bare Minerals Liquid Foundation

I love beauty products and I am open to trying new things.  One of my favorite new discoveries is bareMinerals bareskin foundation and applicator brush.  When I saw that bareMinerals has a new liquid foundation I jumped at the chance to try it.  I have fair, freckly skin so I went with "bare shell" and it's perfect for my tone.  I recommend finding a shade that is a shade or two lighter than your actual skin color.  Don't let the outer bottle color convince you-make sure you test the color on your skin before you commit.  Also, the dedicated foundation brush is a must when purchasing.  It enables the best possible application.  Place a few drops in the well of the brush and buff into the skin starting at the forehead, cheeks, chin and nose.  Apply a couple more drops when necessary.  I like the coverage that this foundation provides as well as the lightweight nature. It's hydrating and leaves no "cakey" residue. I like the light, hydrating feeling that this foundation gives.  It's perfect coverage for summer-not too

think or heavy.  

Lightweight, easy to apply and perfect amount of coverage.  Perfect for this busy mom that wants a natural look when I run out the door.

Here are some more great bareMineral foundations liquid as well as powder:

Sunscreens

It's so important to have great sunscreens.  I am super fair and I don't like to leave the house without it especially when we hit the beach and pool.  Spring break is here and summer is right around the corner so I must be armed with the best sun protection.  The sun can do some major damage even though it feels so nice to soak it all in after such a long winter.  When our family hits the beach and pool we slather on the protection before we head out. Here are some of my faves. 

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Always have one of these in your bag this summer-sun protection at its best.

Neutrogena SPF 15 & Above · Mustela SPF 15 & Above · philosophy SPF 15 & Above

Spring Forward Birch Box

The weather here has been so dreary!  Today is all rain and I keep saying to the kids, "April Showers Bring May Flowers!"  I really am hoping we have flowers in May!  Although most days it is still feeling like winter around here I have been loving the fresh spring products from my March Birchbox and I wanted to share them with you.  It was a great box!  I loved everything including the Cherry Blossom perfume and I'm not normally a floral scent perfume liker:)

Lotsa fun stuff!  I love the full-size Stila Lip Glaze.  I adore the twist dial and built in brush applicator makes it super easy to apply.

Another favorite is the Jergens BB Body Perfecting Cream.  It's a lightly tinted moisturizer that's thick but not greasy and leaves the skin super soft.  I want to go out and get the full size of this one for sure!

The Supergoop is a sunscreen and anti-aging serum.  It is a hydrating mosituizer that acts as a perfect primer under your everyday make-up.

The Air Repair Rescue Balm repairs dry and cracked skin on cuticles, hands, elbows, knees. Perfect for  hydrating all of the post winter areas that need some extra attention.

Cherie Blossom by Harvey Prince is an airy spring scent with a touch of musk that I like.  It's youthful and light and perfect for the warmer months ahead.

Click below for more information on these great March Birch Box products.

Stila Lip Gloss · Supergoop! Skin Care · DERMSTORE Eye Care

My First BirchBox Is Here

I got my first Birchbox!!!  I was so excited to open my first one.  I love trying new products and this little baby is only $10/month.  I am sure I would be spending way more searching for the very best. And here it is….the anticipation is too much I'm sure!!!

TaDa…….

The editors at US Weekly teamed up with Birchbox to give us celebrity favorites this month.

This Wish body cream smells incredible-a hint of raspberry but clean and fresh and not at all overpowering.  It is very thick but goes on light and doesn't leave a greasy residue.  Great for an after shower moisturizer.

Dr. Brandt is a lightly tinted cream that you would apply under your regular make up as a primer. It's a pore minimizer-not really sure if it actually shrinks your pores or helps to conceal.

I really like this Skin Transformer by Sarah McNamara.  It lightens and brightens your skin just a bit and it is especially nice to use under the eyes for a bright eye look that you know I love.

This perfume has a hint of musk but not overwhelming.  

