Quarantine Queen

Hi Blog Friends!

Where or where did the time go? It actually went towards Instagram if we're talking about social media hours. lol lol. I wanted to write here and just document what's going on in my life. Tomorrow is my 33rd birthday, and I figured it's a good time to jot down my thoughts for fun.

I hope everyone is out there living your best lives, I just know you are. It's been well over 10 years ago that I started writing here on Blogspot, but let's not focus on the past. I'm all about what's ahead nowadays. The internet seems to move so fast with Instagram but I'm still young enough to keep up! It definitely can suck you in and waste time, but if you enjoy wasting that time, then it's not time wasted. I've recently discovered Tik Tok too. Wow. Mind blown, totally new world.

I've been into reading quotes. Every night around 10pm, after I get ready for bed, I slap on a Korean sheet mask and browse the Internet on my Safari browser for quotes! I think of a topic such as happiness and type "fun quotes' and view the Images on Google. Happiness quotes are most definitely overrated. lol The good ones are in niche topics such as organization. I can't believe this is what I'm think about now in my 30's. My ultimate goal is to be organized, live a decluttered life. My skincare game has been strong too. Nothing fancy, but I make sure to wash off all my makeup and moisturize before bedtime! Taking out my contact lenses is also a must! I used to fall asleep in my contacts all the time which is bad for my eyes!

I feel my self proclaimed QUOTES TIMES has been good for my mind and soul to relax and read quotes that are uplifting. I enjoy the funny ones too! My favorite topic has got to be decluttering.

Tell me these quotes don't "Spark Joy!" I've heard of Marie Kondo and read 3/4th of her book several years ago when a girl friend introduced me to her way of living. She had kids and was constantly getting rid of things, I at first, thought she was going mad. Because I love stuff! As soon as I was making my own money, I looked forward to all the new things I could buy.

But let's go back to how I acquired Marie Kondo's book on tidying up. I found the book through a friend of friend on Facebook and she passed the book to me, she shipped it at her expense (random fact: media mail gets you a discount at the post office when you mail movies, music, or books!). I have a hard time just accepting something so I wanted to send her a 'thank you', and I sent her a pair of my DSK Jewelry earrings. Now that I think about it, I'm not sure if she would have even wanted them. LOL I sure hope they sparked a little bit of joy for her.

I was actually somewhat ahead of the Kon Mari craze but never took it too seriously. Once the show came out in January 2019, that struck a cord with me. I was reminded of what I was taught in her book, and now I could visually see what she meant! I'm a big visual learner. I get distracted super easily when I read. I have to reread pages constantly if my brain decides to think of something else.

I have 1/4th of that book left to finish and I think I might just reread the book and pass it on to someone else to share the knowledge. I'm not much of a book collector even thought Belle's library in Beauty and the Beast is epic and dreamy.

How does that saying go? The older you get the wiser you get? I think this is FACTS. lol STRONG FACTS. I think you experience the joy of everything you ever wanted as a child when you become a young adult with money you earn from working. You try to fulfill all those desires of your childhood, but once you buy too much, there's really no more high. You are able to buy them so quickly, they no longer spark as much joy or feel as special. Then it all eventually becomes clutter if you don't use them.



I've really started to focus on the things I do have and own. I tell myself I don't need another handbag because I barely use the ones I already do have. I think my priorities have shifted. Been there done that. I don't need material things or luxury goods to feel fulfilled. I don't feel its as important to me to impress others the way I used to feel for some odd reason. I guess it's all part of growing up.

I want to learn everything good organization gurus have to say. I want to read books written by them I want to absorb and process the words they speak! And apply it in ways to benefit my life and those around me.

My husband and I don't argue often, but when we do it's about stuff. We both have so much stuff because we both love to shop and buy things with hope that it will improve our lives.  I've learned my lesson, and I no longer want to buy things. I want to donate and sell the things we don't need in our home. I want us to live in a space that brings us happiness. Clutter has proven to be the opposite of happiness for us, and I'm so happy I have identified it! I've spent years defending the things I have stored in our house, our garage, our storage unit! There's no need for us to spend $172/month on a storage unit. It's just silly. My goal for quarantine Spring is to have our garaged cleared out to fit 1 car, and to have our storage unit cleared out completely and returned!

All that clutter used to be money, for sure. There's no point dwelling on it or feeling bad, do something about it. Facebook Marketplace has become my best friend. I love selling things for cash. It adds up! It's amazing how I can list things for $5-20 dollars and get back $100 in a day of the stuff I just have around my house. It does require time and effort, but I enjoy and get a high from reselling my things that still have a lot of life!

