The Pictures of Morgan Gray

I met Morgan Gray (she has a cool name, so I will be using her full name at all times) about a year ago. I know it sounds cliche, but I knew instantly that she was going to be one of those people that bring light and laughter into my life. With a dry sense of humor, a can't-hold-me-down attitude, and a life story that truly touched my heart- I knew we were going to be two peas in a pod.

When I started this project, I really didn't know what to expect. I just knew that I wanted to document all the people I have met throughout my life. Morgan Gray was gracious enough to be my first guinea pig, and I was STOKED when she arrived on her motorcycle. If I didn't think that she was bad ass enough with her unique tats and fiery red hair, arriving on her bike (which she named Beryl Markham) set the bar way higher.

Morgan Gray is spreading her wings and moving to Portland, soon. We've already discussed our Portland adventures of locking ourselves in her room to listen to Local Natives, watch Barbara Stanwyck movies, find Portland's best coffee shops, and to talk about topics like feminism, Bukowski, and tattoos.

Morgan Gray, I see great things happening for you. Thank you for being a beautiful woman, for introducing me to the delicious creation of Fat Bao (I still crave them everyday), and for letting me ride on the back of your motorcycle! Love and light to you and to your new adventures.

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Gather Round

I don't know about you guys, but once an ounce of stress enters my world, my skin gets the beating. Now that finals week is tumbling in, the mean facial craters are making their presence known. So, instead of studying/cramming, I thought it best to post about my favorite skin care remedies that will remove the results of stress (at least from your face, that is).

1. Rosewater

The smell alone makes it an everyday staple whether I am using it as a toner, perfume, or to control hair frizz. For serious acne crisis, add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of rosewater. Apply with a cotton ball to the trouble area, then rinse off with warm water. It'll make your face feel so fresh, and so clean clean.

2.Tea Tree Oil

Don't panic. Putting natural oils (especially tea tree oil) on your face can prove to help fight the worst blemishes. Especially those painful, under-the-surface pimples that take forever to heal! I like to mix 3-5 drop of tea tree oil with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and apply to blemish area with a q-tip. Leave on for 5-8 minutes, wash off with warm water, and pat dry.

3.Apple Cider Vinegar

Another daily staple that I use both inside and out! I use it as a hair conditioner, a morning detox, and as an after face wash setter. Click here to see other helpful ways that ACV can safe your life.

4.Witch hazel

Normally my witch hazel is in liquid form, but I came across a soap form and thought, "Meh. Why not?" Now, I am obsessed. I start my day with this little bar, and I end my day with it. Witch hazel is a natural anti-inflammatory, cleanser, and moisturizer. You can't really argue with that.

5.Honey

Save the best for last. HONEY. I am fortunate enough to have an aunt and an uncle that make honey for a living, so I may be a little bias when I say that their honey is the BEST. You can click the link above to get your hands on Bernard's honey, or please contact me if you would like me to send you a honey care package! (it is honestly one of my favorite things to do) I use honey in my tea, as a cough syrup, as a Greek yogurt topping, hair masks, and for many facial masks and scrubs. My favorite way is to take a half of a lemon, pour a little honey on top of it, and apply gently to my face in the morning. It gets a little messy, but it is the best way to give me that jolt of energy and to get rid of some of the surface dirt (plus it taste delicious)! Another favorite way to use honey is as an exfoliate. When I have some cinnamon and nutmeg lying around, I'll mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1 teaspoon nutmeg and apply as a mask. Let it sit for 30 minutes and wash off with warm water.

I am also telling myself to drink more water and get 6-8 hours of sleep to get these blemish blues outta here, but I love using these products on a daily basis too :)

What are some of your daily beauty routines?