This Makes me LAUGH!!

I don't know why but this video clip of the Kardashians' little sisters (the Jenner girls) cracks me up. New Year's Eve is tomorrow. Do something fun, wild, and crazy with your friends! Maybe something like this! .-_-

What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?

I just saw this and I thought it was the cutest thing ever! It features Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt singing an adorable song! Enjoy! .-_-

Merry Christmas!

Photo by Nutdanai Apikhomboonwaroot

I wish you a very Merry Christmas and an even better New Year!!! This is a time for family, friendship, great food, and reflection. There are a great deal of people who are less fortunate than us and are going through a very sad time right now due to people who have passed away or a broken relationship (romantic and/or platonic). Help those around you! Give your time, money, affection, and love to everyone even those who don't deserve it! .-_-

Photo by Naito8

Hair and Sun Damage

Yes, you can suffer sun damage in the Winter. My favorite weather is when the sun is shining and there is snow on the ground. Beautiful! It's possible for your hair to suffer sun damage! Though my hair is curly and not colored treated, sun damage can make the hair appear dry, brittle, and the sun can actually fade the natural color of your hair. I LOVE my black hair. If I could get it blacker I would but that isn't possible as it's already a deep black. It doesn't matter what season it is because UVA and UVB rays can still damage your hair. Here are three ways you can reduce sun damage on your tresses:

• Wear a hat. This is the best protection against the sun. Shielding your scalp and hair from the sun will keep it protected and moisturized.

• Apply sunscreen. When I apply sunscreen on my face I use the excess left on my hands and apply it to my strands especially the sections which will have direct exposure to the sun. If I'm doing a wash-and-go, I apply the sunscreen all over my hair and scrunch scrunch scrunch! The sunscreen I usually use on my face is the UNT sunscreen with spf 55. I also use the Oil of Olay sunscreen for sensitive skin spf 15 and Shiseido Ultimate Protection sunscreen with spf 55.

• Apply a good leave in conditioner. Extra hydration will prevent dryness and dullness. I use the Giovanni Direct Leave in. This is the best leave in conditioner I've ever used. A product review coming soon! .-_-

 Photo by graur razvan ionut

Grapeseed Oil: Nectar From Above

Grapeseed oil is my number one favorite oil. Checkout all the benefits this oil can do for you!

Fun Facts

• Full of antioxidants which help to slow down the aging process
• It helps to stop some of the enzymes that destroy collagen, elastin and other connective tissue
• Packed with vitamin E as it's good for topical use and ingesting
• Natural heat protectant for your hair
• Cholesterol free
• Has linoleic acid and omega-6 acid
• Has one of the lowest levels of saturated fat 
• Helps to clear up acne! It won't clog pores and is great for sensitive skin and oily skin
• Locks in moisture for both skin and hair
• Grapeseed oil is a great undereye "cream" and anti-wrinkle "cream"
• Good for the circulatory system and  helps to reduce varicose veins and spider veins
• Can be used to fry, bake, lubricate a squeaky door, etc. 
• Can be used to remove make up

How I Use Grapeseed Oil

• I use grapeseed oil to moisturize my hands after I wash them with handsoap. While it's still wet I rub it all over my hands and then pat dry. Who needs lotion? 

• Sometimes I store it in the shower and apply it to my wet body. Layering lotion or a body butter afterwards will provide amazing moisture especially in the winter months.

• Oil in the shower can be dangerous so a good alternative is to add about a tablespoon of grapeseed oil to your lotion or body butter (per application) for extra hydration.

• When I'm removing my makeup I slather grapeseed oil on my eyes and wipe away with a soft tissue. Like magic, my heavy eye liner melts away.

• I add grapeseed oil to my leave in conditioner when I detangle my hair when it's wet. I also use it to lubricate my hair when I'm unraveling braids or twists. It adds great shine and softness.

• Because it's a natural heat protectant, I add a little oil before blowdrying and before flat ironing. It's also fabulous at taming flyaways. Check out my post on how I straightened my hair.

• At night, sometimes I seal all of my eye creams and eye serums with a dab of grapeseed oil . When I wake up my eyes seem more perky and definitely hydrated. 