 I seek simplicity now. I want space for my mind to be refreshed everyday I wake up.

I read another great quote just last night.  "He who buys what he doesn't need steals from himself." Where was this when I needed to hear it the most? It's such a deep saying. I feel it, I relate, it makes so much sense!

Don't steal from yourself. It's simple, right? Haha, I hope you are all doing well.

Find me on Instagram at DSKJewelry and say, "Hi!"

I post stories daily because it sure does spark joy! :)

Signing off! -Steph

July 2019 Life Update

Boy, oh boy, I am so rusty with using Blogger! I hope you all have been well and that we have stayed in touch over on Instagram. The last time I posted on here back in March, it's now July of 2019. I am have been in declutter my life/house mode! I'm proud of myself for letting go of items in our home. I don't even know why I bought them in the first place! I do feel great donating items. It feels good to know that these things may be useful to others.

To update you, I've been into plants and flowers. I have 3 fiddle leaf figs inside the house. And I have quite a few flower planter pots that I've put together. Can I say I curated them? Does that sound more fancy? I think so. lol

I'm still running our frozen yogurt shop business, and working as a real estate agent in the greater Seattle area. I actually much prefer the suburbs versus the city of Seattle itself. Traffic has gotten out of control. I'm a suburb person through and through. It must be the Midwest in me.

I'm actually due to renew my license pretty soon here. Can you believe I've been in real estate for 6 years? I can't! I need to get finger printed again for my background check. I also need to complete 30 hours of continue education. I need to get on it!

My new real estate headshot. Stephanie Nguyen, 32 year old lady. Haha

I haven't focused on jewelry making in a while. I still accept and work on filling orders, but I haven't taken the time to create. I want to, the desire is there in the back of my mind. But right now, I need to focus on the frozen yogurt business. I enjoy the business, but management is tough! I'm not a natural born leader so it causes me a little bit of stress. I still can't believe we have an actual shop. It's about a 40 minutes drive each way from where we live, but I wouldn't trade the location. It's a really wonderful community. I've been in the frozen yogurt, bubble tea, smoothie business now for 4 Summers! I intend to sell the business by next year. Do you live in the greater Seattle area and want to own a frozen yogurt shop? Message me, if you do! lol

I need to get ready to go to the yogurt shop now. It was great to catch up with you! Follow me on Instagram at DSKJewelry. Ttyl!

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

I found this drafted posted from 6/12/13 on my Blogger dashboard. I still haven't really used this palette! I would say that you should pass on the Naked Basics unless you really like matte earth toned eyeshadows. haha! I can't believe it's 12/20/16 already.

There have been so many beauty related things that I could catch you up on!

I got my eyebrows microbladed almost a full year ago. I got them done in Portland, OR on 12/27/2015. I didn't go back for a free retouching because it hurt. I really felt my numbing cream never fully kicked in and that it started to wear off before the girl was finished. Yikes. I sometimes get a memory of that pain when I apply some light eyebrow makeup with an eyeshadow pen. I would be glad to share my experience here if anyone still reads!

I did share the whole process last year on Snapchat, boy did my eyebrows look CRAZY right after they were done. I really thought they were going to look like horrible thick dark caterpillars. And anyone who tells you it fades after a year is wrong. It's basically a tattoo that probably won't ever completely fade away. Am I happy with my brows? Not 100% but I do love that I don't have to draw and shape them in everyday. It's great to go makeup free without looking totally gross. lol

I gave a palette to my sister in law and she does use it. I know because I see it on her vanity when I visit her place! Maybe I'll dig it up tomorrow and try using it. :)

Looking at the photos the first shade does look like a shimmer! It isn't just a matte eyeshadow palette after all!

Talk to you again soon! -Steph :)

Dear Bri

Hi blog family! It's Winter!! I can't believe it's already the 7th of December soon to turn the 8th as I type. I haven't logged into Blogger since October.

I wanted to shout out to Bri, thank you so much for your comment on my last post! For some, reason I only got the notification in my e-mail and it made me so happy to hear from you!! I can't seem to find your comment on the post. Has it really been that long since I used Blogger dashboard? Lol. I want to let you know my collection of Tory Burch has since grown since we last e-mailed! Nordstrom Rack is still just my go-to place to find them. You won't believe the deals I find there. I recently found this beautiful pair of black ballet flats with smaller black medallion. They were so perfect that I didn't even buy them on clearance. I bought them with the Nordstrom Rack sales tag, haha. It is driving me nuts that I cannot find them online. I'm going to have to come back and edit this post with photos of my actual flats and bag! They are just so comfortable, and just the perfect classic flat. As I'm searching for TB flats, I came across a lot of your photos and found your Wordpress. :) I hope you don't mind that I've shared a link to you here!

