100% True Tricks and Tips for Acne, Blackheads, and Cysts!

So this is it! I'm going to reveal some of secrets on how to get acne-ridden skin! Here are my top favs:

(1) ICE AND LEMON JUICE

Oh yeah, man, I'm not joking. What I've found over the last couple years is that natural remedies, stuff that your grandma might have done back in the day, totally works today! So here's how it works, if you feel a pimple coming then whip out an ice cube and hold it to the sore. (Remember that this can be dangerous if you leave it on for too long. So take many breaks, especially when it starts to get numb.) Keep treating the spot for 5 minutes.  (If the size of the spot got smaller then it's working!) Now take a cotton ball and some lemon juice and place a few drops onto the cotton.  hold the cotton to the spot and let it sit there and absorb for 5 more minutes.  (If you feel it starting to itch, that's good because the sore is reacting to the lemon juice!) Now keep in mind this isn't always going to work for all spots.  Cysts will not react the same way as pimples because a cyst is basically a how bunch of pimples in one! Also, it this treatment only works at its best when you feel the pimple coming, not when it actually has developed.

(2) BEST TREATMENT FOR CYSTS

Cysts are the worst, and if you've never had them thank your lucky stars you haven't.   I've had my fair share of cysts. My worst was last year and it stayed on the tip of my nose for over a month!  I tried everything, but nothing worked.  I finally did some research and found from the little information that was there that unless you wanted to spend huge bucks with a dermatologist, it's best to fight it with a lot of acne treatment.  You have to out-think the enemy.  So when I feel like a cyst is coming on, and yes they do have a different feeling that reg. pimples, I immediately bring out the heavy stuff.

• have multiple kinds of acne treatment--different brands, etc--and alternate every day.  Do NOT follow a pattern!  Be spontaneous! 
• NEVER EVER put lotion or moisturizer on the cyst, it will make it grow and last longer!
• Don't touch it and especially don't pop it! It will retaliate and give you a huge breakout. 
• Switch up facial soaps and avoid scrubs of any kind until the blemish is cleared up

Cysts last the longest. So even with all this heavy-duty treatment, it will remain for as long as a week and a half. Eww.

(3) DRYER BALLS

...are a complete life saver.  Over the years, I've been dealing with more and more stress which has unfortunately allowed me to contract body acne.  It mostly consists on my back and a little on my chest, but it's humiliating.  I already avoid wearing tight clothing and sleeping with my hair down, but I've found that fabric softener is a major contributor to my problem.  Fabric softener has a waxy residue that coats washed clothes and for those with sensitive skin, it can cause breakouts.  Using dryer ball is alternative way of eliminating this problem.  Basically you place them in your dryer and run around your clothes, cutting down drying time and making clothes softer than before! I suggest getting at most 6 dryer balls.  Do not use them on delicates or any large pore-y clothing.  As of now, I'm completely body acne free! I haven't had trouble ever since I started using this method. 

Good luck, everyone! I'll have more tips up soon!

~Ally-Cat

** I was not paid or asked to endorse any products mentioned in this post.**

Best Homemade Movie EVER

I'm becoming a real Merlin junkie. (I really wish to have the first three seasons so that I can watch them!!) So I came across this video based on the relationship between Merlin and Morgana.  I've always thought it'd be an interesting thing to see them try to have a bit of romance instead of always having to battle it out.  This guy is AWESOME! I seriously think it's one of the best made youtube videos I've ever seen.  Even though it's 15 minutes long, it's totally and irrevocably worth it.

Enjoy!

  ~Ally-Cat

Palladio Herbal Primer

This is the only primer I've ever used that doesn't break me out or feel heavy.

I'm not kidding you.  It's amazing! And before I go into further details, I want to make something clear.  I have said in the past that I don't care for primers because all they do is clog your pores.  However, during the circumstances in which I needed to wear cosmetics that'd keep my makeup from melting off; I bought this primer thinking that for $12 it was worth a shot.  

