Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Wisdom Teeth 101

How To Handle Your Wisdom-Teeth Removal Week

My Experience:
On August 15th, 2011 at 8am, my twin brother David and I got all four of our wisdom teeth removed.  I was so scared I was crying in the lobby while we waited for the assistant to call us back.  The actual interior of the lobby was beautiful, fancy, calming (that’s always helpful) and classic.  I was very impressed of the structure, colors and design.  Dr. Harris was phenomenal and the assistants were well trained.  They explained a couple things about the procedure and comforted me in the best way they could (even though I was still crying and tears were streaming down my face as I looked quietly at my mom-no joke.)  I’m always scared of unknown pain, surgery, etc… but this experience was interesting. 

I left my family as I followed a nurse to a different room where the teeth removal would take place.  I asked for cold-spray on my arm where they would give me an IV to fall asleep aka conk out.  I was grateful that I was asleep during the process and I HIGHLY recommend you have that happen to you as well. 

When I woke up, I actually remember sitting in the wheelchair, gauze was in my mouth (it was not overflowing), and the assistant was chatting with me while we waited for David to finish.  She asked me how I was, what I felt like, if I was hungry, if the gauze was alright, etc… I remember replying “I’m okay, I feel sleepy, yes I’m hungry, the gauze is fine…” and even though I was a little bit loopy, I held it together and was rather quiet, still, and as focused as I could be. 

I breathed in through my nose and exhaled from my mouth.  You may think this is funny but I brought my BIG black sunglasses to wear afterwards because I knew I’d still be a little tearful.  Dr. Harris explained that girls tend to be more tearful afterwards whereas boys are more talkative and upbeat.  When David was wheeled over to me, he was talking and looking around just like Dr. Harris had said. 

The assistant, and Dr. Harris slowly walked us to the car.  I chose the back seat and David chose shotgun.  Of course David brought his camera to videotape himself and a little bit of me afterwards to later show friends and family.  I rarely talked- gave a few thumbs up, some whimpering replies, some head-nods, and had placed my hand lightly over my swollen cheeks and chin.  When we got home, I picked the recliner chair that already had my favorite pillows and blanket on it. 

This is the third day of the recovery and I’m told it’s the hardest day with the most swelling.  I agree.  Plus, I feel loopy, and a tad bit dizzy.  But I have found some great tips in staying occupied, entertained, and relaxed during the long week of wisdom teeth recovery.

Prep:
Shower the night before your appointment.  During the week, keep your hair sleeked back in a basic ponytail.  I would also tidy your room a little bit so that you’re more relaxed and at peace with yourself.  A clean space always makes me happy.   Buy a small toothbrush so that you only have to minimally open your mouth to clean it.  I’d also purchase some mini mouth wash.  Stock up on soft foods (which are listed under the Food section.)  Last but not least, have a positive view on things.  You’ll only be having this done ONCE and then it’s over. 
                                                                                    Comfort:
It’s good to keep gauze in your mouth until the amount of blood decreases.  Try not to talk while the gauze is in the sides/back of your mouth.  Keep your fully charged cell phone and your recovery kit from the doctor’s near you.  Keep cold sacks and later on hot sacks on your jaw/chin to lower the swelling and pain.  It’s a no-brainer to wear your pj’s, loose tees, and comfy sweatpants.  Soft pillows and wool blankets will obviously keep you relaxed, comfortable, and sleepy.  It’s always helpful (and in my case quicker) if you sleep during most of the recovery.

Food:
Your doctor, (and common sense) will tell you to only have the softest food possible.  Jello snacks, mashed potatoes with butter, pudding snacks, and go-gurts yogurt are great foods!  Just be sure to not eat a lot of them.  You don’t want to get yourself sick, bloated, or even gain weight.  Also, be sure to avoid soup etc… that has small ingredients/bits in it.  Be sure to use the flattest spoon you have so that you don’t have to open your mouth as much.  You will need to take ibuprofen and the pills your doctor gives you.  Keep track on a piece of paper of when you can take your next pills.  Be aware of having a little snack before taking your pills so that you don’t feel sick to your stomach (which can occasionally happen.)

