Clearing Up Insecurities: My Rodan + Fields

Truth – Skin care is not my passion

Truth – Confidence is an essential component of my many passions 

Truth – I’m a confident woman, but like most women I have my insecurities.

Denise, the right, introduced me to R+F 

Truth – One of my main insecurities was my skin!  I felt that at the age of 29 I shouldn’t be battling the acne of a pubescent teen.  I had tried over the counter and prescription products without much success. 

So…when my absolutely drop dead gorgeous girl friend with flawless skin called me singing the praises of a new skincare line I listened attentively.

What is Rodan and Fields?

Rodan and Fields are the Stanford trained dermatologists who developed Proactiv. It was originally available as a top-selling clinical skincare brand in high-end department stores, but in an unprecedented move, Rodan + Fields became the first prestige skincare line to exit the department store for the world of direct selling.

R + F is designed to meet the needs of mature adult skin!

The 4 main product lines are

• REDEFINE for appearance of lines, pores, and loss of firmness
• REVERSE for appearance of brown spots, dullness, and discoloration
• UNBLEMISH for acne and post-acne marks
• SOOTHE for sensitive, irritated skin, and facial redness

I am most familiar with the Unblemish line, I started using it 4 months ago and I have been thrilled with my results (before/after photo below)!  Unblemish has 4 products: Step 1 = cleanser, Step 2 = toner (my favorite), Step 3 = benzyol peroxide (2^nd favorite), Step 4 = SPF moisturizer

MY FAQ

“Will it make me break out?”

• I had face “boot camp” – meaning my face got a little worse before it got better – BUT this does not happen to everyone! So far, only one other friend experienced this, all of my other customers did not.

Top = "before", bottom left = 1 month, bottom right = 3-4 months

“How much does it cost?”

• After 4 months of using these products (1-2x/day) I have only had to restock the toner.  I know I’ll need to re-order Step 3 next month.
• But think about that…$171 - $17 (10% off because I’m a preferred customer) = 154/3.5 (because I had to re-order the toner) = 44 dollars per month!

“Does it dry out your skin like Proactiv?”

• NO!  This is why – Unblemish is defined for more mature skin/adult acne and previous scarring. Therefore, it is not as harsh/drying - to continuously dry out the skin is not good from an anti-aging standpoint. Unmbelish has 4 active ingredients and like said above is developed for adult skin.

 “Is there anything you don’t like about the product?”

• Truth guns pointed – Yes!
• I didn’t like that I broke out worse initially, but the proof is in the pudding/picture – obviously my skin survived boot camp. (only lasted 1-2 weeks)
• I’ll be honest, it took my awhile to figure out how I like to use the products.  I use a couple of the products twice daily and some only once.
• I wasn’t crazy about the cost (I’m on a resident’s salary), but as I explained above, it was do-able.

“What do you love about the product?”

• My improved complexion duh ;)
• Confidence in my skin 
• Receiving testimonials from customers about their improved skin - "Most woman have body image issues, I have skin issues! I was one of the late bloomers of acne prone skin at the age of 20. I am now 27 and it seems that the last 7 years have been a loosing battle. I have tried everything under the sun from proactiv, natural treatments, frequent facials to get me skin under control. Nothing seemed to help. I have been using rodan and fields unblemish for one month exactly and I cannot believe the change in my skin. My hyperpigmentation is lightening, I have had tiny breakouts that would go away naturally and quickly. I have already changed from wearing regular foundation to tinted moisturizer. This product has given me the confidence I have been searching for the last 7 years. I highly recommend this product and pray that my testimony encourages you that you CAN have clear skin!" - Tanya English
• I have removed foundation application from my make-up routine because I don’t need it!
• I have been seen outside my house without make on – Ahhhh is right!
• The microdermabrasion paste...LAWDY LOU – I am obsessed.  My skin practically glows after using it!
• ZERO RISK – as I stated above, this company believes firmly in their products, so much that they offer a 60-day $-back guarantee!  Literally, the only thing you have to lose is your acne!
• The skin transformation of UNBLEMISH is just the tip of the iceberg. The patented tools (Macro E and Amp MD) have blown up in the market and gotten rave reviews from beauty experts and hordes of customers alike. High-quality sunless tan, mineral peptides powder -- both made with antioxidants and vitamins, and apply flawlessly to the skin. 

A consultation tool is available on my website, drquinn.myrandf.com, the tool will help identify the best regimen to address your skin concerns.  I'd be happy to answer your questions, please do not hesitate to ask!