I had heard reviews about it before and they all had good things to say.  Some of theses reviews even stated that it paralleled with the high-brand primer, Smashbox.   The only difference was the price (Smashbox being priced at $40 a pop).

Guys, this is the best primer for the best price.  It's so smooth, it goes on like butter, and if feels like it's not even there! I tried this for a full week and I haven't broken out yet.  ;) Wooo!
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Application:  Take a little less than a pee-sized amount and divide that around the face, blend

Skin type: All

Tips: It may not feel like a lot, but trust me, it'll keep. Don't keep applying it because you can't feel it on your skin!

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Definitely worth the money, folks! :D

Good luck!

~Ally-Cat

Palladio Makeup Trial

The Mission: The target, Palladio makeup line, is to be worn all week in an effort to find out whether it's a good "bang-for-my-buck".

The tools: (1) Palladio Herbal Primer (2) Palladio Herbal Powder-Finish Foundation (3) RPC: Rice Powder

Original Contact: Youtube. I came across the brand last year as I was deciding whether or not I needed a setting powder.

History of Target: As stated on their official website, palladiobeauty.com, under the page "About Us":
"Palladio Beauty Group is a company based in Hollywood, Florida formed by a group of experts in the cosmetics and beauty industry on November 1^st 1999.

The company was formed with the principal idea of providing high quality products at affordable prices.  

PBG is the manufacturer of Palladio “Herbal & Vitamin Enriched Cosmetics”.

Palladio is a full line of herbal and vitamin enriched cosmetics.  Enriched with essential herbs and vitamins such as; Green Tea, Chamomile, Ginseng, Ginkgo Biloba, Aloe Vera and Anti-Oxidant Vitamins A, C, D & E to improve the skins elasticity and combat aging."

Additional Information: After intense research, there has been no sighting of ONE bad review.  Not a single one.  All consumers seems to be overall very content with this line of cosmetics.  This, at the time, seemed highly suspicious since the prices for a seemingly a high quality brand is quite low.  Reviews have even compared said brand to designer brands like MAC, Smashbox, and Makeup Forever. 

Present Observations: The Foundation had immediate impressions.  It has a thick consistency and when applied it smells of powder--this last fact is an understandable and highly logical idea since the product is called "Powder-Finish".  Primer is incredibility helpful and works quite well.  The powder give a nice finish and keeps oil at bay longer than other powders previously owned. 

More to report at a later date.  

For more information or questions, contact me by Formspring or via email.  

~Ally-Cat

What You Didn't Know / What You Don't See

You didn't know...that I was standing there beside you and you choose not to see me.

You didn't know...how I felt when you sprouted walls in front of my face because you didn't want anything to do with me.

You didn't know...what it means to apologize.

You didn't know...that your conflicting words weren't fooling anyone because I knew you were trying to not look like the bad guy. Face it, kid, in this fight no one is innocent.

You didn't know...that as much as I hurt you, you've hurt me--even if you think I don't have the right to be.

You didn't know...that those statuses you post for everyone to see may not exactly have my name stamped on them, but I knew exactly who you were directing them toward, and that's really mean and degrading.

What you don't know is that I believe in everything I say, I don't flip-flop my words to make me sound better; I don't dwell on the things that bother me too long because I know that it will eventually have to come out one way or another; and I don't hold grudges for very long.  I work hard to save what I care about and what I think matters.  My grip was tight and two-handed, but your's was loose and one-handed. You cannot deny that I didn't try my best, but when I gave up, so did you..
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You don't see...is what most don't see in me, but can I blame you for it?

You don't see...is the love that can't quite express they way I want you to see it as.

You don't see...is the care and attention I try to give you, but you still see me as a friend.

You don't see...what I wonder about when you aren't around. Are you thinking about me at all?

You don't see...is how my heart breaks when you talk about her.

You don't see...is my mind and my heart tugging on my decisions as to stay where I am or to just move on.

