I feel like I’ve learned the hard way and what they say is absolutely true – the nights are long but the years are short. From the last post to this post, please meet our light and joy, Kinsley.
It’s been forever since I posted and to be quite honest, I miss writing and posting. The world changed since I’ve been last on here. Things, specifically online content, are faster and shorter now, and long form content like blogs and posts are not as favored. I hope to post more regularly and hope that this site gives you a sense of stillness and calmness. As you’re reading this, thank you for being here.
I thought these family photos are a perfect way to catch up and start again. The last time I posted Kinsley was still in my belly. She is one now. ONE! Where did the time go?! This ride has been challenging and incredibly rewarding at the same time. My pregnancy was honestly easy-ish, delivery was a nightmare, recovery was awful and for the first 6 – 8 months completely sleep-deprived. But watching her grow has been my greatest joy. She’s deeply observant, intensely interested in people, currently hates diaper changes and we think her love language is words of affirmation.
I’ll make sure to get back to my fashion posts and given the feedback I’ve gotten on Instagram, will post more reviews, sizing info and details. With that being said, let’s start with this white blazer ($150) and white slip dress ($60). Nowadays, I try very hard not to tailor anything, but when an item is so good, I make the investment. This blazer + slip dress was worth the investment.
The blazer needed sleeves and length shorten (for sizing reference, I’m 5 feet tall and 110 pounds) and the slip dress needed the straps and length shorten. For petite frames, you might have to tailor a little here and there for the perfect fit. For non-petite frames, enjoy these two pieces! And speaking on the material side – the blazer has a nice weight to it and the slip dress is silky soft with lots of movement. Both are beautiful in person!
Thank you for being here! Honestly, even though she’s one, I still can’t believe that – 1) I’m a MOM now and 2) She’s here! I still pinch myself and think how did I get this lucky.
For some people, it’s alluring to have a wedding in some far-off, exotic destination. For others, it’s much more attractive to have a wedding at home, perhaps in your own backyard. Millions of people have had backyard weddings in the past, though it’s not an option for everybody.
If you’re on the fence, you’ll want to know all the pros and cons of hosting a backyard wedding.
The Pros of a Backyard Wedding
These are some of the best advantages of hosting a backyard wedding:
· Cost savings. If you want to host your wedding at a big venue, you’ll need to pay a lot of money for it. You’ll end up paying even more if you have your wedding at an exotic destination – and your friends and family members will have to pay a lot of money to attend as well. Hosting a wedding in your own backyard is a way to save a ton of money, allowing you to put that money toward a more exciting honeymoon or the purchase of your first house together.
· Comfort and familiarity. Some people are drawn to the possibility of a backyard wedding because of the comfort and familiarity of this location. This is a space you know and love already, so why not take advantage of it on one of the most important and exciting days of your life? Add a gorgeous fire pit, and you’ll be able to party deep into the night, gathering around the fire with the people you love most.
· No agonizing search. Even if you’re genuinely excited about researching various venue possibilities for your wedding, it’s very time consuming and stressful to scout different locations. If you choose to host the wedding in your own backyard, or the backyard of a family member, this search is effectively cut to zero.
· Relative convenience. There are some additional planning issues and hassles associated with setting up a backyard wedding, but relatively speaking, this is a convenient location. It doesn’t require anyone to travel very far, and you can spend days and weeks setting up, instead of trying to cram everything into a few hours.
· Privacy. Depending on the location of your backyard, you’ll likely be entitled to greater privacy. For some people, this is very important.
· Total control. Some people love the idea of having a backyard wedding because they’ll have total control over just about everything. There are no rules or limitations to what you can do or how you do it, there are no time constraints, and you’ll be able to take advantage of practically limitless design possibilities.
The Cons of a Backyard Wedding
These are some of the disadvantages of hosting a backyard wedding:
· Lots of prep work. If you’re hosting a wedding in a space of your own, you’ll likely have to put in more prep work before the event. You can recruit people to help you, but unlike a designated wedding venue, this space isn’t naturally perfectly suited to hosting a wedding.
· Space limitations. There may be additional limitations to your space. For example, if you’re trying to host a wedding in a relatively small backyard, you may only have room for a few dozen people – and even that may be cramped.
· Invasion of personal space and boundary problems. Some people are naturally uncomfortable with hosting a lot of people in a space that’s familiar to them. Plus, some of your guests may be less respectful of your boundaries than others.
· Cleanup duty. Have you ever cleaned up after a big party? Most of us that have can attest to how awful it is. After the wedding, there will be significant cleanup duties, and nobody’s going to be excited about taking them on.
· Lack of amenities. There may be a relative lack of amenities at your house as well. Most wedding venues are designed specifically to make the event flow as fluidly and conveniently as possible, giving people access to everything they need for such an event. Even something simple, like having only a single bathroom available for your guests, can present challenges.
· No specialists. It’s true that you can hire a wedding planner, caterers, and other specialists for a backyard wedding, but you won’t have anyone specifically residing over the venue. This can present additional challenges when trying to plan your event.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. There are certainly a lot of advantages to hosting a backyard wedding, and a lot of drawbacks to consider as well. Much of your decision will boil down to your personality and preferences, as well as the personality and preferences of your spouse to be. Just make sure to research all of your options before making a final call.
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Many struggle with writing assignments. Such large projects require experience and special skills, and not every student has the time. Let’s go through the top five writing mistakes students make and ways to prevent them. These simple tips help you develop a better approach to writing.
Problem # 1: Lack of time
Students are notoriously bad with timing. That’s also where most essay issues come from. Young people simply don’t plan enough time for long writing assignments. As a result, students end up rushing, making all kinds of mistakes and messes while also working under too much pressure and stress.
