Ipsy is a monthly subscription where you get 4-5 deluxe beauty samples for $10.
I had subscribed and then unsubscribed because I didn't like the first couple they had. Then re-subscribed after seeing the bags following. I definitely think have gotten progressively better with each one.
I noticed a couple years ago that when certain holidays approached, I would start getting anxious, agitated, moody...annoyed.
Doesn't seem like a normal reaction to a holiday that is suppose to be about celebration, love....family.
I realize now why I am that way. Holidays are connected to memories, childhood..and again... family.
Although I wish I could say everyone had a good childhood, a good relationship with their parents and fond memories to look back on, I know that-that is not the case.
I know that I'm not the only one that has mixed feelings about holidays.
I think holiday's put a magnifying glass on what was and how things are. The mixture of seeing people who do enjoy these holidays with a fondness and the realization of where you are.. isn't always so pleasant. Simple fundamentals of those relationships like love, support and encouragement sometimes are a hard reality to swallow.
I remember a couple of years back looking for a Father's day card, as I do every year and going through row after row of cards that said things like "you're the best dad ever" or "you have taught me so many things" or "from daddy's little princess" I was so annoyed that there wasn't just a blank card that said "Happy Father's Day". Like every other year I left the store feeling frustrated and mad at card companies for being so insensitive. HAHAHA!! geez, not everyone has a freakin awesome relationship full of butterflies and rainbows!
but in all this pouting and throwing tantrums inside myself pacing up and down card aisles I realized that I need to change.
I'm not a kid anymore. Now I'm a mom, a wife...a grown up. I need to change how I think about holidays and change the memory of them. For me AND for MY family. I don't want my kids to remember holidays as the days mom is super moody... or when we didn't do enough because she didn't seem happy. Mother's day has a new meaning for me now. As does Christmas, birthdays, Father's day and any other day that is cause for celebration. Now I get to celebrate my family and what those days mean to us. My life is filled with love, support, encouragement and so much more from this little family we have created. So I have cause to celebrate. Celebrate having the privilege to hear my kids call me mom. Having a husband that encourages me, supports me and uplifts me.
So I am making a conscious effort to change how I think and enjoy what is.
So if you have mixed feelings. whether its from past memories, experiences, relationships, or maybe your loved ones are no longer with you and it is a reminder of that... try to change the way you approach, enjoy and celebrate. I know that it is hard and you have to make a conscious effort... but maybe we can try together.
I feel like a husky! Loving these icy, aqua blue contacts from contactlensxchange.com. For those of you who have asked before this where all of my circle lenses are from!
These have kind of a kaleidoscope/snowflake pattern on them. I thought it might look kind of weird when I put them in my eyes but I actually like the effect it gives!
They come in this cute box. one pair per box. If you are like me and have a different prescription in each eye you will have to order two separate boxes (so you will have two pairs!)
$19.50/ per box and are monthly wear lenses.
This is what it looks like in the package. The limbal ring isn't a very dense, jet black so I think that helps with the transition of colors on dark eyes.
I love them! they are little more icy aqua blue opposed to a bright turquoise kind of blue.
I am so excited about the new Laura Geller products, they are perfect for summer! A lot of these products are waterproof or water resistant, long wearing and contain SPF. I love that beyond these being good "makeup" products a lot of them also have benefits for the skin containing anti-aging, vitamin and other nutrients to actually better your skin as you wear it!
Laura Geller is available at Ulta, Nordstrom, QVC and laurageller.com
Baked Blush in Maui
Warm, pearlescent, rosy blush. The finish of this blush is so nice. Its smooth and silky, and although you get a lot of powder on your brush...it doesn't go on your face chalky and powdery. It really blends well and gives you a pretty healthy color. Love how pretty this color is!
Baked imPRESSions Bronzer in medium
I have been looking for a good bronzer for...well forever. I have a drawer full of muddy, shimmery..not so sunkissed bronzers. I love that this bronzer is: matte, smooth, and has a natural sun kissed color. On top of that, perfect for summer! It's water, heat, humidity resistant! and to top it off it has super antioxidants. What's not to love? It also comes with this ultra soft, angled kabuki travel brush....love it!
