But first, a warning. I am all over the place in this one, so just bear with me.
Absolutely nobody asked for a life update from me. And in the interest of honesty, I have a sneaking suspicion that this will turn into a bit of a lament. Y’all know I like to keep things light-hearted and focus mainly on the good (makeup, my family, rainbow chip frosting), but my life is FAR from perfect. Especially over the last 2 years. So let’s all just stitch that a mothereffin’ pillow.
One day I am just fine – able to feel grateful for my job and the flexibility it offers me, my incredible partner, our lovely home, the sweet little dog curled up on my lap and of course our two kids. Usually these days coincide with sunny weather, the state of cleanliness around me, how much sleep I have gotten, etc. I guess what I am saying is, the fine feelings are circumstantial.
But the next day, I am feeling depressed. The house is a mess, my job is overwhelming, my hand is breaking out in stress-induced dermatitis and the steroid cream isn’t working, kids are being total grumps, the dog peed in the playroom again. You get the picture.
And then all of the sudden, I cannot breathe. The air goes in just fine, but gets stunted prematurely leaving my lungs feeling dissatisfied, half-filled. This is me lots of days. I breathe again and again, seeking that full, contended feeling. But it’s inconsistent, like a big wave randomly crashing to the shore. And all of the sudden the obliviousness of breathing in and out feels like something I’ve taken for granted, a lost luxury. It sucks. And at least for me, it’s anxiety. And despite the multitude of “helpers” (i.e medication, therapy, self-care, healthy coping strategies) it still manages to take hold.
Marriage. Kids. Family. Work. Home. Friendships.
It is mind-boggling to me, watching how different people handle the balance. Some with grace, an effortless ease. Seemingly flitting about without a care in the world, shifting evolving priorities – cooking dinner AND getting laundry done mid-week. Then there is me – second guessing my every decision (did I reallllly need the $3 handsoaps at BBW when we have a looming June vacation?), microwaving Dino Nuggets for Clara while running my hands through greasy hair just as David marches through the door and reminds me that he has basketball practice tonight. Most nights, by the time I get to sit down, enjoy my candies, TikTok, and m’progrums – it is damn near 9 or 10 pm. Adulting. IS HARD. Parenting too.
OK. Rant over.
Now let’s get to some random sh*t that’s been making me smile.
I MEAN. Of course these girls…
Our diapered chihuahua.
THRIFTING.
Items I want…
ME
Don’t @ Me. I need a Loungefly backpack for our upcoming Disney vacay.
Love is in the air! Or maybe it’s the intoxicating combination that is my night serum, a bowl of Sixlets and the Christmas cookie candle I am polishing off? Anyone else a Sixlet fan while we’re on the subject? I feel like Sixlets are to candy as Hallmark movies are to cinema. They pass as a candy and I do enjoy the crunch, but there is hardly any substance.
But today I am not here to talk about candy-oh wait, YES I AM. I am here to talk about sweets, and candles and flowers and anything else cheesy or dipped in fakey chocolate. As previously mentioned time and time again, I am a real sucker for Valentines Day. Love the color palette, love the gifts, love the vibe, love it all. And now more than ever – what the world needs now is love, sweet love.
I have rounded up some of the best gift ideas for the lad, lady or wee-lass in your life! And here they are:
I got this kit for Christmas a couple of years ago and I have just loved it. Le Mini Macaron polishes are a one-step gel nail polish that require an LED lamp. In this particular kit, the lamp is a macaron -yes, a MACARON.
The manicures easily last 2 weeks and soak off without too much work with acetone. The brand has a decent range of colors and a shiny top coat which I have recently tried.
Shades: Rose Antique and Rose Dahlia
I recently tried this opaque white and was really impressed with the result. The below picture is after approximately 9 days of wear.
All of the fragrance mists from Sol de Janeiro are wonderful in their own right. And this warm floral scent is absolutely perfect for Valentines Day. At some point I will likely own the whole lineup, including ’71 (the carmelized vanilla and macadamia one) because who doesn’t want to smell like a SNACK?
YOU GUYS. These sweaters are Charter Club from Macys. Am I 400 years old or has Charter Club stepped up their game? Because I find both of these tops to be quintessentially Valentines Day adorable. I need both and will pair them with a bow in my hair.