A student needs to start working on an assignment as soon as he or she gets one. Students should start planning their work, scheduling their time, and finding room in their timetable for this work long before the deadline. Working on an essay sometimes takes days, if not weeks. So, to finish things without a rush, one needs to follow the basic pre-planning on their essay work.
Problem # 2: Poor preparations
Brainstorm, make drafts, research, and outline your future essay. Unfortunately, young people often start their papers lacking essential preparations. Repeating such a mistake over and over again will make you think poorly about your writing skills. However, you haven’t tapped into them. Such a big mistake messes with your skills and abilities to express thoughts and ideas in a coherent, organized, and well-structured way.
Fortunately, overcoming such an issue is rather simple. Students just need to spend time planning their work before starting it. So, before writing is even on the table, start with earlier tasks. For example, first, students need to read and understand instructions. It also includes asking professors any additional questions, in case you have those.
Secondly, a student needs to understand the topic and theme of writing. Such a step requires research, a lot of reading, and analysis. It’s also important to make notes and write down citations and data to use further in the text.
Finally, no essay preparations are complete without drafts and an outline. These last pieces of writing provide students with writing strategies and structure.
Problem #3: Panic
Young people tend to panic as soon as they see the word ‘essay.’ They start to think about how much time they need to dedicate, where to find it, how hard the topic is, and whether they know what to do about it. Immediately their brain goes into panic mode. Of course, such an approach is a mistake. Panic never helps anybody. Sure, it’s easier said than done. That’s why there are tips you can follow before each writing session.
First, never sit at the desk unprepared. Dealing with problem #2 will also help decrease stress and anxiety. Second, it’s all about confidence. Remember this. There is no right or wrong way to write an essay as long as you stick to the data and offer your own ideas on the matter. Sure, there are many technical aspects to consider. Though, teachers are often ready to excuse little writing faults when they see the actual thought processes and research behind your words.
Last, practice some self-calming strategies before each writing session. Breathe. Avoid any distractions. Perhaps, read some domyessay reviews in case you need an urgent plan B at some point. Overall, find ways to focus your thoughts and relax.
Problem # 4: Weak thesis statement
A thesis statement is, without exaggeration, the most crucial part of any academic paper. This one sentence should consist of the very reason why you are writing an essay, what you are trying to achieve with it, and how you are doing to it. In other words, here, you inform your readers about the essence and goal of your paper. Figuring out a strong thesis statement is like building a strong foundation for the rest of the work.
Unfortunately, many students constantly struggle with this task. Sure, the best strategy for overcoming such a mistake is gaining more academic writing experience. However, it’s quite a long route. Your other option is to focus on the thesis before starting any writing plans. Writing such an element is a whole process. You should focus on what you’re trying to say, why it is important, and how you are going to prove it. Answering these things, along with developing a deep understanding of the paper’s topic, increases your success chances.
Problem # 5: Writer’s block
Finally, many young people stubble across writer’s block at some point in their creative process. It’s quite a nasty thing to acquire – seeing your time go for nothing while you simply stare at a blank page. However, there is a lot you can do to overcome it within minutes or hours. For example, having a break should be the first solution here. Perhaps, you’ve just exhausted yourself and can’t keep up with such a pace anymore. Some rest will quickly fix that.
Also, students can read their previous materials and work on editing. A change of work can also be beneficial. They can also ask for help from friends and family. Giving a paper for revision will help students gain a fresh perspective and new opinions. Meanwhile, you can also read a writepaper review just to know your other options.
The real reason your hair looks and feels so good after a journey to the salon is to understand; it is all in the wash. It all comes down to knowing how to wash hair for your specific hair type. Read on for Hair By Gabie G-approved hair-washing advice, whether your hair is straight, curly or highly textured, thin, or thick. Plus, additional tips for any hair type.
Begin with a Nourishing Oil Massage
Take time for a pre-shampoo ritual. Oiling the hair has been considered the most efficient way to enrich the roots of your hair. Because washing your hair can strip the oil off your scalp, leading to hair loss and other issues. Oiling will increase moisture in the scalp, and the restorative properties of the oil you use will strengthen hair follicles, promoting growth. Pay close attention if you want to grow long hair because oiling becomes very specific.
To get the most out of a hot hair oil massage. Gabie G personally uses Nurtiplenish from Aveda. It is a one-hundred percent naturally derived formula with a concentrated blend of 5 power oils; it offers multiple uses, delivers nutrient-powered hydration, shines for all hair types, helps restore hydration, and is also free from silicones, sulfate cleansers, parabens, gluten, mineral oil & petrolatum. At home, gently warm two tablespoons of coconut oil and two tablespoons of castor oil. Then add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, lavender, rose, geranium, or bergamot. Gabie G suggests rosemary oil stimulates hair growth.
Section your hair into four quadrants, apply the warm oil directly to your roots, and work it up into your scalp; while doing this, take the time to saturate a towel in warm water; just be sure to squeeze out the excess water when ready. After the roots have had some love, massage the scalp gently using your fingertips. Apply light pressure in circular motions for about five minutes. Cover your head with a warm wet towel and steam to stimulate your hair follicles for about ten minutes before washing.
Water Temperature
It is vital that you get the temperature of the water correct. No matter how relaxing it is, using hot water will increase damage to your hair while robbing the scalp of natural oil, leaving your hair parched and vulnerable. Water temps should be warm yet still cool. Sounds confusing, we know. The goal is a perfect lukewarm. Always caution on the side of cooler water. An exact temperature has not been proven according to haircut specialist Gabie Gaggero, owner of Hair By Gabie G in Cupertino, Ca, explains that warm water opens the hair cuticle and assists in flushing out built-up residue, “The most significant mistake people make when cleansing hair in the shower is using too hot of water. Frequent use of hot or too warm water will cause your hair to grow dry and brittle over time.”
