So the summer is just flying by for me. Anyone else?

I blame June. June was an asshole this year. Just abysmal and then all of the sudden it was the 4th of July and I have barely had any watermelon or walked around outside without shoes on. Luckily I think we’ve had enough nice days to qualify as a pseudo-summer, at the very least. My summer usually involves air-dried hair, no makeup, shorts, birks and a rotation of about 5 tee shirts. This summer is no exception, however a few new items have snuck their way in and I thought they were all worthy of a mention. Or as many as a 30-something lady can safely handle.

CLOTHING

Veronica M – Josephine Smocked Halter Jumpsuit

(Photos courtesy of my stepdaughter!)

You guys, I think I have found the world’s most perfect jumpsuit for tall girls. This one from Veronica M, has a smocked waist and bust, making it perfect for a longer torso AND it has a halter tie neck so it is totally adjustable. I have never found a romper or jumpsuit that fits me this well! The bright floral print is so fun and also fiercely feminine. I have been wearing this non-stop, and love that I can pair it with basic sandals for a casual look, or heels to dress it up.

Joy Lab Clothing

Has anyone else tried the Joy Lab brand from Target? My sister Megan turned me on to this brand, and compared the quality to Lululemon. I have slowly started accumulating a few things from Joy Lab and could not be more impressed with the quality.

These French terry mid-rise shorts have been my new wardrobe staple. The quality is amazing, especially for something you can get at Target! Highly recommend!

Where Light Prescription Sunglasses

I ordered 3 pairs of glasses from Where Light a couple of months ago for $41. That comes out to like $13 a pair – and they’re all prescription! These sunglasses are super fun, very comfortable and best of all, I can see! I also got 2 pairs of oversized regular glasses (1 pictured below) and they are so fun. My mom told me I look ridiculous but I LIKE THEM.

Pantuss Sandal Slippers

Not sure about all of you, but in the summer my feet take a beating. Maybe it’s because I have always been really hard on them, or maybe its the fact that I have flat feet? Whatever the case, these slip on sandal slippers from Pantuss are simply amazing. What makes them so unique is the removeable soles that are filled with flax seeds and lavender that you throw in the microwave for 30 seconds to heat up. Then you slip your tired feet into the warm, fluffy and aromatic slippers and truly feel like you are having a day at the spa.

BEAUTY/HEALTH

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Lemon

I have been trying to work more collagen into my beverages with the Vital Proteins collagen powders. Recently I was sent this lemon version from Influenster (which if you have not signed up for – I highly recommend it!) and love the flavor! I have been mixing 2 scoops in to a tall glass of water and it really just tastes like a not-too-sweet glass of lemonade. Love it!

Love Beauty and Planet Vitamin Gummies

I started taking these hair and nails vegan vitamin gummies from Love Beauty and Planet and have really been enjoying them. My nails are growing faster and stronger than ever! Also, these gummies taste good and are heart-shaped so basically what’s not to love?!

Maybelline Cheek Heat Cream Blush in Pink Scorch

I am almost through an entire tube of this amazing cream/gel blush from Maybelline! I love the consistency, super fun to apply. It is also just the right amount of color once you rub it in. I have been applying this with either my fingers, or a dense stippling brush and it is just stunning on the skin. The shade Pink Scorch is a nice cool pink – which I actually find suits my skin quite nicely. I want to try all of the colors, and at about $6 a tube, it is definitely happening.

Sol de Janeiro Coco Cabana Body Mist

Allow me to introduce you all to my signature summer scent! I just bought this not long ago, and am already over 1/3 of the way through the bottle. If you want to smell like an absolute snack, go get you some of this. The website says this smells of “young green coconut cream, tropical orchid, and toasted praline”, which I do agree with. The combination of sweet coconut with the soft floral and that unmistakable Sol de Janeiro toasted praline is just *chef’s kiss*.

HOME

Splish Splash Hand Poured Soy Candle in French Vanilla

This candle has been keeping me company in my office and smells (to me, anyway) just like vanilla ice cream – smooth, sweet and irresistibly delicious! Splish Splash is an awesome small business out of Vancouver Canada that makes small batch handmade products with natural,cruelty-free, vegan, paraben free, sulfate-free, and phthalate-free ingredients. I also have the pineapple colada lip balm and it is among my new favorites!