Grapes:  Photo by Dan

Bottle of oil: Photo by m_bartosch

Book Review: The Japanese Skincare Revolution

Photo by sippakorn

I am so happy I found this book, The Japanese Skincare Revolution . This book changed my life and philosophy on skincare. I've always been fascinated by the Asian philosophy of skincare and ever since I've adopted this method, my skin has never looked or been healthier.

Chizu Saeki teaches the reader the basics from must-have tools, essential products, facial massages, how to cleanse the lymph nodes through massage, and how to approach problem skin types like acne. Below are two important methods I learned that have been so beneficial.

• Layering products. Before reading this book I would wash my face and then moisturize it with a cream and that's it. I learned that layering products like lotions, toners, serums, and creams provide the skin with essential nutrients, hydration, and protection. According to Saeki, in the morning you should use a cleanser, lotion, serum, emulsion, primer, and then foundation. However, in the evening you should use a cleanser, an additional cleanser, scrub, lotion, serum, and finally and emulsion/cream. If you look at my skin routine post, you will see that I pretty much follow this method especially her advice that the morning should be dedicated to protection and the night should be dedicated to repairing.

• Facial massages. Saeki discusses how to do certain massages in order to improve wrinkles and clean out the lymph nodes. She even suggests that cleaning the lymph nodes is essential in curing acne. This makes perfect sense because a lot of the times acne is formed because there is a back up of waste in the body so it has no choice but to exit through the pores. By cleaning out the waste in the lymph nodes you decrease the chances of the waste exiting through your pores.

The only downside to this book is that she definitely pushes her own products which is perfectly understandable but aside from that, this book is excellent. After following this method I look younger now than I did 5 years ago!! If you're interested in exploring non-western methods in treating your skin, this is the book for you! .-_-

Lose Weight DURING the Holiday Season: Part II

Photo by Ambro

Ten days until Christmas!!! Woohoo!!! If you've followed the rules in Part I, you still ate a lot of junk food during the holiday season. You can most certainly do a light detox between the day after Christmas and New Year's Eve. You can pick any three days (or more) within that time period and do the following detox. I also follow this regimen on New Year's day.

Step 1: On Christmas night, I usually drink a detox tea called Ballerina Tea. It's gentle and it will definitely clean you out.

Step 2: The morning after and each day following I drink cold distilled water with a wedge of lemon. I also drink one packet of Emergen-C dissolved in water. Emergen-C is amazing and tastes like soda! This will prevent colds while packing your body full of vitamins and nutrients. It comes in many different flavors and specializations like Bone Health , Heart Health , Immune Defense , ect. My favorite flavors are the Ruby Lemon Honey and Cranberry Pomegranate. Throughout the day I drink pure distilled water to make sure I stay hydrated.

Step 3: Because this is a detox, your intestines need a break from digesting food so I only eat once a day during a short detox like this. I know, society wants you to think you must be eating three square meals or eat every three hours but there really is no need. Whatever I eat, I make sure it's no larger than the size of my hand and it only consists of vegetables or fruits (no potatoes). I make sure to eat no earlier than 1pm and no later than 3pm.

Step 4: You may be hungry at around 6pm. This is when I drink a lot of water with lemon or unsweetened green tea. When you're hungry like this, distraction will help. Watch a funny movie, turn the channel when a commercial about food comes on, clean the bathroom, go shopping, etc.

Step 5: You will experience headaches and little body aches. These are withdrawal symptoms from the toxins and poisons your body loves like junk food packed with high fructose corn syrup. Yes, your body is addicted to junk food but don't give in and intake junk food just to subside the headaches. Push through and you will set the right foundation for starting the New Year with a clean and refreshed body.


This is not a substitute for a regimen already prescribed by your doctor. Always consult a doctor or nutritionist before engaging in any dietary regimen to ensure it is suitable to your needs.

 

Crazy Crazy by Guinevere

My first love is classical music but at this point and time, I like this pop song: Crazy Crazy by Guinevere. I could listen to it over and over again!
Check this gal out. Enjoy! .-_-

Skin Whitening, Lightening, and Brightening

The concept of skin whitening and brightening can be controversial especially within communities where the complexion is predominantly dark. However, the face is different than the rest of the body. For a woman, there is a lot of damage throughout a lifetime of applying make up, removing makeup, tugging, pulling, excessive wiping, acne, and sun damage. If you look at the inside of your wrist all the way up to the inside of your elbow, this is the complexion your face should be.