Entertainment:
During the first half of the week, you feel nauseated, loopy (from the constant medications), and even a little bit grumpy.  It’s best if you just keep your mouth shut and your body still.  So, I suggest having a Disney-a-thon or even your entire DVD-Collection-a-thon.  Cuddle with your pet, text your friends, listen to music, make lists of things you need to do later once you feel better, put up some blog posts (like I am!), do some facebook, read a girly magazine, like Seventeen!  Once you can handle being awake longer, try reading a few good books while still cozying up in your snuggie and favorite pillows.  I’ve recently read Hex Hall, Crazy, Busy, Beautiful, Frumpy To Foxy, For Teens Only, P.S. I Love You, and Beauty Confidential.  I enjoyed all these books so enjoy reading whatever you’d like!   Try to occupy yourself during this boring week of waiting and healing.  The week will seem to go faster if you’re enjoying yourself.  

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Organizing My Closet

Knowing where your clothes are in your closet can really speed up the time trying to put your outfit of the day together.  When my closet was chaotic, I would take five minutes leafing through my entire wardrobe just to find that one tanktop, or that one jacket.  But now that I’ve rearranged my closet, my life has gotten easier, faster, and better.  Here’s what I did:
            I came up with 6 different categories to separate and organize my clothes.
            Spring/Summer
-Tops that can be worn in public (dates, errands, work, school, parties)
            Jackets
                        -All my heavy and light jackets, cardigans, vests, and hoodies
            Dresses/Skirts
                        -All my dresses and skirts for any occasion
            Lazy
-Any tops that are less flattering that I can wear on a lazy day at home.   Should anyone come to the door, I’m still okay. 
            Housework
-The ugly tops that have only one purpose: to get uglier and worn from housework/chores.  (NOT for the public)
            Winter/Fall
                        -Tops that can be worn in public (dates, errands, work, school, parties)

Hairstyles: Volume



Picture

Picture

I’ve seen some girls with surprisingly funny hairdos when trying the “volume” look.  But here is a list of ways to do this look without looking funny:
  • Tease hair on top and secure into a high pouf.  Leave the rest of your hair messy-wavy.
  • Set hair in hot rollers and brush out for soft, glamorous volume.
  • Dry your hair and away from your head, directing the air at the roots to create pretty lift all over.
  • Create a messy bun, and then place two headbands four inches apart.  Lift the hair up between them to make a cool bump.
  • Separate two-inch sections of hair starting at the top, and tease each section outward to create and build volume all over.
  • Tease hair everywhere to give it texture, then pull it halfway through an elastic to create a low side loop.
  • For bouncy curls, run gel through damp hair, then flip your head over and dry with a diffuser. 
  • Make a deep side part, and then tease hair at your crown to get dramatic height.
  • Tease your pony to give it the body, then cinch into graphic bubbles with two small rubber bands.

July 2011 Favorites




·        Forever and always my cat Gypsy.  She and I have so much fun cuddling on a daily basis.  She’s so cute!
·        Tangled soundtrack CD from F.Y.E.
·        Smashbox Face Photo Finish Primer from Sephora
·        Jeweled Sandals from Charlotte Russe
·        Tangled cardboard shelves from local grocery store.
(The DVD had barely come out and I saw the display holding the DVDs.  I asked the manager if I could have the display once they took it down.  She agreed, wrote my name on the back, and I got it that same week!)
·        Vera Wang Perfume Roller from Sephora
·        Goal Journal Notebook (It’s so helpful!)
·        Maybelline Single Eyeshadow in Earthly Taupe
·        NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in 113 French Kiss
·        Plush Pillows (They’re so cool and comfy!)

Get To Know Me 33 Questionnaire


I found this questionnaire on another website so I decided to answer it also. 

