Hello, I’m Michelle!
“Love shines brightest when it is shared in the present moment” – Yung Pueblo
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Panama Family Trip Part 1- San Blas
We embarked on this approximately 4 hour long journey to the island early in the morning from our hotel. We used the tour company San Blas Dreams for both this tour and another one we booked while in Panama (I have not been paid or received compensation with this company).
The trip was via a 4×4 down an hours long road that was full of potholes. We were told the road has been like this for years but is scheduled to be repaired soon. Once we arrived at the end we were then picked up by a boat and the ride was about 40 minutes to Ina Island. I selected this one in particular since the island would also include us getting to island hop for the day at a few other islands before returning for the night to sleep in a hut. While there I have to say we saw many people doing just a day trip to the islands but knowing the long amount of time it would take to get to San Blas and back, and with kids and grandparents, it really just made sense to stay overnight at least for us.
While on the island were able to experience some local Kuna food (the Kuna are the indigenous people of the Guna tribe), embrace the lack of wifi and technology, and live out every moment on the screensavers I pick for my work computer. We participated in a tour to visit some other islands all of which were equally beautiful. There was one that was so small in size with the tiniest sliver of land that you would walk down the strip and have water washing upon it from both directions. It was heavenly to feel like you are out in the middle of the ocean yet safe on this small island.
While away I was a little nervous taking such young children and Raul’s parents however, everyone enjoyed it and I have to say we all needed the break and with little to focus on but the views, it was a much needed break from work and the everyday.
A few tips if you do this trip- pack lightly. We put all of our stuff in a small carry on suitcase since it was for the three kids and us and that worked but if you are traveling solo or just a couple, an overnight duffle is best. Don’t forget bug spray, sunscreen, toiletries, a towel, a flashlight or small collapsible lantern for night time, a card game or some activity to do at night after the sun goes down with kids/friends, and if you have young kids don’t forget to bring baby wipes and some of the small diaper/pull up plastic bags. The island is very rustic and minimal….but so worth it and so hard to leave.
Thank you for your response. ✨
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Go To Makeup Products
I don’t know about you but both pre pandemic and now post pandemic I have not used much makeup at all. I use the Biologique- Recherche line for skincare (see my other posts about the products!) and when needed I put on a little tinted moisturizer, mascara, and some brow gel and I am done!
The Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Oil Cream not only has a SPF of 30 (which is necessary no matter what age you are to protect your skin) but it is very lightweight and I have switched this out for bronzer. I go a few shades darker on it (I use Tan) and that gives me not only a nice bronzed look but also a glow. https://www.sephora.com/product/complexion-rescue-tinted-hydrating-gel-cream-P393356
I have been using the Glossier brow gel for a few months now. It took some getting used to as I converted from an eye brow pencil. This gel is easy to apply but you need to be careful in how much and to make sure you are really following the hair on your eyebrow so it blends well. https://www.glossier.com/products/boy-brow?g_campaign=US_Google_Shopping_ACQ_Makeup&g_campaignid=13053446601&g_adgroupid=123426185658&g_adid=520698964782&g_keyword=&g_keywordid=pla-297811013028&g_adtype=&g_merchantid=107339476&g_productchannel=online&g_productid=BBR-008-00-00&g_partition=297811013028&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=US_Google_Shopping_ACQ_Makeup&gclid=CjwKCAjwtpGGBhBJEiwAyRZX2uW2mhpVRUupuQuhe3nbUHXVA6e_Tbs9_zt6qhzhP7l9WdVvjBiBpRoCKDoQAvD_BwE
Lastly, I was on the prowl for a new mascara during the pandemic… I was not going anywhere but with all of the Zoom calls I felt I needed a little something. When searching for one online I came across this one that Beyonce reportedly uses and if it is good enough for her….its good enough for me! The brush is great and it lasts for the day and through an evening gym workout. https://www.ulta.com/p/voluminous-lash-paradise-mascara-xlsImpprod16151007
Please don’t judge- I have three small boys and one of them got to the lipstick 😦 Lastly, I really don’t use lipstick but I love this Charlotte Tilbury Kim KW (as I write this I hope they don’t discontinue it due to the Kardashian/West divorce). It is super light and provides some coverage and is simple enough that it gives the no makeup makeup look. While the price point seems expensive, I do have to say the quality and amount of time it lasts is so long that I feel that if you find a signature color or two, it is well worth the investment (just keep the kids away from it!) https://www.charlottetilbury.com/us/product/hot-lips-lipstick-kim-k-w
Thank you for your response. ✨
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Home Upgrades- Outdoor Edition!
