• My Latest Blog
  • Who Am I?

Original Cyn

A Journey Through Life

Join Me on My Journey

Join me as I explore all that life has to offer from food to adventures to my personal stories.
  • Be True To You!
  • Adventures
  • Culinary
  • Bucket List
  • Loving How You Look
  • A Little of This

For the Love of My Hands

February 5, 2017 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

The winter months can be hard on the skin. However, I find my hands and cuticles take the biggest beating. One day of not following my routine and my hands go from healthy to dry and cracked.

I have several products that I have fallen in love with that assist me with keeping my hands looking healthy throughout the winter.

 

 

Burt’s Bee Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream

One of the toughest area on my hand to keep healthy during the winter are my cuticles. For years I have tried numerous products claiming to help keep them soft with little success. Then I discovered my holy grail, Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream (Approximately $7.00) I stumbled upon it in a sample set at Walmart when I was looking for a new hand cream. The first time I tried it I felt a difference in my cuticles. Within a week, they were no longer dry and tough to manage. The best part was my cuticles weren’t cracking anymore. If you have ever had this happen, it can be painful and a bit bloody. Once my cuticle split, it took weeks to get it back into shape. As long as I keep  using this product on a regular basis, I no longer have this issue. On a side note: the cream smells great, is made from 100% natural products and is cruelty-free.

 

Jack Black Industrial Strength Hand Healer

I stumbled upon this product by accident while in Ulta (Approximately $15.00). I am always looking for new creams to help keep my hands from drying out and cracking in the winter. I tried it out in the store and held onto the bottle while I wandered around the store. It made my hands feel soft without getting them all greasy. I loved the smell but I wasn’t sure about the price tag that came with it. I decided to splurge and invest in it.

I was hoping that it would make my hands look and feel as great without a greasy residue. The results were amazing. I used a small amount everyday and my hands are soft. This product did not leave a greasy film on my hands. It absorbed right into the skin. I found that if I use it on a regular basis, I only need a small amount to keep my hands looking and feeling great.

 

Moisturizing Gloves

My next favorite tools for my hands is the Moisturizing  Gloves. I purchased mine at Bed, Bath and Beyond (Approximately $7.00). I use these when I want to add a bit more moisturizer to hand, like after a day of hiking in colder temperatures. I will add more than the usual dollop of moisturizer on my hands and place them into the gloves. I then attempt to sit quietly as my hands soak up the extra lotion. To help I will put my feet in their spa socks and a moisturizing mask on my face.  I will do this about once or twice a month, unless I have gone camping or hiking. Then I may do it a few more times.

Especially during the colder months, I have to stick to my routine if I want to keep my hands happy and healthy.

What products work for you? Please share your experiences and preferred moisturizers below in the comment section.

 

Filed Under: Loving How You Look Tagged With: Girl, Girls, hands, Health, healthy, journey, Love Yourself, Loving You, winter, Woman, Women

The Joys and Lessons of Hiking

October 5, 2016 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

11133889_10206242782445757_7237563242224725161_oWhen I was 12 years old, I joined a Girl Scout Backpack Interest Group. I was an awkward child with little self confidence. Naturally I was unsure how I was going to fit all that I needed for a weekend on my back as well as fit in with the other girls. Under the guidance of several leaders, Barbara, Dave and my Mom, I learned how to properly pack a backpack for a two day trip. I figured out what was necessity verses a nice to have. As for fitting in with the girls, I had no problem making friends since we were there for the love of the outdoors.

I quickly learned to leave the fashionable attire at home and take the comfy cloths and boots. It may have had something to do with all the toenails lost to the “pretty grey boots” I wore that first year or the cold head and hands because I was too cool to wear a proper winter hat and mittens. I gained the knowledge of layering cloths for the seasons as well as bringing extra socks to change into if my feet got wet.My Second Year in the Backpack Interest Group

After the first few years, I began planning menus and making requests for when Mom went to the grocery store. Instant soups, my favorite was creamy chicken, and sandwiches became my go-to lunches. For dinner Mom and I would share a freeze dried dinner we had purchased from Campmor. Peanut M&Ms became my main staple in my group until they introduced Peanut Butter M&Ms. I would add honey roasted peanuts or Raisinets but I usually munched on just M&Ms while hiking.

