Melasma, my journey

If you have Melasma and have been searching for options to find a way to minimize the appearance of these unpleasant hyper-pignmentation marks on your body or face and are curious about the options out there I'm so glad you found me here.  As I searched endlessly for the past couple years for a 'cure' I became more and more convinced that I had to share my experiences and create a space where others could share as well.,

My journey began 4-years ago when I discovered something on my face that later turned out to be something I couldn’t solve so easily; this wasn't a breakout or something a facial could fix.  I no longer felt good in my own skin because of it.  I went from clear skin (with freckles I never wished away) to almost half my face being affected by hyperpigmentation within months.  When the beginnings of Melasma began to surface I first felt afraid of how to deal with it and live with it – if it were in fact a permanent tattoo on my face.  Little did I realize that it would take me on a beautiful journey to self-discovery.  So here I am, sharing my experiences on my blog to create a place to support you or anyone you may know who deals Melasma.  

Because Melasma is still puzzling to "cure" and dermatologists have yet found a definite way to remove it, I see a need and urgency to help other others who may also deal with this hyper-pigmentation and create a space with products and recipes that could be of help.  Building this blog means there is a solid place for understanding, open discussions; and a peaceful place to share all that I’ve learned in these 3+years. 

Since I'm currently experiencing some break in the areas on my face affected by this, I'm convinced I'm doing something right and want to share what those steps could be with all of you. Like many other blogs out there that are successful in seeking beauty truths, I hope to fill in those blanks and shed some light on how you can continue to live, treat, and cure Melasma while enjoying all the other fine things in life as you once did before it became a part of your days & beauty routine.  From laser to supplements, I will share my experiences here with you so hopefully something you haven't tried, or want to try, can be of help.  

There is so much I’m looking forward to sharing here.  Each product & procedure has a story of it's own, so I hope you come back to read more about them as I'll post often about my melasma journey with pictures and other fun facts I've learned along the way with the support and assistance of some of the best dermatologists here in NYC. 

Here is a picture of me before the melasma spread.  It started lightly within my freckles so it was easier to cover-up, but you could still see the blotches coming through even though this isn't the best picture, it's the best I could find before it really worsened.  

With gratitude

Try something new

I'm always interested in trying new things when it comes to a new workout or sport, but there is rarely an occasion where I can go through with it due to scheduling conflicts, and yes sometimes excuses.  I decided one day it's been a long while since I had that new feeling with something I have wanted to try.  I'm finally carving a little time for me and rewarding myself,  while embracing my fears.

Trying new things is exciting, of course it can be nerve wrecking, but I always feel it's pretty similar to starting the first day of school.  You can't sleep, you can't concentrate on anything else the days leading up to it and you are likely over thinking EVERYTHING!  You still go, you survive and you look forward to the next day, and the next, and the next.

So, my something new was taking up tennis.  

My first lesson was Saturday morning and I absolutely LOVED it!  

I have to say, I went in picturing myself rock'n it on the court and I did.  I didn't let fear get the best of me as I normally do, because it's those times I lack the most confidence in myself.  I know myself all too well, if I walked in and already felt defeated I would have given it 20% or walked away from crippling fear.  I definitely praise my coach today for making my first lesson so enjoyable while still challenging me.  This is the one area I always self-doubt.  Instead, I chose self-love and it was rewarding and such an empowering feeling to step outside my comfort zone.  When we can prove to ourselves the power of our own abilities to create circumstances like this, we can pretty much see no end to our strengths and determination to just give something new a go.  

To someone else, this may have been as easy as brushing one's teeth, but to me it was a huge deal and I walked away happier, and will be healthier for it.  Trust me, everyone's fears can't be compared, but the emotion itself isn't personal - we all feel fear at one point or another in our days.  

I had a pep talk with myself before arriving 30min early.  That's me... over preparing and leaving time to meditate.  Trying is so much more rewarding than sitting everything out because you feel you're never going to be as good as the next person.  I think I'll keep trying new things and see where they take me.  