Wouldn’t it be so sweet to do a little collage of these with all your family member’s names? The above-pictured prints come in 16 color choices and the section at the very top is customizable. Here are a couple of others for reference:
The quality is un-matched and the site has over 4,000 names to choose from. Also, the print comes expertly packed between very sturdy cardboard so it arrives in pristine condition.
A perfect gift for the drink-lover, be it beer, wine, coffee, whiskey or water – these beautifully etched items are unique and can be super personalized. Each item can be customized with any U.S city (seriously! even really small towns), college town, night sky, or topography. Of course I had to make a Portland map for my David. He loves this glass and always gets it out when we have company over so everyone can ooh and aah over his cool glass. Check out some of these other ideas!
Subscription Boxes
I have been really into watching subscription box reviews lately and feel that these would make such fun gift ideas! I have heard great things about the Jilly Box, the Margot Elena box and Universal Yums.
Some of you might know that I also subscribe to get Billie razor refill blades delivered every other month.
I love Billie’s products, their packaging and basically everything else they stand for. ALSO – have you seen their dry shampoo bottle? Ridiculously cute.
I have a referral link for Billie (anyone can get one!) which gives me $5 off if you are interested in signing up.
I also recently tried the Nudge oral care subscription, which came with:
Fluoride-free natural toothpaste
2 sustainably sourced bamboo toothbrushes
100% biodegradable floss
Alcohol-free and fresh concentrated mouthwash
These products are all-natural, sustainably sourced, use responsible packaging and are kid-friendly. I love having products I use all the time like razors, dry shampoo and oral care ship to me automatically. It is one less thing I have to worry about replenishing and makes life just a tad bit easier. These boxes are perfect gifts for the “act of service” love language type. I mean, what says “I love you” more than lifting a burden and providing great oral hygiene?!
These sweet, hand-knit dolls make me want to have 5 more babies. And not only because all of the stuffies are so cute – but because for each doll sold, Cuddle and Kind donates 10 meals to a kid in need. Hannah the Bunny would make such a precious Valentines gift for any little!
End the nightly tug-of-war for around $100! I found this product on Uncommon Goods (it’s like a bougie Sky Mall) and instantly knew I needed to talk about it. This is a blanket and sheet set that comes pre-split down the middle, but not all the way to the end. You can tuck in the bottom and each person has their own sheet and blanket, which is 4 inches wider there is plenty of room. I LOVE this idea!
It wouldn’t be a true Valentines gift guide if there wasn’t at least 2 fragrances right? Hat tip to my sister Amy (who always has the low-down on great fragrances) for introducing me to Bar Fly. This cologne is advertised as a unisex fragrance and I could not agree more. I think it tends to lean a but more masculine but personally I have always been a fan of heavy, masculine scents on women. This scent features notes of citrus-herb, jasmine, sandalwood, musk and Madagascar vanilla. I used to love walking by the Scotch & Soda store in Pioneer Place on my lunch breaks and the smell of Bar Fly would waft under my nose. It is such an alluring and lovely fragrance.
I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling 22 (sorry I had to) our 10-year-old is obsessed with blankets. Especially ones that are extra fuzzy and cozy. This $10 blanket from Target fits the bill perfectly and is adorned with pink hearts. What’s not to love?!
I hate to include something so generically “manly”, but this little sucker is one of my husband’s favorite things. It keeps his whiskey cokes SO ice cold (as the name on the front would suggest) that the ice from his 6 o’clock cocktail is still intact the next morning. And it comes with a lid – which let’s be honest, shouldn’t all vessels meant to contain alcoholic beverages come with a lid?!
DW Home Coffee Cup Candles from TJ Maxx
Run! Don’t walk to TJ Maxx if you like these candles because I can only find them in-store. Are these not the cutest containers ever? I mean, the basic in me is just screaming. The only drawback are the scents – which sadly, are not my favorite but I am willing to overlook it for the rampant cuteness of the vessel. You could re-use as part of your decor and fill with conversation hearts! I MEAN.
And that is my list! What do YOU want for Valentines Day?
*Some of the items above were sent to me complimentary for review. All opinions are my own.
