Mommy Moments

Finally its nap time!  I probably only have about 30 minutes left in quiet nap time bliss before the tiny human decides to wake up and wants a snack.  Always the first thing he thinks of upon waking up.. "Snack please".  Its pretty cute.

I think I just about got done everything quick that I wanted to.  Mailed some things, emptied the dishwasher, showered and got ready, updated our calendar for the month.  I think thats a pretty successful nap time so far.

I need to vent about an experience I had about a week ago.. I think it was roughly around there.  We are hitting the terrible two's currently at age 18 months and the thing Brooks seems to hate the most right now is sitting in his carseat!  It is such a struggle sometimes to get him to sit and strap him in.  I try everything that I can possibly think of, I let him watch youtube on my phone, I bribe him with snacks and toys.  I take him out, give him a big hug and sit him back in.. nope nothing the kid refuses to sit.  Sometimes I literally have to lay across him and wrestle him into his seat kicking and screaming.

There is no rhyme or reason to when he is going to have a carseat melt down either.  I wish I knew what things set him off to go into full hatred for the carseat.  One time I can just pick him up and sit him down to get buckled without any issue at all and the next its tantrum city!  He is completely unpredictable.

So the other day I had taken him to run some errands with me.  We went to target, the pet stores and he was being so good that I pushed it and took him with me to go buy some wine (ironically I probably ended up drinking the whole bottle that night after this incident).  He was so good when we were in the store and everyone was commenting on how well behaved he was.  We shopped and checked out without any issue at all.  I am carrying him to the car and it is about 4:30 in the afternoon, he asks me for "Pizza".  I said "Sure Huni! as soon as we get home I will make Pizza for dinner".  I open the car door and he loses his little mind!  He arches his back and starts screaming, protesting his carseat screaming "Pizza" at the top of his lungs"  I try reasoning with him (useless) reassuring him that when we get home I will make the pizza right away and telling him we need to go home in order to have the pizza.  Nope, nothing. 

15 minutes later he is still screaming and I am still trying to coax him into his car seat (I was against laying on him at this point in time but I got over that REAL FAST!).  I am standing there begging him to sit down and promising him all sorts of outrageous things when this older women taps me on the shoulder.  At first I was so thankful, maybe he will sit for someone else.  WRONG! She wasn't there to help me at all.  

She gives me a dirty look and says "Is he even YOURS".  Seriously how rude can you be!  It took all I could to politely say (because small child was listening) that he wouldn't sit in his carseat and thanked her for her concern (in a sarcastic tone of course).  

First! Can I remark again how absolutely RUDE this was!  Even before I had a child I would NEVER say anything like this to someone and would always offer to help!  Second, my son looks IDENTICAL to me..maybe she needed stronger glasses.  And finally,  honestly if I was going to steal a child I would NEVER pick steal a child who was in the middle of a tantrum.  Seriously who wants to steal a bad child (not that my child is bad in any means but he was acting like a brat in that moment).  If I had actually "Stolen" him, I would have quickly returned him to his parents if he was throwing a tantrum like that!

How did I finally get him in his carseat you might wonder.... I caved and called Morgan.  He had to come and rescue me... and you know what was the icing on the cake! Brooks saw him... gave him a big hug and then let Morgan place him perfectly in his car seat and said "Home now".

Ok Rant over, Thank you for listening :) 

February Favorites

February is almost over and that means we are one month closer to springtime and nicer weather!  

The end of February also means that it is almost time to leave for Costa Rica!  My countdown is soon getting down into the single digits.

Last month I felt like it was a little hard to just pick 5 things that I have been loving but this month it took me no time at all.  When I sat down to start thinking about my favorites blog I knew right away everything that I wanted to include.  Maybe its because this month is the shortest so I have had fewer days to use things or I have just been using some really great stuff this month that I'm excited to share.

February Favorites!

#5- Sweet Onion Salsa from Target
Ok I know this isn't a beauty item,,, but it is beautiful to my stomach!  I am addicted to this salsa and will literally eat all of it in one sitting if I wouldn't be ashamed of myself for doing that.  Actually I don't know if I would be ashamed I just don't have the time to sit and eat an entire container of salsa.. I wish I did though!  Pick some up you will love it.

