Latest Posts by majexs03 - Page 3
Half the game is getting yourself out of environments that no longer serve you & that don’t align with the life you want
hearts of darkness (1991) dir. eleanor coppola, george hickenlooper, fax bahr
“Don’t allow the sad sight of human injustice to sadden your soul; someday you will see the unfailing justice of God triumph over it”.
-St Padre Pio
Another life changing read?
These are just two of my beauty bibles! I literally say this all the time but beauty starts from within. What foods you put inside of your body matters a lot more than you think and if you want to have clear skin, glow with health, look vibrant, grow thick shiny hair and strong nails, and radiate beauty overall you should consider refining your dietary habits. You need to eat pretty to be pretty.
I continually refer to this book as a trusted source of information and whenever I need to freshen up my knowledge, overhaul my diet, need new recipe ideas or feel like I am becoming lax. It's filled with information on how to have a good relationship with food, its implications for our health , and how to prevent damage and support our bodies. The author's philosophy encourages holistic health, the book doesn't espouse anything harmful or restrictive ideas though.
The book is filled with lessons that are clear and straightforward, absolutely beautiful graphics, lists, tables that I love to revisit and it has helped me a great deal to improve my diet, give my fridge and kitchen cabinets a makeover, create my own eat pretty pantry staples, and turn the kitchen into a beauty command center. The first book is also structured into seasonal chapters, each featuring the staples of that season.
As someone who has undergone extensive education and coursework in biology and chemistry, I appreciate the thorough explanations regarding ingredients and their impact on our physiology, specific roles of various phytochemicals and nutrients, and how we can switch our genes on and off with food and lifestyle. The book is firmly rooted in science and supported by substantiated facts.
A healthy diet is one of the best ways to honor your beauty and body.
Anytime someone does something bad to me, I ask myself how I put myself in that position. Not because “it’s my fault” or “I deserve it” — but because I want to grow and never be put in that position again.
Hi! Any advice on how to bring up iron levels?
Iron deficiency is quite common among women; it’s best to seek your doctor’s guidance to create a tailored plan that suits your needs.
For best results, consume your iron supplements with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or citrus varieties, and consider taking vitamin C supplements to enhance absorption.
Consistency is key - To ensure effectiveness, it’s crucial to take your iron supplements regularly and on an empty stomach. (provided you have no gastric concerns)
Start using cast iron cookware for all your meals; it naturally leaches trace amounts of iron into your food, which offers a beneficial boost for those with iron deficiency, and can help boost iron levels.
Evaluate the factors that inhibit iron absorption to maximize the impact of your diet; steer clear of calcium (such as dairy), phytates in grains and beans, and beverages like coffee and tea, as they can obstruct absorption.
Our bodies are most efficient at absorbing heme iron, with red meat, chicken, beef liver, and certain fish serving as prime sources. We can absorb non-heme iron, albeit with lower efficiency, found in foods such as spinach, tofu, beans, and leafy greens.
Vitamin C enhances the absorption of non-heme iron; consider incorporating more tomatoes, citrus fruits, and red, yellow, and orange peppers into your diet.
Begin incorporating iron-rich juices into your diet, with beet juice being the optimal choice; and aim for daily consumption over a two-week period to boost your iron levels.
Begin your day by drinking blackstrap molasses on an empty stomach every morning. Molasses is an excellent source of iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B6; I personally enjoy taking two tablespoons straight, but it can also be diluted in water.
Learning new skills that will make it easier to accomplish your goals >
There is a difference between being with someone because you want to get married and have kids & being with someone you want to marry & give children to
One is driven by a desire to fulfill personal goals, while the other is rooted in a deep connection & a desire to build a life together
If you’re ready to get married, date someone who wants to be a husband/wife and a father/mother, not a someone that just wants a spouse and a baby
Waiting on “your season” is nothing but a weak excuse to be lazy about achieving the things you want. Those things will not miraculously appear in front of you if you are not willing to go after them relentlessly. The moment you decide to be the main character in the story of your own life rather than an spectator watching it unfold by is the day things will change. Don’t wait for your season, create your season.
