Post Baby Hair Faves On Sale

Let's talk about hair products shall we? Let me first start out with some complaining, ha. My baby girl is almost a whole eleven sweet months old, and I am very much fighting the post pregnancy hair slump. I am at the phase of a bunch of new hair growth right around my hairline, which means flyaways- lots of them! And they drive me absolutely nuts. Dependent on the weather, some days they cooperate with the rest of my hair, and some days they have their own agenda and I cannot get them to do anything that looks good! So frustrating! So I really enjoy good hair days...don't we all?

I loved this photo of us, but you can definitely see my new little flyaway bangs!

Anyway, I wanted to talk about some of my favorites that I have found over the last year- not just for post baby hair, but really great products that I will be using a long time! Important to note- these are on sale for a few days at Sephora if you are a beauty insider! 15% off beauty products is so exciting to me since usually you don't catch them on sale.

 First off is my favorite tool ever!! The T3 Styling Wand. I realize it is quite the pretty penny but you will love your curls, I swear. I am so impressed I would really like to own the hair dryer and straightener from T3 as well. They will be on my long term wish list.

My current hair care regimen is washing every other day to 2 days. It's taken me and my hair a long time to get used to this, but it is so much better for my hair after lots of heat and color treatment. Before I dry it, I run this Moroccanoil Treatment through it - nothing too close to the scalp. This oil smells amazing and somehow it is all my curly hair needs to blow dry it out straight. The less product I use before blow drying means the better my hair will look next day. A lot of times I end up showering later in the day when kids are napping and I don't even touch it with any other heat until the next day. I think it helps for it to be completely dry when straightening to prevent further damage!

On the days I need Dry Shampoo, I alternate between Dry Shampoo Light Tones and Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo I think the Living Proof adds more volume and really freshens your hair up. The Moroccanoil just again, smells so darn good. I think it works really well for freshening up, and also comes in two tones for your hair- light or dark.

For smoothing the flyaways and also creating shiny waves, I turn to this cream. I love the way this product works! It instantly adds shine and smoothing to my ends. It is amazing and lasts a long time.

For hairspray, again I am loving this Moroccanoil spray. Again- that scent!! I know it probably sounds like an endorsement for them, but I promise I only wish so. I love spraying it on!! I usually spray my curls after curling, then brush through. Highly recommend it!

My dream team below..haha.

So those are my current hair faves for this hot mess express hair of mine. I would love to hear your favorite products, especially anything that might help in the post-baby hair department. I've heard good things about vitamins for hair, but honestly I gave that a go and never stuck with it. I take daily vitamins anyway and the gummies left a weird aftertaste in my mouth!

Anything you are picking up at the sale?

My Beauty Buys

Hey y'all! I know, it's been a while since I've checked in on here but life continues to be super busy and the blog is always the first to give way. We got our furniture delivered last week and are working on getting set up and all that good stuff. Seems like a snails pace! I haven't shown many other pictures because the house has just been empty and I know that makes for pretty boring photos. We are hoping for some headway this week!

One thing I will definitely do this season is gift guides. I love me some gift guides! Some of my favorite gift ideas for my loved ones come from other bloggers and it really simplifies online shopping for me. I haven't figured out what guides I will do, but if you have any requests please let me know! 

This isn't specifically a gift guide but could definitely double as one for fun stocking stuffers for the ladies. Most of the below are tried and true by me, with the exception of the T3 wand that is on my birthday list. I have heard such good things about it and I cannot wait to see an improvement in my post baby hair.

cc cream // blush bronzer duo // mascara // t3 wand // naked2 palette //

  dry shampoo // matte liquid lipcolor

I just picked up this CC cream last week at Ulta and so far I love it. I had been using complexion rescue with no complaints but I just like to try new things from time to time. I would say the it cosmetics is slightly thicker, maybe more of a matte finish. I'm thinking that is a better alternative for winter. I've raved about this blush bronzer duo before, and if you haven't tried this dry shampoo, try it now! The scent is amazing. I love my naked2 palette for when I want to add any hints of color to my eyelids {most days I go totally neutral}. This is a fun lip color for fall and winter {in slay} that I have enjoyed. I'm always switching back and forth between drug store and department store mascara. Lancome makes some of the best mascara, in my opinion and this is my favorite I'm using now.

These are all 20% off today if you are VIB at Sephora too! It's the last day but I am picking up a few things since beauty products are never on sale!