And while 2021 was definitely better than the dumpster fire that was 2020, I still feel like there is room for improvement. Especially for me. Namely –
Achieving decent hair volume (velcro rollers turned out to be a cardinal mistake, thanks TikTok!)
Addressing my frown and forehead lines (is this the year I try Botox? thoughts are welcomed)
Finding the perfect pair of baggy jeans appropriate for someone in their *cough* late 30’s *cough*
Doing anything related to working out/eating less Cheez Its and Little Debbies
Striving for better work-life balance
Focusing more on having fun and letting go
Ok that got semi-serious kinda fast. And I do not believe in setting typical new years resolutions for myself when I already have enough on my plate. But I do think that at least pondering ones upcoming personal goals is not a bad exercise right?
This New Year’s I will be going to dinner with my best friends and also celebrating my birthday. Here are the necessary components to making this occasion a smashing success (other than childcare, obvs).
First, a chill-pill. Lately I have really gotten into a few CBD products, especially these gummies from Keoni.
I have been taking one gummy after work, or anytime I feel like I could use some extra anxiety reduction. At first I was not sure if I felt anything at all, but after a few days the first thing I noticed was much less pain in my back. Typically after a long day of sitting at my desk, my back is super sore, but these have definitely been helping. I also just feel a nice “chill” feeling (not “high” in the least) throughout my whole body. You can read more about these gummies on their website, and they are also available on Amazon.
Next – a killer shower. In the Stars is literally my FAVORITE scent from Bath & Body Works and this moisturizing body wash does not disappoint!
It is thick, rich and leaves the skin delightfully scented. It also works amazingly as a shave cream.
Next it is best to do a sheet mask – I swear these things make all the difference in the world! They make makeup go on smoother, they plump the face – they do it all. Here are two I am super excited to try out from Soo’AE.
The Sweet Pink Bubble Mask (only $2.25!) helps remove impurities as it bubbles up to help soften and replenish the skin. This Panda Eye Brightening Mask (only $3!) targets dark circles and works to de-puff and revitalize the eye area. YES PLEASE!
One of my favorite beauty hacks of all time, are these amazing eye drops from Rohto. They take ALL the red out of the eyes and make the whites appear sparkling. I do not put these drops in very often (only for special occasions) and definitely talk to your doctor if you wear contact or have sensitive eyes.
A great bottle of champs/bubbly wine is a MUST when primping for NYE. Recently I tried this stunning bottle of Stella Rose Asti (I mean, how festive right?!) and deemed it the perfect “getting ready” drink. This Italian sparkling wine is semi-sweet, fruity, gluten-free, low-cal and low-alcohol. How amazing is that?!
When you order from Stella Rosa Wines, your bottles are shipped very securely ensuring they arrive in perfect condition.
Setting the “getting ready” vibe is key – and if you know me, you know I LOVE a candle. Right now, I am obsessed with this one from Broken Top Candle Co. This candle smells absolutely divine, with notes of jasmine, sweet cream, and driftwood. The throw is out of this world and easy fills a large room without being overkill. I have loved melting this candle as a welcome reprieve from all the holiday scents that are popular this time of year. It is fresh, warm and very soothing. Check out all the scent choices from Broken Top Candle Co. – there are so many good ones to choose from!
After the mood is right, it is time for makeup of course. An amazing lipstick is obviously a must. This bright pink shade in Hollyweird, by Urban Decay is really gorgeous.
Lastly, a fun outfit is a must! I like to opt for something cute but not super uncomfortable. This year, I happened upon a pair of faux leather joggers at – yes, Walmart. I paired it with a sparkly red tank (very Wet Seal circa 2004) and have myself an outfit for about $50!
And lastly, makeup removal and skin care! After a long night out, washing my face is the last thing on my mind. That is why I have been loving this convenient cleansing glove from Prato Botanico. Double-sided and made of bamboo, this ultra-plush glove is perfect for getting deep into pores to quickly remove stubborn makeup. It is super soft and really great for sensitive skin. I am never going back to just using my bare hands to wash my face!
And speaking of Prato Botanico, I have just started using their smoothing day cream and am beyond impressed. The ingredients are out of this world (hello hyaluronic acid, aloe, almond oil and grape seed oil!) and it is lightweight, yet SUPER hydrating and nourishing. I am totally in love so far!