Haven't tried the teas yet but am looking forward to tearing one open this afternoon especially on this snowy day and yes it's March 5th and still snowing!-ugh

What do you think about my first Birchbox???

I'm already looking forward to what April brings!

Face in Five

We all have our mornings, or days for that matter, when we don't have time for full on make-up.  Time is on your side with this quick five minute face. 

After having my first child I discovered that I felt so much better and awake when I put a little make-up on-even if I was running out the door.  I don't like to wander too far from home without a fresh face so a little make-up in little time is the way for me.  Here is what I do on most days and it's perfect for moms that want to look put together without looking overdone.

Step 1: Apply BB cream.  It's an all in one product.  It acts as a moisturizer, sunscreen, and it evens out skin tones.  

Step 2: Apply concealer under eyes and on minor imperfections-can't live without mine.

Step 3: Use bronzer with large brush on cheek bones, forehead and nose.

Step 4: Apply mascara on upper lashes.

Step 5: Finish with sheer lip gloss.

It's not too much make-up and it's not none:)  Just enough for a fresh face look on a busy,

multi-tasking mom.  Making myself look and feel put together even if I'm not!

If you want more information click on the products below.

NARS Lip Gloss · M·A·C Mascara · Clinique Pressed Powder

Natural Love

I have discovered over the years that coconut oil is an awesome natural moisturizer!  I love it!!!  A little bit goes a long way and it makes your skin oh so soft without all of extras.  Hello whipped coconut oil on my dry, cracking, winter skin.  

Whipped Coconut Oil Lotion

1/2 cup coconut oil-comes in a solid form 

10 drops of your favorite essential oil-

Rose is perfect for Valentine's Day, but I love lemon-clean and fresh

First off I do have to say that I do not recommended this recipe for people living in tropical climates as the oil will liquefy in warm temperatures and become useless.  But it's perfect for everyone else not lucky enough to live where its warm all year.  

Whisk the solid coconut oil in your Kitchen Aid or electric mixer.  When the oil starts to soften and become whipped add your essential oils.  Continue to mix until it becomes light and fluffy.  Package in jars and enjoy the smoothing results.  

FYI coconut oil has a shelf life of approximately 1 year.  I store mine in the bathroom under the sink.

Package your little lotions in small tins or mason jars and they make the perfect natural gift for Valentine's Day!

Like Chocolate

Trapped inside with four kids in the dead of winter will make you try crazy things.  School was out once again, and today we had Chocolate Spa Day at our house.  With Valentine's Day right around the corner, I found it necessary to celebrate the month of chocolate and slather it all over our faces.  You know if the fanciest spas offer chocolate services, then we too can indulge in this special treat!  For the kids-pure chocolate bliss and for me a skin treatment that left me with silky smooth skin.  Check out our Chocolate Spa Day, featuring the chocolate facial and then go give yourself one!

Chocolate Facial 

1 Tablespoon cocoa powder
1 teaspoon sugar

2 teaspoons honey

2 teaspoons plain yogurt

1 teaspoon coconut oil-melted

Mix honey, melted coconut oil and yogurt in a small bowl.  Slowly add cocoa powder and sugar and continue to stir well.  Spread on a clean face using a small brush.  Let sit 15 minutes and then rinse with warm water.

Your face will LOVE you!

Wide Awake

I can't tell you the last time hubsy and I slept in.  It's been years and years and years-seriously so long I can't even begin to remember when.  We dream about the morning when we roll over and look at the clock and it's 830 and the house is quiet. -It's just seems impossible to have all four roosters sleeping past 7.  Well it happened this past weekend….our dream.  We rolled over and it was 830!!!  Glory Be!  Our children were quiet and we were completely rested!  What a way to start the day.  I was seriously giddy and for a moment thought to myself…. today is the day I won't need my eye concealer. Ha-that would be a real dream!  I do have a very basic everyday eye make-up routine.  I don't try too hard but feel like as I'm getting older I need help to achieve the non-surgical wide-awake look.-Chime in Katy Perry!  These are my favorite basics for just that-minimal everyday eyes for tired moms.

