I never made a big fuss over my hair and skin care, nor do I have much of a routine. I actually learn quite a bit from my daughter. Her skincare routine definitely keeps her skin looking amazing. I have a crazy story about a skincare scare we had over the summer. So, this summer, around the fourth of July, my then 19-year-old decided to buy herself a new skincare gadget, a face steamer. She decided to try steaming her face to get an even deeper cleansing than what her spin brush achieved. Ignoring all of the warnings telling users to only steam once a week, Schuyler thought it would be a really good idea to steam her face daily. She will have to fill you in on all of the details, including before, during, and after pictures, on her blog Schuyler Elliot (link:http://schuylerelliotblog.com). Let’s just say that we couldn’t make an appointment with the dermatologist fast enough! And I should add that the dermatologist was literally no help at all! it was a good all-natural homeopathic concoction that helped my girl out. I researched my butt off to try to find a remedy. That steamer, or at least the way in which she used the steamer, literally jacked her skin up (for the summer). What’s the saying? “Never doing that again!” Thank God, other than a few little areas that are still healing, her face is returning to its previous, before the steamer abuse, state, and I couldn’t be happier.

So, my mother started my sister and I off on a skin care product line called Mary Kay (for which I must add that I am a proud distributor). Got pre-teens or teenagers? Let me hook you up! Being a distributor is far cheaper than the hundreds I spent at Sephora. The products are quality, and you can get everything you need, from brushes to travel makeup bags to lip gloss, foundation, powder, eyeliner, and everything else in between. Let me take this opportunity to add a quick side note. If you would like information on how to get you and/or your daughter or son’s (they have a killer men’s line also) skin care products 50% off retail, then hit your girl up, and I Got you! The link to my Mary Kay store is located under the style+beauty tab (makeup) on this blog. Email me with any questions you may have-I’m glad to help!

It is essential to take good care of your skin. Even if you didn’t make a big fuss about it in the past (like me), trust me, sista, as you approach the ripe seasoned age of 50, you will! If you don’t give your skin the little extra attention needed as you age, then prepare for the possibility of being less than satisfied with the appearance of your aging skin or prepare to become well-acquainted with some good ole’ botox. No shade and no judgment if you have already had a date or two with ole’ Bo; it’s really no one’s business what you do. But if you’re trying to hold off as long as possible, like me, then here are 10 beauty/skin care tips for your 50s.

10 beauty/skin care tips for your 50s (or sooner)

1. MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN EVERYDAY
   As you age and your skin protects your skin from the sun
   -It’s no secret that excessive sun exposure causes wrinkles, causes the skin to age prematurely and causes the skin to appear dry and leathery. Overexpose to the sun also increases your risk of skin cancer. Protect the skin by consistently applying sunscreen and by wearing protective clothing.
2. YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT
   As annoying as it may sound, it is, in fact, true that you are what you eat. What you eat directly influences the overall health and complexion of your skin. Incorporating fruits and raw vegetables into your diet Is key to keeping your skin healthy and youthful. One Scottish study found that the carotenoids (the orange-red pigment) in fruits and vegetables give your skin a healthy tone.
3. WATER, WATER, WATER
   Dehydration is your skin’s worst enemy!
   When you’re dehydrated, it shows up on your face. Dehydration can lead to dry skin. Fine lines and wrinkles become more prominent, the skin is dry and flaky, and under-eye circles and puffiness are more pronounced when your body is dehydrated. It’s important to remember that your skin needs moisture, and drinking water helps to hydrate it from the inside out.
4. HUMIDIFIER
   Humidifiers are essential to maintaining moisture in your home and, ultimately, in your skin. Consider adding a whole-house humidifier to your furnace. If that isn’t possible, place a room-size humidifier in the area of your house where you spend the most time, as well as in your bedroom.
5. AVOID USING SOAP
   Soaps tend to dry your skin. Opt for a mild cleanser instead. Look for unscented products.
6. WASH YOUR FACE TWICE A DAY
   Use a mild cleanser with warm water to keep your face clean and fresh. Avoid scrubbing your skin, which eliminates essential oils and can dry it out. Always wash your face before going to bed to wash away the dirt and the grime of the day. becomes drier, you might have to change your moisturizer to one more suited to your new skin type. Look for thick, creamy moisturizers that are oil-based. Be sure to apply moisturizer all over at least once a day.
7. EXFOLIATE
   Exfoliating your skin removes dead skin cells that can make your skin look dull and flaky. But don’t do it more than once a week, or your skin can get dried out. Use a mild store-bought product or make your own from brown sugar and coconut oil.
8. CELEBRATE YOUR LIFE
   Embrace your flaws. Your lines and wrinkles tell the story of your life. The lines around your eyes show that you’ve spent time laughing. The lines on your forehead might show you are insightful or a deep thinker. Every line is part of your story. Embrace who you are and the life you have lived.
9. USE A NIGHTTIME SERUM DAY AND NIGHT
   Worn underneath a moisturizer, serums deliver high concentrations of various active ingredients deep into the skin because they are formulated with molecules that can penetrate deeper than creams that only work on the surface level. When treating skin in your 40s, look for a serum with a combination of the following ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide (B3), retinoids (but not if you’re already using a vitamin A derivative in a cream), and antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. Together, these ingredients will protect against free radicals (think UV rays, pollution, cigarette smoke), increase collagen production, and improve elasticity and hydration levels.
   You’ll want to invest in two different formulas: a protective one with antioxidants and brightening agents during the day and something more hydrating that stimulate collagen and elastin production at night.
10. GET AMPLE SLEEP EACH NIGHT
    When you’re sleeping, your body goes into repair mode, so it’s essential to get enough shuteye every night — not just on the weekends. Nighttime is also when you’re going to want to use reparative and hydrating skincare products because your skin can effectively utilize the active ingredients.