Left: baked blush in maui Right: impressions bronzer
Spackle Supercharged fortified under make-up Primer
This primer is not like any other primer I've tried before. Other primers have that silicone-y, gel like feeling that instantly make your skin look and feel matte. This primer feels almost like an under eye treatment. Very light and moist.
It comes with this metal roller that instantly has a cooling effect on your face. You just squeeze the tube and start rolling away! Since it is the first thing you apply, it is a nice way to wake up your face in the morning! Feels so good!
I don't know if you can see in this picture, but I tried to capture the itty bitty little iridescent quality it has. It is so subtle but it gives your face a warm and healthy glow. If you don't wear face makeup you can wear it just for a more healthy glow and reap the ant-aging, detox and protecting qualities it has!
BB Cream with SPF 21
I'm sure you've heard of bb cream. This one is water resistant along with all the other benefits that bb creams have. I like that this one is light, like a tinted moisturizer for those days where its just too hot to put on a full face of foundation.
What I liked most about this bb cream opposed to the others I have is that it doesn't have that pastey grey cast that others have, or that makeup with spf has. It blends seamlessly into your skin. It is definitely not full coverage, but if you just wanted to even out your skin tone and maybe spot conceal its perfect. Feels light, blends well and isn't sticky at all.
Color Enriched Anti-aging lipstick in Tiger Lily
woo hoo! I've been looking for a great coral lipstick that wasn't too orange for a while. Its hard finding one that doesn't make your teeth look yellow or grey! This formula is so smooth it feels like you're wearing a conditioning lip balm. Its the color I'm wearing in the picture above. I love that its a little sheer so perfect for hot summer days and nights!
Color Drenched Lip Gloss in Raspberry Roast
This color totally reminds me of Hanna from Pretty Little Liars. A perfect berry color. This is more of a liquid lipstick than a lip gloss. its super pigmented and opaque. If you have more fine lines around your mouth this might bleed,but you can always put on less and pat with your finger. Love this color and how non sticky, but moisturizing it is!
Left: Pout perfect lip liner in Petal (I forgot to take a picture of the liner) although it looks dark, its actually very close to my natural lip color which is great because I can wear it under any lipstick. It's creamy and smooth. waterproof.
Middle: Lipstick in Tiger Lily
Right: Lip gloss in raspberry roast
Inkwell Waterproof Gel Liner Duo in Black
Another product I have a drawer full of. Its hard to find a gel liner that is waterproof, but still smooth and opaque. So far so good. Wore it all day in the rain, pregnancy hot flashes and tears...and its still on!
It comes with a little brush in the lid too that actually works well!
Goes on super black and creamy. Great for getting in between lashes and doesn't pull or tug at all!
products were generously provided by Laura Geller. all opinions are completely my own.
It's funny because I feel like most moms say that after baby #1 each pregnancy goes by so fast. Not with me. I feel like I've been pregnant forever. I think the 4 months of continual vomiting and not being able to eat totally took it out of me. I have to say that some of the other un-enjoyable side effects are creeping up on me too. My back has been killing me and although I'm so sleepy and nodding off all day, I can't manage to fall asleep at night...and of course, I'm STILL nauseous.
My secret hopes for a calm mellow child might be out the window too. This little boy moves ALL the time. I swear I one day a foot is going to pop out of my butt! haha!!
We are definitely happy and done after this baby. BUT the thought of never going through labor and having a newborn again after this makes me sad. Does every mom go through this? or are most moms happy they don't have to go through this anymore?! I know I am strange as I love labor day so much. Even through the pain, the excitement and anticipation... the marvel of giving birth always amazes me. Its a feeling that cannot be compared to anything else in the world.