Gabie suggests that before stepping out of the shower, rinse off with a cold plunge to your hair; the cooler, the better. Gabie G explains, “a cold water plunge will seal your hair cuticle, leaving a smooth surface that will reflect light and makes your hair look glossy.”
Overwashing
Overwashing your hair will strip it of the natural oils produced by your scalp, forcing your scalp to work double time to overproduce even more oil. Soon, it leaves you with an oily scalp. To break the cycle, you might need to retrain your hair.
Gabie G personally uses a waterless style extender from the Davines line. It cleanses hair and adds volume without leaving any residue. It absorbs oil and impurities and leaves a soft natural finish. Dry shampooing also helps to prolong the use of your blow-dryer by delaying the time of washing. Reducing any dry-heat time on your hair helps. Using a safe, recommended dry shampoo between hair-washing days is ok. Of course, if you have a sweaty gym sesh, wash it.
When to wash also depends on your hair thickness and type. Although it’s still a good idea to go a bit longer if you’re able, fine hair can be washed every other day since it usually shows scalp buildup faster. Those with thicker, coarser hair should strive for infrequent washings — every five to seven days if possible. Because curly or highly textured hair leans to dry, it can significantly benefit from the natural oils the scalp cultivates over several days.
Sudsing Up
Scrubbing the scalp improves blood circulation and stimulates the hair follicles, enhancing hair growth. As you lather your shampoo, use your fingertips to give another relaxing massage to your scalp. After cleansing your hair for a good couple of minutes, wash the suds thoroughly to prevent buildup. Gabie G also suggests to later the shampoo with a bit of water in your hands before applying; this will also reduce the buildup that weighs your hair down.
Conditioning
Conditioner’s intended to leave your hair smooth and soft. It also forms a protective layer on the scalp to prevent further damage. Most think more is best, which is a huge mistake. Gabie G suggests, “If you are not using a chemically-free product live, Davines, you are canceling all your previous efforts and that most OTC conditioner contains harsh chemicals that can weaken the hair follicles, leading to stunted hair growth.” Gabie G goes on to say, “You should also set a limit on the conditioner to the middle of your hair and just the ends and allow it to penetrate a few minutes before rinsing it off.”
Toweling
Ever notice at the salon how after your trip to the shampoo bowl, your stylist tucks the towel up gently around your head and does not twist When shampooing is complete, never rub the towel vigorously on the hair. The friction created by such harsh rubbing weakens the hair roots and makes your hair prone to damage and fall. Instead, use a soft towel or old t-shirt to squeeze the excess water from your hair and let it air dry.
And with that, your hair-washing routine is complete. It might seem like a lot to you, but it will become a quick habit and a quick avenue to beautiful, healthy hair.
Unlike urban areas with readily accessible medical facilities, rural regions often lack nearby healthcare options. Some areas rely on a single hospital within a 100+ mile radius, and a cyberattack on such a hospital could leave thousands without healthcare, with potentially deadly outcomes. Today, concern is growing as healthcare organizations and hospitals face increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. In addition, if rural hospitals are partnering with pharmaceutical companies in clinical trials or share data with external partners, a cyberattack on one hospital could impact partner and clinical trial systems, while attacks on partner networks can also affect connected hospitals.
The healthcare and pharma sectors heavily depend on technology and interconnected systems to provide critical services. An attack on one hospital can ripple across an entire network, affecting healthcare providers, pharmaceutical research partners, manufacturers and crucially, patients. Safeguarding rural healthcare and pharmaceutical networks and addressing security issues with robust cybersecurity is imperative to ensure the security and confidentiality of patient data, patient health, the integrity of medical processes and the safety of pharmaceutical research and production.
The severity and cost of cybersecurity attacks
Cyberattacks on healthcare are increasing in both number and sophistication and the statistics are alarming. A HIPAA Journal report for 2023, for example, reported 395 incidents exposing or stealing records of almost 60 million individuals through the end of July 2023. That month alone witnessed 18,116,982 records exposed. The cost of cyberattacks is another important concern. IBM’s latest Cost of a Data Breach report states the average cost of a data breach globally reached an all-time high of $4.45 million in 2023, up 2.3% from 2022 and 15.3% from 2020. The average data breach cost in healthcare has risen in 2023 to reach $10.93 million, the costliest for any industry, while for pharmaceutical organizations, it was $4.82 million.
Such are the severity and potential damage of cyberattacks to healthcare organizations that the risks of insufficient cybersecurity in healthcare can have dire consequences due to the vast amounts of sensitive patient data, including medical records, insurance info and personal identifiers they store, not to mention, the critical services they provide. As facilities become more network connected, they gain a competitive edge, but this comes with a greater attack surface to protect from cybercriminals and simple human error.
The risks of insufficient cybersecurity posture
Insufficient cybersecurity can lead to data breaches, exposing patients’ private information, which can result in medical identity theft and financial fraud. Hackers may manipulate patient data and use their identity to obtain medical services, prescription drugs, or insurance benefits, potentially leading to inaccurate medical records and incorrect treatment. Accessing medical devices or systems can potentially interfere with medical equipment, posing a direct risk to patient safety, especially in emergency situations or during the management of public health crises.
Cyberattacks can use ransomware to paralyze healthcare by encrypting patient records, causing downtime and increased costs, while distributed-denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks can disrupt healthcare services, affecting patient care and procedures and risking non-compliance with regulations like HIPAA which can lead to fines and legal action. In addition, data breaches erode patient-doctor confidentiality and trust in healthcare providers, damaging reputations and leading to patient loss and revenue decline.
