Summer Beauty

Summer is officially in full swing - and I don't know about you, but my skin care and beauty routine changes drastically in these warm (and sweaty!) months :)  Here are a few of my summer beauty essentials, must-haves, as well as some tricks and tips to get that summer glow!

Glow from within - 

The first step to get glowing skin from within is all about exfoliation. Just a few times a week and your skin will be smooth, refreshed, and the perfect canvas for the rest of your skin care and beauty routine.

Some of my favorites are:

The second step is hydration. No matter what skin type you have, hydration is very important to get that youthful, plump, and healthy look. Whether it's a serum or moisturizer (preferably both), this should be a mandatory step in your skin care regimen.

Some of my favorites are:

And after all your hard work for making your skin look its best, make sure to get a great night's sleep… Eight hours is ideal!

Sunless/Selfless Tanners

In order to keep that glow and feel confident in all your summer clothing (or lack thereof), you may want to try some sunless/self tanners. It gets you that "I just got back from Hawaii" bronzed look, but without the sun and harmful rays.

Some of my favorites are:

BB Creams and Tinted Moisturizers-

Now as for make up… to get that lightweight coverage perfect for warmer months, you may want to try a BB cream or tinted moisturizer.  Unlike your standard foundations, these options give you a dewy, fresh look to your skin and almost feel like you're not wearing any makeup at all.  

*Added bonus - most of these creams have SPF!*

Some of my favorites are:

Bronzers and Blushes-

The perfect way to add dimension and color to your face is by using a bronzer and/or blush.  You don't have to use both! A tan or peach blush can work double as a bronzer and can give you the same effect as a day out in the sun. Skip the contouring for these warmer summer months -- all you need is an all-over light bronzing with a big powder brush.

Some of my favorites are:

Pop of Color-

If you want a bolder look for your make up routine, try adding a bright lip or cheek stain!  Instead of a lipstick, try a pigmented gloss or lip crayon.  They are less fuss and more appropriate for daytime. A cheek stain gives you that glow from within we love and is so easy to throw in your bag for touch ups.

Some of my favorites are:

And last but not least here are a few tips and tricks to make the most out of your summer beauty:

1. Use mini Post-its to give you that perfect winged liner or cat-eye make up look.

2. Invest in a dry shampoo and use for added volume or between shampoos.

3. For long days out in the sun or heat, begin your make up routine with a primer, and end with a setting spray.... Your make up will last so much longer!

4. Make a boring topknot or bun look extra chic by adding a few simple braids.

Happy summer!  Don't forget, your smile is ALWAYS your best accessory!

(originally posted on Hello Confidence!)

Pools, Pizza, and a Patriotic Weekend

Happy Belated 4th of July!  Hope y'all had a fabulous weekend!  Ours was full of pool time, lots of walks, a cookout with friends, movies, good food, and my parents coming into town!  

Whew!  

Such a great long weekend, and it was so nice to have John home for a couple of extra days!  

It was our first Independence Day with a baby, so no fireworks for us.  But that didn't stop us from having fun!  

We kicked things off Thursday with a 6 month appointment for Andrew, and he was a champ!  Shots and all!  (He always does better than Mommy does!)

He's a little tyke, weighing in at 14.5 lbs and 26 inches long.  But healthy as can be!

That night I made our favorite Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas,

 and rented Lone Survivor (since we were in the patriotic mood).  

Such an intense movie!  Cannot believe this is a true story. 

Friday was filled with sleeping in, World Cup Soccer, a long hike with baby, and grilling out!

Saturday was a day at the pool!!  It was a perfectly glorious sunshiny day!

Then it was a cookout with friends!  Summertime is just the best!

My parents came into town on Sunday!

We had the most DELICIOUS dinner at our favorite local pizza place, dining al fresco. 

Followed by another beautiful hike down to the lake...

I didn't want this weekend to end!!

Especially because I'm having surgery in the morning!!

