Lately: The Cold Edition

Hey all. If you’ve been a reader for a long time, you know that Simply Nicole was basically a journal in the very beginning. I wrote about my life in college, what I was eating, the workouts I was doing, recaps of nights out with my friends, etc. I blogged literally about whatever came to mind. There was no real strategy behind it, and I certainly didn’t expect to be blogging nearly eight years later. 

Over time, Simply Nicole has evolved into a platform that’s less of a diary about my story, but a place for me to share tips and tricks on wellness, beauty, travel, and more! However, I think it’s important to go back to my blogging roots, and give you guys a more diary-esque post. I think they are fun, and I love reading these types of blog posts myself. 

Last week, I told you that I’d be doing one of these posts, so here it is, my friends. Grab a cup of coffee because this is probably going to be a long one. 

Oy. Last week felt like a blur. I was rushing around and had about a million and one things on my to-do list. I ate the crappiest food, didn’t get much sleep, and felt overall just bleh. I forgot to slow down and relax. Ugh, just thinking about it makes me uneasy. But, we’ve all had weeks like this. 

One morning in particular, I hit an all time low. I stopped at Dunkin to get my daily cup of coffee. I opened my car door, stepped out, and two fruit snacks rolled onto the pavement. I couldn’t help but laugh at myself. ALL TIME LOW. Instead of packing a normal person’s breakfast for the ride to work, I ate freaking fruit snacks one morning like a ten year old. This is legit real life. 

All of this horrific, non-healthy living, didn’t help me at all, since I was trying NOT to catch Bryan’s cold. I unfortunately caught it Wednesday morning while I was at work. The day was going just fine, until I started sneezing up a storm and felt like my head was the size of Texas. {If you’re wondering, I’m currently lying in bed with tissues in my nostrils. #sexy #keepingitreal} 

I’m actually pissed because I had plans to try a barre fitness class with my friend Lauren this weekend, and I doubt I’ll be OK to do that. All I want to do right now is take a nap, eat some soup, watch Real Housewives of Orange County, and nap some more. 

If you’re a blogger, you know all about Mode Media. But if not, Mode was a huge advertising and content marking company that abruptly shut down last month leaving many bloggers unpaid for their work. 

Mode Media ran ads on my blog for a couple years, but I decided to not renew my contract with them earlier this past summer. Call it intuition or whatever, but I wasn’t pleased with a lot of things going on – the lack of communication, the late payments, etc.

I started researching new platforms to join, and was approached by AOL to be part of their Lifestyle Collective blogger network. It seriously couldn’t have happened at a better time. AOL Lifestyle Collective is a group of hand-selected influencers covering style, food, home, beauty, travel, family and weddings. Through this network, I’ll be able to deliver content to a larger audience, partner with more brands who better align with Simply Nicole, and provide lots of other fun stuff for you OG readers. I can’t wait.

Once I find favorite makeup products, I tend to stick with them, which is why I’ve been using drugstore makeup for so long. This past weekend however, I decided that it was time for a makeup overhaul. I was already running out of my concealer, so why not switch things up a bit?! PLUS, if you follow me on Instagram, you know all about my cracked bronzer situation. Ugh. 

Let’s talk face products first. I’ve always had a tough time finding foundation and concealer that work for my dry, acne-prone, sensitive skin. I really don’t like covering my entire face with something super heavy, so when I saw a Youtube vid talking about IT Cosmetics Your Skin but Better CC Cream, I knew I had to try it out. I stopped over at Ulta and had the sales rep test it on me and I fell in love. It’s SO lightweight and just blurs imperfections. It has SPF 50+, helps fight against aging, and improves skin texture, brightness and hydration. It’s infused with vitamins A, C, B, E, hyaluronic acid and collagen! I’m really pale, so I’m in the shade “fair.”

I also purchased IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer in the shade “light.” A little bit goes a LONG way. I tap a few dots under my eyes to get rid of dark circles, around my nose and mouth where I’m really red, and anywhere I have a blemish. 

Next up was to find a new bronzer. I did a LOT of research to find the perfect one for me – something that’s not going to give me a sharp contour line. I’m really not all about that look. Think super blendable and natural. I also wanted to switch to a cream bronzer, because my skin is really dry and I strive for a really dewy look. The Chanel bronzer, Soleil Tan de Chanel, is REALLY expensive ($50), but it was exactly what I was looking for. I tap it into the hallows of my cheeks with a Beauty Blender. until it’s all buffed out. 

Lastly, I want to mention my two favorite lip products right now, which you already know about: Dr Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips and By Terry Baume de Rose in coral. I legit don’t leave the house without them. Now that I have this wicked cold, I’ve been using Dr. Lipp around the clock. It’s SO hydrating on dry lips, but also great for chapped noses. 

Okay, last update I have for you is about the Race for Hope 5K. Bryan and I participate every year in memory of my mom. Some years we volunteer, other years we run, and this year we just walked. It’s hosted by the National Brain Tumor Society, and helps raise awareness and resources to fund brain tumor research and improve the quality of life for all those affected by brain tumors. It’s amazing to be surrounded by people who feel so passionately about this cause. Next year, I’m excited to be on the event planning committee to hopefully make race day even better. They need volunteers, so if you’re interested in helping out, shoot me an email at nicole@nicoleraudonis.com, and I’ll get you in contact with the right person. 

Ok, time for me to go back to sleep and relax today. I anticipate a lot of hot tea, soup, reality TV, and naps on the agenda. 

xo, Nicole