Girl Chat: Favorite Makeup/Beauty Products

I'm linking up today---yay!!

I've wanted to share my current favorite beauty products for awhile now.  I just pulled a few of my recent go-to must haves that I have been loving!

For my hair, I only use this line of products.  I find that spending a little more money, washing my hair every 2-4 days, and not curling/straightening every day has really helped!  This spray is fabulous for spraying directly on my hair before I use my curling wand.  The curls hold and last longer for sure!

Sealing Spray

Curling Wand

This is what my hair looks like right after I finish curling. I love to run my fingers through or even a brush to give it the looser look too. I let it cool down first though!

For my eyes I've been loving Younique!  I find this palette to really compliment my brown eyes.  My sweet friend Elizabeth has an amazing group on Facebook where she shares tips, tricks & lots of amazing deals!

Glamour & Grace with Elizabeth

I typically wear Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue daily, but for a night out on the town or if I'm doing any photos or filming, this is what I prefer.  It lasts and really gives a gorgeous glow in a photo! I use the shade Pure Beige.

Foundation

If I wasn't a Stella & Dot Stylist, I would probably be a LipSense lady! I am obsessed with this product for a few reasons.  I have always been a lip gloss kind of girl, but love the look of lipstick.  The problem with lipstick is that it ends up on my teeth, my husband, and all over my straws and cups.  It's annoying! I tried Gingerbread back around the holidays and I was hooked.  It tingles a little when you apply, but man oh man, it's so fab!  I also love that I can layer colors and create custom looks.  It helps that one of my best friends (maid of honor!) sells it.  Check out her Facebook Group for some deals and lots of pretty lip looks!

Ann Gets Lippy

I tried this bad boy out last night--a little out of my comfort zone but I totally think I rocked it!

I also only have to tote around a gloss or two when I'm out and about.  Winning!

I'm really into self-tanners and I have tried quite a few! Hands down, this has the best smell, least streaks and gives a natural glow.  Even my husband commented how much he likes me tan!

Ann Gets Lippy

Here was my "Purple Reign" lips.

Here I'm wearing Roseberry.

Date night was Napa.

Beige Champagne is my favorite for a mom on the go look!

Being a momma of two kids, 2 & 4, I feel like I am finally starting to feel like a woman again. I'm taking the time to make myself pretty--yes, I get that beauty is on the inside, but let's be real.  I feel my best when I am working out, eating healthy, and getting my glam on!! I am blessed to have such amazing friends who are total girl bosses and I feel like I have such a support team.  

Taking time for ourselves is so important.  It's impressive what a little makeup, lip color & some jewels can do for me!

Monday Musings

Happy Monday!! Isn't that the truth.  I strongly believe that what we focus on increases.  Sure we have bad days, but lately if my days start getting a little funky or rather trying, I stop and focus on something that is good in my life.  Gratitude (my word for 2017) is so powerful. Now, I get it some days are going to be doozies, and we will wish for a re-do, but perhaps there is something in this setback that is actually a set-up for something even better in our lives.  Just chew on that thought for a bit...

I also believe you can never have too many photos of your kids eating pasta.  How did the pasta get stuck on his forehead?! Bradley Joseph, we love you and your silly ways.

This week was full of of lots of downtime and snuggling.  Even Saturday, when everyone was feeling better we still took it easy and just relaxed a bit after nap time.  I am not going to lie, I really love just snuggling.  Usually we are all go-go-go, with this cold temperature, there is nothing going full speed at this time!

Especially since Mr. Bubs had his first bout of the stomach flu last Tuesday.  It was no fun but he made it through and we are doing much better now!

Friday Joe stayed home with the kiddos and I had my physical early in the morning (7:30) then treated myself to a little Starbucks breakfast and 'work time.'  I really just organized my head, wrote out some ideas, figured out my schedule.  Sometimes you just need a new, quiet space to clear your thoughts and write them down on paper.  Being a stay at home mommy is the best job ever, but I find it hard to always get my head on straight when someone needs me for something every other minute!



After my brain dump sesh, with myself, I headed to my hair salon.  I wanted more blonde, so more blonde is what he gave me! I am a little hesitant because it is WAY blonde, but hey I asked for it so I'll rock it.  Just call me Holly Madison for the next 3.5 weeks and I'll probably go back to highlights after.  It's hard to be this blonde without a tan!! Ha.  But hey, ya never can be too blonde...right? ;) Plus I sent SOS texts to my makeup gurus to help me balance out my coloring. Gotta love good friends.