What's the last thing you tried that was new?  What did you learn about yourself?  I encourage you to do something you have been wanting to try, even if it's not the first time, and live it up!  We only have this one life, make it spectacular!  

With gratitude

Friday Favorites!

Happy Friday Ladies & Gents!

I have a lot of favorites this week that I wanted to share with all of you.  

There is a lot of grace in appreciating the gifts of life, no matter how small.

My list of Friday Favorites

Lavender & Lemongrass oils - I use Lavender (non-filtered, non-delituted Lavender oil) on my daughter and myself before bed, I also will use our air purifier to fill our home with the calming smell of Lavender. I add a few drops to my palms and rub them together before brushing her hair, clothes, bottom of her feet, and then have her inhale it straight from my hands a couple of times to calm her and prepare her for sleep.  I don't want to put the oils directly on her hair and skin, but leave the lingering smell and energy around her aura, this helps calm and prepare her for sleeping soundly through the night.  Since we fell sick last week with colds I used Lemongrass Oil on our defusers and put on my temples.  The smell always makes me smile and it makes me feel alive.   It truly does what it says, "...awaken the senses." 

Unsweetened Matcha Love Green Tea - I drink this daily and love it!  For some, green tea takes a little getting used to, the flavor can be bitter.  I prefer not adding sugar to my teas so I can benefit from everything the tea has to offer and it's grown on me.  It provides me with the boost I need without the jitters and inconsistent energy that coffee tends to have on me.  

Surya Incense - My favorite!  I love the scents early morning while I meditate and throughout the days when I have windows open and the energy of wind cleanse our home.  

Walking - The simple act of walking and being aware has been a gift this week after recovering from being sick for almost a week and waiting for the rain to end.  I never take the ability to explore NYC by foot and embrace it's love and buzzing energy for granted.  When I need stillness I break to the park with my daughter and we love nothing more than to walk through the grass.  

Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar - This is SUCH a huge healing ingredient I love having in our kitchen.  It aids our health and skin and it dresses our salads beautifully.  I am trying to mix it in my homemade lemon-ginger drinks a lot more this spring, as it also helps detoxify.  I'll be sharing a few recipes using this apple cider in the coming weeks!

The Bouqs - Since mother's day was this past Sunday I received lovely flowers from my husband and daughter from Bouqs.  Hubby knows my love for this company, and I've been pleased with those who we have gifted them to expressing gratitude and now being the one to receive them myself I can't tell you how much their flowers bring me joy this week.  

Ice-cream on a warm day - Summer feels so much closer now that we've had a couple of sunny days and reasons to hit the park and relish in the warmth.  Of course, it's raining today but we still get to enjoy ice cream while snuggled up to a movie later this evening. 

What are you appreciative of this week?  

What brings joy into your home or heart?  

 With gratitude 

  

NYC Restaurants I have to try this Summer

NYC has far too many restaurants to try to pack into a lifetime.  A large part of the NYC experience is definitely the food.  I once heard you could go to a new restaurant every day, for every meal, and STILL not try them all.  I believe it.  When we have guests come into town we do food tours for practically every meal because the food here is the highlight when visiting the city.  Of course, our waist bands pay the price at times.  

Here are a few that made my summer "must try" list.  

JUNNON

Photo cred: Yelp

MAREA| Seafood Restaurant

CAPESANTE SCALLOPS (PHOTO BY TED AXELROD)

Blossom

Photo cred: blossom website

Pó

PHOTO CRED: PÓ WEBSITE

MAS (farmhouse)

PHOTO CRED:  goodlifereport.com

central park boat house

PHOTO cred: central park boat house site

​I have a growing list of places I'm trying this summer.  

I also have a few more casual restaurants on the list that I'll 

share with you soon. 

Where do you like to eat when you come to NYC?

Cheers!