The Laundress Fabric Fresh No. 723

If I haven’t made this abundantly clear already, I am fairly obsessed with scented things. I want my whole world to smell nice and if I could, I would have everything I own smell like this stuff. The Laundress describes the scent as “blooming with Damask rose, geranium, jasmine, and warm notes of amber and wood” but I call it heaven. Basically if you want your sheets, towels, couch or any other fabric items to smell like a bougie hotel – just get yerself some of this. Oh yeah, this scent is also available in detergent, fabric softener, and a candle!

Scentsy Pink Sugarberry Mint Wax Bar

Apparently all my summer home favorites are scented items! If I have not told you all this already, this wax bar from Scentsy has completely and totally won me over. I have it in my car now, and will probably be buying it in every product they offer before the summer is over. Scentsy describes this as “plump raspberry is delightfully dusted with sugar and the sweetest hint of peppermint”, which I halfway agree with if you added in a cotton candy note. It is amazing and actually ON SALE right now. And if you do not have a person to order from, feel free to use my amazing friend and Scentsy gal, Ashlee!

And that’s the list for now kidlets. Stay tuned for our Disneyland trip recap, it’s in the works!

The title says it all folks.

We’re embarking on a maiden voyage south to Palm Springs and eventually, (hopefully) Disneyland. We do not take this lightly. David and I have a pretty good idea of what we’re in for. And so, armed with our Genie+ passes, my best tenni-runners and David’s voraciousness, we shall make the pilgrimage! We shall rent that red Disney stroller! We shall regret renting the stroller! We will brave the lines and fight our way through the covidy crowds to pay $20 for the elusive marshmallow churro! WE SHALL OVERCOME!!!

But really, you kinda have to embrace this attitude if you’re going to tackle this itinerary:

• Fly into Palm Springs where temperatures are expected to be over 110 degrees
• Drive to Anaheim and stay 2 nights – California Adventure then Disneyland
• Drive back to Palm Springs
• Fly home

I mean, I would be worried if David and I weren’t listening to Jock Jams every night to prepare ourselves.

But as crazy as this all sounds, we are all SO EXCITED. Clara is at the age where she absolutely adores Mickey and Minnie and of course alllll the princesses. E cannot wait to get on all the roller coasters and stay up later (she is 11 after all). As for me? I am going to be on a serious hunt for all the Disney treats I’ve been lusting after on TikTok.

The next few days will of course be spent packing us up and I figured what better time to show you all a few items I will be bringing along.

For the children –

Tadpool Life Jacket with UPF 50 (similar here)

This little swim shirt/floaties/puddle jumper hybrid has been the best investment. It keeps our 3.5 year old afloat, has a little strap in the back so we can kind of guide her around the pool, and contains UPF for sun protection. It is perfect.

Sunnies Sunglasses

Clara outgrew all of her baby sunglasses so it was time to find a new pair. Sunnies sunglasses for kids are durable, polarized, comfortable and best of all – super cute! Totally fit the bill and Clara wears them so well!

Toddler Headphones

It was high-time we get Clara a set of her own headphones. Frankly idk how we have lasted this long with out them. I did a little research and landed on these babies for about $20. They can be wireless or wired, have volume controls (so they don’t hurt their ears), and have a 15 hour battery life. Win!

Fanny Pack

We got E this cute black fanny pack (worn around her chest, as per the cool kids) to wear and stay hands-free. So cute, lightweight and adjustable!

Melissa and Doug Triangular Crayons

These hearty crayons will not roll around on the plane or under couches and the come in a little case to stay organized! Because obviously we always stay organized ;).

For me –

OSD Beauty Blueberry Scrub

A good body scrub is 100% necessary if self-tanning is in your future. Since the current color of my skin is what I can only describe as translucent, I will be self tanning before photos are taken. Exfoliation is of course a key step and this scrub from OSD Beauty totally fits the bill. This one combines sea salt with nourishing blueberry seed and jojoba oil to work double duty – getting rid of dead skin while locking in moisture. I am obsessed!