#4- Beachwood by Yankee Candle

Beachwood candle

Probable one of my favorite scents from Yankee.  It is soft but not subtle you can definitely tell throughout your house that you are burning this candle.  Perfect for pre-spring with its light floral and sandalwood scent.  For me this is my comfort smell candle.  I have so many wonderful memories associated with this scent.  When Morgan and I first started dating his apartment smelled SO BAD from whatever he left in the fridge so I bought him this candle because he didn't want anything that "smelled girly".  He loves this scent.  Him or I would burn it all the time in his apartment and whenever I smell this candle burning in our house that we own together now it just brings back all those happy memories from our beginning.

#3 Lululemon headband

Lululemon

I am in love with everything Lululemon and its not just because of the brand name... their stuff is just really good quality.  My hair is not super thin but its not very thick and maybe my head is just a crazy shape but normal sports headbands just don't stay in my hair.  I wear the lululemon headbands to Aerial yoga and they still never fall off.  

#2 Dandelion Shy Beam Highlight from benefit!

Benefit Liquid Highlighter

I got this as a deluxe sample from Sephora and already have the full size in my cart to purchase.  What an awesome product from benefit! I also am a fan of the Watts Up highlight but this one is just subtle and beautiful.  What I really like to do with this is use it right along my brow line and even in the creases of my eye.  It looks beautiful when paired against eye shadow.  I haven't used it as a highlight for my face.. I'm sure it would be perfect but I still can't go a day without using my Laura Mercier highlight.

#1! Tony Moly Eye Brightening Base

Brightening Base

So I definitely bought this product because of the packaging.  That panda is so stinking cute and looks adorable sitting with my make-up on top of our vanity in the bathroom.  This stuff is really awesome for perking up your under eye area.  Its a light white color when you rub the stick on but then quickly blends into your skin.  I just use my finger to rub it in on my under eye area.  Its like magic... like you have slept for 8 solid hours plus!  Perfect for those days when your late for work..or up all night with a toddler who refuses to sleep.

Happy End to February! Here's to hoping that March brings more happy memories and good weather!

What's in my Birchbox.. February

I've had a Birchbox subscription for about 7 months now.  Its always exciting to see what the box will look like for that month and what your samples are going to be like.  I'm always about 50/50 on my box, I get some good things and then others I give away if I am not interested in the product. Its always hit or miss and to me thats the fun part!

I love seeing posts from other Birchbox subscribers about what was in their Birchbox that month and what products they were loving or hating as well.  I really think the actual box is my favorite part.  They are always so brightly colored and fun.  I have a collection of my boxes in our bedroom, not sure what I am going to do with them yet but I'll figure that out.

Here is what was in my February Birchbox and my thoughts on the products.. the good and the bad!

Malin+Goetz Clarifying clay Mask- LOVE THIS!  I can be pretty picking when it comes to masks.  I have tried the best of the best and I have high standards when comparing masks.  So when I say something is good then it really is worth spending the time and money on.  I've gotten 2 uses out of the sample and I think that is pretty decent.  The mask is light and dries on your skin in 10 minutes.  What I love is you can't really tell when its dry without touching it.. Your aren't going to feel that cracky feeling like some masks make you feel when they dry.  Great for exfoliation and leaves your skin looking refreshed and pretty.  No harsh smell either thats an A+

Coola Tinted Matte SPF30 for Face-  I'm skeptical I give this about a C.  I really didn't find that it evened my skin tone or gave me face a matte finish.  I wouldn't switch by BB cream that I currently use for this product.  Overall I haven't been a fan of any Coola products.

Juara Candlenut Body Creme- YUM! This moisturizer smells amazing!  Very fresh spring/summer scent that lasts on your skin.  Absorbs quick without leaving oily residue. A+ I am going to be purchasing the full size!

Klorane Tinted Dry Shampoo for brunettes- No Thank you... This product make my hair feel dry and flat and I swear you could see the residue left behind from the product. I couldn't wash this out of my hair fast enough...kind of defeats the purpose of dry shampoo.  I would rather my hair look Oily then have everyone be able to see the specks from my dry shampoo.  Sorry this is very honest.  Living Proof has the best Dry Shampoo!

ModelCo Lip Enhancer Illusion Lip Liner- I am on the fence about this product also.  The color was a very pretty wearable pink and looked very natural.  However I thought the product was a little rough.. at first I put it on and it scraped my lips a bit.  I thought if I wore it down then it would soften up a bit.  Wrong.. I really want to like this product and I think that I do and I would purchase it if they either changed the formula or the packaging.