Subpar cybersecurity can also affect critical healthcare supply vendors and suppliers who provide medical equipment and services, which can compromise the integrity of healthcare systems and impact patient care. Furthermore, healthcare institutions often partner with pharmaceutical companies in research and development, so network attacks on either end can lead to both networks being infected. When pharmaceutical company systems are compromised, it can result in the theft of valuable research data and intellectual property, halting critical drug trials and negatively impacting innovation.
Implementing strong cybersecurity hygiene
Protecting rural healthcare and pharmaceutical networks is an ongoing effort that requires comprehensive cybersecurity that goes beyond traditional IT systems, combining technical solutions, employee education, and a commitment to staying up to date with evolving cyber threats. The following steps are a good place to start implementing strong cybersecurity hygiene practices:
Assessment of network assets: Conducting a thorough assessment of the entire network will provide an understanding of current attack surface and asset vulnerabilities, including higher risk, obsolete hardware or software, potential entry points for cyberattacks, existing infrastructure weaknesses, and any regulatory compliance gaps.
Risk management plan development: Based on the assessment, a comprehensive risk management plan can be developed outlining specific risks, their potential impact, and strategies for mitigation, prioritizing risks based on severity and likelihood of occurrence. This plan also outlines how to detect, immediately respond to, and quickly recover from cybersecurity incidents and return to active service, with root-cause incident investigation to follow. This plan should be regularly tested and updated.
Adopt appropriate security protocols: The next step in maintaining business continuity is to adopt robust network security capabilities, addressing risk across an attack continuum. This typically includes firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and regular network monitoring. It’s important to that all network-connected devices and systems are regularly patched and updated to address known vulnerabilities.
Invest in staff training: Train healthcare and pharmaceutical staff on cybersecurity best practices and the importance of adhering to security protocols. Human error is a common cause of security breaches, so education is essential.
Deploy proactive monitoring tools: Network visibility is vital, and continuous monitoring tools should be implemented to detect anomalies and potential threats in real-time. This proactive approach can help identify and respond to threats before they cause significant harm. Healthcare organizations, pharmaceutical partners and even government agencies can collaborate to share information about emerging threats and best practices for cybersecurity.
Always have a back up plan: Regularly backing up critical data and systems and having a robust disaster recovery plan in place enables operations to be restored quickly in the event of a cyberattack.
Have stringent access and verification control: Who has access to data is critical, and with the increasing use of telemedicine and remote work, secure remote access solutions must be in place. Implement virtual private networks (VPNs) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to enhance remote access security. Access to sensitive systems and data should be restricted through strong access controls, with role-based access controls (RBAC) that ensure only authorized personnel can access critical information.
Ensure data is encrypted: Data encryption, both in transit and at rest, can help protect patient records, pharmaceutical research data, and proprietary information. This helps to prevent unauthorized access, even if data is intercepted.
Conduct regular security audits: Maintaining compliance with industry-specific regulations and standards, such as HIPAA, GDPR, or FDA regulations is critical for pharmaceutical companies. Regularly assessing network cybersecurity and the practices of supply chain partners, third-party vendors and contractors who have network access or provide critical services. Monitor vendor standards and verify that they meet security standards.
Cybersecurity is a boardroom-level issue for healthcare institutions and pharmaceutical partners. The statistics are too serious to ignore. However, implementing protective measures spanning both IT and OT network security design to safeguard highly sensitive data systems and practicing good cyber hygiene can minimize operational disruption, minimize risk, safeguard patient and research data and help protect an organization’s reputation.
In the pursuit of beauty, there exists a realm where sophistication harmonizes with simplicity—a place where elegance transcends trends, and individuality takes center stage. Welcome to the world of the Seint Signature Look—a paradigm of effortless elegance that captivates with its refined allure and timeless appeal.
In this guide, we embark on a journey to unravel the intricacies of crafting your Seint Signature Look in four easy steps. From the foundational elements that create a radiant base to the artistry of sculpting, enhancing, and personalizing, each step is a brushstroke on the canvas of your unique beauty.
But beyond makeup techniques lies a philosophy—a belief in celebrating your natural features, embracing grace in simplicity, and cultivating an aesthetic that echoes your inner elegance. This guide doesn’t just outline steps; it invites you to delve into a world where makeup isn’t merely an accessory but an expression—a reflection of your personality and style.
So, join us as we delve into the art of creating an effortlessly elegant Seint Signature Look—a journey that celebrates individuality, timeless sophistication, and the beauty that transcends the ephemeral trends of the beauty world.
When it comes to exuding effortless elegance, there’s an art to achieving a Seint Signature Look that captures both sophistication and simplicity. This distinct style, rooted in the fusion of minimalist aesthetics and refined beauty, can be effortlessly crafted in just four easy steps. Let’s dive into the intricacies of each step, guiding you through the process of unveiling your unique Seint Signature Look.
Step 1: Foundation of Radiance
The cornerstone of any impeccable Seint Signature Look lies in the foundation. Embrace the natural radiance of your skin by selecting a Seint Foundation that complements your undertones flawlessly. With a focus on enhancing your natural beauty, the foundation serves as the canvas upon which the rest of your look unfolds. Utilize techniques like skin prepping to ensure a smooth application and seamless blending, resulting in a luminous base that accentuates your features.