I also found a matching TB clutch/small bag that happens to match too. The bag is called the Robinson Chain Mini Bag. I had come across the flats about a couple weeks before I found the bag at a different NR. It rang up less than the tag, and I paid $118 for it; I was ecstatic! I've never owned such a mini sized bag but it was fitting to use as a clutch for a wedding I went to in California back in November.

The TB bag I found had a black ring around the logo instead of gold as see in the photo above. :)

The most valuable aspect of blogging for me nowadays are the friendships I've made over the years both online and IRL! I've become such great real life friends with my blog friends! I feel so complete in my day to day life all thanks to blog and the blogosphere. I feel sad, but also happy when I don't find time to log online. After 7 years of living in Washington state, I finally feel like it's home. I have Washington friends! I am in a wonderful place with my husband's family too. We are all taking a family trip to Vietnam soon! I'm nervous, excited, and can't wait to come back a new me. I'll catch up with you again soon! -Steph

Time really does change everything. I also went to the Chirporactor for the first time in my life on 12/6, and that sure changed everything for me! I can't believe I've missed on on getting my neck and back cracked. I feel physically feel like a new person. Dr. told me my left hip is higher than my right, and that my right shoulder is higher than my left. Glad to know it wasn't just my suspicious about myself. lol

Currently obsessed with searching for the best diffuser because I want bougie essential oils in my air. :)

It's Fall, and I'm Alive!

Hello!!

I'm alive!!! Man has so much changed since I last blogged. I own a frozen yogurt, bubble tea shop now!! I can hardly believe it either. I have a dream job. It is so fun to have a self serve frozen yogurt bar with 100 toppings! I have SO much fun picking out and ordering candies and delicious chocolate toppings. We also serve soft serve ice cream, and Dole soft serve. Yes, just like at Disneyland!!

It's too exciting, they even have Dole Orange, Raspberry, Lemon to name some other awesome non-dairy flavors.

I will have to tell you more about the shop later. :)

With the weather transition, I am struggling to fight off my eczema. Fortunately, as I've gotten older I don't get eczema dry gross skin patches on my face anymore, knock on wood. I am now 29 and 6 months and 7 days old. I can't believe 30 is coming!! Ahhhhh.

I am starting to take skincare a lot more serious now. I'm all about lotions, potions, and oils. Whole Foods has been my go to for over priced Rosehip oil. Hahaha, I'm not patient enough to order anything online, unlike my husband who loves to order everything x 2 from Amazon. He's probably their #1 fan, everyday.

The awesome ladies over at Style House PR sent me over a lab sample of a Prescriptive's precious face night cream called Super Line Preventor Overnight Radiance Cream. I am in LOVE with this product. It's not too thick and it makes my skin feel so good at bedtime. I look forward to brushing my teeth and washing my face so I can get put on this face cream. I wish they had given me a full size! I am about finished with my premium sample jar. Did you know Prescriptives.com is where you can get all of your Prescriptive needs? They don't sell them in stores much anymore from what I've noticed. I think Shu Emura did the same thing and went online only in the US. Thank goodness I stocked up on their eyelash curlers. ;)

Some awesome information for you about this night cream that I love:

The Super Line Preventor Overnight Radiance Cream launched last month, September 2016. The price is $65 for 1.7oz/50ml at Prescriptives.com.

The Super Line Overnight Radiance Cream is the latest addition to Prescriptives' beloved Super Line Preventor product family. This age-defying night cream goes to work while you sleep and provides a definitive laundry list of anti-aging benefits. Wake up to skin that looks refresh, radiant, refined and plumped with moisture. Over time, Super Line Preventor Overnight Radiance Cream helps reduce the look of aging - smoothing the look of fine lines and pores, helping even skin tone, plumping skin with moisture and restoring a youthful glow.

Super Line Preventor Over Night Radiance Cream formula features the Triple Glow Technology (wn). This complex of salicylic acid, glucosamine and chestnut extract helps to promote cell turnover, gently exfoliating to reveal smoother, more luminous-looking skin. At the same time, super moisturizers like Hyaluronic Acid and Linoleum Acid help to infuse and plump skin with moisture while Sigesbeckia Orientalis helps to support skin's natural collagen production for smoother looking skin over time. Super Line Preventer Overnight Radiance Cream also contains well known anti-oxidants Vitamin E and Rosemary Extract.

