Saturday, March 1, 2014

February faves



Happy March!
It's time for my monthly favorites!  And even though it was a short month, it was packed full with some incredible products and goodies.

So let's get started...up first Beauty :)

This Real Techniques sponge is the perfect dupe for the Beauty Blender sponge.  But costs a fraction of the price.  You can find it at your local Ulta. It does a great job of applying and blending liquid foundation and/or concealer.  I especially like to pair it with my Loreal Lumi foundation… it gives a dewy, yet almost airbrushed appearance to your skin. Love.



Speaking of foundation, this has been my go to for every day wear. It's a light to medium coverage, but can be built up for heavier coverage with a sponge or dense foundation brush. I really like the consistency, the pump dispenser, and the way it feels like you're not wearing make up at all. My all-time favorite tinted moisturizer, the Laura Mercier, can't be beat, but this is a pretty close and much cheaper alternative.




I just ordered this, so it's pretty new, but I did want to mention it in this favorites post. It's the light version of the famous and popular argan oil by Josie Maran. I got the mini bottle, just to give it a try, but I am loving it so far. I will most likely end up purchasing the larger bottle.  I like to use it before bed under my night cream moisturizer.  But this light formulation can also be worn under make up during the day. It gives a wonderful feeling to your skin, especially in these dryer months. Highly recommend.



I've really been trying to take better care of my skin lately, and this eye cream has been one of my favorites over the past few months.  I usually only use it at night, because it is quite thick. It's creamy, hydrating, and very luxurious. And a little goes a long way.

All About Eyes


I haven't been wearing a lot of make up since having a baby, but when I do, I'm always reaching for these butter lip glosses. I have loved them over the past six months or so, but lately I've gotten a ton of wear out of them.  They are pigmented enough to wear alone, but also look great over nude or subtle lipsticks.  My favorite shades are Eclair and Tiramisu. Did I mention they smell like vanilla frosting? Yum.




Over the last month I have been especially loving some new food items. This peanut butter banana smoothie has been my go to breakfast lately.  It's creamy and delicious, and taste just like a milkshake. But, it is loaded with healthy and filling ingredients.


Peanut butter banana smoothie (adapted via)
Ingredients 

Heaping spoonful of creamy peanut butter 
2 scoops vanilla protein powder 
3/4 cup almond milk 
1 tbsp of Hazelnut coffee creamer
1 Banana
8 Ice cubes

Blend together, and enjoy!


A favorite snack item that John and I both have been loving are organic blue chips.  They only have a few ingredients and they taste delicious, especially paired with salsa and guacamole. Much better then the Fritos scoops or Doritos that can get me into trouble sometimes.





I've been loving grapefruit juice in the morning. Just a cup will do, and it's been known to help burn fat and boost energy levels first thing in the morning before breakfast. Florida natural is my favorite, but I also love the Simply grapefruit.




These Kind bars are my go to snack, post work out treat, or late night dessert. They are constantly in my purse or diaper bag and are the perfect pick me up. They taste delicious and are much healthier than a candy bar or other granola bars loaded with crazy ingredients. The peanut butter dark chocolate is by far my favorite.

Kind                                Kind Plus Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate, 12.0 Each , Bars




And last but not least, my favorite clothing items for the past month (well besides pajamas).

This Victoria's Secret Sports Bra is amazing!  I've been starting workouts again, and let's just say, my pre-baby tops/bras just don't really fit like they did before.  I needed something with maximum support, that was comfortable and cushiony.  This one was pricey, but oh so worth it.  I absolutely love it.  



I haven't really been into wearing jeans lately, leggings have definitely been my bottoms of choice.  I was on the hunt for some perfect leggings, and not just any leggings.  I wanted those "suck-you-in, don't-budge, wide-waistband, hide-the-post-baby-belly leggings.  Ones that will also be great for long walks and workouts.  So when I found these Zella ones, and in this fun print, I had to have them!  I read tons of reviews, and read nothing but great things.  And I agree!  I have been LIVING in them (hence the name), and I can't wait to get more colors. 

Zella 'Live In' Eclipse Space Dye Leggings

What were your favorites from the month?  Any of mine that you want to try out?



