Gift Guide For Gals

It snowed last night so now it feels appropriate to talk about Christmas gift guides.  I'll kick off the week with ideas for gals (we're the easiest to shop for, right?!) and then I'll post a gift guide for guys and kids this week too!

As I was putting together this gift guide the people that went through my mind were friends, sisters, teachers.  I opted for reasonably-priced gifts because a great gift doesn't have to cost a lot of money!! Plus, I'd put all of these things on my Christmas list (wink, wink sisters... husband - if he read my blog...kids - if they could read...)

All of the items are linked below!!

Jewelry Box. My favorite interior design rule is hide your clutter inside pretty things. I think this cute, functional jewelry box could do the trick!

Pajamas. These look so comfy.

Makeup Bag. I found this bag from Southern Farm Co. and fell in love with it.  Pack a lip gloss or nail polish in there and you've got the perfect teacher or bff gift!  Plus the saying cracks me up because it's so true.

Personalized Bracelets. These are from my Etsy shop - 'Apple Avenue Artifacts.' They are an easy, personalized gift for moms, teachers, sisters, friends... you name it! And, you don't have to go with names, you can pick any word you want.

FARM Tee. Graphic tees are totally in style now.  Think of your farm-girl (or non farm-girl) friends!

Daily Devotional. I need to start (and commit) to a daily devotional.  I think there is some power behind it and this one has been recommended a few times.

Earrings. Nickle and Suede earrings are my FAVORITE! They are light-weight leather earrings that make you feel glam and go with anything! They have a few different styles and each month they have a new earring of the month for a discounted price.

Solid Perfume + Lip Conditioner.  Give this pair a try.  Perfume can be a personal, yet fun gift and no one is going to turn down a tinted lip balm.  There are four perfume scents to pick from and two lip conditioners.  They are ideal for any gals in your life that are travelers.

Needles, Blades & Bristles: How they can improve your complexion

You know what Iowa needs? A really good skincare clinic, and I'm not talking a medical dermatologist.  Nope, I'm referring to a cosmetic skincare clinic.  But since I haven't found one (and if I did, I'm not sure I could afford it) I've had to take my skincare into my own hands.  And you guessed it - my skincare includes needles, blades and bristles! More specifically; shaving my face, dermarolling, and washing my face with a brush.

It wasn't long ago that my skin was dry, kinda scaly, a little red, and wrinkles were showing up (but let's be real about wrinkles; I'm in my mid-30's - there's no stopping them, only slowing them down).  After two people (@radioamy, and Sherry, from Young House Love) sparked my curiosity in a couple of these tools, I did my research and gave them a try and believe-it-or-not these tools worked!   The best part is, none of these things are expensive and they don't require an appointment.

Here's some insight into how these three tools can improve your complexion.

SHAVING YOUR FACE. Sounds totally weird but it's similar to derma-planing.  Shaving your face removes the dead skin that can make your complexion seem dull.  It also removes the "peach fuzz" that can sometimes make your makeup look funky. All-in-all, it helps your skin glow and improves your makeup application.  I use these razor blades every other week.

DERMA-ROLLING also known as microneedling. This seems scarier than shaving your face considering your rolling needles across your face BUT I promise it's not.  What's actually happening is your making little punctures in your skin that are stimulating collagen production and collagen is what gives your face the soft, supple look.  In addition to stimulating collagen production it also helps to reduce acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, may reduce sun damage and pigmentation, tighten saggy skin and fades stretch marks (calling all moms!!). I use this derma roller 3 nights a week.

FACIAL CLEANSING BRUSH. Washing my face with a facial cleansing brush is one of my favorite ways to give my face a deep clean.  Using a cleansing brush a couple of nights each week helps to clean out your pores which helps to reduce the appearance of pores.  No need to spend your money on an electric one, a manual brush like this one will totally do the trick!

Here are the overall benefits I've found after doing these three things regularly:

• My overall complexion has improved - I know this because I get compliments from time to time.
• Makeup application is much easier and foundation looks so much better.
• I wear less makeup - some days are just bronzer, brows, and mascara.
• I have more confidence.

I leave you with a few final skincare tips...

1. ALWAYS wear a daytime lotion with an SPF.  If it doesn't have an SPF leave it at the store unless your foundation has an SPF.

