October Favorites!

Some things I've been loving in the month of October!

Free eyeglasses: Coastal.com use code "firstpairfree"

Starbucks Iced Coffee in Caramel Macchiato

Peace Iced Tea in Razzleberry
Shea Butter head to toe baby ointment
Fekkai glossing cream
Tony Moly bunny pocket mist
Colgate enamel protect toothpaste
Maybelline color sensational lipstick in "warm me up"
C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve
Pixi nail polish in "deepest dahlia"

Nail Foiling without Adhesive

I love the look that nail foiling gives. Super bright metallic finish you can't quite achieve with just polish. I ordered a bunch of nail foil from Amazon and started playing around with it. I tried several times with the adhesive they suggest using, but I found it was just one more step and left everything sticky...and the finish wasn't as smooth as I would like.

I find that it works best with a darker base color polish underneath, but the combinations are endless! Here is a quick tutorial on how I do it, I didn't clean up the sides or anything yet. Hope you enjoy!

Postpartum & Breastfeeding Outfit Ideas

Finding clothes that you feel good in postpartum and that are easily accessible while breastfeeding while looking cute is a challenge. I'm not claiming to be cute or fashionable...BUT I have found some alternatives to wearing a moo moo or sweats every day. I thought I'd share some key things I look for when I shop. After 4 kids and piles of  "no way" and "seriously no way" clothes that developed every time I tried to get dressed I finally found some pieces that work for me.

Hope this helps some of you! 

Most of the things I buy are from H & M, Forever 21, Marshalls or Ross... so you know its affordable too!

Tarnished and True

etsy.com/shop/tarnishedandtrue

I LOVE these stackable rings!

I've been on the hunt for some cute personalized jewelry with my kids names on it, but I didn't like any of the ones I saw in the jewelry store (like the ones with little people or birthstones).

a friend of mine posted a picture of some stackable rings she had with her kids names on it and I fell in love with the idea. Since we have 4 kids, finding something that would fit all 4 names and still look cute was harder than I thought... and figured rings would be perfect!

I know there are a lot of "personalized jewelry" shops on etsy, but I loved how thin these bands were and the different options I had to create my own stack.

I can't say enough. These will be in the daily rotation for sure! (it also helps that the shop owner is a total sweetie and was so nice and quick in making this stack for me. Thank you so so so much Annie!)

 This is a great idea for your mom, sister, grandma, girlfriend, wife, bestie... or for yourself. Treat yourself girlfriend! Especially with holidays around the corner...

The rings start with the simple bands at $7 and go up from there. You could always start a stack and add to it for special occasions, or when your'e late night online shopping like me. hehe!

*rings were graciously provided by Tarnished and True

Aden + Anais Swaddle Blankets: How to swaddle

quickie swaddle pictorial

1. Fold the blanket almost in half (back piece a bit longer) so its an upside down triangle.

2. Place baby in the middle, so the edge of the blanket is level with his/her neck

3.  Fold one side over baby

4. Flip bottom up

5. Fold remaining side over and around baby. 

With the remaining side I usually angle the blanket down, do a 1/3 fold and back up over his shoulder.

***

I am absolutely in love with the Aden + Anais swaddle blankets. I have the jungle jam set of 4...but the hoarder in me feels like I need every different design they have! haha!

I love how big and breathable they are. How they get softer the more you wash them, easy to roll up and they are not bulky.. so many things!

A friend of mine asked me how I swaddle baby boy in them so I took some quickie photos to text to her, and thought maybe it would help some of you!

I know they are more pricey than their neighboring swaddle blankets...but you will use these way beyond the first few weeks of your babies life and for much more than swaddling. I have several friends that still use them with their now toddlers and big kids for outings, covering up from the sun without getting all hot and bothered, nursing, naps, you name it...and unlike other blankets that lose their softness and color.. these get better with age. Can't say enough!

NYX Butter Glosses

I love love love these butter glosses! and so appropriately named. They are so smooth and buttery. Even after they are gone off of your lips, your lips are left feeling supple and soft. They retail for $5.00, but if you get them when they are BOGO or on sale at ULTA you can often get them for half the price! I think they are worth double, they are so much better than a lot of 'high end' glosses I have. 

There are 12 colors in all, and I somehow misplaced one. The missing one is "vanilla cream pie"which is similar to the other nude/pinks. I swatched it on my arm, and then thought it would be helpful to show you them on my lips, since lips are usually more pigmented than arms. haha!