So even through the daily discomforts, I'm trying to enjoy each crampy, need to pee, sore, moody moment. With that said, my pants are getting tighter...I need to find some more clothing options~
I know everyone's experience, triggers and severity of eczema are different. Although there are no known causes, there are some things you can do to help treat it and find temporary relief.
When I was little my eczema was so bad that my elbow pits (is that what they are called?!) and backside of my knees especially were always raw, cracking and bleeding. It was horrible. Those were my major trouble spots, but I also had it all over my body including my face.
I truly believe that somewhere along the line I got healed of the severe eczema, but I still have super sensitive skin and have patches that show up here and there. 2 of my kids seem to have mild eczema as well. One on the body and one on the face.
Although I had been given prescription topical creams for my skin, there are some things that helped me when I had flare ups and relieved the pain and itch (even if just temporarily)
I know a lot of people have it and a lot of moms are looking for relief for their kids so I thought I would share and hopefully it helps someone even a little!
Things to Avoid:
Tight fitting clothes
certain fabrics (mohair, wool etc)
detergent with perfumes or dyes
taking long hot showers or baths
harsh exfoliators
scented lotions, body sprays
extreme dryness/moisture
allergens, know what you are allergic to
Things to Try:
loose fitting, breathable fabrics
witch hazel to reduce inflammation
let your body air dry after a shower/bath
a gentle exfoliator for dry skin
extra virgin olive oil
creams/bath products with oatmeal
cold packs
aloe vera
aquaphor
baking soda (mix with water and make paste)
cool/lukewarm bath with milk and almond oil
cold pressed coconut oil
hydrocortisone
calamine lotion
Vitamin E
Apply strong chamomile tea to gauze and apply to affected area
These nails are showing up a lot more pink, but they are actually a VERY neon/flourescent pink in person.! I did these last night was I was watching a very stressful Amazing Race. I just started watching for the first time...and whew!!! some of these couples stress me out!
Had a minute to myself so I took a spontaneous trip to Ross to find some loose tops that can accommodate my growing belly. Found some cute things! I always forget how many cute and cheap things you can find there. I usually walk in, see the line curling around the aisle and walk back out!
Ain't nobody got time for that!! haha!
I also received these cute sunglasses from House of Sunglasses. All of their sunglasses are $9.99! They came at the perfect time because all my sunglasses magically disappear. I swear they are hiding out somewhere with my bobby pins.
I know I'm a bit old for the heart ones, but hey.. my 6 year old daughter thins I'm cool. :)
I need to get back to my nail art! People always ask me how I have time to do my nails with little kids.. these nails took me about 15 minutes for both hands. All I have to say, is get a good quick drying top coat! Several days later my bows are still on and I haven't had any chipping yet! I will be sharing my nails more often on here... I will try to do more tutorials, but that takes a lot more time (which I don't always have!)
What I used:
Sally Hansen Xtreme wear polish in: White on, Black out
Hard Candy polish in: Sugar Rush (my daughter says it looks like oreo mikshake! haha!)
White bows: I got this little bow kit off of Amazon for around $3
This is the glue I'm using to keep my nail bows/gems on. Aleene's jewelry glue
in pen form. I got it at michael's and hasn't dried up at all. It takes a bit longer to dry, but they stay on until I take them off!
MONOGRAM NECKLACE GIVEAWAY WINNER:
oshmommy
Please e-mail me at alittleaboutalot@yahoo.com
by Friday May 3rd, 2013 12pm to claim your prize
If I do not hear from you, another winner will be chosen.
So I know I've done a couple of "Mother's Day Gift Ideas" blogs... but I thought I'd show you what I got MY mom. She's a hard person to shop fore because she is very simple, classy... and picky.
This shop has so many gorgeous pieces! very classy, delicate and simple. Most of the jewelry has different options for the semi precious stone that is used too.
There is so much out there for babies!!! I swear doing a baby registry is so overwhelming. These are some items that I feel like I couldn't live without, so I thought I'd share them with you!
You can get these at Target or their website and I'm sure a ton of other places!
