Beauty Wise Wednesday: Ulta Haul

A couple of weeks ago a brand new Ulta opened in Everett Mall, just a town north of where I live. My darling girlfriends of course had the 411 on all the freebie's they were giving away. Saturday morning we pack up the car at 9:30 am to arrive and get in line by 10am.

We arrived just in time for the line to start forming so we were close to the start. The first 100 customers (I think) were able to draw for a gift card. Kristin and I both got $5 while Tara got a $25 gift card! I also needed to sign up for an Ulta card, because as we all know I am just getting into this beauty thing and I have never actually bought anything from Ulta before. With signing up for the Ulta card I was given a free gift bag.

 

First thing in the bag was an Ulta automatic eye liner in black, listed as $8 on Ulta.com. Nothing too exciting with this product but I was really wanting a new eye liner that wasn't an actual pencil so I was pretty excited for this free gift.

Next was Ulta body lotion in Fresh Lilac, listed as $4 on Ulta.com . I tried this lotion on once and I was completely disgusted! The smell is just horrible! I mean some people might like it but it was just too soapy smelling or something. This is the first item that is going into my give away pile from all the samples I have been getting.

Next was Kenra Volume Spray. A super hold finishing spray 25. This item I can not find on the Ulta web site actually but I found it on Amazon for $6.50. I actually really like this hair spray. It doesn't make my hair stiff at all. I wore it when I was wearing my hair down and curly cause I didn't have any curly hair products and it actually gave me some great beach waves that didn't frizz all day.

The final and my favorite product that I received in the freebie bag was Joico K-Pac Deep Penetrating Reconstructor. This product also isn't listed on the web site but I found this also on Amazon. The smallest size they had was 5.1 oz for $11.80 so that makes the 1.7oz sample size I got worth about $3.80. This product is absolutely amazing!!! The smell is sweet, kinda cinnamon-y, but doesn't keep your hair smelling too sweet throughout the day. The texture was a bit off putting when I first used it, comes out a bit clumpy and you almost think it's gone bad. I put it in my hair after shampooing and left it in while I washed my body, face and shaved then rinsed it out. It made my hair softer and more manageable than I think it ever has been before. The effects didn't just last that day but for the whole week, through daily washings. I can't rave about this product enough! I will defiantly be buying the full size version soon!

So those were the four free products I got at the Ulta opening at Everett Mall. All four equal a value of $22.30. Not too bad for a fun afternoon with my girlfriends! I'll be making sure I check out Ulta's more often now.

Mommy Monday: My changing world view

Welcome to another Mommy Monday! It's amazing how my outlook on the world has changed. I remember all the things I said I wouldn't do before having a child. Also I remember how annoying parents and their children were before I had a child and how I said I would never be like them. I have quickly realized that being a parent is a lot about survival and a lot of the things you said you wouldn't do suddenly doesn't seem so bad.

I was at Walgreen's the other night and a little girl was hanging out over by the door leaning and banging on the theft detector. Her father was a little ways away in line. He tried to get her to come back over by him but she was enthralled by whatever was by the door. I though the whole time that the child was adorable and just trying to explore the world. My friend who was with me however thought the child was out of line and that the parent should have controlled the little girl more. My friend said the little girl was banging and leaning on the theft detector so hard she could have broken it. This is when I realized how my views have changed since having a baby. I understand the parents side so much more. If the dad had tried to get the daughter away from the door it most likely would have resulted in a fit, which as parents you try and avoid as much as you can.

Now don't get me wrong I don't think you should ignore teaching your child manners and the correct way to behave but there are some times when you should just let your child have a little freedom to explore while you also get to keep your sanity. Children learn from trial and error, even if it is doing something annoying in public.

I'm also not saying that I think parents should allow there children to run around stores and do whatever they want, I think I just get less annoyed by it now. Especially at work, I remember always thinking people were so horrible if they had their baby cry and they didn't do anything to sooth it. I have learned from my very vocal baby that sometimes they just cry. Well Sloane usually cries when she is tired and the best thing to do for her while in public is to let her cry covered in her car seat otherwise she'd get over stimulated and never fall asleep.

I don't want to cause some debate on the importance of parenting with anyone but I just thought I'd share how my thoughts about the world around me have changed.

If you have kids, did you have changes in your thoughts like this? Also if you don't have kids how do you view parents and kids in public and what would you wish you saw more of? IE: disciplining, containing to carts, leashes?

What's in my purse?

