kiss is always a perfect gift.

What kind of gifts do you like to buy for the guy in your life? Is he a techie, a foodie, a man's man, or does he fall somewhere in between. I'd love to hear your thoughts on gifts for me.

Thanks for droppin' in!

[taylorhuestonlifestyleblog-blog]

Saturdays

A few Saturdays ago I took a photo every hour that I was awake, so that I could write a post letting you know what a typical Saturday looks like for me. So, here we go...

At this point, I had had a lot to drink and was enjoying myself too much to remember to take photos. I had a wonderful time and all in all it was a lovely Saturday!

What does a regular Saturday look like for you? I’d love to hear what other people do on a regular weekend off.

Thanks for droppin’ in!

[taylorhuestonlifestyleblog-blog]

No Excuses

I haven’t been around much, I know. There has been so much going on in my life that I don’t even know what to do with myself. Between family matters, wedding planning, and everything imaginable going wrong with the house and our vehicles... I couldn’t bring myself to write a post.

I was a little worried that blogging had become another chore for me to tick off my list, but then I realized it doesn’t have to be. This blog was something I started to encourage my love of writing and a good distraction when I quit smoking. Most of all all, it was a place for me to create and be me, myself.

So, it’s time for me again. It’s time to set family matters, wedding planning, and everything that went wrong aside and go back to making a little time for me. It’s time that I come back to blogging. I can’t wait.

Thanks for droppin’ in!

[taylorhuestonlifestyleblog-blog]

Reblog to make a transphobe uncomfortable eating M&M’s

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Cheeky 😝

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How to Make a New House Feel Like Home

Moving into a new house is both exciting and frustrating. It's packing and unpacking a rearranging and redecorating, and a great opportunity to start afresh. Sometimes though, it takes a while to get around to all of the things that make a house feel like home.I'm been in my house since February and I still have rooms that don't feel like part of my house. So, in honor of me needing to fix up a few things in my own space, here is a list of things that can make your house feel a little warmer quickly.

Make your bed: Seriously, even if this isn't something you do regularly, fresh sheets on your your bed will make you want to cuddle up and relax.

Put away your clothes: Not only will you not regret doing this your first day back to work. A nice organized closet makes a nice organized person. Just do it. You'll be glad you did.

Hang curtains: Seriously, your neighbors could be weirdos. 

Hang some photos: Everyone feels happy when they see that goofy photo of their parents from 1984, so why not make that photo spread happiness to your space.

Get a shower curtain you love: This is a space you'll be visiting everyday, hopefully. You will be looking at ALL THE TIME, so get one you really like. We have a really awesome kraken one for our bathroom that we bought on Amazon for like $20.

Unpack your books: This was the first thing I did. But even if you aren't as obsessed as I am, a full bookshelf is always comforting.

Light a familiar candle: Remember that one that your aunt burns every year during Thanksgiving? It's time to bust it out, and light it. Let's get this house smelling great!

Get a houseplant: Not only can you get a houseplant that actually makes the air in your home better, but I guarantee that you will feel better. It's just nice to have another living thing in the house, and as crazy as it sounds it will help you both if you talk to it.

Cook an old family recipe: The smell of your mom's famous lasagna wafting through the air can't help but make anywhere feel like home. And you can throw the whole pan in the fridge and have leftovers for days.

Have a good friend over for a movie night: Do I even need to explain why on this one?

It will always take a little while to feel comfortable in a new place, but making that space your own in a good first step. And then before you know it, you've got a home full of memories. Be careful though, it makes it awfully hard to leave.

Thanks for droppin' in!

[taylorhuestonlifestyleblog-blog]

Clearance Skin Care Haul

I recently went to a grocery store that I don't normally go to and they had a clearance section. It was only a couple of shelves worth of stuff thrown about, but I noticed that there were a lot of skin care products massively discounted. Now, I don't normally buy randomly discounted products, but since my skincare routine really needs touched up I figure this would be a great time for a 'Clearance Skin Care Haul'!