Vision Boards & Current Faves

Here's a glimpse what is making me happy this month 

and some things I've added to my vision board.  

Everything COPPER from William Sonoma.  (drool)

I'm dreaming & manifesting my next kitchen haul. ;)

Yogi Chai Green Tea!  This has been my coffee replacement.  Now that the weather is (finally) warming up in NYC I am enjoying my green tea on ice with a slice of lemon.

LEMONS LEMONS LEMONS!!!  

I add lemon to just about everything!  

Guacamole, water, tea, salads, rice, sliced cucumbers 

and I use the scraps to clean sinks and faucet handles. 

I LOVE BOXED!

This delivery service has saved our family lots of money and I have more structure on food planning. Sticking to a budget is important and we HATE for food to go to waste.  I like to shop with purpose and the fact that their express produce can arrive the same day or next day is even better.  I'm constantly catering and inviting family/friends over to join us at the table.  The quality of their products are fantastic and I love that they delivery right to my door.  For NYC living, buying in bulk without a car was always a challenge.  

Not anymore!!

Check them out, see how you can get FREE shipping too!

  Who doesn't like to binge on some Netflix?  

Honestly, I wish I had the time to binge watch, but I do like to catch up on fabulous shows to choose from while I fold laundry or cook.

I.love.this.soundtrack!  

This vitamin E oil has brought my skin back to life.  I saw a difference in the texture of my skin in one week, but felt the results immediately.

Snapchat is my life!!!  

Our daughter loves to enjoy the selfie features and let me tell you, that alone entertains us.  I don't actually Snapchat as much for a following, but I do love sending family and friends personal messages and especially goof off moments using their facial filters.  Something about it bring out the kid in me.

Add me!  saralydianyc

You'll always find me with a stripped shirt, or several.  I LOVE THEM!!! 

This one from JCrew is on my vision board list.

How rock'n are these overalls!?!?!?? 

I'm still debating if I can pull them off because they are on my vision board. 

I have a deep love for Rock Etiquette in Southern California.  

I first came across their Santa Monica location with a dear friend 2yrs ago 

and I've been a fan ever since! 

Be sure to check them out, in person or online! 

What are some of your May joys??  

Money talks

I've made my share of mistakes and learned the hard way in my 20's when it came to budgeting. It took some time, understanding and much patience to learn and put better choices into action.  I hated being broke or living paycheck to paycheck when I was just starting my young adult life out on my own.  I don't think money problems ever go away, it is a constant exercise we have to stay on top of or else, like our health, it can get away from us if we're not careful.  

Money isn't the root of happiness, but it can definitely relieve a person and family of financial stress and burdens.  Let's be honest, life isn't cheap and it definitely doesn't come free.  We have rent/mortgages, electric/water/gas, grocery/dining out, medical/dental, and education obligations. These bills fall under the "necessities" category that we need to consider first.  I'm sure a few may be missing in here for you, but you get the picture.

So what got me thinking about money lately?  A 6-month fresh wound I am constantly trying to heal.  Let me share wth you a tough moment I had to work through when it came to making a huge money mistake and learning from it.  Sadly, this one is the most recent money mistake, but I'm better for it.

  I used to have a VIP Rouge membership card at Sephora (still love you girl!) and that meant I was spending over $1k a year on beauty products!!!!  Let that sink in for a minute.

Yeah...I know. I'm not even a beauty blogger/vlogger.  WTH?

I don't even feel as if ANY of that necessarily made me feel pretty.  Most of it either expired, was donated, or thrown out once 1/2 used.  That didn't make me feel pretty that's for sure. And we all know sadness and anger lead to wrinkles and I wasn't going to go back and get more face cream.  Clearly, I was buying temporary happiness and not focusing on my budget.