Urban Originals Stay Longer Tote

You guys. This is what mom dreams are made of. This baby is giant, almost big enough to qualify as a weekender, but still perfectly acceptable as a purse. Read: the perfect travel bag. It is made of soft, cruelty-free, low-chemical materials and has two different handle sizes to switch from hand to shoulder. It also has several interior pockets including one with card slots and a detachable key chain.

Check out the capacity of this bag –

I mean – wallet, BIG makeup pouch, princess shoes AND wand?! And still more room.

It also helps that I myself, am giant. Look how perfect we look together.

Ok I will stop raving! Urban Original carries SO many great options – backpacks, crossbody’s, wallets, you name it. I think I need to get their Astro Tote next!

Atrac Phone Holder

I have been wanting something like this for quite awhile now. I love my Kate Spade wallet, but it zips all the way around, does not hold my phone and doesn’t have a wrist strap. Atrac has so many great products that address this exact issue. All of their products include clips and work with their system of magnetic straps.

Once a magnetic keychain strap is attached, you can use it as a traditional wristlet, wrapping it around your bicycle, stroller handle, shopping cart, or loop it and secure it around your bag. This wristlet keychain attaches to most metal surfaces with built-in magnets. I like to use the long strap in place of a purse hook at Blazer games, restaurants, the park, etc. to keep my bag off the gross floor! Can’t recommend these products enough.

California Cowboy La Sirena Robe

The La Sirena robe from California Cowboy is a quintessential Palm Springs staple. These robes are made from a blend of BCI cotton, modal, and tencel for absorption. The ultimate poolside robe, these babies are terry-cloth lined, come equipped with a dry pocket for tech storage, a CHAMPAGNE pocket, secure sunglasses loop, and interior ties making it unflappable.

I will be living next to the pool, in this robe, if you need me.

Bae Six All Day ‘Err Day Face Moisturizer SPF 35 PA+++

Cute packaging, fun name and a great product? Yes please. This lightweight, super hydrating moisturizer contains SPF 35 and PA+++ which is a high level of protection against UVA (superior to SPF IMO). I have been wearing this under my makeup for that extra kick of sun protection and everything has been staying put nicely!

LA Fresh Deodorant Wipes

So much easier to carry around than a stick of deodorant, these all-natural wipes will be great to distribute as needed. They do not leave behind a white residue and are compostable!

For David –

California Cowboy Wagyu Fleece Crew

David always mentions how strong my loungewear game is, especially when we travel. I am always sure to don the comfiest attire because really, at 6 feet tall and being perpetually cold – airplanes are awful. I thought it high time that David own a quality, super-comfy piece. This crewneck sweatshirt is possibly the nicest quality, softest sweatshirt I’ve ever felt. Made from a US bamboo blend this sweatshirt (I am quoting directly from their website), “elevates your skin to foodie status so your Après game can get bullish”. I mean! I want to be friends with whoever wrote that.

Did I mention that each purchase from California Cowboy comes with a pack of conversation starter cards?

Cooling Towel

You heard me right, it is going to be over 110 degrees in California. David starts roasting around 80 so I am trying to stay ahead of the game with some cooling products. He has used this little cooling towel after playing basketball outdoors in the summer and it feels great. Maybe I should order a few more of these…

Personal Fan

I think we’re all sensing a theme here. And that theme is – don’t overheat! I couple of these will be great to whip out as we perspire while waiting in line to meet Gaston. Because we 100% will be waiting in line for that.

Men’s Mickey Mouse Tee Shirt

I got this super-soft tee shirt for David to wear at Disney. I know the red “Hakuna Matata” tee is super popular amongst the Disney Dads rn, but this one is more David’s speed and it is just subtle Disney.

And that is the list my friends! To any Disney or hot weather vets out there – what am I missing?

Hullo friends.

If you have been here awhile you might already know what I am about to say. Long ago, I made a promise to myself and to all of you that this little blog of mine would stay open and honest. You guys have seen me through some of my best and worst days.