What you don't see is everything I try to hide, but wish you knew so maybe you'd understand how I feel.  I wish you could glimpse into how I sabotage every romantic feeling I get because I have a father who makes me afraid "to stray to fall from the sidewalk" and "to play on the safe side so I don't get hurt".  I'm afraid. I'm paranoid. I'm not strong enough to overcome this battle. If you could only see...maybe that could save me.  Could you save me from this ever-present runt?

~Ally-Cat

Do NOT Use This Site! (Not Mine, Someone Else's)

**I kind of wonder if this will get taken down by that site if i post it...**

Well, the website is called Lightinthebox.com and basically it's a scam.

A couple of days ago, I was looking for a long, formal dress to wear to my dance.  Mom found a site called, Light in the Box, and it seemed really awesome. They had thousands of dresses in all kinds of colors and styles; plus everything could be customized.  Also, they were having a discount, so the dresses were pretty cheap.

I was having a ball going through and looking at all the sweet styles and such. I was totally thinking that I was going to buy from this site.

Anyways, I had done all my browsing on Mom's computer, but nothing on mine. So just a couple of minutes ago, I typed in "light in the box" but as I was about to click the site under the URL box, I saw the tag "Light in the Box Scam".

RED FLAG! RED FLAG! RED FLAAAAAG!

There was article after article about how this site:

-does these bad bundled packaging (making it look like you're saving money, but you're not)

-hidden add-on fees

-lying with their ads

-sends fake/broken electronics

-amauter dressing measurements (the right way to get perfect measurements is to take that measurement and go just a smidge higher so that there is give to get the dress to zip up; you don't exactly the size!)

-prolonged refunds (or none at all)

-and etc, etc, etc!

You can't even post a bad review because they'll just take it down!

Please guys, don't buy from this place, and if you do STOP NOW!  They are eating a hole right out of your wallet.

~Ally-Cat

PS
If you want to look at these articles, search them through Google. There are tons!

I'm Getting Real Sick of This, Internet Explorer....Real Sick.

Dear Internet Explorer 8,

You are boating on dangerous waters, my friend.  I do not appreciate having to open my browser to find that "Oh, goodness! 'Internet Explorer has encountered a problem'!" and you tell me "Oh, I'll fix it."

Goodbye, homepage.

Oh, but wait... Hello! "My tab has been recovered!" Thank the lord! Now, back to business...

Nope, forget that. Internet Explorer has encountered a problem (again), fixy-fix time!

Close out my window, reopen my window because it's recovered, but then there's a problem...

OH THE INFINITE LOOP JUST NEVER STOPS DOES IT?!

Son of a gun, if you don't stop this nonsense, I will switch to Google Chrome!!!!! I'm serious, young man, this is  a very real and irritating problem.  And I will not stand for it any longer.

Think hard about what you're doing.

Not sincerely,

Ally-Cat

PS

You can go to the deuce, IE. I hate you.

Wacom Intuos4 ( Medium) Help- Bundled Software and Etc.

 So for Christmas I received an Wacom Intuos4 (medium size) and I was totally excited. If you don't already know, I'm an art fanatic. I really want to be ambitious and learn as many different varieties of art--painting, photoshop, graphic design, etc. This tablet will let me experience a lot of neat things. I can't wait to work with it more.


However, even though I had the main tablet software installed, the bundled software that comes with it was a totally different story.  There are in all 6 different kinds of software to choose from, but you must choose 5 out of the 6.  I choose: Autodesk Sketchbook Express, Corel Painter Sketch Pad, Adobe Photoshop Elements 9, and Wacom Brushes (goes with Photoshop).


Here are some tips:
 -Do not click "Run" when you reach the download list.  If it wants to link you to the internet to try to get you to download another piece of software to help it install, then that is RED FLAG all over.  Instead of clicking "Run" click "Save", and make sure to put it in a file where you can remember where they are.