Eclair: Pale nude with blue undertones

Creme Brûlée: Warm pinky nude

Tiramisu: Warm brown  nude

Maple Blonde: Pale coral pink

Apple Strudel: Warm milky coral

Peaches and Cream: Opaque baby pink

Cherry Cheesecake: Tangerine coral

Peach Cobbler: Orangey red

Merengue: Pale pink with blueish undertones

Strawberry Parfait: Sweet pink more clear

Cherry Pie: red

One Radiant Skincare

www.oneradiant.com

I received this box ago from One Radiant and wanted to share it with all of you who are looking to improve your skin or maybe start a new skincare regimen all together.

This is a monthly service box that comes in 3 month increments. The website claims to find your perfect skincare routine in 3 months. 

After you find your perfect skincare routine, or products that you like you can go onto their website to buy the full size.

The products are definitely more mid-high end and many of the products I was not familiar with, which is great because I know there are tons of great products around the world that otherwise I probably wouldn't get the opportunity to try.

I personally have a rule that if you are going to invest in anything more expensive to put on your face, it should be skincare. After all, you only have one face and it will be a lot harder to replace that than any lipstick! haha!!! With that said, as a mom of four I totally understand justifying paying a lot for a little bottle of cream. I have my few items that I allow myself as a 'treat' (even though, girl, you know I deserve it!) and I use them sparingly and take the moments when I put it on to feeeeeeel the luxury of it! 

A lot of times people ask me how i have 'good' skin. I really don't, BUT I do take care of it. I started using anti-aging products in my 20s and people would do the "pshhh.. why you using anti-aging stuff? you don't have any wrinkles!" I think it is much easier to prevent than to repair. So I use a lot of 'old lady stuff' before I need to... so I won't need it!

Find your perfect skincare routine in 3 months

4-5 deluxe samples that are hand picked by experts for your skin type

$36/ 3 months free shipping

*one time box was provided by One Radiant for review

I love fall!

I love fall.

Ironically I live in Southern California and don't get to experience all my favorite 'fall' feelings so if you live in a place that has actual seasons... please appreciate one of these for me!

the crispness in the air in the morning when you can see your breath

crunchy leaves under your boots

the smell of school starting, I don't know what it is... the trees? but there is a distinct smell!

cherry blossoms falling like snow

roasted chesnut carts, yum

warm and cozy sweaters, scarves, boots and hats!

and i love love love fall colors. the deep oranges, reds, browns... so beautiful.

So in light of the one cool-ish day we had the other day I started going through my closet and makeup anticipating more fall weather.

So I'm starting off fall with some darker colors: MAC Rebel lipstick. Its a nice dark plum, berry color. I just love it. Last year I kept misplacing it and replacing it. So even though I have 3 in circulation...the other 2 are still hiding from me. If you are looking for a good fall lippie... this might be the one for you!

On my  nails I have Pixi's Polish in Dark Dahlia. I was so impressed by this polish. I never really paid attention to their nail polish before this, but it is so opaque yet smooth and not thick and goopy. I did this in just one coat! then I topped it off with NYC's sparkle top coat. Love the vampiness of it.

Chit Chat and September Favorites!

Hey everyone! just a little chitter chatter and some of my favorites for the month of September!

Thank you to all who read, watch, leave comments and encouragement! It really means a lot. When I started this public blog I didn't really start with any direction, purpose or goal in mind. I just wanted to share things I love and hopefully encourage a couple of people along the way. It has become so much more than that to me now and I am thankful for the wonderful souls I've met along the way!

September Favorites:

Greek on the Go: Yogurt Granola Bites (Costco)

DoTerra Essential Oils: Peppermint, Eucalyptus (mydoterra.com/danielleflor)

NYX Cosmetics: Butter Gloss, Black Label Lipstick in Cancun Pink, Love in Florence Eyeshadow Palette in Sunsets with Sophia (Target, ULTA, nyxcosmetics.com)

Pixi Beauty: Wide Awake Brighten & Lighten Pencil (Target)

MAC: Prolongwear Concealer in NC30

Postpartum Recovery with Baby #4

Like all of my pregnancy and labor symptoms I ended up googling everything... I mean everything! So of course with recovery I've been doing to the same. I thought I would share some things I've been experiencing this time around in recovery. I really should have written them down before making the video because I remembered a bunch of stuff AFTER. yup, welcome to mom brain. 

Its definitely different this time than it was with the previous 3...I attribute it to age and my body just going through this 4 times!

Postpartum ouchie stuff:

*cramping is much worse this time. mainly when I nurse, but also when I don't

*Majorly swollen feet, hand and face...about a week after I've been sweating like no other, I feel like my feet are literally dripping!

*chills and hot flashes. Oh my, if this is what menopause is like...oh my. I'm freezing one moment and boiling hot the other. Kind of like when you have a fever, but without feeling sick.