I've seen this tag post so many times that I figured I would give it a shot (lets pretend it isn't because I couldn't think of anything else to blog about.) The latest person to do the What's in my Purse is iJustine on YouTube. Now my purse isn't nearly as full or as interesting as hers but I figured I'd do it anyways.

My bag is a classic black and white shoulder strap Coach purse that Mat got for me for my birthday over the summer. I love it cause it is big enough to carry everything around. It also doesn't fall open and spill everything out when I don't close the zipper, which I never do.

Inside I have my fun multicolored Coach wallet that Mat got me for our anniversary. I actually picked this out myself and I just love the colors. I don't know the official name for my purse or wallet cause I'm just not that fashion savvy.

Of course I have my IPhone in my purse, even though if we are completely honest my phone is typically in my pocket or hand.

Fenugreek seed supplements. I keep these in my purse so that I always have them with me when I eat a meal so I can take 2-3. These help with my milk supply which is a constant struggle.

My work keys and manager over ride card. I never take these out of my purse unless I'm at work or I would forget them at home for sure.

Jagermeirter key chain with gym card and house keys.

Post It Note with the dates of upcoming holidays. I typically always have a Post It note in my purse with some tid bit of info on it, I have a terrible memory.

Nailtini nail polish from my first Ipsy bag. It is impossible to paint my nails at home with a nail polish that isn't instant dry so I have this in my purse in hopes to paint my nails while out of the house. Hasn't happened yet.

Work Name tag. Another thing that is always in my purse unless I'm at work or I would forget it.

Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange body butter. Also from my first Ipsy bag. I absolutely love this lotion and when I put it on everyone around really enjoys that smell.

Gloves. I don't wear these very often but I keep them in my purse for the nights I get off work and my windows are frozen and I need to scrap them. I figure if I keep them in my purse rather than in my car they won't be freezing when I do want to wear them.

Nature Valley granola bar. I am always hungry so I carry this in my purse if I need a snack.

My car key. I keep this separate from my other keys because I don't like having the all the keys and key chains hanging from my ignition.

Bath and Body Works body lotion in P.S. I love you. I actually put this in my purse before I got the Pacifica lotion and just haven't taken it out.

Playboy lighter. I used to find myself around people that would need a lighter so I kept this in my purse just in case. I don't seem to need this much these days.

Bath and Body Works Berry Scary anti-bacterial hand gel. Cause you just never know what kind of nasty things you get on your hands.

Carmex. This is the only chap stick I trust to fix my dry lips.

Lips Smackers sparkler vanilla frosting lip gloss. I won this at a baby shower, I don't really use it much but I keep it in my purse just in case I have a moment where I need my lips to have a quick sparkle.

Body Fantasies Apple Fantasy body spray. I actually bought this one day when I was at work cause I was meeting Mat for dinner and I didn't want to smell like work. I figure I'd keep it in there, just in case.

Mini Note pad. You never know when I will want to jot down a note.

Moist Towelette. because, you know sometimes you need one.

and finally two nail files for those pesky broken nails.

Wow, when I list it all out it's surprising how much I carry in my purse.
What do you guys have in your purse right now? Comment below or link a blog post and let me know.

Beauty Wise Wednesday: February Ipsy Bag

It's another month and you know what that means... NEW IPSY BAG!!! It is so fun to have this to look forward to every month, defiantly worth the $10 it costs.

This is my open bag blog where I'm going to show you what I got in the bag and try and tell you about how much the samples are worth.

 

This months bag is a black shiny patent leather pouch with a silver zipper pull. The inside is lined red and of course has an ipsy tag stitched in it.

Product #1: Coastal Scents “In The Spotlight” eye shadow pallet: Singlecolor is .04oz for $1.99 at coastalscents.com. The sample is .07oz so worthabout $4 *Product includes: Dark Goldenrod, Sunbeam, Golden Globe and Dark Golden Olive. *First impression: Colors I wouldn't have chosen for myself, but I'll defiantly give them a try. They seem pretty pigmented.

Product #2: Pixi flawless and poreless primer: 1.01oz is $29.00 on target.com. The sample is .5oz so worth about $15 *Product description: Pore minimizing face primer, oil free, hydrating, hypoallergenic, for all skin types. *First impression. Very smooth, no fragrance.

Product #3: Pop Beauty mascara in smokey black kapow!!: .21oz 9.99 on dermastore.com.Sample is .17 oz so worth about $5. *No description on the product. *First impression: I really like the brush and color.

