Skincare Brands I love
I just recently got off Accutane and boy that was was a journey to say the least. My face, nose and everything in between was dryer than the Sahara Desert. I have sympathy for anyone who is also taking this medication. My skin was always something I was insecure about. I never had cystic acne, but I knew I wanted to be able to wake up and not stress about how I was going to cover my pimples that morning. Here are some healthy (and mainly natural) skincare brands that I was using on, and now off Accutane. I think something to also highly consider is getting in touch with a dermatologist you trust, and coming up with a routine that is personalized and tailored specifically to your needs. I also think there is an overwhelming amount of knowledge and influence on the internet. I now am using a prescription retinol, and the following products listed below:
As you can see, most of these products I use are mainly inexpensive. Something I have learned over the years that less is simply more. Less products, less ingredients, and in some cases less money. I have listened and bought so many product based off of tik toks, and influencers and I can say that these products have been my main holy grails in helping firm, tighten and help with my acne prone skin. That plus my prescription retinol.
A new skin concern of mine has been battling my melasma. I feel like this arose shortly after taking accutane. It is very predominant around my upper lip and eyebrows. I’ve done research on it and it is something that can arise from a multitude of things such as: the sun, trauma to the area, pregnancy, hormone changes, stress, and news to me is thyroid disorders. I have been trying a multitude of products, but one thing that I will die on the hill for is making sure it doesn’t get worse. One way I am doing that is by applying a mineral based sunscreen every single day. So far my favorite has been the Merit tinted sunscreen!
Oral Hygiene Brands I love as a Dental Hygienist
As a dental hygienist, I get asked all the time what products I personally use to keep my teeth, gums, and breath fresh and healthy. While there are tons of options on the market, I’ve narrowed my routine down to a few tried-and-true favorites that I genuinely use every single day and recommend to my patients on a daily basis.
Good oral hygiene doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s all about consistency and finding products that not only work but also make you actually want to use them. Here are my go-to essentials:
- Coco Floss: Flossing is non-negotiable, but not all floss is created equal. CocoFloss is my absolute favorite because it actually grips the plaque rather than sliding past it, which makes it super effective. Plus, it comes in fun flavors that make flossing a little more enjoyable. It is also a natural floss that is vegan, and made from recycled water bottles. There is also coconut oils that help to reduce gum inflammation.
- Coco Shine Toothpaste: I love this toothpaste because it’s both effective and clean. It gives you that fresh, polished feeling after every brush without being overly abrasive. It’s also made with thoughtful ingredients, which is important to me since I’m all about products that are both safe and effective for long-term use. Some of the ingredients include: Hydroxyapatite (to help naturally strengthen, whiten, and help with sensitivity), baking soda (to help reduce stain), xylitol, coconut oil, and spearmint oil (to help freshen breath).
- BreathRx Tongue Scrapper: If you’re not scraping your tongue daily, you’re missing a huge step in keeping your breath fresh! So much bacteria builds up on the tongue, and this tool makes a big difference. The Breath Rx scraper is durable, easy to clean, and gentle but effective—I can’t go without it. Studies show that 50% of halitosis (bad breath), is largely contributed to plaque and bacterial build up on the tongue. Also check out Coco Labs tongue scrapper called “Smile Filter Tongue Cleaner!” I alternate between both of these.
- TheraBreath Mouthwash: This has been a game changer for me. Unlike many mouthwashes that sting or leave your mouth dry, TheraBreath is super gentle yet powerful against bad breath. It’s also alcohol-free, so it doesn’t burn, and I notice my breath stays fresher much longer compared to traditional brands. It also does a great job of not killing the good bacteria in your mouth as well.
- Sonicare Electric Toothbrush: Using a standard two mode Sonic electric toothbrush I will say is half the battle when it comes to home care. All the products I have ever recommended are within reason in terms of price and budget. I personally use the Phillip’s Sonicare Plaque Control 4100. I believe it was on sale at Target for $39!
