Hello, Hex Squad! In this May Life Update, I’m excited to share some personal insights, product recommendations, and other happenings in my life. Join me as I reflect on my journey and highlight various interesting topics that might resonate with you.
All items mentioned have been personally purchased unless specified as PR. The views expressed are entirely my own. I sincerely appreciate your support in shopping through my affiliate links, as it helps sustain my platform without any additional cost to you.
Celebrating 16 Years of Blogging Success
A significant milestone in my May Life Update is the celebration of my blog, Phyrra, which has been a part of my life for an incredible 16 years as of May 14th. My journey began on Livejournal, transitioned through Blogger, and finally settled on WordPress, where I’ve experienced no regrets. However, I do face ongoing challenges as Google’s algorithms increasingly favor larger platforms like Reddit and Quora over smaller blogs like mine.
Despite these challenges, I strive to produce high-quality, authentic content that is genuinely created by a human. Unfortunately, the visibility of my content seems to diminish as it gets overshadowed by paid advertisements. It’s disheartening to witness the decline in accessible makeup product swatches, and I suspect many others share this frustration when searching for genuine product insights.
If you appreciate small blogs like mine, your support on platforms like Reddit and Quora can make a huge difference, as these seem to be more valued by Google these days.
Support Indie Fashion Before It’s Gone: Sourpuss Clothing Closing Sale
For all my fellow lovers of alternative fashion and gothic style, I bring you some bittersweet news: Sourpuss Clothing is set to close its doors by the end of June 2024. As a farewell gesture, they are offering an impressive 40% discount on everything. It’s truly sad to see a beloved indie brand that has been a staple for 24 years go out of business. I encourage everyone to support small businesses and independent bloggers whenever possible.
Discover the Versatile Pocket Tripod by Geometrical
Dave and I have fallen in love with the Pocket Tripod! I received this innovative device as PR and have been eager to share it with you since January, which is why it features prominently in my May Life Update. This tripod is impressively compact, measuring about the thickness of two credit cards, and comes with various attachments suitable for any smartphone model. It effortlessly holds my iPhone 15 Pro Max, allowing me to capture photos independently without needing a helping hand.
One of my favorite techniques is positioning it at knee level and angling it slightly upwards to enhance my height in photos. Every little bit counts when you stand at just 5’4”! I have the tripod in a sleek matte black finish, but I’m tempted to purchase it in Thunder Pink next time; it’s also available in a lovely soft Jade Green and pristine matte white.
You can find the Pocket Tripod on both the Geometrical website and Amazon. Its portability makes it the perfect companion for on-the-go photography.
Transform Your Understanding of Menopause with Dr. Mary Claire Haver’s New Book
Recently, I’ve been feeling overlooked by the medical community, and I want to address this in my May Life Update. Despite paying a significant premium for health insurance, accessing timely appointments and thorough medical care has become increasingly challenging. Navigating the healthcare system often feels like a daunting task.
Specifically concerning perimenopause, PMDD, and women’s health, I’ve often felt isolated and neglected due to a lack of expertise from my healthcare providers. There seems to be a pervasive idea that if a woman isn’t planning on having children, her health concerns are deprioritized. Even gynecologists, who are expected to be specialists in managing reproductive health issues, have frequently fallen short in providing the necessary support.
Meet Dr. Mary Claire Haver: A Beacon of Knowledge
Through my connection with Sinead Norenius-Raniere, I discovered Dr. Mary Claire Haver on Instagram, where her insightful content about menopause and perimenopause struck a chord with me. Her engaging reels and informative discussions truly resonate with the challenges I’ve been facing. Upon learning that she published a book, I didn’t hesitate to pre-order it. The insights I’ve gained from reading it have been transformative.
For those who have seen my video titled “No One Wants to Talk About It,” which delves into the topic of perimenopause, you’ll likely relate to my frustrations. The comments section reveals that many others share similar feelings of isolation, often with little to no guidance from the medical community.
Challenges in Finding Informed Healthcare Providers
If you’re encountering difficulties similar to mine, I highly recommend reading “The New Menopause.” My current gynecologist is neither a Certified Menopause Practitioner (CMP) nor affiliated with the Menopause Society, and her lack of knowledge regarding perimenopause has severely impacted my care quality.
When I approached her with symptoms such as bloating, gastrointestinal discomfort, fatigue, reduced libido, and unexplained weight gain, her dismissive response suggested that “this might be your new normal.” Instead of actively listening to my concerns, she misinterpreted my frustrations as self-deprecation about my weight. This experience left me deeply unsatisfied with her approach, prompting me to take charge of my health by seeking better-informed care.
How to Find a Certified Menopause Practitioner
A Certified Menopause Practitioner would have recognized that my recent difficulties with nightshades, joint pain, low energy, and sudden inflammation could be linked to perimenopause. If my upcoming gynecological appointment doesn’t yield satisfactory results, I plan to seek out a new doctor from the list of CMPs available on Mary’s website. Unfortunately, my area has only three CMPs, making it a challenge to find proper care.