 * All these products can be purchased directly from the Birchbox website * Birchbox

I rate this Birchbox 2.5/5 maybe throw in another .5 of a point because the box was so cute.  Can't wait for March!

Mascara madness

The other day I got a super sweet email from a follower and one thing she asked me was if there was one make-up item I could not live without what would it be? My answer is : MASCARA! 

  Honestly if I wear nothing else on my face I will always wear mascara at all times!  I don't like my lashes to look fake but I think mascara is one of those things that just makes you look pretty.  The first thing I seem to always look at when looking at other people is their eye lashes. It amazes me how you can get so many different looks from different Mascaras.

   So here is my list of top favorite Mascaras for different occasions. 

Best Every Day 

Make Up Forever- Smokey Extravagant Mascara

Make Up Forever

 I'm a nurse in a crazy Emergency department, I work 12 hour shifts and never really bother spending too much time getting ready in the morning because it will all be ruined in the first 30 minutes of working guaranteed.  But what I love about this mascara is that it goes on effortlessly in 10 seconds and looks great all day.  I never have smearing or raccoon eyes at the end of the day.  It makes my eye lashes look defined but natural and acceptable for going to work.  Best part is that it removes easily with just normal washing of my face at the end of the day when I am ultimately exhausted.  I have been using this product for years... That's saying something. 

Gold star.. Blue Ribbon whatever it is Make Up Forever wins it with their mascara! 

Best Water Proof

Tarte- Lights Camera Splashes

Tarte

 My best water proof mascara award goes to Tarte.  This mascara is truly water proof not just water resistant like I've found in a lot of other Mascaras that say they are "Water proof".  I have worn this on many vacations, in the pool, the ocean, sweating on the beach.. Doesn't matter my mascara won't budge.  True test to this: I even wore this to my best friends wedding where I cried like a baby.. And still looked fabulous doing it! 

Most Dramatic

Too Faced- Better Than Sex

Too Faced

Is this really better than Sex?? Honestly, probably depends on who your partner is haha for me currently no way but prior I would have to say heck yes it is! If you are looking for very full, dramatic looking lashes then this is for you! Make sure you spend the time to do it right or you will end up with clumps.

Best Date Night

Urban Decay- Perversion

Urban Decay

Urban decay really does not have any product that I haven't liked.  Perversion is my favorite go to date night mascara.  Perfect for when you want to look perfect but not over the top.  This mascara will give you well defined, volumized and BLACK lashes! I love how deeply black the formula is.  It's a very wet formula also which makes it very easy to work with and build up!

Splurge Mascara

CHANEL- Le Volume De Chanel Mascara

CHANEL

If you want to feel a little fancy then give this mascara a try!  It is the best sophisticated, black and volumizing look that you can get.  This mascara is everything that you would think of when you hear the name Chanel.  It is sleek and classy with elegance.  The best part is the packaging! It comes in the cutest little black bag that is perfect for packing earrings in on trips.  This was the first mascara I have ever worn and I do think that my high standard for mascara are all because of this.

Best Primer

Benefit- They're Real Tinted Lash Primer

Benefit

I am in Love Love Love with this product! I have this in the brown currently because sometimes I like to wear this alone for a real natural look.  The formula is so perfect that it goes on effortlessly and never makes your mascara clump overtop.  It helps to lengthen your lashes and assists in easy mascara application over top.  Honestly this primer works great with whatever brand or type of mascara you choose to place overtop.  I will never be without this product! Way to go Benefit!

Sephora Splurge

Hi Everyone!  If you read my blog frequently and saw my little "wish list" that I had made for our Costa Rica trip then you are going to recognize a few little things in this blog post that I have recently purchased.  Last week I went a little Sephora crazy.  I ordered just a few things online and then went to the store by me for 1 THING! I swear I only went in there for one specific thing and came out with a ton more.  This happens to me a lot but I'm not sorry about it, I find my most loved products on these little spontaneous shopping trips!  Is that how it happens for everyone else?  When you are specifically going shopping with the intent of spending money then you can find nothing that you want to buy, but when you are trying to be good you find everything you absolutely have to have!

I knew that I needed to get a couple little things before we go to Costa Rica but I was trying to get them a little bit at a time and not drop a ton of money at once.  I ordered a few things online but then ended up going to the store as well.  Everything came on the same day so when I got home with my Sephora bag and my online order was delivered also it appeared to Morgan that I had went way over the top Sephora crazy.

