Tag: amazon

Affiliate Links, Hobbies, Life, Product Review, Tarot/Card Readings

Tarot Tuesday: New Years

Everlasting Sirua

Been a while since I’ve done a tarot Tuesday. How about starting the new year with a spread?

I found this New Years spread here at: https://vanessairena.com/a-simple-new-year-tarot-spread/

In order from 1 to 4:

  • Seven of Swords
  • Pillar (AKA Empress)
  • Seven of Wands
  • Strength

What Am I Releasing:

Seven of Swords speaks to deception, enemies, manipulation. Personally speaking, that’s what I’ve been trying to let go for a long time. Having people who are willing to lie, disturb your peace, and cause you harm should have little to no space in your life. Easier said than done.

What I Learned

The Pillar (Empress) comes about when you’re nurturing. Whether it be an actual person or a project. It brings nurturing, love and pleasure into one. It also talks about self love and care, a time of growth. All of which I spend the last year learning and devoting myself to. This year is no different. I will continue to strive for what works for me.

What am I Cultivating

Seven of Wands says I’m cultivating protectiveness and boundaries. I’m clearing negativity that’s either been or is present. A new year brings about reflection. It’s okay to want to protect the energy you’ve built.

What Are My Tools

The tool in my arsenal: Strength with the meaning of resilience and determination. Challenges may come but if facing it with compassion and using internal will. I’ll combat these challenges and learn from the experience.

I’m satisfied with this spread’s revelation since it felt familiar and spoke to my truths in the past year and what’s to come. I’m determined to continue maintaining our peace, happiness and success through this year. And hope 2023 brings the same to my readers. I find that writing out plans, goals and organizing my time definitely helps. Whether this be a physical book or simply adding to your Google calendar. Even as an entrepreneur or worker, it’s essential to remember important dates or meetings. The cute planner above I’ve been using as of recently. You can start at any time since it’s a fill in planner, with completely blank sheets for you to use. I love the adorable Sakura design! You can find this planner here: Cherry Blossom Planner

But if you like something more simple, unique or professional here’s some popular ones:

**Disclaimer** As an Amazon associate this blog earns commission for purchases made with links on this post. Thank you for reading!

Affiliate Links, Discounts, Life, Product Review

Falling in Place: Gratefulness

Everlasting Sirua

Another year is flying by with the Holidays approaching and the change in seasonal as the cold air greets me every morning that I go outside for air. I own more hoodies than a normal person should so it’s fun interchanging between them all.

Each year I feel melancholy wash over me. Whether it be from looking into the past and secretly wishing for something or being nervous for what’s ahead. But I’m also grateful for the year has brought me. That I get to watch the trees change in color and snuggle up with my favorite people day or night. How we get to have each others presence in that moment as I continue to do my best in being happy. I’m grateful to my husband who understands my chaotic brain that never stops. While also giving me the space I need to move forward with my goals.

I feel as though things are falling in place. I’m learning to let go of small things and not worry too much. Overthinking and being overwhelmed has always been an issue of mines so figuring how to navigate through it has been a challenge. But I can do this. I’ll continue day after day. Working on myself and taking life in steps instead of strides.

With the cold returning it’s easy to have our lips chapped and splitting. As of now I’ve been using a lip mask that helps keep them supple and protected: Laneige Lip Mask <——Amazing thus far I can’t recommend it enough. Even for those times where you lick your lips too much or maybe not you but your child. This has worked on my son who used to lick his lips too much and peel the skin off his lips too. I noticed a difference within one night.

Also, I did mention I have a collection of hoodies? Yup I had to do it. I bought this rack with the sole purpose to carry my hoodies. It’s been great to have it all in once place and gave my closet more space to put away clothing. Theres even a second rack in the bottom in case you want to have hold jeans or anything that’s fits. Also if you need extra hangers to store more clothing, these hangers come in different colors and are pretty sturdy. I hope this helps!

Hope you all been well. I’m still working on my story intros and plan to release them soon. School has been taking up a lot of my time along with tiredness. There’s been many times I fall asleep with my laptop open and I laugh to myself.

**Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate/Affiliate this blog earns commission through the links posted above**

Affiliate Links, Life, Product Review, Skin Care Beauty

When Self Care becomes Priority…

Everlasting Sirua

I started this blog as my journey for self love and self care. I try to make it my forefront in everything I do. I try to take care of myself. Somewhere along the way I began to ignore my skincare. Granted it can be time consuming. But I’ve accepted that some days I don’t need to do the full regimen and make it short as needed.

Recently, I had to go to the dermatologist. Ever since 2016 my skin began to break out in this itchy, flaky and red blotches. It would happen if I was stressed, not sleeping enough, or anything that brought me out of balance or disturbed my peace. This caused discoloration on my skin. This issue was from scalp to face. 6 years later and I final fl decided enough was enough. Yes at some point it was very controlled but other times it wouldn’t be.

I am now diagnosed with seborrhoeic dermatitis. She advised me to used medicated shampoos and to try my skin care regimen again. Essentially the way to control my symptoms is to self care and use medicated products. I’m not a fan of washing my hair every single day. But, I find that being in the shower for a few minutes and massaging my scalp is relaxing. Those 10-20 minutes are heavenly and it reminds me to take care of myself. Moisturize and start my skin care right away. It’s been a few days and I’ve seen a complete change in my overall skin and hair. I’m still thinking about whether or not to cut it since shorter hair would be easier to manage and wash. But I miss having color in my hair so perhaps some rose gold highlights or any added pink color would be amazing.

The product I’m using for my seb-derm (that’s what I call it now) is Head and Shoulders Clinical it has this citrus scent that I love and lathers up pretty well to get into the scalp leaving it refreshed and clean. I work this into my hair, around my ears, and even carefully into my eyebrows (yes I get it here too!). Some conditioner and I’m done with my hair. After getting comfortable I start my skin care regimen which I’ll talk about and update in another post with all the steps and products I use. My skin has cleared up and no flakes so far. I have to be diligent and do this at least every day or every other day. Or else I start to feel my skin flaking all over again. It’s amazing what self care can do and prevent in cases like this. I’m sure I’ll have my bad days or week. But I need to remember this is for me and my physical health. I’m on this journey for myself. A healthier me and to share this with others struggling too.

What about you all? Any struggling skin condition that consume your time? Or any self care tips/tricks/products that have helped you? Comment below and let me know.

As always. Thanks for reading. Stay sweet everyone!

As an Amazon associate, this blog earns commission from associate links clicked and purchased above.

Affiliate Links, Hobbies, Life, Tarot/Card Readings

Welcoming Another Month: Card Pull with Fave Product of the Month

Everlasting Sirua

New week means a new card. Usually I’d wait for the morning of Tuesday but I felt it should be today. (Read til the end for my fave product of the month!)

Luck, Fortune, Cycles & Inevitable Fate

A card that comes to remind me of the cycle of life. Where there’s good; there’s also bad. Overall I feel positivity radiate from this today. Letting me know that through a series of some unfortunate events. I’ll survive and surpass again. I’ve survived more than I’ve anticipated so far. Thus I’ll dwell in the good and overcome the challenges that steer my way.

Lately it feels like challenges come from all sides: work, school, and life. I’ve managed to overcome each one as an uphill battle. I hope to see the light at the end of the tunnel through it all. I still have my worries, inevitable procrastinations, and easily overwhelmed moments. I trust the process and what I can achieve step by step. I hope with the universe’s guidance. I’ll continue my progress in this journey I chose to be on.

What a way to start the week! Weekends can be stressful for me and it’s easy to count on the cards to ease my doubts and give me guidance in my time of need. Here’s to another month coming and more blogs to come: New cards to introduce, Tesla Related, and as always: Life.