2. Save money on cleansers, spend money on serums and lotions

3. Invest in a good nighttime lotion, serum, or mask.

4. It's going to take 4-6 weeks, on average, to see results

Give these things a try and report back!

My Favorite Tinted Lip Balms

I really want to like lipstick, like REALLY want to like it, but I don't.  I can never find the right color, sometimes it feels tacky, and I feel like a goof putting it on needless to say re-applying it. Let's just say I'm not one to excuse myself to the bathroom after a meal just to come back to the table with a fresh coat of lipstick.  I feel awkward.  But I do really want to like lipstick.

But lip balm - that's where it's at! I love it and have no hesitation re-applying it anywhere and everywhere!  Here are my three favorites and a snapshot of how they look on me. They are Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm in 'Red Dalia', Covergirl Oh Sugar! in 'Jelly', and Sugar fresh in 'Petal'. Keep in mind that lip colors, while the same color in the tube, look a little different on everyone because our natural lip colors are all a little different.

BURT'S BEES - RED DALIA
I love this one because first of all it looks like a chapstick (win!) and feels like chapstick (also win!). The color is deep and muted and doesn't come with a whole lot of shine. You can buy it here.

COVERGIRL Oh Sugar! - Jelly

I discovered the Oh Sugar tinted lip balms on a whim a year or two ago and became a huge fan.  It's like lipstick but feels like lip balm.  It makes my lips feel soft and offers a great pop of color.  Besides this color, I also like 01 Cupcake for a sheer gloss.  The downfall is that it looks like a tube of lipstick so I'm not a public re-applier (is that a word?! and I think I just figured out what I don't love lipstick??) This line of tinted lip balms must not have been too popular because they are hard to find.  Looks like Amazon has this color available or check Walgreens! 

(PS, you can get 6% cash back at Walgreens if you sign up for Ebates.)

SUGAR FRESH - PETAL

This one is my favorite of the lineup, also the most expensive (probably why it's my favorite).  This tinted lip balm adds the most natural looking tint to my lips and feels like silk plus it's got sunscreen in it - SPF 15. I've been on the hunt for a rosy pink and this is color was it!  You can buy it here.

If you can't tell, I stay pretty close to the same neutral-looking color pallet.  While these colors work well for me, keep in mind that lipsticks and lip balms look different on nearly everyone because of the natural color of our lips.  Use these colors as a starting point and then work your way up or down the color lineup until you find one you like!

Super Simple Mom Makeup

If you look good you feel good and if you feel good you do good.

I've heard this a lot lately (thanks Queer Eye - totally obsessed with this show on Netflix!) and there is for sure truth to that statement for me.  I'm a person that needs to pull myself together, even a little bit, each day.  I am happier, more productive and have more energy.  It's that little bit of self-care I need on a daily basis.

Since I am now a mom to three boys I've had to speed up my routine because I never know what my two big boys might get into. (Everything starts innocently enough...)  My husband has even noticed that my routine has gotten a little faster!

I recorded a quick "mom-makeup" tutorial for you but I couldn't get it uploaded to blogger, so you'll have to view it on my Facebook page. 

This super simple makeup routine will likely become my daily, back-to-work makeup routine too since it's just six products that I use.  They are all liked below.

Super Simple Mom Makeup Routine Products
1. Tinted Moisturizer
2. NARS matte concealer
3. ELF brow pencil (I use Taupe)
4. Younique Epic Mascara
5. Covergirl Cheekers Blush (I use pretty peach)
6. Sugar Tinted Lip Balm (I use Petal)

Check out my skincare routine in this post.

5 Things I'm Looking Forward to Post-Pregnancy

I'm finally reading Rachel Hollis's book Girl Wash Your Face (I know, I'm behind the times) and so far there have been a couple parts of the book that I swear were written for me.  Specifically, the part about pregnancy not being her thing.  I can relate and I talked about it some in this post.  I admire all of you mama's who love pregnancy. 

The good news is that the end is in sight, we are (hopefully) less than two weeks away from meeting our baby which has got me thinking about a few things I'm really looking forward to post-pregnancy.

1 // Cuddling a new baby. Really, enough said here.  Oh and finding out if we'll add another boy to our family or navigate a new adventure with a little girl.