I hope each and every one of you enjoy your New Year’s. No matter if you are sitting on your couch watching the SATC re-boot and eating leftover Christmas cookies, or attending a fabulous party. I love you all, see you in 2022!
*Some of the items above were sent to me complimentary for review. All opinions are my own.
I feel like such a BWG when I say it, but how is it November really? I feel like adulthood and parenting most notably makes you realize just how fast time is flying by. All of the sudden Clara is using full sentences and walking up the stairs without touching the railing. And E is already getting invited to boy-girl parties and shopping in the juniors section. And so, “Sunrise, Sunset” plays on a constant loop inside my brain and I cry silent tears as I make the hard decision to stop using Dreft on Clara’s clothes and realize E can almost start borrowing my clothes.
I MUST digress.
TBH honest this fall has been pretty darn tough. I have recently taken on a new role at work, a bit of a promotion really, and man is it pushing my limits. After roughly 15 yrs in the work force I think I have finally realized my strengths as a steadfast implementer. The big thinker, I am not not. But once I have a directive or goal – I am darn good at making it all happen. And I am getting better at streamlining processes along the way. The problem sometimes is that us “think outside the box”, make it happen people are not a dime a dozen. So others end up relying on us too much, they come to expect our hustle and ability to figure it out, and that can be tough to uphold day in and day out. I am still trying to find the balance, the rhythm and most importantly – the strength to speak up when things are out of control to maintain my poise, my stamina. OK work talk over.
While it has been a tough past few months, of course there have been joys.
We will start with pumpkin patches.
Yes, patches. I feel like one patch is sufficient each fall. You walk around in the mud, pet a goat, pay $9 for a couple donuts. But since Clara came along, it’s like BRING ON the patches. The girl just loves ’em. She really just loves pumpkins you guys. And she doesn’t even care that we don’t buy the pumpkins, she just likes being around them.
She also LIVES for Halloween. We have been talking about it all year. And she had costumes chosen for us all.
How could I NOT be Daisy Duck for this tot? But the best part was the organization of E’s candy, as evidenced here:
Oh, and I finally got around to hanging up my Dorothy M. Davis (my grandma) original oil painting. What a beaut!
Other notable highlights include Clara’s first Blazers game of the season, some great wagon rides, walks, couch-time and some corduroy overalls (for me).
Stay tuned for a few updated beauty favorites next week! Happy fall everyone :).
You all knew this was coming. And really, so did I. But I think what I have to say may baffle, shock, even amaze you. So here it is – I do not really care when Clara potty trains. But before you clutch your pearls, know this: we have been solely at home. Clara has not gone to daycare a day in her life. We are lucky enough to have two wonderful people (Grandma and Auntie) who come over during the week and watch her until nap time. So as a result, any urgency with potty training has been shelved. But alas, I know once she does finally enroll in preschool or go to daycare, potty training and toilet use are ubiquitous. I know this needs to happen at some point, but my person laissez-faire parenting style has gotten me this far. Why change now? Homegirl will participate when she’s ready yeah?
First of all, we definitely have a potty-dancer on our hands. SHE KNOWS when she has to go and dances excitedly to show it. Running in place, clutching herself ala Michael Jackson – her body is letting her know. Her brain is the asshole in this equation, making her exclaim, “NO!” very loudly when we tell her to sit on the toilet.
We have tried sitting with her. Taking her into the bathroom with us, or her sister when we go. We reward her when she tries, verbally and with an m&m or two. But it is just not clicking. And I am not frustrated, more perplexed. What is going to be the thing that makes it come together?
One method we have recently introduced is Pinky Bear! This kit includes an interactive board book called “Potty Train with Pinky Bear”, and of course the plush Pinky Bear who is designed with a little front pouch to hold special surprises.
Here’s how we did it: We read the book to Clara while she sat on the potty, talked about Pinky Bear with her and when she was finished – we brought them together. Video disclaimer: kindly ignore our 90’s Olive Garden wall paper and my gaggy, overly excited voice. I can’t help it.
So far, we’ve had pretty decent success with Pinky Bear. Clara gets excited to read the book and see what Pinky has in store for her if she sits on the potty. And while we have not had an abundance of successful potty sessions, at least she is trying!
