Homemade Wax

Not only did I made the DIY Exfoliater this weekend, I made some homemade wax.  It's kind of an embarrassing and funny story why I made it.... so here goes!  I ordered a new teeth whitener system for Christmas.  I wanted to take a "before" picture, and when I flipped my camera around to see how the picture turned out, I couldn't believe how much hair was on my upper lip!  I was seriously mortified!  It wasn't dark hair, but it definitely looked horrible in pictures.. so I wanted to wax my lip.  It seemed painful, but shaving my lip seemed weird, so I decided on waxing...

If you have any interest in making some yourself, here's the link to the video and recipe.

I was happy with the results and it didn't hurt as bad as I expected.  Or maybe it did, but it happened so fast that it wasn't too bad. :)

DIY Exfoliater

I kept meaning to buy an exfoliater when I was out and about, and never could remember.  This past weekend I decided I'd just make one at home.  I had all the ingredients already, and I really am enjoying it!

What you'll need to make it:

1/4 C sugar

1/4 sea salt

1/4 coconut oil

20 drops lavender oil

20 drops peppermint oil

Mix first three ingredients in a small bowl with a fork.  Add in the oils and mix again.  And that's it.  I had this cute little glass jar to store mine in.  I keep it in the shower, and exfoliate my face every time I take a shower. 
The coconut oil leaves your skin feeling super smooth and the peppermint make it feel really refreshing! The sugar and salt are obviously rough, but that's what gets the dead skin off! :) Hope you enjoy!

My Favorite Shampoo/Conditioner

I've been on the hunt for a great shampoo and conditioner that doesn't break the bank.  It started about 6 months ago when I tried the Wen hair care products.

They smelled fantastic but my results were very inconsistent.  (Not to mention I was scammed into a three month supply when I thought I was ordering a one month supply.). They suggest you double wash with their "cleansing conditioner".  The idea of a cleansing conditioner seemed interesting to me, but it wasn't easy to use like a typical shampoo and conditioner.  I'd frequently think my hair was well washed only to find a random spot that didn't get completely rinsed and it would look almost wet/greasy/and gross!  It's a little pricey considering the amount you have to use each time you wash your hair.  Also the bottle suggests you won't have to wash your hair as often with their products but I found this to be the he exact opposite.  Plus there are horror stories online of the company being sued because women experienced major hair loss.  So, if you've thought about trying Wen, just wait!  And try....

Ken Paves You Are Beautiful collection of hair products!  The bottles say they are made with 100% essential oils.  My hair has never been softer!  This is a big deal because I have such course hair.  I've also had hardly any frizz... Talk about miracle product!  Typically I wash my hair every other day, but since I've been using the shampoo and conditioner, I could easily wait three days (maybe more!) before washing.  I've only tried the purple bottles for normal/dry hair, but there are other bottles for different hair types.

I bought these at my local Walmart for about $17.  They are a little more pricey than the commerical brands but the extra is worth every penny!  I also purchased the same brand hair spray and dry shampoo.  I've yet to try the dry shampoo because my hair has stayed so clean!  

The only con is the essential oil smell is pretty strong.  It reminds me of an herbal tea.  Some of you may love the smell, and it's grown on me.  With that said, my hair on day 2 (or 3) still has a clean smell and I love that! 

Next time you run out of shampoo or conditioner, try these!  I can't imagine anyone not loving their results!

My New Necklace

A friend of mine posted a picture on Instagram of a new leather cuff bracelet she had purchased for her son to commemorate his baptism.  She tagged the shop she bought it from and I wanted to browse the other products for sale.  I was surprised to see her Etsy shop was empty, but I decided to follow her.  A day later she posted a picture of a new necklace (with 3 colored pineapple choices) she was putting up for sale. 

It was a fruit of the spirit necklace, and the fruit of the spirit has been our families focus this whole year!  I felt like it was made for me and I really wanted to get one.  People kept commenting on how fast her stuff sells out and how they hoped to get one.  She commented that sales would start at 9pm, so I made a mental note that when the kids went to bed that evening I'd order one or two.  The kids were up a little late and I grabbed my phone at 8:59.  It clicked in my head that the necklaces were getting ready to go on sale, so I logged on to her Etsy shop and found all three colors up for grabs. I couldn't decide on a color so I thought I'd splurge on all three and once I got them, I'd gift two of them.  As I was moving to the checkout page, it updated that 2 were already sold out (pink & white), so I quickly paid for the one that I still had!  They were sold out in about 30 seconds! I had no clue how lucky I was to snag one of these necklaces!