2// A new wardrobe. I am SO tired of my current clothing situation.  I don't think I'll care if I see another plain colored, long-sleeve shirt or cardigan for the next year!  You should see our laundry piles right now, mine is pretty minimal since I keep wearing the same thing over and over...and over, making my husband's pile look like Mount Everest. All of my clothes will be new to me and of course I've bought a few things recently that I'm looking forward to wearing - like these jeans and this sweater.

Jeans
Shirt
Earrings

3// Exercise. I don't think I've exercised even 1 day during this third trimester.  I've stayed really active - no choice with two boys - but haven't done any scheduled exercise.  This is taking a toll on my mental health so I'm looking forward to getting back at it as soon as my body is ready.  I follow these two gals - Rachel and Kari - who have given me tons of inspiration to get back at it!  Give them a follow!

4// A drink. Yep - I need to take the edge off.  My husband would likely agree.  Not that I need to drink but sometimes is just nice to have a little at-home, Friday, happy hour or have a drink when we get to go out for dinner.  The Palm Breeze I put in my fridge 9 months ago is calling my name.

5// Not working. It's true, I'd be lying if I said I'll miss work.  I'm sure eventually I will miss work, but I'll be back at it soon enough.  For now, I'll try to think of maternity leave as a little vacation that will hopefully allow me to catch up with some long-lost friends, finish up a couple of small house projects, and enjoy my family without feeling pulled in different directions.  Sorry to my customer's who might read this, don't take offense - you'll see me again soon enough!

What did you look forward to most post-pregnancy?  Comment below!

My Basic Skin Care Routine

If I knew then when I know now...

I seem to say this to myself nearly every day now that I'm in my mid-30's.  Because seriously, there are a lot of things I'd do differently - eat healthier, improve exercise routines, invest financially, move to an awesome "young person" city prior to getting married, wear sunscreen, the list goes on...

One of the things on my list is for sure taking care of my complexion.  I wish I had done a better job but then I think, besides wearing sunscreen, was taking care of our complexion really a thing? Perhaps.  I just didn't pay attention.

I've been asked quite often over the past few months about my skin care routine and I take it as a huge compliment.  It's something I've had to work at - a good complexion just wasn't coming naturally to me.  I'm fortunate that I've never had an acne-prone complexion or trouble with excessive redness but having kids really did take a toll on my skin.   After having my second child my skin needed some work.  I even went to a dermatologist to figure out how to get rid of dark spots!

I tried a few skin care regimes including drug store products like the Olay line and Rodan and Fields.  If these work for you - AWESOME!!  Unfortunately they didn't work for me.  I see so many woman with awesome R + F results online and in social media but I didn't see them and couldn't justify the expense for the lack of results I was seeing.

So, I started to do some of my own research and ta-da! I'm seeing the results I was hoping for!  The good news is that you can put together your own skin care routine that wont break the bank.  But, it does take time - think at least 3-6 months of committing to a routine.   

All of the products I use and/or mention are linked at the end of this post.  Also, please excuse the fact that you aren't seeing my face in this post - I've been sick for 10-days and no one wants to see that! :)

To start, think about all of the things that bug you about your complexion.  For me it was: dark spots, visible pores, lines/wrinkles, dry skin.  That's where I started my research and developed my own skin care routine.  Here it is.

M O R N I N G  R O U T I N E

One || I wash my face in the shower.  I like cleansers with exfoliators in them since one of my concerns is my pores.  Select a face wash that targets what you'd like it to do or for your skin type.  If you feel like you have dry skin, and washed your face the night before, you can likely skip this step.  It may lead to drying your face out even more.

Two || I apply the line of Advanced Clinicals serums - Retinol, Collagen, and Vitamin C.  (I let them absorb into my face while I brush my teeth.)

Here is what each of these serums do:
Retinol: Helps fight fine lines and wrinkles.  Not an instant fix but does minimize and prevent their appearance over time - think 6 months-ish.

Collagen: Helps to plump our skin.  As we age, we lose some of the collagen and elasticity in our skin, this helps to rebuild it.

Vitamin C: This helps to brighten your skin as well as reduce and prevent dark spots.

Three || I apply my moisturizer.  For a daytime moisturizer you definitely want something with SPF (even in the winter) and something that keeps your face from drying out.  This Restore & Renew Moisturizer from No. 7 works well for me. It also helps to even out skin tone.