The baby was up at 5:50 this morning, Weeks was up at 6, and I am unpacking and cleaning at the new house this morning. Sounds like a Monday! Hope yours is great :)

Top Beauty Picks #Nsale

Who is having so much fun with the #nsale? {Who is tired of hearing that hashtag!? haha!} Every chance I get I find myself scrolling the pages to see what I have missed and what is still out there that is a must! Keeps me awake during our middle of the night feeding session too :) I always pick up a few things during the sale for beauty items- prices are just so good...and I do love a price break on beauty products!

I have been wanting to get my hands on a bkr bottle set, and this is a heck of a deal! I'm drinking a ton of water these days and any little push to do so more helps!

 I mention this whish body gel every year! It's a tried and true fave! I'm happy this year it comes as a stand alone bottle vs. a set, since the body wash is my favorite product. At this price it isn't much more than Dove body wash! 

This is another tried and true fave- philosophy set. The scent cannot be topped and makes a great gift. 

You must try rose salve, it is a beauty staple and you could divide this set up with sisters or friends! 

Lancome mascara is always one of my favorites in the department store arena. The quality and results speak for themselves! This lancome mascara set is a great buy! 

 My favorite perfumes in a set: jo malone set. This is the perfect set that you can layer, wear alone and have so much fun with!! 

This would be a new purchase for me, but I have heard nothing but 5 stars for this blending set.

Makeup + Product Favorites: On Sale!

First off, thank you all so much for the love on the One Room Challenge yesterday! For some reason I was not getting emails from your comments so if I didn't respond to you via email, then this is my personal thank you! I am relieved, oh-so-happy with the room and I know it is a great fit for our family, which is the most important part.

So....If you are a Sephora VIB, then you can get 20% off starting today! Since beauty products rarely go on sale, this is an awesome time to stock up on your favorites or even get some stocking stuffers taken care of! Several of you have asked from time to time about my makeup routine and this is a brief rundown!

If you are looking to use an oil but don't like the heaviness of most moroccan oils, I would recommend the invisible oil. Its featherweight and has the benefits of smoothing and shine!

I have been using a sample of the prada candy and I lovveee it. It is my new favorite scent.

I have tried multiple cc/bb creams and complexion rescue is by far my favorite. For the longest time I never wore any kind of foundation, powder, etc. Now, I am mainly using for an even complexion and of course, SPF! This one is so light and it feels great on. Love it.

I love sumptuous bold volume mascara and I am out, so it is being added to the cart! I like volumizing and lengthening, and this delivers. It seems to last a fair amount of time too before drying out {the worst!}.

Since I have light brows I definitely have to fill them in with this perfect brow pencil, although I have been "growing my brows out" for a while now. They are much fuller and less maintenance which is always nice.

These days I am just putting a swipe of this eyeshadow on and I really enjoy the ease and the pale hint of color. Tons of colors to choose from, but my color "X" is currently out of stock.

This is a favorite lip product, lip glace, but I don't mind picking up drug store products in this department for something fresh and fun! This one seems to smooth and last.

I also use this shampoo and conditioner also from the invisible oil line, and I have been really happy with it. Somehow my hair has gotten in really bad shape {hmm, highlights and straightener anyone!?}, so I am always in repair mode. Reducing the times washing a week has certainly helped but I have never found the perfect dry shampoo. My sister recommends the pret-a-powder version, so I am going to try that out.

Not available online at Sephora, but this is my current bronzer that I am using: park ave princess contour palette. I usually sweep the bronzer on my cheeks and a little on the sides of my forehead and jawline. Then I use the blush, then the highlighter over my cheeks. I am currently searching for a new favorite in the concealer department, so send me your faves!

I would love to hear any of your beauty musts as well, especially if I am missing out on something amazing! Happy weekend :)

Three Beauty Faves for 2015

If there is one thing that changes over time, it is beauty favorites. Why do we do it? We find something we really love and then want to try something new eventually. It is fun, I know. I do it all the time. But, I have found some new things that actually feel like they are filling a void rather than replacing an old favorite, which is a fun twist in my routine.

Un-wrinkle Peel Pads

This is my absolute favorite of the new products I have used this year. I would say I have moderately sensitive skin, and on the dry side. I was a little bit nervous to try something in my routine that would be a "mini peel" with my dry skin. It actually turns out the opposite. I have hardly had any dry skin problems at all since using these because they simply take away any dead skin and get your skin ready for moisture. I always follow with a moisturizer, especially around my eyes. I swear these things brighten my skin every time I use them. No wonder, they are packed with vitamins. I'm obsessed!! 