Shining bright with glowing skin,

Q

Overnight Protein Oats

I love breakfast.  Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day, but I also like "sleeping in," yea...6am wake-up call.  That being said, I'm always looking for convenient breakfast options and these overnight protein oats were the answer.  Good morning delicious, nutritious, and time efficient breakfast in a jar!  I prepare a batch for the week, they store beautifully in the fridge.  I wake up excited for breakfast and all I do is shake the jar a couple times - and I can eat it cold or heat it shortly in the microwave.  The Peanut Butter Cookie and Brownie Batter recipe are from one of my favorite recipe blogs - Dashing Dish.  The rest are the results of creativity in the kitchen with my health nut bff.  Disclaimer - some of the recipes do not have exact amounts - taste test and modify until you love it!

Peanut Butter Cookie: 1 cup oats, 1 cup almond milk, ½ cup non-fat greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons PB2, ¼ cup peanut butter cookie protein powder, 3-4 packets stevia, dash of salt, swirl in natural peanut butter

Brownie Batter: 1 cup oats, 1 cup almond milk, ½ cup non-fat greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa, ¼ cup chocolate protein powder, 3-4 packets stevia, dash of salt, toss in chocolate chips

Peanut Butter Cup: Make a bowl of the Peanut Butter Cookie Oats.  Make a bowl of the Brownie Batter Oats.  Equally distribute the brownie batter oats in the bottom of 4 mason jars, then top with peanut butter cookie oats.  If you’re feeling fancy top with a dollop of natural peanut butter and a sprinkle of chocolate chips.

Chunky Monkey: 1 cup oats, 1 cup almond milk, ½ cup non-fat greek yogurt,  ¼ cup mashed up banana, 2 tablespoons PB2, 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa, ¼ cup protein powder (vanilla, chocolate, whatever you want), 3-4 packets stevia, dash of salt, swirl in natural peanut butter.  Sprinkle with unsweetened coconut, chocolate chips and peanut butter chips

Energy Ball: Base of 1-cup oats, 1 cup almond-coconut milk blend (unsweetened vanilla), ½ non-fat greek yogurt.  Add 3 packets stevia, 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder, 2 tablespoons PB2, honey, unsweetened coconut, sliced almonds, ground flaxseed, cinnamon, and dark chocolate chips. 

Berries n’ cream: Base of 1-cup oats, 1 cup almond-coconut milk blend (unsweetened vanilla), ½ non-fat greek yogurt.  Add 1 scoop (1/4 cup) vanilla protein powder, 3 packets stevia, handful of blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, handful of walnuts

Peaches n’ cream: Base of 1-cup oats, 1 cup almond-coconut milk blend (unsweetened vanilla), ½ non-fat greek yogurt.  Add 1 scoop cookies n’ cream whey protein, 3 packets stevia, 2 chopped up peaches, handful of walnuts

Tropical delight: Base of 1-cup oats, 1 cup almond-coconut milk blend (unsweetened vanilla), ½ non-fat greek yogurt. Add 1 scoop yellow cake batter whey protein, 3 packets stevia, 1 whole chopped up mango, 1/3 cup unsweetened coconut

Enjoy!

Shine all day,

Q

Peanut Butter Protein Cookies

No butter.  No sugar.  No flour.  No problem!  I was pleased as punch with how these cookies turned out, they are guilt-free, moist, and super duper easy!  I hope y'all enjoy them as much as I do!

Ingredients

• 1-cup natural crunchy peanut butter
• 1 whole egg
• 1 egg white (3 tablespoons)
• 2 tablespoons applesauce (I made homemade unsweetened applesauce – recipe below)
• 1-cup gluten free oats
• 1/3-cup protein powder (I used ½ vanilla and ½ peanut butter cookie)
• 10 Stevia packets
• 1-teaspoon baking soda
• A pinch of salt
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips (or more if you fancy)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Line baking sheets with aluminum foil and spray with Trader Joe’s Coconut Oil spray
3. Mix all wet ingredients thoroughly.  Combine all dry ingredients and mix with wet ingredients.
4. Moisten your hands to prevent the batter from sticking to your hands.  Roll into balls.  Place on prepared baking sheet.  Bake for 8 minutes.

Homemade applesauce

Ingredients

• 4 apples – peeled, cored, and chopped
• ¾ cup water
• A TON of cinnamon

Directions

1. In a large pot combine apples, water, and cinnamon.  Cover and cook over medium heat until apples are soft.  Allow to cool, then mash with a potato masher or sturdy whisk.