Product #4: Mica Beauty Ultra Smooth Gel Eyeliners: sample seems to be full size butdoesn’t come with the brush. $30 on MICAbeauty.com I'd say the sample is maybe worth $20 without the brush. *This product also doesn't have a description. *First Impression: I'm a bit frightened of it cause I've never used something like this before but I'm excited to try it out.

Product #5: Lash Card: 10 cards are $6.99 on lashcards.com. Sample came with 4 lashcards valuing about $2.80 *Product Description: Ideal for: separating lashes, layering mascara, hard to reach lashes, bottom lashes. Helps prevent: clumping and smudging. *First impression: seems like a good idea but I'm not sure if I'd actually take the time to use these.

 

So the total value of this months box I've estimated is about $46.80 plus the make up bag. Paid $10

 

sign up here: http://www.ipsy.com/

Mommy Monday; Sloane's first play date

Almost a year ago Mat reunited with a friend from high school, Travis. We went on a double date on St Patricks Day, which was actually only about a week after found out were we pregnant. we didn't reveal we were pregnant to them however till a couple months later. Believe it or not Travis and his wife were pregnant also!

Sarah and Travis gave birth about three weeks after we did to their darling daughter Delilah (Lilah). We had gotten together once since the babies were born but they were still very young and so had no real interest in being social.

Last night was pretty exciting cause they were both in pretty good moods so we were able to get some cute pictures of the two girls together. I just can't wait until they are old enough to actually play together. I know that they will get Mat and Travis to come to many tea parties in the years to come.

Getting back into shape

When I found out I was pregnant I was actually in the middle of a weight loss competition at my gym. I was working out about 5 times a week or more, and losing weight like a champ! When I found out I was pregnant it was a bit of a shock and so I promptly quit working out cause I was a bit freaked out, then followed morning (all day) sickness then bed rest. Needless to say I went from being in pretty good shape to gaining 30 lbs and a baby!


All through my pregnancy I was so ready to go back to the gym and start dieting again. Little did I know it would be much harder than I imagined. Breast feeding has made it so I basically feel starving all the time. I haven't felt full since I gave birth! I also don't have the best milk supply so I'm worried to restrict my diet and it having an effect of my supply.

It's also been very hard to find time to go to the gym, where I have someone who can watch Sloane. I have been to the gym a few times and each time I go I just feel amazing. I made myself a deal that the days I get off work at 10pm I would go to the gym after. Of course the next week my work decided that they want me to close more often, so I've gone to 4 days of getting off at 10pm to maybe one or two and the rest I get off at midnight!

Now I'm trying not to let this disrupt my motivation but it is amazing how many road blocks I have in my way! I would love to look into getting a jogging stroller so that I could just jog outside with Sloane but right now that just isn't in the budget, plus it is hard when it rains so much here.

I have however signed up for my first 5K after giving birth. It is The Color Run, May 12th in Seattle. It isn't a 5K that you would necessarily use to improve your 5K time, but I think that is perfect for my first time back! I've done a few 5K's in the year before getting pregnant and I absolutely love them! They give me great motivation while working out, a goal to work towards is a nice thing to have.

Now I just need to figure out some way to get my ass into the gym more often, and hopefully this weight will start coming off. I also need to be in shape for once Sloane starts walking cause we know I'll be chasing her around everywhere, and a fat mommy is an exhausted mommy! Plus, I really want to take advantage of the extra calories I burn while breast feeding!

Beauty Wise Wednesday: January Ipsy Review

It's the beginning of a new month and that means that I get to look forward to getting my next Ipsy bag. I'm pretty excited about this next one. I'm able to see previews from their facebook page and it's all make up. I won't spoil what they are until I write my unveiling of it.

Before I get my new bag, however, I want to share my reviews of the products from my first Ipsy bag in January.

**Product #1: SOHO Crease brush: $8.50 on sohobeauty.com

Review: I was very excited to get a brush in this months bag. I have a minimal collection of brushes so this was a great addition. It is pretty fluffy so it was hard to really get a defined area. I did enjoy using it however and maybe it just takes a bit more getting used to. Not sure if I would buy these brushes again, I want to try some other brands first.

**Product #2: Big Sexy Hair Spray and Play 1.5oz:$10.18 on verbenaproducts.com

Review: I typically don't wear hair spray I actually only tried this once this month. I found that it had a great hold for my entire 8 hour shift at work yet didn't feel too crunchy. Also when I pulled my hair back into a pony tail after it didn't flake or powder. I think I would like to try out some of their other products for sure.