Step 2: Sculpting the Canvas
Enter the realm of dimension and depth by mastering the art of contouring and highlighting. A Seint Signature Look encapsulates a subtle yet impactful play of light and shadow. Utilize Seint Contour Creams to sculpt and define your facial structure, emphasizing your cheekbones, jawline, and forehead with precision. Complement this with strategic highlighting, elevating key areas to exude a natural, radiant glow that catches the light effortlessly.
Step 3: Mesmerizing Eye Embrace
Elevate your gaze to captivate with the mesmerizing allure of Seint Eyeshadows. Experiment with a harmonious blend of shades, allowing your creativity to flourish while adhering to the elegant simplicity of the Seint Signature Look. Emphasize your eyes with carefully curated tones, accentuating their natural beauty and depth. Whether opting for a subtle daytime allure or a captivating evening elegance, allow your eyes to speak volumes within the realm of refined sophistication.
Step 4: Enhancing Your Signature Pout
Complete your Seint Signature Look with a touch of allure on your lips. The final step involves choosing a Seint Lip Color that complements your overall aesthetic. Embrace tones that resonate with your style, ranging from understated elegance to bold sophistication. Allow your lips to embody the essence of your look, adding the perfect finishing touch to your Seint Signature ensemble.
Embrace Your Seint Signature Look
By meticulously following these four steps, you are poised to effortlessly embody the allure of effortless elegance through your Seint Signature Look. Embrace the fusion of minimalist beauty and refined sophistication, allowing your natural features to shine with grace and poise.
Sustaining Your Seint Signature Look
Maintaining the allure of your Seint Signature Look requires attention to detail and a commitment to nurturing your natural beauty. Skincare routines play a pivotal role in preserving the radiance and health of your skin. Embrace nourishing cleansers, toners, and moisturizers that align with your skin type, ensuring a flawless canvas for your daily ensemble.
Adapting to Occasions
Versatility is key in the realm of elegance. Your Seint Signature Look possesses the innate ability to adapt seamlessly to various occasions. Whether it’s a daytime affair exuding subtlety or an evening event demanding sophistication, your understanding of nuances in makeup application will allow your look to effortlessly transition across settings.
Embracing Timeless Sophistication
The beauty of a Seint Signature Look lies in its timeless appeal. Beyond transient trends, this style embodies an everlasting elegance that transcends fashion whims. By embracing the simplicity of this aesthetic, you partake in a journey towards a look that remains eternally captivating.
Fine-Tuning Your Technique
Continuous refinement of your makeup technique is pivotal in perfecting your Seint Signature Look. Explore tutorials, engage with makeup enthusiasts, and experiment with various Seint products to hone your skills. Each application becomes an opportunity to elevate your expertise and enhance the finesse of your signature style.
Conclusion: Effortless Elegance Redefined
Crafting your Seint Signature Look encompasses more than makeup application; it’s a testament to embracing individuality, celebrating natural beauty, and embodying timeless sophistication. In four simple steps, you’ve unraveled the essence of effortless elegance:
Foundation of Radiance: Creating a luminous base that accentuates your natural beauty.
Sculpting the Canvas: Mastering contouring and highlighting for dimension and depth.
Mesmerizing Eye Embrace: Elevating your gaze with captivating eyeshadows.
Enhancing Your Signature Pout: Completing your look with the perfect lip color.
But beyond the steps lies a philosophy—a commitment to grace, versatility, and continuous refinement. Your Seint Signature Look is a canvas, inviting you to adapt, personalize, and express your unique elegance on any occasion.
By embracing simplicity, nurturing your skin, and fine-tuning your technique, you’re not just creating a look; you’re defining an identity—a timeless, sophisticated, and effortless reflection of your inner beauty.
In this pursuit of elegance, remember: it’s not about following trends; it’s about crafting a style that transcends time, captivating hearts with its understated allure.
So, go forth and adorn yourself in the elegance that is uniquely yours—a Seint Signature Look that radiates confidence, grace, and eternal charm.
In the realm of beauty, crafting a Seint Signature Look epitomizes the harmonious blend of simplicity and sophistication. Through meticulous attention to detail and a discerning eye for elegance, you can effortlessly embody this distinctive aesthetic. Embrace your natural features, elevate your confidence, and exude timeless allure with your personalized Seint Signature Look.
The Robusto vitola I am reviewing has an oily, bumpy, dark habano wrapper. Personally, I believe this is beautiful, although a bit rustic.
From this Megilla’s foot, I detect must, cedar, and trace notes of cinnamon.
Megilla Cigar Review
As I’ll share in the Presentation section below, the packaging for Megilla cigars is relatively simple. Given this slim packaging, I gave these a bit longer to humidify in my humidor. There, they spent about six weeks with 69% RH Boveda packs before I lit one up.
Pre-Lighting Experience
Draw: Ideal
Aromas: Root Beet, Dry Blueberry, Licorice
The dry draw of this cigar is absolutely effortless and brings forward notes of root beer, dried blueberries, and black licorice.
1st Third Smoking Experience
Notes: Mesquite, Rye, Clove
The initial light-up of the Megilla produces a lot of savory smoke; top notes of mesquite, rye, and some clove finish with the tartness of dried blueberries on the retrohale.
The mouthfeel is slightly coarse but not in an unpleasant way. Considering how this is a 100% Nicaraguan cigar, for the most part, I expected this.
2nd Third Smoking Experience
Notes: Ginger Snaps, Red Pepper, Cardamom
I am very impressed by the ash produced by the Megilla. It’s slightly grey and clings to the stogie like a koala on a bamboo shoot. Stacking dimes with every puff!
In the second third, notes of ginger snap cookies come forward, with warming red pepper and a cardamon tingling of the tongue is present. The retrohale is reminiscent of a soft pretzel.