I also had to laugh because two of my dear friends tagged me in this shirt on Facebook.  While I can't listen to as much rap as I used to, (hello little ears!) I still bump it in my Suburban or throw in the ear buds if I need to clean/workout...in fact after this post publishes, I'm going to throw on sneakers and plug in so I can clean my house top to bottom.  I'll probably be mixing between Jay-Z and motivational pod casts!! #reallife

And in other news....these pretty Spring necklaces will be available tomorrow!! I love me a solid statement necklace; it was not easy choosing from all of these beauties. However, I did settle on #3 and I have a feeling Ezra will be making many appearances in my selfie-stream!

Have you ever wondered what it means to be a stylist?  Feel free to ask me anything!! I would love to answer your questions. 

I hope you have a fabulous day that is filled with much love, laughter & peace. 

Brooke's Official Hair Cut

Brooke has had a few little bang trims when she was little by my mother in law.  Her sweet curly hair took its time growing, so she really didn't even need to get a trim, but since she does her monthly "Date night with Daddy," and Joe gets his haircut every time, she wanted to get one too.

Rose trimmed her hair and Brooke loved sitting in the chair.

I loved capturing this picture of the two of them.  Bubs photo-bombed with his hat.

Rose put a little braid on the of her head to make her feel extra stylish.

They each got to pick out a lollipop.

She was so excited.

Bradley really, really, REALLY needs a haircut but we are having a hard time pulling that trigger.  He has so much hair, everyone and I mean everyone who sees him (and doesn't know us) thinks he is a girl.   We are thinking by his 2nd birthday, we will do a chop and he'll look like a little boy.

This whole growing up thing is fun but so hard to watch sometimes.  I feel like it was just yesterday they were nursing and wearing newborn hats.

Curling Wand [hair talk]

Hey hey hey!! I feel totally revived after our relax/staycation! I have lots of goals and am ready to keep sharing lots of fun things on this here old blog. Hope ya don't mind!

Today I thought I'd share how I get my hair curly, like so-

It's a different curl than when I use the straightener, and I honestly love both!  This is more of a flirty, fun, beachy wave, and it can get a little crazy! In my opinion, it's perfect for date nights and times when you want to stand out a little bit. Plus, the hubs loves it, so that's always good.

I have ridiculously thick hair, which lead to the mom chop pre-Bradley and post Brooke.  I loved it, but then missed my  longer locks.  I have been growing it out since then, and the last hair cut I got, I actually added more layers so it evened out when I part in the middle and I think it looks fab!


My products I talk about are sold in salons only, I believe, but I am sure you can find similar products!  For me the key is to use a volume mousse--something to give your hair texture before you blow it dry.  Usually I use smoothing creams or gels, but when you want that crazy curl, I think that works best.   A good hair spray is key after you curl it, but I hate the crunch of some sprays, so a sea salt spray works best for me.  I like to be able to still run my fingers through the curls.


I just started recording on a whim, I thought maybe it'd be helpful for some of my friends to see how I achieved this type of curl, so by no means is this an excellent tutorial! I was getting ready and the kids were playing--Bradley was in his crib with toys and you can clearly hear, them…hope it's not too distracting.  If you'd like to see more tutorials, let me know!  PS you can totally see my crazy bruises--I still don't know how I got the big one on my wrist, I think I banged it in the door Halloween, but the small ones on my triceps are from the baby! He's such a pincher---ow!

Curling Wand is $21 on Amazon!

Feel free to subscribe to my You Tube Channel! 

What I'm Wearing & Hair

Hello lovies!! I'm just loving Fall Fashion right now, and even if it's just to get dressed for a few hours in the day to go out, only to come back and put on yoga pants, I'll take it!! I thought I'd share a few of my faves today.

Monday

Typical casual mom OOTD:
Plaid shirt & jeans.  {Marshalls}



Tuesday:

I find laying out my outfits almost therapeutic! It's fun to "design" what I'm going to wear.  Truth be told, I didn't end up leaving the house, so the booties weren't worn, but if I do go out in the future, I'll have this in my head!

Irma Top-LuLaroe
Leggings: Express
Boots- Target




I added an apron and a glass of cab instead, and made dinner.  #housewifelife



Thursday night we went to a nice little restaurant for hubby's birthday.
Black top- Marshall's
Cassie Skirt- LuLaRoe
Necklace-Limited
Cardigan-Lucky Brand TJ Maxx

Friday I got to get my hair done!!

Sweater-Old Navy
Scarf- Old Navy
Jeans- Express skinnies
Necklace- Stella & Dot
Boots- Aldo (similar)

When I got home, I thought since it was nice out, I'd ask Joe to take some fashion photos of me with the good camera. I loved my outfit and wanted to show it to you!  Unfortunately, I didn't specify that and I ended up with closeups…of my face. DOH!