*Perineal pain. I never knew this region existed. on about the 3rd day I had the worst pain from the inside... sharp, deep pains. I wasn't sure if I had to go to the bathroom...but it hurt SO bad. much worse than any contractions!

*Hemorrhoids, they never fully went away after baby #1 but surprisingly they haven't gotten worse, but they are definitely still there!

*body aches like I tried to run a marathon yesterday. the day after birth my body was so sore, especially my groin muscles. I wasn't in stirrups very long, but where my legs attach to my pelvic hurt so bad I could hardly walk!

*epidural area pain. I had this with the previous 3. unfortunately because of the back problems I have and that I have back labor... I NEED an epidural. I found that with all of them afterwards I have periodic pain where the epidural was placed. It lasts only moments, where the area feels almost hot and cold at the same time, from the inside and the pain just radiates for a couple of moments and then goes away.

*burning while peeing. Yep, blame this on the catheter. I just didn't remember it lasting so long. I'm super paranoid of UTI's so I've been drinking a lot of water and taking my cranberry supplements. but burn baby burn.... i feel the burn!

*sneeze attacks. Ok. sorry to be graphic. but when I sneeze, I feel like everything down there is gonna bust open!!

*hermitville. with the other kids I was up and about within a couple of days. I think with the last we went to disneyland a week and a half after. this time...not so much. I am totally happy hiding in my cave watching shows on netflix. I just feel like I like being alone, and don't really want to see people or go out... happy to be a hermit.

emotionally I feel like I am better this time. I'm definitely tired and have had my little cry tests, but I don't feel overwhelmed and sad like I did with some of the others. 

I hope some of this was helpful in making you feel you are not alone and that some of these things are somewhat "normal".

good luck new mamas!!

NYX Cosmetics

I received some NYX goodies the other day and have been trying out different items each day so I thought I'd write little mini reviews as I go... and maybe do more in depth ones on certain items like the butter glosses. 

For the picture above and below I used:

Jumbo Eye pencil in Yogurt

These are extremely creamy and easy to apply. I used it on the inner corners and as an eyeshadow base. It applies and spreads super smooth

Eyeshadow Palette in Sunsets with Sophia

Love this palette. The colors were very pigmented. The champagne color is quite shimmery, but finely milled enough that it goes on smooth and not glittery. love that it is a neutral palette with good blending colors.

Blush in Pinched

This blush is very pigmented, a little bit chalky so you have to put it on with a light hand, but I'd rather something be too pigmented than not enough

Butter Gloss in Vanilla Cream Pie

Oh mama mia, these butter glosses are literally like slathering warm butter on your lips they are sooooo extremely smooth and soft!! definitely a new favorite for me, and they smell vanilla-y and delicious!

Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator

I love that there is a silvery/pearly one and then a peachy/golden one. Gorgeous colors.

On my hand the color was super dense and rich. When I tried applying it to my inner corners and on my cheekbones I had to do a couple of layers. I do love that they have a metallic-y pearl finish rather than the shimmer that most highlight and illuminators have. This definitely makes your skin look glowy!

For this look I used:

Eyeshadow Palette in Be Our Guest Maurice

Strangely this eyeshadow palette has a different consistency than the previous eyeshadow palette. I thought they would apply the same, but this one wasn't has creamy and pigmented. I used the NYX white eyeshadow base as well to get a more bright look, but I had to to put about 3 layers of the purple for it to show up.

Black Label Lipstick in Cancun Pink

I am already a huge fan of the NYX round lip sticks and these are right up there with them. They are smoooooooth like butta! seriously, the creamiest softest lipstick ever. I kind of thought because it was so moist and creamy that it would start bleeding, but I didn't have that problem at all. Bonus of this lipstick too is once its gone, your lips feel moisturized and conditioned. love!

Knit Hat by Sebastian Seven

Hi everyone! I've been meaning to share this cute little knit hat for newborns, but since little man has been on light therapy 24/7 today was the first time I actually got to put clothes on him!

Isn't this little hat so adorable? it is from

etsy.com/shop/sebastianseven

You have to go, even just to look at all the pictures of all the cutie newborns!

I was afraid that it was going to be too big and flop in his eyes, or not stretchy enough... or itchy but it is none of the above and so adorable. Got so many compliments on it. Can't wait for the weather to get a bit cooler so we can sport it outside!

This is the hat for boys that is $24.99

and for girls $28.99

almost makes me want to have another girl!....almost...

*hat was graciously provided by sebastianseven for review

BabyBeau Changing Bag

(video review below)

Hi mamas! I have been looking for a great diaper bag, well...since baby #1. Here we are at baby #4 and  the search may be over! I received this gorgeous baby beau changing bag the other day and mama mia, its so fancy!

