Career Life Crisis

I've hit the wall. This is a phrase I often use when I'm doing something (usually shopping, or studying) and all of a sudden I come to an abrupt stop and realize I can go no more. There is no slow realization to this conclusion, no build up of any sort. It isn't a feeling I see coming in the distance or a decision I make one small thought at a time. It isn't like jogging where first you become short of breath, then your legs start to burn and then you get a cramp forcing you to slow down then maybe walk. Nope, it's as if my motivation and desire suddenly run head on into a wall; thus the phrase I utter "I've hit the wall" and I cease to continue.


Well, I've hit the wall with my career. I'm a buyer for a wireless technology company, and though a great company (I call it the Google of San Diego) I realize that buying is not what I want to do. The problem is, I don't know what I want to do. I do know I want to move back to AZ and right now, that's taken a primary focus in my career goals, but I just know purchasing is not something I wish to pursue any longer. Further into this conundrum I sink when I realize, I don't know HOW to move to another path. Sure you read about it and you see people do it all the time. They used to be this and now they do that. But how?? How do you get companies to take a chance on you when all you have is a very narrow area of experience?

And so begins my quest into my career life crisis. I'll be sure to keep you posted

Recently I was trolling around looking to see if honey does all it’s touted to do for the face. Then I discovered a really delightful DIY mask on ehow.com. The best part? It uses everyday ingredients you have in the house.

Honey Mask
Ingredients
1 T honey
1 t olive oil
Egg yolk

Mix the honey and olive oil together, then add yolk.
Mix until creamy
Apply warm washcloth to your face to open up the pores. Apply mask and let sit for 20 minutes, rinse with warm water followed by a splash of cold water.

According to ehow honey kills germs, reduces swelling and inflammation. The olive oil is used to moisturize the skin without the greasy film other heavy oils can leave behind while the egg yolk is used to remove oil, dirt and the resulting greasy shine from your face. If your feeling particularly harried, add cucumber slices to the eyes to reduce puffiness.

Sometimes I really love being a recessionista.

I came across the most delicious website, How About Orange and after looking about, I want to go to there. I particularly love her window treatment ideas.

Just a roll of contact paper and cheap shade were combined to make the adorable shade you see below.

This shade treatment utilized artist's tape and a shade from Home Depot. And because artist's tape leaves no residue, you can change out colors easily.

Makes me wish I had windows to decorate....sigh.

Ok, to be fair, I've never read Robert Kiyosaki's books (I know, half of America has..I just never got around to it). The more I hear about the guy the more I really don't like him or his teaching principles. This is a guy who claims the way to make money is through debt?? Granted it's all in building your real estate empire but how relevant is this today given the whole Frannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Bear Sterns dibacle?

Most of the reputable personal finance bloggers out there recognize Kiosaki as little more than a guy who can write a pretty word or too with no real sound financial basis. Take for example this great article calle Let's Read Some of Robert Kiyosaki's Drivel at allfinancialmatters.com. The author dissects an article by Kiosaki which claims that mutual funds are no better than playing the lottery. Someone...please explain.

I guess the issue with Kiyosaki is his "win big," "get rich quick" attitude. It's off putting for those who know the road to riches is paid in patience, steady investing and common sense not in finding "the next big thing." Though I do believe risk is a big part in getting pay offs I'd much rather take caluclated risks and follow the advice of someone like Andrew Tobias then take out 70,000 to buy an apartment complex a la Kiyosaki advice. call me crazy....

If you're tempted by the promise of Kiyosaki just check out John Reed's Analysis.

So you all know how much I love skincare. I live for this stuff. I'm espcially a huge fan of masks, but at an average of 40 smackeroonies a pop it get s a bit expensive. That is until I found Mario Badescu. Who is he? Mario Badescu has been known for personalized skin care treatments and products. Products and services have been proven to help those suffering from acne, rosacea, aging and other skin problems. He owns a salon in NYC and is known amongst the stars.


Alright, alright enough promoting and let's get to what you all want to know. Is he affordable?? Well in terms of his services, I wouldn't know nor would I fly all the way to NYC to find otu (even I have my limits). However, I have ordered many of his products and can I just say that they are GOOD. Seriously. I was shocked at how gentle they were and how the products that touted a "get glowing skin" braggadocio actually got my skin glowing. What was even more shocking? The surprising costs. Here are some of my favorite products, what I think and how much they are gonna cost you.




Drying Mask- 2 oz, $18.00 This stuff smells awful, I'm pretty sure it has to do with the Colloidal Sulfur based formula. This mask also does exactly what it says: dries existing pimples and oil and helps clarify problematic skin. Soothing Calamine makes this mask safe and gentle for most skin types. Because of it's thick pudding-like consistency a little bit goes a long way.













Drying Lotion- 1 oz, $17.00 Made with Calamine and Salicylic Acid this stuff is pretty intense. You dot it on whiteheads and overnight BAM they are gone! Ok, granted it actually took my unsighlty whiteheads more than overnight to disappear but in 72 hours my breakouts were contained. Use sparingly because this stuff can really dry you out. I bought one 2 months ago and am just now running a bit low. But then...I also used it every night.










Healing and Soothing Mask- 2 oz, $20.00 This mask calms red, irritated skin. I definitely noticed a glow after using it. I love this because it is gentle and cream-based so it doesn't get hard and crackly. Leaves skin nice and soft!

The best part? Each order comes with a bevy of free samples so you can try out some great products of theirs! Each sample has about 4-6 applications worth.

Have you looked at the price of buying a new bed? Golly gosh, I had no idea these things cost so much! Luckily for you I researched a bit and found some creative ways to make a bed for less. Without further ado, here are some instructions on making a frame from myfamilylovesit.com

Materials:

2 x 4 x 96 - 10 pieces ($2.11 ea)
2 x 10 x 8 - 6 pieces ($7.99 ea)
3/4 x 49 x 97 MDF - 2 pieces ($22.99)
deck screws
wood glue (optional)

Tools: (you can always borrow if you don't have these)

miter saw
circular saw
power drill/driver

Step 1:
Using the 2×10s create a base that resembles this:

To determine the dimensions add about 1 inch to the height and width of the mattress. Then subtract 12 inches from each dimension to give the inset to protect toes.

For example a standard King size mattress is 80 x 76. The bottom frame would be 69 x 65. There is a lot of room for adjustment ther since you never see this layer. The important thing is that your frame is level.All lumber was screwed together using some old 2 1/2″ deck screws. Drill pilot holes to prevent splitting and used a little wood glue to create a strong bond.

Step 2:

Use scrap pieces of 2×10 to create blocking:

Make sure to offset them like in the picture; so you are able to screw in from both sides. No exact science here, just make sure they fit tightly in the spaces

Step 3:

Now you're ready for the top layer of the platform. Using the 2×4s. follow the same strategy, but this layer will be slightly larger than the mattress.

Step 4:

Next place the top layer on top of the bottom and center it. Toenail the top layer into the bottom at all intersections with the deck screws (remember to drill those pilot holes first).

Step 5:

The last step was attaching the mdf to the top. You may want to have these pre-cut at a place like Lowes. Their sheet cutter is more accurate and can save time. Attach these with 2 inch deck screws about every 12-16 inches.

..and now for something completely different: a very special men's edition of Thrifty Find Thursdays. Remember boys: simplicity is key. And for godssake stay away from striped polos.