 He didn't seem too apologetic when he muttered, "I didn't get your boots. But you look so beautiful." I can't get mad at him for that.  We'll try again soon!

Oh well, you can see my new hair really well.

Stay beautiful!!

xoxo

5 on Friday

Happy Fri-Yay!!! I figured I would link up with Five on Friday--

---ONE--

Can I get an "Amen" to this?!  I am truly adoring the changing of leaves, cooler temps, and lots of warm bevvies!  We are so lucky to get to experience all four seasons here.  Winter may be my least favorite, but I will take it, just so we get these gorgeous autumns.



---TWO---
In my Fall Fab Fit Fun box, we received these amazing 20 minute facial masks.  They're gold. They're so awesome and I actually may try to purchase/ask for more for Christmas!  It smelled so good, felt cool and refreshing, and let me tell you…after the day we had on Monday, I NEEDED this.  {similar here}

I waited until the kids went to bed, so I didn't scare the daylights out of them…BOO!

In all seriousness though, I laid on my bed, sipping some "calming tea" and felt rejuvenated.

---THREE---

I've been looking for some over the knee flat black boots.  I love my UGGS, but I think they're too hot for right now. I want something more than a flat, but less than winter -so I am curious if anyone has tried shoes from EXPRESS?  I kind of like these, but my size is only available in stores right now.

---FOUR---
During nap time, if I don't workout, I am really trying to do something for me. Not the house. Not the kids, not the dog….me. So I'm really trying to get into this book, because I hear it will suck me in…but I'm still not there yet.  I'll keep at it though!

---FIVE--- 

I'm getting my hair done today!! I think I'm going to have him add more layers so it curls better when I part it straight… I also want it blonder. I'm crazy. I am loving the length but I think a little more around my face would help when I go to style it.  

Weekly Photo Dump

Happy Sunday!! I am enjoying this beautiful gray day! Ha.  It was a busy but fun filled week and I am thankful to have a little reprieve this weekend.  I was super excited to get my hair done Friday; I clearly couldn't contain myself from taking a post-blonde selfie to send to the hubs!  He was hunting at my dad's and got us a doe!  It feels really good to have a freezer full of organic meat to cook up for my family.

Thursday little miss rocked her pjs until after lunch.  She enjoyed some left over shrimp scampi, but it'ss safe to say she thought the Justin's almond butter was even better. #dontblameyasister

Saturday these LOVELIES were dropped at my front door. Holy. Smokes.  They are as good, if not better than I would have thought!! Don't get me wrong, I liked the pumpkin shakes, but these?! #hadmeatpeppermint

Apparently everyone else wanted them too, since they're TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK.  I only ordered 5 boxes #mybad and will be ordering more if and when I see that they are back!! Because you can't have cookies every day and be healthy, these will more than do the trick of satisfying my holiday sweet tooth! Hollah!

#christmasinmymouth

Speaking of cookies, Tuesday I decided to treat my hubby to some. I wanted to do something with Brooke and so we busted out the Kitchen Aid and legit made our first batch of homemade cookies together.  I am a firm believer in everything in moderation; of course I would love to bake and eat these bad boys on a daily basis, but I reserve them for special occasions or once in awhile.

It was time to show Brookie how it's done!

Baking is serious biznass.

Ok ma, this does not look like a cookie!

I don't know if it was because some of the flour mixture dumped on the floor (ahem, Brooke) or if I just let go, and let happen---I'm so type A I get upset over dumb stuff like that usually, but the point of baking these was to bond with my daughter, and enjoy time just the two of us…because I know that time is short and I want to savor it!

Either way, these were the BEST cookies I have ever made.  Even Joe couldn't believe how amazing they were.   I told him it was all Brooke's doing.

:)

And later on, as I scratched my itchy belly, she gave baby brother a kiss.

Even though her temper has flared more often this week, and she refused to get in the pool swimming with Daddy, we know that she's still learning and just a little girl.  As my husband says, she's kind of like sour patch kid sometimes…one moment she's all up in a tizzy over something and then she's as sweet as pie.  I am sure it's mostly the pregnancy hormones, but I am certainly taking advantage of all the sweet moments and soaking them up as much as possible.  In 7 short weeks, baby brother will be here and her little world is going to change. I know she will be an amazing big sister, and it's not an easy role, lord knows I have first hand experience in that, but I know these two will be lifelong friends.  Joe and I will continue to work hard at our marriage, as parents, and continuously instill the importance of family and love.  The best we can do, is simply lead by example and show them how it's done.