It is definitely the quality of a high end luxury purse. I would compare it to a coach purse or a purse of that caliber. It is so well made and definitely classy. 

I love that the dust bag that makes it a "diaper bag" is removable so you can use it as a normal purse when you are not using it as a diaper bag. It makes the price much more justifiable and the purse much more long term usage wise. 

This particular bag is 199pounds, $398 US, $409 CA + $49 s/h

I know that is a lot... trust me, I know. BUT I would like to say that most of the nicer diaper bags I have seen are around that price. Many of which I don't really know why... besides them being diaper bags a lot of them are made of fabric and can only be used as a diaper bag. I figure, if you are going to spend that much... atleast this one is leather and has multiple uses!

The only con I have about this bag is that because it is genuine leather it is a bit heavy. If you are anything like me and throw everything in your bag you might not want the extra weight. 

www.baby-beau.com

The "Ellie"luxury changing bag:

"A luxurious two tone supple wrinkled leather changing bag and minimal hardware makes this stylish shopper tote a timeless carry-all option. A glamorous baby changing bag that can be used throughout the seasons. With enough space inside to accommodate absolutely everything you need when out and about with baby. The main flap is secured by magnetic fastening. Ellie is a great accessory for an effortless day look and is a versatile baby bag that goes with everything and can be worn 3 ways - cross-body, handheld or on the shoulder.

Ellie is very spacious, versatile and ideal for mums who like to have a practical fashionable changing bag to throw on in the mornings. With this little lady by your side, you will feel like you are on the catwalk everyday.

Designer luxury for everyday use - fabulous! "

Details: 

• Cow leather 

• Two tone / Colour blocking 

• Gold hardware 

• 20cm handle drop 

• Shoulder strap 

• Secure back zip pocket 

• Removable BabyBeau organiser 

• Water resistant interior 

• Leatherette changing mat 

• Leatherette bottle holder 

• Detachable zip pocket pouch 

• BabyBeau Dust Bag 

• Converts to regular handbag

• Dimensions: H: 30cm W: 45cm D:15cm

 

"Every BabyBeau changing bag is made from luxurious premium grade velvety soft cowhide leather. Our baby changing bags are designed to be stylish and practical making each baby bag easy to wear dressed up or casual. Each BabyBeau has a removable baby organiser which has enough room and pockets to keep all your babies necessities organised and easily accessible with sufficient space for all your mummy extras."

Accessories Included:Adjustable shoulder strap

Leatherette padded changing mat

Leatherette thermal insulated bottle holder

Dust bag

Caring for your BabyBeau

"Apply a small amount of a good quality non-coloured leather cleaner to a soft cloth gently rubbing in circular motions. Wipe away any excess with a clean dampened cloth. We advise you to test a small area first before applying yourchosen leather cleaner.

Gently dry the changing bag with a clean cloth and allow the changing bag to air dry before using. We recommend you condition your BabyBeau after with a good leather conditioner. Applying Leather Conditioner: Dampen the cloth with water before applying the conditioner to the cloth. Gently rub the conditioner into the leather until the entire leather surface has been covered. Use sparingly.

Make sure you read the label and manufacturing guidelines on all leather cleaners and conditioners to be sure that it is suitable. Due to the natural characteristics of leathers, changing bags may have slight marks and variations in the surface colour and texture. This should not be mistaken as a fault. These variations simply add to the unique appeal of the leather. The removable BabyBeau organiser may be wipe-cleaned with a damp cloth & mild detergent or washed according to the following instructions.

Washing Machine:

• Set to delicate cycle and add the appropriate amount of detergent.

• Turn the BabyBeau organiser inside out and place into the washing machine.

• Remove from the washing machine promptly to reduce creasing.

• Do not put in the dryer! 

Dry/Finish:

• Lay BabyBeau organiser flat on a drying rack, a towel, or hang to dry. 

Tips and Tricks:

• Hand washing will lengthen the life of coloured garments. "

*changing bag was provided by Baby Beau for review

Labor & Delivery of Baby #4

Hi everyone! So although it was my intention to video tape some of the labor process... it was such a long tiring night and we really never got around to it. We really wanted to 'enjoy' the last labor experience so we concentrated on being in the moment. 

Waiting for baby to arrive is always the hardest time for me during pregnancy. The anxious, nervous, excited, scared, so over it feeling seems to make for a lot of restless nights, major mood changes, hyper sensitivity and spur of the moment cry fests!