1.         Is it cute when guys kiss you on the forehead?
`                       Yes!  It’s so sweet!
2.         A big poofy dress or a short party dress?
                        Depends on how short the party dress is.
3.         Are diamonds a girl’s best friend?
                        Not to me.  I like other things that make me happy.
4.         Is your hair up or down today?
                        Up.  I almost always have a ponytail when I’m lounging around my house.
5.         Do you straighten your hair?
                        Oh yah!  It’s fun, and the quickest.
6.         Favorite mascara?
                        Most of Maybelline’s and L’Oreal’s.
7.         Do you get your nails done?
                        Nope.  Never have gotten them done.  I do it myself. 
8.         Small or large purses?
                        Large purses!!!
9.         Jeans or sweats?
                        Depends on the day and mood.  Today- sweats.
10.       Do you wear clothes/shoes/jewelry that’s uncomfortable?
                        On occasion.  Very rarely.
11.       Do you text message a lot?
                        Yep.
12.       What’s your favorite color?
                        Electric Blue.  Put Peach is suddenly becoming a favorite.
13.       Heels or flats?
                        Flats today.
14.       Would you ever leave the house without makeup on?
                        Not really.  Maybe to drop my brother off at work. 
15.       Walmart or Target?
                        Both.
16.       Do you think lip gloss is the best?!
                        Oh yah!
17.       Do you own any big sunglasses?
                        I have like 11 pairs!  Haha
18.       How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
                        Usually between 30 minutes to 2 hours. 
19.       Gold or silver?
                        Silver.
20.       Do you like to wear dresses?
                        Not really.  If I have the option of dressing casual, I’ll dress casual.
21.       In the last 48 hours have you hung out with a guy?
                        Yes.
22.       Do you like to hold hands?
                        I’m not sure yet.  Haha I haven’t really done that.
23.       What do you notice when you first meet a guy?
                        His face and clothes.  First impressions matter.
24.       Do you like making eye contact?
                        Sometimes.
25.       Would you kill for chocolate?
                        Nope.  Fruity candy is more fun to eat in my mind. 
26.       On a scale from 1-10 how fun is shopping?
                        10.  But if I’m not in the mood, then 7.  lol
27.       Do you yell a lot?
                        Not in public haha
28.       Do you wear sweatpants/pajamas to school/work?
                        Nope.  Always jeans.
29.       Have you ever dressed unlike yourself to impress a guy?
                        Nope.  I am who I am.  J 
30.       What makeup could you not live without?
                        Concealor.
31.       Do you fall in love easily?
                        No.
32.       Do you have cramps?
                        Yah.
33.       Do you think you have the bestest friend ever?
I have a bunch of friends, but no best friend.  I like being a “member” of a lot of different “cliques.”  

Products I Want To Try


If you girls have already tried these products, I would love your opinion/recommendations posted in the comments below!  Thanks!

-Laura Mercier Silk Foundation
-Maybelline’s One By One Mascara
-Conair Curling Wand
-Chi’s Silk Infusion
-Sally Hansen Salon Effects Strips
-Ralph Lauren Romance Perfume
-NYX Cosmetics Jumbo Eye Pencils
-OPI Shatter Nail Polish
-Pixi Lip & Line in Nectar Nude
-TIGI Catwalk Hairspray
-Olay Shine Control Lathering Cleanser
-Olay Pore Minimizing Cleanser & Scrub
-Daisy Marc Jacobs Perfume
-Clinique Self Sun Body Tinted Lotion
-Rimmel Mascara Day 2 Night
-Maybelline’s EyeStudio Color Pearls Marbleized Eyeshadow
-Redken Nature’s Rescue Radiant Sea Spray
-Naked Eyeshadow Palette
-Bh Cosmetics Warm Eyeshadow Palette
-Macadamia Natural Oil Nourishing Leave-In Cream
-Urban Decay DeSlick Oil-Control Makeup Setting Spray
-L’Oreal HIP Studio Secrets Professional Chrome Eyeliner in Silver Lightning
-OPI Nail Polish in Do You Lilac It?
-Shu Uemura UV Base Primer Mousse
-Got 2b Power’ful Volumizing Styling Powder
-Suave Dry Shampoo Spray
-Kinky Curly Spiral Spritz
-Samy Dry Twisted Pomade Spray-John Frieda Frizz-Ease 3 Day Straight Spray
-NYX Round Lipsticks in Ceto and Circe
-Revlon Lipstick in Softsilver Rose
-Fekkai Ironless Straightening Balm Defrizzer
-Lancome Flash Bronzer Leg Gel