-Once you get all the downloads saved in a good place, look at the names.  At the end, there should be either ".zip" or ".exe" at the end of each name.  For example, "corelsketchpad.exe" or "adobepe9.zip".  If you do not see these, then that means you will not be able to install the downloads properly.  But do not panic.  Sometimes certain web browsers do not save downloads correctly and the extensions get dropped.  All you have to do is  rename the download (right-click the name, add the extension, and presto!).  Please look below:

Add ".zip" to: 
Adobe Photoshop Elements 9 
 Wacom Brushes 
 
 
Add ".exe" to:
Autodesk Sketchbook 
Corel Painter 
 Nik Color Efex 
Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 

You'll know if these extensions worked if the little icon that is next to the download name changes for a white piece of paper to a icon that associates what the download does.

-double click on the download to get started with the installation.

-If you can't figure out what it means when it asks for a serial number during the installation process, go to your email and there should be a message titled "Licence Keys".  This message should contain the serial numbers you'll need to complete your installation.

A huge problem that this Intuos4 has are its nibs, the tips for the pen.  They wear down fast and I've found that the Quick Start guide does not tell you how to change nibs.  Youtube (good ol' Youtube :) ) does though:

And if you're having trouble figuring out how to change the ExpressKeys, there is a whole set of helpful videos on where else? Youtube!

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For anymore help, you know where to ask! 

Good luck, tablet friends!

~Ally-Cat

Sources:

Wacom's Customer Care (via email)

Wacom Download FAQ

Youtube.com

Feliz Navidad

I hope you all had a Merry Little Christmas!

Are You Good at Fashion?

Because I need some assistance.  I have this dress:

And I also have lace black tights:

But I need to spice it up a little. . . I need help.

What should I add? I've got suede boots (black) that end above the ankle... But should I where a different color? Like a velvet red boot with some heel? Like this (kinda):

Not exactly the same boots, but close enough.

Necklace or scarf? And what color? What kind?

If you do have ideas, some pictures would be nice--just send/post me the the link in the comment section below. :)

Thanks guys. 

~Ally-Cat

What Happened to "Once Upon A Time" Last Night?!

Holy crap! I'm really ticked off!! Seriously? They really had to kill Graham off? REALLY? Goshdarnit, right when Emma was actually letting go of her high horse, no-risk wall, they freaking messed it up!!!!!!! oduaweoharhiiewajdlkfd So frustrated. =__=

They better make up for the damage they've done this week.

I expect an excellent show Sunday, writers. YOU HEAR ME? It must be perfect!
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So I said I was going to post a sneak peek to the upcoming chapter for Eminent Hearts...soooo here I go:

Psst : viewer discretion is advised. (In other words, there's no-no language in here. So don't read it if you can't handle it.)

“Cam, I said no.” I moaned as I stormed out of the theatre’s back door.

After the spotlight incident, I had revitalized my confidence and stayed firm as to not acknowledge the presence of Mr. Know-it-All.  I regret saying this, but the movie was surprisingly good for a zombie flick. At least it wasn’t a slasher film with body parts flying everywhere—that’s just tasteless. This one had a little more flavor with its plotline and special effects.

As soon as the movie was over, I got up and left. There was no chance in hell that I would stick around to talk to the Ass any longer. 

And I certainly wasn’t going to take my chances by going to the after-party.

“Please?” Cam pleaded like a child. She even had her hands clasped together and shook them desperately as if that would change my mind.

“No,” I growled, “you said premiere. You never said after-party. So stop asking me to go!”

“Chris,” Cam whined, “Nikki wants you to go.”

“I don’t give a rat’s ass what Nikki wants. Can we please go home?!”

“It’s part of the package. You have to go!”

“No!”

“Yes!”

“No!”

“Please?”

“Stop it! I’m not going!”

“Yes, you are or we’re not going to Maine!”

I moaned. You may think I’m really gullible; I’m not.  I just know my sister. And she’s good to her word—threat or promise.

Closing my eyes and rubbing my temples, I responded softly, “Okay, you win.”