Bonus:
- One thing I have also been talking to patients heavily about is mouth breathing. Sometimes good oral hygiene is not always as simple as brushing, flossing, etc. I am a strong believer that oral health and systemic health are directly related. Medications, clenching and grinding, overall bite and dentition, smoking, genetics, diet and mouth breathing all play a large factor in oral health. One book that contributed to this belief is a book called Breath by James Nestor. It’s a great read, and a book I strongly recommend you read as well. Mouth taping has been a nightly habit for me over the last year. I sleep so much better, my mouth and throat aren’t dry when I wake up, and my breath doesn’t smell. Please look into, and talk to a provider to determine if mouth taping is right for you. I have tried every brand out there, and my go to’s are VIO2 Mouth Tape and K-Tape (kinesiology tape) from any convenient store.
What They Don’t Tell You About Becoming a Hygienist
When I decided to become a dental hygienist, I knew it was a respected career in healthcare. I knew I’d be helping people, educating them, and making a real impact on their health. What I didn’t know — and what many don’t talk about — are the hidden challenges that come with the job.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful for the path I’ve chosen. But like any career, there are realities that go beyond the textbooks and shiny brochures. Here’s what they don’t tell you about becoming a hygienist.
- The Pay Cap is Real: Yes, hygiene can be a solid career financially — but there’s a ceiling. Unless you’re on a production-based system, working in a practice that rewards performance, or you own your own practice, there isn’t a huge amount of financial growth built in. Raises don’t typically reflect the increasing workload or rising costs of living, and that can feel limiting after years in the field.
- You Have to Be “On” All the Time: Being a hygienist means you’re always “on.” You’re not just cleaning teeth — you’re educating, reassuring, comforting, and connecting with people who often arrive anxious, embarrassed, or even fearful. That takes an incredible amount of emotional energy. You’re caring constantly, and sometimes it feels like there’s very little left for yourself at the end of the day.
- People Can Overshare — A Lot: One thing I never expected? How much people share in the chair. Maybe it’s the environment, maybe it’s the fact that they feel vulnerable, but patients often open up in ways you wouldn’t imagine. Sometimes it’s beautiful — sometimes it’s heavy. Either way, you carry those stories with you, and it can take an emotional toll.
- I Became an Introverted Extrovert: This career has made me realize I’m what I call an “introverted extrovert.” All week long, I’m talking, educating, and interacting. By the time the weekend rolls around, the thought of more socializing feels exhausting. It’s not that I don’t love people — I do — but when you’re “on” all week, sometimes the only thing you crave is silence and solitude.
- Importance of Taking Care of Your Mental and Physical Health: I cannot stress enough how important it is to take care of yourself first before anything else, or you will not be able to perform to the best of your ability- and make it long in this career. Practicing proper ergonomics, daily stretching and massages will help with reducing the amount of aches and pains. I have also started incorporating wearing ear protection! This has been a huge help in reducing my headaches. The brand I’m using now is Loops! Working out regularly and writing a gratitude journal has helped to ground me and keep me in shape both mentally and physically.
- Leaving Work at Work: One of the great benefits of hygiene is when you leave, you leave the work with you. You’re not coming home and continuing to clean patients, but like I mentioned earlier, you do take the weight of the day with you jut like any profession.
The Growth in the Journey–
Despite the challenges, this path has shaped me. It’s taught me resilience, patience, communication, and empathy on levels I didn’t know I had. It’s given me the opportunity to grow not just as a hygienist, but as a person. Definitely a character building career.
Would I choose it again? Honestly, yes. Because even with the struggles, being a hygienist has helped me find my voice, build deep connections, and appreciate the balance between serving others and protecting my own energy.
To anyone considering hygiene: know that it’s rewarding, but it’s also demanding. Know that the smiles you help create sometimes come at the cost of your own energy. And know that it’s okay to acknowledge the harder parts of the journey, because that’s where the growth truly happens. There will be pros and cons in every profession, but I encourage anyone who is interested in this try to find someone you admire to shadow.
The Importance of a Daily Gratitude Journal
Life gets busy. Between work, routines, social plans, and everything in between, it’s so easy to slip into autopilot and forget to pause. I’ve realized that when I’m constantly rushing through my days, I can start focusing only on what’s missing instead of appreciating what’s right in front of me. That’s exactly why I’ve started practicing daily gratitude journaling.