Final Third Smoking Experience
Notes: Leather, Brown Sugar, Warming Spices
The final third of the Megilla reprises sweeter notes encountered earlier, starting with savory leather notes and finishing with brown sugar molasses sweetness and warming spices.
The retrohale reminds me of honey graham crackers, particularly ones shaped like teddy bears.
Overall Burn
Ash Backbone: Solid
Burn Angle: Thin & Straight
Temperature: Warm
Draw: Ideal
Final Smoking Time: 60 Minutes
The Megilla is overall a fantastic smoking experience.
Across the three samples I’ve smoked, I’ve experienced zero burn issues, a nice thin combustion line, and an ideal draw.
Overall Experience
The best way to describe the packaging from Megilla is… unassuming.
The stogies come packaged very humbly in a plain-looking brown paper package with a white label and metallic highlights. While definitely professional and elegant even, I might have been convinced this was a bag of hipster Portland coffee.
The band of the cigar shares the white and bronze motif of the paper packaging except for a beautiful bronze bear, growling, placed where the two ends of the band meet.
Although the Megilla comes in an unassuming package, I believe it to be quite a formal cigar. Perfect for sharing after a large meal with family, although I would be tempted to present them in something more dressed up like this Sotello cigar case.
Pairing Recommendations With A Megilla Cigar
It could be the beautiful Oregon autumn setting in my backyard influencing me, but I believe that the warming notes of this cigar would pair beautifully with a warm cup of spiced apple cider, a sniffer of brandy, or even a bottle of mead (this I happened to brew myself in my guest bathroom).
Food-wise, Megilla would pair excellently with a winter or fall holiday meal. The roasty, warm flavor notes of this cigar would absolutely compliment a plump, if not a little bland, turkey.
Dessert-wise, I believe a cheesecake, particularly one with a graham cracker crust, would accentuate the underlying sweetness of this blend. And finally, snack-wise, roasted nuts would also be a fantastic pairing.
Closing Thoughts
Looking at our Cigar Formula review matrix, I give the Megilla 72 out of 100. The only place I can ding this blend is the packaging. On the value-for-money scale, I give it an A+, the highest I’ve given any cigar so far.
If you had handed me a Megilla and asked me after smoking how much I think the stogie would cost, I would feel very comfortable saying around 12 dollars, especially considering its long-filler, 100% Nicaraguan blend. Seeing it for sale on CigarPage for $50 for a ten-pack is an absolute bargain.
My theory, which is not verified by CigarPage at all, is that the factory is undisclosed because the people rolling these cigars in Nicaragua are making some very, very high-end cigars. These might be stogies that might be too dark or too light for their premium brand.
Ultimately, that’s the beauty of a house or boutique brand! I personally have a pack of the Lancero size in my cart that I can’t wait to age in cedar in the back of my humidor.
“With a robust construction and burn, the Megilla Habano provides an overall fantastic smoking experience.”
Bespoke Unit Rating: ★★★★★
Further Reading
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The holiday season can suck. It has sucked for me many times. A huge part of that was working in retail and the other part was loneliness. When I got married to my amazing husband it improved a bit (mainly because I realized the best holiday traditions for us are just lounging around the house watching Netflix in our pajama onesies). One thing that was hard for us to navigate in the beginning was the immense amount of stress he felt regarding family obligations. I thought it sucked feeling like I had nothing to do for the holidays but it also sucks being on the other side with a huge family, conflicts and personality clashes, multiple holiday events and travel, and trying to juggle all of those things while keeping healthy boundaries intact. It’s so easy to get caught up in tradition that we forget to focus on what we need. So let’s talk about reparenting during the holidays.
Understanding Reparenting:
Reparenting means that you are taking action to make sure that your inner child (and your current self) feels loved, heard, seen, and safe. You’re making better choices for mini-you (and current-you) than the choices that were made for you as a child. I wanted to explore reparenting in the context of the holidays and how you can take care of your inner child by exploring what was missing in your childhood during the holiday season and then giving it to yourself now.
If the holidays are rough for you, then this is for you.
Reflect on what child-you needed.
What did you need as a child that you didn’t get? I’m not talking about toys, but the emotional stuff. Did you feel safe and wanted? Did you feel like you were paid attention to? Were the holidays full of things you actually wanted to do? Now is the perfect time to dive deep into those memories and see what was missing and how you can extend those things to yourself now.
And if you want to, get yourself that toy you always wanted.
Create holiday traditions that nourish you.
The holidays are allowed to be fun.(I’m giving you that permission just in case you need it) It’s about choosing peace and happiness over perfection and tradition and creating routines that nourish who you are and who you want to be. It’s like rewriting the script, replacing old narratives with ones that resonate with the person you are now. And you know what? It’s never too late to start.
Practice self-compassion for past-you and current-you.
Be gentle with yourself. Be especially gentle with past-you and all the things that you’ve gone through to get to where you are. Acknowledge the progress you’ve made on your journey and celebrate the victories, no matter how small. If things get tough, remind yourself that healing is a process, not a destination. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s more than enough.
Set boundaries with love.
Boundaries during the holidays can be super hard to navigate. Consider setting boundaries that prioritize your mental health. Politely decline invitations or leave early if things start to feel overwhelming. It’s okay to choose yourself and protect your peace even if you let other people down in the process.
Connect with your support system.
One of my favorite memes is that your family is just your pre-generated party members. And I like thinking of it like that. It’s not to say that family is easily replaceable but that way of thinking encourages you to adventure with the people that make the adventure fun. So find your people. It doesn’t matter if they’re on the internet or on the other side of the world – there are so many people in the world who will think you’re amazing.
Reparenting yourself is like giving your own heart a big, warm hug. It is time to make the holiday season about whatever is most meaningful to you. Rest, play, joy, religion, family – choose your theme.