“Booyah!” She cheered and then pounced on me with a hug.

I hung my head in defeat.

 “But only for an hour..” I added reluctantly.

I hate you, Nikki. I hate you sooo much.

Much editing to do! Not the final. :P  

I take waaaay to long to write. So again, I apologize for the slowness.

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I feel like I have something else to say, but I can't remember.. poop. All well! Maybe I'll remember tomorrow. ;)

Bye-bye!

~Ally-Cat

Bittersweet Shopping

In essence, I hate shopping.  I'm seriously a frugal person, so it's really hard for me to go out and buy stuff because I think everything is expensive.  Anything over that looks like it's overprized--like an off the shoulder sweatshirt that is $30--I usually don't buy.  Basically anything that looks good and that I'll wear on for more than one occasion... aaaand that's less than 20 bucks is a garuntee-buy for me.

Shopping is like exercising; I have to warm up to get into it.

Oh, I found this sweater that I really really like! Let's see if I can find a pictuuuure...

Not the exact sweater, but it's the same color.  I like it. And it was $10!

Clearance clothes are a girl's best friend. Forget diamonds. 

~Ally-Cat

Happy Late Birthday, Blog!

ARGH!  I wish I had more time yesterday. But all well, better late than never.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Bloggy!
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UPDATED
-1) I just now checked Formspring and it has been updated! Yaay!
-2) Keep commenting! Ask questions! If any are good, I'll make them an official post!


~Ally-Cat

I Missed You

Good news. I'm not depressed anymore! :)

Yaay! 

New Year's Eve movie looks absolutely awful.  If you can recall the review I did for Valentine's Day...Yeah, I garuntee it's going to be bad. Scout's honor.

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So I've been working on two stories. 1) Eminent Hearts 2)Diary of a Broken Soul 

They are both love stories.  Here are the summaries:

Eminent Hearts

While many people would kill to be a part of the Hollywood scene, there are a few who see it differently. Chriselda "Chris" Meade, a popular young actress, would kill to get out of her hectic life of nonstop paparazzi and crazy working schedule. When a mysterious new actor, Aaron Quinn, comes around, the whole media-centered world gets drawn into his nonchalant charm. Chris won't buy it and avoids him as much as she can.

But Chris can't avoid him for long when she is left with no choice but to date him! Will this relationship become a huge disaster? Or will it become something that is unexpected?

Diary of a Broken Soul

Evelyn Maybell has had a hard life since a very young age. She's seen many things; things that a young 17 year old should never see. That's why she, her mom, Joanne, and Stacey the cat decide to move away from Florida, and begin a renewed life in Seattle.

But what happens when she starts falling for a boy who will bring her right back into the painful memories of her past? Will she have the power to leave him? Or Will things spiral back to the way they were before?


UPDATED: Oops, forgot to post the link! http://www.wattpad.com/user/HumbledByKindness

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Tomorrow is going to be my blog's 2nd birthday. I'm really excited. :D 

Till then!

~Ally-Cat

Nothing Like Trying To Avoid Someone

I have this really bad disorder.  It's called Severe Guilt Disorder (SGD).  It's the same as any regular guilt, but I'm more hyper aware of it and the load is about 10x worse.  But that's not the hardest part. The hardest part is facing the person who might have called you out on it. And if you're both mad at each other, well the avoiding process is pretty hard. This means that:

• Avoid passing and/or making eye contact in the hallway
• It's easier just to avoid being around them in the hallway
• Avoid talking as much as possible
• (And why would you even consider talking? It's either a) going to start something bad b) be really awk or c) all of the above)
• Avoid breathing in the same air
• Okay, yeah this might be a little steep, but when someone irks you like no tomorrow you kinda get a little peeved to being breathing in the same CO2 as them. Just saying.

I know I've been Ms. Debbie Downer lately so that's why my rant is written in a more "uplifting" way. 

Would you say Win-Win?