So this bad habit of mine came to my attention when I realized what that membership cost to keep and I put an end to it.  I haven't gone into a Sephora in 6-months.  Before you feel as if this is a small, lame or not so "real money problems" issue let me tell you how much I spent over time.  When I saw in our financial spread sheet the number after 11yrs of spending at ONE store I was shocked.  I mean, I thought the yearly membership status was enough to make me change, but then I read that over the course of 11yrs I had spent over $7K!??  Yes, that's a SEVEN, not a one.  I KNOW!  Me & my husband worked very hard over the course of 11yrs for that number and sadly it went to beauty products.

#lessonlearnedthehardway

#beautyatacost

As tough as it is for me to admit this horrible mistake, it's my life and my lesson and I realize that so I'm easing myself away from beating myself about it.  I hate to think of anyone doing the same, or have done the same, but froze and didn't make a change because they didn't know where to begin. We have to really listen to our money and make smarter choices to feel less stress and more freedom. I say this because it made me feel amazing to fix a huge problem in our finances that I basically ignored because when you're spending even increments of $20, $30, $50 at a time it seems so small...but over time?  WOW!

Some things to think about with your family:

How much you spend on coffee outside the home?  Dining out?  Groceries?  Clothes?  Think of these add up in a week, month, 6-month's time.  How do you save money or invest it? Do you have a way to track your spending monthly or do you just notice your bank account and rely on text notifications?  Does your system really work or is it just comfortable?  There are SO many options are out there depending on how you work best when it comes to managing money.  

Check these out to help get you started and to also motivate you to build better financial habits.  You have big dreams to plan for darling!

Quicken Personal Finance, Money Management

Fun Cheap or Free

MINT 

Don't spend it all in one place! (like I did)

Before your feet hit the ground...

Having already talked in a previous post about making time to do the things that truly matter, and allow me to feel balanced and healthy, I wanted to share a fairly new morning ritual I've recently adopted and it's become my new energy booster before my feet even touch the floor.  

My husband has an obsession forwarding me articles on how to be a morning person, it's comical how often these make it to my inbox.  I think he's been trying to tell me something, no?  My honey man wakes up at 4:30am daily, occasionally weekends too, and this has been going on since he was in high school!!  He is the most disciplined person I know, I admire that about him most, but it's not something I felt I could attempt without feeling like a fraud.  I'm a night owl at heart, but honestly my energy is better in the morning.  Naturally, it took time to reach the point of productivity.  

Although I liked my evening time for me I was finding and realizing that I was irritated because I was still so sleep deprived.  My energy was non-existent by the time 7pm rolled around.  Plus, late nights were unproductive since it wasn't like I could use that time to tackle large home projects or chores.  I'd end up watching TV in bed while my family slept soundly.  By the time night came and my daughter was asleep I had zero patience to read my own books, pamper myself with that face mask I've been dying to try, or even attempt to sleep before 1am because again it was "me" time I felt I deserved.  I was wired and imbalanced.  Something had to give.

It's funny how ZERO sleep had me fooled to think it was rewarding because I had a few extra hours of being awake without anyone needing something from me that sitting in bed and watching TV was supposed to feel rewarding.  So backwards, right?

When another one of those fabulous "how to be a morning person" articles arrived in my inbox, by none other than my adoring husband, I decided to give it a try.  This one happened to be by Amy Cuddy, a Harvard Psychologist, and it seemed too easy to work, but I committed to trying it the next morning.  I have to say, I've done what she recommended every morning since and it works!  Other rituals came into play as well, but we'll get into those in another post.

Check out the original article from TechInsider  and be sure to check out her TEDtalk on how your body language shapes who you are.  I love finding new ways to build confidence, start my days off on the right foot, and I have appreciated my mornings while I have healthy energy and feel rewarded for a good night's rest.  Hopefully if you decide to give this exercise a try it will spark a little confidence in your day ahead or have you thinking of ways to change how you start your mornings.  If anything it's an additional tool in your tool box when you need it. ;)

Are you a morning person?  How do you start your morning off on the right foot and make that motivation and positivity last all day?  

Happy waking!