I finally had a reason to do a full face of make up! My cousin got married last weekend and I used this as an excuse to go all out on the hair and make up (I mean, like I really need an excuse...) I am so not ready to actually film myself and do a tutorial so I spent a lot of extra time taking awkward pictures of myself to give you an idea of what I did and how I looked at each step of the make up routine.
 
So if you want to learn how I did my make up step by step, keep reading! I’ve listed all of the products that I used (there’s a lot) at the end!

Primer: I used my go-to Too Faced HangoveRX primer to prep my skin and just applied like a moisturizer all over my face. I also prime my eyes with concealer (Urban Decay Naked) and set them with translucent powder.
 
Eyes: I used the Jaclyn Hill x Morphe Palette for all of the eye shadows! (I numbered them on the picture because I lost the insert that has their actual names). First is the light brown shade (1) and that went into my crease on a fluffy blending brush. This is the “transition color” that will help keep everything looking blended as I go in with darker shades.
 
Next, I went in with a slightly darker brown (2) on a smaller, denser blending brush. I put this color a little further down in the creases of my eyes and blended from outer corner to inner corner using windshield-wiper motions. I did this until it was blended and the color that I wanted.
 
For the outer V, I used an even smaller brush to concentrate the dark brown shadow (3) in the outer corners of my eyes and blended it with the lighter shades.
 
For my eyelids, I put the darker shimmer shade (4) all over using a small shader brush and then put the lighter shimmer shadow (5) on top in the centers of the lids.

​Eyeliner: I swear by the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner for my winged liner. I draw a small, angled line upwards from my lower-lash line and then connect it over, and fill it in.
 
Lashes: I always, always curl my lashes first, and then added my Arbonne It’s a Long Story Mascara to the top lashes. I wait until the end to do the lower lashes.

​ Onto the Face...
Foundation/Concealer: I start by putting dots of my L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation all over my face, and then blend in using my Real Techniques Beauty sponge.

Once that is blended, it is time for my “war paint”. I put concealer in upside-down triangles for the under-eye area, then some on my forehead, upper lip to define my cupids bow, and on my chin. I blend everything in with the pointed end of the beauty sponge, and set it with my Cover Girl Translucent powder.

Contour: I used my Too Face Chocolate Soleil bronzer and a small contour brush to really define my cheek contour, and then blended it with a larger, fluffier brush. I also did the same around my forehead, temples, my jawline and my nose.
I also added some blush (MAC Margin) onto my cheekbones and blended that with the bronzer.

Brows: Same as I did in my 15-minute make up routine, I used my Anastasia Brow Wiz and set them with brow gel. I then went in with the final eye shadow (6) and a small shader brush to highlight my brow bone.

Lower Lash Line: I always use the lightest brown eye shadow (1) to smudge right at the lash line, and then add black kohl liner (L’Oreal) after so that things don’t get too dark or smoky for this lighter brown look under the eyes. Last, I add my Maybelline Falsies Waterproof mascara to the bottom lashes

Whew!

After everything looks the way you want, don’t forget to set it with some sort of setting spray, especially in these summer months! I used the hydrating spray from Flower Beauty.

Hope you enjoyed this very lengthy make up tutorial through pictures and description. Maybe one of these days I’ll get brave enough to try filming the process!

Eyes: Jaclyn Hill x Morphe Palette
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner
Arbonne It’s a Long Story Mascara
L’Oreal Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner
Maybelline Falsies Waterproof Mascara

Face: Too Faced HangoveRX Primer
L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation (shade 105)
Urban Decay Naked Concealer (light neutral)
​ Cover Girl Translucent Powder
Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer
MAC blush (Margin)
Anastasia Brow Wiz (Ebony)
Anastasia Tinted brow gel
Flower Beauty Hydrating Setting Spray

Yeah, you read that correctly. We've started an attempt at cloth diapering over here. It has been just over a week, and I'm going to be honest: IT ISN'T AS BAD AS I THOUGHT!