**Product #3: Pacifica Tuscan Blood Orange BodyButter 2.5oz: $7 on pacificaperfume.com

Review: I can't say enough great things about this lotion! It has the most amazing, fresh scent! I got so many compliments on the smell throughout the month. It also does a great job at moisturizing. Soaks quickly into the skin and doesn't leave an annoying oily finish that I'm not a fan of. I think I will be using the discount they gave to buy more products. I want to check out their candles for sure, if they smell as great as the lotion they will be amazing.

**Product #4: Nailtini nail lacquer in Frappe: $13 on tinibeauty.com

Review: I really enjoyed this nail polish. It was very smooth going on. I liked the brush, it made it easy to paint my nail in just a few strokes (I have large nail beds and that is important.) I only wore it once this month but when I did it seemed to last a good amount of time without chipping. I think I will for sure be using the discount I got in the Ipsy bag.

**Product #5: Josie Maran %100 pure Argan oil .17oz: .5oz is $14 on sephora.com ~$2.80 for this sample size.

Review: Now this product was a new concept for me. I have always shied away from oils cause I have combination shin. I wanted to try it out as a face moisturiser mostly. I took me a while to figure out the right amount to apply. The oil goes on smoothly and actually doesn't leave your skin feeling greasy at all. I have dry patches of skin in the T zone and although this product says it is good for all skin types I didn't feel like it helped with the dry skin at all. I started putting on a night moisturizing cream to help with the dry skin. Overall I don't think I would purchase this product. It is pretty pricey and I think I can find other products that do a better job. I'll use the rest of the sample as a cuticle oil.

Overall I was very happy with my first Ipsy Bag! It was so much fun to try things that I wouldn't have tried on my own. I can't wait to get my next bag and share it with all of you!

Mommy Monday; Sloane is 3 months old

 

To Our Darling Daughter

You are now 3 months old and that means you are no longer a newborn but an infant. You have grown so much in the past month I don't even know where to start listing all of your accomplishments.

You are a drooling machine, as you can see in this picture. We have to put bibs on you daily or else your outfit would be completely soaked immediately.

You have become quite a roll over queen. You started with rolling from your tummy to your back, but quickly was rolling from your back to your tummy. You actually seem to prefer being on your tummy these days and that is usually how I find you, in your crib, in the morning.

That's another big exciting thing that has happened this month, you have started to sleep in your crib. It took a few nights for you to get familiar with all the space but once you did you love rolling around in there.

Now we start the exciting time of watching you become a real mobile baby. Can't wait to see all of your developments.

 

Love You Lots

Mommy and Daddy

Me Manifesto

So have you been wondering why I blog. I know some people think it's so weird that I want to write about my life for all to share. There are many reasons why I blog and there are many things I want to accomplish with my blog.

I've always enjoyed writing. Now I'm the first to admit that technically I'm not the very best writer. I am not a good speller and I despise taking the time to proof read (something I am working on) That being said modern spell check has helped me in school and I typically get very good grades in my English classes. In fact in collage a teacher thought I had taken the lesser English class just so that I could be with Mat.  I have always written a journal and I love writing random poems.

I love having a record of my life that I can go back to look at as many times as I wish. Believe it or not I go back into photo albums and scrap books and old blogs so much. It's just so much fun to have something to help you remember the details of your favorite memories. It even helps you remember things you didn't even realize you had forgotten. It seems even more important now that I have Sloane to record our memories. Time is going to go by faster than I even realize and I would be so fun to look back at things that I was thinking about at this time.

I like connecting with people. I enjoy reading other people's blogs but I've noticed that some mommy or beauty blogs talk like they are experts. Now don't get me wrong I need those expert bloggers but I think my blog is more of a way for me to share my discovery of new things and a way to ask questions.

So where do I want to go with my blog you ask? I'm not really sure, but I'd like to see how far I can go. I'd love to be able to get a good amount of readers so that I get my questions answered in the form of comments. I'd also love to be able to host a give away to more people than just my friends and family. I want to connect with people from all over the world! I just admire the blogger community out there. I'd love to go to BlogHer one day, although it seems a bit expensive.

I'm thinking I'll read this book I've heard of called Blog Inc. to see just how far I can take thing blog thing.

So all you bloggers out there, do you have any tips for me?