For me, it’s not about writing pages and pages every morning — but about carving out just a few intentional minutes to check in with myself. Sometimes I jot down three simple things I’m grateful for, other times I’ll write a journal or thoughts I had during the day. It could be as big as hitting a personal goal or as small as enjoying a really good cup of coffee.
What I’ve found is that gratitude journaling shifts my mindset. Instead of waking up and immediately stressing about my to-do list, I start my day with perspective. Even on harder days, there’s always something worth appreciating — whether it’s people, experiences, or just little comforts.
I won’t pretend I’m perfect at it; there are mornings I skip or nights where I’m too tired. But when I stay consistent, I notice a real difference in how grounded and present I feel. Gratitude has a way of taking the ordinary and making it feel extraordinary, and writing it down helps me see those moments more clearly.
If you’ve ever thought about starting a gratitude practice, this is your sign. It doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Just grab a notebook (or even the Notes app on your phone) and start small. Write one thing you’re thankful for today. Tomorrow, add another. Over time, those little reflections add up, and you start to see just how much good surrounds you.
Because at the end of the day, gratitude is more than journaling — it’s a mindset. And choosing to focus on the good, every single day, is one of the simplest but most powerful practices I’ve added to my life.
The Importance of Slowing Down
This week, I have a few days off from work — and honestly, it feels strange. I’m so used to being in constant motion, doing six million things at once, that when I finally pause, it almost feels uncomfortable. My mind immediately starts asking, “What should I be doing right now?”
But lately, I’ve realized that rest isn’t the opposite of productivity — it’s a part of it.
When I don’t give myself space to breathe, I start to feel sluggish, defeated, and disconnected from myself. The constant “go, go, go” doesn’t lead to more — it just drains what’s already there. But when I actually slow down, there’s a shift. My energy resets. My thoughts get clearer. The best ideas — the ones that feel exciting and aligned — come when I’m not forcing them.
It’s a reminder that sometimes the most productive thing you can do is nothing at all.
Rest isn’t lazy. It’s essential.
Slowing down allows you to reconnect with yourself and refill what life has been taking out of you.
And honestly, saying no can be one of the healthiest forms of self-care. You don’t have to be everywhere or do everything — especially if it means sacrificing your peace. Protecting your energy is how you protect your purpose. That was something I struggled with for a while. I felt bad missing things, or saying no to friends-but if I didn’t give to myself first I found that I could not give to others.
So if you’ve been feeling tired, unmotivated, or just off lately, take this as your reminder: slow down. Take the pause. Say no when you need to. You’ll show up stronger, clearer, and more inspired when you do.
5 Morning Habits That Changed my Energy
Mornings used to be a struggle for me. I’d roll out of bed, grab my phone, scroll through emails and TikTok, then rush into my day already feeling behind. My energy was all over the place — tired, anxious, or wired from too much caffeine. Over time, I realized that how I start my day completely sets the tone for how I feel, focus, and show up.
Here are the five morning habits that have completely changed my energy — both physically and mentally.
1. No Phone First Thing in the Morning
The moment I stopped reaching for my phone as soon as I woke up, everything shifted. Instead of being hit with notifications, messages, and other people’s lives, I gave my mind space to wake up naturally. Now I use the first 20–30 minutes of my morning for me — stretching, breathing, or just being still. It’s wild how much calmer and more grounded you feel when your brain isn’t overstimulated right out of the gate.
2. Getting Direct Sunlight
Before coffee or work, I head outside to get sunlight on my skin and in my eyes (without sunglasses for the first few minutes). It helps regulate your circadian rhythm — basically, it tells your body, “Hey, it’s morning, let’s wake up.”
That simple dose of natural light boosts mood, supports hormone balance, and gives me this instant sense of alertness that no energy drink can compete with.
3. Loading Up on Water + Electrolytes
The first thing I drink in the morning isn’t coffee anymore — it’s a big glass of water with electrolytes. After sleeping for hours, your body is naturally dehydrated, which can make you feel sluggish. Rehydrating first thing helps my brain and body feel alive again. My favorite combo? Water, a squeeze of lemon, and a pinch of sea salt or a clean electrolyte mix. It’s such a simple shift that makes a huge difference.