So...what's the difference between whitening, lightening, and brightening? Whitening is the process to actually lighten the skin in order to change the actual shade. Lightening is synonymous with whitening. Brightening is the process of not changing the shade of your complexion but making the skin glow through proper hydration, exfoliation, and treatment. What am I trying to do? I am trying to repair the damage which has been done during my careless grade-school years through natural products.

After years of going to the beach with NO sun protection during my childhood, my face is about two shades darker than my neck, decolletage, and the inside of my wrist. Also: I suffered from acne during my teen years and currently suffer from minor breakouts from time to time. I tend to scar very deeply so I still have some scars left. After about a year of using natural products, my face is slowly being restored to what it should be. When the skin is protected from the sun, harsh chemicals, acne, and irritation, it will be naturally bright, supple, firm, and hydrated. I am on a quest to restore my skin and I refuse to accept the damage and just cover it up with make up. Some of the lightening and brightening products I use are listed in my post about clearing up my adult acne. Check it out and let me know what you think.


Photo by Africa

Product Review: Komenuka Bijin Whitening Serum

The Komenuka Bijin Whitening Serum has helped to fade my acne scars without harsh chemicals. I have been using this for about a year and a half and I can honestly say this product works. It worked within two weeks which is why I continue using it. The Komenuka Bijin line is Japanese based and contains all natural ingredients. It is a clear hydrating serum containing mulberry extract, protein, rice bran, vitamins A, B1, and B2. Mulberry extract is anti-inflammatory and is the main ingredient that fades discoloration due to acne, sun damage, or age. The Komenuka Bijin Whitening Serum is one of the main reasons why my complexion has improved because it didn't just fade my scars--it hydrated my skin as well. Instead of using a product which is more expensive containing highly toxic chemicals, this is an excellent option! Out of all the natural lightening products I've tried, this is by far the best in my opinion but I'm open to other products which could prove similar/faster results! Check out my skin routine for details on the products I use in conjunction with this serum.

Product Review: Korres White Tea Gel Cleanser

The Korres White Tea Gel Cleanser is one of my favorite cleansers. It is for all skin types but it has worked really well for my acne prone skin. The Korres brand is originally from Greece and what I love about the Korres line is that everything is all natural: no sulfates, no parabens, and it's perfectly safe for Vegetarians and Vegans. Plus: they don't test on animals.

I specifically use it if I happen to wash my face more than twice a day and I want to use something gentle, or as a substitute if I don't want to wash my face with Oatmeal that morning (It contains properties from oats too! Check out the Oatmeal wash post!), and as an extra cleanser to wash off my make up. It doesn't lather up much which is good news because too much lather is due to a sulfate or some type of harsh chemical. However, once it's washed off, your face will feel very clean and completely bare! It has definitely become a must have in my routine! Check out my skin routine to see the products I use following the Korres White Tea Gel Cleanser! .-_-

Makeup for My Acne Prone Skin

 Photo by artemisphoto

I am genetically predisposed to acne. I just have wonky pores and I will always have sensitive acne prone skin. I had to find a good makeup foundation and adopt a makeup application that produces minimal irritation, great coverage, sun protection, with preferably anti-aging properties.

Before I apply makeup to my face I thoroughly wash my hands including under my finger nails. I use my fingers to apply makeup because I find it's easier and I get more product this way. Using a sponge never worked for me and I didn't like the fact that it soaked up so much product leaving very little to be applied on my face. When I apply makeup I mix it on the back of my hand. I use two foundations: a BB cream and a another foundation. Mixing it has helped me to make the perfect blend for my complexion. I apply it to my face very gently with my fingers.  Acne prone skin is already irritated and sensitive. An aggressive application that involves pulling, tugging, harsh rubbing, and patting will only irritate the skin more. Being as gentle as possible has helped me to keep the acne at bay. Below are the two foundations I use which I love love love. However, I'm open to using other BB creams if I find another one that catches my eye.

SKIN79 Super+ BB Cream VIP Gold Collection

For those who are not familiar with BB (Blemish Balm) creams they are miracles in a bottle!!! This particular BB cream is 1.33oz and it's a foundation, concealer, SPF protectant, smooths fine lines, evens out skin tone, oxidizes to match skin complexion, moisturizer, and doesn't clog pores. It is so creamy and thick and a little goes a long way. The bottle will last a very long time. There is only one downside to BB creams: they are only available in a few shades and they are all for very fair skin. However, I've turned this downside into an advantage! I'm able to use this product for contouring, highlighting, and as a concealer. I use this BB cream for under my eyes and highlighting certain areas of my face!