~Ally-Cat

A Balancing Act

In high school, you need to surround yourself with people who will support you.  You have to have people who make you feel good and that you genuinely like.  Take for example this morning, Lauren came up to me from her car to give me a cup of coffee she bought for me.  She didn't know I was already having a bad day; maybe she had some kind of intuitive thought that told her that her friend needed a pick-me-up. Who knows? All I know is that she made my day a little bit brighter, and for that I thank her. 
That's what friends do.  So be wise when you search for companions. They make up such a big part in your school life.

~Ally-Cat

In Truth

In truth, life is complicated.  We take on step forward hoping that the next will be be a lighter tread. Though, in time we see that our steps are harder, not softer.  The terrain is messier, not flater.

I'm fed up with people.  I'm sick of everyone asking me if I'm okay.  I'm tired of people following me around like a lost puppy.  I want to be alone. I want to be happy that I can be alone.  But when I'm alone I'm only angry. Angry at people. And now we've come to a full circle.

I've been gone for a while, and I'm coming back.  This is where I need to be now.  To write means to be at some temporary peace.   I won't be angry all the time, I promise.

~Ally-Cat

10th Anniversary of 9/11

Link to my tribute to 9/11 last year: LINK

~Ally-Cat

Another Playlist, Y'all!

1. Tonight, Tonight - Hot Chelle Rae
1. I heard this on the radio today in my car.  As soon as I got home I played it over and over on youtube. :D
2. You and I - Lady Gaga
1. Someone mentioned that a new Lady Gaga video was added on Vevo.  Youtube-surfer me hopped right online and listened to it.  I loooove the country twang.
3. Nothing - The Script
1. Heard it on the radio too!
4. Not Your Birthday - Allstar Weekend
1. I wanted to see Prom, but I didn't get to.  I found the soundtrack though!
5. Surrender - Neon Trees
1. Another prom soundtrack song!

~Ally-Cat

The Basics: Foundation

Foundation can come in two forms: powder or liquid.  Some people like powder because it's lighter, and it doesn't cake.  Other people like liquid because it had better coverage and it's more versatile for skin types
----

Powder:

NOTE: Dry skin types SHOULD NOT wear powder because it makes your skin look even drier than before.

• light coverage (The nicer brands can sometimes have medium)
• Good for first time make-up users
• Great for oily and combo skin types
• Also great in the summer when you want to wear something light, but yet cover up blemishes
• Applies best with a kabuki brush or a regular powder brush

Liquid:

NOTE: Oily skin types should avoid the "dewy" looking foundations and look for matte and/or oil-free formulas.  The best foundation to find for your type? One that battles acne, is oil free, and is matte!

• Medium to full coverage
• Great for all skin types
• Comes in different formulas: dewy, matte, SPF mixed, etc.
• Applies best with a paddle brush or stippler brush

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I do not recommend using your fingers--nor sponges, or puff pads--, but if you have to, then sanitize you're hands first. If you use the sponge--please don't though--get it damp before applying the foundation; it avoids streaking. And as for the puff pads, just don't even try.
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Tips For All The Different Skin Types

DRY

I suggest investing in a tinted moisturizer, which is basically just foundation mixed with moisturizer.  And to save money, you can just make you're own.  (A pea size of  SPF moisturizer mixed with a pea sized amount of foundation is ideal.)

COMBINATION

I'm not too sure how to explain this so that it's helpful to everyone since it seems that after some researching People with this type of skin vary between oily and dry, it can be day by day or by season. Anyways, I can say a couple of things: (1) ALWAYS moisturize, no matter what. Do it. (2) It seems like liquid or mineral foundation is the way to go.

 I've heard that powder can leave 'dry patches' on some people, so I want to point out something to those who may have this problem: have you ever tried to exfoliate? Try that, and then see what happens...

OILY

For the best coverage, wearing liquid foundation and then setting it powder is best.  In some cases, powder can work, but they do tend to melt off after a while. 
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Well, I think that's it. Questions and comments post down below!

~Ally-Cat