4. Getting Movement Before the Day Starts
Even 10–20 minutes of movement in the morning changes everything. It doesn’t have to be a full workout — sometimes it’s a walk, yoga flow, or a quick stretch session. Moving my body before sitting down to work clears brain fog and gets my blood flowing. It’s not just physical — it’s like my body and brain finally sync up and say, “Okay, let’s do this.” I also never know how the day is going to go. Whether something comes up after work, or I’m tired, getting it done first thing allows me to have control over something and then prepare myself mentally and physically for the day.
5. No Coffee for 90 Minutes After Waking Up
This one was tough at first, but game-changing. Waiting 90 minutes before having caffeine allows your natural cortisol levels (your body’s own energy hormone) to rise first. When you drink coffee too early, you can crash harder later.
Now, I hydrate, get sunlight, and move before my first cup — and when I finally have that coffee, it hits perfectly without the mid-morning energy dip.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to overhaul your entire morning routine — just start with one or two of these habits and notice how your energy changes.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that energy isn’t just about what you consume — it’s about how you start. Small intentional choices in the morning create a ripple effect that lasts all day.
Here’s a recent pic of the fam and I practicing these rituals while visiting my sister in Utah! It was the perfect morning hike before the day started.
5 Signs You’re Outgrowing Your Old Life (and That’s a Good Thing)”
There comes a moment in everyone’s journey where life starts feeling… different. Not bad. Not wrong. Just off. The old routines don’t hit the same. The people you used to vibe with feel a little farther away. And the dreams you once had start to look too small for the person you’re becoming.
It’s uncomfortable — but it’s also one of the clearest signals that you’re outgrowing your old life.
Outgrowing isn’t failure. It’s evolution. It means you’re stepping into a version of yourself that your past self wasn’t ready to hold yet. And while the transition can feel confusing, lonely, or even scary, it’s almost always the beginning of something better.
Here are five signs you’re outgrowing your old life — and why it’s actually a really good thing.
1. Your goals suddenly feel too small
There’s nothing wrong with the goals you used to have. In fact, they may have been perfect for who you were. But as you evolve, your vision gets bigger.
Maybe you used to be satisfied with a stable routine, and now you crave purpose, growth, or freedom. Maybe your old dream job no longer excites you. Maybe you’re realizing you want more from your relationships, friendships, or daily life.
You start thinking things like:
- I feel like I’m meant for more.
- This no longer challenges me.
- I want something bigger, deeper, more aligned.
This shift isn’t you being ungrateful — it’s you expanding. Your capacity. Your self-worth. Your imagination.
Outgrowing your old goals means you’ve reached them — or surpassed them — and now life is nudging you toward the next level.
2. You feel disconnected from people you used to relate to
This one can feel heavy, but it’s one of the clearest signs of growth.
The conversations that once felt fun now feel draining. The people who used to understand you suddenly… don’t. You might even feel like you’re speaking a new language — one that’s focused on healing, growth, boundaries, opportunity, or purpose — while they’re still speaking the language of your past.
It doesn’t mean you’re better than anyone. It doesn’t mean anyone is wrong. It just means you’re evolving in different directions.
Your nervous system actually changes as you grow. What your body once recognized as “normal,” it no longer identifies with. That’s why old habits, environments, or people can feel uncomfortable or out of sync.
And here’s the good part:
Disconnection makes space for new, aligned connections — people who match your new season, your new energy, and your new standards.
3. Your daily habits feel misaligned with who you want to be
You know that moment when your old routines start feeling like clothes that don’t fit? That’s not laziness. That’s evolution.
Maybe you used to stay up late, and now your body craves slow mornings or earlier nights.
Maybe you used to love nights out, but now you crave peace, hobbies, movement, or quiet time.
Maybe you used to operate in survival mode, and now you’re starting to desire structure, boundaries, or self-care.
This misalignment is your inner self saying:
“We don’t live like that anymore.”
