DIY Chemical Peel

I've always wanted to try a chemical peel, because they help shed dead skin which promotes cell turnover giving you younger, clearer looking skin. But they are pretty pricey and I feel like there are a lot of risks that come with it, such as redness (a la Samantha from Sex and the City), color changes in the skin, swelling, and even scarring.

 Since I'm leery of doing anything that could possibly damage my sensitive skin I thought I'd try a more natural and cheap alternative at home with ingredients I had just lying around the house. What I did was I cut a lime in half (you could use a lemon too, I just didn't have any) and rubbed it all over my clean face. As I was rubbing I also squeezed the lime a bit so the juice could coat my face. It was a little pulpy so I'd recommend doing this over your sink. After my face was pretty saturated with lime juice, I took a soft bristled tooth brush and scrubbed my face in a circular motion to help lift up the dead skin. Once I was finished scrubbing I rubbed the lime over my face once more and let it dry. I slept in it over night to really get the full effect. In the morning I washed my face with my regular face wash and moisturizer.

 

I definitely noticed a difference in the way my skin looked. It was brighter and more clear. Citrus fruit, such as lemons and limes are high in citric acid, which helps to exfoliate the skin and is actually an active ingredient in chemical peels. I am definitely going to incorporate this chemical peel into my regular routine!

day off

Sorry I've been away for so long. This new year has been just as busy as the holiday season! I'm also getting over a stomach virus too, yuck! Today I have off work! I love days off. I love sleeping in until 11:00, watching whatever I want on TV, lounging around drinking coffee, going to the gym whenever I want, and also browsing target (for those of you that know me know that I could live in target). I've been doing and still plan on doing all of those things today. I'm sad that Brian had to go into work, I wish he was able to enjoy a longer weekend too. 


Oh my gosh and I just discovered the most AMAZING thing ever! It's called speculoos. It's like peanut butter but made with cookies. It kind of tastes like ginger bread. Ahh it is so good!!!! I'm obsessed!!!!!!!!! 


Here are some things I adore:

My hat. Found here

Chevron iPad case. Found here

Speculoos. Found here

Resolutions & outfit post.

I always have a difficult time keeping my new years resolutions. Probably, like most people, I'm really good for a few months (or weeks) and then it's like I magically forget about my resolution. This year I have a few resolutions and they all have to deal with health, of my body and mind.

The first resolution is to drink a ton of water, like five or more 16 oz glasses of water each day. I always have a difficult time drink water unless I'm really thirsty, if I drink water on an empty stomach it makes it hurt...weird I know. But anyway ever since I started drinking more I've noticed positive changes in my skin. It's brighter and the bags under my eyes have faded. It's a simple and very cheap way to keep your skin looking gorgeous. Oh and it also fills me up so I eat less... win win!

My next resolution is to make it to the gym at least 5 times a week. Before break I actually got into a good habit of going, but once I went home it was all down hill from there. It's not that I ate a ton and need to lose the extra lbs. it's just that I didn't work out at all when I was home, mostly because it was in the teens in WI. Not really fun to run outside when it's that cold. When I do workout consistently I feel so much better. I've been going right after work which seems to help. I want to have my best body ever and 2013 is the year!

My third and last resolution is to stress less and live in the moment. I definitely bring anxiety upon myself worrying about the littlest details that I miss out on the bigger picture and the special moments that it brings. Being in the moment is what counts because it won't happen again and I really don't want to regret missing out!

So there you go, those are my 2013 resolutions.      

Here is one of two tops from J Crew that Brian got me for Christmas (sorry if some of the photos are a little fuzzy, we didn't have great lighting in the apartment and it's at night)

Sorry I couldn't find this sweater on the j crew website 

sweater from j crew

Wedding (photo diary)

I can't believe it's already 2013! Time sure does fly when you're having fun! I spent NYE with my sister, Mark, and Bobcat (the siamese cat). We decided it would be most fun (and cheap) to stay in and make a pizza and some cocktails. 

As I've mentioned in a few previous posts Brian and I went to our friends wedding in St. Paul, MN this past Saturday. They held the ceremony and reception in the James J. Hill Reference Library. It was a gorgeous location! Rachel was so beautiful. She wore a vintage-looking lace dress that was absolutely stunning!  

We pretty much danced the night away and shut the place down~true Kari and Brian style.  

iPhone photo. 

Typical Peter

Outside the library

Rachel's friend Lauren and her boyfriend 

I love the back of her dress!

Serious shot ;)