Outdoor round up of purchases Our outdoor project started last Summer during the pandemic when it became clear we were going no where fast. With three kids all under 4 at that time we started slowly to replace items and envision a space for our family. We wanted to create three sections of our rather large Brooklyn terrace. The first area would be our outdoor dining section. We spent so much time looking at tables and chairs and agreed the most important thing to us was to have something that could fit our family of 5 and to be durable for NY Winters.
We had our IKEA sectional for a few years and every year have added another piece to it and also upgraded the cushions to something more durable. We got a new rug and that completed our lounge section.
Lastly, is the still a work in progress area for the kids. I will post more details about that and some of the outside toys we purchased that work for the area we have. A preview of that with the photo below.
Here are links to most of the products or similar for what we got (at this time the dining table/chairs are out of stock)- also huge tip: Purchase extra lightbulbs for any outdoor lights! They don’t break easily but they do break and after the clean up comes the replacement of them so it is easier to have a box of extras on hand for this.
Lights (Similar) https://www.amazon.com/Backyard-Hanging-Outdoor-Pergola-Deckyard/dp/B00RQHBZVS/ref=zg_bs_495236_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=2QXT6HCCBQHEBSBSGSAN
Outdoor Tropical Throw Pillows- https://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Palms-Outdoor-17.75-Square-Cushion-Set-of-by-Christopher-Knight-Home/23579482/product.html?opre=1&option=39374169
Ikea Sectional-https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/solleroen-modular-corner-sofa-3-seat-outdoor-brown-froesoen-duvholmen-beige-s99285933/?gclid=CjwKCAjwtpGGBhBJEiwAyRZX2vd1yY7Zb0uSW7K3I1o27gucZxBJlvQpeerp6SilW_e4C_fmmZ3gWhoCx1cQAvD_BwE
Dining Table Set-https://www.wayfair.com/outdoor/pdp/ebern-designs-macleod-7-piece-dining-set-w001607993.html
Nighttime 
Old rug- replaced it with the grey one but this is the table and chairs 
Thank you for your response. ✨
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Recent H&M Finds- Summer Edition!
I know everyone is starting to look forward to wearing some Summer attire especially after the rainy Memorial Day weekend we just had. Check out some of the recent purchases I just got from H & M. Will share my looks with them later this week so stay tuned!
White Dress- This is super lightweight and a little see through but I think it is perfect for weekend or date night as you walk around enjoying the Summer weather (I got a small runs big) https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0970383001.html
Light Yellow Dress- Another go to but also see through. It could look a little like a nightgown but I think with a denim jacket or some jewelry it could be perfect for daytime strolls (I got a small- runs big). https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0965878006.html
Black Dress- I got this last year in white and it was so perfect that I had to get in black this season! Very lightweight and can be dressed up or down. (I got a small runs big) https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0970261002.html
Black Tank Top Shirt- This is going to be perfect with shorts or leggings for all year wear (Runs big so went with a small and it is still a little big but comfy feeling) https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0964835002.html
Beige Crop Top- I was a little nervous this would not fit and be unflattering but it actually is great with leggings so it would be good for on the go errands or to work out in (I sized up to a medium) https://www2.hm.com/en_us/productpage.0965725003.html
Thank you for your response. ✨
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Collagen Peptides…2 Ways
Chocolate version Who doesn’t love a delicious chocolate smoothie? Now what if we amped up the protein you get and throw in some collagen powder? This one calls for a scoop of Dose & Co Collagen Creamer, Califia Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk, and a scoop of Navitas Cacao powder. The combination of these gets you some protein, collagen, and is great on the go and to help with any chocolate cravings. If you are ok adding in a little extra carbs, try a few strawberries or half a banana to make it a little more fruit flavored.
Strawberry version If you are looking for a low carb fruit version of a smoothie try 4 strawberries, a scoop of Dose & Co, with Califia Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk. Toss into your blender (I invested in a Vitamix a few years ago and swear by it for smoothies, soups, and dressings).
Thank you for your response. ✨
About Me
The sky is not completely dark at night. Were the sky absolutely dark, one would not be able to see the silhouette of an object against the sky.
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