Thursday, May 30, 2013

My Current Skin Care Routine


Hey all! I've added a couple of things to my every day skin care routine, so I thought I would share!


Products Mentioned:
Clarisonic Mia with Sensitive Head
Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Power Cream Wash
Neutrogena Acne Stress Control foaming wash
Skin 2 Spirit Caffeine Eye Whip
Simple Rich Moisture Moisturizer
Neutrogena Cleansing Towelettes
Neutrogena Eye Makeup Remover
Target Exfoliating cotton rounds
Clinique Clarifying Lotion in 2
Lioele AC Spot Corrector

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

How to Heal a Hurt Heart


There are so many reasons why our hearts hurt. Maybe someone said something, did something, didn't do something. Maybe they don't even know that they hurt you. Maybe something happened and its circumstantial or situational. Maybe your past keeps knocking on the door and reminds you of things that hurt you before...maybe  you just woke up and your heart hurt and you don't really know why.

I think we all have days, phases, times in our life when our heart hurts. Sometimes for moments, sometimes for long periods of time and some times its just a lot deeper than others. 
Being "sensitive", I've had my share of heart hurting moments...so I thought I'd share some things I do to try to get myself to feel better. Hopefully it helps you too!

Pray this is the first thing I do. I always ask God to help my heart heal. Since it always seems so out of my control anyways, I figure I should ask help from someone who has control

Breathe take some loooooonnnng deeeeeeep breathes. Seriously, I often feel like my chest is tight and I can't breathe. The simple act of consciously taking deep breathes actually helps. And maybe the oxygen to the brain will help you think more clearly.

Timeout put yourself in timeout. If you need a minute, take it. Go for a walk, a run, a drive, sit on a log at the beach. sit at the park and give yourself some space.

Perspective remind yourself that you are having a bad day...and just because you are having a bad day doesn't mean you have a bad life. Its so easy to throw everything into one pit and think that EVERYTHING sucks... everything does NOT suck... which brings me to the next thing...

Gratitude remind yourself of things that you are thankful for. Whether it be big or small. Having a thankful heart really changes your mood.

Forgive easier said than done... I know. Forgiveness isn't always a one time thing. Sometimes forgiving means choosing to forgive over and over and over.... Letting go of your right to be mad, even if you are right, is really freeing. I love the quote "forgive not because they deserve it, but because you deserve to live in peace"

Give some away I always have that childhood song in my head "love is something if you give it away.. you end up having more". When you give love, your heart fills with love too. BUT you have to allow it to be filled. Sometimes we don't allow love in because we are stubborn, hurt or mad...but let your heart be filled. sounds cheesy, but I'm serious!

Music there is something about music that is healing. I often put on worship music and all of a sudden I feel my heart healing. So if there is music that helps you, blast that baby!

Write write it down girl! sometimes we don't even know what we are feeling. So writing it down can be really cleansing and help you sort out all of your feelings... 

Time give yourself time. I don't know if time heals all wounds, but I do know that sometimes you have to allow yourself to feel....just know when time is up :)

friends surround yourself around those you love and that love you. Its amazing what an encouraging word, a gently hug or a piece of cake with good company can do.

Hope all of you have less times where you heart needs healing and more days filled with joy.
love you all!

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

May 2013 Favorites

Hello everyone!!
Here are some products I've been loving this month. I love these kinds of videos because it helps me spend money I shouldn't. HAHA!!
enjoy.

Products Mentioned:
Palmer's coconut oil conditioner (Walmart)
Sun Labs Self Tanner (sunlabs.com)
Claires neon polish in hot stuff (Claires)
Pixi poreess and flawless primer (Target)
Etude house goodbye pore ever primer (Amazon)
Skin 2 Spirit caffeine eye whip (Amazon)
Clarisonic Mia sensitive (Amazon)
Milani Color statement lipstick in Violet Volt (Target, CVS, Walmart)
Nivea lip butter in vanilla and macadamia kiss (Target)
MAC soft and gentle mineralize skin finish (MAC)
Hard Candy baked bronzer in tropics (Walmart)
Laura Geller baked blush in maui (Laurageller.com)
Laura Geller imPressions bronzer in medium (Laurageller.com)
Thermacare back wraps (Target)

Monday, May 27, 2013

Gold Eyes & Violet Lips: Full Face Tutorial


 Face:
Laura Geller Spackle Supercharged Primer
Etude House Goodbye Pore Ever
Revlon Photoready Foundation in Golden Beige
Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer in Neutralizer
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer NC 35
MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Medium Plus
Laura Geller Impressions Matte Bronzer in Medium
Hard Candy Bronzer in Tropics
Laura Geller Baked Blush in Maui

Eyebrows:
L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Continuous Cocoa
L'Oreal Concealer in W1

Eyes:
L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Endless Pearl
Urban Decay Naked Palette: half baked, smog, dark horse
Milani Infinite Eyeliner in black
Maybelline Rocket mascara
Shu Uemura Eyelash curler
Abella Eyelashes

Lips:
NYX Lip liner in Fuchsia
Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Violet Volt


You are about to witness a naked face... 
be warned!


Thursday, May 23, 2013

25 Week Update



I know most people say "I can't believe I'm already 25 weeks!" 
I, on the other hand feel like... "I'm ONLY 25 WEEKS?!"
Not that I'm ready to have baby yet or have anything prepared... I just feel like I've been pregnant forever!


This weeks symptoms:
Morning sickness in the morning, night and waves in between
headaches
achey ribs
braxton hicks contractions
super tired and SUPER emotional!