These are more than swaddle blankets. I find that most of the swaddle blankets out there aren't big enough and are usually made of the flannel material or something too thick. For me living in Southern California, these are perfect. Not only are they lightweight but the blanket is HUGE and so much easier to swaddle with. And you can use it for a million other things too!
Aden + Anais Dream Blanket (Classic)
Much like the swaddle blanket, this is made of the same breathable muslin...but with two layers and it is bigger for more of a full time blanket. I love that the more you use them and wash them.. the softer they get. Whereas I feel like most of the other baby blankets start off super soft and then get less soft as you wash.
Ergo Baby Carrier
If only I had this with the other two.. This carrier is my life saver. Not only does baby love it, but so does my back. I have gone through so many baby carriers and wish this was the first one I tried.
I love love love it!
Udder Cover and Poncho Baby
If you are planning to breastfeed I definitely recommend getting an Udder Cover (you can usually find a promo code online to get one free) Or a Poncho Baby which covers you from front to back
Avent Manual Breast Pump
Girls, I made a whole video on it about a year ago. There is too much to say... so here it is:
I love korean cosmetics for their formulas... but I am such a sucker for their pretty packaging too!
Love the girly princess-ness of Lioele stuff!
Mama's got some big pores.
I mean.. HUGE.
Ironically I have really dry skin too which isn't a pretty combo. So I'm always looking for a good primer, pore minimizer... basically some plaster to fill those puppies in!!
this is the Lioele Secret Pore Rich Balm
It feels like a fluffy, bouncy marshmallow. It kind of crumbles when you dig in, but if you warm it in between your fingers it becomes a creamy consistency.
I use it like a primer, before I put anything else on (after my moisturizer).
It give you a matte finish like a face primer would and fills in your pores to give you a nice smooth finish. I love it! My only concern is that this little pot ain't gonna last me long!
The longer I'm a mom, the more I realize I don't really know anything about motherhood.
The more I understand about me as a child...and the affect it has on me as a mother.
I realize a lot of things that I did not have and do not have now... and what I want to give my children.
I have to admit being a mom, I wish I had the support and help that I see a lot of people around me have. Don't get me wrong, I'm pretty independant and like my space. BUT once in a while, when I'm sick, tired... or just need a break... I'm jealous of those who have help.
Pregnant now with my fourth baby I can count the number of times probably on one hand the times we've left our kids to go on a date. We don't have a baby sitter... its just us. We've just made it part of our lives to take them everywhere with us.
If the kids aren't with one of us, they are with the other.
Majority of the time I like it that way. I enjoy my family and know that it is just a season and try to savor every moment. We chose to be parents and we love it.
There are the few, emotional, needy moments I have that make me frustrated, hurt and jealous of moms that have THEIR moms readily available to help with their kids. I know life isn't fair, and do I blame them? no... every girl should have a supportive, helpful, encouraging, loving mom in their corner. The reality is... is that not everyone has that...and as unfair as it is... that's just life. Maybe being use to doing it on my own has made me hard and unsympathetic to people who get help on a daily basis and complain that it is too much. Maybe its because when I see moms that help their daughters who are moms it makes me sad that I don't have that kind love that I always wish I had. Maybe its because once in a while I want to be told I'm doing a good job. Maybe its because I want my kids to feel like they are #1 to someone other than their parents.
Maybe its just been on my mind too since we are about to have another and I realize its about to get a little harder. After giving birth to the last two babies we didn't have any meals delivered, someone to clean the house or run our errands. We just did it. and I'm proud of us for doing it.
I am sure my hormones are raging and already being an emotional person I am peaking right now.
I know this all sounds so negative... but all this to say I'm thankful to have a supportive and helpful husband, a God who gives me strength, grace and mercy and always provides... and a pen so I can write down how I want to be when my kids have kids!
so basically what I've learned is there is no perfect mom, no one has all the answers and everyone needs a little help, a little encouragement a little reminder that even though they are a mom... they are still someone's child. Inside every mom is a little girl who is just trying to figure it out as they go.