Usage: Apply nightly to face and throat, avoiding eye area.

Clinical Claims: Immediate measurable improvement in moisturization, radiance, pore size. After 4 weeks and 8 weeks, additional measurable improvement in firmness, smoothness, lines and wrinkles, skin tone, age spots, radiance, barrier strength, texture.

-Ophthalmologist Tested - Non-Acnegenic - Oil Free -

I highly recommend this night cream if you're looking for a new night cream!

My Holiday Gift Guide...or maybe it's just the things I really want!

Hey everyone, I hope you are having a very pleasant December 7th day. It is extremely rainy here in the greater Seattle area. I left my house this morning to find my light up deer & Santa decorations knocked over and sitting in the pouring rain. -_- Really, wind...really?

I'm planning on throwing my husband a very fun 33rd birthday party later this month. I made the best banana pudding trifle I've ever had this past weekend, and I can't wait to make it again for our family and friends! I'm also looking forward to making jello shots (can you believe I've never made them before?).

Now onto my Holiday Gift Guide slash all that my heart desires!

You need this kettle so you can be extra posh while drinking posh tea. :)

Russel Hobbs Kettle, $85

It glows, enough said. 

Panasonic Facial Steamer, $150

 Who doesn't want the spa treatment at home?

Philips Sonicare Toothbrush, $100
Everyone loves white teeth.

Bleu de Chanel, $70-$220.Best smelling men's cologne, hands down.

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil, $65

Luxury eyebrow pencils, anyone?

NutriBullet, $138

Because all bloggers make smoothies with it. Haha #easilyinfluenced

 

MacKenzie Childs Three Tier Sweet Stand, $198

We like fabulous kitchen's.

Louboutin Lipstick, $90

Any makeup enthusiast would appreciate this artfully packaged lipstick.

MAC Honey Love Lipstick, $17

The perfect everyday lipstick.

MAC Spice Lipliner, $16.50

The perfect lipliner to create the perfect Autumn lip.

Givenchy Antigona Mini-Duffel, $1,750

Possibly the cutest cross body bag. Great color too!

 

 When in doubt, comfortable pajamas always make excellent holiday gifts. ^_^

Mini Skincare Review: Prescriptives Super Line Preventor Xtreme

Hello again! I received a [deluxe] sample of Prescriptives Super Line Preventor Xtreme and I am smitten with this luxury skincare product! I've always heard great things about Prescriptives, but I haven't tried one of their products until now. I'm almost finished with my sample which has lasted me for a couple of good months. I usually would use in the morning after showering and even sometimes right before bed. It has been in my toiletry bag on my trips to San Jose, Las Vegas, and Grand Rapids! It really has lasted me a long time. I can only imagine how long the full size would last. If I didn't already have other skincare products to finish up, I would consider splurging on a full size. :)

This skincare item is more on the higher end, retailing at $84.00 for 1.7 oz at Prescriptives.com

A little history on Prescriptives:

Launched in 1985 and celebrating 30 years of lighting passion among beauty consumers, "SLP" is a super cocktail of targeted antioxidants that diminish the look of lines and wrinkled by up to 54% in clinical trials. Armed with our Super Antioxidant System (SAS), it's a true "Super" serum that defends against the visible aging effects of free radicals, both immediately and up to 72 hours later.

SLP holds one hundred times its weight in water. It binds moisture to the skin, ensuring a smooth and long-lasting makeup application.

SLP helps strengthen skin and boost its natural defenses, by helping skin bolster its collagen production to improve visible skin tone and radiance. Skin looks stronger, smoother, and one step ahead of environmental assaults. 

The Sock Panda

Hello blog friends! 

I know I've fallen off the blogosphere, but I have some pretty good excuses...

Soooo, I got married. And I did a little bit of traveling over the past couple months with my husband, family, and friends! I like to think I am having a great year, hehe.

I thought I would share two awesome pairs of socks from the Sock Panda! I figure Halloween just passed so why not bust out my cat bat socks.

You can find my Sock Panda post from 2013 here, if you'd like!

 They're still slayin' it with the cool packaging. I just learned that term from following beauty/fashion Instagrammers. Do you like how I incorporated my new vocab term? ka ka ka 

 Seriously tho, Sock Panda Team, when the time come where my jewelry business is cool enough to have custom packaging, will you guys pretty please help me design it? I just love how quirky & creative your prints are! 

I LOVE IT! I want some more of it! Haha

The lighting bolts are my favorite.