(My third - and hopefully last - sinus surgery.  I'd appreciate any thoughts and prayers...

Thank you!!)

Hope y'all had a great weekend as well - 

Will be back to blogging as soon as I'm up to it! :)

Baby Essentials: Newborn to 6 Months

Well, I have been meaning to do a "Newborn Essentials" blog post, and then a "3 month Essentials" post, and all of sudden, we have a 6 month old....

and I haven't done either!

So I'm combining them all into one post:

What we have loved from the newborn stage until now.  I understand some of these things aren't necessarily essentials, but they have been our favorites, and things I would highly recommend if they are in your budget!  Or if you are pinching pennies, go for something similar, there are tons of options!  

I've divided it up into 3 different sections:

*On the Go*

*At Home*

*Bath and Diapers*

(P.S. Special congrats to new Mommies or expecting Mommies reading this post!)

1 - BOB Jogging Stroller - We LOVE using this stroller for long walks and hikes on nearby trails.  It is heavy duty, but so smooth and easy to use - it's like a SUV stroller :)  We got the carseat adapter for months 1-5. 

2 - Sophie Teether - I'm sure you have heard all the hype about this teether.  Well, believe it.  It's just the best!  So perfect for tiny fingers to hold onto.  And cute too! 

3 - Snap and Go Stroller - This stroller is perfect for everyday use: Target, groceries, doctor appointments, etc.  

4 - Baby K'TAN - We loved this for wearing around the house, cooking dinner, and also out and about.  Hands-free holding for when they are fussy or sleepy. So easy to use and very comfortable.

5 - Sleep Sheep To-Go - We attached this to his car seat, and it's perfect for on-the-go naps or quiet time.  A must-have for us!

6 - Pacifier Clips - There are tons of different kinds - but get at least one!  They are a lifesaver!

7 - Aden and Anais Bamboo Swaddles - These swaddle blankets are the softest and coziest ever!  And still lightweight and breathable.  We use them everyday!

1 - Play mat - These are so great for learning those early motor skills!  Bright, fun, and a safe place for play-time :)

2 - Halo Swaddle - We still swaddle, and could not live without these!  So easy to use and cozy for baby.  

3 - Squishy books - Perfect for holding, teething, and just throwing around.  

4 - Bouncy chair - I use this for Andrew when I'm getting ready for the day/showering, etc. So portable and lightweight.  We also use it for bottles or solid feedings.  

5 - Sound Machine - Any one with white noise will do.  Great way to help babies fall asleep and stay asleep.  Highly recommend. 

6 - Jelly Cat Animals -  Andrew also loves his Farm Buddies Pig.  Soft and cuddly, and just so darn cute.  We let him cuddle with them before bedtime - great association tool!  

7 - Mamaroo Swing - This was a shower gift that I was not expecting, but so incredibly grateful for.  We have loved this thing, and use it daily.  He LOVES it. 

8 - Exersaucer - Just recently got this (usually for 4 months +), and it is our favorite playtime activity!  Great for motor skills, muscle strengthening, and when Mommy needs a break!

1 - Infant Bathtub - This one has been wonderful!  Great for all the different stages of growth. 

2 - Aquaphor - A daily moisturizer for us - and perfect for scrapes and scratches.  

3 - Gas Relief Drops - This has helped with Andrew's gas tremendously.  We use after every feeding, and at bedtime.  

4 - California Baby Products - We've tried many bath products, and keep coming back to this natural and organic line.  Smells heavenly, and also has great products for eczema. 

5 - Hooded Towel -  We have this one for after bath time.  Keeps their heads nice and warm, and is just extra adorable ;)

6 - Pampers Diapers - Our favorites!  Leak-free, comfortable, and very absorbent.

7 - Pampers Wipes - The sensitive ones are perfect for baby bums...buy in bulk.

8 - Bath Toys - We love this set, perfect for tiny hands; bright colors and fun shapes for learning!