My baby is 20! There is nothing that pulls at my mama heartstrings more tightly than seeing my baby girl literally transform from a teenager to a 20-year-old young adult. I could not be more proud of the woman she is becoming. This sweet, kind, and considerate mini-me is my best girlfriend-
What a blessing she is to me.

Here are 20 things I’ve learned along the way, in no specific order

1. Tea parties are the best! little girl tea parties turn into the best mommy-
   daughter coffee dates.
2. Hug often. Minimum of 10 daily.
3. A soft answer and a listening ear go a long way.
4. Humility and a genuine apology are key to having a close relationship.
5. If you wake up in the middle of the night, go into your kid’s room and pray over them. Cover them in prayer.
6. Consistently and constantly point your kids in the direction of the cross.
7. Emphasize the importance of developing a close relationship with Christ more than any other relationship in their life.
8. Affirm your daughter often. Remind her daily of whom God says she is
9. Stress the importance of her valuing herself. Remind her that her mind and her body belong to her Lord, not a boy/man.
10. Teach her never to lower her standards or compromise her morals for anyone.
11. In disagreements, remind her that you are not her enemy and that you love her. Never go to bed upset or without talking it out.
12. Crawl in bed with her and hold her until the tears stop. Then dry her eyes, and remind her of her great worth.
13. Remain very involved in everything. Know every friend, and have access to everything (cell phone, passwords, social media passwords, etc.) I trust her but not others. In my home, it was not until she was 17 that I stopped being knee-deep up in it!
14. Do not compromise, even if she doesn’t understand; you be the parent and be ok with not being liked, the nice guy, or very cool in her eyes for the moment.
15. Carve out time each week for mommy-daughter time. Let her talk about anything in unguided conversations. You actively listen- always make her feel like you are seeking to understand and that you care. A walk in the park, shopping, or a television series. Movie or go for a drive in the car. Time together, just talking and listening, is more valuable than you can ever imagine.
16. Pray with her often. Devotional time together and time reading together are priceless.
17. Teach her to love & respect herself and to be more concerned with her inward beauty than her external appearance. When she knows and understands this and truly knows and values who she is, she will never need the affirmation and approval of boys.
18. Teach her the importance of carrying herself like a lady. A confident, well-spoken, and poised lady demands respect.
19. Look others in the eyes when speaking to them. Always give a firm handshake. Stand and sit up straight. Walk with your toes pointed forward. Always wear lip gloss, and don’t go out of the house looking a hot mess. shower multiple times if necessary-smell great always! Always wear earrings and three pieces of jewelry. Dress stylish and trendy but always keep it classy. Have very open and candid conversations about EVERYTHING about the opposite sex- what you don’t tell her, she’ll learn from another source-you, be her teacher.
20. Ask questions. Be interested in everything she is interested in. Laugh often, play together, cuddle and be available. Be patient, and remember, being best friends for life is the ultimate goal!