What does reparenting during the holidays look like to you?
If you’d like to explore this topic more deeply, check out my worksheet packet on Reparenting Yourself During the Holidays. It tackles emotional triggers, boundaries, and creating new traditions!
Achieving a fresh and flawless look while dealing with acne-prone skin might seem like an uphill battle. However, fear not, for the magic of makeup can transform your complexion and boost your confidence. This article is your ultimate guide to navigating the makeup world with tried and tested tips to enhance your natural beauty while caring for your acne-prone skin.
Start with a Clean Canvas
The first step to a flawless makeup application is ensuring a clean canvas. Begin by cleansing your face with a gentle, non-comedogenic cleanser to remove any impurities.
Pat your skin dry and apply a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. This creates a smooth base for your makeup and helps to prevent further breakouts.
Choose the Right Primer
A makeup primer acts as a base for your foundation, creating a smooth surface and helping your makeup last longer.
Opt for a primer specifically designed for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Look for formulations that are oil-free and contain ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide, known for their acne-fighting properties.
Foundation Matters
Selecting the right foundation is crucial when dealing with acne-prone skin. Choose a non-comedogenic, oil-free foundation that provides good coverage without clogging your pores.
Mineral foundations are an excellent option as they are lightweight and less likely to irritate the skin. Apply your foundation with a makeup sponge or brush for a seamless finish.
Conceal with Care
When it comes to concealing blemishes and imperfections, less is more. Opt for a creamy, high-coverage concealer that matches your skin tone. Apply it sparingly on areas that need extra coverage, using a clean brush or your fingertip.
Avoid heavy layers of concealer, as this can draw attention to the affected areas.
Powder Wisely
Setting your makeup with a translucent powder is essential to prevent shine and keep your makeup in place. However, be mindful of the products you choose. Look for a finely milled, non-comedogenic powder to avoid exacerbating acne.
Apply a light dusting of powder using a fluffy brush, focusing on the T-zone where shine tends to occur.
Blush and Bronzer for a Healthy Glow
Adding a touch of color to your complexion is key to achieving a fresh, healthy look. Choose powder blushes and bronzers over cream formulations, as they are less likely to clog pores.
Peachy or rosy tones work well for most skin tones, providing a natural flush. Apply blush to the apples of your cheeks and bronzer to the high points of your face for a sun-kissed glow.
Eye Makeup Elegance
For eyes that pop without aggravating acne, opt for eyeshadows and eyeliners in powder or pencil form. Creamy eyeshadows may contain oils that can contribute to breakouts.
Waterproof or long-wearing formulas can be more challenging to remove and may irritate sensitive skin, so use them sparingly.
Mindful of Mascara
Mascara is a game-changer for enhancing your eyes, but it’s essential to choose wisely. Opt for a hypoallergenic, water-based mascara to add volume and length without clumping.
Take off your mascara with care at the end of the day to prevent unnecessary tugging on your lashes and the delicate skin around your eyes.
Lip Service
Complete your look with a lip color that complements your overall makeup. Choose lipsticks or glosses that are free from potentially irritating ingredients.
Matte lipsticks generally exhibit greater longevity, but they may be drying, so be sure to moisturize your lips before application.
Remove with Care
At the end of the day, remove your makeup with a gentle, oil-free cleanser to prevent further breakouts. Micellar water or cleansing wipes can also be effective but always follow up with a thorough cleanse. Remember, a clean face is the foundation for healthy skin.
Creating a fresh and flawless makeup look for acne-prone skin is absolutely achievable with the right products and techniques. Embrace your natural beauty, and let makeup be a tool to enhance, not conceal. Experiment with different products to find what works best for your skin, and most importantly, have confidence in your own unique radiance.
With these tried and tested tips, you can confidently showcase your best face forward, knowing that your makeup routine is not just about beauty but also about nurturing and caring for your skin.
FAQs
How can I choose the right foundation for acne-prone skin?
Select a non-comedogenic, oil-free foundation for acne-prone skin. Mineral foundations are lightweight and less likely to cause breakouts.
Are there specific primers for acne-prone skin?
Yes, choose a primer designed for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Look for formulations with ingredients like salicylic acid or niacinamide.
What’s the best way to apply makeup on acne-prone skin?
Follow a gentle routine: cleanse, use a non-comedogenic primer, opt for an oil-free foundation, spot conceal, and set with a translucent powder.
How to remove makeup without irritating acne-prone skin?
Gently remove makeup with an oil-free cleanser. Avoid harsh scrubbing to prevent irritation and follow up with a suitable skincare routine.
What’s the importance of using a toner for acne-prone skin?
A toner helps balance the skin’s pH, preparing it for makeup application. Opt for alcohol-free toners suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Can I use a moisturizer for oily and acne-prone skin?
Yes, choose an oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated without clogging pores.
How can I achieve a natural flush with blush on acne-prone skin?
Use powder blushes in peachy or rosy tones for a natural flush. Powder formulations are less likely to aggravate acne-prone skin.
Ready to host your best New Year’s Eve party ever? Whether you have a standing date with friends and family on December 31 or you’re doing something extra this year, now’s the time to put the final touches on a party everyone will remember. Consider this your guide and checklist for truly memorable celebration and start to the new year.
1. Your best NYE outfit
You are the hostess and it’s your time to shine. You can glow from head to toe in a track suit or a formal dress — as long as you’re feeling confident. To that end, do some serious planning ahead. Nothing kills confidence like scrambling last minute to make cookies when you should be getting dressed.
Also carve out time in your calendar soon for a hair cut, at-home facial, and DIY mani and pedi.