Product of the week: Lip Mask by Laneige

My secret to soft lips and it’s part of my nightly routine. I wake up to wonderful soft lips vs the dried cracked lips I used to have. I had a tendency to rip or bite off the skin. I even use it on my older son who tends to lick his lips a LOT. It heals his lips basically overnight. This lip balm contains antioxidants, vitamin c and hyaluronic acid to heal and keep those lips moisturized and supple. Can’t help but love this product.

(As an Amazon associate I earn commission with the link used above)

Affiliate Links, Discounts, Product Review

Product Fri-Yays (Amazon)

Everlasting Sirua

Sometimes I get questions on products we use at home and what I think of them. Since Amazon is my main way of shopping I want to share things I’ve loved or liked. Enjoy!

Love

2things because they’re phone accessories. I’ve always loved whales so these two were perfect for my iPhone 13 Pro Max! The case is clear with the whale designs added it feels good in the hand and has protected my phone well these past few months. There’s also a way to add a phone charm so maybe I’ll get a whale charm to match. Who knows. You can find the case here: Mosnovo Whale Print iPhone 13pro Max

Next is the pop socket pop grip that I totally fell in love with. I always have a case on my phone since it always manages to slip out of my hands. Ooops! But, this pop grip has helped cut that down significantly (plus wearing leggings with pockets!) I adore the design and the little orca to orca to match. In case you’re looking for another design these popgrips are interchangeable! Find it here: Pop socket Popgrip Great Wave with Orca

Phone case and Pop Grip

Like

I always like buying accessories for our car Baymax. Some are cute convenient things to enhance the overall car experience with comfort. My husband likes to carry either his Starbucks travel coffee mug or his water bottle. Both which don’t fit in the cup holders. Thus I ended up buying an expander for those times and fit his needs. So if your cup holders are too small for your needs. This is perfect for you! Find it here: Large Cup Holder Expander (Batman Coaster not included)

Large cup holder

Hope you all enjoyed. I will be making more of these every week. There’s so many things whether useful or overall we have enjoyed having in our daily lives. What are you favorite products from Amazon?

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases with the links clicked above. I have not been paid beforehand for these products. They’re purchased with my own income and only share my honest reviews. Thank you!

Affiliate Links, Life, Product Review

Getting my License and First Car Experiences in NYC

Everlasting Sirua

As someone who’s never been interested in cars before. It’s funny how interests change as we get older or wiser. Living in NYC I never thought I would drive technically since I never saw the use of needed to since I traveled everywhere. But, things change after having kids. Its difficult with a stroller, two young kids, diaper bag for both, and my own things. Especially doing all of it alone and going upstairs? Downstairs? My anxiety peaked of from the thought of it alone.

After having our 2021 baby. I recovered and threw myself into driving lessons (again) and focused on passing the road test. Thankfully I did and a few days later purchased our first car: A White Honda CRV (Wayne…Batman reference anyone?)

Buying a first car is not exactly a walk in the park sometimes. You can spend hours at a dealership for paperwork and registrations. License plates and signatures. Dealing with insurances and what’s the best price etc. It’s a whole ordeal I didn’t think I’d find myself in. But here we are.

Wayne was good to us. A nice 6 months of learning to drive with an suv type car and slowly learning the roads and responsibilities that come with a car and being on the road. I realize owning a car is a luxury and it’s something that once you have it, driving responsibly is key and should be practiced every day. (Don’t drink and drive, always signal, etc you know the drill)

Now, we decided to order an electric car. And recently we took delivery for the long awaited: Baymax our Tesla Model Y. Pictures incoming!

First Day
Baymax Decal Sticker Add on

We are rather excited to see what’s in store with owning an electric vehicle. It’s been interesting so far. We do charge with a 110 volt every few days if possible. Slow but gets the job done and it’s so fun driving this car. It feels sturdy and it takes time to get used to since there’s the one pedal accelerator and regenerative braking. Shifting gears with the right lever and the screen being the central control of the car. It’s overall a completely new experience. I hope this car lasts. And if you’re like me and love Big Hero 6, the Baymax decal sisters make the white seats look adorable. Updates coming soon about our ordering experience and pickup plus accessories we ordered. I’ll also do a tarot and Oracle draw over the weekend to make up for the week. Stay sweet lovelies!

Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links through Amazon. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

Life, Product Review

Natural Deodorant

Everlasting Sirua

A few months back I decided to change my deodorant. At first it was cause oh no there’s aluminum and all these articles about how it’s linked to breast cancer. Besides the fact that even though most deodorants would just “stop” working for me or I still smelled no matter what I would do (scrubbing skin almost raw doesn’t work for long.)

I decide to venture in finding something more natural and help against odor. Even if research is little I rather not take my chances with the risks since my family members have a history with breast cancer. Plus trying new things would probably help. Who knows.

I’ve tried a few including Native, Lume, & Bends soap company. I did love them all don’t get me wrong. One issue I ran into was the ingredient baking soda. To be fair I didn’t know this until I actually tried some products. Since I read there’s adjustment period I figured that’s what was going on. No. Not at all. Apparently, my armpits don’t agree with baking soda. At first it was a soreness I couldn’t explain. Soon the pigment of my skin began to change and my skin started to peel. Lume is baking soda free so when I switched back to that I finally realized that the soreness slowly went away and the skin in my armpit soon felt better. Took 2-3 weeks for my skin to heal from the peeling and dark pigmentation. Looking back now I laugh because of all things to irritate me it would be baking soda. I do enjoy Lume but I’m not the greatest fan of their unscented version. Since I bought it. They’ve released different scents. I bought the tube with the cream since it’s good for other areas. Including under boob (sorry guys! Us ladies sweat underneath there too sometimes) and near our private bits. A small amount goes a long way!

The one I’ve been using constantly. That I always go back to and eventually plan on trying other scents soon is Little Seed Farm Natural Deodarant.

I’ve only used the lavender scent so far. Smells lovely and it didn’t irritate at all. They also have a sample pack here to try each of their scents here: Little Seed Farm Deodorant Sample Pack

It comes with a little wooden stick to apply. I usually just use my finger and make sure to get the whole area and outer just in case. It’s definitely one of the better natural deodorants I’ve used. I’m in love with it and can’t wait to try their other scents! I love that it’s made with organic ingredients and I haven’t noticed anymore weird odors. Overall it’s worked for the past 3 months that I’ve had it! The container is small but it really does last anywhere from 2-4 months depending on how much you use or need. Definitely will continue to purchase this.

Thanks again everyone for reading. I do reviews from time to time on different things that I’ve tried and have made my life a little easier like this deodorant transition. Next, I’ll probably do things I used or didn’t use when my son was a newborn and even now for any mommas out there. Much love everyone!

*As an Amazon affiliate I do receive commissions on qualifying purchases made from the provided links*

Succulent/Plants

Succulents during the Winter

Everlasting Sirua

The cold is getting near for us here in the city that never sleeps. It’s insane how quickly the weather can change. One day you’re out in a T-shirt and jeans. The next you’ll need a hoodie to help with the chilly winds. Pretty soon I’ll have to take out our coats for the winter even though fall started not too long ago.

I recently started a succulent collection that has exponentially grown since my past posts. I plan on sharing what I have perhaps in another post when I’ve received most or all. Most of them have been indoors and some outside. But that doesn’t come with its own hardships. You see I miscalculated how much I would actually need for all these beauties once the cold came around. Most of my collection consists of many different echeveria species. Those cannot handle any kind of frost or temperature below freezing. Some of course could handle even 20 degrees Fahrenheit but I rather not risk it. As of now some are outside until I can get them inside. To prepare I’ve started to make space mostly in my bedroom with the shelving and another spot where I have grow lights. That’s right. Grow lights! Even if it’s winter and most of my beauties are dormant or going dormant they still need adequate lighting to be happy. I ended up getting both red/blue lights and full spectrum lights. It has a timer that gives me the option to have it on 3, 6 or 12 hours. Shuts off and then turns on early the next day depending on the time I set it. Gladly because I don’t think I’ll remember every day to be turning it on and off constantly. If you ask me I truly prefer the full spectrum yellow/white lights. It captures some of the lovely colors of my succulents when I take photos. Meanwhile the red/blue is complicated to take photos with and see if anything is wrong sometimes. Also, I’m sure my neighbors who can see our window from a distance are probably wondering why there’s a weird purple light coming from our window. (Don’t get the wrong idea now the succulents are innocent). So if you’re looking to get some grow lights I would highly suggest these grow lights:

LED Grow Light for Indoor Plant 45W LED Auto ON/Off Timer Full Spectrum Plant Lights

Grow Light, WAKYME Plant Lights 10 Dimmable Levels 30W Full Spectrum LED Grow Lamp, Memory Auto ON and Off 3-9-12H Timer, 3 Spectrum Adjustable Gooseneck Plant Lamp for Indoor Plant

I also realized that I needed multiple for my growing collection. The more succulents I get. The more lights I need to fulfill their need for light. I swear this house is about be bright all day if I continue down this path. But I’ll do what it takes to make these beauties happy. Be aware that the change in atmosphere and weather can make some sensitive ones go into a little shock. Keep a close eye. Also it’s good to have a fan or open windows to help air circulate around. They love that. I try to always keep two windows cracked to create a draft for most of the day. Keep an eye on watering, temperature in your home or separate place you keep them. Sometimes winter make most of them dormant so water isn’t completely necessary unless you see signs of thirst.

*As an Amazon affiliate I do earn commission from qualifying purchases*

Thank you for reading. Honestly, this hobby has taken a good chunk of my time and I do love blogging about it. I hope everyone isn’t annoyed already. Much love and always feel free to comment and ask questions. Much love!

Succulent/Plants

Getting Started with Succulents: Beginner Tools and Essentials Guide

Everlasting Sirua

As an Amazon associate I do earn commission from qualifying purchases from the links I provide below

I promise you that you’ll be obsessed the moment you start. There’s so many kinds of succulents it’s hard to choose rom all the beautiful kinds that there are! From tiny to large ones. Common to unique there’s a succulent (or succulents) for anyone! You’d think that would be easy. Then there’s the pots you choose. You can choose from terra-cotta, cement, ceramic and even wood types! The soil types, tools, etc. It can be a bit overwhelming. I cannot begin to tell you all the amount of information there is out there. As an amateur myself (started August of this year) just wanted to share some things that got me started.

Of course you’ll need succulents! My favorite place to order from so far have been from Mountain Crest Gardens. They have a large variety of succulents to get you started and has in depth information about the type you’re getting, lighting and watering needs. How big it’ll grow (both height and length wise). They come packaged so well! There are some delicate succulents that no matter what it’s almost impossible to avoid bruising. Be aware. I can warn you though that you’ll love what you see. Once I was done scrolling through and adding different succulents into my cart. I had over 20 in there and no signs of finishing. Of course I settled for the ones I felt I could NOT leave behind. If you decide to check them out you can use my referral link and you’ll receive 10 percent off your order: Mountain Crest 10 percent off!

Succulents ordered? Check. Now what?

Where to put them? There’s so many pots to choose from it’s insane. It’s important that they have drainage holes to let the water drain out. If you’re looking for something affordable I recommend terra-cotta pots. They let your plants breathe, come in all kinds of sizes and you can get them almost anywhere (Home depot, Lowe’s, Amazon). Here are some that I’ve found to get you started:

Set of 16 terra-cotta clay pots 3x3inches

Set of 9 terra-cotta clay pot 3.5 inch

If ceramic are more of your thing I would definitely recommend these:

Set of 6 geometric white ceramic succulent pots with Bamboo tray

Set of 6 white ceramic plant pots with bamboo tray

There’s also cement pots:

Set of 2 Cement Pot With Tray

Set of 3 different size cement plant pot

Or maybe you want something out of the ordinary, cute, and overall different:

Set of 4 Blue Seashell Plant Pots

Set of 4 Groot Plant Pots

Set of 6 ceramic wood pattern pots

These are just a few out of the many that Amazon offers. Always make sure to check sizes and measure how big they are beforehand by reading the measurements. Sometimes pots are tinier than expected or bigger.