Here is my labor and delivery story with baby #4:

I forgot to mention that after all of that, baby was born at 8:57 am on September 6, 2013

and was 8 lbs and 2 oz!

Thank you for all your congratulations and well wishes. I am off to the doctor again for another bilirubin check for baby... praying all his levels went down!

Korean Sheet Mask Giveaway Winners!

Here are the winners for the Korean Sheet Mask Giveaway provided by www.momomango.com

Congratulations!! If you are a winner please email me: alittleaboutalot@yahoo.com within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen. 

a note to my uterus....

for some people having kids is a natural part of life, it just happens in sequence like it should. Some people its an unexpected, unplanned surprised... while for others it is a long hard struggle...

I was thinking of my journey with my uterus and thought I would write it a little note. 

Dear Uterus:

Funny I am writing to you seeing as you are part of me...but I wanted to make time to sincerely thank you for all you have done for me. I remember when I first got my period,  hating you.... irregular, painful, horrible period. I didn't understand why I needed you, or wanted you... I just knew that I hated you. 

As I grew up I started to realize your importance.

When the doctor told me that you were not "good" for housing babies and that you were "cold", I felt bad for all those years of wondering why you were important. All of a sudden I needed you, I wanted you to be healthy, strong... and "warm" for lots of babies. 

I didn't realize the impact you would have on my lifelong decisions and thought you would be a deal breaker for the man I would fall in love with... spend my life with... I thought surely a man would not want to be married to an out-of-order uterus. 

Luckily he did... 

We got you checked up, tuned up and made provision for a long road a head, or so I thought. The doctor told me you wouldn't take well to pregnancy and that we would need some help, and that it would probably take a long time. 5 months later you received and housed my first little miracle, then 2 years later another, and another and another....

To many people's astonishment not only have you housed the most precious gifts and biggest achievements of my life 4 times, you have made me stronger, healthier, and made me something I thought might not every be possible... a mom. 

I don't know if you knew this dear uterus, but this was my dream, my longing... my desire. 

Together with their dad we have created 4 perfect little beings that will now last for eternity. What could be more beautiful than that?

So I needed to take a moment. stop. reflect. and thank you for all that you have done for me. My sweet uterus.... now it is time for you to rest.. thank you for doing the impossible.

Sincerely,

a mommy with 4 beautiful babies...

Fall Ombre Lips

I find it so ironic that I am a Canadian who loves fall and winter... and I live in Southern California.

I feel like I always new school was about to start because there was a crispness in the air, the cherry blossoms were falling and everything was starting to change color.

I miss that... I also miss fall and winter fashion. I would much rather wear 3 layers of comfy, cozy clothes than a flimsy tank and shorts (which I still don't do even if its over 100 degrees).

So school has started for the kiddos and its still HOT,  humid, muggy and... very summer like.

I'm staying in the air conditioning and pretending its cool out. haha!

I was rummaging through my makeup and found some great lip colors for fall and did a quick fall inspired ombre lip! 

1. Line lips with Pixi Beauty Endless liner in Black Cocoa

2. Fill in sides of lips with Milani's Black Cherry

3. Add Milani's lipstick in D'Oro to the center of the lips and smush lips together

and now you have some fall ombre lips!

You can do this with any combination of colors to amp up your lip game!

Jordana 12 Hour Made to Last

I had these eye pencils that Jordana Makeup sent a little while back and thought I'd finally whip them out today. I have to say, I'm pretty impressed! I have quite a few of the Jordana Lip Liners (they are the ones right at the counter at walgreens and super cheap) that I totally loved...but I have to say, I'm super impressed

The liquid eyeliner pencils are SO creamy and pigmented I can't get over it. I  used the black on my upper water line and no irritation so far. I dare to even say they are better than my Urban Decay 24/7 pencils and so so cheap! My eyes usually get watery and irritated when I put stuff in my waterline.

Then I used the purple eyeshadow pencil on my upper eyelid and the almond colored one in my lower lashline. Both very creamy and smooth as well. I didn't use the white eyeliner today, but as it is a matte color it was a bit more chalky and chunky. 

So with that said, Jordana isn't just for middle school girls... 

mama like :)

Flowery Nails

I did these easy flowery nails the other day for the first time and they turned out pretty good!

You can use any base color/flower colors... I just liked these together.

1. Paint a base color

2. On a piece of paper dab 2 colors next to each other

3. Using a dotting tool/ball point pen or toothpick swirl the colors together

4. make little "C" shaped curves onto your nail to create petals

5. use a highlight color ( I used this pearly white) to accentuate the petals

5. Dot a dark color for leaves and drag the toothpick/dotting tool through it so that it makes a elongated circle.

and DONE!