Eating for beauty:
🥥 Coconut for skin & hair
🥑 Avocado for glowing skin
🍆 Eggplant for anti-aging
🥦 Broccoli for clear skin
🍑 Peach for youthful complexion
🥕 Carrot for radiant glow
🍓 Strawberry for brightening
🍄 Mushroom for hydration
🍇 Grape for skin elasticity
🫒 Olive for nourishing skin
🧅 Onion for detoxifying skin
🫚 Ginger for reducing blemishes
🫐 Blueberry for anti-aging & glow
🌰 Walnut for healthy scalp
🥬 Spinach for clear, glowing skin
🍅 Tomato for sun damage
🍌 Banana for moisturizing skin
🎃 Pumpkin Seed for firming skin
🐟 Salmon for radiant complexion
🧄 Garlic for clear skin
🧡 Turmeric for inflammation & brightening
random make up tip because I was experimenting last night: make your nose look smaller by making your eyes look bigger and your eyebrows looking full. Volumising mascara, falsies only at the ends of your eyes, concealer in the inner corners of your eyes + powder for a very natural look. Draaag it out towards the bridge of your nose and under the beginning of your waterline. bake under eyes, elongated wing and nothing on the waterline. Don’t go for the Nike justdoit eyebrows, but make them fit your face correctly and are as full as your face structure will allow.
this placement of the inner corner thing not with white shimmery eyeshadow but with your concealer and powder.
4 ways to use ginger 🫚 to heal blemishes
Ginger can be used in several ways to help with blemishes due to its anti inflammatory & antioxidant properties
🫚 Topical Ginger Mask
Fresh ginger, honey, and lemon juice.
Ginger reduces inflammation & redness, honey hydrates and heals the skin, while lemon juice brightens dark spots
Instructions: Grate a small piece of fresh ginger. Mix with 1 tbsp of honey & a few drops of lemon juice, apply to affected areas and leave for 10-15 mins
🫚 Ginger Toner
This helps reduce inflammation and prevents breakouts due to its antibacterial properties
Ingredients: Fresh ginger juice and water
Instructions: Extract the juice from fresh ginger by blending or grating & then squeezing through a cloth. Dilute the ginger juice with equal parts water. Using a cotton pad, gently apply the solution to blemish-prone areas. Let it sit for 5-10 mins
🫚 Ginger Tea for Internal Benefits
This helps reduce inflammation internally, which can improve skin clarity over time
Instructions: Boil a few slices of fresh ginger in water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink as tea, optionally adding honey or lemon for taste
🫚 Ginger Essential Oil
Ginger essential oil can reduce inflammation & fight bacteria on the skin
Instructions: Mix a few drops of essential oil with a carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut oil). Apply to blemishes as a spot treatment
Dating 101 (From a Man's Perspective)
One thing that's given me a huge advantage when it comes to dating is the fact that I'm always trying to understand men better. I've pulled aside nearly every single man I've grown close to at some point and asked "So, what do mean really want?". And what I've learned is that most men are pretty much the same when it comes to relationships. So with that, here's the tea on dating from a man's perspective!
All men are obsessed with one thing: Sex.
At their very core, men are obsessed with sex. They think about it constantly. They think about it at the gym, on the subway, at work, at the bar- it's on their minds basically 24/7. And most men will do everything in their power to get sex, including manipulating you to no end just to get your clothes off. So when you meet that gorgeous banker at the club that seems super attentive and engaging, don’t be naïve to the fact that at the very forefront of his mind is likely the hope that you’ll give it up to him by the end of the night. Too many women assume that the initial attention they get from men is genuine when for the most part, it's based on their need for sex. While this reality may be a bit disappointing, it's also kind of amazing. Why? Because if sex controls men, knowing how to use sex to your advantage allows you to control of men. Which brings me to the next point:
Nothing beats delayed gratification.
And I mean absolutely nothing. I know this is a hot take but ultimately, every man I’ve talked to on the matter feels the same way. Withholding sex for as long as possible only facilitates a deeper connection. When you immediately have sex with a man, your physical intimacy level doesn’t line up with the emotional intimacy you’ve built up to that point which can cause issues. It can cause him to value you less (it's silly, but things that are harder to attain are always perceived as more valuable) and lose interest because without an emotional connection, he'll feel like he's gotten what he wanted out of you. So wait for intimacy and once you've waited for as long as you can stand it, wait another month or two. That extra time will allow you to build a deeper emotional connection, allow the pent up excitement to magnetize x1000, and allow the first time to actually mean something. Also, some food for thought: a 2012 study from Cornell University surveyed couples about their relationship happiness, habits, and other intimate questions. Researchers said that participants who waited at least six months to have sex with their partners were actually happier than those who didn't.
Men get insecure too.
If you think you're the only one in the relationship that doesn't like the way your body looks or doesn't feel good enough for your job, you're mistaken. Just because your man isn't as vocal about his insecurities doesn't mean he has any less than you! Men just don't vocalize these insecurities because those who own up to them often feel as though being vulnerable is akin to admitting inadequacy. So they suffer in silence. And so a compliment here and there goes SUCH a long way because frankly, they need it. I always make a point to tell my man when his outfit looks great or when he does a great job on a task and every single time I do the sense of relief and gratitude is palpable. So try to become really attuned to your partner's insecurities and make sure to use compliments to buffer against them!