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Radiant Firming Makeup

Because BB creams are only available in fair shades, I have to mix it with another foundation to create the perfect color for me. Mixing it with this particular foundation has given me the perfect coverage at an affordable price especially if purchased on amazon. I use a foundation that's about three shades too dark in order to make the mixing process easy. It might sound ridiculous but this is the only process that has given me the perfect shade and coverage. I'm able to use this darker shade for contouring purposes as well! This particular product contains caffeine and other properties that aid in lifting the skin. It also has SPF protection which is a great added bonus!

Product Review: My Beauty Diary-Stawberry Yogurt Mask

My Beauty Diary-Strawberry Yogurt Mask is a high quality mask that smells EXACTLY like Strawberry Yogurt. I was surprised because when I first tried it, I thought for certain I'd probably wake up to fresh acne because it was so moisturizing but I was wrong. During this time of year my skin gets dry but I have to be careful because if I over moisturize my skin I will breakout with horrible acne. This mask satisfied my need for moisture without irritating my acne prone skin.

Photo by Ambro

It comes with a face mask made of cotton which has been soaked in the serum. It's very pliable and you can stretch it to accommodate the shape of your face. After only 30 minutes, this made my skin so incredibly soft but it didn't clog my pores. Once you peel the mask off there will be serum left on your face which will absorb nicely into the skin. There was a little serum left in the bottom of the package so I used it for my neck.

I have very high standards for masks because I think you should be able to see results immediately and this mask delivered! My skin was instantly brighter and instantly more hydrated. I suffer from acne scars and using this mask and other products has helped to lighten those scars. I'm so happy with this product and it has become a staple in my treatment regimen. For more details on my skin regimen click here.

Kourtney Kardashian: Wooden Toys vs. Plastic Toys

Kourtney Kardashian just released her second Mommy blog from New York and I just had to post it. In this particular episode she discusses her thoughts on wooden toys and plastic toys. Enjoy! .-_-

Lose Weight DURING the Holiday Season: Part I

Photo by Luigi Diamanti

This is my favorite time of year! Everything is wonderful from the good holiday cheer to the music. However, the food and holiday parties are a real killer. I've been following this regimen for two holiday seasons and I've lost at least 10lbs during the holiday season. I'm not supper skinny--I'm a healthy Cubana but I desire to have a very very thin frame sort of like Zoe Saldana, Liu Wen, and Kourtney Kardashian and nothing is going to stop me--not even the holidays! .-_-  Stay tuned for Part II coming soon!

Rule 1: No sweets unless you're at a holiday party
The last thing you want is to be annoying and refuse to eat sweets at a party because you're watching your figure. Instead, just do not have sweets at home, or out and about at a coffee shop, or at a restaurant, or on a date. This includes sweet drinks and sodas. 

Rule 2: Flatten your plate using the smallest plate
No piling on food. Make sure no food is on top of anything. Spread everything out including rice, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. If there are no small plates around use what is available. If you are using a large plate, there is usually a border and the middle is depressed. Place food in the middle and leave the border free of food.

Rule 3: Never refuse the host's food but you don't have to finish it
Even if you're full it is rude to refuse to try a dish someone asks you (especially the host) to try. This is why Rule 1 is so important because we want to have fun, be polite, AND lose weight. However, you don't have to eat the whole thing. Only have one bite and chew chew chew.

Rule 4: Chew until you cannot texturally distinguish what's in your mouth
Not only will this help with digesting easier but it will satisfy your taste buds.

Rule 5: Practice awareness and self-control
Mindless eating will lead to packing on the weight. Instead of eating right away, hold the plate of food in your hand for a while. Socialize, drink water, laugh, etc. Being engaged in the conversation will be a great distraction. It will also help you to pay attention to the fact that you've had 2 brownies and shouldn't have another one.

Rule 6: Take three deep breaths after every third bite
This is linked to the previous rule. If you're paying attention, you'll know that it's your third bite. When you are full you naturally take a deep breath. However, even if you're not full, making a conscience effort by taking a deep breath will trick the body into thinking you are full. This REALLY works!