So I begin by using Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream for eyes and place it all over underneath both eyes-this is my exhausted eraser, magic on a brush.  Next I use Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Shadow in mushroom and I use that as my liner and base shadow-multipurpose love.  I then use Urban Decay Shadow in twice baked and apply it to the lid only.  I finish by using Clinique High Impact Mascara in black on both upper and lower lashes.  My goal is to look refreshed and well rested despite the years of sleepless nights.

Click here to find all of the products.

I would love to hear about your "magic" eye products.

Milk...It's Not Just For Drinkin'

This time of year when the temperatures are below freezing my skin becomes dry like the Sahara.  I love the spa splurge but when there's no time for an appointment-create a sense of luxury in your own shower.  Don't think that's possible????-try this body scrub…..

Nourishing Milk and Honey Body Scrub
1 cup whole milk
1 1/2 cups raw oatmeal
1/4 cup honey
1tablespoon olive oil

Whip up a scrub for your next shower.  Every mom needs a little pampering this time of year.  Simple ingredients and fantastic body exfoliating results! It will leave your dry,winter skin feeling soft and smooth.  Mix the ingredients together in a bowl until they form a thick paste. Apply the mixture onto clean skin and massage for a few minutes with your fingers. Rinse the scrub with warm water and a washcloth and pat dry. Apply your favorite body lotion.

These few ingredients are pure and readily available.  Milk contains high levels of vitamins A, D, E, which is why dairy products are fantastic anti-inflammatories.  The oatmeal is soothing on rough skin.  The honey is naturally antibacterial and full of antioxidants.  The olive oil acts as a moisturizer and leaves skin feeling hydrated and healthy.  Looks good enough to eat too-HA!!!

Enjoy your in-home spa with this perfect natural body scrub!

Super Stocking Stuffers

Have I mentioned just how much I LOVE (angel's singing) Nordstrom!? My littlest cutie and I just had a lunch date there today and it got me thinking about how this store is the perfect one stop shop!

The shoe department is bomb, accessories, makeup, kids-oh I just love!  Anyway, I put together a list of super stocking stuffers from Nordstrom-something for everyone.  They always have free shipping and the greatest return policy around.  Last year for Christmas my husby gave me this ceramic watch by Micahel Kors similar found here.  I wore it for 2 weeks and one day when I took it off it fell on the floor and shattered!-ugh devastating! But oh no have no fear, I took it back to Nordstrom and explained what had happened and they shipped me a brand new one.  Problem solved!-Yay!!!  

So check out www.nordstrom.com if you don't want to shop in store.

1. Typography Tray $10 found here.  Super cute initial tray for all your rings, change, paper clips, etc.

2. Juniors Heart Watch $20 found here.

3. Kate Spade Polka Dot Tumbler $18 found here.

4. Nesting Measuring Cups found $24 here.

5. Marc Jacobs Roller Ball Trio $39 found here

6. Kiehl's Ultra Facial $39 found here.

7. Headbands found $10 here.

8. Tucker and Tate Striped Beanie $18 found here.

9. Art of Shaving kit found here.

10. Mac Brush Set $49.50 found here.

11. First Purse $18 found here.

12. Bare Minerals Deluxe Foundation $39 found here.

13. Men's NorthFace Gloves $40 found here.

14. Lego R2D2 Key Chain $11.99 found here.

15. Swell Chalkboard Water Bottle $48 found here.

Happy Shopping!

Holiday Nails

I love fun and festive holiday polishes! Um hi, sparkly and festive-Yes!  Regardless if you like to have them done or diy these colors will get you in the ParTay mood!

1. Opi Nail-My Favorite Ornament

2. Caviar Nails by Ciate  here

3. Opi Gold Leaf Manicure seen here

4. Urban Outfitters holiday sparkle

5. Essie My Belugaria here

6. Essie Luxeffects Collection here

The Polish Aholic has the greatest colors for holiday glam.