Four || Apply eye cream.  I like this one from Origins.  It has some caffeine in it that helps to wake up, brighten and de-puff my eyes in the morning. 

E V E N I N G  R O U T I N E

My evening skincare routine is quite a bit easier than my morning routine because lets be real, I just want to go to bed at night!  But... DO NOT skip your evening skin care.  I am a true believer that this is where the magic happens!

One || Remove make up. I like this micellar cleansing water from Garnier.  I apply some to a cotton pad and remove all of my make up - foundation and eye make up.  This is the crap that clogs pores.

Two || I was my face.  I'm not too picky on what I use for a face wash.  Neutrogena Naturals actually has a really good makeup removing facial cleanser.  I got this one from Origins for free as a rewards member.  I really like it but will likely go back to the Neutrogena Naturals cleanser when this one is gone.

Notice this little brush?! It's like a magic wand and I swear by it! It's a facial cleansing brush.  I use this brush 2-3 times/week to get my face really clean.  Apply your face wash to the brush, dampen your face and scrub.  It has closed up my pores, evened out my skin tone and helped to brighten my complexion.  I've found that the the best time to do this is while my kids are in the bath tub.  #multi-tasking

Here is how I finish up my evening routine.

Three || Apply witch hazel as a toner.  It's a skin cleanser/astringent that works really well to give you face that final feel of clean and sucks the last bit of gunk out of your pores.  I apply some to the a cotton pad and wipe it all over my face.  Try it - you'll be shocked that even after washing your face, there is still makeup residue left behind.

Four || I apply my night cream.  Go for a night cream with LOTS of vitamins in it.  You know it's a good one if it contains Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin B and Alpha Hydroxy Acids for skin cell turnover.  I like the Origins Night a Mins.  A little spendy but night creams are a good place to splurge. Neutrogena Naturals has a more cost effective option that contains most of the same vitamins.

Five || For fun and because who doesn't want long, thick lashes, I apply this Lavish Lash Serum.

W H E R E  T O  S P E N D vs. W H E R E  T O  S A V E

Spend: Moisturizers and serums.  These are the vitamins, sunscreen etc... that are going to impact your skin.

Save: Face wash and toners.  You need something that will clean your face.  Toners can be as simple as witch hazel and are totally optional.  As for a facial cleansing brush, you don't need a fancy electronic one to do the job, a hand-held one will do the trick. 

So there you go... my skincare routine.  It may seem like a lot of steps but skin care is worth it and doesn't have to be expensive.  Make up your own routine using a little research that way it's guaranteed to fit your budget and you get want you need.  As I've gotten my skin care in line my make up application - especially foundation - has really improved.  Another perk to look forward to!

I am also trying out a Jade Roller and Derma-rolling once a week.  Want me to let you know how that's going??!!  (yes, I'm a weirdo about skincare)

Product List and Links:
Neutrogena Deep Clean Invigorating Scrub
Advanced Clinicals Skin Care Set
No. 7 Restore & Renew Day Cream
Origins Ginzing Under Eye Cream
Micellar Water
Origins Face Wash 
Neutrogena Naturals Face Wash + Makeup Remover
Facial Cleansing Brush
Witch Hazel
Origins Night A Mins
Neutrogena Naturals Nourishing Night Cream
Lavish Lash Serum
PCA Skin Pigment Gel (for removing dark spots)

February Favorite Things

Well, February is going to pass us by before we know it!  I'm not one to complain, it just means that spring weather is coming. (Let's just forget it's snowing today though, ok?)

One of the things I like about blogging and social media is that I get to discover new things and share things that I love.  Here's what I've been loving for February.

GRACE NOT PERFECTION | I actually read this book awhile back but I can't get it out of my mind.  It was so good! This book is an easy read full of practical advice for simplifying your life and teaching  yourself to be ok with it.  As a mom, I needed this read. Click here to get your copy.

NO. 7 SKINCARE | I just started using the No. 7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum and Day Cream.  I love it! I started to see it advertised all over the place and it just so happened that I needed to re-think my skincare program so I gave it a go.  It definitely helps to smooth wrinkles (man, mid-30's suck) and brighten skin with a dose of Vitamin C.  I've found that in just a few uses my skin is soft & supple, brighter and the appearance of pores has lessened.  Target and Walgreens carry this line.