Rule 7: Never go to a holiday party starving
Having a little soup or salad before going to a holiday party will help you to get full quicker and you won't be tempted to eat everything in sight.

Photo by zirconicusso

Please note: Exercise is always a good option but for busy parents and busy individuals who are decorating the house, grocery shopping, and the like, exercise isn't really a primary focus during the holidays. One's eating habits tend to be more important than exercise when it comes to weight gain.  

This is not a substitute for a regimen already prescribed by your doctor. Always consult a doctor or nutritionist before engaging in any dietary regimen to ensure it is suitable to your needs.

Winter Scent: Michael Kors by Michael Kors

It's Winter and it's time to retire my fall scent. Now that the weather is colder, I need a bold scent that can cut through chunky sweaters and scarves; a scent that is not too sweet but warm and smokey and it definitely is the Michael Kors by Michael Kors. It has tuberose, blue orris, white peony and freesia notes which make it feminine in the midst of the musk and creamy notes. Whenever I wear it, I get a lot of compliments! Not only am I obsessed with this scent but I've always adored Michael Kors. His fashion sense is so Americana and amazing and I'm so proud to have my winter scent created by such a fabulous American designer! .-_-

Product Review: Oatmeal Face Wash

Oatmeal is usually something eaten for breakfast or used in baking recipes like oatmeal raisin cookies. However, this amazing grain is also wonderful for your skin. This is what I use as a face wash in the morning as it's gentle, exfoliating, moisturizing, and soothing. It will also make your skin GLOW! The daily gentle exfoliation along with the healing properties it possesses, encourages new skin to form revealing skin that is healthier and brighter!

 

Some Fun Facts!

• It removes and absorbs oil
• The soft paste-like consistency is great for exfoliation
• Contains antioxidants helping to reduce redness and protecting the skin from sun damage. Antioxidants also help reduce the signs of aging and smooths wrinkles.
• Contains 18 amino acids helping the skin to heal blemishes (acne scarring) and rebuild tissue
• It's hypoallergenic so it's safe for sensitive skin
• As a humectant, it helps to retain water meaning it will moisturize your skin without clogging your pores.
• Anti-inflammatory and remedies itching which is great for those who have eczema.
• It's CHEAP!!!

Directions
1. Place 2 tablespoons of oatmeal in a bowl followed by about 1/4 cup of warm water
2. Mix until the oats are soft and a milky liquid is visible.

3. As pictured to the right, apply the milky liquid to the face to soften the skin.
4. Apply the oatmeal all over the face and neck while gently rubbing in a circular motion for about one minute.
5. Thoroughly rinse and be careful to not let any oats drop in your ear. You don't want an ear infection because a piece of oat got stuck in your inner ear.
6. Use a soft towel and blot your face until dry and remove any oats that were left behind.
7. Proceed with your usual skin care. Check out my skin routine for a list of products I use following the oatmeal wash.

Your skin will be significantly brighter, calmer, and softer! Go grab yourself a box of oatmeal -_-

Kourtney Kardashian: Dressing Little Mason

I love Kourtney Kardashian. She has an incredible sense of fashion and has a great skill in dressing her son. While she was filming Kourtney and Kim take New York, she also filmed a few short clips called Mommy Blog. In her first episode of Mommy Blog, she discusses how she chooses Mason's outfits and talks a little more about her opinion on dressing her little boy. I thought it was cute! Enjoy! .-_-

Clearing Up My H-Zone Acne

I went to Florida in August for a conference and when I returned I had the worst acne of my life. Not even in my adolescent years had I endured such a break out. My previous skin care routine was literally doing NOTHING which made my acne worse. My skin has always been acne prone with deep scarring issues; I couldn't stop the outbreak and once the acne finished it's course, it left a scar which was pointless to treat since new pimples were forming.

After a month of panic and jumping from product to product, I have found a regimen that has FINALLY worked and it has to do with the Asian technique of layering products. (Asian products are designed to layer and absorb quickly. Sometimes using Asian products with other products may result in products conflicting with one another and caking up but this isn't always the case. It is important to make sure a product has absorbed before moving on to the next product.) My acne is down by 80%. As you can see in the picture, I still have acne but it's minimal compared to just a month ago. Most of you have heard of the T-zone but I have an H-zone. Acne and extreme oil production occurs on my cheeks and nose. Surprisingly, my forehead and chin are quite dry. I can't imagine that I am the only person in the world who has this kind of skin so maybe my experience will help someone.