I literally couldn't wait to get it!  It arrived this past Saturday and I've worn it every day!  I just adore it!

The adorable packaging...

Not only did I receive this beautiful necklace, I received several cards with scriptures on them. AND a little note addressed to "Lovely Haley".  The packaging was phenomenal - so personal, so creative, so rustic/modern feeling, and it made me SO HAPPY!

These are on my fridge for the time being but I may find a better place for them!

I'm hoping I get another chance to get some of her products in the future!  She calls her necklaces "billboards for your heart".  Don't you just love that?  I'd highly recommend them!!!

Morphe Eye Shadow

I ordered this palate of eyeshadow on January 1st.  I was excited to try this brand because I've heard good reviews and it's very affordable!  It was back ordered the whole month of January and I didn't get it until the very end of the month.  I've had a lot of fun mixing and matching and trying new colors :) I also have been using an eye shadow primer, and that + these eye shadows end up lasting all day!  I have to use my eye make up remover at night to get it off because that primer works so well - or maybe it's because the shadow is so pigmented.  Either way, it's a great combination!

Austin helped me pose - but my eye shadows were very neutral golds/browns.  I didn't get too wild the first time I tried it!

 

I used some pinks and purples and gold this day.  I liked how it turned out!

 

If you were curious about my eye primer, I use the Sephora brand. 

MAC Cosmetics

While we were on vacation, I looked to see if there were any MAC Cosmetic counters in Destin.  Just so happens there was one in a department store called Belk.  The few girls I follow on YouTube that are makeup gurus rave over their MAC products, but are very upfront about it being pricy and high end.  Maybe that's why there are no places around here that sell it?  Kevin and I enjoyed a date night last Wednesday evening and I asked him if I could go buy some make up when we were done eating.  He didn't mind going with me, and luckily the men's department was next to the makeup counter so he was able to browse while I talked makeup!

The girl at the counter quickly greeted me and said to let her know if I had any questions.  I just said 'ok' because I had so many questions I didn't know where to start.  After a couple minutes of aimlessly browsing, I just started asking her gobs of questions.  We started with concealer.  I knew I needed something better than what I've tried (my go-to is Mary Kay, but I don't love its yellow-ness, or thickness for under my eyes... it is great for blemishes though!)  She recommended one and offered to put it on me to see how I liked it.  I loved it.  It doesn't crease, highlights the right areas, and is light but covers perfectly.  It sells for around $20 a bottle.

The sweet girl then went through my makeup routine with me and we looked for areas I needed help/improvement.  I told her about my mixed feelings on foundation, and she suggested a mineral powder foundation.  Once I put it on, I loved it.  I didn't know powder could give such a covered/smooth/light/finished look.  She recommended a bronzer that I've really liked too.

The next area we talked about was eyes.  I needed a few neutral, everyday colors to wear on my eyes.  Anyone who knows anything about makeup uses several shadows, not just one.  So I had her point me in the right direction of shadows that are good for everyday wear.  I loved the matte finishes... everything from the drug store is so darn glittery!  The eye shadows sell for $15 a pod.

(This was not the set I bought but I really liked it!)

She sent me home with mascara samples that I fell in love with and it will be my go to.  So after dropping about $200 on a pile of makeup and brushes, I went back to the condo to show my mom to see what she thought of it all.  She really liked it too, especially my concealer, so we went back a day later.  A new group of ladies were working.  A very pretty lady with her makeup done beautifully started helping my mom.  She ended up getting a new face of makeup too, and loved it all as well.  These ladies that work at the makeup counters are packed full of knowledge.  I went home that day with a primer, and my mom left with a pile of make up and brushes too!  

Here's a picture of me Saturday at 9am.   I had just finished my makeup.  I spent the day running around, in and out of the heat, and even blowing my nose (and changing clothes!).  I took the second one right before I went to bed at 11pm.  My makeup looks as fresh at 9am as it did at 11pm!  Everything I was wearing was MAC except for my eyeliner (which is Revlon liquid Color stay).

If you ever get the chance to visit a MAC counter, I'd highly recommend their products!  I am in love with every product of theirs that I own (from brushes, to shadows, to powder)!  