“He’s just not that into you".
Men are simple: if they want you, they'll do everything in their power to have you. Men have gone to war for women, lost their families for women, and even lost their lives for women. My own grandfather wrote letters every day to my grandmother for an entire year before she let him take her on a date. Trust me when I say that if a man isn't putting his all into a relationship, he's just not that into you. It's not his mommy issues, it's not his shitty job, it's not his depression, he's just not that into you. And as a woman, you have to be able to identify the fact immediately and walk away because it's simply not going to happen. Don't waste your time, just go find a man that is actually into you.
Most men watch porn.
And 99% of the men that do watch porn dedicate a horrifying amount of time watching porn. This is very important to know going into dating because porn creates an utterly false impression of what a normal body looks like and what sexual behavior is really about. It also creates a huge disconnect in a relationship because a relationship is meant to be a mutually satisfying expression of love but porn is about self-gratification and often involves dominating or mistreating the other person. So you have to understand how a man's relationship to porn can or will impact your relationship with him. If you're not comfortable with that impact, you have got to have an honest conversation about it. Personally, I don't feel comfortable with my man watching porn because most of it is downright abusive so I've had to have those uncomfortable conversations and while they're not fun, they're important. But moral of the story: yes, most men watch porn.
All men want to be heroes
And more importantly, they want to be heroes in the eyes of their partners. They need to feel like the knight in shining armor, the protector, and the savior to be content in the relationship. The "Hero Instinct" coined by Bauer, in a nutshell, is the fundamental need that men have to feel irreplaceable. When you take that role from them, they resent you. So sit back and let them feel like heroes. Let them hold the door open for you, replace that lightbulb, wipe your tears when you're sad, rescue you from an uncomfortable situation, etc. Most importantly, compliment them liberally when they do step up. Doing so will allow them to feel secure and in control, and in return allow you to feel cherished and cared for.
No man can resist one thing
If there's one thing that's irresistible to all men, it's motherly love and affection. A man's relationship with his mother is what allows him to develop vulnerability and intimacy in romantic relationships. So when you give a man that warm and loving energy, all guards will drop. He will become more attentive and caring, he will become more honest and respectful, and he will trust you more. Don't believe me? Next time you have some free time, gently grab your man by the arm, lead him to a comfortable sitting area, pull his head into your lap, and stroke his hair. Don't say anything, just allow him to lay and relax. I can guarantee you that he'll become putty in your arms and open up in ways he never has. So try to show your man that nurturing side of you whenever you can and watch the relationship transform significantly.
Lovingly,
Elle
Sorry to break it to you but you literally have to face your fears and slaughter them. Otherwise you will live a small life that you do not want. You literally have to view your biggest fears and attack them head on. You have to fall into the abyss to find your way out. The easy path does not exist. There is no get out of jail free card. You have to allow yourself to die a spiritual death over and over again in order to reinvent yourself into the person you are actually supposed to be. And you have to be painfully honest with yourself and the people around you. It’s horrible but it’s truly the only way.
You’re allowed to do things simply because you want to. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your behavior.
Five DIY masks to tighten your skin:
🍯 Honey & Cinnamon Mask
Honey moisturizes & hydrates. Contains antioxidants that repair & protect skin & has antibacterial properties that help prevent acne
Cinnamon stimulates blood flow, making your skin glow. Helps with acne & exfoliates & remove dead skin cells.
• 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Honey moisturizes and cinnamon boosts circulation, helping firm the skin
• Mix and apply for 10-15 mins and rinse with warm water
🥚 Egg White and Lemon Mask
Egg whites tighten & firm by shrinking pores, helps with elasticity & absorbs excess oil
Lemon juice brightens skin & reduces dark spots & pigmentation. Boosts collagen production and tightens pores
• 1 egg white, 1 tsp lemon juice
• Egg whites tighten, while lemon brightens and minimizes pores
• Whisk & apply for 10-15 mins & rinse
🍦Greek Yogurt and Turmeric Mask
Greek yogurt exfoliates and tightens skin. Soothes irritated skin & creates a smooth complexion
Turmeric has anti inflammatory properties that reduce redness & swelling. Combats free radical damage. Brightens skin & even out skin tone
• 2 tbsp yogurt, 1/2 tsp turmeric
• Yogurt exfoliates & turmeric reduces inflammation
• Mix and apply for 15-20 mins, rinse
🥒 Aloe Vera and Cucumber Mask
Aloe vera soothes irritated skin and reduces redness. Hydrates deeply without clogging pores. Helps with sunburn.