My morning and night routines differ slightly and they are listed briefly below. There have been product reviews of a few of these items and there will be more product reviews added periodically. I will also include other products I've used that were okay but no Kubasian cigar! .-_-

In the morning I need something that is gentle while controlling oil production and treats the acne and scarring. Sun protection is also important as is hydration without clogging my pores or fighting against my makeup. (A makeup post is coming up soon!)

Morning Routine

Oatmeal Wash or Korres White Tea Gel Cleanser

Korres Wild Rose Smoothing Eye Serum

Naruko Tea Tree Lotion
Unt Acne Serum

Shiseido Senka Facial Lotion (fade acne scars)

Roc Deep Wrinkle Cream (forehead and future laugh lines)

Unt 50spf Cream

Eos Mint lip balm
Makeup

At night I like to deeply cleanse to remove the makeup and build up during the day while still treating the acne and scaring. The skin repairs the most at night, so it's important to incorporate products that aid this process. I also want to focus on firming as I want to preserve my skin so it appears youthful for as long as possible. Nighttime is also the time I do any specific treatments like masks.

 

Nightly Routine

Grapeseed oil (eye makeup removal)
Korres White Tea Gel Cleanser (remove remainder makeup)

Naruko Tea Tree Acne Clay Cleanser

(Mask if necessary)

Komenuka Bijin Eye Moist Jell

Naruko Tea Tree Lotion
Unt Acne Serum

Komenuka Bijin Whitening Serum (fade acne scars)

Roc Deep Wrinkle Night Cream (forehead and future laugh lines)

Naruko Tea Tree Night Jelly or Naruko Magnolia Night Jelly

Eos Mint lip balm

Treatment is an important step in clearing up acne and general skin care. Periodically your skin needs extra exfoliation, hydration, firming, brightening, and/or pampering.

Treatment

Naruko Tea Tree Blackhead mask (removes and/or loosens blackheads)

Homemade Pore Strips (unclogs pores)

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque (tightens pores and dries up acne)
Aztec Secret-Indian Healing Clay (tightens and purifies pores)

My Beauty Diary Strawberry Yogurt Mask (hydrating and brightening)

Silk Whitia Whitening Mask (hydrating and brightening)
Honey Scrub (exfoliating)

Hope you enjoyed this post. More posts on acne prone skin to come.

***Please note that this is only my experience. Every one is different and every skin has needs that are unique. This regimen worked for ME.

25 Ways to Wear a Scarf

This was such a well done video. I can't wait to try some of these out! .-_-

Film Review: Elegy

Released in 2008, Elegy, starring film giants, Sir Ben Kingsley and Penelope Cruz, is a melancholy romance. What does the word elegy mean? It is a poetic or musical lament. Keep this in mind as you view this introspective film. I am a huge fan of Sir Ben Kingsley and have always loved Penelope Cruz so I was delighted to discover their collaborative effort in Elegy. Kingsley plays David Kepesh who is a professor and Cruz plays Consuela who is a Cuban student in one of his classes.

He invites her and his students to his loft for a party. Everyone is eating and socializing while Consuela gazes at his books. There is a subtle scene where he joins her at the bookshelf and he very quickly smells her hair. It is so quick and so subtle, it's very easy to miss but it was such a clever addition to his character. He sets out to solely seduce her but her sweet gentleness and curious inquiry of their status encourages him into a relationship with her.

Sooner than later, his feelings for her deepen. They have a passionate sexual relationship which wasn't filmed in a crude or vulgar manner. Kingsley is very attentive and Cruz is bright eyed, curious, and full of affection for him. Kingsley is an attractive man but his behavior makes him appear childish and Cruz has no choice but to make up for the lack of maturity.






She is deeply in love with him and so is he but his love becomes obsessive. There is a scene when they are in the car and he says he'll call her and she says, "No, I'll call you." As the film progresses, he loses control and this drives him to slight her in a way that causes her to disappear from his life. I was rooting for them and this separation was devastating to watch. A year later, she re-enters his life and what unfolds will tug at your heart.

Elegy ends beautifully. As it fades away you will exhale in hopeful delight! .-_-