The Bridal Guide featured these candy cane cuties.

I love these navy snowflake nails from The Nail Call.

The Polish Aholic  has these golden beauties.

Whatever color you chose it's time to have fun with your nail polish and add a little sparkle to your digits.  

Lips Lifesaver

Well it started this week.  The colder temperatures and drier air means my lips are suffering.  I hate getting ready for the day and my lips are cracked and peeling-ick.  

I love to use an easy 3-ingredient all natural lip exfoliant that will help schlep off all of the yuck.

3-Ingredient Lip Exfoliant

1. White Sugar acts as the exfoliant 

2. Olive Oil is rich in antioxidants

3. Lemon Juice has essential vitamins and folic acid

In a small ramekin mix together a tablespoon of white sugar, one tablespoon olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon juice.  Rub onto lips using forefinger.  MMM…tastey and leaves lips super soft!  
Now that's the stuff!

Now that we have our lips in shape it's time to bring out the big guns- These are four of my favorite lip therapies that will give your kisser a smoother, softer appearance as well as allow your favorite lipstick to stick around longer.  

So it's time to kiss the chapped lips good bye and try one of these.

1. Philosophy's Kiss Me Good Night is super rich and creamy.  A little bit goes a long way and your lips with feel healed almost instantly.-You can find this at Nordstrom

2. Maybelline Baby Lips is so smooth going on and comes in many fun tints.-You can find this at Target

3. Burt's Bees Lip Balm is all natural and works so much better than the petroleum based products out there.  It has peppermint oil which makes your lips feel refreshed.-You can find this at Target

4. EOS Lip Balm in Honey Dew is completely organic has a fabulous scent.  It leaves your lips smooth and kissable.-You can find this one at Target too.  Gotta Love Tar-zhay!

These are my four lip balms in my make-up bag that I can't live without. I'd love to hear what works best on your smackers.

Steppin' Out

Got some new booties this weekend after a major bootie hunt!  I wanted a timeless pair that would also be comfortable for running the kids around.  These are sooo comfortable as well as neutral so they will go with everything!  I threw them on with a pair of dark washed cuffed skinnies today but can't wait to wear them out with my black waxed jeans or leather leggings.

They are the Sam Edelman Maddox Chateau Grey Suede bootie and you can find them here.

I also found a bunch of other faves that are great too and remember the Nordstrom Women and Kids sale starts this week!

1. Frye at Nordstrom

2. Tory Burch at Nordstrom

3. Rag and Bone  at Nordstrom

4. Joe's at Nordstrom

5. Rag and Bone at Nordstrom

6. Jimmy Choo Youth Biker Boot at Nordstrom

I'd love to hear what boots are on your list for fall?  

Halloween Nails

I love a reason for fun nails.  These spider webs are super easy and oh so cute on your tips!

I used Essie Licorice to paint 2 coats.

Then I used this nifty nail art pen from Sally Hansen.

I just made a web design on each nail using this awesome and easy nail pen.

Easy Peasy!

Here are some other fun nail ideas for Halloween.....

Marine from Marine Loves Polish has these really fun skeleton nails.

I must love the stripes.  The Model Stage has these cute skeleton inspired nails.

Love these cute candy corn tips from The Polish Aholic.

So many fun ways to dress up your claws for Halloween!!!

Have Fun!

Fall in LoVe

A girl can dream right??  I love these fashion finds!  LoVe!

What's on your wishlist for fall??

Fall Faves............

1. Essie Nail Polish Shearling Darling Collection

2. Proenza Schouler 'PS1' Satchel

3. Boot Socks

4. Tory Burch Jeans

5. Stevie Knit Cardigan

6. Tory Burch Bootie

7. Elizabeth and James Sweatshirt

8. Bobbi Brown Hot Cocoa Palette

9. Leather Leggings