When I first heard that some of my friends were using cloth diapers with their babies, I scoffed and said "No way, never". After paying about $70 a month in diapers over the past year between the two boys (and that's really only because we lucked out in having them in the same size, so we only buy one case at a time) I decided to take the plunge and try to save some money (not to mention lessen our paper waste). After talking to and getting input from several friends who have done it, I went with a brand I had heard good things about, bought only a days worth of cloth diapers/inserts (seven of them), and gave it a shot with Xander who is 14 months old. Here's what I have figured out so far:

1. The poop isn't so terrible!
My biggest worry was dealing with the dreaded poopy-diaper and having to wash it (gross). Really, the concept is pretty easy. You dump the poop in the toilet, and spray down the diaper to remove any other stuff and try to avoid any stains. Then, you keep the dirty diapers in a wet bag until you're ready to do a load of laundry. Some people buy enough diapers to go through two days and wash every other day, but I do laundry literally every day, so to me, washing one more small load isn't a huge difference. Washing isn't bad either! Every machine is different, but for me, I use an express wash cycle on hot, heavy-soil as a pre-wash, and then do an actual Heavy-Duty load and add in more kids clothes to the load of rinsed diapers to make the cycle sort of a dual-purpose. 

2. Right now, I'm only cloth diapering when I know we'll be home.
Props to all of the mama's out there who cloth diaper 100% of the time, but I know that just is not for me...and that's ok! I feel much more comfortable knowing that I have my sprayer, wet bag, and even a stash of disposables to rely on in case of a nasty situation. For me, part-time cloth diapering is better than none. Over the past week, on the days that we did use cloth, I went through usually 5-6 diapers. When you do the math, the disposable diapers that I saved on would average to almost $20 a week. (We normally buy Pampers which are definitely up there on the price range, but not even the most expensive disposables). When I think about that dollar amount alone, I feel good about my choice. Plus, being a stay at home mom has its advantages in this department. I don't expect anyone else (even my husband) to do cloth, and that's alright with me. I'm just doing what I can.

3. These new cloth diapers are just too cute!
I went with the brand Fuzzibunz (ok, even the name is cute!) One-Size Pocket Diapers to start with, and so far I really love them! The prints are adorable and since it is summer, I usually just let Xander wear the diaper and shirt around the house. They are awesome quality, super soft, have adjustable snaps to fit a wide range of sizes, and best of all, they keep everything contained! I have not had any issues with leaks or blow-outs with them, and we've had our share of nasty diapers this past week! I seriously love how they look, and that they are just easy to clean, wash and take care of. I might try out different brands eventually to see if there is a difference, but so far so good!


Overall, I am very happy about my choice to try cloth diapers part-time! The longer I do it, the more comfortable I'm sure I will get. I'm sure some of my thinking and routines may change, and if it does, I'll do an update. But for anyone out there who is considering this or even for those who are absolutely against it because it grosses you out, I'm telling you, I have been pleasantly surprised with the experience so far and recommend giving it a shot! I may even start it earlier with Baby #3 when he arrives, but probably not until we're out of the 10-15 diapers a day stage :) 

You know how you get invited to all of those  in-home "parties" for make up, skincare, oils, etc? Well, I do anyways. I always try to go if I can, and just always see what the company and products are all about. I don't ALWAYS buy the products, but you know, sometimes you just get a really good independent consultant presenting to you and you get sucked in!

The most influential one of these parties that I went to was a little over eight years ago for Arbonne. I was familiar with the company because my mom had been using it for years, but I was officially a grown up at this point, and was in DESPERATE need of help for my post-college skin! I started breaking out after college as though I were going through puberty all over again. It was crazy. I had always just used drugstore stuff, and it just never really did what I needed without drying out my face or being ineffective. Arbonne changed all of that! I started out using their line for oily/combo skin, but now that I'm older, I use the anti-aging RE9 line. Eight years later, I am a still a huge believer (and even an independent consultant!) Arbonne's products are botanically-based and formulated according to European Union standards, which uses a higher standard for skincare products than the U.S. (All products are actually manufactured in the U.S., though). They are also vegan, gluten-free, kosher, cruelty-free products.

You'll also notice a few Rodan + Fields products in the picture, which I have started using over the past few years on those super-break-out occasions, especially during my pregnancies when my skin just decides to have a mind of its own!

Step 1: Arbonne RE9 Advanced Smoothing Facial Cleanser
Just a basic face wash here guys, but it is really great for removing make up, and just creating a clean, comfortable feeling! The RE9 line has anti-aging ingredients but doesn't "feel" like it, if that makes sense! No drying, no tightness, just fresh, clean feeling skin. I don't have any drastic before and afters to show, but it just works great for me!

