my experience with invisalign

I spent the first Monday of every month from 3rd grade until my senior year of high school at my orthodontist's office. The first time I got braces was in 4th grade. I had big buck teeth, and overbite, and just a pretty crooked mouth. My first orthodontist is a wonderful man, but his methods were a bit outdated. Instead of having the cool braces with colored rubberbands everyone else had, I had a metal band around each tooth that connected to another metal band with metal wiring (basically the braces on the far left in this picture). I had those until 7th grade, and then I had a retainer I wore religiously.

The retainer was only for my top teeth (it looked like this), so by the time I got to 10th grade, my bottom teeth had shifted significantly. So I got braces on my bottom teeth, and those stayed on until a week before I graduated from high school. This time I wasn't even given a retainer.

So needless to say, my teeth shifted over the next decade. It was always something I was self-conscious about - I spent so many years trying to fix my teeth that I really noticed other people's teeth, so I guess I was probably hyperaware of how mine looked. Many people tell me that they didn't even notice my crooked lower teeth because I smile without them showing, but I noticed them in every single picture and every time I looked in the mirror. In addition to my crooked teeth, my sister pushed my down a water slide when I was younger which chipped my front tooth, so my left front tooth is half fake. It was always a different color than my other teeth, more opaque, and eventually a different shape.

I grew to smile with my mouth closed - I actually had a really hard time finding a picture with my teeth showing for the picture above! I wanted to fix my teeth, but I was mad that my parents had already paid for braces twice, and that I spent NINE YEARS going to the orthodontist and I still had crooked teeth.

At the beginning of my first year of medical school, I went in for a tooth cleaning at a new dentist's office, and my dentist asked when I was going to have my teeth fixed. I explained I didn't want to go through with braces again at 26 because, well, braces. He gave me some info about Invisalign, and told me to think about. I went home that day and started a new savings account with my bank to start saving with my earnings I made from blogging.

A year later, I made my appointment with my current orthodontist. Here's how the process works, my experiences, and most importantly: my before and after pictures!

go with your gut

So I started my GI rotation this week and I am loving it. The doctor I'm with is amazing - she's so sweet and kind, and she just shows so much compassion for her patients - it's truly inspiring. I know I'm going to learn a lot from her, and I'm just excited to see the real life side of GI versus the book.

On a personal level, it also gives me a bit more of a flexible schedule. Some days I don't have to be at the hospital or clinic until later in the morning, which means I have more time in the morning for reading...and taking pictures once in a while. I repeated an outfit I wore a few weeks ago just because I liked it so much the first time. It's nothing too fancy, but it was comfortable and warm, which is great because it started snowing about five seconds after I finished pictures.

Sweater: Everlane [exact]

Blouse: Loft [similar]

Pants: The Limited [exact]

Shoes: Target [save | splurge]

Bag: J.Crew [similar below]

via instagram

My red tote was my Christmas present from my parents and I'm obsessed  with it - it's the perfect work size, plus it has my monogram :) The red version is sold out now, but the blue version is still available and on super sale if you are interested. If you'd rather have a red tote, below are a few options at different price points. Plus Madewell just came out with a red version of the transport tote if you want to spend a little more (it's seriously gorgeous)

under $50: one | two

under $100: three | four

under $200: five | six 

beauty tuesday: origins drink up intensive overnight mask

Over the past year, I've really expanded my face masks collection. For most of my life, I did occasional exfoliation and left it at that. I'm getting a bit older and experiencing different skin concerns than I have in the past, so I'm looking for new options to help. Jessica from Bedknobs and Baubles raved about the Origins overnight mask, so I was more than willing to get it a try. 

what it promises:

Put dry skin to bed with this ultra-rich, hydrating overnight mask. Avocado and Apricot Kernel Oils deeply and instantly quench compromised moisture reserves and help build a reservoir for tomorrow. While Japanese Seaweed helps repair skin's barrier to prevent future dehydration and signs of premature aging. Skin awakens comfortable, refreshed, supple.

how I use it:

At night after removing my make-up and washing my face, I lightly exfoliate with an enzyme mask or konjac sponge, and then put on a medium thickness layer all over my dry face. Then I wait at least a few minutes to go straight to sleep just because I sleep on my stomach/face. I do this 2-3 times a week, usually the night after using my tretinoin cream. 

what I like:

My first impression was that it smells amazing. It smells just like apricots, but it's definitely a natural smell, not artificially sweet. Second impression is that it feels really nice going on my skin - especially if your skin is pretty dry and sensitive, it just feels nice to put on this smooth, soothing mask. It's not oily or greasy at all and doesn't leave any residue on my pillows. I love that I can put something on my face at night that works throughout the night. 