YOUNIQUE MOODSTRUCK ESTEEM LASH SERUM | I'm a skeptic, I'm also a lash product junkie always wanting thick, full, lashes.  This lash serum does the trick. Just apply 2x day and in a few weeks you have lashes you will love! Who knew a lash serum actually worked?!  Since my lashes are both longer and thicker, there are days that I forget eye liner and just run with a few coats of my favorite mascara.

NICKLE & SUEDE PINK VELVET EARRINGS | These earrings are the bomb and actually nickle and suede earrings have become the only earrings I wear (with the exception of basic studs once in awhile.)  The pink velvet earrings are my most recent purchase. I wear size medium. The add the perfect splash of color to my otherwise dull (very dull) wardrobe that includes gray, white, black, denim and sometimes green, if I'm feeling wild.

Let me know if you use any of these products or if you try any of them and tell me what you think!

Where I Get My Daily Dose of Inspiration

Social media has become a double-edged sword to for me - it can be a huge distraction to ourselves, our relationship and our families.  It can also be a source of inspiration for areas in our lives where we have an interest. For me that's faith, fashion, food, fitness, home decor and mom life.  (Huh! I guess I have more interests than I thought!)

So, here are a few people that I follow to get my daily dose of inspiration.

FAITH

First 5 App

Strengthening my faith. That's always a good place to start the day.  My dear friend Leah recommended the First 5 app to me and it has been life-changing! The idea behind it is to spend your first 5 minutes each day with God rather than on social media. I have learned so much about God, the person he is calling me to be and a historical perspective and understanding of what brought us to this place.

FASHION + MAKEUP

Ashley Donielle
Ashley is the cutest mama to be. I found her account on instagram on a whim and I was hooked.  In fact, her style is so me that I bought two tops she recommended.  And, the icing on the cake was that I won my very first blog giveaway on her blog. Whaaaattt? (It was a makeup palette and brushes)

Hi Sugarplum!
Cassie from Hi Sugarplum was one of the very first blogs I followed going back 7+ years ago. She has evolved from home and lifestyle to more fashion and let me tell you, her style is on point.  She's been known to help me to spend a good chunk of change from time to time.

Beauty by Mimi
Ahhh Emily! She has THE BEST makeup - always - and the best makeup tutorials via Facebook live.  I've learned so much about makeup application from her.  She is also a Younique representative and good at it. She's the type of person who you just want to help her business grow. So, if you need Younique products, get them from her.

HEALTHY EATING + FITNESS

Rachel Marthaler
I have personally known Rachel since I was a freshman in college.  She is a beautiful person both inside and out.  Over the past couple of years she has been on a health and fitness journey (go check out her instagram to see this journey or check out her Facebook page.) with Beachbody and has climbed the coaching ranks. After I had Hank, she got me kick started on my own health and fitness journey.  I am now an avid Beachbody on Demand user.  Rachel also has a photography business (Rachel Marthaler Photography) that I highly recommend you check out if you are around Minnesota's Twin Cities South East suburbs.

LL Balanced
Laura Lea is holistic chef from Nashville. Watching her instagram stories has taught me a lot about healthy eating. Her recipes and cookbook are definitely worth giving a try.  I can successfully sneak these recipes on my husband's plate.

Lexi's Clean Kitchen
I've just recently started following Lexi and even got her cookbook for Christmas! Her recipes are pretty simple and filled with good for you stuff - especially if you are gluten free.  You must try out her gluten free cookie dough dip!

HOUSE DECORATING

Chris Loves Julia
Ok - everyone knows Young House Love but do you know Chris Love Julia?! Julia is a must to get to know if you are into decorating your home. Gahhhh... I drool over their house.  If you asked me what my home decorating style was I'd say "Chris Loves Julia." As I begin to slowly re-decorate our home, once our living room addition is done, you'll probably notice that my house may look like a Chris Loves Julia hack. They also have a podcast!

MOM LIFE

One Little Momma
I love following Kilee. Her style is great, basically she is my fashion icon for being a cute, put-together mom. She's also a real mom to 4 (going on 5) boys so I feel she gets me. I think what made me feel the connection to her is that she's the first one to share that life isn't perfect.  In fact, I think we could be friends after she shared on her insta-stories that her boys were eating donuts for lunch while they were getting some work done on their vehicle.  Win!