Okay, now to the important part of potting them. The soil and/or fertilizer. Succulents needs well draining soil. Personally I mix cactus soil with gritty mix to achieve better drainage. They only need to be fertilized once a month during their growing months (there’s winter dormant and summer dormant succulents).

Here’s some soil and gritty mix that I’ve used so far:

Hoffman Organic cactus succulent soil 2 pack

Organic succulent and cactus soil mix

Next Gardner succulent Gritty Mix

These can also be added to the soil or used as a top dressing:

Next Gardner Red Lava rocks

Next Gardner White Onyx Top dressing

Another place I like to order grit mix from is Bonsai Jack. I order their grit by the gallons (used 5 gallons myself and ordered some for others) since surprisingly it goes quickly every time!

Fertilizer I’m currently using once a month: Cute Farms Succulent, Cacti, Aloe Monthly Fertilizer Formula

Last but not least: Tools! For the most part the tools are mostly to help make potting and getting your succulent well put together easier. If you prefer to use your hands or things you have around the house. Feel free to do so! These are just some tools to get you started in case you don’t have any. Especially if it’s your first time getting succulents or cactuses (like me!)

Tools I’ve gotten and used so far:

13 piece Mini garden tools set

There’s many more with more pieces. Definitely check them out and see if it’s something you’ll need to get your succulent addiction started!

I’ll be posting more about succulents with tips or tricks and the things I add to my collection, where I get it from as time goes. Let me know below if this helped you or if there’s anything else I should add. This is what worked for me so far. I love sharing these beauties and giving advice. Feel free to comment below anything else that I missed. Much love and happy planting!

Some pics of my beauties *cover photo is part of my setup*

*Some links provided I do earn commission on qualifying purchases as an Amazon affiliate*

Succulent/Plants

The Succulent Life

Everlasting Sirua

Recently started a new hobby. It’s crazy how things start from something as simple as an idea. I’ve always wanted plants in my home. I feel like they brighten a room. Add flair to the home. But, I never fully looked into it. Every plant I would see whether it be at Aldi’s, Bjs, or a supermarket we’re usually toxic for the cats. I didn’t want to take the chance of something happening. You never know with these critters.

As most may know I purchased some succulents in a terrarium at aldis after looking up if they were toxic to my fur babies. Apparently, they’re not! I was excited. Now that went from that to purchasing more succulents, learning their names, their individual care, joining Facebook groups. The whole mile. I find that it’s more enjoyable than I thought. I went from one container of plants to 11 soon to be 14! I’m telling you all. It’s addicting. Hopefully I have a green thumb. I shall lost the ones I have so far both scientific and given name/type:

-Echeveria “Morning Beauty”

-Cryptanthus “Pink Earth Star”

-Aloe Albiflora (not sure but closest ID)

-Graptopetalum paraguayense “Ghost plant aka Mother of Pearl”

-Echeveria Perle Von Nurnberg

*Plants on the way*

-Sempervivum “Black Lotus”

-Sempervivum “Bronze Pastel”

-Graptoveria “Debbie”

-Green rosette looking plant (not sure)

That’s my collection so far! I’ll share some before and after pictures of what I did with the space in my bedroom. These shelves have been a life saver!

BEFORE

AFTER

Can’t wait for the others to come in. The shelves make it look so organized and lovely. I totally recommend them. Hopefully I have a green thumb. I’ll be sharing my trial and errors with my succulents. Good or bad. Hobbies are learned through trial and error. Wish me luck!

*As an Amazon Associate I do earn commission on qualifying purchases* Succulents are excellent beginner plants for those who would like to start gardening or simply adding life to their home. There’s different ones to fit any lifestyle from bright light to low light areas. They hardly need to be watered. But, they’re also easy to kill if they’re overwatered or under watered. They susceptible to things like mealy bugs, root rot, sunburn etc. Always do your research when getting these beauties.