Honestly I went into the store to get one of the Gwen Stefani lipsticks by Urban Decay. I really wanted the color Ex Girlfriend but of course they were sold out of it.  Instead of walking out of the store like I probably should have done I decided since I was there I was going to just browse and look at a couple other brands.
Here is a quick peek at everything I stocked up on for vacation.

LAVANILA Sunscreen-  You all know I am obsessed with LAVANILA.  I haven't tried anything from this brand that I didn't love.  I got the sunscreen because my skin has been in great shape lately and I don't want to ruin that on vacation by using sunscreen that will cause me to break out.  This sunscreen is moisturizing and mineral based.  It is made with antioxidants to help your skin stay looking healthy and bright!  LAVANILA Sunscreen . They also make a body sunscreen that I believe is at a spf of 30. 

Senorita Margarita shower gel-  Philosophy has the best scented products hands down when it comes to bath/shower products.  I love the packaging of these products because they always have cute little names and phrases on the bottles.  This shower gel has a Margarita recipe on the front.  It is the perfect lime sweet smell that you would expect from any good quality margarita your drinking.  The smell is just so fresh and yummy it makes you ready to lay on the beach and sip margaritas all day long.  Which is exactly what I plan on doing in less than a month while we are in Costa Rica!  Perfect Vacation/ Summer shower gel! philosophy shower gel

Urban Decay de-slick setting spray- So Costa Rica gets HOT!  We are also staying very close to the rainforest so the humidity is going to be extremely high as well.  The last thing I want is to spend the time putting on my make-up and then having it literally melt-off my face from sweat.  Why go through the trouble at all to buy new products, pack them and then take the time to put them on.  I have really high hopes for this product.  This product is supposed to have patented temperature control to actually lower the temperature of your make-up to keep it from getting too hot. Perfect for tropical vacations and the summer! Also this fine mist helps to control shine and oil.  I'll let you know the full review after we return! Urban Decay setting spray

Burberry Kisses Lipgloss- Love Love Love the color I got - Melon-.  It is a perfect coral/orange color with great shine.  What I love from the Burberry lipgloss line is that your lips never feel sticky but yet they keep that wet freshly glossed look.  The shine lasts for hours but your lips will never feel overally wet or sticky, just perfectly moisturized and soft.  I was so excited that this lipgloss went so well with the new liquid lipstick I got!  This is a must try for everyone its definitely worth the price. Burberry Kisses

Kat Von D  liquid lipstick-  I am the biggest fan of this liquid lipstick line! I think I am up to 4 different shades now.  I love the look of these when they are on your lips.  They look like a lip stain but unlike most lip stains they DO NOT make your lips look dry and cracked.  The color doesn't fade and will barely rub off on glass or with kisses haha.  Of course you are going to have a small amount of color come off on glasses but it is nothing compared to any other normal lipstick brand I have ever tried.  The color range of this line is crazy! They seriously make a color that absolutely everyone will love.  The color I got was Beloved which is a soft coral color and goes perfectly with a little burberry kisses on top! Kat Von D Everlasting liquid lipstick

NARS blush-  It appears that this spring I am on kind of a peachy coral kick with my colors.  I picked up this amazing NARS blush which I have been looking at all winter and finally purchased.  The color I believe is one of their most popular its called Orgasm.  Absolutely wonderful! You can wear it light or go a little heavier for more of a bright look.  The shimmer really helps to draw attention to your cheek bones.  I can't wait until I get a bit of a tan because I think they will look perfect to wear with nothing else on your skin.  NARS blush

 

 * I also picked up a deluxe sample of the NARS Audacious Mascara but I will wait and share that in my upcoming blog devoted to just Mascaras*

 Maybe if we all start stocking up on our spring must haves then it will encourage the weather to get warmer faster!  

Mommy Moments

I am still new to this being someone's mommy thing but so far I couldn't imagine any other way to be.  Being a mom has taught me so much.  Every part of this life is like a roller coaster where you never really know what is ahead.  You can read every parenting book out there but I can guarantee you that you will never feel like you are doing things right.  These little humans are like nothing you could ever prepare for, and just when you think you have them all figured out they catch on to your tricks and outsmart you once again.  Raising tiny humans is HARD.

    My little tiny human has taught me so many things about how life should be, having patience and a lot about myself.  You learn your breaking points are completely different then you had imagined.

   Learn to take time for yourself.