Step 2: Arbonne RE9 Advanced Regenerating Toner
I love this toner, because again, it isn't drying on the skin, and is a nice, light spray that balances the pH of your skin and helps to even everything out! Feels very refreshing to spray your face with it in the morning, too!

Step 3: Arbonne RE9 Advanced Intensive Renewal Serum
I sometimes skip this step if I don't have this product on hand or just don't have the money to order it, but serums are really good for providing your skin with moisture and peptides to help decrease the appearance of wrinkles. I usually spray the toner and then spread it out with the serum together and it all sinks in and dries quickly.

Step 4: Arbonne RE9 Advanced Extra Moisture Restorative Cream (SPF 20)
That name is a mouthful, but this lotion is a must have if you want to try out this line of skincare! It is the perfect balance of moisture, but not greasy, and just gives my skin a healthy glow. Plus, bonus, you have your sunscreen already on your face for the day :)

Step 5: Arbonne RE9 Advanced Lifting and Contouring Eye Cream
This is one of the "newer" formulas for eye cream that Arbonne came out with and I love it! I've learned that eye cream is an important step once you get into your 20s (or beyond) and actually helps make your eye make up look better! 

Step 1 Alternative: Rodan + Fields Unblemish Acne Treatment Sulfur Wash
If I am going through a major skin crisis, I will use this face wash instead of my Arbonne one. Arbonne's acne line has not worked for me in the past (mainly because my skin does not react well to salicylic acid, but the Rodan + Fields line was like a miracle worker when I was first pregnant with Leo. I got cystic acne along my jawline that was super painful and just very deep under the skin. I tried this line out, and while it is a little too drying for me to use everyday, it seriously gets rid of my breakouts within a couple of days!

Step 3 Alternative: Rodan + Fields Unblemish Dual Intensive Acne Treatment
Again, with breakouts, I am not interested in adding anything "extra" to my skin, so I use this spot treatment on any large blemishes rather than using a serum. This stuff is magical and helps make large blemishes disappear within just a few uses! It is a bit drying, so I only use it directly on the blemishes, not over my entire face.


Sorry that was long-winded, but good skincare is ESSENTIAL! Your skin is your largest organ, so you need to make sure you give it the attention that it needs and deserves! If you are interested in trying Arbonne, let me know because I order for myself every month and get my awesome 30% discount! For Rodan + Fields, I have a plethora of consultants that I can refer you to! Enjoy and happy pampering!

I need to be honest with you right now...today has been one of those days where I question my decision to stay at home full-time. It is way too hot to take our normal walks or burn off energy outside, so let's just say that the kids' behavior has not been the greatest! And my patience is wearing very thin...

We took our normal trip to the library this morning, but it was as if the moment we got home, the tantrums, whining, screaming and running in circles began. It is days like these where I am SO thankful for my creative and artistic mom! I knew that with being stuck indoors, I had to come up with an activity that was a little different than what we do every other day. Today's activity was something my mom has done with Leo in the past, which was practicing letter recognition (for Leo) and coloring a letter and pictures (for Xander). 

Not only was Leo excited to use his "dot-dots" (Do A Dot markers), but we are simultaneously working on his skills to get ready for school! Xander is pretty new to using crayons (and not just trying to eat them), so his activity was short-lived, but still good exposure to the fine motor skills like coloring and letter/word practice as well!

All is well now that nap time has begun and I can have maybe an hour (hopefully more) of quiet time, but I know art/activities like these will continue to keep the kids busy, and help Mama stay sane!

My obsession with make up and beauty products began about 8 years ago when I discovered the world of YouTube make up tutorials. Ever since, make up has become a part of my regular daily routine...that is, until Leo arrived...and then especially after Xander!

I began relying on a very quick, but still effective make up routine for the days that I was not going to work. And believe me, this is not an everyday thing during the summer or now that I am staying at home. Most days, I wash my face, put my hair in a braid or bun and throw on a hat. But, for the days where we are going somewhere that I want to look a little more put together (or on the days where I just want to feel human again) I have established a 15 minute make up routine that I love!