Beauty Wise Wednesday: My make up routine

As I mentioned last week, I want to tell you what my beauty routine is right now so that we can see how it changes through the year. Now as I have said before, I am not expert with make up but I really want to class up my look.

First I start with foundation and for that I just use Cover Girl Aquasmooth in creamy natural. This is a liquid to powder type compact foundation that I put on with just a make up sponge. I have been using this for quite a while and I really do enjoy how smooth it goes on and how long it lasts. There are a few foundations I will be trying out once I run out of this.

I, then, put on concealer. This is a new addition to my make up routine but I really like the effect it gives to my face, hiding flaws. I currently use Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch in Radiant. This is the foundation I reviewed in the past. I will be looking to try out some other concealers this year. Hopefully I'll get a couple to try in an Ipsy bag.

I finish off these with a powder to seal the foundation and concealer. For this I currently use Clinique Gentle Light Powder in 05 Glow. This is also an added step to my routine even though I have had this powder for years. I just recently figured out how to use it. It's a loose powder and it has a very light shimmer to it that gives me a glowing look. I need to get myself a powder brush cause right now I'm currently using a travel blush brush.

If I'm going out for a night or want my make up to last for a longer amount of time I have three primers I use. The POREfessional by Benefit, "That Gal" brightening face primer by benefit and Stay Don't Stray eyeshadow primer by Benefit. I have these in small sample sizes that I got as a Christmas gift the year before last. That just shows how often I use those eh?

I then, move onto my eyes. I do have a few eye shadows to play around with but nothing compared to probably most girls out there. I typically start out with a base color and I stick to safe neutrals, then add a darker color to my crease, usually a black or brown. If I'm feeling frisky I might do a dark purple in my crease. I really want to try branching out into other colors and doing more with my eyes.

I also put on eye liner and right now all I have is Cover Girl Perfect Blend pencil crayon. I usually apply a thin line on the top and bottom lash lines then smudge them a bit with the smudger on the pencil. I'll finish my eyes with mascara and right now I only have Maybelline The Falsies Volume Express in Blackest Black. I'm realizing that I'm not really loving this mascara so I really want to try out a few to really find what works for me.

For blush I use Mac in Coygirl a sheer tone blush. I have had this blush for a while too and would love to expand my collection once I get more comfortable with make up. I think part of me feels over done when I wear make up, but I'm quickly learning to get over that.

I also own just one lip product, Revlon Lip Butter in 025 Peach Parfait. This is a new product to me I have learned about from YouTube videos and I really enjoy using it. It goes on very smooth and isn't too crazy of a color. I swear, I used to think lipstick was a joke. I never really thought I'd able to pull off any shade. I'm hoping to figure out a few shades to enjoy.

Now for brushes I have the saddest collection out there I'm sure. My best brushes are the SOHO crease brush I got in my first Ipsy Bag and then I have a Sephora smudge and eyeliner brush that I think is the only brush I've bought and picked out for myself. The rest of my brushes are a collection of random hand me downs that I don't really know what the proper use is for them. I also have two eye lash curlers that I don't really use much. One is a black plastic curler from Sephora and another is a typical metal one by La Cross.

So this is my make up routine. Nothing too exciting, I just have a basic structure down. I'm hoping to discover better products that work with my skin and coloring. I'm excited to take you on this path of discovery with me and I hope you will be able to help me along the way.



What are your favorite products and what is a beauty "must have" that you would suggest I try out?

Mommy Monday: Sloane's development

Happy Monday everyone!

Sorry I missed my Saturday post, I've been busy with working and being a mom. This week had been pretty exciting in Sloane's development. Not only have we gotten her to sleep in her crib, but she has also been a roll over queen.

It took a few nights of more than normal wake ups from Sloane to get her to get used to her crib, but it worked out. I think she is really liking all the extra space she has in her crib. She seems to really enjoy sleeping on her side. Also helping her enjoy her crib is her seahorse from Fisher Price that helps sooth her to sleep with music and a soft glowing light. It's so darn cute to watch her sleep in her crib, she's growing up so fast. When she wakes up in the morning she usually rolls right onto her tummy in her crib while calling for me to say she is awake.

She has really become a rolling queen this week as well. She has rolled from her tummy to her back a while ago but it wasn't very consistent. Now not only does she roll from her tummy to her back but also from her back to her tummy. It's funny, she used to hate tummy time but now it seems she almost prefers it to laying on her back. She will roll onto her tummy more often then she will roll onto her back.

It is so exciting to watch her change and grow. I can't wait to see what she will do next!