You’re shifting out of autopilot. You’re becoming more intentional. You’re choosing your habits instead of inheriting them.
When your habits change, your identity changes — and your life follows.
4. You’re craving change, even if you don’t know what that change is
Sometimes you can’t articulate it. You just feel this internal nudge that says:
- I’m ready for something new.
- This chapter is done.
- There’s something more for me.
This desire doesn’t always come with a clear plan. Actually, most people feel the shift long before they understand it.
Your intuition often evolves faster than your logic. You feel the transformation before you can explain it.
And the craving for change — even without clarity — is a powerful sign that:
You’ve learned everything you were meant to learn from your old life.
This is the cocoon stage. It’s uncomfortable. It’s uncertain. But it’s also where everything begins to bloom.
5. You’ve started choosing yourself, even when it upsets other people
This is the biggest sign of all.
When you start choosing:
- boundaries
- rest
- your goals
- your peace
- your standards
- your happiness
…other people won’t always like it. Especially if they benefited from the version of you who didn’t choose yourself.
Maybe you used to be the “yes” person.
Maybe you used to overextend.
Maybe you used to lower your standards to keep the peace.
But now?
You’re learning to say no.
You’re learning to prioritize yourself.
You’re learning that your needs matter just as much as anyone else’s.
Choosing yourself isn’t selfish — it’s maturity.
And yes, it may cause friction. Growth often does. But that discomfort is temporary. The self-respect, self-trust, and self-love you build from it? That lasts.
Why Outgrowing Your Old Life Is a Good Thing
Outgrowing your old life means you’re becoming someone you once dreamed of being — someone your past self wasn’t ready to embody yet.
It means you’re healing old patterns.
It means you’re breaking cycles.
It means you’re expanding your capacity for joy, love, success, and alignment.
Growth isn’t supposed to feel comfortable. It’s supposed to feel like change — because it is change. But the beauty is that you’re not losing yourself. You’re finding yourself.
You’re stepping into the life you were always meant to have.
Final Reminder
If life feels weird right now… if you feel in-between versions of yourself… if you feel like you don’t belong where you used to…
It’s not that you’re lost.
It’s that you’re becoming.
Growth doesn’t always announce itself with clarity. Sometimes it announces itself through discomfort, misalignment, or restlessness.
But if you’re experiencing these signs? You’re not doing life wrong.You’re evolving — and that’s always a good thing. This is the period of my life I am in now, so just know you’re not alone. Detach, and let the world do the rest.
Gratitude Over Grind: Why Starting Your Day with Thankfulness Changes Everything
In a world that constantly tells us to move faster, work harder, and do more, it’s easy to forget one simple truth: life isn’t meant to be lived in a constant state of hustle. Somewhere between deadlines, emails, side projects, and social media comparisons, many of us lose touch with what truly matters. We wake up already stressed, reach for our phones before our feet hit the floor, and immediately step into survival mode.
For a long time, I lived like that too.
Until recently, I was reminded how powerful it is to slow down—thanks to my mom.
A Visit That Changed My Perspective
Not long ago, my mom came into town, and for a few days, I took time off work. No packed schedule. No constant rushing. No checking emails every five minutes. Just time—real, present, meaningful time.
We had slow mornings. We drank coffee without staring at screens. We talked. We laughed. We went on walks. We sat together in comfortable silence. We did ordinary things that somehow felt extraordinary.
And in those moments, I realized something:
I had been moving too fast to notice how beautiful “normal” life really is.
I had been so focused on productivity, progress, and income that I forgot to pause and appreciate where I already was.
Growing Up with the Right Example
My mom raised me to work hard. She taught me discipline, responsibility, and resilience. She showed me that success doesn’t come from shortcuts—it comes from showing up, staying consistent, and doing your best even when no one is watching.
But she also taught me something equally important:
Life is meant to be enjoyed.
She always knew when to slow down. When to take a breath. When to be present. When to prioritize people over productivity.
Watching her live that balance—between ambition and appreciation—has shaped who I am today, even when I forget it sometimes.
Her visit reminded me of that lesson.
The Problem with Hustle Culture
We live in a culture that glorifies exhaustion.