I’m 50! Even to me, that sounds pretty, I won’t say old because that’s hurtful; I’ll say that saying I’m 50 sounds pretty dog-on seasoned. I’m here, PRAISE GOD, at the ripe age of half of 100, and I could not feel any better! 50, I think I’m gonna like it here! Let’s GO!

So, in this new chapter of my life, I am intentionally carving out time for pleasure reading every day. This reading, however, does not include my daily devotional reading, which, I must say, is a pleasure to read also. Just in case you are wondering, I will also share my current daily devotional book in this space as well.

In this space, I will list the books that I absolutely loved reading, the books that I read and wish that I didn’t (just keeping it real here), and I will share the books that I will read in the future. Follow me on Instagram(@sonyacamilleblogger) where I will post my blog reading corner updates as well as questions, quotes, and my thoughts about the book(s) that I am currently reading.

I would love for you to read along with me! Let’s Cordially bookworm it together!

Happy reading to us all!

“Home Sweet Home” is a saying that we all hear at some point in our lives. But have you ever heard someone use the expression House Sweet House? I’m confident you have not, and there is a strong reason for this. There is a clear and distinct difference between a House and a Home. A Home is a place of safety, security, and acceptance. A place where a person’s most personal belongings are kept. A home tells a story and expresses a sense of belonging. A story full of memories unique to only you and your loved ones who occupy this space with you. A home is a sanctuary, a place of great comfort, and a place, whether humble or grand, that is inviting. Home is a refuge from the world. 

To each of us, the word home and the meaning of home take on their own special meaning. To me, home is that house smell that is only my house smell. Home is the smell of my scented candles because I adore candles and keep them burning year-round. 

For me and mine, home is peaceful, clean, and organized because I simply can not function in anything but that. But for others, a messy home is a cozy and loving reminder that their loved ones are comfortable and present. No matter your preference, your home should be comfortable for you and your loved ones. Your home may not look like others; it is uniquely your sanctuary, so never feel bad about how you live your life inside of your home. Messy, neat, cluttered, or organized; if you are happy, then that’s all that matters. Do you always!

 My home is full of photos and memorabilia from my children’s childhood. Home is where my family and I are truly ourselves. Home is where we can walk around with uncombed hair, ratty comfy clothes, ashy, non-lotioned knees, or with no makeup on at all. Home is where we can be wholly ourselves. No one, other than the others that occupy this sanctuary with us, will ever see us as raw and uncut as we are when we are simply HOME.

Perhaps to some, home is coffee cups left on the table and beds left unmade on Saturday mornings. Maybe like me, home is where you wear your coziest clothing with only comfort and never fashion in mind. Home may be a cute dog (like my little Smorezy) with their favorite chew toy on their doggy bed by the fireplace. Home may have kids’ fingerprints on the windows and pet chew toys under the couch. A home is perhaps a place where pets sneak up on the couch. Home is where there is a junk drawer that needs organizing. And finally, because I think I’m getting carried away and should probably end my long list of what home is isms; home for some, maybe where laundry is piling up and where you celebrate that there are messy piles everywhere because those messy piles mean you have loved ones among you. In short, home is a little corner of God’s green earth to call your own. To me, home has all my stuff, y’all-It’s my special place.

So, that brings me to the word house. What, other than brick and mortar, is a house compared to a Home? Well, A house has four walls and a roof, but a home is made up of everything else inside. A house may be decorated from floor to ceiling with the finest furnishings money can buy. But that will never make it a home. A house has no feelings or emotional ties. A home is an emotional feeling you get every time you walk inside the door.

 I took a poll and asked random individuals this question, “What makes a house a home?” Here are the poll results in no specific order; however, the number one and number two answers were consistent among all those polled.

20 THINGS THAT MAKE A HOUSE A HOME

1.    The people – and other creatures – you share it with

2.    The memories you make 

3.    Never having to wear real clothes

4.    The constant mess

5.    The dings, scratches, and flaws

6.    The smells of good food cooking 

        or our favorite smells 

7.     All the noise or lack thereof

8.    Sleeping in your bed

9.    Family photos

10.    Your spot on the sofa

11.    The memories made in the Home

12.    A fridge full of food

13.    A bookshelf filled with your books

14.    Your children and their toys in the house

15.    Having friends and family over or your kids’ friends playing

16.    Fresh towels

17.    Flowers in vases

18.    Candles

19.    A fireplace

20.    The family heirlooms and keepsakes