There you go... a look at my daily inspiration.   As I attempt to start this blogging thing again I thought I'd begin with a soft re-introduction. I hope you stick around.

By the way - who else should I be following for inspiration??!!

Favorite makeup products

A couple weeks ago I wrote a blog post to share my favorite make up tricks and mentioned that in a following post I'd share my favorite makeup products.  Well, here is that post, complete with links to purchase these products.

You'll notice my favorite product line lately is Maybelline, with a few other products splashed in.  Nothing overly expensive.  I found that these basic drug store products work great for me.  At least no one seems to say, "hey I see you're wearing drug store makeup again!"  (or maybe that's just because I work with men...)

While a number of the products are Maybelline products, this is in no way a Maybelline sponsored post, nor is it a Target sponsored post since I like most of the products back to Target. 

FOUNDATION:
Maybelline Face Studio Master Prime
Mary Kay CC Cream
Maybelline Master Prime Eye Shadow Base, prime + illuminate
Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation

EYES:
Maybelline 'The Nudes' Eye Shadow pallet
Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner, Black
Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara
Rimmel Eyeliner, Nude

CHEEKS:
Covergirl Cheekers Blush, Pretty Peach
Maybelline Facde Studio Master Hi-Light

My favorite makeup tricks

Makeup.  I've always been a fan, especially because I'm not one who feels as though they can go without.  Now, if I had a perfect complexion, full eyebrows, and dark thick lashes I could probably pull off the natural look but I'm blonde and pretty "plain-Jane" not to mention I lack the overall confidence of the no-make-up, and day-two-hair look.  Does this make me high-maintenance? Maybe, but so-be-it then.

Throughout my makeup journey, (yes, it's been a journey. I started with blue eyeshadow back in grade school and hit the white eyeliner pretty hard in high school. Who didnt?!) I picked up a few tip and tricks here and there.  Some tips are from YouTube videos, others from bloggers, my mom, sisters, friends, hairstylist... the list of influences is long.  Regardless of where they came from, here are my favorite makeup tricks.  Hopefully you find one or two tricks to try yourself!

Line your waterline with a nude eyeliner.
I learned this one on YouTube while watching an eye makeup tutorial. I used to use black eyeliner but it looked too heavy and seemed to give my eyes dark circles by the end of the day.  So, I switched to using eye shadow as lower lash liner and finishing my look with a nude eyeliner applied to my the lower waterline of my eye.  I do this at the very end. It cleans up your eyes to help you makeup look crisp and makes your eyes look so much brighter!
My product pick: Rimmel Kohl Kajal Waterproof Eyeliner in nude

Use the tip of your mascara wand to apply mascara to your lower lashes.
Why did it take me so long to adopt this trick?  By using the tip of your mascara wand to apply mascara to your lower lashes it reduces your chances of a mishap and gives your lashes a nice coat of mascara.
My product pick: Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara

Use a face primer.
A good primer will help your make up go on smooth, cover imperfections, and help your foundation last all day.  I didn't think I needed one if I used CC Cream but even with that a face primer works wonders.
My product pick: Maybelline Face Studio Master Prime blur + illuminate

Apply a neutral eye primer before eyeshadow.
When you prime your eyes, use a neutral or skin-tone eye primer.  This helps to eliminate the redness from your eyelids for a complete, even-tone canvas.  Plus it helps your eyeshadow to blend and the color to stay vibrant all day.
My product pick: Maybelline Master Prime Long-Lasting Eyeshadow Base - prime + illuminate

Highlight your cheek bones.
This kind of goes along with contouring but I'm not much of a contour type of person since I have a few features that should be softened rather than contoured but I do like highlighting my cheek bones.  It helps to give my face a little extra glow.  You can also highlight your brow bones and the bridge of your nose.
My product pick: Maybelline Face Studio Master Hi-Light

Fill in your eyebrows.
Filling in your eyebrows is completely transforming - this gives your face shape and definition.  Not to mention my eyebrows lack perfection so I fake it by using this trick.  There are so many eyebrow pencils and shaping products on the market so take your pick.  I prefer to using eyeshadow to fill in my eyebrows.
My product pick: Mary Kay Mineral Eye Color in hazelnut

A lot of my favorite products as of late have been Maybelline brand products.  This blog post is in no-way a sponsored blog post.  Perhaps next week I'll share a complete list of my favorite make up products with you.