I’ve even gifted copies of “The New Menopause” to my sister and a few friends, as I believe it should be essential reading for all OBGYNs.
My Personal Approach to Managing Perimenopause
As part of this May Life Update, I want to share how I’m managing my perimenopause symptoms. My regimen includes using an estrogen patch that I change twice a week, an estrogen pill also taken twice a week, a daily application of testosterone cream, a daily hair supplement, and a progesterone pill each day. It’s important to note that each person’s hormonal needs can vary, so it’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare provider who can tailor a plan specifically for you.
Embracing Daily Meditation for Better Well-Being
As many of you know, I’ve been dedicated to daily gratitude journaling for years. This practice is scientifically shown to rewire your brain, fostering a more positive and optimistic outlook, which can also lead to improved life expectancy, as supported by multiple NIH studies. Additionally, I’ve incorporated meditation into my routine.
Recently, Dave and I have been engaging in guided meditations right before bedtime to enhance our sleep quality. This practice, which I’ve embraced for the past two months, has significantly improved my sleep patterns, allowing me to enjoy deeper and longer rest. I’ve noticed a marked reduction in waking up during the early hours of 3 AM to 6 AM, and when I do wake, I can fall back asleep more easily.
Creating Stunning Glow-in-the-Dark Galaxy Aura Nails
Recently, I designed a stunning galaxy aura manicure that I’m excited to share with you. To create this look, I started with Apres Natural Short Stiletto nails for my base, selecting sizes Thumb 2, Index and Ring 6, Middle 5, and Pinky 8. Below, I’ll detail the products I used and the step-by-step process of how I achieved this beautiful design.
- After securely applying my Apres Natural Short Stiletto nails using Painted Desert Cactus Gelly Plus (which is both HEMA-free and HMPA-free), I laid down one coat of Madam Glam Behind the Scenes in deep midnight blue to create the galaxy base color.
- I then combined iGel Creamy Peach (a peach cream that glows in the dark) with Madam Glam Casual Friday (a soft peach with gold glitter) to achieve a perfect soft pastel peach hue for the swirling, glowing galaxy design at the center of the nails, and I sponged this mixture onto the nails.
- After applying Daily Charme Chrome Gel, I sprinkled a thin layer of FUN Lacquer Shooting Stars powder on top of the galaxy design to add a beautiful shift from pink to purple to blue.
- Finally, I sealed everything with Painted Desert Glossy Top Coat to protect the design.
Why SPF is Your Best Defense Against Aging
You all know how vital SPF is to me. Wearing sunscreen is the most effective anti-aging strategy you can adopt to protect your skin, prevent skin cancer, and minimize the visible signs of aging. Consider this your friendly reminder to consistently apply sunblock. Following my recent annual dermatologist visit, I’m thrilled to report that I have no skin cancer—yay! My dermatologist is also a huge advocate for the SPF products I use. Here’s a brief overview of my go-to selections:
Always remember to reapply SPF every two hours when you’re outdoors. I’ve set a reminder on my phone to ensure I don’t forget, as sunburn can be seriously damaging. When using Coola Classic Body Organic Sunscreen Spray SPF 50, it’s crucial to rub it in thoroughly after spraying, avoid inhaling the mist, and always apply it in a well-ventilated space.
Makeup and Sunscreen: A Perfect Pair
If you’re wearing makeup outdoors and need to reapply sunscreen, I highly recommend using the Milani Make It Last Sunscreen SPF 30 Setting Spray. I just ordered another bottle of this fantastic product.
In the past, I’ve enjoyed using Supergoop (Re)setting Refreshing Mist SPF 40. Another product I’m considering trying in the future is the Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF – a sunscreen with SPF 50 that doubles as a makeup setting spray, which I loved from their previous full-spectrum SPF 50 face cream.
Review of FUN Lacquer Lavender Platinum Diamond Magnetic Gel Polish
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="lazy lazy-hidden aligncenter size-large wp-image-107508" data-lazy-type="image" src="https://phyrra.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Fun-Lacquer-Lavender-Platinum-Diamond-Polish-1200×1200.jpg" alt="FUN Lacquer Lavender Platinum Diamond Magnetic Gel Polish" width="1200" height="1200" srcset="" sizes="(max
Sienna Blake is a licensed aesthetic consultant and beauty writer specializing in cosmetic surgery advancements and non-invasive treatments. With a background in dermatology and over eight years of industry experience, Sienna is passionate about helping people achieve confidence through informed beauty decisions. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Health Sciences and regularly collaborates with top plastic surgeons to stay at the forefront of aesthetic innovations. Outside of her work, Sienna enjoys traveling, skincare research, and practicing Pilates.