My DIY Manicure

Picture of Sarah Bridgeman

Trust me, I know what you’re thinking. Been there, tried the DIY manicure. Well, I’m here to tell you my method lasts 6-7 days, ladies!

Fun fact: I almost always have my nails painted, and honestly don’t feel like myself when they aren’t painted! I never had my nails painted in high school because between all the sports, nasty goalie and softball gloves, it just wasn’t realistic. In college and up until this past year, I used to get regularly scheduled mani’s/pedi’s. They would without fail never ever last as long as it would if I did it at home. Plus, it was such a time trap even when I had an appointment.

10 Productive Things To Do on a Sunday

Monday seems a lot less stressful when you have a productive Sunday, right?! My answer is YES! I find that having a productive Sunday sets my week up for success! It basically gets my game plan for the week going on a strong foot! So, here is my go-to list of 10 productive things to do on a Sunday!

Pick and choose what works for you and your lifestyle, but know that come Monday, you will be ready and prepared! In fact, maybe you won’t hate Monday’s anymore!

Favs: May 2019

Back in October I read about half of High Performance Habits. It got a little heavy, and it was best I come back to it another time. That time is now! I picked up where I left off and timing for me is much better! It is a great book and I am learning new habits to help propel my business and life.

Favs: April 2019

Think and Grow Rich, this is an old school personal development book. It was really good and brought a different way of thinking. I knock out a book per month, and this one didn’t disappoint. 

Currently reading Anxious for Nothing and dang, it’s good and just what I needed right now! This one will be ongoing for a few months since it’s the book we are currently reading for my bible study group! 

Self-Tan Routine, The Safer Way

Recently over on insta stories I was raving about my new favorite safer self-tanner, Beauty By Earth. Last spring+summer I used another safer brand called Chocolate Sun that I liked ok, but didn’t love. So, this year I was determined to find one that performed better than Chocolate Sun and was also safe!

After two applications, I can say Beauty By Earth is a WIN in my book. It gives you a nice, even natural glow with some color, but not turning you orange. It also doesn’t smell like most sunless tanners do.

The key to a successful sunless tan is all in the routine. It may seem like a lot, but seriously doesn’t take that much time and is so worth it! This is the exact routine I have been following for a VERY LONG time and it works.

2019 Dirty Dozen + Clean Fifteen, and why you should care.

If you aren’t familiar with the Environmental Working Group, click here to learn who they are and what they do! To sum it up, the EWG is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment.  That could be an entire blog post itself, but I will spare you!

So, lets get to it…the EWG has updated their dirty dozen and clean fifteen list. This list includes the top twelve conventional (not organic) fruits and veggies that have the highest amounts of pesticide residue. You will want to try (keyword, try) to always buy the items on that list organic. It has changed a tiny bit from last year, so click here to download a pdf to either print or screen shot to save on your phone when grocery shopping!

The one skincare item you probably aren’t using…

Can you guess what it is?!

Facial oil. Yes, oil. I know so many people get scared of putting oil on their face, but hear me out. Facial oils are a total game changer for your skin, trust me. Another common fear that most people have is how to use them. So, here we go…

Consider facial oil an instant pick me up for your face. So, what can you expect?! Glowier, hydrated, smoother, brighter, plumped skin from oil. It’s rich, deeply nourishing, utterly soothing—and something you totally need to consider trying. For real though, who doesn’t want all of that?!

nut + seed milk

This one has been a long time coming. My milk recipes have been perfected and I must share the goods with you!

Let’s be clear on one thing, I had stipulations when I decided to do this back in 2018. First, it needed to be made with nuts or seeds that did not require straining, no time for that. Second, it needed to be easy, and third, taste good!

Making milk at home is very inexpensive, easy, and taste so much better than store bought. Even the organic, non-gmo options  at the grocery still have gums and fillers. Two things, I’m certain aren’t needed in my life.

Morning Routine

Either you run the day or the day runs you.

There are a couple of things that are non-negotiable for me, sleep and routine. They set you up for success and set the tone for all areas of life. Every single morning looks almost identical for me.

My morning routine actually starts the night before, and I am not even going to tell you it is easy…but no phone for at least 30 minutes before lights out.  We are all guilty of mindless scrolling, and it’s the biggest time waster ever. I follow this into my morning. I want to be a dictator of my time, not a reactor. Plus, I want to make the most of my time and be as productive as possible.

Favs: January 2019

The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson. This book is one that everyone should read. Lots of useful+practical lessons anyone can apply to move your life forward. Always remember, your mindset work is never done!