Also, for the record, I don't normally do my makeup at my dining room table... :)

3 maternity must haves

I feel that since I am in the third trimester of my second pregnancy I've learned a few things that have made me a little smarter than I was during my first pregnancy - that's just a whorl-wind all together.

While I've been fortunate to feel really good during both pregnancies (knock-on-wood) there are a few items that have really helped me stay on track when it comes to fitness and self-esteem.  They include a Fitbit, Jergans Instant Sun Sunless Tanning Mousse, and a Belly Belt.

One | Two | Three

Fitbit. I'm addicted - this has to be my best purchase of 2015!  My Fitbit helps me stay on track to hit my goal, there is something about the dang thing lighting up and buzzing on my wrist when I hit my goal that gives me such a sense of accomplishment for the day.  This little tool has kept me active and moving all day long - I take the stairs every chance I get in my office building (it's 75 steps from the ground floor to the 3rd floor), I walk at least 2,000 steps on the treadmill each day, and I park further away from the door in any parking lot! I should mention, I did lower my goal to 8,000 steps - this is still about 3-4,000 more steps than what I'd get on an average day where I didn't go to the gym!  It'a also really helped me to keep my weight in check.  I've only gained 20lbs so far this pregnancy compared to 40 lbs by the time Colton was born. Bottom line: You should own one!

Jergans Instant Sun, Sunless Tanning Mousse. We all know that tanning beds during pregnancy are a no-no (I actually skip them all together) but there are special occasions, or even just normal days, when you want to feel a little sunkissed.  For me, these are the days I wear dresses. The results are instant, it doesn't turn your skin orange, and it washes away in two days.  Bottom Line: Be the glowing mama that you are!

Belly Belt. A friend introduced me to these - they are amazing!  Throw that rubber band or hair tie away and get yourself a set of these!  They are perfect for that moment that where all of a sudden your pants are just a little more difficult to zip but your definitely not ready for maternity pants. These are your ticket.  They helped me to feel human for a long time and I think they'll come in handy for a few days after the baby comes. Bottom Line: Well worth the purchase to feel good in what you're wearing!

There you go... a few things to add to your Christmas list.  My best to you mama's!

Fall flannel

Flannel Shirt - Old Navy | Denim Vest - Gap (option) | Clutch - Target | Leggings (old) - American Eagle | Boots - Nordstrom

Summer is, by-far, my favorite season - the long days, playing outside, fresh air, ahhh...  

However, I'm doing my best to embrace fall, despite the fact that it means that winter is right around the corner. And, to be honest, I was ready to switch up my wardrobe from summer to fall. I was starting to get a little bored with my summer clothes and needed some new inspiration!

Then, along came flannels! Ta-da - INSPIRATION!

I think the last time I really embraced the flannel shirt style was back in the eight grade but now flannel shirts are all over pinterest and my favorite bloggers are wearing them so I thought I'd give it a try in an effort to stay "trendy" during this pregnancy (24 weeks).

In case your wondering, my favorite fall accessories are my fit bit (kidding! I forgot to take it off for the picture), denim vest, dark lipstick, and big earrings (I picked up the big earring trend from One Little Mama - she's awesome, check her out!) 

Here are a few other denim vest looks I've sported via Instagram!

A Black Maxi Dress + Connecting In Our Virtual World

Maxi Dress: Old Navy

I often think about how virtual our world has become.  This makes me appreciate phone calls and snail mail all the more because I am a fan of having a human connection based on friendship, similarities, goals, and the ability to have a genuine conversation.

While living in such a virtual world makes it easier to connect, I believe we take this for granted by thinking "I'll send her a text later" or "I'll reply to that tweet when I get more time." Sound familiar?  I do it all the time.

I am making an honest effort to really, truly connect with other humans more so than I have in the past, especially as I am starting this blog.  Here are a few ideas for how to connect in our virtual world.

1. PICTURES
I feel so much more connected to others when I get to see their picture it offers a sense of self and a human element to our virtual relationships.  I would be lying if I said I was photogenic but it's part of making a connection.

2. CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
I appreciate all of the comments that are left on my blog and Facebook page! If there is an opportunity to continue the conversation it's important to me to leave a reply.  Conversations foster relationships and bring the human element we look for.