The best part is the results in the morning. My skin is softer, more moisturized, and almost has like a blurred look to it - like you can't see the little red lines and patches on my face. 

what I don't like:

I personally can't see anything wrong with this product or something I would want to change. I checked out the Beautypedia review after using it for a few weeks just because I was curious what they had to say, and they did not recommend it for sensitive skin because of the fragrant oils used. If you have very sensitive skin, this may not be for you. While I usually trust the beautypedia reviews, I was already liking the mask so I wasn't going let that sway me. 

would I buy this again: 

Definitely. This is my first time trying out an overnight mask, so I'm open to trying other masks as well, but I will definitely be repurchasing the Origins Drink Up Overnight Mask. I love how my skin looks and feels, especially now during the colder months. 

top three [02.07.2016]

when in doubt, go with stripes. 

medicine

• A recent study has shown that the fiber intake during early adolescence is associated with a lower chance of developing breast cancer. The full study can be found here, but this article on NPR condenses it for an easy read.
• My friend Lizzi sent me this article the other about a woman and her intuition about her labor and delivery. I can't stop thinking about her story, and it will make me think differently in the future if a patient presents similarly. 
• While we get our "normal" DNA from both of our parents, there is a small amount of DNA in our mitochondria that we only inherit from our mothers. There are certain diseases called mitochondrial diseases that ethic committees are now discussing if they can't be prevented by doing mitochondrial transplants, so that an embryo would technically have genetic materials from three different people. 

on the internet

• Sarah shows you sixteen different ways to wear OTK boots. She just looks so good in them!
• Sydney shares her tips for caring for your sweaters - some really great tips in there worth checking out.
• I love this monochromatic look on Liz (that bag!). 

spotted

• How freaking cute is this kiss print top?! I love it with the red purse.
• Y'all know I love my skinny jeans, but I'm ready for something new! I kinda love these dark wash flare/trouser looking pants. Wouldn't they look so good with some cute wedges and a tucked in blouse?
• If I had to choose one color top to wear for the rest of my life, it would be white - I just can't get enough! Kind of enamored with this lacy version from Ann Taylor (plus it's currently 40% off!)

ask me anything

• Why are you studying in America and your Sister in Germany? Are there major differences between medical school? 
• The major difference between American and German medical schools is that in America, you go to college first, and then go to four years of medical school. In Germany, you start medical school immediately after high school, and you go for six years. I've always felt more American than German, and I knew that I would spend the rest of my life living in the US, so it made the most sense for me to stay here. My sister always felt more connected to Germany, and she may eventually move back to Europe to work, so those were two big draws for her. 
• I'm an MS3, and with the long hours of rotations, I find it hard to cook food and not end up eating unhealthy cafeteria food. Have you been able to keep your 4 hour body diet or do you have tips for food/snacks that you bring on rotations? 
• It's been a bit hard to stick to the Four Hour Body diet now that we are on rotations. It was so easy last year because I was home all day long, so I could cook for every meal. Now that's not always the case, and honestly, it's just easier sometimes to eat in the cafeteria instead of making and bringing lunch every day. We do still live by a lot of the rules though - we don't have carbs for breakfast or for dinner, and don't really keep many sugary items or bread in the house. My go to snacks on rotations are carrot sticks, packets of peanut butter, protein bars, and hardboiled eggs. I try to choose the healthier options from the cafeteria, or have a salad. It's definitely not easy to always eat healthy, but it is doable. Like I've mentioned, I put on weight very easily, so not sticking to a strict diet has made me gain a few pounds over the past 7 months, but I know that eating healthier overall and keeping my sanity is more important than five pounds. 
• What do you wear while running errands, having coffee with friends or whatever you do during your of time.
• I am actually pretty lazy when it comes to what I wear at home - I'm almost always wearing yoga pants and my LL Bean fleece. When I'm out running errands....I may just wear that. If I'm actually doing something though, I wear dark jeans with an everlane tee and cardigan. 

on franish

• on the blog: my current skincare routine - and asking about your holy grail items!
• on the instagram: one of the few times I wore regular clothes (my shoes are from Target and my top is from J.Crew). 
• on the pinterest: can't wait to try to make these sweet potato wedges!