Burt's Bees Ultra Conditioning Lip Balm

I don't love wearing lipstick or lip gloss.  I like the natural color of my lips and have always thought bright reds, shiny golds, or pinky oranges just look funny on me.  I am making a point to use a lip balm just to condition my lips.  I have been using Burt's Bees Ultra Conditioning Lip Balm and really like it!  It's not strongly flavored (or scented - not sure how you describe that), but it gives my lips a bit of shine so it doesn't look like I neglected them!  It costs just under $5 from Walmart. 

The biggest problem I have with it, is Allie LOVES it!  I've bought 3 tubes over the last two months because I can't keep her out of it.  When she sneaks some on, she usually smashes half of the tube into the lid - and if Krissy gets involved, then it gets smeared all over my bathroom!  I make a point to hide it now, which usually results in me forgetting to put it on!  My lips are feeling a bit dry now, and I think I'm going to go put some on while the kids aren't watching! 

Anastasia Brow Wiz

This is one of the two products I'm using in my makeup routine that I can't get from Walmart or a drug store.  It's called Anastasia Brow Wiz and can be found at Sephora.  I have a cheapo brow pencil from Maybelliene that is my everyday one.  The Anastasia costs about $21, so I only use it when I'm going out on date nights or meeting with friends or family.  The pencil is tiny and allows you to fill in and shape your brows better than any drug store pencil I've ever used.  It also has a brush (much like a mascara brush) on the end to help you comb your brows.  It also doesn't smear like the drugstore pencils.  I never focused much attention on my brows, but now, when I use the brow wiz, it gives my face a much more finished look.

The store has charts that help you pick the color that is best for you.  Based on their charts, I bought Medium Ash, and it compliments my hair color very well! It's definitely worth the splurge when you have the extra cash!

Hard Candy Spicy & Sweet Blush

I have always used blush.  However, I've had a hard time finding the perfect shade of pink that compliments my skin tone, gives my cheeks a rosy look, but doesn't make me look like a clown.  Insert Hard Candy's Spicy & Sweet blush.  It's a cute box of 4 blushes that's really affordable (I'm thinking it was less than $5). 

You take a blush brush (I used a bigger brush than the one that's included) and mix all 4 colors together to get a beautiful pink blush!  There are a few other choices for sets of colors, but this one fits me the best!

L'OREAL Magic Lumi Face Primer

I've heard lots of talk about face primer, but I had never tried it out.  We don't budget makeup into our monthly budget, so whatever I need usually comes from Walmart.  I heard good reviews about a drug store brand face primer.  It's Magic Lumi Face Primer by L'oreal.  My Walmart doesn't carry it, so I had to search other Walmarts to find it.  I think it was around $10 for the tube and I was anxious to try it to see if I could tell a difference. 

It was pretty common for me to take my makeup off at night, and there really be nothing left on my skin to take off.  What was left of my eyeshadow and eye liner typically bled into each other.  The first day I used this I was shocked by how much makeup was still on my face at the end of the day!  This cream acts like little hands that grab your makeup and hang on to it all day long!  I was most impressed with my eye lids looking smooth all day. 

One full pump of the primer will cover my whole face.  I rub it everywhere I apply makeup, except my lips!

Face primer has been a game changer for me.  There are lots of higher end brands that offer primers, but if you've never used a product like this before, I'd recommend trying the L'oreal first!  I love it!

Foundation Brush

I'm devoting the week to talk about 5 of my favorite new makeup products I've been using lately!

I thought I'd start with a change I've made to my foundation routine!  I use to apply my liquid, medium coverage foundation with my fingers or a wedge shaped sponge.  I was watching some video makeup tutorials and it seemed really common to use a brush to apply liquid foundation.  I thought I'd have to spend a lot of money on one, but I found a kabuki brush made by E.L.F. for $6 at my Walmart.  I've been very pleased with it!  They also make a flat top powder brush for $3 that I've seen used in makeup tutorials.  I like how the brush gives my foundation a smoother finish than my fingers ever could!  It also distributes the foundation more evenly.

To apply your foundation, you put a pea size amount of foundation on the back of your hand.  Take your brush and dab into the foundation.  It will quickly pick it up.  Next, you'll use a dabbing motion and apply the foundation all over your face.  Once it's applied, use brush strokes to smooth it all out.  I like to finish by rubbing the brush down my neck to get off the excess foundation off the brush!  If you use liquid foundation, you should give this brush a try!