Herbal Eye Cream

When I picked up the Peel Pads, I also bought this eye cream. I wanted something that was going to hydrate around my eyes above all else. I have gotten so many of those samples in the "gift with purchase" from numerous brands and I've never been hooked on one. I absolutley love this moisturizer. It feels so fresh and healthy on my eye area. I really look forward to it after using the Peel Pads. I've heard that great skin is all about hydration and moisture, and this product makes me beleive in that. And, it smells so fresh and clean too. Can't beat it. 

Tanwise Dark Bronzing Mousse

It's officially the season that I must add some self tanner into my life. I have tried several tanners, and this is my new favorite. It has a great, natural color {even with my fair skin} and it smells way better than most tanners. I'm telling you, try it out. Use it just like you would any other self tanner. You can also buy it at Sally Beauty Supply {it will be a better deal if you buy it in store- I'm not sure after any shipping costs what the breakdown would be if it was worth it to ship}. I seem to always have some remaining color of the palms of my hands after any self tanner {I'm on the lazy/quick/rushed side when applying}, but after washing them several times out of normal habit, it is gone. I think it is priced better than most comparable self tanners too.

What are your most recent favorites?

The Mom Chop

It was time.

I hoped I would be one of the ones who escaped post-pregnancy with normal hair, but that just wasn't the case. Every time I styled it the curl would fall out, or if it was straight it just looked blah. On top of that...that surge of hair growth from the pregnancy comes back to bite you. I wouldn't call it losing a ton of hair but it has definitely seemed more than what is usual. It was that point where something had to be done. Yuck. I'm so happy it fell in line with the season that I most prefer a shorter haircut- fall! I feel like once fall comes around I'm ready for a sense of polish versus the laid back summer look that I usually have. Polished in being from a more defined hair style and also more pulled together outfits. Whereas in the summer, my laid back look usually revolves around loose curls pulled in a pony/bun and sundresses and shorts. I was ready for the change.

Here is the before....

Whenever I cut my hair off I do get a little weary about being able to pull it up in a hurry. I pull my hair up a lot and the thought of not having that option makes me anxious. I think this is a pretty alternative for the gals with short hair, no?

via

What is your favorite hair style for fall?

Wedding Hair

one / two / three / four

One of my very best friends is tying the knot this weekend and I am more than honored to stand beside her on the big day. We are wearing gorgeous one shoulder, long black chiffon gowns. I am trying to decide how exactly I should wear this hair of mine. Thoughts? What are your favorite styles for an elegant occasion? I want it to be neat enough but not prom-ish. 

Please help a girl! Or send me your pinterest boards to check out if you have hair inspiration! xo.

My Makeup Bag

One of my sweet readers requested I do a makeup post- how fun! I had not thought to do this and I was very flattered to say the least. I don't consider myself a major makeup know it all, once I find something I love I usually stick with it for a while. I do love to hear what everyone else uses, so hopefully this will interest you as well. Since being pregnant, I have been trying out more and more products, which has been really fun. Here's whats in my bag these days.

Clinique Long Last Glosswear: I love this in Air Kiss. It's what I wear daytime and even if I'm going out to dinner. My lips have a lot of color already and this is a good compliment.

Lancome Star Bronzer: I always dust some on my cheeks, a little on the forehead, a tad on the chin. I use sunswept. I always need some color, this is a must.

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush: I tried this on a whim and l-o-v-e it. I actually use a blush brush to apply it even though I think you could rub it on. It's darker than what I would guess I would pick but I love it on!

Lancome Cheek Brush: Similar to the one I use. I use two different brushes for bronzer and blush.

Clinique Line Smoothing Concealer: This is what I'm using right now, but I usually switch to something lighter in the summer time.

Clinique BB Cream: I started using this last summer (shade 02) and it has kept my skin fairly moisturized through the winter, and has built in SPF- something that is so necessary. I haven't tried other BB creams so I can't compare.

Clinique Superfine Liner for Brows: Been usin' it for years. Perfect for blondes with light eyebrows. I've tried other pencils and always come back to this one.

 e.l.f Cream Eyeshadow: I almost always wear something in a sheer gold for my eyelids during the day. For $3 you can't beat it! This is really pretty in candlelight.

Chanel Eye Shadow Base: This is a splurge worthy base for your eyes! It's a wonderful base when you add more eyeshadow on top, but is beautiful alone too.

Too Faced Three Way Eyeliner: Still experimenting with this one. I tried it last week for Valentine's day at the root of my lashes and liked the results! I usually only wear eye liner at night, and occasionally daytime. 