As a group we hiked mainly around northern NJ or  NY and I loved almost every minute of it. I hated when my path crossed with snakes. It’s the reason I fell in love with cold weather hiking. I knew during the winter months the little suckers wouldn’t be slithering about.

When I first started hiking I would hurry up to get to the end of point. I rarely wanted to stop for lunch or look around to see the beautiful sights that trail offered. I thought the point was to get to the campsite or the end of the trail as quickly as possible.

It took a mMe Under Tripod Rockany years but I started listening to Barbara’s educational stories about the plants and wildlife in the area. I learned to appreciate and explore old quarry mines and building ruins. I sat with my friends underneath Tripod Rock and scaled the great Bear Rock. I would have never had these experiences if I just kept walking or rushed thru lunch. I finally learned to slow down and take in the beauty that was all around me. The View at the Top

I sometimes have to remind myself to cherish all the various views in the world and the journey it took to get there. I love finding the beauty in a babbling brook or seeing sunshine falling peacefully thru the trees. No matter what, I will always love the view from the top.

Filed Under: A Little of This, Adventures Tagged With: adventure, backpacking, food, Girl, Girl Scouts, Girls, Gorp, hiking, journey, Outdoors, Woman, Women

My Hair Care Journey

January 17, 2016 by originalcyn Leave a Comment
Day one after I dyed my hair red

Day 1 after I dyed my hair red

The OMG Dye Job

In March of 2010 I decided that I was going to head to the salon and dye my hair red. With naturally dark brown hair, this was going to be a several step process including stripping the color from my hair and applying the final hair color. I choose a deep burgundy color from the swatches and my stylist sprang into action.

 

Almost 4 hours later and a first botched color attempt along with a second color attempt, my hair was red and had been through the ringer. Although the products used were suppose to be good for my hair, I was left with dry, lifeless hair. It was then that I decided to take better care of my hair.

Two years after my dye job, I still have remnants at the bottom of my hair.

Two years after my dye job, I still have remnants at the bottom of my hair.

Growing out the dye job was going to be first priority. My thick, curly hair this took several years. By the time the last of it had grown out, the ends were a very faded to almost strawberry blonde.

My Hair Care Product Quest

My next step was to research natural and organic hair products looking for something that would help my hair be healthy again.I looked a many products and read their reviews. Some people had success with them but for those with my hair type, I saw many negative reviews.

The first product I found was at my salon was Davines hair products. I used Love Smoothing Shampoo an Conditioner. These products were made with natural ingredients for a sustainable beauty.  From the moment I used it, I noticed a difference in my hair. I was ecstatic with the little progress I made to getting back to healthier hair. It was short lived because the salon created their own version of this and stopped carrying Davines products. I tried the salon shampoo once, it didn’t live up to its Davines counterpart.

For a while I purchased my hair care products online, but the shipping was starting to get a bit much.

So I started up my research for a locally carried hair care line that was naturally made. I discovered John Masters was sold at at a few local salons and health food stores in the area. The more reviews I read, the more I wanted to try it. I also noticed that celebrities whose hair I loved were using his products too – Added bonus.

I purchased the evening primrose shampoo for dry hair and lavender & avocado intensive conditioner. I loved the way they smelled but more importantly, I loved the way my hair felt after using them. Over the years, I have also changed up to Organic Miracles Tough Enough shampoo and conditioner.

Changing the Hair Styling Routine

A change to my regular routine was to incorporated the citrus & neroli detangler into my hair care routine. I would apply it and use a wide tooth comb to gently work out any knots I created while washing and conditioning my hair.

I stopped using the blow dryer. I allow my hair to dry naturally, however I still use my flatiron so that I have long straight hair. I typically keep the temperature down and keep it in motion while on the hair. Once the initial straightening occurs, I will only use the straightener for touch ups.

I added one more step for night time, I gently roll my hair into a bun on top of my head using a scrunchy. This serves two purposes: one, I don’t roll over on it and two it protects the hair from tangling up as I toss and turn.

My New Salon

A lesson that I learned in this craziness for healthier hair was I needed a salon and stylist who shared the same vision for my hair as I did. My search lead me to Salon Fig in Newton. When I first went, they were a small store tucked away but what a gem. From the first moment I stepped in, I felt like I had found somewhere that wanted the best for me and my hair. I know it sound silly but I loved the place. They helped pick the best hair care products to assist me achieve my end goal.