Cucumber hydrates & cools the skin, reducing puffiness. Combats inflammation. Tightens and tones the skin, reducing fine lines.
• 2 tbsp aloe vera gel, 1/2 blended cucumber
• Aloe soothes and hydrates, cucumber cools & tightens
• Blend and apply for 15-20 mins then rinse with cool water
🥑 Avocado and Honey Mask
Avocado nourishes & moisturizes. Promotes collagen production. Soothes dry and irritated skin
• 1/2 ripe avocado, 1 tbsp honey
• Avocado nourishes and honey boosts elasticity
• Mash and apply for 15-20 mins, rinse
We always go back to the core beliefs that are instilled in us during our childhood. And people still think having children is just to have a prop, a hobby, to project ourselves onto someone, to stop depopulation, or whatever egocentric belief
Children should be created out of LOVE between two people. They should be a reflection of that love, nurtured in an environment that values their well being, growth & individuality
It’s not about fulfilling societal expectations, continuing a legacy, or soothing an ego. A child deserves to be brought into the world for the right reasons—with care, compassion & a REAL desire to guide them into becoming the best version of themselves. They are the future and the TRUE reflection of YOU
At the very least, you should be able to acknowledge your traumas and triggers before having children. No amount of love will keep you from projecting them onto your children until then, as unresolved issues can unintentionally shape their experiences and emotional development. Self awareness and healing are crucial to providing a nurturing and healthy environment for your child’s growth
It is natural to have the biological desire to have children, but it doesn’t mean you are ready just yet. True readiness involves more than just the desire to parent. It requires emotional maturity, self-awareness and a commitment to creating an environment for a child’s development. Being prepared means addressing personal issues & ensuring that you can provide the love and stability a child deserves
Hi Elle,
Did you take any etiquette classes, or red any books about etiquette? If so what did you take away from it? In general what is some basic etiquette everyone should know?
Yes, my mother made my sister and me take etiquette classes when we were growing up, where we learned how to make small talk, use cutlery properly, do the fox trot, and all that. It felt like torture at the time, but now that I'm an adult, I'm incredibly grateful for it. There are countless teachings I believe everyone should know, but I'll keep it simple and list the basics:
Socializing:
Greetings and Introductions:
Initiate Greetings: In formal settings, greeting the host and senior individuals first is polite.
Introduce Yourself with Confidence: When introducing yourself, make eye contact, smile, and offer a firm (but gentle) handshake.
Remember Names: Pay attention to names during introductions, and try to use them in conversation to show attentiveness.
Conversation Etiquette:
Avoid Monopolizing Conversations: Engage in a balanced dialogue exchange; avoid dominating the conversation.
Graceful Interruptions: If you must interrupt, do so politely with a soft “Excuse me” or “May I add…?”
Ending Conversations: Close conversations gracefully, e.g., “It was a pleasure speaking with you,” before moving on to another guest.
Small Talk and Topics:
Safe Topics: Stick to light, neutral topics like travel, the arts, or current (non-controversial) events.
Avoid Over-sharing: Keep personal matters private; maintain an air of mystery and sophistication.
Dining:
Seating Etiquette:
Wait to Be Seated: Wait until the host signals to sit, or until you’re guided to your seat.
Seating Order: If you’re hosting, guide guests to their seats based on seniority or guest of honor status.
Table Manners:
Utensil Use: Start with the outermost utensils and work your way in as the courses progress. After you've cut your food, make sure you move your for to your left hand even if it feels counterintuitive,
Bread and Butter: Tear off a small piece of bread, butter it on your plate, and eat it, rather than buttering the entire slice.
Resting Utensils: When pausing, place utensils on the plate in a “resting” position, such as crossed or angled.
Handling Courses:
Soup Etiquette: Spoon soup away from you and sip from the edge of the spoon without slurping.
Pacing: Match your pace to the host or the most senior individual at the table. Don't rush or lag behind.
Events:
RSVP and Invitations:
Timely Response: Respond to invitations promptly and never bring uninvited guests unless explicitly allowed.
Respect Time: Arrive on time, especially for formal events, but not more than 15 minutes early.
Host and Guest Responsibilities:
Host Etiquette: As a host, introduce guests to each other, especially if they don’t know anyone else.
Guest Behavior: Engage with other guests, but don’t cling to one person for the entire event. Mingle politely.
Handling Alcohol:
Moderation: Drink alcohol in moderation. Know your limits and avoid overindulgence.
Toast Etiquette: Stand if a toast is being made in your honor, and wait to drink until after the toast is given.