Maybelline Eyestudio Eyeshadow: The latest eyeshadow compact I have purchased for my green eyes. I have liked the far right color for adding emphasis this winter. Not any everyday thing though.

Maybelline Illegal Lengths Mascara: A drugstore brand that gives really long lashes, but not a lot of volume. For me, it works fine because I have a thick set of lashes, they just need to be darker and longer! A lot of times I rotate back and forth between a tube of expensive mascara (see next) and trying out a drugstore brand. Makes me appreciate the nice stuff and makes me think about what works best for my eyes!

Chanel Volume Mascara: What I am currently using and love. Gives an unbelievably thick set of lashes. After trying my Mom's I asked her to pick me up some. Most of my Chanel products are chosen after my Mom and sister try them out! 

Whew! That was long, are you bored yet? Now it's your turn. Have you tried any of these? If you have, have you found anything you like better? I would love to hear if you post on your makeup bag- make sure to let me know if you do! 

xoxo.

New Favorite: Hana Hair Dryer

Last week I was lucky enough to be sent a Hana Hair Dryer to review from Brian at Misikko. Here's a little background on my hair dryer history: whatever seems reasonable to purchase is what I use, and I will use it until it no longer turns on and the motor is dying. I have always wondered if the nice hair dryers make a difference: and I am happy to say yes, they do!!

It arrived in the prettiest packaging and I was thrilled to find lots of other goodies in the box as well. How did they know I needed a new eyelash curler?

In case I haven't mentioned before, my hair is crazy, frizzy curly. Usually when I get done drying my hair it is a frizzy mess and in no way presentable to the public. I have been thrilled this week that I can dry my hair and have it look like this when I am done. This hair dryer is powerful y'all! 

This is last night after I curled the ends a little bit. I will never be good at taking pictures of myself, this is the best it gets! The biggest improvement I have seen in the course of a week is the condition of my hair. With out changing any other product, my hair is so much softer and shinier.

Misikko also offers flat irons, and if they are anything like the hair dryers, they are a fabulous product. If you are in the market for either a hair dryer or flat iron, I would 100% recommend you checking out Misikko. 

Also, I just want to mention that any day you have a good hair day when you are preggo can make your day. I keep saying- it's the little things! Thank you so much to Brian and Misikko for letting me review this awesome hair dryer- I absolutely love it!

What is everyone up to this weekend? I'm hoping to find some baby boy fabric for our little mans quilt that my Mom is making. The first step in our nursery process!

Happy Friday! xoxo.

Breakfast For Dinner and Essie Love

Last night to cap off our weekend I convinced the hubby to have breakfast for dinner. Does anyone else love that besides me? I can con him into breakfast for din {or, brenner as I like to call it} about one time a year, so we made sure it was a good one. My meal of choice? French Toast. He added that if he was having French Toast for dinner then he was definitely adding sausage and bacon, too. Not a problem.

Sorry for the bad photo. This was devoured quickly!

Here is my recipe:

FRENCH TOAST

-2/3 cup milk

-4 eggs

-2 tsp ground cinnamon

-Bread

-Butter for the frying pan

-Maple syrup and powdered sugar for topping

-Beat milk, eggs and cinnamon in a small bowl.

-Transfer mixture to shallow dish

-Heat large frying pan over medium heat with a few tablespoons of butter

-Dip each piece of bread {both sides} into mixture and add to pan

-Cook on both sides until done

-Slice, serve and top with preferred toppings

In my book, French Toast is not French Toast with out powdered sugar on top. That's the way I grew up eating it and I can't have it with out! I wish I would've remembered some fresh berries to top with also, but next time that will happen.

ESSIE LOVING...

My Mom and I got a manicure and polish change for our pedicures this Saturday, a great way to spend the afternoon out of the blasting hot weather we have had. I have two new favorite colors!

ESSIE EAST HAMPTON COTTAGE

We both got this for our manicures and I am obsessed. Essie describes it perfectly as a beachy sand pink with hints of sheer shimmer. Absolutely perfect.

ESSIE CUTE AS A BUTTON

This was my pedicure color and it is hands down my favorite coral I have come across. THE perfect coral/pink that isn't too bright as I start to lose my tan.

Side note, we ran by the drug store before our manis to buy the colors we wanted instead of using the salons colors. I am thrilled to add them to our stash! 

How was everyone your weekend? Hope y'all have a wonderful start to your week! 

xoxo.