Heat-less Curls

I saw several tutorial on Pinterest on how to get a heat-less curl to your hair.  If you are interested in seeing how to do it too, watch the first video on this link.  It looked really simple to do, so I thought I'd give it a try one night before bed.  I do have naturally curly hair with lots of frizz and I decided it would be better to try it with wet hair (rather than dry like they suggest).  I definitely needed more than a night for my hair to dry.  I woke up and it was still damp.  I tried to blow dry it a bit before taking the headband out.  I loved how it first looked.  About an hour later when my hair was dry, it got really frizzy and lost the curl in all the frizz. 

Right after taking the headband out.

Next time I want to try it with my hair 80-90% dry, and I'll spray some frizz control in my hair before wrapping it up for the night. I love this idea because my mornings are usually busy and I don't have much time to spend in front of the mirror... if I can do the bulk of the work the night before (which really takes less than 5 mintues) and come out with a good looking hair do, it will definitely be something I do more frequently! 

*The Best* Moisturizer

I have a dry hair problem, dry nail problem, and to top it off, a dry skin problem. I have found a wonderful solution to my dry skin... Mary Kay Intense Moisturizing Cream! My MK gal gave me a sample to try. It's a thick cream that leaves my dry skin feeling completely satisfied. I've also noticed when I put it on before my foundation my skin looks so smooth and even! If you have dry skin I HIGHLY recommend this product!!  I keep wanting to do a picture of me with half of my face using the MK Intense Moisturizing Cream and the other half using just regular moisturizer so you can see the difference~!  (I just am usually half asleep when I put on my make up that I don't remember until it's too late!)  I will try to remember this week and get a picture posted!

Rockin' Red Dress!

My new obsession is thrifting.  When the weather warms up I think the thrifting might cool down, or completely stop, because I will be yard saling my Friday (and maybe Saturday) mornings away!  Man I love a good bargin!

When my sis was home over Christmas, we did some thrifting together.  If you keep up with her blog, you already saw the post she did... Thrifting in Indiana.  We had lots of fun and I wish she was here to go weekly with me!  We both found some great finds but all the credit for my red dress goes to my sis!  We were browsing the dress racks when she held up this red silky dress.  We kept holding up hiddeous things and laughing about them and I thought that's what she was doing... but she said, "You should really try this on".  I started to laugh and she said she was serious.  I told her to put it back, it was ugly!  I had a handful of things to try on and she insisted I try on the red dress.  Just to make her happy, I did, but I knew I'd hate it...... or not.  It actually fit me so well, and I thought it was really flattering!  She was giving me tips on how to accessorize it to bring it up to date.  She wanted to see the after pic, so here it is - just for you sis! :)

To the 80 year old lady that gave away her vintage silk dress, thank you :)  I love it!
(p.s. Thanks Dad for taking my picture!)

I also dressed little Allie to match her momma today!  *LOVE* having a little girl!

Leggings

I use to be so into fashion!  I think if anyone took a looksie in my closet these days they wouldn't believe that.  My BFF Amy kept asking me if I was going to get into the legging craze.  After trying some different things on and observing how other people wear them, I decided I simply just don't like the look.  I don't think it's all that flattering.  Now when it comes to leggings with dresses and skirts and a pair of tall boots, that's not so bad.  But that's what pantyhose are for.  So I'm thinking why buy leggings if the pantyhose I have do the same job.  I've decided instead of investing my money into leggings this season, I will invest in a cute pair of flat leather boots and maybe some thicker pantyhose (which I don't foresee going out of style anytime soon).  When you're budget is limited, you want to get pieces that you can wear multiple seasons/years, and I just don't think the legging look, paired with ballet flats and a big chunky sweater will be around for several years.   

*Note* This doesn't apply to kids and babies.  I think little girls look so darn cute in leggings and Allie will get a pair or two!

Exhibit A - why leggings aren't my thing.

These pantyhose look SO much better and the outfits look more put together.

Brush Organizing

I'm new to Pinterest.  I try to limit my visits to the site because the 3 times I've gotten on there I've spent 1-2 hours just browsing!  In my last look through, I found this cute idea!  I'm always misplacing my make up brushes or eyeliner and this is such a cute way to house and display them! 

Goodwill

I had never shopped at Goodwill before, until Saturday afternoon!  I decided next time I need to go by myself so I can be extra productive!  I did manage to put together an outfit while I was there.  I found the skirt/shirt/belt and it cost about $7 for all 3 pieces.  Must. Go. Back.

Dress Obsession

You would never know this from looking at my closet, but I'm obsessed with dresses and skirts.  I really don't have many, but if I could replace my entire wardrobe with them, I would do it without thinking twice.