Exhibit A: 2011 OH DEAR GOD

You’ve watched as I have dealt with issues like hair loss and giant age-spots. And now, as I enter my late 30’s it is time we embark on a new adventure.

And as common as Botox, fillers and other small cosmetic procedures are, I wonder why more women my age aren’t talking about them. Where are the Instagram stories of women leaving the med-spa with captions that say, “Fresh Botox, who dis?!”. And yet from what I understand, lots of women are doing this. Are we embarrassed? Are we afraid of judgment? If that is the case, I volunteer as tribute.

But first, as you might have guessed, a disclaimer:

I know that Botox, injectables, plastic surgery, and the like, are controversial to put it mildly. And believe me when I say that my views on cosmetic enhancements as a whole seem to constantly evolve. One day I’m like, “Aging is beautiful! Who cares about wrinkles?! Why is there an unfair standard for women to look young while ol’Clooney sits back and just gets hotter?!”. Then the next day I am inspecting my neck skin in a 10X magnifying mirror and googling “facial exercises” and “affordable neck lift”. OF COURSE the pressure that so many women feel to look younger and to spend astronomical amounts of money on treatments is, at the end of the day, bullsh*t. If Hollywood and society as a whole could just embrace aging (among many other things), we would be in a different place, wouldn’t we? And let me be clear, I am in no way hating on cosmetic treatments, plastic surgery, any of it. Because I also believe that our bodies are just that – ours. And if lip filler, breast implants, liposuction, etc. will provide happiness or contentedness, then by all means! Hopefully I have articulated my opinions on this clearly. I love, accept, and appreciate every BODY.

So that brings me to ME. Late December, after seeing a particularly wrinkly image of myself (we’ve all had that experience, right?) I decided I wanted to try Botox, or some kind of injections in my face. I was uneasy about it and not entirely sure what route I wanted to take. I ended up doing a virtual consultation with a local med-spa to no avail. 100% do not recommend this tactic. I then spent some time thinking about the financial aspect of it because I don’t know about you, but I want to get a ballpark idea of what I’m in for. I would see Botox specials for $10 – $12 per unit around town, but exactly how many units would I need? 5? 500? After doing some research, I settled on about 20-30 units or roughly $300. I was able to find an excellent deal at a local place, and promptly made an appointment.

I kept the appointment a secret, even from my husband. And when the big day finally came round, I muttered a “be right back” as I casually hopped in the car like I was going on a grocery store run. I was nervous. Don’t get me wrong, I am no friend of the needle – but I think it had way more to do with what this all meant, rather than what it was. All at once the gravity of what I was doing struck me. I was getting older. It was a strange feeling.

And because I knew I was going to be writing about my experience, of course I took pictures and videos.

Here is a video of me wrinkling up my face on the way there: (don’t come for me for taking a video while driving, I was literally turning into the parking lot and was kinda late).

DISCLAIMER: I cannot be held responsible for the ridiculous faces made in the following videos or my general state in the photos. I am a full-time working mom, this is real life.

And here I am with a totally relaxed face, right before going in:

Here’s how it went down:

I did a quick consultation and explained what I was after:

• Natural, no frozen forehead. I need to emote.
• Deep wrinkle prevention.

Overall, I explained that I just want to prevent the deep-set wrinkles from forming (especially the dreaded elevens) and possibly lifting my left eyebrow slightly (it droops). We settled upon injections into the space between my eyes (the elevens) and a row across my forehead. They prepped me and before I knew it, I was done.

One thing I was not fully prepared for was how badly it would hurt. I get IPL regularly and that hurts decently. These injections were comparable to a bee sting, which really wasn’t bad until she did one right in the center of my forehead. It hurt like 5x worse than all the rest and immediately the nurse said “yeah, that one might bruise a little”. Ugh, of course!

Here I am the next day. You can kinda see the spot right in the middle of my forehead where I had the painful injection.

Video from the day after:

Video from 2 days after:

5 days after: You can see the bruise on my forehead has grown. The bruise under my eye is from Clara head-butting me.