Enjoy! :)

Brownie and Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cake

I have excitedly taken on the role of the birthday cake baker for the celebrations of my best friend’s special days!  It provides me the opportunity to be creative and experiment!  Last week we celebrated Shae’s birthday, I was inspired by her favorite candy – dark chocolate peanut butter cups…the result was a decadent dessert - Brownie and Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cake!

Brownie Recipe

From "Got Chocolate" Blog

Ingredients:

6 ounces unsweetened chocolate squares

1-cup butter

4 eggs

2 cups white sugar

1-tablespoon vanilla

½ cup flour

1-cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1.     Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

2.     Prepare your baking dish – recipe requires two 8-inch circular pans OR 9-inch circular pans (I used 9” because that is what I had available) – for easy removal from baking dish use parchment paper with edges exceeding the rim of the dish.

3.     Melt unsweetened baking chocolate and butter over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until almost melted.  Remove from heat and sit until completely melted.  Set aside.

4.     In a large bowl, beat eggs until a light yellow color is achieved.  Add sugar and mix thoroughly.

5.     Add vanilla and melted chocolate to the egg and sugar mixture.  Mix until smooth, then add the flour and combine thoroughly.

6.     Pour batter into greased/parchment papered pans.  Distribute batter evenly across pans and sprinkle with chocolate chips.

7.     Baking time will vary slightly between dish size – Bake for 23-25 minutes, may require additional minutes – implement the toothpick rule – brownies are done when toothpick is clean upon removal. 

8.     Set aside to cool – I utilized the freezer to speed cooling time.

(These are the best brownies I have ever made – if you aren’t baking the cake, you can bake the brownies in a 9 x 13” dish for 45-55 minutes)

Peanut Butter Ice Cream Recipe

From the blog "Life, Love & Sugar"

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter

8 ounces cream cheese
1/2 cup white sugar

¼ cup whole milk

12 ounces cool whipped topping (thawed)

1. Combine milk, cream cheese, sugar and peanut butter together in the bowl of a stand mixer, or with a hand mixer. Mix until completely combined.

2. Fold in the cool whip.

Cake Toppings

10-ounce jar of Trader Joes Caramel Sauce

10-ounce jar of Trader Joes Chocolate Fudge Sauce

16-ounce container of Trader Joes Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups - chopped

Assembling it all:

1. Line the sides of an 9 OR 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper. The parchment paper should stick up above the top edge of the pan, since the cake will probably be a little taller than your pan.

NOTE: You should be using the same 9 or 8-inch pan you used for the brownies.

2. Put the first brownie layer in the bottom of your pan.

3. Spread 1/2 cup caramel sauce and 1/2 cup chocolate sauce over the brownie. Top with first group of chopped peanut butter cups

4. Top with half of the peanut butter ice cream.

5. Add second brownie to the pan, on top of the ice cream.

6. Again cover with 1/2 cup caramel sauce and 1/2 cup chocolate sauce. Top with second group of chopped peanut butter cups.

7. Top with remaining peanut butter ice cream.

8. Allow ice cream cake to freeze completely.

9. When frozen, remove from springform pan and remove parchment paper from sides.

10. Top with additional caramel sauce and chocolate sauce, allowing it to drizzle down the sides.

11. Cover with remaining chopped peanut butter cups and a little more caramel and chocolate sauce.

INDULGE!! 

Clean Treats: Chocolate Coconut Cups and Clean PB Cups

A few things you should know about me: I LOVE Valentine’s Day!  I LOVE baking!  I LOVE fitness!  Overall, I eat clean, but I bake dirty.  This Valentine’s Day I challenged myself to create healthy and delicious desserts, I’m very pleased with the end result.

My inspiration came from the incredible blog Clean Eating Survival Guide, I made a few changes to the recipes and failed to make exact measurements, but I have complete faith you’ll be able to taste test your way to the perfect balance.

Raw Coconut Cups (Clean Mounds Bar)

9 tbsp of unsweetened coconut flakes
1-1/2 tbsp raw honey
3 tbsp coconut oil 
½ cup dark chocolate chips

Mix coconut flakes with raw honey and coconut oil and spread evenly into mini cupcake tin. Melt dark chocolate in double boiler or microwave and pour over the coconut mixture. Freeze for a minimum of 15 minutes, move to fridge before serving.

Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

8 tbsp of natural peanut butter
4 tsp of protein powder – I used chocolate Isopure 
8 stevia packets
1 ½ cup dark chocolate chips
2 tbsp of coconut oil

Mix the peanut butter with the protein powder and stevia and melt in the microwave for 30 seconds.  Stir until smooth.  Prep a cupcake tin with liners, pour peanut butter filling into the bottom third of the cupcake liner.