Pinky Bear was sent to me for review and can be purchased on Amazon here! Also worth noting – Potty Train with Pinky Bear has won the National Parenting Center Seal of Approval and a Mom’s Choice Award Honoring Excellence.
I will keep you all updated on our success, as I am sure you thrilled about. If you have any potty training tips or wisdom, I am all ears!
How on earth did this happen? January through May is like one endless blob of time and the months do not matter because nothing is happening and all we do is sit in front of our $40 happy lights from Costco. Then it’s June and we blink and it’s the 4th of July and there is a fire ban so we buy our kids a pack of sparklers and pop-its and are patriotic for exactly 24 hours. Then August blazes by and all of the sudden we’re getting excited about pumpkin patches again. Then it’s New Years Eve. It’s madness it is.
I love summer. Revel in it. I owe everyone a summer re-cap really. We have gone on a few little family jaunts and the lessons learned are bountiful. If these lessons had titles, they would go something like, “Cocomelon and You”. And, “So What if She Doesn’t Fit in the Pack and Play?” Sure we’ve had our struggles, but each moment has been so much fun – thank you vaccine!
A few newly discovered items have come ’round this summer . And here they are!
The world’s softest baby pajamas are also available in adult things! This blush pink pajama set is trimmed in cloud and made in their signature bamboo blend fabric. I may never take these off. Seriously the most comfortable set of pajamas I own.
This toddler twirl dress in the shade sunset has been a summer staple for Clara. The fit is absolutely perfect and the drape of the skirt makes it totally perfect for twirling. We are in love!
Thanks to my buddy Renata for pointing these out at Ulta! These are great for thin hair, no damage and adorable. They do stretch out very slightly over time, but only after LOTS of use and who cares at $4 a set?
The Revy skincare system has been a huge hit with our 10-yr old. She LOVES having “her own skincare regiment” and this one is simple to use and amazing for her sensitive skin! At 10 years old, we are still in the years of not being psyched about personal hygiene, yet the hormones are ramping up. These products have kept her skin clear, healthy and nourished. Revy only uses the cleanest of ingredients in their products, and all are plant-based. With free US shipping on orders, we are such fans!
YOU GUYS. These friggen’ little gummies actually work! I have been taking them for about a month now and holy smokes – my nails have been growing SO fast and are very thick. Also, NO JOKE my hair has grown significantly more in the last month. I am stunned. I have even gotten compliments that my skin looks better! I am a believer in these things and will continue to buy them. Also sidenote – I only take 2 of the purple collagen gummies per day rather than the recommended 4.
This has easily become my new favorite beauty sponge. They come in 5 different colors, are SUPER soft and bouncy and are on sale right now for only $6 each! However I might be more obsessed with the cases – they protect your sponge for travel and are made of a silicone material that is super soft. No more dirty beauty sponge floating around in MY makeup bag, thank you! This brand is owned by Amanda Effiom, a Nigerian beauty blogger (check out her insta) and hello – check out the messaging on the case. Absolute perfection!
If you have not tried one of these MAGICAL dish rags…sorry but you need one. Or several. Whoever invented these is a genius. They absorb 20 times their weight in liquid AND one cloth replaces 17 rolls of paper towels. And they are lemon print. I MEAN — GTFO. This adorable set comes with 2 cloths and a little hanger. I am in LOVE.
This set contains 7 items and 3 are full-sized. I was in the market for a new face sunscreen and the Dr. Brandt version in this set retails for $65 on it’s own!
The other products in this set are super impressive. A full sized mascara and Nars lipgloss? Uh yes please.
The smaller sized items are also great, especially the Milk Makeup cream blush!
And speaking of sunscreen, allow me to introduce you to a new favorite! This stuff is absolutely wonderful. It sinks nicely into the skin, has SPF 45, smells like lavender AND is all-natural. Hat tip to my good buddy Anna for bringing this into my life.
YOU GUYS. Buy this in bulk. This body lotion smells like heaven on earth, both limey and tropical. It is the perfect treat for your skin after being in the sun!