notable sales

• J.Crew Factory: 40% off shirts, sweaters, and shoes
• How cute are these gold flats? They would be the easiest way to dress up any outfit....hmmm, now I really want them!
• A pom-pom tunic that is very similar to the current retail version. White or navy? 
• This double striped red sweater is adorable - and with those gold shoes?! I need. 
• Macys: sweaters and dresses on sale + extra 25% off
• I don't own anything from Charter Club, but I'm interested just because of how adorable their navy polka dot dress is. Cute, right? 
• Also cute? This floral dress - the navy version is my favorite!
• This Lucky waterfall sweater is so good (and now almost 1/3 of the original price!)
• Old Navy: 20% off 
• YOU GUYS. Their new grey ombre bag is amazing. Getting this one, for sure. 
• May just have to add in this blue gingham dress to the order as well. 
• ...and these gingham pants. I like that the pattern is subtle enough to be worn on more relaxed rotations (like that peds rotation coming up!) 
• Bonus: Shopbop's recent sale items include lots of boots (now is the time to get them while they make room for spring items!), a new wallet (or passport holder!), and a bunch of great pieces from my favorite BB Dakota. 

personal

• I spent Friday night celebrating my bff's birthday as she was back in the area for school, and it was SO good to be reunited with my friends. It was great just to talk, play pool, and cuddle dogs for the night :)
• My trusty first generation iPad was no longer really doing too well, so finally upgraded to an iPad mini this week. I'm very excited about it because it's the perfect white coat size, so now I just need to find the right case for it. Does this dachshund case scream professional? I love it. 
• My IM sub-speciality in GI starts tomorrow and I'm so excited. Have any of your medical students done a month the service/do you have any tips for me?

out of the loop

Hi!

I have felt soooo out of the blogging loop these last few months. Between wearing scrubs all day, and being sick the past few weekends, I haven't had any opportunities to take blogging pictures ( / even wear real clothes). I know many bloggers hire photographers and take a bunch of pictures at the same time, but a part of me is just way to lazy! It's hard enough to come up with one outfit, much less five at a time. How do you do it, bloggers? 

Anyway, today is officially my last day of wearing scrubs for the next four weeks! I'll miss ya, adult pjs for work, but I have found they make me exponentially more lazy - I wash my hair at most twice a week, I wear less make-up, and I maybe eat a little more just because who notices when you wear baggy mens clothes all day? But...my attending on the next rotation is always really well dressed and put together, so I'm excited to feeling a little bit more put together myself. Maybe I should start by getting those roots fixed...yikes! Let's just pretend I did it on purpose, mmkay? 

Vest: J.Crew Factory [exact on sale!]

Shirt: Loft 

Pants: Express [exact - review here]

Scarf: Ann Taylor [exact]

Boots: Vince Camuto [love this similar pair - that back!]

Watch: c/o Larsson & Jennings [exact]

how to: tie an oversized scarf

Back when I didn't wear a white coat most days, you were more than likely to find me wearing a scarf between the months of October and April. I just love having something warm around my neck, and I find it's the easiest (and comfiest) way to complete an outfit in the colder months. Now that I wear my white coat, I don't wear scarves during the week as often, but still wear them all weekend long. How I tie my scarves is one of my most frequently asked questions, so today I'm sharing alllll the secrets. 

It's really not difficult at all - it's actually stupidly simple. The real secret is finding the right kind of scarf. While blanket scarves are still the scarf du jour, I really prefer oversized scarves - the fluffy kind that are warm and comfortable, but don't take over your entire body. Mine above is from Ann Taylor, and is the perfect example of what I'm talking about. Similarly, my tan scarf from Nordstrom is also the perfect size. 

To tie your scarf, hold it at one corner of the scarf - this stretches the scarf to its longest length, and makes it so your ends won't be as bulky. Loop it around your neck once, so that the ends are even on both sides. Then take the top half of the tails and tuck it up into the loop. That's it! 

Simple stupid, and works every time :)

beauty tuesday: my current skin care routine

I'm sort of at an impasse at the moment when it comes to my skincare routine. I have some holy grail items I've used and loved for a long time, like my coconut oil + Paula's Choice cleanser combo, that won't change any time soon. There are some new found loves, like my First Aid serum, that I know will be a part of my routine for a long time, and then there are certain new items, like the Belif moisturizer, Origins overnight mask, and Glossier cleanser, that I really am enjoying but haven't used long enough to have a full review ready (I like to use something for at least a month before doing a review). Therefore, today I'm sharing what I'm currently using and testing daily (or weekly, when it comes to treatments and masks!).