3. ENGAGE IN SOCIAL MEDIA
Become more than a follower - like, comment on, and share/re-tweet social media posts. Social media is a great tool for building relationships, don't be afraid to join in on the discussion.  I know it's easy for me to think, "they'll never read my comment" this might be true but you never know - it might be just what someone was looking for (as long as your positive)

By the way, what do you think of this black maxi dress?  I like that it's slimming and versatile.  Unfortunately I think it's a little too low cut to wear to work but for a casual day it's perfect.  Check out these ideas for wearing a black maxi dress from Hi Sugarplum - she's one of my faves!

Summer Style Prep

Shirt: TJMaxx | Purse: TJMaxx | Jeans: Gap Factory | Shoes: Target | Necklace: Kohls

I got to go shopping all by myself and it was amazing to stroll through a store browsing at all sorts of beautiful things rather than rushing over my lunch hour or shopping online.  Although it's important to note that I've mastered both of those skills.  This was the first time I've gone shopping, just to shop on my own since before Colton was born.

It's not often that I find clothing that I like at TJMaxx, it's just too much to look through.  I prefer stores where the clothing racks are well organized and there are multiple sizes of the same shirt hung on the same rack.  I love TJMaxx for all of their home items, purses and bags. However, to my surprise I found this high-low shirt that's light and airy.  In general, I'm not a fan of high-low shirts but this one was long enough in the front to fit my fancy.  The purse was also a good find, I can fit my DSLR camera and all of the kid supplies I need to make it through an afternoon away from home.

This outfit with be a summer staple.

I'm looking forward to summer style.  Last year I just had a baby at the end of June so I was adjusting to having a baby, a new body, and losing the baby weight which meant I rotated a whopping 3 outfits for, what seemed like, everything.

4 Ideas to Beat Dreary Weather

I swear all that the weather does here in Iowa is rain.  We might get a quick day of sunshine during the week but then we are usually back to rain on the weekends.  Ugghhh! I can't pretend this dreary weather isn't wearing on me.  It is, just ask my husband.

I've been thinking of ways to help change my outlook about this dreary weather, here are a couple of ideas that I've put to work for me.

WEAR BRIGHT COLORS
Wearing bright colors will help to get out of the winter and cold weather rut. Plus, they just make a person feel more cheery. I know, funny coming from a person who wears primarily neutral colors. :)

Sweather: Old Navy (old, try this one) | Dress: Nordstrom | Necklace: Elisabeth Ashlie | Shoes: Target

TRY SUNLESS-TANNER
My favorite is Jergens Natural Glow Instant Sun.  I like feeling sun-kissed and fooling people into thinking that the sun always shines in Western Iowa.  The real truth is that I sport some pretty white legs after wearing jeans all winter.

EAT FRESH FOOD
Our re-refrigerator is stocked with fresh fruit and vegetables.  Even though rainy, cool weather calls for home-cooked casseroles (or hotdish) add a little fresh food to the menu.  Or, if you have a covered porch, grill out.  We do this all the time!

DRINK A SUMMERY DRINK
If the previous 3 ideas don't work for you, try this one.  I'm a big fan of fruity cocktails and the Mike's hard lemonades (black cherry is my favorite!)

Keep your spirits up... before long we'll probably be begging for rain again.  Cheers!

Linking up at September Farm

Nothing But Neutral

Shirt - Old Navy (clearance) | Jeans - Express (old) | Shoes - Target | Necklace - Elizabeth Ashlie | Purse - Old

I was once told I was a boring dresser, followed up by "but you pull it off so well." I can't remember who told me that but it stuck with me and I decided to embrace it.  Thus the name "Nothing But Neutral."

It's true, 95% of my wardrobe is neutral-colored clothing and I work at a corporate office in what we refer to as a "cloth box."  Not to mention, west-central Iowa doesn't offer a lot of hot spots for a night out on the town.  The outside of our house is gray, and square while the inside is filled with neutral necessities. But, that doesn't mean that my life is boring.

While the basics are neutral the details are full of color.  It's rare that you catch me in a t-shirt and jeans, unless I'm helping to work cows (see the one photo-bombing my picture??) or picking rocks, and I always have plans for re-styling my house.

Welcome to my new blog - filled with fashion, decorating ideas, farm life, and lifestyle.

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