Monday, February 24, 2014

Organaca Beauty


I have to admit, I've neglected myself quite a bit ever since becoming a brand new mom 8 (wonderful!) weeks ago.  Whether it was showering (eww I know), brushing my teeth, painting my nails (ok even clipping my nails), or putting on my makeup...there have been many things that have taken the back burner throughout the day.  And don't even bother to ask about my skin care routine - out the window.  I maybe had the chance to use a makeup remover wipe at night before bed, and then I'd call it a day.  

Neglect mixed with this frigid winter we've had has really done a number on my skin. It's been dry, uneven, splotchy, and really flat.  My "pregnancy glow" is long gone.
So the timing couldn't have been better when Organaca Beauty reached out to me, offering to send some products my way to review.  

Organaca
From the website:
Organaca has carefully curated a collection of beauty products that are safe, effective and stamped with our seal of approval. There's no yucky stuff lurking in the brands we carry. We want you to be able to relax and enjoy the shopping experience knowing that everything we carry is safe, effective and naturally luxurious.



It felt like Christmas morning when the package arrived on my doorstep!
Products included were:

Ilike Grape Stem Cell Body Lotion
Sukicolor Correct Coverage Concealer


This body lotion was very hydrating and nourishing.  I really like the packaging and the mess-free pump style dispenser. The ingredients are amazing: Grape pulp, Grapeseed Oil, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Grape Skin, Orange and Lemon Oil, and tons of Vitamins. The scent was botanical and very earthy - not my favorite smell, but I did like the consistency of the product. 
(Grade: B+)


This hand cream is so luxurious.  I have really dry hands, especially now that I'm washing them so frequently with a new baby.  And this cold weather hasn't helped at all. So I truly appreciate an intense and smooth hand cream that really gets the job done.  And this one did just that.  With ingredients like plant oils and beeswax, it felt very rich and soothing.  I would definitely repurchase this for myself, or to give as a gift.  
(Grade: A)

I'm a huge face moisturizer fan - I love to use it both day and night.  Aveeno has been my go-to day moisturizer, but I have to say, this one has replaced it!  The ingredients in this cream have been shown to firm and help your skin fight environmental damage.  And have also been shown to support collagen, while fighting off signs of aging. And it smells so fresh, light and citrusy - so it really wakes me up in the morning.  Who wouldn't want that?  
It's one of the website's best-selling products and I can see why. 
(Grade: A+)
Whether you're a busy student, working woman, or mom like me, you're probably a fan of concealer.  And one that corrects redness, inflammation, blemishes, puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles would be pretty amazing right?  Right.  Well, here it is.  100% natural and cruelty-free, this concealer is amazing.  It's creamy, does not settle in fine lines, stays put, and really covers up my dark circles. Will definitely buy it again. 
(Grade: A+)


Now that I've been able to try out some of these natural and wonderful products from Organaca, I can't wait to try more.  (this, this, and this, specifically!) I would like to think that my skin is thanking me after using these creams and concealers - and it's been nice to get back into a routine of really taking care of myself too.  A little pampering and caring for your skin really goes a long way.  

If you're interested in trying out some of these products, or others, check out Organaca Beauty!
AND use coupon code: LOVE15 for 15% off your order!


Friday, February 14, 2014

Love, Andrew

happy valentine's day!
hoping you feel extra loved today :)

love, 
our little valentine


we are spending our special day making cinnamon pancakes (heart shaped of course), cuddling by the fire, playing with Mimi (grandma), and giving lots of kisses!
so thankful for the love this little guy has brought into our lives!  

  

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Valentine's Goodies

Happy Valentine's Week, loves!
This is one of my favorite holidays - for one it marks the dating anniversary of me and sweet hubs :)  This year's kind of a big one..
10 years!! Best decade of my life!!

And also - who doesn't love pink, red, sparkles, x's and o's, and hearts?!
I know I do!

And here are a few V-day happies that are sure to make you swoon.....
Heart Day
sweatshirt//watch//stationery
mug//pillow//travel bag//lip cream//nail polish
heart ring//blush//perfume//bralette

I'll take one of each, please!  ;)

Hope you all have the loveliest week!


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