This bright fuchsia lipgloss features a beautiful blue translucent shift and subtle sparke that is gorgeous when it catches the light. The blue undertone and shift make teeth look white but be warned, this only looks good with a bit of a tan (I recommend fake). It is also a bit sticky, but I find the texture does keep it a bit “glossier”. This is another tribute to lovely Anna who wore this gloss in Palm Springs and made me a believer.
I grabbed this .98 cent lipstick a few weeks ago and have been reaching for it nonstop. If you cannot already tell, I have been digging the bright pinks as of late, and this little powerhouse delivers on all fronts. It is a true frost, and if you have not tried the good ol’ Wet’n’Wild lipstick formula – do yourself a favor and grab a couple. I especially like the $1.99 formuals.
Ok so this is one of the best leave-ins I have tried. And not just because it smells like COOKIES (yes it does), but because my hair is looking vastly better after using it. I am obsessed with this and want to try more products from the line. ALSO – I bought this at a local salon but just discovered it is on Amazon!
Thanks to my Aunt Sandi for introducing these amazing drink mixes into my life. And let me start by saying that I am a Crystal Light girl. A Diet Coke gal. A Fresca fan. I do not like pressed juices, kombucha, kefir, green smoothies – basically anything good for me. It was a problem. That is until I tried these! These have allll the greens you need and are packed with vitamins. But the best part is that they taste great – lemon +lime and slightly fizzy. I had been experiencing some issues with my blood (low B12, white blood cell count, etc.) and I really think these helped my levels normalize.
Alright guys, that is it for today. Stay tuned for a lengthy vacation post soon!
*Disclaimer: This is a brain-dump post. I am not an expert and do not know what I am doing most of the time. Please take that into consideration.
Nobody warns you that when you get pregnant and start to imagine what kind of a parent you will be, that in all actuality – you have no idea. You might think you know. You might think you will be the parent who will be a nurturer, a disciplinarian, a softy, a co-sleeper, a teacher, etc. etc. You think it is up to you to decide. Well after all these years of being a mom (and step-mom) I am here to report that unfortunately, you do not get a say. You do not get a say in what makes up your primal, ingrained DNA. You do not get a say in how you inherently react, judge situations, and most importantly – feel. It would be so great if we could choose.
I would choose to be a level-headed mom. Super flexible, rolling with the punches and feeling great about each milestone. I would take her growth in stride, marvel at each new independence and applaud our shared progress.
Turns out, I am the anxious, over-thinking, starved-for-attention mom. I am the parent who questions our decision to sleep train on a DAILY basis because I have a daughter who cannot (and has not) ever slept in the same bed as me past infancy. The level-headed mom would relish this fact. What an accomplishment! But I do not relish it. I hate it. I develop canker sores and a suppressed-appetite at how much I hate it (don’t worry I am in therapy). Now, I realize this is not solely due to our decision to sleep train, but my brain has decided it is a major factor.
Turns out, I want the co-dependent relationship where she can only fall asleep next to me. Where she hangs off of me at all hours of the day. Where she cries out for me in new situations and where I get to see the relief in her eyes when I embrace her. When I share this about myself to other parents, I am met with “You do not want a clingy child! It is so hard!”. And absolutely yes, I know the grass is always greener blah blah blah. But when it comes to the relationship I have with Clara, I only get this one shot. I can never know how things would have turned out if we would have made different decisions. There is a HUGE possibility she would have turned out the same – a very independent little gal who is very social and very comfortable in new situations.
Who knows, you know?
Well, this much I know. If the ladder is true and Clara is just who she is and the sleep training thing had nothing to do with her ingrained independence then I am afraid I have bad news. I am pretty sure that you kinda just get the kid you get. Furthermore, I feel that (in some cases anyway) we get a kid that is going to bring out something in us. We sometimes get a kid that really challenges us. For example:
You are introverted, but your kid is totally an extrovert.
You are a dare-devil, but your kid is super cautious.
You get it.
For me, it would go something like – you want your kid to need you, and they don’t…Man, that hurt to type. And while I know that of course, she needs me (she is only 2.5) she doesn’t need me in the way I want to be needed. Totally on me. End rant. If you struggle or have struggled with anything in this realm, drop me a line. And if you are a parent of grown children and are like, “NO DUH Natalie”, take it easy on me. I’m a first-timer over here.
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