Whew!  I know that was a lot, so if you made it to the end, congrats!  ;)

Feel free to bookmark or PIN for later!  Hope this helps some of you Mommies out there!

If you have anything to add, please let me know!  

Or if you are a stage ahead of me, what do I need next for 6 months-12 months?

June Favorites

Another month has come and gone...I can't believe the summer is flying by so quickly! Especially because this winter draggggged! I am thankful though, that this season has been remarkably pleasant, and we've been able to spend a ton of time outside!

Now for my favorites and must-haves from the month of June!
I know some of these things will be favorites all summer long...I've found some gems!

Lush "Mint Julips" Lip Scrub
This scrub has been my best friend all month long, and a daily part of my morning (and night) routine! It leaves the lips feeling so buttery smooth and refreshed, leaving the perfect canvas for a bold lip or gloss. It prevents your lipstick from cracking and finding its way into your little lines and creases. AND it tastes like chocolate and mint - yes, that's right...it's all natural so you just lick it right off! ;)

Benefit "POREfessional" Primer

I actually just blogged about recently picking this up, and I've been wearing it almost every day
since!  Well at least all the days I wear makeup. It is a wonderful primer, as it smooths and evens out your skin before putting on your tinted moisturizer or foundation. It also reduces the appearance of
pores, and helps your makeup really stay put! Sephora has a smaller size, perfect for travel or trying
out for the first time.

Revlon "Craving Coral"
This has definitely been a favorite polish of mine over the past month- as I've worn it on my nails and toes pretty much every day! It's the perfect orange/red shade, and looks great with a little tan :)
 I get so many compliments on it!

Revlon "Minted"

If I wasn't wearing "Craving Coral" on my nails, it was this gorgeous minty green shade. It's actually
been a tried and true favorite of mine for several years, and I always find myself reaching for it every spring and summer!

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blushes in "Dollface" and "Dazzled"
These blushes are amazing! I've probably mentioned them before, but they really are that good!
And these are the only 2 blushes I've been reaching for lately. They claim to last 12 hours on the cheeks, and I have to be honest....I think they are right! Never has a blush stayed put like these do! And they have a great color range...I've been wanting to buy the "Captivating" shade next- a gorgeous peach, perfect for summer!

Urban Decay Setting Spray
Speaking of having your makeup stay put...this bad boy does the trick every time! I love spritzing this all over, after I have put on my "face" and I'm ready to go. It's so refreshing in this warm weather, and just freezes everything and makes it really last. It's like a hairspray - for your skin!

Anthropologie Sunnies
I bought these for myself on my birthday in May, and I am absolutely in love with them! I wear them almost everyday with pretty much every outfit! Love the tortoise frames, and subtle cat-eye shape!

ALL THINGS WATERMELON
I have been on such a watermelon kick this summer! I know it's the cliche fruit of the season, but there's a reason for that! They are just so yummy and the perfect refreshing snack :) I also want to try out a few watermelon recipes...
like this Watermelon Sangria....

This Watermelon Salsa

And how cute are these Watermelon Stars?! Perfect for the holiday weekend coming up! I'm gonna have to make them!

So You Think You Can Dance
John and I are big fans of this show, and this season is exceptionally good! They just picked the top 20 dancers, so now it's about to get really amazing! So impressed and inspired by these talented individuals!

Lululemon Wunder Under Crops
First let me say, I realize these are not cheap.  Ok, that being said, I live in these leggings.  No they are not just for working out.  They are for living in.  I got mine 2 years ago, and they still to this day fit like a glove, have not stretched (I even wore them through my pregnancy!), and look and feel amazing!  They are an investment for sure, but really do hold up so well, and they do a fabulous job of sucking everything in.
Who doesn't want that? :)  

What are your favorites from June?

Any favorites of mine you want to try?

(linking up with Mia for this month's faves!)