I love this mental image I have of a housewife wearing a dress and apron.  I would SO do that!  I think dresses/skirts are super comfortable and flattering.  I really want to get a sewing machine in the near future and learn how to sew.  I'd love to make my own dresses (maybe little matching ones for Allie?),  Here are some cute fall styles I've come across.

Little Victory

I have a tub of clothes that have sat in my closet for years.  I had them marked as my "skinny" clothes and I just couldn't bring myself to get rid of them.  The last 2 months or so I've been faithfully working out on my elliptical about 4 days a week.  It's not always easy to do, but I motivate myself by telling myself, "I can do anything for 15 minutes".  (I got my inspiration from Mrs. Angela Coffman over at Grocery Shrink - does every one of my posts pertain to her?  I feel like it does! Ha!)

All the jeans in my closet I've been wearing were getting a little loose.  I opened up my skinny clothes container and pulled out a pair of size 4 Gap jeans I haven't worn since before I was pregnant with Hayden.  Aaaaand they fit like a glove.  I forgot how much I liked them!  I think in celebration I should go buy another pair :)  I need to look for a used pair though... $70 for a pair of jeans just isn't happening anymore!

I have been doing Weight Watchers for the last 2 months too.  (Just hit "lifetime" status on Friday whoop whoop.)  The combination of making better food choices (most of the time) and working out has been the trick for me!  What are you putting off that you could (slowly) accomplish with just 15 minutes a day?  Do it!  You'll be glad you did!

Stretched

When I first started this blog about a month ago, I was thinking of possible topics to blog about.  One thing on the list was stretch marks.  I have them.  Lots of them.  I guess that's to be expected when you gain 51lbs and have a 10 1/2lb newborn baby your first pregnancy.  Wowza.  After I had my big boy Hayden, I hated my body.  I thought I'd never get my shape back and I knew my skin would never be the same.  When I had Allie, I didn't think I could get another stretch mark, but I was wrong.  They just appeared in new places!  I wasn't as mad about them the 2nd time around though.  My recovery with Allie was a lot better because I had a new attitude.  I wasn't as focused on getting my old body back.  I was more interested in getting healthy and feeling good about the body I have. 

I will admit, I did buy some Bio-Oil like 3 months ago.  I used it a few days, but I just felt defeated before I really started using it.  (If anyone wants the bottle the can have it.)  I have read many articles saying you can do alot about the appearance of stretch marks, but you pretty much can't get rid of them without going to extreme (surgical) measures.  So I had a heart to heart with myself.  I knew I had stretch marks for a reason, and if the only reason was to remind me of how lucky I am to have 2 wonderful kids, then they are worth it.  No more trying to get rid of them, they are a part of me. 

Last week I joined a program at our church called Daughters of the King.  Every Wednesday a large group of women meet together for worship then break up into small groups (you choose your group before the semester starts and I chose the Focus on the Family group).  The book we are working through this semester is called "Am I Messing Up My Kids" by Lysa TerKeurst.  I'm only on chapter 5 and I can tell you this book has changed my morning routine, my thoughts on mothering, and how I speak to my kids.  I can't wait to see the effects of this book months and years from now. 

The reason I brought up this book is because Lysa has a chapter titled "Why Do I Always Feel So Stretched?".  Here are some of my favorite thoughts from this chapter.
"A strange sense of pride welled up in my heart as I realized these scars made me like Jesus in a way.  I gave of my life to make new life possible.  I carried this new person and took on their weight.  I was stretched almost beyond what I could bear.  My experience left me scarred and forever marked.  But the product of these scars is a joy I could not have any other way."... "I have been called to die to the selfishness that characterized my life before kids.  Life was about me back then.  My schedule, my needs, my wants, my time, my money, my desires, my dreams, my plans dictated how I spent my life."..  "He wanted my life to be about Him and His plans for me." ... "Giving my body gave my kids a chance at life." ... "In His resurrection, He could have come back without the scars on His hands, feet, and side, but He left them there.".... "I think He left them because He wanted to.  He came to love not the scars themselves, but what the scars accomplished.  He was called to be the Savior of the world, and He did it.  I am called to be a mom, and I'm doing it."
So after reading that chapter, I was like bring on the stretch marks! Ha :) I just loved her perspective and wanted to share.

If you area interested in buying the book, the Vineyard sells it for $11.99 plus tax or you can click here and buy one on Amazon!