Here is what I bought:

Andalou Naturals Ultra Sheer Daily Defence Facial Lotion with SPF 18

alba Botanica even Advanced Sea Moss Moisturizer with SPF 15

Avalon Organics Wrinkle Therapy Day Creme

Burt's Bees Sensitive Eye Creme

Avalon Organics Intense Defense with Vitamin C Antioxidant Oil

Burt's Bees Renewal Smoothing Eye Cream

Desert Essence Blemish Tough Stick

alba Botanica Even advanced Sea plus Renewal Night Cream

I also managed to get two bottles of shampoo and conditioner each of my favorite brand that I currently use, John Frieda Radient Red. And I managed to snag all of this and the groceries that I bought for $63 dollars and change. I still felt a little bad about it since I am supposed to be seriously saving for my wedding, but damn, can't a girl live?!

I plan on trying all of these out, obviously not at the same time, and let you know how they work out on my combination skin. Have you ever tried any of these products? Thoughts? Successes? Failures? I'd love to hear your opinions.

Thanks for droppin' in!

[taylorhuestonlifestyleblog-blog]

Fun Fact Friday

I am a trivia buff. I get History.com emails everyday, Jeopardy is my dream, and I regularly buy non-fiction books just to learn new things. What I especially love about trivia and fun facts are telling them to other people. I firmly believe that sharing knowledge is a great way to better the world. So, today I am going to share some fun facts with you!

Movie trailers originally played after the movie - Hence the name 'trailer'

The eiffel tower can grow more than 6 inches during the summer - The iron expands with the rising temperatures

It's illegal to own just one guinea pig in Switzerland because they get lonely

The blob of toothpaste that sits on your toothbrush is called a "nurdle"

High-heels were originally made for men in 10th century - It wasn't until the 18th century that the number of woman wearing high heels outnumbered the men

Men are 6 times more likely to be struck by lightening than woman

Al Capone's business card said that he was a used furniture salesman

In New York, it is illegal to sell a haunted house without disclosing it to the buyer

The cigarette lighter was invented before the match

Months that begin on a Sunday will always have a Friday the 13th

Ketchup was sold in the 1830's as medicine

Human birth control bills work on gorillas

A hashtag is called an 'octotroph'

I hope you enjoyed the fun facts, and I hope that you learn something that you can share with someone else. Do you have a favorite fun fact that you love to tell everyone? Share with us, obviously we don't want to miss out!

Thanks for droppin' in!

[taylorhuestonlifestyleblog-blog]

Lavender & Other Mosquito Repellent Plants

Living in a small country town has its perks, but mosquitoes are not one of them. I have acquired approximately 50 mosquito bites this summer, and I cannot take it anymore. So, earlier this week we went out and bought 3 super-blue lavender plants to plant around our porch because lavender repels mosquitoes, fleas, flies, and moths. As it turns out, there are quite a few simple garden plants that will deter all of your pesky little summer bugs.

1. Catnip: One of the main ingredients in catnip is 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitoes than deet, and much less harmful to the environment. Not only will the plants drive the mosquitoes away, steeping the leaves in water makes a great bug spray. Be careful though, you may attract lots of new stray friends!

2. Marigolds: Marigolds contain a common ingredient in insect repellents, and drive away not only mosquitoes not are great to plant around your garden to ward off squash bugs and tomato worms. They also can add that splash of color you've been looking for that lasts all summer long.

3. Lemongrass: This tall beauty is great to cover unsightly porch skirts, and drive away those pesky bugs! Since the smell is stronger than citronella it is more effective than those stinky candles.

4. Basil: If you love Italian food, then you're sure to love having this plant in your garden. Not only does it smell and taste AMAZING, but you can crush it up and rub it on your skin as an effective mosquito repellent. It is recommended that you use lemon basil, cinnamon basil, or Peruvian basil since these varieties have the strongest fragrances.

5. Pennyroyal: Due to pennyroyal's relation to the mint family it is excellent at driving away mosquitoes and other bugs, although it is considered invasive so it is best contained in a planter. This plant is great for indoors and out, vase or container, to keep pesky little bugs away. And when you are feeling a little exposed away from your garden, you can carry the crushed stems in your pocket for extra protection.

So, not only do mosquito bites itch and itch and itch, but mosquitoes can carry and spread some serious diseases. That's why it's best to take plenty of precautions against these nasty little blood-suckers, and make sure you stay protected all summer!

What are your usual protections against mosquitoes? Do you spray your yard, rely on deet, or do you have more natural methods to rely on?

Thanks for droppin' in!