Dressing:
Dress Code Adherence:
Understand the Code: Whether it’s black tie, cocktail, or casual, always adhere strictly to the dress code specified on the invitation.
Subtle Elegance: Opt for classic, understated pieces that are elegant but not overly flashy.
Grooming and Accessories:
Impeccable Grooming: Make sure your hair, nails, and makeup are neatly done and appropriate for the occasion.
Minimalist Accessories: Choose simple, elegant accessories that complement but do not overpower your outfit.
Sadly, it’s one you’ll never forget
hey! so i was wondering: what are some things that you’ll always buy high end/spend more money on vs things that you’ll save on/buy cheap.
love your blog!
Spend on:
Bras: I cannot say it more emphatically; the quality of your bra will determine the quality of your entire look. If you want to look your best you have got to invest in a great quality bra that fits you perfectly. This is non-negotiable.
Nail polish: Because you don't want to spend 30 minutes applying a $1 nail polish that's going to chip after a few hours. It's best to invest in the nail polish brands that are a bit pricier but last longer because it's ultimately going to be a great investment of your time.
Bed sheets: High thread count sheets are ultimately indispensable- they last longer, wash better & they ultimately feel better. Sleep quality is one of the most important things you can invest in and I promise you great quality sheets will contribute to a better night's sleep.
Cookware: Specifically a great set of knives and pots/pans will take you a longggg way. Since I've begun taking my cooking seriously I've invested in better cookware and I swear on everything my food tastes and looks MUCH better.
Stilettos: I can't quantify the number of times I've had to leave an event early because my feet were literally screaming on account of me wearing cheap stilettos. Trust me, it's not worth it. Spend some time researching great quality shoes that are well reviewed and save yourself money and hours of excruciating pain.
Jeans: When jeans are of great quality, it shows. They hug you better, they conceal imperfections, and they can last decades. I have less than 10 pairs of jeans in total and I don't think I'll ever need any more because the ones I have are high quality and will last forever.
Hair extensions: I've had to learn the hard way that high quality human hair costs money. Yes, you can find a synthetic or virgin wig online for under $200 but within a couple of weeks, it's going to start shedding like crazy and falling apart when you put heat on it. I strongly encourage investing in one or two really high quality wigs/weaves/clip-ins, etc. that are made from raw human hair because they will last you years and save you a ton of money in the long run. The wig I'm currently wearing cost me well over $1000 but I never have to take it off, I've colored it several times with no issue, and it's going to last me years.
Save on:
Makeup products: Makeup isn't that complicated and there's no reason why you should be spending $60+ on a foundation that is made from the same ingredients as most other foundations. I'm not saying that all expensive makeup brands aren't worth their price, but I am saying that you can find perfectly great makeup products at your local convenience store. I recently returned one of my favorite Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks because I took a trip to Primark and found that their $2 lipsticks are WAY creamier, longer lasting, and complimentary on dark skin.
Workout clothes: No, you don't need to spend $80 on a pair of lululemon leggings to have a great workout, especially when there are a ton of brands that are much cheaper and provide higher quality options. And honestly, I'm a big fan of the "random-t-shirt-and-leggings-I-found-at-a-thrift-shop" workout look because I'm not trying to impress anyone at the gym and I'd rather spend my money elsewhere.
Skincare products: Similar to makeup products, the ingredients that actually matter (retionoids, vitamin c, exfoliants, & SPF) are not that expensive so you don't actually need to spend an astronomical amount to get high quality skincare. When looking for skincare products, focus less on price and more on finding ingredients that work for your skin.
Books: In today's day and age it's really not necessary to be paying $20+ on a book that you can likely access online or second-hand. So before running to Barns and Noble to find your next book, head to a local thrift shop or parous through online stores.
Designer items: Because frankly, no one's gonna know nor care whether or not you're carrying the real Chanel classic flap or the fake one you got on DhGate for $75. Unless you can very comfortably drop thousands on a single piece of clothing or accessory, you should just go ahead and have your cake and eat it too by buying the high quality replica version.
Lovingly,
Elle
focus is a skill. self-awareness is a skill. being non-reactive is a skill. conscious breathing is a skill. consistency is a skill. controlling your impulses is a skill. observance is a skill.
a skill is not mastered through willpower alone, by simply deciding that, from now on, you have it. skills are acquired through effort, through trial and error, through policing of one's actions. you're going to fumble, trip and fall on your face often while learning these skills; it does not mean they are unachievable, or that you're failing at them: it means you're learning.
when you falter, pick yourself up, assess your mistake, and stay tuned for the next opportunity to try again, as many times as it takes until you feel that rush of "wow. I got it!". absolutely nothing fruitful comes from sitting around moping about how you're not there yet.