If you’re tired, you’re “working hard.”
If you’re overwhelmed, you’re “ambitious.”
If you’re burnt out, you’re “on your grind.”
Somewhere along the way, being busy became a badge of honor.
But here’s the truth:
Being constantly busy doesn’t mean you’re living well.
It often means you’re disconnected—from yourself, from others, and from the present moment.
When we’re always chasing the next goal, we never fully enjoy the one we just reached.
When we’re always thinking about tomorrow, we miss today.
Why Gratitude Changes Everything
Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you.” It’s a mindset. A way of seeing life. A decision to focus on what’s going right instead of what’s missing.
Starting your day with gratitude does something powerful:
It grounds you.
It centers you.
It reminds you that you are already blessed, already supported, already enough.
When you begin your morning by acknowledging what you’re grateful for, you shift your entire energy.
Instead of waking up in panic mode, you wake up in peace.
Instead of feeling behind, you feel supported.
Instead of feeling stressed, you feel steady.
How My Mornings Look Different Now
After spending time with my mom, I decided to change how I start my days.
Before I check my phone.
Before I open my laptop.
Before I rush into responsibilities.
I pause.
I take a few deep breaths.
I think of three things I’m grateful for.
Sometimes I write them down. Sometimes I just sit with them.
Some days it’s big things:
• My family
• My health
• My opportunities
Other days it’s small things:
• Sunshine through the window
• A warm cup of coffee
• A quiet moment
Both matter.
Gratitude Doesn’t Kill Ambition—It Strengthens It
One of the biggest myths about slowing down is that it makes you lazy.
It doesn’t.
Gratitude doesn’t remove your drive. It refines it.
When you’re grateful, you work from a place of abundance instead of fear.
You chase goals because you’re inspired—not because you feel inadequate.
You build success without sacrificing your peace.
You still hustle.
You still grow.
You still dream.
You just do it with purpose.
Simple Ways to Practice Daily Gratitude
If you want to start your day with gratitude, it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Here are a few easy ways to begin:
1. The 3-Thing Rule
Every morning, list three things you’re thankful for.
Write them down or say them out loud.
2. Gratitude Journaling
Keep a small notebook by your bed.
Spend five minutes each morning or night reflecting.
3. Phone-Free Mornings
Delay checking your phone for at least 20 minutes.
Give yourself mental space first.
4. Gratitude Walks
Take short walks and notice what’s around you.
Nature, sounds, people, movement.
5. Thank Someone Daily
Send a text. Make a call. Say it in person.
Gratitude grows when shared.
Remembering What Truly Matters
Spending time with my mom reminded me that success isn’t measured only in income, followers, or achievements.
It’s measured in:
• Relationships
• Memories
• Peace
• Presence
• Love
One day, we won’t remember how many emails we answered.
We’ll remember who we laughed with.
Who supported us.
Who showed up.
A Gentle Reminder to You
If you’re reading this and feeling overwhelmed, tired, or stuck in grind mode, let this be your reminder:
You’re allowed to slow down.
You’re allowed to rest.
You’re allowed to enjoy your life.
Working hard matters.
Dreaming big matters.
But so does being present.
So does being grateful.
So does being human.
Final Thoughts: Choose Gratitude Every Morning
Starting your day with gratitude won’t solve every problem.
It won’t erase challenges.
It won’t remove responsibilities.
But it will change how you carry them.
It will make you stronger.
It will make you calmer.
It will make you happier.
My mom reminded me that life isn’t about running nonstop.
It’s about living fully.
So tomorrow morning, before you rush into the world—pause.
Take a breath. Say thank you. To preface, my mom is from North Carolina and currently lives there. It was snowing there when she was visiting here. When my mom and I went to the beach she just sat there staring at the ocean. She did that for about four hours. I kept asking her “do you want to do anything right now or go anywhere?” And she responded with, “I just want to be. Be here, be with you, and enjoy this.” It was so simple and so pure, and something I unfortunately take for granted.
And choose gratitude over grind.
If this post resonated with you, share it with someone who needs a reminder to slow down and appreciate the moment and just “be.”