Cravings:
ice cold water
fruit
chocolate sweets at night time
and watermelon juice!


Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Caffeine Eye Whip


I feel like I'm on an endless search for a good eye cream...or WAS on an endless search. I feel like most eye creams are expensive and don't do all that much. I was on Amazon the other day and discovered this eye cream that had great reviews, so I decided to give it a try.

I have to say.... I love it!


Here is my review of it... if you have any other eye creams that you swear by, let me know!



Here is the direct link to it on Amazon >> Caffeine Eye Whip <<
Hope this was helpful!

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Classic Red Lips

So the other day I was organizing loads of makeup and realize I have fallen into a rut of just doing the same thing every day. Makeup is fun! so I'm going to try to go back into a rotation. 
Here is a look for the day (I'll try to post more tutorials when I can too)


Face:
Pixi Poreless Primer
Revlon Photoready Foundation
MAC Pro Longwear concealer
MAC Mineralize skin finish
Laura Geller baked imPRESSions bronzer in medium

Cheeks:
Hard Candy Bronzer
Laura Geller baked blush in Maui
Hard Candy Highlighter

Eyebrows:
L'Oreal Infallible eyeshadow in Continuous Cocoa

Eyes:
L'Oreal Infallible eyeshadow in Endless Pearl
Urban Decay Naked Palette 1
Milani Infinite 24 hour Eyeliner
Maybelline Rocket Mascara

Lips:
NYX Lip liner in plush red
Milani Color Statement lipstick in Ruby Valentine



Friday, May 17, 2013

May Ipsy Bag

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 think this month's is one of my favorites!

Order your ipsy bag here:
www.ipsy.com

Here is what is in this month's Ipsy bag! Enjoy :)

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Strawberries & Cream Cookies



Ingredients:
1 cup butter softened
2 Tbs strawberry jello (or any flavor you want!)
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 pkg white chocolate pudding or vanilla (I used Jello brand, the small box)
2 1/2 cups flour 
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 bag of white chocolate chips

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350
cream butter, sugar and jello. add eggs and vanilla. 
in a separate bow, mis flour, pudding mix, baking soda and salt.
mix both bowls together
stir in white chocolate chips
spoon onto baking sheet, bake for 9-11 minutes. ( I like them a little under cooked hehe)

enjoy! I sure did!

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Bittersweet Holidays

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. 

Happy Mother's Day :)

Friday, May 10, 2013

Freshkon Dezigner Solitaire Series


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. 


Tuesday, May 7, 2013

NEW Laura Geller Makeup Spring 2013

tiger lily lipstick, bronzer, blush, gel liner

 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. 

23 weeks pregnant


here WE are at 23 weeks pregnant with baby #4

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~

Easy Pesto Chicken


what you need:
8 pieces chicken thighs or whatever chicken you have
6 oz jar of pesto
packet of ranch dressing seasoning mix (the powder)
1/2 cup of chicken broth

* you can either do this in the crockpot or in the oven

I peel the skin off of the chicken
place chicken
smother pesto sauce over chicken
sprinkle ranch dressing powder on top
add chicken broth

In Oven:
 in glass oven safe pan
set oven to 400 degrees, cover with tin foil cook for 50 minutes - 60 minutes

In Crockpot:
cook on High for 3-4 hours
or cook on low for 6-8 hours

the chicken turns out so moist and yummy. you can add it to pasta, potatoes.. whatever you fancy!
enjoy!

Monday, May 6, 2013

Tomato Basil Chicken Pasta


Here is the recipe some of you asked for!

what you need:
chicken breast
fresh basil
2 tomatoes or a bunch of grape tomatoes 
pepper
1 tsp of crushed garlic
olive oil
2 tbspn butter
parmesan cheese
pasta (I used spaghetti)

this is how I do it:
I put some olive oil in a pan
shake some pepper on chicken breasts
put into pan and cook until there is no more pink in the middle
add garlic, chopped basil and chopped tomatoes
add butter
add cooked pasta to pan
stir
I take out the chicken and cut it into slices and return it to pan to warm
then sprinkle parmesan on top and serve! YUM!

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Tips & Remedies for Eczema

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


Exederm line of products specifically for eczema:

Friday, May 3, 2013

Cool Whip Cookies


Hello YUM!!!! 
oh man. This is going to bad... because they are so good! 
These cookies are a mix between a brownie and a cake, in cookie form.
The best of all worlds!


What you need:

1 cup of cool whip
1 box of cake mix, any flavor
1 large egg
powdered sugar

Mix all ingredients except powdered  sugar in a a bowl
Roll dough into balls, sprinkle with powdered sugar 
(or if you your kids are doing it... they let the balls sink and swim in the powdered sugar)

Put in oven at 350 degrees for 8 minutes
Enjoy!

Today's Tidbit: Filtering Friends

I find that a lot of people keep toxic friends around because they feel bad or obligated to.. 
Friends are a choice and when you choose the right ones, they can make your life so much richer, deeper and blessed! 
I know its hard to do some "in house cleaning" but sometimes, SO NEEDED! 

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Neon Pink & White Nails



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!


What I used:
Claire's Neon Polish: Hot Stuff
Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear: White On
Seche Vite Top Coat
Dotting tool and brush from Amazon


Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Summer Clothing & Sunglasses Haul



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. :)


Black & White Nails and MONOGRAM GIVEAWAY WINNER!


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.

congratulations!!