Annnnd, 2 weeks later the “final” result:

I would say I am very happy with how it all turned out. I still had a little movement in my forehead but it definitely does the trick!

Fast forward to now and it has been 4 months since I got Botox. They recommend going again after 3 months, especially after the first time because apparently your body absorbs it quicker. I was told that the more you get, eventually, the less frequently you’ll have to get it. I suppose I will probably go again in the fall and possibly try for 3 times next year. In terms of unit amounts and injection sites, I think I will stick to talking about it with the nurse each time I go. I want to stay very conservative and mostly use this as a preventative measure.

And that’s my journey you guys! Whew! If you are still reading, thank you for sticking with me. And if you have gotten Botox or injections and feel comfortable sharing, I would love to hear about your experience, tips, comments, questions, anything. Feel free to comment or write me a message at nataliediaries@gmail.com.

Guys, we’ve almost made it through April!

And you know what that means – Mother’s Day. The day we celebrate all the moms. And while hanging flower baskets, making brunch reservations, and buying massage gift cards are all well and nice, here are a few other items I would like to propose for consideration. Please review and get back to me with your comments by EOD.

Oh brother, I have been working too much.

Betty Bath Mat

I know what you’re thinking, it’s a bath mat. But this one IS SO PRETTY. I would love it if someone gave me this bath mat. It gives Diptyque vibes.

Mixbook Photo Book

I have made a few photobooks in my day and lemme tell ya – this one is by far the best. Pictured above is the 8.5 x 8.5″ Classic Square Premium Leather with Matte Dust Jacket and it was an absolutely joy to put together. The website is super easy to use and they offer tons of different layouts, themes, fonts, and colors to choose from.

Demeter Fragrances

I’ve always known Demeter Fragrances to come out with some, let’s just say, interesting scents. Take for example, Dirt, Paperback (although I do love the smell of an old library book), and Earthworm. However, this scent in Watermelon Blossom is spring perfection. It is freshy, juicy, and offers just a hint of soft florals. Another option that I truly love is the Vanilla Cake Batter scent, because who doesn’t want to smell like a snack?

Soo’AE Skin Care Kits

Soo’AE skincare has proven to be effective, nourishing, and best of all – easy on the wallet. This kit features some of their newest products from the black charcoal collection.

I also highly recommend the phyto-collagen products, especially the shampoo.

K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

Perfect for anyone with damaged hair, this leave-in mask is supposed to be superior to the ever-popular Olaplex and comes highly recommended by my famous sister-in-law (check her out on IG!). While it is quite spendy, the results apparently speak for themselves.

Arze Crystal Moon Serum Gel

Arze plant-based skincare is vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, and sustainable. It is handcrafted in small batches in the USA and is a woman-owned business. This serum aids in the body’s production of collagen and helps to reduce hyper pigmentation (YES PLEASE). I have been using it for a few weeks now and have been very impressed – not oily or sticky, it sinks nicely into the skin and does not clog pores.

They have an extensive offering of products, including face masks, oils, perfume, and body sprays. Right now, you can use code MOMLOVE for 30% off until May 11th.

Cushionaire Slides

Who doesn’t want a pair of super comfy summer slides? I do not personally own these yet, but it is just a matter of time. I have been a ride-or-die Adidas Comfort Slide for years but these babies could turn me. As long as they don’t make my already large feet appear even larger, I am totally down.

Diptype Beverly Hills Candle

Speaking of Diptyque…you all know I am not one to regularly endorse $80 candles, but this one is just so special. Look at the color and design! The notes are white flowers, lemon and mint. COME ON. And really, what says “I love you mom” more than an $80 candle?

Sugarfina Rainbow Bento Box

I mean…how “sweet” is this?! Three delicious boxes of candy packaged in a beautiful rainbow-shaped box? I feel like this is superior to a box of chocolates, although maybe not a box of See’s Candies. Those have a special place in my heart.

What are you getting for the mom in your life?

Any Guys and Dolls fans out there?!

No? Just me?

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…

My anti-SAD fuchsia puffy coat

My people.

My love.

TY for listening.