Step 1: normal skincare routine (coming in a future post)

Step 2: Primer (Too Faced HangoveRX Primer)
I swear by face primer before foundation. Some people skip this step, but for me, it is an extra hydrating layer, and provides a good, even base for my make up.

Step 3: Foundation (L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Glow)
I usually rotate my foundations, but I'm usually a drugstore foundation kind of girl. I use it too often to really be able to buy high-end, and there are sooo many affordable options now! I've fell in love with this foundation lately just because my skin type has been fluctuating with pregnancy. It gives a nice glow, but not too much so that I end up an oily mess! I apply dots all over my face, and then blend in with a Beauty Blender, or the Real Techniques Beauty Sponge. 

Step 4: Concealer (Urban Decay Naked Concealer)
Ok, if nothing else, I will always, always wear concealer if I need some sort of coverage on my face! I put concealer in a triangle-shape under my eyes to conceal the ever-present dark circles, and blend with the pointy end of my blending sponge. I then highlight the middle of my face (forehead, down the bridge of my nose, above my lip and my chin) and blend again with the sponge. I also always set my concealer with a translucent powder. It didn't make the picture, but right now I use CoverGirl loose powder, but really any will do!

Step 5: Eyebrows (Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz)
Ever since learning how to fill in my eyebrows, this is a step that I just can't skip! I don't do anything dramatic, but I always fill in the sparse areas and just shape my brows into a natural looking shape. Make sure to always fill in the outside tail heavier than you do the inside-ends --- otherwise you risk looking a little scary, especially with no other eye make up! I usually set my brows with a brow gel, clear or tinted. This just keeps everything in place.

Step 6: Bronzer/Contour (Benefit Hoola Bronzer)
The moment I discovered contouring was life changing! It really enhances your bone structure, and can have a slimming effect to your face and nose! I use a contouring blush brush to apply the bronzer in the hollows of my cheeks (suck in your cheeks like a fish-face to give yourself a guide line), around my forehead, on my jawline (blend down into the neck to avoid any harsh lines) and then finally my nose!

Step 7: Mascara (Arbonne It's a Long Story Mascara)
A little mascara actually makes a big difference in a no-make up make up look! I curl my lashes first, and then apply mascara to the top and bottom lashes. I sometimes do multiple layers until there is no clumping and the length of my lashes is where I want.

Finally, I use a setting spray. Any one will do, but I've been loving the Flower Beauty hydrating spray (found at Walmart) because it gives a great finish and has such a fine-mist so you aren't getting huge droplets all over your face!

I know it seems like a lot, but when you're actually going through the steps, it is super, super quick and can give you that put-together look you're wanting without much effort at all! Enjoy!

If there is one thing that I have made sure to schedule into our new weekly routine, it is library time!

We decided that every Monday morning (and probably other random days during the week as well) would be a great time to go to the library with some of the kids' cousins. Plus, as a bonus, I get some adult interaction, too! It really worked out perfectly today since we are experiencing less-than-summer-like weather, and I was not about to spend another day stuck in the house.

I have very distinct memories from my childhood of visiting the library, especially during the summer. We always joined the summer reading programs, went to different events and activities, made crafts, etc. The library is a resource that I would be so lost without! Our public library has the cutest children's area, with little chairs, blocks and toys to entertain the very little ones, puzzles, and even a giant Lite Brite! (That was a hit today!)

We signed up for the summer reading program at our library last week and check out about 10 books every visit. I let Leo pick some for himself (usually just a random grab from the shelf) and I always try to incorporate old favorites of mine for him! I also pick a few board books that Xander can look at without destroying. We usually go through those 10 books in about a day or two. These boys love to have books read to them, and Leo has even started "reading" to himself, which is just the sweetest thing ever!

I have been a part of a book club for the past several years thanks to my friend Holly, and it has reignited my love for reading! Most of the time, though, I am listening to audiobooks because lets be real---I don't have much time to sit and read an actual physical book these days. But, regardless, stories are being heard rather than just shows being watched, and the actual book club meeting part is such a refreshing night out/in with good friends, food and drink! If you aren't a part of one, you should definitely look into joining or even starting your own book club. It is so much more than just books!

Reading and visiting the library is one habit that I hope to continue, and that I hope my boys continue to enjoy and explore throughout their lives!