Now let’s talk about what to wear. Below are a few no-fail New Year’s Eve party outfit ideas. Use these as thought-starters to dream up an outfit that reflects your style and the theme of your party:
Metallic midi skirt paired with a silky blouse
Tank top with sequins teamed with faux leather pants
Blazer-style sequined mini dress
Glamorous one-shoulder jumpsuit and high heels
Flapper-style dress with feather or fringe detail
Bodysuit with elegant, wide leg pants
Slip dress and moto jacket
Silky wrap dress
Menswear-inspired suit with a sexy camisole underneath
Mini skirt in faux leather paired with an off-the-shoulder knit top
2. Theme
Source: Envato.
Establishing a theme for your New Year’s Eve party provides parameters for the rest of your decisions. Having a theme also gives your guests a fun idea to rally around. As a stylish gal, you might warm to one of these ideas:
Old Hollywood: Decorate with lavender and silver and encourage guests to dress for the press, retro style. Roll out a red carpet and do your own hair in pin curls.
Roaring 20s: Art deco-rate your place. You’ll wear a beaded dress and set Pandora to play jazz all night.
Formal masquerade ball: Play up the jewel tones in your home and add some velvet touches. Have a stash of masquerade masks on hand and ask your guests to dress formally.
Alternatively, you can set a theme that invites your guests to get into the “new year” mindset. An example is an “Out with the Old” party. You can ask guests to write down experiences, emotions, and happenings from 2023 that they’d like to forget. Then have a ceremonial burning (in the fireplace of course) of those notes.
3. Decorations
You don’t want the break the bank on party decorations, so think about investing in a few pieces that’ll make a big impact. At a minimum, set out a few centerpieces that match your theme. These can be simple floral arrangements, dressed up with supplies from your nearest craft store — velvet bows, sequined fabric at the base of a vase, feathers, seashells, glitter, candles, or mirrors.
You can also make tasteful NYE signs or banners. Or, even better, incorporate New Year 2024 pictures into your party invites. Then print out a blown-up version of that invite to use as a party decoration.
Finally, don’t forget a countdown timer. Set up an iPad or small TV screen with a countdown to midnight, so everyone will know when it’s time to toast.
Food and drink are essential components of any social gathering. But you don’t need to go over the top. You absolutely can create a memorable dining experience for your guests with four components: a signature drink, champagne or sparkling wine, easy appetizers, and indulgent desserts.
Signature drink
Coming up with a signature drink isn’t as hard as it sounds. Try taking your favorite beverage and making one small tweak to it. Then give it a fun name and you’re ready to go.
As an example, you could make margaritas with jalapeno-infused tequila and call it the Hot Maggie. Or you could mix grapefruit-infused vodka with cranberry and club soda. You might name that one Sea Breeze Bubbler. Have fun with this — your guests will love it.
Champagne and sparkling apple cider
Champagne and sparkling apple cider are must-haves for any NYE party. Have enough on hand for everyone to enjoy a small pour at midnight.
Appetizers
The right appetizers for your party are easy to eat and not messy, sticky, or saucy. You don’t want someone to ruin her gorgeous velvet dress with drips of barbecue sauce. So steer clear of wings or anything saucy. Sweet-and-sour meatballs and similar dishes are non-starters.
Instead, choose appetizers that can be eaten in small bites with minimal utensils. Here are some ideas:
Sliced cheese and crackers
Prosciutto-wrapped melon (served with toothpicks)
Bacon-wrapped dates
Smoked salmon crostini
Chicken satay skewers
Deviled eggs
Desserts
Follow the same rules for your dessert menu. Avoid sticky, fudgy desserts and opt for things like brownies and cookies. If you have the baking chops, set up a table with an assortment of desserts. Your guests will love picking their own combination of sweet treats.
Try these recipes from Blog Chef, our sister site:
5. A playlist that pumps
Music sets the tone for your New Year’s celebration. Try building a playlist that begins with calm, relaxing tunes and builds into a party vibe by midnight. You can create your own playlist on Spotify or Pandora. Or borrower someone else’s NYE playlists on platforms like SoundCloud.
You can also ask your invitees to share their favorite tunes ahead of time. Compile all of them into a playlist that has something for everyone.
6. Housewares
Once you finalize your guest list, peek into your cupboard to make sure you have enough champagne flutes and cocktail glasses. If you don’t, fill in with plastic. You can grab a set of 24 plastic flutes for less than $20. Better to spend your dough on good champagne than real glasses which may end up broken before the night is done.
You will also want to have a big stack of cocktail napkins, small paper plates, and toothpicks on hand for serving.
7. Chic party favors
Everyone else will be handing out cheesy 2024 hats, glasses, and paper horns…why not do something different? Make your party extra memorable with one of these chic party favor ideas:
Glittery lip gloss for the ladies and travel-size men’s face wash for the guys
Mini champagne bottles
Artisan hand soaps
Homemade nut mix wrapped in cute jars
Satin eye masks
Mini succulents
Mini journal and pen sets
8. Resolution board
You can inspire thoughtful conversation at your New Year’s celebration with a board where you and your friends write down your 2024 resolutions. All you need is a large poster board plus some markers. Add ink stamps and glitter if you run in an artistic crowd.
You could also write a motivational quote on the board to get everyone thinking about the possibilities for the year ahead. One that comes to mind is, “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” ~George Eliot, Middlemarch.
To 2024 and beyond
Kick off the new year with a party your friends and family will remember. To do that, invest in an outfit that pumps up your confidence, plan ahead, and work in special touches like a signature drink and a resolution board. Then relax and enjoy this special time with your favorite people. Happy New Year!