Melt dark chocolate chips with coconut oil until smooth, pour on top of peanut butter filling.  Place cupcake tin in the freezer for an hour before sharing/consuming all by yourself – watch it, these things are delicious!

Next time:

I make these I would use a mini cupcake tin.

I’ll try creamy peanut butter, I used crunchy natural peanut butter because I’m a texture person (loved it!)

I’ll add more protein powder!

Enjoy!

Q.

Datin' Tid Bits

Ok ladies, in the words of Memaw, “We’re havin’ a comin’ to Jesus meetin.”  A meetin’ about datin’.

Dating is defined as a series of social engagements of two individuals with the intention of marriage.  It is important the individuals share a mutual intention; this means, if one is more interested in a hook-up and one is focused on marriage there will be inevitable conflict.  I believe females place a lot of pressure on dating, being so eager to KNOW whether or not he is “the one” that we fail to enjoy the process.  Take dating for what it is – a risk and an opportunity.  A risk that you may encounter pain, your feelings may be hurt, but there is potential you could fall in love.  Dating affords you the privilege of learning your likes, your dislikes, your wants, and your needs. 

How many of you thought you knew exactly what you wanted, until you dated it?  I am so thankful for my ex boyfriends, no seriously, first I’m thankful they are all EX’s (holler at some protection from the Lord most high!), but I’m utterly grateful for the lessons I learned from my ex’s.  I can assign specific lessons to each ex; the one who taught me about trust and loyalty, the one who taught me about the importance of being pursued, the one who taught me about patience, the one who taught me about selflessness, the one who taught me to never enter a relationship hoping to change them, the one who taught me about prioritizing quality time, the one who taught me about being bold and respecting myself…the list goes on and on.

As stated in a previous blog post, I am an expert at being single (Refer to Singleness, It’s a Stage of Life I Chose to Dance Thru), but I can’t claim expertise over dating, however, allow me to share some of what I have learned.

• Dating should be fun, if it isn’t, you’re dating the wrong person.
• Each guy is supposed to teach you a lesson; you can keep the lesson and not keep the guy.
• Consistency is vital to ALL relationships, if you repeatedly break-up and get back together, accept that y’all aren’t meant to me, and perform the surgical solution and cut him out.  LET GO and move on, mama.  Literally, stop communicating.
• Yes, you and your ex can be friends, but don’t be foolish enough to believe you can immediately be friends a day after you break-up.  Time is an essential part of healing.
• R-E-S-P-E-C-T (sing it, you know you wanna!) Respect yourself, your standards, your man, and your relationship. 
• You should never look at the person you’re with and think, “I settled for you.”  Allow yourself to be WOW’d.
• He will date someone after you, it is inevitable – handle this with poise, grace, and class…do NOT be catty.  Cattiness isn’t attractive on anyone.
• I was asked, “What advice can you give to a girl who keeps picking the wrong guys?”  QUIT being willful and literally QUIT picking guys – let the Creator of the Universe author your love life.  Allow yourself to be pursued.  Use wisdom and pray that He guides and guards your heart. 
• Don’t date a guy with the hopes of changing him.  The only thing you can change about a guy is fashion (the secret to this is buy him clothes as gifts).
• If a guy likes you, he won’t let you get away, you don’t need to chase him.
• Fool me once, shame on you.  No literally, it stops after fool me once.  There is not room for “fool me twice, shame on me.”  It is a fool me once rule.
• “You’ve got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away, know when to run” – listen to your gut, follow your heart.
• Don’t missionary date – this doesn’t work.  No seriously, sweetie, it doesn’t. (For those that don’t understand the term missionary dating – it is defined as s the act of a person of one religious faith dating a person with differing beliefs for the purpose of changing that person's beliefs or religion.)
• “You complete me” that’s bogus, truth is, he will not complete you, because this isn’t his role.  A relationship is two COMPLETE people uniting to be a powerhouse team.
• Be mindful of red flags; if he keeps waving them, just pull out your white flag.
• Quit making excuses for his poor behavior.
• Not every guy you date is going to be “the one”…um can I get a “thank the Lord!”?
• Don’t compromise yourself or your beliefs.
• Learn the lessons with the wrong ones to prepare for the right one.
• When you constantly say “I don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know” when assessing how you feel – trust your gut…as my mother once told me “Sweetie, YOU’LL KNOW!”
• Have confidence that the man who ultimately captures your heart will gladly thank the fools who let you get away!  Their loss, his gain!
• Guard your heart.  "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Provers 4:23

Shine always,

Q.