As just a bit of a disclaimer about my skin: I'm not one of those lucky people who naturally have really great skin. I have pretty dry skin that is still fairly acne prone (that also scars easily). I also have a fairly patchy complexion and dark eye circles, so I've been looking for products over the years to help me with these issues. I'm not necessarily complaining about my skin, because overall it isn't that bad at all, but just to share what my skin concerns are and why I chose the products I did. 

AM routine

1. Glossier Milky Jelly + One Love Organics Sponge: I saw the press release for the new Glossier cleanser, and some of the original reviews, and was intrigued. I either use it by itself, or put it on my cleansing sponge when I need a bit of gentle exfoliation (especially after a night of using my tretinoin cream). I am really really enjoying this combo!
2. Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting Liquid: I dab a few droplets on a cotton pad, and then onto my acne prone areas. Read my full review here. 
3. First Aid Hydrating Serum: I use about half a pump, and rub all over my face. Still loving this product - full review here. 
4. Belif Moisturizing Bomb: I had previously been using CeraVe's AM moisturizer with SPF, but since I need a bit more moisturizing in the winter (and since I don't actually see sunlight during the day), I recently made the switch. This is very hydrating, but my skin has really felt much more hydrated recently - review coming in a few weeks!

PM routine

1. Coconut Oil: For years I used those Neutrogena make-up remover toilettes, but I never thought they did that great of a job on actually removing my make-up, and I hated spending $6 every 20 days on a new package. Then Pinterest came along, and taught me the magic of coconut oil, and I haven't looked back since. I melt a little between my finger tips, and rub onto my eyes, and then rinse with water. 
2. Paula's Choice Cleanser: I love this cleanser - I'm on my fourth bottle! It is the only one I've found that removes the coconut oil and remaining make-up, it doesn't dry out my skin, and a little bit goes a long way. Worth every single penny. 
3. Retin-A Micro gel: After making sure my skin is completely dry, I use a chickpea amount all over my face. My experience (with pictures) can be found here. I use this every other night. 
4. Vanicream: Recommended to me by my dermatologist, this is a very heavy moisturizer, but without any of the "bad" stuff. Apparently many patients with eczema have great results with this cream as well, so if you struggle with either eczema or dry skin, it may be worth checking out since it is so inexpensive. 
5. CeraVe Eye cream: I started using this a few months ago - I haven't really noticed a difference one way or the other with it, but it makes me feel proactive about the skin around my eyes so whatever, I'll keep using it for now! But I'm definitely open to suggestions if someone has an eye cream they've had noticeable results with.

Masks & Treatments

• Kiehl's Acne Spot treatment: I don't really think there is a big difference between these different salicylic acid spot treatments, but I've been using the same tube of this for over a year, and it works fine. Recently, I've been using this at night with a dab of Glam Glow cleansing mask on top of it, and it actually has worked really well (future post planned for that as well). 
• Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment: I got this as a part of the holiday gift set (which seems to still be available), which includes the normal large size of the black jar + a smaller size of the white jar + a cleanser + brush, for the price of the larger black jar, and it really was a great deal! Like I said above, I've been using this as a spot treatment and it's been working really well in reducing pimples before they even show up. 
• Glamglow Youthmud: $70 is a lot of money to spend on one skincare product, which is why I spent literally years asking for samples of this every time I went into Sephora. I finally bit the bullet over the holidays with the giftset, and don't regret it for one minute. I use this about once a week now - I leave it on for about 20 minutes, rinse, and follow with the Origin's overnight mask since it does dry out my skin a bit. I love using the brush to apply it evenly to my face (+ it keeps it out from under my finger nails), and with a little bit of water added before screwing the lid on as tight as possible, I haven't had any issues with it drying out. 
• Origin's Overnight Mask: Jessica recommended this to me a few weeks/months ago, and I've really been enjoying it! More thorough review to come soon, but if you've been eyeing it, definitely give it a shot. It smells amazing and my skin feels so good in the morning. 
• Tony Moly masks: These were recommended to be by another customer in Sephora, but I ended up finding them a bit cheaper on Amazon. I've used two so far, and like them! Full review coming once I've actually used them all, but the price really can't be beat. 

So that is my current skin care routine! Any suggestions, tips, or product recommendations? I'd love to hear what some of your holy grail skincare items are!