Discovery Review: Tricky Hair 3D Mink Lashes

A couple months back, I received a request for a review. Being appreciative of someone liking my writing, I couldn't say no, but then I had walked myself into a new dilemma - as a person who generally doesn't wear makeup, what valuable input could I provide on false lashes? Being scientific by nature, I couldn't dismiss an idea before giving it a try and I ended up surprising myself with some of the conclusions I came to.

Tidy Thirties

I haven't written a birthday log in a while. I just haven't written in a while in general and fallen into the realm of blog oblivion. Between graduating from my program and job hunting, landing a job (take THAT business casual), and just working, I find my time limited. 40 hours out of the week is a lot.

I also turned 31 recently. It's interesting to go back into nether regions of this blog and read the depressing sentiments that I had over turning 23 or 26. Turning 31 was nice. I took the day off from work and spent the day at home with my dog while each of my sisters made time to come see me at some point in the day. The individual attention was a nice present. I also made time to clean up the house a bit. While it's not as impressive as taking a trip or going on a shopping spree, there is something to be said for taking time to focus on something that you've been wanting to do.

I was in San Antonio not too long ago to visit family but also to to meet new family as my little sister was having a couple's shower.  (For the benefit of those who don't know, it's essentially like a bridal shower, but for both the bride and groom. It's basically a bridal shower.)

A while back, I had bought The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo for my elder sister as a present. I'd been curious about that book so I was going to borrow it. After failing to find my sister's copy, I remembered that my mom has a knack for picking up things and so when searching my parents room, I, ironically, found a copy in a pile. This wasn't even my sister's copy, but one that my mom had bought from the thrift store. I picked it up.

Admittedly, at first it read a bit like pseudoscience. I'm thinking maybe some points got lost in translation. As I've progressed though, she makes a lot of good points like the futility in just doing a little at a time, or going room by room. I'm not reading this book to assess it's psychological value, but to learn habits to maintain a cleaner space and I'm already seeing a difference in my own habits and time management. For instance, I know that it doesn't take me too long to iron all my uniforms and put away my clothes right after I take them out of the dryer. It might be a product of my work environment as well - in a medical lab, you realize that you can get a lot done in one minute. Lately, I haven't had piles of laundry just lying around. The kitchen is always clean before I leave. I also find myself reflecting more on why there are some things that I keep that I don't wear. Catharsis is kind of magical.

Going on sale at Top Drawer Thrift near you (if you live near Austin, TX)

Dear Business Casual

I hate you.

It is rare that I have to confront the giant monolith of vagueness deemed "business casual." Normally I can carry my own version of business casual which tends to lean more on the business side of things. Added challenges include: Texas summers and having 100+ degree weather (Fahrenheit) and also it being "conservative."

I don't want to wear black, everything seems too hot. I'm kind of regretting never getting into business style capris.

Not fond of all the adjectives surrounding "business casual."

I originally started writing this in August of this year. I just graduated from my program and once I land a job, I get to graduate to a career of scrubs that feel like pajamas. I consider THAT a job benefit, but until I land a job, I have to keep flexing my business casual muscles.

I'll normally achieve this with a pair of dressy (or just nice) slacks and a thin sweater or nicer pullover top. That is the formula every time.

Cartonnier Tweed Wool pants that I bought on a whim:

These go all the way to my heel. 

Grey Simba Loafers by Naturalizer:

And then any thin long sleeved or 3/4 sleeve neutral sweater (grey, black, white). I have a number of them from American Apparel. Don't get on me for wearing black and brown, it can be done if you know how to work colors.

I definitely have more business-y apparel and while it was fun playing the professional dress up, it mostly wasn't me (2 piece suit...? sorry)

Truthfully, now when I go on job interviews, I wear the SAME THING to each one because dwelling on clothes for occasions like interviews is something that I wouldn't want to concentrate my focus on, and it's not like the interviewers are going to cross reference each other on what I was wearing. I'm not in an industry where you have multiple interviews at the same place, but if I was...if I wore the same thing to a follow up interview, and someone noticed, I guess that would mean I was memorable in some way.