    When you run around all day playing, chasing and just taking care of your little human it is easy to forget about yourself and your needs.  For the first time in your life taking a shower is something that needs to be planned for.  There have been so many days when I had to try and think about what I ate that day or how much water I have been drinking.  With my son my life is in constant GO mode.  He is crazy hyper from the moment he wakes up until nap time and when he goes to bed.  I play with him for what feels like 2 hours only to turn around and realize 20 minutes has gone by.  You begin to lose your sanity after awhile and it's hard to learn at first that this is ok! Naptime is your time! Don't clean or do laundry unless it's a MUST! Shower, nap and do what makes you happy.  Because honestly if you are happy and content they will be also.  These toddlers seriously feed off your emotions its kind of like "Hey mom seems stressed out,,, why don't I throw at tantrum and see if I can make her cry".   Coffee is your best friend... oh and wine can be your nightly little dirty secret.  Seriously those people who say they don't drink because they have kids are either saints or lying to you.  Coffee gets me through the day and then wine helps me de-stress at night.  The best advice anyone ever gave me is always accept the opportunity to do your own thing and have some alone time.  If your aunt, sister, grandma or husband wants to watch small child take them up on it.  Yoga is my most favorite hobby and I would lose my mind of Morgan wasn't so supportive and understands the importance of my yoga nights with friends.

    Toddlers are like tiny dictators that turn into cuddle monsters at the drop of a hat.  They can make you want to pull your hair out and then shower them with kisses the next second.  But you can't teach them how to be calm and act like a respectable human if you aren't on top of your game as well.  Make sure you are still your own person as well as someone else's mommy.

Our little tiny human on his 1st birthday! Literally destroying his cake and loving every second of it.  

Stella Dot Jewels

Ready for my new favorite obsession that I'm just getting started on.... Stella Dot! A friend I work with sells for this company and introduced me to their amazing jewelry.  This brand I feel is really my style based on everything I have seen.  Everything they have is very fun, classy and in style.  There is nothing over the top, all their pieces are just so wearable.  They have a lot of really great accent necklaces that definitely stand out but in a way that you could really see yourself being able to pair them with many different outfits.

My Favorite Accent necklace!

I recently had a cute little chocolate fondue and wine theme jewelry party that was so fun I am already thinking of doing another in the spring.  Everyone seemed to really have a good time and were really into the jewelry.  I think it really says a lot about this company when you have a large group of girls and everyone is able to find multiple things that fit their style.  

I just wanted to highlight on a few things that I really loved from Stella Dot and also show you some things from the party and things that I have purchased.. so far.. there are still a lot of things on my list that I need to buy.  I will link to everything at the end of this post and also a link to my party that is currently going on for a little bit longer if you would like to order now or anytime through my friend!

One thing that I really like to do right now is layer my necklaces.  Its not that I want to wear everything all at once but I think this is a really good way to dress up a plain outfit.  I like the look of jeans a plain t-shirt paired with a fun necklace or necklace combination.  One great thing about Stella Dot is that they sell necklace's that can be worn many different ways.  Its like buying 7 different necklaces for the price of one.  They have the same concept for some of their earrings as well which I think is the absolute best idea I haven't seen a lot of other companies doing this yet!  Its great for packing because they you can pack only a few pieces but have plenty of different options.

Here is a 4 ways necklace that I really really like!

Just for your viewing pleasure :) Here are some pieces that were at my jewelry trunk show that I hosted!

Fun and Unique rings!

Thank you Jessi for being my gorgeous hand model!

So far I have gotten 2 clutches and 2 bracelets,,, I'm waiting until the party is over to order many many more adorable items!  I originally thought I was buying these as gifts.. but then when they came I decided that I was going to keep them.

I'm obsessed with these clutches, the monkey will be perfect for when we are in Costa Rica for traveling to throw all of our passports and itinerary in also for a quick grab bag when we are headed out to hold a camera, phone and lipstick ;)  I love how there are slots for cards also because I hate when I have a clutch and all my cards get lost to the bottom of the bag.

I really am loving this bracelet combination also! I have really tiny wrists so I feel like when I wear one bracelet alone it doesn't really look right on me but pairing it with another seems to be my perfect match.  Also don't they come in the cutest little boxes!
Can't wait to share what else I buy whenever I decide...too many choices!

If anyone sees anything they like or is interested in ordering here is the link below!
Stella Dot!