Unlike my expectations, I didn’t pay more for fabulous service and a great style. They are reasonably priced. I also learned that if I ever wanted to venture into the world of hair color, they have a natural product that won’t damage the hair.

My End Game

New Year's Eve 2015 - five years after starting my hair care journey

New Year’s Eve 2015 – five years after starting my hair care journey

Today, I have beautiful, long, healthy hair that I am very proud of. Since starting this journey, my routine hasn’t changed much.

My advice for those looking to do the same is:

  1. Research hair care products that will bring out the best in your hair
  2. Find a salon and hair stylist who gets your goal and will work with you to achieve it
  3. Learn everything you can about how to best style your hair to reduce the amount of damage you cause

 

Filed Under: Loving How You Look Tagged With: adventure, Girl, Girls, Hair, Hair Care, Hair Products, healthy, Heathly Hair, journey, Long Hair, Love Yourself, Loving You, Woman, Women

Stop the Body Shaming

March 7, 2015 by originalcyn Leave a Comment

As someone who struggle with body image, I was forced to look at myself again when a size 12 model (who is gorgeous) was called Sport Illustrated first plus size model. Was it SI that called her that or was it the media? Who made the determination that she was a plus size? Why did she need a classification at all? Wasn’t her beauty enough? After all she was in SI’s swimsuit edition.

As a size 10/12, I looked at myself and wondered, “Am I really a plus size?”

Well according to many fashion and fitness organizations, I am. My journey to love me has been a constant struggle all my life because my mind has given into the beautiful ideal that I think I should fit into. I watched the actresses, models and fitness gurus and wondered why I could look like that? The answer is simple: I wasn’t built like them and I am not suppose to be them. I am suppose who I am!

So then why is there a constant need for the media to show us unrealistic images of women and say that this is the norm? Who has flawless skin? No one does. Who has the perfect body? No one does. So why is it that the industries think that a size nothing is the ideal of beauty.

So what is the “perfect” body? I say, there is none. Its a mythical ideal that industries have used against women for many years. Or you could say, they all are. I have friends of all shapes and sizes and I think they are all beautiful! In my late thirties is when I decided to learn to love me and my body. I admit, it has been a struggle. I still compare myself to the unrealistic ideal and wonder whether or not I was good enough.

Still, this story had me looking around for what was the average size of American women so I could see I compared. I found that most articles and studies agreed that the average size of women in the US is size 12 or 14. So why is the average considered plus size or obese? Why is it that we average women are shamed into thinking that we should be skinnier, prettier and flawless?

I know that no matter how much I work out or how much I diet, I will NEVER be anything less than a size 10/12. I know, I tried it and I was miserable and sick. I have learned how to cleaner and less processed foods but I don’t deny myself the foods that I love. My exercise of choice is belly dancing at least three to four times a week. I am learning to enjoy my life and living it to the fullest.

I say we stop women and girls from shaming ourselves into disliking or even hating who we are based on unrealistic ideals. We should base our lives on who we are, what we do for those around us and how we feel?

Shouldn’t we be kind to us and love ourselves with all of our glorious flaws? Shouldn’t we be teaching the next generation of girls and women all everything it took many of us years to figure out.

I think it is time that we stand up to the media, fashion and fitness and say, “ENOUGH! I love who I am and I won’t try to be something I am not, nor ever will be.”

 

 

Filed Under: Be True To You! Tagged With: Bathing Suits, Bikini, Body Shaming, Girl, Girls, Love Yourself, Loving You, Woman, Women
RSSTwitterFacebookLinkedinGooglePlus

Recent Posts

  • Some Favorite Summer Salads
  • For the Love of My Hands
  • From Grief to Peace
  • 2016 – A Year That Didn’t Go As Planned
  • The Joys and Lessons of Hiking

Tags

adventure Bathing Suits Bikini Body Shaming Bucket List Car Cars challenge choices Christmas Church Cleaner Culinary Distillery dream dreams Family food Friends Girl Girls Green half marathon Health healthy historic Holiday Memories Holidays journey Juice Juicing Love Yourself Loving You My First Car Pageant places running salad Silent Night snack spiced tea Traditions Whiskey Woman Women

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Return to top of page

Copyright © 2023 on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in