 Thanks so much Patrick! You are AWESOME. I appreciate the time you took to write, inspire & draw for me. :)

The socks come individually packaged which makes it great for gifting! I don't know about you, but my default stocking stuffer has always been socks. I always ask for socks, and I always gift socks. I just feel you can never go wrong with them!

 Husbands gets the hexagon print socks; they're size large, while mine are size medium.

 Designed in Venice, California, a destination I completely am looking forward to visiting! I heard they're home of the Pho Burrito?! Must try that genius invention someday.

 These comfy, colorful socks are made in Peru! Another awesome destination I would love to visit. 

Follow @thesockpanda on Twitter like me to see what they're up to over there.

 Thank you again Patrick & The Sock Panda crew for our awesome socks!

We love 'em!

For all your sock subscription needs: http://sockpanda.com
What makes Sock Panda even cooler than they already are?
They donate one pair of socks of every single sock ordered. #PandaDonatesSocks
p.s. I just got a new Panda debit card that I picked out at the bank. If I have to switch over to these chip cards..I want some cool looking cards to carry around! ;)

Panda out! Talk to you later!

Threadsmiths

Threadsmiths, an Australian company reached out to me to share their super cool Hydrophobic T-Shirt on my blog. I thought it was pretty newsworthy and wanted to share it with you guys. I also totally want to visit Australia one day. I think of gorgeous beaches, friendly people, and endless amounts of happiness and sunshine that make up their beautiful country. But travel goals are for another blog post, let me tell you about this super cool new technology they've come up with!

About Threadsmiths

Threadsmiths is a clothing technology company pioneering a new era of everyday performance apparel. We believe that we can create better apparel solutions by leveraging technology, fashion and design.

 Headline! Australian startup creates world's first 100% cotton hydrophobic T-Shirt.

They said: Go ahead. Try pouring some water on it!

And so I did!

It's resistant to water based liquids like soy sauce, coffee, even maple syrup and red wine. My initial reaction is WOW, this is magic! It's so cool to be able to control the water droplets and just pour off the water beads from the shirt. You can use a bottle of water to rinse away any residue liquid. Tell me it's not the perfect Summer weekend going out to eat at the Farmer's Market weekend shirt! AND best water balloon fight shirt ever. ^_^

These shirts are totally the future and probably will be one of my most favorite travel shirts. Don't you hate it when you're out and you get a stain on your shirt and you can't easily just go home and change? I feel like this shirt will help make life a little bit easier when you're on the go. My husband is notorious for spilling drinks and food on his shirts. -__- It happens all.the.time. I wish I would have asked for the Men's shirt because I know he'll get a lot more wear out if his since I'd probably make that his designated eating out shirt/weekend. I'm just kidding. but I think this technology is awesome. They even make them for kids and babies! #puregenius.

I received The Cavelier Women's T-Shirt in Black, Retails for $55. #threadsmithswomen. You can't go wrong with a solid black tee. I wear a lot more black than white, but now that I think about it I should have picked the White one. This shirt is made to last and be stain resistant so I really should have gotten a white one. I like the simple logo on one of the sleeves and on the upper back. It's a very high quality shirt that I know will be a staple in my daily life closet. :D Let's be real, we all have our closet, and our real closets (I call them my default clothes. ;)) This shirt is keeping it real in my life. Thank you Threadsmiths for the awesome threads! I'm proud to be part of team awesomeness and spreading the world about their revolutionary technology. I totally need one in white now. Not want, NEED!

The Cavelier: A 100% cotton T-Shirt crafted with patented hydrophobic nanotechnology application that repels water and dirt.

Melbourne, Australia., 1st of December 2014 - An Australian startup has solved the age-old problem of stained white t-shirts by creating the world's first 100% cotton hydrophobic T-Shirt.

Dubbed "The Cavalier" - the 100% cotton T-Shirt incorporates a lotus leaf inspired nanotechnology that completely repels dirk and liquds, leaving the surface of the fabric crisp, dry, and without stains for up to around 50 washes.

The fibers of the shirt are created with new "water-fearing" nanontechnology.

White other white t-shirts are stained by liquids such as coffee and wine, this hydrophobic fabric causes liquids to bead-up while simultaneously self-cleaning the surface.

The patented fabric nanontech is free of carcinogens and is completely safe for regular wear.

Threadsmiths plans to expand the product range using the technology exhibited in The Cavalier to other articles of clothing and industries such as medical, hospitality and sports.

Check out their shirts: http://www.thethreadsmiths.com/